fanfic_name = The Promise

chapter = 1

author = LTjg_GT_RDF

dedicate = To ROBOTECH fans who serve our country in the armed forces.

Rating = AP

Type = Angst

fanfic = DISCLAIMER: ROBOTECH and its associated characters are registered copyrighted trademarks and are the property of HARMONY GOLD. Copyright infringement is for storytelling purposes only and is not intended. Other characters and situations are of the author’s imagination. Any resemblance to any person living or dead is purely coincidental and is not intended. Story can be downloaded and printed for the reader’s enjoyment. The cutting, copying, pasting, quoting, plagiarizing or changing of this story is prohibited. Any publishing of this story in any magazine or fanzine without the author’s permission is strictly prohibited.

DEDICATION: To ROBOTECH fans serving our country in our nation’s armed services. It is especially dedicated to those who now bear the scars of their sacrifice and service to our country. This story is also dedicated to memory of Major Ted W. Lawson (USAAF). Major Lawson was the pilot of the “Ruptured Duck”, a B-25 Mitchell medium bomber. The bomber was one of 16 bombers that flew in the Doolittle raid over Japan on April 18, 1942. After dropping their bombs on targets over Tokyo, Lawson and his men had to ditch their plane off the coast of China because the plane ran out of fuel. Major Lawson was thrown clear of the plane and in the process received a laceration to his left leg. The leg later had to be amputated when it became infected. Major Lawson decorations included the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Purple Heart and the Air Corps Medal. Major Lawson’s experiences about the raid were written into a book entitled “Thirty Seconds over Tokyo”. The book was later turned into a movie starring Van Johnson as Major Lawson and Spencer Tracy as Lt. Col. Jimmy Doolittle.

BACKGROUND OF THE STORY: In this alternate universe story, Rick is a commander and is CO of Skull Squadron. Roy Fokker is alive. He is a captain and is the air wing commander. This story takes place just before the battle with Dolza’s Grand Fleet. Dolza attacked the Earth once before but not with the main fleet. But he did do catastrophic damage to some parts of the Earth. Mostly to Alaska, the Western parts of Canada and the U.S., and parts of Asia and Europe. This story roughly takes place in the timeframe of the episodes “The Messenger” and “Force of Arms”.

Criticisms and reviews are welcomed.

THE PROMISE

CHAPTER ONE

Rick Hunter was feeling good. He was at the officer’s club in a suit and tie waiting for his “big brother” Roy Fokker. As he was waiting, he went over all the things that have happened over the past several days. The performance appraisals on Skull Squadron were excellent. They account for over half of the kills in the fighter wing. Everyone in the squadron have an excellent kill rate. He, Max, Miriya, even Ben all have impressive kills. Rick, Max and Miriya are all top aces, with the three battling it out for most kills. There is a rumor of a betting pool going around all the squadrons on who of the three will be the top ace in the air wing. Rick never gave much credence to rumors and he never cared for betting pools. If the pilots want to do something to the pass the time or lose their money, that’s their decision. He just doesn’t want to be any part of it.

But best of all, his one-sided love affair with Lynn Minmei has long been over. All the times he has been with Minmei, all she ever talked was about herself and her singing career. She never was interested on how his day went or his hopes and dreams for the future. It was always Minmei. And to be in love with her cousin, that’s just down right creepy. But he decided that if she is that much in love with her cousin and wants to get married, so be it. It’s their life. He just thought it was rather strange and weird for two relatives to in love with other. That’s just not natural, he always told himself. But Minmei is all part of the past now.

He let his mind to drift back in time to 11 years ago, when he was a snot nosed wet behind the ears civilian kid who thought he knew everything there is about flying. Pop had just died. Rick could have tried to keep the flying circus going, but he did not have the business smarts Pop had, so the flying circus went belly up. All the airplanes were either sold or auctioned off so that the mechanics, other pilots and office people can be paid. After the flying circus was sold, Rick received an invitation from “Big Brother” Roy to come to Macross Island to check out a new generation of fighter. It would be like nothing he has ever flown before, Roy promised. That was when he received his first taste of war. It was also when he found out that he didn’t know everything there is about flying. Then there was the space ship jump to Pluto. His beloved Mockingbird was now nothing but space debris. Trapped in the bowels of the SDF-1 with Minmei when the ship transformed, almost starving to death. Then joining the RDF and his constant run-ins and butting heads with Lisa Hayes. Then rescuing Lisa at Mars Base Sara. In turn winning the titanium Medal of Honor, receiving a battlefield commission and becoming CO of his own squadron. The constant battles with the Zentraedi as they fought their way back to Earth.

