Chapter Text
“Eighty-five.”
A pause.
“Eighty-six.”
Yes, this was how she was going to end.
“Eight-seven.” A longer pause. “Come on, Princess. Eighty-eight.”
Certainly jumping between realities was better than this. Shiro had mentioned it was at least peaceful and peace sounded brilliant right now.
“Less than…”
“Keith!” Allura breathed out from her position on the ground and glared at him. “P a moment.”
“Is something hurting or…”
“Everything is hurting!” Trying to control her breaths, she sighed. “Just a moment, please.”
Silently, he nodded and let her lay there, while he loosened his grip on her ankles and moved back a bit. Letting a moment go by, he finally questioned her, “Do you want to stop for the day?”
Allura felt her hands over her stomach, feeling the area contract and barely loosen from its recent activity. “No, but I think working on…” She stretched out her legs and winced. “Perhaps resting would be best for right now.”
“Maybe it was too early to start working your body back to Paladin form.” Knowing she wasn’t going to take the information well, he refused to look at her.
“Keith,” Sitting up, she gave him a look, “We don’t have time for that. Besides, it takes time to build back my endurance, you can’t expect me to magically be in top shape again.”
“Can’t you?” While, he was never one for easy jokes, throughout the last year and a half, he had gotten easier not only on himself but the rest of the group.
“It would be much easier, wouldn’t it?” She chuckled a bit.
With a small smirk, he stood and held out his hand. “Come on, Hunk and Pidge wanted to talk to us about the ship.”
“Finally.” Letting herself get pulled up by the human, Allura followed him, trying to stretch out her sore muscles in the process. “I hope it’s good news.”
“They seemed excited.” He shrugged. “But you know, Pidge gets excited about super galactic whatever and Hunk is just happy the kitchen is up to his standards at this point, so it could be anything.”
“It’s good they enjoy what they do.” She chuckled. “Shall we go see?”
Giving a nod, Keith led the way towards the shipping area. They passed a few members of the Garrison and gave them a brief greeting before moving on to the seeing the two they had just been talking about earlier. Along with Matt and Sam, who were discussing something with Pidge. Loudly.
“You don’t understand!” Pidge was trying to get the other two to focus. “The stabilizers…”
The conversation went on as Keith and Allura approached. Hunk was the first to notice them coming forward and looked relieved they were able to break the tension.
“Hey guys!” Hunk interrupted the Holts. “Ready to tour the new quarters?”
“Not if you’re busy.” Keith glanced at the family.
“We’re just working on some of the quirks of the new system.” Sam shrugged. “You all go on ahead.”
“Wait!” Pidge insisted. “You have to get that the velocity at which we go into hyper speed on this ship is exponentially different than the Castle of Lions.”
“We’re not saying we doubt you, Pidge,” Matt said. “But we have to figure out how to add them without overloading the ship.”
“Come on.” Hunk motioned for them to follow him. “This is going to take too long.”
Allura couldn’t help but smile at the family very passionately arguing their points and taking note how some things never change. Despite Pidge growing an inch or so and her hair growing out a bit more, only for her to constantly put it up, she had stayed true to her intellectual nature and having her family around her increased it. The only person to truly calm down the Holts was the matriarch of the family.
“Should they be arguing about… whatever they were arguing about this close to ship off?” Keith asked as the threesome entered the ship.
“You know they’re like the smartest people ever, right?” Rolling his eyes, Hunk stopped himself from saying more.
“You were too afraid to ask, weren’t you?” Keith asked.
“Dude, so afraid.” Hunk admitted as they came into the living quarters of the future crew of the Atlas. “I’m seriously surprised they haven’t started throwing wrenches at each other.”
“What on Earth has got them so worked up?” Appalled, Allura was unsure if she should go back out there to separate them.
“I have no idea.” Hunk shrugged and then looked around the space. “Alright, so instead of just having bedrooms, we’re going to have suites basically. So each of us will have a bedroom and share a common space with three other crew members.”
“Really?” Popping her head into the first suite, Allura glanced around. “This is wonderful!”
“Isn’t it great?” Agreeing, Hunk showed them around the first one. “While you can’t really cook in the kitchen area here, you can store some snacks and stuff. There are also private bathrooms instead of having the shared spaces, of course, there’s public ones throughout the ship.”
“Aren’t these taking up a lot of unnecessary space?” While Keith liked the idea of having his own retreat, it seemed slightly excessive. “Shouldn’t we be more focused on having a workout area or refugee space?”
