The Adventures of Taylor SDF -1 Macross Hebert

by TheVampireStrahd

Taylor is a Shipgirl! Specifically she is the SDF-1 Macross, complete with crew, mecha, and 70,000 civilians aboard. This is a two part snippet I wrote when I decided to throw my hat in the Shipgirl Taylor ring.

2. Chapter 2

And here is part two. Like I said, if I can find the words to write a believable ending, I may write this into a full story.

The Destruction of The Slaughterhouse Nine and The Aftermath

Three Days After Leviathan's Death
White House Situation Room
0715 Hours Eastern Daylight Time

The President looked at the people around the conference table. It was comprised of Joint Chiefs of Staff, the Secretary of Defense, the National Security Advisor, the White House Chief of Staff, and the Attorney General.

The President exasperadedly said, "We've gone over this for hours, now we are talking in circles, and we are on the clock now." He turned and looked at one of the screens showing a weathered and beaten nondescript RV followed closely by a blue van on a road that was apparently a backroad somewhere. He asked an analyst monitoring the vehicles, "How soon will they be in The Badlands?"

The analyst replied, "Approximately thirty minutes at their current speed."

The President asked, "How long to travel through?"

"At their present speed, about three to three and a half hours.", replied the analyst.

The President looked at the people around the table again. "Alright ladies and gentlemen, it's time we did something about this psychopathic band of murderhobos. The Protectorate and the PRT haven't done anything in years. They haven't lost a member to the Birdcage or a kill order in years. Since the Slaughterhouse Nine are an S Class Threat, in my mind that makes them a national security threat, it's time to pull out the big guns and I'm ready and willing to pull that trigger. So, any final things to say before I call for a vote?"

The National Security Advisor said, "Mister President, my reservations have been said already. But, are we sure about this, activating SDF-1 and ordering her to launch a WMD against the Slaughterhouse Nine? She's fifteen years old. What about the damage to the environment, the fallout?"

The Chief of Naval Operations said, "First, the plan is to hit them in The Badlands. We tested the weapon. It's clean, no radioactive fallout. As for her age, yes...she is a fifteen year old girl but she has a crew. A crew of veterans that we've learned that up till their "merging" with her had apparently been fighting a war against alien giants on their version of Earth and in space. They have been briefed about the major threats out there, and there is the fact we do have Forecast's prediction of 98.7% chance that they are heading for Brockton Bay. If they are heading for Brockton Bay, we know that means Miss Hebert is a possible target. So, I'm confident that Miss Hebert and her crew will have no problem with the order."

The NSA adviser blinked with a questioning expression. She asked, "We tested a Reflex Warhead? I have no records showing a test was performed. Why wasn't I informed? What was the yield?"

The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs said, "We tested a smaller yield of the weapon, 25 megatons. We used an old underground test site, you can see the results." He passed some papers stamped "TOP SECRET" "CLASSIFIED" over to the National Security Advisor and continued, "The test was a spur of the moment request about a month ago that Miss Hebert and Admiral Gloval agreed to. They provided the warhead and we tested it. You can see how destructive the 25 megaton was."

The NSA advisor looked over the papers and photographs of the weapon test. She looked around the room. "You tested a 25 megaton warhead? Are you sure that will work on them?"

The Chairman said, "We'll be using a 50 megaton Reflex warhead. Just to be sure."

"50 mega...are you?...how?", she was shocked.

"The SDF-1, the ship itself carried reflex weapons that are far more powerful than an ordinary nuclear weapon. The firepower outclasses anything we can field except Tinker tech. Those Reflex missiles are designed as anti capital ship weapons. To destroy warships in space. The damage yield is not necessarily a 1:1 equivalent, it's greater. Its because of this," He paused as he looked at a paper then continued. "Ah, there it is...the uh Protoculture material enhances the destructive yield. Now that the crew of the SDF-1 know where they get the energy and fuel that powers their Robotechnology from that Protoculture Matrix this will be a major game changer. We have the potential to solve our energy issues with this technology. DARPA is already working on the power and energy initiative. At any rate, this weapon is one of the best we have to use. The Reflex Cannon has been ruled out, so a Reflex warhead strike from a missile is what we're going to use. My colleagues and I are confident that this will succeed in destroying the Slaughterhouse Nine."

The President said, "Anyone else have anything to say?"

