Allura lifted the hood of the armor. The fabric felt as soft as the finest clothing she'd ever worn. It had surprised her to learn of the advancements galra had made. To think something so seemingly fragile offered the same protection as her father's paladin armor would have been unthinkable during the great war. She fixed her hair, pulling forward her 'pigtails' as Matt had called them.

She caught a glimpse of her reflection in a passing window and noticed how cute she looked. She played with the end and glanced covertly at Matt. It shouldn't have mattered, but his attention while they'd been touring the ship made her feel different than when she was with Keith and Lance. She wanted him to notice and tell her she was beautiful so she could mention how much he impressed her... and that he was very attractive even with his rounded ears.

Footsteps sounded from the hall and the inner door of the hangar opened. Coran entered, his eyes sweeping the crowd for her. Allura ran to him and caught his hands when he tried to back away. "Coran, I'm home!"

"Allura? What the quiznack are you wearing?"

Allura played with her hair again. "Keith's grandfather gave it to me for when we rescue the yellow lion."

"We?" Coran's disapproving glower worsened as he looked over her shoulder. "My dear, what have you done?"

He pulled her to his side and prevented escape with an arm around her waist. Allura saw the blades approach with Kolivan in the lead. Keith and Lance jogged up on either side of Krolia as she lowered her hood. She reached out and fluffed Lance's hair while Keith pressed into her other side. Allura giggled, earning a reproachful look from Coran. She leaned in and whispered, "Calm down, Coran, and look closer. These galra are not part of the empire. Their mannerisms are the ones my classmates had while I grew up."

Coran exhaled and whispered back, "We will discuss this later." Kolivan stopped five feet in front of them and Coran said, "I am Coran, chief engineer of the castle of lions and head adviser to Princess Allura."

Kolivan reached out and said, "I am Kolivan, leader of the blade of marmora, last tribe of Daibazaal. My grandson has spoken of you and the princess. You have my gratitude for saving the life of his companion."

Coran hesitated to accept Kolivan's hand and Allura nudged his side to prompt him. He finally clasped arms with Kolivan and said, "Your agents and their kit made a convincing argument. I am only sorry the boy we healed lost his hearing."

"A minor setback. We restored his auditory senses a pheob ago."

Coran's eyes widened with intrigue. "Really? I didn't know a technique existed for so delicate an operation."

"We adapted the procedure from druid research. If you like, I can share our findings and case studies," Ulaz explained.

Coran considered for a moment and agreed, "Perhaps if this encounter is successful."

Ulaz slowly bowed his head in consent. "I look forward to that time."

Kolivan said, "I know we have imposed ourselves upon you, but our mission is urgent."

Allura wriggled against Coran's grip and said, "We should head to the bridge."

"We're finally going to see it?" Keith asked.

Coran relented to Allura's struggles and she skipped away. "Come with me!"

Keith looked to Krolia for permission and she gently pushed forward on his back. Keith jogged to Allura with Lance and Matt a step behind. Allura turned and led her friends at a fast trot. She thought once they left the hangar, the others would be distracted by the many passageways, but it seemed the bridge proved too tempting.

While they waited for the elevator, Allura said, "I am so glad to finally show you all what the castle has to offer now that you're formal guests."

"It's nice not sneaking around this time," Keith said.

"And to be conscious," Lance added.

The elevator arrived and the four of them all boarded. They were a little further than shoulder to shoulder apart. Allura silently moped that Coleen or Krolia hadn't come with to force her closer to Matt. While the elevator ascended, Matt asked, "Do you think I could spend a few hours in your workshop? I'd like to finish what I was working on before we have to leave."

Allura stiffened and grabbed the banister, her smile becoming a little forced. "Oh. Of course."

Keith picked up on her emotions first, as expected, and tilted his head at Matt with a sharp look. Matt backtracked, "Wait, I didn't mean-"

"I understand, Matt," Allura said more to rationalize her own emotions than his. "You want to return to your planet for your sister and friends."

"Well, yeah, but..." Matt trailed off and looked away not quite sure what he wanted to say.

"Let's enjoy the time we do have before getting upset about heartfelt farewells," Lance placated.

"Exactly," Keith quickly agreed. "We'll be here at least a couple days while Kolivan runs recon to double check our intel. Plenty of time for you to do what you do best, Matty."

The elevator opened and Allura stepped out. A short hallway, a door, and then the bridge. She asked, "Is that another childhood nickname?"

"Not even childhood," Keith said, throwing an arm over Matt's shoulders.

