Chapter 4
Despite Dr. Lang's initial enthusiasm on the first day of testing, the Skull 1, piloted by Captain Hunter soon began to suffer from performance levels far below expectations. The tests did not go smoothly as he had thought. Out of habit and with a hint of superstitiousness, everyone in the watchtower had started referring to the Captain's new ship as Skull 1 although the old VF1 - once belonging to Roy Fokker- was still in action and was being regularly used on patrol. The VF4, on the other hand, had needed some tweaking. The fact that Lang had modeled his control system specifically on Rick Hunter had quickly proven to be an unwise move. The research team studying his neural activity, as the test progressed found out that while using the HMI, the pilot's strong neurological activity was unstable on takeoff and also throughout the in-flight maneuvers.
-It's as if Captain Hunter is not fully focused, and it affects the rendering of the flight!
said Gena Bartlow
-Will he be simply stressed?
muttered Laslo Zand casually.
-A test pilot is not allowed to be stressed!
Lang roared and his assistants fell silent. Then he carefully wiped a cloth on his glasses: had he rushed too much in modeling his HMI prototype on Rick Hunter? Yet he had studied it meticulously during his stay at Apollo base.
In the end, Captain Hunter is only about 20 years old. In a normal condition he would be perhaps...a junior cadet? Yet he had to take on big responsibilities both as a pilot and as leader of Varitech squadrons during the war.
I wonder if we should talk to him...informally...?
Lang sighed
-Talk to him? No way!
Lisa Hayes had opened her eyes widely and raised her eyebrows showing all her outrage.
Lang was puzzled. Yet it felt like he had asked for such a simple thing. Lisa quickly realized her overreaction and tried to compose herself. She passed a strand of hair over her shoulders, coughing slightly.
-I mean...I don't think there's anything I can say to change that.
Her face was already a frozen mask.
Lang looked at her carefully, he sensed there was like something going on.
He walked towards her and lowered his voice.
-Sometimes, we have to recognize that our personal cases go by the wayside when we're all working for a greater common good!
Lisa frowned. She did her utmost not to cross Lang's gaze.
-Maybe Captain Hunter could attend some psychotherapy sessions...
she said dryly, thinking of her own stress...
Lang gently grabbed Lisa by her arm and took a few steps into the large lab.
He pulled her away so that his assistants couldn't hear.
-I know very well that the relationship between you and Captain Hunter is mixed, but at the same time you two have a very deep bond: you have been sharing the space war for a whole year. If anyone can speak frankly here, it's you. Besides, we don't have time for psychotherapy. We're in a big hurry.
Lisa nibbled on her lip.
-I thought the VF4 Lighntning project meant so much to you Commander Hayes!
-It does!
Lisa blurted out.
-Maybe it's time for us all to work together for the greater common good. I mean everyone of us.
Repeated Lang
Rick Hunter was fuming. For the second consecutive morning he had been left stranded in the hangars while his wingmen had been carrying on with tests off Quadrant 4. His feet quivered for the pedals, his fingers tingled to hold the Hoat control stick.
Officially Lang had told him that Skull 1 needed some adjustments to its cockpit, but at that point Rick Hunter was not buying it too much.
He was sitting in his office, feet flat on his desk, going over the start-up codes for the HMI Human-Machine Interface in the cockpit.
The device on his desk began to croak:
"First, start the connection with the helmet..."
-Damn helmet, how is that any different from regular VT's?
Rick had completely forgotten how his brain had helped him control that two seater VF-1D*-which he had never been on-during the attack on Macross Island, more than two years ago and had kept him from crashing to death on his first takeoff.
Sometimes his arrogance wouldn't let him admit that maybe …
-His arrogance simply won't allow him to admit that it's NOT enough to be the best on the field...it also takes a serious dose of application and discipline!
Lang nodded, though he couldn't figure out why Lisa was so angry.
-Commander Hayes well...
Lisa stubbornly avoided facing the doctor and his assistants.
Maybe he's got distracted by Minmay?
Lisa's pulse started to beat erratically.
Could it be...? after all this time...
she tightened her knuckles and clenched her jaw.
-He's not cut out to be a leader... he's not a true soldier! A true soldier doesn't place his own personal problems before duty!
She didn't realize it was something she was starting to do herself instead, more and more. Lisa was livid... and somewhat worried as well.
Eventually, though, she gave in and agreed to talk to him.
-Okay I will... But I can't guarantee anything, Dr. Lang: Hunter is one of the thickest skulls in all of the RDF!
The scientist sighed as he carefully inspected the lenses of his glasses.
Gena Bartlow nodded mischievously as Lisa stormed out of the lab.
-She's in love with Captain Hunter!
Zand and Lang turned around, puzzled.
The women at the front desk let out a few awkward giggles, but quickly shut up.
-Dr Bartlow!
-What is it Doc!? It shows a mile away. And I've only just arrived. But you've had them under your nose the whole time on SDF1!
Lang looked at her in wonder, as if he was experiencing a revelation. Then he took a few steps around the room, and stopped to stare out the window.
Love... is what made us win the war...
Lisa Hayes was livid. She donned her fur hat and squeezed into her military trench coat as she crossed the tarmac that led to the offices in the hangars.
I gotta be cool, professional. I absolutely must not fall prey to his little mental games. I'm sure he'll try to blame it on someone else. But I have my answers, I won't let my guard down. I'm going to beat you to a pulp, Rick Hunter!
-Captain Hunter!
cried the intercom on his desk
Rick stretched out a finger listlessly, and scrolled down the display: the waiting room appeared on the screen.
-Captain Hayes is here and would like a word with you.
Rick caught sight of her in the frame and suddenly flushed.
-Lisa? What...
Then he cleared his throat
-I mean, yes, Corporal let her pass!
Immediately he jumped to his feet and swiped both hands over his crumpled jacket ... then roughly ran his fingers through his hair. He swallowed hard.
He could not think of the reason for that visit. Then he frowned. He had noticed lately that the presence or the mere thought of Lisa Hayes made him extremely upset.
The Corporal pulled open the door and she walked in. Rick stood motionless before her with his eyes focused on a spot in the wall. His posture rigid, his shoulders squared, his jaw clenched, his right hand raised to his forehead.
-Captain Hayes!
He said dryly.
Lisa narrowed her eyes, annoyed at his attitude. But she had resolved not to let him rattle her again.
-At ease. Captain Hunter.
Rick relaxed his shoulders, lowered his arm. His eyes ran quickly over her face and then all over her body. They settled on the fur of her Bolshie hat.
Rick thought for a moment that she was a little different than usual and he liked what he saw. Surely it was because of the hat. A small smile flashed across his lips.
Lisa took that smile for a sneer and got defensive.
-Can I have a seat, Captain...or...?
The air was so tense that a knife blade would have stuck in it.
Rick avoided eye contact
She's already getting hysterical and she's just arrived!
he thought hazily
who knows for what unknown reason she is here to scold me.
Surely for the Skull1 failure issue.
-If you're here to talk about the recent malfunction of my fighter...
Lisa raised an eyebrow: Rick hadn't offered her a chair but she sat down anyway in one of the seats on the wall.
She pulled off her hat and swayed her long and wavy hair. A rush of floral perfume surrounded Rick's nostrils. It was a scent he knew so well. This heated him up even more
-Listen, Captain Hunter...
Lisa dodged his gaze and tried to focus amidst the notes scattered sloppily across the table.
-Well I see you're at least seeking a solution...
-Yes, exactly...
Lisa quickly lifted her eyelids and met his blazing blue eyes. He was both defensive and ready to attack. She knew him so well by now...something inside her instantly weakened.
-Ehr, well I ...since I am your control officer I am here .. .to talk...together... about, about the issue we are experiencing...
Lisa felt startled at her own words. Had she said that? Did she say that? Had she gotten herself into this? As if they were both to be blamed? But it was not true!
She couldn't believe how her system had immediately succumbed to his presence. As soon as she'd entered the room some sort of urgency had seized her. It had been a long time since she had been in the same room with Rick, and lately they had only seen each other on the tacnet.
Upon hearing those words Rick breathed in loudly. Then he seemed to catch his breath.
