Chapter 27 – The Attack Begins
I don't own Voltron Legendary Defender. I'm taking the characters out for a spin.
The Paladins, Adam, Thace, and Coran stood on the bridge of the Castle facing the main screen. Staring back at them from the screen were Kolivan and Keith. Kolivan gave his report. "Entire Galra fleets have been mobilized. Zarkon seems to be actively looking for Lotor."
Shiro nodded. "It's only a matter of time before he gets the empire back in order. We need to take advantage of this moment."
Allura turned toward the Black Paladin. "What are you getting at, Shiro?"
Adam frowned. Lately, Takashi was doing a whole lot of work on this intelligence gathering. It was like he was possessed. Ever since they found out that Zarkon was still alive, although he could understand it, Adam was afraid that Takashi might be close to burning out.
Lance tapped Adam on the shoulder. "You're doing some heavy-duty thinking there."
Adam shook his head. "Now is not the time to discuss it."
Shiro frowned as he glared at both Adam and Lance but turned his attention back to the screen. "Now is the time to assemble the coalition that Voltron has been building. With the intelligence gathered by the Blades and coalition observers, combined with Pidge's Galra tracking software, we now have a detailed map of the Galra Empire."
Shiro brought up a star map. He highlighted a line of planets on the map. "I've identified an intermittent line of coalition planets that runs through the territory. If you look closely, there's only one planet left on that line under Galra control."
Allura crossed her arms over her body. "Naxzela."
Shiro nodded. "Exactly. If we capture Naxzela and solidify that line, we can cut off all the Galra troops behind it from central command and use our position to defeat them."
Pidge grinned. "Wow! We could take back a third of the Galra Empire in one fell swoop."
Hunk gazed at Shiro. "Do we have a plan?"
"We attack several locations across the region at once. First, we'll have to cut off communications between the region and Galra Central Command by striking the satellite relay station orbiting Vantax Five."
Hunk nodded. "Pidge and I can handle that."
Shiro continued outlining his plan. "The Blades have informed us of two Galra defense systems coming online called Zaiforge cannons. Now, these cannons can strike any target within two combat theaters. The first cannon, in high orbit around the planet Teq, will be attacked by coalition air forces led by Matt and Captain Olia, Kolivan will lead a Marmora strike team against the second cannon, located on the surface of Senfama, which is vulnerable to a covert ground attack. We intend to take control of these cannons and use Zarkon's firepower against him. Once the coalition and Blades neutralize these targets, Galra defenses will be weakening, allowing us to take down the remaining Galra occupied planets in this area. While our forces are taking control of the planets, Naxzela will already be under attack."
Allura gazed at Shiro. "By whom?"
"Voltron."
Adam shook his head as Lance tried to look wicked but failed. "Aw, yeah!" The Red Paladin spoke up. "Team Voltron's gonna drop in Naxzela, and be all like, Pow! Pow! Pow! Easy-peasy."
Shiro shook his head. "Unfortunately, not that easy. Naxzela will be tough. It's heavily fortified with Galra. Our attack must be swift enough to neutralize the Galra forces before they have time to call for help. Because if they call for reinforcements, we'll be caught in a fight on two fronts."
Kolivan spoke up. "If this works, the Voltron Coalition will possess a third of the Galra Empire's territory. It will be a massive victory."
Allura nodded. "And inspire a whole new wave of rebellions."
Shiro stared at the screen. "There's no time to waste. All right, Paladins, it's time to gather the coalition. Friends and allies from across the universe must come together to take on the Galra. With their help, we'll have a chance to turn the tides of this war. We all knew this moment would come, and we are more prepared now than we've ever been. Let's do this."
Adam leaned against one of the coalition ships as he observed a reunion of dubious proportions in his mind. Rolo, Nyma, and Beezer faced Hunk and Pidge. He guessed they wanted to make amends for tricking Lance and stealing the Blue Lion.
Rolo was the first one to speak. "We heard about the Voltron Coalition against Zarkon."
Hunk nodded. "Yeah, we heard about you, too. Matt told us you've been helping with the coalition forces." He stuck out his arm, and Rolo and Hunk grasped forearms.
Rolo spoke again. "You guys inspired all of us."
Adam frowned. He wondered how much was real and how much was just for show. Those three would bear keeping eyes on until he was sure they were for real.
