The New Prince

Chapter 43

Lance, amazed that six and a half months had passed by since Maryann left for Earth, sat alone in the control room, pondering on the events that had occurred since their escape from Doom. It had taken a great deal of work, patience, and even keeping his mouth shut at times to put up with Keith. That in itself was not easy for him.

Physically, the commander was back in shape and stronger than Lance remembered. On the outside, Keith was fine, mentally… that was a different story. To Lance, it just wasn't the same Keith. When he looked at him, he saw a darkness that seemed unending.

Keith now calculated every move, questioned every why…as if making sure whatever decision he made, was one hundred percent correct. He didn't trust anything or anyone, beyond the team and Coran. And since there had been an increase activity of Drule attacks lately, he continuously questioned anyone on guard, making sure they reported to him if anything odd appeared on the scanners.

The commander had mentioned to Lance that something was coming, he wasn't sure what it was, but it would be big. They thought Zarkon, who they hadn't heard from in months, would be back to retaliate against them. He instructed Lance to increase practice battle sessions and security in the castle, especially where Allura was concerned. Sometimes Hunk and Pidge thought Keith was being a bit too paranoid, but Lance knew that his friend had seen many things at Doom. Lance definitely knew Zarkon would retaliate, especially to retrieve Keith again.

A sudden call broke his concentration. He knew who it was and picked it up, "Admiral, how are you doing this evening?"

"Good lieutenant." He answered with a smile, "How's my boy doing?"

It was a secret Lance and the admiral kept in contact. A weekly call occurred so that the admiral was informed of Keith's progress. If Keith finds out, he would kill me! Lance thought, but he also knew the admiral outranked both of them, so at least he felt somewhat protected. Somewhat.

"He's increased security in the last two weeks." Lance replied. "But he's not sure what he's looking for yet or what we'll encounter."

"Has he told you anything else about that so called feeling he's been having?"

Lance shook his head, "No. Maybe Allura will get him to talk more." Lance sighed, "The princess took him out to the lake. It's the first time he's gone back there since…that happened."

Graham nodded in understanding.

"He's different you know." Lance continued with a somber tone.

"Things like this…well, they take time for someone to get passed them." The admiral paused for a bit, "Lance, you do know he'll never be the same again, don't you?"

Lance sighed again, "He's always been a guarded, careful person. This thing…well, just made him more doubtful of others. I know he'll never be the same Admiral. He takes care of us a lot more though."

"He'll never let any of you go through something like that again. That I'm sure of." The admiral stated. He sighed, "So…he's with the princess?"

"Yeah," he answered uneasily. "Allura's never really left his side for the last six months. She really cares for him…as a friend of course." The princess had begged Lance to keep her relationship with Keith quiet to the Garrison. She wanted to let them know when they were ready give the news.

The admiral smiled. He was too old to be fooled. "Just make sure that they are all right." He suggested.

Lance had made sure of that too. Allura, as well as the rest of them, now had a small chip inserted in their left temple. If anyone was more than fifty miles away from the perimeters around the castle, Lance, or anyone on duty, would be alerted immediately. He also made Allura promise to keep her comm. unit close to her. "Don't worry Admiral, I have them both checked." He stated looking at the screen, noting that neither had gone beyond the perimeters of the chip.