OK folks, after a break, I'm back! This one takes place ten years from where "Sins of the Fathers" ended. Hope you enjoy it. Again, I don't own Voltron or it's characters, just the ones I made up.
This is dedicated to my husband, Steve, who said, "What are you going to do next?"
They young woman walked purposely through the quad, her book bag slung on her back. Like the dozens of cadets around her, she was smartly dressed in a navy blue uniform and her shoulder length dark blonde hair was in a no nonsense ponytail at the back of her head.
Ignoring the shouts and whistles, she continued across the campus until she reached the landing pad. Pausing a moment, she looked around before heading for the far end. With her creamy skin and chocolate brown eyes, she earned many glances and comments from the techs working in the yard. But she had eyes for only one man.
"Daddy!"
Commodore Keith Montgomery looked up to see his daughter running in his direction. Putting down the clipboard in his hands, he turned as she rushed into his arms. "Hey there kitten."
"It's good to see you!" Nineteen-year old Aria Montgomery beamed up at her father.
"Good to see you too. Do you have everything you need?" He glanced at the small bag she had slung over her shoulder.
She nodded. "I only packed my books. I have plenty of clothes at home and if I never have to wear this uniform again, it will be too soon!"
Keith laughed and took her bag from her. "You look tired kitten, everything all right?"
"I'm fine Dad. Just looking forward to Graduation being over. The Profs have really piled on the work and exams start next week." Aria sighed ruefully.
Keith smiled at his daughters tone. "Then I guess it's a good thing you've got a few days off. C'mon, let's go home."
"Did you bring Black?" Aria's eyes lit up at the thought of riding in the huge Lion.
Keith frowned at his daughter. "You know that the Lions are not to be used for personal purposes. They are defenders of this planet and are to be used only in that capacity." He said sternly.
Aria rolled her eyes. "Blah, blah, blah. Dad, you're the Prince-Consort and the former Captain of the Voltron Force! Black's your Lion for God's sake!"
"He's not my Lion. If anything Voltron belongs to your mother."
"Same thing." Aria muttered as they walked across the tamarack.
"What did you say?" Keith asked sharply.
"Nothing Daddy!" Aria said sweetly, batting her eyelashes at him.
Keith glared at his daughter a moment, then shrugged. "Besides, I couldn't bring him. Hunk is charging the Infra-cells." Keith grinned at his daughter, and they both laughed. He led her up to a sleek, deep gold ship.
Aria's eyes widened. "Wow! Where did you get that?"
"I borrowed it from Hazar. Are you going to stand there all day staring, or are you coming with me?"
Aria stuck her tongue out at her father and they climbed aboard. Within moments, Keith had the aircraft in the sky. "We should be home in about an hour." He told her.
Aria stared out the window at the countryside below her and sighed happily. It will be good to be home. It's been too long, almost five months now. She stole a glance at her father.
Keith's once coal black hair had lightened to a charcoal grey. He had never regained the sight in his left eye, and there were a few wrinkles around the eye not covered by the patch. He was a little on the thin side, having suffered a severe bout of pneumonia a few months earlier. He kept one hand on the controls and unconsciously rubbed the bridge of his nose.
"Daddy? Are you all right?" Aria asked.
Keith nodded. "Fine, just a bit of a headache."
"Want me to drive?" Aria tried to keep the excitement out of her voice.
Keith narrowed his eyes at her. "Are you concerned about me, or do you just want to fly her?"
"You know I worry about you." Aria said, her brown eyes dark.
Keith sighed. "Too much, like your mother." He smiled. "Sure, take her." He pressed a few buttons and turned the controls over to her. Aria deftly took them and without a wobble, continued on their way.
Keith leaned back in his seat and closed his eyes, seemingly dozing, but Aria knew better. Her father may have mellowed a bit over the years, but he still like being in control of things.
They were nearly at the Castle of Lions, when she turned to him. "Daddy? Can I talk to you?" She asked hesitantly.
