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[hollow.moon]

Celeste Aurum Dynastie
"born to be.... an heir of beauty and serenity..."

​

Biography​

Born into the royal family on the planet of Chroma, Celeste was destined to be queen of her people. However fate had other plans for her, and on the eve of her twenty-fifth birthday the Galra invaded her home and took most of her people hostage. She took it upon herself to save as many lives as she could, but she would not surrender to the hands of the Galra. She led a resistance, but it was quickly snuffed out, and instead she was forced to flee her home planet with only a few thousand refugees. The refugees she rescued were intent on getting their home back, and named Celeste as their leader. However every attack failed and soon Celeste was left with a choice: risk it all, or back down. Her stubborn nature got the best of her, and she risked the lives of her people. They willingly went into battle in her name, and were either killed or captured as a result. Celeste managed to escape with a few hundred refugees, only a fraction of what she started with. She took them to the outer rim where they were safe from the Galra, and went back into the warzone to join the resistance.

Chroma​

The planet Chroma is a fertile and mineral rich planet known for it's advanced civilization and constant infighting. The capitol city, Roma, is ruled by the royal family, the Dynasties. Although referred to as 'royals' the Dynastie family was elected to serve the people for one hundred years. Their ascension to the throne plunged the planet into a civil war. This made it easy for the Galra to invade. Their infrastructure, fashion, and culture is very similar to that of Rome. They were loose clothing, lots of jewelry and appreciate art and literature. The people of Chroma are refereed to as Chromans, and are similar to Alteans, but are far shorter, and less magical. They have short pointed ears, and only get as tall as 5'11". They are often seen with unnatural eye and hair colors. Likely due to the fact that Chroma is a vibrant planet with yellow colored grass and a green sky. The flora and fauna adapted to blend into their surroundings and are thus are often of neon hue. Though not gifted with their cousins magic they are very skilled warriors, thanks to their amazing agility and stamina. They took a lot of inspiration from the Galra and Alteans alike, adopting both cultures and making their own. While fairly passive they are strong, while very stubborn, they are open-minded.

Personality​

Trained from birth to be a good princess Celeste learned her manners quickly. She often speaks with proper grammar and big words despite most people not really understanding her. Her outward appearance is quite plain. She has pale skin, that is almost white, while her hair and eyes are a pale shade of purple. Before the war she was weak and well fed. However now she is toned, and malnourished. She is skilled with a pistol and rifle. She prefers close quarters combat to ranged, and is a determined fighter. Stubborn to the bone she does not give up easily, and often finds herself in sticky situations because of this. However, her determination is like no other and she never gives up. A very optimistic person she likes to view the glass as half full, and tries her best to look forward to the future rather than dread it.

 

[Stitches and Patchwork]

Iris Basu
"I'm afraid of the things in my brain"

Personality
Due to being isolated for most of her life, Iris gets quite nervous in social situations. She often attempts to avoid people and getting noticed as she prefers to remain inconspicuous in the background. When approached, however, Iris still attempts to seem kind yet often struggles with speaking, stammering and doubting many things she says. Going on nervous tangents is also a tendency she has.

When Iris does get used to the situation, she does remain quite nervous yet displays to be a bright and sweet female who wants to see the universe and protect her loved ones. Her nervous demeanor does cause her to overthink many things and have many pessimistic thoughts despite her bright attitude, often assuming the worse in her mind while trying to make everyone else think of the best. She still shows wonder in everything, especially due to her background of traveling for most of her life. Iris also does show some wit, often thinking of plans on the spot and usually serves as a voice of reason.

Iris also always attempts to be as helpful as she can to those she cares about. This does stem from her guilt of her parents' death, the girl often going to great and reckless lengths to help others so she doesn't go through the loss again.

Iris does show to be a bit naive, seeing as she is quite inexperienced in social interactions and often be a bit gullible when it comes to things she doesn’t know. That said, Iris has a thirst for knowledge and often finds herself always needing an answer to her questions, causing her to believe the silliest of things. She also is a bit of a goody two shoes, being quite obedient and hating to rebel in any way.

Iris has a certain energy about, getting easily passionate about things such as art and justice and sometimes can go off on passionate rambles on things she cares deeply about. She does catch herself however and gets quite embarrassed by these things. She does still display great interest and enjoys learning, displaying to be very hardworking and preferring to always be active. She dislikes not being able to understand things and often works to understand everything she can.

Iris does struggle with opening up due to her wish to not be a burden and her social inexperience. Instead, she attempts to bury these feelings and helping others. She does show to be hardworking, doing whatever she can help, but because of her fear of being a burden and guilt, she tends to overwork herself, sometimes burying her feelings with work. She also struggles with accepting help because of this, believing it is her responsibility to do things on her own rather than being a burden.

When it comes to self-esteem, however, Iris is pretty confident in some aspects. She always attempts to keep herself grounded, knowing her strengths and weaknesses and utilizes these to the best of her ability. Despite her practical approach to these things, however, her wish to help often causes her to bite more than she can chew.

Biography
Before Iris was born, her mother, Chandelle Basu, a military officer forced to retire after losing her arm, was chosen to lead Project Apollo, an experiment to see if humans can survive in space in a shuttle. During their travels through, they stumble on an alien pod which was carrying surprise surprise, an alien. A Serpentine named Alanic to be specific.

The crew is suspicious of him first because he's a snake alien but he soon manages to be accepted after showing he's no harm and is actually a bit of a sweetheart. He falls in love with Chandelle and the two marry, having Iris, a human Serpentine hybrid, raising Iris on the shuttle.

When Iris was 8, the Galra discovered the shuttle and attacked it, killing or imprisoning most of the inhabitants, including Iris's mother, who died during the chaos. Iris and her father luckily managed to escape, her father managing to steal a space pod from the ship and the two had traveled from the planet from the planet for a few years on the run as Alanic attempted to find other Serpentine refugees.

Iris and her father lived like this for 5 years, her father managing to provide for them through trade, first beginning with equipment he had found on the Galra ship and things he had collected from Project Apollo. Alanic, having been an engineer and medic on Repta, manages to trade materials and build the two some armor using the materials of the ship they used to get here to disguise themselves along with them blade gauntlets to protect themselves.

