John sat across from Dariena in a secluded booth in the back of the LPOE restaraunt. He finished the last few bites of his meal, finally catching up to Dariena who had already finished a dinner nearly twice as large as his own.

"You sure like your meals." John teased. "Grey was right about being able to lure you anywhere with food."

"Huh! He said that?" Dariena looked at John thoughtfully. "And here I thought I was here because I enjoyed your company," she said as her expression gave way to a smile. "And a free meal."

John laughed. "Well, sorry about the choice of dining."

"The food here is not as delightful as your cooking, but still good." Dariena smiled. "Thank you for dinner."

"My pleasure." John said as their eyes met. "Back home, I'm pretty close with the owner of a gourmet restaraunt. One day, I'll take you there, if you like."

Dariena held John's gaze. "I would enjoy that," she said, looking away as her ears suddenly begant to feel hot.

They sat silently for a few minutes, exchanging glances and smiles before John finally broke the silnece between them.

"You know something? I've known you for over three weeks, and I still don't know what you really look like. Are you ever going to reveal yourself to me?" John said in a teasing tone, although he was very curious to know what she looked like.

Dariena smiled as she slipped her hand to her wrist.

John was alarmed by her action. "No, not here!"

Dariena laughed softly under her breath. "Calm yourself," she said as she deactivated only the sensory distortion field, leaving the projected image of herself intact. She took John's hand in hers and held it to her cheek.

John could feel the soft fur along her cheek despite what his eyes were telling him. He could feel her facial muscles move as she smiled.

"Something to satisfy your curiosity for a little while."

John let his fingers brush along her jaw and back along the side of her head. He felt along her ears, tracing them to their tips while, to his eyes, it appeared he was running his fingers through her long red hair.

"I don't know what's more amazing; the way your image reacts to my touch or how incredibly soft your fur feels beneath."

Dariena smiled as she guided his hand back to her face. She gently kissed the palm of his hand. "Thank you."

John smiled nervously as he pulled his hand back.

"What's wrong, John?"

"Dariena, I've really enjoyed the time we've been spending together." John said hesitantly. "But, I'm just not sure what I'm doing."

"I'm a little uncertain myself," Dariena said, her voice faltering slightly.

"I find myself feeling attracted to you."

"And this is wrong?"

John shook his head. "I'm not certain. We're not even the same species."

"I think my family would worry about that too," she said with a nervous smile. "But, it doesn't matter to me."

A bell sounded form the bar, interrupting their thoughts, as the owner sounded last-call for the bar.

"I didn't realize how late it was. I should probably get you home before your brother starts to worry about you."

Dariena chuckled. "Big brother knows I can take care of myself."

"I'm sure you can." Drake smirked, remembering his first encounter with Dariena.

"Speaking of big brother reminds me of something. Grey mentioned you were interested in going for a little ride."

"Heck yes! But it's a little too late to be flying."

"Late? I can have you in daylight on the other side of your planet in five minutes."

John's face beamed with excitement as he whipped out his wallet and left enough cash on the table to cover their bill. "All right. Let's go!"

Dariena raced to keep up with John on his way out of the LPOE. After a shorter than normal drive they arrived back at Grey's cabin.

"I need to change. I'll meet you down by the lake. Okay?"

John nodded. "I'll meet you there."

Dariena smiled and headded off to the house while John headed to the lake. After a few minutes, Dariena appeared on the lower patio. She headded down to meet John.

John looked up to see Dariena approaching. For the first time, he saw what she looked like without her holosuit. He smiled pleasantly as he looked at her striding towards him in her uniform. Her red fur was bright even in the soft moonlight and the white stripe down her forehead literally glowed.

A smile formed on Dariena's short muzzle as her long black-tufted ears turned to focus on John. "Ready?"

John stared silently at Dariena.

Dariena's hands went to her hips as she smiled. "Okay. Okay. You know what I look like. You want to fly or gawk at me the rest of the night?"

John chuckled. "Sorry. It's just that, well, you're cuter than I expected."

Dariena batted lightly at John's face. "Silly," she said before tapping at the controls on her left wrist.

