and they were happy ever
after?
chapter 2
"the ghost became present"
Rick
Lisa traveled early in the morning to the satellite, I didn't even feel her wake up, I only felt her when she gave me a soft kiss on my forhead to say goodbye, I woke up and saw her going away and took her coat. I took her hand before she was too far away.
-you're leaving with out saying goodbye?- I asked.
-I don't want to wake you up- she said and she started to button up her coat.
-I prefer to say goodbye to you, before you sleep- I said with a smile that made her smile too.
-I gotta go, my trasportation is waitng for me-
-ok- I said and stood up -take care- I added when I was at her side.
-you too- she said trying to fix my hair.
-good luck up there- I said taking one of her hands between mine.
-good luck to you too at the reception- said Lisa and took her purse and walked to the door -give my salutations to the survivors especially to griffin- she added.
-sure- I said and walked in her direction.
-bye-
-bye- I said and giae her a quick kiss, I saw through the window how she was going away and then my head started to work very fast, and the same question started to repeat in my head again and again. How would Sue be? As long as the hot water ran through my body, the memories ran through my mind. I remember the long sessions with Sue, arguing about the mission, telling her my adventures, she always look anxious to know things about me and everytime that I told her something she looked at me with her beautifull eyes wide open and with an incredible attention, that made me forget everything else. In other sight she always agreed with all my decisions, something that never happened with Lisa, and that made my admiration for sue make me fell numb. With the time things became more tender, a small hand touch, an inocent caresss once in a while, some dinner at candlelight and finally what had happened in the conference room, where Sue with no regrets told me what she felt for me and she came to me in the most sexy way just like she had done in other ocassions, but this time with such a determination that I could read in her eyes. This time Sue came from a film session in flight and she was still wearing her flight suit, that adjusted to her body perfectly and I just can't stop looking at her since the very first moment that she entered the room. It was late and there were just a few peoples in that section of sdf-3, and that was the reason of Sue's behavor, she came closer to me and I tried to control my self, but in the moment that she started to play with my hair and to whisper in my ear how much she admired me, all my self control was gone. Finally we kissed each other with passion and I think that if the attack alarms didn't start to sound, things would have gone further and that made my skin chill only just thinking about it. I Felt the perfect body of Sue with my fingers, was such a incredible sensation and I just can't stop asking my self if she will be still that gorgeous and if her body will be still that perfect. I found looking at my self in the mirror and I noticed that some gray hair start to grow behind my ears. When did they appear and why I didn't notice?. The years are making them self present and obviously I'm not the same Rick that Sue wanted in Tirol, but Will she care about that? I finished putting my jacket on and looked at my self in the mirror again, but this time with my uniform of an admiral of 5 stars. How did things change, now I'm happy being an admiral, I enjoy it and I'm proud of my work untill the point of missing every time less flight, but obviously I'll never have told this to Lisa because she was right all the time about my promotion, she always seems to be one step ahead of me. I think with a smile but after a moment my smile froze and transformed in to worried. Did she knows what I felt for Sue? I think but the doorbell takes me out of my thoughts.
++++++++++++++++++++++
LISA
During the celebration of the ceremony to welcome back the people of the Jupiter division I was walking with my scort through the corridors of the new fabricated satellite, that was built near the moon.
-good morning admiral, it's a pleasure to have you here- saluted a Zentradi officer.
-it's a pleasure for me to be here- I answered with a smile looking at the young officer, who was his normal size.
-we have every thing ready, so you can see all the new modifications that we've thought up for the ship- said the officer.
-that would be fine, but first I want to know how is my little Dranin- I said and then laughed -well you've never been small at all- I added.
-I'm fine admiral, How are you and Roy?-
-very well Dranin, Roy and I are fine- I said with a smile and then added.
-How is my friend Kaziana?
-she's fine aunt, I mean Admiral-
-it's ok Dranin, don't worry about that-
-we are here, the Commander will show you the plans that we have for the sdf-5- said Dranin. the meeting took 3 hours and during that 3 hours the ghost of Sue was out of my mind, the only thing that occupied my mind was the sdf-5 and the complex tecnological advances that I insisted to carry out, even when all the scientifics were against it.
-I think that all the modifications are fine, its just what goes with the plan that we have for the ship, very good ideas captain Yen and I congratulate all your group of engineering - I said at the end of the meeting.
-thank you very much admiral, coming from you it's a compliment-
-thanks comander- I said with a smile.
-would you agree to go now to visit the hangar construction, to see the ship's shield and also see the new generation alphas?- asked the commander.
-I think its a good idea- I said and we started to walk. We check every installation and I was just happy with the result. Finally it was Dranin himself who took me to my transport with my personal guard.
-well admiral I hope that you enjoyed your visit-
-sure I did Dranin, I'm very happy with what I saw-
-I'm glad, we've been working really hard-
-I can tell, your mother must be very proud of you and certanly your father would be, if he were alive, you are very similar to him- I said with a maternal voice.
-thanks admiral-
-you have nothing to thank Dranin, If I could I hwould ug you to say goodbye but it's a little dificult- I said with a smile
-it's ok aunt, don't worry- said Dranin and smiled too.
-bye- I said to Dranin from the door of my transportation.
-bye-said Dranin and moments later I was on my ship and one of the members of my guard closed the door.
I arrived to earth in just a few minutes, but my travel to the satellite took so much time that I only went to my office in the central command to check some papers and to find out if something important happened, then I went to my house and found Rick there waitng for me.
-how was your trip to watch your new son?- rick asked with a smile.
-very well, I must say that I'm very happy with the results, and also that Dranin is just like Breetai, he has the same good judgement that his father had-
-Breetai was his father, probably its in the blood-
-probably-
-so, everything is ok up there?-
"yes, how about you, how did the ceremony goe?- I asked.
-it was weird, for the people of the divisions it has just been a few months since they left Tirol and for us it's been years-
-so they are just like they were on Tirol?-
-yes, it was very weird but at the same time incredible, Griffin was ok and he dosen't belive that all the invid nightmare is gone-
-I can imagine- I said and made a pause to continue -did you see Graham?-
-no Lisa, I haven't seen her, there were too many people there- answered Rick seriously.
-I see- I said skeptically and we went to the dinner room and ate, after dinner we washed the dishes and went to the bedroom to sleep, because tomorrow would be a long day for both of us.
