Good evening! Here is the next chapter of Lost Souls. I hope you enjoy it!

Guest: Thank you! I'm glad you are hooked. I'm hoping I can keep you there.

SunshineLeo: You actually never missed the family relationship, I kind of left it out purposely to surprise the audience. There's more surprises. Hope you enjoy.

CubbiesFan1: Oh, poor Allura. Please like her. I really don't intend for her to be mean. She's just an older version of Allura. She's not a kid, she's a woman in a man's military world and she's tough. Well, that's what I'm trying to portray. She's also very angry. Remember, she fighting off her feelings for Keith desperately. She's in love with him. Lots of emotion in this fic. LOL. I think you'll really like her after ;)

Mertz: Hee hee hee! As promised! And on time! Whoo Hoo!

Navymomcilla: Hi! There's a reason for everything in this fic. I hope you enjoy what my mind conjured up. LOL! Let's just say everyone has demons in this fic.

Julie Horowitz: Thank you so much for your kind words. I've actually been working on this fic for years. But it's been challenging and I've had to put a lot of thought in the plot. I hope it comes out well at the end. LOL!

Alright. Here it is. Enjoy!

Playlist:

Start Shootin'-Little People

Zero 7-In the Waiting Line

Trentemoller—Miss You

Chapter 7

Lotor swirled his glass of wine while sitting on a large thick cushioned chair by the fireplace in his father's room. He had taken the suite after Yurak took it upon himself to get it ready and cleaned for him. He was pleasantly surprised to find that the room hadn't been ransacked like the rest of the castle. The humans, for some reason only known to them, left it nearly intact. The room with a large canopy bed made of gold, armoires and dressers adorned with jewels encrusted on the furniture itself made the surroundings look regal and indestructible. He wondered why the Garrison hadn't bothered touching it. Curious, he made a mental reminder of asking Haggar when he had the chance.

The room, his father's private solstice, was Lotor's now. At first, the prince had no intention to take the room. After all, it belonged to his father. But, the king's deceased status had no bearing on Lotor's decision to occupy it. Quite simply, the prince felt the need to learn more and feel the presence of his father around him. The room was simply a medium to the purpose. He wondered if his father strategized, planned, and made all of his military decisions in the chair he now sat on.

Running the day mentally through head, he sighed with satisfaction. The meeting with Areth had gone exactly as planned. He didn't doubt that the guard would relay to his friends a tale about the wondrous things he saw at the lab. He would tell them Lotor's plans to save the galaxy and how they would also play a part in the salvation of their race against the humans. Such simple fools.

The idea to have them perceive that they too played a role in saving the galaxy was a key to his plans. Now, they would follow anything and do everything he'd asked of them. Marionettes in the puppet master's hands. That's exactly what his conquests were, marionettes, dummies that he skillfully manipulated. Today he included Areth, in a few days another puppet, and so on and on. Influencing people was the way to win wars successfully.

He took a sip from his glass and sighed. One part done, another begins.

So far, he knew everything that he needed to know about the Voltron Force. His plans to wipe out the Garrison were well under way. Vengeance, sweet, vengeance. His entire life he savored for the moment where his enemies' lives belonged to him. He smiled at the thought.

The final part of the endgame was -to avenge his father's and brother's murder. In due time, vengeance for that atrocity was his for the taking. He thought about the human who turned his life into pure hell. The human who had forced him into exile from his own planet, the human who showed a lack of respect for the superior beings that were his father and brother. Lotor's reptilian eyes darkened at that thought of this human. He'd tear him limb by limb. Suddenly, he shook his head, No, I have something better. The prince made a mental note to himself. He was going to have fun. After some time thinking that plan through, another thought came to mind.

Since the briefing with Cossack earlier in the day, something bothered the prince for most of the day. A feeling embedded itself to him. He couldn't quite comprehend the sudden feeling he felt after that meeting. A strange feeling that he hadn't felt before. Was it they carnal? He shook his head. No, it was more.