Dariena's ship slowly ascended and hovered above the surface of the lake. A soft hum was the only sound as the Draken drifted towards them. Its cockpit extended from the fuselage before sliding open.

Dariena climbed on top and offered John a hand. Once they settled into the cockpit, Dariena brought the ship to nearly a ninety-degree pitch. Within seconds the ship accelerated out of sight.

Dariena brought the ship back just before dawn, settling into a hover over the lake's shoreline. John hopped down from the fuselage, followed by Dariena. Her fingers flew over the link on her wrist. The cockpit sealed itself as the ship drifted out over the lake and settled below the surface.

"That was incredible." John said, nearly bursting from the excitement of his flight. "The speed! And the view--amazing."

Dariena grinned, amused by John's euphoria as he continued to prattle on about everything he experienced on their flight. Finally, John noticed how Dariena was smiling at him and realized he was raving.

"Sorry. I'm still a bit excited. I don't think I'll be able to sleep."

"Just a bit?" Dariena chuckled. "I'm glad you enjoyed it."

John smiled at his red-furred friend's mirth. "Why don't you get some blankets, I'll go put some coffee on and we can settle in and watch the sunrise."

Dariena's muzzle pulled back into a wide smile. "Sounds nice."

"Okay, I'll be right back."

John hurried into the house and up into the kitchen. He started the coffee and went into the refrigerator and pulled out a few pastries. He slipped them in the oven to warm while he waited for the coffee to brew. When he had enough for two, he filled their cups and put the pot back to finish brewing. John set everything on a tray and went downstairs to join Dariena on the lower patio.

He was surprised to find that Driena had made a little nest of blankets on the bench and had started a small fire in the chiminea for some extra warmth on his side.

Dariena smiled as she patted the spot next to her.

John smiled happily at the invitation as he seated himself beside her.

Kyle came downstairs from a restless night and headed into the kitchen. He found the coffee already made and poured himself a cup before headding into the livingroom. Kyle seated himself in a recliner looking out over the lake. The view of the lake and mountains in the morning sun was spectacular. He relaxed as he slowly sipped at his coffee.

His thoughts drifted to the previous day. It had been a shock when Grey asked him to turn around and he first saw the Trephi. He had been apprehensive about trusting them, but he had confidence in Grey, and Grey had faith in them. Now he was casually sipping coffee in a house populated with an alien species and felt relatively at ease with it. Perhaps it was because he could tell there was a bond between Geheran and Grey. Maybe it was because Sheral had seemed willing to turn a compassionate ear to listen to his own problems. There was something in their nature that made him feel safe to relax a little.

He heard the front door open and close, followed by soft footsteps coming towards him. Kyle turned his head to see a black-furred Trephyn sneaking across the room towards the door to the sundeck. He was carrying some device that looked like a palmtop. Kyle watched the alien over the rim of his cup.

Meran turned to look at Kyle. He placed an extended finger over his muzzle in a most human way, indicating for Kyle to remain silent.

Kyle was puzzled, but didn't sense any threat. He watched curiously as the alien stepped out on the deck and peered over the railing.

Meran stepped one leg over the railing and locked his leg around the post. He let himself hang out and extend his arm, holding the device down below the deck.

There was a flash and a woman's startled scream.

An angry voice called from the patio beneath the sundeck. "Meran! What are you doing?"

"Just putting together a little record of our trip to earth," Meran said as he righted himself and climbed back over the rail onto the deck. "I thought I'd send a copy to your family so they know how your doing."

"You'll do no such thing!"

Kyle could hear a deep growl from out in the yard.

"Shit!" Meran exclaimed as he leapt back from the railing.

Kyle watched the alien turn quickly and start to run back in the room with a genuine fearful expression. Before he made it halfway into the room, there was a thud on the deck.

Kyle looked back from the running alien to the deck, where a red-furred female was crouching. Her ears were back and her fiery red coloring only emphasized the angry snarl on her short muzzle. Kyle knew it was at least eight feet to the porch below, plus another three feet for the railing that the little redone cleared with its leap. It was clear by the black-one's expression he didn't expect his victim to react the way she had. Kyle smirked as he continued to sip his coffee.

Meran ran out of the room as Dariena sprinted after him.

A moment later the basement door flung open. John hurried through and stopped in front of Kyle.

