Lance jogged through the castle hallways, glad for the center aisle Allura had insisted upon for emergency traffic. News that Keith had returned from the prison mission had been overshadowed by the immediate need for medical attention. He didn't know if it was Keith himself or someone else. Sanda had only asked for a pilot to take her to the castle and he had volunteered without hesitation.

The admiral had gone to the bridge to receive a debrief. Lance knew the quickest answer to his questions was to go directly to the source. He slid around the corner and saw into the infirmary. Two figures sat on a bench while doctors in long white coats walked past. The smaller held their head in their hands bent double with their elbows on their knees. The other had an arm wrapped around their shoulders.

Lance opened his mouth to call out when the smaller person looked over and immediately bolted toward him. Lance caught him against his chest, so glad to see Keith unharmed, but scared seeing him so upset. "Keith, what happened? Who was hurt?" He looked back into the infirmary to see the stranger look at them with concern. "Who is that?"

Keith choked on a sob and coughed, then reached for his helmet, fingers not landing where he needed them. Lance quickly helped free Keith, who then buried his face against Lance's shoulder once again. "Adam. He was shot and by the time we got him here- he'd become unresponsive. Allura took him, but I haven't heard- I don't know-"

Lance felt his throat tighten at the same time his stomach plummeted. He put a hand on the back of Keith's head and gently rocked him. He blinked back tears and swallowed thickly. "Let's get you some water and take a few calming breaths, then see if we can get an update. How long have you been waiting?"

Keith shook his head. "I don't know. I think the sun was about to set when we got here?"

Four hours, probably more, just sitting in a waiting room hoping to get answers. Lance took Keith by the shoulders and gently turned him before tucking him close with an arm. Keith gave a sigh and whimper and placed his head on Lance's shoulder. When they entered the infirmary, a few people looked over before resuming their work, but the galra on the bench stared at Keith in shocked surprise.

Lance finally placed where he had seen this person before. "Tretok, right? You were close with Ryan?"

Tretok's cheeks burned lavender and he stammered, "I-I, ah. Have we met?"

Then Allura walked purposefully toward them with an Altean writing tablet in hand and a small feline trotting along beside her. Lance replied, "Not in person. It will be explained later, if you'll excuse us, please," and met her halfway.

She gestured them into a small exam room and Lance kept guiding Keith. They sat on the exam table while Allura leaned back on the doctor's desk. She answered before they could ask, "He's through the worst of it." Lance heard Keith sob with a relieved sigh. Allura reached for face tissues and Lance gratefully took them. She continued, "The rifle shot wasn't as bad as it could have been. Whether intended or not, the clothes Lotor had left for Adam to wear probably saved his life, taking the brunt of the energy. The burns weren't nearly as deep as I expected. He's been transferred to a healing pod and is scheduled for standard treatment protocol."

"Thank you, princess," Lance answered for Keith when he failed to speak. "How long until we can see him?"

She looked at the tablet and said, "In approximately twelve vargas, his treatment will end, but he may not be entirely conscious for a period after. And of course there's general recovery. Some physical therapy. The admiral has requested limited visitors until he can be evaluated psychologically as well."

Lance nodded and squeezed Keith's shoulder. "That makes sense. There's going to be questions on both sides and if his experience with the empire is anything like ours', definitely trauma."

Allura then reached for Keith's hand. "How are you holding up? Is there anything we can do for you here?"

Keith shook his head and whispered, "You saved my brother. I can't ask for anything more."

She leaned down and kissed his forehead. "I understand, but I will always do what I can for you. Stay here as long as you need." She then went to the door, turning back to add, "Oh, and welcome home, Keith."

Lance gave Keith a few minutes to collect himself before he risked separating to get a glass of water. When Lance placed the paper cup in Keith's weak hand, he just held it for a few moments before Lance gently lifted Keith's arm toward his face. Keith scoffed and finally lifted his hand by himself, shooting a weak, but loving, glare at Lance.

A few minutes later, Lance risked, "Do you need to tell anyone about Tretok? Should we report him?"

Keith slowly nodded before drawing a luxite blade. "This belonged to my uncle."

"Where did it come from?"

