Two Of A Kind

by RDF-J6

What would happen if Rick joined the RDF under similar circumstances as Lisa and Mimnei had first fallen for Rick? It might easy for Rick and Lisa to meet and fall in love but it's not as easy as you think and with an obsessed Minmei, it will be harder.

21. Chapter 21 Requiem For A Planet

AUTHOR'S BEGINNING NOTE

Hello everyone. I am back after a long hiatus. A lot has happened in my life since my last update. Some of it was good like I graduated from college in 2017 but a lot of it was sad like the deaths of a niece, nephew, and mother-in-law. But I know that is life.

I originally intended to do what the series did and to skip two years after the end of Force of Arms and into the beginning of Reconstruction Blues. But I really was fascinated by what life would have been like for those intervening two years for Rick, Lisa, Minmei and the rest of the Macross gang that I have decided to go ahead and write what I thought life would have been like after the end of the First Robotech War.

I have changed and added even more material to my story since my last re-write. So, even if you have read the preceding chapters once before, I suggest that you re-read this from chapter one. I think you will enjoy what I have added. This is the longest chapter I have ever written to date. There were so many story ideas that kept coming into my head on what to write, it really took me by surprise. I'm hoping that other chapters will not be as long, but you never can tell when it comes to writing. I hope you enjoy reading this chapter as much as I have enjoyed writing it.

TWO OF A KIND

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

MACROSS: THE MISSING TWO YEARS

YEAR ONE

PART I

REQUIEM FOR A PLANET

BRIDGE OF THE SDF-1

A nervous Captain Gloval was standing on the bridge trying to guide the heavily damaged SDF-1 to a safe landing somewhere in the now barren landscape of the Alaskan interior.

"Claudia, what was the last the engine room has said about the engines?"

"So far sir, the engine room reports that the engines are heavily damaged, but the nuclear core has not been breached. But they do not know how long the engines will last before they start to malfunction, overheat, and break down."

"How much time do we have until we hit land?"

"Computer estimates that at our current speed, we will be hitting land in less than ten minutes sir."

"What's our current speed Nikki?"

"36 knots sir."

"How's our structural integrity Kim?"

"Not good sir. There is heavy damage to almost every major part of the ship."

"We need to slow down! Nikki! See if you can slow us down to least 15 knots if you can!"

"I'll try my best sir!"

Nikki had to do a lot of praying and button pushing on her console and above on the panel to try to slow down their descent a bit.

"I'm only able to slow us down to 25 knots sir."

"Well, that's better than nothing. What's our estimated time now, Claudia?"

"Eight minutes sir."

"Damn it! Somehow or the other, we are not slowing down we're speeding the Hell up! That will only give us enough time to have everyone brace for landing. Claudia! Get on the intercom and have everyone brace for a hard landing! I don't know how hard the landing will be or even if we will survive the landing!"

"Yes sir!"

"Nikki! Try your best to slow us down even further!"

"I will try my best sir!"

On a makeshift stage, a stagehand standing off the side wearing a headset and microphone gave Minmei the news she was waiting to hear ever since the fighting started.

"Okay Miss Minmei, you can stop singing. It's all over."

The band stopped playing and Minmei blew out a breath of relief, then turned to her band.

"Good job guys."

Everyone then heard the voice of Claudia on the PA system.

"ATTENTION! ALL MILITARY PERSONNEL AND CITIZENS OF MACROSS! BRACE FOR CRASH LANDING! I REPEAT BRACE FOR CRASH LANDING!"

An ensign then appeared at the door. "Everyone! You need to come with me! NOW!" Minmei, her band, the stagehand, stage manager and cameramen all ran and followed the ensign to a utility room that was small enough but had enough room for everyone.

Back in the bridge, Nikki was sweating bullets.

"Sir! I've managed to slow us further 5 knots, but I don't know if I can hold our speed considering how severely damaged we are!"

"Do the best you can Nikki and when we are close to impact, abandon your station and find yourself someplace sturdy where you can brace for landing!"

"Yes sir."

After what seem to be a long time but only a matter of minutes, Gloval asked, "What's our estimated time now, Claudia?"

"Three minutes sir!"

"Abandon your workstations everyone and find someplace sturdy away from the center of the bridge and brace for a hard landing! NOW! Minister Exedore! Come with me!"

"Yes captain!"

Exedore fallowed Gloval to Sammie's workstation where Sammie was already underneath her console. Gloval directed Sammie to tell Exedore how cover his head with his hands. Sammie was small enough that Exedore easily knelt beside her with some space to spare. She told him to kneel and put his face to the floor and put his hands behind his neck. Just as soon Exedore did what Sammie told him to do, there was a terrible rumbling sound and shaking that seem to split the SDF-1 into pieces. Outside, the intense heat of the thruster engines melted the ground and turned it into mud where it softened the impact, but it still caused a tremendous and violent breaking of pieces of the ship. Metal pieces of the ship went several hundred meters in the air. The "legs" of the SDF-1 burrowed and sank way past bedrock. After what seem to be an eternity of shaking and breaking, the rumbling and shaking had finally stopped.

Gloval who managed to find a spot along the wall opposite of Sammie and Exedore scant seconds before the ship hit land, looked around the damaged bridge as he was lifting himself off the floor.

"Report everyone! Is everyone okay? Is anyone injured?"

Slowly and one-by-one, Claudia, Nikki, Sammie, Kim, Vanessa, and Exedore said they were okay and not injured.

"Very good! Nikki! Is the GPS still operational?"

"Let me check, sir."

Nikki walked over to workstation and pressed a console button that was dark. Immediately, the screen turned on.

"Affirmative sir!", Nikki said with relieved smile on her face.

"What's our current position?"

"Latitude is: N 66° 27' 50.2344" Longitude is: 147° 9' 35.3772", which puts us in the interior of Alaska about less than 30 kilometers from what should be the Yukon River. sir."

"Time and date we have touched down."

"Current time is: Universal Coordinated Time is 1015 Zulu, which would make it 0115 Alaska time. Today's date is Sunday, 01 December 2013, sir."

"Very good. Nikki, contact damage control teams and tell them to start immediate assessments of what damage the SDF-1 has sustained. Have them get ahold of structural engineers to have them determine if the ship is still serviceable and have them start immediate repairs to what they can repair."

"Yes sir."

"Claudia, contact the engine room and ask them how the engines are, then contact Mayor Luan and Macross Civil Defense and ask them about civilian causalities and what damage there is to the city and their infrastructure."

"Yes sir. But first, I ask permission to contact Air Operations"

"Granted Claudia. You don't have to ask me twice. I completely understand."

"Thank you sir."

"Sammie, Kim, Vanessa. I know what I'm about to ask you is not in the scope of your jobs, but I need for the three of you to start contacting all units about what causalities they have so we can start working on a preliminary CASREP so I can send it up the chain…if there is anyone left in the chain of command that I can report to."

"Yes sir.", all three said.

Sammie then spoke up. "Sir, speaking of contacting the higher up's, do you want me to get on the radio to see if there is anyone left in Washington and New York City?"

Gloval shook his head. "Not really Sammie because I have given you more than enough to do already. However, if you can before you leave the bridge, try to remember to call the radio room and ask them if they can contact anyone.."

"Yes sir."

"Captain Gloval, I need to contact my lord Breetai and ask him about what causalities we have sustained ourselves and what we should do next."

"No problem, I can do that for you Minister Exedore. I'll contact my J-6 personnel and to have them set up a private communication line to your lord."

"My most humble thanks to you, captain."

From a distance, Rick, Lisa, Ben, and Shannon witnessed the horrific hard landing of the SDF-1. When the smoke cleared, the dust settled, and debris finally stopped falling, they saw the SDF-1 in modular configuration burrowed so deep into the ground that the Daedalus and the Prometheus flight decks was almost level with the surface of the ground, but they were surprised that upper part of the ship looked structurally intact.

However, as the four were approaching the SDF-1, they gasped in shock at how much battle damage the ship has sustained. There were numerous holes and dents from where missiles and Zentraedi bullets entered the ship. Noticeable burn marks from laser blasts and from exploding battle pods and veritechs can be seen on the skin of the SDF-1. Even the Daedalus and the Prometheus flight decks looked like they were heavily damaged beyond repair.

"Oh my gosh! It's a wonder it was still flying!", Lisa said.

"Let me contact the bridge to see if anyone is there and to give us instructions on where to land."

"Go ahead Rick.", Lisa said with a nod of her head.

"Bridge, this is Wrecker in Skull One. Is anyone there? Can anyone read me? Over."

Immediately a familiar voice came over the radio.

"Lieutenant Commander Hunter, this is Lieutenant Commander Grant. I read you loud and clear Rick. Over."

Rick was about to reply to Claudia but had to wait because he would have been drowned out by the sound of Lisa screaming for joy. He had to wait several seconds for Lisa to quiet down before he can reply.

"Commander Grant, how is everything and everyone on the bridge? Are all of you safe and alive? Over."

"Affirmative Rick. So far, all of us on the bridge are alive and safe. I have not been able to contact Roy yet though. I was about to contact Air Operations when you called. I haven't heard any word of causalities or damage in Air Operations yet, so I'm hoping that Roy is okay. Over."

"That's good news, Claudia. I also have some good news; Lisa is here with me in my VT sitting on my lap. I rescued her from Alaska Base about less than an hour ago. Over."

His last word was drowned out because he heard sounds of young women screaming and yelling for joy at the news of Lisa being rescued by Rick.

"That is indeed good news! Bravo-Zulu Rick! Captain Global is here on the bridge doing what looks like a Russian dance. It's a sight to behold. How is she, Rick? Over."

"I'm doing okay, Claudia! Thanks to my hero hunk of a pilot boyfriend!"

Rick blushed when Lisa called him "hunk" on the radio. He then heard and saw Claudia snorting trying in vain to stifle a laugh.

"LISA! Not on the radio! Jeez!", Rick said as he gave a good-natured scolding to Lisa. Lisa couldn't help but giggle herself.

"Claudia, which flight deck is the least damaged? Ben is my wingman, and he has Lisa's injured driver in his VT, and she needs medical attention right away. Over."

"Both flight decks are heavily damaged Rick, but I think the Prometheus is the least heavily damaged. Let me turn you over to them and see what they say. Over."

"Thanks Claudia."

"You're welcome Rick…you hero hunk of a pilot boyfriend."

Rick did not saw the humor in what Claudia said while Lisa was laughing so hard, tears were coming out from the corner of her eyes.

"Wrecker, this is the Prometheus flight deck. You and Packer land anywhere you can see a clear spot in guardian mode. Over."

"Affirmative, Prometheus flight deck. Commander Hayes is with me in my VT. I rescued her from Alaska Base a short time ago. Packer is my wingman and he has Commander Hayes' injured driver is his VT. Have crash trucks standing by on the flight line to take them both to medical. Over."

"Roger Wrecker. Will have crash trucks standing by. Over."

"Acknowledged Prometheus flight deck. Our ETA should be about less than five minutes. Over."

'Acknowledged Wrecker. Prometheus Flight deck out."

