fanfic_name = The Promise
chapter = 5
author = LTjg_GT_RDF
Rating = AP
Type = Angst
fanfic = THE PROMISE
CHAPTER FIVE
As Lisa and Roy were running out of the hospital for the conference room, Dr. Wainwright was approaching them from the opposite direction.
“Commander Hayes, I’m glad I found you. I need to speak to you about Commander Hunter.”
“I’m sorry doctor, but I have to go. I’ve been called to a very important meeting with Captain Gloval.”
“Please commander, it’s very important. It will only take a couple of minutes.”
Lisa turned to Roy. “Roy could you…”
“Don’t worry Lisa. I’ll tell Captain Gloval you’ll be a little late.”
“Thanks Roy.”
Roy patted Lisa’s hand and ran off. Lisa turned and looked at Dr. Wainwright and asked point blank. “How’s Rick doing, doctor?”
Dr. Wainwright began looking around. “Can we find a place to sit down first?”
Oh no, this is not good. Lisa said to herself as she and Dr. Wainwright began walking down the hall toward a row of chairs. “Please doctor, just tell me.”
“Let’s sit down first commander.”
After they sat down, Lisa looked straight at Dr. Wainwright. “Please doctor, just tell me the truth. Will Rick make it?”
Dr. Wainwright was quiet for a moment trying to collect his words. “I have good news for you, but it’s not very much. Commander Hunter has sustained some damage to his vital organs, mostly to his spleen and liver but I think it can be repaired. However, I’m more concerned about his extremities, mostly his legs. X-rays has shown that he has multiple compound fractures to his left and right femur and the tibia and fibula in both his legs are shattered.”
Lisa began to cry when she heard the dire news. “Can you save his legs?”
“I like to and I hope so. But, I’m not a specialist, so I can’t tell you for sure. I will talk with an orthopedic surgeon after I’m finished talking with you. I’ll show him the x-rays and he can tell me definitively if Commander Hunter’s legs can be saved.”
“Why is he in a coma?”
“We had an MRI done on Commander’s Hunter’s brain and it did show a contusion to the left side of his brain. It’s not big but it could be the cause of him being in a coma. It most likely happened when his “thinking cap” helmet collided with the side of the canopy of his VT. The force was jarring enough to cause a contusion and put him in a coma.”
“Will he ever come out of the coma?”
“Yes, he will eventually. When? I do not know because I’m not a neurosurgeon. He may be coming out of it as we speak. He may come out of it later today, this evening, tonight, tomorrow, next week or next month. I don’t know. That’s one of the mysteries of the brain. We now know more about the brain than we did 30 years ago but we still do not know enough. Commander Hunter went through a similar situation when he was first shot down. You know how long he was in a coma. I’ll be consulting with a neurologist and see what he says.”
“When will you be operating on Rick?”
“I hope to operate before this afternoon. I wanted to wait overnight for Commander Hunter to become more stabilized before we do any kind of surgery on him.”
“Will you keep me informed on how he’s doing, doctor?”
Dr. Wainwright nodded his head. “Oh yes commander, of course. I’ll keep you informed every step of the way.”
“I must be going now, doctor. Captain Gloval must be wondering by now why I’m so late.”
“I think Captain Gloval will understand why you’ll be a little late.”
“Thank you, doctor.”
“You’re welcome commander.”
Lisa got up and started walking to the conference room. She was crying and was very upset at what the doctor told her. She then decided to stop by and see Rick one more time before going on to the conference room. She knew that she will keep everyone waiting but she really didn’t care. All she was concerned about was Rick and if he will ever come out of his coma and will he still be able to walk. She walked in, kissed Rick, sat down in a chair, put his hand in hers and kissed his hand. She tried to be strong but can’t because her heart was heavy and was breaking because of her love and concern for Rick.
“Oh Rick. Please come back to me! I can’t imagine living my life without you! I lost someone I loved the first time. I don’t want to lose you too! Oh Rick my love. I’m trying to be strong for you but I can’t! I love you so much! Please Rick! Don’t leave me!”
She then lost all self control. She buried her head in her arms and started crying at Rick’s bedside. It had taken her several minutes before she was composed enough to leave Rick for the meeting with Captain Gloval. She kissed Rick one more time and left the room.
Outside the door to the conference room, Lisa fixed herself up and best she could without a mirror and walked in. As she was walking in, a familiar voice called out to her.
“Commander Hayes. It’s good to see you again.”
Lisa was startled when she heard that voice. She looked over to where the voice came from and stood frozen in her tracks. There stood was the Zentraedi diplomatic minister Exedore. He was shrunk down to human size by the resizing chamber. Around the circular table sat Captain Gloval, Colonel Maistroff, Max, Miriya, the three Zentraedi spies Bron, Konda and Rico, Claudia and Roy.
“Exedore, what are you doing here? What’s going on?”
“Everything will be explained to you in due time, Lisa.” Captain Gloval said. “Please, take your seat.”
“Yes sir.” Lisa said as she sat down next to Claudia.
