Far out on the border of Arusian space, the strange ships were assembled. On the largest one, Prince Lotor paced across the length of the deck. "Where is she?" He roared. A robot warrior turned to answer, but the Prince threw the hapless soldier against the wall, where it twitched for a moment, then lay still. The door opened, and Lotor turned. "Well Witch, what took you so long?" He demanded.

Haggar walked over to the Prince. "Things have gotten very interesting my Prince." She cackled evilly.

"Explain yourself."

She absently stroked her blue cat. "It seems that the Robeast did not finish off the young pilot as we had hoped. He will make a full recovery. Also, the Alliance has sent a sizable force to Arus on permanent assignment."

Lotor snorted. "Is that all? We can take care of those imbeciles. As for Lance, well, at least Voltron is crippled for now."

"Not true my Lord, Sven and Romelle are here from planet Pollux to assist."

"I beat Sven before, I can do it again. Is that all Haggar?"

Haggar nodded and started to walk away. "There is one more small detail." She paused for effect. "Apparently, Captain Montgomery and the Princess have fallen in love."

"WHAT! She belongs to ME! Not some sniveling Galaxy Garrison crony!" He whirled to his robots. "Get the fleet ready. We attack at dawn."

Later, Allura lay with her head on Keith's shoulder. His arms were wrapped around her. "I never want to move again. I could stay her forever." He told her.

She looked up at him, eyes twinkling. "You know, you have to marry me now." She said giggling.

Keith grinned at her. "Well, I suppose. If I HAVE too."

"Why you…!" She rolled over onto him, ticking his sides.

Keith laughed as he tried to fight her off, finally managing to get on top on her. He smiled down at her. "Well, since we're here…"

Much later, they lay drowsing in each others arms. Allura sighed. "What are you thinking about?" Keith asked her.

"Lance."

Keith looked at her, surprised. "Lance? Well, that's nice."

She giggled. "I was just thinking I'm glad I didn't take his advice."

"You're taking advice from Lance? Honey, we need to talk." They both laughed. "So, tell me about this advice of his."

Allura wiggled around so she could see Keith. "It was today, after you left. Lance and I went for a walk and discussed some of your more sterling qualities."

"Lance is in big trouble when he gets medical clearance."

"He told me to not to make it too easy on you. Sort of let you hang for a while." She kissed him soundly and smiled. "I'm glad I didn't listen."

"Me too." Allura lay down and grew quiet again. "Now what? I can almost hear that brain of yours." Keith asked.

"Sven. And Romelle."

"It's getting a bit crowded in here." Allura pinched Keith. "Ouch! All right! What about Sven and Romelle?" He asked laughing.

"Don't make Sven fly in Lance's place. Please Keith." She said pleadingly.

Keith looked puzzled. "Why not? He's done it before."

She lay back down. "Romelle's pregnant."

Keith was stunned into silence. "Say that again. I'm not sure I heard you right."

"Keith, they're having a baby! I'm so happy!" She looked up at him, her eyes bright and shining.

Keith grinned. "No kidding. Sven a Papa! Wow!"

"You can't say anything! Romelle only told me this afternoon trying to cheer me up." Allura told him. Her eyes grew soft and dreamy. "Isn't it wonderful…"

Keith looked at her. "Not getting any ideas I hope." He told her sternly.

Allura looked shocked. "No! I mean…maybe someday…but…"

Keith laughed and drew her back into his arms. "Someday…let's get some rest. It's going to be a long day tomorrow."

Early the next morning, Keith slipped unnoticed out of Allura's room. He headed to his own quarters, and took a quick shower. He then made his way to the Control Room. A Space Force soldier stood to greet him. "Captain, Sir!" He said, saluting.

"At ease Ensign. What's going on with those ships?" Keith asked.

The soldier sat down and punched a few buttons on the console. The screen came to life. "Nothing sir. They've stopped moving and are hovering just out of range."

Keith stared at the screen. Not good. What are they up to? He shook himself out of his reverie, "Ensign, I could use a cup of coffee. Want one?"

"Yes sir! Thank-you very much sir."

"Stay here, I'll be right back." Keith made his way to the kitchen. It was still early, and no one was about yet. He got himself a cup of coffee, and poured a second one for the Ensign. He walked back into the room. The Ensign was franticly pushing buttons and swearing at the screen. "What's wrong?" Keith asked.

