Hello everyone! I hope you all had a wonderful Holiday! Thank you all for your reviews and messages. I have been working on the story whenever I can. It will take time but I will finish it :-) KathDMD (my Bella), My fav Aussie CubbieBlueMako, amblewat, Sunshineleo, PaulinaAnn, FroofyB, animebookchic, et al...some of you ahve been around from the beginning, and some of you are new...thank you for being so supportive xoxo
Disclaimer: I do not own or profit from Voltron or its characters. All OCs belong to me
The Resistance: Book III
Chapter 6
"Aw hell no!" yelled Lance.
"They did not just go there!" added Hunk.
xxx
'Allura…' Keith attempted to project a sense of calm; however, it was futile- Allura was about to go 'diplomatically postal'.
The princess let out a disturbing laugh "You demand, do you?" Still standing with her palms on the table, Allura narrowed her eyes and leaned forward. "General Freeman, you have the audacity to make such a ludicrous suggestion and believe that I would actually go along with it? Voltron belongs to Arus and its people! He was created to protect us when all others turned their backs and left us to our own devices…amazing how history repeats itself…" she spat. "The Garrison and Alliance should consider themselves fortunate that I have allowed Voltron to be used for operations other than the defense of Arus as many times as I have, especially considering that they have never once returned the favor!"
The General sat back in his chair and smugly crossed his arms in front of him "We gave you the Black Panther team that operates Voltron, did we not?"
Allura cocked her head to the side gave a sarcastic laugh. "You must be joking? The only reason the Panther team was sent to Arus was because I was fortunate enough to finally get ahold of Admiral Graham- who you neglected to advise of my father's death! Had it not been for the Admiral's profound sense of honor and friendship with my father, Arus would have ceased to exist and you want me to, what, thank you?" the princess straightened her posture and crossed her arms in front of her. With an arched brow, she continued "I would have had the Panther team whether you had sent them or not, Genera- it was their destiny…they were chosen." Placing one hand on the table, she leaned forward once more "Get it through your heads, gentlemen, I will never allow the Garrison- nor the Alliance- to have Voltron. He belongs to Arus" She declared.
The General puckered his lips then sighed. "Well then, I guess we're done here."
"Yes, General Freeman, we certainly are." Allura snapped as she turned to walk out of the room. The general jumped out of his seat.
"One moment, Princess, please. There is one more thing." He added.
Of course there is. Allura whipped around and faced the group with a pinched expression as she snarled through clenched teeth. "And what would that be, General?"
Freeman's jaw twitched as he tried to suppress a grin. "We have just accepted a new planet into the Alliance who is in great need of assistance. Seeing that Arus has begun to flourish once more and the subject of Voltron is non-negotiable, we have decided to withdrawal the former Panther Team and relocate them to a place where they will be of greater use." He smirked. "After all, even if Korrinoth II attacks, they are currently not strong enough to cause any real damage."
Admiral Graham snapped his head toward the General in disbelief, followed by Admiral McClain. Allura froze. Her insides began to quiver as her heart pounded violently in her chest. She could sense Keith trying to reach her but she was too bewildered to focus.
"You can't do that." She said, softly.
"Of course we can, and we will. You say Voltron belongs to Arus- well, the original Panther team belongs to the Garrison and we will do with them as we see fit. You can have the new Panther team as a replacement…after all, you and Genevieve McClain have hit it off pretty well." He said smugly.
xxx
"Oh no…I think she's gonna lose it guys." Said Pidge with concern
Coran tensed up and began to sway from one foot to the other as he squeezed his eyes shut, rubbing his forehead- knowing fare well that his charge was about to throw diplomacy and tact out the window.
xxx
"You arrogant bastard!" she sneered.
He stood up and slammed his hand on the table "Your Highness! I beg your…"
Allura cut him off "No! That is exactly what you are! You know damn well that Voltron is sentient and that the Force are the only pilots that the Lions will accept! If you take them you are signing off on Arus' destruction! Thousands of people will be enslaved and murdered!" she accused. Graham ground his jaw and was red with fury. He leaned over and whispered something into the Fleet Admiral's ear. The Fleet Admiral lowered his gaze and shook his head.