“Well, I believe everyone is here. Let’s get this meeting started.” Captain Gloval said.
“Not yet captain. Two of your people are not here.” Exedore stated.
“Oh? Who are they?”
“The first one is a male possesses powers and fighting skills that are truly extraordinary. The second one is a female that I believe is the core of your psychological assault.”
“Describe to us who they are and what they did. Please enlighten us.”
As Exedore began describing Kyle and Minmei and scenes from their movie, Little White Dragon, Maistroff remembered reading the debriefing reports from the three Zentraedi spies who later defected. Then when Exedore began describing the Miss Macross Pageant and Minmei’s first concert, Maistroff knew who Exedore was talking about. He leaned over to Captain Gloval and whispered, “Henry, I think he’s talking about Lynn Kyle and Minmei.”
“I think you’re right Jonas. Find out where they are right now and bring them here…” Captain Gloval then heard Exedore started singing “Stage Fright”, he winced. “Now!”
“Yes sir.”
Gees, he’s worse than some of the officers singing drunk on Karaoke Night at the officer’s club. Gloval said to himself. “Thank you Exedore. We get the gist of what you’re talking about.”
It had taken over an hour for Maistroff’s aide to find Minmei and Kyle. When they entered the conference room, Kyle was not happy.
“I’m getting tired of being pushed around by the military!”
Minmei wasn’t as irate as Kyle but she was wondering why they were called to the conference room.
“Would someone mind explaining why it is so important for us to come here?”
“Don’t expect a straight answer from them, Minmei! They only care about their own little military schemes! They don’t care about people…”
“I have enough of your anti-military ranting! Sit down and shut up!” Captain Gloval yelled startling Kyle and quieting him in an instant. “Now, we have a visitor here who wants to ask you some questions. I expect you answer them respectfully and truthfully. This meeting is classified and you are not to tell anyone outside of this room. If you do, I have you both arrested so fast it will make your heads spin. You are to give us and him your full cooperation. Do you both understand?”
“Yes, Captain Gloval.” Minmei said respectfully as she and Kyle sat down. Kyle didn’t say anything. He sat down in the chair with his arms folded across his chest and with an angry look on his face. Minmei put her hand on his shoulder. “Kyle, they need our cooperation. Being angry at them will not do us any good.” She then turned to Captain Gloval. “We’ll answer any questions he has, Captain Gloval.”
Captain Gloval smiled at Minmei. “Thank you, Miss Minmei.” How such a sweet girl like Minmei is related to such a pompous ass is beyond my comprehension. He then turned his head and attention to Exedore. “Now, Minister Exedore would you please kindly tell us why you are here?”
“In due time captain, I will. But I assure you, my reason for being here is of the most crucial importance to both you and the Zentraedi.”
Captain Gloval tried not to look irritated, but can’t help it. Oh boy, here we go with the song and dance routine. This little alien must be a diplomat. He sure knows how to play the game.
As Exedore asked Kyle and Minmei about their “supernatural” powers and the three Zentraedi spies agreeing with what Exedore said, Captain Gloval surmised that the Zentraedi do not know anything about recreation and entertainment. It seems like the only thing they know is war and fighting. It’s like they were bred for it.
“What about your energy barrier and destruction waves?” Exedore asked.
“They’re just defensive and offensive weapons we devised based on the technology we found on this ship when it crash landed on Earth in 1999.” Captain Gloval explained.
“Ah, but you did not find everything on this ship.” Exedore countered.
“Not to interrupt, Captain Gloval. But we searched every nook and cranny of this ship, Minister Exedore. I should know because I was with Captain Gloval when we searched the ship after it crash landed on Macross Island.” Roy said.
“I understand, Captain Fokker. But, are you sure you searched everywhere? Do you know that this ship changes and transforms when it needs to?
Roy did not have to be reminded. He remembered the SDF-1 doing just that. He also remembered feeling like he was a mouse trapped in an ever changing puzzle maze. It felt like they were inside the ship for hours when it was only less than an hour.
“Somewhere in the deep bowels of this ship, is the source of power for this ship and your “robotechology”, Protoculture and the Protoculture Matrix.”
“Please explain to us what ‘Protoculture’ is, Minister Exdore.” Captain Gloval asked.
Exedore was incredulous that Captain Gloval would ask such a question. “You Micronians still insist you do not know what Protoculture is? Why, Protoculture is the most powerful source of energy in the universe.”
“I’m sorry Minister Exedore. Our robotechology is based on the technology we found on this ship and what we now know and have. We simply do not know what you are talking about.” Gloval simply stated.
An aide to Captain Gloval knocked on the closed conference room door, walked over to Gloval and whispered in his ear. “Excuse me, Captain Gloval. Sir, I’m sorry to interrupt the meeting. But, there is an incoming call for Minister Exedore from the main Zentraedi ship. They say it’s imperative for them to speak to Exedore right away. J-6 has patched it through to here. J-2 and RDF Intelligence is listening in.”
“Thank you, Major Anders.”