+++++++++++++++++++++
Rick
Lisa arrived and I could see on her face how tired she was, but she was on the satellite all day after all, checking the construction of sdf-5 or her new son, as I named the ship. Because for Lisa the construction of every part of that ship was like she was having a new son, her dedication never ceased to amaze me and I believe that she knew the location of every screw of the sdf that had been put in space. But even when she was tired, she just couldn't help but ask me about Graham, it didn't stop to amaze me and worried me until certain point, I'm afraid that Lisa started to suspect more than the normal of how I felt about Sue, and even when she ask me about if I saw Sue i told her the truth, it wasn't all the truth. Because I saw her, but not as I wanted to see her.
The truth is that I saw
Sue in the crowd, and even when I didn't have the oportunity to talk with her,
I could see her in the distance and she was still as exotic and beautifull as
how I remembered her, with very long black hair a little more black than what
I could remember and more brighting, her tight expedition uniform made her body
look more perfect, the body that I always had admired. Sue Graham was just like
I remember and even more beautifull. And if for everyone in the division time
seems to be
frozen, had it froze for Sue too?, Will she still be thinking of me? I asked
to my self again and again, it's like I just couldn't stop to think about it
until I saw it in her eyes and I was sure once and for all that she had forgotten
me or that everything was just like it was on Tirol, and created some mixed
feelings in me, I was sure that I wanted to be with Lisa but I also needed to
feel the emotions that Sue provoked in me, that desire, the one that I fought
constantly on Tirol. But I was afraid, afraid of letting me go and hurt Lisa
again, and maybe that was the reason why I fell asleep holding her tight, I
needed the craziness of Sue, but I also needed the security and stability that
Lisa brings me and the thoughst mixed more and more in my head until I fell
asleep.
+++++++++++++++++++++
Lisa
I woke up early and fixed up my full dress uniform for the ceremony, I took a long shower and after that I settled my hair, just like I had been doing it since I became part of the interestelar council as representative of the army. And when I was doing my usual bun I noticed some gray hair, my almost 62 years old was sending the bill, but when I was putting on my jacket I realized that my body hadn't change that much, I'm still very athletic and slim. On my jacket, and for the first time, I decided to put almost all my decorations, not all my decorations because for that I probably would have had to use more than 3 jackets, but I put on the most important ones and the ones that I love the most, they are the decorations that I won during my days in the academy and on board the sdf-1. Finally I looked at my self in the mirror and I saw in the reflection that Rick was looking at me.
-you look gorgeous- he said as he came closer.
-its just the full dress uniform- I said a little shy.
-then you are the only women in all the army that looks gorgeous in that uniform-
-stop flattering me and hurry up, because we're late- I said and caressed his face tenderly.
-ok, lets go- aaid Rick and we left the house.
We arrived at the ceremony and after waiting for a few minutes for every thing to settle down, the ceremony started. Some speeches opened the ceremony and finally the promotions and prizes. For the years of service and for being part of the expedition that set the earth free of the invid threat, all the crew members would be promoted. I was the one that would give them their new stripes, of course I started with captain Griffin, who looked very suprise to see me in this new uniform and with my hair ribbon. After that I followed my path and put some new stripes and shook hands with every officer, and they looked at me like I was some kind of a hero or some legend, especially the younger officers, that probably only saw me one or two times and some of them must only had heard about me, all this made me fell a little out of place.
Finally it was the turn of the 36 squadron and obviously I put on my best smile, and it became bigger when I arrived at Graham.
-lieutenient comander Graham, congratulations on your promotion- I said and put her new stripes on, then I shook her hand and smiled like I was really happy for her.
I put on almost 500 stripes and shook the same number of hands, when the ceremony was over we went to the big lounge were the party was taking place. With Rick, as usual we were forced to separate, that way we could talk and be with more people. I was as always with someone of my personal guard, the lieutenient Caroline Jenssen, a tall and slim women with black hair and brown eyes and I think that the affection that I felt for her was very well returned.
After talking for a long time with now rear admiral Griffin, I started to check the crowd to find Rick and Jenssen came closer to my ear.
-the admiral is in the center of the room, ma'am- said Jenssen.
-thanks- I said and nodded my head, I excused myself and started to walk in rick's direction,giving my regards to everybody until I saw Rick with Graham. Then I hurried up and just nodded to the peolple that saluted me.
-I hope that I'm not interrupting anything- I said when I arrived where they were.
-of course not Lisa- said Rick with a nervous smile.
-good morning admiral- said Graham barely looking me.
-its Admiral General- I said with a cold smile -and tell me miss Graham, How does it feel to travel in time?-
-its very weird Ma'am- said Graham trying to sound respectful.
-I imagine, you've lost very important moments in history, it must be very weird - I said in a sarcastic tone
-luckily we have a very good historical archive of what have happened in these last years- said Rick trying to relax the tension between the both of us.
-sure we have, and talking about archives tell me commander, What are you going to do now that the invid are gone and theres nothing to record?-
-I'm not sure yet- said Graham.
-I imagine that you'll leave the army, there's nothing important here to record- I said and gave her the most cold look.
-you're wrong there are many interesting things here to record, I've been thinking of making a documentary about admiral Hunter's life, that way I can recover all the moments in the admiral's life that I lost- said Graham looking at Rick with ayes mixed in admiration and desire.
I was frozen and looked at Graham with such a look, that if my eyes were knives I'll probably kill her and then I looked at Rick with some anger, after that I look to the crowd.
-there's someone that I really would like to talk to- I said and passed near to Graham with a rythmn that showed all my scorn to her.
-Jack, how long has it been since I've last seen you- I said when I was with the young rear admiral.
-Admiral, it's a pleasure to see you and I must add that you are as gorgeous as ever- answered Jack looking at me with admiration and bringing me a glass of wine.
-you still are a big flatterer, but thanks any way- I said with out explaining if I was saying thanks for the wine or the compliment.
-I think that I am more known for been honest than flattering- said Jack with a smile that made me smile too - I've got something important to tell you- added Jack.
-What is it?-
-Guees who was assigned to my crew of test flights?-
-I don't know, I hope that it isn't people from the jupiter division-
-oh no, ofcourse not, they just assigned Roy under my comand-
-really?- I asked surprised.
