Chapter 3

Jack Archer got rid of his regulation jacket and threw it on a chair. The mess hall was deserted. It was clear from his disheveled demeanor that he was nervous and eager, too. He looked once again around. Nothing but the sound of the dishwashing machine was breaking the absolute silence in the room.
Then a sound of footsteps. Felted, barely audible, but he knew that walk so well.

The door hissed open and she came slowly forward zigzagging through the tables as if she would find it a amusing game. He did not seem amused, however. He watched her as she joined him. She was wearing a very loose sweatshirt and a leather jacket with the Wolf badge. On her feet a pair of worn-out sneakers.

-Then whats so pressing at 11 p.m.? Don't you have a home Captain?
He smiled scornfully.
-You want something?
She glanced at him smiling but soon the smile died on her lips.

She sat down, facing him, resting her elbows on the table and her chin on her clasped hands.
For a while she looked blankly into her superior's eyes. He seemed eager to tell her something, yet he wasn't.
-Do you want a coffee? A beer?

She huffed.
-A coffee is fine, since I'm starving from sleep and was training on the simulator.
- you tired?
-Yes, I am very tired.
She said and he wondered if she was getting tired of him.

Two coffees arrived, and both reached out their hands to take their respective cups. Their fingers brushed past each other. Archer let go of the cup of coffee and grasped one of her hands in his.
-No...
She tried to pull away, but she flushed.
He looked at her intensely it was a sad look.

She looked like a kid. The short-cut hair made her eyes look even bigger.
-No, Jack.
She repeated
He let go of her and leaned back on the chair.
-You're right. I shouldn't have called you.
For a moment she looked at him stunned, then her whole face reddened wildly.

-That's it? You make me come in the middle of the night because apparently there's something urgent you need to tell me and all you say is I shouldn't have called you?
She made to get up off the table but he got up first.
-I'm sorry Izzy. I ... I just wanted to talk.

She let go a muffled sound.
-You can't come to me every time your wife nags you and stuff like that. We made it clear in Tiresia.
-Yeah.
He nodded.
They looked at each other in silence and then sat back down.
-So.
She said.
-What happened this time?

Lisa Hayes felt all the fatigue of that long day take over on her body. However, the adrenaline would not leave her and sleeping was just impossible. She went into the bedroom of her son and turned off the small light that was casting Tirol's planet system on the walls and stroked his hair with her fingertips. He was sleeping peacefully.

She was grateful that he had not witnessed the fight she had had at headquarters with his father.
Apparently the kid had not been able to hold back the news and had to tell Jack about the simulator ride with mr. Hunter.
"I didn't think you bothered."
she had said scornfully.
But Jack was furious.

"I won't let my son get to see Hunter. Much less let you involve yourself with him again. He is a creep. He is a traitor. He abandoned the army when we needed him most."
Her husband's words echoed in her mind.
"He is a rat, a traitor, a double dealer."

Lisa pressed her palms tightly to her temples.
What if Jack was right ... she was actually the one who had idealized him. He was no longer the cocky, sweet young pilot she had fallen in love with. He had abandoned her, he had betrayed her ... He had failed Gloval's trust and abandoned his wingmen...he had destroyed the Skull Squadron ...

Yet she had always remembered him that way deep in her heart-the tender, awkward, arrogant but sensitive blue-eyed young pilot... and she had cried so much for him.

But now a thousand questions haunted her. She simply cannot be so confused. She looked in the mirror, she was Admiral Hayes. She could not compromise, she could not let herself. Even if it was about her son. She remembered with a bitter smile when the pilots used to call her the Ice Queen. Now it was totally the reverse. She had become so emotional...she thought of Gloval and of her father.
I have to live up to them. Everything else must be left out.

-You didn't come back tonight.

Said Lisa coldly. Jack stood in the doorway, looking rather banged up while she already had donned her overcoat and Admiral's hat and was ready to leave.

