Hi All!

All relative disclaimers apply, etc…

Thank you for your wonderful reviews…you guys are awesome!

Enjoy,

Failte

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Becca paced her room.  What was going on?  Were they under attack?  Should she stay in her room?  If she was in any danger, Pidge would have told her what to do.  In the end, she decided to go find her sister.

Darcy was in the nursery rocking Schuyler.  Her tears had subsided and she had cried herself tired.  With her baby cradled in her arms, Darcy waited for word from Lance.  She couldn't hear any sounds of attack.  It was hard for her to fight back the urge to run to Castle Control and join the battle.  She stopped rocking when there was a knock on the door. 

"Darcy?  Are you in there?"

She slowly rose to her feet, cradling Schuyler to her shoulder, and crossed to open the door, "Hey, Becs, you okay?"

"Yeah, I was just wondering what was going on."

"So was I.  Let's go see what we can find out."  Darcy started down the hall.  "This came at a bad time, didn't it?"

"You have no idea," Becca sighed.  "He gave me a present."

"What?"

Becca turned and showed her sister the necklace.

"That's beautiful."  Darcy told her.

"I know, isn't it?  He said it was a graduation present."

Darcy snorted, "He has it bad."

Becca didn't answer. 

Darcy smiled to herself, but kept her mouth shut. 

Things were suspiciously quiet in Castle Control.  Keith and Koran stood beside the main monitor, Allura sat in the chair beside them.  Hunk was talking to a couple of guards, Pidge sat at a computer screen typing furiously and Lance stood over him watching his progress.

"What's going on?"  Darcy approached her husband.

"We're not sure."

"You don't know what triggered the alarms?"

Lance looked at her and shrugged, "No one has entered Arusian airspace, we see no signs of anyone breeching the castle.  We've sent the guards to do a full sweep of the castle and sent two Air Brigade ships up to scan the sky."

The door slid open and Dante entered with half a dozen guards and walked straight over to Keith, "We couldn't find anything out of the ordinary, Cap."

"We're waiting to hear from Caleb and his men."  Keith told him.

"Shit!"

Everyone turned to Pidge, shocked at his outburst.

"What is it?"  Lance asked him.

"System malfunction."

"What?"  Keith walked quickly over to the computer.

"It was caused by a system malfunction.  But we've been running continuous scans, this is a relatively simple bug, the scans should have picked up on it."

"Can you fix it?"  Keith asked.

Pidge sighed, "Yeah, I have to uninstall a couple of programs and reinstall clean versions."

"How long will that take?"

"I don't know, Cap, not too long."

"Alright," Keith turned to the others in the room.  "Koran call Caleb and his men back.  It looks like it was a malfunction."

Caleb and another six guards returned to Castle Control with nothing to report.  None of the guards on duty had seen anything and neither of the Air Brigade ships had found anything.

"What now, Keith?"  Lance asked.

Keith rubbed the back of his neck and looked down at Allura.  She gave him a weak smile.  "I guess we're clear," Keith said.  "If Pidge says it was a system error and we haven't found anything, then there's nothing to do."

Becca stood beside Pidge and watched as his fingers flew across the keyboard.  He was so focused, unaware of anyone around him.  Lifting his head, Pidge called to a guard standing nearby, "Corporal, I need the disks we've been using, they should be locked in the bottom cabinet by the radar."


The young man brought his hand up in a salute and turned on his heel.

Pidge suddenly realized someone else was standing beside him, "Oh, Becca, I'm sorry, I really am.  But, I have to…"

She smiled at him, "Its okay, Pidge, I know how important this is."

He looked relieved, "Thank you, Bec.  I'll make this up to you, I promise."

"I'm going to hold you to that," she whispered.

His gaze locked with hers.  Becca noticed his eyes weren't completely brown, there were flecks of gold and a ring of green around his iris.  The intensity of his gaze sent a thrill through her.

"Wow, Becca, you look great!"

Pidge cleared his throat and turned back to the computer.  

Becca looked up at Dante who had come to stand beside her.  "Uh, thanks Dante."

"Big plans for the night?"  He asked.

Her heart sank, "Uh, no."  She heard Pidge sigh.

"Well, if you're free, Caleb, Hunk, Paton and I are going into town.  Want to check out the Arusian nightlife?"

She looked quickly at Pidge and then back up to Dante, "Thanks, but I don't think so."

"You sure?"  Dante sounded a little disappointed.