"yes, I thought that they'd never assign Roy to a test flight-
-I thought the same, that they don't have the courage-
-come on Lisa, everybody knows that you are the hardest on your son and that you don't play favorites between him and the others soldiers-
-that's the idea, I know how tough it must be for Roy being the son of two "famous admirals"-
-certanly, but he works harder than everyone and all his team mates and superiors know that he is where he is because of his own and not for being the son of admiral Hayes or Hunter-
-I had to live what Roy is living, so I think I know what is the best for him, and that is that his father and I were very hard with him on the military side-
-I must say that you went a little far when you gave him more days in prision than all of his team mates, for what had happened in the operation Red Twister on Mars-
-well the kid needed to learn and I don't want my son to be known for being insubordinate like a lieutenient that was on the Tirol mission- I said with a smile.
-and talking about lieutenents, can you believe that Graham is alive?- asked Jack with a grimace
-no, I couldn't believe it-
-I belive that "that woman", not saying another word, was dead-
"so did I-
-she could have been trapped in the regis path, and dissapeared from the world-
"-from the universe, believe me from the entire universe- I said and drank all the wine that was in my glass.
-will you send her away again?-
-no, not this time-
-if you need someone to kill her, please call me-
-thanks Jack.- I said with a smile and then added -but don't tempt me too much-
-please, it will be a pleasure, she is so anoying, I just can't understand how Rick could work with her for so long-
-neither do I-
-any way Lisa, I mean Admiral, I gotta go, my crew is waiting for me in the base because they are going to test some new alphas that just came down from the satellite-
-it's ok and I must say that the alphas are wonderful-
-if I'm lucky enough maybe I'll fly one of them, that's one of the good reason of being rear admiral-
-you're right but take care ok?-
-I always do- said Jack and gave a kiss on my cheek -bye-
-bye- I answered and after giving another look to the room and checking that Rick was now with Scott and Marleen, I left the room and went to my office in the center of comand of the army
++++++++++++++++++++++
Rick
Lisa was the one in charge of giving the stripes and I must say that I was very surprised when I saw how effusive and almost happy that she looked when she gave the stripes to Sue. After the ceremony ended, everybody went in to the big lounge were the party was taking place, and as usual Lisa and I separated so we could talk with more people. I was in the middle of the room, talking with some pilots that I knew from the jupiter mission when I found myself in front of Sue, she was alone in the middle of the room and the first thing that I felt was her eyes looking straight to me, I said goodbye to the pilots and started to walk in her direction, and during all the way my heart beat very fast
-good morning admiral, it's a pleasure to see you again- she said with her soft voice.
-I say the same, we thought that the mission was lost for good- I said trying to sound neutral.
-but we''re here, and alive- she said and smiled.
-congratulations on your promotion- I said trying to talk about something.
-thank you very much and congratulations for you too, I see that you are now a 5 star admiral-
-for us many years have past since the Jupiter Divison left Tirol-
-and for us it must have been just 3 month- said Sue, and the questions got stuck in my throat, I was dying to ask her if she still felt something for me , but couldn't do it not here and not now.
-it's incredible, it's like you traveled in time- I said.
-yes, but I feel like I've missed so many thing, so many of your adventurs- she said with that smile, her typical bright smile and playing with her hair.
-these years have been really quiet really- I said smiling too.
-well then I hope that you tell me all as soon as possible-
-I...- I was saying when Lisa interrupted me, and I just froze , I was very nervous, I was nervous like never before. Lisa asked if she interrupted something and I answered very fast and very nervous that no, that of course she wasn't interrupting, but I think that I sounded very bad. I sounded very tense and with attention all the conversation between Lisa and Sue, and the tension could be felt in the air, Lisa was standing in such an intimidating way that it made me feel very small and I think that if Sue wasn't so stubborn as she was, she'll be as scared as I was, but the truth is that she looked like she was challenging Lisa with every answer. The tension came to the maximum when Sue said that she wanted to record a documentary about my life, I really think that Lisa was about to kill her and she gave her such a cold look that even I tried to get away, but I think Lisa realized my movement and then she looked at me from the corner of her eyes , with such an anger that reminded me of the hate looks that she gave me when we were fighting in Macross because I let her down on our first picnic. After she gave me that look, Lisa lost her eyes in the crowd and with indiference she said that she has found somebody with she really wanted to talk to and she went away, with movement charged with security and contempt when she passed next to Sue that I couldn't help to follow her with my eye in the crowd until I saw that she was talking with Baker, after a few minutes I realized that Sue was talking to me
-Rick are you listening to me?- she asked looking me in the eyes.
-ah, What did you say?- I asked.
-that your wife wasn't very happy about the idea of recording a documentary about your life-
-I don't think so, its just that she is a little tired because she is in charge of the construction of the sdf-5-
-I imagine that she is as busy as she was on Tirol.
-kind of-
-so what do you think about the documentary?
-I've..- I was saying but I paused, I was dying to Sue by my side again, but I didn't want to sound that desperate -I've gotta think about it, I'm really busy-
-I see- she said and smiled -I'll promise I wont bother you- she added as sexy as always.
-let me think about it and as soon as I make a decission I will tell you-
-ok, but I hope it will be soon- she said with a smile.
-I'll promise -
-well I better go before your wife gets more angry- said Sue with her soft voice and kissed me on the cheek and walked away The kiss of Sue left me paralyzed for a moment, but when I was able to think again the first thing that I did was to look in Lisa's direction, and find out if she saw the kiss on cheek that Sue gave me and by my good luck she was still talking with Jack and I felt so relieved. Then I get closer to Scott and Marleen that were talking a few steps away from me and after a few moments I left the room.
+++++++++++++++++++++++
Lisa
I arrived home late, after spending all the afternoon checking reports and the blue prints of the sdf-5 and also writing my speech for tomorrow meeting with the council. When I entered the house I found Rick sitting in the living room drinking a glass of cognac.
-goodnight- I said as I took off the jacket of my regular uniform
-goodnight, I was waiting for you I think we need to talk- said Rick with a strange voice in him, voice that he used when there are problems.
-sure, tell me- I said sitting by his side and drinking a glass of cognac, as long as I took my shoes off.
"I know that you were upset for Sue's proposition about making a documentary- said Rick and then he made a pause, I guess to check my reaction. I only watched him waiting for him to continue, trying to stay calm even when I was very upset and could only think of the idea of that woman working again with my husband, but what upset me the most in that moment was that he called her Sue.