-Yeah well of course. I needed to process the news...you know 'bout your friend Hunter, stuff like that.
Jack Archer had some rather pronounced dark circles under his eyes, a sign that he had spent the night awake.
She looked at him with disdain.

-I can guess captain. Now if you'll excuse me I'm heading for the Headquarters.
She tried to get past him but he did not move from the door.
-We have to talk.
Lisa lifted her face, her eyes on fire, and he winced.
-Ok you don't want your son to attend Robotech Academy so he won't meet Rick Hunter? Because I certainly don't have the authority to remove him from his position.

Jack let go a bitter laugh.
-Ah, you don't have it?
-NO.
Said Lisa glacially.
-And above all, I don't have any motivation.
Jack surprised her by grabbing her wrist with his rough hand, almost twisting it.
-You do have it.

-Let me out Jack.
-I WANT Hunter out of that fucking school!
He realized he had been raising his voice too much: he let her go and she rubbed her achy wrist.

-You're crazy. Let me go.
But he didn't move.
-I want Hunter out of the school. Did I not make it clear?
-Otherwise?
Lisa defied him with her blazing gaze.
-Otherwise pack your shit. It might take another five years but we're going back to Tiresia, that's where our son needs to be.

Lisa was stunned.
-What?! You've gone completely mad then. I'm not going back to Tiresia! The mission has failed!
-Elizabeth...
this time his voice softened.
-Tell me at least that you will think about it.

She looked lost for a moment. Then her gaze fell on his face. He was banged up after a sleepless night; his uniform was crumpled. His hair was mussed.
had he been in a fistfight? or... she couldn't help herself
-You were with HER?!

Archer was caught off guard and immediately moved from the door.
He tried to compose himself but suddenly he felt weakened, useless,
like an empty sack
Lisa was livid
-You were with her! God, Jack! You swore it was over!
He did not answer but she heard him gasp for breath.

-Don't... don't bullshit, Lisa!
-Enough! Let me pass!

In spite of the rage that overwhelmed her, she did not give him a glance. She thrown the door and stepped out into the spectral morning light. She heard him speak but didn't hear him or didn't want to listen.

She walked slowly toward the waiting car. No feelings leaked from her face. Her eyes had become blank. Inexpressive. She realized that she was feeling nothing.

Lisa smiled bitterly. Sitting alone in her office, she went over the years of her marriage with Archer.

It was really hard to recall. Her heart was bursting... with anger and regret.
Yet another call diverted her from her thinking.
-What there! again!
She cried out in a shrill voice.
-A calling from Major Grant ...

replied the corporal.
-From Monument...
Lisa sighed and turned on the device again.
-Claudia.
she said unenthusiastically.
-Good morning to you too! I'm fine, thank you Supreme Admiral!
-Hey.

Lisa laughed, completely ignoring the protocol
-Hi honey,
-Sorry it's a terrible morning and it's only 11 a.m. Apparently the shuttle from Mars is coming in shortly. We'll have to receive them at the base and you know...
-Ah I see. But you know you won't be the only one to meet these Southern Cross runaways, including Max's daughter...

-What you mean?
-Yeah, they summoned us together for a meeting. Leonard won't get off and so I'm on my way...
Lisa smiled with joy
-Oh is that true!? I'm so happy...
-And I won't be alone!

-Remember a certain sly little girl with seventies glasses?

-What does that mean?

-Yes your second-in-command back in the days of Khyron!
-Vanessa? you serious?!
-Really. She is coming right now from the Satellite Factory and we will leave together afterwards. Can't wait to gossip just like the old times.

Lisa could feel her heart beating with happiness. It didn't even seem real...she had missed them.

I'll be there!
-See you soon then.
Lisa smiled softly.
-I missed you so much.
-Miss you too, sweetie.

The shuttle was going to be here today ... or tomorrow ... who cares. Lisa paced back and forth in her office biting her thumbnail. Rick out of the school? Jack was completely unmanageable... he was losing his mind, and it wasn't good.

