Transfer of personnel from the base to the SDF-3 had steadily increased. Civilians who have signed up for the mission have also started to be assigned their quarters as well as given their basic training of space travel.
"Hi there," Rick greeted her at the bridge of the SDF-3.
Lisa nodded her acknowledgement but continued to scan the reports streaming in from all sectors of the SDF-3.
"Ready to go home?" he inquired when she looked like she was done.
"Sure," she whispered. She stood up and talked to the night-shift commander briefly.
Rick and Lisa walked quietly back to their quarters. With the influx of people, they have moved into their quarters on the SDF-3 to allow civilians temporary housing while they await their assigned quarters. Rick wrapped an arm around Lisa's shoulder and she instinctively rested her head on his shoulder.
"What's on your mind?" he asked when they were on the lift.
"Nothing," she dismissed.
"I know you better than that," he insisted. "And you know me, I won't let it go."
"I just don't agree with leaving the children on Earth," she began. She had been shocked when the Sterlings and the Grants informed her that Dana and Bowie weren't coming. She felt partly responsible for breaking up families with this mission.
"They're the parents," he tried to explain. "They know what's good for the kids."
"It's wrong to let them grow up without parents, Rick," she argued. "I want to remove them from this mission. I'll have them reassigned."
"If you do that, you'll be turning your back on friends," he warned cautiously. "And we need all the friends we can get."
"I just can't accept this, this guilt."
"Lisa, listen to me okay? It's hard for them as it is; don't make it any harder by making them feel guilty. They want to make sure their kids are safe at home. Earth is their home, not the SDF-3."
"And yet we are planning to start a family on board?" she posed sarcastically.
"What's really bothering you hmm?" He opened the door to their quarters and let her pass him.
"Is it right for us to raise a child on the SDF-3 when our friends are leaving theirs?"
"Lisa, there will be many children conceived on the SDF-3," he reminded her considering the number of people that were on-board. "They will call it home because they don't know any other place to call home. It's different for Dana and Bowie."
"What if we can't have kids?" she finally asked.
"Is that what's really bothering you?" He moved to give her a reassuring hug. "It doesn't matter."
"I don't want to disappoint you," she managed to say and buried her face against his chest.
"I don't care, as long as we're together," he assured her and looked into her eyes. "Don't get worked up about it." He kissed her to chase away her fears.
"Maybe I should get tested?"
"If it'll make you feel better," he replied. "But it doesn't really matter. I love you, not your procreating abilities." He joked to try and cheer her up.

Lisa was discussing star charts with Exedore on the bridge when Jean Grant arrived. She had decided to personally deliver the news to her.
"Jean," Lisa greeted her and approached her.
"I thought you wanted to know immediately," Jean said. "You are fine. You both are. It's just a matter of time."
Lisa was so relieved and she hugged Jean tightly. She at least now could lay her fears to rest. She considered herself a rational and patient woman but ever since they got married, she had started to think more about having a baby.
"Take it from someone who's been through it," Jean said to assure her. "Once the time comes for changing diapers and feeding, you won't have time to be alone so I suggest you enjoy just being with Rick."
Lisa knew what she meant from her experience with Dana and Bowie. But she also knew Rick would find a way for them to have private moments and would insist on having them.
"Admiral Hayes," Exedore called out to her, reminding her of the work that lay ahead.
"Thanks Jean," she said one more time before walking back to where Exedore stood.

Rick was studying the latest reports from the different squadrons when Lisa arrived home. He didn't hear her come in so he was a bit surprised when she wrapped her arms around him from behind.
"Lisa?" Rick asked unintentionally.
"Were you expecting someone else?" Lisa asked in return.
"Of course not," he assured her and turned around to draw her into his arms after throwing the reports on the couch. He took a deep breath to fill his lungs with her scent. It was a sweet sustaining smell that energized him.
"Jean says we have to enjoy moments like this," she whispered in his ears.
"Hmm," he agreed with his eyes-closed. He took one more breath before starting to nibble at her ear which made her chuckle.
"Rick, we can have kids," she informed him.
"Hmm," he intoned but really wasn't paying attention as he found a soft spot to kiss.
"Did you hear me?" she asked insistently. She wanted him to know but realized he was too preoccupied to care.

"Admiral Hayes," Cindy addressed her when she entered her office. "You have a visitor."
"Who is it?" Lisa asked and looked up. She was surprised to see who it was.
"Hi Lisa," Minmei greeted her.
"Come in," Lisa invited her in. "Cindy, can you please hold my calls?" She watched Cindy nod and quietly close the door.
"So this is your office," Minmei noted and looked at the nice warm décor that Lisa had put up. She had expected it to be a cold place but was pleasantly surprised with the choice items that made it inviting as well as formal.
"Yes it is, do you like it?"
"It's pretty nice," she confirmed. She didn't need to see the picture that was on the solitary picture frame on Lisa's desk. She guessed it was a wedding picture.
"What can I do for you?" Lisa prompted when a few minutes of awkward silence passed.
"I wanted to join your mission if you don't mind," Minmei blurted out. "I just have nothing else to do here and hope I can be of help to you and Rick."
"You are more than welcome to come with us. But I must warn you that it might be years before we get back to Earth."
"I know, but I think I miss space now," Minmei tried to make a joke. "Maybe you can assign me to some task."
"We would be honored to have you on board," Lisa assured her. "Your songs are all we need to make this a happy place." She knew it must be difficult for Minmei and tried to make it easier.
"Thanks," she said gratefully. "My friend Janice also wants to come."
"You both are welcome," Lisa assured her and gave her a quick handshake.
"Will you and Rick attend my last concert on Earth?" Minmei requested. "I can send you tickets."
"Thanks."

Rick and Lisa attended Minmei's farewell concert in her VIP booth. There was not an empty seat in the concert hall and there was a prolonged curtain call that kept everyone wanting more.
"Do you think she'll miss this?" Lisa asked, seeing how her fans adored her.
"She'll be the only star on board the SDF-3," Rick replied. "I think it'll be good for our morale."
Lisa knew he was right but hoped that Minmei wouldn't regret her decision. The SDF-3 population would be a far cry from this.
"Admiral Hayes, Admiral Hunter, it's time to go backstage," the usher announced.
Rick picked up the bouquet of flowers that he and Lisa picked up on their way in. He then reached for Lisa's hand and headed to see Minmei.
"Thanks," Minmei said to her adoring fans that were crowding the hallway. "I love you all." She then finally managed to escape to her dressing room with the help of the bodyguards.
"That was a wonderful concert," Lisa greeted her.
"Yeah, congratulations," Rick added and handed her the flowers.
"It's so great that you both came," Minmei said and hugged them both. "It seems like everybody came."
"You have many fans," Lisa noted. "They'll surely miss you."
"Well, I'll miss them, too," Minmei confirmed. "But I'm off to space with you. Who knows, I may gain more fans out there."
"I'm sure you will," Rick said with a smile and reached for Lisa's hand.
"Minmei," Janice called out to her from the door. "It's time for our interview."
"See you," Minmei said before heading out again.