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sablelab · 6 years ago

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Covert Operations - Chapter 48

DISCLAIMER: This is a modern AU crossover story with Outlander and La Femme Nikita. LFN and its characters do not belong to me nor do those from Outlander.

SYNOPSIS: The two Section One operatives make their way to Thailand on Madame Cheung’s private Lear jet. On arrival in Bangkok, Jamie and Claire proceed to the rendezvous location to meet their protagonist.

N.B This chapter has some suggestive text.

My THANKS for reading, liking or reblogging my story. I really appreciate your support of my writing. Previous chapters can be found … https://sablelab.tumblr.com/covertoperations

CHAPTER 48 (S)

Seated in the spacious limousine provided for their journey, James Fraser and Claire Beauchamp made their way to the private airport to board Madame Cheung’s Lear jet which had been placed at their disposal for the trip to Bangkok. It was not long before the sleek vehicle soon neared its destination and the waiting aircraft on the tarmac. Eventually the limousine pulled up beside a state-of-the-art Lear jet that was being readied for their pending take off. Alighting from the limo Jamie cast a look around the surrounding area before holding the door open for Claire to step out. They then approached the aircraft where the plane’s hatch lay open and standing at the foot of the aircraft’s steps, he cast another look around before boarding the Lear jet.

Jamie followed Claire up the steps where they were warmly welcomed by two hostesses on entering the cabin. “Good evening Monsieur Le Comte, mademoiselle. Welcome aboard.”

“Merci beaucoup.” “Please take your seats, we will be leaving momentarily.”

Moving into the luxuriously appointed cabin, Jamie and Claire took seats opposite each other then settled in for the flight to Bangkok and their meeting with Madame Cheung. No sooner had they taken their seats than the pilot alerted them to their imminent departure. “We're preparing for take off!” As the jet slowly taxied out of its holding zone, one of the hostesses ran through the safety procedures for the jet’s two VIP passengers. The Lear jet made a right turn then a left before gliding along the main runway in preparation for its take off procedure. It hovered on the runway for its turn for departure but waited for another aeroplane to land before clear skies indicated it was safe to begin the jet’s take off. “Would all cabin crew please take your seats?” The hum of the engines roaring to life echoed through the cabin as Jamie and Claire both fastened their seatbelts. The jet began its take off as it gathered more and more speed along the tarmac. Inside the cabin, the two passengers and staff were thrown back into their seats as lift-off occurred and the Lear jet gained more height in the air. Veering to the left in a gentle sweep of the airport the pilot gave those on board a clear picture of the ground below. In next to no time the buildings and surrounds soon diminished in size as the Lear jet gained more and more altitude until finally levelling off and disappearing into the clouds. Jamie and Claire were finally winging their way to Bangkok on Madame Cheung’s private aircraft to rendezvous with the doyen of the Rising Dragons. Her fate was now in their hands. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Claire cast a glance Jamie’s way as the hostess made an appearance with refreshments once the Lear jet had settled into its correct flight pattern. “Excuse me Monsieur what would you care to drink?” “Whisky will be fine.” “Certainly ... And you mademoiselle?” She asked turning towards Claire. “The same thank you.” “I will be serving your evening meal in the dining room to the rear of the jet shortly Monsieur Le Comte, so perhaps you would care to have your drinks there as well.” “Thank you, but I have some pressing business that I need to conclude before dining.” “As you wish sir. Shall I return in a half an hour?” “Yes.” ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* As the Lear jet levelled off, with its nose aimed for Bangkok, Jamie placed his personal computer on the table between them and began working at his laptop. He typed in an access code that gave him an open line with Fergus and which would alert him to the route the jet was travelling. “What are you doing?” Claire asked looking over at him. “Contacting Fergus.” “Why?” “I'm running Intel for the jet’s flight path.” “Why can’t he just download it?” “Fergus needs to confirm the transmission, then he’ll re-route it back to me.” “Ahhh.” Claire's face had a far-away expression, thinking about what may be happening back at Section. “It must be pretty crazy back there. You know what Fergus is like.” His non-verbal reply indicated that Jamie had his mind on other things so she settled in to read a glossy magazine while he contacted Section One. Nevertheless, Jamie glanced up at his partner and watched her from time to time as she read her publication.