-but I think that it will be useful, that way we could leave a testimony of what we have been fighting for all this time-
-well I think that there is enough material about your life in all the interviews that we have done, all the books that have been writen and certanly all the documentarys that have been made-
-youre right, but...- said Rick and then he remained quite trying to think of what excuse to give me
-listen, It's your decision I'll agree with what ever you want to do. If you want to work with Graham and she makes a documentary it's ok- I said and gave him a small slap on his leg as I stood up.
-it's just that you know people are, you know all the rumours that they made up on Tirol- said Rick nervous.
-all the rumours have something of truth- I said
-listen Lisa I don't care what the people could say, I only care what you say- Said Rick taking me by my waist and looking me in the eyes.
-I dont't care what people say and if we are talking about you working with Graham I'd prefer that you don't , just to avoid the rumours- I said looking him in the eyes.
-I know, but if the rumours start again I want you to know that you are the only one for me, we've been through so many things together that I'll never love any other women like I love you-
- I love you too Rick, listen If you work with Graham or not it's your decision, and what ever it is I wont be mad or anything like that, I trust you- I said with a smile.
-thanks- answered Rick.
-I'm going to bed, tomorrow will be a long day- I said and started to walk to the bedroom, but first I gave a quick kiss to Rick on the mouth, a sad kiss, because I know very well what would be his decision. Rick will work with that woman again and there's nothing that I could do to stop him.
++++++++++++++++++++++
Rick
I'll arrived home late, thinking that I'd find an angry Lisa, but I found the house empty and with the lights off. I entered our bedroom and took off my jacket, walked to the living room and sat on the couch, but first I served my self a glass of cognac, I don't drink, but today I felt that I needed a drink. After a sip of my glass, I let my head rest on the couch and closed my eyes, trying to clear my mind, but it didn't work, the images of Sue at the reception passed in my head over and over again, her face, her smile, her innate sex appeal, her perfume, everything spun arround in my head. If fact I couldn't shake her image from my head all afternoon, and even when I saw all the troubles that were coming , I've made a choice. I'll be working with Sue again, I need to work with her again, feel some of fresh air. But even when I've made my mind up, now I have the dificult mission to convince Lisa, I don't want to step over her, I don't want to hurt her and certanly I don't want the rumours start again just like had happened in Tirol, where everybody started to say that I've had an affair with Sue, even when nothing really happened. And my most cold and calculating side thought that if I had Lisa's approval, she woudlnt suspect that there's something between Sue and me, and she'll leave us alone and we don't need to be always looking behind our backs, and that left some privacy for me and Sue so we could recover all the lost time. I was suprised to find my self thinking all of this, planing strategies to not call Lisa's attention, for taking her away, hoping that she dosen't suspect anything, it was like I was covering my traces before commiting a crime and the more I think about it more I'll try to leave my mind clear, to not feel the guilt, but inevitably I found my self thinking about strategies to not call Lisa's attention.
I drank all that was in my glass and served another, thinkin I my speech for Lisa, to convince her. I had all the words ready when Lisa came in to the house I only needed to see her face to understand that she alredy knew what I was going to ask her and even when I knew that she faked her approval, I just couldn't stop feeling happy about it, I'll have Sue by my side again and aparently Lisa wouldn't be watching over me. on other hand I was scared of hear me talking the way I did, even when I didn't lie to her, I've talked with such a security when even I'm not that sure of what I've said, If I was so sure about my love for Lisa then how could I be so desperate to be with Sue again?. And as more as I check my words I was more scared, because I noticed in the fast kiss that Lisa gave me, that she wasn't sure of my words too, it was almost like a goodbye kiss and that made me regret my words and question my self at the same time, could I keep going with all this? Could I lie to Lisa looking her in the face as it was necesary if I wanted to have Sue by my side?
++++++++++++++++++++++
Lisa
I woke up early, today it was my turn of give the self defense class an the academy. My transpotation was waiting for me out side the house just in time and Caroline was with me as usual. I arrived to the classrooom and all the female students were there already, I put on the necesary outfit and the saluted my students, we're about to start the class when the classroom door opened and behind it appeared no other person than Sue Graham.
-I'm sorry I'm late, I came to the self defense class- she said in a shrill voice.
-come in- said Caroline.
-who's the teacher?-
-I am- I said and the students separated a little so Sue and I could look at each other.
-you?- asked Graham between fun and suprise.
-yes, why?-
-well its just that I thought that the class would be given by somebody younger and a praxian-
"you listen to me well, the admiral here is..- was saying Caroline but I interrupted her.
-I remember that you weren't bad in praxian arts, let's see if you still remember- I said and walk in to the center of the room, where the fight would take place.
-you want me to fight with you?- ask Graham in an ironic tone of voice.
-I want you to show me if you still remember the praxian art of self defense- I said challenging.
Graham walked in to the center of the room, I tried to concentrate and not let the anger that I felt about this women show, because I didn't want to hit her, but I'll be doing something worst, I'll humiliate her.
Graham started to look at me and moved around, not knowing if she would attack or not, and finally she did it, but I avoided her attack brightly, make her lose her balance.
-first mistake, you must fix your balance center- I said to the class as I turned to Graham who was trying to attack me again. I avoided every one of the Graham's attacks without even moving from my place, only bending my self or springing arround Graham and as I do that I criticized everyone of her movements and showed to my student how bad the attacks of Graham were, and as she became more angry, more inefficent her attacks became.
-never let your emotions come out during a combat, it could cost your life- I said before Graham fell down to the floor, and tried to stand up quickly.
-now I'll show you how to do an attack- I said very calmly and an exclamation could be heard in the room. Graham tried to be fast, but she wasn't fast enough, and in less than ten seconds I had her on the floor completly unable to move and about to give her a mortal hit, that obviously I'd never do.
-That's how you make a correct attack, but remember that you only must do it in self deffense, when your life is in danger or when a mission says so-
I said as I stood up and offered a hand to Graham.
-thanks, but I can do it on my own- Said Graham and she stand up with difficulty.
-and the most importat thing, never judge your enemy by how it looks or by his condition, am I right miss Graham?- I said with a smile, as long as Graham look her very red hand.
-yes admiral- said Graham I could hear that she felt her self very small, what make the students laugh very quiet.
-I think that class is over for today, today we learn just what not to do in combat, thanks to lieutenient comander Graham- I said and this time the students laughed out loud.
