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

Chapter XI

"Just look at him!" Vanessa glanced sideways.

"That creep!" Kim frowned.

Rick Hunter had entered the dining hall and was warming up his food in the microwave.

"I can't believe he did that to Lisa!" said Vanessa.

"I can't believe she's in charge of the wedding!"

They were miffed that Roy had put Minmei in charge of the wedding and had asked them to help her out. They had refused.

Sammie sniffed as the aroma of Rick's food inundated the room.

"That smells heavenly!" said the youngest girl.

"Sammie!" Kim scolded her. "How can you say that?"

"It's food from that woman!" said Vanessa.

"It may be from Minmei but is sure smells better that ours!"

The three officers glanced at their trays and pushed them away. The microwave started buzzing and Rick opened the door to retrieve his food.

"He better not come this way!" murmured Kim.

Rick turned around with a tray in his hands. He gulped as he saw three icy stares. He smiled faintly and walked towards them.

"Hello ladies. May I sit with you?"

"Actually, we're leaving," said Kim picking up her tray.

"Time to go back," said Vanessa imitating her.

Sammie was the last to stand. She glared at Rick.

"What you are doing is wrong," she said before leaving.

Rick shook his head and moved his food around with a fork to cool it off. He knew the bridge bunnies were not only upset that Minmei was now in charge of the wedding, but also because she was living with him.

The news had spread all over the base as Roy had predicted. Rumor had it that Rick had been using Lisa for fun while Minmei got rid of Kyle. It was also said that Rick was two-timing Lisa, and that she was victim as she was in space. Most women frowned at the sight of him, while most men gave him a "thumbs up" when they saw him.

At the beginning, Rick had tried to explain that Minmei was only living with him for a short while until her manager/boyfriend came back to town but it was useless. The more he tried to explain, the less they believed him, so he opted to remain silent. He thought they would tire of the gossip but two weeks had passed and it was still running in full force. Lisa's return was imminent and he only prayed that he would be the first one to speak to her.

"That smells good!" Roy Fokker sat across from him with a sandwich on the tray.

"That's one of the advantages of living with Minmei," said Rick pushing the container towards him. "Do you want it?"

"Sure!" Roy took a forkful into his mouth. "This is delicious! Sure you don't want some?"

"Nah! I lost my appetite."

"Rumors getting to you?"

"Not only that. Have you noticed how the bunnies look at me?"

"They hate you," said Roy flatly.

"What?"

"They told me themselves but don't take it too personally. They hate me, too."

"The wedding?"

"It's ok. They had the best intentions but they were making a mess. I have to admit having Minmei in charge was the best idea. She's amazing!"

"I'm sure Claudia will be happy but Lisa…"

"I told you," said Roy sternly.

"I wonder if I should have listened. I thought, well, Minmei thought that Kyle would be back by now."

"Back to beat you to a pulp?"

Rick glared at him.

"You and I both know that he's going to at least, break your nose."

"Gee, thanks! It's good to know I can always count on your support."

"Lighten up, Rick!" Roy laughed. "I promise I'll be there to watch your back."

"I think it'll be better to have Max than you. As old as you are- -"

"Who are you calling old?" Roy frowned.

"No one, big brother." Rick suppressed a laugh.

"Better watch it, Rick." Roy showed him his fist. "Or I just may beat Kyle…"


The stars were coming and going, the heavens seemed to fade and rematerialize from time to time, and there was a shimmering effect that blurred the boundaries of things (1). She closed her eyes and pressed them; her eyes stung from trying to focus on the words she was typing into her report.

Were going home…she thought with a smile.

Twenty-four more hours and they would remerge outside Earth's atmosphere. Twenty-four more hours and she would be able to speak to Rick.

Hopefully, we'll be able to patch things up…

Lisa wanted to hug him and tell him that she was sorry for losing her temper. She wanted to tell him that she loved him and that whatever reason he had to be with Minmei that night, she didn't care – she only wanted to be with him.

