Nancy was supposed to meet her date at a sports bar. She arrived early and went to the ladies’ room to freshen up. She let down her hair and ran her fingers through the soft waves that the bun had created. A swipe of deep red lipstick over her shapely lips changed her daytime face into evening mode. The black jacket was too businesslike, so she removed it. The long necklace became a trendy belt.

Satisfied with the changes she had made, Nancy left the ladies room and entered the crowded bar. She asked the waitress if Mac, her date, had arrived and was quickly ushered to a table in close proximity to the bar. Mac was a good-looking man, with sandy hair and green eyes. He was dressed simply, in slacks and a green shirt that matched his eyes. He smiled a welcome and politely pulled out her chair. The gesture impressed Nancy. Very few men remembered how to be a gentleman these days. It was refreshing to find one. She felt herself beginning to relax. Maybe she could have a good time after all.

Mac proved to be a big flirt. He constantly made references to her eyes and curves. Saying things that made Nancy blush. She too told him how much she wished to run her fingers through his hair to see if it was indeed as soft as it appeared. Over fajitas and margaritas, they shared some laughs, steamy looks, and clasped hands as they cheered for the sports game on the big screen over the bar. Mac tugged her chair closer and snuck n a few discreet kisses. Nancy melted in response. The margaritas had loosened her up considerably. When Mac's hand slid up her leg and he deepened his kisses, she responded in kind. He suggested they leave for somewhere more private, his apartment for example. She agreed that it sounded like an excellent idea.

Leaving the crowded bar behind, they barely made it to his vehicle before their hands were all over each other. Mac's shirt was tossed into the backseat, and Nancy's dress was unzipped and dropped to her waist. With his left hand, Mac turned on some music, and with his right, he caressed her bare breast. As he began to lick her nipples and she tossed back her head to allow better access, the music disappeared. A news bulletin came over the airwaves. The announcer said, "Groups consisting of several alien species have gathered in Japan to mourn as reports of finding a mass grave behind one of the experimental clinics have come to light. So far, they have remained peaceful and simply seem to be honoring those they have lost."

Nancy exclaimed, "That's so sad. I hope they don't find anymore. Those poor aliens don't deserve such a fate. They've never hurt anyone."

Mac loudly replied, "Are you kidding me! They should never have been allowed to set foot on Earth. We are superior in every way. If they insist on being here, then they get exactly what they deserve."

Horrified, Nancy drew back and slapped his face as hard as she could. The sound of the slap filled the small vehicle. She shouted, "Get your disgusting hands off of me! I can't believe I ever found you charming and almost let you have sex with me. You may look good on the outside and put on a great show but inside you’re scum!" She struggled to put her arms back in her dress.

With a hand on his bright red cheek, Mac sneered, "I guess that means you’re one of those soft, misguided do-gooders that think aliens should have equal rights. How stupid can you get? They're not much better than animals."

"If you had stopped looking in the mirror admiring yourself for five minutes, you might have seen me on the news. I was a speaker at the council meeting today. For your information, the aliens are far more intelligent in some ways than we are. Who do you think gave us the technology for your expensive little vehicle so you could break all known speed records without needing fuel? And just so you'll know, animals have rights too. We haven't used them in experiments for centuries." For good measure, she shoved him against his door and then climbed out of the vehicle.

He roared away as she stood muttering, "I've got to stop dating. There are no good men left. I should stay the single sister. I wish there was a way to see inside the minds of these jerks before we get involved." She stomped her way to a transport station and went home.

Nancy's mom was surprised by her return. She asked, "What are you doing here already? It's early. Didn't the date go well?"

Nancy let out a derisive chuckle and replied, "You could say it was a train wreck. He was hot, the food was good, the drinks were plentiful, and his kisses were amazing. Then he spoke, and everything was ruined. He thinks the aliens are no better than animals and deserve what they are getting. He said that right after we heard about the mass grave in Japan. What an ass! I slapped him. He seemed to take it in stride. It must happen a lot. Anyway, I got out of there as fast as I could."

"Oh dear,” her mom answered. "He insulted animals as well as aliens? He must have a box of rocks for brains. Don't let him discourage you. As my great grandmother used to say, there are plenty more fish in the sea. You even have a greater group of seas to fish in with all the planets we are associated with."

Nancy rolled her eyes. Her mom was obviously determined to see her married. Holding back a retort she said, "How about some popcorn and a movie night? I could use a distraction."

Her mom replied, "Excellent! You make the popcorn and I'll find a movie. It should be funny and without any political controversy. We've had enough of that for one day."

Alexis had indeed continued to follow Earth's news feed. She recorded parts of it to show the king and queen. She replayed Nancy's speech and interview repeatedly. Her baby sister was all grown up and made her proud. Alexis couldn't wait to brag about her to Nabvan. She decided that the Milisarian Knights should see the footage as well. Then, they could ask for volunteers to go with them to Earth.

