Star Trek The Next Generation The Only Constant A Marrissa Story by Stephen Ratliff Prologue With the capture of former Starfleet Commander Michael Eddington, the Cardassian Federation Demilitarized Zone had become a quite patrol. The Maquis had seemingly stopped there military activities in the zone. True the Maquis still controlled three Intrepid Class Starships, but the Stargazer hadn't seen any of them since they had rescued the Roanoke. Lieutenant Commander Marrissa Picard was commanding during Beta Shift. She was getting a little bored with the routine of late. She had enjoyed her first two months on the Stargazer. Her missions as Fighter Commander had been very exciting. A beep came from the tactical station behind her. Lieutenant Ross Lochard who was manning the station announced, "We have a ship exiting the DMZ at 152 mark 4, distance 3 parsecs No identification is being broadcast." "Set a course to intercept them, warp 5," Marrissa ordered. "Notify the Captain of our change in course." "Aye sir." Chapter One The ship was dark. Only a couple lights on the control panels were illuminating the room. Captain Chelsea Clinton grasp at the helm of her spaceship. Minutes earlier she had been orbiting Saturn. Now her ship seemed to be dead in space. "Shoemate, Deigo, Venci," she called out. "I hear you Captain," Jason Shoemate's voice called from back at Communications. "Venci is over here, she's out." "Deigo, here," another man's voice announced. "What happened." "You tell me Ensign," Clinton responded. "You're the pilot. Get yourself over here and find out. Shoemate, can you get us some power?" "Give me a minute," Shoemate responded. "I think we can blame this on Venci, her foot seems to have knocked the Power Supply Controller out of it's socket." "I thought there was a screen over that," Deigo said. "Well it's gone now. Bingo." Power came up on the bridge. It revealed rather cramped quarters. The helm was built attached to the forward screen. The Captain's Chair was to the right near the back and Communications opposite it. A plaque was behind the Captain's chair. It read: USS Stargazer USA-75, Exploratory Class. Commissioned 2008. The rest of the bridge was painted a gray silver, matching the hull coat outside. "Captain, I've got bad news." Deigo announced suddenly, after Chelsea had time to survey her bridge. "What is it Ensign?" Clinton asked. "We aren't orbiting Saturn anymore." "Shoemate, go wake up Stella," Clinton began in rapid fire. "Brief her and see what you two can find where we are. Take Venci to Sickbay and wake up Doctor Chiba. Deigo, I want a full scan. Perhaps if we can find a landmark we can find a way home. Captain T'Gwen Washington entered the bridge of the fighter carrier Stargazer. She had been working on a evaluation of the Stargazer, in order to assist Admiral Scott on the conversion of additional Constellation Class Starships to the Stargazer carrier variant. But when the call about the incursion came in, it peaked her interest. The Maquis had been quiet since Eddington's capture. True there had been some sort of elections in the DMZ, but the Intrepid Class Starships that they had stolen seemed to be staying away from any sign of conflict, and the raiders had not even been seen of late. "Commander Picard, status please," the half-Vulcan captain inquired. "We've just dropped out of warp," Marrissa Picard responded. "I have the ship on screen." A long cylinder like ship with several projections was on the viewscreen. "There is nothing like it I can find in our database. It seems to be only sub-light capable. I have no idea how it got way out here." "I think I know what it is, and I'm even more puzzled as to how it got here," Captain Washington responded. "Scan for markings ... if I'm right that's the original Stargazer." "That doesn't look like a Starfleet vessel," Marrissa commented. "It's not, if I'm right ..." "Confirmed Captain," Lieutenant Lochard responded.. "... That is the USS Stargazer USA-75, commissioned 2008 second of the Exploratory Class ships which explored the outer solar system. She disappeared in 2010. No sign of her was ever found." Jose Deigo blinked. He was sure that hadn't been there before. "Captain," he called out. Captain Clinton came up beside him. "Yes Ensign." "I just found another ship ... but I was sure nothing was that close and it has this strange receding sensor echo." "That's one big ship," Clinton responded. "Can you find any identifying markings?" "Scanning now ..." Deigo said. He expected that any markings he found would be in some language he'd never seen before. He didn't expect English, and he certainly didn't expect it to read what it did. "Captain, you're not going to believe this..." He pointed out the screen. "NCC-2893, USS Stargazer," Clinton read. "Well that wasn't what I expected. Ensign, secure your station and take communications. Lets see if my friend Marrissa is still on board." Glinn Gusat, the Stargazer's Cardassian first officer entered the bridge. "I heard that we have just encountered an old Earth ship." "Very old, Glinn," Captain Washington said. "Lieutenant Lavelle, what do we know on that ship." "The USS Stargazer was a Exploratory Class space ship commissioned in 