AUTHOR'S NOTE: I am only including this dedication again because this chapter was originally written after Carl Macek's death and I know there are regular readers of mine who may not read the story again from the beginning and maybe wondering why I haven't done a tribute in Mr. Macek's memory. If you are a new reader of mine or to this story or if you are a regular reader of mine and have read the re-write of the story from the beginning, please skip this dedication and tribute.
This chapter and the rest of this story is dedicated in tribute and loving memory of Carl Macek, the creator of ROBOTECH who had left us too soon. It was his brilliance, vision and genius that brought the world of Japanese anime to America and the world and made ROBOTECH the world-wide phenomenon that it is today, even after over 25 years when it first aired on American television.
TWO OF A KIND
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
RED CARPET PREMIER
Rick began to vigorously shake his head.
"No, he's not dead! Roy is finally out of his coma he is awake! C'mon Lisa I want to get the hospital right away!", Rick said as he grabbed Lisa's hand.
Lisa barely recovering from the shocking news Rick told her just seconds ago only managed to say a brief and startling "Oh!" when Rick grabbed her hand.
Lisa then remembered that she was only half-dressed, and she stopped Rick from going any further. "Wait a minute Rick! I must change out of my uniform. I can't go to the hospital half-dressed in my uniform."
"Okay but please hurry Lisa."
Lisa walked as fast as she could to her bedroom and closed the door. It had only taken a few moments for Lisa to change out of her uniform and into her civilian clothes but to Rick it seemed like an eternity as he kept looking at his watch. Lisa quickly walked out her bedroom dressed in the tight blue jeans, light blue tee shirt and white running shoes that seem to form fit her chest and showed off her curvy athletic figure. She did not know why she decided to wear that considering they are going to the hospital to see Roy, but she knew that Rick always get a sexual thrill out seeing her dressed that way and that later Rick will need some way to get his mind off seeing Roy in all probability still helpless and in a hospital bed even though he is now awake. So, she decided what better way to take Rick's mind off Roy's physical condition later but to wear something that always get a charge out of Rick.
"Okay Rick, I'm ready to go."
Rick had to stop for a moment to take an admiring look at his love dressed so casually yet looking so sexy.
"Lisa babe, you are so beautiful.", Rick said in an almost low tone of voice.
Lisa could only smile at what Rick said.
Rick grabbed her hand again and hurriedly led Lisa out of her quarters into the passageway when she asked him to stop for a moment so she can lock the door to her quarters. After Lisa locked the door, the duo ran as fast as they could to the ship's hospital.
At the ICU nurse's station Rick talked to the head charge nurse to see if he can convince her to let Lisa in Roy's room with him. At first the nurse was hesitant to let Lisa in, but she relented after some convincing on Rick's part. Rick then quietly led Lisa by the hand to Roy's room. When they got to Roy's room, they found the door closed. Rick slowly and quietly opened to door without knocking. Inside, they found Claudia at Roy's bedside gently holding on to his hand. Claudia's face brightened when she saw Rick and Lisa. She was surprised to see Lisa but did not ask any questions. Instead, she got up and went straight to Lisa. Lisa reached out her arms then gently wrapped it around Claudia. Claudia buried her head in Lisa's chest and cried. Lisa gently rocked Claudia as Rick quietly walked over to Roy's bed and sat down in a chair where Claudia was sitting only moments ago. He then grabbed hold of Roy's hand.
"Hey Roy, how're you doing?", Rick quietly asked tears began to well up in the corners of his eyes.
Roy opened his mouth and began to speak. Immediately Rick knew that Roy had difficulty talking.
"I…I…I'm doing…okay…Rick.", Roy managed to whisper.
"That's good Roy."
"Claudia…told me…that…you've…been…promoted…and…taken…command…of the…Skull…and…Cap…Captain…Gloval…made…you…CAG…Congratulations."
Rick began to nod his head. "Thanks, big brother. But it is only temporary. I'm in charge until you get well and you're back on your feet."
"You…can…count…on it…little…brother."
Rick could not do anything but smile. He knew what he said to Roy was a lie and suspected that Roy knew it as well. He is hoping for the best for Roy, but he knows that Roy has a long and difficult road to recovery in front of him.
As Rick and Roy were talking, Claudia finally managed to pull herself together long enough so she can talk to Lisa.
"How did you manage to get in here Lisa?"
"Rick talked to the charge nurse and convinced her to let me in."
"I'm glad she did. Thanks for coming Lisa. I really need it."
"Think nothing of it, Claudia. You gave me a lot of support when Rick was in the hospital so it is the least I can do. What did the doctor say? How long will Roy have to stay in here?"
"I don't know Lisa. Roy only woke up a few minutes ago. When Roy opened his eyes, I ran out and told the charge nurse. She said she will immediately notify the doctor."
Just then the doctor walked in. He smiled a professional doctor's smile and walked to Roy's bed and extended his hand. Rick let go of Roy's hand, stood up and stepped out of the doctor's way.
"Ah, I see someone is finally awake. Hello Commander Fokker, I'm Doctor Sheffield."
"Hello doctor.", Roy said haltingly as he shook the doctor's hand.
"Besides the obvious, how are you feeling commander?"
"I'm…doing…okay…for…the…most…part…doctor."
The doctor just shook head. "Can you move your arms and legs commander?"
"I'm…trying…to…but…I'm…having…trouble."
The doctor shook his head again. "I'm not surprised. It's only natural that your extremities will be stiff considering how long you weren't moving due to you being in a coma for so long."
"How…long…will…I have…to…stay…in…here…doctor?"
"I'm keeping you in here overnight as a precaution. Just to make sure you have no lingering ill effects of your coma. Then tomorrow we will move you to the rehabilitation ward to start your physical therapy. I will also set you up with a speech therapist."
"Will I…be…able…to…fly again…doctor?"
Doctor Sheffield drew in a deep breath and then blew it out. He knew Roy would eventually ask him that question. "I'll be honest with you commander. I would like to say yes but because you were without oxygen for so long after you were shot, there were not enough oxygenated blood going to your brain. Through time and rehab, I think you will regain use of your arms and legs and speech but because your brain was oxygen depraved for so long, your reflexes had greatly deteriorated. I'm afraid you'll have to start thinking about going on with your military career without flying ever again Commander Fokker."
