fanfic_name = The Promise

chapter = 6

author = LTjg_GT_RDF

Rating = AP

Type = Angst

fanfic = THE PROMISE

CHAPTER SIX

“To be in love.”

As Minmei finished the last words and notes of her song, everyone was lost in their own thoughts. The conference room was totally quiet, except for the sounds of Lisa quietly crying. Roy and Claudia were standing on either side of her comforting her.

“Thank you, Miss Minmei.” Captain Gloval said quietly. “This meeting is adjourned. Let’s get to work people.”

As Lisa was about ready to leave, Captain Gloval called her over. “Commander Hayes. May I speak with you in private?”

“Yes sir.” Lisa said as she was recollecting herself.

“Lisa that was a fine idea you suggested.”

“Thank you, sir.”

“However, I am having Lieutenant Mitchell take over your position.”

“WHAT? Nikki? But…she’s inexperienced sir! And besides, I was MY idea!”

“I realize that, Lisa. But I need for all my staff officers to have their heads in the game. The next 24 hours will determine not only the outcome of this ship, its crew and its inhabitants but it will also determine the future of humankind and the Zentraedi race. I can’t have my best and senior staff officer planning and coordinate a huge battle when her head’s not in the game. You might say your head’s in the game, but I know it’s not. Your mind and most especially, your heart is on Commander Hunter. I can’t have that. I need to have you 100% in the planning of this battle. The next 24 hours will be very crucial.”

“I understand sir.” Lisa said quietly as she began to understand the logic of Gloval’s argument.

“Why don’t you go to the hospital and stay with Commander Hunter? He needs you more than we do.”

“Thank you, sir.” Lisa said quietly as she turned and began to walk out of the conference room. But she was stopped short by a young voice calling her name.

“Lisa…Commander Hayes.”

Lisa turned around. “Yes Minmei?”

“I heard what happened to Rick…I mean…Commander Hunter. How is he doing?”

At first, Lisa couldn’t make out Minmei when she called her and Rick by their first names, then correcting herself and addressing them by their rank and last names. Was she just trying to be respectful with all the military people around? Or did she realized that she lost Rick to Lisa and was all ready going on with her life and forgetting him and no longer cared about him and for him? Lisa didn’t know for sure.

The only thing I know for sure is that for only doing one movie, she has become a really good actress. Lisa said to herself.

“Please…just tell me the truth.”

Lisa nodded her head. “It doesn’t look good for Rick for right now, Minmei. He’s badly wounded and in a coma. Both of his legs are seriously damaged. The doctor wants to try save his legs. But most likely, they will have to amputate. They’re supposed to operate on him today. I’m about to go the hospital to find out.”

Lisa could see tears welling up in Minmei’s eyes. She still cares for him. But she probably knows she’s lost Rick to me. Lisa said to herself.

“Can I see him?”

Lisa shook her head. “Only Captain Fokker and I can see him for now. We’re the closest Rick has to family.”

“Is there anything I can do for him?”

“Not much Minmei. Just keep him in your thoughts and prayers. That’s about all any of us can do for him for right now.”

“I will Commander Hayes. Will you keep me informed on how…Rick is doing?”

“I will Minmei.”

“Thank you Commander Hayes. Oh, and by the way, congratulations on your engagement to…to Rick.”

“How did you know?”

“I saw the engagement ring on your left ring finger. It’s very beautiful.”

Lisa smiled an embarrassing smile. “Oh. I’d forgotten. Thank you Minmei.”

“You’re welcome Commander Hayes.”

Lisa ran out of the conference room and rushed to the hospital. When she arrived at the hospital, the ICU head nurse informed Lisa that Rick was in surgery. She immediately went to the waiting room and found an empty couch. She sat down, took off her white service shoes, put up her legs and feet, lay down, curled up and settled in for the long wait.

She immediately let her subconscious drift away and imagined herself and Rick alone on a deserted topical island, like a scene from her favorite movie, "From Here to Eternity." She is wearing the skimpiest string bikini she would dare to wear. Rick is wearing the tightest and shortest swimsuit that is flattering his muscular but not too muscular body. He would chase her on the beach and on the water. They would run and play with each other on the beach like two little kids. Then they would get naked and make love on the sand near the crashing waves. There was no war, no death and no destruction. There was just peace and the two of them together, like Burt Lancaster and Deborah Kerr.

Hit City Recording studio in Macross City

Minmei was in the recording studio in Macross City recording her first CD album when Maistroff’s aide came looking for her and Kyle. After the meeting was over and the aide dropped them off at the recording studio, Minmei couldn’t help but being affected by what happened to Rick and what Lisa said to her about Rick’s physical condition. Minmei was about to lose control of her emotions as she and Kyle was walking to the recording booth. Minmei stopped Kyle.

“Kyle, I need a few moments alone. Can you tell them I’ll be along shortly?”

“It’s Commander Hunter. Am I right?” Kyle said softly.

Minmei nodded her head.

