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 a limb.

Unable to keep quiet, he asked Nancy, "How am I to defend and protect you without my sword?"

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 you discover."

"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 possible rejection."

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 of love."

"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 your instructions."

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, even embraced."

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 big specimen."

"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 this true?"

The owner replied, "I do indeed. Is that a problem?"

"No, quite the opposite,” Nancy answered. "I applaud your decision to look past the species and see only the character inside."

"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 different world."

Srath questioned, "Do they not frighten or intimidate you? Do you see them as lesser beings?"

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 get it."

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 a ladder."

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 treated here."

"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 that changes."

Nancy replied, "You used the word, when, not if. Does that mean you expect things to change?"

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 good luck."

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 is there."

Nancy replied, "Today, you looked for a cooler head and you got it. You did well as a diplomat in there. I'm proud of you."

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 its sights.

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 some fun."

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 startled look.

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's mother.

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 backward glance."

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 them too."

Nabvan's amusement was clearly apparent. His wife had met her match. The sisters were a stubborn, opinionated pair. He found beauty in their strength and defense of others. Alexis caught sight of his smirk and slapped his arm playfully. She whispered, "You won't be laughing if Srath breaks her heart. I know you. You'll do battle with him yourself."

He nodded and whispered back, "True enough. She is my family, and I will defend her with my life. However, I do not think it will be necessary. Srath has met a woman he cannot control or leave behind. Do not strain your relationship with Nancy further. She can handle this without your interference, loving though it is."

Nancy's anger at her sister's trespassing in her life followed her into the shower. She would show Alexis just how defiant she could be. She would make herself as attractive as possible for her "date" with Srath. Choosing a musk-scented body wash, she lathered every inch of her soft skin. She would layer the scent with a perfume of the same aroma.

Searching through her closet, Nancy found the perfect outfit for a night in the club. Butter-soft suede pants that rode low on her hips and hugged her curves with a matching vest that left her midriff bare. A green-toned jewel sparkled from her navel. The piercing was guaranteed to shock Alexis and draw Srath's admiring gaze. The cleavage revealed by the vest would cause an uproar as well. Nancy styled her hair in silky waves, weaving in tiny jewels that matched the one in her navel. The right's activist was gone. In her place stood a vixen who was out to have a, no holds barred, good time.

Nabvan was the first to see her as she entered the living area. His slow grin of appreciation and wink of understanding brought a genuine smile to Nancy's face. Alexis gasped when she turned at Nancy's voice, "I'm ready to leave whenever you are."

Nabvan squeezed her arm, and Alexis heeded the warning. She did not comment.

Nexxa had no such qualms. She blurted out, "Wow, you look sexy! Can I have a navel piercing before we leave, mommy?"

Nabvan growled, "You are too young for that. Maybe we can get your ears pierced, like mommy's are. I think it is some kind of tradition on Earth."

The transport ride back to the spaceship was short and silent. The tension between Alexis and Nancy kept everyone's mouth shut tightly. Even Nexxa knew not to speak.

Srath was waiting under a light pole. Nancy lost her breath when she saw him there. He was wearing black jeans that hugged his large thighs and emphasized their muscular build. A black t-shirt molded his six pack, and a leather jacket gave him a fierce, untouchable demeanor. His black, wavy hair shone with almost a purple hue in the bright light. She prayed she wouldn't have to compete with too many women for his attention because she wanted him all to herself.

Nancy stepped from the shadows and watched as Srath's already dark eyes became black with desire. It gave her the courage to swing her hips as she went toward him, bringing attention to her bare midriff and the sparkling jewel that lay at its center. She heard a deep growl, like a tiger, and realized it came from Srath. He declared, "Please let me carry a weapon tonight. I cannot defend such beauty with only my fists. I will not allow you to be touched by disrespecting hands."

"I can defend myself, if necessary. I go to clubs all the time. You can't take a weapon into a club. It will bring trouble that we don't desire. Keep your temper, or I'm afraid Nabvan will revoke his permission. I don't want that. I would very much like to spend the evening in your company. You have surpassed my expectations. You're looking very impressive tonight."

Srath took her small hand in his and placed a kiss on it. He declared, "I bow to your wishes. I am honored to accompany you to the club. Your beauty has me enthralled."

Nancy now knew why he had so many lovers. He was simply too charming to resist.