Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

“Okay, now… I know we’re not new to weird potentially inter-dimensional openings in the fabric of space and time,” Lance stated, “but this feels new.”

“It definitely looks different. Less fizzy looking.” Matt added, Lance nodding in agreement.

“Not that we’ve had too much experience and know everything but…” Hunk pondered what they were looking at, “but doesn’t it also seem a bit more natural? Like, organic instead of fabricated?”

“Yeah, my thoughts exactly.” Chip chimed in.

“I think we’re missing the bigger picture.” Allura spoke up. “And that would be an Altean ship’s ass sticking out. And it’s not even small. That’s a big quiznaking ass!” She then looked concerned when some of the others just stopped to look at her. “What? What’d I do?”

“You actually swore?” Lance asked. “Princess! I’m so proud of you!”

“Awww! Allura actually swore!” Hunk gushed.

“I-I can swear!” Allura stammered. “I just choose not to because it’s unladylike.”

“But it’s so cute!” Lance hummed.

“It’s not cute!” Allura snapped.

“Okay, okay, before you start fighting, kids,” Colleen interjected, unable to help but chuckle a bit, “can someone explain to me what this is if you all seem so sure of it? Because I’m a bit new to this ship still and my kids are still going over all the stories.”

“Ah, right.” Coran spoke up. “Well, the last time we saw something strange like this, it was a path to another reality. But it looked different because it was a technologically made attempt at a wormhole apparently. But this…” He thought it over. “I wonder if it also leads to another reality.”

“If that’s the case,” Haxus said, “why’d the ship stop halfway? And what even opened it?”

“I don’t know.” Coran check the systems and readings. “And according to this, it was Commodore Trayling’s ship. But I can’t see any record of what he was doing way out here or any missions he was on.”

“That’s peculiar.” Allura mumbled. She then looked when she saw signs of the green lion near the ship. “Pidge?!”

“Yo.” The screen popped up, showing Pidge and Regris in the green lion; Kosmo’s fur could be seen in the corner of the screen, indicating he was with them. Though they could see the paladin on screen, everyone looked to see her station wasn’t occupied by either of them, only Bae Bae just sitting up there and chewing on a stuffed toy. They had to double check.

“What are you doing out there?!” Allura called.

“Getting readings of this rift. And Hunk was on point.” Pidge informed. “And it’s got a similar but more powerful energy reading than the rift we took from the attempted wormhole. But, the decay and energy shifts aren’t man-made. It’s like something naturally ripped a hole through the reality. Kinda similar but more powerful than Kosmo’s teleporting.”

“What could rip a hole that big naturally?” Hunk asked.

“I don’t know.” Allura mumbled. “But whatever it is, we might find answers aboard the ship and on the other side.” She turned away, heading towards the elevator that would take her to the blue lion. “Plus, it’s an Altean ship. Maybe there are Alteans on board who need help.”

“After a thousand years?” Lance asked.

“Why not? Coran and I have been in stasis that long, and that there is a Tel-Galax exploration shuttle. They’re always equipped with pods in case of emergency.” Allura explained.

“Right. And if last time taught us anything, Voltron can cross. And we might be able to pull it back out, too.” Keith nodded. “Pidge, Regris, stand by. We’ll be out in a moment to join up with you.”

“Copy that.” Pidge gave a thumbs up, but it wasn’t seen by the screen, so Regris lifted her hand more to show it.

The others suited up and got to the lions, Matt, as usual, going with Lance. Instead of with Hunk this time, Chip opted to assist Keith; he was still new to being the black paladin, he wanted to help support his friend and cousin-like figure in his life. And if he could help Hunk with his nerves, surely he’d be good help to Keith, too. At least for a bit.

When the others got out there and met up with Pidge, Keith went ahead to start planning. “We should form Voltron; we’re stronger together, so if this is more dangerous due to differing from the last one, we should be fine.”

“I don’t know… we got ripped apart and thrown across the universe last time.” Pidge reminded. “I’m especially worried about that Euclidean space. It can distort the energy even more than last time.”

“But we can counter it, I think.” Hunk stated. “With the thrusters used, it should help.”

“Pidge, it is better to go with Voltron as a whole. Especially with these different variables.” Allura spoke softly.

“I’m not gonna hold my breath on it going well. But. I guess we can try.” Pidge mumbled.

“Okay, team, let’s form Voltron.” Keith told them, getting everyone to fall into formation. Once Voltron was ready to go, they departed, letting the others know they’ll be back soon. Though still worried, it wasn’t their first time watching the team go into another reality. One way or another, they’ll find their way back.

“One hundred GAC that Pidge brings home another pet.” Haxus commented, making Chief snort with laughter.

-+-+-+-

The others went through the rift to see what the next reality held and what information the Tel-Galax shuttle contained. Perhaps it even held Alteans, maybe even resting in stasis. The princess was very hopeful. But before Hunk could work on tracking any biorhythms and Pidge could check the area, they felt a similar surge that hit them when they went through the last rift.

The force of energy hit hard and the others tried to counter it, hoping to stay together. Sticking together wasn’t the plan for Voltron, though. They were pulled apart and thrown off in different directions. Though perhaps their plan worked a bit as Keith was thrown in one direction, Hunk and Pidge were flung in another, and Allura and Lance were sent opposite of them. Three ways hopefully meant less tracking if the situation was in their favour.

“Not again!” Lance called, trying to gain control of Red to ease the velocity. No good. The lion was momentarily offline as he and Allura went soaring. After a few moments, they finally eased up on the speed and went to a simple drift.

“Oh god… that was horrible…” Matt grumbled, covering his mouth. “I want off Mr. Bones’ wild ride…”

“Are you both okay?” Allura asked over the comms.

“Yeah. Matt’s a bit nauseous, but nothing I’m not used to.” Lance responded. “You know, I’m getting the feeling that we should have listened to the smart one. We don’t deny it, Pidge is a genius. Maybe next time we listen to that genius.”

“I thought the plan would work. But… I guess not.” Allura sighed. “Sorry.”

“No, no, we were all for it. Except Pidge. And maybe Regris.” Matt waved it off as he composed himself. “Just be prepared for her to tell us she told us so.” He then looked out. “Okay… so, good news, we’re not on a frozen planet again.”

“That’s a plus. Bad news, though… I don’t know how far from the ship we got sent.” Lance added.

“Worse news, long range comms don’t seem to be working.” Allura chimed in. “I can’t get through to the others.”

“How about worst news?” Matt looked to see a decently sized ship, though probably smaller than the shuttle they were going to originally investigate. It almost seemed bigger as it looked like the back of it was a giant open ring. More curious, though, the ship looked to be Altean in nature. “What are the odds that those guys are friendlies?”

From the ship’s ring, a gravity well was created, snatching the two idle lions. If there was anything worse than worst, the three hoped that they hadn’t found it and that whoever these people were, they weren’t hostile. Once brought in closer, those of the ship had sent in sentries. Everything about the sentries looked like the training robots in the castle.

The ship looked Altean. As did the sentries. Allura hoped to see Alteans. She wanted to feel like she and Coran truly weren’t the last, even if this was another reality.

“Drop all weapons.” a woman with magenta hair ordered as she stepped up, the trio brought out of the lions and into what may have been a cargo hold. She glared at those they brought aboard at first, but then her eyes landed on Allura. Seeing her, for whatever reason, her eyes widened.

“You are Alteans!” Allura gasped out, covering her mouth in astonishment. Honest to the ancients, flesh and blood Alteans. For the first time in so long, she didn’t feel as alone with her identity as an Altean.

“Empress Allura?” the woman asked, taking a step forward.

“Empress?” Lance asked.

“That doesn’t sound good.” Matt mumbled.

Hearing the two Earthlings, the Altean woman waved her hand, making the sentries aim their blasters at them. “And who are you two?”

“Wait, please, don’t hurt them.” Allura declared. “They’re my friends. Lance and Matt.” She motioned to them respectively. “And… no. I’m not Empress Allura. I am Princess Allura. And… um… this might come off as a little strange, but… we’re of another reality.”

The Altean woman blinked, looking surprised. Another Altean came to her side. He shifted his glasses as he inspected the princess and her friends, though it was hard to tell as his eyes looked to be closed. “Another reality?”

“Vellan, do you know of such things?” the woman inquired.

“It’s been speculated that there are many realities side by side, not really touching but living alongside each other in harmony.” the man, Vellan, responded. “But to think it could be accurate… and you know this how?”

“Not exactly our first time doing this.” Lance admitted before Matt shushed him and smacked him upside the head. “Are all you siblings violent?”

“When needed, yes.” Matt hissed.

“Other realities…” The woman shook her head. She then bowed her head to the princess. “Empress-”

“Princess.” Allura corrected.

“Princess Allura, forgive us for not greeting you as warmly.” the woman said. “I am Commander Hira. I run this small group in the name of our Empress and Altea. But we’ve been fighting against these rebels who wish to destabilize the peace we strive for. Surely you can understand our hostility and accept my sincerest apology.”

“No, it’s understandable.” Allura assured. “There’s nothing to forgive as we can relate to your situation.” She sighed. “You see, there is war in our reality, too, fighting against the Galra empire…”

“Galra?” Hira looked shocked.

“What’s wrong?” Allura was confused.

“Princess, the Galra have not been seen in nearly a thousand deca-phoebs, long since destroyed.” Vellan spoke up for Hira. “When the Galra had an uprising and King Alfor was killed, you… no, your counterpart rose up and put an end to that before establishing the Altean Empire and working to spread peace across the universe.” They didn’t pay attention, but Lance and Matt cast each other glances, concerned about that.

“I can suppose you have crossed realities to find a safe place.” Hira suggested.

“Not quite.” Allura shook her head. “You see, we-” She looked back when Matt gently grabbed her arm.

“Princess, I don’t think we should be so liberal with information.” Matt whispered. “Something doesn’t feel right.”

“It’s fine, Matt. They may be of another reality, but these are my people.” Allura assured. She then looked to Hira. “We were investigated an Altean ship from my reality that got stuck in a rift. Or rather, we were supposed to. We got separated from the rest of our team… and we don’t even know where the rift and ship are.”

“Well, we welcome you aboard, Princess.” Hira nodded. “And we can try to find the energy trail and help you out.” She motioned for the princess to walk with her. “In the meantime, perhaps we can talk more? I would love to hear about your reality. And share much about ours. You seemed so shocked to see Alteans.”

“Indeed. Because… there’s only two of us left in our reality.” Allura stated, not even including Haggar; she was to evil and with the empire to be counted.

“Matt… I don’t like this.” Lance stated.

“Neither do I.” Matt shook his head. “Stay with Allura, make sure they don’t try anything. I’m gonna go back to Red and see if I can contact the team.”

“Copy that.” Lance nodded, liking that plan, and not just as a means to be close to Allura. He knew Matt was a brilliant man; if anyone could get long distance comms back online and catch the team’s attention, it was him. For the time being, he just hoped they were all okay and didn’t run into any potentially hostile Alteans.

Chapter Text

“Pidge is so going to be rubbing this in our faces…” Chip sighed as he smacked his forehead into the headrest of Keith’s seat. “She’s not going to let us live this down.”

“Is it bad that I want her to hit her head and forget that she suggested we go separately?” Keith asked.

“Hmm… debatable.” Chip shook his head and looked around. “Okay, so, we didn’t crash on a planet. But we hit something.”

“An asteroid?” Keith questioned. He got the black lion turned around to see it wasn’t an asteroid, but rather a ship. They realized it almost seemed like a rebel ship from their reality. But was it safe?

A clanking noise soon caught their attention. Someone had boarded the lion. Immediately, Chip had out one of his guns and aimed it at the door in the back of the cockpit. Keith got up, activating his bayard. Before long, the doors were forced open. Without even asking questions, someone appearing to be at least humanoid, came in with a blaster. Whoever they were, they were nearly shot by Chip, only narrowly dodging the strike as their multi-armed, familiarly shaped comrade pulled them back.

The black lion’s cockpit was not exactly the best place for a fight. It wasn’t the most spacious area there was, but the others did their best. Whoever these intruders were, they tried to fight hard, but they didn’t expect one thing. Chip may have been a Gunderson and skilled with guns as his signature weapon, but he wasn’t helpless in close combat. He pulled a compacted staff from his pouch and activated it, causing it to pop out into its full length. Hey, his older brother and twin sister weren’t the only ones who could use a staff. Sure, they trained more for it than their brother, but he had his skills, too.

He went into close combat against the foes, minding where Keith was doing his part in the fight so he didn’t accidentally hit him. He then went for the signature Gunderson strike, hitting the humanoid one in the groin. Before Keith could comment on if everyone in the family struck there, Chip swung his staff up and smacked his foe back, even breaking the visor on his helmet. From there, his face was revealed, and it was uncanny.

“Wait… Shiro?” Keith asked.

“Who?” the mysterious figure asked, his accent very thick and potentially Norwegian.

“Different reality, Keith.” Chip reminded. “I think we’re off a bit.”

“Indeed.” The other altered their helmet to show to be Slav. “But, another reality?”

“Oh… and that’s Slav. That explains the familiar form.” Keith stated.

