Oh wow! Three weeks. So sorry! Well, I made it a little longer just to make up for my delay.
KathDMD: Lovey! So nice to hear from you. Thank you for reading. I think your questions will be answered here. But…not sure when you'll get around to reading….I'm sure someone is keeping you very, very busy ;) Congratulations!
Guest: LOL! Oh boy! I'm so sorry to disappoint. This is not a K/L romance. This is a K/A, L/R romance. So…if you are still interested, by all means, enjoy!
Guest: I'm so glad to hear that someone reads on Saturday nights. Usually, I think that's a slow reading night because of the weekend. So thank you for reading. You'll definitely get to see more of Darrell and Hope.
Snyperlady: If you want to PM me with your theory, please do so! I want to know what happened to Sven too! Yeah, this book has a lot of secrets. Hope you are enjoying the fic. Thank you my friend!
CubbiesFan1: Gorgeous girl! I'm dying to know what you think of my Red Lion pilot after this. So, don't get your hopes up. I don't foresee a Sam/Allura love scene….However, one with Allura and Keith…..
Guest: Thank you! I hope you like how the story continues.
Playlist
Moon: Little People
Anthem: Emancipation
Hopes and Fears: Ryan Farish
Chapter 12:
"Tell me, have you found something Yurak?" Lotor's voice filled the room as he walked toward the Drule, who kept vigil in front of the large computer monitors that faced him. Yurak turned around, surprised that the prince had caught him off guard. Lotor smiled, "Come now, did you think I wouldn't be checking on you from time to time?"
"No, Your Highness," he shook his head. "I just didn't hear you come in. You surprised me, that's all."
"I did?"
"I'm sorry, Your Highness," Yurak felt embarrassed. "I guess time and age have made me weak. I'm not the same today as I was at your age."
Walking up to the elder Drule, the prince put his hand on his shoulder, "No my dear friend, you are not weak. You are still here, are you not? The true testament of time is that a Drule, such as yourself, could have survived all these years and lived through the desolation of his home planet. And now, even with age, you fight for your world."
"No sire," Yurak answered shaking his head, feeling uncomfortable by the accolade. "I fight for you. Just like I fought for your father. Korrinth is just a planet. But you, your lineage, and your love to preserve our race makes it a world worth fighting for."
"You think that highly of me?"
Nodding, he replied, "Of course! You are our savior. I remember years ago, when your father held you in his arms. You were just a babe, barely a month old," he smiled at the memory. "Carrying you in the throne room, he said to me, Yurak, this child will save our world. Back then, I didn't know what he meant. And, after you and Haggar disappeared, I had just about given up hope. And, I dare say, I thought your father had made a mistake. But, now I know that Zarkon was astute. He had every intention to save a world he knew he wouldn't be part of. I'm humbled for having known such a great king."
Quiet for a moment, Lotor tried to find the words to reply to Yurak, but found none. He was mesmerized by the Drule's account, since he barely heard stories of his father. Haggar only shared a handful of such accounts. Perhaps Yurak would be inclined to tell him more in time. For the moment, the prince nodded graciously and answered, "Thank you for sharing that story with me Yurak. I'm honored that you think of me in such a way."
Yurak nodded before saying, "Well, I guess we should end this conversation before we deter from the objective. I'm sure you are here to see if I have found anything from Haggar."
"That is correct my friend," Lotor stated.
"So far, I haven't found anything," he replied solemnly. "The messages are well hidden in the encrypted codes." Both men looked at the screens in front of them. Thousands of letter like symbols flew through the screen, none of them readable. "Either she hasn't found anything or she's hidden it so deep, it's virtually impossible."
"Nothing is impossible, Yurak," Lotor admonished. "You'll just have to keep on trying."
"I will sire," Yurak concluded with determination.
"She sent something," the prince sighed as he continued looking at the screens. "Haggar is never one to keep quiet."
