On year has passed since the defeat of Khyron and the renegade Zentradi Forces under his command. Humanity and their Zentradi Allies are hard at work rebuilding from the recent string of disasters that had befallen them and the titanic clash between the Allies and Khyron. But they knew that this was only the calm before the storm. In deep space, somewhere out in furthest reaches, a foe set on the capture of a mighty Alien battleforetess, one that crashed on the Earth some fifteen years ago, were on a course for Earth. The second RoboTech war was coming...

-x0x-x0x-x0x-x0x-

General Rick Hunter was pinching the bridge of his nose, eyes closed and taking a calming breath while Vice Admiral Roy Fokker was starring through the display window with his head cocked and a curious expression on his face. Beside them, Commander Ben Dixon was blinking in disbelief, his jaw partial open while his best friend, Colonel Sterling just shook his head with a sigh. All four men were silent as they tried to figure out just what had happened. Roy, eyes still locked on the strange sight, was the first to speak.

"That shouldn't be possible."

Rick didn't even open his eyes, his irritation flaring. "I know."

"How did he manage that?"

"I don't know." Rick ground out as Ben opened and then closed his mouth, looked skyward before his expression became perturbed. All the while, Max was beginning to mutter threats of retribution that were starting to get very creative.

Roy turned to face Rick, still confused. "Those are bolted to the floor. They aren't supposed to move that far."

Rick gave an aggravated sigh before looking to his brother, his body language showed he was not in a very good mood right now. "I know Roy. I'm not sure how Baker pulled that off. All I know is he did it and I plan to let Ben deal with him."

"Me?" Ben looked at Rick outraged. "He's your pilot!"

"Yeah, but I might kill him for this." Rick smirked. "You're less likely to. Unless you sic Sarah on him."

Ben opened his mouth to retort before he grinned evilly. "Well, considering she's become some kind of violent Amazon now that her due date is coming closer, that might be funny to watch."

The men snorted at the idea of the little redhead going after Baker. It was a very funny image in their minds.

"Speaking of kids, how's the twin's Roy? Roy?" Rick turned back to his brother who was still staring at the strange sight with confusion. "Roy!"

Roy gave a shake of his head before looking to Rick. "They're doing good. Perfect little Angels they are."

"With you as a father?" Rick snorted. "I'm just happy your girls look like Claudia. Can you imagine if some unfortunate child was stuck with your ugly mug?"

Roy glared at his brother as his two friends began snickering. "Keep cracking jokes there wise guy, and I'll cancel your leave request the day of."

"And you know Lisa will kill you for it." Rick smirked as the training room doors began to open. "We'll talk later. I have a pilot to kill."

Roy watched as Rick let his annoyance fade back onto his face as he marched over to a nervous young man that was stumbling out of the room. Not too far behind Rick, a grim faced Ben and a blank faced Max fell in behind Rick. Roy smirked when he saw the young man flinch as Rick began to yell. "Just what the Hell were you thinking Baker?!"

Just another day at the office.

-x0x-x0x-x0x-

In the small three bedroom home, Admiral Lisa Hunter was humming along to the radio, enjoying the start to her two week vacation by walking around the house in a pair of old blue jeans, a faded old band tee shirt that she'd stolen from Rick early in their marriage, hair pulled back into a quick bun, and barefooted, swaying a little to the music as Kaylee danced about as well as a one year old could. It was actually very precious as she held tightly onto her stuffed Skull One toy, pacifier in her little mouth. The little one was very quickly mastering locomotion and wanted to walk after her parents instead of being carried. Lisa said it showed she was on her way to becoming a strong and independent person. Rick said she was as stubborn as her mother, wanting to do things herself before she asked for help. Lisa's little music festival was broken as the front door opened and her little one gave a cry for the person who walked in, pacifier clenched in her little hand. "Daddy!"

"Hey Sparky!" Rick greeted his daughter with a tired smile as she hobbled over to him, wanting to be cuddled by her father before she went back to her own little dancing moment. "You been good for your Mom today?"

The toddler grinned as she gave her father a tight, well tight for her, hug. "Dance!"

Rick laughed and twirled around, Kaylee giggling like crazy as Rick finished the spin. Lisa watched the two, amused before she decided to greet her husband. "Well, about time you got home!"