"Only certain people can get away with calling me that," Matt added. "Family and assholes like Keith and Adam who only tease me worse and put me in a headlock if I try to stop them."

"Me and Adam are the only reason your class didn't start calling you 'Matty' the day your mom interrupted Takashi's lesson," Keith denied.

"Then how do we get away with calling Katie, Pidge?" Lance asked.

"Oh, that was all her," Keith said. "Before she transferred into the garrison, by force like me, she made a hacker profile and broke into the district servers trying to prove that homework had no point. In addition to her original objective, she found out a grade school teacher was a pedophile, the princple of Southpoint High was embezzling money from the state education department, and her own teacher had been denied medical leave to treat uncontrolled malignant melanoma. Our little Pidgey cracked open such a huge case, Sanda herself showed up to talk to Coleen and Sam about a place for Katie in the Garrison."

Matt confirmed, "Scared the shit out of me when I came home for the weekend and an entire unit had cordoned off my house."

Keith grinned at Lance and his awed expression. "Adam picked me up early from class just to hang out with Katie while Sanda talked to their parents... and help convince her to accept the offer. Hard to believe Sanda thought she'd stay in public school after she pretty much shut down the entire state for the semester."

"And Pidge stuck, the twelve year old genius everyone applauded," Matt finished.

Allura had completely stopped to listen to their trade off in conversation. Keith actually took the lead, not that there was any other way to go. Allura fell back by Lance and asked, "Did you know how Katie acquired her nickname?"

Lance furrowed his brow in thought. "That was MEA break. Pretty sure I was waiting at the airport for my parents when all that went down. When I came back, I heard about the scandal, but it was almost a month before Katie was on Garrison grounds."

Keith walked backwards and said, "You mean that day you sat with us in the cafeteria, you really were oblivious? I thought that was all an act to make Katie feel at home." Keith's back hit the wall and he grunted. Allura opened the door and Keith said, "If you or Hunk had made Katie cry, I would have made your life hell in Adam's classes."

"So you're saying that was your normal... oh wow," Lance's thoughts trailed to a low murmur and he reached for Keith's hand as they entered the bridge. "Oh my god."

Allura hung back to observe their reactions. Keith and Lance walked slow, eyes taking in the depths of space. Matt trudged to the console, feet dragging, and braced himself on it. Allura followed his gaze to a distant galaxy. It's spiraling colors and bodies swirled in cosmic patterns. She went to him and lightly placed her hand over his. "What do you make of it?"

Matt's other hand went to his mouth, then ran through his hair. His wide eyes dropped to the floor, but the wonder never left him. "This proves and disproves so many theories. We've never been so close... I mean, I knew we were out here, but we never saw anything outside our cell and the laboratory. Really changes the perspective, ya know?" Matt's voice began to quiver and his eyes welled with tears. "Oh god, we're so far from home." He took a shaky breath and swallowed a couple times.

Allura stepped closer and wrapped her arms around his. "You still have your family and a home to return to." She stopped herself from saying more. His pain had nothing to do with her past and she wouldn't contaminate this moment with her own trauma. Matt responded by wrapping an arm around her waist and squeezing her hand. Allura closed her eyes to lose herself.

"This is where Allura's father sat," Keith whispered, voice filled with respect. Allura's eyes were drawn to the left. Keith slowly sat and spread his hands over the controls. He looked to his right. "The blue paladin sat there, green and yellow behind," his head slowly turned to look forward, "and at the head, Zarkon, black paladin and leader of Voltron." Keith gasped lightly and closed his eyes with a pained expression.

Allura slipped free of Matt and went to Keith with a sense of urgency. Lance knelt beside Keith and held his hand in both of his close to his chest. When Allura touched Keith's shoulder, she echoed his gasp and tightened her hold to stay standing while his combating emotions flashed through her own mind. Lance gently rubbed Keith's knuckles and whispered, "You and Red are strong enough, buddy. The past is gone."

Keith's chest seized before he took a deep breath. He slowly exhaled and the pain cleared from Allura's mind. She was trembling, her hands turned to ice. When she stumbled back half a step, she expected to fall, but strong arms caught her beneath her elbows. She looked over her shoulder to see Matt's anxious eyes focused on her face. Warmth flooded her cheeks and she turned in his arms. Matt asked, "Are you three alright?"

Allura nodded against his shoulder, about to respond, when the door opened again. Coran, Matt's parents, and the blades all entered together. Coleen smirked knowingly and Allura bit her lip. Matt's arm wrapped around her waist again and he led her toward the stairs of the central dais. When everyone was comfortable, the discussion to save the last lion began.