XXXXXXXXXXXX
Hunk tried a second time to contact his wife, but had no success reaching her. With the passing of time, he grew nervous. When he last spoke to her, he noticed her worn down and tired features. Lucy told him that she had doctor's appointment earlier in the day and she'd contact him with the results. Yet, he still had not heard from her. Something was wrong. He felt it. Shaking his head, Hunk tried stopping the bad thoughts running through his head.
Lucy shared the gift with him, so sickness wasn't a factor. She also wouldn't age. However, that didn't mean she, like him or the others, were immortal. Foreign agents that attacked the body, injury by weapons, any one of these things could potentially kill them. Of course, their bodies were stronger than the average person, but the chance of death existed. Granted, Lucy wouldn't necessarily be exposed to these things. Yet, Hunk thought.
Looking at the vidscreen once more, the pilot thought about dialing her again. But instead, decided instead to contact Allura, who was very close to Lucy. Perhaps she has heard from her. Dialing her number, Hunk finally received an acknowledgement of his call. Altaire answered with a tone of surprise, "Hunk? Hey. What's up?"
Her hair was somewhat wild and her face flushed, but she looked awake and alert, "I'm sorry Allura for calling and waking you. It's just that I've been trying to contact Lucy and I haven't been able to do so. I wanted to know if you had heard from her."
Looking worried, Allura sat up from bed, "No, I haven't Hunk. Last I spoke to Lucy was probably a few weeks ago…before survival training. Is everything alright?"
"Yeah," he immediately said with a nervous smile, "I know she's been busy trying to sell the apartment and getting things settled there before coming, but she wasn't feeling well…"
Smiling sympathetically, Allura knew what was going on in her friend's mind. Hunk had always been overprotective when it came to Lucy. He treasured and took care of her like no other. So, it came to no surprise why Hunk reacted in such a manner at the situation. Carefully, Allura began putting her friend's thoughts at ease as she replied, "I'm sure she's fine, Hunk. You know Lucy. She's probably finishing decorating some apartment or bungalow somewhere. When her muses go on overdrive, she doesn't stop. I'm sure, she's still working. "
"Maybe," he said unconvinced.
"She is. Give her a try in an hour or so. If she doesn't answer, we can ask Coran to notify Garrison and they can send an officer to your home to check things out. But, let's make this a last resort? You don't want to make Lucy angry for overreacting."
"Alright," Hunk nodded with a sigh. "You may be right. She's probably at work. I'll call her before going to bed."
"Good," she smiled, "Keep me posted okay?"
"Sure," he answered with a small smile. "Have a good night Princess."
"Ditto," Allura winked before severing the communication.
Looking at his watch, Hunk saw the time, "Eleven fifteen." Earth's time was behind by a few hours, so it was safe to say that Lucy could technically be at work. Following Allura's advice, Hunk walked back to his bed and turned on the television. He'd wait an hour before calling Lucy again. He hoped she'd be home by then.
XXXXXXXXXX
A British woman in her mid-twenties who emigrated to Arus three years ago from Earth's country of England, Ivanna Hess came for one purpose, Lance McClain. She had seen him on television ever since she was a child and had been smitten with him. As she grew older, that puppy love became an infatuation (which she genuinely believed to be love). Her parents thought she was crazy, her friends insane. But she couldn't help it, for her Lance McClain was the only man she would ever love.
So when she was old (and financially independent) enough to live on her own, Ivanna bought a one way ticket to Arus to claim her prize. Knowing that she still had to maintain herself, the Brit found a job with her uncle as a secretary to one of his directors before wasting no time trying to meet the Voltron pilot.
She finally got her wish one night a few months ago at a trendy club McClain frequented. Small talk, drinks and a make out session by the dark corner of the bar and Ivanna finally made the connection she so desired with the Red Lion pilot. From there, there were dinners, outings and passionate nights. Unfortunately, for her, the relationship still felt superficial. Ivanna hadn't been able to deepen the bond with McClain and it bothered her. A few nights ago, for the first time, Lance rejected her when she offered herself to him. It worried Ivanna more than it hurt. Was he letting her go?