"Lotor had it." Keith closed his eyes and tipped his head back. "I need to show this to my family. It's been missing since before I was born."

Lance crouched in front of Keith and put a hand on his knee. "So we start on the bridge. Admiral Sanda is there now. Unless you aren't ready to see her."

"No, I-I can do this." Keith stood and lifted his shoulders. Tucking the blade into the sheath at his back, he asked, "How do I look?"

"Like you need shore leave," Lance answered honestly. "I'm going to give you so much TLC later." He then wrapped his hands around Keith's waist and pulled him in for a kiss. He'd missed this. Two months had been far too long a separation. He finally stopped when he needed to breathe.

Keith sighed, eyes shut. Then he seemed to ground himself. The only sign he hadn't been composed was the red splotches on his cheeks and around his eyes. Lance reached for his hand and they then went to find Tretok where they'd left him.

"Have you heard news of your ward, Yorak?"

Lance felt a smile slowly spread before Keith hissed, "Don't even. I'll explain later." To Tretok he explained, "Adam is going to be alright after treatment. He'll be in recovery until tomorrow at least. We can take care of your initiation now."

Tretok's concern became self reflective, ears turned slightly sideways. Lance held out a hand and said, "My name is Lance McClain, Paladin of the Blue Lion of Voltron. It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance."

Tretok stood and grasped forearms with Lance. He was surprised by the gentleness of it. Nothing weak, but definitely not what he expected from an imperial soldier.

Tretok's chest then dropped and he answered, "As you said, my name is Tretok, formerly..."

Keith then reached out and put a hand on Tretok's arm. "It's not who you are, friend." He offered an encouraging smile and added, "Your first true choice as an individual was when you asked to come with us. Believe me, it wasn't just my ward I rescued back there."

Tretok's eyes widened and started to water before he closed them and bowed at the waist. "I will not disappoint you."

Keith chuckled and reached out to fluff Tretok's hair. "You never could. Come on, big guy."

When they entered the west elevator to the bridge, Keith instructed, "I've alerted my tech operator about your presence. He should have told our superiors by now, but I'm not sure who will be present. You will likely be taken for private interrogation. Answer any questions honestly and I will do what I can to support your case." He smiled up at Tretok again. "It may be scary, but I have no doubt you will be welcomed into our family."

Then the doors opened and Lance stood at full attention. He matched Keith's pace, Tretok a step behind, to where the admiral spoke with Antok and Brad at the central hologram. Antok had changed into his marmoran armor, no doubt as part of their hasty exit from the prison. When they stopped five paces back, Lance saluted in human fashion, while Keith put an arm across his chest.

Sanda glanced at them, raising a curious eyebrow at Tretok, then resumed speaking. Antok simply nodded to Brad and placed a hand on Sanda's shoulder as he left the conversation and approached their trio.

Keith swelled with pride and a subtle signal from Antok made him rush forward and hug him. "I missed you. You have no idea how mean it was making me wait until now."

Antok chuckled and folded himself around Keith's smaller frame. "I missed you too, little one. I didn't expect you to be involved." He then stepped back, keeping a hand on Keith's shoulder. "Now, I don't believe we need so much secrecy."

Lance half turned to watch Tretok's reaction as Antok lowered his hood. He wasn't disappointed when Tretok stammered, "Wa-warden Tio?"

Lance held an arm out and said, "May I introduce mi corazon's tio, Antok. I'm glad he used my idea about a code name when he went undercover."

Antok smirked at Lance. "When I learned the meaning, I knew it would be an honor to use it." He returned his attention to Tretok and bowed his head respectfully. "Welcome to our current base of operations. The princess of Altea has graciously opened her home to the Blade of Marmora and the inhabitants of this planet while we cooperate."

Tretok looked around the bridge. "Is this the part where I get taken to a dark room and interrogated until I'm unconscious never to be seen again?"

Antok chuckled and shook his head. Two other blades stepped silently up behind Tretok as he said, "The only dark room you will be taken to is where you will be sleeping. By all means, if you want to sleep with the lights on, no one will stop you."

The blades offered guidance and Tretok cast one last glance toward Keith. "Yorak, I look forward to our next venture."

