==================

Year 3239

Aftermath

===================

Startled eyes take in the two weary pilots on the screen. “Sirs? I, uh, need the clearance codes...”

Bloodshot brown eyes pin him in place. “Yui. We’ve been away for three shenning years. Our bloody codes aren’t going to be right. You fucking want to fire, go right ahead.”

Cold black eyes regard him impassively for a moment, before both suddenly and simultaneously break the connection.

Shivering, Yui directs the defenses to let the two oddly shaped fighters through. *Whatever crap that comes down because of this, I don’t care. I don’t want to be on their bad side... Just in case, though...* Yui triggers the alert that tells the main defense grid that possible hostiles are coming through. *Now, if the two of them really are agents, at least they probably won’t be able to take the whole base out...*

----------------------------

At the Alliance base, everyone emerges in an orderly fashion from the two fighters. With great aplomb, the security officers escort the former prisoners, Lotor, and the two pilots to a holding area, and very carefully accept the reports Keith and Lance hand them.

Muttering, the whole mob settles down for more waiting.

-----------------------------

Very politely, the young officer begins to herd the former prisoners toward the medical wing of the base.

Pausing for just a moment, Nanny shoots the three left behind a commanding look. “I’m expecting visits from _all_ of you.”

Lotor and Lance bow profoundly. Keith bows and murmurs a response for all of them. “Yes, ma’am.”

Nodding sharply, Nanny finally allows herself to be maneuvered out of the room.

The three grin at each other.

----------------------------

Stiffly, Security Captain Tananka salutes the sprawled figures. “The Council will see you now.”

Saluting back, Keith and Lance move to follow him, Lotor looming behind them.

Stilling, Tananka glares at them. “You, Drule, can wait here.”

Eyes narrowing, Keith growls, deep in his throat.

Startled, Tananka’s eyes snap from Lotor to Keith. Involuntarily, he steps back.

Lance smiles humorlessly. “He comes with us.”

Swallowing, Tananka debates pushing the point.

Keith’s eyes narrow. Lance’s smile widens. Lotor’s face is carefully neutral.

Turning around sharply, Tananka strides off, not quite managing to act as if it was his choice.

Satisfied, the three drift after him.

-------------------------------

In the hallway before the Council chambers, the guards to the doors straighten defensively. Determination shines in their eyes, almost eclipsing the fear.

Gracefully, Lotor settles down in a meditative position before the doors, as Keith and Lance approach the guards.

Shooting worried looks at Lotor, the guards hesitate a moment before opening the doors.

A lift of his eyebrow displaying his contempt, Lance sweeps in, Keith in his wake.

Lotor looks blandly at the too still guards. They swallow nervously, already starting to sweat.

---------------------------------

Lance and Keith stand in relaxed attention in front of the Council.

Slamming his hands on the table before him, the spokesman snarls, infuriated by their calm. “What is the meaning of this? You were sent to neutralize the new weapons. Instead, you come back with a bunch of POWs, a _Drule_, and some data discs. And that place is _still_ standing, still a source of new weapons. You want to be thrown out of the service?”

Hammond, a tic twitching in his forehead, watches the confrontation silently.

Lips quirking, Lance blinks at them innocently. “We did exactly as we were ordered. Those data discs we gave you ought to neutralize the latest batch of weapons -- before the Alliance encounters them the hard way. We doubt that the Drules know we have the plans -- they probably think that we came solely to free the prisoners. And Lotor is not going to betray us. If you want to kick us out, feel free.” An insanely innocent statement fills his face. “Of course, if you do so, you lose all the expertise we gained in Drule custom. Once out of the service, we won’t bother sharing any of the knowledge we gained.”

“You’re threatening us?”

“Not at all. Just pointing out the facts.” Blandly, Lance watches the council member sink into incoherence for a moment, before continuing. “We won’t join the Drules. But, as civilians, we have no obligation to make life harder for them either.” Pausing thoughtfully, Lance’s eyes light up, as if struck by a sudden thought. “Of course -- you could just get the information second hand from our home planets. As civilians, we would, of course, do our best to shore up our home worlds’ defenses...”

Exchanging looks with his fellow council members, the spokesman manages to regain control. “Fine. What do you want.”

