Disclaimer: I don't own Robotech; wish I did, but I don't. Harmony Gold does.

Coming to stand at the window, she cocked her head to the side as she studied him. He was lost in thought, staring out past Monument's skyline, towards some place a thousand miles away. She knew he was overwhelmed with the prospect of his impending promotion. To shoulder such a responsibility at the young age of 24 was almost too much, he had told her. She had done everything in her power to assure him, but his mood hadn't improved.

"Hey," she announced her presence verbally. He shifted slightly, looking down at her. After a few moments of looking at her he gave her a weak smile.

"Hey," he replied, his voice distant. She remained silent, letting him come back to reality in his own time. She had learned over the past few months that these silent reflections of his were better left undisturbed. There were just some things he needed to sort out on his own.

"I was just thinking about the time I was promoted to lieutenant," he informed her.

She gave him a mischievous smile. "Oh I remember. I remember thinking Henry was out of his mind giving a young, hotshot pilot like yourself a battlefield commission." He smirked at the response.

"Well, didn't want it back then either. Had a talk with Roy about it. Told him I wasn't ready for it," he gave a light chuckle, obviously lost in his memories. She nodded in understanding. He continued, "I can still hear his words in my head 'You have to be, Rick. These people are counting on you, they need you.'"

She smiled at the revelation. The older sibling never ceased to amaze her, even in death. The two brothers were very much alike, even if they weren't linked by blood. She conjectured it must have been their upbringing, and it suddenly occurred to her that she regretted being unable to meet the patriarch of that strange clan.

"They still do," she told him sincerely. He gave her another weak smile and nodded before turning back to his skyline vigil.

Leaning into him, she moved to her toes and kissed him affectionately on the cheek. "And so do I."