GoPinkLion: I'm sorry that I've kept you waiting. It's been a very rough couple of months. I hope to be back a little more consistency. Hope you enjoy this chapter.
Shiranai Atsune: I'm so glad you are enjoying this book. I hope you enjoy this chapter and thank you for reading Choices. It meant a lot that people are still reading
Feli3: Redemption! Here's the next chapter.
LibAkilah: You have a very interesting idea going on. Kind of like it. Can you tell me more? I'm more intrigued…wow! You need to write a story. I'll be the first one to read it.
RossodiSera: I totally agree with you. I like originality, but to change a character so drastically is just such a turn off to me. I hated that Pidge was a girl, I hated that "Sven" or was gay and I had no wish or care to have the black lion pilot be a character I'd never heard of. And the end was just so…out there. Killing Allura? REALLY? I just didn't like it at all. I just found the whole thing disrespectful to those who grew up and loved the original. I ramble. It's over and I'll stick to the fanfiction stories which to me are sooooo much better!
Playlist:
Adam French-Slow Dancing
Arn Andersson-Farewell Life
Mattia Cupelli—Love Lost
Chapter 33
Kirian Mosley was not a morning person. It took at least two cups of coffee or three shots of expresso to get her in the right mindset. She preferred the graveyard shift or coming in the afternoons. The captain didn't mind when she worked as long as things were done to his satisfaction, but now with him on sick leave, and Lieutenant McClain on the helm, she found herself working most mornings.
McClain was different from Kogane. He was, to a certain extent, organized and thorough, but his style was choppy, at best. Where Kogane smoothly and effortlessly made decisions, McClain second-guessed himself and re-read paperwork, just to make sure his decision made sense. Mosley found herself taking in deep breaths to remain calm while working for the lieutenant. Today, she had an afternoon meeting with him, since he told her he'd be occupied most of the morning. For that, she was grateful-and hopefully more alert by then. Her patience with him was quickly draining away.
About to walk out of her room to report to Corps control, she found the alert button on her vidscreen blinking. A message? Curious, she wondered what it would be. Taking the moment to turn on the vidscreen before leaving, she read the incoming message and gasped. "What?" she said aloud. "No!"
Turning off the vidscreen, she ran out of her room. She had to speak to the advisor. Perhaps, he could do something for her.
XXXXXXXXXXX
Lance wasn't sure why he was there. He wasn't even sure if he should be there. After all, Keith wasn't dead and his instructions were clear. Should he die, then he'd have permission to access the brownstone. But a part of him still found himself curious to see what secrets his friend still held. After Romelle told them everything, Lance felt the need to know more. There were some things that still didn't make any sense, and even when he questioned Romelle about them, she found herself stupefied in not knowing how to answer them.
The answers had to be in the brownstone, right? Well, at least he thought so. Going up the steps, Lance punched in the code-55021. Once the doors opened and he walked in, they immediately closed and he found himself on an elevator that took him to an upper floor. Before the doors opened, however, he heard the voice of a female speaking to him.
Scans show that you are Lance McClain. Captain Kogane is not here at the moment. You may leave a message or state the password to gain entrance to the living quarters.
"I want access. The password is Alfor," he stated.
The voice remained quiet for a moment before finally answering, Access granted. You have full access to the entire brownstone. The doors opened and Lance walked into Keith's living room.
My name is Agatha. Per the instructions of Captain Kogane, I am to show you all areas of the brownstone. Currently, you are on the third floor living quarters. Would you like a tour?
"Not at the moment," Lance said, not wanting to break too much of Keith's privacy. "What I'd like to see is the control room. I want to review some information that Captain Kogane authorized me to see."
Very well. The control room is on the second floor. Agatha paused for a moment. My apologies, Lieutenant McClain. Lieutenant Garrett is at front door. Will you authorize access?
"What is he doing here?" Lance asked himself surprised Hunk was there. "Let him in."
After a moment, Hunk walked in and was surprised to see his friend there.