He had had his share of women. Virginity left him when he was in his teens. He knew of those feelings, but presently, what he felt, that he didn't know. Even though he didn't have a harem like other royal dignitaries of his kind often had, he didn't have to search too long to find a woman to share his bed for the night. Harems. Lotor found the concept trivial and utterly ridiculous. When he wanted a woman, he just found one of interest, untouched, within his captures and used her as needed. Then, once done, he let her go. What would be the point of keeping something already used?

This feeling…he thought as he continued nursing his wine. I've never felt it. I can't even fathom what it is. After a long while of meditating, he finally pinpointed the feeling. Longing. He longed for a woman. Not physically, no. There was more. Her face appeared over and over in his mind. He couldn't erase it, nor replace the face that tirelessly continued to plague him.

He realized why. Her beauty far exceeded any other woman he had ever laid his eyes on. The woman's hair was so golden it overshadowed the gold around the room. Her striking blue eyes told a story. Strong, determined, smart. The woman played with fire and Lotor knew that if he played too, he'd be the one to burn.

Those lips, that skin, I've never seen such light skin, he thought as he observed his own pale blue one. She tortured him. For the first time in his life, he wanted someone, but for more than just sex. Lotor wanted more. He wanted to keep her. After all, she'd never grow old, her beauty, ageless. Her strength unbreakable…for the moment.

He finished drinking his wine and put the glass on the small table beside his chair. Lotor closed his eyes and pictures of the woman floated in his mind. He pictured her naked, in his bed, golden hair spread of over his red silky sheets. Him on top; caressing each part of her body…tasting her inner beauty. She would scream, fight him, but at the end, she'd be his. The thought, a blissful torture of the soul. All these thoughts from just a picture. What would it be like to have her right in front of me? He knew he had to have her. He wouldn't live, he wouldn't breathe, he wouldn't think without her by his side. Torture had to end and soon. "Altair" he whispered. Torture had a name, Allura Altair.

VVVVVVVVV

The Senso Room offered a warm atmosphere alongside hip soft music playing around the locale. The wood-paneled oval room had steel framed tables that sat below rectangular crystal chandeliers. They changed colors from blues to reds subtly throughout the evening. Thick white leather chairs surrounded the tables and offered an extremely comfortable place to sit and enjoy the feast ordered by its guests. The industrial looking floor finished the stylish look and feel of the chic locale.

Allura and Romelle, accompanied by Sam, were escorted inside by a petite Asian woman with a pink bob, dressed in a black suit with thick leather black boots. As the three walked in the room filled with occupants, their mouths began to water at the aromas the filled the area.

"Please make yourselves comfortable," the young woman smiled as she gestured her guests to take a seat at one of the tables. "Your waiter will be with you shortly. Enjoy the evening."

"Thank you," the three replied separately as they picked up their menus.

As the young woman dismissed herself, Sam looked over the menu, "So what do you ladies feel like having tonight? I could surely go for this sea bass."

Neither really answered as they continued looking at the menu, lost in their own thoughts.

"You know, this evening is not going to be very fun if there's only a one way conversation going around," Sam joked, offering a smile.

Snapping out of it, Allura looked up and smiled back at him, "Sorry, dear. It's been a long day."But it's over and we will enjoy ourselves." She looked at Romelle who nodded gently at both of them.

"I figured," Sam nodded as he gently took her hand and kissed it. "Did Allura brief you Romelle?"

"Yes. I imagined it was a very hard day for many. I spoke to my father earlier and he too is quite…stressed. I asked him to join us, but I think he's decided to stay at the base at least until he feels that things settle a bit. "

"Yes, he briefed us this afternoon," Sam nodded. "He wants me to start training on rescue and evacuation procedures for my infantry."

"At least it will be somewhat easier this time around," Allura sighed. Twenty years ago, people hid in caves, now Coran built bunkers under the base that would house most of the cities. Other bases around the planet have similar accommodations for Arus' citizens.

