Chapter 35 – The Hunt for Honerva.

I don't own Voltron Legendary Defender. I'm taking the characters out for a spin.

Adam stood between Shiro and Veronica as they all gazed at the assembled crew of the Atlas and former Rebels, who would act as scouts for the great Earth battleship. Shiro cleared his throat. "Everyone, welcome to our final briefing here on Earth. It's been six months since we began to rebuild, and tomorrow we launch and continue our liberation efforts of planets still under Galra rule. Commander Holt, what's the latest from your team?"

Sam gazed up from his seat at the table. "We've confirmed that there's still no Galra activity within several Galaxies away from the Milky Way. It appears Earth was Sendak's only target."

Shiro turned his gaze on Keith. "Where are we with Earth's defenses?"

"I've finished my check-in with all the garrison facilities around the globe. All defenses are up and running. Earth has everything in place to keep itself safe."

"Great." Shiro craned his head toward Veronica. "And Atlas preparations?"

Veronica glanced down at her datapad. "Repairs to the IGF Atlas were completed early last week, and it has since passed every test protocol we've put it through."

"Good." Shiro turned toward Allura. "Any updates on the Altean pilot?"

Allura frowned. "Still unresponsive. But she could wake any day now. Perhaps if we had a little more time, we could find out who sent her."

Keith turned in his chair to face Allura. "There's no way to know when or if she'll wake up." He turned back to face Shiro. "We can't wait any longer. We need to get back out there and end this war before the Galra can reorganize."

Shiro nodded. "Keith is right. We'll be in constant contact with Earth." He gazed around the room. "I have one more item to discuss. It's our last night on Earth, and we've got a lot of hard work ahead of us. We may not be back home for years. So I'm ordering you to take some time for yourselves. Be with the ones you love. You've earned it."

As the people started filing out and the noise level grew with excited and happy noise, Lance hung back. "Hey, uh, Shiro, Adam. My parents would like you two to come to dinner tonight."

Veronica chuckled. "That's because he's been talking about you two, and they want to meet the man who kept their son safe."

Shiro sighed. Nearly every night this week, he'd spent time dining with most of the Paladins families. He turned his gaze to Adam, who nodded his support. "Thank you, Lance. We'll be there. But first," he gazed into Adam's eyes, "I want to go to Nihanmonchi."

Lance gazed at the pair and opened his mouth, but Veronica grabbed him by the ear and pulled. Lance yelled. "Ow, Ow!"

She pulled him to the doorway of the conference room. "You might be my younger brother and all, but it's time for you to butt out."

"Hey, I was just going to ask where it was at."

"You know, sometimes you ask too many questions. Now go and be with the one you love." She placed her hands on her hips as she glared at her brother. "Go!"

Adam turned and pressed his lips to Shiro's. "I'll find us a way there and back."

Shiro nodded. "Thank you, koishiteru."

The two MFE's one piloted by Griffin and the other by Rizavi flew over the desert on a westerly course toward San Francisco. Adam's eyes were drawn to the Black Lion that sat out in the desert with the pair of Paladins who sat on its head. A smile tugged at his mouth as he recognized Lance with his head resting on Keith's shoulder as they gazed at the sun with an arm around each other's waist. Finally, they'd realized who they liked. "About time," he whispered.

Rizavi came over the radio, "Did you say something?"

Adam shook his head. "Nope, nothing."

The two MFE's flew over San Francisco. Shiro pointed as the two planes turned to make another pass. "Land down there. That clearing is closest to where I need to go."

Griffin and Rizavi set their planes down as Shiro and Adam climbed out dressed in their flight suits. "Wait here. We'll return."

Griffin and Rizavi both saluted from their planes.

Shiro turned to Adam, who now stood next to him. "This way. It's a shortcut."

The pair crossed a couple of streets while some people stopped to stare at the two garrison officers. But they weren't approached by anyone. People continued about their business.

They entered the cemetery. Shiro led the way past the different family shrines until he found his own. He knelt in front of his family, shrine. "Mom, Dad, I've meant to come here all this time we've been back on earth." He reached out with his human hand and touched the picture that was taken of him and his parents and grandparents while he was still a child before thoughts of space flight had called him to leave his home.

He let his chin drop down to his chest as a tear slid out from his eye. "I wish I could see you again. So both of you could meet Adam. He's the man I'm going to spend the rest of my life with once the war is over." He wiped at his eye. "It's a good thing you weren't alive when Sendak attacked. If you had been and that evil sob learned who you were, he would have demanded that I surrender everything for your safety, and I hate to say it, but I would have."

Shiro sighed. "I-I wanted you to meet him, mom, dad."

A breeze blew that ruffled his bangs, and he could almost hear his parents' voices on the wind. He raised his head and gazed at the sky. A slight smile tugged at his lips as he felt their loving embrace. "Thank you," he whispered.

Adam rang the doorbell.

A woman opened the door. "Come in, come in, Adam, Captain Shirogane." She smiled brightly at the pair.

Lance walked down the stairs. His blue eyes lit up. "Adam, Shiro, you made it." He let out a nervous laugh. "Oh Shiro, this is my mom and Pop-pop. You know Veronica. That's Rachel, my brother Marco my other brother Luis, his wife Lisa, and their kids Silvio and Nadia."

Lance's mother gazed at Shiro. "Captain Shirogane, I'd like you to sit down here by me. It's not often that Lance asks friends over, especially someone of your stature. Thank you for bringing him home." She stepped forward and pressed her lips to his cheek.

Lance frowned. "Mom, you swore you wouldn't do that."

Shiro chuckled. "It's okay, Lance. And Mrs. McClain, you can call me Shiro. Everyone usually does."

As they at down to eat, Luis and Marco began telling stories about themselves as kids. Marco took up the latest story. "Or the time when Veronica mixed dirt with water and told Lance it was chocolate milk."

Everyone at the table except for Lance laughed.

Shiro chuckled. "What did he do?"

Veronica gazed down the table at Shiro. "He told on me, of course. Pop-pop gave him ice cream, and I got none."

Lance frowned and glared.

Adam jabbed Lance in the ribs. "Lighten up." He leaned over closer and lowered his voice to a whisper. "I saw you and Keith on the top of the Black Lion earlier today. You two look great together."

Veronica grinned behind her glass. She had a reasonably good idea of what Adam was teasing her baby brother about. She schooled her face to a more neutral expression then leaned over toward Lance. "Maybe you could put in a good word for me with that long-haired friend of yours, hmm?"

Lance's eyes bugged out. He blinked and nearly coughed. "What, Keith? No, no, no!" He let out a nervous laugh. "No way. No! Never, not in a million years."

Veronica laughed. "I'm just teasing you." But she quickly sobered as she glanced around at her family and Captain. She stood and raised her glass high. "A toast to family. Though we may be apart after tomorrow, we'll always remain close at heart. Family is forever."

Everyone raised their glasses, and enthusiastically replied, "To family."

Although Shiro's reply was muted, Adam reached under the table and gripped his hand.

Shiro sat his glass down, but his phone rang. He pulled it out of his inside coat pocket and listened to what the speaker on the other end said. He nodded a couple of times. "Alright. We'll return right away." He gazed at the McClain family. "I appreciate the hospitality, but Adam and I must return to the garrison."

He turned to gaze at Lance and Veronica, who were starting to rise from their seats. Shiro shook his head. "You two can stay with your family." He sighed. "Sometimes, being a Captain has its drawbacks."

Lance gazed up at Shiro. "If you need us, call."

Shiro smiled, "Thanks." He and Adam quickly left the McClain house.

Adam took the wheel of the garrison vehicle. "What's going on?"

"The Altean pilot woke up. It seems she had some words with Romelle and died. I don't like the sound of this."

Shiro leaned over the table in the large conference room as Adam stood next to him. Allura, Coran, and Romelle sat in chairs nearest to Shiro.

Allura gazed up at Shiro. "If Honerva sent that beast, then our mission must change."

Shiro shook his head. "No, we have a plan, and we need to stick to it. If Honerva's behind this, I sure we'll find her along the way."

Allura frowned. "Or she'll find us."

Adam sat on the couch next to Shiro in their shared apartment. "You're worried."

Shiro nodded. "I can't help but think about what Allura said about Honerva finding us. According to what we know about her, she and the witch Haggar are the same person." He lay his head on Adam's shoulder. "I wish we had some way of knowing that this is the right path for us."

Adam slid closer. "Don't doubt yourself. You always make the right decision." He began to lean over when a knock sounded at the door. He sighed. "I'll get it." He rose from the seat and walked to the door. As he opened it, he found Commander Holt and Pidge standing in the hall.

Commander Holt gazed at him. "I'm sorry for the interruption of your free time, but Colleen wasn't about to be happy until she demanded that we bring over your new uniforms."

Pidge giggled. "Yeah, she said that as Paladins of Voltron, we needed new uniforms, and she patterned them off of our armor. Including yours, Adam."

Commander Holt held out two uniforms in garment bags. "I hope you like them. Plus, the entire crew of the Atlas got new uniforms too."

Adam took the uniforms. "Thank her for us." He cleared his throat. "I have to get back to Shiro. He's having pre-mission jitters. You know how that is."

Commander Holt chuckled. "Yes, I know." He and Pidge walked away from the door.

Adam closed the door behind them.

Shiro stood on the stage, facing the assembled crowd of garrison personnel and aliens that made up the Voltron Coalition. Adam stood in line on the same side as the Paladins.

Commander Holt took a step forward. "This will be perhaps the most defining moment in our history. The day humankind reaches beyond its homeworld to help the immense universe of which we inhabit such a small part."

Keith gazed at the crowd. "In the blink of an eye, the world as we knew it became much larger than we ever thought possible. And now we rise to join the fight alongside many others different from us, but of like minds, to stand firm in the face of tyranny."

Allura spoke clear as she held her head up as the Crown Princess of Altea. "For all deserve to decide their future as we have decided to spend ours, ensuring the freedom of the universe."

