TWO OF A KIND
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
FIGHTING BACK
Rick was shocked at the news to say the least.
"But…I…I don't understand. Why me Lisa? Why am I commander why not Kevin Roy's XO?"
"Captain Cramer was killed in the same air battle that injured Roy. Right now, Captain Matthews of Intruder Squadron is filling in as temporary CO of the Skull and Flight Lieutenant Shannon is in temporary charge of your squadron in place of Appling. Captain Gloval thought that you are the most experienced and capable pilot in the air wing and that is why he promoted you and made you commander. Also, because Roy was acting CAG, you are also acting CAG. And in case if you are wondering, no, I did not have anything to do with persuading the captain. It was his decision and his alone."
"Where's Roy? Is he here in the hospital?"
"No, he's not Rick. He is in the ICU of the ship's hospital. Roy was losing too much blood and too fast that the medics decided to take him to the ship's hospital instead."
"I need to see him Lisa."
"Rick…I think you should wait. Besides…you only have one or two more days left in the hospital until you are discharged. That should give you some time to…you know…mentally prepare yourself."
All Rick could do was to nod his head. "Is anyone staying at Roy's bed side?"
Lisa nodded her head. "The ICU staff is allowing Claudia to visit Roy even though she's not a family member. Once you are discharged from the hospital, the ICU staff with allow you in to visit Roy since you're the closest Roy has to family."
"Lisa…can you leave me alone for a while? I need time alone to think things over."
"Of course, Rick…I'll leave you alone for a while. Do you want me to visit you this evening…say sometime after dinner?"
"Uh…yeah…that would be fine."
Lisa nodded her head. She then gently grabbed Rick's hand. "Rick…I know all of this is overwhelming for you right now…but soon…all…of this will make sense. Rick…you need to listen to me. This is one time that you will need someone beside you to help you and to guide you. Do not take all of this upon yourself. You need to be strong for Roy. Let me help me you. Please Rick…don't shut me out."
All Rick could do was to nod his head. Lisa was right. This is one time that he needs someone besides him, and Lisa is the only one who could do it. She understands. "Okay Lisa…I'll do it. I trust you."
Lisa gently smiled and kissed Rick on the lips. "See you later this evening?"
All Rick could do was to muster a half smile and nodded his head. "Sure. See you this evening."
Lisa smiled as she kissed Rick. "See you later this evening lover."
Rick chuckled and smiled a wide smile. Lisa was trying to find a right pet name for him. He is confident that she will find a name that both will like. "Okay Lisa." Rick said as Lisa walked out.
Unbeknownst to Rick and Lisa, Minmei stood outside Rick's room eavesdropping on Rick and Lisa's conversation. Minmei was flabbergasted when Lisa told Rick the news that Roy was almost shot down and is now in a coma in the hospital fighting for his life. Minmei had to with all her might stifle the tears and grief she was feeling so she would not be heard. In the past two plus years she has known Roy Fokker, she considers Roy to be an incredibly good friend. One of the few genuine good friends she has and one of the few people she trusts. He has kept her apprised of how Rick was doing, and she is one of the few people Roy allows to call him by his first name. She even considers him to be a bother since she grew up having no siblings. She even let Roy call her little sister and in turn, Roy let Minmei call him big brother. Roy is one of the few people along with Rick that Minmei allows to call her by her given name instead of calling her "Miss Minmei".
When she heard Lisa leaving Rick's room, she walked swiftly into a vacant room and waited for Lisa to leave. When she was certain that Lisa has left Rick's hospital room, she walked slowly out of the vacant hospital room and walked slowly to Rick's room. She first thought about knocking on Rick's door and to let him know that she was eavesdropping and to give her condolences, then thought about not doing it. But then again, Rick somehow always had a knack of finding out what Minmei was doing, so she went ahead and knocked on Rick's door. Rick was sitting up in his bed deep in his troubles and thoughts when he was surprised to see Minmei at his door.
"Minmei I thought you have left."
"I…I'm sorry Rick…but I overheard what Commander Hayes told you about Roy. I…. I am sorry Rick…but in these past two years…Commander Fokker and I have become good friends. When you were captured by the enemy…it was Roy who told me that you were missing. When you were shot down…it was Roy who told me you were shot down and in the hospital. Roy and I have become close and have become good friends these past few years. I…I'm sorry Rick…I don't what to say.", Minmei said as she was breaking down.
"Oh Minmei…I don't know what to do! I do not know what to do if Roy dies! He is the only person I have left that is close to family!", Rick said as he was beginning to break down and cry. Minmei ran to Rick's bedside, sat at the edge of the bed and let Rick cry on her shoulder even as tears were beginning to fall from her own eyes. She could do nothing but to let Rick cry on her shoulder. Minmei then pulled Rick away from her and put her hands on his shoulders.
"Rick…you need to listen to me. As much as I hate to admit it…but…your girlfriend Commander Hayes is right. You need to be strong for Roy. If there is ever a time that you need to be strong for him…it is right now. You just had some big responsibilities placed on your young shoulders…and you cannot do it by yourself. You will need help…and I am here to help you if you want. Now…I cannot be with you always because…I will be doing publicity work for my movie…but if you need someone to talk to…I am always here. And don't you forget it Rick!"
Through his tears Rick nodded his head. 'Maybe Minmei isn't such a bed person after all.', Rick said to himself.
"I really have to go now Rick. I am supposed to be on the set of Late Night with David O'Brien for taping to promote my movie and I am already late as it is, and Vance is probably on the verge of wanting to wring my neck for being late so I will see you when I can. Promise me you stay up late so you can see me on TV? I'm going to do something special for Roy."
Rick nodded as he smiled through his tears. "I will Minmei. I promise."
"Good Rick. Promise me one more thing; promise me you will stay strong for Roy?"
Rick nodded his head. "I will Minmei, I promise."
Minmei then smiled a genuine smile at Rick. "Good. See you later Rick." Minmei said as she leaned in so she can kiss Rick on the forehead.
"Same here Minmei. Oh, and uh…Minmei."
"Yes Rick?"
"Thanks for staying around and talking to me and let me cry on your shoulder. You really did not have to do it, but I really needed it. No matter what happens between the two of us…I will always consider you my friend."
"Think nothing of it, Rick."
Minmei then left Rick's room. Rick then sighed and laid his head back in the pillow as he was wiping his tears away. Suddenly he's beginning to feel physically and emotionally wiped out and he needed to get some sleep. He grabbed and pressed the remote control to his bed and moved the headrest of his bed back a little. Soon he was asleep.
