Hi all!
Thanks for the great reviews, I really do appreciate them. You make me look forward to checking my email (yea! It's not all spam :-) )
Anyway, once again this story is longer than I anticipated, it's starting to get away from me. But don't worry, I know where it's going and I am just having a blast writing it. And, RedLion2, your suggestion has stuck. While returning to work at the end of my break tonight, my muse struck and I have come up with a whole new idea for Cady. It will start in this story and will either take over a couple of chapters in this story or have its own spin-off…we'll have to see.
And Mustang Ace - Don't worry, the original Force members won't be sitting on their hands. And I wouldn't exactly refer to Allura as a desk jockey, she is ruling a planet and raising six kids :)
Starlette Rose- I have to admit that Lance has got to be my favorite character to write, I have so much fun with him. I'm glad you enjoy it!C-Town Chica - As always, thank you so so much for your support and reviews! I am so glad to know you're enjoying the story.
One more thing, due to belated birthday celebrations, I will be out of town for a long weekend and won't be able to update until next week.
Thank you for all your support!
Enjoy,
Failte
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"What is it?" Erik asked when they ran into Castle Control.
Keith looked up and couldn't help but notice the disheveled appearance of the new first and second in command, even as Erik ran his hand through his hair, trying to smooth it down. They had obviously not been playing video games. But he had to admit that they had arrived quickly and ready for action, actually beating the other three Force members.
"Unidentified ships have entered the outer atmosphere and refuse to acknowledge our attempts to contact them. They have not tried to enter our internal airspace, but we want the Lions up there to check it out." Keith explained.
Erik nodded and turned to his team, "To your Lions, guys."
Keith and Pidge stood in Castle Control with Whitman and a handful of other guards. Lance had gone home an hour earlier and he had sent Allura, Becca, Sven, Romelle, and the children deeper into the castle as a safety precaution. Guards were sent out to man the turret guns and the Air Brigade was put on standby. Keith and Pidge watched as the five Lions took off for their first battle without them.
"It seems kind of surreal," Pidge muttered.
"Yeah, I know." Keith replied, his eyes glued on Blue and Yellow. His boys were up there and he couldn't be prouder, nor could he be more nervous."We'll go up in V-formation," Erik called to his teammates. "Once we assess the situation, we'll go from there."
"Yes, sir," Sky and Brina replied.
"Aye, Cap," Declan called.
Gideon just grunted in response.They flew up through the atmosphere and out into space.
"37 degrees south-southwest," Keith called over the comm..
Erik turned Black and the other four followed. There, seemingly hovering over Arus, were two transport ships. As soon as the Lions were in sight, both ships fired up and took off.
"They have gone beyond our radar," Pidge said.
"All right, I want you guys to circle for a while and watch for any other action," Keith commanded.
"Search formation," Erik said.
The Lions separated and circled, staying within visual sight of Black. They circled the outer atmosphere for fifteen minutes with no sign of alien ship, before diving lower and circling above the Castle of Lions for another ten when Keith called them in."Did you notice anything about the ships?" Keith asked when they entered.
"Just a pair of T-9 transports," Erik said. "The only thing I noticed was that it had a design painted on the side, I couldn't tell if it was on both sides or not. It was orange and red, but I couldn't tell what exactly it was. Could you guys?"
Sky, Declan, and Brina all shook their heads.
"I thought it looked kind of like a bird of some kind," Gideon said.
"A bird?" Keith asked.
"Didn't Vinn take on the phoenix as his symbol?" Sky spoke up.
Keith nodded, "Yeah, he did."
"The phoenix?" Brina asked. "Why? Is that a bird?"
Pidge nodded, "It's an old Terran myth. The story of a bird who died in flames but rose again from the ashes. It usually symbolizes rebirth."
"We believe Vinn's mother was a Terran woman, he may have heard the story from her," Keith explained. "He may think of his uprising as a rebirth of Doom."
"You think he's that deep?" Pidge asked.
"He's not a stupid man, he has built an amazing following and has been able to escape prosecution. I think we have a very worthy adversary on our hands, more so than Lotor ever was." Keith turned to the five pilots before him. "Looks like you are all back on duty tonight. Be prepared to be called up at any moment."