And through it all, he and Lisa began a friendship. Although it was grudgingly at first and it had to start at a time when he, Lisa and Ben were captured and became POW’s of the Zentraedi. And then he saved Lisa once again. This time, he recently rescued her from a burned out and scorched Alaska Base. He always thought Lisa was a cold fish until Claudia told him about her one time boyfriend Karl Riber, who transferred to Sara Base because he was against the Global Civil War. Also to get away from her father who disliked him for his anti-war views. It was her father who approved his transfer. No wonder she always appeared to only think of her job and she resisting him saving her at Sara Base. She was hiding a broken heart and she didn’t wanted to say good-bye. If he only knew then what he knows now.

Lisa always found time to listen to Rick no matter how busy her day was or how tired she was. She listened to his problems, hopes, dreams, complaints and fears. The fear of not coming back from a mission. The fear of not knowing when the general quarters alarm would sound and he will have to fly into another battle. And of course, his constant complaints about Minmei. She was in the hospital when Rick was a coma and recovering from being shot down when his personal battle with Khyron spilled over into the streets of Macross. She was always there to listen to him. Never once did she complained or shut him out. Before he knew it, his friendship with Lisa budded in something much more. A boyfriend/girlfriend romance yes. But Rick was sure it was even more then that.

Almost losing Lisa at Alaska Base showed Rick that he loves Lisa and he can’t live without her. It also convinced him that Lisa should be a part of his life forever. The question is does she have the same feelings for him as he has for her? And will she say yes? I hope so, Rick told himself as he took out the small black colored crush velvet box out of his suit coat pocket. He looked at the box but didn’t open it. He knows that the ring is still inside the box. He just wanted to make sure the box is still there. He put it back in his coat pocket and patted it. As Rick was putting the ring back in his coat pocket, Roy came up to him and patted him on the back.

“Hey there little brother.”

“Hi Roy.”

“Did you hear the scuttle butt going around the ship?

“No. What is it?”

Roy looked around to make sure no one can eavesdrop, leaned in and motioned with his finger to Rick to lean in so Roy couldn’t be heard.

“Now, you didn’t hear it from me. But there is a rumor going around that the President of Ontario has rejected the United Earth Council’s ruling and is allowing the SDF-1 to land in his territory and he is giving asylum to the citizens of Macross. Wouldn’t that be great news if that’s true?”

“That would be great news Roy. It would be nice to have our feet on solid ground again.”

“Why are you all dressed up for? I thought you and Commander Hayes is just having a casual dinner at her quarters?”

“Yes we are, Roy. But I’m planning on doing something more for later on.”

With that, he reached into his coat pocket and pulled out the small box, opened it up and showed it to Roy.

When Roy saw the engagement ring, he whistled. The ring was half diamond and half emerald and was set in 24 karat gold

“I had to have the ring specially made because of the emerald. I wanted to get the emerald because it matches Lisa’s eyes. So, what do you think? Do you think she’ll say yes?”

“WOW! That’s beautiful Rick! Where did you order the ring from?”

“Spigelman’s.”

“Spigelman’s!? He’s the most expensive jeweler in Macross. How can you afford such an expensive ring? You being on a commander’s salary? I can barely afford him and I’m a captain.”

“Mr. Spigelman gave me a discount because I’m a war hero. I’ll still be paying out of the ear for the ring but it won’t hurt as much because of the discount. So, what do you think? Think she’ll say yes?”

“I think she’ll be a fool to say no to you.”

“Boy, I hope she doesn’t. I hope she’ll say yes.” Rick then looked at his watch. “Oh great. I’m almost late! I have to go! See you later Roy.”

