Hi all!
Wow! Thank you so much for you wonderul reviews! You have no idea how much I appreciate them and the time you put into writing them and reading my story. You all have just made my day :)
I hope you continue to enjoy this story!
Enjoy,
Failte
After a night of tossing and turning, Tristan rose before dawn. He showered and dressed and made sure he had packed everything into his Garrison issued dufflebag. The clothes he had been wearing the day before were shoved into the trashcan in the bathroom, he knew that even if they could be cleaned, he would never wear them again.
With a half hour before he needed to board his ship, Tristan decided to stop by the hospital and see if there was any news on Cady. His worrying about her had kept him from sleeping that night. His mind was working overtime, trying to figure out a way to stay while his heart beat madly at the thought of her.
The waiting room was empty when he entered, a stark contrast to how it had been the night before. Tristan stood in the center of the room for a moment, uncertain where to go.
"Oh, hello."
He turned and saw a nurse walk in. "Um, hi."
"What can I do for you?" She asked.
"I, uh, I was wondering if there was any word on the Princess."
"She still hasn't woken," the woman told him as she rounded the desk. "But her vitals are good."
"Can I, uh, can I see her?" He whispered.
"Well, the Queen is in with her now, but I can check with her if you'd like."
"Oh, no, that's all right, I don't want to disturb her." Tristan took a step back.
"Lieutenant, what are you doing here so early?"
He turned to see Allura standing in the doorway to the recovery room. Her hair was pulled back in a hasty bun and her face looked drawn and aged. Her beautiful blue eyes were lined and red, her mouth a thin line. She had obviously not slept at all.
Tristan bowed, "Good morning, your highness. I was hoping to hear news of the Princess before I left."
"You're leaving?" Allura asked.
"Yes, Ma'am, I am being sent to Planet Zettle."
She covered her mouth to hide a yawn, "Well, Cady has not yet woken, but if you wouldn't mind sitting with her for a moment, I would appreciate it."
"I don't…"
"I need a small break and I don't want her to wake up alone," Allura interrupted. "It would be a favor to me."
Defeated, Tristan bowed, "Of course, your highness."
"Thank you, Lieutenant."
And before he knew it, Tristan was alone in the hospital room with Cady. He crept over to her bed and felt a pressure around his heart. Unconsciously, he lifted his hand and rubbed it over his chest, trying to loosen the pain. She was lying motionless on the narrow white bed. Her face nearly as white as the sheet pulled up to her chest. The only sounds were of the heart monitor and her shallow breathing. He swallowed hard and stood beside her bed.
Giving in to the need to touch her, Tristan gently touched her hand, half expecting, half hoping for a response. But there was none. Very slowly, he lowered himself into the chair the Queen had vacated. He let out a breath he hadn't realized he had been holding and took her hand in his.
"I am so, so sorry, Cady. I still don't completely know what happened, but I do know that it shouldn't have happened. I have to leave, Cady, as a matter of fact, I'm leaving in about twenty minutes." He paused in his one-sided conversation. If she had woken and asked him not to go, he would have thrown Captain Klari's orders back in her face and found a way to stay. But she didn't wake.
With a heavy heart, he stood, still holding her hand. "I'll make this up to you someday, Cady, I promise." Gently laying her hand back on the bed, he brushed the hair from her forehead and pressed a kiss to her cool, pale skin. "I promise."
Allura stopped in the doorway just as Tristan kissed her daughter's forehead. Now they were not stupid. She and her husband had discussed the possibility of Cady and Lt. Alexander growing close, but they couldn't be too sure. Knowing he didn't want to be caught, Allura whirled around, counted to ten and then walked back into the room.
"Thank you, Lieutenant, I appreciate your help. Was there any change?"
"No, Ma'am, I'm sorry," he couldn't hide the disappointment in his voice.
Allura took his hand and squeezed it gently, "Have a safe trip, Lieutenant, and know that you have an open invitation to come back any time."
"Thank you, your highness." He ducked his head in a quick bow and stole one last glance at Cady before leaving.
……………………………………..
Tristan was shocked to see quite a few people standing out on the tarmac when he arrived fifteen minutes later. He had been feeling so lonely, so low. But the sight of Commander Whitaker and his crew, along with the new Voltron Force and Captain Klari waiting for him did lift his spirits a bit.
