Hello everyone! Yeah, next chapter. So happy to have had a little time to work on it. Hope you enjoy it.
CubbiesFan1: Well, I'm glad you liked the conversation between the girls. I wanted to show some lightness in the fic since I feel it is mostly dark with the characters more often than not being in grouchy moods. LOL. It's funny what you think about Keith. In the comic books he is basically as I have described. Cold, stoic and pretty closed to others. It has only been Allura who he has opened to. Thank you for reading!
SnyperLady: Thank you. All these characters need a psychologist in this fic. LOL! And Lotor…well that's a surprise, which I hope you all like.
GoPinkLion: Hope is the only character that is completely assertive. I wanted to show a character that is so sure of her love for Darrell and his love for her that she doesn't question it. But, there's a reason for that too…
KathDMD: LOVEY! The answer is in this chapter. Sam and Allura…well, the KA fans may not appreciate that I this is a KA fic so….sorry girl. I have something in store for Sam.
Mertz: She is one stubborn cookie here. I wanted her to be stubborn and different from my other depictions of her in other stories. Wait to you see what I do to her in my next fic!
Rodeocat: Oh, there's more in this one. LOL. Thank you for reading!
So here's the next one! Sorry for the typos. I'm sleepy….
Playlist
C21 FX: Ancient Evil
C21 FX: Legacy
Icon Audio: Awakening
Chapter 17
Mosley walked into the lion's den to work on the itinerary of the day, when she stopped herself. A few feet away from her stood Keith, right in front of the five lions. The lions growled gently, their eyes lighting up staring at their commander. Carefully and slowly, she walked in trying not to disturb the man in front of her as she walked toward him.
As Kirian moved closer to him, she could tell that Keith, physically present, was mentally somewhere else. Maybe even in a trance like state. He wasn't aware of her presence. If he were really there, he would have immediately known she was behind him. Looking to the lions, she noticed Yellow suddenly stare at her with his yellow almost golden eyes. And, just like that, they faded. Simultaneously, the other lions' eyes also faded back to their normal onyx and the growling ceased. Keith suddenly turned around looking at her cautiously, "Mosley, what are you doing here?"
Ignoring his question, she asked, "What just happened?"
Purposely not answering her question, Keith walked past her toward the control area.
"Captain, why won't you answer me?"
"Because there's nothing to answer," he replied coldly without looking at her.
Following him, Kirian didn't allow his intimidating attitude to overwhelm her, "What do you mean there's nothing to answer to? I saw you. You were speaking to them, weren't you?"
Finally turning around to look at her, he asked, "Did you hear me speak?"
"Well, no," she shook her head.
"Did any of the lion's say a word?"
Stuttering, Kirian shook her head, "Of course not!"
"Then, how can you say that I was speaking to them?"
"Please do not patronize me," her tone became harsh. But when Kirian noticed the angry glare in his eyes, she backed down. "I'm sorry, Captain."
"Are you used to speaking to your superiors in such fashion, Mosley?"
Sighing hard, the young girl replied, "I apologize. It isn't my intention to disrespect you. I just…I just witnessed something extraordinary and you are dismissing it as if it were nothing. I'm trying to understand what I saw."
Keith remained quiet for a moment before finally answering her, "The lions have magical abilities. Sometimes, they manifest these abilities."
"Like today."
"That's right," he nodded.
"And that time during the relief efforts in Lira?"
He hesitated, but replied, "Yes."
"I understand that part," the girl continued her interrogation, "But what I don't understand is why they only manifest this magic around you."
At this, Keith smiled a little and then shrugged, "What can I say, they like me."
"Captain!" the girl shook her head in frustration.
"Kirian," Keith sighed, "There are some things you will never understand. You should feel lucky that you are able to witness them. Be satisfied with that."
When the girl realized that she had lost the argument, she just nodded, "You're right." Then, looking at him, asked, "Does the Garrison know about this?"
"Why do you ask?"
This time she shrugged, "When I was in the academy, part of our studies included Arus history, culture and study of the lions. They never mentioned that the lions had magical abilities. I only heard the mention of this when I accepted the post."
Keith laughed sarcastically, "So the Garrison still doesn't mention the lion's magical abilities in their teachings? Guess not much has changed."
"What do you mean?"