"In a way," Sam answered with concern lacing his thoughts, "There are a hell of a lot more people today than back then."

"Well, at least with the team regrouped, we'll all be safer," Romelle volunteered, watching both Allura and Sam closely.

Sam shook his head as he looked at Allura, "I can't imagine what you are going through dear." Then, looking at Romelle, he continued, "Both of you. A new enemy, our planet once again in the middle of war and on top of that seeing him."

Romelle looked back down at her menu, not acknowledging Sam's statement. Allura, however, looked up at him with a certain unease, "It's not going to be easy, but we need to focus on what's important and that's protecting Arus."

"Well said Allura," Sam kissed her hand once again.

Just as Allura gently let go of Sam's hand, a waiter walked to their table, "Welcome to Senso. I'm Chad and I'm your waiter for the evening. Would you like to start with some cocktails?" The auburn hair young man smiled at the group.

"Ladies?" Sam began.

"Let me have a Raven," Romelle ordered.

"Manhattan," Allura chimed without a second thought. "Pour a double shot."

Sam looked at Allura, but the look that she gave him back told him not to offer any opinions at the moment. Instead, he looked at the waiter, "I guess, I'll start off with an Air Force One."

"Great!" Chad answered as he imputed the drinks on his datapad, ignorant to what had happened at the table. "I'll be back in a few minutes with your orders. In the meantime, please take a look at our menu."

Once he left, Sam took a look at his dates for the evening, "I'm glad to have you joined us tonight Romelle. It's been quite some time since we last seen each other."

"It's been pretty busy for me, Sam," she answered as she put the menu down. "Ryan and I are still finalizing some things and I've started redecorating the place…you know. Change is good."

"It must be hard," Sam acknowledged gently with an air of sympathy.

"It's alright. We-"

"Good evening."

Romelle heard a familiar voice. Looking up, she willed herself not to look surprised at who she saw.

"I didn't think to see you all tonight," Lance McClain stated, his eyes focused on the woman he had just interrupted.

"Lance," Allura smiled sarcastically. "If I would have known you were coming here tonight, I would have called in to change the reservations."

"Sorry about that, Altair," he responded shifting his gaze to the other blonde, "If there is one thing I've missed all these years is our sibling rivalry."

Allura rolled her eyes.

Chuckling at Allura's reaction, Lance continued, "Ivana and I were going somewhere else, but she twisted my elbow to come here tonight. She loves this place." Lance responded as the tall brunette with exotic green eyes smiled at the group. "Ivana, these are my friends, Lieutenant Allura Altair, her cousin Romelle D'Orr, and this is General Samuel Gellar. All, this is Ivana Hess."

"Nice to meet you all," she answered with a thick British accent before the group offered their greetings.

"It's good to see you again General," Lance extended his hand.

"Good to see you too McClain," Sam replied as he shook hands with the Red Lion pilot. "How are you doing these days? Rumor has it Alan Lessing wants to publish an unauthorized biography of you. How's that going along?"

Lance snorted, "Don't believe all the rumors. My lawyers are squashing that bug permanently. The last thing I need is some bull story about me printed all over the Denubian."

Sam's eyes twinkled mischievously, "Good luck with that. Lessing is one hard leech to squash."

Lance smiled sardonically, "My lawyers have big feet."

Sam laughed out loud, "McClain, I wouldn't want to get in your face."

Smiling at the play between her date and the General, Ivana suddenly focused her attention at the woman, who up to that point, had not said a word, "Ms. D'Orr? Are you Ryan D'Orr's wife?"

"Umm..." Romelle, at a loss of words, just nodded.

"It is such a pleasure to meet you." She shook her head embarrassed, "My family is a huge fan of your husband's work."

"Oh…um," Romelle blushed.

