A little longer chapter this time. Hope you like it.
Aipom4: Hi. Well, you're about to find out. ;)
LibAkilah: Well, some of your questions won't appear till the next chapter. But hope you like this one. Thank you for keeping up.
GoPinkLion: Oh, you might actually like this chapter, but some of your questions will appear in the next chapter.
Sunshineleo: Thank you for your thoughts and thank you for reading. Hope you like this chapter.
Guest: Don't die! I have the answer in this chapter…Enjoy!
Playlist:
Grandson-Blood/Water
Sam Tinnesz-Man or Monster
Jack Hemsey-The Way
Chapter 26
Allura couldn't help to be amazed, despite the circumstances she was in, of the balcony Romelle and Hope recreated. It was definitely the balcony from the old castle. In the past, when you walked out, the first thing in sight was Arus' pastoral landscape. Now, it overlooked a wall. But with the help of shadow casting lights, fans and other gizmos Allura couldn't even imagine, Romelle and Hope created a 3-Dimentional vision of an Arus landscape filled with stars and both of Arus moons complete with a simulation of a breeze that moved the "trees" in the landscape. It really did feel like she was outside.
"What did you need to talk about, Altair?" Keith asked.
With her thoughts broken by his question, Allura didn't know where to begin, but she knew she wouldn't get another opportunity to ask him the question that plagued her for weeks, "It's something that I saw a few weeks ago," she started.
"The night you spied on me and Black?"
Her eyes widened with shock, "You knew?"
Keith nodded with his usual calm manner, "Yeah."
He waited for her to speak.
Allura hated it when he kept quiet on purpose. It drove her crazy and he knew it. At least Keith didn't look like he enjoyed her torture.
It would have been easy for her to fight him on why he hadn't confronted her, but what was the point? Instead, she asked, "How do you communicate with him?"
Keith stared at woman for a moment, as if studying her before he walked right past her toward the railings of the balcony, "Why do you want to know that?"
"Are you kidding me?" she snorted. "Keith, I've never seen the lions do those things…ever! They've never displayed animal like characteristics…I mean…how is that even possible?"
"They're animals," he shrugged.
"They're machines!" Allura answered. "I mean, they're magical machines, I'll give you that. But ultimately, they're machines."
This time it was he who snorted sarcastically. Keith shook his head before a humorless laugh escaped him, "For someone whose bloodline comes from the creator of the lions, you are very ignorant Allura."
Altair bit her tongue, sacrificing her pride over the knowledge she sought, "Then enlighten me."
Turning around, he studied her once again before he said, "Dance with me."
"What?" she suddenly asked, surprised by the question.
"One dance Altair."
"I don't think that's a good idea," she replied shaking her head.
"Do you want to know the answer to your question?" Keith asked with a small smirk. "It will cost you, Altair."
"What's your game, Kogane?" Allura crossed her arms and took one step forward toward him.
Extending his hand, Keith answered with his usual casual nature, "No game Allura. Just making sure I collect."
XXXXXXXXXX
As she danced along with Lance, Romelle watched her cousin and Keith walk in to the balcony wondering what had occurred to make the two seek privacy in the middle of a gala where most would notice.
"They've been in there for a while," Lance whispered in her ear.
So he had noticed, she thought before answering, "Yeah, they have. I hope they're alright."
"Why shouldn't they be?" he asked curiously.
Looking up to him, Romelle answered, "Oh, I just meant that I hope they don't start arguing. You know how both of them can be."
"Argumentative and stubborn," he said with a playful tone.
She nodded laughing, "Pretty much."
As they continued dancing, Romelle couldn't help falling into a comfortable gentle arms that wrapped around her. Lance took the lead and swayed her in rhythm to the song that played. She felt so happy, so relaxed that she wasn't prepared for the next question.
"You ever think about them getting back together?"
She immediately looked up, "What?"
Lance set his lips in a grim line before answering, "I was just thinking about Keith and Allura for a moment. Ever think about what would happen if they got back together?"
Romelle didn't get a chance to answer as she watched Lance look toward the area of the balcony to find the two people, who were currently the topic of their conversation, walk out and begin dancing.
"They're dancing," Lance suddenly smirked sarcastically.
"They are," Romelle smiled inwardly. Guess Keith kept his promise, she thought.
