Ch. 1: The Talk Show

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  The captain of the Atlas stared at the screen that hung from the wall just a few feet away, counting the seconds that went by. Small beads of sweat formed on his forehead, slightly infuriating the makeup artist as she had to keep touching up her work. Shiro uttered his apologies, but his eyes kept drifting to the screen. Pidge was sitting by the desk of talk show host Erin Nowa, laughing as Hunk smiled from his spot beside her. Evidently, Hunk had recounted his time on their first trip to Clear Day during their expedition all that time ago.

  Yes, the Takashi Shirogane of the Atlas was in a talk show studio. The waiting room, actually, until it was his cue to come on. The idea was something Rizavi recommended to help "get close" to those they saved. Answering questions on live feeds around the globe, that was evidently her way of interpreting that. The large man couldn't help but feel a bit uptight about the publicity. Usually when people asked him questions, it was in the bridge of the Atlas, even then they were mostly just shouting for his next orders. Ironically, it was much less intense than having to project himself in such a public manner. He had given speeches on behalf of Voltron before on live television, but this was more of improvisation rather than getting the time to prepare. The attention wasn't what intimidated him, it was more of the questions that could catch him off guard in his time there. Not to mention, he had a little...announcement.

  Realizing he was only stressing himself all over again, he took a deep breath in and released it gently through the small O of his lips. Besides, he was here to help support his fellow (former) Paladins, at least those who were available at the moment. For this talk show, Pidge and Hunk were around for an appearance, currently live on the set and speaking as the topic was circulating around Allura's anniversary of her sacrifice, whose date was coming up soon.

  Keith, now taking the role as a full-pledged Marmora member, was several galaxies away on his journey to support planets in need. He was content with his new mission and called when he could, but he could only keep in contact for so long before getting back to work. Coran was still overseeing the Castle and fulfilling his role as the New Altean Minister, he'd only made enough time in his ever-so-busy schedule for their annual dinner. As a matter of fact, his input the interview was insisted on Shiro wearing that one shirt from the promotional events of the Voltron Coalition, in which the captain quickly but calmly refused. Lance was asked to come, as he lived on Earth. The now farmer turned down the offer, though still agreed to come and travel to Altea with them for the anniversary. As to why he refused that opportunity, the others had an inkling of a clue but had been surprised. After all, such an offer was something he'd once brag about having in the early times of being a Paladin. He was intent on spreading Allura's message, but his response was simply, "Yeah, shows can get news out fast, but it's a bit flashy." And that was that, none of the others wanted to say anything more of his choice. 

  The door opened and the head of a young woman with a headset popped, scanning the room though stopped when she spotted Shiro. "Ah," she exclaimed, waving him over. "Captain Shirogane, you're up!" With that, Shiro got up from his seat on the couch and walked out behind the woman, smoothing his uniform as Headset Lady gave him a brief rundown of the show routine. Posture, clarity in speech, etcetera. Soon enough, they were by the doorway of the set, the captain waiting for the cue.

  "Well!" Erin chuckled, wiping a non-existent tear from her eye and finally settled her gaze on Pidge and Hunk. "It is such a shame I couldn't tag along, but let me know if you're heading over to Clear Day next time! And speaking of tagging along, it seems a good friend also decided to stop by and chat!" The host faced the audience and beamed proudly as she gestured to Shiro's side of the set. The cue. "Former Paladin Hunk works with him in his ongoing quest of diplomacy. Ladies and gentlemen, coming in this exclusive interview, we are proud to welcome the head honcho of the ATLAS ship, Captain Takashi Shirogane!" That being said, Shiro began to stroll onto the set, smiling and waving to the audience, who were cheering and applauding at a nearly deafening level. Pidge and Hunk stood and greeted their old friend when he neared, shaking his hand or a side hug. 

  "Feeling nervous?" Pidge murmured through her grin. 

  "Can't say," Shiro replied though his own smile. 

  "Lucky. I can't tell if I'm doing this right," she muttered, quieting as the trio seated themselves and the audience settled down. 

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