“But not our Slav.” Chip reminded.

“Your Slav…” Slav seemed to ponder it. “You two are of another reality then?”

“Yeah.” Chip nodded.

“Wait… the things Slav rambles about are real?” the accented man looked confused. He then looked Slav. “You’re not just crazy?”

“Well, I may be crazy, but I’m not wrong about the realities thing.” Slav pointed out.

“And less crazy than the Slav we know.” Chip let out a sigh of relief as he relaxed his stance. “So, care to tell us who you are and why you decided to unlawfully board our ship?”

“You’re not at liberty to have that inf-” the other man started to say until he saw the two take off their helmets. His eyes widened as he looked to them. “Yasuo? And a Galra? But… Galra are gone. And Yasuo’s on a mission.”

“Another reality, Sven; people may look alike, but they are not.” Slav reminded. “And where they’re from, their reality must still have Galra.”

“Wait… are Galra extinct here?” Keith asked. “But… why?” His ears drooped a bit. He was starting to get a bad feeling about the reality they entered.

“If you can trust us, you can bring your ship aboard; it’s signal can be hidden from others who may investigate it. And trust me, you don’t want the Alteans to pick up on its energy signal.” Slav stated. “The cargo bay is at the back of it.”

“Alteans? As in… not extinct?” Chip inquired. “Keith, I dunno, but I think listening may be best. Slav may be crazy and this guy may look like Shiro but sound like Sven from the last reality we visited and share his name, too… but… yeah. Other than crazy and things being hectic here, I think trusting them is fine.”

“Yeah, my thoughts, too.” Keith nodded. He then went back to the controls, piloting the lion into the cargo bay.

Once in the ship, Slav led them in. While he was all for talking to the newcomers, Sven seemed a bit more reserved and unsure; that was smart in Keith’s opinion. One should never let their guard down. As they went through, Slav was musing about another reality and his present reality.

“So, this isn’t your first venture?” Slav inquired. “But it should be impossible.”

“One would think, but I guess we got lucky.” Chip informed. “See, the first one was my counterpart in another reality was working on a wormhole device but accidentally punctured the fabric of reality. He and the others could repeat it later after my sister figured out the right frequency to get us home.”

“Sister?” Sven asked. “Not twin brother?”

“No, twin sister.” Keith responded. “Pidge. Pretty damn smart. And we should’ve listened to her as we got separated from our team. Again.” He sighed. “Yeah… she’s not gonna forget, I’m sure. She’s gonna rub it in.”

“Probably.” Chip nodded. “Anyway, this time we saw an Altean ship from our reality that Coran recognized and it was stuck in a rift. So, we thought we’d come over, investigate, see if we could find more Alteans and find out why it got stuck.”

“Why would anyone want to find Alteans? They are the reason why our universe is turned upside down like it is.” Sven informed, causing the two to look at him.

“What do you mean?” Keith asked. “In our reality, there are only two Alteans remaining. And the Galra empire…”

“So… things are that different.” Slav mused, thinking it over. “You see, here, there was an uprising of Galra, but the empire stopped them swiftly. And since then, even after the disappearance of their empress, they have continued. And they have ruined so many lives. They have found ways to take away the wills of many and turn them into slaves.”

Keith’s ears twitched. That was definitely concerning. How would Allura even react to such a thing? She would be heart broken in the least, he was sure.

“But not all are evil. Some have seen the wrong and work with our rebel groups.” Slav informed, giving the reality jumping pair some relief.

“Like my group back home.” Keith smiled. “See, where we’re from, the Galra have nearly wiped out the Alteans entirely, leaving only two, though we are hopeful to find more. But not all Galra are the same. A lot of us have become rebels to fight against the empire. And with Voltron, this robot we form, we’ve become more active, too.”

“Though we differ, it seems we align, too.” Slav mused.

“Though, um…” Chip raised his hand a bit. “Okay, Alteans are mostly bad here, got it. But, uh, don’t panic? But one of our members is Altean. But Princess Allura fights in the name of peace like the rest of us.”

“Allura?” Slav and Sven were both shocked. Slav composed himself to speak, though. “So, Allura is in your reality, too. Here, she was the empress. But no one knows what became of her. The empire acts like she is still around and commanding things, but they aren’t fooling the Guns of Gamara. We have insider knowledge that she is missing.”

“Akira believes she bailed on the empire.” Sven chimed in. “He thinks even she does not approve of their control but lacks the power to do anything about it.”

“Sometimes a leader and empress is only that in name.” Chip mused. “This reality is a far cry from ours, and yet similar enough. Except Zarkon stuck to it and was cruel as an emperor.”

“Okay, as intriguing as this conversation is,” Keith spoke up, “we kinda have some things to get figured out.” The others looked to him. “We need to figure out where that ship and rift were, figure out what caused the rift, and get back with the team again.”

“Ah, yes.” Slav nodded. “Actually, it shouldn’t be too hard to figure out where you came from. In fact, I think we already have an idea. Or at least a direction.” He led the way to the bridge of his ship and went to a console, bringing up a holographic screen. “See, we picked up on a strange energy reading moments before you ran into our ship. It could be your arrival.” He brought up the data, showing the energy signal that spiked. “I think we can use this to track where you came from.”

“That’s helpful.” Keith nodded. “But it doesn’t help us find the others and where the others went.”

“Yeah, but we can’t ignore the fact that they’d probably find a way to figure out where we came from, too, and rendezvous there.” Chip reminded. “Especially Matt and Pidge. Even Hunk’s a brilliant mind and Allura may sometimes be brash, but she knows enough. I think they’ll be fine with finding their way back. I mean, we all found each other last time.”

“We had more help last time.” Keith reminded.

“Eh, details.” Chief waved it off. “Besides, if the others struggle, once we find Pidge and Regris, those two will figure out the rest.”

“Okay, that’s fair.” Keith nodded.

“Well then, give me a few moments, and I think we should be set.” Slav declared. He then pondered over things as he checked the data and figured out the path. “Though… figuring out how you got here to this reality… and you mentioned a ship in a rift…”

“Yeah.” Chip nodded. “We were going to explore it and investigate, but we got split up. Again.”

“I wonder if it may have something to do with a trans-reality comet.” Slav mused, his gaze serious as he thought about it.

“Trans-reality?” Chip asked.

“Oh, you mean like Shorty?” Sven asked.

“No, no, that’s transgender.” Slav corrected.

“Oh. They sounded alike.” Sven admitted.

“You were close.” Slav assured. “But no, the trans-reality comet is something I have heard about. It is believed to be a comet that is constantly going through the universe, but it’ll rip through reality and move to another. It is possible that this is it.”

“Huh.” Chip nodded as he thought it over. “That might explain why the rift seemed more natural according to Pidge’s readings. And why the ship was caught.”

“You think it collided with the ship in its journey?” Keith asked.

“That or they managed to pick it up and were transporting it. Because the odds of a sole comet hitting a ship doesn’t seem likely. I mean, it’s not impossible, but still.” Chip explained. “But if it was carried in the cargo hold, it could have opened a hole in reality, trapping the ship.”

“Then we really need to investigate things and find out. Maybe even get to the commodore’s logs.” Keith suggested.

“Precisely.” Chip nodded.

“Then good news, we have general coordinates to follow.” Slav stated. “So let’s head out. Because if there is a comet, then we need to secure it and ensure the Altean empire doesn’t get it.”

Chapter Text

“Mm-hmm.” Pidge nodded. “I said it. I told everyone.”

“Yeah…” Hunk grumbled before getting sick, the yellow paladin quick to have a bag to do so in. “I wish we listened to you, too.” He then got sick again.

“Are you going to be okay?” Regris inquired. Hunk just groaned. “He’ll be fine, right?”

“In the end, yeah.” Pidge nodded. “He’s dealing with motion sickness. Which he’s doing remarkably better than he was in the beginning. But give him a moment to get it out of his system and he should be fine.” She then winced a bit at another sound of Hunk getting sick. “Though if you wanna help, ask Kosmo to take you over. There should be those bytor waters in the storage, same place I keep mine. He’ll need to hydrate.”

“Right.” Regris nodded. He looked to the wolf. “Can you take me over?” Kosmo didn’t hesitate and teleported with him, appearing in the cargo hold of the yellow lion. He quickly found the waters and grabbed a pouch and even a small ration pack to put something back in the paladin’s stomach. “It’s convenient that you both store things in the same place.” he said as he went to the cockpit, opening the pouch and handing to Hunk.

“Chip spent time organizing some of our supplies for convenience and to help Pidge.” Hunk mumbled, accepting the drink. “Thanks.” He sipped on it, smiling at the taste. “So, how far do you think we went?”

“Not sure. Systems seem to be momentarily down.” Pidge informed, checking on them and listening to the tones and Rover’s beeping. She then blinked when she started getting a visual, being able to see through Green again. “Oh, power’s coming back.”

“Yeah, here in Yellow, too.” Hunk informed. “Though long range comms seem to be out of order.” He then looked up when he saw what looked like a battleship seeming to lock in on them. He didn’t know what type of ship it was, but it gave him slight rebel vibes, only bigger than the ones they knew and a bit smaller than the Galra battleships. “Pidge, I think we have an issue.”

“Yeah, Green’s seeing it, too.” Pidge confirmed. She then noticed smaller fighter ships flanking them, striking them with a sort of energy tether and hauling them to the battleship.

“What are the odds that these guys aren’t hostile and just picking us up because they think we’re in trouble?” Hunk inquired.

“Not sure.” Pidge admitted. She saw through Green’s eyes as they were brought into what she could only assume was the cargo hold. Once the doors were shut, people showed themselves, clearly armed, even when relying on the lion’s vision she could tell that much. But were they hostile or simply covering their bases. “Kosmo, here boy.” Kosmo teleported, returning to his girl and leaving Regris with Hunk.

“Maybe if we don’t pose a threat they’ll turn out to be okay?” Hunk suggested, hoping for the best.

“In a good situation? Yeah, that’d be nice.” Pidge nodded. “Keep your helmet on just in case, but keep the bayard away but in range.”

“Copy that.” Hunk nodded. “But what about you? You need your staff, don’t you?”

“I like my staff, but I can actually walk without it.” Pidge stated. “And I have Kosmo I can hold onto if needed or desired.” She got up and got ready to leave her lion, just as Hunk did. She then went out, holding onto Kosmo’s mane as he helped to guide her out, Rover right behind them. Hunk and Regris left the yellow lion going over to where Pidge was.

“Put your hands above your head.” someone ordered, another man at his side with a blaster trained on them. Hunk wasted no time doing that, but Pidge and Regris just stood there.

“Hunk? Did you just surrender?” Pidge asked.

“Yes?” Hunk sounded sheepish. “Okay? They scare me. They have weapons on us. I don’t want to start anything bad.”

“I mean, that’s valid.” Pidge stated. “But.” She then pointed in the direction she heard the voice, though she was off a bit. “Hey! Look! I don’t know what’s up, but stop scaring my friend. It’s rude and he’s done absolutely nothing wrong ever. Unless you count the time he ate the last of my snacks, but he made up for it after. So quit scaring him!”

“Um…” The man with the blaster was confused.

“One tick.” Regris took a few steps to go over to Pidge, pushing her hand to point directly at the other who commanded them to surrender. “You were close.”

“Hey, close still works.” Pidge mused.

“Only in horseshoes and hand grenades!” Came a new voice as someone dropped down from elsewhere and actually tackled Pidge. “And you were told to put your hands u-” Whoever they were, they didn’t get to finish as Regris actually used his tail and flung them to the side, letting Pidge jump to her feet.

“Hey, we weren’t even attacking!” Pidge snapped, grabbing her bayard and letting it form into her staff. Kosmo pushed against her before teleporting her over to the fighter who originally tackled her. Hey, no one could say she made the first strike, she was just retaliating.

“Aw man.” Hunk sighed, hanging his head and lowering his hands. “C’mon! I was hoping not coming out attacking would work for us!” He looked to see weapons on Pidge. Now, Hunk wasn’t the most confrontational of members of the team, but he always had his team’s back, so he decided to draw out his bayard, getting it ready in its weapon form. Of course, he didn’t take the shot. First off, he didn’t want to hit Pidge or Kosmo on accident. Second, he had more weapons trained on him.

“Stand down and toss your weapon aside.” the one who addressed them earlier ordered. Hunk gritted his teeth, unsure of what to do.

“C’mon, man! We weren’t doing anything and your own pipsqueak attacked our pipsqueak!” Hunk called, not minding calling the two that. “We even came out without our weapons brandished!”

“Yeah, well, you showed up here, so how do we know you’re not a threat?” the one with the blaster asked.

“You pulled us aboard, how do we know you’re not the threat?” Hunk called back.

While they went back and forth, Pidge was fighting with her opponent, Kosmo constantly teleporting her around so she could avoid the attacks. Someone else, a much bigger fellow, tried to interfere to assist his ally and even the field, but Kosmo ended up biting him right on the rear, causing him to run around with a wolf latched on.

“Call off the dog!” Pidge’s foe snapped.

