Learning Curve takes place in my own version of season 3 and is set shortly after my multi-chapter story, In the Aftermath. It also references events from my other one-shot Voltron stories (Journey and Red Cub). I've written this so you don't need to read the previous works, but the story and original characters will make more sense in that context. My goal is to end as many chapters on cliff hangers as possible, but also to keep them short as to be able to update more frequently.
I, obviously, have not created any of the characters from Netflix/Dreamwork's Voltron: Legendary Defender. Hat tip to Tove Jansson.
Please enjoy!
Learning Curve
Chapter 1
Haggar heard the synchronized footsteps echoing down the corridor. The thumping amplified as the Galra Honor Guard rounded the corner and began their long march along the station's central corridor. Behind her, Zarkon's personal bodyguards stiffened and drew themselves to full attention while her druids lowered their heads.
Haggar didn't spare them a glance. Her eyes were searching out the man in the center of the phalanx, the Crown Prince. Lotor's pace was slower but his long stride served to keep his place within his guards' formation. The procession stopped several yards from Haggar and parted. Lotor strode forward.
His armor, purple skin, and ears were pure Galra, but he'd inherited his flowing white hair and pupiled eyes from his mother. Zarkon had shown good judgement when he chose an Altean for his mate. What other alien's genetics but an Altean's could so perfectly augment the Galra genome? Lotor had strength and ruthlessness equal to any Galra general but his Altean heritage gave him the mental flexibility and creativity usually absent in the warrior race.
She was pleased to see that the Prince's health was much improved from their previous meeting almost a year ago. At that time, he had just been revived from cryostasis.
The prince had been put in stasis when it became apparent that the Black Lion would not be recovered in the course of a single lifetime. Not wanting to squander the potential of his son, Zarkon had protected Lotor for almost 10,000 years. When Haggar had sensed through her magics that the Lions would soon return, Zarkon had ordered the Prince awakened and readied for his role as a Paladin.
Events had not gone as expected. But it was fortunate for the empire to have an heir to take the throne while Zarkon healed. If he healed.
Haggar reminded herself that any other being would have perished in that battle, their physical form blown to bits by Voltron's flaming sword. The fact that the Emperor's body was still absorbing Quintessence meant he was capable of recovery. Although with their space fortress damaged and stranded in this isolated part of the galaxy she was limited in what she could do. At least the remoteness of their location had helped Haggar and her druids keep the Emperor's true state from his generals.
She turned her attention to her prince.
"Your highness," said Haggar, bowing low to the ground as did those around her, "We are honored by your presence."
"I came to pay my respects to my dear father," spoke Lotor. His voice held no warmth and his eyes remained distant and haughty.
"Of course," said Haggar. She signaled to the guards to open the door and, alone, the two of them entered Zarkon's chambers.
A standard room in the fortress's hospital would have been beneath the Emperor's stature and inadequate in security. Besides, the Emperor's physiology, evolved by the steady consumption of Quintessence, required a unique treatment. These considerations led Haggar to convert the throne room into a chamber devoted to Zarkon's care. She'd set up a massive healing pod on the daises below Zarkon's throne and filled the far wall with the machines to power it.
The sound of their footsteps was swallowed by the massive chamber. They walked towards the healing pod, avoiding the tubes and working druids.
"How is he?" asked Lotor as they drew near.
"Your father is strong and I have directed our most advanced technologies alongside my magic to heal him. However…" her voice fell away as they approached the pod.
She had modified the system she'd first used to deliver Quintessence to the Emperor, before he had adapted to absorbing its raw power directly. Now she was delivering twice the usual dosage straight into his blood stream. The effect on his physical form had been immediate. Gone were the gaping wounds, charred skin, mangled limbs, and exposed bone.
But removing his helmet revealed an aged and battle-scarred face. Worse, there was no life to his eyes or mouth. She could heal the physical form, but his spiritual state was still beyond her magics.
"Can he hear us?" asked Lotor almost tentatively. Of course he would be unnerved, thought Haggar, this was his father, the almighty, brought to this state.
"Perhaps," she lied, partly to comfort him. She glanced at the vitals monitor. There was a regular spike for the heart rate, flat lines for brain waves.
The prince nodded and took a step closer. He rested his hands on the side of the pod.