Ivanna couldn't allow that. She had worked too hard to have him to just let him go. Deciding that she was going to have to reclaim her prize once more, the brunette dressed up, put on a designer trench coat and drove over to his apartment with the intention of pleasing him in every way possible.
Knocking, she only had to wait a few seconds for the door to open. Lance, wearing jeans and a t-shirt, looked surprised to see her. She smiled. Apparently, there are no plans for the evening. Perfect!
"Ivanna?" Lance lifted his eyebrows in surprise, "What are you doing here? Did we have plans?"
Walking past him, the woman let herself into his apartment, "No, no plans Sweetheart." Turning around to face him as he closed the door, Ivanna unhooked her coat, pulled it off and revealed to Lance what she had under, "I came here for my rain check."
"Rain check?" he looked at her with a mixture of shock and confusion. Ivanna left nothing to the imagination. The little lingerie number was made of just four elastic stripes that crisscrossed around her neck and abdomen. Her thong barely covered her frontal area and her buttocks was fully exposed. Two tassels covered her nipples. That. Was. It. Lance, who in the past would have jump on the woman like a tiger grabbing its prey, stared at her feeling…nothing.
"Well," Ivanna smiled. "I'm at your disposal. How do you want me to please you tonight?" She walked up to him, wrapped her arms around his neck and lightly gave him feathered kisses on his lips, "Name your pleasure."
McClain stood there still, wondering why he didn't feel anything. Suddenly, flashes of another woman came to his mind. Flashes of a time past, a beautiful smile and a feeling he just hadn't been able to capture again.
Just as they came, the flashes stopped. He was back to the present. The woman in front of him deepened her kisses, but Lance shook his head and gently detached himself from her, "I'm sorry, Ivanna. I can't."
The woman looked at him with true confusion in her features, "What?"
"I can't do this. This…this can't happen, not tonight. Not ever."
"What do you mean, this can't happen?" Ivanna's confusion turned into dark anger. Her green eyes widened with rage, "Lance, what bloody games are you playing with me?"
"No games, Ivanna. I simply do not want to be with you," he replied to her with a nonchalant attitude as he walked over to where her coat lay on the floor. Picking it up, he opened it and attempted to help her put it on, "This fling is not going to work out."
"Fling!" Ivanna screamed as she yanked the coat away from him, "Fling! I've given myself to you many times, Lance. I've never considered what we have a bloody fling."
"When did I tell you we had anything?" he questioned, raising his voice a little. "Where on Arus did you get an idea we had a relationship?"
"But—"
"But what?" Lance lashed, "Ivanna, a few dates and a couple of sleepovers do not constitute a relationship." He shook his head slowly, trying to understand her reality of the situation. "How old are you to think such rubbish?"
Putting on her jacket, the woman glared at him. With a wavering voice, she cried out, "You ass! I gave you everything!"
"I asked for nothing!"
Walking toward the door, Ivanna turned around, "Who is she?"
"What?"
"Who is she?" she asked again. "There has to be another woman for you to act this way…for you to reject me. Tell me, who she is?"
Looking straight in the eyes of the hurt woman, eyes that reminded him for a moment of someone who looked at him the same way years before, Lance answered, "Someone who will never forgive me. Someone, just like you."
XXXXXXXXXX
Hunk looked at the chronometer on the wall just before he heard the vidscreen alert that a call was coming in. Quickly getting up from bed, he read the name of the caller and sighed with relief when he found it was Lucy. Punching in the code to accept the call, he immediately sat down on his desk, "Baby! You've had me worried all day. Why haven't you called?"
Lucy looked extremely tired and a little pale, but the smile on her face further confused Hunk. Looking at her husband, she replied, "I'm so sorry honey. I've been busy today. I just got home and I still have so much to finish up here."
"What?" his brows furrowed, "Lucy, what is going on? Did you see the doctor today? You're pale and you look tired. Tell me what's going on."
"Hunk, don't worry," she immediately told him, "I'm fine. I saw the doctor today and he told me I'm great! Today, however, I've been running around like a crazy lunatic trying to finish the Mayson project and making sure all is settled before I leave."
