Return to Macross
A sequel to Earth Wanderers
chapter 4
Misa walked towards the women's dorms, deep in her thoughts. She had just enough time to put on the uniform and dry her long hair. The hallways were quite crowded with officers getting off the night shift or leaving to join the morning unit.
She walked on, tightly clutching the lapels of her trench coat and keeping her eyes down to avoid meeting anyone's gaze. She headed briskly for the elevator and disappeared inside, letting out a sigh of relief as soon as she realized it was empty, then she laid her back against the wall. She was starting to feel slight aches in the most hidden parts of her body, parts she didn't even know existed, and smiled. She ran her fingertip over her lips, trying to remember the feeling of Hikaru's kiss. She was completely drawn to , a number of thoughts started to build in her heart.
If he would ask me to be together? I 'll tell him yes. Even though he's younger than me... oh, I don't care.
Misa remembered how he had loved her passionately, all night long. She felt as light as a feather in his arms.
He's already a man, by the way. I...I wonder if Claudia will be happy about this.
Misa's gaze was languorous and dreamy. She let a little sigh escape. She was already missing him so badly and prayed that the debriefieng would be short and that she could meet him soon. When she stepped out of the elevator, she was so immersed in her reverie that didn't realize a couple of people had been watching her from behind the corner.
It was Kim Kabirov and Vanessa Laird, the comm. officers on the bridge. They were Misa's good friends.
-Isn't that Lieutenant Hayase? Yes! it is!
-Sshhh!
The two young officers hid behind the wall.
-How thin she is! D'ya see?
-Oh Kim it's so obvious, she's been missing for a month on Earth!
-Look how cute she is, dressed like that! With those sneakers, lol, she looks just like a girl of her age!
When Misa exited their field of view, the girls resumed their route to the bridge for their morning shift.
-Say Vanessa, what d'you think Lieutenant Hayase was doing dressed like that at 7am?
-Maybe she was given a few days off. After all, I don't think Captain Global would ask her to get right back to work.
-So you think she was hanging out?
said Vanessa
The two young ladies shared a wicked look at each other
-Or was she coming back from a night of partying?
-Haha! what you talking about! Oni-san? She doesn't even know what it means to go out and have fun!
giggled Kim
-I think she knows!
-Did you notice that her hair was damp? I've never seen her dressed like that!
-Yes, she looked different!
-Who would have thought?!
-Wait when we tell Shammy. She' gonna be so damn jealous !
Then Kim and Vanessa's lighthearted, cheerful laughs slowly faded through the hallway walls.
Hikaru quickly made his way to the pilots' quarters. He only had time to change into his new uniform and comb his hair. He barely knew the Council members and wondered who he was going to be dealing with. He let a sharp sigh escape as he rounded the corner and then saw them:
Max Jenius and Kakizaki.
They were waiting for him in the doorway. He was close enough by now he could hear their thrilled cries.
-I told you it was him! Damn it!
said the tall,ruddy Kakizaki, while Max just smiled in his quiet, composed way.
He lifted an arm, waving him
-Ichijo-chuii!*
Hikaru speeded his walk in a flash, soon he was in front of them and they stared at each other for long moments.
The two wingmen saluted him, raising the back of their hands to their heads
-Hey!
Hikaru saluted back, then scratched the base of his neck: a small smile flitted across his lips.
-Guys...
- Welcome back Ichijo-kun!
said Max with warmth.
-I told him it was you! I said Max! Damn it, Ichijo is back on Macross! Don't know how happy I am that you're safe. How is Commander Focker?
Kakizaki's talk was innocent, but Hikaru's face turned gloomy in an instant. His mood soured, his smile disappeared and was replaced by a grimace.
-How d'you know I was back? What d' you mean, what you just... know?
he said harshly
Hayao Kakizaki stared at him in amazement.
-well I...
Max frowned and looked at both of them.
-So what?
-Oh Ichijo-chuii, Kakizaki-kun saw you, or rather he believed he saw you, this morning... downtown...
-Of course I did!
he cut him off
-I did see you on the main street about half an hour ago... and you were with Lieutenant Hayase and...
Kakizaki broke out into a giggle.
-You two became intimate during the mission, did you?
Hikaru blushed and furrowed his brows. He ran a hand through his hair and moved a few steps, looking like staggering.
-How... what... what mission? She was... well I...
-Lieutenant Hayase looked so pretty in that short dress, that's exactly what I was telling Max! What have you two been up to, was it a date or something?
-Oh stop it!
Hikaru stifled his urge to lay hands on him. His face was red and congested. Max noticed his discomfort and stretched an arm on Kakizaki's chest.
-That's enough buddy, don't you see it's none of our business! Anyway Ichijo-kun, we are so happy to have you back in the Skull Squadron!
he gave a little bow and the best of his smiles.
That sentence ended up saddening Hikaru even more. Without wanting to, he bit his lower lip hard. He wanted more than anything to confide in his friends, to make them part of his fears but he couldn't.
-Guys eh...uh, I'm really happy to see you both...but I have to go now. I have a debrifing in less than an hour with the Council and Captain Global, I'm sorry, I...
Max came to his aid again
- but sure, Lieutenant Ichijo, we'll be glad to meet you again in the Skull hangars, as soon as... as soon as...
Kakizaki was getting impatient
-So you didn't tell us how is Commander Focker! When is he coming back to us?
Hikaru's heart skipped a beat, his face lost all of its color.
-well, I...
he said sadly
The two young pilots looked at each other and then stared at Hikaru's pale face in astonishment.
-Commander Focker... sempai is... sempai is dead...
A stunned silence dropped down on them.
-Lieutenant Hayase! Good morning
Misa entered Global's office uncertainly, she was expecting to start her debriefing with the engineers in the bridge lab but she was first summoned by the Captain.
It was early in the morning but the golden light had already flooded the room, making the dark wood of the desk glow, and the UN Spacy's logo sparkle.
Global stared out the large window with arms crossed behind his back. That posture immediately reminded Misa of her father. She clenched her teeth trying to push through an immense, stabbing pain.
As if reading her mind, Global turned around.
-I deeply regret the loss of Admiral Hayase.
He coughed nervously and looked her straight in the eyes.
- I am sorry for... your father, Misa.
She gasped, and raised a hand to her forehead.
-Thank you, sir
She said dryly, trying to focus on a distant spot behind him.
-Lieutenant Hayase... you must know that I am very proud of you. You are the worthy daughter of your father.
Global's stern look softened against his will, and he walked a few steps towards her.
- And that even if the Earth is destroyed, the people on Macross are still alive**... and Macross ...will always be your home.
Misa squeezed her eyes to chase away the tears. She couldn't believe she had become so emotional. Once... once her steel temperament would have supported her against overwhelming emotions and pain but now...
-The debriefing will be long, Hayase-tai***. The engineers are meeting us downstairs.
-Aye sir!
Misa made to salute, but Global stopped her.
-One last thing, Misa.
-Yes, sir?
-Never, never go against your own beliefs.
Misa looked at him puzzled
-Sir?