2008," Sam Lavelle began. "She had a crew of 12. Her mission was to gather data on Saturn, its rings and moons. She disappeared on May 5, 2010. Her Commanding Officer was Captain Clinton." "Chelsea Clinton?" Marrissa interrupted. "Yes," Lavelle confirmed. "The daughter of the forty-second president of the United States." "I know them both," Marrissa replied. "How is that possible, Commander," Gusat inquired. "Lets just say I was involved in a temporal problem, and leave it at that," Marrissa responded. "Captain, I'm receiving a radio hail form that ship," Lochard responded. "Lets hear it," the Captain responded. "This is Captain Chelsea Clinton of the United States Spaceship Stargazer USA-75, to the USS Stargazer NCC-2893. Please respond on channel 7." "It repeats after that," Lochard said. "Lieutenant Commander Picard, what does channel 7 refer to," Washington asked. "Early visual broadcasts, known as television," Marrissa stated. "7 is one of the VHF channels, one of the better part of the broadcast spectrum." "Lavelle, can you configure our communications system to that frequency?" Washington inquired. "Confirmed, give me a minute," Lavelle responded. He worked at his console for a moment. "Ready." "On screen," Washington ordered. On board the original Stargazer, the communications screen began receiving the signal from it's successor. The bridge of the starship appeared. Captain Clinton observed a human with pointed ears sitting in the center seat. On her right side was an alien like nothing she'd ever seen. He, she, or it had white skin with heavy scale like eye ridges and a spoon like depression above the nose. The alien's neck looked like an over-muscled bodybuilder's. However standing to the left of the center seat was a familiar face that she hadn't seen for over a dozen years. Marrissa hadn't aged a day. There was another alien at the center forward console, but all the other positions seemed to be filled by humans. "This is Captain Chelsea Clinton of the spaceship Stargazer ... can you tell me when and where I am and how I got here." "I am Captain T'Gwen Washington of the Federation starship Stargazer. I can't answer the last question, but you are on the edge of the Federation-Cardassian Demilitarized Zone and the year is 2373." "Should I expect a way back?" Clinton asked. Captain Washington looked at Marrissa. Washington tilled her head in an inquiry, and Marrissa shook her head. "I do not foresee one," Washington responded. "Then since I have no faster than light drive, I request a tow to the nearest Federation base," Clinton responded. "Agreed, I'll send Lieutenant Commander Picard on board as my liaison," Washington responded. "We should be able to tow you to Deep Space Nine in about an hour. Starship Stargazer out." Chapter Two A column of light appeared on the bridge of the spaceship Stargazer. As it disappeared, a young blond girl in a Starfleet uniform materialized. Captain Chelsea Clinton looked up at the girl. "Welcome aboard, Marrissa." "Thank you, Captain," the Lieutenant Commander replied. "What don't remember my name, Marrissa," Chelsea Clinton stated. "After all that mess back before the launch of the Athena. How long has it been?" "Three months for me," Marrissa responded. "And you?" "Almost a dozen years," Clinton replied. "How is my ship going to be towed?" "We're going to bring it between the upper warp pair and the saucer," Marrissa explained. "We'll use the docking tractor beam units to secure the ship then we'll proceed at warp 5 to Deep Space Nine." "I assume you are our harbor pilot," Clinton said. "I hope you know how to fly my ship." Marrissa surveyed the controls. "It's not much different from that shuttlecraft your father had me flying for him." "Then Commander, take the helm," Clinton ordered. "Try not to bump into anything important." "Have you been taking to Wesley or something," Marrissa asked, beginning to bring the little craft around the back of the starship Stargazer. "I wish," Clinton responded. The rest of the maneuver was accomplished in silence. The spaceship moved up behind the starship and between and slightly to the left of starship's upper starboard warp engine and it's saucer section. Blue tractor beams lanced out and secured the space ship. Soon the view out the front window of the spaceship Stargazer was one that it had never seen before. Stars streaked by the ship, giving visible evidence of the speed they were going. Chelsea Clinton sighed, "It's beautiful." Marrissa looked up at the window. It wasn't anything special. Marrissa had spent most of her life on starships, first the Galaxy, then the Enterprise, and now the Stargazer. She couldn't remember what it was like the first time she had seen the stars streaking by at warp. It was an every day background to her life. Still it must be something special the first time. "Message from Deep Space Nine," Lieutenant Ross Lochard announced on the bridge of the starship Stargazer. "Imminent invasion of Dominion forces is indicated. Request assistance of all available starships." "Mister Dukat, increase speed to maximum," the Captain ordered. "Notify Captain Clinton." This was not the type of universe Chelsea had pictured when she had realized she had been