"Lieutenant," Keith saluted him. "Have a safe trip. We hope to see you back here once you're cleared."
Tristan saluted, "Thank you sir, I certainly hope to return."Lance, Pidge and Hunk each had their turn to shake his hand and wish him luck. Gideon nodded to him, still not trusting this man who had allowed his sister to get shot. Declan shook his hand and quietly wished him luck when Brina elbowed him in the side.
Erik shook his hand, "Good luck man, keep in touch."
"Yeah, you too," Tristan paused and opened his dufflebag. After shuffling through its neatly packed contents, he pulled out a piece of paper and a pen. "This is my email address," he told Erik quietly. "Please drop me a line and let me know how she's doing, when she wakes."
Erik nodded and took the slip from him and tore a clean piece off it, "Let me give you my address too, keep in touch, Tristan."
"Good luck, Tristan," Sky shook his hand.
"Thank you, Sky, you too," Tristan held onto her hand and leaned closer so no one else could hear him. "Tell her I'm sorry. I don't want to leave, but…"
"I know, she'll understand," Shy assured him.
He nodded, "I hope she does."
"Lieutenant," Captain Klari's voice cut into their conversation. "It's time to go, boy."
Taking a deep breath, Tristan straightened up and adjusted the strap of his bag on his shoulder. "Yes, Ma'am." He turned to the gathered crowd, "Thank you all for the kindness you have shown me. I have learned a lot and, whether or not I am able to return here, I will do my best to continue to pursue Vinn."
"I'm sure you will," Captain Klari ushered him toward his ship. "Have a safe trip, Lieutenant."
Tristan glanced over his shoulder and saw Erik hold up the piece of paper and salute while Sky stood beside him and waved. He jogged up the steps and into the small ship. Moments later, the door closed and the pilot was given clearance for takeoff. And Lt. Tristan Alexander was gone.
………….……………………………………….
"Any change?" Keith asked, walking into Cady's room a few hours later.
Allura shook her head.
"Sweetie," he laid a hand on her shoulder. "Why don't you go take a nap, I'll sit with her.""Okay," she stood and stretched. "But only if you promise to call me the second anything happens."
"I promise."
Allura squeezed her daughter's hand, "She should have woken by now, Keith."
"Oh come on, this Cady. You know she was never one to wake up early. I remember you have to set her clock half an hour ahead when she was younger just so she would get up in time for school."
Smiling weakly, Allura kissed his cheek. "I'll be back."
"We'll be here."
Keith sat patiently, holding his daughter's hand and talking to her in quiet soothing tones. He told her about the team fighting Vinn back, how Lance was worried about Sky and Erik, how he had noticed that Brina and Declan seemed close, how they needed to come up with something for the twins since their birthday was the next month, anything that came to mind. His heart broke a little as he watched his eldest lying there, unresponsive.
A little over an hour after he had entered her room, Keith felt a movement. He looked down to see Cady's fingers curl around his. "Cady, can you hear me baby?"
Her fingers tightened ever so slightly around his.
"Can you open your eyes, Cady?"
Her eyelids fluttered.
"Come on, sweetie, open your eyes," Keith voice rose with excitement.
"Dad?" Her voice was barely a whisper, hoarse and dry.
"Yeah, sweetie," he bent down and kissed her forehead. "I'm going to get Becca, okay? I'll be right back."
"Mm."
"I'll be right back," he laid her hand down gently and patted it, almost afraid that she would slip back into unconsciousness if he stopped touching her.
Becca kicked Keith out of the room while she examined Cady. As he paced the waiting room, he pulled out his communicator and called Allura. Ten minutes later, she arrived, looking only slightly more refreshed.
"How is she?"
"Becca is still in with her."
"How did she seem? Was she alert? Was she in a lot of pain?"
"Honey," Keith hugged her. "I don't know. Becca will tell us when she knows."
"Should we let everyone else know she woke up? The twins should be here and Sky."
"Allura, let's see what Becca has to say before we get everyone here. Calm down."
She let out a long breath and leaned into his embrace.
"Keith? Allura?"At the sound of Becca's voice, Allura turned and faced her. "How is she?"