Sensing his scrutiny, Claire looked up just as he looked away. For a moment she too watched him work. The faint greenish glow of his computer screen cast a muted light over him revealing the concentration etched on his face as Jamie continued his task. He didn't look up from his screen even though he knew Claire was studying him. She took note of the matter-of-fact determined manner of his disposition. Jamie was Section One through and through and when it came to dotting his i’s and crossing his t’s, he left nothing to chance. She watched as he poured over the computer screen. She’d covertly studied him many times on their return from or going to a mission and Jamie usually pulled up some profiles he’d been working on or wrote his report while in transit. He hardly ever slept if at all for he was always doing something that concerned the mission. That is why his team members survived ... because he was diligent just as he was now.

A sombre expression crossed her face thinking of the times he had rescued her. But more importantly ... she watched his eyes. They darted across the screen as his fingers quickly typed on the keyboard, so absorbed on his task; it was as if he had blocked everything else out of his mind. But had he really? At that moment Jamie stopped what he was doing, glanced up and studied Claire's expression before capturing her gaze with his penetrating glance. Their eyes locked and she could only swoon at the depth of feeling his look imparted. Caressing her face his gaze lingered on her mouth before returning to her luminous eyes. An exhilarating blush rose to her cheeks as Claire held his look with one of her own. He appeared to be about to tell her something but didn’t need to utter a word. A silent communication where no words were necessary passed between them. With his one piercing look Jamie had managed to say everything she had wanted to hear and more. However, as Claire’s eyes absorbed his look, Jamie’s comm. unit began to beep. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Back at Section One Fergus Claudel sat at his computer station snacking on Oreos his go to snack. He was fidgety as usual whenever he was waiting for something that was too slow coming through and was full of pent up energy as he waited for Jamie’s communiqué that would enable him to track the jet’s flight plan. He was getting a little angsty when nothing appeared on his computer screen and alerted Jamie in case there was a problem. “Jamie?” However James Fraser ignored his question until Fergus’ worried voice again intruded into their moment once more. “Jamie, are you there?” “Yes, Fergus?” “I’m not receiving ...Type PS dash E.” “OK.” Pushing his glasses back up his nose he watched his monitor. “Still nothing Jamie ... All right type this in too ... Kill, space, minus nine, space, 313 ... Okay? You got that? ... That should do it.” “Anything yet?” “Not yet ... but it has to filter through.” After a short time a red dot showed up on his computer screen. A relieved Fergus replied, “Yes! ... Jamie ... we have the coordinates.” He sat back in his chair and watched the computer do its work. His main frame computer had picked up the jet’s fight trail like a homing beacon. Once the coordinates appeared on his monitor, Fergus was now able to track its sonic waves as the jet winged its way across the sky on its flight towards Bangkok with Jamie and Claire on the next phase of their mission to capture Madame Cheung.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Some time into the flight to Bangkok, the hostess reappeared to collect their evening meal dishes from the dining area of the jet. Claire cast a glance Jamie’s way as she hovered around them then watched as she placed their dishes on her trolley. After she’d cleared their table the hostess cast her gaze over both of her guests before looking at Jamie.

“I hope you enjoyed your meals,” she inquired with a smile.

“Yes, thank you.”

“Will that be all then sir, or is there anything else I can do for you?”

“No.”

“I have a question,” Claire stated as she looked towards the hostess.

“Yes mademoiselle?”

“How long will the flight to Bangkok take?”

“It will be approximately two hours and twenty minutes until we reach our destination.”

“Thank you. I think I’ll just catch a little shut eye then,” Claire replied.

“By all means ... if you need anything just press your call button.”

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Travelling at fifteen thousand feet, the hum of the engines and the gentle rocking of the plane was hypnotic. Claire’s forehead pressed against the jet’s window and she stared blankly into the night void, but she soon closed her eyes as the lull made her drowsy. She began to recount their time here in Hong Kong and in particular the night of their reunion and felt herself drifting back to the intimate moments shared with Jamie, after their long separation.

After only a few hours’ sleep caught here and there during the night she’d been exhausted, but it was an exhilarating exhaustion. She’d been somewhat insatiable for Jamie’s touch and their ensuing lovemaking had affected her deeply. Why was it that when together they had such an explosive outpouring of emotions? Separation had obviously made the heart grow fonder or was there more to their relationship than just sexual attraction? It wasn’t just the sex ... because that was wonderful. There was something more, something so fragile and intangible that Claire knew it could only be one thing. If she could admit it was more ... would Jamie too? The mutual outpouring of their emotions for one another had been overwhelming and too hard to ignore. She couldn’t wipe the smile off her face at just the thought of what they had done again and again.

