"I am pleased you could meet us here despite the lateness of the hour, My Lord," Allura said gravely, as Councilor Toima bowed before her. "Please have a seat."

"Thank you, Your Highness," the councilor said as he took the seat that Allura offered, setting his document case neatly on his lap. "I am sorry that I must impose on your kindness to meet with me at so late an hour, but I did not feel that business discussions were appropriate dinner-time conversation."

"Neither the prime minister nor I would have objected," Allura said, glancing at Coran for confirmation. "But as health-care is, shall we say, a pet project of mine, I would prefer to give your proposal the place it warrants and the due consideration it deserves."

Coran began the discussion. "While we have do have modern hospitals in our cities, approximately seventy-seven percent of our people rely on the village clinics to handle their medical needs. However, over the last five years, we have noticed a drastic decline in the number of these clinics. We have been told that while the doctors who man these clinics realize the need for their services in these trying times, to feed their families, they are forced to turn their backs on medicine and return to their farms."

"I am aware of that, Your Grace, as are the other members of Her Highness' Privy Council and we have prepared some documents to explain our proposal."

"Of course," Allura allowed him to pass around a set of neatly typed papers containing facts and figures. Though she knew what would find, the Princess gave her councilor the courtesy of looking over the papers, knowing how he was in the position to sway the opinions of others on the Privy Council. "So you propose that the Crown take over and operate these clinics?

"Doing so would greatly increase the efficiency of our health care services, Your Highness."

"State run enterprises are not always efficient more efficient than private ones," Allura noted gently. "When the Crown takes over, it also takes away the pride and independence of the individuals involved."

Coran nodded, responding to his cue, as Allura had instructed him to. "Her Highness would rather that the state allot a certain amount to subsidize these clinics to ensure that all stakeholders – both the medical personnel and the patients – retain both pride and efficiency.

Councilor Toima closed his document case with a snap. "But Your Highness, surely you see this implications of this course of action? Please consider how we should determine the subsidy, or how we should convince clinics that have closed to reopen, or—"

Allura nodded gravely and held up a hand to silence the councilor's protests. "Your insights are the reason I requested Coran to setup this meeting. Councilor, I would like to ask you for your help in assessing the things we must consider in coming up with the subsidy and developing an action plan."

The councilor sat back, knowing that he was being offered a challenge, a position of importance, and a request for surrender all at once. He shook his head and chuckled wryly, "I have no doubt that you could do all those yourself, Your Highness."

"But we can do things much more efficiently if we work together, can we not?" Allura's smile was gracious as she drew out a file of her own, "Now, if you would like to go over these—"

She broke off, looking up with some concern as Coran stood up, murmuring a hurried apology as he left the room. Keeping a polite smile on, she quickly excused herself to allow the councilor more time to study the information.

"Coran." She followed the Prime Minister into the hallway, studying him carefully. He was unusually pale. "You do not look well. Are you alright?"

"Yes, Your Highness." The strain in his voice drew her brows together in alarm. "Thank you for your concern but I am just tired."

Allura reached out affectionately to take his hand in between her own. Her smile faded instantly as a tendril of alarm ran though her. "You're cold. I want you to see Dr. Gorma immediately."

Coran tried to reassure her with a small smile. "Nonsense. I am an old man. Allow me to act like one." His smile faded as he suddenly grimaced with pain.

"What is it, Coran?" She demanded frantically. "What's wrong?"

"It's... nothing, Princess... Just a... twinge... of indigestion... from eating... too much." The words came out in jerks before he began to gasp for air.

"Coran!" Allura grabbed his lapels as he collapsed. His weight was too much for her to bear and she almost toppled to the floor as well. She lowered his prone body to the floor and reached into the hidden pocket sewn into her skirts for her communicator. She flipped it on and spoke into it, not bothering to hide her panic, "Keith, Lance, anyone, please help me! I'm outside the Amber Room!"

Keith, Lance and Hunk responded to her call immediately and arrived at a run. Keith quickly assessed the situation and took command, organizing everyone like the natural leader that he was.

"Hunk — call Dr. Gorma. Have him send a med team here immediately." He ordered, his head lowering to Coran's chest. His hands began to push in a steady rhythm. "I think Coran's had a heart attack."

Keith stopped his rhythm long enough to glance at Allura. His brow furrowed in worry at the sight of her. Allura's face was paler than he had ever seen it, her eyes were stricken and her hand was clutching Coran's like a vice. "Lance. See to the princess."

Lance grabbed Allura by the waist and lifted her off the floor, forcing her to stand even though she resisted at first.

"Princess. Stop doing that!" Lance commanded her sharply. "Let Keith help Coran. He can't do that and worry about you at the same time."

His words were as effective as a slap. Allura nodded and concentrated on breathing slow, deep and steady breaths until she gained control of herself. She broke free from Lance and knelt next to Coran, holding his hand and speaking to him in soft reassuring tones, until the medical team arrived.