She didn't smile and her tone remained the same, but Lance noticed Romelle's eyes gleam. Those baby blues told a different story and he could read through them as he could see through a crystal clear glass. She was happy to see her cousin and the murderer of her husband dancing as if nothing was wrong. Why would she'd be happy about something like that?
What was going on?
XXXXXXXXXX
"So tell me," Allura demanded after a minute or so of dancing.
Keith looked at her and sighed, "It's not rocket science Allura. The lions have souls just like you and I. We have characteristics that define us as humans and the lions have characteristics that define them as animals."
"But they've never shown any of these characteristics in the past," she responded interestedly. "I mean, in the years that we've been with them, they have never acted or displayed animal like tendencies. And much less, communicated to us. They're combat weapons, not cats that curl around wagging their tails.
"Black wasn't wagging his tail," he reminded her.
"Keith, you know what I mean!"
"Allura, there's no secret here," Keith replied. "I'm not sure what else I can tell you."
"They all do this? I mean, all five lions?"
The song ended and a waltz began. Not wanting to end the conversation, Allura curtsied when the waltz began and signaled Keith to take the lead. Without a thought, he took her into his arms and began turning her with the rhythm of the music.
"Keith?"
"All five lions can do this," he answered uncomfortably.
"You've seen them do this?" Allura asked in awe. "They've done this in front of you?"
"It's not like it's an everyday thing," he said guiding her throughout the dance floor. "Some days, they are playful and others it's pretty much business as usual."
Amazed by how he related this news nonchalantly, Allura couldn't help to wonder, "How is it that they only show you that side of them? Why don't they show it to the rest of us? I mean, shouldn't our own lions, at the very least, let us in? Keith, that night, you were talking to Black and…I don't know, it just seemed like the two of you were having a conversation. And it wasn't a one sided conversation, it looked like you were answering his questions. Was Black speaking to you? I mean, really speaking to you?"
The conversation was getting too close for Keith's comfort. He knew the topic would lend itself to deeper conversation, but he needed to know how much Allura had seen. He didn't like it. She had already seen too much.
XXXXXXXXXX
When Mosley watched Keith and Allura dance, she knew immediately that something needed to be done if the captain would ever pay attention to her. She had worked so hard to gain his trust and she was reaching him. Lieutenant Altair would not dampen her plans.
Knowing she'd have to think of something, she quickly turned around only to find General Gellar startling her when he called out her name. Turning to him, her eyes widened, "General Gellar, you're back."
"Good evening, Ensign Mosley," he answered sounding too serious, she noted. "I'm wondering where I could find Lieutenant Altair."
Smiling brightly, but not overly excited by what she was feeling, she answered, "Oh, she's dancing with Captain Kogane. Right over there," she very gently pointed toward Keith and Allura's direction.
The blond noticed Gellar's demeanor harden. He looked angry, frustrated. "Thank you," he answered curtly before we walked over to that direction.
XXXXXXXXXX
"I wonder what they are talking about," Lance asked as his attention drew back on Romelle.
She looked at Keith and Allura who seemed to be in deep in conversation as they danced, "Me too."
"So now do you think so?"
Perplexed, she looked back, "What?"
"Do you think they'll get back together?" he asked casually.
"I don't know?" she shook her head, "I mean, why you would even ask me that is irrelevant. Allura's with Sam. She's going to marry him."
"How would you feel if, let's say, Allura decided not to marry Geller? What if Allura decided to go back with Keith? Come on, even you have to realize that those two had something…a combination of two souls together. That linkage is something more powerful than any of us will ever come to know."
"What are you trying to tell me, Lance?"
He sighed, shaking his head, "I'm just concerned about you…should that happen. How would you feel if your cousin got back together with Sven's killer?"
Romelle didn't know how to answer the question and luckily she didn't have to because at that moment, both of them watched as Sam made his way toward Keith and Allura.
XXXXXXXXXX
He laughed a little, trying ascertain just how much she knew, "Allura, I'm not sure what to tell you."
"Don't play games with me, Keith," she replied firmly. "I know what I saw. Of course, he wasn't speaking to you like we are speaking, but he was definitely communicating with you. And you were answering him."
"You are one beautiful woman, Altair. And very relentless in your pursuits."
The statement caught her off-guard, "What?"
Keith didn't want it to come to this, but he had to get her off topic. And maybe, just maybe he'd get the answer to a question he himself wanted answers to, "Do you still have any feelings for me, Allura? Anything at all?"