"How impressive, Father," he spoke at last, "to have battled the greatest war machine ever created and to have come away in a single piece. Truly, you are the greatest warrior to have been born to this reality. And on top of that, surely its greatest ruler. 10,000 years, most alien races don't last that long before they blow themselves up or fade from memory."
He chuckled at his observation and continued: "And it is not only you, but your empire that has remained strong and unchanged. Why, after I awoke from my sleep, I swear I could detect no difference other than the upgrades in the size and weaponry of your battleships. And of course," he glanced at her, "your new assistant, Haggar and her druids. Although, I shouldn't have been surprised, you've always had a fascination with the Altean magics, and the Alteans themselves." His lips pinched but only for a moment before he returned to his neutral expression.
"I look upon this empire bequeathed to me, with its space satellites, its deadly armies and battleships, its intricate supply lines linking the astounding mining and production facilities, and almost countless planets and solar systems, and I must say," he paused for effect, "I am sorely unimpressed."
Lotor stared at Zarkon's body, as if this pronouncement would cause him to rise up. Haggar doubted the Prince's opinion would have moved Zarkon even if he was fully recovered; the Emperor she knew was indifferent to others' judgement.
Lotor continued. "Were every last Galra to vanish, what imprint would we leave on this universe? Seltevian relics still marvel and confound. The Balmeras' crystals power starships. Altean diplomacy has altered the course of civilizations. Unilu trade routes bring goods to all corners of the universe. Even the Hemulens, with their compulsion to record trivial details, have given us libraries and access to our past," as he spoke, his voice pitched higher and more emotional.
"But what of the Galra? We have no great cities, no cultural domination. For 10,000 years, every resource, every conquest, every advance has been in service to you: to feed your thirst for Quintessence and your obsession with locating the Black Lion."
He leaned as close to Zarkon as the medical equipment would allow. "And in the end, for what? So your brainless, wasted body can rot in a broken fortress in a forsaken corner of the universe. And, ironically, look at what brought you to this state, the very machine you created and sought for so long. It goes beyond tragedy and ends up back as a farce, dear Father. Pardon me while I laugh."
Lotor barked a cruel and forced laugh that belied the rage of a Galra warrior. When he stopped, his voice was hoarse and stripped.
"It's hysterical, Father. Instead of obtaining godhood or whatever your megalomaniac ambition was, you will continue this pathetic existence until your horded Quintessence runs out. While I, your disappointment of an heir, will inherit your empire." Lotor stepped back, and drew himself up proudly. "You once gave me your word that I would pilot the Red Lion as your second in command. Another of your broken promises. But, worry not, I will accept the mantle of emperor as compensation. While you wither away here, I'll make something of your conquests. I only regret that you'll never see it. But I've learned to rise above such disappointments. Goodbye, Father."
Lotor, his speech concluded, spun and walked quickly away. There was a bounce to his step and slight twist to his lips that hadn't been there previously.
Haggar scurried to catch up with him. "Your Highness-" she began.
"Haggar," he interrupted, "The 28th Battalion will be arriving shortly. I want every weapon, every portable control system, all undamaged Balmara crystals, and basically anything that's functional and of value, logged and loaded. A second collection for salvage metal and componentry will arrive with work teams later this week."
"What about the Emperor Zarkon?" asked Haggar.
"He is neither functional nor of value."
Haggar gasped and the Prince laughed. "I'm joking. Load him and that oversized healing pod onto a cargo cruiser of your choice and take him to whatever Galra facility you want. Except for the Alonial Ring. That will be the new seat of the Galra Empire. Out with the old, in with the new."
They left the throne room and Lotor's guards fell in step behind them.
"But Sire," objected Haggar, "The Alonial Ring is an open system, within a short distance to both the Datubuni system and the Unilu's largest moon base. It's not secure."
"I have the largest fleet, the most massive army that has ever existed," said Lotor. "We'll set up a few battalion barriers and fortify the ring's defenses."
"You're not thinking of living on the Ring itself?" gasped Haggar.
"Eventually, yes, once a suitable palace residence has been constructed. In the meantime, I shall remain in orbit of one of the outer planets onboard the Mirorexs. I've been making improvements and it's almost comfortable."
"But the Ring was gifted to the Galraina. No male has resided there in 8000 years."
"Which is possibly why, amongst all our controlled space, it isn't a utilitarian eye soar."
