cubbiebluemako - I appreciate the compliment! Like I always told you, when I write Lion Force, especially with the cadets in mind, I always think about it in terms of a Voltron Force episode, opening music included. :P
KathDMD - I've been trying to write the chapters as full episode stories themselves, connected, yet still self-contained. This next one is no exception, and it has something you've been waiting for along with something we talked about...well, the last time we did talk.
Author's Note - Finally, the long awaited new episode is here! It hasn't been an easy few weeks, my dad almost dying, now pretty much bed-ridden. But I finally made time to try and put some thoughts on paper. I hope you enjoy.
My muse is gone.
Theme Music : None
Disclaimer - Voltron and all associated characters are the property of WEP. Space Marshall Lenora Hawkins and associated characters are the property of KathDMD. Admiral Lysette Fabrere and associated characters are the property of selena devargo.
Episode 207 : "And The Band Played On"
Sparks flew from the tip of the torch as it glided across the metal, welding the sheet to the existing structure. Hank looked on, nodding in approval. Once the bead was set, and the piece was in place, the young woman before him turned to him and lifted her visor.
"Is this really necessary?" Larmina asked, a confused frown forming on her lips.
"If you're gonna appreciate metal," Hunk laughed, "you gotta work with it." She let out a sigh, pulled her visor down and continued welding. Vince walked into the shop.
"Hey Hunk," he said. "Larmina working on repairs to Blue?"
"Larmina is learning to balance the harmony of her welder with the harmony of….HEAVY METAL!" Hunk shouted, letting loose with a short stint of air guitar. Vince laughed.
"Well once you're done with the structural repairs," Vince said, "I want to try accessing the systems again. If I can localize the infection within the Nexus, maybe I can finally purge it."
"Just be careful, lil' dude," Hunk replied. "You remember what happened the last time we tried to repair the Nexus. Even coming within physical contact with it could make Blue go berserk."
"Trust me, I remember," Vince replied. "What are you guys listening to?"
"The latest from Bad Road Trip," Hunk replied. "Killer band. Not nearly as great as Stereolactic, but….."
"I know," Vince replied, putting a hand on Hunk's back in support, "I miss him too."
Keith walked into the nursery. Alexander was playing with toy versions of the Voltron Lions on the floor while Allura fed Rory what appeared to be strained pears. A television monitor played softly on the other end of the room. Keith smiled as his eyes locked on to hers.
"Hey there," he said, walking towards her. "This is a nice change."
"What is?" Allura asked.
"No Nanny fussing over our kids," he laughed.
"I gave her the day off," Allura said. "I haven't been spending enough time with the kids lately, and I wanted to have some bonding time with Rory."
"We need some bonding time too," he replied with a smirk. She smirked back.
"The kids do go down for their naps in an hour or so," she said. "Would be a great time to…'bond', as you so eloquently put it." He nervously put his hand on the back of his neck, rubbing it. Without warning, the volume seemed to instantly increase on the television monitor.
"What is that?" he asked. They paid closer attention.
"After months of hiatus, they're back with a new album!" the voice shouted. "Bigger and better than ever! Stereolactic!" Keith and Allura looked at one another. The noise frightened Rory, and she began to cry. "Get tickets to their return concert in New York City, planet Earth, this Friday!"
"I thought the cadets said…" Allura started to say.
"They did," Keith replied. "I better show it to them." He pressed a few buttons on the nearby datapad, then took it, and walked out the door.
Keith walked into Defensive Control, where the members of the Voltron Force were assembled.
"Keith," Daniel said, getting up from the chair. "What's up? You've got that serious look on your face again."
"Allura and I came across something I think you should see," he replied. He tapped the datapad, and the viewscreen displayed the ad for the Stereolactic concert.
"But….but that can't be!" Larmina shouted.
"How can there be Stereolactic without…" Vince started to say. Hunk swung back and punched the metallic wall, leaving a serious dent, letting out a primal scream in anger.