"Oh!" the woman suddenly stuttered when she noticed Romelle's reaction, "I…I didn't mean to…please, forgive my insensitivity! I am sorry to hear about the divorce. My uncle commissioned Mr. D'Orr some time ago to build his high rise on Magellan Avenue. Well, he and Mr. D'Orr became very good friends." She paused for a moment, genuinely embarrassed for how she came across, "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said anything in the first place."

Romelle nodded in understanding. "Well, no apology necessary, Ivana. We both have kept it quiet to the public, but, I am amongst my family right now and they know all about it."

Her gaze went to Lance, who seemed surprised by what had transpired. Or maybe it was what he had just heard. Either way, he quickly recovered when he the waiter returned with the drinks previously ordered. "Well, we don't want to further interrupt you from your evening. Have a good one. Altair, I'll see you tomorrow."

"Bright and early," she responded as she held her glass up to him.

"Enjoy your evening," Lance finished as Ivana smiled at the group and allowed Lance lead her to their table.

"She's quite a beauty," Sam stirred his drink.

"She's this week's flavor," Allura responded sarcastically as she sipped her drink. "God knows who's next on his agenda. In the years that I've known him, Lance McClain has never stayed with one woman for too long."

Romelle stared at her drink without saying a word.

Xxxxxxxxxx

As the evening progressed, Lance from time to time shifted his eyes to the table he had visited earlier in the evening. Romelle was the last person he expected to see, the last person he thought would creep in his mind as he dined with the beauty across from him.

"You've been rather distracted most of the evening, Lance," Ivana warmly smiled as she took his hand.

"I'm sorry. It's been a rather long day," he admonished as he finished the last bite of his dessert. "Did you enjoy dinner?"

"It was perfect. The company wasn't half bad either," she replied as she slid her foot along his leg. "Why don't we continue the evening…somewhere else less distracting?"

"All in due time love," he answered pulling his leg away. The gesture surprised her.

"Are you alright?"

"Yes," he nodded. "Listen, just curious…when did you hear about Romelle's divorce?"

She shrugged, "I don't know. My uncle told me about it a few months ago. Honestly, I found out about it in passing. Why? Is this about Ms. D'Orr? Have you known her long?"

Lance nodded.

Ivana looked at the table where Romelle and the others sat for a moment before looking back to Lance, "She's a beautiful woman. She has so much…grace."

Again he nodded.

"Allura is quite a stunner herself," Ivana studied him, wondering.

"She's…explosive to say the least," he laughed. "Altair is quite interesting as well, but too much a handful. Only one person has been able to tame her."

"I'm sure the General has had his fill of fun with her," she laughed truly not understanding Lance's words and their meaning.

About to answer, Lance suddenly watched as Romelle stood up and made her way to the ladies rooms, "Excuse me for a moment Ivana, I'll be right back." He abruptly stood up without giving her a chance to answer.

Quickly, he walked over to the area as both Sam and Allura were locked in conversation. He stood outside the doors as women walked in and out, often smiling at him and wondering who he waited for. His few minutes of waiting finally ended when Romelle walked out.

Her eyes widened when she saw him. "Lance!"

"I needed to speak to you."

"There's really nothing to talk about," she answered firmly attempting to walk away. He stopped her.

"Is it true?"

She hesitated a bit and finally nodded.

"Why would he—"

"It was a mutual parting. We're fine."

"And Hope?"

"She's fine as well. She's an intelligent young woman and…she was always aware of things. Always."

Understanding what she meant, he only nodded. "Do you need—"

"Lance," Romelle shook her head, "I think you and I both know that it is too late to even ask that question. I don't need anything, especially from you."

Romelle turned and from afar watched as Ivana looked around the restaurant for her date. "Your date is searching for you. I suggest you attend to her…needs. Goodnight." Without any more to say to him, Romelle walked away.

With a heavy sigh, he walked back to his table where a warm smile from Ivana greeted him, "Is everything alright? Are you ready to go?"

Lance nodded, "Yes, listen." He watched Romelle part the restaurant with Allura and Sam lagging behind, "I have practice tomorrow morning pretty early. How about I drop a rain check? I'll be happy to drop you off at home."

