Erik slowly shifted his gaze to his teammates, wondering why they hadn't warned him of the approaching guards. What he saw quickly answered his question. Three other guards stood behind Declan and Sky. They had both been stripped of their weapons and had hands clamped painfully over their mouths while their arms were pinned behind their backs. The third guard had his weapon aimed at them.
Swearing quietly, Erik allowed his blaster to be yanked from his hand.
"Come with us and no funny business," the guard growled.
Erik stumbled a bit down the steps as they were pushed through the door. The three of them were roughly led down the stairs and into a dimly lit hallway.
"Put them in there for now," the lead guard commanded. "We'll tell the Commander about this and then we'll decide what to do."
Erik was shoved through an open door, followed by Sky and Declan. He grabbed Sky to keep her from falling but wasn't quick enough to help Declan who landed hard on the concrete floor.
"Damn, damn, damn," the young pilot cursed as he slowly raised himself to his knees.
"I don't tink your fader would like to hear you say dat."
The three Force members looked up to see Sven leaning against the back wall, his arms crossed over his chest. Romelle and Delora were huddled together beside him.
"Oh, Erik," Romelle rushed forward and hugged her son. "Are you okay? What are you doing here?"
"We're rescuing you," he muttered as she released him.
"And you're doing a fine job of it," Delora quipped.
He pulled his hat and goggles off, "Keep it up, brat, and I'll leave you here."
"Children," Sven sighed. "Let's figure out vhat ve are going to do."
"They took our weapons, but luckily they didn't take our communicators," Sky pointed out.
"Sky, you call Castle Control, I'm going to contact Gideon," Erik instructed.
"Castle Control, Castle of Lions, Arus," Keith answered.
"Sir, we've been found and captured," Sky told him. "Erik, Declan and I were thrown into a cell with Sven, Romelle, and Delora. Gideon and Brina are outside waiting for word, Erik is contacting them now."
"Is anyone injured?" Keith asked.
"No, we're all fine."
He rubbed his chin and thought for a moment, "I'm sure Vinn knows by now that you're there and he is going to retaliate. Hold on a sec." Keith pushed a few buttons and connected all the communicators so he could speak to the entire Force. "All right gang, we have to move quickly. Pidge has found new blueprints, more detailed. There is a tunnel that we believe was once used to transport equipment into the labs. The problem is that it opens out by the front door, so getting in and out of it might be a problem."
Sven was standing over his son's shoulder, listening. "Vhere do ve get into de tunnel from inside?"
"The only entrance we can find is in a back room which we believe was part of the research laboratories."
"Where is that room?" Declan asked.
Keith scanned a computer printout, "Bottom level, back north corner."
"Ve are in de bottom level towards de front," Sven said.
"So we need to get out of here and try and find that tunnel," Sky said.
"Right, Gideon, Brina, I want you two to move around to the front door, you will need to cover their exit. There's no point in pretending Vinn doesn't know you're there. Once you are in the tunnel, call the fighters in to cover your exit. Get a ride from them to the Lions and then get the hell out of there."
"Yes, sir," five voices chimed.
"And I want to be updated as to what is going on. As soon as you're in the tunnel, contact us, just to say you're out. Then again when you're in your Lions."
"Will do, sir," Erik promised.
"Good luck, gang, you'll do great," Keith said, trying to sound confident before closing the connection. But he knew that as soon as he severed the connection, he wouldn't be able to calm his pounding heart until he knew they were safe.
"All right," Erik turned to everyone in the cell. "We are lucky in that the guards did not pat us down and we all have the knives in our boots. Our best bet is to attack when they come to get us, assuming Vinn wants to see us. Mom, Lora stay back with Dad, we'll handle this." He unzipped his flightsuit and unsnapped the warm vest he was wearing, "Mom, put this on, it's pretty cold out there."
Declan did the same, removing his vest and sliding it onto Delora's small frame.Sky started to unzip her flightsuit but was stopped by Sven closing his hand over hers. "Keep your vest, Sky, I vill never take a coat from a voman."
"But Uncle Sven…"
"No buts, keep it on, I'm fine."
Erik crossed to the door and ran his hands over it, "Have you found anything?"
"No," Sven shook his head and joined his son. "De door is sealed tightly, believe me, ve tried."