Suddenly, Allura gasped and her eyes blazed with fire, "How can you ask me such a question?"
And suddenly there it was. Keith was about to sacrifice one secret to protect another. For the first time in years, he was very afraid. "It's a simple yes or no question. I'll be truthful. I've never stopped thinking about you. I've loved you since I can't even remember. I've never stopped."
She looked at him, pain and anger in her eyes. Keith wanted to belief that somewhere deep down there was also just a little bit of love.
"You're insane. You know that, right?" Her brows knitted in a frown. "You destroyed my family, friendships and our team, our family with what you did. How can you ask me such a foolish question?"
Keith's tall erect postured dimmed a little. The muscles in his face tightened and he nodded curtly at her, "I…I just needed you to know, Altair."
She felt his sadness instantly and the sudden shock almost made her loose her balance. She looked up at him, her eyes widened in surprise as he for the first time in years allowed her to feel his emotions. And what she felt almost brought tears to her eyes.
"Hello, beautiful," they were both startled when they heard the voice of Sam as he approached them. The song had ended and another began, "Good evening Captain."
"Sam!" Allura called out surprised. Keith found himself holding her as he was afraid she'd loose her balance. For a moment, Altair didn't know what to do until she came to her senses and hugged him, "I didn't know you were back."
"We finished earlier than expected," he replied looking at Keith. "It was a good experience. I rather enjoyed it. As a matter a fact, I am going to speak to Coran about taking more assignments in the future. Thought you might like hearing that Kogane."
Keith didn't answer the comment, rather he nodded courteously and said, "I'm glad things went well for you General."
Smiling, Sam replied, "Thank you. And now that I'm back, I want to meet with you to discuss the possibility of going to Korrinth."
"Sam," Allura turned around, "You still want to go?"
"Absolutely," he replied. "I feel confident that I'll be able to do it. And, I think we should wed before that happens Allura."
"What?"
Turning to Allura, Sam said, "Do we not love each other?"
Allura looked at Keith, whose demeanor remained as usual, emotionless. But she felt his heart racing, the anxiety radiating. He hadn't closed the bond. "Ah…yes. We do," she nodded.
"And didn't I propose and you accept? So why not? Why not get married as soon as possible?" Sam replied, taking her hand. Looking at Keith, he smirked, "I'll have the souls of the lions, Commander. I'll be more than capable of handling the assignment."
Keith looked at Allura and when he saw that she wasn't about to reply to the comment, he did it himself, "Having the souls of the lions doesn't make you immortal, General. Is that the reason for this marriage, to gain the soul?'
"Not at all," Sam shook his head, "Allura, tell the Captain the truth. Tell him, how much we love each other. I know he won't believe it from me, but hearing it from you, well, that should solidify things for all of us."
Keith looked at Altair. Her eyes, her expression. She hadn't let him in. He knew the answer to his one question. "No need to say anything. General, this is hardly the time or place to talk about this. You gaining the soul does not change anything. There are a lot of factors for this mission and strength is only part of it. I'm glad you're back safe. I'll leave you two to catch up. Have a good evening," bowing to Allura, Keith took leave, but not without sending her a glimpse of the anger he felt. Allura felt it like a knife slicing her insides.
The bond was closed.
XXXXXXXXXX
From a distance, Kirian Mosley saw what was taking place between General Gellar, Captain Kogane and Lieutenant Altair. When she saw Kogane take his leave, she knew he was leaving and she wasn't about to let him get away. As she was about to pick up her things and leave, she was stopped by a handsome prince that gently grabbed her shoulder, "Excuse me, I'm sorry to bother you, but I was told that you're Advisor Coran's right hand person."
She smiled and nodded, "Yes, you're Prince Rainer. I'm pleased to meet your acquaintance, I'm Ensign Kirian Mosley."
Taking her hand, Lotor kissed it gently, "Good to meet you. I'm not very good with names and people I'm afraid, and I was wondering if you could help me out."
"Oh, of course," Mosley answered. "How can I help you?"
"Well," he began, "You see, Lieutenant Altair promised me a dance tonight and I just saw that after dancing with Captain Kogane, another gentleman has claimed her. I'd like to cut in, but don't want to seem rude as to not know who this other gentleman is."
