fanfic_name = Time of Our Lives

chapter = Chapter 11

author = lisav

Rating = AP15

Type = Adventure

fanfic = Last Battle

INTRO...

Kill or be killed.

Men and women of the RDF emptied their minds of everything else but their determination to fight and survive. Each of them knew what was at stake and understood the odds yet none of them would go quietly into the night.

They all knew, it was now or never.

------------------------------

“Rick?”

Lisa looked around her bedroom, worried and confused when she couldn’t feel his presence next to her.

“I’m here, Lisa,” he said as he walked out of her bathroom and came to her bed. He lay down next to her. He wore no shirt. He looked sexier than she had thought it was possible for any man to look.

"I woke up and missed you," she said with a shy smile.

“It’s still early," he said. "I have to leave but I promise, I will be back to have breakfast with you. I need to check Skull One.”

She knew he always liked to self-check his plane before going anywhere. It was not that he didn’t trust his mechanics, it was just his way of mentally preparing himself for what he might face that day and she understood.

He nipped a kiss to her nose then grinned into her smiling face. “Last night was incredible. If anyone had told me falling in love with you would be this wonderful,” he mused into her mass of long curls, “I would have done it a long time ago.”

Lisa snuggled into the crook of his side, stretching herself half over him in a voluptuous, unself-conscious sort of way that filled him with pride and longing.

“Lie still,” he said and shifted her onto her back. He drew out strands after stands of her long hair from under the cotton sheet she had over her naked body and laid it like a fan over her pillow-- rich honey brown against the snowy white. Staring into her emerald eyes, he smiled.

“You don’t know how much you have hunted me, Lisa.” There was intimacy in his voice. There was tenderness and here was honesty.

Her head spin dizzily as he leaned over and gently bit the sensitive place on her shoulder that joined her nape. He knew he would have to go now or he’ll never leave at all. He got up, grabbed his t-shirt and uniform jacket from the floor then made his way out of sleeping quarter.

After he left, Lisa propped herself on one elbow and gazed at the wall but not really seeing it. They had made love all night, dozing to wake and make love again.

Never had she felt so happy and so thoroughly satisfied. She grabbed the pillow that Rick had slept on and hugged it tightly to her self, inhaling the faint scent that was him.

I want to wake up every morning and see you smiling at me, Rick Hunter. I love you and I’m never going to let you go now!

---------------

Roy had always told him as far back as he could remember that any good pilot should always know his plane before flying out or going into a battle. He had always made it a habit to do so and today was no different.

Walking into the hanger bay in the Prometheus, Rick saw crew men and women busy at work-- loading warheads and missiles to the Veritechs as well as preparing the deck for emergency landings and take offs.

He knew that as much as he and the other pilots would like to take credit for saving the SDF-1’s neck every time there was an attack; it was these brave men and women who worked sometimes twenty-four hours a day behind the scene that were the real life-savers. Without them, the VTs even with all its’ advanced technology and power was practically useless.

Turning, he walked to where Skull One was parked and saw that Roy was already there. He was in uniform and had his right hand against the mecha almost reverently.

“Roy? I didn’t expect you to be back on duty so soon,” Rick said.

Roy’s face broke into a smile. “Hey! Glad to see you too, little bro,” He grabbed Rick’s head into the crook of his arm and with the other hand was messing up his hair.

“Hey! Cut it out!” Rick said but was laughing all the while and trying very hard to get out from Roy’s tight hold.

“It’s not fair, even after all this time you’re still taller than me and still picking on me.”

Roy laughed and let Rick out.

“Is it my fault that you haven’t been drinking your milk?” He saw Rick made a face. Even as a kid, Rick had hated milk. It felt good to remember happier times and Roy knew he had to tell Rick his decision. But before he could, he heard Rick asked him the one thing he did not want to remember.

“I’ll never ask you again, Roy but tell me this once how Ben died?” Rick saw Roy turned to him and exhaled slowly before answering him:

“That day, our battle was against the Quadronos, an elite-all-female fighter pilots lead by Miriya although we didn’t know it at that time. While Miriya and Max were busy chasing each other all over the sky and into the ship, we were left with her “sisters” to put it mildly. They were good, Rick, very good.”