"Lovely friend you have." Kyle teased. "Now if I were you, I'd go catch her. After all, murder is a serious crime, and I don't think Grey would appreciate it if she got blood all over his rugs."

"Meran touched on a sensitive subject." John said, glancing to the open door to the sundeck then toward Kyle. "Her family is a bit old fashioned when it comes to relationships. Which way did they go?"

Kyle was about to point when Meran came tearing into the room with Dariena close behind.

Kyle extended his leg, skillfully hooking his foot under Meran's leg while his hand went to his waist. Meran tumbled to the floor.

Dariena instantly hoped on Meran. "Got ya. Now give me that pad."

Meran forced an innocent grin. "What pad?"

Dariena glanced at John. "Get me some bleach."

John looked at Dariena, attempting to figure out if she were serious.

"There is nothing more frightening than the wrath of women scorned," Kyle said as he sat back and crossed his leg in a relaxed fashion. "I'd suggest you do what the lady says."

Dariena leaned nose to nose with Meran. "The pad. Now."

Meran reached down to his side and found the pad missing. "It's gone!"

"Meran," Dariena growled.

"Honestly!" Meran started to plead.

Kyle cleared his throat. "This wouldn't happen to be the incriminating evidence, would it?"

Everyone turned to look at Kyle.

Kyle held the pad in plain view for all to see. "Well ya know, this is a rather interesting little toy. Perhaps I should hand it over to my government for further examination," he said with a wry grin.

Dariena held out her hand with a stern expression.

"Unauthorized Trephi technology in human hands is a violation of the terms of the alliance. I know you would not want to cause any incidents."

"You're right. I guess I had better give it back to its proper owner then."

Dariena spoke up before Meran, "I am his superior, give it to me."

Grey came downstairs wearing only a robe and a sleepy expression. "What's all the racket?"

Kyle grinned. "Love and war, Grey. Love and war."

Grey noticed Meran pinned beneath Dariena. "Meran. What did you do now?"

Kyle tossed Grey the pad. "Engaged in illegal espionage, I think."

Grey looked at the pad, checking its last function.

Kyle sat back and took another sip of his coffee.

Dariena called out, "brother, it's mine."

"Emissary, it's mine," Meran said, attempting to speak over Dariena.

A large grin formed on Kyle's face, unable to hide his amusment at the situation.

Grey activated the pad and looked at the small, 3d holograph. He grinned and awed. "Isn't that cute?"

John and Dariena look a little embarrassed.

Grey handed the pad to Kyle for him to see.

Kyle looked at the hologram. In the image, John and Dariena sat together, sharing a blanket as they watched the sunrise. He thought Dariena looked the complete opposite of how she was a moment before. She rested her head on John's shoulder as she looked up at him with a tender, caring expression. John looked at her with an equally affectionate gaze.

"You know they do make a rather cute couple," Kyle said as he looked to John and Dariena. "But in the end, I do believe in peoples' right to privacy."

Kyle tossed the pad to John.

"Now how could such a cute picture like this cause so much noise?" Grey asked, his voice getting louder as he spoke. He looked at Meran. "New house rule, no pranks before 10 am."

Meran nodded before Grey turned and walked into the kitchen for some coffee.

John handed the pad to Dariena. She deleted the stored image and let Meran up.

"Well you know, I do not think we have been properly introduced." Kyle said with an amused smile.

Dariena tossed the pad to Meran. "I'm going to bleach you in your sleep if you ever do anything like that again." She turned to Kyle. "Dariena Nevatu, SDF squadron commander assigned to the Sal-neth, presently on personal leave."

"Vulmeran Autain, personal pilot to emissary Geheran."

"General Kyle Dalton, retired." Kyle held out his hand. "Nice to meet you."

Dariena gripped Kyle's hand firmly while Meran nodded respectfully from across the room.

"Well, with all that said and done," Kyle said, giving both a threatening stare. "I would appreciate it if I could finish my coffee in peace."

Meran seemed to sense a threat and moved closer to the doorway, either out of caution or politeness. Dariena seemed to think nothing of Kyle's stare, glaring at Meran.

"Same here," Dariena said, before heading back downstairs. She paused, "John? Coming?"

