Good evening all! I hope you are all doing well. Sorry for the delay….long delay. Will definitely work on posting more frequently. For the moment, please enjoy this latest chapter. Thank you so keeping up.

A Person 56: I'm so happy you are liking the story. Hope you keep enjoying it.

GoPinkLion: Yeah, Lucy will definitely need hugs. So there's a madness to Hope. I personally think it comes from her father. ;) Lance and Romelle. You'll have to stay tuned to find out. Poor Sam. LOL! Thank you for reading.

Mertz: Thank you my friend! You're feedback is always appreciated. So…when's your next fic coming out? ;)

Snyperlady: I'm so so, so glad you're enjoying the chapter. Thank you. Yeah, there's definitely more. LOL.

LibAkilah: Thank you for reading…so what are your theories? I'm interested!

Playlist

K Flay: Giver

U2: The Troubles

Missio: Animals

Chapter 21

Lotor slept peacefully until a ringing in his ear brought him out of his deep slumber. Opening his eyes, he found his mother figure sitting at the edge of his bed smiling at him.

"Haggar," he whispered. "You're here."

"I wanted to see you," she answered, smiling an eerily loving smile at her son.

Without thought, Lotor reached out for her and found his hand passing through her. Haggar had taken a transparent form.

"I'm not really here my child," she replied as she watched his actions, "I'm using my powers to project myself here. I don't have too much time and my energies will run out soon."

"I wish you were here with me Haggar," he lied back down in bed. "It's been so long."

"Soon enough, we will be together," the witch comforted him. "For the moment, you know what must be done. Lotor, we must act fast. Faster than we originally thought."

He turned to her, "What do you mean? Why?"

"I feel that my time is running to a close. Questions are rising about my whereabouts. Soon enough, I will be found," she told him with firmness in her tone, "But I want everything to be ready before it happens. Work faster my child."

"I need to do one thing before I act," Lotor responded as she slowly sat up, "And I need your blessing."

Looking at him curiously, Haggar asked, "And what would that be?"

"I want the princess," he said, looking at his mother figure with stern firmness, "I seek a companion. I seek someone to share the throne with. I seek Allura Altair."

"An Arusian?"

"Yes," he nodded. "I have never asked for anything, but she is who I want. Will you deny me of this wish?"

Smiling at her son, Haggar reached out for him to touch his cheek. And even though Lotor could not feel her caress, he closed his eyes and imagined her hand slowly touching him, "You've been the perfect son in every possible way. Your father and brother would have been proud of who you are. How could I ever deny anything to you?"

At this, Lotor smiled.

"Have your princess, but make sure everything goes according to plan."

"It will be done," he nodded.

"And one last thing Lotor," she answered as her features grew cold and serious, "Make sure that you get rid of Kogane. Make him suffer."

"Haggar, I assure you, it will be done," he adamantly nodded. "But, will you do your part?"

Her smile came back triumphantly, "I will not fail."

XXXXXXXXXX

As soon as Lucy opened the door, Allura walked right past her without waiting for the welcome, "Lucy, have you gone completely insane? You can't leave Hunk!" After Lucy's abrupt call, Allura dropped everything and drove over to her friend's apartment to stop her from causing both her and Hunk much pain.

"I'm not leaving him, Allura," she reasoned, "I'm just not going to live with him. Not until he gets over this fear of having a child."

The response took Allura by surprise, "Afraid?"

Sighing heavily, Lucy walked over to a chair in the living room and sat down, "Yeah, afraid. Well, that's what I hope he feels. The alternative would be so much worse."

"What are you talking about?" Allura asked, now calming down and taking a seat opposite of her friend. "Lucy what's going on?"

Lucy swallowed hard and took a deep breath to stop herself from having tears come down her eyes, "I think Will is afraid of having this child. He's afraid that it might get hurt, that the Drules will attack and he'll be powerless to help me or the baby…he's just afraid of something happening and he doesn't feel prepared to have him."

