School Days
Part II
Captain's Log
By KittyCaro
Disclaimer: Characters from the Adventures of Voltron and the New Adventures of Voltron are copyright 1984, 1985, 1986 and 1997 by WEP. Any and all new/original characters belong to the author.
Rating: PG-13 for adult themes, violence and bad language.
Author’s notes: This is an AU fic about Keith and Allura. This is dedicated to Lynne (Bonds of Love) who gave me such great ideas, that I decided to turn "School Days" into a series, separate from other fics I have written. (Muchas gracias, Lynne!) And thank you for being my editor. Also I want to thank Rae for including a character with my name in her fic, Ensign Turniev. You will not be a lady in waiting in this series Rae, I hope you don't mind ;-) C&C are welcomed.
Originally Published 06/05/2000 - Revised 03/07/2015
Rating: PG-13 for adult themes, violence and bad language.
Author’s notes: This is an AU fic about Keith and Allura. This is dedicated to Lynne (Bonds of Love) who gave me such great ideas, that I decided to turn "School Days" into a series, separate from other fics I have written. (Muchas gracias, Lynne!) And thank you for being my editor. Also I want to thank Rae for including a character with my name in her fic, Ensign Turniev. You will not be a lady in waiting in this series Rae, I hope you don't mind ;-) C&C are welcomed.
Originally Published 06/05/2000 - Revised 03/07/2015
Click on the following links to move along to that chapter.
[A starship from the Galaxy Alliance was traveling through the blackness of space. Inside that vessel there are five young space explorers. They have a mission… go to planet Arus and find a legendary mighty robot… Voltron, defender of the universe.]
CAPTAIN'S LOG…STAR DATE…2302.04.05.1
We have just left the Milky Way. We were in a rescue mission on space colony Z-9006 of the Magenta galaxy, when we were called back to Terra by Space Marshall Graham.
Upon arrival, we went to his office and he informed us that the Alliance had received a message from planet Arus of the Denubian Galaxy on March 30th asking for help. The planet has been under constant attack from King Zarkon of planet Doom since their robot Voltron was taken out of commission for some unknown reason.
Due to ongoing war in the Magenta galaxy, the Alliance is unable to send its fleet to fight against Doom's forces at this moment, but they concluded that we could assist the Arusians in reviving their mighty robot.
Unfortunately, the information we received from Arus is very limited. Who sent the message to the Alliance? What exactly happened to Voltron? Is the royal family still on Arus?
So many questions and so few answers. But we'll do our very best to stop this evil.
This is the crew of the GASS-Liberty:
Captain…Keith Harrison – rank commander…22 years…class 2301.12.001…GG Space Academy…Los Angeles California…USA…North America…Terra.
First officer…Sven Asbjörnsen - rank lieutenant commander…22 years…class 2301.12.002…idem.
Lance Beaumont - rank lieutenant commander…22 years…class 2301.12.003…idem.
Jonathan Chandler - rank lieutenant…23 years…class 2301.06.001…idem.
Peter Trekell - rank lieutenant…16 years…class 2300.06.001…idem.
Photographs of the crew and other statistics are included in this entry… save… close.
CAPTAIN'S LOG…STAR DATE…2302.04.05.1
We have just left the Milky Way. We were in a rescue mission on space colony Z-9006 of the Magenta galaxy, when we were called back to Terra by Space Marshall Graham.
Upon arrival, we went to his office and he informed us that the Alliance had received a message from planet Arus of the Denubian Galaxy on March 30th asking for help. The planet has been under constant attack from King Zarkon of planet Doom since their robot Voltron was taken out of commission for some unknown reason.
Due to ongoing war in the Magenta galaxy, the Alliance is unable to send its fleet to fight against Doom's forces at this moment, but they concluded that we could assist the Arusians in reviving their mighty robot.
Unfortunately, the information we received from Arus is very limited. Who sent the message to the Alliance? What exactly happened to Voltron? Is the royal family still on Arus?
So many questions and so few answers. But we'll do our very best to stop this evil.
This is the crew of the GASS-Liberty:
Captain…Keith Harrison – rank commander…22 years…class 2301.12.001…GG Space Academy…Los Angeles California…USA…North America…Terra.
First officer…Sven Asbjörnsen - rank lieutenant commander…22 years…class 2301.12.002…idem.
Lance Beaumont - rank lieutenant commander…22 years…class 2301.12.003…idem.
Jonathan Chandler - rank lieutenant…23 years…class 2301.06.001…idem.
Peter Trekell - rank lieutenant…16 years…class 2300.06.001…idem.
Photographs of the crew and other statistics are included in this entry… save… close.
PERSONAL LOG…STAR DATE…2302.04.05.1
Sven took the controls, so I decided to go my quarters and rest for a while. But I can't sleep, must be the excitement of going to Arus and seeing Allura after all these years. I know I shouldn't keep my hopes up. Maybe she has forgotten all about me, she's probably engaged or already married to a prince or a king.
I have not forgotten those beautiful eyes and that sweet smile. I still remember our first day of school, that was more than seven years ago but it feels like yesterday…
[He lies on bed and closes his eyes]
After a night of partying in Tijuana, visiting bars like Iguanas Ranas Bar-Grill and Señor Frog's located on Revolución Avenue I felt like hell. Not even the especial brew Demetrio prepared me helped with my nasty hangover. The only thing I wanted to do was sleep all day, but father said that if I miss the first day of school he would take away my allowance, so I humored the old man.
Sister Perpetua began the roll call. When she mentioned my name I heard a small voice from across the classroom.
I turned around and saw a girl with golden hair braided into a single plait. She had baby blue eyes and wore braces. Sister Perpetua told us that we shared the same last name. She read out loud our whole names, and I discovered that we even had the same initials.
Keith Alexander Lyons… Kristina Allura Lyons.
And then I heard voices and giggling laughter everywhere.
Great! Now they're going to bother us just because of our names. As if I didn't have enough problems with father and Sister Josephine!
We gazed at each other for a few moments. I saw her blush and she immediately averted her gaze. I decided to ignore her and looked outside the window.
But I didn't know that the new girl at school would change my life forever…
Save…close.
Sven took the controls, so I decided to go my quarters and rest for a while. But I can't sleep, must be the excitement of going to Arus and seeing Allura after all these years. I know I shouldn't keep my hopes up. Maybe she has forgotten all about me, she's probably engaged or already married to a prince or a king.
I have not forgotten those beautiful eyes and that sweet smile. I still remember our first day of school, that was more than seven years ago but it feels like yesterday…
[He lies on bed and closes his eyes]
After a night of partying in Tijuana, visiting bars like Iguanas Ranas Bar-Grill and Señor Frog's located on Revolución Avenue I felt like hell. Not even the especial brew Demetrio prepared me helped with my nasty hangover. The only thing I wanted to do was sleep all day, but father said that if I miss the first day of school he would take away my allowance, so I humored the old man.
Sister Perpetua began the roll call. When she mentioned my name I heard a small voice from across the classroom.
I turned around and saw a girl with golden hair braided into a single plait. She had baby blue eyes and wore braces. Sister Perpetua told us that we shared the same last name. She read out loud our whole names, and I discovered that we even had the same initials.
Keith Alexander Lyons… Kristina Allura Lyons.
And then I heard voices and giggling laughter everywhere.
Great! Now they're going to bother us just because of our names. As if I didn't have enough problems with father and Sister Josephine!
We gazed at each other for a few moments. I saw her blush and she immediately averted her gaze. I decided to ignore her and looked outside the window.
But I didn't know that the new girl at school would change my life forever…
Save…close.
CAPTAIN'S LOG…STAR DATE…2302.04.05.2
Lt. Beaumont is at the controls. We have tried to contact planet Arus without success. Lt. Trekell says that Doom forces are still blocking all communications. If everything goes according to plan, we'll be arriving on Arus on April 9th… save entry… close.
PERSONAL LOG…STAR DATE…2302.04.05.2
Our classmates bothered Allura and me throughout the school year. We tried to avoid each other, but it seemed that fate had other plans for us.
I remembered the day we chose the class president or should I say the class clown Joel Garvey. Sister Perpetua had left the classroom so we could hear Joel's plans for the semester. He asked us to choose library assistants. I could sense they were planning something. He and his girlfriend Denise Bergman counted the votes and said that Allura and I would be in charge of the library. Everyone began to applaud. Some of the boys were whistling and chanting our names. I wanted to get my hands on Joel, when I heard someone saying that Allura was crying. Joel walked over to her and instead of apologizing he mocked her.
I couldn't take it anymore. I walked over to her and our eyes locked. I could see in those blue orbs that she wanted this nonsense to stop. I nodded inwardly and then hit the desk making Joel lose his balance.
Everyone stood frozen for a few minutes. I left the room and went to the hallway to calm down. But then I heard Joel saying something about love conquers all and everyone began to laugh. I decided to return to the classroom. I grabbed him by the collar and ordered him to apologize, but the idiot wouldn't do it. So I hit him a few times on the face. Denise tried to stop me, but something took over me, I wanted him to stop harassing Allura and me.
Anyway, Sister Perpetua heard the scandal and came in with her ruler to separate us. We were stuck in the library for the rest of the semester. I left her most of the work. I know it was wrong, but I didn't like to be ordered around. I would just spend my time reading and borrowing books that nobody read just to make Allura notice me. Until one day she asked me why I did it, but I couldn't tell her the truth, so I just ignored her.
Save…close.
Lt. Beaumont is at the controls. We have tried to contact planet Arus without success. Lt. Trekell says that Doom forces are still blocking all communications. If everything goes according to plan, we'll be arriving on Arus on April 9th… save entry… close.
PERSONAL LOG…STAR DATE…2302.04.05.2
Our classmates bothered Allura and me throughout the school year. We tried to avoid each other, but it seemed that fate had other plans for us.
I remembered the day we chose the class president or should I say the class clown Joel Garvey. Sister Perpetua had left the classroom so we could hear Joel's plans for the semester. He asked us to choose library assistants. I could sense they were planning something. He and his girlfriend Denise Bergman counted the votes and said that Allura and I would be in charge of the library. Everyone began to applaud. Some of the boys were whistling and chanting our names. I wanted to get my hands on Joel, when I heard someone saying that Allura was crying. Joel walked over to her and instead of apologizing he mocked her.
I couldn't take it anymore. I walked over to her and our eyes locked. I could see in those blue orbs that she wanted this nonsense to stop. I nodded inwardly and then hit the desk making Joel lose his balance.
Everyone stood frozen for a few minutes. I left the room and went to the hallway to calm down. But then I heard Joel saying something about love conquers all and everyone began to laugh. I decided to return to the classroom. I grabbed him by the collar and ordered him to apologize, but the idiot wouldn't do it. So I hit him a few times on the face. Denise tried to stop me, but something took over me, I wanted him to stop harassing Allura and me.
Anyway, Sister Perpetua heard the scandal and came in with her ruler to separate us. We were stuck in the library for the rest of the semester. I left her most of the work. I know it was wrong, but I didn't like to be ordered around. I would just spend my time reading and borrowing books that nobody read just to make Allura notice me. Until one day she asked me why I did it, but I couldn't tell her the truth, so I just ignored her.
Save…close.