-I do trust you. Have faith in yourself.
Misa didn't answer and waited for him to go on talking but he stood silent.
-You can join me in my private elevator. Thank you for your hard work, Lieutenant.
Then he turned his back at her, again. His deep blue eyes were cloudy. A flash of concern crossed his face.
Misa quietly followed him into the elevator.
Captain Global stepped inside the Lab, which was located exactly two levels down he main bridge. The room was oval in shape and spread over two floors. Several scientists and technical staff worked relentlessly at the stations on the first floor.
Soon, a young sergeant announced them and Dr. Bartlow rose briskly from her desk, twirling her ankle-length white coat. The uniform underneath was rather short and tight on her hips. She took off her square glasses showing a pair of magnetic blue eyes.
- Captain Global! Lieutenant Hayase!
she smiled, touching his forehead with one hand.
Misa noticed her nails perfectly lacquered in black.
-Hey Doctor! Captain Global and Lieutenant Hayase are here!
she smiled again
-Hayase tai...please come in.
The Dr. led the way to the Chief Engineer's office. There were no doors in the Lab and Dr. Bartlow turned on an obscuring hologram device that enclosed, like a dark blue cube, all around them. She winked at Misa
-To get some privacy!
The Chief Engineer tiredly got up from his chair, resting both palms on his knees. He lifted a limp hand in the direction of his forehead, as his colleague did before.
-Good morning Captain, Lieutenant Hayase. If you don't mind we'll just get started
he had spoken with an energy that differed from his crouching posture, his eyes too were magnetic, big and black, with large widened pupils.
Global took off his hat and let it fall to the desk.
-At ease.
Then the four of them took seats around the big table: behind Dr. Bartlow's back, a huge standby display was emitting a static noise.
The Chief Engineer pressed a button on the armrest of the chair and immediately a very young assistant crossed one of the walls carrying a small metal cart with a large box on top.
The doctor instructed him to place it on the table. Misa stood waiting for one of them to speak.
-These...
said Dr. Bartlow as she carefully clicked the lock on the box
-These are the artifacts you brought with you when you came back to Macross... of course you recognize them.
Misa's eyes widened at the sight of the jug, dishes and glasses she had found in the house, in the ancient city. The metal plate engraved with that bizarre language. The carved stick from the Island. The small necklace with the shiny spheres that Hikaru had given her.
Instinctively she reached out a hand to grab it, but then she halted it in mid-air.
A sigh escaped her lips. She raised her head and noticed that the two scientists were watching her keenly.
-Yes I...yes... I remember.
-Commander Hayase, we need you to tell us everything, anything regarding these artifacts. Where did you find them and under what circumstances. Anything you can come up with, is incredibly important.
Misa took a breath and gathered all her concentration.
-Yes
she said, nodding.
Then she started to speak.
Hikaru had been walking through the corridors that led from the dorms to the bridge in a sort of trance. From time to time he slowed his pace to greet a superior officer who crossed his path, but otherwise he kept a fast gait, his fists closed, his shoulders squared, his jaw clenched.
Soon it would be the showdown. In a way he couldn't wait to end his torment.
And, again, his thoughts went to Misa. Confused thoughts in which fear, anxiety and lust were mingled together. He was a prisoner of his own desire. He couldn't stop thinking about how much he wanted her.
He was about to be put on trial and yet he could only think of Misa's naked body in his arms, her white skin, the sound of her laughter. His heart was beating loudly in his ears and it ached. He sighed as he fixed the collar of the uniform then stepped into the empty elevator. He rested sadly against the wall, his eyes wandering in the cramped space.
Maybe is this... love?
-Third Lieutenant Ichijo!
Maistroff's voice was flat, monotone, and he made no attempt to sound cheerful. Hikaru squared in front of the desk in the Council room. The room was deserted with the exception of the Colonel, who sat in his usual spot on the right side of the Captain's chair.
Hikaru stared at the wall behind him, clicking his heels and spreading his shoulders.
-Sir! At your command!
Maistroff snorted
-At ease, at ease...
he said, placing a hand on his forehead and sitting back down on the soft chair. Hikaru stood still, in the same pose.
-So, you want to sit down or what, Lieutenant?
Hikaru gasped in surprise.
-Will it just be the two of us?
he looked around: he didn't see any bailiffs or prison guards in the room.
Maybe they'll come later to arrest me?
he thought hazily. He moved a few steps forward, unsure of what to do.
-So? As you can see, there are a lot of chairs.
Maistroff looked at him as if he was a being of lower intellect. It was no secret that he didn't have a high opinion of pilots.
-I will be handling your debriefing, with the help of Colonel Hirai: an android will record the entire conversation. Captain Global will be briefed later. Ah, it will be our burden to cross-reference Commander Hayase's testimony.
Hikaru stiffened at hearing her name: Maistroff kept talking but he'd noted his reaction.
-No need to tell you that everything that will be said in this room is strictly classified
Hikaru nodded.
-Colonel Hirai is on his way.
A fraction of a second later the door opened wide.
Hikaru jumped up like a flare, turned 360, and squared off in front of the ranking officer who was checking him out from head to toe with a wry smile.
Hirai wore his blond hair back-combed in a somewhat retro-fashion way. He wasn't wearing a hat, and he held a tablet and a bundle of papers in his hands.
The droid behind him closed the door. It was of the Analyzer type****. About one meter high, of cylindrical shape: it was made of dark gray metal and operated with a pressurized reactor system.
-Third. Lieutenant. Ichijo. Hikaru. Skull Squadron. UN Spacy. Skull 11. Good morning. I am Analyzer Hitano.
Hikaru was waiting at attention in front of Hirai, but a small smile escaped from his lips.
-At ease, Lieutenant... I'm sure my colleague, colonel Maistroff, has already informed you we are in charge of your debriefing so... Let's not waste any time?
-Yes sir!
said Hikaru in a loud voice. then he sat back down.
Maistroff ran a hand over his forehead. He pulled a cigar from his pocket and slowly swiped it between his fingers.
-Colonel Maistroff.
said Hitano in his tinny voice
-Smoking is strictly forbidden in the Council chamber below the Command bridge.
Maistroff narrowed his eyes and looked at him with hatred.
-I am well aware of that, Android Analyzer. I was only handling it.
Hirai chuckled, then his eyes focused on Hikaru again.
The young pilot looked puzzled. His palms were damp and his face very pale. The droid was handing him multiple digital sheets in which he had to put his name: the pen in his hand kept slipping like a slippery fish between his fingers.
The debrief was over.
They had been talking for two hours. The report had been interrupted for a break over a few cups of coffee, tea and mineral water. The clock, behind Maistroff's back, read ten o'clock.
Hikaru couldn't believe his ears. His heart almost stopped when he realized that no one had shown up to arrest him and that no, there would be no trial.
His shock increased as he realized that not only he would not be arrested, deprived of his ranks and expelled from the UN Spacy, but that the entire Council, in the names of Maistroff and Hirai, agreed that he was an excellent soldier, who had distinguished himself in facing the enemy, and miraculously saved his life from the Zentraedis attack.