thrown three hundred sixty-two years into the future. "You mean these shape shifters plan to invade the whole quadrant?" "It looks like that," Marrissa Picard informed the spaceship captain from the past. "What about my crew?" Clinton asked. "What about my ship?" "We'd like to take your crew aboard my ship for the moment," Marrissa responded. "As for your ship, we're going to place it in orbit of Bajor Seven until this clears up." "I'd like to stay aboard her," Clinton stated. "My crew can leave however." "Captain, it's better for both you and your ship if you come aboard the Stargazer," Marrissa responded, forgetting for the moment that both ships shared the name. "If it appears that the ship is empty and nonfunctional, they will leave it alone. If someone is aboard, then they might decide to destroy it." "You have a point, Commander," Clinton conceded. "I'll beam aboard the starship." "Thank you Captain," Marrissa responded. "Picard to Stargazer, beam all the crew aboard." Chapter Three The starship Stargazer held at station keeping just above Deep Space Nine. Below them Captain Sisko was about to attempt to close the wormhole. The crew of the Stargazer hoped they would be successful. They had heard what had happened to the listening stations, the Sarajevo and other starships, and Bajor's colony in the Gamma Quadrant. They did not want it to happen here. Deep Space Nine opened fire. A beam shot out at the wormhole. It opened and the fire continued. Then Deep Space Nine ceased, but the wormhole didn't close. Instead a fleet of Jem'Hadar warships emerged. "Hold your fire, Duvek," Captain Washington ordered. The Jem'Hadar ships turned, but that wasn't the only ship moving. A Klingon Bird of Prey moved from the Alpha Quadrant lines. "What is Dad doing," Dukat Mikor wondered. "Captain, the Defiant is hailing the Klingon ship," Lieutenant Lavelle said from Ops. "Tight beam response from the Klingon ship." There was a long pause. "Transmission has ended. Defiant reports Cardassians have joined the Dominion." Captain Washington and Lieutenant Commander Picard turned to face the ship's Cardassian First Officer. "I haven't been informed of such an action. Not even a hint of one," Glinn Gusat responded. "Lieutenant, can you open a channel to Cardassian Central Command. I wonder if they know about this." As he spoke, the Jem'Hadar ships and Gul Dukat's ship warped toward Cardassia. "You heard him, Lieutenant," Washington confirmed. "Aye sir," Lavelle responded. And after a moment spoke up again. "Legate Dudar, commanding Central Command on screen." "Glinn Gusat, what is this nonsense about the Dominion," Dudar inquired. "It seems Gul Dukat has been very busy. He says he's been negotiating with the Dominion in order to merge with them," Gusat responded. "Ridiculous," Dudar responded. "I don't know Legate, but that fleet I just saw warping your way didn't look like it was coming for a vacation," Marrissa spoke up. "Lavelle, transmit our readings on that fleet." Dudar looked down at his console, then quickly back up at them. "I had no idea, and I can be pretty sure that my government had none as well," Dudar pleaded. "Can you do anything to help. My fleet can't do anything against that." "I'll see what I can do," Washington promised. "Meanwhile I suggest you set up a resistance." The channel closed. "Lavelle, I want continuous monitoring of Cardassian Space. Gusat, come with me. Picard, deal with our visitors from the past. Lochard, you have the bridge." Marrissa Picard entered the Fighter Conference lounge of the Stargazer. The room was designed so that she could debrief all 49 of the ship's fighter pilots at once. Today it seemed vacant with only the dozen crew members of the spaceship Stargazer seated around the second table. "Sorry it took so long for me to get to you," she apologized. "That's OK, Commander," Chelsea Clinton responded. "I'm sure this ship puts a lot of demands on your time." "You don't know the half of it," Picard responded. "I've talked with Starfleet, and we don't think that returning you to the twenty-first century would be a good idea or even possible. Especially since your disappearance was a primary force in the formation of the United Earth Space Probe Organization, from which Starfleet comes from." "How can that be Commander?" Ensign Deigo asked. "Ten days after your ship's disappearance, it was discovered that the Chinese had a ship that was just entering Saturn orbit when you disappeared," Marrissa explained. "It was felt that if the Chinese had known, perhaps they could have saved you. Coupled with an earlier disappearance of the Yorkshire from Jupiter orbit and the destruction of the Osaka in route to Mars, it lead to the formation of the UESPO. The disappearances showed the dangers and the rescue of the Osaka's crew by the crew of the Apollo showed that cooperation could save lives." "OK, so what is going to happen to us?" Lieutenant Commander Shoemate asked. "Well, you do have the option to join Starfleet at your current rank," Marrissa stated. "You'd have to go though a couple years of training, probably, with some of you that may be on the job training, like I have gotten. If not, then the Office of Displaced Persons and Colonization