All the Small Things

Once Thuk was in charge, things got better. Morvok had ordered me cleaned up, and the ship's medic spent half a varga cleaning and bandaging my wounds. She also used a wet cloth to wipe the blood off my face, though she didn't seem interested in doing anything about my nose or fingers. I wasn't sure if she didn't know what to do, or just didn't care. Either way I was just glad that the bad stuff was over, at least for a while.

Thuk entered a while after the nurse left. "Commander Morvok's shuttle is on approach," he told me. He paused for a tick, like he was debating what to say. "You spoke to Dikade in a very cavalier manner. I would suggest you avoid such an approach with the Commander."

"I get it," I said. Thuk was actually giving me advice. I wasn't sure if he actually cared about me or just figured if I was cooperative it would make him look good. I guess I'd just need to see what happened. "No promises though."

"The Commander is particularly sensitive about his size," Thuk said. "I suggest you avoid the topic."

I scrunched up my eyebrows a bit but it hurt my nose so I stopped. "His size?"

"He… is not considered to be physically well endowed amongst the Galra."

Even though it hurt, I laughed. "Wha-wha-why would you even know that?"

Thuk looked confused. "It's obvious to all who see him."

I stared at him for a tick, then asked, "Dude never wears pants?"

The Galra shook his head. "I do not understand what that has to do with his height?"

"Oh, his… yeah, you see, to someone from Earth, that's totally not what well-endowed means. At least not to someone, ya know, my age."

"Words have different meaning to those of different ages on your world?"

"Well, not really, but sort of. Like, I get what you said might mean like muscles or tall to some people, but other people are going to think it means—"

"Commander Morvok's shuttle has docked," the intercom interrupted. "Ralik is escorting him to you now, sir."

Thuk picked up the microphone. "Understood." He put down the mic and looked back at me. "Your fate now rests with Morvok. Do not forget that." Maybe he really did care.

A few ticks later the door opened, and two Galra entered. One of them was shortest Galra I'd ever seen walked in. Like a bit less than two thirds Thuk's height, and maybe half as tall as Dikade, but still about the same width.

"I am Commander Morvok of the Galra Empire," he introduced himself in a voice that seemed way to pompous for someone so small.

I knew what Thuk had told me, but I couldn't help myself. "Your right… It's like a talking purple hamster."

"A hamster is a fearsome predator on the Paladin's homeworld," Thuk said quickly. "Respected and feared."

"Ah, I appreciate the compliment," Morvok said. "It shows that you understand your place."

I tried my best not to smile. I think I mostly succeeded. "Yeah, sure… whatever."

The Morvok turned to Thuk. "Have Dikade transferred to my cruiser. I will deal with him when this mission is complete."

"Yes, sir."

"You are in command of this vessel for now," Morvok continued. "Impress me, and I will make the promotion permanent."

Thuk nodded. "You will not be disappointed, commander."

Morvok looked back at me. "My instructions are to bring back the Altean vessel. If you can convince your friends to turn it over, you will all be free to go."

It was a better deal than Dikade was willing to make, not that it was going to happen. But the fact he was willing to let me go made one thing clear. I smiled as much as I could without it hurting too bad. "You just don't want to tangle with Voltron."

The little Galra put his hand to his face and thought for a moment. "A fight serves neither of our interests. My job is to get these resources back to the High Command as quickly as possible. I don't need Voltron slowing me down."

"Voltron can do more than slow you down," I said. "Or did you forget Taujeer?" That probably wasn't the best thing to bring up, but it wasn't like it was the first time I talked without thinking.

"If I recall correctly," Morvok said, "forming Voltron takes five Paladins. As long as you are here, I have nothing to worry about."

My eyes narrowed. "They don't need me to—" I stopped. I was pretty sure Red would be willing to work with Keith if it came down to it, especially if it meant saving me. Plus, to be honest, I don't think the bond ever totally goes away. But that wasn't something Morvok needed to know, or something I really felt like explaining. And as much as I wanted to put shorty in his place, I knew making threats wasn't going to help anyone. At least not at the moment. I took a deep breath, at least, as deep as I could without making my chest ache too much. "Look, the important thing right now is everybody would rather talk than fight."

"Yes," Morvok agreed. "The faster we can conclude our business the better." He turned to Thuk. "If we return on schedule there is no need for the High Command to even know about this unexpected visitor."

Wow. It was secrets upon secrets with this bunch. I wondered how the Galra ever got anything done. First Dikade wanted to steal Morvok's glory, and now Morvok didn't want anyone to know he'd caught a Paladin but decided to let him go rather than risk facing Voltron. I wasn't sure if he was smart enough to know he'd get smacked down or just scared, but it was good news for me either way. He really wanted peaceful way out of this.

"We contacted the Altean as you requested," Thuk said. "She has agreed to speak with you at your earlies convenience. Her only precondition is that she speak with the Paladin to confirm his status."

"Exactly as I expected," Morvok said proudly. "You see," he continued, waving a hand at Thuk, "the key to success is understanding your opponent." He motioned towards me. "Even before negotiations began, the Altean has shown how important he is to her. I will never understand why, but I intend to use her infatuation against her."

My eyes went wide and my cheeks felt warm. "I mean, ya know, she likes me, but I wouldn't say like likes me… Of course if—"

"Call it what you will," Morvok interrupted, turning back to me. He poked a stubby finger painfully against my chest. I don't think he was trying to hurt me, but I was still sore. "What matters is you have value."

"My mom says that too." Of course, I didn't think Morvok meant it in the same way she did.

"Should I contact the Altean?" Thuk suggested.

Morvok looked at Thuk and raised a hand. "Not just yet." His focus returned to me. "I want to make sure we understand each other. I have no problem letting all of you go, but I require what I came for."

I nodded. "Yeah, I got that."

"I want you to ensure that happens."

I started to shake my head but stopped because it was painful. "I'm not really sure who you think you caught, but I'm not in charge. I can't tell them to do anything."

"That would be unfortunate," Morvok said. He folded his arms over his chest. "If I don't get what I value, they'll never see what they value again."

A/N: After the last chapter, I felt like it was time for something more fun. After all, Lance needs a break, and let's face it: Morvok deserves whatever he gets!

Apologies to anyone who doesn't appreciate innuendo, but I'm writing this from the viewpoint of an 18 year old ;).

As always, thank you for the support! I'm consistently amazed by how many people take the time read! Your faves, follows, and especially reviews mean the world!