+++++++++++++++++++++
Rick
I arranged a meet with Sue, and as I was waiting for her I was walking very nervous from one side to another of my office, avoiding Lisa's picture, that seemed to be folowing me through the office. Finally the door opened and Sue came in to the office, looking great in her new unifform of lieutenient comander, that has some similarity with the one that Lisa used when she had that rank.
-you asked for my presence Admiral- she asked soft and slow.
-yes comander, I want to tell you your new destination in person- I said seriously.
-why do I have the feelling that it would be something great- she said coming closer to me.
-I want that you come back to work with me again, that you make the documentary that you want to do-
-really?- she asked and her eyes bright.
-of course I do- I said with a small smile.
-Oh RIck, I'm so happy!, you don't know how much I want this, how much I want to work with you again- she said and hugged me.
-Sue- I said nervously, separeting her from me a little.
-I forget that for you have been gone almost twenty years- said Sue and started to play with her hair -but don't worry we will recover all the lost time- said Sue and smile, I only watched her not knowing exactly what she meant.
-I want to know every thing that had happened, everything, I want to think that in all this time I've always have been at your sight-
-it takes time to tell you everything- I said smiling.
-for you I have all the time in the world, and the more time we spent together the better it is- she said flirtatious.
-Sue- I answered a little bit intimidated.
-It would be like on Tirol, everything will be just like before, just like I remembered- She said and my heart stopped for a moment "just like on Tirol, just like she remembers" I thought and then I was sure that she still felt something for me, that all these year that had happened dosen't matter to her. I couldn't stop a smile, but then my phone took me out of my thoughts .
-Sue I gotta go, they need me in the command room- I said after hanging up the phone.
-when do we start?- she ask follwinging me to the door.
-tomorrow first thing in the morning, its ok with you?- I asked.
-whenever you want, you know that I'm all yours- she said moving her head making her hair fly in the air.
-so I'll see you tomorrow- I said and walked away silently, and in my head I started to count the minutes until finally I could work with her.
++++++++++++++++++++
Lisa
some days have past since I receive the confirmation that Graham would make a documentary about Rick and as if that wasn't enough, she asked permission to have a meeting with me. I said yes, even when I didn't like the idea, because I couldn't get out of my mind the feeling that I couldn't trust her, and for making things worse, all the things that had happened on Tirol started to happen again.
Rick came home late, he spent the most part of his time with her, because she followed him everywhere "that way she could capture the admiral in his daily life" and if that wasnt enough when Rick came home early he talked all the time about the great things that Graham did to made her work well. For all that I had made a decision, and I wasn't proud of that, but one side of my mind and heart told me that it was the right decision.
-come in Caroline- I said when I saw lieutenient Jenssen open the door.
-yes ma'am, what do you want admiral?- asked the lieutenient with curiosity.
-I need to ask you and lieutenient van der Roehr a special mission-
-sure admiral, what is it?-
-I need you to keep an eye on lieutenient comander Graham-
-on comander Graham?- ask Jenssen suprised.
-yes lieutenient, I need to keep her under survilance and that she dosen't notice-
-you mean spy on her?- asked Jenssen a little afraid.
-no, I just need to know what she does, especialy when she is alone with admiral Hunter-
-sure admiral, any other special instructions?-
-no lieutenient, I just need to keep survilance over Graham, there's something that makes me feel uncorfortable and can't trust her-
-sure admiral, as you said-
-just one more thing I don't want that anyone else knows about this and especially admiral Hunter- I said.
-don't worry about that admiral, nobody knows about this-
-ok Caroline, you can go now-
The lieutenient left the office and I started to have some questions about if I did the right thing, but the order was made now and I need to know what Rick does when he was alone with Graham, one part for curiosity, the other for insecurity and most of all for jealously.
+++++++++++++++++
Rick
I was sitting in my office checking the information that I presented to the council when sudenly the door of my office opened and Sue came in the office.
"hi Rick, am I interrupting?- she asked smiling.
-ofcourse not, but I'm on my way out- I answered.
-it dosen't matter, any moment with you is important- said Sue and closed the door.
-Sue- I said a little nervous and turning my view to the information again.
-I'm serious, besides you know it's the truth- she said and put her hands on my desk and came closer to me in a very sexy way -you know that I love spending time with you-
-I love to spend time with you too- I said leaving the information and looking her in the eyes.
-I know, I just wish that we spent more time together, I feel so lonely here, its like i didn't know anybody- she said with a fragile voice.
-Sue- I said and stepped out of my desk, I walked until I was by her side.
-I'd like to spent more time with you too, but I'm very busy with the take off of the sdf-5, but as soon as this is over I promise you that we will spend more time together-
"everything was more easy on Tirol, I wish that we were there- said Sue.
-you're right everything was more easy on tirol- I said and couldn't stop felling a little sad -but don't worry, everything will be like it was on Tirol, I promise you that and that we will recover all the time that we lost- I said and then touched her face tenderly.
-Rick- she said and took my hand between hers -I don't know If all that time could be recovered-said Sue and looked me in the eyes, with such a deep and powerfull look, that I was frozen for some seconds, and that i remembered the kiss that we shared on Tirol.
-Sir we're late for the meeting- said my aide opening the door of my office with out knocking, that made me jump away from Sue and that she also stepped back.
-I'm coming- I said a little confused to my aide.
-is there a problem if I go with you?- Sue asked me like nothing had happened.
-if you want to- I answered, waiting that she said no, I don't want that Lisa sees us coming to the meeting together.
-of course I want to- said Sue and she came with me to the Conference room, were everybody including Lisa was already there.
+++++++++++++++++++
Lisa
Almost a week had passed since I gave the order to Jenssen and another lieutenent to keep an eye on Graham, when in reality it was an excuse to keep Rick under survilance and even when every time that I spoke with Rick I felt guilty for giving that order, because he had experienced a full change in his attitude in these days, now he looked so honest and transparent that made me believe that nothing happened between him and Graham. But when I wasn't with him or when I found them with out warning and saw them to much confident with each other just like I saw them on Tirol, I knew that my decision was the good one, but not for that the right one.
Today I had to present a report to the council about the constrution of the sdf-5, and the ship was almost ready. The report would be given in the conference room of the united comand of the united earth and all the high ranking officer of the army will be there, which includes of course Rick, Scott Bernard, Viince Grant, Jean Grant, Jack Baker, Karen Penn and so many other familiar names, and most of them friends.
