A/N: Here you guys go. The wedding chapter. I know some have voiced concerns the story is going to fast, but trust me, it's really not! Compared to most tales out there, this one is more sedate in it's pace. Seriously, I've seen Rick confess undying love to lisa, knock her up, and get married in as little as two chapters outside of a oneshot folder. So holding off the sex part until like chapter fifteen, a baby showing up due to both Lisa and Rick getting caught up in the moment (Which can and has happened in real life!) by chapter 19 and married by chapter 21 is actually pretty realistic. Can anyone out there say they haven't forgotten to use protection? I know I have. She didn't get pregnant but still. My attempt is to show that despite all their strength and attributes we love in these characters, they are still flawed human beings. I'm not into writing super!Rick and super!Lisa stories. I'll read um yeah, but the whole intent behind this story is to show the human elements of the characters. And to me, that's what writing is about. Especially on this site. We get to play with the universes we love and add our own twist to the mix. This isn't directed at any of you who are following the story and have been with the journey since the first post. It;s about the persons who have the gull to send a PM telling me my story sucks because it's unrealistic with the character development, or how the pace is too fast and I've written a failed fan fiction. To be honest, I'm proud of this story as it is by far the largest project I have ever worked on. I've reread it from the first chapter and feel the pace is consistent and fluid. That the development of the tale has been natural. Maybe some feel otherwise. But I'm sticking to this one until it's over. Which reminds me. We have about...five? Yeah maybe five chapters left of our tale. Already considering doing a sequel to fill the gap between Sentinels and The Shadow Chronicles. Drop a review and let me know how you liked it.

Chapter 21 The Calm

Rick stared at the headlines in the newspaper with a twitching eyebrow. In big bold letters stood the phrase 'Wedding of the Century!' and Rick had to palm his face in annoyance before he let out a sigh and decided to read what the vultures had published in the New Macross Times.

"As many of you are well aware, our very own Miss Macross, one Captain Lisa Hayes will soon be changing her name to Mrs. Lisa Hunter on August Tenth. Many know the story and deeds done by the soon to be Mrs. Hunter including her astounding victory over Miss Jan Morris in the first Beauty Pageant held in space aboard the now legendary SDF-1 under the command of now Admiral Henry Gloval. While the journey had been fraught with danger to all of us, with many times our morale dropping, Captain Hayes remained steadfast in her duty to her ship, crew, and the many civilians caught up in the whirlwind adventure straight out of a science fiction story. During the year long voyage from Pluto's orbit, Captain Hayes found the love of her life in the form of a true hero, the newly promoted Captain Richard Hunter, current commanding officer for the SDF-1's air wing. Captain Hunter is a highly decorated War Hero and we have even learned he comes from a long line of fine military pilots dating back to World War Two when his Grandfather Earl 'Maddog' Hunter joined the Untied States Marine Corps during the Island hopping campaign waged by the US.

Captain Hayes was unavailable to comment on her upcoming wedding, however a source close to the couple has informed us they are both happy and looking forward to taking the next big step! The heroic duo as you also know have been seen in public with little Kaylee Hunter, the couple's now six month old daughter who looks to be the perfect duplicate to Captain Hayes while taking care of their wedding plans. No doubt the young family is both anxious and thrilled to continue their lives together. We here at New Macross Times wish to offer our most sincere congratulations to both Captain Hayes and Captain Hunter. May the wind always be at your back!

For A Legacy: Rick Hunter Turn to page 4

For Lisa Hayes: Miss Macross Turn to page 2

For Wedding Details Turn to Page 8"

Rick had to admit, it actually wasn't a bad article as he folded the paper. He really could avoid reading over his own family history. Pop had brought Rick up with stories of his Grandpa Hunter and how he'd earned several medals for valor including taking his F-4F Hellcat in low to provide close air support for the Marine Amphibious Force at Guadalcanal, where he'd been shot down. Only to fight his way back through enemy lines armed only with the Colt .45 Rick had locked in his and Lisa's quarters where Kaylee would never get to it. Earl Hunter had earned his nickname as he'd taken on a squad of Japanese soldiers with nothing but a knife and a shovel he'd managed to get his hands on. The old Jarhead had never said where he got the shovel from. All Rick knew was that the Kbar he had used still was stained to this day.

Rick gave a slight shake of his head before turning his eyes back to his paperwork when he heard a sharp rap on his door. Not even looking up from his squadron reports and flight logs, Rick called for the person to enter. He heard his door open and close with a click before the muffled foot steeps approached. A not well liked voice spoke. "Captain Hunter."

"Colonel Edwards." Rick greeted neutrally and motioned for the seat in front of his desk. "Thanks for coming."