When Iris was 13, her father and she finally found a lead in the spaceport, stating how there apparently has been a few masked figures spotted in the desert planet of Synensia that are constantly disappearing in the sand, a fact that causes Alanic to believe these figures are Serpentines. However before they could set off, Alanic and Iris got caught and unmasked as Serpentine. The two attempted to escape however during the chase, Alanic got shot, managing to survive yet slowly begun to die. Knowing he wouldn't be able to go on without dragging Iris down, he managed to get his daughter to the ship and inputted the coordinates into the ship. He, however, had the ship take off without him, taking Iris to what he hoped was safety while he was caught and executed by the Galra.

Iris crash-landed on a random spot inc Synensia and traveled the desert for about a year, searching for a home and barely living off of what she managed to hunt. Finally, she was found by a Serpentine couple, Garrius and Tavin, who reveal themselves to have been Alanic's best friends, having recognized his craftsmanship on the armor. They led her to the Serpentine hideout which turned out to be a series of tunnels underneath the desert sand, the refugees attempting to have their new home resemble their old underground metropolitan home. Since then Iris has lived there, attempting to help as much as she can as well as finding herself dreaming to travel again, but weighed down by the guilt of her parents' deaths and fear of the Galra, she remains hiding along with the other Serpentine.

Species
Iris is a Human-Serpentine hybrid.

Serpentines are reptile based aliens from the planet of Repta, a high tech industrial planet that was destroyed by the Galra. Many are hiding among the galaxy though as refugees, trying not to get caught by the Galra.

They were known for having the ability to manipulate their hair that is made up of a species similar to that of snakes by will, their snakes representing extensions of their mind and reacting with their innermost thoughts. However, the snakes also serve as their weakness, seeing as cutting off one of them could kill the Serpentine. This can prove hard to do, seeing they are quite dense, being made of a gelatin bonelike substance. Their snakes can also produce a venom that is harmful to them but could be used as a healing solution for other species.

They also are known for their accelerated healing, being able to heal from nonfatal injuries and diseases quicker than other species that are not caused by the venom.

Serpentines usually are made up of scales that usually are shades of green or brown with most of their teeth being sharp fangs and completely golden eyes. Their most notable feature, however, is the snakelike creatures that make up their hair, seeming almost identical except they lack pupils and tongues, being unable to hiss. The species are known for being quite tall but are surprisingly quite light and can easily be knocked or blown away.

Abilities
In the gauntlets of Iris’s armor is an energy core. Through the energy core, Iris is able to manifest golden blades of energy from the core out of slits in her gauntlets which she can either keep in there for close combat or shoot out for long distance combat. Due to it being old, however, it does not work every time, sometimes the blade even flickering out when used during close combat.

Due to living in the desert for most of her life, Iris is quite experienced with living in the wild however does often take multiple risks in these situations. Being trained a bit by her uncles seeing as the refugees are constantly on edge, Iris is also slightly skilled at close combat, specifically more simpler moves like punches and kicks used in the sports of kickboxing and boxing. However, she is much better at hitting from a distance, seeing as she has become quite acquainted in using the act of firing her blades when hunting the desert. She is a slow shooter, however, used to taking her time when it comes to long distance.

Iris’s true expertise comes from her experience with medicine and healing. Having been trained by her father, an experienced medic, Iris is quite a skilled healer, having gained experience from treating her own injuries. Not to mention that as a hybrid, Iris’s venom does not affect her in any way, allowing her to apply it herself to injuries and use it on anyone who is not a Serpentine.

Serpentines are able to extend their snake hair and use it to attack including Iris. However, this proves to be her downfall, seeing as they are extensions of her mental state (and do represent her thoughts and insecurities she attempts to repress) and therefore react with it. This means that if she panics, she could easily lose control. It’s because of this, she prefers not to use them to attack and just is a healer or uses her gauntlets even though they malfunction often due to how old they are. She instead uses her hair to hold stuff.

Iris, as a human, does not have the healing factor but is able to live through her snakes cut off, dying if all of them are cut off. However, it’s extremely excruciating for her as she becomes quite weaker after getting her snakes cut off.

Extra

•Iris is usually hesitant about taking off her helmet, due to trauma and how enforced it is in the Serpentine based, Iris, being almost afraid of taking it off outside of the base or in front of someone she doesn’t know and isn’t a Serpentine. If she takes it off around you, it means she trusts you.

•Iris wants to learn French due to her mother having spoken it, often having sung lullabies to her when she was little to her in the language. She feels as if she understands what they mean, she may have one piece of her mother back.

•Iris loves art but prefers traditional art over anything, especially painting. She carries Chandelle’s journal which she used as a sketchbook, Alanic having taken it while escaping Project Apollo and due to nostalgia, never traded it away, instead of giving it to Iris when they were forced to separate.

•When it comes to art, Iris is self-taught. She was originally taught by Chandelle as a child and often uses her drawings as a reference. However, in an attempt to figure out her own style, she often approached her other loved ones to see how they would draw something and see if she could use that as inspiration. Her father bought her the paints while they were traveling.

•Iris wears rusted olive green armor with rusted darker olive green accents between the major pieces of armor with matching gauntlets. The helmet is olive green with darker accents, similar to the armor with the visor being dark green. Under her armor, she wears a black spacesuit with the silver logo for Project Apollo on her back.

•Iris's headcanon voice is Ashly Burch.

•Iris is a panromantic pansexual.

Playlist
i. "Pure Imagination (Trap Remix)" -Dotan Negrin and Prismatic Mantis ft. Future James
"we are the music makers and we are the dreamers of the dreams"
ii. "New Soul" - Yael Naim
"finding myself making every possible mistake"

iii."That Distant Shore" - Cartoon Network's "Steven Universe"
"maybe i'm not alone'

iv."When He Loved Me" - Samantha Barks
"every hour we spent together lives within my heart"

v."Sidekick" - Starkid's "A Very Potter Senior Year"
"'i'm just a sidekick. But I love being at your side"

​

 

[hollow.moon]

Celeste
Space was quiet, but the agonizing silence of the empty abyss was agonizing as Celeste struggled with her inner thoughts. Guilt festered inside her 'all those people', she thought to herself. Her violet gaze was blank as she stared at the planet that came into view. It looked like an empty barren wasteland, with barely any atmosphere, but it was hidden just outside the outer rim, which meant it would likely slip through the Galra's tight grip on the galaxy. Celeste had heard it was a refuge for the Serpentine.

