Thank you for your patience. Here is the next chapter of the saga. A very special thank you to Mertz for the edit as I had no time to re-read it.
Guest: Thank you so much for reading. Hope you continue to do so.
LibAkilah: Hopefully this chapter answers your questions. Thank you for your patience. Hope you like it.
GoPinkLion: Like I've always said, I've always loved a smart Lotor. He has so much potential. Thank you so much for your patience. Hope you like this chapter. The next couple of chapters are my favorite.
Playlist
SYML-Where is my Love?
Robert DeLong and K Flay -Favorite Color is Blue
Snow Patrol-The Lightning Strike
Chapter 25
The trip back to Arus had been quiet and relatively safe. Sam expected some resistance from Drule fighters or other Drule allies, but it didn't happen. As he stood and looked at the vast space from the viewing window by the bridge, he sighed contentedly. His first field mission had been successful. In the two or so weeks since he had been sent out, he gathered the samples he needed for the Biotech department and proven to his team his capabilities as a field leader.
He had been able to get through it all, even with all the external factors he encountered. The hikes were challenging, the campouts and the weather even more. He was glad it was over, but felt that if given a second chance, he'd do even better.
Sam knew that this field mission was nothing like what he'd encounter at Korrinth, but it did give him some hope that he'd be able to convince Kogane that by coming back in one piece there was a possibility he could do it.
During that time, he also had a chance to think about his problems with Allura. Allura. She was perfect. Truly the only woman he ever loved. He knew she loved him too. Maybe that was enough. He had proposed and she'd accepted. Allura accepted sharing with him the soul of the lions, there had to be love there, wasn't there? Maybe the problem wasn't her, but him.
Deep down inside, Sam knew that a part of Allura would never give up Kogane completely. He knew that, and after Kogane's arrival, that part seemed to resurrect. But, he also watched as she tried to tame it, fight to keep it dormant. Accepting the proposal meant that by sealing their relationship, she'd be able to completely leave it tucked away, permanently.
As Sam stared into the vastness of space, he understood that in order for his relationship to truly continue, he'd have to understand Allura's feelings for Kogane. They would never completely go away, but she wanted them to, he could tell. And if marrying him was the key to that, then, he'd accept it. Who knew? Perhaps with time, those feelings would completely go away and he'd have her fully.
It wasn't the best scenario, but it was one that Sam could live with. He sighed, mostly resigned to the idea. He'd speak to Allura once he got back and ask her to set a date. The sooner the better. He couldn't lose her, he wouldn't lose her. He loved her.
He just couldn't lose the one thing that meant everything to him.
XXXXXXXXXX
"I don't feel comfortable about this," Darrell sighed heavily as he and Lance walked in to the elevator of Romelle's apartment building. The two were there to pick up both mother and daughter as their dates for the evening festivities.
"Stop whining," Lance snorted. "What's the big deal anyway? You've been with Hope forever and it isn't like you and I haven't doubled before."
"The deal is that I've never doubled with my mother-in-law," Darrell reminded his friend. "I just find it hard to believe that you're interested in Romelle."
"Why is that hard to believe?"
He laughed, "Lance, you've dated half the galaxy. All of a sudden you're interested in my girlfriend's mother? You do see how this whole thing is…strange."
"Strange?" Lance asked, curiously.
"Strange," Darrell repeated. "Bizarre and honestly, a little farfetched."
"Hey!"
The elevator doors opened and the two walked out. Darrell first and Lance behind. After a couple of steps, Lance stopped Darrell from continuing the walk down the hallway.
"You know, I do have a serious side," Lance defended himself. "And yeah, I like her. I like her a lot."
"This month," Darrell replied, sarcastically. When he saw Lance's demeanor change into one of anger, he raised his hands as if to surrender before the oncoming fight. "Listen, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have answered that way. But Lance, I've never seen you serious about any woman. You have always been known as a ladies man. And you haven't corrected that stigma. What is everyone supposed to think?"
In essence, Lance knew Darrell was right. He had never been serious with anyone. Well, only with Romelle, but no one knew about that. He couldn't expect him to think otherwise. Reluctantly, he nodded in defeat before answering, "I know what you saw over the years and I can't change that. But what you see now…what you see now is a man who is more interested in Romelle than you realize. I am in love with her, Darrell. I'm in love with Romelle."
