Disclaimer: I do not now nor have I ever owned the characters of Sailor
Moon, Robotech. People I want to say something about Miss Lynn Minmei. I
don't like her. I like the Rick/Lisa romance and Minmei just gets in the
way. So if you like her don't read this, however, if you want to see a new
bitchy side to Minmei please enjoy! At first she'll be nice until the Miss
Macross pageant then watch out people Rick will leave her in the dust for
Lisa don't worry I slowly bring Rick and Lisa together. Again I want to
thank Chibi Halo who wrote 'Sailor Moon Macross' without this story
wouldn't have existed. As always please R&R this so I know how it is coming
across to people! Chibi Halo I would like to know what you think as well!
Chibi Halo there might be a few scenes in my story but I pray you won't
mind. One more thing for the beginning of the first few chapters I will use
your chapter names, I will come up with my own after the last chapter you
named. People who haven't read her story yet please do it is a great read!
Please enjoy and now on with the story! This is the only Disclaimer I will
write! I just wanted to thank Chibi Halo for being my beta reader!
Authors note: When ever I am talking about Kevin, Nathan, Justin and Zack as a group I will refer to them as the four earth generals as that is what they were suppose to be in the manga before Beryl brainwashed them!
Robotech Warriors Book 1 By thunderbird with Sections From Chibi Halo
Time marches on. Days turn into weeks and soon weeks became a month. For a month solid since the SDF1 returned to space to orbit around the Earth nothing happened, outside the spaceship that is. Inside the SDF1 the month brought about many things. A new couple had formed and began spending all their time together. Roy Fokker was moved out of the ICU, placed in a regular room, and had begun physical therapy. Rick and Lisa had debated moving in with each other on several occasions after spending the night together at Lisa's several times but came to the conclusion they were not ready yet. Serena and Darien continued to be the wonderful loving couple they always were.
For the Zentreadi the month brought about changes as well. Rico, Bron, and Konda gave their report to Breetai who requested he take back his position of command over the mission to recover the SDF1. Dolza complied putting both Khyron and Azonia under his control. And while Breetai was back in control of the Solar system fleet once more the three former spies had decided they wanted to return to the SDF1 and the Micronian way of life. They had experienced too much of the culture and too many emotions to return to the ways of the Zentreadi. Like Miriya they no longer wanted that life.
On Earth the month was spent by the RDF Command trying to get the United Earth Government of the UN to approve use of the Grand Cannon. Unfortunately for them and luckily for the people of earth the Canadian government had begun a month long debate demanding that the RDF be disbanded. They claimed that the RDF was not concerned with the welfare of the people of Earth and only wanted to destroy the aliens parked in orbit above the planet. Canada threatened secession from the UEG if the RDF were allowed to move forward with what they called their ultimate plan. Canada's neighbor to the south and the biggest supporters of the RDF the United States agreed with their NAFTA and NATO ally and threatened to cut RDF funding of the Grand Cannon project of they went through with their plans to fire the cannon. Congress pressured the President and in turn the President sent word to the UEG ambassador to not vote on allowing the RDF permission to fire the cannon. The world was beginning to distrust the RDF all together, especially after they learned the military group had lied about the SDF1 and the people of Macross.
Yes the month brought about many changes for many people. With the Earth poised and ready for a great change, the RDF ready for a great wake up call, Max and Miriya discovering more and more about each other, Rick and Lisa becoming quite serious in their relationship, and Serena and Darien becoming closer and closer to taking the next step the next logical step in progression was about to take place. Two men were about to join one Lt. Commander Roy Fokker in the time-honored tradition of planning the most wonderful of events a wedding. Two men were about to end up in the same place at the same time, the jewelry store. And two unique and very different engagement rings were about to leave the case they were placed in on display.
********
Part 18: Proposals
********
Lt. Max Sterling Veritech fighter pilot in the RDF was the latest person to discover a hidden past. Not only was he once a member of the House Mercury and a science officer in the Royal Lunarian Army of the Silver Alliance he was also in love with a Zentreadi. The dreams Max had been having ever since he began his relationship with Miriya Piryno ex Zentreadi pod pilot revealed a lot about himself. He had yet to learn why he was having those dreams because it would mean revealing to the others that a Zentreadi was on board the SDF1. Max didn't want anyone to know about Miriya just yet. He was afraid of what the captain and the others connected with the command of the ship might do to Miriya if they learned the truth.
The month they had spent together was heaven. Max didn't want to give it up. He knew from the moment he laid eyes on her in the Sakura that Miriya was the woman for him. She was going to be the one he would spend the rest of his life with and the one he was going to have a family with. But that was the one thing about her he was unsure of. Max didn't know if a Zentreadi woman was physically capable of actually having a child. Max wanted children and if it meant adopting or getting someone to donate an egg and being a surrogate mother then he would do whatever it took to have a family with Miriya. He wanted it that badly and he wanted her to be his wife even worse.
Max had made up his mind that day that he would be with Miriya for the rest of his life. And Max knew exactly where to find the perfect ring to give to her. Max had made up his mind and was going to pick out an engagement ring and ask Miriya to be his wife. Hopefully Miriya would accept the ring and everything that went with it. This was going to be the biggest step in his life.
********
Darien Shields newly appointed lieutenant, member of the Lunar Squad, and Prince of Earth was going to propose to the one woman he loved with all of his heart. He had already given her a ring before he left Tokyo to study abroad at Harvard in Boston in America but that was a simple little promise ring. The gold band with the tiny pink stone signified his love for his princess and that he would save himself for her. It was hard but Darien had managed to stay pure and not date another woman while he was gone for the entire year. When Darien had returned from Boston he was greeted by a slightly more mature Serena who had grown in strength and beauty while he was away. It was these qualities that made Darien want to propose to her after being together off and on for almost ten years.
Darien had seen the perfect little ring for Serena four years ago at the OSA-P back in Tokyo but the ring was never to be his. Serena had made the decision to go into the RDF and the he and the others decided to follow in her footsteps. Then with the war between the humans and the Zentreadi starting two years later Darien knew he wouldn't be able to go back to Tokyo to see if the ring was even still there. Now with the possibility of going home up in the air Darien had given up on the ring and set his sights on another jewelry store in Macross City.
Darien had gone by the small jewelry store on several occasions and noticed a ring in the window display case. The ring had a perfect marquis cut diamond set in gold surrounded by several tiny stones each one the exact same color as the stones on Serena's locket. Then on either side of the stones in pink and white gold were a rose and a crescent moon. The first time he had seen the ring Darien fell in love with it and knew he had to have it. And after three months of saving Darien Shields was going to by the engagement ring just in time for Serena's twenty-fourth birthday.
The jewelry store was almost empty save for a few people getting watches repaired or some old gold jewelry cleaned. The need to buy things like engagement rings and other jewelry was not seen as a necessity and put a huge dent in the sales end of business. No one on board the SDF1 had seen a need to get married and start families so the need for engagement rings and wedding bands had fallen. The owners of the only jewelry store in town had tried everything they could to keep their business going. And the sight of the young man walking into their store was a welcome thing.
"Welcome to Palouchi's sir. How may I help you?" the man asked Darien.
"I'd like to buy that diamond engagement ring in the window." Darien replied.
"The marquis surrounded in diamonds and white gold or the one we affectionately refer to as the planetary ring with the marquis surrounded by gemstones in a decorative gold band with the rose and crescent moon?"
"The second one. That one is perfect for my girlfriend. Somehow it seems to describe her just right. I saw that one and I knew I had to give it to her."
"An excellent choice sir."
The salesman went to the window display case and pulled out the ring. Ten minutes later with the transaction complete and the ring nestled in a perfect blue velvet box Darien left the jewelry store.
********
Twenty minutes after Darien had left the jewelry store the salesman was visited by another young man looking to purchase an engagement ring. Max walked into the jewelry store and looked around for a few minutes before approaching the salesman. The salesman could tell Max was nervous and uncertain about making his purchase.
"Is there something I can help you with sir?" the salesman asked Max.
"Yes. I'd like to purchase an engagement ring for someone but I'm not certain if she'll accept it or not. I know I love her but I don't know if she even likes jewelry." Max told him.
The salesman knew Max would be right for the other engagement ring on display in the second window case. Taking the ring out of the case he showed it to Max.
"This one would be perfect to give to your girl. It has a marquis cut diamond surrounded by several smaller diamonds and a band of white gold in a yellow gold setting." He said describing the ring.
Max took one look at the ring and knew Miriya would like it very much.
"I'll take it." He told the salesman.
After the transaction had been completed Max walked out of the jewelry store with ring in hand and a smile on his face ready to plan exactly how he was going to propose to a woman who had very little knowledge of the concept of love.
********
The three former spies were miserable back on Breetai's ship. They had tasted what the micronian life had to offer and were hooked. Living on the SDF1 Rico, Bron, and Konda had learned what a life away from constant war had to offer them. The three Zentreadi had learned about the only singing sensation on the SDF1, Minmei, and brought back her CD and something to play it in. They had even brought back Minmei related dolls and picture books. The spies explained what it meant to be members of an actual fan club.
