Once Lance had proudly hung the drawing in Blue, the group went off to join the others in the meeting room. Without meaning to, Keith found himself sitting between Thace and Shiro at the table. He felt a little awkward since he wasn't quite certain what Shiro thought of Thace at this point, but choose not to dwell on it.

Allura folded her hands on the table as she turned her attention to Ford and Oberon. "So, what exactly are these conditions?"

Ford ran a hand through his beard as he cleared his throat. "So, like I explained the leaders of our rebel cells have decided to form an alliance with you."

"And Leah is eager to do so," Oberon explained as leaned over the table. "However, the other cells are a bit nervous exposing themselves to the empire. Therefore, as a bit of a safety measure," he looked to where Thace sat, "they want you to stay with the paladins."

The group stared stunned and even Thace looked shocked by the news.

"Ookay, that's surprising," Lance said softly.

Keith blinked as he tried not to stare openly at Thace.

"Why?" Shiro asked as he narrowed his eyes. "How is it a safety measure?"

"They figured Thace can act as a sort of diplomat between our two groups," Oberon explained and then coughed, "and the other is..well-"

"It's too dangerous for me to go back," Thace simply stated. "That's the bigger reason isn't?"

Oberon and Ford shared an uneasy expression. "Yyyeeaah," Oberan said as he gave a shaky smile. "Sorry, Thace, but at this point you're as wanted as the paladins and the princess here are."

"Leah argued your case as best as she could," Ford explained, "but the other rebels cells just thought it was too much of a risk for you to fully come back to the resistance."

"But Thace risked his life," Keith argued with a growl. "Zarkon would have gotten Voltron! We should have-"

Thace placed a hand on Keith's shoulder. "Clam down," he said. "I hardly take it as an insult. It is a valid concern."

Keith blew air out of his cheeks. "That still doesn't make it right."

An amused grin appeared over Oberon's lips. "Heh, you are his kid alright."

Keith instantly blushed and Thace tossed a glare. "Oberon.."

"What? It's not an insult," he said with a shrug. "Besides, think of all the father-son bonding you two can have now."

Keith froze and his tongue felt numb. Thace wasn't going anywhere, at least he didn't have to now. He chewed his bottom lip. I..I don't know if that makes me happy or not.

Thace's eyes softened as he cleared his throat. "I believe...this isn't a decision that should be rushed into."

Keith stiffened and felt like he had been punched in the gut. What was that suppose to mean? Did Thace not want to stay here with him? His hands tightened into fists.

"I agree," Shiro jumped in as he placed a hand on Keith's shoulder. "With all due respect, having Thace live here permanently is a big chance for us to adjust too, especially given the circumstances."

Keith noticed Shiro shifted slightly closer to him.

Allura frowned, but gave a nod as she looked to Oberon and Ford. "I agree with Shiro, while we do want to form a proper alliance, we will need some time to ponder this 'condition'."

"Don't blame ya, Princess," Ford simply stated. "Hope you don't mind if Oberon and I stay here until you reach a decision." He rotated his shoulders. "These old bones would prefer the fewer flight trips if possible."

"Of course," Allura said as she stood. "I'll have Coran take you to the guest quarters for the time being until we have reached a decision on the matter."

"Sounds lovely, Princess" Oberon said with a chuckle as he stood. "Thace, why don't you join us? I do have a few things to discuss with you."

Thace raised an eyebrow as he rose. "Alright," he said and looked to Keith. "We can...speak later if you wish."

"Uh, sure," Keith said as he shoved his hands into his pockets.

Thace patted his shoulder before proceeding to follow Ford, Oberon and Coran out of the meeting room.

Hunk drummed his fingers on the table until they were gone and looked to the group. "So...anyone else here thinks it's a bit odd Thace didn't just agree to stay here?"

"It is a tricky matter," Allura said gently. "We certainly never expected for Thace to stay here permanently, and there are certain things to..consider if that is the case."