She clearly remembered when she had first told him of how much she had loved the leader of the Skull Squadron. And Jack... he had promised her that he... that he would make her forget him.
She was so stupid to trust him so quickly. But at the time she was barely 20 years old. And yes, she was a stupid girl, and it was true, she was arrogant and conceited. Rick... Jack was right, she should have hated him for everything he had done to her. He had disappointed her as a soldier, as a lover, as a friend...yet it was her husband she felt she hated right now. Maybe... maybe her friends would help her clear her mind.

Rick Hunter checked the student list once more. Maia Sterling... he puzzled over whether she looked like his father or Miriya. He narrowed his eyes at the memory of his former best friend's words.

"You're doing it all wrong, and you're an a-hole,"
he had said, despite his ever-polite language.
"You'll regret it soon Rick. And then it will be too late."
They were sitting on the steps outside the door of his quarters, at number 245. The chilly Alaskan wind was ruffling Max's hair.
-Look, why don't we step inside?

-I don't feel like seeing Minmay you know. Plus, I don't think we have more to talk about.
Rick looked at him surprised, even hurt.
-I thought you wanted me to have my best Max.
-I do. And this is not!
-What the heck...
-It's just that...
-Listen I'm not leaving the army. She asked me to, okay, but in the end I'm not going to... I'm going to keep leading the Skull Squadron and you...

Max bit his lower lip and shook his head.
Rick had no idea about the Mission.

-Well, if that's the case! See you around boss!
He had gotten up abruptly and walked down the path without looking back
-Max!
Rick looked at him disappearing as the snow dropped thickly on the military quarter.

Hell... he should have hate Max for it. Rick paced back and forth in the empty classroom... he should have told him that day that the mission was around the corner and that the REF expected him to join it.
Instead, no one, absolutely no one had told him. Including Lisa. A kind of conspiracy...

But who was he trying to kid. He had deserved it. He had gone on 2 weeks leave after the Christmas carnage, not giving a damn about the displaced civilians and his fellow officers who had had to double their shifts. Lisa included. Yes, he had taken time off to be with Minmay while the rest of them rebuilt the destroyed city. What a jerk. He was only 18 years old ok but yes-he was a stupid, arrogant jerk.

He thought about what he had promised Dana and felt terrible. He had no real desire to meet Max again.

Sue Graham's loud voice made him wince.
-I told you you cant walk in with no appointment! Captain!

The classroom door swung open and Rick found himself face to face with his nemesis.
-Mr. Hunter I'm sorry, I couldn't stop him...
Rick glanced at him with ominous eyes.
-Is there no orderly service at the entrance Lieutenant Graham?
Sue did not answer but her lips were shivering.

The Giant killer. Now he was seeing him again, after 20 years.
He was really tall, almost like Roy. His hair looked black as hell and his eyes were sending flashes of hatred.
-What do you need, Captain Archer?
Said Rick through his teeth.
Sue made to exit but he stopped her.
-Keep here Lieutenant, please... and leave the door open.

At those words, Jack quivered and clenched his fists so tight that his veins flashed across the top of his skin.
-Hunter. I'm here to tell ya that I want you out of the school.
Rick's shoulders shook for a moment. he clenched his jaw.
He had not expected this.
Then, he also got defensive and took a few steps toward him.

And the motivation would be? I don't need to remind you that the RDF or what's left of it has no counterpart with the Robotech Academy.
Sue looked at both of them in amazement. There seemed to be fire flashing between them.

-I want you out of here. I don't want an army traitor to be the teacher of my son and the other kids from the mission.
-What you want or don't want Captain, is no value to me.

Jack gritted his teeth and took one more step forward. Their faces were extremely close
-Yeah?! Really?! Then let's say you'll receive an official statement directly from Supreme Admiral Hayes. My wife, if by any chance you have forgotten. And let's see how quickly your ass will get kicked out of this school.