She approached the bridge and pressed a button to call the planet while still in orbit. Not thinking about how the signal might reach the Galra, she was never any good at thinking ahead. She spoke into the microphone "This is Celeste Dynastie, from planet Chroma. I have refugees in need of shelter, please respond." she said and released the message into space.

Her gaze turned to look at the refugees she had managed to save, they were all families with small children, or elderly that could not fight in their stand against the Galra. Everyone wanted to fight for their planet, for once in their lives they were willing to come together and take back what belonged to them. Celeste let out a sigh and ran her fingers through her lavender hair, hoping the planet below would respond. So far there was nothing but radio silence. In that moment she made a promise to herself, to not let those who died in her name be forgotten or die in vain. She wanted to fight more than anything, she hated the Galra more than anyone. There was still a faint glimmer of hope in her heart, tales of Voltron kept her afloat in the sea of her own fear. So long as there was hope she would never give up.

However, she would be tested again soon enough, as the Galra heard her message to the Serpentine colony, and were debating on taking action.

 

[Stitches and Patchwork]

Iris Basu
No one expected for Tavin’s device to actually work. For years he had kept the strange radio-like device on that one mound of sand he created to prevent someone from stepping on their only signal detector to ensure the Galra were not nearby. And for years it has remained silent with no sound escaping it nor a frequency picked up. Yet today it was not sitting in its usual place. being held in the fidgeting gauntlets of Iris, ruining the layer of dust. Because today it actually did something than just sitting on its mound. It sounded.

As stated before, it was completely unexpected. Especially for Iris. The female remembered simply looking for one of the members of the community when she heard the crackling of static, followed by a voice. A voice that managed to get the attention of everyone in the cave as for once, the busy tunnels of the colony fell silent and still. Before Iris knew it, she was stammering an explanation to Tavin as Serpentines surrounded them, asking their own questions. All of them that linked to a similar topic.

What was the next course of action?

"Please remain calm. Panic will solve nothing," The cool voice of Tavin rung above the crowd that surrounded him, attempting to lower the amount of the commotion, as Iris stuck to the corner staring at the device in her hands. Her hands tapped on the metal surface of the device, afraid of doing anything else despite the female just wising to fiddle with it. Or just move her hands. It was something calming for her and at this moment of very high stress, anything would be helpful. However, Tavin ordered her to not mess with it. The last thing they needed was sending so many messages that the Galra would notice. Despite this being a safety precaution that certainly made sense, it still prevented the Serpentines to ask any questions to these strangers that could answer their questions. An aspect that unnerved even the most impulsive Serpentines such as Garrius, the co-leader of the colony. And including Iris's, as she continued to think over this signal.

The message was still ingrained in her mind, seeming to echo in her ears. A seemingly feminine voice from this planet she never heard of before that wished shelter. Part of Iris wanted to immediately allow them in, wishing to help these supposedly fellow refugees. However, another portion of Iris was afraid of these strangers at the same time. There was the possibility that they could be the Galra. Or the possibility that they have been followed by the Galra. To be honest, there were too many possibilities.

"We're back!"

Iris tensed from the sudden shout, almost dropping the device as a caped armored figure entered. Garrius. Iris caught the device, holding it close to her chest as she watched the normally cheery Garrius now stiff and serious as he approached the refugees, informing them on their sights. "Alright so here's what we have found?

Silence.

Garrius glanced around, his posture and movements suggesting he was unused to this. After all, some of the Serpentine were known for being bright intellectuals who could easily figure out how to create a tunnel in the desert or create weapons for hunting using the smallest amount of supplies. Yet nobody could figure out what to do. "Not even you Tavs?" Garrius asked his husband genuinely. Tavin didn't look at him, however, instead of looking down. Even with his helmet on, Iris could sense that he was evidently ashamed by this, has prided himself on his knowledge. Yet even he was stumped on what to do next.

The sight of this caused Iris's grip to tighten on the device. This was wasting time. They needed to do something. And really, seeing as it was confirmed that they were not Galra ships.. perhaps allowing them in couldn't hurt. But there still was that layer of distrust. The female took a deep breath as she opened her mouth.

"How..."

Iris paused, doubting herself. No. It was too risky. She couldn't put the fellow Serpentine at stake just because these Chromans apparently needed their help. And she should simply allow them to rot in space. Quiznack. Why were both of these options so difficult? Before Iris could decide, Garrius noted her voice.

"What is it kiddo?" Garrius asked. Iris tensed when asked, her fingers tapping on the device at a faster pace as all eyes were aimed at her, expecting her to go on... Wonderful. Just great.

"As much as I... loathe to rely heavily on this, Iris... any suggestion would be greatly appreciated," Tavin announced, seeming interested in at least some plan. Garrius nodded in agreement as he gestured her to go on. He never was patient. But it did cause Iris to stop focusing on her internal conflict as she decided to simply present her initial idea. The female took a deep breath before beginning.

"How about we let them in? I know this could be dangerous but... if the Chromans are just like you all, refugees. I.. I know it sounds crazy and idiotic... a-and reckless. But..." Iris hesitated before shaking her head, deciding to end it there. "Never mind... t-that's it," She stammered, looking down as she got herself ready for the most negative reactions.

Tavin tensed, seeming to against this plan. Iris prepared herself for degrading, already regretting deciding to say the idea. To a colony of those who lived on the belief of trusting no one other than who were here. But rather than speak, he sighed and approached her, extending his hand. "If no one objects, I'll be sending a signal to them I suppose," He announced, turning to the colony. And no one objected. Iris gave the male the device as he pressed a button before speaking.

"This is the Serpentine. Land your ship on the surface. We'll have a group meet you there to lead you and your people, Celeste, to our shelter."​

 

[hollow.moon]

Celeste
It didn't take long for a response from the planet below, Celeste was overjoyed that they had found refuge. She smiled to herself and looked at the refugees scattered around the ship. Excitement spread quickly, there was lots of happy whispering and smiles. Celeste replied back "I cannot thank you enough, kind stranger! Our ship will be landing shortly."

