Status Quo
Epilogue
by Kyence

Disclaimer: All Voltron characters are property of World Events Productions.

‘’ denote character thoughts.
 

"You are leaving tomorrow?" Zarkon asked Shai in his private chambers. Shai was sitting in an opposite lounge chair ornate in bony decorations. She nodded. "Yes, with two Veneers being sent to kill me, it is evident I must return to Apodia and handle this with my presence."

"I understand," Zarkon nodded. He sighed, and sank back into his chair, letting his muscles loosen.

"I will leave some ships behind until your own fleet is fully built; the remainder of the enzyme compounds are also yours," she detailed her parting gifts.

"Mmmm," he mumbled, resting his chin.

"Considering all you went through to reclaim your Empire, I suppose your joining me is out of the question," she added with a small smile.

He shook his head. "I have unfinished business here, you know that."

They both fell silent as they looked away from each other. "It seems we always reach this dilemma whenever we say farewell," she quietly provided. She looked at Zarkon to find he had since been staring at her as well.

"We both fought hard to earn our pride, and we have not used it all yet," his deep voice permeated the air.

"Do you ever think about it, though?"

He sighed, and folded his hands as he leaned back. "Of course I do. Sometimes, I wonder about leaving it all behind. What that would be like. But in the end, I would end up in a similar situation on Apodia. The truth would come out. My destiny is to always fight for my right to exist; therefore, I will give up nothing. Neither will you, because you are in the same situation. But, you have a home, you have always had a home. I have had to make my own when I needed to rest. That is what is different between us."

Shai sighed as she stood up. She walked towards the exit. "If His Majesty wishes to meet me in my chambers tonight…" she looked intently at him before the doors slid open and she left.

The next morning, Shai's ships left. He did not watch them lift-off, did not see her leave his world. They had since said their goodbyes in the manner they always had in the past. What had to be done was done. He sat in his throne, knowing that in the coming weeks he would forsake his Apodian garb for his traditional robe and cape. Jewelers were already working on his new crown. He sighed as he thought of his grandchildren…and his son.

He had much to do.

"Xiron!!! Xiron!!! I'm so happy to see you!" Saoche hollered as she leaped into Xiron's outstretched arms. She planted kisses on his cheek.

"That's one happy employee," Lance joked. He focused his attention on Hunk. "How is Ana doing today?" he changed to a serious tone.

"With every passing day, she gets a little better. That's why Saoche is leaving today…Ana insisted it. She seems troubled from all the trauma she went through, and Hagar's spell is still…y'know…but she's strong. She has managed to joke about helping Nanny get over her fear of snakes soon," Hunk finished with an optimistic anecdote.

Lance laughed. "Ana is going to be all right."

Allura formally spoke with Xiron about the mission, and how Saoche had been more of a helper than a hostage.

Xiron scratched Saoche's head, who arched in the sheer pleasure of it, warbling. "I told you, Saoche is one-of-a-kind."

"That's for sure," Pidge smiled.

"In fact, for all of your efforts, I have humanitarian supplies for your people in my ships, plus some funds for your treasury. Saoche had mentioned in our recent transmissions that she would like to personally set up a Seer outpost here on Arus," Xiron revealed.

"Hey, I'm the CFO, remember? I know a good moolah-makin' opportunity when I sees it!" Saoche proclaimed to the world.

"Well, until then, I must head back to the Garrison. I postponed some meetings to be here today."

"We understand, Mr. Gyldenhjerte," Keith answered. "With Zarkon back in the picture, we will need all the help we can get."

Xiron nodded. "Take care, everyone. We shall speak together often in the coming months. Saoche, let us go."

"One sec," she protested. She flew to Allura's shoulder. "Thanks for believing in me." She then landed square on Lance's head before the Princess could reply. "And thank YOU for that lovely vacuous personality of yours. It kept my wit razor-sharp," she snickered to him as he pouted. She pinched his cheeks. "You be a good boy while I'm gone," she warned him. "I have a lot more songs to sing." She gave him a light slap on the cheek and zoomed straight into the ship. Xiron smiled as gave the Voltron Force a final wave before entering the ship.

It was only until they had left Arus's orbit that Saoche broke the silence. They had the cabin completely to themselves. "You ain't pissed?"

Xiron looked at her. "Of course not. We discussed this before."

"But the Hydra is shit now…"

"You-know-who expected it, and I have my temporal skills. It is not a problem."

"Voltron is a strange piece of machinery."

"Yes, but the data we have gained from this scenario has been extremely helpful. Someday, its unique mysteries will be uncovered."

"Think You-know-who will speak to me?"

"Of course. I explained to him that you ingratiated yourself to the Voltron Force to get on Voltron and see combat firsthand. He is very interested in the synergy involved. Besides, if he wants to actually use his secret finances, he will have to speak to you sometime."

"So, everything is good then?'

"No major deviations to the master plan. All in all, successful enough to celebrate. And for You-know-who to say that, it is a victory indeed."

"I'm beat. I'm gonna take a nap right here. Lemme know when we get to the Garrison."

"Very well, Saoche."

"G'night, Reyk."

"Sleep tight."

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