President Rashnek was known throughout Eioa to be a stubborn and short tempered ruler. He was what many considered to be an elitist, so when the Grangrin first arrived to the planet, his district was the last to accept them into their society. It wasn’t until recently that members of the Grangint were allowed to travel within the district, thanks to the efforts of President Drundlo’s wife Zati. The marriage between an Eioan and Galra was unheard of at the time, but it helped paved the way for the Galra to be fully accepted and assimilated into the Eioans’ world.

Though she was a scientist and a longtime member of the Grangint, Zati prided herself on her diplomatic skills. She had a way of connecting to others different from herself; a skill that was undervalued in the Galra empire. When Lotor proposed the idea of going to Eioa, Zati was the first to accept a position, knowing that she could finally put her talents to good use.

She was scheduled to arrive with President Rashnek two days prior to the meeting with the other district leaders so Allura taken it upon herself to prepare herself as best she could for their arrival. She studied the geography of Eioa and the district Bezirk in particular, familiarizing herself with its trade and resources; Drundlo had told her that Rashnek was vain and loved to be flattered so Allura wanted to be sure to impress him. On the other hand, Allura was excited to meet Zati. She was impressed with the work that Zati had put forth to better the relationship between the Galra and Eioans, and if she was anything like her daughter and husband, she’d be easy to get along with.

Allura had been alone on the bridge all morning until Shiro showed up. She wanted to remind him about Rashnek coming today, but after seeing how worn out he still looked, she thought against it, despite feeling guilty about it. Hearing him say that he didn’t sleep well brought back all the memories of them staying up and talking on the bridge. She knew that he struggled with sleeping because of his trauma, but they never talked about it. There were a lot of unspoken words between them.

Now that Shiro was back, Allura felt even more compelled to talk to him. Even if he didn’t feel the same way, she didn’t have the luxury of waiting for the right moment; there was always a threat on their lives. She wanted to believe that she didn’t have to sacrifice her ability to lead by being with him, but a part of her knew that just an excuse. After everything that Allura had been through, it was almost funny to her that this was something she was so hesitant about.

Promising herself that she would do something about Shiro later, Allura left the bridge to find Coran. Once she found him, they made their way to the Kafa, all the while Allura’s mentally prepared herself to meet with Rashnek. Coran glanced over to her and cocked an eyebrow.

“Where’s Shiro?”

“I’m not quite sure, to be honest,” She said cautiously.

“Didn’t you see him earlier this morning? Did you not tell him we were meeting Rashnek and Zati?”

“Well…” Allura slowed down before they reached the Kafa. “Not exactly…” Coran squinted at her, urging her to explain herself. “I was going to,”She huffed. “Alright, I didn’t tell him because I don’t think he’s quite ready for the stress of everything yet.”

Coran’s expression quickly turned sympathetic. “He didn’t look well when I saw him.”

“He didn’t sleep at all last night… I suggested to him to spend time with the paladins, so hopefully that’s what he’s doing. Drundlo will understand if he’s not there. He can meet Rashnek later.”

“It’s good that you’re concerned about him,” Coran said. “Just don’t leave him in the dark in an attempt to protect him.”

“You’re right… I need to talk to him later anyway,” Allura said, already feeling sick at the thought.

“I’m sure there’s plenty you need to tell him.”

Allura gave Coran a skeptical look as they stepped through the Kafa’s entrance. “What do you-”

“Ah look!” Coran beamed, his demeanor suddenly changing. “That must be them!” He pointed across the room to a couple who were speaking with Drundlo and Viltri. The Eioan who had to be Rashnek was short compared to the others, only coming to Viltri’s shoulder. His skin was dark gray that clashed with his bright yellow suit and slimy tentacles draped from his scalp and down his shoulders. Small, black eyes darted about on his round head and he licked his fat lips like a toad when he saw Allura and Coran approach them. Allura suppressed a shudder and looked over to the woman who must have been Zati. She mostly fit the description of a typical Galra with purple skin and yellow eyes, but her face held a calm sincerity that put Allura at ease with a simple smile. Viltri obviously took after her father in her looks, apart from her lilac hair, a trait Allura could now see she got from Zati. She stood slightly taller than Drundlo, but her body was lithe and she carried herself elegantly; She was the kind of refined and dignified that Allura hoped to be as a diplomat and leader, but she didn’t feel uneasy or threatened by Zati.

“You must be Princess Allura and Coran,” Zati said in a smooth voice. “I’m Zati, it’s a pleasure to meet you.”

“Likewise,” Allura smiled. “Your husband has spoken very highly of you and what you’ve done for Galra and Eioan relations.”

“I would hope so,” Zati grinned and gave Allura a wink. “I want to introduce you to President Rashnek, leader of District Bezirk.” She gestured to the slimy Eioan who squintee3d back at her.