"Easy, Hunk," Keith said.
"This is complete crap!" Hunk shouted. The gentle giant of the force was now a raging monster. "How dare they try to cash in on my best friend! How dare they!"
"We'll get to the bottom of this," Keith said.
"You bet your ass we will!" Hunk shouted.
"Do you think the recording company is behind it?" Larmina asked. "I wouldn't put it past a label to do something that low."
"If so," Keith said, "I know someone who may be able to find out."
"In the meantime," Hunk said, "I'm going to Earth to see this for myself."
"I think we all should go." Larmina said.
"What about Blue?" Keith asked.
"I have it under control," Larmina replied. "I'll be alright."
"We will stay here and monitor any Drule activity from afar," Coran said. "We will alert you if anything happens."
"To the lions!" Daniel ordered. They raced for the doors to the lions. Keith turned to Alura.
"I'll take one of our fighters," Keith said. "I'll return as soon as I can." He gently kissed Allura.
"But where are you going?" she asked.
"Dradin," he replied.
Kerza's eyes opened, seeing Malva staring back at him.
"You haven't slept," he said.
"I can't," she replied, looking down from his gaze for the moment. "The voices are intensifying."
"I know," he said. "I can hear them as well."
"Haggar is worried," she said. "I don't know why, but I get a sense of dread, especially where Lord Kanjii is concerned."
"He never existed in my universe," Kerza replied. "My knowledge of his treachery is limited."
"His power is legendary," Malva said. "Voltron challenged the Old Ones long ago, and was powerful enough to defeat each one and lock them away. But with the defeat of one enemy, others emerge. The Drule Empire expanded its conquest, and one of the first to lay a star system to waste in the Far Universe was Kanjii. Legends tell of unspeakable power granted to him by a sealed god that would allow him to strike a killing blow on Voltron. He wiped out the entire planet of Kith, Founding the kingdom of Korronith upon its soil, and renaming the planet 'Doom'."
"What happened to him after that?" Kerza asked.
"The legend lends credence to Voltron himself being a sentient being," she said, "as if it contained a soul. Voltron sought to topple Doom, not for the sake of the far Universe, but for its own selfish desires. In the end, a trick by Haggar the Witch, embittered by King Alfor of Arus, used the powers given to her by the gods to blast Voltron apart and sending the pieces crashing to the world below, never to be seen again. It wasn't until later that those pieces would be found and reassembled."
"But what about Kanjii?" Kerza asked again.
"No one knows," she replied. "When Voltron was destroyed, he mysteriously vanished. Some say he used up all of his power to allow Haggar to destroy Voltron. Some say he himself was the god that broke him up. No one knows for sure. All I know is that the Lord Kanjii in control of the Empire, the same man that has been calling out to us, the voice in our head, seems to have all the power of the legend, and more. And regardless of our predicament….I've come to the conclusion that we need to find a way to not only fight it, but stop it."
"The only thing we've found so far that can stop it is…" Kerza said.
"The ring," she replied. "We need to find the woman who gave you this ring. Whatever enchantment she placed on it may be the key to stopping Kanjii's influence not only on us, but on our entire kind."
The five pilots left their lions, set down on a Garrison landing pad. They walked towards the nearest transport terminal.
"I still can't believe someone had the balls to take advantage of Pidge," Hunk grunted.
"We'll get to the bottom of it," Vince replied.
"There has to be an explanation," Daniel said. "Even if it IS the record label behind this, at least we'll find out, right?"
"I guess," Hunk muttered. Marina nudged Larmina.
"What exactly is Stereolactic's connection to Pidge?' Marina asked. Larmina smirked.
"It's a long story," Larmina replied. "Let's just say if there's no Pidge, there's no Stereolactic." They continued walking. Marina was still confused, but she just shrugged and followed the others into the terminal.
