#and obviously i'm gonna put some more klance and romellura

[fictionfreakazoid]

VLD Fixit: Veracxa Preview

So obviously the way that the show half-a**ed everything except the animation was hurtful to everyone who had high hopes for it being actually progressive. Callout post after callout post, I just kept realizing how there were problematic things and missed potential the whole show that I kept giving the benefit of the doubt to but ultimately none of them were ever resolved. So I decided to write a fix-it fic to fix all the things they executed problematically and add things to fill in the lost potential instead of just moping around thinking about what it could’ve been. All those things people wrote amazing fics for during break hiatuses, all the lgbt+ and poc potential, weak plot points, development of interesting side characters, I want to address all of them in my fix-it. I started like a week or so after the show ended but I procrastinated on writing some stuff out and posting previews of it to get feedback because a) I was lazy and b)after being lazy *school* happened. But I’m finally posting one of the parts: an alternate version of the veracxa meeting! 

In my fic, I’m giving the generals redemption arcs where they were the ones who saved Keith from his almost suicide and were the ones that gave the team all the intel/were allies with them instead of Lotor. I have that arc written out, but for now I’m just gonna briefly talk about it’s context for this particular part. After Narti dies, the other generals again disable Lotor but this time instead of trying to turn him in to the Galra, they turn him in to team Voltron because they know the Galra might not respect the bargain and put them in jail because they are prejudiced against half-breeds. And eventually after giving team voltron consistent intel like Lotor did, they were eventually deemed trustworthy and were recruited by the blade of marmora. Eventually, the overall coalition (including bom and team voltron) get intel that Earth could be due for an attack soon, so the coalition (who have developed technology/taken adequate technology from the galra to do quick transportation across galactic distances) send a small team to Earth to help them with defenses, battle strategies, developing weaponry/ships to fight against the Galra and the like. Acxa and the other generals are on that team and thus *veracxa* happens! Also, after they join team voltron, zethrid and ezor start publicly dating (they were hiding it from Lotor cuz they thought he’d force them to break up because *the workspace*). A lot of this part is just context explaining, so I’m going to put three asterisks (***) right before the part where the veracxa meeting if you just want to read that part. Also, when I was writing this, I realized that both Veronica and Adam are waiting for their loved ones who left into space and are close in age so I thought maybe they could be friends and that’s all in the context explaining if you’re interested! I also thought how they didn’t really show how much concern team voltron’s family had when they were gone was problematic, their kids literally left to space and absolutely no one had a clue where they were or when they would be back, so I wrote in some stuff about how Veronica and anyone else who worked at the garrison kept giving the families updates on their progress in analyzing what little information they had. 

This is a work in progress and I’m really passionate about it, so I’m open up to constructive criticism and feedback, let me know what you think! I’m going to have a list of things I would like ideas for regarding other parts of the fic, feel free to comment on them or dm any ideas you have related to them! Also if you have any writing feedback/tips, feel free to tell me as well!

--

Veronica was walking with Adam to see the arrival of the new group of aliens that were coming to help Earth out from a potential Galra attack that they predicted from their intel from the Galra. The group included some top scientists to help make technology to get them ready for the attack, some ships and fighters capable of making a stand against the Galra and some battle strategists and trainers who knew how the Galra fights and knew how to counter it. There were already a few scientists here who had come to make ships capable of fighting the Galra; they had arrived a little after Sam Holt had come back to help him and the Garrison out. Sam Holt had distributed the knowledge from the castle of lions to the coalition over a line that was carefully secured from the Galra by the Blade of Marmora. When Sam Holt arrived, he had given videos from Lance, Hunk and Shiro to their respective families and had immediately begun to prepare for potential Galra attack. Veronica had been so relieved to hear that Lance and Hunk had been ok, she had been worried sick for her little brother and his best friend who had become so close to him and important to the family.

She had loved him being with her in the Garrison and they had had a lot of fun, when he had disappeared with barely a trace, she and her family had gone crazy with worry over them. She had worked with Colleen Holt, whose daughter had been with Lance and Hunk when they had disappeared, to use the Garrison resources to find out what happened. After they had disappeared, the Garrison had found Katie's equipment that she had been using to listen to the galactic network. With Colleen's help with finding people and resources in the Garrison with the skills necessary to figure things out, Veronica worked to figure out what had happened to them.  The Garrison had made a small division to investigate the Kerberos mission, not feeling that it was a high priority but still acknowledging its importance. They had some audio and video footage from both the Kerberos mission and when Lance and his friends had disappeared. They had also found a small shack that a kid named Keith had lived in when he had been kicked out of the garrison. The footage told them there was some kind of robotic blue lion that Lance and his friends had used to disappear and that there was some alien called the Galra. They had been able to find some personal notes supposedly from Keith's father from the shack that also gave some insight. They were able to find out that the blue lion robot ship thing was also magical and part of a weapon called Voltron and were able to confirm that the Galra were an alien threat. They were able to learn that the Galra were a violent empire seeking to control the whole universe and had been terrorizing the world for thousands of years. They further confirmed the Galra threat and voltron as a weapon using Pidge's equipment to listen to the galactic network. They worked on top of Pidge's equipment to listen to the chatter and documented and analyzed what they heard, but it was difficult to make too much progress. Pidge's equipment wasn't enough to actually send a message, and though they were working on making technology that was capable of sending a message out, it was not only difficult because of the unknown but definitely large distance between Earth and any intelligent alien life, it was also risky knowing what they had learned about the threat of the Galra. Though they recorded and analyzed what they could, they could only figure out so much with all the different alien languages and figuring out how behind they were technologically from what little they could understand from the transmissions they were listening to.