In addition, together with his superior officer Hayase Misa, he had been involved in the discovery of an ancient alien city that had been lying in the deep sea for who knows how long, a discovery of incredible value in the study of Alien Civilizations.
This was what was written in the report, processed by the droid in real time.
Misa was right, the council would also evaluate her behavior during that month on earth and not just the Saturn incident.
Misa.
Suddenly a dark, evil thought made its way into his heart.
But she had sworn that she wouldnt say anything to protect me...
He recalled her face as he asked her to promise. She had nodded but hadn't said a word.
It can't be...
-Lieutenant Ichijo...are you among us?
Maistroff had stood up and was walking around the room, hands crossed behind his his back. He reached to a sideboard and pulled out from a drawer a small box covered with brown suede. With a rather brisk movement he twirled it in the air towards Hikaru, who caught it on the fly.
-But...
-Congratulations... First Lieutenant. Put on your stripes now, so the other officers will be able to spot them and properly salute you.
-What?
Hikaru opened the box with trembling hands. The silver stars of the UN Spacy sparkled on a small black metal plate.
-Fi...first Lieutenant?
Maistroff sounded annoyed.
-Exactly First Lieutenant Ichijo? What is not clear to you?
Hikaru was stunned. He clutched the box in his hand. As he looked alternately at Hirai, sitting next to him, to Maistroff standing to his right, and to the Hitano Analyzer who was flashing its single red eye.
-Welcome back to Skull Squadron
said Maistroff
-Your acting commander is now First Lieutenant Maximillian Sterling. Pay attention to his orders.
Hikaru widened his eyes even more.
-Uh, oh... I mean... Aye! aye sir!
Maistroff made to leave, and Hikaru thought the report was over
he stood at attention.
-Not yet, Lieutenant Ichijo.
said Hirai: his blue eyes had an ominous glow
-We have a few more things to talk about.
Misa stretched out her hands on the desk; Gina Bartlow slid the small necklace with the glowing spheres into her palms.
-Really, can I keep it?
-They're just plastic balls. Probably the inhabitants of Mayan Island***** got them when the UN Spacy took over the village. It's just a plastic necklace.
Misa clenched the small spheres in her fist and thoughtfully glanced at the doctor.
-What happened to them?
she said hesitantly.
Suddenly the Chief engineer stood up. For long moments he wiped his glasses with a yellow cloth.
-Don't worry about them... they're fine... all those men and women... they had a lucky fate compared to the rest of the people on Earth...
Misa looked at him in surprise.
-Does that mean they're alive?
-They escaped the destruction of the Earth by the Zentraedis...if that's what you're asking me.
-But ...how?
Dr Bartlow smiled warmly:
-They are fine. They are on Apollo* in the North Quadrant of the Moon.
Misa let out a small sound
-That is.
-So, that girl... Mao, is alive...
Gina Bartlow smiled again, nodding
-Mao...yes, she is.
Hikaru was in a cold sweat. Suddenly, the whole conversation with Colonel Hirai had turned almost surreal.
His questions were pressing, getting more and more ridiculous in the scope of an official debriefing.
-I made some inquiries about your history in the UN Spacy over the last six months.
Hikaru nodded in confusion.
-It appears that you, Lieutenant, have never exactly "gotten along" with your direct superior... Lieutenant Hayase.
-I, uh, I... at first...
-It seems that your discussions on the comm. have become a regular event, I mean... they were famous events, correct me if I'm wrong, eh Lieutenant? You have been reprimanded 14 times for outrage of an officer. You have also been confined in your dorm by commander Focker for disobeying Lieutenant Hayase repeatedly during a battle in the Cassini area, am I right?
-It was just ...
-You were spotted engaging in an argument with Lieutenant Hayase at the end of a music gig in town just a month ago*******. On that occasion you were in the company of your fellow officer Kakizaki Hayao... Remember?
You damn big mouth...
cursed Hikaru
-Lieutenant Ichijo? Have you got something to say?
-Well I...yes it's true, I was in the wrong. I was punished rightly. I shouldn't have acted like that with... with ...with Commander Hayase.
His heart jumped at uttering of her name, and his cheeks turned slightly pink.
Hirai noticed his embarrassment. He stood in silence for a few seconds, then he suddenly said
-Commander Hayase is a beautiful woman, isn't she?
Hikaru's eyes widened.
-Beautiful, smart, and an élite officer. A top graduate of the Military Academy. Maybe you don't know that she's the only daughter of the late Admiral Hayase...?
-I actually do know!
said Hikaru in a shrill voice.
Analyzer Hitano kept taking notes on his voice and breathing changes, classifying them as emotional shifts.
-Now...a young woman like that, and with so much responsibilities. Do you think that she should have to deal with young hotshot pilots with no knowledge of military discipline? Who, at the most, have been through a crash course in a simulator?
Hikaru didn't quite see where Hirai was going with this, yet he was starting to get some sense.
-Lieutenant Hayase is the best tactical officer Macross could ever have.
Hikaru nodded, but said nothing.
-Thank you for helping her on her mission, Lieutenant Ichijo.
At those words he became even more confused.
-Of course...
Hirai cast a mischievous glance, that glance Hikaru guessed to be typical of middle-aged men
-Of sure she can't be compared to the beauty of our Miss Macross... Lynn Minmay.
Hikaru felt a vortex going from his chest to his head, making it spin: all of a sudden he tensed and Hirai looked at him quizzically.
-Let's just say... Lynn Minmay is alive. She' s coming back to Macross. You two were romantically involved right?
Hikaru felt a blast of frost running down his spine.
-Don't be shy, your pictures were all over the ship's tabloids.
-Eh uh...I...
-Lieutenant Ichijo... what would you do if Miss Minmay will back on Macross? Well... First Lieutenant Hayase is an élite officer and a beautiful woman. I could understand that under "certain circumstances", and after everything you two have been through together...
Hikaru felt his head burst from the heat. He couldn't stand any longer that his... his... thing with Misa was being talked over in an official report: he swallowed hard. His lips were dry and his hands in sweat. Why was Hirai saying this? This was nearly much worse than a trial; he felt he was being trapped.
My thing? But how can I call it otherwise? She's certainly not my girlfriend, because we haven't talked about this yet, but...
Hirai's voice rumbled muffled like an echo inside his head.
-An elite officer like Lieutenant Hayase will never get involved with a Valkyrie pilot like you...
Hikaru took a deep breath: he clenched his fists, sticking nails into the flesh.
-Permission to speak, sir?
A drop of sweat showed on his temples.
Hirai lifted his face from the paper with a fake smile.
-Sure, Lieutenant.
-I only want to know... what you're getting at, Colonel Hirai.
-You know exactly what I'm getting at Lieutenant, don't you?
"Pilot Ichijo Hikaru understood."
Analyzer remarked
"there is no need to be more explicit (for the mental health of Colonel Hirai! could be embarrassing...") it added as a note.
