"There can be no question Lotor escaped and has build a new armada. What remains in doubt is what he will do with it." Coran handed the data pad to the captain and let him scan what little information had come from Galaxy Garrison.

Keith, pilot of Black Lion, Chief of security, High Commander of the Arusian forces tossed the pad on the desk between he and Coran and sighed. "When are the new recruits from Garrison due to arrive? We may have even less time to train them on the lions than I would like."

Coran shuffled the papers on his desk until he found a copy of Galaxy Garrison's latest update in their request for backup pilots for Voltron. "Four of them should arrive within the week, but the fifth pilot will be delayed at least three standard months. The Lieutenant's replacement is on medical leave due to injuries and so another one must be found."

Keith smiled ruefully, "And with Garrison's record of red tape, realistically we are looking at closer to six standard months until the fifth pilot arrives." He shrugged and picked up the data pad to examine the profiles of the pilots set to arrive. First, Lieutenant Jr. Grade Kara Hargrave, who would train with Lance on the Red Lion. She had set speed records on the final training course at the academy, and had continued to improve her piloting skills in the years since her graduation. Perhaps she could even give the current pilot of Red Lion a run for his money. Looking at her record, he could see she had accumulated some impressive commendations for bravery under fire, and had received the personal thanks of the ruling committee of Bajeran for saving several member of the committee from a Drulish assassin.

Next came Lieutenant Jr. Grade Ulrich Grunson, assigned to Yellow Lion. He came from Jewel, a heavy gravity planet. His compact frame was heavily muscled with dark hair and eyes, his intelligence scores belied his looks. Ulrich was an expert in munitions, and weaponry of any kind. He was responsible for development of some of the Garrison's newest advances in weapon technology. Keith hoped he and Pidge could work together to increase the potency of the Lion's weapon systems. Ulrich maintained his pilot's training and a side note in his file indicated he believed one could not develop weapons without knowing how to fly the vehicles for said weapons.

Ensigns Jerimiah Manner and Nieve Jenkins would pilot Blue and Green lions respectively. Both were fresh from the academy and graduated in the number one and two places. Manner had studied rural and urban redevelopment and his final paper showed a shrewd intellect in how a society could rebuild after war. Coran and Princess Allura felt grateful to have lured him to Arus. His knowledge would greatly benefit the rebuilding efforts. Jenkins had flitted from major to major during her academic years. Graduating with honors, she fitted the description "Jack of all Trades, Master of None." The only thing constant was flying. Jenkins had racked more flight time than any other cadet in her graduating class and had become known for her aerial maneuvers. Jenkins preferred small easily mobile craft trading damaging power for maneuverability and would be a perfect fit for Green Lion.

Keith closed his eyes for a moment and rubbed the back of his neck. Four new pilots and less time to train than he could hope plus a wait on the fifth member of their team. He would have to ask Pidge to send the delayed Lieutenant the simulator package for Black. It would have been better for the five to train together on the lions, but Keith would thank whatever Gods or Goddesses listening for FINALLY having backup pilots for four of the Lions.

Bringing his mind back to the man in front of him Keith brought up the second topic of the day. "Graduation from the Arusian Military Academy is next week. The Princess would like to be on hand for the first graduating class since the Doom attacks. I think, due to Lotor coming back on the radar, we should adjust our security plans somewhat. This would be too good an opportunity for him to set back the rebuilding of the military significantly, and we cannot assume he is too far away to wreck plans. I know the information says he is at least two months out and lurking, but we cannot verify the information and do not know how out of date it is. Reluctantly, I would ask the ceremony to be moved to the castle ballroom where we have better control over the environment and security."

Coran nodded slowly in agreement, "I concur, Captain. I will leave the arrangements to you and security. Now as to the training schedule for the new pilots. . ."

The two men moved on to more mundane topics and concluded their meeting 15 minutes later. Keith excused himself when his alarm sounded to head off to Lion practice. As the planet and its citizens had rebuilt, the castle population and government had grown to accommodate the increasing needs of the people. Keith and Coran had discovered if they did not meet early in the mornings for their briefings, 'emergencies', dignitaries, or any of the dozens of other interruptions during the day would prevent them from meeting timely. Reluctantly, Keith moved Lion practice to later in the morning to give him that time to meet with Coran.

