RECONSTRUCTION BLUES PLUS
CHAPTER 5
DISCLAIMER AND COPYTRIGHT: I don't own Robotech so don't take me to court. If you want to uses any stuff from this fic, all I ask is an email – wonga316@yahoo.com.au
AUTHOR'S NOTES This is a different spin on things from episode 28 - reconstruction blues. Will try to and a little more action and love/hate triangle with Rick, Lisa and Minmei. This is my first attempt at Robotech fan fiction. So please be gentle, NOT. Tell me if I suck. How else are we going to improve? Some of the guys made seem OC and I apologies to any die-hard fans. But it is fiction after all and anything can happen ;) I recommend that you watch the whole series before reading. It's not essential but I do make some references to events that occurred in the series and it's always a good comparison to what I'm writing. Roy and Ben will still be alive in this story.
"..." = Normal speech
[...] = Thought
-...- = Computer chat or phone conversation
****
Rick led the way towards Roy's car with Lisa trailing behind a little and to the left. She had her head down and seem depressed about something Rick thought. [I wonder what's up with her?] Lisa had not said a word since leaving the lunchroom and Rick was starting to get worried. [May be I should say something... Hang on, why I'm I worried in the first place.]
Lisa was thinking about what had just happen in the lunchroom [What was Claudia thinking? I was holding Rick's hand one minute and the next I heard was Minmei. Why I'm I going along? I should hate Minmei. Shouldn't I? This is so confusing.] Lisa was too busy with her thoughts to notice that Rick had stopped. She had inadvertently walked into him, loosing her footing she could feel herself trip. Her high heels didn't help her either.
[I wonder where the car is? Hang on a minute, I've never seen Roy's car! How the hell I'm going to find it...] Rick thought as he stopped dead in his tracks. He suddenly felt someone bump into him from behind, without even looking who it was he quickly dropped his arm to hook the falling person around the waist, preventing them from falling.
"Ooof" Lisa exclaimed as she felt some wind pushed out of her. She felt a strong arm wrap around body, stopping her from falling. Without looking who it was she started to apologies "I'm sorry. I wasn't looking where I was going."
"No worries, Lieutenant. Saving you is starting to become a full time job."
Lisa recognized the voice to be that of Rick Hunter [Oh my god. Did I just forget that I was following him?] Rick helped her up and said, "Are you ok, Lisa?"
"Yeah thanks" Lisa replied as she meet Rick at eye level.
Both stood there is what seemed like ages, Rick's arm around her. Just looking at each other, no one moving or saying anything.
[Why is he looking at me like that] / [Why is she looking at like that] both thought.
Both were brought out of their trance with each other by someone running and yelling towards them. They both quickly broke away trying hide a blush that had developed across their faces
"Hey, hotshot. I just remember I never told you where I parked and..." Roy said as he rounded the corner. He had just caught a glimpse of Rick and Lisa in what look like an intimate situation. When Roy saw this he quickly changed is tone of voice and slowly walked up to them "...and here I was, thinking that you were running off to save Minmei. Instead I find you trying to seduce a commanding officer."
"What... It's not what you think, Roy... It's was..." Rick stumbled, trying to give explanation to the situation.
"Yeah... right little brother... I always knew you had it in you..." Roy remarked suggestively, giving him an encouraging nudge with his shoulder.
Lisa was still trying desperately to hide the blush that had intensified since Roy joined them [Oh my god... Fokker isn't going to let go on this one. He'll tell Claudia and she'll tell the trio...]
"Look Roy, Lisa was falling and I just caught her." Rick said, defending his actions.
"I'm not sure about that. Let's ask the Lt. Hayes, shall we?" he questioned slowly turning towards a blushing Lisa Hayes.
"What... Rick's telling the truth..." she said unconvincingly.
"If he was... then why are you still red as a tomato, Ms Hayes?" Roy questioned.
Lisa gulped as she looked into Roy's eyes. His eyes had that mischievous glint to them. She had to think of a way out and fast. It then occurred to her, adopting a her military tone she replied
"Lt. Fokker. What is your business here? I was under the impression that Lt. Grant and yourself were on route to my resident awaiting for our arrival with Lynn Minmei. Unless you have a valid a reason for being here, I suggest that you hurry along to back to Claudia unless you want you want to be spending the night on the sofa because you made her wait." Lisa barked. She used her military voice that she used often with Rick and other disobeying pilots.
"Whoa... Hang on Lisa, I was just..." Roy said holding his hands up in defence but could not continue as Lisa started up again.
"Has your hearing be damaged since we last meet at the lunch room? Should I schedule a physical checkup for you with Dr. Lang 0800 hours tomorrow morning? Unless I'm mistaken were are still within the confines of the SDF1 and its supporting structures. That means I'm still your commanding officer. I ordered you to return to Claudia unless you have some valid information to share with us. Are you disobeying an order pilot!"
Rick and Roy were both taken back by Lisa's little speech. Rick was intimated and he was not the subject of the attack. He looked to the left of him where Roy was standing, looking very nervous.
"Well what are you waiting for pilot?" Lisa said sternly taking a step towards her target. Roy had taken a step back in response
"Ah...Rick my car is parked in bay 32. It's the black Holden Monaro. License plate SKULL1" Roy said nervously before turning and running back where he came from [Man that was close... I thought Lisa was going to punch me out. I hope you know what you're doing little brother.]
Rick watched Roy making a mad bolt to the nearest exit [Reminds me of Ben running for the lunchroom this afternoon] he thought with a small grin appearing across his face.
"Pilot Hunter! If we don't hurry, you will be late to see Minmei" Lisa said sternly.
"Rick! What are you doing?" Lisa said again with the same tone.
Rick turned to find Lisa standing in front of the car park entrance waiting for him. She had started moving when Rick was busy watching Roy make his retreat.
"Oh. Sorry Lisa." He said and quickly jogged up to her [I don't want to get her pissed off any more...]