will help you adjust to modern times and assist you in finding a home." "That's all well and good for long range, but what about immediate plans?" Deigo asked. "We will be transferring you to Deep Space Nine and then taking you to Earth when the next Starship departs for there." Marrissa responded. "Your ship has been docked at Deep Space Nine's upper pylon two, not an easy job. You can retrieve your stuff from her at any time. She will be taken with you to the Fleet museum orbiting Neptune." "Commander, I'd like to make a request concerning my ship's return," Clinton asked. "I'd like to return her to Earth orbit on her own power and then take her to the museum myself." "I'll pass it along," Marrissa stated. "But I see no reason why your request can't be granted." "Thank you Commander," Clinton thanked. "I assume you have quarters assigned for us on Deep Space Nine?" "Yes, and I've also convinced the Fleet to pay you the current rates for your service since you launched from Earth," Marrissa stated. "Since NASA had a pay on return policy, I figured it was due to you. So you all have two years worth of pay at your current ranks in the accounts I set up for you." "Thank you commander," Clinton responded. "How you pulled that one off, I don't know." "Simple," Marrissa said. "I have a very good Yeoman assigned to me. I asked her to find out any way to get you some starting cash, because despite what most of the Federation claims, money is still something one needs. She found the clause that merged the UESPO into Starfleet, and a similar clause for the NASA merger into UESPO. And then she discovered that you hadn't been paid for two years. I just convinced Starfleet Payroll to pay up. They're still calculating the hazard pay for temporal travel." A hundred or so Cardassians who had been stationed on the Stargazer gathered in her fighter bay. Captains Washington and Sisko, and Glinn Gusat stood before them. "Gentlemen, Cardassia is now a part of the Dominion," Glinn Gusat announced. "As such, they are now withdrawing us from the Stargazer. Joint operations are now ended. A warship will be picking us up at 0700 hours tomorrow morning. Now Captain Sisko has an offer for you." "Gentlemen, we have reason to believe that the take over by the Dominion was not peaceful," Sisko began. "Several executions of Cardassian leadership have been broadcast including the head of the Detapa Council and Legate Dudar. Therefore, the Federation is offering Political asylum to any one who believes that their life may be in danger upon their return. Now Captain Washington would like to have a word with you." "Gentlemen, I've found you all almost without exception to be some of the best officers that I've had the honor of commanding," Captain T'Gwen Washington responded, without showing a sign of emotion. "I have made such notations on your records for the personal review which Glinn Gusat just completed with the assistance of Commander Picard. Commander Picard has a gift for her fighter pilots before they leave. Please stop by her quarters. It's been an honor commanding you. Dismissed." Chapter Four Mekor stood nervously in front of a door in the habitat ring. He'd never met his half sister Ziyal. He'd been at the Cardassian Space Academy when she'd come home with his father, and his mother had promptly thrown both his father and Ziyal out. He pressed the button. "Coming," a voice called from within. Moments later the door opened. The young Cardassian woman who answered it had less defined ridges and her noise was almost Bajoran, but that was to be expected of a half Cardassian half Bajoran. She was wearing a dark gray and maroon dress. "Who are you?" she inquired. "I'm Dukat Mikor, and I'm your half-brother," he responded. "Did father send you?" Ziyal replied, hostile in tone. "Because if he did you can go right now." "No, and I'm not sure if I want to see him again," Mekor responded. "Can I come in?" "All right, but I'd advise not telling father," Ziyal responded, moving aside so her brother could enter. "He's not happy with me right now." "Oh?" Mekor asked, entering the room. "He doesn't like the fact that I spend time with Garek," Ziyal replied as they walked over to her couch and sat down. "It's not like there are a lot of other Cardassians round to talk to. That and the fact that I don't approve of what he's been doing to Cardassia." "I'm not happy with him either," Mekor stated. "I've been enjoying my post on the Stargazer. I've just been promoted to wing commander, and become the first Cardassian to receive the Star Fleet Medal of Honor. And now all of that is gone." "Father seems to love ruining his children's lives," Ziyal responded. "It's his way or no way," Mekor responded. "And Cardassia comes before all." "I only know one person who can get her way with him," Ziyal said. "No one messes with Major Kira, but Dad isn't listening to anyone now." "Do you think I should return to Cardassia?" Mekor asked. "Sisko says I don't have to. But I don't know what I want to do." "This may sound kind of selfish, but stay here," Ziyal responded. "What would I do, and how would I support myself," Mekor asked. "You're a pilot with a Starfleet Medal of Honor, it shouldn't be too hard