"Oh, Lucy," Allura shook her head, "I'm sure that once the baby is born and he sees what he created–"

"That's just it Allura," Lucy chuckled sarcastically "I don't think that's going to happen. I just don't see it based on the way he's acting. I think it's better for me to raise the child on Earth. Away from Arus. That way, he'll feel that we are safe, he'll work better…it's not like I'm stopping him from seeing his kid! I'll just be somewhere else. Somewhere…where we won't be a burden to him."

"You think he wants this?" Allura raised her voice, nervous about the way her friend thought.

"I don't know what he wants!" she snorted. "But I know that right now, it isn't me or the baby."

"Lucy," Allura stood up and went to her. Taking her hands, she begged, her voice low and calming, "I need you to think this through. Taking off to Earth like this…it's crazy. Talk to Hunk. I know that you don't want to do this. You don't want to leave your husband. Just…just don't do this."

The tears began to flow easily and Lucy couldn't stop herself, "Oh my God. Allura, why is this happening? This is supposed to be the happiest moment in our lives. Why isn't he happy? Why wouldn't anyone be happy about having a baby?"

She didn't know either and Allura wanted nothing more than to find Hunk and punch him in the gut for hurting Lucy this way, "Just give him another chance Luz. Don't make any rash decisions. Can you do that?"

The red head was hesitant, but nodded curtly, "I'll talk to him."

Sighing in relief, Allura offered her friend a small smile, "You'll see Lucy. Everything will turn out well. Give Hunk another chance. He'll come through."

XXXXXXXXXX

Coran took this much better than I thought, Keith thought as he took a Corps vehicle to the Arus Penitentiary. It was ironic that he was going back to a place where he had been an inmate himself a few years prior. He knew the warden wouldn't be happy to see him again. By all accounts, the old man hated him and put up with him for the same reasons as everyone else did, the gift.

Driving in, he was stopped at the gate by a patrol who immediately recognized him. Keeping the emotions in check, the man plainly said, "Purpose of your visit, Captain?"

"I'm here to see the warden," Kogane bypassed the greetings as well. He knew he wasn't well liked by any of the authority figures.

"Give me a moment to contact him," the patrol man answered as he took out his comm. unit and placed the call. It took longer than Keith expected, but he wasn't surprised. The warden was going to exercise his authority as best he could. Patiently, he waited. After a wait time of about fifteen minutes or so, the patrol man came back, "The Warden will see you now, Captain. Please drive through. At the first stop, take a left and follow the signs. His office is on the seventh floor."

"Thank you," he answered as the patrolman nodded before turning away.

Keith did as instructed and once he found the building, he parked and got out of the car. Wearing a Corps formal military uniform he asked Mosley to get him, he walked in to the building and took the elevators to the seventh floor, just as the patrolman instructed.

Finding the office, he saw glass double doors. Upon opening them, he noticed a lobby followed by a receptionist area. Walking in, he took a look at the older looking receptionist with the short brown hair and dark brown eyes and asked, "I'm here to see–"

"Warden Bridger will be with you in a few minutes, Captain," the woman replied coolly, "Why don't you have a seat?"

This should be interesting, he thought to himself as he studied the older woman. She too had her own feelings toward him and they weren't good either. Inwardly sighing, Keith turned and took a seat. He waited for another twenty minutes before he noticed the vidscreen alert something to the receptionist. She turned and looked at him, her cool demeanor still present. "The warden will see you now. Through the double doors," she pointed not bothering to accompany him in.

Keith nodded his thanks and walked to the doors she pointed at. Opening the doors, he found himself in the warden's office. The tall lanky man sat behind his desk, hands on his keyboard, not looking up as Keith walked in, "What is it that you need Kogane?"

"I came him to pick up a prisoner," he replied as he took a small datapad from the pocket of his jacket and pressed a few buttons.

Looking up at his former innate for the first time, the warden asked, "Prisoner? I haven't been notified of anyone being released today and I certainly didn't know you were going to show up!"

"I just sent you the orders from Master Coran," Keith replied with his usual non-emotional tone, "You are to release prisoner 1453945."

