selena devargo - You already have a good idea where I'm going with this arc, and rest assured, fans of Lysette will be suprised to find her making a reappearance. Not this soon though...Lotor needs to have his moment.
KathDMD - I'm glad you liked the Kovinx / Dariana / Haggar scene. You remember Olan? He's Kovix's father. Funny reference, I got "Olan" from "Olan Durai" from Final Fantasy Tactics. You already knew Alfor/Kovinx was going on. For those that don't, they need to watch Voltron 3D "Dark Heart". Christiane was able to trick Jet Yellow into starting, yep. Dariana did tell Seth she loves him...and you'll see that start to emerge in this episode. And I wanted to show all was well after the events of the White Lion, and you will see in this episode, your hunch is correct. (Come on, you already knew this!) And it isn't the end for Kerza...
Voltrex - Keep reading, and posing your thoughts on the board! I may not be posting as much as I usually do, but I look at the thread every day!
Author's Note - This is the season wind-down, but it is still action packed! Please sit back and enjoy it! And while you are waiting for more, don't forget to read "In The End" by KathDMD, as well as "Deception" by selena devargo. These stories are tied so much to this one, and you will enjoy them!
Theme Music : "Find A Way To My Heart" by Phil Collins
Disclaimer - Voltron and all associated characters are the property of WEP. Albegas is property of it's respective company. Space Marshall Lenora Hawkins is the property of KathDMD, as well as the OC members of the Albegas "Gladiator Voltron" team.
Episode 45 : The Sins of the Father
In the deep recesses of the Middle Universe, one final blasting force erupts from the crevice of space and time, sealing it forever. Two objects are thrown clear of the blast…the first of which is a gigantic robot, trying desperately to regain control.
"What in seven hells hit us!" David shouted, pulling levers frantically.
"I thought I heard Christiane say something before the blast," Morgan replied. "Christiane, are you alright?" Taye looked behind him, and his co-pilot was indeed awake, but in a catatonic state.
"Chris!" Taye shouted. "Snap out of it!" Christiane shook her head, then looked up at Taye.
"We're…..we're back?" she asked.
"What are you talking about?" Taye asked. "We got hit by some sort of shock wave. I think a Drule ship may have exploded! We need to regain attitude control!"
"Taye, she's not answering!" Morgan said. "Is she alright?"
"Oh my god," Christiane replied, "Morgan! You're alive!"
"Yeah, well, we're not gonna be much longer if we don't get out of this spin!" Morgan shouted, trying to assist David with the controls.
"Calm down," Aidan said. "We got this." He pulled a few levers and flipped a switch, and Voltron came to a stop. "Now, what do you see on the RadialTrac?"
"Aside from what looks like a chunk of debris from the site of the explosion," Morgan replied, "there's nothing I can see that could have caused it."
"We better get back to the base and let Kelly and the professor know what happened," Aidan replied. "All units, disengage and return to base!" Voltron split apart, and the three robots returned to Terra.
The chunk they detected, however, was more than it seemed. It moved with a propulsion all its own…elongated and coffin-like in nature. Inside, a man laid and waited, his eyes closed as the box shot through the starts at breakneck speeds. It wasn't until it crossed into the Denubian galaxy that something awakened in him, his scaly skin forming goosebumps, and his eye opening, revealing a sinister yellow that only one Drule out of billions possessed….the look of pure evil….and revenge.
Dariana cautiously walked up to the door of Lenora and Jon's triplex and carefully knocked on the door. She stepped back when she heard footsteps approaching from the other side. When the door opened, it was Commander Hawkins that greeted her, dressed casually in a button down shirt and slacks.
"Sergeant Kovinx," he said. "An unexpected surprise. What can I do for you?"
"Is Len around?" she asked. "I actually need to speak to her, and Commander Stormclaw said she had taken a leave."
"Yes," he replied, "and a well earned one at that. Come on in." She came in the door, and he closed it behind her. "Can I get you anything?"
"No, thank you," Dariana replied with a slight smile. Jon smiled back and walked into the bedroom. Dariana looked around and admired the room.
"Dari," Len said, coming out of the bedroom. "What brings you by? I left Commander Stormclaw in charge, and thought he'd be able to help you and the team with anything you need."
"That's just it," Dariana replied. "He wouldn't understand, but I know you will." Dariana looked into her chocolate brown eyes. "I had another dream."
"What was it about?" Len asked, carefully sitting down on the couch. Dariana was slightly shocked at what she saw. She noticed her belly…but hesitated to say anything. She knew the Space Marshall and her husband wanted to start a family, but didn't realize that they had not only started, but that this was the reason for her leave from the Garisson.