The three former spies not only idolized Minmei but they also fell in love with the stories of Sailor Moon and her friends. The only bookstore in Macross had every single issue of the Sailor Moon manga and all the Sailor Moon novels depicting her adventures against the forces of evil. The spies had even purchased a Sailor V video game set to show the others as well.
The other members of the Zentreadi military weren't all that impressed with Minmei. They admitted she had a nice voice but didn't care for the music she sang all that much. It was the Sailor Moon books and the Sailor V video game that had them wanting more. They knew that if they somehow were to get onto the SDF1 they would meet Sailor Moon, the Scouts, The fabled Tuxedo Mask, and his generals. The small group of Zentreadi Scout fanatics had decided right then and there that they were going to defect from the Zentreadi army and see if the Micronians would take them in and live their lives the way Sailor Moon said in peace and harmony with no more fighting.
Of course the spies had no idea the person who was actually Sailor Moon was on the SDF1. They believed that Sailor Moon was a made up person. It was the other Zentreadi who believed Sailor Moon was real and they wanted to meet the girl depicted in the books. What they didn't realize was that the girl depicted in the books and the woman on the ship was not the same person.
********
Roy had returned from physical therapy when he was greeted with the sight of the smiling face of one Claudia Grant. Claudia had her schedule changed so her break would take place after Roy had his physical therapy for the day. She wanted to spend as much time as she could with Roy doing all the things couples were supposed to do. And like Rick and Lisa Claudia and Roy would watch movies, listen to music, and just talk. Claudia had gotten Roy up to date on the latest talk around the SDF1. She told him about the mysterious young woman Max Sterling had been seen with and how they first met at the game parlor after hearing the story from Mina.
"Who'd have thought that quiet recruit would go off and get himself a girlfriend." Roy commented while eating what was supposed to be lunch.
"Well from what the others have told me he seems to be a lot happier lately." Claudia said.
"I'm just surprised no one has convinced her to sign up for the next round of training."
"From what Mina has told me Serena has her eye on this mystery woman but she won't approach her just yet. I think Serena is waiting for something to happen first before approaching her with the idea of joining the RDF. But what it is I have no clue."
"Tuskino has a good head on her shoulders. I'm certain she knows exactly what it is she's waiting for. And when the time comes she'll make her move."
Claudia smiled at Roy. He was usually right about these things. Roy was a good observer and a very good judge of character. If he came to a conclusion about a person he met chances were ninety-nine percent of the time he was right about them. And this time he had hit the nail square on the head.
********
A month had come and gone since the captain and Lisa had it out with Admiral Hayes. The threat to use the Grand Cannon on the Zentreadi and the SDF1 was nothing more than just that, a threat. The SDF1 had spent the month in peace with very little attacks made by the Zentreadi fleet. No one knew what the Zentreadi were up to this time but they were glad the gigantic aliens were not attacking the SDF1. With the break in action Henry Gloval could concentrate on the current task at hand trying to get the RDF and the Zentreadi to agree to sit down and talk to one another. The only way the war was going to end was if the two sides actually began to hammer out a peace agreement.
Upon the advice of his top female pilot Captain Gloval was in a long waiting game. He was waiting for some event to take place. But what this event was and how it would affect events that would follow it was something only Serena Tuskino seemed to have any clue on. The young pilot seemed to be wise for her years. Gloval knew that had to do with her prior life as the princess of an alien culture. It seemed to him there were times when she was pulling from those experiences. At times he didn't know whether she was acting like a lieutenant in the RDF or a princess from an ancient kingdom.
"This is getting us nowhere. Hopefully something will happen soon. And hopefully it'll be the event Lt. Tuskino spoke about during our meeting last month. At least the Zentreadi have seemed to stop attacking us for the time being." Gloval thought aloud as he looked over the latest reports.
********
The month that had seemed to drag on forever for the members of the RDF seemed that way to the Zentreadi as well. Ever since Breetai and Exedore returned to the Solar system Khyron and Azonia began acting strange. And ever since the former spies made their report the men under Breetai's command had been acting strange as well. There was talk amongst some of the men to go into the micronization chambers and shrink down in size in order to defect from the Zentreadi military and live their lives like the Micronians. But at the moment that's all it was, talk. Not a single man in the military acted upon the talk.
Exedore stood before Breetai as he presented his commanding officer with the monthly report. With a ship full of females under their command Breetai was faced with a new set of problems to deal with. The female version of Khyron was very headstrong and wanted to do things her way on her terms. Azonia didn't like not having a position of command within the military. At one time she had been on equal yet separate terms with Breetai. Now since the commander's return to the Solar system she was under him in the chain of command. And Azonia hated every moment of it.
"Lord Breetai word from the other ships under your command is that the men have become restless and in need of new challenges. If we do not find the protoculture that the Micronians have on board the vessel they call the SDF1 then the talks of defection may become a reality." Exedore reported.
"They can talk all they want but the fact remains that if they were to defect then there would be no place for them to go. They would be killed by the Micronians and their military machines the moment they tried to go to them in peace. The only course of action available to us is to attack the SDF1 on a grand scale. We need to send them a message; one that tells the Micronians we will not back down until they hand over their protoculture." Breetai replied.
"But the men in the same unit as the three spies we sent to the SDF1 are refusing to follow orders. They would rather sneak on board the SDF1 and risk death then to fight in the war with the Micronians ever again. All this talk came about because they were exposed to the tales of the Micronians who call themselves Sailor Moon and Sailor V."
"Then we shall find this Sailor Moon and this Sailor V and kill them before the eyes of all the Zentreadi and the Micronians. We shall make examples out of those two Micronians that the Zentreadi military will not back down. Prepare a council with Khyron and Azonia. It's time we put an end to the SDF1 once and for all."
"As you command my lord."
The slightly smaller Zentreadi left the command room and went to prepare for the videoconference between Breetai and his two-squad commanders. Breetai was in hot water with Lord Dolza. The second chance he was given to retrieve the Protoculture from the Micronians was his last chance with the Zentreadi high commander. It was all or nothing for him now.
********
Darien looked at the ring he had purchased for Serena. This was going to be a very big step for the Earth prince. For the first time in his life Darien was going to ask Serena to spend the rest of her life together with him. Darien knew the time was right. And with the way things were going he wanted to marry her as soon as they could. Darien could also tell that Serena wanted to get married now too. Ever since she had mentioned the proposal Captain Gloval had laid out for her Darien could tell Serena didn't want to wait for the great event that would bring about their reign as king and queen to get married.
Walking down the corridor to Serena's quarters so he could ask her out on the perfect date Darien placed the ring box into the pocket of his hideous green jacket. Darien, like the rest of the Lunar Squad, was off for the rest of the day and had changed into his civvies. Unfortunately for Darien his civvies included the horrible green blazer that he had since he was eighteen. He knew Serena didn't like the jacket but it was the first dress item Darien was able to purchase with his own money after leaving the orphanage and she knew how much sentimental value it had for him so she never said a bad word about the green frock. Someday I may have to get a new jacket but for now this is all I have, Darien thought as he reached the door to Serena's quarters.
Darien knocked on the door to Serena's room and waited a few moments for her to answer. Serena came to the door dressed in a simple white a line skirt ending three inches above the knee, a white cotton camisole, and a sheer pink sweater with white sandals. At Serena's feet was Luna her feline guardian and advisor. Luna looked up at Darien and smiled at the same time Serena smiled at the man she loved.
"You're looking quite well this evening." Darien commented.
"Why thank you. You look nice too Darien." Serena reciprocated trying very hard to not say anything bad about the green jacket.
"And what brings you by this evening?" Luna wondered.
"Well, I happened to have reservations for dinner tonight and wanted to take Serena out for a bite to eat and then maybe a walk in the park." Darien said.
"I'd love to Darien. Just let me grab my bag." Serena replied.
A few moments later Serena reappeared at the door with a small white woven backpack purse and a huge smile on her face. Serena could tell something big was going to happen that night and she was going to be a part of it.
********
Max Sterling knew the time was right to pop the question. He had the perfect date planned for Miriya and him. They were going to a nice small little French bistro and then he would walk her back to the hostel where she was staying. Hopefully between the desert and the door Max would pop the question. Walking to the hostel Max rehearsed all the ways he would tell Miriya how much she meant to him and how much he wanted to spend the rest of his life with her.
"Miriya I've never met another girl like you. No that sounds too cliché. I need to make it something she'll never forget. Then again she is a Zentreadi so she'll remember whatever I tell her." Max thought aloud as he tried to come up with the perfect proposal.
Max took a deep breath and tried a different way of beginning the proposal.
"Miriya I know you don't really understand the concept of love and I was hoping you'd let me teach you all about love. No, no, no that won't work. I have to tell her she's beautiful but how do you do that when she has no concept of what beauty is. I guess all I have to do is say whatever is in my heart when the time is right." Max said as he reached the hostel.
