selena devargo - You're right, Lysette IS a rule-breaker. One of my favorite things in the show is to allow Lysette to become a serious leader and role model, yet constantly and consistently show that the party girl has NOT left the building. ;)
animebookchic - I have a lot of faith in the Voltron Force. Now, whether Ryan's team is capable of handling this threat is yet unknown. They have been tested by the stint on Drain. Commander Steele seems to think they can get the job done. But are they truly ready? Let's find out. :)
Author's Note - "Deadly Force" is an interesting arc. Part of me is still unable to figure out where it's all headed, but with time in my universe slowly returning to normal, I seem to be able to somehow push forward. I can't wait for everything to finally return to normal...
Without my muse, I am nothing.
Theme Music : "Face Everything and Rise" by Papa Roach
Disclaimer - Voltron and all associated characters are the property of WEP. Space Marshall Lenora Hawkins and associated characters are the property of KathDMD. Admiral Lysette Fabrere and associated characters are the property of selena devargo.
Episode 99 : "Deadly Force – Part III"
Dariana stood by the observation window in the lounge of the Bogart, watching the stars pass by as the ship travelled towards its destination. Seth came up to her and looked out as well.
"Still thinking about Kanji?" Seth asked.
"I have a lot of things on my mind, Seth," she replied. "I still feel like there's more at work here than just Kala."
"Any word from Tick?" he asked.
"Not yet," she replied, "and I'm worried. I haven't gone this long without him since…"
"Hey," he said, placing a hand on her shoulder, "don't think about that. I'm sure he's fine. He's probably still keeping an eye on those Panthers for us."
"You're probably right," she replied with a half smile. "While I think the Panthers have the best of intentions, at least from what I gathered from Ryan, I don't think they fully grasp what's at stake."
"You don't have to tell me twice," Seth replied.
"They're not the enemy, Seth," she said, turning to look at him. "But we do need to be careful. They may think they're the best….and maybe they are. But if they go into this without knowing what to expect, they could inadvertently put the shipment, us, or even the whole galaxy at risk."
"And we can't let that happen," Seth replied.
"We in turn can't let our feelings towards that team jeopardize our own mission and our own thoughts," she said. "The more we allow it to cloud our judgment, the more easily Kanji and his minions can manipulate the situation." Seth let out a sigh. "You know I'm right."
"I know you are, babe," he replied as she turned to look out the window again.
"We're going to arrive at Quantus soon," she said. "I just hope the team can keep a level head if Kala shows up, and we have to fight. I don't want this to turn into a brawl between us and the Panthers. The real enemy is the Supremacy."
"I've got your back, babe," he replied. "You know you can always count on me."
"Fire main thrusters," the captain for the freighter ordered. "Continue with liftoff sequence and set destination coordinates."
"Yes, sir," the officer at OPS replied, keying in the commands. The freighter lifted into the air, taking off through the atmosphere of the planetoid.
"Any sign of trouble?" the captain asked.
"We did detect some faint blips, sir," he replied. "We are not yet sure if they are enemy vessels, or the escort from Galaxy Garrison."
"Open a communications channel and try to hail them," the captain ordered. As they did, however, the alarms sounded.
"Incoming missiles!" he shouted.
"Full shields!" the captain ordered. "Send out a distress signal! We need those reinforcements! And contact the base! Have them arm the magna lasers and prepare to fire on the enemy."
"Yes, sir!" he replied, keying things into the panel.
"Let's just hope they get here in time," the captain muttered.
"Ryan," a voice said over the com, "we're getting a distress call from the Quantan freighter."
"They're already attacking," Ryan said. "Pick up the pace, team! Once we're in range, arm all weapons and prepare to immediately engage the enemy!"
"Yes, sir!" Eric replied. The others concurred, and the Panthers picked up speed. As they approached, Ryan checked the scanners.