Rick gave her a quick kiss with a smile before placing Kaylee down as the little girl started to whine. "Yeah well...Baker happened."

Lisa resisted the urge to laugh as she had long ago labeled the young pilot as Rick 2.0. He was proving Lisa right.

"What did he do this time?" She asked as she got back to work on dinner. It was her night to cook instead of Rick. The man seemed to pause, trying to figure out how to explain what he saw today, which still boggled his mind.

"He crashed the simulator today." He stated plainly.

Lisa nodded her head absentmindedly. "Yes, I think I heard about that. One tech told me it was like watching a bronco from Hell attempting to hurl the rider off before doing it's demented Yo-Yo impression. How long until the Data Systems team can clear out that program of his?"

"No, Lisa. You're not getting it." Rick sighed and knew how she'd react once he told her. "He crashed it. As in crashed. Into a wall as a matter of fact."

Lisa paused before turning to him, the food simmering in the pot, disbelief on her face. "That's not possible."

"I know."

"They're bolted to the ground." She reminded him, her face confused as she processed the information. "Uses the same bolts we use for hull plates."

"I know that." Rick sighed as Lisa cocked her head to the side. He knew it was coming.

"How did he manage to do that?"

"That, I don't know. All I know is one minute it's jumping up and down, the next, it's sailing into a wall." He scratched his head, still trying to figure out how the idiot pulled that off. "We think he messed up a variable in the program by misplacing a decimal point. The simulator didn't like that. Not at all."

Lisa just shook her head before smirking. "He is proving me right."

"Yeah yeah." Rick grumbled as he started to grab the plates to set the table. "Laugh it up Lisa."

-x0x-x0x-x0x-x0x-

"So Max and Ben are dealing with him for this latest moment of genius." Rick spoke as Lisa snuggled into his side on the couch. Kaylee was already asleep and both parents were enjoying some quiet time.

"Wonder what they'll do to get their point across." Lisa remarked with a smirk.

"I don't know about Ben, but Max might poison him." Rick grimaced. "He looked way too happy that Baker was at his tender mercy."

"Do I even want to know?" Lisa asked with a raised eyebrow.

"Remember that lunch Miriya made for him the other day?" Rick questioned. "The one that cleared the mess hall?"

Lisa gave her own grimace at that. "How could I forget. It smelled like three day old roadkill. Did he ever find out what it as supposed to be?"

"Beef Ravioli."

Lisa blinked in confusion. "But it was green."

"I don't know how she managed that. All I know is once the lid came off, half the room began chucking and some even passed out before Max managed to slam the lid back on." Rick gave a confused stare. "And that makes no sense as Miriya can cook with out blowing up the stove...mostly."

They both remembered when she'd tried to bake what she said was a cake and somehow, and interestingly enough, sent the stove airborne and through the roof before it went up like a firework. Miriya still had not told them what she'd used in the cake mixture to induce that effect. Doctor Lang offered her a job with creating new munitions for the RDF and the UEG right after he'd heard about the exploding stove. Lisa's green face indicated she remembered the smell well. "Okay, how does that equate to Max poisoning Baker?"

"Ben joked we could have made Miriya cook and fed it to Khyron after we all recovered from the effects of just smelling it." Rick shivered. "I don't think I'd have even fed him that! That bordered on cruel and unusual. And we both know what I did to him."

"That is saying something."

Rick nodded in agreement "Yup. So anyway, Max got this really weird and disturbing gleam in his eye after he tapped the bowl shut with some duck tape. Asked him what was up and he looked me square in the eye and I kid you not, the most evil grin I have ever seen crossed his face. All he said was 'Baker' and walked off to store that stuff somewhere. Today, right before I left, I heard him cackle and give me a maniacal grin before he headed off towards the storage lockers. We may need to find a new pilot for Skull if Max actually went through with it."

Lisa clamped a hand over her mouth and muffled laughter issued from her as her whole body shook. Rick, however, wasn't smiling as he looked at Lisa with a flat look. "I'm serious. That stuff should be incinerated before he kills someone with it."

Lisa lost it completely at that and had tears streaming down her face. Rick couldn't help but join her in amusement, despite the very real possibility he'd have a dead pilot on his hands. He mentally corrected himself with the reminder that he was on leave for the next two weeks and that Max and Ben would be dealing with Baker. The woman regained her composure and smirked at Rick. He watched as she set down her glass and slipped over to straddle him, her hands bracing herself against the back of the couch. "You know...it has been awhile since we had a quiet night. Up for a work out?"

