Out Of Reach

9: Race

"His name is Macidus." Allura informed when she entered the conference room of the Atlas.

Earth's defenses were set up and Coran was confident about them and he had taught enough people how to operate them.

So for now they had stayed where they were. Floating in space a simple wormhole away from earth.

Keith glanced toward her. "And when do I get to talk to him?"

"You don't." Allura stated calmly.

"But-"

"I know he went after you and your family but you are not going charging in there." Allura scowled. "You're also injured and I would rather you rest."

"And Lance?" Keith asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Metal legs are easier to mend them broken bones." Lance shot back without looking up from his tablet. "Besides nothing is really happening so please just rest."

Keith huffed dropping his head back.

"How's Kosmo?"

"Grouchy." Keith grumbled. "He wasn't all too happy about being forced to teleport."

"Yeah, I joined him for some of that, it was not enjoyable." Lance chuckled. "So the Atlas is completely up and running."

"Yes, and we're hoping to integrate the castle fully into it." Coran mused. "A combination of different technologies."

"Has Sendak said anything yet?" Keith huffed, there was a clear sense of unease in his voice. He never did like just waiting around.

"No." Coran sighed. "But we now have a better opportunity to discover Haggar's hiding place."

"What will you do when you find her?" Veronica had entered with Iverson. She looked nervous.

"Once Lotor takes over from Kal Zera he is the rightful leader of the Galra, he can call their forces back and encourage them to surrender." Allura smiled.

"And Haggar?" Iverson frowned.

"She needs to be apprehended." Lance explained. "If we can do so peacefully then we'll bring her in and hold her like we are with Sendak until Lotor decides what he wants to do with her."

"And if it isn't peaceful?" Veronica whispered as she focused solely on Lance.

"Then we will have to use more forceful means." Keith huffed. "But killing is an absolute last resort."

Allira nodded. "We may need her help to undo the damage that has been caused."

"Good." Iverson nodded. "And do we have her location yet?"

"No." Allura groaned. "It's frustrating."

Lance was drumming his fingers against the table as he thought. Haggar had her claws in everything.

Everyone was afraid of her and the consequences of her power.

If he knew her location he too would probably be anxious not to share it.

"You know it doesn't look good on Sendak right now." Lance chuckled, he now had too much attention on him. "I mean he was caught by us twice and we've stopped his plans multiple times."

"That is true." Coran nodded.

"So he's not going to be in Haggar's good books by a long shot." Lance smirked. "I think it's time to poke the bear."

"I don't know about that." Iverson frowned. "Are you always this reckless?"

Lance just grinned. "If Sendak thinks Haggar is going to show him any mercy he's wrong. We can persuade him to tell us by reminding him that Haggar doesn't care."

"It's worth a shot." Keith nodded. "And yes, he's always like this."

Lance patted Keith's shoulder. "You wouldn't change me for the universe."

"You're right we wouldn't." Allura smiled. "I'll find Shiro and we'll attempt this again."

~~~

"So we've found Haggar?" Lance asked crossing his arms.

Apparently Macidus had been more than willing to inform them of her whereabouts.

It was slightly strange and Sendak seemed more irritated than before.

But they ignored him. If they had Haggars location then they could move forward.

"Yes, Lotor is already heading towards the location." Shiro nodded. "I advise you all get some rest. There's a potential this could end in a fight."

"Doesn't it always." Pidge huffed, stretching her arms above her head. "We've been warning everyone that Haggar is likely to strike. We knew it would come to this."

"I know." Shiro sighed. He looked tired again. "But this time we're going to win."

"That we will." Coran agreed.

"Does Lotor want any back up?" Lance asked tilting his head. "I mean more immediately than we're currently going."

Veronica across the room shot him a look.

"He has his generals." Allura explained. "And he assured me that he will be in touch the moment he is certain of her whereabouts."

"He doesn't want us zipping about the universe when he can make sure she's there before we go."

"Fair enough." Lance nodded. "I'm glad he's got open communication with us."

"I am too." Allura agreed.

"So while we're waiting to hear from them we've merged the Garrison's training deck with the castles features." Coran explained with a smug expression.

"Meaning?" Keith frowned.

"You can see how we've been training. It will keep all of us on our toes." Veronica informed. "Are the paladins of Voltron up for it?"

Lance glanced to Keith, a grin pulled onto Galran's face at the challenge.

He never turned away from a challenge and Lance would honestly be disappointed if he started now.

"Paladins?" Keith asked, his eyes never leaving Veronica's. But he didn't need to look at his team to know the confirmation that they were with him.

Pidge was the first to step beside Keith her Bayard appearing in her grasp, Hunk gave Lance a fistbump before his cannon formed. And Allura stepped across to join them, tying her hair up into a bun. Her warrior hairstyle.

"I would say we're more than up for it." Keith assured as he crossed his arms. "Hit us with your best shot."

"Excellent." Coran beamed. "This will be most exciting."