The elevator doors to the high rise opened, and Keith stepped out, decked out in his pilot uniform. He walked down the hall to a door at the end. Standing guard were two large men, clearly armed.
"State your business," one of them said.
"I'm here to see a friend," Keith replied. "Will that be a problem?" His eyes narrowed. The man talking to him looked down at his datapad and tapped it. He looked back up at Keith.
"Admiral Kogane," he said. "Mr. manset is expecting you." They stepped aside, and keith walked in the door. The other man looked at the first one.
"Glad you checked this time," he said. "The last Garrison Admiral almost tore my arm off." The door closed, and Manset turned around in his chair. He stood up to greet Keith.
"Admiral," he said, "I hear you are looking for information."
"You heard right," Keith replied. "It may be something, or it may be nothing. What do you know about the band, Stereolactic?"
"They have performed at the casino many times," Manset replied. "They are extremely difficult to book, as their manager and lead singer is very elusive, but we managed to get them to play here."
"Have you spoken to them recently?" he asked.
"No," Manset admitted, "as you know, the band hasn't been doing much in the last few months. It wasn't until recently that their label began booking gigs for them again. In fact, I was going to contact them in the next few days to perform at the Liege Auditorium. They draw in a huge crowd to the hotel…and the casino, of course."
"Of course," Keith replied, careful not to show his whole hand to his opponent. "If you hear anything…"
"I will be in touch," Manset replied. Keith turned and left the room. The door closed, and Manset picked up his phone.
The team arrived at the location of the concert. The five walked into the building, but were stopped by a guard.
"Where do you think you're going?" he asked.
"Through you if you're not careful," Hunk snapped. Vince stepped in front of him, appearing to hold him back.
"What he means is," Daniel said, "we're here to speak with the lead singer of Stereolactic on behalf of Her Royal Highness, Queen Allura Altaire of the planet Arus. We're the Voltron Force."
"Voltron Force," The guard said. "Right." He looked Daniel dead in the eye, but Daniel stood his ground. "It doesn't matter who you are, I've been instructed to let no one past this point that doesn't have a ticket to the concert. And no one, I mean NO ONE, is able to speak with anyone from Stereolactic."
"What about their manager?" Larmina asked. "Is there anyone here we can speak to?"
"Look, little girl," he started to say. She frowned.
"Who are you calling, little?" she snapped, ready to unleash her staff. Vince held her back.
"It's no problem," Vince said. "We'll just go." He grabbed Larmina and Hunk by the arms and gently pulled them along with the others, walking away.
"Are you insane?" Larmina snapped quietly as they exited the building.
"Maybe," Vince said. "At least, the plan I have is."
"Oh, do tell," Daniel said.
"Well, we can't get in the front door, right?" Vince said.
"So?" Larmaina asked.
"The place has gotta have a back door, right?" he asked.
"Ah, the back door," Daniel sighed. Larmina walked past him and smacked him in the back of the head, hard. "Ow!" Daniel rubbed the back of his head. They made their way around the side of the building, and found a service entrance. They saw two guards outside.
"Any other plans?" Larmina asked.
"We need a distraction," Daniel said.
"I think I can arrange that," Marina said. She tapped her Voltcom, and the red armor formed around her. She jumped up to a nearby fire escape, and quickly jumped and climbed up the side of the building next to them. Once on the roof, she ran to the side and held out her hand. A gun formed in it and fired. Thee others below watched the guards, the saw a flash and a bang, accompanied by a lot of smoke. The guards ran in the direction of the disturbance. The team looked at each other, then ran for the door.
"What was that?" Daniel asked. Marina dropped from the sky, landing next to them.
"Smoke grenades," she replied. "You don't spend years at the Academy with Lysette and not know how to get out of trouble." Larmina smirked. Daniel tried the door.
"It's sealed shut," he said.
"Stand back," Hunk said. "I'll put some muscle into it!"
