Have you ever noticed that as the .sig file for his posts, Stephen 
Ratliff mentions that he is a Computer Science major? Have you also 
noticed that his characters (well, mostly Marissa) are capable of 
incredible computer maneuvers that allow them to do things beyond even 
the realm of _Star Trek_ physics? Obviously, the two are related. 
Ratliff knows about computers; therefore, his characters are all 
computer geniuses.

Well, I’m jumping on the bandwagon here. If _his_ major allows him to 
write insane _deus ex machinas_ for his characters, then _my_ major of 
Psychology allows me to ANALYZE MARISSA!!! BWAHAHAHAHA!!!

I am using the DSM IV -- The Diagnostic And Statistical Manual, Fourth 
Edition (copyright ©1994 American Psychiatric Press, Inc.) -- as my 
resource.

I propose that Marissa is suffering from a Mood Disorder -- namely, 
Mania. She displays all the qualifying criteria, and her symptoms are 
not better diagnosed by another disorder. The Criteria are as follows:

* Criterion A. "A distinct period of abnormaly and persistently 
elevated, expansive, or irritable mood, lasting at least one week."
          Marissa clearly has displayed all of these symptoms at one 
time or another over the course of her career. Her symptoms range 
greatly, although they are more often elevated or expansive (as shown by 
her megalomania and grandiose plans). However, she does frequently show 
irritability, typically during battle.
          Although the stories themselves take place well over the span 
of a decade, the sense of each story’s length is unspecified and poorly 
developed. I would have to hazard a guess that each Manic Episode lasts 
for at least a week.

* Criterion B. "During the period of mood disturbance, three (or more) 
of the following have persisted and are present to a significant degree: 
[1] inflated self esteem or grandiosity; [2] a decreased need for sleep; 
[3] more talkative than usual, or a pressure to keep talking; [4] flight 
of ideas or experience that thoughts are racing; [5] distractibility; 
[6] increase in goal-directed activity, either socially, at work or 
school, or sexually, or psychomotor agitation; [7] excessive involvement 
in pleasurable activities that have a high potential for painful 
consequences."
          For the first symptom, she has an insanely high self-image, 
and despite her "loathing" of titles and ranks, she constantly repeats 
them, and always makes sure that all of her officers and subordinates 
know all of her titles. She also encourages them to repeat _their_ 
titles and ranks (and therefore has the extra effect of boosting her own 
self-image). She has a decreased need for sleep. Although some of her 
officers require even less, she has never shown anything but a need to 
be constantly in the center of action, to the point of remaining on the 
bridge for several shifts, straight.
          The third and fourth criteria go hand-in-hand. She is very 
talkative, and is constantly coming up with plans. She also feels the 
need to explain her ideas (or name and rank) to _everyone_ within 
earshot. Repeatedly.
          The fifth criterion is somewhat harder to fill. She has shown 
only minor amounts of distractibility; she will stop a historical 
treaty-signing simply for lunch. It is unclear whether this is 
absent-mindedness or simply a misplaced sense of importance. However, as 
she has done this several times, I will have to say that it counts, at 
least, as a minor amount of distractibility.
          The sixth criterion is also difficult, as we do not have the 
chance to see into her private life. However, as she is _always_ in some 
activity or another, and is never shown engaged in a hobby (remember 
that while she took up piano-playing, she began giving lessons, thereby 
turning it into work), I will have to list her as suffering from this 
symptom as well.
          As for the seventh criterion, she does seem to get an almost 
sadistic pleasure in hunting down Romulans or wayward Maquis, even 
though such activity is inherently dangerous, both to her and to 
countless others.

* Criterion C: "The symptoms do not meet criteria for a Mixed Episode 
[i.e., Bipolar]"
     Although, at times, she has displayed a fleeting moment of 
depression (at the death of her parents), it is not enough to warrant a 
diagnosis of Mixed Episode, and is more likely to be explained as a 
momentary Bereavement. It is simply not enough to warrant a diagnosis of 
Bipolar Affective Disorder.

* Criterion D: "The Mood Disturbance is sufficiently severe enough to 
cause marked impairment in occupational functioning, or in usual social 
activities, or necessitates hospitalization, or there are psychotic 
features."
          Fulfilling this criterion is a bit tricky, as in Star Fleet, 
or at least in the Ratliverse Star Fleet, it seems that a Mood 
Disturbance is the prime factor in choosing a captain. However, it _is_ 
clear that her constant devotion to her career, even from an early age, 
has come at the cost of her social skills. She shows few appropriate 
emotions, even at the injury or death of friends or relatives, and 
instead seems to simply accept the occurrence and then quickly forgets 
it. The occurance has no impact on her life beyond the moment.
          On a more day-to-day basis, she has shown little or no tact in 
dealing with people. She is typically abrupt and demanding, and shows 
little or no concern for others.

* Criterion E: "The Mood Disorder is not due to the direct physiological 
effects of a substance (such as a drug or medication), or to a general 
medical condition."
          I have no reason to believe that she is taking (or has become 
addicted to) alcohol or any conscience-altering drug, legal or not. And 
as Ratliff has not allowed her any injuries or hidden illnesses, and her 
symptoms started around the age of 10 or 12, and well before her 
pregnancy, they are not the result of any medical disorder.

There you have it. Captain Lord High Fantasticator Marissa Amber Flores 
Gordan (?) Picard, etc., has filled ALL the criteria for a Manic 
Episode. (And remember, she only needed _3_ out of 7 for Criterion 2.)

However, since in the Ratliverse she has _not_ broken any Star Fleet 
laws, and indeed seems to exemplify his Star Fleet, I suggest simply 
that she be grounded to Earth and treated (with Lithium or the 24th 1/2 
century equivalent, _or_ with some nameless _Star Trek_ prop that has 
the same affect.) until her symptoms remiss. At such a time I would put 
her in command of nothing more mobile or dangerous than a remote space 
station, as a starship would be far too deadly in her hands.

What do you think, sirs?

Jessica Wolfman
loupgarou@webtv.net
loupgarou2@hotmail.com