“Williams’s ship was in flames and I yelled for him to punch out. He did and I circled anxiously to make sure the enemy would not take advantage of his vulnerability. I was so intent on watching him that I got careless. I didn’t see her at all until it was too late. Whoever she was, she got me, bad too. Dixon came to my rescue then and engaged her before she could make another pass at me.”

“She dropped him into a ball of flames in less than thirty seconds. There was nothing I could have done. I’m sorry about loosing Ben, Rick. I knew Ben and Max were more than just your wing mates, they were also your friends.”

“I’m sorry, Roy for making you relived that day again but I just had to know. I should have been there. I could have taken her!” Rick said with anger.

Roy rested his hand on Rick’s shoulder. “No, Rick. Let’s not do this to ourselves, not today anyway for we need our minds to be clear if we’re going to come out of this battle in tact.”

His hand still on Rick's shoulder, he continued. “Rick, I want you to take full command of Skull Squadron today and I want you to fly CAG. I know about your little deal with Commander Hayes, Claudia told me. Skull One now belongs to you, Rick,”

Rick shook his head in panic, “no, Roy, Skull One has always been yours. She’s your plane and I can’t... I can’t do what you’re asking me. I’m not ready, Roy, I’m not you! I’m just a kid.”

“Listen to me, Rick my time is over,” Roy said and looked at Skull One again.

“It’s your time now. It’s your time to lead and become the person you were meant to be. You’re a natural leader. The men respond to you and they genuinely like you for they trust you. As CAG, there is no greater honor than to have the trust of those who follow you.”

“This will be my last battle for I’m resigning my commission afterwards and so is Claudia. I’m not going to throw away my second chance at life and happiness. Besides we deserved a little time for ourselves, don’t you think?”

Rick blocked out Roy’s voice, not wanting to hear him but Roy only gave him a reassuring smiled. “Do this for me, Rick. It’s all I ask of you.”

Looking at his big brother, he knew how much Roy loved Skull One and flying. Rick told himself that he didn’t understand what Roy was trying to tell him. But he knew it was a lie.

Taking a deep breath, he nodded his head and they hugged each other. They were both fighting tears for each of them knew this may very well be the last time they would see each other again.

“You are ready, Rick. I trust you.”

As they walked around Skull One, checking her for any holes or abnormalities, Rick told Roy about Lisa.

“You were right I was a kid, still wet behind the ears when I called her a sourpuss,” he said smiling with excitement.

“I love her, Roy and she loves me too. And... being with her was unlike anything I’ve ever experienced before!” he finished and turned red to Roy’s amusement.

Roy laughed and gave Rick a knowing smile. “I’m happy for you, buddy. That’s how I feel about Claudia. Rick, Lisa’s like a sister to me. I’ve known her for a while now and believe me you’ll never find anyone more loyal, committed or unselfish.”

Suddenly the general alarm came on and Sammy’s voice could be heard on the PA:

--- Attention, Attention! All civilians go to your designated shelter, now! Enemy attack is immanent! All military personnel report to your duty stations immediately. This is not a drill. I repeat this is not a drill! ---

“Dammed! I was hoping we’ll have more time,” Roy said and ran a hand through his thick blond hair. “Rick ...”

“I know Roy,” Rick said quietly and they hugged each other one last time again before they split and began running.

----------------

Gloval arrived with Exedore to the bridge. All night they have been strategizing, planning and trying to figure out a way to defeat Dolza’s fleet.

But so far they have come up with very few options. The best one was still the one Exedore had suggested at the conference-- using Minmei’s song and the kiss to distract Dolza’s fleet and then attack, hoping to take the fleet by surprised.

Sammy appeared at his side and handed him the ship's fighting status. Looking at her, he noticed that she looked different today, almost grown up-- serious, calm and all business-like.

Taking a look around his bridge, he saw everyone there but Lisa, his First Officer.

It's not like her to be later...

“Claudia, where’s Lisa?”

“She’ll be here shortly, Captain.”

Gloved nodded and led Exedore to the great bubble of the forward view port, “who would have dreamed we'd be fighting side by side, today?”

Exedore had no answer for him and felt there was none that should be given. He knew Gloval was like his lord Breetai who sometimes think out loud.

Together they stare at the massive net of enemy warships now appearing left and right around Earth’s orbit. They were like blobs of green clouds blocking out the sun’s light.