As they walked over to the control area and away from the lions, Keith explained, "Earth…Terra as many people call it these days has always been hesitant to share with others the true nature of the lions. When we arrived, we came in believing that the lions were just highly advanced technological machines…weapons. None of us ever thought they held any magical powers or supernatural abilities."
"But, you must have thought something when Arus called for a team?"
"A team of one thousand," he added, "We came in to fight. None of us knew anything about the lions and their powers. If memory serves me right, I don't think either Coran or Alfor said anything to the Garrison about it."
"What happened? How did you all get to be part of the lions?'
Sighing, Keith travelled back in time, in his mind, "Zarkon attacked one night. He surprised all of us. I don't know how we managed to hold them off. Lance, Sven, Hunk and Pidge…well, Darrell, the five of us somehow managed to do the impossible. Honestly, I think we were all prepared to die that night. Anyway, when Coran saw what we did, he brought us in to meet the lions and…well…the rest you already know."
"That still doesn't answer why the Garrison won't mention the magic in the lions," she reminded him.
Keith hesitated for a moment before speaking, "When we disclosed to the Garrison what we now possessed, they became…threatened. I guess that's the best way to put it."
"Threatened? Why?" Kirian was baffled.
With a kind of far again look, Keith's face turned serious and angry, "They were ignorant. They thought Arus had the power to turn, defeat Zarkon and even them in the process. They became scared of Arus."
"That doesn't make any sense," she shook her head.
"It was a different time, Mosley," he replied, "They had an idea how to defeat another species. It would take them long, but they believed they could defeat Zarkon. But magic? How could they do that? They couldn't fathom how to fight that threat."
"Maybe they still believe that," she looked at him with a concern look.
Not knowing that else to say, Keith went to the computer console, "It would be sad after all these years to think that a concept so ridiculous would still be on their minds."
"We can only hope that it's not."
Satisfied that Mosley wouldn't continue, Keith sat down on one of the chairs in the control room, "Now, tell me, what's in store for us today?"
XXXXXXXXXX
Inside the dining hall, Darrell sat on one of the tables, quietly drinking his morning coffee. He was lost in thought thinking how beautiful Hope looked when he saw her. Hope had always been beautiful. He had always known that, but seeing her right in front of him this morning, rendered him speechless. Is it just me, or did she get even more beautiful?
His coffee tasted bitter, his mood was just as bad. Why is she here? Why now, when I'm trying to forget her? Why are you here Hope? What are you trying to do to me?
"Looks like your morning was as bad as mine?"
Darrell watched as Hunk took a seat in front of him. He too carried a cup of coffee in hand and put in on the table. Sighing, Darrell looked at his friend, "This morning was hell."
"Why?"
"Hope's here."
Looking surprised, Hunk asked, "Something happened? She alright?"
Nodding and putting Hunk's worries to rest, Darrell replied, "She's fine. She's here to help Romelle with the gala."
"So she'll be here for a couple of weeks at least," the older man replied. "What are you going to do?"
Chuckling sarcastically, Darrell said, "What do you mean, what am I going to do? Hunk, there's nothing to do. She's going about her business and I'll go about mine."
"You are so full of crap," he shook his head, "I know you love her. Why do you fight it?"
"When will you realize that I'm saving her? Hope doesn't know any different. She hasn't…what if she takes the oath and realizes that she made a mistake with me?"
"Maybe what you're afraid of is that if you take the oath with her, you'll realize that you made the mistake," Hunk then answered. "Maybe the one who's truly afraid is you."
'Bull—"
"No!" Hunk replied roughly. "Stop denying the truth, you prick! She loves you and you love her. Hope doesn't deserve this treatment. And maybe you're right. You shouldn't be with her because you sure as hell don't deserve her!" Standing up, Hunk walked away with coffee in hand. "Damn Schmuck," he muttered to himself as he headed to the main doors.
Watching his friend walk away, Darrell didn't know what had come over Hunk. After he left the room, Darrell kept drinking his coffee in silence. Hunk's words replayed in his mind. Maybe he was right, Hope didn't need someone like him.
"Damn it," he said to himself, unable to fully accept Hunk's opinion. "I'm just protecting her. I'm just protecting you Hope."
XXXXXXXXXXX
As soon as Lucy walked into the apartment, she immediately let go of the unshed tears she held from public view. She and Hunk hadn't had an argument of this kind…well ever. Sure, just like any married couple, there were arguments, strong discussions, but never fights. She and Hunk shared so many commonalities that there were rarely such events in their lives.
