-Renee Markowicz


Hello again, everyone!  Here's the next (hopefully long awaited) part to
_Generals' Hour_.  I introduced the next bunch of main characters in this
part and I hope that no one wants to kill me afterward.  :)  As usual,
none of these characters are mine, well, except for Maggy the Terrible
Tyrant of the Kitchen, that is... :)  All standard disclaimers apply.
Anything else that I feel needs explaining can be found in the Author's
Notes.  Hope you enjoy!  

BTW, I'd also like to thank everyone who's been providing comments on GH,
you've been very helpful.  Hopefully, the e-mails will keep rolling in! 
I'd especially like to thank Sherri-Lee Thornton, without whom this poor
story probably never would have found a title.  :)  Thanks for getting me
thinking!  And now without further ado, I present...

Generals' Hour
Part 1 - No Time For Love

The sun gracefully emerged from behind the great body of the Earth - lunar 
sunrises were always spectacular.  This one shone with muted greens and blues
from the surface of the Moon's sister celestial body.  Sadly enough, only two
people on the Silver Palace's grounds noticed this breath-taking sight.  They
stood just at the edge of the Glacial Forest.  The Moon did not have trees, 
per se, so these carved moonstones were the closest that most Lunars ever got
to the real thing.  Still, it was a wonder when the Lunar sunrise touched 
these great stone monoliths, causing them - if but for a moment - to seem 
alive.  The man and woman - one human and the other Lunar - had been waiting
nearly three hours to see this particular sunrise.  When the sun finally rose
into the sky above the Moon, the young man gave a deep sigh.

The woman smiled and then queried, "You liked it?"

Her lover tried to respond, but words failed him.  He merely pulled her 
closer to him as the tears glistened in his eyes.

The Lunar lady settled back into his embrace and closed her eyes.  There were
too few good moments for them these days.  They seemed to grow fewer and 
fewer as time wore on.  *It isn't fair,* she thought, *We _love_ each other!
We were meant to be!  Why does it have to be so hard to do something so 
right?  Why are there so many forces trying to pull us apart?*  If there was
an answer, it would not be forthcoming.  She knew from long meditational 
arguments with her Planet God that the times ahead would only get harder, and
if she and her love managed to stay together _at all_, it would be a serious 
accomplishment.  That was why this sunrise was so important to them.  It 
marked the passing of the second year that they had spent together, an 
anniversary so important because it might be their last.  She had wanted to 
give him something special, something to keep with him and treasure through 
the coming darkness, something that would always remind him of her.  After 
weeks of searching, she had found her gift.  This Lunar sunrise, which coated
the icy whiteness with the lush green that they both knew from their 
homeworlds, would stay with her love forever - even if she could not.

After a forever moment - the sort when time seems to hold its breath - he 
spoke.  His voice rough with barely suppressed emotion, he managed, "Thank 
you.  I can't think of anything better to say.  I never expected..." he 
trailed off.  After a breath, he pulled back from her and held her at arm's 
length.  "I don't think that I would have survived here, if not for you."  
She moved to interrupt, but he shook his head, "No.  Let me finish.  For 
once," his smile softened the words.  "You have been the only warmth for me, 
amid all this icy cold.  Humans don't usually do well outside the greenery we
call home.  You showed me that there are other ways to see beauty.  I would 
like to give you your gift, now.  This gift, well, it has a special 
significance on my world.  I would like you to accept it in that spirit, but 
if you don't think you can, that's well enough."  With those words he
pulled a small velvet box out of his uniform pocket and handed it to her.  
"Open it."

The young woman looked extremely puzzled, wondering what wondrous object 
could be hidden in such a small package.  She opened the lid and was almost 
disappointed at what she saw inside.  A small golden band sat nestled in yet 
more folds of velvet.  A small but perfect diamond sat nestled in an emerald 
green casing at the top of the band.  She pulled out the ring and looked at 
it quizzically.  She looked back at her lover only to find him on one knee at
her feet.  Her puzzlement deepened as he took her left hand in his and took 
the ring from her with the other hand.  When he spoke it was nearly a whisper.
"On my world, when a man loves a woman enough to want to spend his life with 
only her, he offers her a ring."  He held up the one in his hand.  "I have 
wanted to give you this for nearly a year, although I did not know if you 
could accept it."  He looked up at her for the first time since he had knelt 
on the ground.  What he saw made him grin.  Her eyes shone as brightly as the
sun behind her with sudden understanding.  "I think that maybe I needn't have
worried," then he gathered up all of his courage for the next sentence, 
"Lita, will you marry me?"