"What are you doing here?" Lance asked, forgoing the pleasantries.
"What are you doing here? And how the hell did you get in?" Hunk countered.
"Keith granted me access, remember?"
"Should he die, remember? He's not dead, Lance."
"Well, hopefully he'll keep it that way," Lance answered, his sarcasm laced his words. "Now, tell me what are you doing here and how the heck you were planning on getting in? He has this place pretty secure."
"Do you know who I am?" Hunk's brows furrowed, before taking moment to survey the place. "Please, I could have broken in here with my eyes closed." Looking around, he whistled, "Nice place."
"Yeah, I'd like to have seen you have try," Lance snorted, ignoring the comment. "Anyways, we are here. I'm about to go to the control room. Care to join me?" Leading him back to the elevators, Lance ordered Agatha to take them to the control room on the second floor.
Once they reached the control room, the two were in awe.
The large square room held three monstrous screens that covered the adjacent walls. At the center of the room, a half-moon shaped high tech command center held a state of the art supercomputer most likely capable of global surveillance and connecting to various networks around the planets in the Denubian. Lance and Hunk would not be surprised if the computer was also capable of connecting to Garrison networks.
Additionally, the room held an area that served as a crime lab with various specialized laboratories, mechanized workshops, a forensic workstation, a small library, and an evidence room.
Hunk whistled again, but this time loudly, "Man, he built his own Batcave."
"I guess this is Agatha," Lance whispered to himself as he looked at the console.
"What?" Hunk turned to him.
Looking at his friend, he answered, "You know this house talks, right? I figure this…thing is Agatha."
"He named his computer?"
"Agatha Christie is Keith's favorite mystery author," Lance shrugged. "Seems fitting since he's a mystery himself at times."
"No kidding," Hunk nodded, still amazed at the surrounding of the large control room.
Lance looked around. "Agatha show me the files that Keith wanted me to look into first." Within seconds, the vidscreen opened and displayed dozens of files containing information on Korrinth, Lotor and Haggar. Lance scanned the files, "It's everything he's found on them since this whole thing started."
Hunk nodded.
"Looks like Hazar is still looking for Haggar," Lance continued reading.
"Anything on that?" Hunk asked.
Lance shook his head, "Doesn't look like it. But from the files, Hazar keeps Keith in the loop on things constantly. So, it looks like the Drule is more of an ally than a foe."
"Keith did say that," Hunk replied reminding Lance of that discussion some time ago. Still looking around, he asked, "How could he afford all these systems? I mean, this is state of the art stuff. It's not cheap."
"Let's find out," Lance replied as he took a seat in the chair in front of the control panel. Hunk stood behind him. "Agatha, does Keith have files on missions he did in the past?"
"What missions?" Hunk asked.
Yes. Would you like access to them?
"Yes," he answered before turning to Hunk, "The only way he could have afforded these things were if he took on missions, probably from private clients. I do this for both the Garrison and the Corps for extra pay. He could have done these for private investors, companies, the elite. Keith and I always talked about getting into the private sector. Think about it, there are some things that neither the Corps or the Garrison would touch, we could."
"You both thought about this?" Hunk looked perplexed at the thought.
"You have to remember," Lance stated, "Garrison didn't trust the Corps. Keith always said that if we were ever kicked out of the Garrison, our lives would be with the Corps. Going into the private sector would give us the money needed to sustain ourselves, and the credibility we needed after being booted out of the Garrison. Well, if it would happen. "
"Things were different back then," Hunk shook his head with disbelief. "It's incredible to think how narrow minded some of Garrison's officers were."
Lance nodded as he began searching through the files that Agatha displayed on the screen, "Look. Keith apparently did a lot of rescue missions for both the private sector on Earth and on Arus."
Hunk began to read the files, "Rescued a five year old girl from drug lords about three years ago. Father was a diplomatic ambassador to Australia. And here's another rescue of a family of four from the Russian government."
Lance continued to look at the files, "Rescues, retrieval, intel…looks like he was quite busy."