"When was the last time Vinn or any of the guards checked on you?"
"It seems like hours," Romelle sighed.
"They should…" Erik stopped abruptly and held his hand up to silence everyone, the sounds of boots hitting the concrete floor grew louder. "Everyone, back up," he hissed. "Mom, Lora, get behind us. Sky, Dec, your knives."
The three pilots blocked the others, their hands behind them, holding their knives, prepared to attack.
A key scrapped the lock and they all held their breath as the door was pushed open.
When Erik, Sky, and Declan caught their first sight of Kabandha Vinn they all had to fight the urge to laugh. The 'big' man with large violet eyes and pale blue hair barely stood at five foot, five inches and was more than a little overweight. They could have all outrun him without a second thought, but it was the half dozen guards behind him that caused them to worry.
"This is such a shame," Vinn said, walking into the cell. "I had such high hopes of creating a strong working relationship with the Queen of Arus and the Voltron Force. But here you are, going against our plans and ruining everything. My, my, aren't you one of the Arusian princes?"
Declan didn't respond, but instead stuck his chin out defiantly.
"And you," Vinn moved on to Sky, squeezing her arm. "You're a thin little thing aren't you? I like my women to have more meat on their bones." He reached up and stroked her cheek with his finger. "But we can fatten you up a bit and you can become one of my concubines."
Sky's lip curl in disgust as Erik tensed beside her.
"I know who you all are." He continued. "I recognize one of the princes as well as Lt. Collier's daughter and when we add in the entire Johansson family, I can get the Queen to hand over her entire planet."
"That's not going to happen," Erik said stiffly.
"They gave me their word!" Vinn shouted. "This is just the beginning and I will succeed where others have failed!" He looked around and his brows drew together, "There should be two more. Where are the other two pilots?"
No one responded.
Vinn stood in front of Erik and lifted himself up on his toes, "Where are the other two pilots?"
Erik glared right back at him.
Vinn turned quickly and grabbed Delora, the only person in the room small enough for him to over power. "Tell me where the other two pilots are right now or the little girl will pay for it."
"They're out back," Erik said quickly. "Behind the building, waiting for us."
Vinn turned to the guards behind them, "Go, get them."
This left Vinn with only three guards.
Erik glanced at his teammates and nodded slightly.
Vinn shoved Delora towards her father who caught her easily, "I will be back once we find the others and then you will take us to the Lions or else we will start to kill you, one by one, starting with the women." He turned and started toward the door.
In one swift movement, Erik grabbed Vinn by the arm and twisted it behind him to the point of breaking. With his eight-inch long knife blade pressed into the man's fleshy neck, Erik glared at the guards, "It will only take a flick of my wrist to kill him." To prove his point, he pressed the blade a little harder and a small drop of blood appeared.
Vinn quivered with obvious fear, "You will not get away with this."
"Shut up," Erik whispered into his ear. "Do as I say and once we are out of here, you will be set free. Argue and you will die."
"Do as he says," Vinn's voice shook.
The guards stepped back but did not lower their weapons. Declan reached over and wrenched the gun from the closest guard and turned it on the other two. Sky pulled out her communicator and dialed up Gideon.
"Now!" She said and snapped it shut, hoping he would catch her meaning.
"We are going to walk out of here," Erik said, twisting Vinn's arm even more. "And nothing will happen to us. Tell your men to drop their weapons."
"Drop them," Vinn whispered.
One guard laid his gun down only to have Sven grab it. The other guard hesitated and Declan fired, hitting the man's arm. Sky snatched up that weapon and she and Declan walked out into the hall, scanning for any guards. Sven forced the two guards into the cell and locked them in.
"Take us to the tunnel," Erik insisted.
"I…I don't know what you mean," Vinn whimpered.He pressed the knife harder and another drop of blood fell, "Don't mess with me, Vinn."
"Dis vay," Sven said, leading them down the hall. Erik followed with Vinn, Romelle and Delora came behind them, with Declan and Sky bringing up the rear and covering them.
Footsteps echoed as the guards had realized they were duped and were returning to help. Declan and Sky opened fire, taking down four guards before they all turned into a dark room filled with dusty tables and broken equipment. The old laboratory.
A large wooden door was on the opposite wall.
"Declan, check it out," Erik ordered, still holding Vinn.
