Once again, all disclaimers apply.  I don't own Voltron or any of the characters from the series, everyone else is mine though.  

            Enjoy!

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            Darcy slept very little that night.  She laid awake, thinking about Lance.  It was the classic 'Heart vs. Head' inner turmoil.  She knew she was right, things would only get sticky and difficult if they tried to pursue a working relationship.  But there was something about him.  He was smart, funny, and sweet.  Although she had only known him a few weeks, she felt a pull towards him.

            She was also worried about facing him during practice.  But that was just something she would have to deal with.  She was now a member of the elite Voltron Force, it was time to behave like the soldier she was.

            Keith did pair her with Lance for training.  She was going to ride with him during practice for a week and Caleb would train with Pidge.  The following week she would train with Hunk and Caleb would train with Lance and then her with Pidge and Caleb with Hunk.  By then Dante, who was flying with Allura, should be trained on Blue and they would then take turns training in that Lion.  Keith hoped that would give them enough time to become familiar with the Lions that they would start flying on their own and he could officially train Lance as his backup in Black.

            Her worries were unfounded.  Lance proved to be the consummate professional soldier.  It was as though their conversation the night before had never happened.  He patiently explained all the controls and even took her on a few daring maneuvers, until Keith reprimanded him. 

            Darcy was in awe of the way the five pilots flew together as one.  Their ability and talent was astounding.  They fell into formations effortlessly, almost as though they could read each other's minds and predict what everyone else was about to do.

            "Any questions?"  Lance asked her as they swooped out of yet another formation.

            "I don't know where to begin."

            He smiled, "It does seem a little overwhelming at first, but once you're in the driver's seat it will all fall into place.  You'll pick this up without a problem, I have faith in you."
            "If I train on this lion, won't I be able to just fly any of the others?"

            "No.  This may sound strange, but each Lion has its own personality.  You'll notice it when you switch to Yellow next week.  You'll need to get to know the Lion and learn its quirks."

            Darcy looked at him, expecting to see a smile, thinking he was pulling her leg.   He was totally serious.

            "You don't believe me."

            "Well, they're just machines."

            Lance reached forward and petted the control panel, "Don't pay any attention to her, she doesn't understand yet."

            Darcy was about to say something when she felt the cockpit move slightly, almost like the lion was nodding its head and there was a sound, almost like a deep, metallic purr.

            "Alright team," Keith's voice filled the air.  "That's enough for now.  You can all return to the palace for breakfast."

            Without a word, Lance turned Red toward home.

            He didn't speak again until they were back in Castle Control.

            "I hope you were able to learn one or two things today."

            Darcy smiled at him, "I learned quite a bit.  You're a great teacher, much like your brother."

            He nodded, "Yeah, well, maybe you can take the stick tomorrow."

***********************************************

            Lance went straight to his room.  It had taken all of his training to get him through practice that morning.  He was able to push aside the memory of last night's conversation with Darcy and treat her as he would any other subordinate. 

            He paced his room, trying to calm his turbulent emotions when there was a knock at the door.

            "Yeah?"  He called out.

            "It's me." Keith said.

            Lance crossed the room and opened his door.

            Keith stood in the doorway dressed in workout gear and a cocky grin.  "Wanna hit the gym?  I have the urge to kick your ass."

            Lance laughed.  "Well, now that I have the sudden urge to kick your ass, I'll meet you there in five minutes."

            After quickly changing Lance arrived in the gym to see Keith on the bench press.  "I thought you were going to let me kick your ass."

            "I got sick of waiting.  But I'll be glad to take you on when I finish my weight regimen."

            Lance nodded and began stretching.  When he was prepared he approached the punching bag and proceeded to beat the crap out of it.

            He didn't even realize Keith had gotten up until he had grabbed the punching bag.  "You want to talk about it?"
            Lance looked at him, "Huh?"
            "I said, do you want to talk about it?"

            "Talk about what?"
            "Talk about whatever is bothering you."

            "What makes you think something is bothering me?"
            Keith sighed, "Lance, I can tell something is on your mind, so let's not play this game."

            Lance wiped the back of his hand across his forehead, "It's nothing Keith, really.  I'll get over it."

            "Is it Sergeant Barlow?"
            "Drop it Keith."

            "Damnit, Lance!"  Keith exploded. "Can't you keep it in your pants for once?"