****
[Where the hell is that idiot?] Claudia thought standing by her little hatchback. She had stopped outside one of the main entrances to let Roy out.
"Where did Lt. Fokker go, clau?" Kim asked, sticking her head out of the back passenger window. Claudia had offered to give Kim and Sammy a ride back to their place. Actually Sammy had insisted on it to give Vanessa some time alone with Ben.
"He went off to tell Rick where his car was. Idiot, I don't why he didn't use his mobile" Claudia exclaimed [Then again I only thought about it just a moment ago.]
"Oh ok." Said Kim, sticking her head back inside.
"What's going on? Where's Roy?" Sammy asked Kim
"He went off to tell Rick where his car is." said Kim
"I see. Clau doesn't seem to be happy." Sammy stated, noticing the impatience drumming of Claudia's fingers on the side of the car.
"Hehehe. I guess the Lt. Fokker will spending his night on the sofa." Kim said half laughing.
Sammy joined in on the laughing, when they notice someone bursting out of the doors making direct bee line towards them. It was Roy.
"Where the hell are you been?" Claudia demanded.
"No time to explain. Just get in and drive" he said in a hurry as he jump on the bonnet of the car and let his motion slide his backside across the other side to the front passenger side door and before anyone could say anything he was in the car, buckled up and ready to go.
Claudia was confused with what had just happen. She stood here still wondering how Roy had managed to fly pass her and how he was in the car ready to go.
"Come in clau, hurry up." Roy yelled from within the car.
"Arrrrgh. You owe me an explanation mister." Claudia demanded as she entered the driver side and started the engine.
"Alright, alright. Just go." he said almost panicking.
Sammy and Kim were left wondering what had just taken place as Claudia exited the SDF1 compounds.
****
[Man, I never Roy's car would look something like this] Rick thought as he pulled out of the SDF1 car park with Lisa in the passenger seat. The 'SKULL1 Mobile' was a two-door high performance sports car with all the bells and whistles, shaped like a bullet it just asked to driven and driven hard. It suited Roy to a tee. Rick resisted the urge to put the car through it's paces after Lisa's out burst in the hallway [Lisa sure told Roy what for. May be I should obey her orders more often... But where would be the fun in that...] He thought as he started smirking.
Lisa was starring out the window watching the streetlights fly by. She had gone into her own world again, thinking about what had happen in the hallway with Roy and... Rick [God... he probably thinks I'm the heartless military bitch that everyone thinks I'm...] she thought putting her head against the cold glass of the passenger window.
Rick rolled up to a set of traffic lights and started tapping the steering wheel waiting for the lights to change. He turned to his left to face Lisa and notice that she was looking out the window [She gone all quite again. I wonder what's up? I'll never seen her so quiet. You know she actually look kind of cu...]
BEEEEEEEEP. "What the hell are you doing, buddy! Move it!"
The lights had turned green and Rick had not notice because he was watching Lisa. The commotion from the other car got Lisa's attention as well [Was he watching me?] she thought. Rick quickly accelerated; going through the set of lights [He was watching me...] Lisa thought again blushing and forming a small smile.
"You should pay more attention to what you are doing." Lisa said casually
"What. Sorry I missed that" Rick replied [Damn I know that she caught me looking... I have to turn this around somehow.]
"You should pay more attention, Hunter."
"I was paying attention. You assume that my attention was directed at the traffic lights..." [That should work. Was just flirting with Lisa?]
[Where did that come from? Is he flirting with me?] Lisa thought, slightly surprised. "Ah... I wonder if Fokker has any CD's in his stacker?" Lisa said trying to change the subject and fiddling with the car's CD deck.
[I'm glad that worked. But why did it feel good? I've never really flirted with Lisa before?] Rick thought as he watched Lisa work the CD player from the corner of his eye.
"This thing is stupid. How do you work it?" Lisa exclaimed. Her gentle finger pushes had turned into light bashers. Rick saw this decide to help.
"Here let me." He said. His left hand left the wheel and reached down to the deck. Lisa had not stopped and inadvertently brushed his hand. For some reason Lisa open her hand delicately grab his. At that moment of contact it was as if time stopped for her. Lisa had forgotten about the fight with Rick on the recon flight and her attack on Roy [Why did I grab his hand? Why I'm I questioning myself? I've known all along why I did.] She thought.
Rick was wondering what happening [What the hell?]. He did what any other normal male would do in his position – act dumb and ask...
"Ah... Lisa why are you holding my hand? Don't you want any music?" he question nervously
Lisa looked up at Rick and found him half looking at the road, the CD player and her [What I'm I doing? Wait, I know what I'm doing. I always have...] she thought then replied "No. I like this better." [...and I always will...]
At that moment Lisa decide that she going to let Rick know how she felt about him. The reaction of the gang and Minmei were furthest things from her mind. All this time she had been worried about what others thought she was doing. She realized that the only people option's that mattered were hers and Rick's
"Ah... ok..." Rick said unsure.
****
"No way! She said that?" Kim asked
"I could image Lisa flying off the handle like that..." Sammy said
Roy was retelling his 'near death' encounter with the one and only Lisa Hayes. He had blown things a little out of portion but he genuinely thought his life was in danger. Claudia could only laugh at her boyfriend's misfortune.
"Yeah I know and then she came at me with a right hook. If it wasn't for my years of combat experience, training and quick thinking I could have been seriously injured." He said backing up his story.
"And I guess all the years of combat, training and your thinking told you leave Rick and run away with your tail between your legs?" Claudia asked suggestively. Her comment brought about laughter from the Sammy and Kim
"What? How would you know clau? You weren't even there" he defended himself, pointing at same time.
****
"Well, here we are. Do you want to come in for a little bit? We still have some time before we have to meet at Lisa's place." Vanessa asked Ben [Please say yes, please say yes...]
"Hmmm..." replied Ben looking at his watch. "I think it would be a good idea if I went home first and got change. I can always come here to pick you up."