Lifting an eyebrow, Lance regards the Council. *That was easier than I thought.* “We want Lotor to fly with us.”

Stiffening, the council members shake their heads as one. “That’s impossible. We can not allow him to enter the Academy.”

With a sharp throw-away gesture, Lance interrupts. “That’s not what we meant. _We_ can teach him.”

“There isn’t time for that sort of individualized instruction..”

Taking a calming breath, Hammond coughs, drawing attention. “Respectfully, sir, there is one place they could do that.” *Hawkins, hear my plea.* “That is also the home of the one commander who can probably keep them all in line.” *Allura, may you never find out I suggested this...*

Slow amusement spreads throughout the council members. “Ah. That is true. So. I’m sure that you both know what we’re discussing -- is that acceptable?”

Bowing in unison, they manage to tone down their grins to something not so ... annoying. “Perfectly.”

Not fooled, the spokesman snorts. “Dismissed.”

Saluting sharply, they leave.

----------------------------

Sweeping out the doors, ignoring the two sweaty, shaking guards, Keith and Lance gather Lotor up with wide, edged smiles. Moving as one, the three of them are out of sight even before the guards can collapse against the wall in relief.

----------------------------

Staring at the notification on his com, Hawkins sighs gently. *Hammond, you coward.*

Picking up a map-cube, he tosses it in the air, catching it lightly. *Another present for Allura. I think I’ll just drop this off somewhere they can pick it up. Time enough to speak with them face to face, once the dust settles...*

===================

Year 3239

Resolution

===================

Thoughtfully, Allura regards the three people on the screen, approaching her area of the Alliance base. *What the hell are they doing with a _Drule_? If they don’t have a good reason...* “Pidge?”

A calmly analytical voice answers her unspoken request. “They’re very, very good. Their mission was harder than ours, and they got more out of it. Look at the way they move together -- they’re bondmates.” Allura looks on over one shoulder, while Hunk looms over the other, as Pidge rapidly pulls up two Academy files, complete with pics. “Their files show that Shimada has a Warrior’s Gift and some kind of Sixth Sense; Ishida also has some sort of Sixth Sense, stronger than anyone else not in the Temples.” *Including Romelle.* Pidge smirks.

A rumble of a voice adds, “I’d obey either one of them.”

Startled, Allura looks up at Hunk.

He meets her gaze impassively, and then gently rests his hand on Pidge’s shoulder. Absentmindedly, Pidge nuzzles his hand, smirk softening at the touch.

Lips twisting, Allura shakes her head, realizing she’s not going to get anything else out of them.

Sven pulls back from his focus on the images. “The Drule... He’s got strong shields, but nothing that’ll keep me out. The other two... I can’t really read either of them. Not even enough to reviewuate their shields. I’ll just have to see what they’re like in person.”

Romelle, leaning against Sven, shrugs, and answers without prompting. “Any specifics are blocked to my Sense.” *Strong shields indeed, if neither Sven nor I can really Sense anything from them. Though, I do feel the kinship with Ishida...* Lips twisting in a smile of sharp good humor, Romelle flicks a look at Allura. *And I bet Allura’s really confused now -- that Drule is just the sort to appeal to her. Not that she is really ready to accept that...* Turning her face away, Romelle’s smile widens. *Having Shimada there doesn’t help matters either -- kinship bonds between the Warrior Gifted are notoriously strong. A bit of confusion is always good for the soul. And she’s more than due for some confusion.*

Eyeing Romelle edgily, all Allura can see is that the perpetual amusement lurking in her eyes deepens. Snorting, Allura gives up. *Obviously, whatever she’s sensing isn’t something she’s going to share. At least I trust that her loyalty will overcome her sense of humor. Unlike some people.* Frowning in annoyance, Allura can just see at the edge of her vision the smirk on Pidge’s face.

---------------------------------

“Who is this?” Though her voice is soft, the ice in it is enough to freeze almost anyone. The two exceptions to that stand before her.

“We rescued him along with the other slaves.” Calm black eyes meet fierce blue ones fearlessly.

“He’s no slave.” *Handsome, though...* Allura growls soundlessly to herself, refusing to believe that after all this time, a _Drule_ would be someone she’s attracted to...