Keith opened his eyes and sat up stiffly. "Sure kitten, what's up?"
"I wanted to talk to you alone, before we got home." She took a deep breath. "I've been chosen for Shadow Corps."
Keith's emotions were mixed. Pride warred with fear over her news. He hid both from his voice. "Were you supposed to tell me?"
She nodded. "My Commander said to talk to you, but no one else."
Keith nodded in understanding. "So, what's the problem?"
"I…I don't want to accept it. I'm sorry." She whispered.
Keith was puzzled. "Why are you sorry?"
"I wanted you to be proud of me." She avoided her father's gaze.
"Set her down." Keith's voice was sharp.
Aria looked up in surprise. "What?"
"Set her down." Keith ordered. Aria found a small clearing and set the ship down in it. "Outside. Now." Aria quickly got to her feet and opened the hatch, almost running down the ramp.
Keith was on her heels when his com-band beeped. "Montgomery."
"Hey Cap. Saw you making an unscheduled stop. Everything all right?" Lance asked.
"Everything's fine. I just needed to stretch my legs. We won't be long."
"See that you aren't. If you're late for dinner, Nanny will somehow blame me! Harrison out."
Keith continued down the ramp and found his daughter standing at attention at the bottom. He walked over to a small group of rocks and sat down, motioning Aria to join him. "Now, what is all this crap about me not being proud of you?" Keith snapped.
Aria stared down at her feet. "I thought you would want me to join. That you'd be disappointed that I don't want to." She said quietly.
Keith took a deep breath. "Aria, what are your reasons for not wanting to accept the commission?"
Aria got up and paced the length of the small clearing. "I have a responsibility here, to my planet and my people. How can I take that responsibility seriously if I'm gallivanting across the galaxy at the whim of GG?"
"That's a tough question Aria, and one you have to decide for yourself."
"How did you do it Dad?"
Keith shrugged. "Not very well, let me tell you. Before I met your mother, I had something of a death wish."
"And after you met her too, if I remember all the stories Uncle Lance told me." Aria said mischievously.
Keith narrowed his eyes at her. "You hang around your Uncle too much." His tone softened. "Follow your heart kitten. Do what you think is best for you, not what others tell you. Aria honey, no matter what you do, your mother and I will always be proud of you." He tilted her chin up so that he looked directly into her eyes. "Always."
Aria's eyes filled with tears and she wrapped her arms around her father's neck. "Thank-you Daddy." She whispered.
He held her tightly for a few moments, then pulled back. "Now, we're late. Your mother and Nanny are going to have my head!" He started back up the ramp, pausing when he realized she wasn't behind him. "Aria?"
She stood rigidly at attention. "Commodore, I formally request a petition to pilot the Green Lion. Sir."
"What?" Keith asked, taken by surprise.
"I request a—"
"I heard you the first time." He snapped. Keith ran a hand through his hair. "Why? After the speech you just gave me about protecting your planet."
"Because this way I will be protecting it. Daddy please! Mother wasn't much older than I am when she piloted Blue." She looked up at him, her eyes pleading.
"I don't know Aria."
"You let Troi fly both Red and Black." She said sullenly.
"Yes, but Troi isn't heir to the throne of Arus."
"No, just heir to the supremacy of the Druhle Empire!" Aria shot back. Keith shook his head. "Please Daddy!" Aria pleaded.
Keith closed his eyes a minute as his headache took a turn for the worse. "I'll have to think about it."
"But Daddy—"
"I said I'd think about it! Let's move." Without another word, he marched up the ramp into the ship.
Well, he didn't say no. But he didn't say yes either. A heartbeat later, Aria followed her father into the ship.
Keith stood in the doorway of the Rec-room, and took in the scene in front of him.
