Knight�s Pride

Chapter 15: Questions Asked and Darkness Answers

KaLee waited to see if he would continue without coaxing but he seemed to have lost his energy. Cautiously she poised another question. �What did you see?� She put the emphasis on him.

Cole looked at her not with shock or horror but weariness. �What I saw was literally the ship fall apart around her.� He kept his eyes locked with the commander�s �The haul started to peel back disintegrating in the vacuum. It was almost beautiful to see. Horrifying to watch because there was nothing I could do.� He shook his head and closed his eyes. �The last thing I saw was the glass beginning to eat away. I guess fortunately the ship blew up before it made it all the way through.� He took a long ring of the water glass in font of him.

�Did they ever determine what caused the explosion?� Derk asked.

Cole looked over to the other boy and spoke laying out details. �They were able to gather most of the parts and recreate what happened.� His fingers started to trace unknown designs on the table. �They determined it was a leak in the energy hydraulics for the steering of the ship.�

�That would explain the stick problems she was having.� Deida spoke up.

�Dad had checked everything out that night nothing was detected and the housing was a new only one race old.� He pushed a little harder on the unforgiving table. �I knew it had to be sabotage. It had to be the two pilots that beat my mother.� He looked over to Spike. �I never separated you two in my mind Spike. Even with the story you told I still kind of blame you.� There was some hatred there, but it was more exhaustion.

�Did your family race anymore?� Derk asked.

Cole chuckled and smiled. �Yeah we did. Dad flew for a bit but we didn�t really start winning races until I started flying. But�� There was a pause and KaLee watched as what little bit of light and humor that had returned to Cole�s eyes seeped away. �I had lost my love for the race. Even when I was totally immersed in it, all I could thing about was stopping people like Jumper and Leether. I didn�t want anymore families to pay the price for doing what they loved.� He leaned back more relaxed more determined. �So as soon as I was old enough I applied to the academy and I got in. When I found out they were looking for pilots for Voltron. I took up the chance to join. Voltron was and is the best defense against the scum that prey on the innocence in space.�

Cole looked over to Spike and spoke again. �I am not going to apologize for my view.� His voice was firm and straight forward.

Spike shrugged showing his exterior cool attitude. �I don�t expect you to. I have done some despicable things as a pirate. Some can�t be forgiven.�

�Just a pirate?� KaLee spoke up prodding him. She realized he had gotten away with not speaking much about himself just leading into Cole and his family, but she was not going to push it right then.

Spike looked her way. �Yeah� I never messed around with bending the rules in racing at least not where other pilots and ships were concerned. I didn�t want to do that. There would always be doubts then I wouldn�t know if I was really the best or if I just stacked my deck.�

Cole gave a nod. Deida stifled a yawn and that brought every ones attention back to the present. It had become dark but the lighting in the library had been turned up.

�Well time certainly has moved on.� Spike said stretching his body in the chair. �Even if we haven�t.� Derk supplied stretching his own muscles as he scratched behind Droe�s ear.

�Do we know what time it is?� Droe asked.

Ryan looked at his watch. �Well Arusian time, it is around ten at night.� He gave a wired smile to the group.

�Anyone else have the munchies?� Cole asked. The food had been removed a while ago and now they had only drinks.

�Do you think of nothing but food Cole?� Lillian asked.

�Yes� flying.� He grinded. �Those are the two most important things in life.�

Deida shook her head. �You are such a boy.�

�Well I should hope so. My father would be very surprised if I wasn�t.� He retorted. �So who�s going to the kitchen with me?�

�Honestly.� Derk said softly but loud enough for everyone to hear. �I am kind of munchies too.�

Deida groaned.

�Okay boys.� Ryan said pushing himself out of his chair. �Let�s go scavenge for food.�

�Oh you think only boys can do that?� KaLee responded almost with a challenge.

�Maybe.� Ryan said but what ever was to come after that was drowned out by Droe�s laughter.

�Okay.� He spoke allowing the humor to stay in his voice. �Let�s all go find some snacks.�

Everyone started to move the scraping of chairs and shuffling of shoes almost seemed out of place even after the burst of talking.

