fanfic_name = The Promise
chapter = 10
author = LTjg_GT_RDF
Rating = AP
Type = Angst
fanfic = THE PROMISE
CHAPTER TEN
Lisa gasped and rushed over to where Rick fell and went to her knees. Amy was already at Rick’s side and was helping him up and into the wheelchair.
“I guess I need more practice.” Rick said as he smiled sheepishly.
“Oh Rick, honey. You did well. I’m so proud of you. But remember to take your time, ok?”
“I will Lisa. But this little set back will not stop me.” Rick said with determination in his voice.
Lisa stayed on her knees as she kissed Rick who is now seated in his wheelchair. As Rick and Lisa were kissing, Amy smiled and turned her head, not wanting to look at the tender moment and trying to give them as much privacy as possible with her there. Rick and Lisa reminded Amy of how much in love she is with her boyfriend. She hoped that she and her boyfriend will be in love as long as Rick and Lisa are.
Just then, Kim’s voice came over the PA system. “Will Captain Hayes please report to the conference room on the double? Captain Hayes please report to the conference room on the double.”
“Rick, I have to…”
“Yes, I’ve heard that you’re wanted. I’ll see you when you come home. Tell me what the meeting was all about. I love you.”
“I love you too, sweetie.” Lisa said as she and Rick kissed.
When Lisa departed, Amy looked at Rick with a wistful smile on her face. Rick noticed the smile.
“Amy, what are you smiling about?”
“Oh, excuse me Commander Hunter, but you and Captain Hayes are so much in love. I am so envious of you. I love my boyfriend with all my heart but sometimes we just don’t get along.”
”Well, Lisa and I didn’t get along either when we first met, Amy.”
“You didn’t?”
“No. As a matter of fact, we started out like fire and jet fuel. You want to hear the whole story over lunch? Lisa had to leave early.”
“You’re my last appointment for the day. Sure, why not? Tell you what; I’ll buy lunch for the both of us. What do you say?”
“I will accept you paying for lunch on one condition.”
“What’s that, Commander Hunter?”
“That you stop calling me Commander Hunter and start calling me Rick. You’re not in the military, you’re a civilian. I call you by your first name, you do the same.”
Amy laughed. “Ok, no problem. I’ll call you Rick.”
Rick smiled at Amy. “Great. Let’s go get lunch. I’m starved.”
In the hospital cafeteria, Rick began telling Amy about how he and Lisa first met on Macross Island and the run-ins he had with Lisa after he joined the RDF. When Rick began telling Amy when he was fighting in the battle of Saturn’s rings and he got upset at Lisa and called her Old Sourpuss, Amy was shocked.
“You called Captain Hayes an Old Sourpuss?”
“Oh yes. Right on the open net where everyone can hear. It’s not something I’m proud of now but then, I was a rookie fighter pilot flying my first mission and at the same time trying not to get myself killed and here was Lisa getting on my case for what I thought was little things.”
Rick then related how he rescued Lisa against her will at Mars Base Sara and how later on, he found out that was where her old boyfriend Karl Riber was stationed and was later killed. It was then, he began to understand Lisa. After they and Ben were POWs of the Zentraedi and they escaped with the help of Max, he began to appreciate Lisa even more. They kept running in each other and soon they became friends. It wasn’t after Rick’s air battle with Khyron that he really began to see how much Lisa meant to him. Amy was enthralled with Rick’s story.
“Wow. What a story. And here you are again, almost killed by the Zentraedi and your legs have to amputated and Captain Hayes is still by your side.”
“That’s correct.”
“Wow. If only I can have that kind of love and relationship with my boyfriend.”
“Amy, every relationship will have its high and its lows. The trick is, is to not let the lows overshadow the highs. You need to communicate with your boyfriend and keep that line of communication open. Always keep talking with each other. The last piece of advice I can give to you, is to never go to bed angry at each other.” Rick said with a smile.
“I will remember that, Rick.”
