Season Greetings V:
Early, Christmas morning, Khryron and Zeraal let their dislike of each other get the best of them. Losing control of the situation, they are now engaged in a battle to the death. Both of their battle cruisers are firing at each other as they try to evade each other. Their plans of getting revenge on the Earth and the SDF-1 falling by the wayside, because of their hatred of each other.
Their personal conflict unfolds before Breetai's eyes as his cruisers enter Earth's atmosphere. He put the word out to the SDF-1 and Admiral Gloval. Breetai informs Admiral Gloval that this the chance to rid themselves of the Zentrandi nuisance once and for all. Breetai asks Admiral Gloval permission to engage Khyron and Zeraal on Earth.
Breetai goes on to tell Gloval that he wants to capture both of Zeraal's and Khyron's battle cruisers. He suspects that both of the tyrants have in been contact with the Robotech Masters. He deduces that RDF and Breetai's band of Zentradi's will be able locate the Master's by tapping into the two ships main computers and trace back past communications with the Robotech Masters. Breetai also felt he could use Zeraal's and Khyron's cruisers as an element of surprise.
Breetai figures that the Masters will be expecting the two warlords and will disclose their location to them expecting to give Kyron and Zeraal new orders. He further goes on the say, that he wants the capture everyone as prisoners, because they are important to the plan. Breetai also figures adding two more battle cruisers will only enhance their defense capabilities.
The Admiral is impressed with Breetai's quick thinking. He agrees to let Breetai engage Zeraal and Khyron, because they are located in deserted part of the Earth that hasn't been rebuilt yet. Admiral Gloval informs Breetai that he mobilizing the RDF forces to join the attack, and Breetai has full command of the operation. Breetai is pleased by what he hears and thanks Admiral Gloval.
Gloval sends the word to mobilize for the attack. Rick and Lisa are fast asleep after a long night of love making. Their slumber is broken by a phone call by Gloval alerting her to the situation. After hanging up she wakes Rick up and tells him about the current situation with the Zentradi. They both quickly get dressed and head to the base.
They finally arrive at the base and need to go their separate ways. Lisa grabs Rick, pulls him in and says, "There's no excuse for you not to come back to me, OK! Please be careful and hurry back, I love you, Rick!"
Rick just kisses her like its the last time they're going to see each other. He gives her his cocky smile and says, "Don't worry, I'll be back, sweetie! I love you too, Lisa!" With that Rick runs off to the hangar and Skull-1.
Lisa hurries off to the tower to coordinate the attack with, Breetai. She arrives at the tower and everyone is there. Helena quickly informs her of the situation and what Breetai's next steps were.
Breetai quickly closing in on Khyron's and Zeraal's battle; is pleased when Lisa informs him all air and ground forces are ready and are at his disposal. He asks for immediate air support from the veritechs and asks to position the RDF's Destroid battalions to set up a perimeter to seal off the area in case the Zentradi rebels try to escape on the ground.
Lisa quickly relayed the orders to Claudia and Helena to disseminate to the squadron and battalion Commanders. Helena finishes relaying orders to Rick and tells him to, "Be careful!" Lisa hears this and gets jealous for some reason. Especially after the talk she and Helena had yesterday, she snapped herself back to situation at hand. Claudia saw Lisa and shook her and knew she knew why Lisa still got jealous over Rick.
Breetai has Kazziana opens the communication line to Khyron and Zeraal, and offers the opportunity to surrender or face his wrath. The two feuding Zentradi's look at Breetai with irritation and make it clear that he will have kill them both of if Breetai wants their cruisers. Communication lines with Breetai is cut immediately by Khyron and Zeraal. Breetai has no problem obliging the two warlords request, but must try to capture them alive if all possible. He was beginning to realize that might be impossible to accomplish.
Breetai informs, Lisa that it may not be realistic to expect to take Khyron and Zeraal alive. They conferred and agreed to concentrate on commandeering their battle cruisers. Breetai didn't want to harm the crusiers, but didn't trust Khryron and Zeraal. He assumed that they would become desperate and do something rash with their cruisers. Breetai informed Lisa, he is going to have the veritech, battle pods, and battle suits take out the cruisers weapons system. When that was accomplished, Breetai would override the two battle cruisers main computer and recall the two cruisers and remaining renegade mecha back to his ship. Where the Destroids would secure the ships and prisoners with assistance from the veritechs.
Lisa again ordered Claudia and Helena to relay the change of plans to the Commanders in the field and in the air. She also asked Claudia to get Base-6 on the communication line, Lisa requested Cmdr. Mitchell to scramble Wolf Squadron to assist Vermillion and Skull Squadron. Cmdr. Mitchell agreed and put the order out and before signing off; Nikki gives Lisa some grief and teases, "You got some explaining to do when we are done, don't think I wasn't going to find out because I'm over here!" Lisa could only blush before thanking Nikki for her help.
Helena got Jack on the communicator and informed him to split Wolf Squadron. One half would assist Skull Squadron's attack on Khyron's battle cruiser, and the other half would assist Vermillion Squadron's assault on Zeraal's. Jack understood and replied, "Merry Christmas, and thanks calling a friend back!" Helena just responded with, "Really Jack, you're going to start this right now?" Followed with a wicked laugh, that made Jack cringe.