From behind them, Captain Gloval could hear Vanessa’s voice bordering on disbelief and hysteria.

"There are just too many of them for sensors to count, sir. I can’t tell you how many there are, my estimation is millions upon millions."

“God have mercy on us,” Gloval said quietly to himself.

------------------

Down on the Alaskan headquarters, Admiral Hayes and several other senior officers were listening to the reports coming in from all parts of the world in the situation room. They heard echoing updates on the Grand Cannon's firing status and the enemy fleet that was still pouring out of space fold.

“Four millions and counting!” a panicky voice came from one of the European station.

"The projections were wrong, sir," an intelligence analysis officer confessed as he walked in and handed the report to each of the senior staff.

Looking at the report, Hayes felt the weight of the world falling on him and he mentally yelled at himself for being a fool. He knew he should have listened to Lisa. She and Gloval had been correct all along.

Forgive me, Lisa for my arrogance. I love you. I was always proud of you, what you’ve accomplished and have become without any help from me.

Picking up the red phone at his desk he asked. “Any reply back from the alien to our surrendering terms? I see..., thank you lieutenant. Yes, that will be all.”

Turning back to the rest of his staff he said quietly. “There's nothing left to do but fight, gentlemen."

Everyone around the room looked away, not wanting to meet his glaze for they knew everything was lost. In their arrogance and greed, they had just condemned the entire human race to extinction.

--------------------

Rick Hunter was in his quarters. He had just finished sealing up his flight suit and was making sure his gloves were firmly connected to his cuffs when the hatch to his quarters slid open and then closed.

Lisa!

A smile appeared on his face. “Took you long enough, sourpuss I was beginning to think you...”

"Rick?"

He pivoted and saw her.

“Minmei! What...”

"I had to come, Rick. To apologize to you about Kyle and to see you,” she said and tears spilled from her eyes as she threw herself on him.

She held onto him tightly and her face was buried in his chest. Not knowing what else to do he stood there, not really hugging her back but not pushing her away either.

"It was not really your fault," he told her. "You tried to tell me countless of times before but I was just too stubborn to see it that your heart already belonged to Kyle.”

"You don’t understand, Rick, I love you! You, not Kyle; I know now that Kyle was the wrong man for me. He’s so possessive, demanding and cruel. He never listens to me. I always have to do what he wants and I can’t take it anymore!"

Stunned, he pushed her away from him. "Minmei, stop it!" he yelled, frightening her a little and she stood still; just staring at him, wondering if he was going to belittled her like Kyle.

Why is she doing this? Why now? What do I say to her? “The truth, Hunter,” a voice in his head answered him.

"I'm sorry Minmei; too much has changed between us. I’m in love with Lisa. She’s the woman for me, has always been only I didn’t see it because I thought it was you," he said tiredly.

“No! Take it back, Rick. You love me! I know you do! It’s not too late. Oh, Rick we could start all over again and this time I’ll be whoever you want me to be. I promise, everything will be perfect and back to the way it was supposed to be. You’ll see...” she cried and grabbed his hand in desperation.

He shook her hand off his and went to the view port to put some distance between them. He stared out into space and down at Earth.

“Please leave,” he said quietly.

She flinched as if he had hit her and they heard his hatch door opened.

“Rick, I...”

Lisa stopped dead in her track. She turned and was about to leave when she stopped herself.

Together, he did say we’ll face whatever comes today, together. I will not give him up without a fight!

She turned back to them and her whole demeanor changed. Looking at her, Rick knew she was Commander Hayes now, not Lisa and he suddenly felt sorry for Minmei.

“I wanted to see you before you left, Rick. You promised me breakfast when we got up this morning but since that is impossible at this moment, I’ll settle for a kiss instead.”

Minmei grasped and Lisa turned to her. “Oh, Miss Minmei, I’m sorry, I didn’t see you. I thought Rick was alone.”

“I hate you! You old hag, you stole Rick from me! He loves me,” she yelled and ran out of the room crying.

“Good riddance!” Lisa snorted but she suddenly felt bad for she knew Minmei might not forgive her and decide not to sing when the SDF-1 and Breetai’s forces attack Dolza’s fleet.

Dammed! Great timing... If she doesn’t sing, Gloval’s going to bust my butt all the way down to private. Oh, well, c’est l’vie!