"My Lord," Haggar tried again, "There are no major Ley lines in that sector of space. It will be extremely difficult, if not impossible to continue my Komar research. I can't make RoBeasts there or use the Komar to extract pure Quintessence."
"Standard extraction produces adequate quantities and qualities of fuel for our fleet, and I'm sure you can wean what is left of my father off the high grade stuff. As for your research and RoBeasts, as useful as it is to the Empire, there's no need to conduct it in my residences. Pick a Ley line and work there, I'm sure we can move a base if there isn't one suitable already. I have no intention to fill my future palace with your creepy phantoms druids. You are always welcome yourself, of course." He added.
"But-"
"That's enough of this conversation, Witch."
Haggar fell silent.
"Have you located the Castle of Lions yet?" he asked, changing the subject.
"Yes," said Haggar slowly, "It's in a difficult system to enter without jump technology."
"And the Red Lion, is she with them?" He made it sound casual, but Haggar detected a slight unease to his question.
"We believe so."
"I'd so love to see her again. It's been such a long time since I stood outside her barrier waiting to be let in. Father tried so many approaches, and I heard he had you working on it too. Hilarious, really. I watched the footage of that Earthling thief. Apparently, what I should have done was sneak in, assault a few guards and get myself sucked out an airlock."
"The Red Lion chooses her Paladin," the words were out of her mouth before she could think better.
Just as fast, Lotor spun about, his hand slapping her face so hard she fell to the floor.
"Watch your tongue, Hag," he hissed. His yellow eyes were slits, his nostrils and ears flared as was common for Galra before battle. "When I attempted to bond with her I was little more than a child, controlled by my father. Small wonder she did not see me as a worthy master. But now? I am a man and a warrior and I will make her accept me."
"Sire," begged Haggar, still on the floor, "once a Lion has bonded, it cannot be so easily undone."
"Nonsense, Haggar," Lotor extended his hand to help her up. His voice had returned to its calmer, silkier self, "All I need to do is to kill her current Paladin. It's the simplest thing in the Universe."
To say the Apocryteans had hidden their headquarters well was putting it mildly. While the location didn't have the flare of the Blade of Marmora's bases, its isolation from any civilizations, or even habitable planets, made it unlikely that anyone would stumble upon it by chance. It appeared that the sole surviving Apocrytean, P'Talaquos, was the first to take up residence in the 10,000 years since the original Paladins had defeated her bellicose ancestors and ended the threat they posed to the universe.
The base was positioned within the solar system's five suns – three red giants, a yellow sun, and a white dwarf – and held in place by their competing gravitational forces. There were no other planets, although a massive asteroid cloud encircled the system, further obscuring the base.
Slav had been quite excited by the improbability of the system's stability and its cosmological topography. When he started expounding on Ley lines, Allura had gracefully stepped away from the conversation. She doubted Slav had noticed her absence as Hunk seemed to be his intended audience.
Besides, she had an important training session with the Red Paladin. Black Paladin, she corrected herself. Until they located Shiro, Keith would be piloting the Black Lion, and she would be the new Red Paladin.
Keith thought it best to begin in open space, past the asteroid field and then to work their way back through it once Allura became more comfortable with maneuvering. Flying the Red Lion out, with Keith at the controls, reminded Allura of the other time they'd shared the cockpit, when they'd impulsively ran away together, each convinced that they were Zarkon's link to tracking the castle.
She'd barely known him back then. Unlike the other Paladins, Keith didn't talk about his life back on Earth, or, really, much at all. Recently, she'd noticed that he'd begun to open up more, perhaps as part of him assuming the role of team leader. Not that she'd learned anything personal about him on this trip, talk mostly consisted of a rundown of the various control and weapon systems.
"You probably know most of this," said Keith, "from before when you flew her." He stood and let her take the seat.
"My father's tutorial was less technical, and he forbade me from firing any weapons." She'd been quite young when the original Red Paladin had let her handle Red's controls. Allura placed her hands on either side-stick and gave them a steady push to engage the forward thrusters. After a moment, the Lion began to slowly drift forward.
"Um," Keith sounded puzzled. He put his hands over hers and attempted to push the levers more forward. The Red Lion sprang forward immediately, although the handles didn't move an inch.
Keith jerked back, "Sorry," he apologized, "instinct." Allura wondered if his deference was from politeness, or fear. The moment Keith removed his hands, Red's engines went back to standby.