"Well, that explains how he could afford this place," Hunk replied.
"I guess. Were you looking for something specific? What did you come here for?"
Hunk sighed and shrugged before speaking, "Lucy said something a few nights ago that got me thinking."
"What?"
"Well, she said that Keith took the fall because he didn't want Sven to lose his rank with the Corps, and ultimately, have Coran removed as advisor, because he didn't want Garrison to believe that Sven had been influenced by magic."
"Okay?"
"So, why wouldn't the Garrison believe he was influenced by magic as well? You saw the surveillance records. They fought at Korrinth, and Keith killed Sven on castle grounds. It would have been easy to say that Haggar had done something to him, or the environment itself. How was he able to get around that theory?"
"Good question," Lance replied thoughtfully. "And you thought you'd find the answers here?"
"Look at the screen," Hunk shrugged. "Keith keeps records of everything, worth a try."
"You're right." Turning to the control panel, Lance asked, "Agatha, access all Garrison files, including video feeds and calls."
It took a few seconds before Agatha said, Sixty-seven files found.
Looking at Hunk, Lance asked, "You got time?"
Nodding, the bigger man replied, "Let's get started."
XXXXXXXXXX
It had been a busy morning for Mosley. Instead of marching herself to the advisor's office, she decided to cool off and work for a while before requesting a meeting with Coran. Before she knew it, it was well past noon and she skipped lunch. Still not feeling hungry, she took a trip up to the advisor's office. Taking a deep breath to control her emotions, Mosley paused for a moment before she knocked.
Within moments, she heard the advisor's voice telling her to come in. Entering calmly, she waited to be addressed.
"How can I help you, Ensign Mosley?" Coran looked tired and worried, but still portrayed himself in his usual calm manner.
"Advisor Coran," she began, "This morning I received orders from Galaxy Garrison to return to Earth. I thought I would be stationed here for at least a year. I'm not sure why I received these orders. Have I done something wrong?"
Coran stood up and gestured the young woman to the living area of the office, "Please Ensign, have a seat."
She did as instructed, but her tolerance was breaking, she looked angry, "Please, tell me what is going on?"
"I spoke to General Martinez at the Garrison base in San Antonio, Texas. He read over the last report I sent him of your performance, and felt that you'd be the perfect choice to run his Intel department."
"I haven't learned enough," she countered. "Please, you can deny this. I don't want to go."
Coran, for the first time, surprised her. He took her hand and gently squeezed it, "Ensign, to tell you the truth, I don't want you to go either. You have been invaluable to the Voltron Force as well as the Corps. However, what you are going through is part of the learning process. Sometimes, as soldiers, we are forced to make decisions we don't want to make, but are necessary for the good of others," he paused for a second, his thoughts reflecting on what he learned in the last 48 hours. "This is yours. You need to abide by these orders for the good of others. You may never know who will benefit from your decision, but be assured, someone will."
Her anger dissipated and instead sadness showed in her features, "I really don't want to leave. I was hoping to get on the Korrinth mission that Captain Kogane was heading."
"My dear, sometimes we don't get to choose where life leads us," he answered. "This is a good opportunity. A promotion this early in your career is amazing. You'll be promoted to sergeant. If you run that department successfully, I see a lieutenant position for you possibly in a year or two."
She stayed quiet for a moment. To leave. She'd be leaving a great position. She'd be leaving him. And that's the part that saddened her the most.
XXXXXXXXXX
They spent most of the morning searching through the files Agatha found. Hunk even got one of the chairs from the dining room so he could sit and continue their search. Lance finally gave him the helm knowing that his friend was faster at accessing computer information. Most of the files dealt with Voltron missions and reports sent to the Garrison during the first Drule war. Others dealt with reports Keith wrote requesting supplies and materials needed for Arus. They wondered how he got access to those files, but then figured he must have paid someone to break into the Corps database. By the three-hour mark, they were tired and had not found anything that answered their questions.
"There's nothing here," Lance sighed. "Maybe there never was."