“Great. My assistant is coming to take me home. I will see you day after tomorrow?”
“That’s correct. Remember to do those muscle exercises I gave to you.”
“I will Amy. Good bye.”
“Good bye Rick. I’ll see you the day after tomorrow.”
From Captain Lisa Hayes’ Personal Diary
3 April 2013
Today is the day. Rick’s rehabilitation has been completed. Amy has said that Rick has completed his therapy and Dr. Wainwright has cleared Rick to fly again. Rick walks almost like he used to. Rick is so excited and I am excited for him. I am also nervous for Rick as I always am. I try my best to hide my fears but I always get nervous and fearful whenever Rick flies. But it’s something that Rick enjoys doing and it’s his life. I do not want him to change his life just because of my fears.
Roy has put Rick back on flying status and Rick is returning to Skull Squadron as CO. Today is Rick’s first day back on duty and Rick is going to the squadron’s ready room to meet the new pilots.
Skull Squadron’s ready room
Outside the squadron’s ready room, Max and was waiting for Rick with a big smile on his face. Rick came walking up with Lisa next to him. Max saluted and Rick returned the salute without much fanfare. Max then put out his hand and Rick took it. But instead of shaking Max’s hand, Rick embraced him.
“Welcome back Rick. It’s been too long.”
“Good to be back Max.”
Max then embraced Lisa.
“Lisa, it’s good to see you again.”
“Same here Max. Where is Miriya?”
“She’s doing paperwork.”
“Oh, I see. How’s Dana doing?”
“Dana’s growing everyday.”
“That’s good to hear Max.”
“Thank you Lisa. Want to meet the new pilots, sir?”
“Yes.”
“Attention on deck!” Max yelled in his best command voice.
The noisy ready room suddenly went quiet as pilots stood on their feet.
“That’s ok everyone, as you were, at ease.” Rick said waving his hands. He was never much into military pomp and circumstance. Lisa just smiled and shook her head.
Rick went to each pilot and shook the hand of everyone. Lieutenant Hans Zimmerman, Flight Lieutenant Shane O’Connor, Ensign John Chung, 1st Lieutenant Steve Johnson, and the squadron’s first human female pilot 2nd Lieutenant Sarah Hammond.
The pilot scramble siren started blasting in the middle of introductions. Rick turned to Lisa. “I have to go, Lisa.”
Lisa had a look of concern on her face and she was very scared for Rick. “Please be careful, Rick.”
“Don’t worry, Lisa. Even though you’re not in the cockpit with me, I know you’re flying with me.”
Lisa knew it was useless trying to talk Rick out of not flying; she just wrapped her arms around Rick’s neck, stood on her toes and kissed him. “Please come back to me, Rick.”
“I will Lisa. I promise.”
Rick rushed off to get into his flight suit. After he suited up, as Rick ran up to his veritech, he slowed down when he noticed the familiar black skull and crossbones of the Jolly Roger on the twin tails. He froze for a moment, not sure if he can climb into the cockpit. He shook off the feeling because he knew he have to exorcize his demons. Also, he has a job to do. His crew chief, Chet, was there to welcome him back and to assist him in buckling himself into the cockpit seat.
“Welcome back sir.”
“Thank you Chet.”
“Ok sir. Your veritech is full of fuel, your gun pod is loaded and you have your full compliment of Sparrow and Sidewinder missiles. Good luck and come back to us safe, sir.”
“I will Chet. Thanks.”
Rick taxied Skull One to the runway. Rick received clearance from the tower to take off. Rick put the engines into afterburner, pushed open the throttle and began speeding down the runway. He pitched the nose up 10 degrees and soon Rick was airborne.
“Macross Control, this is Skull Leader, Skull Flight is airborne.”
Lieutenant Mitchell in the control tower answered. “Roger Skull Leader, go to coordinates 47.622N – 122.349W. We have rebel Zentraedi activity in New Seattle. Be advised they do have battle pods so expect to be engaged in an air battle.”