"It was more than just a dream this time," she said, regaining her composure. "Commander Twyla and an accomplice used the rift caused by the Omega Comet to go back in time and change history."
"Fascinating," she replied, "but apparently they didn't succeed."
"That's the problem," Dariana continued. "At first, they did. They killed Alfor and took Earth before the team was launched to Arus."
"But this was just a dream," Len said.
"Not quite," she replied. "They tried to tamper with the past. They made things change in such a way that you…." Dariana stopped herself. "You were much different from who you are now. It took a lot to stop them, but we did, and returned things to normal. But I had to see you, not only to tell you about this, but to make sure that things really were back to normal."
"And are they?" Len asked her. Dariana smiled.
"Well, I haven't been thrown in the prison," she replied, "so I guess they are." They laughed.
"Tell the team I said hi, and that I'm doing well," Len said. "And don't be afraid to talk to Commander Stormclaw. Jon and I have known him quite a long time. You can trust him."
"I'll keep that in mind," Dariana replied, "and thanks Len." Dariana left the apartment. Jon came out of the bedroom and walked over to Lenora.
"Is everything alright?" he asked.
"Fine," she replied. "It seems the twins are a bit restless today." Jon touched her belly, feeling the movement and smiled.
"Constantly working," he said laughing. "Just like their father."
Roxy walked into the Space Marshall's office, and came face to face with Commander Stormclaw. She stopped abruptly and stood at attention.
"You wished to see me, Commander?" she asked.
"Yes," he replied. She remained stiff as a board, and he let out a chuckle. "At ease, Lieutenant." She finally relaxed. "We've received word that the Arusian branch of the Space Academy is nearing completion. With the Space Marshall on leave, we both thought it would be best to have you lead the mission to oversee the unveiling."
"But sir," she asked, "why me? There are plenty of more qualified officers ranked higher than me that could oversee the project. And what about Lieutenant Grend?"
"You are one of the few Arusians to come through our academy and pass with flying colors," he replied. "You are the perfect ambassador for the Academy, and that's why Space Marshall Hawkins and I felt you would be best suited to carry out this mission."
"What about my duty to the Voltron Force?" she asked. He smiled.
"Relax, Lieutenant," he replied. "The entire force, including Lieutenant Grend, will accompany you. The Drules are still out there. They may try to pull something. That's another reason we will have you and the force go."
"In that case," she said, "it's an honor!"
"But that won't be for a few more months," he replied. "The Prince-Consort of Arus has requested we give him and his team time to complete the necessary security measures before the grand opening."
"Good ol' Kogane," she snickered. "Keith has always been punctual about things like security. I still remember some nights I was awake laying there from bad dreams…and I'd hear his footsteps down the hallway at 0400….like clockwork." At once, the com began to beep. Stormclaw hit a button.
"Stormclaw," he said.
"Sir," the voice said, "we just received word that there is a Drule fleet heading into Alliance space. They may be on a course for Quantus again."
"Send a message to Colonel Cross on the Ultra Wave," he replied. "Let him know to prepare for an attack, and that we are sending reinforcements." The com ended. "Lieutenant, find Grend and the rest of your team and get to the ships on the double!"
"Yes Commander," she replied. She gave him a salute, then turned and ran out the door.
"Your excellency," Brak said in a regal tone, "we will reach Quantus in less than an hour."
"Good," Lotor said. "We still have operatives and troops underground. With the Alliance paying less and less attention, perhaps we can take them by surprise."
"Was it such a good idea for you to come on this voyage, Your Excellency?" Brak asked.
"I needed to ensure there were no screw-ups," Lotor replied with a slight laugh. "But since I couldn't avoid bringing you…."
"I will not fail!" Brak shouted valiantly.
"Even so," Lotor replied, "Should Voltron show up, I want to make sure we give him a more than warm welcome. Is the robeast Maahox put together ready?"
"His power cells have been charged with lazon radiation," Brak replied, "and robots have been supplied specialized for this task. Haggar assures us that the dark nexus within this robeast is even a match for the White Lion!"
"It better be, "Lotor replied. "Ever since she failed with her plan with that ignorant savage navigator and her precious White Lion, I have had more and more doubts about her ability to make this happen."
You're doubts are unfounded. My magic is not just sound, but brilliant! Don't think that because you have left my presence that I cannot read your thoughts!
"I can see and hear just fine, old witch!" Lotor replied from the recesses of his mind. "Your essence may keep my body from death, but my heart beats because of my own will! And that will has always been stronger than yours. Don't forget that."
