Final Resistance
Ethel and Keith
Disclaimer: I don't own the Voltron Force or its characters—they belong to World Events Productions. The good news is that Diana, Ethel, Bernice, Alex, and Cheryl are my original characters.
"I'll go next," Ethel said as she stretched her arms and legs. "I'll tell you how I met Keith. It happened a few days before the big celebration ceremony. At that time, my jewelry store was located inside the mall closest to Galaxy Headquarters. My business was profitable enough to have a large store and cater to both regular and custom sales. That day started as an ordinary day."
***Canaveral Galleria five years ago***
"That sounds great, Gretchen. All you must do is finish your deliveries, and you're free for the rest of the day. I'll be here at the shop for the rest of the day." Ethel said into the telephone as she noticed the news flash about the upcoming heatwave this week. Shaking her head, Ethel focused back on the log of delivery orders. This has been one of the busiest weeks she had at her jewelry business. Typically rushes would happen during holidays, but it seems people are coming from across the galaxy for the celebrations during the week. It's just the beginning of the week, and it was already hectic for her staff.
Sighing, Ethel looked up to see the remainder of her sales staff working the floor, helping customers select the perfect jewelry for several occasions. It doesn't hurt being one of the official jewelers for both the political and military branches in the Galaxy. The jewelry items featured in the front half of the store were the bulk designs and meant for just about anyone to buy and enjoy—while the items in the back half of the store served as the custom jewelry showroom and were usually reserved for official business as well as selective clientele. It wasn't long before her sales staff was busy, and Ethel decided to hit the sales floor to help. As the rush was starting to cool down, Ethel noticed a couple of familiar men enter the store.
After some thinking, it occurred to Ethel who the men are—saviors of her home planet, Arus. Right in her store is the famous Commander Keith and Lieutenant Commander Lance. Two members of the legendary Voltron force and are in her store. After finishing up her current sale with a customer, Ethel discretely moved closer to the entrance and found herself listening to an interesting exchange.
"I'll have to say that I would never thought I would find myself in a jewelry store. Much less a jewelry store with you." Lance said once they fully entered the store. "I wouldn't say I'm the type of guy who accepts jewelry from other men. Even if it's you," Ethel hid her chuckle at Lance's statement.
"That's because it isn't for you," Keith replied as he started to walk towards one of the cases of jewelry. "I'm looking for that something special for Allura. It has to be perfect. The ring should reflect our history, present, and future. And if there's a matching set, even better."
"So why am I even here? It's not like I'm a jeweler," Lance smirked.
"Because you're my closest friend…somehow," Keith responded as he looked intently through the closest case to look through those rings.
"As much as I love Allura…just pick one and go. She'll be happy for whatever you give her," Lance said as he turned back to the concourse. "I mean, a ring is a ring…" Lance trailed off as someone caught his interest. "You can enjoy shopping for jewelry. I'll be back. I found someone interesting," Lance finished as he left the store to follow his unsuspecting prey. Keith looked up from the jewelry counter and watched Lance walked deeper into the mall.
"Some help he is," Keith muttered as he looked through the jewelry showcased throughout the room and felt like he was about to spiral into madness at the sheer number of gems, precious metals, and colors.
A few moments later, Ethel walked up to Keith. "Hello! My name is Ethel, and welcome to Etacen. How can I help you today?" Keith turned around at the greeting and observed Ethel's appearance. In his eyes, Ethel appeared to be between 25 and 30 years old. She also was about 5'5", and Keith could tell that she had a pear-shaped body under her black sleeveless sheath dress. Ethel had an olive skin tone, and her straight black hair was pulled away from her face. He also noticed that Ethel had a pair of unusually black eyes, a broad nose, and rosy lips to finish her features.
While Keith was observing Ethel's features, Ethel observed Keith's features to get an idea of what he might be looking for jewelry-wise. Keith had his hair freshly cut short, with the top being slightly messy. Keith's skin was tanned, and Ethel could tell from his black slacks and grey shirt that he had a lean, muscular frame. Ethel glanced at his facial features—blue eyes, thick eyebrows, square jaws, and Roman nose. His mannerism spoke military to her so far, and she would guess that he was an officer to boot.
