KathDMD - It's only a matter of time before the Jenny/Mai thing develops, so stay tuned! Right now you get to see where the Dixie storyline was going all along. As for the liquor issue...it'll resolve in time. Hawkins isn't commander anymore, and as such has become a bit more...um...by the books when it comes to the Defender. I'm sure it will come up in conversation with his wife...

Author's Note - Without my muse, I am nothing.

Theme Music : None

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 116 : "Maybe"

"We'll be arriving on Ariel in a matter of minutes, Commander," Sparks said, never once taking his eyes off the communications station's monitor. "Shall I contact their main outpost?"

"Send a short message warning them of our arrival," Jeff replied, "but keep it vague. They don't know why we're coming here." He looked over at Christiane. "And neither do we."

"Keith mentioned something about finding a forge on Ariel," she replied. "The vision I had of Alfor is telling me that this is where we need to be if we hope to repair Voltron."

"I sure hope you're right, Chris," he replied. "These ships have been to hell and back, but have never had damage to the core like this. And if Chip can't fix it, then I'm ready to try anything at this point." Christiane walked up the the viewscreen and stared carefully at Ariel. She then turned to Sparks.

"There," she suddenly said. "Zero degrees latitude, ninety-five point seven degrees longitude. That will be the closest lakebed to where we need to be."

"Yes, ma'am," Sparks complied without batting an eyelash, and the ship's thrusters fired, adjusting their course.

"What about the Krelshi?' Jeff asked. "You mentioned horrible lion-spirit monstors inhabiting the buildings."

"From what Keith has told me," she replied, "they are supposed to be friendly…at least towards friends of Ariel and the Lion Riders."

"I still feel a bit uneasy about it," Jeff confessed. He looked back at her, meeting her gaze. "But then again, I'm not Krik." They both laughed.

"Come on!" Dixie shouted, grabbing Ken's arm and nearly dragging him down the hallway.

"Why, what's going on?" Ken asked.

"We're landing on Ariel!" she replied. "Everyone's headed to the lounge to get a look from the observation window!" They ran into the lounge and muscled their way through the small crowd of the ship's crew to get a good spot to watch as the Defender descended towards Ariel

"I've never been to Ariel, have you?" Ken asked.

"You kidding?" she asked, elbowing the cadet hard in the side. "Never! I've heard plenty of stories, but haven't come close to it."

"Well, I guess it's another first, right?" he said with a smirk.

"Cut the crap, Hunter," she snapped back. "Hopefully someone here can fix the damage to Voltron. I still feel bad about what happened. If I hadn't been blasted out of my mind…."

"We were both kinda to blame for that, Dix," he replied sheepishly. "But I agree….I hope they can fix it." Jenny walked up to them, Rocky and Wolo in tow.

"You guys ready for this?" she asked.

"What's the plan, boss?" Ken asked. Jenny gave him a look, and Dixie elbowed him again.

"The Commander is having us launch once we touch down," she replied. "He gave us specific coordinates to rendezvous. Once there, hopefully we'll have more light shed on this whole situation."

"Hopefully," Wolo interjected.

"Long as we get to eat when we get there," Rocky said. "I hear the dinners some ambassadors throw are beyond awesome!"

"I'm sure there'll be a welcoming party," Jenny laughed. "But don't get your hopes up, team. We have work to do." The all nodded their heads. Suddenly, the alarms sounded.

"Voltron Force to the launch area immediately!" They looked at each other, then took off running for the door. As they ran out, they met up with Cliff and Krik's teams, and headed towards the launch area. "You are all to launch immediately and head for the pre-designated coordinates." They sat in the chairs, and they rose into the air along the column behind them, lifting to the upper deck. One by one, the seats launched along the tracks, heading for the hangar. Each chair turned in a specific direction inside the main pillars and locked into place. The cockpits were then lowered into the ships, which too locked in place. "Myself and Lead System's Analyst Aki will meet you there to brief you on the situation."

"Air Team ready," Jenny said.

"Land Team, ready," Cliff said.

"Sea Team, ready," Krik said.

"All units launch!" the voice said. One by one, the ships taxied into position and took off from the hangar. At the same time, a small shuttle took off from a side hangar, following them towards their destination.

The wind picked up on the surface, and the low rumbling could be heard in the distance. Moments later, the three sub-units of the Voltron Force, accompanied by the shuttle that launched from the Defender. They carefully landed near a mountain cave, and the teams exited their vehicles.

"Why on Earth are we stoppin' here?" Rocky asked. 'I don't see no food."

"I'm guessing the Commander thinks whatever's here may fix Voltron," Jenny said. "I think." The shuttle touched down, and the doors opened, Jeff and Christiane stepping out.

"What should we expect now?" Jeff asked cautiously.

"I'm not sure," Christiane replied. "This is where Alfor has been leading me…but I don't know what this is." Jenny stepped forward with her team.

"Sir, since Rocky's ship incurred the most damage," she said, "I'm volunteering our team to go into the cave and check it out."

"Owens," he said, "we don't know who or what's in there. Are you sure you want to take that risk?"

"If we don't do something, Commander," she replied, "it may be the end of Voltron." Jeff nodded.

"Proceed," Jeff said. "I want you to remain in radio contact though. I need you all back here at the first sign of trouble, got that?" Jenny nodded. Suddenly, several Krelshi flew out of the cave entrance and at the team. They circled quickly, seemingly provoking the teams.

"We're under attack!" Cliff shouted.

"Get to the ships!" Krik shouted. "We need to defend ourselves!"

"No!" Christiane shouted. "Stop! Please! Listen to me!" She was shouting at the Krelshi, hoping they would listen.

"This is my fault," Dixie muttered, "and I have to fix it." She made a dash for the cave entrance. One of the Krelshi came at her.

"Dixie!" Ken shouted. He dove and rolled between them, a pair of spinning laser blades appearing in his hands. As he rolled, he threw them both at the Krelshi, exploding on impact and causing it to back off for the moment. Dixie continued to run. Ken ran after her shouting.

"Calla!" Jenny shouted. "Hunter! Get back here! That's a direct order!" She ran after them, Rocky and Wolo ran after them. Christiane tried to take off after them, but another Krelshi leaped in the way. She skidded to a halt, bumping into it. She tried to back off, but when she touched it, everything for her whited out….

"Where…..where am I?" Christiane asked herself as she stood up. She turned and looked as the Krelshi circled above her. They came together, and a ball of energy formed and slowly came down towards her. She was slightly frightened, but stood her ground, ready for anything.

"Voyager from the Altean Seas," the voice said, emanating from the light, almost pulsating, "seer of the Seventh Continent, we implore thee. Your peril is our pain. Our strife far beyond that of your friends. Though you know of us, you are not chosen. Your friends shall find their way or perish. Without the light in their souls, they will falter. The Defender is only as strong as his components….only as powerful as their belief. You wish to fix what is broken! Fix what is broken with you!

Christiane fell backwards, and Jeff came running to her. Suddenly, the cave sealed shut, and the five Krelshi stood guard. Jeff held up his forearm.

"Owens, are you there?" he asked. No response. "Owens, do you copy? Owens!" There was still no response.

"Jeff," she eeked out, "they say I'm not worthy. I don't understand."

"I understand," Jeff replied, looking up at the Krelshi in anger. "They're on their own.