The debriefing ended soon afterwards: Hikaru Ichijo was sent directly to the hangars to wear a depressurized suit and perform simulator tests. If his body would have responded excellently to the absence of gravity, he would have been able to return to pilot Valkyries as soon as possible.
Hirai was exhausted. He bumped into Maistroff who was enjoying his cigar in the hallway that linked the Council chamber with the elevators.
-Colonel! Smoking is not allowed on the bridge.
-Well technically, we are not on the bridge at all.
Maistroff grinned wryly.
-How was it with the hotshot?
-Was tiresome...
-And now the girl is waiting for us. It's going to be a lot worse. She's scarier than a demon, remember?
The two broke into a stifled giggle.
Misa and Global headed back to the bridge, taking the Captain's private elevator. On the way they exchanged their views on the Zentraedis and on what they called Protoculture.
-Originally, there was one breed that created a vast interstellar civilization, can this be? But soon their men and women have split up, and have been carrying on their war against each other for five hundred thousand years...Yes...Zentraedi and the female Meltrandi army do nothing but fight each other. All culture has been lost, and their terrible existence is filled only with thirst for battle and blood.
-I wonder if with our "culture" we may be able to stop this slaughter...
said Misa looking straight ahead.
Global nodded.
-The Zentraedi fleet would be able to destroy our ship in the blink of an eye and they haven't done it yet. Could that be the reason?
Misa said nothing.
- Hayase, Thank you for your hard work.
-What shall we do now?
The doors opened and the two of them slipped silently into the Council chamber.
-We can do nothing but wait. But we will always be ready to fight
-Aye, sir!
The doors swung open in that moment, and Hirai and Maistroff stepped inside in a daze. The droid saluted with his tinny voice:
-Captain Global! Major Hayase!
Misa gasped, turning abruptly to the machine
-Major?
Maistroff smiled and walked towards her.
-Congratulations Major Hayase.
He held out his hand, showing a small brown velvet box very similar to the one handed to Hikaru a few hours earlier.
-But I...
Global coughed to hide a giggle.
-Let's have a seat, I'll have some tea brought in. Congratulations Major Hayase!
he said.
Hirai hurried to take place next to Misa, and he turned his face in three quarters: his cold blue eyes met hers.
-I hope you had a pleasant evening last night, Major Hayase.
His voice was flat, cold, almost sinister.
Misa gasped but nothing leaked from her face: she glanced away.
-Dont know what you're talking about, Colonel Hirai.
He casually started leafing through the folders he had brought with him.
-Nothing in particular.
The job that Misa, with the two officers and the Captain were about to arrange, concerned the discover of the Alien city: part of the debate was destined to the communication that the military was going to give to the citizens of Macross. This was a message that could no longer be postponed.
Global was leaning to a TV announcement via MBC but Hirai pushed for a more entertaining format.
-People want to know the reason why we are back on Earth. They want to know why they can't land on their home planet but have been confined to the ship for over a week.
He looked at Misa for a while.
-They want to know why Lynn Minmay disappeared from Macross ...
Misa felt by a cold chill but kept a composed face.
-I don't think that it may...
she started to say, but immediately stopped
-Lynn Minmay has been taken by aliens and probably died long ago.
said Hirai as if he was talking about an outdated topic.
-But the people of Macross will be told another version. A "romantic" version, if you will.
Maistroff grimaced and Global coughed while avoiding everyone's gaze.
-We would say this: "The military was putting together a space tourism plan dedicated to civilians. A tour between Saturn's rings for example...or to Jupiter's moons. So as to cheer up the space journey and make it less grim and boring.
The first person to test the ride would obviously be the ship's sweetheart, Miss Minmay. Chaperoned by her boyfriend, the pilot Hikaru Ichijo, she went out on a Super Ostrich Valkyrie. A cat-eye shuttle with Major Hayase and Minmay's manager, Lynn Kaifun on board, would have been in charge of monitoring the route, while Lieutenant Commander Focker was the armed escort in case of an attack. A fact that unfortunately occurred".
Misa froze at Hirai's words, especially hearing the word boyfriend referred to Hikaru. Referred to Minmay and Hikaru. Yet she did not make a sound.
Maistroff nodded several times as Hirai outlined his announcement. Global just twisted his pipe between his fingers.
-That sounds like a pretty believable story to me. Verisimilar.
Hirai glanced once more at Misa
-What you think, Major Hayase?
Misa paled with disdain. Her lips were pressed in a thin line. A small dimple appeared on her left cheek.
-It... it's all a lie.
Hirai rolled his eyes at the ceiling.
-Lieutenant Ichijo is a handsome young man, isn't he?
Misa tilted her head, her eyes wide with surprise.
-I don't think I understand.
-Uh, Major Hayase. You' re a woman too, aren't you?
Global stood up and turned his back to his subordinates. Misa stared at him.
Why isn't the captain trying to help me? Why is he not saying anything?
-Lieutenant Ichijo is a nice guy, as well as an great pilot and one of the aces of Skull Squadron. I think the Macross citizens will absolutely love his romance with Miss Minmay. And they will eagerly await her return to see them together again.
Misa felt her legs shaking, her shoulders sagged as if under the pull of gravity in space. A strand of hair slipped out of her updo and crossed her face. She looked down at the cold white marble.
-It's a way to keep people busy while we arrange the serious stuff.
Maistroff let out a giggle that turned kind of tense and nervous.
-This is just pure communication
-And then...
Hirai stared again at Misa, who avoided his eyes.
-Who knows, maybe Miss Minmay is still alive and soon will come back to reunite with her pilot... and all her fans.
-That would be nice
said Maistroff faintly.
-So we're on the same page? -Hirai replied - Commander Global?
Finally Global turned his back and began to speak.
-It looks like the simpler and painless solution to me.
He looked at Misa's face, which had changed to an unreal shade of pale. Her eyes were frozen and dull, as if she were in a trance.
Global immediately realized that if there was anybody who would suffer, it would be her. He knew that the night before, Hirai had sent some of his staff to check on how Lieutenant Hayase and Pilot Ichijo were spending their night off and especially if, as they imagined, they were spending it together. He was genuinely surprised at seeing clips and pictures of Misa and Hikaru entering a love hotel and leaving the next morning. But after all, Misa was still a young woman. She had a perfect right to live and be happy, even in those hard times.
Now he could see her in pain.
Maybe it's needed -he thought- because we are soldiers first.
He too had had a wife on Earth* and now she was dead. Gone. Every cell of her pulverized during the Zentraedi attack. All he cared about now was the ship... and the war. But Misa could still live, could still love.
The captain's heart ached.
-Colonel Hirai Colonel Maistroff you are dismissed!
he said abruptly.
Hirai looked at him in surprise, but immediately got up from his chair and brought a hand to his temple.
-Analizer Hitano you may close the recordings.
Maistroff also got up wearily and everyone reached the door.
-Major Hayase, you... stay.
Misa who had got up too, let herself go limp in the chair again, in a stance so unusual in her. It was as if all her muscles had abandoned her, she felt like a floppy, empty sack.
-Just one thing Misa
said Global as he sat down in front of her.