General Freeman huffed through his nose as he stared at Allura with arrogance. "No, your Highness, it is you who will be handing over destruction to your people. If you change your mind and agree to our proposal, Arus will have all the funding it desires. Of course we will have Voltron protect Arus, as we would any Alliance planet. The choice is yours." He shrugged.
Allura shook, holding everything inside in order to maintain an unfaltering appearance. Once again, Keith tried to reach her. This time, she opened up and he was instantly hit with a flood of emotions that threw him back against his chair.
'Oh god, Blue…relax, please, he's baiting you, don't you see?'
'He's going to take you all away from me Keith! I can't…I won't…I…oh god!'
'tell him that you need time to confer with the council on Arus for approval and that you will give him an answer at the Conference…I have a plan. Trust me, Allura…come back here and I'll explain everything' Keith felt her begin to relax.
The princess tried to regain her focus.
'OK, I trust you...'
xxx
"He's communicating with her, isn't he?" Coran said more as a statement of fact than a question.
Lance snapped his wide eyes toward the adviser. "What? Not quite sure what you're talking about Coran." Come on Lura-lu…start talking…start talking….
Coran grinned at Lance's discomfort and sighed a chuckle. "Oh please, Lieutenant Commander. Do you think I was born yesterday? I figured out years ago that the captain was, indeed, the chosen one…especially after I realized how much he cared for the princess. The ring he wears only confirms it." He snickered. Lance's jaw dropped, followed by everyone else's. Coran continued to laugh as Nanny walked in to join the gathering.
"What is going on? Why does the princess look so distraught?" she said, taking a seat next to the others.
Coran shook his head and raised a hand "Not now, Frieda, I will explain in a moment."
xxx
Allura took a cleansing breath and straightened her shoulders, slowly looking up to glare at General Freeman. "I need a moment to confer with the Arusian counsel. You will have my answer when the Conference begins." She spat and stormed out of the room before anyone had a chance to speak.
She stomped down to the waiting room assigned to Arus and forcefully shoved the door open. In an instant, Keith was at her side. Feeling defeated, Allura fell into his arms and began to cry. While it was true that she would lose her cool with the Force- the were her family after all- she rarely ever lost control in diplomatic situations
The captain wrapped his loving arms around her "Blue, please don't let them get to you."
"They threatened to take you and the boys away from me, Keith. I can't…you are all my family…you can't go." She sobbed.
Keith gently pulled her back and looked into her glistening eyes. "Love, I can assure you, we are not going anywhere."
"But they can force you, Keith! You're Garrison officers. They said…"
"I don't give a damn what they said, Allura! The guys and I talked about this two weeks ago. We are not leaving Arus."
Allura furrowed her brow and shook her head "What? I don't understand."
Keith let out a deep sigh and ran his hand through his hair. He then walked over to the table where he'd left his personal tablet "Lura, I found private funding for your project." He said as he walked back over to her. The captain pulled up the e-mail from his uncle and handed the tablet to Allura. Taking the tablet from his hands, she began to read. The princess' lips parted and her azure gaze widened as she reached the end. "Is this for real?"
Keith reached his hand up to push a strand of hair from her face "Yes, Princess, it is."
"But how, how did this happen?"
Keith gnawed at the inside of his cheek and hesitantly met her gaze. "Allura, um, Ian Duncan is my mother's brother." He confessed, then looked to gage her reaction. The princess was silent. Her gaze looked off to the side and her eyes narrowed slightly while she digested the new information. After what seemed like an eternity, Allura slowly turned to look at him.
"Let me get this straight…Lord Ian Duncan…"
"That's 'self-proclaimed' Lord…" he interjected. Allura narrowed her eyes and clenched her teeth at him "Sorry…go on…"
"Lord Ian Duncan, the Duke of Edinburgh…" Allura instantly raised her palm at Keith, sensing he was about to interject yet again. The commander looked away as she continued "CEO and founder of Duncan Aeronautics and Artillery Technologies is your uncle?"