Miriya owned only one dress. Being a member of the Zentreadi military Miriya grew up wearing the same uniform each and every day for as long as she could remember. The dress was a simple pale green linen sheath with a single white mother of pearl button in the back. Topped off with ivory colored heels and a simple string of pearls it made her look stunning. At first Miriya called the dress her dinner reservation uniform but after two straight weeks of dating it simply became her usual dress. Miriya stopped thinking of the clothes she had as uniforms and started thinking of them as something to wear.
Max walked into the lobby of the hostel and saw Miriya sitting on one of the couches waiting for Max to arrive. Looking up at the front door Miriya smiled when she saw Max walk into the hostel. Max soon smiled back at Miriya and quickly gave himself the once over before going over to her. The camel colored pants, brown linen long sleeved button shirt, and brown leather oxfords were perfect without a single wrinkle or smudge. Heading over to Miriya Max offered her his hand and helped her up from the couch.
"Ready to go Miriya?" Max asked her.
"As ready as I'll ever be." She replied, "Where are we going?"
"I thought I'd take you to this little French bistro I know of. They have the best crème brulee on the entire ship and maybe even the entire known universe. But that's just my opinion."
"Sounds like it's going to be an interesting evening."
The young couple then left the hostel and headed towards the bistro and what would be the night that would change everything.
********
Darien led Serena through the streets of Macross to the small outdoor café. The young couple chuckled at the thought of anything being considered outdoors and walked into the small building that housed the kitchen, hostess stand, bar, and a few tables. Darien checked in with the hostess before they were shown to their table on the outside of the café. Once seated the couple then looked over their menus.
"Hmm, I think I'll try the penne con broccoli with the garlic butter sauce. And to drink I'll have a glass of the house white." Serena said before closing her menu, "What about you Darien?"
Darien looked over the menu one last time before giving Serena his reply.
"I'm going to give the eggplant linguine with the garlic, butter, prosciutto and pea sauce a try. And I'll have the cabernet with it." Darien replied.
A few moments later the server came to the table and took their orders and while they waited for their food Darien and Serena sat at the small table just being a couple. The pair talked about this and that giggling at an inside joke every so often. Serena would finger the small pink stone Darien had given her years ago and would sigh in blissful content as she gazed lovingly at the man she loved.
When the meal had arrived Serena and Darien stopped talking long enough to eat. Using every ounce of her restraint and manners Serena took her time eating. She wanted the night to go perfectly for Darien. She knew he had something planned for the evening and Serena didn't want to ruin it for him. As they continued to eat Serena became aware of the people passing by the café commenting on how beautiful a couple they were. The comments caused Serena to look up from her meal and smile at Darien with all the love in her heart. Darien saw the smile on her face and returned it with just as much love.
After fifteen minutes of eating the main course the sever returned and removed their plates. Three minutes after that the server returned to the table.
"Would either of you care for an espresso or some desert after your meal?" he asked them as he handed them the small after dinner menu.
"I'll have the tiramisu cheesecake and an espresso please. And bring two forks." Serena ordered knowing Darien would just have the coffee and maybe a taste or two of her desert.
"I'll just have the espresso and the check please." Darien added.
The server left after writing down their after dinner orders and returned five minutes later with the cheesecake, the forks, the espressos, and the check. While Darien took care of the bill Serena began eating the coffee and ladyfinger flavored cheesecake. Darien then picked up the other fork and took a few bites of the cake leaving the rest for Serena to eat. With the bill taken care of and the cake and coffee finished the young couple left the café to move on to the next phase of their date.
********
Max and Miriya sat down inside the small bistro and began looking over the menu. Every so often before the garcon would come to the table to get their orders Miriya would look up at Max. Her face was highlighted by the soft glow of the candlelight giving her an almost angelic quality to her face. Max would smile at her and then Miriya would reciprocate his smile in an awkward yet sincere manner. He could tell the former Zentreadi pilot was still trying to understand the feelings she was experiencing and how they fit into the context of the date. Max didn't mind that Miriya didn't understand what to do. In fact, he wanted to help her learn and discover human emotions and what human life was like.
Looking at Miriya smiling stiffly at him Max thought back to the dream he had after the first date they ever had. Sure the Crionnacht was crowded and noisy but to him the only person in the entire pub was Miriya. Maybe I should have taken her there, he thought, no this seems right. Smiling back Max knew that Miriya was the woman in his dreams. The dream the night of his first date brought forth an entire month of similar dreams all with Miriya in them. Max wondered if Miriya had been having the same kind of dreams he had been but quickly put that out of his mind and focused exclusively on Miriya.
"I don't know what to eat here and the list is in some sort of strange language." Miriya told Max.
Max smiled at Miriya and reminded himself that she wouldn't have had any exposure to French food or the French language. Having taken the language in high school Max could at least read the menu and speak some basic conversational French.
"That's right you don't know about the French language. Don't worry I'll find us something good to eat and I'll make certain we have the full traditional meal." Max said in a reassuring tone.
Max looked over the menu one last time before the garcon came to the table to take their order. The garcon was a man in his late twenties who was most definitely French dressed in a white oxford shirt, black pants, black shoes, and a long black apron.
"Bonjour my name is Pierre your garcon. Are you ready to place your order?" he said.
"Yes we are." Max replied.
"And will monsieur be making the order for the mademoiselle as well?"
"Yes I am."
"Alright then go ahead with the order."
"We'll start off with two orders of the melted Epoisses over leeks, then have two orders of the Parisian salad, then we'll have two orders of tartiflette, and then for dessert we'll have two orders of the crème brulee. And to drink we'll have the house Chardonnay."
"A very fine choice sir."
The garcon took the menus and walked back to the kitchen to place to order. While the couple waited for the meal they began talking about their respective careers as pilots.
"So Miriya what made you decide to become a pilot?" Max asked her.
"When I was younger I was tested by the elders to see exactly what my genetic makeup would allow me to do. I tested high and was placed in the battlepod-training program. I got a certain satisfaction from flying in the pods. Never once from the time I was created to the time I came to this star system with my lady had I been in the same room as a male. In the Zentreadi society everyone is in the military. Even if you are a simple doctor or a scientist you are in the military. Males and females are trained separately from one another and close contact with the opposite gender is strictly forbidden." Miriya explained.
Max took in what she had told him and began to believe that life for the Zentreadi soldier was a lonely one. When he first started dating Miriya he saw a ridged emotionless individual but the more time he spent with her the more she changed into a vibrant alive person much like the Miriya in his dreams.
"And what about you Max? What is your tale?" she asked him.
"Well, for a while I was attending school and volunteering at the local rec. center as a tutor for the younger kids on the island. Then when the attack took place I volunteered to help clean up and rebuild and still found time to help out at the rec. center. But when I saw that I could do more good by defending the people of Macross I decided to join the second wave of training. I tested quite high for the flight program and despite my slight vision problem they let me train as a fighter pilot. I think it had to do with the fact that I was the top student in my recruiting class. I've always been around females my entire life but I've never been in love until now." Max told her.
********
Rick and Lisa were on yet another date. Instead of eating in at Lisa's or going to the movies the young couple had decided to spend their night at the park. They had ordered bento boxes from the local Japanese market and were having a picnic for two. The couple enjoyed simple little dates where they could just be together and talk about things that were not related to the war. This time they were discussing local events that had taken place in the city that week.
"Did you hear about the rec. center model racer derby this year?" Rick asked Lisa.
"No did something interesting happen?" Lisa wondered.
"Yeah turns out Amara's and Michelle's foster daughter Hotaru was entered in the thing and won it by the closest margin ever in the High School division."
"I didn't know little Hotaru was into model racers."
"Yeah took me by surprise when Amara came into the ready room for the weekly meeting boasting how her daughter had followed in her footsteps as a race car driver even if it was just a model."
"It's good to see her taking part in those sort of events."
Lisa had heard all about how Hotaru had been quite sick when she was younger and was prone to attacks. At first when she heared the stories she didn't know the real reason why. But once she learned about Serena and the others being Scouts and she herself being a member of the Silver Alliance she found out the real reason why. Hotaru had once been the host for an evil alien creature and keeping her in the young girl's body had left her weak.
"From what I understand she went through a lot as a kid." Rick commented.
"It must be tough loosing a parent and then seeing another one have a mental breakdown and become self absorbed in his work." Lisa added.
"Yeah it's a good thing she has Amara and Michelle in her life."
********
Serena and Darien strolled through the park taking in the sites and the sounds of the city. As they walked in the direction of the rose garden the couple noticed Rick and Lisa sitting on a bench eating out of a pair of bento boxes. They were laughing and smiling and having a grand old time. Serena smiled when she saw the couple. It was good to see her younger brother, even if she only thought it applied to the Lunar Kingdom, truly happy for a change instead of being hurt and rejected by Minmei. Lisa was right for Rick and Rick was right for Lisa.
"Those two deserve to be happy just like us." Serena commented.
"Yes they do." Darien said wrapping his arm around Serena's waist.
The couple reached the rose garden a few moments later and stopped in front of a small stone bench just big enough for two. Serena sat down while Darien went off to one of the rose bushes and pulled off a perfect long stem rose. Darien returned to the bench and presented the rose to Serena.