"Leave? Leave where? Lucy, tell me what's happening?" Hunk's concern was now turned into annoyance. What was his wife up to? He had known Lucy to be very impulsive at times. Where he thought meticulously about his next move, Lucy was all action. He didn't doubt his wife had something up her sleeve.
Excitement glittered in her tired eyes, "Look, the Mayson project still had about three weeks of work before being finished. But, I was able to talk to a few of my connections and friends who freelance and we will be able to finish the entire project by tomorrow afternoon!"
Hunk's eyes widened, "You'll finish designing the entire apartment by tomorrow? How?" The Mayson project was a posh three bedroom apartment overlooking Bel-Air, one of California's most prominent areas. Lucy had been commissioned by a pretty famous television personality to remodel the place, but the man's tastes were somewhat eccentric and finishing the project would take her a few weeks before she'd be able to move to Arus.
"Baby, you know that when my mind is set on doing something, I do it!" She laughed sweetly. A look of complete love and devotion appeared on her face, "And I miss you. I want to be with you. So, tomorrow, after I finish those last details to complete the place, I'm taking the last transport to Arus."
"What?"
"Surprise! I'm coming to be with you Baby!"
"But," Hunk shook his head in shock, "I don't have place. I'm still living at the base."
"Problem solved," she grinned, apparently very proud of herself. "I called Ryan earlier today and told him we needed a place. He found a place for us a few blocks away from Romelle and Allura's. It's not too big, but it's a start until we can find a place of our own once all is settled."
Still in utter shock, Hunk asked, "But what about our stuff? Our furniture, clothes…."
"Hunk, you know me better than that," she answered with a sigh, "The apartment is furnished. It's a two bedroom apartment, by the way. Anyways, I've hired a company that will pack our stuff and transport it here. Once it arrives, Ryan said he can hull the furniture out of the apartment so we can move in our stuff. Another problem solved."
"How…how did you do all this?"
"When you miss your husband so desperately, you find a way," the redhead flashed a winning smile.
At this, Hunk rewarded his wife with an equally huge grin, "Oh, baby, I didn't know how much I could stand without you. I'm so glad you are coming. I miss you."
"I miss you too my Love," she answered with excitement. "Anyways, I still have stuff to pack here before I can call it a night. And the calls are pouring in. I have a night crew working at the Mayson place finishing the detailing of his living room. I'll send you all my flight information as soon as I can. For now, I love you and I'll see you soon."
"Love you too baby," he nodded.
"Oh, and Hunk," she said before she cut communication, "I have something else to tell you."
"Sure, what is it?"
"Not now. Tomorrow. I'll talk to you later. Kisses!" She said before she cut the communication.
Looking at the blank vidscreen, Hunk sighed, "Wow. My wife is one beautiful nut job."
XXXXXXXXXX
It wasn't until a quarter past two later that morning when Keith finally put Black lion to rest. Already incased in his cylinder, the majestic lion lay down as if it was getting ready for bed. His glowing yellow eyes looked at Keith as if asking, why rest? There's so much to do?
"Don't look at me that way," Keith gave the lion a small, almost non-existent smile, "You may not be tired, but I'm beat."
Keith looked at other lions, who sat motionlessly, looking straight ahead as if they were statues. As he walked past each one of them, their eyes began to glow. When he got to Blue, he stood there for a moment before taking a step back to face all of them, "They still won't talk to you, huh?"
Immediately, the other four lions' eyes glowed even a brighter yellow and they growled softly.
"Don't worry, they will," Keith replied with a gentle tone. "It will just take some time. Be patient with them."
The lions continued their low growling as Red stepped forward. Keith walked over to Red, "He's always been an annoying pain the neck. Why does it surprise you?" Staying quiet for a moment, Keith just stared at the lion before answering, "It won't happen again. I think he's learned his lesson." Once again, Keith stared at the lion for a moment, before a small smile appeared on his lips, "You managed to scare him? Well, this should be interesting conversation if he decides to share it. I'm sure you had fun with it."
"How do you make them do that?" he suddenly heard a woman's voice ask him a question.