"Well, she did wake up, her vitals are good. With rest, she'll be fine. Cady just needs time to heal." Becca explained. "She's asleep again, but that's understandable considering the amount of pain medication she is on."
"She'll be okay?" Allura whispered.
"Yes, she'll be fine."
Relief surged through Allura as she sagged against her husband and tears moistened her eyes.
"Why don't you go get some rest, Allura," Becca suggested. "We don't need you getting run down. If all goes well, I am planning on moving Cady into one of the other rooms where she will be more comfortable."
"That sounds like a good idea," Keith agreed.
"You'll call me if anything happens or if she wakes?" The Queen asked.
"Of course."
"All right," Allura sighed. "I think we should get everyone up to date on her condition and then I'll go lie down for a while."
"Sounds like a plan," Becca smiled reassuringly. "Call everyone here and I'll explain it to them."
………………………………………………….
"How long will she be laid up?" Declan asked twenty minutes later.
Keith and Allura had called in their five other children, Nanny, Lance, Darcy, Hunk, Pidge, Sky, Erik, and Brina into the waiting room. Becca had just filled them in on Cady's situation.
"She's healthy and strong, I would say she'll be up and around in a couple of weeks. She will have to wear a sling for a while and I would guess that it will be about two months before she has full use of her arm and shoulder. It will be difficult, I'm not going to try and sugarcoat it for you. Cady will be heavily medicated for a while, the pain will be bad. And she'll need some physical therapy later." Becca explained.
"But…she will be okay?" Sky asked.
"Yes, I assure you all Cady will be fine."
"All right team," Keith announced. "Gideon, you're on duty in Castle Control. Paton is talking to the two people in custody, we will be having a meeting today at 1630 and we'll discuss what we've discovered. And we will be meeting the second that Captain Klari has sent for. You can all go."
"A new second?" Sky asked. "Does this mean Tristan isn't coming back?"
Keith sighed, "It isn't up to us."
The group split up and went their separate ways. Declan and Brina disappeared to work on target practice or go for a walk, whichever they deemed more important. Gideon and Hunk returned to Castle Control while Nanny ushered the children out, Charlotte and Tess had homework to finish. Erik disappeared into his room to send Tristan an email.
Darcy grabbed Sky before she could leave, "Honey, a box arrived for you the other day."
"Oh, Mom, would you mind sneaking that up here later, it's Erik's birthday present." Sky whispered, looking over her shoulder to make sure he wasn't anywhere around.
"No problem, Sky, I'll be at the meeting later, I'll take it to your room beforehand."
"Thanks, Mom."
"Speaking of Erik," Lance appeared at his daughter's side. "What do you say we go for a walk?"
"Lance," Darcy said warningly.
"What? I just want to talk to my little girl."
Sky rolled her eyes, "What is it, Dad?"
Lance threw his arm around her shoulders and led her from the room, "You know, honey, it seems like just yesterday you were sitting on my lap in Red's cockpit, clapping your hands and laughing."
"That was more like fourteen years ago."
"I know. Time goes by so fast."
"Sunrise, sunset. Sunrise, sunset." Sky murmured.
"Don't get smart with me, Schuyler," Lance replied, biting back a smile. "You are a beautiful young woman, Sky, and I think it's time we had a talk before things got out of hand."
Sky snorted, "You're kidding me, right?"
"What?"
"Dad, Mom had the talk with me years ago. I know where babies come from and the importance of waiting for the right time, after I get married, although considering the fact that I was at your wedding, you guys really don't have room to lecture me on that."
"Schuyler Grace, that is not the point. We don't want you to make the same mistakes we did…"
"Oh, so you're saying I was a mistake?"
"No!" Lance stopped and ran his hands through his hair. "This isn't coming out right. You were not a mistake, you were the best thing to ever happen to your mother and me. We thought we could never have children, you were a surprise, certainly, but you were a blessing. If we had to do it all over again, we wouldn't change a thing. What I am trying to say is that you are young and you have so much ahead of you, don't get tied down too young."
Sky sighed and crossed her arms over her chest, "Really, Dad! I am not planning on getting married any time soon. We are in the middle of a battle, I have a lot going on and getting married and raising a family is the furthest thing from my mind right now. Erik and I are no longer trying to hide our relationship because, apparently everyone knew about before we did. I love him, Dad, I know you think I'm too young, but I do. We are careful and nothing bad will happen."