"The perfect rose for the perfect woman." Darien said as he presented the rose.
"Darien." Serena replied as she took the rose from him.
Darien then sat down on the bench next to Serena. Looking at his girlfriend Darien knew this was the time to pop the question and give her the ring. Serena looked perfect as she smelled the fragrance of the delicate pink blossom. Taking a deep breath Darien began his speech.
"Serena, you and I have known each other for almost ten years and during that time we've been through a lot. At first we didn't quite hit it off. We argued and fought with one another. But then something happened and we discovered who and what we truly were. It was then that I first realized I loved you. Not because of what we once had but because of what I saw in you and what you were doing to me. You changed me and for that I thank you." Darien said, "But then it all came crashing down when I was taken from you and brainwashed against you. The others began to give up on me but you didn't. You never gave up on me. You believed I had a chance to return to the person I once was. You saved me once more when you fought Beryl and her evil mistress Queen Metalia.
"Ever since then we were inseparable we handled all the ups and downs life threw at us together. We even faced your father together. And four years ago we made the choice to defend the world not as Sailor Moon and Tuxedo Mask but as Serena Tuskino and Darien Shields. It was then we became members of the RDF. Our lives changed once more two years later when the Zentreadi first appeared on the Earth. We were thrown headfirst into a war none of us had any control over. We have handled things the only way we knew how the best we could. Our love has only become stronger over the years.
"That is why I wanted to be with you tonight. I wanted to share my love for you. And I wanted to give you something to show you how much you mean to me. You see I can't imagine my life without you in it. I love you Serena Tuskino. Not just because you're beautiful but because of all the little things you do. You complete me Serena you make me whole. And that's why I want you to have this."
Darien reached into his pocket and pulled out the ring he purchased for her. Opening the box he showed it to Serena. Serena's eyes lit up when she saw the perfect marquis cut stone surrounded by the gemstones. Looking up at Darien Serena waited for what was to come next.
"Serena this ring represents our love for one another the moon, the rose, and the eight perfect gems. When I saw it in the display case I knew I had to get it for you. But with this ring comes something else. If you accept this ring then you accept me too. Serena Tuskino I love you with all my heart. Will you accept my ring and me and become my wife? Will you marry me?" Darien asked her.
Serena looked at the ring and then looked at Darien. It only took her one- minute to make up her mind. There was no question about it she wanted to be with Darien for the rest of her life.
"Yes Darien I'll marry you." Serena said with a smile on her face and a tear of joy in her eye.
Darien then slipped the delicate ring upon Serena's finger before pulling her into a passionate kiss amongst the roses.
********
Max and Miriya had finished their crème brulee, paid the bill, and were now on their way back to the hostel. Max had wanted the time to be right for him to propose to Miriya. Hearing her stories of the Zentreadi life Max knew he wanted to spend the rest of his life learning all he could about her and her culture but he also knew he would have to tell the captain she was on board the SDF1. This was a dilemma Max had not expected to come up when he first started dating her. Miriya was everything Max could ever want in a woman. She was smart, strong, beautiful, and a very good pilot. Miriya was a female version of Roy Fokker and much more. Max was hooked on her from the moment he first laid eyes on her.
When the couple reached the door to the hostel Max took a deep breath and felt the box in his pocket. The time was perfect for him to ask Miriya to marry him.
"Miriya I know we haven't known each other for very long but in the short time we have I have fallen in love with you. You are everything I could ever want in a woman. You're smart, strong, beautiful, and an incredible pilot. I know some of these concepts are foreign to you but I want to help you discover them. I want to show you what love and emotions are all about. I want to be with you for the rest of my life. And usually when a human male feels this way he asks the human female he loves to marry him." Max said, "When two people marry they make a promise in front of a group of witnesses to stay together for the rest of their lives. I want to make that promise with you Miriya. I want to marry you. Will you take me and my ring and become my bride? Will you marry me?"
Miriya thought about what Max had said. To her being married sounded like a mission one wanted to take. Miriya wanted to take that mission. Even though she had no clue about married life and love Miriya wanted Max to be the one to teach her all about it.
"Yes I will accept your offer to spend the rest of our lives together and discover what love is together." Miriya told Max accepting the proposal.
Max smiled at Miriya and then placed the simple marquis cut diamond ring upon her finger. The ring was the first piece of jewelry Miriya had ever owned outside of the fresh water pearls she found at a junk sale for a modest price. Once the ring was on the finger Max pulled Miriya close to him and kissed her upon the lips. A few minutes later the young couple broke the kiss and Miriya went inside the hostel leaving a very happy Max outside. When the door was closed Max left the hostel and took the long way home through the park.
********
Elsewhere in the middle of the city the youngest of the four Earth generals was looking for his comrades to tell them what he had seen in the window of a local jewelry store. He'd been all over Macross City until he came upon his ice princess Amy Mizuno.
"Amy! Hey Amy over here I got something to tell you!" He said waving her down.
"Boy lover what's got you in such a bend?" Amy grinned when she saw the reaction to what she had just called him on his face.
For a few minutes he was lost on cloud nine until he remembered what he wanted to tell her. "Oh yeah! Anyway guess what I just saw a little while ago?" Zack asked her.
"Zack I'm sorry but I'm not a mind reader!" Amy frowned.
"Sorry love! Well here goes, I saw Darien buying an engagement ring at a local jewelry store earlier today!" He said with a huge grin on his face.
"Our Darien? The Prince of all Earth?" Amy asked looking dumb struck.
"Yes our Darien the prince of Earth!" Zack said holding her around the waist.
"Wow we got to tell the others!" Amy said.
"Shhh! Amy I think this is something that we should let Darien and Serena tell the others don't you think? I mean I'm sure I really wasn't suppose to know either! So perhaps we should let them tell us all later okay?" Zack said.
"You know everyday you just keep reminding me why I love you so much!" Amy said as she reached up and kissed him passionately on the lips.
After braking apart he looked into her eyes and said, "I love you too Amy, I love you too!"
******
Darien and Serena had left the rose garden to continue their walk through the park. Arm in arm the couple was absolutely glowing. Serena rested her head upon Darien's shoulder and sighed a contented sigh every few seconds. Darien would look down at Serena and smile at her knowing that she was going to be his wife. Walking down the park path the couple took note of who was out that evening. Amongst the couples and families out that evening Rick and Lisa were still in the park on their bench and one Max Sterling was strolling down the path smiling as though he were on cloud nine.
Serena and Darien soon found themselves face to face with Max. The trio happened to stop on a path not too far from where Rick and Lisa were currently involved in a serious lip lock. Serena looked at Max and smiled at him. The lunar princess knew something big had just happened for her fellow pilot.
"Hey Max what's up?" Serena asked him.
"Guys I'm getting married." Max replied with a big goofy grin.
"So are we." Serena told him as she showed off her ring.
"She's a Zentreadi." Max said as though he hadn't heard a word Serena told him.
"She's a what!" Serena and Darien questioned him.
"She's a Zentreadi. She's a pilot and she's the most amazing person I've ever met." Max explained to them.
Serena knew the captain would have to hear of the current development. This was the event Serena had been waiting forever since their meeting a month ago. With the wheels in motion Serena knew she had to put the second phase of this groundbreaking historic event into action. And she was about to do just that.
"Max I think the captain needs to know about this. You're about to marry a Zentreadi woman that no one else knew was on the ship until now. You can either keep this information to yourself or you can tell the captain. If you tell the captain about this you two could help bring an end to this war. But if you don't then the war may drag on for who knows how long. It's your choice and I won't like you any less if you choose the latter." Serena told him.
Having overheard the conversation Rick and Lisa came over to the trio. They had to agree with what Serena had said. Max needed to go to the captain and tell him about his fiancé.
"Serena is right Max. You need to tell the captain about your fiancé. He needs to know. In fact, the RDF Command needs to know too. Not because she's the enemy and should be locked up but because maybe they will finally see that we can live in peace with the Zentreadi." Lisa said.
"I agree with her Max you need to tell the captain about her." Rick added.
"But whatever you decide we'd love to meet the girl you deem worthy to be your future bride." Serena said with a smile.
"Thanks you just made my decision easier to make." Max told them.
"Okay good well if you'll excuse us Serena and I have some friends who will most assuredly need to know about our upcoming wedding!" Darien told the other couples.
"Max if you want in the morning we could accompany you when you go before the captain since it is late and he is asleep by now!" Serena told him as Darien began to wrap his arm around her to pull her towards their destination knowing their friends would all be awake still.
"Thank you guys!" Max said watching them go.
"Well we better go too Max, Lisa has her shift in the morning and I'd like to have my girl refreshed so no one thinks I'm out to destroy her reputation as a hardcore commander!" Rick said earning him a playful gab from Lisa.
"Yeah he's right we really should be heading home! But Serena's right too! If you need Rick and I shall also be there for you as well!" Lisa said as she walked off dragging Rick with her by the hands.
"See you guys tomorrow!" Max waved as he too walked back to his dorm.
