A/N: Well, here we are sadly...we have an epilogue next and that will officially end Mars Alight. This has been an awesome ride for most of y'all and I am proud to say that under the English category of Rick/Lisa stories, Alight is officially the largest tale on this sight at present. Normally, I would post review responses with this chapter to keep up with the great feedback you guys have given, but I will be dedicating a section in the epilogue as my final shout out to my faithful reviewers. And don't worry, it won't be a Harry potter type let down (That epilogue I refuse to agree is cannon...nor the last three books!). It's taken me nearly three months to write this beast, nearly eight to ten hours when I was unemployed and now on my days off. Many will be sad to see this end, but like all good things...

Anyway, there will be a sequel so don't worry too much. That will cover the Master's Arc with Dana, Bowie and Kaylee Hunter. And yes, maybe even a Dixon and a Fokker involved in that Generation. I'll be using Sentinels as the basis of the opening chapter, minus the wedding (Which already happened!) and Edwards though maybe BD Andrews will take his place...hmmm...anyway, once again, thank you for following me on this journey and stay tuned for the epilogue. It'll be up by Sunday and then...this will be officially completed. Largest story I have ever, ever written!

Chapter 25 To the Stars...

Rick stood in his full military dress with the surviving squadron leaders as the ceremony for the fallen progressed. Hundreds of officers and enlisted men had died in the attack on the Factory that was now safely placed in orbit of Earth. The cost had been high with a finally tally nearing two thousand men and woman dead or permanently disabled. He bowed his head as the procession passed by him. Of the honored dead, Rick had the duty to deliver the final letters of thirty-seven pilots. Eight of them had been parents of children old enough to realize something was wrong. It broke his heart having to tell a mom and her child that her husband was gone. It made him feel guilty as he'd managed to save his but others had lost so much and yet he was able to hold onto his. Why? The last house he had stopped by had been a young man, younger than Rick and had a small toddler around four. The young man took one look at Rick and Admiral Fokker's grim face and he knew what they were coming to tell him. His husband was dead. And hearing the child ask why her Dadda wasn't coming him...Roy had to help Rick leave the home. No one blamed him, but Rick felt they should. Their loved ones died to save his. So here he stood, watching the caskets of the honored dead pass him, his salute never dropping, and his eyes never looked more lost.

The procession lasted for near thirty minutes until the last of the caskets left and Admiral Gloval gave a tired sigh, feeling all of his sixty plus years. It was never easy to see this and a look to Rick showed the man was trying to deal with a guilt Henry recognized. "You can not blame yourself Captain. The blame for their deaths falls on Khyron, and you have avenged them. You avenge all those killed by him."

"I killed him as revenge sir." The quiet voice drifted from the man, matching the somber mood. "I killed him because he took my family. I wasn't thinking of any one lost to him. Just my own rage and pain he'd taken Lisa and Kaylee from me."

Gloval placed a hand on the man's shoulder, Rick's gaze skyward as the overcast sky began to clear and the first rays of sunlight began to pierce through. "You may have been Rick. But those men and woman lost...all those souls lost over the years to Khyron and his forces...they were also a family to you, no? You're brothers and sisters in arms. We are a Family Rick, all of us that wear the uniform. I can say that they will rest easier as the threat to their own spouses and children has been removed. I think they do not blame you."

Rick nodded and a sad smile crossed his face.

"I know you're probably right Admiral. I just wish I could shake the hand of everyone who died and thank them for helping me to get my wife and daughter back from Khyron's crazy forces. They are the true heroes...not me sir."

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"Hey buddy."

Rick glanced to the familiar voice and spotted a concerned looking Roy sliding onto the bar stool next to him. "Hey Roy. Congratulations by the way. Lisa told me Claudia is pregnant."

The blonde man gave a happy grin and inclined his head in thanks. "Yup. Looks like the Fokker family is going to grow! And you get to the Uncle that get's cried at now."

Rick gave a hollow laugh and and sipped his drink as Roy's smile slipped off his face. "You know, Lisa asked me to come find you. Said you looked pretty upset after this morning,"

"She did huh?" Rick commented, setting his drink down. They sat in silence for several minutes until Roy let out a sigh.

"Rick, you can't blame yourself."

"Why can't I Roy?" Rick looked right at him, his eyes narrowed. "Why? It was my fault. My family was taken by a monster because I was sitting in a brief and cracking jokes with you and the others. Those men died in an operation directed at getting my wife and my child back. Don't try to tell me it was for the Factory because we both know the kidnapping was the real reason we launched."

