Arus, Love, and Peace
Prologue: Flashes of the Past
This is my first Voltron fanfic! This is based on the Defender of the Universe continuity. Have fun!
Disclaimer: Voltron and its characters are not mine and are the property of World Events Production. Dr. Smythe, Colonel Williams, Capt. Wiley, Diana, Director Woods, Granny Wills and the like are all my original characters.
Galaxy Alliance Tower, Headquarters: Earth
The air within the press conference room was filled with electricity and excitement. It was also filled with a sense of excitement. Everyone in the room was expecting this day to finally come and was here to hear what Galaxy Alliance and Garrison have to say about Arus. Stepping into the room with other team leads and with Communication Director Woods, Diana Suzanne Smythe-Williams followed their steps before taking a seat at the panel table. Diana has been dreaming about this day for seven years when she just turned 13 years old. Today can finally happen thanks to the Voltron force on Arus for defeating King Zarkon and Prince Lotor.
Diana observed the room before her and glanced at the press before her. She could read the excitement and questions before each reporter. Meanwhile, in Arus, Royal Advisor Coran Smythe was sitting within Castle Control, watching the press conference start on the giant screen. When he heard the news, he asked for Princess Allura and Commander Keith to join him. Princess Allura walked in a few moments after he did and sat to his right, as Keith decided to sit on his left. The rest of the Voltron force was enjoying a well-deserved break after fighting two years straight on short staff and without any reinforcements from Garrison.
"I believe that they are going to announce the travel ban will be lifted. If lifted, full recovery efforts will be smoother and more efficient. There are many Arussian citizens across the galaxy that have been waiting for this day." Coran stated to both Allura and Keith.
Director Woods stepped up to the speaker's podium. "Today, Galaxy Alliance and Garrison Control are thrilled to announce that the travel ban to Arus is lifted. The effective date of the lift is exactly one month from today. Commerical and personal flights to Arus can start next month while both diplomatic and military flights can continue non-conditionally." The crowd clapped as the director took a quick pause for breathing. "Thanks to the Voltron Force on Arus, this day is finally possible. To assist Arus in their recovery efforts, Galaxy Alliance is sending several teams to help restore Public Health systems, Infracture, and Military support. Leading the Public Health team is Diana Suzanne Smythe-Williams. She has recently been promoted to Senior Advisor within our Public Health Department and is pursuing her advanced degree in Public Health and Psychology this fall while in Arus for the year. Ms. Smythe-Williams is the daughter of the late Dr. Hyacinth Smythe-Williams and our own Colonel Alexander Lamar Williams…"
At the mention of his niece's name, Coran started to flashback to twenty-four years ago to when his sister Hyacinth was preparing to study Earth for one year. On that day, both Hyacinth and Coran were walking amongst the Queen's garden at the castle. "Are you sure, Hyacinth? Earth is quite a distance away from Arus, and you have never left Arus alone before."
"I am sure, brother," Hyacinth replied, her eyebrows raised at her older brother. "I am also aware of the distance between Earth and Arus. I have been waiting for this opportunity for so long." They stopped at the Arussian Rose section of the garden. The reflection of the sun against the roses made a serene backdrop to the conversation. "With this opportunity, I can finally contribute to the Science Foundation. Some of the ecological systems on Earth are similar to Arus ecosystems. If I can find out how their systems change over time, it will make our work on our own soil easier." She took a deep breath, taking in the comforting smells of sweet roses.
"What about our ancestral home? Although I may be the reigning Duke of the Davi-Smythe lands, my duties as Royal Advisor are more intensive and essential. I'm not sure if I can handle the extra responsibilities of running the Davi-Smythe House and the surrounding villages." Coran interjected.
"During my absence, I'll have Mr. George and Ms. Lillian handling the house affairs as well as the land affairs. You can continue to focus on your duties as the Royal Advisor and the affairs of the Royal Court." Hyacinth replied, already foreseeing any points Coran would bring up during their conversation. No matter the outcome, she was leaving for Earth.
"And what about homesickness? Everyone regardless of how long has traveled will face homesickness at one point or another."