King Siefer and Queen Destiney would not be making the trip. The king would be reaching out to the rulers of other planets and soothing their ruffled feathers to keep them from starting a war with Earth. He had grown to be a very diplomatic man and was well liked throughout the stars. Earth was lucky to have him on their side. The queen had her hands full with three sons, and she had just discovered that another baby was on the way. So, the group heading for Earth would include Alexis, Nabvan, Nexxa, Valeri, Ohber and their kids, Josephine, and Urim. They intended to use the mixed marriages to their advantage. Valeri's little ones would bring along a nursemaid to aid in their care. Now they only needed bodyguards in the form of the mighty knights.

Nabvan gathered the knights in the open meeting area of the capitol building. He addressed them as friends, "I need volunteers for a mission to Earth. Do not raise your hands until after you have seen the full extent of the issue that we will be facing. I will not command any of you to go with us. The choice is completely your own. I am going to allow Ohber to explain a few things, then Alexis has a recording she believes will help you understand the situation."

Ohber reluctantly took the stage. "All of you are aware of my situation and how I was imprisoned in an experimental lab on Earth. That lab was shut down and dismantled. At the time, it appeared to be the only one of it's kind. It has been discovered that this was not the case. Other such labs were hidden all over the planet, in every country. Activists have found them and exposed them to Earth's population. The once peaceful planet has turned into one of complete controversy. Riots among its citizens are destroying its peace. Alien rights have become a topic for arguments, setting brother against brother, whether they be human or alien. Milisaria has been asked to aid in leading the government to a peaceful resolution." He stepped aside to let Alexis run the recording.

The Milisarian Knights watched as many alien species fought with and against their compatriots and the humans. They took particular note of the speeches given at a council session in San Francisco. Srath, a rebellious knight who had admired the old king, was enthralled by the riots and drawn to the beautiful woman who vehemently defended the aliens. He would definitely be volunteering to go to Earth. There was not enough warring for the knights in his estimation. He wanted to flex some muscle and use his sword for more than practice. Nabvan might try to stop him from going since he was seen as a defiant nuisance. But, even if he had to smuggle himself aboard the spaceship, he was going on this mission.

When Nabvan asked for volunteers, Srath had his hand in the air instantly. Not sure he should give the knight a chance to redeem his past actions, Nabvan turned to King Siefer for an opinion. The king gave a barely perceptible nod, and Nabvan called Srath into his ranks. The warrior sneered at his commander and said, "Let me in that mess and I will teach them all a lesson. No one puts down a Milisarian without retaliation."

Nabvan replied, "Unless that attitude changes, you will not be on this journey. We are not going to Earth to fight a war. Our mission is to keep the planet's peace while resolving the issue of alien rights. You will only be there to protect us if necessary."

Srath would follow his commander's orders until they reached their destination. Then, he would do as he pleased. He could blame any battle on believing that the Milisarian group was in danger. Who was going to stop him?

Nabvan sought out King Siefer and asked, "Are you sure it is a good idea to take the hothead with us? He defies me at every turn. He is also a womanizer like King Shene used to be. There are some beautiful women on Earth. We could be asking for trouble."

King Siefer answered, "He has proven himself as a warrior. You just promoted him. I know there are issues he needs to resolve and this mission could either make him a better knight or cause us to take away his commission. As to the women on Earth, I am certain they can handle themselves. Our wives have shown that they are not to be toyed with. Srath grudgingly respects Destiney and Alexis. If the women of Earth cannot control him, your wife will. I have not a doubt in my mind. Take him so he may learn that he is not as mighty as he thinks. It will be a lesson well learned."

Nabvan sighed, "I will do my best to keep him out of trouble and teach him a lesson. I will have to watch his every move though. It is a certainty that he will try to join in the fighting. A knight's sword would bring the riots to a whole new level and stop our chances for negotiations. I will not allow him to ruin things for Alexis and her sister."

Scyon ran up to his father and asked, "Can I go to Earth with Nabvan? I promise to do everything he tells me to do. Nexxa is going. Please, let me go!"

The king ruffled his son's hair and replied, "Nexxa is going because her parents are. She also needs to meet her aunt and grandmother who live on Earth. Nabvan will have enough to contend with. He does not need to add a mischievous young boy to the mix. You and Nexxa seem to find trouble whenever you are together. Besides, I need you here. I will be speaking with the rulers of many worlds on Earth's behalf. We do not want them to avenge their citizens by starting a war with the humans. You can be a part of these talks, maybe aiding me with the correct words to soothe the leaders’ tempers. It will be excellent training for your future. You are heir to the throne."

Scyon shrugged, "It is not fair. I hate being the oldest son. I want some adventures. My mother is from Earth, and I want to see it too. Nexxa gets to have all the fun."

Nabvan commented, "There is too much turmoil on the planet for Nexxa to have much fun. She will most likely be confined to the spaceship or her grandmother's home to ensure her safety. I promise that she can bring back whatever souvenirs the two of you would like. Find her and make your requests, be it for clothes, games, toys, or food."

Scyon found that suggestion very appealing. He raced off to find his best friend and together they would make a long list of requests. Ten-year-olds had great imaginations and could come up with many choices.