Keith turned around and watched as Mosley walked toward him looking amazed. All five lions suddenly growled stronger, annoyed that they were disturbed. Their eyes all turned a stoned black, signaling that they were shutting down.
"Mosley, what are you doing here?" Keith asked, his voice sounding angry for the disruption.
"I was in charge of running surveillance from the tower tonight," she answered, still looking at the lions. "When I saw you come in, I thought I check to see if all was alright."
"Why wouldn't it be alright?" his voice sounding strong.
"I'm sorry Captain," the blonde girl said quickly. Keith's tone of voice shook the awe away. Turning to him, she sighed heavily before replying, "I honestly, didn't mean to disrupt anything. Whenever, I am on surveillance duty, I check to make sure the pilots are fine both at departure and return. I just checked on Gardner who left a few minutes before you came in. He will survey the planet until later this morning after your team has finished practice."
He remained quiet, looking at her.
Feeling embarrassed, Kirian turned, "My apologies for the interruption. I'll see you later today." She began walking away when she heard him speak.
"It's part of the bond we have with them."
Turning around, she found Keith looking at the five lions, now encased in their cylinders. Knowing that he had somewhat forgiven her, Kirian walked up next to him.
Keith continued, "Each pilot has access to the thoughts of their lion, that's how we can communicate with them."
"But you only fly Black," she stated carefully. "Why the others?"
The captain shrugged.
She smiled timidly, "Come on, you know that's not true."
"Honestly, I'm not quite sure," he told her seriously. "One day, they all began speaking to me and it's been that way ever since."
"When?"
"A long time ago."
Pausing for a moment, Kirian continued to look at the lions, just as Keith was doing before she said, "I'm sorry about today. What I said to you…it was wrong. I do want grow. It's normal for someone like me to want that, but it is not as important as saving my people's lives. The only thing military rank does is give you the power to execute on decisions that can make a difference for the good of our world."
"You really think having rank can give you this?" Keith asked rather sarcastically.
Quiet for a moment, the young woman answered him with a smile that told him she understood his meaning, "Not really. But I liked to think so. When you were my age, did you think the same way?"
Keith looked down for a moment, "Things were different back then."
"What do you mean by that?"
"We were so busy trying to defeat Zarkon that none of us thought of ranks or positions," Keith answered as he turned to look at her. "We fought for freedom. Peace. It wasn't about power."
"But, don't you think that power can get you the same results?" Kirian asked curiously.
"No," he responded as he thought of her reasoning. "It will not achieve the end result. Change," Keith reminded her.
Kirian looked at him perplexed, "Why do you say that?"
"People want power. Power creates perception," Keith responded, looking intently at her, "And perception can be dangerous."
Mosley sighed heavily and nodded, "Sacrifices we must made at times." She became quiet for a moment before she gave Keith a small smile, "But, who ever said this gig was easy, right?"
A slight amused look formed on his face, "You should get some sleep Mosley. I know that I need to. Practice is in a few hours."
"I know," she answered with a nod. "I'll be at Control later this afternoon. Will you go home or sleep at the base?"
Looking at his watch, Keith said, "Home. I don't like the small rooms at the base. Bad memories." Turning around, he said, "See you in a few Mosley."
As he walked away, Kirian smiled. He had forgiven her, at least it looked like it to her. She felt better as she whispered back, "See you soon Captain."
XXXXXXXXXX
Romelle was asleep when the vidscreen's incoming call alert brightened the room and awoke her from slumber. Turning around to the other side of the bed, she pressed a button connected to a mini vidscreen she kept on top of her nightstand. She was completely floored by who the caller was. She thought about not answering, but the effort would be futile. Knowing him, he'd drive over to see if she was alright. Pressing the button once again to allow the call, she saw Lance McClain's face on screen, "Lance, what's going on? Are you alright?"
"I'm outside," he admitted. "I need to see you."
Romelle looked at the time on the vidscreen, "Lance, it's almost five in the morning!"
"Please Elle, open the door," he pleaded.