Roy shut his eye lids tight and tried not to show any emotion. But he was crushed by what the doctor said. Claudia who was sitting next to him in a chair immediately gripped his hand and gently patted it whispering to him that it was alright. But all of them knew nothing was alright. A pilot is not worth anything if he was not able to fly.
Doctor Sheffield then tried to lift Roy's spirits. "Look, we are getting way ahead of ourselves here commander. Let us take this one step at a time. You have a long road in front of you commander. Through time and rehabilitation who knows? Maybe I will be wrong, and you will be able to fly again. But it's all dependent on you commander."
Roy only managed to nod his head. The doctor then managed to smile half-heartedly. He hoped he had gotten through to Roy. "I'll check in on you again later tonight before my shift is over and tomorrow before you are moved to the rehab ward. I'll meet your therapist and together the three of us with come up with a plan to start your rehab and to get you back on your feet."
Again, Roy only managed to nod his head. The doctor nodded back. "I'll check in on you again later tonight and I will see you again sometime tomorrow."
"Thank you…doctor.", Roy said quietly.
"You're welcome commander. Have a good night.", Doctor Stanfield said with a nod of his head. He then walked briskly out of Roy's room.
Roy drew in a deep breath and then blew it out sadly. No one said a word. The room was quiet for a long time before Claudia gently spoke up. "Look Roy, the doctor's right. Who knows, you might be able to fly again. You have a long road ahead of you Roy. You can't give up just because the doctor told you the truth."
"I know…Claudia. Can…all…of…you leave? I…want…to…be…alone…for…now."
Claudia, Rick, and Lisa were shocked that Roy would ask that kind of request to them.
"I…need…time…to think…that's…all."
Everyone then slowly began to nod their heads. Rick was the first to speak. "Okay Roy, I'll do what you ask. I can't promise you I'll see you again tomorrow, but I will try to visit you as often as I can."
"Thanks Rick."
Lisa then gently grabbed a hold of Roy's hand. "I'll try to do the same Roy. You take of yourself."
"I…will Lisa. Thanks."
Lisa then gently patted Roy's hand. She then turned and saw Rick near the door. Rick reached out his hand and Lisa took it. Together they quietly left Roy's room.
"I can't imagine what Roy's going through or feeling right now. It must be terrible.", Lisa quietly said as they walked out of ICU.
"Neither can I Lisa, neither can I."
"Say, are you hungry Rick? I'll cook you a nice dinner.", Lisa said with a gentle smile on her lips.
Rick was about to say no because he wanted to be by himself so he can have some time to think without having to worry Lisa but when he saw the warm gentle smile on Lisa's face, he quickly changed his mind.
"Sure, why not."
Lisa could not help but keep the smile on her face. She knew that now was not a time for Rick to be alone by himself. He needed someone to be with him whether he realizes it or not. After they reached the door to Lisa's quarters, Lisa fished for the keys out of a pocket of her tight blue jeans and put the key into the keyhole and turned the key. After unlocking the door and entering her quarters, Lisa told Rick to have a seat while she cooked dinner.
Even though he had his mind on Roy, Rick could not help but stare at Lisa's tight and toned body dressed in blue jeans, a tee shirt and white running shoes as she was in the kitchen. He always admired Lisa for keeping her body in such great condition ever since they went on their first date, but he never realized just how much of a great body she has until the day he saw her doing Pilates in the ship's gym. Lisa was sensing that Rick was staring at her. Outwardly she did not let Rick notice, but she was beginning to feel a sense of the now familiar love and lust growing inside of her.
'That's right Rick Hunter. Keep staring at me. I have plans for you later this evening.' Lisa said to herself wickedly.
After the cooking was finished, Lisa called Rick to the table. After they finished eating, Lisa told Rick to have a seat on the couch while she cleared out the table. Rick wanted to help but Lisa insisted. She quickly gathered up the dirty dishes and silverware and set them in the sink. All she wanted was to be with Rick. With Rick's now added responsibilities, they do not have a lot of time to see each other and what little time they do have Lisa wanted it to be just the two of them. She walked out of the kitchen and turned off the light, walked to where Rick was sitting, sat on his lap and looped her arms around Rick's neck.
"Hey there lover boy.", Lisa said with a hint of mischief in her voice as she drew her lips close to Rick.
"Hey yourself."
At first, their kissing was gentle and soft but as their passions started to get inflamed; their breathing started to become quicker and more ragged. Rick pulled Lisa's tee shirt out at the back, put his hands underneath the tee shirt and against her back and let his hands roam all over Lisa's lithe back. Lisa reared her head back and moaned in erotic pleasure. He then slowly began to pull Lisa's tee shirt off. Lisa wanted to stop Rick and tell them they should move to the bedroom, but her lust was so hot she could not. Before she knew it, she let Rick pull her tee shirt completely off and he began to unhook her bra. Lisa moved her arms and let the bra fall off her shoulders. Rick then put his lips on Lisa's now naked breasts and began sucking them making Lisa moan even louder. Soon he unbuttoned and began to unzip the fly to her jeans while at the same time Lisa was undressing Rick. Soon, they were both were naked and were making love on Lisa's couch.
After both climaxed and as they were holding each other in the glow of the after orgasm, Rick was on the bottom of Lisa's couch with his arms looped around Lisa's naked body. Lisa had her head to one side purring a sigh like a contented female cat that just ate a prime salmon filet. When Lisa moved around a bit like a kitten as if trying to bury herself deeper into Rick, he hugged Lisa tighter, making her sigh even more. Rick then lifted his arm to look at his watch. It was getting late in the evening and he must leave and get to his quarters so he can get ready for the next day.
"Hey Lisa, I'm afraid I have to go.", Rick gently and quietly said as he was combing his fingers through her long auburn hair.
Lisa then groaned. "Do you have to Rick?", Lisa asked as the side of her face was on Rick's chest. She then looked deep into Rick's eyes giving him an unspoken signal to kiss her. Rick picked up her sign and began to kiss Lisa very deeply. After kissing for a long while, Lisa began to slowly lift herself off Rick so he can let himself up.