The ship, which was Chroman by design, was given to Celeste as a gift. It was named The Normandy, and was not meant to be a cruiser vessel for so many people, but she made it work by removing a few unnecessary upgrades. As they flew past the atmosphere and landed, the ship's hull glistened in the sunlight, though it appeared white when the light hit the panels they shimmered with every color of the rainbow. They were a very colorful people, and it showed in almost everything. The landing was soft and smooth, Celeste had a more skilled pilot than herself at the helm. Although she knew how to fly she not only had other matters to attend to for her people, but she wasn't the smoothest flyer.

The door opened, and a staircase extended out from the hull, Celeste was the first at the door to ensure everything was safe. She looked around at the barren landscape, and watched as a few Serpentine's approached them. Her expression was friendly, the last thing she wanted was a bad impression. She made her descent to the surface and stood at the base of the stairs. Placing a hand over her chest she bowed politely to the strangers before her "I assure you all, we come in peace. My people have also suffered at the hands of the Galra, these few... are all we have left." she motioned to the people that began to huddle behind Celeste. A vibrant group of people, many children and elderly. A few animals, a child held tightly onto her bright pink pet that appeared to be a fox/rabbit hybrid. They had barely anything other than the clothes on their backs and their families beside them.

Celeste knew loss all to well, her family was captured as well, and likely dead. She was all alone, with no friends or even pets to comfort her. However, she kept a smile on her face, her purple eyes gleaming bright as she helped an elderly woman down the stairs to the surface. Turning back to the Serpentines she arched a brow "Might I ask for the woman who answered my call?" she questioned curiously.

 

[Stitches and Patchwork]

Iris
For a moment, everyone was silent. The busy tunnels were empty as everyone stood around the trio, awaiting the reply with bated breath. And then that feminine voice replied, her voice swelling with joy as she thanked them for their kindness. It warmed Iris's heart as she smiled, the device that connected them to space being placed back into her hands as Tavin turned to address the crowd, announcing that he, Garrius, and a few other Serpentine would be going up to meet these strangers.

Iris didn't expect to be chosen as one of the Serpentine going up. She was so used to Tavin keeping her down in the tunnels, having many points about why it was better this way. However, Garrius's goading got to him as Iris soon found herself traveling up the slope that led to outside. The female narrowed her eyes as the sun hit her visor, her arm immediately defending herself from the bright rays. How long has it been since she's seen the sun? The sand sunk under her feet, loose and easily manipulate, much like the stiff sand that made up the entire tunnel system below, the sand was hardened due to the weekly use of a like substance to ensure it stayed in the same place.

But the sounds of chatter got Iris's attention as she noticed the various people stepping out. These Chromans. For a moment, Iris thought they were human. But she quickly corrected this thinking when she noted some of their most nonhuman qualities. Their ears, their unnatural hair, and eye color, and the fact the Serpentine seem to easily tower over, Iris being the only one who seemed to be some of their height. She watched them with wide eyes that were filled with curiosity as soon the woman leading them turned to face all of them, asking for the woman she spoke to on the recording.

The Serpentine was silent for a moment, evidently unsure of how to react to it as Tavin took a deep breath as he stepped forward. "That... was me," He stated in a calm yet cold voice, the male not seeming the happiest about being mistaken for a woman when he was certain he was evidently male.

Garrius, on the other hand, seemed delighted by this as he burst out in laughter, needing to lean on the stiff Tavin to steady himself. "Sorry about the misunderstanding. But while Tavin, my fellow leader of the Serpentine, here, has a feminine voice, he's a guy. However Iris here did convince him to use it to reply to you all," Iris tensed as she heard her name and felt Garrius's elbow jab into her shoulder... wonderful.

The female stood their stiffly, not knowing what to say. She wasn't prepared for social interaction. Nonetheless, she took a deep breath, attempting to welcome them. "W-we're..um... sincerely h-happy to be able to help. And I.. um... I s-sincerely hope you enjoy y-your stay in.. in the tunnel system," She stammered out before returning to standing stiffly in silence, unable to think anything else and already regretting what she said.

"Yes yes. While we are finished with that I have a few questions for you," Tavin announced as he eyed the strangers, unknowingly saving Iris from further embarrassment. "I believe names are in order. Along with an explanation of how you found us. And I must ask, did you mask your signal?"​

 

[hollow.moon]

Celeste
Meeting the new alien race was exciting, Celeste felt relieved to have a safe place for her refugees. Though very strange, the Serpentine's seemed kind enough, and embarrassed was an understatement when she mistook Tavin for a woman. Clearing her throat she tried to hide her blushing cheeks, that were dusted with a pale shade of blue rather than red. She laughed awkwardly "My apologies, Tavin, I did not mean to offend." she said apologetically and bowed once more.

"Again, I cannot thank you enough for letting us land." she said hoping to change the subject "As I said before, I am Celeste, previous princess of the Chromans, though I don't hold that title any longer. Lately I've been playing general, but the Galra proved to be formidable opponents." she explained. Looking back to her people she frowned "Our home planet was invaded, everyone who was fit to fight volunteered, these are the last free Chromans in the galaxy." she said solemnly.

Despite their dire situations he smiled once more, bright and pure; "We've been flying around for quite awhile, I noticed this planet is supposedly unable to support life, but our scans showed otherwise. Amazing how life grows, is it not?" she grinned happily before her heart sank at the question of masking her signal "I..." she had not thought of it when she sent the signal, she was just to excited to find a secluded planet, her expression dropped "I did not..." she said as her head sank, a few surprised gasps came from the crowd "I can scan for Galra ships! Hopefully none were close enough to hear the signal." she said as anxiety rose in her throat. 'Not again' she thought 'Not again, not again, not again'

"Perhaps it would be best to take the refugees into the tunnels, one of you can join me while I check the radar." she said quickly as she rushed into her ship and made her way to the bridge, where she began a scan of the surrounding space. Her scanners were not so advanced as The Normandy was far from a battle ship, she tried to listen for signals as well, if the Galra were out there they would be communicating. The radio began to pick something up "t̶͚̎͠h̴̳͚̐͌i̴͔͂̏s̴͖̫͒ ̶̣͒í̴̼̪s̶̨͓̆͛ V̷o̶l̶t̷r̵o̶n̶," came a feminine voice over the speaker. The static made it hard to understand her, but Voltron was heard loud and clear. The voice came again "G̴a̷l̷r̶a̸ ̴a̴r̸e̴ ̴ë̶̦́n̸̼͌c̶͕̈l̸̥͗o̴͇͝s̶͚͗i̶͔̒ṇ̷͠g̸͕̔ ̵̢͐ő̴̙ń̵̟ ̷̠͝y̴͖͂o̵͚͝ú̷̦r̵̜͛ ̴̭͋ṗ̵̧ǫ̸̿s̴̙̄ȉ̶̗t̷̝̀ỉ̵͍o̵̬̽n̸̛̤,̴" was all that came through before the signal was lost, or blocked by someone.