As Minmei was leaving the hospital, she cannot help but shake her head in disgust. 'First it was Rick, now it's Roy.' She said to herself. In some ways she can understand why her cousin says he anti-war, war does nothing but hurt, maim and kill people. But at the same time unlike her cousin, she is not ashamed to say she loves and supports the military and the RDF, and she is very much pro-military. Spending a good part of her pre-teen years being surrounded by military, Minmei has grown to love and appreciate the military. Saying you are for and support the military does not mean you like war. It is the military and people like Rick and Roy and others in the RDF who is doing the fighting and the dying for not only the people of Macross but for the people of Earth. After calling for her chauffeur on her cell phone, Minmei was so wrapped up in her thoughts that she did not noticed people were encircling and clamoring around her asking for her autograph. Minmei obliged by signing some autographs but had to stop by telling people she was running late for the taping. Her limousine pulled up to the front of the hospital door when she said that. The crowd groaned but they let her go.
Inside the back seat of her limo, Minmei began to change her opinion of Lisa but only just a little because she still blames Lisa for Rick being shot down over the Pacific Ocean and almost losing his life. She heard what happened to Rick from Roy and what she was able to hear from the private detective and what she heard from gossip from the ship and from everyday people on the street. After almost losing Rick and now hearing that her friend Roy is now in the hospital and fighting for his life, she is now even more determined to get Rick away from Lisa. 'She will get him killed one of these days. He just doesn't know it.' Minmei said to herself. The ringing of her smart phone brought Minmei out of her thoughts. She does not have to look at the display to know who is calling her. She opened her purse, got out her smart phone and pressed the answer icon.
"Hello Vance. Yes, I am on my way to the studio so please do not get your hair all knotted up. Vance, I was only joking! You need to learn to relax a little bit! Vance, I am not your only client so stop using me as an excuse! Alright! Relax will you Vance! I should be at the studio in couple of minutes alright…good-bye!"
'Jeez, and he wonders why he's almost bald, overweight, have heart palpations and swallowing aspirin and antacids like it was candy.' Minmei said to herself as she was pressed the end call icon to break the connection.
LATER THAT NIGHT
As he promised even though he was dead tried, Rick stayed up to watch Minmei on 'Late Night with David O'Brien. Minmei was the main guest of the show. After introducing Minmei, she walked over to the stage, kissed David O'Brien on the cheek and kissed O'Brien's sidekick Andy Richard on the cheek. After spending several minutes talking about the movie and what she has planned after the movie was released, O'Brien asked Minmei if she could sing a song before the comedic guest comes out. Minmei acted like she wanted to say no but was pressed on by O'Brien and the audience to sing a song. After much playful persuasion by O'Brien and the audience, Minmei said she would sing a song, but it would take several minutes for her to be set up to sing the song. That was the signal for O'Brien to take a commercial break.
After the commercial break, the camera came on David O'Brien sitting at his desk. "And now ladies and gentlemen; Miss Lynn Minmei." The audience started to clap and cheer as the camera switched over to Minmei, who was bowing slightly in appreciation to the audience. The clapping stopped after a few seconds. Minmei who was standing on a darkened stage that was only lit by a spotlight shining down on her began to speak. What she said before she sang blew Rick away.
"Thank you, David. I first heard this song growing up as a little girl in Yokohama. When I first heard this song, the singer who sang this song, sang it so slowly and beautifully that I never comprehended what he was singing about until I have gotten much older. When I finally was able to understand what the singer was singing about, I was disturbed and angry at the message he was singing about. But in some strange way I understood why he wrote this song. Even now I cannot help but love this song despite the message the singer was conveying in this song. I doubt that I will put this song on any of my albums, but I hope you will like it anyway. I would like to dedicate this song to my good friend Lieutenant Commander Roy Fokker who is in a coma and fighting for his life in the SDF-1's hospital."
She then turned to her right and nodded to a pianist that was sitting at a grand piano several feet away from her outside of camera range. The pianist then began to softly play the opening bars of the song. Minmei then started to sing in her young soprano voice softly but confidently.
"Imagine there's no Heaven.
It's easy if you try.
No Hell below us.
Above us only sky
Imagine all the people,
Living for today"
After she sang the last line; "And the world will live as one", the audience fell completely silent. No one said a word, save for the few people in the audience who were quietly crying and the few sniffling of tears. The camera then switched back over to David O'Brien who himself was wiping away tears. "We'll be right back after these commercial messages from our sponsors."
Rick could not help but to lean back in his bed and wipe away tears himself. "Wow!" was the only word he managed to quietly say.
THE NEXT DAY
Doctor Hammond decided to discharge Rick a day early. What should be good news and a glorious day for Rick has become a heavy burden for him. Captain Gloval allowed Lisa to have the day off so she can help Rick's discharge from the hospital, help him get adjusted to his new and added responsibilities and of course to see Roy. Lisa brought in a small suitcase from Rick's quarters to pack up what little belongings Rick has with him. As Rick was putting on his clothes Lisa quietly walked into Rick's room wearing civilian clothes but not in the tight jeans and tight tee-shirt that just seem to drive Rick crazy.
Without saying a room but with a gentle smile on his face, Rick walked up to Lisa and started kissing her. Lisa started kissing back as she felt her heart begin to flutter. Sometimes Lisa still cannot believe that she would ever fall in love again, much less to someone who is five years younger than her. No, not just fall in love but head over heels in love.
However, even though she is happy that Rick is finally getting out of the hospital, her heart is heavy for Rick. She knows that the first thing Rick will want to do is to visit Roy in the hospital. It is something she is not looking forward to. Claudia has spent every minute she is not working in the hospital at Roy's bedside holding Roy's hand, stroking his blonde hair, talking to him hoping that he will hear her and wake up and occasionally kissing him. It is something that Lisa is terribly familiar with. Even though Roy being in the hospital has not kept Claudia from doing her duty, Lisa knows her heart is on Roy and how is he doing. It is a situation Lisa is all too familiar with. Sometimes Lisa wanted to put her arm around Claudia to let her know she is on Claudia's side, but she knows Claudia would not allow it. Besides, Claudia knows how Lisa feels because she knows that Lisa had just gone through the same situation with Rick, and she knows that Lisa is on her side.
After kissing for a while, they broke their embrace. "Are you ready to go Rick?", Lisa quietly asked.
Rick nodded his head.
Then a hospital orderly came in with a wheelchair.
"Oh, I'm okay sir. I do not need to be in a wheelchair. I can walk out on my own."
"I'm sorry lieutenant but it's hospital regulations."
Rick sighed then nodded his head. He then sat himself down in the wheelchair clutching his small suitcase Lisa brought in with her. Lisa walked beside Rick holding his hand. Outside the hospital, Lisa told Rick to be patient as she goes to the parking lot and retrieves the duty car. Rick nodded his head as Lisa walked away. Several minutes later, Lisa drove up to the front entrance of the hospital. The orderly opened the passenger side door and helped Rick into the car. Rick thanked the orderly and told him he can buckle himself in. The orderly nodded his head, closed the door and walked back into the hospital with the wheelchair.