Keith shrugged his shoulders and sighed. "Yes, he is."
"And you saw no reason to mention this before this moment? The fact that you are, technically, a blue blood?" she asked, bluntly.
"Self-proclaimed, Allura! Bought titles do not constitute as 'blue blood'! "
"Whatever!"
"No." he said dryly and began to pace the room. "Look- I'm sorry, Allura, but I haven't spoken to my uncle in years. Quite frankly, I could care less if I ever saw him again. I only contacted him now because Lance pointed out that he owes me and that it would benefit Arus." He said, a bit harshly.
For once, the princess had no intention of fighting with him. She could sense his inner conflict and pain over his uncle. Besides, she still had some secrets of her own. Allura walked over to him and gently stroked his arms.
"Keith, I don't know what to say, really. I can feel how difficult this was for you. I promise, I won't give you a hard time." The princess wrapped her arms around him and buried her face in his chest. Keith tightened his arms around her and placed a kiss atop her head.
"I appreciate it Allura. Let's just finish with one thing at a time. I promise, once this meeting is over, we'll have a lot to talk about. I'll tell you everything. For now, we need to focus on our next move." He said.
With a warm smile, Allura slowly pulled away. Together, they walked over to the waiting room couch and sat down. Shifting her body to look at him, the princess leaned her head against her palm, trying to keep an open mind.
"OK, I'm ready to listen. What should I do?"
Keith intensified his gaze and answered firmly "You're going to withdraw Arus from the Alliance."
"But Keith…you heard him! He's going to take you and…"
"Allura…Lance, Hunk, and Pidge gave me their resignation letters before I left Arus. We had a feeling that they might pull something. The guys made it very clear that they will not leave Arus…and either will I." he smiled.
Allura placed a palm over her heart and let out a soft gasp. "They did that- really?"
Keith took her hand in his and flashed her a brilliant smile. "They love you, Blue. None of us have any intention of turning our backs on Arus…ever"
Allura bit her lip and smiled at her knight and protector. Her elation didn't last, however, and she quickly furrowed her brow once more. "Keith, you will all be court marshaled. The boys are on Arus but you are here. They'll take you into custody."
Keith rubbed her shoulders and looked toward the window before looking back at her "They can't touch me, Allura."
"Why not?"
"Let's just say I have recently discovered a bit of information that gives me immunity from being held here…something we'll discuss on our way to Edinburgh." He smiled. The princess wasn't convinced. He chuckled at her expression. "Don't worry, Love. I told you, you need to trust me. Have a little faith. Besides, Graham and Uncle Charles know and I'm sure they will be more than happy to throw the information into that asshole's face." He snorted.
Allura relaxed and leaned back into the couch "Did you see the Fleet Admiral? He looked like he was going to vomit."
"Yeah well, a guilty conscience will do that to you." He huffed.
Allura got up, straightened her dress, and looked at Keith. "Alright, I'll do it. I'll pull Arus out of the Alliance."
Keith joined her. "Lura, you'll be fine. You've said it a million times…you know how to handle these diplomats better than anyone. You've helped the Alliance more than they've ever helped you…remember that." He said as he held her in his arms once more. Keith was right, she knew how to handle the bureaucrats; however, having him with her made it that much easier.
Still in his arms, the princess inhaled deeply, taking the scent of the man that was her love, her rock "You're coming out there with me." She commanded.
"Allura, I don't…"
The princess rested her cheek against his shoulder "It wasn't a request, Captain. You are the Voltron Force Commander as well as Arusian Minister of Defense. Like you said, you no longer belong to the Garrison. I want you to stand by me, Keith. Please." She pleaded.
The commander sighed against her hair and grinned. "Of course, Love, I would be honored."
The princess gave him a kiss on the cheek before backing away from his embrace. Talking a calming breath, she closed her eyes, rolled her shoulders, stretched her neck, and straightened herself up once more. When she opened her eyes, the captain noticed that the head-strong, determined princess was back for business. He offered her his arm.
"Shall we, Your Highness?"
