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.

Chapter IX

"How long am I going to be in here?" asked Rick as they led him to the cell.

"At least a week, buddy," responded the guard.

"What?! A week!" He turned and faced the MP.

"You better believe it." The guard opened the cell door and gestured for Rick to enter.

"I can't be here a week!"

"You disrespected a senior officer." He leaned closer to Rick. "Tell me the truth, what did you do to her?"

"What do you mean?"

"Come on, Commander." He smirked. "We all know you are dating Captain Hayes."

"I have no idea what you are talking about."

"Whatever." The MP rolled his eyes. "It must have been real bad to piss her off that much."

Rick threw himself on the small bed as the guard closed the door.

What is wrong with Lisa?


Lisa threw herself on the bed without bothering to change out of her uniform.

What have I done? What have I done? Rick is never going to speak to me again!

Tears streamed down her cheeks as she scolded herself.

Why did I act this way?

The answer was jealousy. She couldn't get the image of Miss Macross on top of Rick out of her head. In her mind, she could see them kissing, hugging, making out...

Stop! Stop!

Was this really happening to her? She was Miss SDF-1, the cool, calm, and collected Lisa Hayes, who never let her emotions get the best of her. And here she was, sending her boyfriend to jail without giving him a chance to explain.

I even gave the Zentraedi the benefit of the doubt...why couldn't I do it with Rick?

Because she was afraid...afraid of him saying that he didn't love her, that he wanted Minmei...

I don't think I can take it...I love him so much!


Lisa opened the door and held her breath as Roy stared at her.

"Hello Captain Fokker, when did you get back?"

"Cut the crap, Lisa." He stepped inside without waiting for an invitation.

"Make yourself at home," she said, closing the door behind him. "What can I do for you?"

"Why did you do it?"

"What are you talking about?" She lowered her gaze.

"You know what I'm talking about, Lisa." He raised her chin with his fingers. "Why did you lock him up?"

"He disrespected me in front of my staff!" She pulled away from him.

"He's done worst in the past and you never reacted this way. As a matter of fact, I think you enjoyed the banter." He crossed his arms over his chest. "Why don't you tell me the truth?"

"The truth?" Lisa went pale.

"I know, Lisa."

"What do you know? That Rick Hunter is a cheater, a liar, a--"

"You have to think before you act, Lisa!" said Roy scolding her.

"Do you think I don't know?" "You should have talked to him instead of locking him up."

"I was so angry, Roy. Besides, he still loves Minmei." She bit her lip.

"I wouldn't be so sure, Lisa. I know Rick and--"

"I saw them!"

"Why can't you believe Rick loves you?"

"It's hard to compete against Miss Macross."

"You don't need to compete, Lisa. Rick loves you, I'm sure."

"Well, I don't think he's going to love me after the mess I made." She sniffled.

"I didn't know you were so hot headed." He grinned.

"It's not a laughing matter, Roy!" She hit him on the arm. "What am I going to do?"

"You need to drop the charges."

"I already did that. They said he'd be free by tomorrow morning." She wiped her tears away.

"Good girl!"

"However, he's suspended with no pay for the a few days."

"Oh-oh! I better be there when they give him the news."

"Promise me something, Roy," she looked at him seriously. "Promise me you won't tell him I know."

"About Minmei?" He raised an eyebrow.

"I want to talk to him first."

"I see." Roy ruffled her hair and laughed. "You don't want him to think you were jealous!"

"Shut up, Roy!"


"You're free to go, partner."

Rick opened his eyes to see the MP and Roy standing at the door.

"Roy! It's good to see a friendly face!"

"What's the matter with you? I leave town for a couple of days and find you locked up."

Rick made a face and stepped out of the cell.

"Good-bye Commander," said the MP smiling. "Remember to call her Captain Hayes."

Rick walked towards the exit as the guard's laughter rang in his ears.

"How did you get me out, Roy? I thought I was supposed to stay in there for a week."

"The charges were dropped."

"I guess Lisa got her sanity back," he muttered as he got into Roy's car. "Hurry up!"

"What's the rush?"

"I need to unwind...some patrolling will do me good."

"Actually..." Roy looked at Rick hesitantly.

"Now, what?" Rick frowned.

"You're suspended for the next seventy hours, little brother."

Rick cursed and slammed his fist on the dashboard.

"I can't believe this! This is all Lisa's fault!"

"You should probably speak to her, Rick."

"You're kidding, right?" He looked at Roy in disbelief. "There is no way I'm talking to her, again!"

"Maybe she got a little carried away--"

"You think?!" he asked sarcastically.

"Give her a chance, Ricky."

Rick's fist slammed against Roy's arm. "I asked you not to call me that! And, no! I am not speaking to her – ever!"

"She needs to speak to you, Rick."

"I don't give a damn!" He clenched his teeth. "She's gone mad! First, she leaves me waiting at the hangar. Then, she ignores my calls and finally, locks me up!"