            Before he could stop himself Lance lunged forward and swung out with his fist.  Keith was fast, and although he missed the first swing, Lance caught him with a left.  Keith stumbled back a few steps and gingerly felt his jaw.  It wasn't broken but he was going to have one hell of a bruise.

            Lance swore under his breath, "I'm sorry, Keith."

            "No, I was out of line, I'm sorry.  I should've seen that coming though, you always had a sneaky left"

            Lance ran his hands through his hair and sat on the bench.  "I don't know what it is about her."

            Keith sat next to him.  Lance was no stranger to women.  Keith had been there to see it firsthand.  He saw the times Lance thought he was in love, the times he had been shot down, and even the time at the Academy he had tried to juggle three women at once.  It wasn't that Lance took advantage of women. Just the opposite.  He always treated them with respect and they in turn always had fun with him.  Keith could not think of one woman Lance had gone out with who didn't remain friends with him after they broke up. 

            "I wouldn't have pegged her as your type." Keith said.

            "Neither would I.  I don't get it Keith, I hardly know her but last night we sat on the observation deck and just talked.  I found her to be so easy to talk to and intelligent and funny. I really want to get to know her better, spend more time with her."

            "I take it she didn't feel the same way?" 

            "I don't know.  I came right out last night and told her I was attracted to her."

            Keith raised his eyebrows in surprise, "You're moving a little fast."
            "I don't know what came over me, it just came out.  At first she seemed surprised and she didn't deny that she felt something, but she made all these excuses about how it would screw up our working relationship."

            Keith looked down at the ring on the third finger of his left hand.  "A few years ago I would have agreed with her."

            Lance snorted.

            "It could be she was burned before.  Give her some time, Lance.  If she's worth it and it's meant to be your patience will pay off."

            Lance nodded, but kept quiet.

            "Hey, it took Allura and me three years.  And it was worth it."

            Lance gave him a half hearted smile, "There is something about her, Keith.  I don't know what, but I don't want to wait.  I want to get to know her better, I want to be with her."

            Keith laughed and slapped him on the back, "I can honestly say I totally understand how you feel.  I just hope it doesn't take you three years."

            Lance jumped to his feet, "Come on, I still need to kick your ass."

            Keith rose, "Let me change into my gi and I'll take you down on the Judo mat."

*********************************************** 

            Lance stepped out of the shower feeling better.  It could have been the talk he had with Keith, or maybe it was the way he was able to work out his frustrations on the mat.  Whatever it was, he felt lighter and happier.

            He decided to head down to the kitchen in search of some food.  Sven and Romelle were expected to arrive in another hour and he wanted to be on the tarmac to greet them.

            Caleb, Pidge, Hunk, and Dante were seated at the counter eating large sandwiches and discussing the ship they had just left in the hanger.

            "Hi guys," Lance said as he sauntered over to the refrigeration unit.

            "Hey Lance, what's up?"  Hunk asked around a bite of his "Dagwood" sized sandwich.

            "Just coming in search of some food."  Lance dug in the fridge until he found some leftover chicken and some bread.  "Have you guys discovered anything from the ship?"

            "We know who made it and we've narrowed it down to what galaxy it was built in."  Pidge said.

            "But no idea where she came from?"  Lance pulled a stool up beside Caleb.

            "Nope."

            "So I guess we're at a standstill until she either wakes up or Romelle arrives."  Lance muttered.

            "Have they checked out her uniform yet?"  Caleb asked.

            "I don't know.  I think Nanny took it to have it cleaned."  Hunk said.

            "Maybe there are patches or something on it that could tell us where she's from."

            Lance thought for a moment.  "I didn't really notice anything like that.  Her flightsuit was really worn and dirty, but I didn't notice anything that might show a rank or affiliation.  We'll have to ask Nanny."

            "It's so unreal to think that after all this time Romelle and her lady-in-waiting should meet again."  Hunk commented.

            "Yeah, I bet she has an incredible story to tell."  Pidge said.

            "How did things go in Green?"  Lance asked Caleb.

            "I just watched today while Pidge went over the instruments.  To be honest I was a little overwhelmed, but I think I'll pick it up without a problem."

            "I noticed in your file that you didn't actually major in flying at the Academy."

            Caleb shook his head, "Originally I went to become a mechanic, but the more I worked on the machines the more I enjoyed being around them.  I took it on as a second major my third year.  I never imagined I would become a member of the Voltron Force."