"Keith is OCD when it comes to organization. I'm sure he covered all his bases to take the rap for Sven. There has to be something here that tells us more," Hunk replied as he continued his search. He stopped when he found a file under another sub-folder named G-H-Tap.
"What is that?" Lance asked.
"Let's find out," he answered and clicked on the file. Hunk found he couldn't access it. "It's password protected."
"Why would he password protect it?"
"Good question," Hunk replied. "I think we just found what we were looking for."
XXXXXXXXXX
It had been over an hour and they still hadn't figured out how to open the file. Lance sighed heavily in frustration, "This is insane. What the hell did he use to protect it?"
"Patience, Lance," Hunk offered. "This is why I like working with Darrell. He doesn't complain."
"Well, Darrell would have cracked this code about an hour ago!"
"Cool it," Hunk looked at him. "I know that I'm not as good as our resident genius, but I am telling you that even he would have a hard time breaking this code. I've tried almost every word in the book. Arus, Garrison, our names…I even used Allura, Altaire, variations of her name…nothing."
"Where is Darrell? Maybe he can come over."
"Nope," he answered. "Told me he was off today and was going to be busy. Not to call unless it was an emergency."
Lance remained quiet for a moment and then a realization hit him. Keith's words suddenly popped into his mind…
Why the hell did you destroy our family when you killed Sven? Why did you feel the need to kill all of us with him? And why did you destroy everything that meant anything to Romelle?"
Simply put…it had to be done.
"It had to be done," he whispered. Sitting up, Lance turned to Hunk, "Maybe it's not a word, but a phrase. Try the phrase, 'It had to be done.' All together."
"What?"
"Just try it," he exclaimed. That had to be it. Without Lance realizing it at first, Keith had given him a clue.
Hunk typed the phrase and within seconds, they were in, "It's a video recording."
With his heart beating fast, Lance took a deep breath, "Play it."
XXXXXXXXXX
Romelle spent the morning working on the donations from the Gala. The event seemed so long ago and with the latest happenings, she hadn't had a chance to complete all the paperwork needed to close the event. She was so engrossed in her work that she startled when the phone rang.
She closed her eyes, annoyed at herself for the constant anxiety that plagued her every day. Clicking the button on her vidscreen, she saw the one person she hadn't expected to hear from, "Allura?"
"Romelle."
"It's good to see you" she answered. "Is everything okay? Is Keith alright?"
"Yes," she answered quickly before correcting herself, "I mean. There's no change in his condition, so I guess that's better than the alternative."
Romelle nodded, "I guess so. What can I help you with?"
"I…I owe you an apology," Allura stated. "And…I want to give it to you personally. Romelle, I want see you, but I can't leave−"
"It's alright," Romelle smiled. "No need to apologize. I understand, Allura. I would have been mad myself."
"Can we talk?" she asked. "Would you come over later today?"
"Sure," she answered. "How about I bring lunch? You must be tired of the food at the base."
Allura laughed a little, "Kind of. But, I just can't leave him. Not after that incident a few nights ago."
"I understand," her cousin answered. "I'll be there in about an hour or so."
"Thanks, Romelle," Allura said, "I'll see you soon."
"See you later." Hanging up, Romelle couldn't help smiling. Finally, the healing process had begun.
XXXXXXXXXX
What appeared on the large vidscreen in front of them was a ghost, a phantom. Admiral Michael E. Graham had been dead for almost ten years. Cause of death, a pulmonary embolism brought on by smoking. The man had been a heavy smoker since his teen years and never stopped till he met his end.
"Whoa," Hunk sighed. "Haven't seen that face in a while."
"A long while," Lance whispered.
Commander Kogane. Well, you've gotten yourself in a very delicate predicament. And you are taking a chance calling me from an Arus prison. I suggest you stop speaking to me and call your lawyers. I've already appointed the best for your hearing.
The two became very quiet as they listened to the one side conversation. It was obvious that Keith initiated the call since the only one they saw was the admiral. Then they heard Keith's voice.