Shiro gazed at everyone and took a deep breath. "Every one of you has given something to this fight. Many have been lost, but not in vain. Because through their sacrifice, many more will live on. I make you this promise now. We will return triumphant."

Admiral Sablan stepped forward. He saluted, and the others on the stage saluted in return. "Good hunting, and I hope this ensures that the Galra will never return as enemies but instead as friends." He held his hand out to Shiro.

Shiro took it in his and shook it. "Thank you, sir."

The Atlas rose from into the sky. Shiro observed the bridge crew from his command station. Keith and the other Paladins stood in front of Shiro.

The Voltron Lions led the way toward the planet. Adam stood behind Coran next to Veronica on the Atlas as the ships approached the Galra controlled world.

Keith's voice came over the Atlas's bridge as he contacted the occupied planet. "This is the Voltron Coalition. Lay down your arms and—"

The Galran base immediately opened fire on the ships.

Adam quietly agreed with Lance's comment. "Well, that was fast."

"Raise shields."

Veronica replied, "Shields up, Commander."

Adam nodded.

Shiro gazed at his screens. "Shield status?"

Commander Iverson replied. "Holding steady at ninety-five percent, but the ground cannons have us targeted."

Shiro nodded. "Okay. Let's give the Lion's some backup. Adjust our heading down to one point zero five."

Coran replied. "Adjusting course."

Shiro took a quick breath and released it. "Lock on to the ground cannons."

Iverson replied. "We have weapons lock!"

"Fire!"

Adam knew what was coming next. "MFE's Prepare to launch. You need to clear a path for the rebel ships to drop their teams on the planet's surface. The Lions and the Atlas will provide cover for the ground team to take out their defenses. Remember, anticipate, but do not jump the gun."

Four copies replied as the MFE's launched.

Adam turned to Shiro. "MFE's are away."

"Good."

It didn't take long for the base's ground defenses to be taken down with the EMP pulse set by the ground team.

The ground cannons stopped firing.

Keith's voice came over the speakers on the Atlas's bridge. "Paladins, let's take out their reinforcements."

Laser fire began raining down on the Atlas from above. The ship rocked, but the shields held firm.

Adam gripped the back of Veronica's chair to keep his feet under him.

Shiro gripped the rail that separated his command station from the rest of the bridge. "Does anyone have eyes on where those lasers are coming from?"

Pidge replied from the Green Lion, "I do not see anything on my scanners. I'm trying to locate the point of origin."

Allura replied, "I'm on it. I've got visual of two cloaked cannon satellites."

Hunk asked, "How did we miss those."

Pidge replied, "It looks like we wormholed right past them."

Keith said, "Paladins, on me! Form Voltron!"

Adam turned around long enough to catch the grin that tugged at Shiro's mouth. "Great job, making quick work of the satellites, Paladins. We've successfully gained control of the base."

The door to the bases command center slid open. Adam, Shiro, and the Paladins entered.

Griffin gazed at the newcomers. "This one says he's the leader."

The Galran turned around and faced them. Hunk's eyes grew as recognition set in. "Whoa! Oh!" He laughed as he walked toward the prisoner. "Holy Kaltenecker! What are you doing here? It's me, Hunk. Remember? Paladin of the Yellow Lion. We worked together."

"I remember."

Keith stepped up next to Hunk. "Wait, you know this guy?"

Hunk gazed at the Keith. "Yeah, from the Omega Shield. Oh, that's right. You were on a space road trip with your mom. Keith, this is our friend Lieutenant Lahn."

Lahn stood twice as tall as humans. He glared at Hunk. "It's Warlord Lahn now, and we are not friends. Sendak only attacked after Commander Bogh, and I swore loyalty to Lotor. Then you and Lotor disappeared and left us vulnerable to attack. I swore never to let that happen again."

Allura gazed at Lahn. "It was not our intention to be gone for so long. But we're here now."

Lahn snorted. "To do what now? Claim victory over us?"

Allura shook her head. "No!"

Shiro sighed. "We didn't come here to argue. Warlord Lahn, we're asking you to join the Voltron Coalition to help provide stability to the universe."

Lahn shook his head. "You've attained victory, and I accept defeat."

Keith frowned. "It doesn't have to be victory or death. I know it's the Galra way but—"

Lahn's upper lip curled back. "And what do you know of the Galra?"

Keith glared back at Lahn. "My mother is Galra. She's a member of the Blade of Marmora. So am I."

Lahn sneered as he verbally jabbed at Keith. "The mutinous Blades have all but perished. Are they so diminished in numbers that they're forced to enlist a half-Galra and his mommy?"

Keith glared as he growled at Lahn.

Lance put his hand on Keith's shoulder. "Don't do it. That's what he's trying to do, make you mad enough to kill him."

Keith gazed at Lance. "Let me kick his ass."

Lance shook his head and opened his mouth, but Pidge interrupted. "Guy's, I'm getting an incoming transmission."

Shiro said, "Patch it through."

The voice that came through was distorted. "Yordam bering exus." It kept repeating it.

Lahn listened to the message. "It's an emergency protocol built into the sentries when they're under distress." He turned his head. "Has your Voltron Coalition attacked them as well?"

Keith gazed at the Galran Warlord. "No, we didn't."

Shiro rubbed his chin as he gazed toward the Green Paladin. "Pidge, see if you can reopen a frequency."

"I'm trying but no response. I'm locating the transmission's origin, but the EMP's we set off has done a number on the communications systems. Huh?" She gazed up at the screen. "We got a comm signature." She craned her head around. "Do you recognize this ship?"

Lahn nodded. "Yes, it's Klytax V-Three. It's one of fifteen ships I sent on an assignment six phoebs ago. They all disappeared. We assumed them dead."

Keith gazed at Lahn. "It looks like they're not dead after all." He turned to Shiro. "We need to get out there. How long before the Atlas is ready to launch again?"

Shiro frowned as he weighed the pros and cons of this mission. His eyebrows furrowed together. If they could get Lahn on their side, it would make it easier for this planet and this part of the universe to become stable and peaceful. He craned his head at Keith. "Hours. We still need to process all the Galra and prepare the planet to continue operating on its own. This is our mission. We need to see this through."

Keith frowned, but he understood what Shiro was saying. It just felt a little odd heading out on a mission without his brother there. "Then, Voltron will go."

Lahn snorted. "Voltron is going to save the Galra? My fleet would never believe Voltron was there to help. They'd fight you to the last man."

Keith glared at him. "That's why you're coming with us."

As Voltron left the planet, Shiro and Adam left the command center. Some of the Galran personnel were cooperating with Atlas crew members, while others like Lahn tried to rile their fellow Galran's up to rebel.

Adam walked toward a pair as Acxa stood facing them with her hands on her hips. The former Galra general glared at the couple. "You two don't understand. We're offering you a chance to live your lives without fighting for survival."

One of the pair glared at her. "And what would you know about it? You aren't even full, Galra. If Zarkon were here, you'd be killed as being a taint to full Galra blood."

"And that's where he was wrong. We can be stronger if we all work for the same cause. Peace."

The thinner of the pair of Galran's glared at her. "And what would you know of it? You were one of Lotor's generals!"

Acxa nodded. "Yes, I was, but I found I had to find my path, and it led me to the Voltron Coalition. If I can change, so can you."

Adam motioned to a couple of the security guards around the perimeter of where the Galran contingent was held. "I want those two separated and away from the others."

They saluted and hurried out to carry out Adam's order. He stepped up next to Acxa, who was smaller than most Galra because of her so-called tainted blood. "You tried to turn their minds over to the whole reason we're out here. I'm afraid that Zarkon's rhetoric of victory or death runs too deep in some of them."

Acxa frowned. "I know, but I had to try."

"Well, if Keith and the others can change Lahn's mind, he might sway the others to believe that peace is the right way to go."

Acxa turned to gaze at the human. "Voltron is gone?"

"Yeah, they took Lahn on a mission to discover the fate of a fleet he sent out six phoebs ago."

"I hope they succeed."

Adam frowned as he sighed. "I do too. This would work better with some cooperation."

Adam held the report in his hand as he approached Shiro, who stood watching the processing of the Galra from above. He passed it over to Shiro.

Shiro's eyes scanned over it. "How many have you identified that could be considered dissidents like Lahn?"

"So far, there's about six. I've had them all separated from the main group and separated from each other. Two Acxa tried talking to, but they didn't want to listen to her." Adam frowned as he gazed at Shiro. "Do you think Keith can change Lahn's mind?"

Shiro sighed. "I don't know. If they're not accepting of joining the Coalition, we may have to take them aboard the Atlas as prisoners." He rubbed at his temple. "I don't want to have to reopen a prison to place them in either. Because a lot of the inhabitants of this planet are civilians who want to go back to their lives."

Adam nodded. "Most of the Galra want to return to their families. Most of them are tired of this war."

Shiro nodded and gazed at Adam. "I've been thinking."

A smirk pulled at the corner of Adam's mouth. "That might be dangerous."

"Haha, very funny. But I was thinking about something we could do after we're married. You want children to don't you?"

Adam smiled. "Of course I do."

"I thought we could adopt some war orphans."

"But where would we start?"

Shiro gazed up at the stars that hung in the sky. "Out there."

Voltron returned, and Lahn spoke with Keith quietly before he turned to Shiro and Adam. "I was just apologizing to Keith for my behavior earlier. I would like to address my people."

Shiro's eyebrow raised. He glanced over at Keith, who smiled back at Shiro. "Sure."

Lahn stepped forward on the platform, so the Galra below could see him. He cleared his throat, but when he spoke, his voice was loud and clear. "The Galra may be decimated, but its warriors are still needed to maintain stability. Twice, the Paladins of Voltron have risked their lives for me, and yet I questioned their intent. I was wrong. I pledge loyalty to a united front with the Voltron Coalition. And I encourage you all to do the same."

Onboard the Atlas's bridge Pidge focused on her wrist gauntlet's holographic screen. "I downloaded some intel from that cruiser. There might be another one of Honerva's beasts out there."