"During my stay on Earth, I plan to lodge at several Arussian Embassies so I will always have a piece of home nearby. Also, there are so many avenues of communication technology now, I can always keep up with my great brother, my lovely sister-in-law, and my darling nephew." Hyacinth replied, smiling.
With a heavy sigh, knowing that everything has been discussed and Hyacinth was still adamant about going to Earth, Coran gave in and decided to give Hyacinth his blessing as Duke and older brother. "You have my blessing, Hyacinth. When do you depart for Earth?"
"Next week. Everything has been arranged and my last week will be spent here at the Castle of Lions spending time with my brother, sister-in-law and my nephew." Hyacinth responded with a broad, glittering smile.
"What?! What if I didn't…"
"I was going to leave no matter what you would have said. Having your blessing makes the transition easier." Hyacinth finished, before noticing that her nephew was attempting to get through the thornbushes to climb the tall hedges again. "Right now, we need to save Garrett from the thornbushes. Your wife will have a major fit if he comes back home with those scratches." Hyacinth started running with Coran after her to save Garrett from a disaster.
Present, Arus….
"Wow, Coran, your niece has a lot going for her right now," Allura stated, snapping Coran from his flashback.
"You are quite right, Allura. I wonder if she has made plans yet for her trip to Arus." Coran replied, thinking back to 22 years ago when Hyacinth shared the news that she was getting married. Coran stared at his niece as she answered a question about her team. His eyes briefly closed, bringing him back to those moments years ago.
22 years ago….
Hyacinth's one year study was extended to a second year, courtesy of the Arussian Science Foundation. It was the mid-way point of her second year, and Hyacinth was more excited and seemed to be thrilled about life in general. From the light-infused room Hyacinth was in, Coran noticed a new glow he never saw before on her face and her eyes were light and merry.
"So, I still have a few things to focus on with my project, but the project will finally be completed and ahead of time," Hyacinth stated, finishing her progress report on the ecosystem changes on Earth and it's application on Arus. "But right now, I have a more exciting and personal news to share with you." Hyacinth looked down at her hand, smiling before looking at the camera and Coran again.
"What's going on, sister?"
"Alex proposed to me last night, and we plan on getting married next week in the Irish countryside. The Irish countryside Earth's equivalent of the Davi-Smythe lands on Arus." Hyacinth replied, flashing her engagement ring to Coran before admiring the shining brilliance of the diamonds on her hand. Coran could see the appreciation Hyacinth had for her ring and for her new finance.
"He finally proposed. I thought he'll never get around to it." Coran responded, chuckling. "In addition to your ceremony on Earth, you will also need to have a ceremony on Arus. And since you're getting married, you can finally claim your Marchioness title." Hyacinth frowned on having to go to Arus for a ceremony and her title, then brightened when she noticed that she will still have the large service she wanted.
"I know, brother. It looks like I'm staying on Earth until Alex decides to retire from Garrison. Until then, we'll have to lean on George and Lillian again for the upkeep of our lands. I do plan on yearly visits to Arus and with each visit staying a full month. Once Alex retires, we can move permanently to Arus." Hyacinth continued, smiling.
Present…
Coran blinked his eyes and remembered the wedding and title ceremony for Hyacinth and Colonel Williams. The services were officiated by King Alfor himself who also gave the couple his blessing and added Colonel Williams to his group of advisors.
"As a youth, I was able to visit my mother's Arus and remember the land, the people, and those times fondly," Diana responded to another question in the press conference. The crowd lightly laughed when Diana said as a youth, with one loudly pointing out that she was still quite young. Diana smiled and continued on, "I am delighted to be able to help with the recovery efforts in Arus officially as well as personally. I also look forward to working with Dr. Gorma, head doctor at the Castle of Lions, as well as Princess Allura and…" Coran started to go back to 19 years ago when Allura and Diana first met as babies.
19 years ago…
"Cooo. Like Alli." Diana said as she was crawling to meet Allura within the nursery. "Like Alli." She repeated, smiling. Her dark downy curls started to bounce now that they were a little bit longer. Her bronzed baby skin was soft and smooth and contrasted against the majority of Arussians.