“We have both actually.” Hunk informed. “Plus the suites can convert themselves into large rooms by merging the suites together if we really need it. But even if we have overflow, the commons spaces in the suites will basically do that.”
“Will everyone be required to take a tour?” Allura asked.
“That’s the plan!” Hunk nodded.
“Do you know who’s rooming with who?” Keith ventured.
“I know, Pidge, me, Lance and Veronica are going to share a suite.” Thinking for a moment, Hunk added. “I think Allura and Coran are sharing a suite and we’re leaving the other rooms a bit open in there. Then, you’re with Shiro for sure.”
“It would be wonderful to have more room in our quarters.” Immediately thinking how to arrange their suite, Allura explored the space a bit more.
“Are me and Shiro with two others?” Keith prodded.
“Um,” Suddenly looking uncomfortable, Hunk switched subjects. “You know it’s difficult to predict that stuff.”
“So you know but you don’t want to tell me.” He said flatly. “I take it either me or Shiro isn’t going to like it.”
“It’s just…” Thinking for a moment, Hunk tried a more diplomatic approach. “Well, it’ll be more difficult for Shiro than you.”
Releasing a sigh, Keith accepted the information. “If it’s who I’m thinking, we should probably talk to him about it. Plus, we really need to talk to Shiro about the crew anyway. I don’t think he’s seen the entire roster yet.”
“I think we should just leave it alone.” Hunk put his hands out in front of him to explain. “It’s not our place and if you want to talk to him go ahead, but it’s not really going to change how everyone is stationed.”
“Everyone is adult, Keith,” Allura stated gently. “They’ll be fine.”
Leaving the topic alone for a moment, Keith started again. “Okay, so where are the Lions going to go?”
They moved on to the lion hanger. The expansive space was more than enough room for the lions and would allow for more storage if need be. Everything seemed to be larger but that brought her to a thought in her mind.
“How is the steering of the ship?” Allura questioned. “I mean, while all of this is amazing, I remember the fight with Sendek and the Atlas’ reaction time wasn’t ideal.”
“It’ll still be slow.” Hunk admitted. “But Pidge and Matt were able to boost the timing a little. They said they would be able to do more once we’ve been out there for a while.”
“Pidge’s mentioned heading over to Olkarian,” Keith said.
“Yeah,” Hunk nodded. “She’s hoping they’ll be able to increase our speed in a fight.”
“I don’t see why that’s not possible.” Allura shrugged. “I would rather be prepared for a fight than not.”
“Plus we’ll probably need to stock up on supplies by the time we get there,” Hunk added.
“Speaking of,” Keith began to steer them towards the exit, where the Holts were still arguing over the stabilizers. “I need to check on my travel case. Shiro said they were planning on adding a seven day supply pack for everyone.”
“That will be helpful.” Glancing at the time, Allura made her good-bye as well. “I should see if Coran is still in the dining hall and get his thoughts on the Atlas.”
“Don’t forget to get some protein.” A needless reminder, but Keith tried.
“I won’t.” She assured.
“I’m going to try to break these guys up.” Hunk sighed.
“Good luck with that.” Keith strode in the opposite direction.
Allura bade him goodbye and walked silently to the galley, which would no doubt be empty at this point, and found herself hungrier as she approached. As she turned the corner she noted Shiro and Coran sitting across from another speaking in hushed tones. Deciding she could wait to hear their conversation, Allura jumped at the chance to get her food from the empty cafeteria line. Grabbing a green tea and a smattering of the day’s special, she took a seat beside them.
“I assume we have new intel?” She glanced between the two men.
“Deciding on our direct course for when we launch.” Coran nodded.
After a pause, she started again, “Are you going to let your crew know where we’re headed?”
“After we name the official roster tomorrow, we’ll announce where we’re headed,” Shiro commented and answered her confused look. “Since the ship is going to be mainly an Earth-based system and larger, I’ll pilot it for the most part, along with the other Garrison members.”
Allura took a bit out of her meal. “What happened to the Altean parts?”
“While we were able to recover much Altean engineering the main part of the Atlas still functions as an Earth creation,” Coran stated. “So we’re stuck with Earthling technology until then.”
“Stuck?” Shiro raised a brow.
“Well, you know…” Coran shrugged. “Your technology is a bit farther behind and without Pidge’s father the ship would not be nearly as advanced as it is.”
“I’m just happy we have hyperdrive on it.” Allura sighed and perked a bit more. “The living quarters are very nice though. Plenty of room this time.”
