The Vaadwaur had retreated across the galaxy at least for now.

Marcus convinced Captain Grumby to at least scout the Armon system. Marcus felt responsible for them after all that had occured.

As the Merced approached Thrace checked the scans “No ships outside of Armonian ones, no sign of the Vaadwaur.”

Grumby sighed a sigh of relief “Hail the Armonians.”

A frog face appeared on the screen “Merced! We are honored! I am Colpick leader of the Armonian Fleet.”

Grumby said “I am now Captain of the Merced and am happy to be here and honored to meet those who helped our good Doctor. We do have to ask about the Vaadwaur.”

Colopick nodded “They left shortly after you did. They asked for a peck of our special swamp berries  we call them Gratheks. We gladly gave them to the Vaadwaur. Then they left. We have not heard from or seen them since.”

Marcus said “I remember those berries, used mostly in your medicine. Right?”

“Correct Doctor, however there are ways to refine them into wine, and later vinegar. They are very useful. They grow only on our swamp planet. The peck seemed like a small pittance.” Colopick said then changed the subject “Doctor Anvers, please come. We will have a feast. You have to see something.”

About 2 hours later they arrived and Marcus was blind folded at the Armonians request they led him to the center of town a familiar hand took his. “Izkra” Marcus smiled as the blindfold was removed and they hugged.

Izkra turned him and he saw the medical facility was rebuilt. Marcus saw a white sheet covering the name. Izkra guided Marcus to the rope handing him a knife. The Armonian knife featured a leaf wrapped handle. “Go ahead Doctor the honor is yours.”

Marcus cut the rope and the cloth fell:

“The Anvers and Estry Medical Research Facility.”

Marcus nearly cried as he saw the columns had an etching of Kim as well. The plaque read “Kim Estry, Chief  Science Officer USS Merced. ‘Her light shines on’.”

Izkra said “You will both always be honored here Doctor.”

Grumby patted his shoulder “Well done Doc.”

Then they feasted together a grand meal between the crew of the Merced and The Armonians.

At the end Marcus made his way alone back to the new facility. He sat cross legged in front of Kim’s memorial and started just talking. The words spilled out he told her about everything that had transpired. All about the Vaadwaur and how they had rescued the Federation Hostages. Some who had joined the Merced which was now fully staffed.

After he was done he felt a great weight lift from him. He felt Izkras hand on his shoulder.

Izkra said “We have been approved as full Federation members. The first of our people headed to the academy are going into medicine or science. Her legacy and story will live on. As will yours. We are forever indebted to you both.” She smiled “Shine on Doctor, we will be rooting for you. Friends will always be here on Armon III for you.”

Doctor Anvers hugged her and thanked her.

Soon after he was back on the Merced as they made their way towards the next adventure.