Lance gasped as his eyes bugged out. "Another one."

Adam crossed his arms over his chest. He didn't like the sound of this at all.

Allura gazed at Shiro. "This is what I feared, Shiro. We need to adjust our mission's objective and track down where these things are coming from."

Shiro needed more information. He turned to Pidge. "How certain are you that it's a Robeast?"

Pidge gazed back at him. "I'm not positive, but according to the message logs, some Galra has spotted a giant robotic mech that fits the description. The logs even refer to a similar weapon."

Allura gripped her hands into fists. "There may be another Altean piloting it. We must investigate it!"

Shiro sighed. He knew Allura hated to see her people exploited and manipulated by Honerva, but they still had a mission to carry out. "Millions of innocent souls are waiting to be liberated from what remains of the Galra Empire. We can't change course."

Keith gazed at Shiro. "Maybe you don't have too."

Shiro gazed back at the Black Paladin. "What are you talking about?"

"We can split up. The Atlas will continue working with the Galra while Voltron searches for Honerva and her beasts."

Shiro frowned. "You'll be out there on your own without backup."

Keith gazed back at Shiro. "We'll be okay. Voltron is stronger now."

Shiro nodded, but Adam could tell he wasn't comfortable with letting them out on their own. "Okay," Shiro replied.

Adam gazed up at Shiro. "We've got an incoming transmission from the Paladins."

Shiro gazed at his screen. "Go ahead, Allura."

"Atlas, we've managed to track down an Altean Robeast."

Coran gasped. "You found one?"

Shiro ignored Coran's comment. "Where is it? Did you engage the creature?"

Allura replied, "Unfortunately, we were too late. It attacked the Olkari and stole the remains of the weaponized cubes."

Coran leaned forward in his seat. "Is Olkarion okay?"

Keith replied, "No." His voice was solemn as he spoke. "Olkarion is gone."

Coran's eyes grew as he whispered. "No."

Allura replied, "The loss of Olkarion is devastating to us all, but we were able to acquire some vital information."

Keith said, "We learned from Olkarion that the Robeasts have been traveling via wormhole, which it leaves behind a unique energy signature. Pidge created a program that can identify these signatures and pinpoint their exact locations."

Allura replied, "We're sending over the readings from Pidge's program now." A star map appeared on the main screen of the Atlas's bridge with several intersecting lines that reached from one side of the map to the other.

Coran gazed at the screen. "Are you telling us that these are all Robeasts?"

Shiro frowned. He didn't like the looks of this. Adam glanced up at Shiro with a similar expression on his face.

Pidge replied, "We're not positive, but they could be. Oh, and Coran, we do know that the Olkari escaped. Where they went to, we have no idea."

Coran sighed in relief.

Allura said, "There's more. After studying the map, we noticed the signatures all radiate from a single epicenter, Oriande."

Adam's frown deepened. "So Honerva could be on Oriande? I thought only worthy Alteans could get there."

Coran asked, "Could she have the mark of the chosen?"

Keith replied, "There's a lot we don't know. We need to rendezvous to come up with a plan."

Coran gazed back at Shiro, who nodded. He turned back toward the keyboard, and his fingers flew over the keys. "The Baltup Nebula would make a good rendezvous point for both of us."

Keith said, "Send us the coordinates, Coran. See you soon."

Shiro sighed. "Lay in a course to the nebula, Coran."

Adam stepped up to Shiro's station. "While we go there, you should get some rest."

Shiro cocked an eyebrow as he gazed at his first officer. "Trying to take my place so soon?" A smirk pulled at the corner of his mouth.

Adam shook his head. "Nope, but we don't need you falling on the job from exhaustion."

Shiro nodded. "I will, but you should also take some time too. When's the last time you ate anything?"

Adam shrugged. "I don't remember."

Shiro gazed at Iverson. "Mitch, take the conn."

Adam turned to leave when Veronica grabbed his wrist. "I'll make sure he eats."

Adam sat at the table with Veronica and the MFE pilots. He gazed at his cousin, who had her eyes elsewhere when she raised her arm and waved. "Acxa! Come join us."

Griffin moved down to make room for the former general, and Acxa sat down with her meal tray next to Veronica.

Veronica, not one for being too subtle, asked, "So, how did you meet the Paladins?"

Adam raised his hand and smacked it to his face. "Roni," he whispered.

Veronica ignored Adam as she gazed at Acxa, waiting for an answer.

Acxa placed one hand on the table. "I met Keith when I was stuck in the third stomach of a Weblum. He saved my life."

Rizavi blinked. "What were you doing in a stomach?"

Acxa's eyes slid over toward the MFE pilot. "Gathering scaultrite to help enable Lotor to conquer the universe."

Leifsdotter's eyes bulged.

Rizavi looked bored as she propped her head up on a fist. "I got stuck in a ball pit once when I was a kid."

Veronica gazed over at Acxa. "What do you think about the crew? It must be a pretty different dynamic being that we don't try to kill each other."

Acxa gazed at Veronica from the corner of her eye. "I suppose, but the Galra had an expression, 'Combat is the searing light that burns away impurities.'"

Rizavi and Kincaid stared at Acxa as if in shock.

Leifsdotter gazed at Acxa. "It would appear the mood at this table has become rather awkward." She grunted as Rizavi jabbed her in the side with an elbow, but she didn't let that stop her. "Most likely, due to your Galra lineage."

Adam joined Rizavi in another facepalm while Kinkade's eyes grew, and Griffin dropped his face into his meal tray.

Veronica gazed at the others. "Yep, definitely awkward."

Adam stood near Veronica's seat. He leaned over toward her. "Is it ready?"

She found it hard to suppress the giggle that wanted to erupt from her. "It's ready."

Coran cocked an eyebrow at them. "What are the two of you up to?"

Commander Iverson commented from his seat. "No good, no doubt. Those two had a bad habit of pulling pranks during their cadet days."

The door to the bridge opened, and Shiro stepped through. As soon as he did, a high-pitched whistle blew the boatswain's call of piping a Captain or other high-ranking officer onto the bridge.

Shiro glanced around quickly before his eyes fell on Adam and Veronica. "Cut that damn thing off."

Adam chuckled as Veronica giggled. She pressed the button that cut it off. "It's all in fun, Captain."

"I know, but we need to rendezvous with Voltron. Has there been any sight of them?"

Adam sobered. "No, there hasn't."

Shiro frowned. "I thought they'd be here by now."

Coran nodded. "By my calculations, they should be here."

As if on cue, Keith's voice came over the speaker. "Atlas, we had some technical difficulties."

Shiro frowned. "Copy that. How long?"

"We're still assessing that. It might be a few hours. We'll keep you updated."

"Roger that."

Adam saw the worry on Shiro's face. "It'll be okay."

"I know, but I can't help but worry."

Veronica moved out of her seat.

Adam gazed at her. "Where are you going?"

She leaned in toward him. "There's someone here I want to get to know better."

Adam cocked his head at her, and then it hit him. "Really? Acxa?"

Veronica grinned. "Yep."

As she walked off the bridge, Adam took her seat.

Shiro left his station and stood next to Adam. "So, what was that all about?"

Adam lowered his voice. "It appears that my cousin is into same-sex relationships too."

Shiro placed his hand on Adam's shoulder. "This might be an interesting voyage." He turned and returned to his station.

Shiro sent out a message to the Black Lion. "Keith, any updates on your ETA?"

"We're finishing some repairs and about to get underway. We'll update our ETA when we're en route."

"Copy that."

Shiro frowned. "I don't like this at all."

Adam turned Veronica's chair around to gaze up at Shiro. "I'll let you know once we hear anything."

Shiro nodded, "Okay. I think I'll go blow off some steam."

Adam nodded. "I'll stay here. Don't worry, okay?"

Shiro smirked back at him. "It's my prerogative to worry if I want to."

Adam rolled his eyes at Shiro's back as he walked off the bridge.

Veronica returned to the bridge with Acxa in tow. "Okay, Adam, I'll take over again."

Adam rose from the seat. "I was getting ready to contact Keith again."

Veronica sat down. "I'll do it. Atlas calling the Black Lion. Keith, we need an update."

Keith's voice came over her monitor. "Apologies for the delay. We experienced a glitch in navigation. I will have to get back to you."

Veronica reached up and touched a panel next to her chair. "Are you okay out there, Keith? Do you need help from the Atlas?"

"No assistance required, thank you. Lance will figure it out."

Veronica smirked. "Right, Lance, the navigation genius."

Keith replied, "Affirmative."

Veronica glanced up at Adam.

Adam muttered to himself. "Maybe I should've been as worried at Shiro. Something is wrong." He turned to the crew on the bridge. "I need some answers."

Curtis's fingers began flying over the keyboard. "Look at this. It looks like their frequency has been pinging off a decoy. I'm intercepting it now."

Calls for help from the Paladins began coming through. Adam raced up to Shiro's station. "Coran lay in a course where those calls came from." He opened up the internal PA system. "Captain to the bridge, we have an emergency!"

Shiro stepped onto the bridge. His eyes scanned the crew as he stepped up to his station. "Report."

Adam told him what was going on and what they had discovered. He also mentioned how they were now on course toward the planet where the distress signals had come from. Adam sighed. "We've got to fix this."

Shiro nodded. "We will."

As the Atlas entered the planets' atmosphere and flew low over the terrain, Veronica nodded toward the Galra cruiser on the screen. "That's where the Ghost Protocol is coming from."

Shiro stared at the cruiser. "Hit it with the electromagnetic pulse."

Iverson fired the weapon that hit the cruiser. All power went out on the cruiser, and it dropped out of the sky like a stone falling to the earth.

Shiro gazed at Adam. "Send a security team over there and bring anyone back. Also, tell them to check the brig and see if they have the Paladins on the ship."

The Atlas hovered over the area where the Lions lay. The security team returned with several prisoners in tow. One was an Olkari. He gazed at Shiro, who observed nearby as he recognized the former Black Paladin.

Shiro gazed at the Olkari. "Why did you throw in with pirates?"

