This is an alternative Universe Robotech story. It diverges at the point they captured the Robotech Factory Ship.
Rick pulled his jeep into the parking bay of the SDF-1. He walked quickly into the central boarding lobby. "Commander Hunter to see Admiral Gloval" he told the secretary.
"He is expecting you Commander Hunter". Rick began the lengthy journey to Admiral Global's private conference room. The photos along the walls explained recent history. After capturing the Robotech Factory Satellite, the remnants of the old Earth Government went into retirement. Captain Gloval became the defacto ruler of remaining civilization. With the destruction of most of Earth there was no need to hang on to much of the baggage. Old rule books and conventions were thrown out. Veteran officers of the SDF were promoted. Lisa became an Admiral overnight. The world needed experience, not technocrats.
Rick stared out from the elevator window. The city before him had grown. 100 of Breetai's heavy ships were grounded in several defensive perimeters around the city. The construction of the SDF-2 had been halted almost before it began: Instead they had repaired the Main Gun of the SDF-1. It had proven useful when Khyron launched his final attack on the ship. Khyron was at last disintegrated utterly.
At last Rick arrived at Henry Gloval's office. "Come in Rick" said Gloval. Rick sat down. Inside were Exedore, Emil Lang, Max Sterling, and Lisa Hayes. "We are here to discuss the threat of the Robotech Masters" said Gloval.
"I haven't heard much about them" said Rick.
"That is where I come in" said Exedore. "We know they had conquered many inhabited planets, and were engaged in a losing war with the Invid".
Rick was confused. "Who are the 'Invid'?"
Exedore pointed to several diagrams. "The Invid were a race of demi-godlike beings with powerful psychic abilities. It was on their planet that Zor discovered Protoculture, which is our energy source.
Rick stared at the diagrams. They were of arthropod-like lifeforms. "They don't look so smart", he said.
"Those are the Invid Drones. The Invid produce millions of them. They caused even the Zentraedi and Robotech Masters great difficulty".
Now Max spoke up. "From the briefings you have provided I have concluded new types of Mecha will be advantageous for dealing with the Invid and the Robotech Masters. Dr.Lang and I have drawn up the following schematics."
Dr.Lang erected several posterboards of his own. "These Cyclones will allow greater maneuverability and resistance to swarming attacks. Miniaturized Veritechs will be easier to mass produce and carry around."
"very good" said Henry Gloval.
"I've got just one more question" said Rick Hunter. "What is our long term strategy now?"
Henry Gloval cleared his throat. "We will use the Robotech Factory ship to rebuild Earth. After than we will field a defensive space force along Earth's orbit, gradually extending it outwards."
Rick thought about this for a moment. "What about the Robotech Masters?"
Exedore answered. "In all likely hood they have forfeited most of their empire to the Invid or rebel forces by now. A few of the Creepy old Rich ones might be flying around with their private fleet, but it is nothing compared to the SDF-3. The SDF-3 should be completed within a few weeks. It's astro-navigation engines and heavy guns are already finished. The bulk of RDF fighting vehicles are stationed on smaller ships and the Factory Satellite complex in space already."
"This seems like a good idea for now", said Rick Hunter.
"You are a smart fellow, Commander Hunter" said Henry Gloval. "We've talked about it, and decided to promote you to Admiral".
"thanks", said Rick.