Nancy returned to her office the next morning and was greeted with the clapping and cheering of her coworkers. They had all either been present at the council meeting or seen it on the news feed. She was slightly embarrassed by all the praise but still felt strongly that she had done the right thing. Fewer meltdowns and riots had been reported that morning, giving her some hope of resolution. If Alexis would finally call, she could get on with life.

Nancy spent the morning arguing with the mayor over his role in aiding the aliens and enacting a set of rules for their treatment. She also fielded video calls from news stations wanting an interview. The reporters had uncovered her connection to Alexis and desired her input on having an alien brother-in-law and a niece of mixed species. She made it clear that she had not met either one of her new family members and could not answer the questions. Her frustration with her sister's silence grew as the calls continued to interrupt her day. By the time lunch came around, she'd had more than enough. Knowing that eating in a restaurant would bring the reporters to her table, Nancy ordered her food to be delivered. She hid out in an empty office to escape the calls.

Her friend and co-worker, Rick, found her eating all alone and asked, "What's up? You're being very unsociable today. Don't you want to soak up the spotlight while you can?"

Nancy gave him a frustrated look and replied, "I don't mind talking to the news reporters about the alien rights issue, but I'm sick of them asking about my sister and her marriage. I've barely spoken to her in the last decade, and yet they expect me to know everything that's happened in her life. Just like in my childhood, big sister gets all the attention because she's done something so amazingly different and my accomplishments are ignored. I've lived in her shadow all my life. I love her, and I'm proud of her, but I've done some good things too."

Rick stated, "You're being a little sensitive and petty. I don't usually criticize you, however, you are forgetting that it was you we cheered this morning, it was you that got the praise at the council meeting, and it is you the reporters want to talk to. Your sister didn't ask for any attention. She's not even here. From what you've told me, Alexis's life hasn't been all peaches and cream either. She just made the best of what she was given. She couldn't get her work recognized at NASA so she volunteered to go to Arkani and marry an alien that would allow her to be the scientist she wished to be. Then, she was kidnapped by the Milisarians, whose womanizing king wanted her for himself. She refused his attention, so he had her beaten. Luckily, the ship’s commander saved her. If that wasn't enough, she almost died having her daughter. Her own research saved her. Take a note from her. Use the notoriety to your advantage. Stop the jealousy and do your job; then you won't feel second best."

Nancy sighed as a single tear rolled down her cheek. "That was harsh. I know that I deserved it, but it's so hard right now. I had to humble myself and call Alexis for help. She and her husband might be the ones who can get through to the government and make things better. I've been waiting for her to give me their decision, but she hasn't gotten back in touch. I worry that she's just blown me off and stopped caring about Earth and her human family. I'm just a bit sensitive right now. Give me a break, okay?"

"I'll give you one, if you'll give Alexis one,” Rick began. "I'm sure she can't make that big of a decision on her own. There is probably a lot of explaining, begging, and eventually planning to do. It's not so easy for another planet to choose to interfere on Earth. That's a really big deal."

Nancy retorted, "I can see that you're firmly on her side. I thought you were my friend."

Rick replied, "I'm not taking any side. I don't even think there's one to take. But, if it came down to it, I would always stand behind you. We've been friends for too long to make me choose anyone else. I've got to get back to work. Just remember one thing: you asked for her help. She didn't push you aside. So, don't blame her for the publicity the Milisarians will get."

Nancy went back to her desk with Rick's words ringing in her ears. She felt chastised, and it rankled. When her communicator buzzed and she realized it was Alexis, Nancy almost didn't answer. Maybe the government would fix things without the aid of Milisaria. Knowing her pettiness and jealousy could ruin an entire planet, she finally answered. "Alexis, did the king make a decision?"

Alexis's words came through clearly. The connection was an excellent one, made stronger by the satellites overhead. "Yes, King Siefer will allow us to come to Earth. He wasn't too keen on the idea at first, but the news feeds changed his mind."

"So, what's the plan? When are you coming, and is the king coming? Do I need to make some kind of arrangements for hotels or something?"

"No,” Alexis replied. "In fact, we won't be landing in San Francisco. We will be going to Washington D.C. We've already made arrangements for a meeting with the president and other major players. King Siefer felt we should go straight to the top, instead of fighting with each state. If we can reach an agreement in America, then the other countries will follow its example. We don't need a hotel. It will be safer to stay on the ship."

Nancy's anger was instantaneous. "So, you're cutting me completely out of the equation! How can you do that? I called you for help, not so you could take over."

"I'm not taking over,” Alexis answered. "We want you to come to D.C. as well. We'll even pay to get you there."