Lance gave a cheeky salute and turned the smirk back at Keith. "Ok, now you have to tell me. Why does he think you and your childhood dog share the same name?"

"Yorak was my brother."

Keith's eyes shot wide and he turned to see Krolia and Kolivan crossing the floor. Keith broke free of Antok and ran into his mother's arms. She tucked him under her chin and squeezed him tight. Then she looked at Lance and gestured for him to join. Once sufficiently smothered in kisses, Krolia released them to greet Antok and let them greet Kolivan.

Then Krolia asked, "Who is asking about Yorak?"

Lance and Keith shared a look before he drew the dagger. Antok and Krolia both gasped and looked to Kolivan. Kolivan put a hand over Keith's. Then he closed his eyes, pain in his furrowed brow. "This... is a personal matter to be discussed. Come, children."

When they followed Kolivan out, Lance saw Sanda glance curiously toward them before resuming her own conversation again. It had taken a while, but Lance was relieved to see she didn't harbor any resentment toward Keith and his family. Then Lance jogged to catch up with the others.

Finally alone, Kolivan asked, "May I see the blade?"

Keith placed the luxite blade in Kolivan's open hands. Kolivan gripped the hilt and exhaled. Lance watched in amazement as the dagger extended into a beautiful curved scimitar, slender and graceful. Krolia reached out and Antok extended his arm to allow her in for an embrace. Kolivan placed the awakened sword between them all.

"I never expected to see this blade again." Kolivan settled in a chair and added, "or hear my grandson utter his name."

Krolia wiped a tear away and said, "When I saw the babe in my arms, I knew what his name should be. Unfortunately, his father thought it too 'alien'. We agreed on Keith while on earth."

Antok explained, "I was away on my own mission when Krolia and Yorak's mother was assigned as the imperial prince's daiyak."

"Inell had been within the royal family's inner circle," Kolivan admitted. He swallowed and took a moment to compose himself. "The plan had been to get close enough to assassinate Zarkon himself, but when she saw how they intended to use Lotor... I knew it to be a poor choice, yet I could not deny her. She wished to spirit him away, to raise him in the safety of our order. I don't know how they were discovered."

"They never reached our rendezvous," Krolia finished. "Yorak was to bring the infant prince to me where I would take him for my own mission. Once enough time had passed, I would vanish from the empire and rejoin our father. The allotted time passed and I was forced to begin my search for the blue lion. Which led to earth where I met Keith's father, Dal."

Keith whispered into the silence, "Lotor thought grandmother had been sent to kill him in the cradle."

Lance reached for Keith's hand and squeezed. "That's why you didn't bring him."

"You were planning to bring him here?" Kolivan asked harshly, voice rising.

Krolia looked at Keith, wide eyed, but Antok kept her close to his side. She shot him a dangerous look, but Antok said, "I suspected as much. It is why I left the decision in Keith's hands."

"You knew?"

Antok nodded slowly. "You are so like my sister, kit. When I saw your suspicions surrounding Lotor, I knew you had something planned. Whatever Lotor believes, we cannot change his mind so easily as that. However, I knew I wouldn't be able to stop you. Now you see the folly surrounding our organization."

Keith opened his mouth to argue, but then closed it again. A moment later, he bowed his head and said, "Thank you, uncle, for trusting my instincts."

"Which brings us to Tretok," Kolivan said, taking back the awakened blade and returning it to its slumbering form.

Antok folded his arms and said, "Keith's instincts are correct about the young soldier." He lifted his arm and tapped his gauntlet. An audio clip began to play.

"I regret actions I failed to fulfill. In fear and pain, I abandoned them when I should have seen through their lies. Though even now, I do not know how they would react to seeing me again. I... I saw in them the individual I wish to become. That is the truth of my heart."

"You bugged him?" Keith accused.

"Of course, kit." Antok sat on the counter and pulled a knee to his chest. "When I saw his curiosity, I couldn't risk any loose ends. Why do you think I made sure he was always on duty near you?" To the room he explained, "Tretok made this confession to Keith's bonded brother. I agree he should begin training as an initiate."

