"Robotech - To The Stars: Aftermath - The First Year"
Chapter 6

January 23rd, 2015

Vince Grant was sitting in Vanessa's office, trying to make sense out of a maintenance report he was reading. The maintenance records indicated weekly servicing of all the major components that needed to be checked on, but from Vince had seen with his own eyes, there were several components scattered throughout the entire array that seemed to have not been touched for some time. He found dust in some compartments and power supplies and had also found a few broken sensors on undamaged sections of the grid, therefore ruling out the claim that all damage was due to the initial strike on the grid.
He was also surprised to find that the surveillance discs from the secured area where the grids had been located, were all kept right there in a cabinet in one of the storage sheds. They were of absolutely no use now that they had been destroyed when the grid array was initially hit. Why the discs weren't stored in a more secure location perplexed Vince.
Vanessa came back into her office carrying two cups of coffee.
"Here you are Vince," she said as she set the cups down on the desk.
"Thanks Captain, it smells great," replied Vince as he picked up his cup.
Vanessa stood there with her hands on her hips and for a moment she reminded Vince of his sister Claudia.
"Vince, you don't have to call me 'Captain.'
"Yes Captain. Ooops, yes, Vanessa."
Vanessa smiled and sat down and picked up her own cup.
After he finished a few sips of coffee, Vince, leaned forward a bit and said, "Vanessa. Have you seen these maintenance reports? It looks like a bunch of lazy a--es, who were suppose to be making sure this thing worked properly, weren't doing their job."
Vanessa wore a slightly surprised look, "I had noticed something to that effect in a couple of the logs as well. Do you think, maybe...maybe it isn't sabotage after all and that it is a case of negligance?"
Vince narrowed his eyes and looked at the report in front of him one more time, then said, "I think it's possible. Of course we would still need to do some more investigating, but it seems all things are pointing to that conclusion."
Vanessa tapped her pen on the desk as she said, "It's important we first find out who was responsible for making sure that radar was maintained properly. And we also need to know what happened that day, but it's impossible, the surveillance footage is destroyed and all the staff on duty were killed in the attack."
Vince rubbed his forehead and said a little bit irrately, "I can't believe we cannot get anyone to tell us who was the person in charge of the maintenance. I was assigned to working on the SDF2 so I never really got to hear all the goings on with that radar. The last thing I heard was that the maintenance duties had been transferred but to whom they never said. Lisa didn't know either. The darn thing never had any problems though, so there was never any need to fix it, and so, no need to go looking for the
person that was in charge of fixing it."
Vanessa put another stack of folders in front of her and Vince and announced, "Well, hopefully we can find something in here. But if we don't then we're going to have to go around trying to find answers from alot of people. This is the last stack of reports."
Vince finished up his coffee and took half of the folders and started to scrutinize them one by one, hoping that they would find some sort of answer somewhere.

* * * * * * *

Kim and Lisa were seated on one side of the aisle, Edwards on another. Lisa had the aisle seat of her side, as did Edwards. The plane had just taken off and everyone was settling back into their seats, trying to get comfortable for the rest of the flight.
Kim and Lisa were seated on one side of the aisle, Edwards on the opposite side. Lisa had the aisle seat of her side, as did Edwards. The plane had just taken off and everyone was settling back into their seats, trying to get comfortable for the rest of the flight.
The pilot announced that they were taking off in five minutes and Kim looked around and asked her, "Are we going to be the only ones on this plane?"
Edwards was sitting in his seats with his eyes closed, still battling with his concussion-induced headaches, answered, "Yes we are Commander. Leonard and the others are making the trip on another plane. Seems like they want to keep the New Detroiters separated from the New Macrossers if you ask me."
Kim looked over at him and saw that his eyes were closed then gave Lisa an irritated look. Lisa cracked a small smile and shrugged. Kim wrote something down in her notepad and lightly kicked Lisa's foot to get her attention. 'Thank goodness it's just us on this plane!!' the note said. Lisa took the notepad and pulled out a pen and wrote something down, then handed it back to Kim. 'What's the matter, don't you miss your "boyfriend"?' Lisa stiffled a laugh as she saw Kim's eyes go wide and her mouth drop open. Kim looked at her and tried to give her an angry look but she couldn't camoflauge her smile. She might also would've hit Lisa with the notepad had Edwards not been across the aisle.
Kim looked over at Edwards and then looked at Lisa and said, "I think this will be a nice time to take a nap, wake me when we get there will ya Lisa?" Kim motioned towards Edwards with a small, barely noticeable jerk of her chin and Lisa understood that Kim didn't feel like talking with Edwards so easily situated for eavesdropping.
Lisa folded her arms to her chest and leaned back in her chair to get comfortable for what would be a nap for herself as well and spun a parting shot at Kim, "Just make sure you don't snore, or else I'll have to wake you up before we get there."
Kim was about to rebuttal when Edwards spoke up and said, "Admiral, you're father always told me you had a keen sense of humor, it's nice to witness it in person."
The two women looked at Edwards, who was still resting his eyes. Kim gave Lisa a sour look, seeing that Edwards wasn't paying attention.
"Thank you Major," said Lisa, evenly, not wanting to sound too grateful for the compliment, yet not sound too unappreciative.
Lisa silently was relieved when Edwards didn't continue talking and so she managed to settle back in her chair, but she felt anything but relaxed. This wasn't the first time that Edwards had mentioned her father, and every time he did, something stirred inside of Lisa. It was like something that she had been trying to avoid since that day at Alaska Base. She brought up everything she could think of to try to avoid thinking about it, and since none of her friends wanted to make her feel bad, they avoided the subject of Lisa's father. However, unknowingly they were contributing to her continual denial and refusal to come to grips with the damaged and lost relationship with her father.
Lisa knew that she needed to face the subject, not just for her own piece of mind, but so as not to dishonor or further hurt the memory of her father. She was caught in between and haunted by the memory of two fathers actually.
One was a man who wasn't bound to her by blood but she had long thought of him as a better father than her own blood father. There had been an understanding between she and Gloval and even though he was gone, she had no worries that there was anything left unsaid between them.
The other man, the one bound by blood, was a man whom she'd been closer to in her early years, but after she had entered into service, the relationship took on a more formal tone. Their constant disagreements and opposing views over many issues drove the wedge further between them.
During her academy days, Lisa felt estranged from her father. She felt as if he had been trying to run her life. When Karl Riber had died, her father didn't seem overly sympathetic and didn't speak to her about it to try and understand or comfort her in her time of emotional need.
When Lisa was stationed at Alaska Base, she and her father were on friendly terms, as opposed to their usual cool formalities, and her father had told her that he was proud of her. But he didn't tell her what she wanted to hear, which was that he loved her. He told her he was proud of her and she wondered if he was proud of her as a soldier or as his daughter. What would've happened if she hadn't been as successful a soldier as she was, would he have scorned her?
Lisa wanted to kick herself, she knew that it was a terrible thought. Her father loved her, he just didn't know how to show it. She started thinking about it and realized that the estrangement was probably at least half of her fault. Her father had made the effort to try and get to know her, but she pushed him away time and again, too angry that he was too overprotective of her. She suddenly felt very ashamed and quickly tried to think of something else before her emotions overtook her, but she let the thought linger a little bit longer. This was the first time really, since her father died, that she was trying to sort out the emotional troubles they shared. Edward's recent mentionings of her father were making her remember that she had alot of unresolved issues she needed to face regarding her father and their relationship.
Edwards opened one eye and tilted his head slightly to see that Lisa was seemingly lost in conversation with herself and resisted the urge to smile.

* * * * * * *

It was already past lunchtime and Lieutenant Antell had yet to return. Sammie had been very anxious all day. She wanted to make sure she could leave early so that she and Vanessa could do some shopping and then prepare for Lisa and Kim's homecoming. She had hoped that Antell would be her ticket to getting off work early, but now Antell was being uncharacteristically late for reporting back from her break.
The male tech that was seated a few feet away from Sammie also noticed that Antell was late and said in a confounded tone, "Antell must have gotten herself a boyfriend or something. She's never late getting back from lunch."
Sammie looked at the tech tiredly and said, "Of all the days to be late, it's got to be today. Damn her."
The tech laughed and said, "Maybe this is a good thing actually, then you can write her up and request another aide."
Sammie rolled her eyes, "Don't I wish! But there's nothing I can do, Maistroff assigned her so you know that she's untouchable. I am sure he assigned her to me on purpose, just to make me go crazy."
The tech chuckled, "Unfortunately Captain, that's definitely a possibility."
Sammie put her hands on her hips challengingly, "Well, if it's strict, play-by-the-book she wants, that's what she'll get. I intend to chew her out when she comes back. I'm sure you'll like that."
The tech rubbed his hands together, "I sure would! Do you know, this afternoon I asked her a question about one of the song's by that new group 'Cat's Eye' because I was interested in looking for it as a present for someone. She says something like, 'It's on so-and-so album, didn't you know that?' And I'm like, 'No I didn't know that, I'm not a music encyclopedia.' Then she went on and on about the album and how she didn't like any of the songs on there but that she had the cd, mini-disc, and vinyl pressing of it. B--ch, if you hate it so much why did you buy it, I wanted to ask her. Then yesterday she was ragging on Brady about that new Zentraedi movie, going on and on, like she's some big a-- film guru. She drives us all crazy, why don't she get a life!"
Sammie's spirits lightened up, "You had to sit through all of those rantings?!?"
The tech put his face in his hands and groaned, "Unfortunately."
Sammie laughed with delight and said, "Welcome to my world. Now you know how I feel."
The tech gave her a regretful grin then switched moods as he said, "Captain, I don't know if anyone's told you yet but it sure is great having you as commander."
Sammie gave him an astonished look and said, "Whoa, better not let Lisa hear you say that."
The tech shook his head, "No that's not what I mean. It was great having Admiral Hayes as commander too, since she was daydreaming half the time. What I mean is that it's great that you are her replacement, instead of them bringing in someone inexperienced and stuffy. Everyone here appreciates your easy-going nature and knowledge. Not to say that anyone ever thought that Admiral Hayes was unknowledgeable, it's just that we never could predict what kind of mood she'd be in."
Sammie shook her head in agreement and then smiled, "I know what you mean. But I don't think we'll have to worry about that anymore, only if she and Captain Hunter get into a fight."
The tech looked at her as if he hadn't heard what she said, then he said in a disbelieving voice, "No way! You've got to be pulling my leg!"
Sammie nodded confidently, "No I'm not. It's true, just you wait and see."
Before the tech could answer, the door slid open and Lieutenant Antell walked into the room.
"Lieutenant Antell," said Sammie, trying to sound stern, "I'm disappointed, this isn't like you to be late and not call in letting us know about it."
Antell didn't seem repentant and said flatly, "I'm sorry Captain, it will not happen again."
The tech looked at Sammie and tried to shake his head so inconspicuously that it looked like he was shivering. He was trying to signal to her not to push Antell too hard, since she was most likely a snitch for Maistroff and could cause trouble if she felt threatened.
Sammie eyed Antell suspiciously, then decided that she had more important things to worry about and let it drop.
"Very well. Everything has been running smoothly, so I will be leaving a little bit early today, around 4pm. Just to let you know." said Sammie, trying to sound as commandingly as possible.
"Yes ma'am," Antell replied in monotone.
"No problem Captain!" chimed the male tech cheerfully.
Antell gave the tech a disdainful look but kept quiet.
Sammie turned her back to the two so that Antell couldn't see her amused smile.