"We would have launched regardless." Roy;s eyes took an edge to them as he studied Rick, seeing the slump in his shoulders. "It could have been a civilian family snatched. Didn't matter as Admiral Gloval would have made the exact same call."

"But it wasn't a civilian family!" Rick snapped, turning to Roy with a heated stare. "It was mine! And good people died to bring them home! Do you know how hard it was for me to explain to an eight year old boy that his Dad wasn't coming home ever again? Or telling a young expecting mother her husband was now a pile of ashes? Do you? You can try to color it with pretty words all you want Roy, but because of me, hundreds of families have been destroyed while I get to keep mine. You know how much I hate myself right now? That I'm happy they're alive while others mourn?"

Roy blinked in surprise before he shook his head. "Rick, you shouldn't hate yourself because your relieved Lisa and Kaylee are safe and sound. It called being human."

"Well ain't I just a great example of one." Rick remarked darkly, reaching for the bottle before his hand was stopped by Roy.

"I think you've had enough."

"Let go Roy."

Roy shook his head and watched as his brother's arm tensed. "No Buddy. The last thing you need now is more. I've been where you've been. Trust me, it won't help."

"My life. My choice." Rick gave him a warning look. "Let go Big Brother or I will make you."

Roy's eyes narrowed, his temper flaring. "You don't have the guts."

Wrong thing to say a Roy went tumbling out of the bar stool as all conversation in the bar stopped. Rick rose from his seat, fury on his face as Roy groaned, rubbing his jaw as his little Bother approached.

"You take that crap outside!" The barkeep gave an angry yell. "Keep it up and I'll call the cops!"

Rick ignored the man and stalked to Roy as the man rose back to his feet, his face set in a harsh tone before a deep bellow sounded from the door. "Just what the hell are you two doing?!"

They both froze and looked towards the sound of the voice as a familiar form stomped toward them, fury on his weathered face. Pop Hunter looked furious as his two sons stared at him, both with raised fists. "You two. Outside. Now."

They spared a glance before they gave a sharp nod and pushed through the crowd as Pop walked over to the Barkeep and tossed him a fifty. "I'll take care of my boys. Sorry bout their outburst."

"The young man looked pretty upset. Just warn them that they do it again, they won't be allowed back in."

"Oh trust me, they won't be this stupid again." Pop growled and exited the bar and saw the two yelling at each other and he snarled before storming over and yanking them both off their feet, holding them as far apart as he could. Pop maybe pushing seventy, but he was fit as a man at fifty.

"Cut the bullshit!" He barked. "Now!"

The two men glared at each other as Pop looked from one to the other, a crowd drawn around them. "Now, you are both going to keep your mouths shut while I'll talk or I'll knock your heads together. Understand me?"

"Yes." They muttered, eyes dropping to the ground.

"Good. Now, I know why you were in there." His gaze turned to his youngest. "You need to snap out of it. You think I don't know what's going through that head of your's boy? Hell, I did the same thing after Dan was killed. Did it a lot. I blamed myself so much I almost lost you and your mother to the bottle because of guilt. Guilt I was alive and had my wife and son while Dan was dead and his family didn't have him. You beat Khyron, right?"

"Yeah." Rick muttered, eyes still downcast. "Yeah, melted his head from his body."

"And yet your hiding in a bar, fighting with your brother." Pop shook his head and a sad look crossed his face. "You didn't beat him if you're still letting him get to you. Even in death, he's getting the last laugh. You haven't beaten him yet. And you won't until you get over your guilt. You want to point that finger at someone? Do it at Khyron."

Understanding flashed in his eyes. Pop knew it would work to use Khyron as the target. Rick's hate towards him was still hot. Though Pop was honest when he said the fault laid with the headless corpse. He snapped his eyes over to Roy. "And you."

"Me? He's the one that cocked me in the jaw!"

"You were stupid enough to try to stop him physically." Pop frowned at him. "You should have known that would end with you on your ass. Now shut up. We are all going home."

A glance showed several people holding cell phone cameras, having recorded the whole incident since Pop had broken up the fight before it had fully began. Tomorrow would be interesting.

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Rick shuffled into the house and had just closed the front door when the front room light snapped on. He froze before letting out a resigned sigh and turned to see Lisa looking at him, her gaze level but not heated, for which he was grateful. She pursed her lips as he shifted awkwardly. "It's nearly midnight."

