Via Pacifica: Korinthios System
Royal Palace Banquet Hall, 20:15 hours

The evening had progressed smoothly and the hall full of guests relaxed over another round of cocktails after dinner. At one end of the table, Rin looked around and saw that Sage had struck up a lively conversation with one of the junior members of the Korinthian government. He was a young handsome human man with short hair and fair features and they seemed to be discussing their shared interest in science and stargazing. While she did, Skyler made sure to speak up and add a few helpful comments from time to time to compliment Sage and make her look good. The Green Ranger smiled to herself and decided to stand back, letting Sage take the lead while Skyler backed her up as her wing girl.

She was surprised when another young attractive female guest came over to join her and offer a fresh champagne flute, "Pardon me. Can I join you?"

The girl looked to be a Myrmion, a humanoid with purple skin and two small protruding antennae from their foreheads. "Sorry, you looked a little lonely. I thought I'd keep you company. Some of my own friends wandered off too so I'm on my own."

"Thanks," Rin replied appreciatively though she refrained from drinking the champagne.

"Is something wrong?"

Rin shook her head as memories of the past bubbled in her mind, "No. Sorry, I just try to steer clear of booze in general... especially at events like these."

"I see. There must be an interesting story then?"

The Green Ranger shook her head, "Not that one, but I can tell you a whole bunch of others..."

"Neela. Pleased to meet you," the girl said offering a friendly hand.

"Katrin, but my friends call me Rin," she replied taking it with a smile feeling she was at least going to make a new friend tonight.

Elsewhere, Qua'lia and Thor had taken up a position by the refreshments table keeping an idle watch over the party as well as the safety of Princess Sera and Captain Raines nearby. Qua'lia sighed, "Well... I can say this. This has been one of my more enjoyable assignments. I hope it stays like this."

"Me too, but I actually think this job has been a little more difficult than usual," Thor said while nibbling on an appetizer with a toothpick.

"Oh? How so?"

Thor shifted slightly, "Well... for one thing, I do think the dress you're wearing looks very nice. I just hope it doesn't wind up being too distracting."

Qua'lia glanced over in surprise before giving a quiet smile at his subdued compliment, "Thanks Thor. I'll see what I can do."

Meanwhile, Dominic Raines extricated himself from a female ambassador of an amphibian-like planet. The ambassador was already tipsy and making things awkward when she asked Dominic to see just how far his own tongue could stick out of his mouth. He turned over to Amira beside him as she had been humoring a science minister from another world listening as he bragged about all his personal accomplishments.

"Well…I think things are going well enough," Amira said in a quiet aside, "I hope Princess Sera is having a better time of it."

"Oh? Minister what's-his-name over there seems like he was pretty interested in talking to you," Dominic quipped with a wry smirk as the minister seemed completely unaware that Amira was now ignoring him.

She chuckled, "Actually, I imagine he'd be much more interested in studying my artificial arm than hearing anything I had to say."

"Which would be a loss," Dominic said, "I understand you built it yourself. I think that's pretty amazing."

"You really think so?"

Raines gave a sheepish grin, "When I was younger, I barely passed my advanced Engineering courses at the Naval Academy so I might be the wrong person to ask… but yeah. I do think your invention is impressive. Don't you?"

Amira grimaced slightly and shifted her arm half hidden within her sari, "It's a blessing and a curse I suppose."

"You seem a little self conscious about it in public," Dominic observed, "If you don't mind my asking…"

Amira considered it a moment and graced him with a quiet smile as she shook her head, "When I was still a little girl back on Pavonis, I had contracted a rare hereditary disease and it cost me my forearm when they had to amputate. Sufficed to say, that made growing up a little tougher, whether it was not being able to do certain things or dealing with people staring and whispering about it."

"I can imagine. I'm sorry," Dominic said sympathetically.

"Don't be," Amrica replied calmly, "I learned to deal with it and it made me more determined to do something about it. If this hadn't been here to challenge me, I might not have been able to become such a successful engineer myself and create something like this. Maybe that's why I tend to enjoy machines and electronics over the company of people. My gadgets don't feel intimidated by me. They don't judge me or try to make me feel bad about looking different either."

