As the Aurora fighter silently sped towards the Castle, the only noise, emulated from within where Keith was notifying the Castle of his return, his lion's condition, and the warning of his arrival in a plane that cannot be detected by scanners. Coran gasped, hardly believing such a plane existed outside of magic, but gazed astonishingly at the sleek black craft as he directed the Castle's viewing sensors toward the coordinates given by Keith.

The other members of the Voltron Force were also in the Control Room with Coran, absorbing every tidbit of information that was given.

Keith had barely finished his little spiel before Stingray navigated the craft to the Arusian ground and rolled into the hangar, as directed by Coran. Coran, Nanny (who knows why), and the rest of the team, were already there to greet Keith and the mysterious stranger. Keith often wondered HOW Coran moved so fast through the Castle, but never inquired assuming he knew more about the Castle than anyone. With a sigh, Keith stepped away from the plane first.

"Coran, Nanny, team--meet Lt.Commander Alex "Stingray" Dawson of the Galaxy Alliance Stealth Force-Crimson Wing." Keith proudly said as the Aurora pilot stepped down and nodded to Coran and the others, then turning to the Princess, bowed.

"A pleasure to be here Your Highness. I have been informed of your great strides in defeating Doom forces. The Alliance has sent me and my squadron, the VF-15 ShadowDragons of Crimson Wing, per your request for reconnaisance missions to Doom. I hope my squadron, and myself will meet your satisfaction?"

"Just viewing you and your aircraft alone tells me that you and your squadron are well equipped for the task Lt.Commander Dawson. But, may you fulfill a request?"

"Possibly Princess. What is it you ask?"

"I know your name and abilities, but may I really see with whom I am talking to? Your gear and voice distorter in your helm leaves many questions as to who you really are."

"At this time I must decline Your Highness--Alliance regulations. After Coran briefs me on the security and status of this area and I find it secure, I will then reveal my true self and call down my squadron. Please accept my apologies."

"Understood. I forgot the Alliance Stealth Forces are high security. Keith has mentioned your branch often."

"Has he."

Upon hearing the tone in Dawson's voice, Keith decided to intervene. "Princess, Dawson, I'll explain my position in regards to that later. Ok?"

Allura's curiousity peaked at that point,but she remained neutral and courteous and allowed it to stay at that.

Lance smelled a rat. He knew that his best friend knew exactly who this pilot was and if he could get Keith alone, he'd make sure to find out. The name seems so familiar, but I can't place it.Lance thought to himself. He glance over to Allura and caught her inquiring eye. He winked back at her. Combined, Lance and Allura knew they could get around Keith's superb defenses.

Coran stepped forward.

"Lt.Cmdr.Dawson-would you please follow me to the Control Room. I will brief you there. Keith, take a crew and a towpad and bring Black lion to repair bay 26. I'll have a repair crew waiting."

"Sure thing, Coran." Keith replied as he quickly darted out of the hangar bay and towards the repair bays.

"I'll assist him Coran!" Lance volunteered as he bolted after Keith.

As Lance blindly rounded the corner to the repair dock he failed to notice what was right in front of him and slammed right into Keith. The impact was so unexpected and severe that both collapsed to the floor in opposite directions. After shaking the birdies and cobwebs out, Keith attempted to speak first.

"Geesh Lance--that's twice today! At this rate all Lotor and Zarkon have to do is sit back and watch us kill each other for them!"

"Why do you always have to be so damn quick and quiet when you move about!" Lance retorted.

Keith just stared at his friend and smirked.

"Figures. It's just like you to not say anything. Uhhh, well, before you ask--I volunteered to help you out with Black lion."

"Thanks! C'mon, lets get the equipment and get started right away. I don't want to leave that Aurora pilot at the mercy of Coran's lectures, or Nanny's prodding, ...or...Allura. And since you're here, I don't have to worry about your heckling her."

"Why you--huh?--waitaminute...you said she. That fighter pilot is a SHE?!"Lance said while trying to hide a smirk, but failing. This was what he was hoping for--this very subject and Keith dove into it on his own!

"Yes, Lance and you know her too. I'm surprised you didn't recognize her last name. Actually, no, I'm not surprised. You never remember girls' names--measurements, yes, names, rarely."

"Hey! Well, at least I'm SOCIAL!" Lance shot back, but realizing Keith was beginning to change the subject, darted back. "What was her last name again?"

"Dawson."

"Waitaminute--she went to the Academy with us right?! Top female pilot--wasn't she the one who took your vi--"

"Yes. I guess you do remember something about her,eh?" Keith interrupted, not wanting the subject to change to that particular topic. "And not a word to anyone about her and I, especially Allura." Keith said quietly, but sternly while displaying his 'I'll hunt you down and kill you' look.

"Fine, but I'll have you know that Allura's already sensing something's up. It'll come up somehow, I'm sure."

"Not your concern, Lance."