Edwards gave a sharp nod, keeping a neutral look on his face as he sat in the offered chair. "You said you had somethings to discuss with me?"

Rick leaned back, his eyes studying the man before him. The disfigurement he had suffered from Alaska Base was covered with a prosthetic and Rick could see resentment kept well in check in Edwards eye.

"Look, let's get things straight before we talk about why I called for your help." Rick started, not beating around the bush. "I know you really don't like me. To be honest, I really don't care what you think of me or why you hate me. But we are both on the same side. I respect your talents. You're one of the best we have in the Intelligence Office. And you're a damn fine Officer so I have no issue with you in a professional sense. But I would like to know where your hostility towards me and Lisa comes from."

"So you want to clear the air before we get to work then?" Edwards asked with a smirk as Rick gave a nod. "I have nothing against Captain Hayes asides from her opinion that we need the help from the Zeds. I won't deny they have helped us out quite a bit. I'd be a fool not to see it. But I still blame them for the death of Rachael. I blame you as well Captain Hunter. And likewise, I have no qualms with your abilities or you as an officer. My anger comes from the simple fact that your tunnel vision at Alaska Base cosigned the woman I loved to death. If you'd have spent just a minute longer to check for other survivors, she might have lived."

Rick nodded his head slowly. That he could understand. "I see. Maybe you're right Colonel. Maybe it could have made a difference. And yes, I did focus only on Lisa and for that, I'm sorry. But can you say you'd have done differently in my place? Would you have risked the woman you loved just on the off chance others survived in a wrecked and burning control room?"

"I can't." Edwards admitted after a moment of thought. "I'd have probably done exactly that. And logically, what you said is true. But just the same, I blame you for it. And I wonder if you'll end up killing me someday for it."

"Fair enough." Rick commented before leaning forward and clasping his hands together. "I'll tell you right now Edwards. You don't need to watch your back or sleep with your eyes open at night. If you ever push me to the point, you'll be awake, you'll be armed, and I will face you like a man. If you blame me, fine. But this open hostility between us, it ends now. Deal?"

"Deal."

Rick nodded and grabbed a folder from the side of his desk and passed it to Edwards. The man accepted it and opened the file, his eyes taking in the details presented. Rick remained silent for near fifteen minutes as the man before him went over the thirty page brief in it. He closed the file with a sharp snap and passed it back to Rick with a grim expression on his face. "Interesting target. One that gives Khyron an edge over us."

"Exactly."

Edwards hummed as he rubbed his chin. "From what you just showed me, it won't be easy to take. More than likely, it'll probably be fully crewed, especially if he's paranoid we're on our way to say hello."

"That's my thoughts as well." Rick admitted. "That's why we're holding off on hitting it for the time being."

"Time frame?"

"Ten months, give or take a week."

"Hmmm...he should relax his guard by that time." Edwards muttered, his mind going over everything. "The Joint fleet plan is a rather well put together one. Especially if Breetai and his ships do the heavy lifting."

"They'll be helping with the boarding action in a limited way, but as Breetai said, our Tomahawks and Spartans are better equipped to deal with the security."

"Missiles are always a game changer." Edwards chuckled. "So are flamerthrowers. Veritechs?"

"Skull and Rapier will come in through the hangers. The other six will secure the local air space."

"Standard attack. Too obvious."

"That's where I need your help." Rick sighed and rubbed his temples. "I need another perspective on this. Someone who won't sugar coat their disapproval. You're the only one I can trust on that."

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"Ten months."

Khyron looked at his spy in disbelief. "You mean to tell me they plan to hold off for ten months before launching an offensive against this station? You've been wrong before."

The figure leveled a flat look at Khyron that irritated the Zentradi to no end. They were a smug little bug, that was for sure.

"Hunter is hashing out a plan for an attack with several others and has begun training all of the needed pilots for the mission. I suggest we move on to the contingency plan we talked about yesterday. He is rapidly becoming more of a problem than either of us expected. In fact, he is the one who promised Breetai that Earth would commit her forces to this plan."

"I would have so loved to kill him myself." Khyron mused before he gave a shrug. "Well, one can dream I suppose. When can you move on the targets?"

"It won't be until after the wedding." His spy replied. "After that...well, Captain Hayes does like to take trips to monument when she's not locked away on the SDF-2 going over reports."

"And the spawn?"

"If we time this right, the child will be with the mother unless they change the flight rotation. If that's the case, it will delay us. We need both to succeed."

Khyron rubbed his chin in thought. As much as he hated to agree with the Micronian, they had a valid point. "There can be no foul ups on this. We grab both and use them to destroy the Red Devil. If we are right, he'll end himself before he can cause any more trouble to our plans."