Sighing, Romelle nodded and severed communications before getting up, putting on a robe and heading to the door. When she opened it, she found Lance. Wearing jeans and a t-shirt, the pilot had only added a dark brown leather jacket to the ensemble he wore earlier that night.
"Are you crazy!" she harshly whispered so she wouldn't wake up her neighbors.
"Do you remember when I used to call you at this time?" he ignored the annoyed look on her face. He hadn't even bothered to ask himself in. Romelle wondered what was going on with him. "You know, when practice was bright and early at six."
The annoyance melted away as she remembered a time long ago, "Yeah, I remember." Her voice was low. Romelle pulled her long blonde mane away from her face. "It was the best time for us to talk…about things."
Lance leaned against the wall, opposite to Romelle's door. He looked sad, "Yeah, I was getting ready for practice and you prepared Hope's meals for the day."
"Lance," she said after seeing a distraught look in his face. She had seen that look before. He was hurting, disappointed, and needed someone to talk to, "Tell me, what's going on? What's wrong?"
"Something happened today with Red, at practice," he began, but then stopped himself. "No. That's not it. That's not why I called you."
"Lance," she gently spoke, "It's okay. Talk to me."
"Ivanna came over earlier tonight," he told her flatly.
"Oh," she suddenly looked down, a little disillusioned by the statement.
"She…well, you can imagine what she wanted," he said with a tone of disgust in his voice that surprised her. "I couldn't do it. I couldn't go through it, Romelle."
Romelle closed her robe a little as she leaned against the door, "Why are you telling me this, Lance?"
"Because there is a reason I couldn't go through it," he answered looking at her. "At that moment, I realized that I couldn't go on living the life that I've led all these years." She didn't want to listen what she knew she would hear. Romelle began shaking her head, but Lance continued. He wouldn't allow her to deter him from what he needed to say, "Romelle, I still haven't gotten over you."
"Lance—"
"Sven was my friend, my brother. I felt I betrayed him," he interrupted her. "But, I can't help the way that I feel about you. I can't help loving you."
Romelle looked at him, but Lance couldn't tell what she thought at the moment, "You still feel you are betraying him, aren't you?"
"I can't help it Romelle," he said, "You are his."
"I was his," she corrected him as she straightened up and faced him. "But in reality, Lance, you still don't get it. I never belonged to anyone. Sven lives in the past and I wish you would leave him there. I wish all of you would just leave him there."
"We can't help it," he sighed, "He is part of this team, our family."
Romelle didn't answer him. Instead, she asked, "You still haven't really told me what you want. Lance, we had our chance a long time ago. That's in the past as well."
"No," he whispered as his voice cracked a little.
"Yes," she said, her eyes watering. "You need to move on."
"I can't," the man said as his eyes began to tear up. "I'm in love with you Romelle. I can't remember a time when I wasn't in love with you. Do you still feel the same way?"
"Lance,"
"Answer me Romelle," he firmly told her as he firmly stared into her eyes.
She shook her head.
"Please Elle," he pleaded almost choking on the words.
"Yes," her voice cracked as looked at him, but dared not move toward him. "Yes."
She looked beautiful. With her long wild hair and porcelain skin, he couldn't help to tell her, "You're the most beautiful woman I've ever met." Looking straight at her, Lance walked over to her. With his hand, he gently caressed her cheek, wiping away a single tear that escaped her eyes. Romelle looked up at him. Lance's eyes had a new resolve in them, "I'll win you back Romelle. I'm not letting you go."
With that, he walked away, leaving Romelle speechless.
XXXXXXXXXX
"Sven…no."
Keith heard himself gasp out loud as he sat up from bed. Perspiring, he looked around the darkness surrounding him until his gaze fell on the chronometer by his nightstand. 6:45 in the morning; he thought to himself as he took a deep breath and ran his hand over his hair. This had been the second time he had woken up since he arrived home from the base. "Damn you, Sven!" He hadn't dreamed of that day since he finished his sentencing years ago. Yet, as soon as he was back to active duty, they had started all over again, but even the prior dreams weren't as bad as the ones from tonight. These were so vivid, so realistic, they scared the daylights out of him.