Gloval told Exedore about the incoming call. Exedore picked up the red telephone. “Yes, this is Exedore. No my lord. I’m afraid that the secrets of Zor are gone and are lost forever! They do not know where the Protoculture Matrix is. This long war has been fought for nothing! WHAT? You’re certain of this?” Exedore asked as his fist began to tighten around the telephone’s receiver. “You know what this means, then? I understand.” Exedore put the telephone back in its cradle and looked straight at Captain Gloval with a look of grave concern on his face.
“Captain Gloval, you must escape this solar system within 24 Earth hours. We will assist you.”
“WHAT? And leave the Earth defenseless?”
“I’m afraid so.”
“That is out of the question! We are sworn to defend the Earth!”
“I understand, Captain Gloval. We Zentraedi will not react any differently. What’s more, without your help, escape for us is all but impossible. With this armada’s supplies nearly exhausted…” Exedore taken in a deep breath, let it out in a big sigh and continued. “I’m afraid that we will soon be fighting a common enemy.”
“What are you saying, Minister Exedore?” Maistroff asked.
“My Lord Breetai has just informed me that the Grand Fleet is headed for this star system. The attacks your planet has experienced in past months are small compared to what is headed this way. The Grand Fleet has a total force of four million eight hundred thousand warships with a destructive power of a supernova.”
“All right then. A fight it shall be.” Gloval said matter-of-factly.
Lynn Kyle jumped to his feet. “You’re crazy! There’s no way you can beat a fleet like that! We’re doomed!”
Exedore thought for a moment. “It’s not over yet. I think there is still a way we can win. So far, this ship has proven to be unbeatable. I will need more information before I can be sure of it, but I think we can use this ship to our advantage in order to win.”
An hour later, Exedore began to explain his strategy of destroying Dolza’s mobile base. If the mobile base can be destroyed, it can throw the fleet into disarray. But he was about to put a fly into the ointment. “However, we will need a diversion. We need an element of surprise in order for this to come together.”
Lisa, who was sitting quietly and listening, thought back to when she, Rick and Ben were trapped on Dolza’s flagship and how startled they were when she and Rick kissed. She also remembered reading the reports of the three Zentraedi spies and how surprised they were when they first heard Minmei sing. “Captain Gloval, Minister Exedore. I think I know of a way where we can get the element of surprise. But we will need Minmei’s help in order to pull it off.”
“Me?” Minmei asked with a surprised sound in her voice.
“Yes Minmei. You are our element of surprise. Hear me out. I know this sounds crazy but in the end, it’s all very logical. Captain Gloval, do you remember reading the reports of Bron, Konda and Rico when they defected? Also, the reports from me, Commander Hunter and Lieutenant Dixon about how Exedore, Lord Breetai and Dolza were surprised to see a male and female kissing?” Lisa asked slightly blushing.
“Yes I do, Commander Hayes. Go on.”
“Most of the Zentraedi in the Grand Fleet never seen or heard what Exedore had seen and heard. If we can use Minmei’s singing and have Minmei kiss someone, and broadcast it to every ship in the Grand Fleet, it might be enough to throw the fleet off balance for that moment we need.”
Exedore thought for a moment and agreed. “It may just work, Commander Hayes.”
“Very well, then.” Captain Gloval said. “Let’s get to work. Captain Fokker, start preparing the air wing for battle. When the fighting starts, I will need you in the operations center to coordinate. I know you will want to be out in the fight with your pilot friends, but I need you here.”
“Yes sir.” Roy said with obvious disappointment in his voice.
“Claudia, get with the bridge crew and start working on tactical and strategic operations. We need to start preparing. This is going to be a long 24 hours.”
“Yes sir.”
“Is there anything else we need to address?” Gloval asked looking around to everyone. “If not, this meeting is adjourned.” Everyone stood on their feet to begin to leave the conference room.
Exedore spoke up. “Excuse me, Captain Gloval. I have a request to make before we leave. Miss Minmei. Will…will you sing for us? So we may hope for victory? Please Miss Minmei.”
“Of course, Minster Exedore, I’ll be more than happy to honor your request.” Minmei answered as she stood up. She started singing her signature song “To Be in Love” acappela. She started out very softly, and then began to sing with more feeling. As Minmei’s young soprano voice soared to the ceiling of the conference room, Lisa began to cry as she listened to the words. She cried not because she liked the song or she like Minmei, but the words of the song reminded her that she is in love and that the one that she loves is waging his own battle, a battle for his life. Claudia put her arm around Lisa and began to comfort her.
“Rick maybe in a hospital bed, but I know that he’s here with you, Lisa.” Claudia whispered to Lisa.
“I know, Claudia. But I want him here by my side instead of in my heart.”
Meanwhile at the same time in an operating room in the ships hospital, a surgical team was about ready to operate on Rick.
“All right everyone. Are we ready to begin?” The head surgeon asked looking around at the surgical team. Everyone nodded their heads.
“All right then. Let’s get this started, laser scalpel.”
“Laser scalpel.”
State = Continuará/To Be Continue
feedback = Sí/Yes
email = georgemtATearthlink.net