"I'll be down in a minute," John said as he walked toward Meran.

"Nice meeting you," Kyle said in a genuinely friendly tone.

Dariena gave a friendly grin, looking almost as she appeared in the hologram with John, before disappearing down the stairs.

John waited until he was certain Dariena was downstairs, although she could probably still hear him. He spoke to Meran in a hushed voice. "That was stupid, maybe even a little mean. You know she worries about what her family thinks."

Meran grined at Kyle as if hoping for some kind of support.

"Ever pull a gag like that on me, and I assure you; they'll never find a body." Kyle said, giving Meran a wry smile to let him know he is joking. "But, John is right. That was a cruel joke."

"She should have known I was playing. I'm sorry, John. Tell her that for me."

John nodded as he turned to go back downstairs. Meran gave Kyle another nod before leaving via the sundeck.

Kyle sat back down in his chair, to resume his quiet meditation. He sipped at his cup, his face grimacing as he tasted the cold coffee.

Kyle got up and headed into the kitchen to freshen his coffee. He found Grey sitting at the kitchen table, drinking a glass of orange juice with a tired expression.

Kyle sat down next to Grey. "Do they usually act like children who forgot that Halloween is over?"

Grey smirked. "Meran is a bit of a practical joker."

"I figured, as much." Kyle grinned. "John said Dariena's family is a bit conservative when it comes to relationships."

Grey nodded. "I met them once. Nice family. They just wouldn't want her to jeopardize her career. She's a rarity to the SDF for her kind."

"Oh?"

"She's a Truphan, a difference race of Trephi. You've probably noticed she looks a little different from the others."

"Yes, but I really didn't think much of it."

"There are very few Truphan SDF, much less any that have achieved as high a rank as Dariena has."

"Why? Do they have racial discriminatory problems like here on earth?"

"No. Not with the variety of different species they have contact with." Grey explained. "Most Truphans take more the scientific or commercial positions. The ones that do join the SDF, usually do so only to pick up a particular skill."

"Why that particular vocational trend among the Truphan?"

"I suppose it's mostly tradition. Trephi families are very close. Generally, there is little diversification in family careers."

"I can understand that. I came from a family of doctors, you can kind of say I was the black sheep of the family."

Grey laughed. "I hope you didn't get a bad impression of Dariena. She's normally very sweet."

Kyle smiled a little. "Grey, I know love can make people do crazy things."

Grey smiled, "That's true."

"How did you and Nicia meet? Was it on Synac?"

"No, she was away in training when I was last there. I met her the first time a few months ago, at a presidential speech."

Kyle raised an eyebrow.

"I recognized part of her uniform as I worked the crowds. Believe it or not, the first thing she did when she saw me was hit me in the throat."

"Grey, I thought I trained you better than that," Kyle said, in a joking manner.

Grey grinned. "She also shot me a few minutes later, with a stunner."

"Sounds like love at first fight." Kyle grins wildly. "I mean sight."

Grey groaned. "That was bad."

"Well you always said I should work on my sense of humor."

"Work harder," Grey teased.

Kyle grinned wider that Grey has ever seen in his life.

"Well, in the end, things worked out well between us." Grey said as he studied Kyle's good mood. "You seem pretty relaxed."

"Your friends have a refreshingly pleasant way about them."

"I'm glad you like them. Though you haven't met Nersal yet, have you?"

"Do I want to?"

"He's a little antisocial. Just ignore him if he seems standoffish."

"Grey, look at me, and think about what you just said."

Grey laughed. "Okay, forget that. Just take him with a grain of salt."

Kyle smiled. "Anything else of importance I should know?"

Grey shook his head. "Nope. If there's anything you want to know, just ask them. You'll get a straight answer."

"It's been a long time since anyone has told me that about someone, and I actually believed it."

"I know what you mean. It's unusual finding one person you can trust, let alone a group. But, as long as you are honest with them, they will be completely open to you in return."

There was a moment of silence between them. Kyle looked at Grey as he remembered something that Meran had said earlier.

"Grey," Kyle said as he leaned forward. "Why did Meran call you Emissary?"