Wide awake now he knew there would be no chance of falling asleep again. He had to report to the base in two hours. Giving up for the night, he rose from bed and headed to the shower. Maybe looking over the practice exercises beforehand would put him at ease.
XXXXXXXXXX
Allura woke up with a startling breath. She turned to see that Sam was still asleep and she sighed with relief. Two times, she had woken up that night after making love to him. She had these horrible nightmares of Korrinth. She thought that they were nightmares from the time of its destruction. Sitting up, her knees pulled up to her chest, Allura brushed her hair back with her hand. She couldn't remember exactly what the nightmares were about, but she could feel pain, hurt, shock and even anger. She also felt agony, a kind of agony that still clung to her heart.
Sighing, she tried to remember where she was, what was she witnessing, but it was so unclear. Touching her chest with her hand, she closed her eyes and tried to find where this pain came from, who it belonged to. She steadied her breathing and concentrated. Flashes of the nightmare came to her, but she couldn't make them out. They were fast, blurry. But within them all, she saw a face, a face of a man she knew…
"Keith!" she whispered as she opened her eyes.
XXXXXXXXXX
It was well into the afternoon when Allura found Keith walking down the hallway.
Morning practice has gone as expected and without any surprises. The briefing was rather long. Keith emphasized the need to implant a mole on Korrinth and Coran continued searching for the person to fulfill the role. Hunk and Darrell gave an update on new weaponry for the lions and began working on gathering more Intel virtually. Apparently, Lotor increased the firewalls in his systems and it was becoming a greater challenge to break through. But Darrell was confident that sooner or later he would get past them.
As Allura watched Keith walk toward her, she couldn't help to feel bothered by the other woman walking next to him—Kirian Mosley. It seemed like the woman stuck to Keith like glue on paper. Lately, the ensign was a constant presence not only for the team, but for Keith. Allura knew she had taken a liking to him. It didn't look like he reciprocated the same feelings, but with Keith, one could never tell.
As they got closer, she asked, "May I speak to you?"
Keith looked at her and nodded, "Mosley, do you mind?"
"Not at all, Captain," the woman shook her head. "I'll see you later? I need you to go over and approve next week's patrol schedule."
"Sure," he answered, with a slight nod. "I'll see you at Control after I meet with Lieutenant Altair."
Looking at the woman across from her, Mosley smiled, "I will see you soon then. Have a good afternoon Lieutenant Altair."
God the woman annoyed her, "Same to you Ensign Mosley."
Once the woman was gone, Keith turned to Allura, "What do you need to speak to me about?"
"What happened last night?" she bluntly asked.
Looking confused, Keith answered, "I'm not sure what you mean Allura. Nothing happened during patrol, I would have told you at the brie—"
"That's not what I mean, Keith," she shook her head. "The dreams. I want to know about the dreams." Immediately, Allura noticed how Keith tensed. His features, however, had not changed. He looked at her with the same iced gaze he always held. But, she could tell that her request had hit him harder than she thought.
"I'm not sure what you mean," he attempted to avoid the request.
"Don't play around with me Kogane," she harshly told him. "Tell me what's going on. What were those dreams about?"
"How do you know there were more than one?"
"Last night," she visibly paled, "I woke up twice with a terrifying feeling. I knew I was dreaming, but what I don't know, or rather, remember is what they were about. They were horrible Keith. What were they about?"
"You don't remember them?"
"No," she shook her head. Allura thought he looked relieved that she hadn't remembered a thing. "Please, I need to know."
"Why is it so important that you know what they are about?" he asked. "Allura, they are just dreams. Nothing else."
"They mean something!" She almost yelled as she lost her patience. "Keith, I felt your suffering, your anger, your hurt. I don't remember the dreams, but I still feel what you felt! Why are you torturing yourself? Maybe, if you talk about it—"
"There is nothing to talk about," he told her firmly as he tried to walk away. "They're just dreams."
"No, they are not!" she grabbed his arm to stop him. Sounding worried and concerned for him, Allura stated, "You're in pain."