Darrell didn't look surprised. The statement just corroborated with what Hope told him earlier. He smiled a bit before a shadow of seriousness darkened his features, "I wish you the best with her, Lance. I really do. But if you hurt Romelle, you hurt Hope, and I won't allow you to do that."
"I won't," he shook his head seriously. "I could never do that to either of them."
Smiling again, Darrell resumed the walk, "Well, let's get this show in the road. The faster we start, the faster I can get this monkey suit off."
XXXXXXXXXX
As she walked in, Allura couldn't help to feel awed by what Romelle had done with the ballroom. Crystal chandeliers decorated the high ceilings, a creamy color palette complemented the walls. Each of the 38 tables in the room were decorated with tall centerpieces, filled with white orchids and magnolias that naturally scented the room.
The room was already filling with guests dressed in spectacular military and royal outfits. She, herself, wore the traditional colors of Arus, purple and yellow. Her wide V-neck, long sleeved, appliqué sequins ball gown was made of tulle that reached the floor. She hated wearing the thing, but knew it was important to represent her planet and the tradition of her past royal status. Allura decided to wear her hair long, with soft curls at her ends. She looked very much like a royal queen from four hundred years past.
Feeling a little uncomfortable with the ensemble she wore, she sighed her discontent, "Why couldn't Romelle make the theme for this thing more modern?"
"I think you look beautiful," a voice told her from behind.
Turning around, Allura recognized the man, "Prince Rainer?"
"It is good to see you, Princess Allura," the tall man said with a smile. Lotor had bypassed every security he encountered with ease. The potion worked perfectly. Haggar had done wonders. For the next six hours, he would look and sound like the he kidnapped and held in his ship's cell. Only a few hours and Allura would be his for the taking.
She laughed, "Really? Princess? What's up with the greeting, Your Highness? I thought we decided that I would address you in such fashion, but I would be addressed as Lieutenant."
Rainer looked at her blankly for a moment before answering, "I'm sorry, Lieutenant Altair, I guess my memory must have gone blank for a moment." She smiled a little. He couldn't tell what she was thinking, but he shrugged, "My apologies."
"Quite alright," she nodded. "It was a while ago."
Lotor remembered from his interrogation from the real prince how long he had visited Arus, "Yes, two years…it's been awhile."
"So it has," she answered as she courteously hugged him, "So nice to see you, Your Highness. And thank you for the compliment."
"Well, you do look well…Lieutenant. Even though, you don't seem happy with the attire."
She shrugged a little, "Truthfully, I would have been happier wearing my military uniform. Royal conformity has not been a part of Arus for decades. It's really not who we are, but I can understand why Romelle wanted to bring the historical theme back tonight. Everyone else seems to enjoy it."
"I rather like tonight's theme. I guess I'm sort of a traditionalist. It's nice to see how elegant and classy that past was. It good to know where we came from." He had no idea who Romelle was but he figured the real Rainer knew. He'd have to keep up appearances a little longer, "I haven't seen Romelle, yet."
"I haven't either, but she should be on her way," she answered as she suddenly watched Keith arrive from the alternate entrance. "Well, Your Highness, I hope you enjoy tonight's festivities."
"Thank you very much," he nodded. "May I ask a favor before you take your leave?"
"Sure," she answered absent-mindedly.
"I was wondering if you would do me the pleasure of saving me a dance before the evening is over," Lotor asked with a regal tone.
Allura looked at him again, "I…"
Something was wrong. Lotor immediately took notice, "I'm sorry."
"No," she shook her head, "It's just that, I haven't heard such a formal asking in well…awhile. Yes, I'd be glad to save you a dance."
Nodding and even blushing a bit, Lotor smiled gently at his prey, "I guess I'm still a little old fashioned. My apologies."
"No need, Your Highness," Allura curtsied, continuing the conversation and not allowing the prince to feel uncomfortable, "It would be an honor to reserve a dance for you tonight."
"Thank you."