“Nice to meet you,” Allura said with a nervous smile. “I have learned much about District Besirk and the technological advances it has made for your planet.”

“Hmm yes,” Reshnek smacked his lips. “Who else do you think built the Kafa? President Drundlo wouldn’t be nearly as far with his Quintessence research if it weren’t for my funding.”

Drundlo’s mouth twitched with thinly veiled frustration, but Zati was unphased by Rashnek’s attitude. “Some of the best Eioan scientists are from Beszirk, it’s true. Olorin is very grateful that we’re able to work with them to better understand our world.”

“We would love to have the privilege of visiting Bezirk while we’re here,” Coran said, which caused Rashnek to frown at him and smack his lips loudly again.

“We’ll see about that if I feel I can trust you being here.”

Allura nodded. “Certainly, we-”

“I’d like to see this Voltron business first before I consider taking you to my own district. I can’t just believe the word of a nearly extinct race that was incapable of protecting their own planet,” Rashnek grumbled. “I want to see it for myself.” Allura instinctively clenched her fists and bit her tongue to keep herself from losing her temper. He was even more insufferable than she imagined he’d be and she began to doubt how willing he’d be to join the coalition. If a majority of the district leaders don’t agree, she could forget about Eioa being an formidable ally.

“O-of course,” Allura said, trying to keep her composure.

“Rashnek,” Viltri said quickly, taking him lightly by the arm. “Did Hurb come to Olorin with you? I haven’t seen him in so long!”

A smile quickly spread across Rashnek’s face, his expression turning to that of delight. “Of course he did! He’s around here somewhere…”

“Why don’t we go look for him!” Viltri said, wrapping her arm around his and leading him away from the group. Allura looked to Zati and Drundlo in confusion.

“What was that about?” Coran asked. “Who the Quiznak is Hurb?”

Zati sighed and Drundlo rolled his eyes, looking more like an exasperated father than a stoic leader.

“He’s Rashnek’s son, and somehow even more tiresome than his father,” Zati said. “He has always liked Viltri and Rashnek would love nothing more than to see them get married. Rashnek would do anything to please his son, despite his initial hatred towards the Galra… those two are like spoiled, petulant children.”

“Children who have no business leading a District,” Drundlo mumbled.

“Viltri didn’t need to do that,” Allura said, but she was grateful that Viltri was able to change the subject and distract Rashnek so effectively.

“I wouldn’t be worried about her,” Zati smiled. “She’s more than capable of handling herself, plus Hurb isn’t much of a threat… he’s just… very, very annoying.”

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Allura laughed, relieved that Rashnek was gone. “So… do you think he’ll vote to join the coalition? I didn’t feel like we made a very good first impression...”

“I think if we continue to stroke his ego, we will have secured his vote by the time the other district leaders get here,” Drundlo said. “Maybe we can give him a tour of the castle? Show him the lions? Rashnek was fortunate enough to be elected president to a district that has long established itself as very advanced technologically. It’s thanks to his family money that he was elected, but Olorin has benefited from that money and as a result, the whole planet has never been more secure in our research. If we impress him, we’d be able to put that funding into helping you take down the Galra empire.”

“Absolutely… Though I have to ask, how did his family get so wealthy?”

Drundlo frowned. “Bezirk has had a… questionable history. When Zarkon first came to power, it was long rumored that there were those in some districts that sold weapons to the Galra empire. It’s been so long since then, and it’s never been proven, but in times of war, it’s a great way to make money... Rashnek would never admit to it, but his family rose to prominence in Eioan high society too quickly for it to be for anything reputable.”

“I see…” Allura felt sick at the thought.

“Rashnek is no better than his ancestors and can’t be trusted, but he’s a leader of a very influential district,” Zati said. “We’ll need to get along with him if we want his vote.”

“We understand,” Allura said. “I’ll start making arrangements to give him a tour of the castle… and I’ll need to make sure the paladins clean their rooms,” she said under her breath.

“Honestly, I think that meeting went better than I thought it was going to,” Zati said. “I’m sorry for what he said about your planet.”

“It’s alright,” Allura smiled. “But would it be too much trouble to ask you to accompany him on the tour?”

“Not at all! After spending so much time with him, I’m nearly immune to his terrible personality,” Zati laughed. “Plus, I’d love to see the castle myself.”

“Where’s Shiro?” Drundlo asked. “I saw him this morning, but he still didn’t look well rested.”

“Oh yes, I’ve been wanting to meet him,” Zati beamed. “It’s incredible what he’s gone through…”

“He’s still adjusting, so he’s spending some time with the other paladins today, but I’m sure he would love to meet you,” Allura said, looking to Zati.

“I look forward to it. Coran has told me you two make a wonderful team. We’re lucky to have you here.”

Allura glanced over to Coran who twisted his mustache nervously between his fingers. She scowled at him before turning back to Zati. “We’re glad to be here.”