Rick and Sue Graham silenced, and Jack simply stalked off. His striding martial footsteps echoed in the hallway.
Rick was astonished, but his eyes blazed with anger.
-Oh Rick!
Sue walked up to him and touched his shoulder with a trembling hand.
-He really is a monster!

Rick could see that she was shaking, and a bitter grimace scarred his face.
He grabbed her hands.
-Let it go. He's just a blowhard and...
he realized his voice was unsteady... then he saw tears shining in her eyes.
-I'm not going to leave.
he said with bland conviction.

Sue wondered about the reason for this rant. There were many different questions but the only answer she could come up with was one: Lisa Hayes.
At that moment the bell rang and the kids came barreling in and rushed into Mr. Hunter's classroom. Their uniforms were quite different from the ones Vanessa Kim and Sammie had worn when they first met Lisa, more than 20 years ago.

The three women were at Lisa's office. She on her own in an armchair, Claudia and Vanessa in a soft-looking white couch.
-And do you remember when Kim had started calling you Supergirl*? Before long this had gone viral.
Lisa ran a hand over her face.
-Gosh, I guess I didn't hate anyone like this until then!
The three of them burst out laughing.

Vanessa had aged certainly. But that new marines haircut did suit her. She had taken off her glasses, and her blue eyes were lined with tiny wrinkles. Her body was still athletic and slender and did not seem to have changed since the SDF1 days.

The corporal walked in with tea and coffee, and the three former colleagues glanced at each other.
-So Lisa! You have a lot to tell us. Oof, I don't even know where to start asking you!
-But I wanna know about you guys!

-Ah, what do you want to have happened . I've been after Gloval for 19 years, and the girl over here has taken charge of a ship!
Lisa widened her eyes.
-Seriously?
Vanessa blushed, and whirled a hand in the air.
-But no, it's not a mission or such. We are in an orbit around the Satellite Factory...
-Don't be modest...

-Ok okay... but it's just a defense ship.
-Are you with Emerson?
Lisa asked doubtfully.
-Yes he's in on it too.
For a moment Lisa grimaced. As if a disturbing thought had caught her.
-Lisa? You're there?
-Yes it's just that...

She did not want to talk about work with her friends. But the issue that her husband Jack had brought up a few days earlier didn't convince her so much anymore.
-So there is a fleet out of the atmosphere... has it always been there? for how long?
-Well it's not really a fleet. There's my ship and a couple of VT squadrons. It's just as a matter of precaution.
-But so, then...
Claudia and Vanessa looked at each other puzzled.

-Is there anything we don't know, Lisa?
She stood up and sternly smoothed her skirt
-You know what? I'm hungry. Come on let's get out of this terrible office. Let's go eat at some terrible Chinese restaurant downtown!
Vanessa and Claudia let out a giggle.
-At your command Admiral!

You're leaving, Mr. Hunter?
Sue spotted him putting on his jacket and locking the door to his office-
Rick sighed
-You know I don't feel like eating in the mess hall. I'm going to pop into town.
She looked at him anxiously.

He looked at her and caught that look.
-Ehr...do you...d' you want to come with me?
Sue blushed visibly. She had already taken her break and could not leave the office,it would mean violating orders. She bit her lower lip.

Why did you not ask me earlier, damn you Hunter!

I'm sorry, I can't. I've already had my break.
Rick chuckled.
-You know if I were your superior I would have gotten you out of these scrapes and took you to lunch, but uh, well... I'm not. I have never been.

Sue was sure that he was referring to the question of rejoining the army.
-And if I were still in the military, to begin with, that conversation with Archer probably would have been very different.
He added.
Then he regretted saying that.
Sue lowered her eyes to the floor. She wanted so much to hug him. She could feel his loneliness.

Instead she ran a hand over her hair and smiled slightly.
-There will always be time, Professor.

Rick put on his breathing mask once outside the Academy. He decided to walk despite the unbearable cold. He donned a woolen hat and scarf and lost himself in the mix of fog and sleet that blanketed the city.