            "Well, Hunk can always use more help with the Lions.  I also noticed you seem to know your way around the computer systems."

            The young Sergeant shrugged, "That's just a hobby.  I've always enjoyed working with computers.  When I was ten I set up the computer system at my father's auto shop for him."

            "Wow."  Lance was impressed.  "Are you sure you and Pidge aren't somehow related?"

            Lance's communicator beeped.

            "Lance here."

            "Hey Lance, Sven and Romelle are going to be here in about five minutes."  Keith said.

            "They're early."

            "Yeah, I guess Romelle couldn't wait.  I'm going down to the hanger to let the others know."

            "No need, Keith they're right here.  We'll meet you on the tarmac."      

            "Alright, thanks Lance.  Keith out."

            Lance snapped the communicator shut.  "Let's clean up guys, Sven and Romelle will be arriving soon."

            Allura watched anxiously as the Pollux transport ship came in for a landing.  There was a low hiss as the door slid open and a ramp descended.  With Sven holding her elbow, Romelle made her way down.  Allura felt a smile spread across her face and her hands twisted together excitedly as she watched her beautiful cousin, glowing with the joy of her impending motherhood, walk towards her.

            The two women embraced.  "Has she wakened yet?"  Romelle asked.

            "No, not yet."  Allura responded.

            "I'd like to see her."

            "Wouldn't you'd rather relax first?  You've had a long trip."     

            Romelle smiled, "I'm fine, Allura, really.  I want to see her."

            Sven came up to Keith and shook his hand, "Vhat happened?" 

            Keith reached up and touched his chin, "Lance had a few aggressions to work out on the Judo mat."

            Sven laughed, "Another voman shoot him down?"

            "Sven!" Lance crossed the tarmac with the others at his heels.  "Romelle, good to see you again.  How was the trip?"

            Sven and Romelle went through the ritual of hugs and hand shaking as they greeted their friends and met two of the new pilots. 

            Sven and Hunk hoisted the luggage as they all headed toward the castle.

            "Go along to de hospital ving, I vill catch up vith you after I drop off our tings."  Sven gave Romelle a quick kiss as they parted in the hall.

            "You guys got an early start."  Keith commented as he and Lance walked with Hunk and Sven to the bedchamber.

            Sven smiled, "Romelle vas too excited to vait.  I tried to get her back to sleep after your call, but she only tossed and turned for another hour before getting up and packing."

            "She really thinks this is her lady-in-waiting?"  Lance asked.

            "I don't know if she beliefs it as much as she vants it to be true.  Romelle doesn't haf a lot of good memories, but apparently Paget vas her closest friend and confidant.  It is de one good tie she has to her past."  Sven set their bags down in one of the spacious guest rooms.  "I just don't vant her to get too upset if it isn't her or too vorked up if it is her."

            "She's healthy, isn't she?" Keith asked.

            "Ja, she keeps telling me a vorry too much.  But she gets so tired and run down lately."

            "Romelle's a strong woman, she'll be fine."  Keith assured him.

*****************************************************

            Allura and Romelle approached the hospital wing.

            "Are you okay?"  Allura whispered.

            "Yes, just a little nervous.  And excited.  And scared."  Romelle admitted.

            "You don't have to do this right now."

            "Yes I do.  I have to know."

            "Good morning, Queen Allura, Princess Romelle."  Dr. Gorma greeted them as they entered.

            "Good morning, Doctor.  How is the patient?"  Allura asked.    

            "She did move around a bit and make some noises, but she has not yet wakened."  He told her.

            Romelle waddled slowly into the room and looked at the woman on the bed.  A gasp escaped her lips before she clamped her hand over her mouth.  Tears welled in her eyes and she felt herself shaking.

            "Romelle?"  Allura put her arm around her cousin.

            "It's her," Romelle whispered.  "It's Paget."

            "Are you absolutely sure?"  Dr. Gorma asked.

            "It looks just like her."
            "Did Paget have any discerning marks or tattoos that we could use to identify her?"

            "I think she would've had the slave tattoo that all Doom slaves had."  Romelle thought for a moment.  "And she had a small, perfectly square shaped birthmark on her right shoulder."

            Dr. Gorma crossed to the bed and gently lifted up the woman's shoulder and pulled down the collar of the gown she wore.  A small, red square marked her pale skin.