Rick then switched the radio to plane-to-plane.

"Packer, this is Wrecker. Do you read me Ben? Over."

"Wrecker, this is Packer. Yeah, I read you loud and clear Rick. Over."

"Ben, we will be landing on the Prometheus in guardian mode because it's the least damaged. I have told the flight deck to have two crash trucks standing by on the flight line to take Lisa and her injured driver to medical. Over."

"Sounds good Rick. Meet you and the commander when we land. Packer out."

"Rick, I'm okay, really. Shannon needs to see a doctor more than me."

"No way Lisa! You were in an enclosed room that was on fire and filled with toxic smoke that had to be extinguished by chemicals. And on top of that, there were falling debris everywhere! Our unborn child may have been affected by that and the bumpy ride to get you out of the TOC."

Lisa looked at Rick with pure affection in her eyes. "Oh Rick. I love you."

"Hey, I'm just looking out for you. After all, I am your hero hunk of a pilot boyfriend.", Rick said looking at her with an exaggerated cheesy grin.

Lisa then giggled. "Oh Rick, you're so funny!", Lisa said with a smile as she took off Rick's flight helmet so she can kiss him on the cheek.

Rick and Ben flew their veritechs in guardian mode very slowly considering Ben has an injured Marine in his VT and Rick has a 2-month pregnant Lisa in his. As they were approaching the Prometheus, they had to go higher in the air and began to hover-fly looking for a clear place in which to land. It had taken them several minutes to find an undamaged spot in which to land. Rick landed first followed by Ben close behind with Ben landing several meters away from Rick. One crash crew approached Rick's veritech. Rick opened the canopy to his veritech, Lisa got up from his lap, grabbed his hand that he offered when he stood up and she gently walked out of the cockpit into the hands of the waiting crew.

"Alright guys be careful with the commander. She's two months pregnant and I rescued her from a fire and smoke-filled room not even an hour ago."

"No problem Wrecker, we're handling her with kid gloves.", a medical corpsman said.

As the crew walked Lisa to the crash truck and have her sit on the edge of the truck so a corpsman can do a quick taking of her vital signs and a medical exam on her, Rick climbed down from his veritech.

"Wait a minute guys, I'm riding with her!"

Lisa began to protest. "Rick! I'm okay. You have reports to fill out and paperwork to do!"

"Paperwork can wait Lisa! Right now, you and our unborn baby is more important to me."

"Oh Rick.", Lisa said with love in her voice. She wanted to grab Rick immediately and kiss him squarely on the lips but thought better of it because they were people on the flight deck even though all of them probably knew that they are girlfriend and boyfriend.

At the same time one crash crew was with Rick and Lisa, another crash crew was with Ben and Shannon.

"Okay corporal. I'll try to be as gentle as I can but I will have to pick you up again so I can hand you over to the crash crew."

"Go ahead sir. I can take the pain. If I tolerated the pain twice before, I certainly could tolerate it a third time."

Ben smiled at her gutsiness. "Okay, here we go."

Shannon groaned and winced in pain but again tolerated the pain very well.

"Okay fellas be gentle with her. She says she has broken ribs. So she needs to be sent to medical ASAP."

"You got it, Packer.", a medic said.

"Wait a minute guys, I'm coming down. I want to talk to her."

"No problem Packer."

Ben climbed down from his VT and went over to where Shannon was lying on a stretcher basket.

"I would like to see you sometime in the next few days to see how you're doing but I have a feeling that I'm going to busy for a while so I don't know when I will be able to see you. So, what I'm going to is I'm going to give you my cell phone number, the phone number to the squadron's orderly room, and the phone number to my BOQ." Ben said as he reached into the pocket of his flight suit and grabbed a pen and a piece of paper. He then wrote down the numbers and offered the paper to Shannon.

"Okay corporal. Call me at any time of the day or night. I don't care how early or late it is."

Shannon was genuinely touched by what Ben did. "Thank you sir.", she said as she took the paper with a smile.

"You're welcome and don't worry. You're in good hands here. The doctors, nurses, and corpsmen, all of them are good at what they do. And it's Ben. I know you're enlisted and I'm an officer, but my friends call me Ben. And I like to be called Ben.", Ben said smiling back.

"Thank you sir I mean Ben. And you can call me Shannon."

"You're welcome Shannon. Okay guys, you can take her away."

"You got it, Packer."

Ben then saw Rick talking with Lisa and the crash crew. He cupped his hands around his mouth. "Hey Rick!"

"Yeah Ben?"

"Don't worry about the paperwork! I'll take care of it! You just go with the commander! I know she's more important to you right now!"

"Thanks Ben! I was hoping you was going to do that!"

"No problem Rick!"

"See Lisa, no problem. Ben's taking care of everything."

"Ah, it's so good to have friends, doesn't it Rick?" Lisa said with a smile.

"It sure does Lisa. Okay guys! Let's go!", Rick said as he slapped his hand on the side of the crash truck.

"You got it Wrecker! Next stop, ship's hospital!"

BRIDGE OF THE SDF-1

"Sir, damage control has said that there is widespread damage to almost every portion of the ship. They are working on repairing what damage they can but finding out the structural integrity of the ship will have to wait until daybreak."

"Well, I was expecting that. Thanks Nikki."

"Sir, engine room reports that the engines are heavily damaged, and they don't think it can be repaired but the good news is that the nuclear reactor and core has not breached."

"That is good news. Claudia, have you spoken with Macross Civil Defense and Mayor Luan?"

"Yes sir. Civil Defense said there is moderate damage to the streets and infrastructure. Some houses and businesses have been heavily damaged and will have to condemned. Some POVs were destroyed. Mayor Luan said there are reports of citizens being seriously injured but the hospitals are not overrun with patients. Fortunately, there have not been any reports of people being killed. Knock on wood it will continue."

"Very good. And Roy?"

"Roy reports that he and his staff are unscathed. They went through everything without a scratch."

"Oh, that is indeed good news! I know you are as relieved as I am."

"Yes sir, I am.", Claudia said as she was nodding her head and tears came to her eyes.

Captain Gloval said nothing as he put his arm around Claudia's shoulder.

"Oh, and before I forget sir. Mayor Luan said he needs to talk with you as soon as you possibly can on what to do with Macross City now that we have landed on Earth for good."

"Call Mayor Luan and tell him I will call him later today or tomorrow at the latest."

"Yes sir."

"Also Claudia, at daylight, have a Cat's Eye recon jet sent out to scan how affected the immediate area is by the laser blast and also tell them to hear or look for any signs of life at Alaska Base."

"Yes sir."

Kim being the most senior ranked of the Bridge Bunnies spoke up. "Sir, Vanessa, Sammie and I have contacted all the squadrons and units, but they all said it will take some for everyone to come back to the ship and start taking account on who's alive and who's not."

"I see. Alright, here's what we're going to do. Notify all squadrons and units and have them stand down for 24 hours so they can rest and take appraisal of their losses. It's getting late everyone. It's way past early morning. Kim, Vanessa, Sammie, call in your reliefs and pass on your jobs to them. Nikki, Claudia, when your reliefs come in, tell them to help the girl's relief crew on getting a CASREP started. After you're done briefing your relief, go to your quarters and go to sleep. These next few days, weeks, and months are going to be busy and trying for all of us."

"Yes sir.", all five women said together.

"Exedore, come with me please.", Captain Gloval said as he was walking off the bridge.

"Yes Captain Gloval."

"I am escorting you to a suite that is reserved for visiting dignitaries. However, I have been told that it is not adequately furnished for visitors of your stature because we never had dignitaries visit us while we were in space and we only had 24 hours' notice of you coming so it's not quite furnished up to my standards, but I do hope that it does meets with your approval."

"I'm sure it will be, Captain Gloval."

Captain Gloval inserted the key into the keyhole of the door, opened the door and turned on the lights. Exedore's eyes went wide with surprise when he saw the room. The VIP room was spacious, carpeted and well furnished. In the living room area, it had a chaise lounge chair, love seat, sofa, a large dining room table with chairs, desk with a chair, a widescreen TV, kitchenette with drawers filled with utensils, cabinets full of dishes, drinking glasses and cups, a sink, dishwasher, a small wet bar and refrigerator and a private bathroom. In the bedroom, it had with two nightstands with a telephone and lamp, and a queen-sized bed with two pillows but it did not have bedsheets or pillowcases. Nor was the refrigerator stocked with food or the wet bar with liquor.

"I do apologize for the bed not having sheets and pillowcases but as I said, we only had 24 hours' notice of you coming to us."

"That is quite alright captain. I'm used to more…as you would say, spartan living and sleeping conditions and I am the Minister of Affairs. So, this is more than adequate for me. I do want to speak with my Lord Breetai now if I may, Captain Gloval."

"Of course Minister Exedore. All you need to do is to pick up the telephone and dial the VTC control room and tell them you want to speak with your ship. The number for the control room is on a laminated card that is next to the telephone. I'll call them to show you how it's done."

"If you can captain. I do appreciate it.", Exedore said with a nod.

"Of course Exedore. This is Captain Gloval in the VIP suite. Minister Exedore wants to speak with Lord Breetai on the Zentraedi flagship. Good." Gloval then hanged up the telephone and picked up the TV remote and turned the TV on.

"Minister Exedore. It will only take a minute or a two to connect you with your ship. All you have to do is to turn on the power to the TV and wait."

"Thank you Captain Gloval."

"You're welcome Minister Exedore. I'll leave you alone so you can talk to Lord Breetai in private. I will have someone come by to knock on your door around mid-morning to wake you up so you can have breakfast. I have a feeling that these next few days, weeks, and months are going to be busy for all of us."

"That it will be Captain Gloval. Thank you for your continuing hospitality towards me."

"You're welcome Minister Exedore. Have a good night."

"And a good night to you, Captain Gloval."

Just as soon Gloval closed the door. Breetai appeared on the widescreen TV.

"My Lord Breetai.", Exedore said as he was doing the Zentraedi salute.

"Exedore, my friend. I am so relieved to see that you are alive, well, and safe."

"Thank you my lord. The Micronians have been treating me very well."

"Excellent my friend. However, I assume that you are not calling me on a social call."

"No my lord. I need to know what our preliminary casualty numbers are so I can give them to Captain Gloval. I also need to know about the Grand Fleet and their casualties so I can also pass it on to Captain Gloval. Finally, we need to discuss what we are going to do next. Certainly the Robotech Masters and the Invid will eventually come to Earth looking for the Matrix."

"You're right my friend. First, I tell you about our casualty numbers." Breetai drew in a deep breath and let it out in a sigh. "I'm afraid our casualty numbers are not good. A quarter to one-third of our total forces has been decimated. About 10 to 20 squadrons has been wiped out and are no more. However, if Azonia and her forces did not fight alongside us, our numbers would have been much worse."

Exedore wasn't surprised that Breetai did not gave any mention of Khyron. He wouldn't have been surprised if Khyron abandoned the armada at a critical time when he and his considerable force was needed the most. But he knew better than to ask Breetai about Khyron.