"If it goes right, yes. We have a saying here on Earth. No plan survives first contact with the enemy."

"If by some chance it does not go exactly as planned, then I will kill him myself." Khyron smirked darkly. "His desire for revenge may over ride his grief."

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Rick entered the office and frowned as he spotted Lisa smiling brightly at him.

"So? What do you think?" She asked pleasantly as Miriya smirked from her spot on the couch, her pregnancy starting to show as she neared the four month mark. Which meant she was now on limited duty and was a temporary aide to Lisa. Not that Miriya minded.

"I think it's bad luck to see the bride in her wedding dress before the actual wedding." Rick remarked with a grin.

"Don't be silly Rick." Lisa giggled. "I'm not in it so that doesn't count. I'm standing behind it."

To prove her point that Rick already knew, she stepped from behind the hanging dress and placed her hands on her hips, giving him an expectant look. "You going to answer my question?"

Rick chuckled and shook his head. "Lisa, you'd look amazing wearing a burlap sack."

"Uh huh." She rolled her eyes before she smirked, "I think you're forgetting something Captain."

"Oh of course ma'am." Rick grinned, saluting her. "Sorry Captain, won't happen again!"

"A pending wedding is no excuse for failing to follow proper military protocols Captain." Lisa teased with a mock stern tone. "I'll have you're skin for this."

"Go ahead." Rick decided to play along with her, a resigned yet loving tone in his voice as he stepped towards her. "Take my bars, throw me in the brig."

He ran his hand over her cheek before he gave her a cocky smirk. "Just please wait until after the honeymoon."

Lisa gave a laugh before kissing him. Rick smiled at her as she gave him a mischievous look. "Well...I suppose. It depends on how well you preform that night."

"I never disappoint." He laughed before he squatted down as Kaylee clapped at him from near Miriya, the Zentradi woman smirking as she watched. "You been a good girl for mommy and your Aunt Miriya?"

Kaylee seemed to stare at him before she lowered herself awkwardly onto her belly and stared to drag herself to her father, not very well, but both parents gave stunned looks and froze as the determined baby made her way shakily to her father, pacifier clenched tightly in her mouth. Miriya had also been surprised but had her own phone out the moment the baby started her crawl attempt, recording the event for Rick and Lisa. Rick snapped out of his surprise and scooped Kaylee up gently, holding her above his head as the baby giggled, her little arms held outward as Rick just laughed. Lisa had covered her mouth with a hand and was fighting back proud tears that their daughter was moving along well in her development. "That's Daddy's girl!"

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Max dropped down next to Rick as the man stared at the stage with a mixture of awe and embarrassment as Roy was singing along to Man In Motion, horribly. Both men just watched as a slightly...okay fairly drunk Roy sang along with a grin on his face. "Who knew Roy liked karaoke."

"Boy still can't carry a tune to save his life." Pop laughed, a nostalgic look on his face. "His father, Dan, was the exact same!"

"It sounds like some one tossed a wrench into the intake of a Veritech." Vince muttered, watching. "Has anyone ever told him?"

"We tried." Rick remarked with a wince. "He thinks he has a singing voice. I told him he sounded like a drowning cat. The intake one is a good analogy though."

Max blinked as he caught the statement before giving Vince a suspicious look. "Just how do you know what a wrench tossed into a Veritech Intake sounds like?"

Vince just shrugged with a grin, looking sheepish. Rick knew he shouldn't ask but found himself curious. "Okay Vince. You have to explain that one."

The man chuckled in embarrassment before he answered.

"During training, when we got our first look at a Veritech...I was a bit careless and left an adjustable in the intake clearance." He explained. "When those engines fired up, the wrench went in and shredded the fan blades. I have to admit, the massive gout of flames that shot out of the engine was pretty cool. Spent a week rebuilding the engine I unintentionally destroyed."

"So..." Ben looked at him in unease. "Has that happened since?"

"No." Vince laughed. "You're in no danger sir. Promise."

Max leaned into Rick. "Just between us, I'm going to start triple checking my intakes."

Rick laughed and the others joined in, even Vince. Ben did a double take and looked queasy. "Is he having a seizure?"

Rick's face paled as he turned to see what his brother was doing. Pop quickly turned away shaking with silent laughter as the others just watched in horror, unable to turn away from the spectacle before them.

"He's trying to dance."

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"So where is Rick having his bachelor party?"

Lisa gave Claudia a knowing look. "You're husband dragged the men to a karaoke bar downtown."

Claudia covered her eyes and shuddered. "Oh no."

Miriya, Minmei, and the others gave Claudia a confused look, Minmei the first to speak. "Why is that a bad thing?"

Claudia gave a frustrated sigh and looked directly at Minmei.

