Beyond the Stars

Feast at the Least

Gathered in a huddle was a bunch of strange green creatures. Lance and the others approached them carefully, trying not to alarm them.

Hearing their footsteps the green aliens turned around to face the paladins. From their changed position it was easier to inspect these creatures with strange features. They looked to be fairly taller than the other aliens the paladins had encountered before, probably averaging around 5'5 ft in height. With bodies the color of sage complemented by a leafy mane, a bit lighter than their blob-like build. On what looked to be their foreheads was a dark star shape; notably they also had tall horns and a whip looking tail that also had leaves sprouting from it.

Lance approached them slowly, the aliens still watching with easy eyes. From their tails he could see seeds coming from the leaves. They looked so earth-like, and Lance could feel himself getting emotional. But he pushed those feelings aside and got down to business. "Hi there." He said steadily, walking a bit closer but still keeping a comfortable distance. "We received a distress signal from this planet, and came as fast as we could."

No response.

Lance could feel the awkwardness in the air as the creatures just stared at him. But Lance kept going. "We're the paladins of Voltron. We're here to help."

No response.

Lance looked back to Pidge and Hunk with pleading eyes. 'Say something, anything.' Was what he was trying to say.

But they didn't get the memo.

Then the horns of the aliens began to lightly glow. On and off, on and off. It was strange and none of the paladins could understand it. "It's how they communicate." A voice interrupted.

The blue, yellow, and green paladin all turned around in unison to locate the speaker. And there walking down the hill was no other than their red paladin.

Inching closer to the group his face became more visible. He looked awful. His paleness before now paled in comparison, as he stopped before them looking like a corpse. With dark circles being the only color on his face.

Lance just stared at him still in disbelief despite his cool reaction back when Keith had landed. Looking his way now the red paladin caught Lance's staring and returned it with a cocked eyebrow. "You guys look like you've seen a ghost." Keith deadpanned, his voice so quiet it was drowned out by even the silence.

It was obvious how uncomfortable Keith looked; it felt like at any moment he'd run away and lock himself back into his room. He definitely wanted to, but resisted the urges for the sake of the mission.

Still in silence the green and yellow paladin continued to stare at Keith, their gaze making him feel even smaller. He wanted to disappear. 'This was a mistake.' He thought.

Before he could think any further or make the situation any more awkward Lance once again tried to talk to the creatures. Who were now just staring back at the paladins blankly. Deciphering their expressions seemed impossible, as their eyes were but dots, and their mouths weren't visible. Only their small nostrils could be seen below their tiny eyes. "What's the matter?" Lance asked softly. "Are you guys okay? Are the Galra here?"

They didn't answer him. Instead one the aliens came forward and placed probably what was their equivalent of a hand on Lance's arm. Slowly moving down to his glove and pulling it off. "Ah- hey!" Lance jerked his hand away and rapidly pulled his glove back on. "I need that."

Lance looked back to the alien who stood idly in front of him, palm still out. Then it clicked. He carefully pulled his glove back off, feeling the warm air of the planet brush his finger tips. He held out his hand to the creature before him. It taking his hand gingerly as it pressed its soft palm on top of his hand. <"Greetings, Lance, blue paladin of Voltron." A voice echoed. "Welcome to Fervia.">