Fanfic Name / Nombre del Fanfic: Resignation

Chapter / Capitulo: 3

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)

Action / Accion

Alternate Universe / Universo Alterno

Angst / Drama

Fanfic: RESIGNATION 
 
CHAPTER 3 
 
After Rick finished typing up his resignation letter to Admiral Gloval, he picked up the telephone and used the speed dial to call a number. 
 
“Hello, I need to speak to Commander Grant, this is Captain Hunter. Thank you. Hello Claudia, this is Rick. I have something very important to tell you. Can you meet me at the coffee shop on base tomorrow morning before we report for duty? You can? Thanks Claudia, oh, and please don’t tell Lisa you’re meeting me. Thanks Claudia, see you tomorrow morning, you too, good-bye.” 
 
After he hung up the telephone, Rick opened a drawer to his desk and took out a sheet of paper. He then picked up a pen and began to write with tears welling up in his eyes. “My dearest Lisa…” 
 
The next morning at the Java Jungle 
 
Claudia went to the counter and brought a cup of coffee and pastry. She then looked around the coffee shop searching for Rick. She found Rick sitting in a corner table in the back of the coffee shop. She walked to where Rick was sitting and sat down in chair across from Rick. 
 
“Good morning Rick.” Claudia said cheerfully. 
 
“Good morning Claudia.” Rick said without any emotion. 
 
‘Oh-oh, this is not good.’ Claudia said to herself as she read Rick’s face and body language. “So, what do you want to tell me that you can’t tell Lisa?” 
 
Rick was quiet for a moment as if he was trying to collect the words to say to Claudia. He bit his lower lip and drew in a deep breath. “Claudia, I am resigning my commission in the RDF and I am leaving Macross City.” 
 
Claudia couldn’t believe what she just heard. “What?” 
 
“I am resigning my commission in the RDF and I am leaving Macross City.” 
 
“You’re not serious, are you Rick?” 
 
“I am serious Claudia.” 
 
“Why?” 
 
‘I don’t want to hurt Lisa anymore. I love Lisa and I don’t want to see her in pain any more after all the trouble and problems I’ve caused her.” 
 
‘You mean you don’t want to be hurt, Rick. But you’re always being the gentleman, aren’t you Rick? You’re putting the burden and the blame on yourself. Just like Roy.’ 
 
“I just need to get away to sort things out, Claudia.” 
 
Claudia exploded in a fit of rage but managed to keep her voice under control and at a low volume. “You mean you’re running away. Rick, I’m surprised at you. This is not like you. I expect Lisa to do something like this, but not you. You’ve never ran away from your problems. In all the years I’ve known you; I have never known you to run away from your problems. You always faced your problems head on, just like Roy did. If Roy was alive he would tell you the exact same thing I'm telling you.” 
 
“I’m not running away, Claudia. I just need time to think things over and I can’t do it here." 
 
“Yes you are running away. Rick, listen to me. Roy and I had our problems too but we had always managed to work our problems out by talking it through not by running away.” 
 
"Claudia, I am not running away. I’ve written a letter to you. It will explain everything I’ve told you.” Rick said as he slid an envelope on the table over to Claudia. Claudia picked up the envelope and put it in her uniform coat pocket without reading it. “I’ve also written a letter to Max. You will make sure he receives it?” Rick gave the sealed envelope he written “MAX” on the outside to Claudia.  
 
“Yes I will, Rick.” 
 
“I’ve also written a letter to Lisa. Will you make sure she receives on the day I leave?” Rick asked as he passed an envelope marked “FOR LISA” on the outside to Claudia. Claudia looked at the envelope and noticed small wrinkled circles on the envelope. Rick was crying as he was writing the letter to Lisa. 
 
“Rick, before you hand over the envelope to me, please reconsider resigning your commission, instead of writing a letter to Lisa, talk to her. Try to come to at least an understanding with her. If you really do love her Rick, you will not do this to her.” 
 
“She will not talk to me Claudia. Ever since that day, I’d left messages for Lisa to call me or talk to me, she hasn’t returned my messages. What makes you think she will talk to me just because she heard I will be resigning my commission and leaving Macross?” 
 
“Well, you wouldn’t know unless you try.” 
 
Rick gave Claudia a “you have to be kidding me” look. 
 
“Ok, you have a point there. Rick, please hold off on your resignation for at least a week or two. Let me talk to her. Maybe when she hears you’ll be resigning your commission and leaving Macross, she’ll come to her senses and at least talk with you.” 
 
“What makes you think she will listen to you, Claudia? I’m sorry Claudia but I’m not going to hold off on my decision, I have already made my decision. A real estate appraiser is coming by the house tomorrow morning to appraise the house and the property” 
 
“When are you leaving Macross City?” 
 
“I’m leaving the day after New Year’s Day.” 
 
“What are you going to do after you leave? Where are you going to stay? How will you earn a living? 
 
“I’ll be staying with my aunt and uncle who live in Northern California in Redding. I already called them; they are allowing me to stay with them while I look for a job.” 
 
“You know you can change your mind up until the time you start out processing.” 
 
“I know.” 
 
