"You've been quiet, precious one."

Keith considered a snarky reply, something to distract from his anxiety, but slowed down instead. Kolivan and Krolia followed suit. When the rest of the party was twenty feet ahead, he said, "I didn't know how to tell you this earlier, but I don't want to create any more unexpected situations."

Kolivan reached out and squeezed his shoulder. "We're listening, lad."

Keith glanced down the tunnel where James led the party and muttered, "Takashi may have been the one to bring me to the garrison, but the admiral is the one who allowed me to stay... myself and later, James." As expected, his grandfather and mother remained silent. Keith shrugged his shoulders toward his ears and said, "Ellen Sanda became the closest thing I had to a grandmother. She took care of James and I when we'd fight, gave us christmas and birthday presents, everything a family member would do. I don't know how she's going to react to seeing us together. I promise, I won't let her hinder our mission."

Kolivan interrupted a moment of silence by asking, "What are your desires?"

Keith tilted his head in confusion. "I don't understand."

Krolia reached out and lightly cupped Keith's cheek. "We know how important these people are to you, love. If you wish, you may-"

"No!" Keith flinched at his own volume. The footsteps further down the tunnel came to a stop. Kolivan glanced toward the party and shifted between them and Keith. Keith lowered his voice and hissed, "I want to stay with you!"

Krolia smiled, eyes half closed, but sad, and sighed, "Oh, honey." She immediately wrapped him in her arms and tucked him under her chin. Keith fought frustration and confusion. Why would she suggest leaving him here? What were they hiding from him? Then she stepped back and ran a hand over his hair to smooth it. She smiled with slightly less sadness and held his hand. "Come, my son. Let's go greet your grandmother."

He followed behind still questioning his mother's words. They caught up to the party where James waited at the base of a ladder. Keith pulled up his hood and nuzzled into Krolia's side. James's lip quirked in amusement and he struggled not to smile as he explained, "The utility shed is directly above us. Pidge has scrambled the cameras, but I doubt you'll want to linger in the schoolyard out in the open. The admiral has called for a lock-down, eliminating the likelihood of being stopped when we enter the building."

Kolivan put a hand on the ladder and said, "Do not worry about us, little one. We always take appropriate caution. Kit, follow close."

"Yes, leader," Keith replied instantly without his previous anxiety. Kolivan ascended and Keith followed. When he reached the square cover, he took hold of one side and pulled himself out. His mask altered the low lighting for complete visibility. The shed was maybe twenty by thirty feet with a nearly unrecognizable generator and several other utility machines. A water pump had been rigged to pull from underground with very simple physics.

Krolia knelt beside him a few seconds later and touched the back of his neck. Keith slowly exhaled and stood as Kolivan opened the door. He palmed his bayard and darted forward when he moved. The bright light should have instantly blinded him, but his mask adjusted with an unnoticeable blink of his vision. The schoolyard spread out with a thirty foot gap between the shed and main school building, with a playground just visible a hundred feet to the west. Surrounding the entire yard was an eighty foot metallic wall in large paneled sections for easy installation. A cage.

He focused on breathing and forced his indignation to the back of his mind. Krolia's footsteps close behind and Kolivan slowly increasing the distance between them made Keith pick up his pace. They entered the building barely out of breath five seconds ahead of James. Hunk shut and locked the door behind them. Kolivan scanned the group, taking a head count, and Keith did his part by surveying their surroundings.

The high school had square ten foot halls. A handful of doors lined both sides. Holes and marks were gouged into the walls where lockers used to be. Ten young men and women wearing worn garrison uniforms stood at somewhat even intervals. James led the party down the hall. Keith noticed Coleen and Sam had already lowered their masks, but he waited for Kolivan's signal. The cadets looked at each other curiously, though their shaking made it apparent how hard they had to try to hold their ground.

Keith relaxed his hand and his bayard vanished with its telltale flash of blue energy. A couple of the cadets flinched, but Ryan said as they passed, "At ease, cadets. Everything's fine."

Keith heard them whisper once they were past. He hadn't expected Kincaid's words to work anyway. Galra were in their prison and none of the cadets had any real reason to know what Matt and Katie's parents looked like. He kept his eyes forward, though his senses were on high alert for signs of hostility. Krolia stepped closer and barely hummed to calm him. He shuddered. Fifteen feet and they reached the end of the hall.

To the left was a staircase that went up. Directly ahead were the silver steel doors of a freight elevator. James pushed the call button and they waited immobile in silence. Keith took a deep breath and suppressed a shiver. No turning back, not that he wanted to. The elevator arrived with a low buzz and the doors opened.

James took a step before pausing. He half turned and asked somewhat embarrassed, "Um, galra don't like... weigh more than us... right? It's just, I don't want to break the elevator?"

Keith sarcastically shot back, "The freight elevator? You know, designed to carry large weight?"