Completely shocked by the statement, Ivana answered with disappointed in her tone, "Sure…ah, perhaps later this week?"

"Sure," Lance responded without the slight bit of interest. He took out his wallet and placed some bills on the table, knowing he had overpaid. Whatever was left over, the waiter would take. Looking at Ivana, he gave her a curt smile, "Let's go."

VVVVVVVVV

Closing his eyes, Hunk tried to catch sleep. The events of the day still had him wired and fully awake. Opening his eyes once again, he looked at the chronometer by the nightstand and saw that it was fifteen minutes past eleven o'clock. He wanted to call Lucy, but she had to be asleep. With a five hour difference between Earth and Arus, he doubted a call from him at this time would evoke any happiness from her part.

Sighing, he shifted in a more comfortable position. He tried not to think about the day, just about falling asleep, but somehow he didn't see it happening. A Drule war in a planet that he didn't think he'd return to anytime soon, a team that was held by a bandage-at best and a commander he didn't care to see for the rest of his existence. He sighed. Hunk wished his mind didn't keep turning the wheels of thoughts.

Keith, calm and collected throughout the entire meeting, hadn't surprised him. But, it annoyed him to see the man act so indifferently toward them. Hunk would have taken any emotion, but the apathetic attitude that Keith displayed today unnerved Hunk. His commander and former friend had always been calculating. But today, that part of his character had manifested more. It scared Hunk. A leader with no emotions brought danger among the team. Yet, he also thought he saw something else in Keith, but he couldn't pinpoint what it was.

Continuing to think, a sudden noise startled him. The vidscreen alerted him of an incoming call. Rising from bed he walked over to the stand and pressed the button. Hunk smiled immediately, "Lucy!"

"Hello gorgeous," she smiled. "I figured you'd be awake."

His smile suddenly faded. Lucy's face looked pale as if she were sick, "What's wrong. You don't look well."

"Oh," she shook her head, "I went out with some of my coworkers for dinner and I guess what I ate didn't agree with me. I've been up for the last couple of hours throwing up."

"Honey, are you sure you're alright? Maybe you should go to the hospital to get checked out. I can call…"

"Will, I'm fine," she shook her head. "Really honey, I'm ok. I'm going to see Doctor Langley in a couple of hours. I'm sure I must have eaten some bad shrimp."

He still looked worried, "Lucy, call me the minute you come out of the doctor's office. Promise me."

She laughed a bit, "Alright, love. I will. How are you?"

"I'm…okay." He told her grabbing a chair from small desk in his room. "My room is a bit cramped as you can see." He laughed, trying to joke to her.

Growing a bit more serious she asked again, "Will, tell me the truth. How are you?"

"It just feels surreal," he shrugged. "I mean, it's good seeing the team again. I bonded with Yellow and I felt this…feeling that I hadn't felt in years. But…Lucy…something feels…off. It's like there's this force preventing us from feeling whole."

"Does it have to do with Keith?"

Sighing, he responded, "I don't know. Maybe. Truthfully, working with him will not be easy, but I have to try."

She remained quiet, allowing him to speak.

"All I know is that I'm going to feel a whole lot better once you get here," he said looking at her. "I miss you."

Lucy nodded, "I miss you too and I can't wait to see you either. Stop over analyzing things. Everything will come into place as time passes. Try to get some sleep. You need it."

"Alright, but only if you promise me you'll call me as soon as you have word as to what's wrong. Please Lucy, let me know."

"I will, honey. Now, get some sleep," she told him. "I'll call you a bit later. I love you."

"I love you too," he smiled as the screen blackened.

VVVVVVVVV

In his room, Darrell walked around his limited space like a caged mouse trying to find the way out of labyrinth. He knew he shouldn't do it, but somehow he needed to know. Walking up to the vidscreen by the stand on the corner of his room, Darrell held in his hand a circular device that attached to the side of the screen. After attaching it and making sure it worked, he connected to the person he suddenly wanted to see.