Keith twitched a bit as he narrowed his eyes. "If you're referring to 'me' being one of those things, Princess, you shouldn't," he said quietly. "The alliance with the rebels is more important."

"I beg to differ," Shiro said as crossed his arms over his chest. "You're a part of this team, Keith. How you feel about Thace living here is important."

Keith lowered his gaze. "Possibly...but Thace didn't exactly seemed thrilled at the idea to stay here anyway." He looked to the Shiro. "You saw, he basically said he didn't want to be here."

Lance rolled his eyes. "No, he didn't and you're over thinking it." He pointed at Keith. "I"m betting the guy said that so that YOU wouldn't be thrown into something you didn't want to happen."

Pidge nodded. "Yeah, and besides it is a lot for us to think about."

"Yeah...that's true I guess," Keith said, but a part of him would feel better if Thace had just said so if that was the case.

Shiro rose from his seat and look to the others. "I think this is an excellent time to run some training exercises. Just because we have more guests aboard doesn't mean we can treat it like a vacation."

"Yes, Sir," the paladins said in perfect unison.

Shiro nodded. "Go get suit up and meet me in the training deck."

"I'll join you," Allura said as she stood. "I do want to see if we're able to go up a level on the gladiator."

"Ug, please, no," Lance said as he rubbed his back. "My muscles are still sore from the last advancement we did."

Keith went to follow, but was stopped as Shiro touched his shoulder. "Hey, listen," he said in a whisper. "I am here if you need to talk later. Okay?"

Keith gave a small smile and nodded. "Thanks, I know," he said as he went to leave. "Although, honestly, some mindless training is the best thing I need right now."

Shiro narrowed his eyes, but smiled as he ruffled his hair. "I'll see you on the training deck then, Buddy."

"Yeah," Keith muttered as he fixed his hair. Focusing on training rather than worrying what Thace is thinking? Sounds good to me.

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Oberon leaned in the chair as he held up his drink. "Got to admit it, Thace," he said with a cheeky grin. "You got a real nice set up here."

Thace sighed as he sat across from him. "It is hardly a 'setup'," he muttered. "I wonder if Ford is alright in his room."

"He's fine," Oberon said as he set down his drink. "He just needs a rest, so stop avoiding the subject."

Thace frowned as he gave a hard stare. "What subject?"

Oberon scoffed. "Don't pretend. I'm talking about your kid?" He leaned forward. "I thought you would jump at the chance to be able to stay with him. What was that all 'we can't rush into' stuff?"

"I have to consider his feelings on the issue," Thace growled. "Not everyone is as happy go lucky as you. I'm not certain Keith would be comfortable having me here."

Oberon raised an eyebrow. "Has he told you that?"

Thace frowned. "Well, no, truth be told he's still trying to grasp the concept I'm his father-"

"And how is he going to get to know 'his father' better if you go running off somewhere to a remote planet?" Oberon asked as he sipped his drink.

Thace sighed as he rubbed his eyes. Despite knowing Oberon since they were cadets together, he could never understand how he could view things in such a simple matter. Course, just when Thace thought he had him figured out, Oberon always awed him with almost sage like advice.

He suppose it was for that reason they were friends. "Oberon, I left him and his mother when he was an infant. I can't assume I can be allowed back into his life."

Oberon raised an eyebrow. "Don't suppose you know what his mother thinks of all of this?"

Thace winced and stared at the floor. "She died when Keith was a child...and I didn't even know."

Oberon was silent. His eyes glowed with sympathy as he reached over to touch Thace's arm. "I'm sorry, Thace. I didn't know her, but I know how much you loved her."

Thace gave his hands a squeeze as he nodded. "Thank you, and it is only another reason why I would not blame Keith for not wishing to be involved with me."

Oberon frowned. "Oh? How so?"

"Keith was left all alone when Amy died, and had to be cared for by strangers until he had the luck of Shiro's family, the black paladin, taking him in." His hands gripped into fists. "How can I call myself his father when I wasn't there when he clearly needed one?"