"Because Roy can't sing. Period." She explained. "I've heard him in the shower. He sounds just like that wrench incident that involved Vince and a small part of carelessness."

"Oh wow." Lisa winced. "I remember hearing that. I thought a fighter had exploded or something."

Claudia nodded as Jean just smirked. "Well, it was the only time he made that mistake."

"Amen to that sister." Claudia saluted. "But Roy and singing don't go together."

"How? He can play guitar really well." Minmei commented.

Miriya nodded her own agreement. "We've all heard his skill."

"Look, I love my husband dearly. There are many things about him that he can do wonderfully. But singing isn't one of them." Claudia responded in a deadpanned tone as the others laughed.

"So, Lisa. You looking forward to tomorrow?" Jean asked with a smirk.

Said woman just gave a happy nod much to the amusement of the others. Claudia looked at her a smirk. "I'm just glad you guys are finally settling down. I was beginning to think you'd wait until just before the SDF-2 launched!"

The girls laugh as Lisa stuck her tongue out at Claudia. The woman adjusted her hold on Kaylee as the baby giggled along with the others. "How is the construction going?"

"It's coming along nicely." Lisa answered Minmei's question. "The timeline has been adjusted and it looks like it'll be finished in a little over nineteen months."

"Has the Admiral made the mission official yet?"

Lisa gave a so so gesture with her hand. "Not per say. He's made it clear he intends to send the SDF-2 out to find these RoboTech Masters' Homeworld. Try to make a peaceful first contact with them instead. But we are going to arm it the best we can in case things go south."

"A wise precaution." Miriya commented, her eyes settling on Lisa's with a serious tint to them. "Not much is remembered about them, but what is shows they are a very powerful enemy to have. If we can strike an alliance with them, further blood shed can be avoided."

"That's the hope." Lisa really did hope it went smooth, but something told her it would be the hardest mission she had ever undertaken.

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Rick took a calming breath as the crowd took their places. Beside him stood Roy, Max, and Ben. Pop was smiling proudly at him from his seat in the front row and Rick grinned right back at him. Roy smirked as his brother calmed himself. "Nervous?"

"Yeah." Rick admitted. "Not every day you get married Big Brother."

"I'm just glad you two are finally doing it." Roy commented.

"Couldn't agree more sir." Ben commented with his own grin. "But you know how the Boss is."

Roy laughed with a nod. "Yup. He needs to be hit over the head with a bat marked with what you want him to know."

Rick scowled at them. "I'm not that bad."

"Sure Rick." Roy rolled his eyes. "Just keep telling yourself that. If Kaylee inherited that trait, you probably won't have to worry abut her dating."

"No. She's going to be too smart to miss those kind of signs.." Max chuckled.

Rick narrowed his eyes at his friend. "Are you saying I'm stupid?"

Max just grinned and Rick let out a growl of annoyance as the men beside him laughed. They quieted down as the ladies across from them just rolled their eyes. Sarah and Miriya were tempted to join in the levity but some one had to look professional up here. As they watched, Claudia made her way down the aisle, her dark green bridesmaid dress looked good on her. But what really made Rick smile was seeing little Kaylee in Claudia's arms. Both Rick and Lisa wanted to include her in the wedding and decided she'd be the ring bearer. He turned his gaze from his curious daughter and turned his attention back to the doors behind the assembled crowd and his breath caught in his chest as he saw Lisa walking forward on the arm of Admiral Gloval. The man was resplendent in his full Military dress and looking quite dashing as he kept a calm face and walked beside Lisa. Lisa herself was a radiant beauty. Her dress was tasteful but fit her perfectly. She was smiling brilliantly as she tried to keep those joyous tears from falling. Her whole world was standing right at the alter, looking like he had forgotten to breath as she watched him take a deep breath, his eyes never wavering from her's. Sure, he'd seen the dress a few days ago, but hanging in front of Lisa didn't do it justice! All too soon but yet maddeningly slow for Rick, Lisa and Gloval arrived at the base of the small platform as the minister, an elderly dark skinned gentleman with a pleasant smile spoke. "And who gives this woman away?"

Pop rose to his feet and looked to the minister as Henry spoke, the agreement being both would as good friends of Lisa's father. "On behalf of Admiral Donald Hayes, I, Henry j Gloval and Mitchell Hunter do."

Lisa smiled warmly at the pair, seeing Pop give a smiling nod as he took his seat. The minster nodded his acceptance and Henry looked to Rick as the young man extended his hand to Lisa. She gave one more teary smile to the Admiral, and he gave a proud one in return as Lisa took Rick's hand and took her place across from her soon to be husband. The minister looked to the two and spoke with a baritone voice.