“But you’re not going to change your mind.” 
 
“No.” 
 
“Rick, if you’re not going to reconsider resigning your commission, will you at least think about it?” Claudia said as they both stood up to leave the coffee shop and she took the envelope containing the letter for Lisa.. 
 
“I’ll think about it, I promise.” 
 
2 January 2014 in the afternoon 
 
Claudia and Lisa went into the control tower and watched as the veritech squadrons began taking off for their daily patrols. 
 
“Macross Control, this is Skull One requesting clearance for take off.” 
 
Lieutenant Mitchell spoke into the microphone. “Skull One, you are cleared for take off on runway 5.” 
 
Lisa turned to the Nikki Mitchell’s direction with a surprised look on her face. ‘That doesn’t sound like Rick. That sounds like Max Sterling.’ “Claudia, do you know why Rick’s not in Skull One? Did he call in sick?” 
 
Claudia had a sad look on her face. “Lisa, can we go out of the tower and find a quiet place to talk?” 
 
Lisa had a panicked look on her face. “What’s going on Claudia? What happened to Rick?” 
 
“Let’s get out of the tower first.” 
 
“No! I am not leaving the tower until you tell me what happened to Rick NOW!” 
 
Claudia nodded her head. “Ok, Lisa. Rick has resigned his commission in the RDF.” 
 
“HE DID WHAT?” 
 
“Rick has resigned his commission in the RDF as of today. He should be finished with out processing by now. A private plane is coming to pick him and he should be flying out of here at anytime.” 
 
Lisa shook her head intensely, not wanting to believe what Claudia just told her. “No! No! You’re lying to me Claudia! You’re lying to me!” Lisa said as tears began welling up in the corner of her eyes. 
 
“I wish I was, Lisa. But I’m not lying to you. Rick has resigned from the RDF and is leaving Macross City today.” 
 
Lisa ran out of the control tower crying very hard. Claudia was chasing after her. “Lisa, where are you going? Lisa, wait for me!” 
 
Lisa ran to Admiral Gloval’s office. His aide Sergeant Joanne Chase was outside the office. 
 
“Sergeant Chase, I need to speak with Admiral Gloval…now” 
 
“Wait for just a minute, Captain Hayes.” Sergeant Chase said as she picked up the telephone. “Admiral Gloval, Captain Hayes is outside your office and she says she wants to speak to you. Yes sir, I’ll tell her. You can go in, Captain Hayes. Admiral Gloval says he is expecting you.” 
 
Lisa walked briskly into Admiral Gloval’s office. She stopped in front of Admiral Gloval’s desk, stopped and saluted. 
 
“Sir, Captain Lisa Hayes requesting to speak with Admiral Gloval.” 
 
Admiral Gloval returned Lisa’s salute. “Stand at ease, Captain Hayes.” 
 
“Admiral, is it true that Captain Hunter resigned from the RDF?” 
 
“I’m afraid it’s true Lisa. Here’s his letter of resignation.” Admiral Gloval said as handed a sheet of paper to Lisa. She began reading the letter with trembling hands. 
 
26 December 2013 
 
From: Richard Thomas Hunter 
Captain RDF 
Commanding Officer 
Skull Squadron 
 
To: Henry J. Gloval 
Admiral 
Command Officer 
Robotech Defense Force 
 
Subject: Letter of Resignation 
 
Dear Admiral Gloval, 
 
It is with deep personal regret for me to inform you that of 2 January 2014, I will tender my resignation as a commissioned officer in the Robotech Defense Force. It is for personal reasons that I am not willing to state in this letter, which has caused me to tender my resignation and to leave Macross City. I have come to this very difficult decision after much careful thought, deliberation and prayer. I have directed Lieutenant Commander Max Sterling to be interim commanding officer of Skull Squadron until a suitable replacement can be found or until Lieutenant Commander Sterling is installed as permanent commanding officer of Skull Squadron. 
 
It has been a pleasure to work and to serve under you these past several years. I have learned a lot about leadership from you and the lessons I have learned from you, I will apply to my personal life. You have been a real inspiration to me and more like a second father to me than my commanding officer. I wish everyone in the Robotech Defense Force best wishes in future endeavors. I wish everyone good luck, God speed and may God bless you all. 
 
Sincerely Yours, Richard Thomas Hunter 
Captain RDF 
 
Lisa was blinded by tears by the time she finished reading the letter. When Lisa read the date of the letter, she realized that is was the day after Rick and Lisa had their argument about Minmei staying at Rick’s home. She handed the letter back to Admiral Gloval and saluted. She marched out of Gloval’s office but began to run again as soon as she closed the door. Claudia was outside Admiral Gloval’s office sitting in a chair and immediately got on her feet and began chasing after Lisa. 
 
“Lisa! Where’re you going now?” 
 
“I’m going back to the control tower! I’m going to try to stop Rick from taking off!” 
 
Lisa and Claudia ran back to the control tower. As Lisa and Claudia entered the room, Lisa heard Rick’s voice on the radio. 
 
“This is November-Whiskey-X-Ray 23490 requesting clearance for takeoff, Macross Control.” 
 