Half-smiling, he whispered, "I'll be fine. Nothing I can't deal with, Altair."
Gently detaching her hand away from his arm, Keith said, "I'm sorry. I'm not sure I can unlink our bond Allura. But, I'll work on it. I promise, you won't have to experience that again."
Without any else said, he walked away, leaving a silent Allura behind.
XXXXXXXXXX
Hunk walked anxiously around the transport area looking at his watch for probably the umpteenth time before he watched the cruiser visually appear in the sky. It looked like any other cruiser that came from Earth on a weekly basis, but this one held someone special, someone that Hunk dreamed of every day and longed for every night since he arrived on Arus. This transport carried his Lucy.
It had felt like forever since he had seen her. Sure, speaking to her on vidscreen was nice, but it didn't compare to seeing her physically, touching her hand, kissing her, lying next to her at night. Goodness, Hunk found himself smiling as the cruiser landed.
He ran out of the base toward the arrival bay as he thought of all the places he wanted to show Lucy. Spending time with her brought warmth to his heart. As he got closer, Hunk began to see the passengers disembark from the ship. He continued to watch and see if Lucy would finally appear. Soon however, he noticed that as people continued coming out, she would not. Worried a bit, he took out his comm. to see if control could patch him to Lucy. Fortunately, as he almost pressed the button on his com. unit, he heard a fabulous woman's voice call out to him.
"Will!" Lucy yelled from the exit door of the cruiser.
"Baby face!" He smiled as he watched his angel descend from the transport. Hunk had a thing for red heads, so when the beauty asked him for an autograph while on vacation to Arus after her college graduation, the two became inseparable.
She ran to him wrapping her arms around his neck as he picked her up and swung her around. He had seen such displays of affection in old movies and usually thought they were the most ridiculous part of the film. Romantic cheesy flicks were not his style. Yet, he couldn't stop himself from twirling his girl around the terminal as onlookers watched and even smiled at their action. "I missed you so much!" he told her before kissing her with such affection it made her groan in delight.
"I missed you too honey," she answered after kissing him. "I'm so glad we're finally together. It has been horrendous without you."
"I know what you mean," Hunk replied as he took her hand and led her back to the base. "It hasn't been a picnic here either baby. As a matter of fact," he caught himself and instantly stopped. There would be enough time tell her about his challenges with the team. Right now, it was time to enjoy some happiness.
"What?"
"Nothing," he shook his head. "Nothing baby. I packed my things and they're in the car. We can go right now to look at our new place before seeing everyone. They're all dying to see you."
"Great!" She smiled. "I can't wait to see everyone. I spoke to Allura briefly before boarding and she and Sam want to have dinner with us this week. "
As they began walking out of the transport area to the car, Hunk chuckled, "Lucy, I don't know how you were able to pull all of this off. To tell you the truth, I was worried a little, Arus has gotten more expensive since I left."
Sighing a bit, Lucy stopped him as they got close to the car. "Well, Hunk, I've been thinking that while we are in this place, we can start to take a closer look at our options. Maybe consider looking for something a little bigger."
Confused, her husband answered, "Why?"
"Well…" she took both of his hands within hers; a great smile formed on her lips, "I wanted to tell you this somewhere else, but, I've been keeping it for so long, it's driving me crazy! Babe, we're pregnant!"
He stood there stunned. He looked at her from top to bottom, "Wh- why didn't you tell me?" he asked as he continued looking at her.
"Oh, honey." She laughed caressing his face, "Telling you this virtually was something so impersonal. I wanted to see you, tell you in person. And, I want both of us to enjoy every single moment of this pregnancy. That's why I worked like a crazy woman to get the heck out of Earth to be here with you."
Still shocked, he said nothing. Lucy tilted her head in question, "Babe, are you alright? Are you happy?" she asked worriedly.
"Of course, of course!" he hugged her abruptly. "How could I not be happy?" he smiled as he hugged her again.
Yes, Hunk was happy. Happy. Shocked. Incredibly scared.