Sky secured the door behind them while Declan ran across the room. With Sven's help, the two of them were able to yank open the wooden door. They were all hit with a blast of cold, musty smelling air. Delora wrinkled her nose and stepped closer to her mother.
"You vill lead us out of here," Sven told Vinn. "And don't try any funny stuff, you have three guns trained on you."
Vinn hesitated.
"Go," Declan prodded him with the barrel of his blaster.
"It's cold," the other man said weakly.
"You have plenty of insulation. Go."
Declan and Sven led the way with Vinn between them, followed by Sky, Romelle, and Delora. Erik stopped to pull the door shut behind them. They were instantly plunged into darkness. Vinn swore and the all heard him stumble and fall. Without a word, Erik, Declan, and Sky pulled small flashlights off their belts and sent the three little beams out in front of them.
Erik pulled out his communicator and dialed up Gideon. "We're in the tunnel now," he told him. "Did you call down the fighters?"
"Yes, they just arrived," Gideon said.
"Good, I want the Garrison ships to land and prepare to round up the rest of the Bittors, we have Vinn and are planning to hand him over. Keep the Air Brigade above to cover us, but have five or six of them come down to give us a lift to the Lions. While you're doing that, have Brina call Castle Control and give them an update."
"Yes, sir," Gideon closed the connection and went about fulfilling his orders.
"What are you doing?" Declan asked poking Vinn hard in the shoulder with his weapon.
Vinn didn't respond.
"What is it?" Erik jogged up to where Declan and Sven still flocked Vinn.
"He has something," Declan handed his gun to Erik. "Give it to me."
Vinn turned away from them, clutching his hands to his chest.
Declan grabbed his hands and pulled, "Ow! Damnit! Give it to me!"
Sky joined the fray, handing her gun to Romelle and her flashlight to Delora. She grabbed his arm and tugged trying to pry his hands apart.
"What do you have?" Erik demanded.
Vinn grunted in response, twisting and turning, trying to slip out of their grasp.
"Ow!" Sky jumped back when she felt something cut her hand.
Feeling impatient, Erik pulled back his fist and slammed it into Vinn's jaw. The larger man crumbled like a quickly deflating balloon.
"It vas a small knife," Sven said, picking it up off the floor.
"You okay?" Erik asked Sky.
She nodded, cradling her injured hand, "Yeah, let's go."
Erik and Declan pulled Vinn to his feet while Sven quickly patted him down, looking for any other weapons.
"He's clean, let's move."
Declan kept his right hand gripped around Vinn's arm as he held his injured arm to his chest. The knife Vinn had hidden had been small, but it had cut a gash on the inside of his arm.
Sven walked ahead of them, his weapon sweeping the area in front of them. "Ve must be approaching de door soon."
The ground shook and the sound of shots being fired grew louder as they moved through the tunnel.
"Sounds like the Calvary has arrived," Sky mumbled through her teeth, trying to ignore the throbbing pain in the palm of her hand where Vinn had cut her.
Still holding onto Vinn who was dragging his feet, Erik pulled out his communicator, "Gideon! Where are you?"
"We're outside the front door," Gideon called back. "The Bittor's are putting up quite a fight, but the Garrison fighters are doing well at keeping them back. We have the entrance covered and there are six Brigade ships here to get us out of here."
"Good, we're almost there. Make sure there are first aid kits for Declan and Sky."
Gideon rubbed his left arm, "Dec hurt his arm?"
"Uh, yeah, don't do any of that freaky twin stuff, it weirds me out."
"We're watching for you, Erik, hurry it up, I want to get home."
"There's the door!" Delora shouted through chattering teeth.
"We'll be there in about thirty seconds," Erik slapped his communicator shut and slid it in his belt. "Get ready guys, it's going to be cold out there, but Gideon says they're waiting just outside the door. Mom, Delora, I want you to go with Dad and Brina and head straight to a ship. Sky, you and Declan are to go straight to the fighters and clean your wounds with the first aid kits. Gideon and I are going to take Vinn with us."
The fighting out in front of the building was slowing down as the Bittor fighters realized they were outnumbered and without a leader. The team moved quickly, getting Delora, Sven, and Romelle out of the cold and into the safety of a pair of Arusian Brigade fighter ships. Erik gave those pilots the command to leave and go straight to Arus. With the help of another Arusian pilot, Gideon took Vinn to another fighter where he was restrained and strapped into a seat with an armed guard trained on him.