“Hey, your friend’s the one who posed a threat, Kosmo’s just defending me!” Pidge called.

“I said call it off!” The figure, roughly the same size as Pidge, tackled her to the ground, catching her off guard and getting her helmet knocked off and away. They pulled their hand back and balled it up into a fist, ready to punch her in the face once pinned. Then they stopped. “Wait… you look-” They stared in shock, seeing a face that looked like their own. They pulled off their own helmet to show themselves. “You look like me? But…”

“Huh?” Pidge blinked. “What?” She actually managed to sit up. “Wait a tick… you kinda sound like me…?”

“Sound?” The figure tapped what looked like hearing aids. “Hmm… but… can’t you see how iden-” They stopped. They remembered seeing from their hiding spot that Pidge missed pointing at the others and the tailed one had to move her hand. “Wait… are you blind?”

“Yeah, I’m not gonna dance around it or play games.” Pidge sighed. “I’m blind. Completely. No light perception.”

“Oh… oh shit.” The young look-alike stopped. They then looked over. “Uh, Chief? Isamu? I think we’re dealing with a situation Slav might know more about.”

“What do y-” The one with the blaster, Isamu, looked over, blinking. “Holy shit, there are two Shorty’s?” He looked back to the other. “Akira, you seeing this?”

“It could be an Altean trick.” the supposed leader, or at least commander, Akira, stated. “Some still have the ability to blend in and change their appearances, and who knows what tricks they have.”

“Wait… Alteans?” Hunk had his weapon return to the simple bayard form and pulled off his helmet. “There are Alteans in this reality? And why does the way you say their tricks sound concerning?”

“Um…” Akira blinked before removing his own helmet. He then looked to see where the other member was still running, Kosmo still clinging to his butt. “Call the dog off of Tsuyoshi, and we can talk.”

“Oh, now we can talk?” Pidge huffed. “Better late than never. Kosmo, here boy.” Hearing her, Kosmo let go and teleported back to her, startling the one she was talking with, Shorty according to Isamu. She then got up, Shorty standing with her.

“First, explain. Who are you three?” Akira asked. “And where are you from?”

“And what the hell kind of dog is that?” Tsuyoshi asked as he pulled his helmet off, looking like an older Hunk.

“A freaky one like none other I’ve seen.” Isamu stated, finally removing his own helmet. Hunk couldn’t deny it, he looked like an older version of Lance. And with a bit of a mullet. Oh, Lance was not gonna enjoy that, but he couldn’t help but want to laugh.

“That’s Kosmo, a cosmic wolf.” Hunk motioned to Kosmo. “And he’s always got Pidge’s back. That’s Pidge, by the way. With…” He looked over. “Wow. You two look more alike than you do with your own twin or even Matt. Like, you could be identical twins. That’s scary.”

“Good thing Kolivan isn’t here, or he’d be dreading that more.” Regris mused, slightly amused by that and knowing that Kolivan really doesn’t fare the best with Pidge and her stubborn sass.

“As for who we are, um, we’re paladins of Voltron.” Hunk continued, though he was met with confusion. “Oh… you might not have a Voltron in this reality…”

“Wait… reality?” Tsuyoshi asked. “Shorty was right, this might be an issue that needs Slav’s expertise.”

“You guys have a Slav, too?” Hunk inquired. “Crazy guy with multiple arms and talks a lot about different realities and how little things from one reality may affect another and the percentages?”

“Oh, this is weird.” Tsuyoshi stated, though he couldn’t help but grin.

“You also said something about Alteans, but… you’re Altean.” Hunk looked to Akira, his appearance unmistakable. His bright red marks were easy to recognize. “Anyway, um, this is Regris.” He motioned to the tailed Blade. “We don’t know if he’s Pidge’s boyfriend or not, we don’t have a clear answer. But if Kosmo doesn’t have her back, he does.”

“Her?” Shorty asked. “As in you’re not a boy? What about trans?”

“Nope, but I’m not picky about what pronouns someone calls me.” Pidge responded. “And it’s funny to see how long it takes someone to notice and hear their reactions.”

Shorty snorted. “You know what, guys? I think I can grow to like her. Even after her wolf bit Tsuyoshi.”

“Oh… ancients be damned.” Akira sighed, rubbing his eyes a bit. “Okay, um… maybe we need to sit and chat. And figure out what the hell is going on.”

Chapter Text

“Shouldn’t you apologize?” Isamu asked. “Both of you? You for your wolf, you for tackling the kid against orders?”

“Why?” Shorty and Pidge asked in unison.

They were taken to an area that felt more like a lounge. A few tables and booths, a small bar area. It was casual and calm and easy to sit and chat. Hunk, Pidge, and Regris explained the situation with the rift, the trapped Altean ship, and getting split up. They even explained a bit of their reality and how the Alteans were nearly extinct and that they were fighting the Galra empire, but that there were good Galra, too, much like Regris, who the others got to meet, and Keith, who they got split from.

In addition to this, Akira, sometimes called Chief by his own team, explained their universe, how the Galra were wiped out and the Altean empire was a growing threat. He explained that they were the Guns of Gamara, rebels fighting against the empire. But, like their visitors’ reality, not all Alteans were bad. Alteans like himself existed and did their part to help out.

While no one had full proof, they decided to give them the benefit of the doubt, especially as Hunk pointed out the similarities between himself and Tsuyoshi, Pidge and Shorty, and Isamu and Lance. It was really intriguing. Hunk was amazed by all of this and wondered if while the other reality they visited had the same name but different faces (apart from the Pidges), that if this was the opposite and they had the same faces but different names. If that was the case, then who was Keith’s counterpart? Where could he have been?

But after the chat, Isamu was speaking to the identical duo. “Why? WHY!? Because you attacked out of nowhere and weren’t given the order. And you, well… your wolf hurt Tsuyoshi!”

“Yeah, that really did smart.” Tsuyoshi mumbled, sitting down on an ice pack. “But the doc says there’s no bleeding. So that’s good.”

“Hey, I didn’t know of their threat level.” Shorty stated. “For all I knew, they could have been with the empire.”

“Which is valid.” Pidge nodded. “And I was attacked, so Kosmo’s and my retaliation is understandable. Can’t really apologize for something neither of us are sorry for. Though…” She tipped her head towards Tsuyoshi. “Sorry about the ass. But Kosmo really does protect me.”

“It’s fine, I get it.” Tsuyoshi waved it off.

“So, all is good.” Shorty shrugged. “Now that that’s over, let’s get down to the good stuff.” He turned to Pidge, excitement on his face. “Like you being blind! How do you fight when you can’t see? It’s so cool.”

“I’m blind, not deaf.” Pidge chuckled. “I listen to my surroundings. And feel them. Usually Rover helps, he’s this drone I stole from the Galra empire. And Kosmo also helps.” She laughed when Kosmo snuggled in close, wanting her attention; she pet him, her hand sinking into his fur. “And I’ve got a whole team who’s got my back, especially Regris. We’re battle buddies.”

“We mainly have her back rather than her front because she’s actually the scariest member and stands her ground in combat, even when out numbered and out-sized.” Regris chimed in.

“That is so cool!” Shorty was getting giddy. “How did you even get used to that?”

“I’ve been blind since birth, so I had no choice but to get used to things.” Pidge admitted. “And-” She stopped at an insistent beeping. “Anyone hear beeping?”

“Oh, one sec.” Isamu stated, flicking Shorty in the back of the head and prompting him to remove the hearing aids. “Remember your comment about not being deaf? Well, Shorty here is. He can hear a smidge, but not much. These,” he held up one of the aids before putting in a new batter, “help him. It amplifies the sound enough for him to hear. What’s annoying is that he’ll turn them off at times just to not hear us. But he can’t pull the blind card on us if we start signing to him.”

Shorty had one back in and grinned. “Sometimes I don’t like hearing.” He put the one with a new battery in and handed him the other to replace. “I can do the batteries myself, but Isamu likes to look out for me. He’s like this brother-dad to me and he’s always got my back.” He smiled when he got his other hearing aid back. “Thanks!”

“Remember to charge them at night so we don’t have to face them dying in the middle of the day.” Isamu reminded, smacking Shorty upside the head a bit. “But, you’re welcome.”

“And if I don’t like hearing?”

“Then do it for your reality twin, she can’t see your sign language.”

“Oh. Right.” Shorty chuckled. “Man, working with someone who can’t see, this really changes so much.”

“Don’t worry, if you meet my brothers, you can whisper with them. They also know sign language and initially learned to whisper around me since I can’t see their hands.” Pidge explained. She then blinked, the realization hitting. “You know what? Never mind, don’t encourage them. I like being nosy and hearing all around me and I can’t hear sign language.” Kosmo whined and nuzzled Pidge, comforting her a bit. “Thanks, buddy. It’s okay.”

“Brothers? As in more than one?” Shorty grinned. “Man! These comparisons and differences are so cool! And they know sign language? Out of spite? That’s awesome.” He then reached over to pet Kosmo, smiling when the wolf let him. “And your wolf! He’s so neat, too.”

“Well, savour all this amazing stuff while you can,” Akira spoke up, returning to the others after getting in touch with someone else, “because we need to help get them back to where they came from and regroup with their team.” He looked to the paladins. “I got in touch with Slav to see what his thoughts are on the matter. Do the names Chip and Keith mean anything to you?”

“Yeah, Keith’s our friend and practically Pidge’s cousin.” Hunk explained. “They grew up together and were close. And Chip’s her twin brother. It’s actually better he wasn’t with us now that I think about it. Kosmo bit Tsuyoshi’s butt, but Chip probably would have shot there instead.”

“Ye-owch! I’ll take the wolf over getting shot, thank you very much!” Tsuyoshi exclaimed, shocked and actually covering his rear end a bit to protect it. He then looked to the wolf. “That doesn’t mean you get to bite it again.” When Kosmo teleported over to him, he was surprised and worried. That quickly melted away as the cosmic wolf just nuzzled against him, as if to apologize for biting him. “Aww! I’m not mad at you.” He happily pet the creature, pleased to have such an affectionate moment.

“Anyway,” Akira continued, “we don’t know about the other part of the team, but apparently Slav and Sven came across this thing called a black lion, which I guess is a black version of your green and yellow ones. They’re working on making their way back to where you came from so it can be investigated.”

“Aww, does that mean we need to say our goodbyes soon?” Shorty asked.

“Not necessarily immediately, but probably.” Akira nodded. “Slav wants to investigate the cause of the rift that the others came through; he’s worried that it could lead to trouble if the Alteans gain control of it.”

“Oh shit.” Isamu let out. “That’s not good. That’s the last thing we need.”

“But we can’t alert the Alteans to what may be found by having a large rebel presence.” Akira explained. “So, Paladins, if your ships are able to travel on their own, we can probably take a small ship ourselves, one that’s armed, so we can keep a low profile and travel alongside you.”

“They should be good to go relatively soon.” Pidge stated as she got up. “I can go check.”

“Good, the sooner we take off the better.” Akira informed, walking with Pidge to where the lions were stored. He tried to help guide her, but he found himself getting smacked by her staff. “I’m just trying to help you.”

“You’re pulling me and throwing me off.” Pidge informed. “If you want to help, then let me walk WITH you while holding your arm, don’t pull or push me in directions you want me to move. Just guide.” She then took hold of Akira’s arm. “And actually say it next time, don’t just suddenly grab me. I don’t like being suddenly grabbed.”

“Except by Regris, it seems.” Hunk whispered to the others as they followed. “She’s very biased and lets him pick her up. She also gives him gifts, even bigger stuffed toys than what she gives us.” He grinned when Pidge flipped him off, thankful that she didn’t throw something instead; had it been Matt or Lance, she’d have definitely thrown something at them. “Love you, too, Pidgey!”

“So. She prefers this guy, huh?” Isamu asked, elbowing Regris a bit. “Got yourself a little girlfriend, huh?”

“Well, we do sleep together.” Regris mused, making Isamu trip and sputter. Humming, the Blade walked ahead, going closer to Pidge and Akira as they talked.

“Wait… what?!” Isamu was shocked.

“Um… but… she’s a kid?” Tsuyoshi stammered.

“Didn’t see that coming.” Shorty blinked, shocked at that information.

“We’re certain it’s literal. Because Regris is the only one who can keep her on a sort of sleep schedule.” Hunk assured. “And they say it so often? I think they like messing with others. Which is on point for Pidge.”

“Now I wish I had a best friend I take naps with.” Shorty mused.

“Don’t get any ideas, pipsqueak.” Isamu playfully smacked his fellow rebel upside the head.

When they got to the lions in the cargo hold, Hunk and Pidge checked them over, making sure everything was in order.

“Yellow’s good to go.” Hunk declared.

“Same for Green.” Pidge confirmed.

“Then we best get ready to head out.” Akira stated. “And hope we don’t get caught.”

Chapter Text

“Is anyone else concerned that the blind kid is actually piloting a giant mechanized cat?” Isamu asked, standing behind the yellow paladin’s seat. The lions were so large, a quick deduction said that they could go even further under the radar and with minimal ships by storing two of their rebel ships inside the lions, one in each; this would allow Akira and Isamu to each pilot one when needed.