Of course, the rest of the team had cheered when the announcement had come. Lance was overjoyed as he put it, "Not to have to leave a warm comfy bed so early, or a warm comfy body!"

Hunk was just glad to have time for breakfast before the 7.30 am practice. Pidge and the Princess just enjoyed the extra sleep time.

Keith secretly liked having practice later, although he would never admit it to the team. It meant spending a little extra time with Cady. She never complained, but he knew she wanted more time with him. When Lotor had first disappeared, Cady had become accustomed to spending many hours every day with Keith. She routinely accompanied him on short patrols in Black and sat in on every meeting Nanny would allow. With Lotor's appearance, more people had begun to make demands on Keith's time and finally Princess Allura had told people in no uncertain terms that the Captain would be unavailable during certain hours of the day. It was nonnegotiable and she would brook no arguments on the score. Only one councilor had dared argue. He now served as a liaison to one of the most desolate communities on Arus.

Keith smiled at the memory. No one else said a peep, and the princess had earned Cady's thanks as well as Keith's. When he had hesitantly tried to thank her, Princess Allura had merely looked at him, "We need to take the opportunity to spend time with our loved ones before all hell breaks loose. Who knows what will happen in the next few months, but Cady should have as much time with you as we can spare."

In the last few years, he had watched the princess grow into a monarch in which her people prided, a pilot of excellent caliber, and a woman beautiful on both inside and out. She put her own needs last and her people first. Princess Allura would work herself into the ground for her people. Nanny and Keith had developed a very good relationship and colluded together to keep the princess from doing just that. Since the team had arrived four years earlier, Magda had moved from her role as Allura's nursemaid and nanny to a surrogate mother and caretaker extraordinaire. Not only did she watch out for Allura, but she watched over the team. Her responsibilities had grown with the recovery and she now ran the domestic side of the castle leaving Allura the ability to focus on government, recovery work, and defense.

Keith's role had changed as well. What had initially started as a short-term mission had changed into a semi-permanent post. Shortly after arriving, the conflict with the Drule empire had exploded throughout the galaxy. Galaxy Garrison had realized the advantage of having part of the empire focused on Arus. It was a tactical decision to leave the five pilots on the planet. It equated the most result for the least investment and freed up battalions to focus on other areas. Though he understood the tactic, the way they were often cut off from supplies and reinforcements often grinded on Keith. The five of them remained the only trained pilots until this new graduating class on Arus for over four years. In that time Keith thought they could have at least sent some replacement pilots for training and to ease some of the burden of being the ONLY pilots for Voltron. Personally, Keith had always thought this had shown a lack of foresight. It was only with the blessings of the gods and goddesses that the Princess had shown aptitude for flying the blue lion when Sven was hurt. If not for that, Arus would have fallen. The young captain always shuddered and sent up a tiny prayer of thanksgiving that had not happened.

Mentally pushing aside the reverie, Keith hurried to the Control Room. The other four pilots were already gathered and waiting for him.

"Ready, team?" Keith threw out as he headed toward the shaft.

"Ready, Captain," replied the greed pilot.

"Yes, sir," from the yellow.

A nod from the blue.

The young captain paused as he caught movement out of the corner of his eye. There he saw the red pilot with a large red canvas hat with a two foot white feather sticking jauntily out of the left side. Said pilot was bowing. If one could call it a bow. Lance had his right foot stuck out straight in front of him with the left leg bent. He had bent at the waist over his right leg with the hat across him and twirling on a finger. "But of course mon capitan!" he said in a very bad, very fake French accent.

Keith stopped and stared. Then blinked. "Um, you may rise, Lieutenant."

Lance straightened and placed the hat at a rakish angle back on his head. With great aplomb he took several running steps toward his shaft. Sweeping off his hat in his left hand, he bowed again and then grabbed the handle in his right, striking a pose as he descended.

The other three pilots looked at the dumbfounded expression on Keith's face and burst into laughter. Non-plussed, Keith raised an eyebrow which sent them into more gales of laughter. Behind the captain, the crew in the Control Room started snickering. He turned to look and found not one of the personnel could stop their laugher.