"Welcome all as we stand witness to the love and devotion of the two people who stand before us. We are gathered together to celebrate the very special love between Lisa Hayes and Rick Hunter, by joining them in marriage.

"All of us need and desire to love and be loved in return. And the the highest form of love between two people is within a monogamous, committed relationship."

The minster smiled at the pair as they seemed to lose each other in their loving gaze. The ground listened with rapt attention, smiles and tears around the room. Pop wiped his eyes as he watched, knowing how much his own beloved Wife would have loved to been present. His smile widened as he felt a familiar gentle touch to his cheek and closed his eyes briefly, sending his love to his departed wife. Henry watched with much pride on his face as a single tear escaped his eyes. 'Donald. I pray you are looking down with a smile as your beautiful daughter becomes a wife.' The minister continued. "Lisa and Rick, your marriage today is the public and legal joining of your souls that have already been united as one in your hearts. Marriage will allow you a new environment to share your lives together. Standing together to face life and the world, hand in hand."

"Marriage is going to expand you as individuals, define you as a couple, and deepen your love for one another. To be successful, you will need strength, courage, patience, and a really good sense of humor." The minister smirked as Rick grinned at Lisa, said woman letting out a watery chuckle as the rest of the crowd gave a laugh. When dealing with Rick, Lisa had needed to show all those traits already! She gave a knowing look to Rick as he chuckled sheepishly, the Minister waiting for it to quiet down before he continued. "So let your marriage be a time of waking each morning and falling in love with each other all over again."

The minister paused as Little Kaylee began to whine and reached for her parents. Lisa gave a musical laughed as the crowd chuckled when Rick quickly moved and took the little one into his arms with a grin and Lisa took his free hand in both of her's. "Well...that answers my upcoming question regarding the rings."

Roy, smirking the whole time, gently pulled the rings from Kaylee's pocket as the baby stared at him. He felt happy that she didn't scream bloody murder at the sight of him. He'd changed aftershave to aqua velva and began to speak more gently around her. Didn't always work to prevent a hissy fit, but it was working now. The minister waited until Roy had handed one to Rick and one to Lisa. Due to how Rick was holding Kaylee, only his left hand was free which suited him just fine. "Before they exchange the rings, both of the two young people before me have elected to say their own vows. Lisa?"

The woman took a steadying breath and smiled, tears running down her cheeks. "Rick...you've been the light of my life since Mars. We didn't exactly start off on a very friendly basis, but after I got to know you, I learned you were kind, funny, and a pure soul. We have our differences and have fought with each other. But I grew to love you. You've always been there when I needed you. And I promise, from this day forth, I will always be there for you. To love you and to support you. But don't push your luck with reckless stunts. That will still get you yelled at."

The crowd laughed as Lisa wiped her eyes, Henry letting out a humorous snort at Lisa's words. The Minister chuckled as he looked to Rick. There was silence as Rick just stared at Lisa, grinning like a fool. She cocked a single eyebrow as the Minister let out a short cough, snapping Rick from his daze. "Rick? Your vows?"

"I forgot what I was going to say." He admitted sheepishly as the crowd roared with laughter, Lisa's rolling her own eyes as she tried so hard not to laugh. It didn't help that Kaylee began clapping and giggling herself. Rick took a deep breath as Roy face palmed. Ben and Max just grinned. In the crowd, Pop was shaking with laughter, his hand clamped over his mouth. Henry just smirked, having expected this.

"Jacket pocket Captain." He called out, laughter in his voice as Rick nodded and reached into his pocket. He looked at the note card before he tore it in half and decided to wing it. It had gotten him his bride to be after all! Lisa watched as Rick stuffed the two pieces in his pocket, his smile so wide it looked like it would split his face in half.

"I'm not good with sticking to a plan. We all know I tend to roll with the punches." He chuckled. "But what I'm about to say is from my heart. Lisa, when I first met you, you came off as harsh and cold. It took a long time before I was even able to relax around you with out fearing you'd tare my head off. But when I saw the real you, I started that big fall that brought us to this point. Everything about you screamed at me that you were the one. And in my heart and my head, I know this too be true. We've come along way since that first day. We've already been blessed with a beautiful baby girl. That only strengthens the love I feel for you. I will always and forever love and support you. I'll try to avoid making you go gray early."

The crowd lost it as Lisa just rolled her eyes in response, but still smiling as Kaylee began rubbing her eyes. This got an awe from the crowd before the baby glared at them. Rick laughed at the look on her face as the Minister nodded his head in approval and spoke to the still amused crowd. "Throughout human tradition, when you make a pledge, it had been deemed good to have a token to remind you of that pledge. For this purpose, you have chosen rings. They are appropriate to the task because they are circles that are never ending, like the promises you have made each other today. These rings are made of precious metals; purified by the heat of many fires. Please take these rings and honor each other in their giving to affirm the promise of your vows."