Hunk was sitting on a couch talking animatedly to Lance and Cliff. Allura, Dorma, Kim and Sereti stood on the other side of the room, watching the children. Hunk and Sereti's son, seven-year old Pidge, jumped up and down with Kim and Cliff's youngest son, Harry, as they watched their siblings, ten-year old Gil and Beth, playing a video game. Keith's youngest daughter, Hope was cheering along with them. Aria was on the terrace, talking to Dreana Dunbar. Dreana was now part of the Voltron Force and piloted the Blue Lion.
Three were missing. Troi, Lance and Dorma's son, was also part of the Force and flew the Black Lion. He was currently stationed at the Garrison base on Arus, and acted as a liaison between the Voltron Force and the Arusian military.
Two other young men, Jaasyn and Garvey, both from Arus, flew the Yellow and Red Lions. They were living at the Castle, but had taken a few days off to visit their families. The last member of their Team, a young man named Sildar, had just left the Force to marry a girl from Pollux, leaving Green vacant for now. Lance and Dorma's daughter Zarana, was on planet Ebb, working on her medical degree.
Keith smiled to himself as he watched his "family". Finally Allura looked up and noticed him standing there. She smiled and walked over to him. She still wore her hair long, and it was impossible to tell the blonde from the silver. Though not as willowy as she once was, she did not look as if she was the mother of a nineteen and ten year old.
"Hi. I thought you were resting." Her blue eyes twinkled at her husband.
Keith shrugged. "Headache's about gone, so I figured I come and see what you were all up to."
She pulled him close. "I'm glad you did." She whispered, kissing him on the lips.
"I am too." Keith said huskily.
"Get a room!"
Keith looked up, frowning as he caught Lance grinning at him from across the room. He draped his arm around Allura and together they walked over to their friends.
Lance was now sprawled across the couch, and grudgingly moved over for Keith and Allura to sit down. He still wore his hair long, and much to the chagrin of his friends, it had only the barest traces of grey in it. He wasn't as wiry as when he was younger, but thanks to thrice-weekly workouts with Keith, he managed to stay in shape. "So there Patch, feeling better?" Lance grinned cockily at Keith. Dorma slapped her husband on the back of the head. "Hey!"
"You deserved it." She smiled fondly at him, then turned to Keith. "Are you all right cochova?" Still slender, the only signs of age were the twin white streaks running through Dorma's navy hair from her temples.
Keith groaned. "Why is everyone so concerned about my health this evening?" He glanced over to Aria, who blushed and quickly looked away. "What did she tell you?" He demanded.
Allura smiled. "That you were too sick to fly, and being the good daughter that she is, she bravely took control of the ship, saving you both from certain death."
"Yeah that's what happened." Keith muttered sarcastically. "Cadet Montgomery!"
Aria automatically snapped to attention. "Yes Sir?"
"You and me, 0600 in the gym."
"Are you sure you can get up that early?" Aria smirked. "Sir."
Everyone laughed. "Oh I'll be there, just make sure you are." Keith winked at his daughter as she smiled and went back to talking to Dreana. Keith turned to a still grinning Lance. "Don't you have a meeting to prepare for in the morning?"
After Pidge's death ten years ago, Lance had stepped in to help Coran with the managing of the planet. Much to everyone's surprise, including Lance himself, he was good at it, and when Coran formally retired a few years later, he appointed Lance as his successor. Coran had passed away three years ago, and his absence was still painful to them all.
Lance shrugged. "All set. There's not much going on at the moment. Basically just getting everything squared away for your trip to Earth next month."
Peace had finally been accomplished between the Alliance and the Druhle Empire. And it was no thanks to Keith and his Team that brought that peace about. The formal signing of the peace treaty was to be held on Earth and Keith was expected to be there for it.
"And before that Keith, don't forget, you're the Commencement speaker at graduation." Cliff added.
Keith groaned. "Don't remind me!"
"Don't tell me the mighty Montgomery is nervous?" Cliff grinned at his friend's discomfiture.
"It isn't like it will be the first speech you've ever given." Allura piped in.