“This is Macross Control. You are cleared for take off November-Whiskey-X-Ray 23490.” 
 
“No Nikki! Deny his request! Stop him!” 
 
“It’s too late, Captain Hayes! He’s already going down the runway and is about to take off!” 
 
“Get him back on the radio, Nikki! Tell Rick I want to talk to him!” 
 
“Yes ma’am. November-Whiskey-X-Ray 23490, this is Macross Control. Do you read me over? 
 
“This is November-Whiskey- X-Ray 23490; I read you loud and clear Macross Control over.” 
 
“November-Whiskey-X-Ray 23490, Captain Hayes wants to speak to you, Captain Hunter. over “ 
 
“Macross Control, I am no longer in the military and no, I will not speak to Captain Hayes over.” 
 
Lisa yanked the microphone out of Lieutenant Mitchell’s hand. “Rick, this is Lisa. Please talk to me. Why have you resigned your commission? Why are you leaving Macross City?” 
 
“I’ve explained everything in the letter, Lisa.” 
 
“The only letter I’ve read was the resignation letter you wrote to Admiral Gloval.” 
 
“Not that letter, Lisa. It’s this letter.” Claudia said as she held an envelope between her index and middle fingers. “Rick wrote a letter to me and Max.” Lisa took the envelope out of Claudia’s fingers and ripped opened the envelope. She began reading Rick’s letter with trembling hands. 
 
My dearest Lisa, 
 
By now, you will have found out that I have resigned my commission in the RDF and have left Macross City. You are not the reason that I have resigned my commission and left Macross, so please do not blame yourself. I am the reason why I have decided to leave. I have broken your heart so many times and I have caused you so much pain in the past. It hurts me so much to see a beautiful lady like you in so much pain. That is why I have decided to resign my commission and to leave Macross. It is better for you that you forget all about me and to go on with your life. 
 
I’ve heard that the SDF-2 is about to be commissioned and you have been picked by Admiral Gloval to lead the RDF’s peace mission to Tirol to find the Invid. I think that is where you belong, in the stars. Please think of me whenever you look out of your portal window because I will be thinking of you whenever it’s night and I am looking up at the stars. Please do not cry for me. You know how much I hate it when I see a pretty lady like you cry. Also, please do not try to look for me. If you don’t do anything else, please at least do this for me. I will never forget you and you will always be a part of my life. Remember that I love you and I will always love you, you old sourpuss.  
Love, 
Rick 
 
“Rick! Please come back! Let’s talk. It’s not entirely your fault. I’ve made mistakes too. I should have let you explain why Minmei was staying with you. Please come back!” 
 
Claudia closed her eyes and cried. ‘Rick, I’ve told you to talk to Lisa but you wouldn’t listen to me. She would have talked to you knowing you’re resigning your commission and leaving Macross. Please Rick, turn the plane around. Talk to Lisa, she loves you. It’s just a misunderstanding.’ 
 
“I…I can’t Lisa. It just hurts too much right now.” 
 
“But you’re in an airplane, Rick. You can always come back.” 
 
“I can’t Lisa. If I come back, you will try to talk me out of leaving. Just remember that I love you and I always will love you.” Rick said in between sobs. 
 
‘I love you too, Rick. Please, if you really do love me, come back to me!” Lisa said in between raking and heaving sobs. 
 
“Please Lisa. If you really do love me, let me go. Please! Live your own life!” 
 
‘I can’t live my life without you Rick! I can’t go to the stars without you by my side! Please! Please turn the plane around! We’ll talk after you land.” 
 
“I can’t Lisa! Please! Just remember that I…” The radio then went dead. 
 
“Rick? Rick? Please answer me!” 
 
“I’m sorry Captain Hayes. Captain Hunter is out of radio range now.” Lieutenant Mitchell said quietly. 
 
“NO! Rick! Please answer me! Rick!” 
 
Claudia gently wrapped her arm around Lisa’s shoulders. “Come on Lisa. Let’s leave the tower and let Kim, Vanessa, Sammie and Nikki do their jobs.” 
 
“Why didn’t he turn the plane around Claudia? Why? It’s my fault Claudia! It’s my fault! I should have let Rick explain! I should have let Rick explain!” Lisa said in between sobs as Claudia escorted her out of the control tower. 
 
The control tower was sadly quiet and everyone was crying. Everyone was sad to see Lisa in so much pain. They were also sad that Rick is gone. The RDF’s best fighter pilot, friend and all around good person is gone and never to return to the RDF and to Macross. 
 
In his office, Admiral Gloval was quietly grieving the loss of his best fighter pilot and second son. It hurt him just as much when Roy Fokker died. ‘One of my senior officers and my best pilot has resigned his commission because of a misunderstanding in his romance. God, when will this ever end?’ 
 
High above the skies of North America, Rick’s eyes were so blinded by tears; he knew if he didn’t collect his emotions together, he would crash. But he couldn’t help but remember what Lisa told him just before he went out of radio range. ‘Lisa, why didn’t you tell me sooner that you love me? Why did you have to tell me that when I was leaving?’ 
 

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