Bridger turned to his computer, looked up what Keith had just sent him and then checked to see who his prisoner was. Baffled when he didn't find any record with that number, he looked up at Kogane again, "There's no record of that file anywhere in my system."

"Not anymore," Keith answered calmly. "He no longer exists in the system. I know where his cell is, I'll retrieve him myself."

Bridger took a look at his computer again to confirm Coran's request. Everything was there. He couldn't deny it or do anything to prevent it. He'd have to follow orders. To make matters worse, he'd have to follow the orders of a superior officer that was once a prisoner. How utterly humiliating!

"You know your way, I presume?" he asked sarcastically.

Keith didn't provide an answer. Instead, he turned and walked toward the door, but not before telling him, "We've taken the liberty to black out recordings. You will not have any information of the state of the prison from the past year and from the moment I came in until the moment I leave. But should you need to view any information, contact me. I'll view the recordings and provide you the information needed. Good day, warden."

Once gone, Bridger stood fuming. Unable to voice his anger, he picked up a small decorative stature that stood on his desk and threw it mercilessly to the door.

XXXXXXXXXX

Since the night before, Darrell felt an uncharacteristically angry. And, it was anger directed toward himself. At first, he didn't know why. He had made his decision and he should have been happy. Hope was where she needed to be. She was experiencing the world and hopefully learning enough to make decisions that in the long run would make her happy. So what was wrong?

"Everything!" he said to himself as he walked down the hallway. The ballroom still needed some work, but progressed faster than expected. Darrell knew Hope would be there directing the workers.

He wasn't surprised to find her as soon as he walked in. But, he was surprised to see her chatting on a small vidscreen by a small area they had designed as an office. There was a man on the screen. Young, maybe a little older than Hope with green eyes and black hair. Jason.

As he walked closer, Darrell noticed Hope smiling and even giggling at times. Surprise turned to anger. Once he got closer, he could listen to the conversation a little better.

"When are you coming back?" Jason asked.

She shrugged, "There's still about a week's worth of work left over and honestly, I want to attend the ball. I'll leave after."

"Hope, you really love Arus. Don't you?"

"What can I tell you J," she answered with her winning smile, "This is home. Who wouldn't want to be home?"

He smiled at her. Darrell didn't like the smile.

"So, when do I get to see home?"

"You want to visit, Arus?" She seemed surprised. "I thought you said you'd never leave Paris."

"I can make an exception for you," he laughed, but he did seem genuinely interested in her accepting the informal offer. "You have a date for this ball?"

"She does."

The two suddenly heard a third voice reply.

Turning around, Hope watched as Darrell walked in. Jason, looking surprised and a little embarrassed as he recognized who spoke said, "My apologies sir. I didn't know."

Neither did I, Hope said to herself.

"It's alright…" he searched for his name.

"Jason," the man on the screen immediately said. "Jason Lockheart. I work with Hope."

"Good to meet you Mr. Lockheart."

"The pleasure is all mine Lieutenant Stoker," he answered. Turning to Hope, the young man answered, "How about we talk a little later?"

"Sure," she replied trying to casually hide her own surprise, "I'll call you later tonight. And, by the way, I can send you the invitation to the ball. I'd love for you to come and see Arus as well. While I'm here."

The informal invitation brought a smile to his face, "Looking forward to meeting you both. Thank you."

"You're welcome. Chat soon," Hope replied before she disconnected from the call. Turning around, she looked at Darrell, "What's going on?"

"It looked like he was about to ask you out," Darrell replied defensively.

"And if he was?" She asked calmly. "Why would that have been a problem?"

"It's not," he replied defensively. "I…I just don't think that you should be dating someone from work. That's all."

Hope stared at him with question, "Well, I'm not sure where you got the idea that I was dating Jason. And, I apologize if I communicated this to you. But, I'm having a hard time understanding why this would be a problem. I mean, you yourself told me you wanted me to experience other relationships. Wasn't it you who said you didn't think it was a good idea to be tied down to one person?"