"Go ahead, Becca, it'll be fun."  Pidge said, not looking up from the screen in front of him.

"You want to go?"  Lance whispered to Darcy.  "I bet we could get Nanny to babysit."

Darcy chewed on her lower lip as she thought about it.  They hadn't really gone out since Schuyler had been born and she missed it.  "Well, if Nanny doesn't mind."

"You know she won't."

She smiled at him, "Alright, let's go."

"Come on, Bec," Dante said.

"Oh, alright.  I guess it'll be fun, checking out Arus' clubs."

"Great.  We're leaving in like ten minutes."

She nodded and watched him leave Castle Control.  Becca laid a gentle hand on Pidge's shoulder, "I wish you could come."

"If I finish up here, I might be able to meet you."  He muttered, loading a disk into the drive.

"I hope you can."  She squeezed his shoulder before leaving.

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

The sun was just starting to set as the group made their way out of the castle.  Since it was such a nice night, they had decided to walk, but about half way there, Becca was cursing the shoes she was wearing.  Yeah, they looked nice, but they weren't made for walking two miles.

Hunk and Paton led the way, holding hands and talking quietly to each other.  Caleb, Dante, and Becca came next, talking and laughing.  And bringing up the rear was Darcy and Lance.  She had both arms wrapped around his right arm and her head on his shoulder.  They lagged behind, not really talking, just enjoying their time together.

"Is there anything special you want to do while you're on Arus?"  Dante asked Becca.

Caleb snorted, "Oh, I bet there is."

Becca blushed furiously at his innuendo.  "Um, well, I'd like to see the planet, get some pictures.  It really is beautiful here.  More than anything I just miss my sister and want to spend time with her and Schuyler.  I have no set plans, but I'm open to anything."

"The best way to see the planet is from the cockpit of one of the Lions."

"So I've heard."

"Maybe I can take you for a flight sometime."  Dante whispered.

Becca looked up at him, surprised, "Uh, okay, thanks."

"It's amazing.  The Lions are the most powerful machines you'll ever fly in and the scenery is incredible."

"Yeah, I was watching practice this morning, it was awesome."

"Watching it is nothing compared to being in it.  Didn't you want to be a pilot?"

Becca shook her head, "Nah, that was Darcy's thing.  I always wanted to be a doctor.  Well, that's not entirely true.  At one point, I wanted to be a garbage man."

Dante laughed, "A garbage man?"

"Yeah, they get to ride around on those big trucks and can you imagine all the cool things people throw away.  You can tell a lot about people from their trash."

"From their apple cores and coffee grounds?"

"People throw out things besides food.  And anyway, I was five at the time.  Did you always want to be a pilot?"

Dante shook his head, "No, at one time I wanted to be a garbalologist.  You know, the people who study society and people by going through their trash."

Becca laughed, "Now you're just making fun of me."

"Who me?"  He asked in mock surprise.  "Never."

"Are you seeing that?"  Darcy whispered to Lance.


"What?"  He whispered back.

"Dante is hitting on Becca."


"They're just talking, Darc."

"I can't believe he's doing that!  Everyone knows there is something between her and Pidge."

"Darcy, don't start jumping to conclusions," Lance warned.

"Don't guys have the 'hands-off' rule?  When one of your friends likes someone, you do not try to steal them away."

"He's just being nice, babe, he's not honing in on Pidge's territory.  Pidge is busy and Dante is just trying to take her mind off of that."

"Huh, well, that better be all it is," Darcy grumbled.

"Becca can take care of herself and Dante would never do that to Pidge.  Relax."  He removed his arm from her grasp and wrapped it around her shoulders.  "Don't worry about it, we're going to have fun tonight."

"Are you going to make me dance?"

"Yes."

She sighed, "No fast numbers."

They approached Salina's club and found it to be rather crowded for a week night.  About half the tables were filled and couples were dancing to a local band who were set up opposite the bar.

They made their way to the back where there was an empty corner booth.  Drinks and appetizers were ordered, everyone picking at the food, talking and laughing.  Becca found herself relaxing, but she couldn't help but look up every time the door opened, hoping it was Pidge.  But he didn't come.

"As soon as he's done, he'll come down," Darcy whispered to her.

"I know."

"So, what were you and Dante talking about?"  Darcy asked quietly.

Becca shrugged, "Nothing really, we were just talking."

Lance slid his arm around Darcy's shoulders, pulling her close, and whispered into her ear, "Don't start."

"Come on," Hunk slid out of the booth and offered Paton his hand.  "Let's dance."