"I can tell you're rolling your eyes, Kogane."

Krolia chuckled and stepped onto the elevator. "No, kit, we weigh a similar amount to human density."

Did his mom just call them fat? Keith tried not to laugh. He failed. A snort of laughter escaped before Kolivan shoved him after Krolia. His grandfather folded his arms and glared down at him, but Keith couldn't stop the giggles for another few seconds while the elevator doors closed and started descending. Then his smile fell.

Hunk edged closer and leaned down to whisper, "If you're nervous, take my hand."

Keith considered doing nothing before slowly putting his hand in Hunk's larger one. Hunk squeezed and whispered, "Ohana."

"Mahalo," Keith whispered back.

Hunk beamed, his cheeks and dimples wide as a chipmunk. The elevator ground to a halt and Keith tensed. Hunk didn't drop Keith's hand when the doors opened. Keith did so for him, stepping closer to Kolivan's back as the party exited into a large subterranean space. People turned and froze. A few reached for weapons on their belts before freezing as the cadets walked forward.

"Where's the admiral?" James asked a man in his mid twenties who kept glancing past and up toward Kolivan.

He answered, "In the com station. Is this really-"

"Yes," James interrupted. "We're on our way to speak with her now. She'll inform the base when the time's right."

Keith watched the man straighten up and nod at the authority in James's voice. Impressed, Keith followed his friends through the lit halls of the underground bunker past dug out rooms and reinforced walls. When they came to a closed door, James knocked and announced, "Griffin Squad, reporting for briefing, ma'am."

Everything happened quickly after that. James barely stepped back before a bolt slid and the door opened. Veronica stood in the doorway and moved back to allow them in. She looked relieved and anxious at the same time, her eyes flitting from person to person. James stepped aside so Kolivan could enter first. Coleen ran past them all. Keith watched a familiar woman grab her arms before hugging her. The woman's hair was a bit longer. She hadn't cut it like at the garrison and the stress showed in a slightly more gaunt face, but she was the same iron presence as always.

"Ellen, oh, Ellen! I missed you!"

"Coleen! Oh my lord, when Lance told us you were safe, I- I," Sanda struggled to breathe and held Coleen tighter. "I'm so glad you're home!"

Keith followed Kolivan and stood between him and his mother a little off center from the door. James's squad lined the other wall where Veronica quickly hugged Nadia. Sam approached the admiral and put a hand on his wife's arm. "We're glad to be home too. Though there are a lot of variables that played a part."

Sanda stepped back and wiped at her eyes. "There you go with your science talk, Samuel. Matt already started explaining, though I think they might like to tell us something about all of this."

She had barely pulled herself together, hadn't even began to fully process what this meant, but Keith knew that tone. She was testing them. She needed to hear their testimony and compare it to whatever Matt had told them earlier. Keith had no doubt if she even questioned their sincerity, she'd have them shot on site. Well, she could try.

Kolivan stepped forward and bowed his head in respect with his arm crossed over his heart to the front of his other shoulder in salute. "Admiral, my name is Kolivan. We spoke on the coms this morning."

Sanda raised a terse eyebrow at him. "You're the one in charge of the rescue mission that returned my cadets?"

Kolivan chuckled and tipped his head in agreement. "I suppose you can say that, though I cannot speak for the red lion or her paladin. Your cadets would have been returned to you whether I participated or not. Thankfully, nothing prevented us from doing so. Your cadets' skills are admirable. They operated well in the field."

Keith shifted to see how his friends reacted to his grandfather's praise and smirked. Apparently, they hadn't believed in their own abilities. Sanda nodded tersely and said, "Of course they did. I would expect nothing less. Now, are you going to make me ask you to lower your mask? It's not for medical purposes?"

Kolivan reached up and touched the edge of his hood. "No, this was simply a means of anonymity." He pushed back his hood and the mask fell. If Sanda was surprised by his appearance, it didn't show. "Thank you for allowing us into your sanctum. I know it goes directly against your instincts to-"

"You don't have to thank me. My cadets made contact. You brought my cadets home. Allowing you to explain the circumstances you've arrived is an equal exchange. Allowing you to stay will be based on how much I believe your story. Consider this interview ongoing."

Kolivan glanced over his shoulder at Keith with a knowing smirk. To Sanda, he replied, "I would expect nothing less." Keith saw Sanda's eyebrow quirk at her own words being thrown back at her and nearly missed a cue from Kolivan to lower his mask. "Kit, go ahead."

Keith reached up and froze. Sanda watched him expectantly, face still bordering a severe scowl. He knew his input would greatly influence Sanda in either direction. Now was the moment of truth. Krolia's hand squeezed his shoulder and she whispered, "I'm here with you, my precious one. Take heart."