“We were able to take into account for any refugees this time around,” Shiro explained. “Especially since we’ll need it according to the reports.”
“Enough room for any little ones to be running around without their parents having to look out for them,” Coran added. “I’m sure that will be a relief.”
“I’m sure.” Taking another bit of her food, Allura decidedly felt better. “What did the Garrison say about shuttling people to Earth if need be?”
“They’re open to it.” Shiro nodded. “They have to make sure they have settlements in time and enable cultural training but since the invasion left space open, the generals weren’t concerned for allowing more Beings to come.”
“Good.” Having settled that, she hesitated with the next question. “Hunk said we’ll be ready in a few days, when will we have to debrief?”
“Probably within the next few days or so.” He answered. “Krolia sent Keith some new information and a rendezvous point to begin talks with the Blades again.”
“I’m sure a lot has changed.” Only being able to think about the challenges ahead, Allura leaned back in her chair.
“It’s been almost two years since we came to Earth and that’s not even accounting for the 3 years of the disappearance.” Coran pointed out softly. “Many things have changed with the universe and the team.”
Allura took in the information and then asked. “Do you know who we’re taking from the Garrison?”
“Many of the people who fought against Sendek,” Shiro said. “So there’s Iverson, Sam Holt will come along and Veronica McClain, of course.”
“Lance’s sister?” Allura smiled, having been around the woman every now and again.
“Yeah.” Nodding, Shiro explained. “She’s going to be perfect on our team.”
“She will.” Coran agreed.
“What about Griffin’s team?” Allura inquired. “They’ve been working incredibly hard and would be an asset to have on the ship.”
“We need forces on Earth.” Shiro sighed. “I know they’re going to try and fight it at the hearing tomorrow but I think we’re going to need more back-up than we think here.”
“And like Shiro said,” Coran apparently also concurred. “We’re going to have a fairly large crew as it is.”
“True.” Allura nodded. “It would make me feel better to have warriors like them here. Will they be training more troops on the fighter jets?”
“That’s what they said.” Sipping his coffee, Shiro went on. “I think if we frame it to them as giving them a higher position to do that, it’ll give them something to look forward to.”
“Meaning you want to use them as a surprise attack?” She guessed.
“I think that would be the best use of them, yes.” Seeing the look on her face, Shiro tried to placate her. “I know we disagree on this but it would be better to have Earth covered and build up our troops so we can actually use them when we need them over barging into the universe trying to create peace with war machines.”
“I disagree on the very fact that Earth should go back to its peaceful ways and become a haven rather than a base.” She argued.
“Everyone has been dragged into this if we like it or not, Princess,” Coran told her quietly. “They need to fight for themselves as well now.”
“But we have refugees here.” Clearly not going to let it go, Allura tried to make her point. “They should have peace.”
“They will,” Shiro said. “But they will also have the choice to fight back.”
“Hopefully, that choice won’t be necessary soon.” Allura sighed.
“That is all of our hopes, Allura.” Gently as he could, Shiro wanted to make the idea of peace a possibility. They let that settle around them for a moment before Shiro stood, declaring the impromptu meeting finished, “Regardless, we’re stronger and more equipped for the times ahead. We’re not rushing into it like greenhorns.”
Allura and Coran gave him a stare. While having spent a lot of time on Earth, colloquialism still eluded them at times.
“You mean…” Allura tried. “Like newbs?”
“Good enough.” Shiro nodded and waved over his shoulders. “See you tomorrow.”
“Night.” Allura called back, and then quietly said, “He seems much better.”
“He’s had time to recover, as we all have.” Coran agreed and looked to the Princess. “Allura, you know it’s going to be difficult going back out there.”
“With all the information we have gathered,” feeling a wave of exhaustion come over her, Allura made her way out of the cafeteria, “I’m under no impression otherwise but we all must face our reality sometimes even if others get in the way.”
As he quietly followed her, Coran paused and they waved each other good night.
Allura sighed as she walked down the hallway into her area, nodding to some of the officers of the Garrison as they passed and they did so back. Her ears perked up at the soft giggle coming from her room and she smiled a bit as she turned the corner and walked into the space.
“...and then the little piggy went we we we all the way home.” Lance sang and made the piggy cross the way, then he looked at the other Being across from him and said thoughtfully, “Although you have to wonder why the piggy wouldn’t try to free the other piggies, like why bother going back home? Maybe they forgot something.”
