Book 6:Dangerous Deception:

Chapter Six

Cossack was a survivor. He didn't 'look' like one, but he was. Although he was regarded as a simpleton by Zarkon, Cossack was smart. He hadn't survived all these under Lotor and Zarkon by really being stupid.

He could slide, sidestep, and pass the blame quite adeptly - unless it was a sure thing, then HE would take the credit.

Cossack met his underling before he could get to Zarkon. Cossack would handle this Zanthar business himself."

"Well, what their status?" Cossack snarled at the officer.

"Commander. There's no reply."

"What about the Lions in storage?" Cossack frowned.

"They register as being properly stored, Commander." The officer said in an even tone.

"I don't LIKE this..."Cossack stroked his chin."I don't LIKE it at ALL."

"Should we dispatch a squad there, Commander?"

"The sooner the better." Cossack replied.

"What - about King Zarkon, my lord?"

"Just take care of it now." Cossack snapped. "Take a small squad ship, I doubt you'll have trouble with them. Some properly aimed lazon fire will do the trick. Have the team leader report to me via my com link. There's no need to interupt King Zarkon's pleasure of the Games. Now go."

"Yes, my Lord Commander." The officer quickly left.

Zarkon looked bored.

"Damnation! These Arun slaves have no backbone at all! They either cring in fear or they just stand there singing some stupid song about some god. What kind of stupidity is that?"

Zarkon turned to Allura, whose head was still bowed. She couldn't bear seeing her people - mostly simple farmers and villagers - go to their deaths so violently.

"Look, MY QUEEN." Zarkon roughly pulled her chin to where she had to view the awful carnage.

A tear fell down Allura's cheek. Zarkon only laughed derisively.

"Weak. All your feeble efforts for nothing, eh, Wife?

"I HATE YOU!" Allura hissed lowly.

"Good! Good! Such rancor will norish my warrior son!" Zarkon laughed loudly and suddenly his mood changed as he let go of Allura.

"This display..." the evil monarch gestured at the arena strewn with bodies. "...is PATHETIC! Where are those stupid space explorers? COSSACK!!" Zarkon bellowed.

"At your Commander, Sire." Cossack was behind him once more.

"WELL?" Zarkon bade Cossack forward.

"Sire. They're on their way we speak." Cossack lied smoothly.

"Eh?" Zarkon glared at Cossack. "They BETTER be, Cossack, or you'll be mucking out the roebeast stalls for eternity!"

"Understood, King Zarkon." Cossack stepped back to his place.

"Bring out Lotor." Zarkon finally said.

"But Sire, you -" Zarkon quickly grasped the neck of the officer that had been in front of Allura.

"Never question your god, cretin..."

--CRACK!--

Allura gasped in horror as the unfortunate officer slumped to the floor, lifeless. Another guard quickly replaced him.

"You have the honor of security for my Royal House - I'd advise you keep your tongue still." The young officer nodded mutely.

"COSSACK!"

"Your Majesty?"

"Bring Lotor out."

"As you command, Sire, so I obey." Cossack quickly left. Allura gasped.

"What's wrong, my dear? Why all the Galaxies knew of your hatred of him. I would have thought it'd make you happy to see his death." Zarkon smirked as he watched the play of emotions in her eyes.

So she does have feelings for him...that makes it all the more gratifying indeed. Zarkon thought to himself.

"Hagar!" Zarkon turned to where Hagar was sitting in her shadows.

"Not that I particularly care, old hag, but you're quite silent What evil are you plotting in that mind of yours?

"Much, King Zarkon." ...oh yes...

sob...

Allura, don't. You must be alert, aware, and ready...

Honevera! You can't let Lotor die! Allura thought to the witch.

I can't guarantee that, poor child. It's up to all of you. I can't grant you victory. All must work for that...

I don't understand... I'm not the One who is Overall of All. You know Him. My path is just beginning, Allura. You are not asked to understand, just trust in Him, the true Ruler of All.

Just then, a blast of trumpets blasted through the air, startling both women.

It was time.

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