"You're welcome." By this point Allura had seen that Kirian had made her way to Keith and the two seemed to be in an engaging conversation. Too engaging to her own liking, "If you excuse me, I need to see Commander Kogane about a pending matter. I'll see you later on tonight?"
"You can count on it," he bowed.
With that, Allura took her leave, trying to get to the other side of the ballroom where Keith stood, still stopping to greet those she encountered.
XXXXXXXXXX
"Well, you clean up nicely."
Keith heard the voice of Kirian coming from behind him. Turning around, he watched as Mosley approached him. She continued her assessment, "This is the different look for you. Although, you could turn that frown upside down. It'll complete the look."
Kirian was dressed in a black strapless ball gown with red stencil marks decorating the bottom. She looked older, yet very attractive. Her usual pixie do was stylishly brushed. Looking at her without as much as a twitch, Keith asked, "Where are the others?"
Sighing with resignation, Kirian shook her head, "You're no fun. Lieutenant Garrett is talking to Coran. He won't stay long, as he has volunteered to take patrol tonight. Lieutenant-Captain McClain has not arrived and neither has Lieutenant Stoker. And, Lieutenant Altair is over speaking with Prince Rainer."
Keith looked glance over to watch as Allura spoke to the prince, "Where's Coran?"
"Over by the grand table," she answered, pointing to the stage, "Once you are all here, he'll present you and you'll need to make a speech. Nothing huge, just a welcome, have a good time kind of thing."
This time it was Keith who sighed, "Am I allowed to leave after that?"
She shook her head, "No. You're expected to have dinner at the grand table with your team."
He closed his eyes, trying to accept what he knew was inevitable. Keith looked at the smile that Kirian had plastered on her face and immediately knew there was more, "What else?"
"Well," she blushed a little, "I'd like to see if the captain will grant me one dance this evening."
Keith stiffened for a moment, "I don't dance."
"Come on, Captain. Listen, I am never this forward, but even you can't deny a lady's request of one dance at a ball. One dinner, one dance, and then you slip out without anyone noticing. Besides, would you want to dance a piece with someone you know or with a complete stranger?"
Mosley had a point. But now he had to dance not only with her but with Allura as well, thanks to the promise that he made to Romelle weeks earlier. Accepting the extra sacrifice for the night, he said, "First dance after dinner is over and that's it."
Beaming with pride over her victory, Mosley nodded, "It's a date!"
"A dance?" the two heard Allura's voice suddenly join in the conversation.
Turning to her superior, Mosley answered, "The captain has promised me a dance this evening, haven't you, Captain?"
"Is that so?" Allura looked at Keith, who said nothing.
"Yes," Kirian nodded. "But, I take it he's trying to get away from dancing with anyone. Right, Captain?"
Allura didn't like the tone, her casual nature, but Keith didn't disagree and that bothered her even more, "We should get seated. The program is supposed to begin in fifteen minutes."
Nodding, he answered, "Let's go see Coran."
XXXXXXXXX
"I really wish you'd reconsider, Hunk," Coran said as the two conversed near the grand table.
Shaking his head, Hunk replied with a lopsided, sad smile, "I just don't feel comfortable being here without Lucy. Really, I'm doing this for Romelle. After dinner, I'll go and take on patrol for the night." In reality, he really wanted to get out of the entire event, but he couldn't let Romelle down. Besides, during his daily phone calls with Lucy, she had practically forced him to go.
"You mean you're going to miss all the fun?" Allura smiled as she approached, "I can't believe you're ditching this gig. Not fair. You should suffer like the rest of us."
"You look…royal," Hunk sarcastically laughed.
She rolled her eyes, "You just lucked out with yours." Allura looked over Hunk, who wore his black Garrison uniform with all his insignias. They were perfect. Smiling a little, she thought he looked good. Lucy would be proud.
Looking at Keith, Hunk just nodded his hello and the captain mirrored back the action.
"Captain," Coran said his hello. "I take it you are ready with your speech?"
Nodding, Keith answered, "It's short. Don't expect a lot."
