Keith was up early the next morning. He flew a quick reconnaissance flight in his Black Lion before joining the rest of the team for breakfast. Lance had briefed the others on the message last night, and everyone was on full alert. Keith grabbed his usual cup of coffee, and sat down at the table. "Anything yet?" He asked.

Pidge shook his head. "Nothing Keith. I've increased the range of the sensors, and everything's clear."

"I checked with the guards this morning. They are ready, willing, and able to stop anyone or anything that tries to get in here." Hunk added.

"I sent all the nonessential help home. No use having people here in danger." Allura told him. "And I took your advice and evacuated most of the nearby villages. My people are once again hiding in the caves. They may not be happy, but, they will be safe."

"Dad called this morning." Lance continued. "He offered to send a few more squadrons if we thought we needed it."

Keith took a sip of his coffee. "That might not be a bad idea." He looked them all in the eye. "Well Team, we're as ready as we'll ever be. The next move is up to Lotor."

As if on cue, the alarm went off. "Voltron Force report to the Command room immediately!"

"So much for breakfast." Hunk muttered as the Team raced out the door.

They burst into the Command room. "What's up Coran?" Keith asked.

"We are receiving a very strange message. I do not recognize the source, but whoever it is wants to talk to the leader of the planet and the Captain of the Voltron Force." Coran told them.

Allura stepped forward. "Play the message." She ordered. Coran pushed a few buttons. The view screen came to life. A handsome Druhle officer appeared. Allura took a deep breath. "I am Princess Allura, ruler of the Planet Arus."

The man smiled. "Greetings Princess. I must say, I can see why Lotor wants you for himself."

Keith stepped forward, snarling. "I am Captain Keith Montgomery, Captain of the Voltron Force."

The Druhle smiled again. "I am Commander Hazar. I have often…met with your other Voltron team members."

"Captain Dunbar has mentioned you Commander." Keith said icily.

"He has? How nice! Well Captain Montgomery, it seems like we have a mutual problem concerning Zarkon and his wayward son."

Keith nodded. "Go on."

"We in the Druhle Empire have been long disappointed in Zarkon's attempt to control the Denubian Galaxy, namely Planet Arus."

Allura spoke up. "Neither you or Zarkon will ever take my planet."

Hazar laughed. "My dear, we never wanted it! We knew it was hopeless from the first battle."

"Then what do you want?" Keith asked.

"Zarkon has been long fighting you without consent from the Empire. Thankfully we can say he is no more."

There was a collective gasp around the room. "What do you mean Commander?" Asked Keith. "Are you saying Zarkon is dead?"

Hazar nodded. "That is exactly what I am saying Captain."

Lance stepped forward. "Why should we believe you?"

"Because, you have no choice. Zarkon has been executed by my own guard. His son, Lotor and the Witch Haggar could not be found."

"Lotor is on his way here to once again try and capture Arus." Keith told him.

"That is precisely what I wanted to talk to you about. Lotor is on his own. He will get no help from the Druhle Empire. Capture him, kill him, do what you will. We do not care." Hazar smiled. "I will also tell you this. For one month, we will not attack anyone or anything. Consider the Druhle Empire on…vacation."

"What are you saying Commander?" Keith asked warily.

"I am saying that if the Vehicle Voltron Force comes to Arus to help, other parts of the galaxy will be safe. For now. Lotor is a thorn in both our sides Captain. We will all be better off without him." Hazar nodded to Allura. "Princess, good luck." Hazar signed off.

They all stood in silence, looking at each other for a few moments. "Can we trust this guy?" Lance asked.

"First, I think we need to contact the 'Explorer' and check to see if this Hazar is for real." Hunk said.

"My brother Chip says Hazar is ruthless, but honorable." Pidge added.

Keith nodded. But before he could reply, Coran interrupted. "I cannot believe you are contemplating this! He is a Druhle. How can we trust him?"

Allura put her hand on his arm. "Not all Druhles are bad people. He wants Lotor gone just as badly as we do Coran."

"That's right. But we are not going into this blindly, I am going to call the 'Explorer' and Commander Hawkins to see what he has to say." Keith added.

"You'd better get in touch with Dad too Keith. The Alliance will want to know what's going on." Lance told him.

"I'll do that. The rest of you, go get some rest. When this finally starts…."

Allura took his hand. "See that you do too." She gave him a quick kiss and followed the others out of the room.

Keith faced Coran. "Coran, we have to try. We have nothing to lose at this point."

""What about the Princess? Lotor wants her even more than before. I do not want her to fly Blue Lion." The elderly advisor stated.

"I don't either Coran, but it is her choice. Allura has earned the right to protect her people."

"I thought you loved her." Coran knew it was an unfair remark, but he had to try.

Keith put a hold on his temper. "Coran, I do love her. That's why I am letting her do this."

"Her safety is in your hands Captain. Pray nothing happens to her." Coran stormed out of the room.

Keith sighed and contacted the Alliance. They were going to need all the help they could get.