thermalwind | Meme overflow

[ooc: From here.]

That's the only thing so far. Other than that they're an ancient race and know a lot of stuff we don't.

I've gotten a crash course on a lot of things. It feels sort of like the Garrison. Except we're not competing for the top scores we're getting better at staying alive.

Edited 2018-06-15 01:49 (UTC)

Like the Garrison, huh? I think I can accept Kolivan over Iverson, but I don't think "good food" is included in the stuff they know and we don't.

Edited (copy paste screwed me over) 2018-06-15 02:30 (UTC)

Yeah, I'll accept that the Garrison stuff was better. You at least knew what it was.

I never thought we'd see the day we found food worse than the Garrison's. Not counting Hunk's, of course.

At least the Castle's food goo doesn't have this kind of burnt chemical after taste. You get used to it but, it's gross. Especially when you have to eat it cold.

Good point. That's the first technology we should take to Earth some day, the conservation system that lasted 10k years.

So long as it's not introducing food goo on the poor unsuspecting people. It could be a good idea.

We hooked Allura and Coran on milkshakes. I think we can manage to put a some hamburgers and fries on them before they try to unleash the goo on Earth.

Man, you really miss burgers.

[He has a thought. It sits there a bit like those 3 am thoughts people usually are smart enough to not follow through with during sobriety. Or they dump it on their friends and family to escape it.]

Hey. You ever notice no one ever says what food goo is made out of?

I do miss meat. And fish and rice. And ramen.

[Look, Shiro is a healthy person, so when he has cravings for a guilty pleasure, it's not for sugar - it's for grease. With all the exercise he does, he's the one that can munch on two triple Macs.

Also squinting at the screen, this definitely smells of late night talks on the roof of the Garrison.]

Yeah. But I'm not sure I'd want to know. Have you checked with Hunk? Knowing him, I bet he didn't rest until he knew the exact ingredients.

[Those were great late night talks on the roof of the Garrison. He misses those sometimes when he isn't 210% focused on the war. What is downtime? For other people. And being dead. Asleep kind of dead, don't make that a joke.]

If I ask Hunk then I'll actually know. I'm not sure I want to know either.

I asked once what Galra used to eat before food goo. No one could answer me. It's just food goo all the way down I guess. Or they're screwing with me. Who knows.

[Spoilsport. Were you this mean back on the roof of the Garrison? Death jokes weren't a problem then, now were they! (Don't answer that.)]

The mystery will forever remain on your board then.

Really? Huh. Have you tried some of the older members of the Blade? I think there may be someone that was alive when Daibazaal was around.

And now your board too, unless you asked.

[Oh they were but, he could ignore them then. People made all sorts of remarks about death because of his father. Anyway, back to our scheduled 3 am thoughts.]

I think some of them are. It will take scouting around. We've all been really busy with veterans leading the missions.

[From here.]

[He mulls that over. Yes, Shiro could have just flown Black up and away. But he knows him rather well. Something feels off. It's like realizing he got set up in a fight and seeing the kick coming too late to dodge. What to do?]

I only saw the Black Lion but, I didn't see you. [He'd made a call. The right one no matter what anyone says.]

Lotor was in the Trial of the Kral Zera, wasn't he? If the explosives started going off you'd have been right out there to haul him back to the Lion. [He meets his friend's eyes with a calm he doesn't feel inside. He's grasping what he's seen and what he knows, shaping it together.]

I'm not sorry I made the call. [He's worried where this will go. At least he sounds calm and steady and looks the part. ...Why is Shiro is so hesitant? He doesn't like that look on his face. He reaches out to touch his arm and tries to gentle his tone.] I made sure neither of you died.

...Listen, Shiro. I'm not...I'm not judging you. You made your call. I made mine. I just didn't get the communication gap. If it was last minute that makes it clear. Just next time at least reach out to me. I'll pass the message on to Kolivan as fast as I can.

Edited 2018-06-15 02:19 (UTC)

Unless Katlenecker has piloting powers I'm not aware of, there's only two people that could be in Black.

[And Keith is the one commenting on it soooo. Don't mind him, bad humor is a good deflecting tactic. Keith should be used to it by now, so for someone that knows Shiro and his defenses so well, it'll be easy to notice the slight wincing that appears on his face after the comment.