Keith swallowed the lump in his throat and started to push back his hood when Sanda stated, "I already know that's you, Officer Kogane."

Keith physically recoiled and his hands balled defensively. "Ma'am, I-" She shut him up with a look like he was twelve again. He dropped his hands to his sides and stood at attention.

Sanda nodded toward the door to dismiss him. "You and Griffin's squad are to report to the infirmary. I'll send for you when necessary."

Keith flinched and Krolia bristled, stepping to move half in front of him. "His actions are his own to choose."

Sanda glared at up Krolia. "I beg to differ. I am his superior officer. If he is half the boy I know, he will not question my orders."

Keith reached for Krolia's arm to keep her from attacking the admiral. "I'll do it, daiyak. It's fine."

Krolia wrapped an arm around his back and led him to the corner, glaring toward Sanda the entire time. Her head snapped back to Keith and she whispered, "Are you sure? I won't be able to easily reach you if negotiations disintegrate."

Keith hugged her and nodded against her shoulder. "Send me a signal and I'll find my way to you. They won't stop me."

Krolia's mask fell. Keith let his own mask vanish so he could feel her cheek pressed to his. She took a deep breath and asked again, "Are you certain, my little one?"

No, he wasn't. He didn't want to be anywhere else. He needed to be here to defend them from the admiral. He only replied, "I love you."

Krolia whined and whispered, "I love you too, Keith."

"Kogane, you're dismissed."

Krolia flinched and Keith stepped back, finally lowering his hood. He saluted the admiral and clicked his heels together. "Yes, ma'am. Have Cadets Holt and McClain and their guest arrived?"

Sanda half smirked and her eyebrow twitched. "Why do you think I'm sending you to the infirmary?" She tipped her head toward the door again and said more gently, "Go, Keith. We'll talk soon."

Keith walked past Kolivan, brushing his arm. Kolivan made a noise deep in his throat and caught Keith around the chest before he could leave. Keith smiled and leaned into his grandfather for two seconds. Then he practically jogged out of the room.

Footsteps followed as he walked down the hall in a random direction. People stared, but he looked straight ahead. Shrinking into a dark corner, he closed his eyes and forced himself to take a deep breath. He still felt the tension in that room. It drew his brows together and filled his chest. He gripped his forearm in the other hand, desperately trying to get a hold of his emotions. A hand landed on his shoulder and he flinched.

"Hey, you alright? What's wrong?"

Keith didn't know exactly how to tell them. What could he say? Sanda might try to kill his family? He hadn't been this scared since the day they escaped from the empire? Only a handful of people here could possibly understand what he was going through. He clenched his jaw and ground out, "I need Lance." He looked up and met James's eyes. "Please, take me to him."

"Alright, Keith. We can do that," Veronica soothed. She put herself into Keith's range of vision and said, "Whoever those people are, Keith, Admiral Sanda won't make a judgement without listening to you. Lance made sure of that."

Keith tried to build courage from her words. He looked away first and shuddered. "We're here for a mission. If the admiral isn't going to help us, then I'd best make use of the time I have. Let's move."

Veronica gave him a quizzical look, but nodded. "Follow me." Keith straightened up and put on a blank expression. Something he'd picked up from the blades. Hiding his emotions was never easy, but he didn't want to feel vulnerable in this familiar yet foreign place. Veronica kept a lengthy stride as she walked and explained, "When the cadets arrived, we brought them to the infirmary."

"Why?" Keith asked a little confrontational.

Veronica answered just as sharp, "Considering one of them is an alien, we were a little surprised. Call it caution."

"Princess Allura may not be from earth, but quarantine is going too far," Keith replied. Veronica didn't say anything more and Keith used the silence to ask, "Where is Blue?"

"Sorry?" Veronica actually looked over her shoulder.

Keith shook his head. "Never mind. There's more urgent matters."

"Suit yourself."

The others in the squad kept up as the hallways became more and more crowded. Veronica had to raise her voice to make passage. Keith felt the eyes of the resistance on his every movement. Whispers floated past, curious about who he was. He thought he heard his name once or twice, but James quickly glared toward those who had spoken.

Veronica stopped at a door and keyed in a code. The door unlocked with a metallic thunk. She opened the door and Keith lifted his chin as he entered. He scanned the room, searching. A dozen people worked about the room, some by machines, others near an exam table. He spotted the telltale bob of Allura's white hair and jogged toward the small crowd calling, "Guys!"

A tall brunette popped up above the others and grinned, half jumping half sliding over the exam table to meet Keith. Keith put on a burst of speed and slammed against Lance's chest. They hugged, rocking slightly in relief. Lance whispered into Keith's neck, "You made it."

"You too!" Keith replied. "We're home! I promised you, didn't I?"