Misa struggled to stare at him. At any moment she felt that a tide of tears would flood her eyes.
She had been officially asked to step aside, she had been requested to give up Hikaru for the good of the ship, for the good of the citizens and because this was what everyone expected from her. She was a soldier rather than a woman. She was the ice princess, she was oni-san, scarier than a demon.
What she felt was...An awful pity for herself. Yet she wanted to live, too...She wanted to love. But her duty was more important.
Global let go of the pipe on the table and unexpectedly placed her gnarled, tanned hand on Misa's pale, trembling palm.
-Hayase-tai...just one thing. The choice is yours. But whatever you choose I will respect it and I will be on your side. Always.
Misa gasped and let go of a muffled groan.
-We are understood. Never betray your soul. We are soldiers it's true, but remember? What makes us different from the titans is the power to love and be loved, what they call... Culture.
Misa raised her long eyelashes, already damp with tears.
Her green eyes sparkled and melt in the captain's blue gaze.
Was it real, Captain Global was talking about Love? Perhaps...perhaps that terrible war had just changed all of them. And forever.
-We are humans, never forget it, Hayase.
With these last words he dismissed her.
Misa left the council chamber and rushed down the hallway, almost running.
She stepped into the elevator and gave free rein to her tears. She leaned her head against the wall and let out a long, loud sob.
Hikaru... where are you...
-Congratulations first lieutenant Ichijo your performance has been excellent... tomorrow you are scheduled to join the patrol with Skull 11 at 6 am.
The droid's metallic voice still echoed in Hikaru's head like a mantra as he entered the locker room to change his clothes.
Tomorrow I'll fly again...
Although he did not want to think about it a strange uneasiness had been weighing on his heart.
Miss Minmay might be alive
Hirai had said so
Minmay... if she was still alive, yes he would be happy, so happy.
He remembered her smile when they had flown through Saturn's rings...
Minmay
Suddenly he felt like he had aged 10 years.
Misa.
He wondered if she already knows and didn't tell him.
Of course she knew, she is second in command after Global. She has a special relationship with him. Why she didn't tell me anything?
He slapped the cabinet shut and it violently slammed twice on itself making a creaking sound.
Misa...
Hikaru hurried out of the hangars, a clear purpose in mind.
Misa was lying on the bed with shoes on. She was clutching the small necklace with shiny spheres that Hikaru had given her. Tears streamed silently down her eyelashes, coating her pale cheeks and dampening her long hair. She simply couldn't stop council had required her to step aside. To forget about Hikaru. But for Misa, this was simply crazy.
Why had she become so weak? Everything was blurred before her eyes... the future had never seemed so dark. Again she got the feeling she had experienced that night during the storm inside the tent.
Why can't I just disappear? Dissolve into the eternal...
A barrage of punches against her door made her startled. Her heart nearly burst in her chest
-Lieutenant Hayase! Open up!
boom boom boom
More hits against the wood and the jamb
-Open the door Misa! Damn it!
It was him.
Misa lifted herself onto the bed ... and immediately she felt unnaturally heated: her head was spinning. She wasn't ready to meet him.
Hikaru
She rushed to the door and threw it open with an energy she didn't think she had yet. The door creaked on its hinges, shook, and slammed against the wall.
Hikaru was standing in front of her, one fist still up in the air: his brows furrowed, a thick line crossed on his forehead, his lips parted.
He saw her and winced, took a step back.
Misa was stunned, she looked at him and his gaze was frightened.
At that moment two young officers who served at the Pinpoint Barrier* crossed the hallway: their cheerful chattering stopped when they saw Misa and Hikaru facing each other in the doorway.
A giggle escaped their lips. Misa froze, while Hikaru blushed and automatically clicked his heels and saluted.
-Good morning Lieutenant Ichijo
said the blonde girl named Panapp.
-And good morning to you too, Major Hayase...
said the other female officer, Mei.
When Hikaru heard that Misa's rank had shifted, he stammered something unintelligible in response. From the corner of his eyes, he tracked the two young officers as they giggled their way: then he realized that he was still there, with a hand on his forehead, right in front of Misa.
She squeezed her eyes shut and bent her head
-How can you show up here shouting and punching my door?
she hissed through her teeth, clenching her fists.
Hikaru whitened, and took a step back.
-Uh... what...
Then he recalled the violence of his blows
-I'm sorry! I had to talk to you, I...
Misa's lips tensed
What's going on, now?
That whole day was simply a hellhole.
-At ease...
she muttered dryly as she stepped aside to let him in.
He cautiously moved in and she closed the door, then turned around: they were facing each other again.
Their eyes collided and Misa sensed he was extremely nervous. She cast her gaze down, to the far end of the room, brushed a strand of hair from her face and walked a few steps, turning her back to him.
-It's Major Hayase now...
he said with cold teasing.
Misa stared at him in dismay. Hikaru, hands in his pockets and that carefree attitude that annoyed her so much, was eyeing her from head to toe.
There was none of the gentleness of earlier morning in his gaze. When they had bid goodbye before the debriefing... Misa realized that Hikaru was unwell just because of that.
At that very thought she shuddered: and looked at him. He was eyeing around, he had never seen Misa's quarters. He took a few steps around the small room. A perfectly clean coffee table was in front of the couch. A pink paper flower sadly drifted inside an empty glass pitcher. The couch was small and plump. Hikaru could guess that it was also especially soft.
He came back to focus his blue gaze on her and his eyes were cruel.
I wonder if Hirai talked about me, if he said the same horrible things to him... if... if he talked about Minmay.
Misa sighed; that was most definitely what had occurred.
-Yes I got a raise...and...and you? she asked in confusion.
She took a few drunk steps and leaned against the wall pillar.
Hikaru gave a scornful smile.
-What is this, a trick question? he spat
Misa was startled by his cold voice. Why was he talking to her like that! Was Hikaru angry with her? but... but what had she done?
The hopelessness of just before started to paralyze her mind, her body again.
Perhaps Hikaru had been briefed like her on how to act? Perhaps he had also been the victim of an awkward interview with Colonel Hirai? Knowing him, he would just have hated it. Hikaru Ichijo didn't like being told what to do.
-Can I sit down? It looks comfy.
he said coldly, and not waiting for an answer he let himself fall on the couch, crossed his legs and ran a hand through his hair defiantly.
Misa was still in the middle of the room waiting, her arms dropped along her sides.
-Of course... I...
she answered hesitantly
-You want something to drink?
Suddenly she started hustling on the sideboard pulling out glasses with trembling hands and making a loud racket.
-I got my grade raised too, you know...
Misa sighed in relief but didn't turn back. She she stood still, barely breathing, as he spoke.
-I'm a First Lieutenant now. Can you believe it?
the sound of his voice had increased. She heard his footsteps pacing behind her.
-Been reassigned to Skull squadron. It's amazing, isn't it? As if nothing had happened. Tomorrow I'll be on patrol
Now his presence felt so close.
Hikaru brushed a lock of hair from Misa's neck and slowly, very slowly muttered in her ear
-You happy for me? Misa...?
