Pidge tugged at the collar of her gown, desperately trying to loosen its vice like grip as the shuttle she was currently seated in made its final decent towards the surface of Altilis. The young paladin was currently on her way towards her next exciting venture into the world of politics, and needless to say, she was pretty nervous. Her only political act up until this point had ended with one of the only friends she had left nearly dying. Even worse, Sun still wasn't back on his feet which meant the only person she had to help her was Commander Shrike and she wasn't exactly the most supportive person in the galaxy. She was still barely spoke to anyone and most of what she did say was hostile, but the commander wasn't being openly spiteful towards her, a fact which Pidge as a win. Of course, she wasn't exactly setting the bar very high lately when it came to what she counted as victories. Honestly, as far as she was concerned the fact that no one had almost died over the past few days was an accomplishment. Of course they really hadn't done anything since they'd left Amicus, most of the time she was ether in the medical bay waiting for Sun to wake up or in the hanger bay checking on her lion. Unfortunately, she wasn't making any progress in either area, Sun was still comatose and she had no idea what that druid had done to her lion. Surprisingly, a few of the beast's systems had actually started to return to working order, she still couldn't fly it of course, but it was a start. Though she hadn't the faintest clue what had cause this, she'd been meaning to investigate the anomaly, but she had a rather important social event to attend to. She was going to a dinner being hosted by Lord Morgan, the husband of the rather overt noble women she'd met at the gala. Apparently, she'd taken a liking to the young paladin, a fact which perplexed Pidge to no end. She'd barley said two words to the lady the hole night, in fact she'd spent most of their conversation simply listening to her ramble on about topics Pidge knew absolutely nothing about. Not to mentation the fact that she'd made several rather hurtful and or lewd comments about her friend, some of which she still didn't quite understand. Sure she'd only know Sun for a little over the week, but she just couldn't understand why anyone would think he was some kind of scoundrel. He wasn't a teddy bear, not by a long shot, but he defiantly wasn't dangerously violent, or maybe he was. She didn't think he was a bad guy, but she hadn't heard any of the "stories" Lady Morgan had been talking about, of course even if she had she wasn't sure how much of it she'd be able to trust. She knew firsthand that stories and accounts where often exaggerated or just plain wrong. Hell, she'd spent the better part of a year listening to people tell her about how Shiro, Matt and her Father had all died on Kerberos, because of some unknown crew error. As far as she knew, Sun was just another victim of exaggeration, and then there was the possibility that he wasn't. If that were true, not that she believed that to be a possibility, it meant her new friend was actually a psychotic killer who just happened to have a charming personality and a trustworthy appearance. Worst of all, she couldn't even confront Sun about his past, not with him being in a coma and all, but she couldn't worry about that now. She had more important things to worry about, she still hadn't figured out what exactly she was planning on saying once she'd reached her destination. She had to make a good first impression, no matter what, especially with Lord Morgan.
According to Amy he was an extremely influential figure, especially when it came to the military. Unfortunately, he very rarely offered his assistance to outsiders, a fact that only added to the young paladin's already ludicrously high stress level. She was actually starting to have second thoughts about this whole endeavor. Maybe this wasn't such a good idea, maybe politics just wasn't her thing, maybe she should just give up.
No, she thought to herself, I can't give up not now.
She was right, she couldn't turn back now, she had a mission and a responsibility to her team, her friends, her family and everyone else she cared about to completely that mission. She had to succeed, she would succeed, no matter what.
Pidge stepped off the ramp, her footsteps echoing as her heels made contact with a large cobble stone block. The first in a long line embedded in the ground leading up to what could only be described as a castle. Thick stone walls, turrets with gargoyles, a massive wooden drawbridge attached to the gate house by huge cast iron chains, the whole thing looked as though it had been lifted strait out of some Arthurian legend and plopped down in the middle of the countryside. The sear sight of it left both Pidge and her bodyguard in a state of stunted awe, they were both at a complete loss for words. Of course her bodyguard had never been much of a conversationalist, in fact, he hadn't said a single thing the whole ride. Pidge wasn't even sure if he could talk. Of course the main evidence for this theory was the long jagged scar across his throat, but she'd have to test that one out later, she had a dinner to attend.
So, she slowly made her way towards the edge of the moat, her guard following close behind. As the pair made their way towards the impressive fortress the mighty drawbridge began to move, the metal chains chattering as the huge hunk of wood was slowly lowered to the ground. Unfortunately, the door wasn't as fast as it was ornate, thus the pair had reached the moat's edge long before the door had even made it the half way point. That meant Pidge and the lancer where stuck waiting impatiently as massive decoration attempted to fulfill its sole purpose. So they waited, and waited, and waited until suddenly the lancer reached forward, grabbing Pidge by the shoulder and pulling her backwards just in time to save her tows from being turned to dust.
"Wow, thanks" Pidge said, turning towards her guard. True to form, the solemn lancer simply nodded before glaring up at the two men manning the gate house, not that they were close enough to notice.