"I guess you want to see Roy first, am I right Rick?", Lisa asked as she turned on the ignition to the car.
Rick just nodded his head.
"Okay." Lisa said quietly. It had taken just several minutes for them to reach the ship's hospital. Lisa parked the car in a space reserved for official government cars. Rick got out of the passenger side of the car, closed the door and took in a deep breath, psyching himself up for what maybe a sight he does not want to see less remember.
"It's okay Rick. Roy looks fine. He's just unconscious.", Lisa reassured him.
"Okay Lisa, whatever you say.", Rick said.
Lisa grabbed hold of Rick's hand and walked with him to the hospital. As they walked into the hospital, Rick grew increasingly uneasy. He does not know if he could handle seeing Roy unconscious and not moving. Lisa could sense his growing uneasiness and gently squeezed his hand as an unspoken sign of reassurance. They rode an elevator car up to ICU. Once they came out of the elevator, there were the double doors to the ICU. Lisa turned to face Rick and gently kissed him.
"This is far as we can go together Rick. I cannot go into the ICU because I am not family. Now, just go to the nurse's station and tell the head nurse your name and they will lead you to Roy's room. Do not worry if Roy cannot hear you. The nurse will tell you that Roy can hear you. Take all the time you need. Captain Gloval let me have the day off, so you can stay with Roy as long as you like."
Rick nodded his head as he kissed Lisa. He then turned and slowly walked into the ICU. He went up to the nurse's station and cleared his throat.
"Excuse me nurse. My name is Lieutenant Rick Hunter. I'm here to see my brother Lieutenant Commander Roy Fokker."
"We have expecting you. Come with me lieutenant.", The nurse said softly.
The nurse got up from her chair and led Rick to Roy's room.
"Just go in and start talking to him. He can hear you. Hold his hand if you want, it will help."
Rick nodded his head as he started slowly to walk into Roy's room. He can hear the nurse slowly and quietly closing the door behind her. 'Man, everything looks so familiar. I was in one hospital room and now here I am in another hospital room.' Rick said to himself. He then looked over to where Roy was lying. He looks like he is sleeping. Roy was lying on his back. He was dressed in a hospital gown and his body was covered by a thin woven hospital blanket. The room was completely quiet except for the beeping of the heart monitor. 'This is so wrong. I expect myself to be in a hospital room but not Roy! It cannot be! This is so wrong!'
Rick found a chair and sat himself down next to Roy's bed. He held Roy's hand but did not say a word. He cannot find the words to say to him because he may not know if Roy will even hear what he says to him despite what the nurse said to him. Tears began to well up in the corners of Rick's eyes and slowly and freely started going down his face. He summoned up all his inner strength and started talking to Roy in a soft tone of voice breaking as the tears started to fall from his face staining the blanked that was keeping Roy warm.
"Hey Roy…it's me…its Rick. I am finally out of the hospital and I am here to see you. Lisa told me what happened to you the other day." Rick had to stop so he can think what to tell Roy next.
"Thank you for filling in for me as commander of my squadron. Max and Ben really like you. To tell you the truth, I think they really prefer you to me even though the three of us were classmates and friends since our academy days.", Rick said trying to make a joke but to him it did not come out right.
"Speaking for taking command, Captain Gloval has promoted me to lieutenant commander and made me commander of your squadron…the Skull. Can you believe that? I mean…you always told me that you always took pride in yourself in never getting shot down and me…I got shot down by own missiles…and now here I am with a promotion…and taking over command of your squadron! How ironic is that, huh?", Rick said trying to laugh through his tears. He gathered himself together and continued to talk.
"Damn it, Roy Fokker now you listen to me and you listen to me really good…you wake up! I do not know what I will do without you by my side and helping me! The academy has taught me so much, but I learned more from you about flying and leadership then in all the four years I spent at the academy! You taught me more about leading men than all the instructors I had at the academy put together. Roy you made it this far! Now don't you dare give up on me! You hear me Roy Fokker! Don't you dare give up on me god damn it!"
Rick could not contain it anymore. He let go of Roy's hand and buried his head into the bed and started to weep and cry very bitterly. He did not know how long he spent crying and weeping at Roy's bedside, but he knew it must have been an awfully long time. When all the tears were spent and all he could do was to dry heave, Rick sat up and started to compose himself as he decided it was time to leave even though he did not want to.
"I see you later this evening Roy.", Rick said as he stood up to leave.
Rick opened the door and walked out of Roy's room. He nodded to the nurse as he walked out of the ICU. Lisa was sitting in a row of chairs when Rick walked through the ICU's doors. Rick than ran the rest of the way and started to cry again which surprised him because he thought he had used up all his tears in Roy's room. Lisa quickly stood up and wrapped her arms her boyfriend's waist. Rick then buried his head into Lisa's shoulder, which was difficult for Rick because he was much taller than Lisa but at this moment in time, Rick really did not care. His best friend and big brother, one of the best fighter pilots in the SDF-1's air wing, is in a hospital bed fighting for his life and there was nothing he could do about it.
After letting Rick cry on her shoulder for a few minutes and gently stroking his hair, whispering encouragement to him, Lisa gently pushed Rick away from her and looked up at him straight in the eyes. "C'mon Rick, let's go." Lisa quietly said as she grabbed Rick's hand. Rick nodded his head. None of them said a word as they walked out the hospital and to the car. Lisa opened the car's doors with a remote control. After buckling themselves in, Lisa started the car.
"Where do you want to go Rick?", Lisa asked quietly.
Rick shook his head. "I don't know, and I don't care Lisa. But I do not feel like going back to my quarters. Anywhere else is fine with me."
"I understand Rick. How about we find a nice quiet place to eat lunch? I know you must be starving."
Rick nodded his head.
Lisa smiled as she was backing the car out of its space.
"Rick, I know this is not a good time to ask; but have you thought about who should take over as commander of Vermillion Squadron?"
Rick was quiet for a long time before speaking up. "I want to recommend Max Sterling to Captain Gloval to be my replacement at Vermillion, but I want Ben to my XO, and I want them both to be promoted."
Lisa nodded her head. 'It makes sense since the three of them have been close friends since their academy days.' "I'll help you with the necessary paperwork to forward up to J-1 and to Captain Gloval. It should only take a couple of days for the paperwork to go through."
"Thanks Lisa. I really appreciate it."
"Think nothing of it, Rick.", Lisa said with a gentle smile. "How about we go to that sub shop that has just opened up on base?"
"That sounds fine with me Lisa."