"Yes, I'm afraid I have to.", Rick answered as he was putting on his clothes.
Lisa secretly wished that Rick would move in with her but they both knew it would be improper for him to do that because it would be a sign of impropriety and that would not be good for the morale of the ship's military personnel.
"See you tomorrow evening after work?", Lisa asked as she was sitting still naked on her couch.
Rick stood up but leaned down so he can kiss Lisa. "Sure, why not.", Rick said with a gentle smile on his face.
Lisa's heart quickens when she saw Rick's smile. She understands why Minmei and so many of the SDF-1's female military personnel was envious even downright jealous of Lisa when she managed to snag Rick when so many had tried and failed. Sometimes she could not believe it herself after she thought she would never find someone to love ever again after Karl died on Mars. Only she, Claudia and Roy knew the reason behind Rick's seemingly cold and disinterested demeanor and only Lisa understood Rick's pain because she went through it herself. Even Rick's two closest friends and academy classmates do not know the full story because he never fully explained it to them. 'If they only knew what Rick went through before joining the service, they would understand.' Lisa said to herself.
After Rick kissed her, walked out and quietly closed and locked the door; Lisa sighed and fell on her back onto her couch. 'It's funny how fate or happenstance manages to intervene. Lisa said to herself. She then sighed again, pulled herself up and sat on the edge of her couch. She then got up and walked to the bathroom so she could take a shower and then relax for a while before going to bed.
After Rick reached his quarters, opened the door, and turned on the lights, he then thought of Minmei. He knew that Minmei wanted to be told of Roy's condition because she asked him to call her when he receives word on any change to Roy's medical condition. She said it did not matter if the news was good or bad or what time it was. He has not called Minmei much lately, so he had not memorized her smart phone number yet, but he had remembered that Roy gave him her smart phone number on a piece of paper, and he put it in his wallet. He always kept his wallet inside his uniform jacket instead of the back pocket like what most guys do. He searched for the piece of paper until he found it. He then walked over to the telephone and dialed the number. The phone rang three times before a now familiar voice answered.
"Hello."
"Hi Minmei, this is Rick."
"Rick! I am so glad you called! I haven't heard from you in a long time!"
"I know and I'm sorry I haven't Minmei, but I've been very busy with work lately."
"Oh, there's no need to apologize Rick. I understand. Believe me, I completely understand. So, how have you been doing?"
"I'm doing fine. Hey, I am calling you to tell you some good news!"
"Oh? What is the good news?"
"Roy is now out of his coma and he's finally awake."
"He is? Oh, that is wonderful news Rick! How is he doing?"
"For the most part, he's doing fine. His speech is slow and stuttering because his brain was without oxygen for a long time, and he will need rehab to regain use of his arms and legs again."
"Oh no that's just terrible news Rick! How long will he be in rehab?"
"We don't know. The doctor is keeping him in ICU overnight then tomorrow he's being moved to the rehab ward."
"Will I be able to see him?"
"After he has been moved to the rehab ward sure, you'll be able to visit him. As a matter of fact, I am sure he would love getting a visit from you. You and he have become really good friends these past few years."
"Oh, that would be wonderful Rick. Look, I must cut this short. I am almost at the studio. I'm doing the talk show rounds to promote my upcoming movie."
"Okay Minmei, I'll let you go then. Talk to you later."
"Same here Rick. Bye."
"Good-bye Minmei."
After cutting off the connection to her smart phone, Minmei then remembered that she had forgotten to ask Rick if he wanted to see the opening night premier of her movie with her. 'I'll have to remind myself to call him again very soon and ask him if he wants to see my movie with me. But with my luck, he will probably ask me if Commander Hayes can come along with him. That would be just peachy.' Minmei said to herself sarcastically.
Just as she was putting her smart phone in her purse, it began to ring again. Minmei pressed the phone icon and answered.
"Hello."
"Hello Miss Minmei, this is Sam McCoy."
Minmei was silent for a moment because she could not remember who Sam McCoy is.
"I'm the private investigator you've hired."
"Oh yes, now I remember! I am sorry. I've been terribly busy lately and I haven't heard from you for so long that I have totally forgotten all about you."
"Oh, that is quite alright Miss Minmei. I understand that you have a busy schedule and all. Miss Minmei, I have called with some information to pass along to you. I'm afraid I wasn't able to dig up many details, dealings or dirt on Commander Hayes without attracting too much unwanted attention from the RDF."
'Oh, that's great. It figures that the RDF would do something like that.' Minmei said to herself in an annoyed tone of voice.
"Now hold on for a minute Miss Minmei okay. However, I was able to uncover an interesting bit of information about her from what little sources I have in the military. It seems that she and her father, Admiral Donald Hayes, the commander of the RDF had a falling out over her wanting to be assigned on the SDF-1 shortly before the ship was flung into the other side of the solar system several years ago."
Minmei's eyes went wide with a shocked look of surprise. "Oh, really! Is it what you have just told me correct?"
"It is correct Miss Minmei."
"That is very interesting very interesting indeed."
"Now I can try to dig up some more information on Commander Hayes but like I said earlier I can't promise you that I will be able to that without attracting unwanted attention from the RDF."
"No, that is quite alright. I do not want you to get into trouble with the RDF. You did what you can. I will not be needing your services anymore. Thank you for what you have done for me."
"You're welcome Miss Minmei. I am sorry I was not able to be of much help to you, but I did what I can. I will be sending you a bill for my services very shortly. You have a good day Miss Minmei."
"You too Mr. McCoy. Good-bye."
"Good-bye Miss Minmei." Minmei heard in her ear before she broke the connection by pressing the end call icon on her smart phone.
'Hmm, that is indeed interesting. It is something I just might be able to use on her. With her out of the way, nothing will stand between me and Rick.' Minmei said to herself with a slight evil smile on her face as she was biting her lower lip at the same time and putting her smart phone back in her purse.