"As for the Grand Fleet, we did not receive any word of survivors so most likely the Grand Fleet has been totally destroyed. Your plan worked flawlessly Exedore."

"Thank you my lord. However, others were involved in making this battle successful. I will tell you who they are in a detailed report to you very soon."

"Excellent, my friend. I will anxiously be waiting for your report. As for what we should do now," Breetai drew in another deep breath and blew it out in a sigh. "We are stuck here. We do not have the energy to go back to our home world much less do a hyperspace jump. You are correct in that the Invid and the Robotech Masters will eventually come to Earth looking for the Matrix.

What I propose we should do is to form an alliance with the RDF and to work with the humans and the RDF in building another SDF and after it's built to send an expeditionary force composed of Zentraedi and the RDF back to Tirol and the Invid home world to try to intercept them before they even have the chance to invade Earth."

Exedore noticed that Breetai never called the humans by "Micronian" but did not ask him why.

"Where are we going to get the energy to travel and to do hyperspace jumps without Protoculture my lord? The Micronians…I mean the humans do not know where the Matrix is."

"I know that my friend, but we need to take our many problems and try to solve it one problem at a time. Zentraedi Intelligence is working on trying to locate the Robotech factory satellite. They have a working Protoculture Matrix and hyperspace engine onboard their ship."

"You are correct my lord. Forgive my forgetfulness."

"No apology is necessary my friend. Exedore, I need for you to stay on the SDF-1 for the foreseeable future and continue your role as emissary between me and Captain Gloval and what is left of the RDF."

"Yes my lord."

"Have you received any word from the RDF about their casualties?"

"No my lord, but Captain Gloval's female staff said they are working on it when I left."

"Very well. When will you see Captain Gloval again?"

"Later this morning after I get some rest."

"Then I'll let you go so you can get rest. But before I let you go, I need for you to do one more thing, I need for you to talk to Captain Gloval and to have a video meeting set-up between him and me so I can tell him in detail of what I have told you."

"Yes my lord. I will do it the first thing after I'm awaken later this morning."

"Very good. I will let you go then. Have a good rest Exedore."

"Thank you my lord."

After turning off the TV with the remote, Exedore walked to the bedroom and sat down on the bed. He sank very deeply in the bed. He was surprised at how soft the bed is. He then got up from the bed, went to the wall nearest the door, found the light switch and turned off the light. He went back to the bed and laid down. He was asleep in a matter of seconds.

SHIP'S HOSPITAL

When the crash crew delivered Lisa to the ship's hospital, Rick and Lisa was surprised that the emergency medical department was not crowded or busy. There were plenty of empty beds, and there were doctors, nurses, and other EMD staff milling around or sitting behind a desk. They were surprised when they saw Lisa arriving at the EMD lying reclined on a gurney with an oxygen mask covering her nose and mouth. A doctor and nurse immediately got up and ran towards Lisa and the corpsmen.

"Commander Hayes you're back!", a nurse said

"Yes I am. Thanks to Commander Hunter.", Lisa said her voice partly muffled by the O2 mask.

"We have a 27-year-old female who was exposed to fire and smoke from a fire in an enclosed room deep inside Alaska Base about an hour ago. Her rescuer said she was surrounded by falling debris. She says she is not feeling any pain from injuries or broken bones. B/P is 120 over 60, pulse is 72, and respiration is 16. Chest sounds are bi-lateral and clear, and she has not been coughing since we transported her from the flight line, but we have her on O2 as a precaution and she is about two months pregnant.", a corpsman said.

"Put her in room 2.", a nurse said.

She then looked over at Rick as he was holding Lisa's hand. "I'm sorry commander but you can't go in"

Lisa wasn't about to let the nurse make Rick leave her side and make him wait in the waiting room, not after not seeing him for almost two months. "No please nurse. Let him stay with me. I need him beside me."

The nurse quickly nodded her head when the corpsman said she is pregnant. "Okay, I'll let you stay with her commander, but I will need you to stand to the side if something goes wrong and we need to work on her."

Rick nodded his head. "No problem, nurse. I'll do just that."

The nurse just nodded her head as Lisa was wheeled into a room where an empty bed was waiting. "Okay everyone, let's move her to the bed gently on 3. 1-2-3."

She then worked on helping Lisa get out of her soot smeared and smelling of smoke and halon uniform and put a hospital gown on her.

The EMD doctor in medical scrubs then walked in. A Hispanic man in his mid-40's. On his nameplate it read, Enrique Martinez, Lieutenant Colonel RDF Air Force. "Ah, Commander Hayes! Welcome back."

"Thank you doctor. It's good to be back."

"I'm Doctor Martinez. How are you, commander? How are you feeling?", the said as he was extending his hand.

"I'm feeling fine doctor. I don't feel any pain from broken bones or injuries.", Lisa said as she took his hand and shook it.

"Well, you were in a smoke and fire filled room that had to be extinguished by halon gas and you are about two months pregnant, so it's a good thing that you are here in the EMD just to make sure everything is fine with you and the fetus."

"Okay Kelly let's keep her on O2 for now. Send her to radiology for x-rays to see if there any micro fractures and a have a CT scan done on her chest just to make sure her lungs are clear. Also, notify Doctor Yamada, the night OB/GYN doctor."

"Yes doctor.", the nurse said nodding her head.

"Okay commander, I will be sending you up to radiology for x-rays to make sure you don't have any broken bones and a CT scan done on your chest to make sure your lungs are clear."

"How long it will take, doctor?"

"It should take less than an hour, 45 minutes at the most."

"Will the radiation harm my baby?", a concerned Lisa asked.

"No, the radiation levels are very low, your baby should be just fine.", Doctor Martinez said shaking his head.

"Thank you doctor.", a relieved Lisa said.

"Doctor Martinez, Doctor Yamada said she will be here waiting when Commander Hayes comes from radiology."

"Very good. Thank you Kelly."

"You're welcome, doctor. Commander Hunter, I'm sorry but I'm afraid you will have to stay here until Commander Hayes comes back from radiology."

A disappointed Rick nodded his head. "Okay nurse, I'll stay here."

The nurse nodded with a polite smile on her face. "Don't worry, it shouldn't take too long."

All Rick could do was to nod his head.

It had taken well over an hour for Lisa to come back from getting her x-rays and CT scan done. It had taken another ten minutes for Doctor Martinez to tell Rick and Lisa the results.

"Well, good news Commander Hayes. X-rays doesn't show any fractures whatsoever and the CT scan shows your lungs are okay."

Rick and Lisa sighed with relief when they heard the news. A Japanese woman that looks to be in her late 30's then walked in wearing a white doctor's coat. Her nameplate read, Grace Yamada, Lieutenant Colonel, RDF Army. She extended her hand as Doctor Martinez walked out.

"Hello Commander Hayes, I'm Doctor Yamada. Welcome back."

"Thank you doctor. It's good to back.", Lisa said as she took Doctor's Yamada's hand and shook it.

"Okay, you say you are about 2 months into your pregnancy, and you were rescued from a fire and smoke-filled room in Alaska Base over an hour ago."

"Yes doctor."

"Kelly, have a corpsman bring in an ultrasound machine so I can take a look at how the fetus is doing."

"Yes doctor."

"Your OB/GYN doctor at Alaska Base, who was she?"

"Commander Sarah Choi."

"Did she put you on any kind of dietary or physical restriction?"

"The only kind of restriction she put me on was not to eat anything too spicy or drink coffee."

"I see."

"Doctor, here is the ultrasound machine.", a corpsman said as he was wheeling it in.

"Ah, good. Thank you corpsman."

"You're welcome, doctor."

"Okay commander let me take care of everything.", Doctor Yamaha as she lifted Lisa's hospital gown past her abdomen. She then put gel on the wand and place it on her lower abdomen. It only had taken a few seconds before she found the baby.

"Ah, there's the baby. Do you want to know what sex the baby is?"

"No! I want to be surprised!", Lisa said immediately.

"Okay, well, the baby looks fine considering what it went through over an hour ago."

"That's good to know.", a relieved Rick said as he was holding Lisa's hand.

"Well, everything looks fine with the baby. I do want you to come back to the hospital within the next day or two so you can be set-up with a regular OB/GYN doctor, and you can go on from there. Okay commander, you can get dressed now. You can leave.", Doctor Yamaha said as she wiped the gel off Lisa's stomach with a towel and started a preliminary clean-up of the machine.

"Thank you doctor.", Lisa said as she got up from the bed and walked to retrieve her uniform.

After Lisa finished putting on her uniform and signing her discharge papers, Rick offered his hand as they were walking out the hospital. which Lisa took.

"So where do you want to sleep for tonight, Lisa? Your quarters or mine?", Rick asked as they walked into the passageway.

"As long as I'm with you Rick, I don't care where I sleep, even if it's only for a couple of hours.", Lisa said as she rested her head against Rick's chest. Rick then wrapped his arm around Lisa's shoulders.

"Do you have an extra uniform in your quarters?"

"Oh no! I just remembered! I don't have any extra uniforms or any civilian clothes for that matter in my quarters. I don't even have any panties, pantyhose, bras, soap, shampoo, hair conditioner, anti-perspirant, toothbrush, toothpaste, anything. All my clothes were shipped to my quarters at Alaska Base almost two months ago and my toiletries were also there. Darn it!"

"Don't worry Lisa. Let's take this one problem at a time. Why don't you sleep with me at my quarters for tonight? Later in the morning, you can call Captain Gloval and see if he is willing to excuse you for a couple of hours so you can go to the exchange so you can buy some civilian clothes, underwear, and everything else you need. We can also go to the ship's thrift store to see if there are more clothes for you to buy cheaply and what you can't buy you can ask around if someone will give their old clothes to you and we can go to the quartermaster so you can at least be issued two new uniforms. Later, you can buy more uniforms."

"Oh Rick! What will I do without you? You're always the problem solver."

"Hey, I'm just looking out for you."

"And you're doing a good job at it, Rick.", Lisa said softly and lovingly as she continued to rest her head against his chest. Rick then gently killed Lisa on the top of her head.

They kept walking in silence until they reached to door to Rick's quarters. Rick fished in a pocket of his flight suit until he felt the door key and grabbed it. He put the key into the keyhole and turned the key. He heard the tumbler turned and clicked and he led Lisa by the hand into the living room. He then turned on the light and closed the door. Finally they were alone. They kept looking at each other for what seem to be a long time without saying a word.

"Welcome home Lisa.", Rick said softly with love in his voice as his eyes were misting over.

"It's good to be home. And to be with you again Rick.", Lisa said softly as her eyes were filling with tears. She then closed her eyes and parted her lips as a signal for Rick to kiss her. Rick immediately picked up her signal and began to kiss her softly on the lips.

Rick and Lisa were too tired to take a shower, so both just taken off their clothes and went to bed. They both fell asleep in a matter of minutes.

LATER THE SAME MORNING

The phone on Rick's nightstand began to ring. Rick began to stir out of his sleep. As his eyes began to focus he noticed something he has not seen or felt for almost two months, the sight of Lisa's arm across his chest and the warmth of her naked body pressed up against his. Groggily, he reached up his arm to grab the telephone.