She went over to the kitchen where she picked up a napkin and wiped her eyes before heading to her room to lie down. The morning had been cool and dry, but the walk had left her tired and lethargic. The doctor had mentioned that she was at a stage in the pregnancy that she would tire out quicker on tasks that in the past would never really bother her.
As Lucy lay down in bed, she began to mentally take a trip back in time to when she had first met Hunk. After her college graduation on Earth, her parents surprised her with a two week trip to Arus. It was the first time, she not only had travelled by herself, but she was travelling to the one planet she had always wanted to go to. As she was growing up, she had heard of Voltron and the fame that the legendary and magical robot reached all over the galaxy. To be able to see it first hand, instead of watching it over vidscreen was truly a gift.
Even better, her father was an old friend of one of the generals at the base and he had been able to get Lucy an even closer look at the lions. The day of the visit to base was to become more special than she thought. That was the day she met Lieutenant William Garrett.
Will was testing a lions' system in the lair when General Frank Hawthorne walked in with Lucy as he was giving her a tour. As soon as she saw him, Lucy developed a total crush on him. She loved his height. While others would consider it intimidating, Hunk's friendly and noble face put those feelings to rest. He looked like a gentle giant. Lucy not only thought he looked friendly, but she also noticed how attractive the man was. Thick black hair that he always kept short, brown eyes that at times in the light brown from sunlight and a smile that immediately melted her. William Garrett was an attractive man.
And to him, she was the most beautiful woman he had ever laid eyes on. At least, that's what he had told her the moment General Hawthorne had left him alone at the bay after receiving a call from his office. Lucy blushed at the compliment and that alone encouraged Hunk to ask her out that same night.
From there on, the courtship began and what was to be a vacation turned to be a moving trip. It had happened so fast that Lucy's parents actually moved for a couple of months with her after her daughter announced that she would stay on Arus permanently. Back then, the planet was still at war and the Drules were trying to do everything they could to get rid of Voltron and its pilots.
It didn't deter Hunk and Lucy, though. They married five months after they met. Lucy took the oath and they made the castle their home until the Drules were defeated. After that, the two were inseparable. Lucy thought it would be like that forever. Forever until now.
Did Hunk not want this child? The question kept running through her mind as she rested.
The day of their wedding had been an event. Darrell served as best man, Coran officiated the ceremony, Keith and Allura served as witnesses and Lance kept the party going the entire night with his shenanigans. Hunk had told her that her life would be forever changed. That she'd live her life in a different way. That, if lucky, they would see their children live forever just like they would. Children. He had mentioned children to her.
But, what happened now? What's changed?
Crying harder, Lucy buried her face in the pillow, trying to stop the pain.
XXXXXXXXXXX
After her discussion with Allura, Romelle felt this incredible sense of pain and urgency. Her cousin was making a huge mistake and part of her felt guilty about Allura's choice. She had held herself back for too much time and the seeds that were planted years ago were blooming causing a wretched garden rather than a beautiful one. This was a poisoned garden and Romelle had no intention of continuing to spread the venom.
Once she had finished speaking to Altair, she spent some time with Hope making sure her daughter would be too busy to notice her stepping out of the ballroom. Once out, she inquired with some officers as to the whereabouts of the one person who could help her stop the blooming of the wretched allotment. After some time, she was told that he'd be by the Lion's lair.
Walking over to it, she found him with her father's protégé by the hallway, still deep in discussion. As Romelle walked closer to them, she noticed the young blonde looking up as at her before the person next to her did. Once Keith set her eyes on her, Romelle swore that his eyes had turned a darker shade. Keith looked cold and angry.
"Ms. D'Orr," Kirian looked a little shocked to see the woman in their current location, "Good morning, is there something I can help you with? Are you lost?"
"No," Romelle smiled gracefully, "Thank you Private Mosley."
The girl looked surprised by Romelle's acknowledgement of who she was.
"My father has told me wonderful things about you," Romelle shared as she perceived the girl's surprise. "It is very nice to finally meet you."
Smiling and completely in awe, she answered, "Why thank you!"
Nodding, Romelle turned to Keith and immediately grew serious, "I apologize for interrupting your day, Captain. But, I need a moment of your time."