Lisa Vanessa and Claudia got heated in the cozy warmth of the large fireplace set up in the middle of the restaurant. The Nyan Nyan had become a rather famous franchise and was on board of all the colonization ships.* However, the first one, in New Macross, was still run by Minmay's old uncles. Mr. and Mrs. Lynn.

Vanessa stretched in the armchair.
-Being here feels like a real dream !
She held Lisa and Claudia's hands in hers.
-How much we've been through in this place!
-Yeah you remember the fight between the civilians on board of the SDF1 and the military... that day? It was Minmay's birthday...No wait, it was Kyle's party!*

Lisa closed her eyes for a moment and Lynn Kyle's face appeared to her-it looked exactly like her Karl.
-Wonder what happened to him...
-I know.
Vanessa said

-Sammie told me.

He is on a ship and still making music*
-Yeah music in the Galaxy!
teased Claudia.
-But he was good as a producer...
-And he was handsome, too! Too bad he was a total jerk!

Lisa was chuckling at her friends' jokes: she was happy. It seemed as if time had gone back at the speed of light.
-Lisa! No more memoirs, we want to know about you. What about Tirol?
She reasoned that that moment had to come sooner or later. She could not fail to report on the mission, or rather its fiasco. She couldn't not tell them about her wedding with...Jack Archer... and about their son.

I can't believe you got married to the Giant Killer! But do tell us, is he really as scary as they say?
-I met him only once, when during a vacation from the Academy... Roy took him with us on a trip. Really a pushy type!
Said Claudia.
-He is a good-looking dude, though. I rushed to see your wedding photos as soon as I heard you were back in the solar system! Lisa you looked really gorgeous!
Vanessa replied.

The whole time she had not spoken, merely smiling, but then she blurted out
-More like I was really pregnant!
She said in a tone that they could not identify
Claudia lowered her voice
-You mean you got married while already pregnant?
-Yeah, that's right. Jack -I mean- my son, was born about five months later...

-Good morning.
Said a monotone voice. Immediately The old Aunt Lena made her way through the tables.
-Rick! son! I thought you were starved...how long since you showed up!
Lisa's heart skipped a beat
Again...

Claudia and Vanessa leaned over the divider to their reserved table.
-Oh, my gosh, it's Captain Hunter!
Vanessa whispered.
-It's him, isn't it?
Claudia nudged her.
-He's not in the army anymore now you are supposed to know!
-Yay, that's right, I totally forgot! Since Minmay left with Megaroad I don't follow him anymore ...

Vanessa hushed. She had seen that Lisa's face had turned gloomy. Rick was behind her, she could hear him chatting with the hostess but did not turn around. And deep inside she hoped he hadn't noticed her. It was all too much. And moreover, she blamed herself for not being able to be honest: with her friends, with Jack, with herself.

Gravity was playing tricks. again ...

-Girls I ... would prefer to go ...
she muttered
Claudia shook her head emphatically.
-Oh-Oh too late ...

-Claudia! I mean Major Grant! Oh jeez ... that's really ... What? Vanessa? Vanessa Leeds?
The two officers jumped to their feet
-It's Captain Leeds now !
she said cheerfully
-Rick how you doing? How long...
-You are right, forgive me. It is me who is no longer a Captain!

He cast a glance at Lisa, who had remained seated instead.
-Hail Admiral Hayes. I mean, Supreme Admiral Hayes.
He said scornfully.
Lisa lifted her gaze in astonishment and met his cold stare.
-Hello Mr. ... Hunter ...
she stammered
Claudia looked at her puzzled for a long time. There seemed to be a strange tension between them.

-So...
Claudia began to say, but Rick cut it off.
-I'll have a quick bite and leave. I'm sorry I can't talk to you, ladies. But I have to go back to the Academy.

He made a joking salute but his face was as tight as a mask.