Nodding shyly, Kirian replied, "I'm sure you won't seem rude, Your Highness. The gentleman dancing with the Lieutenant is her fiancée, General Sam Gellar."
"Ah," Lotor smiled. "I've been wanting to meet the person who stole the lieutenant's heart. Thank you for the help, Ensign Mosley."
"My pleasure," she bowed. "Would you need further assistance? If not, I will be leaving for the evening."
"Not staying?"
"No," she laughed a little, "I'm meeting someone tonight. Don't want to be late."
XXXXXXXXXX
As soon as Keith left, Sam took Allura into his arms and the two began dancing in a slightly successful attempt to not make a scene in front of the guests around them.
"You look pale," he told her as he studied her features.
"I'm fine. Sam, what's going on?" Allura immediately whispered.
"Keith Kogane has made a fool out of me for the last time," he whispered back. She could sense his anger, the hurt and his pride.
"What do you mean?"
"Coran wasn't the one who sent me off on that field expedition, Allura. It was him. He suggested it to Coran as a way to get me to give up the idea of going to Korrinth."
Surprised, Allura asked, "Are you sure?"
"Why don't we ask Coran himself?" Sam replied sarcastically.
"Sam," she looked up at him, "Stop it. If Coran agreed to it, I'm sure it was to help you, not to sabotage you."
"Allura, I'm going on that mission, I don't care what Kogane thinks or says! If I have to go over his head, I damn will."
"Calm down!"
"Kogane was right, this was neither the time nor place, but this isn't over," he continued. "Once we are married, I'll be strong enough to do this, despite what he thinks."
Allura remained quiet. Luckily, the song ended and two were about to walk out of the dance floor when another gentleman approached, "Excuse me, but I believe a certain lady owes me a dance tonight."
Turning, Allura smiled, despite the chaos she felt internally, "Prince Rainer, of course. Allow me to present you General S–"
"Sam Gellar," Lotor replied. "A pleasure General. I don't believe we met personally the last time I was here."
Putting up with appearances, Sam nodded respectfully, "No, no we didn't Your Highness. It is a pleasure."
"The pleasure is all mine," Lotor responded with a smile. "I hope you don't mind if I take this opportunity to dance with the Lieutenant."
"Not at all," Sam vowed before he took his leave.
Once alone, the prince and his princess began to dance a lively waltz. And despite the mess that was going on personally around her, Allura kept appearances, "Didn't know you danced so well, Your Highness."
"Why is that?"
"I've never seen you dance before," she countered.
His smile faltered for a moment before it came back, "I guess I was never really motivated. My mother was the one who actually taught me."
"She taught you well."
"So she did," he nodded.
Twirling and dipping her at the times that it was called for, Lotor imagined dancing in his own castle with the beautiful specimen he held in his hands. As he studied Allura closely, he couldn't help to realize what beauty she possessed. She was exquisite. He had met no other woman that surpassed her beauty.
Unfortunately, the dance ended too quickly for his taste and Lotor found himself letting go of his damsel, bowing and thanking her for the dance, "It was an honor."
"I hope we get to do this again, soon," she answered with curtsy.
"I don't doubt it," he smiled as she took leave. "I don't doubt it at all," he then whispered to himself.
XXXXXXXXXX
Once Allura made it back to the table where Sam sat with Coran, she found the two deep in conversation. Neither had noticed her approach, "Sam?"
Both men looking up, Sam smirked, "I was right. Coran just told me that Kogane had suggested the idea."
"I honestly, thought it would help you decide if Korrinth was something you'd be interested in taking, General," Coran sighed in regret. "I truly don't think the Captain meant any malice by offering it. He would have done it for anyone who didn't have the experience in such areas."
Sam held himself from rolling his eyes, "I'm going to talk to him."
"When? Now? I just overheard the rain is getting worse," Allura exclaimed.
"I know, but I can't let that stop me," he acknowledged. "It wasn't a good time to do it here, but that doesn't mean it can't be done tonight. Rain or no rain." Standing up, Sam said, "I'm going to pay him a visit."
"Well, I'm going with you," Allura offered.
"I don't need your help," Sam replied seriously, but keeping his anger in check.
"Yes you do," Allura firmly held her ground. "If this discussion ends up with you two beating the lights out of each other, then you better be sure you'll need me. I guarantee fighting Keith will be losing battle."