Oberon leaned back in his chair as he grasped his chin. "If you ask me, it's the opposite. It's even more important you do so now."

Thace blinked. "What are you talking about?"

"Keith has most likely questioned about who his father was his whole life, and now that boy is tasked with helping to free the universe," he said as he picked up his drink. "Doesn't that sound like a kid who could use some fatherly guidance?"

Thace paused at that. Oberon had a point, but still...

"Okay, look, I get where you're coming from," Oberon said, sincerely. "You are trying to be considerate of the kid, but having to be a father myself, I do believe you two owe it to each other. You got a second chance here, Thace, when you honestly believe you would never get to see your son again. You shouldn't pass this up."

Thace huffed. "You make it sound so simple."

"No reason it can't be," Oberon said with a shrug. "And if that doesn't convince you, do it for Amy."

Thace froze and he looked up. "For Amy?"

Oberon nodded. "From what you told me about her, what do you think Amy would ask you to do?"

Thace was silent as he thought it over. "She...would want me to connect with Keith, or at least try."

"Then, if you loved her the way I do Leah, do that for her," Oberon said. "What do you have to lose?"

Thace was silent as he felt he was once again struck by the weird sage like advice of Oberon.

"And on a less serious note," Oberon said as he leaned forward. "Think I could convince that Lance kid to let me have a ride on the Blue Lion? Give me something to brag about to the others you know?"

Thace sighed as he rubbed his eyes, once again question how he became friends with this person.

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The training had been exactly what Keith needed, and he still felt that way despite the exhaustion at the end of it.

"Good job, team" Shiro said as he flexed his arm. "We didn't quite break a new record, but we're getting there."

"Are you sure there isn't a record for amount of sweat?" Pidge asked as she leaned against Hunk and wiped her forehead. "Because if there was, I would win it."

Shiro chuckled. "Sorry, I don't think-"

An ear piercing grinding echoed throughout the room. Everyone jumped in alarm, but relaxed as Shiro clutched his arm and made it stop. He cursed as he gripped it tightly with his human hand. "Damn, it's doing it again."

Hunk sighed as he and Pidge moved closer. "Okay, we have GOT to solve this problem because this is getting worse."

Pidge frowned as she looked it over. "Shiro, I hate to say it, but we may have to take this thing apart somehow to find the problem."

Keith's eyes widened in alarm. "Is that really necessary?"

"We've been going over this thing with a fine tooth comb," Hunk said as he removed his helmet. "But it's hard to see the problem without going deeper."

"I get that," Lance said as he scratched his head, "but still seems kind of drastic."

Shiro sighed. "I am reluctant taking it apart, but at the rate this is going I'm afraid it's going to get worse or maybe even stop working if we don't fix it soon."

And that's not good, Keith thought, especially if it does it in the middle of a fight.

Hunk clasped his hands together in thought. "Let's look it over one more time before we have to go that route," he said as he crossed his arms. "As smart as Pidge and I are we can't promise we can safely put it back together without damaging it more or Shiro for that matter."

"I would prefer that," Shiro said as he winced. "Let's go to the lab now and see if you two can fix it."

"Anything Keith and I could do to help?" Lance asked.

"Stay out of trouble," Shiro said with a crooked smile as he left the room with Pidge and Hunk in tow. "I'll check in with you two later, okay?"

"Yeah, sure," Keith said softly as he watched them go and sighed.

So, now what do I do? I'm too tired from any more training, but don't feel like heading back to my room yet.

A hand on his shoulder broke Keith's train of thought and turned to see Lance giving him a grin.

"Hey, how about we go grab something to drink?" he said and took a sniff. "Although, on second thought, after we shower. You reek of sweat."

Keith smirked and gave a small nod. "Yeah, I would be for that," he said as they headed out of the room.

It didn't take long for Lance and Keith to remove their armor, shower and be back in their everyday clothes. The two of them then ventured into the kitchen where Lance poured each of them a drink and sat at the table next to Keith.