"Hello, my name is Keith Kogane. I'm looking for a jewelry set for an extraordinary woman in my life." Keith replied and shook Ethel's offered hand.
"You're Commander Keith!" Ethel exclaimed. "What can I help you with?"
"I'm looking for an exceptional ring," Keith replied. "If the ring comes with a set, that'll be ideal as well. Right now, I'm overwhelmed. And my friend bailed on me. Although why I even bought him is a mystery."
Ethel quietly chuckled before speaking again. "I see, Commander. Let's walk towards the sets case." Ethel said, extending her hand deeper in the store. Ethel and Keith walked deeper into the store and closer to the back. "Here are some of our jewelry sets. By chance, are you looking for a particular kind of ring?" Ethel asked as they stopped at the case. Before Keith could respond to Ethel's question, one of the salesclerks approached Ethel.
"Ms. Acenas? Can you help me with the register I'm using?" Ivery, one of the newer clerks asked.
"I'll be happy to help. What's going on with it?" Ethel asked as she bent slightly towards the younger woman.
"It's not allowing me to apply the discounts. I tried everything, and even Ai couldn't make the discount work. Is there a way you can do an override for me?"
"Sure. I'll be there in just a few moments, Ivery." The young woman smiled her thanks and returned to her customer. "Commander Keith, could you—"
"Just call me Keith," He interrupted.
"Keith, could you excuse me for a few moments? I need to help Ivery with something for a few moments. I'll be back, and we can discuss in detail what you're looking for."
"That's fine. I'll explore the options in this case and go from there," Keith responded. Ethel nodded her head slightly before going across the store to help Ivery with the cash register. Ethel greeted the customer before entering her code to override the prices. After the customer left the store, Ethel re-entered the discount codes so that the register will show the correct price. Ivery thanked Ethel for her help, to which Ethel responded with a compliment to Ivery, before returning to where Keith was standing as he finished glancing through the case.
"So, Keith, did you find anything you like to see in closer detail?" Ethel asked, startling Keith in the process.
"Not just yet. All the sets are beautiful." Keith replied. "I want something that compares to her beauty and symbolizes not only my love but our history and a hope for the future."
"Sounds like an exceptional woman," Ethel said, thoughtfully, observing Keith as he looked through the sets again. "If I could have a brief background, I can narrow everything to a few choices. Can you tell me a little of your shared history with her and your present?"
"Good Afternoon! This is Cecil Post-Thunder with WGGG. We are on-site of the press conference between the outgoing Space Marshal Graham with Sky Marshal Wade, who would be taking over the reins of the Galaxy Garrison. This is expected to be Space Marshal Graham's final press conference as the head of Garrison. The press conference should start in the next few minutes and is focused primarily on the last major update on the transitions and some of the expectations for the future. We noticed that the post of Space Marshal would be discontinued, and Sky Marshal now being the highest position within Garrison. Hopefully, we have an answer for the question of why the change among others."
Ethel and Keith look at each other after the news announcement. Ethel felt that Keith may have a strong opinion about what was just announced on the TV. To be truthful, Ethel didn't prefer Wade as well.
"Hold off on answering that question. Let's go to the back. I think what you're looking for is in the back, anyway," Ethel said, holding a hand up. "It'll be easier than going through all these sets again."
"Agreed," Keith responded. Ethel guided Keith to the store's back, which was home to her private showroom and workshop.
The showroom was designed more like a lounge instead of a showroom. In a small corner to the side was a table with jewelry pieces and gems littering the surface. In the opposite corner was a wall-mounted flat screen tv. In the middle of the room was a couch and matching chairs. Between the sofa and chairs was a small table. Between the chairs was an end table with a lamp on top. On either side of the couch were matching end tables with lamps. The rug was cushy with red and gold swirls. The walls were decorated in red with gold pinstripes.
The news was on TV in the corner. Esther gestured for Keith to sit down on the couch or chairs. "So…I have to tell you right off the back. I hate Wade, and I'm still can't believe that he got this promotion. I know he's your new boss…but I hate him."
