Zhandia let out a sigh of relief to be in the confines of her home. The day had been stressful to say the least. How humans could tolerate sitting still for hours on end and listen to the most boring things imaginable. It was a form of torture. Zhandia had to admit that she loved learning, but the teachers made that a chore here on Earth. Where was the enthusiasm, the passion? They were like zombies or robots.
"Hard day, Highness?" Tarik walked into the kitchen, sitting down on a barstool to take in his Queen as she divested herself of her bag. He almost chuckled as she threw him a pointed look.
"That does not even describe the half of it, Tarik. On a good note, I have managed to get a visual of the King. He has blended in well here on Earth… But from what I have picked up emotionally, it has been a rough time. I wonder if we have come a bit late? They may not be a trusting lot."
"That is a risk we had to take, Zhandia. But remember our time here is limited. We will do whatever it takes to get them to help us."
"You are right as always, but I am afraid any form of a threat will be met with resistance and even hostility. We need them as our allies, not our enemy. You know as well as I, that without them, we will perish." Zhandia sighed, joining Tarik by the counter. She slumped on the stool, all of the demands making her weary.
"You will think of something, Your Highness. I have trust in your peace-making abilities."
"I am glad one of us does, because I doubt myself more and more these days." With that, Zhandia pushed herself from the stool and walked from the kitchen, leaving a thoughtful Tarik watching her retreat. She needed help, and Tarik was willing to help ease some of the burden. He would have to move things along.
"Today is our Introductory Speeches. I know most of you grew up with each other since birth, but it is required and I think it will help Alezhandia out in feeling more at ease. Who would like to be first?"
"I shall go, Mr. Clements."
"Thank you, Alezhandia… I know it must be hard to volunteer to be first. You're brave, unlike the rest of you." The teacher looked around the room at the teens shifting in their seats. "You may proceed whenever you are ready."
"Thank you. My name is Alezhandia Y'Lar… Most of my people call me, Zhandia. I come from a place far from here called, X'nthar. It has many names in your language, one more prominent… 'A Star of Hope.' Which brings me to why I am here. Much has been going on where I am from, a lot of fighting. I come here with the hope of experiencing what it is like to be free. To remember the peaceful times, when we were all friends and family. I come here with the hope that someday; my home will once be free… That is what X'nthar means to me. 'A Star of Hope.'"
Maria blinked back tears as Zhandia thanked the group once more and sat down in her seat. Her speech was beautiful and so passionate. She could almost feel the hope and despair that Zhandia must be feeling. Maria looked over to where Max was staring at the new girl, his expression unreadable. She wondered what he thought of the speech. Did he still suspect her of being evil? After all, she was hoping for the same thing he was. To bring peace to their homes – be it planets or other countries.
"Who will be next?"
Maria raised her hand, standing up as the teacher called her name. "My name is Maria DeLuca, and I'm from Roswell. I've lived here my entire life… I have to say, after listening to Zhandia's speech… I'm entirely grateful to live in a world where I am free. Where I have a say in what I do, where I go, and how I live. I can't imagine a world where that wasn't the case. I can only say this… I hope that you are able to get the peace you long for." Maria flashed Zhandia a welcoming smile then sat down. Zhandia returned the smile, wondering if she had found an ally in this Maria girl.
The rest of the class was spent in listening to speeches, most of them boring and forced, others humorous or sweet. Everyone heaved a sigh of relief as the bell rang, as they quickly gathered their books and ran from the room. Maria stayed behind waiting to approach Zhandia and ask her a few things, blinking in surprise as she saw Max do the same thing. She walked over to Max and rested a hand on his arm to get his attention.
"So what do you think? Do you still call her an enemy?" Maria asked in hushed tones so as not to be overheard by anyone around them.
"I'm not sure what to think and I'm not going to rule anything out. I still want to get more information before I can fully judge…"
"I can see a point of being cautious, but Max… Must you always think the worst of everyone you meet?"
"If it means survival, then yes." With that, Max shrugged out of her grasp and left the room. Maria shook her head at his departure, wondering how she was going to get him and the rest of the pod squad to loosen up.
"Fight with your boyfriend?"
Maria laughed, turning to look over at Zhandia with amusement. "Hardly my boyfriend. A little too serious for my tastes. He's dating Liz Parker, his perfect match. They're soulmates. Unfortunately, mine is Michael… Who I must say isn't as romantic as Max is. But he has his moments." Maria stopped her rambling as she saw Zhandia flinch. "Is something wrong?"
"Oh… No, just a little headache is all. I get them now and then."
"Do you want to lie down? I can take you to the nurse's office."
"Thank you, but no. I shall be fine. It is probably just hunger and nerves." Zhandia forced a soft chuckle, shaking her head.
"I noticed you have the same lunch as I do… Do you want to sit with me at my table?"
"I… I don't think it would be a good idea. What about your friends?"
"They won't mind." At least, I don't think they will, Maria thought to herself. She'll just have to deal with that when it comes. Besides, she wanted them to get to know Zhandia and know that she wasn't such a bad person after all.
"Thank you, I would be happy to, then."