Lisa extended her empty left ring finger and Rick gently slid her wedding band into place before extending his own left hand. Lisa, with a shaky hand, slid Rick's into place. "With the exchange of the rings and your promised vows, I know pronounce you husband and wife. You may now kiss your bride Rick."

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The reception was in full swing as Rick and Lisa finished their first dance as Husband and wife, neither able to stop smiling as Minmei ended the song with a final note. The crowd cheered and clapped loudly as the couple made their way off the floor, Henry smiling proudly from his place next to Mitch. He watched in curiosity as Lisa made her way to him, Rick following with a knowing smile. Both men watched as the new bride stopped before Henry and held out her hand. The crowd was watching in silence as Rick placed a hand on his father's shoulder, Mitch having a sudden realization of what was going to happen and grinned at his friend.

"Admiral." Lisa smiled brilliantly at him. "I believe it's time for the father/daughter dance."

Henry was speechless as he looked up at Lisa, his heart swelling with emotion before he smiled warmly, his eyes shining with joy. The Admiral took her hand and rose to his feet. "It'd would be my pleasure Lisa."

Rick smiled as he watched the pair as the song 'I loved her first' began to play. Pop watched with an approving eye as they two made their way gracefully across the floor. "That was a good way to show Henry how much he means to her. From what I can tell, she's looked up to him as a father. I know Donald would have approved."

"It was actually my idea."

Mitch looked to his son in surprise as the young man smiled at his bride. "Really? That was very thoughtful of you son."

"It didn't require thought on my part Dad." Rick corrected him. "Admiral Gloval has been the closest thing to a father any of us had while we were fighting to get back home. When Admiral Hayes passed, he was the only remaining father she had left. It made sense for her to show him that."

Mitch looked to his son proudly as Exedore and a micronized Breetai watched with curious eyes. They had been invited mostly because if it wasn't for their devotion to catch the SDF-1 or their arrival, Rick and Lisa would probably have never gotten this far. Oh sure they'd probably have met through Roy and Claudia, but to fall in love and marry? Probably not. Rick was too immature and spastic at that time and Lisa was too serious. She probably would never have moved on from Karl. Rick smirked at the irony as Breetai asked Exedore a question about what he was seeing, his face free of the prosthetic he had worn for so many years prior to his micronization. Rick found himself thanking them both profusely. The song ended and the crowd gave a round of applause as Henry lead Lisa back off the dance floor and the two newlyweds gave a thankful nod as Mitch rose to his feet and smiled warmly at the assembled crowd. "Let me start by saying thank you to all of you here today. I can't tell you how proud I am of these two. For those who don't know or can't tell, the runt here is my boy. And I know I can safely say that Donnie Hayes himself would have been just as happy and proud as me."

Mitch turned to Lisa and gave a small smile. "He actually left me a letter he wrote when you were maybe six months old or so and asked that if the worst came to happen and he couldn't be here, to read this letter at your wedding."

Lisa covered her mouth as her eyes went wide, Rick giving her hand a gentle squeeze as Mitch pulled an old and wore piece of paper from his breast pocket of his suit. He opened the paper and cleared his throat before speaking.

"'My dear little girl. I'm writing this letter to you as you lay asleep in the bassinet next to my desk. It's another long day of paperwork and such which has become almost routine for me. I write this letter today, along with others, for any possible milestones in your life if I'm no longer with you or your mother. I suppose it's expected of a young father like me to do this. I've got others written for your first date, your sixteenth birthday, eighteenth, and twenty first. You're mother swears I'm being over cauitious but I know that life in the Navy isn't a guarantee. You'll probably agree that I'm always prepared if I was around long enough for you to learn that. This one, is one for the most important day of your life. Your wedding day. I hope that the man you are marrying understands just how much of a precious gift you are. And I hope you haven't followed in my footsteps and had a baby before marriage. To be honest, it would be hypocritical of me to even try to scold you if you have.

"'You see, your mother and I are not yet married. Not because I don't love her, but because I want to give her the wedding she deserves. I truly hope you have had the one you do. If I'm not there, I want you to know that I have been looking down over you and watching as you grew from when I left. I know you'll be the most beautiful bride in the world, just don't tell your mother I said that. I wish you many happy years of marriage for your chosen. I hope your chosen is a loyal and devoted man. I'm sorry I couldn't be there to walk you down the aisle or to give you away, but know I was right beside you the whole way. I hope this letter never has to see the light of day after I seal it, but if it does, remember these words: Love is a truly wonderful thing. It can out last mountains and out run death. It will lift you to places you never thought possible.