"Thanks," Keith said as he took a sip.

Lance practically drained his glass as he leaned back in the chair. "Ah, that hits the spot," he said and then raised his gaze at Keith. "Sssooo...looks like Thace might be living with us?"

Keith cringed as he leaned against his hand. He should have known that was why Lance suggested to get a drink together. "Yeah..weird, huh?"

Lance scoffed. "Honestly, not really? We live in a flying castle with two aliens..well three if we include you..although seven if we also count the mice-"

"Lance," Keith said dryly.

"Right, right, getting off track," Lance said as he leaned over the table. "But, hey, having Thace here would be good for you, don't you think?"

Keith fingered the brim of his glass. "I'm not sure since I don't really know him."

Lance raised an eyebrow. "He took care of you for like close to a month when you're hurt, and you had all the time at the rebel base together. He's not that much of a stranger to you, is he?"

"That's different," Keith argued. "Then he was this Galran soldier I was trying to figure out why he was helping me, and at the base…"

"He was the guy that may or may not be related to you," Lance said as he crossed his arms.

"Exactly," Keith said as he ran a hand through his hair. "Now that I know he's my dad..it kind of feels like he's a whole new person."

"Okay, I get that," Lance said, "but you realize you can only use that as an excuse for so long right? Best way to get over that problem is just to talk to the guy."

Keith's eyes hardened.

"Am I wrong?" Lance replied.

"No…," Keith said with a pout, "but I have no sweet clue how I could go about it."

And what's the point of doing it if Thace will just want to leave in the end? Keith thought bitterly.

Lance grasped his chin in thought. "Well...could always grab a ball and play a game of catch?"

Keith raised an eyebrow. "Seriously?"

Lance shrugged and looked ready to say more when the door opened. The teens glanced up as Thace and Oberon entered the room and paused.

"Oh, hey," Oberon said as he waved. "I thought you were in training."

"We just finished, and the others are assisting Shiro with some maintenance," Keith said as he gripped his drink. "What are you two doing?"

"Making Thace give me a tour," Oberon said rather cheerfully. "Although, it's proving to be rather pointless since it seems he knows next to nothing about this place."

Thace twitched slightly as he crossed his arms. "As I've said, I haven't been here long, and I was hardly going to be exploring a home that wasn't mine."

Keith narrowed his eyes slightly. "Well..," he said slowly, "you're going to have to know it if you end up living here, right?"

Thace went quiet as he locked eyes with Keith. "That...is a fair point," he said as he crossed his arms.

Keith blinked puzzled. He had been expecting Thace to deny he was living here, but that made it sound like he was considering it?

Why can't the guy just make up his mind about it?! Keith thought.

Lance frowned and then snapped his fingers as he rose from his seat. "Then, I guess it's up to Keith and I to play tour guys for you two."

Keith lost his train of thought as he stared dumbfounded at Lance, and Thace looked equally shocked.
"What?" Keith and Thace asked in unison.

"Ah, excellent idea!" Oberon said as nodded to Lance. "I realize we can't go everywhere in the castle, but I heard there was an observatory deck we could go to."

"Oh, sure we could take you two there," Lance said as he grabbed Keith's arm. "Right, Keith?"

"Uh..yeah," Keith said as he glanced to Thace. "You alright with that?"

"I have no objections," Thace said.

"Good, then let's go," Lance declared as he dragged Keith out of the room. "Come on, this will be great."

Keith gave a sigh as he saw the two Galrans were trailing after them. How do I get dragged into these things?

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Keith was certain if it had just been him and Thace they would have walked in silence, but that wasn't the case with Lance around. Keith always knew the guy was a chatterbox, and it was becoming crystal clear that Oberon was the same.

"So, how are Tral and Xenia liking their new home?" Lance asked with a concerned frown. "They okay?"

"They're fine," Oberon reassured him. "Took some adjustment, but the whole place is covered in snow. They're quite delighted by the stuff!"