PERSONAL LOG…STAR DATE…2302.04.05.3
We'll be entering the Denubian Galaxy in 36 hours. I've already sent a message to the Alliance telling them that we haven't encountered any Doom ships yet, but we still haven't been able to contact Arus informing them about of our arrival.
Continuing with my story, one day in chemistry class, Sister Perpetua was preparing us for an experiment when I released a white mouse. The poor sister and some of the girls ran off hollering. The guys couldn't stop laughing. Other girls were standing on the tables screaming their heads off.
I was enjoying the moment when I noticed that Allura was just standing there in the middle of the laboratory.
I asked her, "Aren't you afraid of that little mouse?"
She shook her head. "No, why should I?"
I quirked an eyebrow and said, "All girls are afraid of mice."
She folded her arms across her chest and glared at me. "Well – I'm not."
Then Patty Anzures yelled, "Allura! Watch out! The mouse is running towards you."
And to my surprise and amazement I saw Allura kneeling down and reaching for the mouse. She held it on her hand and even patted it on its back.
"You're so cute. You even have red eyes, like the mice back home."
I gaped at her. She was telling the truth! She wasn't scared of that stupid mouse. The other girls couldn't hide their disgust. How could she touch that furry little thing and say sweet things to it? She must be crazy or something!
I walked over to her and said, "Give me that mouse before the penguin returns."
"He's precious, can I keep him?"
I was caught off guard. "Uh… yeah, I guess."
She grinned at me… she looked so cute with braces.
"Thank you, I will take good care of him."
Later I found out that she kept it in the tree in front of her balcony. She would feed him and talk to him. I never thought she would react like that, she was an intriguing girl.
Save… close.
We'll be entering the Denubian Galaxy in 36 hours. I've already sent a message to the Alliance telling them that we haven't encountered any Doom ships yet, but we still haven't been able to contact Arus informing them about of our arrival.
Continuing with my story, one day in chemistry class, Sister Perpetua was preparing us for an experiment when I released a white mouse. The poor sister and some of the girls ran off hollering. The guys couldn't stop laughing. Other girls were standing on the tables screaming their heads off.
I was enjoying the moment when I noticed that Allura was just standing there in the middle of the laboratory.
I asked her, "Aren't you afraid of that little mouse?"
She shook her head. "No, why should I?"
I quirked an eyebrow and said, "All girls are afraid of mice."
She folded her arms across her chest and glared at me. "Well – I'm not."
Then Patty Anzures yelled, "Allura! Watch out! The mouse is running towards you."
And to my surprise and amazement I saw Allura kneeling down and reaching for the mouse. She held it on her hand and even patted it on its back.
"You're so cute. You even have red eyes, like the mice back home."
I gaped at her. She was telling the truth! She wasn't scared of that stupid mouse. The other girls couldn't hide their disgust. How could she touch that furry little thing and say sweet things to it? She must be crazy or something!
I walked over to her and said, "Give me that mouse before the penguin returns."
"He's precious, can I keep him?"
I was caught off guard. "Uh… yeah, I guess."
She grinned at me… she looked so cute with braces.
"Thank you, I will take good care of him."
Later I found out that she kept it in the tree in front of her balcony. She would feed him and talk to him. I never thought she would react like that, she was an intriguing girl.
Save… close.
PERSONAL LOG…STAR DATE…2302.04.06.1
I wished the Alliance had given us a faster ship; they should have authorized the use of the GASS-Raven. That ship would have taken us to Arus in 48 hours. But it's being used in the Magenta Galaxy and they couldn't spare it.
The only good thing about this long trip is that I have time to catch up with my journal.
"Enjoy this leisure time while you can," Sven told me, "Because we don't know what awaits us on Arus."
Let's continue…
St. Mary's Catholic School was having its annual costume ball. I always avoided those boring events, but today I wanted to see a certain blue-eyed girl who talked to mice like they were her friends. I had seen her a few days before practicing dance steps on the football field with the rest of my female classmates.
I entered the auditorium and saw Allura sitting on a table all by herself. She was dressed as Juliet. She looked beautiful.
I thought, ~Here's your Romeo… Juliet.~
And walked over to her.
But then Marianne Armstrong got in my way. I had met her in one of my father's reunions. Our fathers were friends and partners in some business ventures. She was such a nuisance, always following me around at school and inviting me to her mansion for the weekend. She thought I was going to ask her to dance, but I managed to escape from her. I exchanged glances with Allura and then went to the gardens and waited for her.
Minutes later, she appeared. I took her in my arms and we began to dance. She seemed surprise that I could dance a waltz. She smiled warmly at me, and it felt good. Everything was going great until I ruined the moment by telling her: "And I guess you now expect me to kiss you, huh?"
She was surprised by my outburst. She told me that it wasn't true, but I still went on. She pushed me away and walked off. I felt like such an idiot.
Save…close.
I wished the Alliance had given us a faster ship; they should have authorized the use of the GASS-Raven. That ship would have taken us to Arus in 48 hours. But it's being used in the Magenta Galaxy and they couldn't spare it.
The only good thing about this long trip is that I have time to catch up with my journal.
"Enjoy this leisure time while you can," Sven told me, "Because we don't know what awaits us on Arus."
Let's continue…
St. Mary's Catholic School was having its annual costume ball. I always avoided those boring events, but today I wanted to see a certain blue-eyed girl who talked to mice like they were her friends. I had seen her a few days before practicing dance steps on the football field with the rest of my female classmates.
I entered the auditorium and saw Allura sitting on a table all by herself. She was dressed as Juliet. She looked beautiful.
I thought, ~Here's your Romeo… Juliet.~
And walked over to her.
But then Marianne Armstrong got in my way. I had met her in one of my father's reunions. Our fathers were friends and partners in some business ventures. She was such a nuisance, always following me around at school and inviting me to her mansion for the weekend. She thought I was going to ask her to dance, but I managed to escape from her. I exchanged glances with Allura and then went to the gardens and waited for her.
Minutes later, she appeared. I took her in my arms and we began to dance. She seemed surprise that I could dance a waltz. She smiled warmly at me, and it felt good. Everything was going great until I ruined the moment by telling her: "And I guess you now expect me to kiss you, huh?"
She was surprised by my outburst. She told me that it wasn't true, but I still went on. She pushed me away and walked off. I felt like such an idiot.
Save…close.
PERSONAL LOG…STAR DATE…2302.04.06.2
My crew has decided to lift me the silent treatment after I gave them permission to wear civilian clothes while we're in space, but we'll change into our uniforms before we land on Arus.
Like Commander Hawkins says, "A good leader must know when to compromise."
They tried to convince me to follow their example but I feel much better wearing my red jumpsuit.
I know that sometimes you get the urge to go against regulations, God knows that back at St. Mary's I enjoyed breaking all the rules and Sister Josephine could not stop me.
I remember one day I skipped the last class and went to the football field. I sat on the bleachers and decided to smoke a cigarette. I was minding my own business, when suddenly someone yelled my name. I turned around and saw Allura with an expression of disapproval on her face.
She sat next to me and asked me if I had a problem. I glanced at her for few moments. She was the first person to show any concern for me. But I couldn't open up to her, not yet anyway. I ordered her to leave me alone and she ran away.
I felt so bad afterwards, but I didn't have the nerve to ask her to forgive me. I decided to wait for the right moment, which came days later when I found her in the library.
I asked her if she had a nickname and she said no, and I decided to give her one… Ally.
She didn't like it… but I did, so I told her she would get used to it.
I picked up a book and asked her to scan it for me. Reluctantly she complied, and when she gave me back the book, I thanked her for listening and ran off.
Days later, I was once again in the library when Ally walked up to me and said that Marianne wanted to be my girlfriend. I didn't know what to answer. She then asked me if I like another girl and I gazed at her for a few agonizing moments.
I wanted to tell her yes… that the girl I like was standing right in front of me! But the fear of rejection was so great that I said no.
She told Marianne to come up and see me. Marianne was so excited. She started babbling that we were made for each other and that our parents would be happy for us, but I told her to leave me alone, that I didn't feel anything for her and stormed out of the library.
Save… close.
My crew has decided to lift me the silent treatment after I gave them permission to wear civilian clothes while we're in space, but we'll change into our uniforms before we land on Arus.
Like Commander Hawkins says, "A good leader must know when to compromise."
They tried to convince me to follow their example but I feel much better wearing my red jumpsuit.
I know that sometimes you get the urge to go against regulations, God knows that back at St. Mary's I enjoyed breaking all the rules and Sister Josephine could not stop me.
I remember one day I skipped the last class and went to the football field. I sat on the bleachers and decided to smoke a cigarette. I was minding my own business, when suddenly someone yelled my name. I turned around and saw Allura with an expression of disapproval on her face.
She sat next to me and asked me if I had a problem. I glanced at her for few moments. She was the first person to show any concern for me. But I couldn't open up to her, not yet anyway. I ordered her to leave me alone and she ran away.
I felt so bad afterwards, but I didn't have the nerve to ask her to forgive me. I decided to wait for the right moment, which came days later when I found her in the library.
I asked her if she had a nickname and she said no, and I decided to give her one… Ally.
She didn't like it… but I did, so I told her she would get used to it.
I picked up a book and asked her to scan it for me. Reluctantly she complied, and when she gave me back the book, I thanked her for listening and ran off.
Days later, I was once again in the library when Ally walked up to me and said that Marianne wanted to be my girlfriend. I didn't know what to answer. She then asked me if I like another girl and I gazed at her for a few agonizing moments.
I wanted to tell her yes… that the girl I like was standing right in front of me! But the fear of rejection was so great that I said no.
She told Marianne to come up and see me. Marianne was so excited. She started babbling that we were made for each other and that our parents would be happy for us, but I told her to leave me alone, that I didn't feel anything for her and stormed out of the library.
Save… close.
PERSONAL LOG…STAR DATE…2302.04.07.1
The Alliance just informed us that the conflict in the Magenta Galaxy has reached its apex and they will not be able to send more help to Arus. We will have to rely on our own resources for the time being.
"So?" Lance had replied, "Tell me something I don't know."
Good old Lancelot.
Continuing with my story, I remember that spring break of 2295. Father had invited me to stay with him. We were having a civilized conversation when I asked him if I could visit mother in Paris during summer break. He became angry and told me that I should forget her, because she didn't care about me. We ended up in shouting match and I left home. I jumped into my car and crossed the border. I spent the rest of the afternoon drinking beer at Señor Frog's.
Somehow I wound up back at school; I guess it was about midnight. I entered my room through the balcony and fell face down. I turned around and saw Allura with a look of pure shock written all over her face. I had entered her room by mistake!
She pleaded with me to leave because she didn't want to get in trouble. But I felt so awful that I just passed out.
The next morning I woke up and saw her sleeping on the bed. I got up from the floor and reached for a pen and a piece of paper from her desk. I wrote a small note thanking her and pinned it on the pillow.
I walked over to the bed and gazed at her. I leaned over and lightly caressed her cheek, and her lips curved into a slight smile. I don't know why, but her reaction gave me a sense of utter peace and contentment I've never felt in my whole life. I would never forget that encounter. We had spent the night together and it would be our little secret.
That afternoon I found Ally reading in the garden. I gave her a red rose and she seemed pleased. She was reading Romeo and Juliet. I told her it was a stupid story. That nobody died for love.
But she replied, "You must give yourself for the one you love."