"'I wish you the best my daughter. Signed Your ever loving father, Donald Hayes.'"

Lisa leaned onto Rick, crying silently as Mitch folded the letter and gave a sigh. "Before we left Earth, I told Ol'Donnie I'd see him sitting next to me on this day. And you know what? I was right. I know he was there and watching with pride. I shared this letter with you as he requested because he wanted you to know he was still here."

Lisa nodded and gave a sad smile, wiping her eyes as Pop placed a hand on both of their shoulders. "Both of you have a bright future ahead of you and many years to spend as husband and wife. Make sure you both make the best of this."

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Roy grinned as he looked out at the crowd, most having finished their meal. "What a day huh folks?"

The crowd chuckled as Roy looked around before he continued.

"You know, when these two first met, I didn't know it it would get this far." Roy smirked at Rick as he spoke. "I always figured Lisa would have better tastes in men."

The crowd laughed as Rick glared at Roy, Lisa turning her head to hide her smile. "Gee thanks Roy."

"Hey, you made me Best man, now you deal with the consequences." His Big Brother just grinned evilly. "You see, these two didn't step off on the right foot. Or any foot for that matter. The first thing young Rick here did when he saw Lisa was to call her an Old Sourpuss. Such a smooth talker ladies and gentlemen!"

Ben and Max were laughing as the rest of the crowd let out uproarious laughter as Rick just glared at his brother, his face flushed as memory of that incident came to the forefront of his mind. Henry just shook his head while the Trio bursts into giggles as Roy continued. "I admit, when they finally started to act like adults towards each other, I thought maybe it would work out with them. Lisa balanced out Rick so well, and Rick was the spark of life she needed desperately. Which ended up with the little girl currently held in Rick's arms. Little too quick on the draw by the way Rick. It's supposed to be marriage then baby."

Rick just shook his head in amusement as Lisa kissed his cheek. Kaylee was slapping the table with her little hands, making a few chuckle at her antics.

"Seeing you both here today, it makes me proud to know my fears were incorrect. You've both grown as people and as a couple. Lisa, I am happy to welcome you into the family as my sister."

She smiled at Roy and gave a nod of thanks as the crowd clapped. Roy passed the mic off to Claudia who smiled sweetly at the pair before her.

"I admit, I too had some reservations about these two. I had known both for roughly the same amount of time since I started dating the big lug over there not long after reporting for training. Lisa, you are my best friend. And I am honored to be standing here as your Maid of Honor. Rick, you have no idea how grateful I am that you came into Lisa's life. Every since you two got together, she's come a full one hundred and eighty from how she used to be. You gave her life meaning and pulled her from the depths of despair. Thank you, little Brother. Thank you for loving her. And I look forward to watching you both continue on together."

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Rick sighed and dropped onto the bed as Lisa was busy getting herself ready for bed. It had been a long and eventful day. He smiled warmly as Lisa walked out of the bathroom with her wedding dress in it's protective garment bag. She spotted his smile and returned it. "Something to share Mr. Hunter?"

"Not a thing...Mrs. Hunter." He grinned as she rolled her eyes.

"You've been waiting all day to say that, haven't you?" She asked, amused as she hung the dress on the bar provided.

"Been waiting months to call you that." Rick corrected as he pulled his dress shoes off, feeling the sweet relief. "Damn, they make these things so uncomfortable"

Lisa laughed before she took on a thoughtful look. "I just hope Kaylee will be okay staying with your father tonight."

"Lisa, relax." He soothed, pulling her into his arms and rubbing comforting circles with his thumbs. "Pop raised two boys. He is more than capable of watching his granddaughter for the night."

She buried her face into his chest and sighed. "I know that Rick, It's just...well it's the first night she won't be here with us. I can't help but worry."

Rick smiled and kissed her forehead.

"I know. It feels weird not to hear her bouncing around and giggling at us." He admitted. "But it's not like we won't be picking her up tomorrow afternoon."

The woman in his arms signed and conceded his point. "You're right Rick."

"See?" He grinned. "I can be right at times too."

She laughed and kissed him until they fell back onto the bed. Rick smirked at her in the way that made her head spin and wagged his eyebrows. "So...it is our wedding night."

"Pervert." She leaned in. "I wonder why I even married you."

"You love me."

The night would be one they wouldn't forget.

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Rick waited outside the door to his father's house as Lisa ran to grab lunch for them all. The door opened with a swish, revealing a grinning Pop and Kaylee sucking on her own small fingers. She smiled wide when she saw Rick and reached out for him. The new husband took his daughter in his arms. "Hey there Sparky. Where you good for Grandpa?"