"You teach classes for goodness sake Keith, why should a little speech in front of hundreds of people make you nervous?" Kim teased.
"Thousands. Don't forget that it's being transmitted planet wide." Hunk grinned at the scowl on Keith's face.
"Millions. They're transmitting to Earth too." Cliff added causing Keith to groan.
"He's just a wuss." Lance winced as his wife hit him again.
"You people all suck." Keith crossed his arms over his chest and sank deeper into the couch.
"Aww, poor baby." Allura ran her fingers across his forehead. "Tell us why you're so afraid dear."
Keith scowled at her. "First, I'm not afraid. I just don't like talking in front of alot of people. Second, I hate writing the damn things. Third, why'd they pick me anyway? I mean, there are plenty of more interesting people to listen to."
"That's for sure." Lance muttered.
"Keith, you are the Captain of the Voltron Force—" Dorma started.
"Former Captain." Keith interrupted.
Dorma rolled her eyes. "All right, former Captain. Plus, you have been invaluable in the efforts to establish peace between our peoples."
"Not to mention, this whole Academy idea was yours in the first place mate." Cliff added.
"And you seem to have no problem ordering us around." Hunk quipped.
"Let's not bring up the whole Prince-Consort thing, or that your daughter is the Valedictorian of the first ever graduating class." Allura smiled proudly.
"And last but not least," Lance draped his arm across Keith's shoulders. "You're just so damn pretty!"
Everyone burst out laughing. Keith glared at his friends. "As I said before, you people all suck."
Just then, Hope, Pidge, and Harry came over. "Papa, Beth and Gil won't give us a turn." Harry whined.
"Yeah, they said little kids can't play this game." Pidge added. Hope nodded in agreement, her blonde ponytail bobbing.
Cliff started to get up, but Lance stopped him. "I'll handle this. C'mon Hunk." He hauled his teammate to his feet. "Lead the way Hopeless." Lance placed his hand on top of Hope's head and steered them across the room.
Keith watched them walk away, and stretched his hands over his head, yawning. "Cochova?" Dorma's violet eyes were filled with concern.
"I'm fine Dorma, it's just a headache."
She lightly ran her fingers across his brow, and closed her eyes in concentration. Keith felt a 'SNAP' in his head, and his headache disappeared. "Is that better?"
Keith winced a moment, then relaxed. "Much. Thanks sis."
She smiled. "All you need to do is ask." She wandered over to join her husband. Soon yelling and cheering could be heard from the other side of the room.
Sereti got to her feet. "I'd better go see what's going on before those two incite a riot."
Cliff stretched out across the couch. His amputated leg had been replaced by a bionic one, and he walked with barely a trace of a limp. His history classes were in high demand at the Academy. "So old chap, are you really that nervous?"
Keith shrugged. "I don't know why I should be. I mean, it's just a speech right?"
"Yes but it's your daughter graduating. She's growing up. Aria's not your little girl anymore." Kim added.
Keith looked over to his daughter and sighed. "I know." He sat quietly for a few moments. "She wants to tryout for Green."
Allura started. "What?" Then she shook her head. "No."
"She's earned the right Allura." Keith told her.
Allura shook her head again. "I said no."
"Allura love, she's at the top of all her classes, and her flight skills are a thing to behold. Puts even Keith here to shame. Much as I hate to admit it, she could be the one we've been looking for." Cliff told her.
Allura glared at him. "We'll discuss it later."
Keith wisely dropped the subject. He leaned forward and poured himself a glass of water from the pitcher on the table, and nodded towards the noise at the opposite end of the room. "Why's Lance so wound up?"
Kim laughed. "He just heard from Zarana that she'll be able to get here for graduation next week."
Allura beamed. "That is good news! Don't tell Aria, let it be a surprise. They haven't seen each other in….I can't remember how long."
"Since before Christmas." Keith finished, sipping at his water. "I agree, don't tell her."