"I can't leave mom here alone. She does okay most of the time, but what if she had a fall or an illness while I was gone?” Nancy argued. "You have no clue what it's like to be held back by the needs of a parent."

"You're right. I don't. I'm sorry that mom and dad were left solely in your hands. I know it's been difficult. We can't leave Nexxa behind either. Earth's not a great place for her at this point, but we have no choice. What if I lease a place in the D.C. suburbs for mom. She will be away from the conflict, but close enough to get to if she needs you. Nexxa would love to meet her grandmother, and you too."

Nancy continued to be argumentative. "You know that security won't let us keep our communicators in the Capitol Building. Mom won't be able to reach us. Besides, I doubt she wants to leave home."

Alexis was becoming really frustrated with her sister's attitude. "I'll hire a nurse to stay with mom in D.C. She will be fine. I think mom is more adventurous than you give her credit for. At least give her the choice. If you really want to be a part of this intervention, then you have to come to the capital. There's no other option."

Nancy knew that Alexis had a point. Going to each state would be a waste of time. Ultimately, they would end up in D.C. anyway. Her mom was also in better shape than she was willing to admit and she would enjoy a trip. Then, there was the fact that she would never forgive Nancy for keeping her from seeing Alexis and meeting her son-in-law and granddaughter. She finally agreed, "Okay, I'll come, and I'll ask mom to join us. You never answered the other question. Is the king coming?"

"As a matter of fact, he's not,” Alexis announced. "He thought of something we all had not. The leaders on other planets could very well decide to attack Earth over these issues. He is going to help by staying here and negotiating with the other leaders to let Earth fix the problem instead of having an all-out war between planets. The queen is staying as well. She has three boys to handle, one who is heir to the throne and must be groomed to take over. Scyon will be with the king during the negotiations. The queen has also just discovered she's pregnant again. The group that's coming will be made up of myself, Nabvan, Nexxa, Valeri—who’s the scientist that turned in the first lab—her husband Ohber—who was a subject in the lab—and their three children. Josephine was a nurse in the lab. She's now married to one of the knights, Urim, and they have asked to join us. There will be a nursemaid for Valeri's kids and a contingent of knights for our protection. We will only bring about ten knights. We don't want the government to feel threatened, thinking we mean to attack. It would hurt negotiations."

"I'm glad you're staying on the ship. I would hate to try to find a place for that many individuals. When are you going to be there and when should I expect to leave here?” Nancy asked.

Alexis replied, "Our ships are faster than they used to be. We are leaving within the hour and should land in D.C. in two days. Make reservations for you and mom and I will see to it that the flight is paid for by the Milisarian's account on Earth. We will see you in two days. Bye for now."

Two days was a short time to plan a long trip for Nancy and her mom. There was a lot to do, including packing for an extended stay. Her mom's medications would need to be filled, so she didn't run out. The house would need to be cleaned, including emptying the fridge. No one wanted to come home to rotten food. She would have to make arrangements for her coworkers to take over her job for a while. It was almost too much to think about. A list would help, so she started one.

Nancy went ahead and made the flight reservations. There was no doubt in her mind that her mom would insist on going to D.C. She told Rick the plan, and he promised her job would be well tended in her absence. He also praised her for cooperating with her sister's plans.

At the end of the day, Nancy rushed home to inform her mom of the day's events. She found her mom in the living area, crying over an old western movie. She sat down beside her and said, "Mom, you know these movies always make you cry. Why do you torture yourself this way?"

The reply she got was surprising, "It's not torture. I love these movies. The ones they make now are crap. These are good tears."

Nancy rolled her lovely eyes and said, "If you say so. I won't mention it again. I have some news. Alexis called me back. The Milisarians are going to help make some headway with the government. She's coming to Earth. Can you believe it?"

Her mother's excitement couldn't be contained. She bounced on the sofa and asked, "When will she get here? Do we get to see her? Is the baby coming too?"

Nancy laughed loudly. Her mother reminded her of a nervous child at Christmas. "Nexxa's not a baby anymore. She's ten. Yes, she's coming and Nabvan as well. They are bringing a lot of others with them. They are set to land in two days. The only problem is that they're landing in D.C., not here. Alexis wants us to go there. Milisaria is paying. I've already booked a flight. She's going to lease you a place in the suburbs and hire a nurse to stay with you. That will allow us to concentrate on the negotiations. Are you willing to go?"

"Is that a joke?” she replied. "We better get busy. There's so much to do. I hope my clothes are good enough for the capital and for meeting one of the Milisarian Knights. Do you think Nexxa will like us? We've got to take her a present. It needs to be special. What do you think she would want?"