He knew she was right. Everything that Hope had just told him was exactly what he had told her when they broke up. So, what was going on in his mind right now, he asked himself, "I know what I said Hope. It's just that…"

Hope stood up and walked to him. She looked into his eyes and with a calming tone asked, "What?"

God, he loved her. He loved everything about her. Why was he making this so hard on himself? Without thinking any further, Darrell gave up fighting what he knew was a lost cause. He loved Hope deeply. There was no denying that, "I don't want you dating him," he whispered back to her.

"Why?"

"Because," he sighed. Darrell lifted his hand and gently caressed her cheek, "I love you Hope. I can't stop loving you."

She smiled at him and his world lit up at the look on her face, "I've always loved you Darrell. Always." He was about to kiss her when she stopped him, "But, I'm not going to live my life thinking when will be the next time you decide what is better for me, Darrell. I know what I want. I've always known. Do you?"

Darrell looked down, ashamed at what he had caused. She had every right to speak to him that way, "I'm sorry for what I put you through."

"That's not what I want to hear," she firmly said to him, but her gentle nature never derailed.

"What do you want to hear?"

"Should you even ask?"

XXXXXXXXXX

Lance had gone home for a couple of hours to get some rest before he made it back to base later that day. He was still tired, but able to function. Knowing that there was still work to do, he decided to spend the afternoon studying more of the information that Darrell had been able to download earlier. As he parked his car, he noticed Romelle get out of hers before heading to the entrance of the ballroom.

"Hey, Elle!" he called out.

Romelle turned around, a little surprised by the sound of his voice. She stopped and waited for him. Once he got close enough, she said, "Lance, why aren't you home resting? You had patrol last night."

"I rested enough," he shrugged. "There's some information I want to review today and it's a good day to do so. Besides, I can get some more rest tonight."

She nodded and smiled uneasily, "Well, I'm glad you were able to get some rest at least. I should be going, it was nice seeing you."

"Wait," he stopped her and tried to find an information topic to keep her there. "How's the remodeling coming along?"

"It's going well," she answered with a smile of appreciation, "If all runs smoothly we should have it done before in a week."

"Good," he nodded. "About the event…I'm hoping you'll take my offer."

At this Romelle sighed, "Lance, you can't be serious!"

"Why not?" he sounded serious. "Elle, I was dead serious. I'm not giving up on us. I did it once, I'm not doing it again."

"This isn't a good idea," Romelle shook her head.

Lance didn't miss the opportunity when she showed her vulnerability, "I'm giving up on you, Elle. I love you."

She looked up at him, "Lance, please."

"Fine," he smiled. "How about this. Let me take you out tonight. If it all goes well, then you have to promise me to be your date for the ball." Taking her hand gently, Lance squeezed it softly, "Come Elle. Say yes."

"I–" She suddenly remembered the conversation with Hope earlier that day.

"Come on," he whispered as he looked into her eyes, "Please."

Looking at him, Romelle's will deteriorated and she found herself accepting his invitation, "I'm going to regret this."

"No you won't," he smiled. "I promise you. You won't."

XXXXXXXXXXX

It was well over two o'clock in the afternoon when Coran walked to his office and found Sam standing by the door, "General?"

"Coran," Sam looked tired, worn out. "I was wondering if I could speak to you."

Noticing the demeanor he man, Coran could not deny the request. The morning had been busy with the meetings, getting Keith's request completed and making sure he covered his other job tasks of the day. He was thankful that he had been able to have lunch before going back to his office. Opening the door to his office, he gestured to the man to walk in.

"Thank you," Gellar nodded as he went to take a seat in the living area.

"What's going on General?" Coran asked

Sam paused before speaking. He wasn't sure how to even begin. Shrugging, he shook his head in regret, "Yesterday, my one wish came true. Allura had finally accepted my proposal, I was the happiest man because the woman that I have loved for the past decade was finally mine."

Worried by the way the man spoke, Coran went to the chair across from Sam's and sat before asking cautiously, "Did you break off the engagement?"

"No," Sam laughed mirthlessly, "But we might as well. Do you know where your niece was last night?"