It's a flash, barely there before he hides it, but boy does he feel called out. You'd have been right out there to haul him back to the Lion. It's true. He can't deny it. He doesn't know why is true but there's something crawling in his head that likes the sound of that statement.

And then Keith is-- apologizing? Quiznak. This conversation is a mess. In what is now tradition, Shiro puts his hands on Keith's shoulder and softens his look, letting go of the poker face for guilt to take over. This isn't the pick-me-up he was supposed to bring for a friend that is away, so his instinct to make his team feel well kicks in.]

Hey, buddy, it's ok. I wasn't judging you either. I was just a bit confused, because a couple of bombs wouldn't bother Black. But your reasoning is good, and you had little information. You made a good call, understood? I'm sorry I put you in a tight spot. I didn't mean to.

[This is the part where he would promise he'll do better this time. Communication is key, and Shiro has always promoted that thought. But this time... he can't bring himself to say it. He can't bring himself to trust his head.]

[He finds himself studying Shiro's face. Concern flashes in his violet eyes. He makes no move to step away. Something is off. Shiro doesn't usually deflect against him this badly. His instincts sharpen the world around him to crystal clear. If he were in the middle of a fight time would seem to stretch.

But he's still too untried and too hesitant to call Shiro on whatever is going on. Not even close to ready for what that might entail.]

You don't need to apologize. We both did what we had to do. You told me that you should only focus on what you can fix.

[Time to change the subject before this slides further and further towards things he doesn't know how to parse or fix. He wants Shiro to relax. He came all this way to see him specifically.]

Anyway now you know what I've been doing. [What Kolivan didn't say.]

Other than that 'Voltron show' what have you been doing with yourself, Shiro? Don't tell me it's been nothing but work.

[We both did what we had to do. It sounds so true and so wrong at the same time. Because yes, he did it what he had to do - but why did he have to do it? He hates it. He hates this feeling so much. And judging by Keith's look, this feeling is making Keith worry. Quiznak, that's the last thing he wants.]

I did. That stuck too, huh? I'm proud of you for taking that piece of advice.

[Encouragement, comfort, friendship, he has to concentrate on that, on the nice feelings Keith usually gets out of him... like the old times. He needs to take this break with him and allow his mind to relax... easier said than done. Thankfully Keith changes the subject to something easy to answer]

It's been... [Welp.] Mostly work. Lotor's intel is incredibly valuable, and we're trying to hit as much as possible before the empire realizes we have that information and takes precautions. [Speaking of the Empire getting there first, Shiro's face suddenly changes into something a bit happier when he remembers something.] We've found Commander Holt, were you informed of that?

[The change in Keith is immediate, his eyes brighten and he makes a small noise of surprise.] No. I wasn't! I just get the details that benefit my missions. That's great! Is he okay?

Is he staying at the Castle or...helping Matt? And yeah, Lotor's intel has checked out on this end too. It's all exactly as he says it will be. [It makes him uneasy. What the hell is that guy playing at or want? He says peace but, Keith remembers how meticulous he'd been to get his hands on the trans-reality comet. He puts that aside for now.]

And of course, that advice stuck. You've given me a lot of good advice over the years.

[Oh, seeing that face light up makes up for any awkwardness and pain they just went through. He's done the right thing in coming, even if Keith is giving him more reasons to be annoyed at the Blades. He hasn't been told this either? Quiznak. Those thoughts are kept hidden though, because Shiro is also happy to talk about Sam, and it shows.]

Yes, he is. He was the one that got the least problems of the three of us. [Meaning the Kerberos crew.] He had been sent to a facility where other kidnapped scientists lived doing research for the Galra. Still not an ideal situation, of course, but not as bad as it could've been. And... he's going back to Earth, soon.

[He doesn't add much there, because he isn't sure Keith wants to hear about everyone recording messages. There's nobody waiting for Keith back on Earth. Would he even want to go back some day? To visit his dad's tomb, maybe. Is he still dealing with his heritage in complicated ways? Knowing Keith, probably, he thinks.]

Giving advice comes easy to me, making you follow it is a whole different deal. You've grown a lot since we left for space.

[He snorts, the earlier mood entirely dispelled as he steps back from Shiro to fold his arms over his chest.] I follow your advice! Not...always when you give it but I use it!

[He rubs at the side of his neck as the compliment finally registers. It makes his chest feel a little tight. At least this time it has nothing to do with leadership.] ...we have all grown, Shiro. We had to.

