Alexis was extremely upset. Her sister's news was devastating. The Earth she had left behind was imploding. She had thought the downward spiral was halted after Reginald Cavanaugh's lab had been closed. Yet, here the world was, kidnapping and experimenting on intelligent beings from planets they shared trading and technology with. Her fellow scientists had seemingly lost their minds or become so greedy that their ethics had flown out the window. One bad apple was nothing to panic over, but to discover labs all over the world was shocking and evil-minded. She dreaded having to tell Valeri and Ohber the news. It would bring back so many devastating memories. Thankfully, Ohber was doing well, and he was content in his role as a teacher for the young trainees. He also had twin sons, who would eventually follow in his footsteps as a Milisarian Knight. But, that didn't take away the frustration or pain of no longer being able to fight as one of the honored knights. Retirement had come far too early due to the experiments in the lab on Earth. What new atrocities had the scientists used on the aliens that were now being discovered? She shivered just thinking about it.

The newest Milisarian resident, Josephine, would be upset as well. She had punished herself for a very long time for being a nurse in Cavanaugh's secret lab. Though she had never been a part of the experiments, she felt strongly that she should have seen what was happening and stopped it, as Valeri had done. Josephine had gone so far as to volunteer to help another species, the Pura, as their medical aide on a planet they had chosen to terraform. Sadly, she had ended up in the middle of a war between the Pura and Milisaria. Milisaria had first claim on the planet, but the Pura had androids that killed so many knights; the Milisarians had abandoned the war-torn world. Josephine had come close to dying from her injuries. What would she think when she learned there were other aliens being tortured? Would she blame herself for not discovering that as well?

Tapping into Earth's news feed was not a simple task. Alexis set the process in motion, then set out to gather Nabvan, the king, and all the others that were a part of the past raid. On her way up to the king's suite of rooms, she ran into his son, Scyon. The young boy was growing tall and beginning to show signs of the mighty warrior he would become. At ten, he was still too young for the trainee program, but he obviously had been working on his skills as well as his muscles. It never ceased to amaze Alexis how much he and Nexxa, her daughter, had grown. Far too soon, they would be adults. Scyon greeted her respectfully and told her his parents were not home. His father was speaking with the councilmen and his mother had taken his little brothers to splash in the sea. She asked him, "Why didn't you go to the sea and have some fun?"

Scyon replied, "I would rather practice swordplay with my friends. Besides, it's not fun without Nexxa, and she's taking a test in the lab. I thought you were giving it to her."

The call from her sister had wiped her daughter's test completely from her mind. Nexxa had begged to be tested on her knowledge of science and Alexis had agreed to make up a questionnaire. She replied to Scyon, "You're right. I had forgotten. She's going to be angry with me, but I must postpone the test for another time. A crisis on Earth has been brought to my attention. I need to handle it. Perhaps, you could tell her for me and persuade her to go swimming." Scyon nodded and hurried away to find his best friend.

Alexis went to the council chambers to find King Siefer. She discovered that his meeting was over and he was sharing war stories with Nabvan. Good: she wouldn't have to hunt her husband down. She hated to intrude on their discussion, but it was necessary. Putting a hand on Nabvan's strong shoulder, she drew his attention. "I'm sorry to disturb you. I have a crisis on my hands and need help from both of you. There is a problem on Earth: a very big one."

King Siefer looked frustrated and said, "We cannot interfere on Earth. Why would you even bring one of their problems to us? They have a government that takes care of their world. We have no say on the planet."

Nabvan spoke up, "I doubt that Alexis would come to us unless it was something that involved Milisaria. She is not one to panic easily, and I can see that she is doing so now. I think we need to listen to her."

"Very well," the king replied. "What is the problem?"

Alexis wrung her hands and said, "It's hard to explain. I'm tapping into Earth's news feed, and you will understand when you see the footage. I would like both of you to meet me in the conference room in about thirty minutes. It will take that long for the connection to finish and for me to find the others."

Nabvan asked, "What others? Does this concern someone else on Milisaria?"

"It concerns several individuals, especially the humans. I need Queen Destiney, Valeri, and Ohber. It might even be wise to add Josephine," Alexis replied.

King Siefer offered, "I will go get my wife. Nabvan can get Valeri and Ohber while you seek out Josephine. It will be faster that way. If Josephine will not come without Urim, I will allow his presence."

It had taken a full hour, instead of thirty minutes. They were all assembled in the conference room with the large screen showing a picture of the Golden Gate Bridge. Alexis stood in the front of the room and addressed the group. "I received a communication from my sister Nancy today. The fact that she never reaches out to me convinced me of the gravity of what she had to say. Earth is in trouble. There are protests and riots all over the planet. Every country is involved. I know your minds are confused as to why this should be our problem, but Milisarians are involved, along with many other alien species. Valeri, I'm sorry to say that your father's lab was not the only one of it's kind. They are just now being rooted out from all over Earth. Their discoveries have started protests and riots, causing panic and widespread confusion. Nancy knew we had been a part of shutting down the first lab and she is looking to us for help."

