Across the Universe

Part 3

[All standard disclaimers apply.]

"There it is," Shiro announced, "the third moon of Snewo and the location of our Galra supply hub."

"Looks pretty quiet for a supply hub," Hunk said.

"You think it's a trap?" Lance asked.

"It's definitely suspicious," Pidge replied. "There isn't the amount of communications I would expect from a hub. Like Hunk said, it's pretty quiet."

"What do we do, Shiro?" Allura asked. "Do we abort?"

The team waited while Shiro made his decision. "No, we may not get another chance like this one. But we're going to be smart about it. We're going to regroup at the Castle of Lions and discuss the new plan."

"Roger that," Lance said, turning to head back to the Castle. The other Lions quickly followed suit.

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"So, Shiro, what's the new plan?" Pidge asked as the team met on the bridge.

Shiro looked around to see that everyone was there before pulling up the map of Snewo and and its moons. "We don't know if we're going into a trap or not. It could be a ploy to try to capture Voltron. We won't give them the chance."

"And how do we do that?" Lance asked.

"We don't take that Lions. We take one of the pods instead."

"What!" Lance cried. "Are you nuts? Not take the Lions?"

"Shiro does have a point," Allura said. "We don't risk Voltron if we leave the Lions here."

"Voltron is more than just the Lions, Princess," Coran argued. "You can't form Voltron if you don't have Paladins."

Allura inclined her head, accepting the argument. "We are trying to mitigate risk."

"There's always risk in war, Princess. Sometimes, too much risk."

"What if we just take one Lion?" Pidge asked. "If I'm not flying, I can be running my cloaking program to keep us hidden."

"Who's going anyway?" Lance asked.

"The away team will be Pidge, Lance and myself," Shiro answered. "Allura and Hunk will stay here to monitor the mission and provide any needed assistance."

Pidge felt Hunk stiffen beside her but he said nothing. She knew that he wasn't thrilled with her going and even less thrilled that he would be staying behind. She would feel that same if the situation was reversed.

"Why them?" Allura asked. "No offense."

"Really?" Lance said.

Pidge shrugged.

"Pidge is our tech expert," Shiro explained. "We are going to need computer access and hacking and that requires Pidge's expertise. If this is a trap, we may have to fight our way out and that will require our sharpshooter."

"If you're expecting to fight your way out, surely more guns would be better," Hunk said, breaking his silence.

"The smaller the team, the more likely we'll be able to get in and get out undetected," Shiro countered. "And with Lance going, we can take the Red Lion. It's the fastest, helping us get in and get out. Especially with Pidge's cloaking program."

"I think it would be better to take more people, Shiro," Allura persisted.

"I've made up my mind," Shiro said. "This is how we're doing this. Meet up in the hanger in 15 minutes."

Shiro left the bridge as Allura asked, "How many doboshes is that?"

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"I don't like that you guys may be going into a trap," Hunk said as they stood outside the hanger doors to the Red Lion.

"Well, look at this way. At least we know that we know that we may be going into a trap. We'll be ready."

"I just wish that I was going with you."

"I know." She laced her fingers with his. "I wouldn't be thrilled if you were going and I was staying."

"Just promise me that you'll be careful."

She squeezed his hand. "I promise."

"Good. Now kiss me goodbye before I do something silly like miss you."

Pidge rose to her tiptoes, pressing her lips to his. "I'll be back before you know it."

"I'll be waiting."

She gave his hand one last squeeze before she reluctantly let go and headed in towards the Red Lion. Hunk watched her until she disappeared behind the doors. He jumped when he felt a hand on his shoulder.

"I'll watch her back for you," Lance said.

"As long as it's just her back and nothing else," Hunk said.

"Just her back, I swear," Lance promised.

"Thanks, man. Good luck out there."

"Thanks." With a grin, Lance left to join Pidge and Shiro in his Lion.