"Hello.", Rick said half awake.

"Hey Rick, it's Ben. Sorry to wake you up."

"Oh that's okay Ben. I should be getting up anyway. What's up?"

"I called to let you know that I've finished up filling out the casualty forms and other paperwork, typing up my after-action report, and I also typed up and signed the condolence letters."

"Oh no. I take it we did suffer some losses."

"Unfortunately yes Rick, but it's something that we can overcome with replacement pilots."

"Okay, have you heard from the other squadrons or from Max yet?"

"Negative on both Rick. I thought I would hear from Max right about now, but I haven't yet."

"Well, hopefully all he's doing is busy doing paperwork. What about Roy?"

"Yeah, he's okay. His staff gotten through the battle with nary a loss."

"Oh, that's good to hear."

"That's not all, Rick. Captain Gloval has put all squadrons and units on a 24 hour stand down so we can rest and assess our losses, so we don't have to be on duty until tomorrow morning."

"Thank you Captain Gloval."

"No kidding. Okay Rick, I'm going to close shop, go to my quarters, take a shower, and get some sleep. After lunch I'm going to visit Shannon at the hospital."

"Shannon?"

"Oh, that's right. I forgot that you didn't meet her. Shannon is Commander Hayes' driver. I promised to visit her to see how's she doing when I have some free time, but I didn't know when we will be off flight rotation but thankfully because of the 24 hours stand down, I will be able to see her."

"Okay, well thanks for letting me know what's going on. And, also for doing the paperwork."

"No problem Rick. I know the commander is more important to you."

"Yes she is, Ben."

"Okay, see you tomorrow morning at the operational briefing."

"No problem Ben. Have a good rest. Bye."

"Bye Rick."

"So what did Ben have to say?", a half sleepy Lisa asked.

Rick briefly gave Lisa a recap of what Ben told him. When Rick told Lisa about Ben visiting Shannon at the hospital she was pleasantly surprised that Ben would do that.

"I should visit her either today or tomorrow depending on when she will be discharged since I will have to be at the hospital again to be assigned to another OB/GYN doctor. It's nice of Ben to do that."

"I'm not surprised he would do something like that. Ben may look and act like he has a gruff exterior and interior, but he's a real teddy bear at heart."

"It's nice for Captain Gloval to let you have 24 hours off. Oh that reminds me! I need to call Captain Gloval to see if he is willing to at least let me have the morning off so I can buy some clothes and everything else. I then need to talk to Claudia and see if she can scrounge up some clothes for me to wear."

Rick handed her the telephone. "Here's the telephone."

"Thank you Rick.", Lisa said as she kissed Rick on his cheek.

Lisa knew from experience that Gloval does not immediately go to the bridge after putting on his uniform. He spends some time in his office reading intelligence reports and the CASREPs. She was hoping that he wouldn't be changing his routine even though the war and fighting is over. She dialed the number to his office.

"Yes."

"Captain Gloval, this is Lisa."

"LISA! It's good to hear your voice once again! I'm glad you're home!"

"Thank you sir. It is good to be home. Captain, I have a favor to ask of you."

"Sure Lisa. What is it?"

"Can you let me have at least the morning and early afternoon off? I remembered last night that all my clothes and uniforms were still at my BOQ room at Alaska Base, which means they're all probably destroyed by now. The only uniform I have is the one I was wearing when Rick rescued me."

"Oh I can do better than that Lisa. I'm letting you have the whole day off."

"You'll do that sir?", Lisa said excitedly.

"Yes. It's the least I can do for you after all you have been through the past two months. Besides, I know you want to spend the day with Rick."

"Oh yes sir! I do. Thank you so very much captain!"

"You're welcome Lisa. Enjoy your day off."

"Oh thank you sir! I will! Good-bye Captain Gloval!"

"Good-bye Lisa."

Lisa hung up the phone, gave out a shriek of joy, raised her arms and wrapped it around Rick's neck and gave it a tight squeeze.

"I take it Captain Gloval is letting you have the day off?"

"Yes! Okay, now I need to call Claudia."

"Bridge, Lieutenant Commander Grant speaking. This is an unsecured line. May I help you, sir or ma'am?"

"Hi Claudia! It's Lisa."

"Lisa! It's so glad to hear your voice again! When are you are coming back on duty?"

"Captain Gloval is letting me have the day off. Claudia, I have a favor to ask of you."

"Sure Lisa. Name it."

"Can you ask around to see if someone is willing to let me have a change of clothes in my size until I am able to go to the exchange and buy some clothes, underwear, and toiletries? I remembered last night that everything was at my BOQ room at Alaska Base, which by now, is probably nothing but debris."

"Yeah, sure Lisa, no problem. I'll go to the exchange probably on my lunch break, and I will buy you at least one change of civilian clothes, panties, bra, pantyhose, your soap, anti-perspirant, toothbrush and toothpaste, shampoo and hair conditioner."

"Thanks Claudia. I'll pay you back."

"Ah, don't worry about it, Lisa. It's on me."

"Oh thank you Claudia. I really appreciate it."

"You're welcome Lisa. Where are you now? Are you at your quarters or at Rick's quarters?"

"I'm at Rick's quarters."

"Okay, no problem. Enjoy your day off with Rick."

"Oh I will Claudia. Okay, I'll see you tomorrow then. Bye Claudia."

"Bye Lisa."

"Okay Rick. Everything is set. Claudia will go to the exchange on her lunch break and buy me some civilian clothes, bra, panties, pantyhose and my toiletries."

"Why wait until she comes back from lunch? I can buy you what you need when it opens and after I cook, and we eat breakfast."

"Wait a minute Rick! What do you mean you cook, and we eat breakfast? Last I remember, you don't know how to cook, much less how to boil an egg."

"I…uh…took some cooking classes shortly after you left." Rick said sheepishly.

"Oh, I see. Good. How's your cooking?"

"Uh…not really good but not all that bad either.", Rick said cheerfully.

"Okay…well what do you have in your refrigerator?"

"Bacon, sausage, eggs, butter, orange juice, frozen potatoes, bread. I have pancake mix and syrup in my cabinet."

"Do you have a frying pan and a spatula?"

"Yes. I have everything we need to cook and eat breakfast."

"Oh, okay then. Well, how 'bout we do this, how 'bout WE cook then we eat breakfast."

"Fine with me Lisa. Okay, I'm getting out of bed so I can get a pot going for coffee. Are you allowed to drink coffee?"

"No. I'm not allowed to drink coffee until our baby is born. And if I decide to breastfeed, it will be longer.", Lisa said with a disappointed tone of voice.

"Can you at least have tea?"

Lisa nodded her head. "Rick, I also remember you saying that you can buy what I need. What do you mean by that?"

"I can buy your toiletries and at least your bra, panties, and pantyhose. I know what brand of toiletries you use, and I know your bra and panty size."

Lisa began to laugh a laugh that sounded absurd and sarcastic.

"What? Why are you laughing? What's so funny?"

"Oh! I'm sorry Rick. What you said reminded me of the first time we've met. Remember, it was outside the lingerie store with the girls. Anyway. Rick! All the times I remember before we made love, not once did I noticed you ever looking at my bra and panties to see what size I'm wearing."

"True, but I do know your bra and panty sizes!"

"Oh really? What are my bra and panty sizes?"

"Uh…"

"I thought so!"

"Lisa, I'm just trying to help."

Lisa smiled and gave Rick a quick kiss on the cheek. "Oh, don't worry, Rick. I was just teasing you. I know you're only trying to help. Okay, why don't you buy my toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, anti-perspirant, shampoo and hair conditioner? I assume you know what brands I use."

"Thanks Lisa, and yes, I know what brands you use. Okay, how about we get out of bed and start cooking breakfast?"

"Rick, do you have an extra bathrobe for me to wear?"

"Why Lisa? It's only you and me here. The only one else who knows you're here is Claudia."

"I know that Rick, I don't want to surprise her when she comes by."

"Lisa! I bet…no! I know that Claudia has seen you naked plenty of times!"

"Yes she has, Rick! I just don't want her to get any ideas!"

"And what is that? C'mon Lisa! I know she is not naïve enough not to know that we make love or at least sleep in the nude together in bed."

"I know that Rick, but still, I don't want to surprise her!"

"Okay fine! If it bothers you that much, you can wear my bathrobe and I will change into my civilian clothes.", an exasperated Rick said.

"Thank you Rick.", Lisa said smiling as kissed Rick on the lips and as she was getting out of bed.

BRIDGE OF THE SDF-1

Exedore met Gloval in the passageway.

"Ah, Exedore. How well did you sleep?"

"The bed was something I'm not used to sleeping on because I sleep on more harder beds, but I was asleep almost immediately. It is something that I can get used to."

"I'm glad to hear that. And by the way, I have been told that the bedsheets and pillowcases will be put on the bed and pillows sometime today and you should have a comforter on the bed just in case you get cold during the night. How was your breakfast?"

"It was very satisfying, captain."

Exedore went on tell Gloval the casualty numbers the friendly Zentraedi suffered. Gloval looked distressed because it sounded like the friendly Zentraedi forces suffered the brunt of the casualties but that will all depend on the CASREP numbers Gloval and Exedore will be told about. He also told Gloval about the new SDF and alliance Breetai was proposing.

"I think it is something that the three of us will need to discuss."

"I agree captain."

Captain Gloval walked onto the bridge with Exedore beside him.

"ATTENTION ON DECK!", Claudia yelled.

"As you were everyone! Does anyone have anything to report to me?"

Claudia spoke up first. "Yes sir. Not all the squadrons and units have reported in, so we only have a partial report, but here are the preliminary CASREP numbers."

Every fighter squadrons have suffered some casualties but not in the horrendous numbers the Zentraedi has suffered. Gloval became really distressed at hearing the news because he thought the battle plan Exedore came up with would have lessen casualties.

"Captain, you should not distress yourself over our high casualty numbers. High casualty numbers are to be expected because it is the way we Zentraedi do battle."

All Gloval could do is sigh. "Very well Exedore. Nikki, have structural engineers been able to look at the exterior of the SDF-1?"

"No sir, they haven't. They say it won't be daylight for several more hours so it's still too dark for them to get a good look, but they did say from what little they were able to see with their flashlights, they say that the SDF-1 is too severely damaged to able to fly again." Nikki said.

Gloval could do nothing but sigh. "Why couldn't we have landed in the Caribbean? Alright, okay Nikki, let me know the moment you get something from damage control and the structural engineers."

"Aye-aye sir."

"Sammie, has the radio room been able to contact anyone?"

Sammie spoke up. "So far Captain Gloval, the radio room hasn't been able to raise anyone in Washington, New York City, or anywhere else sir, including Alaska Base.", she said softly and sadly.

"Well, we can't give up hope. Maybe someone, somewhere has survived. Have the radio room try every several hours to see if they can raise anyone on short-wave radio."

"Yes sir."

"Claudia, see if you can access any working geo-stationary or weather satellite. I want to see how the planet is looking."