"Well, Lance did always have a flair for the dramatic." Watching his team nearly falling down with laughter, a smile hovered at the corner of his mouth. "I suppose two can play at that game." With that the captain made an even more elaborate bow to the princess with an imaginary hat and strode to the portal. Pointing one hand at the handle bar, he turned back toward the pilots, "To infinity and beyond!" With that he leapt gracefully onto the bar, holding the pose. Behind him he could hear the sound of a body hitting the floor as the laughter erupted behind him.

It took nearly ten minutes before the green, yellow, and blue pilots joined the black and red ones for practice.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Over the next week, Keith stepped up the training program for all the pilots under his command. Which meant every one on the planet. The military academy was running in three shifts to step up the training of the classes behind the graduating one. It went without question the current crop of pilots would not be sufficient to match the threat Lotor was bringing to them. Simulators and fighters ran constantly. Pilots spent two hours in the air training, then landed to trade places with a classmate. They had a short break to grab a meal and a shower, then reported to the classroom for theory or tactics study. Following tactics, the students went to the simulators to apply what had just been studied before another meal break and a return to the skies for a second live session. The pilots-in-training had a longer break after their second air training to let them absorb the days lessons and to refresh mind and body. It was expected after their second break they would take another session or two in the simulators and time for independent study before sack time.

Captain Kogane dropped by to drill students and deliver lessons on tactics as often as possible. He rotated with Lance, Pidge, and Hunk. Automated cameras taped each session so students could review at their leisure. It also let the students on the rest shift to watch each lecture and not miss anything. Holographic lectures did not give the same oomph as live lectures, but were better than trying to learn by texts alone. The graduating class took second shift as their rest cycle with the idea they needed mostly practice at this point. The students were being pushed close to their breaking point. The commander kept in close contact with the instructors. They were allowing the students a free half day every five days. More was not advisable if they were to be battle ready within 40 days. The captain did not want to take the chance of Lotor showing up earlier. Initial intelligence reports had indicated he was a minimum of 60 days out. This gave a margin for safety.

All manufacturing had been redirected toward war. From small munitions and ground to air defense to ground tanks and fighter craft, the entire planet was participating. Evacuation shelters were being restocked and checked and double checked for readiness. The domestic herds of animals were being moved to unpopulated areas and released into the wilderness. When the latest threat had passed, it would take time to gather the animals, but better that than losing the animals all together.

This time Arus had warning of the coming invasion. This time would not find them easy targets. This time they would fight. This time they would win.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . …. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Keith sat down with a thump at his desk and scowled at the stacks of data pads sitting on his desk. Looking at his chronometer, he blinked to see the late hour. At this rate, he would net only a couple hours a sleep for the next month. Sighing, the captain interlocked his fingers, turning his palms outward, slowly raised his arms above his head in a stretch. Lowering his hands he tipped his head back, eyes closed to stretch his neck. Slowly, he tipped his head forward and then left and right. Finally he tipped his head sideways to touch each ear in succession to the appropriate shoulder.

The he looked at the desk again. In the few minutes it took to stretch, he could swear more data pads had just magically appeared in front of him. Maybe he should draft a secretary in the interim. Ramping up for the coming of Lotor was taking more hours in the day than he had. Shaking his head, he counter acted the idea. It would take more time to train someone than to just do it himself. By the time he had trained a secretary, Lotor would have arrived and it would become a moot point.

Keith yanked his thoughts back on track. He did not have time for woolgathering. Time for work. As he started in on the pile, he absently reached out to buzz the kitchen. With so many people in the castle, it ran on a skeleton crew in the night hours to accommodate all those who had the swing shift. He ordered the Arusian version of espresso and, as his stomach reminded him he had yet again missed dinner, a sandwich.

Fifteen minutes later, a knock on the door indicated the arrival of caffeine. Pressing the switch on the desk to open the door, Keith did not even look up when the server entered the room. "If you would please set it on the corner of the desk, I would appreciate it."

"Excuse me, Captain, but Nanny has given the kitchen staff some specific orders, sir."

Pausing and looking up, the young man actually focused on the person who had come in the room. The young man looked rather nervous as he stood by the cart, which contained a large covered plate, two smaller ones, and two carafes. "Pardon me?"

