This story really seems to be taking on a life of its own  I am really having a lot of fun writing it and writing for Lance, he always struck me as such a fun character.

All relative disclaimers apply, you know how it goes.

RedLion ~ thank you for taking the time to review, I really appreciate it.  And I believe this chapter will answer some of your questions…

Enjoy!

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            Lance and Darcy entered the conference room to find the other six members of the Force seated around the table.

            Keith caught the unmistakable scent of cigarette smoke as Lance sat in the chair at his left.  He looked at Lance disapprovingly, which Lance returned with a challenging look.

            Darcy took a seat at the opposite end of the table between Dante and Hunk.

            "What's going on?"  Lance asked.

            "Allura, Romelle, Sven, and I just had a rather interesting conversation with Paget and she had an exciting story to tell."  Keith began.  "She obviously wasn't killed by Lotor, she was sent to work in the kitchens of the Doom palace.  Over the next few years she and another slave, Rankin Lockwood, formed an alliance with a small nearby planet, Deikun. It took almost three years years to complete, but they ended up with an organization very similar to the Underground Railroad slaves used during the American Civil War.  Deikun had an alliance with Doom where they exported meat and fruit to Zarkon.  Their transport ships contained hidden rooms that allowed them to sneak out slaves, usually two or three at a time.  Lotor didn't notice since so few were taken and the Deikun ships only came twice a month. 

            "Lotor became so obsessed with Voltron and Allura that it made it easier to sneak people out.  After Zarkon died, Paget and Rankin made their trip to Deikun where the freed slaves had set up a civilization deep within the forest.  Now as you know we have not heard from Lotor since he was released by the Galaxy Garrison on a technicality.  According to Paget he has set up a new base of operations on a planet in the Edjo Galaxy called Lipot.  She and Rankin returned to Doom to gather up the rest of the slaves.  By then they had been training in military tactics and planning to confront Lotor with an army of nearly 1500 freed slaves.

            "With the help of Deikun's military, they had been following Lotor's progression since he left Doom and discovered that he was planning an elaborate attack on Arus with a new form of Robeast that Haggar had created.  Unfortunately, Haggar found out about the uprising and unleashed an army of Doom soldiers, killing half the slaves and causing the others to go deeper into hiding.  It was decided that Paget would go in search of help, following the advice of Deikun's Prime Minister, she came looking for Arus and Voltron."

            Hunk whistled softly under his breath.

            "How could they know all this and we don't?"  Pidge asked.

            "They had a man on the inside with Lotor.  We haven't looked in the Edjo Galaxy, it's so small and uninhabited. The Garrison's sweep of galaxies hadn't reached there yet.  We just assumed Lotor would either go back to Doom or to one of the planets he had had an alliance with.  "  Keith answered.

            "How do we know we can trust this Paget?"  Lance asked.

            "Romelle believes her.  She really believes it is Paget."  Allura said.

            "With all due respect, Allura, but we have been fooled before by Haggar's magic.  Someone disguised to look like one of us."

            Allura blushed slightly at his reference to the time Haggar had put a spell on Lotor to make him look like Keith.  She had allowed him into the palace and into her bed.

            Keith cleared his throat, "We have to take that into consideration.  But I don't think they are stupid enough to pull that stunt again, and if they were, why would they pick someone like Paget, someone none of us know."

            "So what are we going to do, Captain?" Hunk asked.

            "Okay, here's the plan.  We are going to scrap the training plans we made this morning.  Beginning this afternoon, as soon as this meeting is over, we will begin intensive training.  I want Allura, Lance, and Pidge in their lions with Dante, Darcy, and Caleb.  You are not to come back to the castle until the three of you are able to fly the lions with some level of comfort.  We will be up again tomorrow morning to work on target practice at 0600.  In the meantime, Paget gave me some coordinates to dial up Deikun and Rankin.  Hunk is going to help me get in touch with them and we will try to come up with a plan of attack."  Keith explained.  "Any questions?"

            The others all shook their heads.

            "Alright.  Then you're all dismissed to begin training."

            Darcy felt an attack of nerves at the thought of spending hours in the cramped cockpit of the Red Lion with Lance.  Get over it, Darcy. She thought. This is it, everything you have worked so hard for has been leading up to this moment.  You are here to work with the Voltron Force and defend Arus and surrounding planets.  You will not let the flirtations of a cocky flyboy ruin this.

            "You ready to go?"