Lance narrowed his eyes and glared at her, "You are careful? What has he talked you in to? Damnit, I knew letting you date Sven's son was a mistake. He is the same suave, ladies man his father always was."
"Uncle Sven?" Sky laughed. She could not picture her settled 'uncle', happily married, father of two as a ladies man.
"Yes, Uncle Sven. Before he met your Aunt Romelle, he was a quite the cad. Dating a different woman every weekend at the Academy."
"I've heard similar stories about you."
"Watch it, young lady, I am still your father."
"Dad, you have to trust me. Erik would never make me do anything I didn't want to do, no one can make me do anything I don't want to do."
Lance felt angry and helpless. He let out a sigh and spoke in a stilted voice, "Just…just promise me you will use protection."
Heat rushed to Sky's face, "As if this conversation couldn't get any more uncomfortable. Dad we don't need to use protection because we aren't doing anything! Geez, would you trust me!"
"I do trust you, I just don't trust him."
"Dad! It's Erik! Come on!"
"Sky, honey," he took her arms gently. "I just know how easy it is to get swept up in the emotions of the moment. You guys are in a very high-stress situation and that causes certain lapses in judgment. He is a flyboy, I know because I was one, before your mother tamed me into the dignified man I am today."
Sky snorted."I just don't want you to do anything you'll regret later. You have plenty of time for…"
"Sex?"
Lance winced, "Yes, for that. Don't rush into anything and don't let him make you feel as though you have to."
"Dad, I am not in any rush, but when Erik and I do decide we're ready to take our relationship to the next step, you will be the first to know."
Starting at his neck just above his collar and moving up his face over his ears and to his hairline, Lance's head turned a brilliant shade of red. His hands gripped her arms a little tighter and she felt a slight tremble in his hands.
"Dad, please, Dad I was kidding."
He loosened his grip and studied her a moment. As far as he was concerned she was one of the two most beautiful women in the universe, in any universe. The thought that his little girl was growing up and turning to another man for comfort, protection, and love cut him deep. Lance knew she would always be his daughter and she would always love him, but he would no longer be the number one man in her life. He pulled her into a hug.
"I love you, Sky, and I trust you. Just…just be careful.""I will, Dad," she returned his hug. "I love you too."
"There is a convent on Planet Holior. It's not that far. We could visit you a couple of times a week. They're a good group of women. I would be fine with that, thrilled actually. You would never have to buy me another birthday or Christmas present."
Sky smiled, "That's not going to happen, Dad."
"I know, but a man can dream, can't he?"
She tilted her head back, "Don't you want to have grandchildren someday?"
"Someday," he replied. "Maybe someday ten years or so down the road."
"So five months would be too soon?"
Lance scowled at her, "Not funny."
"I thought it was. Erik would think it was."
"I swear, Schuyler, if he steps one toe out of line, I will rip his arms off and beat him over the head with them."
"I know, Dad," she smiled at him. "Thanks."
"Go," he released her and pushed her away. "Make me proud, just don't make me a grandpa."
……………………………………………………….
Tristan had been assigned a barrack on the outpost in Planet Zettle and had gone immediately to see the medic. Five minutes later, the medic turned him away, grumbling about pretty boys wasting his time with unimportant injuries. Since it was still early, he went to the CO's office and asked for the forms necessary to request a reassignment.
Dinner had been served, but he spent most of the time pushing the food around on his tray and repeatedly checked his watch, which was still set to Arus' time. It was proving to be the longest day of his life.
By mid evening, he made his way to the rec room. A couple of hard, uncomfortable looking couches sat in front of an old televiewer set. A pool table, with one leg shorter than the rest and propped up with an operation's manual, stood behind the couches. A couple of tables were used to play games or write letters while one table sat along the back wall with three computers set up on it.
Tristan made a beeline to the one free computer and signed on. His mailbox held three messages, one from his mother, another from his old high school best friend, and one from Erik. Swallowing hard, he skipped the first two and opened Erik's email.