I sat next to her and then leaned over. I felt the urge to kiss those tempting pink lips. But at the last minute I couldn't do it, and I started taunting her, telling her that she wasn't my type, that I like brunettes like Marianne. She became angry (jealous maybe?) and told me to look for her.
Why did I keep treating her that way? I really liked her. No, that's not true, I loved her. I still do. But what if she didn't feel the same way about me? The fear of rejection was overwhelming.
The days passed and I couldn't stop thinking about her, I even saw her in my dreams. I decided to access the school computer system; I wanted to find out everything about her. I discovered that she was a princess from a far away planet, called Arus. Why didn't she say anything? Maybe she was afraid that our classmates would bother her.
Then it hit me! That was the chance I was waiting for. I would ask her to go out with me on a date. If she refused I could threaten her with revealing her true identity.
That same evening I went to her room and climbed up to the balcony. I invited her out and she vehemently refused. But then I dropped the bombshell- I told her that I knew her secret.
She was quite shocked, but still she said no. After a little more coaxing she finally accepted.
I took her to the Horton Plaza shopping mall and we had a nice dinner at Planet Hollywood. Later I bought her a cinnamon roll and she offered to share it with me. After all I had put her through she was being nice to me.
When we returned to school I accompanied her to the back entrance of the dormitory. We just stood there gazing at each other.
I moved closer and cupped her lovely face in my hand and lifted it towards me, telling her that I was going to kiss her and hoping that she wouldn't say no. When she said that it was okay, I groaned and lifted her off her feet, pressing her back against the door to kiss her.
Her lips were soft and sweet. They tasted it like strawberries. I guess she was wearing strawberry flavored lip gloss.
I felt a surge of energy run through my body. I quickly realized that if I continue, something would happen that we might regret afterwards. I broke off the kiss and waited for her response. I thought she was going to slap me or at least yell at me, but she just looked at me, her eyes were as bright as the stars above and her cheeks were flushed.
I guess she felt the same way about me. I decided to leave before my luck ran out. But after that kiss I knew I had found the girl of my dreams.
The next evening, I went back to her balcony and asked her to be my girlfriend and she responded by giving me a kiss (which tasted like chocolate this time).
But our happiness was short lived. Marianne had seen us sneaking into the school that fateful night and decided to get back at me for rejecting her.
I was in my room one night, when I received a letter from Ally, asking me to meet her at the football field. I grabbed my black leather jacket and ran off.
When she came up and said that she had received my letter and disposed of it, I realized that we had fallen into a trap.
Suddenly, the lights were turned on and we saw Sisters Josephine, Berenice and Perpetua with Marianne. She told them that Ally and I have been secretly meeting here for the past few months. But that was a total lie. The penguin was so mad, that she expelled Ally. I demanded to receive the same punishment, but she wouldn't do it. She was taken away by the sisters, while I continued arguing with Sister Josephine.
The next day I talked with her and gave her the letter that Marianne had wrote me. I told her that Ally and I were victims of that silly girl. I then informed her that I was leaving school because I wanted to escape from my father's control and regain my identity.
She tried to convince me not leave. I had always thought she only cared about my father's money, but she really wanted the best for me. But I didn't change my mind. She finally agreed it was for the best and bid me farewell.
Afterwards I went to my room and gathered my things. I then called my mother in Paris and ask her to let me stay with her, and she gladly accepted.
I left without saying goodbye to Ally because I knew that if I saw her again I would not be able to leave. That was one those times when I hated being underage. I wanted it to take her with me, but I realize that she had to listen to her parents and as heir to the Arusian throne she had certain obligations. I couldn't force her to leave it all behind just for me.
I arrived in Paris that evening. My mother and my stepfather were waiting for me at the airport. She looked as beautiful as always. I was so overwhelmed with emotion that I ran into her arms. All these years away from her had faded away in an instant. She really loved me, as much as I loved her.
My stepfather shook my hand and said that I could stay with them as long as I wanted to. He seemed like a decent guy (he was in his early forties, had sandy brown hair and brown eyes), so I gave him the benefit of the doubt.
On the way home, he told me that he was a commander from Galaxy Garrison European Division. He asked me if I was interested in becoming a space explorer. I had never thought about a career in the military, but the prospect was intriguing. He offered to help me get into the Space Academy when the time came and I immediately accepted.
Save… close.
The Alliance just informed us that the conflict in the Magenta Galaxy has reached its apex and they will not be able to send more help to Arus. We will have to rely on our own resources for the time being.
"So?" Lance had replied, "Tell me something I don't know."
Good old Lancelot.
Continuing with my story, I remember that spring break of 2295. Father had invited me to stay with him. We were having a civilized conversation when I asked him if I could visit mother in Paris during summer break. He became angry and told me that I should forget her, because she didn't care about me. We ended up in shouting match and I left home. I jumped into my car and crossed the border. I spent the rest of the afternoon drinking beer at Señor Frog's.
Somehow I wound up back at school; I guess it was about midnight. I entered my room through the balcony and fell face down. I turned around and saw Allura with a look of pure shock written all over her face. I had entered her room by mistake!
She pleaded with me to leave because she didn't want to get in trouble. But I felt so awful that I just passed out.
The next morning I woke up and saw her sleeping on the bed. I got up from the floor and reached for a pen and a piece of paper from her desk. I wrote a small note thanking her and pinned it on the pillow.
I walked over to the bed and gazed at her. I leaned over and lightly caressed her cheek, and her lips curved into a slight smile. I don't know why, but her reaction gave me a sense of utter peace and contentment I've never felt in my whole life. I would never forget that encounter. We had spent the night together and it would be our little secret.
That afternoon I found Ally reading in the garden. I gave her a red rose and she seemed pleased. She was reading Romeo and Juliet. I told her it was a stupid story. That nobody died for love.
But she replied, "You must give yourself for the one you love."
I sat next to her and then leaned over. I felt the urge to kiss those tempting pink lips. But at the last minute I couldn't do it, and I started taunting her, telling her that she wasn't my type, that I like brunettes like Marianne. She became angry (jealous maybe?) and told me to look for her.
Why did I keep treating her that way? I really liked her. No, that's not true, I loved her. I still do. But what if she didn't feel the same way about me? The fear of rejection was overwhelming.
The days passed and I couldn't stop thinking about her, I even saw her in my dreams. I decided to access the school computer system; I wanted to find out everything about her. I discovered that she was a princess from a far away planet, called Arus. Why didn't she say anything? Maybe she was afraid that our classmates would bother her.
Then it hit me! That was the chance I was waiting for. I would ask her to go out with me on a date. If she refused I could threaten her with revealing her true identity.
That same evening I went to her room and climbed up to the balcony. I invited her out and she vehemently refused. But then I dropped the bombshell- I told her that I knew her secret.
She was quite shocked, but still she said no. After a little more coaxing she finally accepted.
I took her to the Horton Plaza shopping mall and we had a nice dinner at Planet Hollywood. Later I bought her a cinnamon roll and she offered to share it with me. After all I had put her through she was being nice to me.
When we returned to school I accompanied her to the back entrance of the dormitory. We just stood there gazing at each other.
I moved closer and cupped her lovely face in my hand and lifted it towards me, telling her that I was going to kiss her and hoping that she wouldn't say no. When she said that it was okay, I groaned and lifted her off her feet, pressing her back against the door to kiss her.
Her lips were soft and sweet. They tasted it like strawberries. I guess she was wearing strawberry flavored lip gloss.
I felt a surge of energy run through my body. I quickly realized that if I continue, something would happen that we might regret afterwards. I broke off the kiss and waited for her response. I thought she was going to slap me or at least yell at me, but she just looked at me, her eyes were as bright as the stars above and her cheeks were flushed.
I guess she felt the same way about me. I decided to leave before my luck ran out. But after that kiss I knew I had found the girl of my dreams.
The next evening, I went back to her balcony and asked her to be my girlfriend and she responded by giving me a kiss (which tasted like chocolate this time).
But our happiness was short lived. Marianne had seen us sneaking into the school that fateful night and decided to get back at me for rejecting her.
I was in my room one night, when I received a letter from Ally, asking me to meet her at the football field. I grabbed my black leather jacket and ran off.
When she came up and said that she had received my letter and disposed of it, I realized that we had fallen into a trap.
Suddenly, the lights were turned on and we saw Sisters Josephine, Berenice and Perpetua with Marianne. She told them that Ally and I have been secretly meeting here for the past few months. But that was a total lie. The penguin was so mad, that she expelled Ally. I demanded to receive the same punishment, but she wouldn't do it. She was taken away by the sisters, while I continued arguing with Sister Josephine.
The next day I talked with her and gave her the letter that Marianne had wrote me. I told her that Ally and I were victims of that silly girl. I then informed her that I was leaving school because I wanted to escape from my father's control and regain my identity.
She tried to convince me not leave. I had always thought she only cared about my father's money, but she really wanted the best for me. But I didn't change my mind. She finally agreed it was for the best and bid me farewell.
Afterwards I went to my room and gathered my things. I then called my mother in Paris and ask her to let me stay with her, and she gladly accepted.
I left without saying goodbye to Ally because I knew that if I saw her again I would not be able to leave. That was one those times when I hated being underage. I wanted it to take her with me, but I realize that she had to listen to her parents and as heir to the Arusian throne she had certain obligations. I couldn't force her to leave it all behind just for me.
I arrived in Paris that evening. My mother and my stepfather were waiting for me at the airport. She looked as beautiful as always. I was so overwhelmed with emotion that I ran into her arms. All these years away from her had faded away in an instant. She really loved me, as much as I loved her.
My stepfather shook my hand and said that I could stay with them as long as I wanted to. He seemed like a decent guy (he was in his early forties, had sandy brown hair and brown eyes), so I gave him the benefit of the doubt.
On the way home, he told me that he was a commander from Galaxy Garrison European Division. He asked me if I was interested in becoming a space explorer. I had never thought about a career in the military, but the prospect was intriguing. He offered to help me get into the Space Academy when the time came and I immediately accepted.
Save… close.
PERSONAL LOG…STAR DATE…2302.04.08.1
My mother and her husband lived in a charming mansion-house from the 1900's on Avenue Henri Martin, on the 16th district of Paris, near the Eiffel Tower.
Weeks later, Michael informed us that he was been transferred to Galaxy Garrison Western Division in Los Angeles.
They gave me two options: I could stay here in Paris and finish my schooling or I could do it at LA. I knew if I return to the States my father would try to control me again, so I decided to stay in Paris with mom, and then I would go back and enroll in the Space Academy.
With Michael flying back and forth preparing for his transfer to the States, my mom and I visited the sites. She took me to the Louvre, the Arc de Triomphe, Champs-Elysées, the Bastille and the public markets, but she loved the one that was in Rue d'Auteuil because it had a flower market and an artist's square (she's a great painter).
Even though my mother had a car, we would take the métro (subway). At the beginning it was confusing (I hate to admit it, I had never used public transportation) but I got the hang of it in a matter of weeks.
My favorite site was the Eiffel Tower. I could see it from my bedroom window. The view from the city from up there was breathtaking. I wanted to share this experience with Ally; I knew she would like this place. I promised myself that if I ever saw her again I would bring her here.
Although I could understand a few French words and phrases, I wanted to learn the language as quickly as possible, so my mother took me to the École de Langue Française pour Etrangers (The School of French Language for Foreigners). It was located on Rue Ballu, in the heart of the city, near the Arc de Triomphe.