Pushing the cart over to a table and chair, the young man began setting up the dishes. "Nanny ordered whenever you finally arrived back at the castle we were to bring up the dinner she had made. She also order whoever delivered it to see that you ate every bite on pain of double shifts for the next ten years. She also said to inform you, and I quote, 'Captain Keith, you WILL sit down and eat your dinner at a table like a civilized person. You will NOT work during your meal and I expect every bite to disappear from the plate,' end quote." He smiled ruefully at the captain, "So, if you will please come to the table, I would be very grateful as really do not want double shifts. Oh, Nanny also sent along a book for you to read at the table." He had finished setting the table, complete with place setting and a small center piece. The book was placed next to the plate and the server pulled out the chair for the captain. "Sir?"

Chuckling, Keith stood and came to take the seat. "What is your name?"

"Wyler, sir. Thank you for not getting me in trouble with Nanny!"

"I have faced Nanny's wrath too many times over the years to let someone else face it as well." He looked on in appreciation as Wyler whisked off the cover to reveal one of his favorite meals; pork chop with noodles, gravy, and green beans. Sniffing appreciatively, he paused only to say a quick blessing and then cut into the meat. Meanwhile, Wyler had filled one glass with water and a second with a light white wine. He noticed Keith's raised eyebrow and answered the implied question.

"According to Nanny, you have been working too hard and need a little relaxation. She promises it will complement the meal." Wyler nodded as he finished the table. "If you do not mind sir, I will just sit and read my book as you eat. Nanny left specific orders we were to not leave the room."

Swallowing around a laugh, Keith took a quick drink to clear his throat. "I do not think Nanny trusts me to simply eat without working. Please make yourself comfortable, Wyler." As Wyler sat in one of the chair in front of the desk, Keith turned to the book Nanny had left him. Wyler had left it set it a holder to make it easy to read without holding it and the stylus propped up next to it. Taking another bite, the captain turned on the reader to see what Nanny had left him. He chuckled as he saw she had taken no chances. It was a book by one of his favorite authors who wrote mysteries with crazy twists and turns and heroes who often turned out to be the villain. With a smile, he took a sip of the wine, and found it a light, semi-sweet drink which did indeed perfectly complement the meal.

Engrossed in the book, Keith did not pay much attention to Wyler. He had long since learned to ignore people in the background. Wyler in the meantime followed the orders Nanny had left him and stayed unobtrusive in the background. He did refill the Captain's plate and wine glass. The captain had nodded his thanks, but had kept his attention focused on the reader in front of him. Wyler efficiently cleared the table and set desert down in front of the captain. Nanny had specially made it for the captain to tempt his appetite.

Word in the kitchens said she did not like how many hours the captain worked and how little he ate. One of the staff members had overheard a discussion between Nanny, Coran, and the Princess about how ragged around the edges the captain looked. They plotted to keep him from running himself into the ground. The word spread like wildfire, and it became an open plot to take care of the captain. He had given so much to Arus, the staff felt he belonged to them. They would care for what belonged to them.

Keith absently took a bite from the plate in front of him and then stopped in surprise as the flavor hit his mouth. He looked up to find Wyler smiling at him. "Nanny wanted to tempt your appetite, sir," Wyler said.

"If she keeps this up, I may just not fit into my flight suit!" Keith laughed, but he dug in for another bite and returned his attention to the book. The desert, a special Nanny concoction tasted fabulous. She started by making a five thin layers of heavy cake-like pastry. Then she soaked it in a good brandy for several hours. Once soaked, she stacked them with a raspberry filling between each layer. The brandy-soaked pastry was served with a warmed dark chocolate ganache. It took all day to prepare, and usually Magda only made it on special occasions. Keith felt touched she went to such trouble for him.

Wyler cleared the plates and put them on the cart. "Captain Kogane, if you would care to repair to the couch, Nanny sent along one of her special teas to finish the meal.

Replete and comfortably drowsy, the captain looked at the piles of data pads on his desk. Wyler noticed the direction of his gaze, "Please, Captain, I am following orders.

With a last guilty glance, Keith allowed Wyler to direct him to the sofa. Sitting, he took the reader the young man handed him and set it in his lap. Taking the mug of tea, he sipped and smiled appreciatively. Nanny had made him a mint-like tea. It came from a plant which grew only in the northern climes of Arus. Fortunately, it had escaped destruction because of its remote location. According to Arusian herbal medicine, it promoted good health and restful sleep.

Settling in again with the story, he told himself he would return to work as soon as Wyler left.