One part of her mind screamed at her not to give in to this temptation, *You 
have no right!* it said.  *You are a Sailor Scout, sworn to protect the 
Princess at all costs!  You can't afford an entanglement like this!  What if 
you have to fight him someday?  Remember your duty!*  Usually, Lita listened 
when this voice spoke, and was an excellent Scout as a result.  Today, for 
the first time in her 32 years of life, Lita told the little voice to go to 
Hell in a handbasket.  She turned back to her lover and held out her finger 
to accept the ring.  She said simply, "Yes."

His eyes triggered alarm for a moment, as if he wasn't quite sure what she 
was saying "Yes" to.  "Yes, what?" he whispered.

Lita took his head in her hands and pulled him up so he was face to face with
her.  She then kissed him fiercely.  When they pulled back for air, she said
seductively, "Yes, General Nephlyte of Earth, I will marry you!"

He laughed for sheer joy, and then swung her up into his arms and kissed her 
even more deeply than before.  His eyes showed such radiance that she could 
hardly imagine what he had expected she would say.  She couldn't help it, she
giggled, "Nephlyte!  Put me down, this instant!  This isn't exactly the most 
dignified way to get around, even if you are my betrothed!"  Her pretended 
indignation didn't get her very far this time.  He swirled her around and 
said, "Betrothed.  That sounds so wonderful," he smiled, "And who's worried 
about dignity, anyway?"

A soft harumph from behind them pulled them up short.  Nephlyte abruptly put 
Lita down and they both turned to face the one who had intruded on their 
moment of joy.  Lita had a sharp retort ready on the tip of her tongue, but 
she let it die in her throat the moment she saw who it was.

General Malachite gave them a slightly apologetic half smile and said, "I 
certainly hope I'm not interrupting anything?"

Nephlyte went red to the ears at the implication behind that question.  
"N-no, sir," he stuttered.  Malachite raised an eyebrow.  "Sir?  Since when 
have I been 'Sir' to you, Nephlyte?  For goodness sake, we grew up together!
Your mother practically raised me!"  

Nephlyte seemed a bit taken aback by the sudden anger in his old friend's 
voice.  He took a better look at his friend and superior.  He didn't like 
what he saw.  Malachite was terribly pale, even for a human living on the 
surface of the Moon.  In fact, he looked almost sick.  Nephlyte glanced down 
and saw that Malachite's hands were shaking.  His eyes went wide with worry, 
*Not now, not now!  Please Mother Earth, not now!  We were so happy!* he 
pleaded.  Out loud he said, "Malachite, is something wrong?  You look 
absolutely terrible."

No longer able to hide his mood, Malachite shuddered a bit before he got 
himself back under control, "It's nothing," he mumbled, "Nothing."

Lita finally decided to add to the conversation, "Like bloody Hell it's 
nothing!  You're shaking all over, and even for a Lunar that skin tone would 
be unhealthy!  What did you do?  Have a vision of Armageddon?"

Nephlyte winced.  *I have got to try to teach her about the finer points of 
tact.  This is ridiculous.*  He opened his mouth to apologize, but Malachite 
shook his head, "She's right.  I didn't realize that I actually look as bad 
as I feel, or I'd have done something about it," his shoulders slumped, "I 
had a really rough night."  He lifted his head and said meekly, "Do you mind 
if we go sit down somewhere?"

"Not at all," Nephlyte answered.  He wrapped an arm around Malachite's 
shoulders, he looked like he needed the support.  Lita wrapped her arm 
around him from the other side.  It was easy to tell that he was still 
shaking from that proximity.  She said, "Easy.  It's not that far.  There's 
a little thicket just inside the Forest.  We can talk freely there."  He 
nodded and let them guide his steps.  Their eyes met over his head and they 
both realized that the other was scared as well.  Malachite was the most 
stable individual in the Queen's employ.  Prince Darien might lead the Army, 
but Malachite is the glue that holds it together.  If he cracked, they were 
all in big trouble.

They reached the thicket and sat down on the picnic blanket that Lita had 
brought with their breakfast all those hours ago.  It seemed like forever, 
now.  She realized that Nephlyte had spoken.  Her eyes narrowed when she 
realized that she had missed what he said.  Malachite saw her plight and 
managed a ghost of a smile, "He'd like to know if I'd like to tell you about 
it."  She nodded, "Do you?"