"Hello?" a woman with dark black hair and light blue eyes answered. "Hello?"

He stared at her, wanting to answer her, but he wouldn't.

"Darrell, is that you?" she asked looking to him, but not seeing him. "I know it's you. Why won't you speak to me?"

"Because, you shouldn't settle," he whispered to himself. "Because, you don't deserve to spend an eternity based on one experience."

He heard her sigh before severing connection. He knew she'd be up this early. Her flight would leave in a couple of hours.

"Goodbye…Hope."

VVVVVVVVV

As they drove back to the apartment, Romelle sat in the back of the cruiser speaking on her visual comm. Allura turned to see her cousin. Romelle's feature completely changed into one of happiness whenever she spoke to her daughter. "Honey, is everything alright?"

"Yes mom, everything is alright," Hope answered with a smile. "Someone called me but, I guess we had a communication glitch."

"I can't believe you're calling me this early. What time is it over there?" Romelle asked without her smile withering away.

"Oh, it's a quarter till five here, but my flight leaves in two hours," she answered, "I'm not going to be able to call you until late tonight so I wanted you to know I was alright."

"Thanks for letting me know, honey. I appreciate it," her mother answered. "Just make sure you call me as soon as you are settled."

"Will do mom," Hope told her with excitement. "And don't worry, I spoke to dad yesterday."

"Good," she nodded.

"Mom, I have to go. Give Aunt Alllura and Sam a big hug and kiss for me."

"Ditto kid!" Allura shouted with a small laugh.

"Alright, I'm off to France. I'll call you soon mom, I love you."

With a wonderful smile, Romelle answered her daughter, "I love you too sweetheart. Please be safe."

"I will mom. Talk to you later," Hope answered before communication ceased.

After her conversation ceased, Romelle sighed. "I can't believe how grown up she is. One minute I'm carrying her in my arms and in another she's off to France building high rises and god knows what else."

"Where in France?" Sam asked as he kept driving.

"Paris," Romelle answered. "The company she works for is building a museum and her design was chosen."

"That's great. She's come a long way," Sam nodded. "You and Ryan must be proud of her."

"We are. She's an old soul," Romelle let out a small laugh. "I am so lucky to have her."

"How's it going with Darrell and her?" Allura suddenly asked. It had occurred to her that Darrell had not mentioned anything about Hope when she met with him earlier in the day.

Romelle sighed, "She hasn't mentioned anything to me, but I think they must have separated again. She didn't ask me about him. Has he mentioned anything to you?"

Allura shook her head, "No. Darrell didn't mention her to me either." This worried her. For Hope, Darrell was the man she wanted. When she was young, she attached herself to Darrell in an uncanny way. Darrell never saw her in anyway other than a child, until two years ago when one friendly night at the movies turned into something more. "I'll speak to him tomorrow."

"Don't," Romelle abruptly told her.

Turning around, Allura asked, "Why not?"

"Sometimes these things have to happen for them to decide if they really belong to each other," Romelle answered. "If they do belong, they'll find their way back on their own."

"I agree," Sam answered. "They'll find their way back, just like you and me," he turned to Altair. She smiled and gently took his hand.

"Don't worry about them Allura. Hope and Darrell…well, we'll see what happens."

"We're here," Sam suddenly said as he pulled up. He began to get out of the cruiser when Romelle suddenly stopped him.

"Don't worry Sam. I'll let myself out," she told him as she got out of the car. "Thank you for a wonderful evening."

"It was fun Romelle," he replied.

"I'll call you tomorrow after I leave the base," Allura told her. "Good night cousin."

"Good night. Go ahead, I'm fine," she smiled as she closed the door of the cruiser and began walking inside her apartment building. A moment after, the car turned and began to pull inside the apartment building across the street. Romelle exited her apartment building and walked to her own cruiser parked on the side street. She went in, turned on the ignition and drove off. She had to see someone.