"The feeling's probably mutual. He hates just about everyone," Keith responded. "I don't like him much either. There's a lot of people who probably feel the same way. They're probably more members of the Wade Haters club."
Ethel laughed before getting her composure back. "So…I guess I should share my story about why a civilian like myself hated Wade."
"Yes,"
"I was born on Arus, in Altea, one of the cities close to the Castle of Lions. My mother and father were soldiers in the Arusian forces but occasionally did assignments with the Galaxy Alliance as military liaisons. When I was two years old, my parents were personally promoted by King Alfor and Advisor Coran to head Arus' Galaxy Alliance Department, resulting in a move to Cape Canaveral. With the promotion, they started to interact more with the Alliance, and specifically with Wade as he moved up the ranks."
Ethel paused to take a few sips of water. "My parents noticed a disturbing pattern concerning Wade. Interestingly enough, before each promotion Wade received one of the higher-ranking officers would either disappear or die. My parents also disapproved of Wade's methods of discipline and training. After a while, my parents started voicing their disapproval of him more assertively—even if they were constantly overruled and reminded of Wade's connection with Advisor Coran being one of his classmates. My parents were also reminded of how much Wade advocated for Arus within the Alliance. Despite all of this, Wade and my parents ended up in the same social circles and got to know each other well."
"Since I admired my parents so much, I decided that I wanted to serve in the Alliance. By that time, Zarkon defeated Arus on the surface, and regular communication with Arus disappeared. I wanted to serve like my parents and decided to apply for admission to the Academy under their JROTC program. I was accepted with an unusually high recommendation from Wade. That's when things start to get interesting. After I was accepted, my parents were transferred to the Alliance fully. As I started my first term at the Academy, my parents were given a PCS to New Edwards."
"With my parents out of the daily picture at Canaveral, Wade was promoted as headmaster of the academy. He saw that I was in his class and made it a daily habit to pick on me. I asked one day why and he stated because of my parents. I pointed out that my parents couldn't be too bad since they ran in the same social circle in Florida. He simply dismissed me for the day and sent me back to my dorm room."
"Midway through the term, my parents mysteriously died while enjoying a day off in the desert. Their off-base house was ransacked, and all their books about Arusian Military Technology were missing. Being the guy that he is, Wade had me in his office with a counselor and one of my paternal aunts to let me know that my parents died. He generously gave me a couple of bereavement leave and advised that he would check in on me several times. As my aunt and I left the office, we both noticed some of my parents' rare books were in a box by the door."
"When we got back to my aunt's house in the city, we compared notes about our experiences with Wade. Aunt Willia stated that it's interesting that Wade had my parents' books when they were supposed to be missing—especially when she just gave my parents the book that was lying on top. A couple of months after the funeral, Wade and Aunt Willia started to fight constantly about me in the academy and her concerns about his strict methods."
"I returned back to campus and went about my school days as normal as one can be when they are suddenly orphaned. Near the end of the term, I was fed up with Wade's daily insults, the way he ran the Academy, and just him in general. It came to a head the last week of the term. Wade started to spread rumors and lies about my parents in my class. I stood up and refuted each rumor and lie. Wade didn't appreciate my feedback or defending my family, so he moved to have me suspended. I shared that I didn't give a damn how he felt and that he was out of line with his Academy. My aunt was called, and we decided to withdraw from the Academy."
"I left the academy and helped my aunt piece a case file of everything suspicious or ill-advised that Wade has accomplished since joining the Alliance. Willia and I fought every Wade promotion we could, only to be told that we're picking on Wade. We have demonstrated that Wade's clearly not what he seems, however, it falls on deaf ears. I just don't trust him!" Ethel finished her story to Keith.
Keith blinked his eyes for a few moments before speaking. "I can definitely understand your feelings about Wade and about Arus in particular. Whenever you get the chance, you should definitely visit Arus. We're rebuilding the towns and cities, so it's not the same as when you were a small kid. I love Arus since I first landed there, and it's my home now. I have a little bit of bad history with Wade as well."