"Yes sir."

"Claudia, what does the engine room have to say?"

"The engines have all been burned out, sir. So even if the ship is structurally sound, the engines will prevent the SDF-1 from ever flying again."

Captain Gloval felt a headache coming on. "Just great. What I don't want to hear. Alright, keep me appraised on what damage control and the structural engineers have to say and keep working on that CASREP. When all the numbers have come in, go ahead, and crunch the numbers. Then work on getting the report done and turn it into me. Alright, I guess there's nothing more for me to do here. I'm going back to my office. I will have to have a talk with Mayor Luan on what to do with the civilians and Macross City. Also, I going to have to have a video teleconference call with Exedore's boss, so I'm not going to be on the bridge for a while. Claudia, you have command of the bridge. Exedore, please come with me."

"Yes captain."

"Aye-aye sir."

Exedore left the bridge with Captain Gloval and followed him to his office. Gloval fished for his office door key in his pants pocket until he felt for the key and grabbed it. He then inserted the key into the keyhole until the tumbler clicked and the door unlocked. Gloval opened the door and Exedore followed.

"Please Exedore, grab a chair and sit next to me."

"Yes captain."

"Will Lord Breetai be on the bridge at this time, Exedore?"

"Yes captain. He is an early riser."

He then picked up his telephone. "Control room, this is the captain. Connect me with the Zentraedi flagship. I want to speak with Lord Breetai. Thank you."

"It should only take less than a minute, Exedore."

About a minute later, Breetai appeared on the widescreen TV monitor.

"Captain Gloval, Exedore my friend. It is good seeing you both again."

"It is good seeing you again also, Lord Breetai." Gloval said.

"Captain Gloval, I assume that Exedore has told you about my suggestion about forming an alliance, what our next move should be and our concerns about the Robotech Masters and the Invid."

"Yes he has, Lord Breetai. As for forming an alliance between you the Zentraedi and the RDF, I am all for it, but I will have to discuss that with my superiors and the UN…if there is anyone left to discuss this with. Now, as for building another SDF, how will we be able to build an SDF from the ground up when I do not know if we will be able to find the materials to build it with because many buildings and structures are most likely destroyed and if we do find the metal and materials, I don't know if they will be strong enough because they will most probably be weak from the fires and laser blasts."

"I understand your concern, captain but we do have some materials available from the SDF-1 itself and probably scrap metal from naval and cargo ships. Are you able to find out how bad the damage to Earth is?"

"I am having one of my subordinate officers, Lieutenant Commander Claudia Grant to try to access geo-stationery and weather satellites to see how badly damaged the Earth is."

"Very good captain. Please let me know as soon as possible to see if you can find any shipyard undamaged."

"I will immediately let you know."

"Thank you Captain Gloval. Do you have any schematics or blueprints of the rebuilt SDF-1?"

"We do have computer schematics of the SDF-1, but I do not have it. It's in the engineering section."

"Can Exedore have access to it? We helped build Zor's ship and Exedore oversaw the building."

"Yes he can Lord Breetai." He then turned to Exedore. "I'll have the IT section install a desktop computer in your room and teach you how to use it."

"Thank you captain."

"Captain Gloval, I know we are now facing a myriad of problems, but I believe we can overcome our problems if we work together, and we handle it one problem at a time."

"You are correct Lord Breetai. Thank you for telling me that. I really needed to hear that."

Breetai nodded. "I will let you go now so you can contact the people you need to contact. I will see you again Exedore. Good day Captain Gloval."

"And a good day to you also, Lord Breetai."

"Exedore, if you will excuse me for a moment. I have to call the IT department and the engineering section."

"Of course captain."

Captain Gloval picked up the telephone on his desk and called the IT and engineering sections.

"Exedore, someone from engineering will be delivering the schematics of the SDF-1 on a thumb drive to you. Also, someone from IT will be by your room to set up the computer and show you how to use it."

"My most humble thanks to you, Captain Gloval. If you will excuse me, I must take leave of you now."

"You do not have to ask me to excuse you, but I thank you anyway, Exedore. Someone from the officer's dining hall will be by your room sometime this afternoon to serve you lunch."

"My thanks to you, captain.", Exedore said as he got up from his chair and left Gloval's office.

After Exedore left, Gloval thought now was as good of a time as any to call Mayor Luan.

"Yes, Mayor Luan please. This is Captain Gloval. Your honor, this is Captain Gloval."

"Captain Gloval, I'm glad you've called. Thank you for calling me so soon considering how busy you must be right now."

"Well actually your honor, my staff and crew are busier than I am right now."

"I see. Well, I guess that is one of the advantages of being a leader, you can delegate people to do things. How are things with you, captain? Have you suffered losses? If you did, how bad are they?"

Gloval could do nothing but to sigh. "Yes, your honor, we did suffer losses but thanks to great training and a good battle plan, our losses wasn't much worse. Have you heard anything more from Civil Defense about the city and if there are losses of life?"

"Not that I know of captain. Although we did suffer some citizens being hurt but they were transported to the hospital and are recovering. Our disaster plan has so far worked for us. Have you been able to find out how damaged Earth is?"

"Not yet your honor but I am having one of my subordinates try to access geo-stationery and weather satellites to see how bad the damage really is."

"Have you been able to contact anyone here on Earth?"

"My radio room has periodically been trying to raise anyone on short-wave radio, but so far, no success. They can't even raise anyone at RDF headquarters in Washington, DC, Alaska Base, or the UN in New York City."

"I see.", Luan said softly. "Captain Gloval, I think we should soon do a memorial service for the Earth and for the people we have lost."

"I think that is a good idea, your honor. I'll contact the chaplain and you can get with your religious leaders and see if they can work out a joint memorial service between the RDF and the Macross religious community."

"Thank you Captain Gloval. I will contact our religious leaders and see what they say. Captain, we need to discuss what will become of Macross city now that we are on Earth for good."

"I think that is really between you and your constituents your honor. However, if you ask me, I think you should stay on the SDF-1 for at least the foreseeable future. I don't know how bad the laser blasts have affected the weather, but the ship's nuclear reactor is undamaged, and it was placed in the SDF-1 less than ten years ago, so we have at least 45 years of unending energy before we must find some way of refueling the reactor.

Also, we are in early winter which means we only have a little amount of daylight to work with. But I'm not an astronomer or an Earth scientist. Do you have anyone at Macross University who knows about sunrise/sunset here in Alaska?"

"I can get in touch with someone at the university about that, captain. I will also ask them how bad the laser blasts have affected the weather here in Alaska and across the Earth."

"Thank you your honor. You also may want to get in touch with someone in the geology department about the soil here. I haven't sent anyone out to survey the damage to the SDF-1 or how damaged the surrounding area is, but I think the high energy laser blasts has destroyed the topsoil and maybe several layers of earth but that I do not really know either."

"I will contact the university about that also, captain and when I do have some answers, I will contact you immediately. We will need to do a news conference about when the city should start moving out of the SDF-1."

"I think it will best if you hold the news conference by yourself, but we can cross that bridge when we get to it."

"You have a good point, captain."

"Good. Is there anything else you need to talk or discuss with me about your honor?"

"Not for now but I if do come up with a topic we need to discuss or talk about, I'll call you. Good-bye for now Captain Gloval."

"Good-bye your honor."

Just as soon as Gloval hung up the telephone, it began to ring again.

"Yes."

"Captain, this is Claudia."

"Yes Claudia."

"I have sent out a Cat's Eye earlier just as you ordered, and we are just getting back pictures from the jet."

"How's it looking Claudia?"

"Not good sir. For as far as we can see, the whole landscape has been obliterated. The only thing left standing is the mountains and they even look bare. They can't even find a rabbit running. And for Alaska Base, the Cat's Eye cannot pick up any signs of life both visually and audibly."

RICK'S BOQ

LATER THAT MORNING

With Lisa's help, Rick managed to cook breakfast without setting off the smoke detector. They then sat down to eat their breakfast of pancakes, eggs, sausage, frozen potatoes, coffee for Rick and tea for Lisa. After clearing the table and washing the dishes and utensils, they sat on the couch where they made out when at 1000 hours, Rick looked at his watch. He knew that the exchange was opened now. So, he got up from the couch, kissed Lisa on the lips and left his quarters for the exchange.

At the exchange, Rick brought the soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, anti-perspirant, shampoo, and hair conditioner he knew Lisa uses. As he was going to check-out, Rick passed the perfume and cologne counter. He spotted a medium bottle of perfume and decided to check it out. Although he knew Lisa wasn't much of a perfume wearer, he picked up a sample bottle and pulled the cap off hoping he could smell the aroma of the perfume without having to spray it. The scent of the perfume was still strong enough that he could smell what the perfume smelled like without having to spray the bottle. It smelled subtlety sweet and not overpowering. He decided it was a good perfume to give to Lisa, so he put the bottle in the shopping basket then he walked to the check-out counter.

Before he left for the exchange, Rick absentmindedly grabbed the keys to his BOQ which was a good thing because when he arrived at the door of his BOQ, he turned the doorknob only to find it locked. He grabbed keys out of his pocket and opened the door. When he opened the door, he found that Lisa was not in the living room. He then heard water running from the shower. When he went into the bathroom, he found it to be steamy and the bathroom mirror steamed up from the hot water.

"Hey Lisa. Was Claudia here earlier?"

"Yes Rick. She was able to get an early break, so she decided to use it by going by the exchange and buying me a pair of jeans, a tee-shirt, a pair of white socks and running shoes, you know the clothes that always seems to drive you crazy. She also brought panties, bra, pantyhose, and my toiletries. I tried to call your cell phone to try to save you the trip, but you left it here. Did you buy me the soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, anti-perspirant, shampoo and hair conditioner?"

"Yes I did. I also brought a bottle of perfume that you might like wearing."

"I don't wear perfume Rick."

"I know but it has a scent that I think you will like wearing."

"Okay, I'll try it before we go out on a date. Don't worry about returning the extra toiletries. I'll eventually use it. Thanks my love."

"No problem Lisa. Glad to do it."

As he was about to leave the bathroom, he smiled when he remembered that he didn't showered last night. He slowly closed the bathroom door, went in his bedroom and undressed. He slowly walked into the bathroom and slowly pushed back the shower curtain. Lisa was facing the showerhead and soaping herself. He slowly walked into the shower and quietly grabbed the bar of soap out of her hands and started to soap her back.

As he was soaping her down, he wrapped his arms around her still flat stomach and started to kiss her neck. He was surprised that he could not feel a baby bump, but he knew the baby was inside of her, growing every day because he saw a blurry scan of the baby at the EMD.

Lisa smiled when she realized who was in the shower with her. She then closed her eyes luxuriating in the feel of Rick's soapy hands rubbing against her wet skin and his lips kissing her wet, naked body. She then turned and faced Rick with her eyes still closed and with practiced perfection she placed her lips against his. Their kissing became more intense as their sexual desire began to get heated. They spent a good long time in the shower, partially showering together but most of the time they spent it making love on the floor of the bathtub.