"Yes, sir."
"Sky?"
She turned back to her father's best friend as the others filed out, "Yes, sir?"
"I'm sorry, I know I told Lance you could have some time off and go home for dinner, but I will have to take that back."
"No problem, I understand."
Keith looked up and saw Erik standing at attention by the door, waiting. "Erik, come here."
"Yes, sir?"
Keith looked at the two young people in front of him and he couldn't help but smile a little. They reminded him so much of him and Allura twenty plus years ago. "Do you guys have anything you want to tell us?"
"Like what, Uncle Keith?" Sky asked innocently.
He chuckled, like he would expect anything else from Lance's daughter. "I have no right to pass judgment since Allura and I were in the same situation not too long ago, but I hope you will be careful. I know you don't want a lecture, but I am speaking from experience. This will not be easy, you will have to go into battle and keep your mind trained on the task at hand, not worrying about each other. As difficult as it may seem, you can't allow your feelings to get in the way of your mission. I know, I know, you will stand here and assure me that won't happen and I know you believe that and I know you will try, but it is easier said than done. Believe me, I know."
Sky studied a spot on the ground just in front of her feet. She knew Erik was standing right beside her, looking Keith in the eye. Why couldn't they all just let them be? They knew what was at stake, they just wanted to spend what little free time they had together. Why did everyone have to keep bothering them? Why did they all think that she and Erik had no idea what they were getting into?
"Sky?"
She looked up at Keith, "Yes, sir?"
"I don't doubt that you can handle this, I just don't want you overwhelmed."
"I know."
"If either of you need to talk, just remember that Allura and I are here for you."
"Thank you," Erik said. "We appreciate that."
"All right, you're dismissed, just stay near. And I'll call Lance to let him know why you can't come home tonight," Keith said.
Sky shrugged, "You don't have to do that, Uncle Keith.""I need to talk to him anyway. Go. If there is one bit of advice I can give you, grab your moments together whenever you can, just don't do anything stupid."
"Yes, sir, thank you," Erik nodded to him and took Sky's elbow. "Want to go grab our some dinner?"
"Sure," she turned to Keith. "Thank you."
"No problem, kid," he grinned at her. "Just remember, I may be your boss, but I'm still your friend."
"Well that was a little awkward," Sky whispered when she and Erik left Castle Control.
He slid his hand down her arm to take hers, "Get used to it, Sunny. Everyone knows by now and we can't pretend otherwise. Be prepared to be teased and lectured."
"Why can't they just let us be?"
"Because they're our family and they love us."
"Yeah, I know," she sighed.
"Declan give it back!"
Sky and Erik entered the kitchen to see Tess standing on her toes and trying to grab a book out of her brother's hand.
"I'm just looking out for your best interests, Tessy," Declan said.
"Give it back now! Or I'll tell Dad!"
Dec tossed the book over the table to his brother.
"Come on, Tess, we're your brothers," Gideon told her. "We just want to look out for you and to do that we need to know what's going on in your life."
Tears welled up in her brown eyes, "Gideon I mean it! Give it back now!"
Gideon went to throw it back to Declan when Sky stepped in and snatched the book from him. It was a maroon, leather bound book with gold letters that read 'Journal' across the front. "You guys can really be a couple of jerks," she said handing the book back to Tess.
"Oh, come on," Declan said as Tess ran from the room. "She's our little sister, it is well within our right to torment her."
"Where's Brina?" Erik asked.
Declan shrugged, "She said she wasn't hungry. I think she's nervous about an attack."
"We all are," Gideon pointed out as he yanked open the refrigeration unit.
"I thought they had just started to move again," Declan said.
"They did," Erik went to the cupboard and started pulling out plates. "But they don't all move as one large unit. Vinn has ships and people placed throughout the galaxy."
"What do you think they were doing here?" Sky asked."Scouting, most likely."
"How well known is it that Voltron is back?" Gideon asked as he pulled out some covered dishes.
"The Garrison was alerted. It's not a secret, but it's not something we're bragging about," Erik explained.
"Those were old ships," Declan pointed out. "If his entire military is made up of ships like that, we should have no problem taking them down."
