Author's Notes: This fanfic was written for the Voltron Fandom's Secret Santa Gift Exchange 2016, created and hosted by Mylari. A huge thanks to Mylari for all her hard work to make this happen, and for her dedication and multitude of contributions to the fandom! The title, as well as the chapter titles, of this fanfic are all episode titles from the 1984 Voltron: Defender of the Universe.

Prompt: a story where the Space Explorers have to come back to Earth permanently, after the end of DotU original series. The night before their leaving, Keith and Allura find a way to finally express their feeling for each other, knowing they will have to part the next day. Citrus level to be determined by the writer.

Warnings: Adult language. Adult situations. Sexual situations.

Disclaimers: Voltron and all associated characters are owned and copyrighted by WEP. This story is for entertainment only, no money is being made. Original characters have been created and are owned by the author.

Final Victory

By KittyShan (aka LancesKitten; aka Shannon)

"If you live long enough, you'll see that every victory turns into a defeat." ~ Simone de Beauvoir

Part III - With Friends Like You

Nanny couldn't believe what she was hearing. Several years ago, this situation would have answered her prayers. However, with the passage of time, this ragtag bunch of hooligans had grown on her, each finding a special place in her heart. Now, when things were calm enough to give lessons in proper etiquette and behavior, when she finally had the chance to transform these boys into fine young men, they were being snatched away. And whether or not she could ever speak the words, the thought of never seeing them again broke her heart into a thousand pieces.

"I vill not haf it!" Nanny declared. "They are staying here, I vill speak to this Space Marshall Krap-"

Despite the seriousness of the situation, the room was filled with muffled giggles and stifled laughter.

"I do not find anything humorous about this situation," the governess glowered at the occupants of the room.

"It's Space Marshall Karpp," Coran corrected before leaning close to whisper something near her shoulder.

"Oh!" Nanny's understanding came with a red flush across her cheeks, but it only took a moment for her to recover. "Vell, it may be Karpp, but Krap seems to be a better suited name."

"Be that as it may," Coran said, clearly trying to stop what could easily turn into one of the governess's famous tirades, "we have all tried to talk some sense into him, and he simply won't hear a word of it."

"We have been left with no other choice, they will have to return to Earth." Allura's eyes were bright with unshed tears.

"We have to come up with a plan," Lance declared. "We can't just give up!"

"We aren't giving up," Keith ran a hand through his hair in an absent-minded gesture that made clear his frustration. "First things first, we have to accept that we will have to return to Earth with that transport."

"I say we don't get on that ship at all! In fact, I say we give those guys a couple of knuckle sandwiches," Hunk slammed a fist into his open palm to demonstrate. "Then we send 'em back to Karpp with the message that if he tries anything like this again, he's next."

"Yeah!" Pidge exclaimed his support for his friend's idea. "And I can hack the GG's computers network and cause all sorts of headaches for Karpp."

"Now we're talking," Lance chimed in, but before he could continue, he was interrupted by the sound of Coran clearing his throat.

"Gentlemen," the advisor spoke slowly, choosing his words carefully. "This Karpp fellow has the potential to be a dangerous foe, not only to Arus, but to all of you."

"Coran...what are you saying?" Allura's voice shook. "Do you know this man? Or something about him?"

"No, Princess," Coran shook his head, his expression grave. "I do not know Space Marshall Karpp, but I have known men like him. Men who were hungry for power, who felt as if the universe owed them some debt."

"Like Zarkon and Lotor," Keith pointed out.

"Exactly," Coran made eye contact with each person in the room as he continued. "They make the most dangerous of enemies because they do not share our values; they do not care who they hurt, or if the innocent suffer. They only care that they get what they want."

"So, how do we beat a guy like this?" Lance asked.

"We have to give him what he wants," Keith looked to Coran for confirmation. "We have to let him think he's won."

"Then what?" Hunk looked uncertain. "We just go back to Earth and do what he says?"

"I think I get it!" Pidge jumped out of his seat. "We just have to fool him into thinking we're doing what he wants us to do, right?"

"Right!" Keith nearly roared. "If we can figure out what kind of game he's playing, and what he really wants, we can beat him."

"You will have to be careful," Allura's concern was evident. "He's smart, so you can't give in too easily or he'll know it's a ruse."

"So we need to be just cooperative enough to let him think we're defeated," Hunk saw exactly where things were headed. "And at the same time, stay just defiant enough for him not to catch on."

"We're going to have to make this look good," Lance agreed.

"And we must assume that he has spies everywhere," Coran gave a measured look to the group. "Outside of ourselves, we must make everyone believe this is real."

"Then I shall get to vork immediately!" Nanny had been listening intently throughout the conversation. "Vhenever visiting dignitaries leave, ve always hold a banquet in their honor the night before. If the castle staff is to believe the Voltron Force is truly leaving here forever, that is vhere ve begin."

Keith nodded his appreciation and offered Nanny a somber smile. "Then let's do this."