“Bye Rick.” Roy sat back in the chair and laughed to himself. “Wow. Rick’s about to ask of all people, Lisa Hayes to marry him. Imagine that.” He then thought of something dreadful happening in his near future that will drastically shorten his life expectancy. He winced, threw his head back and groaned when he realized what it was. “Oh great! When Claudia sees that ring, I’m not going to hear the end of it. I can just hear it now! ‘Where’s my engagement ring, Roy?’ She will want to wring my neck for sure. That’s just great! Thanks a lot Rick! Why did you have to fall in love with Lisa Hayes?” He then raised his hand to the bartender. “Hey Gina, Bourbon straight up neat. And will you keep it coming?”

Rick arrived at Lisa’s BOQ out of breath. He knocked on the door and opened it a little. “Hey Lisa. I’m here.”

“Come in and make yourself at home, Rick. I’m almost finished cooking dinner. Oh, there’s a bottle of wine on the table. Do you mind opening it? There’s a corkscrew next to the bottle.”

“No, I don’t mind.”

A bottle of wine. Perfect. Rick told himself at the same time rubbing his hands. He looked at the bottle and checked the vintage year. Wow, this is an expensive bottle of wine. Wonder where Lisa kept this bottle of wine all these years? Sauvignon Blanc. A white wine. We must be having chicken or fish for dinner. If there was one thing Rick learned from Pop besides flying is fine dining and good wine. Pop may had been an old grizzled retired U.S. Air Force fighter pilot who flew F-4 Phantoms during the Vietnam War and an owner of a small flying circus. But that didn’t prevented him from enjoying the finer things in life. That included good food and good wine. Pop could tell a good wine from a cheap drug store wine just from smelling the cork.

As Rick opened the bottle and began pouring the wine, Lisa came out of the kitchen in a tight white tee shirt and blue jeans with their dinner. She looked over at Rick. “Rick, I thought I told you casual.”

“I know. I just wanted to dress up for dinner for the heck of it.” Rick lied.

“Ok. If you say so.” Lisa said not believing Rick’s explanation for being in a suit

“Do you need any help, Lisa?”

“No. I think I have everything. All I need to get from the kitchen is the salad. Have a seat.”

Lisa came to table with the salad and sat down at her chair. Rick was there to help Lisa slide the chair closer to the table and sat himself down.

“This is great Lisa! It’s ten times better than the food they serve at the officer’s mess.”

“Thank you Rick. The chicken and rice dinner is an old family recipe that came from my mother’s side of the family.”

Lisa looked over to Rick as he ate. “Remember to save room for dessert Rick.”

Oh, we’ll have dessert all right, Lisa Hayes. But it’s not the dessert you’re thinking of. Rick said to himself in devilish tone of voice. An evil grin spread slightly on his lips. Oh Rick Hunter, you do have a dirty mind.

Lisa noticed the smile. “Rick, what’re you smiling about?”

Lisa’s question broke his train of thought. “Hmm? Oh…Nothing. Nothing at all.” Rick said while putting on his best fake innocent smile.

“O…k.”

But Lisa wasn’t buying the act. Right…If I believe that then I’m the Queen of Sheba. Just what’s going on in that mind of yours, Rick Hunter?

Rick and Lisa ate and talked for almost 30 minutes. In the background, light jazz music was playing. They talked about his day, how Max is handling married life and Lisa’s day. After they finished eating, he helped Lisa clear the table and take the dishes and flatware to the kitchen sink. Lisa told Rick to wait at the table as she was getting the dessert.

Rick began pumping his fist, happy she said that because that gave him the chance to get ready. He reached into his coat pocket. As the box was coming out of the pocket, Rick getting nervous and fumbling with the tiny box, lost his grip on the box and it went flying through the air and onto the floor. Rick went into a panic and was desperate to grab the box before Lisa came in. He went to his knees and grabbed the box when Lisa walked in with the dessert. When she saw Rick on his knees, she laughed.

“What? What’s so funny, Lisa?”

Lisa continued laughing. “I’m sorry, Rick. But the way you’re on your knees, it looks like you’re about ready to propose to me! Isn’t that just ridiculous of what I’m thinking?”

Should I? Rick said to himself. What the heck? This is as good as a time as any. I’m on my knees anyway. “Well, you know Lisa. It’s funny you should say that because that’s exactly what I was thinking about doing anyway.”

Oh no. Is Rick about to do what I think he’s about to do? Lisa said to herself as she sat herself down in a chair and put the dessert on the table. She could feel her legs getting weak and her heart was beating a meter a minute. “What are you saying, Rick?”