"Like, like Di," Allura responded, as she slowly started walking towards Diana. Yesterday, both babies met each other and had time to bond since they spent all day and night under Nanny's watch. Their parents, as well as Coran, was in the doorway to the nursery smiling at the scene before them. On the soft rug, they can see baby Diana and baby Allura move towards each other. The parents have finally come to claim their babies for the day.
At this point in time, both Allura and Diana were just shy of being year old girls. Diana had mastered crawling and was starting to take her first steps. Diana also began to speak words out loud. Allura had learned her first steps and just said her first words yesterday. Diana could speak half Earth English and half Arussian English. Diana looked around and noticed that she couldn't find her cousin Garrett. When she finally saw that Garrett was toddling towards Coran, she lit up her dark brown eyes. "Wha Gar-gar?" Allura's pale hand held on to Diana's darker hand. Allura's downy hair was also starting to grow and was a blond version of Diana's hair. Allura attempted to help Diana take her first steps. Garrett turned around and thought to help as well. If Allura fell, Garrett took Diana's hand to help her walk. Eventually, Allura finally dropped, and Garrett couldn't hold his cousin's hand. Diana finally made her first solo steps.
"She did it! She's finally walking!" Both Hyacinth and Alex cheered as the ran to their baby girl. Coran reached for his camera and took a picture of the young, happy family.
Present…..
"In an hour or two, I'll contact Diana to see if she need assistance with her upcoming plans to Arus," Coran stated as he turned off the press conference.
"Sounds great, Coran," Keith replied. "Since she also a member of the Garrison Reserves, she can also help take on a few shifts at Castle Control. I also met her a few times during the JROTC and ROTC weekends at Garrison. She's a good pilot, but with a few practices with Lance, she can improve her skills even more."
"That's a great idea, Keith!" Allura cheered. "It's like she's coming back home to family. I know she's been lonely for years. Since we are attending the gala at Galaxy headquarters this year, we can pick her up, and she can return to Arus with us. I'll have Nanny fix her room."
"What if she-" Keith started, grabbing hold of Allura's shoulders to stop her from leaving the room.
Allura shook her head. "She'll jump on the opportunity. After all, we're old friends, and she's family here. I have the perfect gift to give her since I'm pretty sure she'll invite us to stay at the Williams House instead of Galaxy Headquarters. I feel safer there since Galaxy will most likely spend most of the security on other planets. It'll also allow us to be close again without the eyes of the universe on us."
"I agree, Princess," Coran added in. "If offered, the Williams House is the safest and secure place for us. Galaxy will watch over too many planets at one time."
"Sounds good, Coran and Allura. I agree with you if she offers us the hospitality of the Williams House. On her return to Arus, she will stay at the Castle here and help with the team as well." Keith replied, getting ready to leave for his office. "I'll be in my office. Reports wait for no one." Allura blew a kiss to Keith behind Coran's back before heading towards the door as well.
Present, Galaxy Alliance HQ
"She used to travel to Arus and is familiar with any health issues they may be facing right now. She will also communicate with our Health and Medical branch about any pressing needs." Director Woods continued on with the section focusing on Diana. Diana nodded at the words and surveyed the press again. Diana could see all the unasked questions and comments in the press corp's eyes. "Psychology has its purposes," Diana thought.
"Arus will also…" Diana flashed back to her last trip to Arus, 7 years ago.
7 years ago…
"Arus will also have to consider…" Diana and Allura overheard the conversation their fathers and Coran were having about the near future. "Doom may strike at any time. Zarkon is ruthless…Girls can we be of assistance?" King Alfor asked as he spotted a slip of pink fabric at the slightly open door. The conversation was supposed to be private within the King Alfor's personal study. It was oblivious that the two young women at the door were overhearing the conversation a little too well.
"Busted." The girls whispered as they walked into the room thoroughly. King Alfor was sitting at his desk, with Coran and Alex sitting in both chairs in front of the desk. On top of the desk was a small map of Arus and several marks around it. The walls were shelves full of a variety of ancient books, and the windows were closed as well as the blinds.
"Nothing, Father. We were searching for all three of you. Right now, it seems that your conversation is significant and we're sorry for interrupting it." Allura started. "We will be on our way if you would like to dismiss us so your conversation will continue." Alex and Coran shook their head in unison, slightly embarrassed that Diana decided to eavesdrop as well.
