KathDMD - Yep, everything worked out out for the best. AJ arrived, everyone is back in the right universe, and all is right with the world...except for the fact that trouble is headed their way!


Author's Note - Apologies for posting this late. Work was more hectic than usual, but it finally here.

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 208 : "Old Enemies"

Aidan carefully walked up to one of the doors to the base's living quarters and rang the door alarm. The door opened moments later by itself, allowing him to enter. Inside, he saw Luxina Dari keying something into a datapad.

"I hope I'm not interrupting anything," he said. She turned to see him, and stopped what she was doing.

"I was just logging what's happened over the last few days," she replied. "Tetsuya said it would help my case, should your Galaxy Garrison wish to investigate the matter further."

"Yeah, about that," he started to say, "I just wanted to stop by and….well, I'm not used to having to say this but…."

"I already know you're not the type to apologize for anything, Commander," she snarked. "You have no reason to impress me with your idol human pleasantries."

"Still, I was wrong," he said. "And you're right. I don't say that a lot." He placed his hands in his pockets. "Tetsuya told me if it wasn't for you, the doctor wouldn't have found out about the bomb. In a way, you saved my wife's life."

"There's no need," she replied. "It's bad enough I betrayed my own people." She looked into his eyes. "I can never go back, you know."

"I know," he replied. "Maybe it's for the best."

"Is it?" she snapped, standing up. "I may be seeing this war with new eyes, Commander, and my friendship with Tetsuya Jin may be growing stronger, but that has not changed my opinion of your Galaxy Alliance. Make no mistake….I'm not your enemy, but I'm not your friend either." Aidan frowned.

"Fine then," he replied. He promptly left the room. She slowly sat back down and stared at the datapad. Her thoughts wandered to her childhood and Gran Deram, and as the door closed, began to weep.


Lieutenant Centa walked towards the stasis field, staring curiously at the crystals within.

"I don't quite understand, Commander," she said carefully. "What are these crystals, and if they are as powerful as you seem to think they are, why are we surrendering them to the Drule High Command?"

"Even in the furthest reaches of this universe," Twyla said, "Lord Kanjii's reach can be felt. While not much is known about the crystal's origins, the power signature coming from them is quite clearly interpreted. It is the same source that powers Voltron." Centa continued to stare at the crystals as the resonated with the ship's engines. "Lord Kanjii has plans for them that will not only rid us of Voltron, but eradicate him from all of existence! In exchange, Lord Kanjii is arranging some rather useful gifts. One should be arriving soon."

"What is that?" Centa asked.

"A robeast far more powerful than anything in our scrapyard has constructed," Twyla replied. "Powerful enough to destroy a planet, and with a thirst for the destruction of Voltron…the power of the Old Ones themselves." Centa's eyes widened, having learned knowledge of the Old Ones, and knowing full well the destructive force they left in their wake.

"The end of Voltron," Centa whispered, still focused on the crystals, a sharp grin appearing on her face.


Kelly walked into the base's rec room, finding Lisa feeding little AJ. She walked up to her.

"How's little AJ doing?' she asked. Lisa looked up at her and smiled.

"Perfect," she replied. "He's so content and quiet."

"Ah, so nothing like his father," Kelly laughed. Lisa chuckled.

"At least he's got his father's looks," Lisa said.

"Don't insult the poor thing," Kelly snapped back jokingly. "By the way, the reason I came looking for you is that your maternity leave has been processed."

"What's going to happen with Gamma?" Lisa asked. "Taye's going to need someone to operate tactical and monitor its systems."

"Hotaru has a good enough staff here at the base that she has volunteered to cover your spot until you return," Kelly replied. "You know she's as familiar if not more familiar with the systems….and as long as Galaxy Garrison isn't complaining, I have no problem with it."

"Speaking of," Lisa asked, "does Len know about everything?"

"I just got off the UltraWave with her," Kelly said. "I let her know about what you all experienced on that last mission. Oh, and she also sent her congratulations."

"Everything is falling into place," Lisa said. She carefully removed the near empty bottle from AJ's mouth, and put him against her shoulder and proceeded to burp him. "I am worried that the Drules may attack again soon."

"I highly doubt it," Kelly said. "From what your hubby said, your team scored a big hit on Twyla's command ship. They'll be licking their wounds for a while."

"I hope so," Lisa said. But no sooner did the words leave her mouth that the alarm went off.

