Fanfic Name / Nombre del Fanfic: Resignation

Chapter / Capitulo: 2

Author / Autor: LTjg_GT_RDF

Dedicated to / Dedicado a: To those of us who wish we can get a second chance at love.  
 

Rating / Clasificacion: AP (All People = Todo espectador)

Romance

Alternate Universe / Universo Alterno

Angst / Drama

Fanfic: RESIGNATION 
 
CHAPTER 2 
 
5 days later 
 
Lynn Kyle was buried in a cemetery outside of Macross City in a section that is reserved for Chinese families. He was given a Chinese Buddhist funeral service and was buried on the slope of a hill near the top, in according to Chinese burial customs. Kyle’s parents, Minmei, and representatives of the music and entertainment industry in Macross City were in attendance. Even though the media was barred from the funeral several ingenious paparazzo’s hired a helicopter to hover over the funeral to take pictures. They were shooed away when a helicopter hired by Minmei’s record label showed up on the scene. 
 
Rick wanted to be at the funeral to at least give moral support to Minmei but Minmei refused. Rick told her the next day after she arrived at Rick’s house that he was suppose to go on a date with Lisa on the day she called asking him to meet her in Monument City for lunch. Minmei felt guilty when Rick told her that and she knew that even though the media was barred from the funeral, the paparazzi would try anything to get a picture of her. She wouldn’t put it pass them if they tried to hire a helicopter to hover over the burial service and she didn’t want Rick to get into more trouble with Lisa than he is already in. 
 
At the funeral and burial service, Minmei sat away from Kyle’s parents, knowing in her mind, his parents are blaming her for their son’s death. It had taken plenty of persuading by Kyle’s parents to sit with them at the Buddhist temple for Kyle/s funeral. Uncle Max told Minmei that she shouldn’t feel responsible for Kyle’s death. If Kyle wasn’t such a hothead and a difficult person to get along with, he would still be alive. Kyle and his parents had a strained relationship for years and him living with them while on board the SDF-1 made the relationship even more strained. 
 
Christmas Eve 
 
The stack of notes, sticky notes and pieces of paper of Rick calling her and asking her to call him back was piling up on Lisa’s desk. Claudia walked in and saw the scraps of paper and Post-It notes on Lisa’s desk and shook her head. Lisa is a terrible neat freak. 
 
“Lisa, how long are you going to avoid talking to Rick?” 
 
“For as long as I want to Claudia.” 
 
“Didn’t Rick try to explain to you why he had to see Minmei?” 
 
“He did try to explain it to me but I wouldn’t hear anything of it.” 
 
“You’re being stubborn you know that.” 
 
“Look Claudia, I’m not the one who blew off our date to go see that tramp!” 
 
Claudia immediately threw up her hands. “Hey, hey, hey, take it easy. There’s no need to be calling Minmei names.” 
 
“Claudia! Why are you sticking up for her? You’re supposed to be my friend!”  
 
“I am your friend Lisa and I am not sticking up for Minmei! I’m just trying to make you see reason here!” 
 
“The only reason I see is that Rick is still in love with Minmei and he’s just using me!” 
 
“In what way is he using you Lisa?” 
 
“I’m just a listening ear for him to use when things are going bad for him. When things are going good for him, he goes running back to Minmei!” 
 
“How do you know that for sure, Lisa? You haven’t even talked to Rick since that day in November of your picnic.” 
 
“I don’t know that for sure Claudia. I just know.” 
 
“Don’t tell me, woman’s intuition. Correct?” 
 
“Yes.” 
 
“Haven’t you learned by now that you can’t always trust your intuition?” Claudia asked as she sat in a chair across from Lisa’s desk. “Look Lisa, at least talk to Rick and try to find out why he had to see Minmei. I mean, he must have had a good reason to see Minmei knowing that he had a date with you. And besides, at least he showed up even though he was late. At least give him credit for that.” 
 
“You’re right Claudia.” 
 
“Tomorrow is Christmas. At least stop by Rick’s house tomorrow to wish him a Merry Christmas. Later on, when you’re not as angry at him, talk to him and try to at least come to an understanding.” 
 
Lisa let go a big sigh of exasperation. It’s hard to argue with Claudia’s logic. “I guess you’re right Claudia.” 
 
“That’s my girl. Hey, Admiral Gloval is giving us 59 minutes. What are you planning on doing this evening? There’s a Christmas Eve party later at the officer’s club. Are you planning on attending?” 
 