Lance tugged at Darcy's hand.

"No, no fast numbers."

"Fine," he sighed.  "Come on Becca, I bet you dance."

"I love to."  She slid out of the booth with him and turned back to her sister.  "You really need to learn to dance, Darc."

Darcy stuck her tongue out in response.  Becca pulled her hair which earned her a slap on the hand.


"Girls," Lance interrupted.  "Do I have to separate you two?"

"She's the one being an immature brat," Becca teased.

Darcy dismissed her with a wave of her hand, "Be gone with you, knave.  Go dance with my husband."

"Your sister is something else," Dante commented.

"Yeah she is," Darcy agreed.  "I know Pidge thinks so."

Dante laughed, "I'm not after her, Darc, I just think she's a nice girl.  If Pidge is too busy to show her around then that responsibility falls to the rest of us."

She narrowed her eyes, trying to decide if he was serious or not, "As long as that's all you're doing."

"Don't worry, I'm not going to trespass on my pal's territory.  He better, however, get a move on things."

"What?"

"Come on, Darcy, it's obvious she likes him, but he's not doing anything about it."

Darcy looked out on the dance floor.  Lance had Becca's hand and twirled her out and then back towards him.  They were having a good time, but when the door opened, Becca automatically turned her head to see who entered. 

"He's just being cautious."  Caleb spoke up.

"When someone flies over twenty-eight hours to visit you, you don't act cautious.  You sweep them off their feet."  Dante said.

"She's only been here two days, give them some time."

"If the computer system wasn't being such a hassle," Darcy added.  "I'm sure he would've made his move."

"What move?  Come on, this is Pidge we're talking about.  The boy doesn't have game."  Dante muttered.

"Stop that, he's a great guy.  Any girl would love to have him pay attention to her."

The music changed and Darcy looked up when someone tapped her on the shoulder.

"Hey there, beautiful, wanna dance?"

"Well, I don't know, I'm a married woman."  She answered, coyly.

"Oh yeah, I don't see your husband anywhere."

Dante rolled his eyes, "For Pete's sake, you guys are pathetic."

"Jealousy is not an attractive trait," Darcy teased as she took the hand Lance offered her.  "You need to get yourself a woman."

Becca slid back into the booth, her cheeks pink from dancing and a grin splitting her face.  "Man!  Can Lance dance!"

Dante grinned at her, "So, Becca, do you drink?"

"What do you have in mind?"  She asked, slyly.

"No, Becca, don't," Caleb cautioned.

"Come on, just a couple of shots."  Dante challenged.

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

Pidge watched as the program finished loading.  He was done, finally.  Stretching his arms above his head, he stood and tried to work the kinks out of his back.  He looked at his watch and sighed, it was after midnight.  I wonder if they're back yet or if they decided to stay and close the club.

"I'm done here," he told the guard on duty.  "We shouldn't have any problems tonight, but if you notice anything I have my communicator, contact me immediately."

"Yes, sir," the young woman saluted him.

Walking from Castle Control, Pidge rolled his shoulders and pulled out his communicator.  Keith had asked him to contact him as soon as he was done.

"Whitaker."  Keith whispered, hoping Allura didn't wake.

"Hey Cap, just wanted to let you know I finished with the computer."

"Everything alright?"

"Yeah," Pidge rubbed the back of his neck.  "It should be fine now.  I'm really sorry about that, Keith, I don't know how the program became infected.  The virus scan should have caught and quarantined it."

"Don't worry about it Pidge, I'm just glad you were able to find and fix it."

Pidge nodded, "Goodnight, man."

"Goodnight, Pidge."

Pidge stopped by the rec room and found it empty.  As was the observation deck.  He went back to Castle Control to talk to the guard on duty.

"They called for a car about ten minutes ago, sir, they're on their way home."  The Private on duty told him.  "Apparently a couple of them are drunk."

"Who?"

"I'm not sure, but Lt. Collier sounded kind of amused."

"I'm sure he did.  It's probably Dante and Caleb."

A beeping on the monitor grabbed both their attentions.

"It looks like they're back.  I'm going to go greet them."  Pidge said.

The guard nodded and flipped the switch allowing them entrance into the castle garage.

Pidge made his way down to the garage and watched as the black car maneuvered its way in to the large garage.  The front passenger side door opened and Caleb climbed out looking and acting quite sober.  The back door opened and Lance got out, offered his hand to Darcy and helped her out. 