"It's a cover," Gideon said.
Erik looked at him, "What do you mean?"
"Did you see the weapon mounted on the top? It was a recent update to the Klimpton Gun, the lasers can be damaging up to twelve hundred yards and it can fire ten thousand rounds before it needs to be recharged. It's a top of the line gun, we just updated the turret guns to that last year."
"So the old ships mask what could be a great fighting machine," Sky muttered, putting a dish in the microwave to heat up.
"Exactly."
The door slid open and Sven walked in with Romelle, Delora, Allura, and Nicky.
"Keit said you guys did vell," Sven said.
"All we did was scare them enough to fly away," Gideon said.
"Ve're going to head home tonight," Sven told his son. "If dere is a threat, I vant to be on Pollux in case anyting should happen."
"When are you leaving?" Erik asked.
"Around eight. It'll be a late night, but I don't vant to vait any longer."
Nicky climbed up into Declan's lap and proceeded to eat his sandwich.
"Excuse me, Nicholas," Declan tugged on a lock of his hair. "That's my dinner."
"I 'ungry," the little boy replied around a mouthful of food.
"Nanny wasn't feeling too well, so I gave her the evening off," Allura explained. "And we didn't get a chance to eat before the alarms went off, so everyone is on their own because I don't feel like cooking right now."
"Geez, Mom," Declan ruffled his little brother's hair. "Can't you teach your kids any manners?"
"I tried," Allura sighed. "But somewhere along the way, I failed with you and you screwed up Nicky."
Gideon kissed his mother's cheek, "I have good manners, Mom."
"Yes, you do, sweetie," she patted cheek. "At least when I'm around you do. I don't want to know what goes on when I'm not here."
"No, you don't," Sky agreed.
The door opened again and Charlotte, Becca, Tori, and Luke walked in. The kitchen filled quickly as more food was pulled out and everyone picked at the plates set out on the table. It was so loud and crowded, Sky almost didn't hear her communicator as it went off.
Walking over to the door, away from the noise, she flipped it open, "Collier."
"Sky, can you come to my study, please?" Keith asked.
"Yeah, I'm on my way. Is everything okay?"
"Yes, you're father would like to speak with you and I have him on the phone now."
"Okay, I'm on my way."
The door to Keith's study was open when Sky arrived. Keith was sitting back in his chair and talking animatedly with Lance. She stood back a moment, watching the easy interaction between the old friends. Keith was still a handsome man, a few gray hairs peppered his dark head. His face was craggier, but his body was still in great shape. They had all aged, she hadn't really taken notice until recently.
The original Voltron Force had always been heroes to Sky. She had grown up hearing the stories of all they had done for Arus, she had been taught about them in school, and all that time she had been close enough to see them as the amazing, every day people they were. None of them had allowed fame to go to their heads, they were her parents, her aunts and uncles, and she loved them all dearly.
She cleared her throat quietly and Keith glanced over his shoulder before turning back to the screen in front of him, "Looks like Sky is here, I'll leave you guys to talk." He stood and left the room, winking at Sky as he passed.
Sky sat down in the chair Keith had just vacated and offered a small smile to the image of her parents, "Hi, what's up?"
"Hi honey," Darcy smiled at her. "We heard you guys had your first real alarm."
"Yeah, it was just a scare, but it was exciting."
"They're scouting us out," Lance said. "Be prepared, they could come back at any moment."
"I know."
"How's your neck?" Her mother asked.
Sky rolled her eyes, "The same it was when you were here a few hours ago."
"Don't get smartmouthed," Lance reprimanded.
She snorted, "Well if that isn't the pot calling the kettle black."
Darcy chuckled but decided to step in before it went any farther, "All right, children, knock it off. So, Schuyler, how are things with Erik?"
"Fine."
"He and I had a little talk earlier," Lance said.
"Dad, what do you have against Erik?"
"Nothing, Erik's a good kid. But you guys are just kids, I don't want you rushing in and getting over your heads."
"We're not that much younger than you and Mom were when you met."
"We're not talking about your mother and I, we're talking about you."
Sky raised her eyebrows, "And?"
