KathDMD - You're welcome, you're welcome, you're welcome! J/A is fantastic! Sometimes I have fun writing it, and sometimes I want to scream at...myself. :/ You knew Hawkins would wanna go in there himself, and yes, Wade got what was coming to him alright! As for the Explorer...this could go in so many directions. Oh, and I knew you'd like the end. I not only wanted to show that perfect love, but to also show that there are those who still long for that.
Voltrex - If you really want to know what's gonna happen, just continue reading! I can't give away every secret, or it'd ruin the plot. Will there be more weapons? Only time will tell.
ebon-drake - Actually, "JC", much like the character, is my first and middle initial. I think Haggar is underutilized in fanfiction and recent works like VF because of the "magic". Things like this are hard to explain, but if done right, can add credibility to the story. (You are really really close in your assumption about the connection between Dar and Haggar, btw!) "Snart" seems to be Tails' favorite word, among other catch phrases. ;)
Author's Note - At first, I found myself fighting through this chapter. Had a tough time thinking of where to go and what to do. Then between the music and the muse laid the story. It's actually become one of my longer chapters, with things I wanted in it seemingly cut from it. Don't worry, it just means they became plot bunnies for future episodes! Just a warning : This episode is J/A heavy!
Theme Music : Whisper, by Evanescence
Disclaimer - Voltron and all associated characters are the property of WEP. Space Marshall Lenora Hawkins is the property of KathDMD.
Episode 16 : Power Shift
"You're highness," Haggar said as she walked down the long corridor to the council chamber, "are you sure you wish to do this now? I would think after your orderal…"
"I am fully capable of fighting, witch," he replied. "My injuries were only minor thanks to your timely rescue."
"Indeed, sire," she replied. "It was fortunate we were able to escape just as the ship collided with the tower."
"It set us back quite a bit though," he replied, "and the Space Marshall was able to escape. Thankfully none of the slaves were able to mistake,"
"It will be your control over the lazon production and mining operations on Quantus that will give you an advantage with your claim," she said. They both walked into the council chamber, past the empty meeting table, and towards the throne room where the Emperor sat quietly. Upon entering, two guards stepped forward."
"Stand aside, you fools!" Lotor said. "I come bearing a message for the Emperor!"
"Lotor," the emperor said, standing up. "What is the reason for your visit?"
"It's KING Lotor," he shouted. "And I have come to challenge you in the Rite of Succession."
"What?" The emperor asked. "have you lost your mind?"
"The code of honor demands you to accept or die," Lotor replied, pulling out his saber. "What do you choose?" Zeppo stays silent for a moment, then starts descending the stairs.
"Very well," Zeppo replied. He walked up to Lotor, staring him in the eye. "Challenge accepted." He pulled a sword, and quickly they began to clank together in battle. Lotor was insanely skilled. After all, his father had sent him to the finest academies, and which taught him everything about battle and combat. His swordsmanship skills were second to none. But to challenge the Emperor, who had achieved his title in the same manner Lotor was now….it was a risk he was taking, but a risk, he thought, well worth taking.
"You are indeed incredibly skilled, as your father used to boast," Zeppo said. Lotor was taken aback. My father actually said something good about me? Impossible! Zeppo got a lucky shot in, and was just about to disarm Lotor, but Haggar began chanting softly.
Souls of broken days of old,
Blood of ice as blood runs cold,
Prisoner ever be aware,
Caught inside a devil's snare!
"What is the meaning of this?" Zeppo yelled as the spell halted his sword. Suddenly, he was wrapped in twisted vines which then shrank to the size of a tennis ball. Haggar picked it up off the ground and peeled the vines to reveal a crystal ball, Zeppo trapped inside.
"I believe this means you win by forfeit, your highness," she cackled.
"Now, we must call council," he shouted. "We must let them know that a new emperor has been chosen!" He laughed maniacally.
"You know, JC," Seth said, "now that things are slowing down, we might actually be able to go out and relax for a change." They continued to walk down the hall.
"Yeah," he replied, "but ever since they broke the news to the media that we are the Voltron pilots, things haven't been the same around here."
"I haven't noticed any change," Seth replied.
"People keep coming up to me and asking me questions," JC replied. "Asking for autographs, and girls asking me for my number."