When Jamie had laid his head on her chest, her skin had shivered but when his hands lowered and touched her intimately ... she’d been lost. Jamie had bombarded her with his touch until she could stand no more. Her stomach muscles had clenched in the anticipation of what was to come ... and she couldn’t stop the keening cry that left her lips. She’d arched up to make it easier for him to explore ... but her motives were completely selfish. She’d wanted Jamie with such an overwhelming passion that her body had reacted spontaneously. She’d had no control whatsoever over how she’d reacted. All she knew was that it was right ... it was what she’d missed ... it was what she’d wanted. She had moved against him without so much as one coherent thought entering her brain. Her body just knew what it wanted ... what it needed. Her hands wandered roaming at will over his body. When Jamie had looked at her ... he’d known. He’d known everything that she was feeling ... he’d known the secret of her heart by just looking into her eyes. Then they had made love ... fast and furiously until Jamie had turned her inside out sending her feelings soaring. They’d made love again ... slowly this time, as they savoured the touch and feel of each other after so long away. Fraser was a conjurer ... whatever magic he’d invoked ... he’d used it on her until all she could do was respond to his touch. Shaking with the depth of her feelings she’d given him control of her mind and body to do whatever he would at will. Jamie was everything to her and no matter how often they came together it would never be enough to satisfy her longing for him. Each time they had made love was a time of new discovery. She had broken down his barriers a little during the night. But did she really know him any better? Her heart had opened up wider with love that was overflowing for him but ... was it reciprocated? In the early morning she’d sighed out loud and moved her hand to the place where Jamie had laid beside her. She had touched his warm skin ... then had felt his caress and she’d lost all conscious thought. She remembered stretching like a cat that had been well and truly stroked for Jamie had been extraordinary and she had responded to his lovemaking just as enthusiastically. Her body had felt weary, but every pore, sinew and nerve ending from the top of her head to the tip of her toes was sated. Yet still she had wanted more. Her brazen response to Jamie’s touch had been involuntary, but she had invited his caress and things had just escalated. His touch made her ache with the heat of desire and she’d gone to pieces. Her emotions were all a kilter when Jamie bombarded her senses making her tremble. Unravelling and moaning she’d surrendered to his potent touch lost to an outpouring of emotions she could not control. She had touched him just as intimately. She’d felt Jamie swell as her fingers had glided over him until his erection had throbbed in her hand. The power was incredible. To think that he’d reacted to her touch with such conviction was overwhelming but he’d only given her so much control ... and no more until he had groaned and flipped her over. She was hungry for him... so hungry she’d writhed in desperation of what she knew he could give her. And he had. They’d moved in sync until they had both capitulated to the “little death” that had swept them over the edge with a cataclysmic joining of their two souls. She could still smell their intoxicating scent. Jamie’s image was etched into her heart. Making love with him made her feel whole. They had been together so few times yet each coupling was a piece of the puzzle that fit together to make a bigger picture. It just felt right. They were right together. Jamie may not yet realise the depth of his emotions but she knew that what she felt could only get better if they were only given the chance. But would that be possible in the life they led? Could they have a relationship and remain unaffected? Section One held no prisoners when it came to emotional ties between operatives. But James Fraser was worth fighting for. They already had history together ... they had a bond that was invincible. Could they have a love that lasted the test of time too? Her heart smiled. They did have a love worth fighting for ... of that she was certain and she would convince Jamie in due time.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

I’m dreaming, Claire told herself, it was obviously the effects of the whisky she had consumed, but it was a dream she didn’t want to wake up from. Settling in for more of her wonderful reverie induced memories, she sighed out loud as her thoughts returned to their night spent at Madame Cheung’s. However, before she was able to recount more of those experiences Claire was awakened by Jamie’s gentle resonance.

“Sass-en-ach?” He whispered near her ear.

“Humph?”

“Wake up mo ghràidh we’re approaching descent.”

Two hours had passed quickly. Had she really slept all that time?

Noting her disorientated look Jamie queried, “What were ye dreaming about?”

“N-nothing...” she replied sheepishly.

Jamie merely raised an eyebrow in question. “Really?”

Gazing at his penetrating look and now fully awake, Claire answered cheekily staring him down ... “Well actually ... it was the Mile-High Club.”

The inflection and challenge in her voice amused him. A wry smile crossed Jamie’s lips ... but his eyes promised much more.