Another loud whoop from Lance made them all turn. "I think I need to check on this." He held his hand out to Allura and together with Cliff and Kim, joined the others in front of the computer screen.
Lance and Hunk had pushed the kids out of the way and were locked together in mortal combat. "Take that you pansy!" Hunk hollered as he blasted at Lance.
"Right back at you Chubby!" Lance retorted.
Hunk's paunch had grown considerably over the past few years, and like Keith, his dark hair was liberally streaked with grey. Time hadn't slowed his reflexes however as he sent his ship after Lance's. "Ha!"
Keith shook his head in amusement. "You two are worse than the kids."
Lance waved his hand over his head. "Did you hear something Hunk? A kind of buzzing in the background?" Lance grinned to himself as the children laughed.
Keith narrowed his eyes at his best friend. "You need to learn to respect your elders."
"I would, but since I'm four months older than you, that technically makes me your elder." Lance retorted.
Keith knew it was useless to compete when Lance was in a mood like this. Instead, he pulled open the back collar of Lance's shirt and poured his water down Lance's back.
Lance yelped and sent his on-screen ship crashing. "Hey!"
"Hooray! Uncle Hunk won!" Cheered Harry.
"Not fair. I was distracted." Lance protested. "I want a rematch."
"If you were in a real fight, you can't be distracted Lance." Keith told him sternly.
"Again, I'm hearing that buzzing noise..." Lance rolled his eyes, causing the children to laugh again.
"Maybe you should get your hearing checked." Keith shot back.
"No need to. It's perfect, just like me." Lance came back without missing a beat.
Keith sighed and threw his hands up in defeat. "I give up. Let's go Hope, time for bed."
"Aww, Daddy! A little longer pleeeeease!" She pleaded, batting her azure eyes at him.
"Hope, your father said bed. Come on." Allura held out her hand and pouting, Hope took it.
"Aria, don't forget, 0600." Keith called out to his eldest.
"I won't Daddy. Good Night!" She replied.
"Night all." Keith waved as together, he, Allura, and Hope left the room. When they got to their quarters, Allura led Hope to her bedroom to tuck her in.
Keith went into his room, pulled off his clothes and stepped into the shower. When he emerged a short while later, he found Allura sitting in front of her dressing table, brushing out her long hair. She wore a pale blue nightgown that reached to the floor. "Hey beautiful." Keith said softly.
Allura smiled into the mirror. "Hey yourself. Feeling better?"
Keith walked over and sat down on the edge of the bed, pulling on a pair of plaid pajama pants. "Much. So you can stop worrying."
She put down her brush and walked over to him, tilting his face up to look deep into his eyes. She loved those eyes. Much as Keith tried to bury his feelings, Allura could always tell what he was thinking by looking into his chocolate eyes. "It's my job to worry. I love you."
He smiled. "I love you too."
"Lay down, I'll give you a back rub." Keith immediately complied, stretching out on the bed, his arms folded under his head. Allura gently massaged the muscles in his neck and shoulders, applying pressure until he began to relax under her.
"Mmmm….Don't ever stop." Keith murmured sleepily.
Allura laughed. "Hedonist."
"I try."
She laughed again, then sobered as she looked down at her husband's body. It bore many scars, the most recent, a laser shot that went through his chest out his back, courtesy of an assassin's attack two years ago. She shivered remembering how he had pushed her to the floor and took the shot meant to kill her. I've almost lost him so many times. Her eyes filled with tears.
"You stopped." Keith's voice interrupted her thoughts. He turned to look at her.
"Allura? What's wrong?"
She shook her head and tried to smile. "Nothing's wrong."
He rolled over and sat up. "Don't lie to me Allura."
She leaned into him, wrapping her arms tightly around his chest, and burst into tears. After a startled moment, Keith held her close, stroking her hair. "Honey?" He asked when her sobs had subsided.
Allura looked up at him and smiled tremulously. "I'm sorry."
"What brought that on?"
