fanfic_name = The Promise
chapter = 7
author = LTjg_GT_RDF
Rating = AP
Type = Angst
fanfic = THE PROMISE
CHAPTER 7
What I’m going to say to Rick? How am I going to tell him that he can’t walk anymore? God, I don’t know. Oh God, I need your help. Lisa said and prayed to herself.
After letting Rick cry on her shoulder for several minutes, Lisa steeled herself to tell Rick about his condition. Lisa lifted Rick off her shoulder, put her hands on both his shoulders and looked at him square in the eyes. She tried to be calm but her voice was betraying her.
“Rick honey. Listen to me. I know this will be hard to believe and to understand. But I’m going to tell you the truth. The doctors had to amputate both of your legs below the knee. When your VT crashed, the force of the crash caused the bones in your legs to break in many places. The bones in your lower legs were shattered beyond repair. There were too many fractures and broken bones for the doctor to repair. The doctor wanted to save your legs but they couldn’t. I’m sorry sweetheart. I’m so sorry.” Lisa said as her voice was breaking.
Rick violently shook his head and started to cry again. He did not want to believe what Lisa just told him. “No! No! This can’t be happening to me! This can’t be real! Lisa! What am I going to do? What am I going to do?” Rick asked through his tears.
“Rick sweetheart, we’re going to get through this. I don’t know how but we will. I’m here for you. So are Roy, Claudia, Max, Miriya, Captain Gloval, Kim, Vanessa and Sammie. We’re all here for you. We’ll all help you get through this.”
Rick noticed that Lisa did not mention Ben. “What about Ben? What happened to Ben?”
“I’m sorry, Rick. Ben is dead. He was killed in the last battle. Max sent Ben’s family a condolence letter.”
Rick closed his eyes, fell back in his bed and wept bitterly. He balled up his fist and hit the bed several times. He liked Ben. Ben along with Max was not only Rick’s subordinate, fellow pilot and wingman but a friend. There wasn’t anything the three of them did together. The three of them were the male Terrible Trio. They ate together at the officer’s mess. During their off duty time, they went to the movies, to the clubs, and the disco together. This damn war has been too costly. Rick had so many friends and fellow pilots killed, that he has lost count. As CO, he had to write so many condolence letters to the wives and parents of dead VT pilots that many times, he had to force himself to the computer to write the letters. He had attended so many funerals and memorial services for dead VT pilots; he had to block it out of his memory. Now, this war has not only cost him his legs but the life of one of his best friends also.
“But I thought Ben made it.”
“Rick sweetheart, you’ve been in a coma for almost a year. A lot has happened and changed. I think I better start at the beginning.”
Lisa began to tell Rick about Exedore after being micronized, went to the SDF-1 and warned Captain Gloval about the impending arrival of Dolza’s Grand Fleet. The same fleet, she, Rick and Ben saw when they were held as POW aboard Dolza’s ship. She then went on to tell Rick about Lord Breetai’s Armada joining forces with the ship in help defeating the Grand Fleet with a battle plan Exedore came up with and with help from Minmei’s singing. Using Minmei was an idea that Lisa came up with. Rick smiled a little when Lisa told him that, which threw Lisa for a loop.
“What are you smiling about, Rick?”
“Only you could come up with an unconventional battle idea like that.”
“I received the RDF Commendation Medal from Captain Gloval for that idea.” Lisa said slightly blushing.
When Lisa saw Rick smile, she hoped that was a good sign in that Rick is accepting the situation he is in and is moving on. She went on to tell Rick about the Grand Fleet’s bombardment of the Earth, wiping out most of the population on Earth. It also wiped most of the UEG, UEC, independent nations and the RDF. They have heard of pockets of survivors around the planet and still are hearing about survivors. Because most of the RDF was wiped out, Captain Gloval is being promoted to admiral and has been named as commanding officer of the RDF. The SDF-1 finally landed on Earth somewhere in what used to be the Western United States. Because of the damage the SDF-1 sustained during the final battle with Dolza, the ship was declared no longer to be space worthy. They are slowly disembarking the civilians and relocating them. Many of them are staying to rebuild Macross City. But some are moving to other parts of the country and the world. Most if not all of the military personnel are still on the SDF-1 although they are building a military base around the SDF-1. Oh yes, Minmei and Lynn Kyle got married shortly after the battle. Rick was unfazed by the news. She decided to finish with some good news.
“Max and Miriya are about to become parents. If they have a daughter, they are deciding to name her Dana after Max’s mother.”
“That’s wonderful news Lisa.” Rick said with not much emotion in his voice.