She had done it again. Where Jamie was concerned ... she very seldom could trump him for he had just turned the tables on her yet again. James Fraser was a dangerous man ... a very dangerous man... and she had fallen into his trap once more, she chided herself.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Madame Cheung’s Lear jet flew through the clouds en-route to Bangkok International Airport with its two passengers. However, those on board were unaware that Le Comte St. Germain and Claire Beauchamp were really Section One operatives whose mission was to capture Madame Cheung from the Rising Dragons’ triad. The time on board had passed all too quickly and as the jet neared its destination; the pilot made preparations for landing and spoke with the air traffic controller at the airport for confirmation of his landing procedures.

“Bangkok, this is Mooney-three-three-golf.”

In the control tower, a flight controller replied, “Mooney-three-three-golf, Bangkok. We have you level at 5,000.”

“Roger. Request vectors, full-stop landing runway three-two.”

“Copy, three-three-golf. Turn right heading two-seven-zero descend to 3,000. Altimeter two-niner-niner-two.”

“Three-three-golf right to two-seven-zero. Decent to three thousand, two-nine nine-two,” the pilot repeated.

“Three-three-golf, you are cleared final runway three-two. Winds three-three-zero at 15. Be advised visibility is reduced on final half mile”.

“Roger, Bangkok. I don't see the field in sight. Continue vectors.”

Depressing his intercom to the passengers the pilot announced “Seatbelts please,” as the Lear jet descended into the steamy Bangkok evening. “We’re making our final approach and we’ll be landing in five minutes.”

The control tower continued with the Lear jet’s landing instructions.” Turn left two-seven-zero. Descending.”

“Roger. Descending.”

“Three-three-golf, you’re lined up runway three-two, cleared to land.”

“I have field visual this time, Bangkok. Cleared to land.”

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Turning away from Jamie’s insightful gaze Claire looked out of the window as the jet made its descent into the “City of Angels”, Thailand’s capital city Bangkok. As she peered into the night sky, she could see the lights of the airport terminal and the many city buildings surrounding it aglow with illumination. Leaning her head back against the seat she waited for the initial touchdown jolt of the wheels onto the tarmac, however, the Lear jet made a perfect landing but bypassed the arrivals area and taxied towards a private hangar section of the airport to deplane its two important passengers.

The locale of the airport to where the Lear jet taxied was in a private secluded area away from the main terminal which was for the exclusive use of the Rising Dragons triad. Its restricted use to other jets set it apart from the main airport as this made for an easy passage into the country. Contraband, illegal immigrants or powerful figures connected with the triad often entered the country by these means, for the more powerful the triad, the more remuneration available to those corrupt officials who turned a blind eye if the price was right. Working for the Rising Dragons had its benefits for those officials on their payroll. They were rewarded well for their loyalty but they also knew the punishment if they were to turn against the triad.

Hence, Madame Cheung had left explicit instructions that the pilot would carry out to the letter ... or face the consequences. The hangar’s seclusion away from prying eyes and the arrival officialdom that usually accompanied incoming flights, enabled Sun Yee Lok, Madame Cheung and other triad members to enter and leave Bangkok anonymously. The rigour of normal arrival procedures was always waived whenever her private jet arrived, thus no custom officials would meet Jamie and Claire and Immigration documentation for their visit had been prearranged.

The Lear jet taxied calmly into the private hangar and disappeared from sight. Rotating inside the hangar the jet positioned itself nose out in preparation for a later departure back to Hong Kong if needs be. As the jet completed its 180-degree turnabout it rolled toward the front of the hangar and the pilot bought the jet to a final stop, powering down the engines. After some moments the fuselage door popped opened, and the hostess appeared in the doorway as the Lear jet’s electronic stairs smoothly dropped down before resting on the ground.

Inside the plane, Jamie and Claire gathered up their belongings and made their way to the exit.

“I hope you enjoyed your flight?” The hostess declared as they prepared to leave the Lear jet.

“Oui, merci.”

“Were you able to get all your work done Monsieur Le Comte during the flight?”

“Yes ... I did”

"You have no need to go through Customs. Everything has been arranged.”

“I see.”

“The jet will be here for your departure back to Hong Kong or wherever else you need to go, whenever it is required Monsieur Le Comte.”

“Thank you.”

“Mademoiselle ... I trust you had an enjoyable flight too.”

“Very.”

“Madame Cheung has also provided transportation to her Thai residence. It is waiting for you just inside the hangar to your right.” She nodded toward an enormous Jaguar stretch limousine, burgundy in colour with smoked glass windows, in the far corner of the hangar. “Magnus will be your driver.”

