The Missing Pilot

Chapter Four

"I miss him, Hunk. You're right, I... I miss him..."

"Hey, don't worry, Lance. We all do."

The two of them had paused after Lance admitted to wanting to talk. Lance sat against the wall currently, knees pulled to his chest and helmet in his lap. Hunk sat in front of him, staring at him expectantly and a little pityingly. Lance didn't like the look on his face, but he knew that Hunk was just trying to be a great friend, as he always was. He just wasn't in the mood for pity.

"But it's more than that, Hunk. Why can't Keith come home? I mean, it's tiring to not see his mullet head everywhere. He doesn't show up anymore. It's like he forgot about us. Yea, he's looking for his mom, but what about the family he has here?!"

Lance's fists clenched, and he pressed them to the floor, trying to calm down enough. He was angry, sure, but he was just sad. He hated being sad. Lance already had problems not being insecure, and those insecurities made him miserable. He couldn't have his feelings increase that misery, especially not when they were about to go on an important mission.

"Hey... how about we get up and walk, and we can talk while we do that. Maybe walking will clear your head, too. Plus, Allura's going to be upset if we're not there soon."

"Okay..."

They both stood and Lance hesitated.

"Hey, Hunk...?"

"Yea, buddy?"

He extended his arms and made a childish grabbing gesture. "Can I have a hug?"

Hunk smiled. "Sure!"

Those were Lance's last words before he heard his spine crack in no less than ten places.

"Thanks, Hunk!" Lance seemed happier once again, even if he was a little out of breath after his giant friend pushed the air out of his lungs.

"No problem, Lance! You looked like you needed it."

The two started walking, and Lance continued on his mini rant, already feeling a bit better to get it out rather than bottle it up. He carefully treaded around the concept of going to Keith, as he didn't know what Hunk would think of it; however, he did talk about the basics: his missing Keith, his anger at Keith for leaving, his logical reasoning. It was almost as if he was merely talking to himself, going through the stages of anger, acceptance, and understanding.

He hardly noticed they were approaching the main deck, but when he did notice, he shut up right away and clammed up. Hunk seemed a bit startled by the sudden stop, but didn't pry, as Allura was already starting to talk.

"Ah! Good! Lance, Hunk, you're here. Now that everyone's here, we can work on a battle plan before we depart."

They listened intently as Allura discussed a main idea— something she must have come up while waiting for them, or the Blade— and every so often, Shiro or one of the Blade members spoke up to offer input. Shiro and Allura were really the battle strategists of the group, so they usually let them lead on and the other paladins would follow suit.

"So, Pidge. You, Matt, and Shiro are going to go from behind and see if there are any doors you can find your way in with. I'll send a couple of members from the Blade with you."

"Got it, Princess." Matt nodded from where he stood beside Shiro. Pidge nodded in affirmation.

"Lance. You, Hunk, and a few of the Blade members will infiltrate from the left flank of the ship. Try to take out any drone planes, slice your way into the ship. But try and be as secretive as possible until the very last minute. We want to be completely stealthy and have the element of surprise."