Disclaimer - I don't own Voltron (DotU) or Voltron: Legendary Defender. This is one of my NaNoWriMo projects for 2020 and a prequel to Winter Tree with a focus on the DotU characters. In effect, I'm bringing some of the headcanons I like using in the VLD universe into the DotU universe, but I'm also bringing in a few characters as well. The events take place before the original Votron show canon and is in a way "how they met" kind of story.

The story includes referenced/implied relationships between a student/teacher. No, it's not Shiro and Keith. There is also referenced/implied non-con.

Winter Tree: Roots
Introductions

"I'm interested in Keith Kagone."

Warning bells went off in Commander Iverson's head as he found himself staring at his newest transfer to the garrison. His one good eye drifted down to the paperwork in his hand noting Sven Holgersson's achievement of graduating from the Intergalactic Garrison's program ranked highest not only at the Norway Garrison but also ranking highly internationally. The young man also for some strange reason came recommended by the commander of the garrison in Japan, Commander Shirogane.

Iverson let out a sigh, feeling yet another headache resulting because of a certain cadet yet said cadet wasn't even in the room. Sven's eyes blinked before he spoke in the accent which made him stand out like a sore thumb. "Sir?"

"I don't think you know what you're getting into officer Holgersson." Iverson watched Sven open his mouth to protest and quickly held up his hand indicating he wanted him to listen. "You aren't the first officer to take an interest in our garrison's protégée and while it is true that even without the recommendation from Commander Shirogane you are allowed to take any position you want here at the garrison, but you aren't the first to think of taking advantage of Cadet Kagone's innate ability along with his teams track record for getting things done."

Sven fidgeted in his seat, one hand adjusting the carrier bag he carried with him while his mouth pushed together. There was something familiar regarding the way the man fidgeted, even looked at him. Despite the young officer's discomfort, he didn't feel right letting yet another officer burn out, but he'd recognized the positive go-get-them attitude he'd seen on many other officers wanting to take on the challenge of Cadet Kagone and his team only for them to burn out faster than the ones with a far less bright attitude.

"Cadet Kagone also has an innate ability for getting into trouble as does the rest of his team. More specifically, they're not known for having much respect for authority figures, but I honestly think they enjoy seeing how long the mentors we've placed in charge of mentoring them last."

"That honestly doesn't surprise me, given how many foster homes Keith's been in."

Iverson's one good eye blinked, his mouth opening in disbelief, but then he stammered out, "How did you know that? You're not yet an instructor here and thus you don't have access to the student's records."

Sven let out a sigh, before twisting slightly so he could open up his carrier bag. "I think there's been a misunderstanding sir because I definitely didn't transfer with the intent of being the mentor for Keith's team." A folder slipped from the bag and Sven pushed the object towards Iverson. "In fact, I'd argue that would be considered a conflict of interest on my part."

"A conflict of interest?" Iverson let out a deep breath, pulling the folder forward and opening it up.

"I will admit sir, that the reason for my transfer is because of Keith and I am using the fact I am able to get any job I want at any garrison and my connection to the Shirogane family to that end, but I didn't come here intending to be the mentor of his team," Sven said while Iverson read over the papers.

What he read made the commander do a double-take. "This…" Iverson swallowed. "I need to double-check this. Could you please step outside of my office while I make some phone calls?"

"I… yes sir."

When Sven left, Iverson turned to his phone, hesitating ever so slightly before picking the receiver up so he might make a phone call over the secure line, albeit in the back of his mind he wondered if this was an appropriate use of said line. The person on the other line picked up. "This is Commander Shirogane of the Japanese Garrison speaking."

"I'm calling regarding a young officer named Sven Holgersson."

"I see. He transferred to your garrison because of Cadet Kagone, but I've heard via word of mouth that Cadet Kagone's been giving you trouble."

"And?"

"Officer Holgersson should have shown you the paperwork, so you should already understand what my position regarding the matter is."

"Then the information in the file he provided me is accurate?"

Silence. Then, "Yes. Let me make something clear. I am not impressed with the number of mentors Cadet Kagone and his team have gone through since he entered the high school program at your garrison, but I suggest putting Holgersson in charge."

"Sir?"

"I'm far from pleased with how it's been handled so far, but I don't want to intervene in the matter."

That in turn ended the conversation. The phone clicked down and Iverson paged Sven Holgersson to come back in. The young officer sat down in the chair, his jaw twisting as his eyes focused on the wall to his right as if he were thinking of something. "Holgersson?"

"I was just thinking…" the young man said, only for his head to snap to attention, his focus on Iverson. "Never mind."

"No, I want to know what you're thinking." After all, anything involving a certain cadet often proved unpredictable, but the same applied to anything involving Commander Shirogane.

"Just that, given the fact he's not fond of authority figures me just showing up out of the blue and announcing my presence wouldn't go over well, but if I were to approach him as the mentor to his team…" Sven cleared his throat. "That is though a conflict of interest." He then followed with, "I take it Commander Shirogane confirmed what is in the folder."

"You shouldn't trust your grandfather."

Sven's eyes blinked, his breath coming in a slightly hitched manner. "Sir?"

"Just be aware of the fact your grandfather and father often didn't see eye to eye. Also…" Iverson honestly couldn't believe he was doing this. "I think you should be in charge of Cadet Kagone's group."

"Sir?"

"You heard me Officer Holgersson."

"What about the conflict of interest?" Sven swallowed.

"I don't think your personal conflict of interest even compares to the conflict of interest of the previous mentors wanting to use Cadet Kagone to further their own career paths, but it also won't be easy. You'll have to also contend with Lance McClain and Hunk Garret to deal with."

"Sir, are you really that desperate?"

"I really am that desperate Holgersson, but those cadets are in need of major intervention." After all, something told Iverson that Commander Shirogane would get involved if things didn't actually change for the better in regards to a certain cadet.