"Yeah."

Lisa took one long look at him before she sighed.

"I know what happened Rick. And I know why it did."

His shoulders slumped and he began to tremble. "I...Lisa, I had to hand a four year old little girl a folded flag from her mother's casket. She'd lost her father in the rain of death and now...now she's an orphan. She didn't even fully understand just what I was trying to say to her. I looked at her, and...I saw Kaylee."

She watched as his face began a swirl of sadness, regret, and pain. "I couldn't help but feel it was my fault she'd grow up without her parents. I..."

She rose to her feet, understanding on her face as she slipped her arms around his waist and pulled him to her, his going around her as his whole body shook. She felt the tears land on her shoulder as he took a deep breath. "And I felt horribly guilty my family came through in one piece and other didn't. And I was ashamed that I hadn't even considered how many had lost their own family in the fight."

"Rick..." Her voice was gentle and understanding. "I know. I know. It's not easy to accept. I feel pretty horrible myself when I realize that I didn't even think about the cost it would incur for our rescue. But we can't blame ourselves. It was Khyron, not us that caused this. You know that no matter if he took me and Kaylee or not. It still would have caused deaths. And that's something neither of us could have prevented."

Rick Hunter wept, held tightly in the arms of his wife as his guilt, relief, and anger finally were released.

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Henry frowned at Rick, Roy, Lisa, and Claudia as the four stood before him. His frown was directed mostly at Rick, who seemed to be fairing better and he sighed. "Hunter, you are lucky I was able to explain this all to Monument and the Council. They wanted to charge you with striking a superior officer and conduct unbecoming."

Rick grimaced, but nodded his head in understanding. He'd have deserved it. Roy remained silent, though there was an amused gleam in his eye as the Admiral continued speaking.

"I reminded them it was impossible to strike a superior officer when one is the same rank as the other officer."

Rick blinked in surprise. "Uh...sir? Roy is an Admiral. I'm a Captain. I'm pretty sure there is a difference in rank."

Claudia snorted and rolled her eyes while Lisa giggled into her hand. Roy just gave Rick an amused look while said man was still looking to the Admiral, confused. Gloval frowned before he tossed a small box at Rick. "You're out of uniform...General."

Rick blinked and popped open the box and saw the insignia of a Brigadier General. "But...why...?"

"Colonel Edwards left me a detailed report that analyzed every action you've taken and the effects. He was actually bluntly honest and stated he believed you earned it. Which reminds me."

He turned in his seat and looked directly at Lisa. "As you are indeed aware, we have begun construction of the SDF-3 on the Factory. I need some one to be in complete command of a fleet that will be launched to search for the RoboTech Masters. I had intended this for the commissioning ceremony of the SDF-2, however that will not be possible any longer."

She nodded her head in understanding as Henry pulled three more small boxes from his desk drawer and rose to his feet and stood before them. "Admiral Roy Fokker. For your outstanding command ability and the successful completion of your mission, I am proud to promote you to Vice Admiral. You will be moved to permanent command of the Fleet. You have shown your abilities over the past year. You will report to my office at 0730 tomorrow so we may begin the lengthy process of getting you ready to command the RDF."

Roy's jaw dropped and he just stared in surprised as Gloval removed the Rear Admiral Insignia on his collar and placed the ones of Vice Admiral in their place. "I am getting too old to run the show constantly anymore. General Maistroff and Admiral Emmerson will also be in that meeting."

Roy gaped in surprise and couldn't speak as Gloval stepped to Claudia, her own face smiling as the Admiral removed her Commander bars and placed the ones of a Captain on her. He gave her a proud smile before he stepped before a wide eyed Lisa. Henry gave her a proud smile as he pulled of the captain rank and pulled the new insignia from the box. "Lisa Hunter. I am proud to promote you to the rank of Admiral. You will be in command of the SDF-3 and the expedition fleet being constructed in orbit over the next two years. You will be our shield against the RoboTech Masters. I know you will succeed and will bring honor to us."

He pinned the admiral stars on her collar and stepped back while Rick smiled at his wife, proud and loving as Henry looked to him. "And General Hunter, you will be with her. While I hope we can do this peacefully, I fear that may not be the case. You, General, will be in over all command of all military assets assigned to the fleet while Admiral Hunter has over all fleet command. Do you have any questions?"

