Grey sat with Nicia and Nersal at the kitchen table while Dariena stood behind the island munching on dry cereal. Sheral was in the transport, exchanging messages with home. Nersal and Nicia were looking over a data tablet that shared telemetry with the transport. The doorbell rang.

"That's probably John." Grey announced as he went to answer it.

Grey was glad to see John keep his word, showing up as he had promised. Grey invited him in. It felt strange to invite him in where he was always welcome. John followed Grey into the kitchen. Grey was a little surprised to see Dariena was the only one that had activated her holosuit.

"Hi John." Nicia said warmly, hoping to put him at ease.

Nersal sat up, smiling at John as he leaned back in his chair. "So, if he doesn't work with us, do we get to eat him?"

John's eyes widened slightly at Nersal's question.

Grey was surprised to see Dariena quickly grab Nersal's ear and twist it until he let out a yelp.

"Don't be so mean. He's been through enough and doesn't need to be teased." Dariena scolded.

"All right, all right, I'm sorry. It was a joke." Nersal said through watering eyes.

Dariena let go of Nersal's ear and went back behind the counter fuming over Nersal's tasteless joke.

"Lets go downstairs." Grey suggested, giving John a tug on his shoulder.

John followed Grey down to the basement. Nicia sat glaring at Nersal.

"It was just a joke," Nersal said.

"But at a very inappropriate time." Nicia added for him. "John is wary enough. Grey is upset that he may lose a friend. Your joke was improper and potentially damaging to their friendship."

Sheral joined Nicia and Nersal in the kitchen after John and Grey had been alone for a half hour. Nicia looked worried whenever occasional raised voices drifted up stairs to the three Trephi in the kitchen. Sheral shared Nicia's concern as they exchanged worried glances between themselves. After a few moments of a loud exchange between Grey and John, Dariena stood up with a distressed look on her scarlet muzzle. Her ears flicked as she walked silently past the others, and went up to her room.

"She's probably heard everything between them." Sheral said to no one specifically.

Nersal was surprised to see how everyone was affected by the discussion Sanborne and Drake were having. He found himself felling a little distressed as well. He idly wondered if he were getting soft.

After another fifteen minutes, a door was slammed and the others could see John heading for a walk around the lake. Grey returned upstairs with a frown.

"This is too depressing." Nersal said before standing and excusing himself to leave. He went outside, heading in the opposite direction John took around the lake.

Nersal walked along the shoreline of the lake. He slowly approached John on the opposite end where he sat on a large boulder, skipping an occasional stone across the surface of the water. John maintained a cautious eye on Nersal. Nersal took a seat on the end of the same rock that John sat. John turned to face Nersal and watched as the alien reached down for a flat stone and proceeded to skip it twice as far as his own throw.

"You don't like us, do you?" Nersal asked, staring out at the ripples his stone created.

"I don't trust you," John replied uneasily.

Nersal turned toward John. "Then we are even," he said as his lips pulled back in a combination grin and snarl. "I don't trust humans."

"Even Grey?" John asked, fishing for anything that would confirm his suspicions about the aliens motives.

Nersal opened his muzzle to speak but hesitated. He let out a short laugh that sounded more like a bark.

John looked at Nersal, confused by his reaction. "If that was a laugh, what is so funny?"

"I can't remember when I stopped thinking of Sanborne as human." Nersal grinned. "Though he's human, I do trust him. He has earned it. You, though you have indirectly helped us, your recent actions leave me uncertain."

John stared for a moment. "Why did you come down here?"

"Two reasons." Nersal began after reaching down and selecting several stones. "First reason, the emissaries. My duty is to keep them safe. The emissaries are deeply respected by our people. Serving them is an honor. Being charged with their safety is an even greater honor. I was negligent once and, as a result, Sheral suffered greatly." Nersal skipped a stone occasionally as he spoke to emphasize his words. "I understand you have seen the results."

"Yes. I'm sorry to hear what happened to her. No one deserves that kind of treatment."

Despite John's anger, Nersal could tell there was sincerity in what he said.

"Thank you, but back to my first reason. I will not let anything happen to them again. If you do not trust us that is fine. If you hate us, fine. I do not care what your opinions are." Nersal skipped a stone and turned to look John in the eyes. "Understand that if you do anything that directly or indirectly causes either of them harm," Nersal grinned ominously. "I don't think I have to explain what will happen to you."