Raines nodded, "I see. But maybe you should try to look at it a little differently. Maybe see your arm as more of a symbol of victory over that hardship… something to be proud of instead. Princess Sera has told me you can use it to store and attach all kinds of neat tools and accessories."

"Well, as useful as it is in my work, it never really helped me get out more… especially on dates like this," Amira pointed out, "And I still can't do things like feel the touch of another person with these fingers either."

"Not yet… but maybe one day you'll figure out how to fix that too," Dominic said kindly. He surprised her as he reached over and took her artificial hand in his and gave a little squeeze.

"Thank you Captain," she smiled warmly.

"Dominic," he corrected her, "Amira… I, uh... the band is warming up now. Would you care to dance?"

At the other end of the main table, Sera was busy speaking with several other dignitaries being sure to try and project both confidence and demure femininity in equal measure. An orange skinned ambassador from Rutacea made a dramatic gesture, "Princess... although our hearts go out to you for your predicament, what you're suggesting carries great risk. You may have made some friends among the Saurians and the Pavonians, but the U'shan have grown powerful. There is no guarantee that a coalition of our worlds will be able to fight a major conflict with them. You remember what happened with the Star League?"

Sera grimaced and held back her growing exasperation at that sore spot in Arcadian history, "Yes Ambassador. I'm well aware of what my ancestors had done, but these times are changing. If we don't take action now and protect ourselves, then who will check the power of the U'shan and prevent them from abusing the sovereignty of other worlds?"

Prince Benedict smiled and raised a glass in support, "For what it's worth Princess, I hope Korinthios will be able to stand alongside you."

Before the prince could get another word in, Aaron heard some music being played and he reached over to take Sera's hand, "Princess? Would you like to join me for a dance?"

She blinked in surprise before nodding, "Oh... sure. Excuse me everyone."

They headed to the floor where other guests had begun to pair off and join in a dance. Sera could tell by the stringed instruments that the tune was a light waltz and was surprised as the Red Odyssey Ranger took her in his arms and swept her into the steps of the stately dance. As they glided along easily, they exchanged a nod with Captain Raines and Dr. Farbanti across the room who were dancing along on the opposite end. Sera turned back to Aaron and gave a curious look, "Aaron? I didn't know you knew how to dance so well... much less an elegant waltz like this."

"My Dad attended a lot of military balls in his time," Aaron explained with a small smile as he twirled her and then carried her along in a hold, "Part of being top brass meant him having to shmooze a lot so this was one of the odd skills my folks trained me for."

Sera followed his lead and enjoyed the carefree feeling of dancing for a minute before grimacing slightly, "I'm sorry for ignoring you tonight. I've been so busy shmoozing myself that I probably haven't been a very good date."

"That's okay. At least now is a good time to catch up," he said, "There's actually something I wanted to talk with you about earlier and now's as good a time as any."

She felt her cheeks grow warm for a moment and she became nervous thinking about what the other girls had said on the Odyssey, "Oh? What's that?"

"One of the royal ministers gave me an access card to get us into a private meeting with some Korinthian leaders, maybe even the King and Queen. It seems the royal family wants to help you under the table and there's something they have to offer that requires your personal attention."

Sera gave a sigh of relief about one issue being averted before starting to panic about this new one, "You're sure? When? How?"

As they waltzed by one corner of the room, they saw the King and Queen speaking to each other at their seats looking like they were going to retire for a break while the song began to wind down. "We'll follow the monarchs when the song ends. Until then..."

The music swelled as the dancers twirled and glided about gracefully. For that brief time, the Ranger and the princess of Arcadia forgot about who they were or whatever else they were doing tonight. They forgot about the Odyssey, the U'shan, and the politics of the entire galactic rim. For now, they were just enjoying the ease of each other's company and the feeling of walking on air. They paused for a long moment after the music ended and they came to a stop before Sera reluctantly let go and gave a small curtsy. "I... thank you for the wonderful dance Lieutenant."