“I think it’s cool.” Shorty spoke up, hanging out in the green lion with Pidge, Kosmo, and Regris. “Like, the whole idea of synching with the technology in some neat and seemingly magical way to see through its eyes to give an idea of sight?”

“Apparently we can all do that.” Hunk admitted. “But, uh… only Pidge and Shiro, who was our leader before Keith but kinda went missing, could manage it.” He sighed. “I wonder if that means our bonds aren’t strong enough?”

“Doubt that one.” Pidge assured. “The lions probably recognize you’re in situations where you can rely on your sight just fine. Shiro’s the one who’s had to adjust to new things so quickly and Black probably recognized and worked with that. And Green probably long since recognized I couldn’t see like the rest of you, thus why she started me in on feeling through her, not just her presences.” She smiled. “So don’t worry. You’ve got a great bond with your lion. After all, she upgraded perfectly with you to make her even sturdier when needed back on Taujeer.”

“Yeah.” Hunk nodded, smiling at Pidge’s reassurances. “Thanks, Pidgey!”

“These ships are truly amazing.” Akira commented. “If we had something like this to help us in our reality…”

“What?” Tsuyoshi asked, leaning against the side in the yellow lion. “Like, see if we can build them ourselves? Or ask them to stick around.”

Akira eyed Hunk a bit before shaking his head. “No, they have their own reality to protect.” he stated. “But if we could find a way to get the upper hand… like these ships? How are they even made?”

“To be honest, we don’t know.” Pidge stated. “The only one alive who may know would be Coran, but he’s back in our own reality.”

“But whatever it is, it’s gotta be some pretty sturdy stuff.” Hunk admitted. “We passed into another reality. Twice. And gone back home on our first trip.”

“Damn shame you kids can’t stick around longer.” Isamu sighed. “The research team could probably spend a few days studying your lions and help us out big time.”

“Who knows, it may be possible.” Hunk mused. “We were in that last reality for a while and barely any time passed in comparison.”

“But it’d have to be a team decision.” Pidge stated.

“Yeah.” Hunk nodded in agreement. “So, once we’re back with the team, we can work on a plan.”

Akira gave a gentle smile as he patted Hunk’s shoulder. “You kids are good. Thanks.”

After some traveling for a bit, thankfully avoiding any issues and having plenty of time to chat, the two lions came up on the Altean ship that was still, to no surprise, stuck in the rift. Seeing it, the team of that reality were amazed.

“Whoa, that’s kinda cool and a little creepy looking.” Tsuyoshi pointed out. “And you came through there? It looks like something that would blow up a ship or something.”

“And yet it didn’t blow up that ship.” Shorty motioned to the ship. “Huh. It’s Altean, right? Doesn’t look like any style of ship I’ve seen, though.”

“But it looks more similar to the ones from a millennium ago.” Akira informed. He checked the interface on his armour. “Sven and Slav haven’t arrived yet. What about the other parts of your team?”

“Red and Blue lions, piloted by Lance and our Allura respectively.” Hunk informed. “But… I’m not finding any indication that they’re near.”

“I’m not seeing any messages from Matt, either.” Regris explained. “So we don’t know their status and if Red and Blue are together or not.”

“So, what’s the game plan, then?” Shorty asked. He leaned over Pidge’s shoulder, grinning brightly. “Explore the ship?”

“No, we don’t know the threat level and-” Akira started to say.

“I think a preliminary search could be beneficial.” Pidge interrupted. “We can see if we can restore power and check if there are any crew logs.”

“We don’t know what threats are here or if Alteans are lurking.” Akira pointed out.

“Actually, we do know.” Hunk checked his systems. “See, I’ve been running biorhythm scans for about twenty minutes before reaching the ship and they’re still going. And it’s absolutely clear. There is nothing here, not even traces of those trash floofs like what Pidge adopted back in our reality.”

“They have robotic sentries and-”

“And I’ve not picked up on those, either. See, in our reality, we’re used to sentries, but from the Galra instead. And we can pick up their signatures with biorhythm scanning, too.” Hunk explained. “The only thing we’re getting is that energy reading directly from the rift.”

“Wow, their stuff is good.” Isamu mused. “We’ve really gotta get something for those biorhythm scanning things. They can help us find bases where those of the empire could be lurking.”

“Hey, Regris, can you find some of those BLIP-tech drones in the storage? I should have some extras and Shorty can put some in the ship in Green for them to take back and reverse engineer.”

“Right on it.” Regris nodded, leading Shorty to the cargo hold to find what he was asked to get.

“BLIP-tech?” Tsuyoshi asked.

“Bio-life indicator point technology. It’s used to scan for any indication of life, organic and synthetic alike.” Pidge clarified.

“We used to use drones to drop, usually best done by Pidge since Green can cloak,” Hunk explained, “but we actually were working on Yellow and turns out she accepted that upgrade. So, even without a drone, I can run scans. You might need to make more drones or your ships would accept such upgrades, but either way, we’ve got you covered.”

Akira smiled a bit. Even if the lot couldn’t stay for long, what help they were willing and able to provide would do them wonders. Even he couldn’t deny that the BLIP-tech sounded ideal and could help save more lives in knowing where to avoid and what could be ambushes waiting for them.

Hunk and Pidge found an area to dock the lions, finding a small vehicle bay meant for shuttles like the ones in the castle. Landing the lions there, they got out, all masked up and ready to check on the ship.

“I brought out an extra drone.” Regris said, holding up the egg-shaped drone. “I figured we could set it up outside the ship to scan the area for us in case someone shows up.”

“Excellent thinking, Regris!” Pidge praised. “Let me sync it with Rover; he can alert us more readily if this thing picks up on anything showing up. And the right data, we’ll know if any of our friends are there.”

“Can that thing tell Alteans specifically?” Isamu asked. “If so, maybe have it ready to alert us on that.”

“Yeah.” Pidge nodded. “That should be easy to do.” Though Pidge did say she would sync it, the others actually half-expected Hunk or Regris to do the job, seeing how they could, well, see. But there the green paladin was, working on the tech, listening to subtle beeps and no one helping her, letting her do what she did best.

“Are you sure you can’t see?” Isamu asked. “Because you’re literally working with a holographic screen and drones to do stuff. Like, maybe some visual?”

“Nope, I’m completely blind.” Pidge reminded. “I utilize a sort of digital language of beeping to let me know what I’m doing.” She nodded and held the BLIP-tech drone down. “Kosmo, can you set this outside for us?”

Kosmo huffed and grabbed the drone, carefully biting down on it, before teleporting it to just outside the ship. Once in place and activated, the wolf returned, nudging his girl a bit.

“Great job.” Pidge pet Kosmo. “And, I can share the data so we’d all get updated if anything comes up. Can’t let you guys be out of the loop, y’know.”

Once things with the drone were situated and the data was shared, the others made their way through the Altean ship, looking around for any signs of what could have happened. On occasion the ship would creak and groan, as if something was moving around. But the scans showed there to be no biorhythms.

“Okay, uh… does this place feel like a ghost ship or something to anyone else?” Hunk asked.

Isamu felt a shiver up his spine. “C’mon, man! Don’t say that!” He then jumped and nearly stumbled into Pidge when something flopped onto his shoulder; Regris pulled the small paladin out of the way to avoid that fiasco. “Holy shi-” He stopped to see it was a flight suit, a small storage closet partially open and the suit having impeccable timing in falling out a bit. He froze when he heard some of the others snicker. “Oh, like none of you would have jumped!”

“Probably not through the hull.” Akira teased. “C’mon, if this ship is like any other general ship, the bridge shouldn’t be too far ahead.”

“Oh c’mon! I didn’t jump through the hull.” Isamu called after his team leader. “Besides, I’m sure Pidge would have jumped as much as I did.”

“Probably not.” Hunk mused. “Pidge would have gone on the defense and attacked it.”

“Not knowing if it’s a threat or not, it is a logical response.” Regris added.

Pidge chuckled a bit. “Yeah, I probably would have.”

Isamu pouted a bit before shaking his head. He then followed after Akira. Like Akira suspected, the bridge wasn’t too far ahead.

Akira went to what looked like a control panel. Though differing a bit from what he knew, he was sure things would work. “Let’s see if this ship has any power left, at least enough for lights.” he mumbled. “Altean power cores, at least here, tend to be long lasting so long as power crystals remain in tact.” He put his hand on it, getting everything to activate from general power and lights to the sealing of the bays and restoration of breathable air and artificial gravity. “As Earthlings say, and let there be light.”

Chapter Text

“Man, the lights do not make this place any less creepy.” Isamu grumbled as he looked around.

“Did the crew abandon ship or something?” Tsuyoshi asked.

“Without their spacesuits?” Isamu went over to where a discarded suit was slumped over. He went to pick it up by the helmet. “Doesn’t seem li-HOLY SHIT THAT IS NOT EMPTY!” He staggered back and threw the helmet over his head in alarm as there was a dried out Altean with a monocle on inside.

“Whoa!” Shory was amazed as he actually got closer. “That’s neat! He looks like a mummy!”

“The suit must’ve had them sealed in, which could indicate they passed after they had it on.” Pidge informed. “Which is pretty neat.”

“Heh heh, space mummy sounds interesting.” Shorty chuckled a bit.

“Yeah, well, just nobody read from any strange books in case it comes back to life.” Isamu instructed before shuddering. “That’s just creepy!”

“He looks to be Altean.” Akira observed, the markings still evident, even on the mummified form. “I wonder if he’s part of the original crew.”

“Maybe the ship logs would say?” Hunk suggested. “Or at least indicate the crew?”

“Possibly.” Akira went to the controls and checked the systems. It didn’t take much for a video to pop up, an Altean matching the mummy showing on screen. They had no doubt that he had to be part of the crew.

“We’ve managed to locate the second comet based on King Alfor’s information.” the Altean said in the video. “We got it aboard and secured, but… it’s been causing massive disturbances. For now, we’re heading back to Altea to-”

“Commodor Trayling,” someone off screen was heard, urgency in their voice, “something opened up! It’s not like any wormhole we’ve seen!”

“Vex! Have the ship detour so we can-”

“No good, sir, it’s already taken part of the ship and we can’t back out of it.”

“Quiznak! Have all hands evacuate!”

“Yes, sir!”

Commodore Trayling looked back to the camera. “We’ll do our best, but we might not make it back to Altea. For now we’ll.. what’s that? N-” He tried to scream as light engulfed the area and the video recording ended. Whatever happened, it happened quick and probably not painlessly.

“That had to have been the rift opening up.” Regris pointed it. “And it seems to be a deadly thing…”

“Yeah, but if it’s so deadly, how did your ships make it through?” Isamu inquired. Regris shrugged, not exactly sure of that one either. It was one of the mysteries of the lions and Voltron.

“Hmm?” Pidge head Rover beep at her. “Rover, what’s up?”

“Huh?” Hunk checked the interface on his armour. “Oh! We just picked up on some biorhythms passing through.”

“Friend or foe?” Akira asked.

“Can’t say for sure yet, the data’s not fully in.” Hunk explained. “It’s taking longer than usual to get a full reading.”

“It could be interference created by the energy of the rift.” Regris rationalized.

“Everyone, keep on guard.” Akira ordered. “We can’t take the chance that it’s an ene-” He stopped when the doors opened, showing a group, a couple familiar to him and his fellow rebels, a couple familiar to their other reality friends. However, at the moment, there was one issue.

Nothing looked familiar to the one who couldn’t see and with all the other sounds, she wasn’t paying attention to how the steps were. And the last thing Pidge heard was keep on guard. That was all she needed to know.

Unfortunately, that meant attacking the moment the door was open and someone stepped in. Pidge didn’t exactly hold back as she went at the man who entered, zeroing in on the family jewels. For someone who couldn’t see one bit, she really had impeccable aim.

“Oh!” It was Sven. Sven was hit right where it counted and the sound he made almost wasn’t human. “Right in Valhalla.” He went down as the others stared, stunned by what they saw.

“Did I get ‘em?” Pidge asked.

“You definitely got something.” Isamu grimaced, feeling for his fellow rebel. “Jeez, kid.”

“Good news is that she didn’t electrocute him.” Chip mused. “Bad news… I don’t know if this Sven is gonna have a kid after that one.”

“Ooh… you okay?” Keith asked. Sven just let out a rather uncomfortable whine. He then looked to the others. “He may be a moment. Pidge.”

“Oh, hey, Keith.” Pidge relaxed her stance. “And Chip! Nice to hear you two.”

“Yeah. Pidge? Maybe you need to chill on the violence?” Keith suggested.

“Easy for you to say, at least you can judge your situation based on sight.” Pidge scoffed. “Plus, it sounded like a good hit.”

“Yeah, so good, I think all of Norway felt that one.” Tsuyoshi admitted. “Sven, you think you’ll be fine?”

“I hear the gods calling my name…” Sven grumbled. “Odin welcomes me to the hall of slain warriors.”

“He’ll be fine. He’ll just need to be taken to the space hospital.” Isamu nodded. “Again.”