"You know." Rick began with a smirk. "I'm still surprised at how...forward you can be."

"Well, I blame you for that." She whispered and gave a slight rock. Rick's eyes seemed to flash to a slate black color as he looked up at her own sparkling orbs.

"Me huh?" He drawled, hands placed firmly on her waist. "Pretty sure you are a bad influence on me, not the other way around."

"Like any good husband, you'll take the blame for my bad habits." She gave him a kiss, but not before nipping at his bottom lip.

Rick was enjoying this little game and had to admit it had been awhile since they'd had some time to unwind. His only complaint is Lisa always seemed to wear him out.

"Oh I will, will I?" He challenged, his hands running up her sides and made her shiver. "What's in it for me to be the scapegoat?"

Lisa smirked in a rather interesting way and leaned down to whisper into his ear. Rick's eyes went wide and his cheeks flashed red before she sat up straight; her eyes darkening as she felt the effects she was having on him. She almost laughed at how quickly he agreeed to her terms. "Okay. Deal!"

She didn't get a chance to speak again before her husband attacked her neck and they lost themselves in the bliss of the moment.

-x0x-x0x-x0x-

Max gave a stifled yawn as he looked over the paperwork once more. He grumbled as he checked the order for the simulator repairs and knew the repair crews would be scratching their heads at the whole situation as Simulators weren't known to go airborne...period. He'd had the Data Boys combing through ever line of code and the only problem they found in it was one of the variable was slightly off. But not enough to induce the interesting effect that took place this morning. Which meant that it may have been some kind of crazed computer glitch that sent too much power to the hydraulics that controlled the simulator pod. Which in itself brought a whole new problem for them as it meant they had to do a full check on every system to ensure it didn't happen again. Beside him, Ben groaned and rubbed his tired eyes. "Tell me again why I took this job?"

"Because Rick asked you to." Max reminded him with a smirk. The tall man sighed before resting his chin in his hand.

"And why are we doing the end of shift reports for the entire air wing?"

"Skipper is on leave."

Ben grumbled and yawned before checking his watch. "Well, it's done now. And I'm tired. Call it a night?"

Max nodded and tossed his pen down, flexing his hand as it was starting to feel stiff from the constant paperwork. The two men placed the forms in the outbox and rose to their feet. Ben hit the lights as he grabbed his RDF Windbreaker and followed Max out as the man zipped of his riding jacket and grabbed his bike helmet. "You still planning on killing Baker with your wife's bio weapon?"

Max grinned.

"I haven't decided yet." He admitted with a chuckle. "Skipper might be pissed if he comes back and has to find a new recruit."

"You know," Ben grinned as he spoke, "Baker is a good kid that tries hard. But he's like a younger version of Boss."

Max gave a laugh at that. "You got that right Ben. I still say Rick was much worse."

"He was trying to prove himself." Ben noted. "He had a lot to live up to, being the Admiral's little brother. It makes sense he'd fly like a lunitic."

"And Baker feels he needs to do the same thing." Max remarked as they sent a nod to the night guard when the exited the building into the crisp cold air, heading to their respective vehicles. "He wants to impress us Vets so much he's taking more and more risks. We'll need to talk to him Wednesday about that."

"Agreed. He's a good pilot when he's not trying to impress us. Well, I'll see you tomorrow Max."

"Hey, don't forget to bring the beer for Saturday." Max called out as he slung his leg over his crusier. "Skipper said he'll handle the steaks."

Ben smriked and nodded to his friend as he opened the door to his old truck. "Heh. Saturday is going to be fun. Been awhile since we all got together for a cookout. You drive safe Max and I'll see you tomorrow."

The dark red truck turned over with a rumble and Ben pulled out of the parking spot and headed home while Max fired up the bike that Rick and Ben had schemed together to get him last year. Max loved it and the custom cruiser let out a throaty roar as he throttled the engine and followed Ben to the exit.

-x0x-x0x-

Rick woke to a rapid knocking on his door and groaned as Kaylee came awake with a cry from the crib. The father tossed the comforter clear and rose from the bed, groggily as Lisa began muttering death threats towards whoever it was at the door before she went and picked up the crying toddler, trying to sooth the baby. Rick for his part walked to the door, not even bothering to put on his robe, and yanked it open. His anger was brought up short by the view of Admiral Gloval and Breetai. "What can I do for you gentlemen?"