“Roger Macross Control, en route to New Seattle. Skull Flight is going supersonic.”
It had taken Skull Squadron over an hour to get to New Seattle, even going supersonic. As they flew into the outskirts of the city, battle pods were everywhere and shooting at will. People were running everywhere, buildings were on fire and chaos was reigning everywhere. Battle pods began to scatter and the veritechs began to give chase and started to engage the battle pods. Flight Lieutenant O’Connor yelled on the tactical net. “Commander Battle pod behind you on your 6!”
Immediately, Rick put Skull One into a vertical climb, pulling a tremendous amount of g-force, putting a severe strain on his body. Rick grunted trying not to black out. Seconds later, Rick looped over and fired off a Sidewinder missile at the battle pod that was chasing him. The battle pod exploded into a fireball of metal and exploding fuel. That’s for Ben. Other pilots shot off their missiles. Seconds later, the battle pods broke off and began to run.
“Should we go after them, sir?”
“No, let them go. They have enough fighting for one day. We’ll finish them off another day. Is everyone alive and breathing?”
All seven pilots including Max and Miriya answered. Over an hour later, Lieutenant Mitchell noticed 8 veritechs approaching the airfield through her binoculars. Seconds later, Rick’s voice came over the radio. “Macross Control, Skull Flight requesting clearance to land.”
“Roger, Skull Flight. You are cleared to land on runway 6. Welcome back.”
Rick was the first to land. As Rick taxied his veritech, Rick looked off the side and saw Lisa standing on the flight line, excitedly waving her hands. Rick’s crew chief climbed up to the canopy. “Welcome back sir.”
“Thanks Chet. It’s good to be back.”
“Go ahead sir. I’ll park your veritech.”
“Thanks Chet.”
After Rick climbed down, Lisa ran as fast as she could. Rick held out his arms and Lisa jumped into his arms, put her arms around Rick’s neck and cried.
“I told you I’ll be back, Lisa.” Rick said quietly.
Lisa didn’t say anything. She just started kissing Rick. The other pilots walked past them and smiled. None of them wanted to bother Rick and Lisa’s private moment.
The next day
I hate paperwork. It’s the downside of being a commanding officer. Rick said to himself as he was mulling over the mountains of paperwork, Roy came into Rick’s office whistling.
“What are you doing little brother?”
Rick didn’t say anything. Just gave Roy a “What do you think I’m doing?” look.
“Oh yes, paperwork. I have to do that too. Well, come on. Take a break from the paperwork.”
“What you have in mind, Roy?”
“Well, when you were in your coma, I promised you that when you come out of your coma, you and I will do an air race.”
“You mean right now?”
“Sure, why not? It beats doing paperwork”
“I don’t think Admiral Gloval will like us racing in the veritechs.”
“Did I say we’re racing in the veritechs?”
On the runway of the airfield, were two identical Cessna Skyhawk single engine turboprop airplanes.
“It’s not your fanjet, Rick.”
“No, but I guess it will do.”
Standing at the airfield were Lisa, Claudia, Admiral Gloval, the bridge bunnies, Max and Miriya, members of Rick’s squadron and other pilots. Admiral Gloval walked up to Rick and Roy.
“Captain Fokker, Commander Hunter. The start and the finish line is the end of the runway and it’s clearly marked. You will be flying identical airplanes. Here are your maps. Your route is as follows. You will fly past Monument City and Granite City and on to New Denver. At New Denver, you will fly south toward Colorado Springs. At the top of Pike’s Peak, there will be a red flag which is your signal to turn east towards New Macross City. I will be in the control tower giving you the signal to start your engines and to take off. Gentlemen, go to your airplanes.”
A collective cheer came up from the crowd. As Rick and Roy walked towards their airplanes, many of the pilots began collecting money for bets, including some of Rick’s own pilots. Rick frowned at what the pilots were doing.
“Oh come on, Rick. Let the pilots have some fun. We’re not the highest paid people in the RDF, you know.”