The soldier pointed to the screen. "They're gone sir!"

Keith glanced up. The black dots had disappeared. "What do you mean they're gone?" He asked, levelly.

The Ensign shook his head. "I don't know sir! They were there one minute, then they just disappeared! There aren't even any energy signatures! It's like they were never even there!"

Keith's mind snapped into place. "Get the fighters up there. I want the entire area searched. I want a report immediately." He ordered.

"Yes sir!"

"And hit the alert. Tell the Team to meet me in the repair bay."

"Aye-aye sir." The Ensign turned and his hands flew rapidly across the board. Alarms began to blare across the castle. Keith hurried down to the repair bay. He was just getting into his flight suit when Hunk and Pidge arrived at a run.

"What's up Skipper?" Asked Hunk.

"Those ships have disappeared off scanners. We're going to check it out, and finish this once and for all."

"We're with you Keith." Added Pidge. He and Hunk got into their uniforms. Sven, Coran, and Romelle entered and came hurrying over.

"Vhat is going on?" Asked Sven. Before he could answer, the door opened again, and Lance joined the group.

"What are you doing here? Get back to bed." Keith told him

Lance shook his head. "No can do Captain. I'm here to help. Doc cleared me for light duty."

"This isn't light duty Lance."

"I'm going." Lance and Keith stood glaring at each other.

Sven stepped between them. "Again vith dis! Ve're a Team, remember?"

Keith glared at Sven, then turned away. "All right, let me think. I want Allura to stay here, monitoring the fleet, you stay with her. Hunk, Pidge and I will go have a look around." He turned to Lance. "You and Allura WILL stay put until I order otherwise. Is that understood?" Lance nodded curtly. "I'm counting on you Lance, keep Allura here. I don't need her up there in this mess. Not now."

Coran stepped forward. "Captain, I must say something. The Princess has earned her right to be part of Voltron. While I agree she will be safer here, don't you think it is up to Her Highness to make that decision?"

Keith shook his head. "Allura stays here." He said firmly.

Coran glared at the young Captain. Something was not right. The young Captain had never spoken to him so rudely before. "You have no right to call her anything but Her Highness. When did you get so comfortable calling her by name?" He said angrily.

Before Keith could answer, Allura's voice rang out, "Since we spent last night together, that's when." The room went silent. Everyone stared at Allura, then back at Keith. Keith turned red, and ran his hands through his dark hair.

"Nice going Cap. Already into the make-up sex." Lance grinned, elbowing Keith in the ribs.

"Shut up Lance." Keith muttered.

Allura marched over. "Princess..." Coran started.

She silenced him with a look. "The Captain and my personal life is no one's business. Now, what's going on?"

Everyone faced Keith. There was an uncomfortable silence. Keith cleared his throat. "Those ships have disappeared of the scanners Allu-Princess. I want you to stay here with Lance until we can check it out." He told her.

Allura bristled. "I am part of this Team. Last night changes nothing."

Keith looked her in the eyes. "One has nothing to do with the other. I need you here. That's an order, Princess." He said coldly.

Lance knew from Keith's tone that they couldn't win. He took Allura by the arm. "Come Princess, let's get up to the Control room. We'll be joining the rest of the Team soon enough." He started to lead her out of the room. Allura stood for a moment, then turned to leave with Lance. Coran stood angrily glaring at the Captain. Allura shook her arm free and walked back to stand in front of Coran.

"Coran. My life. My business." She told Coran, then turned and placed a quick, hard kiss on Keith's lips. "Be careful. I love you." She said.

Keith smiled a small ghost of a smile. "I love you too. Get going. Keep an eye on Lance." She turned back to Lance and they hurried out of the repair bay. Coran gave Keith a look that said 'This isn't finished.', and followed after them. Keith turned to face his team. Pidge stood with his mouth wide open, the others had smug smiles on their faces. "What! Pidge, Hunk, get going. I'll join you in a second."

"Sure thing Cap. Let's go Pidge." Hunk playfully slapped Pidge in the head, and they hurried off to their lions.