Soon, Rick. Soon I'll be home.

A knock on her door startled her. Lisa turned in her seat and asked the person in. Her door opened to reveal a smiling Claudia.

"What are you doing up, Claudia?"

"I can't sleep through space folds," said Claudia entering with a bottle and two glasses. "Care for a drink my friend?"

"I'm still on duty, Claudia."

"Oh, stop it! What are you doing?"

"Preparing a final report for Gloval."

"You do know Captain Gloval and Breetai are celebrating with Lang, right?" Claudia raised an eyebrow.

"What?"

"You see, Lisa, that's your problem. You're all about work. Even our finest scientist and Gloval are having a drink to unwind."

"What if duty calls?"

"We're in a space fold! Nothing can happen." She uncorked the bottle and served a dark liquid.

"What's that?"

"Zentraedi liquor," explained Claudia. "Miriya said it was the best!"

Lisa looked at the thick liquid a bit hesitant. "I'm not sure this is a good idea."

"Come on! Relax a bit! Live a little! What's the worst that could happen?"

"I'm not very keen on finding out…"

Claudia handed her a glass and took hers. "Let's toast to my wedding! You can't say no."

"Fine! To your wedding. I hope all is ready at your return."

"If not, I'm going to kill Roy."

They both drank the contents from their glasses and stared at each other. Their cheeks colored deep red.

"Are you ok, Lisa?"

"I'm fine, and you?"

"Feeling good…just a bit woozy…"

"I feel fuzzy all over," said Lisa, "and I see warm colors, all around you."

"What color do you see?"

"Red."

"Good! I look good in red." Both women started laughing. "This is strong stuff!"

"But it's good!" She giggled mischievously. "We still have a day to reach Earth."

"We sure do." Claudia served two more glasses. "So, what's the first thing you're going to do when we get home?"

"Run to Rick and tell him that I love him."

Claudia looked at her friend in surprise. She had never heard her speak so passionately.

"You really love him, don't you?"

"With all my heart. I used to think that Riber was the real thing but now I know I was so wrong."

"I know what you mean. Before Roy, I thought I knew what love was but it wasn't until we started dating and fell in love that I really knew."

"You're so lucky to be getting married."

"I'm sure it'll happen to you, Lisa."

"You think?"

"I'm sure."

"I really hope so…"


Breetai's ship emerged outside the Earth's atmosphere. Lisa, along with the others stared at their planet from the viewport. For a moment, she felt dizzy and had to hold the rail to steady herself.

"Are you ok?" The bespectacled man looked at his superior officer with concern.

"I'm fine. It's the effect of the deceleration from hyperspace." She shook her head from side to side, as her space fold took a dream like quality in her head. (2)

"There she is!" said Claudia happily.

"It's good to be home!" Miriya leaned her head on her husband's shoulder. He wrapped an arm around her.

"Is it really home, Miriya?"

"Anywhere you are is home, Maximillian." She smiled prettily.

"Are we ready to go?"

They all turned around to see Gloval, Lang, Exedore and Breetai.

"Sir, yes, sir!" They saluted.

"Have we been so unkind that you can't wait to leave us?" asked Breetai.

"No, sir." Lisa stepped forward. "You were very kind and we are in deep- -"

"Always so formal," teased Breetai. "It was nice to have you aboard, Captain Hayes."

"Thank you, sir. We have learned plenty and will put to good use what you have shared with us."

"I know you will. We must not forget that Khyron is out there." He looked at them seriously.

"Yes, sir."

Breetai turned to Miriya.

"It was good to see you, Miriya Parino. You and your mate have created a beautiful daughter."

"Thank you, sir."

"Take care of her, Commander Sterling. I believe your little girl is very special."

More than you think, thought Max but he only shook his head in affirmation.

"I believe the shuttle is waiting for them, your Excellency," interrupted Exedore.