But, I’m glad Commander Holt was found. [Going back to Earth. Then, he shuts his eyes.] If he’s going back to Earth maybe he can clear up some misunderstandings at the same time he gets their defenses up. You, Pidge, Lance, and Hunk can get your records set straight.

[His is...justified but he won’t talk about that. He moves on immediately.]

We’re still tracking that strange quintessence. Whatever is producing it we still can’t track down. Whatever is the source is incredibly powerful. It’s making me uneasy. This is so powerful I’d expect it on the front lines, used against Voltron and anything else.

Instead it’s being routed through old supply lines and ancient, almost abandoned bases. Why? The Galra Empire are never this cautious with a possible weapon. Any faction could use it to turn the tide against the rest. Yet they don’t. I don’t think they are even aware it’s being funneled in! We can’t track who does either.

[He turns back to the screens with a far away look on his face. If only they could track who is moving it! But there’s nothing. He sets a hand on the console and growls.]

First time I’ve ever seen Kolivan look frustrated was yesterday when we reviewed what we know. Which, isn’t much. You haven’t been getting updates because we can’t find much of anything on it!

Edited 2018-06-22 19:16 (UTC)

[Patience yields focus, and so Shiro waits for-- yep, there we go, the compliment finally reaches that little hot head of his. Shiro's eyes soften - aww, buddy. A nod.]

True, you had to. Some times I can't help thinking about how I had to drag four teenagers to war... but now I can't think of anyone else that could have my back.

[Keith moves away quickly from the topic of Earth, and Shiro notices the name omission there. In another context, he would've corrected that, told Keith that his record also matters. But since the boy is in a journey to find himself, well. Better not to add more struggle to it and the subject of his identity.

So instead he listens with attention, taking all the info in, also crossing his arms and resting his butt against the desk. Keith is right with every single observation, there's something there that-- that what? Frowning, he closes his eyes and takes a deep breath as he feels another headache incoming. Quiznak, he thought he was onto something! And it's gone now.]

You're right, it doesn't make any sense. All the power must be being put together for a bigger plan. Do you have a list of routes and bases? I can ask Lotor to follow it, he'll have clearance to look at them.

[That. That is a good plan, isn't it?]

[He thinks that over as he pulls up readings and data. His gut tells him that would not be wise and like always, he trusts it.]

It's fine. Lotor needs to focus on bringing the Empire back together and changing its mindset towards the rest of the universe. We Marmora can do this job.

[He feels like he backed away from a cliff and can't figure out why. It's been a feeling he's had since he tried to find out why Shiro was at the Kral Zera. The further and further they get from it, the more he falls back into calm seas.]

It's just going slower than anyone anticipated. Kolivan has a plan. We just have to trust whatever it is.

[The tension leaves his shoulders and he leans back, popping his back. It feels so good after being under machines or bent over data pads and tomes all day.]

It still doesn't make any sense. Feels more like someone is trying to ship this unnoticed. The question is...why?

[How or why it happens, he isn't sure. But it does. His mind goes blank and his mouth gets angry. Snappy. Definitely not the leader that listens to his team.]

It's not fine! Obviously Kolivan's plans are not working, we could get the information in just a few ticks if your so called boss wasn't so secretive at his supposed allies!

[He's left breathless after the outburst, who knows why, and he closes his eyes when his head starts throbbing. Great, another headache.]

[Silence falls, Keith frozen in place by the sudden outburst that feels like it's still ringing in the air. He had never heard Shiro lose it. His mind flashes back to their arguments weeks, months ago.

Yes. He had. Hindsight is a bitch and he's staring down at it uncertain what to do and how to approach the situation.] ...Shiro.

[It's like treading on shaky ground but this is Shiro. He'd walk through fire for him.] Shiro.

[He steps closer to him, not touching but letting him feel he's there.] This is just how the Blades are. It's how they've survived. Are you okay? What's eating you?

[It may be silence for Keith, but for Shiro not so much. The inside of his head is about to explode. He grabs the side of it and takes deep breaths, trying to ignore the throbbing, the pain, the way his heart beat races and his metal arm almost... like... itches.

Keith saying his name is what makes him snap out of it, and Shiro looks at his friend with eyes that widen when reality sinks in. Did he just..? Quiznak.]