Krolia looked from her brother to Keith. "I see no sense in arguing. The cadets spoke kindly of him while he was posted at the high school."

"Then it is decided. Antok," Kolivan said, "I place the responsibility of appointing an appropriate teacher in your hands."

"The blade, father." Krolia crossed the floor. "May I?"

Kolivan placed the dagger in her hands and said, "With its return, a lingering grief has been rekindled. Begin the ritual when you are ready, my daughter."

Krolia resolutely took the dagger and bowed low at the waist. "I will not falter, father."

Lance and Keith then followed Krolia from the room. She made it twenty paces before coming to a standstill. They watched as she held the blade to herself. Keith shared a concerned look with Lance and they moved up on either side of her. Lance put a hand on her shoulder while Keith put a guiding arm behind her back.

She smiled at each of them, tears in her eyes, and said, "I don't know what I did to deserve such caring sons." She cleared her throat and lifted her chin. "Stay with me tonight, and I will tell you all I remember of my beloved younger brother, Yorak."

Adam slowly opened his eyes and groaned. He felt discomfort in his arm and there was a beeping in the room. Everything was white, except for the beige blanket tucking him into a comfortable bed. "Where-" He coughed, throat dry.

A figure shifted and turned to him. She was beautiful with long ivory hair and dark skin. Two light pink marks below her gentle eyes was a strange fashion choice. She reached for a silver pouch with a straw and held it for him to sip. "Easy, Mr. West. Take your time. I am Princess Allura. You were wounded and are receiving treatment under my care. Are you in any pain?"

Adam slowly drank, wondering if he had ever tasted water so refreshing. "Where am I? Wh- what happened to Yorak?" He tried to sit up in bed and she set aside the water pouch to assist. He then noticed the small calico cat curled up beside his legs.

Princess Allura checked the monitoring equipment and then explained, "You are safe among allies. Admiral Sanda has been asking for updates on your condition every varga. Yorak is here as well, getting some much deserved rest." She went back to her station, petting the cat on the way. "Cretin hasn't left your side since you left the healing pod. I haven't seen her so attached to anyone except the paladins."

"Paladins? Voltron?" Adam rubbed his temples. "I remember being on Lotor's ship. He was talking about assassins and some kind of weapon, but... Lance! Is he-"

"Lance is perfectly fine, Adam," Princess Allura reassured. "The cadets are accounted for. We've even added a small school for the younger children." She paused before finishing, "If you agree, I will send word to the admiral of your awakening, should you feel ready to accept visitors."

Adam stared at this strange woman. As much as he wanted to believe what he saw, he needed reassurance. The admiral might provide the answers he wanted. "Yes, doctor. I want to speak to Sanda."

Princess Allura pursed her lips, clearly disagreeing, but she held her tablet to her chest. "Very well. Give me a moment."

She was only gone for a few minutes before the door opened and the hardened form of Admiral Sanda entered. Adam moved to salute, but she interrupted, "Don't worry about formalities, West. You were shot recently. The last thing I want is you reopening wounds."

"Thank you, ma'am. I felt weak. Glad to know there's a reason."

Sanda sat in the bedside chair and said, "I would have preferred you brought unharmed like the others, but the circumstances couldn't be avoided. Still, my agents did their job. Welcome home, Adam." She smiled with grandmotherly warmth.

Adam asked, "Who did you send? I... everything is confusing. I don't know what was real and what was in my head. I... I thought I saw Keith."

Sanda put a hand on his and answered, "It doesn't matter. You're home and able to recover. In a few days, after the doctors have observed good progress, you'll be discharged and can take in everything at your own pace. However," Sanda hesitated, "we're trying to find the rest of the Garrison forces. The written account of the event that brought you to Reno was deleted before we could access it."

"Lotor," Adam groaned. "Yorak made it seem like I was important to his research... and he wanted exclusive access." Adam considered and began, "We staged a rebellion. Managed to overwhelm the force patrolling the mine. Ran into the desert before reinforcements... They opened fire. I fought back. Thought for sure I was going to be executed. Woke up in prison."

"Were there any landmarks?"

