Life slowly got back into a regular routine for all those who survived the attack on the SDF-1&2 especially after the memorial they held for those who died. Rick took his squadron on patrols while Lisa negotiated and planned for the construction of the SDF-3.
"Rick," Max called after him and walked next to him. "Where are you rushing off to?" He knew exactly where Rick was headed but wanted to tease his boss.
"You know where I'm going," Rick replied.
"Can't wait to see her huh?"
"Nope, and I think we'll pass on dinner with you guys tonight."
"No problem," Max said and watched Rick head back to their building.
"Where is he going?" Miriya asked when she caught up with Max.
"I guess we don't have a babysitter tonight," he teased.
Rick quickly walked the hallways towards the office that has been assigned to Lisa. He knocked and waited for her to let him in. Instead the door opened and Admiral Reinhart came out. He stood in attention and saluted the elderly man.
"Congratulations," Reinhart told Lisa and shook her hand. "Your aide will be here soon." He looked at Rick quickly and walked away after acknowledging the salute.
Rick followed Lisa into her office. He closed the door behind him and approached her.
"What's up?" he asked.
"I've been promoted," she said in a daze.
"That's great! So you're a Commodore now?"
"Admiral," she corrected.
"Wow! That's quite a jump up. You deserve it."
"Admiral Reinhart said I can choose my staff," she informed him. "I was thinking of getting you promoted as well."
Rick suddenly fell silent. He wondered how a promotion might affect his status as Skull Leader.
"It means you'll have to give up Skull Squadron," she clarified for him.
"Give up Skull Squadron?" he asked in a shock.
"You'll be in charge of more squadrons instead," she explained. "It will include Skull Squadron so in a way, you're not giving it up."
"That means I can't fly anymore? But flying is my life."
"I know," she assured him by squeezing his arm. She understood how much flying meant to him. "Just think about it ok? You don't have to decide right now."
"Admiral Hayes," Max repeated as he plucked a flute of champagne from the passing waiter.
"Yeah, I can't believe it either," Rick said, taking a sip from his glass.
"She deserves it," Miriya observed.
"Yeah, she looks great in an admiral's uniform," Max confirmed.
Rick walked towards the table that held some canapes. He picked one that looked less mysterious and followed it with another sip of his drink.
"You don't look too happy Rick," Max noted.
"She wants to promote me, too," Rick revealed finally.
"Well, I think you deserve it, too," Max said enthusiastically and patted him on the back.
"It means I'll have to give up Skull Squadron," Rick said sadly.
"But she needs you," Max reasoned. "Besides, if you're her peer, you can start demonstrating your feelings for her more freely in public." He couldn't resist and gave Rick a quick wink.
"So that's what it came down to, a choice between his love for Lisa and for flying," he thought to himself.
"I'm sure she won't stop you from flying," Max added, drawing Rick back into reality. "You can probably even choose which mission to go on."
Rick hadn't thought about that. He was grateful to Max for helping him think things through. He looked around for Lisa to talk with her. But before he could reach her, he was detained by Vince Grant.
"Vince," he greeted and shook Vince's hand.
"I hadn't gotten the chance before to thank you for the eulogy you did for Claudia," he said.
"Glad to do it, she was a good friend," Rick acknowledged.
"Which is why I need to talk to you, I hope you don't mind."
Vince was insistent so Rick stayed to hear him out.
Lisa was shown her new office which was a bit bigger than her old one. Cindy Walker, her aide, was already busy at her desk when she arrived.
"Admiral Hayes," Cindy saluted.
"At ease, Cindy," Lisa replied.
"Shouldn't you be at the party Admiral?" she inquired.
"I thought I'd get a head start on some paperwork," Lisa lied. In all honesty, she just wasn't in a festive mood. She knew the challenges ahead and hoped that she would be able to meet them all. She held the envelop that contained the recommendation to promote Rick. She had hoped he would be thrilled but understood his hesitation.