None of them spoke for a long time.
-Captain Hayes. I guess it's about the helmet thing. But also about the HMI system. I've talked to Dr Lang and I' m trying to find a solution with him...
-Captain Hunter. The Lightning III project cannot be postponed. And it's been a few days that your VT is not responding optimally. And I...
-You're here for ?
He cut her off
-Check if I'm applying with the simulator? Or perhaps Lang sent you to check for him?
Lisa looked at him warily ready to snap. But then she recalled Lang's words: "Working together for the greater good..." She let go a small muffled sound
-I'm... no, absolutely not, Captain Hunter.
She lied
-I'm here because as a part of the team working on the project I want to help fix... you know... the issue. Together.
Oh... I said it again... it's like I'm using him for my own purposes. I think this is the diplomacy Claudia says I am lacking... well let's see if it works
Rick's eyes grew wide. They were bright in the light of the neon lamps. And clear.
Somehow he had bought it and his face changed completely. He stretched out slightly on the desk, resting his open hands on the notes he had just been examining. He leaned fully towards her. Lisa felt his scent and his warmth come closer.
-Lisa... You're right. There is a issue, a problem and I'm trying to solve it but I don't...well...I don't think it's my fault or rather it is, but not in the sense that you are all thinking... Dr. Lang has insisted that I should personally monitor the HMI but maybe ... maybe looking back I am not the right pilot. Maybe the system simply needed to be tested on an AI and not patterned after me. I'm just a pilot...I ...I'm just...human.
Rick let go of a contrite sigh and Lisa raised her eyes to his in amazement. Their gazes met: his words and voice were so sincere and it all made her finally surrender. This was the Rick Hunter she knew and admired. Honest, direct, lucid, loyal. What she often failed to be. She looked at him softly and he recognized that look... and he ventured a little smile. A small dimple appeared on his cheek.
She had walked into that office on a warpath and now, incredibly, he had offered her a shortcut back into his own world.
For the one hundred thousandth time. How many times had it happened before? They would fight, avoid each other for long periods, and then come looking for each other again... over and over again. It was frustrating for her, Yet Lisa couldn't pull away from him. She hadn't realized yet that it was because she loved him.
They spent the whole afternoon in Rick's office until the corporal retired after bringing them their umpteenth coffee: they talked exclusively about the Lightning III project and analyzed all the different options in which the pilot had to interface with the ship and the precautionary measures to take. Lisa was delighted by Rick's dedication. It wasn't just a matter of pride, Rick was extremely committed to getting those VTs into the game as soon as eyes were not lying; he adored this job, it was the closest thing to what had always been his only dream, the dream of flying...In spite of all, he was living his dream, and as he rattled on and on about his work and in spite of herself, she found him rather dashing and wonderful*
Rick cast a glance at the clock on his laptop.
-It's already eight, Lisa!
She brought a hand to her mouth feeling all the fatigue roll down her body
-Can' t believe we spent five hours straight working...
-And without even arguing once!
he broke into a giggle.
Lisa glanced up at him squinting and wrinkled her nose. Rick just thought she was cute and smiled as he got up from his chair and clicked all the fingers on his hands.
-Ahr you are so disgusting!
She said as she got up herself.
-I can click all the vertebrae in my back, do you wanna hear ?
-I don't think I want it that bad...
-I'm a pilot, you know, All my joints are bendable! I'm actually better than a contortionist! Well at least I was...
he added.
Then he passed a hand behind his nape in discomfort. Lisa reached out instinctively to touch his shoulder. They were facing each other: he felt her touch keenly.
-I'm sure you'll be flying your new Skull 1 first thing in the morning... have you sent our report to Lang?
Lisa smiled encouragingly and Rick felt full of confidence.
-Yes...
-I'm sure he' still in the lab
-Let's go now! I'll drop you home.
He pushed the door open and stepped out into the hallway.
-I won't accept any refusal!
-You do really like your new car, do you?
She smiled.
Rick burst out laughing.
-I do like it but not as much as that damn new VT!
Lang appeared at the large window on the 2nd floor of the Base and saw Captain Hunter and Commander Hayes heading for the parking lot. As he scrolled with one hand over the pad where he had just received Rick's report, he nodded in contentment.
Maybe it was a good idea to get them talking.
The two young officers appeared again under the glow of a streetlight. From this high up he couldn't see their faces but he was sure they were both smiling.
The military district was relatively close to the Air Force base and in about 15 minutes Captain Hunter's car was parking up at Lisa's. The rooftops were covered with snow.
-It looks just like an Elf village or whatever...
said Rick carelessly
Lisa sighed. There was something she wanted to say but she couldn't bring herself to.
She squeezed her eyes shut in the half-light, hand gripped on the handle.
-Well, I..
-You know, Lisa..
they both said at the same time
-First you
she murmured
-Well...
Rick turned three-quarters to her. In the glow of the streetlights she could see the redness on his child-like cheeks.
-I'm sorry well I... wanted to apologize for how I acted and...
-Rick.
she cut off
-It doesn't matter...really. Let's not talk about it anymore
She said in a huff. And then without even breathing she continued
-Look... wouldn't you like to come in and have... a tea? We could also talk or have a bite or...
Rick nodded brightly, his unruly hair sweeping up and down his forehead.
-Yes! yes! I mean...I'd love to, Lisa.
A sweet smile had appeared on her face. She knew she could get hurt at any moment. However, spending time with Rick now that they had finally found each other again was all she could wish for.
Rick Hunter had only seen Lisa's house once before Apollo, when the neighborhood was just getting built. Back then it was only an iron and tar box with lots of boxes scattered across the floor.
But now a sweet scent of vanilla - or was it cream butter? - surrounded him. It was something, something that reminded him of the cakes of his childhood, and darkness was softened by a warm lamp on the cabinet at the door. Lisa carefully shrugged off the snow from her hat and coat in the hallway and Rick followed her.
-How's the heat, are you cold?
She said in a squeaky voice as she tossed her hair behind her shoulders, making it swirl in the air.
Rick was overcome with her scent, which blended with the welcoming fragrance of the room. Everything was nice and easy
-Everything is perfect, Lisa.
He said contentedly.
He glanced around
The sofa and small regulatory chair provided by the RDF had been adorned with a pink plaid and pillow. They felt soft. On the walls were a few paintings of nature landscapes. Rick peeked through the kitchen and saw a tablecloth with small blue squares. An apron hanging on the wall in the same hue. This tugged at his heart. He couldn't say why.
Lisa had disappeared into her bedroom, and when she returned, she had taken off her jacket and put on a large gray wool sweater, and had tied her hair into a ponytail. She looked so relaxed that Rick instinctively stepped towards her.
They were standing facing each other
-You don't want to sit down ... Rick?
She said, trying to sound casual.
-Oh well... I.. yes!
he ran his hand over the nape of his neck a couple of times and glanced at the couch.
-Make yourself at home.
Then she walked into the tiny kitchen
-Your place is very nice, Lisa...
-D'you say? It's just the same house that the every officer have received. Coffee or tea?
When she returned carrying a tray cups and a bowl of cookies she found Rick scanning the paintings on the walls.
-This is Tokyo
she murmured
-and that's Adelaide, Australia...
-Oh sorry Lisa, she didn't mean to pry...
-You are totally not... there is also a LA landscape... Manhattan Beach... and Alaska, of course.
Rick turned to look at her and for a moment she seemed lost in thought.
-They are all the places I've been living in my life... So... shall I pour?
She said brightly pointing to the teapot.
-Oh yeah sure... thanks Lisa.
-So you have been around the world quite a bit.
-Not as much as you!
Lisa had curled up in the armchair, tucking the flaps of her large sweater around her knees, listening to Rick's stories
-...Well earlier with the air circus it was all about entertainment. We had Roy with us too -that was before the Global War.
But then I started entering competitions and racing and began traveling alone. Directly with my plane...
I even crossed the Atlantic from Europe to the States in that little banger! I came close to crashing lots of times!
Lisa widened her eyes
-I'm not impressed, you know?
-What you mean, don't you trust my flying skills?
They both giggled, but Rick immediately turned gloomy.