The ship continued on its course, Lotor letting out a laugh that could be heard even through the depths of space.
JC and the team ran into the control room , and ran for the chutes one by one. They dropped into the jets and strapped themselves in.
"Insert all keys!" They placed the keys into the console, and they locked into place. The engines roared and fired up. "Launch!" The jets launched from the hangar and shot off into the atmosphere.
"JC," Roxy said, "the message said a small fleet was headed for Quantus. You don't think they can take over the planet again with such a small force?"
"Knowing the Drules as well as I do," he replied, "They probably have a bigger plan up their sleeve. That's no scouting mission. They crossed into Alliance territory on purpose. We need to find out what that purpose is." He turned his head and tapped the console. "Tails, what kind of readings are you getting from long range scans?"
"Not much," she replied. "Chip said the sensors are still in desperate need of an upgrade. They are almost as archaic as the ones on the Vehicle Team!"
"Well do your best and keep your eyes and ears peeled," JC replied. "Seth, Dariana, can you get me more power to propulsion?"
"Already working on it, boss!" Seth replied.
"I wonder if everything is supposed to be this way," Dariana commented softly.
"Thanks to Tick," Seth replied, "I am able to vaguely remember what happened. I'll know if something's wrong. So far though, I haven't noticed anything change since the incident."
"Good," Dariana replied. Seth was about to mention what Dari had told him before they had left for Pollux in the other universe, but decided not to push. The team continued on their way to Quantus.
Haggar paced back and forth in her lab, no doubt contemplating work on her next project. It was then she saw through the window out of the corner of her eye, something fall from the sky. She turned to the window and looked into the distance, a slight grin on her face.
"This was highly unexpected," she said to herself. She began to clear her own thoughts, for fear Lotor would be able to see them, and she walked to the door and hurried out. Whatever she saw out of that window, she needed to retrieve it.
"Aright men," Colonel Cross said, addressing a moderate battalion of soldiers. "The enemy will be here shortly. It is imperative that we take all appropriate action. I will need Alpha Squadron up in the air to assist the robot fighters. Beta will remain on the ground to contend with ground troops. Gamma and delta will man the turrets and assist with the air strike. It is important that we keep the Drules from taking the base. Understood?"
"Yes, sir!" they all shouted.
"To your posts!" he said, and the troops scattered.
"Are you sure our forces can handle a Drule invasion?" one of the officers with him asked.
"They have to be," he replied. "Unless reinforcements get here soon, we will need to be prepared to take on this invasion on our own."
"The planet is in range!" one of the robots shouted. "It appears the planetary defenses are up!"
"Open fire!" Brak shouted. The ships began firing on the outpost, and in turn they returned fire. The Alpha Squadron, followed by the fleet of robot fighters, began to engage the enemy ships. While some of the robot ships were destroyed in the fray, the Drule forces were taking heavy hits.
"Our fleet is suffering heavy losses!" the robot shouted. "Should we order a retreat?"
"Only cowards retreat!" Lotor shouted. Brak was visibly shaken, but determined.
"Launch the damned robeast!" Brak shouted.
"Yes, sir!" the robot replied. The cargo bay of the command ship opened, and a green scorpion-like monster launched from it. It glowed with the eerie purple of haggarium, and seemed to rage beyond all comprehension.
"This 'Dark Nexus' energy is some of Haggar's most evil work," Lotor commented. "Let's see what happens when it is put to the test against their planetary defenses!" The beast fired a tail laser at some of the ships, and took out quite a few robot ships, and Alpha Squadron lost one of their own.
"Alpha five is down!" one of the pilots shouted. "I repeat, Alpha five is down?"
"Evasive maneuvers!" the squadron leader shouted, and the ships scattered. The robeast, however, was keenly targeting the manned ships.
"What's the use of killing just one?" Lotor asked. "Why not kill them all!" The robeast began to close in on one of the ships, but then was suddenly struck my heavy plasma fire. When he turned, Jet Red flew by.
"Looks like we got here just in time," JC said over the com.
"Voltron Force!" the squad leader shouted. "Can you handle that robeast?"
"Oh, we'll handle it alright," Roxy replied.
"That's what SHE said!" Tails remarked. Seth covered his face.
"Affirmative," the squad leader replied. "We will handle the remaining fleet."
"You got it," JC said. "Alright team, ready to form Voltron! Pull into formation!" The team began to m ake adjustments and moved into wing pattern. "Activate interlocks! Dynotherms connected! Infracells up! Megathrusters are go!"
"Let's go Voltron Force!" they shouted. The jets flew in formation, and as the energy field took hold, changed to start formation.