SHIP'S HOSPITAL

1300 HOURS

After leaving the squadron's office, going to his quarters, taking a shower, and going to sleep. Ben woke up sometime shortly after 1200, went to the officer's dining hall and ate lunch. After he finished eating lunch, Ben walked to the hospital to find out if Shannon is still in the hospital. He walked up to the reception desk.

"Hello ma'am. Is Shannon Dawson still here? She was delivered to the EMD early this morning from the flight line by a crash crew. She was suffering from broken ribs."

"Let me check, sir.", the receptionist said as she looked at her computer terminal. After several taps on her keyboard, she looked up from her computer screen.

"Yes, she is still here. She was transferred out of the EMD sometime mid-morning and she is now a regular room. She is in room 203."

"Thank you, ma'am.", Ben said as he nodded his head and left the reception desk. He walked up a flight of stairs until he reached the second floor. He looked around until he found the signs for room 203 and he walked in that direction. When he arrived at Shannon's room, the door was open, but he knocked anyway.

"Hi Shannon.", Ben said with a smile.

Shannon had a bright smile on her face when she saw Ben. "Captain Dixon sir. I mean…Ben! It's so good to see you. I wasn't expecting you to come!"

"Captain Gloval gave all the squadrons and units a 24 hour stand down for rest and counting up our losses. I did all my paperwork after you left the flight line, so basically I'm not doing anything until tomorrow morning, so I decided to come see you and find out how you're doing."

"Thank you Ben. I really appreciate it."

"You're welcome Shannon.", Ben said as he found a chair and sat next to Shannon's bed. "So, what did the doctor say?"

"I do have several rib fractures but thankfully it didn't puncture my lungs or heart. I'm in a chest cast for six weeks and have been prescribed painkillers. I also not supposed to laugh, cough, sneeze or cry too hard otherwise I will be in a lot of pain."

"When will you be released from the hospital?"

"I'm being kept overnight as a precaution but I'm to be released sometime tomorrow mid-morning or early afternoon. To where I don't know because my quarters at Alaska Base and everything I have and own are probably destroyed by now."

"Don't worry Shannon. I know there is plenty of living space here on the SDF-1 so most probably you will be housed in the single women's section. There is a goodwill pantry here on the ship for lower enlisted people to get free food, toiletries, and essentials. There is a free thrift store here on the ship also for the lower enlisted people and there are thrift stores off base. You can eat free in the enlisted dining hall. We have an exchange here on the ship. If this is all too much for you right now, me and I'm sure Commander Hayes will be glad to help you."

"Did someone call my name?". a familiar voice said.

"Commander Hayes!", Shannon said gleefully as she opened her arms.

Lisa ran to Shannon's bed where Shannon enclosed her arms around Lisa and gave her a big hug.

"Hi Shannon."

"It's so good to see you ma'am! What are you doing here at the hospital?"

"I'm here because I have to see my new OB/GYN doctor, and I decided while I am here I'll see if you are still here, so here I am!"

"Oh, thank you for coming commander. I really appreciate it."

"No problem. Shannon, I like for you to meet someone. Come on in, Rick."

Rick was standing near the doorway when Lisa motioned him with her hand to come in.

"Shannon, this is Lieutenant Commander Rick Hunter. He's the commanding officer of Skull Squadron and Ben's CO. He and Ben have been friends ever since they were classmates at the RDF Academy"

"Hello Shannon.", Rick said as he smiled and offered her his right hand.

"Nice meeting you sir. Ooo, commander. He's a cutie."

"And he's also happens to be MY boyfriend. So don't even think about getting your hooks into him. He's mine.", Lisa playfully warned.

Shannon giggled and looked at Ben who gave her an indignant huff and a look of "HEY! What am I? Chopped liver?"

"Don't worry ma'am. I have someone that at least for now, I can call him my friend.", Shannon said as she smiled and was patting Ben's hand.

"Thank you. Before we were interrupted, where you're from, Shannon.", Ben asked with a smile on his face.

"I'm from a town in Northern California near the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains and near the Nevada border and Lake Tahoe. A town called Placerville."

"You have a family?"

"I grew up with my mom, dad, and a younger brother named Patrick. He likes to be called Pat. Uh…Ben…can I ask you a question?"

"Yeah sure Shannon, what is it?"

"How bad is Earth damaged? Is it really bad?"

"Uh…Shannon…to tell you the truth I really haven't heard much since early this morning…but from what I did managed to hear…it doesn't look good. Most likely, the entire surface of the Earth has been obliterated along with most of the people. I should know because I saw the Zentraedi laser blast a planet until it looked like the moon when myself, Rick and Commander Hayes were held prisoner by them."

Shannon began to shake her head no. She then immediately began to tear up, let a loud, painful, and primordial scream, then began to cry very bitterly.

Ben who had been too busy to grieve for what maybe the loss of his family when the laser bombardment from the Grand Fleet saturated the planet, immediately wrapped his arms around Shannon and let her cry on his shoulder.

"Why? Why? Why? Why am I alive and not my family? Why?", Shannon constantly asking as she pounded her fists on Ben's chest.

'God, what do I tell her?' After letting Shannon cry on his shoulder, he gently pushed her away so he can look at her squarely in the eyes. Through his own tears, he said to her, "Now listen to me Shannon. I know what I'm about to tell you will not make a lot of sense to you now, but it will in the future. I believe things good and bad happen for a reason. And I think that you, me, Rick, Commander Hayes, and everyone else who survived this battle survived for a reason, and that is to continue the fight.

The fighting maybe over for now but it will come up again in the future. When I don't know but we must be prepared to act when that eventually happens. We need to make sure that our family, friends, and loved ones did not die in vain. Yes, we should grieve for them but also, we should celebrate the fact that they did lived, and their life had a purpose to it. Do you get what I'm saying?"

Shannon through her tears nodded her head yes. "But that also means, I don't have a job anymore."

"What was your job at Alaska Base, Shannon?"

"I was an assistant to the Senior Enlisted Advisor to Admiral Hayes for Junior Enlisted Affairs. I was basically nothing but someone the lower enlisted people can bitch and complain to.", Shannon said as she smiled through her tears.

"Lisa, doesn't Captain Gloval have someone like that?"

"The only one I can think of is the Command Master Chief Ben.", Lisa said as she was drying away tears herself.

"Well…why don't you ask Captain Gloval if he can make Shannon an advisor for the lower enlisted people. But instead of being under the CMC, she reports directly to Captain Gloval."

"I don't know Ben. It's something that is unheard in any military because in essence the lower enlisted people will be skipping the chain of command."

"I know that commander but all she will be doing is to advise Captain Gloval of problems that the lower enlisted people have that can't or won't be resolved by their first line supervisor for whatever reason and to see if the captain can solve or at least, investigate and address their problems. If the captain has a problem with her job title, then have him give her a title like an aide instead of an advisor. C'mon Lisa! Shannon wants to work and for her to work, she needs a job."

"Okay, I'll ask Captain Gloval tomorrow if he will do that. Hopefully, he will say yes."

"Thank you Lisa."

"You're welcome Ben."

"You think this will work, Ben?"

"Yes, it will work Shannon. You need to trust me on this. Listen to me, Captain Gloval is an honest and fair-minded commander. He's not going to blow smoke up your butt by telling you what you want to hear just so you can no longer bother him. He listens to the crew's problems and tries to solve them."

Lisa then gently grabbed Shannon's hand. "Ben's right Shannon. I should know, I work for him on the bridge. I got to leave now. But don't worry. I'll get the ball rolling on getting you into the single women housing wing. I work with three young, single women and they live in the same unit you'll be living in, so you won't be alone."

"Thank you ma'am."

"When will you be released from the hospital?"

"Sometime tomorrow either mid-morning or early afternoon. Most likely it will probably be in the early afternoon."

"That will be fine. Call me before you leave the hospital. I will make sure you have some clothes, uniforms, shoes, toiletries, underwear, bras, and other things you will need when you move in. I will be more than happy to pay for some of your clothes and other items because I was the same situation you're in. I know that Ben will be happy to pay for some of your things too and I'm quite sure Commander Hunter will be happy to do the same thing."

Rick and Ben nodded their heads.

"Give us your clothes, underwear, bra, and shoe sizes so when the three of us go to the exchange and thrift store, it will make things easy for us to immediately buy or get the things that you need."

Shannon smiled a smile of relief. "You really don't have to do it everyone…but I'm glad that you are." She then gave Lisa the sizes to her clothes, underwear, bra, panties, and shoes.

"Think nothing of it, Shannon.", Lisa said with a smile. "Ben, when will you be leaving the hospital?"

"Shortly after you and Rick leave commander."

"Call Rick's cell phone so we can work out who's buying what."

"No problem ma'am."

Lisa then bent down to hug Shannon. "Don't worry Shannon. Everything will work out for you. You just need to stay positive."

"I will ma'am. Thank you and Commander Hunter for coming."

"Don't mention it, Shannon. Call me when you are discharged okay,"

"Yes ma'am. See you tomorrow,"

"Take care of yourself Shannon.", Rick said as he shook Shannon's hand.

"I will sir."

Shannon and Ben were by themselves again.

"Okay Shannon, I guess it's my time to leave then. Call me when you are discharged so I can help you move into your quarters, okay."

"I will Ben. Thank you.", Shannon said as she wrapped her arms around Ben's neck, guided his head down so she can kiss him on his cheek.

"You're welcome Shannon. See you tomorrow when you are discharged.", Ben said softly as he got up and walked to the open doorway.

"Wait a minute Ben."

"What is it Shannon?"

"Come here.", Shannon said as she moved her index finger in a "come here" motion.

Not sure of what Shannon wanted, he went to her bed. Shannon again wrapped her arms around Ben's neck. But instead of giving him a quick kiss on his cheek, Shannon kissed Ben on the lips for what seem to be several minutes. After they stopped kissing, Shannon looked at Ben squarely in the eyes and with love and appreciation in her eyes, she quietly said, "I thought what you are doing for me deserves more than just a quick kiss on the cheek."

"I'll see you tomorrow, Shannon.", Ben quietly said with a smile. He began to walk out of her hospital room. He then turned around as he was at the threshold of the door and waved good-bye to Shannon. Shannon waved back.

MONDAY, 02 DECEMBER 2013

0800 HOURS ALASKA TIME

SDF-1 CARRIER AIR WING SECTION

CONFERENCE ROOM

SQUADRON COMMANDER'S DAILY OPERATIONAL AND INTELLIGENCE BRIEFING

Everyone was milling about the room but there wasn't any loud talking because many were talking in hush tones or wasn't talking at all. Rick noticed Roy walking into the conference room. In his best command voice he yelled; "ATTENTION ON DECK!" Roy was looking very somber. When he walked up to the dais, he quietly cleared his throat.

"As you were. Take your seats."

There were the sounds of the feet and chairs scuffling the floor.