He bowed his head in response before seeing the royals retire from the hall with some guards. He took Sera's hand and pulled the keycard from his coat pocket, "Come on Princess. Let's see about that meeting now."

After showing the keycard to some guards who remained at the door, the two were led away from the hall to another more sequestered wing of the opulent palace. They were told to wait inside a large meeting room with a round table and some art and tapestries lining the walls. A short time later, Basil entered with a few more attendants followed by the king and queen of Korinthios. As the soldiers left to stand guard outside, the monarchs were seated and Aaron and Sera both gave respectful bows to them. Sera raised her head slightly, "King Timon. Queen Meriam. It's an honor to meet you."

The older monarchs seemed to soften their stoic features as they graced her with small smiled. King Timon spoke first, "Princess. We heard about what happened to Arcadia and we want to extend our sympathy to you. We had considered your father and mother to be good people and friends to our world."

"We also wanted to thank you and your allies for rescuing our son Benedict from that slave camp," Queen Meriam added, "He seems to have taken a great shine to all of you. I understand you are accompanied by Power Rangers and representatives from the Galactic Space Alliance."

Sera nodded, "Yes. They have become my friends and I am in debt to the crew of the starship Odyssey. They have been dragged into our conflict but they have remained brave comrades and true allies. I'd like you to meet one of them. Lt. Aaron Russo, the Red Odyssey Ranger."

"Your Majesty," Aaron bowed respectfully to the monarchs, "Your servant Basil was the one who made me aware of this meeting. If you need to speak with Princess Sera in private..."

"No. that's quite all right," Queen Meriam said gently, "In fact, the Rangers are part of the reason we wanted to speak with you, Serafina."

King Timon continued, "Your Rangers were said to have drawn their powers from old artifacts and technology of the Star League's past. We have information about something that may add to your arsenal. Our scholars had recently come across some leads that point to a great legendary war machine that the Power Rangers used. It was split into five parts and housed within a large carrier ship called the Acropolis. A ship that can only be activated and accessed by those of the Arcadian bloodline. When we heard that the Arcadian Rangers had returned and were doing battle across the sectors against the U'shan, we thought it might be useful to share with you."

Aaron and Sera blinked and surprise and exchanged a shocked look. Sera cleared her throat and finally spoke, "I... don't know what to say. Thank you. I'm sure such a weapon will be critical in helping turn the tide in this struggle. But why are you doing this? Many fear that if we form a coalition and restore the Star League, then history will repeat itself... that Arcadia will try and dominate the League again and become a new major enemy."

"Do you think that's going to happen? Do you have any intention of doing that?" Meriam asked calmly.

"Of course not!' Sera said, "Arcadia has committed itself to peace and diplomacy for centuries since that war. We have no ambitions of empire building again."

"Perhaps not, but should this war with the U'shan end, we would need your commitment that the Acropolis be the guarantor of all our defense from other major powers in the galaxy."

Sera considered it a moment before realization struck her, "You mean like the GSA? They are our allies in this! Besides, Captain Raines of the Odyssey is an honorable man. He wouldn't allow something like that to happen to the worlds in the Via Pacifica!"

"We mean no disrespect to you or your people Lieutenant Russo, but you must understand our position," Meriam said apologetically, "As powerful as Korinthios is, we are feeling the pressures of being caught between greater powers as well."

"No offense taken Your Highness," Aaron answered diplomatically, "Perhaps in time those of us from the Alliance will get a chance to prove our honorable intentions to you."

Just then, there was a bit of a scramble outside as several guards rushed in and secured the door, "Your Majesty! Come quickly. We'll get you to safety. The banquet hall has just come under attack!"

Meanwhile, the dancing continued in the banquet hall and after a time, Tiah came off the dance floor looking a little winded while Geordi supported her arm and led her to a nearby table where she could sit. "I'm sorry Geordi. Maybe this awkward dress wasn't such a good idea after all. Moving around and dancing in it is a little more difficult than I thought."

"That's okay Tiah. Don't feel bad," the Blue Ranger said as he offered her a cup of water and sat by attentively, "I really don't mind sitting out a bit. I've got two left feet out there anyway."