“He’s part Drule, part human, part Zabrek. He’s a Healer with some Warrior’s Gift. No Temple will take him because he’s untrained and he’s killed with his Gift. The Academy won’t take him because he’s part Drule and therefore, they don’t trust him. It doesn’t help his case any that in close combat, he could probably take any one of us alone -- let alone any of the students at the Academy.” Keith watches with amusement, as the small group before him becomes even more tense.

“And you expect us to take him in. Even though he has no piloting experience.”

This time, Lance speaks. “I vouch for him. He’ll be a quick study.”

As they speak, Allura reviewuates the tall ... person... before her. He has blue skin, long white hair, yellow eyes, and arrogance in every line of his body. Even more disturbing, in his eyes there’s an attraction that equals her own. Ferociously, Allura forces her eyes away from his. Even so unsettled, she realizes that he also has wisdom, shown in the way he doesn’t try to jump into the conversation, and in the lack of visible resentment about being spoken about as if he wasn’t there. Mouth thinning, Allura abruptly decides to give him a chance. *Some of what They tell us to do, we’d have a better chance of living through with someone this skilled in physical combat...* “Sven.”

Smoothly, Sven steps forward, face a mask of calm. Behind him, Romelle drifts closer, a smirk lurking in her eyes, wariness in her body.

Lotor’s eyes wrench around from Allura to take in Sven’s appearance. Yellow eyes widening in utter surprise, he immediately sinks to one knee, hands clasped tightly behind his back, head tilted upward baring his neck. Closing his eyes, Lotor pulls all of his shields down. Opening his eyes once more, completely submissive, Lotor calmly meets Sven’s eyes.

Allura watches, reluctant admiration rising in her, weakening the walls holding back her attraction.

Romelle’s smirk widens, briefly, as she takes in Allura’s reactions. Still, she watches Lotor, alert for any treachery.

Sven, to all appearances unmoved, leans over and holds Lotor’s head in position with both hands. Romelle glides up closer, resting one hand lightly on his shoulder, anchoring him. Eyes flaring, Sven reaches out with his Sight, to See everything in Lotor. Minutes pass, as Sven takes his time combing through everything that Lotor is. In the end, he straightens slowly, backing away, and taking firm hold of Romelle’s hand. “Right now, he’s everything they say he is.” *And he’s somehow linked to the two of them.*

Lotor, eyes shut, sags in his position, mouth tight against the nausea in reaction to the probe.

Allura watches with some approval. “You’ve got your chance. But you’re going to have to undergo the same searching regularly, in case something’s been planted in you. And you’re going to have to survive a crash course in fighter piloting skills. Are you still willing?”

Dazed yellow eyes open and sharpen as he takes in her words. Tilting his head so he can meet her eyes, he speaks with absolute conviction. “I would be willing to endure anything, if it meant that I could see more of you.” Lips twisting in a wry smile, he continues. “Besides, the only other place your Alliance would offer me is a pleasant cell where they’d watch me in fear and contempt as they drain every bit of knowledge I have of Drulian mindset.”

Romelle barks a short, hard bit of laughter in acknowledgment, warming almost against her will to his predicament, so similar to what her own was.

Allura smiles distantly in approval. “Hunk, Pidge -- why don’t you show him to his room.”

Nodding slightly in acknowledgment, the two haul Lotor to his feet and guide him away.

Turning her attention to the pilots patiently waiting for her, Allura regards them coldly. Neither so much as flinch.

“Sven.”

“No.” Calmly spoken, still the threat hovers in Keith’s quiet voice, enough to stop Sven in his tracks.

Striving for a reasonable tone, Allura’s eyes blaze. *I knew they were insubordinate. But he should obey me instinctively like every other Warrior-Gifted I’ve met...* “Shimada -- we have to check you. Both of you spent the last three years behind enemy lines. We can’t take the chance that you have implanted impulses within you.*

One black brow raises in amused contempt. “Try another one. You didn’t have Sven read either Hunk or Pidge when they were sent here from their recon mission.” *You are my commander. But that doesn’t mean I’m going to follow you blindly. I’m at least as stubborn as you are...*

Allura stiffens in shock. *He’s not bending to my will! And how could he know that about Pidge and Hunk? Besides -- the situation is completely different...*

Romelle just manages to restrain her laughter.