XXXXXXXXXX
When Lotor saw both Sam and Allura leave the ballroom, he knew it was time to act.
"Cossack?" he whispered.
"Yes, sire," he heard from his earpiece.
"They just left," he replied. "Follow them. Make sure to keep your distance and let me know where to meet you once they've reached their destination."
"Acknowledged."
Standing up from his chair, Lotor bid adieu to those he met as he exited out of the ballroom.
It was time to get his princess.
XXXXXXXXXX
The rain pounded against the windows of the loft with a loud banging of beating drums. He usually enjoyed the rhythmic sounds the raindrops made against his windows. Somehow they put him at ease. They quieted the mind. Tonight, somehow, seemed different. Something bothered him, he didn't know what, but the feeling hadn't subsided since he arrived home.
Keith sat in the darkness, the only light that filtered in were those of the street lamps that lit the sidewalk of the neighborhood he resided in. He had changed from the uniform he wore at the gala to a pair of sweatpants and a black t-shirt. Downing the last of the content of the bottle of Guinness he held in his hand, he sighed heavily. He had to accept the fact that Allura loved the general. She had to if she was willing to marry him. The problem, to Keith, lied in that he didn't want to accept such a thing. The bond he and Altair shared never burned away, never even flickered at any point. It still clung to him heavily. He couldn't explain it, but now working together and after tonight, it couldn't be stronger. Even worse, she knew more about his relationship with the lions than anyone knew. That made him feel vulnerable to a certain extent. He hated the feeling. Vulnerability was not something that he could afford, not in his current condition. Damn, he could still smell her perfume!
Keith would never admit it out loud, but it took all his strength to not break apart in front of her tonight.
"She will never love me again," he repeated the words to himself and closed his eyes in pure regret. He thought about telling her why he did what he did, but she'd probably hate him more for it. If there could ever be such a thing as hating him even more.
About to stand up and call it a night, the doorbell made him look up at his front door with a bit of surprise. He looked at a wall chronometer, "Who can it be at this hour?" He whispered to himself. "Agatha…security check," he voiced aloud to his home computer.
"Security check," the female voice repeated, "Captain, Private Kirian Mosley at the door. Shall I allow her in?"
"Why the hell would she be here?" Keith whispered to himself, "Yes Agatha. Let her in. Turn on the lights as well."
"As you wish Captain," the computer voice as it did what her master ordered.
Coming in, Mosley looked like a scared little wet rat. Drenched in water from literally head to toe, she still walked in with a warm smile. "I'm sorry to bother you captain, but I wanted to deliver the plans of the Korrinth base in your hands. I thought this would be a great time to go over them."
"Mosley, there's a storm outside," he said annoyed at the unusual action from the woman in front of him. "I don't think you needed to give these to me immediately. Besides, why aren't you at the party?" He walked over to a closet by the guest bathroom and retrieved a towel giving it to her as he spoke, "This could have waited."
Shrugging, she replied, "I…I wanted to. Besides, my duties at the party were complete. I was free to go." She gave him the files as she took the towel from his hand. "I just thought we'd take the opportunity to go over the plans. Between your meetings, practice and other things, I know you won't have to go over them with me. And, I wanted to share my strategy for going into Korrinth." She smiled shyly as she tried drying her short blond hair. "But, if you think I over stepped by boundaries, I can go. I apologize for the interruption."
Shaking his head, Keith answered, "You're soaked and this storm won't let up anytime soon."
"That's ok. The subway station isn't that far from here."
"Nonsense," he countered as he walked closer to her. "Let's put your clothes to dry….you can sleep here…tonight."
Her eyes widened in astonishment, but she quickly hid her surprise not wanting him annoyed any further. "Are you sure?"
Sighing, he nodded, "You can sleep on the sofa." He tried sounding hospitable, but even she could tell his flat tone convinced her otherwise.
"Listen Captain, it's really alright, I can make it…."
"No!" he stated firmly. "Mosley, it's pretty bad outside and tonight it will probably get worse. You came here walking apparently. You should have come Arus' storms are not to be taken lightly."
"That bad?"
"Let's just say they make our Earth storms look like a walk in the park."
Smiling for a bit, Mosley replied, "Well…if you say so. Thanks."
