"I'm afraid so," said Ja'Tal. "The rest of what I told you was true. I am on vacation. Being Prime Regent of nearly twenty-seven billion people can be quite taxing. I need to get away from time to time and I enjoy visiting unusual, out of the way places."
"That might explain why I can't sense him," said Leo.
"So those tracker things," said Prue, "they aren't demons? And they aren't trying to hurt him?"
"Heavens no," said Parkus. "They are the personal body guard of the royal family of Sherron. Their only task was to return His Highness to Sherron where he can be adequately protected. Something that is much too difficult in such a primitive society as this one."
"Primitive?" questioned Piper, a hint of anger in her voice.
"Oh, I meant no disrespect or insult," said Parkus. "But when compared to Sherron, Earth is much more primitive. Just as there are countries much more primitive than the United States. We were where you are at technologically about fifteen hundred years ago. Compared to Sherron, Earth is practically in the dark ages."
"So these trackers?" questioned Prue. "I didn't hurt any of them, did I? I mean, we thought they were demons and we were protecting Ja'Tal. If I had known they were bodyguards..."
"You can't hurt them," said Parkus. "They aren't alive. They are something that you might call robots, only much more sophisticated. I'm afraid you did damage several of them but they can be repaired."
"I'm sorry about all this," said Ja'Tal. "I honestly did not mean to cause you any distress. I was just looking for a little rest and relaxation."
"Something that any number of proper worlds can afford, Your Highness," said Parkus. "Worlds where your safety can be assured. That's why I tried to dissuade you from coming here. This world has barely reached its nearest celestial body. Most aren't even sure if there are other life forms in the galaxy. If they had discovered who you really were, the results could have been disastrous."
"I'm sorry, Parkus," said Ja'Tal. "But I must say it's been quite an adventure. And as for bodyguards, I couldn't ask for three more competent ones than these three. Not to mention they are much better to look at than those Trackers."
"Thank you," said Phoebe, smiling at him.
"He is promised to another," interjected Parkus. "Someone who is better suited for him, I might add. I'm afraid that any sort of personal relationship wouldn't be possible between His Highness and a human woman."
"Why not?" Phoebe asked. "He looks perfectly fine to me."
"I'm afraid Parkus is right," said Ja'Tal. "You see my true form is much less appealing than this one. I only assumed it to blend in better with the populace here. When I return to Sherron, I'll have to assume my true form again. And the two are not exactly compatible."
"Your true form?" questioned Prue.
"Yes," said Parkus. "It is necessary for us to assume human form in order to survive in your atmosphere. I'm afraid our true forms are much less... aesthetically appealing, as His Highness has said."
"Oh," said Phoebe, somewhat disappointed. "But that doesn't mean we can't be friends. And the next time you visit, we'll know what to expect. And we won't try to vanquish your bodyguards."
"We'll see about another visit," said Parkus. "Now, Your Highness, it's time we were going. The Council is meeting in three days and we have just enough time to return home if we leave now. And you are aware that your attendance is required at the Council meeting."
"Three days?" questioned Piper. "You can travel from here to Sherron in three days?"
"I did say we were technically far superior to Earth," said Parkus.
"He's right," said Ja'Tal. "I have to be there when the Council convenes. One of the duties of being Prime Regent. But I will come back for a visit. I never did get a chance to try that Chinese food Phoebe talked about. It sounds intriguing."
"Come, Your Highness," said Parkus. "We really must be going."
"Thanks for everything," said Ja'Tal, moving over to stand next to Parkus. "I hope I wasn't too much trouble for you."
Before anyone could answer, the two men and the Trackers simply vanished from the living room.