I was given a one-to-one intensive course. I would go every morning from 9 to 12. In the afternoon my teacher, Monsieur Lépine would take me to courses focusing on French cultural and contemporary life, and excursions through out the city, so that I could take care of day-to-day needs in what for some may be an initially challenging new environment.
Weeks later, I took my final test in oral and written French and I received a certificate indicating the level attained intermediate 2 – competent comprehension and conversation, good general grammar and vocabulary. I was ready to continue with my regular studies.
When Michael returned from Los Angeles, he told us he had found the perfect school for me. It was called Das Lycée de Garçons Charles de Gaulle. It was located in Avenue de Versailles. (A lycée is the equivalent of high school, you could call it Charles de Gaulle High for young men)
The next day we went to the lycée, and met with the headmaster, Commandant Antoine Chartier. He gave me an entrance exam and decided that I could enroll in second class (10th grade).
The school was founded in 1901. Its aim was to prepare young people for jobs in the fast growing steel industry. Only much later (in the 1950's) did it develop from an industrial school into a classical secondary school (high school). It had modern facilities for sports, sciences, computing and multimedia. They had student exchanges between several European countries and the USA, and they had recently signed an exchange program with the Los Angeles Space Academy. The headmaster told us that I would not have any problem in my transition to the Academy.
Michael told him about my lack of discipline back at St. Mary's. The headmaster smiled at me and said that I would forget my evil ways here. For starters I would have to use a uniform, a gray tunic and pants with black trimmings. But then he pointed at my hair and said that I had to cut it, military style. Of course I hated the idea, but I had to comply.
I have to go… it's my turn at the controls.
Save… close.
My mother and her husband lived in a charming mansion-house from the 1900's on Avenue Henri Martin, on the 16th district of Paris, near the Eiffel Tower.
Weeks later, Michael informed us that he was been transferred to Galaxy Garrison Western Division in Los Angeles.
They gave me two options: I could stay here in Paris and finish my schooling or I could do it at LA. I knew if I return to the States my father would try to control me again, so I decided to stay in Paris with mom, and then I would go back and enroll in the Space Academy.
With Michael flying back and forth preparing for his transfer to the States, my mom and I visited the sites. She took me to the Louvre, the Arc de Triomphe, Champs-Elysées, the Bastille and the public markets, but she loved the one that was in Rue d'Auteuil because it had a flower market and an artist's square (she's a great painter).
Even though my mother had a car, we would take the métro (subway). At the beginning it was confusing (I hate to admit it, I had never used public transportation) but I got the hang of it in a matter of weeks.
My favorite site was the Eiffel Tower. I could see it from my bedroom window. The view from the city from up there was breathtaking. I wanted to share this experience with Ally; I knew she would like this place. I promised myself that if I ever saw her again I would bring her here.
Although I could understand a few French words and phrases, I wanted to learn the language as quickly as possible, so my mother took me to the École de Langue Française pour Etrangers (The School of French Language for Foreigners). It was located on Rue Ballu, in the heart of the city, near the Arc de Triomphe.
I was given a one-to-one intensive course. I would go every morning from 9 to 12. In the afternoon my teacher, Monsieur Lépine would take me to courses focusing on French cultural and contemporary life, and excursions through out the city, so that I could take care of day-to-day needs in what for some may be an initially challenging new environment.
Weeks later, I took my final test in oral and written French and I received a certificate indicating the level attained intermediate 2 – competent comprehension and conversation, good general grammar and vocabulary. I was ready to continue with my regular studies.
When Michael returned from Los Angeles, he told us he had found the perfect school for me. It was called Das Lycée de Garçons Charles de Gaulle. It was located in Avenue de Versailles. (A lycée is the equivalent of high school, you could call it Charles de Gaulle High for young men)
The next day we went to the lycée, and met with the headmaster, Commandant Antoine Chartier. He gave me an entrance exam and decided that I could enroll in second class (10th grade).
The school was founded in 1901. Its aim was to prepare young people for jobs in the fast growing steel industry. Only much later (in the 1950's) did it develop from an industrial school into a classical secondary school (high school). It had modern facilities for sports, sciences, computing and multimedia. They had student exchanges between several European countries and the USA, and they had recently signed an exchange program with the Los Angeles Space Academy. The headmaster told us that I would not have any problem in my transition to the Academy.
Michael told him about my lack of discipline back at St. Mary's. The headmaster smiled at me and said that I would forget my evil ways here. For starters I would have to use a uniform, a gray tunic and pants with black trimmings. But then he pointed at my hair and said that I had to cut it, military style. Of course I hated the idea, but I had to comply.
I have to go… it's my turn at the controls.
Save… close.
PERSONAL LOG…STAR DATE…2302.04.08.2
The first day of school I was quite nervous. I was assigned to group 1-A. I introduced myself to the class and they accepted me immediately. It was almost like been back in the States. The subjects were basically the same, but I had to work harder, especially in my grammar and my pronunciation, but I liked the challenge.
One day I was in the computer lab writing a science report when a tall skinny guy with light brown hair and hazel eyes walked up to me and said, "Allô - comment vous appelez-vous?" (Hello - What is your name?)
I hesitated for a few moments, because he spoke pretty fast, but he was asking for my name.
"Je m'applle Keith Alexander Lyons."
"Un Américain!" (An American!) he exclaimed.
I nodded. "Oui, je suis Américain." (Yes, I'm an American)
He smiled at me and said, "Excellent! Now I'll have someone else I can practice my English with."
"Huh?"
He reached out and shook my hand. "The name is Lance… Lance Beaumont."
"Are you French?"
"Yup, I was born right here in Paris."
"For a French guy you seem to know a lot of American slang."
He grinned at me. "Mon ami, that's because I read a lot of American magazines and watch lots movies and TV shows. Besides, my father says that people should learn English because of its international importance in commerce and science, and it creates professional opportunities and advantages. That's why I have had English as a secondary language since I was in collége (junior high)."
"You speak it very well."
"Thanks."
"What I like about of this school is that you can learn other customs and phrases from other countries. We have classmates from Austria, Germany, England, Italy, Spain, and Sweden."
He nodded. "I have a classmate from Norway. Have you met him?"
I shook my head. "Not yet."
He winced slightly. "He was supposed to be here, I don't know what's keeping him. I invited him home for lunch." He then placed a hand on my shoulder. "Hey – do you want to join us?"
"I would like to, but don't you think your parents are going to mind?"
"Of course not!" he laughed, "Come on – finish your report while we wait for the sveinn." (Old Norse word meaning boy, lad)
He then turned around and smiled. "And speaking of the diable, here he comes."
I saw a guy with black hair and dark blue eyes entering the lab.
"Attendez!" (Wait) he shouted at him.
The guy looked at us and said, "Qu'est-ce qui se passe?" (What's going on?)
"Let me introduce you to my new friend from America."
I rose from my seat and offered my hand to him. "Je m'applle Keith Lyons."
He looked at me for a few moments and then shook my hand, "Je m'applle Sven Asbjörnsen." He then smiled at me. "You're the new guy from 1-A, aren't you?"
"Yes."
Lance broke in. "We're in group 1-C. Sven – I invited Keith to join us for lunch."
He nodded approvingly. "That's great, just let me print this file, I have the flash drive right here," he said, opening up his binder.
"Dépêche-vous! (Hurry up), because I promised father that I would deliver the bread today."
"Your family owns a bakery shop?"
He nodded. "We have a chain of bakeries and pastry shops through out the city, called La Boulangerie Pattisseire Beaumont."
"Yes - I have seen them. There's one a few blocks from my home, on Rue Tristan Tzara."
"Uh huh. It's a two-story building. We live on the top floor."
I then turned to Sven. "And where do you live?"
He frowned. "Right here in the lycée. I don't like it, but I can't afford an apartment – yet."
Lance grinned at us. "Maybe someday we could get an apartment and share the expenses, but first we have to earn some money. Why don't you start by helping me with the delivery? And then I'll ask my mother to prepare us chocolate eclairs, that's her specialty."
The offer was too good to refuse…
"Oui!" we replied in unison.
"Trés bien!" (Very well) he exclaimed, "Shall we go?"
And then I remembered a movie I watched on TV a few months ago, called Casablanca (1942). Rick the American tells the French officer, "I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship…"
Save… close.
The first day of school I was quite nervous. I was assigned to group 1-A. I introduced myself to the class and they accepted me immediately. It was almost like been back in the States. The subjects were basically the same, but I had to work harder, especially in my grammar and my pronunciation, but I liked the challenge.
One day I was in the computer lab writing a science report when a tall skinny guy with light brown hair and hazel eyes walked up to me and said, "Allô - comment vous appelez-vous?" (Hello - What is your name?)
I hesitated for a few moments, because he spoke pretty fast, but he was asking for my name.
"Je m'applle Keith Alexander Lyons."
"Un Américain!" (An American!) he exclaimed.
I nodded. "Oui, je suis Américain." (Yes, I'm an American)
He smiled at me and said, "Excellent! Now I'll have someone else I can practice my English with."
"Huh?"
He reached out and shook my hand. "The name is Lance… Lance Beaumont."
"Are you French?"
"Yup, I was born right here in Paris."
"For a French guy you seem to know a lot of American slang."
He grinned at me. "Mon ami, that's because I read a lot of American magazines and watch lots movies and TV shows. Besides, my father says that people should learn English because of its international importance in commerce and science, and it creates professional opportunities and advantages. That's why I have had English as a secondary language since I was in collége (junior high)."
"You speak it very well."
"Thanks."
"What I like about of this school is that you can learn other customs and phrases from other countries. We have classmates from Austria, Germany, England, Italy, Spain, and Sweden."
He nodded. "I have a classmate from Norway. Have you met him?"
I shook my head. "Not yet."
He winced slightly. "He was supposed to be here, I don't know what's keeping him. I invited him home for lunch." He then placed a hand on my shoulder. "Hey – do you want to join us?"
"I would like to, but don't you think your parents are going to mind?"
"Of course not!" he laughed, "Come on – finish your report while we wait for the sveinn." (Old Norse word meaning boy, lad)
He then turned around and smiled. "And speaking of the diable, here he comes."
I saw a guy with black hair and dark blue eyes entering the lab.
"Attendez!" (Wait) he shouted at him.
The guy looked at us and said, "Qu'est-ce qui se passe?" (What's going on?)
"Let me introduce you to my new friend from America."
I rose from my seat and offered my hand to him. "Je m'applle Keith Lyons."
He looked at me for a few moments and then shook my hand, "Je m'applle Sven Asbjörnsen." He then smiled at me. "You're the new guy from 1-A, aren't you?"
"Yes."
Lance broke in. "We're in group 1-C. Sven – I invited Keith to join us for lunch."
He nodded approvingly. "That's great, just let me print this file, I have the flash drive right here," he said, opening up his binder.
"Dépêche-vous! (Hurry up), because I promised father that I would deliver the bread today."
"Your family owns a bakery shop?"
He nodded. "We have a chain of bakeries and pastry shops through out the city, called La Boulangerie Pattisseire Beaumont."
"Yes - I have seen them. There's one a few blocks from my home, on Rue Tristan Tzara."
"Uh huh. It's a two-story building. We live on the top floor."