Turning, Keith guided her to the guest bathroom located a few feet away from them, "You should take a shower to warm up. I'll get you some clothes." As the young girl walk toward the guest bathroom, she noticed the Captain's bedroom on the second floor. It was an open space that could be seen from below. It took the entire second floor.
She noticed that the opened space was divided into three areas. The contemporary room had the large bed in the middle with two nightstands one each end. The back wall consisted of shelves full of books starting from one end to the other. The bathroom was located on an opposite end of the space. But, she couldn't see that far back.
Keith noticed how Mosley studied her surroundings, "Mosley, are you okay?"
"Oh," she quickly nodded, "Yes. Thank you. Guess I'll go take that shower."
The captain turned around and headed to a closet where he began looking inside the drawers, "I think I may have some old Garrison sweatshirts and pants in here." He hollered from the smaller room. Once outside he handed the clothes to the young girl. "Here you go."
"Thank you," she told him before heading to the shower.
Thunder and lightning began crying loudly. Once Mosley was in the shower, Keith walked toward one of his windows and looked out. The lightning was royal blue in color, its streaks thick and angry. "Great," he said to himself in frustration, "Last thing I wanted was company."
xxxxxxxxx
"Sam, this isn't a good idea," Allura tensed as Sam pulled up to Keith's loft. "He won't change his mind."
His angry boiling, Sam countered, "Has he always been so stubborn?"
Nodding, remembering the past for a moment, she answered him, "Pretty much."
Thunder roared from outside the cruiser they sat in. Allura looked up for a moment; the sky gave no indication of stopping the water from falling to the ground. The thick blue lighting seemed to worsen as she continued staring up. Turning to him, she asked, "Why do you feel a need to go on this mission? I mean…Sam, you haven't done any ops mission…"
His eyes flickered a tinge of anger, "You doubt my abilities as well, Allura?"
Her anger resonated as well, "Damn it, Sam, you know I don't. I'm just trying to understand, why? Why this mission? Why now? It's completely out of anything you've ever done before. And to use marriage as a way to…"
"So you think I can't do it?"
"I know so!" she almost shouted back out of frustration.
Sam looked at her in utter disbelief. He knew her to be callous at times, but never with him. Ever since Kogane entered their lives, her attitude toward him changed. He could feel it, he was losing her.
Seeing the hurt look in his eyes, she softened her expression, realizing just what she had said, "I'm sorry Sam. I…I didn't mean it."
"Yes, you did Altair."
"No….I mean….damn it Sam. I just don't want you to do this."
"Al…"
"Let me finish," she cut in, "I shouldn't doubt you, I should never doubt you. But, this is so beyond what anyone would be able to do. Even us. Gifts or no gifts. Korrinth is so different today than it was back then. Do you really feel you can do this?"
Nodding, he answered her, "I know I can." He finished. "I might not be as strong as the five of you, but this old man can still do a lot more than you think."
She smiled at him and then kissed him with a fervor that she hadn't felt in a long time. When she parted from him, Allura whispered, "I don't know what I would have done without you."
They both laughed for a moment before she told him, "We should go see him."
"You think he'll change his mind?"
She shrugged, "I don't know, but we won't leave until he does."
xxxxxxxxxx
After finishing showering and dressing, Mosley walked back to living room wearing an oversized Garrison sweatshirt and a pair of pants that she tied as much as she could to prevent them from falling off of her. She found him in the kitchen getting another bottle of Guinness. He looked up at her with the same stoic demeanor he had displayed earlier, "You want one?"
She shook her head, "No, I'm fine."
He shrugged, "Suit, yourself."
"I'm not really into beer," she joked trying to ease away from the tension in the room.
Keith nodded, "You're missing out," he joked back, although he wasn't smiling. "If you would like something else…"
"I'm fine, captain. Thank you," Kirian answered as she walked up to the counter.
Keith noticed she carried the wet clothes she had worn when she came in. "The washer and dryer are in that room." He pointed with the beer bottle to a hallway adjacent to the kitchen, "Feel free to use whatever you need."
"Thank you Captain."
He just nodded and drank a gulp of his beer as he walked out to the living area.
"I really appreciate you letting me spend the night. You're right it's getting worse," she replied as she looked outside.
He nodded, without saying another word. Mosley turned and went over to the hallway he had directed her to begin drying her clothes.
Resigned with looking over the plans Kirian brought with her. He started to study them when he heard Mosley turn on the machine. Suddenly, the doorbell again, "Now what?" he whispered frustratingly.
