Disclaimer ROBOTECH is a trademark owned and licensed by Harmony Gold U.S.A., Inc. This fan fiction was written for entertainment purposes only. No infringement is intended.

Note: For my story purposes, Roy Fokker is alive. This story is kind of AU. It does not follow strictly the Robotech storyline.

Chapter VII

Minmei had insisted on staying in New Macross City since the night Roy told her Rick had a girlfriend. She had convinced Kyle by complaining that she felt tired, and he had agreed that she looked a bit pale. Aunt Lena and Uncle Max couldn't be any happier to have them in town.

How could he change me for her? She asked herself as she wiped the tables. He changed me for that old sourpuss.

Sourpuss or not, Lisa was obviously Rick's girlfriend. Minmei had seen them around town, holding hands, gazing at each other the way lovers did. The look in Rick's eyes was unmistakably full of adoration. They looked cute, she had to admit. They seemed to be made for each other, both young, both dressed in uniforms, both soldiers.

"Isn't that your flyboy?" asked Kyle mockingly. He pointed at a couple walking across the street from the restaurant.

Minmei glared at him before turning her gaze towards the window. She felt a sting in her heart as Rick leaned into Lisa and kissed her full on the lips.

"Bet he never kissed you like that," said Kyle with venom. What am I doing?

"You wouldn't want to know," replied Minmei holding her tears back.

"Wow, they can really hold their breath!" said Kyle. "They should probably be divers."

"Shut up!" Minmei walked towards him and threw the rag in her hands to his face. "I'm leaving!"

"Where are you going?" he asked holding her arm.

"Let me go!" She pulled away from him. "I want to get as far away from you as possible!"

"Minmei, wait!"

With a sob, Minmei ran up the stairs towards her room. Kyle let out a frustrated sigh and slammed his fist on the counter.

Why Minmei? Why am I never enough for you?

It was painful. It hurt him so much to know that Minmei carried a torch for that soldier.

I love you so much, Minmei…but do you love me?

He felt second best and he really hated that feeling. All his life he had strived to be number one: number one in school, at sports, at everything he tried, and he had succeeded…except when it came to Minmei.

He lavished her with attention and affection, eventually working his way into her heart…or so he thought. Reality was that no matter how many times they shared her bed, he could never reach the depths of her soul.

He hated Rick. Not only was he a soldier, he was the man Minmei kept running to. Kyle had also seen him and Lisa together around town, and he was ecstatic! Minmei was going to be forced to stay away and he wanted her to realize it—that's why he was making all those nasty comments. However, it seemed that she wasn't giving up…he had heard her calling him, leaving messages on his answering machine, even attempting to enter the military base, but having her entrance denied. Minmei wanted Rick back, it was obvious.

Where does that leave me, Minmei? Where does that leave my heart? Aghast, Kyle felt tears slide down his cheek…it had been years since he had cried.


Miriya Sterling looked at her husband with amusement. Max was standing on his head.

"What are you doing, Maximillian?"

"Trying to keep our baby entertained," he replied before sticking his tongue out at Dana.

The baby giggled whole-heartedly, her little hands coming together in a clasp.

"I love that sound," said Miriya.

"Baby giggles?" Max tuned over and sat on the floor. He pulled the stroller close to him to take Dana into his arms. The baby joyfully took fistfuls of blue hair in her hands. "Ouch!" he complained.

"I wish I could keep them in a bottle," said Miriya. She sat close to him before placing her head on his lap.

"You want to bottle baby giggles?" Max lowered his gaze towards the green-haired beauty.

"I want to keep them forever in here," she said pointing at her heart. "I'm afraid of not hearing them ever again…I'm afraid I'll forget."

"Miriya," he said caressing her cheek. "That won't happen."

"How can you be so sure? There are so many things I can't remember, Maximillian," she said sadly. "I don't remember ever laughing, I don't even remember when my life started, and…"

"And?" asked Max, encouraging her to talk.

"I'm starting to forget my people…the taste of our rations…" Miriya sat up.

"You said they were tasteless…" said Max, while placing Dana on his lap.

"Exactly! I don't remember what "nothing" tastes like. My senses are overwhelmed by everything I've experimented on Earth," said Miriya, her voice breaking.

"Are you having regrets, Mir?" Max looked at her sadly. "Do you want to go home?"

