The next day, the rest of team Voltron waited by Lance and Nova's pods.

"You said Nova was only gonna be out for a few hours." Pidge remarked.

"That's what I said to her. She's sustained a number of injuries, it's a wonder she was even able to walk." Allura sighed. "I only said a few hours so she would get into the thing."

"Nova is the most stubborn when she's hurt. She never lets on until it's getting unbearable." Coran noted. "She never complains and just grits her teeth through it."

"They should be done in a couple ticks."

"What is a tick anyway?" Pidge inquired.

"Y'know, like a slice of time." Allura replied.

"Oh, like a second?" Hunk asked.

"What's a second?" Allura frowned.

"Like this." Pidge held out their timer.

"I think a tick is bigger... Coran, do you have a ticker?"

Coran pulled out a device similar to a stop watch. "Right here."

Everyone watched the timer tick around.

"Yeah, a tick is definitely slower I think." Hunk stated.

"We need to start the timers at the same time to know for sure." Pidge said.

"Okay, ready? Go!" Coran said.

As they were all gathered round the two, Lance's pod opened and he stumbled out.

"Are you having a clock party or something?" He mumbled, leaning on Hunk.

"Quiet Lance, we're busy... oh, Lance!" Hunk hugged him.

"What happened...?" He grumbled.

"We'll explain everything once you've had something to eat." Allura assured.

"Talking, food... are you asking me out?" Lance smirked.

"Yep, he's back." Keith sighed. He looked to Nova's pod. "Why isn't she waking up too?"

Allura walked up to it and pressed some buttons. "Oh, no. She's having one of her nightmares..." She said. "I'm gonna have to force the pod open. Judging by the stats her body is fully healed now."

Shiro walked up to it as looked at Nova's face. He watched as she gritted her teeth together and a tear trailed down her left cheek. "Wake her up."

Allura typed a code onto the pad.

The pod door opened, and Nova fell out.

Shiro caught her. "Nova?"

Her eyes opened and she gave a grumble before meeting the black paladin's eyes. Hers widened. "Get away from me!" She shoved him away, before backing up and sliding down the wall. "Stay away..." She shook, hugging herself.

"Hey, it's okay. It's me, Shiro." He reached out again.

She glared at him. "Don't come near me..."

"Nova..." Allura knelt beside her. "It's alright, you had a nightmare. Nobody here is gonna hurt you."

"Must've been what Sendak had said, messed with her head a little." Keith suggested.

"More than likely." Allura agreed.

"Allura?"

Allura looked back to Nova. "Yes?"

Nova gripped her arm. "Keep them away."

"Hey, Nova. Don't you remember me?" Pidge stepped up. "I helped fix your eye."

Nova blinked and covered her eye with her hand. "Pidge?" Images of memories flashed before it.

"Yes!" Pidge grinned.

Nova smiled a little.

"We are your friends, Nova." Hunk injected. "You don't have to be afraid."

"We won't betray you like he did." Keith noted, for some reason his blood began to boil at the thought of her being so traumatised because of one guy.

Nova's eyes returned to normal. "I'm sorry." She covered her face with her hands.

"No need to be sorry, Nova." Lance smiled.

Shiro knelt down in front of her again. "I'm sorry if I scared you."

Nova looked up at him and reached out to touch his face. "I didn't hurt you?"

"No. Not at all." He smiled widely. "As long as you're alright."

She nodded. She stood up. "I'm fine... sorry you had to see that side of me." She rubbed her arm nervously. "I'm so embarrassed."

"C'mon, lets get you and Lance something to eat." Coran patted her shoulder.

She nodded.


They all sat in the dining room whilst Nova and Lance ate.

"How are you feeling now?" Hunk asked her.

"I'm alright." She looked to Allura. "How long was I out?"

"A day."

Nova glared at her.

"Nova, you had broken ribs, internal bleeding and you shot a lightning bolt from your hand!" Allura argued.

Nova looked at her hand. "Should've made it more deadly, you're saying he's still on the ship?"

"Yes, he's too dangerous to be let loose. We may be able to get information about the Galra from him."

"I'd be happy to help with the interrogation." Nova smiled wickedly.

"I don't think you should be anywhere near him." Keith stated.