TWO WEEKS LATER
Rick had just gotten off duty and was going to see how Roy was doing in his rehab before spending the evening with Lisa. As he was walking to Roy's room, he can hear Claudia yelling at the top of her lungs. She was sounding very exasperated and was at the end of her rope.
"You think this all just a big game Roy? Just as if you're flying around in your veritechs shooting at the enemy and going around at Mach 5 like your hair was on fire?"
"It's…not…a game…Claudia. It…never…has…been. You…know…that."
"Then why won't you go to rehab Roy?"
"I'm…just…too…tired…today…Claudia. I just…need…a rest. I…can't…keep…doing this…every…day."
"How are you going to get better unless you do it every day? You heard what Doctor Sheffield told you. You're not going to get better unless you really work hard at your rehab!"
"I…know…that…Claudia."
"What about me Roy don't I matter to you?"
"Of…course…not, you…matter…to me…Claudia!"
"Good! Then what about us? If you not going to do it for you, then do it for me! Do it for us!"
"I am…doing…it…for…you…Claudia. Just…not…right…now!"
"Fine have it your way then Roy Fokker! I have had it with trying to talk sense to you! Do what you want to do!"
"Hi Claudia, what…seems to be…the problem?" Rick asked as Claudia stormed past him knowing fully well what the problem was.
"Talk to that pig headed brother of yours Rick to find out what the problem is because I can't seem to be able to!", Claudia said in a huff as she stormed past Rick.
"Roy what just happened?", Rick asked as he walked into Roy's room.
Roy looked at Rick with an 'as if you don't know' look. "Don't…play…dumb…Rick. You…know…exactly…what…happened."
Rick then sighed. "You're right Roy, I do. I was never able to pull the wool over you or Pop's eyes."
Roy just stared at him.
"Look Roy, what just happened between you and Claudia is not the issue here. What is the issue here is that she's right, you need to be in rehab every day."
Roy began to vigorously shake his head. "I can't…do…it…every day…Rick! It's…too hard…on…me!"
"I know that Roy! You think it was easy for me after getting shot down by our own missiles? Remember for a time in the ER after I was fished out of the ocean, I was dead! There were days when I didn't want to go to rehab but I knew that if I didn't, I wouldn't get better!"
"But you…didn't…end…up…sounding…like a…moron…Rick! Do you…hear…what I…sound…like? I…sound…like…I'm…retarded…or…something."
"I know that Roy but that will ease up once you really get into your speech therapy! Didn't you hear what the doctor told you?"
"I…AM…S-S-S-SO…TIRED…OF…HEARING…WHAT THE…DOCTOR…TOLD…ME!"
"Oh, did I come at a bad time?", a young female voice asked at the doorway startling them and causing them to quickly turn their heads.
"Minmei! No, you did not come at a bad time. We were just talking, and you've startled us that's all.", Rick answered.
"What's going on here Rick?"
Rick got out of his chair, walked up to Minmei, and pulled her over to the other side of the room and whispered to her.
"Roy is just frustrated because he's not getting immediate results from his rehab."
"I see.", Minmei said then was silent for a moment. "Listen Rick, why don't you leave the two of us alone for a while and let him talk to me? Maybe he will open up to someone who is not family."
"I don't know Minmei."
"Rick, I have known Commander Fokker for as long as I have known you and I have come to know him pretty good."
"You're sure you want to do this Minmei? You're not busy tonight, are you?", Rick asked surprised that Minmei would even suggest such an idea.
"No, I'm not busy this evening. My evening is free. Look Rick, why don't you take up on my suggestion and leave and let him talk to me? Who knows, maybe he will open up to me more than you will."
Rick sighed and was quiet for a moment before nodding his head. "Okay Minmei, I'll do what you say."
"Good, I think you should go over and say good night to him right now."
"Okay." Rick said as he walked over to Roy's bed.
"Roy, I'm leaving. Minmei said she will stay with you for a while. I'll see you when I can okay?"
"Okay Rick."
Minmei waited until Rick left the room and closed the door. She then sat down in a chair that was next to Roy's bed and gently grabbed hold of his hand.
"Now, what seems to be the problem Roy?"
Roy in his halting stuttering voice began to tell Minmei of his frustrations of going to rehab every day and not seeing immediate results from all the hard work he has to do that he just wanted to take a break from the constant grind. After Roy was finished, Minmei began to nod her head and if she understands of what Roy is going through.
"I know what you're saying, and I understand what you're going through Roy."
"You do?"
Minmei continued to nod her head. "Umm-hmm. Lately, there have been days when I do not want to get out of bed because it means that I will have to go to another TV station to be on some talk show to promote my movie or to another radio station to promote my latest CD or I must visit the hospitals. If it is not that, then I must be in the recording studio to cut another album or be somewhere to shoot a music video while at the same time trying to dodge the paparazzi. People are always asking me for my autograph. I cannot go anywhere anymore without having armed bodyguards with me. I do not see my aunt, uncle and cousin or my friends as much as I like to anymore. As a matter of fact, my agent had to call the hospital ahead of time so they can get extra security to hold back the paparazzi, the media and the public before I can see you. I do not have any kind of a private life anymore. There are times where I do not even know where I am at because I am always coming and going, and I just want to quit.
But there are many people who are depending on me and if I do not do what I am obligated to do I am letting them down. It is the same with you Roy. There are many people on this ship who are depending on you to get better. Rick, Captain Gloval, your girlfriend, your pilots; everyone are depending on you to get better. You cannot let them down Roy. You must do it for them no matter how hard, how tired, or how often you must do it. Do you understand what I'm saying?"
Roy slowly began to nod his head. 'For someone who as young as she is, she is incredibly wise for her age. I guess being a celebrity causes you to grow up fast.' Roy said to himself.
Minmei could not help but smile. "I know you want to see results right away. We all want to see immediate results from all our hard work we do but that does not always happen. But you will see results down the line. I promise you it will."
"You're…right…Minmei. Thanks…for…listening…to me…and not…judge…me."
"You're welcome Roy. Now other than your frustrations, how's your day going?"