"Oh... ah..." [On come, Vanessa think of something...] "But I wouldn't want to trouble you. I'll only taken me a few minutes to get ready and then we can go to your place, Ok?" she said pleading trying to give Ben a puppy dog face.
"Ah... I..." [Man, she looks cute like that... Whoa hang on...] "Yeah... sure...ok" he replied nervously.
"Excellent! Follow me!" she exclaimed as she grab Ben by the arm and dragged him through the front door of her house.
****
"Mama! I'm hungry!" Dana demanded
"I know sweetie. Mummy is hungry too but we have to wait for everyone. It would be nice to start eating that would be rude and I don't think Rick would like that." Miriya said while looking in the rear vision mirror. Dana was strapped into her baby seat and gotten bored with chewing on her toy VT 'uncle Roy' had given her for Christmas last year.
"Yeah. Rick!" she exclaimed happily. Miriya knew Dana had a soft spot for Rick and being a Zentraedi warrior she knew how to exploit a weakness.
"Sorry to keep you guys waiting. I couldn't find that jacket you brought for me." Max said as he climbed into the front passenger side, giving Miriya kiss on the check.
"That's alright. We're still a little early yet." She said placing a hand on her husband's check as he leaned in to kiss her.
"Do you want me to drive?" Max asked while reaching into the back seat playing with Dana.
"Nah, it's alright. I know you had a long shift today" she replied watching Dana play tug-a-war with Max's finger.
"Thanks. I knew I married for a reason." He remarked, giving her a wink.
****
[What the hell is happening? Since when did Lisa start grabbing people's hands...] Rick thought. He found it difficult to concentrate as Lisa had begun stoking her thumb across the back of his hand. He looked to his left and saw Lisa with pleased look.
"Rick I want to say something and please don't interrupt." Lisa said
"Ah... Ok..." he said nervously
Rick watched Lisa sigh and take a deep breath as if she was not looking forward to something "I have not been honest with myself and you and about something for sometime now... and I feel that it's time that I confessed. I know what I'm about to say made be difficult to accept because it took me a long time to realize it myself..."
Rick didn't know what to do. He had never seen Lisa so emotional. He had seen her angry and upset like with Roy and when he would ignore her during missions but this was different. I knew she was having difficulty in expressing herself so he slowly gave her hand a reassuring squeezed. She acknowledged this with a small nod and continue.
"Rick, I'm not sure if you have heard some of the rumors around the base about me... and... a certain pilot. That pilot is... is... you, Rick and they aren't rumors."
To say Rick was shocked was an under statement. He had heard the rumors about Lisa having feelings for him, after all he couldn't really ignore it because Ben and Max reminded on a regular basis.
"Rick, what I'm trying to say is... that I'm love with you and I have been for quite a while now..."
Silence. Just silence. Rick didn't know what to do. He didn't know how to respond. No one had ever confessed that they were in love with him. He slowly realized that they were only one street away from the hotel that Minmei was staying. He carefully pulled the car over to the side and placed it in parked.
Lisa was frantic but didn't show it. She didn't know weather to be happy or sad. She was happy that she was able to express her feelings to Rick but sad about his response or lack of response [ This is bad. I've messed thing up between us. He'll never love me. He only has eyes for Minmei. I've made a complete fool of myself.] She thought.
"Lisa... I..." Rick managed to get out before being interrupted
"Look Rick. I'm sorry I should have never said anything. I know you're in a relationship with Minmei and don't want to disrupt that." She said sadly. When she finished that whole situation was too much for her. Lisa released Rick's hand and buried her face within her hands. Tears began to flow down her checks and small sobs could be heard.
"Lisa." said Rick
Lisa ignore him and continued to cry into her hands.
"Lisa, look at me please..." Rick said quietly. There was something about Rick's voice that made Lisa slowly look up from her hands. He then continued with a genuine tone. "Lisa, I don't know what to say. To be honest no one has ever confessed that they love me before so I'm fairly new at this." He said grinning. This brought a sad smile from Lisa. "I'll be honest with you Lisa."
[Oh no... god... he going to tell something that I don't want to hear... that I was always afraid of hearing.] She thought franticly
"Right at this moment I don't love you."
[Oh my god, I was right. I'm such a fool...]
"But..."
[BUT?]
"...but... doesn't mean that I don't care for you or won't grow to love you as much as you love me. I care for you deeply and I always will. It's just... I have few things sort out in my life before I can involve anyone else. This includes Minmei. It would be fair to anyone to start a relationship. A relationship should have someone's whole heart in it." He said caressing Lisa's face, wiping away the tears with his thumb.
"You will love me because you feel sorry for me" She replied sadly
"That's not true. Look, when did you start having feeling for me?" he said
"I think it was during the time on board the Zentraedi cruiser with Ben" she replied
"I bet it wasn't love at first sight either" he asked. Lisa responded by nodding
"Your feelings grew as you got to know me more. You see what I mean. The same could happen to me with you. Love is not a switch that you can turn on or off when you feel like it. I'm pretty sure that you find this true when I give you the shits on patrols."
Lisa looked into Rick's eyes and saw that he was genuine and that he meant every word, every letter that he just said. She wiped away some tears with the back of her hand and said "Thank you, Rick. You don't how much it means to me to hear you say something like that."
"No. Thank you, Lisa. You gave me something special tonight that thought I would never experience in my life. You shared part of yourself with me and that's something that I'll never forget." he replied.
"Since you did you develop a soft spot, Mr. Hunter?" Lisa asked almost happy.
"I'm only like this when I'm around you. But seriously Lisa, Just give some time. Can you do that? Will you wait for me?" he asked
Lisa was shocked, she had managed to see the really Rick Hunter under all the cockiness of his piloting exterior. She didn't know what to say. Instead she reached over and hugged Rick crying into the shoulder of this uniform. The tears she was crying were ones of joy and happiness. Rick returned the hug, slowly stoking her back. When she was done, she reached up and gave him a kiss on the check. She then whispered into his ear "Oh thank you. You don't know how much this means you me"
"Like I said Lisa, the pleasure was all mine." he said in his usually smart- ass tone.