As John looked into Nersal's amber eyes he forced himself to remain calm and not show any sign of fear. He didn't have any doubts to the seriousness of Nersal's implicit threat as he felt a chill down his spine.

"And the second reason?" John said emotionlessly as he expected another threat.

"The second reason, is your friendship with Sanborne."

"What?" John asked in surprise. "What would you care about that?"

"In truth, for you, nothing. For Sanborne, I can see the tension between you disturbs him." Nersal said as he stood. "Follow me."

"I still don't see why that should concern you." John said as curiosity overpowered some of his apprehension and led him to follow Nersal.

"If Sanborne is disturbed, then Nicia and Sheral are distressed as well."

"How altruistic of them."

"Do not mock their concern." Nersal warned. "They both care very much for Sanborne, especially Nicia."

Nersal produced a small control and pointed it toward the lake. He pressed a button, and the surface began to ripple from the center of the lake toward where they stood. A tunneling void appeared in the water, growing wider until it provided a path angling downward beneath the surface. Nersal turned to glance at John and grinned at his amazed expression.

"Docking force field," Nersal said as if he had explained everything.

"What's down there?"

"Our ship." Nersal said as he started down the watery tunnel. "Watch your step."

John cautiously followed Nersal down. He ran his fingers along the rippling surface, feeling its cool and smooth texture. He paused to press harder, his hand seeming to penetrate as the surface surrounded his fingers like a glove. He pulled his hand back and noticed it remained dry.

They reached the bottom and entered the ship. John looked around, disappointed that the interior looked more like a luxury passenger train than a space craft.

"So, the reason you brought me down here is?" John asked with an impatient tone as he followed Nersal through the interior up to the cockpit.

John looked around at the controls and thinking that this section looked more like a space ship should.

"Sit and don't touch anything." Nersal said sternly.

John swiveled a seat around and seated himself in the copilot's seat.

"You don't trust us. I'm going to show you something that I hope will change that," Nersal told John.

"What would that be?"

Nersal sat in the pilot's seat and hit a sequence of keys. A projection formed in front of John. He watched as symbols flashed on and off in response to Nersal's actions. Finally, a video image began to display.

John recognized the footage of the cockpit he was in, but the perspective was from the upper rear of the cabin. He could see Nersal seated where he was now, except in the video he was actively manning the controls.

"Since the incident that Sheral was captured, I began keeping these recordings," Nersal explained. "This is a record of what happened when we went to retrieve Nicia, when Grey was aiding her."

John watched the projection intently. A black furred alien entered and took the other seat. Nicia followed and stood between them. She said something in her own language. Nersal said something to her in return. Judging by her posture and tone, Nicia's next reply was clearly not a request. John wished the display was subtitled so he knew what was being said. He was too engrossed in the video to think of asking Nersal to translate.

He could see through the display that the ship began to move. The ship gained altitude and moved over tree tops. Nicia gave another command and the ship slowed to a hovering position and turned to look down the slope of a mountain. He was impressed by the detail of the projection. He could clearly make out Grey surrounded by several soldiers and vehicles. John looked back to the image of Nicia. He watched her smile as she located Grey on the display. Her smile was only momentary as she shouted causing Nersal and the other one to jump and look at the scene outside the ship.

John's eyes went wide as he watched Grey gunned down on the mountainside. Grey had said he was shot helping Nicia, but he didn't describe the extent. John continued to watch Nicia as she yelled something to Nersal, who appeared to argue in return. He was surprised to see Nicia lash out, striking Nersal and pulling him out of the seat and out of the camera's view. He watched her take the controls and start the ship moving down slope. The black furred alien appeared to protest as Nicia began keying switches. The screen flashed as she used some weapon. He could see the soldiers running for cover. He briefly saw his Jeep before it was enveloped in flames. Nicia said something else and the other alien got up and left the cockpit. A moment later he called back to her and the view through the cockpit windows began to change as Nicia started to take off. John heard the other alien call Nicia's name followed by a few more words. He watched closely as Nicia turned to look toward the rear of the cabin, shouting another command.

Nersal stopped the video, freezing it on the image of Nicia.

John looked at the image of Nicia. He could see the fur beneath her eyes and along her cheeks was well soaked. For a moment, he didn't see her as alien. All he could see was her eyes and the pain they expressed.