"Oh, man, really?!" Lance said as his eyes lit up. "Next time I see them, I'm teaching them to build a snowman!"

Oberon laughed. "I have no idea what that is, but fill your boots."

"On that note, I also want to get Xenia crayons. She has artistic talents that should be encouraged-"

"I hate to interrupt," Keith said coolly as he pointed ahead, "but we're here."

Lance blinked as he glanced to the door and scratched his head. "Huh, didn't realize we got here that fast."

Thace stepped up. "Well, then shall we proceed?"

Oberon gave a nod, but just as his feet brushed the doorway he paused. "Oh quiznack!" he exclaimed and snapped his fingers. "I just remembered I should contact Leah."

Thace's eyes widened. "Wait..you mean you haven't yet?"

"We went directly into the meeting and it completely slipped my mind until now," Oberon said with a shrug. "It does happens."

"Says the person that prides himself on being an expert spy," Thace said with a huff.

Keith raised his eyes in disbelief. "Yeah..I have to agree with Thace here on that one."

"Hey, I have yet to get caught," Oberon argued and then looked over to the boys, and Keith noticed most particularly in Lance's direction. "Lance, don't suppose you can show me where I could go to contact her?"

Lance frowned, but then his eyes widened slightly as a sly grin spread across his face.

"Sure, sure, I'll take ya," Lance said as he began to lead the way. "Keith, go take Thace without us and we'll meet you there."

Keith's jaw fell slightly. "What? But-"

"Relax, you'll be fine," Lance reassured him as he shoved both Keith and Thace to move forward through the door.

"Right, besides I won't be more than a few ticks," Oberon insisted as he began to head in the opposite direction. "I trust you two can entertain each other until we get back?"

Thace narrowed his eyes suspiciously, but then his eyes landed on Keith and his shoulders suddenly relaxed like he remembered something.

"We..can do that," he said slowly.

"Great," Lance said as he clapped his hands and waved at them. "Be back in a bit."

Keith blinked stunned as he gradually look to Thace. "Why do I sense we were just tricked?"

"I've learned not to ponder too hard on it," Thace said as he entered. "No harm in playing along for a moment."

Keith didn't feel as positive, but considering he had nothing better to do, he found himself following his father up the steps.

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Lance gave Oberan a smirk once they were out of Keith and Thace's sight. "I saw what you did there."

"Oh?" Oberon said innocently. "And what did I do?"

Lanced pointed behind him. "Forcing Thace and Keith to spend a little one on one with each other."

Oberon laughed. "You catch on quick, Kid," he said in an impressed tone. "Hope you don't mind, but figured it be good for both of them given the circumstances."

Lance dropped his grin into a more serious frown as he nodded. "No, honestly, I was planning on doing something similar if Keith didn't do something soon." He shoved his hands into the back of his pants. "He can be so stupidly stubborn sometimes."

"I know the feeling, trust me," Oberon commented as he crossed his arms. "Had the same problem when Thace when we were younger."

"Yeah?" Lance said curiously and then paused. "Uh, on that note, do you really need to contact Leah?"

"Yes, that part wasn't a lie," Oberon said as they paused. "However, I figured after that maybe you could show me a different part of the castle and see how long it takes Thace and Keith to realize we tricked them."

"Sure, I could do that," Lance said as he thought. "Could show you the recreation room where we keep a bunch of games."

Oberon's eyes gleamed with curiosity. "Ooh, what kind exactly?"

"Nothing much," Lance said with a shrug. "We made up a couple of board games, but we made some replicas of the kinds we have on Earth."

"Thace had told me about Earth games," Oberon stated as he grinned like a little kid. "Let's try one of them out after my call."

"Ah, okay," Lance replied. He was slightly surprised by the eagerness, but hey might as well roll with it. "Let's go play while Mister Mullet goes talk with Mister Serious."

Oberon laughed as he slightly slapped Lance's back. "I like you, Kid! We'll get along just fine!"

Lance grinned back as they continue to venture down the hall. He just hope things were going well on Keith's end.