"Yes, of course." He stood in a military salute. "Captain Gloval, Professor Lang, and crew, it was a pleasure."

They all saluted him before walking towards the shuttle that would lead them home.


Vanessa was monitoring her radar. She could see the steady descent of the shuttle into the skies.

"Here they come…what?!"

"What's wrong?" asked Kim.

"Unidentified objects approaching shuttle." Vanessa felt sweat forming on her forehead.

"What?" Maistroff stood from his chair.

"Enemy spacecraft, Captain Maistroff. Battlepods are closing in on our position!"

"Inform Vermillion, Skull, and Ghost teams that we have a situation!"

Vanessa's screen lit up with tactical displays as did Sammie's. Kim began communications as the alarm went off…

Minutes before Rick and Roy had been standing on the deck with flowers in their hands; now they were running towards their Veritechs.

I can't believe this! thought Rick as he climbed into his aircraft.

The engines roared as the Veritechs prepared for take off. Lightening crashed on one of the towers, which blew into pieces. He heard the screams through the tac net.

"What is going on?" asked Rick through his radio.

"Enemy attack! We are being surrounded by Battlepods!" answered Sammie.

Rick was preparing for take off when the fortress was struck. He saw the communications tower fall and lost all communication with the bridge. He saw Skull Team soar into the sky and signaled his team to follow them in V formation.

Rick leveled his Veritech next to Roy's. The blond man signaled him to stay over the base as he flew towards the shuttle. Rick wanted to stop him, to tell him that it was a mission too personal for him but was unable to. Roy didn't even wait for his acknowledgement and flew away.


Alarms had also gone off aboard the shuttle. Miriya's instinct had made her take Dana into her arms, instants before a protective shielding came around her and the other passengers.

"What on Earth is going on?" asked Claudia, startled.

"We're being attacked," responded Lisa calmly.

Something struck the shuttle and the passengers were tossed around. Dana cried faintly and Miriya pressed her against her chest.

"We should be out there," murmured Max. He had never missed a battle and he felt useless.

"It has to be Khyron," said Gloval quietly. Breetai had warned him that Khyron was a deadly enemy. A warrior that never ceased until he got what he wanted…and no matter how much time had passed, he still wanted the SDF-1.


Aboard his ship, Khyron smiled. He had spent more than a year traveling through the fields where abandoned mecha rested, retrieving whatever Protoculture "batteries" he could find. Along the way, he had had defectors beg him to allow their return to the Zentraedi way of life.

At the beginning, he had responded by punching them in the face. He despised them! They were traitors! However, Azonia had made him realize that they regretted their decision and that they could be quite useful in defeating the Micronians. She had been right. Many of them could now repair things as they had learned about Mecha under the Micronians watchful eye.

They are going to regret the day they tried to make us "human"…

As Khyron's team began repairing Battlepods, he began dreaming with the Masters. He thought it was a side effect from his habit of chewing on dry Protoculture flowers but as the dreams became more often, Khyron realized the Robotech Masters were seeking him out. They needed him to defeat the humans and reclaim Zor's ship for their benefit.

I will succeed! Khyron moved his controls and launched a full attack on Skull Team.

Roy was expecting him. He had noticed the way the others seemed to await the lead of the red and gray Battlepod. He transformed into Battloid and aimed at his enemy.


Men were working frantically to restore communications. Rick heard static on the net as he battled along his men. For a split second he saw Lisa's face on his screen…she was hurt and calling out to him. A missile almost made impact on his wing but he managed to dodge it. Sullenly, he remembered those weren't the moments to get distracted.

"Commander…second… Alfa…two"

"Sammie, repeat, did not copy!" Rick sounded frantic as he went back to V mode.

"Skull…second quadrant…" repeated Sammie.

"Repeat!"

"Skull team needs back up. Second quadrant, Alfa thirty-two. Copy?"

"Roger that, Sammie. What about here?"