* * * * * * *

Rick paced back and forth in Claudia's office. Hialeah's team had been so efficient in the evacuation and relocation procedures that he was momentarily left with nothing to do. After a few more minutes of pacing he scrounged around the room and found what he was looking for.
He took a seat behind Claudia's desk and opened up the phone book and searched through the restaurant section. He had decided he was too nervous to cook dinner as he had originally planned, and would instead resort to take-out, expensive take-out that is. "Definitely not Chinese food," he said out loud as he passed through the section. He came to the Italian section but he had just had Italian and he knew Lisa didn't care that much for Italian, so he continued to flip through the pages.
He came across a large ad for a French restaurant and recalled Lisa telling him that she and her father had often gone to a French restaurant when she was stationed at Alaska Base. He checked the menu on the website, then picked up the phone and punched in the number and placed his order.
Rick looked at the clock and it read 1:30pm. Sammie had said that Lisa and Kim would land sometime around 2pm but they would immediately attend a couple of meetings as well as a debriefing and another medical check, so they would not be home until around 7pm.
It was still a little bit too early to leave the office so Rick looked around for reports of some sort to work on. He managed to find a couple of half-completed reports that Claudia had been working on and decided to try and finish them up for her.
About an hour later Max poked his head through the door, then took a seat and sat back. "Hey Rick, those people of Hialeah's are just too efficient. I don't have anything to do right now."
Rick looked across the desk at him and laughed, "Me neither Max. I'm glad I found some reports to work on. How's Miriya doing?"
Max folded his arms and replied with a smile, "She's doing fine. She is having a fun time tossing me around like a rag doll."
Rick stopped writing and looked up with a big grin, "That must be a sight to see."
"Yea, well, I have a few bruises to show that it isn't as fun as it sounds. But it keeps Miriya amused so I can't complain really. So when's Lisa coming back?"
At the mention of Lisa's name, Max saw Rick perk up, dropping his pen and saying with twinkling eyes, "She'll be here about half an hour from now. But she needs to attend a few meetings so I won't get to see her until around 7pm."
Max picked up one of the pen's on Claudia's desk and started twirling it around with two fingers, "You must be pretty anxious to see her again."
Rick smiled nervously, "You bet. The girls are helping me put on a quiet homecoming date tonight. I'm a bit nervous."
Max laughed at him, "Nervous? You two have known each other for what? almost five years now? What's there to be nervous about."
"Hey com'on Max, you were just as nervous, even more nervous, on your first date with Miriya, remember?" teased Rick.
"Ok boss, you got me. Yea, I was very nervous, so I can sympathize with what you're going through now. Oh, by the way, there's something I want to ask you. Have you ever met Lady Hialeah?"
"Lady Hialeah?" asked Rick quizzically, "Well, I just spoke to her that one time when we were at her office and I needed to get Claudia some medical attention. That's the only time. It was strange, she picked me up as I spoke to her. And she held me for awhile and was inspecting me sort of. She even poked me on the head with her finger, I guess she was trying to play with my hair or something."
Max laughed out loud, "Ok, so now you also know what it's like to be handled like a rag doll too then. Hialeah came to see Miriya yesterday, and she asked about you."
"About me? Why?"
Max snickered, "She wanted to know where she could find you, so she could ask you to macronize so that she may look at you better."
Rick's mouth dropped open in disbelief, "What? Look at me? What for?"
Max couldn't resist laughing again, "'Cause she told us you are 'pleasing to look at' and wanted to look at you again, only this time macronized."
Rick rolled his eyes and tossed down his pen, "Oh great, that's all I need right now, a Zentraedi, full-sized Zentraedi, warrioress chasing after me. Lisa would macronize without a doubt, just to keep Hialeah away from me."
Max burst out laughing, "Now wouldn't THAT be something to see?!"
Rick gave Max a challenging grin, "Hey don't laugh. I bet Lisa could kick Hialeah's a-- with no trouble."
"Oh I don't doubt she could, especially if they're fighting over you."
Max's sentence caused Rick to stop to think about Lisa fighting for him. He thought about what would've happened if Lisa had tried harder to challenge Minmei, but she hadn't, because she was afraid she couldn't win, when in reality, she could, and she did.
Max saw the immediate change in Rick's demeanor and was afraid he might've said something wrong, "Rick, I'm sorry, did I say something I wasn't suppose to?"
Rick looked at the desk and then picked up his pen, "Nah Max. It's alright, I was just thinking...about...well, nevermind, it's ok."
Max, still not convinced he hadn't said something wrong, apologized, "Rick, I'm sorry."
Rick shook his head and smiled, saying a bit adamantly, "Don't worry about it Max, alright?"
Max stood up to stretch and said, "You know another funny thing? Miriya agreed that you were 'pleasing to look at.'
Rick let out a surprised laugh, "She doesn't know that you're not suppose to talk about another man in front of your husband?"
Max laughed, "Yea well, it's ok. I know it's a harmless comment. But I'll have to make things even. I ran into Lisa before she had left and I must admit that she looks really good in those new uniform colors of hers."
Rick smiled proudly, "She sure does. You should see her walk down the halls, she turns heads. Well, she always did."
Rick grew a little more serious as he continued, "You know, it is just so amazing that she doesn't even know how attractive she is. Claudia had mentioned it, Lisa has no self-awareness..."
Max pushed his glasses back up the bridge of his nose before saying, "Well Rick, now maybe you can help her with that; give her that confidence."
Rick shook his head and said in a determined voice, "I will do exactly that Max. I've already begun to see the change in her and it's so amazing. You'll see, when this butterfly spreads her wings, it will be a sight indeed. Nothing will be able to stop her."
Max regarded Rick for a moment then said, "You talk like a man in love."
Rick stood up so he could be eye-level with Max, "I am Max, I am."
Max reached across the desk and shook Rick's hand, "I'm very happy for ya boss. Really I am, and so is Miriya. Haha, in fact, she asked me if you and Lisa were going to touch lips now that you two were a couple."
Rick shook his head and chuckled, "Oh boy, if it's not the Trio trying to spy on me and Lisa then we also got Miriya now too."
Rick looked at the clock again and decided it was probably alright to leave so he put the reports away neatly and asked Max, "What are you doing right now? Do you want to come into town, I have to pickup dinner for tonight. I can get you something too if you'd like?"
Max smiled and said goodnaturedly, "It's alright, you don't have to get me anything. I'll come with ya though, you'll probably need a hand carrying all that I imagine, since you've got to feed yourself and four women."
Rick headed for the door and held it open for Max and patted Max on the shoulder as he walked out, "Thanks Max, a man couldn't ask for a better best friend."
Max made a small theatrical bow and said, "Always happy to help a friend."
Rick flipped off the light and closed the door behind him.

It took Rick and Max half an hour to get to the french restaurant "Lumineux" to pick up dinner. Max followed Rick through the door as the two men were greeted by a hostess, "Good afternoon gentlemen, where would you like to be seated?"
Rick looked around for the take-out counter and told her, "I had ordered to-go, my name is Rick Hunter."
The woman looked at him with a surprised look and then looked around her and said quietly, "So you're Rick Hunter. Is it true that you and Lynn Minmei have been thinking about getting married?"
Rick looked at Max with a confused look, "Uhh, where'd you hear that?" asked Rick.
"Oh well she mentioned it in one of her interviews, I believe it was in yesterday's paper, I can't remember which one though," answered the woman.
"Was it just a rehash of an old interview?" put in Max, seeing that Rick was disturbed by the report.
"No, it was her most recent interview," replied the hostess.
"Do you remember what she said exactly?" asked Max.
"Well...she said that she and Mr. Hunter were thinking of getting married but she thought that it probably wouldn't be possible because they had seperate careers that were both very important and necessary."
Rick had his hands clenched into fists and Max waited to see what Rick would say or do. Rick huffed and told the hostess, "You know what? That isn't what's happened at all."
Rick saw the woman give him an intrigued look and continued, "Minmei and I aren't getting married and it's not just because of our seperate careers. You want to know what the real reason is? It's because I am not in love with Minmei. I'm in love with another woman, I think you know her by name, Admiral Lisa Hayes, and if there's anyone I'm going to marry, it's going to be Lisa. Not Minmei, Lisa. So don't believe all the things that's said in the newspapers."
The woman stared at him for a moment, as did Max, surprised at his outburst. Then the woman said hastily, "Yes, sir, that's right sir. Excuse me, I will go and get your order," and then headed towards the kitchen.
Max chuckled, "Rick, I think you scared her."
Rick let out a heavy sigh, "I didn't mean to. It's just...I can't believe Minmei didn't tell the truth."
Max laughed again, "Do you really think she wants to tell the reporters that you dumped her?"
"I suppose not, but then she should've just not mentioned the fact that we talked about getting married. S--t, Lisa's going to get mad if she hears about this."
"Rick, don't worry. I doubt if Lisa will get too upset. Even if she does, it will be at Minmei for distorting the truth, not you."
Rick kicked his foot lightly against the floor and stuffed his hands in his pocket as he said, "Yea, I guess. Still though, I don't like Minmei going around telling this story to everyone. Now I'm going to get this question wherever I go, and you know, some people don't have tact, they might even ask me when I'm out with Lisa. How do you think that will make her feel?"
Max smirked at Rick, "Well, actually, if you tell them all just what you told this lady, that it's Lisa who you love, then I think she won't mind at all."
Rick scratched his temple and said, "Hey, come to think of it, that's right..."
The woman returned carrying 3 bags and Max signaled for her to give him two as she placed the other one on the counter and Rick took out his wallet.
"That will be $200 sir."
Rick pulled out his credit card and handed it to the woman. As she was completing the transaction, Max hid himself behind one of the bags and whispered to Rick, "Two hundred dollars?? For dinner?!"
Rick wore a proud smile and said, "Yea, well nothing's too good for my girl. Or her friends, our friends, for that matter. I also picked up dinner and dessert for the Trio. Make sure though, you don't tell them how much it cost me."
Max winked, "Mums the word, boss."

