Quatre and Heero took her back to the millionaire's colony mansion when the Manguances would act like secondary bodyguards.
Serenity was back to good health, but pale so Quatre took her out to eat at a fine cuisine restaurant where he occasionally complimented her on many aspects, causing Serenity to blush. She commented on his fine taste.
"My plans for a stable future cannot continue until the corrupt leaders step down."
"You are very wise, Serenity. I hope my colony can join yours."
Honored, she smiled in gratitude then clasped his hand in hers across the ivory clad table. They ate chicken cooked in a style made by the French while angel food cake for dessert. Both had a square cloth in their laps. They talked about their interests for the future. They danced like partners meant for each other. Quatre insisted upon paying the bill.
He had her arm in his as they walked to the awaiting limo. Heero decided to drive after he examined the automobile for bombs or tracking dots. He started driving in right turns to lose his tail when he noticed a red sedan following them. A quick turn threw the lady into Quatre's lap. He rolled them to the floor when bullets were fired. Quatre held her close on the floor as bullets were exchanged. Trowa was called to play decoy so the trio could get away to trade cars for a white BMW.
Mina met them at the private shuttle that would take them back to Crystal Palace with twice as many sentries. The BMW was driven by an agent to a parking lot where they blew it up for cover.
Serenity did not send twelve nations treaties or alliance papers, causing her enemy list to spread.
Relena's old colony elected a new leader, whose ideas were similar to Serenity's. Darien befriended the leader, Cassandra Winslow, causing a budding relationship to bloom. Cass, for short, was urged to sign the papers by 9/10 of the colonists. They sent her letters wanting allies.
Darien asked Serenity to allow Cassandra to Moon Colony to sign the papers in person to set her mind at ease.
"She sounds true to our cause. She will need two bodyguards, but show her around first. No weapons whatsoever, understood." Serenity enforced the last comment to stress the point.
Darien did not hesitate to nod, because he knew Serenity was starting to hate guns. He turned on his heel after bowing to get Alan Rush and Samuel Jacobs then prepare the private shuttle. Alan and Sam were briefed on the way.
Darien took her to Le Rosa for dinner on their first night on Moon Colony. She wore a green gown of cotton. In the morning, he bought her a green cashmere pillow-sleeved gown for when she would meet Serenity during the formal gala and dinner. Some other leaders were invited, they were housed outside Crystal Palace grounds in expensive hotels. Cass had lunch at Café de la Lune, which had tables under shade trees.
She went to Tranquil Sea, a day spa for the well-off. Cass got a French manicure with a faux emerald in each nail. A pedicure was included. Her hair was curled.
"Cass, please understand why Serenity is this way. She has been tortured, shot at, and abducted. Do not spook her for her eight guardians are not scared to protect her no matter what. She is royalty in every term and meaning."
A limo dropped them off. A richly garbed servant opened the door and helped Cassandra out onto a red carpet. A dozen other limos and fancy or imported cars were behind and in front of theirs. A woman on a shorter man's arm was walking ahead of them. She wore a ruby red gown of cotton with rubies dangling from each ear. The couple was Gerald and Jezebel Porter. Jezebel was fifteen years Gerald's junior, but Gerald was wealthy.
Cassandra entered on Darien's flexed arm under a crystal chandelier. No lights were seen or visible, but the crystal walls and ceiling seemed to give off natural lighting that flattered everyone. White or creme orchids sat on custom made tables near every stained glass window. They walked down one side of the double staircase after being introduced. Gerald and Jezebel walked down the other side. Darien and Cassandra went to greet Serenity, who was chatting with Quatre. Cass curtsied while Darien kissed her hand in a bow.
"It is nice to finally meet the lady of Darien's eye," Serenity smiled enchantingly.
"Thank you."
Dancing music played non-stop letting the colorful dancers continue weaving in and out, laughing. Each table had a center piece that was white like, fantail fish, lilies, candles, roses, waterlily, calla lily, lotus, or gardenias.
"Enjoy the night, Lady Cassandra," Serenity waved at the room to show what fun there was to be had. Her empire waist creme gown had white delicate butterfly beadwork with creme thread. A small veil train added to the gown's elegance. Three pearls rested on her collarbone on a white gold chain. A pearl bracelet matched the hanging pearl earrings and studs on the higher lobe. A pearl laid in the middle of her forehead from a white gold chain circlet.
Cassandra's green cashmere gown was of the style from 1811 in Ireland. An emerald necklace was in the shape of a shamrock. Emerald earrings hung from her ears and looked like vines. She looked like simple folk compared to Serenity.
Darien took his date to meet his comrades in arms. Cassandra was intimated by the powerful women. Suddenly all music stopped.
"May I have your attention please. Thank you," Serenity had a staff that screamed 'POWER' (Cosmos Staff). "Tonight, we celebrate the newest addition to the Guardians. We also honor all those in the name of peace. So without further ado, Darien Rhea Earth please step forward."
The closest Guardian patted him on the back. Darien moved to stand then kneel on one knee with his fist over his heart. A sword and dagger were in his belt.
"In honor of your service as of late, I officially declare you Guardian Earth," She touched her staff to Darien's heart, head, and sword.
The symbol for Earth briefly flashed green on his forehead, but none saw as he was facing away from the crowd. "Thank you, your majesty." He received a distinguished nod in return.
The dancing music began anew with Serenity and Quatre dancing center stage. She laughed at the stories he told to amuse her, mostly about Duo's pranks.
Darien knew that his beloved date had questions pertaining the ceremony that occurred. "Empress Serenity, Cassandra, just gave me full rights to govern Earth Colony. She paid for its construction like all ten colonies. I am now a Guardian, meaning that my loyalty is hers first and that I guard her like eight others which you met. I was born loyal, but I now carry the title. I have proved myself to her to earn that title. She rules all, but we govern under her guidance. This position is full of advantages and disadvantages, but they are part of the job."
The guest almost laughed at Darien's obscene comments until Darien said seriously, "Ask the empress when you go to sign the papers in the Moonlit Room."
Darien led her back inside to keep dancing away the night. The night slowly ended after Serenity went to bed. The guests started dwindling down until none were really there. Cass followed Darien to the Gem Wing. He pulled a gold key that had an emerald inlaid in the base. The lock and key seemed to glow when they came in contact, then the door swung open. Cass got to stay in the Emerald Suite. Green tones were all around. The deep emerald drapery kept the light out. She wore her white nightgown to bed.