Keith turned to Sven and Romelle. "Well, don't just stand there. Don't you have anything to say?" He asked them.

Romelle smiled at Keith. "I think my cousin has said enough, don't you?" She teased. Keith shifted uncomfortably. "Relax, I won't bite. I'm happy for you both."

"Vhere do you vant me Keith? Red Lion or Blue?" Sven asked.

Keith shook his head. He took Romelle's hand. "Neither. I want you here safe. All three of you." Sven and Romelle looked at Keith in surprise. "Allura told me last night. I couldn't be happier." He smiled at them.

Romelle hugged Keith tightly. "Thank-you Keith." She whispered in his ear.

"You're welcome. Now go, get somewhere safe."

Sven embraced his friend. "Be careful Keith. Remember, you have some one to come home to." He paused. "My child needs an Uncle."

Keith nodded. "I'm always careful. Take care of them." He watched as Sven and Romelle left.

"Hey Skipper! You coming or what!" Hunk's voice called over Keith's comband.

Keith ran towards Black Lion. "Yeah, yeah. Keep your shirt on Big Guy."

"I don't seem to have that problem Captain, or should we call you Lance?" Hunk and Pidge laughed.

"When did I get a bunch of comedians on this Team?" Keith muttered as he climbed into his Lion. Using his key, Keith activated the system, and took off.

"How's Black running?" Asked Hunk.

"Pretty good. Everything seems to be working fine. Let's get those ships." Keith nudged his lion up into the stratosphere, and off into space. Hunk and Pidge followed close behind. "Pidge, talk to me."

"Nothing Cap. The sensors don't show anything at all! This is too weird." Pidge remarked, his voice sounding puzzled.

"Not weird Pidge. This whole thing smacks of Zarkon." Hunk added.

"I agree. Keep your eyes open!" Keith told them. They ran a search grid for over an hour. "Lance, Sven. Anything showing up down there?"

"Negative Captain. Not a trace." Replied Sven.

"Where the hell did they go?" Asked Lance.

"No idea. There's nothing up here." Said Hunk.

"Maybe they left?" Said Pidge, hopefully.

Keith shook his head. "No chance. Let's keep looking."

"Keith, I don't know…." Lance's voice trailed off.

"What." demanded Keith.

"I just...I think we-you guys should head back to the planet. I have this feeling…"

"That's enough for me. Let's go." Hunk turned his Yellow Lion back towards Arus. Pidge followed in the Green Lion. Only Keith held back.

"Keith? Are you coming?" Pidge asked.

Keith paused before answering. "I'm not sure Pidge. One of us should stay here just in case."

"I don't think we should split up." Pidge said, doubtfully.

"Don't worry Pidge. I'll be here with him." Allura's voice came across the speakers.

Keith whirled Black Lion around. Sure enough, Blue Lion was there beside him. "Allura! I told you to stay below. What do you think you're doing?" Keith shouted.

"Keith. I am a member of this Team. We may need Voltron. If Lance and I stayed planet-side, we'd never get here in time." She snapped back.

I hate it when she's right. Keith scowled to himself. Then her words hit him. "Wait a minute…What do you mean you and Lance?"

"Yee-hah! Right here, waiting for the action to start!" Lance hollered. His Red Lion appeared in space on the other side of Blue.

Keith closed his eyes and shook his head. "Your father is going to kill you, then come after me, you do realize that."

"He can try Cap! But he'll have to catch us first."

Keith switched his communications to a private link direct to Lance. "Are you sure you're up to this? If the fighting starts, it'll be rough. I don't want to have to patch you up again."

"Trust me. Ribs are a little stiff, but the double vision is gone!" Lance turned serious. "Really Keith. Worry about those ships, not me. I'm fine."

"All right then." Keith switched back to the common frequency. "I'm not happy at either of you. I gave an order."

"If that order had come from your head and not your heart, I would have followed it." Allura replied shortly.

Keith sighed. "Allura, are you trying to get me killed? First that crack this morning, now you've taken off against orders. Coran and Nanny will have my head on a platter!"

Allura laughed. "I love you!"

"Sure you do." Keith muttered.

"Hey! Enough of the kissy talk. We have work to do!" Laughed Hunk.

"Right Team." Said Keith. He activated Black Lions thrusters. "Let's go find the Druhles." All five lions turned towards Arus.