Lisa leaned back and looked up at Rick. He had that cockily grin that she had grown to love. Lisa started to laugh and her laughter caused Rick to start.
"Come on Rick, we don't want to keep your Minmei waiting do we?" she said moving back to the passenger seat.
"No ma'am" he replied. He placed the car into drive and pulled back onto the road.
****
"I guess we're the first one's here?" Miriya said as she pulled into Lisa's driveway
"Yeah it looks like it. But we still have about 15 minutes" Max answered, while checking Dana.
"Looks like she fallen asleep. Should I wake her?" he said
"No. she missed her afternoon nap today, so this will be good for her" Miriya replied looking back as well [My Dana, she looks like an angel]
"Well since we are early and Dana is asleep we could... you know... to kill time?" Max asked suggestively
"No. Mr. Sterling and keep it in your pants." Miriya said sternly but quietly as not to wake Dana "But if you're good, later tonight I might have a little surprise installed." Miriya continued seductively while playing with Max's shirt.
"Really. I like surprises Miss Sterling." He replied closing in on Miriya's lips.
"I want surprise too. Surprise! Surprise!"
Max and Miriya both turned to the back and found Dana had woken from her quick nap and grinning happily at her mum and dad.
****
"Is that Minmei?" Lisa asked, pointing to the two double entrance doors of the hotel. Rick had pulled the Monaro into what would be the drop off and pickup area of the hotel for taxies and limos. As they closed in they could see that it was Minmei holding an overnight bag of some sort.
Rick stopped the car practically in front of Minmei. She did paid any particular attention because the Monaro's window tints were too dark to see into. He stopped the engine and went to get out of the car but stopped. Lisa noticed this and wondered why
"Is something the matter?" she asked
"No not really. It's just that Minmei may act... what's the word... touchy when I see her. I don't you to get the wrong idea after what I said before"
Lisa smiled and took Rick's hand "It's alright Rick. I believe you when you said your friendship with Minmei is just that"
"Thanks Lis" he said getting out of the car
[Lis... I could get use to him calling me that...] she thought happily.
Lisa watched the scene as Minmei literally threw her bag aside ran to Rick. She could tell that Minmei had been crying and started to cry again into Rick's chest. Rick wrapped his arms around her in attempts to comfort her [For some reason I'm not jealous. Before if I had seen Minmei and Rick like that I'll get the shits and take it out on the next available person, usually Rick. But after tonight things are different. I still don't like the idea of Minmei and Rick together but that's to be expected] she thought. See watched Rick turn his head towards the car. Somehow he knew that Lisa would be watching and gave her a quick reassuring nod. Lisa's heart warmed at is gesture.
"Thanks Rick" she said aloud.
Lisa continued to watch as Minmei was explaining something to him. His face turned seriously as he let go of Minmei and started marching into the hotel. Minmei quickly grabbed his arm to stop him from entering. Lisa didn't like the way this was going. After all something had upset her Rick Hunter. As she opened the passenger door she caught the last part of Minmei's plea
"...please don't. Leave it."
"Leave it? That son of a bitch! I'm going to kill him. No one hurts my friends!" Rick yelled. He wasn't yelling at Minmei, he was just emotional. Lisa thought she better get involved before Rick does something stupid.
"Rick, Minmei. What's going on?" she asked, loud enough to get their attention.
"Oh. Hi Lisa" Minmei said. Lisa had notice that usually bubbly personality was gone
"What's going on? I'm going to teach that chicken shit a lesson and kick his arse." Rick said angrily
"Listen, Rick. Minmei doesn't want to you go in and I'm pretty sure that whatever it is you are going to do it's going to cause me a mountain of paperwork and red tape. So calm down and let's get back, the rest of the guys should be at my place by now." Lisa said calmly
"Lisa's right Rick. I just want to go. Get away from here. Please..." Minmei pleaded
Rick looked at bought women and knew that they were right, but he didn't have to like "Arrrgh. Damn it! I hate it when you guys are right." he said pointing to Lisa and Minmei before picking up Minmei's bag and heading towards the car.
Lisa watched Rick stalked back towards the car. Minmei had walked up next to Lisa "Thanks, Lisa."
"Don't worry about it. Rick's all bark and no bite" Lisa replied smiling. This brought about a small giggle from Minmei.
"Come on. The rest of the guy have a booking at a new Italian restaurant. You can join us if you like?" Lisa asked
"Can I? Really?" Minmei asked
"Of course. But well better hurry Rick doesn't look happy." Lisa replied.
Both girls watched Rick slam the boot of the Monaro after putting Minmei's bag in the back and then slam the driver door as he got in.
****
AUTHOR'S NOTES Well chapter 5 completed. This was my longest chapter yet. I wanted to set a platform for Lisa and Rick. I also promised a Minmei appearance. I could have gone on and explained what happen with Minmei and why is she standing outside the hotel with her things, but I have to keep something up my sleeve to keep you guys reading ;) but those who had seen the series can pretty much guess who the villain will be.
Minmei will know the gang in this story. I know in the series, she was only really close to Rick and Kyle. But there are a lot of instances in the series where Minmei has the opportunity to meet everyone. That's what I like to think and help me build up the tension our 3 main characters
You guys may be wondering what the hell is a Holden Monaro, check out www.holden.com.au. Somewhere there you should find the Monaro. It would be in the in either the passenger or performance vehicle sections (which is HSV – Holden special vehicles). I know Holden had plans to export these to Europe and the US but under a different name. I'm not sure if they followed through.
I fixed the spelling of Minmei as well in this chapter (Thanks to Sphersian) Big thanks to the other guys who reviewed my fiction.
What else is there... hmmm... just the usually 'excuse any grammar or spelling mistakes that I missed' (I don't think I'm that bad. I can't get any worst...)