"Security check," the computer voice chimed around him.
"Agatha, who's at the front door?" he called out to his computer.
Within seconds, the computer answered him, "It is General Samuel Gellar and Lieutenant Allura Altair."
"This night can't get any better," he sighed. "Let them in, Agatha."
A minute or two later, Keith watched the door open to find the two visitors enter the abode. Allura almost gasped when she entered, but quickly stopped herself from showing any emotions. The general too seemed surprised. The inside of the captain's home looked nothing like was the outside.
"What brings you both here?" Keith skipped the informalities.
"We're sorry to bother you Captain, but I came here to speak to you about reconsidering…"
"General, I explained this already," Keith cut in, "I have no doubts as to your abilities, but this mission requires…"
"Oh please Keith!" Allura immediately interrupted, "Sam's well aware that he's never set foot on Korrinth but he can do it. I don't have any doubt about his abilities."
He stared at her, but she averted from his gaze. Keith inwardly sighed and continued, "Running surveillance at Korrinth is very different than other places Altair," he countered firmly. "He'll need to know the language, the customs…we don't have time…"
"Is this because of what we spoke about earlier? I'm sure you can get them to help him."
The question shocked the captain. He never expected her to blatantly question him in front of the general that way. Keith came to the conclusion that the general knew of their earlier conversation, proof that they were more committed than what he originally thought. His heart shattered.
Keith looked at the general who stared back at him in a defiance stance. About to counter her argument, he was interrupted by another female voice that came into the room. "I'm sorry, but these pants are literally falling off of me, you don't mind if…"
Mosley's words ceased the minute she saw who else stood in the living room. "General, lieutenant…"
Allura's eyes blazed when she saw the young girl wearing Keith's Garrison sweatshirt that clung to her like a potato sack reaching her thighs. She then turned to her former lover who looked back studying her reaction. She quickly hid it. About to respond, the captain cut in on her, "Lieutenant, you have now made your point specifically clear to me. That specific request is a negative. I can't do or ask them to do such thing." Turning over to Mosley, Keith asked, "Would you excuse us for a moment?"
Mosley nodded albeit a bit nervously, "I'll…go check on my clothes," she said as she walked back to the laundry room. Allura couldn't help her gaze from following the young girl.
Sam looked shocked to see the young ensign, but he didn't say a thing about it. He was here for one reason.
Keith raked his hair with his hand before turning his sights to his two visitors, "General, if you are so adamant about going, then I suggest you start preparing yourself. You'll need to speak to Darrell about learning how to install the systems on Korrinth's bases. You'll also need to learn at least some of the lingo used on the base in case you're stopped by one of Lotor's soldiers."
"Does that mean you're letting me go?"
"Yes, against my better judgment. I guess it's a good time as any to take on new challenges," He turned to look at the woman in front of him, "Opportunities." Keith finished looking at Allura.
Altair looked away from him.
Confused, but not wanting him to change his mind, Sam nodded, "Thank you."
Nodding in confirmation, with a stoic look, the captain answered, "I doubt you'll feel so grateful when you get there. You begin tomorrow. Is there anything else you need?"
Sam took Allura's hand. It took every bit of Keith not to show his anger toward the general's possession of her.
"Thank you Captain, I won't let you down."
"I hope not." Keith coldly answered, "I assure you, I won't be the one who'll suffer from your failure."
Sam froze for a moment, understanding his meaning, but didn't reply to the frigid admission, "I'll speak to Darrell tomorrow."
"Have a good night, both of you," Keith replied dismissing them abruptly from his abode. "Agatha, the door."
Allura and Sam looked at each other a bit confused at Keith calling another woman's name.
"As you wish Captain." The computer voice replied as the doors switched open. The couple looked at each other before turning and walking out of the loft.
Keith sighed with relief once they left. Walking back to the living room, he took a seat as Kirian walked out of the hallway. The sweatshirt clinging just below her thighs. She had taken off the pants. Maybe it was looking at a woman dressed in his sweatshirt or maybe it was the two bottles of Guinness he had downed before Mosley go there, or maybe it was his mind wanting to retaliate against Allura, but he felt temptation creeping up on him. Inwardly, he knew better. This was not the time to do something stupid.
She turned around and smiled, "Should I go back in?"