"Red and Blue Team can handle it," said Maistroff's voice. "Skull leader needs backup."

"On my way!" Rick sped off towards the shuttle.

Rick arrived in the middle of the battle. Veritechs and Battlepods were firing at each other madly. He could see smoke go up in the air as the machines exploded. Skull leader and Khyron were at each other's throats. He surveyed the area and noticed that the shuttle was swerving wildly as it tried to escape from the battlefield as Zentraedis attacked it unmercifully. His wingmen went into B configuration and started shooting to scatter the enemies.

Roy and Khyron were playing a game of cat and mouse – very similar to the one Max and Miriya had on their first encounter. Rick had a sick feeling to his stomach as he recalled the day he was hurt in battle.

Why?

Skull and Vermillion were more skilled than Khyron had expected. He cursed under his teeth as he saw the number of Battlepods diminish. Khyron forced his machine to go high up into the clouds and disappear. Roy was tempted to follow him but decided to return to the shuttle and make sure it was ok.

"How are we doing, little brother?" Roy's mecha flew towards Rick's.

Most of the Battlepods had started to retreat as they saw Khyron head for the clouds, and the teams were in hot pursuit. The shuttle managed to gain stability as they were no longer target, and the shields protecting the windows pulled back.

Back in V mode, Roy smiled from his canopy at his friends. Claudia's heart skipped a beat at the sight of his handsome face.

Careful…

Both pilots heard the voice and bewildered, looked at their radars.

"Watch out!" yelled Claudia from her seat.

It was too late. Khyron had aimed and fired, hitting Roy on his wing and cabin, sending him on a downward spiral. It only took Rick a split second to raise his gun and fire at the Battlepod…

Roy could smell smoke and coughed as he swallowed it. Blindly, he searched for the eject button and pressed only to realize that the canopy had been damaged.

"Damn!"

He hit the canopy as hard as he could with the palm of his hand. Nothing. He tried transforming into Battloid but only succeeded in reaching G mode. He was still falling and the ground was dangerously near.

"Roy! Roy!" He heard Rick's voice.

"I think this is it, little brother! Take care of Claude for me!"

"Shut up! Eject! Eject!"

"What do you think I've trying to do?" yelled Roy. "Do you think I enjoy free-falling?"

"Don't do this to me!" Rick accelerated as much as he could and switched to Guardian. His mecha was nose to nose with Roy's and he motioned for the canopy.

Roy heard some crackling and them some more as his cabin short-circuited. He felt a shock and lost conscience as Rick tore his canopy.

Aboard the shuttle, they were all trying to look out their windows but had lost sight of the mecha. Claudia was crying silently as Lisa tried comforting her. Max, Miriya, and their daughter were huddled together.

"They'll be ok," said Max suddenly.

"How do you know?" asked Claudia.

"Dana."

Claudia looked at Max as if he had lost his mind. Lisa smiled and squeezed her hand.

"Believe him." And her words were so comforting that Claudia believed her.


Hours later, still dressed in uniforms, Lisa and Claudia walked into the hospital. Rick and Roy had been admitted shortly after the battle. The captain had a fractured arm as well as cuts and bruises. Rick for banged up ribs and a concussion.

Commander Hunter had managed to dislodge the canopy from the Veritech and rescue Roy before Skull-1 exploded into a million pieces. The force of the explosion had pushed him forward, and even though he managed to regain some kind of control with his thrusters, he had a forced landing.

Both women walked into the room where Roy and Rick were assigned. The blond man beamed as his fiancée threw herself into his arms.

"Ouch!" whined Roy but he didn't let her go. "Claudia! I missed you so much!"

"Roy! I was so afraid!" She let a few tears slide down her cheek.

"Don't cry, darling! You know I'm invincible!"

"I saw you get hit! It was horrible!"

"I know! I should have made sure he was gone," said Roy. "Aren't you going to say hello, Captain Hayes?"

"I didn't want to interrupt." Lisa came forward and smiled at him.