Lisa looked at him in disbelief. Just two days ago he had warmly squeezed her hand and told her he would be there for her, and now...
Rick left, to the disappointment of Claudia and Vanessa who begged him to join them for lunch. Yet he walked over and sat down at a small table far away.
And Lisa felt as if she was looking at the loneliest person in this world.

Claudia knew that Lisa and Rick had met before, and now she could guess that the meeting had not been positive.
After lunch, Vanessa was scheduled to join the Macross base for a briefing with the squadrons stationed on Earth. They were waiting for the shuttle from Mars, and she hoped to finalize deploying former Southern Cross officers into the RDF ranks.

-Max and Miriya's daughter will be there.
She said with a sigh.
-I wonder what it will be like to see each other again after 20 years of being apart.
-It is an indescribable feeling.
said Lisa laconically as if she were speaking out loud.

Rick cast a few glances at the table of his former friends. Friends... Claudia was the only one with whom he could say he kept a bond. Minmay had not wanted her around, and he could not forgive himself for listening to her. But Claudia had kept being there for him. Even afterward. Just as Roy would have done...He was sorry he couldn't be with her for lunch. But Lisa's presence discombobulated his mind and body. Jack Archer's menaces were sending him into a furious rage. He barely touched the dumplings Aunt Lena had made for him. It was his favorite dish. Jack Archer had dared to threaten him in his role as a teacher, without, moreover, justifying his reasons. As if he was much much more powerful than he was.
But he wasn't. Rick clenched the knuckles of his hands on the table until they whitened. He had made a big mistake it was true, he had quit the RDF, he had failed Gloval. But he had his dignity, as well. He would not let anyone walk all over him. Lisa Hayes and her husband were not the rulers of this broken world.

Lisa why won't you tell me what is going on?
Claudia had put herself in the usual position she knew so well. Hands on hips, and an inquiring stare.
-I certainly don't expect Rick to jump with joy at seeing you but what about me? He barely said hello.
On seeing Lisa's distraught face she soften her tone.
I'm sorry honey, I didn't mean...

-He hates me, go on and say it.
-No it is that... well...

Claudia had overheard Rick's complaining for the first couple of years after SDF2 left. But since the birth of baby Roy she had assumed it had waned. But again, after his premature death and Minmay's departure Rick's recriminations and remorse had resurfaced. Until the ship that had given him so much pain had returned to earth.

-And yet...
Lisa sounded uncertain.
-Tell me.
-And yet when I took Jack to meet his new teacher Rick... he was so kind, so caring, he said he would look after him
Claudia bit her lip.

-That boy has always been an enigma.
Lisa nodded but then clenched her jaw and ran a hand through the back of her hair, carefully. Her gaze was steel.
-An enigma I no longer care about. Rick Hunter is a stranger to me.
Claudia open her mouth to speak, but said nothing.

Oh, Rick...

Next morning Rick Hunter felt a slight headache. Perhaps he had overdone that Nyan Nyan dragon spirit. In any case, he was perfectly clear on what he had to do. He stepped out of the shower, naked, wiping his long hair with a towel.
He looked at himself in the mirror. The firm muscles of his arms were tense. His shoulders were square and massive.
-Will I still be able to pilot a.. Varitech? ...
Sure he was. However, he would not be the one to decide, but he could have a try.

Once in the car he first called the Greenhouse and said that he would be absent for that day and then called Sue Graham. He had no classes that day - yet he sensed that he could have her as an ally... yeah, it had been smart to make her stay during Archer's rant.

-Sue...I mean. Lieutenant Graham
-Professor Hunter...
her voice had lowered.
-I'm going to Monument this morning.
-To Monument?
-Yes, I am... I have an appointment.
Sue stood silent for a moment.
-And why...are you telling me about it?
He also remained silent, he seemed to ponder.
-Maybe I will need your help, Sue.
He heard her breathing. He had caught a tremor in that breath.
-Yes ... yes, Rick
she said
-You can count on me.