As the left the library Ryan walked next to KaLee. �So what do you think?� He asked her the question.

�All good at what they do, all good pilots.� She responded.

�I feel a but.� He said softly.

�But their personal lives are about as bad as the original group that came.� She sighed. �Even you aren�t unscathed in that statement.�

�Nope.� He said simply. �Though we seem to know less about Spike�s personal life then the rest.�

KaLee smiled. �Caught that too.�

�Yeah.� He said. �We might have to do some personal digging.�

�Might be a good idea but off the record Ryan. I don�t want the Garrison or the committee to know what we are doing.� She gave him a sidelong glance and caught his nod.

�Yeah. I agree there.� He said and they walked a bit more watching the group in front of them.

The three younger ones chatted insistently as they walked. Droe lobbed along on all four and Lillian and Spike walked close together.

�None of them could command.� Ryan made it a statement.

KaLee saw Droe�s ear twitch back towards them. A small smile tugged at her face, but she said what needed to be said next. �No, it is honestly between you and me.�

Droe could not hide the small momentarily hackling of some neck fur.

�We did know that coming into this.� Ryan spoke up.

�Yeah and I do wish you luck.� KaLee nudged him slightly, playfully.

They reached the kitchen and scavenged for food. It was almost like a childhood slumber party where a lot of food was pulled out and trays were put together. When all was said and done the group was sitting in their common room talking and laughing as the night got later. It was after midnight when KaLee finally stood up and excused herself.

�Whimp.� Spike shot out the challenge.

�Hey we start working with the lions tomorrow.� She retorted. �I want to be well rested.�

�Still,� Spike said. �Whimp.�

All KaLee could do was shake her head. Sleep sounded good her, hip was still a little sore but she knew she could fly fine. There was more a concern about whether or not the Lions would let them fly.

********

The wind whipped around them as Hunk strolled up. He removed his gloves and looked at the group in front of him.

�Now that is a Voltron Lion.� He said, knowing that most of them were watching it with rapt attention. �Specifically Yellow Lion. Why you are here today is to learn if you can even possibly fly it.�

KaLee looked from Hunk up to the large metal cat. She knew that Yellow lion was the best choice. It had the best temperament for something like this.

Sentient machines. She thought. That is something special here.

�Before you came you drew straws to see who would go first. We are starting with Droe.� Hunk said.

The Kaven stood on his hind legs and walked to the cat. This was going to be interesting for him. He was a Kaven and their pilot�s seats were set up quite different than humans. They sat as they naturally moved on all four. It was going to be interesting.

Hunk walked along side Droe. He was riding with each one of them to make sure that Yellow would be able to handle them and not hurt them.

KaLee watched intently as they climbed into the cockpit. Every moment was going to count. Every moment would be evaluated every twitch and placement of hands and that was just Yellow. Hunk also was evaluating them for how well they handled Yellow.

The group of trainees did not look like a group of comrades whom the night before had eaten a huge bowl of popcorn, oreos and who knows what else while talking about school life and dating while in the service. The group had spread out trying almost to distance themselves. Derk and Deida were the closest actually sitting together pointing and discussing. Cole was off to one side intently watching. He actually had a notebook out and was jotting things down. Spike was a bit behind Cole his eyes were roving between watching the Lion and watching Cole with occasional glances to his surroundings. Lillian was not watching the Lion. She had placed herself a little ways away on the other side of the twins. She was watching their surroundings like a hawk.

KaLee understood her vigilance and concern. The group had traveled in a small craft to the desert region of Arus. This was a somewhat open area. They had no cover but it also was not easy to sneak up on them.

Ryan had also placed himself behind everyone but was only a step or tow off to her left, still with in her peripheral. He was being a little subtler about who and what he was watching. He was watching Yellows flight somewhat but was also watching everyone else, including herself. KaLee knew Ryan really would not speak to her while this was going on. He was assessing evaluating himself. Now what plan of attack will you be taking? This isn�t an overt war you know. You will have to be more subtle than normal.

She turned her attention back to the flying. Droe was doing well for what was being asked. The flight was a bit erratic almost like a bucking bull trying to loose its rider. This was not going to be easy for any of them. KaLee was second on the pull list, originally she had hoped for last but now she was glad only one person had gone before her.

