Chapter 2

You are Deformed and You are Ugly

A telling rumble shook through the ship as the Sanctuary docked and settled into the sudden gravity. Keith braced himself in the tight space, holding his breath as guards passed below. He waited till they were out of sight and silently began to crawl. Dust and chemicals tickled his nose and stung his eyes but he just shook his head and continued onward. Finally, he reached the end of the air duct.

Keith glanced through the vent. None of the Galra were around, too busy with the landing elsewhere. Using his knife, he wiggled the grate open and dropped to the floor, double checking that the door was locked before crossing the room.

The window was small and the thick glass warped his vision as Keith peered through it. The view was worth it, though. He bit back a gasp as he finally got to see outside.

Aliens in every color, shape, and form were rushing around the ship. The main hatch was open and a long bridge connected the ship to the ground. People were trickling in and out of the ship, most carrying supplies. Guards were spaced around the area, watching the workers and keeping onlookers at a distance. A crowd was growing around the ramp, the chaotic mash of voices silent through the glass.

Probably all here to see Lotor, Keith thought grimly. He pressed his face closer, hoping to see more but the window's position on the bottom floor could only give him so much of a view.

Footsteps outside the door startled Keith into action. In one swift move, he pulled himself back into the air duct and quietly closed the grate just as the door opened.

"Sometimes the doors lock on their own," the guard explained as he led another alien into the room. "Any supplies we don't have room for can go in here. Be sure to let us know what is stored where for our inventory."

Keith crawled away, only breathing easier once he was out of ear shot.

…

His room was in the basement of the ship. Most of it was taken up by stored weapons and supplies for months of space travel and there were no windows to see outside but it was a place to sleep without worrying about a stray guard cornering him.

Keith flicked the vent open and dropped into his room. It was empty and nothing seemed out of place.

Guess no one noticed I was gone.

He hid his knife in the vent and replaced the grate before going over to the crate that served as a desk. Keith snatched the transmitter and clicked it, waiting for a signal to come through. There was a quiet grumble of static that only turned to silence. Keith sighed.

"This is Keith of the Galra ship Sanctuary," he spoke into the mic. "Our ship just docked at some kind of port. I don't know the name of it yet. I got to see outside, though. It looks nice. Kind of crowded, though. Maybe I'll get to go out and see it for myself this time."

He saved the recording with the countless others and continued to click through frequencies, pausing each time there was a spike in static. After a few minutes of fruitless searching, the sound of approaching footsteps perked his ears.

Keith flicked off the communicator and hid it away in a maintenance hatch behind his bed. He flung himself back at his desk, grabbing a random gadget to fiddle with just as his door slid open.

He bit back a growl.

"Lotor."

Lotor gave Keith a sharp smile as he strolled around the room, taking in the cramped, crowded area. His furless, lavender skin glowed pale in the dim light, the edge of his jaw and pointed, humanoid ears looking even more severe. Lotor's long, white hair rippled around his shoulders when he turned and leveled a cool glare at Keith.

"It would do you some good to address me as Prince Lotor, half breed," he said.

Anger boil in Keith's chest. He clenched his fists, forcing his body not to move, but still shot back, "You're just a half breed, too, Lotor."

A sharp smack stung his cheek. Keith's eyes flashed yellow as he rounded on Lotor but stop himself seconds before attacking. In his hesitation, Lotor reached out and pinched one of Keith's cat-like ears, giving it a yank that made Keith shout.

"Watch yourself, half breed. My father keeps you alive only because of his amusement of your brother's skills. Don't make yourself more trouble than you're worth." With a final twist, Lotor shoved Keith back against the wall.

"Perhaps it was a mistake to come tell you the good news," Lotor continued, ignoring the hateful gaze Keith was throwing him.

"What good news?" Keith finally asked, crossing his arms.

"Well," Lotor started, seating himself on Keith's desk with a theatrical twirl. "As per my father's request, we have docked at Seine Station. We believe it may be a base for rebel activity. I shall flush it out and protect my father's empire from the troublemakers."

A moment of silent passed, Lotor looking expectantly at Keith.

"And?"

"Oh, and did I forget to mention that Emperor Zarkon is sending his favorite champion to lead the charge as my personal protector; the champion Shirogane, I believe."

Keith's glare dropped, his anger all but forgotten. "Shiro's coming here?"

Lotor's smirk set Keith on edge as he stood. "Yes. He should already be here to greet me when I make my appearance to the citizens of Seine. Now you on the other hand…" The smirk sharped to something more dangerous as Lotor backed Keith against the wall.

"If you wish to even see your brother, let alone speak with him, you will be on your best behavior during this trip. No back talk, no sneaking around the ship, no fights with the guards. Have I made myself clear, half breed?"

Keith opened his mouth to retort but snapped his jaw shut, his sharp teeth aching at the effort. His cheek still stung and his ear was throbbing but the chance to see Shiro grounded him,

"Yes, Prince Lotor," he gritted out, refusing to meet the triumphant look.

"See? That wasn't so hard, now was it? I'll send Shiro your regards and see about arranging a meeting when you're not so busy."

With a final wave, Lotor glided out of the room, locking the door behind him. Keith took a shaky breath, turned around, and punched the wall so hard his fist went numb.

The chapter names are quotes and lyrics from the movie and play.

"You are Deformed and You are Ugly"

-Out There, Disney's Hunchback of Notre Dame