-Well, you shouldn't... after the last few days' fiascoes with the Lightning III.
Lisa immediately pulled up in her chair, and leaned toward him.
-What you talking about Rick! I thought we already discussed this... it wasn't your fault.
Rick glanced at her with gratitude.
-Well not completely...at least.
she went on and Rick sighed
-You're right... Lisa. It bothers me to admit it but you're damn right about almost everything.
-Oh stop it...
Lisa smiled hiding her face under her mug.
-You are so well-trained. No wonder you were at the top of your class at Robotech Academy.
-You already told me this a long time ago-
-Yes I remember!
he joked
-And I also told you that you were scarier than a demon and...that you were an old lady, but if you had acted a little more feminine...*
Lisa frowned and suddenly pointed a finger at him
-Rick Hunter!
He burst out laughing, heartily, and for a moment Lisa was lost in his laughter, in the crystal clear sound of his voice. When was the last time she heard him laugh? How long had it been since she'd seen his eyes sparkle like that?
She sadly realized that after that disastrous date, she never got to talk to Rick again. Much less, joke around
Why did it always have to be so hard?
Lisa shook her head
Never mind, he's here now...
Lisa...are you receiving me? Skull 1 to Delta 1... do you copy?
She blinked twice, and the mug slipped through her fingers.
-Yeah sorry I...
Rick stared at her carefully
-You must be exhausted... I should go...
he made to get up and Lisa instinctively copied his moves and got up from the chair.
They were facing each other again in the small living room.
-And thanks for the tea...and for the cookies, they were delicious.
Lisa smiled with joy
-Do you like them? I...I made them myself.
Rick spread his eyes wide
-Lisa! I didn't know you bake...
She ran a hand over her face as if to chase away the embarrassment.
-It's just... a way to... to kill time...but wait! I can wrap some for you- to bring it to your place
Rick smiled awkwardly
-Oh don't worry Lisa, really, I...
In a flash she was rushing into the kitchen, and Rick heard her fumbling with dishes and cutlery.
In a minute span of time his eyes wandered around the room and settled on the small shelf at the kitchen entry. There was only one frame on there, made of a silvery metal The faint reflection of the lamp gave it a blue hue. Without really thinking Rick just grabbed it and looked inside the frame. That picture... it made him gasp in surprise, and he was so startled that he blushed.
A young Lisa with light, silky hair standing with her back to a tree trunk. Beside her was a young man with the same straight brown hair as Lynn Kyle. He bore some resemblance to him in features but not in looks...
A rueful smile hovered on his lips. He was wearing a uniform that Rick had never seen before. And Lisa was so young...her cheeks were plump like those of a child.
By the time he felt her presence beside him, it was too late.
-Oh I'm sorry I...
The frame wobbled in his sweaty hands, flipped over and flight back down in his palms. Rick hurried to put it down on the shelf but in his haste he placed it upside down.
He lifted his gaze to face Lisa, and unsuspectingly her face was unflappable. She was carrying a paper bag in her hands. Full of cookies, he assumed.
-It's okay...
she said, reaching for the frame and setting it down properly.
Then they both stayed silent for a few minutes... Lisa wanted to change the subject or whatever, but it was as if Karl's presence inside that picture had filled the whole room.
-So... I'd better go...
Said Rick faintly
Lisa nodded clumsily
-Yeah uh... here's your cookies!
She handed him the envelope, pushing it eagerly against his chest, and Rick gripped it in awe.
As he slipped on his coat and carefully fastened the thick belts, Rick sighed and said.
-I'm sorry...I didn't mean to pry into your pics.
He turned back to her: she was watching him with her hands clasped in her lap. She hadn't moved from the edge of the shelf.
Suddenly Lisa took a deep breath.
-He is my boyfriend...
Rick winced
-I mean... he was.
she carefully ran a hand through her hair.
-Well he... he died... a long time ago.
Rick looked at her in astonishment and Lisa felt so awkward. Maybe Rick pitied her for keeping a picture of a dead man in full view in her home. Maybe he just thought she was pathetic. She avoided his gaze.
-I'm sorry... Lisa. I should never have had to look at it, however... I, I should... probably... go.
He said softly
In a moment he had thrown open the door and a gust of cold air entered the room.
-Thank you so much for the cookies, and for everything uh, else... Captain Hayes...
-I'm... Rick...
-I'll be seeing you tomorrow for the flight test, right?
Rick was trying to be cheerful but his voice felt suddenly serious
-Yeah...yeah sure... see you tomorrow...
Lisa became sad immediately, too. She didn't want to let him go but didn't know how...
As he walked in the snow he tightened the collar of his coat. That sadness from just before did not want to let go of him. Not that he was surprised that Captain Hayes, had been engaged one day, in time and space.
Well maybe there had been times when he had thought of her as a scary woman, an ice queen only interested in the work, but come on, after all she was a pretty woman with a great military resume...
Not correct, she's a beautiful girl with a stunning body.
His inner voice crossed his thoughts.
He vividly recalled how the spacesuit showed all the curves of her well-trained body.
Rick squeezed his eyes shut to chase that thought off.
Abruptly he reminisced instead about Commander Hayes in that spacesuit. Back at the Sarah Base, on Mars.
How long it had been.
He had saved her before the explosion. And the moment he'd snatched her from certain death she'd called out a name.
Riber...*
And then again... when they had been trapped during the Transformation after Minmay's movie premiere.*
Rick stood in the middle of the street as if seized by a revelation
-Of course!
He murmured
Lisa. Lisa had told him that she once had a boyfriend, who looked exactly like Lynn Kyle, and that... that he was dead...
It has to be him...
Rick frowned, clutching the small paper bag in his hands.
Lisa...you wanted to die that day...I can't get over it even if I want to.
He had hidden that memory in his heart for so long... but now it had come back to haunt him.
Rick had never spoken about that episode to Commander Hayes: he realized how reserved and discreet she was, but at the same time how she had always been there for him... all these years.
As he made his way up the avenue in the stormy night he decided he wanted to know more, about the episode at the Sarah base, about the man on the picture, even about that Alex Louan... He still didn't ask himself why, but he felt it had become a compelling need.
He thought about her sad smile
Lisa...
The next morning an excited Dr. Lang welcomed him to the hangars.
-Captain Hunter!
-Dr. Lang! good morning!
The scientist had his hair ruffled by the wind and did not waste time in chatters
He held the tablet in one hand and started scrolling through the files as he resumed his walk.
Rick struggled to keep up his pace
-It's excellent, your report is excellent... I thought that actually we could solve the HMI problem overnight, which is what I actually did, last night!
Rick winced
-Did you? I mean... Have you already made those adjustments we suggested?
-Of course I have! Why waste time when you have time?
-Thank you Captain Hunter. We' ll be testing the revised Skull1 this very morning. If you're up to it, we could attempt the atmosphere breach and thus catch up with the original schedule!
-Wow, that's great Dr. Lang! I mean, this is really...of course I'm up for it!
A big smile flashed on his lips. He felt resolute again after the past few days' failures.
-Hey Dr. Lang... I...
he continued, and ran a hand through his hair.
-I just wanted to tell you that... my report last night, well, it's not all my doing,... I mean, well... Commander Hayes gave me a little help...
-Oh, really?
said Lang
-In fact...the truth is, it's all because of her and I...I want you to know that!
Lang nodded satisfied as he watched the young ace walk away into the dimness.
-Skull 1 Delta 1, Delta 1 do you copy?
Lisa Hayes heard the croaking of her headset from feet away. She was just ending a conversation with Dr. Lang about the recent changes to the VF4 Skull1 .
Lisa was pensive, she wasn't convinced how he had scheduled his tests for that day, it was the first one for Rick after a long break
-Commander Hayes. We've lost about four days on the schedule. Not to mention that the Skull squadron pilots, as well as Captain Hunter, could be called back to quell some malcontent at any moment and leave the tests undone.
-That's what Angel and Alpha squadrons are for.
-That's true, but Lieutenant Sterling will have to leave Alaska soon.
Lisa ran a strand of hair behind her back.
She sighed.