"You have not interrupted, Ms. D'Orr," he replied still looking angry and unhappy about the situation he was in. "I don't have an office where we can go, but there is a conference room a few doors down. We can speak there if you like."
"Thank you," she nodded. "I promise I will not take much of your time."
Extending his arm so she could take it, Keith turned to Kirian, "I'll go over tomorrow's simulation later today. Make sure you make the appropriate changes I asked and I'll approve later today."
"Will do, Captain," she answered. "I'll get it done after I finish preparing the agenda's for the meeting with the Generals. Coran has asked that you attend."
"I'll be there," he answered wanting to get his meeting with Romelle over with. "I'll see you later."
Taking the queue that she was being dismissed, Kirian nodded slightly and took her leave. As the two walked away, Kirian forced herself to pry her eyes away. She wondered what the two needed to talk about.
Once inside, Keith led Romelle in and as soon as he closed the door and made sure that no one would be interrupting them, Keith looked at Romelle with even more of a dangerous glare before he spat out, "What the hell are you trying to do, Romelle! This is the last place we should be seen talking together."
"I needed to speak to you," she countered, not allowing his intimation to affect her. "You apparently don't want me to go to your home, you sure as hell won't come to mine and I know you'll never meet with me anywhere in public. What other choice did I have?"
"The choice of not speaking to me would be the best!"
"That's insane! You've placed these rules without even consulting or even asking my opinion," she replied with a snort as she took a seat in one of the chairs, "Now, if you want to get out as quickly as you got in, then I suggest you hear me out."
Sighing and knowing he lost the battle, Keith took a seat across from her, "Now what?"
"I know you don't want to speak about this topic that I want to bring up—"
"Then, why are we?" he replied sarcastically.
"Because I'm tired of continuing this charade," Romelle replied ardently. "This…this thing between us has caused so much harm, not only to us but to the entire team."
Shaking his head in anger, Keith did not deter even though, he perceived Romelle to be angrier than she normally was, "It needed to be done, Romelle. It's over. Everyone has continued on with their lives."
"No, none of you have," she answered. "Your decision broke up your team. It destroyed your career, your life. How could you say that?"
"It's over, Romelle. Let. It. Go," he answered.
"I can't. Not until I can make you realize the mistakes you're making," Romelle said. "Keith, you are making things worse. What's going to happen if you succeed and beat this Lotor? Will you all go back to how you all were? Are you willing to give her up again?"
"Enough!" Keith slammed his fist against the table. "What do you want from me Romelle? They're all doing well. They're successful. They're happy. She's happy!"
"Really?" Romelle's eyes widened. "If she's so happy, why did she kiss you?"
Keith fell silent for a moment, surprised that Romelle knew of that escapade.
"You think she didn't tell me? You think she kept it quiet? Allura's hurting, Keith. She still loves you."
"I'm not worth her love," he told her shaking his head.
"She wouldn't think that if—"
He started laughing, "You don't give up, do you?" Leaning forward, Keith suddenly became serious, "When, not if, but when I defeat Lotor, and I will Romelle… I will kill the bastard, just like I did his father and brother. And after that's over, everyone will go back to their lives, just like before."
"And you?"
He shrugged and gave her a small smile, "I go back to the little hole I crawled out from and everyone will be happy."
"You're so wrong," she whispered.
He smiled at her. This time it was a sad smile, "It's the only way to protect them Romelle. It worked years ago, it will work again."
Romelle shook her head sadly, "Well, I'm not going to convince you, am I?"
"No," he whispered back.
Romelle nodded slowly, "Okay." She thought about telling him about Allura had told her moments ago. But decided not to. Maybe what Keith needed was a good wake up call. She thought about something else, "Then, I need a favor from you."
"What?" he answered annoyed.
"We have the foundation ball taking place and I know you agreed. So, I want you to dance one dance with Allura."
"Absolutely not!"
"Oh, you will do this for me Keith!" she raised her voice. "First, if you want me to keep my mouth shut, you will. You know that there's no need to keep quiet anymore. Second, you need this. Just as much as my cousin does."
"I don't belong there! Romelle, for god sakes, I'm not going to be the opening act of your circus!"
"This isn't a circus," she answered, "This is a something I need to see."
Looking at her curiously, Keith asked, "What do you mean?"
