Keith opened his eyes, and stared at the lights on the unfamiliar ceiling. He started to sit up, only to be stopped by the pain in his back and shoulder. Sick bay. Great. Here we go again.

Dr. Gorma came hurrying over. "Captain. I get inordinately tired of being at your bedside." He told Keith.

Keith smiled weakly. "It's no picnic for me either Doc." He sat up. Carefully. "Where's Lotor?" Dr. Gorma nodded across the room. Keith followed his gaze to see a closed door flanked by security guards. "Damn. He lived."

"No thanks to you and Lieutenant Harrison." Dr. Gorma sighed. "Lotor is badly wounded, but I believe he will recover. Admiral Harrison is on his way from Galaxy Garrison to take the prince into formal custody."

Keith lay back and closed his eyes. It really is over. He sat up again. "Where are Allura and the rest of the Team?"

"Waiting outside for you to wake up. I'll send them in." He said as he adjusted the sling on Keith's arm. Dr. Gorma started to leave, then turned at the door. "I know this is going to fall on deaf ears, but do try and get some rest. You were not hurt badly, but those stitches need to heal. It's a good thing that the weapon Lotor grabbed was set for stun." Dr. Gorma left the room.

A few seconds later, the door opened again and Allura rushed in, closely followed by Lance, Hunk, Pidge, Jeff, Cliff, and Crick. The Princess flew into his arms, holding him tightly. She then pulled back and glared at him. "You said you'd be careful." She accused.

Keith grinned sheepishly. "What can I say, some things never change." He looked up at his friends. "Don't you guys have anything better to do then hang around sickbay?"

Jeff shook his head in exasperation. "Keith, you're going to kill yourself one of these days."

"Not today Jeff." Keith said looking his friend squarely in the eye. "By the way, thanks for taking care of the Robeasts."

"All in a days work old chap." Cliff told him.

"Voltron at your service!" Crick added.

Pidge edged closer to Keith and took his good hand. "You scared us again Keith." He said, eyes wide with concern.

Hunk placed his hand protectively on Pidge's shoulder. "Aww Pidge, the Skipper knew what he was doing." Hunk grinned. "This time." Everyone laughed.

"With friends like you guys, who needs enemies?" Keith rolled his eyes.

"Well some of us have work to do." Jeff said. "Need anything?"

"Yeah, get me out of here!" Keith got to a sitting position.

Everyone laughed again. Lance helped his friend to his feet. "You OK?" He asked quietly. "Really?"

Keith nodded. "I'm fine." He said, wincing at the soreness in his back.

"Well mate, now you have a matched set." Cliff grinned, indicating Keith's shoulder.

Keith groaned. "Don't remind me. At least my nose isn't broken this time!" He looked up at Allura who blushed pink. Keith got to his feet. "Go! I'm fine! Really! I'll see you all later."

Pidge squeezed his hand, Hunk winked, and they both left.

:Make sure you get some rest my friend.: Crick's voice whispered into Keith's mind. He smiled and followed Pidge and Hunk.

Jeff shook his head. "We're having a party on the 'Explorer' later. Hope to see you there. C'mon Cliff."

"I'll bet I can still out drink you Harrison." Cliff said to Lance, winking at Allura.

"You can try Sheffield." Lance turned to his friend. "Catch you later Cap." He, Cliff, and Jeff headed out the door. "Tell me, have you ever tried Arusian Whiskey?"

Allura waited until everyone was gone, then placed a soft kiss on Keith's lips.

"What was that for?" He asked, bemused.

She smiled. "I love you." Allura started towards the door. She stopped when she realized Keith wasn't behind her. "Are you coming?" She asked.

"Not yet. I want to check something first."

Allura followed his gaze to the room where Lotor was. Her eyes grew troubled. "Keith…"

Keith took her in his arms. "Don't worry." He kissed the top of her head. "I'll see you soon." Allura held him for a moment more, then left without looking back.

Keith took a deep breath and walked to Lotor's door. The guards snapped to attention as he approached. He waved at them to relax, and went inside.

Lotor lay on the bed, bandages covering his chest. I.V. tubes were in both arms, and an oxygen tube in his nose. One eye was a brilliant shade of purple. Keith smiled sadistically. He sat down in the chair next to the bed. "Lotor." There was no response. "LOTOR!" He said louder. Lotor's eyelids flickered. "Good, you're awake." Keith sat back in the chair.

"You're…weak…Keith…You…should have….killed me…when you…had the…

chance." Lotor whispered.

Keith smiled. "Believe me, I wanted to. But, it takes a strong man to do the right thing Lotor. Something you seem to have trouble comprehending." Keith got to his feet and leaned in close to Lotor. "Know this. I would have killed you." He paused. "Instead, I get to watch you rot what's left of your miserable life away in a maximum security prison." Keith grinned evilly. "Have a nice day." Keith got up and headed towards the door.

"Keith…" Lotor rasped. Keith turned. "This…isn't…finished."

"Yes Lotor. It is." Without another word, Keith left the room.

He headed to the Control Room, dodging repair crews along the way. Coran was seated at the console, taking to some one at Galaxy Garrison. Keith stood out of view until he had finished his conversation.

Coran signed off, and turned to Keith. "Captain, it is good to see you up and around." He said smiling.

Keith walked over to him. "What happened while I was out?" He asked, taking a seat on the control panel itself.

Coran glared. Keith didn't move. Finally, Coran sighed. "The Vehicle Voltron Force took care of the two Robeasts. They suffered a few electrical shocks, but managed to destroy the creatures. Their ships are being worked on in the repair bay. I felt it was the least we could do. The Castle is under repair. Most damage was to the west side where there are nothing but storerooms. If Lotor had attacked anywhere else, the loss of life would have been tragic."

"What are the causality numbers?" Keith asked, fearing the worst.

Coran actually smiled. "Very low. No one was killed or even hurt seriously. Even in the villages, it was mainly property loss. You were right to evacuate Arus's people." Coran took a deep breath. "Perhaps you will make a good king after all."

Keith looked startled. "No way Coran! We already talked about that! I am perfectly content being the Voltron Captain."

"That is neither here nor there." Coran stood and placed his hands on Keith's shoulders. "You and your friends have saved our world. Like it or not, you are all heroes." Keith turned red, and got up and paced the room. Coran smiled. "I believe the Princess has a formal thank-you ceremony planned." He added.

Keith turned back to Coran. "What about Haggar?" He asked, trying to change the subject.

Coran shook his head. "There has been no sign of her. We are waiting until Lotor is awake so we may question him."

Keith's expression hardened. "He's awake now."

"Keith, he's not going anywhere at the moment." Coran sighed. "Why don't you head to your quarters and relax. Get rested for the party tonight. The Princess must be waiting for you."

Keith stood still for a minute, then visibly relaxed. "You're right Coran. I'll see you later." He made his way to the door.

"Keith?" Keith tuned. "You are a better man than I am. I would have killed the bastard." Coran said quietly, then turned back to the computer console.

Keith stood, stunned at the elderly advisor's remark. Then he shook his head and left the room.