-Okay Dr. Lang. This morning we're going to break the atmosphere with the Skull 1
Lang smiled and nodded
-Thanks to you Captain Hunter is in his best mood. By the way, I pretended not to know anything.
Lisa blushed slightly and her eyes wandered around the room.
-Tha... Thank you, dr.
Alex Louan and the other two officers from Apollo had just gotten through the checkpoint and entered the control tower at that very moment.
-Lisa!
He saluted her with a large smile
-I mean, good morning Commander Hayes
Lisa waved back shyly
-Hello Lieutenant Louan
He approached her station
-How was your evening? I was hoping to ask you to dinner but I couldn't find you.
Lisa raised her lashes and met his bright black eyes that gazed at her tenderly
-I had to work until... until late...
she stammered
-I'm sorry Alex...
-You're still the same, remember when at Robotech Academy we...
-Delta 1, are you there? Hey Captain Hayes!
Rick Hunter's scratchy voice over the comm made them both wince.
-So you hear me or not?
Lisa ran to her seat and put on her headset with shaky hands. Alex Louan smiled as he saw her awkward movements and the slight redness that had spread across her face.
Delta 1 to Skull 1, Captain Hunter do you read me?
Her voice was slightly shrill
-It's about time! I've been trying to contact you for about twenty minutes!
Everyone in the control room giggled
-It looks like Captain Hunter is in a great mood today!
said an air traffic officer.
- Ladies and Gentlemen!Let's try to accomplish our goals!
said Lang in good humor.
-Let's not waste any more time. Officers! to your stations!
Alex walked away, taking one last look at Lisa's back and at her long, auburn hair.
Lisa... you really care about him, I can see it...
Rick's face appeared on the comm of her station.
The sun cast light through the varitech's canopy and made his blue visor helmet shine. His big eyes looked even bluer if possible. They literally pierced the screen. Lisa shivered slightly remembering his presence in her own house. His unmistakable scent. It still didn't seem real that this had happened.
-Hey Captain Hayes... it looks like we're going back to space this morning.
-Affirmative Captain Hunter. Did you perform the respiratory and depressurization tests in the simulator?
-Hey even though you might not trust me, with good reason, this time I followed the procedure down to the wire. No improvisations! I even took a ride on the vomit comet*.
Lisa lightened the pressure of her fingers on the keyboard. Her features softened
-I'm happy to hear that, Captain Hunter.
-I've been out of Lunar orbit for about a month. I haven't let myself go in these few days. I'm still a full-fledged space cowboy!
Lisa giggled and immediately glanced around to see if anyone was watching her. She didn't want to give the appearance of using the comm for her own business.
Nevertheless...
-Lisa... I mean Captain Hayes... how about hanging out tonight?
Lisa gasped! Unwittingly she pressed both palms over her headphones to silence Rick's high-pitched voice.
Needless to say, it was a public station and everyone in the room could hear it.
quickly she pressed the switch to a private channel
-Rick!
She hissed
She became aware of her sweaty palms: a growing heat had gripped her legs.
-What? Have I said something wrong?
Rick's face on the screen seemed to scowl.
-No, no, I... it's just that...
-I saw there were Christmas street markets downtown...
he continued in one go. Suddenly he seemed as much awkward as she was.
-I saw that...I don't know if you like them but, we can go for a walk, What you think? And then maybe have dinner and...
Lisa couldn't believe her ears. Rick was asking her out? In her surprise she couldn't answer immediately
-Don't tell me you have to work again tonight...
-No Rick... I... yes yes, I would love to go!
She said in a small voice.
Behind him she noticed the engineers detaching the webbing from the fighter's canopy. In a few minutes, take-off would be started. Lisa swallowed hard and cleared her voice:
-Rick, in about 1 minute we will start the take off maneuvers.
-Roger that! So, we'll make plans when I get back, ok!?
Rick showed his thumb and smiled as he started to close the transmission.
-See you in the sky Captain Hayes! over.
-Roger, Captain Hunter! Over and out!
Rick had climbed into his VT in one leap. As soon as he'd spoken to Dr. Lang, he'd darted off to the flight simulators where he spent an hour training his breathing. He had just learned that that very morning he would not only be back in the testing, but that his own Varitech had been chosen for the atmosphere breach. It was all Lisa's doing. She had helped him to write his report and, as always, to improve his confidence.
Not that he had none, but sometimes his immaturity mixed with a blind arrogance would make like a fog in his brain.
It must never happen again
he thought.
Then he remembered the night before, thought about how nice it was to be in her house, so warm, of the taste of her cookies, a pink pillow, a dim lamp. Then he thought of that picture, of the guy who had died on Mars.
He wanted to spend time with her, he didn't know why but he wanted to feel just as good, just as safe, as he had the night before. Yes Lisa made him feel safe. A feeling Rick hadn't experienced in a long time.
I'm going to ask her out. The town is all decked out for Christmas...
Rick smiled, realizing that it had been a long time since he had enjoyed a holiday.
-Attention Skull 1, at the end of countdown prepare for launch
DR Lang mouthed the controller's voice as he scanned the numbers in reverse
9, 8, 7
6
5
4
3
2...
one...
Rick Hunter pushed his engines to their limits and soared through the sky like an arrow in Fighter mode. The thrusters to the left and right of his wings dropped a triple trail of pristine white foam into the blue sky*.He was so fast that the monitors on the watchtower lost sight of him several times.
A murmur of appreciation flowed through the stations inside the room.
Rick's Varitech was proceeding at a brisk 2 to 2.5 mach speed.
-Godspeed, Skull 1...
said Lisa
-Captain Hunter, you are slightly off the speed limit, over.
-Delta 1, all under control. I'm gonna try a bit more!
Inside the canopy Rick could see sacks of clouds pulverizing as he crossed through them. He glanced over his head and saw the clear sky thinning.
-Skull 1 keep your current speed!
Said Lisa, with confidence
-Roger! Roger Commander Hayes!
he said listlessly.
-Captain Hunter! We are now sending you the new codes as soon as you come out of the mesosphere.
-I'm almost there Captain Hayes.
-Good, Dr. Lang is sending you the coordinates, how's the weather over there?
Rick smiled showing all his excitement
-it's simply beautiful!
A gigantic green *Aurora had surrounded his fighter and Rick was pushing the thrusters through a starry dust dropping a cloud of light back behind him.
-Have you crossed the Aurora?
-Just now. It's amazing Lisa... I wish you could see it!
Lisa's heartbeat paused for a moment: her cheeks turned pink. It was a simple phrase, so to speak. But she was happy nonetheless because it came from him.
-I am over the Karman* line now, Captain. Everything is going smoothly.
Lang was standing behind Lisa's station - he couldn't be more pleased. Everything was going flawlessly. In an hour, Captain Hunter would be at the top of the exosphere, 10,000 kms from Earth. He would make a simple recon ride and prepare for the comeback. Probably by knowing him, the Skull leader would have performed some of his acrobatic stunts, making Captain Hayes a little nervous. All in the ordinary. Lang smiled. That VT was his crowning achievement.
-Captain Hayes!
The Corporal's voice at the front desk made everyone turn around.
-Captain Hayes, a call from the Command Center!
Lisa turned sharply, her hair swirling around her shoulders.
-What?
Lang's eyes widened
The young officer came forward in a hurry, carrying the GPS device. Lisa stood up abruptly and she got rid of the headphones. She placed the receiver on her temple and as soon as she heard the first words her face lost all its color. She felt a cold sweat down her spine. He searched for Lang's gaze.
-A Zentraedi malcontent... in the new Monument Center
Lang gasped
-A group of Zentraedis has laid a siege to the new UEG headquarters... Admiral Gloval ... is there...
Everybody froze at hearing those words. The air had crystallized.
-I have to... I have to go.
Lisa said firmly. In a single moment catastrophic settings were appearing before her eyes.
-Dr. Lang, I'm sorry!
Lang was visibly displeased, but what could he possibly do? There were lives at risk in that uprising, but what about his test?
It was as if Lisa had read his mind
-Lieutenant Louan take my station with the Skull Leader.
You, on the the other hand, call back the other Varitechs. They will be sent to quell the Zentraedi rebellion.