Don't bother. I'm calling you because I already made up my mind. Admiral, you know that there was no other way.
Yes, there is. You can tell them the truth.
The truth will destroy us all. You know that, Admiral.
There's no way the Garrison will believe what you did, Kogane. The admiral paused for a moment. Doing what you are doing will be a waste, and career suicide for you.
If we don't do this, the Garrison will cease any relations with Arus. Everything that we have worked for will be lost. My team will not be able to go home, and Holgerson's family will lose their home. They won't be welcomed on Earth and they sure as hell will not be able to stay here. This is the only way.
And how do you expect me to convince an entire group of Garrison generals that you were not influenced by magic? Because you damn well know that's what they already think and I can't change their minds.
I have an idea.
Graham looked straight into the camera. Yeah, what's that?
Alter my military record. It should be enough to warrant a BCD and ultimately, a dishonorable discharge.
What? Are you insane?
They won't believe it's magic if my record shows that I have disciplinary infractions, misconduct, and mental conditions that would reinforce the actions that took place on Korrinth.
You think that's easy to do? And, do you really think they will believe what the record says?
The JAG doesn't know me at all. Besides, it's the only way they will look at my case objectively and dismiss their magical possession theory. Once they see the record, they won't think it was magic at all, but a reckless act by a soldier that just lost it under pressure. That's what I need them to believe. I need you to do your part, Admiral. You've worked as hard as we have to keep relations between Arus and Earth amicable. If Garrison finds out the truth, it will destroy more than relations, it will destroy all relations within the Denubian Galaxy. We can't let that happen. Think of everything that we will lose on the misguided beliefs of the Garrison. Alter the record.
Graham looked completely defeated. He couldn't disagree with what Keith said. After a pause, he finally sighed, I can't, but I can have Hawkins do it. He's not going to like this any more than I do. Keith, reconsider what you are doing.
There's no other way and you very well know that. We are prolonging the inevitable. What matters is the well-being of my team and keeping the alliance from falling apart. Please Admiral, help me.
I understand. But, once the case is closed, I'll change the record back. I will make sure that if you can ever dig yourself out of this hole, you'll be able to use the original clean record.
I don't think−
That's the only way you'll get me to agree with this Kogane, take it or leave it!
Again a pause. Alright. Just make sure you keep my record away from prying eyes.
Graham nodded. Fine.
One more thing, Admiral. I need to keep my team blind about this. They can never know. I know them, they'll try to save me and I can't let them do that. They have no idea of what saving me will cost them. Keep them out of the way and keep them out of the courtroom as much as you can.
Graham nodded again. You want them to believe the lie.
It has to be done.
God, Kogane. I don't like this.
Keith sighed. Me either. But, they'll be fine and that's the important thing.
Okay, consider it done. I'll mandate that the death penalty be taken off the table. But, I can't control the prison sentence.
That's alright. I can do the time.
This is not fair, son.
In war, what is? My time is up, Admiral.
That it is, Kogane. Graham out.
Communication ceased.
The two men stared at the screen as it black out. Neither said a word as they watched the recording. Neither breathed.
"I can't believe he did that," Hunk finally said.
Lance remained quiet. With or without realizing it, Keith had told him the truth. And the worse part, he was banking on Lance to pick up the trail after his death, "I guess we know the truth now."
"He better make it through, man," Hunk said as he stood up. "Because if he doesn't…."
"He will," Lance said firmly. "He will."
XXXXXXXXXX
Lunch was quiet for the two women. It took some coaxing, but Romelle was finally able to get Allura to have lunch with her in the healing garden of MedTech. It was a small artificial garden, but it had CG animation of a blue sky, clouds and sun. The garden was equipped with soft music that allowed those in it to relax and take a break from the stresses of being in MedTech.
Romelle brought sushi, thai soup, and ice tea. A light lunch, but enough to fill the appetite. Initially, as soon as Romelle walked in to the room, Allura all but tackled her. And Romelle took her cousin into her arms and hugged her tightly, crying and asking for forgiveness. Allura did the same. They were more than cousins, they were sisters, and probably closer than any sister could be.