After Max and Rick had secured the bags in the car, they headed towards Max's house so that Rick could drop him off at home. After pulling away from the curb where his car had been parked, Rick fumbled in his jacket pocket and pulled out one of the mini-discs that Sammie and Vanessa had given him in the morning. Rick popped in the disc and turned up the volume slightly.
"Hey, great, some music!" rejoiced Max.
"Ok Max, now don't laugh at me, but this isn't our regular music. I let the girls put it together, it's some songs that Lisa and I will listen to, and dance to, tonight."
"Oh, I see, those type of songs. Don't be embarrassed Rick, I play those type of songs for Miriya too sometimes, she likes them. I think alot of women do. And besides, she says she hates all of Minmei's songs."
The two men laughed then Rick got serious and said thoughtfully, "I do believe that sometimes a song can say more than what I could come up with, I mean, probably say it better than I could too. Sometimes I feel uncomfortable saying things because I don't want them to turn out wrong. I did that a lot with Lisa, I dunno if sometimes everything would've just been better off if I hadn't opened my big mouth sometimes."
"Well, I do admit Rick, you do have a tendancy to shoot off at the mouth sometimes, but don't worry about that for now. Just tell Lisa what you feel and if you need to, let the music tell her, although she should hear it from you."
"I know Max. Hey, check out this song, it sounds pretty good."
Rick turned up the volume and the two men listened intently. The song was soulful, not what Rick and Max ordinarily listened to while patroling in their VT's but Rick was struck by the words:

Last night we had an argument
You told me you love me
All the things I said I never meant
No baby
I didn't mean to make you cry
I didn't mean to make you say bye bye bye
Baby won't you let me look inside your soul
Let me make you lose control
Let me be the one you need
Baby just come to me
(1)

Rick turned to Max and said excitedly, "Sammie and Vanessa are geniuses! This song is perfect!"
Max smiled as Rick reset the song to the beginning and turned up the volume again.

You know what I'm talking about baby
I never meant to hurt you
I never wanted to see you cry
So I'm right here now baby
I'm asking you, I'm begging you
Just give me one more chance baby
(1)

Max grinned looked over at Rick, "Those lyrics seem pretty good, but what about the other half of the lyrics? A little bit more suggestive don't you think?"
Rick blushed slightly, "Yea, I know but I think we'll be ok."
Max raised his eyebrows as the song finished with the line: 'Can I turn you on till the break of dawn baby.'
Rick cleared his throat, "Ok, maybe I'll make a little disclaimer before the song comes on."
When the song finished, Rick hit the replay button again. Max looked at Rick and saw he was lost in thought and decided to keep quiet and let him be.
They listened to two other songs before they finally reached Max's house. When he got out of the car, Max could see that Rick was still deep in thought and thought it was best to let him keep concentrating on tonight, so he just said, "See ya tommorrow Rick, have a great time tonight and say 'hi' to Lisa for me." Before Rick could shake out of his meditations and answer, Max had already run up the driveway and headed into the house.
Rick honked the horn and Max came back out of the house, "Thanks Max!" called out Rick, as Max waved at Rick's departing car.
Rick sped home, his mind and feelings stirred up by the song lyrics and the thought of seeing Lisa that evening.

* * * * * * *

Kim and Lisa got up from their seats after the pilot told them that they could disembark from the plane. They had already started down the aisle when Lisa looked back and saw that Edwards had some trouble getting out of his seat. She went back to help him, expecting Kim would follow her but Kim instead made her way to the door and waited for them there.
Edwards got up steadily, his hand resting on Lisa's shoulder. "I'll be fine, Admiral, thank you."
Edwards saw Lisa look at him with genuine concern as she asked him, "Are you sure Major?"
He was momentarily transfixed by her eyes for a moment, but then looked away from her and said, "I'm sure Admiral, once again, thank you for your concern."
Lisa nodded and moved out of the way to let him pass and then followed behind him as he headed towrds the door where Kim was waiting. Kim, not comfortable in his presence, quickly hurried through the door when she saw him heading her way. Then when they were all off the plane, they were quickly ushered to the main conference room for their debriefing.

Sammie met Vanessa in the hallway outside Vanessa's office. She looked around her to make sure no one was in earshot, then said in a hushed voice, "Vanessa, Lieutenant Antell's been acting strangely since yesterday.
"What do you mean Sammie? You said she's a wierdo, period."
"Yea yea I know, but I mean, she keeps disappearing off and on throughout the day."
Vanessa snickered, "Maybe she finally found herself a guy insane enough to want to be her boyfriend."
"That's what Dirk had said. But get real, who would be crazy enough to put up with her?"
"Who knows Sammie, maybe she's a totally different person away from the office."
Sammie shrugged, "Anything is possible I guess."
Vanessa walked ahead to punch the elevator button and turned to Sammie and said dreamily, "Tonight's going to be such a romantic night for Lisa! She's so lucky!."
"Mmmhmm! I'm glad that we get to be a part of it. That was so nice of Rick to ask us to help him."
The elevator arrived and Vanessa was relieved to see no one would be sharing the elevator with them. Vanessa stood quietly for a moment, thinking about the plans for the evening. A thought struck her and she decided to consult Sammie on it, "Sammie, about a couple fo those songs we put together for Rick..."
Sammie looked at her and stated, "You know, I was wondering about that too. Especially those two songs that Claudia told us about. They are pretty emotional, and they might, I mean, what happens if they..."
Vanessa adjusted her glasses and said, "Well now, ahem, I don't know. It's none of our business anyways. But lets just warn Rick about that song though, just as a precaution."
The elevator opened up and the girls headed out of it into the parking garage. Once in the car Sammie paused before pulling out of the parking spot, "Vanessa, are you sure that Lisa will be ok with that song."
Vanessa waived her off, "She should be ok as long as she's not drunk. If she's not drunk then that song should be harmless. And we know that Lisa won't get drunk tonight, Rick won't let her, and he's too much of a gentleman to get her drunk on purpose."
Sammie looked over her shoulder to back out of the spot and said agreeingly, "Right, I know he won't do anything like that. But you know, that song can get a person pretty emotionally charged, do you think Lisa will be ok with it. Even if she isn't drunk?"
Vanessa thought for a moment, "Whatever happens, happens, let's not try and control destiny." Suddenly a lightbulb went on in Vanessa's head, "Hey waita minute, you're worried?? You're the one who didn't want to fix the heat in the hopes that Rick and Lisa would have to share the bed, and you're worried about tonight?!"
"Ok ok..." said Sammie defensively.

Sammie and Vanessa didn't have to spend much time at the market since Rick had called them and told him he had decided to buy dinner instead of cook it himself.
Sammie, standing in line behind Vanessa, picked up the newspaper that was on the stand and decided to flip through it while waiting in the somewhat long line to the cash register.
A small headline on the front page caught her eye and she tossed a few pages over to find the contuation of the story. Vanessa heard Sammie gasp, then let out a short, low, growl and turned around to see what was wrong. Sammie not saying a word, pointed to the column in question and watched as Vanessa reacted almost identically the way she had, minus the growl. Sammie folded up the newspaper and put it back in its rack and then followed Vanessa as they slowly shuffled forward in line.
Sammie stood on her tiptoes and whispered to Vanessa, "I can't believe she'd lie like that!"
Vanessa shook her head in disbelief, "She must've done it out of bitterness."
Sammie huffed and decided not to say anything since there were many people around them.
Once they got to the car Sammie unleashed, "What a b---h! She's just angry because Rick dumped her for Lisa!"
"I can't believe she didn't tell them that she and Rick are not together anymore. I sure hope Lisa doesn't see that article. She won't be happy," said Vanessa.
"Hopefully she won't see it. Ok Vanessa, where to now?"
Vanessa looked at the list clipped to the inside of her organizer and announced, "Department store, we have to find them something nice to wear."
Sammie took her hands off the wheel to clap, "Shopping! My favorite hobby."
Vanessa rolled her eyes and said in an amused tone, "No kidding."

Rick resisted calling Sammie and Vanessa again. He had called them already while they were at the market and once more when they were at the department store. He realized that the more he kept slowing them down with his calls, the later they would get home. So he plopped down on the couch and waited, shaking his foot nervously.
He unfolded the liner notes that Vanessa had made for the mini-discs and began to scan through it. He was grateful she had included some lyrics. He could see that some of the songs were suppose to be from his point of view, others from Lisa's point of view, and a few from a couple's point of view. He was a tiny bit nervous about some lyrics of a few of the songs, including the one Max had mentioned earlier, but he resolved to make sure that he would try and keep his emotions in check.
Finally, after what seemed like eons had passed, Vanessa and Sammie came fluttering through the door. Rick swiftly got up from his seat and rushed to help them with the various bags and boxes that they were struggling with.
"Thanks Rick. Just you wait and see what we got for you and Lisa to wear!" celebrated Sammie.
Vanessa handed Rick his credit card and told him, "Everything came out to around $400 Rick, I hope that's ok."
Rick shrugged and smiled as he put the card back in his wallet, "Nah, that's perfectly alright. I've never really had anyone to spend my money on before, now I do, and it's a pretty nice feeling."
Vanessa patted Rick on the shoulder, "You won't regret it Rick. Lisa will look gorgeous in her new dress. That's what took us the longest to buy, or else we would've been home an hour earlier. But, we wanted to find the perfect dress for tonight, and I think we did a pretty good job, don't you think Sammie?"
Sammie concurred, "Oh absolutely!"
Sammie pulled out a few boxes from a large bag and handed them to Rick, "Here you go, this is what you're going to wear tonight. Hopefully everything fits."
Rick took the boxes and headed upstairs. When they heard the door close behind him, Sammie turned to Vanessa and whispered, "I'm so excited about tonight and I'm not even the one going on a date!"
"I know! Me too! Well, this IS something that everyone's been waiting for for the past 4 years. This soap opera of theirs is finally taking a turn for the better it seems. We both know, it was never any fun watching them at each other's throats," replied Vanessa.
Sammie folded her hands together and said dreamily, "This is going to be such a romantic night."
Vanessa snickered, "I think Lisa will be very surprised."
"Oh definitely! She will wonder what's come over Rick!"
The two laughed but lowered their volume as Rick came down the stairs, towel slung over his shoulder, on his way to the shower in the downstairs bathroom. He paused to look at them and in return, Vanessa and Sammie made swiping motions with their hands and told him, "Go on Rick, better get showered and dressed, there's no telling if they might arrive early or not." Rick looked at them blankly for a moment then gave them a thumb's up and hurried into the bathroom.
Sammie couldn't help but giggle, "He's so cute! And I bet he looks so handsome in a suit!"
Vanessa grinned, "I'm sure that would be a pleasant sight. Oh, Sammie! Look at the time, speaking of dressed we better go get dressed ourselves."
Sammie followed Vanessa up the stairs, "Right behind ya!"