Alex Louan was startled.
-But Captain Hayes, I don't...
Lisa glanced at him with cold determination
-You can do it! You can do it ,can't you? Dr. Lang? Skull 1 is almost up to the exosphere... we can't stop the test now!
Lang nodded and folded his arms. For a moment he seemed not to breathe at all, then he blurted out
-Lieutenant Louan, take over Delta 1 Station. All operators, recall the rest of the Skull Squadron to the hangars.
Lisa nodded toward Louan, trying to give him some encouragement. But at that moment her mind was on her friends in peril, Gloval, Claudia...and...
Rick... please, be safe
she thought as she left the Base at full speed.
Thousands of miles away, beyond the clouds, the VF4 Lighting III flown by Commander Hunter was blasting through the exosphere. A few more blinks and he would be off into outer space. The feeling was intoxicating, the silence so absolute it was deafening...
Rick was preparing to cross the last outpost before exiting planet earth. With his thumb he switched on the comm.
-Skull1 to Delta 1... Captain Hayes, I'm leaving the exosphere right now. Alpha coordinates 1114-983, do you copy?
-Roger Skull 1 this is Delta 1, please proceed according to instructions.
Rick's eyes opened wide and a grimace marred his features.
What was Alex Louan doing in Lisa's station?
For a moment he was speechless, then frowned and addressed him scornfully
-What are you doing here Lieutenant? Where is Captain Hayes?
Louan thousands of miles away frowned as well
He really has a very bad temper as people say
he thought
-Captain Hayes has been called back to the Command Center.
-What!? Something happened? Been riots?!
-Right, Captain. But don't worry, let's continue with the drill.
Rick clenched tightly his controls. He gritted his teeth
-Zentraedis... again! Darn them all! I must go back immediately!
Alex Louan could sense the strain on the line. He spun around to look for Lang in a desperate plea for help: he came towards him, almost ripping the microphone from his hands
-Captain Hunter!
He called out to him as he was frantically checking the incoming data from his thinking cap
-This is Dr. Lang. Can you hear me? Put your hand back on the test immediately. You must not be influenced by any situation outside of the drill...remember our talk?
-But damn it, Dr. Lang! My men need me down there! Now!
and Lisa...
he thought with anger
Lisa needs me too...
-Don't screw up Hunter! We are performing a testing of the utmost delicacy! Don't let outside agents influence you: your HMI is detecting holes in the system. Just stay focused!
Rick clenched his teeth: he knew that his condition was severely affecting the HMI performance of his fighter, however he simply couldn't help thinking about the fact that thousands of miles below, soldiers and civilians were risking their lives. Again.
When would this all end?
How many times had he asked himself that?
Lisa, be safe...
-Captain Hunter! Damn it, Captain Hunter! you there?
Rick came to his senses.
-I got it, Dr. Lang, I got it!
-Lang was in a cold sweat, his eyes were like two slits.
Please follow Delta 1's instructions attentively: get out of the exosphere! Now!
Rick clenched his jaw and set the fighter on candlestick towards the void: then he launched the thrusters at full power to the given coordinates.
3.
2.
1.
-Roger Delta 1... Skull 1 out! Now!
The vacuum of outer space welcomed him as if within an embrace. As Lisa ran at full speed toward the Command Center Rick was floating thousands of miles above the clouds in the orbit of Earth. Right over Alaska, in the very same place where, one year before, the terrible battle against Dolza, the so-called Rain of Death had destroyed the planet.
The memories were still visible on Earth, and in the hearts of the survivors. But the marks had also remained... out there, in space. As the VF4's engines settled along the planned line Rick Hunter slowly switched to Guardian mode. The mecha's long arms stretched out into the darkness.
Everything was slowly, silent. The blue planet glowed below him like a glowing marble.
-Delta1 you read me? Just switched to Guardian mode. My position is Beta 11.34.98
-Roger Skull 1!
Alex Louan replied
-Proceed with the established protocols
Rick flicked his tongue over his dry lips while checking his breathing. He could see decently ahead and prepared to fire the blanks from the main cannon. First to the right and then to the left
-I'm getting started
right...
one shot pierced the void
Rick got ready with his left arm
and now...
A mid-range alarm froze his next move: it was coming from his rear camera. The computer on board had detected an anomaly. Rick moved slowly, by three-quarters: the big mecha carefully turned in the dark: that's when he saw it with his own eyes. A storm. A mass of meteorites was heading toward him, at controlled speed and at a 4 degree slope.
A cold drop of sweat ran down his back. For a moment he could not speak
It was as if his arms were not responding to his command, but his helmet was already sending the data back to Earth.
-Captain Hunter! Captain Hunter what's up!?
Luoan's voice pulled him out of his trance state
-Skull leader! Do you copy?
-Delta 1! A meteor mass is heading my way!
Rick looked around, the space corpses were coming in in all directions.
-Damn Delta 1! they coming at me from S1-A1, S1-A2, S2-B1, S2-B2, and radiant Alpha K!
Back on Earth everyone in the control tower was in a preaching panic.
Alex Louan's hands were shaking as Dr. Lang and his team desperately searched for an escape route for the Rick Hunter VT
-They're on him from all directions!
-How much time we have?!
cried Lang
-About 3 minutes!
Gena Bartlow responded in despair.
-He has to go back !
Alex Louan turned his head in panic.
-But... how?!
Rick Hunter, at that same moment, was estimating the same claims with his onboard computer. The cosmic fragments were rushing towards his ship at a speed that was not so insane as sustained. In less than four minutes they would hit the mecha.
I have to go back, and abort the mission...
Rick felt a twinge of nearly physical pain
-Or fight them...
he said in a low voice, but Louan had heard him
-What you mean Skull 1?
-Delta 1, I got it!
The VF4 coachwork glowed, reflecting the distant gleam of the sun. In less than a split second it stretched upright making its gears creak in the less than a blink of wings the Battroid, holding the gun, was preparing to fire towards the huge mass of space junk.
-It's a risk but it's the only way
said Lang to himself
-Be safe Captain Hunter!
Rick prepared to face the larger mass, coming at him from the gamma K range latitude.
-Now! Skull Leader! Fire!
Shouted Alex
Rick discharged all his ammo towards the cluster blasting it into dozens and hundreds of debris that crashed down on the Varitech.
-They got me!
-Captain Hunter get ready to enter the exosphere! NOW!
-Roger Delta 1!
Rick switched from Battroid to Fighter, giving full power to the engines under the fuselage. The meteor rockets were still running towards him.
-I'm ready, engine at maximum, Skull 1...out!
The VF4 was really a lightning bolt, and Rick only realized it at that moment.
The fighter blew out on the edge of the exosphere as it was blasted with light corpses. The canopy was heavily dented and the onboard computer started flashing red alarms. Rick's eyes widened as the mecha became ungovernable as it entered the thermosphere. He could clearly see the Aurora beneath him.
The heat inside the canopy had become unbearable.
-Delta 1, can you hear me?
Down on Earth Alex was getting desperate
-We lost all comms with Captain Hunter...
Gena Bartlow was furiously seeking him with the GPS sensor.
-Maybe he's been hit... I see a mass on fire 12' from the Karaman line.
Lang wiped a handkerchief on his sweaty face.
It can't be, it can't be....
All the crew in the control tower were filled with terror.
after a complete minute of silence, a croaking and faint voice spread throughout the room
-Delta1, can you hear me? This is Skull 1, I am in damage! The ship is on fire!
Unbelievable, Captain Hunter was still trying to steer his mecha.
-Give me your position Skull Leader.
-I'm entering the mesosphere, the asteroids are still on my tail!
-God...
Laslo Zand rushed to his station.
-He must abandon the VF4 or he is gonna die! Dr. Lang, we have to let the mecha be crushed by the impact!
Everyone looked at the scientist with concern
The VF4 Lightning III will be destroyed...
Dr. Lang grabbed the microphone
-Captain Hunter, you are ordered to abandon ship. Repeat, Skull Leader abandon ship as soon as you hear this call. A Defense Force shuttle is on its way to pick you up.
No answer from Skull 1.