Having narrowly avoided being crippled, Pidge turned her attention towards the crowd of people gathered across the bridge. A tightknit phalanx composed of two dozen men dressed in full knightly attire blocked their entrance into the mighty fortress.
Unsure of how too procced, Pidge simply stood their starring down the crowd of flesh and metal before her, she looked over at the lancer, hoping that he understood what was going on, unfortunately he looked just as confused as she was. Suddenly, the warriors opened ranks revealing a pair of Lincar standing in the middle of the formation, one of whom was franticly waving at the young Paladin.
"Ow, hello Lady Holt, it's great to see you" Lady Morgan said, a massive grin plastered across her face.
"Sorry about the wait, this door really is marvelous but it takes forever to open. It really is quite dreadful, but it just looks so regal, I can't bring myself to get rid of it. Isn't that right darling?" she said, playfully slapping her husband on the shoulder.
Pidge was actually surprised by just how different Lord Morgan was from his wife. He was an older gentleman with a slime frame, silver hair, and a sharp beard that accented his long face. He was wearing jet black riding boots, a pair of crisp blood striped trousers, and a snow white tunic covered in metals and ribbons. Not to mention the fact that he was standing at attention while his wife was practically bouncing in place. All in all, he looked more like a portrait then an actually person, Pidge was actually starting to think he really was a statue until he finally answered his wife.
"Yes." Was he said, his lips barley moving.
"Indeed darling. Now then how was your trip Lady Holt, I hope it pleasant."
"It was fine…"
"Good, you deserve a nice calming experience after what happened at the gala, it really was quite awful what happened. Those Galra ruffians can never just let us enjoy ourselves, always causing problems and killing people. Dreadful, dreadful business. Don't you agree darling." She said, once again slapping him on the shoulder.
"Yes" He said still solemn.
"Well then, let's not dilly dally then. Come along Lady Holt, we have quite the spread laid out." And with that the whole group headed further into the massive fortress towards the great hall. Upon reaching the large building in the middle of the castle's courtyard two of Lord Morgan's "knights" opened the large wooden doors to reveal a long solid oak table dressed in an ornate table cloth. Upon entering the trio quickly took their seats at the far end of the table, with Lord Morgan sitting at the head of the table while Pidge and his wife sat to either side of him, and with that the dinner began.
...
Lady Morgan's voice echoed throughout the massive hall as her two companions occasionally picked at their meals, some type of weird green meat that tasted like some strange mix of steak and chicken, at least that's what Pidge thought it tasted like.
"So, there I was looking around for my purse, flipping over chairs tables, everything, and that's when I realize, I never took it out of my closet." She said before breaking out into a fit of laughter. This was just the latest in a long line of funny anecdotes Lady Morgan had seen fit to share. She'd been rambling on for the better part of an hour now, seemingly unaware of awkward silence that gripped the room.
"So, Lady Holt how's your friend Captain Vac doing? If I remember correctly, he was in a rather bad spot after what happened at the Gala, I do hope he's all right."
"He was hurt rather bad, but I believe he'll be okay." Pidge said, anxious. Even with her limited experience it was clear this wasn't going well and the last thing she needed to be reminded of was her comatose friend.
"I'm glad to hear that, aren't you darling."
"Yes," he said, his voice almost monotone.
"Yes, would you happen to know who's commanding his ship now?"
"Commander Shrike is serving as acting Shipmaster until S… Captain Vac is back on his feet."
"Oh," Lady Morgan replied, a hint of concern in her voice.
"What, is there something wrong with the Commander?"
"No, no its just, Commander Shrike isn't the nicest of individuals. In fact, her whole families rather rotten, especially her father. Rumor has it he's the one who sent those thugs after Captain Sun at Duchess Merlin's party three months ago. A despicable move to put his daughter in command of a capital ship, at least that's story anyway."
Pidge wasn't quite sure how to fell about this, sure Commander Shrike wasn't the nicest individual she'd ever meat but she still wasn't sure how reliable Lady Morgan's rumors really where.
"Now dear," Lord Morgan said interrupting his wife, an action which, based on her reaction, didn't happen very often. "That's not the kind of accusation one just throws around, especially when it involves an officer of the Lincar navy." Every word he said seemed deliberate, almost as if he had a finite supply with which to draw from.
"I know dear, but you have to admit she can't be all too happy aboard that ship. Especially not while serving under Captain Vac, I mean, can you imagine it? Serving under a commoner, it must be so embarrassing."
"From what I understand," Pidge interjected "Captain Vac is a rather talented Naval tactician. In my opinion anyone would be luck to serve under him." She said, perhaps with more bitterness then she originally intended. She didn't mean to be disrespectful, but she didn't like that fact that she was talking bad about her friend behind his back. She may not have known too much about his past, but he'd still saved her life and she certainly wasn't going to let some random noble women talk bad about her.
"I meant no disrespect Lady Holt, its just, I'm not entirely convinced it was a good idea for a commoner to be given command of a capital ship, I don't have anything against them personally it's just traditionally only nobles have been given such prestigious posts and I am a stickler for tradition."