This time, she smiled, "I know more than you think, Keith Kogane. Let's just leave it at that."
About to answer, Keith suddenly heard his comm. alert him of a call. Picking it up, he answered, "Kogane."
"Captain, everything is ready for your approval," he heard Kirian tell him. "And the General's meeting was moved up. You need to be in Advisor Coran's office in ten minutes."
"Thank you Mosley," Keith answered before putting the device away. Turning to Romelle, he stood up, "I need to go."
"Fine," she replied, standing up as well, "But I need an answer."
"Fine," he sighed, hesitation in his voice, "I'll do it. But, I don't understand why you are doing this."
"I have my reasons," she smiled. "And, if you do this, I will not bother you again with this conversation."
He nodded, "Okay. I hope so Romelle."
"I'll make sure to get you a uniform."
Keith almost rolled his eyes, "There's no way the Garrison or the Corps will give you a uniform for me."
"Don't worry about that," Romelle countered, "First, it's a themed ball. You'll all be using Garrison uniforms from the past."
"Great," he sighed. "Are we done now? Can I go?"
"Yes," Romelle answered, "I'll see you soon Captain."
Not answering her, Keith turned and left the conference room, leaving Romelle thinking of her next plan.
XXXXXXXXXXX
Looking through the large screen window, Lotor looked mesmerized by what he saw, "They are growing exponentially. "
The man behind him, the man who had been working on the tiresome project for years, smiled, "They are healthy and eat just about everything we put in there."
"How fast are they growing?" Lotor continued to speak. He couldn't take his eyes off the screen. "What's the rate?"
"About half a centimeter per day," he answered. "They are growing faster than I thought. The even bigger news is that they are multiplying at a faster rate too."
This made the prince turn around, "How fast?"
The doctor smiled again, "Once they mate, the female produces about three to six offsprings per birth."
"Can you tell how often they produce offsprings?"
"About once every three weeks on average," the man replied, his tone of voice sounding proud of his accomplishment. "At this rate Sire, we could have an entire colony in just a few weeks. We are taking at least 306 million."
"Is that enough?" Lotor asked as he turned around and continued viewing the screen in front of him.
"Yes, Sire. More than enough."
"When can they begin training?"
"I am already sending signals and teaching basic uniformity," he answered, "They are very smart and learning fast. We're farther ahead than expected, my Lord."
Nodding in satisfaction, the prince began walking out of the room. But before leaving, he turned around and faced his scientist, "Thank you for your hard work. You are truly bringing honor to the royal house, this planet and the memory of my father and brother."
Bowing and showing his respect and gratitude, the man answered, "Your words bring me great honor, my Prince. To have my life's work in your hands is enough of a reward for me."
Lotor bowed at the doctor, which brought shock to him. But the words that came out of Lotor's mouth stunned the scientist even more, "Your work will be recorded here on Korrinth and will be remembered not only by my people, but also by future generations. Consider yourself part of my people and founders of the new Korrinth."
"Than…Thank you, my Prince!"
"Continue your work doctor," he replied, "If we are ahead, perhaps Arus will suffer even faster than I realized."
XXXXXXXXXX
Walking down the hallway on his way to the gym, Lance saw a familiar figure walking across the opposite hallway, "Romelle?" he muttered to himself. Sprinting toward the other hallway, Lance caught up to her, "Elle!"
Turning around, Romelle was startled by the man's voice she heard. Immediately recognizing who that man was, she sighed inwardly, "Lance, aren't you supposed to be…I don't know…doing something other than bothering me?"
The Red Lion pilot gave Romelle one of his dashing smiles before laughing at her, "There's nothing that I would rather do now that I've seen you. What are you doing here, beautiful?"
Romelle stared at him for a moment before shaking her head, "I wonder about you McClain."
"So you think about me?"
This time she rolled her eyes, "I'm working on fixing the ballroom for the gala. I'll be here for the next few days until the project is done."
"My week looks much brighter," he smiled at her.
"You don't quit do you?"
"Nope! By the way, do you have a date for this thing?"
This time, Romelle smiled, "You should. There could never be anything between us. Lance, our time is over. We should both accept it and get on with our lives."
"Our lives can't go on without each other, Elle," he answered. "I've walked like a zombie for years. I don't intend to continue that life anymore."
"Lance," Romelle grew serious. "Don't make this harder on yourself. You're not going to win."