Allura smirked and linked her arm through his. "Lead the way, Captain" Together, they exited the room and confidently strode toward the UUH main assembly hall where the delegates awaited her arrival.
xxx
"What the hell is taking so long!" huffed Lance.
Nanny narrowed her eyes and threw him a nasty look "Young man! Watch your language!" she lectured.
"Aw come on, Nanny…give him a break! We're all anxious to hear what the princess will say." Pidge stated in an attempt to defend his friend.
Nanny snarled at the youngest of the group and was about to speak when Sven drew everyone's attention to the monitor. The doors to the assembly hall opened and Keith and Allura entered, side by side. Nanny sucked in a quick breath and covered her mouth "By the Lions!" she whispered in complete awe of the couple- especially the young captain, who's presence was commanding yet eloquent. Catching her reaction, Coran smiled.
"Whoa, they don't look the least bit determined, do they. " Hunk stated.
"Determined? They look down-right intimidating! Look at them…all imperial and shit!" retorted Lance.
Sven shook with laughter "Keith always did like wearing that formal uniform."
"Do not mock your Commander! He looks absolutely magnificent…kingly even!" lectured Nanny as she wagged her finger at the lot of them.
Coran arched a brow in response to the governess' comment while Lance whispered to the team.
"Well, that was unexpected."
The others nodded in agreement.
xxx
Being the first on the docket scheduled to speak, Allura and Keith remained at the entrance for the conference to begin. After the opening ceremony, the Speaker announced that the conference was in session and the delegates took their seats.
"The Galaxy Alliance Universal Union welcomes Her Royal Highness Princess Allura Arleana Altair of Planet Arus and Arusian Minister of Defense, and Commander of the Voltron Force, Captain Keith Michael Kogane."
The Alliance delegates stood and applauded before taking their seats once more. Allura immediately spotted the Generals and Admirals and noticed their surprise at Keith's presence; all but Graham and Charles McClain, of course. A wicked smile grew across Allura's face as she glared at them, taking her place at the podium with Keith at her side.
"Your Royal Highness Princess Allura, you have requested an audience with the Galaxy Alliance members in order to present a proposal for funding. We are ready to hear your request." announced the Speaker.
Allura nodded to the speaker and placed her hands on the podium. "Thank you, Speaker, for granting Arus this opportunity." She turned toward the Speaker and smiled her thanks before looking upon the delegates in front of her. "I am pleased to inform the Alliance, however, that just moments ago Arus received a generous offer that we have decided to accept." There was an air of confusion within the conference. The Garrison and Alliance officers were shocked while General Freeman sported an arrogant smile.
'look at that smug bastard' projected Allura.
'Time to wipe that smile off his face, Blue' Keith replied as he grew a smirk that was almost as arrogant as the General's
xxx
"Um, what did she just say? Did she just accept Garrison's offer?" yelped Pidge as everyone shushed him.
xxx
Allura shifted her eyes to the General. "General Freeman" she paused and he stood to face her. A devilish grin slowly spread across her face. "I regret to inform you that I will not be accepting the Garrison's offer. One much more just and honorable was made after we spoke and I have decided that the new offer would best serve the people of Arus." The general's blood began to boil. The princess faced the delegates. "Earlier today, the Garrison and Alliance requested a private audience with me. Based upon that meeting, I have come to the distressing conclusion that neither the Garrison nor the Alliance have planet Arus' best interest at heart. This had been the case in the past; yet, I had hoped that after all the aid Arus has provided the Alliance itself, as well as the Alliance members through the use of Voltron, that things would have changed. It is obvious to me that the only goal of the Garrison is greed and manipulation. For this reason, I have decided to formally announce planet Arus' withdrawal from the Garrison stronghold, and by default Galaxy Alliance- effective immediately." Allura didn't flinch. Keith stood next to her with a satisfied gaze, taking in the shock that enveloped the UUH.
The Fleet Admiral paled, Graham and McClain sighed and rubbed the space between their eyes knowing what was coming next, while General Freeman became enraged. He jumped up from his seat and yelled.
"You cannot do this, Princess Allura!"
The captain broadened his shoulders, taking a defensive stance next to the princess as he glared at the general over her shoulder. Allura's gaze pierced through Freeman's soul.
