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 association provided.

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 slim neck.

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 government buildings.

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 was Nabvan.

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 one knight."

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, including Nancy.

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 identification enough.

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 the system.

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 intrigued him.

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 this way?"

"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 peaceful evening."

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 to Nabvan."

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. Go now."

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 many doors?"

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 are lengthy."

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 of Alexis's.

Nancy gasped, "You must be Nexxa. I'm your aunt. My name is—"

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 cool stuff."

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 presents too!"

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 miss out.”

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 with Alexis?"

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 and Nexxa."

Nexxa added, "I would be mad too, daddy! I want to see grandmother and eat pizza."

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 awkward time."

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 of clothing."

"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 be altered."

As she opened the condo door, Nancy declared, "You are adorable, and I bet Scyon is too. Maybe we can freeze some pizza and send it to him."

Before Nexxa could reply, a squeal of delight rang throughout the condo. A slim woman with blonde hair, streaked with white strands, stood beside a barstool, clapping her hands. Excitement and joy shone in her blue eyes, along with a tear. She reached out and said, "Alexis, my darling, I've missed you so much." She wrapped her daughter in thin arms and kissed her cheek.

Alexis closed her eyes and gave in to the longing she had shut away over the years. Many times, she had imagined being in her mother's loving arms. Especially when she was frightened or sad. During her pregnancy with Nexxa, she had felt the need for her mother and often cried when Nabvan couldn't see. Eventually, she had closed that part of her heart, but today, she allowed it to open once more. "Oh, mom, it feels so good to be here. I love you so much."

Pulling apart from her daughter, Alexis's mom looked over every inch of her. "You look healthy and beautiful. I was so afraid you would be altered in some way, either by the planet or the ordeal you went through to have Nexxa. Speaking of which, where is my granddaughter? Come here and give me a hug."

Nexxa almost bounced into her grandmother's waiting arms. She enthusiastically hugged the older woman and said, "You look like my mother, except older. Mommy does not have any likenesses of her family, so I did not know how you would appear. I like you."

Nexxa's frank words and bubbly personality set the others at ease. Her grandmother replied, "I like you, too. You are absolutely beautiful. I couldn't imagine a more perfect granddaughter."

Nabvan stepped forward and offered a large hand. It was ignored, and Alexis's mom said, "You won't get away that easy, young man. I expect a hug from you as well. Don't disappoint an old woman."

Nabvan responded, "You are not old, madam. You are quite lovely in every way." He opened his arms wide and enveloped her small frame.

Nancy whispered to Alexis, "I thought Milisarians were more standoffish and formal. Is Nabvan just different?"

Alexis sighed, "No, he used to be very formal, untalkative, and standoffish. He seldom smiled, and his duties outranked his personal life. He has softened since we fell in love, even more since Nexxa was born. But, do not let appearances fool you. He remains a great warrior, and his anger knows no bounds."