"This isn't about winning," he corrected her as he walked closer to her, "I told you that I'd fight for you. I'm not stopping Romelle. I will not let you stop me because deep down, you know that you and I belong together. You and I have always been one."
She was about to answer him when suddenly she heard another voice, "Mom, you need to choose the crown moldings for the ceiling and one of the decorators needs to ask you a question."
"Hope?" Lance's attention feel to the young woman walking toward them. "What are you doing here?"
"Uncle Lance!" the girl suddenly ran toward her uncle, jumping and giving him a hug, "Oh, it's so good to see you!"
Holding her tightly, Lance couldn't help the smile forming on his lips, "Kid, you have no idea how good it is to see you. What happened? You grandfather ordered the President to send you back?"
Letting go and looking at her uncle, Hope answered, "Well, kind of," she answered laughing.
"She's helping with the construction of the ballroom for the gala," Romelle volunteered.
"Ah," Lance nodded. "How long are you going to be here?"
"Just a couple of weeks," the young girl shrugged.
"Good," he answered, "Have you seen Darrell?"
"Lance!" Romelle snapped.
"It's okay, mom," Hope giggled. "Yes, I have."
"And?"
"Lance!" Romelle snapped again.
"Jury still out," Hope replied. Out of all her uncles, Lance was the one that she could speak most comfortable with. With him, it was like speaking to a friend. "We will see, Uncle Lance. Darrell just needs time."
"What he needs is a reality check," he snorted. "Freaking shmuck."
Smiling, Hope gently changed the topic, "How about you? Anyone special?"
Returning the smile, he answered, "Just one."
Romelle evaded eye contact.
"Really?" Hope looked at him curiously, "Never heard you say that before. And may I ask who this special someone is?"
"All in due time, beautiful," Lance answered. "This special someone is a bit shy. I'm working my magic to push her out of her shell."
Hope nodded, satisfied with the answer, "I'm sure you'll do a great job nudging her out."
"We better get going," Romelle broke off the conversation. "Lance, it was great seeing you, but we really do have to go."
"No problem," he answered. "Hey by the way Romelle. Before you go, I needed to ask you one last question. Since you want us at this chin ding, I'm wondering if you wouldn't mind accompanying me."
"Mom, that would be great!" Hope jumped in.
"What? No," Romelle shook her head. "I wasn't planning on going with anyone."
"Oh, come on Mom," the girl continued. "Uncle Lance makes the perfect date. Besides, it would look good…publicity wise I mean. Especially to put the foundation's name out there."
"See Romelle," Lance chimed in. "This is a great business opportunity for you."
Romelle held herself from rolling her eyes, "Yes, great business opportunity." She answered as she looked at the gloating look that Lance had given her.
XXXXXXXXXX
It had been well over an hour since the meeting began and Keith still didn't have the floor. Truth be told, he had the desire to stand up and leave, but he knew he couldn't. He had to follow protocol, for whatever it was worth.
The Generals' Meeting had a particular way of functioning. The General with the longest tenure had the floor first and he (or she) would report out first. There was seven Generals in the room. The sixth had the floor and, by Keith's perception, the man had not stopped talking nonsense for the past ten minutes.
Inwardly holding his frustrated sigh, the commander played his part successfully. He listened and didn't offer words of guidance or opinions. Not that he didn't have any, but he knew that a group of this rank would never listen to him. After all, who'd listen to a criminal? The only respect they had for him was the fact that somehow Keith still held a bond with the lions. Coran thought it proper that he attend the meetings to familiarize himself with what other leaders worked on. The Advisor believed in transparency among his leaders.
After about another half hour, Keith was finally given the floor to speak. Looking around the room, he was met with frigid stares. He ignored them. After all he'd been through, cold stares unfazed him. "As you know, all of you were given files of prospective candidates to infiltrate Korrinth. I'm adding two more files for consideration." Pulling up the information in the large vidscreen of the conference room, two pictures came up. One was Kirian Mosley and the other General Samuel Gellar. The entire room, sans Keith turned to the General.
"Sam, what the hell are you thinking?" A general from across the room exclaimed. "What is the meaning of this?" He turned to Keith clearly shocked and bothered that his colleague's picture was up, "Do you have anything to do with this?"
"No, Robert," Sam immediately answered, "He doesn't. I submitted my candidacy to the commander."