In the garden, they talked as they ate.
"He shouldn't have asked you to do such a thing, Romelle," Allura sighed as she drank her soup.
"I know," the other blonde sighed, "But, he was right. What could we have done differently? What could have any of us done? Even if I had changed my mind, Keith did everything to cover his innocence. I don't even know how he managed to do it. There was nothing I could do other than to try to convince him to confess and he wasn't going to."
"No, he wasn't," Allura shook her head. "And to tell you the truth, even if he would have, we wouldn't have made it easier for him."
"And now?"
Allura laughed mirthlessly, "Now, I can wait for him to open his eyes so I can hug him, tell him I love him, and then slap the hell out of him for what he did."
Romelle laughed, and laughed hard, "I think we will all be waiting in line for that opportunity."
As the two women laughed and then settled into their lunch, Romelle asked, "I'm willing to share something else with you, Allura. Would you be prepared to hear it?"
Allura looked up from her plate, "Of course."
Nodding, Romelle continued, "I loved Sven, I did…at first it was a wonderful love. He gave me the greatest gift and that was Hope. I will be eternally grateful to him for that."
Allura continued listening.
"And once he was gone, I married Ryan. And, while I loved him, I wasn't in love with him. Never was. But he was good to me and he was wonderful to Hope."
"What are you saying, Romelle?"
She breathed hard, but Allura had a right to know. All of them did and all of the secrets had to come down. Darrell already knew, but she knew he was keeping quiet because of Hope. She didn't want him to be keeping secrets either, "What am saying is that, there's been someone who has held my heart for a very long time. For many years actually, and I think that…for the very first time, we have a shot at making our love last."
XXXXXXXXX
Once Kirian Mosley was able to control the initial shock of leaving Arus, she left Coran's office and found herself going to MedTech. Somehow, she felt better seeing him. She needed to see him.
She knocked on the door and found no voice telling her to enter. After a moment, she opened the door and noticed that he was alone. She smiled.
"I guess, I get you to myself for a few," she whispered as she walked up to his bed, took the chair close to it and sat down.
XXXXXXXXXX
"McClain," Allura hollered, her blue eyes widening with surprise. "You mean, Lance McClain?"
"Yeah," Romelle nodded as she laughed.
As her cousin laughed, Allura noticed how happy, how really happy her cousin looked. She was a young girl all over again.
"We've had feelings since…a long time, Allura," Romelle continued. "Even when Sven and I were together, even before Hope, there was something between Lance and I. Maybe it wasn't love at the time, but there was something. And, after Sven died, that something grew into love."
"Then, why weren't you two together all this time?" Allura shook her head. "What happened? Why did you marry Ryan?"
At this, the smile faded away, "Lance…well, I think Lance felt guilty about having feelings for me and now, I'm realizing that in my own way, I was a coward, Allura. I knew that Lance felt something for me, but instead of helping him understand that I had them too, I became very passive, and I got scared. I think I was living under Sven's shadow as and, there was the secret. I blamed it all on Lance when in fact, it was both. I played the martyr, and it cost me years of loneliness. I saw for years how you fought to get Keith back and you were relentless. You left Arus and lived on Earth while he was incarcerated there. You visited him constantly, knowing he would turn you away. I should have fought for Lance."
"I didn't fight enough," Allura sighed.
"You fought plenty," she confirmed. "Keith made it hard."
"You always pushed me to talk to him when this whole mess started," Allura answered thoughtfully. "Did you think he would change his mind and finally talk to me after all these years?"
"He hadn't seen you in years," Romelle shrugged, "When I saw Lance after such a long time, all the emotions, everything that I had in me, came out. I was hoping that same for both of you."
XXXXXXXXXX
As Kirian Mosley sat next to her commander and chief, a feeling of nostalgia crept over her. She was leaving Arus and she was leaving him. And, she never…showed him.