"Keith! Ve have ships appearing all over de planet!" Sven's voice came across the speaker. "Dey are attacking! Dozens of dem!"

"Damn, I hate it when Lance is right!" Keith muttered. "Sven! Launch the Space Force. Voltron is not going to be able to handle this alone."

"Already taken care of Captain." The Admiral's voice echoed through the cockpit. "Are Lance and the Princess with you?" He asked.

"Yes Sir." Keith replied.

"I thought so when we discovered Blue and Red Lions missing. Lance Edward! Consider yourself in serious trouble." Harrison informed them.

Lance gulped. "Ahh…Hi Dad."

"Don't 'Hi Dad' me. You're just lucky I don't tell your mother. Harrison out."

"I'm dead meat…" Lance muttered.

"It's your own fault." Keith told him. "All right Team, you heard the Admiral. Let's split up. Hunk, Pidge, and Lance, go help the Space Force. Allura, you're with me. Remember, they might be holograms. Try and get the main control ship, and the rest should disappear. Good luck!" The Lions headed off in two directions. Keith and Allura spied a large group of ships attacking a small village. "Let's go Princess." They dove in to battle.

Blue Lion got to the planet's surface first. Allura spied a small fleet of ships, attacking the marketplace. "Oh no you don't! Get off my planet!" She yelled, firing lasers of her own. She managed to hit two ships, but six blew up.

"Holos! Great job Allura. Let's finish this off and join the rest of the team." Keith launched Black Lion into a group of ten ships. A huge explosion was seen. As the smoke cleared, all that was left was Keith's Lion, and smoldering pieces of the Druhle fighters. He turned and saw Allura finishing off the last three.

"Done here! Let's go." She called.

Lance's face appeared on the screen. "Cap! If you're finished playing…UGH!…We could sure use some help here!"

Without hesitating, Keith and Allura flew off towards the rest of the team. "What's wrong Lance?" Keith asked. There was no answer. "LANCE!"

Lance' image appeared, but it kept fading in and out. "…help…can't…huge…Robeast…HURRY!"

"Try contacting Hunk and Pidge!" Allura urged.

Keith's fingers flew across the control panel. "Nothing! Castle control! Sven! What's going on?" There was no answer anywhere. "Something is jamming us. I don't like this…" Keith muttered.

Suddenly, Lotor's face appeared on Keith and Allura's screen. "Hello my dear friends. So glad to see you. I see my fighters have done their job." He sneered.

"Lotor you creep! What do you think you're doing?" Allura demanded.

"Why Princess, I thought you'd be in the Black Lion, cuddling in your lover's arms." He gloated.

"BASTARD! Leave her alone!" Keith yelled. He tuned his lion to see Lotor's command ship hovering above them. "Allura! Get out of there!" She tried to flee, but a huge energy burst hit her ship. She screamed as her lion lost all power and plummeted to the ground. "ALLURA! Lotor! You son of a bitch! You'll pay for that!" Keith ignited his thrusters, and smashed into Lotor's ship. Using Black's claws, he ripped into Lotor's ship. Suddenly, he was hit by another energy blast and his Lion went dead. Keith franticly tried to gain control, but nothing happened. Black lion hit the ground a short distance away from the Princess. Keith slammed face down into the console. He shook his head to clear it. Blood trickled into his face, as the gash on his forehead re-opened. "Allura! Allura! Please answer me!" He was met with only silence. Keith hastily wiped the blood out of his eyes, and tried to open the hatch. It wouldn't budge. He looked out the com-screen to see Lotor landing next to Blue Lion. Lotor walked out and with his laser sword, opened the Princess's Lion. Keith pounded on the hatch with all his might, trying to get out. The door had bent in the crash and wouldn't open. He watched in horror as Lotor emerged carrying Allura's unconscious form. "Lotor!" He yelled in frustration. Keith slammed himself against the door. He felt a sharp pain tear through his shoulder, but he ignored it and kept trying.

"Seems like I won this time Voltron Captain!" Lotor called across the speaker. "We'll just see how much she enjoys a real man. Farewell!" With a wave, he carried Allura into his ship, and took off, headed for space.

"NOOOO! ALLURA!"