Erik spoke with a Captain in the Arusian Air Brigade, giving him instructions to stay and help the Garrison until everyone could be rounded up and taken into custody. The Garrison had been contacted and they were sending two large containment ships to collect the prisoners.
Sky and Declan climbed into a fighter and sat together in the cramped quarters, a first aid kit open on her knees. Neither cut was too deep, but they were painful.
Erik pulled out his communicator as he boarded the last fighter.
"Castle Control, Arus."
"We're in the fighters, Keith," Erik said tiredly. "We should be home within forty minutes."
"How is everyone?" Keith asked.
"Declan and Sky have superficial cuts and my father is pretty beat up, but overall we're fine. We have Vinn, he, uh, he might be bleeding a little and bruised. But that was unavoidable."
Keith smirked, "I understand. Fly safe."
………………………………………………………………..
The sun was just starting to set when the Lions and their escort ships carrying Sven, Romelle, and Delora touched down on Arus. The three of them were taken directly to the hospital wing along with Sky and Declan. While Keith dismissed the other three to go get cleaned up.
"You'll be fine, honey," Becca told Sky as she wrapped gauze around her hand. "It's not too deep. Was there anything else?"
Sky shook her head, "No. How're the others?"
"Sven was a bit beat up, but he'll be fine. Declan has a superficial cut like you do and Romelle and Lora are just fine."
"Good, I'm glad to hear it. What about Vinn?"
"I'm going to check on him now, but since he was taken directly to a cell in the dungeons I'm thinking he's not too hurt."
"What's going to happen to him?"
"He will be questioned by Allura and Paton and then handed over to the Garrison to be questioned there. Then he will be brought up on charges from Arus, the Garrison and any other planets who wish to press charges."
Sky jumped off the table, "Thanks Aunt Becca.""No problem, kiddo. Go get changed, everyone is going to get together and have something to eat."
"Good, I am starving."
"You and me both."
…………………………………………………………………..
A casual meal had been set up in the kitchen. The door to the refrigeration unit was open as the twins pulled out food and set it on the table. Romelle, Allura, Delora, Cady, Nanny, Charlotte, Tess, and Darcy had snagged chairs, while Nicky sat on his mother's lap and Brina, talking to Declan as he continued digging out food, was perched on the counter. Lance was standing by the counter talking to Keith, Erik, Hunk, and Pidge. The room was noisy and crowded, but was comforting and warm.
"Hey kiddo, how're you feeling?" Lance called out when he saw Sky.
"I'm fine," she held up her bandaged hand. "Aunt Becca said I'll live."
Erik walked over and handed her a bottle of water.
"Thanks," she smiled at him.
"I'm going to hold you to your promise to make me forget my troubles," he whispered.
Sky felt the heat rise to her face, "Behave yourself, Commander.""All right," Keith's voice rose above the din. "Now that everyone is here, allow me to congratulate the Voltron Force on a job very well done!"
A chorus of "Here, here!" echoed in the full room.
"You have all certainly proved you were the right ones to bring back the Voltron Force," Allura added.
"Yes, we are all very proud of you," Lance said, winking at his daughter.
"Hey," Gideon spoke up, lifting his bottle of juice. "Let's not forget our mother! Let's all raise a glass to the woman who laid
Captain Klari on the floor. To our
mother, the most kick-butt Queen this planet has ever seen!"
Cheers and applause sounded along with a few whistles.
Allura blushed and shook her head, knowing she should not be pleased by the fact that she had struck the other woman.
"You rhymed," Declan told his brother. "You're a poet and you didn't even know it!"
Gideon spread his arms and replied, "I've got it all, poetry, smarts from books, not to mention really good looks."
"Since I look like you, I'll take that compliment too."
"You just want to be like me, but alas, that can never be. We may look alike, but that's where the similarities end, so take a hike."
Keith said with a smile, "Gideon, Declan, please stop."
"I do believe we're upsetting our Pop,"
"We better watch out or he'll call a cop."
"Cut your hair, it's starting to flop."
"The floor's dirty, get a mop."
"No more rhymes and I mean it!" Keith said louder.
Gideon strugged, "Anybody want a peanut?"