To Be Continued!
Okay people now we have ourselves a little fun! According to my buddy Chibi Halo Minmei will soon be making reappearance! At someone's wedding! Whose is it and why is she there stay tuned and we'll show you! Also what will our newly engaged Prince and Princess's friends and family say? Well we can't tell you that yet as Sailor Pluto would say:
"We are not meant to know our own future!"
Okay so this is their but still Chibi Halo and I have to have a little fun! Chibi Halo and I shall have the next part out real soon! Until then Goodbye!
Authors note: When ever I am talking about Kevin, Nathan, Justin and Zack as a group I will refer to them as the four earth generals as that is what they were suppose to be in the manga before Beryl brainwashed them!
Robotech Warriors Book 1 By thunderbird with Sections From Chibi Halo
Time marches on. Days turn into weeks and soon weeks became a month. For a month solid since the SDF1 returned to space to orbit around the Earth nothing happened, outside the spaceship that is. Inside the SDF1 the month brought about many things. A new couple had formed and began spending all their time together. Roy Fokker was moved out of the ICU, placed in a regular room, and had begun physical therapy. Rick and Lisa had debated moving in with each other on several occasions after spending the night together at Lisa's several times but came to the conclusion they were not ready yet. Serena and Darien continued to be the wonderful loving couple they always were.
For the Zentreadi the month brought about changes as well. Rico, Bron, and Konda gave their report to Breetai who requested he take back his position of command over the mission to recover the SDF1. Dolza complied putting both Khyron and Azonia under his control. And while Breetai was back in control of the Solar system fleet once more the three former spies had decided they wanted to return to the SDF1 and the Micronian way of life. They had experienced too much of the culture and too many emotions to return to the ways of the Zentreadi. Like Miriya they no longer wanted that life.
On Earth the month was spent by the RDF Command trying to get the United Earth Government of the UN to approve use of the Grand Cannon. Unfortunately for them and luckily for the people of earth the Canadian government had begun a month long debate demanding that the RDF be disbanded. They claimed that the RDF was not concerned with the welfare of the people of Earth and only wanted to destroy the aliens parked in orbit above the planet. Canada threatened secession from the UEG if the RDF were allowed to move forward with what they called their ultimate plan. Canada's neighbor to the south and the biggest supporters of the RDF the United States agreed with their NAFTA and NATO ally and threatened to cut RDF funding of the Grand Cannon project of they went through with their plans to fire the cannon. Congress pressured the President and in turn the President sent word to the UEG ambassador to not vote on allowing the RDF permission to fire the cannon. The world was beginning to distrust the RDF all together, especially after they learned the military group had lied about the SDF1 and the people of Macross.
Yes the month brought about many changes for many people. With the Earth poised and ready for a great change, the RDF ready for a great wake up call, Max and Miriya discovering more and more about each other, Rick and Lisa becoming quite serious in their relationship, and Serena and Darien becoming closer and closer to taking the next step the next logical step in progression was about to take place. Two men were about to join one Lt. Commander Roy Fokker in the time-honored tradition of planning the most wonderful of events a wedding. Two men were about to end up in the same place at the same time, the jewelry store. And two unique and very different engagement rings were about to leave the case they were placed in on display.
********
Part 18: Proposals
********
Lt. Max Sterling Veritech fighter pilot in the RDF was the latest person to discover a hidden past. Not only was he once a member of the House Mercury and a science officer in the Royal Lunarian Army of the Silver Alliance he was also in love with a Zentreadi. The dreams Max had been having ever since he began his relationship with Miriya Piryno ex Zentreadi pod pilot revealed a lot about himself. He had yet to learn why he was having those dreams because it would mean revealing to the others that a Zentreadi was on board the SDF1. Max didn't want anyone to know about Miriya just yet. He was afraid of what the captain and the others connected with the command of the ship might do to Miriya if they learned the truth.
The month they had spent together was heaven. Max didn't want to give it up. He knew from the moment he laid eyes on her in the Sakura that Miriya was the woman for him. She was going to be the one he would spend the rest of his life with and the one he was going to have a family with. But that was the one thing about her he was unsure of. Max didn't know if a Zentreadi woman was physically capable of actually having a child. Max wanted children and if it meant adopting or getting someone to donate an egg and being a surrogate mother then he would do whatever it took to have a family with Miriya. He wanted it that badly and he wanted her to be his wife even worse.
Max had made up his mind that day that he would be with Miriya for the rest of his life. And Max knew exactly where to find the perfect ring to give to her. Max had made up his mind and was going to pick out an engagement ring and ask Miriya to be his wife. Hopefully Miriya would accept the ring and everything that went with it. This was going to be the biggest step in his life.
********
Darien Shields newly appointed lieutenant, member of the Lunar Squad, and Prince of Earth was going to propose to the one woman he loved with all of his heart. He had already given her a ring before he left Tokyo to study abroad at Harvard in Boston in America but that was a simple little promise ring. The gold band with the tiny pink stone signified his love for his princess and that he would save himself for her. It was hard but Darien had managed to stay pure and not date another woman while he was gone for the entire year. When Darien had returned from Boston he was greeted by a slightly more mature Serena who had grown in strength and beauty while he was away. It was these qualities that made Darien want to propose to her after being together off and on for almost ten years.
Darien had seen the perfect little ring for Serena four years ago at the OSA-P back in Tokyo but the ring was never to be his. Serena had made the decision to go into the RDF and the he and the others decided to follow in her footsteps. Then with the war between the humans and the Zentreadi starting two years later Darien knew he wouldn't be able to go back to Tokyo to see if the ring was even still there. Now with the possibility of going home up in the air Darien had given up on the ring and set his sights on another jewelry store in Macross City.
Darien had gone by the small jewelry store on several occasions and noticed a ring in the window display case. The ring had a perfect marquis cut diamond set in gold surrounded by several tiny stones each one the exact same color as the stones on Serena's locket. Then on either side of the stones in pink and white gold were a rose and a crescent moon. The first time he had seen the ring Darien fell in love with it and knew he had to have it. And after three months of saving Darien Shields was going to by the engagement ring just in time for Serena's twenty-fourth birthday.
The jewelry store was almost empty save for a few people getting watches repaired or some old gold jewelry cleaned. The need to buy things like engagement rings and other jewelry was not seen as a necessity and put a huge dent in the sales end of business. No one on board the SDF1 had seen a need to get married and start families so the need for engagement rings and wedding bands had fallen. The owners of the only jewelry store in town had tried everything they could to keep their business going. And the sight of the young man walking into their store was a welcome thing.
"Welcome to Palouchi's sir. How may I help you?" the man asked Darien.
"I'd like to buy that diamond engagement ring in the window." Darien replied.
"The marquis surrounded in diamonds and white gold or the one we affectionately refer to as the planetary ring with the marquis surrounded by gemstones in a decorative gold band with the rose and crescent moon?"
"The second one. That one is perfect for my girlfriend. Somehow it seems to describe her just right. I saw that one and I knew I had to give it to her."
"An excellent choice sir."
The salesman went to the window display case and pulled out the ring. Ten minutes later with the transaction complete and the ring nestled in a perfect blue velvet box Darien left the jewelry store.
********
Twenty minutes after Darien had left the jewelry store the salesman was visited by another young man looking to purchase an engagement ring. Max walked into the jewelry store and looked around for a few minutes before approaching the salesman. The salesman could tell Max was nervous and uncertain about making his purchase.
"Is there something I can help you with sir?" the salesman asked Max.
"Yes. I'd like to purchase an engagement ring for someone but I'm not certain if she'll accept it or not. I know I love her but I don't know if she even likes jewelry." Max told him.
The salesman knew Max would be right for the other engagement ring on display in the second window case. Taking the ring out of the case he showed it to Max.
"This one would be perfect to give to your girl. It has a marquis cut diamond surrounded by several smaller diamonds and a band of white gold in a yellow gold setting." He said describing the ring.
Max took one look at the ring and knew Miriya would like it very much.
"I'll take it." He told the salesman.
After the transaction had been completed Max walked out of the jewelry store with ring in hand and a smile on his face ready to plan exactly how he was going to propose to a woman who had very little knowledge of the concept of love.
********
The three former spies were miserable back on Breetai's ship. They had tasted what the micronian life had to offer and were hooked. Living on the SDF1 Rico, Bron, and Konda had learned what a life away from constant war had to offer them. The three Zentreadi had learned about the only singing sensation on the SDF1, Minmei, and brought back her CD and something to play it in. They had even brought back Minmei related dolls and picture books. The spies explained what it meant to be members of an actual fan club.
The three former spies not only idolized Minmei but they also fell in love with the stories of Sailor Moon and her friends. The only bookstore in Macross had every single issue of the Sailor Moon manga and all the Sailor Moon novels depicting her adventures against the forces of evil. The spies had even purchased a Sailor V video game set to show the others as well.