"No matter what you think of the rest of us, don't doubt that Nicia's feelings for Grey are genuine. Look at her. Do you honestly think she would ever allow anyone to hurt or try to exploit him?"

"How badly was Grey injured?"

"By your standards, fatally. Even by ours there was question if he could be saved. Nicia never left his side until he regained consciusness."

John sat quietly as he looked again at the image of Nicia.

"I had no idea he had been through so much."

"I've heard he has been through more. All his friends dead, except you." Nersal said plainly. "I know what it's like to outlive all your friends and family."

John looked at Nersal. "You're an odd one. You threaten me, then try to help me."

"I'm doing it for Sanborne and the Emissaries, not you." Nersal gave a pleased smile. "Never repeat this, but Grey's commitment to his duty and his friends is a quality of his that I have come to admire. It's a very Trephyn attitude."

"Trephyn," John scoffed. "Many humans share that same sense of honor."

Nersal smiled slyly at John. "Do you?" Nersal asked as he stood and left the cockpit.

John jumped up and followed him. "Yes," John said in certainty.

"Good. Then, on your honor, do not tell anyone what I have shown you."

John looked at Nersal with a confused expression. "If you insist, but I don't see why."

Nersal stood by the hatch waiting for John to exit.

"I have some duties to perform while I'm here. I'll see everyone shortly."

"I'll let them know." John said as he headed out of the transport. He turned to look back at Nersal. "Thanks for showing me that video."

Nersal nodded. "You have fifteen seconds until you're wet," he said with a vicious grin as he hit the controls closing the hatch.

John wondered what he meant for a second until he noticed the force field tunnel starting to fluctuate. He turned and started running for the surface as the tunnel started to contract. After he reached the surface, he turned to look back at the tunnel as is collapsed and send a wave of water up onto the bank and over his feet.

"Bastard," he said with a grin. "Pretty good trick."

He looked out over the surface of the lake as the ripples diminished and smoothed back out.

John headed back to the cabin. As he walked up onto the back deck, he paused in front of the kitchen window. Grey was inside, standing at the counter cleaning up from their breakfast. Nicia stood with her back to him at the island counter, wiping it clean. He could see them talking back and forth. He watched as Nicia turned toward Grey and smiled at something he said. Grey continued working as she walked behind him and slipped her hands between his arms and hugged him. He watched as Grey turned his head and smiled at Nicia while she moved closer to kiss him. John couldn't make out the words Nicia's muzzle formed, but he could tell that Grey was telling Nicia that he loved her too.

John thought that there was something about seeing Grey and Nicia together at that moment that confirmed what Nersal had said earlier. Nicia wouldn't hurt Grey or let anyone else.

He walked away from the window, heading toward the patio door. As he entered the kitchen, he watched as Grey and Nicia distanced themselves as if they had been two teenage kids caught necking in their parents basement.

John walked up to them. Grey turned to face John with a worried expression in anticipation of bad news. They stood silent, looking at each other.

"I'll leave you two alone," Nicia said as she started to leave the kitchen.

John gently grabbed her arm as she walked past. "No, please. I owe you an apology too. I'm very sorry for what I said last night."

"It's ok, John. I understand you were upset." Nicia smiled.

Grey stepped toward John and offered his hand. "All is forgiven, friend."

"Thanks," John said as he grasped Grey's hand. "We've been through a lot, and I've always trusted your judgment. No reason to stop now."

Grey nodded.

"One thing," John started to ask.

"What?" Grey and Nicia asked together.

"Can I get a ride in that ship?" John asked with an enthusiastic grin.

Grey laughed. "I believe I know someone willing to give you a ride."

Everyone sat around the kitchen table while John was busy at the stove. Grey was glad to see that John was back to his usual merry self. It had been a week since John had learned about his Trephi friends. Now he came back for the weekend and was casually cooking everyone dinner. It was good to see him getting along with everyone, and surprisingly even Nersal.

Sheral would occasionally offer to help John, protesting it was unfair that he did so much work for them. John would politely refuse her help while Dariena would seize the opportunity to drift through the kitchen, stealing a taste before John could chase her out.

Grey thought it was strange that Dariena continued to use her holosuit when John was around. When Grey questioned her, Dariena said she thought it would make John feel more comfortable.

Dariena stopped her playful food snatching as she looked out the window into the sky.