Adam struggled to remember and shook his head. "I... I'm not sure. We were kept underground, but... The constellations... I remember seeing them when we would do the desert treks with the junior cadets." He turned to Sanda and asked, "Is this real? This isn't a hallucination and I'm not dead?"

Sanda shook her head. "No, Adam. This is a real conversation. You're very much alive."

He swallowed and reached for the water pouch. Sanda passed it to him and asked, "Is there anything I can do for you?"

Adam sipped and whispered, "Yorak. I would like to speak to them."

Sanda patted his hand and stood. "I'll see what I can do." Then she took her leave.

Adam finished the water and settled back to rest. Then the weight along his leg shifted and came closer. The cat kept making biscuits in the blankets before climbing into his lap and loafing. "Cretin," Adam whispered with a soft smile. "Such a pretty kitty."

"We had no way of knowing Yorak would betray us."

Lotor glared at nothing where he sat slumped, head on his folded arms. "I don't want excuses, Acxa. How did I miss something so obvious?" Acxa sat on the couch beside him and he turned to her. "How are you feeling?"

She lightly touched the small bandage on her temple. "Narti cleared me of any real injuries. Just a bump on the head. I'm actually surprised to find nothing more."

"I... had been considering that as well." Lotor put his forehead on the armrest and rubbed his eyes. "We were at the mercy of the ghosts of diabazol and they simply... left. Why? What possible political manipulation could they be engineering?"

Acxa lightly placed a hand on his leg and when he glanced over, she was looking at the ground, biting her lip in thought. "Perhaps... there is simply more to the story? After all, the red paladin returned you to us unharmed when they could have easily left you buried in that collapsed mine."

Lotor furrowed his brow and sat up. Acxa slid over to the far end of the couch and gestured for him to lay with her. When he obliged, she reclined into the furniture, holding him to herself. "Have you slept since the ambush?"

Lotor tried to ignore her scent and denied, "I've been too angry to rest."

She leaned her cheek into his shoulder and reassured, "You shouldn't be angry at yourself. We were all fooled."

"How do you know me so well?"

She chuckled. They enjoyed each other's comfort for a time before Acxa added, "We compiled everything from Yorak and the prisoner's rooms in the lab when you're ready to examine them."

"How long were you waiting to tell me that?" Lotor teased.

"I would have preferred you had sleep, but clearly that isn't going to happen until you've resolved this nonexistent guilt."

She sighed unhappily when he removed himself from her embrace. He glanced back with a loving smile as she settled more comfortably on the couch. "Sleep, Acxa. I'll send for Narti if I need anything."

An hour later, he'd gone through everything. It honestly hadn't taken that long, as little as there was. The box Yorak had presented as a 'gift' made the least amount of sense. Inside had been a note simply stating, 'My apologies, Imperial Prince Lotor. I cannot accept a position among your esteemed crew. You have my utmost gratitude for your hospitality during this extended period.'

A few other trinkets and a box of something called cha-co-lot didn't fill the entire space. The box had a false bottom, leaving questions about what Yorak had managed to smuggle aboard. Unhappy with the results but still struggling for answers, he set the scanners to examine everything, sitting down to wait.

He blinked awake some time later when an alarm went off. He took the box and examined the images. Implanted in the metal engraving was a small data chip. Using surgical instruments, he carefully removed it and entered it into the console. While the data uploaded, he considered what this could mean. Another trick? False leads to keep him occupied and distracted?

"This is the last time we will contact you." A male voice he didn't recognize spoke, even and cold. Lotor looked at the console as information began to appear, images of familiar rooms and people he didn't remember. The voice continued, "Our little ones believed you would want to know the truth. However, the truth may be painful. What you find in this chip, is for you to interpret how you will, should you choose to view it."

Curious, Lotor slowly sat at the console and selected the first video. A woman held an infant in her arms, singing a low lullaby. A housekeeper walked into view and asked, "What is that song you always sing?"

The daiyak shifted a bottle and settled in a rocking chair. "Just an old thing from my family. I sang it to my own babies as they suckled. I only wish our little prince to know how welcomed and loved he is."