Lieutenient Jenssen was waiting for me out side of my office with all the necesary information for the meeting, we started to walk to the conference room with three members of my personal guard. When I arrived to the conference room, everybody was already there, except for Rick, who arrived a few seconds later with Graham, and when she saw me she said goodbye to Rick and walked away.
-what's the matter, Graham wouldn't come in to the meeting stuck to you?- I asked a little angry and Jenssen and the members of my personal guard gave a few steps aways from us.
-she has no right to come in, she is not qualified for that- Rick answered to me.
I wanted to say something to him, but his answer took me by surprise, I don't think that he was so aware of Graham place, it was like him self thinking of her like an insignificant person. I only could open my mouth and said something like an ah.
-Lisa, you know very well that this is a meeting for the high comand only and Graham is just a video-photographer- said Rick and then he put his right hand over my shoulder bringing me closer to him -now, why don't we go in, they are waiting for us-
-sure, we don't want to
make them wait- I said with a small smile and we came in to the meeting, I took
a look arround and my eyes fix it in Marleen and Aurora, both young and fragile,
they were the youngers members of the council but not for that least important.
I heard all the reports and finally I stood up to give my report, Jenssen
came closer to me and gave a few documents.
-Members of the council, I'm here today to inform you about the construction of the sdf-5, the ship will be finished in about 3 days more, yesteday I visited the new factory satellite and saw with my own eyes that the technicians are only making last hours adjustments, and the hard part of the cosntruction is over, they are only checking life support sistems and weapon sistems, which are ready in a 75%- I said and cleared my throat, it was time to tell the truth, I couldn't keep hiding information from the council -but that's not the reason of the report that I'm giving here today, the reason of my presence here is to give you clasified information, information that is only known by me and some technicians involved in the construction of the sdf-5. Yesteday in the afternoon, the instalation of a sistem of the highest tecnology was finished, this sistem hasn't been proven in a ship of the size of an sdf class ship, this mecanism allows the human ships of colonization to come in to a new era and at the same time avoid under any circurmstance a new conflict with any race that lives in the universe and if the conflict is inminent this mecanism will give us a clear advantage. The humand kind can't lose more lives or been part again of an intergalactic war. for that reason, under my command technician and cientifics had developed a new shadow sistem that allows the sdf-5 to be invissible to the human eye or anyother, this is because the ship will be in a 4th dimension. This quality never tested before in a ship, as big as and sdf is connected to the transposition sistend and works with the neoprotoculture developed by our cientifics. the advantages are clear, the ship could be invisible in an enemy attack and avoid it or if she is necesary involved in one, the fact of been undectable is a very important advantage in the military side. This new fleet of ships and this special quality of making themselves a shadow ship, had been named for the cientifics like Phantom Fleet and that will be the name of this fleet of ships, who has the mission of expanding the human race all over the universe-
When I finished my report I could feel the surprise from all the council memeber, everbody was looking at me with surprise, finally the first one to talk was Rick.
-why did you keep all this in secret?
-because I don't want the resistence know about this and because of the difficulty and the danger of the project the cientifics and I prefer to keep the secret- I answered.
-a very risky but brilliant idea, that seems to be working- said one of the older members of the council.
-certainly senator White, but I think its worth it, now we have a fleet with the most advanced tecnology in orbit- I answered.
-ofcourse its worth it, it could be said that we have and invincible army- said baker.
-the fleet wasn't built with that idea Jack, the fleet wanted to avoid the conflict by every means but if they appear we will have a clear advantage- I said.
-as the admiral said we must preserve the humandkind and avoid the wars, the dead must been stop and a way of start is avoiding the conflicts- Aurora said.
-that's the idea, we must expand our self in the universe but in peace- I said.
-the human race must look for his place in the universe, but not in the way that the regis did and besides not only the human race must search the peace all races must do it- said Marleen.
-that's the mission of the council, that's why we're here, to protect each others and to search for peace- said Jean -and I think that thanks to admiral Hayes we have been given one more step-
-certanly, and for the same reason we are waiting for the admiral's confirmation that she has accepted the rank of Supreme comander of the interstelar army- said vince.
-I haven't made a decision yet, that's why I'm asking to the council to give me more time to think about it- I said as I sat down.
"but you're acting like if you alredy were the supreme comander, hiding information from the council- said Seaton one senator that in several occations had shown his disagreement against the united corp of terrestial army.
-I acted that way because I thought it was the best for earth, as for the army and certanly taking care of the council interest- I answered a litle upset.
-the decision of the admiral aren't in judgment I belive that we must be thankfull for her good judment and interest in peace that the admiral has shown- said Aurora in my defence.
-thanks senator Sterling- I said.
-well I think it's time to end this meeting, we'll make a new meeting in two days, there we hope that the construction of the sdf-5 will be completly over and of course before that day I think that all the member of the council must have a report about this new tecnology that the phantom fleet will carry on- said the senator White.
-don't worry about that senator, right now I give to everyone of you a complete report about that tecnology- I said and Jenssen start to give the report to all the members.
Everybody left the room and only Rick and I stay in.
-I must say that you really show up today in the meeting, why you didn't tell me about this new tecnology?- said rick and his hurt feeling appeared in his voice.
-because everything was too much improbable, besides the technicians were about to dismiss the idea, we had luck with this about two month ago-
-well you really know how to keep a secret- said Rick with a smile.
-any way, its not about that issue that I want it to talk with you- I said and take a seat.
-what is it?-
-well, the sdf-5 will be finally on earth in a week or less and I think that you could give the welcome speech when the ship arrives-
-what's about you? you don't think to be part of this?-
-yes, maybe the day that the ship takes off-
-that's sound good, you must say goodbye to your son- said Rick with a smile.
-very funny- I said smiling too, but suddenly the door opened.
-Rick I'm bored waiting for you out side, you know that I'm not very patient- said Graham with a honeyed voice until she noticed that I was there.
-admiral I didn't know that you were here- she said looking at me with surprise.
-don't worry commander, I'm leaving I don't want that you keep waiting for the admiral- I said and stand up and took my reports, and at the same time my face changed from a sweet expresion in to a cold and almost petry.
-no Lisa, the comander can wait- said a nervous Rick.
-don't worry Rick, I'm the one who's leaving I know when I'm not needed and I think that now I am not- I said and left the room furious and slaming the door.