The other members of the Zentreadi military weren't all that impressed with Minmei. They admitted she had a nice voice but didn't care for the music she sang all that much. It was the Sailor Moon books and the Sailor V video game that had them wanting more. They knew that if they somehow were to get onto the SDF1 they would meet Sailor Moon, the Scouts, The fabled Tuxedo Mask, and his generals. The small group of Zentreadi Scout fanatics had decided right then and there that they were going to defect from the Zentreadi army and see if the Micronians would take them in and live their lives the way Sailor Moon said in peace and harmony with no more fighting.
Of course the spies had no idea the person who was actually Sailor Moon was on the SDF1. They believed that Sailor Moon was a made up person. It was the other Zentreadi who believed Sailor Moon was real and they wanted to meet the girl depicted in the books. What they didn't realize was that the girl depicted in the books and the woman on the ship was not the same person.
********
Roy had returned from physical therapy when he was greeted with the sight of the smiling face of one Claudia Grant. Claudia had her schedule changed so her break would take place after Roy had his physical therapy for the day. She wanted to spend as much time as she could with Roy doing all the things couples were supposed to do. And like Rick and Lisa Claudia and Roy would watch movies, listen to music, and just talk. Claudia had gotten Roy up to date on the latest talk around the SDF1. She told him about the mysterious young woman Max Sterling had been seen with and how they first met at the game parlor after hearing the story from Mina.
"Who'd have thought that quiet recruit would go off and get himself a girlfriend." Roy commented while eating what was supposed to be lunch.
"Well from what the others have told me he seems to be a lot happier lately." Claudia said.
"I'm just surprised no one has convinced her to sign up for the next round of training."
"From what Mina has told me Serena has her eye on this mystery woman but she won't approach her just yet. I think Serena is waiting for something to happen first before approaching her with the idea of joining the RDF. But what it is I have no clue."
"Tuskino has a good head on her shoulders. I'm certain she knows exactly what it is she's waiting for. And when the time comes she'll make her move."
Claudia smiled at Roy. He was usually right about these things. Roy was a good observer and a very good judge of character. If he came to a conclusion about a person he met chances were ninety-nine percent of the time he was right about them. And this time he had hit the nail square on the head.
********
A month had come and gone since the captain and Lisa had it out with Admiral Hayes. The threat to use the Grand Cannon on the Zentreadi and the SDF1 was nothing more than just that, a threat. The SDF1 had spent the month in peace with very little attacks made by the Zentreadi fleet. No one knew what the Zentreadi were up to this time but they were glad the gigantic aliens were not attacking the SDF1. With the break in action Henry Gloval could concentrate on the current task at hand trying to get the RDF and the Zentreadi to agree to sit down and talk to one another. The only way the war was going to end was if the two sides actually began to hammer out a peace agreement.
Upon the advice of his top female pilot Captain Gloval was in a long waiting game. He was waiting for some event to take place. But what this event was and how it would affect events that would follow it was something only Serena Tuskino seemed to have any clue on. The young pilot seemed to be wise for her years. Gloval knew that had to do with her prior life as the princess of an alien culture. It seemed to him there were times when she was pulling from those experiences. At times he didn't know whether she was acting like a lieutenant in the RDF or a princess from an ancient kingdom.
"This is getting us nowhere. Hopefully something will happen soon. And hopefully it'll be the event Lt. Tuskino spoke about during our meeting last month. At least the Zentreadi have seemed to stop attacking us for the time being." Gloval thought aloud as he looked over the latest reports.
********
The month that had seemed to drag on forever for the members of the RDF seemed that way to the Zentreadi as well. Ever since Breetai and Exedore returned to the Solar system Khyron and Azonia began acting strange. And ever since the former spies made their report the men under Breetai's command had been acting strange as well. There was talk amongst some of the men to go into the micronization chambers and shrink down in size in order to defect from the Zentreadi military and live their lives like the Micronians. But at the moment that's all it was, talk. Not a single man in the military acted upon the talk.
Exedore stood before Breetai as he presented his commanding officer with the monthly report. With a ship full of females under their command Breetai was faced with a new set of problems to deal with. The female version of Khyron was very headstrong and wanted to do things her way on her terms. Azonia didn't like not having a position of command within the military. At one time she had been on equal yet separate terms with Breetai. Now since the commander's return to the Solar system she was under him in the chain of command. And Azonia hated every moment of it.
"Lord Breetai word from the other ships under your command is that the men have become restless and in need of new challenges. If we do not find the protoculture that the Micronians have on board the vessel they call the SDF1 then the talks of defection may become a reality." Exedore reported.
"They can talk all they want but the fact remains that if they were to defect then there would be no place for them to go. They would be killed by the Micronians and their military machines the moment they tried to go to them in peace. The only course of action available to us is to attack the SDF1 on a grand scale. We need to send them a message; one that tells the Micronians we will not back down until they hand over their protoculture." Breetai replied.
"But the men in the same unit as the three spies we sent to the SDF1 are refusing to follow orders. They would rather sneak on board the SDF1 and risk death then to fight in the war with the Micronians ever again. All this talk came about because they were exposed to the tales of the Micronians who call themselves Sailor Moon and Sailor V."
"Then we shall find this Sailor Moon and this Sailor V and kill them before the eyes of all the Zentreadi and the Micronians. We shall make examples out of those two Micronians that the Zentreadi military will not back down. Prepare a council with Khyron and Azonia. It's time we put an end to the SDF1 once and for all."
"As you command my lord."
The slightly smaller Zentreadi left the command room and went to prepare for the videoconference between Breetai and his two-squad commanders. Breetai was in hot water with Lord Dolza. The second chance he was given to retrieve the Protoculture from the Micronians was his last chance with the Zentreadi high commander. It was all or nothing for him now.
********
Darien looked at the ring he had purchased for Serena. This was going to be a very big step for the Earth prince. For the first time in his life Darien was going to ask Serena to spend the rest of her life together with him. Darien knew the time was right. And with the way things were going he wanted to marry her as soon as they could. Darien could also tell that Serena wanted to get married now too. Ever since she had mentioned the proposal Captain Gloval had laid out for her Darien could tell Serena didn't want to wait for the great event that would bring about their reign as king and queen to get married.
Walking down the corridor to Serena's quarters so he could ask her out on the perfect date Darien placed the ring box into the pocket of his hideous green jacket. Darien, like the rest of the Lunar Squad, was off for the rest of the day and had changed into his civvies. Unfortunately for Darien his civvies included the horrible green blazer that he had since he was eighteen. He knew Serena didn't like the jacket but it was the first dress item Darien was able to purchase with his own money after leaving the orphanage and she knew how much sentimental value it had for him so she never said a bad word about the green frock. Someday I may have to get a new jacket but for now this is all I have, Darien thought as he reached the door to Serena's quarters.
Darien knocked on the door to Serena's room and waited a few moments for her to answer. Serena came to the door dressed in a simple white a line skirt ending three inches above the knee, a white cotton camisole, and a sheer pink sweater with white sandals. At Serena's feet was Luna her feline guardian and advisor. Luna looked up at Darien and smiled at the same time Serena smiled at the man she loved.
"You're looking quite well this evening." Darien commented.
"Why thank you. You look nice too Darien." Serena reciprocated trying very hard to not say anything bad about the green jacket.
"And what brings you by this evening?" Luna wondered.
"Well, I happened to have reservations for dinner tonight and wanted to take Serena out for a bite to eat and then maybe a walk in the park." Darien said.
"I'd love to Darien. Just let me grab my bag." Serena replied.
A few moments later Serena reappeared at the door with a small white woven backpack purse and a huge smile on her face. Serena could tell something big was going to happen that night and she was going to be a part of it.
********
Max Sterling knew the time was right to pop the question. He had the perfect date planned for Miriya and him. They were going to a nice small little French bistro and then he would walk her back to the hostel where she was staying. Hopefully between the desert and the door Max would pop the question. Walking to the hostel Max rehearsed all the ways he would tell Miriya how much she meant to him and how much he wanted to spend the rest of his life with her.
"Miriya I've never met another girl like you. No that sounds too cliché. I need to make it something she'll never forget. Then again she is a Zentreadi so she'll remember whatever I tell her." Max thought aloud as he tried to come up with the perfect proposal.
Max took a deep breath and tried a different way of beginning the proposal.
"Miriya I know you don't really understand the concept of love and I was hoping you'd let me teach you all about love. No, no, no that won't work. I have to tell her she's beautiful but how do you do that when she has no concept of what beauty is. I guess all I have to do is say whatever is in my heart when the time is right." Max said as he reached the hostel.
Miriya owned only one dress. Being a member of the Zentreadi military Miriya grew up wearing the same uniform each and every day for as long as she could remember. The dress was a simple pale green linen sheath with a single white mother of pearl button in the back. Topped off with ivory colored heels and a simple string of pearls it made her look stunning. At first Miriya called the dress her dinner reservation uniform but after two straight weeks of dating it simply became her usual dress. Miriya stopped thinking of the clothes she had as uniforms and started thinking of them as something to wear.