Keith, I-- [He steps back until his body hits a wall, feeling confused, and guilty. Scared.] I'm sorry. I didn't mean to.

It's okay. [It isn't. He doesn't know how to fix this and Shiro isn't telling him what's wrong. Something is really wrong.

He steps slowly closer, voice soft and low.]

It's okay. We'll fix it. Talk to me, Shiro. What's going on with you?

[He stops just in reaching distance but to the side. Shiro had backed up into the wall. Crowding him wouldn't be a good idea and it's a reflex to do what Shiro needs him to do.]

Everything will be okay.

[What's going on? Shiro would love to know, too. Is it just PTSD? Or something else hidden in his mind that is trying to come out? He can almost hear Sendak's voice again, telling him what he really is...

But he can also feel Keith's presence near him, and that helps him stay in the here and now. He's worrying, and Shiro doesn't want him to. Here with the Blade, Keith is finally finding himself, right? Finding his way. Shiro can't get in the middle of that, can't have Keith going after him forever.

So he looks at him and tries to smile a bit - usually hiding behind a poker face mask works, but this time the throbbing is too strong and the smile is very obviously forced. No, it's not okay indeed.]

Sorry, buddy, didn't mean to upset you. It's a headache. I've been having them since I came back.

[Technically not a lie, but not the whole truth either. Still hopefully enough to dodge the subject and not make Keith worry (too much).]

[He had been lost spinning in space again. Seeing Shiro force a smile stopped everything. The howling within his head that is his thoughts all the time ceases. There is only clear clarity.

Shiro has something wrong with him and he keeps trying to dodge around what it is. It hurts a lot to know something is going on and be told without words not to assist.

The facts all stream through his mind’s eye. Shiro had been having headaches since he came back. He just had an outburst and Keith can count on his fingers how often Shiro had those before he came back. He still sees himself as the cause of their wars and fights after Shiro got back.

He hadn’t wanted to lead. He still doesn’t.] ...stay here.

[A pause.] Please.

[He walks away, deeper into the room. He grabs a packet of water and jams a straw into it. If he dared suggest pain killers. He grabs the bottle anyway. He barely uses them. He sets both on the side of the console closest to Shiro.]

You didn’t upset me. I’m worried for you. Why didn’t you mention these headaches sooner? Who else knows?

[It’s not a lie. He’s scared not upset. There is a difference. He stuffs all that inna box to focus on aiding his friend.] Maybe you lay down for a while.

[Nobody can assist - this is between him and his mind. He can't show this weakness now, let it get in the way. The team, the coalition, the universe need him. Besides... all the quiznaking things that have happened to him... they're too dark, too much. He can't let it reach them - they've already been dragged to this war because of him. He won't allow it to get worse.

That's a weird request though. Where else would he go right now? He wants to tell Keith that he doesn't need to plead, but his answer ends up being just a nod. When Keith returns, he'll find Shiro having taken over his chair, legs crossed and eyes closed as he tries to meditate and make the headache go away.

It obviously doesn't work - nothing ever does. But when he opens his eyes for Keith, he notices that bottle and eyes it with interest.]

Sorry for making you worry then. [Watch him dodge those questions like burning. He does sip some of that water before asking.] Are those simple pain killers?

[Because he doesn't want any heavy drugs. Ever again in fact. His mind is already a mess, and he doesn't want anything messing him and his senses up even more.]

It's alright, Keith. I don't need to lay down. I came to visit you, I'm not gonna spend this little time we have napping.

They’re simple. We can’t afford to be slowed or our senses distorted. [He has always had a high pain tolerance. It came from moving from one battle to the next. Now it might be better not to ask how much he can take now. He leans back against the console and watches Shiro.]

So I’m the only one that knows you’ve been having chronic headaches. [Keith’s expression turns as neutral as Kolivan’s is most days. It’s a stillness of mind and body. As if he were made from stone.]

Shiro. You came to visit me but your health matters to me. At least take the pills. Take them with you. I don’t use them and before you protest that, I can always grab more from our stores. Most of us don’t use them unless it’s dire. The team needs you.

[In other words, he can weather hell but he isn’t necessary. He’s just a Blade.]

...I won’t tell anyone but you should.

Meme overflow

Galra security firms shape up, jfc

in which reality?

that is a good question.

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Not well is about how this will go.

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