"That's my title." Grey said, smiling slightly before clearing his throat. "Comes with the job. More coffee?" Grey said quickly, as if he could sneak his words past Kyle.

Kyle's face turned serious, "What do you mean your title? Is there something you haven't told me?"

"Well, essentially, I work for them. I hold rank within the SDF and will be dealing with ambassadors from earth's various governments." Grey smiled. "How did you think I could recommend you for this upcoming exchange program?"

"Well, I, must admit the thought never occurred to me." Kyle stopped and thought for a second. He leaned forward and gave Grey a piercing stare as he spoke. "Were you discharged because you took this position?"

"No. Sheral had said she considered offering me a position before I returned to Earth 4 years ago. But, she knew I wouldn't accept. After I was discharged, she made the offer again and I accepted."

"Why then were you discharged?"

"For not telling the whole story about what happened after Colombia. I guess I was damned either way."

"Oh Grey." Kyle buried his face in his hands. "If you had just told me, I would have been able to help." He raised his head to look at Grey. "Who made the decision to discharge you?"

"The NSA director, Chamers, seemed to have most of the influence on the decision. But, since I helped avoid a bad diplomatic situation with Geheran's capture and Sheral's imprisonment, they made it an honorable discharge and allowed me to keep some of my benefits." Grey smiled. "I know you would have tried to help. But do I look as though I have any regrets?"

"No. You look better than I've ever seen you in my life."

"Thanks. It wasn't an easy road, but the destination was worth the trip."

Kyle extended his hand with his coffee mug. "Well, I could use some more coffee. I had a rough night."

Grey took the mug and got Kyle a refill. "Oh? No one bothered you, did they?"

"No, I haven't slept well for a very long time."

Grey gave Kyle a concerned look. "Why?"

"Just the insomina I picked up while I was on active duty."

Nicia came downstairs and into the kitchen.

Grey smiled at Nicia as she walked up behind him and gave him a hug.

"Good morning," she said before giving him a kiss that lingered a little longer than a simple peck.

Nicia let go as she let out a pleased hum. As she walked toward the counter to pour herself a glass of orange juice from the carton Grey had left out, she paused behind Kyle. She leaned over his shoulder and gave him a quick lick on his cheek before continuing over to the counter.

Kyle gave her a baffled look. "What was that for?" He asked in an equally baffled tone.

Nicia smiled. "Grey said you are like family. So, I figured I should treat you as such."

Kyle looked from Nicia to Grey.

Grey grinned at Kyle's reaction. "So, Kyle, staying the rest of the weekend?"

Kyle shook his head. "I'm afraid not. I wasn't expecting all this and didn't think to cancel the self-defense classes I've been teaching."

"Too bad. Well, someone will always be here, so come up any time. You're always welcome."

"Really? Thanks, Grey."

Marx sat alone in a rundown motel room along a New York interstate. He occasionally checked through the dingy curtains to see if anyone had found him. His jaw muscles clenched as he thought about his situation. It didn't seem right; Sanborne—that alien sympathizer—a traitor to his people is treated like a hero, while a patriot like himself is a fugitive hiding out in a dump.

Everything he had worked for was gone, all his plans were ruined, except one. If he was going to be hunted down, he was going to take out Sanborne while he could and expose the alien menace. It wouldn't be long.

Grey stood with his hands on his hips as he watched the group of Trephi getting ready to leave. "Oh, I see how it is. John goes home, leaving you without a cook and you all desert me," he said faking an angry tone.

Nicia smiled. "Come with us, Grey."

"Yes, we've tasted your cooking, brother," Dariena teased, causing Nersal to snicker.

Grey stuck his tongue out at Dariena, which she countered similarly. "No, you guys go on. Sheral and I need to go over a few things with the plans for the embassy."

"Alright, we'll bring you two back something." Nicia offered.

Grey nodded and watched as they left. He headed down to the lake and remote activated the docking forcefield to allow him access beneath the surface of the water. He found Sheral sitting in the ship's common area looking over a pile of blueprints and papers.

"Having trouble with those, Mom?" Grey said with a grin.

Sheral looked up at her son. "Actually, yes," she smiled. "I'm not very familiar with your written language."