"Hold up there, Hunk," Vince said, seeing the keypad nearby. "Let's do this my way." He reached up, wires coming out of his hands. They made contact with the circuitry in the keypad, and his eyes turned white, numbers and codes clouding his vision. "Almost got it…" They keypad flashed with the correct codes. The Vince gasped. "No….this can't be possible.."
"What?" Daniel asked. Vince remained silent, as he saw something, and couldn't quite understand what it was." The wires retracted, and the door opened. Vince fell weak. "Hey, are you ok?" Vince held his head.
"I'll be fine," he replied. "it's….it's nothing. Let's just get inside and find who's doing all this." They ran in the door and down the halls towards the backstage area. They turned the corner and saw Stereolactic.
"There they are!" Larmina shouted. They looked up to see them, then each of them ran off in a different direction.
"Great job," Daniel snarked. "You scared them off."
"We need to split up and go after them," Vince said.
"Marina, go left," Daniel said. "I'll go right. Vince, you take that one."
"We'll go after the leader," Larmina said, running off with Hunk. They all took off running. Marina caught up with one of them, trapped in a dead end. She ran to grab him, but he jumped through the wall, and she slammed into it hard, falling backwards to the floor.
"OW," she said, running her head. "A hologram." Daniel saw the one he was chasing and sped up to catch it. He dove at it, and flew right through it, skidding to a halt. The hologram vanished into thin air.
"What the," Daniel said. Vince caught up with the one he was chasing.
"I wonder if I'm right," he said to himself. He reached out, and the wires latched on to the fire alarm controlling the sprinkler system. The water rained down, and the hologram began to waver, then vanished. "It was just a hologram. But who's controlling it?" Larmina and Hunk ran after the one they were chasing, barely keeping it on sight. It knocked things down in their way, but Larmina expertly dodged it, and Hunk smashed through it in a rage. He formed his hammer and threw it, but the lead singer was able to dodge it easily.
"How is he doing this?" Larmina asked.
"Doesn't matter," Hunk said, swinging his hammer at another blockade of debris. "All that matters is what I'm gonna do to him!" They rounded a corner, and Larmina formed her staff, vaulting through a scaffolding and landing in front of the fleeing man.
"You're surrounded," she said, herself and Hunk closing in.
"Stop, please," it said, a voice scrambler distorting the voice. "You don't understand."
"I understand enough," Hunk said, about to swing. Suddenly, the ground shook.
"What's going on?" Larmina asked.
"An attack," the man said. "There's more important things going on than me at the moment."
"I'm not going to let you get away with this!" Hunk said.
"Get away with making millions of fans happy?" the man said. "My job is to keep their minds off the horrors of war. My job is to entertain them, to give them something to unite for. My music inspires them."
"It's not yours!" Hunk shouted.
"It's everyone's!" the man shouted back. "Music is everywhere, and everything!" Another quake shook the room. "Right now, there is a robeast that will devastate New York if you don't get back to your lions and stop it." Hunk and he stared one another down. "Keep the music alive." Hunk breathed deeply, then lowered his hammer.
"Let's go," he said, turning to leave. Larmina stared at the man, but when another quake shook the room again, she grabbed Hunk's arm and took off. The man waved, and vanished….a hologram himself.
Hunk and Larmina ran from the building and saw the others congregated outside. Daniel turned and spotted them.
"Hunk, Larmina," he said, "we have to get back to the lions."
"We know," Larmina said. "There's a robeast attacking."
"How did you…" Daniel asked.
"I'll explain later," she replied. "Just move!" They all took off running.
The lions powered on, and one by one let out a roar before rearing back and taking off into the air.
"Stay in loose formation," Daniel ordered. "I haven't gotten a glimpse of this thing yet."
"The scanners are picking up something," Vince said. "It looks like the other Voltron Force is pinned down…but I can't see what."
"A something hard to see?" Daniel asked quietly. "Hunk, follow me!" Black and Yellow took off from the group and headed towards Jet Voltron. "Prepare to fire." Within moments, they launched missiles, striking the back of the very reflective and nearly invisible robeast.