"Incoming ship," she said as her hearing picked up on the hum of a transport rapidly decelerating.

Everyone felt their stomach lurch slightly as the gravity wake washed over them. Everyone went out on the deck in time to see the transport settling into the lake. Within a few seconds it was below the surface. After a few minutes a path separated from the water and two figures emerged heading for the cabin.

Everyone recognized the two holosuited figures except John. As the two noticed mostly everyone on the deck was without their holosuits, they switched off their own.

Grey turned to John and grinned. "Better set two more places."

"Who are they?" John asked.

Sheral's actions answered part of John's question as she put her arms around Geheran and held him close.

Geheran's arms clutched Sheral tightly as they silently nuzzled each other.

Meran walked up to the others.

"Emissary," He said, bowing to Nicia.

Nicia nodded in return, "Meran."

"Commander," he said with a nod to Dariena who smiled and nodded in return.

Grey noticed that John looked a little surprised when Meran addressed Dariena by her title.

Meran turned to Grey and John. "Furless one," he said to Grey. "Furless friend of furless one," he added as he turned to John.

Grey laughed before John started looking offended. "Hey furball," Grey said as he shook Meran's hand. "That a gray hair I see?" he asked as he pointed to an imaginary hair on top of Nersal's muzzle.

Meran rubbed his nose looking to fluff the offending hair.

"No, I was mistaken." Grey grinned. "I see two. No, three."

Meran's eyes went wide as he crossed them to look at the tip of his nose.

Nicia turned away to hide her laughter while John just looked puzzled and tried not to laugh at the cross eyed alien.

"John, this is Vulmeran. Meran, my good friend John Drake."

"Hello, John Drake." Meran said with a friendly smile.

"Hello Vulmeran."

Grey turned his attention to Sheral and Geheran. They still held each other tightly. Grey could see both of them were on the verge of tears. He thought it must have been hard for Geheran to return to Synac; leaving Sheral so soon since being reunited with her after so many months believing she was dead.

Geheran looked at Grey over Sheral's shoulder. He reluctantly let go of Sheral and sidestepped over to Grey.

"Thank you, my friend." Geheran said as he embraced Grey tightly.

"You're welcome," Grey replied as he gave Geheran a friendly hug back.

Geheran released Grey, and turned to John. "You are John?" he asked.

John nodded. He was surprised when Geheran quickly hugged him as well.

"And thank you, for helping Grey rescue my mate. If you ever need anything, just ask."

"Your welcome," John said slowly, slightly put off by the furry alien's affection.

Geheran released John and moved to greet his daughter and the others in an equally friendly manner.

Grey grinned at John. "Did I mention Trephi are very affectionate toward their friends?"

John shook his head negatively as he chuckled. He glanced through the kitchen window in time to notice a pot boiling over. John quickly hurried back inside.

"Well, you've both made it just in time for dinner," Grey announced. "Everyone inside before our chef pitches a fit."

Dariena didn't need to be told twice as she hurried inside. Nersal and Meran followed closely. Geheran and Sheral embraced again, resuming their nuzzeling where they left off earlier. Nicia and Grey smiled as they watched them together. Grey gave Nicia a quick kiss before they headed inside. Sheral and Geheran lingered on the deck for a few minutes before joining the others inside for dinner.

The following day, Sheral, Nicia and Grey listened to Geheran's update on the Klizul reaction to Earth's acceptance of Geheran's proposal of alliance.

"So what happened when the Klizul were told that Earth had accepted the offer of alliance?" Grey asked.

"They said the offer was rescinded when Nicia failed to complete her mission." Geheran replied with an ever widening grin. He started to laugh, bringing an amused smile to Sheral's muzzle.

"What's so funny." Grey asked as Geheran calmed himself.

"When I explained that Earth had accepted the alliance offer Synac had made, not the Klizul offer, they..." Geheran chuckled, interrupting his thought. "Did you know Klizul turn blue when they are aggravated?"

Grey began to laugh. "That's something they don't show in UFO movies."

"What did they do afterward," Nicia asked a little anxiously.

Geheran's expression became serious. "It wasn't pleasant. The Klizul accused us of undermining alliance policies. They're very good at manipulating the facts to suit their arguments."

"What's the damage?" Grey asked.