The Olkari shrugged. "It seemed like a good idea at the time. Sophisticated hacking and jamming abilities. Impressive." He smiled at the situation. "It's nice to find others on my level."

Shiro gazed at the Olkari. "Yeah, it's terrific. Now, where's your leader?"

The Olkari gazed back at Shiro. "I don't know. I lost her signal when you attacked. But she's out there somewhere hunting down the Paladin you call Keith."

Acxa stood next to Shiro as she gazed back at the Olkari. "And who exactly is your leader?"

Adam stood on the other side of Shiro. He couldn't stop the sick feeling he got in his stomach. He had an idea of who it was. He never told Shiro or the other Paladins about Ezor. She'd come to him and Acxa asking to join the crew. She'd left Zethrid because she was angry all the time.

Adam knew that feeling. He knew it well. He'd gone through his bout with anger after Shiro had left for the Kerberos mission. But Ezor was genuinely repentant about her actions just as he had been about his actions and how he fought with Takashi that day. Sometimes a person needed a second chance.

The MFE's launched from the Atlas. Each one carried an extra passenger. As they flew over the spot where Zethrid and Keith fought, they dropped their passengers. Griffin hovered over Shiro, Adam, and Acxa as he asked, "Does anyone have a shot?"

Zethrid glared at them as she held Keith tight to her, using him as a shield.

Rizavi replied, "It's too risky!"

Zethrid pulled out her blaster, holding it high.

Acxa gazed at her former cohort. "Zethrid, don't do this!"

Zethrid glared back at Acxa. "I knew you'd come. Now you will feel what I felt."

Acxa glared in return. "It's over. You're surrounded."

"You think this deters me, Acxa? I welcome death now that Ezor's gone."

Acxa removed her helmet as Shiro and Adam both pointed their weapons at the former Galra general turned pirate. "Zethrid, I know you hurt. Ezor hurt, too. That's why she left you. She couldn't keep holding on to the anger."

Zethrid yelled, "Stop!"

Acxa held up a hand. "Hear my words! Remember how we first met. We were all so full of hate and rage, half-breeds rejected by the Galra. Lotor used us. He led us down a painful path, a never-ending cycle of destruction and loss. Now's your chance to break that cycle with me, with Ezor. She wants you to leave the rage behind."

Zethrid shook her head. "I'm too far gone. She'll never take me back!" She tightened her grip on Keith, who grimaced under pressure.

Acxa took a half step forward. "Wait! Please! Don't let the rage control you!"

Zethrid pointed her blaster at Acxa. "All I have left is revenge!" The barrel began to glow when a shot came from the rocks behind Shiro, Acxa, and Adam. It hit the barrel of the blaster and caused it to give Zethrid a strong enough kickback to knock her backward, and she released her hold on Keith. She stumbled back and fell over the side of the cliff.

Keith raced forward and reached down, grasping the former general by her wrist. Shiro, Acxa, and Adam ran ahead and helped the Black Paladin pull her up from the fiery volcano below.

Keith stood as he gazed at the others. "How did you know to find us here?"

Shiro gazed at him. "We'll talk about that later. Get your armor, and we've got a shuttle coming down to take you to the Black Lion. Get it to the Atlas then report to the sickbay."

Keith's eyes grew. "Shiro, I'm fine."

Shiro shook his head. "No, your not. By now, the other Paladins are all in a healing pod, and you're going in one too."

Keith opened his mouth to argue when motion from his side caught his attention.

Adam gazed at the medical scanner. "You've got Co2 poisoning, a broken collar bone, several cracked ribs, and a broken wrist."
Veronica stood from her position behind the rocks from where she fired the shot that took out Zethrid. She placed her hand on her hip. "If there's one thing I've learned from being around these two from our garrison days you don't argue with them, you won't ever win."

"Fine," Keith grumbled under his breath.

Shiro gazed at Adam and Veronica. "Go with him and our prisoner."

Adam gazed at Zethrid. "Really? She's out like a light."

Shiro gazed at them. "Just grab a couple of the guards on the shuttle to get her on the ship."

Adam released a sigh. "Sometimes, you can be a difficult taskmaster."

Shiro smirked. "I know, but you love me, though."

Adam rolled his eyes, but he smiled back at Shiro and shot finger guns at him. He turned and followed Veronica and Keith back to where Keith left his armor, but he was having problems trying to put it on. "Here, let me help you with that."

"Thanks," Keith replied.

Adam put Keith's helmet on his head last. Before they could move toward the shuttle that just landed, the Black Paladin's eyes rolled up in the back of his head, and he pitched forward.

Adam caught him before he hit the ground. "The Co2 poisoning must have got to him. We need to get him to the Atlas."

Veronica gazed back at Zethrid. "What about her?"

"We do what Shiro said and get a couple of strong guys to get her."

Keith's eyelids fluttered as he opened them and blinked from the light above. The pressure of the oxygen mask on his face caused him to reach up to remove it. But his arm was stopped. His eyes slid over to land on Adam's face.

"Your oxygen levels are finally getting to normal."

"Adam?" Keith asked from behind the mask.

"Just a couple more minutes, and we'll get you into a pod."

Keith's eyes slid to the right landing on Shiro's face. The events from earlier came back to him. Especially fighting with Zethrid. "The Paladins?"

Shiro brushed Keith's bangs out of his eyes. "They're fine."

"Lance?"

Shiro nodded. "He's fine too. They're all in healing pods. They should be coming out after we put you in."

Keith sighed. "That's good, but why is it taking so long for me?"

Adam gazed at Shiro then back down at Keith. "You picked a spot to fight Zethrid directly above a volcano, so you got more Co2 gasses than they did." Adam rechecked his medical scanner. "Okay, it's time." He removed the mask from Keith's face and helped the younger man to sit up but frowned when Keith stiffened as he didn't utter a sound knowing full well that he was in pain. "You know we won't judge you if you groan or something."

As Keith stood, he nodded and managed to stifle the groan that tried to escape from between his lips.

Adam shook his head as he muttered, "Macho bullshit."

Shiro and Adam both wrapped an arm around Keith's midsection as they helped him over to the healing pod, but he stopped to stand for an extra minute as he gazed at Lance.

Adam leaned in closer to Keith. "You'll get to see Loverboy Lance in a bit."

Keith's cheeks flushed.

Shiro leaned forward and craned his head to wink at Keith. "It's okay. These things happen."

Keith growled. "When I'm out of the healing pod, I'll wipe the floor of the exercise deck with the both of you."

Shiro chuckled. "I'd like to see you try."

"I won't try, I will."

They moved him over to the pod and helped him inside. Adam grinned at Keith. "The day you can beat Takashi is the day we get married."

"Then get ready for wedding bells." But that was the last thing he said as the door slid shut, and the freezing process silenced him as the pod began to work on Keith's body.

The pod opened, and Keith's eyelids opened. He blinked as his eyes adjusted to the light. They landed on Adam and Lance. He took a step out of the pod, and Lance wrapped the blanket he held around Keith.

Adam gazed at him. "How do you feel?"

"Good."

Lance's eyes narrowed. "That's good." He turned away for a moment before turning back to Keith. "How could you try to fight Zethrid all on your own and above a volcano no less?"

Keith blinked again. "I didn't know it was Zethrid until she took her helmet off. Besides, I was trying to lead the pirates away from you and the others."

Lance frowned. "You know, sometimes I don't why I even care about you because sometimes you don't think. You could've died."

Adam frowned at Lance. "I think he's got the idea, but right now, you need to get dressed Keith. There's a briefing that's going to start soon and Lance you know what happens after a fight. You kiss and makeup."

Lance gaped at Adam a moment and then turned to Keith as he smiled his team leader. He leaned in and pressed his lips against Keith's.

Keith reached out and wrapped his arms around Lance, and returned the kiss. As they parted, the blue-gray eyes stared into blue eyes. "I'm sorry I scared you. I'll try not to do it again, but I can't make any promises."

"I guess I'll have to accept it, but if you do it again, I'll—"

Keith's eyebrow rose. "You'll what?"

Lance stared back at Keith. "Scream!"

Coran gazed at everyone assembled in one of the Atlas's larger conference rooms. "We have confirmation that Honerva's beasts have touched down on planets Sanook, VeXilum, Siiz, and we continue to receive more transmissions."

Veronica gazed at her datapad in front of her. "This is consistent with the reports I'm receiving as well."

Pidge gazed up at the holographic projection of the star map in the room. "The wormhole signatures we discovered on Olkarion. They were a map to where the Robeasts were headed. They must have been waiting this entire time."

Keith glared up at the star map. "They're targeting multiple fronts simultaneously."

Hunk gazed past Keith down toward Shiro. "What do we do?"

Shiro interlaced his fingers together and held his hands in front of his face. "We keep our calm. Coran continues to mark the planets where the beasts have landed. Veronica, give us any real-time updates as they come in."

"Copy that. I just got another report from Sanook. The Robeasts are covered in some type of shield like a particle barrier."

Allura gazed at Veronica. "They're not attacking the planet?"

"Not yet."

Shiro gazed at the image of the Robeast on the screen. He didn't like this and knew Honerva was about to start some kind of twisted plan. What type of plan, he wondered. But he also knew even he had to remain calm.

Veronica raised her eyes from her pad as sadness filled them. "The planets are reporting activity. The Robeasts are siphoning Quintessence."

Iverson growled. "We need to engage them all. Save as many people as we can. We're talking about triage here."

Keith threw out an idea, but he wasn't exactly happy about it. "We could split up the Lions."

Hunk gazed at Keith as if he thought he'd lost his mind. "One Lion can't handle a Robeast on its own."

"No, but it could slow it down, buy us some time."

Shiro listened to the two Paladins. He came to a decision. "I say we attack them with the totality of all our forces and wormhole from target to target."