“Thank you.”

As Jamie and Claire made their way towards the waiting stretch limousine outside of the hangar, they experienced Bangkok’s steamy humidity and heat. It was uncomfortably hot and although only a short distance away, Claire broke out into a slight sweat. The limousine driver stood at attention beside the automobile waiting for his passengers. Nodding politely as they approached, he opened the rear door for them and they entered the welcoming, cool vehicle. Magnus, the chauffeur, then walked the length of the car, climbed in behind the wheel and started the engine. The Jaguar accelerated out of the hangar heading towards the bright lights of Bangkok and Jamie and Claire’s rendezvous location to meet Madame Cheung and discuss business.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Comfortable in the air-conditioned limousine the interior provided relief from the humid, hot weather conditions that they had experienced when they had stepped down from the Lear jet earlier. As the limousine raced toward Bangkok, they settled onto the long seat facing the divided window separating the chauffeur from the occupants of the automobile. A cabinet to their left held a variety of drinks and nibbles for their journey to their destination, but neither consumed any beverage.

Claire wasn’t quite sure what to expect on the journey into the capital of exotic Thailand. It certainly wasn’t the endless high-rise buildings, busy expressway flyovers and billboards of western companies advertising in English. Undoubtedly Bangkok had embraced westernization and modernization and the skyline was in some ways the same but different too from that of Hong Kong that she had observed when Angus Mhor had driven her to police headquarters all those months ago.

Bangkok was the centre of a busy metropolis. Like Hong Kong the traffic was horrendous. Even at this hour of the evening, there seemed to be a permanent traffic jam or what the Thai called a rot dtit that stretched for what seemed like many kilometres as cars five abreast on the road crawled along. Nonetheless, Magnus manoeuvred the jaguar through the traffic with ease and the limousine edged along the road even though the traffic moved slowly. It was little wonder that the combined effect of the traffic, heat, humidity, noise, dirt, pollution and the unappealing look of the city made some want to leave Bangkok almost as soon as they'd arrived to travel to the outlying seaside areas of Koh Samui and Pattaya.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

However, as they travelled along things began to change. Through the smoked windows of the limousine, Claire could make out the distinctive Thai architecture of the many temples and residences dotted along the route. Bangkok was certainly a visually unique capital city with diverse styles of architecture which exuded artistic grace. Wooden houses raised on stilts were arresting, with particularly striking and beautiful roofs. With swooping multi-tiered roof lines, they were elegantly shaped and tapering with various curiously attractive adornments, finials and decorations on the elongated roof beams. They were obviously ideally suited to shading the house from intense sun and the monsoon rain and they were unique and lovely.

South East Asia was such a dichotomy Claire thought. Juxtaposed with the traditional architecture was the ugly concrete housing that was as far removed from the traditional as could be. Large dedicated spirit houses built for good luck were alongside almost every major building they passed. How strange that two major cities of this region could be so different. What excitement would Thailand hold for them? Only time would tell.

Claire looked across at Jamie but he offered no conversation, he merely replied with his patent blank stare.

Unbeknownst to her he had, as usual, observed her ponderings in the car also, knowing that Claire’s mind had been transgressing to other things rather than to their prime objective. She had observed the scenery along the way and had probably taken note of the uniqueness of the architecture of the buildings as his keen eye had too. However, the similarity of this journey had not been lost on him. Hundreds of times they had travelled silently in the mission van to locations to implement their assignment. Although they were in slightly more salubrious transportation to apprehend a terrorist target, nevertheless, they had a prime objective in mind. This time Madame Cheung would be left with no options but to accompany them back to Section One.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ to be continued

#JamieandClaire #James Fraser #claire beauchamp #jamie and claire fanfic #covert operations

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avidbeader · 8 years ago

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Voltron fanfic: “Scattered” Chapter 11

Season 2 AU. No ships, K+ to T rating. Begin at the beginning here.

After grabbing a pair of sentry heads that looked whole and tossing them into the cabin of her speeder, Pidge tried to shift the first fallen drone. But even though it was much smaller than the fighters used by the warships, it was still much bigger than she was and quite heavy. There was no way she would be able to bring it back to the village on her own, even with her anti-grav platform.

“Fine. When the others get here we’ll load you into a spare cargo space. Then I can start taking you apart. In the meantime…” She brought up her gauntlet and powered up the scanner. Starting at one wingtip of the drone, she began carefully scanning every inch of the thing to create a schematic.