Rick found himself once again waiting for Vanessa and Sammie. He had gotten showered and dressed rather quickly and was anxious for them to help him make sure his tie was straight. Then there was the question of his hair. He had tried to comb it neatly as possible but it still seemed too unruly to him.
He paced back and forth and finally decided to take another listen to the songs the girls had prepared for the evening. He remembered hearing a couple of them, the Country and Western ones, because that's all his dad ever played on the radio.
There were also a couple dance type of songs on the disc that had good lyrics, but Rick didn't know what it would be like to dance to the songs since he had never really danced. He started growing self-conscious and wondered if there was some time left so that the Vanessa and Sammie could give him a crash course in dancing.
After ten minutes, Sammie and Vanessa finally came downstairs, dressed in somewhat formal
dresses. Even though their primary function for the evening was to serve as waitresses, they didn't want to miss out on the fun and be atmospherically out of place, so they decided to dress in the best dresses they had in their closet.
Rick temporarily forgot his anxiety over dancing and gaped at Vanessa and Sammie. The two
immediately noticed Rick's surprised look of admiration and Sammie winked at him and said, "If you think we look good, wait till you see Lisa dressed up!"
Rick broke into a smile as the two came down the stairs and turned around in front of him, as if modeling their gowns. "You two look absolutely beautiful. The guys in Skull would go crazy if you came over to the hanger dressed like that," said Rick sincerely.
Sammie's eyes went wide, "Really?!! Hey Vanessa, we should try that some time!!"
Vanessa shook her head in amazement, "You're too much Sammie."
Rick laughed lightly then became anxious again and asked, "I...uh...I don't suppose maybe we have time for a few dance lessons? I mean...well, I've never really danced before and I don't want to be stepping on Lisa's toes the whole evening."
"One crash-course coming up!" shouted Sammie.
Vanessa rolled her eyes and stated, "Oh boy Rick, now you're in trouble."
Rick gave her a worried look and Vanessa quickly countered, "Oh, no, I was just kidding Rick. Sammie's a great dancer, don't worry."
Rick looked at her warily at first then let out a sigh of relief after Vanessa shook her head to reaffirm her claim.
Vanessa quickly surveyed the room and proclaimed, "Wait, we first need to rearrange the furniture for dinner."
"Oh that's right!" said Sammie from the other end of the room. She scampered back to the center of the room where Rick and Vanessa were and they proceeded to move the small couch to one corner of the room. Then Rick went to the kitchen and folded up the small table and brought it back to the living room and positioned it in the middle of the room. Vanessa busied herself by moving the chairs into the kitchen and Sammie started placing candles around the room.
After the room was arranged the way it was planned, Sammie grabbed Rick by the hand and
dragged him to part of the room that was designated the 'dancefloor.' Vanessa hurried to the stereo and set the mini-disc to a song that was one of the upbeat dance songs Rick was worried about.
"I bet you don't know how to dance to these type of songs," said Vanessa.
Rick nodded, assuring her that her bet was right. Vanessa walked over to where Sammie and Rick were about to begin to dance and told Rick, "Rick, make sure you're not this nervous when you dance with Lisa. Lisa will be very nervous about dancing too. We could never get her on the dancefloor, her excuse being that she didn't know how to dance. But we happen to think she does, she just wasn't confident or brave enough. You have to take the lead, take charge and act like you know what you're doing, even if you don't think you do. If you're loosened up, then Lisa will loosen up too."
"I'll try," said Rick with a determined voice.
Sammie socked Rick in the arm and exclaimed, "Come on flyboy, let's do it!"
Rick cleared his throat and said, "Ok, let's do it!"
Vanessa cheered from the sidelines then dashed to the corner to restart the song. After about 10 minutes of demonstrating dance moves, Sammie was starting to sweat and asked Rick, "Do you think you got it?"
Rick shook his head and Sammie continued, "Good. Ok, Vanessa you get in here and dance with him, I'm tired out already."
Vanessa laughed at her teasingly, "Sammie, get outta here. That will teach you for trying to be a showoff!" Vanessa gave Sammie a parting sneer and walked up to Rick. Seeing him up close made her hesitate and take a moment to catch her breath. He did look handsome indeed. Now she understood what had melted Lisa so thoroughly. Vanessa adjusted her glasses and coughed once then told Sammie to cue up the music.
Barely several minutes had passed when Vanessa stopped and stared at Rick. Sammie also stared at him too and said, "I thought you said you didn't know how to dance!"
Rick looked at them innocently, "I don't."
"You do too!!" they both exclaimed.
Rick grinned hopefully, "You really think so? I never danced to this type of music before, I just tried to follow what Sammie showed me and go with the music."
"You must have a natural knack for dancing Rick! Just be this good and confident when Lisa gets here and you guys will have alot of fun booty-shaking," said Sammie reassuringly.
Vanessa wagged her finger at Rick, "Remember, Lisa will be shy at first, so make sure you keep assuring her that there's nothing to be embarrassed about and hopefully after some coaxing you'll get her grooving with you."
"Got it." said Rick, wiping his brow.
Sammie looked at the clock on the mantle and said in a frenzy, "It's already past 7pm!!! They'll be here any time now!"
Vanessa saw that Rick wore a slightly panicked look but she was ready to combat it. "Rick.Listen to me and make sure you listen good. Don't be nervous or you'll make Lisa nervous. Be relaxed and remember that you're suppose to be Lisa's knight in shining armor. No second-guessing yourself. Just enjoy the evening, show her how much you care about her, and don't worry about anything else. There's no place for timidness here. You two have known each other for almost five years and been through hell and back together and there shouldn't be anything to be embarrassed about when you're around each other. Show her that you're no longer that immature prick who never passed up the opportunity to pick a fight with her. Show her that you're now the man that she had always believed you could be."
Sammie watched Rick carefully. Those had been some pretty straighforward words Vanessa had
launched at him and Sammie was hoping that it wouldn't put Rick back into his guilty frame of mind. She was relieved when she saw the look on Rick's face change from worried to determined, and she felt glad with the prospect of not having to be constantly worrying throughout the evening.
"I'll be the lookout!" pronounced Sammie as she scampered to the window.
Rick sat down on the couch, trying to remember everything that Vanessa had told him.

* * * * * * *

The meeting was shorter than anticipated, much to Kim and Lisa's relief and they left their seats, eager to get home as soon as possible. Edwards stood up and followed them out the door. Kim walked a little bit faster than usual to try and distance herself from Edwards but Lisa was walking at her usual pace which allowed Edwards to keep stride with them.
They walked out to the carport area and waited for their drivers. Lisa looked over at Edwards who seemed to be still a little bit unsettled. Then she decided to walk up to him and offer, "Major Edwards, if you want, I can accompany you to your quarters to make sure you've settled in. You seem a little bit disoriented still."
Edwards turned his head slowly and looked at her for a moment then replied, "If it's not too much trouble Admiral, I would appreciate that."
From where she stood, Kim cursed under her breath and waited for Lisa's orders.
"Kim you go on ahead, I'll be home soon, it shouldn't take too long."
Kim was silently relieved but at the same time still a little bit unwilling to leave Lisa alone with Edwards. A car drove up and Lisa put Edwards bag on the back seat and helped him into the car and waved to Kim as they drove off.
A driver for Kim soon pulled up and she climbed into the car. She asked the driver, "You ever heard of Major T.R. Edwards?"
"Yes ma'am, just a little bit. Whaddya wanna know?"
"What kind of person is he?"
"Well ma'am, now let's see...I heard that he basically keeps to himself mostly, doesn't socialize with anyone. He's got some old bitterness about something, you know, like a chip on his shoulder, but no one seems to know what it is. People speculate that it has something to do with Alaska Base and those injuries he suffered, but no one knows for sure. A few people say that he has a wicked temper, although I've never seen it myself. He's rather of a mystery. He isn't a friendly guy and you wouldn't ever see me or most other people for that matter, invite him out for a beer after duty. That's all I really know abotu him ma'am."
Kim nodded, "That's fine, thank you."

* * * * * * *

Sammie was sitting by the door, waiting to hear the sound of a car pull into the driveway. When she finally heard the sound she was waiting for, she jumped up and exclaimed, "They're here! They're here!!"
Rick took a deep breath and adjusted his tie nervously. A few seconds later they heard the key turn in the door and when the door swung open, Kim walked through and then closed it behind her. She looked around her and said, "Wow, what'd you guys do to this place?!" Then she noticed how Sammie, Vanessa, and Rick were dressed, "Why are you guys all dressed up?"
No one said anything and the silence allowed Kim to catch on, "Oh! Oh, Lisa will be a little bit delayed, probably by just half an hour or so."
Sammie and Vanessa looked at Rick, who seemed a little bit disappointed. They looked back at Kim as she made her way through the living room, limping slightly.
"Kim! What happened to you? Why are you limping?" inquired Sammie.
Kim looked down at her foot, "Oh this, don't worry about it, I just have a slight ankle sprain."
Rick wanted to ask her if Lisa were ok but didn't want to seem insensitive to Kim's injury so he remained quiet, thankful and relieved when Vanessa asked how Lisa was and Kim had replied that Lisa was unhurt.
Rick saw that Kim looked as if she had trouble with her bag and quickly went to scoop it up for her and then went up the stairs to put it in her room for her. While he was making his way up the stairs Kim said in a quick and hushed voice, "I wouldn't believe it if I didn't see it with my own eyes!"
Sammie giggled, "That's probably what Lisa will say too!"
"Damn, does he look good in a suit." said Kim looking towards the stairs.
"Mmmhmmm! He and Lisa have to be the best looking couple I've ever seen. They should be on the soaps! Just wait till you see the dress that we got for Lisa to wear tonight!" said Sammie proudly.
Kim put her finger up in the air and looked at them sideways, "Let me guess! Low-cut and body-hugging."
Vanessa jabbed her fist in the air, "You better believe it! Rick is going to be drooling when he sees Lisa in that dress!"
Kim looked back up at the stairs, and seeing that the coast was clear, motioned for Sammie and Vanessa to join the huddle, "Minmei, eat your heart out!" The three women ended the huddle with a loud and unisoned, "Yeah!"
Rick rushed back down the stares and noticed that the Trio was staring at him. He gave him an awkward look and Kim laughed as she said, "Don't worry Rick, you look great. We can't stop gawking at you. So, what do you guys need me to help with?"
Sammie fluttered her hands, "Oh don't worry about it, Vanessa and I have everything under control. You go ahead and go rest up, you've had a long day."
Kim stood her ground, "What? And be left out of the fun? Hell no! I'm staying. Now tell me what you need help with."
Vanessa crinkled her face a bit, trying to think of something that Kim could take charge of, then the idea struck her and clapped her hands together, "I got it! Kim you can be the photographer!"
"Ohhhh, great idea Vanessa!" said Sammie happily.
"Of course," said Vanessa holding her head high.
Everyone laughed briefly then scattered to turn their attention back to final preparations for the evening. Sammie went into the kitchen to make sure that the dinners warming in the oven were not drying out and Vanessa walked around the room, looking to re-light any candles that might've gone out, and Kim went upstairs to get her digital camera ready.
Rick suddenly felt out of place, standing there in the middle of the room. He felt as if he should be doing something since everyone else was busy. He approached Vanessa and told her, "Give me something to do, I need to be doing something or else I'll get to nervous."
Vanessa gave him a knowing look and said, "Why don't you just go sit down and try to relax. Turn on the television if that will help, but make sure you don't watch the news, that will just depress us all."
Rick hesitated then mumbled something and shuffled over to the television and flipped it on. He quickly skipped over the news stations and came to a music station. The station was showing an old rock song music video and Rick sat back and managed to relax while watching the video. The next song was one of Minmei's and Rick quickly changed the station. The next station he came to showed a very old broadway musical, one that he remembered as being one of his grandmother's favorites, 'Oklahoma.' He smiled and felt a wave of nostalgia wash over him as he recalled sitting on his grandmother's lap as a child. He had loved that show, he remembered even mimicking some of the song and dance routines.
After a few minutes they came to the main title song sequence and Rick sat on the edge of his chair, fully prepared to sing along. He knew the entire song by heart, and he took a deep breath so he could bellow out the line along with the tv.
"Oohhhhh-klahomaa, where the wind comes sweepin' down the plain," sang Rick loudly. Vanessa
stopped what she was doing to watch and listen in amazement.
After the segment was over, Rick sat back in his chair, grinning ear to ear. He thought it divine intervention that he had the chance to see an old memory on television. It was just what he needed to effuse him with the confidence and sense of fun that he would need for the very special evening that awaited he and Lisa. From her place, Vanessa remained commentless, but smiled broadly.
Sammie had finished checking on things in the kitchen and had entered the room to find Rick sitting there with a smile on his face. She looked over at Vanessa, who raised a finger to her lips, signaling to Sammie to remain quiet. Sammie was curious to know why Rick was all smiles but decided not to distract him and walked over to where Vanessa was.
"What happened?" whispered a very curious Sammie.
Vanessa motioned with her chin, "It was something he saw on that show. I guess it must've been
something he knows very well. He even sang along with the song too! He has a nice voice actually. We'll have to figure out something to try and get him to show us his singing sometime soon."
Sammie winked and took a seat nearby to await Lisa's arrival.