++++++++++++++++++++++
Rick
I was having a nice conversation
with Lisa when suddenly the doors opened and Sue came in to the room, as impetuous
as always, with her sexy walk and sweet voice, complaining because she was waiting
for me to long. Just the fact of watching her come in when I was talking with
Lisa and the way that she enter the room makes me nervous, I tried to act the
best I could and pretend that the presence of Sue wasn't important, but it dosen't
work, Lisa was furious and she left the room slaming the door that perfectly
could break the door. I was mad and confused, I mean, I was mad because Sue
has interrupted in such a violent way, with out even care that Lisa was there
and that she can start to suspect about us again and separate us. And in the
other side I was confused with Lisa's reaction, she was acting again like the
insecure
young girl and making the sames fit of temper that she made when we had our
litle soap opera in Macross, I was scared, I'm afraid that Lisa started to fall
again in that selfdestructive behavior that she started when she loses her self
confidence, that she became again in this unsecure, timid and with no self-esteem
person, I'm scared of doing that to her. Because as much as I want to be with
Sue, I can't hurt Lisa. Then the voice of Sue take me out of my thoughts.
-I'm sorry that your wife got angry- she said.
-it's ok, don't worry- I answered.
-dosen't this situation remind you of something?- asked Sue as she stood in front of me.
-what could remember me?- I asked nervous, still trying to shake me out the thought about Lisa.
-come on, I know you remember- she said coming a litle more closer.
-Sue- I said stepping back from her.
-this reminds me that time in the conference room in tirol, the time that you almost were mine- she said and put one of her hands in her waist.
-that was a long time ago- I said clearing my throat, trying to control my self I remember perfectly well every one of the moments that we spent together in that room, but I must to be stronger, I couldn't fall to her charm, not here.
-for you, but not for me and belive me this time I don't let you escape- said Sue and walked to the door and put key to the door.
-what do you think you're doing Sue?- I asked as I came to the door, I was scared. I know Sue to well and I was affraid that if Sue carry on with this I may can't control my self, I was waiting for this to long, for having her in my arms again.
-what you hear Rick, this time you will not escape- she said and her voice was charged with sensuality.
-I remind you that I'm a married man- I said using the only argument that I think could stop her.
-that wasn't a problem in Tirol-
-nothing ever happened in Tirol- I said trying to escape from her look, trying to not look at her, to not see her body, her eyes, her smile.
-just because somebody always interrupted us-
-Sue...- I said but she put her hand over my mouth.
-I know that you want me as much as I want you- she said near to my ear, driving me crazy.
-Sue somebody could come- I said complity desperate, I was on the edge, my self control was desapiring.
-the door is closed- she said and started to walk in my way making me step back.
-Lisa could come back- I said, it was the last resource that I had to not fall in to the temptation.
-she is to worry about her new ship, just like she was on Tirol-
-this is not good Sue- I said almost giving up, trying to appeal to Sue's good sense, because I lose mine because of Sue's intoxicaiting perfume.
-come on RIck I know that you feel things for me, I see it in your eyes, they are the same eyes with you look at me in the conference room in Tirol where you took me in your arms and kiss me with such a passion, that I never felt before-
-so many thing had happen since then Sue, I'm not the same- I couldn't control what I was saying any more, some place in my brain was able of think and was making it for his own.
-you don't fool me Rick, they are the same eyes of hidden passion, the same eyes that look me that time, and if it wasn't for an invid attack we had ended making love in a table just like this-
-listen Sue, what happened in Tirol- I said as I'm trying to get away from Sue, I couldn't stand to be so close to her, if I stay there more time I will let me go and that couldn't happen here, not in the conference room.
-what happened in Tirol would not happen here, this time I wouldn't let you go- said Sue and suddenly she kissed me, it was a quick kiss and full of passion that I couldn't answer.
-Sue somebody could came- I said with difficulty because of the kisses that Sue start to give me, that at the beginning I tried to avoid but I was to much anxious for answer, I was dying to kiss her, to hold her, I was completly mad for her.
-the door is closed, nobody will come-
-what if theres an emergency?- I said with difficulty and now I had take her face with my hands, I need to see her in to the eyes, just to know that the passion in her kiss was real.
-they can make it with out you, right know theres just you and me- she said and started to unbotton her jacket.
-this is a mistake Sue, I'm married- I said worried, the only thing that I wanted was to kiss her, hold her in my arms, but not here, not where we could be discovered. and that was the only thing that worried me, that some body came through that door, but my desire for Sue was stronger than any other thing at that time, finally after dreams about this so many times I had her in my arms again and that was the only thing that matters, the only thing that I could think, all the rest just desapear, the were just Sue and me.
++++++++++++++++++++
Roy
I was flying a test mission over the pacific ocean, with my RIO, the one that was with me since I start to fly, the lieutenient Josephine Anderson. We're making a difficult manoeuvre with the new models of alphas, that were came down from the factory satellite a few days ago,I was making a danger spin to prove the movility of the ships when sudenly my mind was in blank and in front of my eyes appear the image of that woman saying goodbye, because now I was sure that she was saying goodbye, her haid was foating in the aire far away, but I couldn't see very well her face and because of the distance I only saw her hair as black. I was completly in blank, with that image fix in my mind and only the screams of Anderson take me out of my thoughts and the sounds of the alarms of the ship.
-Roy, react, Roy do you listen to me?- scream anderson at my back.
-yes-I said trying to take control over the ship again, the ships was coming down very fast over the ocean, in a very high speed, speed enough to destroi the ship if we crash.
-I don't have control over the instrument back here Roy, the computer is dead- said Josephine.
-calm down Jo, I still have control over tha fly controls- I said trying to concentrated and conect me with the machine again, I guees that the conection was break when the image of that woman came to my mind. I must take control over the ship again, if didn't do that Jo and I will die.
-I recover some of the controls back here- said Jo and a few moments later she add -I'm connecting to the ship too to help you to take control over the ship-
-roger, you take control of the back of the ship and I'll try to not crash here in front-
-roger- said Jo and a few seconds later the ship was more stable, only the nose of the alpha graze the water, making that I hit my head with the instrument panel and that Jo hit hers in my seat. But finally we could take the ship far away of the water.
-are you ok back there Jo?- Iask when we were flying complitly out of danger.
-besides of a big headache, I'm fine, what's about you?-
-same here- I answer.