After some of their findings, the Garrison had reevaluated the importance of their work and had put more resources into the investigation and the results from their findings. Despite the bigger effort, they didn't learn too much more. They occasionally heard that Voltron had saved a planet or that the Galra were attacking a planet or something of the like, but they couldn't figure out any details and weren't making any progress with figuring out whether Lance and his friends were ok. Eventually, the investigation had hit a standstill, though the researchers were learning a little about aliens and their culture and technology, they were no closer to finding out what had happened to neither the Kerberos mission nor Lance and his friends. It hurt Veronica deeply that whenever she reported back to her and Hunk's family, she could never tell them any good news, or any news at all sometimes. During all the investigation though, she had gotten to know Adam very well. She had tried to hit on him at first, being the bisexual flirt that she was, but she not only learned that he was gay but also that he was in a tough romantic situation. He was a few years older than her (which is why she hadn't known of him earlier) and had been the fiancee of Shiro (who she had also tried to hit on before the Kerberos mission but had found out he was gay and taken anyways, now she knew who though). Despite Shiro having turned her down, she and Lance had always fangirled over him together at the Garrison and both of them had looked up to him as a hero (she had actually gone up to flirt with Shiro as a dare from Lance he had never thought she would follow through with). Over the time at the investigation, she had learned from Adam that Shiro had a disease, a terminal disease and that he hadn't wanted him to go on the Kerberos mission because of it. He had broken up with him when Shiro had left because he couldn't bear to be with someone who took risks that Adam had seen as unnecessary considering his disease; it had hurt Adam to see the one he had loved constantly choose to put himself in danger despite Adam's concerns for his well being. Despite the breakup, Adam still cared deeply for Shiro and had worked with the investigation into the Kerberos mission and that had been how they had met. Since they both had graduated the actual Garrison school and just worked there, they could leave the Garrison whenever they pleased (when they weren't working). Veronica's family lived far in Cuba, but Adam's and Shiro's families lived near the Garrison as their families also worked at the Garrison, but not in the piloting or technical fields. Veronica and Adam were both young prodigies in their fields, Adam being the best pilot second to Shiro and Veronica becoming one of their best technicians and analysts. Adam kept Shiro's parents updated on the investigation as they weren't able to be a part of it due to it not being in their fields, but felt similar to Veronica when he couldn't give them any good news. Despite him turning Veronica down, they had become good friends over the investigation. They had been the only young ones in the investigation, so they enjoyed each other's company. They trained in shooting together, they visited each other while they were working sometimes, they had long talks about their feelings, and Adam helped Veronica find people to flirt with and teased her constantly about it. Veronica was attractive and there were definitely plenty of girls and boys who were attracted back to her, but she never really tried to get into a relationship or actually pursue anything beyond flirting. Though she was outgoing and friendly, she didn't get along with too many people. Her personality was a bit much for most people and she hadn't really made too many friends over her life. She had really appreciated becoming friends with Adam, who didn't mind her strong, fierce and sassy personality. It had been nice to have support while she struggled through the pain of not knowing if her brother was ok.