* * * * * * *

"Here we are Major," said Lisa as she opened the door for Edwards.
"Thank you Admiral," replied Edwards as he shuffled into the living room area.
Lisa looked around, "Well, I think you will be alright, I should be going now."
Edwards followed Lisa to the door and added, "I think I've said it before, but I'll say it again. You're father would be very proud of you right now."
Lisa froze for a few moments, then turned around slowly, "Do you really think so?" The way she asked the question seemed sad and Edwards allowed a rare moment of guilt to enter his mind. He looked at Lisa, her eyes eagerly awaiting his reply.
He couldn't bear to look at her anyone and turned away, replying, "I know so Admiral. You were the apple of your father's eye. You were his 'little princess' as he oftened liked to call you."
Lisa felt as if a boulder had crushed her. She hadn't recalled her father calling her that for more than ten years, but yet here she had just found out that he had been calling her by that name, even in the presence of people who were not family members, and he wasn't ashamed to do it.
The clock in Edward's living room chimed 7:45 and Lisa realized that she needed to go home. Especially now, all she wanted to do was hold onto Rick.
Lisa went out the door and was down the first step when she turned around and asked Edwards, "Major, if it's not a bother, could you tell me more about my father sometimes? I mean, you've mentioned some things that I didn't know, and..."
Edwards nodded his head, "I understand Admiral. I had a bad relationship with my father too, and never got the chance to figure out who's fault it really was, his or mine. If there's someway I can help you, I'd be more than happy too. Your father was a great man, more than you know, I think."
Lisa gave him a sad smile and then was gone. Edwards watched the car drive away and wrestled with his thoughts. He had intended to bring up the subject of Lisa's father, just for this purpose, but the look on Lisa's face made him realize how mean-spirited his conspiring had been. Now instead of using the subject of Lisa's father as a means of being able to manipulate Lisa, Edwards felt a genuine concern for her.
He had struggled with the whole plan to begin with. Admiral Hayes had treated him better than anyone ever had, and for that Edwards was eternally grateful, although he would not admit it to anyone. He had also been witness to Admiral Hayes' death at the Grand Cannon command complex and the gruesome images had come back to haunt him sometimes. He wondered if he even dared to manipulate Lisa the way he had intended, whether or not Admiral Hayes himself, would come back to haunt him. Edwards wasn't a superstitious man, but he had a few strange incidents in his lifetime to know that everything didn't necessarily have a scientific explanation.

* * * * * * *

Rick hadn't heard a car pass by or pull up, but when he heard the key turn in the door he got up from his seat quickly, as did Sammie and Vanessa. The door opened and Lisa walked in.
The room was rather dark and Lisa had to take a few moments to let her eyes get accustomed to the lighting. After they had adjusted she looked ahead and saw Rick in front of her, dressed in a suit, and looking extremely handsome, and Vanessa and Sammie in evening dresses. Then she looked around the room and noticed it had a restaurant ambience. She saw the small table with two chairs in the middle of the room, the roaring fire in the fireplace, and many candles scattered about the entire environment.
Rick had been waiting for this moment for what seemed like an eternity. He walked up to Lisa and gently backed her up against the door, then said softly, "Welcome home," and proceeded to kiss her.
Lisa, already surprised at the romantic look of the room, was surprised by Rick's kiss, as she had been many times in the past few days. Again, for the hundreth time, she just couldn't believe that this was happening. It seemed to good to be true. She hadn't responded to the kiss immediately, but when she became fully aware of just how emotionally and physically stirred she was by his kiss, she responded whole-heartedly.
Vanessa and Sammie looked at each other. Vanessa smiled and Sammie had her hands clasped as if praying, and quietly moved her fingers as if to clap. The kiss continued for several seconds and Vanessa turned around, Sammie following her lead, not wanting to be too intrusive during Rick and Lisa's private moment.
When they parted, Rick looked at Lisa intently. Lisa felt slightly dazed and said remotely, "That was some welcome home..." She shook off her stupor a few seconds later and added, "If I go back out the door and come in again do I get another one of those?"
Everyone laughed and Rick stooped down to pickup Lisa's suitcase. "You can get one of those whenever you wish," Rick said with a wink.
Before Lisa could utter a follow-up, Sammie had grabbed her by the arm and was saying excitedly, "Lisa we've gotta get you upstairs so you can get dressed for dinner! We found this beautiful dress that will just absolutely make Rick drool!"
Rick laughed, suitcase in hand, as he followed the three women upstairs, Sammie nearly dragging Lisa the entire trip. Rick deposited the suitcase on the floor of the room he and Lisa shared and was then shoved out the door by Vanessa, "Ok Rick, no peeking. It's downstairs for you." Rick found himself standing alone in the hallway, shrugged, and went downstairs to wait for Lisa.

Lisa was so nervous that her hands were shaking as she put on her shoes. She reprimanded herself for being such a jumble of nerves. What happened to the woman who had graduated at the top of her class? What happened to the woman who had been decorated several times over for her exceptional bravery in the line of duty? She laughed at herself. She knew that she could face anything anyone threw at her, but when it came to matters regarding the man she loved, she was completely ruled by emotions. It had been that way with Karl Riber and it was that way again with Rick Hunter. Just as long as he returned her affections, she reasoned, it was all worth it.
Lisa managed to finish getting her shoes on her feet, shaky hands and all, and stood up and smiled. Her heart was pounding and she felt as if she were going to her high school prom. Would Rick like what she was wearing? Would he ask her to dance? What would he say? What should she say?
She did a few breathing exercises to get her nerves under control and took one last look at herself in the mirror.
She was pleased with what Vanessa and Sammie had picked out for her. The dress was a little bit more form-fitting than she would have picked out herself but she thought that it was a good way of holding Rick's attention since he hadn't ever seen her in anything so revealing before. She secretly wanted to make sure she competed with and beat every image of Minmei that Rick had stored in his memory.
Lisa remembered several evening gown photos from the Miss Macross pageant, and in her fits of anger, Lisa had remembered realizing that she had a better figure than Minmei's.
The dress was strapless and accented Lisa's cleavage, but didn't pose any threat of falling down, something she was grateful for, since she didn't want to spend the entire evening pulling up her dress.
It was a very simple, but elegant gown, cobol blue in color and made of satin and very comfortable. It was tight top but around the waist it flared out a tiny bit so that it was loose enough to allow her to move without feeling confined. The length was not too short and not too long so although it was well past her knees, it didn't drag on the floor, which could of caused her some anxiety throughout the evening, especially if she had to be on her feet alot.
She took one last deep breath then opened the door, knowing that the Trio were waiting for her outside in the hall.
When the door swung open the Trio all gasped as they saw Lisa standing shyly in the doorway.
"Oh my god Lisa, you look so beautiful," said Kim, almost in a whisper.
Sammie, never at a loss for words, could do nothing but stare at Lisa. Vanessa moved slowly to take hold of Lisa's arm and pull her back into the room, with Sammie and Kim following behind.
"This is it Lisa. Now remember to be confident and smile." Vanessa moved Lisa to the full-length mirror and Lisa was once again surprised at how she looked.
"You see Lisa, you'll knock him dead, you look absolutely beautiful!" proclaimed Sammie. Then Sammie surveyed Lisa again and said in a mock angry tone, "Grrr, how come I can't have a figure like yours?!" Then Sammie proceeded to stomp her feet and turn around in circles, shouting, "I hate you! I hate you! I hate you!" like a little child throwing a tantrum.
They all laughed heartily and Lisa was happy for the comic relief to help dissipate some of her nervousness. She took a deep breath as Sammie opened the door and waited. Vanessa made her way to doorway as Lisa remained rooted to her spot.
"Come on Lisa, nothing to be worried about," said Vanessa, waving her hand to try and get Lisa to start walking.
"Let's go Lisa," said Sammie as she took Lisa by the arm and tried to pull her out of the room.
"Are you sure I look alright?" asked a timid Lisa.
Kim came in the room quickly and pulled Lisa by the arm, "Of course you look alright. No more stalling. You look gorgeous, now go down there and show your man just how good you look."
"But I..." stuttered Lisa.
"No buts! Remember, if you're nervous, Rick will be nervous too and that wouldn't be a fun way to spend such a romantic evening now would it?" reasoned Kim.
"I suppose not," mused Lisa.
"Now come on, stand up straight. Be proud, be sexy, and go get your man. God knows you fought long enough for him, so reap your rewards now," interjected Vanessa.
The four women stood at the top of the stairs. Lisa took a deep breath, squared her shoulders and cleared her throat.
"There you go!" exclaimed Kim triumphantly.
"Let's go now Lisa, remember to smile," said Vanessa as she and Sammie walked down the stairs with Lisa.
As Lisa walked down the stairs her heart was nearing cardiac arrest stage, or so she thought, and she was extremely glad that Sammie was on her left and Vanessa was on her right, holding onto her, or else she thought she might tumble down the stairs.
Rick had heard murmuring from upstairs and got up immediately and stood near the bottom of the stairs in anticipation.
'Smile, be proud, be sexy,' Lisa echoed Vanessa's words in her head. 'But I can't be sexy...I'm not sexy.' Lisa said to herself with resignation. 'Go get your man....your man.' The words reverberated in Lisa's head.
Lisa neared the last three steps and saw him standing there, waiting for her, her man, Rick Hunter. After so long, after what seemed like a lost cause, after all the years of angst, he was finally hers. He looked so handsome. His dark, wavy hair was neatly combed, allowing her full view of his illuminating blue eyes and his strong jawline and brow gave him a distinguished look. He was wearing a simple black suit and his tie matched the color of Lisa's dress.
When Lisa came into view, Rick's words stuck in his throat. All he could do was stare at her. A few more seconds passed then Vanessa decided to speak up, "Well Rick, what do you think? Doesn't Lisa look gorgeous?!"
Rick still couldn't speak and could only nod as he continued to stare at Lisa intently. The Trio looked at each other, and Kim decided to get things moving more quickly by saying, "Ok, now Lisa, you and Rick stand next to each other so I can take a picture, then you guys can start on dinner."
Rick shook out of his stupor and held out his arm for Lisa to take hold of and Kim moved them both over to where she wanted them. She snapped a couple of shots then stood back to let Vanessa and Sammie usher the couple over to their table.
Rick held out the chair for Lisa and she beamed at him as she thanked him. Rick still hadn't said a word yet and kept staring at Lisa even though Vanessa had handed him a menu. She bent down to whisper in his ear, "Say something, or you'll make Lisa nervous!"
Rick sat up straight and looked around nervously. Lisa was busy looking over the menu as Rick tugged on his tie then said, "Uh...I...I hope you like French food."