"Our first priority are the scout ships," he said. "the Drules usually send them ahead of the main fleet, and are the immediate threat. I want us in arch formation going in, then scatter. Let's not blow it this time." They flew in and immediately engaged the enemy in fire.
"Sir," the officer at OPS aboard the freighter said, "the Panthers are here, and engaging the enemy!"
"Good," the captian replied. "Bring us about. Let's meet this thing head on." The Panthers swooped in and began firing on the approaching Drule ships. As they exchanged fire, the Panthers were able to take out a few of the approaching scouts.
"Keep it up, team," Ryan said. "The main fleet will be here in a matter of minutes. We want to clean up these scouts so that we can limit their firepower against us."
"Yes, sir," they all replied. The ships continued to scatter and open fire, taking out more of the ships."
"Sir," Eric shouted, "I'm picking up another large ship coming up from the rear."
"Have you identified it?" Ryan asked.
"It's the Bogart, sir," Eric replied.
"Backup from the Garrison," he said, "not that we need it. Keep a close eye on them. If they move in to attack, hail them and ensure they keep a safe distance. We shouldn't need their assistance."
"Yes, sir," Eric replied.
"Status?" Captain Stebbins asked his first officer.
"A Drule Fleet has attacked the freighter," he replied. "The Panthers have engaged them."
"Hail the commanding officer," Stebbins ordered. "See if they require backup." The communications officer overheard the order and began hailing the Panthers. Moments later, he turned to face the captain.
"Sir," he said, "Cadet Steele stated they have the situation under control, and to remain on standby in case they do need assistance."
"Very well," Stebbins replied. "Keep your distance, but step up to yellow alert. Inform Grend and his team of the situation. Advise them that they are not to launch until I give the order, understood?"
"Yes, sir," he said.
JC, Roxy and Tails ran into the lounge and up to the observation window where Dariana and Seth stood.
"Did you hear?" Roxy said, "The Panthers have already engaged the enemy."
"I figured as much," Dariana replied. "I am getting the feeling that all of this is being orchestrated by the Drules." She turned to face JC. "I was just telling Seth….there's more to this than we know."
"Well until we know," JC said, "or until Captain Steppbins gives us the orders to launch, we're stuck here just watching the battle from a distance."
"You think the panthers can handle this?" Seth asked. "I've told you before, dude, their commanding officer rubs me the wrong way."
"As long as the Drules don't launch another robeast," he replied, "they should be able to handle the fighters. We saw what they could do on Dradin. They're pretty coordinated."
"So are we," Tails snorted. "No offence, JC, but fighting the Supremacy is kinda our thing."
"I don't like sitting here any more than the rest of you," he said, "but we have to trust that the Space Marshall knows what she's doing."
"You're right," Roxy replied as they looked out the window at the ensuing battle.
"Report!" Kala ordered.
"The fleet has fully engaged the Alliance fighters," the officer replied.
"Any sign of Voltron?" she asked.
"No sign of the Voltron Force," he replied, "but there is a ship just out of range. We believe it to be an Alliance Command Ship." Kala scowled.
"Patience, Commander," Wade said, placing a hand on her shoulder. "This may be exactly what we were waiting for. Order your fighters to assist the scouts in engaging the Alliance Fighters." Wade looked closely at the screen. "It appears the Alliance has been busy incorporating new technology into their ships. But they can't keep up with the might of the Supremacy. Once they are exposed to the technology of the Xyans, their ships will fall to its might." He help up his arm, speaking into the Weapons Cache, now seemingly integrated into his bionic arm. "Maahox! Is our little surprise ready?"
"She is in the launch bay along with two other creations of my own design," Maahox replied. "They should have no trouble defeating these puny Alliance ships. And should Voltron show up….she is more than ready to deliver the revenge you so desperately crave."
"Don't waste any time," Wade ordered. "Launch immediately." A tiny smirk appeared on his face as the bay doors open, three large figures slowly emerging from the darkness, five red eyes glowing.
To Be Continued…..