Zero Hour

Relena Peacecraft, the nineteen-year-old Vice Foreign Minister of Earth, sighed as she exited her last conference of the day. There were just far too many aging, moth ball choking old men who seemed overly fond of debating a subject to death. But four years ago she'd taken on this role, and knew very well that billions of people's livelihoods depended on depended on these peace conferences.

Still...on quiet days, when all those billions of people seemed so far away, she liked to take a chance to breathe. Sometimes she'd sit outside and gaze at the ocean for hours. It comforted her. Deep, mysterious, strong...almost like-

"Relena!" A tall, dark haired and very pregnant Italian woman strode up to her, smiling.

"Noin!" She exclaimed, chuckling. "I though you were in the hospital today!"

"Oh, I was." Noin answered. "But it was only a short checkup. You know, doctors just monitoring the baby." She grinned, positively radiating the peculiar glow that had followed her ever since her marriage to Relena's older brother, Milliardo Peacecraft.

Relena helped Noin and all of her seven and a half months of stomach into her car before trotting to the opposite side to drive. She smiled. "And I trust everything is fine?"

"Couldn't be better!" She beamed. "Your brother though, is becoming a bit annoying. Every time a frown the wrong way he's ready to call in his army of doctors." She shook her head and laughed, making her shining black bangs flop over her nose. Relena laughed fondly as well, but Noin couldn't help noticing the way her sister-in-law's eyes were hooded...and the dark circles, though painstakingly concealed with makeup, that appeared under her eyes. Formerly the Queen of Earth, she had become a human symbol of galactic peace during her short reign, and though the power she now wielded was much less, she remained in the public eye as a constant reminder of comfort and peace. Of course Relena was surrounded by support and love from her friends and family...but there was still something missing.

Relena pulled the car into the driveway of the huge manor house she and her family resided in, and was taken aback when she saw her brother standing in the doorway, a smile painted over his lips. The tall general had promised he would finish his work early, but neither woman suspected that he would beat them home! She straightened when he saw them coming, and moved to meet the car. Four years had been nothing but kind to Milliardo. He was still the muscular, handsome man he'd grown into early, and still sported the trademark long, blonde hair.

Relena jumped from the car and ran to him, arms outstretched, and he caught her up in a huge bear hug, tousling her hair at the same time. It took Noin a bit longer though, as her current state didn't exactly allow for bounding. Instead, she waddled quickly over to Milliardo, who placed a hand tenderly on her belly, and looked at her with such love, she though she might get lost in his eyes. He was the only one who she'd ever known that could make such icy eyes so very warm...

"How is he?" He asked.

"Fine, very healthy." She murmured happily. He beamed, captured her hand in his own, and put an arm around the shoulders of his patient sister, who'd been smiling oddly during the exchange. Her shoulders were much bonier than he remembered. In fact, Milliardo made a mental note to question her about her weight later...for both he and his wife had noticed that her clothes were getting looser and looser on her already light frame. For the moment though, he had an announcement.

"Well!" He began. "I'm pleased to tell you both that I've had the kitchens prepare something special tonight." He stated proudly.

"Oh?" Noin looked a bit surprised, but chuckled. Special was Milliardo's favorite word of late.

"Whatever it is," Relena said in a rather deadpan and dangerous voice. "I hope they made enough for you two...because I can't promise I won't eat it all!" She snickered.

"Not if I get there first!" Noin challenged immediately. Milliardo laughed. That was the way it had been between his wife and sister ever since Noin had begun looking after her four years ago. She and Relena were just as close as real sisters, and bickered and challenged each other just and often and fondly as if they'd known each other for their whole lives. He'd been pleased that the two got along so well.

The three walked into the house, the shouting and laughing resounding. No one noticed though...the shadowy figure clutching the octagonal box that slipped silently around the side of the house.


* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

More stuffed than she had been in a long time, Relena flopped onto her bed. Her brother had spent hours with the cook coordinating all of their favorite meals, and the night's dinner had been a happy one. Recently, quite a few of the servants had joined them at the table as they had become closer friends with their employers, and they added a pleasant hum of activity to the atmosphere. For awhile, she had been just Relena, a nineteen-year-old girl with a wonderful older mother, brother, and sister-in-law. There had been no stress or pressure. She smiles quietly to herself as she drifted off to sleep. Her mind was so filled wit already persistent dreams that she didn't notice the slight chemical scent on her pillow...