Vanessa slapped her hand over her eyes and quickly made her way to the kitchen. Sammie was busy fixing plates and asked, "So what did they order?"
"They haven't ordered yet."
"Oh ok, well, how's it going so far," asked Sammie.
Vanessa snorted, "It's going, I suppose. They both seem very nervous and Rick has started off as his old awkward self."
"Don't worry, give them a few minutes to warm up and get rid of their jitters," said Sammie, shaking a spatula as she talked.

"As a matter of fact, I quite like French food, except for the snails," said Lisa in a cheerful tone.
Rick barked a laugh and replied, "Yeah, I can't imagine ordering escargot. I always have this bad feeling that if I try one, the little snail will poke his head out of shell, 'Don't eat me! Don't eat me!'"
The two had a good laugh at Rick's silly comment and it helped them to get over some of their initial nervousness.
Vanessa came back into the room and asked them if they were ready to order. Rick had picked up 5 orders from the restaurant, each one a different entree. Sammie had the idea to print up menus so that way Lisa and Rick could pick what they wanted to eat, then the other 3 would go to the Trio.
Rick and Lisa gave Vanessa their orders and then Lisa asked, "What are we having to drink?"
Rick and Vanessa kept quiet for a moment then Rick asked nervously, "Uh...what...what did you feel like drinking."
Vanessa waited anxiously for Lisa's reply.
Lisa looked at both of them and a sly smile spread across her face, "Well...you can't eat French food without wine."
"Oh..." said Rick cautiously.
Lisa waited, wondering why Rick and Vanessa seemed so hesitant, and added, "Just a little bit anyways."
"Uh...ok, right. Uh, Vanessa, just a little bit," ordered Rick.
Vanessa shook her head slowly, "Ok, wine. Yes, just a little bit. I'll be right back."

Vanessa came through the door quickly and Sammie asked again, "Did they order yet?"
Vanessa didn't say anything but put the piece of paper down in front of Sammie and then turned to her and said suddenly, "Lisa's asked for wine."
Sammie looked at her blankly, "Well, you can't have french food and not have wine, I mean-"
Vanessa stamped her foot, "Sammie!"
"Oh! Right. Well, I guess she should be ok shouldn't she? Just as long as she doesn't drink too much," reasoned Sammie.
Vanessa sighed, "I suppose not, but what if she wants another glass?"
Sammie looked around, "Well, we could empty out most of the bottle so that way if she asks for more, there won't be anymore for her to drink."
"Good idea! But wait. The one bottle we have is an expensive bottle, I hate the idea of having to throw it out."
Sammie thought for a moment, "Well, there's the three of us, maybe we can drink some of it."
Vanessa nodded and pulled the bottle out from the refrigerator. Sammie stopped her before she could pop the cork, "Wait, not yet! Wait until after you eat or you'll get stupid again."
Vanessa rolled her eyes, "I know Sammie. I've gotta pour a glass for Rick and Lisa don't I??"
"Alright alright, don't get so snippy," retorted Sammie.

Rick was shaking his foot nervously, the word association of Lisa and wine had him worried, but as they continued to sit in silence, Rick tried to shake off his nerves and said, "You...you look very beautiful this evening Lisa."
Lisa looked at him and started to say, "Do you-," then remembered that she was suppose to be confident, not timid, and so she finished, "Thank you Rick."
Rick smiled at her and she felt her heart beat a little bit faster but managed to add, "You look very handsome."
Lisa looked around the room and said, "This is very nice Rick, thank you. I hadn't expected such a homecoming."
Rick answered, "I'm glad you like it. Sammie and Vanessa have really worked hard."
"Those girls, I don't know what I'd do without the three of them," said Lisa seriously.
Rick nodded in agreement, "I know what you mean."
Unbeknownst to Rick and Lisa, Kim had been standing on the stairway for a few seconds, on her way back down to snap pictures, and had heard their mentioning of the Trio. She smiled and tried to keep herself from getting teary-eyed. She was relieved when she heard Sammie and Vanessa re-enter the room.
"Dinner is served madam, monsieur," announced Sammie, trying to put on a fake french accent. Vanessa placed Lisa plate in front of her and Sammie did likewise with Rick. Then Vanessa went back to the kitchen and soon returned with the glasses or red wine, placing the full glass in front of Rick and the half filled glass in front of Lisa.
Kim snapped a few pictures as Vanessa said, "Now, remember if you need anything else, Rick you know how to get a hold of us, just like we had planned it."
Kim followed Sammie and Vanessa into the kitchen and each of them chose a plate and put it on a tray. Sammie put a wine glass on each tray and then filled each glass nearly up to the brim and put the bottle back on the counter, then the Trio made their way out of the kitchen and quickly through the living room and back up the stairs to their room.

Rick and Lisa ate their dinner in relative silence, only inquiring how each found their dinner and stealing forkfuls of food from each others plates. When they were finished eating, Rick had been instructed by Sammie to call she and Vanessa on their cellphones and then they would come down and clear away the plates. Rick didn't want to disturb their dinner so he got up and cleared away the dishes himself. He was about to take away the glasses when Lisa picked up hers and took a sip. He noticed that it was still over a quarter full and was silently glad that that was all she had drunk so far.
Rick took his seat and then said, "I...hope you aren't too tired for a little dancing."
Lisa's eyes lit up. She hadn't danced for years, and in her daydreams she had imagined herself dancing with Rick. Now it was about to become a reality. "No, I'm not tired at all. I'd love to dance. It's been so long..."
Rick grinned at her, "Great, we will dance in a few minutes. Right now I just want to sit here and stare at you. You look so beautiful." Lisa blushed slightly.
Rick thought to ask her how her trip went, but then he decided he didn't want to discuss work at the moment, so he continued on what he had said previously, "You're so beautiful. I...I always thought you were beautiful, from the very beginning."
Lisa gave him surprised look and Rick recalled, "Do you remember when we were on Dolza's ship, and we had fallen into that resevoir, and I told you that I thought you were a beautiful woman?"
"Yes, I remember."
"Well Lisa, I meant it."
Lisa gave him a bashful look then said, "I've always...thought you were very handsome. I like the way you look in your flight suit," she finished quickly. They both were surprised at her words and blushed.
Lisa suddenly felt a surge of confidence and pressed on, "It's not just the physical attraction Rick. I...you're a good man. You're caring and sensitive and strong and you follow your conscious instead of the rulebook and you taught me how to treat people as people again, not as someone to give orders to or take orders from."
Rick looked at her and couldn't come up with any words in reply. He felt the sting of guilt when she told him that she thought he was caring. He knew that for the past few years he had been caring to mostly everyone else except her, yet here she was, telling him that that was one of the traits she loved about him.
He felt the knot tight in his throat and so he stood up and held out his hand for Lisa to take hold of then walked over to turn on the music and walked back to middle of the room. Rick pulled Lisa close to him and said in a hoarse whisper, "All the words I want to say...I...please listen to these songs, it's all there."
Lisa hugged him, she could feel the guilt eminating from him and understood that he was too emotional at the moment to say very much. She herself was at a loss for words too, still trying to realize that one of the many dreams that she had for herself and Rick was finally coming true.

The music started with a calm piano introduction and then was joined by a male voice.

Ordinary, no
Really don't think so
Not a love this true
Common destiny
We were meant to be
Me and you

Like a perfect scene
From a movie screen
We're a dream come true
Suited perfectly
For eternity
Me and you
(2)

As the rest of the instruments chimed in, Rick held Lisa tighter.

Everyday, I need you even more
And the nighttime too
There's no way I could ever let you go
Even if I wanted to
(2)

As the song ended, neither of them had said a word the entire time, but shuffled together, just content to be near each other.
Rick laughed quietly and said, "Do you know, Max told me that one time Exedore told Miriya that you and I were made for each other."
Lisa stopped and said in disbelief, "Are you serious?"
Rick laughed again and replied, "I'm telling the absolute truth. And you know what? I totally agree with him."
Lisa looked into Rick's eyes and saw that he was sincere and it prompted her to kiss him lightly on the lips.
Rick wore a large grin and pulled Lisa to him again as he listened to the next song.