She shuddered from head to toe, but did not move, both hands desperately squeezing the glasses. Blood pumped wildly in her wrists.
She achingly felt his presence, so close.
Then she let go of the glasses and turned her head. Their eyes collided and Misa blushed to the top of her hair. She could feel his breath on her own face.
-Are you... happy?
Hikaru wasn't getting that sass scowl off of his face
Misa frowned and with a snap she tried to past him but he grabbed her firmly by the shoulders, pulling her even closer to his body.
His blue eyes were two stormy oceans.
Misa flinched and shook her shoulders and hair
-Let go of me!
-You didn't answer me Misa, tell me if you're happy for me!
She stared at him, outraged, trying to decipher his strange behavior.
-Let go of me, I said!
Misa glanced at the knuckles of his hands. His grip on her frail shoulders was like steel.
-Hikaru... you're hurting me!
she cried, but he squeezed even harder.
-You told them, didn't you?
he said coldly, his eyes wanting to pierce her.
Misa was startled.
-What ... I...I don't..
-Just say it!
This time he was the one who cried . His face was upset, but more than anger he showed a nameless despair
-You... it was you, wasn't it?
-Me?... what?
Misa struggled to free herself and, pointing both palms on his chest, pushed him away.
She took a few steps into the room, as if staggering.
Then ran a hand over her hair several times as if to calm down, and stared at him but... his eyes were still on fire
-Misa! You promised me you wouldn't do that! You wouldn't say anything!
She understood, at that very moment: her eyes widened,first with surprise, then with outrage and anger. That's what he was about. He thought his being promoted was because of her. That she'd talked to Global to spare him the punishment he thought he deserved, he'd...
-How can you even think that!?
she brought her hands to her mouth, trying desperately not to cry.
-I know you did! They gave me a medal! They told me I helped you on the mission! Misa!
How could he think something like that...if he only knew...if he only knew the truth...
-I didn't do a thing! I didn't say a thing...how can you think that! How can you have so little faith in me... after all we've been through!
Misa was disappointed and angry, Hikaru was upset: they faced each other once more, as on the Comm. both seething with anger and prey to their impulsiveness, adversaries again, as they used to.
Hikaru felt the electricity running through their bodies and wanted to grab her again and shake her and force her to surrender and Misa wanted to slap him with all the strength she had and run away, but... they both didn't make a move.
For a moment there was silence, then he spoke.
-Hirai Colonel Hirai, that jerk, I...
he said scornfully
- He told me that ...
-How could you think I would talk about you! I didn't say anything! I didn't speak... I had promised you ...
Misa's eyes started to freeze. Her eyesight became blurry. She immediately remembered how Hirai had "advised" her to step aside. She wanted to tell him, but she was afraid. Afraid that Hikaru, at the end of the day, would agree with that...
Hikaru stepped toward her but Misa pulled back. He moved forward and she moved in reverse.
Soon she found herself once again trapped against the wall and his body.
She placed both hands on his chest to stop him from coming any closer.
-Stop it please... I didn't say anything!
By now her tears were streaming relentlessly down her cheeks. The hopelessness of moments before had spread over and drained all her strenght
-If you don't believe me ask Hirai, call Maistroff! I barely finished talking to them!
She hid her face in her hands, and started sobbing quietly.
Hikaru stared at her in astonishment, then his frown gave way to a grimace of both sorrow and remorse.
-You mean...
Misa lifted her face towards him, trying to gather all the dignity she could...
-At what time did you meet them?
she said with a cracked voice.
Hikaru shuddered and took a step back.
-I... this morning at 8... 8am...
He felt a cold chill when a mask of ice replaced Misa's features: he felt a chasm opening between them.
She slowly brushed a strand of hair behind her shoulder.
Her voice was flat and impersonal
-You got your promotion several hours before my meeting with them. You see, I only met Hirai at noon.
Hikaru swallowed thickly.
-How could I possibly intercede for you on something they had obviously already decided?
-Misa I... I just thought that...
-What!?
She took a random few steps into the room
_What?! -her voice grew a tone higher. Do you have so little trust in me?
Misa leaned against the doorframe resting both hands on the smooth, cool surface. Her hair swirled in the heavy air and settled along her shoulders.
-Misa I'm sorry...
He felt dumb. After everything that had been, yes, once again he had doubted her, offended her, hurt her. Misa, the person who was now so precious to him than anything, was crying again, because of him. How could he be such a fool?
Hikaru closed the distance between them and took her by the arms firmly, but this time gently. He shook her forcing her to face him, but Misa didn't react and avoided his gaze.
-Listen to me Misa, I was wrong ...I thought that... oh damn I was furious when, when they told me...
she was staring at the floor
-Misa look at me!
-I... I didn't think I deserved anything, they told me that not only I wouldn't be tried but that I would get a promotion, I... I lost my mind when they told me that Minmay... that Minmay might... be still alive...
That name hit her like a slap in the face.
How...how could it be? Hikaru...they told him that Minmay was alive!
That Minmay...
Hikaru went on talking but she could no longer catch the words. Just a big hole was opening in her heart.
...Minmay might be still alive...
The echo of Hikaru's voice rumbled muffled in her ears like a magic spell, like a hypnotic mantra. Misa felt her strenght leaving her. Maybe he still loved her... maybe... Hirai was right, there was no place for her in his world, it was better to get away...
-Stop it!
She pushed him off and firmly grabbed the knob of the door.
-I don't want to hear anything! Nothing! Now ... you have to leave!
Hikaru couldn't believe his ears
-But ... let me explain ... I ...
-Get out! Leave me alone!
-Misa wait... let's talk...
-Don't want to talk! Don't want to talk to you!
In a rush she opened the door making it shake again on its hinges.
-Get out!
Hikaru looked at her in confusion, bewildered. Misa's eyes flashed with pure hatred. Or that' s what he assumed.
she raised an arm, pointing to the empty, clean hallway in front of them.
-You must leave.
Her eyes were vacant, like those of a ghost. Hikaru felt that that emptiness would have swallowed him.
-Ok, I got it...
he took a step forward, leaving the battlefield. He spread his arms and sadly crossed the doorway...tried to cast a glance at her but saw that she was instead looking blankly a spot on the wall
-Goodbye, Major Hayase
This angered her even more
-Ooooh! Save it!
she shouted grabbing the knob.
The door slammed violently in front of Hikaru's face. His hair flew up over his forehead as the air shifted.
Misa let her back against the door and slowly slid down sitting on the floor, hands in her lap.
On the other side, Hikaru rested the back of his head on the door and breathed noisily. He couldn't believe what had just happened.
How could I have been so stupid? I didn't trust her I...
-Misa, forgive me...
he muttered on the wood.
He was about to knock again when the deafening sound of the DEFCON2 alert made him startle.
the voice from the bridge echoed in all quarters, simultaneously
Attention red alert! Macross crew. Report to your stations
We are under attack. This is not a drill.
Attention red alert!
to all Macross crew, Repeat: report to your stations and take positions for maximum impact
We are under attack!
