A gentle tap on the shoulder brought Nancy's attention back to the room. Alexis was there to give her sister a hug and report on Srath's surgery. "He's going to be fine. We fixed the problem and then checked every inch of the area to be sure there was no more damage. He's sleeping. Josephine and Valeri are giving the surgeons here a lesson in Milisarian anatomy and the best form of treatment. They are eager to learn. They want a crash course in the other alien species too."

"Can I go to him?” Nancy asked.

"Normally, I would say wait until he's out of recovery. However, I don't think you can handle that. So, come on. I'll take you to him,” Alexis replied.

Srath was connected to an I.V. that contained a saline and pain control mixture Alexis had made specifically for him. She had altered the usual mix to serve his alien body better. Nancy was glad that Alexis had learned so much on Milisaria. It meant Srath could heal faster without side effects. He looked much younger and vulnerable as he laid so still in the bed. Assuming he couldn't hear her, she told him, "I wish so much that you could stay here with me. I know how much you love your home, but it's going to hurt so badly when you leave. I love you, and I don't want to lose you. We made a mistake, not thinking ahead. I can't leave here. There are too many aliens counting on my help. You're a warrior, and Milisaria is where you belong. It would be wrong to ask you to stay for me. I hope you'll always remember me and look back on this as a special time in your life. My love will go with you. Okay, that's enough of that. You'll wake up soon, and I must not let you see me this way. I'm going to make our days together happy and carefree. You'll never know of the sadness I feel: just the love."

A nurse declared that Nancy's time was up. The patient needed quiet in order to heal. Placing a kiss on his lips, she reluctantly left the room. To her surprise, there was an extra figure in the waiting area. Nancy's mother had managed to get away from the condo and have her caregiver bring her to the hospital. She now had a soft, comforting shoulder to cry on.

Srath opened his eyes as Nancy was herded from his bedside. He had heard every word she said. When he had made the declaration of love, he had not expected to live. The words had slipped from his mouth so easily. He still meant them. Nancy's own vow of love had shaken him and broken the seal on his heart wide open. She was right. They had not thought ahead as to what would happen when this assignment ended. Being apart from the only one he had ever loved was not an option. There was one chance at a solution. For that, he would need the aid of President Bolton. He hoped his efforts to save her were enough to gain her trust and a very large favor.

Srath pushed the small red button that rang for a nurse. He needed to find Alexis and ask her to reach out to the president. There was no time to waste. He had no clue as to when they must return to Milisaria. When he asked to have Alexis sent in, the nurse argued that he should not have more visitors. His visible agitation changed her mind.

Nancy didn't notice her sister slip quietly from the waiting area. Alexis was perplexed as to the reason Srath would want to speak with her. Though they had a truce, they weren't really friends.

She didn't have to wait long for an explanation. Srath greeted her with the words, "I require your aid. Can you get the president to communicate with me? I have an urgent proposal that needs her approval."

"Why me? You could ask Nancy. She has just as much chance to reach the president as I do,” Alexis stated.

"I am not ready to let Nancy in on the proposal. If it does not work out, she is better off not knowing about it,” Srath replied.

"Whatever it is, you better not hurt my sister in any way. She loves you,” Alexis retorted. "This is your lucky day. President Bolton is here. She came specifically to see how her savior was doing. Congratulations on a job well done."

"Can you get her in here without making Nancy suspicious?"

"Certainly,” Alexis confirmed. "It is to be expected that the president would want to say thank you in person. The nurse won't like it, but who can say no to the president?"

Everyone was happy to hear Srath was awake and doing well. Nancy started to race to his side, but Alexis caught her. "He wants to speak to President Bolton. She needs to leave soon, so let her go see him first." Nancy was frustrated. She stepped aside anyway.

Srath had given the nurse orders to raise his bed to a sitting position and comb his tangled hair. He wished to look the best he could when asking for a favor. Sitting up brought pain, however, a knight could endure much worse. He greeted the president with a strong handshake.

President Bolton said, "I'm glad you allowed me to see you. I feared you might be angry that you were injured protecting a human. Our species isn't your favorite, though you've proven that some of your feelings have changed. Thank you for saving my life. The bullet would have gone through my brain if you hadn't taken it in my stead."

Srath replied, "It was my duty, yet there was more involved. I have grown to value your leadership and find I am fond of you as well. The human race is different than I expected. The kindness and tolerance of the many outweigh the cruelty and evil of the few."

"Indeed, you have learned a valuable lesson,” the president stated. "You will no longer judge every person by the actions of one. I saw something special in you the day we met. You have exceeded all my expectations. Your commander and king will be proud of your courage and the way you adapt to circumstances. If there is anything I can do for you in return for saving my life, you need only ask."

Srath smiled and replied, "I do have a favor to ask. It must remain a secret for now. If it proves impossible or I am found unsuitable, no one will know of my failure." He set forth his proposal, and the president assured him it would be carried out to the best of her ability.

Nancy was anxious to learn how much time she would have left with Srath before he was taken back to Milisaria. She had spoken very little to Nabvan without the presence of Alexis, but he was the commander on this journey. It was he who would decide when the ship would head home. With a shyness that normally eluded her, Nancy confronted the mighty warrior. "Nabvan, I don't want to bother you, but I have a question. How much longer will all of you remain on Earth? Is there a lot more for you to deal with?"

Nabvan was an intuitive man. He knew why Nancy was asking. Srath would most likely be leaving with the ship, and Nancy would not. It broke his heart to tell her, "I do not see a reason to stay once Srath can travel. We have done all that was asked of us. Unless President Bolton has another assignment, we will be leaving in a short time."