“I heard what happened to him. Real shame what happened to him.” Kyle may be against the military and the war but that does not mean he has a cold heart. It personally pains him to see the effects that war has. That is why he is against war. Kyle looked at his watch. “Sure. Go ahead. It’s almost lunchtime anyway and I’m pretty sure that the producer and the engineers are on a lunch break. There’s an empty office down the hall. Take as much time you need. When you’re ready, how about you and I go on a lunch break?”

“That sounds wonderful, Kyle. Thank you.” Minmei said as she kissed Kyle on the cheek.

She then ran to the empty office and closed the door. After she closed the door and found an empty couch, she let herself fall onto the couch and let her pent up emotions shoot out from her like a geyser. She cried for herself. She cried because she was such a fool. She only thought about herself and her personal life. She thought that once her professional career was on track, Rick would be along side her and he would be enjoying the ride. But no, he couldn’t wait for her. Why couldn’t he wait for her? She’s a young girl. She has hopes and dreams. She wants to plan out her future first before committing to any serious relationship. But no, he couldn’t wait. And because of that she has lost him to Lisa Hayes, a military woman. Depending on what happens to Rick and his operation and if they can save his life and his legs, they will be married soon.

But mostly, she cried for Rick. For what happened to him and may happen to him if the doctors have to amputate his legs. How can he live his life the way he wants to without legs to help him walk? How tragic it must be to live the rest of your life without something that most people take for granted. She remembered when they were trapped in the bowels of the ship and his beloved fanjet, The Mockingbird was nothing but a pile of junk floating out in space. He said that all he ever wanted to do was to fly. Ever since he could remember, he was around planes being that his late father owned a small flying circus. Why had fate dealt him such a cruel hand? The one thing he liked most in life might cost his legs and probably much more.

After what seemed to be hours but in reality, was only several minutes, she heard a knock on the door.

“Minmei” Kyle softly said as he slowly entered the room. “Are you ok now? Do you still need more time alone?”

“No Kyle. I’m ok now. I think I got it all out of me.” Minmei said as she sniffed at her tears.

“Great. Hey, it’s lunchtime. There’s a deli down the street that the people here at the recording studio always goes to and they say the food there is delicious. Want to go there and get a bite to eat?”

“Sure, why not.” Minmei said as she forced a smile on her face.

“Great. Let’s go. It will be my treat.” Kyle said with a smile on his face.

“That’s sweet of you, Kyle.”

23 hours later

The SDF-1 general quarters alarm began clanging. Kim’s voice came over the PA system.

“General Quarters! General Quarters! This is a ship wide alert! All military personnel report to your duty stations to man your battle stations! All pilots report to your squadron’s ready rooms for your briefing! All flight deck personnel report to your assigned stations and await further instructions! There should be no military personnel on the streets of Macross City. All military leaves are cancelled until further notice! All citizens of Macross stay in your homes or go to the nearest shelter!”

On the TV screens there was a signed flashed across the screen that read “PLEASE STAND BY”, seconds later, a voice came on, “Citizens of Macross and all RDF personnel. Please stand by for a very important announcement from Captain Henry J. Gloval, Commanding Officer of the SDF-1.”

“Men and women of the Robotech Defense Force, the SDF-1 and citizens of Macross City this is Captain Henry J. Gloval, Commanding Officer of the SDF-1. For several hours now, you may had heard of rumors about a big battle that is about to take place. Let me go on the record to say that the rumors are true. We are hoping that this battle will finally end this long ongoing war. With the help of our new friends, Lord Breetai and the Zentraedi Armada, we are hoping that we can defeat the Grand Fleet with minimal causalities. I would like to add a few things.

First, to the men of women of the SDF-1 and the RDF, I know that each and everyone of you, enlisted and officers will do your duty. We hope that all of you will come back to us but we do know that some of you will not come back. But I know that all of you will do your duty just the same.

To the citizens of Macross, I hope that this intrusion into your daily lives will be as minimal as possible. We are hoping for the best but we are prepared for the worst. I have consulted with the Mayor of Macross and have kept him informed of what is going on with this military operation. I am hoping that soon this battle will be over and we’ll be able to land on Earth and finally bring this war to end and finally have peace.

Good luck to you all and Godspeed.”

“All pilots and squadrons, stand by for a briefing from Captain Roy Fokker, commander of the air group.”

Several seconds later, Roy’s image was beamed to all the squadron’s ready rooms on the SDF-1.

“All pilots, flight deck personnel and support personnel. This is Captain Roy Fokker, commander of the air group on board the SDF-1. Ladies and gentlemen, you’re about to be engaged in a battle of which the likes of it has never been seen in all of the recent history of the RDF. You, along with this ship and our new Zentraedi friends will hopefully bring an end to this long ongoing war. A special IFF transmitter has been installed in the battle pods of the friendly Zentraedi forces. So, that should keep the chances of you shooting down a friendly down to a minimum. Cat’s Eye reconnaissance planes, along with Lieutenant Mitchell on the bridge and the tactical air traffic controllers will coordinate the air battle for you.”