"Oh," she sighed. "How…how is it possible to have so many feelings for you? I need to get you out of my system. I just don't know how."
Kirian studied his features intently as she took his hand. Even in sleep and in the pain, Kirian saw all of his beautiful features. With her other hand, she gently pushed his hair way from forehead, "If there was some way…if there was any way of knowing you felt something for me. But you love her, and I have to accept that."
Hearing the door open, she turned, and watched Lieutenant McClain walk in and demand, "Mosley? What are you doing here?"
"Oh!" she sat back on her chair and smiled. Letting go of his hand, she sat up, "I just came to see the captain. Wanted to know how he was doing."
"Where's Lieutenant Altair?"
"I'm not sure, sir," she answered. "She wasn't here when I walked in, which hasn't been long. I've only been here for about five minutes or so." Kirian stood up, "I'm sorry, Lieutenant. I only came to see him before our meeting this afternoon."
"That's alright, Mosley."
"I should go," she said, walking towards the door. "I'll see you later."
He nodded.
As she walked down the hall, she ran into Romelle and Allura, who were heading to the room, "Lieutenant Altair, Lieutenant McClain is looking for you. He's in Captain Kogane's room. Good afternoon, Ms.D'orr."
As the young woman walked away, Romelle turned Allura, "Kirian has been visiting, Keith?"
Allura nodded and rolled her eyes, "Yes. She has a huge crush on him. And I don't think she's even trying to hide it anymore."
XXXXXXXXXX
"Where have you two been?" Lance asked as Romelle and Allura walk in.
Allura noticed Lance's eyes light up when he saw Romelle.
"I took Allura out to lunch," Romelle said as she gently gave Lance a quick peck on his cheek.
Surprised by this, Lance looked at Allura, who just shook her head, "Don't worry. Romelle told me."
"You did?" he turned back to Romelle.
"No. More. Secrets," she said with a small smile.
Lance smiled tremendously, "No more secrets."
XXXXXXXXXX
Allura held Keith's hand as she watched the recording Lance copied before he and Hunk left Keith's place. The two women were just as mesmerized and engrossed by the dialogue between Keith and the admiral as Lance and Hunk were. When it was over, they remained just as quiet.
"I can't believe he did that," Romelle whispered as Lance held her.
Allura squeezed Keith's hand.
"How was he able to record this? And why?" Romelle looked at Lance.
"It looks like he was able to record it while imprisoned at the Arus penitentiary," Lance responded. "And as to the why? I'm not sure. Maybe he kept it to prove his innocence, should he need to one day."
"Well," Allura said, "The truth is finally out. What will he do when he finds out we know? And how do we tell him?"
"I'm sure he'll be relieved," Lance countered.
"Maybe," Romelle said carefully. "He's kept this secret for twenty years. It's going to be hard for him to let go of something he's kept for so long."
"Then, what do you suggest we do?" Allura asked.
"Just be with him. I don't know, maybe prove to him that he's alright in your eyes…I…don't know."
Lance looked at Allura, "Then, I guess you and I are going to be roommates until sleeping beauty wakes up."
Allura looked her former lover before her gaze returned to Lance, "He'll wake up, right?"
"He better," Lance nodded. "We are far from done."
vvvvvvvvvv
Two Days Later…
The first thing he did when he woke up was to look at the chronometer located on the wall. Blinking away his blurry vision, he thought it read three-thirty in the morning, but he wasn't completely sure, things looked foggy to him. Taking a deep breath, Keith felt tired. Sleep wanted to claim him once more. He tried to fight, but felt he was losing. He looked around the room, trying to keep awake when he noticed he wasn't alone. On a recliner next to him Allura slept peacefully. Turning his head to the other side of the room, he saw Lance lying down on a sofa. He wanted to call out to them, but nothing came out of his mouth, he didn't have the energy. In fact, things were becoming a lot more blurry, and the need for sleep became more welcoming. I must be dreaming, he thought. They'd never be here. Keith closed his eyes and allowed sleep to swallow him. He'd never admit it, but dreaming that they were there, helped him fall asleep in peace.