The veritech assault was able to disable most of the cruisers weapons. It was one of the toughest battles they ever encountered. It was a very personal battle for the Zentradi's, and they fought with an extra fierceness than previously before. Everybody noticed and it was difficult to overcome the Zentradi opposition. Eventually, the combined forces of three veritech squadrons, and Breetai's battle pods and battle suits was able to accomplish their mission. Rick let Helena now that battle cruisers weapons systems were out of commission. She let Lisa know, and the information was relayed to Breetai. Breetai sensing this was his chance, ordered Kazziana to recall the renegade cruisers back. He also ordered the his fleet to completely surround Khyron and Zeraal.
Sensing their defeat Khryon and Zeraal tried to escape. Riley wanted desperately to get Khyron, she managed to wreck him pretty good the last time they faced off. This time she wanted to finish the game. Khyron the crafty veteran of many wars, knew he couldn't resist Breetai's recall. So he commandeered a Destroid, and forced the pilot to do as he commands. Khyron escaped to figure out his next step, so after killing the pilot. He decided he was far away enough to escape on foot. He also wanted to avoid Breetai, because Khyron was afraid Breetai would execute him personally, for all of Khyron's antics over the years.
Zeraal was in the same boat as Khyron, and was trying to escape. Miriya noticing her former Zentradi counter part was getting away. Miriya gave hot pursuit and after a spectacular fire fight. She had him cornered! Knowing how personal this was for Breetai, she personally opened communication to Breetai. Breetai was informed by Miriya, that she had Zeraal cornered. Breetai approved the use of lethal force if he tries to escape, he knew it was harsh; but could not take the chance of not eliminating one of the problems.
Miriya ordered Zeraal to surrender, but when Zeraal heard Miriya's voice he began to chastise her for turning her back on the Zentradi's. He called her a traitor, and not a pure Zentradi anymore because she married and bore a child with a human. Miriya became full of rage. Thoughts flooded Miriya's mind then finally an image of Dana appears. She knows what she has to do, she needs to protect her daughter from future battles like this. Miriya switches to Battloid mode, draws its cannon, and proceeds to eliminate the Zentradi menace.
She couldn't believe she did that in cold blood, but Zeraal pushed her too far. Nobody was going to harm her daughter if she had any control over it! Miriya radioed back to Breetai to inform him that Zeraal has been eliminated. Breetai commends her, when she apologizes for losing her composure. He silences her by saying, "You did what must be done! Do not question me anymore!"
The veritech squadrons retuned to base, Wolf Squadron again needed to get repairs again. So they returned to Macross City with Skull and Vermillion Squadrons.
Lisa was anxiously waiting for Rick on the Tarmac, she couldn't wait to see him. She was so worried for him while he was in combat. Lisa always worried about Rick, but the worry intensified since they got married. She saw Riley's plane taxi in first, and as soon as Riley jumped out of her veritech. Lisa ran and hugged her. Lisa commended Riley on her bravery and she was happy that she was safe most of all.
Just then, Skull -1 taxied in and Lisa couldn't wait to greet Rick. He jumped out and she ran to him. They held each other in a tight embrace, before kissing and joining the rest of the pilots in celebrating a safe return.
Meanwhile Khyron was able to find an old Zentradi scout ship that was destroyed from Dolza's attack. He checked over the ship and realized if he could steal Macross City's Protoculture supply; he would be able to get the scout ship operational again. He was able to see there was enough ammunition to significantly cripple the SDF-1 and Macross City before returning to space. Once he knew he could get the ship going again; he needed to figure out a plan to get the Protoculture Matrix in his possession.
Admiral Gloval was meeting with his Generals and Breetai. Breetai informed them that he is taking the Zentradi prisoners with him. He didn't want to take a chance of them causing more havoc on Earth. Breetai informed them that Khyron is on the loose and he is leaving two ships from his fleet to assist the RDF. Breetai goes on to tell the humans that he is taking Khyron's and Zeraal's battle cruisers back to the Satellite Factory to be repaired. Gloval was glad to see their plans falling into place. They just needed to rid themselves of Khyron and they can concentrate fully at the new mission at hand.
The rest of Christmas Day was spent updating officials on the battle and finishing reports for their superiors. Finally able to leave, Lisa asks Helena to join her and Rick for an impromptu Christmas Dinner. Lisa said she was inviting Claudia and Riley also.
Helena wanted to, but she told Lisa she going to have Wolf Squadron over to her place, because they're stuck here. She wanted the chance to catch up with her friends. Lisa understood and before leaving for the day, she wished Helena a Merry Christmas. Helena did the same and gave Lisa a hug. As Lisa was walking out, Helena told her that they should get together once Wolf Squadron left for Base-6 in a few days.
Lisa arrived at her quarter's to find Rick, Riley, and Claudia there already. They had started working on dinner early so Lisa didn't have to do all the cooking. Lisa was so happy to see them, and joined them. They were happy to spend time with each other. It really felt like a family to all of them. After dinner was finished; everybody was best. It was a long day and Riley asked if she could sleep on Lisa's couch. Lisa agreed and told her she doesn't have to ask her. Knowing Rick was probably tired too, Lisa suggested he go get some rest also. It gave Lisa and Claudia a chance to talk alone, something they haven't done in awhile.
Lisa and Claudia reminisced about he day's events. Lisa the apologized for being too busy for Claudia lately. Claudia chastised Lisa for being silly; Claudia of all people knew how full Lisa's plate was. The two friends shared a much needed conversation over tea, about anything and everything. All Claudia could think of in the back of her head, was that Helena needs to tell Lisa soon!