A New Hope

1. Too Many Echoes (Keith)

Keith

"...while I agree further cooperation with the Blades and Earth is vital, rebuilding Daibazaal should take priority. After years of battle, we have no infrastructure apart from the fleet. We need schools. We need agriculture..."

My focus slips, and Senator Areez's words recede into the background. She's been going in circles for hours, and I can't wait for her to shut up so we can wrap the proceedings for the day. This whole diplomatic thing seemed much easier when Allura handled it, but then she made everything look easy. Also, who could have known that the Galra would throw themselves into politics with the same vigor they used to reserve for battle? No more killing thrust. Killing our enemies by talking them to death, that's our new motto. A smirk threatens to appear on my lips, which, of course, doesn't escape Kolivan, who sits opposite me in the oval chamber where the newly elected Senate holds their hearings. Although, does five years count as newly elected?

Kolivan scowls at me, and I rearrange my features into a mask of polite interest. Not ones for expressing emotions, the Galra, apart from anger and confusion. But they're learning. We're learning. We're a part of the Galactic coalition now, with me serving as a Senior Advisor on intergalactic relationships. Originally, I refused, but I gave in after a year of constant nagging from the Paladins, Krolia, Kolivan, everyone. Not like I had much else to do after Voltron dissolved and I left the Atlas and Earth behind. Too many memories.

Too many reminders of what could have been. Too many echoes dancing around the hollow space in my ribcage where my heart used to beat. I needed a new direction, and this seemed as good as any. It's more boring than traveling the universe in a magical lion, but that's not unexpected. Also, more than a little lonely, being stuck among the people who are mine but who still consider me an alien. The worst thing, however, is that it doesn't help me forget I still miss him so much it hurts to breathe sometimes. Everyone keeps saying time heals everything. I hope they're right, hope the gaping wound around my heart will close one day and stop twinging at every mention of his name.

Right on cue, a muscle in my chest spasms, forcing me to rub it furiously. A long time ago, I decided not to spare him any more thoughts, fulfilling the resolution by cutting off almost all contact. But the ache persists, incurable, never-ending.

My communicator flashes with an incoming message. When I see who it's from, the slight twinge grows into a furious monster, digging its claws into my insides.

From: Takashi Shirogane

Subject: A Wedding Invitation

Oh, fuck.