SIX MONTHS LATER
Rick walked into his quarters after getting off duty. Lisa was being held over on the bridge because Captain Gloval wanted to go over some tactical battle plans with her and Claudia. When he turned on the light to his living room, he noticed the light to his voice mail machine was blinking. He walked over and pressed the button.
"Hi Rick, this is Minmei. I am sorry I have not been able to call you these past several days, but I wanted to ask you a question. Can you call me on my smart phone when you get this message? Talk to you later. Bye."
'Hmm, wonder what she wants to ask me about?' Rick said to himself and he began to dial the number to Minmei's cell phone. She answered her phone on the second ring.
"Hello."
"Hi Minmei, this is Rick."
"Hi Rick! How're you doing?"
"I'm doing well. Hey look, I have just arrived home and I received your voice mail message. What do you want to ask me about?"
"I did? Oh yeah, I did call you earlier today. I am sorry Rick, but you will have to forgive me and my forgetfulness. I have been really busy today, so I have totally forgotten that I've called you."
"Oh, that's quite alright Minmei. You do not have to apologize. I understand how busy you are."
"Thank you, Rick. Look Rick, the reason why I have called you is to ask you if you want to come to the premier of my movie and the after premier party. I have some complimentary tickets courtesy of the studio. But the tickets are not for you because you are coming as my guest, so you do not have to pay. The complimentary tickets are for your friends and squadron mates, so they don't have to pay either."
"Thank you Minmei. That is truly kind of you. When is the premier?"
"It's this Friday night at the Amphitheatre. Captain Gloval, Mayor Luan and others are coming. Say, do you think the doctors will let Roy out for a while so he can attend the premier and the party too?"
"I will have to ask his doctor and therapist but if they say yes, sure I'll ask Roy. I am sure Roy would love to attend the movie with his girlfriend. I know he would love to get out of the hospital, even if it is only for a couple of hours."
"That would be great! They can come as my guests too. Thanks Rick."
"Well, I should thank you but you're welcome Minmei. Say, do I have to dress up in a tux or something?"
"No, you don't have to dress up in a tux. Just dress up nicely in a suit and tie, that is all you need to do. Be at the Amphitheatre before 8:00pm because the movie will start promptly at 8. There will be reserved seats for you and your friends, so you don't have to worry about finding a seat."
"Okay, I'll be there. Say, before we hang up can I ask you a question?"
"Sure…go ahead Rick. What is it?" Minmei asked knowing full well what Rick was about to ask her.
"Do you mind if I bring a friend along?"
"No…I don't mind. She can come as my guest too."
On the outside Minmei was not showing much but inside she was seething. 'God damn it, it's Lisa Hayes again. Damn it the Hell, I knew this would happen.' She said to herself as she was gripping her smart phone in a vise like grip.
"Great, thanks a lot Minmei. I'll see you this Friday evening then."
"Uh…yeah…sure Rick, see you Friday evening. Bye"
"Bye Minmei."
After breaking the connection, Minmei was still seething. 'Grr, that Lisa Hayes is beginning to be a real pain in the ass for me. I got to do something to get rid of her or else she will be constant thorn in my side from here on out.'
Just as soon as Rick hung up, there was a knock on his door. "Come on in Lisa. The doors unlocked.", Rick said without turning his head to the door.
Seconds later, Lisa stepped through the door, walked to where Rick was standing, put her arms around Rick's neck and rested her head on his back. Rick turned his head so he can see Lisa.
"How did you know it was me Rick?," Lisa asked coyly before she kissed Rick.
"You're about the only one who ever come by my quarters all the time."
Lisa could not help but giggle at Rick's remark. It is true that she is the only one who ever comes by even sometimes stay in Rick's BOQ room.
"So, what do you like to do tonight Rick?"
Rick then wrapped his arms around Lisa's slender waist then shrugged his shoulders. "Doesn't matter much to me what we do. Say Lisa, what are you doing Friday night?"
"I haven't planned on doing anything yet. Why did you ask Rick?"
Rick first had to clear a lump that was growing in his throat. "Well, uh…Minmei called asking me if I would like to go to the premier of her movie Friday night and I said yes. I then asked her if I could bring a friend along, she said yes and the friend I thought of was you."
"Oh, she did, did she?", Lisa asked with suspicion in her voice.
"Now I know what you're thinking Lisa and it's not what you think. Minmei invited me to the movie as a friend and I said yes."
"Sure, she did Rick."
Rick then became exasperated. 'Oh boy here we go again.' "Lisa, I thought you weren't going to get upset about Minmei anymore. Listen to me Lisa, Minmei invited me to the movie as a friend and I accepted. I seriously doubt she will try to do anything to me. She will probably be busy with the after premier party and everything else. For once, will you try to just have fun and not think about Minmei and worrying about her trying to take me away from you? It's you that I love and no one else."
Lisa knew it was useless trying to talk sense to Rick at this moment in time. He can be very stubborn when he wants to prove his point. She knows about young women like Minmei. Her woman's intuition makes her very suspicious of Minmei and her motives. Lisa knows that Rick is very guarded around people he does not know but he lets his guard down way too far once he gets to know someone and it looks like Minmei is taking advantage of it and his friendship towards her. She just hopes that Rick's not being naïve about Minmei, but she seriously doubts it. She just took in a deep breath and blew out it in a big sigh. "Alright Rick, you win. But I am telling you right now, if she tries to do anything funny while I am around, I swear I will"
Rick cut off the rest of her sentence with a kiss right on her lips. Lisa's loathing of Minmei was all but forgotten and her heart just melted with the feeling of Rick's lips against hers. After a few moments, Lisa broke off their long kiss.
"You don't play fair Rick. I was doing simply fine with my hatred for Minmei, and you had to spoil it for me.", Lisa said playfully pouting her lips.
"That's the whole idea."
"Well then…keep on doing what you were doing.", Lisa said seductively before they started kissing again.
FRIDAY EVENING
Rick allowed all squadrons that were not on Alert 5, standby or on flight rotation to get off work early so everyone can go to the premier of Minmei's first movie. Intelligence estimates from J-2 said they have not heard any unusual or new squawking from the enemy lately, so Rick has been letting up a little on the constant combat patrols to lessen the battle fatigue on the pilots and maintenance crews. Rick quickly dashed home to his quarters so he could take a shower, freshen up and relax a bit before eating dinner with Lisa at the officer's mess and later attend the premier of Minmei's movie together. When he arrived home and turned on the lights to the living room, he noticed the light to his voice mail machine was blinking. He pressed the button.