Cheers and thx for reading, wonga316
CHAPTER 5
DISCLAIMER AND COPYTRIGHT: I don't own Robotech so don't take me to court. If you want to uses any stuff from this fic, all I ask is an email – wonga316@yahoo.com.au
AUTHOR'S NOTES This is a different spin on things from episode 28 - reconstruction blues. Will try to and a little more action and love/hate triangle with Rick, Lisa and Minmei. This is my first attempt at Robotech fan fiction. So please be gentle, NOT. Tell me if I suck. How else are we going to improve? Some of the guys made seem OC and I apologies to any die-hard fans. But it is fiction after all and anything can happen ;) I recommend that you watch the whole series before reading. It's not essential but I do make some references to events that occurred in the series and it's always a good comparison to what I'm writing. Roy and Ben will still be alive in this story.
"..." = Normal speech
[...] = Thought
-...- = Computer chat or phone conversation
****
Rick led the way towards Roy's car with Lisa trailing behind a little and to the left. She had her head down and seem depressed about something Rick thought. [I wonder what's up with her?] Lisa had not said a word since leaving the lunchroom and Rick was starting to get worried. [May be I should say something... Hang on, why I'm I worried in the first place.]
Lisa was thinking about what had just happen in the lunchroom [What was Claudia thinking? I was holding Rick's hand one minute and the next I heard was Minmei. Why I'm I going along? I should hate Minmei. Shouldn't I? This is so confusing.] Lisa was too busy with her thoughts to notice that Rick had stopped. She had inadvertently walked into him, loosing her footing she could feel herself trip. Her high heels didn't help her either.
[I wonder where the car is? Hang on a minute, I've never seen Roy's car! How the hell I'm going to find it...] Rick thought as he stopped dead in his tracks. He suddenly felt someone bump into him from behind, without even looking who it was he quickly dropped his arm to hook the falling person around the waist, preventing them from falling.
"Ooof" Lisa exclaimed as she felt some wind pushed out of her. She felt a strong arm wrap around body, stopping her from falling. Without looking who it was she started to apologies "I'm sorry. I wasn't looking where I was going."
"No worries, Lieutenant. Saving you is starting to become a full time job."
Lisa recognized the voice to be that of Rick Hunter [Oh my god. Did I just forget that I was following him?] Rick helped her up and said, "Are you ok, Lisa?"
"Yeah thanks" Lisa replied as she meet Rick at eye level.
Both stood there is what seemed like ages, Rick's arm around her. Just looking at each other, no one moving or saying anything.
[Why is he looking at me like that] / [Why is she looking at like that] both thought.
Both were brought out of their trance with each other by someone running and yelling towards them. They both quickly broke away trying hide a blush that had developed across their faces
"Hey, hotshot. I just remember I never told you where I parked and..." Roy said as he rounded the corner. He had just caught a glimpse of Rick and Lisa in what look like an intimate situation. When Roy saw this he quickly changed is tone of voice and slowly walked up to them "...and here I was, thinking that you were running off to save Minmei. Instead I find you trying to seduce a commanding officer."
"What... It's not what you think, Roy... It's was..." Rick stumbled, trying to give explanation to the situation.
"Yeah... right little brother... I always knew you had it in you..." Roy remarked suggestively, giving him an encouraging nudge with his shoulder.
Lisa was still trying desperately to hide the blush that had intensified since Roy joined them [Oh my god... Fokker isn't going to let go on this one. He'll tell Claudia and she'll tell the trio...]
"Look Roy, Lisa was falling and I just caught her." Rick said, defending his actions.
"I'm not sure about that. Let's ask the Lt. Hayes, shall we?" he questioned slowly turning towards a blushing Lisa Hayes.
"What... Rick's telling the truth..." she said unconvincingly.
"If he was... then why are you still red as a tomato, Ms Hayes?" Roy questioned.
Lisa gulped as she looked into Roy's eyes. His eyes had that mischievous glint to them. She had to think of a way out and fast. It then occurred to her, adopting a her military tone she replied
"Lt. Fokker. What is your business here? I was under the impression that Lt. Grant and yourself were on route to my resident awaiting for our arrival with Lynn Minmei. Unless you have a valid a reason for being here, I suggest that you hurry along to back to Claudia unless you want you want to be spending the night on the sofa because you made her wait." Lisa barked. She used her military voice that she used often with Rick and other disobeying pilots.
"Whoa... Hang on Lisa, I was just..." Roy said holding his hands up in defence but could not continue as Lisa started up again.
"Has your hearing be damaged since we last meet at the lunch room? Should I schedule a physical checkup for you with Dr. Lang 0800 hours tomorrow morning? Unless I'm mistaken were are still within the confines of the SDF1 and its supporting structures. That means I'm still your commanding officer. I ordered you to return to Claudia unless you have some valid information to share with us. Are you disobeying an order pilot!"
Rick and Roy were both taken back by Lisa's little speech. Rick was intimated and he was not the subject of the attack. He looked to the left of him where Roy was standing, looking very nervous.
"Well what are you waiting for pilot?" Lisa said sternly taking a step towards her target. Roy had taken a step back in response
"Ah...Rick my car is parked in bay 32. It's the black Holden Monaro. License plate SKULL1" Roy said nervously before turning and running back where he came from [Man that was close... I thought Lisa was going to punch me out. I hope you know what you're doing little brother.]
Rick watched Roy making a mad bolt to the nearest exit [Reminds me of Ben running for the lunchroom this afternoon] he thought with a small grin appearing across his face.
"Pilot Hunter! If we don't hurry, you will be late to see Minmei" Lisa said sternly.
"Rick! What are you doing?" Lisa said again with the same tone.
Rick turned to find Lisa standing in front of the car park entrance waiting for him. She had started moving when Rick was busy watching Roy make his retreat.
"Oh. Sorry Lisa." He said and quickly jogged up to her [I don't want to get her pissed off any more...]