            She looked up to see Lance standing beside her, his face an expressionless mask.

            She took a deep breath and screwed up her courage.  "Of course.  Lead the way, sir."

            Darcy followed him quietly to Castle Control and the entry tube to Red.  Not having received an official uniform yet, Darcy wore her Academy flightsuit and a spare helmet.  She watched and listened as he gave a quick overview of the instruments, trying to ignore the fact that his knee kept bumping hers.

            "Are you ready to take over?"  He asked.

            She nodded, "As ready as I'll ever be, I guess."

            Lance turned on the auto pilot and unbuckled his seat harness.  He tried to ignore the feelings that rose as she brushed against him to get to the seat, or the way she smelled, like flowers after a spring rain.  Geez, this is getting bad.  He thought as he settled into the fold up passenger seat.

            "When you're ready to take over, just flip the red switch over there and auto pilot will turn off."

            Darcy buckled in and took a moment to study the panel in front of her. 

            "Are you alright?"  He asked.

            She nodded, "I'm just getting my bearings."

            "If you're not ready, we can switch back and go over things again."

            "No, I said I'm ready and I'm ready."  She said a little more sharply than she intended.

            Lance bit back the sarcastic remark that came to mind, that would not help matters.

            Darcy wrapped her hand around the steering stick and reached over to flip up the auto pilot switch.

            Red immediately dipped down.  Lance was about to jump in when he saw the look of concentration on her face.  She didn't panic, but kept her head and pulled back just enough to level the lion.

            "This is a lot of machine."  She muttered.

            Lance smiled, he remembered feeling the same way the first time he flew Red.  It was larger and more powerful than any ship he had ever flown.  "You'll get used to it.  Once you learn how to harness the power, flying Red will become second nature."

            He talked her through a few easy exercises and watched as she relaxed and became more confident.

            A beeping filled the cockpit, Darcy looked around trying to see what she had done wrong.

            Lance reached over and turned on the video and audio link to the other lions.  "Yeah, what's up?"

            "Hey Lance, Darcy."  Pidge said.  "Do you guys want to go over a few formations?"
            "Yeah.  Where do you want to meet?"

            "We're meeting Allura and Dante in the meadow behind the castle."

            "We'll see you there."

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            Romelle was still seated in the chair beside Paget's bed.  Sven had left to see if he could help in Castle Control leaving her and Paget to get down to the serious business of catching up on lost time.

            "You amaze me."  Romelle said after hearing how Paget and Rankin had freed so many slaves from Doom.

            "I can't believe you're married and to such a hot guy."  Paget teased her.  "You really met in the Pit of Skulls?"

            Romelle sat back in her chair and rested her hands on her stomach.  She went on to tell Paget the whole story of meeting the 'wild man' in the Pit and everything they went through to escape.  Sitting by his side as he recuperated from the injuries he had received helping to defeat Lotor on the fake Doom.  When Sven was well enough, they went back to Pollux and were married.

            "I never knew someone like Sven could exist, let alone love me."  Romelle finished.

            "Oh, Romelle, don't sell yourself short.  You are an amazing woman, you always were."

            "What about you?  Is this Rankin someone special?"
            Paget smiled weakly, "He certainly is.  But we couldn't do anything about it while we were in the middle of helping the others escape. Someday we hope to marry, after Lotor is no longer a threat."
            Romelle clasped Paget's hand, "That's wonderful!  I can't wait to meet him"

            Dr. Gorma walked into the room.  "I'm going to have to ask you to leave, Your Highness, Paget needs her rest."

            Romelle pushed herself up out of the chair.  "Of course, Doctor."  She turned to Paget.  "I'll be back to see you later."

            Romelle didn't realize just how tired she was until she waddled down the hall toward the guest room she was sharing with Sven.  Settling down on the bed, she tried to find a comfortable position to sleep.

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            The new pilots and their teachers had spent three hours going over the basic formations and allowing the new pilots to become familiar with the Lions, when Keith contacted them.

            "Why don't you guys come in for a break.  We've been watching down here and you're doing great."

            "Aye, Captain."  Lance said and turned to Darcy.  "Do feel comfortable enough returning Red home?"

            She nodded, "I have to learn sometime."

            "I'm really pleased with your progression."  Keith said as they all entered Castle Control.

            "Have you been able to get in touch with Deikun?"  Lance asked.