"Sometimes…" she admitted guiltily. "Things were so simple when I was a Quadrono. Fight, fight, fight, that's all that mattered, that's all I knew. I feel so out of place sometimes."

"I'm so sorry, Miriya," said Max passing an arm around her shoulders. "What can I do?"

"You've done so much already." She softly kissed Max on the lips. "You've shown me so much."

"Maybe too much," he replied sadly.

"I don't have any regrets about us, my love," said Miriya looking into his eyes. "My time with you has been wonderful…it's just…I'm so confused!"

"It's ok, Miriya. I just want you to know that I will always be here for you."

"Would you mind if I taught Dana to speak Zentraedi?" She looked at him full of hope.

"Of course not! Dana needs to learn about you and your culture."

"About a war culture?" She looked at him, unconvinced.

"It's part of who you are, Miriya. She needs to know. I'm sure Exedore and Breetai…even Bron or Rico can help you."

"I hadn't thought about that," said Miriya looking at him. "I love you so much, Max."

"And I love you, Miriya Parino, leader of the Quadronos."

Max's lips searched for hers tenderly. Miriya pressed her lips against his, her heart beating rapidly, emotions overwhelming her. She started to cry as they kissed, tears falling over little Dana.

Mama, don't cry…

Miriya opened her eyes, only to find Max staring at her.

"What did you say, Miriya?" He looked at her full of surprise.

"I didn't say anything."

"Then…who…?" Max lowered his eyes towards Dana. The baby was smiling at her parents.

Me, papa…

Max shook his head in disbelief as Miriya smiled.

"Do you believe me now, Maximillian? I told you she was special."

"I can't believe it!" Max took off his glasses and cleaned his lenses, nervously.

"Show papa what you can do, darling," said Miriya coaxing her daughter.

Papa scare…

He was. It was too weird. Dana was cooing, but he could hear her voice…somehow.

"It's getting dark, Dana," said Miriya looking at her daughter lovingly. "Why don't you turn on the lights?"

One moment the room was dark, the next it was fully illuminated. Miriya clapped happily as Max stared at his daughter.

"Isn't she wonderful?" asked Miriya full of glee.

"She is amazing!"

"We have to see other babies and compare what Dana is doing. I read that parents need to monitor their child's development."

Sure! Let's cause a riot, why don't we? Max looked at his wife.

"Miriya, human babies don't do these things."

"Really? Then, our daughter is special!" she said enthusiastically.

"Very special!" She's half-Human, half-Zentraedi, after all.

Max sighed as Miriya took the baby from his arms. He looked at his wife play with Dana, tickling her and blowing bubbles on her tummy.

Lang would love to hear about this, he thought sullenly. He wasn't going to allow it, at least not in excess. Dana needed to grow up in a healthy environment, and not prodded by scientists. He wasn't going to allow anyone to hurt her…to hurt them and their child.

"I love you Miriya." He turned his gaze towards his partner, the love of his life and kissed her on the cheek.

Dana cooed again, her arms outstretched to her father. Max took the baby in his arms and kissed her forehead. "And, I love you, my precious Dana."

I love you…daddy…


It was a rainy day. Thick fog covered the area, forcing the pilots to fly higher than they normally did.

"Captain Hayes calling Vermillion leader, do you copy?"

"Loud and clear, Captain." His smiling face appeared before her over the net.

"Please activate your scrambler," she asked him.

"Done!" He winked at her. "Is this a private matter?"

"Of course!" Lisa smiled at him.

"I can't believe it! Captain Hayes using the com net for personal use. Shame on you!"

Lisa winked at him. "I was wondering if you wanted to stop by my place tonight, Rick. I could cook something."

"I would love that, Lisa, but I can't. I'm covering for Max tonight."

"Oh darn!" Lisa looked at him disappointed.

"How about tomorrow?" He smiled at her. "It's my day off…"

"Sounds like a plan, Commander." Her eyes twinkled. "Let's just hope it's a better day than today."

"Still raining down there, huh?"

"It's pouring! You're so lucky to be up there."

"We actually are. It's beautiful up here. You know?" He snapped his fingers. "You should fly with me one of these days!"

"How about tomorrow?"

"Great idea! I can't wait! And I can't wait to kiss you again," he whispered.

Lisa turned beet red as he laughed.

"I'll pick you up tomorrow at eleven in the morning, okay?"

"I'll see you tomorrow."