"Let me see if I understand this." Rick smirked and glanced at Lisa. "You're telling me that my wife is in charge of me and has full veto power on any of my decisions. Correct?"

Henry grinned and nodded while Lisa scowled at him, seeing where this was going. Roy was still in shock at his promotion but his lips twitched in a smile as Claudia just rolled her eyes as Rick continued. "How is that any different than our marriage? She already does all of that."

The room filled with laughter as Lisa glared at her husband, her eyes narrowed dangerously.

"Oh really?"

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The months passed quickly for the Humans and their allies as they began to rebuild the loses suffered to the fleet. The Oberths had taken the brunt of the loss in manpower and material but it sadly was expected with the limited amount they could do with it. The fighter wing, while suffering near forty percent losses fleet wide, was already recovering quickly Though for Rick and his friends...they'd made an intersting discovery.

"Rook! If you don't fly straight and stop messing around, I will shoot you down myself." Rick growled into the communications panel as Jack 'Rook' Baker just gave a sheepish grin.

"Sorry sir! I've always wanted to fly one of these." The younger man admitted. "It's a dream come true."

Rick sighed. He knew Lisa was laughing at him from her place at the command Center. He'd been warned by Pop and Roy that they were calling Baker a Rick 2.0. And it scared the hell out of Rick about how right they were, The sixteen year old was definitely a reminder of how Rick had been when he first started out. "I can understand that, believe me, I do. But right now, this is training. No goofing around or I'll hand you back to Bruiser for more simulator runs, got me?"

The young man gave a fearful nod and the panel clicked off replaced by the grinning face of one Colonel Max Sterling. Rick had the man promoted as his own XO and Max had joked the pay raise would help with taking care of his family. "Gee Joker, Almost reminds me of when Lisa chewed you out for your own crazy antics."

"Yeah yeah. Laugh it up Specter." Rick grumbled. "I was never that bad."

"You're right. You were worse."

Rick frowned at the center screen as Lisa appeared with a knowing look. "And at least Baker hasn't insulted me over the com."

"If he does, he will learn quickly it is a very foolish idea."

"Miriya, I really wish you had been with us when Rick did it." Lisa laughed as the flight continued over the wasteland. Miriya smirked at Rick before her eyes started to gleam in a predatory manner.

"Indeed. I have still not decided whether to shoot him down or not." Miriya drawled, her smirk still in place.

"It's a mutiny I tell you." Rick grumbled with his own small smile. "I was young and stupid then."

"And your not now?"

"Well there goes your anniversary gift." Rick smirked as Lisa rolled her eyes. "I think I'll tell Kaylee you were mean to me."

"Oh no you don't. She already yells at me if I even attempt to correct you." Lisa scowled as the others laughed. "My own daughter betrays me."

"Alright guys. As much fun as this is, we have training to finish." Rick clicked his com off before he brought up the three nuggets on his communications display. "Rook, She Hulk, and Cipher, climb to angels ten and get ready for BCM."

Baker, Penn, and Graham, who had transferred from intel to flight funnily enough, all gave acknowledgments. Rick watched the three VF-1s climb into the sky with military precision and Rick gave a ten count after seeing them level off. His grin became dark as he throttled forward and took off after them. "Fights on!"

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Rick looked to the three sulking pilots as they made their way into the briefing room and Rick gave them a smile when the three dropped into their chairs. "You three did good today. You worked as a team. Somewhat."

"We still lost to you sir." Baker muttered, his eyes downcast as his wingmen nodded their heads in agreement. Rick sighed and leaned against the podium as he spotted Roy by the door, a small smirk on his face as he listened in.

"Rook, you lost because I have much more time in these machines than you do. And yes, it was three on one." Rick stated bluntly, watching the depressed looks deepen. "But it was expected. You guys are still learning how to be combat pilots. It will take time. Despite losing, you three showed great team work and potential. But you also have glaring flaws that will get you killed."

He looked directly at Baker. "You are way too eager to rush into a fight. You are also cocky about your skills. Many pilots who act just like you don't live past the first sortie. Leave your ego on the ground."

"You, She Hulk, have a tendency to be too aggressive when you do finally attack. You over exert and leave yourself open. And you don't communicate to your wingmen as often as you should. You're too cold to them." Penn has the grace to flush at his statements.

"And Cipher..." He paused before he spoke. "You tend to go with the flow. Now, normally, in a battle, it's expected. But you are still making the small mistakes that can get you killed up there."