Katie and Ina leaned over the side of the desk to look below where Hunk was laid out on his back working on the computer bank. Light flooded out from beneath, the only source in the room. He groaned and shifted, his shirt rising to reveal the elastic of his boxers and an inch of skin above. Ina smirked sideways with a suggestive eyebrow raise and Katie blushed. Katie mouthed, 'Stop!' at Ina and cleared her throat. "How's it looking down there?"

Hunk flexed his legs, hips thrusting, as he pushed further under. He said between panted breaths, "Looks like a mouse built a nest and chewed on the wiring, building up heat which overloaded the breaker." He shimmied sideways and reached out a hand. "Pass me the wire stripper?"

Katie scanned tools on the desk and gave him what he wanted. He muttered a quick 'thanks' and scooted back under. The snappy sound of wire being cut was followed by Hunk saying, "If the mice hadn't gotten here first, the moisture would have shut us down. It's been such a wet spring, we can't keep out the water. We should head back to the mall and see about rigging another set of sub-pumps for the bunker. Ina, flip the breaker. Let's see if we're back in business."

Ina left the server room and Katie sat at the desk. While she waited for the lights to come on, Hunk emerged from below, flashlight and wire stripper in one hand. His other was cradled near his chest holding a small bundle of squeaking, slightly bouncing, shredded paper. Katie leaned over and asked, "Is that what I think it is?"

"Yeah. Looks like the mama got fried when she bit into the circuit." Hunk pocketed his tool and sat on the edge of the desk. Turning the flashlight on end to point at the ceiling, he carefully parted the nibbled paper. Katie leaned over to look beneath the desk, but Hunk put a hand on her bicep, fingers nearly circling her entire arm. "I cleared away the aftermath, but these little guys are all alone now. Seemed too sad to let them die like that."

Katie bit her lip and tentatively reached down to stroke the little gray head that poked out of the nest. Their fur had come in, but their eyes were still shut. They would need round the clock monitoring. "Oh, Hunk, we can't take care of them."

Hunk covered her hand over the nest with the gentle pressure he always conveyed. "I'm going to ask some of the kids. Maybe an eighth grader who misses their pet could look after them until they're old enough to fend for themselves."

Katie turned her hand over and twined her fingers with Hunk's. When she looked up, his eyes were cast in shadow, but she knew by his tone of voice how invested he was. Katie sighed and put her cheek against his chest. Of course, these little babies would never live in the wild. If a child raised them, they couldn't survive alone. "Of course we'll find someone. But for now," she opened her pocket and said, "I'll keep them warm."

Hunk flashed a bright white smile in the dark. In a sudden surge of emotion, he reached up and held the back of her neck. Katie had less than a second before he leaned down and turned his head, lips warm against her's. She let out a startled mmmphf and it was over.

He pulled back and apologized, "Oh my god, I'm so sorry! It- I just-"

"It's alright! I'm fine!" Dear lord, pull it together, Pidge, she mentally scolded. Katie put a finger to her lips. "No, ah, you surprised me." She made a flustered sound and tilted her head. "Um... should we maybe..."

She was saved from completing her thought when the lights came back on. Ten seconds later, Ina leaned into the room and asked, "Is it working?"

Katie became ridiculously self aware of how close she and Hunk were standing at the same time Hunk took a step back and rubbed the side of his neck. Katie saw Ina smile knowingly and then grimace. Wait... had she purposely taken her time checking the breaker? Before she could call her out on it, Ina ran past her to the computer and cursed. "Shit, that alien is back again."

"Oh fuck," Hunk said as he looked over her shoulder. "I'll get Ryan. Meet us by the side door of the cafeteria."

Katie bit her nail, a habit she'd picked up from her mother, and watched the alien pace between the school and the generator shed. What had Ryan said his name was? Something with a T. She gave up trying to remember and asked, "Should we tell the admiral?"

Ina considered for a moment and shook her head. "He seems harmless enough. No use putting everyone on high alert and actually creating a problem." She stood from the computer and said, "Let's see why he's here and send him away before anyone else notices."

Katie jogged to match Ina's speed walk. Yeah, like running through the bunker wouldn't alert anybody. When they boarded the freight elevator, they passed General Iverson. He paid them absolutely no heed, but Katie slunk behind the stone faced Leifsdottir and waited impatiently for the doors to close.