Allura stood and gazed down on Shiro. "No. We must attack Oriande directly. I think I know what Honerva is doing. We know she can create wormholes, and these wormholes are emanating from Oriande. She used a Robeast to steal the Olkari cubes, which can mimic and intensify energy at a distance. And those Robeasts are essentially armed with Komars, able to drain and transmit massive amounts of Quintessence. Honerva is going to concentrate energy from across the universe to Oriande. She is making Komar magnitudes larger than anything we've ever seen, something that could drain the Quintessence from an entire galaxy."

Everyone gasped as they stared at the new image of what Allura believed was happening. Sam Holt whispered, "No."

Coran's eyes grew. He whispered, "That monster."

Pidge leaned forward. "What could she need that much energy for?"

Allura frowned. "I don't know, but we need to act immediately. The only way to stop them is by going directly to Oriande."

Keith stood up. "Then that's what Voltron is going to do."

Shiro took in a deep breath and released it. "The Atlas will cover you. We don't have time to wait for the rest of the Coalition."

Adam stood as he gazed at Commander Holt. "Contact Matt, let him know that the Rebels will be in charge of the evacuation efforts on the occupied planets. They shouldn't expect assistance."

Allura gazed at Shiro, Adam, and Keith. "Then, we agree. It is time to begin our assault on Oriande."

The Atlas jumped through the wormhole. As the great ship from Earth approached the white hole, it began to suffer from interference.

The alarm on the bridge began sounding. Shiro braced himself against the rail. "Sam, we're experiencing interference. Can you lock that down?"

Sam replied, "I'm on it."

Pidge stood next to Coran. The Altean stared at the readings on his screen above his instrument panel that he sat behind. "The Atlas can't go much farther due to the Petrulian Zone's radiation." He gasped as he raised his eyes to gaze at the main screen. "There's the Olkari cubes!" The four cubes sat around the white hole like sentinels on guard duty.

Iverson checked his instruments. "I'm not picking up any energy signatures. They must not be active."

Veronica craned her head to gaze back at Adam. "I'm picking something up. It's coming from the white hole."

Allura gazed ahead. "The guardian."

A Robeast flew out of the white hole.

Allura's eyes grew. "No! Where's the guardian?"

As another Robeast flew out, Keith gazed up at Shiro. "We don't have time to engage these beasts. Can you clear a path."

Shiro turned his gaze to Keith. "We'll get you through."

Keith and the Paladins ran off the bridge to get to their lions.

Shiro opened the PA system to address the rest of the ship's personnel. "Atlas crew, prepare for transformation sequence."

The Atlas transformed into a giant mech warrior. Shiro gazed at the two beasts of Honerva's who stopped advancing. "Okay, Voltron, engaging Robeasts now. Good luck out there."

Keith replied, "Good luck to you as well."

Veronica gazed at her screen. "Voltron is clear."

Shiro nodded. "We need to first focus on the Robeasts. Then we can attack those cubes and try to stop whatever Honerva was doing." He focused on his screens as he directed Atlas to swing at the Robeasts.

Adam frowned the Robeasts were too small and too agile to get a direct hit on. They needed to do something else.

Veronica gazed at her screen. "Shield energy at forty-three percent."

The Atlas was struck from behind by a giant-sized version of a Robeast.

She frowned. "Thirty-six."

Adam held tight to the back of Veronica's chair. He craned his head around. "We're not going to make it through their blockade."

Shiro gazed back at Adam. "I know."

Iverson called out from his station. "What's the plan."

Shiro gazed down at Adam. "Scramble the MFE's. We need their precise striking ability."

Adam leaned over Veronica's station. "MFE's we need you to launch."

Shiro's voice came over the pilot's radios. "Pilot's attack their weak spot on their chest plate when their cannon fires."

Four voices answered him. "Copy."

Shiro's voice was tinged with emotion. He hated to send them out there, but the Atlas needed some extra help. "Stay safe out there." As the planes launched, he turned toward Iverson. "Give them heavy covering fire so they can get in close."

A light on Veronica's screen beeped. She craned her head. "We've got a security breach in cell block 2-1-4. Zethrid and the Olkari have escaped their cell. It looks like they're on their way to the bridge."

Adam glared at Veronica's screen as if it had displayed the cell breach deliberately. "We don't have time for this shit!"

Coran shouted, "Performing evasive maneuvers."

Iverson turned to Adam. "We have an overload in munitions bay three."

Adam frowned. "Tell them to get it under control or eject it. We don't need a gaping hole in the Atlas right now."

Veronica gazed at her screen. "Sir, Zethrid's almost here."

Shiro turned to face the door as he grabbed his sidearm with his left hand, and it began to hum as it started to come to life. "Prepare for a breach."

Adam raced up to stand beside Shiro, his sidearm pulled. He refused to allow anything to happen to Takashi.

The door slid open, and Zethrid held up her free hand as her other arm was in a sling. "We're here to help."

Shiro didn't quite believe his ears. "What? How did you even escape?"

Ezor's cloaking shield vanished, and she appeared standing next to Zethrid with her hands raised while the Olkari peeked out from the side of Zethrid. "I'm an Olkari. Your security is childlike."

Zethrid gazed at Shiro. "Look, I know you don't trust me, but we are facing certain death. Let my tech help."

Shiro gazed at her. He glanced at Adam, who nodded. Shiro's eyes slid back to Zethrid. "Fine." He holstered his weapon.

Adam gazed at Curtis. "Keep your weapon on her."

Curtis nodded.

Adam slid over to Ezor. "I'm sure you can understand."

Ezor nodded. "Yes, I do."

The Olkari placed his hand on Shiro's panel, and it began to glow. "Excellent job fusing Earth technology with Altean magic."

Rizavi's voice came over the bridge speakers. "I'm hit! Repeat, I'm hit! Recovering all systems."

Adam's eyes grew as a Robeast aimed to take out Rizavi's plane when a giant hand reached out. Suddenly the area was filled with giant mech's copies of the Atlas.

Shiro grinned. "It worked! Pilots, we've got you covered. Kinkade, get Rizavi back to the Atlas safely. Griffin and Leifsdotter, use this opportunity to hone in on the Robeast's crystal."

"Copy."

Shiro gazed out at the battle. "MFE's on my count. Three, two, one."

Both pilots fired, and their shots were on target, taking out the beast.

Coran, Iverson, and Curtis cheered.

Shiro grinned. "Outstanding."

Veronica and Adam both yelled, "Yeah!" at the same time.

White beams of energy came out of the white hole striking everything in their path, including the Atlas, MFE's, and Robeasts. The crew of the Atlas floated in weightlessness until the power came back up, and gravity was restored. The bridge crew's panels began lighting up again.

Veronica gazed at her screen. "Commander Holt got the Atlas back online."

Shiro checked his instruments. "Get the MFE's onboard."

Adam gazed at Veronica's screen. "The white hole's energy is collapsing into a gravity surge."

Veronica did her best to hide her panic. "There's no way we'll hit escape velocity."

Coran craned his head back so he could barely see Shiro in his peripheral vision. "At this point, our only hope of escape is via a wormhole."

Shiro gazed at Veronica. "How long do we have?"

Veronica shrugged. "Minutes? Seconds? It's impossible to be sure with these surges."

Adam gripped Veronica's chair tightly. He couldn't help but wonder if this is what it felt like riding a bucking bronco at a rodeo.

Shiro gripped his rail tightly. "Coran, move us into intercept position."

"Adjusting heading."

Shiro opened communications with engineering. "Sam, I need every ounce of power you can give us."

Sam replied, "Pulling energy from all systems."

Zethrid gazed at Shiro. "We need to get out of here."

"We're not leaving yet. They'll come."

Alarms blared all over the ship. Veronica called out. "The white hole's about to collapse."

Coran yelled. "They're here!"

Shiro yelled, "Coran, we need a wormhole now!"

A wormhole opened in front of the Atlas, and the Lions flanked the ship as both all the ships went through.

The bridge crew could hear what the Paladins were saying.

Hunk asked, "What the heck just happened?"

Allura replied, "We failed. And every reality will pay the price."

Zethrid gazed at Shiro. "What does she mean?"

Shiro turned to Adam. "What I want to know is what's going on, and why is Ezor sneaking around aboard the Atlas?"

Ezor shifted her feet. "I wasn't exactly sneaking. But I got tired of Zethrid being angry all the time at everything and everyone. So I left the pirates and made my way to Earth. That's where I found Acxa, and she brought me to Adam. He said that I could prove that I was worth a second chance, and I've been helping out on the Atlas though no one could see me with my cloak. And now that we're together again, I believe that the anger that Zethrid has had for most of her life is finally leaving. I mean, I thought she was going to try to take over the Atlas, but she hasn't. I think that proves that she's capable of a second chance."

Shiro blew out a breath. How could he be sure this wasn't a trick?

Adam gazed at him. "You gave me a second chance."

"Okay, but she doesn't get free reign of the ship."

Two pinpoints of light shone in the darkness of where Oriande once existed. "Tragic." A voice boomed unheard by any living creature because there were none now. "I must follow these creatures and discover their intentions." The pinpoints vanished.

Adam yawned as he gazed up at the ceiling. "I can't believe it's the forty-seventh day since we left earth."

Shiro rolled over to face Adam in the bed they shared. He opened an eye and gazed at Adam's face. "What are you talking about?"

"I said, I can't believe it's the forty-seventh day since we left earth."

Shiro propped his head up on his hand as he gazed at Adam. "Well, like I said before we left that it could take years before we return."

Adam rolled over to face Shiro. "I know, Takashi." He reached out and let his fingers trace over some of the scars on Shiro's bare chest. "Did they hurt?"

"The wounds? Yes, they did. I can still remember how I got each one." He shuddered. "I don't want to think about it, okay?"

Adam reached up and cupped Shiro's cheek in his hand. "I'm sorry, Amor." He leaned forward and pressed his lips to the man he loved.

Shiro ran the Altean hand down Adam's body and pulled him in closer as the sheet that covered them rustled. As they separated, he gazed at Adam's face. "When are you going to shave the beard?"

Adam frowned. "Never. It's a reminder to never take things for granted. Does it bother you?"