"The alliance has split. All but one of the races we had relations with before the Klizul approached us, they have decided to remain with us. Two of the races broke from the original Klizul alliance and requested to maintain relations with us as well."

Grey contemplated what Geheran said. "Any current threat to Synac?"

Geheran was impressed that Grey was concerned about Synac. "Nothing immedieate, and certainly nothing we can't handle."

"And to Earth?" Sheral questioned.

"There is obviously already a Klizul presense in this region of space." Geheran said, turning from Sheral back to Grey. "That itself is a threat. We will provide Earth's leaders with sensor technologies that can be used to monitor traffic within your system. If your leaders wish, we can put a defensive force at their disposal. If necessary, I'll dispatch the Sal-neth here if any greater threat is detected."

"Wow, the Sal-neth." Grey said, surprised the Geheran would move so much force to protect Earth. "That's a lot of firepower. You don't think that will be necessary, do you?"

"Probably not." Geheran said confidently. "Synac takes the welfare of its allies seriously. Plus, I take the promises I make to my friends even more seriously. I promised you I would do everything within my power to keep your homeworld safe."

"Thank you. If you ever need anything from me, just ask."

Geheran quickly accepted Grey's hand, gripping it firmly as their eyes met.

"I just might do that," Geheran said with a grin causing Grey to look at him curiously.

The house was strangely silent. Grey returned from running a few errands to find no one in sight except Nicia. She stood as Grey approached her and smiled brightly. He could see her happiness and a sense of pride. Grey looked at her and wondered what could bring such a smile to her muzzle.

"Nicia-che, what are you so happy about? Where is everyone?"

"This way," she said as she motioned for him to go into the basement.

Grey gave her a quick kiss on the cheek as he passed her and started down. Nicia quickly followed. He walked downstairs into the basement and at sight of everyone gathered, attempted an immediate u-turn, only to have his retreat blocked by Nicia.

"Not so fast, human," Nicia teased.

A few muffled chuckles were heard as Nicia guided him back into the room.

"What are you guys up to?" Grey asked as he looked around the room at everyone. Everyone was grinning at the surprise they were all privy to. Even John seemed to be sharing in the excitement of the moment.

"Right here." Nicia said as she gently pushed him down into a seat in front of Sheral and Geheran.

"What's up, Geheran?" Grey asked.

"You see, Grey, in a way I do have something to ask of you." Geheran grinned. "But, Sheral is the better speaker, so I will leave it to her."

Grey looked curiously toward Sheral.

"Ok, someone tell me whats going on."

"Greyson," Sheral said fondly. "Several of your months ago, I came in search of you. That search was interrupted."

Sheral paused at the memory of her capture.

"I had originally intended to invite you to return with me to Synac to visit with us. However, recent events have provided me with the opportunity to do something I have always wanted to do since you left us the first time."

Grey gave Sheral a questioning look, unsure of what she was referring to.

"The life of my mate, my daughter and myself, it seems our debt to you increases. Several times you have risked your life for us. Because of your association with us you have lost all position within your government. It pains Geheran and myself to see this happen to you, our friend."

"I have no regrets. I did what I felt was needed to be done, nothing more."

"And never asked for anything in return," Sheral added. "Today, we wish to do something for you. We had wanted to make this offer last time, before you left Synac, but we knew you would not accept for fear of conflict with prior oaths you have taken."

Sheral produced a small box and handed it to Grey. "Now, we hope you will accept."

Grey stared at the box. He remembered seeing similar boxes presented to the Trephi when they completed their SDF training.

Grey took the box, but hesitated a moment before opening it. Grey turned the box around on the table. He pressed along the seam, causing the box to open. His eyes widened at sight of the box's contents.

"Sheral, I'm not sure I'm qualified to accept."

"Are you saying I did not train you properly?" Sheral said while looking directly into Grey's eyes.

"No," Grey smiled. "Never."

Sheral smiled in return. "We have considered the skills you came to us with and those you learned during your time with us. You are qualified."

Grey looked at the contents of the box.

"Sheral, I don't know what to say."

"The correct answer is yes," Sheral said with a toothy smile.

Grey looked around at all his friends. Geheran nodded encouragingly. Dariena, Nicia, and Meran were smiling optimistically. To his surprise, Nersal gave him a thumb up. Even John looked excited for him. Grey finally looked back to Sheral.

"Well then. Yes."