"There you are," Rick said when he stuck his head through the door. "Are you hiding?"
"Hi, Rick," she acknowledged and dropped the envelop into her desk drawer. "No, I had some paperwork that I needed done before tomorrow. You go ahead and enjoy the party."
"But the party is in your honor," he pointed out. "What's the point of enjoying it without you?" He sat down on the chair across from her desk.
"I doubt they'll miss me," she countered.
"I missed you."
"Thanks Rick," she said sweetly. "Why don't you go back? I'll be there in a while." She shuffled some paper to appear busy.
"We need to talk," he said firmly.
"Business or personal?"
"Both," he said and walked over to her side of the table.
Lisa turned her chair so she could face him while he leaned in and supported his weight on her chair's arm rests.
"This is about the promotion isn't it?" she asked correctly. "Look Rick, if you don't …" Before she could finish he silenced her with a quick kiss. She was still surprised whenever he did that voluntarily.
"I'll take it," he said and watched her closely. "Only if you promise that I can still fly."
"You'll be in-charge of the VT flight program," she explained. "As captain, I will rely on your flying expertise." She reached up to wrap her arms around his shoulders. She tried to pull him in for a kiss.
"I'm in-charge," he clarified and pulled back from her slightly.
"Well there will be times when I'll disagree with your tactics," she admitted. "But I'm sure we can work something out."
Rick smiled and knew that she definitely would find a way to make things work. He was about to kiss her when a loud knock interrupted them. They drew away quickly before letting Cindy in.
"Admiral," Cindy began, pretending not to notice the closeness between Rick and Lisa. "I've found a more permanent living arrangement for you."
"Thanks, that was quick," Lisa said gratefully. She was beginning to appreciate Cindy's efficiency.
"Will there be anything else?"
"No, that will be all," Lisa said and dismissed her aide.
"Do you think she can help me find a more permanent living arrangement?" Rick teased when Cindy had closed the door.
"Depends on what you want," Lisa challenged him.
"Let's go check out your new digs," he suggested instead.
"I have to finish something really quick. Why don't you go and ask Cindy about helping you with your living quarters."
Rick headed out and Lisa opened her drawer. She took the envelop out and placed it in her out box. She was glad that Rick had made it easy on her.
Cindy was not only efficient but also subtle. She found Lisa a nice place to stay but also found Rick one right next door. And as to be expected, Rick and Lisa shared keys to each other's place although he spent most of his time at her place.
"What do you want for dinner?" Lisa asked from her kitchen.
"What do you feel like having?" Rick asked, picking up the phone from its cradle and headed into the kitchen.
"I was thinking of cooking," she explained after seeing him ready to dial for take-out.
"Well, whatever you'd like to prepare," he managed to say.
"Chicken or beef?"
"Chicken. Do you need any help?"
"You can wash the potatoes," she suggested.
"Now what?" he asked after washing the potatoes. He was eager to help and enjoyed working with Lisa in the kitchen.
"Do you want them baked or mashed?"
"Mashed," he declared.
"Mashed it is," she said, gathering the potatoes and dropped them into the boiling water. She also started to make the gravy.
"Now what?" he asked.
"Wait for them to cook," she replied.
"Hmm, maybe we can do something else while we wait," he teased.
Just as Rick started to snuggle with Lisa, the phone rang. She reached for the phone to answer it while he continued to nuzzle her neck.
"Hello. Hi Miriya. Sure, you all can come over, I've just prepared dinner."
"What?" Rick was confused.
"I guess the Sterlings are coming for dinner," she announced. "Miriya tried to bake a cake for Max and blew up the stove. We have enough food for all." She could see his disappointment clearly. She wanted to be alone with him just as much as he did but figured it was a good break.
"Miriya should know better than to try to cook," he answered with a pout.
"If you behave and are a perfect host, I'll make it up to you," she offered and showed him how grateful she would be.