Lotor felt his breath leave him. He looked closer at the woman as the housekeeper went about their tasks. Her focus on him remained unbroken. The expression on her face was unlike any he'd ever received from his father.

"Do you need anything, Inell?" Lotor froze the video, hand rising to his face in shocked disbelief. He took a few moments to regain his composure and hit play. "More formula? Wrappings?"

Inell took Lotor to a changing station and shook her head. "We're doing wonderful, thank you." Then she held up a blanket. "What do you think? Worthy of his bloodline?"

The housekeeper came close and inspected the familiar blanket. "Did you make this yourself? The emperor has chosen a wonderfully talented daiyak."

Inell laughed and wrapped the infant in the fabric. "Thank you again, but I do have to put him in his cradle now. I'll see you on the new quintant."

Lotor paused the video and ran his fingers through his hair. Then he ran the video back and looked at the embroidery. His stomach plummeted again and he considered the options. He finished everything in the data chip, feeling like his heart had been ripped out. Tears ran freely when a hand landed on his shoulder.

He glanced up to see Acxa confused and concerned above him. "Lotor, what is this?"

"Yorak... they were telling the truth." Lotor cursed and muttered, "I need to speak to my father. We're returning to the central hub."

Adam tried to smother his impatience as more people he didn't want to talk to kept filing through his recovery room. The princess doctor had done what she could to keep visitors from overwhelming him. She actually glared when the current one entered.

They were human, early thirties. Probably a psyche major before the invasion, based on the questions they asked. Adam felt his annoyance rise to new heights, unable to focus on anything actually being said. "Look," he finally interrupted, cutting off the visitor mid sentence. "I don't know who you are or why Sanda thinks this is going to help. I just want to get out of here. So whatever you need to write down, or proof you need to provide, fill out the paperwork and get me discharged!"

His voice rose without realizing and he immediately covered his face knowing he looked as crazy as he sounded. Before he could apologize, he heard them walk away, but the door didn't close. Adam called, "Wait, I-" When he looked at the door, a stranger stood shadowed in the frame. "Who are you?"

They entered and leaned on the sink. "Sanda said you asked to speak to me, and since the doctors aren't making any progress, she gave me permission to visit."

"Yorak?"

They held their arms out and gave a small bow. "Hello, Adam."

Adam took in the strange dark uniform with the hood raised. He chuckled and pointed at the mask. "Still hiding your face, I see." The cat hopped off the bed and went over to Yorak who reached down to lift the cat into their arms. "Lotor said you were hiding your nature, and I honestly thought you were a woman. Is this your true voice?"

Yorak nodded and held the cat to his chest. "This is my true voice. Due to my bloodline, it is easier for me to pull off performing as a young female officer than a mature male one."

"And the other one, Tretok? Is he?"

Yorak pushed off the sink and hesitantly approached the bed. "He has been welcomed into the safety of our order. How are you-" He cut himself off and looked away. "I... I don't know if I can help you the way you need. I saw a side of you I didn't expect on Lotor's ship." He started walking away. "And of course, I am of the race that hurt you so-"

"Yorak," Adam coaxed. "You once told me you couldn't answer why you were different from the other galra. I see the answer now. I just... want you to trust me like I trust you."

"I- I don't want you to relapse."

Adam moaned, some of his annoyed impatience rising to the surface. "Just show me who you really are. Nothing about you could possibly surprise me now."

Yorak froze facing the door. He sighed and let the cat spill from his hands. "I've wanted to do that since the moment I saw you." He reached up to the hood and pushed it back, revealing black shoulder length braided hair. He took a deep breath and turned.

Adam felt his lungs stall and the monitor on his heart started accelerating. The door opened and the princess doctor rushed in, pushing past Keith to check Adam. She bustled about for five seconds before realizing what had happened, turning a wide eyed look between the two of them.

Keith started moving first, reaching for a fresh water pouch from the cooler. "Allura, we're sorry to disturb you."

Allura stopped Keith with a hand on his chest and something deeper passed between them. Adam asked, "Am I interrupting?"

Keith brushed past her, fingers lingering a moment on her forearms. He looked at Adam again, emotions at war on his face. Then he sat on the bedside chair and the cat immediately jumped into his lap. He placed the water on the bed tray, giving the doctor princess a reassuring look. "I can handle this, Allura."