"What the hell?" Roxy shouted. As the words left her lips, the Yellow Lion, followed by Black, shot by them.
"The Lion Force?" JC asked. "What are they doing here?"
"Buying me some time to do this," Tails said. She connected her Voltcom, and the energy reading shot up slightly. "Agility Boost!" Voltron rolled from under the robeast and flipped backwards to its feet. "We need to find a way to see it." Dariana's eyes glowed for a moment.
"Freeze it," she said over the com, in a louder voice than normal.
"Hang on!" Hunk shouted. "Help is on the way!"
"Activate interlocks!" Daniel shouted, trunting the yokes, beginning the activation sequence. "Dynotherms connected! Infracells up! Megathrusters are go!"
"Let's go Voltron Force!" they shouted. The lions flew in formation, then began to reconfigure as the energy field took hold.
"Form feet and legs!" Daniel shouted. "Form arms and body! And I'll form the head!" Voltron's eyes lit up with power as the energy field dissipated. Each lion let out a roar ads Voltron powered up, ready for battle.
"How are we gonna freeze it if we can't see it?" Roxy asked.
"By dulling its shine," Vince said. "Hunk, we need a sandstorm."
"Already on it, little buddy," he replied. "Sand Blast!" Voltron leaped into the air, and yellow lion fired a blast of sand and dirt at the robeast, buffeting it.
"Form Aquatic Bow!" Seth shouted, pulling the weapons console. Jet Voltron pulled downward, the column of water forming the bow. He drew back and fired several bolts at the robeast, freezing the sand to it.
"Looks like you've got this under control, Hunk," Daniel said. "Form Yellow Center!" Lion Voltron reconfigured, Yellow forming the head.
"Rock Wrecking Maces!" Hunk shouted, the maces forming in his hands.
"NOOOOO!" The robeast screeched, trying to break free. "I will not be denied my right to defeat the Defender once and for all!"
"It can talk?" Daniel asked.
"What the…" JC shouted.
"Thousands of years I waited to put an end to the Soul of the Ancients!" it screeched. "Balance will be restored!" It tried to swing, but the ice had it pinned tightly.
"Form Blazing Sword!" JC shouted. Red met Green at the hip and pulled backwards, the energy beam forming the sword.
"Batter up!" Hunk shouted. Lion Voltron swung the maces, slamming into the robeast. It flew at Jet Voltron.
"And the swing…." JC said, swinging the Blazing Sword and slicing the robeast in two. It fell to the ground and exploded.
"Another robeast down," Roxy said.
"But where did it come from?" Tails asked.
"More importantly," Larmina asked, "how did Stereolactic know the attack was a robeast?"
The two teams met on the Garrison Square outside the main building, the ships parked nearby. Space Marshall Hawkins and Admiral Fabrere walked towards them.
"I wish I knew where that thing came from," Tails said.
"I'm not sure," Vince replied, "but it's a good thing we were here."
"I just wish we'd solved that mystery," Larmina said, disappointed.
"It doesn't matter," Hunk said. "The equipment is destroyed. Whoever did it will be out of commission for a while. Though you gotta admit, the music was pretty sweet."
"It was, wasn't it," she agreed.
"So what DID happen when you caught up to that guy?" Daniel asked. Larmina and Hunk looked at one another, then back at Daniel.
"It was a hologram," Larmina replied. "Just like the ones you found. Honestly, I guess we'll never know."
On planet doom, Kanjii's soldiers prepare for an assault on Arus. Haggar stands above, observing the operation. She holds and strokes Cova.
"Soon, the next of the Old Ones will wreak havoc upon the citizens of Arus," she said aloud, "and its power will be no match for Alfor's daughter, or the Voltron force." She cackled ludly. In the shadows, a mysterious figure observed. A device on his arm blinked, and when he tapped it, he vainished in the blink of an eye.