"Fine, fine. Let's drop it. Let's get Black lion back to the Castle." Lance finished, calling a truce so that he may live to fight another day. The two Voltron pilots with a small maintenance crew headed off to the damaged lion.

Meanwhile, Coran was taking to Aurora pilot to Castle Control, all the while discussing policy and motives.

"Yessir. My squadron is part of the Stealth Elite. The Alliance's highly classified team using the latest technological advances for recon, infiltration, and intelligence for use against enemy homeworlds or territories. Galaxy Garrison thought it was wise to have an "offensive" unit in this vicinity since the Voltron Force is used primarily for defensive purposes. So the Council approved the Princess' request. With our help, we may be able to minimize surprise strikes and increase safety and security."

"Yes, I myself have seen a need for an offensive push, but King Alfor himself was steadfast on Voltron being a defensive unit only. We must comply to that, although I am aware of Captain Keith's capabilities and qualifications in the same niche as yourself. We just could not find a proper ship or dare endanger him given his current role with Voltron and Black lion. No one else can adequately fly Black lion, thus making Keith extremely valuable and nonexpendable."

"Yes...the Captain and I trained in the same class. I was somewhat surprised that he chose a defensive mission over the opportunity to command an entire wing of the Stealth Elite."

" From what I heard, it was a last minute decision on his part, however."

" Yes, Coran and he never told anyone other than the Dean and the Council why."

As they reached the Control Room entrance, Coran keyed in the code as the entrance doorway slid open.

"Wow!" exclaimed Stingray as her eyes gleamed with awe.

Coran chuckled. "That's the same reaction Keith had when he first saw this place. Must be a pilot thing."

"So this is where it all happens?"

"In a matter of words, yes."

"So all computer, navigation, etc. runs though this room?"

"For the most part. Keith and the rest of the force like to think they're controlling everything but much of the lions' data banks are being fed from here."

"Nice touch."

Just then a radio comm beeped.

"Hey Coran! Hello? You there?"

"Coran, here, Keith."

"Black lion's en route. We'll be in the repair bay within the hour."

"Fine. And Keith?"

"Yes Coran?"

"Meet back in the Control Room once you have Black lion situated. You'll need to be briefed on upcoming events."

"Yessir. Keith out."

Stingray looked over to Coran. "Is he always that formal?"

" If he's ever been anything else, I've yet to see it. How does his team put it--ah yes, a real stick-in-the-mud."

"Yes, he developed that name back at the Academy. Lance coined him with it and Jeff seconded the motion."

"Well, at least he's consistent." Coran noted while trying to hold back a chuckle.

There was a long silence before Stingray chose to break it. "From what you have shown me sir, I deem this area secure enough to permit exposure of myself and squadron."

With that, Dawson punched a code on an armband integrator as the pressurized latches released the helmet. The Aurora pilot carefully lifted the helm off just as a huge clump of light brown hair flowed downward, free from its binds.

"Whew! That feels much better!" the pilot commented.

"A young lady! The Stealth Elite is capable of hiding even gender. Interesting, but if I remember correctly, Keith introduced you as 'Alex'"?

"Back at the Academy, Keith and the other pilots said my flying style was, well, rather masculine, so they liked to call me Alex as a way of fooling unsuspecting pilots, but it's really Alexis. I was the top female pilot in that same class. Only Keith, and on a good day, Jeff could best me in the air. I initially had the option to join one of the Voltron teams but declined in favor of remaining officially "stationed" to Earth due to unforseen personal obligations and a thirst for an offensive role."

" I see." Coran remarked just as Keith nonchalantly strode over to them.

"Black lion's in the repairbay. There's minimal damages sustained overall, but the hit at the hip joint proved deadly enough to prevent flight. A lucky shot by the Princess and one I hope the Doom forces never figure out."

"You and me both, Captain." Coran responded.

"And one I'll have to discuss with Allura," Keith paused then continued, "out of curiousity, if anything." he added.

"Of course...curiousity." Coran softly commented while fighting the urge to smirk.

Dawson eyed both men curiously, trying to pickup on the hidden meanings, if any, then denounced it seeing how neither was going to fill her in. She made a mental note to visit Lance for the latest on the Arusian grapevine.

"So, you two were classmates." Coran said, trying to break the uneasy silence that had developed.

"Sure were and the Cap here ruled the skies over the Academy. Even the instructors dared not challenge him too often and no one did if they knew he was having a bad day." Dawson mentioned as she nudged Keith's side. Keith, however, remained expressionless though his eyes glittered brightly.

"He was also quite the troublemaker too." Dawson added.

"Keith? trouble? Those two words don't seem to go together." Coran mentioned.

"Don't let him fool you with his devout professionalism, Coran. He still acts his age, given the proper environment."

Keith raised his brows a bit, but still remained expressionless.