She met his eyes.

"If he caused you to have a panic attack like that, I dunno what will happen if you find out more from him."

She looked down at her food. "You're right. I don't wanna risk hurting you guys." She finished her food. "What's the plan?"

"We need to go and help the Balmerans." Hunk said.

"Wow, you are really hung up on this lady." Lance smirked.

"That's not it! If you've seen what the Galra are doing to their planet, it's terrible. They don't even know what it's like to be free." Hunk clenched his fist. "It's up to us to do something. This is what being a paladin of Voltron is all about. It's time to man up."

"Alright. Then let's set a course and get this ship off the ground." She looked to Allura.

Allura grinned, happy that Nova was indeed back to normal.

"Guys! I need to say something first. I need to come clean." Pidge said, standing up.

Everyone else stopped in their tracks to look at her.

"This may change the way you think about me."

Everyone looked at one and other.

"Just so there's no secrets between us any more. I can't 'man up.' I'm a girl... I mean I can 'man up' because its a figure of speech..." Pidge rambled on.

"Wha...? You're a girl?! How?" Lance exclaimed.

Nova gave a giggle. "I've known that since we met." She tapped her temple, next to her eye.

"I've known for a some time too." Allura said. "I'm glad you decided to tell everyone."

"Oh, yeah I figured." Hunk said.

"Oh, yeah, me too."

"Wait... we were meant to believe that you were a boy?" Coran frowned.

"Pidge, owning who you are is going to make you a better paladin."

"Agreed." Nova smiled.

Pidge sighed. "It's good to get that off my chest..."

Nova clapped her hands together. "Now lets launch this Castle-ship!" She exclaimed.

"So... Pidge is a girl and the Castle is a ship?! How long was I out?" Lance rubbed his head.


Once in transit, Nova sat down next to where Allura was stood underneath the crystal. She leaned back and stared at the stars.

Hunk was pacing around anxiously. "So, when we get there... do we just roll up and start blasting?"

"Hunk, calm down and yes, blasting." Keith stated.

"It's our first big rescue mission, he's excited." Shiro reasoned.

"Excited to see his new girlfriend." Pidge teased.

Hunk gasped. "She's not my girlfriend! She's just a rock that I met and admire very much."

Suddenly alarms went off.

"What is it? Are we being attacked?"

Nova sat forward and brought a screen up. "No, it's a distress beacon."

"Looks like it's coming from a nearby moon. A ship has lost it's power."

"Wonder who it could be." Pidge mused.

"Whoever it is can wait. Shay has first priority. We can check back on the moon after we're done."

"Sorry Hunk, the Paladin Code states that we must help all those in need." Nova said.

"Wow, this is cool, feels like we're space cops on space patrol." Lance grinned excitedly.

Nova gave an amused snort.

"Seriously, Coran, do we have a siren that we can turn on?"

"Uh, no."

"But we could record you making a siren noise and broadcast that to them." Nova suggested.

Lance looked to her with wide eyes. "Perfect!" Lance proceeded to make an annoying siren noise.

Shiro put his hand over his mouth. "No... not doing that."

Nova laughed.

Lance smiled at her, happy to see her somewhat coming out of her shell.

Keith watched Nova as she teased Lance.

"What was that?" She continued to laugh.

"What? It was a siren obviously." Lance laughed with her.

"Sounded like some strangled creature."

Lance mock pouted. "Can you do any better?"

"I'm not stupid enough to embarrass myself." She added, poking his cheek.

Keith looked down. Seems she trusts Lance a little more at least.

"We're approaching the moon now." Coran stated.

Nova looked out of the window. Her eye training on the moon. "I see at least two life forms." She stated, focusing more. "I see a space shuttle."

"Then we're at the right place." Coran smiled.

"Seriously, that eye thing of yours is awesome!" Lance exclaimed.

Nova looked down shyly. "I guess it is pretty cool."


They descended on the moon.

"Attention, damaged craft, this is Princess Allura. We are coming to assist you." Allura said through the loud speaker. She proceeded to expertly land the castle. She looked to Coran. "Stay here and try to get as many of our systems clear of the Galra crystal energy as you can. We'll see who hailed us."

"Yes, Princess."