“No, there is a candle light Christmas Eve service at the chapel later this evening. I’m planning on attending and go home after the service.” 
 
Now it was Claudia’s to let go a big sigh. Claudia had never known Lisa to be a deeply devout religious person but she also knew Lisa have never been much of a party girl. As a matter of fact Claudia had never seen Lisa drink anything stronger than diet cola. “Ok, suit yourself. Max and Miriya is hosting dinner on Christmas Day. At least come to that.” 
 
“Oh, I’m planning on attending Claudia. They invited me along with all of us including Rick.” 
 
“That’s even better. Talk to Rick at the dinner tomorrow.” 
 
“I will Claudia” 
 
“Great, see you later this afternoon for lunch?” 
 
“Yes.” 
 
Christmas Day 
 
Several centimeters of snow had fallen the night before giving Macross a Christmas card look and feel to the city. Rick was in casual dressed up clothes consisting of a long sleeved light blue shirt without a tie, a sweater vest, dark chino pants and brown dress shoes. He had a heavy wool scarf around his neck and his heavy winter coat on. He was putting his gloves on getting ready to walk out the door so he can walk down the street to Max and Miriya’s house. He was about ready to open the door when he noticed Minmei not dressed and still in her pajamas and bathrobe. They exchanged Christmas presents earlier in the morning. 
 
“Minmei, I’m going to Max and Miiriya’s for Christmas dinner. You want to come with me?” 
 
Minmei tried to act nonchalant but nothing could disguise the melancholy look on her face. This would be her first Christmas without Kyle. “No, I really don’t feel like being around people. You go without me.” 
 
“Are you sure? I really don’t want you spending Christmas Day in the house by yourself. Look, I know you feel responsible for Kyle’s death but it’s not your fault. The police said that Kyle was going too fast for the posted speed limit and lost control of his car when he drifted into oncoming traffic and the car’s tire nicked the edge of the road. It was a horrible accident but it wasn’t your fault.” 
 
“Yes, I’m sure. Rick, I know it’s not my fault. Even my aunt and uncle say it’s not my fault still I can’t help it to feel it’s my fault. If I just started singing like Kyle wanted me too, all of this wouldn’t have happened. Besides, what if Captain Hayes is there? You go ahead and enjoy Christmas with your friends.” 
 
“Oh, Lisa, don’t worry about Lisa. I’m sure Lisa would understand why you’re at the dinner with me.” 
 
“No, that’s ok Rick. You go without me.” 
 
“Ok, well do you at least want me to bring something back for you to eat, so you can at least have a holiday dinner?” 
 
‘Yes, that would be nice. Thank you, Rick.” 
 
Rick had the door opened and about ready to leave when Minmei spoke up. 
 
“Rick...can I ask you a question before you leave?” 
 
“Sure Minmei. What is it?” 
 
“How do you feel about me quitting singing?” 
 
“Do you really want to do that, Minmei? Why do you want to quit singing?” 
 
“I’m so tired of it all, Rick. I just feel like quitting.” 
 
“I can understand that, Minmei. Sometime when I fly too much, I feel like quitting too. But I keep doing it because a lot of people are depending on me and I can’t let them down.” 
 
“I understand.” 
 
“Have you ever thought about taking some time off from singing and performing?” 
 
“Yes, but I was afraid to ask Kyle because I knew he would become angry and he would make me keep performing, even though before we split up, he said he would have agreed to let me take some time off.” 
 
“Oh, I see.” 
 
As Rick and Minmei were talking, Lisa came walking up the walkway wanting to see if Rick needed a ride to Max and Miriya’s house when she noticed the door was open. Lisa heard Minmei’s voice and immediately turned and ran with tears in her eyes. She reached into her coat pocket and pulled out her cell phone and dialed a number. 
 
“Control tower. This is Lieutenant Mitchell.” 
 
“Nikki, this is Captain Hayes. Can you put Captain Hunter’s flying status down as unable to fly? He’s sick. I stopped by his house and he’s incapacitated.” 
 
“Yes ma’am. Enjoy your dinner at the Sterling’s” 
 
“I’m...I’m not going to the dinner.” 
 
“You’re not ma’am?” 
 
“No. I’m coming to the control tower.” 
 
“Yes ma’am. See you in a couple of minutes.” 
 