As she worked, she let her thoughts drift back to her family. She had the last known location of her father and brother. They had been together, were hopefully still alive. She began talking to herself.

“Maybe I can convince Allura and the others to go there first. We’ll want to take them back to Earth after all, and if we go to the slave camp first we don’t have to backtrack. One less wormhole for her to make.”

She was two-thirds of the way through the scan when a thunderous boom rolled through the air. She looked up instantly, scanning for storm clouds, although the noise had been more self-contained than the thunder she knew. It was more like a sonic boom. And then she saw the silhouette rise over the far horizon.

Pidge ran for her speeder and threw herself into it. After a split second of debate she headed for the nearest set of rocky hills. Perhaps she could find a cave to hide in and wait the ship out. Maybe they didn’t know where she was yet.

Regrettably, confirmation came in the form of a purple energy bolt, striking the ground to her right and tossing the speeder twenty yards to the left from the shockwave. She lurched and banged her head on the windscreen.

Yeah, not forgetting my helmet again…

<> <> <> <> <>

It had taken hours, hours he didn’t have to spare, but Darzi had his new accomplice. He had carefully sounded out the people who showed disappointment or anger on his behalf after his imminent departure was announced. A captain who shared his views on the danger of alien threats had a cousin among the medtechs. The captain convinced him to help Darzi, then altered the schedule of people monitoring Kogane to put him there alone at 0330.

Darzi was still angry at himself for misjudging Perkins. Just because the man was slow in movement and speech didn’t mean he was slow in thinking. And the problem with trusting a stand-up guy like Perkins was that his loyalty could shift if he decided the other side was more moral. But Perkins was gone already and no one else could bear witness to what had happened. Darzi reminded himself not repeat that mistake, not to let Kogane provoke him.

Darzi stepped inside and nodded at the medtech, Blackwell, who was already making preparations. The monitors for Kogane’s vitals were set up with the alarms on them turned off. A saline drip was in place and ready to accept the drugs.

“All right. He’s due for another round of sedatives in less than three hours. This is your best chance for countering the sedative with enough time to administer the amotrazephine once he’s awake again and get a few questions in before we have to clear out.”

“Understood. Start with the adrenaline.”

The medtech stuck a syringe into the Y-set and began slowly adding adrenaline into the liquid. Darzi watched Kogane’s face like a hawk, but there was no change yet. The rhythm of the monitors for heart rate, respiration, and brain activity did not shift.

Blackwell was watching the monitors, continuing to empty the syringe of adrenaline very slowly. When the syringe was empty, the medtech pulled it free. “That’s the first dose. Starting the second dose. Given the previous evidence of his high tolerance for any drug, we will pause after the second dose to allow time for it to take effect. While we wait I will administer the first dose of amotrazephine.”

“Understood.”

Blackwell took the same care as before, adding the adrenaline very slowly and watching the monitors. The second dose was almost gone when both men noticed a quickening in the low beeps.

“It’s working!”

The medtech finished the second dose and picked up a larger syringe. “Yes, all his vitals are showing signs of the stimulant. Starting the amotrazephine now.”

<> <> <> <> <>

Pidge had the speeder’s throttle wide open, going as fast as she could toward the cover of the hills. She registered that a whine began to sound just before the shot went off and used that to dodge as randomly as she could, given her momentum. Two more blasts missed, with her being able to ride out the shockwaves, before her luck ran out.

She was almost to her goal when the next blast came too close and clipped the speeder. The automatic ejection system vaulted her into midair and she frantically tried to control her trajectory with her jet pack before gravity took over. Yet another strike missed and the shock wave sent her spinning through the air, rattling her already painful head. She screamed as she tried to right herself, hearing that telltale whine again.

The noise was eclipsed by a sudden roar and the blasts seemed to pause. Pidge focused, as she was hurtling toward the ridge of the rocky hills too fast, and yanked out her bayard. She shot the blade into the ground as an anchor and fired her jetpack in bursts to counter the centrifugal force before it could slam her into the ground. She landed sideways and rolled several yards before she could stop. She pushed up to her knees, her stomach ready to pull a Hunk, and she looked back.

The Green Lion was flying on its own. It appeared to have rammed the Galra ship hard enough to bend the ion cannon. Now it dove straight for her and instinctively Pidge scrambled to her feet and used her jet pack once more to jump high enough into the air to land in its open mouth.

She raced to the cockpit and threw herself in the pilot’s seat. “All right, let’s get this ship away from the Arusians!” They took off for the south, past the old location of the castle.