Shiro shook his head as he brushed back the bangs out of Adam's eyes. "No, but I'd like to see your face again, without the beard."

Silence fell over the pair as Adam rolled away and started sitting up.

Shiro reached out with his Altean hand and pulled Adam back into the bed.

"Takashi, what are you doing?"

Shiro smiled. "We've got some time yet."

"We're supposed to be on the bridge in an hour."

"The bridge can wait."

As Shiro and Adam stepped out of their quarters, Veronica strode past as if in a rush. But she stopped. She turned around and gazed back at the pair. She placed a hand on her hip as she stared at them. "Well, somebody looks happy." She let out a giggle as she pointed at Adam's neck. "You have a hickey!"

Shiro gazed at Adam's neck. "Oops."

Adam's face paled as he brought his hand up to his face. "I don't need the bridge crew laughing at me much less, my cousin." He shot a glare in her direction.

Veronica laughed. "Wait until Lance sees it."

Adam rolled his eyes. "Just head up to the bridge. I'll have to head to sickbay and get this taken care of."

Adam strode into the gym and saw Kinkade working out on one of the machines, but floating nearby something small and shiny caught his eye. It was a small camera. Something large enough to fit in the palm of a hand.

As he approached, he saw Griffin lean over and gaze into the camera lens. Romelle leaned in and blinked. "Your recording? Why?"

She backed up as Griffin continued to gaze into the camera. "Kinkade has always been the uh, well, an individual who is most comfortable observing and reflecting on life. Being a fighter pilot was his backup plan."

Kinkade reached out and grabbed the camera. He turned but stopped seeing Adam standing there in full uniform. He stopped and saluted. "Commander."

Adam saluted in return. "Walk with me, Lieutenant." The pair walked toward the locker room. "I'm curious. You wanted to be a journalist?"

"Uhm, I thought about it, sir."

Adam tapped his thigh with his fingers. "I don't see anything stopping you from being a fighter pilot and a journalist. Just don't let it interfere with your flying."

Adam stepped onto the bridge as turbulence hit the Atlas. He reached out and grabbed the rail, and managed to make his way around to where Veronica sat.

She glanced up once at her cousin and pouted and whispered toward him, "Party pooper."

He shook his head and whispered back. "I kept my reputation intact."

The deck of the Atlas bridged rolled under Adam's feet as a creature roared from outside the Earth ship. He gripped the back of Veronica's seat. "Everyone, report to your battle stations immediately! This is not a drill! MFE pilots report to hangars alpha-bravo! Scrambling fighters in five. Paladins stand by for launch."

Shiro frowned. "Where did it come from? Veronica, get me eyes on it?"

Whatever it was, it roared as a tentacle lashed out at the Atlas.

Coran yelled, "That thing just appeared out of nowhere!"

Shiro glared at what he could see of the creature. Could it be some kind of Galra experiment gone wrong? He shuddered, remembering Keith's report about that weapon created by Ranveig, but he couldn't control it. Could this be a similar creature? He pushed the thought out of his mind. "Iverson, fire when ready!"

The alarms were still blaring when the creature slapped the view screen with a giant tentacle, and it seemed to disappear. Iverson frowned. "Wait. No. We've lost it! Target has gone dark!"

Veronica craned her head to gaze up at Adam, but she knew that Shiro would hear her verbal report. "Electromagnetic radiation from that planet is overloading our radars."

Shiro gazed out the main viewscreen. "Voltron, do you have a visual?"

Voltron appeared in front of the Atlas's viewscreen. Keith's voice came over the Atlas's bridge speakers. "Not yet. We are going in now. Stand by."

Lance said, "We can't see a thing in here."

Explosions flashed around in the mist.

Griffin replied, "Copy that. We have zero visibility as well. We need a visual."

Curtis sighed. "Trying another avenue. Scanning for biometrics. Visual acquired."

Coran yelled, "Incoming!"

A bright beam of energy came from the creature in the mist.

Iverson called out from his station. "Reconfiguring the starboard cannons."

Coran yelled, "Sensors are offline!"

Iverson shuddered as he got an image of the creature. "What is that thing?"

Coran shrugged as he gazed at Iverson for a moment before he turned his gaze back on the viewscreen. "It's massive."

Shiro smacked his panel with his human hand. "Iverson, open fire."

Coran yelled, "Direct hit! It's coming back around for another shot!"

Shiro turned to Adam's cousin. "Veronica, prep shields!"

"Yes, sir!"

The creature fired a beam of energy again, but this time it seemed even brighter than before.

Shiro gripped the rail. "Shields!"

As the beam struck, it knocked out the Atlas's gravity.

Shiro frowned. "Sam, we need gravity restored."

Sam's voice came up from engineering. "I'm trying, but I'm having a problem with Slav."

Shiro's eye twitched at the Slav's name. "Get it fixed as soon as you can." He turned his eyes to the rest of the crew. "Magnetize your boots. We're going to transform the Atlas." He pressed a button on his panel that sounded the alarm throughout the ship. "All crew report to stations and prepare for Atlas transformation in T-minus thirty seconds." He mentally counted down the seconds in his head. "All crew prepare for transformation sequence in five, four, three, two, one."

The Atlas now transformed into the giant mech warrior joined Voltron and the MFE's in the fight against the giant creature. They forced the creature back underground on the planet where it had sprung from.

Keith's voice came over the Atlas's speakers. "It appears there was a Galra Base on this planet. If that creature was some kind of experiment, it went wrong. The base is destroyed."

Shiro nodded. "Okay, Keith. Return to the Atlas."

"Affirmative."

The situation room consisted of Shiro, Adam, Coran, Veronica, Sam Holt, and the MFE pilots. They gazed at the main screen.

Sam turned his chair and rested his arm on the table. "Atlas to Pidge. Are you reading us?"

Pidge replied, "Okay, we've just touched down on the surface."

Keith said, "We're at the crash site now."

Pidge focused her recording device on the wreckage in front of the Paladins. "That's the Robeast. Just like our intel reported. The Altean should be nearby."

A section of the Robeast appeared to come alive and suddenly aimed for the Paladins as it rose into the atmosphere and flew at them.

Shiro quickly went into defensive mode. "Paladins, brace for incoming!"

Hunk yelled, "I didn't know it could do that!"

Keith yelled, "Take cover!"

Lance screamed as a blast come from somewhere.

Shiro turned away from the screen to keep from being blinded by the blast of energy. "Paladins report! We've lost visual!" Shiro pressed a button on the table. "Bridge, lock onto that ship now!"

Curtis replied from the bridge, "Yes, Captain. Adjusting to long-range parameters."

The visual reappeared, showing Hunk firing at the small craft that was strafing the Paladins positions.

A beeping came through the speaker from the bridge. Curtis said, "Locked on!"

Shiro nodded as he gazed at the screen. "Light it up!"

A beam of energy fired from orbit striking the ship. Curtis said, "Direct hit!"

Lance said, "Nice shot, Atlas."

Hunk replied, "Yeah, thanks for the cover!"

Shiro gazed at his small screen that he'd brought up from the table. "Bridge, stay on alert."

Pidge's camera showed Allura as she approached the small ship. Allura's voice came over the speaker. "Stand by, Atlas. We're approaching the ship."

Hunk put his head to the side. "Guys, there doesn't seem to be a pilot inside."

Keith stood beside a coffin-like cylinder. "Hey guys, over here."

Pidge said, "Keith's found something. Let's go." She ran over to where Keith was and faced the cylinder. "Give me a second. Just reconfiguring to this barrier's isometric frequency." Her display beeped twice. "There that should do it."

The barrier lowered, and the capsule cleared to show the unconscious pilot inside. Keith turned to face Pidge's mechanical friend Rover. "Atlas, our target is acquired."

Shiro gazed at the screen. "Great job, everyone!"

Thace strolled down the hall with Allura. He gazed at her. "Anything?"

They stopped as Allura shook her head and gazed away from Thace. "No. He was like all the others. A true believer in Honerva."

Thace turned to face the Altean Princess.

Allura's face fell. "And there's nothing I could say that would make him think otherwise."

Thace reached out and took her hand in his. "I'm sorry."

Allura raised her head as she gazed up into his eyes. "No, I am. These Alteans are the key to unlocking Honerva's plan. They're my people, but they won't even speak with me. You have no idea what it's like to find out after ten thousand years that your not the last of your kind only to be rejected by them." Her face fell again as she gazed at the deck below her."

Thace grabbed her other hand. "I don't. But I wish every day there was something I could do to change it for you. You've suffered more than anyone should in a thousand lifetimes. But still, you persist. Through the pain, you inspire. It's one of the reasons I fell in love with you." He pulled her hand toward him and wrapped his arms around her.

Adam strode toward Kinkade and Rizavi and saw the camera pointed toward the Altean Princess and the Blade. He reached his hand out and blocked the camera. "What do you two think you're doing?"

Rizavi drew herself up straight as a ramrod and saluted, Kinkade doing the same.

Adam saluted back. "Well?"

Rizavi gazed at Adam. "Making a documentary, sir."

Adam crossed his arms over his chest. "Show me what's been going on here."

Kinkade backed it up, showing the entire conversation between Allura and Thace. Adam frowned. "I think they deserve their privacy. Delete it."

Rizavi gasped. "But sir, that was our love interest!"

Adam shook his head. "No, Allura and Thace are entitled to their privacy just as anyone else on this ship. Delete it."

Kinkade nodded. "Right away, sir." He turned his gaze on Rizavi. "I told you I didn't like the idea of recording anyone who wasn't aware of what was going on."

Adam nodded. "Good. Don't let me hear about any other footage like that."

Shiro gazed down at a message that flashed across his screen. "Adam, go down to the detention level. Allura has finally got one of the Alteans ready to talk. I want to know what's said and if he can give us any kind of clue as to where we can find Honerva."

Adam saluted. "On my way."

Adam strode toward the interrogation room. His eyes fell on Commander Holt and the female android organism that was part of Matt Holt's crew on one of the rebel vessels. He stopped next to Commander Holt. "How's it going?"