****
[Where the hell is that idiot?] Claudia thought standing by her little hatchback. She had stopped outside one of the main entrances to let Roy out.
"Where did Lt. Fokker go, clau?" Kim asked, sticking her head out of the back passenger window. Claudia had offered to give Kim and Sammy a ride back to their place. Actually Sammy had insisted on it to give Vanessa some time alone with Ben.
"He went off to tell Rick where his car was. Idiot, I don't why he didn't use his mobile" Claudia exclaimed [Then again I only thought about it just a moment ago.]
"Oh ok." Said Kim, sticking her head back inside.
"What's going on? Where's Roy?" Sammy asked Kim
"He went off to tell Rick where his car is." said Kim
"I see. Clau doesn't seem to be happy." Sammy stated, noticing the impatience drumming of Claudia's fingers on the side of the car.
"Hehehe. I guess the Lt. Fokker will spending his night on the sofa." Kim said half laughing.
Sammy joined in on the laughing, when they notice someone bursting out of the doors making direct bee line towards them. It was Roy.
"Where the hell are you been?" Claudia demanded.
"No time to explain. Just get in and drive" he said in a hurry as he jump on the bonnet of the car and let his motion slide his backside across the other side to the front passenger side door and before anyone could say anything he was in the car, buckled up and ready to go.
Claudia was confused with what had just happen. She stood here still wondering how Roy had managed to fly pass her and how he was in the car ready to go.
"Come in clau, hurry up." Roy yelled from within the car.
"Arrrrgh. You owe me an explanation mister." Claudia demanded as she entered the driver side and started the engine.
"Alright, alright. Just go." he said almost panicking.
Sammy and Kim were left wondering what had just taken place as Claudia exited the SDF1 compounds.
****
[Man, I never Roy's car would look something like this] Rick thought as he pulled out of the SDF1 car park with Lisa in the passenger seat. The 'SKULL1 Mobile' was a two-door high performance sports car with all the bells and whistles, shaped like a bullet it just asked to driven and driven hard. It suited Roy to a tee. Rick resisted the urge to put the car through it's paces after Lisa's out burst in the hallway [Lisa sure told Roy what for. May be I should obey her orders more often... But where would be the fun in that...] He thought as he started smirking.
Lisa was starring out the window watching the streetlights fly by. She had gone into her own world again, thinking about what had happen in the hallway with Roy and... Rick [God... he probably thinks I'm the heartless military bitch that everyone thinks I'm...] she thought putting her head against the cold glass of the passenger window.
Rick rolled up to a set of traffic lights and started tapping the steering wheel waiting for the lights to change. He turned to his left to face Lisa and notice that she was looking out the window [She gone all quite again. I wonder what's up? I'll never seen her so quiet. You know she actually look kind of cu...]
BEEEEEEEEP. "What the hell are you doing, buddy! Move it!"
The lights had turned green and Rick had not notice because he was watching Lisa. The commotion from the other car got Lisa's attention as well [Was he watching me?] she thought. Rick quickly accelerated; going through the set of lights [He was watching me...] Lisa thought again blushing and forming a small smile.
"You should pay more attention to what you are doing." Lisa said casually
"What. Sorry I missed that" Rick replied [Damn I know that she caught me looking... I have to turn this around somehow.]
"You should pay more attention, Hunter."
"I was paying attention. You assume that my attention was directed at the traffic lights..." [That should work. Was just flirting with Lisa?]
[Where did that come from? Is he flirting with me?] Lisa thought, slightly surprised. "Ah... I wonder if Fokker has any CD's in his stacker?" Lisa said trying to change the subject and fiddling with the car's CD deck.
[I'm glad that worked. But why did it feel good? I've never really flirted with Lisa before?] Rick thought as he watched Lisa work the CD player from the corner of his eye.
"This thing is stupid. How do you work it?" Lisa exclaimed. Her gentle finger pushes had turned into light bashers. Rick saw this decide to help.
"Here let me." He said. His left hand left the wheel and reached down to the deck. Lisa had not stopped and inadvertently brushed his hand. For some reason Lisa open her hand delicately grab his. At that moment of contact it was as if time stopped for her. Lisa had forgotten about the fight with Rick on the recon flight and her attack on Roy [Why did I grab his hand? Why I'm I questioning myself? I've known all along why I did.] She thought.
Rick was wondering what happening [What the hell?]. He did what any other normal male would do in his position – act dumb and ask...
"Ah... Lisa why are you holding my hand? Don't you want any music?" he question nervously
Lisa looked up at Rick and found him half looking at the road, the CD player and her [What I'm I doing? Wait, I know what I'm doing. I always have...] she thought then replied "No. I like this better." [...and I always will...]
At that moment Lisa decide that she going to let Rick know how she felt about him. The reaction of the gang and Minmei were furthest things from her mind. All this time she had been worried about what others thought she was doing. She realized that the only people option's that mattered were hers and Rick's
"Ah... ok..." Rick said unsure.
****
"No way! She said that?" Kim asked
"I could image Lisa flying off the handle like that..." Sammy said
Roy was retelling his 'near death' encounter with the one and only Lisa Hayes. He had blown things a little out of portion but he genuinely thought his life was in danger. Claudia could only laugh at her boyfriend's misfortune.
"Yeah I know and then she came at me with a right hook. If it wasn't for my years of combat experience, training and quick thinking I could have been seriously injured." He said backing up his story.
"And I guess all the years of combat, training and your thinking told you leave Rick and run away with your tail between your legs?" Claudia asked suggestively. Her comment brought about laughter from the Sammy and Kim
"What? How would you know clau? You weren't even there" he defended himself, pointing at same time.
****
"Well, here we are. Do you want to come in for a little bit? We still have some time before we have to meet at Lisa's place." Vanessa asked Ben [Please say yes, please say yes...]
"Hmmm..." replied Ben looking at his watch. "I think it would be a good idea if I went home first and got change. I can always come here to pick you up."