Grey sat beside Sheral and read over the documents with her, explaining anything she had trouble translating. They marked up the blueprints and amended the documents. Afterward, they had a finished set of plans for what would become the Trephi embassy.

Grey sat back and let out a sigh. "Well, that takes care of that."

Sheral nodded. "Thank you."

They should have been happier, but the moment was more bittersweet. Grey and Sheral both wished they did not have to form the embassy under the cover of a research facility. Grey believed the people had a right to know about the Trephi while Sheral disliked the idea of not being open and honest with Earth's people.

"I'm going to go up to the cabin and put on some tea. Would you like some?"

"Please," Sheral said with a wide toothy smile.

Grey exited the transport and headed up to the house. He walked up the steps to the deck and opened the kitchen door. He stepped through and into darkness.

Grey woke to find himself seated in a chair with his hands tied behind him. He remembered coming up the hill to the house and heading into the kitchen through the upper deck, but that was all. He blinked a few times and tried to focus as he looked around the room.

Marx sat hunched over with his elbows on his knees, his chin resting atop the barrel of the pistol clenched in his hands. "About time you woke up."

He looked around; his eyes focusing on Marx seated across the room. "I heard you had escaped. Didn't think you'd be stupid enough to come here," Grey said as he tested the strength of his bonds.

Marx smiled vengefully. "We have some matters to conclude."

Their eyes locked.

"Nice to see your maintaining your sense of fair play," Grey quipped as he nodded to his bonds. "Then again, you couldn't accomplish anything with a squad of men or even a tac-nuke. What difference will a little nylon make?"

Marx glared at Grey as a wicked smile spread across his face. "That was because I relied on others. This time you'll die by my hands." Marx laughed domineeringly. "But even if by some miracle in your favor I should fail here, I will still succeed in the end. I will be heard, and the truth will be made known. There's nothing you can do to prevent me from exposing the threat you and your alien friends represent."

Grey shook his head in disbelief of Marx's ignorance and spoke calmly. "You know nothing, Marx. There is an alien threat, but it's not from the Trephi. They came here in hopes of peace and friendship."

"Wishful thinking for the weak. Your Trephi are the threat to our existence. We will rid ourselves of them."

Grey's tone became more aggressive. "Do you ever stop to think about your actions? Do you know how much damage you could have done? They offered their hand in friendship and you slapped it away."

"You think I'm the villain?" Marx began laughing maniacally. "I'm a patriot, and I won't let you or anyone threaten our way of life."

Grey shook his head. "You're a fool, Alec. How did you plan to do that by torturing one of them? I'll bet you didn't even get anything useful. Did you?"

Marx glared at Grey.

"I didn't think so," Grey said as he attempted to loosen his hands behind him. "Trephi mentally dissociate themselves from their surroundings when captured, offering no compliance or cooperation with their captors. If only you had attempted a little kindness or display of intelligence, you might have a different opinion of them today."

Marx turned and began pacing back and forth. He walked over and backhanded Grey, the sight on the pistol leaving a gash on his temple. "I want to know how to take out their ships. How strong is their military?"

Grey shook off the pain and looked up at Marx. "We have nothing that could harm their ships," he said with a slight grin. "If they wanted to, they could overpower us with ease. If they wanted to completely destroy us, one single ship could do it and not leave any trace of the entire planet."

Sheral heard Grey talking as she entered through the basement door. She walked softly up the stairs, attempting to see whom Grey was talking with in such an agitated manner. As she neared the top of the steps, she could see Grey, sitting in a chair facing her and could hear someone pacing. She was about to walk in when Grey made eye contact with her and immediately tilted his head down and to the left. She stopped and held back for a moment.

Marx turned and began pacing in Sheral's direction.

"The signal," Grey said, drawing Marx's attention to him. "How did you know what frequency to listen to?"

Marx stopped and looked at Grey. "We had an anonymous tip that told us to monitor it."

Sheral's fur stood on end as she heard Marx's voice clearly. The memories of her capture filled her with a mixture of rage and fear.

"And you never attempted to locate this person?" Grey asked, watching Sheral out the corner of his eye. He couldn't tell if she was ready to explode or break down.

"We couldn't. But his information proved to be correct."

