Disclaimer: I don't own Voltron, Star Trek, or anything else that belongs to either World Events Productions or Paramount. What I do own are the crew of the Berlin (except for Mordock and Scotty), the fighter, Thunderwing, and the story itself.

And thanks to everyone who reviewed, especially RL2. I know, contrary to previous statements, thatmy updates have been none too frequent, but grad school leaves little time for writing that isn't part ofa research paper. Sorry about that, and thanks for the patience.

Star Tron: Escalations

Chapter 11: Words in the Night

After returning to Arus, both the Voltron Force and the Berlin's crew spent the rest of that day repairing and recovering from the battle. Night had fallen over the Castle of Lions before the senior staff of the Berlin and the Voltron Force met to compare notes over dinner.

Coran could see the fatigue on every face as they gathered around the table. Even the ever-stoic Gredar seemed somewhat diminished this evening.

The group ate quietly for several minutes before Adam asked, "So what's the story with the Lions?"

Keith and the others talked about how they'd engaged the small group of battleships, then taken on the robeast. When they got to the point where the starship showed up, Keith simply said, "You know the rest."

The damage the Lions sustained was mostly superficial, with only Red and Black suffering any serious injury. Of course, the Lions' magic made them capable of withstanding punishment that would destroy any mere machine.

The Starfleeters, though, had a different story to tell. Taking on thirty-eight battleships by themselves, even with all of the Berlin's advantages, had been no easy task. Their combined firepower, along with the robeast's last haymaker, had all but obliterated the ship's shields and done extensive damage to the ship. Luckily, though the damage was widespread, none of it was critical, with one exception. The starship's rear phasers had been damaged beyond repair, and replacement would require at least two weeks in a starbase.

"Needless to say, that's not happening any time soon," said Adam. "But we've still got the aft torpedo launcher, so that'll hold us a while."

After dinner, the group broke into small pockets of conversation. Keith looked around and saw that Allura was gone. Concerned about her sudden departure, he went looking for her. When he found the Princess, she was standing on a balcony off of the dining hall. The sight of her silhouetted in the moonlight took his breath away. She looked almost ethereal standing there, surrounded by stars. For a moment, Keith had to fight the urge to rush in and kiss her. Instead, he stood there watching her and cursing herself. Why did it have to be like this? Why did he have to suffer?

But he just couldn't let himself do it. They were both pilots, and couldn't risk their emotions getting in the way of their duty. It was too risky. But it didn't change how he felt.

If only Sven were still here.

Sensing someone behind her, Allura turned. "Keith?"

"Yes, Princess, it's me."

Once again, her heart sank at the sound of her title spoken by Keith as he came up to stand beside her. She looked up at him, then back at the starlit sky as he continued. "I noticed you left early. I just wanted to make sure you were all right." He didn't look at her as he spoke. Instead, he looked out over the darkened horizon toward the glow coming from the village of Olessa to the south.

Allura glanced up at Keith. He was always looking after her. Sometimes, it got annoying, but honestly, she secretly enjoyed the feeling of security she got when Keith was around. Sometimes, it was nice knowing she had someone protecting her.

She smiled. "Thanks, Keith, but I'm fine. Just a little tired. I don't feel much like talking."

"Oh," Keith replied, almost dejectedly. "Well, if you like, I could go."

"No, you don't have to leave. This balcony's big enough for two."

Only now did he look at her, and she was looking right back at him.

"You know, I, uh…"

"Yes?" Allura prodded, leaning closer.

Keith's heart thundered, and a cold sweat appeared on his brow. "Uh, I, uh… I'm canceling practice tomorrow. The battle, uh, we did well enough that I think we can skip one. Everyone's pretty tired," he added, clearing his throat.

"Oh, I see," Allura replied, the moment broken. "I agree. I mean, I know my opinion doesn't count, but…"

"No, of course it counts," said Keith. "We're a team. Everybody's thoughts and opinions matter."

"Well, you could do a little more to show it, Commander," Allura teased.

"Like what?"

"Like maybe asking us what we think every now and again," Allura replied.