Lang bit his lip.
-Lieutenant Louan, put this communication in a loop until you get a reply from Captain Hunter or... whatever...
The moments ticked by as Rick frantically tried to establish contact with Delta 1. The sky was black as hell and the frightening roar of meteor-dust dumping on the ship's steel made him wince.
Rick couldn't believe this was the end.
It had happened before.
When he had been caught in the friendly fire in the Daedalus attack. And during the battle with Dolza, when he had been blown out into the Earth's atmosphere.
Rick recalled the manual he had read in his office that night, before Lisa's visit. In case of failure, the mecha might catch fire. Put on the depressurized rescue coat and abandon the canopy.
Lisa ... I never thought I'd have to do this...
"Hey Rick! you know we don't have an oxygen mask or a life jacket here... you still feel up to flying this banger?"
He could clearly hear Roy's voice
Big brother, I screwed up...
he thought sadly.
"Well, you still alive or not?"
Rick shook himself. He pressed the SOS key. He had never done that in his entire life, and he considered it a matter of pride.
-Roy I'm not dead already...I'm not!
In a moment the oxygen tank popped out of the secondary drawers. Rick fastened the last strap on his space suit and proceeded to depressurize. The tank clipped on behind him.
-This is it!
he spoke voicelessly. his hands were shaking.
He tried to send another comm to the control tower but there was no answer.
Who knows if his thinking cap was doing its fuckin' job or not.
...hope someone down there is listening.
Rick lifted himself up and pulled open the canopy.
He let himself be drawn out by the vacuum and his body started to float in space among the colors of the Aurora. He was about 80 km in altitude from the highest peak of the Earth.
Lisa...
he thought
I wonder if she has heard that the mission has failed... she 'll be so disappointed.
At this, he smiled quietly, but a moment later a blinding light enveloped him: the VF4 had exploded into tens and hundreds of pieces with a great noise.
Rick was hurled thousands of miles away, as if he had received a massive downward slap from the roof of the universe.
His body whirled through the air as his conscience left him.
I failed.
This was his last thought... then black out.
-Where is Captain Hunter!? I have to see him!
A young woman with messed hair and a fur coat draped over her shoulders burst into the lobby of the New Macross Military and Civilian Hospital. Her heels clicked on the tile floor.
It was just after 6pm, and a blanket of fog had covered the city, replacing the previous snow.
Lisa Hayes was wearing a tense, pale face, but her eyes were dry.
Inside the waiting room she could spot some RDF uniforms but not their proper owners; she just wanted to see Rick Hunter, make sure he was okay, she wanted him to be alive.
A man ran up to her, chasing off the receptionists who were attempting to stop her rush. He grabbed her by the wrists, forcing her to stop.
-Lisa! Lisa calm down!
She lifted her gaze and met Alex Louan's black eyes. His face was also strained and pale.
For a moment a blind fury took hold of her.
-Alex! How could you! I entrusted you my station for a moment and look! look what happened!
She squirmed like a caged beast as he gripped her wrists even tighter and pulled her closer to him.
Dr. Lang and his aides, along with the other officers attending the test, were all in the room and looked at her with appalled eyes.
-Lisa!
Yelled Louan without regard to protocol
-Calm down! please!
he ordered
And then she seemed to give up and let herself fall into his arms. She started to sob softly at first, then louder and louder. He gently hugged her as if to soothe her. He stroked her hair and whispered something in her ear.
Captain Hunter could still breathe. The shuttle had detected him hovering like a feather at the edge of the troposphere. Within four hours, his descent had been a slow and steady one. The tank had recently finished and the impact of the Skull 1 explosion had only jarred him but did not pierce his spacesuit.
On his return to Earth he had been sent to intensive therapy, his brain had been suffering from lack of oxygen for about a minute. Because of this he was kept in a medically induced coma.
His internal organs had suffered only the recoil of the blast. All his bones were intact. Only a long, thin wound crossed his face from his eyebrow to cheekbone. His helmet had been shattered on the impact.
Lisa was not allowed to see him until three days later. On December 22, a fresh snowfall had blanketed New Macross again.
Lisa, like every night since the accident, had struggled with insomnia and a nameless anguish. She felt like she had that day, when she had unintentionally caused Rick's injury on the SDF1*. The young pilot had been unconscious for several days that time too. Lisa feared that if he had died she herself would not have been able to keep living.
-Good morning Captain Hayes.
The nurse who welcomed her to Rick's room door had her wearing scrubs over her uniform and a surgery mask.
-Captain Hunter is out of ICU, but he still didn't regain consciousness.
Lisa looked alarmed, and her eyes widened in fear.
-this doesn't mean he won't!
The nurse was young, with her hair cut into a brunette bob.
-Dr. Stateman will be here soon, and...
-Can I talk to him?
-Captain Hunter has no immediate family and you...
Lisa blushed slightly
-I...
-I think you can, Captain Hayes.
The nurse smiled
-You can come in now. Go ahead...
The room was aseptic. The clinic was so brand new that everything still smelled of lime and wall paint. Lisa sneaked in, trying to make as little noise as possible. She was holding a small bouquet of flowers. Fabric flowers, of a light blue shade.
Lisa noticed that Rick's face had been medicated. Now his wound had been sewn up and the stitches were barely visible. His body lay on the bed, looking weightless. His bare arms up to his biceps were motionless. Her index finger was stuck in the saturation device. The machine made a slight static sound.
Oh Rick...
Lisa approached the bed hesitantly. And then, even more slowly, she leaned over him and ran her fingertips over his forehead. His unruly hair had been pulled up in a band and his whole face was exposed. His red lips were dry, stuck together. His straight, perfect nose barely quivered at each breath.
His round lids were motionless. A feeling of terror invaded Lisa's body, gripping her knees.
She still blamed herself for everything.
How could this have happened?
She repeated herself. If only she hadn't had to leave, and give the control of the ship to Alex. If only they had tracked the probability of meteorites over Alaska... if only they had known that those were not meteorites but debris from Zentraedi ships that had been wandering in the atmosphere since the end of the war... if only...
All of these ifs and buts haunted Lisa's mind.
She picked up a chair and slowly pulled it closer to the bed. There was absolutely nothing in that room. Not even a glass of water. She felt a wave of tenderness for Rick: she wanted to hug him, wanted to tell him that she was there for him. Slowly she took his free hand and stroked it gently. Then she rested her trembling lips on his knuckles. She didn't know why she was doing this. Then she rubbed a cheek against his hand. She closed her eyes as she felt the faint warmth of him.
Rick.
Time had passed tirelessly. Just an hour she had stolen from her sleep. Lisa was determined to talk to the doctor who was treating Rick but she also had to get to the Command Center in a few minutes. However, her heart wept at having to leave him. She stood up and put on her coat. She clutched her hat and after casting one last glance at those sad, fabric flowers, she headed for the door.
It was when she had already grasped the handle that she heard a voice. His voice.
-Captain Hayes.
What?
Her heart skipped a beat. And Lisa felt her whole body heat up like it was on fire.
-Captain Hayes. Is that you?
Lisa suddenly turned around dropping her hat on the floor. She brought both hands to her face and held back a moan.
-Rick! Oh God, Rick...
It wasn't until the next day that Lisa was allowed to see him again. The doctors had taken him in for treatment to make sure his nervous system was in good condition. The doubt was about the lack of oxygen he had suffered during the crash, before being rescued by the RDF shuttle. He was risking a delay in his reflexes and muscle response. He could be at risk of never being able to fly a Varitech again. He was wearing an Air Force lap neck sweatshirt and still that band in his hair. She walked in with the nurse who checked his blood pressure and temperature. Then the young woman left them alone. -Good morning Commander Hayes.
Lisa smiled with delight to see him looking so well. His cheeks were flushed and although he appeared a little gaunt, his glabrous face was well-rested. His eyes were always so beautiful, maybe slightly cloudy.
-Have a seat Lisa.
he said with some liveliness
She hurried to take off her coat and put it on her lap. Then she pulled the chair as close as she could to his bed.
After a very long silence he sighed
-It didn't take, huh?
He said sarcastically.