He watched as all three stared dejectedly at him and he smiled softly. "But, with time and practice, I know you guys can be some of the best we have. I was serious when I said you guys have great potential, we just have to work on those rough spots. Think about what I said and I'll see you three on Thursday. Dismissed."

The three grumbled and left the room, giving Roy the greeting of the day as the Vice Admiral entered the room. Rick gave him a nod. "Admiral."

"Looks like you're getting to be a pretty good at those speeches General." Roy grinned.

Rick gave a smirk. "I learned from the best."

Roy grinned and buffed his nails on his chest.

"I am pretty good at it, aren't I?"

"I was talking about my wife." Roy gave a mock hurt look before he laughed with Rick. "So what brings you here Roy?"

The Admiral gave a wide grin and a mischievous look on his face. "I have the most hilarious idea for a prank. One I know you'll find hilarious."

Rick cocked an eyebrow.

"What do you have in mind?"

-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-

Rick peeked around the corner and had to cover his mouth as Roy was bouncing around like a kid in a candy store. This was too funny to watch. He turned his head to the sound of heels and his smile faltered as Lisa was walking towards them with a questioning gaze. "What are you two doing out here?"

Rick looked to Roy who shrugged, still grinning and turned to his wife. "Pranking the bridge crew."

Her eyes narrowed and she crossed her arms over her chest.

"How?"

"By sending the Mini Lisa in there." Roy chuckled as Rick tried not to laugh at what his brother said. "She's doing a pretty good impression of you!"

Lisa's eyes narrowed before she placed her hands on her hips and a scowl crossed her face. "Of all the irresponsible and immature stunts!"

Lisa gave a frustrated growl and stormed onto the bridge after her daughter. Rick and Roy poked their heads back around the door frame as they saw her take a sleepy Kaylee from the Admiral, apologizing while Claudia spotted them and rolled her eyes. Roy grinned and grabbed Rick, both men heading away from the bridge, laughing loudly. "You think Lisa is mad?"

"Are you kidding?" Roy laughed. "Ten bucks says she asks for the camera footage to watch her self! You know she'll find it cute."

They laughed again as Roy was probably right!

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Roy let out a low whistle as he took a look over the construction bays, Breetai standing next to him. "Impressive."

Breetai nodded as his own eyes looked over the framework of the SDF-3. They could see welding teams going about as they worked to bringing the skeleton of the mighty ship into reality. "She will be the most powerful ship built by either human or Zentradi."

"Do you think we'll need them?" Roy questioned, turning his eyes to Breetai. The man gave a thoughtful hum.

"Perhaps. From what little I remember of them, the RoboTech masters are nothing more than a militaristic society." Breetai replied, hands clasped behind his back. "Perhaps at one time, they were peaceful beings. But let us not forget that my people were created first as slave labor then as warriors."

"I've been meaning to ask. Who are the Invid?" Roy frowned and turned his eyes back to the SDF-3. "You've mentioned a war between them and the Masters. How dangerous are they?"

Breetai's eyes narrowed as he spoke, his voice low and dangerous. "They are an honorless race. I do not know what started the war, but they have made sure to kill any who stand in their way. They would sooner see us dead than exist in peace as we have."

"What are they after?" Roy knew the answer to his question before he even asked it.

"The matrix." Breetai answered simply. "I do not know where or how the device functions to be perfectly honest. But I do know they would love nothing more than to gain possession of it. To them, we have no right to hold such power. And they would see us dead beneath their feet sooner than live peacefully with our two people."

Roy frowned and sighed. "It seems we are going to end up right in the middle of another war."

"I fear you may be correct my friend." Breetai agreed gravely.

-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-

Rick grinned as Kaylee smashed the cake in front of her with childish glee and shook his head. For her first birthday, she seemed to enjoy it so far. That or it was that she was allowed to make a mess. The adults watched with laughter as she licked her little hands. Around him, his family relaxed. Ben and Sarah were smirking at the sight, and Rick spotted Ben giving looks to his wife, recognizing the protective look with a smile. Admiral Gloval as deep in discussion with Roy as the blonde man was asking questions about something Rick couldn't hear while Claudia placed a hand on her swollen stomach and raised a glass towards her brother-in-law. Jean and Vince were also sitting near, Vince grinning widely while Max laughed much to little Dana's delight, Miriya chatting with Jean as the woman was in the early stages of her own pregnancy. The Trio were gushing over Dana as the small baby gurgled at them. Rico and his friends were laughing loudly at the same joke Vince had made. And standing beside Lisa, smiling widely, was Minmei as she gave a small laugh before a pointed stare was aimed at Rick. Said man made his way to his Wife and Minmei, curious. "What's so funny?"