She tried her best to hide her frustration, "You have a deep connection with the Red Lion. Perhaps I should have tried this on my own."
"Maybe," said Keith in a doubtful voice. Again, she couldn't decipher his intention. Keith lacked Shiro's confidence. He was only 17 years old, two years her junior and, not unlike Allura, had been suddenly thrust into a role of responsibility that he neither anticipated nor desired.
"Before you piloted the Black Lion during our recent battle, did you do anything to establish your bond with her?" asked Allura.
"I told her I needed to pilot her to save Shiro," said Keith, "Like the first time I flew her."
"The first time?" asked Allura.
"It was when Shiro and I got separated from the rest of you after our first battle with Zarkon. When I caught up with Shiro he was being attacked by these giant lizard creatures and the only way to rescue him was to use the Black Lion," Keith looked confused, "Shiro didn't tell you this?"
Allura shook her head.
"I figured he had and that's what convinced you to support me in taking over his position," said Keith. "He did talk to you, didn't he?"
"He did," Allura wasn't sure how much to reveal about the extent of Shiro's confidence. It had explained why Keith was so quiet about his past. "He spoke to your character and conveyed his trust in you."
For a moment, she thought Keith might be blushing, but he turned away from her too quickly to be sure.
"Red was harder to convince, actually," said Keith, "you need to be persistent."
"I'll try asking her directly," said Allura. Of all the Lions, her connection with Red had been the most aloof. Allura wasn't sure if it was simply Red's nature, a side effect of her long time spent imprisoned by the Galra, or if the problem lay with Allura and her own tangled emotions over her father, the Red Lion's original Paladin. "Red Lion, until we locate Shiro, Keith must pilot the Black Lion and lead the team. And we need all five lions to form Voltron. I realize this is a lot to ask of you, but would it be all right if I become your Paladin, at least for a little while."
Allura reached out with the part of her mind she used to communicate with the Space Mice and felt the presence of the Red Lion. Red felt … prickly. Allura attempted to send soothing thoughts to her and as she did this, she sensed another presence. Unlike the nervous hum of the Red Lion, this presence felt warm, supportive, with a confidence that filled her, lessening her trepidation.
Allura shifted the controls to execute an upward right turn. The Lion was a bit sluggish, but she did respond.
"Way to go," said Keith. In Allura's mind the second presence flared and radiated heat. Of course, this would be him. She pulled back, not sure if he'd even been aware of their connection, but certain he wouldn't want to know that she had been reading his emotions this way.
"I think I'll fly around here first," said Allura. She executed the sequences that Keith had demonstrated. The slight lag remained, something in their connection was off. Allura wasn't sure if they simply needed more time together, or if Red was having a hard time with both her and Keith's minds so close. She flew towards the asteroid field, landing on a rock several times larger than Red.
"Good girl," said Allura. She looked to Keith to see if he might have some comments or things to try. The Black Paladin was watching her intently, but saying nothing. Allura urged the Red Lion forward. The asteroids were sparse here, but it still gave her a chance to try maneuvers.
"How did King Alfor become the Red Paladin?" Keith asked suddenly.
"He won her through his accomplishments as a warrior," Allura said. "Zarkon was determined to have the best pilot for the Red Lion, so he held a competition, one on one combat. I'm certain he expected a Galra to win, but my father was an incredible swordsman and he bested them all." Allura guided the Red Lion to another large asteroid, this time diving straight towards it, pulling up before she got too close. Red was becoming more responsive, perhaps she liked the challenge.
"That must be where you get your reflexes from," said Keith.
"Before he was a Paladin, he was a knight in the royal guard." It was pleasant to discuss her father, and a pity that Alfor never had a chance to meet the Earthlings.
"He was royalty and a knight?" asked Keith.
"Oh, he wasn't the king, or even a prince back then," Allura wasn't sure if Keith was asking out of genuine interest or simply to have something to talk about. She decided it didn't matter. "My mother, Falla, was part of the royal family and my father became a prince when he married her." Allura darted the Lion through several smaller rocks. "It was a highly unlikely set of events that caused them to even meet." It seemed proper to reminisce about Alfor while she piloted the Red LIon. "Would you like to hear the story?"
"Sure," said Keith, and this time he didn't sound like he was just being polite.