"And you have a problem with that?" Seth asked, laughing.
"Nothing I guess," he replied. "I'm just not used to the attention. "I'm from Kansas. Nothing ever happens out there. No one makes a big deal out of anything. It's uncomfortable."
"I'm sure once the novelty wears off," Seth said, "things will go back to normal."
"You're probably right," JC replied. "I just have too much on my mind right now to worry about this sudden bout of 'fame and glory'." Roxy, Tails and Dariana came down the hall.
"Hey girls!" Seth said. "What's up?"
"Ugh!" Tails groaned. "Astromechanics class. Too much heavy lifting. You see these arms?" She waved them around wildly in front of Seth. "They're not meant for heavy lifting!"
"I actually found the class fascinating," Dariana replied softly. "We got to piece a shuttlecraft back together again."
"That wouldda came in handy on our last mission," Roxy griped.
"Hey, Truvall," JC said, "I was actually wondering what you were doing tonight? Thought maybe we could grab a bite to eat." Roxy sighed.
"I tried to tell you the last time and it didn't seem to sink in," she replied. "So I'm just gonna be blunt with you, Cadet Grend. I told you to stay away from me. I don't want anything to do with you. Get flacking bent. Are we clear?" A couple of girls walked past, and one of them stopped in front of JC.
"Hi," she said. "I'm Adele. I know this is kinda forward and all, but you think you might want to go out someplace tonight?" JC went almost catatonic.
"Um," he said, caught off guard, "sure. What time?"
"How about eight?" she said. JC nodded. "I'll meet you in the dorm lobby. See you then." She walked back over with her friends, and the team could hear them giggle as they walked away. Seth patted him on the back.
"Nice work, Grend," he said with a smile.
"Whatever," Roxy said, practically storming off. JC walked off in the other direction, not even sure himself what the heck just happened.
"Seth," Tails whispered just loud enough for he and Dariana to hear. "What the heck just happened?"
"JC now has a date, apparently," Seth replied.
"This is not good," Tails frowned.
"Why is that?" Seth asked. "I don't understand."
"How am I supposed to get JC and Roxy together if he's running off with some floozy?" Tails griped. She looked back at the girl as the group walked away. She was quite good looking, with long, jet black hair and deep green eyes. Tails though made a face and stuck a finger down her throat to mark her disgust. "Definitely not for him."
"What can be done?" Dariana asked. "He's already going, and it seems like Roxy really doesn't care."
"Nonsense!" Tails said. "She's crazy about him! And I'm sure as snart not giving up on the two of them. Just you wait! I'll come up with something. Matchmaker McGovern is on the case!" She turned and took off.
"Dar," Seth said, "This is either gonna turn out really really good, or really really bad. Either way, it should be entertaining."
"If you say so," Dariana replied quietly as they began walking to their next class.
Wade walked into the makeshift lab in the base on Quantus with determination. He knew what he needed to do, and knew just who could help.
"Maahox," he said. Maahox turned to look at him.
"Charles," he repled. "What brings you to down here? Has Lotor been whining about his latest defeat, or has Kala finally convinced you to let her…ahem….wring my scrawny neck?"
"Not at all," Wade replied. "Actually, I need a favor from you."
"From me?" Maahox asked. "What could it possibly be?"
"I need a robeast," Wade replied. "I need it to be one that can make it past the patrols on the outer perimeter. I need it to be mechanically sound, and able to cause utter destruction. But most importantly, I need it to be robotically controlled. I'm sick of Lotor's incompetent soldiers piloting our creations."
"I am in full agreement about his soldiers' IQ," he replied. "I actually have something I've been working on as a side project that would fit in very nicely with your request." Wade raised an eyebrow. Maahox led Wade over to a glass window and had him look out. Wade smiled….something rarely seen on the former Sky Marshall's face.
"Absolute genius," he said. Maahox rubbed his hands together.
"I could have it gift wrapped and sent to Earth within the hour…actually," Maahox said.
"Yes," Wade replied. "Let me know when it launches. And keep me posted on its results." Wade left the lab.
"And you, my little friend," he said, "will carry a little something extra. An extra present for the Voltron Force." He laughed.