Max walked into the lobby of the hostel and saw Miriya sitting on one of the couches waiting for Max to arrive. Looking up at the front door Miriya smiled when she saw Max walk into the hostel. Max soon smiled back at Miriya and quickly gave himself the once over before going over to her. The camel colored pants, brown linen long sleeved button shirt, and brown leather oxfords were perfect without a single wrinkle or smudge. Heading over to Miriya Max offered her his hand and helped her up from the couch.
"Ready to go Miriya?" Max asked her.
"As ready as I'll ever be." She replied, "Where are we going?"
"I thought I'd take you to this little French bistro I know of. They have the best crème brulee on the entire ship and maybe even the entire known universe. But that's just my opinion."
"Sounds like it's going to be an interesting evening."
The young couple then left the hostel and headed towards the bistro and what would be the night that would change everything.
********
Darien led Serena through the streets of Macross to the small outdoor café. The young couple chuckled at the thought of anything being considered outdoors and walked into the small building that housed the kitchen, hostess stand, bar, and a few tables. Darien checked in with the hostess before they were shown to their table on the outside of the café. Once seated the couple then looked over their menus.
"Hmm, I think I'll try the penne con broccoli with the garlic butter sauce. And to drink I'll have a glass of the house white." Serena said before closing her menu, "What about you Darien?"
Darien looked over the menu one last time before giving Serena his reply.
"I'm going to give the eggplant linguine with the garlic, butter, prosciutto and pea sauce a try. And I'll have the cabernet with it." Darien replied.
A few moments later the server came to the table and took their orders and while they waited for their food Darien and Serena sat at the small table just being a couple. The pair talked about this and that giggling at an inside joke every so often. Serena would finger the small pink stone Darien had given her years ago and would sigh in blissful content as she gazed lovingly at the man she loved.
When the meal had arrived Serena and Darien stopped talking long enough to eat. Using every ounce of her restraint and manners Serena took her time eating. She wanted the night to go perfectly for Darien. She knew he had something planned for the evening and Serena didn't want to ruin it for him. As they continued to eat Serena became aware of the people passing by the café commenting on how beautiful a couple they were. The comments caused Serena to look up from her meal and smile at Darien with all the love in her heart. Darien saw the smile on her face and returned it with just as much love.
After fifteen minutes of eating the main course the sever returned and removed their plates. Three minutes after that the server returned to the table.
"Would either of you care for an espresso or some desert after your meal?" he asked them as he handed them the small after dinner menu.
"I'll have the tiramisu cheesecake and an espresso please. And bring two forks." Serena ordered knowing Darien would just have the coffee and maybe a taste or two of her desert.
"I'll just have the espresso and the check please." Darien added.
The server left after writing down their after dinner orders and returned five minutes later with the cheesecake, the forks, the espressos, and the check. While Darien took care of the bill Serena began eating the coffee and ladyfinger flavored cheesecake. Darien then picked up the other fork and took a few bites of the cake leaving the rest for Serena to eat. With the bill taken care of and the cake and coffee finished the young couple left the café to move on to the next phase of their date.
********
Max and Miriya sat down inside the small bistro and began looking over the menu. Every so often before the garcon would come to the table to get their orders Miriya would look up at Max. Her face was highlighted by the soft glow of the candlelight giving her an almost angelic quality to her face. Max would smile at her and then Miriya would reciprocate his smile in an awkward yet sincere manner. He could tell the former Zentreadi pilot was still trying to understand the feelings she was experiencing and how they fit into the context of the date. Max didn't mind that Miriya didn't understand what to do. In fact, he wanted to help her learn and discover human emotions and what human life was like.
Looking at Miriya smiling stiffly at him Max thought back to the dream he had after the first date they ever had. Sure the Crionnacht was crowded and noisy but to him the only person in the entire pub was Miriya. Maybe I should have taken her there, he thought, no this seems right. Smiling back Max knew that Miriya was the woman in his dreams. The dream the night of his first date brought forth an entire month of similar dreams all with Miriya in them. Max wondered if Miriya had been having the same kind of dreams he had been but quickly put that out of his mind and focused exclusively on Miriya.
"I don't know what to eat here and the list is in some sort of strange language." Miriya told Max.
Max smiled at Miriya and reminded himself that she wouldn't have had any exposure to French food or the French language. Having taken the language in high school Max could at least read the menu and speak some basic conversational French.
"That's right you don't know about the French language. Don't worry I'll find us something good to eat and I'll make certain we have the full traditional meal." Max said in a reassuring tone.
Max looked over the menu one last time before the garcon came to the table to take their order. The garcon was a man in his late twenties who was most definitely French dressed in a white oxford shirt, black pants, black shoes, and a long black apron.
"Bonjour my name is Pierre your garcon. Are you ready to place your order?" he said.
"Yes we are." Max replied.
"And will monsieur be making the order for the mademoiselle as well?"
"Yes I am."
"Alright then go ahead with the order."
"We'll start off with two orders of the melted Epoisses over leeks, then have two orders of the Parisian salad, then we'll have two orders of tartiflette, and then for dessert we'll have two orders of the crème brulee. And to drink we'll have the house Chardonnay."
"A very fine choice sir."
The garcon took the menus and walked back to the kitchen to place to order. While the couple waited for the meal they began talking about their respective careers as pilots.
"So Miriya what made you decide to become a pilot?" Max asked her.
"When I was younger I was tested by the elders to see exactly what my genetic makeup would allow me to do. I tested high and was placed in the battlepod-training program. I got a certain satisfaction from flying in the pods. Never once from the time I was created to the time I came to this star system with my lady had I been in the same room as a male. In the Zentreadi society everyone is in the military. Even if you are a simple doctor or a scientist you are in the military. Males and females are trained separately from one another and close contact with the opposite gender is strictly forbidden." Miriya explained.
Max took in what she had told him and began to believe that life for the Zentreadi soldier was a lonely one. When he first started dating Miriya he saw a ridged emotionless individual but the more time he spent with her the more she changed into a vibrant alive person much like the Miriya in his dreams.
"And what about you Max? What is your tale?" she asked him.
"Well, for a while I was attending school and volunteering at the local rec. center as a tutor for the younger kids on the island. Then when the attack took place I volunteered to help clean up and rebuild and still found time to help out at the rec. center. But when I saw that I could do more good by defending the people of Macross I decided to join the second wave of training. I tested quite high for the flight program and despite my slight vision problem they let me train as a fighter pilot. I think it had to do with the fact that I was the top student in my recruiting class. I've always been around females my entire life but I've never been in love until now." Max told her.
********
Rick and Lisa were on yet another date. Instead of eating in at Lisa's or going to the movies the young couple had decided to spend their night at the park. They had ordered bento boxes from the local Japanese market and were having a picnic for two. The couple enjoyed simple little dates where they could just be together and talk about things that were not related to the war. This time they were discussing local events that had taken place in the city that week.
"Did you hear about the rec. center model racer derby this year?" Rick asked Lisa.
"No did something interesting happen?" Lisa wondered.
"Yeah turns out Amara's and Michelle's foster daughter Hotaru was entered in the thing and won it by the closest margin ever in the High School division."
"I didn't know little Hotaru was into model racers."
"Yeah took me by surprise when Amara came into the ready room for the weekly meeting boasting how her daughter had followed in her footsteps as a race car driver even if it was just a model."
"It's good to see her taking part in those sort of events."
Lisa had heard all about how Hotaru had been quite sick when she was younger and was prone to attacks. At first when she heared the stories she didn't know the real reason why. But once she learned about Serena and the others being Scouts and she herself being a member of the Silver Alliance she found out the real reason why. Hotaru had once been the host for an evil alien creature and keeping her in the young girl's body had left her weak.
"From what I understand she went through a lot as a kid." Rick commented.
"It must be tough loosing a parent and then seeing another one have a mental breakdown and become self absorbed in his work." Lisa added.
"Yeah it's a good thing she has Amara and Michelle in her life."
********
Serena and Darien strolled through the park taking in the sites and the sounds of the city. As they walked in the direction of the rose garden the couple noticed Rick and Lisa sitting on a bench eating out of a pair of bento boxes. They were laughing and smiling and having a grand old time. Serena smiled when she saw the couple. It was good to see her younger brother, even if she only thought it applied to the Lunar Kingdom, truly happy for a change instead of being hurt and rejected by Minmei. Lisa was right for Rick and Rick was right for Lisa.
"Those two deserve to be happy just like us." Serena commented.
"Yes they do." Darien said wrapping his arm around Serena's waist.
The couple reached the rose garden a few moments later and stopped in front of a small stone bench just big enough for two. Serena sat down while Darien went off to one of the rose bushes and pulled off a perfect long stem rose. Darien returned to the bench and presented the rose to Serena.
"The perfect rose for the perfect woman." Darien said as he presented the rose.
"Darien." Serena replied as she took the rose from him.
Darien then sat down on the bench next to Serena. Looking at his girlfriend Darien knew this was the time to pop the question and give her the ring. Serena looked perfect as she smelled the fragrance of the delicate pink blossom. Taking a deep breath Darien began his speech.