"Hello Rick, its Lisa. I know we have planned on eating and later going to premier of the movie together, but something has come up and I am being held up on the bridge, so I must work late. But I will get off work on time to go to the premier so I will see you at the Amphitheatre. I love you. See you later lover boy."
'Hmm, I wonder what the cause is for Lisa having to work late. Oh well, who knows. Anyway, it's none of my concern.' Rick said to himself as he shrugged his shoulders and erased Lisa's voice mail message. He then went to the bathroom and stripped off his sweaty flight suit before stepping into the shower.
MACROSS AMPHITHEATRE
7:55pm
Rick dressed in a suit and tie, arrived at the Amphitheatre several minutes early so he can get the complimentary tickets from Minmei so he can pass it out to Max, Ben and members of Skull Squadron. An Amphitheatre concierge who was dressed in a tux stopped Rick and told him that Minmei was busy and could not personally give him the tickets, but he has them because she gave him the tickets. Rick took the tickets from the worker. After Rick passed out the tickets the concierge met Rick and was about to escort him to his seat, when Minmei dressed in a sleeveless, shoulder-less and strap-less black designer gown designed by one of Macross' top rated and most expensive fashion designers saw Rick and told the concierge he was free to leave. She then greeted Rick with a wide warm smile which Rick returned. Minmei then wrapped her arms around Rick's neck and began to tightly hug him.
"I'm so glad you can come to the premier of my movie. Thanks for coming." Minmei whispered in Rick's ear.
"Hey, I wouldn't miss it for the world. You look absolutely beautiful in that dress Minmei." Rick whispered back.
"Thank you, Rick."
Just then both heard a loud harsh "ahem". They broke their hug and Rick turned around to find Lisa standing literally millimeters away from the pair. What Rick saw made his eyes go wide with surprise. Lisa was dressed in a sleeveless, shoulder-less thin strapped shimmering black form fitting short cocktail dress that seem to hug the curves of her shapely yet slender body. It just covered her thighs half-way and she was wearing black stiletto heels. Without saying a word, Lisa threw her arms around Rick and began to passionately kiss him. Rick knew what Lisa was doing with her kissing and he sensed Minmei was throwing darts Lisa's way. While he was glad Lisa was able to make it to the Amphitheatre on time and he was always glad to see her, Rick was uneasy with Lisa's blatant kissing in front of Minmei. It was as if she was sending a signal to Minmei to back off and not try to take Rick away from her because she has already taken him. Rick was her boyfriend and not hers. After a few seconds Rick forcefully broke off the kiss and drew Lisa away from him.
"C'mon Lisa, be nice. Please don't make a scene.", Rick whispered to Lisa in a pleading tone of voice.
"I'm not making a scene Rick. Honest.", Lisa said in a sarcastic tone of voice that was dripping of feigned innocence.
"I love the dress Lisa. You look just dynamite in it."
Lisa smiled an evil smile and laughed slightly. "I brought it just for you and just for this occasion Rick."
"Was the dress the reason why you couldn't meet me for dinner?"
"Uh-hmm, I wanted to surprise you."
"Well, you have certainly surprised me!"
Lisa laughed evilly when she heard something between a high-pitched scream and a squeak. It was Minmei squealing for joy. Minmei was running towards Roy and Claudia despite being in high heels. Roy was in a wheelchair with Claudia pushing it. She went up to Roy, leaned down, hugged his neck, and kissed him on the cheek.
"Hello Roy! I see your doctor has allowed you to come. I'm so glad you could make it."
"Thank you Minmei.", Roy said haltingly but with a smile on his face. The stuttering has eased up a bit, but he is still having trouble talking without stopping for a few seconds. But still, the speech therapy seems to be working.
"Hello Miss Minmei, I'm Lieutenant Commander Claudia Grant. Thank you so much for inviting Roy and I to your movie premier. You do not know how much this means to us. Roy was going stir crazy being in a hospital room all the time.", Claudia said extending her hand to Minmei.
"Oh, you don't have to thank me, Commander Grant, I was glad to help. I've heard so many wonderful things about you from Roy Commander Grant.", Minmei said shaking Claudia's hand.
"Oh, you don't have to be so formal with me Miss Minmei, please call me Claudia."
Lisa on the other hand was not buying Minmei's altruistic generosity and her sweet, innocent and polite act. She knew there was an ulterior motive to Minmei's generosity, but she could not prove it save from her woman's intuition.
'Don't buy her act Claudia. She's not what she seems to be.' Lisa mentally said.
Just then an Amphitheatre concierge walked up to Minmei. "Miss Minmei, the movie's about to begin. You are asked to make a few remarks before the movie starts."
"Thank you, I will.", Minmei said with a nod of her head.
Minmei passed by Rick giving him a warm smile while totally ignoring Lisa. Lisa knew what Minmei meant by the brush off and could have cared less of what Minmei thought of her. 'Go ahead and try your best little girl. Rick's mine and not yours and no one is going to get in between us. Not you, my father or anyone else.' Lisa said mentally challenging Minmei.
Minmei got up on stage of the Amphitheatre and walked to where a cordless microphone stand was to the sounds of loud clapping of hands, cheering and whistling. She waved to the crowd and walked up to the microphone stand.
"Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for coming to the premier of my first movie. There are so many people I would like to thank for making this happen but there isn't much time to name them all and I promised that I won't say much so that the movie can start and finish on time, so without any further ado here is the showing of my world premier movie; 'Little White Dragon'."
Minmei walked off stage and got down where their seat reserved for her and Rick in the upper tier of the Amphitheatre in the balcony that was usually reserved for VIPs. When she got to her seat that was next to Rick's, she noticed Lisa grabbing a hold of Rick's hand. Rick gave her a stern look but did not let go. Lisa blushed and looked away sheepishly embarrassed with the scolding look Rick gave her. Minmei was angry at the obvious blatant display Lisa did but was glad about the visual scolding Rick gave her. Instead of making a scene, Minmei choose to ignore the mental challenges Lisa was doing to her knowing that one day very soon she would be free of her torturer and rival for Rick's affections.