The Voltron team and several leaders of the Coalition forces assembled on the bridge of the Castle of Lions. Coran gazed at Allura. "All right, Princess, it's time to begin the broadcast."
Allura asked, "Have we secured communications?"
Matt waved at Allura as Pidge sat on Beezer. The Green Paladin grinned. "Matt and I used the rebel's transponder encryption."
Coran slid over to the pair. "Always helps to have a pair of tech-genius sibling around."
Allura activated the crystal, which enabled the Castle's communications system tying it into communications systems across the universe. "Fellow members of the Voltron Coalition, if you are hearing me now, it is because you have pledged to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with us in our fight against Zarkon's enslavement of the free peoples of the universe. But that enslavement is about to be dealt a crushing blow. The time for a full-scale attack on the Galra Empire is now. For in the future, when they speak of this day, they will speak of our sacrifice, but they will also remember this as the day that freedom began to overtake tyranny. You all have your missions. You know what to do. Good luck. We'll see you on the other side."
Adam grabbed Lance and held him in a quick embrace. "Be careful out there."
Lance grinned as the cousins parted. "Don't worry about Voltron. We'll be back in no time."
Adam turned toward Shiro. But Shiro was already disappearing from view. What is going on with you, Takashi? Adam sighed as his face fell.
Coran saw but didn't say anything. He stroked his chin as he frowned. Perhaps he should say something to Shiro once the Paladins returned.
As the teams left the Castle of Lions to begin their mission, Adam picked up his earbud microphone. "I'll monitor Voltron."
Coran nodded. "I thought you would say that. Thace and I will monitor the other groups."
Thace turned and shot the human and Altean a quick Galra smile. "I have to wonder how well my troops will fare out there."
The Altean chuckled. "I believe they will be fine. It's these others I have concerns about. The ones who haven't exactly trained with anyone. Oh, I know they might be fierce, but some have no fighting experience at all."
"True, but let's get to our task at hand too." Thace nodded toward Adam, who was already seated with his earpiece in his ear.
Coran humped but quietly agreed.
A couple of hours later, Coran called out as a Zaiforge cannon changed colors on the holographic map of the battle zones. "The Senfama Zaiforge cannon is ours."
Adam glanced up as he pressed his hand to his ear. "The attack on Naxzela is underway."
He focused his attention on what he was hearing. Shiro's voice sounded like him but seemed more forceful than usual. "All right, Paladins, we've got one chance to take out Naxzela, so let's make it count."
Lance called out, "Incoming cruiser, three o'clock."
Allura grunted. "What was that?"
Lance replied, "I didn't see—"
Adam grit his teeth together as it sounded like Voltron was hit by something.
Several more hits along with more grunts from the paladins as they seemed to be fighting an invisible enemy. Shiro grunted. "What's hitting us?"
Pidge replied quickly. "We're in a minefield. Somehow the bombs were cloaked."
Hunk hollered. "Shield. Shield!"
Pidge continued to speak. "My systems can detect the mines, but there's too many to maneuver through them safely. And with their cruisers covering all possible exits from the minefield, we have no way out!"
Adam's fingers tapped on his thigh. He reached up to turn off the mike as he muttered under his breath, "Come on, guys, you can figure it out."
Allura spoke up. "Wait a tick. Perhaps I can freeze the mines."
Adam, who slumped in his seat, sat up as he came to the same assessment at the same time as Lance voiced it. "Then, we can fly out of here before they explode."
Shiro replied, "All right, that sounds like a plan. Freeze 'em Allura."
They must have separated because Adam heard Shiro say, "Form Voltron." Which was quickly followed by, "Great work team. Let's secure Naxzela."
Coran turned as he heard beeping from behind him and saw the second Zaiforge cannon change colors. He called out, "Zaiforge cannon base is ours!"
Thace smirked as Keith's reported in from Senfama. "Ready to provide the Taujeerians with cover."
Captain Olia reported in next. "Cannon acquired. Ready to provide backup."
Coran replied, "Copy that. Coalition forces you are clear to begin."
Coran gazed at the holographic map as more and more worlds turned from purple to green. "We've almost taken the entire area!" Rapid beeping caught his attention. "Quiznack! The communication satellite is back online. Galra distress calls are going through!"
Shiro replied. "It doesn't matter, Coran. They're too late. We've just about secured Naxzela."
Coran continued his report. "It appears that all of the planets we've engaged have been pacified, if not liberated." Alarms blared on the bridge. "Wait, there's another Galra battle cruiser approaching Naxzela."