"You both are dismissed. I believe that Nanny has organized a field trip for you girls. She is waiting for you at the library, and you will be escorted by a group of guards as well during your trip for safety reasons." Both girls courtesied to King Alfor, then to Coran and Alex.
"Yes, your majesty. Please pardon us, your Excellencies." They said in unison before leaving the room. When the girls were out of earshot of the study, Allura spoke her mind. "Things are getting serious with Doom."
"Yes, they certainly are. We have never been escorted by guards outside of the castle before." Diana replied as they continued down the hall to the Castle Library. "It also seems that the adults don't want us to know about these current events. We're 13, not three years old. We can handle current political events."
"I agree, we are starting high school a year early and even specializing in what we would like work on as adults," Allura responded as they approached the library and a waiting Nanny.
"Girls, political conversations are not a proper conversation for both Princesses and noble women of Arus." Nanny stated at the door, disappointment showing on her face.
Both girls sighed, before answering back. "Yes, Nanny. King Alfor said we will be going on a field trip?"
"Yes, we will be going to Chozzerai. There is an interesting legend about the area that might be interesting to the both of you. We will also study the Engineering marvels as well. The city boasts of some of the most magnificent buildings in the universe. Let's get started, ladies. Our escorts and vehicle are waiting at the hangar." Nanny replied, ushering the girls down the hallway and down a few stairs.
Allura whispered into Diana's ear as they slowed down behind Nanny. "We'll have to be pen pals now. I don't want to wonder if everything is okay and leave you guessing about my fate. I read about Earth's Anne Frank and the story is so sad."
"I agree. We'll become pen pals as well. BFFs, right?" Diana whispered back, extending her pinky finger.
"BFFs forever." Allura responding, joining her pinky finger in the embrace.
The trip to Chozzerai was the last time that both girls were able to spend time together. Along the way, Diana noticed how the landscapes changed and were able to identify several things in line with her scientific learning. Allura was able to do the same since she focuses more on social studies. During the trip, Diana told Nanny how wonderful this trip coincides with her wishes to join her mother's footsteps into Public Health and on a lesser scale, psychology. Diana was awarded one of Nanny's rare approval.
After the trip, Diana's family was recalled to Earth because Garrison needed her father's expertise and didn't trust the communication waves between Earth and Arus. As the Williamses left Arus, they were attacked by a Doom ship and were saved at the last minute by a space explorer ship. However, Doom started to make a significant attack on Arus, and there was nothing the family or the explorer ship could do to stop the attack on Arus.
Present…
"The heaviest losses on Arus was the infrastructure." Director Woods continued on in the press conference. "All efforts are inefficient without good roads and bridges. Horseback, carriages are the most used ways to get around Arus today. Now that Doom is defeated, we can rebuild those roads and introduce newer vehicles again. Air cars and bikes can be used in Arus, but they are the significant part of accidents in Arus…" Diana flashed back to her family's last trip together on Earth
6 years ago…
In the last year, with the responsibilities ramped up at Galaxy Garrison, there were times that Colonel and Dr. Williams decided that they needed a weekend away in Hawai'i. Hawai'i was where Hyacinth and Alex first met and had their happiest moments. In fact, the family maintained a condo in one of the small towns, and they often used it whenever they wanted to get away from it all.
"Before we can think of going to another one of your favorite parks, Diana, we need to get food for the Condo. The cupboards and pantry are empty. So is the fridge. We cannot live on extra credit projects alone." Alex joked with his daughter.
Diana rolled her eyes before responding back to her father. "Ok, Dad. We can get food in the town. I thought why not earn extra credit for Biology. It makes up for asking the most questions in class." Diana laughed as she put her study bag down in the living room, and grabbed her small everyday purse instead.
"I have the list ready, darling. Let's go." Hyacinth replied, brandishing a small list. The family piled into the older model Roadster they rent from of one of Hyacinth's old colleagues. The family cut through a few canyons before making it to the grocery store. After getting the items they needed, the family drove through the same canyons and noticed that a driver was dangerously weaving in and out of traffic.