BRIDGE OF THE SDF-1
Sammie was on the bridge with the night watch crew filling in for her relief who was ordered on bed rest because of a case of the flu was at Lisa's station when something came up on her radar scope and the light and siren began going off.
"Lieutenant Anderson, I have detected a rip in the space-time fabric less than 6,000 kilometers off the port side of our starboard bow. It is a Zentraedi battle cruiser but here is the strange part ma'am…it's just sitting there not making any hostile moves. It's not moving at all."
"Keep an eye on the scope Sammie. Let me know first thing if it makes any funny moves."
"Yes ma'am."
AFTER PREMIER PARTY
MACROSS REGENCY HOTEL
Rick persuaded Minmei to let him dance with Lisa for a while before dancing with her. Minmei sighed but allowed Rick to dance with Lisa. As they were dancing, Rick looked at Lisa with a mixture of amazement and love.
"You look absolutely stunning in that dress Lisa."
Lisa just stared at Rick with a blank look on face and not saying a word.
'Oh boy, what did I do now to make her mad?' "Why aren't you saying anything Lisa? Is there anything wrong?"
"No nothing's wrong Rick."
"C'mon Lisa I know you better than that."
"Okay if you have to know. Why did you give me that cold look before the movie began? All I wanted to do was to hold your hand."
"But did you have to grab my hand just as Minmei was about ready to sit down? That wasn't a nice thing to do."
"Well, when did you want me to take your hand? You expected me to keep my hands to myself for the whole movie?"
"No of course not but you could have reached for my hand at any time while Minmei was on stage."
"Why are you making such a big deal over what I did? Damn it Rick you're mine! You're my boyfriend!", Lisa said in a harsh whisper.
"Yes, I am but I am not your possession okay, I'm a person! Am I not allowed to have girlfriends with whom I do not have a romantic interest with? Minmei is my friend, and I don't want to lose her as a friend."
"Of course, you're allowed to have girlfriends you don't have a romantic interest with, but you need to make a decision on what's more important to you; keeping Minmei as your friend or me as your girlfriend!"
"I want to keep the both of you. I don't want to lose either of you."
"Well sometimes you can't have it both ways Rick! It either must be one or the other! So, which one of us will it be?"
"Neither Lisa, I don't want to lose either of you."
"Okay Rick fine! Have it your way then! But don't expect me to compete with Minmei for you!" Lisa said as she broke their embrace and began to start walking away.
BRIDGE OF THE SDF-1
"Enemy battle cruiser is closing in on us at a high rate of speed ma'am! It's going on a suicide run!", Sammie yelled from her station.
"Do we have time to launch the fighters Seaman Porter?", Lieutenant Anderson asked with a sense of clam urgency in her voice.
"Yes, ma'am but the cruiser is too big for the fighters to handle all alone!"
"What about the main gun then?"
"It's down ma'am!"
"We'll launch a Daedalus attack then. Sound the general quarters alarm Sammie and begin modular transformation of the ship!"
"Aye-aye ma'am!"
MACROSS REGENCY HOTEL
Just as Rick was chasing after Lisa trying to talk to her, Sammie's voice came over the loudspeakers.
"GENERAL QUARTERS! GENERAL QUARTERS! GENERAL QUARTERS1 MAY I HAVE YOUR ATTENTION PLEASE! WE ARE UNDER THREAT OF IMMANENT ENEMY ATTACK AND ARE BEGINNING MODULAR TRANSFORMATION! ALL MILITARY PERSONNEL REPORT TO YOUR DUTY SECTION IMMEDIATELY TO MAN YOUR BATTLE STATION! ALL CIVILIANS PLEASE GO TO THE NEAREST AIR RAID SHELTER NOW!"
'Modular transformation what's the heck going on here?', Rick said to himself.
"Lisa we've got to get out here and report to our duty station!"
"We don't have time Rick! The ship's undergoing modular transformation!"
"Come with me I know where the nearest air raid shelter is!", Rick yelled grabbing Lisa's hand and as they were running out of the hotel.
But it was too late. As they were running down the street the ground underneath their feet began to shake and move as if it was an earthquake. Then a seam of where they were standing began to give way, became a square hole and they fell. Fortunately, they only fell a short distance but they in landed in a heap with Lisa on top of Rick.
"Are you hurt Lisa?"
"No, I'm not. Are you?"
"I'm not either. I'm glad you weigh very lightly."
"No kidding."
"I wonder what caused us to go to general quarters and for the ship to undergo modular transformation."
"I like to know myself but I'm quite sure Nikki had good reason to. She wouldn't do it unless Sammie had given her a good reason to do it."
Just then a wheeled roving talking Petite Cola machine came up to the edge of the hole looking for a sale.
"Hey we're down here! We need to get out of here! Please send for help!" Rick yelled as he got to his feet.
"I'm sorry but I don't have that selection. I have Petite Cola, Diet Petite Cola, ginger ale, orange soda, lemon-lime soda, lemonade and bottled water, sweetened raspberry and peach iced tea."
"No not that, we need help! We're trapped down here, and we need help in getting out!"
"I'm sorry but I don't have that selection. I have Petite Cola, Diet Petite Cola, ginger ale, orange soda, lemon-lime soda, lemonade and bottled water, sweetened raspberry and peach iced tea."
"No! Not that you stupid machine! We need help!"
"Forget it Rick. Save your breath. It is only a machine. It is not going to do anything for us. We might as well wait it out.", Lisa said as she was gently laughing and gently tugging on his suit sleeve as she was sitting down.
Rick then let go a resigned sigh. "I guess you're right."
He sat down and realized that it was the perfect time to talk to Lisa about her jealousy with Minmei. He grabbed Lisa's hands and gently held them.