SDF-1's HANGAR BAYS
LATER THE SAME DAY
After lunch Rick asked Lisa to drop him off at the hangar bays so he can see how the repairs to Skull One were going. Lisa agreed and dropped him at the hangar bays before returning the car to the motor pool. As Rick was walking up to what is now his veritech, Rick asked the mechanics how much longer the repairs to Skull One was going to take. They told him that repairs were almost complete. All they must do is to finish replacing one of the side panels, check to see if all instrumentation is working properly and to do a minor touch-up paint job to the jet. As Rick was touching his hands to Skull One, he heard footsteps coming up from behind him.
"Hey skipper, heard you're now Commander Fokker's replacement. Congratulations Rick."
"Thanks Max."
"What are you doing here Rick? I thought you would be in your quarters gearing yourself up when you take over for Commander Fokker in a few days.", Ben asked.
"Ah…I'm just mentally preparing myself by coming over to see how the repairs to Skull One are going. You know guys…Roy always prided himself on never getting shot down. And here I am…I got shot down by our own missiles…and now here I am taking his place. Ironic isn't it?", Rick asked solemnly.
Ben decided to lighten the mood by changing the subject. "Hey, I also heard about you getting promoted. Congratulation's skipper."
Rick smiled as he turned to face his friends. "Well…to tell you the truth, I'm not the only one who's being promoted. Congratulations Captain Max Sterling and Benjamin Dixon.", Rick said as he extended his hand. Ben and Max had shocked looks on their faces.
"And not only that, congratulations Captain Sterling, you're now the new commander of Vermillion Squadron. And Captain Dixon, you are now the new executive officer of Skull Squadron. Congratulations."
Max's and Ben's jaws just dropped when Rick told them the news.
"You're kidding us! You're pulling our legs, right Rick.", Ben managed to say after the initial shock of what Rick told them wore off.
Rick smiled and shook his head. "No, I'm not Ben. Commander Hayes is helping me with the paperwork. It should clear Personnel and be signed off by Captain Gloval in a few days. Besides, the two of you deserve it."
Max and Ben were still speechless.
"Uh…thanks Rick.", Max said as he turned around and walked away.
Rick was thankful he and Ben are alone. "Hey Ben, can I talk to you for a minute?"
"Uh…yeah, sure Rick, I can spare a couple of minutes. What's up?"
"I hope you don't mind not being the CO of Vermillion. You have great potential of becoming a great leader, but I think Max is better in his leadership skills than you."
Ben began to vigorously shake his head. "Oh no, I don't mind being your XO Rick. To me, it is an honor to be your XO. It's nice to have some leadership responsibilities without having to have the headache of leading an entire squadron."
Rick could not help but smile. "You have always managed to look on bright side of things, you know that Ben."
"Hey, it's the one thing that has kept me alive so far.", Ben said as he put his arm around Rick. "Hey, let's find Max and celebrate our promotions at the Officer's Club."
"Well…our promotions are not official yet Ben."
"So? Official, unofficial, it does not make a difference. Besides, it shouldn't be a reason not to celebrate."
"I like your way of thinking Ben.", Rick said as they turned and walked away from the hangar bays and they put each other's arm on each other's shoulder.
Ben let out a hearty laugh. "Great to see you're finally lightening up Rick! I think dating Commander Hayes has loosened you up!"
"Hey! I wasn't always uptight!", Rick said defensively.
"Oh. Really Rick?", Ben said sarcastically.
"Well…not always."
SHIP'S HOSPITAL
Deep inside his sub consciousness, Roy felt trapped inside his own body. Whenever Rick or Claudia came to visit him, he tried with all his might to tell them that he can hear them but somehow or the other, his body is not doing what his brain was telling it to do. After a while, he had all but given up. He was afraid that he would never wake up and would stay in a vegetative state for the rest of his life. He will never have the chance to tell Claudia that he loves her and ask her to marry him. He will never see Rick and Lisa get married and therefore would never get the chance to be an uncle. As he was going through these thoughts in his subconscious, a light began to blind Roy. He then suddenly felt himself being pulled into a bright tunnel of light. Soon Roy found himself in a darkened room, but it was lit enough that he could see without a problem. He began to look around to figure out where was he at and try to get his bearings. He then turned around to see a door suddenly appear.
"Roy I never knew you to be the giving up kind.", a voice said.
Roy began to turn his head and body around to try to find out where the voice was coming from. He shifted to his right and found Pop Hunter coming towards him.
"Pop! Is it you?"
Pop Hunter came walking up to Roy in his flying circus uniform. "The one and only Roy."
Roy ran up to hug Pop. Pop met him and wrapped his arms around Roy. After a while, Roy let go of Pop's embrace.
"Am I dead Pop?"
"Well…not really Roy. You are still alive and breathing but you lost a lot of blood when you got shot. Because you lost so much blood, no blood was going to your brain and because of that, you fell into a coma."
"Yeah…I know that Pop. What I want to know is…am I dead? Where am I?"
"Hold on Roy, I'll explain it to you all in good time. We have a lot of time."
"You might all the time in the world Pop, but I don't! I have a girlfriend that I love very much, and I want to marry her someday! I want to see Rick get married and to be his best man at his wedding!"
"Now you wait just a minute Roy Fokker! There is no guarantee that any of that will ever happen! I wanted to live long enough to see Rick and Cathy get married and for them to give me grandchildren. You know what happened right? You think you will come out of your coma and live to see any of that happen? I have news to tell you buddy boy, even if you do come out of your coma there is no guarantee you will ever live a normal life again! You have lost so much blood no oxygenated blood was getting into your brain! You may never have normal control of your body again. Your cognitive functions such as walking and talking probably will never be the same again!"
"Hold on a minute Pop! I'm going to fight it! I'm going to get out of this coma and live a normal life again!"
"I thought you have given up Roy!"
"I did Pop, but I want another chance at life! I know I will not live forever but I want to live long enough and to be normal again to see all I want to happen in my life to come to fruition."
"It's not going to be easy Roy."
"I know that Pop. Now…where am I?"
Pop took in a deep breath and blew it out. "Let me put it this way Roy. You are at a crossroad and you need to decide. You know back behind us is a door right Roy?" Pop said pointing to the back with his thumb.
Roy nodded his head. "Where does that door lead to Pop?"
"To where Cathy, Mike, I and others are, it's the Other Side."
"I'm not going there, Pop."
"Are you sure Roy? Even if you do go back, you are going to have to fight to get your body and mind back to consciousness. Even if you do regain consciousness, you are going to have a long, hard, tough road back in trying to live a normal life again. There are going to be days when you want to give up. You've got a long tough battle in front of you if you do go back."
"I understand that Pop and I'm willing to go down that road."
"No matter how long it will take you Roy?"
"No matter how long it will take me Pop."
Pop then smiled a smile of satisfaction. "Now that's the Roy Fokker I know.", Pop said as he wrapped his arms around Roy's neck.