"Rick? Who is the dead man at the door." Lisa grumbled as she walked into the front room with Kaylee in her arms and her pacifier in her mouth. Her cheeks flushed as she saw the Admiral at the door, giving her an amused look. "Oh...sorry sir."

Henry gave a dismissive wave before he looked to Rick. "Something has come up that requires your assistance."

Rick heard the tone in his voice and nodded. "Alright sir. I'll get dressed and come with you two."

Lisa gave a resigned sigh and just nodded. This always seemed to happen to them every time they tried to take time off for a family vacation. It was the third time this year they'd been unable to actually enjoy a vacation. She followed Rick back into the bedroom where he began getting dressed.

"This is the third time." She noted dryly.

Rick frowned and looked at her.

"I know Lisa. I know." He tried to calm her irritation, irritation he felt as well. "But you know the Admiral wouldn't come down here if it wasn't something important. Something that couldn't wait."

"I know that Rick." She sighed and gave an upset look. "But I was really looking forward to this. We haven't had any real time together since the honeymoon. We need a break. Together."

Rick rose to his feet, his boots not yet laced and turned to his lovely wife. "And we will. I'll try to get whatever this is done quick. Promise."

"You said the same thing last month." She pointed out. "And instead, you ended up right on the frontlines dealing with the last of the Zentradi terrorizing the populace."

"This time I won't." He gave her a cocky smirk she loved so much. "Besides, Max and Ben are more than capable of handling any problem with out me."

"I told you that too last time." She smiled, seeing his frown.

Rick grabbed his uniform jacket and slipped it on before planting a kiss on Lisa's lips and turned to leave before she stopped him. He looked to her and saw her finger pointing down. He glanced down and gave a frustrated sigh. "I always forget to laces these."

"And end up face first into the door for it." His wife laughed.

-x0x-x0x-x0x-

Rick looked at the image on the screen. "Just what am I looking at here Exedore?"

The Zentradi enhanced the image before he spoke.

"It is the original control tower to the battlefortress." He answered, frowning at the display.

Rick raised and eyebrow as he took in the obviously alien design. "Why would it be on the moon? And why didn't we notice it before we started construction on ALUCE? Something that big would have stood out like a sore thumb."

"That's because it only recently crashed there." Henry commented, his pipe smoking away. "From what we can see, it was jettisoned from the rest of the SDF-1 while she was still in hyperspace. Where as the ship continued on until it defolded near the moon, the control tower dropped out much earlier. Which is odd as most objects stay in hyperspace and can't defold on their own."

"So it's just been drifting towards us all this time?" Rick asked in surprise. "I mean, I can see this is important, but I can't see why it's important enough for me to come in while on leave sir."

Henry gave a nod in understanding before he spoke, his voice serious. "It is important General because we believe the information we seek about the protoculture refinery maybe be locked in the computers on that control tower. If it held up to the impact."

Rick's eyes went wide as he realized just what this could mean for them. They'd finally know right where to look.

"I see. That does change everything." He sighed and rubbed his temples. "Lisa is going to kill me for breaking my promise again."

-x0x-x0x-x0x-

Lisa glared at the wall in annoyance. Three times. She gave a sigh and looked back to her daughter who was clapping and laughing as she watched Paw Patrol on TV. Lisa smiled at the sight.

"Well, maybe next time." She muttered as she sipped her coffee. She was really annoyed that Rick had to put his leave on hold, but from what he could tell her over the phone, this was an issue that needed to be handle post haste. Something about it hopefully unlocking the final few secrets of the SDF-1. She turned her attention to the latest reports of the SDF-3, happy to see it was coming along at a steady pace. Her frame was nearing thirty complete and Lisa read up on the recommended systems and armament that would be included. She was concerned with the idea of sticking to the ability for it to transform but it was a rather interesting tactical advantage they had with the SDF-1 and the SDF-2 would have had the same ability.

"Puppy!"

Lisa looked up and saw Kaylee pointing at the screen in happiness. "Yes baby, a puppy."

"Want!" She began to chant.

Lisa gave a laugh and smiled at her daughter. "We'll have to ask your father on that one."