Hikaru listened to the speech and gasped. Then, as fast as his legs would let him, he rushed towards the hangars.
Misa, in an attempt to get up, tripped and fell back to the floor.
To all Macross crew, I repeat, report to your stations and take positions for maximum impact.
We are under attack!
The alarm punched her ears.
We are under attack... on Earth... they are back...
She stood up and with trembling hands opened the door: the hallway was crowded with female officers hurrying to the bridges and hangars, but Hikaru... he was gone.
Misa took a deep breath and tried to keep calm as she joined the flow of people getting ready to the battle. As she entered the elevator she brought a hand to her neck, and touched the small shiny spheres he had given her.
Hikaru... please be safe
Hikaru burst into the hangars. The techs had already packed Skull 11. After so much running, his legs were numb and he had trouble keeping his balance.
"Hikaru you're an idiot!" Focker's voice echoed in his head as he climbed the Valkyrie.
"It's great that you're doing better with women these days, but that doesn't mean you can overlook your training. If your reflexes are slow, you'll be dead before you can even blink. You didn't notice because you fell in love for the first time in your life... but now, right now, your decisions and judgment will mean life or death."
In the Valkyrie next to his, Max Jenius, the ace pilot, was swaying listening to a romantic love song as he checked the gauges on his fighter. Wearing his glasses and a slight smile on his face, as usual, he looked calm and peaceful.
-Ichijo-chuii, there you are!
he said with an amiable smile.
-Looks like they finally found us!
Hikaru nodded while a drop of sweat ran down his spine.
Misa's voice came over the intercom.
-Skull, prepare to launch! Commander Jenius, please proceed in formation!
On hearing her voice, Hikaru immediately turned on the comm of his fighter and Misa's face, still flushed from the tears of moments before, appeared on the screen.
-Roger, Delta 1! Did you hear that, guys?
Max's voice was cold but soothing
-Skull squadron ready for launch!
Misa, diligent as ever, started to give the coordinates, ignoring Hikaru who kept an open line with the bridge.
Poor guys, I'm so out of practice I can barely fly straight, and they'll cover me.
He thought of Max who was always there to support him and felt in safe hands, but still he started to feel bad: just like Roy said, he could die at any time...
Misa. He would have died without getting her forgiveness, but now... there was no time for thinking.
-Valkyrie Skull 11, Hikaru Ichijo. Launch!
He tightly gripped the control stick, and pulled it back.
The catapult speeded him forward, in an instant, his Valkyrie was flying free. He flew outside into the Earth's sky.
-Enemy ship detected. They just folded on the sea surface area 27. Apparently they're Meltrandies, an all women troop.
Misa's face showed up again on the comm as the three pilots plowed the skin of the water around the island.
-An all women army?
Kakizaki popped up on the Skull's private screen and burst out laughing.
-I'd like to check them out a little closer!
Max also smiled
-Although I hear the girls are giants too. You wouldn't be able to mess with them... well we can downsize them with Zentraedi technology... I would love to hook up with a cute alien girl!
The two boys started giggling and Hikaru frowned. He was the only one who had had a chance to see the female giants and they didn't seem either friendly or even "cute".
-Don't understimate them just because they are women! They are just as though as the Zentraedi... if not worse!
-Hey Ichijo-kun what's the matter... all of sudden you seem scared!
said Max mischievously
Kakizaki started laughing
-Commander Max is right! Maybe it's because now you are in love!?
Hikaru scowled and was about to retort an insult when an explosion clouded his canopy, causing his fighter to swerve. When his eyes adjusted to the blinding light he could see that his friend's mecha had been hit and was sinking ingloriously in the water.
-Kakizaki! Noooooooooo!
the Queadluun-Rau Battle Suits had surrounded them: within a few seconds the Skull Squadron was losing several units
As he switched to battloid mode Max contacted Hikaru privately
-Ichijo! You take the lead! I will play bait!
-No! Max! Wait!
But there was no time to talk: the blue custom Valkyrie had already disappeared beyond the clouds and a red-armored Queadluun was ruthlessly chasing it.
Hikaru reached out to the bridge.
-Skull 11 to Delta 1!
Misa opened the comm
-Lieutenant Ichijo!
she said quite alarmed
-From this time on, I take the lead of the Skull Squadron.
His face was so tense and his gaze was so resolute that Misa winced, and for a moment couldn't speak, but soon she realized that something had gone wrong and Hikaru was trying to fix it. There was no time to argue.
-Proceed Lieutenant.
her voice betrayed a strong emotion.
-And come back safe...
Hikaru nodded, he stared at her intensely
Their eyes met and with no words they said they were a team, again. Without speaking they said that they were lovers and they were partners and they were warriors, together, in that war.
Misa clenched her knuckles tightly on the console
Come back safe Hikaru... come back to me...
The battle raged for long, endless hours above the rooftops of the alien city. Misa held back a curse as she tried to track the Valkyries that swept like rockets through the water and the thick rain-laden clouds. She tightened her jaw. A small dimple appeared on her cheek.
-Captain! Shammy cried suddenly
-Mhe mother ship is preparing for a space jump!
-Confirmed!
replied Vanessa
-A folding operation is starting in 4 minutes!
Global got up from his control chair and walked over Claudia's display.
-Lieutenant La Salle?
-all Armors suites are heading back to the mother ship!
-What the hell!?
-Sir! it looks like they're running away!
said Kim.
All the bridge crew was in panic, they waited for a response from Global. Misa glanced at him quizzically: the old seaman gave her back a look and hesitated a while: then he shouted
-Major Hayase! Call in all Valkyries!
-Aye Sir!
Misa immediately contacted the leaders of the squadrons.
Attention Valkyries, team Angel, Purple, Skull, Apollo, retreat! I repeat Angel, Purple, Skull, Apollo do you copy?
Hikaru's face showed up on the big display and for a moment some life came back into Misa's body.
-Skull Leader to Delta 1, I read you!
-Skull Leader give me your coordinates! Immediately!
Hikaru smiled sadly
-Major Hayase... I failed!
-Lieutenant Ichijo, what you talking about? Return to ARMD-02 right now!
Hikaru didn't answer and for an instant stayed motionless then looked again into his superior officer's eyes and murmured
-Kakizaki is dead... Max is... gone, Major Hayase, I've lost him...
Misa let go a despairing sound. Everyone on the bridge silenced and stared at her
She couldn't speak, her throat was dry. She swallowed hard.
-But... but the people on Macross... are still alive...
she said with dispair, unconsciously repeating Global's words from earlier that morning
Hikaru switched off the comm with the bridge. His line made a static sound.
Misa raised a hand to her forehead, she was in a cold sweat. She could feel her tears rising over her eyes...
What I said.. why...?
Claudia laid gently a hand on her shoulder
-Misa...
she murmured
-Pilots are coming back...
Misa looked at her in despair
-Yes, yes, you're right...
She reached out to the Valkyries again, but Global's voice startled her.
-Lieutenant Milliome replace Major Hayase for the flight home. Major Hayase you are dismissed. Go rest in your quarters. The battle has been hard.
Misa's shoulders trembled in surprise.