Coran shook his head.

"With him," Sam whispered.

"I beg your pardon?"

"Allura was with Kogane," Sam looked directly into the older man's eyes. "She lied telling me she was coming here, but instead she went to him."

Coran was surprised by Sam's words.

"Do you mean–"

"No," he shook his head, "She was very adamant that they didn't spend the night together. Apparently she had the need to discuss our engagement with him," Sam answered sarcastically.

"And you believe her," Coran continued the cautious questioning.

"Last night," he shrugged again, "Yeah. This morning, I'm not so sure." He looked at the advisor and offered him a small sad, yet angry smile, "I don't know what to believe any more. I'm not sure about what I need to do or who I have to become to get Allura to love me."

"She loves you," Coran gently told him.

"Maybe," Sam shook his head, "But loving me and being in love with me are two separate things. Coran, I can't compete with Keith Kogane. I wouldn't even know where to begin!"

"Samuel," the Advisor began, "There's no need for compete with Keith."

"I thought so at first," he sighed, "But, I've realized in the last few months that I was wrong. Ever since he came back, I've had to compete with him and I'm realizing that I'm slowly losing the competition. There's a connection between them that I'll never be able to break. It's part of them. It's something greater than me."

Coran couldn't argue with that. For as long as he lived Keith and Allura's relationship, he knew that their love was part of something greater. Apart, they were strong, but together….together they were invincible. Their connection was stronger than the one the other lions had with their mates in terms of power with the lions. Maybe it was because Keith piloted Black or maybe it was because Allura was of royal blood, he'd probably find out in the afterlife when he'd reunite with his brother.

Coran would have been happy if Allura chose Sam as her soul mate, but deep inside, against his own wishes, he knew that the bond Keith had with Allura would never cease. It would be something that would linger with all of them till the end of their existence as chosen pilots.

"What do you want to do, son?" Coran asked with a fatherly tone.

"I don't know Coran," Sam regrettably shook his head. "I need some time. I need to clear my head."

Nodding in understanding, Coran stood up and walked over to his desk. Picking up his datapad, he began pushing some buttons, "How would you like to get some training done out on the field?"

Sam looked up curiously.

"Our scientists are in need of certain samples from planet Mira," Coran replied explaining himself, "It's a jungle planet that holds certain flowers that if used properly can be used as bio weapons against the Drules, if need be."

"I'm not sure what you're requesting?"

"I'd like you to head the mission with a small team to collect the samples," Coran answered. "It's not the type of mission that can compare to what Commander Kogane is proposing for Doom, but it will give you an introduction to field work."

"How long will it be?"

Coran replied, "About a week, week and a half. You'll be able to get away from here for a while, work, and maybe take the time you need to think things through. Perhaps you might find that field work in the end isn't really your…passion."

Sam liked the idea. He had actually thought of taking a leave of absence, but Coran's suggestion proved to be much more interesting enough to provide him the time he needed to think what he wanted to do, "Thank you Coran. I'd be very interested in taking the assignment."

"Good," Coran smiled. "Report to the Science Wing at 1700 hours today to speak with the chief scientists. You can choose a team of six to go with you. Think it well after your discussions with the team of scientists. Deployment is in 48 hours. I've sent you the information. Read it over carefully before your meeting today."

Standing up, Sam felt a sense of relief, "Thank you so much! I truly appreciate the opportunity."

"No thanks needed, General," Coran smiled, but then his smile faded, "There are many things you said today that you need to think about carefully. In the end, the decision is yours and I'll respect and support you fully."

"Thank you."

"Just make the decision for you General. It is not about Allura or Keith. This is about you. Think about what will make you happy. You don't want an eternity of pain or sorrow."

XXXXXXXXXX

As planned, Keith took the kid out of the prison without any problems, objections or pushback. Sandu was surprised to see Keith there and even more surprised when he told him they were leaving. It took them about twenty minutes to get out. Ten of them mostly having Sandu change into the civilian clothes he walked in with a year prior. The clothes were a size or two larger. Apparently, Sandu wasn't acclimating well to his temporary dwellings.