"What the…" Kelly started to say, whipping her head around to the door. "I'm going to head to the Control Room and see what's going on." Kelly ran from the room. Lisa continued to pat AJ on the back, a look of concern on her face for the team. AJ let out a pronounced burp.


The team raced into the Control Room, Kelly not far behind.

"What's going on?" Kelly asked. Hotaru turned to face them.

"Scans have picked up something entering our star system," she replied. "The power level readings are unlike anything we've seen from the Drules or the Derinja."

"Is it another anomaly?" Morgan asked. "Like the one we were drawn into?"

"No," Hotaru replied. "This is different." She motioned for Morgan to come to the terminal and look. "These energy readings, when comparing them to information from Galaxy Garrison's database…" She pointed to the two readings. "…they show a match for something recently engaged on Earth. The database registers it as a robeast of unknown origin."

"But if the Drules didn't send it," Aidan asked, "who did?"

"The database refers to it as Drule-created," she replied, "but the footnotes state that its design was not Drule-like in nature, and it was not haggarium based."

"How long before it gets here?" Kelly asked.

"Several hours, judging by its rate of speed," Hotaru replied. "And it is on a direct course with us….not just Terra, but this very base."

"I think we should scout it," Aidan said.

"That's too dangerous," Kelly replied. "Honestly, Dalloway, I thought fatherhood would mellow you out."

"I prefer to call it being overprotective," Aidan snarked. "besides, what's the difference between fighting it now, and fighting it when it gets within inches of our doorstep?"

"Agreed," Kelly said. She looked over at Hotaru. "You OK with this?"

"Not all of the work is complete," she replied, "but we're in good enough shape to give the Derinja another swift kick where it hurts."

"Alright then," Kelly said. "Voltron Force, to your ships!" The five ran through the three doors around the perimeter of the room. The three individual ships took off and flew through the hangar. The platforms the Gladiators stood upon rose as the ships approached the backside of each. A door in each of their backs opened up to allow the ships to fly inside and dock. The cockpits rose through the hull, settling into place within the head of each Gladiator.

"Insert keys and prepare for launch!" Aidan shouted. Aidan, David and Taye placed the keys. Moments later, the Gladiators came to life and lifted off from the platforms. They met near the top of the room momentarily before flying into the individual launch chutes. Alpha flew out of a metal trap door that opened near the base, Beta from an opening in the nearby mountain, and Gamma from an opening deep within the nearby lake, crashing upwards through the surface.


"Any further info on the scanners?" Aidan asked.

"Nothing yet," Morgan replied. "But it won't be much longer until we're in visual range."

"Good," Aidan said affirmatively. "I want a look at this thing." Moments later, Morgan spotted something else on the scanners.

"Incoming!" she shouted. The three Gladiators dodged as missiles flew past them.

"Was that from the robeast?" Aidan asked.

"No," Morgan said, keying into her console. "They originated from a nearby vessel, and are targeting Terra."

"Rackens," Aidan ordered, "you stop those missiles. We'll confront the robeast."

"Aye," he replied, and Beta took off after the flurry of missiles. Hotaru brought up Gamma's scanners.

"Here it comes," she said.

"Let's see what it can do," Aidan replied. It approached quickly, purple and sleek, through metallic in nature. It seemed reptilian, aside from its strange color.

"Don't let it get by," Taye shouted. Alpha and Gamma moved into its flight patch and caught it, trying to hold it back. The beast groaned and frowned.

"I sense the power of the Defender," it spoke. "But I do not see him." It paused as it held fast. "WHERE IS HE?" it shouted in demand, letting out a burst of energy that sent Alpha and Gamma flying apart.

"What in the seven hells…" Aidan asked.

"That's not Derinja tech," Hotaru exclaimed. "I've never seen such power."

"It talked," Taye commented. "Can robeasts do that?"

"I don't care," Aidan shouted. "If the Drules sent it to destroy Terra, then we've gotta stop it!" Alpha held up its arm, and the Alpha Sword formed in it. Alpha few at the beast. Sensing Alpha's approach, it turned and held out its right hand, and a vine fired from it, wrapping around the sword. It pulled quickly, ripping the sword from Alpha's hands, disarming him. It did the same with its other hand, the vine wrapping around Alpha's waist.

"Hang on!" Taye shouted, as Gamma maneuvered to try to cut Alpha loose. The robeast swung Alpha away from Gamma, then back towards it, slamming it into the other, sending both flying backwards.