for you to find a job," Ziyal responded. "After all I have one." "Where?" Mekor asked. "I work and Garek's Taylor shop as a seamstress and saleswoman," Ziyal responded. "I'm in charge while he is away." "So it's strictly a professional relationship," Mekor stated. "Currently," Ziyal responded. "That and he tells me a lot about Cardassia." "You sound like you'd like more," Mekor responded. "Yes, but it's none of your business," Ziyal stated defensively. "Hey, I'm your brother," Mekor replied. "Younger, but still I'm supposed to make sure all your dates are enough good for you." "I assume that means you're staying," Ziyal asked. "I guess I am," Mekor said. "I better go talk to Captain Sisko." Jon Shoemate walked into Quarks. Quark noted the young man as he proceeded over to the bar. Quark had heard about the crew of the Stargazer from a conversation between Dax and Sisko earlier in the evening. He figured that they'd be easy marks. Jon looked over the large eared alien, boy things were strange in the future. "Well since I'm off duty and likely to stay that way, I'll have a Budwieser." "I'm afraid I don't know what that is," Quark responded. "A beer," Jon said, wondering how the alien had missed that ad campaign, then realized that it had been some time since the Stargazer had last been seen. "No that I can handle," Quark said. "They're are plenty of openings at the daubo tables." Shoemate figured that was the name of the gambling game he'd seen on the way in. "No thanks. I'm still getting use to this time. I don't need to get use to being in debt too." "I also have holosuites available," Quark replied. "What are those?" Shoemate inquired as Quark placed the beer in front of him. Quark smelled an easy mark. "With a holosuite you can go where ever you want if you have a program to do so," Quark explained. "How about a Atlanta Braves game, from about 1990," Shoemate asked. "As a fan." "You're in luck," Quark responded. "Captain Sisko is a big baseball fan, although his team is called the London Kings. I happen to have all 6 games of the 1992 World Series." "How much for one game," Shoemate asked. "In federation credits." "10 thousand," Quark responded. Shoemate knew that was ridiculous, that was a sixth of what Star Fleet had given him for his two years as first officer on the spaceship Stargazer. Judging from the fact that this station, which he'd been informed use to be an ore processing station, had them, holosuites had to be something that took less than four months pay of a Lieutenant Commander. "1 credit," Shoemate responded, hoping to let Quark know that he wasn't buying it. "You must be joking, 2 thousand," Quark responded. "And I'm losing on it." "You're joking, I could by a bar for that," Shoemate replied. He knew from Quarks counter that he was changing way over cost. "2 credits." "5 hundred," Quark responded. "And you couldn't buy my bar for four times my original offer for the baseball game." "5 credits... and I'll take two games, the winning ones," Shoemate replied. "10 credits each, and a credit if you want popcorn," Quark said, abandoning his attempt at over charging for the holosuite as he saw Odo approaching. "7 credits each," Shoemate stated. "9 credits and popcorn included," Quark stated. "Add another beer and you have a deal," Shoemate said. "Agreed, you drive a hard bargain..." "Jon Shoemate." Marrissa Picard and Chelsea Clinton where walking down the Promenade. Marrissa had changed into one of her conformable jumpsuits, and Chelsea was wearing one of her NASA uniforms as that was all she had. "So you say this Garek makes good clothes," Chelsea asked. "Well he made the dress that got me on the best dressed list this year," Marrissa responded. "And he's the only one who I know that makes comfortable dresses. His shirts and pants aren't that bad either. As for his conversations ... well he use to be a member of the Obsidian Order before they kicked him out, so he'll try to get every last bit of info from you." "You mean he's a spy?" Chelsea asked. "Former, the Obsidian Order exiled him," Marrissa confirmed. "And that order is gone as a result of an attack on the Dominion home world by them and the Romulan Tal'shiar. Now Garek is just a witty tailor." They reach Garek's shop. Beside the door was a sign in English, Bajoran, Cardassian, and Klingon stating Garek's Tailor Shop, alterations, and special orders available. Garek Elim owner. Next to it was a picture of Marrissa in a stunning navy blue evening gown. Below the picture words read proud tailor of this year's best dressed in the Federation winner Princess Marrissa of Essex. (According to People Magazine). "Nice dress," Chelsea commented. "I had to wear something to the ball that Victoria had for my fifteen birthday," Marrissa responded. "Lets go in." Inside Ziyal was sitting by a display table, hand sewing a ruffle onto the collar of a man's dress shirt. She looked up. "Good afternoon Ziyal," Marrissa stated. "Is Garek in?" "He's still in the Gamma Quadrant, Marrissa," Ziyal responded with a touch of sadness. "How may I help you?" "My friend Chelsea needs a whole wardrobe," Marrissa stated. "All she's got are these NASA uniforms and they're not exactly stylish." "Agreed," Ziyal