"And," he cleared his throat. "And I don't want to see you hurt or under any unneeded stress."
"Erik isn't going to hurt me, Dad, and even if he does, I can handle it and I can handle him."
"We know, sweetheart," Darcy spoke up. "We just want you to know that we went through this and we know how difficult it can be. If you need anything or if you just want to talk, you know where to find us."
"I know, Mom, thank you. We got the same line from Uncle Keith a little while ago."
"Yeah, Keith said he spoke to you," Lance sighed. "Just don't let it get in the way of your work."
"Come on, Dad, you know I won't."
"If he does anything or says anything…"
"Dad," Sky interrupted exasperatedly. "I can handle him."
"Honey," Darcy turned to her husband. "Why don't you go check on dinner?"
"What? It's not ready yet."
"Just go, Lance."
"But…"
"I want to partake in a little girl talk with my daughter."
"There's nothing you can say that I can't hear."
Darcy rolled her eyes, "We're going to talk about menstruation and shoes."
Lance looked at his wife, then his daughter, "Um, okay, Sky, be careful, if, uh, if you need anything, you know how to get a hold of me."
Sky rolled her eyes, "Bye, Dad."
"Bye, kiddo."
Darcy waited until Lance left the room before turning back to the monitor, "Please forgive him, Sky, he is just trying to look out for his little girl."
"But I'm an adult now, Mother, why can't he see that?"
"Because he doesn't want to. He really does mean well and we both love Erik, you know that and, to be honest, none of us are surprised by this."
"I know."
"So things are okay with you two?"
Sky smiled foolishly, "Yeah, they are. He's amazing, Mom."
"I can remember when I realized that about your father. Just be careful, Sky."
"I will."
Darcy smiled wistfully at her daughter, "Keep in touch. Feel free to call or stop by any time."
"I know, Mom, I will."
"Have a good night, sweetie."
"You too, Mom."
Sky sat back in Keith's chair and stared at the dark screen. She knew she was lucky to have her parents. They were patient and fun and wonderful. They never talked down to her and had always supported her in everything she had done. And the day she had announced that she wanted to fly, well, her father had nearly gone through the roof with joy. That night he had taken her up for her first chance to fly Red herself.
Sighing deeply, she pushed herself up out of the chair. Her stomach rumbled, reminding her that she hadn't had a chance to eat before she left the kitchen.
There should still be plenty to eat left, she thought resting her hand on her stomach.
"Hey there."
Sky wasn't really surprised to see Erik waiting for her in the hallway, without realizing it, she had expected him to be there. "Hi."
He held out a small parcel wrapped in a napkin.
Wordlessly, she took it from him and smiled when she peeled back the napkin to reveal a peanut butter sandwich, "Thank you."
"You disappeared and I was able to weasel out of Keith where you had gone. I didn't know how long you would be and that you hadn't eaten and since you get grumpy when you don't eat, I thought I would bring you something."
Sky swallowed her first mouthful of sandwich and scowled at him, "So I'm cranky when I don't get sleep and I'm grumpy when I don't eat. However do you stand me?"
Erik slung an arm around her shoulders as they headed down the hall, his other arm still behind his back, "I don't really know. Maybe I should dump you for a more pleasant girl."
"Maybe you should," she grumbled, shaking his arm off her. "Besides, you forgot…" she stopped when he brought his other arm from behind his back and presented her with a small bottle of milk. "Ooohhh, I love you."
Laughing, he wrapped his arm around her shoulders again and pressed a kiss to her temple, "Love you, too, Sunny. Don't forget that."
"Have we heard anything else?" She asked taking a swig of milk.
He shook his head, "No. We're on standby, so eat while you can and sleep while you can because we could be called up at any time. I have a feeling there is something Keith isn't telling us."
"What do you mean?"
Erik shrugged, "It's just a feeling I have. He took Pidge, Allura, and my father and disappeared, saying we will probably have a meeting later."
"This really is it, isn't it? We're really entering a war." She whispered.
He tightened his arm and hugged her close, "Yeah, Sunny, we probably are."
Swallowing the last of her sandwich, Sky snaked her arm around his waist, "We'll get through this, right?"
