Good evening everyone! This is taking much longer than i though. I have been rushing through to get things posted and am not too happy with what I have written. I am in the process of re-writing some of the future chapters that I had already completed. After re-visiting them after so long, I was just disappointed and felt that I was rushing to much information just to get the story completed. I do have enough chapter that will get me through the new year so...here ya go! Thank you to all who continue to follow the series :-) Your PMs mean the world to me and give me the drive to keep the story going. Thank you!
Disclaimer: I do not own or profit from Voltron or it's characters. All OC belong to me :-)
The Resistance: Book III
Chapter Five
The morning sun beamed into the suite as the princess exited the luxurious bath room fully dressed and ready to go. Looking at her reflection in the floor to ceiling mirror, she admired her choice of attire. Allura had a full day of meetings planned so she opted to wear a sophisticated sleeveless black embroidered pencil dress with a barely-there neon yellow trim. The sheath silhouette hugged her every curve and showcased her femininity. On her feet she wore a sexy pair of black suede strappy sandals, with one neon yellow strap weaving through to match the dress. Her hair was pulled up in a sleek french twist with a few whisps framing her perfect complexion. She looked stunning. The designers truly out did themselves. Holding her diamond stud earrings in hand, the princess sauntered over to the sitting area of her suite where the hotel staff had placed a tray of hot coffee as well as a variety of breakfast treats. Geez! How many people did they think were in here? Allura's brow pinched as she remembered who'd been absent from her luxurious sweet that evening.
The princess and captain had been overrun by paparazzi from the moment they'd landed. Although she had attended many meetings off of Arus before, this was the first time the captain accompanied her- adding several degrees to the already heated rumor mill. Keith felt that they needed to have separate rooms, at least until the conferences were over, to avoid the unnecessary gossip that was bound to erupt. Allura was being interviewed that morning by what Keith referred to as a 'coffee-clutch' columnist. The last thing he wanted was for her to be bombarded with intrusive questions about her love life. The princess squeezed the earrings in her hand and silently snarled yeah…'cause that'll stop them from asking… As she began to put her earrings in there was a knock at the door. Speaking of the devil…
"Coming!" she called while clasping the jewelry in place. Upon opening the door she was greeted with the handsome visage of her captain in full military dress, and couldn't help but smile with mischief. Keith's heart pounded within him as he traced her figure with his deep browns.
"It never ceases to amaze me how you can be so breathtakingly beautiful this early in the morning."
Her smile increased in intensity as a sweet blush swept her face. "Why Commander, someone might hear and get the wrong idea about us."
Keith chuckled through his nose and shook his head. He knew that she was still annoyed with him regarding the separate-room arrangement. He entered the suite and closed the door behind him. "If it's any consolation, I slept like shi-." The captain was not given the opportunity to finish his statement as the enamored monarch devoured his lips. The heat began to rise within and he was consumed with the need to tear her dress off her…screw the conference! Alas, he was the commander of the Voltron Force after all…and duty called. Struggling with his inner-most thoughts, he reluctantly pulled away from her.
"Lura…seriously…what the hell…"
Allura smiled and bit her lip. "Come on…we have time."
"Uh…no…no we don't. The car will be here in twenty minutes to pick us up and I need…coffee." Keith's jaw twitched.
"Coffee? You need…coffee?" Allura put her hands on her hips and looked at him with a raised brow.
Keith placed a fist to his lips and cleared his throat as he walked passed her to the table in the sitting area. "Yeah…coffee. You of all people know how I get if I haven't had coffee."
Allura strutted her way into the sitting area. Brushing passed him, she took a seat in one of the chairs and began to pour herself a cup. "And I believe you know how I get when I haven't…"
"Anyway! Moving on!" said the captain, slapping his palm over his face. The princess gave a light laugh as he took a seat across from her.
"So, what's the plan, Commander?"
Once again, Keith shook his head. "Well, you already know you're meeting with the 'reporter'… whatever…first, then we head to the UUH for the proposal hearing."
"And after that?"