Walking over to the music controls for the room, Wyler called up the program of lullabies Nanny had ordered. She had determined the captain had not slept a good night's sleep since the news of Lotor had come. The new pilots were due to arrive on the morrow, and she knew the captain would grow even busier. Coran, Nanny, and the Princess had determined Keith would have one night's rest whether he liked it or not. They had also cleared the captain's morning schedule to let him rest and spend time with Cady. The Princess had commented they would beg for forgiveness rather than ask permission.

Quietly, Wyler finished clearing the table and began straightening the room. He glanced over every now and again at the captain. When the mug was empty, he placed it on the tray. Ten minutes after that, he saw the pilot's head begin to bob as he fought to stay awake. He walked over to the couch, "Sir, perhaps you would be more comfortable in your bed?"

Keith looked up at Wyler, trying to make sense of his words. He had suddenly felt incredibly tired and could barely keep his eyes opened. Nodding in agreement with whatever the young man had said he stood and followed him to the bedroom. Keith allowed Wyler to guide him to the bed, when had it been turned down for sleep, he wondered. Sighing he lay down on the crisp sheets and closed his eyes. He heard Wyler say something, but it did not connect as he drifted to sleep.

Dimming the lights as he left the room, Wyler returned to the main room to collect the cart and return to the kitchen. He had made sure to turn off the alarms in the captain's room as per his orders. Exiting, he turned off the lights and keyed the door to lock behind him. With that, he returned to the kitchen, whistling at a job well done.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

The next morning, Keith woke slowly. The alarm had not yet sounded, and he did not want to even look at the clock. Once he looked at the clock his damnable mind would wake and that would be the end of his sleep for the night. A minute later he grumbled to himself. It was no use, he would have to peek at the clock in the hopes he could actually catch a few more winks. Oddly enough he actually felt rested. Opening his eyes, he raised himself on his elbows to look at the time. He blinked and then looked harder. 0913? In the morning? What about the alarm?

Damn, he had missed his morning meeting with Coran. Double damn, he had a scheduled lecture at the academy which started thirteen minutes ago. With a look around the room, he noticed no Cady and indulged in some colorful language as he headed to the bathroom. Speaking of Cady, where was she? He turned to walk over to his desk where he saw a note.

Keith,

Cady is with Lance.

We decided you needed some rest and took it upon ourselves to see you had some. You cannot take care of the rest of us if you do not take care of yourself. And since you are too stubborn to do that, we decided to do it for you.

Coran cancelled your morning meeting and we rescheduled your lecture at the academy for 1300. Lion practice will be at 1530. (Yes, Pidge gave me the times, you know I cannot keep military hours straight!)

When you have showered, Nanny said to give her a call, she will save breakfast for you and you had better NOT skip it!

I hope you had a good sleep and have a restful morning. You are off-duty until the lecture at the academy! Do not even attempt to do anything other than spend time with Cady or a book! You have been warned.

--Allura

p.s. Do not bother to look for the data pads, between Coran, Pidge, and I we should be able to handle all the reports and will give you a summary tomorrow.

Laughing, Keith could just hear Allura's tone of voice. He knew when she would not take 'no' for an answer. After four years, she knew him better than he knew himself sometimes. Whenever Allura thought he worked too hard, she simply gave him no choice but to take some time for himself and Cady. Several times she had simply kidnapped him to spend the day vacationing with Cady and often with Allura in tow. The princess had learned if she just ordered him to take a day off, he would sneak in work anyhow.

After the first defeat of Lotor, Allura along with the guys had plotted his first real vacation ever. The night before she had claimed Cady for a sleep over in her room. Lance had shown up with a bottle of Arusian brandy and the next morning he had woken up in a bed and breakfast on the far side of Arus. The three of them, Allura, Cady and himself, had spent a week just relaxing and playing. It had felt magical. Just like a family vacation should be.

Whoa! Dangerous thoughts there boy. Back to today!

So Keith decided to do just as instructed. For once, he took a leisurely shower, enjoying just standing and letting the water beat down on his shoulders and back. As he stood, he thought about what he and Cady could do for the day and the smiled. They had not had a picnic in a very long time. Even if the weather did not cooperate, they could 'picnic' in the rec room. She would love it. They could even take a horse ride before hand. Keith started to whistle, deciding to invite Allura along. Spending some time with his girls, what a great way to start the day!