"I hope that driver sees us going up the street," Hyacinth remarked, her concern starting to show.
"We're about to find out," Alex replied as the car got closer and closer to the line. Just as when the Williams thought they were clear of the driver danger, the car got in front of them again and crashed head-on. The energy from the accident, pushed the Roadster back before it started to bounce off of other vehicles on the road. Finally, the car fell off the cliff and into the valley below. All Diana could think about was the fact her small bag was tossed out of the car and that the windows were gone and the car was deadly silent.
"Everything…is…going to be…okay," Alex said to Diana before passing out.
"Don't worry…sweetie…someone's on the way for us," Hyacinth said before she also joined Alex in blackness.
"How…" Diana started before passing out in the blackness as well. When Diana woke-up she was in a hospital room, and her paternal grandmother was in a chair.
"Diana, you're awake. Thank God you made it!" Granny Wills stated. "Don't try to move. Your ribs are cracked severely, and both of your legs are broken as well as your left arm. It'll be a while before you can recover."
"What about Mom and Dad." She rasped out, thirsty for water. Granny Wills reached for the ice up and gave her a few chips to suck on.
"They are gone, Diana." Granny Wills replied softly. "We're trying to reach your Uncle Coran on Arus, but we haven't been successful yet. It looks like you're stuck with my kiddo."
"What do you mean they're gone, Granny?"
"They didn't make it. Neither did the other driver."
"Mom and Dad—gone, I can't believe it."
"They're gone, sweetie. When you get healthy enough, we're going back to New York. I'll stay with you until whenever. You'll finish your studies, and we'll go from there." Granny Wills stated. "I'm so sorry sweetie that your parents are gone. It's going to be a hard time for both of us. But we have to be strong."
"But Granny…"
"Rest. We have to be strong, the next days are going to be hard enough as it is."
After a few days in Hawai'i, Diana and her grandmother made it back to New York. Granny Wills sold the condo in Hawai'I and put the proceeds in a trust fund for Diana for when she turns 21. She also set the resources from Davi-Smythe lands in a trust fund. To help maintain the Williams House, Granny Wills used the money from both parent's insurance funds while Galaxy Alliance kept sending both parents' incomes until Diana was 18 years old. At 18, Granny Wills moved back to Texas so Diana could live on her own as a full adult.
Present….
"To help bolster Arus military force, we will send a group of reserves and a group of full-time soldiers to take care of the bases and rebuild them. Commander Keith Kogane will supervise and command the troops, while Captain…"
Diana thought back to the start of her relationship with her recent ex-boyfriend, Captain Lawrence Wiley. Or Law as he known to close friends and family. He did enjoy laying down the law when it came to Galaxy regulations and kept tight reins on his troops, when he was with Diana, he let down his guard a few times.
A year ago…
It was just after the completion of her reserve duty for the beginning of the month when Diana bumped into Captain Lawrence Wiley. He was the tallest captain on base at 6'5". His hair was kept short per regulations and was slim but muscular at the same time. His fair skin contrasted his raven hair and amber eyes.
"Excuse me—you have to watch out full-time, Reservist." Lawrence was about to address the soldier that bumped into him in the hallway. His eyes started to soften when he noticed the solder was a bronze beauty before him. He could tell that her hair was naturally spiral curled although it was in a neat bun following the regulations also put forth by Garrison. Her uniform hid most of her curves, but the curves were there. Her eyes flashed from dark brown to light brown with a faint brown outline that capped Diana's 5'7 frame.
"I WAS watching, sir. It would help, sir, if you did the same." Diana retorted, gasping to keep from losing focus and fall into Captain Wiley's handsome features. His jaw was squared, eyes amber, skin pale, and short, wavy hair. The ladies on base would comment how he was just behind Commander Keith Kogane in the looks department. The captain recognized the soldier's name badge and started to address her.
"Duly noted, Lieutenant. Smythe-Williams." He replied. "If I was another…"
"No disrespect, sir, but I need to make my debriefing," Diana replied as she started to walk away.
"I didn't dismiss you yet, lieutenant."
"I didn't ask, sir."