Once they got to the car, they drove in silence for the first few minutes of the ride. Keith noticed that the kid was nervous, but despite it all, he followed directions, didn't speak back and answered respectfully the few interactions he had with him and the other officers. Hazar was right, Keith thought. Sandu was a good kid. Stupid for trusting the wrong people, but a good kid.

"If I may ask, where are we going, Commander Kogane?" the kid asked finally breaking the silence.

"I'm taking you to SpacePort 9. You'll be taking a transport to Ebb," Keith replied without looking at him as he kept driving. "Your transport leaves in two hours."

The kid looked shocked, "I'm going back to Ebb? Will I serve the rest of my sentence there?"

"No," Keith shook his head. "Open the compartment in front of you." Sandu did as ordered. Upon opening the compartment, he found a small data tablet. He looked at Keith as if asking for permission to retrieve it. "Take it," the commander ordered.

Once he did, the tablet lit up and he read the welcoming message Good afternoon, Sandu.

"The tablet contains the boarding pass for your transport entrance which you'll need to board. Once you arrive at Ebb, your mother will be waiting for you."

Sandu breathed out heavily out of shock, "Are you telling me I'm free?"

Keith nodded. "I managed to erase your entire criminal file. Your record is clean. Once you get to Ebb, you'll be able to enroll in any of their universities without a problem. Your transcript, up to your completed courses will be eligible for transfer. You can apply to other universities around the galaxy, but I suggest you stay home for a while. Your mother will appreciate it."

"How…how is this possible?" the kid's voice cracked as he fought to stop the tears that threatened to escape his reptilian eyes.

He debated whether or not to tell him it was his uncle's doing, at first. But then, Keith decided it would be better to let the kid know that his uncle wasn't as bad as he portrayed himself to be. At least, that's what Keith wanted to believe.

"Your uncle," Keith replied without saying any more.

"Uncle Hazar?" the surprises kept coming. "He did this?"

Keith nodded.

"But…he would have been the last person I would have thought to help me."

"Well," Keith answered, "Sometimes people can surprise you. Remember what I'm about to tell you Sandu, there's a lot more to people than what you see on the surface. I'll admit that your uncle isn't an honest being, but should he ever want to change, you and your mother should give him a chance."

"Why?" It wasn't a question of defiance, rather it was based more on curiosity as to why Keith defended Hazar.

"Because everyone deserves a chance at redemption," Keith turned and looked at the kid for a moment before looking back ahead. "Everyone deserves a chance to make things right, if there is a possibility to make it right."

"Why are you helping him?"

"Because he's helping me. And that's all you need to know."

XXXXXXXXXX

"Are you sure you want to do this?" Cossack asked unsure as to why Lotor suddenly decided to do what he thought was completely off his friend's character.

"Because," Lotor replied calmly as he dressed, "I need to know what I'm against. Besides, it's the perfect opportunity."

"I still think it's a bad idea," Cossack shook his head as he sat on a corner of the Prince's bed. "I don't want you to go."

Lotor laughed, "You still treat me like your kid brother. Need I remind you that were adults? You can't tell me what to do." It wasn't a sarcastic reply. Lotor found it amusing that Cossack still saw him as the kid he used to protect from the children that bullied him as a kid.

Cossack snorted, "I've been taking care of you since we were kids. You're never going to turn that off from me. I'm always going to protect you Lotor."

Turning around to face his friend and brother, the prince smiled, "I know. And I'd never ask you to. Cossack, you've been my mentor, my protector, my brother and my friend. I'm grateful that you serve at my side."

"Yet, you're not listening to me and doing this," Cossack smirked as he sighed.

"Absolutely!" Lotor laughed again, "Care to join me?"

Shaking his head, Cossack stood up from the bed and sighed, "Leave it to you to invite me to your parties. But, may I suggest one thing?"

"What?"

"Let's add added value to this…idea of yours."

"I'm still not getting you, Cossack," Lotor walked over to his closet to get his boots.