Good, she had understood. He would not have been surprised if his line had been bugged by Archer's crew. So he decided to sever the problem directly at its source. He wistfully recalled when, with his Skull 1, he covered the distance between Macross City and Monument in a matter of minutes.

Why in the world was he going through that? Couldn't he be content with the Greenhouse job? He had lived his whole life waiting, and now the opportunity had presented itself.
When he reached Monument city he was as fidgety as a schoolboy. He had not entered that city since Minmay's last concert. One of the last before she left.
"I will love you forever" she had said from the stage, and he had never known whether she was addressing him, their son Roy, or the people of that world she was leaving behind

The corporal at the entrance did not recognize him -how could he? He must have been 20 years old at best.
I'm Hunter, Richard Hunter. I have an audience with General Emerson
he lied.

A short time later a young woman in a dark green uniform approached him and saluted him.
Rick did not respond.
-General Emerson has no appointment with you Mr. Hunter.
Rick grimaced, having expected such response. However, he did not flinch.
-But I do have. From a long time ago. Let's just say it was on standby
The young sergeant looked at him in confusion.
-Just tell him it's me, okay?

Lisa Hayes left the house early in the morning: she was a commanding sight in her tall black and blue uniform, with her hair pulled back in two thick braids, in the traditional Tirol manner. The REF insignia on her shoulders and the Admiral's hat she wore spoke of her military prowess. She looked gorgeous, and menacing.
At the air base she reunited with Claudia and Vanessa. The shuttle was expected by midday.

Archer, Hiro Hishi and Izzy Randall entered the hall with martial paces. Shortly thereafter Exedore joined them. Finally the Skull Squadron led by Max Sterling. Miryia could not hide her apprehension. The hall was freezing, yet she felt she was burning inside.

-Attention! Admiral on the bridge!
Yelled the corporal according to custom.

Lisa made her entrance into the hall. Her gaze was icy. All the officers saluted: for a moment she met her husband's gaze and squinted.
-Gentlemen, at your ease.

Everyone was on edge. The RDF's existence was in the balance. The Southern Cross had collapsed, the young veterans led by Nova Satori had been sent into exile. But there were many new recruits on Mars who could make a difference. Vanessa's battleship in the earth's orbit could be upgraded.

Lisa replayed all these things in her head as she tapped on her tablet with her index finger. She was nervous. Her husband knew her all too well. He sought her gaze and grinned but Lisa did not correspond: she looked instead at the swaggering Izzy Randall. She, too, looked so young and appealing, and that deep scar under her eye only made her more attractive. Lisa thought that there was a hint of steel in her smile.

As always, with us

she thought

-Well gentlemen
she began to speak, and at first her voice was shrill. She stood up in all her stateliness and asked the corporal to turn on all the devices. They were showing the research on the so-called "flower of life" yet in progress, conducted by Dr. Lang's team.
The aliens were supposedly on their way to find the flower's missing genetic code. It seemed that they had already intercepted the planet thanks to the "spore explosion" that occurred five years earlier.

As Lisa continued to illustrate the Invid menace was interrupted by the corporal at the entrance.
-Excuse me, ma'am...
Everyone present turned around
-General Emerson is here.
Lisa smiled spontaneously
-Let him in, of course!
Rolf Emerson entered the room and greeted the officers.

-At ease he said.

He turned to Lisa and continued

Gentlemen, ladies, I am here to discuss the threat the Admiral was mentioning, but not just that.

Lisa smiled and gestured to the empty seat .

-Of course I can understand

-Please take a seat.

I am not alone, Admiral

Lisa looked at him confused. Surely he was with his assistants... she nodded and said nothing

-Allow me to introduce Captain Richard Hunter. Although many of you —I think all of you—remember him.

A murmur of sincere stupor spread throughout the room. Lisa was simply shocked.