Lisa looked at him bewildered: there were so many feelings stirring inside her. Fear, relief, tenderness...no, no something more
Maybe ...love?
She recalled the way she had kissed his hand just yesterday. Rick, he was alive and smiling in his own little sneering way, once again. Lisa clenched her nails inside her palms to keep from shaking. All of a sudden she wanted to hug him. But instead she cleared her throat
-The only thing that matters is that you're fine.
Rick glanced out the window- a snowstorm was raging outside.
-I may not be able to pilot a fighter anymore...
he said in a huff. He could feel his eyes burning, didn't want her to see him.
He stayed that way ,facing the wall for a long time. Then he felt her hand on his shoulder.
-I'm sure you will instead. How soon you expect.
He turned around, his brow furrowed, ready to snap at her, but then he met those sad eyes pleadingly looking at him and a new feeling washed over him, and quelled his anger and eagerness. Rick cracked a smile, and then gaze wandered across the room then he nodded again, pointing to the flowerpot.
-It was you, wasn't it?
-What me? Yes...
Lisa lowered her gaze
-I had no doubt, you know...it reminds me...it reminds me of that time you did the same thing, you brought me flowers at the hospital... that time...-that time I almost killed you with my friendly fire!
Rick let out a giggle
-You know it's not like that Lisa! ... anyway... I was really surprised you came to apologize!
She fiddled with the hem of her skirt, crinkling it in her hands.
-I was so happy about that!
Lisa frowned.
-Rick! you're the same as always!
-It was a nice day you know...
he grinned
-First you, then Roy, Ben and Max came to see me and at the end of the evening, Minmay...
At hearing her name Lisa's heart skipped a beat.
Rick had turned his face to the window again.
-I was feeling kind of important, And to say we didn't even talk...after a few minutes she fell asleep and then...then a couple of hours later Roy...died.
Lisa gripped the hem of her skirt tightly.
-Rick, please don't let these thoughts torture you.
-it's true
he cut off
-and look at me, I'm still alive, after being shot down countless times.
Lisa gasped, she couldn't believe Rick was unhappy not to be dead.
-I wonder why? ...
-Rick you...
-I don't deserve to be here. And I don't deserve those flowers either... I failed the mission and ...
So Lisa realized. SHE hadn't come to see him even once. She knew that. Nevertheless she cleared her throat and in a very casual tone said
-What about Minmay? She came to see you... not yet?
Rick turned around, his eyes were dark and stormy.
-Of course not. I don't even think she knows I'm here.
-The story of your accident went on the MBS news...
Rick shook his head.
-You know, I thought that after the rain of death, and being safely back on earth things would change. After, after we talked and... instead everything is worse than ever
Lisa frowned
-You... you talked?
she swallowed hard
-that night at Nyan Nyan?
Rick clenched his fists on the sheet.
-Of course not Lisa! Minmay was not there that night... she was somewhere with Kyle and I... I haven't seen her since that day.
Lisa was appalled. Clearly Rick couldn't wait to vent about his eternal love problem with the Macross Diva... and she... why had she brought up the subject? How could she be so masochistic? She didn't want to talk about her, she didn't want to hear anything more. All of a sudden her only desire was to get out of there, quickly.
-You know, before the battle with Dolza...when I thought all was lost forever...I...
Rick lifted his long eyelashes and looked at an indefinite spot in the opposing wall.
-I...I needed to tell her. I told her that... that I've always loved her.
Lisa felt like she had been stabbed with a well-deserved knife.
So he had told her... in the end...
-I thought we were all going to die and I had to do it. But she told me she was feeling the same. That she loved me too...*
Rick looked at Lisa as if wanting an answer from her. But what could she say?
Lisa inhaled slowly. So that was their little secret. He and Minmay could have been apart for a long time and even for thousands of miles from Earth, but he would have still loved her. She felt useless and a little ridiculous being there in that room. Maybe the right word was pathetic.
Shortly thereafter she made an excuse and left. The snow swirled violently outside the hospital. Lisa clutched at the lapels of her coat as a small tear slid out of her eye and immediately froze on the skin of her cheek making it burn.
Night was coming. Rick remained silent as Lisa's shape disappeared through the door. He felt so lonely and useless. Almost angry with her because she had gone. But then on the other hand, Commander Hayes had work to attend to. She always put her work first.
He leaned back and closed his eyes. Shreds of a strange dream swirled round his head. In that dream there was her, Lisa. She was so sweet and even a little seductive. He remembered vividly how he'd held her throbbing wrist between his fingers. How she had watched him, totally succumbing to his touch.
That version of Lisa simply didn't exist. Yet he would have wanted her that way. He realized that his body was overheating in that very spot over there
At least down there it still works
he thought
Then he blushed heavily.
Lisa had stormed into the command center.
-Did we just decide to turn up the heaters, or should I leave an official note for the tech department?
She yelled directed at no one in particular.
Vanessa buried her neck even further into her shoulders and avoided breathing.
Lisa removed a few snowflakes from her hair and threw both arms over her desk.
-What is all this paper!? Lieutenant Leeds!
-Aye Ma'am!
-They are all official dispatches from Monument City. From Admiral Gloval, and Senator Russo, and then
-I can see it for myself Vanessa!
Lisa was in hysterics. She started tearing open the official envelopes with a paperweight.
-I wonder why they don't just email. I mean...just now when paper has become so rare!
Downstairs, the girls and Makizaki listened to Lisa's tirade all the way down there.
Kim widened her eyes
-is in a terrible mood again today!
-With what happened at the VF4 tests I would be as well! Poor Vanessa, I don't envy her!
added Sammie
Makizaki glanced over the balcony for a moment.
-I heard that the pilot is awake from his coma.
-Yes, thankfully! Too bad though, Captain Hunter will have to stay in the hospital for another 10 days!
-He's going to miss the Christmas party...
Sammie brought her hands to her face with a dreaming look.
-the Christmas party...can't wait! I just can't wait to celebrate! finally!
-Yeah last year we spent it working on the bridge and listening to Minmay's songs!*
The two girls burst out laughing and even Makizaki hazarded a shy smile.
-What? A Christmas party? I really don't think I'm going!
Lisa's voice was dramatically stern
-Come on, kid, don't be such a brat!
said her friend Claudia on the other side of the line.
-The Admiral will be there, too. And the rest of the crew. We' ll take the opportunity to give Lieutenant Sterling a medal for valor.
-Oh, I'm pleased to hear that.
-You deserve it too, for successfully leading the Monument mission!
-Oh I...
suddenly Lisa's voice softened and Claudia noticed it.
-So I'll see you there?
-But wait when?
-Well... in about 20 hours? Tomorrow is Christmas Eve, remember?
-Vanessa!
The young officer winced
-Yes ma'am?
-Do you know what to wear at... a Christmas party?
-Lisa, you look beautiful!
Claudia came to meet her on the steps of the headquarters where a small Christmas party had been arranged: all the officers based at Monument and New Macross were in attendance.
Lisa blushed as she looked around: it was a simple event, yet she felt uncomfortable.
-You think? I thought about wearing a red dress, you know it's Christmas but... I wonder if I went too far.
-We don't have enough red dresses round here. Take a look!
Mirya Sterling, the Bridge bunnies even the Pin Point Barrier girls were wearing varying shades of red. Dr. Bartlow had ventured a pair of vertiginous leather heels.
-And wine, too. Red of course. Let's go!
Lisa smiled as she walked into the room arm in arm with her best friend. She didn't want to think about anything. For what worth.
-To us!
said Claudia as she made the glasses clink.
-Happy Christmas!
The bridge girls approached them.
-Commander Hayes! Major Grant! Wonderful party!
said Kim radiantly.
Lisa shyly glanced around. It was the first time she had been to an event since the Robotech Academy. After Karl's death, there had been no time for her to have fun.
-Lisa... I mean... Commander Hayes.
In his formal dress uniform and his medals pinned to his chest, on the heart side, he looked stunning. His jet black hair was almost shimmering under the bright lights of the decorations.
The bridge bunnies looked at him in amazement.
-Wow!
whispered Sammie to Kim's ear
-he's even more handsome than Lieutenant Sterling!