            "Hunk is working on it.  We've picked up a signal, but it's not coming in to clearly.  We thought it was a good time to break for dinner.  After you all eat, Darcy and Caleb will stay in Castle Control to work with Koran and become familiar with the equipment while the rest of us take the lions out so Dante can work on the full formations."  Keith explained.

            It was nearly midnight when they all retired to their rooms for the night.  While everyone else was able to give in to a much deserved rest, Lance and Darcy both laid in bed, staring at the ceiling.

            Lance was mentally berating himself for his behavior earlier in the day.  While they were training, it was so easy for him to push it out of his mind and concentrate on work.  Now that he was alone with his thoughts he was overcome with guilt and shame.

            What is with me?  It seems like whenever I'm around her all rational thought escapes me.  If we're going to start a whole new war with Lotor, I need to be able to concentrate on the task ahead.  I am the second-in-command of the Voltron Force, I can handle this.

            Darcy was tossing and turning, trying to clear her mind enough to fall asleep.

            I can't believe I threw myself at him like that.  If I do things like that he will think I'm leading him on, that's not fair to him.  I want to be able to excel in my work, but if he continues to be a distraction, I don't know what I'll do.

            Not finding any sleep, Darcy threw back the covers and grabbed her robe off the back of a chair.

            Romelle had sneaked into the kitchen looking for food.  She had slept through dinner and Sven didn't want to wake her.  She started when the door opened and Darcy came in.

            "Oh, hi, Romelle, I didn't think anyone would be up."  Darcy greeted her.

            "Hi, Darcy.  I missed dinner and I'm starving.  What are you doing up so late?"  Romelle had cut a piece of cake and set it on the table and pulled up a stool, one with a back on it this time.

            Darcy pulled open the door to the refrigeration unit and pulled out a can of sweet Arusian juice and the last piece of chocolate cake.  "I'm having trouble sleeping."

            "Are you worried about flying?"

            "Not really, it felt great up there in the lion, it felt natural."

            Romelle studied her.  Darcy kept her head down and poked at the cake.  "Do you want to talk about it?"

            She looked up at the princess and realized that she did.  "How well do you know Lance?"

            Romelle bit back the smile that threatened to split her face, she knew Darcy wouldn't appreciate that.  "I don't know him as well as the others do, but I know he's a great guy.  Sven has always spoken so highly of him.  Lance is the one who can always make you laugh and have a good time with.  He is also incredibly smart and a great soldier, he wouldn't be the second-in-command if he wasn't."

            "What about all the stories about his womanizing ways?"

            "For the most part, I think they are greatly exaggerated.  In the time that I have known him, I have seen him flirt with some girls, but he never seems to really pursue them.  Sven told me he thinks Lance is just on the lookout for the right woman."

            Darcy looked up at her, "I kind of got the impression he, uh, he gets around."

            Romelle shook her head, "No, he's just very friendly.  I think that if he found the right woman, he would treat her like a queen."

            Darcy took a large hunk of cake and shoved it into her mouth.

            Romelle could no longer contain her smile, "I take it he has been turning the charm on for you.  What line did he use on you?  My personal favorite is 'If you were a laser, you'd be set on stunning.'"

            Darcy laughed, "He didn't really say that, did he?"

            Romelle nodded, "Last Christmas.  He had a little too much egg nog and said that to me. Sven gave him a black eye."

            Darcy wiped a tear from her eye, "That has got to be the worst line I have ever heard."

            "I think he has a book of bad pickup lines."

            "He probably wrote it."

            They laughed until their sides hurt.

            "You know," Darcy said.  "Come to think of it, he hasn't used a line on me."

            "He hasn't?  What has he done?"

            Darcy looked back at her plate, blushing.

            "Come on, you can tell me.  I won't tell anyone."

            "You promise?  I can't believe he just came out and said it."

            "What did he say?"
            "Last night, when we were leaving the hospital wing he told me he was very attracted to me and then today, out in the garden he almost kissed me.  Well, he did kiss me, on the temple, and then he was about to kiss me when Keith called us in to the meeting."  Darcy blushed an even deeper red as she waited for Romelle to laugh and tell her that Lance used that move on a bunch of other women.

            "Wow," Romelle whispered.

            Darcy looked up, "What?"

            "He's moving rather quickly, isn't he?  I've never seen him behave like that before.  He must really like you."  Romelle watched as Darcy thought over what she had said.  "How do you feel about him?"