"Oh... ah..." [On come, Vanessa think of something...] "But I wouldn't want to trouble you. I'll only taken me a few minutes to get ready and then we can go to your place, Ok?" she said pleading trying to give Ben a puppy dog face.
"Ah... I..." [Man, she looks cute like that... Whoa hang on...] "Yeah... sure...ok" he replied nervously.
"Excellent! Follow me!" she exclaimed as she grab Ben by the arm and dragged him through the front door of her house.
****
"Mama! I'm hungry!" Dana demanded
"I know sweetie. Mummy is hungry too but we have to wait for everyone. It would be nice to start eating that would be rude and I don't think Rick would like that." Miriya said while looking in the rear vision mirror. Dana was strapped into her baby seat and gotten bored with chewing on her toy VT 'uncle Roy' had given her for Christmas last year.
"Yeah. Rick!" she exclaimed happily. Miriya knew Dana had a soft spot for Rick and being a Zentraedi warrior she knew how to exploit a weakness.
"Sorry to keep you guys waiting. I couldn't find that jacket you brought for me." Max said as he climbed into the front passenger side, giving Miriya kiss on the check.
"That's alright. We're still a little early yet." She said placing a hand on her husband's check as he leaned in to kiss her.
"Do you want me to drive?" Max asked while reaching into the back seat playing with Dana.
"Nah, it's alright. I know you had a long shift today" she replied watching Dana play tug-a-war with Max's finger.
"Thanks. I knew I married for a reason." He remarked, giving her a wink.
****
[What the hell is happening? Since when did Lisa start grabbing people's hands...] Rick thought. He found it difficult to concentrate as Lisa had begun stoking her thumb across the back of his hand. He looked to his left and saw Lisa with pleased look.
"Rick I want to say something and please don't interrupt." Lisa said
"Ah... Ok..." he said nervously
Rick watched Lisa sigh and take a deep breath as if she was not looking forward to something "I have not been honest with myself and you and about something for sometime now... and I feel that it's time that I confessed. I know what I'm about to say made be difficult to accept because it took me a long time to realize it myself..."
Rick didn't know what to do. He had never seen Lisa so emotional. He had seen her angry and upset like with Roy and when he would ignore her during missions but this was different. I knew she was having difficulty in expressing herself so he slowly gave her hand a reassuring squeezed. She acknowledged this with a small nod and continue.
"Rick, I'm not sure if you have heard some of the rumors around the base about me... and... a certain pilot. That pilot is... is... you, Rick and they aren't rumors."
To say Rick was shocked was an under statement. He had heard the rumors about Lisa having feelings for him, after all he couldn't really ignore it because Ben and Max reminded on a regular basis.
"Rick, what I'm trying to say is... that I'm love with you and I have been for quite a while now..."
Silence. Just silence. Rick didn't know what to do. He didn't know how to respond. No one had ever confessed that they were in love with him. He slowly realized that they were only one street away from the hotel that Minmei was staying. He carefully pulled the car over to the side and placed it in parked.
Lisa was frantic but didn't show it. She didn't know weather to be happy or sad. She was happy that she was able to express her feelings to Rick but sad about his response or lack of response [ This is bad. I've messed thing up between us. He'll never love me. He only has eyes for Minmei. I've made a complete fool of myself.] She thought.
"Lisa... I..." Rick managed to get out before being interrupted
"Look Rick. I'm sorry I should have never said anything. I know you're in a relationship with Minmei and don't want to disrupt that." She said sadly. When she finished that whole situation was too much for her. Lisa released Rick's hand and buried her face within her hands. Tears began to flow down her checks and small sobs could be heard.
"Lisa." said Rick
Lisa ignore him and continued to cry into her hands.
"Lisa, look at me please..." Rick said quietly. There was something about Rick's voice that made Lisa slowly look up from her hands. He then continued with a genuine tone. "Lisa, I don't know what to say. To be honest no one has ever confessed that they love me before so I'm fairly new at this." He said grinning. This brought a sad smile from Lisa. "I'll be honest with you Lisa."
[Oh no... god... he going to tell something that I don't want to hear... that I was always afraid of hearing.] She thought franticly
"Right at this moment I don't love you."
[Oh my god, I was right. I'm such a fool...]
"But..."
[BUT?]
"...but... doesn't mean that I don't care for you or won't grow to love you as much as you love me. I care for you deeply and I always will. It's just... I have few things sort out in my life before I can involve anyone else. This includes Minmei. It would be fair to anyone to start a relationship. A relationship should have someone's whole heart in it." He said caressing Lisa's face, wiping away the tears with his thumb.
"You will love me because you feel sorry for me" She replied sadly
"That's not true. Look, when did you start having feeling for me?" he said
"I think it was during the time on board the Zentraedi cruiser with Ben" she replied
"I bet it wasn't love at first sight either" he asked. Lisa responded by nodding
"Your feelings grew as you got to know me more. You see what I mean. The same could happen to me with you. Love is not a switch that you can turn on or off when you feel like it. I'm pretty sure that you find this true when I give you the shits on patrols."
Lisa looked into Rick's eyes and saw that he was genuine and that he meant every word, every letter that he just said. She wiped away some tears with the back of her hand and said "Thank you, Rick. You don't how much it means to me to hear you say something like that."
"No. Thank you, Lisa. You gave me something special tonight that thought I would never experience in my life. You shared part of yourself with me and that's something that I'll never forget." he replied.
"Since you did you develop a soft spot, Mr. Hunter?" Lisa asked almost happy.
"I'm only like this when I'm around you. But seriously Lisa, Just give some time. Can you do that? Will you wait for me?" he asked
Lisa was shocked, she had managed to see the really Rick Hunter under all the cockiness of his piloting exterior. She didn't know what to say. Instead she reached over and hugged Rick crying into the shoulder of this uniform. The tears she was crying were ones of joy and happiness. Rick returned the hug, slowly stoking her back. When she was done, she reached up and gave him a kiss on the check. She then whispered into his ear "Oh thank you. You don't know how much this means you me"
"Like I said Lisa, the pleasure was all mine." he said in his usually smart- ass tone.