Chet, Rick’s crew chief was standing at the side of the plane with the door open.
“Ok sir. There is not much I can do for you but to say you are loaded with fuel. Good luck, sir.”
“Thanks Chet.”
Just then, Lisa ran up to the plane to give Rick a good luck kiss.
“Good luck Rick. I’m pulling for you.”
“Thanks Lisa.” Just then, Rick realized that the plane has two seats, which gave Rick an idea. “Lisa, get in on the other side. You’re flying with me.”
“What?”
“Get in on the other side. You’re my navigator and passenger.”
“But you’ll be at a disadvantage. I’ll be extra weight.”
“It doesn’t matter, Lisa. Think of yourself as my good luck charm. Besides, the last time we flew together was when I rescued you from Alaska Base. Chet, open the passenger’s side door for Captain Hayes.”
“Yes sir.”
As Lisa was buckling herself in, she looked over at Roy’s plane and noticed Claudia getting into Roy’s plane.
“Rick, Claudia’s getting into Roy’s plane.”
“Oh, so we’re no longer at a weight disadvantage.”
Seconds later, Roy’s voice came over the radio. “Nice try Rick. You’re trying to weasel your way into a rematch when I beat you saying I had an unfair advantage because I’m the only one in my plane.”
“You’ve known me almost my entire life, Roy. You know I wouldn’t do something like that.”
“Sure, Rick. Well, it won’t matter anyway because I will get my revenge on you for showing up my pilots on Macross Island with your Mockingbird.”
“Sorry Roy, but I’m not going to give you that satisfaction. Besides, I won’t need boosters when you eat my tail wind when we get to Pike’s Peak.”
“We shall see, little brother, we shall see.”
Seconds later, Admiral Gloval’s voice came over the radio. “Gentlemen, start your engines.”
“Captain Fokker, taxi onto runway 5. Commander Hunter, taxi onto runway 6.”
“Ready? Take off!”
Rick and Roy revved up their engines at the same time, pushed the throttle forward and began going down the runway. Seconds later, both planes were airborne. Several minutes later, both planes disappeared over the horizon.
Several hours later, Lieutenant Mitchell began scanning the western skies with her binoculars searching for two Piper airplanes. She spotted two dots approaching but they were still too far away so she waited. A minute later, she spotted two single engine turboprop planes approaching the tower. They were very close to each other. She radioed Admiral Gloval.
“Admiral Gloval, I see two Piper Skyhawk planes approaching from the west.”
“Thank you Lieutenant Mitchell. Captain Fokker, Commander Hunter. Do a fly by of the finish line so we can see the tail number of the plane that crosses the finish line first, then go ahead and land.”
Roy at the last minute slowed down for a split second then fed more fuel into the engine and made the finish line just barely ahead of Rick.
Roy landed first, followed by Rick a split second later. A collective cheer came up from the crowd when Rick, Lisa, Roy and Claudia came out of their airplanes. Rick went over and hugged Roy.
“You cheated. You know that, Roy.”
“I didn’t cheat. I just used a trick your father taught me when I was with the flying circus.”
“That’s what I mean, you cheated.”
Roy shook his head and jabbed Rick in his shoulder. Lisa came over and hugged Roy.
“Congratulations Roy. Good flying.”
“Thanks Lisa.”
Admiral Gloval came down from the control tower and shook Roy’s hand.
“Congratulations Captain Fokker. Nice flying.”
“Thank you, sir.”
“Do you like to say a few words on your victory?”
“No sir, I don’t. But I do like to ask Commander Grant a question.”
“What’s that, Roy?”
Roy turned to Claudia who was standing next to him. He then reached into the pants pocket of his flight suit. In the palm of his hand was a small black box. He then went on one knee and opened the box revealing an engagement ring.
“Claudia Grant, will you marry me?”
State = Continuará/To Be Continue
feedback = Sí/Yes
email = georgemtATearthlink.net