            Darcy knew she was too far into this to pretend otherwise, "I have only known him for a few weeks, but I can't help but feel something for him.  We sat in the observation deck for over an hour just talking and I began to see him in a new light.  And when I think back on the last few weeks, I remember so many little things about him that make me like him even more.  Now every time I see him, I feel like I'm blushing, it is so embarrassing."

            Romelle smiled kindly, "It sounds like you are falling pretty hard."

            "Working relationships never work out.  It would only complicate things."

            "I think Keith and Allura would disagree with that."

            Darcy shrugged, "There is always an exception to the rule."

            "How do you know that you and Lance wouldn't be an exception to that rule?"
            "I don't," she admitted.  "But if it doesn't work out, it would be too difficult to continue working with him.  I have worked so hard to get here and I don't want to screw it up."
            "Are you speaking from experience?"  Romelle asked.

            Darcy stayed silent.

            "What if Lance is the one for you and you missed your chance because you were too afraid?  Life is all about chances.  I took a chance with a self described 'wild man' and I found the love of my life."  Romelle reached over and laid a gentle hand on Darcy's arm.  "Who was he?"

            Darcy cleared her throat, "Lt. Jesse McCormick.  He was my commanding officer on my first assignment out of the Academy.  I loved him and I really thought he felt the same way.  He was handsome and charming and, well, to be honest he was quite a bit like Lance."

            "What happened?" 

            "I caught him in his bunk with Captain Laura Fallion."

            "Ouch."

            "Yeah.  I threw everything I could find at them and if Captain Fallion wasn't afraid of losing her commission, I wouldn't be here right now.  Jesse went on to tell everyone I was a slut and a bitch, which everyone believed, he was a well loved officer, I was hardly known.  I asked to be transferred out and it took them forever to find a place for me.  They marked in my file that I was difficult and overemotional.  Luckily my flying and military tactics professors came to my defense and talked them into letting me try for the Voltron position.  I guess I'm lucky Keith took the chance to get to know me rather than going by what was written in my file."

            "Oh Darcy, that's awful.  I can't believe they took his word for it and treated you like that.  Did anything happen to him?"

            "No, as far as anyone was concerned I had developed a crush on my superior officer and couldn't handle his rejection."

            Romelle squeezed Darcy's hand.  "I know you've been hurt and, after hearing that story, I can understand where you're coming from.  But I can honestly tell you that Lance would never do that to you."

            "I know.  Call it women's intuition, but I know he would never do anything like that to me."

            "Are you going to give him a chance?"

            Darcy shrugged, "I don't know."          

            Romelle slid off the stool and took her plate to the sink.  "I have to turn in before Sven notices I'm gone.  Go get some sleep, you have an early practice."

            Darcy stood up and crossed to Romelle, "Thank you so much for lending an ear."

            Romelle hugged her, "Anytime, Darcy, anytime.  I really like you and I think you could be good for Lance."

            Darcy smiled slightly, "I'll keep that in mind.  Good night, Romelle."

            "Aren't you going to bed?"
            "I'm going in a minute, I just want to clean up."

            "Good night, Darcy."  Romelle left the kitchen and nearly walked into Lance.

            "Whoa, Romelle, what are you doing up?"  Lance grabbed her arm to steady her.

            "I was hungry, I missed dinner.  Why are you up?"

            "I can't sleep."

            Romelle smiled, "I wonder if it's the same thing keeping you up that's keeping Darcy up."

            "What?"

            "She's in the kitchen right now, having a snack."

            Lance looked from Romelle to the kitchen door.

            She reached out and took his arm, "Be patient, Lance.  She's been hurt."         

            He looked down at her, "What do you mean?"

            "It's not my place to tell you, but I hope she will.  I really like her, Lance."

            He smiled at her, "So do I."

            "If you hurt her, I'll tell Sven you tried hitting on me again."

            Lance paled slightly, "That's playing dirty."

            "If it keeps you in line."  She smiled.

            "I have no intention of hurting her."

            "I'm glad to hear that.  Good night, Lance."

            "Good night Romelle."

            Sven stirred when Romelle settled into bed.

            "Vhere have you been?"  He murmured.

            "I went to get a snack."

            "That vas over half an hour ago."

            "And you didn't come hunt me down?"

            He smiled at her, "I vas giving you thirty more seconds before I sounded de alarms."

            Romelle kissed him, "I love you, you big lug."

            "I love you too."  He put his arm around her and pulled her to him.