<> <> <> <> <>

The Castle exited the wormhole and Allura held it in place until the Metrean transports were all through.

Coran activated his scanners to look for the Green Lion. They began flashing red and an alarm sounded. “Quiznak! Galra warship, headed south from our location!”

“Paladins! To your Lions! We need that ship destroyed immediately!”

Hunk left his position escorting the Metreans and shot in the direction indicated. Shiro and Lance ran for their doors and dove in, following seconds later.

Shiro spotted the ship as they flew over a mountain ridge. “Visual! One Galra warship…and the Green Lion! Jawblades out! Let’s take it down!”

He went right and Lance went left, scoring the hull of the ship on both sides and leaving fireballs in their wake. Hunk activated his super-armor and surged up from beneath, head-butting the ship so its own blasts went harmlessly into the air. The Green Lion dove from above and fired its lasers into the bridge area.

Shiro arced the Black Lion around for another pass. “Pidge, can you hear us?”

There was a burst of static, then Pidge’s voice came in. “—ight, forgot. The Lions have comm panels, too!”

“All right, everyone! One more attack, all lasers on full power. Pidge same target you just used. Lance, propulsion in the rear. Hunk, aim for the hull below the cannon. I’ll come in from below. Everyone in position?” At the chorus of ‘ayes’, he shouted, “Fire!”

The Galra ship cracked apart in flames.

<> <> <> <> <>

They’re trying again.

Keith could feel his awareness returning, though he didn’t bother to open his eyes. Two voices mumbled as if discussing something, then one of them, a new voice, rose and addressed him.

“Cadet Kogane, please tell us about the events of six weeks ago when you and several others disappeared in a ship that looked like a blue lion.”

“You wouldn’t listen to Shiro.” You never listen.

“Where did the lion take you?”

“Home.” The Blue Lion brought us to her home.

Another voice interrupted. “I was right! He is an alien! Ask about the knife!”

“Where did you get the knife you carry?”

“Parents.” It was in a box of things. The only things I got from them.

The second voice crowed. “See?”

“Get control of yourself. He’s not really giving us enough information to determine that.”

“But the amotrazephine—”

“Is not foolproof. He’s practically answering in monosyllables. We need details.”

“Then give him more!”

“Two doses sent him into a near-catatonic state last time. You’ll lose every chance if I do.”

“Perkins said he was controlling that! If we give him more, then maybe he’ll be too out of it to retreat like that.”

There was a long pause, enough to make Keith wonder if Darzi was about to lose yet another ally.

“A quarter-dose. I’m not willing to go farther than that.”

“Fine!”

Damn.

<> <> <> <> <>

As the ship touched down on level ground near its original location, Allura began issuing orders. “Hunk, lead the Metrean transports on a scouting run and see if there is a location they think will be suitable. Lance, bring your Lion in and go to the passenger halls and find the Holts. Shiro, check on Pidge. Coran, keep up constant scans in case more Galra show up. I’m going to the Arusian village to let them know what’s going on.”

Like the cogs in a well-oiled machine, they all sprang to do their part

<> <> <> <> <>

Lance raced down the hallways, answering questions from the former slaves on the fly. “We’re good for now! Galra ship is destroyed! We’ve landed, we just need to coordinate with the Arusians and find a good place for you all! Hang tight!”

He skidded to a stop in front of the door to the Holts’ quarters. It slid open to reveal Matt ready to leave and the doctor pulling on a jacket.

“What’s the word?” Matt looked at Lance with the mild squint he had developed in a year without glasses or contact lenses.

“We’ve landed on Arus. There was an issue with a Galra warship, but it’s been taken care of.”

Dr. Holt looked alarmed. “Is Katie all right?”

“I think so. Shiro? Have you got Pidge yet?”

“Almost. She’s heading back now.”

“I’m here, I’m here! Sorry! I promise not to forget my helmet again until I have the wrist communicators ready!”

“What wrist communicators?” Lance asked, baffled, and the Holts looked just as baffled since they had no way to hear the entire conversation.

“Yeah, so we can stay in touch even when we’re out of uniform.”

“Okay, that is a good idea. Meet me in your hangar?”

“What, now?” I need to go back to the village. I left my helmet and all my projects and—Shiro! I think I found where Dad and Matt are! We can��”

“Pidge,” Shiro interrupted. “Trust me. Take your Lion to the hangar first.”

“Why…okay, I’m coming.”

Lance’s grin threatened to split his face. He grabbed each of the Holts by an arm. “This way! Let’s go!”

