Disclaimer: I do not own Robotech; wish I did, but I don't. Harmony Gold does.

Decisions

I have to give Dr. Nichols credit. His presentation, though far from flawless, has convinced the RDF and the Council to authorize our expedition. I could see the shock on the boy's face when I informed him he would be leading it. There is a small part of me that is sad I am not going, but I think it is finally time for me to stay put. Besides, I have research here that needs my attention.

- Journal of Emil Lang, PhD.

Rick closed the door behind him and scanned the spacious hotel suite, taking in the decidedly upscale accommodations. He grabbed the ends of the sweaty towel draped around his neck and walked into the bedroom through the open French doors. Leaning against the doorframe he watched Lisa apply makeup at the large vanity next to the bed; she was humming a song to herself, occasionally singing a verse though the words were barely audible from where he stood.

"How was your workout?" she asked without turning to look at him.

"Not bad. Probably should grab a shower before we head out," he replied nonchalantly.

They had agreed to meet up with Max and Miriya for dinner and drinks; something he was very much looking forward to after the taxing Council meeting earlier that day. He glanced down at his watch to see just how much time he had left to get ready. Looking back up he saw Lisa stand from the vanity wrapped only in a white towel and couldn't help the grin that spread across his face. She padded across the lush beige carpet to greet him, giving him a chaste kiss on the lips before moving to the mahogany armoire where she had unpacked their clothes earlier in the day. Reluctantly he turned away from his wife and headed into the en suite.

Once inside the spacious bathroom he pulled the glass door to the shower open and turned the water on. Quickly discarding his clothes he jumped in and pulled the shower door closed. He placed his hands against the smooth granite wall underneath the showerhead and closed his eyes, allowing his aching muscles some relief under the hot water. Yet try as he might, he couldn't seem to relax his mind; he couldn't help shake the feeling of déjà vu that had settled over him like a cloud.

The Council meeting had provoked numerous questions, with very few answers available to them. Emil's group was hell-bent on an expedition to the far reaches of another galaxy, and here he was volunteering for it. Truth be told he wasn't exactly sure why he'd agreed to go along; his relationship with Lisa was more passionate than it had ever been, and he wouldn't willingly leave Roy for such an extended period of time. And yet he had made the decision to do so anyways.

Councilor Novius stood before them, arms folded into his robes, and cleared his throat loudly. Rick watched as the old Tirolian commanded the room; always impressed with the statesman's ability to silence even the most egomaniacal RDF officer or politician.

"Dr. Lang has asked that an expedition be organized to seek out and ascertain the origins of this Signal. After much deliberation, we have agreed to this request," Novius paused, allowing the information to sink in. "Due to the nature of this expedition and the risks involved, Dr. Lang has also asked that military personnel accompany his scientists." Rick watched others around the room voice their agreement with the Council's decision.

"Are we really going to devote resources to this dog and pony show? We're already stretched thin as it is protecting the border colonies," General Richards chided.

"We only require a small attachment General, a single vessel with enough military personnel to man her," Emil shot back without hiding his disdain for the officer.

"General Richards, we understand your position. The defense of the border colonies shall not be abandoned. A small attachment, as Dr. Lang put it, shall be sufficient. We ask for nothing more," Novius explained. Rick watched as the aging Councilor and former Southern Cross officer tensely stared at one another.

"So who will be heading up this expedition?" one of the RDF admirals asked, looking to several of her peers seated around her. No one responded, and a heavy silence filled the room. Rick wasn't surprised no one was jumping at the chance to chase a theory across deep space, given all of the risks associated with the mission.

"I will," he heard someone call out, breaking the silence in the room. He looked around, trying to figure out who had volunteered. He suddenly realized that everyone was staring at him. He dared a quick glance over to Lisa; her eyebrows were raised and her mouth was agape, and it suddenly hit him what he had done.

Rick allowed the memory to fade as he turned the water off, stepping out of the shower and grabbing a fresh towel. He dried himself off and wrapped the soft towel around his waist. Standing in front of the large mirror in the bathroom he stared at his reflection. "The hell are you getting yourself into Rick?" he asked himself aloud, his voice echoing in the spacious room.

"You're doing what you have to," he nearly jumped at the sound of Lisa's calm voice.

Hands resting against the countertop he shifted to see his wife's reflection in the mirror; she was standing in the entryway to the en suite, still wrapped in her own white towel. He found her emerald eyes with his own, holding her gaze as she stepped into the bathroom. He felt the tension in his shoulders ease as she wrapped her arms around his torso, resting her chin against his right shoulder. He continued to hold her gaze through the mirror, studying the features of her face.

Rick took Lisa's left hand in his own, squeezing it firmly, comforted by the warm smile she gave him. "Thanks, babe." he told her. Lisa stood on her tip toes, still leaning against him, and placed a soft kiss against his cheek.

"You know I'm always here for you. Now come on, we should get dressed or we'll be late," she replied, pulling away and leading him back into the bedroom.

He listened to Carver give instructions to a runner as he double checked his gear; he was low on ammunition and evo-filters, not that supplies were abundant anymore. He gave his assault rifle a once over, making sure he could accurately see through the optical scope. The runner took off down the tunnel and Carver turned back to face him, a tired look on the old soldier's face. Carver walked up to him, giving his disheveled armor a once over.

"You ready?" the older soldier asked with a gravelly voice. In response he picked up his obsidian colored helmet and pulled it on. Locking it in place he felt a rush of oxygen fill his lungs as the evo-filter kicked on.

"Ready," he replied; his voice metallic and distorted by the helmet's respirator.

Carver regarded him for a few moments before moving to the access portal at the mouth of the dingy tunnel. He followed, pulling the hood of his tattered grey cloak up on top of his helmet. Standing in front of the large circular portal he disengaged the safety on his assault rifle.

"You'll only have a few minutes before they're on you, so keep moving," Carver instructed. He nodded his understanding, trying to calm his nerves, steeling himself for what was to come. "Good luck, ranger," Carver solemnly told him, slamming his hand against the release switch.

The ranger readied his weapon as the circular portal wound open with the loud grating of rusty metal on metal, the darkness and howling wind of the surface greeting them like a hungry maw.