Rick looked flawless in his black RDF uniform. His blue eyes sparkled and his posture was that of a soldier. He walked confidently into the room without meeting a single eye. He performed a salute and said only
-Admiral Hayes.
But without giving her a passing glance.

-Rick!
Max Sterling had jumped to his feet, completely ignoring protocol. He was flushed, somewhere between shocked and thrilled. It was Rick, his close friend he missed so much... and he was back in the army. He could barely believe it.

Rick lifted his head and smiled back to Max.

Jack Archer did not lag in following, but with a completely different intention. Also flushed red in the face, he hurled himself at Emerson
-General, this is impossible! It is an affront to our militia and our mission!
Emerson glared at him.
-I was the one who begged Captain Hunter to return to his command, Captain Archer, and God knows for how long.

-I will never accept anything like this!

The Giant Killer leaned toward Emerson in all his towering height, menacingly
-Captain Archer! Moderate your beaviour!
That voice... that admonishing voice was that of Lisa, his wife, the Supreme Admiral Hayes. As usual...she was never on his side.

-And I would add, Captain...

said Emerson

-These are not matters that concern you as you are still in charge with the REF. The decisions concerning the RDF are still in my hands.

Jack Archer was now being pushed out of the way by Emerson and was feeling powerless and clearly furious with him. In large stride he stormed out of the room. Lisa followed and yelled after him as he crossed the door,

-Captain Archer! You cannot leave the session. You endorsed the Mars mission. You cannot leave!

-Oh Shut up Lisa!

He snarled as he disappeared in the hallway.

Lisa Hayes turned to her subordinates, clearly upset. Her eyes were flaming, and her cheeks were flushed. Rick couldn't help but look at her. Their eyes met, and he felt all her despair. He knew he had caused her trouble once again. But he knew he had done the right thing. To redeem himself... once and for all.

Lisa ran a hand over her forehead as she resumed her command of the session, but was soon interrupted by the buzzer announcing the incoming landing of the shuttle from Mars.
-So early...
moaned Miryia
Max squeezed her hand.
-I m not ready Max.
the beautitiful zentraedi warrior stared at her husband with tearful eyes.

-Well REF and RDF officers, here we go. Let's welcome our incoming units from Mars.
said Lisa.

Here we go...

On their way to the elevators Lisa avoided talking to anyone, especially to Emerson because he was with Rick. Yeah, him, again. Maybe this was meant to be. She shook her head, she could no longer believe in fate, not after all that happened in her life.

But when the elevator doors shut she saw that Rick Hunter had walked in with her.
She spun around, her face burning
-What...what are you doing here...? Rick...I mean, Captain Hunter...

He was staring at her, with a grim look.

-Admiral...I...I just want you to take a listen...I don't know if we're going to see each other again, and I want you to know why I decided to go back to the army...please...

The atmosphere between them was thick. A history of love, hate, and misunderstanding. They were facing each other awkwardly and the silence between them seemed to stretch on for eternity, full of unspoken words and emotions that neither of them wanted to confront.

Then Lisa tilted her head and gave a little smile.
-Yes, Rick, I want to know... I wanna know everything.

To be continued

notes:

1- In Mckinney's novels it is mentioned that during the Robotech Academy Lisa was called Supergirl, a teasing nickname that stuck with her even afterwards

2- The Nyan Nyan is a chain of Chinese restaurants featured in the original Macross and in Macross Frontier. It is managed by Yo-Chan (Jason in the Roboverse)

3- From ep 16, Battlecry

4- In the Macross universe Lynn Kaifun (Kyle) is still a musical producer and worked with Fire Bomber (Macross 7)

Hello everyone! I have no excuse for taking so long in updating my stories, especially this one. In my defense I can say that I have increased workload at my job and have very little time to write. I'm sorry! thank you to everyone who will read and will forgive me for delay. If you like the chapter and have suggestions... then please do it! I care about this story and would like to see it completed someday! See you soon

I love you all,

Mao

(ps. happy new year of the bunny to everybody!) :*