-Lieutenant Louan... good evening, Alex...
Instead of saluting her officially, he took her hand and Lisa blushed. She glanced at her friends: they were almost holding their breath.
-Girls...meet... First Lieutenant Alex Louan. An old friend and fellow student at the Academy...Alex they are my shipmates aboard the SDF1. Lieutenants Young, Leeds and Porter. And Major Grant!
The four women saluted back politely
-It's an honor to meet the entire Space War bridge crew. You all are like some sort of heroines to the entire RDF.
The terrible trio was ecstatic, as Claudia alternately glanced at Lisa and Alex with a sly grin.
-Will your friends not hate me for taking you away?
Lisa smiled as she sipped on another glass of red wine.
She and Alex had gone outside, on the terrace. The moon shone brightly in the sky finally free of clouds. They both tightened their coats.
-What you talking about... and besides, they see me every day! They must be sick of me.
-The terrible Captain Hayes, the Ice Queen right?
Lisa smiled sadly
-My reputation precedes me.
-That's possible...
Alex said still looking up to the sky.
-But not for someone who knows you like I do...
His hand wandered slowly until it met Lisa's laying on the railing. At his warm touch she shivered.
-I know who the real Lisa Hayes is before she turned into Captain Hayes. The sweet and shy green-eyed Elizabeth Hayes, from Tokyo*.
Lisa breathed softly. Alex recalled everything so fondly. She wanted to take her hand back, but a sort of numbness had seized her. He still gently held her palm in his.
-You're still the same Lisa, even if you think you're not.
-Alex...
She raised her lashes and met his intense gaze.
-Since I met you again...I thought... I felt that all was not lost. That we could go back.
He said this without breathing and Lisa stood petrified. She could not believe it. It was all so crazy, almost absurd. The party, the Christmas tree, the red woollen dress. A handsome young officer holding her hand under the stars. Maybe...maybe it was time to be happy and set aside her troubled relationship with Rick Hunter.
Claudia spotted her running towards the toilets like a rampage
-Lisa! Lisa... what's up?
After having taken her leave from her colleagues, she ran after her before she could shut the door-
-What's the matter Lisa? What's wrong?
She noticed her friend's eyes were filled with tears.
-I...I don't know...
-What's going on?. One second you were happily flirting with your friend from Apollo, and now you look like a hormonal teenager at a prom!
Lisa's eyes widened
-Flirting? I? What!
She sniffled.
-I...
For a moment she couldn't speak.
-Alex was Karl's best friend. He can' t forget him either. I think it's not good for us to spend time together.
She ran the back of her hand over her eyes, leaving a long trail of melted mascara.
Claudia looked at her with sympathy
-You sure that's all it is?
-What you mean?
-How's the boy?
Lisa felt her cheeks burn.
-The "boy"? What do you mean? I don't care about Rick Hunter! I'm never going to visit him again. See... He...he only thinks about Minmay!
Then she shuddered, realizing that she had finally expressed the feelings that had been tormenting her so much.
Claudia had known it for a long time, but finally Lisa had decided to admit her own feelings for Roy's little brother.
She took her hand.
-Let's go, come with me.
The big galley set up in one corner of the hall was full of tables piled high with all sorts of goodies. Claudia put her hands on a small circular cake, decorated with a sugar reindeer and a gingerbread elf.
-What you doing Claudia...I can't do that! I can't steal a cake!
Lisa hissed
-You're not doing it. I am! And come on, isn't the poor boy deserving of his Christmas cake? After all, he was injured on duty.
Lisa smiled gratefully at her friend...as she slipped out the back door and got into a cab Claudia's voice echoed in her ears.
"You know it was Roy that asked me to look for Minmay aboard the ship. She was shooting her movie and he thought a visit from her might lift his little brother's spirits. He went looking for her on the set and Lynn Kyle chased him off. But eventually he managed to persuade her..."
"Say hi to Rick for me Lisa!"
"Merry Christmas."
At the hospital, the lighting was dim. It was a short time before Christmas Eve, and the healthiest patients and staff were watching a Christmas show on MBS. Minmay and Jan Morris were among the featured guests.
-I know it's late, but I brought a Christmas present...
Lisa swallowed in embarrassment.
-For Captain Hunter.
The nurse at the front desk didn't mind. After all, it was actually Christmas and Captain Hayes was like a relative or something.
They're probably engaged
she thought to herself
-Of course come in, Commander!
-Lisa!
In the half-light she could only make out a pale cheek lit by the TV screen. Contrary to her expectations Rick was not watching Minmay's Christmas special but an old Frank Capra movie: "It's a wonderful life".*
-What you doing here?
He asked her, icily.
Lisa felt a dull ache inside her chest.
-I...
she started, but then she even stopped breathing.
He lifted himself onto the bed, and she could see his lashes were still damp.
-You know, this movie always stirs me a bit. We used to watch it together for Christmas, me, Roy and dad. Well... until he died and then...
Lisa instinctively turned on the small nightlight.
-How... how are you feeling Rick?
He glanced at her now that the room was lit up. His eyes wandered round her body and her loose hair. He carefully viewed her red dress poking out of her fur coat and the subtle lipstick on her lips.
-You look...you look really good...
he said feeling awkward. And annoyed, too. Why was she dressed like that? Maybe he remembered... Max and Miryia had told him about a Christmas party...
She blushed.
-Thank you... I... I brought you something. A Christmas present.
Rick frowned and stammered in embarrassment.
-You shouldn't have, Lisa. And you shouldn't have come here, and missing the RDF party...
-I have been there however!
she said brightly.
-So, may I sit down?
Unexpectedly Rick lifted himself up with his torso and shifted slightly on the mattress.
-Yeah, come on. Sit here next to me.
His heart was ready to explode. He had been thinking of her all day, between the meds-induced sleep and the memories of that dream. And now, she had really shown up, in that captivating dress. Rick cast his glance at her long legs wrapped in the fur galoshes.
-Lisa...
he whispered
-Thank you... for being here.
She smiled shyly.
-Everyone is deserving of a Xmas cake, right?
She said, repeating Claudia's words.
Rick ran a hand behind the back of his head.
-Even a mess like me? A hardheaded pilot? A failure?
Lisa took off her coat and carefully sat down on the bed. The mattress squeaked slightly.
She placed the cardboard box with the cake in it on the blanket.
Rick inhaled the scent of her hair and the sweet smell of the whipped cream.
-I can't believe you bought a cake for me on Christmas Eve, thank you... Commander Hayes.
Lisa grinned and looked at him over her shoulder, mischievously.
-Well, I didn't actually buy it. I stole it.
Rick's eyes went wide and so did his mouth.
-You stole it?
-I did. From the RDF party. If Maistroff ever found out, I'd be court-martialed!
The two burst out laughing with delight: they had tuned into the same frequency.
The movie was about to end
"Dear George... remember..."
Lisa started
Rick watched her keenly as she read the words on the screen
"no man is a failure who has friends..."
He smiled searching for her hand between the sheets. Her skin was soft, warm. He couldn't help remembering when he had last touched her hand.
-That's so true.
she said encouragingly.
Their fingers intertwined.
-Merry Christmas Lisa...
-Merry Christmas Rick
To be continued
notes:
1) From ep. 11 The Big Escape (Original Macross Lines)
2)From ep. 7 Bye Bye Mars
3)From ep. 21 A new Dawn
4) the Vomit Comet is a program designed for astronaut training
5) the Aurora (known also as Southern and Northern Lights) primarily occur in the thermosphere, the Karman Line is a boundary between our atmosphere and outer space.
6)From ep. 27 Force of Arms
7) From Macross White Christmas, a short story by director Noboru Ishiguro, released with album Macross Love vol.V
8) In my other fic To the Stars and Beyond, Lisa says she is from Tokyo, Japan.
9) 1946, classical Christmas movie by Frank Capra
Hello everybody
To apologize for the delay and to thank you for all of your lovely reviews, I posted a very long chapter. I hope you guys will not get bored and that you will enjoy it! it's a bit of a weird Christmas chapter.
Thank you all so much again for being here and for reading. With love
Mao