Then Yellow was landing and that was a little rough. It kind of skidded into place. KaLee pulled a pair of gloves out of her pocket and slipped them on as Droe climbed out of the lion.

�Commander.� Hunk called to her.

She walked towards him. As she passed Droe she spoke. �Good flight.�

�Hold tight. She bucks.� Droe responded.

�I am sorry you had to deal with her first.� And she continued on. Droe sent a momentary stare at her back before continuing to a spot to watch.

KaLee climbed up and into the cockpit, sliding herself into the pilots seat. Hunk ran through telling her all of the controls. KaLee only half listened. She remembered and could tell that Hunk was more doing it because he felt he had to.

�Now why don�t you start her up.� Hunk suggested.

KaLee moved into position but before she turned on the engines she spoke to the beautiful machine.

�I know I am not the pilot you want. I understand that. Your pilot is one of them out there.� She gave a slight nod towards the crew out in the sand. �And some of us are meant to be pilots to the others, but in order for us to learn who should be with any of you, we have to learn how to fly you, work with you, become your partner. Help all of learn that.� She flipped the switch and felt the surge to move ripple through yellow lion.

Hunk felt it too but it was different than when Droe flew and when he flew. This feels like when� He left that thought trail off. They moved.

The flight went well enough. There was a bit of a struggle between them but that would be lost as time went on and pilot and Lion would get to know each other.

As she climbed out Hunk spoke. �Good flight commander. I can see another reason why you moved up through the ranks so fast.�

KaLee gave a smile and responded. �Thank you sir.� She hopped down and walked back to the spot she had been at before. KaLee knew how much it had taken for Hunk to say that. She walked over to the group and watched as Lillian cautiously walked towards the Lion.

As each pilot flew assessments were made. Lillian had some control but she was not a pilot first. Cole had it bucking left and right for the first half but then if seemed to smooth out. Deida crashed it. Plowed it into a dune almost right after take off. KaLee could see the frustration on her face as she walked back to the group.

When Spike walked up it did an interesting thing it almost purred. It gave a little growl and purred. Spike paused a moment before Hunk motioned him to continue. Flight went well almost smooth as though Yellow was deciding about him.

Derk was after the pirate. Here it got interesting. Yellow roared. A full-blown all out, ground shaking roar. Hunk looked down at the Lion as it bent down to offer an easier up for the boy. There was confusion around both the trainee and the trainer. Derk took a deep breath before Hunk motioned for him to approach. The flight was rough but not in the way of the others. It seemed at though Yellow was trying to help him but wanted to do it a certain way and Derk wanted to fly a different way. But it was not until the landing that the Lion bucked enough for Derk to loose control. They hit the dune with a hard thud. KaLee cringed and she could almost see the Lion huff in it�s own frustration. Derk came out looking frustrated.

Finally it was Ryan�s turn. KaLee felt nervous, for some reason he was the one she was concerned about.

He needs to be in the group. She thought. If for no other reason than his father was.

*And what about yours.* A distant voice whispered in her mind as a chill ran down her spine. Her whole body tensed and she saw Droe sniffing the air, a befuddled look on his face. Derk seemed to have concern as well. He had sat down next to his furry friend.

KaLee managed to relax her body enough to pass a casual look at the rest. Deida, Cole and Spike were watching Ryan fly but it was Lillian who was looking at her with her cold impassive face. KaLee gave a small smile and nod towards the woman before turning back to watch Ryan.

He was flying well. His landing was smooth but then again it should be. That is what Lance had him do the most when they flew together.

Ryan and Hunk walked out together. The group of trainees moved closer together so they could hear what their instructor had to say.

�Okay people.� He called out. �Today went better than I expected.� He nodded looking them over. �From my assessment of this flight all of you can move on in you training. Though I do recommend some of you take a little extra time in the simulators.� KaLee caught the shuffling of feet from Derk and Deida�s spot.

�Now I am going to dock her and meet you back at the castle. Cole fly them home.� Hunk said. �Dismissed.� He turned and walked back to the Yellow lion.