When she had seen the video from Lance, she burst out crying, so relieved that he was ok. She was still scared and worried for him, now knowing he was what they called a paladin for the blue lion, but she was also proud that her goofy little brother was out there working to save people. She sent the video to her family and sent Hunk's video to his family. Although she was glad that he was safe for the time being, she still had to work with all the new information Sam Holt had brought with him. He had brought a lot of information and as she was one of the top analysts, she had had a lot of work to do. But knowing that Lance was ok made it a little easier. Sam worked with the information the investigation team had uncovered and then worked to get the whole Garrison involved and upgraded. The investigation team had actually gotten some information that even Sam hadn't had and it had been an overwhelming experience to put all the data together. With the new knowledge, Sam worked with the instructors to adjust the Garrison for the Galra forces accordingly. The Garrison had adequate piloting techniques and training, but they also had to get better ships to be able to fight the Galra and also had to train the students and current pilots to be able to actually fight. The scientists that had come a little later had helped with making ships and technology to fight against the Galra, but they still didn't know too much about how to actually strategically fight the Galra. That's why the new group of aliens who included more fighters and actual strategists were so important. Veronica and Adam had asked every single alien that had come to Earth about Lance, Hunk, Pidge, Keith and Shiro, but not a lot of them knew too much about them besides their roles as voltron paladins. But every little thing that they were able to tell them meant the world to Veronica and all their families. Veronica and Adam had also bothered Sam Holt to the maximum with all the questions they had asked him about them. They all told her enough to know that Lance was still himself but more mature and made her really proud of him, though she began to miss him even more. She also stood by Adam, who had to hear about all the crazy stuff Shiro had gone through. All the pain that Shiro had gone through hurt Adam, but Sam had told him how much of a difference Shiro was making. Shiro had made a video for his parents and for Adam. He had apologized for leaving for Kerberos and told them how much he had missed all of them, but he stuck with his choice because he's helping people who need his help. Shiro told him that he wished Adam was there with him, getting to see all the aliens and helping all of them out, Shiro telling him that he would've been great at it and would've loved having his partner alongside him. Although Adam was still concerned for him and still mad that Shiro had chosen to leave, he knew that risking his life and helping others is what Shiro had wanted to do and he couldn't ever change that. Now all he wanted was to be there alongside him to help him as best as he can, so he could be with the one he loved as long as he could.

***

When the new group of aliens had arrived, Veronica felt her heart drop. Among the group there was a gorgeous purple alien girl who looked super badass. She was next to 2 other pretty alien girls, but they were holding hands and seemed very happy together. Also, there was just something about the purple one that drew Veronica in. Adam looked at her and could tell what was about to happen and rolled his eyes but smiled. Though she knew she should be professional, as soon as the aliens were getting settled with Sam, Veronica pounced at the opportunity to flirt and use a pick up line.

“You must be one of the fighters because my heart has been shot clean through, ” she told her, giving her a big flirty smile.

“It doesn't look like your heart has been shot, and although I'm a highly skilled fighter I'm actually here as a strategist,” the alien replied, not having understood the flirt.

Not giving up, Veronica held out her hand to shake. “I'm Veronica. I bet you have a name as lovely as your complexion.”

Raising her eyebrow, the alien took her hand and shook it. “I'm Acxa, ” she replied, still not acknowledging the flirts.

Veronica was about to talk to her more but she was called over by someone from the Garrison. She told Acxa it was very nice meeting her while raising her eyebrows, though guessing Acxa still wouldn't understand her flirts, and went off to where she was called. Adam pats her shoulder and chuckles under his breath (she punches him in the arm for that) and they walk over to get down to work.

At a meeting for all the top people in each field, Veronica found Acxa leading the meeting with her strategies. Acxa's strategies seemed really well thought out, though Veronica didn't know too much about battle strategies to be sure. Acxa seemed a bit hesitant when presenting them, but Veronica couldn't figure out why since Acxa clearly knew what she was talking about and had good and smart ideas. At the end of the meeting, Veronica tells Adam to go ahead without her, and he shakes his head but smiles as he leaves. Veronica waits until everyone else had left the room and surprisingly Acxa had too, even though Veronica hadn't told her that she was waiting for her and she clearly couldn't pick up social cues well. When Acxa saw that Veronica was also there when everyone else had left, she hugged her own arm and looked down. Veronica walked over to her and laid her back on the wall.

“You don't have to answer this if it makes you feel uncomfortable, but I was just curious… why did you look so hesitant and anxious when you were presenting? You clearly knew what you were talking about and even though I don't know anything about battle strategies, I could tell your strategies were impressive.”

“I'm part Galra.” Acxa said, looking back at Veronica bluntly as if she had explained everything.

“And?” Veronica continued, expressing her confusion.

“Don't you distrust me because of that?” Acxa asked genuinely.

Veronica was taken aback by the bluntness of the question and Acxa mistook her shock as confirmation for her fears and hung her head down sadly. Veronica quickly responded to deny her misinterpretation. “No! No, no, no, no. You're working to help others face the Galra now and gave us good strategies when we desperately need it, and that's what matters.”

“Your peers might disagree. The blade of marmora often faces hate even from the people we help save because we're Galra. Not only that, but some of the blade itself dislike and distrust me and my 2 friends who aren't full Galra.” Acxa replied, seeming like she had accepted the situation though it hurt.

“Well forget about all them! You're going to make an important difference and potentially save lives with your good strategies. If anyone tries to tell you anything hurtful, I'll fight them.” Veronica said, passionately defending her.

“Are you a skilled fighter?” Acxa asked.