"Form feet and legs!" JC shouted. "Form arms and torso! And I'll form the head!" Voltron arched back as the energy field dissipated, its eyes lighting up with power.
"Colonel Cross!" one of the officers in the base shouted, "ground troops have been detected coming out of the abandoned lazon caverns!"
"What?" he shouted. "Get Beta Squadron down there! We need to stop them before they overtake the base!"
"What's the plan?" Seth asked.
"Eeew!" Tails shouted. "That thing is super ugly."
"It's a bug," Roxy said. "I say we squash it."
"Power up and get ready to punch that thing!" JC shouted. Voltron flew at the robeast, but the power emanating from it began to have an effect on them.
"We connected, but power levels are going haywire!" Seth said.
"It's like that haggarium drain," Tails replied. "I can't seem to redirect anything!"
"I'm going to try and boost output," Dariana said.
"And we'll try a more tactical approach," JC said. "Seth, Dari, fire retros. Roxy and Tails, on my mark, open fire."
"You got it!" Roxy said.
"Ready and waiting, sir!" Tails replied.
"Ignite Jet Torches!" JC shouted. As Voltron blasted away from the beast, and it tried to strike Voltron with its tail, the flames shot out of Voltron's hands and torched the beast in the face.
"That's using your hands!" Roxy shouted with a grin.
"Let's see if we can crack it's carapace!" JC shouted. Tails pulled the console.
"Form Blazing Axes!" Tails shouted. Voltron reahed behind him and pulled a set of green throwing axes. He took aim and threw them. The first struck the beast's tail, damaging it. The second managed to strik its chest. The beast ripped it out and threw it back at Voltron. Voltron was barely able to dodge it, having a wing clipped slightly.
"Geez!" JC shouted in response. "Gotta move a little faster."
"I see an opening," Dariana said, her eyes glowing. "Lemme have a crack at it."
"All yours," JC said. Voltron shot upwards as the beast flew at him, dodging his attack. Voltron turned quickly.
"Form Blazing Chargers!" she shouted. The spiked handles formed in Voltron's hands, and he fired one at the beast, striking it in the chest and delivering a jolt of energy.
"Power levels surging," Seth shouted, "but in a good way! We're back up to full!"
"Then let's not waste it!" JC shouted. "Pull!" JC yanked the controls, and Voltron pulled hard, sending the beast right at hem. "Form Blazing Sword!" Voltron reached to his hip and pulled the beam that became the sword, and in a clean upward diagonal motion, sliced through the beast. It paused a moment as it split in half, then exploded violently.
"Keep firing!" Gamma leader shouted. "The ground forces are on the run! Beta Squadron, fall back!" Beta troops backed off as the Drules retreated back to the caves. Colonel Cross monitored the RadialTrac, and saw the Drule fleet turning.
"They're on the run!" Cross shouted. "All units, return to base. We can then assess the damage."
"Voltron Force to Quantus base," JC said, "Are you alright?"
"We lost quite a few ships, and a few good men," Cross replied, "but we are alright. The Drule ground troops have retreated to the caves. We may need assistance flushing them out."
"We will land and discuss it," JC said. "Grend out." Voltron split, and the jets headed back to the surface.
"Another loss," Lotor grumbled. "This is all your fault, Brak! Everywhere I go, I'm followed by incompetents!" The ships flew into the distance.
In the abandoned lazon caverns, the remaining troops converge together. Some of them grumbled, and some even spoke of surrender. But the crowd quieted down when a single Drule man dressed in a tattered uniform adorned with several medals looked out at all of them and shouted.
"This battle is not yet over!" he shouted. "Voltron has come to try and once again take what is rightfully ours. The blood of your brothers was spilled on this soil over and over and over again! Are you going to let their deaths be in vain?" The crowd grumbled. "I did not get to where I am be being a sniveling coward, and I'll be damned if I even think of surrender! The legacy of the Drule Empire doesn't know the meaning of surrender! Now who's going to give up on the legacy of your ancestors?" The crowd went silent. "Now….who wants to maintain their honor, and bring victory and glory to the Empire?" The crowd cheered. "And I will make sure that the legacy of this empire remember the name of General Loken Kovinx."
Lotor stormed through the doors of Castle Doom and down the hallways, making a beeline towards his throne room. He continued grumbling to himself about this latest upsetting defeat.
"No matter what I do," he said to himself, "that robot always seems to stop it! I can't rely on anyone in my empire! How could things possibly be worse?" He stormed into the throne room and was about to ascend to his throne when he looked up and stopped, staring in horror at the man sitting in his throne….HIS throne.
"Daddy's home…."