"Are you seriously trying to be ins-"
"Lieutenant Smythe-Williams! I was just about to look for you! You're almost as good as your father in the skies." Colonel Lume interrupted Captain Wiley. "And it seems that you have met another rising star here. Captain Lawrence Wiley meet Lieutenant Diana Smythe-Williams—she's the daughter of the late Colonel Williams."
"Thank you, sir, for the compliment," Diana replied as she saluted Colonel Lume. Lume greeted back and allowed Diana to be back to attention.
"Captain if you like, you can join us for our debriefing. It's Lt. Smythe-Williams turn to lead."
"Another time, sir. I had pressing matters to attend to and didn't mean to bump into the lieutenant here."
"A shame. Next time, then. Let's go, Diana."
"Yes, sir," Diana replied, as she clicked her heels and followed Colonel Lume to the debriefing. After the debriefing, Diana was finally free to go. As she approached her car to leave the compound, she noticed that Captain Wiley was waiting for her outside the car. "Is there something I can help you with, Captain?"
"Yes. It seems that I parked my car at home and forgot about it. I believe we live in the same neighborhood. Give me a ride, Lieutenant."
Diana shook her head. "I'm off duty, Captain. Are you trying to give me an order?"
"I don't care. I rather not have to put you on report for disobeying…"
"Get in the car. What's your address?" Diana replied as she unlocked the door.
"8965 Twilight Lane." Diana narrowed her eyes. Twilight Lane was on the north side of the base and only a couple of streets over. She lived on the south side of the base. Diana started the car and went towards the north side of the station. "I'm sorry. I forgot that you lived on the south side of the base. Thanks for taking me home anyway."
"Like I had a choice," Diana mumbled as she made a left turn at the base chapel. "It's fine sir." If she could get away with dropping him off at the chapel, she would. To be so handsome, he could be a jerk. No matter his nickname is Law, Diana thought.
"Such interesting taste."
"Sir?"
"I would have imagined you'll listen to pop music since you're so young."
"I like the beat of the music. It allows for freedom of expression." Diana replied as she cleared the north gate and made a right turn. At the first light, she took her bun down and let loose her spiral curls.
"Regulations…"
"We're off base and off-duty." Diana countered as she pulled up to his house. After shaking her head free, Diana stopped the car.
"Thank you for your generosity, Lieutenant," Lawrence stated.
"You're welcome, sir," Diana responded as she started to back down his driveway. She sighed when she noticed that Lawrence was signaling her to stop. "Yes, what is it, sir?"
"There is a ball next week. I need someone to escort me."
"I heard about the ball, I was planning to skip it. It reminds me of my mother too much right now. Do you need help finding a date." Diana smiled at the thought that he had a hard time finding a date. If he goes to Officer night at the Base Lounge, he could find someone in no time.
"I want you to escort me to the ball."
"What? No. I'm not going to the ball, much less with you."
"Why not?"
"I already told you my reason. None of the other officers made me go, and I'm not starting now."
"I'm not other officers."
"I'm not going. I don't care…"
"You're beautiful. And intelligent. And fierce."
"Not going to work. By the way, I know you're aware of the rule on fraternization of…"
"Doesn't count. Full-time status at Alliance makes you my equal."
"I'm still not going. Have a great night sir and thank you for the compliments. Bye." Diana ended the conversation and pulled out of the driveway. "The jerk." She said as she turned down another street to get to her neighborhood. Once she made it home, Diana changed into her lounge clothes. Shaking her curls again, Diana breathed a contented sigh and smiled. Another weekend flying that brought her closer to her father. She loved flying in the skies, it felt like she was with her father again.
Balls, on the other hand, she hated. Balls reminded of how much her mother enjoyed them and brought her mother happiness that nothing else could compare. Balls told her that she will never get to experience those memories with her mother or make her own. She skipped her prom and missed every formal she could since the car accident.
As Diana started her stretching routine, she heard the doorbell ring downstairs. Sighing, she left her room and made her way down the stairs to the front door. When she opened the door, she found a very casual Lawrence waiting for her. "Good evening, Diana."
"What do you want, Captain Wiley."
"Please call me Lawrence. Or Law, whichever you prefer."
"What do you want?"