-x0x-x0x-x0x-

Rick grunted as he and his team went over the plan once more. "So we will move in with our large friends, secure the wreck, and wait for the crews from ALUCE to arrive on site and set up shop. Questions?"

"Yeah." Ben looked at him, irritated. "Why aren't the lazy bodies on ALUCE handling this?"

"Because all they have are some stripped down Spartans for defense since the primary defense towers went active. First load of Tomahawks and other units won't be ready to leave for another week. If, and that's a big if, there are any surprises in that tower, they won't be able to deal with it." Rick explained. "We all remember the reports from what was found when the SDF-1 was first checked after her crash."

Ben conceded his point, but still didn't look to happy about it. Max just glanced at his friend and shook his head, already knowing why Ben was upset. Sarah was due any day now and Ben didn't want to be away from her despite the red head telling him she understood. And Max already knew why Rick was agitated. "Skipper, I can take command of this and you two can stay here. Sarah is due soon and you haven't had a vacation since your honeymoon."

"Sorry Max, can't stand by on this one." Rick just gave a resigned sigh. "Besides, if you die up there, Miriya will kill me."

"With her cooking or with her hands?" Ben quipped, and they grinned.

"Probably will attempt both." Rick remarked with a grin. "She ever say how the Ravioli turned green?"

Max shook his head.

"She's remaining tight lipped about that." He gave an evil smirk. "I'm still contemplating having Baker eat it."

Rick just stared at his friend. "I think Miriya has corrupted you."

-x0x-x0x-x0x-

"Alright boys, form up and stay close." Rick ordered into his com line. "No telling what kind of surprises we have waiting for us in here."

The flight from the Earth to the moon took a matter of hours for them once they landed on Breetai's Flagship. Now, they were entering the tower, the Human Veritech fighters in their battloid mode. Rick checked the charge on his Particle Gun Pod, the newest weapon in the human arsenal, happy to see it had a full charge. To his right, Ben readied himself to enter the tower himself. "This should be fun, huh Boss?"

"Yeah. About as fun as a graveyard." Rick muttered before they entered the tower. "Lights."

Skull One's head lamp snapped on and Rick gave a startled gasp as the head lamp cut a swath through the darkness and he frowned at what he saw. Bodies littered the ground in front of him. Some looked to have been killed by friendly fire while others probably died on impact. Some sixth sense twinged at him and Rick took a cautious step. "Keep your eyes open guys. Something isn't right here."

Rick had no idea how true his words were. Something was waiting in the darkness.

-x0x-x0x-x0x-

Sarah sighed as she lowered herself onto the couch. "I swear, I can not wait until this back pain is over with!"

The gathered woman laughed as the little red head rubbed her swollen belly. Miriya held little Dana in her lap as the child clapped happily, watching her friend Kaylee build a small tower out of blocks before knocking it over. Lisa had a feeling her daughter was doing it on purpose as every time she did, she looked to the little Sterling with a toothy smile. Bouncing around on the floor, the Fokker Twins were using the time honed butt shuffle to move towards the stuffed toys themselves as little Bowie kept his eyes locked on the TV, gurgling at the child's program. "Just wait Sarah. At this point, even after Kaylee goes down for a nap, I still find myself watching Paw Patrol just to see what happens."

The mothers laughed as one while Lisa grinned with embarrassment.

"I'll take that over the back pain." The young woman said, deadpanned. "Speaking of pains, anyone know where our husbands are? All Ben would say is they had a top secret mission."

"Roy said something similar this morning." Claudia spoke from her spot beside Lisa. "Said it was important and he couldn't say anymore. I just hope whatever it is, they're okay."

"Roy will be safe in the command center. I'm more worried about the crazy man I call my husband." Lisa stated. "And seeing as Max and Ben have been taken for the ride as well, I just hope those three will use their common sense this time."

"Common sense and those three don't go together." Sarah countered with a smile.

"Valid point." Lisa laughed.

"Max told me it could help figure out a mystery with the SDF-1." Miriya stated, a thoughtful look on her face. "If it is indeed related to the fortress, we can't really blame them for the secrecy. Not with the threat of the Masters over our heads."

"True enough Miri." Lisa agreed before she sighed. "I just wish that some disaster or strange discovery didn't happen every time Rick and I have tried to take time off together. I was really looking forward to a family vacation."

