Chapter 7
***Nancy***
The big day had arrived. Nancy had settled her mom in a small condo in a suburb of Washington D.C. It was a nice place, with three bedrooms and two baths. The nurse would have her own room and bath. It made the change of residence more palatable. As did the pool and workout room the condo associationprovided.
Nancy received a call letting her know the Milisarian spaceship had safely landed. She dressed carefully for her first meeting with Alexis in over a decade. Jeans and a t-shirt weren't good enough for today. A red skirt fell softly just above her knees. She added a silk blue and red tank. A matching blue jacket gave the outfit a proper business appearance. She wore her mother's pearls around her slimneck.
Alexis was to meet her outside the Capitol Building. They had an appointment with a representative of the president. The threesome would plan all their official meetings around the government's schedule. No one wished to inconvenience the president and make the negotiations more difficult. But first, Alexis had needed to go shopping. Her tight Milisarian bodysuits were inappropriate for governmentbuildings.
Nancy stepped out of the transport into a completely different atmosphere. The laid-back world of California was a whole different ball game from the formality of Washington D.C. She spied a group of individuals standing just outside the Capitol gates. Though she hadn't seen her sister in many years, there was no mistaking her blonde hair and slim body in a form-fitting blue dress with black pinstripes. She was accompanied by a dark-haired female and a very tall male dressed in leather. As Nancy drew closer, she realized the man was Milisarian. He was close to seven feet tall. His black hair fell in waves over the shoulders of Atlas proportions. Muscles rippled beneath the supple leather. A sword was held tightly in one of his four hands. Maybe this wasNabvan.
As she approached, Nancy called out, "Alexis! It's me,Nancy."
The group turned and gave her all of their attention. Alexis smiled but didn't rush to meet her as Nancy had expected. She appeared reserved and businesslike. Holding out her hand, she grasped Nancy's and said, "Little sister, you've grown up. It's good to see you. This is Valeri Cavanaugh. I was nervous about navigating a new city alone, so she volunteered to join me." Pointing to the Milisarian Knight, she added, "This is our bodyguard for the day, Srath. We won't be going anywhere without at least oneknight."
When Nancy reached out to shake the knight's big hand, he looked startled. As a bodyguard, he had expected to be treated as if he was invisible, just a servant to be ignored. Their hands touched, and he felt an odd, unknown sensation rush through his arm. He dismissed it as being part of his surprise at drawing her attention. She resembled Alexis slightly, yet he found her to be more beautiful. The color of her skin and hair were a muted version of her sister's, giving her a softer look that appealed to him. Walking the streets of the city, he had discovered the beautiful humans and their variations of coloring. He found them intriguing and desired to get a taste of each one, includingNancy.
Alexis led the way to the gate and gave the guard her name. They were allowed to enter without question. No one expected identification from citizens of another planet. Srath's presence was identificationenough.
Nancy was sad and disappointed. Alexis hadn't asked about their mother, given her a welcome hug, or let her know in any way that she had been missed. This wasn't the sister she had expected. Even with the rivalry between them, Alexis had always been fun and loving. The new, stiff version was a shock to thesystem.
While the woman discussed appointments with the president's representative, Srath stood at the doorway. His roaming eyes took in every detail of the room. The chairs were delicate, yet sturdy, and the curved wood shone from a recent oiling. The walls were covered in silk paper, with tiny flowers amidst narrow stripes. The floors were polished to a bright sheen. Pictures of solemn-faced men and women hung on the walls. He sneered at the waste of time and money this room must have taken. On his home planet, everything in a room had a useful purpose. Extra fripperies were only found in the quarters of the human females, and even those were simple and had a use. A faint smell of flowers permeated the room, yet he saw none. It took several minutes before he noticed that the scent was coming from Nancy. How odd that she would smell of flowers and the humans he knew did not. It intriguedhim.
The meeting ended, and they were ushered out. Alexis started to walk away without a word. Nancy grabbed her arm and asked, "Don't you want to see mom? We had hoped to spend some time with you and your little family. We brought gifts for Nexxa. You said that mom could meet her granddaughter. Why are you acting thisway?"
"I'm sorry. I guess I've been away too long. The niceties of Earth are not used much on Milisaria,” she explained. "I assumed you knew that I would find time to visit mother and bring Nexxa. Today has been difficult for me. Shopping, wearing human clothing, being in a strange city, and not spending time with Nabvan have all gotten to me. It has also been a really fast trip and a change in atmosphere. Think of it as major jet lag. I just want to relax and have a peacefulevening."