-+-+-+-

“So, it sounds like the Alteans of your reality collected a trans-reality comet.” Slav had watched Trayling’s recording several times. “But the fact that it is the second comet…” Something about that was nagging at his mind.

“Sounds like your theory was right.” Keith stated, sitting around with the others while Slav checked on things. “But the question is, now what?”

“If we had the time, I would suggest studying it. But time might not be on our side. And it needs to be secured before the Altean empire finds it.” Slav responded.

“So, let’s say we do secure it.” Hunk spoke up as he went through his pack and pulled out snacks and drinks; Pidge wasn’t the only one prepared with her pouch of wonders and needed supplies. “Then what?”

“What do you mean?” Tsuyoshi asked.

“Like, what do we do with it? Leave it in this reality for Slav to study?” He motioned to the aforementioned alien. “Or take it back to our reality for our Slav to study?”

“Or Coran.” Pidge voiced.

“Huh?” Hunk looked over.

“Coran might know something. Trayling said it was the second comet, meaning there was a first. And it’s possible in our reality that the Alteans also had the first; what they did about it, I don’t know. But Coran might know something.”

“You think so?” Keith asked.

“I mean, he sounds old enough since he had the slipperies.” Pidge reminded. “And he knows a lot of history, whether he’s lived it or not. He’d be worth the try. But…” She thought it over. “Let’s say we do go that route. The question is how do we get it back through? Is it possible to pull it back through with us? Or can it only come forward and leaving it in this reality? Which then makes me wonder if the rift will close if we move the comet.”

“With the little knowledge we have, we are better with the initial thought of studying it first to figure it out.” Akira informed. “Because we don’t have the means to send you back through on our own.”

“Hmm?” Chip looked over when the interface on his flightsuit started going crazy; after the others joined them at the Altean ship, the BLIP-tech readings were shared, letting the others stay on top of things. “Guys, that drone’s going off.”

“Shit!” Isamu jumped up from his relaxed seated position. “Alteans or the rest of your team?”

Slav checked the data, reading the signatures of Alteans. “It’s Alteans.” he informed. “I don’t know about the rest of you, but for certain us of Guns of Gamara have to make ourselves scarce.” He looked to Keith. “Though perhaps the same should be at least said for the Galran.”

“Slav is right, there are multiple Alteans, but I think one is our princess.” Chip informed. “Matt messaged me; I guess he locked onto our signals.” He looked to the others. “He has concerns about the Alteans that picked him, Lance, and Allura up.”

“As he should.” Akira stated. “Tsuyoshi, give me a boost.”

“Copy that, Chief.” Tsuyoshi did as told and helped Akira up, getting him closer to a vent so they could escape that way.

Keith bit his lip as he saw the others get things in motion to stay out of sight of the incoming Alteans. “We’ll stay here; you guys get to hiding.”

“And of you?” Isamu asked. “They’re not gonna overlook your fuzzy ass.”

“My ass isn’t fuzzy.” Keith scowled. “But I’ll manage.”

“It is pretty fuzzy.” Chip stated, making Keith quickly glare at him.

“Definitely fuzzy.” Regris agreed.

“Without a doubt, absolutely fuzzy.” Pidge chimed in.

“You can’t even see it!” Keith snapped, making Shorty, Tsuyoshi, and Isamu snort with laughter.

“But I trust Chip and Regris to tell me the truth.” Pidge grinned. She then laid down, pressing her head to the floor when she thought she heard something. “And you guys get moving now. I hear the echoing of metallic foots. I think they’ve got sentries with them.”

“No need to tell us twice.” Isamu smirked before working with Sven to help Tsuyoshi in next. Sven followed, shortly by Isamu and then Shorty. “You sure you’ll be fine?”

“I think you should be asking that to the Alteans.” Keith chuckled. “Pidge has our backs.”

“Or rather our fronts, she’s first to strike typically.” Hunk snickered. “We got this. You guys be safe.”

“Copy that.” Isamu nodded and held his hands out for Slav to grab. “Hopefully we meet again.”

“If not?” Slav looked back. “Try to keep that comet from the Alteans.”

“Ten-four.” Hunk nodded.

“Got it.” Chip confirmed. He watched the vent cover get closed in time for the doors to open, sentries with blasters ready to shoot.

Among the sentries was an obvious Altean, though she wasn’t Allura. Commander Hira. She looked and immediately saw Keith, his helmet off from when he and the others were sitting around for a bit and his Galran features more obvious than her Altean ones. Seeing Keith, she didn’t seem the most pleased.

“Seize the Galra.” Hira ordered. Instead of the sentries acting, it was a massive looking alien that followed her order.

But before he could get to Keith, Pidge got the jump on him. Though Keith was the target, Pidge interfering took the attention as she gave some pretty precise strikes. When the alien tried to grab for her, she managed to get away with ease, Kosmo even teleporting her a few times. This went on until she had the opening, knowing thanks to Rover’s beeps, giving a final jab to the gut and electrocuting the poor sap. Once shocked, literally and figuratively, Pidge finally knocked him back, a defiant and pleased smirk on her face.

“I don’t think so; no one goes after my team without facing me.” Pidge snapped. Yup, no one had to really worry when she was there to protect her little family.

“You impudent little-”

“Commander Hira, wait!” Allura ran in with Lance and Matt, quickly getting between them. “It’s okay, they’re our friends. Even the Galran; remember, things in our reality are a little different.”

Up in the vent, Isamu and Shorty got to watch Pidge get the smackdown on the other alien before he could do anything to Keith. They just looked to each other and grinned.

“I like her.” Shorty chuckled. “She’s cool and has her team protected, size difference in foes be damned.”

“Yeah, you’d find that enjoyable, huh, you little punk?” Isamu ruffled Shorty’s hair. “But it was pleasant to see her beat the big guy like that. Though I’d prefer to see her smack around an Altean.”

“Hell, I’d love to join her for that.”

“Oh, same.”

“C’mon, you too.” Akira whispered. “We gotta get going and figure out a plan.”

“Yeah, yeah, I hear ya.” Isamu shoved Shorty along before following after to their next destination and to avoid detection.

Chapter Text

“You’re allied with the Galra?” Hira asked, looking to Allura in shock and slight betrayal.

“Not all. Only some that are actively working to end the war in our reality.” Allura assured. “Remember, where we’re from, the Galra have reigned, but some have seen the wrong doings of Zarkon and taken up a rebellious stand.” She then motioned to Keith. “Keith is one of those rebels. And he’s not fully Galra, he is part Earthling, much like how most of my friends here are Earthling.”

“And the other part?” Vellan inquired, quickly suspecting a third part. He was wrong, though; Keith was just half and half between Galra and Earthling.

“Partly under Pidge’s protection.” Lance mused, making Vellan raise an eyebrow. “Seriously. She’s protective of her entire team. Princess in danger? She’ll go after her to get her back. We’re in danger? She’ll fight anyone who gets in her way. Family’s in danger? Yeah, don’t make that mistake, please. She’s super protective of them, and to her, Keith is her family. They’re practically cousins.”

“I see.” Vellan nodded, getting the memo. He took note of how small Pidge was. Surely she was just a child, right? And she was actively fighting in a war? It almost seemed sad, but he could see in her small fight with the other alien that she was determined. He didn’t know if that determination was concerning or admirable.

“Anyway,” Allura smiled at her team, “I’m glad you all made it back here safely.”

“Yeah, glad to see you’re safe, too.” Chip informed, moving his hands as he signed. “So, made some new friends?”

Matt blinked, watching those hands move. He then smiled and signed back. “Yeah. Who’d’ve thought we’d be picked up by actual Alteans.”

“What are you two-” Allura was confused by the signing, not understanding it and not used to seeing them do that.

“Oh, it’s sign language.” Hunk responded. He then covered Pidge’s ears. “They’re teasing Pidge about her quick reaction without seeing what’s going on.” he whispered. However, Pidge heard him since he didn’t actually cover them. For a second or two Pidge was perplexed, but then it hit her.

Matt and Chip were signing something completely different and Hunk, who may or may not have actually understood them, lied about what it was. Her gut told her that they were perhaps mentioning the Alteans. Perhaps Chip was telling Matt that they were a threat?

Of course, that was right.

“Whoa.” Shorty whispered, still watching from the vent. He looked to Isamu. “Chip just told the other guy that the Alteans are bad news. The other guy said he had a feeling about that.”

“Good, they’re getting the news around.” Isamu nodded. “Now, c’mon, let’s get to work before anyone notices us up here.”

“Yeah.” Shorty nodded before crawling away, heading to where the others went to figure out their next plan of action.

-+-+-+-

Allura wished to stick around and investigate the ship some as well as talk with Hira more. There was so much more about the reality they visited she still wanted to know. While she did that with Matt and Keith staying close to ensure she was safe, Pidge decided to investigate the cargo hold near the rift, locating the comet that was indeed there.

“It feels like it’s giving off strange energy readings.” Pidge mused, listening to the data translate back to her.

“And it looks like no other comet I’ve seen.” Regris chimed in. “I’ve seen reports since some provide amazing materials, but this is new.”

“That could be the material that allows it to traverse across realities.” Vellan responded over the comms, watching from another area. “There were theories of a trans-reality comet, but to think this may actually be it.” He looked quite pleased as he watched the green lion fly around it, the lion dwarfed by the massive size of the comet. “Do you think you can collect a sample with your lion?”

Pidge scrunched up her face. Was that a good idea? Admittedly, she did wish to know more, too, and would love to study it. “Yeah, I can try.”

Regris turned off the comms. “Is that a good idea?” he asked, genuinely concerned about that idea.

“I don’t trust that Altean. Or any of them of this reality aside from Akira.” Pidge mused. “They give this bad feeling. But even I’m curious about it and would love to know more. And I think I can get a tiny sample, just enough to let us get an idea of what exactly it is.” She offered what she hoped was a reassuring smile. “Plus, if I deny trying and such, it might look suspicious.”

“Hmm. Fair point.” Regris nodded. “Okay then. But… do you think we can get a sample?”

“One way to find out.” Pidge grinned.

Once they had a chunk of the comet, they returned to the exploration shuttle, finding where they could study the piece as it sat in a containment unit. With that, Pidge, Chip, and Regris worked on getting it scanned, trying to read into it more and understand it.

“Hmm.” Chip mused, thinking it over when he got some data. “This looks familiar…”

“The comet?” Hunk asked.

“No, the elemental signature.” Chip informed. “There’s something about it but I can’t quite place it.”

“Hey, can you play back the frequency from the Fraunhofer line?” Pidge asked. Chip nodded and obliged, not that she saw the confirmation. However, hearing the frequency was confirmation enough for her. “Oh! Hey, that sound. It’s Voltron.”

“Wait… what?” Lance shook his head before looking to Pidge. “Dude, what?!”

“Okay, that came out sounding inaccurate. But this ore from the comet? It’s the same elemental signature that’s part of Voltron.” Pidge clarified. “It’s that same signature Zarkon used to try and locate Blue on Earth.”

“In the recording, Commodore Trayling mentioned this being the second comet.” Regris thought it over. “Do you think a first fell before and it may have been used to create Voltron?”

“That’s my thought on it.” Pidge nodded in agreement.

“That would explain why you were able to pass through to this reality.” Vellan informed, making the others look to him. “It’s made from the same trans-reality material, keeping it strong enough for that.”

“So that’s why Voltron’s so powerful.” Hunk looked to the shard in awe. “Never thought that could be how Voltron was made. That’s kinda neat.”

“With this material,” Vellan’s tone showed his intrigue in the situation, “we could even create our own trans-reality traveling ships on Altea. We can finally spread peace throughout the universe with ease and even share this peace and stability in other realities.” The others looked a little concerned at that. It seemed good in theory, but after what they heard of the Alteans of that reality, they had their concerns. Vellan brought up the interface on his armour, bringing up the communications with his commander. “Commander Hira, I believe we’ve found just the thing that can help ensure Altea’s rule for millennia to come. And it’s right in this ship’s hold.”

“Good work, Vellan.” Hira confirmed. “We’ll work on getting it out and transferred to our ship.”

Pidge scowled. “Okay, I’m not gonna beat around the bush here.” she spoke up. “What the hell, man? Altea’s rule?”

“I suppose that did come off as a bit… malicious, huh?” Vellan asked, chuckling a bit. “But I mean it in all the best ways. You see, because of Altea and our efforts, we are leading the universe into peace, though it isn’t without its challenges as savage rebels keep trying to block our attempts. I suppose one could consider us the representatives of peace. Much like you seem to be in your reality.” During his travel with Allura, Lance, and Matt, he had come to understand a bit about the paladins’ goal in peace in their reality.

“Yeah, but we don’t proclaim ourselves to ru-” Pidge was quickly silenced by Lance grabbing hold of her, daring to put his hand over her mouth.

“Anyway.” Lance chuckled a bit, though it came off as nervous. “We do try our best for peace. But it’s not always easy. But at least we’re trying.” He looked down at Pidge. “Don’t think trying to lick my hand will make me let go yet, Pidgey; I grew up with siblings, too.” He scowled; despite his statement, Pidge still tried licking him. “Yeah, figures you’d do that…”

“As are we.” Vellan nodded. “And save for some rebels trying to thwart our plans, we’ve practically succeeded. Perhaps with vessels of our own, we can help other realities eliminate the concept and hardships of struggle and war.”