***************

After getting back to the Kafa and doing some searching, Shiro managed to find Lance back in his room at the castle. He was sitting in the dark playing a video game, but thankfully the door was unlocked and he let Shiro in. Lance didn’t look at Shiro and kept his eyes glued to the screen. Shiro sat on the floor next to him and fidgeted with his hands in his lap while Lance continued to play.

“I’m surprised you’re in here when it’s so nice outside,” Shiro said, trying to gauge Lance’s feelings. Lance frowned, but continued to play.

“I think it’s a little hot out so I decided just to kick it indoors today.”

“Lance, you’re from Cuba… Besides, Hunk told me what happened this morning,” Shiro said, deciding to just address the elephant in the room.

Lance glanced over at Shiro. “It’s no big deal. Keith is just an idiot.” He continued with his game, trying to ignore Shiro.

“If it’s no big deal, then why are you hiding out in your room?”

Lance sighed and paused his game. He set the controller down and leaned back on his hands. “I just needed some time to cool off, I guess…” He looked at Shiro, then down to the floor. “Shiro, do you think… I don’t take things seriously enough?” He asked, his voice timid and quiet.

“Are you wonder if that’s really the reason Allura doesn’t feel the same way about you?” Shiro asked, already feeling a bit uncomfortable. He knew talking to Lance would bring up Allura, but he wasn’t ready to admit his feelings for her to a boy who felt the same way.

“It’s just- Keith said that’s why she didn’t and why I didn’t deserve to be with Viltri… I don’t know…”

“You know, when I came back, it didn’t take long to see that you’ve grown a lot. All of you have. You’re now piloting the Red Lion and you’re maturing individually and with the team. You can’t be perfect with everything, Not even with girls,” Shiro smiled. “You’ve still got some growing to do, but do discount the strides you’ve already made.”

“I know, but… I just don’t know what to do.”

“Well, let’s forget about the fight for a second… have you been worried about what to do about Allura and Viltri before your argument with Keith?”

“Yeah…”

“Okay, why exactly?”

“Well… things kind of happened quickly with Viltri, and I’m attracted to her, but a part of me isn’t sure if I like her just because she’s into me.”

“Because your feelings for Allura are holding you back?”

“That’s a big part of it. What if… I don’t know, what if I miss out something really good with Viltri because I’m too caught up on Allura? But what if I miss out on a chance with Allura?”

Shiro hesitated to answer, unsure if he could give Lance the best advice he needed. It would be too easy to tell Lance that he didn’t have a chance with Allura to give himself a better chance, but he cared far too much for Lance to do that. He wanted Lance to be able to make the best decision for himself and to grow from this sort of experience. “I think…” Shiro sighed and started over. “Have you had an honest conversation with Allura about this?”

Lance shook his head.

“What about Viltri?”

“We talked about it the other night… She said she didn’t want to wait forever for me to make a decision and to let her know when I’ve made that decision,” Lance laughed softly. “She’s been really patient with me… It makes me feel even more dumb that I can’t make a decision.”

“She sounds like she’s a girl who knows what she wants,” Shiro smiled.

“Yeah,” Lance smiled back at him. “She’s really great… maybe I should stop going after girls that are way out of my league…”

“Give yourself a little credit.”

“I mean, I am great,” Lance laughed, but his tone quickly became serious again. “There’s something about Viltri that scares me…”

Shiro furrowed his brow. “What do you mean?”

“She’s confident with herself in a way I’ve never been. It’s a little intimidating… she’s the type of person to constantly push herself to be better, how can I keep up with someone like that. What if she realizes that I’m really… not that special…” Lance’s voice trailed off.

“Have you told her this?”

“Well, uh… no…”

“You know, a lot of good can come out of just talking to someone,” Shiro smirked.

Lance groaned and sat forward. “I know.”

“Then just talk to them. It will help you make a decision… and don’t worry about what Keith said.”

“I mean… Keith wasn’t necessarily wrong,” Lance said begrudgingly. “And I didn’t necessarily say nice things to him either. Even if it was true,” he added quickly.

“Then why don’t you add him to your list of people to talk to.”

“I’ll think about it,” Lance grinned. “... You know, Shiro, with all this relationship talk, you really sound like an expert, but I haven’t seen you make any moves towards anyone since we’ve been out here. A handsome guy like you, totally out and alone in space,” he teased. “It’s surprising.”

“Well,” Shiro laughed uncomfortably. “I’ve been a little busy disappearing and losing my memories.” Lance had a point though and Shiro could now see his own hypocrisy. With all the advice he had given out today, he hadn’t done much to follow what he had told the others.

“Fair enough,” Lance shrugged. “Thanks for coming to talk to me… I’m really happy you’re back.”

“Me too.” Shiro rested a hand on Lance’s shoulder before standing up. “Keep me updated with Viltri, okay?”

“You got it.”