Lisa ran to her car and drove off to the base. A split second later, explosions went off near her car. It was another rebel Zentraedi attack lead by Khyron. Lisa almost ran off road because she momentarily lost control of her car. She regained control of her car and sped off  
 
Rick was almost knocked to the floor by the explosions. Minmei screamed his name afraid that he was injured. Minmei was relieved when Rick got up on his feet. Rick then waited for the telephone to ring. It didn’t. He was getting impatient. 
 
“Come on! Ring! Why hasn’t the phone ring? I should be getting a phone call from the tower telling me to scramble.’ After waiting for almost a minute, Rick gave up. “Oh the Hell with it Minmei, I’m leaving! I’ll be back!” 
 
“Rick! Please be careful!” 
 
“Don’t worry Minmei! I’ll be back! Just stay where you are! Don’t go anywhere!” ‘Well, so much for Christmas dinner’.  
 
Rick almost slipped and fell as he was running to his car because he didn’t shovel the snow off the walkway and driveway. Rick only had time to clear the snow off his car’s windshield using his windshield wipers after starting up his car. “I have to remember to shovel the snow off when I get the chance.” Rick muttered to himself as he was sped off. Luckily for Rick, the streets were plowed.  
 
Rick reached inside his coat pocket to get to his cell phone. Rick had trouble flipping open his cell phone because of his thick gloves. He put the gloved index finger of his left hand up to his mouth and pulled his arm. After the getting the glove off his hand and out of his mouth, he opened his phone and speed dialed the number to the squadron’s ready room. 
 
“Skull Squadron…ready room…this is Sergeant Hanson.” 
 
“Yeah, this is Captain Hunter. Have my VT fueled up and armed. I’m going up.” 
 
“Skull 1 is full of fuel, armed and ready for take-off sir. It’s in the hardened shelter ready to go.” 
 
“Have my crew chief start her up. I want to take off just has soon as I hit the tarmac.” 
 
“Yes sir. Lieutenant Commander and Lieutenant Sterling called just before you did sir. They said they’re also going up. They should either be right behind you or just in front of you sir.” 
 
Rick looked out his windshield and seen the Sterling’s car right in front of him. 
 
‘Why am I not surprised? Knowing Max they were probably out the door in two seconds.’ Rick said to himself as he was shaking his head. “I see them right in front of me. We should be at the airfield in less than 5 minutes.” 
 
“We’ll be waiting for you sir.” 
 
Rick flipped down the phone to break the connection. 
 
Minmei took advantage of Rick’s absence and ran off to a nearby grocery store that she was opened for last minute shoppers and somehow is staying open even through the attack. She knew that Rick will not be able to get to Max and Miriya’s for Christmas dinner, so she decided to cook a dinner for the two of them. She put on a disguise and ran through the chaos to the grocery store. The grocery store was opened and Minmei quickly picked up a few items and paid for them. She ran back to Rick’s house 
 
Rick didn’t even bother to change into his flight suit. He just grabbed his “thinking cap” helmet from his locker and ran off to the flight line. On the flight line, his crew chief Chet was waiting for him. He helped strap Rick in and gave him final instructions. 
 
“Macross Control, this is Skull One, requesting clearance to take off.” 
 
Lieutenant Mitchell was surprised to hear Rick’s voice. “Skull One? Captain Hunter, is that you?” 
 
“YES IT’S ME! Who else will be flying Skull One?” 
 
“Captain Hayes said you’re sick.” 
 
“SHE DID WHAT?” 
 
“She said you’re sick.” 
 
“Never mind. I’ll talk with Captain Hayes later! Just give me clearance for take off!” 
 
“Roger Skull One. You’re cleared for take off on runway 5.” 
 
Rick put the veritech’s engines into after burner, pushed the throttle forward and screamed down the runway and was airborne in seconds. Less than a minute later, Rick was engaged in an air battle with many Zentraedi battle pods. Rick managed to down several battle pods when he noticed that the battle pods were breaking off. Rick instructed other pilots to break off pursuit and bomb the burning buildings with fire retardant bombs and start picking up survivors. Later Rick met Lisa outside the control tower. He was livid. 
 
“Lisa! Did you tell Lieutenant Mitchell I was sick?” 
 
“Yes.” Lisa said quietly 
 
“Why did you do that Lisa? You know when an air attack happens; I’m supposed to be notified as soon as possible!” 
 