"I certainly can and I believe I just did." She mocked.
"Princess, what about Voltron?" inquired King Ramus of Planet Thalia.
Allura turned to face the royal and looked upon him with kind eyes. "Your Majesty, Voltron belongs to Arus and was created to protect Arus; however, know that we would never turn our backs to those in need- you have my word. Having said this, I refuse to be associated with an organization which puts greed and power before compassion for the very same people they were sworn to protect. I may as well align myself with Lotor" The King nodded in understanding.
General Freeman snarled "Well then, Your Highness, you leave us no choice." He turned his attention to Keith. "Captain Kogane, you, as well as Lieutenant Commander McClain, Sergeant Major Garret, and 1st Sergeant Stoker are hereby ordered to return to the Alliance base in SFO immediately!"
Keith leaned and whispered into Allura's ear. She grinned in response and moved to the side so that he could take her place at the podium.
"General Freeman, the Garrison Alpha Black Panther team was dismantled years ago. Lieutenant Commander McClain, Sergeant Major Garret, 1st Sergeant Stoker, and I are members of the Voltron Force. As Commander of the Force, I am here to clarify to you that our allegiance lies with the Royal House of Arus. We will not leave Arus under any circumstances; therefore, we respectfully resign our positions with the Garrison.
The General was about to blow. "Are you out of your mind, Captain! You will all be court-marshaled! I can have you put into custody right this instant!"
Keith straightened to his full frame of six-foot-two and sported a sly grin while Allura moved to stand next to him. "While it is true that you can court-marshal me General, you cannot legally take me into custody. I am sure that Admiral Graham and Rear Admiral McClain can attest to that fact."
"What the hell are you talking about, Kogane?" he yelled furiously as Graham approached him and whispered in his ear. "He's what?" he'd become a shade paler than the Fleet Admiral as he glared at Keith. Allura arched a brow and made it her personal mission to find out this new secret.
'Patience Princess, I said that I'll tell you everything as soon as we get out of here' he projected The princess smiled.
"Majesties, Lords, Ladies, and gentlemen, Her Royal Highness Princess Allura has a plane to catch. For this reason, we respectfully ask to be excused from the remainder of this conference if it so pleases you." He graciously requested.
"Princess Allura and Captain Kogane, you have honored us with your presence. Your request is granted and you are hereby excused." Nodded the speaker.
Keith and Allura bowed in thanks and proceeded to leave the assembly hall as bewilderment still flooded around them.
They were about to turn down the hall when Keith spotted a wave of reporters. He stopped dead in his tracks, halting Allura behind him.
"Damn! Good news sure travels fast." he said.
"Great…how the heck are we going to get past them?" she asked.
Keith sighed and ran a hand through his hair. He sent a quick message to his uncle and received a response almost immediately. He then grabbed Allura's hand, pulled her into the assembly hall stairwell.
"Um, Keith…where are we going?" she inquired.
"My uncle sent a car to take us to the airfield. It's is waiting for us out back. We're going to cut through here to make it out the other side of the building." He answered in full military tone. Allura chuckled at how serious he was. He stopped for a moment and looked at her quizzically.
"And what, pray tell, is so funny?"
She smiled. "You"
"Why?"
"For god's sake Keith, it's reporters and the paparazzi not a military op" she snickered. He glared at her which only made the princess laugh more. The captain rolled his eyes and pulled her down the stairs. "Come on…" he said but paused in the middle of the stairwell, grabbed her arms and pulled her to him "but you will pay for this mocking later" he said huskily as he planted a passionate kiss on her and then quickly pulled her down the stairs once more, enjoying the thought that he had just left her breathless. When they reached the bottom of the stairs he received another message.
"OK, the main kitchens are right outside this door. The car is waiting by the loading bay. We have to move quick before the kitchen staff catches on." He said as he pulled her again. They swiftly made their way out the stairwell, into the kitchen, and cut through the mass of staff that were preparing for the banquet taking place after the conference. As they weaved through they heard gasps and whispers as the staff began to realize who they were. Keith found the loading bay and quickly pulled Allura through the main exit. Just as promised, the sleek black tinted-glass town car was waiting for them. He threw the back door open and hurriedly ushered Allura in the back seat as he joined her. He slammed the door as the town car peeled away moments before the back entrance became flooded by reporters and paparazzi.