-what the hell happen?- she ask.
-I lost the conection with the ship, I don't know why-
-you think it has something to do with the new neuroimplants?-
"no, probably it was my fault- I said worried.
-then you will be the who pay the reapirs of the ship- said Jo jocking.
-hey you still own me the money of the bet that we made with the indigo squadron-
-you better look the controls Hunter and later we talk about money.-
-only because you don't want to pay me Anderson-
-I don't lose that bet Hunter, the rules wasn't clear-
-yeah right- I said when in the comunication screens appears the image of the air operations officer.
-what the hell you think you were doing Hunter?- she ask upset.
-the test fly commander- I said trying to soud innocent.
-you almost crash the ship in the ocean Hunter, that's what you call made a test flyght?-
-you see comander Fox, what happen is- said Jo from behind.
-no buts Anderson, you take down inmediatly in the Porter plataform Admiral Bakker is waiting for a report of the fight ASAP- she said and the image desapear of the screen.
-she is always that bossy?-
-hey she's my friend ok?, besides she's right wee almost crash this alpha with the ocean- said Jo.
-yeah you're right- I said as I guide the apha to the Porter plataform, named that way in honor to one of my mother friends that had die in the bridge the day that the sdf-1 and 2 were destroyed. I couldn't stop thinking in the image of that woman. What was happening to me? what this images mean?, who was this woman?. I couldn't shake me this weird feeling, I was almost scare, something will happen or had happen in the instant that this images cross my mind. the only thing that I think in that moment it was that I need to talk with Aurora, maybe she has some answers.
+++++++++++++++++++
Rick
Sue has leave the conference room a few moments before and here am I, sitting in my chair trying to order my hair with out couldn't shake me the happened and the angst that filled my chest, I ordered my uniform and stood up, took my reports and then a chill moved all over my body, the security camera, I said to my self almost in terror.
I order a litle the table of the room and after that I left the room running, in the direction of the post of comand of the security cameras, when I arrived there I could check the autorization codes of the cameras and for my relief I verify that they hadn't been activated, since I had given the order, I couldn't stop feeling me relief and finally I started to walk to my office I was the rest of the afternoon working between memories and dreams, I couldn't take Sue out of my mind, of imagine my self with her, of remembering the taste of her kisses, the smell of her hair, the soft of her face and every time that I think in that I could stop smiling. God I was so excited, it was something that I never experimented before and felt like my chest will explote in any moment. It was such an incredible sensation, that I would give everything for make it last forever. But suddenly every thing was gone, it was late and I had to go home and confront Lisa. How could I look her in to the eyes, with out she find something extrage in my? with out making that she noticed the happiness in me?
After thinking about that for a long time I went home and found only the light on in the bedroom, I took a deep breath waitng to find me there with an intergalactic war, because of what had happened before in the conference room when Sue came in with out warning.
-why are you in the dark?- I asked when I enter the room and saw Lisa siting in front of the mirror combing her hair.
-I don't want to turn on all the lights, besides I was alone in the house- said Lisa with a sad voice. It seems that more than angry she was hurt by the incident, Lisa was losing her self-esteem and by the way that her hair looks, I could perfectly say that she was brushing it there sitting more than usual.
-well I'm home I said softly trying to get closer to her, but she avoided me quickly and stand up.
-I imagine that miss Graham had recovered the lost time because of the meeting by now?- said Lisa with her particular tone between sarcastic and hurt.
-Lisa, why is it always the same?- I said trying to sound hurt, trying stop Lisa's questions.
-because I'm tired that she is stuck to you all the time- Said Lisa now angry, just like she always did, she always shows her pain and frustation through anger, I think for my self.
-Lisa, but if your self authorize her to work with me. I said trying to calm her down.
-becuase I thought that this time it will be diferent, but it's the same that it was on Tirol- said Lisa griting her jaw.
-what do you mean with that?- I ask scared, Lisa was suspecting something and that worries me.
-you think that I'm stupid? That I don't have eyes?- said Lisa and now her anger was gone and only she let see her impotence.
-what are you trying to say?- I ask now really scared.
"she still is in love with you. she still is obsessed with you like she was in Tirol and this time I don't have the stregth or the aptitude for fighting with her-said Lisa and turn away from me, to avoid looking at me. In that same instant I knew that Lisa was trying to not to cry.
-Why did you have to fight with her?- I said with out knowing what to said.
-Rick, don't play the ingenuous with me- said Lisa and turn to see me and as I had imagine her eyes were full of tears -I'm not that young, or forward and certantly I don't have the same body that I had in Tirol, with the one that I could fight the charms of the young girl like equals, but now I'm old and tired and she's still as beautifull as then, how can I fight with that?- said Lisa and now the tears started to fall from her eyes.
Watching her like that squeezed my heart and the only thing that I could do was hold her.
-Lisa- I said and gave her a kiss in her forhead -you don't need to have the body of a model or had 20 years old again, you don't even need to fight with her, because I love you, you are my wife, the women of my life and that will never change, I'll never could look Graham with others eyes like the eyes of a superior, besides I'm older too and shes almost Roy's age, How could I look at her? if she perfectly could be my daughter- I took Lisa's face in my hands and look edat her deep in the eyes -I don't want to hear you say that you need to fight with her again, she dosen't mean anything to me and if she is obsessed with me then that's her problem, because I'll never put my eyen on her, is that clear?-
Lisa only looked at me in the eyes and noded with her head and then I cleaned her tears.
-good, that's better- I said and kissed her again in her forhead -now I'm going to put my pijamas on, because I had to be early in the command-
-me too- said Lisa and started to walk to the bed I enter in the bathroom and put my pijamas on, I was brushing my teeth when I looked at my self in the mirror, I stayed there watching my self for a long time, How could I have had lied so shameless to Lisa?. How could I lied her in that way looking at her in the eyes?. And what was worst, I don't felt guilty for that , I don't suffer pangs of conscience for lying to her in that way, I only had done what I needed to do. I don't want to hurt Lisa and if lie in that way was the necessary thing to do to have her and Sue by my side, then that was what has to be done and that's what I'm going to do and I don't feel any regrets for doing that.
I wash my face trying to put away all the contradictions that were on my head and I couldn't stop to ask me when I looked myself in the mirror again.
What are you turning in
to Hunter? What kind of spell did Sue use on me, that makes me act in this way?