She got to her feet and walked over to the window, wrapping her arms around herself. "I don't know. Just reliving bad memories I guess."
"What kind of memories?"
She shrugged, not looking at him. "Just of you, and all those times I almost lost you." She said quietly.
Keith sighed. "Honey, it was just a headache."
"I know, but you've been so sick this past year."
"And three years ago, you caught every sniffle that went around the planet, not to mention getting thrown off your horse and needing to have emergency surgery. We're not as young as we used to be Allura. You need to stop worrying honey. You'll drive yourself crazy."
"I can't help it." She whispered.
Keith sighed again, and ran his hand through his thick hair. "Allura?" She didn't answer, so he got up and walked over to her, turning her head so she had to look up at him. "Allura, stop. I'm fine."
"I know, but—"
"No buts. I'm fine." He said firmly.
"Keith, I—"
This time he silenced her by pressing his lips against hers. When they broke apart, she was breathless. "Shall I prove to you I'm feeling better?" He said huskily. Her eyes widened in surprise as he swept her up in his arms and carried her to their bed.
Sometime later, Allura lay in Keith's arms, her head resting on his chest. "See, I told you I was feeling better." Keith teased.
She laughed. "I should know better by now than to doubt you."
They both laughed, and Keith tightened his arms around her. "I love you." He closed his eyes and sighed sleepily.
"Keith?" Allura asked a few minutes later.
"Mmmm?"
"Are you really going to let Aria fly Green?"
Keith opened his eyes, but didn't move. "I'm considering it, yes."
"I don't want her to." Allura stated flatly.
"Allura…" Keith eased himself to a sitting position, and turned on the light.
Allura sat next to him, her arms folded across her chest. "I don't want her flying Green."
Keith ran his hand through his hair. "You and Lance were created just to drive me crazy, you know that?" He got to his feet and paced the room. "Look Allura, it's just a tryout. She may not even be who we're looking for."
Allura shook her head. "I don't believe that, and neither do you."
Keith sighed. "Why don't you want her up there?"
"She's too young!"
Keith shot her a look. "She's no older than you were when you started piloting Blue."
"That was different."
"How?" Keith asked sarcastically.
"It was a matter of life or death for us! We had no one to choose save myself!"
Keith glared at her. "Funny, that's not how I remember it happening. If memory serves correctly, you took the Key after Sven was shot down and proclaimed yourself Blue's new pilot."
Allura glared back. "You had to let me. I was the only choice. With Aria, you have the whole Academy to choose from, not to mention our Military."
"And Troi? What's the difference between him flying Black and Aria Green?" Keith pushed.
"Troi is older, and an accomplished pilot. Aria's never been off Arus except to visit your parents on Earth or Romelle on Pollux. Other than her classes, and the jaunts she takes with you and Lance, she has no real flying experience." Allura retorted.
"And how much did you have?" Keith shook his head. "Stop fooling yourself Allura. I'm giving her a shot."
"Against my wishes?" He blue eyes flashed angrily.
Keith nodded. "It appears so." He said coldly.
Allura drew herself up proudly. "Then we have nothing more to say to each other."
"I guess we don't." He grabbed a shirt out of his bureau and stalked out of the room, pausing only to grab a blanket off the couch as he left. He marched down the halls, empty at this late hour, until he reached his office. Punching in the security code, he went inside and threw the blanket on the couch.
Keith angrily paced the length of his office. Feeling the beginnings of another headache coming on, he reached into his desk and pulled out a prescription bottle. He started opening the top, when a streaking pain went through his chest. He gasped for breath and dropped the bottle to the floor, scattering the pills in every direction. Keith leaned on his desk for a few minutes, until the pain subsided. Then he picked up all but three of the tablets and closed the bottle. Washing down those three with a glass of water, he then sat down on the couch, unconsciously rubbing his left shoulder. Finally, the medicine began to take effect, and Keith slipped into a deep sleep.