“Rick, you should be more careful when you have visitors in your house and your door is opened.” 
 
“What do you mean?” 
 
“I came by your house this morning to see if you want me to give you a ride to Max and Miriya’s. I know Minmei is staying at your house. You had your front door open and I heard her voice as I was coming up the walkway” Lisa said quietly as she walked off. 
 
“Lisa let me explain! Minmei is staying at my house because she has no other place to go. She had broken up with Kyle and she needed a place to stay.” 
 
“Rick Hunter if you’re going to lie to me, you need to come up with something more original than that.” 
 
“It’s the truth Lisa!” 
 
Rick closed his eyes, trying to stop tears from forming in his eyes. His spirit was broken and he was dying inside. ‘Oh no, I have lost her. I have lost her for good. What am I going to do now? What am I going to do now? God, I don’t know what to do. I have to get away from here! I just can’t take this anymore. Everything I try to do fall apart on me.’ 
 
Rick drove back to his house trying to figure out what his next move should be. He entered the house to a dark house, which is not surprising since Khyron’s attack damaged the electrical grid. He then noticed the small kitchen table he has lit with candles and dinner was on the table. 
 
“Minmei, did you...?” 
 
“I know you told me not to go anywhere by myself but I wanted you to have a Christmas dinner because I knew with the attack, you would not be able to make it to the Sterling’s for dinner.”  
 
“You didn’t have to do it, Minmei.” 
 
“I know Rick, but I wanted to do it because I knew you wouldn’t get to eat a Christmas dinner because of the attack. Rick, Merry Christmas.” 
 
“And may we have a million more.” Rick said softly as they started kissing.  
 
At first, their kissing was slow, soft and gentle. Bur very soon, their primal instincts took over and their kissing became more heated as their passion somehow ignited and became inflamed. They both then stood up. Rick lowered his hands onto Minmei’s waist and pulled her into him as if trying to mash their lips together. Rick then began to fumble his fingers trying not to tear off Minmei’s clothes as he began to undress her while Minmei was doing the same thing. They kept on kissing while at the same time taking each other’s clothes off as they began walking into Rick’s bedroom. They were naked before they entered bedroom door’s threshold. Rick guided Minmei onto the bed and before any of them realized it, Rick was on top of Minmei. Rick slowly started to penetrate her and before he can come to his senses, Rick had entered Minmei and they soon began to have sex. 
 
After they both climaxed, Minmei soon fell asleep, snuggling up against Rick and draping her arm across Rick’s naked chest. Rick however was wide awake. His mind was a whirlwind of questions, doubts, self loathing and hatred, pain and regret. He looked over at the sleeping Minmei but couldn’t force himself to touch her or even kiss her. Not because he didn’t wanted to wake her but because he knew he couldn’t bear touching her because she’s just a friend. Maybe not even a friend but just an acquaintance.  
 
‘My God, what did we just do? I made love to Minmei. No…no…we didn’t made love. We just had sex, just plain, pure, unadulterated, animistic sex. No passion, no love, no vow of commitment, just raw sex. How many guys there are in Macross who wish they were in my position? How many guys who wished they could meet her, get her autograph or even shake her hand? How many nights have I been dreaming about her? How many times I’ve been thinking about her…longing for her…pining for her? Yet she wouldn’t give me the time of day. She never looked at me as anything more than just a friend. And here I am, lying in bed wide awake after just having sex with the most desired woman in Macross. But why am I not happy? Why I am not satisfied? It is because she’s not Lisa? Why did it happen? Why did I allow her to stay with me? How did I lose all of my self control and wind up having sex with her? God, I don’t know, I just don’t know. What am I going to do? I have so many questions and no answers. I can’t think anymore.’ 
 
Rick spent the night unable to sleep because of his troubled mind and the swirling questions. 
 
The next morning 
 
Minmei was cooking breakfast when she noticed Rick in his uniform looking out at his living room window with a melancholy look on his face. 
 
“Rick.” 
 
“Yes Minmei?” Rick said softly. 
 
“I thought today’s your day off.” 
 
“We’re on heightened alert ever since Khyron’s attack yesterday. And if that happens, I want to be ready when I get the call to scramble.” 
 
“Oh I see. Rick, have you given any further thought about what I asked you yesterday?” Minmei asked as she was walking up to Rick. 
 
