Chapter 10
***Srath***
Srath walked at Nancy's side, his frustration evident. He wanted nothing more than to have his sword back. Without it, he felt useless and impotent. As a warrior, it had become a part of him. Sure, he had the use of other weapons. All warriors carried knives. Alexis had given them poisons. Earth had provided explosives and guns of every kind. Urim had brought back lasers from the Pura, which were extremely effective and lethal. But, the sword was a knight's first defense. They were trained with it from childhood. Taking it away was tantamount to removing alimb.
Unable to keep quiet, he asked Nancy, "How am I to defend and protect you without mysword?"
Nancy looked up into his dark eyes and replied, "Are you kidding me? Have you ever looked in a mirror? Your size alone would make someone think twice before attacking. The muscles in your chest and arms are amazing and intimidating. I bet you could throw a human across the room with one hand or rip him apart with two. I also see that you still carry a knife. I would venture to guess that you are proficient in its use." Srath preened with pride as she praised him, until she continued, "Anyway, you're not my guard right now. You're supposed to be a diplomat. Curb your temper and open up your heart. You might find some empathy in there. It's possible that you'll like what youdiscover."
"Opening my heart would make me weak,” he stated. "It made the Milisarian villager forgive the human scientists for taking his virility. It has caused him to worry about a human female's possiblerejection."
Touching his arm, Nancy said, "I don't see it that way. It takes strength to forgive such atrocities and love is a powerful weapon. It can give you courage in impossible circumstances. It gave Nabvan the courage to kill a king, Valeri the strength to escape with Ohber, and Urim the power to save Josephine under impossible odds. Some of the mightiest weapons come from within us. Never underestimate the power oflove."
"You possess strong convictions and are very good with words of persuasion. It is right that they send you to speak on behalf of the alien species. I will do my best to emulate your actions for today. It is not my way, but I will respect and honor yourinstructions."
Nancy promised, "If you pull this off, you'll get your sword back, and I'll talk Nabvan into allowing you to come with me to a club. I'll show you how we have fun on Earth. They won't let you bring in weapons. However, I foresee no reason you would need one. People go to clubs for fun, not to fight. It's one place where differences are ignored, evenembraced."
Nancy led him into a tailor. They were greeted by the owner. "Welcome, how may I help you? If you wish to be fitted for a suit, it is possible, but will take much cloth for such a bigspecimen."
"We aren't here for a suit, though Srath would look great in one,” Nancy stated. "We want to speak to you about your employees. Records show that you employ aliens. Is thistrue?"
The owner replied, "I do indeed. Is that aproblem?"
"No, quite the opposite,” Nancy answered. "I applaud your decision to look past the species and see only the characterinside."
"I am a foreigner myself,” he explained. "I come from Iran, a country that was once an enemy of America. The word alien was used to describe me as well. I was given a chance by another foreigner, a Russian, who trained me in this business. I worked hard for my own business. It is only right that I aid others to do the same. I have found the aliens to be excellent and attentive workers. They do not take part in these riots. I treat them with respect and pay them equally, whether they come from another country or a differentworld."
Srath questioned, "Do they not frighten or intimidate you? Do you see them as lesserbeings?"
The tailor looked surprised by the questions. He replied, "Why would I see them as lesser or frightening? Under the skin, we are all the same. Their hearts beat as do ours. They may be located in a different area of the body, but they are there. We all bleed, some in prettier colors. Most of all, we all love and need to be acknowledged in some way. If we treat everyone the same, there is no conflict. All will rise to the top. We tend to act as others expect. If you only expect bad, that is what you receive. I expect good and getit."
Nancy asked to speak with an employee. An Arkani male came from the back room. He carried a bagful of pins and a striped cloth over his arm. His eyes widened upon seeing Srath's imposing form. "I have never measured one so large. I must retrieve aladder."
He turned to go. Srath stopped him with the words, "I do not need a suit, though I am sure you would do an excellent job. I would like you to tell us how you are treatedhere."
"That is an odd thing to want from me,” the Arkani answered. "I guess you ask because of the labs that have been found and the riots over alien rights. I am no part of all that. Here, I have all that I need. I have learned a profession, and I have given my family a home. No one gives me trouble unless I seek it out. As for alien rights, my employer gives me the same ones he enjoys himself. He shows me respect and pays me the same as humans. I am aware that others do not get the same. It will be nice when thatchanges."
Nancy replied, "You used the word, when, not if. Does that mean you expect things tochange?"
He smiled and said, "Everything changes. Some things just take longer than others. I saw you on the news feed. You will get the changes for all species. I have no doubt in my mind, and I do not think it will take you a long time. I must get back to my work. Come back, young man, if you change your mind about the suit. Goodbye and goodluck."
Srath had a contemplative expression as they left the tailor's establishment. It made Nancy smile when he said, "He made a good point. We get only what we expect. I expect fights, and I always find them. I look for trouble, and it isthere."
Nancy replied, "Today, you looked for a cooler head and you got it. You did well as a diplomat in there. I'm proud ofyou."
The group came together once more. It had been a good day, with enlightening viewpoints, despite the rocky start. Tomorrow, they would bring all the information to the meeting with the president. Until then, they would take some time to enjoy the city and itssights.
***Nancy***
Nancy held good to her promise. She asked, "If I have him back to the ship by curfew, may I take Srath out for the evening? He did very well at the tailor shop. No anger or threats came out of his mouth. He asked polite and informative questions. I think he deserves somefun."
Nabvan studied the warrior and made a decision. "First, I will retrieve Nexxa; then we will all go to eat in a restaurant. If we do not run into trouble and you leave all your weapons on the ship, I will allow it." He ignored Alexis's startledlook.
Srath bowed to show his agreement to the terms. He returned to the ship with the others, while Nabvan and Alexis accompanied Nancy in order to pick up their daughter and spend a few moments with Alexis'smother.
On the transport, Alexis confronted Nancy. "I don't think it's a good idea to spend a lot of time with Srath. His behavior is erratic, and he is defiant at best. He is handsome and magnetic. He uses both to his advantage. On Milisaria, he is known as a player. Just as King Shene before him, he has tossed aside all traditional ideals. He takes many lovers, then leaves them without a backwardglance."
Nancy felt her hackles rise along with her anger. "Who are you to judge him or me? I'm an adult and can think for myself. You've been gone from my life too long to have a say in anything I do. You and I are erratic and defiant as well, so we can't hold that against Srath. As far as lovers go, he wouldn't have so many if the women weren't willing participants. If you condemn him, you must condemn themtoo."