"Serena, you and I have known each other for almost ten years and during that time we've been through a lot. At first we didn't quite hit it off. We argued and fought with one another. But then something happened and we discovered who and what we truly were. It was then that I first realized I loved you. Not because of what we once had but because of what I saw in you and what you were doing to me. You changed me and for that I thank you." Darien said, "But then it all came crashing down when I was taken from you and brainwashed against you. The others began to give up on me but you didn't. You never gave up on me. You believed I had a chance to return to the person I once was. You saved me once more when you fought Beryl and her evil mistress Queen Metalia.
"Ever since then we were inseparable we handled all the ups and downs life threw at us together. We even faced your father together. And four years ago we made the choice to defend the world not as Sailor Moon and Tuxedo Mask but as Serena Tuskino and Darien Shields. It was then we became members of the RDF. Our lives changed once more two years later when the Zentreadi first appeared on the Earth. We were thrown headfirst into a war none of us had any control over. We have handled things the only way we knew how the best we could. Our love has only become stronger over the years.
"That is why I wanted to be with you tonight. I wanted to share my love for you. And I wanted to give you something to show you how much you mean to me. You see I can't imagine my life without you in it. I love you Serena Tuskino. Not just because you're beautiful but because of all the little things you do. You complete me Serena you make me whole. And that's why I want you to have this."
Darien reached into his pocket and pulled out the ring he purchased for her. Opening the box he showed it to Serena. Serena's eyes lit up when she saw the perfect marquis cut stone surrounded by the gemstones. Looking up at Darien Serena waited for what was to come next.
"Serena this ring represents our love for one another the moon, the rose, and the eight perfect gems. When I saw it in the display case I knew I had to get it for you. But with this ring comes something else. If you accept this ring then you accept me too. Serena Tuskino I love you with all my heart. Will you accept my ring and me and become my wife? Will you marry me?" Darien asked her.
Serena looked at the ring and then looked at Darien. It only took her one- minute to make up her mind. There was no question about it she wanted to be with Darien for the rest of her life.
"Yes Darien I'll marry you." Serena said with a smile on her face and a tear of joy in her eye.
Darien then slipped the delicate ring upon Serena's finger before pulling her into a passionate kiss amongst the roses.
********
Max and Miriya had finished their crème brulee, paid the bill, and were now on their way back to the hostel. Max had wanted the time to be right for him to propose to Miriya. Hearing her stories of the Zentreadi life Max knew he wanted to spend the rest of his life learning all he could about her and her culture but he also knew he would have to tell the captain she was on board the SDF1. This was a dilemma Max had not expected to come up when he first started dating her. Miriya was everything Max could ever want in a woman. She was smart, strong, beautiful, and a very good pilot. Miriya was a female version of Roy Fokker and much more. Max was hooked on her from the moment he first laid eyes on her.
When the couple reached the door to the hostel Max took a deep breath and felt the box in his pocket. The time was perfect for him to ask Miriya to marry him.
"Miriya I know we haven't known each other for very long but in the short time we have I have fallen in love with you. You are everything I could ever want in a woman. You're smart, strong, beautiful, and an incredible pilot. I know some of these concepts are foreign to you but I want to help you discover them. I want to show you what love and emotions are all about. I want to be with you for the rest of my life. And usually when a human male feels this way he asks the human female he loves to marry him." Max said, "When two people marry they make a promise in front of a group of witnesses to stay together for the rest of their lives. I want to make that promise with you Miriya. I want to marry you. Will you take me and my ring and become my bride? Will you marry me?"
Miriya thought about what Max had said. To her being married sounded like a mission one wanted to take. Miriya wanted to take that mission. Even though she had no clue about married life and love Miriya wanted Max to be the one to teach her all about it.
"Yes I will accept your offer to spend the rest of our lives together and discover what love is together." Miriya told Max accepting the proposal.
Max smiled at Miriya and then placed the simple marquis cut diamond ring upon her finger. The ring was the first piece of jewelry Miriya had ever owned outside of the fresh water pearls she found at a junk sale for a modest price. Once the ring was on the finger Max pulled Miriya close to him and kissed her upon the lips. A few minutes later the young couple broke the kiss and Miriya went inside the hostel leaving a very happy Max outside. When the door was closed Max left the hostel and took the long way home through the park.
********
Elsewhere in the middle of the city the youngest of the four Earth generals was looking for his comrades to tell them what he had seen in the window of a local jewelry store. He'd been all over Macross City until he came upon his ice princess Amy Mizuno.
"Amy! Hey Amy over here I got something to tell you!" He said waving her down.
"Boy lover what's got you in such a bend?" Amy grinned when she saw the reaction to what she had just called him on his face.
For a few minutes he was lost on cloud nine until he remembered what he wanted to tell her. "Oh yeah! Anyway guess what I just saw a little while ago?" Zack asked her.
"Zack I'm sorry but I'm not a mind reader!" Amy frowned.
"Sorry love! Well here goes, I saw Darien buying an engagement ring at a local jewelry store earlier today!" He said with a huge grin on his face.
"Our Darien? The Prince of all Earth?" Amy asked looking dumb struck.
"Yes our Darien the prince of Earth!" Zack said holding her around the waist.
"Wow we got to tell the others!" Amy said.
"Shhh! Amy I think this is something that we should let Darien and Serena tell the others don't you think? I mean I'm sure I really wasn't suppose to know either! So perhaps we should let them tell us all later okay?" Zack said.
"You know everyday you just keep reminding me why I love you so much!" Amy said as she reached up and kissed him passionately on the lips.
After braking apart he looked into her eyes and said, "I love you too Amy, I love you too!"
******
Darien and Serena had left the rose garden to continue their walk through the park. Arm in arm the couple was absolutely glowing. Serena rested her head upon Darien's shoulder and sighed a contented sigh every few seconds. Darien would look down at Serena and smile at her knowing that she was going to be his wife. Walking down the park path the couple took note of who was out that evening. Amongst the couples and families out that evening Rick and Lisa were still in the park on their bench and one Max Sterling was strolling down the path smiling as though he were on cloud nine.
Serena and Darien soon found themselves face to face with Max. The trio happened to stop on a path not too far from where Rick and Lisa were currently involved in a serious lip lock. Serena looked at Max and smiled at him. The lunar princess knew something big had just happened for her fellow pilot.
"Hey Max what's up?" Serena asked him.
"Guys I'm getting married." Max replied with a big goofy grin.
"So are we." Serena told him as she showed off her ring.
"She's a Zentreadi." Max said as though he hadn't heard a word Serena told him.
"She's a what!" Serena and Darien questioned him.
"She's a Zentreadi. She's a pilot and she's the most amazing person I've ever met." Max explained to them.
Serena knew the captain would have to hear of the current development. This was the event Serena had been waiting forever since their meeting a month ago. With the wheels in motion Serena knew she had to put the second phase of this groundbreaking historic event into action. And she was about to do just that.
"Max I think the captain needs to know about this. You're about to marry a Zentreadi woman that no one else knew was on the ship until now. You can either keep this information to yourself or you can tell the captain. If you tell the captain about this you two could help bring an end to this war. But if you don't then the war may drag on for who knows how long. It's your choice and I won't like you any less if you choose the latter." Serena told him.
Having overheard the conversation Rick and Lisa came over to the trio. They had to agree with what Serena had said. Max needed to go to the captain and tell him about his fiancé.
"Serena is right Max. You need to tell the captain about your fiancé. He needs to know. In fact, the RDF Command needs to know too. Not because she's the enemy and should be locked up but because maybe they will finally see that we can live in peace with the Zentreadi." Lisa said.
"I agree with her Max you need to tell the captain about her." Rick added.
"But whatever you decide we'd love to meet the girl you deem worthy to be your future bride." Serena said with a smile.
"Thanks you just made my decision easier to make." Max told them.
"Okay good well if you'll excuse us Serena and I have some friends who will most assuredly need to know about our upcoming wedding!" Darien told the other couples.
"Max if you want in the morning we could accompany you when you go before the captain since it is late and he is asleep by now!" Serena told him as Darien began to wrap his arm around her to pull her towards their destination knowing their friends would all be awake still.
"Thank you guys!" Max said watching them go.
"Well we better go too Max, Lisa has her shift in the morning and I'd like to have my girl refreshed so no one thinks I'm out to destroy her reputation as a hardcore commander!" Rick said earning him a playful gab from Lisa.
"Yeah he's right we really should be heading home! But Serena's right too! If you need Rick and I shall also be there for you as well!" Lisa said as she walked off dragging Rick with her by the hands.
"See you guys tomorrow!" Max waved as he too walked back to his dorm.
To Be Continued!
Okay people now we have ourselves a little fun! According to my buddy Chibi Halo Minmei will soon be making reappearance! At someone's wedding! Whose is it and why is she there stay tuned and we'll show you! Also what will our newly engaged Prince and Princess's friends and family say? Well we can't tell you that yet as Sailor Pluto would say:
"We are not meant to know our own future!"
Okay so this is their but still Chibi Halo and I have to have a little fun! Chibi Halo and I shall have the next part out real soon! Until then Goodbye!