Keith looks at her, absolutely calm. “We can join you, or we can resign. Neither of us really cares all that much which it is. It’d be nice to use our skills against the Drules, but...” Keith shrugs carelessly. A feral smile lights Lance’s face, before his focus shifts back to Sven.

Sven’s eyes narrow, and he tries to concentrate his Sight on them... Only to be repelled by the strongest shield he’s ever encountered. As he reels backward in shock, Romelle barely manages to brace him, laughter dying in her concern for Sven.

Allura’s blaster is in her hand, pointing at the two relaxed pilots in front of her.

Hunk and Pidge, who have silently returned, watch the scene unfold with amusement.

Lance is wearing a maniacal grin, eyes glittering in laughter. Even so, his concentration is mostly on Sven, quite clearly ready to counter any physical attack the tall man might make. Every so often, his eyes flicker to where Hunk and Pidge are -- ready as well for any move they might make.

Keith has a small, cold smile on his face, eyes also glowing with silent amusement. He is focused on Allura and Romelle, laughing silently at their discomfiture. “Like I said, we’re not going to allow Sven to use his Sight on us. We know who we are. We’ll fight for you, if you want us to. But we won’t give you the rights to our minds or our soul. Those belong to us alone.”

Taking a deep breath, Allura visibly lets go of her anger. From the corner of her eye, she can see Hunk and Pidge, relaxed against a wall, laughing silently at her. Laughter reluctantly rises also in her eyes. “Fine.” Smiling slightly, she throws out her hands, conceding the point. Smile widening, Allura finally relaxes into the odd feeling of harmony she has with the pilot standing calmly before her. “I’ll take you. And I guess I should have taken Pidge’s warning when he said you two were like him and Hunk.”

Smile blossoming on his face, Keith nods his head in agreement. Pidge chortles.

Rolling her eyes, Romelle steadies Sven, glaring at the two of them. *So.. Pidge and Hunk have already accepted you. Sven can’t See you, Allura can’t rattle you _or_ control you. You’re even stubborn enough to incline her to your will, rather than it going the other way. Both of you have some kind of Sixth Sense; let’s see what I can do to you. Lance isn’t going to pay any attention to me, so I’m not going to waste any of my attention on him...* Projecting all her unease, and her displeasure at Sven’s hurt, Romelle focuses her glare on Keith.

Keith quirks an eyebrow at her, unfazed, smiling in bland good humor. *Relax, Lady. We’re not going to hurt you or yours...*

Thoughtfully, Sven regards them. “How did you do that? I’ve never encountered a shield I couldn’t break...” Keeping his eyes warily on Lance, he refuses to acknowledge Pidge’s sniggering behind him.

Lance grins at him. “You think we’re gonna just _tell_ you? Take an oath that you’ll never try to read us, together or alone, and we’ll tell you.”

Laughing softly, Sven bows. “I’ll have to think on it...”

Romelle shrugs helplessly, her mouth twisting up in a reluctant smile at Keith’s continued good humor and with Sven’s relaxation. *Strong stuff indeed. Not one of us can phase either of you. At least my Sense is telling me that the two of you are a very good thing.*

Rolling her eyes, Allura clears her throat. “Enough of that. Keith -- you and Lance will, of course, fight together. And -- Keith, you’re second in command.”

Romelle flicks a sideways look at Sven, smile widening briefly as she takes in Sven’s calm acceptance.

Allura continues smoothly. “Good luck. You’re going to need it.”

Pidge grins cheekily at them. “We’ll take you back where you can get settled in...”

Allura just shakes her head as she watches the couples leave.

An End

Postscript: courtesy of Forest.

The more you dig, the more you'll uncover. There comes a point where you have to just polish up the treasure you've already unearthed, it may be enough to let you retire in riches. Otherwise you could just spend your whole life up to your elbows in dirt finding more.

Quite clearly, I didn’t listen too well. But it’s good advice for dealing with rampaging bunnies, so I figured I’d pass it along.

And... well... if you made it this far -- Can you tell how I was influenced by those authors I mentioned? {g}

Any comments or suggestions for JoAnn should be sent through me with either the story title or JoAnn in the subject line. I'll forward them without peeking. Really I will.

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