“Skull, Vermillion, Orange, Sword, Osprey and Hawk squadrons will be the first wave with Skull taking the lead. Green, Gold, Black, Blue, Yellow and Brown squadrons will be the second wave. Falcon, Pioneer, Eagle, Juno, Ghost and Wolf squadrons will be the final wave. Sun, Galaxy and Star squadrons will be on stand-by. All VTs are fitted with your full compliment of missiles and gun. Remember what you learned in flight school and in training in the VR flight simulators and in practice. Stay with your wingman, try to maintain formation and only break off if you have to. I trust all of you in your abilities to perform and to do your job. I hope all of you come back. I wish I was flying with you but be assured that I am with flying you in spirit. The future of the human race is in your hands and your ability to do your job. Good luck and Godspeed.”

Kim’s voice came back. “All pilots to your VTs and prepare for take off.”

In Skull Squadron’s ready room, Max Sterling, Skull Squadron’s temporary CO was the first to his feet. “All right Skull Squadron. You heard her, everyone. Let’s go! Remember, we’re flying and fighting for Commander Hunter!”

Ben Dixon, Max’s closest friend spoke up. “Wait a minute, Max! Let’s do a break for him.”

“Good idea, Ben. Let’s make it quick though. Everyone, huddle around me in a circle and put your hands on top of each other.” All of the squadron’s pilots formed a circle. “Ok everyone, on my signal, we just say ‘BREAK!’ Ready? 1-2-3!”

“BREAK!”

In ICU

Rick was back in his VT flying. This time he wasn’t flying in the cold vacuum of space but over land. He looked above him. His canopy showed the azure blue sky, touched with puffs of clouds that almost look like cotton. He then looked to the left of the canopy and saw mountains below him. The mountain peaks were covered with snow and surrounding the mountains, were trees. In the valley below were running rivers and streams and lakes that seemed to stretch for miles.

“Ah. This is more like it. I’ve had it with flying in the blackness of space.” Rick said almost to himself. “I either must be in Montana or somewhere in the Rockies in the U.S. or Canada.”

“Battle pod behind you on your 12 skipper!” Ben Dixon screamed on the radio.

Before he could react, a battle pod came zipping out of nowhere shooting bullets.

“Where did that pod came from? It came in out of nowhere! No pod can fly that fast in the atmosphere! It’s impossible!”

Many of the bullets hit its mark in Rick’s VT, causing him to scream in pain. It had taken a double salvo of missiles from Ben and Max before the pod exploded in a giant fireball.

“Can you make it back to ship, Rick?” Miriya asked.

“I’m shot up pretty bad. If I don’t lose a lot blood first, I think I can.”

“See if you can sir.” Another pilot said.

It had taken him over 30 minutes before he saw the flight deck of the SDF-1.

“Skull leader, you’re less than a meter away. Call the ball.”

“Roger. Skull leader has the ball.” Rick said weakly.

“Skull leader, your glide path approach is too low. Pitch you nose up 10 degrees.”

“I’m trying.”

As Rick was pulling the stick up, the flight deck morphed into a huge Zentraedi hand. It grabbed the VT and began pulling it down.

“Skull leader you’re still too low! Continue pitching your nose up!”

“I’m trying but something is pulling me down!”

“You’re still too low! ABORT LANDING SKULL LEADER! ABORT LANDING! WAVE OFF! WAVE OFF! WAVE OFF!”

The emergency lights in the VT began blinking, the warning siren began beeping and Lisa’s voice came over the intercom. “Eject Rick! Eject!”

“I’m trying but I can’t Lisa! Something’s pulling me down!”

The huge hand continued pulling down the VT. The hand then disappeared and the VT came straight down on its belly and exploded in a huge fireball.

“NO! NO! NO!” Rick yelled as he sat up startled in his bed with wide eyes.

“Rick! Rick! It’s ok! You’re alive and in the ship’s hospital! You were just having a bad dream!” Lisa yelled as she grabbed Rick by the shoulders, trying to calm Rick down.

Rick then noticed that something was not right. He felt something was not right with his body. He pulled the bed sheet over and noticed the bandaged stumps of his legs. His lower legs were missing. The only thing he could feel were his knees.

“My legs what happened to my legs? Lisa!”

“Rick! I’ll explain everything to you! You need to calm down first!”

“Lisa! My legs! No! Not my legs!” Rick yelled as he started to cry and he buried his face into Lisa’s shoulders.

“Rick sweetie. I’m here. I’m here for you. I’ll explain everything to you. Let it go. Let it all out, sweetheart.” Lisa said soothingly as she cradled Rick and let him cry on her shoulder. I need to be strong for him. I need to find the words to say to him. But, how can I? I can't find the words. God, I need help.

State = Continuará/To Be Continue

feedback = Sí/Yes

email = georgemtATearthlink.net