"How do I get back Pop?"
"Just wait right where you are Roy. Oh and…uh one more thing Roy."
"Yeah Pop?"
"The next time you get into a dog fight with the enemy, watch your 2 o'clock."
Roy could do nothing but smile. He always had a problem watching his 2. "You got it Pop."
Before he knew what was happening, Roy felt himself being pulled into a tunnel of light. Before he knew it, he felt himself back inside his body. Roy's sub consciousness was telling his body to fight. He was telling his body to move, just a muscle would do. It was hard and his mind was getting tired.
'Boy Pop, you're right. This is hard. It's going to be a tough going'
As his mind was fighting with his body, he can hear Rick talking to him.
"C'mon Roy, I know you can do it! I have never known you to give up! You got to fight big brother!"
'I'm trying Rick, but my body is not cooperating!'
Rick somehow sensing that Roy is trying to communicate with him somehow kept talking to Roy.
"C'mon Roy, I know you can do it! Just lift a finger. It doesn't have to all the way; just a little movement is fine."
Roy was fighting with his body to move his pinkie finger, but it was tough doing it. Then just when he was about to give up, he summoned his last ounce of mental strength to tell his body to move his finger a little. It did.
Rick happened to look down at saw Roy moving his pinkie finger. He shook Claudia who was sitting next to him on the shoulder. Claudia was tired and closed her eyes to let her tired eyes rest a bit.
"Hey Claudia! I think Roy moved his finger!"
Claudia looked down at Roy's hand. Her eyes became wide with hope. "I think you're right Rick."
Rick shouted towards the door. "Nurse, nurse you need to get in here now!"
The nurse in charge of ICU came running in. "What going on here lieutenant?"
"I think Commander Fokker moved his finger!"
"He did?"
"Yes, he did!" Rick looked back at Roy. "C'mon Roy, one more time move your finger just one more time you can do it!"
'I'm so tired Rick, I don't know if I can do it.'
But Roy one more time told his body to move his finger. It did.
"See nurse he moved his finger!"
"I see it lieutenant."
"Is that a good sign nurse?"
"It's a positive sign lieutenant. I would not say it is encouraging but it's a positive sign. Keep talking to him lieutenant. It will keep his mental spirits up."
"You did good Roy you did well. Keep it up but you do not have to do all in one night. Just keep it up."
'Thanks Rick.'
"It's getting late Roy and visiting hours are almost over, but I'll be back tomorrow evening after I get off duty. Just remember to keep it up Roy and do not give up. See you tomorrow big brother."
'Thanks, little brother. See you tomorrow.'
Claudia bent down and kissed Roy on the lips. "I have to go too Roy, but I'll be back tomorrow when I get off duty. You did fine Roy. We will just have to take this one step at a time. I love you Roy."
'I love you too babe.'
SDF-1 CARRIER AIR WING SECTION
CONFERENCE ROOM
SQUADRON COMMANDER'S DAILY OPERATIONAL AND INTELLIGENCE BRIEFING
THE NEXT DAY
Rick was feeling nervous. He is about to give his first operational briefing to the air wing. Lucky for Rick, Lisa helped Rick with the flight duty roster. It was something she did everyday with Roy. Before going to the flight operations room, Rick stopped by the intelligence office to receive the daily intelligence briefing from J-2 and RDF Intelligence. As he walked in the office, every squadron commander was talking. Rick walked up to the dais.
"Alright everyone, can I have your attention?" No one was quieting down. "Hey quiet down!"
"ALRIGHT EVERYONE! AT EASE! PIPE DOWN! THE CAG IS ABOUT TO GIVE US OUR DAILY BRIEFING!" Ben bellowed.
Suddenly, the room became quiet.
"Uh…thank you Lieutenant Dixon. Alright everyone for right now, it is still business as usual. We are flying CAP. Orion and Viking Squadrons are the low CAP, Pulsar and Raptor are flying mid CAP and Osprey and Harrier Squadrons are flying high CAP. Mercury, Saturn, Athena, and Artemis Squadrons are on the cat launch while Quasar and Tornado Squadrons are on Alert 5, which means everyone else is on stand-by to be held in reserve or off flight rotation.
Uh…as for our intelligence briefing…uh…J-2 has told us that Signal Intelligence and RDF Intelligence has not heard any new squawk from the enemy, but they said to be on alert and expect sudden air attacks…so…uh…we need to stay on our toes and be alert when the all-scramble alert goes off.
Uh…one last item of interest…uh…well this is more of an announcement. At 1430 hours today, I, Lieutenant Dixon and Lieutenant Sterling are being promoted. I am being promoted to lieutenant commander while Ben and Max are being promoted to captain. Afterwards, there is a quick change of command ceremony. I am relinquishing command of Vermillion Squadron to Max. So, when you have the chance today or if you are off flight rotation, remember to come to the promotion ceremony and change of command ceremony. There will a short reception afterwards where cake and punch will be served. Also, remember to congratulate Ben and Max for their promotions when you have the chance. They certainly earn it and deserve it.
Lastly…this is your daily safety briefing. Remember when you are about to take off remember to look in front and on both sides of your jet so that no flight deck personnel are in your way. Also remember that we are still on Earth and in the middle of the Pacific Ocean so if you do get shot down or if your VT malfunctions and you must eject, remember to get yourself untangled from your parachute as soon as you can, get into your life raft and remember to have your shark repellent with you. Alright, are there any questions?", Rick asked as he looked around the room.
"No. Alright then, we're done here. Remember to be safe up there while flying. You're dismissed."
Everyone then got up to leave. Rick blew out a breath of relief. His first briefing was over. Ben who attended the briefing as relief commander of Skull Squadron walked up to Rick.
"Hey, good job Rick. But remember next time to shout from your diaphragm not from your throat. Remember what SGT Cooper in the Command and Leadership class said, "Shout from your diaphragm, not from your throat."
"I remember. I tend to forget to do that sometimes. Thanks for reminding me Ben."
ASTROPHYSICS LAB
SDF-1
Dr. Lang had a big smile on his face. He immediately went to the telephone and took the phone out of its cradle. "Captain Gloval, I have good news for you. Please come to the astrophysics lab."
"I'll be right there, doctor."
It only had taken Captain Gloval several minutes to come to the astrophysics lab. "What's the good news Dr. Lang?"
"I think I found a way to use the ship's hyperspace engine to turn it into an energy barrier shield. I think I will be able to maintain integrity to the barrier for several minutes but after a short period of time, it will become very unstable, but I am working on a way to try to keep the energy barrier shield much more stable and for a longer time. I do not know when I will be able to prefect the shield but give me time. It shouldn't take too long to get it perfected."
"That is wonderful news doctor. Keep me informed."
"Yes captain."