Veronica hadn't been ready for that serious question. “Well actually I meant verbally, but I mean I can shoot well enough with my blaster and I work out a lot.”

“Do you know how to fight in combat?” Acxa asks her.

Veronica looks down and blushes. “Not really… Do you?”

“I do.” Then Acxa frowns and lowers her voice. “All the Galra have to…” Acxa hugs her own arms and looks down. Veronica looks down as well but then looks up when Acxa speaks up again. “I was actually wondering if you'd mind showing me where my quarters are again? I could really use some rest.”

Veronica grinned. “Of course!” she replied enthusiastically. Then Veronica blushed at being so obvious but Acxa still didn't notice. “Follow me,” she told her, still grinning and blushing. Acxa smiled slightly and followed her.

The walk to Acxa's room had been silent, Veronica being too nervous to say anything. But she had really liked talking to Acxa and Veronica decided to take a risk.

“So, um, if you'd like, sometime I could give you a tour and show you around. If you want.” She said to Acxa, blushing and shuffling her feet.

“I'd enjoy that. Thank you for taking to my room.” Acxa then smiled and looked at her. “And for the words of support. I appreciate it.”

Veronica had a dopey smile on her face at that point. “Of course.” She just stared at Acxa after that, possibly even drooling. “Well, um I'll let you get your well earned rest now. See you later.”

“See you later.” Acxa replied with a smile, then she closed the door. Veronica then left with a dopey smile on her face.

(“Looks like it went well.” -"Shut up Adam”)

The next day, Veronica was training on her shooting skills. Veronica was an adequate shooter but she wasn't as skilled at shooting as she was for data analysis. After missing another shot, she huffed in frustration. The next thing she knew, there were firm but gentle hands on her arms, adjusting her position.

“You're too tense,” a familiar voice said behind her.

Veronica had almost died on the spot. She had not been ready for the sudden contact and had squealed loudly in surprise. Her face felt like it was on fire. “A-Acxa?” she stammered.

“Yes?” Acxa replied, acting as though she hadn't just made Veronica melt.

“I was just, I just wasn't expecting you come here. Although, as I think about it, you did say you're a skilled fighter. But you never told me what your actual weapon of choice is, or if you even fight with a weapon or just do close combat.” Veronica rambled, still unnerved.

“I am skilled with a blaster, but I'm just as skilled with close combat.” Acxa answered. “So I was wondering if you would mind taking me on that tour now? If you're not busy,” she asked nervously.

“Oh, um, of course! Uh just let me change into something more suitable. Let's go to my room first.” Veronica replied, still flustered at the whole ordeal but excited to hang out with Acxa more. When they reached the door to Veronica's room, Veronica looked at Acxa mischievously. “You know, I wouldn't mind if you wanted to come in while I changed,” she told her, raising her eyes flirtatiously. Acxa was again unfazed by her invitation and told her she would wait for her outside the room. Veronica sighed in disappointment but went into her room to change. She was still determined and decided to wear something really nice to try to impress Acxa. She wore an outfit with a lot of blue to match her eyes. Then she left her room and looked at Acxa. Acxa couldn't suppress a small blush and told Veronica she looked nice in that outfit. Veronica was shocked she had finally gotten a reaction out of Acxa for a change and happy she finally succeeded. Veronica grinned and hugged Acxa's arm. “Let's get started with the tour!” She exclaimed, openly excited as they started walking forward.   

--

I want to write out a bit more of the preceding plot before I write the tour, sorry for the cutoff just when the action was starting! On the tour, they will eventually talk about how Acxa wasn’t respected for her intellect both before she joined the coalition because she wasn’t full Galra and after she joined the coalition by ally planets who held their prejudices against the Galra even after the blade proved to be on their side. Acxa also hadn’t been well received by team voltron or the blade of marmora because of the initial distrust because of her previous allegiance to Lotor. Veronica had never discredited her aptitude because of her Galra heritage and defends Acxa’s intellect and tells her that she doesn’t care that she’s part Galra, she wants to become closer to her (similar to what actually happened in canon). 

Some things that I would like some ideas for:

The shadam dynamic/story before they broke up after Shiro left for Kerberos (Adam wasn’t even given a personality before they killed him off, he was just introduced as the love interest and I’m just not sure what kind of character he should be or what kind of partner he would be with Shiro)

The Garrison klance dynamic (I think it would be cute to write them a dynamic and story before they reunited because of voltron, they were there for a few years, there’s no way they wouldn’t have solid interactions when they were literally living together for years as kids) I’m having trouble thinking of a dynamic that’s cute and could fit in with Lance thinking they had a rivalry and Keith not remembering him enough to recognize him when they first reunite.

I had a few other things, but due to not getting back to this in a while and not writing it all down, I can’t remember. Again, any feedback and ideas would be appreciated!