Tiah sighed sheepishly, "Oh geez… you're just being nice now."

"No, I mean it!" Geordi chuckled, "Even though their numbers are few, Eltarian warriors are supposed to be swift and graceful in their movements. Forgive me Zordon. I've brought shame to my homeworld."

"No way. Don't sell yourself short," Tiah protested, "You're still kind of a warrior. You're a Power Ranger for goodness sake!"

"Only sometimes. I'm still just myself underneath. Just plain old Geordi Corrina," he admitted modestly.

"And that's what I really like about you," Tiah said abruptly, "I admit, I was feeling a little intimidated going with you tonight."

Geordi balked a moment, "Really? That's a relief because I was feeling a little intimidated too. I've always kind of admired how you take charge of your work crews in Engineering and don't take any crap from people… especially the officers."

Tiah flushed a little and tried to change the subject before she let on she was too flattered, "Oh… well, speaking of taking charge. It looks like Captain Raines and Dr. Farbanti are having a good time dancing out there."

Geordi glanced over and saw them gliding gracefully over the dance floor while exchanging smiles, "Hmm… that reminds me. I wonder where Princess Sera and Lt. Russo went. I saw them dancing earlier but I haven't seen them since."

Before Tiah could reply, there was a loud commotion as the sounds of energy weapons were heard. Startled partygoers gasped and cried out in alarm as bits of glass and shards of the ceiling rained down as a group of U'shan commandos in dark armored stealth suits barged in with their guns. Leading the way was the familiar sight of Commander Kharon dressed in his black knight power armor and wielding his menacing energy scythe. He waved an arm and called out in a laugh, "The door was open so I let myself in. I hope you don't mind!"

A few royal guards who were present rushed over and began to fire their energy weapons at the intruders but the commandos took them down with an efficient volley of stun blasters. The other Rangers immediately sprung into action and formed up as Dominic pulled Amira to safety behind a table to take cover. The other civilians made sure to clear out from the main floor and do the same. Qua'lia reached for her morpher and brandished her pink sphere to lock in, "Kharon! I don't know how you survived, or how you got here, but I don't remember seeing you on the guest list."

"Apologies. I'm arriving fashionably late," Kharon said holding his scythe at the ready.

"But you're right in time for a high class butt kicking!" Sage answered while preparing to morph as well.

"I wouldn't advise that Rangers," Kharon laughed as he gestured to the air. The commandos who were present leveled their rifles on the civilians while another group of the elite Dragoons emerged from the corners of the second floor balconies to brandish their guns too, "Not unless you want hundreds of innocent people butchered as well."

"What do you want, you creep?" Rin demanded angrily.

The black knight relaxed his stance, "One of you has something that the Empire wants. Something very important and powerful. You know who you are and I encourage you to step forward now and hand it over."

The Rangers and their friends all exchanged puzzled looks along with the other guests before Dominic stepped forward, "I don't know what you're playing at you terrorist, but you have to know that this insane plan will never work! This place is crawling with royal guards and there are ships from dozens of worlds in orbit."

Kharon laughed and shook his head, "Ah, the great Dominic Raines... the captain of the Alliance ship Odyssey. This is a treat. Your actions have earned you a lot of respect and hatred from Lord Xerxes himself."

"I don't give a damn about Xerxes or whatever autocrat you serve! If your fight is with us, I want you to leave these innocent people alone!"

Kharon scoffed and aimed his shoulder mounted cannon at Raines. Amira rushed over and clung to Dominic's arm in concern while Thor gave a low growl and moved to protect his captain as well. The black knight shook his head, "As much as I'd like to kill you right now, I have a more important duty to carry out. I would advise against trying anything foolish or fighting back in here. My commandos have raised a particle barrier around the hall to jam transporter beams and communicators. Should you or help from the outside try to resist, we've rigged explosives to take out this entire section of the palace. So I'll ask again... whoever has the secret weapon here, give it to me and I may allow these people here to live. I can wait all night."

Unfortunately, the other Rangers and their friends worried that if this person didn't step forward, then the rest of them wouldn't have all night either.