Valeri and Ohber had gasped at her mention of the secret experimental labs. No one had foreseen this coming. Even Reginald Cavanaugh hadn't known there were other labs in existence. Valeri asked, "How badly are the aliens injured? Are they getting medical care?"

Alexis answered, "Recovery centers have been set up all over the world. Nancy was working in one this morning. She was appalled at what she saw. She did assure me that everyone was being treated. If necessary, they are sent to hospitals; if not, they are given temporary rooms in the center. Once they are well, they are given a choice. They can return to their own planet or be integrated into Earth's society. Many have previously chosen to stay. That's part of the problem. The riots are due to a clash between human and alien rights along with the protest of the labs’ illegal experiments. If this isn't calmed in some manner, Earth could be at war with itself."

Josephine timidly spoke up, "I want to go to Earth and help. I'm not good at politics, but I can help in the recovery centers or the hospitals." She turned to Urim with a pleading look. "I promise to come back here. I belong with you now. I can't ignore the trouble in my homeworld, though. Please, understand."

"I do understand. You are still trying to overcome a guilt that you should not have felt in the first place," Urim commented. "If this trip to Earth will finally bring your mind to a resting place, then I am all for it. I volunteer to go too. I realize I am still not allowed assignments as a knight, but this would be as a Milisarian citizen only."

"I do not think we should make an appearance on Earth at this time,” King Siefer replied. "I do not wish to become involved in a war with them. They can destroy our entire planet with the touch of a button. I know they swear their nuclear missiles will never be used; however, they have not destroyed them in all the years of peace."

Ohber argued, "We have to go, at least some of us. You came for me. I cannot stand by and see others left to fight their own way out."

The king retorted, "Alexis said that the aliens are being rescued. They will be sent home if they wish. The problem is being resolved. We need not concern ourselves."

"That is where you are wrong,” Alexis replied. "I respectfully ask you to watch the news feed before you make up your mind. It is extremely enlightening. Oh, and Nabvan, I have been given a message for you. One month ago, one of your knights was captured. He had suffered a broken leg while on Earth, and they took him for their experiments. They did not treat the leg, and he was unable to. He was rendered unconscious for too long to reset it. As a consequence, it grew back wrong and must be broken once more for it to heal properly. He has been sent to the hospital. Nancy said he requested that you send a transport to bring him home. I swore that I would pass the message to you."

Nabvan frowned, "I have no idea which knight it could be. As far as I know, none are missing. I will look into the situation. Maybe he was meant to be on assignment somewhere else and had to land on Earth. If they got to him before he could send a distress signal, I would not know he was in danger. Of course, I must answer his request for transport. He is my responsibility, isn't he, King Siefer?"

The king growled under his breath. Gritting his teeth, he answered, "I see that I am outnumbered. I agree to send a transport for the knight, as well as any other Milisarians that are found. I do not yet agree to allow any of you to go to Earth. I must be convinced of the need to risk your lives. It is my duty to protect all of you from harm. Show us this news feed, Alexis."

All eyes turned to the screen. Screaming, cursing, and the thud of fists filled the quiet room. Cameramen were knocked over, reporters were hit in the face by flying objects, and in the background, streams of injured were removed from a lab. As they watched, the lab was sent up in flames by the torches in alien's hands. The news kept switching to different countries, but the sights remained the same. Every known species was among the rioters. Buildings that had nothing to do with the labs were burning. Innocent people on the streets were accosted. It was impossible to tell who was on which side or even if there was more than one side.

A reporter, hiding from the mobs, stated, "Earth has never seen such chaos. No war of the past has ever invaded all the countries at once. Humans and aliens are confused and frightened. No one knows who the real enemy is. Our own governments have not reached out to end this mess. Whether they don't know how to handle it or don't think alien rights are a priority, we have not been told. Each individual, human or alien, is feeling the fear. They feel isolated with nowhere to seek solace. The evil of a few has turned the entire world against itself. We must find a peaceful solution soon, or Earth could be lost. Help us if you can. Don't be part of the problem, or ignore it. Be the solution."

Alexis turned off the screen. The horrors that had invaded the room kept all in attendance silent for several minutes. Then, King Siefer stood and walked to the front of the room. He stated, "I cannot, in good conscience, ignore the problem. This concerns not just Earth, but every planet. If it is not stopped, or at least controlled, other planets will attack. I do not think Earth's governments have realized that yet. They still see it as only an internal problem. I give way to your wishes. We will be part of a solution. Let us sit down and make plans. We must decide who needs to go and who needs to stay and care for Milisaria. We cannot leave our home planet without leadership."