"My mother was traveling with her retinue on an interstellar tour and their spaceship suffered some minor damage so they switched to a commercial starship. My father happened to be part of the crew."
"So, a commoner can marry a princess?" asked Keith.
"My father was a duke's son. His father was part of a diplomatic team based in the Galra empire. Alfor had an adventurous streak and wanted to travel but the Duke refused to give him the funds. So father signed up on the first ship that would take him, the same one that my mother was traveling on. My father said it was love at first sight, in a doomed romantic sort of way because he knew the Duke would never consent to their union. Father was prepared to be disowned."
"For marrying a princess?" asked Keith.
"Father didn't know she was a princess. She was pretending to be a maid, just a lowly member of the royal retinue."
"And why was she pretending?"
"It was to fool the Unilu pirates."
"Pirates?"
"They'd captured the ship. My father and mother not only managed to evade them, but they actually took down the head pirate, freed the prisoners, and saved the ship."
"So," Keith paused for almost twenty ticks while Allura succeeded in taking Red through a tight turn and pulling out of the ensuing roll. "The ship was boarded by space pirates. Your mother pretended to be a maid to hide from them. She met your father and neither of them knew the other's true identity. And then the two of them fought the pirates and freed the ship?"
"Father was simply magnificent with the sword. And Altean Princesses are expected to be able to defend themselves. Oh, did I mention that Coran was present as well?"
"No," said Keith, "you forgot that bit."
"I'm afraid we Alteans are wretched storytellers. Coran says it's because we're detail-oriented and narratively distracted. It doesn't stop us from loving a good tale. That's one of the reasons we're drawn to other alien cultures."
Keith flashed a smile, and not his usual tight lipped one. His eyes creased and a dimple appeared to the left of his chin. It softened his features. "Al-" he started, but he was cut off by a clanging alarm. "Dive right!" Keith shouted.
Allura reacted instantaneously, or maybe it was Red. Either way they accelerated into the turn, just ahead of a volley of lasers.
"Galra," said Allrua as she caught sight of their black and purple attacker. It continued to fire but couldn't follow the Red Lion's tight turn and Allura pulled to safety behind the nearest asteroid.
"There's another." Keith pointed. A second Galra fighter was heading straight towards them.
"On it." Red opened her mouth, shooting her own lasers and accelerating straight at the enemy. Allura won the game of nerves; the other ship ducked down and the Red Paladin flew the Lion onward and up.
"Coran," she tried the communication link, "Coran, it's Allura. We're under attack."
"Our signal's not getting through," said Keith, "I think the system's stars are throwing off some sort of interference."
"I'm detecting another fighter," said Allura, "It's fast."
"Where?" asked Keith. His eyes were darting about, trying to find a visual confirmation.
A large asteroid was taking up most of the front view. It glowed briefly before exploding and sending rocks of all sizes scattering. As Allura had Red dodge the flying boulders, she caught sight of the third ship. It was larger with a silver and red emblem she couldn't catch. But it was the massive cannon, already beginning to glow in preparation for its next discharge, that she really noticed.
"Steady yourself, Keith," she said as she jammed both side-sticks forward. This time, there was no lag. If anything, Red anticipated the command. They dove full-out through the field, weaving amongst the rocks like they were on a rail.
"You were holding back on me, Red," Allura gently chastised. Red responded with even more speed.
"Smaller guy is still on our tail," said Keith.
"We'll see if he can follow this." Allura twisted out of the spin and headed towards a spiky asteroid. Closer and closer they came until its surface filled her screen. At the last moment, she pulled back. Her pursuer didn't manage to react in time and the crash sent out a flare of light. Hoping the explosion would mask their trajectory, Allura skimmed around to the backside of the asteroid and alighted softly on its surface.
"I think you lost them," said Keith.
"For now," said Allura. "Is there a battleship or cruiser with them?"
"Not unless it's hidden by cloaking technology."
"Their warrior machismo would never allow it. It's just two ships, then."
"You want to try to evade them by flying back through the asteroid field?" asked Keith.
"No," said Allura, "I want to blast them out of the sky. I think this might be Red's influence."
Any softness or warmth had vanished from Keith's face. But there was still a hint of a smile as he nodded in agreement.
Allura returned the nod. She engaged the side-sticks to push off. The Red Lion didn't move. She jiggled the sticks and tried again. Nothing. They were stuck.