Lisa gave him a dazzling smile as Minmei just smirked at him. "Oh Lisa was just telling me about her idea of a revenge prank on you."

Rick gave Lisa a curious look as the woman slipped into his side.

"And how will you do that Lisa?"

"That would be telling." She gave a sing song tone and Rick smirked. "Just know, it will come someday."

"Unless we have a boy who ends up looking exactly like me, I don't see how you'll be able to get back at me."

"So you do admit it was your idea." Lisa smirked.

"No! It was Roy's!"

-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-

The being frowned as he read the reports before him, the computer screen casting a soft glow in the rather dim room. They'd been surprised to receive a hyperspace report from their returning fleet. Of course, it would take them another thirteen years to finally reach the home system. Hyperspace folds were far from instantaneous. "It seems Dolza has indeed failed.

"His defeat was due to his arrogance." His duplicate remarked. "He has lost us the Matrix."

The third among them frowned. "Perhaps it is time for us to seek the matrix ourselves."

His brothers turned to him as one.

"We do not have the protocultue reserves to spare."

"And if we do nothing, we will use all that remains."

One of them frowned. "A consensus is needed. We must chose the most prudent course of action. We must reclaim the matrix,"

"The clones are failing rapidly." His brother spoke with a frown. "Zor had indeed prepared himself well. But we are close to a breakthrough. Perhaps we do not need to reclaim his fortress."

"No. We have nearly depleted all the viable clones. We must act before the Invid discover the Fortress's location."

"Will that not show our hand?" His brother challenged, the lights casting harsh shadows across his face. "They would be fools not to take note of our departure."

"And if we stay to debate, they will overrun us. We need the matrix to survive."

The middle one sighed and nodded his head. "I am in agreement. We must leave while we can. We shall wait to see what the elders say."

They sent the information to the Elders and the three waited patiently. From where they stood, they could see the three speaking in harsh whispers for near an hour until they received a response. The Brothers looked inward to the central display and the hesitant among them gave a sigh. "Then so be it. We shall depart for the human star system immediately. Ready the fleet."

-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x

Rick looked over his now one year old daughter and smiled warmly as she slept. She'd grown so much and so quickly, Rick wished time would slow down to allow him to enjoy moments like these. Tucked into his side, Lisa was silent as she looked to their daughter. "Hard to believe she's a year old now."

Rick nodded absently. "Yeah. Hard to believe it's been four years since we met."

"Mmm. It wasn't the best meeting." She smirked and Rick gave a low chuckle. "But I'm glad it did. My life changed forever when a cocky little hot head called me a sourpuss over the TacNet."

Rick turned and pulled her close to him, basking the warmth that flared in his chest as she smiled brillinatly up at him. "And mine changed the day we left Mars. The day I saw a vulnerable and pained young woman. Not some old stuck up sour puss."

"We've come a long way, haven't we." Lisa asked in a whisper, her eyes studying his. "Mars was the turning point for us, I think. Never thought I say I'm grateful we landed there."

"Yes it was. As much as I'd rather never set foot on it again, I can't help but be thankful it happened." He smiled softly at her. "It started the path we've taken and I would never change that for all the stars in the sky."

Lisa gave him a kiss before she looked back to Kaylee. "Do you think we can even make peace with the Masters?"

Rick followed her gaze and his eyes landed on his daughter.

"If we can't, I'll personally bomb them back to the stone age."

"Take me to bed Hunter." Lisa whispered.

"But..I'm not tired." She gave a laugh at his confused tone and gave him a sultry smile.

"Who said it was to sleep?"

Rick gave an answering growl and followed his wife to bed. No matter what the future held, no matter what battles he had to face, Rick Hunter would face the Great Demon himself if it meant keeping his wife and daughter safe.

A/N: Some of you may notice an Easter egg shout out to JayDog75 in this chapter. Anyway, as I said above, there is still an epilogue left to do. I really hope you guys have enjoyed this AU take on RoboTech and once more I am humbled by the responses I have received. As said, I have a rough story line idea for a sequel I just have to hammer out. And I think you guys will love the epilogue. So stay tuned, just one more time, for the final chapter of Mars, Alight!