"Stay dry, baby. I love you."

"Be careful. Godspeed." Lisa blew him a kiss before signing off.

"Awww!"

Lisa turned around and looked up the bridge, only to find the terrible trio spying from the control deck. The three girls scrambled to their positions when they realized they were caught.

I guess there's no privacy when you're family, thought Lisa shrugging her shoulders.

"What's the matter?" asked Claudia noticing her gesture.

"The girls were spying on me," said Lisa. "Can't they do anything else?"

"Give them a break, Lisa. After all, the poor girls are dating those three Zentraedi defectors. Can you imagine what they must be going through? If we have problems with men, imagine theirs."

"Actually, I think they have the upper hand. Think about it Claudia. They get to train their men and make them everything they want."

"I guess you're right," said Claudia nodding. "They do have an advantage we don't."

"Then again, how much fun would we have if everything were so easy?" Lisa walked towards the coat rack.

"Maybe…" said Claudia, unconvinced. "Where are you headed to, Lisa?"

"Home. Rick has a double shift and it's raining…"

"Are you a cat?" asked Claudia raising her brow. "Why don't we have a girl's night out? Let's have dinner and watch a movie. We haven't done that in a while."

"Not a bad idea," said Lisa smiling. "It's been a while since we've been out together."

"Tonight is perfect. Rick's on a double and Roy had to fly to New Portland for a seminar, so we can keep each other company."

"Let's go, buddy," said Lisa linking her arm in Claudia's.


Night had fallen over New Macross City when Rick landed his veritech.

"Fill'er up," said Rick to the technician as he opened his canopy. "Got a double tonight."

"Rick, what are you doing here?"

Commander Hunter lowered his gaze to look at his friend.

"What are you doing here?" He looked at Max curiously. "Ain't I supposed to cover for you?"

"Didn't you get my message this morning? I left one in your inbox and one in your voicemail." Max looked embarrassed.

"Forgot to check them," said Rick jumping from the cockpit to the ground. "I guess you don't need me to cover for you," he said looking at Max dressed in full uniform.

"I'm so sorry, Rick. Miriya and I got one of the bunnies--"

"Max!"

"Sorry, sorry! I know…Lisa will have me court martialed if she hears me."

"Trust me, she will," said Rick smiling.

"Vanessa agreed to take care of Dana while Mir and I patrolled--that way we'll have the whole weekend off." Max grinned mischievously.

"I guess I'm going home," said Rick taking off his helmet.

"Did I ruin any plans for you?"

"Don't worry about it," said Rick running towards the bridge. "I'll see you tomorrow."

Catching his breath, he entered the pilot's lounge and walked towards the phone.

"This is Kim." Rick heard her voice through the receiver.

"This is Rick, is Lisa still there?"

"Well, hello Commander Hunter, how are you?"

Rick smiled to himself. The girls had become increasingly nice to him since he started dating Lisa.

"I'm fine, thank you. Is Lisa around?"

"Sorry, Commander. She left a couple of hours ago."

"Darn!"

"Is something wrong, sir?" He could hear concern in her voice.

"Just had some change in plans. If you see her, let her know I called, okay?"

"Yes, Commander Hunter."

"Good night, Kim."

"Good night, flyboy…mua!" The dialing tone came across the line.

Did she just blow me a kiss? Rick asked himself as he looked at the receiver, perplexed.


Rick was lying on his sofa, an annoyed look on his face.

I wonder where she is.

He called her at home – nothing! He called her at Claudia's – nothing! Outside a storm was brewing, lightening flashing.

I miss her…

The doorbell rang making him raise his head.

Maybe she got my message, he thought excitedly as he ran to the door.


Claudia and Lisa walked out of the restaurant, their steps a bit wobbly.

"Guess we missed the movie," said Claudia looking at her watch.

"Yep!" Lisa bobbed her head up and down. "We have to come back again! Their happy hour is the best!"

"Absolutely! Those Margaritas were to die for!" said Claudia enthusiastically.

A loud burp escaped from Lisa's mouth. "I'm so sorry!" she said covering her lips. Both women stared at each other before bursting in laughter.

"I can't believe you! You are worse than Roy!" said Claudia still laughing.

"It was an accident!" Lisa blushed.

"Ha! Can you picture Maistroff's face or Gloval's if they had heard you? Actually, I'm positive your burp was heard all the way to New Portland."