Tails opened the door of the dorm apartment and walked in to Roxy sitting at the table stirring a cup of coffee.
"Roxy, Roxy, Roxy," Tails said, "what for the life of me are you doing?"
"What does it look like?" she snapped back. "I'm drinking a coffee and trying to refocus."
"Refocus what?" Tails asked.
"I don't flacking know!" Roxy snapped back.
"Look," Tails said, "You're obviously stressed. You need a night out. Why don't you come and hang out with me and Chip?"
"You know what," she said, "I have a better Idea." She ran to her desk and started rummaging through her paperwork. She pulled out a small slip of paper.
"What is that?" Tails said, squinting at her. She pushed her glasses up her nose.
"Dariana had this phone number of this guy she met when she first came to Earth," Roxy replied. "I'm actually going to give him a call."
"Is your brain fried?" Tails asked.
"I need to unwind, and that's exactly what I'm gonna do." She put the number into her phone. "Hi. Yeah, this is Dariana's friend Roxy…..I was wondering if you had any plans tonight….great. I'll meet you in front of the Academy Dorm at eight." She hung up and sighed.
"You are a head case if I ever seen one," Tails said shaking her head. "You never even met this guy! What the heck are you thinking?"
"I'm thinking I need to make Grend disappear," she replied. She grabbed her things and left abruptly.
"Hmph!" Tails snorted. "This is gonna be a lot tougher than I thought. But I don't give up….wait a minute….eight o'clock? They are all gonna run into each other! Maybe I can salvage this yet!" She rubbed her hands together deviously and dashed into the bedroom.
JC walked out of the Dorm lobby and onto the steps. He wasn't quite sure what to wear, so he put on his best pair of tan slacks with a blue button down shirt. He had thought about wearing a tie, but decided against it at the last minute. As he paced back and forth, Roxy came out the doors in a tight-fitting red dress, complete with matching heels. He turned and saw her, and their eyes met.
"What the flack are you doing?" Roxy shouted at him.
"Waiting for my date," he snapped back. "What are YOU doing?"
"Waiting for MY date!" she shouted back. "Just where are you taking the little tramp?"
"I'm going to the new restaurant that opened up a few blocks from the campus," he snapped back.
"You can't go there!" she shouted.
"Why the heck not?" he asked angrily.
"Because that's where I'm going!" she snapped back. Just as it looked like there was going to be a brawl, Adele arrived. She looked at him and smiled.
"Hey," she said, "are you ready to go?"
"Yeah," he replied. "Gladly." Just then, Roxy's date arrived, a bouquet of red roses in hand. As he handed them to her, she looked at him and cringed. He wasn't as attractive as she had thought, not by a long shot. He had curly red hair that seemed to have a mind of its own, and the oddest looking buck teeth she'd ever seen. She closed her eyes for a moment and took a deep breath. This may not be as bad as it seems, Truvall. You've seen jet race accident pilots look a lot worse than this. You can do this. Then he opened his mouth.
"Hey there, Roxy!" he said.
"Aren't you going to introduce us?" JC asked.
"Um," Roxy said, turning every shade of red imaginable, "this is my date, Dudley. Dudley, this is JC and…um…"
"Adele," she said with a smile.
"Charming," he replied. "Shall we go?"
"Hey," Adele said, "We're going to the same place. How about we make it a double date?" JC breathed a quiet sigh, and Roxy cringed.
"Sounds good to me," Dudley replied. "Ok with you guys?" They both shrugged nervously.
"Sure," JC replied.
"Whatever," Roxy replied.
"Then by all means," Dudley said, "let's go." The four began walking away. Several floors above, Seth and Dariana watched the whole thing laughing, then noticed something following them.
"What's that?" Seth asked, pointing. "Is that….Tails?"
They arrived at the restaurant, and after seeing Dudley, they were all ushered to one of the best tables in the place.
"How in the world did we get this table?" Adele asked.
"My dad," Dudley replied. "He knows a guy who knows a guy." He pulled out Roxy's chair. She looked at him funny, then sat down. JC did the same for Adele, and she sat as well. Once they were both seated, a server came by with their menus. He was short, standing at maybe only five feet tall.
"May I get you something to drink?" he asked.
"Um," Roxy said. I'm not going near anything alcoholic around either of them. Gotta keep your wits about you, Truvall. "Just water, thank you."