Lance cry laughed into him before stepping back. He cupped the side of Keith's neck and met his eyes. "Wait, where's-" Keith couldn't hide the anxiety in his eyes and Lance looked to the door. "Where did the admiral take them? V, you promised."

Lance took half a step toward the door, but Keith held onto his hand. "Admiral Sanda asked me to leave the room while she interrogates them. I-"

"Keith!"

Keith barely turned in time to catch Pidge as she jumped off an exam table at him. She wrapped her arms and legs around him tight to his chest. He gasped as fresh emotions clutched his lungs. He slowly fell to his knees and rocked his surrogate sister. "Katie, I can't breathe."

She started shaking in his arms and murmured through a sob, "I thought you were dead, you jerk. That... that..."

Keith kissed the top of her head and pressed his cheek to her curls. "I know. Hunk explained how brilliant you were at hacking into the empire and how you managed to piece together part of the truth. Your family is so proud of you."

"Speaking of Hunk," Lance said where he stood at Keith's shoulder, "come here big guy!"

"Not so fast, we all want hugs!" Nadia protested and strutted forward to punch Lance's shoulder. He yelped in surprise before she yanked him to her chest. Then he was completely encircled by their old squad. Keith smirked and glanced from the doctors in the room to the window in the door. If rumors weren't already flying, they would now.

"Um, Keith, why is your belt pouch moving?"

Keith pulled back and Katie slid onto the floor. Tilting her head curiously, she watched as he opened the pouch and scruffed the kitten inside. "I found this little girl at my pop's farm. Kolivan is letting me keep it."

"Kolivan? Who's-"

"Whoa, Hunk," Lance cautioned. Keith looked over to see Hunk's wrist in Lance's light grasp. He shoved the kitten into Pidge's hands and stood as Lance called, "Keith, he's crashing again!"

Keith lunged forward to help support Hunk's other side and called, "Allura, the scanner."

They both led Hunk to the closest exam table as Allura grabbed the equipment they'd taken from the castle and trotted to them. Matt helped keep the doctors back so they could work. Once again, they removed the tact-gear and laid Hunk down on the bed. Keith pricked his finger and smeared the drop of blood on his gauntlet while Lance took blood pressure and pulse. His eyes flitted through the data, faster this time, as Lance called out numbers. Lance also started calling out other things. Temperature and pupillary reaction. Other things that could be vital to their diagnosis.

Allura started hooking up nodes to points on Hunk's body beneath his shirt and the waist band of his pants. "Try to relax, friend. This will only take a moment. Keith, I'm ready when you are."

Keith bit his lip at being put in charge, but Ulaz and Thace weren't here. He said out loud as he also began examining his 'patient', "Cadet Garrette, first name preference, Hunk. Age approximately twenty deca-pheobs. Collapsed thirteen vargas ago and received triage for hypoglycemia and hypertension and responded positively to treatment. At," he paused to look at his gauntlet for the time, "0934, a rapid drop in blood pressure resulted in a relapse. Currently no known cause. I need a biometric scan and a full panel run stat."

Lance had been in the middle of placing a new IV in Hunk's other hand when he called, "Matt, blood tube."

Keith stepped back, avoiding them by less than a hands width while scanning through his gauntlet for anything he could have missed. Anything that could have developed since the readings he'd taken the day before. They had caught Hunk earlier this time, but otherwise, there was no difference. He'd have to wait for Allura's test and the blood panel.

He watched Allura's hands fly over the screen as a holographic light seemed to encase Hunk's entire body. When Matt stepped back with the vials of blood, Keith reached for the heavy case of medicine and grabbed a fresh IV line and a similar cocktail to what he'd given Hunk yesterday. He and Lance worked together to quickly get Hunk hooked up to decrease the stress on his body.

The drugs took effect and Hunk relaxed on the exam table. Keith wanted to relax, but without a diagnosis, he knew this would just happen again until it killed Hunk. He grabbed an altean writing tablet and started making notes, pulling information from his gauntlet to the file and linking it with the machines measuring Hunk. As the bars raced to the finish line, Keith couldn't help but feel like he was missing something obvious. Something he'd seen before.

"Pardon my asking, but what credentials do you have to-"

Keith accidentally glared at the man asking the question, cutting him off and making him flinch. He straightened up and analyzed the man. Mid to late twenties, well kept, trim nails. Keith said matter of fact, "You were a medical student."

"Yes, before all this alien bull-" He cut himself off again and said seriously, "If Garrette needs help, we can take care of him here. We're more than capable."

Keith blinked at the man and said with every authority he could muster, "I am aware. However, I have been trained by the best doctor I've ever had the honor to meet and it was we who began Mr. Garrette's initial treatment. If your assistance is needed, I will ask for it. Now, please stay out of our way." He stepped back up to the table as the scanner finished it's reading. "Allura, status update."