"Come on, Rebecca," Darcy said tiredly.

Pidge heard her giggling.  His mouth fell open as he watched her stumble out of the car.  If Lance hadn't caught her, Becca would have been face down on the floor.

"Oh my gosh!  Lance I almost falled!"  Becca gasped and then burst into giggles.  "Darcy I said falled, that is the wrong word!"

"It's not even a word," Darcy told her, taking her arm.

Lance stuck his head in the door, "Can you stand Dante?"

She and Dante got drunk!  Pidge watched the scene in front of him.  Darcy was holding Becca up while Lance helped Dante out of the car.  He felt a twinge of anger and jealousy.  Dante was quite a flirt.  He would have given Lance a run for his money back at the Academy.  Pidge watched as Becca laughed and fell against Dante and they both fell back against the car.

"Come on, Rebecca, let's get you to bed."  Darcy pulled her to her feet.

"How come you're mad at me Darcy?"  Becca stuck out her lower lip.

"I'm not mad."

"Yes you are.  You only call me by my full first name when you're mad.  Just like Mom."

Darcy smiled, "Sorry, Weby."

"No, don't call me that!  Call me Becca!"

"Weby?"  Dante burst out laughing.

"When she was born, I couldn't say Rebecca, so I called her Weby, it stuck for quite a few years."  Darcy explained.

"I always hated that name," Becca whined.

"I know.  Come on, I'll tuck you in."

Becca sighed loudly, she leaned on Darcy and whispered, "I miss Pidge."

"You can see him in the morning," Darcy assured her.

"Or you can see him right now," Lance whispered.

Becca looked at him, "What you mean?"

Instead of answering her, Lance looked up at his teammate.  "Hey Pidge, how're things going?"


"Good.  I just finished fixing the computer problem, we should be clear now.  Where's Hunk?"

"He walked Paton home," Lance told him.

Pidge watched as Becca tried to stand upright but kept swaying.  "You look like you had fun."


"How come you didn't come?"  She mumbled.

"I just finished.  What did you drink?"

"It looked like tequila and tasted like tequila but it wasn't tequila."  She told him.

Lance laughed, "It was tequila."

Becca's eyes widened, "But Dante said it was some kinda Arusian thingy."

Dante sniggered.

"He lied to you, kiddo," Lance smiled.

"You liar!"  Becca turned to Dante and pushed him.  He lost his balance and grabbed her arms to keep from falling.  It didn't work, they fell to the ground in a drunken tumble.


Pidge clenched his teeth as he watched the two of them roll on the ground, laughing.

"That hurt!"  Becca cried rubbing the back of her head.

"Come on Rebecca, we need to get you to bed.  You're going to feel pretty crappy tomorrow morning."  Darcy took her sister's hands and pulled her to her feet.

"I think I have a bump."  Becca continued rubbing her head.

"You don't have a bump."

"How do you know?"

Darcy ran her hand over Becca's scalp, "Nope, no bump.  Let's get you to bed before you make a bigger ass out of yourself."

Becca looked horrified, "Am I making an ass out of myself?"

"No more so than any other drunk," Lance said as he hoisted Dante to his feet.

"But I don't drink.  Well, not very often.  Well, maybe a little." 

Darcy put her arm around Becca's waist and steered her towards the door.

Becca stopped beside Pidge and whispered, "I don't mean to make an ass out of myself."

He smiled at her, "I know."

"I really like my necklace."

"I'm glad."

Without warning Becca let go of her sister and threw her arms around Pidge's neck.  Before he could say anything, she pressed her lips to his in a hard, drunken kiss.

Pidge knew he should push her away, but his more primal instinct had him wrapping his arms around her.  She pressed against him, she was very warm and he could taste the alcohol on her.

Lance cleared his throat loudly.

Suddenly remembering there were other people in the room, Pidge pulled back.

Becca kept her arms around his neck and her eyes closed, "Mm, that was nice."

Pidge turned a deep red from the tips of his ears to his neck.

Taking pity on his comrade, Lance took Becca by the shoulders, "Come on, kid, let's get you to bed."

"Can Pidge come?"

Since it was impossible for him to be any more embarrassed, Pidge covered his face with his hand.


"Forgive her, Pidge, she isn't herself."  Darcy whispered.


"I know."

"She probably won't remember this in the morning, but when I remind her she's going to be really embarrassed."

"You, uh, you don't have to remind her," he mumbled.

Darcy grinned at him, "No, I think I do."