Chapter 30

For Sarah Mackenzie the week also passed quickly. She was busy getting the odds and ends of her job cleared up so her replacement would have an easy transition. There was also packing to do and saying good-bye to all her friends. Her decision on her replacement was made mid- week. She had been keeping close tabs on both candidates and had seen a real change in Vic after their talk. He was no longer harassing her and acted like a true professional whenever they were together. It was as if he had matured overnight.

Sarah filed her recommendation with the Captain and he made the official announcement the day before the ship reached Earth. Victor didn't seem surprised by the news, but he did seem pleased. After the formal announcement he made a special effort to thank Sarah.

"There's no need for thanks Lieutenant Galindez. You truly did earn the job Vic," she told him.

"But without your support and leadership, I would never have come this far and without your friendship, I would have been a lesser person."

"Thank you Vic!" she whispered fiercely and as a tear slid down her cheek because she knew inwardly that he was still hurting, she pulled him close in a quick hug.

AJ, who had been standing at her side throughout the brief ceremony, held out his hand to offer his congratulations. "I'm sure you'll make an excellent Chief of Security," he told Vic.

"Thank you Sir, and I'm sure you'll be a fine President. Just make sure to listen to Mac…ummmm Sarah….ummmm, anyway, she has great instincts."

"I'll be sure to do that," AJ replied.

The next morning Bud told Harriett about the newest in his weird dreams. This time it seemed like he had actually been viewing Victor Galindez' dream. Bud reported that Victor had been in a Marine dress uniform watching his bride come down the aisle towards him in a beautiful wedding gown.

"That's great Bud! He's thinking about marrying someone else."

"That's just it. It wasn't someone else, it was Sarah Mackenzie."

"But she's leaving the ship today to marry Vice President Chegwidden! Victor knows that!"

"Well all I can tell you is the bride looked just like Lieutenant Mackenzie!"

Meanwhile, just down the hall, AJ and Sarah were packed and ready to go. Transporter Chief Tiner personally saw that all their belongings were sent to the correct location. Star Fleet had sent an honor guard to escort the soon-to-be President to the Main Assembly Hall. They had also sent their own security contingent, the number of which was increased when they were informed that Vice President Chegwidden would be arriving with his fiancée.

Even though he wasn't needed to guard them, Victor Galindez was present in the transporter room as they prepared to leave. He had two reasons for being there; he wanted to say one last good-bye to Mac, and to greet the new crewmembers that were coming on board.

Captain Rabb, Commander Roberts, and Counselor Simms were also there to see their distinguished guests off. With that many eyes watching him Victor limited himself to a good-bye handshake rather than the kiss he had been hoping for.

Final good-byes said, the contingent beamed off the ship. Both Bud and Harriett had been observing Lieutenant Galindez to assess how he was taking this parting. That was how they got to see the look on his face when the new crewmembers beamed on board.

After a moment of stunned disbelief Victor stepped forward and offered the only female on the transporter platform his hand, "You must be Lieutenant Diane Schonke."

"Yes I am," she replied.

Bud and Harriett stood there in open-mouthed amazement at the Sarah Mackenzie look-a-like. They couldn't help but smile when they heard Victor say, "Would you think I was forward if I told you that I have seen you in my dreams?"

THE END