"One thing at a time, Blue. You've got a full day ahead and a lot of points to argue in order to get this proposal funded. Let me handle the schedules, you just relax." Allura smiled and went to respond but was cut off by Keith's communicator. "Car's downstairs, Love. Time to get this show on the road." The captain got up from his chair and extended his arm to the princess. Before linking her arm through his, she reached up and placed a kiss on his cheek.
"I love you, you know?"
Keith lifted her hand to his lips. "I know" he winked. The princess giggled. Linking her arm through his, Keith then led them out the door.
xxxxx
An air of frustration surrounded her as she swept into the green room where Keith had been waiting.
"Ugh! You were right! Thank the gods we had separate rooms...geesh! I swear they have cameras everywhere…" At that moment, Allura noticed that he was pensively looking out the window. She approached him from behind and placed her hands on his shoulders. "Keith? What is it?"
The commander jerked slightly, her touch bringing him back from his racing thoughts. "Sorry…I was just…Allura…there's been a slight change in plans." He stated, brows pinched.
Allura took a hesitant step back. "Keith…I don't like that look. When you get that look something always happens…"
The commander ran a hand through his hair. "Sorry, Love, No…it's nothing major. The Alliance and the Garrison want to meet with you in private…before the conference."
"That's it? Okay…no problem…"
"Alone, Blue…they specifically said 'just you'…they want me to wait in Arus' staging area."
The princess pursed her lips and cringed slightly. "Ouch…that can't be good." She momentarily bit her thumbnail before she regained her regal composure. She waved her hand at him "It's fine. God knows I can handle anything they have to throw at me…won't be the first time."
Keith walked up to her and took her hands in his. "Allura…they're up to something…I know it."
The princess caressed his cheek with her fingertips. "Keith, It'll be fine…you know I can handle myself; besides, they don't know about our bond…you'll be there whether they like it or not." She winked.
Keith relaxed his shoulders and laughed. "Yeah…I guess you're right."
United Universal Hall (UUH) was situated at the location once home to the UN back in the twenty-first century. Although the Galaxy Alliance was based in California, the Garrison and Universal Union remained stationed in New York. Traffic on the JFK was at a minimum so the princess and her captain arrived in record time. Their car was met by UU personnel that escorted them to Arus' assigned waiting room. News of their arrival spread through the facility and the princess was immediately greeted by a slew of Alliance and Garrison officials ready to escort her to the private meeting. As she exited the room, she looked at Keith over her shoulder, flashing him a confident smile.
'Don't worry, K, I'll be fine'
Keith smiled. I know you will, Love…and I'll be here if you need me…' Allura nodded and disappeared through the door with her assigned entourage.
xxxxx
Lance, Sven, Hunk, and Pidge entered the conference room with a couple of snacks and some drinks as though they were about to watch one of their favorite films. Coran glanced up and gave them a quizzical look.
Lance laughed at the expression. "What? This is gonna be entertaining, I'm sure" he smirked as though he knew something no one else did.
Coran shook his head and took a seat. They were not about to watch a feature film, but the Alliance Conference in which Allura was planning to submit her proposal for funding. Alliance members were always given satellite access to the proceedings as a courtesy to those officials who were unable to attend. The group sat around the main monitor engaged in debate over why the Garrison and Alliance requested an advanced meeting with the princess.
"So, you think this has to do with the proposal?" asked Pidge.
"Most likely, Sergeant. They may want to make her an offer in advance of other Alliance members." Stated Coran
Sven snorted. "Greedy bunch of bastards. I'm sure they'll want to monopolize the entire project."
"Yeah, well, the Princess won't fall for that…for sure." Nodded Hunk.
"Besides, Keith's there. You know he won't let them pull one over on her." Added Lance. They all nodded in agreement.
"Captain Kogane has become quite a proponent for Arus, indeed. His knowledge of our inner workings and the Arusian ways is quite impressive. I have full confidence in him to stand by our Princess." Said Coran, chuckling inwardly after he noticed the curious glances aimed at his direction. The adviser then pointed to the large monitor. "Ah, there is the princess. They must be beginning."
"Where's Keith?" asked Pidge.
"I am sure he will be in the main conference. This is meant to be a private meeting with Her Royal Highness. They most likely asked to meet with her, alone." Said Coran, mild concern etched upon his face.
