"Vrepita Sa," Lance bowed before Zarkon. Not too long ago he appeared with his cow and had not been spoken to about it. Now, he had been summoned by the leader of the Galra empire himself. It was a rare calling to come alone. Lotor had practically been his babysitter since he was brought into the Galran empire. If not him, then one of his brother's trusted generals.

"Paladin Lance," Zarkon spoke in a clear and rich baritone, both soothing and terrifying in tone that reminded him so much of interacting with Blue. But she was strong and protective. Zarkon was a full Pride Leader lion. He was not one to be idly trifled with. Lance held his composure as Lotor had taught him. One tell and he would be dead. His lion be damned.

He held his tongue.

"You will go to Beta Traz. You will speak with our consultant over your current skill set with your lion."

Lance's eyes widened. He had heard of Beta Traz. Supposedly, an absolutely brilliant mind was being kept there who could theoretically look to other universes or alternate timelines and was forced to give genetic information to the Druids for experiments. He was the one who gave Haggar her idea to perform the quick experiments on him. Something about a genetically diverse species that could withstand many alien diseases.

She assumed it was by taking parts from other species to perfect the Galran race. Instead, despite the terrible diseases of Earth, their species was incredibly hearty for interstellar travel.

"In a pod Lord Zarkon?"

"You will take your lion. You will speak to Slav and your paladin training will begin under me."

Lance felt his blood turn to ice.

"My paladin training."

"We have waited long enough. With the other lions active, we can no longer wait long enough. You will need to learn to use your lion to its' full potential."

"Yes Lord Zarkon. Vrepita Sa."

With a heavy heart and cruel ice coursing through his veins, he let out a shaky sigh.

"Brat? What's got you all worked up?" Zethrid asked in her usual gruff manner. Lance let out a shaky breath.

"Zarkon is going to be training me."

Zethrid's eyes hardened.

"You need Lotor-"

"No. I got a direct order from Zarkon. I am to go to Beta Traz."

Zethrid's patted his shoulder in understanding. As they both were products ultimately of Haggar, they both knew of the only reason to go to Beta Traz.

"Vrepita Sa brat."

"And to you. Pass it along to Lotor please. I don't know when I'll be back."

"Because of Zarkon?"

"... I am a Paladin loyal to the empire. Haggar is his right hand, but she would never be a paladin. Lotor is no ones right hand."

"No paladin has ever exchanged lions brat."

"There has only been two generations of paladins Zethrid. Who is to say it won't happen?"

Zethrid snorted.

"Like he would ever deem you worthy enough to be his right hand."

Lance gave a shaky grin.

"Alright Lance. What are you hiding?"

Lance walked down the hall with Zethrid hot on his heels when he finally spoke.

"I heard the Red Lion roar. Before it had a paladin. When it was well within the confines of the Galra empire. It shook me to my core. And I know Blue knows. Somehow, I can feel the Red Lion too."

Zethrid was quiet for a moment. As they continued into the hanger of the Blue Lion, she finally spoke.

"You're Lotor's right hand. You're impulsive and can be hotheaded-"

"Hey!"

"And those are the traits of the Red Lion. Push comes to shove, you know Lotor will go for the Black Lion. And we may be his generals, but you're his right hand."

"You really think, we'll get the lions?"

"I think... All the lions will come together. Call it a gut feeling."

Lance snorted.

"What gut? You're nothing but abs."

"Glad you noticed," she smugly responded.

"I'd have to be blind not to," he said gently touching the clothed abs in a playful manner, "But alas, I have no time to spare gazing upon your beauty. For I must meet an eccentric genius."

"Bring back a souvenir."

"I don't think I can. One, it's a holding cell. Two, Lotor is still not happy with me bringing back a cow."

"Is that princess happy with anything?"

Lance gave the best shit eating grin he could muster.

"Maybe a milkshake."

Traveling to Beta Traz was rather calm. He didn't really expect much else when approaching the well protected facility. But he enjoyed every moment of the flight, relishing the refreshing chill of his Lady Blue. It was nothing in comparison to Zarkon's icy tundra like demeanor.

A soft purr resonated through his body from his most trusted companion.

"We're finally going to have some quality time together girl. We're going to start training together." Like the other lions and their Paladins went without words. There was a longing deep within him he wasn't sure was entirely from Blue. The Paladins. The humans. Earthlings. Everything was overwhelming and he didn't know if it was entirely good.

Perhaps it was a good thing he was seeing this Slav person. No doubt he would be alone in asking the questions over training and possibilities of the empire. Maybe Slav could answer if there was something more that connected the Paladins together. Something with their very quintessence. Their very souls.

He shook his head to keep away the depressing thoughts. He had a mission to complete. And a cow to think of.

He chuckled thinking of the sweet cow. That was an unexpected and appreciated surprise.

He swore he could hear Blue laughing.

"It's not funny Blue. Kaltenecker is a real beauty. Not as beautiful as you of course but-"

The laughter grew and Lance let out his own bellow.

"Okay you trouble maker, I love you too."

With that, he simply enjoyed the flight and landed peacefully into Beta Traz. He casually walked out of Blue and waved at the Warden.

"S'up Warden."

"Ah, paladin, I heard you were coming."

"Well, I'd hope so or me showing up could be considered very rude."

"Follow me."

The footsteps echoed over the metal halls from the two individuals.

"So... Anyone else here? Other than you and Slav of course. Seems kind of lonely."

"It would be without my Laika."

"Laika. Would you mind if I meet Laika after talking with Slav?"

Maybe it was the wrong thing to say as the Warden's eyes positively lit up and sparkled.

"You wanna meet my little Laika?! Of course you can!"

"Sounds great."

Lance really hoped this Laika was as special as the Warden made her out to be when he gushed over her.

But for now, he had Slav to talk to.

And plot has returned! And another chapter! So soon...

Things are getting pretty weird huh.