ceejdoesroleplay | Open Post

[ The Galra had found something. That was the extent of Thace's knowledge on the matter thanks to how tightly guarded high command is keeping their communications. Despite his promotion and proximity to the inner circle of the Emperor, they keep things tight-lipped; getting intel on the matter back to Kolivan, almost impossible. It's only by chance that he happens to hear two of the Druids conversing as they move, the ghosted whispers of being he knows well to avoid by now.

He doesn't get more than "Quintessence" and a ship cargo designation, but that's all he needs to act. When the ship pulls in to dock and its cargo secured, set for high command's deepest levels, Thace breaks in, intending to do no more than trace a log of the cargo's origin, destination, and contents. He expects it's to do with the Witch's never-ending Quintessence experiments.

What he doesn't expect to find is the hold empty of everything but a single cryo-chamber and a single occupant.

He hedges closer, uncertain and cautious, and nearly loses his breath when he gets close enough to see through the fog within.

Pale skin, pale hair. Pointed ears. Markings, which can only mean one thing--an Altean. ]

Impossible...

[ it comes out a murmur as he quickly scans the chamber, but what pops up? Is not a listing of information. Just an error message which tells him the device in front of him does not exist.

This is beyond top-secret. Thace curses. Handing an Altean over to the Emperor after his bloodthirsty drive to find Voltron...no. It isn't an option. So instead of sending the chamber onto its final destination Thace does something incredibly risky, incredibly stupid, and incredibly necessary.

He redesinates the codes on the chamber and switches it with one holding a prisoner, takes the chamber himself, and ships them both off base. Once it's just him and a few reprogrammed sentries on board Thace returns to the frozen chamber and slowly keys in the codes, waited with bated breath as air hisses upon release and the door opens. ]

[ How long had it been since he went to sleep? Since the war happened? His last memories were of Zarkon attacking his planet, trying to wipe them all out. It was only by mere chance that he managed to escape off world and find one one of their safety bunkers with cryo chambers. Had anyone else managed to find there way to these safe havens? Did everyone get out alive? All those thoughts fade when he steps in the chamber and fades into sleep.

A dreamless sleep that now had ended when the hiss of mist escapes the opening of the cryo door. It all happens in slow motion once the door rises and waking world takes him. His eyes flutter open slowly trying to absorb the sight before him. A cold steel room with a figure standing feet away from him still blurred by the dim haze of his mind.

Sen began to step out of the chamber, hand brace against the side as his pale hand presses against his face and into his hair. He was dressed in midnight blue robes, sashed with silver, something a noble may wear, all to compliment the pale blond hair and green eyes of his. He lets out a small groan of exhaustion as he takes another step, but with his mind still in a fog he slips forward tumbling into the stranger. Reactively, Sen grabs hold of what he can catch in his hands; a shoulder, a sturdy part of the other's clothing as his legs weakly half stand, hang lie on the floor.

Finally, he slowly looks up blearily into the face of the other an expression of confusion and tiredness still hanging in his face; ]

What-who...who are you?

[ Any amount of cryogenic sleep is tough on the body; it is tough now, and Thace can only begin to imagine what it must've been like ten thousand years ago. It does not surprise him that when the Altean noble(?) awakens, that he finds his body in poor condition to support itself. What does, however, is that he stumbles into Thace and takes hold, clings to him for support in a way Thace has seldom had any but those who have perished on his blade.

This...boy is not enemy of his though, and Thace reacts instinctively to steady him, oversized hands large on the Altean's body as he steadies him with no shortage of brief awkwardness. ]

...I am Thace. [ There are no outward signs of hostility from the boy yet. Was he put under before the war? Or has he simply not yet remembered? ] Your body will be weak for some time. You should try to relax. Do you feel unwell?

[ He's confused when he feels the oversized paw like hands on his back. No Altean had hands that large, even if they were considered on the tall side. Shape shifting maybe? Still, he doesn't argue with the support, instead he heaves himself up a bit more getting more onto his feet.

The blond hair rests against the man's chest as he begins to collect himself. At the very least he can hear a heartbeat; so at least not a robot. Finally, he hears the answer he'd been waiting for. The name Thace was not familiar so a small bit of trepidation sets in still...if they were a danger wouldn't they have done something right now? But, no...the way these hands felt...they definitely felt safe. ]

I'm fine, I must have been in that pod for longer than I thought...how long has it been? Where are-?
[ But he stops when he finally looks up into the man's face and there's a long pause as his vision finally clarifies. A Galran. He doesn't make a motion to move away (partly because his body still did not have the strength yet) but because the galran had yet to show hostility. The length of silence that fills the room is a an awkward one before Sen finally speaks; ]

I suppose now is the time to tell me if I'm your prisoner of Emperor Zarkon.

You are no prisoner.