I then turned to Sven. "And where do you live?"
He frowned. "Right here in the lycée. I don't like it, but I can't afford an apartment – yet."
Lance grinned at us. "Maybe someday we could get an apartment and share the expenses, but first we have to earn some money. Why don't you start by helping me with the delivery? And then I'll ask my mother to prepare us chocolate eclairs, that's her specialty."
The offer was too good to refuse…
"Oui!" we replied in unison.
"Trés bien!" (Very well) he exclaimed, "Shall we go?"
And then I remembered a movie I watched on TV a few months ago, called Casablanca (1942). Rick the American tells the French officer, "I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship…"
Save… close.
PERSONAL LOG…STAR DATE…2302.04.09.1
Pidge managed to break into the Doomian communication systems. They're planning to launch an attack on planet Lyra, so they're leaving Arus alone for a while. That will give us ample time to arrive and look for Voltron.
When I was promoted to first class (11th grade) I was placed in the same group as Lance and Sven. By then we were known as the Three Musketeers because we were inseparable.
After the boring lessons, hard work and difficult class papers, we would look forward to spending our Saturday nights in a more exciting way. We would take the métro and go to the discos, the cinema, and a number of nice pubs. Our favorite pub was the Lion Rouge (Lance had found it in one of his deliveries) on rue Alexandre Dumas and we would celebrate until 1 or 2 in the morning.
After our escapades we would go back to Lance's home and have breakfast, and then helped his father with the baking.
To supplement our income, Sven tutored some of our classmates in math and chemistry and I worked as a messenger in a chocolate shop, called Roy Chocolatier (Mom and the owner, Madam Leroux were good friends).
What I loved of that job was that I rode a motorbike. Mother wasn't too thrilled with the idea, but like I told Allura years ago, "I'm an excellent driver."
On my terminal class (senior year), my mother decided to join my stepfather in Los Angeles for good. They concluded that I was responsible enough to handle the affairs of the house and they even opened me a bank account. That's when I asked Sven and Lance to come live with me and share the expenses.
Sven was happy to leave the dormitory because he hated the 9pm curfew. His parents Olaf and Kari are teachers living in Oslo. (He is an only child like myself)
Lance although he loved his family, (his parents, Gérard and Camille and two younger sisters Liliane - 15 and Lucie – 11) wanted to have a place of his own.
When my parents mentioned the possibility of selling the house, I told them that I wanted the house because I loved this city, and that I would get a job while I was in the Space Academy so I could pay for it. They were surprised by my request. They said that at my age I should focus my attention on my studies, not in buying a house. But I insisted because I wanted to bring Allura someday. Of course I didn't tell them the real reason.
My last year at the lycée went so fast. I wanted to return to my country, but at the same time I felt like I was leaving a part of me here.
Or could it be that I had spent some of the happiest years of my life here in this beautiful city? Surrounded by a loving family and great friends? Away from the arguing, the harsh words and hatred of someone that I loved in spite of everything?
[Keith closes his eyes briefly and tries to compose himself]
I will never forget the graduation ceremony. Our parents were so happy. When we received our baccaluréat (high school diploma), Headmaster Chartier told the congregation that the Galaxie Garnison Comité had granted the three of us scholarships to enter the Los Angeles Space Academy.
I presented my diploma to mom and she broke down crying and wrapped her arms around me.
"Keith – I'm so proud of you."
"Thanks mom."
My stepfather then gave me an envelope. I opened it, and to my surprise it was the deed to the house with my name.
"But Michael, you said that I should wait until I graduate from the Academy so I could buy the house."
He placed a hand on my shoulder and said, "Keith – you have earned it, I know it was hard for you to adjust to your new life, but now you're ready for the next step, becoming a Space Explorer."
I hugged him and said, "Thank you Michael… I mean dad. I will not disappoint you, I promise."
He smiled warmly at me. "I know, son."
"Now go with your friends and have a good time," my mother said and then kissed me on both cheeks.
I smiled at them. "I will, thanks for everything."
Our class partied at the Iguana Café. We had a nice dinner and a few beers. We talked about our plans for the future. Some were going back to their countries to continue with their studies, others were staying and would attend the Sorbonne or the Institut Catholique.
Hours later, the Three Musketeers sneaked out of the party and went to the Right Bank, and stopped at the Café Francis to drink a bottle of the most expensive wine and view the Eiffel Tower at night.
"Are you ready to go back to the States?" Sven asked me.
I chuckled softly. "Yes, but is my country ready for the Three Musketeers?"
"I sure hope so; I'm looking forward to it. Thank God the Academy has female cadets," Lance sighed.
"Those American girls will not be able to escape from your charm," Sven said.
Lance gave him an icy glare. "And you'll stay away from me, sveinn," he chided, "That accent of yours seems to attract them like bears to honey and is worse when you speak French. I don't know what they see in you."
"Could it be that I'm… how does it go?"
He closed his eyes briefly. "Ah! I've got it!"
"Could it be that I'm tall, dark and handsome?" he asked while trying to keep a straight face.
Lance laughed out loud. "Ha! Who told you that nonsense?"
"Rachel"
"Who?"
"Rachel, you remember her. The American girl we met in the Lion Rouge a few weeks ago, the one who told us she was going to study in Scotland…and gave me her e-mail address."
He frowned. "Oh yeah, I remember her. She was probably drunk," he retorted.
"She wasn't."
"Oh yes she was,"
"Menteur." (liar)
Lance groaned softly. "Ok – she wasn't drunk, but she probably wasn't wearing her glasses."
Sven grinned slightly "You're just saying that because she ignored you."
"That's not true! She talked to me."
"Yes, she asked you for a pen so she could write her e-mail address on a napkin for yours truly."
Lance clenched his teeth. "For your information – I saw her first but you had to barge in."
"Maybe if you tried listening to a girl, instead of speaking about yourself all the time, you would have a chance."
Lance rolled his eyes at him. "Sven – fuck off!"
"And besides, Rachel doesn't wear glasses," Sven added.
I couldn't help but laugh at them. They always ended up arguing when the subject of girls came up.
Lance then turned to me. "As for Keyster here, I don't have to worry about him. He's only interested in getting good grades, even though the filles drool for him."
I just shook my head. If they only knew the only girl I was interested in was millions of light years away… in a planet called Arus.
Lance then raised his glass and said, "Amis pour toujours." (Friends forever)
"Amis pour toujours," we replied in unison raising our glasses.
Save… close.
Pidge managed to break into the Doomian communication systems. They're planning to launch an attack on planet Lyra, so they're leaving Arus alone for a while. That will give us ample time to arrive and look for Voltron.
When I was promoted to first class (11th grade) I was placed in the same group as Lance and Sven. By then we were known as the Three Musketeers because we were inseparable.
After the boring lessons, hard work and difficult class papers, we would look forward to spending our Saturday nights in a more exciting way. We would take the métro and go to the discos, the cinema, and a number of nice pubs. Our favorite pub was the Lion Rouge (Lance had found it in one of his deliveries) on rue Alexandre Dumas and we would celebrate until 1 or 2 in the morning.
After our escapades we would go back to Lance's home and have breakfast, and then helped his father with the baking.
To supplement our income, Sven tutored some of our classmates in math and chemistry and I worked as a messenger in a chocolate shop, called Roy Chocolatier (Mom and the owner, Madam Leroux were good friends).
What I loved of that job was that I rode a motorbike. Mother wasn't too thrilled with the idea, but like I told Allura years ago, "I'm an excellent driver."
On my terminal class (senior year), my mother decided to join my stepfather in Los Angeles for good. They concluded that I was responsible enough to handle the affairs of the house and they even opened me a bank account. That's when I asked Sven and Lance to come live with me and share the expenses.
Sven was happy to leave the dormitory because he hated the 9pm curfew. His parents Olaf and Kari are teachers living in Oslo. (He is an only child like myself)
Lance although he loved his family, (his parents, Gérard and Camille and two younger sisters Liliane - 15 and Lucie – 11) wanted to have a place of his own.
When my parents mentioned the possibility of selling the house, I told them that I wanted the house because I loved this city, and that I would get a job while I was in the Space Academy so I could pay for it. They were surprised by my request. They said that at my age I should focus my attention on my studies, not in buying a house. But I insisted because I wanted to bring Allura someday. Of course I didn't tell them the real reason.
My last year at the lycée went so fast. I wanted to return to my country, but at the same time I felt like I was leaving a part of me here.
Or could it be that I had spent some of the happiest years of my life here in this beautiful city? Surrounded by a loving family and great friends? Away from the arguing, the harsh words and hatred of someone that I loved in spite of everything?
[Keith closes his eyes briefly and tries to compose himself]
I will never forget the graduation ceremony. Our parents were so happy. When we received our baccaluréat (high school diploma), Headmaster Chartier told the congregation that the Galaxie Garnison Comité had granted the three of us scholarships to enter the Los Angeles Space Academy.
I presented my diploma to mom and she broke down crying and wrapped her arms around me.
"Keith – I'm so proud of you."
"Thanks mom."
My stepfather then gave me an envelope. I opened it, and to my surprise it was the deed to the house with my name.
"But Michael, you said that I should wait until I graduate from the Academy so I could buy the house."
He placed a hand on my shoulder and said, "Keith – you have earned it, I know it was hard for you to adjust to your new life, but now you're ready for the next step, becoming a Space Explorer."
I hugged him and said, "Thank you Michael… I mean dad. I will not disappoint you, I promise."
He smiled warmly at me. "I know, son."
"Now go with your friends and have a good time," my mother said and then kissed me on both cheeks.
I smiled at them. "I will, thanks for everything."
Our class partied at the Iguana Café. We had a nice dinner and a few beers. We talked about our plans for the future. Some were going back to their countries to continue with their studies, others were staying and would attend the Sorbonne or the Institut Catholique.
Hours later, the Three Musketeers sneaked out of the party and went to the Right Bank, and stopped at the Café Francis to drink a bottle of the most expensive wine and view the Eiffel Tower at night.
"Are you ready to go back to the States?" Sven asked me.
I chuckled softly. "Yes, but is my country ready for the Three Musketeers?"
"I sure hope so; I'm looking forward to it. Thank God the Academy has female cadets," Lance sighed.
"Those American girls will not be able to escape from your charm," Sven said.
Lance gave him an icy glare. "And you'll stay away from me, sveinn," he chided, "That accent of yours seems to attract them like bears to honey and is worse when you speak French. I don't know what they see in you."
"Could it be that I'm… how does it go?"
He closed his eyes briefly. "Ah! I've got it!"
"Could it be that I'm tall, dark and handsome?" he asked while trying to keep a straight face.
Lance laughed out loud. "Ha! Who told you that nonsense?"
"Rachel"
"Who?"
"Rachel, you remember her. The American girl we met in the Lion Rouge a few weeks ago, the one who told us she was going to study in Scotland…and gave me her e-mail address."
He frowned. "Oh yeah, I remember her. She was probably drunk," he retorted.
"She wasn't."
"Oh yes she was,"
"Menteur." (liar)
Lance groaned softly. "Ok – she wasn't drunk, but she probably wasn't wearing her glasses."
Sven grinned slightly "You're just saying that because she ignored you."
"That's not true! She talked to me."
"Yes, she asked you for a pen so she could write her e-mail address on a napkin for yours truly."