"Where do you want me?" Nova asked.

"Come with us." Allura stated. "I prefer to have you there, you're good at judging things."

Nova snorted. "I dunno about that, but okay." She followed them.

Once they all stepped off, they were met by two beings. One male and one female.

"You don't know how happy we are to see some friendly faces." The man's eyes landed on Nova. "Most people don't want to get involved with anyone who's on the run from the Galra."

Nova frowned. "So... You guys are fighting the Galra?"

Keith looked to her. It was evident that she didn't trust these people too much already. Then again... she doesn't seem to trust anyone.

"Well, I don't think Zarkon is afraid of the three of us. But we do what we can" He replied, not taking his eyes off her. "I'm Rolo." He pointed to the female. "This is Nyma and our Cyber-Unit, Beezer." He pointed to the small robot.

Nyma smiled. "Hi."

Nova glanced towards Lance, who looked like he was in love already. She rolled her eyes.

Pidge went starry eyed, staring at the robot. She quickly stepped up to take a look. "Cool robot!"

Lance quickly took Nyma's hand. "Hi! Name's Lance." He smiled.

Nova sighed and looked to Rolo. "Was your ship damaged in a fight?" She asked.

"Yeah, we've really been through it with the Galra. Parts are hard to come by."

She looked to Allura. I really don't trust these people! She said telepathically.

"Luckily we were able to limp to this moon about a week ago." He continued. "If you didn't pick up the signal..."

Allura gave a small nod to Nova. We'll just have to keep our guards up. "We'd be happy to help you. I'm Princess Allura of Altea, this is my second in command, Princess Nova," She added, gesturing to her cousin. "From now on, you won't be alone fighting the Galra."

"Yeah, you'll have the Paladins of Voltron by your side." Nova added. She couldn't shake the unease in the pit of her stomach.

Rolo looked at the paladins, and gave a glance towards Lance and Pidge. "Okay."

"I don't think they've heard of us." Shiro mumbled.

"It has been ten thousand years." Keith remarked.

"Voltron? Five robot lions that combine into a big robot... guy?" Lance tried to explain.

"Sounds impressive." Rolo returned his gaze to Nova. "I'd love to see it...or him... them?"

Nova raised her brow. "How about we just get to work on your ship, eh?"

"Yeah, I'm sure we all have places to be." Hunk was getting impatient.

"Sure." Rolo shrugged.

Rolo showed them what was wrong. "I dunno what parts you carry."

Nova used her eye to scan the inside of their ship. There didn't seem to be much wrong with it, as far as she could see... it was flyable. Just play along and see what their plan is. "I'm sure we can get it up and running, right Hunk?" She looked to the yellow paladin.

He nodded.

"Give Hunk a list of what you need. Coran can show you where to find it." Allura injected.

"Okay, we'll come with you, don't want you to carry it all by yourself. C'mon guys." Rolo said to the others and started walking towards the entrance of the Castle, only to be met by an electrified staff, inches from his chest.

"I don't think so." Nova growled. "You can wait out here."

Rolo stared at the weapon, before his eyes travelled to hers. "Whoa..."

"Nova! Don't be rude." Allura said.

"Yeah, I don't like the idea of him coming inside either." Hunk stated. He watched Nova. She's been on edge since we met these guys.

"Hunk!"

"Mind your manners, guys, there are ladies present."

Nova shot a glare towards Lance. "And what am I?!"

Lance stepped back, knowing that angering her would lead to an electric shock, and he had witnessed what that could do.

"Don't you remember the last time we let our defences down?" Hunk asked.

"I sure do." Nova turned her attention back to Rolo. "Nothing against you... but there is no way I'm gonna let you aboard."

Shiro sighed. "They're right, sorry but we have to be cautious."

Rolo looked to him. "I don't take it personally." He looked back to Nova. "That's how it is out here."

Beezer started printing something out of its mouth.

Nova lowered her staff.

Rolo went to retrieve the paper. "You've gotta look out for your own." He handed the list to Hunk. "You're both doing a good job."

"Yeah, thanks." Hunk took the list. He looked to Nova, who had reverted her staff. He trusted Nova's judgement above all, and it was clear that she did not trust this guy.