"That thing is gonna smash us to pieces unless we think of something!" Aidan said, trying to regain control.

"Targeting systems are online," Morgan said.

"Not that I need it," David replied smugly. Two small laser cannons popped out of Beta's wrists and fired skillfully at the oncoming missiles. Several passed by, and beta swung around and fired, taking them out as well.

"Keep it up," Morgan said.

"We got this, Love," David replied, remaining focused. Just as he thought they hit the last one, a rogue missile passed by.

"We got a rogue!" Morgan shouted.

"On it," David said, flying off after it. He tried to get a lock on it, but it kept weaving out of firing range. "Bloody thing won't hold still."

"It's headed for the base," Morgan said, keying away at her terminal. "Increasing power output to our thrusters. Get ready for this little maneuver." She smirked as she tapped the final key with confidence, then grabbed her controls and banked left. Beat overtook the missile. As it flew at them, Beta grabbed it and spun around, throwing it in the direction of the lake, where it detonated harmlessly.

"Nice shot!" David complimented.

"Thanks," Morgan replied.

"If you two are done playing around," Aidan shouted over the com, "we could use a little help." Beta took off towards the last known location of the robeast.

"We can't get close," Taye said.

"Just stay focused, and keep dodging those vines," Aidan ordered. The robeast launched the vines at them again, but Alpha and Gamma separated and managed to dodge the attack.

"Tell me where the Defender is!" the robeast shouted. "I will crush the mighty Voltron, and wipe his legacy from existence!"

"What's this thing's beef with Voltron?" Taye asked.

"Maybe we should ask it," Hotaru said.

"Are you kidding?" Aidan asked.

"I'm dead serious," Hotaru replied. "If that thing can talk, maybe it can understand. Open a communication on all frequencies. Let's see it it's listening." They avoided another attack. "Robeast! Please, tell us why you seek to destroy Voltron!" The robeast didn't reply, just swung again.

"I don't think that's working, Professor," Aidan said. Beta approached.

"Maybe we need to get its attention," she replied. "It's demanding Voltron." Aidan spotted Beta approaching.

"Rackens," Aidan shouted, "Get ready for formation sequence."

"We're moving into position," David replied.

"Ready to form Voltron!" Aidan shouted. Gamma and Alpha dodge another attach and flew up, joining Beta. The gladiators began to break apart for reconfiguration as the energy field took hold. "Space Dimension! Form feet and legs! Form Arms and torso! And I'll form the head!" Voltron arched backwards, powering up as the energy field exploded and dissipated.

"What is this?" the robeast shouted.

"Not that we have your attention," Hotaru said over the com, "I'll ask you again. What do you want with Voltron?"

"I want is soul!" it screeched as it lunged at Voltron. They managed to dodge the attack. "His arrogance….he and the wretched pilots that reside within thought they could take the rule of the universe from us! One by one he banished us! Locked us away!" He fired a vine at Voltron. He tried to dodge again, but it wrapped around his leg.

"Give us all the thrust you've got!" Aidan shouted. "Drag that thing down to Terra!" Voltron pulled hard, dragging the robeast through space and into the planet's atmosphere.

"You said Voltron was arrogant?" Hotaru asked. "What do you mean?"

"He didn't lock us away to rid the universe of us," the robeast hissed. "He did so to make himself the master of all!" The robeast reversed the momentum, sending Voltron splashing into the ocean. The robeast released him, and dove in to pursue.

"Marine Dimension!" Aidan shouted. Voltron quickly reconfigured, stacking accordingly to form Marine Dimension. Voltron truned to face the robeast.

"Launch Blazing Torpedoes!" Taye shouted. Several panels on Voltron's chest opened, and a half dozen torpedoes launched quickly at the robeat. It crossed its arms and blocked them. The explosion knocked it backwards, but no harm was done.

"If you were locked away," Hotaru shouted, "what set you free? Where have you come from? How long has it been?"

"Enough talk!" the robeast shouted, slamming into Voltron, hammering him into the ground. "I have died a thousand deaths at the hands of the power of the nexus! No more!"

"Status!" Aidan shouted.

"Shields are holding," Morgan replied, "but at this depth, we can't take much more damage."

"Prepare to reconfigure on my mark," Aidan ordered. "Get ready to move." The robeast fired underwater missiles at them. "Now!" Votron forced its way from the crater it landed in and took off towards the surface. "Guardian Dimension!" Voltron reconfigured, taking a defensive stance. It crashed out of the water and landed on the shore. The robeast pursued.

