[56] Well, that's my cue

                                    

                                          
"So you got chased by the mall police?"
                          
Lance finished taking a sip of his smoothie before holding up a finger accusingly. "Look, maybe we didn't do the best parking job, but that's entirely unrelated to Kaltenecker."
                          
Therra laughed, stretching out against the table, very catlike in her movements. "I can't believe you nearly bought a- a what did you call it?"
                          
"Cow." Lance snorted. "And if I got her I wouldn't have to worry about half the supplies for milkshakes and smoothies."
                          
"Gross." Therra commented, wrinkling her nose. "Where would you keep it, anyway?"
                          
"What sort of dumb question is that?" Lance shrugged with one shoulder, nursing his smoothie with his hands. "On Blue, of course."
                          
Therra threw her head back with another laugh, fangs glinting in the light. "Something tells me that's a bad plan."
                          
Lance grinned. "Maybe, but that's why I didn't get her, as much as I was tempted to."
                          
"Rinnai."
                          
Lance turned at the voice, straw halfway to his lips. 
                          
A Canine-like alien stood in the doorway, flanked by two large armoured people Lance had never seen before. 
                          
Therra stood up abruptly, shoulders tense. "Y-yes, captain?"
                          
So she was the esteemed Captain Olia. 
                          
Yeah, Lance could see where Matt was coming from with the whole "furry" thing. 
                          
"Come with me."
                          
Somehow, Therra stiffened even more. Her eyes slid over to Lance, pleading with him silently. 
                          
He took a long sip of his smoothie. 
                          
Her expression morphed into something more threatening, fangs peeking out as her upper lip curled. 
                          
"Yes?" Lance said, quirking an eyebrow. 
                          
Therra's eyes darted to the three figures in the doorway, then back to Lance. She raised her eyebrows in silent question. 
                          
Lance raised a hand, waving at the Captain. "Can I come?"
                          
"Pardon?" She replied, tilting her head to the side. She seemed taken aback, like Lance could break into hives or something at her mere presence. 
                          
"As a Paladin of Voltron." He amended. "Would I be able to attend this meeting to represent Voltron? Those two behind you don't wear Rebel colours, so I'm assuming they're allies from a different organisation." He motioned to the two figures, clad in black and purple. They both had helmets on, faces entirely hidden. "So, it would make sense for me to represent Voltron as well."
                          
"You would be correct." The shorter of the two said, stepping forward. They turned to the Captain, back straight and arms held by their side. "Captain Olia, I am willing to permit this Paladin council with us."
                          
Therra's shoulders dropped the tiniest bit of tension. 
                          
The Captain inclined her head. "Very well. Rinnai, Fuentes. With me."
                          
"Thanks." Therra muttered as Lance stood up to walk by her side. 
                          
"So long as I've still got my smoothie." Lance quipped, before taking an obnoxiously loud slurp. 
                          
The taller of the two new guys turned to watch Lance for a few seconds in silence, before facing the front again.
                          
"I take it he's the strong, silent type." Lance said to Therra. She nodded stiffly, grabbing one arm with the other hand.