"You two have been working yourselves to the bone." Claudia noted with a studying eye. "And we all know how much you two alone have deserved some time off."

Lisa nodded in agreement as the room fell silent before Jean gave a smirk and looked to Miriya. "By the way...I had a rather interesting patient this morning. One courtesy of you."

Miriya gave her a confused look.

"I have not hurt anyone since the last sparring accident."

All the women winced as the remembered the accident. Max had told Miriya not to hold back and she went full force. He ended up with a concussion and a healthy respect for his wife's prowess in unarmed combat. When he asked her about it the day after, seeing how he had managed to get the better of her before, she admitted to taking a few classes and combining Human fighting with Zentradi. The fusion was definitely effective as Max could attest to.

"No, not a physical injury. Well, maybe it could be considered one." Jean rolled her eyes before her smirk widened. "I had to pump Jack Baker's stomach this morning. When I asked what he ate, he said he found some kind of green pasta in his locker from a certain Colonel Sterling."

Lisa's eye bulged as her face flashed with surprise and the others winced. Sarah's face was green as Miriya looked to Jean in confusion. "That sounds like the lunch I made for Maximilian two days ago. I do not see how Baker managed to get some as Max told me he ate it all and he was fine."

Lisa shook her head and turned to Miriya, the Zentradi woman still confused.

"Miri...Max didn't eat it." She explained, trying not to recoil under the narrowed eyes of the green haired woman. "When he opened it, well, let's just say it cleared the chow hall rather quickly."

Looking hurt, Miriya looked to her daughter in her lap, "Why would he lie to me about that? I know I am not the best cook, but he knows he can be honest with me."

"Max didn't want to hurt your feelings." Claudia spoke gently, with a small smile. "He knows how hard you try. Roy was the same way when I started cooking. He never complained even when I knew it wasn't the best tasting thing in the world."

"I did the same to Rick when he was starting out too." Lisa's face took on a nostalgic look. "He was pretty good at basic stuff and could follow the directions for the more intricate dishes, but when he tried to go beyond his abilities that one time..."

Claudia began to laugh as Lisa shuddered at the memory. "I remember that horrible smell! I thought you had a sewage leak or something!"

"Max was being a good and supportive husband Miriya." Jean spoke from her place, amused as Lisa let out a short laugh. "Trust me, it's actually normal for a husband to praise your cooking even if it kills him. Though that green pasta could be classed as a bioweapon at this point."

The Zentradi woman looked thoughtful before she smiled as the others laughed in good humor. "If you say it is expected behavior, then I will not bring it up. But still, it tasted fine to me."

The woman laughed as Lisa just smirked. Miriya must have a cast iron stomach

"I do have to ask though." Lisa looked seriously at her friend. "How did you turn it green?"

-x0x-x0x-x0x-

Rick frowned as he continued forward, eyes alert as they made their way through the silent tower, unease filling his being. "This is a tomb."

"Yeah. It's giving me the creeps." Ben remarked, "Something just feels...wrong in here."

"Agreed." Max looked nervous as the came to a large room that was glowing a ghostly blue. The three humans entered and what they saw shocked them. After a moment of complete silence, Rick was the first to speak.

"Well...that's new." Rick remarked with a feeling of dread.

Before them sat a massive metal beast Rick recognized as a Bioroid, but much more heavily armored. The hulk turned to them and braced itself, making it's intentions clear. At least this time the damned thing wasn't using a body as a puppet like what had happened to one unfortunate solider when teams were sent to investigate the crashed SDF-1.

"This is going to be interesting." Rick muttered as he readied himself. "Let's get this over with!"

The beast moved and the battle was joined.

Okay, I lied. Sequel is up and coming along. Updates will be slow and the time line is more...extending as I came across some interesting information about the SDF-1 from the graphic novels and such. Bioroids on the SDF-1 using a soldier's body as a puppet? Yep, actually happened. Anyway, this tale will focus more on the time frame skip from the Macross Saga to the Launch of the Pioneer. I will have the Masters arrive later in the story, but the bigger fight coming will be with the Crystal War that we only saw in one issue. The first few chapters here will deal with some opening growth of the characters and obviously some information on what's been happening since the End Of Mars Alight. Anyway, drop a reivew and enjoy guys! This ride is looking to be even wilder than the last and a bit darker than we've seen.