Commander Holt turned to Adam. "They just sat down."

Allura gazed at the dark-skinned Altean who sat across the table from her. "Tavo, I want to thank you for speaking with me."

"Forgive me, Princess Allura, but we don't have much time."

"I'm sorry?"

"Please. Once Honerva discovers I'm speaking with you, it will be over."

Allura gazed at him. "Slow down. What are you trying to—"

Tavo cut her off. "Listen to me. Now that she has Lotor, she will use him to destroy everything—" He grabbed his head as he gasped in pain and fell out of his chair onto the floor.

Allura rushed to his side. "Tavo!"

A door slid open, and two med techs ran into the room.

Allura glanced at them and yelled, "Wait!" She reached her hand over his face. "I feel something." Her hand glowed, shining a bright whitish-blue light on his face. A dark purplish-black ball of energy emerged from Tavo. It rose into the air from Tavo and floated up toward the ceiling. It suddenly came to life and began slamming into the walls as if looking for an escape route.

Commander Holt gasped. "Get them out of there!"

Allura grabbed Tavo from the armpits as one of the med techs grabbed onto Tavo to help her carry the Altean out of the room.

Commander Holt gazed down at the controls. "Reverse the polarity once the room is cleared. The impulse prism might stabilize the foreign object." The foreign object, as Sam called it, was captured.

Adam gazed at the commander. "What is that thing?"

Sam shook his head. "I have no idea. But I don't think Shiro wants it running amok over the Atlas. I know I don't."

Adam nodded. "I don't either."

Adam joined Commander Holt and Allura into a section of the Atlas used for medical research. They faced a cylinder that held the foreign object inside.

Sam gazed at the cylinder. "This unit uses the ship's crystal to energize the optronic vacuum casing. It was designed to contain diseases, but it should suffice until we find a more permanent solution."

Allura gazed at the creature. "Thank you, Sam. That thing, it was as if it was communicating with me. Whatever this is, it might be how Honerva connects to the Alteans."

Commander Holt gazed at Allura. Concern was evident on his face and his words as he spoke to her. "Perhaps you should get some rest. It's best if everyone stays away from this until we learn more about it."

Adam nodded. "I agree."

Both men gazed at Allura. She continued to stare at the creature.

Sam started to reach for her but stopped. "Allura?"

She jerked as if coming out of a trance. "You're right. Best to stay away."

Adam returned to the bridge with his report in hand. He passed it over to Shiro, who gazed up from the report to his first officer. "How is Allura?"

"Resting. She seemed pretty shaken."

Curtis spoke from his station. "Captain, I'm picking up an abnormal signal from planet Drazan in the zeta-three sector."

Shiro frowned. "Open a hailing frequency. We need to find out what's going on."

Veronica didn't flinch as her fingers moved over her keypad. "Copy."

"This is Takashi Shirogane of the Voltron—"

The main screen flashed to life as an alien with two eyestalks above its head, a huge nose, and all covered in fur stared back at him. "Well, if it isn't the Voltron Coalition." He placed his hands on what was presumably its hips. "And here I was thinking you were afraid to show your face after ruining the last Clear Day."

Coran gazed back at him. "Yes, sorry about that. Uhm, that was on me."

Shiro ignored Coran's comment. "We noticed a lot of activity on your planet's surface. Are you in danger?"

The alien gazed at the Atlas bridge. "Opposite." He laughed. "We're celebrating Clear Day!"

Coran began consulting his fingers. "Hang on, isn't Clear Day four movements from now?"

The alien's eyestalks lowered as he glared at Coran. "Time dilation, you snarflaf! It's right now! So unless you want to waste more of my time, I need to get back."

Shiro gazed at the alien. "Are you sure hosting a celebration is safe? This sector has seen a lot of activity lately."

The alien chuckled. "Oh, here we go. I knew this was coming. I just told my wife. I said to her, 'Just you wait. You don't know them the way I do. They promise to show up. You tell everyone that Voltron is coming to Clear Day. Everyone gets excited. Then Voltron never arrives, and you're left with your top two paws stuck in the rocks!'"

Shiro gazed back at the alien. "We don't want to ruin your holiday, but we're concerned—"

The alien glared back at him. "We're having Clear Day, and that is that! If you're so worried about our safety, then how about you show up and provide security? Free of charge!" He cut off the transmission.

Adam stepped up to Shiro's station. "You know we could all use some time off."

Shiro nodded. "Veronica make an announcement to the Atlas. We're going to Clear Day."

Shiro gazed at the crew that was going to head down to the planet. "I want you all to enjoy yourselves today. The celebration ends in five vargas. It's important to remember that while the Atlas patrols the skies, we are the eyes and ears on the ground looking for any suspicious activity. These people are relying on us."

The Atlas entered a stationary orbit over the festival grounds. Transport craft and four of the Voltron Lions left the Earth ship.

Coran gazed at the crew members of the Atlas. He held out a stack of tokens. "I've pulled some strings and got each of you ten complimentary Clear Day tokens. You can use them for games, food, rides, and other things."

Pidge turned and gazed at Thace. "Where's Allura?"

"She wasn't feeling well, so she's staying on the Atlas to rest."

Keith gazed at the other Paladins. "Remember why we came here to provide security." Before he could say anything else, the other Paladins and most of the Atlas crew had disappeared.

Shiro gazed at Keith. "You need to relax. Go, have some fun."

Lance placed his hand on Keith's shoulder. "Don't worry, Shiro. I'll make sure he has some fun."

Shiro's eyebrow rose as Adam chuckled beside him. "They look cute together."

Shiro pointed after the pair. His thoughts froze as his eyebrows squished together. He found himself rendered speechless as he gazed at Adam.

Adam nodded. "Yeah, they're a couple." He grabbed Shiro's arm. "Let's go follow your instructions and have some fun."

The pinpoints of light focused on the Atlas. Something wasn't right here. He made himself small and quickly passed through the bulkhead. He walked down the hall following the young woman who wasn't aware of anything.

She led him to the chamber where the creature floated around inside a cylinder. He stood behind her and lifted his arms and pressed his hands to the sides of her head. "Sleep." Her eyelids slid shut, and he lay her down on the floor.

He stood up and gazed at the creature. "Now, what are you?" He said as he reached into the cylinder and pulled the creature out. "Hmmm. You don't belong here." He waved his hand, and something like a wormhole opened. "Go back where you came from."

The creature screeched as if it didn't want to go. He gave it a shove, and it vanished. "Hmm." He glanced around. "I feel more of them."

He made his way to the holding cells and found the Alteans inside. He waved his hand at the door. "Sleep." All the Alteans dropped, and he stepped inside the room. He shook his hand again, and more of the creatures appeared. He circled his hand, creating the wormhole still and sent them back where they belong.

He gazed up at the ceiling seeing the camera in the room. He waved his hand and wiped the security footage and then left the Atlas the same way he came. The pinpoints of light reappeared as he grew to his standard size. "Something is going on here that shouldn't, and I will find out what it is." He set off in another direction seeking the source of those creatures.

Adam and Shiro found their way into a huge tent that was buzzing with noise. They gazed at the competitors getting ready for something that might be interesting.

A voice spoke from beside them. "Well, look who decided to show up."

Shiro gazed down on the leader of the planet. "Good to see you, too, Burr."

He turned his head to gaze up at Shiro. "Couldn't help but notice the Blue Lion ain't here. That's fine. Can't expect Voltron to follow through on their promises completely."

Shiro ignored his snarks and jabs. "What's going on over here?"

"That's the arm-wrestling contest. It ain't for people like you."

Shiro's eyebrow rose. "Why is that? Is it because of my arm?"

Burr laughed. "No. Arm wrestling is for the young and strong. You're old like me. Those kids would break you in half, mechanical arm or not."

Adam opened his mouth, but Shiro stopped him. He slammed his human hand into the mechanical hand. "Is it too late to sign up?"

Burr gazed up at Shiro. "Mm, I'm sure we can work something out."

Adam gazed down at Burr then back up at Shiro. "Are you sure this is wise?"

Shiro shrugged. "Morale is low on the Atlas since Oriande, and I can't think of a better way than for the crew to see their captain take on these contenders."

Burr had them add Shiro to the roster. Adam's fear began to give way to both pride and pleasure as Takashi trounced his first opponent. He cheered as Shiro rose through the ranks heading toward the championship round. He glanced around, noticing that more members of the Atlas crew had wandered into the large tent. His eyes slid over to Burr, who even seemed to be surprised.

Shiro continued to win until it came to the championship match. Adam's gaze turned toward Burr. He blinked, but Burr wasn't there. The burrowman in question was missing. Until he stepped into the spotlight on the stage, he wore some fancy clothes and a top hat just like a circus ringmaster on Earth. A microphone dropped down from the ceiling. Burr grabbed it with his long-clawed hand.

Burr held the mic up to his face. "Ladies and burrowmen, are you ready to crown an arm-wrestling champion?"

The crowd cheered.

"First up is our challenger, former Paladin of Voltron and the current captain of the IGF Atlas. Hailing from some tiny planet, no one has ever heard of. It's Shiro."

Adam and other Atlas crew cheered while others in the crowd booed.

Keith stood next to Adam. "Have you seen this champion of theirs yet?"

Adam shook his head. "No, I haven't."

Lance smirked. "I'm sure Shiro can take him."

Burr continued his introductions. "And our reigning champion, who needs no introduction. Let's hear it for The Warden!"

Adam heard gasping from either side of him. Lance, Pidge, and Slav's eyes bulged as the two Paladins mouth's dropped open."

Keith leaned toward Lance. "You recognize him?"

Lance nodded. "That's the guy who held Slav prisoner," He pointed at a figure behind the Warden. "And that's his pet Yupper."

Slav leaned around Adam. "I still haven't quite figured out how you could confuse a Yupper for me."

Lance glared back at Slav. "It said Yup to everything I said. How'd I know it was a pet!"