Malachite stared at the ground for a moment and finally answered, "Not 
really.  But, I can't see as I have a choice.  You really should know,"  he 
took a deep breath and launched into a  summary of the events of the previous
night.  When he finished, he looked up and saw Lita frowning.  He said, 
"Jupiter.  I understand what you're feeling.  I didn't want to believe it 
myself, at first.  But I just _know_ that she's been planning something!  
Serenity is not the pampered little princess that everyone wants us to 
believe that she is!  She's _dangerous_, damn it!"  He calmed down a bit, 
then started again, "You can see it in her eyes when she looks at you, as if 
she's calculating what you're worth by what she could get for selling your 
body parts on the black market.  She's been even worse lately.  It's as if 
whatever she's been planning all these years is finally coming to fruition.  
I'm afraid that she'll try to harm the Queen tonight!"

Lita would have none of _that_.  She couldn't contain the Sailor Scout inside
of her, who blurted,  "Are you nuts?  The Queen is her _mother_, Malachite! 
She wouldn't hurt her own mother!  I don't care what kind of a monster you 
think that Serena is!  I am a Sailor Scout and sworn to protect her, and in 
the name of Jupiter, if you harm her in any way I will see you dead!"  She 
had risen to her feet and was shouting by then.  She was seething in anger at
the slight to her beloved Princess.  Malachite and Nephlyte rose to their 
feet as well.  Nephlyte's eyes held only pain and anguish.  *I don't care!  
He deserves it!  I knew it.  They're horrible, all humans are scum if you 
give them a chance to show it.  I should have listened to my conscience.  It 
knew all along.*  She bolted out of the thicket to try to work off some of 
her anger.  After she ran a ways, she grabbed the ring off of her finger and 
threw it on the ground.  *Who needs him, anyway?*  She didn't even notice the
tears streaming down her face, or the grim smile on the face of the woman 
hiding in the stone tree above her.  The woman gave a low laugh, *I thought
that might happen.  Maybe I should thank General Malachite, later... the
timing of that treasonous remark was impeccable.* She suddenly spun around
when she heard a gasp from the ground below her.  Jupiter was gone, but a
handsome young man stood beneath the tree.  He said, "Serena, what have
you done?!?"  She said haughtily, "Only what needed to be done to ensure
her loyalty."  With that she hopped to another tree and disappeared.

The young man picked up the forgotten ring from the ground where it had 
fallen.  His blond hair fell roguishly into his eyes.  He recognized the ring
that Nephlyte had wanted to give to Lita, and shook his head.  *Haven't they
suffered enough?  They didn't need this on top of their other problems.  It 
isn't fair.*  He looked up and saw Malachite and Nephlyte running up to him.
He straightened the uniform jacket that was his right as one of the Generals,
and unconsciously stood at almost attention.  He was the youngest of the 
army's Generals, closer in age to Darien and Serena than the two senior 
officers, Malachite and Nephlyte.  He had only earned his commission that 
very year.  He knew of the easy friendship between the older two generals and
wished that he could be a part of it, but realized that that probably wasn't 
possible.  The two had practically been raised as brothers, there would be no 
room for him in that relationship.  The young General settled for keeping a 
watchful eye on them and helping them when he could.  He had thought that he 
had ensured privacy for Nephlyte and Lita this morning, but Princess Serenity
was hard to outguess.  He should have been more careful, he berated himself.

Finally, Malachite and Nephlyte reached him.  Nephlyte looked surprised to 
see him, but Malachite took it in stride and said simply, "Jadeite, did you 
see anything?  Where did she go?"

Jadeite shook his head and said, "You won't find her, sirs.  She took off 
like the Devil herself was on her tail," *And her name is Serena* "I don't 
know exactly what happened, but I saw Princess Serenity hiding in this tree, 
just after Sailor Jupiter ran off.  I think that whatever got to Jupiter was 
her doing."

Malachite nodded, "I wouldn't put it past her.  She was probably trying to 
test Jupiter's loyalty," he turned to Nephlyte, "I'm sorry, Nephlyte.  I hope 
she comes back to you."  Nephlyte nodded and held out his hand to Jadeite.  
"I saw you pick it up, Jadeite.  If she's that certain that she doesn't want 
me, I at least want the ring back as a memory."  There was a closed quality 
to him now.  Jadeite moaned inside, *He's so sensitive.  He bared his _soul_ 
to her this morning, and she trampled all over him.  I hope he can recover 
from this.*  He reluctantly handed the diamond ring to Nephlyte.