“Rick honey” Lisa said with love in her voice and as she looked into Rick’s blue eyes. “I know all of this difficult to comprehend and to understand. But you will get through this. The doctors tell me that the technology has advanced in coming up with artificial limbs that is life like and you can walk naturally. You will be walking very soon which means you will be flying very soon. Isn’t that wonderful news?”
“Lisa sweetheart, this is…all…difficult to take in at once. I’m not pushing you away, but can you leave me alone for a while so I can figure this out? I’m not pushing you away.”
“Yes, I can leave you alone for a while. But please Rick, don’t shut me out or push me away, not now.”
“I won’t Lisa. I promise.”
Lisa smiled and kissed Rick’s lips. Her lips felt so comfortable on Rick’s lips and he can feel the love behind the kiss. Oh, it’s been so long since I felt Lisa’s lips. It feels so wonderful. But I don’t deserve someone as wonderful as her. She deserves someone better than me. I’m no longer the man she deserves to have. Who wants to be married to man who can no longer walk?
A voice clearing his throat interrupted Lisa’s and Rick’s kiss.
“Excuse me. Pardon me for interrupting your time alone together. But, I see someone has finally awake.” It was Dr. Wainwright.
“Hello, Dr. Wainwright. Come in.”
“Hello, Commander Hayes. Thank you. Commander, do you mind if I speak with Commander Hunter alone for several minutes? It won’t take long though.”
“I do not mind. I have to leave anyway.” Lisa said as she looked at her wristwatch. Its 1230 hours. Its long past lunchtime, no wonder I’m hungry. She then turned and kissed Rick on the lips. “Its lunchtime Rick and I haven’t eaten lunch yet. Afterwards, I’m going back on duty but I’ll find Claudia and Roy and tell them the good news that you’re awake. I’ll be back later this evening to stay with you, ok.”
Rick nodded his head.
“I love you, sweetheart.”
“I love you too babe.”
Dr. Wainwight waited until Lisa walked out the door before talking to Rick.
“Hello Commander Hunter. I’m Dr. Wainwright.” Dr, Wainwright said as he held out his hand.
Rick was reluctant to take the doctor’s hand and shake it but he finally took the doctor’s hand and shook it.
“Hello doctor.”
“Commander, I’m not going to start by foolishly asking you how’re you feeling or how’re you doing because I know all of this comes as quite a shock to you.”
Rick nodded his head.
“Believe me commander. It was the last thing I wanted to do. I tried my best to convince the orthopedic specialist that we can surgically repair your legs but he said it was impossible. The bones in your lower legs were shattered beyond repair. We tried our best. I’m sorry we couldn’t save your legs, commander.”
“You tried your best, doctor. That’s all you can do.”
“I’m glad you understand commander. Commander Hunter, what I’m about to say next you may not want to hear. I’m not asking you to make a decision right away but eventually you will have to make a decision. I’ll try to be as gentle as I can but at the same time, I’ll have to be firm with you. You understand?”
Rick just nodded his head.
“What I am asking you to do is to seriously, seriously consider starting physical therapy as soon as possible. You need to have your upper body as strong as possible so when you are fitted with your bio legs…”
“No! No! I’m not going to do it!”
“Commander, please hear me out first before you reject it outright!”
Rick quieted down.
“I realize this is difficult for you right now. But please, let me explain. The science of limb replacement technology has advanced farther than what it was 30, 40 even 50 years ago. The replacement limbs we have for you are very life like. We can implant a microchip inside your brain that can control the movements of your limbs. I know you probably want to go back to flying status soon and with these bio legs you can. I’m not promising you it will be easy. As a matter of fact, it will very hard. It will take over a year for us to even consider putting you back on flying status, but you will be flying again.
Also, I see an engagement ring on Commander Hayes’ finger. I want to see you standing when you see Commander Hayes walk down the aisle at your wedding. I want you to sweep your new wife off her feet and into your arms as you carry her across the threshold on your honeymoon. As I said before, it will not be easy but it can be done. But it’s up to you if you want that to happen. No one else can do it for you!”
Rick nodded his head. “Ok doctor, you win. I’ll think about it. But that’s all I’m promising you.”
“That’s all I ask of you for right now commander. But you need to make a decision soon.”
Dr. Wainwright then left Rick’s room. After he made all his rounds, he walked back to his office and sat down. He decided he needs to make a phone call. He picked up the receiver.
“Can you please put me through to the bridge of the SDF-1? Thank you.”
“Is Commander Hayes there?”
