Author's Notes: Sooo... been a while. Sorry about that. Been an absolutely CRAZY semester at school that I haven't had any time to write until now. I'm hoping I can work on this and other stories more, but we'll have to wait and see.

Anyway, we are on the final leg of the story and the finale will be coming up soon. There's a lot of exposition here going over the more important points so stick with me. Also, a while back in another chapter there were texting names. A comment requested the rest of the crew's texting names so here they are. And you remember the characters from the the prologue?... Me neither I had to look up their names.

As always... Enjoy :)

Chapter 14: Soldiers and Rogues

Mr. Sunshine: Are we sure about this?

Princess: We don't really have a choice.

Mr. Sunshine: I know. But still…

Sharpshooter: Not a fan of it either bug guy

Mullet: None of us are

Winter Soldier: Alright, that's enough. We already debated this a few weeks ago.

Pidgeon: Is it bad I can hear the Dad Voice?

Sharpshooter: Nope I hear it too

Mr. Sunshine: Same here

Mullet: Its hard it miss

Winter Soldier: I do not have a 'Dad Voice'.

Winter Soldier: We're getting off track. Allura, back me up here?

Princess: Shiro's right.

Princess: It was more his Commander Voice. Dad Voice appears during times of emotional stress.

*Princess changed Winter Soldier's name to The Old Man*

The Old Man: OH COME ON!

Pidgeon: Hahahaha good one Allura!

The Old Man: I'm not the old man! Coran is.

Sharpshooter: He doesn't count

Pidgeon: Coran is timeless. You don't compare

The Old Man: Why do I even put up with you all?

Pidgeon: Because we're your children and you love us

Mr. Sunshine: There's no point in denying it Shiro

Sharpshooter: You're stuck with us for all time

Mullet: Just accept it

The Old Man: I wouldn't have it any other way.

Princess: Now there's the Dad Voice

Gorgeous Man: Sorry to interrupt, but are you ready, Allura?

Princess: As I'll ever be

The Old Man: You'll do great. Everyone in position?

Pidgeon: Ready to go

Mr. Sunshine: Let's do this

Sharpshooter: Just wanna remind everyone this is the biggest risk we've ever taken

Mullet: I know. Trying not to think about it

Princess: This will work. I have a good feeling about this.

Pidgeon: Wait

Pidgeon: Are we gonna ignore that Keith just agreed with Lance?

Mullet: Shut it gremlin

*Sharpshooter changed Pidgeon's name to Gremlin*

The Old Man: Really guys?

Gremlin: Sorry not sorry

Gorgeous Man: Alright team. It's time.

Mullet: Ok I'm ready

Sharpshooter: Ready

Princess: Let's go.

Allura was uncharacteristically nervous; nearly shaking in her boots. Being the center of attention during large meetings was nothing new to the Altean, but this one… this one was different.

"You'll do great."

She looked up to meet Shay's reassuring smile and tried offering one in return. But it was far from reaching her eyes. "Thank you, but it's not me I'm worries about."

She scanned their 'base of operations' which was no more than an abandoned building that held a factory at some point. It wouldn't have been Voltron's first choice (too many security risks for comfort), but Shiro's Swedish contact had found the place while spying of the Galra and there wasn't time to find another hideout. Currently any space not filled with equipment was being occupied by Col. Gilmore's troop waiting to be addressed by Allura.

"My team," she continued, "we don't enjoy putting others in danger. Every single person here is at high risk. If we fail… if we fail Voltron's identity will be public knowledge and thousands of people will become Galran targets.

"However," Shay said interrupting the spiral of self-doubt, "if we succeed, the Galran Network will be wiped out and will never threaten another living soul." The taller woman placed a firm hand on Allura's shoulder making her meet the warm honey-colored eyes. "I know you're worried about my troops, but they understand what they're getting into. They want to see the Network fall just as much as you and me. The best thing for you to do it stick to your plan and everything will work out."

Allura felt the tensions throughout her body begin to dispense. "I can see why you're such and effective leader."

"So are you."

The smile Allura gave held more than the confidence boost that was lacking moments ago, but also thankfulness for the support the Colonial had given. For believing the Galra could be taken down. For trusting Voltron to do so.

Shay gestured towards the large group of people. "So, shall we begin?"

"Riley, look look look!" Sam gripped her forearm creasing the uniform nearly whispering in excitement. It felt like the limb would sever considering how hard the guy was shaking it.

She wrestled her arm back. "Damn it, Sam, what?"

"Over there!"

Riley followed to where he was pointing. Col. Gilmore stood off to the side of a small raised platform, hopefully ready to offer more detail as to why she gathered all these people in Sweden.

"Yeah, it's the Colonial. So what?"

Sam shook his head, eyes wider than a dinner plate. "Not Gilmore. Who's she talking to."

The woman most prominent feature was her long, snowy white hair which complimented her darker skin beautifully. Even from this distance, she practically radiated the type of confidence and elegance that only comes naturally. There was only one person this woman could be.

"Is that…?"

"Oh yeah."

Riley was still in awe as Gilmore stepped onto the platform. The large warehouse fell silent instantly.

"Thank you all for coming," she began. "I would like to start off by informing you that this gathering was orchestrated behind my superior's backs. The consequences could be dire if caught. However the rewards could mean the safety of many world governments. If any of you wish to not participate speak now. This is the last chance to step down."

Hushed conversations filled the room. Riley and Sam glanced at each other and knew they were on the same page. The possibility of being caught put apprehension deep in their guts. But the Colonial has proven time and time again she is someone deserving of blind trust. This time would be no different.