"Wow, that was close." Sighed Keith.
Allura regained her composure from being shoved into the back seat and looked over at him with an ever so slightly irritated look on her face.
"What's the matter, Commander? Afraid to be seen with me?" she said with a huff as she crossed her arms in front of her.
He turned to look at her, confused. "Huh? What? No! Of course not…why would you think that?" he asked
"Gee, I don't know…being dragged down stairs, yanked through a kitchen, and shoved into a car comes to mind." She replied sarcastically.
Keith rolled his eyes. "Really, Allura? Give me a break. I just wanted to get us out of there so we wouldn't be harassed with all their intrusive and completely inappropriate questions."
"Oh come on, they just wanted a statement regarding my, I mean, our decision to withdrawal…that's all." She said matter-of-factly.
He glared at her mockingly. "Yeah, a statement about the Conference, that's what they wanted to talk about. No gossip whatsoever."
At that she gave a disgruntled smirk. "Alright, alright. You may have a point; however, Commander, if your intensions toward me are as noble as you claim then you'd best get used to being in the public eye and swarmed by photographers and intrusive questions. It is part of the package you know" she stated using her diplomatic voice as she crossed her legs, linked her hands over her knee, and stuck her nose in the air.
He looked at her humorously and rubbed his chin. "Hmm, you know I hadn't thought about that. Maybe I need to reconsider this whole arrangement." He said. She swung her head around and slapped him on the arm as he laughed at her.
"Keith Kogane you wouldn't dare!" she said exasperated.
He continued to laugh and gently grabbed her hand "Of course not, Blue. I only wanted to make a quick get away because we have a flight waiting for us. Besides, I can assure you that we will be bombarded when we arrive in Edinburgh." He advised.
"Why? No one knows where we're going, right?" she asked.
"It's not that. Let's just say I've only been back there once since my parents disappeared and my uncle has gone a bit overboard." He snorted. Allura looked at him with concern as she squeezed his hand and placed her other one over it as well.
"Keith I'm sorry." She offered.
He looked at her confused. "For what?"
"This is obviously very hard for you and I can't help but feel responsible. You're only doing this because of me." She said, looking down at their now intertwined hands.
"Hey" he said as he used his free hand to touch her chin, tenderly turning her to face him. "It's worth it Allura. I don't regret it. This will be a godsend for Arus, for you, for everyone." He said as he gently stroked her cheek with his thumb. She grabbed his hand and brought it to her lips and smiled at him. "Besides, maybe Lance is right. Maybe my uncle deserves the benefit of the doubt." He sighed.
"What happened? What did he do that made you resent him so much?" she inquired.
Keith let out a long breath. "Let's just say he didn't approve of my mother's career choice or choice of a husband for that matter." He huffed and looked at the princess. "He wasn't blue-blooded enough." He said as Allura cringed slightly and he chuckled. "Irony is that my father was definitely more blue-blooded than him." He snorted.
Allura looked at him questioningly. "How so?" she inquired.
Keith hesitated and looked up noticing that they had arrived on the airfield. "Oh look! We're here…" he said abruptly trying to change the subject.
"Keith Kogane, I thought you said you would tell me everything." She pouted.
Keith opened the door and got out of the car, offering his hand to help Allura out which she graciously accepted. She exited the car and stood in front of him waiting for an answer.
"I will. As soon as we get settled on the jet, I will sit back and tell you everything, no secrets." He assured as he turned with her in hand to walk to the steps leading up to the jet. He paused and threw her a glance. "Of course, I will expect that you will extend me the same courtesy, Your Highness." He leaned in and gave her a soft kiss on the cheek. Allura was initially shocked by the statement, but then relaxed her features and nodded. She should have guessed that he would know that she had her own secrets as well. He then escorted her up the steps and into the aircraft.