Hands on her hips, she turned to Rick with a disapproving look. He gave a small laugh and smiled at her. “Come here, you old hag and kiss me.” His voice was low, almost begging.

Her heart paused, as if to acknowledge the powerful emotions welling within her. Then she ran directly into his open arms and they held each other.

Then the world lit up. Dolza’s attack had begun. They gaped at an illuminated Earth through his view port.

Lisa screamed. "Not the entire planet! No! Father!" Her head was buried in her hands. "So this is the end," she sobbed. "I love you, Rick."

“Lisa! Lisa, listen to me,” Rick said, shaking her roughly to get her to look at him again.

“They’re gone. They’re all gone but we’re not! Do you hear me?” He saw her nodding her head but he knew she was still in shock.

“Commander Hayes, ma’am! Your captain and crew need you!” he said in his most authoritative voice and she quickly dried her eyes. He could see determination, anger and controlled back in her eyes, posture, and in the set of her chin.

He kissed her then, a sweet kiss of promises, happy endings and everlasting love.

----------------------------------

The main bridge hatchway slid open, and Lisa stepped in. She went strait to her station and Sammy gladly let her have it. Claudia gave her an inquiring look but said nothing.

Below her station, Lisa could see Minmei’s band setting up.

Ten minutes later, she could hear the captain and Exedore coming out of Gloval’s ready room. “The RDF owe you a debt of gratitude, Miss Minmei,” she heard Captain Gloval said.

Lisa heard the hatchway slid open then closed and she gave a sigh of relief. But before the captain and Exedore could come to the front of the bridge Vanessa’s voiced stopped everyone in their track.

“Captain! A high-energy reaction is coming from Earth, sir!"

Like a flash of lighting, the Grand Cannon's volley swiveled through the blockading fleet of a hundred thousand Zentraedi ships!

“The Grand Cannon!” Both Lisa and the captain said at once.

“Captain, that means the Alaska Base survived!" Lisa exulted and thoughts of her father drifted through her mind.

Everybody on the bridge let out whoops and laughter but as the minutes passed and there was nothing more; everybody turned back to their station.

"Why aren’t they firing more?" Kim asked, worried and confusion could be heard in her voice.

“Lisa, scramble the Veritechs! Battle stations!” Gloval’s voice boomed through out the bridge.

On the Prometheus hangar deck, Skull and Vermillion Team warmed up. They were two of the few teams flying the new armored Veritechs therefore they were going to be in the forefront of the battle.

Max was busy making sure Vermillion and Skull had all their ammo until Rick could get there. He saw Miriya blew him a kiss from two planes down and he smiled back at her.

We had so little time together. It’s not fair! There’s still so much I wanted to show her and share with her.

A part of him wanted her to stay, he did not want her to get hurt but the pilot in him laughed for he knew Miriya was better than anyone he’d met. Walking to her VT, he pulled her into his arms and kissed her passionately until he could feel her melting in his arms.

Today, he didn’t care who saw them or that he was breaking protocol.

“I love you, Miriya,” he said after the kiss and walked back to his plane.

He saw Rick running to Skull One and he met him half way.

“Where’s Roy and is everything ready?” Rick asked.

“Roy’s with Ghost and we’re as ready as we’ll ever be, skipper,” Max replied.

“Good. Then what are we waiting for? Let’s roll out!”

Over the command net, Gloval’s voice came on:

---- Attention, all fighter pilots, a complete radio silence must be observed at all time. Miss Minmei's song must be broadcasted on all frequencies. As you have been briefed, we hope this will distract the enemy and give us the advantage. Good luck to you all! ---

Gloval and Exedore watched from a tall view port as Rick Hunter went out, leading Skull, Vermillion, Ghost and all the other VT teams to either victory or death, they weren’t sure but however today ends, they’ll never forget them.

"May every one of you make it home safely," Gloval murmured but he knew the odds were stacked against them.

Suddenly there was another flash of bright light, so blinding everyone from Zentraedi to human had to close their eyes to keep from going blind. Then cries of horror, pain and agony could be heard on every com channel.

--------------

Opening her eyes, Lisa couldn’t see or hear anything. Everything was white. She tried to speak but nothing came out.

What happen? Where am I? Did I die?

State = Continuará/To Be Continue

feedback = Sí/Yes