"What? No hug?" teased Roy.

Lisa hugged him and kissed his cheek. "You scared us, you know?"

"I promise I won't do it again…or at least until I can fly again." He should them the cast on his arm.

"Where's Rick?" asked Lisa. "I thought he was okay."

"He's been out since we arrived, Lisa. I think he's getting a cat scan."

"He's fine," said another female voice. "I told you he's a blockhead."

Roy and Lisa recognized the nurse and laughed at her choice of words. They were wheeling Rick into the room.

"He's going to have a major headache when he wakes up," said the nurse.

"He always sleeps for so long…" said Lisa worriedly.

"I think he's catching up on his sleep," joked Roy.

"Oh, you!" Claudia swatted his arm playfully. "I've missed you so much!"

"So have I! Come on, girl, give me a kiss!"

Lisa pulled on the curtain that separated Roy's bed from Rick's to give the lovers some privacy. She walked towards Rick and leaned to kiss his lips.

"I'm back, honey," whispered Lisa lovingly.


Lisa rotated her cramped neck as she stood from the chair where she had spent all night. She looked at Rick who still slept and kissed his forehead before exiting the room. Lisa walked into the ladies room but stopped as she heard her name brought up in a conversation between two nurses.

"Poor Captain Hayes! Spent all night next to the commander's bed…" said the first girl.

"I'm sure no one has told her." asked the second girl.

"Who would dare? Would you? She'd probably send you to prison!"

"It's not fair that she's here making a fool out of herself. Once Commander Hunter wakes up, who do you think he's going to go home to?"

"Lynn Minmei!"

"Exactly! It's obvious that he has no regards for Captain Hayes. Minmei moved into his house almost immediately after she left for space."

"Poor captain!"

"Thank goodness my shift is over! I heard Minmei called last night asking for Commander Hunter."

"That means she must be on her way. Visiting hours are about to start."

Captain Hayes quietly retreated in her steps.

Is it possible? Is Rick back with Minmei?

Lisa returned to the room to pick up her bag and to her amazement, she found Minmei hugging Rick's sleeping form. Roy and Claudia were sound asleep close by.

"Rick…Rick, wake up! What will I do without you?" said Minmei.

It's true…

Broken hearted, Lisa stepped out of the room and abandoned the hospital.


Claudia and Roy woke up to the smell of coffee. Minmei was standing next to them with cups in her hands. She smiled prettily and offered them the drinks.

"I knew this would wake you up."

"Minmei!" Claudia was more than surprised to see the petite woman in the room.

"Thanks Minmei." Roy squeezed Claudia's hand to calm her.

"How are you feeling, Roy?"

"Better, thanks."

"It's good to see you, Commander Grant."

"Uh, thank you." She looked around the room searching for Lisa.

"I hope you'll be pleased with the wedding. Everything is set for your big day."

Claudia gave Roy an inquisitive look. The man swallowed and cleared his throat.

"Honey, I forgot to tell you…actually, I didn't have time to tell you…"

"Tell me, what?" She gave Roy a dirty look.

"Minmei's our wedding coordinator."

Years of training and self-control, made Claudia smile at the raven haired girl.

"Really? If so, then I'm sure everything will be perfect!"

"I followed your instructions closely, Claudia, and I fixed the mess the girls had made."

Claudia smiled and gave Roy a look that said You have a lot of explaining to do…

"Oh! My head!"

Their heads whipped around towards Rick. The dark haired man was trying to sit on the bed. Minmei ran to his side and helped him by putting the pillows behind his back.

"How are you doing, Rick?"

"My head is killing me," whined Rick. He turned his head to see Roy…and his girlfriend.

"Claudia!" His eyes scanned the room.

"She's not here," said Claudia icily.

"Who?" Minmei was puzzled.

"I need to speak to her." Rick got up and had to steady himself with Minmei's help.

"You're too weak, Rick."