Captain Gloval left the lab but instead of going back to the bridge, he went to ship's television studio. As soon as he walked into the studio, the NCO in charge of the studio noticed Captain Gloval. "STAND AT ATTENTION!" Everyone stopped where they are and stood at attention.
"As you were! Carry on!"
Captain Gloval then went up to the NCOIC's desk.
"Master Sergeant Rivera, I need to make not only a ship wide announcement but also to the civilians on the ship. Can you contact the mayor's office and tell him I need to make a special announcement to the citizens of Macross?"
"I'll get on it right away sir." The master sergeant said as he picked up a telephone. After talking for a few minutes, he hung up the phone.
"Mayor Luan has given us his okay sir. You can go into studio 1. Everything should be set up in less than 5 minutes sir."
"Excellent sergeant, thank you very much."
"You're welcome sir".
Captain Gloval walked into the studio and stood on a dais and behind the delta shield emblem of the RDF. A technician in the studio talked to the captain through a window. "Alright Captain Gloval, we're about ready to go on the air. Stand by, we are counting down in 5-4-3-2-1. We're live sir." The technician said as he pointed his finger.
All throughout the ship and city, regular programmed was stopped and a "PLEASE STAND BY" sign flashed on the screen. Then a voice came on the air.
"All SDF-1 personnel and citizens of Macross, please stand by for a very important announcement from Captain Henry J. Gloval, commanding officer of the SDF-1."
"I would like to make this important announcement not only to the personnel of the SDF-1 but most importantly to the citizens of Macross City. My superiors at RDF headquarters and the United Earth Government and the United Nations have ordered the SDF-1 back into space just outside of Earth orbit around the Moon. We have been ordered to lift off and leave Earth orbit within 24 hours and to be remained stationed there until further notice.
However, I have been in negotiations with the Prime Minister of Ontario, and he has agreed to allow the citizens of Macross to leave the ship and to enter his country as political refugees and to be granted political asylum. After all civilians are evacuated, the SDF-1 will then leave Earth orbit. We will be lifting off within the hour and we will be entering North American airspace within 8 hours. We should be entering Canadian and Ontario airspace shortly afterwards. We do have permission to fly into American and Canadian airspace on our way to Ontario. We should land in Ontario within 10 to 12 hours.
While I have the time, I would like to personally thank Mayor Tommy Luan and the citizens of Macross for your patience and understanding. I know how difficult it has been for you, your family, loved ones and friends. It has been a long, arduous and dangerous journey for all of us on this ship, civilian and military alike and many of us have lost many friends and loved ones along the way. My hope is that one day very soon this war would be over, and we will be able to live on this planet in peace. Again, I want to thank the citizens of Macross for your patience and understanding. Godspeed and let us seek the help and blessings of Almighty God as we try to find a way to end this war without any further bloodshed. Thank you for your time. "
After Captain Gloval left the studio, he walked back to the bridge.
"ATTENTION ON DECK!", Lisa yelled.
"As you were! Carry on!", Gloval ordered as he went to his command chair. "Alright, let's prepare for take-off."
"Sir, engine room reports both hyper drive and main engines are at full power and on-line awaiting your order."
"Tell the engine room to turn on and power up the engines."
"Yes sir."
Moments later a steady whine was replaced by a roar as the spaceship's giant engines came to life.
"Sir, main engines are on."
"Turn on main power thrusters."
"Main power thrusters are on sir."
"Start lifting at quarter power."
"Aye-aye sir, we're lifting at quarter power."
The gigantic space fortress slowly began its vertical lift out of the Pacific Ocean. Salt water began fall and drip off the "legs" of the space fortress, sucking up and lifting water, fish and sea creatures out of the ocean. When the SDF-1 finally cleared the water, fish, sea creatures and salt water began to fall back into the ocean with huge splashes. The only creatures that were clinging onto the spaceship were barnacles. Claudia then counted off the altitude she was reading from the altimeter on her console.
"We're at 1.524 meters sir…3.048 meters…4.572 meters…6.096 meters…7.629 meters…9.144 meters."
"Stop, transform the ship back from modular configuration to normal."
"Aye-aye, sir...we're back to normal configuration."
"Lisa, contact Lieutenant Hunter and order him to cancel the air patrols but keep two squadrons out as escort and order the rest back to base."
"Aye-aye, sir will do.", Lisa answered as she picked up the telephone.
"Air operations room, this is Ensign Cunningham."
"Ensign, I need to speak with the CAG."
"Hold on for a minute ma'am."
"This is Lieutenant Hunter."
"Rick, this is Lisa. Captain Gloval has ordered you to cancel the air patrols but to keep two squadrons out as escorts and order the rest to return to base."
'Aye-aye, ma'am will do.", Rick said as he hung up the phone.
He looked at his clipboard and decided which squadrons to recall. He then reached flipped a switch on the desk. "Attention all squadrons on air patrol this is the CAG. Combat air patrols have been cancelled on the order of Captain Gloval. Orion and Harrier Squadrons remain in the air to provide escort cover for the ship. All other squadrons return to base. That is all."
It had taken over 30 minutes for the recalled veritechs to hook trap on to the flight deck, clear the flight deck and go below the flight line. The ensign looked through binoculars as the veritechs were coming in.
"Sir, all recalled veritechs have returned to base,"
"Very good, Chris.", Rick said as he looked at his watch. It is getting close to afternoon and his promotion and change of command ceremonies will be in less than 3 hours and he is getting hungry. "Ensign Cunningham, I'm going to lunch. You have control of the room."
"Aye-aye, sir."
Rick left the air operations room for the officer's dining hall. He ate lunch and went back to the air operations room until it was time for the promotion and change of command ceremonies. Usually, it is times like this Rick likes the most because it was a change of pace and he enjoys seeing his friends and former classmates getting promoted. But this time, it is not a time for celebration. Roy is in the hospital in a coma, everyone is tense on the ship because they are approaching North American airspace and the enemy could attack at any moment and that is something no one wanted. Everyone wanted the civilians off the ship, and they cannot do it if they get attacked.
It was about dusk when they were approaching the Ontario Province. Kim was anxiously looking at her radar scope when her screen started to blink like crazy and the alarm began to go off very loudly.
"Sir I have numerous unknown bogies coming in at us at an unknown rate of speed at our 1 o'clock! They are less than a thousand kilometers away from our current position. At their current rate of speed, they should be on in approximately 10 to 30 minutes!"
"Damn it not now! Not when we are so close! Alright Lisa sound the general quarters alarm and launch all fighters who are on combat alert but hold back the alert 5 and keep the rest of the squadrons in reserve!"