Keith put his hand on Lance's arm. "Let it go. He's just yanking your chain."

Pidge giggled. "And he's doing a good job of it too."

Hunk sighed. "Okay, guys, can we watch the match?"

Adam gazed at Shiro and the Warden. The referee had tied their hands together. And both combatants exchanged words. And then the match was on. The warden was beginning to get the best of Takashi, but he refused to back down when with an extra ounce of power, Shiro yelled and shoved the Wardens arm down. The referee freed their hands and raised the IGF Atlas Captain's arm. "Your new Champion!" The crowd cheered, and the Warden slapped the armband on Shiro's human arm with the golden badge that signified he was the new arm-wrestling champion.

Shiro set the armband down on a shelf in the quarters he and Adam shared. "I didn't expect much, but this is kind of special."

Adam stepped up behind him and placed his hands-on Takashi's shoulders. "You did great. I thought you were going to lose there for a minute."

Shiro turned around and grinned. "What's this, no confidence in me?"

Adam shook his head. "That's not it at all. I thought the Warden had you."

Shiro smirked. "I let him think that. I could have taken him anytime. Plus, it made the win look better."

The communications channel was opened. Commander Holt's face appeared on the mini screen. "Shiro, Adam. We have a situation. You should come down to sickbay."

Shiro and Adam entered sickbay to find not only Allura in a bed but the other Altean pilots also in beds. Only they were guarded by Atlas security. Shiro raised his eyes to Sam's bespectacled ones. "What's happened?"

Sam shook his head, "I'm stumped. As you know, Allura was able to remove a creature from Tavo, and we secured it in a container used to study diseases. I entered that room to find the container empty and Allura on the floor. The only thing is we got a report that these other Alteans in the holding cell were also like Allura." He picked up a datapad.

He brought up the report. "We ran scans on all of them when they were brought on board. Look at this." He showed the screen to Shiro and Adam. "There's a spike in brainwave activity on all the Alteans. We compared those scans with Allura, Romelle, and Coran. They don't have the spike. Also, we studied the first pilot scan, and she had a spike also. So we can assume that's the creature. But now check this new scan out."

Sam pulled up a new scan of the Altean pilots. "None of them have the spike anymore. It's as if they were all freed of the creatures, and the creatures are nowhere on the Atlas. I also ran a scan on Allura since she was here while most of the crew was away. She doesn't have a spike either."

Adam frowned. "Has anyone checked the security feed from the Alteans cell?"

Sam nodded. "Yes, we did. That's what's unusual. There seems to be nothing wrong. But I had it re-examined. There's a space of almost a half an hour missing on the footage. I should contact Coran. He might have an idea about what happened."

Shiro nodded. "And contact Thace also. He'll want to be here when she wakes. I have to go back to the bridge."

Allura gasped as her eyelids flew open. Thace held her hand in his. "Allura, are you okay?"

She sat up as she placed a hand to her head. "What's going on? Where am I?"

Coran was the first to answer her. "You're in the medical bay."

Thace gripped her hand. "When we returned from Clear Day, we found you collapsed on the floor."

Coran gazed at her. "You've been asleep for two quintants. What's worse is the entity, it's missing. Did you—"

Allura shook her head. "No, I did not."

Coran released the breath as Adam stepped out from behind Thace. "What do you remember?"

"I-I was going to free the creature, but something stopped me. It had a mind like nothing I've ever felt before. It was highly intelligent but very curious too."

Adam gripped his bearded chin. "It tracks with what the Altean pilots told us. Although, they woke up sooner than you did. I'd better report this to Takashi. I don't like the idea of something that wasn't seen by anyone coming aboard the Atlas."

Adam stepped onto the bridge and entered Shiro's station. He quietly relayed what he'd found out in the med bay.

Veronica pushed her glasses up. "It doesn't seem fair that he won with a robot arm."

Iverson crossed his arms over his chest. "Ah, almost everybody had a robot arm. The last guy had two robot arms."

Adam snorted as Shiro turned back around to face his crew. "Iverson, power up the Atlas's weapons. Veronica, make sure the shield system is a go."

Veronica turned in her chair as she gazed up at Shiro. "High alert? What's going on?"

Shiro's features turned hard. "The Atlas needs to be prepared for anything."

Adam gazed at Shiro. "You're worried."

Shiro nodded. "Yeah, I am. Honerva's been off the grid since we left Oriande, until now."

"You don't think that what happened was Honerva's doing?"

Shiro shook his head. "I don't know Adam, but we can't rule out the possibility."

Adam frowned as he crossed his arms over his chest. "I don't feel like this is her style. As with the first Altean pilot, Luca, Honerva killed her when she talked. I can't see her coming to the Atlas, sneaking aboard, and stealing the entities. She'd leave them to find out what we're up to and trick Allura into taking the one from Tavo inside herself. That is more her style."

Shiro nodded. "I agree, but I also disagree with you. Remember, that witch tried to turn me into a weapon for the Galra Empire."

Adam gazed down at his cousin, who had gone uncharacteristically silent. "What's wrong, Roni? Are you disturbed by something?"

Veronica nodded and turned her chair around. "Permission to speak freely."

Shiro nodded. "Granted."

"What do you mean by Honerva trying to turn you into a weapon? Sir."

Shiro sighed. "Because my spirit wouldn't break under her torture and fighting in the arena, she had her druids remove my arm and replace with one created by the Galra. During a mission, I fought her, and she said I could have been their greatest weapon. I keep on wondering what she meant by that. But later on, Keith told me that he fought my clone at what seemed to be a combination cloning lab and storage facility. He said that all the clones were of me." He shuddered. "Can you imagine what it would have been like if there wan an army of clones running amok across the universe all looking like me?"

Veronica gazed up at him. "Uhm, creepy. Sir."

Shiro released a slight chuckle. "Yeah, creepy."

Adam allowed the back of his hand to touch Shiro's human hand. "Takashi, you need to stop thinking about things like that."

Shiro lowered his gaze. "It's hard not to."

The two pinpoints of light appeared above the pyramid ship. He gazed at the giant mech and reached out to touch her mind. What he found caused him to recoil. He saw her intentions, and the results would be devastating to all. "No, this must stop!"

He reached out and grabbed the Atlas, and pulled the Earth ship toward him. "I will put a stop to this." He released a sigh. "I have to save the Universe."

The Paladins ran onto the bridge as Alarms blared. Shiro's jaw clenched. He gazed at Coran. "What the hell is going on?"

Coran craned his head around. "I don't know. It's like we're caught in a powerful tractor beam. I'm trying to reverse power, but all the engines are strained."

Shiro slammed his human hand down onto the rail. "Shut them down!"

Coran nodded as he shut the engines down, but the Atlas still moved forward.

Shiro's eye grew as he saw what they were moving toward. It was the pyramid ship from Oriande, and there behind it was Honerva's mech. A feral growl came from his throat. "Paladins, you need to stop her!"

The Paladins turned to run off the bridge, but the doors refused to open.

The being that now revealed itself hovered above the area. "STOP! There will be no more fighting."

Honerva's mech suddenly lost all power.

He waved his hand, and an area with atmosphere appeared, and Honerva appeared along with the Paladins along with Adam and Shiro. The mighty being made his appearance. Much smaller, but he was still larger than anyone else. He gazed at them all.

"Honerva," his voice boomed out. "You are willing to destroy everything to get what you want, but your dream of being a mother again to your son Lotor will not come to pass. I have seen your future, and I will not allow you to destroy everything."

Honerva glared at him. "Who do you think you are to interfere with me?" Purplish back energy appeared as a ball in her hand.

Allura glared at her. "And this is why you must be stopped!"

Honerva glared at the Princess. "And what would you know of it? You left Lotor to die in the Quintessence field."

Allura sighed. "He went mad over the power the quintessence field gave him. Just like his own father, Zarkon!"

Honerva turned toward Allura and raised her hand to shoot the energy at the Altean Princess.

The entity that faced them waved his hand, and Honerva's dark magic disappeared. "I told you no more fighting."

Honerva glared at him. "Why are you interfering? I should rid the universe of you and these hero's." She held out her hand, but her energy didn't appear. She gasped at him. "What did you do?"

He gazed at her. "I set you free of the darkness that has inhabited you for ten thousand years."

Honerva growled. "Stop getting in the way!"

Shiro shook his head. "Honerva, can't you see that you can now live your life without being controlled by those creatures?"

The entity held up his hand. "Stop, talk is getting us nowhere." He turned to face Honerva. "I give you a choice. To live the rest of your life with your family on a different plane of existence or to live forever alone."

Honerva released a sigh. "There's no choice. I'd rather live with my family."

The entity turned and waved a hand. There standing in the swirling mist were Zarkon and Lotor. Both wore smiles. Honerva stood and walked into the fog, joining them.

He turned toward Allura. "I will give you the same choice, Princess. To live with your family forever or live your life with your new friends and family."

Allura gazed up at him. "I would like to live together with my father and mother, but I've found new happiness here."

He nodded as a slow smile grew on his face. "I figured you would." A bright light grew, and something sounded like thunder.

Shiro shook his head as his vision cleared. He gazed out the viewscreen to see something he'd never thought he'd ever see. Coran gasped as he rose from his seat. "It's Altea and Daibazaal."

Keith gazed out the screen. "The Galra homeworld." He turned and gazed up at Shiro. "That creature. He saved all realities."

Shiro nodded. "Yeah, he did."

Adam held out his hand as he stared at Allura and Coran. "I hate to see you leave us."

Coran grinned. "This isn't an end, my boy. It's just the beginning." He took Adam's hand and shook by way of Earthling customs.

Allura stepped forward. "I'm happy to know you, but I have to leave and get my people settled. We have a lot of work to do."

Adam grinned. "Well, if anyone can do that, I believe both of you can." He gazed around. "Have you spoken to Takashi or the others?"

Allura nodded. "Yes, we have. We wanted to speak to you last." Allura stepped up to him and pressed her lips to his cheek. "Take care of yourself and Shiro."

"I will."