"Just leave it to me."

XXXXXXXXXX

After Allura left, Lucy took some time to compose herself before walking over the vidcom to contact her husband. When he connected, she found him working at the repair bay.

"Hey," she greeted him rather sadly.

"Hey, you," Hunk answered her gently, "Are you okay? Feeling well?"

"Yeah," she nodded immediately. "It's just that…I think we need to talk."

Hunk sighed. He knew their prior conversation wasn't over so Hunk felt himself nodding in agreement, "I know Love. How about dinner tonight? Somewhere quiet where we can talk."

"Okay," she nodded. "You'll pick me up?"

"Yeah," he answered. "I'll be there at around seven this evening."

She nodded.

"I love you, Lucy," Hunk told her wholeheartedly.

"I love you too, Will," she replied before disconnecting.

XXXXXXXXXX

Allura walked in to the base in a hurry. Aside for her job tasks and certain reports she owed to Keith, she promised her class she'd teach at least one session a month. She had cleared it with her commanding officer weeks prior and now she was running late.

Talking to Lucy had taken a lot of out her. She hoped she and Hunk could resolve their issues soon. Having Lucy feel that way certainly wasn't helping the baby.

As she ran in to her class she collided with the one person she didn't want to face at the moment. Not because she didn't want to, but because she was still thinking through certain things from their past conversation.

"Sam," she gasped. "I'm sorry, I didn't see you."

"That's alright Allura," he answered calmly. "I'm assuming you're going to class?"

"Yes," she nodded. "It's about to start in 5 minutes and–"

"You don't need to give me any explanations," he told her coldly. "Go to class. We can talk in later."

"Thank you," she gently answered. He was about to take leave when she stopped him, "Sam?"

"Yes?"

"I'm sorry about last night," Allura replied. "You have to know that I don't want to hurt you. I've…I've never wanted to."

"I know," he nodded as he sighed. "Listen, I need to get some things done at the moment. I'm leaving for a short time and–"

"Leaving?" she looked at him in surprise, "What do you mean, leaving?"

"Coran's assigned me a small project. I'll be gone for at least a week or maybe a little more. But, I'll provide you the details later. Would you like to meet for dinner after your class?"

"Sure," she replied, still surprised.

"Okay," he still didn't crack a smile. "I'll see you later."

With that, he walked away leaving her speechless.

XXXXXXXXXX

Evening rolled around and, as the team finished their duties, they began to leave for the day. Allura and Sam left together, Lance left hours earlier telling Keith and Coran he had some business he needed to attend. Darrell stayed late running some new updates for the lions and Hunk was still at the repair by trying to finish his work which had unexpectedly ran behind.

Keith, after dropping off Hazar's nephew, went back to base and then took his turn at patrolling duties. It was during this time, as he flew Black, that he had an incoming call. "Mosley, I'm getting an incoming call, but I can't tell who it is."

"A call? I'm not getting anything on my end Captain," she answered from the comm. line.

He looked at the call line and knew who the caller would be. Before opening communications he told Mosley, "Don't disconnect. Listen in and inform the team. I need them all back at base immediately."

"I'll mute my end so you don't hear what's going from my end," her voice was firm, knowing that whatever was about to happen was not going to be good.

"Alright," he said before pressing the code to connect the outside call.

"Greeting, Captain Kogane."

His instincts where correct. Lotor was on the other end and even though Keith could not see his face, he knew the prince was smiling malevolently as he greeted him.

"What do you want?"

"Actually, I was thinking we could meet," Lotor answered. "I'm very interested in playing a game with you, Captain."

"I don't play games," Keith replied with a cold tone. "Now, what is it that you want?"

"I told you," the prince replied. "I want play a game. If it makes you feel better, let's not call it a game, but rather a challenge. Come alone Captain. If I see that you brought in reinforcements, I'll have my fighters attack the metropolitan areas."

Keith's heart jumped, "Are you threatening to enter Arus, Lotor?"

"Threatening? No, Captain," he laughed. "No need to threaten when I'm already here."