Keith nodded. "Fair enough."

Just then, he heard footsteps behind him. He glanced over his shoulder and saw Adam coming toward them. "Hi, guys."

Keith nodded. "Adam."

"Hi, Adam," Allura greeted with a smile.

Adam walked to the railing and looked around. "Man, look at the view. Awesome." He looked back to his teammates. "My guys are heading back up. Everybody's beat. Even Gredar," he added, with a touch of awe in his voice.

"Yeah, not hard to understand," said Keith. "That was a tough fight."

"You ain't kidding," the Captain replied. "Damn tough."

The three stood there for several minutes, talking quietly. Finally Adam turned to Allura. "Could I talk to you for a minute?"

Allura nodded. "Of course." She turned to Keith. "I'll see you in the morning, Keith."

Keith nodded. "Good night, Princess."

"Later, Keith," Adam replied.

Keith watched them go, then turned back to the night sky with a soft curse. Again! Again, he'd had a perfect opportunity and blown it. It was right there, the words were on his lips and bam! Mental brick wall.

Granted, it hadn't been a total loss, but he had thought that he might finally be able to tell her how he felt. At least he'd have gotten it in the open, so he could stop worrying about hiding it, even if he couldn't act on it. But then his "soldier mode" had kicked into full gear and pulled him back from that brink. Then Adam showed up.

He was always showing up.

She and Adam have been spending a lot of time together lately. Lance's words rang in his head, and he realized that the Red Lion pilot was right. The only thing keeping him from Allura, besides his talent for not capitalizing on the moment, was Adam.

So be it. If he had to fight for Allura, he would.

But what about the team? What would happen if he and Adam were at each other's throats? The others were sure to take his side, but he didn't want that. He didn't want the team polarized like that. Their integrity as a fighting unit was far more important than a testosterone contest.

Whatever he did, he had to keep this between himself and the Captain. But how could he do it? Professionals, officers, didn't compromise their professionalism over something so petty.

But since when was love petty?

No, he had to do something, but he also had to maintain both his and Adam's dignity. He would act as an officer and a gentleman, but he would not back down.

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Allura led Adam to her study. When they arrived, she sat down on a large sofa, and gestured for Adam to join her. The room was dimly lit by a few lamps, casting a warm glow.

"What's on your mind, Adam?" she asked softly.

"Well, actually, it's about last night, in sickbay." He paused, searching for the right words. "You seemed kinda…distant. Like you were avoiding me. I was just wondering if I did something to tick you off. I mean, if it's that thing with Nanny…"

"Well, yes and no. That was part of it, but there was more to it. When you and Nanny argued, I really was not sure who I wanted to win."

Adam looked at her quizically, not catching her meaning.

"I really liked that you stuck up for me like that. It was really sweet, and the boys never stood up to Nanny. It was nice to feel like I had an ally for once, instead of trying to stand on my own.

"But on the other hand, I can't blame Nanny for feeling the way she does. And I can't say I want her to completely leave me alone. She's the closest thing to a mother I have now, and I love her, even if she does drive me crazy sometimes. She means well, and she only wants to look out for me."

"But Allura, she's always on your case. 'Princesses shouldn't fly' or 'why do you associate with those ruffians?' Or 'I forbid you to speak to that hooligan.' I know she only wants what's best for you, or her idea of it anyway, but she needs to loosen up."

"Yes, and she will, eventually. We just have to give her time. I admit, I was a little mad at you for talking to her like that, but part of me was cheering you on. It was really confusing." She looked him in the eye. "I'm not asking you to like Nanny or agree with her. I just want you to get along with her. She really is a wonderful person. She just gets very protective of me."

Adam nodded. "All right, I understand. And I'll try to patch things up with Nanny. It's just, I see you out there with the others, fighting for your people, and doing well, really kicking ass, then all she does is badger you not to fly, and it kinda sets me off."

"She's not badgering me, Adam," Allura said, almost angrily. "She's begging me. She's scared to death that I might be killed. I've learned to live with that possibility, like the rest of the team, but she hasn't. She wants me to do what's safe. I just don't have that option right now."