"I understand," the advisor nodded before looking up to see his daughter and granddaughter accompanied by Lance and Darrell respectively. Surprised, he looked at Romelle with question but didn't say anything. Smiling respectfully, he said, "Good evening. Lieutenant Stoker, Hope. Lieutenant McClain, Romelle."
Both Lance and Darrell greeted the advisor before greeting both Hunk and Keith.
"Hi, Dad," Romelle answered somewhat uneasily.
"Hey, Grandpa," Hope immediately went and hugged her grandfather.
"You look beautiful," the older man smiled as he took a look at his granddaughter, who wore a strapless lilac gown with a silhouette of the royal crest of Arus. Her long black hair was pulled up in a perfect bun above her head, which was decorated with a tiara.
Romelle was thankful for her daughter's diversion. It provided just what she needed, her father's attention away from her.
"I love the dress, Romelle," Allura chimed in as she looked at her cousin with a wondrous gaze. Romelle immediately knew that look and gazed back at her cousin with the look of 'we will talk later.'
"Shouldn't we get started?" Lance suddenly called out while looking at Keith.
Nodding the captain answered, "We should."
Romelle looked at Keith, the two communicating without words. Lance caught the silent communication among the two but said nothing.
As the group walked up the stairs to the grand table up on the stage, Lotor watched their every move from his table. Every now and again, someone would come introduce themselves to Prince "Rainer" or just greet him. Of course he'd have to turn on the charm and have the conversation. But eventually, his gaze would fall back on the platform where his prey spoke unsuspectingly.
He watched the group with great interest, especially Allura and another woman who looked like her twin? No, she looked older, but was quite beautiful and she seemed to have McClain right by her side. Stoker and Garrett were speaking to a young woman, also quite beautiful with raven hair. He thought of adding her to a future collection.
Then there was Kogane. He remained quiet. Observant.
How Lotor longed to kill him now. He was so close and yet–
"Good evening," he suddenly heard Coran's voice as the man approached the podium. "I want to welcome you to tonight's Children's Ball."
The room erupted with applause. Lotor felt the obligation to join in the festivities. At least for show.
"I'd like to start the night by introducing to you the chairwoman of tonight's event, Ms. Romelle D'Orr."
With more applause, Coran took his seat as Romelle stood up to take the podium. Once there, she smiled at her guests, looking and acting like the regal figure she was. "Good evening. It is with great pleasure that I welcome you to tonight's event for the children of Arus. Despite the many challenges we've faced as a planet in the last few months, it is good to know that we still have the heart to think our children and the legacy we fight to keep alive."
More applause. Lotor fought the urge to yawn.
"Tonight is a night to celebrate our legacy, but also to acknowledge those who have helped us and will continue helping us in defeating our enemy—The Voltron Force."
As the applause continued, Lotor watched the people around. Some smiled, others clapped out of obligation. He could feel the awkwardness in the room…something was strange.
"With that, I'd like to present to you the leader of the Voltron Force, Captain Keith Kogane."
This time Lotor perked up.
With that, Keith stood up as Romelle moved away from the podium, "Good evening," he began stoically.
The room filled with silence. Lotor cautiously looked around. What he felt was right, the audience was somewhat…hostile. He smiled a little.
Keith looked around. Some smiled, but most remained serious, somewhat curious as to what he was going to say, "Twenty years ago, we thought we defeated the enemy. We were wrong. This time our enemy is stronger, and I dare say smarter."
Lotor truly smiled this time.
"But that doesn't mean we can't beat him."
The smile dampened.
"And the only way to do so is to leave the past behind. To live in the past is to believe that what we did will work again. It won't. The past is what it is…nonexistent," he continued. "There are things that we could have changed, things that should have never happened. The point is, that if we continue to live, to believe, in what no longer is, we won't be able to beat this adversary, this so called prince. It's not easy to let go. It's not easy to live with...memories of what might have been. And expectations of what should have been. "
Lotor cocked his head curiously. What did this speech mean? What was Kogane trying to say?
"Many of you believe in us, others don't," he continued as some of the guest gasped. "I can see it by the expression on your faces, the doubt in your eyes."
"Oh boy," Lance whispered to Romelle.
"What's he doing?" she asked.
"I don't know," he answered, still looking at the guests as Keith continued speaking.