"I just wanted to see you again." Diana had to grab the door, and her mouth opened wide in surprise.
"No kidding." Diana started as she recovered from her shock. "You see that I made it home safe, so now you can make it back to your house."
"I think I shocked you there, Diana."
"Yes, yes you did. Now go home."
"Why are you scared, Diana?" Lawrence challenged. He was enjoying the interaction with the beautiful lieutenant at the door, and she questioned him like no one else tried to do.
"Scared of what? I don't get scared." Diana retorted quickly.
"You're scared of me. I'll say that you're also scared of balls as well."
"You're so wrong, there," Diana replied, rolling her eyes. He was about to get very annoying despite that beautiful smile he was giving her.
"Prove it."
"I don't have to prove a damned thing."
"Such language. Go to the Ball with me. Prove that you're not scared."
"No. Not going."
"Please."
"No."
"Please. What's the harm of one night of dancing?"
"I already told you. Balls remind me of my mother and how happy she was when balls came around. I'll never get to experience those moments with her or see them again. I rather not tease myself."
"If flying gets you closer to your father, why can't you allow the same with balls and your mother?"
"Have you been reading my files?" Lawrence shook his head no. "I can tell. I did excel in a few psychology classes, Diana. I'm no master like you, but I have my share."
"You don't take no for an answer, do you?"
"Nope. It's been working so far."
"Fine. I'll go with you to the Ball." Diana responded at last.
"I'll pick up you up at 8 on Saturday."
"I'll see you then, bye," Diana said, closing the door on a smiling Lawrence. "The nerve." She grumbled under her breath as she walked back upstairs. For the whole week before the ball, Lawrence sent her all kinds of small gifts. On Monday it was a pair of ruby earrings. On Tuesday, it was a pair of soft red ball gloves. On Wednesday, it was red roses. On Thursday, he gave sent her a box of her favorite See's chocolates. On Friday, it was her favorite sparkling apple cider. On Saturday night, he was early to pick Diana up for the ball. Throughout the night, Lawrence showed her how fun a ball could be and allowed her to make her own memories. By the time she was returned to her doorstep, she could feel sparks flying between the two of them.
"Thank you for a lovely evening," Diana said, as she paused at her door. "I think I can enjoy formals now."
"I enjoyed every moment with you," Lawrence stated. He leaned down and tilted Diana's chin so that her lips were close to his lips. "May I give you a kiss?" He asked softly, leaning his head closer.
"Yes." Diana breathed. Sparks moved up her spine as their lips met and kissed for one minute. She opened her door. "Have a good night," Diana stepped in her house. "Lawrence."
"Good night, Diana." He replied back, smiling gently. And just as magical as he appeared, he disappeared at a gala benefitting a youth group six months ago without notice. None of his friends knew where he was and neither did any of her Garrison connections. Lawrence could have sent an encrypted message or something.
Present…
"That's all for this conference. We have so much to do and little time to do it." Director Woods said closing the conference. Backstage he congratulated everyone. "And Ms. Smythe-Williams, spectacular. Are you sure you don't like public relations or public policy? You're a natural!"
"I'm sure, Director," Diana replied, smiling.
"I know everyone has things to do. Have a great one!" Director Woods disappeared down the hall. Diana went towards the elevator and on her way to her office. She had another hour of work left to do before she could go home. As she neared her office, her teammates and colleagues congratulated her on the promotion and going to Arus. They also offered their assistance with anything she was planning.
As she cleared her workload for the day, Diana left her office and walked to her car. After she made it home and was greeted with a call from Arus. "Uncle Coran, what do I owe this pleasure?"
"I just wanted to congratulate you on your new promotion, and I hear that you're headed for Arus soon?"
"Yes. I would go today if I could get away with it. The first commercial flight isn't until next month and no military flights for another two months."
"Princess Allura, Commander Keith, and I are coming to the celebration Gala in two weeks. You can go back to Arus with us. You can also stay with us at the Castle with me. It'll give you a month to focus on us and personal things for a whole month before business."
"I'll accept your invitation if you, Princess, and Commander will take advantage of the Williams House, uncle!"
"We accept! We'll contact you when we'll be in Earth's orbit."
"Until then!"