“She is. Can you please put her on? This is Dr. Wainwright at the hospital. I need to speak with her please. Thank you.”
“This is Commander Hayes.”
“Commander Hayes, this is Dr. Wainwright.”
“Doctor, have you told Rick about starting physical therapy?”
“That is what I’m calling you about, commander. I’m afraid that Commander Hunter will say no to physical therapy.”
“Oh! No!”
“He didn’t say no out right. He did say he will think about it, but I’m about 95% certain he will say no. I’m holding out against hope he will say yes, but I’m afraid he will most likely say no. Have you talked to Captain Fokker yet?”
“No I haven’t. I just arrived at the bridge. I was about to call him when you called.”
“Is there anyway possible you and Captain Fokker can talk Commander Hunter into starting physical therapy? Maybe you being Commander Hunter’s fiancé and Captain Fokker being like a brother to him, the both of you may convince him better than I can.”
“I’ll talk to him and we see what we can do, doctor.”
“Thank you, commander. I’ll keep you apprised of Commander Hunter’s condition.”
“Thank you, doctor for calling.”
After breaking the connection, Lisa called Roy’s office.
“Is Captain Fokker there?”
“Hold on for a minute, Commander Hayes.”
After several seconds Roy’s aide transferred the phone call into Roy’s office.
“Lisa, how’s Rick doing?”
“Rick just came out of his coma a while ago Roy. I was there when he woke up.”
“That’s great news Lisa!”
“Well, I’m afraid that the news is not all that great Roy.”
“Oh. What’s wrong Lisa?”
Lisa went on to tell Roy about Rick’s hesitation about doing physical therapy and the doctor’s suggestion that they talk to Rick about start doing physical therapy.
“Sure Lisa. I’ll stop by the hospital this afternoon after I get off duty and talk to Rick.”
“Thanks Roy. I really appreciate it.”
“Hey, it’s the least I can do for a friend.”
Later that afternoon
Roy walked into Rick’s hospital room and saw Rick sitting in a wheelchair.
“Hey, little brother, I’m glad to see you out of bed. Lisa called me and told me you’re awake now” Roy said brightly.
“Hello, Roy. I asked the nurse if I can get out bed for a while. She brought over a wheelchair.”
“That’s good Rick.” Roy said as he found a chair and sat down. “Look Rick. Lisa called me and told me about you not wanting to do physical therapy.”
“I didn’t say I wasn’t going to physical therapy, I just told the doctor I needed time to think about it. The doctor even told me to think it over.” Rick said rather crossly.
“I know that Rick. But by the way you’re acting and talking it makes it sound like you already have your mind made up into not doing the therapy.”
“Roy, you’ve known me almost my entire life. You know that I never do anything without thinking it over long and hard.”
“True. But I have also known you for doing and not doing things at the spur of the moment without thinking it over first.”
“Look Roy! I just need time! I not saying I won’t do the therapy! I just need the time to think it over!”
“Then take all the time that you need, Rick. But eventually, you’ll have to make a decision on whether or not you will spend the rest of your life in a wheelchair moping over the fact that you no longer have your legs or be a man and take that step into the unknown and try to learn to live a normal life with your bio legs.”
“I’ll make a decision Roy. I’ll promise you that. I just need time to think it over.” Rick said quietly.
“That’s fine with me Rick. But remember you need to make that decision soon.”
2 months later
Dr. Wainwright called Lisa and Roy into his office to talk about Rick.
“Captain Fokker, Commander Hayes, thank you for seeing me about Commander Hunter.”
“You’re welcome, Dr. Wainwright.” Roy and Lisa said.
“Has Commander Hunter talked to you yet about starting physical therapy?”
“No he hasn’t Doctor.” Roy said. “He has kept telling me and Commander Hayes that he is thinking about doing the therapy and that is all. Whenever we try to talk to him about doing therapy, he just pushes us away. He even told his wingman and best friend Lieutenant Sterling he is still thinking about doing the therapy.”
“And he has been very depressed since he awoke from his coma.” Lisa added.
Dr. Wainwright let out a big sigh. “That is what I was afraid of. Well, I think it’s time that we start showing some tough love and start doing the thinking for him. As of today, I’m ordering Commander Hunter into physical therapy. As a matter of fact, a physical therapist should be entering Commander Hunter’s room at any minute now to take him to his first therapy session. As for the depression, it’s all part of the process. It’s natural for him to be depressed. He has gone through and is experiencing a very traumatic and life altering change to his life.”
Lisa nodded her head.