Malachite's eyes went wide when he recognized the ring for what it was.  
"She didn't!..."  Nephlyte cut him off, "She _did_, and that's that.  I 
should have known better.  Her duty is more important to her than anything 
else.  I should have known that compared to that I'd come in a poor second.  
I shouldn't have bothered."  He turned to leave and said, "Please don't 
follow me.  I need some time to be alone, right now."  Behind that calm was 
sheer agony, and Malachite knew that, but he also knew that Nephlyte wouldn't 
thank him for intruding on his private grief.  He nodded, but Nephlyte had 
already left.  He turned to Jadeite, "I never even knew..."  Jadeite said, 
"I don't think anyone did.  What no one sees, though, is that this thing 
between them, it isn't just love.  It's a Lifebond.  That's why they're so 
miserable, they won't be happy unless they can be together, and thanks to the 
Princess that may be impossible, now."

Malachite shook his head, "Lifebonded.  Great Mother Goddess, no wonder.  Do 
they know?"  When Jadeite shook his head Malachite said, "Good.  Whatever 
happens, don't tell them.  That would be the straw that broke the camel's 
back, as it were.  I can't believe I didn't see the signs!"

"You had a lot on your mind, sir, I'm sure," Jadeite answered.

Malachite grimaced, "Not that much.  Hell, it's too late to do anything about 
it now.  I just hope that I can handle the damage control this time."  With 
that, he turned and headed back to the palace.

Jadeite stood in stunned silence, *That's right.  Heartbreak or not, he still 
has to plan the protection for the one who caused it all.  Damn it!  There's 
so much hypocrisy in this kingdom it makes me sick, sometimes.*  For the 
first time in his career on the Moon, Jadeite wished with all his heart that 
he could go home, but trouble was brewing there, too.  The Prince was to 
marry Serena in a year, and Goddess help them all when that dread event takes 
place.  There seemed to be no escaping the woman.  He shook his head to clear 
it and then followed Malachite back to the palace.

		*		*		*		

When the sun finally assumed its place in the morning sky, the palace was
in a flurry of activity.  Servants bustled about getting food on the
table, all the time worrying about that night's ceremony.  So much to do -
prepare the food, wash the tablecloths, shine the Royal Silver, scrub the
Great Banquet Hall and the Ball Room, clean the tapestries... the list
went on and on and the servants were frantic.  Those in charge were not
much better.  One young maid was sent to the General's office with food
for him - Malachite had a tendency to forget that he needed food when he
was working hard.  The servants had developed a certain liking and
protective feeling for the still young General.  He always treated them
with respect and honor - more befitting a Lady than a kitchen maid.

The girl knocked on the door to his office and waited patiently.  She
heard a faint, "Come in," and opened the door.  "Sir, I've brought ye some
breakfast, sir.  Ye didn't call te request anething, and we was worried ye
might be gettin' a might 'ungry, sir..."

The General smiled at her as he took the tray, "Maggy always thinks of
everything, doesn't she..."  He inclined his head in inquiry.

The young girl blushed for a moment, "Sorry, sir, my name's Molly, sir,"
she stammered.  After lowering her eyes for a moment she raised her head
and smiled back, "Ye know how Maggy is, sir, thinks 'o' you as 'er own
son, she does.  She gets te worryin' over ye when ye don' eat.  Ye scare
'er somethin' awful when ye do that, sir."

Malachite laughed, "Well, Molly, when you get back downstairs give Maggy
my most heartfelt apologies for causing her grief.  I'll try to do better
in the future."

Molly laughed with him, "Oh I'll do that, sir, I will.  She'll be so glad
te hear it, she will."  A quick glance at the wall clock informed Molly
that she'd been gone _far_ too long.  She gasped, "Oh no!  Look at the
time!  I've got te be gettin' back downstairs!  Maggy'll skin me if I'm
not there te help with preparin' the food and all!"  She made a dash for
the door, but Malachite's hand on her arm stopped her.  He said, "I'll
come downstairs with you.  There's something I need to see to in the
kitchen anyway," he gave her a fierce grin, "And _I'm_ not afraid of
'Maggy the Tyrant'!  Come fair maid, allow this unworthy, young knight the
pleasure of defending her from the wiles and tempers of the Evil
Headwoman!"