Lance took notice. "Uh oh, that's not good."
xxxxx
Keith stared blankly at the screen, anger still flowing over the fact that they did not allow him to accompany Allura. When his phone rang, he instantly knew who it was.
"Yeah Lance."
"What the hell is going on?"
"They're about to throw her under the bus, that's what." He snorted.
"What do you mean?" asked Lance.
"Lance, the fact that they wouldn't let me go in with her says it all. It's not about confidential information…shit…we have access to the feed- so who the hell knows what they're going to hit her with-and they know damn well I would speak up. Fuck this!" His anger evident as he stared at the monitor waiting for it all to begin.
xxxxx
Allura strode into the private room with confidence and stood behind the lone vacant seat. Already seated across from her was Alliance Fleet Admiral Dawson and to his left Garrison General Freeman. To the right of the Fleet Admiral sat Admiral Chief of Alliance Operations, a.k.a Admiral Graham, Vice Admiral Nolan, and Rear Admiral McClain. To the General's left sat General Chief of Staff Riton, Lieutenant General Corbin, and Major General Morovic. Wow, they brought in all the big guns thought Allura as she looked them over. They all stood and bowed graciously as General Freeman spoke.
"Your Highness, welcome and thank you for agreeing to meet with us privately." He said, dryly and with a nod. Allura returned the gesture and took her seat, glancing over at Graham and Charles McClain before turning her attention back to the general.
"With all due respect, General Freeman, it did not appear that I had much of a choice." She stated bluntly. He looked at her and nodded once more. Allura turned her attention to the rest of the group of officers "Gentlemen, I am curious as to what could be so pressing and confidential that you needed to have this meeting with me- alone."
"It is about your proposal, Your Highness." offered Fleet Admiral Dawson.
"What about my proposal?"
"We are prepared to make an offer." Added Freeman.
Allura cocked her head and furrowed her brow. "I am not quite sure I understand. Why couldn't you present your proposal along with the rest of the Alliance members?"
xxx
Back on Arus, they all cringed. Sven sighed. "Oh boy, here it comes…"
xxx
"Princess, the offer we have is a bit unorthodox so we preferred to discuss it with you privately." Stated General Freeman.
'Brace yourself , Allura' projected Keith
'Relax Keith…I do this for a living…remember?'
'Princess, Freeman is as underhanded as they get…just, watch it.'
General Freeman looked at the Fleet Admiral who nodded for him to proceed. "Princess Allura, The Galaxy Garrison, as well as the Galaxy Alliance's local headquarters, are prepared to give Arus full funding for the A.I.T. project." He said.
Allura's eyes widened momentarily before narrowing in skepticism. "Although I am deeply honored by your generosity, gentlemen, I cannot help but wonder what the catch is. Surely you do not expect me to believe that you would provide such an offer without wanting something in return. You did say 'unorthodox' after all."
The General smiled. "Of course, I was just getting to that."
xxx
"I bet you were, asshole." said Lance as he crossed his arms in front of him.
xxx
"We will provide full funding with the stipulation that any craft ordered by the Alliance and the Garrison are at seventy-five percent of the cost. The project and profits will remain under Arus' control with no interference from us." explained General Freeman.
'Something's not right, Allura.' Projected Keith
'I know…I agree. What are they up to?' she replied.
xxx
Sven stiffened his posture "I don't like this guys."
Coran appeared apprehensive "I have to agree with you, Commander Holgersson. It doesn't make sense."
xxx
Allura's concern heightened when she noticed the confused expressions plastered on the faces of Admirals Graham and McClain. Turning her focus back to the Fleet Admiral and General, she folded her hands in front of her and answered. "That is quite the offer gentlemen, and an appealing one at that; however, I am most certain that there is something more to your stipulation." She challenged.
The Fleet Admiral looked down sheepishly while the General sported a slight smirk. "You are correct, Your Highness, there is one more thing we require to set the project in motion: the Galaxy Garrison and Alliance insist on having complete control of Voltron in return."
Allura's blood rushed to her head and she clenched her teeth, jumping up from her seat as she slammed her palms against the conference table. With eyes full of insurmountable rage she yelled "You what?"