"Then I shall have the same," Dudley proclaimed. Roxy slumped in her chair, embarrassed thoroughly.
"Do you have Bailey's?" JC asked. Adele started laughing. "What?"
"I don't know," she replied. "kind of an odd choice for a guy."
"I'm sorry," he replied. "I just happen to like it."
"You know what," she said, "I'll just have water too." The server walked away, and a deathly silence hit the table. Moments later, it was broken.
"You know," Roxy said, "I think I need to go to the bathroom. I'll be right back." She got up and left. Moments went by.
"I suddenly have to go too," JC said. "Will you excuse me?" He got up and walked towards the bathroom. The server returned with the drinks.
"Are you ready to order?" he asked.
"I think we'll need a few minutes," Dudley responded.
"Of course," the server replied. "You know, you two make an awfully cute couple."
"Oh we're not…" they started to say in unison. They both smiled and laughed.
"You know," Adele said, "I wonder if they'd be upset if you and I just left and went somewhere else. You're actually kinda interesting."
"I guess we could," Dudley replied. He placed some money on the table to cover the cost of the drinks. "We'll be leaving, but thank you." As Dudley walked her out, the server grinned.
JC walked briskly towards the bathroom, and bumped into Roxy who was coming out. It looked as if her mascara had run, but that she had tried to clean it up and fix it.
"Is this really necessary?" Roxy asked angrily. "I told you to stay away from me, and you barge in on my date!"
"I barged in on you?" he asked. "Your date was the one that tried to make us all go out together as a group!"
"Maybe he's self conscious!" she shouted back. "Besides, YOU were the one that decided to meet your date in the same place I was meeting mine!"
"Where else was I supposed to meet her?" JC asked. "In a back alley? I didn't even WANT to go on this date!"
"Well you…..wait, what?" she asked, calming down suddenly.
"I hate this," he replied. "I'm not used to this whole thing. And it sucks that I can't be here….with the person I want to be." They stared at one another, and a minute went by before they noticed Dudley and Adele leaving.
"Um," she said, "were those our…"
"Dates," JC replied. "Yep, they just left together." They both looked at one another in confusion, but before they could utter another word, their voltcoms lit up. They ran outside, and could hear the alarms coming from the Garrison.
"What's going on?" Roxy asked.
"Let's head to the control room and find out," JC said. They both took off running. Shortly after they left, the server that waited on them ran out the door. He touched his forearm, and suddenly the holographic image changed, showing it was Tails all along.
"My food is cold!" screamed someone from in the restaurant.
"Oops!" Tails shouted softly, then took off running as well, her voltcom blinking.
Seth and Dariana ran into the control room in full uniform, followed shortly after by Jc and Roxy, then Tails in uniform.
"Sensors detected a robeast," Stormclaw said. He paused and looked JC and Roxy up and down. "I interrupt something? You two on a date?"
"Yes," JC said.
"No," Roxy said at the same time. Stormclaw just sighed.
"Suit up and get up there," he said. "We're not sure how it made it past the Outer Perimeter defenses, but sensors indicate it's huge and powerful. We sent drone ships to keep it from heading towards the Garrison, but they won't last long."
"Let's go," JC said. JC and Roxy tapped their Voltcoms, and their outfits were covered instantly from neck to feet in full uniform. They all ran for the chutes, slid down into the cockpits and blasted off.
"There it is, gang," JC said as they approached the robeast, which was firing some sort of eye laser at the drones, and swinging its tail at the drone tanks.
"I think we should scatter and take shots at it," Roxy said. "We should weaken it and distract it so they can pull the remaining drones out of range."
"No," JC replied. "We need to form Voltron NOW. Our firepower won't overcome its armor."
"Whatever you say," she replied sarcastically.
"Can we do something quick?" Seth asked. "Cause if we don't hurry, that thing is gonna head for the Garrison!"
"Activate interlocks!" JC shouted. "Dynotherms connected! Infracells up! Megathrusters are go!"
"Let's go Voltron Force!" they shouted. The ships flew into formation.
"Form feet and legs!" JC shouted. "Form arms and torso! And I'll form the head!" Voltron arched back as the energy field exploded, his eyes glowing with power.