A high-pitched, delighted squeal sounded.
“Yeah.” Lance nodded. “Totally going back out and saving the other piggies.”
“I hope this is a good Earth lesson.” Making her presence known, Allura walked further in and sat down to complete a half circle with the other two on the ground.
“Any lesson with pigs is a good lesson.” He assured her, even though she was certain it didn’t matter.
“And how was mum’s little star?” As she picked up the smaller being, Allura rubbed their cheeks together, getting another happy noise. “Causing enough trouble to keep things interesting, I hope.”
“Not too bad today,” Lance answered, playing a bit with the child’s feet, getting a big grin from her. “She almost got into the armory today but luckily Shiro caught her before she did too much damage.”
“More active lately.” Allura smiled. “It’ll be harder to catch her when she starts walking.”
“Nah,” He shrugged, “Just more fun.”
There was a pause as the child wiggled away from Allura and crawled back over to the stuff pigs. The two adults watched for a moment before saying anything.
“You don’t have to watch her so much, Lance,” Allura stated quietly. “Coran, Shiro, or someone else would be happy to watch her.”
“They get their turns.” He waved the idea off.
That one fact did surprise Allura to learn. Lance had been the one his family turned to for support, especially when dealing with his niece and nephew. Despite his somewhat childish demeanor at times, he truly was amazing with children.
“Shiro’s not bad.” She pointed out.
“Yeah, I guess Keith turned out okay,” Lance smirked. “How was training?”
“I wouldn’t mind being put into cryo-sleep right now.” Rubbing her neck and trying to stretch out the last of her muscles, she willed the pain away.
Lance gave her a concerned face. “You shouldn’t push yourself too much. Maybe we could look for a back up for you.”
“We have to get out there soon, Lance.” Allura sighed. “With Shiro out and focused on the command of the Atlas it’s not an option for me to do nothing.”
“What about Coran?”
“The Lions no longer even glance at him after a mishap with cleaning solution.”
“A new person then?” He suggested. “I mean I think Veronica would be up for it.”
“Lance,” While it was somewhat of a joke, she knew he was concerned for her. “We work as a team and I’m not giving that up yet, especially not now.”
His worried look didn’t go away and while he wanted to talk more, a sudden hand on his thigh caused him to look down at the tiny being looking up at him, babbling nonsensical things. A soft smile escaped him.
“Great, I’m getting scolded from two of you now.” His finger gently grazed over the dark red marks on the child’s cheek and the baby preened at the attention.
“Before I forget,” Allura snapped both of them out of their thoughts, “Pidge and Sam want to run some tests tomorrow, something about unlocking further potential with the Lions.”
“Great.” Letting the child settle on his lap, Lance rolled his eyes. “Red is about fed up with these tests.”
“Red or you?” She teased.
“Definitely Red.”
“Well, Blue can take it,” Allura commented. “Besides, I think she’s ready to start defending the Universe again.”
“Blue or you?” He parroted back but was caught off guard when a small hand grabbed his nose. “What are you going to do with her?”
“They’re almost done with the Atlas,” Allura stated, remembering what Pidge and Hunk had shown her. “Shiro will watch her.”
“You think that’s safe enough?”
“She doesn’t have a better chance of staying here either,” She shrugged. “Besides she is still feeding from me.”
“She could stay here with my or Hunk’s family,” Lance suggested. “They already love her like their own.”
“I couldn’t do that to them.” Shaking her head, Allura elaborated. “The various Galra forces will come to Earth if she stays, with us, at least she would have a fighting chance and your families wouldn’t have to endure any further interference with the Galra.”
He took in the information silently and nodded. After a moment he said, “Do you think Haggar will come after her?”
“I…” Allura stopped herself and sighed. “I don’t know.”
As he was about to continue the conversation, the child stuck her hand in his mouth and giggled when he spit it out. “Ugh, Nyssa!”
Allura had to giggle as well and decided Lance had enough torture for one day. “Alright, my star. Let’s get ready for sleep.”
Picking up her daughter, Allura smirked at the wiggle Nyssa was doing realizing they were headed for the bathing area. For some reason, the child enjoyed water quite a bit.
“I’m going to head out before Tsunami Nyssa hits.” Lance stood, dusting himself off. Throwing over his shoulder. “See you tomorrow.”
“Good night, Lance!” She called back and had a piece of her hair yanked. Looking to the source, she lifted a brow. “Being cheeky again, I see. You must get that from your father.”