KaLee turned towards the shuttle they came in. The others started moving as well. The chatter that went on between everyone was constant. Deida and Derk did not talk much but the did interject an opinion here and there.

�So how many more days of flying in the Lions?� Deida asked.

�We have two more days with Yellow lion. Then the original Voltron force comes.� Cole said excitedly.

�First we have the reception.� Lillian said.

�Yeah our introduction to the planetary systems around Arus.� Spike said with a shake of his head. He was in the copilots seat.

�So who is coming? What planets are being represented?� Derk asked nervously.

�A lot of the different dignitaries form the Alliance. Pollux, Stel�stren, the Qubex and a few others.� Lillian said. �And the original Voltron force of course.�

�If they arrive on time.� Ryan spoke up and there was a smile on his face.

�No he usually doesn�t like formal gatherings.� KaLee said with a chuckle.

�That is one thing we have in common.� Ryan said continuing to smile.

KaLee raised eyebrows. �You think that is the only thing you have in common.�

�My family history aside, we will see who is t there.� Ryan said, his eyes began to focus else where and a shadow creeping in. �And who we will have to defend against.�

The whole shuttle became quite. They all knew whom he was talking about. The dangers and risk they take in inviting a representative from the Drule Empire meant Lotor, the King of Doom.

�How do we know he isn�t planning something?� Droe said.

�Right. There has been peace between the Alliance and the Drule Empire for almost twenty two years.� Deida spoke up.

�I don�t understand the problem.� Cole said. �He has a peace treaty with Arus he wouldn�t risk that would he?�

�You don�t understand Cole. I lived the first eight years of my life with the threat of Lotor hanging over my head.� Ryan gave a sigh. �Not Doom, Lotor. He finally acknowledged the treaty his house drew up when he gained the seat of power in the Drule Empire. He is the Officially the High Emperor of Drule now. He was, back then, obsessed with Queen Alura and still is. He despises King Keith for taking her hand in marriage and sees it as strike against decorum degrading the House of Arus for her marrying a commoner. Someone not of royal blood. And he sees the royal children as abominations even though he might use them to his advantage to manipulate the King and Queen.� Ryan stopped as he remembered a time where Lotor had crossed a line and almost broke the treaty he had made. But no scar and she never told her parents.

KaLee saw his pain and spoke. �Lotor always has a plan or a tactic for getting what he wants. As he has matured and gained wisdom he has become that much more dangerous.� She took a breath and leaned forward. �He doesn�t just plan for the moment he plans for the future and the expansion of the Drule Empire.�

�I bet you he is the one who is hiding the lost princess.� Cole said. �Coming on the castle preparing for landing.�

The talking paused as the shuttle landed and they began to disembark.

�And Cole� no Lotor doesn�t have the princess.� KaLee said. �She isn�t looking to betray her family just protect it.� With that said she left the shuttle.

�What is she protecting her family from?� Cole called after her. �Why can�t you bring her home?�

�Because there are bigger things than her need to be home.� This time it was Ryan who spoke.

�Her family has a right to know.� Droe spoke up.

�You are assuming they don�t.� KaLee said.

They all walked back to their rooms continuing to discuss the princess and her location. The conversation changed when they reached the common area.

�So I can see we are getting no where with the lost princess so lets talk about the Lion.� Spike smiled. �I could feel it in away I have never felt a ship.�

�I know what you mean.� Cole said.

�Well I am going to let you talk about you flights.� KaLee said. �I need to loosen up my hip. It is still a little stiff.�

Ryan gave a nod. �A work out sounds good to me too. I�ll meet you in the weight room.�

�Okay.� She responded.

�Do you two ever relax?� Spike asked. �You are always so vigilant.�

�Relax? Yes.� Ryan said.

�Stop being vigilant? No.� KaLee said then turned and went down to her room.

She was almost done changing when there was a knock on her door.

�Who is it?� She asked.

�It�s Deida ma�am.� The voice carried through he door.

�It�s open.� Was the response as she pulled up the shorts and tied them tighter.

Deida slipped in and shut the door. She stood there a moment as though chewing on a thought. KaLee waited.