"Where do you think you're going?" It was the nurse. "You can't be discharged yet."

"I have to leave."

"If I were you, I'd calm down, Commander Hunter."

"It's probably too late," said Claudia full of spite. She could only imagine how Lisa would be feeling.

"Claudia!" Even Roy was surprised to hear her say that.

"It's not what you think." Rick looked at Claudia guiltily.

Commander Grant ignored him and kissed Roy's cheek. "I'll be back later, darling."

"Have a good day, Claudia."

"Minmei, I will see you later I presume…" The singer was oblivious to the situation around her.

"I'll be at the reception hall this afternoon. Come on over so you can tell me what you think."

"I'll be there." Claudia exited the room.


By midmorning, Lisa had heard all the gossip and received all the pitiful stares. She bit her lips in anger a few times to stop herself from cursing at them. Vanessa, Kim, and Sammie didn't dare to make a comment; they were sure Lisa was in pain although she wasn't showing any signs.

Even Gloval had heard about Rick "playing house" with Minmei. He blew smoke from his pipe and worried about Lisa. He would never say it aloud but he considered her as his daughter, and she couldn't hide her pain from him. He could see the hurt in Lisa's eyes and did the only thing that he knew would lessen her pain: Gloval summoned Lisa to the SDF-2, and asked her to prepare summary reports for Maistroff and the council. She nodded and headed for the office that had been set up for her use.

A while later, Claudia was greeted with hugs and kisses from the bridge crew. She acknowledge all of them before asking them the dread question.

"Is it true?" Claudia's voice came out steady as well as her stare.

The girls swallowed and exchanged glances before responding.

"It's true," said Kim.

"Minmei's been with him for a while…" said Sammie.

"Oh, my gosh! Where's Lisa?" The older woman searched for her friend on the bridge.

"Gloval called her aboard the SDF-2 since she arrived," said Vanessa.

"This is not good." Claudia rubbed her temples. "By the way, what happened with my wedding? Why is Minmei in charge?"

The girls didn't waste time, spoke three at a time and filled Claudia with the story…at least their version of it. By the time they were done, Claudia let herself fall on a chair.

"I think I should have never gone to space…"


The day went by quickly and it was close to midnight when Lisa got home. She couldn't help but be surprised to see Rick sitting at her doorstep. He rose when he saw her.

"Lisa…"

"I didn't think they'd discharge you this soon," she said opening the door.

"I need to talk to you." He looked into her green eyes. "May I come in?"

I've missed you so much…

She nodded and made a gesture with her hand to ask him inside. He entered the house and followed Lisa to the living room.

"Care for a drink, Rick?" She walked towards the liquor cabinet.

"What are you having?" Rick stood next to her.

"Scotch, straight up."

"Make that two."

"You just got out of the hospital…" said Lisa, cautiously.

"It doesn't matter…"

"Whatever you say, commander…"

Rick sighed as Lisa poured the amber-colored liquor into glasses. He frowned.

She's way too calm…

Lisa handed him the drink and took a seat on her couch. Rick sat next to her and sipped from his drink.

"What do you want, Rick?" Her voice came out flat and steady.

"I'm sure that by now you've heard the news."

"About you and Minmei? Of course." Lisa smiled slightly. "It's tough to keep a secret in this town."

"It wasn't a secret to be kept, Lisa. It's not what you're thinking or everyone else is thinking."

"You don't need to give me any explanations, Rick."

"I want to." He leaned forward. "Will you listen to me?"

"I'm listening."

"A few weeks after you left, Minmei showed up at my door. She had a fight with Kyle and needed a place to stay."

"I believe her family lives in this town…"

"She didn't want to stay with them- -"

"How convenient!" Her sarcasm didn't go unnoticed by the pilot.

"She couldn't stay with them because they blame her for Kyle's disappearance."

"Of course."

"So I let Minmei stay with me although Roy told me it was a mistake."

"You couldn't abandon Minmei. That would be to much asking."