replied. "Let's see you'll need something to relax in, some daily wear, and something formal. Let's start with the daily wear..." A couple hours later Chelsea and Marrissa left Garek's. Chelsea was wearing a new dark green polo shirt (Ziyal had pulled the design form some archives Garek had purchased) and black slacks. Marrissa had a new hat to go with the spring dress that she'd got for the diplomatic reception on Bajor next week. She may have not liked dresses, but she knew that she couldn't get away with wearing the uniform to all of functions she had to attend. Besides, dresses from Garek's fit right. Suddenly Deep Space Nine's Red Alert Siren went off. Marrissa tapped her communicator. "Picard to Stargazer, Deep Space Nine's alarms just went off, what's going on." "This is Captain Washington. We've detected warp signatures approaching from Cardassia. Report aboard immediately." "Aye sir, Picard out. Chelsea, I'd return to your quarters, and pray that we stop this. Stargazer, one to beam up." Chapter Five Lieutenant Commander Picard walked on to the bridge. Captain T'Gwen Washington was standing by the center seat. "Commander, what is the status of our fighter wings?" "We've got three and a half wings," Picard stated. "I'll rate Red Wing as Excellent, Blue and Green and Good, but Yellow, which is our half wing, has never worked together before and lacks a wing commander." "Dukat is still on DS9 isn't he," Washington asked. "Yes, he resigned from Cardassian Central Command and is staying with his half- sister," Marrissa stated. "See if you can get him to come back, I'll offer him an acting commission," Washington said. "What does that do to our forces?" "If I put Yellow under Dukat, it brings them up to being just 2 down," Marrissa said. "And I'll rate that wing as Good." "Then, Number One, get Dukat aboard and get those fighters out there," Washington ordered. "We'll see if the Dominion hasn't learnt what the Maquis have been learning." "Never ignore the gnats," Marrissa completed. "I'll get right on it." Washington watched the viewscreen. The Klingons were arrayed around the base along with a sizable Star Fleet prescience. Then suddenly Romulan warbirds decloaked. That was only logical to the half-Vulcan Captain. When the whole quadrant was threatened, it must band together. It reminded her of an old American Revolutionary War quote. 'United we stand. Divided we fall.' "Comm traffic from the Gamma Quadrant," Lieutenant Ross Lochard responded. "Captain Sisko is answering it. He's dispatched Major Kira on the Defiant to go after a runabout." "The Defiant is going to warp," Lavelle announced. "Is that Bajoran crazy," Lieutenant Kathy Lochard wondered from the helm. As they watched the Defiant arrived at the Bajoran Sun and tractored the runabout away. The runabout exploded as the Defiant vectored away. "I'd say she's quite smart," Marrissa said, from Fighter Command. "The warp traces are gone," Lochard announced. "Deep Space Nine confirms." "Take us down to condition 3," Washington ordered. "The Enterprise is entering the system," Lochard announced. "I guess Admiral Ellis will be getting his court-martial now." Chapter Six Princess Marrissa Picard entered the large tent where the reception for President Inno's arrival was being held. She was wearing her new blue spring dress with a matching wide brimmed hat. Marrissa was probably the only Star Fleet officer not in uniform, but she wasn't attending as a representative of Star Fleet. That was her father's and Captain Sisko's job. She was there for her home planet of Essex. It was the twentieth such reception she had attended since she had become heir to the throne. She didn't like them, but was a lot more comfortable at them now. Marrissa proceeded across the tent, greeting those she knew, and making her way towards her father. He was talking to Captain Sisko and President Inno when Marrissa came up. Captain Sisko was saying, "I don't think Gul Dukat is going to back down from his threats." "What if we give him the DMZ in exchange for giving up on Bajor," Inno asked. "Appeasement," Marrissa commented. The President turned to the young girl and asked, "Pardon?" "Appeasement, that's what that type of policy is called," Marrissa replied. "It's not a historically successful policy." "Oh?" Inno remarked. "One of my ancestors had a Prime Minister that used that policy," Marrissa explained. "He gave the local aggressor a part of another country. When he came back he proclaimed 'Peace in our time.' Two years later Britain was at war with Hitler's Germany and Chamberlain was no longer Prime Minister. Millions of people died in that war." "Then what can I do?" Inno wondered. "Every one wants me to do something about it now. I've got to announce some policy soon." "Try Containment," Rear-Admiral Jean-Luc Picard suggested. "How does that work?" Inno asked. "You support all the governments around Cardassia," Sisko explained. "Helping them defend their borders and resist Changeling infiltration." "What about Cardassia itself?" Inno inquired. "You inform everyone that you have a plan underway," Picard suggested. "Of course you may want to hold that and just give a knowing smile." "One thing is for certain, we can't attack