You put your heart up on a shelf
I know it's hard to be by yourself
You need someone that's true and strong
Baby someone just came along
(3)

I am that man
You're trying to find
I am that man
You had in mind
And I'll give you all my love
'Til you understand
I won't give up
'Cause I know
I am
(3)

The song helped Rick keep his confidence up and he felt that he could make it through the rest of the evening without getting too tongue-tied.
Rick nuzzled Lisa's hair then said, "I'm sorry I never would allow myself to see how much you needed me, and...how much I needed you. I guess, I guess I was scared to get too close because I always thought that someone like me, would never have a chance with someone like you. I suppose I clung to Minmei because we were alike, both immature, bratty, and a bit arrogant.
Please don't think that I had never wanted to be with you until now. You had haunted me off and on ever since we met and even more so after we became friends. You know, I actually had wanted to ask you to dinner, that time when you left for Alaska Base, to try and get your father to negotiate with the Zentraedi. After we had left Minmei's restaurant and after the skirmish, I had gotten off duty and I had wanted to find you so I could ask you to dinner, but I was so dead tired and it was so late and then, the next day, you were gone.
You don't know how empty I felt without you, and I was too proud to admit it too. I can't believe I could be so stupid to let it get to the point where it took you saying goodbye to make me realize how much I loved you and needed you."
Rick drew an uneven breath and hung his head. Lisa kissed him on the cheek and spoke in his ear, "Rick please don't do this to yourself."
Her voice was so calm and soft and it's pleasant tone made the hair on the back of his neck stand up, as it had often done before, although he had never told her about it.
Lisa asked suddenly, "Do you have a song list?"
Rick, taken off guard momentarily, went to pickup the list and came back and handed it to Lisa. She scanned it and then asked, "Can you get Kim down here? I've got an errand for her."
Rick scratched his head and stammered, "Uh, yea sure, hang on."
Moments later Kim bounded down the stairs and saluted Lisa, "Yes Admiral, your wish is my command!"
Lisa grinned and then wrote something down on the song list and said, "Get me this song please."
Kim looked at the piece of paper and then her eyes lit up in recognition. She tapped the paper with her finger and said loudly, "This is perfect! I'll be right back!"
Lisa winked at Rick, "I can play song tag too!"
Rick smiled and the couple waited patiently for Kim to return. After 5 minutes they heard her come running down the stairs. She held out the disc and said, "Here you go!" proudly. Then she raised her arm and waved her hand, "Wait wait! Lemme get some pictures!"
Rick and Lisa struck a few poses for Kim then she thanked them and ran back upstairs.
Lisa started the song and then put her arms around Rick's waist and rested her head on his shoulder as the vocals started.

Well I, I still can remember times
When the night seemed to surround me
I was sure the sun would never shine on me
And I, I thought it my destiny
To walk this world alone
But now you're here with me
Now you're here with me

And I don't regret the rain
Or the nights I felt the pain
Or the tears I had to cry
Some of those times along the way
Every road I had to take
Every time my heart would break
It was just something that I had to get through
To get me to you
To get me to you
(4)

As the song ended, Lisa couldn't stop the tears from falling. She lifted her head up and looked at Rick and asked, "Do you understand now Rick?" She could see tears in his eyes as well, as he nodded firmly.
They held onto each other in silence for a few minutes then Rick felt he had gotten his emotions under control and went to change the mini-disc and went back to Lisa, wearing a devlish grin on his face.
"Uh oh. What's that wicked smile for? You have something planned don't you?" said Lisa with a twinkle in her eye.
Rick cocked his head to one side, "Quite possibly my dear. You see, Sammie and Vanessa gave
me a crash course in dancing this afternoon and I intend to practice what I've learned, and you're going to come with me! So, you better kick off your shoes 'cause the pace is gonna pick up."
Lisa opened her mouth to reply her resistance but Rick thought to add, "You're not chicken are you?"
Lisa's eyes went wide and she exclaimed, "Chicken?! Who are you calling a chicken!? You'll see, I'll show you! You won't be able to keep up with me!"
Rick smiled a satisfied grin. He knew that challenging Lisa was the easiest way to get her to dance to something faster. He watched as she tossed her shoes to the side and then ran back to player to start the song.
"Come on! Show me what you got Admiral!" teased Rick, as he took off his jacket and loosened his tie.
"You'll be sorry!" warned Lisa, smiling.

Baby, baby, baby, baby
Don't you know that you're so fine? (Yeah)
Baby, baby, baby, baby
I think about you all the time (Yeah)

I guess it's time to say baby, baby
How you make me feel when you come to mind
I can't keep my cool baby, baby
I can't hold it inside

I can't wait each day
Just to see you walk
Trying to move in close
To get to where you are
(5)

During the song, their little dance battle, they watched each other. Lisa was amazed that Rick could move so well, thinking that being cockpit bound most of his life would have had an effect on him. The smile couldn't be wiped off Rick's face. Lisa could see that he was absoulutely having a blast. Rick could not recall Lisa ever being so loosened up. She was moving with fluidity and grace and just the sheer enjoyment of the moment was something that Rick could still not believe he was witnessing. Gone was the 'old sourpuss' and in her place had grown a woman full of charm and sexiness and it nearly drove him mad.
After the song was over they stood there resting for a moment. Rick raised his eyebrows at Lisa, "Well, I must admit, I'm impressed. Shall we call it a tie?"
Lisa holded her arms to her chest then shrugged on shoulder, "Very well. That way you won't feel so bad about losing."
Rick growled and started tickling her. Lisa tried to move away from him and ended up near the mini-disc player and backed into it, causing the disc to skip a few tracks and then play. The piano chords that started resonating from the speakers were ones that Lisa knew by heart. Rick looked at Lisa and the smile disappeared from his face as he saw the most intense look he had yet seen from her. She pulled him over towards the middle of the room and they stared at each other, barely moving.
Lisa knew how dangerous this song was for her. But now that she had him with her, and knew that he was hers, she didn't care, didn't feel inhibited. This song had been one that she never stopped listening to, it had become a sort of theme song for her. It had been the ultimate pinnacle of angst for her for so long and now it could become the ultimate personification of hope and happiness.

There's so much life
I've left to live
And this fire's burning still

When I watch you look at me
I think I could find a way
To stand for every dream
And forsake this solid ground
And give up this fear within
Of what would happen if they end, you
I'm in love with you
(6)

Lisa wrapped her arms around Rick's neck and they moved more in step with the music.

'Cause I'd surrender everything
To feel the chance, to live again
I reach to you
I know you can feel it too
We'd make it through

A thousand dreams I still believe
I'd make you give them all to me
I'd hold you in my arms and never let go
I surrender
(6)

"I love you," whispered Lisa. Rick tightened his embraced and kissed her on the neck before saying, "I love you," in return.

A thousand dreams I still believe
I'll make you give them all to me
I'll hold you in my arms and never let go
I surrender

Every night gets longer
And this voice's getting stronger baby
I'll swallow my pride
And I'll be alive
Can't you hear my call?
I surrender all...
(6)

The singers voice was powerful and passionate and brought out every one of the emotions that Lisa was feeling at the moment. She cautiously began to kiss Rick on the neck but quickly moved to his lips as the vocals of the song sent shivers down her spine.

A thousand dreams I still believe
I'll make you give them all to me
I'll hold you in my arms and never let go
I surrender
(6)

Lisa couldn't control herself any longer and started kissing Rick so feverishly that they both sank to their knees.

Right here, right now (6)

Lisa tugged on Rick's tie and he quickly untied it and threw it off. Lisa's hands trembled as she started to undo the top buttons of Rick's shirt. He helped her by undoing a few buttons from the bottom up.

I'd give my life to live again
I'll break free
Take me, my everything
(6)

When all of Rick's buttons were undone, Lisa ran her hands over his bare chest and looked at him, worried that she had gone to far. He answered her by gently pushing her onto her back and continued the kiss that had been interrupted.

I surrender all to you
(Right now)
Right now
(I'd give my life to live again)
(6)

Lisa let the tears fall, she was too happy to try and contain them.

(I'd give my life to live again)
I'd give my life
(I'll break free, Take me)
Take me, take me
(my everything)
My everything

They were so wrapped up in each other that they hadn't heard the doorbell ring until the song finally faded out.
Upstairs, the Trio heard the doorbell ring and tried to figure out if they should answer it or not.
"Maybe Rick and Lisa left?" wondered Sammie.
"But what if they didn't," said Kim with raised eyebrows.
The doorbell rang for a third time and the three women looked at each other.
"Well," started Vanessa reluctantly, "I'll go stand in the hallway and see if I can figure out if they're home still. That way I won't be distubing them. If they are still here then we'll just let the doorbell ring until Rick or Lisa answer it. If they are gone then of course I'll answer it."
"Who would be visiting at a time like this?" asked Sammie.
Kim shrugged and then hussled Vanessa out of the room.
After the third ring, Rick sat up and said in an annoyed tone, "I guess I better go answer it."
Lisa stood up and fixed her hair and smoothed out her dress then followed Rick to the door. Rick, having forgotten to button up his shirt, also forgot to check who was at the door first, and swung it open.
"Hello Rick. I'm sorry, I know it's late but-" Minmei stopped mid-sentence, noticing that Rick's shirt was unbuttoned. Rick was startled at having forgotten to button his shirt before answering the door and he quickly buttoned it up as Minmei walked inside.
Rick closed the door then froze as he saw Minmei and Lisa looking at each other. He looked at Minmei and saw that her lip was quivering a bit. He looked at Lisa and saw a completely unreadable look.
After a couple of seconds of deafening silence, Lisa gave Minmei a nod of acknowledgement and told Rick, "I'll be in the kitchen." She turned and walked through the kitchen door, proud and elegant.
Minmei watched Rick watch Lisa and felt her anger grow. "I just came by to return some of your things. I was unpacking and found them. I guess I had taken them home by mistake when we were evacuating," she said slightly sternly.
"Thank you Minmei," said Rick flatly. He turned around to go open the door for her but Minmei had made her way further into the room. She looked around and then faced him and said sarcastically, "Well, isn't this romantic. I hope I wasn't interrupting anything Rick."
Vanessa ran upstairs to give her report to Sammie and Kim. "S--t! S--t! S--T!!!"
Kim got up quickly, "What is it?"
"That...that..." sputtered Vanessa as she was pointing towards the door. "That B--CH is here!"
Sammie wore a disgusted look, "What?! What the hell is Antell doing here?!"
Vanessa threw up her hands in exasperation, "NO NOT ANTELL, you idiot! MINMEI is here."
"WHAT?!! Damn her I'm going down there and-," yelled Kim.
Vanessa put a restraining hand on Kim's shoulder. "No! Don't get into the middle of it. Let's just hope she goes away quickly and quietly."
Sammie, remembering the newspaper interview, speared a finger at Vanessa and said angrily, "Since when does Minmei go away quickly or quietly, you saw the interview!"
Vanessa backed away from her, "Ok ok. But we shouldn't get involved."
Kim thought for a moment, then hobbled to her desk and pulled out a tape recorder. She hobbled back to Vanessa and held it out saying, "Here, go stand on the stairs and record what that twit says."
Vanessa's mouth dropped open, "I can't do that!!"
"Why not?! Look, what if she turns around and tells some lies to the newspaper reporters, or worse, what if she makes up something and tells Lisa?? This way, we got her on tape and she can't claim anything," retorted Kim.
Sammie grabbed the recorder from Kim and said, "Fine, if Vanessa won't do it, I will."
"Wait! Alright, I'll do it, you stay here Sammie," said Vanessa with resignation. Vanessa took the recorder and quietly opened the door.

Lisa didn't know how to feel about Minmei's appearance. She had long resigned herself to the fact that she and Rick were cursed and would always have their happiness be interrupted at the most inopportune moments, by Minmei. Lisa kept reminding herself that it was she who Rick had been kissing just a few moments earlier, not Minmei. Lisa went to the refrigerator and looked around, found the bottle she was looking for, and pulled a glass from off the shelf then poured her glass full and took a drink.

