It had been nine years since the last battle with Kyron and and the destruction of the SDF-1 and SDF-2. Rick and Lisa had married 8 years earlier, having two children, 5 year old Roy "Ryu" and 3 year old Grace "Hikari". Their Japanese nicknames given to them by Takuya and Ayumi during a visit by them two years ago.
Rick watched as Roy raced around the room with a model airplane in hand while little Grace followed her big brother around wanting a chance with the plane too. One of happiest days of his life was the day they put Roy in his arms. With his shocking head of black hair and blue eyes, he was a miniature of Rick except when he got that stubborn look on his face that was totally his mother's look. Roy was much more like Lisa than Rick in many ways, smart, mature and responsible as any 5 year old could be and fiercely protective of his younger sister. Roy however, was just as enamored of planes and flying as Rick had been at that age and wanted to be a pilot like his dad when he grew up. Rick turned to observe his little Grace, so like her mother in looks but more carefree like him. He knew that she was going to be handful when she grew up, especially as she had all signs of being as beautiful as her mother. The same pale clear skin, emerald green eyes and hair like golden wheat. Rick was glad that Roy would be around to keep an eye out for her.
"What are you doing? We don't have that much time," asked Lisa, stopping to give her husband a kiss on the cheek. Rick pulled Lisa into his arms and they stood for a minute observing the two children. They smiled to see the children playing so happily in their new quarters on the SDF-3. "Come finish getting dressed we have to go." she said to Rick as she took the children by the hand to finish preparing them for the ceremony.
It was the launch day of the SDF-3 and many people had come to celebrate. There was no fear of another enemy invasion as warning systems have been installed far out into space that would warn them of any spacial activity and an armada of ships was waiting in space for the SDF-3 to join them in for their journey to find the home of the Robotech Masters . The mission had been expanded to also and include the search for hospitable planets that could be colonized by the inhabitants of Earth. The ceremony was about to start in an hour and Lisa and Rick were needed to greet the crowd and present opening remarks.
Lisa looked in the mirror one last time, checking her uniform. "You look beautiful Admiral,"said Rick as has he hugged Lisa from behind. Lisa had been made Admiral of the REF, after Admiral Gloval's death 4 years ago from the injuries he sustained on the SDF-1 so long ago. She was the natural choice to lead the expedition and carry forth Gloval's legacy and her and Rick were considered to be two of the most influential military figures of their times. Lisa turned and smiled at Rick, "You don't look too bad yourself Major General" as she kissed him on the lips. Rick smiled and said, "I have something for you."
"What is it?"
"Close your eyes and turn around." commanded Rick. Lisa did as she was asked and felt Rick place something around her neck. "You can open them now." Lisa looked in the mirror and tears formed in her eyes. "Oh Rick," she said as she stared at the pendent Rick had placed around her neck. It was a pendant just like he had given her so many years ago except this time instead of enamel and stainless steel, the sakura shaped pendent was made from pink sapphires, set in white gold, hanging from a thin white gold chain. Rick knew how much Lisa loved her original pendant and had stopped wearing it when it started to show signs of wear. He had been thinking of the perfect present to celebrate their new journey together and thought that this was the perfect piece to tie their past, present and future together. That night as the ship finally lifted off and headed into deep space, Lisa showed Rick her appreciation for his gift and ten months later on the SDF-3, Chloe Sakura Hunter was born.
~Finis
I hope you enjoyed my story and want to thank Drew Michaels and AHRG for their reviews and continued encouragement. A big thank you to all that followed the story to the end.