"She most certainly was." Pop smirked. "Much better behaved than you were at that age."

Rick laughed and thanked his father for taking care of Kaylee overnight for them. He gave a dismissive wave and grinned at his granddaughter who just grinned back, doing a fairly good job of a Hunter Grin. "No thanks needed my boy. Kaylee is the best Granddaughter out there! You be good for your parents now Kaylee."

Rick bid his father good bye and made his way back home, his daughter looking at the sky. At one point she reached out with her hand as a pair of Veritechs flew overhead. Rick's sharp eyes caught the distinctive Black Knight emblem on the tale as the fighters banked in a gentle turn for their patrol route. He wondered who was out on patrol today as he hadn't been able to catch the number on the nose and gave a mental shrug. He was on vacation until next Friday. The father and daughter continued down the street, Rick whistling happily as Kaylee giggled to from the noise until they bumped into Minmei in a heated argument one Lynn Kyle. Rick raised an eyebrow as the man paused and looked at him, glaring.

"It's because of him isn't it?"

Rick blinked in surprise as a confused Minmei glanced back and spotted Rick. She snapped her head back to Kyle and cocked her hand back and slapped Kyle across the face. Rick barely had enough time to turn Kaylee away from the scene, thought he was sure his little one would find the sight amusing. Kyle stumbled back and a small flask fell from his pocket. Minmei spotted it and picked it from the ground and poured the amber contents across the street. A crowd had started to gather around them as Minmei finally responded to the remark Kyle made. "Rick is a married man Kyle! In case you can't see with your double vision, his daughter is with him! Rick is a friend of mine as is his wife, Lisa! Don't you dare try to insinuate I'm involved with him!"

"Then who have you been cheating on me with?!"

"You disgusting little man!" Minmei screamed. "We are family!"

"Not by blood!"

Rick gave a disgusted look and Kaylee clapped at his face. Apparently she thought he was just making funny faces. Minmei was red with fury and slapped him again. "Get it through your head Kyle! We will never be anything!"

Kyle glared at her before leaving, but not without a final look over his shoulder. "Someday you'll see differently."

The crowd parted and Minmei threw the flask at him, missing by a foot as the man walked off. Rick glanced to the sound of approaching footsteps and took a curious look at Minmei as the woman was desperately trying to calm her anger. "What did I miss?"

"Don't worry. It'll be in the papers soon enough."

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"We have a problem."

Khyron gave a bored look to the micronian on the display. "And what is that pray tell?"

"I think someone in the intelligence department has clued in on our transmissions. We can't risk getting caught. Otherwise, we put the whole plan at risk." The firgure reported.

"You want me to put my revenge on hold? Are you really that foolish to demand such a thing?" Khyron snarled. "That fleet your people are so diligently building away at will be ready with in the next seven months! How long do you expect me to wait? The day they attack my Factory?"

"If you want to chance your luck, fine." The figure sneered. "But I won't be helping you. If you attack now, they will slaughter your fleet."

"Impossible!" Khyron dismissively stated. "Even if your fleets have already reached that point, something I know to be false, they are woefully out gunned to be a threat."

"You're just not getting it do you?" The figure asked rhetorically. "They'd upgraded the designs to go toe to toe with anything you have ready to use. Breetai's ships have been undergoing repairs and upgrades themselves! We don't put this on hold, we'll both be killed. You lose your chance at revenge, I lose everything."

Khyron slammed his fist on his desk. "You micronians are rapidly becoming a thorn in my side. Very well. You will get me the data on all these upgrades."

"If I might suggest, there is a small listening post built on the moon of Titan. It's mostly just a research station for advance ship designs. Most of the information you will need can be accessed from there."

The Zentradi eyed the human carefully before he gave a curt nod. "Perhaps you are still useful to me."

The channel closed and the figure stiffened as the barrel of a pistol dug uncomfortably into his back. The owner of the weapon smiled darkly at the man who had been feeding information to the Zentradi. "Nicely done. Now, you are I are going to have a little chat. I'll decided whether or not to shoot you for treason at the end."

The man was forced around and glared at the gun wielding man.

"Tell me how you found me first."

"You got sloppy little spy." The man remarked. "You used a fractal encryption algorithm I designed with a two second rotating cipher. Not only that, but hiding the transmissions within the normal back ground chatter of the planet was obvious to someone who was looking for it. If you'd limited your little chats to a minute, nothing would have stood out. Sadly, you and your boss got greedy."

"You always were a smart bastard, weren't you T.R.?"

Edwards smiled. "Yes. You could say that. Now, we need to discuss just what you gain from Khyron should he win this little war. And trust me, you will talk. I despise those who betray their fellow man to blood thirsty aliens. And all of those who do will die."