“No struggle? No war?” Hunk thought it over. “That doesn’t sound possible. Even our own planet has struggles, and we’ve come pretty far. But eliminating all that for an entire universe?”

“Oh, but it is possible.” Vellan motioned to the alien who seemed to always accompany him and who Pidge fought to protect Keith from. “Moxilous here is a prime example of the possibility of universal peace. You see, for generations his planet had been locked in continuous strife with others in their system. It truly was a barbaric and futile existence.”

“So what changed all that?” Lance asked, finally letting Pidge go when Regris intervened, picking up the tiny paladin and moving her to the other side of him. Not fond of the saliva, Lance wiped his hand off on Regris’ uniform; hey, he rescued Pidge, he could take the remnants with him, too.

“The hoktril.” Vellan informed. “It’s our civilization’s most advanced technological achievement.” He motioned for Moxilous to turn around, showing a strange device on the back of his head.

“That doesn’t look comfortable.” Chip grimaced.

“What’s it even do?” Hunk asked.

“It helps to quell their fighting force in others, from enemies to those who are naturally but needlessly hostile.” Vellan informed. “I suppose one could say that it saps them of their will to fight, ultimately protecting citizens that would otherwise be casualties brought on by their previously volatile natures.” He smiled, looking quite pleased with the hoktril. “Races who warred for generations can now rest easy and live peacefully. They can even help us to further not only new worlds, but an entire new universe.”

“So… they become a part of the Altean peace movement?” Hunk asked. In theory that sounded good, but he was having his doubts.

“It sounds more like slave labour.” Regris commented.

“Oh goodness, no.” Vellan shook his head. “Slaves try to escape or revolt and it’s cruel to put people into that position. However, non-cogs like Moxilous here are content in their lives, doing as instructed for the betterment of the universe.” He smiled fondly. “Preservation of life is the Altean way and our highest priority. And now with this material, we can do far more than we thought was possible.”

The others could only stare a moment. Was this guy really that delusional in thinking what he was doing wasn’t enslaving others? Once thing was for certain, everyone there could tell just how bad and twisted the Altean Empire was.
The Guns of Gamara were definitely right in choosing to wage war against them.

Chapter Text

“You think the others will really choose to go against the Altean Empire?” Sven inquired as he worked with the others outside of the ship. They were setting up charges, hoping to create a chain reaction of explosions.

“They may seem young, but they’ve got heart.” Akira informed.

“And spunk.” Isamu chimed in.

“But I think they’ll know what to choose in the long run.” Akira assured. “Right, Slav?”

“There is a seventy-two percent chance that they will figure out what is right.” Slav nodded.

“Okay, that percentage isn’t um…. The best?” Tsuyoshi was a little unsure.

“Man… that’s not as high as I had hoped…” Isamu admitted.

Shorty just grinned, juggling some grenades, utilizing the lack of gravity to make it easier. “I think that percentage is higher.” he stated. “I can’t do that weird mumbo jumbo that Slav does, but I feel it in my heart.” He grabbed his grenades and looked to the others. “I feel it when I see Pidge. It’s like this… intuition? I just know with her around, they’re gonna see the light of day and choose what’s right. Especially her.”

“But… she can’t see…?” Sven reminded, a little unsure.

“All the more why she can see it better.” Shorty told him. “She’s not blinded by what she sees with her eyes. She listens to the world around her to see it. It’s kinda like me not being deaf to what’s around me by seeing it more. Y’see?”

“Kid has some solid logic.” Isamu mused.

“And logic is key.” Akira nodded. “Slav, let’s say they do choose the right thing. Anything good for our reality?”

“There is a marginally tiny bit of a percentage that things will go horribly wrong.” Slav explained. “But, if things are as good as Shorty feels, then this should be the reality where everything turns out okay.”

“I like the sounds of that one.” Tsuyoshi nodded.

“Then let’s try to make sure we’re that reality.” Akira told his team. “And let’s finish up with these charges while those kids have the Alteans’ attention.”

-+-+-+-

“Okay. I can’t be the only one who is unnerved by that Altean scientist dude, right?” Lance asked. “Like seriously, I think that guy literally scrambled the big dude’s brain.”

“The device didn’t even look attached like a band or anything, it looked like it could be embedded into him.” Chip pointed out, shuddering. “This is just creepy. I mean, don’t get me wrong, Zarkon was a jerk, too, but at least he wiped the will of others the old fashioned way. This way, it’s just…”

“It’s like uber wrong.” Hunk finished.

“Yeah.” Chip nodded, appreciative of his friend getting the idea.

“Uber?” Regris asked, confused.

“Uber. An Earth term more or less meaning beyond. So, beyond wrong. Which is accurate.” Pidge responded as she was rummaging through a supply closet that she found. “And yeah. I didn’t think anyone could beat Zarkon in the douchebag department, but the Alteans of this reality definitely did. That is both impressive and terrifying.” She opened a bottle and sniffed. “Whew! A thousands years really made that potent.”

“Pidge… are you trying to give yourself brain damage over there?” Chip asked.

“I thought she was genius?” Lance was stunned.

“She’s the smartest dumbass and the dumbest genius.” Chip sighed.

“I’m not aiming for brain damage. I’m trying to find the right chemicals.” Pidge explained, pouring something into another jug. “Thankfully Alteans also used bottles and jugs to keep cleaning supplies and…” She sniffed another bottle. “Oh, that stuff’s actually nunvill. Maybe I should take it back to Coran.”

“Um… why are you mixing Altean cleaning chemicals?” Lance asked, rather concerned.

“Oh no.” Regris sighed. “Pidge, are we MacGyvering this shit again?” He hung his head a bit when the paladin just cackled in response. “Here we go again.”

“Wait… you know who MacGyver is?” Hunk asked Regris, actually surprised by that more than by Pidge apparently mixing chemicals like potions to make a bomb.

“Not really, but she’s done this before when we ended up finding and working with Matt and the rebels.” Regris responded. “I put it on my list of things to look up whenever I get the chance to return to Earth.”

“It’s a good show to look up.” Chip stated.

“Maybe when we get back to Earth, we can have a party. Watch reruns, I can make some delicious snacks.” Hunk hummed, already liking that idea.

“Gotta make nachos and garlic knots, too.” Lance chimed in.

“Oh, for sure!” Hunk nodded in agreement.

Kosmo was curled around Pidge’s back as she sat and worked on her make-shift explosive. At a sound in the vents that most of the others missed due to their talking, he lifted his head and grumbled. He looked to a vent cover a moment before it was shoved out, Regris quickly catching it so it didn’t clatter to the floor.

“Holy shit!” Lance jumped up into Chip’s arms in surprise while Hunk hid behind the small teen. He then looked to see that he was actually caught. “Oh, nice catch.”

“Oh hey, you guys.” Chip smiled when he saw Shorty jump down from the vent, shortly followed by the others. He finally dropped Lance, making him grunt at the impact.

“How did you guys find us?” Lance asked. “Actually, better yet, who are you guys and why do you look like older version of us? Except Pidge, because that kid looks identical to Pidge.”

“You’re not exactly quiet, kids.” Isamu chuckled. “And we’re the Guns of Gamara; we already met the others. But we’re here helping with that comet and making sure the Alteans don’t get it.”

“Also, Akira here may be Altean,” Tsuyoshi chimed in, motioning to the rebel in question, “but he’s not with the empire. Kinda like how Keith isn’t with the bad Galra of your reality.”

“Okay, that seems fine. Especially since Kosmo is calm and Pidge hadn’t hit anyone.” Lance nodded.

“Again.” Sven grumbled.

“Anyway, we actually found you thanks to this guy.” Shorty brought picked up a robotic mouse that was hiding in his hair. “See, depending on the mission, I’ll utilize a few of these guys synced to my hearing aids so I can hear what’s going on and they run reconnaissance for me.”

“Oh, that’s nifty.” Chip grinned, holding his hands out for the mouse to jump into. “I think the last reality we went to had these little guys, too. Though different functions for them than yours.”

“They’re definitely helpful. Though they like munching on wires and stuff.” Shorty chuckled before heading over to Pidge, plopping down next to her and leaning against her back. “So. Making a bomb?” He clearly heard through the mouse. “Big booms?”

“Dunno yet. I’m kinda screwing around and then we’ll find out.” Pidge grinned. “But I’m hoping it’ll be effective should we need it. Especially against sentries.”

“Yeah, and speaking of sentries,” Hunk spoke up, “now what? Because those Alteans area really sounding twisted, especially with that hoktril thing.”

“What now is that we need to find Keith, Allura, and Matt and get that comet, clearly.” Lance responded.

“He’s right.” Akira nodded. “And we’ve actually got a start in the comet part and keeping it from the empire.”

“And.” Slav added. “I think you guys might just be able to help.”

“Hmm?” Pidge looked up. “Company.”

“Quiznak.” Regris was quick to shove the identical duo into the closet and get the door shut so that they wouldn’t be noticed. With how often Pidge got captured or hurt, he wasn’t taking that chance. Kosmo teleported in to stay with them, though there was a muffled grunt which showed the closet got a bit cramped.

“While I did have an inkling that the Guns of Gamara were lurking about, I did not expect that Empress Allura’s own comrades would be working with them.” Vellan sneered at the lot, not exactly pleased with that.

“Because they have common sense compared to your twisted way of e-” Isamu started to snap but Akira grabbed his arm, shooting him a look that silenced him. It wasn’t an order, though; that look was meant to remind him that they had a plan and couldn’t screw it up.

“Now, where’s the little one?” Vellan didn’t know Shorty was around, but he did notice that Pidge was missing. No one responded. “Guard the comet; if they and their wolf show up, detain them.” he ordered a couple of sentries, sending them back to where the shard was being studied and to watch over the rest of the comet in the hold. “As for the rest of you, the empire has no need for violent rebels disrupting our peace.”

In the closet, Pidge was pressed against the door and listening while Shorty used his hearing aids to listen to the mouse that was still with Chip. Once things were clear, they opened the door and stepped out.

“Well, the good news is that my team isn’t compromised again. Just captured.” Pidge mused.

“The better news is that I think I can still work with the plan even with both of our teams being caught.” Shorty beamed, proud of that. “We got this!”

“Hmm?” Pidge went down to the floor, pressing her ear to it.

“Hey, what’s up?” Shorty inquired.

“Bad news. The ship is moving… and we’re leaving the rift.” Pidge sat back up. “So… we have that going for us. And we don’t have any sort of wormhole generator with the right sequences to open up a rift for us.”

“One step at a time, Pidge. Let’s save our teams first because as crazy as he is, Slav’s a genius and I’m sure he’ll know how to help.” Shorty assured. “So, let’s go. We gotta keep from getting caught and work with what we’ve got for now.”

“Copy that.” Pidge grabbed her make-shift explosive and followed after Shorty, Kosmo keeping close to teleport them if needed.

Chapter Text

“To think, I could return to Altea. My home...” Allura out of the window from the control center of the ship, catching a glimpse of the reality rift glowing. “It always felt like an impossible dream.” She let out a sigh. “But now it isn’t.”

“But it doesn’t seem like the Altea you remember.” Keith protested, stepping closer to the princess, ignoring Hira as the commander glared at him. “Remember Arus in the other reality? It was, in spirit, the equivalent to what Altea was with the comparisons. But it wasn’t Altea. And this probably isn’t like the one you knew.”

“He’s right.” Hira stated, stepping closer to the other side of Allura. “Our Altea is home to a people who ensured that the Galra reign and tyranny would never be able to spread.”

“By doing to them what they did to the Alteans in our reality?” Matt asked, looking a bit disgusted by that idea. “Just because you’re Alteans doesn’t make leading a race to extinction any better.”

“Matt!” Allura chastised.

“With the resources we had at the time, it was the only choice.” Hira informed, a little more patient with Matt as he was not Galra himself, unlike Keith. She then looked to Allura. “Empress, with your help, we will do all that is in our power to help you with your cause. That comet may be the key to widespread peace not only here, but in all realities.” She dared to actually take Allura’s hand, holding it close. “I can’t bring back the Altea you once knew, but I can honour your ancestors, your family, and your people by helping with the cause. And I can give you any and every bit of semblance of your home and people.”

Allura let it sink in. Hira was right, her home was gone, as were her people. There was no going back. But perhaps there was going forward to something new. And perhaps even Alteans from the reality they were visiting would be willing to come back with her one day to help even further. “What do I need to do?”

“Princess!” Keith exclaimed, worry in his eyes.

“If you activate this ship’s power, we can fly it forward and pull the comet from the tear in the realities.” Hira informed, completely ignoring the Galran. “We’ll find a way to use it to make ships like yours, then we can travel to your universe and bring peace. Even to the Galra.”

“Yeah, by wiping them out, too?” Keith pointed out.

“As I said, we did what we had to with what was available to us.” Hira didn’t look away from Allura at all. “Now we have a means so even the Galra won’t be harmed. They can become functioning members of a peaceful universe.”