Matt Holt's voice came over the speakers. "Sector Zar Niomofar is clear. Let me see if I can get a line on that battle cruiser." His voice came over the speaker, sounding rushed almost panicked. "Zaiforge cannon Senfama, are you still operational?"
Keith sighed. "Negative."
Coran pulled at his mustache. A sure tell that he was a bit aggravated. "That incoming battle cruiser must have shut them down remotely."
Keith sighed again. "Sorry, Shiro. That's it for artillery support. What should we do about the cruiser?"
Shiro replied. "That cruiser's gonna be too late. Naxzela's almost secure. We just need to take out the last of the heavy artillery. On our left! Shield up!"
Lance shouted. "Whoa! Did we cause that earthquake?"
Pidge replied, "I don't think so!"
Adam wished he could see what was going on as Hunk spoke next. "Guys, look over there!"
Lance's voice was shaky, sounding to Adam. "Uh, guys, what are those?"
Adam activated his sending function on the microphone. "Lance. Lance! What's going on?" He frowned. He could hear them, but they couldn't hear him."
Pidge replied, "We've never seen anything like this from the Galra before."
Hunk asked, "Are they weapons?"
Pidge replied, "They look like some sort of generators."
Shiro replied, "Stay alert."
Adam listened to Lance as he spoke. His cousin was turning out to be a pretty good Red Paladin. "I say we get outta here. Pidge, plot a course for our escape."
Adam nodded. "Good job, Lance."
The next decision caused Adam to frown. What in the hell was Takashi thinking? "Hold on. We should find out what these things are."
Adam slammed his hand into his thigh. His communications were wholly cut off. Nothing was coming through now.
Keith's voice came over the Castle's speakers. "Coran, are there any targets that need support."
Coran studied the holographic map. "I haven't heard of anyone needing help. And that Galra fleet heading toward Naxzela stopped."
"Stopped?"
"Yes. Quite a distance away too."
Kolivan spoke up. "Perhaps the Galra decided it's too well-fortified to attack."
Keith replied, "Victory or death is the Galra way. They never stop attacking."
Both he and Adam came to the same conclusion as they both spoke at the same time. "Voltron."
Keith called out, "Shiro, can you hear me? Shiro? Something's wrong."
Adam spoke into his microphone, hoping this time his signal would go through. "I lost all communications with them about a minute or so ago."
Coran's head shot up. He turned and ran to his station. "Paladins? Allura? What's happened?" He turned around and gazed at the image of Naxzela on the holographic map. There were waves of some kind of distortion coming from the planet. The Altean knew precisely what that was. "It must be the magnetic distortion from Naxzela."
Keith replied, "I'm gonna check it out."
Adam paced across the bridge. "Keith, don't do anything stupid."
Keith didn't respond to Adam. "Matt, something's wrong. I can't reach Voltron."
"We can fly to Naxzela to check on 'em."
"No, I need your help. I can't explain why, but I know we need to attack that fleet."
Matt replied, "I thought the fleet had stopped."
"It has, but we're afraid it has something to do with Voltron."
"We're with you."
"Copy that. Good to have you along," Keith replied.
Coran spoke up. "I'm coming too. It might take me awhile. I'm on the other side of the galaxy, and I don't have enough of Allura's energy left to work the Teludav."
Keith replied, "No, stay in position. We might need you back there."
Shiro's voice returned. "Keith, can you hear me?"
"Shiro? Where are you? Is everything okay?"
"Not for long if we don't stop Zarkon's witch. She must be aboard that battle cruiser."
Keith replied. "I'm way ahead of you. And I brought some backup."
Captain Olia's voice came over the speaker. "Rebel squad is en route."
Matt spoke up. "Good to have Voltron back in the fight."
Shiro's face appeared on the main screen of the Castle. "Coran, you need to get as far away from Naxzela as you can immediately. Pick up any member of the coalition who is nearby but go."
"Wh-What's happening?"
Allura's face replaced Shiro's. "Naxzela is a bomb, and it's about to go off."
Coran's eyes grew. "But what about you?"
"We'll stop it if we can, but we need you to do this."
Adam heard Thace behind him getting in touch with his commanders giving out orders to evacuate as quickly as possible.
Adam craned his head to gaze at Coran's stricken face. "Yes, Princess."
