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"New Leadership"
"For too long, the people of this extraordinary civilization have been manipulated by a dictatorship that placed a misguided sense of self-preservation above all else. It was a tragic, unfortunate series of events that led us down this dark, never-ending path of power and greed. But now, we, the citizens of the Galra Empire, have an opportunity to make right all of the injustices set into motion by our forefathers. Because of the sacrifice made by Princess Allura we have ben given a second chance to come together in rebuilding the Galra Empire by joining the Galactic Coalition and ushering in a new era of peace across the universe."
The cheer from the assembled Galra was deafening. Keith was grateful that he could escape into the inner sanctum under the Kral Zera. The inner sanctum had been redone and looked like a proper area with chairs and a few tables. Keith sighed and collapsed ungracefully into a chair. He wanted to go lay down in his nest he shared with his mom and Kolivan, especially after addressing all Galran citizens. He whined softly, catching Krolia's attention as she just walked in with Kolivan and a few Galra who were interested in talking about and possibly suggesting a representative for the Galactic Coalition.
"What's wrong, my kit?" Krolia replied, kneeling next to the chair, so Keith could nuzzle her head if he wanted, which he did.
"Kit?" one of the Galra repeated.
"Krolia, why are you calling him a kit?" another one asked.
Krolia stood up, letting her hand drift through Keith's long hair, which he left unbound. "Keith is my son, my kit."
"I have never run across a grown Galra who would allow himself to be called a kit in public, even by his mother," the first one replied.
"Who said I was full grown?" Keith inquired.
The Galra froze in place. Another Galra stuttered out, "N-not full grown?"
Keith shrugged. "Yeah."
Kolivan placed a gentle hand on Keith's shoulder. "He is full grown according to Earth standards, but on Daibazaal and in any Galran society, he is a kit."
"How old is he?"
Keith cocked his head. "By this point, I'm," He did some quick calculations in his head. "Twenty-two deca-phoebes old."
"He's a toddler! We actually wanted to suggest electing a toddler for our representative!"
Keith sat bolt upright. "What? Why would you want me to be the representative?"
"Initially, it was because you are well-spoken and have good relations with other races due to your time as the Black Paladin of Voltron, but we cannot nominate a kit for such a role. It would be wrong."
"I was a Paladin of Voltron and a member of the Blade of Marmora when I was eighteen deca-phoebes old! How can me being your representative at twenty-two be wrong?" Keith blinked when what he said registered in his brain. His eyes widened briefly before he continued, "Not that I want to be the representative. It's just your reason is...This is not coming out right, is it?"
Krolia patted her kit's hair. "No, Keith, but I'm having fun watching you try."
Keith's expression fell into a mock glare. "Thanks, Mom."
"Any time, kit," Krolia quipped.
The three Galra who had followed Krolia and Kolivan beneath the Kral Zera conversed amongst themselves before coming to a consensus. They waited for the kit to cease trying to explain himself before one of them spoke. "We understand that you are reluctant to ascend into another leadership role; however, you are the most qualified among us, have prior experience, and are less likely to be corrupted by the power of this role. Being a kit, you would be allowed two aides to assist you in this position."
Keith raised his head, stared at the three Galra, and sighed. "I don't have much of a choice, do I?"
"You always have a choice, kit, and we will always be by your side, no matter what you decide." Kolivan ran his claws through Keith's hair.
"May I think about it and come to a proper decision later on?"
"Of course, but don't take too long. The Empire needs proper guidance for this new direction to become the established norm," one of the Galra cautioned.
"I understand."
The three Galra took their leave. Krolia picked up her son, Kolivan laid a hand on Keith's shoulder, and Cosmo teleported them to the aft section of the Black Lion. Krolia and Kolivan entered the nest the had constructed in the large lion, settling Keith between them. Keith buried his face in his mom's uniform and let out a whine.
"What's the matter, my kit?"
"I had been adamant about not leading, but they made several good points. Now, I don't know anymore."
"Do whatever your heart tells you, kit," Krolia advised.
Keith was quiet for quite awhile. He was so quiet and still Krolia and Kolivan would have thought that he had fallen asleep, if not for the fact that Keith purred in his sleep. Then, Keith looked up through his bangs at the two Galra he considered family. "Would you two like to be my aides?"
Krolia nuzzled his hair. "We would be honored."
Keith snuggled against his mom, content. He would be addressing the Galra population again, informing them of the decision to add his name to the list of potential candidates for the Galra representative, but for now, he was going to get some more rest.
Fin