"RadialTrac shows a massive amount of power in this one," Tails said. "However, no trace of haggarium, or anything else that might hinder system efficiency."
"Then let's take him out!" JC shouted. "Form Spinning Laster Blade!" Voltron reached up and formed a semicircle, forming the blade. He threw it at the robeast, then ran close behind. "Push it guys!"
"I got it to the floor!" Seth shouted. As the blade made contact, Voltron grabbed it, then swung with a left, sending the monster rolling to the ground.
"We got it on its back," JC said. "Let's kick a field goal!" Voltron ran at it, but it spun and swept Voltron off its feet with its tail. It got to its feet and fored its eye lasers. Voltron rolled out of the way to avoid it.
"Any more bright ideas oh wise and powerful captain?" Roxy shouted sarcasticly.
"Enough, Truvall!" he shouted. "The attitude has to stop!" Suddenly the robeast turned and hit Voltron in the side of the head, sending him to the ground. Voltron lost power and was unable to move.
"What just happened?" Tails asked. "The controls went dead! But there's no haggarium!"
"I'm receiving no signal from Black," Seth said. "JC, are you ok?" There was only silence.
"Is he hurt?" Dariana asked, worried.
"We can't do anything with Black down," Seth replied. "The conduits are obstructed."
"Someone has to take control!" Roxy shouted. She set the autopilot and climbed out of the cockpit. The robeast began to walk away towards the Garrison.
"He's headed for the Garrison!" Dariana shouted. "We have to do something!" Roxy carefully climbed up the ships and swung into Black's cockpit. She climbed up the interior, transformed by the combination, to where JC's seat was. She felt his neck.
"He's alive, but out cold," Roxy said. "I can't control red from here, so we need to figure something out."
"If you can get us upright and in range," Tails said, "I can help." Roxy unbuckled JC and pulled him into the back. She climbed into the seat, which strangely fit. She grabbed the yokes.
"Pull the console, McGovern," Roxy shouted. "Let's slow it down."
"Form Throwing Axes!" Tails shouted. Voltron reached back and grabbed two green axes and threw them at the robeast, which both stuck in its back. It reeled back in pain.
"Time to finish this!" Roxy shouted. She pulled the weapons console, breathed deep, then hit the button. "Form Blazing Sword!" Voltron reached to his hip and pulled the energy beam that became the sword. "Charge at it!" Seth and Dariana pushed forward, and Voltron ran at full speed at the robeast, then swung, slicing it in half. It exploded shortly afterwards, and Voltron resheathed his sword. A storm moved in, and the rain started to pour."
"We have to get back to the hangar," Seth said. "Is Joe alright?"
"Yes," she replied. "Wow….it's raining." Roxy liked the rain, and it was calming to see it after a battle. Then she gasped as JC moaned.
"That's not rain, love," he said softly. "That's God crying."
JC walked into Space Marshall Hawkins' office.
"Cadet Grend," she said. "What can I do for you?"
"Permission to speak freely, ma'am," JC said.
"Permission granted," she replied. "Relax, Grend. You look troubled. I heard about what happened in the field."
"Ma'am," he said, "I've been giving this some serious thought in the last day since getting out of the infirmary. When we were out there, I made a bad call. Actually, no, I made several bad calls."
"Everyone makes mistakes, cadet," she replied.
"But mine tend to be bigger than most," he replied. "I've been feeling it hard lately, but for a while now. I know the team…well most of it…respects my leadership, I don't think I am capable of leading this team."
"What are you saying?" she asked.
"I'm saying I want to step down as leader of the Voltron Force," he replied. "I don't want to leave the team. I know the ships won't operate without us. But I can't continue leading a team that doesn't completely trust me. I would like you to please consider Cadet Truvall for new leader."
"Why?" she asked.
"She's a natural leader," he replied. "They'll follow her without question, and I won't give her any trouble. Please, Space Marshall."
"If that is what you truly want," she said, "then that's fine. I'll pull Cadet Truvall into my office and give her the news. That is, unless you want to."
"No, ma'am," he replied. "I think it'll be better for you to tell her in person. I'm definitely not someone she wants to see or hear from right now."
"I understand," she replied. "Dismissed." JC left the office.