"Stop it! It was an accident. This would have never happened if you hadn't insisted in having enchiladas."

"Sure! Blame it on me."

"Oh, whatever!" said Lisa rolling her eyes.

"I don't know about you, missy, but I need to get home. Wanna share a cab?"

"Good idea," said Lisa, hailing for one.


"Finally!" Rick said as he opened the door.

"Were you expecting me?" asked a cheerful voice.

Not in a million years… thought Rick looking at the girl standing at his doorstep, umbrella in hand.

"Minmei!" Rick looked at her, still surprised.

"Hello, Rick," she purred.

"How…how did you get in?" It wasn't customary for civilians to enter the base.

"Everyone knows we are special friends, Rick," she smiled her winning smile. "May I come in?"

"Of course," he said stepping aside.

Minmei took her raincoat off to reveal a jean miniskirt and a baby tee. Rick couldn't help skimming her figure.

Long legs, he thought remembering the first time he saw them: they were lost on the SDF-1.

She smiled at him and handed him the raincoat and the umbrella. Dumbstruck, he hung them on the rack as Minmei strolled into his living room.

"It's nice and warm in here," she said taking a seat in his sofa.

"Would you like anything to drink? Tea? Coffee?"

"Do you have anything stronger? Wine? Whisky?"

Rick looked at her surprised. She's not a little girl, he reminded himself.

Minmei looked around the apartment, her eyes fixing on the frames over the chimney.

"That's Lisa," he explained returning with a bottle of wine and two glasses. He sat across from her.

"Isn't that the old sourpuss?" Minmei furrowed her brows.

"That was a long time ago, Minmei," he chuckled. "Captain Hayes, Lisa is my girlfriend."

A small gasp escaped from her lips. Rick who was filling the glasses looked at her.

"Are you okay?"

"Your girlfriend?" Minmei paused dramatically. "I thought I was your girlfriend."

Rick handed her a glass and took a sip from his before responding.

"Were you ever, Minmei?" His deep blue eyes fixed on hers.

"Always, Rick," she responded before drinking.

"That's a lie and you know it. As far as I can remember, I've always been your friend…almost a brother to you."

Minmei flinched remembering the numerous interviews she did; Rick's words were hers in those.

"I had to keep them interested in me, Rick. I did it for my career. I've always loved you."

"Minmei…"

"You have to believe me, Rick," she said kneeling by his side. "I've never stopped thinking about you."

"I never stopped thinking about you either, Minmei," he caressed her cheek. "You've always been special to me."

"Don't! Don't do that, Rick Hunter!" she wailed. "Don't talk to me like I'm a friend."

"That's what you are, Minmei. You have Kyle. I have Lisa."

"How can you talk to me like that?" Tears started to flow over her cheeks.

"Minmei, we are no match. You have your career, I have mine. We belong to different worlds."

"I'll stop! I'll be whoever you want me to be…" She took his hands in hers.

"Stop Minmei. I'm in love with Lisa." He firmly removed his hands from hers.

The singer stood up as she drank the contents of her glass. Rick observed her a bit surprised.

"Is it really over between us?" She reached for the bottle.

"There never was an us, Minmei, you know that."

She looked at him, furiously. The bottle came to her lips and she started gulping the red liquid, desperately.

"Minmei, stop! Stop acting like a child!" Rick stood up and reached for the bottle.

"I'm not a child, Rick Hunter!" She glared at him.

"You're acting like one." He crossed his arms over his chest.

"I'll prove you differently," she said, before removing her top.

Rick's jaw dropped. Minmei stood before him in a white lace bra and miniskirt.

"You haven't forgotten me, Rick. You can't," she said throwing herself at him.

Flabbergasted, Rick lost his balance as Minmei's body collided with his, both falling on the sofa.

"I love you, Rick" Minmei was straddling him, her black her falling around them.

"Get up--" Minmei's lips covered his, silencing him.

Behind them, the door opened quietly, a shocked Lisa Hayes observing the scene before her.

To be continued....

AN: Thank you to my faithful readers! I would drop this story if I didn't hear from you, so thanks for the reviews…please keep them coming!

Regarding Dana, I thought she should have some "special powers" just like Aurora. I guess later on, she would have "lost" them in order to "blend in" with other children, and especially after the encounter with Dr. Zand, don't you think?

Thanks again for the reviews and thank you Lina!