Not too far away, The Castle of the Five Lions detected Galra activity, and soon found the reason was due to the signal a refugee ship had sent out, unmasked. It wasn't a proper distress signal, but they knew they had to help, even if they were a bit broken after their fight with Zarkon. The paladins felt not only that they needed to help, but perhaps the rescue mission would also be a good distraction.

 

[Stitches and Patchwork]

Iris
As the leader, who announced her name was Celeste, explained her story, Iris nodded along, interested yet also concerned as she found herself pitying these refugees. They were the only ones left. And Iris would’ve hate to seen what would happen to them if they never responded. And then Celeste announced she never masked her signal.

None of the Serpentine reacted well to this. “Wait... what?” Garrius replied with in disbelief as the other Serpentine tensed as well, frantically whispering to eachother. It was gibberish to Iris as she tensed, her panic kicking into high gear when she heard that, having been told too many times by Tavin about what it could mean.

The Galra could be coming here.

Even the collected Tavin tensed when he heard the fact that his colony could be put into danger. He did not hesitate to follow Celeste, seeing as he was the best at technology out of the group, but was stopped by Garrius, the male protective of his husband going into the ship when Galra ships could be approaching.

“Wait no. Tavs.... Tavin. I know what we signed up for bu-“

“But nothing. Garrius... I am going to ensure that my colony is safe and what measures we need to take. I need you to ensure everyone is inside the tunnels, understand? I’ll be back from checking the signal as soon as possible.”

Garrius was silent for a moment as Tavin sighed. “And I’ll be fine. That make you feel better?”

“... A bit,” Garrius sighed as he let go of him, allowing Tavin to enter the ship and face the group of worried Serpentine and Chromans. “Alright!” He exclaimed, returning to his previous more confident demeanor and taking leadship immediately. “Here is the plan. Everyone enter. Serpentine. I expect every one of you to help escort the elderly and children inside. Got it?”

The shocked Serpentine including Iris nodded, quickly getting to work. The female nervously helped lead parent after elderly person after child down the slippery slope that led to the tunnels, muttering to just hurry down as fast as they could do. The sooner everyone got down the better. That said, if the Galra did spot them, they could easily follow and raid the tunnels. And... there was the fact that this could be all her fault? If Iris didn’t suggest allowing the Chromans to enter... would this have happened?

Iris shook her head, focusing on the mission as in a matter of a minute, everyone was in the tunnels. Well other then Garrius who stood at the entrance of the tunnel, staring at the ship intently as he waited for Tavin. “Come on Tavs. You said you are going to come back soon,” He muttered to himself worriedly.

“Garrius?” Iris asked in a soft voice, having noticed this as she stood at the entrance to the tunnel. “We... we need to enter,” She stammered, worried for the male that stood before. She also was panicking about Tavin but... they didn’t have the time. She couldn’t loose both of them.

Garrius turned to her fully, tense. “Junior... I...” He looked back at the ship and her. “I’m going to enter the tunnel soon. Just head ba-“ He was interrupted by a lavender colored laser firing, narrowly missing them and landing in the sand right of them. Iris’s eyes widen as panic filled her body as in a quick motion, the two turned to see a Galra ship, hovering towards them as it broke throught the atmosphere. “Oh... no...” The male whispered, seeming to say Iris’s thoughts as she stood there, beginning to tremble. Please no. Not again. This couldn’t be happening again.

“Get Tavin! Now!” Garrius shouted, breaking through her thoughts as Iris turned to the male, worried. “What about you?”

Garrius got out his blaster, the seemingly small projectily expanding into a larger and much more powerful blaster thst he aimed at the ships with a simple flip of a switch. “I’ll be fine! Now hurry for quiznacking sake!” The male snapped as Iris flinched at the harshness but nodded, sprinting towards the open ship as her boots hit the metal floor loudly. She entered the control room, panting only to see Tavin and Celeste listening to a garbled message. Voltron. Warning them of what has just come.

Tavin turned, having heard Iris as he looked at her. “Iris. What...”

“-The Galra ship,” The out of breath Iris replied.

“It’s here.”​

 

[hollow.moon]

Celeste & Voltron
Despite the ensuing panic Celeste attempted to remain calm, however her shaking hands and shallow breath said otherwise "I cannot offer but an apology..." she whispered to Tavin "This is all my fault, I'm going to go up there and try and draw away their fire." she explained. She began to start up the ship and ushered them out "Please, keep my people safe. I beg you." she pleaded to them before meeting Iris' eyes for a moment, wondering if maybe they could have been friends, or what the day would had been like had she not been so foolish. Frowning to herself she closed the doors to the ship and began the flight sequence, it was no battle cruiser but it could move quickly, and might buy them some time. It was only one large battle ship, and surely they would have soldiers on the ground at any minute.

As she ascended to the sky she closed her eyes and whispered a faint prayer that her people might survive, and that one day this would all be over. The ship moved like a knife through melted butter without all the refugees, and despite missing some hardware it did it's job. She fired upon the Galra foot soldiers that were landing in ships, but took several hits from a few fighters they dispatched. If they had an army, this would be nothing; but they didn't have an army, and this was the Galra.

Suddenly Celeste heard a sonic boom echo through the atmosphere as a blue lion appeared, blocking the sun and turning day to night.

"This is Allura! Paladin of Voltron! Do you copy?" a voice came over the intercom, Celeste felt a rush of excitement flow through her veins.

"Yes! Yes! I do copy!" she replied as she continued to try and keep the Galra away from the tunnels "There are Serpentine and Chroman refugees inside the tunnels, they are the main priority!" she explained.