“We’re with you 100% doctor.” Lisa said
“What can we do in the meantime, Doctor Wainwright?” Roy asked.
“Just be there for him. There will be days when his spirit will be at a low point. That’s when he will need you the most. You need to be there for him. No matter how many times and how hard he will try to push you away, you have to push back even harder.”
Rick’s hospital room
Rick was in his wheelchair looking out at the hustle and bustle that was going on with the moving of Macross City and the military personnel out of the SDF-1. A young, petite and very pretty girl in a white hospital uniform walked into Rick’s room.
“Hello, Commander Hunter.” The girl said in a cheerful voice.
“Hello. And who are you?” Rick said
“I’m Amy Garcia but you can call me Amy. I’m your physical therapist and I’m here to take you to your first therapy session.”
“I didn’t say I wanted to go to therapy!” Rick said with a surprised voice.
“Doctor’s orders commander. And away we go.” Amy said as she grabbed hold of Rick’s wheelchair and wheeled Rick out of his room.
“Ok. And here we are.” Amy said cheerfully as they arrived at the therapy room. “Ok commander. We need to get your upper body strength back so it will be much easier for you when you get your bio legs and start walking on the parallel bars. Let’s start out light with these 2 pound weights. Can you start lifting these weights for me?”
“I’m not going to do it!”
“Commander, this is not the way to start your first physical therapy session.”
“I said I’m not going to do it! Take me back to my room!”
“Commander, it will be easier for the both of us if you give me your cooperation.”
“ARE YOU DEAF? I said I’m not going to do it!” Rick said angrily as he threw the weight against a mirror, cracking it but not breaking it since it was laminated. Just then, Lisa walked in just as the weight bounced off the cracked mirror.
“Rick! What are you doing?”
“Lisa! What’s going on here? I didn’t agree to do the therapy!”
“You’re doing it now on Dr. Wainwright’s orders. Roy and I agreed to it.”
“YOU DID WHAT?”
“Rick sweetheart please! Listen to me.” Lisa said as she rushed to where Rick was. She knelt down, cupped her hands around Rick’s face and started kissing him. “I love you. I just want you to get better. Please! I never saw you give up. Don’t give up on me now. If you’re not going to do the therapy for yourself, do it for me.”
Rick huffed out a breath and thought it over for a few seconds. “Ok Lisa. I’ll do it. But I’m only doing it because you asked me and I love you.”
“Thank you, sweetheart.” Lisa said as she kissed Rick.
“Thank you, commander.” Amy silently said to Lisa.
Lisa nodded her head.
The therapist had Rick do basic arm curls with the free weights and do lateral pull downs on the weight machine and other upper body exercises. His first therapy session lasted an half an hour. As Rick was finishing up his session, Lisa came along side his wheelchair.
“See. It wasn’t all that bad, wasn’t it Rick? And you thought the therapist was going to torture you, poor little thing.” Lisa teased.
Rick blush several shades of red.
“Ah, made you blush.” Lisa teased again pointing her finger at Rick.
“Lisa. Stop it.” Rick said as if he was offended but with a smile on his face.
As Rick was being wheeled back to his room, he noticed a sign. THERAPY SWIMMING POOL it said. Hmm, I wonder how deep and long the pool is. Rick thought to himself.
Later that night
Rick lied by telling the head nurse that he wasn’t tired and asked if he could stay up in the wheelchair for a while longer. The nurse agreed but told Rick that he need to be in bed by 2100 hours. Rick kept going to the door to see if there were a lot of people at the nurse’s station. He knew by watching the nurses that many of the nurses make their evening rounds, only leaving one or two at the station. He just waited for the right time. There was one nurse at the station and she had her head down doing paperwork.
Good, she’s occupied.
Rick wheeled the chair as fast as he can past the station. Good thing the wheels don’t squeak.
Rick retraced the path he took from what landmarks and signs he remembered from being wheeled back to his room from therapy session. Soon he was at the swimming pool. He noticed a door. Oh great. There’s a door. I hope it’s unlocked.
He went to the door knob and tested it. It was unlocked. Rick turned the door knob and entered in. The pool wasn’t very wide, big or deep.
Let’s go to the middle of the pool. It should be deep enough to do the job. Rick said to himself as he inching closer towards the side edge of the pool and was getting up his nerve. Ok Hunter. Don’t loose your nerve. Just a few more inches and it will all be over with. Don’t panic. Steady now, steady. Rick said to himself as he was mere short inches from the edge of the pool.
State = Continuará/To Be Continue
feedback = Sí/Yes
email = georgemtATearthlink.net