"It wants the soul of Voltron," Horatu said softly, pondering. "But what does that mean?" It fired again, and Voltron blocked the shots easily.

"Shield power is increased due to Guardian," Morgan said. "Now would be a good time to come up with a plan."

"Robeast!" Hotaru shouted. "You say you want the soul of Voltron. Is it for revenge? Is that what this is about?"

"The witch promised us unlimited power!" it shouted. "Revenge is only the beginning!" It powered up its weapons. "Now die, Defender!" It launched a powerful blast at Voltron.

"The shields won't stop it!" Morgan shouted.

"Taking us up!" Aidan shouted. Boosters fired, and Voltron leaped into the air, dodging the attack. "Sky Dimension!" Voltron reconfigured yet again, midflight. "Hotaru, this thing wants us dead, right?"

"In more than one way, yes," she replied.

"So it'll follow us to the far reaches of Terra?" he asked.

"I suppose so," she replied.

"Then let's take it somewhere we can expose its weakness," he said.

"Wait," Morgan said, "you aren't suggesting we…"

"How long will the shields hold while in Denjin?" he asked her.

"Denjin isn't meant for that kind of environment, Dalloway!" she shouted.

"Answer the question, Feld!" he shouted back.

"Five minutes," she said flatly. "but I can't be precise."

"Aki always told me five minutes was enough," he snarked. "Get ready." They approached one of the islands off the coast of the southern continent, heading right for an active volcano.

"If this works," Hotaru said, "it'll kill it."

"You sound as if you don't want it dead," Taye remarked.

"It's alive," Hotaru said. "It's impossible for a machine….but it's alive."

"No time for philosophy," Aidan remarked. "Giant robot trying to kill us." Voltron dove into the volcano, the robeast in pursuit.

"Core temperature rising," Morgan said. "If the heat damages the nuclear reactor housing…."

"One big fireworks show," David finished. "Whatever you got planned, Dalloway, I say we do it and bugger off."

"Denjin dimension!" Aidan shouted. Voltron reconfigured into his ultimate form. He curled up, then arched back with power. "Form Blazing Sword!" The symbos for Alpha, Beta and Gamma appeared, and the energy fused together, forming the sword in his hands. "Here it comes!" Voltron landed, and the robeast came at them.

"Even in the fires of hell, you cannot escape!" the robeast shouted. It landed in front of Voltron and launched the vines.

"It's now or never!" Aidan shouted. Voltron ran forward, slicing through the vines left and right, then in one mighty upswing, sliced the robeast diagonally in half. The halves slid apart and fell off the cliff into the lava. "All power to thrusters!" Voltron lifted off towards the ceiling. "Magma Dimension!" Voltron reconfigured quickly, and slammed into the rock face, burrowing through it.

"Hull temperature has stopped rising," Morgan shouted, "but we need to get out of here before the volcano…." The volcano exploded, lava and ash spewed forth, and rock and debris was sent flying from the peak for miles. At once, a glimmer appeared on the surface, and Voltron flew out past it all, avoiding all it could, sailing through the air on a course for the base.

"Bloody brilliant," David shouted.

"Let's get back to the base and report," Aidan said.

"It was alive…." Hotaru commented again softly.


The team exited the doors leading back into the control room. Kelly, Tetsuya, and Luxina Dari turned to face them.

"I see you made it back in one pice, Dalloway," Kelly snarked. "Well done."

"As if you had any doubts?" Aidan snarked back.

"Admiral," Hotaru said, stepping forward, "there's something puzzling about that robeast."

"What was it?" Kelly asked.

"It talked," she replied. "Admiral….I think it was alive."

"Alive?" Luxina asked. "That's…not possible. Everything my people have created as a weapon were nothing more than machines….robots."

"This was different," Hotaru said. She turned back to Kelly. "Admiral, something bad is happening. I'm going to need access to the Garrison Data Archive. I want to get to the bottom of this before there's another attack like this."

"Agreed," Kelly said. She turned to Luxina. "General Dari, would you be willing to assist Professor Mizuki with her research?" Luxina turned to look at Tetsuya. He nodded.

"I will do what I can," she replied. They left the Control Room.

"Alive or not," Aidan said to himself, "we'll keep doing what we gotta do to protect this planet with the help of Voltron, Defender of the Universe."