"I hope you're having a good time tonight Rick," continued Minmei, in a bitter tone.
"I think you'd better leave Minmei," said Rick, trying to control his temper.
Minmei turned around and replied arrogantly, "Why? So you and your GIRLFRIEND can get back to what you were doing? What were you doing anyways? I bet I know where you two were headed. Anyone with eyes can see the look on her face. She wants you so bad it's pathetic. Poor, desperate Lisa. I bet she's so desperate that she'll lie down for you if you just snapped your fingers."
Rick grew livid and had to stop himself from slapping Minmei across the face. He was so angry and he needed to show her how angry he was that all he could think to do was pick up a glass from the table and throw it against mantle. "YOU B---H!! HOW DARE YOU SAY THAT! WHO THE F--K DO YOU THINK YOU ARE?!!" shouted Rick.
Minmei was startled. She had never seen Rick so angry before, not even at Lisa.
From the kitchen, Lisa had heard the glass shatter and then Rick's shouting after that. She took another gulp of her drink and laughed smuggly.
Minmei managed to get up her nerve and return, "Don't try and fool anyone Rick. You're only with her out of guilt and pity."
Minmei saw the flames in Rick's eyes and cowered, because she was sure that this time he would strike her. Instead, Rick picked up a wooden chair and ran with it to the mantle and smashed it against the the fireplace. He stormed back over to Minmei and yelled, "DAMN YOU B---H!!! YOU DON'T KNOW S--T ABOUT MY RELATIONSHIP WITH LISA!! YOU DON'T KNOW S--T ABOUT ANYTHING BECAUSE YOU'RE TOO WRAPPED UP IN YOURSELF TO NOTICE ANYTHING ELSE IN THIS WORLD, YOU SELFISH, BRATTY LITTLE...!!"
In the kitchen, Lisa had slid down to the floor with her drink still in hand. The other hand she kept covered over her mouth to keep from laughing hysterically. Rick was giving Minmei hell, and Lisa was enjoying every minute of it.
Before Minmei could think of a reply, Rick, still steaming, unleashed another verbal volley. "You think you know all about my relationship, we'll you are WRONG!!! You know why I'm with Lisa?? It's not out of pity or guilt, it's because I LOVE HER! She's beautiful, brave, intelligent, she listens to me and has always been there for me. She's got a witty sense of humor and she's noble and honest and she's all the things YOU'RE NOT! So don't give me your bull---t and don't you DARE ever put her down and don't you even QUESTION why I love her! And you of all people, should be the last to open your mouth. Did you think that I wouldn't hear about that interview you gave. You LIED!! How dare you go around giving people the impression we're going to get married, why don't you just tell them the f----ng truth!!"
Rick put his hands on his hips and lowered his voice a bit as Minmei started to sniffle, "I believed you when we agreed we could still be friends, and I was willing to continue to be friends of you, but if you're going to keep pulling this s--t then you can forget about it!"
Minmei stared at him for a moment then crumpled to her knees and started to cry, "I'm so sorry Rick! Please don't hate me! Can't you see, everyone's abandoned me, I feel so alone. I still love you! I'm so sorry, I didn't mean what I said, I was just so angry and I'm so scared of being alone."
Rick resisted bending down to her and comforting her. She had pulled this several times before and he had always fallen for it, but not anymore.
Minmei stayed on the floor for a few moments, then finally got up and wiped her eyes. "I'm sorry Rick, really I am. I don't know what came over me. Please! Please tell me you don't hate me, please tell me we can still be friends!"
Rick walked Minmei to the door and said flatly, "I...I don't hate you Minmei, and we can still be friends."
Minmei wanted to hug him but she decided against it and instead held his hand, "Thank you Rick. Again, I'm really sorry I made you so angry. Please, if Lisa overheard anything I said, please apologize to her for me."
"I'm sorry Minmei, I said some things just now that...it's just, you made me so angry," apologized Rick.
Minmei shook her head and said, "It was my fault, I'm sorry."
Rick closed the door and leaned against it to take a deep breath and calm himself down. He walked through the kitchen door and froze when found Lisa leaning against the far counter, with a glass in her hand.
"Is she gone?" said Lisa with a smirk.
"Lisa, you...you shouldn't be drinking this," said Rick anxiously as he walked up to her and took the glass.
Lisa looked at him as if he were crazy and laughed, "Why not?"
"Uhh...because...it's not good for you."
Lisa furrowed her brows, "Not good for me? But everyone says it's healthy."
"Well...they...they're wrong. Besides, you already drank some earlier and that was enough."
Lisa narrowed her eyes, "I did not."
"Yes you did, now, you've had enough and I'm not letting you drink anymore," said Rick, holding
steadfast.
Lisa shrugged, "Ok, if you say so, but I don't understand why you're getting so bent out of shape, it's just cranberry juice for goodness sakes."
Rick gave her a startled look and stammered, "Cran...cranberry juice?" Then he smelled the glass and took a sip.
Lisa chuckled when she saw his look of recognition and asked, "Yes, it's cranberry juice. What did you think it was? Wine?"
Rick couldn't hide his expression fast enough and Lisa felt a cold chill run from her head to her toes. Did he know what happened during Christmas?
Rick saw Lisa's look of realization and scrambled for a way to avoid the topic. "I...don't mind me, I'm just still trying to cool off from my argument with Minmei."
When Lisa didn't come up with a reply, Rick took her in his arms and said quietly, "I'm sorry. It seems that Minmei interrupted us yet again."
Lisa sighed and absently played with Rick's hair. "It's alright, I'm used to it by now."
"I wish that we could go somewhere where we wouldn't be interrupted," mused Rick.
They remained silent for awhile then Rick pulled back from Lisa a bit and winked at her, "I've got it! I hope you still have your flight suit!"
Lisa, bewildered as to why she would need a flight suit, told him that she still had one and Rick pulled her upstairs. On the way to their room, Rick knocked on the Trio's door and told them that he and Lisa were going out and didn't know when they'd be back.
They arrived at the airfield in a relatively short amount of time, thanks to Rick's speeding, and hurried to the hanger. The nightshift hanger officer greeted them and Rick told him that he and Lisa were going out for an unplanned patrol, just to get away from things for a little while. The hanger officer gave them no troubles at all and radioed up to the flight officer that he had given them permission to take off. The flight officer, hearing that it was both Lisa and Rick who would be on patrol, raised her eyebrows and smiled and instructed her technician to allow the Admiral and Captain free reign.
"I hope you've digested your dinner by now, 'cause I've got a few tricks up my sleeve. Some old flying moves I haven't tried in ages!" said Rick over his shoulder.
Lisa rolled her eyes and smiled and also made sure her seat harness was secured, then sat back and waited for the acrobatics to begin.
Rick did a climb a couple thousand feet up in the air, then stalled the engines and nosedived. Lisa bit her tongue to keep from screaming as they were only 300 feet off the ground but still nosediving. Rick suddenly pulled up and hit his afterburners and barrel-rolled a few times, leaving Lisa dizzy after it was over. Rick looked in his mirror and saw that Lisa was trying to regain her sense of balance after his little maneuver and decided he had put her through enough for the moment, and also because he didn't want to catch the attention of any Zentraedi lookouts that might be in the area.
"Are you ok back there?" asked Rick cheerfully.
"Yes, I'm fine," answered Lisa.
"Sure you are, I see your eyes dilating," teased Rick.
Lisa laughed but didn't reply. Her attention was transfixed by a field of flowers that had come into view. Rick slowed down and brought the plane down in Gerwalk mode, then he helped Lisa down from the co-pilot's seat and waited for her reaction.
"Rick, this is amazing, how did you know about this place?"
"I had spotted it a few months back. There's more flowers now then there were last time. I'm surprised they were able to multiply, despite the cold weather. I guess that's a hopeful sign, don't you think?"
"It sure is," said Lisa as she wandered around the small field.
Rick followed a couple of paces behind her and said quietly, "Maybe...this could be our picnic spot."
She turned around and looked at him for a moment, both of them remembering what had happened the last time they tried to go on a picnic.
Lisa saw the cloud hovering over Rick so she perked up and latched onto his arm and said, "Then it's settled, this will be OUR picnic spot."
A breeze blew in, making both of them shiver and they walked back to the VT. Lisa was waiting for Rick to boost her up into her seat when he announced, "I have an idea. You know how to fly one of these things don't you?"
"But, but that was a long time ago," protested Lisa.
Rick jumped up into the co-pilot's seat and threw the helmet down at her, "No excuses, come on, let's go."
"But...but..." stammered Lisa as she put on her helmet and climbed into the pilots seat.
To Lisa's great relief, after an hour of flying, she and Rick landed back at the airfield safe and sound. When they climbed down from the plane, someone from the maintenance crew complimented Lisa on her landing and asked her how come she didn't fly more often. Rick looked on proudly as the men continued to compliment her, then he took her hand and they headed for their car.
When Rick and Lisa were out of earshot, one crew member remarked, "Well I'll be...did you ever think you'd see them together finally?"
"I wouldn't have believed it if I hadn't seen it with my own eyes!" said another.
Rick and Lisa arrived home around 3am and were happy to be someplace where it was warm. They held each other's hand as they trudged upstairs. Once in their room, Rick looked at Lisa and said, "I can imagine you must be exhausted by now. I hope you had a nice evening tonight, despite Minmei."
Lisa came over to him and wrapped her arms around his waist, "I did have a pleasant evening, regardless of Minmei. I actually got a kick out of you giving her a tongue-lashing."
Rick smiled tiredly and kissed Lisa on the forehead, then walked over to the couch and started fixing his blankets.
Lisa hesitated for a moment then put a halting hand on his arm, "Rick...why don't you, I mean, I wouldn't mind if you...would you like to share the bed? There's a lot of room and it's more comfortable, I don't mind."
Rick cleared his throat nervously, remembering how passionate they had become just before Minmei interrupted them. He looked at the bed, then at the couch, then at Lisa and saw that she was waiting for his answer. He smiled and then picked up his pillow and tossed it over to the bed.
Lisa went into the Trio's bathroom to change and Rick changed in the room and then climbed under
his covers on his side of the bed and couldn't help feel a little bit nervous as he waited for Lisa to return.
He heard the door open and then close quietly and felt Lisa crawl under the covers beside him. He turned towards her and touched her cheek and said softly, "I had a great time tonight. You looked so beautiful. And then when we went for a midnight flight, and all the ground crew guys were complimenting you, I was so proud."
Lisa smiled in the dark and leaned over to hug him. "Thank you Rick, I had a wonderful evening tonight. Probably the most fun I've had in years."
Rick held her tighter and said, "Don't worry, from now on you'll have a lot of more days like this, minus Minmei of course, if I have anything to say about it."
Rick rolled over and leaned on his back, preparing to go to sleep, not trusting himself to hold onto her any longer. Lisa gave him a quick kiss on the cheek then moved over more to her side of the bed, not trusting herself either.
"Goodnight Rick."
"Goodnight Lisa."

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Author's notes:

You can find my notes here: http://www.geocities.com/sphersian/chapnotes.html
:)