Alurra turned her attention to the tunnels were panicked refugees were filing in, "I'm on it." she said as she turned her lion around, but was soon met with opposing fire. Before Celeste could react, the red lion intercepted the Galra ships enclosing on the blue lion's position, and began to fight back.

"Sharp shooter Lance is on the case!" said the red lion,

Celeste continued to work on the ground soldiers, but soon noticed a purple glow in the sky. Her heart dropped "The ion canon..." she said softly; she saw the planet's death flash before her eyes, she could not witness the death of her people once more, her mind was being pulled in two different directions, abandon ship, or go down with it. She thought to the people who were still on her home planet, captured and under control of the Galra, she had to be there for them, she was the only left. Gripping the controls on her ship she closed her eyes tightly, fighting back tears, before she shot away from the planet and left her people behind.

Most shocked by this was Allura, a princess herself who would never have done what Celeste just did.

"It's time to form Voltron," came another voice, "We can block the blast with the shield it's the only hope for the refugees." said Keith, who flew in along with the green and yellow lions.

Together, with their formidable bond, they merged as one and became a force greater than the Galra's ship. Turning their bayards, they summoned the shield and blocked the violent ion blast before it hit the planet's surface. Though they could feel the heat from the blast, no refugee was harmed. Knowing they could not defeat Voltron, and intent on letting Lotor know about their quarrel, the Galra retreated back to their territory. A small victory for Voltron, but a victory nonetheless.

Celeste was long gone, not knowing the colony had been saved, and that she had abandoned her people for naught. She cried as she flied silently through space, unsure of what to do next.

 

[Stitches and Patchwork]

Iris
Tavin tensed as he gazed outside, watching the chaos as Garrius attempted to defend the Serpentine. A few Serpentine near the entrance soon joined him, pulling out their own blasters, attempting to fire at the smaller ships.

“Apologies won’t do us any good,” The male spoke up, his tone cold as he watched the colony he strove to protect attacked in front of his own eyes.

Iris felt the guilt settle in as she examined the two figures before her, evidently going through great distress... due to what she did. Iris convinced the Serpentine to trust the Chroman rather than check the signal. This... this was all her fault. And the princess meeting her eyes certainly did not help this feeling despite the female attempting to smile back despite her helmet being. She... she did not deserve this.

“Iris get to the tunnel,” Tavin’s voice sounded, interrupting her thoughts as she looked at the male walk past her, commanding her.

“Tavin,” Iris stated, following him as they stood in front of the entrance. If she led the colony to doom, she at least had to attempt to defend it. “Please don’t. I can help. I swear. Please.”

“Now is not the time to argue Iris. J-“

“Tavin, please! I can't have you be put at risk because of me!" Iris exclaimed, doing something extremely rare. Interrupting Tavin. But she was desperate. She's stood by so many times. She couldn't let it happen again. She couldn't! But Tavin remained silent.

"... You truly are Alanic's daughter. Which is why I have to do this," Tavin muttered. Before Iris could say or do anything, she found herself pushed into the tunnel. The sand slipped under Iris's feet as she found herself tumbling to the base of the slope. The female groaned from the impact only to widen her eyes when she was realizing what was occurring. She looked up to see Tavin, entering the tunnel. She scrambled "No.. NO NO NO!

But it was too late. In a quick moment, he brushed his hand along the ceiling, breaking the long-lasting yet fragile chemical seal that kept the sand in its place. However, with the seal holding that portion of sand broken, the sand began to spill in, creating a pile of sand that separated Iris from Tavin. Iris scrambled to her feet, running towards it as she attempted to dig through it. Attempted to stop Tavin from doing this reckless action. But quickly Iris realized it was useless. Using the blades of her gauntlets would be just as useless as well. But she needed to get up there. She had to.

Shallow breathing filled Iris's helmet as she took a few steps back. There were more paths to the surface. She just had to find one. Iris nodded to herself as she slid down, stumbling slightly at the end, but managed to quickly catch her balance and quickly begun sprinting through the various paths of the tunnels, ignoring any other Serpentines calling her name as well as questions that were thrown at her. It took some time, the female's memory of the tunnels that led to the surface not exactly being the best. Luckily Iris managed to find a tunnel that led to an exit that was a short distance away from the now blocked tunnel. She climbed to the top, frantic as she attempted to see what she missed. Only for a bright light to fill the area. Iris winced, shielded her eyes but attempted to see her surroundings. Only to see a terrifying scene in front of her. Bodies of Serpentine littered the area. Not as many as they were fighting against Galra but... Either their bodies were hidden from her line of sight... Or they were captured. And seeing as she was unable to see devices covering the chest plate of any of these corpses nor a cape hanging from them, she could assume that they were as well. Not to mention Celeste's ship... it was gone. What happened to it? Iris had not the faintest clue.

Iris's heartbeat sped up as she found panic filing her, wishing to disbelieve this. But... It was in front of her. She couldn’t deny it. She was too late. Tears escaped Iris’s eyes, simply travelling down her face as the helmeted female stared at the scene which was illuminated by the bright light. What was that light anyways? Iris turned just as the light dissolved only to widen her eyes. There was a giant robot... standing in front of her. Well, a small distance away from her but she was certain that if it took one step, she'd easily become gunk on its foot. And this did not soothe the helmeted female's fears at all as she soon found herself trembling, questions and concerns filling her head as she stood there, paralyzed by fear and this enormous amount of information to take in.

Lotor
"So you believe they have captured the Serpentine generals?"

The masculine voice rung through the ship, accented by a crisp accent that could only belong to one man. Prince or rather Emperor Lotor sat in his seat in the center of the violet ship, elevated by a pedestal while his generals examined their surroundings on their screen and did their work. Well, only Axca and Narti were truly performing their work. Ezor kept glancing at the holographic screen displaying the Galra commander Lotor was speaking to, attempting to be subtle, while Zethrid simply stared, intrigued by the conversation.

"We checked with our Galran druid onboard. They both truly are the leaders of the Serpentine. However neither seem to be keen on agreeing with us since being captured."

