Book 6:Dangerous Deception:

Chapter Five

Reunion On Zanthar/ The Awakening

Once Hunk and Pidge got into their Lions, Lance, within Red Lion, landed his craft and opened up communications.

"Hunk, Pidge, you guys ok?" Lance asked.

"I'm ok..." Hunk quickly responded. "But our boy genius may have some broke ribs."

"I'm alright." Pidge winced in pain.

"Little buddy. We gotta get ya wrapped up." Hunk admonished.

"But I'm fine!" Pidge protected.

Lance said, "That's an ORDER, Pidge. Hunk, get into Pidge's Lion and tend to him."

"Gotcha, chief." Hunk replied automatically.

...Keith. Lance thought with remose. ...how could I have been so freakin' stupid? Chief, my ass. I can't freakin' LEAD. Keith, you were a stand up guy...not were...you ARE. I know you're alive, I kno -...

"Doom Cruiser, one man fighter, class 001...approaching 60km...." Red Lion's sensors alerted the troubled pilot.

"Shit. Probably Lotor.." Lance powered up his Lion.

"Hunk, Pidge! We got incoming!" Lance yelled into his com.

"Roger that." Hunk was already in his Yellow Lion.

"Same here!" Pidge said weakly.

"Gonna make it, Pidge?" Lance asked.

"Long enough to kick Doomie butt, sure..."

"That's my boy..." Lance had a sardonic grin on his face.

A moment later, that grin turned into surprise as Lance's mind seemed to sense 'something'.

"What the f -" The Red Lion pilot exclaimed.

"It's KEITH in that fighter!" Lance yelled into his com.

"Wha -?" Hunk replied.

"I'm reading one occupant..." Pidge added. "Human."

"Human? Holy Moley!" Hunk's eyes widened. "KEITH! CHIEF!! YA READ ME?"

Lance tugged at his ear. "Damn, Hunk. I think they could hear you a couple of galaxies away. Jeez..."

A moment later, the fighter landed and Keith came out, Doom uniform and all. As Keith approached the three Lions, he pulled down his surgeon's mask, revealing his face. Instantly, Lance, Hunk, and even Pidge surrounded him with hugs and varied greetings.

"Chief! Ya made it!" Hunk grappled Keith in a bear hug.

"Hunk, it's - good - to - see - you - too.." Keith gasped out as Hunk let him go.

"Keith! Man, am I glad to see you! We thought you were dead! Pidge held his side as he spoke.

"What's wrong, Pidge?" Keith asked, his brown eyes filled with concern.

"I'm okay." Pidge replied.

"He's got some broken ribs." Hunk butted in. "Bastard Drule threw 'im." Anger flooded into Hunk's eyes at the memory. "Got 'im back tho'- scragged his blue arse."

"Good." Keith nodded.

Lance had to say,"Yeah, 'Mother Hunk's got Pidge wrapped tighter than a virgin's -"

"Lance..."Keith warned.

Lance sobered up and said seriously, "Look,man - Keith. I'm sorry about what happened. You know me, ol' firebrand Lance. Take no prisoners. Friends?"

"Friends." Keith extended his right hand and shook it

"Now would anyone CARE to let me what's happened?" Keith arched his brow. "I wake up on Doom, the Princess is with Zarkon and no Lotor in sight. Lance?"

"Hey, I don't know much more than you, Keith, but one thing is obvious - Doom's taken over everything.

"Ya got that right." Hunk growled. "We'll clue ya in on the details, Chief."

And so they did, leaving Keith utterly dazed and sick.

A moment later, Keith's expression changed to one of determination.

"We need a plan..." Keith said. "Is Black Lion here?"

I am. An audible voice replied.

"Geez!" Hunk was startled.

"It's Black Lion!" Pidge exclaimed.

"I dunno how I know, but I do."

"Yes, my Chosen hear My Voice, and follow Me." Black Lion uttered.

"Uh..." Hunk pulled at his collar nervously. "Are you - God?"

Keith, Lance and Pidge whipped their heads in Hunk's direction.

"I am only His bondservant, as we all are.

"But I thought it was only an - " Lance started to say.

"Earth thing?" The Voice completed his sentence. "I AM is ALL, my Chosen. My Master is of infinity and forever, begining and end, Alpha and Omega. Do you not think that such a One can not only transcend Time but Galaxies Himself?"

"But - why?" Pidge asked.

"The eternal question of all mortal beings - Why. " Black Lion chuckled.

"No offense, Black Lion..." Keith said seriously. "We must save the Princess!"

"Only problem is, Keith, there's no one to pilot Blue, so we can't form Voltron!" Pidge winced as pain went through his midsection.

"Another will be provided." Black Lion said. "Come forth, Brethern!"

The ragged group of Space Explorers suddenly found themselves in their respective Lions, but before they could utter a word, or activate their controls...

"Keith! Lance! Hunk!! Check out your scanners!!" Pidge cried out over the com.

"Holy Mother of God..." Lance exclaimed, his eyes widened.

"We're forming Voltron." Keith finally said.

Dangerous Deception: Chapter Six
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