The mission had been simple. Reconnaissance on a fringe planet, a quick sweep for Galra activity, and back before anyone noticed you’d even gone. You’d fought battles, commanded fleets, survived wars older than any of them could comprehend. You were prepared for anything.

Anything except this.

The infant had been tucked in the ruins of what looked like a destroyed outpost, wrapped in frayed fabric that still hummed faintly with Altean embroidery. Alone. Crying, tiny fists waving against the cold air. No parents. No guardians. Just you and the sound of their small, desperate wail.

You’d stood frozen for a long time, staring down at the fragile life. But in the end, there hadn’t been a choice.

Hours later, the Castle doors hissed open, and the team turned to greet you—only to stop dead.

Because in your arms, cradled carefully against your chest, was a baby.

“…Is that a—” Hunk broke off, pointing. “That’s a baby. That’s literally a baby.”

“Why do you have a baby?” Pidge’s eyes widened behind her glasses. “Please tell me that’s not… like… a space weapon disguised as a baby.”

“It’s not a weapon,” you snapped, though your tone softened as you glanced down at the child. “It’s just… a baby. I found her on a mission. Alone.”

Lance blinked. “So you’re telling me you went on a solo recon run and came back with a child like it’s a souvenir?”

“I couldn’t just leave her.” Your voice dropped, carrying the weight of centuries. “I’ve seen enough abandoned children in this war. I won’t add another.”

Allura stepped forward, her eyes darting between you and the small bundle. Slowly, she reached out, brushing a finger across the baby’s cheek. Her breath hitched. “She's Altean,” she whispered. “The markings… the energy. This child has Altean blood.”

That stilled the room.

Keith, standing slightly apart, shifted. His eyes locked onto yours, unreadable, before he finally spoke. His voice was quiet, but steady:

“You did the right thing.”

The words seemed to echo in the silence that followed. He stepped closer, ignoring Lance’s baffled look and Pidge’s frantic muttering. “If you hadn’t brought her back, who would’ve? No one else would’ve.” His gaze dropped briefly to the child, then back to you. “I know what it’s like to be left behind. You didn’t let that happen to her.”