"That's enough boys," Allura sighed.
"Vell, this is a little over due, but I vould like to vish my son a happy birthday," Sven spoke up.
"Yes," Romelle stood and went to her son, pulling him into a tight hug. "Happy birthday, dear."
"This isn't quite the celebration we had hoped for," Allura said. "But now that the threat of Vinn has passed, we'll do something special."
"That's really not necessary," Erik assured her.
She waved him off, "We can do a duel celebration! I know! Let's have a huge party, we can do it in the park. I'm sure we can get some music and set up some barbeque. Everyone will be invited. We'll celebrate the defeat of Vinn and the Bittor Coalition, the arrival of autumn, and Erik's birthday."
"When do you want to do this?" Keith asked.
"How about the day after tomorrow?"
"Ach, your highness," Nanny spoke up. "Do you know how long it takes to plan a party like that?"
"Two days?" Allura asked innocently.
The older woman threw her hands in the air, "What am I going to do with you?"
"Oh it'll be fun. Romelle and Cady and I will help."
"I'll help too," Tess said.
"We'll all help out," Keith said. "This will be just what we need to show the people of Arus that we are once again safe and free."
…………………………………………………………….
The rest of the evening was spent munching on snacks, kidding around, and planning for the picnic. It was getting late and the post-battle high was wearing off.
"You kids head off to bed," Allura instructed. "You need your rest."
Romelle threaded her arm through her son's, "Tomorrow we'll have a special day together, but tonight, I want you to get some rest. You did a great job and we are very proud of you."
"Thanks, Mom," he smiled down at her."Good night, Erik, sleep tight."
Glad to be dismissed, the Force made their way to their rooms. Declan and Brina shared a good night kiss outside her room.
Erik leaned down and kissed Sky tenderly, "Good night, beautiful."
"Aren't you going to collect on my offer?" She asked quietly.
"I thought you were tired," he murmured, taking her wrist and bring her hand up to press a gentle kiss to her bandaged palm.
"I am, but, well, maybe we could…I wouldn't mind if you just wanted to sleep with me," she said shyly.
"Why Miss Collier, are you trying to seduce me?"
She raised an eyebrow and placed a hand on her hip, "Is it working?"
"It always does, Sunny. Give me five minutes."
Sky dug in her drawers trying to find something to wear. She didn't want to wear the nightie that she had worn for his birthday, but she wanted matching pajamas so he wouldn't tease her. After pulling out several pairs of pajama pants and even more t-shirts and sweatshirts, she came to the realization that he was right. She did not own one pair of matching pajamas.
Sighing heavily, she decided on a pair of blue and white checked pants and a white shirt with a big blue flower on it. It was close enough.
Exactly five minutes after he had left her, there was a quiet knock on her door.
"Come on in," she yawned.
Erik walked in wearing his perfectly pressed blue pajamas, "Am I keeping you awake?"
She walked over to him and wrapped her arms around his waist, laying her head on his shoulder. "You were amazing today."
"Thank you," he whispered into her hair, tightening his arms around her. "So were you."
"We're a good team."
"Yes we are."
Sky tilted her head back and looked at him, "If you want to go back to Pollux, I'll go with you."
He swallowed hard, surprised by her comment, "We have time, Sky."
"I know, I just…well, someday, when you return, I just wanted you to know that I, uh, I would go with you. Freely and gladly."
"I love you so much," he whispered roughly before pressing his lips gently to hers. "When the time comes for us to decide our future, we'll do it together. But we have plenty of time."
"I want to fall asleep with your arms around me."
"I think we can make that happen."
"And I want to wake up tomorrow at your side."
He smiled, "What if I don't want to wake up at your side?"
She stuck out her bottom lip in a silly pout.
"Sunny," he kissed her. "I would wake up every day at your side if I could."
"As long as my father doesn't find out."
Erik led her over to the bed, "Someday he's going to have to accept the fact."
"Are you kidding?" Sky asked, climbing into her bed. "He'd be guarding my door with a shotgun if he knew."
Erik pulled the covers up over them and wrapped his arm around her waist, pressing his chest to her back and molding their bodies together. "Then I guess I'll just have to marry you and make you an honest woman."
Sky smiled, realizing that the thought of marriage didn't frighten her as much as it once had. "Yeah, I guess you will."