As if to emphasize the Galra's point, Lotor swore he could hear loud swearing in the background of the call. The Galran commander seemed to notice this as well, nodding to one of his soldiers who left the screen. The shouting ceased, implying that the Serpentine was knocked out cold with the butt of a blaster, returning the silence once again as the Galra continued his summary.

"We managed to corner them and coax them into coming with us by threatening their people. However, I doubt they'd be interested in an alliance considering the Galra's history with them. So I suggest that at least to make use of them rather than having their corpses litter the area, we could throw them into the a-"

"I do believe we shall be dismantling that practice. Unless you are willing to fight in the arena yourself," Lotor interrupted him, tensing ever so slightly at the thought. Yet it was true. The Serpentine may provide little use if they were not willing to make an alliance. However Including the arbitrary which simply encouraged for this Empire to continue to be built on bones. The Galra commander tensed at the remark, seeming to be both frustrated from this change from normality as well as fear from the thought. He bowed, muttering under his breath. "Apologies sir. I simply forgot."

"Take them back to your base. Perhaps have them assist with the construction of weaponry. Hopefully, they'll either change their minds after some time in imprisonment. If they refused and prove to be a threat, eliminate them," Lotor announced, seemingly quite confident. However, in the back of his mind, a small trace of guilt nagged at him, scolding him from following the Galra tradition of slavery as well. The male quickly extinguished this flame of rebellion as he focused on his current plan. Once he achieved it, he could truly end this. For now, he must continue being willing to save many more. Speaking of his plan, that reminded him.. "And the Chromans? What of them?"

"The Chromans seemed to have already be hidden away in the tunnels of the Serpentine. We can attack if requested," The Galra commander announced, his tone suggesting that he would prefer for that course of action. However he received no response from Lotor, the male simply staring at him with a half-lidded expression, waiting for him to complete the summary. The Galra general clenched his jaw as he continued.

"However their leader seemed to have escaped," The general informed him. "Perhaps capturing her would be the most beneficial to the Empire. I can send out my soldiers right now."

"No need. I'll search for her myself," Lotor interrupted. With the Paladins evidently having become accustomed to their new roles and there seemed to be no chance that Lotor could simply take them, it seemed as if he had to follow his second plan. Seeing if he could manipulate them. However, in order to do so, he needed more information. Something the Chromans could provide. And Lotor could not risk having the plan ruined. "Thank you for your service. Vrepit sa Commander."

"Vrepit sa, Emperor Lotor," The commander responded as the screen powered off. Lotor sighed, straightening in his chair as he gazed at his generals who continued to work, Ezor and Zethrid quickly returning to gazing at their screens. "Seems as if we have a new plan. Postpone our previous search. Instead, I require all of you to search for this Chroman leader. The sooner we find her, the better."

"Fortunately sir, I don't believe we have to do much searching," Axca announced as she flicked one of the screens, having it appear before Lotor. It was a ship that was identical to the ones found on Chroma. Exactly what they were looking for. Lotor smirked, evidently glad to see everything was going according to plan.

"Fire at the ship. However..." Lotor announced, glancing at Zethrid who seemed to go through a quick mood shift from delighted when she heard about firing to deflated when she heard the "however". "Do not completely destroy. Simply damage it to the point where this leader will not have anywhere else to go," He concluded, a smug smile on his face as he watched everything fall into place.​

 

[hollow.moon]

Lance
After the Galra retreated, the paladins landed to tend to the remaining refugees that managed to evade capture. Bodies were scattered about, the Serpentines and Chromans tended to their own dead. Lance exited the red lion and looked about, it was a lot to take in, he wasn't sure where to start.

"Paladins to me!" said Keith, catching the attention of the others who were in shock as well. Keith frowned, obviously torn over what to do next, it was just a simple refugee camp, but what would Voltron be if they did not help the little guy? He sighed "Pidge, Hunk, get a headcount, Alurra, Lance, tend to the wounded and try and find whoever the leader is, and bring them to me so we can discuss what to do next." He was really starting to sound like a leader now, at least Lance thought so.

It was hard for him to adjust, to a new lion, a new leader, but as Keith settled into his role, Lance did as well. They all nodded and dispersed, off to do their assigned tasks, but Lance didn't have the best beside manner. He thought about maybe helping with the bodies but he did not want to seem disrespectful. His gaze turned to the entrance of one of the tunnels, to see a Serpentine girl in shock. Frowning to himself he approached in the hopes of helping her "Hey uh, you alright?" he asked as gently as possible, but then felt his cheeks heat up, 'of course she isn't alright' he thought to himself.

"I mean-! I know you're not alright but uhm- Can I help you with anything? Injured? Need help finding your family?" he asked curiously.

Celeste
As the ship began to run low on fuel, Celeste tried to direct unnecessary power to life support. All the lights were off, and the ship was barely drifting along, she would have noticed the Galran ship had she been paying attention to the radar, but at the moment she could not focus on anything. Her face buried in her hands she floated weightlessly in the zero gravity, her tears flying up and sticking in the air. Some queen she turned out to be.

The ship shook as it was fired upon, her heart sank as she rushed to the cockpit and looked out the window. It did not look like any of the ones from earlier, and as the ship took more and more damage she panicked and grabbed her helmet, and suit, knowing the systems would be too damaged to keep life support working.

She spoke over the comm "I surrender!" she said quickly, not even attempting to call for help, after all, who was their to aid her now? When Voltron was helping people who actually deserved it.

"I surrender! Please! My ship cannot take any more damage!" she pleaded over the speaker. Letting out a sigh she felt her eyes well up with tears again, but due to her helmet was unable to wipe them. Frowning she tried to keep her calm demeanor "Attach your ship to mine, and I will come aboard willingly."

 

[Stitches and Patchwork]

Iris Basu
Iris stared at the giant... robot... man as her heart raced a mile a minute, seeming to only be matched by her mind which had questions and worries currently pouring into it at a frantic pace. What was this thing? Was it a friend? An enemy? Not to mention it was gigantic! What if it took one step back? It could possibly kill even more Serpentines and Chromans. And then Iris’s confusion and panic sin a flash of the lignt, the robot just... split... Into 5 robotic lions.

How... how was that even possible?