"When Wade got his promotion as Headmaster of the Academy, I was in my last year. Since I had such high grades, skills, and leadership potential—they placed me in a special class taught by Wade. Apparently, he made this class so he can recruit some of his next staff members. Some of his assignments were out of line, so I would only do them in the spirit of what he was asking. He hated how I always found a way to keep my teams together and made sure they made it home in all of the exercises. He used to state being heroic kept me from being a perfect soldier. I stated that didn't the perfect soldier took care of business and ensured that everyone in his charge was protected. So we used to have debates all the time after class. Every time he would try to get rid of me, there was always a group of instructors—even ones I thought hated me—would come to my defense and overturn everything,"
"After graduation, I was given my first commission. Somehow Wade got a promotion and was my first commanding officer. During my early missions, we would butt heads over just about anything regarding the troops or strategy. He didn't like my tactics, and I definitely didn't like his. Things looked up when Marshall Graham decided that Sven, Lance, Hunk, Pidge, and I would make a great team and sent us deep into space. Even though we were in the far galaxy, Wade kept pushing to stop our mission and place Voltron in the Alliance's custody. I don't trust him as far as I could throw him—but as you stated, he is my new boss, so I'm going to have to deal with it."
As Keith was finished sharing his experience with Wade, the press conference was back on the screen. The man they have been talking about filled the screen as questions flew in the room. With a hand stretched out, Wade demanded silence. "I'm sure that everyone in this room has questions. Since I'm busy with this new transition, I'll make a statement before taking a few questions," Wade continued on to highlight his priorities regarding the Alliance. The speech made Ethel and Keith roll their eyes while other parts raised a slight alarm. In the end, several reporters already had their hands up to ask questions.
"So, Marshal Wade, what are your plans for the missions in the far galaxy and specifically the Denubian? Are you planning to expand the team located on Arus or call them back since Doom has been defeated and the planets in that area are in the process of recovery?"
"That's a great question," Wade answered back. "With things settling in the Denubian Galaxy, we can focus on other areas and strengthen our allies in other areas. I'm still detailing a plan that would most likely involve Arus' Voltron Force in one form or fashion."
"Over my dead body. We're permanently based on Arus, and it will stay with the Arusians," Keith said under his breath.
"Commander Keith Kogane has done a great job in that quadrant, and I could use his expertise in other areas, and I would also like to personally study how Voltron works. That's a lot of power in so few hands."
"You just can't go around and claim a world's treasure as your own," Ethel protested, shaking her head in disapproval. "So…anything catches your eye?"
"To be honest, Ethel, I like all the sets, but it seems that they lack a little something. I can't place my finger on it, but it's missing something," Keith said, looking at the press conference and was relieved when it seemed like the meeting was over.
"I have a special set for you, then, Keith," Ethel walked towards the work desk in the corner and returned back to Keith with a small box. Ethel opened the box and presented the set to him. "I finished this set a few days ago, and I think it's the perfect set for the Princess." At first glance, Keith was made speechless.
Inside the box was a Chain Maille set—necklace, earrings, bracelet, and a ring. The ring was made in the shape of a flower with a small blue sapphire in the center with small black diamonds woven in the rings and bounded together by platinum chain links. The earrings were both a flower each and copied the same pattern as the ring. The bracelet followed the pattern with the flowers looping around to circle around the wrist. The necklace had the same flower motif—the diamonds and the sapphires were larger, with platinum loops connecting the right flowers to the left flowers. A couple of links were at the v of the flowers before a large sapphire heart pendant completed the design. The set was perfect and exactly what he was looking for—links to the past, present, and future. "It's perfect, Ethel!" Keith finally managed to say.
"That's great, Keith!" Ethel said as she closed the box. "Did you want me to wrap it? Wrapping is complimentary."
"No, wrapping isn't needed," Keith said, smiling as he thought how Allura would love the set. "You don't happen to have a tiara, circlet, or diadem to go with it?"
"Funny you mentioned it, Commander. I did draw a design for a matching tiara. I still have plenty of platinum, diamonds, and sapphires left. I can have the tiara ready by Wednesday, in time for the ball. I will even personally deliver it myself." Ethel replied with a smile. "And I'll add the tiara into the set for free. It's the least I can do for one of Arus' heroes."