"Well, it's my belief that sometimes traditions need to be broken. From what I've seen of Sun's abilities he's a remarkable Shipmaster and I believe Duchess Merlin would be hard pressed to find someone better suited for the job."
"I'm afraid I can't speak much of Captain Vac's abilities, I never served in the military, I've never really been one for violence, that was always Walter's expertise. Isn't that right darling?"
"Yes, how about you Lady Holt, as a Paladin of Voltron you must have experience when it comes to the art of war." Walter said, it was the first time he'd address Pidge all night.
"Yes, I've taken part in my fair share of battles against Zarkon and his empire." Pidge replied, exaggerating ever so slightly.
"Well then, why don't you share with us a story of one of these engagements? I'm sure they must be rather riveting." Lady Morgan asked, clearly intrigued.
"Well," Pidge awkwardly began "one of the first battles me and my fellow Paladins ever fought against the Galra was at Arus, against Commander Sendak…"
"Sendak." Walter interrupted, his voice full of anger.
"Did I say something wrong?" Pidge asked, confused by the noblemen's sudden outburst of anger, a sharp contrast to the emotionless why in which he'd been behaving. "Are you familiar with Commander Sendak?"
"You see, Walter h…" Lady Morgan began only to be cut off but her husband.
"This is my story Margret; I will be the one to tell." He said as he narrowed his gaze. "During the outset of the last war, my fleet went head to head against a Galra battle group led by a young up start Galra officer named Sendak. I lost a lot of good men that day, it was the only time anyone ever bested me on the field of honor. After that engagement I chanced Sendak from the Dormoon Nebula all the way to the Nodar Expanse until a finally had him cornered at Ray's Belt. That was one of the most intense battles I've ever been in, and in the end, he escaped, but not before taking my legs" he said, as he slowly placed his hand on his metal knee "luckily I managed to take a few things from him as well. But, the fact that he still survived has bothered me to this day."
"Well then, I guess you don't have anything to worry about anymore."
"What do you mean?"
"Me and my friends beat Sendak, twice, once when he tried to destroy the Castle of Lions and one when he tried to steal it for his despicable master. The second time I actually fought him face to face."
"Did you really fight, him one on one."
"I did, though only for a short time. You see, I was the only left to defend the castle after he'd wounded one of my friends with a bomb and lured the rest away by attacking some local villagers."
"That sounds like something that conniving bastard would do, the fact that you were able to beat him is a testament to your skill young Paladin."
"I can't take all the credit, if it wasn't for my friends I probably would have never been able to beat him."
"Well then, these friends of yours really do seem nice." Lady Morgan said, seemingly happy that her husband and Pidge were finally speaking to one another.
"As would I, anyone who's able to defeat a Commander as cunning as Sendak might just have a chance of finally defeating Zarkon."
"So, does that mean the Alliance can count on your support?"
"Perhaps, I believe this matter needs to be discussed in more detail before I make a discussion, but I do have to say, I am impressed by what I've seen so far. I'd love for you to come hunting with me tomorrow so that we can have more time to disuse this matter, that is, if you're not busy."
"I would love to join you, Your Lordship." She replied enthusiastically, she'd actually managed to get a noble to like her, all on her own, well technically it was because she'd help to kill Sendak but still, it'd worked. Almost, she wasn't exactly too thrilled about this whole hunting idea, but if it meant she had Lord Morgan's support she was willing to give it a try. Sure, she'd never been hunting before, but how hard could it possibly be.
"Exultant," He replied, jumping to his feet as he clapped his hands in front of him. "We'll leave first thing in the morning, would you like to house your mount in our stables, the hands will certainly take care of it for you."
"I'm afraid I don't have a mount." Pidge nervously replied, she hadn't expected to find herself in need of a horse, or the closest Lincar equivalent.
"Don't worry, you can borrow Margret's, it's one of the best in the universe"
"No, I wouldn't want to bother you,"
"None sense," Margret said "it's no bother, no bother at all. I wasn't planning on going along anyway. Like I said I've never been much for violence, besides its far too dangerous if you ask me. Honestly Walter, I wish you'd be a little more carful out there. I'm always worried when you go out." She said, her concern evident just by her tone.
"Don't worry love, I survived fifty years in the navy, I'm pretty sure it'll take more than a crash or some beast to kill me." He said before pounding his chest a few times.
"Well then," Lady Morgan began. "it's decided; the hunt shall commence as soon as the sun is in the sky." She finished a massive smile plastered across her face.
"Yes, I'm sure it'll be a wonderful experience for me." Pidge said, attempting to mimic Lady Morgan's level of enthusiasm only to be hampered by her own self-doubts. The way they were talking about this made it seem like this was going to be a lot more dangerous then she'd originally thought. In fact, she was starting to question what she'd just gotten herself into and how the hell she was supposed to get out of it, unfortunately she didn't have a choice. She'd already agreed not to the mention the fact that she really needed Lord Morgan's support. So, if the only way to get it was by doing some kind of crazy space hunt, then God damn it she was going to be the best space hunter the universe had ever seen, even if it killed her.