Not a single person spoke.

Gilmore smiled obviously very pleased with her troop's loyalty. "Alright then. In that case I am handing command over to Allura Parrish." She gestured to the side as said person joined her on the platform. "The floor is yours Ms. Parrish."

The Altean gave a small head bow before turning to the murmuring audience. "Thank you Colonial. Firstly, I'd like to thank you all for your loyalty and bravery. Not many would have made the same choice."

Riley couldn't help the feeling of pride swelling in her chest.

"As many of you know, I am the commanding officer of the elite task force known as Voltron. However, you don't know why we exist."

Allura stepped to the sided flicking her wrist. On command, an impressive hologram sparked into existence right in the center of the platform. Many people gasp at the show of advanced technology. The hologram showed an image of a symbol printed in many history books across the United States.

"This is the symbol of the Galra; a race of vile people the public believes no longer exists. But thanks to Colonial Gilmore, all of you should know that is far from the truth. Over the past several decades, the Galra have slowly woven together a network capable of infiltrated multiple governments all around the planet; including our own."

A picture of an intimidating-looking man popped up. "The network is run by this man, Zarkon. He's been in hiding since the genocide and gaining power and influence on a daily basis. Now, they are stronger than ever before. That is Voltron's mission; to prevent the Galran Network from seizing total control. Recently we received intel about a project headed by scientist Honerva Haggar named the Komar. It's a machine designed to drain an energy source known as quintessence from living things, including people, eventually killing them. A plan has been discovered that intends to use the Komar to threaten major governments throughout the world into submission."

Absolute silence draped over the audience. It was as if time itself had slowed to a crawl as minds processed the information. Riley had known the Galra were a potential threat to society; she never knew the extent until now.

Allura broke the silence, her voice an explosion by comparison.

"It's a lot to comprehend and I wish the news wasn't so dire. But the time to act is now. We, together, have an opportunity to save countless innocents and finally take the Network down for good. My team has created the foundations of a plan and we need your help in finalizing and executing. The two objectives are destroying the Komar threat and gather intel proving Zarkon's involvement and the extent of his power. Effectively cutting off the head of the snake." She paused attempting to give reassurance with an understanding smile. "Now that's out of the way, I'm sure you have many questions. So feel free to ask away. I'll do my best."

Immediately, no less than a dozen hands bolted skyward. Chatter filled the air quickly rising in volume. The two friends observed as the Altean failed the quiet everyone. It wasn't until two high-pitched whistles, seemingly from nowhere, echoed against the walls did conversations begin to die out.

"Thank you," Allura sighed. "We'll start with you."

She gestured to a taller woman. Riley only met her once during basic training, but Rizavi's upbeat attitude was extremely infectious.

"Uh, hi Ms. Parrish, Ma'am. You said we're working alongside Voltron. If so, why aren't they here?"

"Who says they're not?"

The reaction was instantaneous. Everyone searched the crowd, including Riley and Sam. Most of the people here were complete strangers. She only recognized a handful of faces and even less names. Honestly, anyone could be a member of Voltron at this point.

Most of the question after that involved clarification on the Galran Network or the step for the days to come. Surprisingly, minimal questions were asked about Voltron itself. It wasn't until the Komar was brought up things got interesting.

"Unfortunately, I'm not a tech genius and have a hard time understanding details." She paused, taking a moment to look directly at someone within the crowd. Riley strained her neck in an attempt to figure out who it was. Before she could, two people from the front row casually stepped onto the platform. The first was shorter than average. Uncontrolled light-brown hair and large glasses bridged their nose. That's all riley noticed before her attention was drawn elsewhere. The other guy was the complete opposite; tall, sturdy build, darker skin. A yellow headband adorned his forehead above a shy smile.

Allura pointed to the first person. "Green here is the computer genius of Voltron. Her hacking skills are unparalleled as well as her kills in combat. Gold," gesturing to the taller man (fitting name considering the headband), "is our mechanical engineer and explosives expert."

To say shock had taken over was an understatement. It wasn't everyday not one but two Voltron Elite revealed themselves. Brian would be livid if he ever found out about this.

"I understand this is breaching our protocols," Allura continued, "however, this is a high risk mission that requires such tactics. Time is short so back to the question at hand. Green?"

"Alright people. So the concept of the Komar is pretty simple…"

Green sketched on the hologram to help her explanation. Most of the details were still lost to Riley.

"… the machine's range covers the entire globe so the Network can threaten anyone they want with ease. Unfortunately, we don't know the most important specifications."

"And that's what make destroying it so difficult," Gold added. "With that amount of concentrated energy, simply blowing it up could have more destructive power than the atomic bomb."

"Which would be bad."

"And why we need your help," Allura added, stepping forward once more. "Over the next few days we are surveying, strategizing, and training. If you have an idea about the plan, I want to hear it no matter what." Her gaze rose slightly to the space beyond the captive audience. "Behind you stands the final members of Voltron; Blue, Red and our field leader, Black."

Heads whipped around in a flash. Blue held the demeanor of a showman; oozing confidence, relaxed posture, raised chin and a bright smile painted across his face. Red seemed more closed off. The crossed arms and slight glare dared any willing to challenge. Black on the other hand was impossible to read. Expression completely neutral yet radiated leadership to where Riley immediately trusted him.

"They will give you your assignments."

Riley turned just in time to witness a small spark lighting her crystal eyes.

"Let's get to work."

Author's Notes: Please please please favorite and review. I want to know what you guys think and comments give me life.

You can always message me on Tumblr at the username quinnarrow. See ya next time!