Allura flicked her finger along the screen and enlarged several areas on Hunk's back and chest. "Deep tissue contusions approximately ten quintants old have been slow to heal naturally. They are close to several delicate organs and have caused minor internal bleeding. Mr. Garrette, did you fall or otherwise hurt yourself recently?"

Hunk shook his head slowly as the drugs disoriented him. "I... I don't think..."

Keith remembered what James had said in the farmhouse and asked, "Katie, do you remember anything that might have happened? About a week ago?"

Katie held the kitten to her chest with wide eyes. She cautiously approached the table and took Hunk's hand. Furrowing her brow, she bit her lip and started, "Um... I don't think anything happened. He didn't tell me and I didn't see him fall... but... he started complaining about back pain around that time. It kept him from sleeping well."

Keith nodded and squeezed her shoulder to show his thanks. "Matt, how's the bloodwork?"

"Panel confirms diagnosis. No further internal trauma beyond Allura's assessment."

Keith considered everything again. It still didn't feel right, but it did add up... kind of. If Hunk had somehow hurt himself and kept it from the others as bad as Allura found, then the stress of the mission could account for everything else. Running a hand down his face, he said, "Allura, can you hook him up to the portable synchronometer? We need to get those bruises healing before they cause real damage."

"Affirmative, Keith. Matthew, help me."

Keith went back to Hunk's side and put on a smile. When Hunk finally broke eye contact with Katie, Keith said, "I'm not sure how much of that you caught, but we know why your body is protesting now. While the cocktail in your drip helps you sleep, Princess Allura is going to attach a healing device to the nodes she placed earlier. They'll help you recover and when you wake up, the pain you've been hiding should be gone."

"It wasn't that bad," Hunk slurred.

Keith smirked and patted the front of Hunk's shoulder. "Sure. Rest now. You'll be under observation until the treatment is complete."

"Okey-dokey. Thanks, Keith. You're the best." Hunk yawned and closed his eyes to immediately start quietly snoring.

Keith heard a small noise and looked up to see Katie nearly in tears. Lance had an arm wrapped around her shoulders so he could gently rub her arm. She took a shuddered breath and fell against him. Veronica pulled up a chair and Lance helped her sit. Keith grabbed a light blanket and quickly covered her up as she started shivering. Shock. Not as terrible as most, but enough to unsettle her.

Before he could ask, she whispered, "Why didn't he tell me? He never should have gone on the mission."

Keith reached for her hand in both of his and offered an empathetic smile. "He's Hunk, Pidgey. Once his mind is set, he'll do what he thinks is right. No matter what." Katie bit her lip and sniffled, unable to say any more. Keith asked, "How are you holding up? You look tired."

She nodded in agreement. "I haven't slept well either... since the team left. Then yesterday..."

"I understand," Keith consoled. "Though perhaps you should try to sleep. Do you need an aid? We can give you a sedative if you'd like?"

"I think that would be best," James answered for her. She simply nodded in agreement.

Keith looked up to see the concern hidden beneath the stern expression on James's face. His team had been struggling and it bothered him. Because he was a good leader. Keith gave him a curt nod and was about to ask for the correct medicine, but Matt already had it. The syringe in hand, he injected the small amount into Katie's arm. She gasped lightly and started to slump. Keith caught her head and helped Matt lift her into his arms. A low cot sat in the corner. Ina pulled back the covers so Matt could nestle his little sister safely in bed.

When Matt came back, he held the kitten, nervously scratching its head. He leaned close to whisper, "I'll stay with Katie and Hunk. I know what to look for and will call if something happens."

"I'll stay as well," Allura added.

"Thank you," Keith said, lightly brushing each of their arms in passing. Then Lance was there, a heavy weight against his side. Keith leaned into him and felt a finger lightly trace random patterns on the back of his arm. Facing the squad, he said, "Now that the immediate danger has been taken care of, it's time to consider the next threat. Officer McClain, I believe you know what I'm talking about?"

"Of course, Officer Kogane. Right this way." Veronica gestured for them to follow and stepped through the door. Lance was a step behind her and Keith stopped Ryan with a hand on his chest.

Ryan lifted a reproachful eyebrow and Keith explained before he could ask, "Not you. I need to make an unbiased assessment of the risks posed to our operation."

Ryan's lip curled and Keith felt his heart rate increase beneath his glove. "What the hell does that mean?"

Keith kept himself relaxed, not rising to Ryan's level of aggression. "Do you need me to say it out loud? The situation is delicate enough." Ryan furrowed his brow and clenched his jaw, but remained silent. Keith nodded approval and said, "Griffin, Leifsdottir, with us. The rest of you are excused."

"Sir," James said with a short salute.

Keith fought not to roll his eyes and followed Veronica stretching his shoulders. Lance nudged his side and waggled his eyebrows. Keith hissed through his teeth, "Don't say a word."