“Hmm…” Matt scowled a bit. “Allura, think it over. Not everything is ever as it seems. You found that not all Galra are bad. And these guys…”

“Matt, Keith, I understand that you two mean well, but these are my people.” Allura pointed out. “And they may be some of the strongest allies we have that would end up with the ability to traverse realities.” Without any further thought or discussion on the matter, Allura got the systems activated and controls brought up. She then decided to pilot the ship out of the rift, pulling it further into their present reality and inevitably closing the path behind them.

“Amazing!” Hira smiled brightly. “You’ve done it, Empress.” She dipped her head in respect. “Thank you. And soon we’ll be able to use the comet to spread peace throughout every reality.”

“As defenders of the universe, we’ll try to help, too.” Allura assured. She then looked over quickly when the doors opened and Vellan entered, the princess’ team and even those she didn’t recognize for the most part all detained. “Huh? What’s going on?” Allura asked.

“Chip!” Matt exclaimed.

“Shit.” Keith hissed. “Wait… where’s…” He took note that Pidge was missing and Shorty wasn’t around, and he didn’t miss them with their heights. Were they not captured?

“Empress Allura,” Vellan stepped forward a bit and motioned to the others, “the Guns of Gamara have infiltrated the ship. And it seems the others have chosen to work alongside them.”

“Guns of…” Allura blinked.

“Rebels who have been fighting against the peace we’ve been trying to instill in our reality.” Hira explained. “They are completely against what we work for.”

“If you mean being against the slavery you utilize to control the universe, then that is absolutely true.” Slav informed.

“Wait a tick…” Allura looked to Hira, hurt in her eyes. “Slaves? What is he talking about?”

“Those devices like on the big guy.” Lance spoke up. “It just scrambles their minds, makes them obedient. They do work for the empire like slaves because they can’t choose for themselves.”

“Tch. It’s peace at the sake of freedom.” Isamu scoffed. “Which isn’t truly peace when you think about it.”

“But… is that true?” Allura looked horrified. Alteans embrace slavery like that? In her reality, they would never result to something so horrible.

“Non-cogs are not slaves!” Vellan snapped at those detained. “You’re the ones who do nothing but spread chaos and destruction.” His gaze mainly focuused on Slav. “But now with you here, we can scan your little brain and get the last of the rebel locations found. At last our wars can end.”

“Allura,” Keith spoke up, “this is…”

Allura looked to Hira. “Hira, please, this is wrong.” she said. “We both have the same goal, peace. To bring peace and balance to our universes.

“But do we?” Hira glared. “You seem to embrace chaos and destruction. You show weakness which forces others to experience pain and suffering. Instead of wiping out the monstrous Galra, you go about at a pace that would destroy other lives. Yes, we’ve had to make sacrifices, but at least we succeeded in bringing peace and order to our universe.” Hearing her, Allura was taken aback, as if seeing a new and truer side of the commander. “And with that comet, we can finally bring our peace to every reality. And without you.” Her gaze was cold. “To think, you may look like the empress, but you really are no empress of mine.”

“And you’re no Altean.” Allura glared. She barely glanced over when Slav started laughing.

“Dude, I knew you were crazy, but why the hell are you laughing?” Lance asked.

“Oh great, we’re about to be slaves and he’s having a laugh-fest.” Isamu rolled his eyes. “This is beyond crazy.”

“Not as crazy as knowing what I know.” Slav looked pleased. “Because this is the reality where everything works out just fine!” As if on cue, there was a series of explosions that startled some and threw off the rest a bit.

However, that explosion was just what they needed. With Hira and Vellan thrown off, the others were able to take them, Moxilous, and the sentries down just enough to get the restraints off and take off running through the halls, heading back to where two of the lions were as the rest were outside.

“Chip, can you put us on the path to the lions?” Keith asked.

“On it!” Chip checked the data. “Next split in the path we go left.”

“Copy that.” Keith nodded. “Regris, what about Pidge?”

“I don’t know; I shoved her and Shorty into a closet just before we were detained. And tracking her isn’t exactly easy.” Regris admitted. He then reached forward and grabbed Chip, yanking him back at the intersecting halls in time to avoid getting shot by more sentries.

“Oh, that was a close one.” Sven commented.

“Yeah, you’re telling me.” Chip blinked. “Thanks, Reg.”

“Great, how do we get past these guys?” Matt asked.

“By shooting them?” Lance suggested. He tried to get at an angle to do just that, but Sven pulled him back when he was nearly shot. “Or not. Thanks for the save, man.”

“No problem.” Sven nodded. “Let’s avoid needing space hospital.”

“Well we can’t just sit and wait; more are bound to come up behind us.” Isamu commented.

“Shorty, do you copy?” Akira asked over the comms. “Shorty, what’s your status? Shorty?” He gritted his teeth. “Damn, he’s not responding.”

“That’s because I’m right here!” Shorty called down the hall, coming from the opposite direction. He skidded to a stop when a few sentries turned to face him and Pidge. “Oh shit.”

“Here, tinhead! Catch!” Pidge actually took her bomb and threw it at the sentries, one of them catching it.

“You’re not supposed to let them actually catch the bomb, kid!” Isamu shouted, recognizing what Pidge made. “You should have had Shorty throw i-” He stopped when the bomb actually went off, a sort of expanding foam filling part of the area and engulfing the sentries. Any part of them sticking out was useless as they couldn’t move, not even to shoot or work on an escape. “What the hell was that?!”

“MacGyvering this shit.” Hunk, Chip, Lance, and Regris said in unison as Matt just smacked his palm to his forehead.

“And you made that from chemicals in a supply closet?” Shorty asked, looking over at Pidge, his eyes wide. As much as he loved a good explosion and some bombs and grenades, he definitely didn’t expect his blind counterpart to make an expanding foam bomb. It was actually quite impressive.”

“And a bit of what smelled like berry infused fermented nunvill.” Pidge grinned. “I take it that it worked?”

“With effective yet questionable results.” Shorty remarked as Chip went to him, returning the robotic mouse that he still had on him. “I can respect and appreciate that.”

“And I can appreciate that the results are good and more effective than my plan.” Slav took off running, heading down the left and thankfully mostly-clear-of-foam path. “That just tells me more that this really is the reality where everything will be just fine!”

“So now we gotta get out of here.” Akira stated. “But what about the lions?”

“Black’s back in Slav and Sven’s ship.” Keith informed.

“And Allura’s and mine are in the other Altean ship still.” Lance chimed in. “So getting those won’t…”

“Kosmo, care to help out?” Pidge interrupted Lance to address her wolf. Kosmo huffed and went to Lance and Matt first to teleport them out. He then came back for Allura, getting her to her lion with relative ease.

“Okay, Chief,” Isamu looked to Akira, “we’ve really gotta get ourselves one of those.”

“Next time we’re at a shelter, we can look into adopting one if they have one there.” Akira informed. He looked when the wolf returned. “Care to get the rest of us to our ship while the others get to their lions?” Without hesitation, Kosmo teleported Sven and Chip to the Gamara ship first before returning for Slav and Keith. This left the remainder to go to the bay where Yellow and Green were, the smaller Gamara ships inside. Once the lions were out, the ships mobilized.

“But now what?” Allura asked. “I ruined this. They can get the comet and our path is closed.”

“It’s not all ruined.” Slav assured. “You can take the comet back. If you go in the exact spot you came through, you can open the rift again, I’m certain.”

“But what about you guys?” Hunk asked. “If the comet’s here, you can…”

“Can’t take the risk of us having it and the Alteans stealing it back.” Akira informed. “Don’t worry, we’ll be fine. Besides, someone on your side might know more in protecting it than us.”

“Okay then, let’s get that comet. Regris, scan for our coordinates we got in at.” Keith ordered. “Chip, work on finding the comet’s signature.” The two confirmed their tasks. “And paladins? Let’s form Voltron.”

Chapter Text

With Voltron formed and readings taken, collecting the comet was easy. However, there was one small issue.

“Oh crap!” Pidge blinked.

“Pidge? What’s wrong?” Matt asked.

“It’s the comet!”

“Yeah, we already have it.” Keith asked. “Now we just need the coordinates to-”

“No, I took a small sample and it’s still in that ship.” Pidge got up and called for Kosmo, getting her wolf to appear. “C’mon, boy, we need to get that comet shard.”

“Pidge, leave it.” Keith ordered. “We don’t have time.”

“I’m with your leader on that one.” Akira chimed in.

“And I’m not about to take the risk of the Alteans here having even a fragment of something that could make everyone’s lives worse.” Pidge got up on Kosmo’s back. “Keep looking for the coordinates, Regris. We’ll be back.”

“But you mi-” Regris didn’t get to finish before the wolf teleported, heading back to the exploration ship. “-ght get hurt… Dammit..”

“She really is just like Shorty. No regard for orders.” Isamu stated.

“Pot meet kettle, you’re known for the same thing a lot of the time, too.” Shorty grumbled. “Anyway, Chief, shouldn’t we help her?”

Akira gritted his teeth. Could they take that risk? “We need to maintain position; we can’t risk the paladins losing that comet to the Alteans.” he informed. “Hold position and-”

“Screw it!” Shorty exclaimed, actually leaving the ship he was in and heading back to the Altean exploration shuttle to help Pidge.

“Shorty? Shorty! Get back here!” Akira ordered.

“He seriously just jumped ship? Oh c’mon!” Isamu groaned.

“Okay, that’s the kid that looked identical to Pidge?” Lance asked. “Man, they share a whole lot more than their faces and voices apparently…”

“Chip, thank you for being a sensible twin and not an identical in personality twin.” Keith sighed.

“Yeah, I’m thankful for that, too.” Chip chuckled nervously.

-+-+-+-

“Nice to hear you.” Pidge grinned.

“Nice to see you.” Shorty was chuckling.

Kosmo simply groaned and rolled his eyes. Kids. They were absolute menaces. He then harshly nudged Pidge, nearly making her trip over a downed sentry. A few were taken down when Pidge and Shorty met up, but the ship was definitely crawling with them. Vellan was not taking chances in losing the comet or the ship it seemed.

“Right, I get it, we need to get to work.” Pidge nodded. “I got it.”

“So… how do we get through this ship and find the hold?” Shorty asked. “Because I sure don’t remember.”

“Well, we can navigate it like absolute plebs and get lost more than we really should because I can’t see and you can’t hear.” Pidge offered up. “Or we can just ask the giant teleporting wolf to help us navigate and get us around this place. Because I’m gonna say this here and now, Altean ships that seem large enough are like mazes. Like, I can learn to navigate them, but it’s a pain.”

Shorty pointed to Kosmo. “Let’s ask the wolf.” He looked to Kosmo. “Hey, can you give us a lift and help out?”

Kosmo brushed between the identical duo and teleported, taking them both with him to get around the ship with ease, managing to get them back to where the comet shard was in a few teleports. The moment they entered, though, they had to quickly get out, shots going off and hitting the wall that separated them.

“That sounded like a lot of gunshots.” Pidge commented.

“It looked like a lot of gunshots.” Shorty nodded in agreement. “But it also looked like that comet piece was still there. I think that was it in the containment unit in the middle of the room.”

“Sounds about right.” Pidge responded. “Okay, so we need to get it. We need a distraction or something. And I don’t know if I have the time to make another bomb.”

“I’ve got grenades.” Shorty brought out some grenades from his pouch.

“That’ll work.” Pidge grinned. As much as she enjoyed making her own things to help the team, she did appreciate preparedness. “How about this? You throw those in through the door and Kosmo and I pop in behind them to get the comet piece?”

“Sounds like a plan.” Shorty nodded. “So, fire in the hole.” He got into position and got the doors opened enough to throw in a few of his grenades, setting them off and blowing up what he hoped was the whole lot of sentries. Once the grenades went off, Kosmo teleported back in with Pidge so she could get the comet. When the dust cleared, Shorty stepped in to have Pidge’s back in case any were missed.

It was clear.

“Shorty? Talk to me!” Akira called over the comms after hearing the explosions over them and seeing some sign from outside. He didn’t think that was remaining explosions he didn’t notice that they put outside, but he was worried. “Say something. Are you hurt?”

Shorty simply grinned. “I’d be hurt if you didn’t ask.”

“Phew.” Akira let out a sigh of relief. “And is Pidge with you?”

“Yeah, she is and we’re both fine.” Shorty looked to see Pidge grab the comet piece in the container. “And we’ve acquired the comet fragment.”

“Good.” Akira nodded. “Then get the hell out of there.”

“Hmm?” Pidge perked up when she heard something move. With Shorty’s attention on Pidge and the comms, he didn’t notice the sound of a sentry getting movement in, or the sound of its blaster charging for a shot. “Shorty! Down!” Pidge ran and tackled Shorty to the ground in time to keep him from getting shot; at his girl tackling her other reality doppelganger, Kosmo teleported to the sentry and crushed its robotic cranium in his jaws. Though Shorty literally dodged the energy bullet and the sentry was officially down, there was an issue. “Motherfu-”

“What happened? Pidge? Do you copy?” Keith asked.

