Warning: None of these characters belong to me. They belong to the great and powerful Naoko Takeuchi. all kneel before the great Noako Anyway, the only one that semi-belongs to me is Malachite, for I kidnapped him, and currently have him tied to my bed.

Mina gazed at him, anger blazing in her eyes. How could he stay so calm when she was so obviously upset? There was something about this man that just got under her skin.

"I wouldn't expect a woman to know where her place is when she is given too much freedom," the white haired General said as he turned to walk away from her.

"Don't you turn your back on me!" Mine demanded. "I am the chief protector of Queen Serenity and I have the power to do anything that ensure the safety of these grounds and the people on it!"

"Not when they're from Earth. The Earth Delegation is my responsibility and I WILL NOT let you interfere in my responsibilities." With that, Malachite turned and calmly walked out of the room.

"Aargh!" Mina said through clenched teeth as she punched her desk. "That man is so enfuriating!"

"Your Majesty, with all due respect, I don't have the time to set up security measures for a ball in one day."

"Mina, my friend," the Queen began. "I have faith in you, but I know this task is too much for you. So I am having General Malachite assist you on this occassion. I do apologizing for springing this on you so suddenly, but Endymion and I decided a ball would be the perfect opportunity for the delegates from all the planets to meet and get to know each other before the talks ahead."

Serenity and Minako looked up as General Malachite walked into the room. "Your Majesty?" he asked with a bow. "You summoned me?"

"General Malachite, the King and I are hosting a ball tomorrow night for the delegations from all the planets. I wish for you to assist Minako in seting up security for this event."

"Yes your Majesty," he said with another bow, not even glancing in Minako's direction.

The Queen turned back to Mina. "I suggest you two get working."

"Yes, your Majesty," Mina said as she bowed and then walked towards the door.

"Oh, by the way. I expect you both to be in attendance, as guests. And that means no uniforms."

"Yes your Majesty," they said in unison as they turned to leave. Malachite reached the door first and opened it for Mina.

"M'lady."

"Thank you," she said as she walked out. When she heard the door click shut behind her she turned to face Malachite. "So, how does it feel to be working with a woman?" she asked hotly.

Malachite's intense gaze bore into her. "What ever do you mean?"

"You know exactly what I mean."

"I do not think this bickering will do us any good. We have a job to do, so let's do it," he said, walking past her and down the hallway toward the ballroom.

Mina stomped her high-heeled foot in frustration before spinning on her heels and storming down the hall, away from the ballroom.

Malachite turned and watched the blonde-haired senshi until she was out of sight. There was something about her that he couldn't quite put his finger on.

"Mistress, we have secured the entrance for the delegates."

"Thank you. They shall start arriving soon. Inform me if anything happens."

"Yes, ma'am."

The young man left Mina alone in her room. It had been a lot easier when her and Malachite had finally decided he would take care of the ballroom while she would ensure their safety getting to the ball. That meant little contact between them, and THAT she defenitely liked.

Mina was jerked out of her thoughts when she heard a knock at her door. "Come in," she said, standing up from her desk. Queen Serenity walked into the room.

"Your Majesty," Mina said with a bow.

"Mina, we're old friends. Please address me as such."

Mina smiled. "All right then, what do you want Meatball Head?" Mina asked with a wink.

"I'm coming to make sure you show up to the ball in style," Serena said with a smirk.

"I'm sorry Serena, but I have to much to do to play dress up and go to a ball."

"But that's an order from the Queen."

Mina sighed. "If you say so-"

"And I do. I even brought a dress for you."

Mina raised her eyebrows as Serena showed her the gown that had already been placed in her closet.

"I'm going to make you the bell of the ball," Usagi said with a giggle.