Erik was more than a little surprised at her question. Sky was always so confident and sure of herself, to hear her doubt worried him. "Yeah, we'll be fine. We need to get rid of this little problem so I can take you out."
"Oh yeah? Where would we go?"
"Well, maybe for our first date, we could go out to dinner and then see a movie. Our second date, we will go hear a band play at a club and sit at a back table where I could make out with you and no one would notice. On our third date, I would take you to Pollux and introduce you to the joys of my home planet."
"That sounds nice," she sighed, resting her head against his shoulder. "Now we just have to take care of this Vinn guy."
"Pshaw," Erik flicked his wrist. "It won't take us more than a couple of hours."
"Good, there's a movie playing I want to see."
"Oh yeah? It better not be a chick-flick."
Sky snorted, "Yeah right, you know how much I love…"
The shrill ringing of the castle alarms had them breaking apart and running down the hall. They burst into Castle Control at the heels of the twins, Brina arriving seconds after they did. Keith, Pidge, Allura and Sven were standing at the main console with Whitman, other guards posted around the room.
"What is it?" Erik asked.
"Unidentified ship entering Arusian airspace," Whitman replied. "We're attempting to contact them now."
"You have entered Arusian airspace, please state your name and business," Keith called into the comm unit.
They all watched as the static filled monitor slowly cleared and the image of a young man, his face mostly hidden behind his flight mask, appeared, "Sir, I am Private Likar here on behalf of His Excellency Kabandha Vinn. He has sent a message for Her Royal Highness Queen Allura of Arus."
Keith glanced at the radar, noticing that there was no other ship, just the small transport. "You will be escorted to a landing zone by two of our Air Brigade ships. We will meet you there."
"Yes, sir."
Keith closed the transmission and barked out orders to his men. Two ships were sent up, the turret guns were still manned and he waved over half a dozen guards to escort them. He then turned to the five members of the Force waiting for instruction, "The five of you will come with us. You will observe and act as guards, understand?"
"Yes, sir." They all replied.
Three guards led the way out of Castle Control followed by Allura, who had her hand tucked into Keith's elbow, then came the three other guards with the five Force members bringing up the rear.
They made their way to the third tarmac, the furthest landing zone from the castle. Sky looked around to see all the turret guns were manned and the soldiers were following their movements. Numerous soldiers and guards patrolled the grounds. She knew Keith and Allura were taking no chances when it came to their children and were purposefully keeping this messenger as far from the castle as possible.
The Force stood at attention and watched as the Arusian ships escorted the foreign ship to the tarmac. Allura stepped forward with Keith to her right and half a step behind her, the six guards stationed along the landing zone within six to ten feet away. The small transport landed and the doorway opened, a small set of steps lowering to the ground.
Private Likar had removed his helmet to show a rose colored complexion, lighter than Vinn had had in the picture Sky had seen on the internet. His hair was a pale green and his eyes a vibrant purple. His helmet was tucked under his left arm as he walked with a measured clip to Allura. Bowing deeply, he stood again and held out his right arm, presenting her with a large orange envelope.
Nodding to him, Allura accepted the envelope, Keith stepping forward to stand beside her. He never took his eyes off the young pilot before them as his wife read the letter presented to her.
Allura's eyes skimmed the paper, her back stiffened as she pulled herself up to her full height of five foot five. Slowly, she folded the letter and slipped it back into the envelope before raising her eyes to the boy in front of her. "Private, you may freely leave our planet and return to your leader. Tell Vinn we are not interested in any alliance and there will be no negotiations. If he feels the need to try and force his way onto my planet, if he attacks in any way, we will be prepared and we will have the full backing of the Garrison."
Private Likar nodded his head once, "Yes, Ma'am."
"Oh, and Private," Allura added before he could leave. "Take my word, it would be in your best interest to disassociate yourself with Vinn before any trouble starts. He will not win and everyone associated with him will be punished."
Likar did not respond, he quietly turned on his heel and returned to his ship.
Allura handed the envelope to Keith as the ship ascended. He pulled out the letter and read over it quickly, his expression darkening. He too folded it and placed it back in the envelope, looking up at the Voltron Force, "We will meet in the conference room in ten minutes."