Lance snickered under his breath as they followed Veronica through the base. Once again, the resistance fighters stared at them. Lance flashed a grin at a pair of whispering teenage girls and winked. Keith rolled his eyes at their tittered giggling and chided, "Focus, sharpshooter."

"Easy for you to say, alpha," Lance shot back.

More curious murmurings followed them until they entered a small room with two computers on separate desks and an old hamm radio balanced between them. A shelf with mussed bedding and a hand crafted box hut lined one wall. At the right desk, a young man in his late teens with shaggy blonde hair turned in his chair. He lowered a heavy set of headphones and flipped his bangs out of his eyes. "Veronica, I was just about to- Who're they?"

Keith approached the other desk and said, "Keith Kogane." Hooking a thumb over his shoulder, he explained, "He's V's brother, Lance."

"Wait!" The boy leaned forward holding out a hand in disbelief. "You're joking, right?" Keith side-eyed the boy with confusion, flinching when he exclaimed, "Serious? You're actually Keith Kogane?" He turned to Lance and held out both hands. "And you're Lance McClain, the best shot in the garrison! Oh my god, no one will believe this. I-"

"Rick," Veronica interrupted, "we don't have time for you to fanboy right now. Give a status report."

The boy sputtered for a moment, still eager to learn about them, but willing to wait a few minutes. Keith started siphoning through information while Lance paged through a journal at his shoulder. He heard the boy, Rick, firm up his voice and say, "The soldier we bugged woke up a couple hours ago. He's been quiet. Less gossipy."

"Well, he did get taken down by an assassin in training," Lance muttered under his breath.

Keith smirked and Rick's voice cracked as he asked, "Whoa, he what?"

Keith leveled out his expression and looked at the boy. "Rick? I need you to focus for me. Can you do that?"

Rick sat up in his chair and straightened his headphones around his neck. "Yes, sir. I, ah, how can I help?"

Keith nodded with an encouraging smile and said, "Very good, cadet." Rick's chest puffed up and he grinned. Keith turned back to the computer and said, "The galran soldier is going to have a very important conversation with his superiors later today. To prepare for every possibility, I need you to listen to Veronica and give a detailed account of everything you've heard during your watch."

Rick nodded. "Yes sir."

With that, Keith went back to reading everything from the computer. Lance sat on the edge of the desk, signing when he found something Keith should read. After twenty minutes, he had a pretty good idea who the soldier was. Recent graduate from the imperial academy, middle of his class. Earth had been his first assignment. He'd asked to remain a warden of the high school several times. He should have moved around, gaining experience to rise through the ranks. It seemed he had no motivation to do so. After almost two years, he was still a private.

"Veronica, I mean, Officer V, I have chatter on the radio," Rick stuttered. He flipped a couple switches and the audio filled the room with grainy static.

Veronica cleared her throat and looked to Keith. Keith met her eyes and nodded. She stood at attention and said, "Thank you for your work today, Rick. You're excused."

Rick quickly pulled off his headphones and stood with wide eyes. "V-"

"It's alright, cadet," Keith confirmed. "We've got this under control."

Rick seemed torn, curious and wanting to help. Keith wasn't sure how long Sanda had been training the kids here, but they weren't soldiers. Not like the garrison students. Not like how Thace had trained him. Rick finally gave a sloppy salute and left. Ina locked the door behind him.

The background noise of the radio picked up to actual dialogue. Keith focused on the conversation as a doctor asked, "How are you feeling? You've barely touched your rations."

Tretok grunted slightly, his only answer. A different person said, "His scans have all come back normal, but it seems the attack has affected him greatly. He refuses to speak to anyone except his superior officer."

"Yes, I see how being the only survivor of your squad might traumatize a lesser soldier."

Keith frowned at the blatant disrespect in the doctor's tone. Lance muttered, "Talk about poor bedside manner. Do they actually want to get him to open up to them?"

Keith folded his arms and answered, "They have ways of extracting information, even from their own people. If it comes to that, I'll never forgive myself for not killing him when I had the chance."

The conversation through the radio ebbed and flowed with Tretok remaining silent. After twenty minutes there was a small noise. Keith sat up and said, "Someone's there."

"What? How do you-"

James was interrupted by a smooth man saying, "I'll take over from here, doctor."

While the doctors in the room questioned the new guy, Lance leaned forward on the desk and whispered, "That's the galra I fought at the research facility."

"You're sure?" Keith asked.

"Without a doubt. I wouldn't forget an asshole like that."

Keith took that into account and hit record on his gauntlet. The doctors' footsteps left the room and Keith heard the blip of the door lock. The new man walked around the room and said, "I hope I'm not overstepping a boundary by asking for conversation."

Tretok shifted and finally whispered, "I'm sorry... what? Where is Jytar?"