-Yes...yes, sir.
As she left the bridge she felt all eyes on her. Yes she did feel ashamed, Global had figured it all out. But she didn't question him, he was right.
Once outside, she ran through the corridors, every now and then leaning against the walls to catch some breath.
She ran to the hangars, she ran to ARMD-02.
Hikaru...
As she stepped out onto the large open-air aircraft carrier, a gust of hot, fuel-burning wind swept over her, swaying her hair and almost scorching her eyes.
Pilots were disembarking from fighter jets, some of which still on fire. The smell of both metal and heating oil was intoxicating. Technicians rushed to the rescue of the units with fire extinguishers and thermal blankets. The turmoil was huge and in all the hustle and bustle of people, Misa tried desperately to catch sight of Hikaru, but his fighter was empty.
She ran at full speed up two floors of stairs and was in the airstrip in no time. The technicians and pilots greeted her with embarrassment.
-Chief, I'm looking for Lieutenant Ichijo
she said without much preamble
-Aye, Aye madam!
replied the mechanic awkwardly
-Lieutenant Ichijo... he left, like lightning!
-He was...
Misa felt her heart pounding
-He was pretty upset...
-I would say pissed off!
said another techie pointing at Ichijo's helmet lying on the floor.
Misa looked at the helmet and then at both men again, unsure of how to reply.
All she knew was that she had to get out of there.
The moments were eternal.
Please God, please let him be there.
Misa ran like a flash to the elevators and then back into the males' dorms. At the reception desk, the sergeant greeted her with concern.
-Give me Lieutenant Ichijo's room, Skull Squadron!
yelled Misa from the opposite side of the desk.
The young officer turned pale: Misa was distraught. Her long, messy hair flowed down her shoulders like a cloak. Her eyes were wild. Her white uniform was smudged with soot.
-Room 125 ma'am!
She could do it, she had to do as he did. Because he was the man okay, but she was a woman. She was just as worth as him
Misa raised her small fist in the air and remained motionless. She seemed to have second thoughts, but soon she began to knock furiously against the metal door.
boom Boom boom
-Please, please... open up..
she mouthed
Please...
The footsteps grew closer.
Maybe he won't answer but what if he does? I have to tell him that I love him.
In that very moment Misa finally realized what she had been feeling all that time.
She blushed and felt her heart explode in her chest. Yes, she loved him. Then the lock clicked. He was standing in front of her, still in his flight suit. His eyes were red; he had been crying.
-Misa.
he whispered in a low voice
She stared at him, unable to speak: she had just realized that she loved him. She was so scared.
-I...
He looked at her questioningly, then stepped aside to let her in. The door closed behind her back.
Hikaru took a few steps toward the window. He unzipped his flight suit and unfastened the first buttons of his shirt. His hair was drenched in sweat. The knuckles of both hands were stained with blood.
Misa looked at them and realized he had punched the first brick wall.
He looked absently out the window
-I lost them as well, my wings... Kakizaki is dead and Max... Max has just been declared MIA. Nothing matters anymore...
his voice cracked.
-Hikaru...
She reached for him and took both his hands: she caressed them with care.
-You shouldn't have done that...
He smiled scornfully and tried to pull back but she held him. He stifled a grunt of pain, but his gaze softened.
The sun began to set over the alien city: bright ray of lights covered their young faces, undone by exhaustion and pain. Still they held hands.
-You're not really in the best shape
he said, gazing at her with affection.
-You've had better days too
she replied with a small smile.
He sighed.
Misa started to sob
-I was so afraid of losing you... I was so a scared of losing you... Hikaru
He closed his eyes and took a long, painful breath.
-Misa... Misa I'm sorry. I'm sorry and I know we promised not to say that word again but I... I feel like I failed again. That I let you down...
She shook her head several times.
-Don't Hikaru...don't think that. You were brave. You saved all your Skull comrades, and that's what's most important. I just wonder... I wonder how much longer this will last.
-How much time you have?
-Don't know. But I'm here now, I'm not going anywhere.
He smiled
-I could sleep, then.
He laid down on the bed, and threw both boots in the middle of the room.
Misa watched him as he sank down into the pillows. She ran a hand over his forehead as she had that morning. His hair was damp and sticking.
-You not going to stand there staring at me, uh?
said Hikaru
-come here...
He dragged her onto the bed and wrapped his arms around her. She breathed in his scent mixed with fuel and the silicone smell of his spacesuit.
Hikaru passed a hand around her waist and their eyes met: he put his forehead on hers and brushed his lips over her nose.
-You know, we should stop making up in this tragic drama-way.
She giggled
-Look who's talking... you have made a drama-worthy mess all day.
-I am an idiot indeed.
Suddenly he had enough of teasing and wrapped his palm around her cheek, softly.
Their lips melted tenderly together. Just the feeling of each other's warmth filled them with joy. In spite of the pain of that battle that had once again ravaged the planet Earth, they found solace in their little world. Soon Hikaru fell into a peaceful sleep as he clung to her neck.
Misa kept watching his sleep until the sun set on the horizon and the moonlight flooded the small pilot's room with a soft silver hue.
The silence wwas broken by the sound of the waves crashing on the shore. She was rocked by that rhythm and then, just as she was about to fall asleep, she started to hear a melody.
It was like a humming closing in, a meaningless chant, a hypnotic litany, but it wasn't music given by an instrument, it was a human voice, singing. It seemed to Misa that it was coming with a rumble, a rumble similar to the storm.
-But...this is music...
she muttered unconsciously as she fell asleep
-This voice...is it possible? ...Minmay?
to be continued
Hello everyone! After a month or so of delay I'm back! I apologize for the wait and hope you'll like this 4th chapter, its a little bit longer than usual, lol!
Thank you all for the lovely reviews, I can't wait to read more from you guys. I hope you will enjoy this story as much as I do.
Love Mao
edit 21/07
Hello! I'm really sorry about the poor upload of yesterday, it's as if the text was posted twice, and also the previous draft version got mixed with the latest one. I don't know why this occurred maybe was bc (for the first time) I posted with my iPhone and not from a laptop. Anyway it should be fixed!
I apologize again, and my special thanks goes to Misa Ichijyo who sent me a pm to alert me! Thank you 3!
send Lov, Mao
notes
*Chuii- Lieutenant in japanese
** Misa says these lines to Hikaru in SDF Macross series, episode 19, Burst Point.
*** Tai- Commander in japanese
**** this is a little tribute to the anime series Yamato/ Starblazer. Analyzer is the deck droid of the space battleship :)))
***** see chapter 2 of my other fic, Earth Wanderers
****** in official Macross time line Apollo Base is one of the first outposts of the Un Spacy
******* this scene occurs in the first chapter of Sukehiro Tomita's DYRL novel (1984)
******** Miho was Global's very young wife. He met her through the Hayase family. The story of his marriage is told in the book Misa Hayase - White Reminescenses by Hiroshi Onogi (1984)
********* in SDF Macross series Mei and Panapp (together with Pocky) are the officers team that control the PinPoint Barrier