Xxxxxxxxx
The next time Keith woke up, he found the room completely empty. He blinked away the blurriness and found he was able to focus better. The chronometer this time read ten-thirty. It was morning. He felt the warmth from the sun shining through the window. He tried to stretch, but the IV and heart monitors made it hard for him to do so. Already annoyed, he tore the wires off his body and within seconds the machines that sounded slow and steadily began beeping wildly. He pulled the blankets off himself and stood up. But almost immediately, Keith felt the room whirl around him. He tried to find a balance, but couldn't. As he was about to plummet to the floor, he heard the door of his room swish open.
"Keith, what the hell are you doing up!" Lance ran immediately and caught him. "Do you know you scared the crap out of us!" He hollered as he helped him back to bed.
Keith looked at him speculatively, "Why am I so dizzy?"
Dr. Gorma ran in, and when he saw the captain, sighed loudly with relief. "Deactivate Code Blue. All clear," he said from his own com device strapped to his wrist. Walking up to the captain as Lance helped him back to bed, he began putting the wires back into his body, when he noticed Keith's eyes close as he breathed heavily. "Are you dizzy?"
Keith nodded slowly.
"It's just a side effect of the drugs we gave you, Captain Kogane. It will take a couple of days, but you'll be fine. Just make sure you don't make any of us believe you've coded again." He smiled, "Welcome back, by the way."
Now, lying back down, Keith began to feel better, "How long…"
"A couple of days at least," Gorma replied. "But, be thankful that this is the only thing you're experiencing. I'm glad you pulled through."
"No, how long have I been out?"
"Almost a week," he heard Lance's voice.
He opened his eyes. Keith cautiously stared at his former friend and found Lance's eyes soften. They no longer seemed to hold the hate they had before. The captain thought he was misreading Lance. Maybe it's another side effect of the drugs, he thought.
Forcing his gaze away from Lance, Keith looked at Gorma, "How long will I be this way?
Checking his vitals, Gorma sighed, "I don't know, Captain, but it shouldn't be long…a couple of days maybe? The side effects will gradually lessen as the days progress. But, like I said before, I'm glad this is the only thing you are experiencing so far." As he continued to check on Keith, the doctor added, "The bruising is also clearing up nicely."
"Great," Keith nodded slowly. He looked up at his second-in-command, "Is everything alright?
"Everything is fine," Lance smiled a bit. "Just wanted to know you were okay."
Surprised, Keith looked at him questionably. About to ask about Lance's sudden change in attitude, his room door opened, preventing him from asking anything.
"What's going on? Is he ok?" Alllura ran in, panic gushing out of her voice. When she saw him awake, she took a breath of relief, "Oh my God. Keith!"
He was even more in shock at Allura's sudden panic. What is going on?
Allura wanted to go to him, but the look of question on his face stopped her. They needed to talk first. He needed to know that they knew. This wasn't the time to drop that news to him. Instead of going to him, she composed herself and asked, "Are you okay?"
He nodded, "I'm fine, Altair."
"He's experiencing a bit of vertigo, but that should go away within a couple of days," Gorma added to his answer. "For now, I'll give him a neurological assessment and have him rest. Would you please give us some time?"
"Sure," Lance replied as he walked up to Allura, "We'll be back when you're done."
Not taking her eyes off Keith, she nodded, "I'm happy to see you."
"Ah…thanks," he answered, suspiciously looking at both Lance and Allura.
Lance smiled again at him before he escorted Allura out.
After both left, Keith turned to the doctor, "Mind telling me what is going on with those two?"
Knowing the truth, but not wanting to divulge anything to him until the others spoke to him, the doctor just shrugged, "I have no idea, Captain. Let's just start your assessment. I'm sure you're anxious to leave me already." His tone of sarcasm didn't escape the captain.
At least one thing hasn't changed since I've come to, Keith thought, Gorma's still a prick.