Ever since that alien had first spoken with Kincaid, they'd been 'gifted' with things that helped the school. Small things, resources they were severely lacking, and engines to help make day to day tasks easier. Things that surely couldn't have been intended for them. As much as Katie knew they should be thanking this non-hostile galra, she hated the idea of him drawing attention to the school. If their resistance was to survive, the galra needed to stay the fuck away.

In the cafeteria, Hunk, Ryan, and James stood near the door. James peeked through the window, eyebrows furrowed in that severe expression he had when in 'leader' mode. The same look Keith had perfected. Katie went to him and touched his arm. "Is he still out there?"

"Probably," James muttered. "You sure you want to come with us?"

Katie swallowed hard. She knew what he was doing, giving her an out. It kind of hurt, even though he was protecting her. The galra were terrifying. What happened in the schoolyard the day Hunk was nearly taken had left her scared and traumatized. Which was why she decided to confront this one. "I'm going."

A large warm hand rubbed between her shoulders. "Of course you are. Someone's gotta put the fear of the lady Holts into our enemy."

Katie smiled over her shoulder. "Thanks, Hunk."

Ryan folded his arms and scowled. "Let's get this over with." Shouldering through the door, he led the way to the alley between the school and utility shed. Katie stopped beside Hunk and Ina in the opening while James went a little further, pausing just behind Ryan's right shoulder.

The muted shuffling at the other end came to a stop and the alien stepped out from the shadows. This was the first time Katie'd seen him in person, but he wasn't any more intimidating than on camera. The galra was barely seven and a half feet tall. Some of the female officers they'd encountered were larger, both in height and muscle. The emblem on his uniform wasn't as intricate either. He was young, less scarred, less hardened. A soldier, but barely. He wore no weapons on his belt, though his talons were sharp as a cat's. Soft hair that fell past his jaw had been razed in two racer lines down one side of his head over and behind his right ear, his fluffy tufted ears.

When he saw Ryan, his eyes lit up, that strange yellowish glow softening for him, and his mouth parted slightly. Katie felt a slow sickness building in her stomach. Leaning toward Ina she whispered, "You didn't tell me he was in love with him."

Ina tapped her arm and Katie heard Hunk curse under his breath. Then Ryan tipped his chin toward his chest and asked, "What do you want, Tretok?" Katie watched the galra's reaction as Ryan rolled the R in his name. Did his ears seriously tremble? He stepped forward, one hand extended toward Ryan, who took a step back. James put his hand on Ryan's shoulder, reminding him he wasn't alone, to stand his ground.

Tretok took note of Ryan's posture, his defensive stance, and lowered his hand. He backed up, though his chest dropped, crestfallen. "Another inspection is scheduled for the end of the next pheob."

Ryan shrugged. "I don't know when that is. Or why you're telling us."

Tretok tilted his head, eyes wide. "I'm telling you, Ryan. I care about your safety. I need no other reason."

Katie watched Ryan. There was nothing. No sign of mutual friendship. No strong denial. Ryan only shrugged again. "Is that all you had to tell me, then? That your superior officer is going to gawk at us like some exhibit?"

Tretok straightened to his full height and shook his head, hurt in his eyes. "Ryan," he said, quiet, soft, like he was approaching a dangerous creature that could kill him with a single touch, "over a deca-pheob has passed since this planet became the empire's and you are still unbonded. Soon, this place cannot protect you and you will be taken. Do you understand?"

Ryan asked slowly, "So... what you're saying is, I'm going to be taken out of the breeding stock and sent to the work camps... because I'm ace?"

"Ace?" Tretok closed the distance between them by half. "I don't understand this terminology."

"Aromantic? Asexual? It means I'm not physically or romantically attracted to anyone, male or female. I'm not afraid of dating and marrying someone, but I'm not going to have a baby just to prolong my life." Ryan took a step forward threateningly. "How can you even suggest bringing a child into a world like this? A slave life? I'd kill myself before doing what you suggest."

Tretok reached out again, fast while gentle where he touched Ryan's arm. "Then you will die, Kincaid." Ryan twitched, but tilted his head in confusion when Tretok used his last name. Ryan didn't pull away and he took it as encouragement. "Please, Ryan, your friends have accepted this as their way of living. Try to find a path that doesn't lead to your own destruction."

Ryan looked from the hand on his arm to the face of the galra. "Why do you care?"

Tretok ducked his head sheepishly and looked away. Katie's lip lifted in slight disgust at the blush turning Tretok's lavender cheeks dark purple. Tretok withdrew his hand, talons curled in sudden hesitation. "I... do not share this... ace?"