Adam was silent a moment, absorbing Allura's words. "Wow," he said finally. "I had no idea."

She shook her head. "No, it's all right. It's not your fault. She uses the 'angry guardian' mode to hide her fears, then vents it on you boys for letting me in harm's way. That's not fair either. But now that you know, try to be a little more understanding of her. It isn't personal."

"Yeah, sure, of course." He paused a moment, and a tense silence hung between them. He studied her face, how the light accented her hair, reflected off her cheeks. She was beautiful. Then he noticed a single tear creeping down her face. "Allura, you okay?"

She looked up at him. "Yes," she said finally. "There was something else about that argument. You called me 'Ally'."

"Yeah, I remember that."

"That's what my parents used to call me. 'Little Ally.' Especially my father. Nobody has called me that since they died. I was just kind of surprised. It reminded me of them, and it caught me off guard."

Jesus. Smooth move, bonehead, Driscoll berated himself. Strike two. He shook his head. "I'm sorry. I wasn't even thinking. It just kinda popped out. I'm really sorry, Allura. I didn't mean to stir up bad memories like that."

"No, they weren't bad, I just wasn't ready. But it made me remember how much I liked that nickname. It reminds me of them, but in a good way. So many of my memories of them are tied to the war, but that brings back a happier time." She stopped a moment, collecting her thoughts. "I've been thinking about it, and I've decided that if you want to call me 'Ally' it's okay. I even think I'd like that. But only you," she added quickly. "Not the others."

"Why not?"

"Because you're one of the few people who see past my title. I've only known you for a few months, but I think you're one of the people I feel closest to. You see me for who I am, not what I am. And I really appreciate that, even if you do apologize too much."

Adam couldn't help but smile. "Thanks, Ally. Although I don't know if all that's really justified. But I've said it before, I'm your wingman and you friend. I'm always here for you."

Allura smiled back. "I know you are. And thanks."

Adam nodded and rose. "Well, I should be getting back. Still a lot of work to do up there."

"All right."

"I'll talk to Nanny tomorrow and try to set things straight."

Allura got up too and walked him to the door. "Thanks," she said. They came to the door and stepped into the corridor, where she bid him good night.

"Good night, Ally," he said softly, then turned and left.

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On Planet Doom, Lotor walked into Zarkon's throne room with a triumphant swagger. The fact that he'd lost most of his fleet, and most of the remaining ships were damaged did nothing to curb his superiority complex. "Father!" he called. "Voltron and the Berlin are no more. Arus is ours for the taking."

Zarkon regarded his son nonchalantly. He saw Haggar slink in and take her usual place in the shadows on the far side of the chamber. "Is that so?" he replied. "Then perhaps you'd like to explain the intelligence reports I received not two hours ago, reporting the Lions returning to their bases, and the Berlin entering orbit above Arus?"

"What? That can't be! I saw them destroyed with my own eyes!"

"Then perhaps you are in need of medical attention, because your eyes have decieved you," said Zarkon. "Once again, you have failed. And tell me, how much of my fleet have I lost?"

Lotor didn't answer.

"And not only have you failed, but apparently, our new weapons are not as great as we expected." At this, Haggar smiled. The King had no idea that it was not Lotor's fault, but hers that the weapon had failed. She had ever put in enough of the ionized topaz. Just enough for a decent light show, but no more. Hardly the amount calculated as necessary to wipe out Voltron.

Oblivious to the witch, Zarkon continued. "So, my moronic boy, how do you intend to rectify this situation?" Before Lotor could respond, Zarkon answered his own question. "The Berlin is crippled. You are due that much credit. But they are making repairs. While they are helpless and unsuspecting, you will take your remaining ships and attack them while they are vulnerable."

"But I have only eight left!" Lotor protested. "I'd need three times that. Even with their shields out, their weapons can still destroy such a small fleet."

"Then you had best be quick, my son."

Lotor nodded. "Very well, Father," he said with a sneer. He turned on his heel and stormed from the room. The Berlin, he decided, had humiliated him for the last time.