The female, now ultimately clueless much to her frustation, continued to gaze at the lions as they landed, watching as five figures exited each lion. Due to the distance between them, Iris wasn’t able to exactly much about them. All she could see was they were each wearing a different color, similar to the lions each being a different color. Then again, some of these strangers’ armor did not match their respective lion but... Iris digressed, preferring to wonder who these strange pilots were? And what they were here for?

After discussing a bit, the group split up, seeming to care for the survivors. Iris’s eyes glanced between the various figures before beginning to linger on the bodies of Chromans and Serpentines that were now being approached by survivors exiting the cave. Various reactions filled the area but each sight caused Iris’s stomach to twist in guilt as soon her worries overshadowed her questions. She felt sick. Awful. This was her fault. Yet she was still standing here... alive. While many innocents have died. Because of her. Not to mention the captured ones. Iris gazed over the bodies one more time. No sign of Tavin and Garrius. And she doubted they were the only ones taken by the Galra. Most likely to be subjected to a worse fate than death.... because of her.

A shaky breath echoed through Iris’s helmet as she hugged herself tightly from the thought, attempting to restrain herself from any sort of tears. She couldn’t spend time moping. She needed to... she needed to save them. Get off this planet. Somehow. But somehow wasn’t good enough. Iris bowed her head, her grip on herself getting tighter as she grew more frustrated with herself and lack of ideas of what to do.

A voice suddenly interrupted Iris’s train of thoughts, startling her as the female stiffened. She quickly spun around, almost falling over as she attempted to scramble back, taking up an awkward defensive position. Only to find herself face to face with one of the mysterious figures from before. The one in blue armor to be specific.

Iris was silent for a moment, nervous and curious, as she scanned the figure offering help. They seemed to be a male, judging by their physique. And his helmet did not completely cover his face, rather simply covering the top with a translucent blue visor. And... he was human. How? Iris didn’t know. She glanced to the side, seeing his allies were also human and were doing the same activity, reaching out to other Chromans and Serpentines who either outright refused the assistance, evidently distrustful, or relunctantly accepted it. They seemed friendly as they were confusing and mysterious.

“I-i’m fine,” Iris quietly replied, turning her gaze back at the male for a second before looking at the ground, slightly intimidated and quite nervous. Nonetheless, she continued.

“I-i’m sure others need your help though. A-after all... everything else is wrong. S-so you don’t need to worry about me just...,” She awkwardly stammered, fiddling with her hands only to stop herself before she went into a ramble. She took a deep breath, attempting to calm herself.

“J-just... if you don’t mind me asking,” She looked up at the male. “Who... who are you? And... and how did you get here? From Earth? A-and if you’re not from Earth forget I said any? Though I have to ask what that robot lion man... thing was? An-“ Again, Iris needed to stop to herself, pursing her lips.

“Sorry! Sorry. Sorry... T-that was... I just..” Iris sighed, giving up on explaining herself and focusing on staying on topic. “L-let’s just return to the original question. W-who... who are you?”

Lotor
The ship did not put up much of a fight. Then again, it seemed to have been slowing down, coming to a stop. Which gave themcan advantage. Lotor smirked smugly as he sat on his throne, his generals taking advantage of it as soon a barrage of blasts hit the hovering ship. They cut through the metal with ease, managing to knock off a good chunk of the right wing and plunge through any sort of system that could provide defenses.

The Chroma’s leader was defenseless. Vulnerable.

Not that exact state Lotor would prefer to see his allies in. However, he was not one to risk a potential attack ruin the plans he had set up since recieving the message of Zarkon’s coma.

And any moment now. She’ll surrender. She has no other choice if she wished to live.

As if on cue, as soon as Lotor the comm was accessed, a screen depicting a voice graph rose in front of him. Lotor rose his hand up, as if to pause fire. His generals obeyed, stopping as they instead turned to face the comm, curiosity shining in each of their eyes. Except for Narti due to... certain qualities she had. Nonetheless she still turned to face the screen as the previously busy activity in the ship was replaced with still silence. Lotor stared intently at the comm recording, his catlike eyes glistening with triumph when he heard the plead for mercy. His smug smile stretched as his quick plan worked as he pressed a button for the comm, replying to the small static filled message with a much clearer one said with a much calmer tone.

“Of course. We shall meet you at the entrance to the ship. And understand that trying any sort of trick will result in more displays of force,” Lotor replied, his tone smooth and dignified yet almost nonchalant, as if he was laying down the rules one was meant to follow, not subtly threatening someone that they might as well be peaceful, or else.

With that said, Lotor let go of the button, closing the comm, and stood up, his white locks seeming to bounce up with him.

“Zethrid. Move and attach our ship to our guest’s. The rest of you, monitor the acitivity on the ship. If anything seems wrong, send Kova as a warning sign,” The male commanded as he begun making his way to the exist of the cockpit, taking leisurely long strides towards the mettalic black and lavender colored door.

“And where are you going sir?” Axca’s voice asked, evidently hesitant on allowing the Galra Emperor to face a potential enemy alone. A risk, Lotor had to admit, but one he had to take. The Chromans were not the Puigans. Voltron was unknown to them. And presenting himself as a violent emperor would create a quickly formed alliance but one that would be thin. Fragile. And an alliance with the closest thing to Alteans was an advantage Lotor was not keen on loosing.

“To greet out guest,” Lotor stated, the door opening as he spoke as he took a step forward. He did however stop at the doorway, turning back to gaze at Axca who seemed about to interject. She always was the more cautious one. “I expect you to stay here. I do not wish to completely force the leader to an alliance after all.”

Axca pursed her lips, her expression expressing her opinion on allowing Lotor to be. But unable to refuse the direct order, the blue skinned female sighed as she sat down silently, looking at the monitors. The other generals glanced at Lotor with similar concern yet none of them bothered to stop him, instead turning to the monitor quietly.

Lotor signed quietly, a bit relieved he recieved no other opposition as he begun his way towards the exit of the ship. As the ship slowly lowered itself to the smaller and much more damaged vehicle, Lotor briskly walked through the halls, approaching the side entrance of the ship. On the way, he placed his helmet on, tucking his white locks into it as he turned to the entrance which was currently a closed mettalic grey wall, illuminated by purple hues. He placed a button, the wall lifting up in reply as soon Lotor was faced with the side of the other ship.

Waiting patiently for the leader of the Chromans to come out. ​