"Alright everyone, this is going to be brief because I have to attend a senior staff meeting in the captain's conference room at 0900. There the captain will tell us how the structural integrity of the SDF-1 is, how much damage the Earth has suffered and if we were able to contact any survivors anywhere on Earth. If there is anything of importance the captain has told us that you need to be notified of immediately, I will send it in an e-mail to all of you. Otherwise I will tell you tomorrow morning.

Now that the fighting is over, there is no need for constant air patrols, so what we are going to for now, is we will have eight veritechs on the cat launch for immediate launch, four VTs on Alert Five and on stand-by, which means that the rest of you are off flight rotation. We will still do some intermediate training and refresher flights, and some air patrols, but we are cutting back on the constant flying to try to save wear and tear on the VTs and on you and your pilots.

Okay, the eight squadrons that are on the cat launch are Ghost, Wolf, Vermillion, Fury, Eagle, Pioneer, Falcon, and Cougar. The two squadrons that are on Alert Five are Skull, Sun, Lunar, and Solar. Stand-by are Juno, Quasar, Galaxy and Pulsar.

There is really no intelligence briefing because RDF Intelligence hasn't heard anything threatening from the Zentraedi since the fighting has stopped but they will keep us appraised of any new or existing threats.

As for your safety briefing, as you probably know by now, we are back on Earth and in the middle of the Alaskan interior. I have no idea if any wild animals have survived the laser bombardment but if they do, remember your SERE training in that if you do encounter a wild animal, do not turn, and run. If you do, the animal will consider you as prey. If the animal is small enough for you to shoot, go ahead and shoot it, so remember to have your M-9 pistol or your M-4 carbine with you. If you encounter a larger animal like a moose or a bear, try to stand up to them.

Alright, lastly…as you can probably tell by looking around the room, we have lost some squadron commanders. Which means not only have we lost friends and fellow pilots, but we also have lost some good people and leaders. Some of you XOs will be promoted to fill in the empty CO slots. I will talk with Captain Gloval and Commander Hayes soon on who they suggest should take over those positions, so I will tell you who they are…ah…hopefully within the next several days.

Alright everyone, that is all I have for you…be safe and have a good day."

Rick spotted Max leaving he room. "Hey Max."

"Oh Rick! I'm sorry I didn't let you and Ben know that me and Miriya made it through the battle okay, but I was so busy filling out paperwork, reports, and condolence letters, that after completing it all, I just wanted to go back to my quarters and to be with Miriya."

"Don't worry about it, Max. I completely understand. I'm only glad that you and Miriya made it. Ben decided to skip the briefing because he is waiting for word of when Lisa's driver from Alaska Base is released from the hospital. She suffered some broken bones from falling debris. Ben got her out the same time I got Lisa out. So I will tell Ben that you and Miriya made it."

"Oh really. Ben found a girlfriend?"

"Well, I don't think so considering they only met the other night, but they are becoming good friends real fast. He allows her to call him Ben even though she's enlisted."

"Really? Wow! I've known Ben since we were kids, but he never was, or ever considered to be a ladies' man. As a matter of fact, he never went to any homecoming dances or the junior or senior prom because he couldn't find a date."

"Well, things change after we become adults, Max."

"True, Rick. Okay, I'll see you when I can. Thanks for telling Ben."

"No problem Max."

CAPTAIN'S CONFERENCE ROOM

0900 HOURS

As per her habit, Lisa came to the conference room way ahead of Roy, Claudia, Colonel Maistroff and other senior officers. Gloval and Exedore entered from a side door. Claudia was in the perfect position to see them walking in.

"ATTENTION ON DECK!"

Gloval marched to the very end of the long conference table nearest to everyone and stood at attention. Exedore took the nearest chair to Captain Gloval's right and stood.

"TAKE YOUR SEATS!": Gloval ordered.

"I called you here to share with you some information that I have that I want you to share with your subordinates. This will be very brief. Alright, first item on the agenda and the most important, is our casualty numbers. After collecting all the names who have been killed, missing, and wounded, all the data have been collected and the numbers have been crunched, it is determined that we have lost less than 0.001 percent of our total strength. It's because of our excellent training, good leadership, help from the Zentraedi forces under the command of Lord Breetai, and the great battle plan and strategy Minister Exedore came up with along with help from Lieutenant Commander Rick Hunter…"

Lisa had a shocked look on her face when Captain Gloval said Rick by name, then she smiled. By happenstance Gloval glanced over to where Lisa was sitting.

"I see you smiling Lisa."

Roy, Claudia, and some other officers began to laugh. Lisa's face then turned a crimson red. Seems that the whole ship now knows that somehow Lisa managed to grab herself a boyfriend and is in a serious relationship with him. Gloval gave a mischievous smile.

"and Miss Lynn Minmei has helped us achieve our low casualty numbers. So I am recommending to Lord Breetai that Exedore be given the highest honor that the Zentraedi can bestow upon him. Also, I would like for Minister Exedore to be given an accommodation or an award from the RDF. I also would like for Commander Hunter be given a promotion, a medal and or an accommodation of some kind. I would like for Miss Minmei also to be given an accommodation of some kind. Yes, we still lost people and even though we can replace them with new people, their families can never replace them, but the casualty rate would have been much worse had it not been for the reasons I have stated.

Item number two, Lieutenant Commander Grant was able to access still working geo-stationery and weather satellites to try to determine how severely damaged the Earth is. From what photo reconnaissance experts from J-2 and RDF Intelligence can best surmise from looking at the screen shots, their best estimates are that 75 percent of the Earth's surface has been severely or irreparably damaged. There are undamaged areas in the Amazon jungle, Siberia, and Indochina. We do not know how or why it happened, but let's be glad that it did happen.

Can the damaged areas regenerate by itself, with help from us, or will it stay that way? So far we don't know. It is the same thing with global weather patterns. So far, no answer can be determined if the laser bombardment has irreparably changed global weather patterns. Mayor Luan will or has consulted with Earth and atmospheric scientists, and geologists at Macross University to see what they say. Once he knows what their finding are, he will pass it along to me.

Okay, item number three, I have directed the radio room to see if they can raise any survivors here on Earth but so far, they haven't had any success, but they are still trying. And speaking of finding survivors, yesterday morning I ordered a Cat's Eye recon jet to fly over Alaska Base to see if they can see or hear of any survivors'…so far, none have been found.

Okay, onward to our next topic. Alright, this is about the structural integrity of the SDF-1 and the question of will the ship ever be able to go into space again. Yesterday, as soon as there was enough daylight to see clearly, structural engineers have determined that because the SDF-1 has sustained so much battle damage that it is unsafe for the ship to go into space ever again without a major rebuild. Not repairs but a rebuild. Also, the engines are burned out and the engine room says that they cannot repair the engines, it must be replaced. So, I have made the decision to not let the SDF-1 to go into space ever again.

However, Exedore and I did a video teleconference with his superior Lord Breetai on the Zentraedi flagship, and they have raised concerns about other alien races that might be coming to Earth looking for the Protoculture Matrix. What Lord Breetai proposes is that another SDF be built, and an expeditionary force composed what is remained of the RDF and the Zentraedi to try to intercept them before they even have a chance to invade Earth. But there is a lot to be determined before we can even consider building another SDF, so for now, that proposal has been tabled.

Alright, finally, Mayor Luan proposes that a joint SDF-1/City of Macross interfaith memorial service be done in memory of the Earth and for those who have died. I will get ahold of Chaplain Sampson and Mayor Luan will contact the heads of Macross' faith community so they can start planning a memorial service. The only thing that I want done besides the 21-Gun Salute and the playing of "Taps", is to do a "missing man" flyover as the service concludes, so Roy, come up with a list of four pilots who you think should be in the flyover formation."

"Yes sir.", Roy nodded his head.

"Alright, that is all I have. Before I dismiss you, does anyone have anything they want to talk to me about?"

Roy raised his hand.

"Yes Roy?"

"Sir, as you may well be aware, we in the fighter wing has lost some squadron commanders and they need to be replaced."

"Very well. Go ahead and come up with a broad list of those who is eligible to become squadron commander, then get with me and Lisa within the next two to three days and we will begin to whittle down the candidates to those who we think has what takes to become squadron commander."

"Yes sir."

"Alright, anything else?"

No one spoke or raised their hand.

"No. Alright then."

Gloval then got up from his chair and stood at attention with Exedore getting up immediately after him.

"STAND AT ATTENTION! YOU'RE DISMISSED!"

As Gloval and Exedore was leaving the conference room, Lisa ran up and tapped Gloval on the shoulder.

"Excuse me sir, but I need to speak to you in private for a moment. Can you spare me a couple of minutes?"

"Of course Lisa."

SHIP'S HOSPITAL

1330 HOURS

Rick allowed Ben to be let off early so he can help Shannon move into her quarters after being released from the hospital. Ben walked into Shannon's hospital room still in his uniform and knocked on the open door.

"Hi Shannon."

Shannon was dressed in jeans, a woman's polo shirt, bra, panties, white socks and running shoes that was donated by the hospital. She had her back turned to the door to pack what items that the hospital is allowing her to keep and what little belongings she has with her on the hospital bed. She turned around and saw Ben standing at the threshold. She then smiled a wide smile.

"Ben!", she said gleefully.

She ran and threw her arms around Ben's neck and began to kiss him. After a minute of kissing, Ben and Shannon broke off their kiss.

"Ready to leave the hospital?"

"You bet I am."

"Well, don't leave without me."

Ben and Shannon looked over at the door and saw Lisa standing in the doorway.

"Commander!", Shannon said as she ran to where Lisa was standing with her arms held out. She then wrapped her arms around Lisa's neck and began to hug her.

Lisa mindful of Shannon's broken ribs wrapped her arms around Shannon's waist. "Hi Shannon."

After a moment, Ben spoke up. "So, what did Captain Gloval say, Lisa?"

After letting go their embrace, Lisa looked at Shannon with a smile on her face. "Captain Gloval said yes. You will be working directly under him. Your job is Assistant to Captain Gloval for Junior Enlisted Affairs, but your job title is Junior Enlisted Aide to Captain Gloval. You will start your job on Monday so you can get acclimated to living on the SDF-1"

Shannon jumped up and down and let a shriek of glee and hugged Lisa's neck again. She then ran back to Ben with her arms opened, wrapped her arms around his neck and hugged him. After letting go their embrace, Ben looked Shannon in the eyes.

"See. What did I tell you? Didn't I tell you to trust me?", Ben asked with a smile.

"Yes you did Ben! Oh! Thank you everyone! Without your help I wouldn't have this job!"

"Think nothing of it, Shannon. I know Lisa and I were glad to help. So, you're ready to leave the hospital now?"

"Yes I am."

As if on cue, a hospital orderly came in the room with a wheelchair.

"Okay miss, because you have broken ribs, you will have to be wheeled out of the hospital in a wheelchair. Sorry miss, but it's hospital rules."

"Oh, it's okay sir. No need to apologize. I understand.", Shannon said with a smile as she sat in the wheelchair.

Ben walked along side Shannon. She then reached out and grabbed Ben's hand. Ben didn't protest or said anything negative. Lisa looked over and saw Shannon and Ben holding hands. She gave a wide-eyed look of surprise.