<> <> <> <> <>

Pidge set Green down in the hangar and scrubbed one hand through her hair. She felt filthy after her desperate race from the Galra. She was definitely going to have a very, very long bath. She smothered an ‘ow’ when her fingers found the place where she had hit her head. Time in a cryo-pod was on the agenda as well.

But first she would see what the heck Lance thought was so important, then corner Shiro and Allura about rescuing her family before making the trip to Earth. Her arguments were logical and practical, but she knew Allura was frantic about Keith. And that was also a logical reaction, given that they had had absolutely no signal from him. But Keith couldn’t get into too much trouble on Earth, could he?

Lance and a couple of humanoids entered the bay doors on the other side of the hangar. Pidge wondered idly who they were as she left the cockpit and followed the ramp down to exit her Lion. People he had picked up on his adventure, perhaps. He had found a work camp of some sort and saved the workers from the Galra…

Wait.

It can’t be.

She jumped the rest of the way down the ramp and out into the hangar.

“Katie!”

She didn’t realize she had started running until she slammed into her father, flinging her arms around him. A second pair of arms enveloped them both. She heard a voice crying over and over, “It’s you! It’s really you!” Belatedly she realized it was her own voice.

“It’s us, all right!” That was Matt.

“Kiddo, we are so glad to see you!” Dr. Holt pressed his cheek to her temple and Pidge blinked. She was so much taller now than when they had left for Kerberos! Fighting a sudden wave of dizziness, she pulled back enough to get a good look at them. She noticed Lance hanging back and swiping his eyes in a suspicious manner.

“I can’t believe it! I just found records of where you were taken, I was about to beg Allura to go get you before we went back to Earth! But you’re here!” She jumped into her father’s arms again and hugged him with all her might.

“My turn, runt!” Matt tugged at her and the siblings embraced. Matt then pushed her to arm’s length and looked her over. “I think I like you better with long hair. You look too much like me, now.”

She stuck her tongue out at him. “It was the only way to get access to the Garrison after Iverson banned me. And it worked – they never recognized me there!”

Her father chuckled and laid a hand on her head. Pidge pulled back and hissed as pain flared. “Kiddo? What’s wrong?”

“Nothing important. Banged my head during the fight. That’ll teach me to leave my helmet behind.”

“Whoa, you’re injured?” Lance interrupted. “We need to tell Allura and get you into a cryo-pod!”

Pidge started to shake her head, realized that would be a huge mistake, and replied, “No, I need to talk to them first about going to the coordinates I found…” She trailed off as her brain caught up with the changed situation. Her family was already here. They could leave straight for Earth at any time.

Her senses were starting to get fuzzy. Pidge clinically assessed the probability of a concussion as her legs started to give out.

Lance darted forward and caught her before she could fall. “Yep, definitely a cryo-pod for you!” He scooped her up and headed for the hangar doors. “This way!”

<> <> <> <> <>

He could feel a difference now. His thoughts felt less under his control and his link to Red seemed more tenuous than before. Red!

I am here.

Don’t let me go!

Never, my Paladin. Stay with me.

“His brain function is a bit slower, but his heart rate is increasing. I don’t like it.”

“Ask quickly, then!”

“What is the Voltron?”

Keith tried to stay silent, but the notion that Voltron was a thing had to be denied. “Not the Voltron.”

“What do you mean?”

“Not an it. A team.” The best team I could ever be a part of.

“What team? Who else is on this team?”

“Answer us! Who else? McClain? Garrett? Gunderson? What happened to them?”

“Defenders…” Defenders of the Universe.

“A bunch of second-rate cadets, a compromised pilot, and a punk like you? How could you defend anything?” He felt a hand on his face, gripping his chin, and remembered the last time this man had laid hands on him. Panic sent his heart rate skyrocketing.

At that Red’s presence surged forward, stronger than ever before. She snarled in his defense. Paladin! Let me in!

Keith opened his mind to her.

<> <> <> <> <>

Blackwell forcibly yanked Darzi’s arm, breaking his grip on Kogane, and looked nervously at the monitors. “His brain function is quickening. I don’t understand how that could be.”

“Then add more amotrazephine! The others thought it was slowing things too much but that’s not the case!”

The medtech swallowed and put another syringe in place, ready to add the drug in tiny steps.

The youth opened his eyes.

His glowing, golden eyes.

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#scattered by avidbeader #voltron #voltron legendary defender #voltron fanfic #fanfic: voltron

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