now," Sisko said. "The Jem'Hadar are arrayed to prevent an attack from the Federation border." "But if we get everyone on there borders against them," Picard began. "They won't know which side to turn to," Inno concluded. "I'll take it under consideration. Now if you don't mind I better circulate." "Mister President, have you met Ambassador Fargos of Hiros," Marrissa asked. "No I've never met the 'Jolly Hiros,'" Inno asked. "Would you introduce me, your highness." "Certainly," Princess Marrissa said, leading the President over to a tall laughing man. Alexander was waiting for his father in Quark's. Quark had just delivered his root beer, muttering something about the end of something civilization. Alex took in the view of the bar. Some off-duty fleet officers and Bajorans were playing daubo. Doctor Bashir was ascending the stairs to the holosuites dressed in a tuxedo. Just entering the bar, were three Klingon warriors who must have been drinking somewhere else before. "Bloodwine for us all," the lead warrior ordered, his fist crashing on the bar. Quark hurried to serve them. Picking up their drinks, they turned toward Alexander's table. "Well if it isn't the son of a traitor from a family of traitors." Alexander calmly sipped his drink. "Oh look, he's drinking pond scum, the drink of the dishonored." "Gentlemen, I suggest you rephrase that," Alexander stated. "It's root beer, and as for traitors, look in the mirror instead of smearing the honor of an Ambassador." "Oh, the Star Fleet pla'tok is trying to be insulting," the lead Klingon replied. "If I wanted to be insulting, you'd know," Alexander stated. "Now you have two choices, sit down and act with the honor you have been sadly lacking, or act like the drunken disgraces you are." The Klingon moved toward Alex, intending to grab the young Klingon. Alexander stood up, and dodged the arm. The Klingons pursued him, but Alexander artfully dodged him. As one of them got below the upper level, a chair came down on his head, knocking him out. From the balcony, came a voice, "Is this a private fight, or can I join in?" Alexander looked up to see Clara Sutter, descending the stairs. "Go right ahead, Clara," Alexander replied as more Klingons arrived on the scene. Alexander dodged another punch and kicked his opponent in the stomach. Two ganged up on the young boy, limiting his dodges. Suddenly, another Klingon was at his side, bringing his fist down on one opponent. Alexander looked up. "Its been a while since I was in a good bar fight," Gowron remarked, slamming his opponent up against the wall. "I image that leading the high council doesn't leave much time," Alexander said, giving his opponent an upper cut that sent him falling back. "No, but I really should reserve some time for the more important things in life," Gowron replied, tossing another Klingon over the bar. Alexander then spied Odo and his security guards approaching. "I suggest we take a break, before Odo forces us too," Alexander remarked, ducking and gesturing towards his table, with his root beer still sitting on it. Three bloodwines were also there. "Clara!" Clara ducked out from her opponents grasp, and did a flip into a chair. "Bar tender, a milkshake please," She cried out as Alexander and Gowron sat down. Odo and his security guards entered Quarks and began subduing the riotous patrons. Odo came up too the table and said, "Now this is a surprise. Two Klingons sitting out a bar fight with a young lady. Wait a minute, the young lady appears to have a black eye, I wonder how she got it. And the Klingons have ridge bruising. Perhaps they'd better come down to security." Gowron turned around and said, "Constable, I have a feeling that you have more than enough people filling up security. For all you know I could have just been challenged, and this young couple could have been engaged in personal manners." Clara blushed. "You have a point, but you really should see Doctor Bashir," Odo said gruffly and turned to supervise the removal of the rest of the drunken Klingons. Chapter Seven Marrissa was readying the Stargazer to depart for Earth. The ship was taking the Space Ship Stargazer and the President Home. This wasn't a mission that the Stargazer was designed for, the President would be staying in the former First Officer's Quarters and most of his staff would be taking alternate transportation. That wasn't Marrissa's main worry though. She really needed more personnel. The departure of the Cardassian crew members had reduced the compliment of the Stargazer by forty percent. "Washington to Picard," the Vulcan Captain's voice said. Marrissa put down here PADD and answered, "Picard here." "I've obtained four officers and a cadet heading to the Academy for our trip. Meet them at the docking port." "Can I hope for Operations and Engineering help?" "Two of each and a pilot." "That should be enough." "Understood, Washington out." Marrissa stood by the docking port. The first to arrive was a Ferengi in Cadet's Uniform. "Cadet Second Class Nog reporting for duty, sir." "Welcome aboard, Cadet," Marrissa stated. "Your quarters are on deck 9, room 140. Your duty schedule is in the computer." "Aye sir," Nog replied and walked down the hall towards the