"I'm not here to change your thoughts, your minds. All I can say is that the Voltron Force will do whatever it takes to annihilate the Drule prince. But we need your help and cooperation. So tonight, I ask for your support, your assistance. Together, we can beat this enemy. Together, we can bring peace back to Arus. Together we can keep this planet safe so that one day our children won't have to hope for a better future, they have a future. We can't do it without you. We are only as strong as our supporters. Leave the past, embrace today, for our children."
Keith wasn't expecting the applause. It started out with a certain tall man, some might recognize as a prince by the name of Rainer. The man stood up and began clapping excitedly. As his applause continued, the other guests joined in along with the rest of the force.
"That was interesting," Darrell whispered to Hunk among the applause in the room.
Hunk nodded.
As Keith took his seat next to Allura, she faced him, "That was uplifting?"
"I wasn't trying to impress, Allura," he answered solemnly. "If they don't trust us, they won't listen to orders, especially when attacks happen."
"The people have pretty much listened to all instructions so far," she whispered as she watched Romelle take the podium and continue her welcoming speech.
"There hasn't been a real threat. Not yet. And when it does, they have to be ready. We can't have them second guessing our orders based on past ideals."
Allura remained quiet as she looked at him. Somehow she knew that speech wasn't only meant for the esteemed guests.
XXXXXXXXX
The ship landed on the Arus base without a problem. Glad to finally be home, Sam walked over to his room to gather his belongings before disembarking. On his way to his quarters, he overheard two of his officers speaking as they walked an adjacent hallway.
"The general didn't do so bad, did he?" he heard one of the officers say.
"No," the other answered, "I was surprised myself. For someone who doesn't have any experience on the field, he did really well."
Sam couldn't help but smile a little as he heard the conversation.
"Guess Kogane did the right thing," he then heard. Sam's smile withered.
"What are you talking about?" Sam heard the other pilot ask.
"Don't say anything, but before we left, I overheard Coran and General Stockwell outside Coran's office one evening as I was about to turn in some paperwork. Coran told the general that it was Commander Kogane's idea that General Gellar take on this mission as a way to hopefully get him away from the idea of going to Korrinth."
The first officer laughed, "Are you kidding me? Guess the joke is on Kogane. The old man did pretty well."
Sam was livid. If this was the way to discourage me from Korrinth…
"Who knows," the other man said.
As the two men changed the subject, Sam made his way to his quarters and picked up his things. "Kogane thinks I'm a fool," he spoke to himself. "Well, let's see who the fool is when I'm done with you!"
XXXXXXXXXX
The rest of the night went by smoothly. A few speeches, dinner, and before he knew it, Keith was soon off to ditch the place. Inwardly, he had been jealous of Hunk, who had left after the last course of dinner was served. He unfortunately, had two more chores to do before leaving.
When the first dance began, Keith walked over to a group of officers, among them Darrell, Hope and Kirian Mosley. As the group spoke, they became quiet, noticing Keith's approach.
"Ensign Mosley," he bowed, "Would you care to join me in this first dance?"
Mosley's eyes brightened along with her smile, "I would love to."
Taking her hand, he led her to the dance floor and joined the rest of the guests as a waltz played.
As they danced, Hope and Darrell watched with curiosity, "What was that about?"
"Guess, Keith finds Kirian interesting," Hope shrugged.
Something about that bothered Darrell. He wasn't sure what it was, but he didn't like it one bit.
XXXXXXXXXX
As they danced, Kirian couldn't help but smile at the looks she was getting around her. Some people looked bothered, most likely by the presence of the captain, others looked on in awe, wondering who she was and what Keith's interest was in her.
"This is fun," she leaned in closer and whispered in his ear.
He looked at her, "I think you just created your own damn social funeral."
She laughed, "What do you mean by that?"
"You think I haven't noticed the looks?"
Kirian shook her head slightly, "Why would you think I care if they see me with you?"
He looked at her curiously, "I'm not Arus' favorite person. They tolerate me because they have to. What's your interest, Mosley?"