Tristan,
How's it going? I hope you made it safely to Zettle, please drop me a line and let me know you got there safely, everyone is wondering about you. What did the medic say? Anything Becca didn't say?
All right, enough with the pleasantries, I'll get right to the point. Cady woke up today. It wasn't for long, but she did wake up. Becca said she will be in and out of it for a while, she's in a lot of pain and is heavily medicated.
Tristan felt his heart stop. She's in a lot of pain. He rubbed a shaky hand over his face and took a deep breath.
"Are you okay, Lieutenant?"
He looked up and saw the young private sitting at the computer next to him watching him. "Yeah, Private, I'm fine." He turned back and finished Erik's email.
It will be a while before she's back to normal. She'll have to wear a sling and Becca thinks it'll be about two months or so before she is completely back to normal. But she'll be fine, Tristan.
Keep in touch, man. Let us know if you are able to be reassigned here. Keith had mentioned a new second for Captain Klari, so you're going to want to act fast.
I'll talk to you later,
Erik
Tristan read the message twice. She was in pain, but she would be fine. If he could, he would take every bit of pain she was feeling away from her, he would gladly endure it for her, but he couldn't. Taking a deep breath and pausing a moment to think about it, he replied to Erik's email.
Erik,
Thank you for your email. I made it safely to Planet Zettle, the trip was quick and uneventful. The medic agreed with Dr. Audric and said I was fine. Now I am just waiting for my reassignment.
I was thrilled
He stopped and looked at that line a moment before deleting it and starting again.
I was pleased to hear that the Princess is doing well and that she will be fine. Please tell her I said hello.
He stopped again and swore under his breath. The right words just weren't coming out. He quickly erased the last five words and tried again.
Please give her my regards and let her know my thoughts are with her.
I would like to thank you for alerting me to her progress and I would appreciate any further news you can send me concerning her health. Please give my regards to the others and let them know I'm fine and doing well. Since it seems Captain Klari has already found a new second, I highly doubt I will be reassigned there, but I thank you for the information.
Respectfully Yours,
Lt. Tristan Alexander
He knew it sounded cold, not a note you would send a friend. But it just couldn't be. If Captain Klari already requested and was granted another second-in-command, then she had been planning this for a while and she wasn't going to allow him to come back. It was over and Tristan knew the best thing for all of them was for him to not even try and return to Arus.
Swallowing his regret, Tristan pushed the send button and watched the little window pop-up that told him his mail had been sent. Now, the best thing for him to do would be to keep busy. Hope for a quick reassignment to a place far away from Arus.
"Whoa, check her out."
"That is one hot babe.""I wouldn't mind spending a little time alone with her."
Tristan turned to see what the commotion was. About half a dozen guys were sprawled across the couches or standing around them, all with their eyes glued on the televiewer. His interest piqued, he closed down the email program and walked over to see what was going on.
His eyes widened and he felt his stomach clench when he saw images of Cady flash across the screen. Pictures of her dressed for a formal occasion, her with her parents, her with her siblings, and more of just her. Beautiful, sweet Cady.
A reporter's voice was saying something about how the oldest child of Queen Allura of Arus and Prince Consort, Commander Keith Whitaker, was injured during an attack from the Bittor Coalition, believed to be led by Kabandha Vinn. The disembodied voice went on say that she was improving and they expected a full recovery.
The man standing next to Tristan elbowed him in the side and grinned, "A hot piece of ass there, huh?"
Something snapped in Tristan. This man didn't know Cady! He hadn't seen her in the caves, handling more than any girl her age should have to deal with and doing it all with grace and poise. He had never heard her laugh or seen her tease the twins or comfort her youngest brother. He had never seen her talk history with her father, fashion with her sisters, or planetary justice with her mother. This man hadn't felt her blood on his hands or his heart shatter at the thought of losing her.
Before he could stop himself, Tristan grabbed the man by the collar of his shirt and threw him back against the wall. Everyone was too stunned to react, they all just watched.
Using one hand, Tristan hauled him to his feet and pinned him to the wall, coming nose to nose with him and hissing, "So help me, boy, if you ever, ever, talk about her like that again, I will take you out back and beat some respect into you. Understand?"
The man nodded slowly.
Taking a step back, Tristan released him and turned to the other men in the room. "That goes for all of you."