"Lisa, we need to talk. Please listen to me because this will be the last time, I will ever discuss this with you. Now I understand why you are jealous of Minmei"
Lisa was shocked that Rick would even suggest that notion. "I am not jealous of Minmei Rick!", Lisa said defensively.
"Calm down Lisa okay. Now, let us just hypothetically say your old boyfriend is still alive. If I thought he was trying to steal you away from me, I will be jealous too. Lisa, you have nothing to worry about. While I was flying Minmei to her parent's home in Yokohama, Japan, she and I talked. I told her that all we will ever be is friends because I do not have any feelings of love for her. I never had and I never will. She said she understood, and I believe her. I also told her that I am dating someone, but I did not tell her it is you. Although…I have a feeling…she knows it's you."
"See I told you so! What do you mean I have nothing to worry about!"
"Lisa, calm down and stop jumping to conclusions okay. Lisa, I have known Minmei long before she even became a celebrity. We have been friends long before we have even met, and I do not want to lose that friendship. And while I will admit I kind of like the idea of knowing that a big shot celebrity is a friend of mine it does not mean I am in love with her. But it also does not mean I'll stop being friends with her just because you're jealous of her."
"I've told you before Rick I am not jealous of her!", Lisa said defiantly.
"Let me finish. If I were not her friend, she would not have given free movie tickets to Ben, Max and everyone in my squadron, and let me, you, Roy and Claudia come to the movie free as her guests. However, just because we are friends does not mean that I love her, and I don't love you. "
"I know that Rick and as I've said before I am not jealous of Minmei. It is just that…oh what is the use? I am only kidding myself. Oh! Alright! So, I am jealous of her! But it's not just that."
"What do you mean Lisa?"
"I'll explain it to you Rick but for right now it's your turn to listen to me okay and I'm only saying this because I love you. I am concerned about you and it is for your own good. I will admit that I do not know Minmei as well as you do but I do know women like her because I am a woman myself. Some women will stop at nothing until they get what they want and Minmei's exactly that kind of woman.
You may think she had told you the truth when she said she understood when you told her that all you and her can ever be is friends because you are not in love with her and you may have believed her but do not think for one second, she told you the truth! What she told you was a bald-faced lie! She is not going to stop until she gets what she wants; and that is you! Rick you are so far in the woods you are not seeing the forest from the trees! You are not seeing Minmei for the real person she is! You are blind to the fact that she is using your friendship as a mean to her own end! I am terrified that one day you will find out too late she is not the person you thought she is, and God only knows what will happen!"
"Lisa, you worry too much. You do not know Minmei as well as I do. She is a very warm, kind, loving, caring and giving person and her generosity is real, it is not faked. If her generosity were not real, she would not had visited me and Roy when we were in the hospital, she would not be spending all her free time visiting sick children and our wounded soldiers and pilots in the hospital or doing telethons, fund drives and raising money for the families and children of our fallen service people. If I know that Minmei is doing anything to try to take me away from you, I will see it and I would not let her do it but I am not seeing it. You need to trust me on this Lisa. I love you and only you."
Lisa looked at the sincerity that was gleaming in Rick's deep blue eyes and could not say anything more. She now knows that it is beyond useless to try to talk reason with Rick anymore. He has his mind made up about Minmei and any further talking or arguing with him would be pointless. She was going to tell him about a private detective who has been poking around the ship and the base asking people questions about her and that Minmei has something to do with the private detective's nosing around, but she does not have any proof besides her suspicions, so she decided not to tell him.
'God, why did I have to be a sucker for those baby blue eyes?', she said to herself as she was looking into Rick's loving eyes. She then let go of a big, resigned sigh. "Okay Rick, you win. I promise this will be the last time we will ever discuss Minmei. But please, promise me that you will be careful with your friendship with her."
"Lisa"
"Please Rick…just for my own peace of mind."
Now it was Rick's turn to let out a big sigh. He then nodded his head. "Okay Lisa, I promise I'll be careful."
"Thank you, Rick.", Lisa said with love in her voice, and she leaned in to kiss Rick.
BRIDGE OF THE SDF-1
"Start counting off the distance Sammie!"
"Yes ma'am. Wait a minute…something strange is going on here ma'am. Ma'am, the enemy ship has changed course!"
"What? Are you sure Sammie?"
"Yes ma'am, I'm sure. The ship has turned around and has changed direction! It just executed a hyperspace jump."
"Alright then, cancel general quarters alarm and take the ship out of modular transformation."
"Aye-aye ma'am will do."
"MAY I HAVE YOUR ATTENTION PLEASE? GENERAL QUARTERS ALERT HAS BEEN CANCELLED AND WE ARE TAKING THE SHIP OUT OF MODULAR TRANSFORMATION. ON BEHALF OF CAPTAIN GLOVAL AND SHIP'S CREW WE REGRET FOR ANY INCONVENIENCE WE MAY HAVE CAUSED YOU. THANK YOU FOR YOUR PATIENCE AND UNERSTANDING."
"Wow that was short." Rick said as the section of the ship they were on began to rise and move back to its original position. He looked around to see he can find anyone else on the streets but could not. The streets were pretty much deserted.
"I'm pretty sure I will be told of what happened Monday morning and get a report of it later."
"Well, I guess the rest of the evening is pretty much shot to pieces because of the general quarters alarm and everything connected to the movie has been cancelled. There nobody on the streets. So…what would you like to do for the rest of the evening Lisa?", Rick asked as he offered his arm to Lisa.
"Hey, it's Friday Rick. What do you think I want to do for the rest of the night and the whole weekend?", Lisa said as she looked over to Rick grinning like the invisible Cheshire cat from Alice in Wonderland.
"Ooh Lisa, you're such a naughty girl.", Rick said to her with a mischievous smile on his face.
"Well, you made me this way Rick Hunter, I was such a sweet and innocent girl until I met you.", Lisa said in a exaggerated innocent tone of voice.
Rick stopped walking and leered at Lisa. "And I wouldn't have it any other way than with you being naughty.", Rick said as he drew in closer to Lisa.
"Do you think you can control yourself until we get back to my quarters or should we find ourselves a hotel room?", Lisa said leering back at Rick.
"I don't care as long as I'm with you.", Rick replied.