"Won't be necessary, they left," he flatly stated as he picked up the third bottle of beer and took a gulp.
"Oh," she nodded as she took a seat across from him. "I'm sorry for coming out…"
"Why did you come here Kirian?" He was angry, frustrated and wanted nothing more than to get drunk at the moment. He had to distract himself somehow, "There must have been another reason as to your visit."
"I told you, I came here to drop off the plans," she answered him nonchalantly.
"Don't play with me Mosley, why are you here?" Keith replied between the thunderous roaring outside the loft. She stared back at him a bit defiantly thinking how to answer him, already calculating her answers for his counter attack.
"I came here to try to convince you to allow me to run surveillance at Korrinth, but I just heard you gave the assignment to the General Gellar."
Rolling his eyes, Keith laughed sarcastically at the girl, "What is wrong with the entire Arusian military? Why do you all feel the need to enter the most dangerous planet in this entire galaxy?"
"Why do you seem to think none of us can handle it? You think that just because we don't possess the lion's souls like all of you, that it prevents us from taking an active role in this war?" She stood from the chair and spoke to him, "Just like you, just like any other soldier, those of the Arusian and Garrison armies are ready to fight for their world…with or without the powers that you all possess."
Looking at her, the captain refused to show his admiration for the girl's pride. But he couldn't allow her to walk into the into the lion's den without proper experience. "Gellar beat you to it, it's done."
"I want to go with him," she requested.
"Absolutely not," Keith shook his head.
"Why not?"
"Mosley, first of all, you don't have any experience at all! Second, you're too young…"
"Oh, so I'm too young and the General is too old? What does it take for you to say yes, perfection? I'm sorry, but you're not going to get any. None of us are perfect, not even you."
"I'm not asking for perfection, Mosley. But I need for things to be done right."
"What makes you think I can't do it?
Sighing, he immediately regretted what he told her next, "I'll think about it." He took a long gulp of his beer.
Nodding, she answered, "Thank you." She sat back down wearing a triumphant smile. "Now, let's take a look at those plans."
Vvvvvvvvvvvvvv
Driving back to her apartment, Sam kept silent most of the ride home. He replayed in his mind the conversation he had witnessed earlier in Kogane's apartment. He turned and looked at Allura who kept her eyes averted from him as she watched the tribulation of rain from the passenger side window. She herself hadn't said a word since they had left the captain's apartment.
"Allura," he called out to her.
She didn't answer.
"Allura," he repeated a bit more loudly.
"Hmm…" she answered still looking outside her window.
"What conversation did you have with the Captain earlier today?"
Turning to him, Allura shrugged, "Conversation? Nothing important."
Sam snorted at her weak attempt to hide the truth, "Altair, what did you talk about?" he asked as pulled the car over and parked it. Looking over at her, Sam stared at her with anger, "Tell me."
"Nothing. We just spoke about the mission," she lied. "Why is it so important that you know?"
"Because I think you're not telling me the entire story," he raised his voice, "Now, care to tell me?"
With a heavy sigh, Altair gave up, "We talked about the lions and about us."
"You and me?"
She shook her head, "No, me and him…you and me…."
The pounding rain hit the windshield foretelling the harsh reality that soon Sam would face, "What did he tell you?"
Allura kept looking out at the bleak darkness of the night, "That he loved me."
Sam didn't say a word, didn't make a sound. He just heard the droplets hitting the car with extreme force, the lightning tearing the sky apart, and the thunder roaring the deep truth he didn't want to face, but that came crashing through. After a long pause, he finally heard himself asking the question he was afraid to hear the answer to, "Do you love him?"
She tried to evade the question miserably, "Love? Love a man who cold heartedly killed one of my best friends and husband to my cousin who I consider a sister? Love him? Please Sam!"
He turned off the engine before asking, "Do you?" he asked as he raised his hand and gently turned her face to face him. "I need to know Allura."
She stared back at him with watery eyes that would not shed any tears. Allura Altair ceased crying years ago, she wouldn't even know how to do it now. She looked into Sam's eyes and knew that she could never hide from him the truth. He considered her a woman that would never deceive him; a woman who wouldn't accept deception and would never allow herself to deceive anyone. He trusted her, with everything he had. For these reasons, Allura couldn't lie to him, could never lie to him, and now…could never lie to herself. "Yes," she nodded her confirmation. "I love him."