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Captain’s personal Log:
“It has been three days since our encounter with the Vidiians. Chief Wahlund is recuperating in sickbay, Dr. Urvand has administered the cure for the phage to the Vidiians, and repairs have begun on the Saint George and the Vidiian ship.”
“I have contacted STARFLEET and they have begun planning for future Vidiian encounters. The cure for the phage is being sent to every part of the Alpha Quadrant and the Vidiians have been given supplies for their journey back to the Delta Quadrant. We offered them an opportunity to settle in the Alpha Quadrant, but they wish to return home, even if they perish trying to get there. I can't say I blame them - there's no place like home.
I cannot help but wonder how many other life forms from the Delta Quadrant have found their way into Federation space. I know out job is to seek out new life and new life forms; however… after this last encounter… I think I’m going to start sleeping with a phaser under my pillow.”
“Computer, end recording,” said Stratton.
The comm system beeped to signal the end of the recording, than beeped again. Stratton did a double take at the message on her monitor. Private message from Kearb to Captain Stratton. Tentatively, she pushed the receive button.
"Captain, I want to apologize for my ruthless behavior towards you and your crew."
"Thank you," said Stratton neutrally, not really knowing what to say to this man who had kidnapped her crew with the intent to butcher them for their internal organs.
"I understand that your injured crewman is recovering?"
"She is."
"I am pleased to hear it. I hope you will not hold this incident against the rest of my people. The phage has done more than destroy our bodies. I am afraid that is turned us into monsters. I again wish to thank you and your crew for setting us free."
"Thank you, Kearb. I wish you good luck in your journey back to the Delta Quadrant."
The comm channel closed. Jessica closed her eyes and leaned back into the chair. The door to her quarters opened and Mike walked in. “It’s all arranged! Are you ready, dear?” he asked.
The two Strattons entered sickbay and found Collin sitting with JoAnna.
“He hasn’t left her side the entire time,” said Wendy with a smile once the Strattons had greeted the couple.
“I wouldn’t have left if it was my wife that was nearly killed,” said Mike
Jessica gave his hand an affectionate squeeze. “I know you would have gone to the ends of the galaxy to find us,” she said lovingly, looking into his eyes.
“Ah-hem,” coughed Wendy. “If you two are going to keep that up, I’m going to have to have to administer nausea remedies to the rest of the crew.” She laughed along with the Wahlunds and the Strattons.
Other people had entered sickbay behind the Captain and XO – Tom Webster, Tom Schulte, Wade Wantoch and Ed Seaman. The officers approached the young woman on the biobed.
“Master Chief Petty Officer JoAnna Wahlund,” said Captain Stratton, “for exemplary service in your duties as communications officer, as well as courage and use of keen intellect during the Vidiian encounter, and by the authority vested in me by STARFLEET Command, I am pleased to promote you to the rank of Ensign with all the rights and privileges thereto.”
“For Ensign Wahlund!” said the commodore loudly, clapping a congratulatory hand on Wahlund’s back. “Hip-Hip – ”
“Hooray!” replied the rest of the crew
“Hip-Hip – ”
“Hooray!”
“Hip-Hip – ”
“Hooray!
~finis~
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