Lance clenched his teeth. "For your information – I saw her first but you had to barge in."
"Maybe if you tried listening to a girl, instead of speaking about yourself all the time, you would have a chance."
Lance rolled his eyes at him. "Sven – fuck off!"
"And besides, Rachel doesn't wear glasses," Sven added.
I couldn't help but laugh at them. They always ended up arguing when the subject of girls came up.
Lance then turned to me. "As for Keyster here, I don't have to worry about him. He's only interested in getting good grades, even though the filles drool for him."
I just shook my head. If they only knew the only girl I was interested in was millions of light years away… in a planet called Arus.
Lance then raised his glass and said, "Amis pour toujours." (Friends forever)
"Amis pour toujours," we replied in unison raising our glasses.
Save… close.
PERSONAL LOG…STAR DATE…2302.04.09.2
A week later, Lance, Sven and I arrived at Los Angeles International Airport. Michael took us to the Los Angeles Space Academy, which was located in El Segundo, California about 10 minutes from LAX.
We entered the People Center to receive our ID's and registration. We then went to a newcomers' orientation course to greet the commanders and hear about the academy services. Dad told us that we would need a sponsor (a personal ambassador to the Space Academy) who would contact us and give us welcome letters, maps, a base newspaper and other information to introduce us to the base.
He walked up to one of the commanders and they exchanged a few words. They came back to us and Michael said, "Boys, this is Commander Steven Hawkins, he has agreed to be your sponsor."
He was man in his early thirties, with black hair and gray eyes. We gave him a military salute.
He smiled at us. "At ease gentlemen, Commander Harrison has told me about your studies at the lycée. I'm sure Commander Chartier has done a great job."
We glanced at each other in amazement. It seemed that old man Chartier was known worldwide. We would never forget those grueling three years under his dictatorship.
"Are you planning on living in the dormitories?" Hawkins asked.
"No sir, we would preferred an apartment, the three of us lived together our last year of high school," I replied.
He nodded. "Very well, you must go the Housing Referral office before searching for off-base housing so you can get special rates as uniformed service members. They can give you lists for roommates, apartments and realtors."
That afternoon we went to that office. There we bumped into two space cadets. One of them was about 6'5 and as massive as a house. He had dark brown hair and brown eyes. The other one was just a kid, no more than 12 years old. He had reddish brown hair, hazel eyes and wore glasses. They were arguing about their living accommodations.
"I'm telling you little buddy, we can't afford that house at Hermosa Beach even at the special rate. We'll have to stay at my apartment on Hawthorne."
The other one grimaced. "We could if you would go on a diet, our grocery bills are astronomical!" he spat.
The big guy groaned. "I don't know why I accepted to be your roommate. Your brother Chip is going to pay for this."
He glared at him. "It's not my fault that you lost that bet with him. Now you'll have to suffer the consequences."
Lance then broke in. "Hey you, we just entered the academy and we're looking for a house. Is the one at Hermosa Beach too expensive?"
They gazed at us for a few moments. "For the two of us yes, maybe if we could get more roommates," the big guy replied thoughtfully.
"Let me see the description of the house," I said while reaching for the folder the kid had on his right hand. It was a furnished five-bedroom home, built on the 2100's. The rent was a bit high, but we could manage. I then passed the info to Sven and Lance.
The Three Musketeers then glanced at each other and realized they had found the perfect home.
"What are your names?" Sven asked.
The big guy said, "Jonathan Chandler, but you can call me Hunk."
The kid adjusted his glasses. "Peter Trekell, but everyone calls me Pidge."
"My name is Sven Asbjörnsen."
"Mine is Lance Beaumont."
"And I'm Keith Harrison."
"Nice to meet you all," Hunk said.
"Likewise."
"Where are you from?" Lance asked.
"I'm from the beautiful city of Anaheim," Hunk replied proudly.
"And I'm from space colony Balto," Pidge said.
"Is this your first year at the Academy?" I asked.
"No, my second year," Hunk replied.
"Second year," Pidge said proudly.
Lance quirked an eyebrow. "Aren't you a little too young to be a space cadet?" he asked.
Pidge frowned. "And aren't you a little too scrawny to be a space cadet?" he retorted.
Lance glared at him. "Why you…!" he exclaimed.
I broke in. "Stop this nonsense you two!" I then turned to Hunk. "I think my friends and I would like to be your roommates, if you don't mind."
Hunk and Pidge gapped their mouths in disbelief. They would be able to rent that house near the beach after all.
"Alright!" Pidge exclaimed.
"That's great! I won't be forced to go on a diet," Hunk breathed.
"Let's go into the office and sign the lease," I said.
And the gang had two new members, not knowing that in the future we would defend a planet from the tyranny of an evil king.
Save… close.
A week later, Lance, Sven and I arrived at Los Angeles International Airport. Michael took us to the Los Angeles Space Academy, which was located in El Segundo, California about 10 minutes from LAX.
We entered the People Center to receive our ID's and registration. We then went to a newcomers' orientation course to greet the commanders and hear about the academy services. Dad told us that we would need a sponsor (a personal ambassador to the Space Academy) who would contact us and give us welcome letters, maps, a base newspaper and other information to introduce us to the base.
He walked up to one of the commanders and they exchanged a few words. They came back to us and Michael said, "Boys, this is Commander Steven Hawkins, he has agreed to be your sponsor."
He was man in his early thirties, with black hair and gray eyes. We gave him a military salute.
He smiled at us. "At ease gentlemen, Commander Harrison has told me about your studies at the lycée. I'm sure Commander Chartier has done a great job."
We glanced at each other in amazement. It seemed that old man Chartier was known worldwide. We would never forget those grueling three years under his dictatorship.
"Are you planning on living in the dormitories?" Hawkins asked.
"No sir, we would preferred an apartment, the three of us lived together our last year of high school," I replied.
He nodded. "Very well, you must go the Housing Referral office before searching for off-base housing so you can get special rates as uniformed service members. They can give you lists for roommates, apartments and realtors."
That afternoon we went to that office. There we bumped into two space cadets. One of them was about 6'5 and as massive as a house. He had dark brown hair and brown eyes. The other one was just a kid, no more than 12 years old. He had reddish brown hair, hazel eyes and wore glasses. They were arguing about their living accommodations.
"I'm telling you little buddy, we can't afford that house at Hermosa Beach even at the special rate. We'll have to stay at my apartment on Hawthorne."
The other one grimaced. "We could if you would go on a diet, our grocery bills are astronomical!" he spat.
The big guy groaned. "I don't know why I accepted to be your roommate. Your brother Chip is going to pay for this."
He glared at him. "It's not my fault that you lost that bet with him. Now you'll have to suffer the consequences."
Lance then broke in. "Hey you, we just entered the academy and we're looking for a house. Is the one at Hermosa Beach too expensive?"
They gazed at us for a few moments. "For the two of us yes, maybe if we could get more roommates," the big guy replied thoughtfully.
"Let me see the description of the house," I said while reaching for the folder the kid had on his right hand. It was a furnished five-bedroom home, built on the 2100's. The rent was a bit high, but we could manage. I then passed the info to Sven and Lance.
The Three Musketeers then glanced at each other and realized they had found the perfect home.
"What are your names?" Sven asked.
The big guy said, "Jonathan Chandler, but you can call me Hunk."
The kid adjusted his glasses. "Peter Trekell, but everyone calls me Pidge."
"My name is Sven Asbjörnsen."
"Mine is Lance Beaumont."
"And I'm Keith Harrison."
"Nice to meet you all," Hunk said.
"Likewise."
"Where are you from?" Lance asked.
"I'm from the beautiful city of Anaheim," Hunk replied proudly.
"And I'm from space colony Balto," Pidge said.
"Is this your first year at the Academy?" I asked.
"No, my second year," Hunk replied.
"Second year," Pidge said proudly.
Lance quirked an eyebrow. "Aren't you a little too young to be a space cadet?" he asked.
Pidge frowned. "And aren't you a little too scrawny to be a space cadet?" he retorted.
Lance glared at him. "Why you…!" he exclaimed.
I broke in. "Stop this nonsense you two!" I then turned to Hunk. "I think my friends and I would like to be your roommates, if you don't mind."
Hunk and Pidge gapped their mouths in disbelief. They would be able to rent that house near the beach after all.
"Alright!" Pidge exclaimed.
"That's great! I won't be forced to go on a diet," Hunk breathed.
"Let's go into the office and sign the lease," I said.
And the gang had two new members, not knowing that in the future we would defend a planet from the tyranny of an evil king.
Save… close.
The young space explorers were approaching Planet Arus…
Lance leaned forward on his console, narrowing his eyes. "Keith, something is happening on the surface of the planet," he said. Hunk looked at the screen. "Keith! I think they are under attack."
All five of them gathered to get a better look through the starship's forward windows. The planet was being attacked by a swarm of Doom fighters and a massive destroyer.
Keith turned to Sven. "Sven – turn the ship to full power, we must help them!"
Sven nodded. "Right!"
Hunk frowned. "Too bad this tin can doesn't have enough weapons to finish them!"
"We need Voltron for that!" Lance said.
"Keith – I'm picking up one of Zarkon's ships," Sven said while looking at the radar.
"Galaxy Garrison - this is Commander Keith, we're in trouble. Doom ships are gaining on us."
They waited for a few moments…
"No answer!" Sven said exasperated.
"Try again!" Lance yelled.
"Keith! There are right behind us!" Pidge exclaimed.
"They're about to fire!" Hunk cried.
"Brace yourselves, team!" Keith shouted.
They were hit several times. One of the consoles erupted in flames and the cockpit started to fill up with smoke.
"Get the fire extinguishers!" Keith ordered.
When the smoke cleared, Hunk sat down and looked at the screen.
"They're preparing to attack again, I don't think this ship will resist much longer" he said.
"We have to eject!" Keith stated.
"Are you mad? If we do that, they're going to get us!" Lance cried.
"Lance – it's better than crash landing!"
"Try again with the Garrison!" Sven said.
"Galaxy Garrison! This is Commander Keith… we're being attacked by a Doom destroyer. We're abandoning the ship-"
But then they were hit by enemy fire once again.
"Everyone - eject!" he said, punching the ejection button.
Lance leaned forward on his console, narrowing his eyes. "Keith, something is happening on the surface of the planet," he said. Hunk looked at the screen. "Keith! I think they are under attack."
All five of them gathered to get a better look through the starship's forward windows. The planet was being attacked by a swarm of Doom fighters and a massive destroyer.
Keith turned to Sven. "Sven – turn the ship to full power, we must help them!"
Sven nodded. "Right!"
Hunk frowned. "Too bad this tin can doesn't have enough weapons to finish them!"
"We need Voltron for that!" Lance said.
"Keith – I'm picking up one of Zarkon's ships," Sven said while looking at the radar.
"Galaxy Garrison - this is Commander Keith, we're in trouble. Doom ships are gaining on us."
They waited for a few moments…
"No answer!" Sven said exasperated.
"Try again!" Lance yelled.
"Keith! There are right behind us!" Pidge exclaimed.
"They're about to fire!" Hunk cried.
"Brace yourselves, team!" Keith shouted.
They were hit several times. One of the consoles erupted in flames and the cockpit started to fill up with smoke.
"Get the fire extinguishers!" Keith ordered.