"Jytar has been relieved. I've taken the liberty of assuming the role of lead investigator of the attack your survived. Please, call me Lotor."

Tretok moved rapidly as told by his bed squeaking, and asked, "Prince Lotor, exiled son of the emperor?"

Lotor made a small noise in his throat and said, "Yes, though it was my intention to move past such stigmas. After all, I am only banned from his inner circle." He moved closer to Tretok and said, "Personally, it is a blessing in disguise. I don't have to deal with my father's insufferable demands and am free to explore my own interests uninhibited. But enough about me. I'm here to help you, Tretok."

Keith folded his arms and stared at nothing. Of all the things he'd considered, Lotor hadn't been on the list. The gossip Keith had overheard said Lotor was coming, not that he'd arrived. And news of royalty would spread fast.

"Forgive my impertinence, sir, but I don't know if there is anything you can do. My unit... I just need to be reassigned so I can move on." Tretok spoke like he truly believed his words. He seemed subdued and depressed and not because of any medications.

Lotor asked genuinely, "Are those your thoughts or your superior's words?" Tretok didn't say anything and Lotor pressed, "I read your account of what happened, and I know why you're hiding important details."

"What? I don't..."

"Tretok, I want you to trust what I say when I tell you how lucky you are to be alive. Not just because of... the casualties, but because you didn't fight simple pirates." Lotor paused and Keith could only guess what was happening in the room. "After all, think of the panic that would occur if the other soldiers learned about a large scale attack from the assassins known as the Blade of Marmora?"

"No! That's not-"

"Private, don't take me for a fool. I analyzed the damage on the victim's armor and all but a handful of samples held high concentrations of a mineral known as luxite. That element is their signature. After all, their weapons are made from the same rare metal." Lotor let his words sink in, waiting for a response. Then he went on, "It was also present aboard Commander Prorok and Commander Sendak's cruisers."

"You found them?" Tretok asked skeptically with a slight accusation.

"Yes," Lotor answered, "and the missing black boxes. Part of why I came here is because of the data I uncovered. You see, Tretok, your armor and several of the samples from the other quintant's attack yielded very different results. Something even more rare than luxite, but a thousand times more dangerous. I believe the being that incapacitated you may have been a paladin of voltron."

"That's impossible. The lions were lost thousands of deca-pheobs ago."

Lotor sighed. "You are not incorrect, however, two of the lions were aboard the downed cruisers... and I had an encounter with a higher being from this planet who called himself the blue paladin. Like yourself, I kept their attack on my private base from any official reports. And that is how I intend to keep this. All I ask is for your help to know what and who I am up against. If you tell me everything, I will personally place you wherever you wish to go. Off planet? A new assignment? Somewhere you can make a fresh start?"

"That won't be necessary... sir. I... I have nowhere else to go."

"... Oh. Forgive me. I meant nothing by my suggestion," Lotor apologized. "I can tell by your reaction you must have someone very special here."

Tretok groaned and answered to deflect from himself, "I will tell you what I saw... but I don't know how much it will help. I only fought with one and there must have been many more to take down my entire unit."

"I will gladly take all you can give me, but do not underestimate the assassins. Evidence from similar attacks has led me to believe there may have been as few as three. Even now, they may have infiltrated our systems. Are you sure I can't send you somewhere far away from here? You and your sweetheart?"

Keith couldn't sit still any longer. Standing from the chair, he put a hand on Lance's shoulder and leaned in close. "I need to speak to Kolivan immediately. You read his report. If Tretok reveals anything compromising, call me."

"Roger, Keith. Go. Should we ask Matt and Sam about-"

"No. We keep this quiet until Kolivan approves." Keith turned and went to the door. As he slid the lock, James leaned a shoulder into the wall. "What?"

"Is this really necessary?"

Keith met his friend's eyes and said, "This isn't some quick little get in and out stealth op. If Lotor finds out we're here, hundreds of lives and years of work will be in danger."

"And by we, you mean the assassins. Keith, you're one of us."

Keith locked his jaw and clenched a fist. Now wasn't the time for this. Turning to the door, he tried not to growl, "Don't worry about accompanying me. I know the way."

Keith took one step out into the hallway and nearly froze. He darted behind some crates before Rick and a handful of other bystanders noticed him. Had he ever been that oblivious? His confidence in his team remained as strong as ever, but the rest of this resistance needed discipline.

It would have to wait. He started sprinting toward where he'd left his family, moving too fast for most to catch more than a glimpse. A few were too slow to move out of his path and he darted around them. Shouts of alarm went up behind him, but he was already long gone.

When he reached his destination, he took a deep breath to focus and knocked. "Leader, I need to speak with you."

He waited a moment before the door opened. Sam poked his head out and whispered, "Now isn't a good time, son. We aren't-"

"This can't wait," Keith interrupted. "There's a development we need to address."