The princess doctor put her hand on his shoulder and he leaned slightly into her. Then she said, "I'll be right outside if you need anything, Keefy."

After she left, Adam let out a low whistle. "Keefy? Gotta say, Keith, I had no idea you were into women, but you sure know how to pick them."

Keith shook his head with an embarrassed smirk. "Allura and I aren't a thing, alright. She's practically my sister."

Adam rolled his eyes. "So if it's not the galra soldier boy and it's not the princess doctor, don't tell me you and Kincaid are-"

"Would you cut it out already," Keith protested. "God, I'll introduce you to him when you get discharged, alright! Not that it's much of a surprise." Keith looked over at Adam's teasing grin and they both broke out laughing. Then Keith's eyes began to water. "I... I wasn't even supposed to be on the Reno mission. Coleen Holt made the recomendation to put me on the team. And every moment I had to hide from you..."

Adam asked, "What was the plan? The mission, I mean. Brief me."

Keith rubbed the tears away with his palm. "Davis and Miller were admitted as inmates while Matthew Holt operated tech and a few of the blades infiltrated as officers."

"Ooh, an inside job. How did you enjoy being a double agent?"

"I hated it!" Keith groaned and tipped his head back. "I'm so glad I'm too short to pass as galra."

Adam took the water and sipped. "You did have quite a growth spurt, kiddo. And where did you get such a grizzled physique and interesting scars?" He looked over to see a haunted look pass through Keith's eyes and instantly regretted his question. He reached out and asked seriously, "Did the admiral recommend therapy for you, too?"

"I've made peace with it." Keith shivered head to toe and the dark moment passed. He straightened up and continued, "There are reasons I was placed as a prison guard, though. When the Blade of Marmora rescued us from the empire, we were marooned on a planet for about six months. I studied under them. I'm now mostly fluent in their mannerisms and language. Passing glance shows I'm one of them, though most interactions are over coms."

"Damn. So the assassins, this blade group, they're galra outcasts?"

"Outliers. If they are discovered by the empire, they don't get the chance to be outcast." Keith hesitated before adding, "I have gotten close with the leader and his family. If you aren't ready to meet them, you don't have to. They are aware of our relationship, but don't worry, there's no jealousy."

Adam considered that for a minute. "We can bite that bullet later. Just... tell me about this base. Sanda mentioned they're looking for the other Garrison officers."

"Yeah," Keith confirmed. "That was a big part of the Reno mission. Brad and Chad were looking for like minds while Matt siphoned through the records. Warden Tio was actually one of ours, the son of the blade leader. Antok was able to let Brad and Chad into potentially dangerous situations with little to no real risk.

"As security detail, I was also supposed to prevent them from too much harm, but when Lotor arrived and took an interest in you, Antok gave me full authority as your warden." Keith placed the cat on the bed and leaned over his knees. "I tried every method to send you messages. Morse code was literally my last option, but I'm glad it worked."

"Morse?"

"Wait," Keith looked over incredulous. "You didn't know I-"

"Oh my god, the tapping!"

"Yes!"

Adam leaned back and covered his face in embarrassment. "I thought it was a personality tick! Or that you were intentionally trying to annoy me."

Keith snorted, then got up to grab water for himself. Stabbing the straw through, he shook his head. "I was just trying to coach you through Lotor's interrogations. Based on how you handled it, I thought you were following my instructions to the best of your ability."

"I just fell back on my training," Adam said with a shrug. "I'll have to thank Sanda again. Let's fast forward though. Why even take me to Lotor's ship?"

Keith faltered, shoulders slumping forward the way he used to when Shiro reprimanded him. "I had a personal theory about Lotor. Antok allowed me to... test it. Knowing Lotor wouldn't hurt you made the risk worth it."

Adam put two and two together. "Lotor mentioned you laid a trail. Roanoke was you?"

Keith nodded guiltily. "Not that it mattered. He isn't the person I thought he was."

"He knew Lance, Keith," Adam emphasized. When Keith didn't seem upset, he asked, "Is Lotor a threat knowing what he does?"