"Oh." And there it was. Ryan finally understood why one of their prison wardens had done them so many favors. He didn't say it loud. It was a two letter word. Nothing more. And yet, everything was conveyed. Followed by Ryan murmuring a second word. "Shit."

Tretok flinched, ears turning back and eyes closing like a scolded cat. Stepping back in the alley, he said, "I must go now before the others notice my absence."

"Wait. Tretok, wait." Ryan took a couple steps forward but James grabbed his arm. "Tretok!"

"Shh!" James said. "Let him go."

Ryan looked back where Tretok had vanished. "What the fuck? How did this happen?"

Ina paced toward them. "Well, when one person feels very strongly for another-"

"Cut the crap," James shot at her. Ina giggled and patted Ryan on the shoulder. James pulled Ryan around and they each took hold of an arm. James said while patting his hand, "Let's head back inside and talk about this. His is not the first heart you've broken. Loving an ace is hard sometimes, that's why we're here. We love you no matter what."

Ryan groaned. "You guys are just the worst, you know that? Wait, why is your pocket squeaking, Pidge?"

Katie looked down and noticed her jacket pocket was bouncing. Reaching in, she felt the two small bodies of the baby mice as they searched for their mother. She pulled them out and held them in her cupped hands. "Shh, shh, shh. We'll find you something to eat."

Hunk wrapped an arm around her waist. Suddenly it was hard to think of the mice. She remembered the bunker when he'd spontaneously kissed her. Felt the responsibility they'd taken by caring for two small helpless creatures. Had she accepted becoming a mother as Tretok had suggested? Was that why Hunk had kissed her? Because they were a bonded pair like that bastard from the schoolyard said?

"Hey, Katie," Hunk whispered, "are you doing alright?"

She smiled and leaned her head into his side. "That alien wierded me out. I'm okay now that he's gone."

Hunk chuckled and squeezed her, his hand gently rubbing her side between her hip and ribs. "I know, right? I don't think I'd be able to stand up to him by myself. Come on, let's see if these little guys like the goo."

Coleen yawned and blinked awake, her head resting on her fist. Sam's fingers trailed through her hair. Still Kolivan and his people showed no signs of stopping. She looked toward the windows where the boys had made a fort out of the blankets and pillows Coran had found. Keith and Lance were curled toward each other, hands clasped between their chests and foreheads touching. Matt slept with his back to Keith's and his arms wrapped around Allura, her back to his chest.

Sam murmured in Coleen's ear, "Turns out he's the big spoon like me."

"From everything Keith told us about her, it's no wonder Matt fell for the princess."

Coleen folded her arms on the table and turned a sleepy smile on Krolia. "You think she reciprocates?" Krolia simply waved a hand toward the kids. Coleen giggled, beyond delirious. "Yeah, I get your point. Should we try to move them?"

Krolia cocked a hip. "They won't find a more comfortable bed than the pillows. I think they're fine for tonight. I was just thinking of hitting the sack myself."

Sam closed his eyes and asked, "What about them?"

Krolia rubbed her brow. "They'll head to bed when they're ready. Don't worry, we won't be hindered by fatigue. In the morning, we'll all be prepared to handle our work."

Coleen dragged herself from the table and stretched. The princess's adviser noted their movement and approached. "Madame, do you require anything?"

"No, we're just about to head to bed."

Coran gestured toward the door with an arm. "Then allow me to show you to a room."

Coleen started following him and asked, "Really? That would be great."

Coran nodded. "My princess has offered our hospitality. It is only my mission to fulfill her wishes. She seems fond of your kits. I know I spoke cruelly of them in the past, but seeing her so happy with children her own age... I am sorry for my previous behavior."

"Thank you for apologizing," Krolia said simply.

The remainder of the walk was quiet until they reached a door. "Here is where I leave you. Madame, you and your husband are welcome to use this bedroom. Lady Galra, the room across the hall is yours."

"Lady? I've hardly been called that," Krolia said with a small smirk.

Coran tilted his head with a crooked grin and a wink. "It is the title of a chieftain's daughter from before the great war. Since you insist on calling alchemy that archaic term... mystics, was it?"

Krolia giggled and walked across the hall. "Very well. Goodnight, adviser, my friends."

Coleen watched her vanish and pulled Sam into their own bedroom. The lights were low, a walk in closet open to the right. The bed itself was three times larger than their own at home. Coleen fell into bed, asleep before she wriggled under the covers.

How do you all like it? Still reading? Can I get a review? It really helps.