Sam sighed, but someone said from further in the room, "Let him in."

Keith pushed into the room and immediately sought out Kolivan. His grandfather half turned away from the admiral. Keith bowed his head in respect and said, "Leader, Prince Lotor is investigating our presence on this planet. He's connected the dots between Blue's paladin and our people."

Kolivan's lack of a reaction was reinforced when he replied, "I was aware of that possibility. We will adjust our objectives accordingly."

Keith tilted his head, the only sign of his confusion. "Wouldn't it be beneficial to observe his actions? Counter his own investigation?"

Kolivan slipped a small data chip out of the computer and placed it back in his gauntlet. He pulled up the new intel and argued without raising his voice, "To what end? Lotor's investigation will lead nowhere as long as we do not draw the empire's eye. Your objective, little one, is why we're here. Do not get distracted by variables beyond your control."

Keith considered his counsel and frowned. "I see the wisdom behind your words... but you taught me to trust my instincts and my instincts tell me Lotor isn't like the others who sought to destroy our order. He followed us, but he arrived at the same time despite our later departure." He looked at the floor and added, "I'm not going to abandon my mission. The reason we came here is too important and I won't get distracted... I just want to keep our people safe."

The room was silent and Keith started to doubt his decision to interrupt their meeting. A hand squeezed his shoulder and Keith looked up into his grandfather's kind eyes. "I know, kit. Which is why I trust you and Lance to find the other paladins. And now Allura is here as well. When you find the missing paladins, you are to return to the castle."

Keith nodded, but froze. "Wait, why are you giving me further instructions now?" He finally noticed how quiet everyone was and looked around. Sanda watched the entire proceeding with a blank expression. Everyone else hovered near the edge of the room. Coleen offered him a consoling half smile, but Krolia wouldn't look at him. Keith took a step toward her and asked, "Daiyak, what's going on?"

Krolia pushed off the desk she had been leaning on and rubbed her arm. She bit her lip and tilted her head. One tentative hand reached out to him, cupping his neck with a thumb rubbing his jaw. She opened her mouth, but words failed. So many familiar emotions flooded her expression and she didn't have to speak.

"You're leaving," Keith whispered and she flinched, drawing back from him. She held her breath and closed her eyes. Keith hugged his chest and faced the admiral. "Please, don't do this. They aren't our enemies. They- They're the best chance we have-" His voice cracked and he couldn't continue. It took all of his control to whisper, "I want to stay with them."

Sanda didn't break. Her years of service wouldn't allow it. Keith closed his eyes, struggling to breathe. Why had she lied to Lance? She hadn't even listened to his account! His thoughts overwhelmed him, swirling into a maelstrom in his head. This couldn't be happening!

"It was my decision, precious one," Kolivan said soothingly.

Keith turned to look at him. Confusion and betrayal warred within him. "Is this why you said that back in the tunnel? Did you intend to leave me here? Again?"

"No. No, honey," Krolia said, "I promised we'd stay together... but Antok and I have our own mission... and there's far too much danger for you to accompany us. I won't risk losing you. Do you understand, Keith?" She guided Keith's shoulders to hold him and pressed her forehead to his hair. "I love you. You know that, right?"

Keith swallowed the lump in his throat and nodded against her. "I know. I love you, too. But I don't want you to leave."

"I have to, my sweet one. I'm sorry. I'm so sorry." Her tears landed in his hair and he held onto her tighter, chest locked up with sobs he refused to show. This was too soon. Too abrupt.

"Daughter, the others are waiting. We must go."

Keith took several deep breaths and swallowed his tears, then stepped back. He wiped his cheeks and tried not to tremble. Krolia nodded, tear tracks staining her own face. After a moment, she walked to the door, pausing beside Coleen. She rested a hand on Coleen's shoulder and whispered something to which Coleen nodded. Then she was gone.

Kolivan turned to follow, but Keith called out, "Leader, wait!" and ran to hug him.

Kolivan caught Keith against his chest, warm and strong. He leaned down to whisper, "Remember, kit, you are not alone. Even when you do not see us, our gaze will never leave you. Do you understand?"

Keith nodded and whispered, "Yes, leader. I love you. Be safe."

"As to you. Until we meet again, Keith."

Keith slowly unclenched his hands from around Kolivan's waist and stepped back. His grandfather rested a hand on his head, then Keith heard his footsteps recede. He continued to stare at the ground when the door closed and asked, "Would you like to speak to me now, Admiral?"

"I think I understand enough, Kogane. You mean a lot to one another." Sanda's matter of fact tone sent chills down his back, but her boots tapped the cement as she came closer. "I have just one question," she hesitantly broached. "Is she really..."

"My mother?" Keith finished for her. He turned, fresh tears threatening, and stood at attention. "Yes. Krolia is my mother."