"Little brother..."

"Don't even try to convince me!" Rick jumped out of the car.

"Where are you going?" Roy stuck his head out of the car.

"Home!"

Roy let out a sigh as he watched Rick walk away.


Lisa, Claudia, Roy, Max and Miriya were sitting in the conference room with a worried look on their faces as Maistroff, Lang, and Exedore took seats in front of them. Gloval took his place behind the podium.

"Thank you for joining us," Gloval began, "what we are about to share with you is of great secrecy."

The crew exchanged looks as a video conference began.

"Greetings Micronians!" Breetai's voice greeted them. "Miriya, you are looking quite well!"

"Thank you, your Excellency," she replied flustered.

"I see the Micronian way of life has done wonders for you. Should we thank your mate?"

Max opened his eyes wide.

"Yes...yes, Lord Breetai. I am very happy with my mate."

"Thank you, dear." Max squeezed Miriya's hand.

"This is exactly what we need, Admiral Gloval." Breetai smiled. "I am sure we will prevent a future attack with their help."

"Gentlemen, we will be heading to space within the next 48 hours and I will need your collaboration." Gloval looked at his crew. They exchanged surprised glances. "We will visit a Robotech factory," said Gloval.

"Zentraedis," whispered Miriya. "What is the purpose of this visit?"

"To increase our knowledge of Robotechnology and reflex engines," explained Lang. "Whatever we learn will aid in the construction of the SDF-2."

"Max and Miriya, we would like you to bring Dana along for this trip," Breetai's voice startled the Quadrono.

"Yes, Great Breetai," she stammered and bowed her head.

"May I ask why?" Max looked at his superiors with caution.

"We would like Miriya to show them what love can do," explained Exedore. "As you know, we have no real understanding of anything besides war- -"

"And Dana is proof that there is more besides war," concluded Breetai.

"It will be an honor," said Miriya. "Won't it, Max?"

"Of course."

"Captain Fokker, you will escort us to Breetai's ship with Skull Team," ordered Gloval.

"Yes, sir!"

"How long will we be gone?" asked Lisa, worriedly.

"Five weeks." Gloval looked at Roy. "I promise I will return her to you in time for the wedding."

"Thank you, sir." He grinned.

"I look forward to seeing you, Micronians," said Breetai. "It will be an honor to have you aboard my ship."

They all saluted Breetai before the transmission ended.

"I will see you all for take off in twenty-hours. Don't forget to say goodbye to your loved ones. You are dismissed." Gloval walked out of the room.

Was that comment directed at me? Lisa blushed.

"I guess you're in charge of the wedding now, honey." Claudia smirked. "Think you can handle it?" "Piece of cake!" Roy grinned arrogantly. "I can do anything you can."

"If not, the Trio will be more than happy to assist you."

"Huh? The Trio? I don't think I can handle them."

Claudia laughed as she poked his rib.


"Hello? Rick...are you there? Please...if you're there, Rick...please answer the phone."

He could hear her voice on the answering machine but did not move from bed.

"I know you must be angry..."

Damn right!

"But we really need to talk...Rick?"

Beep!

The pilot sighed as he turned on the bed to lay flat on his stomach.

Women, who understands them? She sounded so...sad...maybe I should call her...

He shook his head stubbornly.

No! I'm not calling her!



"Did you get a hold of him?" asked Claudia.

"No." Lisa turned to face her friend. "I left several messages but he didn't respond."

"I'm sorry, Lisa." She placed her hand over Lisa's shoulder.

"Maybe when we come back..."

"Take off scheduled in T minus ten," said the pilot's voice.

Lisa looked outside the shuttle's window. Skull-1 and his team were on the deck.

"There's your man," said Lisa sadly to Claudia.

Claudia leaned over her shoulder and waved at Roy. The team leader winked his eye and gave her a thumbs-up. She blew him a kiss.


"Commander Hunter, it's good to see you!"

Rick turned to face his crew men and smiled at them.

"It's good to see you, too." He looked around. "Where's Max?"

"Don't you know, sir?"

"Don't I know what?"

"He's off to space along Miriya, Gloval, Grant, and Captain Hayes."

"What? When are they leaving?"

"Right about now, sir." The pilot looked at his watch. "Skull-1 should be preparing for take-off."

Without another word, Rick ran to the deck, just in time to see Roy and his team soar to the sky. The shuttle was starting to lift as he searched for Lisa's face on the windows.

"Lisa!" he shouted. "Lisa!"

It was impossible for her to hear him but...

Rick! She leaned towards the window, her hand on the pane.

They stared at each other...their eyes searching within each others souls...

"I love you." Lisa mouthed the words.

He managed to read her lips but was unable to respond.

The shuttle accelerated and disappeared into the clouds.


AN: As they say...please read and review, I appreciate the encouragement. Thanks for reading!