When the smoke cleared, Hunk sat down and looked at the screen.
"They're preparing to attack again, I don't think this ship will resist much longer" he said.
"We have to eject!" Keith stated.
"Are you mad? If we do that, they're going to get us!" Lance cried.
"Lance – it's better than crash landing!"
"Try again with the Garrison!" Sven said.
"Galaxy Garrison! This is Commander Keith… we're being attacked by a Doom destroyer. We're abandoning the ship-"
But then they were hit by enemy fire once again.
"Everyone - eject!" he said, punching the ejection button.
PERSONAL LOG…STAR DATE…2302.04.10.1
We landed on a moon near planet Arus, where we were taken prisoners by a Drule commander called Yurak. Right now we're in Planet Doom. Everyone seems to be all right after our little encounter with the drones.
When they tattooed our arms with a skull- the symbol of Zarkon's empire- Hunk became so angry that he destroyed a few robot guards and we joined in the fun until Yurak ordered the guards to fire at us with laser guns set on stun and then tie us up.
Fortunately, Sven managed to free us with a small dagger he had hidden in the hem of his tunic… he's always prepared. I'm glad he's on our side.
We overheard the guards talking about taking us into the arena to fight the robeasts. Zarkon wants to show the Alliance that he's invincible… the bastard.
I'm afraid just to think what he could do to Allura. God! If he dares to lay a finger on her, I'll kill him!
Pidge was the last one to wake up. Sometimes I wonder if he should be here. He's younger than even the average first-year classman at just sixteen years old. He's considered a boy genius and finished his studies in just two years but remained in the academy to improve his flying skills. His specialty is computers, and he's a great gymnast.
Hunk graduated first of his class and his specialty is mechatronics. He's the toughest looking member of the team, winning several weightlifting competitions in the cadet division. But he's a very mellow, easygoing guy, always ready to help.
Sven, Lance and I weren't supposed to graduate until June, but Commander Hawkins said that if we took a secret assignment we would be able to graduate earlier, and of course we accepted.
Sven graduated second in our class. He‘s the most experienced navigator I've ever known and also has extensive survival training. And he's an expert on martial arts with a black belt.
Lance graduated third in our class. He's an excellent pilot. Sometimes he challenges my authority, but he's a true professional. He also excels in fencing and hand-to-hand combat. I guess Pidge's constant taunts forced him to prove that he was no weakling.
[Lance stands back up and glares at me]
"Keith – instead of writing your log, why don't you help us find a way out of this mess?" he said, brushing the dirt off his clothes.
[I glared back at him for a few seconds and then saved the journal entry]
We landed on a moon near planet Arus, where we were taken prisoners by a Drule commander called Yurak. Right now we're in Planet Doom. Everyone seems to be all right after our little encounter with the drones.
When they tattooed our arms with a skull- the symbol of Zarkon's empire- Hunk became so angry that he destroyed a few robot guards and we joined in the fun until Yurak ordered the guards to fire at us with laser guns set on stun and then tie us up.
Fortunately, Sven managed to free us with a small dagger he had hidden in the hem of his tunic… he's always prepared. I'm glad he's on our side.
We overheard the guards talking about taking us into the arena to fight the robeasts. Zarkon wants to show the Alliance that he's invincible… the bastard.
I'm afraid just to think what he could do to Allura. God! If he dares to lay a finger on her, I'll kill him!
Pidge was the last one to wake up. Sometimes I wonder if he should be here. He's younger than even the average first-year classman at just sixteen years old. He's considered a boy genius and finished his studies in just two years but remained in the academy to improve his flying skills. His specialty is computers, and he's a great gymnast.
Hunk graduated first of his class and his specialty is mechatronics. He's the toughest looking member of the team, winning several weightlifting competitions in the cadet division. But he's a very mellow, easygoing guy, always ready to help.
Sven, Lance and I weren't supposed to graduate until June, but Commander Hawkins said that if we took a secret assignment we would be able to graduate earlier, and of course we accepted.
Sven graduated second in our class. He‘s the most experienced navigator I've ever known and also has extensive survival training. And he's an expert on martial arts with a black belt.
Lance graduated third in our class. He's an excellent pilot. Sometimes he challenges my authority, but he's a true professional. He also excels in fencing and hand-to-hand combat. I guess Pidge's constant taunts forced him to prove that he was no weakling.
[Lance stands back up and glares at me]
"Keith – instead of writing your log, why don't you help us find a way out of this mess?" he said, brushing the dirt off his clothes.
[I glared back at him for a few seconds and then saved the journal entry]
Keith turned off his palmtop, and replaced it into the pocket of his flight suit. He then looked up and smiled.
"I think I've found it. Up there!" he said, standing up and pointing at the ceiling.
They followed suit and saw a small barred window.
Lance grimaced. "And how may I ask, are we suppose to go up?"
Keith turned to Pidge. "You can climb up there… can't you?"
He stood back up. "Of course, Commander!"
Sven grabbed the rope they had used to tie us up and gave it to him. "You can tie this rope to one of the bars; Hunk then climbs up and bends them."
"I'm ready!" Hunk said, flexing his enormous biceps.
"Ok - let's do it," Keith said.
"I'll be on the lookout," Sven said and walked up to the door.
Moments later…
"Guard coming!" he whispered loudly while leaning on the wall and closing his eyes.
The rest hit the floor and pretended to be asleep while Pidge held on to the bars.
The guard looked inside and said, "They're still out cold, they'll have to fight tomorrow. His lordship isn't going to like this."
They heard his footsteps fading away.
"He's gone," Lance breathed.
We stood back up and looked on as Pidge managed to tie the rope to a bar. Hunk climbed up and grabbed the bars, bending them effortlessly. He jumped out, followed by the rest of the team. They stood on the ledge for a while, the foul air hitting their faces.
"We need a ship!" Keith said.
"Good one, Keith!" Lance said. "How are we suppose to get down?!"
"They will help us!" Sven replied pointing to a flock of vultures flying above the dungeons seeking their prey.
"Great idea!" Pidge cried.
"Ok everyone - get ready!" Keith yelled.
They managed to grab a hold of those buzzards and flew away from the dungeons, landing on a horrible site.
"Those ugly birds dropped us off on the pit of skulls!" Hunk said horrified.
"They might be an unpleasant sight, but they helped us escape from the dungeons," Sven said.
Lance tilted his head upwards and closed his eyes for brief moment. "We must stop this insanity."
Keith turned to him and said, "And we'll do it… with Voltron."
They stood for a minute of silence, then ran into the hangar and managed to steal a ship, but not before fighting off a few robot guards.
They managed to reach planet Arus, but Yurak and his fleet caught up with them and started firing their lasers. The runaway ship was hit several times and the cockpit started to fill up with smoke. Keith was forced to give the order to abandon ship.
They landed in the middle of the Arusian desert. They were trying to decide what to do when Keith suddenly felt they were being watched.
He whipped around and saw a shower of spears coming their way.
"Look out! Behind you!" he cried. "Duck!"
All five men dropped onto the sand… and dozens of spears passed above their heads!
"What the…!" Lance began, when a spear landed a few inches from his face.
"Hold your fire! We're friends!" Keith shouted.
The attack ceased. They stood back up and glanced at the people in the caves, they looked liked frighten animals.
Furious, Hunk picked up a spear and ran toward them.
"Some welcome you have given us! We came to help. Come out and fight!"
The villagers ran back inside.
Shaking his head, Keith walked up to him and placed a hand on his shoulder. "Take it easy, Hunk," he said.
Hunk glanced at him. "Zarkon wrecks their planet. We come to help them and what do we get? Scaredy cats!"
"They've been through a nightmare," Lance said, closing his eyes. "You would be scared too!"
"Not me!" Hunk spat.
Lance peeked at him with one eye. "Unless we help them, there's no hope for these people."
Hunk shook his head. "How can you help someone, who doesn't help themselves?"
Lance turned his head and smiled. "It won't be easy, but we'll try," he said softly.
Grimacing, Hunk looked around. "It would be a lot easier with some food, or a space burger place around."
"Zarkon did this to these people," Pidge whispered furiously.
"Now they're afraid of everybody," Sven said.
Lance nodded. "It'll be hard to make friends here," he said. "But that's what we got to do, help each other!"
"That castle is the place to start," Keith said.
"We walk?" Hunk gasped.
"We can't stay here. Zarkon's attack squad we'll return blasting any minute," he replied.
Hunk clenched his jaw. "Okay, there's a job to be done. Let's do it!"
Sven, Pidge and Lance nodded in agreement.
Stepping forward, Keith said, "I don't know what else we'll find. But we can handle it. Let's go!"
"I think I've found it. Up there!" he said, standing up and pointing at the ceiling.
They followed suit and saw a small barred window.
Lance grimaced. "And how may I ask, are we suppose to go up?"
Keith turned to Pidge. "You can climb up there… can't you?"
He stood back up. "Of course, Commander!"
Sven grabbed the rope they had used to tie us up and gave it to him. "You can tie this rope to one of the bars; Hunk then climbs up and bends them."
"I'm ready!" Hunk said, flexing his enormous biceps.
"Ok - let's do it," Keith said.
"I'll be on the lookout," Sven said and walked up to the door.
Moments later…
"Guard coming!" he whispered loudly while leaning on the wall and closing his eyes.
The rest hit the floor and pretended to be asleep while Pidge held on to the bars.
The guard looked inside and said, "They're still out cold, they'll have to fight tomorrow. His lordship isn't going to like this."
They heard his footsteps fading away.
"He's gone," Lance breathed.
We stood back up and looked on as Pidge managed to tie the rope to a bar. Hunk climbed up and grabbed the bars, bending them effortlessly. He jumped out, followed by the rest of the team. They stood on the ledge for a while, the foul air hitting their faces.
"We need a ship!" Keith said.
"Good one, Keith!" Lance said. "How are we suppose to get down?!"
"They will help us!" Sven replied pointing to a flock of vultures flying above the dungeons seeking their prey.
"Great idea!" Pidge cried.
"Ok everyone - get ready!" Keith yelled.
They managed to grab a hold of those buzzards and flew away from the dungeons, landing on a horrible site.
"Those ugly birds dropped us off on the pit of skulls!" Hunk said horrified.
"They might be an unpleasant sight, but they helped us escape from the dungeons," Sven said.
Lance tilted his head upwards and closed his eyes for brief moment. "We must stop this insanity."
Keith turned to him and said, "And we'll do it… with Voltron."
They stood for a minute of silence, then ran into the hangar and managed to steal a ship, but not before fighting off a few robot guards.
They managed to reach planet Arus, but Yurak and his fleet caught up with them and started firing their lasers. The runaway ship was hit several times and the cockpit started to fill up with smoke. Keith was forced to give the order to abandon ship.
They landed in the middle of the Arusian desert. They were trying to decide what to do when Keith suddenly felt they were being watched.
He whipped around and saw a shower of spears coming their way.
"Look out! Behind you!" he cried. "Duck!"
All five men dropped onto the sand… and dozens of spears passed above their heads!
"What the…!" Lance began, when a spear landed a few inches from his face.
"Hold your fire! We're friends!" Keith shouted.
The attack ceased. They stood back up and glanced at the people in the caves, they looked liked frighten animals.
Furious, Hunk picked up a spear and ran toward them.
"Some welcome you have given us! We came to help. Come out and fight!"