Rick went onto one knee. He was nervous and sweating trying to find the right words to say to Lisa. “I’m saying Lisa is…that in the past several years…I’ve grown to respect you as my commanding officer, my comrade-in-arms and a friend. Now I want you to be more than just a friend….I love you and I want you to be mine forever.” Rick was getting more nervous and started stuttering as he was about to ask Lisa the Question. “Wh…What I’m…tr..trying to say…is that…Li...Lisa Hay…Hayes…will…will you…ma…marry me?”

With his palms sweating, Rick had trouble opening the box. He managed to open the box revealing the engagement ring. Lisa gasped and her hands flew to her mouth when she saw the diamond/emerald stone.

Relieved that he finally asked the Question, Rick continued but still was nervous. “I specially ordered the emerald because it matches your beautiful eyes. So…will…will you say yes?”

“Oh Rick!”

“Is that a yes?” Rick said hopefully.

“Oh Rick!”

“Please! Please say that’s a yes!” Rick pleaded and with a hopeful glimmer in his eyes.

Lisa suddenly leapt from the chair she was sitting in and tackled Rick like a female cougar pouncing its prey. She knocked Rick onto his back and immediately cupped her hands around Rick’s face and started kissing him passionately. Rick surprised at what she did, was gasping for air as his eyes went wide. But he recovered and put his arms around Lisa’s waist and started returning her kisses while making sure that the ring didn’t flew out of the box..

Lisa stopped so they can catch their breath.

”Ok. So I’ll take that as a…”

Rick wasn’t able to complete the sentence as Lisa put her lips to Rick’s lips again. After several minutes, Lisa stopped for good. They were on their knees on the floor of Lisa’s quarters.

“As I said before, I’ll take that as a yes.” Rick said inhaling deeply.

“Yes! Yes! Yes! I’ll marry you! I marry you! Now put the ring on my finger! Put it on my finger! I don’t want you to lose that ring!” Lisa commanded as she was crying and laughing at the same time.

“Ok! Ok! Ok! Ok! Hold your horses for a minute! Will you?! Good grief!” Rick laughed as he slipped the ring on her left ring finger.

“Oh! That ring looks so beautiful on your finger, Lisa.” Rick said lovingly.

Lisa didn’t say anything. All she did was to cry as she was admiring the engagement ring that is now on her finger.

She then reached over and kissed Rick. Rick returned her kisses. After a while, they broke off their kiss. Rick cupped one hand framing Lisa’s face and with his other hand, gently wiping away Lisa’s happy tears from her face. “I love you Lisa Hayes. More than you’ll ever know.” Rick whispered Lisa didn’t say anything. She continued sniffing her tears while gazing lovingly into Rick eyes. She leaned over and kissed Rick again.

As they were kissing, the general quarters alarm sounded and Vanessa’s voice come over the ship’s PA system. “ALERT! ALERT! ALERT! General Quarters! General Quarters! Zentraedi attack! All pilots who are on duty, stand by and on Alert 5, report to your squadron’s ready rooms! All military personnel report to your duty stations to man your battle stations! All civilians please stay in your homes or go to the nearest shelter. Commander Hayes, please report to the bridge.”

“I have to go Rick.”

“I have to go also Lisa. You put me on Alert 5. Remember?”

“I know.”

As Rick turned and started to run, Lisa grabbed Rick by the arm and gave him a deep kiss.

“Rick. Please be careful!”

“I will Lisa. You know me. I don’t do anything stupid. Besides, Max, Miriya and Ben have my back covered.”

“I know Rick. Just please, be careful. Don’t do anything foolish to get yourself killed!”

“Hey, don’t worry about me, Lisa. I’ll come back. I have someone to come back to now. I’ll be careful. I promise. Don’t worry your pretty brown hair white. Ok?”

Lisa didn’t say anything further. She just wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him. Reluctantly, she let go of him after several seconds. “You better go Rick.”

“I’ll be back Lisa. I promise. Don’t worry.” Rick said patting her hand, then ran off to suit up for combat.

“Please God. Keep him safe. From here on, I promise never to leave your side, Rick.”

State = Continuará/To Be Continue

feedback = Sí/Yes

email = georgemtATearthlink.net