�Um...� The sound paused in the air.

KaLee continued to wait silently willing her to talk.

�I noticed how well you flew Yellow lion today and I am assuming you saw how badly I flew it.� Deida�s brow wrinkled as she continued to work over the words in her ahead. KaLee knew she should not push this she knew Deida had to ask this on her own.

�I was wondering�� Her hands clenched as he looked directly at her superior officer. �If you would help me become a better pilot?�

�Why ask me?� KaLee shot off the question.

Deida looked at her in shock. �Well�� She stuttered. �I just thought��

�That I would just jump at the opportunity? Why?� KaLee pushed herself to ask the tough questions. She needed Deida to be stronger; she hoped she could do this.

�You�re a commander� a ranking officer and � you�re a girl. I thought you would understand.� Deida looked wide-eyed and scarred.

KaLee then relaxed and smiled. �There was that so hard? That was a rhetorical question.� She knew how hard it had been, then turned, picked up a towel and said. �I am going to go work out. Then there is dinner. How about after dinner? We can use the simulators and I can walk you through some stuff. We�ll do this every night until I think you can do it on your own. Okay?�

Deida smiled and all the tension ran form her. �Thank you.� She said. �Thank you ma�am.� She turned and ran out the door.

KaLee gave a little chuckle then walked out herself. She was in a casual pair of black shorts and a comfortable gray tank. He silver armband still in place.

�Heading out commander?� Spike asked.

�Yeah wanna join us?� She paused and looked at him.

�No ma�am not looking to cause an up roar about flirting with a superior officer.� He responded.

She gave a rolling laugh and that felt good too. She walked into the work out room and set down her bag. Carefully she began to stretch her body rotating her hip trying to loosen up the stiff joint. Keeping herself limber. She started her pull-ups when Ryan walked in.

�Jump right in?� He asked.

�Most of the time.� She said.

He jumped up next to her and started his pull ups. �So what do you think about the other trainees' specific flying abilities?� He asked.

�That they all are decent.� She responded, and then said. �Did Derk ask you for help?�

�Yeah and the day I figure out how you that type of thing is s the day I will be rich.� She saw him shake his head as he made the statement.

�Deida came and spoke with me. They are good Ryan, at the very least good enough to be command center support. And Derk got a good response out of Yellow.� She said lowering herself to the ground.

�Noticed that too.� Ryan said. �You probably had an idea for who to place where since the first day you met everyone.�

�Yeah but things shift and change. Then there is the big trust issue.� She responded and she lay on the floor and started her crunches.

�They trust you. Deida would never have gone to you if she did not.� Ryan stated.

�I know that Derk and Deida do. I am even sure about Cole. It is the older ones." She shook her head in frustration.

Ryan came and lay next to her starting his own crunches. �Spike is an ex-pirate. He is never going to trust anyone. Lillian is a space marine she was trained to be suspicious. As for Droe�.� There was a pause. �He trusts you� he just has an honor issue right now.�

KaLee rolled over and started doing pushups. A sigh escaped her and the continued in a moment for silence.

Then Ryan asked as he turned over and began his push-ups. �So how are we going to train them?�

�They only have three days to get it.� KaLee stated. �So it is going to be intense.�

�Yeah, Hunk has suspended morning runs for the time being and will be splitting us into tow groups to fly.� Ryan responded. �The morning group will be the first four. The evening the rest.�

KaLee stood up and walked over to the weights starting her exercises there as she spoke. �In between is lunch after wards is dinner then Hunk hands us evaluations for the day so we can improve the following day.�

Ryan nodded then joined her over at the weights but did not start. �How much is your cost KaLee?� His voice was soft almost inaudible.

�Excuse me?� She asked.

�I know it cost something for you to be here you even said so when we arrived.� He looked directly at her. �What was your cost?�

KaLee had stopped and was listening to what he said. But she could not respond with the answer he deserved. She looked at the clock.

�Dinner will be soon and we should shower.� She started to move and Ran caught her arm.

�Damn it KaLee.� Frustration rolled off of him. �You have kept so much in the dark� I just want to know the cost.�

She opened her mouth to protest but found what came out was something completely different. �After the training tonight with the twins meet me in the garden by the lilac buses. I will talk to you them.�

�Thank you.� Ran said letting go of her arm.