"There's still time for you to correct your mistakes."

"Bargaining for your life now, Sanborne?" Marx laughed. "The only mistake I'll be correcting is the one that let you survive the last time."

"No. I'm trying to save yours. You've been played, Alec. That signal was from a device planted on the Trephi ships by an another alien race. We can only guess their motives were to prevent our alliance with the Trephi. Your anonymous tip was most likely from them, telling you how to locate a Trephyn ship in hopes that you would cause an incident."

"I'll gladly cause as many incidents as necessary to protect this country from its enemies."

"Can't you see this alliance is important to humanity," Grey yelled in frustration. "You want to be a patriot? Then, be one! Just be sure you’re supporting the right side."

Sheral saw Marx raise his pistol at Grey, leaving her no choice but to take action. Rushing into the room and moving up behind Marx, she grabbed at the handgun as Marx's extended his arm. She drove her elbow into his neck and attempted to wrench the gun from his grip.

Grey struggled to free himself from his bonds as Sheral wrestled with Marx.

"You." Marx grunted as he recognized Sheral.

Sheral let out a deep growl that resounded throughout the room. "You will not harm him!"

Marx attempted to maintain control of his weapon as he twisted it towards Sheral. He fired, and Sheral yelped before growling even deeper.

The bullet grazed Sheral's shoulder, but she held on firmly. She had endured far worse from Marx than he could inflict now.

Grey felt the cords loosening; he twisted and pulled at them. He rocked the chair forward enough to rise up on his feet. He slammed himself backwards, the back legs striking the floor and splintering as his full weight came down on them.

Sheral forced the pistol toward Marx's head. She could see the hate in Marx's eyes, and something told her it would never stop. Her family would never be safe from this deluded man. He left her with one choice, one she hoped to never make. "I'm sorry," she said as her finger pressed his to the trigger.

A hole appeared in the paneling, followed by a spray of blood and tissue. Sheral released her grip, letting Marx's lifeless body fall to the floor.

Grey untangled himself and hurried to her side. "Sheral," Grey said gently at the sight of her staring silently in shock. His heart sank, not for Marx, but for the innocence Sheral had sacrificed.

"Please forgive me," she softly begged from Marx's corpse.

Grey touched his hand to her shoulder. Sheral looked at him with teary eyes as she leaned into Grey and hugged him tightly. His arms went around her in response as he gently stroked the fur along the nape of her neck. "You're okay."

"It is finished," Sheral sobbed softly. "He can do nothing further to hurt our family."

"I know," Grey said, comforting Sheral as she began crying openly. "I know."

Grey cuddled up to Nicia in front of the fireplace. He smiled as he looked down at his mate sleeping peacefully in his arms. He rested his cheek against her soft fur as he stared into the flames.

Everyone was gone for the week leaving the cabin feeling very empty. Meran had taken Sheral back to Synac to spend some time with Geheran. Much to John's disappointment, Dariena was resuming her duties back on the Sal-Neth; he didn't have any free time anyway, resigning from the secret service to pursue his consulting business full-time. Nersal was busy overseeing some of the construction of the embassy and would be staying on-site for a few days.

Grey was overjoyed to have time alone with Nicia. It had seemed since they returned to Earth that there was always something interrupting their lives. Thankfully, there hadn't been anything serious since Marx's death almost four months ago.

Grey was surprised how well things had gone; it had become an unpleasant memory. Officially, he had taken responsibility for shooting Marx in self-defense. Unofficially, President Oakley and a few others knew it was actually Sheral who had killed Marx defending Grey, but they had all agreed with Grey that it would look better for the records if his name was used instead.

Sheral seemed to be living with the memory well enough. She still questioned her actions, wondering if she had acted to quickly or if Marx could have been reasoned with. Every time she looked at the face of another human, other than his own, Grey could tell she was remembering Marx.

Grey looked again at Nicia's peaceful expression. Now it was just a few days before Christmas. The others had promised to return to help him celebrate the holiday. His time alone with her would be gone again, but he didn't mind. He loved the others almost as much as her.

As his eyes grew heavy and his thoughts began wandering, an idle thought passed through his reflections on the incident. He wondered what Marx had been gloating about—succeeding in the end.