Disclaimer: All Robotech characters and vehicles property of Harmony Gold USA

This chapter has been revised and expanded.

Chapter 2 – A Little Help From My Friends

After going right back to sleep, Ben woke up the next day early afternoon when the hospital staff came to check the cast on his right leg. His stomach grumbled. He couldn't help thinking 'How long has it been since I last ate? I wonder what happened to that steak dinner I couldn't finish before we scrambled? I really hope I didn't miss lunch.' Ben had no idea how long he had been unconscious before waking during the previous night.

"Knock knock. You up for a visitor?"

Ben turned his head and couldn't help smiling at the site of his commanding officer, Lt. Rick Hunter.

"Hey there Boss. Come on in, I have a little free time."

"I came over as soon as I could when I heard you were finally awake." Rick said with a concerned tone, "The nurse on duty said you were pretty banged up. You had lots of internal injuries and your leg was messed up too."

Ben couldn't help responding with his trademark goofy grin "Meh, spleens are over-rated." Then taking a bit more serious tone "I should be able to get back to duty, sir, although the doctors did say it might take several weeks of rehab until that leg is good enough to go."

"That's good Ben. I'll make sure all the paperwork is set for you to have some medical leave. Try not to stay laid up too long though, OK? Some of the other jokers in the squadron will think that all you have to do to get some time off is to get injured." A smirk crossed Rick's face as he finished.

"Aw, shucks. I guess I can't milk it now, can I?" Ben said with a devilish grin."Heck, you know I can't stay away from flying too long."

Rick returned his grin, "Yea, I know. Flying gets to be as necessary as breathing air for us pilots."

Suddenly, a commotion swept through the door. "Where is my darling Benjamin?" It could only be Mom and Dad, followed closely by Ben's squadron mate Max Sterling. Mrs. Dixon walked right up to Ben's bed and smothered him in hugs. "I was so worried about you! Your father and I couldn't get a straight answer from any of the doctors!"

"Ouch! Ma! Ouch … injured person here!"

"Your mother was worried to death." Mr. Dixon raised his eyebrows and finally spoke, "The least you can do is let her give you a few hugs. You can probably give him a little air now though Lois."

"I don't think you're going to win this one, big brother." observed Max. Although not brothers by blood, Max and Ben had virtually grown up together to the point that when Max's parents were killed several years ago, Max went to live with the Dixons. Rick couldn't help but smile; it was the same way that things had been between Roy and himself. Maybe that was why the three pilots of Vermillion group got along so well.

"Ah, Commander Hunter" Rick whirled at the sound of the thick Russian accent "It is good to see young Mr. Dixon awake and well."

"Yes Captain Gloval, we're all glad to see Ben up, if not actually about."

"I cannot stay long. I merely want to wish Lt. Dixon a speedy recovery."

"Excuse me sir" Ben piped up "but I'm only a corporal."

"You are a corporal now, but when the doctors have cleared you to return to duty you will assume the rank of 3rd Lieutenant." The Captain said with a fatherly smile as he started for the door. "Congratulations Lt. Dixon and get well quickly. I would stay and chat but I am needed back on the bridge."

Ben's parents beamed with pride at the news and everyone was congratulating Ben on the promotion and Ben himself was grinning ear to ear. "Geez, I hope I don't have to crash every time I want a promotion."

A few minutes after the departure of Captain Gloval, a whirlwind of female voices blew into Ben's hospital room. The Terrible Trio, Vanessa Leeds, Sammy Porter, and Kim Young, had come down from the bridge and they were staggering under the weight of a huge gift basket filled with fruit.

"Hey girls, you must have read my mind! I'm starving!" chimed Ben.

"We know" the girls said in unison.

"You're always hungry" Kim observed.

"We thought you would appreciate this more than a few flowers" ventured Vanessa.

"You better be sharing!" squealed Sammy as she reached for an apple.

"So, how long do you have to stay in here Ben?"

"You must be happy to still be in more or less one piece."

"Oh my god! Was that Captain Gloval we saw leaving here? What did he say to you?"

The girls peppered Ben with questions for what seemed an eternity and jumped for joy when they heard of Ben's promotion, but after only about fifteen minutes a nurse came in and announced that visiting hours were over for the ICU, letting everyone know that Ben would need quite a bit of rest to get the healing process going well. At the nurse's urging, the throng of guests started making their way to the door of Ben's room. Except for one raven haired young lady that is.

Kim hung back as the others left, gave Ben's hand a squeeze, and told him in a loving but teasing voice "Get better you big Klutz." and kissed his forehead. Ben could see the obvious affection in her eyes but also the dark rings that only come from lots of crying. He answered with a squeeze of his own and a merry twinkle in his eyes.

"Yes ma'am. Shall I consider that an order?" he said with a quick half salute.

"You are incorrigible Corporal Dixon." she said with an exasperated tone before kissing him again.

He could hear the rest of the Trio giggling in the hallway, getting ready to tease their tardy third member.

Author's note: If Ben can live, why can't one of the Trio have a little bit of luck with men? Just saying.

Chapter title is a lyric from With a Little Help from My Friends by the Beatles.