Nancy sighed, "I would let you get away with it, but mom is sitting on pins and needles waiting to see you again. It would break her heart if I came home without all of you. I'll make it an easy night. We can order a ton of pizza. I bet you've missed it. Nexxa will love it too. We'll just sit around and catch up on each other's life. Come on,please!"
"Alright, you win. I want to change clothes first. Would you care to see the spaceship? Srath can show you around while I change and break the plans toNabvan."
With uncertainty, Nancy boarded the ship. She was startled to find it quite beautiful. Its curved walls, with control stations seeming to grow out of them, were fascinating. Alexis and Valeri left her with Srath. He didn't look pleased with his orders. He growled, "I am not a guide. I am a warrior. Look at anything you wish. I will follow and answer questions. Gonow."
The gruff, growly voice sounded just right coming from Srath. Even his name matched his appearance. She ignored his frustration and began to explore. Hallways were long and curved upwards. They seemed to go in a spiral and rise to a new level at each curve. Doors were everywhere. She asked, "Why are there so manydoors?"
Srath's terse answer came, "Each lead to a private sleeping chamber or meeting area. There are usually many more knights aboard, and our trips arelengthy."
The higher they got, the fewer doors there were. She surmised that the more important ranks had larger quarters. At the top, there was only one door. It opened and out came a young girl. Her hair was a golden blonde, with a hint or two of strawberry. Tall and lanky, she appeared human except for her pointed ears and translucent skin. The face was a replica ofAlexis's.
Nancy gasped, "You must be Nexxa. I'm your aunt. My nameis—"
Nexxa cut off her words, "I know. You are Nancy. My mother told me you were on board, so I came out to find you. I make a better guide than Srath. I bet he hasn't shown you the coolstuff."
Nancy laughed delightedly. Nexxa didn't see her as a stranger. She accepted the fact that Nancy was her aunt without question. It felt good to be greeted with such enthusiasm. She took the hand Nexxa offered and let herself be led all over the ship. Every last detail was pointed out with gusto and pride. By the time Alexis appeared once again, the pair were like old friends. Nexxa ran to her mom and said, "We are going to grandmother's house, and we are getting a treat called pizza! I do not know what it is, but Nancy says it is delicious and gooey. There are presentstoo!"
Alexis gave her daughter a gentle squeeze and replied, "It sounds wonderful. We should have some pizza brought to the ship for everyone. It wouldn't be fair to let the others missout.”
A tall, handsome Milisarian Knight came down the hallway. He was different than any knight Nancy had ever seen. His long, flowing hair was red, instead of the usual black and there was a wide grin on his face. He dressed in human clothing, jeans that hugged his powerful thighs and a black t-shirt that had been modified to accommodate his four bulging arms. A six-pack rippled beneath the tight shirt. He swooped Nexxa into the air and tossed her lanky figure high. Unmistakably, this had to be Nabvan. It was easy to see why Alexis had fallen for him. He greeted Nancy with a smile and said, "I am so pleased to meet my wife's sister. We have kept her from her family for too long. Are you sure that you want all of us to join you tonight? Would you rather be alone withAlexis?"
Nancy responded, "Of course, we want all of you! We're all family, and besides, mom would be distraught if she didn't get to meet you andNexxa."
Nexxa added, "I would be mad too, daddy! I want to see grandmother and eatpizza."
It was settled. They gathered a couple of knights, Srath included, as bodyguards and left for the condo. The knights fit very uncomfortably in the transports. It was a good thing that the ride lasted only two minutes. The group made an odd parade walking down the quiet suburban street. Eyes watched from every window and pedestrians moved to the other side of the street. Nancy explained, "It's all the rioting that has people nervous. They don't usually get frightened by aliens. I'm sorry you had to see Earth at such an awkwardtime."
Nabvan gave a hearty laugh. "I was here when the Cavanaugh lab was closed. It was awkward then as well. We do not fit in despite our change ofclothing."
"I do daddy,” Nexxa chimed in. It was true. Dressed in leggings and a shirt with a picture of the newest rock band, she looked very human, though much taller than children her age. "Scyon is going to be upset that he missed this. He looks human too, except for the extra arms. I am glad that I only have two. My clothes do not need to bealtered."