"Oh yeah, his trademark...this quiet, no-emotion act of his--" Dawson mentioned while reaching behind Keith, grabbing his far arm and pulling it behind him while placing her knees into the backs of his. "--is really annoying!" she finished as she applied pressure, forcing Keith to kneel on the floor.

"Hey! You worm!"

"See Coran--if done right, one can get a reaction from him."

"Now I do like this. The Voltron Commander at my knees." Coran jibed.

"Hah, hah. C'mon, lemme up Dawson!"

"Now, now. Where's your manners young man?"

" Fine Dawson. Have it your way. Please?"

"Better." Alex said as she removed her hands and weight from Keith's shoulders.

"Are you sure you can't stay permenantly young lady? We could use your 'equalizing' abilities with Keith once in a while. This young man manages to evade Nanny's tactics most of the time."

"Coran!" Keith protested.

"Not really necessary, Coran. You just need to see around his mask. Notice how he didn't pull rank. I'm sure I could give Princess Allura some of these tips before I leave."

"You wouldn't--"

"Sush, boy, or I'll show Coran the ultimate technique young ladies use on rude young men."

With that Keith simply went back to expressionless mode as Coran and Alexis laughted hysterically.

"See...total control."

"And how did you arrive at this uh, procedure with Keith? You must know him really well...?"

"Actually Coran, we go back to childhood days. We used to live on the same street--right across the street from each other. My parents were also officers with Galaxy Garrison. So, we grew up together under a common bond."

"That explains alot. Well, I have some work to do. I'll leave you two to get reacquainted. Keith, just remember to keep me posted on the progress of Black lion and your plans for tomorrow's schedule."

"Right, Coran."

Coran nodded to both then left the Control Room to attend to other matters.

"Alex, if you don't mind, may we return to the landing bay? I'd like you to give me a run down on this new Aurora aircraft."

"Can't wait to handle that beauty, eh?" Alexis teased. "You ARE a typical male pilot! You fall for the sleek, rounded elegance of this aircraft. What is is with men and curves anyway?!" she jibed as Keith led her out of the Control Room.

"Doesn't take a rocket scientist to see the relation Alex. Must be instinctive correlation?"

"I think it's just thinking between your legs."

"Oh? And females don't react to little connotations either? Like roses or a moonlit walk on the beach--"

"Oh sush! We've had this argument before Mr. Dewar! Neither of us won, remember--nine hours of debate--the gender issue is never going to be solved."

"Oh, I don't know aobut that. I think it's all a matter of individual perspective."

"You make things sound too easy."

"And they are...in the right frame of mind." Keith teased, emphasizing certain words.

"What are you getting at Captain?"

"You already know the answer Lt. Commander." Keith replied smugly while punching in the access code to the landing bay.

"Hey!" Alexis jeered while jabbing Keith in the side once again. "Are you implying what I think you're implying, boy?!"

" You tell me." Keith teased.

"Will you just ONCE give an obvious direct answer!"

"Why?"

"Ohhh--YOU!!!"Alexis fumed as Keith simply laughed.

"Ahh, see, I know ways to get to you too." Keith commented as he approached the aircraft and ran a hand over a portion of its airframe.

Alexis decided to drop the subject for the time being and focus on the subject of the plane. "Titanium composite." she mentioned.

"Efficient." Keith quietly said as he climbed the ladder to the lead cockpit seat.

"Well, you certainly don't waste any time now do you?" Alexis observed. "Then again you never did."

Keith looked back from the ladder to the young lady standing below and gave her a seductive expression as he continued into the cockpit. Alexis followed up the ladder to answer any questions he might have as well as bat him over the head, gently, but forcibly with her helmet.

"Hey! No fair Alex!"

"Who says I ever was!"

"Hmph." was his only response as he focused back onto the airplane and the controls before him. He noticed a small lever on the lower left side of the panel that wasn't a usual "switch" on a standard fighter. He looked up at her inquisitively.

"That's the cloaking device, but you didn't just hear that ok."

"Hmmm....this'll definitely work against Doom forces. While they shouldn't be underestimated, they are fairly naive. The often have the technology or "magic",but never listen to the obvious or each other." Keith said as he reverted back to the center of the cockpit. He grabbed the flight stick, noting its "feel" as well as the various switched and buttons located on it.

"It's calibrated to each pilot's sensiblility preference." Alexis mentioned.

Keith whiggled the stick around a second time while another seductive expression crossed his face.

Alexis blushed, noting the hidden reference. "No, I didn't calibrate it's sensibility based on what you're thinking! My, my Dewar, I haven't seen your mind there in a long time. You're hanging around Lance way too much! Or is it a certain long, blonde-haired princess?" she teased remembering what Jeff had told her back when her squadron teamed up with the Explorer for a Drule mission.

"Dawson, you talk too much. And, I still remember my promise. I never back out of a promise." Keith whispered as he leaned over and pulled her face to his as their lips locked before Alexis could come up with yet another taunt and just as another entered the landing bay....

tbc...