'Wow! That didn't take long!'

At the entrance of the hospital, Lisa told Ben and Shannon to wait while she gets the car. When Lisa arrived at the entrance, Shannon got out of the wheelchair and got in the back passenger side of the sedan with assistance from Ben and the orderly. After buckling herself in, the orderly left and Ben got in on front passenger side and buckled himself in.

"Hey Shannon. Your room has almost everything you need to start living comfortably right away. But we have some toiletries and other things that are in boxes that me and Ben will carry in for you. It's in the trunk."

"Thank you ma'am."

When the three arrived at the enlisted quarters, Ben grabbed a box while Lisa parked the car. Several minutes later Lisa walked into the lobby with a box. When the door to the women's wing opened, Lisa shouted "Male on the wing!"

Lisa reached into her uniform jacket pocket for the keys to Shannon's quarters. She felt for the keys, grabbed it, inserted the key into hole, turned it until she heard a click, turned the knob, took out the keys and gave it to Shannon. As they were walking into Shannon's quarters, Ben and Lisa heard a familiar voice.

"Hi! Corporal Shannon Dawson?"

"Yes I am."

"Hi. I'm Petty Officer Second Class Kim Young. I'm in charge of this section of the women's wing. Welcome aboard.", Kim said extending her hand.

"Thank you Kim.", Shannon said as she was shaking Kim's hand.

"So, what is your job here on the SDF-1?"

"I am the Junior Enlisted Aide to Captain Gloval."

"Oh! You'll love working for him! I work for him on the bridge, and everyone enlisted and officer loves him."

"Yes, I've been told that by Commander Hayes."

"Well, if there is anything that you need, let me know and I will see what I can do for you."

"Actually Kim, I need someone to show me around the ship and help me find personnel, finance, the galley, where can I have my photo for the ship proximity ID badge taken, you know, the usual places."

"Commander."

"Yes Kim."

"Will you let me have tomorrow off so I can be Shannon's sponsor for the day?"

"Yes I can. Thank you for volunteering to be Shannon's sponsor."

"No problem, ma'am."

"Thank you Kim. I really appreciate it."

"Think nothing of it, Shannon."

After dropping off the boxes, Lisa and Ben started walking out. Shannon closed and locked the door to her quarters and followed them out to the lobby.

"Okay Shannon. This is where we have to say good-bye for now. I need to return the car to the motor pool and report back to work. Captain Gloval only gave me enough time to help you out of the hospital and get you to your quarters."

"Thank you ma'am. Thank you for all your help.", Shannon said as she hugged Lisa.

"Don't mention it Shannon. Rick and I were glad to help. See you when I can."

"Good-bye ma'am."

Lisa walked away leaving Shannon and Ben by themselves.

"So Shannon. What are going to do for tonight?"

"I don't know Ben. Probably just unpack what little I need to unpack, go to the galley with Kim for dinner and do nothing for the rest of night."

"O-kay, well, how 'bout I treat you to dinner?"

"You're sure? Can you afford it?"

"Hey! I'm an officer. Sure, I can afford it.", Ben said with a grin.

Shannon laughed. "Sure. Why not."

"Great! What do you like to eat?"

"I guess see food. When I see food, I eat it."

Ben couldn't help but laugh because he hasn't heard that pun in years. "Okay, well, how 'bout I treat you to Southern fried chicken? There is a Southern fried chicken place just outside the entrance to the base and it is dee-licious! Beats fast food fried chicken by a mile."

Shannon's face then brightened. "I haven't had Southern fried chicken in years! YES!"

"Great! How 'bout I see you here in the lobby, say around…1800 hours?"

"Sure."

Shannon then looked at Ben with the same love and appreciation she showed last night, she then grabbed both of his hands. "Thank you for all your help Ben. If it wasn't for you and Commander Hayes, I don't know what I will do."

"Like I said Shannon…I was glad to help.", Ben said softly. He bent his head and began to kiss her.

After kissing for what seem to be a long time, they broke off their kiss and looked at each other with love in their eyes.

"Okay Shannon. I will see you in a couple of hours then. Alrighty?", Ben said softly.

"I can't wait till I see you again. It's going to be the longest couple of hours of my life.", Shannon said.

They then resumed to kiss for what seem to be an exceedingly long time.

FRIDAY, 06 DECEMBER 2013

1800 HOURS

Lisa and Rick were enjoying an evening together at Lisa's quarters. As they were watching TV, the program they were watching suddenly went off the air.

"We interrupt our regularly scheduled program for this important breaking news story. We now go live to city hall to the office of Mayor Tommy Luan for a news conference. And now, Mayor Luan."

Standing behind a dais with the seal of Macross city held together by Velcro tape on the front, Mayor Luan along with Captain Gloval standing off to the mayor's left, began to speak.

"Good evening citizens of Macross and members of the news media. I apologize for this intrusion into your life this evening, but I have important news about the future of Macross City and of recent events that I want to share with you. Afterwards, I will take questions from the media.

After consulting with Captain Gloval, atmospheric and Earth scientists and geologists at Macross University, I have decided that we will not evacuate from the SDF-1 until sometime mid-May of 2014. There are several reasons for this decision.

First, is the amount of daylight we can work with. Because it is late autumn/early winter here in Alaska there not enough daylight for us to move houses, businesses, city hall and other important buildings out of the SDF-1 safely. By the time mid-May arrives, there will be more than enough daylight for us to safely work with. This will also give city planners enough time to plan the layout of the city and surrounding areas. This will make for a better Macross City than the one we had on the island and even on the SDF-1.

Second, is the weather. Atmospheric scientists at Macross University do not know for sure if the laser bombardment has adversely affected global weather patterns. So far it has not. The average temperatures for the interior of Alaska which is where we are at right now are what is supposed to be at for this time of year. Captain Gloval has said that the ship's nuclear reactor has a life span of 45 years before the reactor needs to be recharged. Even though there is no snow the ground, university meteorologists have theorized that the laser bombardment has melted what amount of snow there was on the ground and returning cold weather will freeze the surface ground again until mid-spring.

By the time mid-May arrives, the ground should be soft enough so that the soil can be removed in preparing the ground for the laying of asphalt and concrete for roads, streets, and sidewalks, the digging of poles for overhead communications and electricity lines, and the underground installation of utility, telecommunications, water, and sewer lines can be done without the chance of the ground freezing due to a sudden change of the weather.

Third, is the soil. Geologists at Macross University has said that the laser bombardment has not only destroyed vegetation, but also the humus, topsoil, even down to the eluviation. They hypothesize that with help from us in the way of compost, manure, and other organic matter that the soil can be regenerated enough to grow grass, flowers, vegetables, other vegetation, and even trees. This regenerated area will be called Zone A while the unregenerated zone will be called Zone B. This cannot be accomplished while the weather is cold, and the ground is frozen.

Finally, I would like to announce a joint interfaith memorial service between the chaplain's office on the SDF-1 and members of Macross' faith community to remember and memorize the Earth and those who have lost their lives in this long war. The service will be held outside the SDF-1 at noon, Wednesday, December 11, 2013 at 12pm. The reason for this is that Friday into Saturday is when people of the Jewish and Seventh Day Adventist faith observe the Sabbath, and Sunday is the day when people of the Protestant Christian faith attend church services, and Catholics attend Mass.

The service will be conducted by Chaplain Kevin Sampson, head Protestant chaplain on the SDF-1 and members of Macross' Non-denominational Protestant, Baptist, Methodist, Presbyterian, Episcopalian, Reformed, Charismatic, Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, Russian Orthodox, Greek Orthodox, Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist, Sikh, Hindu, Shinto, Seventh Day Adventist, Mormon, Pagan, Wiccan, and Satanist faiths. Music will be provided by the choir of Macross Baptist Church and the Macross Symphony Orchestra. The service will conclude with the 21-Gun Salute, the playing of "Taps" and a flyover of veritechs in a "missing man" formation. More information about the memorial service is forthcoming and will be put on special website.

This concludes my statement. I will now take questions that you in the media have."

Just as soon as members of the media started shouting "Mr. Mayor!" "Mr. Mayor!", Lisa told Rick to change the channel.

WEDNESDAY 11 DECEMBER 2013

1200 HOURS

OUTSIDE THE SDF-1

It was a cold, dreary, dark, snowy day. The clouds were so thick that the sun cannot even been seen. Early in the day before the sun even begin to rise only to be covered by clouds, a gentle yet steady snow began to fall, beginning to cover the bare ground in a blanket of white adding to the somber tone of the day yet to begin. It was a day that was befitting the mood of the citizens of Macross and the personnel onboard the SDF-1

Like clockwork, the memorial service started at exactly high noon 1200 hours. The service was being broadcast live to all parts of the ship and throughout the city for those who did want to be out in the cold. The service started with Chaplain Sampson saying a prayer. He then the invited the small crowd to sing "Amazing Grace." The words were scanned and copied from the old U.S. Armed Forces hymnal, inserted into the program, and passed to the crowd as they were entered the roped off seating area. In his rich baritone voice, Chaplain Sampson began to lead the audience and choir in singing the familiar and beloved hymn, sung by Christians and non-Christians alike.

After the last stanza of the song was sung, Chaplain Sampson stayed at the dais and prayed a short prayer. He then sat down, and the Macross Baptist Church choir stood up and began to sing what is colloquially known as the Navy Hymn, "Eternal Father, Strong to Save". As the choir began to sing the hymn, the sniffing and gentle crying of tears can be heard from the crowd. After the song was finished and the choir sat down, Chaplain Sampson walked back to the dais, and led the crowd in a prayer. After finishing the prayer, he then gave a short 15-minute memorial message. After finishing the sermon and saying a prayer, he led the choir and audience in singing "It Is Well With My Soul"

After the song was finished, all of Macross' faith community went up to the dais and said a prayer of commemoration of their faith. That segment took almost an hour to complete. After the last prayer was finished, Chaplain Sampson stood up and walked to the dais.

"And now, to conclude this memorial service and to honor the dead and in hope that the Earth will heal itself, here to sing "Ave Maria" accompanied by the string section of the Macross Symphony Orchestra, is Miss Lynn Minmei. After she finishes singing, military honors consisting of the 21-Gun Salute, the playing of "Taps" and a flyover of four veritechs in a "missing man" formation will be rendered. And that will conclude our memorial service. And now Miss Lynn Minmei."

Minmei dressed for the cold by another one of Macross' top fashion designers Amy Wong and was seated in the VIP section where Chaplain Sampson, Mayor Luan, Captain Gloval and other dignitaries were sitting, got up from her seat and quietly walked up to the dais. No one clapped or cheered. Violins and other string instruments began to play and in her characteristic style of starting softly and gradually sing stronger, she started singing the English Latin prayer version of "Ave Maria".

As she was singing the song, her eyes drifted and glanced over to where senior military officials were sitting. She then saw something that shocked her and made her suddenly stop for a moment.

'Wait a minute! What the Hell? Is that who I think it is? No way! It is her! She's here! Son-of-a bitch! Jesus Christ! How the fuck did she managed to survive?'