Nancy's eyes closed and a sharp pain ripped through her chest. The news was exactly what she had imagined. Her time with Srath was limited. Determined to hide her pain, she gave Nabvan a smile and said, "Thank you for coming at my request. It was a long journey, and your presence made a huge difference in the negotiations. I'm sure you are more than ready to be home."

Nabvan replied, "I do miss the pull of the four moons. They somehow give me strength and comfort at the same time. However, I care for Alexis's family also. She needed to see all of you again. It proved to be an aid to Valeri, Ohber, Josephine, and Urim as well. Nexxa got a chance to meet the other side of her family and observe the planet where her mother was born. It was a valuable journey in all aspects."

Srath was moved from the recovery area to a single room before Nancy was able to return to his bedside. She found him stronger and more vital already. It was wonderful and awful all at once. She was glad to see him recovering so well, yet it meant he could leave Earth soon without suffering any damaging consequences. He was eating, and his words made her laugh. "What is this jiggling red stuff? It reminds me of a glutinous slug."

"It is called jello,” she laughingly replied. "It has been a hospital staple for centuries. The formula has never changed. Either you love it, or you hate it. There doesn't seem to be an in between."

"I do believe I hate it,” Srath admitted. "The broth is too salty as well. How am I to regain strength on such an awful diet?"

"Hospital food has never been known for its tastiness. I'm sure Nabvan can bring in some of your favorite Milisarian food from the ship."

Srath answered, "I would rather have Earth's ice cream and pizza. They are food fit for the gods."

Nancy responded, "I'll see that it's arranged. Is there anything else you desire?"

Srath patted his bed. "Come, snuggle with me. I feel cold."

"You're not cold,” she declared. "You're a devious man. You just want a woman in your bed."

"That is true,” Srath replied. "One extra special woman is what I require. You are the only one who can fulfill my need."

Nancy climbed into the bed and kissed her knight. She snuggled next to his warmth and swore to remain with him. She finally told him, "I love you." Holding her tightly, he kissed away her worry and despair.

Srath could barely contain his excitement. He had word from the president that his proposal would be honored. Today, he was leaving the confines of the hospital and returning to the spaceship. For the last three days, Nancy had stayed with him. She had taught him to play games with cards, watched entertaining shows on the monitor, snuck in delicious treats, and kissed him senseless. Underneath her bravado, he could feel her desperation. He would end her suffering within a few hours, if King Siefer agreed.

Urim entered with Nancy. He said, "I was sent to see you safely to the ship. The riots have completely stopped, yet there are still those who want all aliens destroyed. Your sword arm is still weak, so I loan you mine for protection."

"Thank you, my friend. I would do the same for you,” Srath answered.

The group made it to the ship without incident. Earth's peace was returning, at least in America. All, except Srath, were surprised to get a communication summons from President Bolton. The large screen lit up with her face. She was in the White House conference room where she had first met them.

She began, "I have experienced a busy morning. The leaders of Earth have all been reaching out to me. There was much to discuss. Ships will be landing in major cities to gather the aliens who want to return to their planets. Gratitude has been expressed for Nancy's help with the organization of the refugees. Our government is moving ahead on the citizenship and equal rights laws. No objections have been forthcoming. America will be settling into a peaceful existence. Other countries need some extra help. I realize you are in the process of preparing for departure, but I have been asked to relate their requests to you. You may say no, of course. Your world has already gone above and beyond its duty to aid Earth. Valeri and Ohber, the leaders would like to ask for your help in dispersing the equipment in their labs. Josephine and Urim, they also seek aid in citizenship concerns. Alexis and Nabvan, the hospitals want lessons in alien anatomy and medication. All of this will require weeks of service and travel to other countries. I expressed my concerns to the leaders to no avail. I took it upon myself to communicate with King Siefer. He respectfully leaves the choice in your hands. He declares that all will be well on Milisaria if you choose to stay longer."

Nabvan looked at the uncertain faces that surrounded him. He could not answer for everyone. "We must have time to consider the requests. There are many people involved. May we have some time for discussions?"

"A good leader looks out for the best interest of his people. You, my friend, are one of the best. You may reach out to me when you have made a proper decision." She addressed Srath, "You made a personal request of me, young man. I am happy to say that it has been arranged. Your king agreed to it as well."

Confused faces turned on Srath. Nancy's showed real concern. He replied, "You are a true friend. It was a difficult request, and I thank you dearly for making it happen."

"Nancy, don't look so worried,” the president continued. "Your young man has asked to remain on Earth. He seeks citizenship and equal rights. Both will be granted without delay. He has no need to prove himself an asset to our society. He has already done so in his work at the recovery center and as my savior. His request included one more thing, but it is his privilege to explain it to you."

A collective gasp had gone up at the announcement. None of the Milisarian contingent had ever dreamed Srath would want to remain on Earth. His next words were almost as stunning. "I will be a personal guard for President Bolton. She would like Nancy to be her assistant as she travels over her domain to ensure the new laws are carried out."

Nancy broke in on his explanation, "I could never ask you to stay. You love Milisaria."

"You did not ask, my love. I chose to stay." Dropping to one knee, he added, "This is how I saw it happen in the movies we watched. I request that you be my wife. I will love only you for all eternity. Your world will be mine. I swear that I will do my very best to be a proper mate."

Nancy glowed with delight. She tackled Srath to the applause of their audience, shouting, "Yes!" Her knight had changed his entire life for her. A truer love was never known.

The End

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