“Yes, I did Minmei. I think it’s a bad idea. A lot of people look to you for inspiration. You’re our guiding light Minmei. Why did you ask that question?” 
 
“Because I was thinking about me quitting singing and you quit the service and we get married.” Minmei said as she wrapped her arms around Rick’s waist and laid her head on his chest. 
 
Rick felt like he was sucker punched in the stomach. ‘Is she insane?’ “Minmei why do want us to get married?” 
 
“Because I want us to just be normal people. I’m so tired of singing, performing and touring. Now with Kyle’s death and the paparazzi flying over his funeral service, I just want to have a normal life.” 
 
“That is not a reason to get married. You get married because you love someone. Minmei, look at me.” 
 
Minmei lifted her head and looked at Rick. 
 
“I’m about to ask you a question and I want you to give me a truthful honest answer. Do you love me?” 
 
Minmei hesitated for a long time before bowing her head. Like Rick, she knew what happened last night was they didn’t made love, they just had sex out of self pity and loneliness. It was a mistake for them to have sex and it was something they now regret. She wanted to say “yes” but she knew she would be lying if she did and she suspects Rick knew and felt the same way. “No.” She said softly. 
 
“Then why did you want us to get married when you don’t love me? Marriage is based on truth, trust, honesty, respect but most of all, love. ‘How do I tell her I’m leaving without lying to her?’ “Minmei, I will be leaving very soon on a classified mission that Admiral Gloval assigned to me last night. I don’t know when I will return. I’m not trying to push you out but can you find another place to live?”  
 
“When do you want me to leave?” 
 
“If it’s all possible, I want you to leave right away.” 
 
Minmei thought for several minutes. “Sure, I can move back with my Uncle Max and Aunt Lena. At Kyle’s funeral, they asked me when I’m moving back to live with them. I wasn’t sure if I should because I thought they would blame me for Kyle’s death, but I’m the only family Uncle Max, Aunt Lena and Cousin Jason has now and they love me. I just need to get my personal belongings out of your bedroom and to call them.” 
 
“That will be fine. Let me drive you to your uncle’s restaurant.” 
 
“That won’t be necessary Rick, I’ll take a taxicab. Can you call a cab for me?” 
 
“Yes, I can.” 
 
“Thank you, Rick.” 
 
It had only taken several minutes for Minmei to get her belongings out of Rick’s bedroom and to call Uncle Max and Aunt Lena. The cab pulled up to the curb and honked its horn. Rick walked with Minmei to the cab. 
 
“Good luck on your mission, Rick.” Minmei said as she hugged Rick. 
 
“Thank you, Minmei.” 
 
“Will you call me when you return?” 
 
“I’ll…I’ll remember to call you when I return.” 
 
“Okay.” 
 
She closed in to whisper into Rick’s ear. “Rick, what happened last night when…well…you know…we had sex. I won’t tell anyone.” 
 
Rick then whispered in Minmei’s ear. “Thank you, Minmei. I won’t tell anyone either about what happened last night…it’s our secret; it’s just between the two of us. “  
 
“Good-bye, Rick.” 
 
“Good-bye, Minmei.” 
 
Rick walked back to his house and closed the door. He immediately went to the telephone and opened the telephone book. He then began to dial a number. 
 
“Hello, I’m Rick Hunter. I’m just calling for some information. I will be leaving Macross City at the beginning of the New Year. How soon can an appraiser come by my house to appraise my house and property? The day after tomorrow, at what time can you be here? At anytime, can you make it at 10:00 in the morning? You can? Thank you very much. I live on 236 Laurel Tree Drive in Macross City. Yes, see you then, Happy New Year to you too. Good bye.” 
 
Rick then walked over to his desktop computer. He turned on the power and waited for the computer to warm up. When the computer was at the desktop, he selected the word processor program, sat down in a chair and began typing. 
 
“26 December 2013…From: Richard Thomas Hunter…Captain RDF…Commanding Officer Skull Squadron. To: Henry J. Gloval…Admiral…Commanding Officer, Robotech Defense Force. Subject: Letter of resignation. Dear Admiral Gloval, it is with deep personal regret for me to inform you that as of 2 January 2014, I will tender my resignation as a commissioned officer in the Robotech Defense Force…” 
 

Continue / Continua: Yes / Si

Feedback / Comentarios: Yes / Si

Author email / email del autor: georgemtATearthlink.net