Lisa leaned back and looked up at Rick. He had that cockily grin that she had grown to love. Lisa started to laugh and her laughter caused Rick to start.
"Come on Rick, we don't want to keep your Minmei waiting do we?" she said moving back to the passenger seat.
"No ma'am" he replied. He placed the car into drive and pulled back onto the road.
****
"I guess we're the first one's here?" Miriya said as she pulled into Lisa's driveway
"Yeah it looks like it. But we still have about 15 minutes" Max answered, while checking Dana.
"Looks like she fallen asleep. Should I wake her?" he said
"No. she missed her afternoon nap today, so this will be good for her" Miriya replied looking back as well [My Dana, she looks like an angel]
"Well since we are early and Dana is asleep we could... you know... to kill time?" Max asked suggestively
"No. Mr. Sterling and keep it in your pants." Miriya said sternly but quietly as not to wake Dana "But if you're good, later tonight I might have a little surprise installed." Miriya continued seductively while playing with Max's shirt.
"Really. I like surprises Miss Sterling." He replied closing in on Miriya's lips.
"I want surprise too. Surprise! Surprise!"
Max and Miriya both turned to the back and found Dana had woken from her quick nap and grinning happily at her mum and dad.
****
"Is that Minmei?" Lisa asked, pointing to the two double entrance doors of the hotel. Rick had pulled the Monaro into what would be the drop off and pickup area of the hotel for taxies and limos. As they closed in they could see that it was Minmei holding an overnight bag of some sort.
Rick stopped the car practically in front of Minmei. She did paid any particular attention because the Monaro's window tints were too dark to see into. He stopped the engine and went to get out of the car but stopped. Lisa noticed this and wondered why
"Is something the matter?" she asked
"No not really. It's just that Minmei may act... what's the word... touchy when I see her. I don't you to get the wrong idea after what I said before"
Lisa smiled and took Rick's hand "It's alright Rick. I believe you when you said your friendship with Minmei is just that"
"Thanks Lis" he said getting out of the car
[Lis... I could get use to him calling me that...] she thought happily.
Lisa watched the scene as Minmei literally threw her bag aside ran to Rick. She could tell that Minmei had been crying and started to cry again into Rick's chest. Rick wrapped his arms around her in attempts to comfort her [For some reason I'm not jealous. Before if I had seen Minmei and Rick like that I'll get the shits and take it out on the next available person, usually Rick. But after tonight things are different. I still don't like the idea of Minmei and Rick together but that's to be expected] she thought. See watched Rick turn his head towards the car. Somehow he knew that Lisa would be watching and gave her a quick reassuring nod. Lisa's heart warmed at is gesture.
"Thanks Rick" she said aloud.
Lisa continued to watch as Minmei was explaining something to him. His face turned seriously as he let go of Minmei and started marching into the hotel. Minmei quickly grabbed his arm to stop him from entering. Lisa didn't like the way this was going. After all something had upset her Rick Hunter. As she opened the passenger door she caught the last part of Minmei's plea
"...please don't. Leave it."
"Leave it? That son of a bitch! I'm going to kill him. No one hurts my friends!" Rick yelled. He wasn't yelling at Minmei, he was just emotional. Lisa thought she better get involved before Rick does something stupid.
"Rick, Minmei. What's going on?" she asked, loud enough to get their attention.
"Oh. Hi Lisa" Minmei said. Lisa had notice that usually bubbly personality was gone
"What's going on? I'm going to teach that chicken shit a lesson and kick his arse." Rick said angrily
"Listen, Rick. Minmei doesn't want to you go in and I'm pretty sure that whatever it is you are going to do it's going to cause me a mountain of paperwork and red tape. So calm down and let's get back, the rest of the guys should be at my place by now." Lisa said calmly
"Lisa's right Rick. I just want to go. Get away from here. Please..." Minmei pleaded
Rick looked at bought women and knew that they were right, but he didn't have to like "Arrrgh. Damn it! I hate it when you guys are right." he said pointing to Lisa and Minmei before picking up Minmei's bag and heading towards the car.
Lisa watched Rick stalked back towards the car. Minmei had walked up next to Lisa "Thanks, Lisa."
"Don't worry about it. Rick's all bark and no bite" Lisa replied smiling. This brought about a small giggle from Minmei.
"Come on. The rest of the guy have a booking at a new Italian restaurant. You can join us if you like?" Lisa asked
"Can I? Really?" Minmei asked
"Of course. But well better hurry Rick doesn't look happy." Lisa replied.
Both girls watched Rick slam the boot of the Monaro after putting Minmei's bag in the back and then slam the driver door as he got in.
****
AUTHOR'S NOTES Well chapter 5 completed. This was my longest chapter yet. I wanted to set a platform for Lisa and Rick. I also promised a Minmei appearance. I could have gone on and explained what happen with Minmei and why is she standing outside the hotel with her things, but I have to keep something up my sleeve to keep you guys reading ;) but those who had seen the series can pretty much guess who the villain will be.
Minmei will know the gang in this story. I know in the series, she was only really close to Rick and Kyle. But there are a lot of instances in the series where Minmei has the opportunity to meet everyone. That's what I like to think and help me build up the tension our 3 main characters
You guys may be wondering what the hell is a Holden Monaro, check out www.holden.com.au. Somewhere there you should find the Monaro. It would be in the in either the passenger or performance vehicle sections (which is HSV – Holden special vehicles). I know Holden had plans to export these to Europe and the US but under a different name. I'm not sure if they followed through.
I fixed the spelling of Minmei as well in this chapter (Thanks to Sphersian) Big thanks to the other guys who reviewed my fiction.
What else is there... hmmm... just the usually 'excuse any grammar or spelling mistakes that I missed' (I don't think I'm that bad. I can't get any worst...)
Cheers and thx for reading, wonga316