[ That, at least, Thace can assure him of. He knows he must not look the part of a would-be hero, but that's the point; he looks like a soldier of Galra, and thus he blends in with them. For now he imagines that will serve him very little.

Actions before words, then. Thace keeps his touch light and perfunctory, easy to break holds of (though he knows some Alteans once possessed strength greater than most Galra can boast), and keeps his expression neutral; non-threatening.

he hopes. ]

You are aboard a small cruiser, drifting in the Sigma system. We are headed far from Zarkon.

[ There was clear skepticism on the Altean's face as he looked the Galra over. He was dressed like one of Zarkon's stooges. However, the Galra had a loose grip on him so Sen pulled away taking one step back from the other. Thankfully, there was enough strength in his legs to keep him standing. There's a long examining look, trying to find any hint or lie in that neutral expression. When the words are spoken though there's a curious glance he gives the other. ]

How can i trust you on that? No Galran would let an Altean free from the Emperor...unless...

[ He folds his arms giving the man another once over; ]

What's your name? And if you aren't taking me to Zarkon who are you taking me to?

You have only my word, but that I can guarantee.

[ And if it wasn't good enough Thace certainly wasn't going to physically restrain him without good reason. For all he knew this Altea noble still thought them to be at war, may even be unaware of Altea's fate.

He allows Sen to retreat and holds himself with his arms relaxed at his sides, posture non-threatening but capable of reacting if need be; a Blade never truly lowered their guard, after all. ]

I am taking you to the base of my comrades. They will find you solace and safety from the Emperor.

Your comrades?

[ Now that's definitely concerning. A group outside of Zarkon's forces that were galran? There was no way this could be good...

wait...unless...the cautious and concerned expression turns to one of slow realization. The defensive posture slowly relaxing, arms coming down to his side. He remembers another time a galran saved him and it was right before he went into cryo. Back then there was at least one group of galrans that were against Zarkon... ]

You're with the Blade of Marmora.

[ welp, there's no hiding his surprise at that--the Blade is secretive, so much so that even the Emperor's spies do not know their true name. Thace stares. ]

You know of the Blade?

[ How????? ]

[ Well, that definitely gives him the answer he was looking for. Sen knew the blade was secret from the bit his own rescuers told him. The amount of surprise he gets out of the other at least gives Sen enough relief to let out an exhale. So, long as this was true he was safe. ]

If you're apart of the same group that rescued me, then yes. Were you sent to come get me then? If so, how long have I been asleep? It couldn't have been too long, right?

[ Que shock in 3...2...1... ]

...What is the last thing you remember?

[ That's perhaps the most important bit of information here. It will tell Thace what he's working with, and how to best break the news ]

The last thing I remember, well...The Galran empire was on the edge of our Solar system. They were going to try and annihilate us. Your organization had landed at my castle to escort me out and to a safe location until we could come up with a plan of attack.

[ Now these lines of questionings were beginning to get very concerning and it begins showing clearly on Sen's face. ]

Why? What does that matter? [ because he's clearly looking more and more anxious by the second. ]

I...am sorry to inform you, then. [ Thace gestures slowly, a faint extension of his hand. ] It has been quite some time since then. Ten thousand years, to be exact. Altea and its system are no more.

[ When the words are said there's a long pause of silence from Sen as Thace tells him this. Everything was gone ? His homeworld, his system? His people may also be gone too. The shock slams into him, his breath becomes hitched as he grasps at his heart and falling against the wall behind him. He can already feel the tears stinging his eyes as he slides down the wall onto the floor. Unable to control it he lets out heaves of horror and sorrow from his throat as the other hand goes to clasp apart of his face. ]

No...no that can't be right! I was only supposed to be in there for a month at most! How....why?!

[ Sorry Thace, he's your emotional mess to deal with. ]

[ It's not the worst reaction he's ever received, working as a Galra commander...but it's still not ideal. He wishes he could do more for the poor boy. He looks lost, afraid. And Thace knows for certainly he is most terribly alone.

So he approaches just a half-step, expression apologetic. ]

I do not know. I was able to discover the location of your cryochamber by accident, on its way to the Emperor. I do not know where they found you or how it was you came to escape the events which claimed your people. But I will do everything in my power to help you.

[ His hands still clutch at himself as he breathes deeply and heavily at the news. He's thankful no one else is around because this behaviour...probably very unsightly for someone like him. Finally, though he looks up, eyes peering through his fingers up at the galran. They had managed to save him and well he's hard pressed not to believe them. After all, would they really risk waking him up in a small shuttle with one guard?

Deep breath...just take a deep breath. Trying to compose himself, he slowly rises from the floor. His posture which had become withdrawn and small, he raises to his full height more. His expression changing from sorrow to steely. ]

I appreciate all you have done so far. You must have risked much to rescue me...but I believe you should know what you're getting into or who you're getting into with. [ Another deep breath as he collects himself; ]

I am Prince Sendesdelca Rune Lavellan. My friends refer to me as Sen.