Molly giggled as Malachite bowed to her.  "Of course ye may, sir knight!
It'd be a real honor te accept such a generous offer!"  She placed her
hand on his arm and he led her outside, the tray forgotten on his desk.

As they walked back to the kitchen Malachite thought, *At least some of us
are happy.  Jupiter will never forgive me for this morning and I don't
think I'll ever forgive _myself_ for inadvertantly causing a fight between
her and Nephlyte.*  He sighed and looked down at the happy young girl on
his arm.  *She can't be more than 16, but she's so beautiful...*  Her hair
was cropped short - just above her shoulders - but it perfectly framed
her heart shaped face.  It was a rich mahogony brown that seemed to glow
with the vivacity that embued her being.  *I might find myself liking her
if she weren't less than half my age...*  Molly looked up at him and
couldn't help noticing how sad he looked.  *Maggy'll cheer 'im up!  I
hope.*

When they reached the kitchen they both heard the sounds of shouting
coming from within.  They ducked back behind the door and smirked at each
other like schoolchildren.  Malachite whispered, "Seems to be in a bit of
a snit, doesn't she?"  Molly whispered back, "This?  This ain't nothin',
sir!  Ye shoulda seen 'er when they 'eld the ball for the Earth
ambassador's first visit.  She was a ravin' lunatic, she was!"  Malachite
shivered, "I'll bet."

"So, brave knight, ye ain't feelin' so brave now, are ye?" Molly wheedled.
Malachite stood up straight and said, "Never fear, fair lady!  I shall
brave the *gulp* wrath of the dread Maggy!  Stay close, lest she call her
minions to bear on us!  Charge!"

The sight of Malachite striding boldly into the kitchen as if Queen Beryl
herself were there, caused all activity to suddenly cease.  But not for
long.  Spotting Molly behind Malachite's back, Maggy straightened in mock
fury, "Where have you been, young lady?  Hmmm?  I've been waiting forever
for you to get back.  We're short-handed as it is, and you..."

Molly gulped and looked up at her "knight" for assistance.  Malachite
raised a finger and tried to interrupt Maggy's rant, "If I may interject a
comment - "  Maggy ran right over him, "...needed you to turn the spits,
and know we're behind schedule, and..."  Malachite tried again, "_Excuse_
me, Maggy, but - "  This time Maggy turned her full attention on him, "And
_you_!  What did you think you were doing?  We all know you've been
staying at the palace this week and we didn't get _one_ request for a meal
from you, not one!  What are living on sunlight and air?  You're a growing
boy!  Need good food in your stomach!  You can't go about scaring a poor
old woman to death because she thinks you're starving yourself..."

Malachite's eyes went wide as his face got a few shades paler.  He turned
to Molly and mouthed, "What'd _I_ do?"  She mouthed back, "If ye listen, I
think she's tryin' te tell ye just that, sir."  Maggy grabbed his chin and
dragged his head around so he was forced to look her in the eye, "...and
you _will_ pay attention when I'm speaking to you!  Everything I say is
for a reason, and you don't even listen!  And - "  She stopped short. 
"_What's_ - _so_ - _funny_?" Maggy had suddenly become aware of the fact
that everyone in the kitchen was suppressing giggles (or trying to, at
least).  "Well?" she demanded.  Someone pointed at the door.

She turned and saw General Jadeite bent double in an effort to control his
mirth.  Maggy let go of Malachite with a harshly muttered, "At least _I_
have better control over my subordinates.  Hmph!"  Malachite gave her a
brief hug and a peck on the cheek, "And that's why _you_ run the Palace
and _I_ only have responsibility for the eency, teency, little Army."
Maggy gave him a shove and said, "Oh go on with you!  Go ahead, shoo!  We
have work to do!"  As he left the kitchen he heard her mutter, "And I'll
bet he _still_ hasn't eaten!" before turning back to terrorizing the
kitchen staff.  The door slammed shut.

Jadeite finally got himself under control and wiped the tears from his
eyes.  "Do I even want to know?"

Malachite thought for a moment and then said, "No, you most definately do
not," then after a moment, "Do you think Maggy would be interested in
working for the Army as an Interrogator?"

Jadeite stared at him in disbelief and then doubled over, again, with
laughter.  Malachite shrugged, "I guess not..."  Neither of them noticed
the dark shadow slip past them down the hall.  Fortunately, that suited a
depressed Sailor Jupiter just fine.

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