Hi Everyone!

I know what you're all probably thinking-another Christmas story? But I was cleaning out my apartment (getting ready to move to a new one!) and found this chapter scribbled on pieces of scrap paper. And since it's 90 degrees and humid right now (I'm on the East Coast of the United States) I figured there's no better time than the present to be thinking about ice and snow and presents.

This story takes place before Dolza's attack. And yes, while there's only one Christmas party mentioned/shown in the Robotech/Macross series, since the story takes place over many years, I'm pretty sure they had more than one. Without further adieu, the story!

Thanksgiving

Rick sat in the mess pushing around Thanksgiving dinner- mashed potatoes and turkey synthetically grown in the Robotech labs. It wasn't the best dinner he'd had, but he was happy to be alive that's all that mattered.

"Hey Boss." Max set his tray down next to Rick, breaking his momentary reverie. "Did you hear the latest news?"

Rick couldn't say that he did, but he bet it had something to do with a group of fighter pilots crowded around Sammy in the corner of the mess.

"Why don't you enlighten me, Max?" Rick's mood brightening.

Their conversation was interrupted by a slight shriek. "You guys!" Sammy squealed at the cluster of pilots, "ACT NATURAL! Pretend I'm not even here!"

After Sammy got the shot she wanted, she rushed over to Max and Rick's table, waving her tablet.

"Mind if I get a shot of you two for the RDF's official Instagram? I really need more buddy pics!" Sammy said without stopping for a breath.

"OOOOOOOOOOK," Rick said slowly, his mind already cooking up a scheme. "Max, there's something I've been wanting to tell you..." he covered Max's hand with his own.

"Oh Skipper, it's all so sudden," Max said, moving to kiss Rick on the cheek.

"You guys!" Sammy shrieked again, exasperated but laughing. "Ok, ok listen. To commemorate our first year in space, as well as promote goodwill on the ship, the RDF is sponsoring an Instagram contest. The winner gets a dinner for two at Fancy Sushi, the only restaurant that doesn't use lab-grown food (*Author's note, I can never think of a better prize than food sooooo...) It's open to the whole ship, but members of the RDF are encouraged to enter. So try your luck. Winners will be announced at the upcoming RDF Christmas party. And don't forget to use the hashtag, #RDFChristmas." Suddenly spotting someone else she wanted to photograph, Sammy abruptly ended the conversation. "See you later, guys!"

Rick exhaled after Sammy left. "I wish I had her energy!"

Max nodded in agreement. A few heartbeats later, Max's phone beeped. He burst out laughing and held up his phone for Rick, "Boss..."

Rick glanced at Max's phone then groaned. Sammy posted the picture of Rick and Max holding hands with the hashtag, "#theseguysneeddates #RDFChristmas"

For all the trouble Rick gave Sammy, he really enjoyed her Instagram posts. He wondered if it hadn't been for the war, if Sammy would have become some sort of photographer or journalist. Although the account featured all sorts of aspects of life on the ship, Rick didn't want to admit that the pictures he enjoyed the most had one thing in common- Lieutenant Hayes.