Chapter Text
Shiro let out a sigh. They had been working on Olkarion for a couple of days, he knew they needed to contact the Garrison, catch them up with everything going on, the proposed plan for the vehicle team, and get things into motion.
“Okay, communications established.” Pidge commented from her station. “Connected in three. Two. One.”
Shiro looked up to see the screen as it showed static. Then it was clear, showing a man with glasses sitting there. “Adam.” he simply said.
“Takashi! I didn’t expect a call from you.” Everyone called Shiro by that usual nickname, but only Adam seemed to call him by his actual first time. “Finally have a break from babysitting?”
“I wish it was a social call, but perhaps later I can transfer it to my room.” Shiro smiled softly at his fiance. They had broken up before the Kerberos mission, Shiro wanting to go on it but Adam not wanting him to. Then Adam was left thinking Shiro was dead and the guilt of how they ended things. When Shiro came back in Voltron, Adam was both ticked off and relieved. During their short break on Earth, they reconnected and came to terms with what happened between them, wanting to try again. Adam had been given an opportunity to travel with them, and part of him wanted to, but with his skills, he remained on Earth, helping out there.
“Um… guys?” Pidge cleared her throat, making Chip, who was sitting on the arm of her chair, snicker.
“Oh, right. We needed to get in touch with Admiral Sanda and the rest of the Garrison Council.” Shiro informed. “We need to give a full report.”
“Copy that. I’ll send in the message and then get you transferred when they’re ready.” Adam worked on the computer from his end. “I’ve noticed that the vehicle force team is with you...”
“That’s what our conversation will be about.” Shiro informed.
“Admiral Sanda is ready.” Adam nodded. “I’ll talk with you another time, Takashi. Transferring.”
Shiro watched as the screen shifted and they were looking at a room with high ranking members of the Galaxy Garrison inside. One of which was Admiral Sanda. Strong willed. Determined to protect Earth. Never backing down. “Admiral.”
“It’s about time you contacted us. Previous reports did not give much, only on that you had found the vehicle team and the remaining crew of the Explorer have either been killed or captured.” Sanda reminded. “I’m hoping there is a reason for the delay.”
“There is.” Shiro confirmed. “As a full team and for the good of the universe, we have come up with a plan of our own.” He let that sink in. When the admiral nodded, he continued. “The ships designed for the Explorer, though helpful, are not fully prepared for this war. And frankly, the team could use more training, too. But on Olkarion, our current location, they can get the ships improved upon and train more.”
“The Olkari have agreed to help out with the ships. And in turn, with their training, the vehicle team will be helping to defend the planet until more defenses are functional and the team is ready to enter the battle.” he continued.
“Hmm.” Sanda seemed to think it over. “And you three? You are the captains of your individual teams. Have you agreed upon this as well?”
Aki looked to Krik and Cliff, the two nodding in agreement. “Yes. Our decision, not just among us three but also within the whole team, we have agreed to this.” he said. “We want to do our part to help out. And in getting aid from the Olkari and training here, we will be able to do more for the universe. For those in need, including our missing crew members.”
Sanda let out a sigh before nodding. “Very well. Unfortunately, though, we will not be able to provide more assistance. The location is too far and we’re still trying to get our own defenses fully established so that Earth will be safe for the current inhabitants and future refugees.”
“We will be able to handle things, so you needn’t worry much.” Ryner was with them. She was the leader of the Olkari, the others continuing to follow her, so it was no surprise that she was in on the meeting. “And there are most likely other rebels out there, so more allies are probably to be met. You worry about keeping your planet safe. We’ll make sure that the team will be ready.”
Sanda smiled and nodded. “Very well. And Aki, Clif, Krik,” the three young men straightened at that, even putting their hands up to their heads in a salute, “try to keep us informed more. And good luck.”
“Yes, ma’am.” the three leaders responded in sync.
Pidge looked out at the water, seeing some forest and cliffs on the other side. She stood on a platform, the area one of the landing pads for ships that would one day arrive with refugees. It was a good day, so much happening. But it was also sad.
“Pidge?” Chip approached her. He smiled when he saw the mice with her; they may have been Allura’s mice, but they really liked the green paladin. “Shiro says you’ll be launching soon.”
“I know we’re needed out there… and I know we haven’t known each other long but...” Pidge looked over. “It breaks my heart to part ways.”
“It won’t be forever.” Chip assured her. “We’ll get stronger and be ready. Then we’ll help you guys out in taking back the universe for all people.” He pulled Pidge into a hug, chuckling when Platt went over to sit on his shoulder. “We’ll see each other before you know it. And we’ll find… we’ll find Mom.” Hearing Chip call Colleen mom too, it made Pidge smile. “And we’ll find Matt, figure out if he’s our brother or not.” He pulled back some. “Things will continue to get better, I just know it.”
“Yeah, same here.” Pidge nodded in agreement. She then looked over to see the castle as the others prepared to launch. When she and Chip pulled part more, they let their hands linger, the two giving the other a firm shake. “We’re a team. And I’m certain if we all continue working together, nothing can stop us and our goal for peace.”
“Pidge! C’mon! We need to get going!” Shiro called.
“Okay!” Pidge responded. She walked back with Chip, joining the others. They did their farewells, hugging, shaking hands, and joking around. In a short amount of time, the two teams truly did grow close. And then it was time to take off.
“Pidge?” Lance asked. “You okay?”
“Yeah.” Pidge nodded. “I’m doing great. And I look forward to being able to fight alongside the vehicle team again.” She went to the bridge and watched as they launched. Though she was sure Chip couldn’t see her from there, she waved down at the others as they departed.
On the planet and with the others, Chip waved. He didn’t think Pidge could see him waving, but he liked to think she was doing the same. He then looked over when Aki put a hand on his shoulder.
“We’ll see them again soon.” Aki declared. “After all, we’re part of the same team. We’re all defenders of the universe.”
Chip smiled and nodded. “Yeah.” he said. “Before long, we’ll be helping out more.”
“But first,” Ryner got their attention, “you’ll need help getting your ships in proper order.” She smiled. “And I think I have some ideas I’d like to look into to help make you even more effective.”
“We’ll gladly accept that help.” Aki nodded.
Chip smiled. He then looked off to the sky again, the castle-ship already gone. We’ll meet again soon, sister. And we’ll fight together and protect people together. He thought before turning away, walking off with the others so they could get more work done for the refugee city, their ships, and the planet’s defenses.