Whilst Hunk gathered the parts needed, everyone else sat around the camp fire.

Keith opted to sit beside Nova on one of the boxes. Purposefully putting himself between her and Rolo, who was sat on a box a few feet away. He felt a nudge. He looked to see Nova giving him a small, grateful smile. He'd noticed the way the weird guy stared at her, and he could tell she was uneasy.

Rolo told the story about how the Galra destroyed his home planet, about how he had been captured, about how he escaped, running for all these years.

He tapped his false leg. "I didn't leave without losing something."

Shiro looked at his bionic arm. "I know the feeling."

Nova unconsciously lifted her hand to her scar that ran over her eye.

Rolo watched her. "So... your eye... is it also Galra tech?"

She blinked and glared at him. "No. It's Altean technology and magic." She snapped a little, feeling offended. "I have it because of the Galra though." She added softly.

He chuckled. "Well, for what it's worth, it's beautiful." He stated.

Keith felt her tense up a little. He cleared his throat. "So, do you have any idea where the main base of the Galra is?"

"The main base ship is in the centre of the Galra Empire. We're just barely on the fringes of the Empire here."

Hunk pulled up with a box of parts. "Hope some of these fit." He said.

Rolo looked over.

"You know, to fix your ship."

"Oh, thanks!" Rolo waved. He turned back. "Zarkon tends to call the shots from the base ship, sends his minions out to do the dirty work. There's one particularly nasty one around here called Sendak."

"Oh... we know of him." Nova snorted.

"Hey! Sorry to interrupt, but your kinda keeping Rolo from working." Hunk walked over. "We're kinda in a hurry. A hero named Shay saved my life and I swore I would return to do the same for her and her people, you understand?"

Rolo stood up. "Sure." He patted Hunk's shoulder. "Sorry."

Hunk watched as the guy went over to the box and inspected the contents.

Shiro walked up to him. "Hunk, we're going to get going soon. But I think Rolo might have some information that could be helpful to us."

Hunk looked to Nova then back to Shiro. "I don't trust that guy as far as I can throw him. It's clear that he's gotten Nova on edge too." He added. "I think we should leave the box of parts and say 'adiós, amigo.'"

Shiro looked to Nova.

She gave a nod.

Rolo turned around. "Hey, bud! I'm sorry but can you hunt down a length of thermal pipe about yay long?" He called, gesturing the size with his hands.

Hunk groaned. "On the way!" He replied.

Nova sighed and stood up. "So, are there any more freedom fighters against the Galra?" She asked Rolo.

"Well... yeah... but they've either been colonised or ended up like us, on the run." He replied.

"Well, we're about to change that." Keith stood up beside her.

"I hope so." Rolo went back to digging in the box.

Keith caught Nova's arm and tugged her towards the Castle.

Rolo raised a brow. "So, what's with those two?" He asked.

Shiro frowned. "What do you mean?"

"Well, are they... y'know?"

"What's it to you?" Shiro folded his arms.

Rolo chuckled. "You're like her father. Just curious."


"Red?" Nova asked as Keith still held her arm.

He turned to face her. "I know he's a creep... but you really do feel uneasy around these people." He stated. "What are the vibes you're getting?" He dropped her arm.

She met his gaze, before looking down. She could feel his violet eyes boring into her, trying to figure out what was on her mind. "Whether they want to or not... they've flagged us down here for an ulterior reason, they keep finding every reason to prolong our stay here." She added. It unnerved her a little that he seemed to be able to read her like a book. Nobody has ever been able to do that since... him. She looked around. "Where's Lance and the bimbo?" She asked.

Keith suppressed a snort of laughter and looked around too.

That's when they heard the sound of a Lion's engine.

They looked up to see Blue rocketing up and away.

"I'm gonna kill him." Nova grumbled and walked around, towards Rolo and Hunk.

Keith followed close behind her.

"I told you, none of you are to go on that ship!" She exclaimed, summoning her staff.

Rolo jumped up, raising his hands. "Whoa there!"

"What's going on?" Allura and Shiro walked up to them.

"Looks like lover boy has taken Blue out for a spin with an unauthorised passenger." Nova growled, not taking her eyes off the man before her.