"Yes sir! GENERAL QUARTERS! GENERAL QUARTERS! GENERAL QUARTERS! ALL HANDS MAN YOUR BATTLE STATIONS! ALL CIVILIANS PLEASE GO TO THE NEAREST AIR RAID SHELTER! ALL SQUADRONS ON COMBAT ALERT REPORT TO YOUR READY ROOMS AND TO THE FLIGHT DECK FOR IMMEDIATE LAUNCH!"
Ben and Max still in their uniforms wearing their shiny new double sliver bar captain insignias are in the air operations room with Rick. Because Skull and Vermillion were being held in reserve, they decided to be with their friend to at least give him moral support. As the three saw their comrades go off the flight deck like dozens of angry hornets and into combat, Ben and Max prayed a quick silent prayer for their friends and did the Sign of the Cross.
"Sir, all veritechs have left the flight deck.", Ensign Cunningham reported as he put down his binoculars.
"Alright, we did all we can do. The rest is up to them. Let us hope it's enough to hold the enemy off.", Rick said quietly. He then bowed his head, laid his hands on the console table, and then let out a big sigh. He then started rubbing his eyes. The burden of command was already getting to him. Ben and Max put their hands on their friend's shoulders as a show of support for Rick.
"You know guys…when I was accepted into the academy…all I ever wanted was another chance to keep flying. Now…here I am…I'm the one who has to decide who goes out on another mission who stays behind which squadron is undermanned which squadron is over strength which squadron has been on too many missions I have to worry about this I have to worry about that damn it I'm not God!"
Rick began to calm down.
"Don't worry about him, he's alright, he just has too many responsibilities heaped up on him all at once."
He then let out another big sigh and began to shake his head.
"I'm sorry guys I yelled at you. I just do not know how Roy did it. How he was able to keep his sanity and perspective. I've only been at this one day…and already this is getting to me.", Rick quietly said to Ben and Max without even looking at them. All they could do was to keep their hands on their friend's shoulders.
"Hey, you don't have to apologize to us Rick. We understand you are going through a lot of pressure. You are doing fine. None of our instructors at the academy at our leadership classes had ever said being a leader and having the burden of being responsible for the lives and well-being of hundreds of people under your command was ever going to be easy. Like you said, you did all you can. The rest is up to our comrades." Ben said quietly.
All Rick could do was to let out a big sigh. "I know Ben, I know."
"Rick…after combat's over and we drop off the civilians in Ontario and you and Commander Hayes get off duty…instead of going to see Commander Fokker at the hospital…maybe you and her should spend the evening together…so you can have someone to talk to who's more understanding of what you're feeling and going through. It's just a suggestion.", Max said.
Rick could not help but sigh. "I guess you're right Max. I have been going to the hospital too much lately and have been ignoring Lisa. Fortunately, I know Lisa understands why I am going to the hospital all the time after we get off duty…but I should not be doing it all the time. Besides…Commander Grant's been at the hospital as much as I have. I guess she will call me if anything happens to Roy."
On the bridge, Captain Gloval had to make a critical decision; hope and pray that the veritechs are enough to keep the Zentraedi at bay or to go ahead and use the barrier shield. Dr. Lang warned that the barrier shield is still not stable enough to be used for long periods of time. From reports he was getting from air operations, the veritechs were having a tough go at it but were holding their own. Captain Gloval did not want to send his reserves out because the squadrons were shorthanded as it is, and he did not want to send the remaining squadrons out. He will wait to see how the veritechs were holding up against the enemy before using the energy barrier shield.
As reports from the air battle kept coming into the bridge, Captain Gloval became increasingly worried. He was told by Rick that while the squadrons were not being decimated, he does not know how much longer the veritechs will be able to hold off the enemy. Gloval had to decide soon on whether to send out the reserves which he did not want to do because the air wing is undermanned as it is.
"Sir we're going to be in the range of their short-range missiles in less than a minute!", Kim reported.
It was then and there Gloval picked up the phone. "Dr. Lang this is Captain Gloval. Get ready to energize the barrier shield. I understand what you are saying but doctor if we do not put up the barrier shield, we are going to be overrun by the enemy! Thank you, doctor."
"Claudia! Count off the charging rate!"
"Yes sir barrier shield energizing…45 percent…50 percent…60 percent…70 percent…80 percent…90 percent…95-96-97-98-99-barrier shields fully energized!"
Suddenly, a strange yellowish glow begins to envelope the ship. In the air operations room, Ben, Max, Rick, and the ensign's eyes went wide with surprise.
"What the heck is that Rick?", Ben asked.
"Beats me Ben, there are some things Lisa doesn't even tell me about."
"Isn't there any way you can find out?", Max asked.
"I think I can Max, but I don't know whatever it is will interfere or is interfering with our communications. Besides, I doubt Lisa will tell me anything on an open line."
As Zentraedi missiles, laser blasts and bullets began to hit the ship, the shield began to absorb and dissipate the enemy's weapons. Rick was beginning to understand what is going on. "Guys, I think know what that is. I think it's an energy barrier shield."
The barrier shield was working fine for several minutes but suddenly the shield began to become unstable. Up on the bridge, Gloval received a phone call from Dr. Lang.
"Captain, the barrier shield is becoming very unstable! I do not know how long the shield will hold!"
"Will the shield explode doctor?"
"Yes, it will captain!"
"Lisa, advise all veritechs to get away from the vicinity of the ship as fast as they can! We don't know how far the explosion will go!"
"Yes sir! ALL VERITECHS! START FLYING AWAY FROM THE SHIP AS FAST AS YOU CAN! THE ENERGY BARRIER SHIELD IS BECOMING VERY UNSTABLE AND WILL EXPLODE AT ANY MINUTE!"
As pilots began to kick in the afterburners of their veritechs and began to fly away from the ship as fast as they can, the barrier shield began to shimmer and waver; a sure sign that the barrier is beginning to break down.
In the air operations room, Rick was sensing something is wrong. "There is something wrong with the barrier shield! It is beginning to break down! Cover your eyes everyone! It's about to explode!"
Just as soon as Rick said that, a brilliant hot-white explosion began come out from the ship. The four officers in the air operations room averted their eyes away from the window just in time. The SDF-1 began to shake violently from the explosion. The violence of the shaking, explosion and resulting shock wave caused the four officers to lose their balance and fall to the floor. The blast and shock wave began to go outward, upward, and downward away from the ship engulfing battle pods and veritechs alike. Screams and sounds of agony began to be heard on the speakers in the air operations room. It was only heard for several seconds; the room then became dead silent.
"Is everyone okay?", Rick asked as he was beginning to get up on his feet.
"Yeah, I'm fine Rick.", Ben said.
"Same here Rick.", Max said.
"I'm not hurt sir.", Ensign Cunningham reported.
Up on the bridge, everyone was tossed around from the violent shaking of the explosion.
Captain Gloval began to get back up on his feet. "Report everyone! Are any of you hurt?"