"By chance, are you going to any of the events this week?"
"As much as I hate Wade, I'm attending the ball, and I'm working out how to attend some of the other things besides the big celebration on Friday. After all, I am a former dependent of two high-ranking officials and an official supplier to the Alliance."
"At least Arus will finally get their day in the sun," Keith stated as they walked back to the front of the store. "By the way, how much am I paying for this set?"
"Being that this is a custom set, it's normally 10,000 credits, but-with the hero on two planets, Alliance personnel discount, and you're the Commander Keith—just give me 2,500 credits."
"I couldn't—I have more than enough to cover the full price," Keith insisted as they walked to one of the registers.
"I insist. Allow me to serve you as thanks for saving my home planet," Ethel stated as she rang up the set and the tiara. "I'll personally deliver the tiara Wednesday morning. Should I deliver it at the—"
"The Arusian Embassy would be fine," Keith stated. "There's always someone around to take the package if I'm not there. Do you know the address?"
"Of course. The ambassador was my first major client and helped make some of the rougher times on Earth more bearable. I also do a lot of business with the embassy staff," Ethel stated. "And here's my business card if you ever need me."
"Thank you, Ethel. Have a great day, and I hope you'll enjoy the celebrations this week," Keith added as he put the business card in his wallet, next to his cards." After Keith put up his wallet, Lance stepped into the store with a giant smile and a new leather jacket.
"Are you ready?" Lance said. "And what did you get Allura?"
"For me to find out and for you never to know," Keith replied with a smile, which made Lance frown. "If you didn't bail on me, you would already know what I'm getting her."
"Really, Keith, really?" Lance stated as they turned to leave the store.
"Lieutenant Lance, don't hesitate to visit my store the next time you need jewelry," Ethel called out as Keith and Lance started bantering amongst themselves.
****The Void, Present***
"And that's how I got to meet Commander Keith," Ethel said, finishing her story. "And my first glance at Lance. In fact, Lance better visit me soon after I open my store again."
"I wouldn't be worried about that, Ethel. I can't imagine Lance being in a jewelry store picking something out for me," Diana said. "I swear he avoids jewelry stores like there's no tomorrow."
"You'll be surprised, Diana," Ethel responded with a smile. "Even rouges find their way into the store when the occasion warrants it." Ethel didn't share that until her capture; Lance often visited the store whenever he wanted to give Diana a piece of jewelry. Lance was one of her first customers under her other limited jewelry lines, Mailed. Ethel also noticed that Lance started to get the more expensive and custom pieces. "If only she knew," Ethel thought to herself.
"Anyway, by chance, did you design the Voltcoms and our special bangles?" Diana asked loud enough for the small group to hear.
"I wish I could claim the Voltcoms. That was all Pidge. The bangles were my idea. Hopefully, we'll be able to use the updated ones soon,"
"We will. Lance will make an appearance sooner than later," Diana commented. The group laughed at Diana for a moment. "I mean, Keith and the Voltron Force will make an appearance sooner than later," Diana said in an attempt to clear up her comments.
"Ok, now that we got that settled, this leaves Alex and Cheryl to tell their stories," Ethel said as she stretched her arms. Before anyone could say anything else, the recreation time at the yard was over, and they were being ushered into their cells.
When Diana arrived at her cell, she decided to lay down on the bed and immediately thought of Lance. Diana tapped on her bangle, and a little holographic video started playing. Lance's face filled the small screen. "Hey, lover. I'm assuming this thing works wherever you are. I love you, and you always make me proud—even when you drive me crazy. We got to talk about seriously settling down in our relationship. At this point, I can't live without you. Stay strong, and I love you, Diana Suzanne Smythe-Williams. The message ended with Lance blowing a kiss with a wink. After completing the small note, Diana placed her arms under her head and closed her eyes, savoring the kiss Lance sent to her.
It's just a matter of time before she'll see Lance again and will be able to give him an answer to his statement about settling down to marriage.