"Oh, c'mon Princess. Let them have their fun. Thanks to Hunk, this thing is just about ready." Rolo patted the side of his ship. "We'll be on our way soon."

Nova felt her blood boil, she lowered her staff. "If anything happens to him, you'll wish you'd never called me Princess." She growled.

"Okay okay!" He chuckled and got back to work.

A few minuets later, Rolo pulled out from underneath the ship. "Okay, I think we're ready for a test flight." He stood up.

Nova looked to him and noticed something on his wrist, blinking. "What's that?!" She grabbed his hand.

"Oh, Princess I thought you weren't interested." He chuckled.

She squeezed his hand tighter.

"Ow... okay!"

Nova's eye scanned the device on his wrist. "A transmitter. For what?"

He laughed. "It's so I can keep track of Nyma."

She let go of his wrist. "Where are they?"

"I won't know until I look on the screen inside the ship. I mean, you are welcome to join me." He winked. "But I doubt your boyfriend would approve." He looked up to Keith and smirked.

Keith's eyes narrowed.

The last remark confused her, she stepped back with a look of distaste.

"Beezer, come and co-pilot for me."

The robot gave a beep and followed him.

Nova watched as he took off.

Allura put her hand on Nova's shoulder. "What's wrong?"

"Like I said in the beginning, I do not trust them." She looked to Pidge. "Could you decode this for me?" She asked, sending information from her eye to Pidge.

"Yeah, two ticks."

"What is it?" Shiro asked.

"It's from his 'transmitter'. What ever it was, it was obviously something to do with that bimbo of his. So if we find her, we find Lance and Blue." She stated.

Hunk sat down. "Something really isn't right."

"I'm sure a ship that quick should've done a lap of the moon by now." Keith muttered after a few minuets.

Nova sighed. "Lance?" She called through the intercoms. "Lance, can you hear me?" She paused, she looked to Allura worriedly. "Lance, come in!"

"Nova?" Lance replied, his voice sounded distant. "Nova, I'm an idiot, sorry! They've taken the Blue Lion and tied me up!" He called.

Nova met Keith's eyes. "I knew it."

He nodded as they all ran to the respective lions.


They caught up with the ship, heading towards the asteroid belt.

"Keith, you're the only one who can fly through that!" Shiro said.

"Right. Princess?"

"Hey!"

He chuckled. "Get in your fighter. I could use a little back up."

She frowned a little. "Alright." She went down to where her fighter was. "Shiro, open up."

"Right." Shiro smiled to himself.

With that Nova flew out and followed the Red Lion. She switched her intercom so it transmitted to the Red Lion only. "You don't need help." She stated, watching him seamlessly manoeuvre around the asteroids

"Yeah, but I figured you'd wanna give that guy a good telling off." He chuckled. "He gave me the creeps, that's for sure."

"Hmm?"

"Didn't you see the way he looked at you." Keith shuddered. "And that last comment..." He went quiet, feeling heat creep up his neck.

"Oh..." Nova swallowed. "Yeah."

"There they are..."

"They're preparing to shoot!" Nova warned as her eye picked up the guns on the top of the ship. "I'll aim for the guns." She stated.

"Alright!" He replied. "Be careful!" He heard her chuckle. "I mean it!"

"You sound like Allura!" Nova expertly dodged the bullets and the asteroids.

Keith watched her work. He couldn't deny that she was a brilliant pilot.

She bit her lip and took aim, before taking the main guns out. "Red!" She called, swerving hard to avoid a particularly big asteroid.

"On it!" He replied, shooting at the engine.

Nova watched nervously as the disabled ship was pulled towards a planet due to it's gravitational pull.

"Don't worry, Princess." Keith grabbed the ship with his lion and successfully pulled it away and towed it towards the moon again.

"You can stay here until another ship arrives to aid you." Nova grumbled.

Allura put her hand on her shoulder and squeeze. I'm sorry, I should've trusted your judgement.

Nova met her gaze and gave a small nod.

"I can only thank you for sparing our lives." Rolo said.

"You're lucky Allura convinced me not to fry you." Nova gave a snort. "Lets go and see the Balmera. We've wasted enough time on these jerks." She stalked off towards the Castle.

Hunk followed her, eager to get to Shay and the others.