Galra?

Chapter 1: Keith?

Thump Thump Thump Thump

I tried to focus on anything other than what I was seeing.

Hundreds of prisoners.

Forcibly controlled in their home.

With a shaky inhale I did my best to keep an even tone when speaking, "Is this really necessary? Don't you think we have plenty? I mean how much quintessence do we really need?"

My guard let out an unamused chuckle, "Your Highness, we need enough quintessence to power our entire cause. Do you really think that only a few hundred puny Alteans could do all that?"

"Well, no. I suppose not. It was a stupid thought. Obviously we would need much more than that."

"Exactly," without moving my guard said, "Shifts are rotating, I will see you later, your highness. If anyone gives you any trouble- you know how to find me. And, maybe try to relax a little, I understand the responsibility Zarkon put on you. It does not help anyone if you can not get out of your head. Take a walk maybe."

I watched her walk away. I really did enjoy her company. I wonder what she thinks about everything we are doing here... I stared down at the pathway, so many people, handcuffed and chained. I know why my father had commanded it... but it seemed so unfair. Couldn't there be a better way? Although the path they walked was not too long, the Altean prisoners were not quick about walking it. Even I wasn't sure the degree of pain they were going to be in.

Straightening my back out, I decided I was going to check those undergoing the procedure. I needed to get my wits about me, they are just prisoners after all. Their lives don't matter.

Thump Thump Thump

Every step I took made me more anxious.

The front gates were magnificent, beautiful architecture for such a blood curdling operation. I walked with authority, ignoring the sentries. They had orders to salute to me but I was under no similar command. I wasn't sure where I was going so I followed the path of Alteans. Thankfully, there were no children. I think that would have been my final straw.

I got to a pair of closed doors. That was where the trail of people stopped. I tried my hardest not to look at the prisoner standing to my right. There were 2 sentries at the door. They both solute to me.

"Your highness! I wasn't expecting you to be here! Vrepit sa!"

"I am here to check on how things are operating. I am to send numbers back to Zarkon this week. I need to check that we are on track to meet our goals and that we are taking advantage all that we can of this opportunity Zarkon has graciously gifted to us"

"Oh yes of course! Follow me, your highness. Another sentry will be here in just a moment to fill my position." The taller one paused to walk down the hall to a different door, " Your Highness, I do want to warn you it can be a bit shocking at first in the chambers."

Thump Thump Thump

I thought my heart was going to leap out of my chest. I swallowed. "Proceed." We continued walking.

Thump Thump Thump

This isn't right. No, it's fine. We aren't killing them. We are just borrowing life force... Against their will.

Thump

I followed through the door. I was met with a blinding light.

And the sound of pure terror and anguish.

"WAIT NO NO PLEASE! I HAVE A DAUGHTER! PLEASE LET ME GO! NO YOU CAN'T DO THIS!"

*****
Gasping, I sat straight up in bed. Cold sweat dripped down my back. Trying to catch my breath I looked around the room... The clock read 2:46. Damnit,  guess I will be tired tomorrow. Sweeping my hair out of my face I stood up to go take a shower.

The feeling of water hitting my face certainly helped. Other than the fact every time I close my eyes I am reminded of that bright bluish light. I tried to picture the flowers here on Earth. I always loved flowers, I found so much comfort in them. My favorite is water lilies. They are just so beautiful. I poured my soap into my hand and tried to remember what water lilies smell like. Fresh and lightly sweet. Lance said they smell a bit like a lemon.

Lance.

I focused on the image of his face, his bright blue eyes. And his stupid smirk. I smiled, then frowned. I doubt he ever thinks about me. I turned off the water from the shower. I decided I could walk around the city a bit. Even though my city apartment was on the bigger side for what it is- it was still not as much space as I was used to having to roam around in. I quickly got dressed, shoved my shoes on, grabbed a jacket and left. Keys and wallet in hand.

It had been about 6 years since I left and about 4 years since Zarkon was defeated. Life returned to mostly normal for those already accustomed to living on Earth. For me though? It was a struggle to get used to life here. Even though I would much rather be here, sometimes I wish I could go back. Only because I knew my place and (for the most part) what was expected of me. Here on Earth, I had to find my own place to live, a job to pay for my place and all my things, and tons more.

Probably the weirdest thing though, was all the alone time. Except for my job, I could be alone whenever I wanted, which was most of the time. Living with the Galra, I was scarcely alone.

I stepped out the door of my apartment after passing the front desk. Andddd it's raining. Because of course it is. I actually don't mind the rain too much, at least my hair is already wet. I wasn't sure where I was headed exactly. I just knew I needed to clear my head. I was thinking way too many thoughts, about my dream, the rain, Lance?

Wait. Why was I thinking about him? I should not continue to do so. I spent 4 months with him while I was trying to get on my feet. Now he has his own life. He has a farm or something? About 20 minutes outside of the city I think was the last I heard. I had texted him about 6 months ago but I never got a response... I wonder why. I shook my head and took a deep breath, turning a corner I haven't seen before. It doesn't matter why I haven't heard anything. It doesn't matter anymore, I have my life and he has his. Period. If he didn't want to text me back that is his own problem.

A cold shiver went down my spine. Wow, it is a bit chilly. I suppose it is mid october. And raining. I rubbed my eyes. No, there weren't tears forming. A cold wind just... hit my eye. Yeah. That's it. I am not upset that he didn't respond. I know I'm lying to myself, it doesn't matter anyway. He probably doesn't even remember I exist.

Inhale. Exhale. Inhale. Exhale. I close my eyes.

CRASH!

I quickly open my eyes, I look around. I don't see anyone.

"hEyy?" a male voice calls. I peer down the alleyway. It's a dark haired... blade of marmora soldier?? He's covered in bruises? He's trying to walk but clearly stumbling. There is a trash can to the side from him, that must have been what made the noise.

"Are you okay??" I ran over to him, getting a closer look I noticed he was covered in cuts as well. He was bleeding, and bad. There were cuts everywhere I could see on his body.

"Clearly nottt," the man slurred as he looked up at me. Shocked, I took a step back.

"K-Keith?!" I steadied myself. I hadn't seen him in years.

"Huh? Oh yeahh. Hi, It's nice to see you again Adra," Keith completely collapsed into me.