"Perhaps I see more than what they do," she calmly answered. "They live in the past, Captain. And like you said, in a way, we need to focus on the future. You, Keith Kogane, are Arus' future. Without you, they won't survive. That's why I find you so fascinating," she replied with a smile.
XXXXXXXXXX
As Hunk continued his patrol, an unexpected call came in. "Lieutenant Garrett, there's a call from Lucy Garrett. Are you able to take it?"
Immediately, Hunk answered, a little more excited than he wanted to let on, "Yes! Put her through."
"Hey, Will," he saw the viewing screen come on and Lucy appeared on the screen. Hunk smiled. His wife looked beautiful.
"Hey gorgeous," he replied with his own smile. "It's nice to see that smile."
She looked down shyly before looking back up at him, "I…I thought you'd be at the party. Did you know they are broadcasting it here on Earth? I saw you during Keith's speech and part of the dinner, but didn't see you at all during the dances or the interviews. That's why I took a chance to call you. When you didn't pick up at home, I called the base."
"Yeah, I left after the dinner,"
"Oh," she said a little curiously, "Didn't you like it?"
"It's not much of a party without you, babe," he replied gently. "There was no reason to be there longer than I needed to."
The reply had Lucy smiling even more, "I miss you, Will."
"I miss you too, Lucy," he answered. He wanted so much to ask her to come back, begging was more like it, but he didn't want to push her. Hunk wanted Lucy to be as stress free as possible. If she wanted to come back, it would have to be her decision. Patience was not one of his strong points, and looking at his wife now, and not pleading for her to return was killing him. "So," he sighed, "Tell me, what have you been up to?"
He noticed the look of relief that came to her when she noticed that he wasn't going to push her and smiled a little more. "Today, I did a little shopping. Bought some baby clothes. Would you like to see them?"
Nodding in excitement, Hunk answered, "Would love to."
XXXXXXXXXX
In his table, various conversations took place that either bored him or angered him, but the Prince of Korrinth kept his tone pleasant and his attitude friendly. Despite it all, he kept his attention on the Voltron Force, but even more so on his two targets, the princess and the captain.
Lotor wished he was in his own body. It wasn't that he wasn't confident in this one, but the last thing he wanted was to draw attention to himself. He had read Prince Rainer's file. The man was quiet and very boring. He couldn't raise any suspicions. So, he spent most of the time sitting his table, observing the happenings in front of him. One thing he didn't miss however was the looks Allurashe gave Kogane while he was dancing. Did it bother her that Kogane danced with another woman? He asked himself. Well, that's interesting.
"Is everything alright?" he heard Cossack's voice from his hidden ear piece.
"All well," he answered as he casually looked around to see if anyone noticed him speaking to himself. No one did.
"How long will you be there?"
"As soon as Allura leaves, I will," he answered softly. "Have everything ready. Tonight, Allura leaves with me."
XXXXXXXXXX
As soon as the dance finished, Kirian curtsied. In keeping with the theme of the night, Keith bowed. She beamed at him, "Thank you for the dance, Commander."
"You are welcome, Mosley," he answered with curt nod. "I'll be taking my leave."
"Have a good night, Cap-" Mosley began before another voice made its presence known.
"Before you go, may I speak to you for a moment?"
The voice surprised him. When he turned around, he found Allura standing behind him, "Altair?"
"Please," she asked, looking directly at him and ignoring Mosley. "It won't be more than a few minutes."
Sighing inwardly, Keith nodded, "Where?"
"The balcony," she responded, referring to the make believe balcony Romelle and Hope had created to simulate an Arus night. Taking her hand, he guided her toward the balcony.
XXXXXXXXXX
From his seat, Lotor watched the next set of events unfold like a movie.
He watched the woman, whom Kogane had danced with, look disappointed as he took Allura by the arm and walked her to what looked like a balcony. He noticed that the two took quite a while before they walked back in and the captain led Allura out to the dance floor where they danced along with other guests.
As the song ended, a tall older looking man made his way towards them. The three spoke briefly before, Kogane walked out, looking rather angry. After that, the older man and Allura began dancing another piece. Probably to keep appearances, Lotor thought
Knowing that soon it would be the time, the prince contacted his people, "Get everything in place. My princess and I will be coming home soon."