Keith folded his arms and shrugged. "We already guessed a large portion of his intel. I had been downloading everything he had when I was discovered."

Adam pursed his lips and sighed, unhappy that Keith had put himself in such a dangerous position. "And what would you have done if I had woken up and chosen violence?"

Keith shot him a small crooked smirk. "You really think you'd get the jump on me?"

"I'm just worried, Keith. God, I know you're not a kid anymore, but..."

Keith reached out and took Adam's hand. "Thanks, but I'm not your little robin anymore, Brucie." Adam shook his head and looked away, but didn't take back his hand. Keith added, "Besides, Antok wouldn't have let anything happen to me. Krolia would kill him if he did."

"Is she an assassin too?" Adam looked back when Keith failed to answer. He nodded in understanding. "You don't have to answer. I'm sure you don't want to overwhelm me."

Relief flashed through Keith's eyes and he changed the topic, "Tretok really surprised me, though. Turns out he recognized my fighting style when I was training during my free time at the prison. He's much smarter than I initially gave him credit for. I only fought him for about twenty seconds after Houston."

Adam smiled and distracted by reaching to pet the cat. "Good to know you haven't changed too much, kiddo. You mentioned the name Cretin on board Lotor's vessel and the doc said this cat is Cretin. What's that about?"

For some reason, that made Keith pause. "It's... an ability I have. Cretin and Kova are sort of the same. I don't know if you noticed, but Lotor's officer, Narti, was blind and mute. However, the empire doesn't have sign language. Instead, they bond with creatures that have similar energies to them."

"Service animals. Glad to know they aren't entirely heartless."

"It's a bit more complicated than that. I could give my typical demonstration, but it wouldn't seem authentic in this setting. So..."

Adam watched as Keith slowly closed his eyes and took a deep breath. His body relaxed and Adam noticed the cat yawn and stretch. Then the cat's attention focused on Adam, pupils dilating and retracting. It stepped onto his lap and Adam really wondered what was happening when the purring started.

The vibrations and sounds were stuttered. Nothing too abnormal, because some cats just purr different. Except that now he recognized the morse code between the separations. It was deja vu back to the prison. Of course, Keith's testimony proved that had actually happened. He shouldn't be surprised. Still, he felt his blood pressure drop and the machines started alarming again.

Immediately, Keith opened his eyes and the cat lost focus on Adam, settling into a ball and purring normally. Keith went to the cabinet and searched for a syringe, injecting the contents into the IV bag. Adam felt the settling effect hit him and asked to deflect, "When did you get comfortable with needles?"

Keith focused on the monitors and answered, "It wasn't easy, but Ulaz, a blade, gave me galran medical training. Sort of just... had to get over it to do so. Allura's also been rediscovering Altean medicine, which was a fusion of Altean alchemy and Diabazol's own advancements at the time." He smiled at Adam when the machine's alarms quieted. "It's how she saved you. Though," he looked away and played with a strand of his hair, "I've been thinking about getting a tattoo."

"Now I know I'm dreaming," Adam teased, earning a low laugh. There was a knock on the door. Keith glanced over, expression growing sad. Adam asked, "Do you have to go now?"

"Unfortunately, visitation hours are sort of limited at the moment."

"Because Sanda wants to make sure I'm fit in body and mind." Adam groaned. "It's been what, three days, and I'm already sick of them using the kiddie gloves."

Keith shot Adam a look. "It's been almost two weeks since Reno. Did Allura not give you a full history of your treatment?"

The knock at the door sounded more intently and Keith glared. "Sanda really is too cautious. I'll make sure Allura knows to answer any questions you have while I'm out. Hopefully, we'll have you discharged by tomorrow." Then the anger left him and he leaned over the bed to give Adam a hug. "See you first thing in the morning, if Sanda lets me back in. I love you."

Adam felt his throat lock up and answered, "I love you too, Keith."

Then he left, leaving Cretin on the bed. Adam looked at the cat, knowing somehow the cat had purred in morse code, using his stupid squad nickname. Then a doctor he didn't know came in with his next meal. As he started eating the vanilla pudding, he already missed Keith.