�Don�t thank me yet I might not give you all the answers you want.� She looked at him a moment longer before tuning and walking away.

********

Dinner went well as did the training. Both twins were slightly surprised to see the other one there but they quickly got over it.

It was late by the time KaLee and Ryan made it out into the garden. Shadows lay think around the bushes and Ryan felt that this was right as he listened to the breeze and thought about the silence that they had seemed to lay between them the things that had to be left unanswered. Ryan knew he had questions she was not going to answer, but he was going to ask them anyway.

�Hello darkness my old friend.� His voice actually carried softly the old Earth song that his father had played for him and wondered if the answers he wanted were hidden in the nighttime shadows. �Shadows don�t always answer back.�

He had not heard her approach. He turned around to face her his heart slamming in his chest. �Part of your training?� He asked.

She gave a slight inclination of her head.

He returned with a wiry smile. �I don�t know if that is a good thing to know or not.�

She responded not to the statement but to them being there. �So what are your questions?�

He turned and looked at the flowers trying to decide what to ask first. �What is the cost you paid to be able to train for a possible slot on the new Voltron force?� The question seemed to echo in his ears.

�An all or nothing out come.� She responded. He turned as she continued. �I have to get the Black lion. I can be nothing less than the commander of the force. If I am offered anything but the Black lion it will be revealed my training before the Alliance and Garrison counsel. Then the regulations regarding that will be enforced.� Ryan felt his heart stop and he took a gasp of air to restart it.

�What?� The word came out horse but still strong.

�You heard me Ryan.� She said her voice in relative calm. �I will be revealed and put on trail for it.�

He walked unsteadily over to a stone bench and sat down. This was a weight of news. �If it is revealed that� it would mean charges of treason and then�� He did not want to think about it.

�I have accepted this Ryan no matter the out come.� She walked up next to him and sat down. �You might have accepted that fate but I haven�t had the chance to do that.� He sighed. �Who knows?�

�The people who know are the ones who authorized me being here.� She took a deep breath and looked straight a head. �No one evaluating knows that way I get in on my ability no bias.�

Ryan shot a look at her. �No bias.� His jaw dropped as he spoke. �You�ve had bias since you landed and not in our favor. I mean with the history you have alone puts you at a disadvantage.�

�That history also gives me an advantage.� She stated. He opened his mouth to speak again. �And no flying poorly for you to try and push me up in ranking.� She said. �I will know if you are not flying your best.�

�I can�t win can I.� He said standing up and pacing. �No matter what I am in a loose situation. If I do get black lion and command I loose you. If you get Black I keep you and loose any chance at command.� He stopped pacing and placed his hands over his face.

�What?� KaLee stood and looked at him. �What do you mean you loose any chance at command?�

There was a heaved sigh behind his palms then he dropped his hands looking back at her. �Since we are being honest. They blackmailed me basically.� He said. �In order for me to get any command I want in a ship or otherwise, I have to try for the Voltron force and get the Black lion position. If I don�t I get transferred to any second command position they choose. And it was alluded to that I would get no command offers.� The irritated look on his face said it all.

�Those bastards.� KaLee said. �I thought they were being that way with just me.� �No I am pretty sure all of us have something we are working for.� Ryan smiled. �Also now that I know your cost I think they knew we would tell each other and they are hoping one of us will step down and accept the consequences. I don�t think they want two second generations on the force.� KaLee eyed him, but did not respond.

Finally she said. �I don�t think Droe was telling the truth when he talked to me. Or at least not all of it.� She smiled at her friend. �Spike has something going on too. Betting it has to do with his sister.�

Ryan shook his head and sat back down. Then he said. �They deserve to know.�

�You know I can�t.� She spoke and wrapped her arms around her body. �I can�t risk the doubt of why the would choose me.�

�But treason and�� But he never finished the words he could not say them. He sighed. �We should get back inside it�s going to be some long days.� He stood and walked over to her taking her in a hug from behind.

She responded with the statement. �Especially for us.�

On to Chapter 16

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