"Why?" Coran asked, calmly. He needed to hear from the General specifically.
Sam looked at Keith. The commander should have told him he'd make his candidacy public to his peers, but another part of him knew that Keith was testing his skills under minimal stress. Bastard, he thought. Sighing a bit, the Gellar straightened up and began answering Coran's question, "I know this comes as a surprise to all of you, but this is an opportunity that I've wanted for a long time. I've always been behind the scenes, with very few opportunities on the field. I've never been to Korrinth but I know I can find my way around. I might not know all the dialects," he looked at Keith once again, "But I can acclimate much faster and easier than most might think. I know I can do this."
"But, why now, Sam?" Another general asked. This man was slightly older than Gellar, his salt and pepper hair cut crew cut made it easier for people to see the lines and wrinkles on his forehead.
Sam smiled a bit, "There are many reasons, but mainly because I want to actively be part of the team that's going to destroy that bastard that killed our GG family on Korrinth."
At this the group clapped their agreement to what was stated.
Studying the room all this time, Keith finally spoke out. "I'm not going to read the General's file as I know all of you are familiar with it. But, I'd like to read Ensign Mosley's." Gellar's picture disappeared from the screen and Mosley's was in view. Her biography was pulled up on the side screen as well. "Kirian Shea Mosley. Born August 29th in Seattle, Washington, Earth. Biological parents unknown. Adoptive parents were Adam and Gabrielle Mosley, both deceased. Ensign Mosley entered the academy at age 14 after her parent's untimely death. Mosley graduated top of her class with the following specialties: Combat, Surveillance and Recon. Mosley speaks five languages: English, Spanish, French, Galec, a language commonly used in the Onyx Star System and Drule."
"Impressive," General Adkins replied. He was a rather portly dark skinned man with chocolate eyes, "I've seen this officer before. Coran, isn't she your protégé?"
"As a matter of fact, she is," the advisor nodded, "I'm quite surprised she volunteered for this assignment."
"That's something you're going to have to ask her, Coran," Keith answered bluntly. "I'm here to share the two new candidates that want this assignment."
"She may look impressive on paper, but she's still a child," Sam stepped up. "She's never even been to Korrinth."
"Neither have any of you," the captain answered. "She'd have the same advantage and disadvantages as you would."
"Are you trying to tell us commander that this is the person you choose for the mission?" Adkins asked with a short tone.
"Who would you choose, General?" Keith turned the question on the man who asked.
He hadn't expected the question to be turned, so Adkin sat up and answered with pride, "I believe that although Ensign Mosley has the credentials, she doesn't have the experience. General Gellar would be my first choice, as I believe he has the experience to be successful."
Keith looked around the room, "And the rest of you?"
Without question, the rest of the group agreed with Adkin.
About to speak, Keith was cut off by Sam who gloated at the fact that his counterparts had sided with him, "I want to thank you all for your support. I know that at the end, it is up to the Captain to decide who will take on this mission, but I do appreciate your confidence in me."
"Sam, I'm not happy with your decision," Adkins answered, "But, I believe that you are very competent in succeeding. You have my support." Turning to the Captain of the Voltron Force Adkins asked, "When will you make your decision?"
"I'm still reviewing candidates, but your opinions will not be lost. I will take them into account as I reach a decision," he answered looking at Adkins straight in the face.
Seeing that the tension had not lightened, Coran now spoke up, "Well, gentlemen. If there are no more questions or comments from the group, I think we can call this meeting to a cl—"
"Wait a minute Coran," another general who had kept himself quiet from most of the meeting called out. "I think before we leave, we should take a moment to congratulate Gellar on his coming nuptials."
Surprised again, the entire room turned to Sam who smiled and laughed, "I didn't want to make the announcement here, but thanks Harry!" he said sarcastically.
"Nuptials?" Coran stated surprised, "What are you talking about?"
Proud and looking at Keith for a moment, Sam answered, "This morning, I proposed to Lieutenant Altair and she accepted my proposal. We will be married in a month."
The room erupted with congratulations and manly pats on the back. Throughout it all, Coran diplomatically walked up to Sam to offer his congratulations as Keith stood up behind him.
"Congratulations, General," Keith coldly replied as he offered his hand.
Shaking it, Sam offered the commander a gloating smile of victory, "Thank you Commander. Thank you very much."