He paced again but stopped as he heard reports that the rebels with Keith couldn't get through the shield with their weapons. His knees almost gave out when Keith's reply was low, "Maybe not with our weapons."
Adam's eyes grew as Matt shouted. "Wait, Keith, what are you doing? Keith, no!"
"No," Adam whispered as he realized that Keith was going to sacrifice himself to take down a shield that might not even be damaged by a kamikaze strike. "Keith, if you're doing what I think you're doing, and none of us makes it out of here alive, so help me, I will make your afterlife miserable."
Coran, who was oblivious to what was said between Adam and Keith called out. "Naxzela is returning to normal! You did it!"
Shiro called out, "Good work, Keith."
"It wasn't me. It was Lotor. The cannon on his ship was the only thing powerful enough to take down that shield."
A new voice came over their communications channel. "Attention Paladins of Voltron and rebel fighters. I know we've had our differences in the past, but I think it is time we had a discussion."
Adam wanted to rip his microphone out of his ear and toss it across the bridge. What in the hell was going on? Shiro's acting weird toward him, Keith is trying to commit suicide, and now they're saved by Lotor? He shook his head. It was like the universe was suddenly turned upside down and inside out.
He dropped down into his seat. "I need a drink."
He didn't realize his microphone was still open when Lance replied. "If you want a drink so bad, we could always head back to that Earth store at the Space Mall and see if they have anything."
Adam clicked Lance's icon on his holographic screen. "I've secured our communications, so it's just you and me right now." He rubbed his hands on his thighs as he tried to gain control of his emotions. "I don't know if you know this or not, but Keith was going to sacrifice himself to try to save everyone."
Adam winced as Lance screamed, "What? You can't be serious."
"Stop yelling. That hurt you know."
"Sorry, but you said he was going to kill himself?"
Adam nodded, "Yeah, I did."
Lance let loose a stream of colorful expletives in Spanish.
Adam chuckled. "Yeah, my thoughts exactly. But you do know if your mother was here, you'd be tasting soap."
"Yeah, I know. But dammit what the hell was Keith thinking?"
Adam shrugged. "I don't know, but we're going to find out. Someone has to escort Lotor's ship here. So I guess that job will fall upon Keith and the rebels while you all go and mop up Naxzela."
"Okay, and yeah, we will find out," Lance replied. "Gotta go. Voltron's work is never done."
Keith escorted Lotor's ship onto the Castle of Lions. The Paladins were waiting in the pod bay as both the Galra fighters and Lotor's ships landed. Keith stepped out the Galra fighter, and Lotor did the same as Coran stepped forward and slapped cuffs on their prisoner. Lotor sighed. "Do you think this is necessary?"
Adam glared at the Galra. "Given your history, yes, I do."
Lotor sighed. "Very well, let's get this over with."
Lance and Adam hung back as the others escorted Lotor away to a holding cell where they could interrogate him.
Keith gazed at the Red Paladin as the teen practically vibrated in anger and had to duck as a helmet came flying at him. His eyes narrowed as he balled his hands up into fists. "What the hell was that for?"
Adam stepped forward and shoved Keith back a step. "What in the hell were you thinking out there? Did you think that little Galra fighter was going to hurt that shield any?"
Keith gazed back at the cousins. "I-I guess I thought that if I sacrificed myself, I could make a difference."
Lance's eyes grew as he slapped a hand to his face and let it slide down. He turned slightly away from Keith. "And everybody calls me the goofball." He turned back to the teen as temper flared in his blue eyes. "Keith, what the hell is wrong with you? You might not think it, but you are an important part of this team, and if I ever hear of you making another boneheaded move like that again, I'll make sure the rest of the team knows it. I mean it!"
Keith sighed. "Lance, I did what I felt was right."
"You idiot," Lance shot back, "there wasn't a guarantee that it would work. Even you said the cannon on Lotor's ship was the only thing powerful enough to take that shield down."
"I realize that now," Keith grumbled.
Adam sighed. "I'm glad that Lotor was there to save you." Adam's voice cracked with emotion. "You are important to all of us." He reached out and pulled the teen into a hug. Lance joined in.
Matt appeared in the room, having been a silent witness to most of what was said. He also joined with the others on the hug.
As they separated, Adam gazed at the other three. "Let's keep this to ourselves for now."
Lance nodded, "Agreed."
Keith picked up Lance's helmet and passed it over to the Red Paladin. "Okay."
Matt grinned at the others. "You got it."