“Shorty, Pidge, what’s going on?” Akira asked.

“Huh?” Shorty looked in shock. “Oh crap. It’s Pidge, she-”

“I just got shot in the ass!” Pidge shouted over the comms. “Son of a-”

“Did she just…” Lance blinked.

“Oh crap.” Hunk gasped.

“Pidge, are you able to get back to the lion and hold on until we get back to the castle?” Keith asked.

“Well, I don’t think it’s fatal, so probably.” Pidge admitted. She tried to get up, but she ended up hissing in pain.

“We’ll get you back, don’t worry.” Shorty assured. Kosmo made sure they still had the comet piece before beginning his series of teleportations, getting them back to Akira’s ship so that Shorty could be dropped off.

“You’ll be fine, Pidge?” Akira asked, keeping his ship moving and trying to attack the Altean ship. While Pidge and Shorty were busy in the exploration shuttle to get the comet piece back, the others had been having their own battle outside, trying to keep the comet from falling into the wrong hands.

“Well, I’m sure Mom’s gonna laugh herself to death, but yeah, I’m fine.” Pidge grumbled, supporting herself against Kosmo.

“Then time for you to go. You guys gotta get back to your reality.” Akira reminded.

“What? But what about-” Shorty started to speak.

“No time for good-bye, Shorty.” Akira felt a pang in his heart. He wished they could have a proper farewell and sendoff for the team. But things were getting heated out there. “They need to go. Now.”

Shorty nodded but gave Pidge a quick hug, minding her shot rear. “Make it back safely. And don’t forget me.”

“Forgetting you would be like forgetting myself.” Pidge said, returning the gesture. “Give the empire hell, Shorty.”

“Same on your side.” Shorty nodded. The two bonked heads together, almost like siblings trying to be close. Kosmo then teleported Pidge back to her lion so she could help pilot Voltron.

With Pidge back in her lion, the team got moving. Regris had the coordinates and they went to the spot that the rift had previously been. The others watched as the paladins made their escape, getting their giant robot through. Of course, Hira wasn’t giving up without a fight and having both Altean ships fire upon them as they tried to make their escape.

After what felt like an agonizing long time, though had only been a mere moment in reality, the team was threw and with their comet. With that, the Guns of Gamara rebels made their escape, taking off before the Alteans could go after them.

“So…” Tsuyoshi spoke up. “Is anyone concerned that the Alteans now have a new ship?”

“Yeah, that was my worry, too.” Isamu admitted. “But would they even know how to use it? It’s an old ship.”

“Oh, even if they figure it out, it’d not be easy.” Slav assured. “We did plenty of sabotage with it; their weapons weren’t even fully online and had to rely on Hira’s original vessel.”

“Well, at least we got that going for us.” Sven nodded. “But then there’s the paladins. You think they made it safely?”

“They had to. Right?” Tsuyoshi asked.

“I hope so.” Isamu responded.

Shorty grinned as he leaned against Akira’s seat. “I know they did.” he said. “I might not understand the crazy reality crap that Slav does, but I feel it in my heart. They made it just fine and Pidge is gonna get taken care of.”

Akira smiled. “Yeah, I’m sure you’re right.” he said. “And now that they have that comet on their side, hopefully they can put it to good use, too.” He leaned back a bit. “And who knows, maybe we can meet again in the future.”

“Yeah! I’d love to see them again.” Tsuyoshi cheered. “And get a proper farewell, too.”

“Just don’t leave Shorty and Pidge together unsupervised; who knows what they’d do.” Sven teased.

“Oh, that’s for damn sure.” Isamu snickered.

Shorty couldn’t help but laugh. “Yeah, but at least we’d take that and be menaces towards the empire together.” he mused.

Chapter Text

“Keith?” Chief asked. “Hey, it’s gonna be okay.”

“Is it?” Keith looked so unsure. “I screwed up. Pidge got hurt and Lotor stole the comet.”

The team got back through from the other reality, forging their own path with the comet they held as Voltron. However, Hira gave a final shot before they got fully through and it weakened them a lot. To add insult to injury, Lotor attacked and stole the comet. Lotor. The Galra that Keith and Pidge met and thought could be a possible ally. Instead, he attacked and took the comet when they were all but down.

It was not going the best and Keith was beating himself up over the situation.

“This is Pigeon we’re talkin’ ‘bout.” Chief informed. “She gets hurt on her own terms. All the time. She even fell off the roof once fixin’ a satellite dish.” He patted his son’s back in a reassuring way. “As fer Lotor, y’all didn’t expect him to show up. None of us did. And none of us really expected ‘im to attack after what you an’ Pigeon saw with ‘im before.”

“I still should’ve been more aware and careful.”

“Yer barely startin’ out, Keith.”

“But Shiro-”

“He’d’ve probably been in your position, too. ‘cept less beatin’ ‘imself up over it.” Chief offered a smile. “Y’all did fine out there. We’ll figure out findin’ that comet again, I’m sure. An’ when we do, we sick Pidge on ‘im.”

“Pidge is going to be so pissed off when she meets Lotor again for that stunt he pulled.” Keith stated. “Speaking of Pidge, is she going to be okay?”

“Ah, the injury didn’t seem too bad at first glance, but Ulaz will get her checked on an’ she should be as right as rain.” Chief assured. “So. Ya calm enough to walk down with me to go an’ check on ‘er?”

“Yeah, I think I am.” Keith nodded. He offered a smile. “Thanks, Dad. You being here and helping out… it means a lot.”

Chief smiled and hugged his son. “Dun matter how old ya get or how far away you go, I’m always gonna be yer pa and I’m always gonna look out fer ya.”

As Keith and Chief walked down towards the infirmary to meet with the others and check on Pidge, Pidge was lying down on her stomach on one of the infirmary beds, Ulaz checking on her.

“You do realize this is going to hurt more than going to the pod.” Ulaz informed, holding up a Galra-tech medical device meant to help speed up recovery to injuries. While it didn’t work on too deep of wounds or fully patching someone up from a life threatening injury, it did help in healing. There was a problem. There would be scarring, but Pidge had no qualms with that, and it was not pleasant. The Altean pods were more efficient and pleasant, though they did take longer depending on the injury.

“More than getting shot in the ass?” Pidge asked. “I can take it. Screw the cold of the pod.” Ah yes. Pidge really hated the healing pod. She was not one for cold temperatures. “Let’s do it.”

Ulaz nodded and then took the device, putting it to her without any prior warning. Pidge tensed up and smashed her face into the pillow that was under her, screaming into it. “I did warn you.”

“She’s stubborn, she’ll be fine.” Colleen responded, trying not to laugh. Sure, she didn’t like seeing her daughter suffering, but her stubbornness and the fact that she got shot in the butt were amusing to her. “Just breathe through it, honey. Squeeze my hand as needed.” Pidge’s grip tightened; had some of the others been in there, they’d have questioned if she would accidentally break her mother’s fingers, but Colleen was fine.

“Just a few more ticks.” Ulaz informed, watching the wound heal up. Once complete, he turned off the device, only a scar left to show the physical indication that she had in fact been shot. “And you’re done.”

Pidge kept her face in the pillow, trying to breathe her way through the ordeal. She finally lifted her head, glaring at nothing in particular. “When I find Lotor, I’m beating him into an inch of his life and having all available Gundersons shoot him in the butt.” she said through gritted teeth. “I know he wasn’t the one who shot me, but dammit, he made things worse by attacking us after we got back and stealing the comet!”

“You know Chip and I will be happy to help you with the shooting part.” Colleen hummed. She then looked to Ulaz who checked a few more things. “So, any other damage?”

“She’s doing fine.” Ulaz informed. “Though Pidge, you might be a bit sore for a bit.”

“Yeah? No shit, Sherlock.” Pidge grumbled before finally getting up, making sure her clothes were in order. She then looked when Matt poked his head into the door.

“Hey, Mom? Pidge sounded less angry, so I figured it was safe to come in.” Matt asked. “Is it?” He looked to see Pidge standing around, rubbing her sore bottom. “You good, sis?” Pidge just flipped him off.

“She’ll be fine and I think she’s good for visitors.” Colleen assured.

The others checked on Pidge, making sure she was fine, even Keith and Chief who joined them just as Pidge’s treatment was being finished. As expected, she was still sore from the shot and especially the treatment, but she was overall fine and just draped herself over Kosmo’s back to be comfortable.

“If we ever see the team from that first reality again, I think I can officially tell that Lance that I know how he feels.” Pidge admitted.

“Dare I say it?” Lance mused. “But better you than me. I’d hate for it to be a Lance thing to be shot like that.”

“You really could’ve gone for the pod, you know.” Allura reminded.

“Screw that thing. It’s cold.” Pidge mumbled.

“Stubborn as always.” Allura sighed. “Anyway… we lost the comet.”

“Most of it.” Pidge reminded. “We got the small piece of it. I dunno what good it’ll do us, but we got it.” She motioned to one side of her, but the others were confused.

“I’ve got it here, Pidge.” Regris held up the container, making Pidge shift to motion to him.

“If there’s no issue, I’d like to check on it more. I kinda wanna understand just what this comet is.” Pidge informed.

“Seems like a good idea.” Keith nodded.

“I can see if I can find any of King Alfor’s old notes he made before. Perhaps that could help.” Coran mused.

“So, we’ve got a comet fragment, Lotor stole the rest from us, now what?” Hunk asked. “Do we try to get the comet back?”

“That is the hope.” Keith nodded. “Because right now? I don’t know if it being in Lotor’s hands is good or not; he didn’t seem like an enemy before, but his attack and theft is making me question it more.” He looked to his team. “But we also still have general work in the universe. Just because we stopped Zarkon doesn’t mean the empire’s fully defeated. We’ve got planets to liberate still. So while we keep a look out for Lotor, we can work on that, too.”

“We’ve also got Shiro to look for, too.” Lance added. “Don’t get me wrong, you’re a part of this team, I’m liking Red, and you’re actually a good leader, even if you don’t listen to Pidge’s logic and idea when going into a reality rift-”

“Hey, we all agreed to go as Voltron, I’m not the only one who ignored the genius.” Keith interrupted.

“-but Shiro’s part of the team and we can’t forget about him.” Lance finished, waving off Keith’s comment. “I know we’re not quite as worried as most people probably would be, but still. I’m a little worried about him.”

“Yeah, finding Shiro would be good. Could also use his input on the matter, too.” Keith nodded. “So. We still have our tasks ahead of them.”

“Can we, uh, tackle them tomorrow then?” Hunk asked. “Because that reality jump was exhausting, especially given the fighting and defending we already had to endure. And Pidge could probably use some rest, too.” He motioned to Pidge just as she yawned. “See?”

“I could go for some food, too.” Pidge admitted. “Who knew getting shot and then quickly healed could leave someone hungry.”

“Well, if y’all were worried before, no need fer that anymore.” Chief chuckled. “A hungry Pigeon is a healthy an’ well Pigeon.”

“C’mon.” Regris handed Chip the comet shard. “I’ll get you to the kitchen.” He put Pidge over his shoulder so she didn’t have to walk or put pressure on her posterior. “Then we can find something to eat.”

“I’ll come with and fix something up.” Hunk offered up, walking off with Regris, Kosmo and Bae Bae following with them.

“Meanwhile, I think I can find a safer container for this comet piece.” Coran offered up. “Don’t want it accidentally opening another rift while it’s in the castle, you know.”

“I’ll help out.” Chip nodded. “Then I can put it in the hangar for Pidge to study later.”

“I can see if I can run scans and start finding where Lotor could’ve gone with the rest of the comet.” Matt offered.

“I’ll help you out.” Allura suggested, joining him for that task.

Colleen and Chief went to chat, Ulaz went to discuss a few things with his fellow Blades, Haxus and Thace.

Keith and Lance were left to go off elsewhere and do whatever until they would turn in for bed. As they walked, Lance playfully slugged Keith in the arm, surprising the Galra but it not being as painful as when Pidge would do it.

“What was that for?” Keith asked.

“Just giving you a bit of Pidge treatment.” Lance mused. “And to remind you of something.” He smiled. “Just because I do want to find Shiro again doesn’t mean I want him back as the leader. You’re doing a good job.”

“Even with Pidge getting hurt?”

“She got hurt on Shiro’s watch, too.” Lance responded. “Even with someone like Kolivan, she’d find a way to get hurt.”

“Fair point.” Keith nodded, chuckling a bit.

“We could use Shiro’s input and help, but you’re definitely rocking it as a leader and learning.” Lance assured. “So don’t let things get you down. And when we find our reality’s Lotor and the comet? We’ll just sick Pidge on him.”

“I almost feel bad for him now since we’re weaponizing Pidge.” Keith mused. He offered a smile. “And thanks, Lance. It does help make me feel better.”

“What are friends for, man?” Lance asked, putting an arm around Keith’s shoulder. “Now then, we’ve got down time before we get back to work tomorrow. Ready to hit the pool now that we finally know how to use it?”

“That sounds like a good plan.” Keith nodded. He then took off running. “Race you there.”

“Hey! No head starts, you furry!” Lance laughed out, running after Keith.