The villagers ran back inside.
Shaking his head, Keith walked up to him and placed a hand on his shoulder. "Take it easy, Hunk," he said.
Hunk glanced at him. "Zarkon wrecks their planet. We come to help them and what do we get? Scaredy cats!"
"They've been through a nightmare," Lance said, closing his eyes. "You would be scared too!"
"Not me!" Hunk spat.
Lance peeked at him with one eye. "Unless we help them, there's no hope for these people."
Hunk shook his head. "How can you help someone, who doesn't help themselves?"
Lance turned his head and smiled. "It won't be easy, but we'll try," he said softly.
Grimacing, Hunk looked around. "It would be a lot easier with some food, or a space burger place around."
"Zarkon did this to these people," Pidge whispered furiously.
"Now they're afraid of everybody," Sven said.
Lance nodded. "It'll be hard to make friends here," he said. "But that's what we got to do, help each other!"
"That castle is the place to start," Keith said.
"We walk?" Hunk gasped.
"We can't stay here. Zarkon's attack squad we'll return blasting any minute," he replied.
Hunk clenched his jaw. "Okay, there's a job to be done. Let's do it!"
Sven, Pidge and Lance nodded in agreement.
Stepping forward, Keith said, "I don't know what else we'll find. But we can handle it. Let's go!"
Hours later, the five space explorers were in the middle of a forest…
Lance sighed. "We'll never find anything in this pea soup."
Keith smiled slightly. "That's good, nothing can find us either."
Suddenly, they heard the sound of ships. They stopped dead on their tracks and looked up.
"Oh, oh… Zarkon's killer ships!" Keith whispered loudly.
Fortunately the ships passed them by.
"I'll never complaint about the fog again," Keith quipped.
The rest of the team exchanged looks of amusement.
Keith glanced back at them and said, "Ok - let's continue, before those ships come back."
Then they heard roaring sounds.
"What's that awful sound?" Pidge asked nervously, clutching his spear.
"Doesn't sound like a man-eating lion, but it could be a lion eating men," Lance said matter-of-factly.
Pidge swallowed hard. "Let's get out here."
Hunk frowned thoughtfully for a few moments. "I once wrestled a lion, of course it was only a cub."
Lance stepped forward and gave them a reassuring smile. "Let's not panic over a few little sounds. Come on, team!"
He had barely uttered those words when a crow flew off right in front of him, making him fall on his behind.
"Whoa!"
Frowning, he glanced back over his shoulder. "Okay, bird brain, you're grounded!"
Turning his head, he was about to get up when suddenly the fog vanished, and he gasped loudly.
They were able to see the Castle of Lions on top of the hill.
"It's the castle!" Keith gasped.
"Keith was right all along!" Pidge exclaimed.
"That's why he's the leader," Hunk said.
And with renewed vigor and their hearts filled with hope, they made their way to the castle.
Lance sighed. "We'll never find anything in this pea soup."
Keith smiled slightly. "That's good, nothing can find us either."
Suddenly, they heard the sound of ships. They stopped dead on their tracks and looked up.
"Oh, oh… Zarkon's killer ships!" Keith whispered loudly.
Fortunately the ships passed them by.
"I'll never complaint about the fog again," Keith quipped.
The rest of the team exchanged looks of amusement.
Keith glanced back at them and said, "Ok - let's continue, before those ships come back."
Then they heard roaring sounds.
"What's that awful sound?" Pidge asked nervously, clutching his spear.
"Doesn't sound like a man-eating lion, but it could be a lion eating men," Lance said matter-of-factly.
Pidge swallowed hard. "Let's get out here."
Hunk frowned thoughtfully for a few moments. "I once wrestled a lion, of course it was only a cub."
Lance stepped forward and gave them a reassuring smile. "Let's not panic over a few little sounds. Come on, team!"
He had barely uttered those words when a crow flew off right in front of him, making him fall on his behind.
"Whoa!"
Frowning, he glanced back over his shoulder. "Okay, bird brain, you're grounded!"
Turning his head, he was about to get up when suddenly the fog vanished, and he gasped loudly.
They were able to see the Castle of Lions on top of the hill.
"It's the castle!" Keith gasped.
"Keith was right all along!" Pidge exclaimed.
"That's why he's the leader," Hunk said.
And with renewed vigor and their hearts filled with hope, they made their way to the castle.
PERSONAL LOG…STAR DATE…2302.04.11.1
As we got closer to the castle, I gazed at the statue of a magnificent lion resting on a pedestal. We stood in shock for a few moments when it roared and its eyes lit up bright red. We concluded that the roars we heard back in the forest came from that statue. Maybe it was trying to tell us that someone was expecting us.
"It's a beautiful statue," Pidge said appreciatively.
Hunk frowned. "But it growls," he said.
We then crossed the bridge and stopped in front of a wooden door. Seconds later it came down.
"Does that mean we're welcome?" Lance asked tentatively.
"It must mean somebody is in there," I replied.
"Ja, team," Sven said. "And that means we got to go in there too. This is our only chance of finding the key to the secret of Voltron."
I nodded. "That's right! Let's go team."
We walked in and stopped at the gates of the legendary Castle of Lions, which lay in ruins.
Suddenly, pieces of stone fell close by.
"Rocks!" I said, then turned to Pidge. "Check it!"
He nodded. "Okay, Commander."
He climbed up the wall and minutes later he yelled, "Heh… it's only little space mice!"
"Ok – come back!" I said. Pidge complied and joined us once again.
We moved passed the royal gardens and stopped in front of two large wooden doors.
"It's too quiet," I said looking around.
All of sudden the wooden doors opened, making us take a step back.
We entered the castle and noticed that it was dark. We were looking for any sign of life when the doors began to close behind us.
"Stop!" I cried in an attempt to stop them, but they closed right in front of him. We were trapped! We started pounding at the doors with our bare hands, but it was in vain.
"Get us out!" Lance exclaimed.
"Stand back, give me room!" Hunk barked.
"You cannot escape."
We turned around pointing our weapons at the direction of that voice, and we saw a man (in his fifties, light brown hair and brown eyes, with a mustache) dressed in civilian clothes, using a cane and holding up a lantern.
"You're strangers to Planet Arus."
Pidge frowned. "And we'll be glad to leave. Just open up!"
The man frowned. "We trust no strangers here. Our world has been devastated by the ruthless King Zarkon of Planet Doom."
Lance gasped. "All your defenses, destroyed?"
He nodded. "Everything," he said gravelly. "But a mighty robot…"
"You mean, Voltron?" I asked.
"Now we're getting someplace," Lance said. "Are you scientist?"
The man gazed at him. "My name is Balthazar Coran, I was the castle diplomat," he replied. "Now I'm the keeper of these ruins."
I stepped forward. "Do you know where Voltron is?" I said. "Tell us! We can save your planet."
"This planet was once known as the most beautiful in the Diamond Galaxy. Our people lived in peace and prospered. We were never war-minded, but we developed scientific weapons of defense," Coran said. "Then one day, the spaceships of the evil Zarkon arrived without warning. They swarmed in and destroyed everything but this palace. Most of our people were taken as slaves. Those who escaped are hiding in the hills; they've become like hunted animals, afraid to come out."
"But they shot at us!" I said.
"Forgive them. They fear you're part of Zarkon's brutal forces."
I winced. "I hate to say it, but Zarkon's attack squad will be back after us. We'd just escaped from his slave dungeon and he knows we're here."
"Zarkon will never give up," Coran declared.
"Neither will we," Hunk said emphatically.
Coran nodded. "I'll do all I can to assist you, and I'm sure you will have the blessing of Her Royal Highness, Princess Allura."
He glanced up the stairs and we followed suit, and that's when I saw HER…
Save… close.
The End of Part II of the Series.
06/05/2000
Revised 03/07/2015
As we got closer to the castle, I gazed at the statue of a magnificent lion resting on a pedestal. We stood in shock for a few moments when it roared and its eyes lit up bright red. We concluded that the roars we heard back in the forest came from that statue. Maybe it was trying to tell us that someone was expecting us.
"It's a beautiful statue," Pidge said appreciatively.
Hunk frowned. "But it growls," he said.
We then crossed the bridge and stopped in front of a wooden door. Seconds later it came down.
"Does that mean we're welcome?" Lance asked tentatively.
"It must mean somebody is in there," I replied.
"Ja, team," Sven said. "And that means we got to go in there too. This is our only chance of finding the key to the secret of Voltron."
I nodded. "That's right! Let's go team."
We walked in and stopped at the gates of the legendary Castle of Lions, which lay in ruins.
Suddenly, pieces of stone fell close by.
"Rocks!" I said, then turned to Pidge. "Check it!"
He nodded. "Okay, Commander."
He climbed up the wall and minutes later he yelled, "Heh… it's only little space mice!"
"Ok – come back!" I said. Pidge complied and joined us once again.
We moved passed the royal gardens and stopped in front of two large wooden doors.
"It's too quiet," I said looking around.
All of sudden the wooden doors opened, making us take a step back.
We entered the castle and noticed that it was dark. We were looking for any sign of life when the doors began to close behind us.
"Stop!" I cried in an attempt to stop them, but they closed right in front of him. We were trapped! We started pounding at the doors with our bare hands, but it was in vain.
"Get us out!" Lance exclaimed.
"Stand back, give me room!" Hunk barked.
"You cannot escape."
We turned around pointing our weapons at the direction of that voice, and we saw a man (in his fifties, light brown hair and brown eyes, with a mustache) dressed in civilian clothes, using a cane and holding up a lantern.
"You're strangers to Planet Arus."
Pidge frowned. "And we'll be glad to leave. Just open up!"
The man frowned. "We trust no strangers here. Our world has been devastated by the ruthless King Zarkon of Planet Doom."
Lance gasped. "All your defenses, destroyed?"
He nodded. "Everything," he said gravelly. "But a mighty robot…"
"You mean, Voltron?" I asked.
"Now we're getting someplace," Lance said. "Are you scientist?"
The man gazed at him. "My name is Balthazar Coran, I was the castle diplomat," he replied. "Now I'm the keeper of these ruins."
I stepped forward. "Do you know where Voltron is?" I said. "Tell us! We can save your planet."
"This planet was once known as the most beautiful in the Diamond Galaxy. Our people lived in peace and prospered. We were never war-minded, but we developed scientific weapons of defense," Coran said. "Then one day, the spaceships of the evil Zarkon arrived without warning. They swarmed in and destroyed everything but this palace. Most of our people were taken as slaves. Those who escaped are hiding in the hills; they've become like hunted animals, afraid to come out."
"But they shot at us!" I said.
"Forgive them. They fear you're part of Zarkon's brutal forces."
I winced. "I hate to say it, but Zarkon's attack squad will be back after us. We'd just escaped from his slave dungeon and he knows we're here."
"Zarkon will never give up," Coran declared.
"Neither will we," Hunk said emphatically.
Coran nodded. "I'll do all I can to assist you, and I'm sure you will have the blessing of Her Royal Highness, Princess Allura."
He glanced up the stairs and we followed suit, and that's when I saw HER…
Save… close.
The End of Part II of the Series.
06/05/2000
Revised 03/07/2015
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Please Note
"The Lion's Keep: The Next Chapter" is the most recent version of the "The Lion's Keep",
and was originally established November 08, 1999
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