Rick narrowed his blue eyes. He didn't like the tone of voice she was using.

"Nothing has happened between us, Lisa. We're just roommates."

"Sure." Lisa gulped the contents of her glass.

"Sure? Are you being sarcastic?" Rick was starting to get fed up with her attitude.

"You mean to tell me that you have your beautiful Miss Macross, the girl you've been in love with all your life living with you, and that nothing has happened?" She smiled slyly.

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"It's a dream come true, Rick. You've got the woman you've always wanted."

"You're wrong about that, Lisa. I don't love Minmei in that way."

"Right." Lisa stood up. "And I just fell off the turnip truck."

"What?" He looked at her in amazement.

"Please stop lying to me, Rick. I saw you and Minmei on the couch, kissing…"

"And that's why you threw me in prison." He crossed his arms over his chest.

"I'm not denying that. I did that and I'm not proud of it."

"Well, you shouldn't be."

They stared at each other angrily. Lisa let out a sigh before speaking.

"Is there anything else you'd like to say, Commander Hunter?"

Rick felt his skin prickle. It was a bad sign when she addressed him by rank.

"Yes. I'm sorry for what you must be feeling. I can only imagine what it was like to hear all those rumors…"

"Deep down inside I always knew you weren't the one for me, Rick."

"What?!" He definitely didn't like the direction this conversation was taking.

"Go home to Minmei, Rick. I'm sure she's warming your slippers by the chimney."

"There's nothing going on between us. It's you I love, Lisa."

"Whatever you say, Rick."

"Lisa! Believe me!" He held her shoulders.

"Why should I? You're words say one thing but your actions contradict you so much!"

"Baby, please…It's you I'm in love."

"How dare you speak about love? Don't be such a cynic!" Lisa glared at him. "If you really loved me, Minmei wouldn't be living with you. You must have known what I would feel!"

"I'm only helping Minmei until Kyle returns."

"Oh, Rick! And then, what are you going to do? Come back to me? Am I your consolation prize?"

"Please understand I had to help her. She's an old friend and I couldn't say no."

"That's how it's always been in our relationship, Rick. It's always Minmei. She always comes first between us."

"Of course not!"

"The facts don't lie, Rick. Face it."

"Ask Roy if you don't believe me…"

"I'm not doing such thing." She walked towards the door and opened it for him. "If you'll excuse me, I need to get some rest."

"But Lisa- -"

"This conversation is over. Please leave me alone. Pretend you don't know me if we cross each other in the hallway."

"I could never do that, Lisa." He walked towards her.

"Well, I can." She pointed to the street. "Please leave. I want to be alone."

He tried to hug her but she pulled away.

"Just let me be. I'm tired of all the stress. I'm tired of the ups and downs."

"Lisa…"

"If you ever cared about me, please leave. Now." She fought to control the tears from spilling. "Goodnight, Commander Hunter."

"Lisa, wait. Let's talk some more."

"There's nothing left to say. Goodnight."

Rick gave her a hard look before crossing the doorframe. The door shut behind him. Lisa slid to the ground and let her tears stream freely down her cheeks.

To be continued…


A.N.: I will try to update on a more frequent basis. I'm almost done with this fic, so please stay tuned! And as they say, PLEASE, PLEASE, PRETTY PLEASE, REVIEW!!!! Thanks!

(1) and (2) were taken from the Robotech Books – no infringement intended.

SithKnight-Galen: You're right when you said that Rick digs his own grave, especially when it comes to Minmei. Humm, I considered having Gloval hanging him by his bootstraps or Miriya going Quadrono on him but decided that Lisa could do better – by being indifferent.

Aikiweezie: Thank you for your message. Hope you liked this chapter.

Lord Destroyer: Thank you for your review. Kyle will show up in the next chapter and I think Rick will get what he deserves.

GPPR: Thank you so much for your reviews. I hope you keep them coming and thank you.