turbolift. Next to appear in the docking port were a girl with long black hair, and another girl with medium length brown hair. Both wore Star Fleet Engineering Uniforms. "Lieutenant junior grade Clara Sutter..." the first began. "... and Ensign Shayna Sachs," the second chimed in, and then both finished, "Assistant Engineers, reporting for duty." "Welcome aboard," Marrissa said. "I'll put you two together on deck 7, room 70. Come by my office on deck 8, room 47 latter. Your duty schedules are in the computer." "We'll be by," Clara replied. "And no practical jokes, Shayna," Marrissa ordered, as the two walked down the hall. Suddenly Marrissa felt a hand on her back. She found herself being tilted down to the floor. Jay Gordon's face appeared, and he gave her a deep kiss on her lips. Then he tilted her back up to a standing position and said. "Lieutenant Jay Gordon, Chief of Operations reporting for duty." "That was a most interesting way to report aboard, and a great first kiss," Marrissa commented, her violet eyes sparkling. "Though I don't think I'd let anyone else get away with it." "Thank you, Marrissa," Jay responded. "Just wait until after you disembark to do it again," Marrissa said. Then turning to business she continued, "Your quarters are on Deck 8, room 45. As for Duty Schedule, your a department head, you make it up." "Aye, sir." Marrissa turned back to discover the last new crew member, "Ensign Alexander Rozhenko reporting for duty, sir." "Your quarters are on Deck 7, room 70," Marrissa informed. "Your duty schedule will be in the computer as soon as Jay makes it up." Alexander moved off. "Picard to Washington." "Washington here." "The last officer is aboard, and the ship is ready to go out." "Noted, report to the bridge." "Aye, sir, Picard out." Marrissa sat at her desk, PADDs arrayed around her. "Reports, and more reports," she grumbled, as her yeoman dropped some more on her desk. "What does Star Fleet think I am?" "A first officer, Commander," Yeoman Pearson responded. "And you don't have to go over each report like a school teacher. We do have a spell checker and grammar checker as well. Let them take care of that." "Thank you, Yeoman," Marrissa said, pulling another PADD up. Pearson left. Moments later, the door chimed. "Come." Clara, Shayna, Alexander, and Jay entered. "I see Doctor Johnson and Yeoman Pearson where right," Clara remarked. "About what?" Marrissa asked, not looking up from her work. "You're over working yourself again," Clara commented. "She does this often?" Jay asked. "Oh yes, every time she gets a new position she throws herself into it and doesn't come up for days to even sleep," Clara remarked. "She's never been good at removing things from her schedule or relaxing," Shayna remarked. "Stop talking about me like I'm not in the room," Marrissa said, switching PADDs. "You might as well not be," Shayna remarked. "Fortunately, we have some standing orders on such a situation," Clara stated. "Alex, her legs; Jay, her arms. We'll be going to holodeck 4." As Jay pulled the PADD out of her hand, Marrissa exclaimed, "Hey, I wasn't done with that. Who gave you those orders?" "Your father," Clara responded. "Now cooperate, or I'll have Shayna tickle that right foot of yours until you do. Resistance is futile." "She's ticklish there?" Jay asked. "Deathly, tickle her long enough and she'll do anything," Shayna responded. "You promised you wouldn't tell," Marrissa accused. "Well you promised not to over work yourself," Clara replied. "Are you coming, or are we going to have to carry you?" Epilogue Marrissa was on the bridge as they entered the Terran System. After her friends had dragged her off to the holodeck, her life had once again settled into a comfortable pattern. They had taken her to an old swimming hole, which Jay said was from near his grandfather's house. She'd never skinny-dipped before, but they hadn't given her time to get her swimming suit, and none of them wore anything. It had been fun, and she fell asleep as soon as she hit the pillow that night. Since then, she'd managed to schedule a couple hours of time with her friends when they were off duty. Being First Officer enabled her to make sure that all of them were free at the same time. She had enjoyed the two week cruise, but it was almost over, and all of her friends would be at the Academy for the next couple years. She wouldn't even have a date with Jay when the Stargazer and Independence were in port again. She was going to miss those dates. "Commander, Captain Clinton reports ready," an officer announced. "Release tractor beams on the spaceship," Marrissa ordered. "Launch Red Wing fighter escort." "Tractor beams released," the officer responded. "Red Wing assuming formation." Ahead of the starship Stargazer, the spaceship Stargazer moved into place. A wing of seven fighters formed a 'V' around it as they proceeded into orbit. A Nebula class Starship blinked a salute to the 21st century ship as she passed. They entered orbit, on a coarse to Starbase One. They passed an open space dock, with a new Intrepid class starship awaiting launch. Marrissa glanced at her display, wondering what they'd named this one. She smiled. Inside the dock was the USS Chelsea Clinton.