"No sir, I'm not.", Lisa said as she was slowly getting back up on her feet
"I'm fine sir.", Claudia reported.
The Bridge Bunnies also reported they were not hurt.
"Get me a damage report!", Captain Gloval snapped.
"I'm already on it. Sir!", Claudia said. "All departments report minor damage but it's nothing that couldn't be repaired in short time sir."
"What about the city? What does civil defense say?"
"Civil defense reports minor damage to the city's infrastructure and damage to the streets but no causalities have been reported as of yet."
'Well, that's good news."
"Sir, I have an incoming telephone call from the Prime Minister of Ontario.", Sammie said.
"I'll take it my office. Ladies, when the evening shift comes in, you can go. Let them take care of the reports."
"Yes sir.", The quintet of women said quietly. They all knew why the Prime Minister was calling Captain Gloval about.
Shortly after Captain Gloval left the bridge, the evening shift came on. Everyone gave their relief a briefing and soon Lisa, Claudia and the Bridge Bunnies left the bridge without saying a word. They did not even say good night to each other.
A few minutes after the barrier shield exploded, battle pods began to withdraw and the remaining veritechs, both damaged and not damaged began to return to the ship. Ben and Max volunteered to say behind in the air operations room to get damage and causality reports from the squadrons, process them and forward it up the chain of command so Rick can spend the evening with Lisa. Rick was about to say no because he is the acting CAG, but they are his friends, and they did volunteer to stay beyond their normal duty hour. Also, they insisted that he leave the air operations room, or else they would carry him out, so Rick left. But before he left, Rick called the bridge to see if Lisa has left the bridge. Lisa's relief said she did indeed leave, so Rick decided to spend the evening with Lisa as Max suggested.
A few minutes later, Rick showed up at Lisa's quarter's door and knocked. A sweet voice that he loves and is familiar with answered. "Hold on, I'll be there in a minute."
As Lisa opened the door, she gasped. She was half dressed in her uniform. She did not expected Rick to show up at her door. With tears streaming down her cheeks, Lisa immediately she threw her arms around Rick's neck, stood up on her tiptoes and began to passionately kiss Rick. Rick immediately wrapped his arms around Lisa's thin waist and began to kiss her back. Lisa soon began to lead Rick into her room as they continued to kiss. Rick closed the door behind him. After a while, they broke off their embrace and kiss.
"Oh Rick. I thought you would be at the hospital."
"I had a…rough first day as CAG and Max suggested that I spend the evening with you instead of staying at Roy's bedside at the hospital."
"Hmm…I better remember to thank Max."
Then the phone rang. Lisa picked up the phone on the second ring.
"Hello. No Nikki, I do not have my TV on why did you asked? What! Whoa…whoa…whoa hold on! Slow down! Slow down! Okay…okay…WHAT? Okay hold on while I turn on my TV set hold on!"
"What's going on Lisa?"
"Captain Gloval is holding a press conference. He said the Prime Minister of Ontario has rejected his request to give the civilians political asylum!"
"WHAT are you joking? You're kidding me right!"
Lisa turned on her TV set. On the screen was Captain Gloval with Mayor Luan and Minmei off to his side. He had a weary sorrowful look on his face.
"Due to the events that happened today over the skies of Ontario, the Prime Minister of Ontario on the advice of his government has rejected my request to give the citizens of Macross political asylum. He said he did not want to reject my request but because of pressure from opponents in his government and fear of reprisals from the UEG and UN, he had no other choice but to reject my request." Gloval began to break down and cry. "I have now been ordered by my superiors to immediately send the SDF-1 back into space into lunar orbit. I am sorry…I have tried my best to get the civilians off this ship…but I have failed you…and for that…I am sorry!" He then began to shamelessly cry.
Minmei then sensing a moment that can make her shine put her arm around Captain Gloval's shoulders and whispered something in his ear. Gloval then nodded his head and stepped to the side. She then stepped up to the microphone stand.
"Listen to me everyone; the captain really needs our support now. Look…I do not know or understand politics…save from what Captain Gloval has told us…and I am not sure I even want to know…but what I do know is that we all need to come together as one.
We all have been on this ship for a long time and I do not know about you…but I am beginning to think of the SDF-1 as my home now. Do not forget, we have almost everything here we could ever have back on Earth; our own city and everything that goes along with it. We have all been through quite a lot these past few years. Many of us have lost friends and loved ones along the way. But look how strong we became because of it. I have more friends now on this ship then I have ever had back on Earth and that is the truth. You are all like one big family to me.
Someday we will return to our real home back on Earth, and we will never give up that hope that one day we will. But for now, I am proud to say that I am a citizen of Macross and of this ship!
No matter where we are, where we go in space or how long it will take, our hearts will always be tied to Earth because Earth is our home. One day soon, we will return to Earth. I know in my heart we will but for now…we must come together and be united. Not only for our sakes…but for Captain Gloval and for every military personnel on this ship as well because they have sacrificed so much for us and they too have loved ones back on Earth they want to see again."
She then began to sing a song from the late 60's entitled; "United We Stand". Rick could swear he can hear the whole ship singing along with Minmei. But Lisa did not feel like singing along. When she heard the news that the civilians would not be given political asylum and the SDF-1 was ordered back into space, she knew that somehow her father was involved in all this. She just buried her head into Rick's chest and started to cry very bitterly. Somehow sensing Lisa's bitterness, he took the remote control from Lisa's hand and turned off the TV. He then wrapped his arms around Lisa and gently guided her into his body, gently rocking her and occasionally kissing the top of her head. Lisa felt so safe in Rick's arms. "At least I have my boyfriend with me.' Lisa said to herself.
As they we locked in their embrace. Lisa's phone rang again. They broke their embrace so Lisa can answer the telephone.
"Hello. Yes Claudia, Rick's here. You want to speak to him? Alright, hold on for just one second."
Rick anxiously grabbed the telephone. "Hello Claudia, how's Roy doing? HE IS? I will be there in a few minutes. Bye."
Lisa looked at Rick with panicked wonderment in her eyes. "What's going on Rick? What happened to Roy? Is he dead?"
AUTHOR'S ENDING NOTES:
The song that was used in this story is entitled "Imagine". Words and music by John Lennon, song is from the John Lennon album "Imagine" which was released in the United States September 9, 1971. Song is registered copyrighted written material and is the property of the estate of John Lennon. Copyright infringement is for story telling purposes only and is not intended. Use of copyrighted song are permitted under subsection 107 the Fair Use clause of Title 17 United States Code. No monetary gain was made by the author or John Lennon's estate for the use of the song.
MILITARY ACRONYMS
CAG – Commander of the Air Group.
CO – Commanding Officer
NCO – Non-Commissioned Officer
NCOIC – Non-Commissioned Officer In Charge