[ The Prince.

Thace does very little to mask his surprise at this information, eyes widening a fraction. The name is vaguely familiar from a lifetime of study into the Galra's once-greatest enemy.

"Friend" is a bit far off the mark just yet, but Thace bows his head briefly in acknowledgement of his title. ]

It is an honour, Prince. I...did not know any of the Altean royal family yet lived. This is fortuitous news indeed.

[ Kolivan will be over the moon...as much as he's ever like that ]

[ No, they definitely were not on a friend level quite yet but he felt he should at least give the option; is name is quite the mouthful. Looking at Thace for a long moment he gives the alien a small nod to the bow of his head. ]

We had precautions put into place to make sure members of our family could escape alive. But...if I am all that is left from Altea there is no hiding.

[ Mourning swiftly turns a look of fierce determination as he steps forward towards Thace. ]

You'll take me to your organization and we're going to stop Zarkon. I will not hide.

[ His bravery is commendable, Thace thinks. He cannot imagine the shock and heartbreak he must be feeling, the loneliness and hopelessness of it all; and yet still the Altean prince puts forth only his best.

He is strong.

Thace nods. ]

The Blade will be relieved to hear of your survival. It is far too risky to notify them while we are still in Galra space however. The Emperor will notice your disappearance soon, if he has not yet already. We must make our way to headquarters carefully.

You have been asleep some time, Prince. Perhaps you would like some time to rest.

[ His sadness would have to be put aside if not that he would have to channel it into a keen edge of righteous fury. His fists clench as he steps toward the cockpit of the ship, passed Thace. As for the matter of sleep, he looks back to Thace, his expression steeling over. ]

I've slept long enough while my people were being slaughtered. Now is the time to do something.

[ Turning back towards the cockpit- ]

Come. You'll need to navigate since...well...I have no idea where your people are.

[ The journey to the Blade of Marmora base is a long one without aid from wormhole travel or hyperspeed. Such gratuitous bursts of energy are beyond the capabilities of their vessel, built for short-range travel and firefights. So until they encounter any friendly forces with access to faster travel...

They live together.

Thace takes great pains to avoid frequented Galra travel routes and give Sen safe passage. He tries to offer the Altean what little comfort he is able, aware that the one he transports is not a battle-hardened warrior or deep agent sworn to a cause such as his, but a Prince. A civilian of a long-gone civilization who is yet still trying to get his bearings.

It's been a long time since he had any company who truly knew who he was. someone he could talk openly about with the matters of the Galra Empire and Zarkon. It's....different. But pleasant. Sen is good company, and Thace finds himself grateful for it, enjoying it even,as they continue to spend time with one another.

He gets used to the Prince's unique scent pervading the ship. Gets used to sharing brief meals with the him and doing what he can to refresh his combat instincts when asked.

And then he starts to look forward to it, to waking every morning and seeing the prince's sleep-addled face, watching him yawn and stretch. It's...complicated, and he does his best not to pay it any mind, but the moments where he find himself wanting to indulge, to reach over and touch that hair or steady him with a hand purely for the contact of it all, are growing. ]

[ It seemed that the war was far away from him inside this ship. Not just physically, but emotionally, mentally. It was some kind of long far forgotten nightmare of childhood. Here inside this small little craft he only felt like himself and his companion Thace were just travelling to some far off place for no reason in particular.

The conversational meals together, the quiet time during flight, it didn't really feel like they were at war. Though the topic did come up frequently it was more like talking about far off history that happened to someone else. There are times though he feels that he isn't in a ship with a new friend....it was more intimate.

Every day felt like a dance to Sen. Catching the odd glance from Thace, giving a few of his own. Moments where they had been close enough that he wish Thace would just cradle a hand to his face so he could...well...he's not sure.

Thace's presence in all of this was a balm to a wounded heart that was continuing to mend from his lost civilization. But, still no move. Nothing a all passed between them and honestly? Sen was growing more and more frustrated. Perhaps the Galaran wasn't interested like that...hell should HE even be thinking of such things? Considering all the Galra did to the Alteans?

Complicated matters...but he needed to talk some time and their food supply running low was enough of a reason as any to do that.

Sen was looking at the navigational map, tapping away at the screen of light with a small frown surveying any of the small planets currently in the unpopulated system. Finally, the computer registered one that had life sustaining environment. Sen sighed, soon looking over to the larger Thace; ]

It's a good a place as any to find food if we're to continue to avoid the well travelled systems. May as well land, stretch our legs. Besides, I think some fresh air would do us some good.

[ All said with a casual stretch and a small yawn. ]

Open Post

the setting is in the username :'D

/sweats

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