The Attorney General cleared her throat and said, "This will set a new precedent. I am confident that the Chief Director will not be happy."

The President snarled, "There is a town in Arizona that doesn't exist anymore. 1,300 more people gone. Wiped out. 1,300 people added to the Slaughterhouse Nine's body count. The Chief Director has done nothing as of late. The PRT were hours late, the Protectorate were just as late. Did they pursue? No. The way I see it, they've dropped the ball on these murderhobos for too long. When was the last time the Triumvirate engaged and defeated them? That they actually made the Slaughterhouse Nine run for their lives? I cant remember. If no one has anything else, I'm going to call the vote."

The vote went around the table, each person voting "Aye." The President added his "Aye". He let out a deep breath and said, "It's unanimous. I hereby declare the Slaughterhouse Nine to be a National Security threat and order their immediate termination." Looking to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs he said, "The Reflex missile strike is authorized, send the message."

The General stood up, gesturing for the President to accompany him and said, "This way sir. Your authorization will be needed."

The two men went to one of the terminals. An officer was typing the strike message to be sent and had the General look and verify the message. Once done, the General entered his authorization codes accompanied by his biometrics for verification and confirmation. Then he turned to the President. "Your turn, Mister President."

The President entered his own authorization codes followed by his biometrics for verification and confirmation.

It was done. The Emergency Action Message was being sent to the SDF-1. Now, it was time to wait.

Temporary Protectorate/PRT HQ
Brockton Bay
0810 Hours EDT

Taylor "SDF-1 Macross" Hebert had finished eating breakfast at the temporary cafeteria and was proceeding to leave the building that the Protectorate and PRT had taken over to use as a Headquarters building given that the Downtown PRT building and the Rig out in the Bay were still too damaged for use. She had eaten at home earlier but she took the opportunity for second breakfast since it was available. With a full stomach she was ready to do her part in helping with disaster relief.

She was sad to see how much of the city was destroyed from Leviathan's attack. She played a role in that destruction as well with Reflex Cannon shots. The death toll was very high from this Endbringer attack. The Endbringer Truce was still in effect, crime was relatively low as the gangs took stock of their Cape losses as well as their normal gang members who had been killed. If it weren't for the fact that Leviathan had been defeated and killed here in Brockton Bay Taylor was reasonably sure that the city would have been condemned. Taylor was sure that would have broken her dad's heart. Right as things were turning around, it would have been devastating for her father and the Dockworkers Association to lose the city. Instead, the words of the Mayor, the Governor, and the President have promised that Brockton Bay would be rebuilt. The death of Leviathan brought a lot of good will. Her father was out and about with the Dockworkers Association assisting in that reconstruction around the Docks.

Reconstruction was already underway. Teams of Spartan Destroids as well as Veritechs in Battloid mode were out in the city assisting with Search, Rescue, and Recovery as well as helping out with construction. The engineers of the SDF-1 had experience with rebuilding cities given that they had to rebuild Macross City inside the SDF-1 more than a couple of times. Crews were going around, putting up new power poles working to restore power to the city.

Taylor could feel her crew aboard going about their duties. Admiral Gloval was on the Bridge with the rest of the Bridge crew. As she was walking through the building she took notice when a piercing noise came from the communication station manned by Kim Young. Her co worker Sammie was on her station nearby.

A voice spoke into Kim and Sammie's ear. "Skybird, this is Dropkick with a Red Dash Alpha message in two parts. Break. Break. Red Dash Alpha. Red Dash Alpha."

Kim and Sammie both pulled out red binders from a shelf between them and grabbed a grease pencil to write. The voice started speaking again. Both Sammie and Kim started writing the first letter into the folder as each word was spoken.

"Romeo, Oscar, November, Charlie, Tango, Tango, Lima, Alpha. Authentication 2, 2, 0, 0, 4, 0, Delta, Lima."

Sammie called out, "I have a valid message. Ready to authenticate!"

Kim said, "I agree with message validation, ready to authenticate."

The two young women got up and went to a locked box. There were two locks on the box and both of them used a set of keys to unlock the box and open it. Inside they found two sets of plastic breakaway cards. They each grabbed one set and returned to their stations. Cracking the breakaway card, they removed the authentication card and compared it to their Emergency Action Message.

Everyone else continued to do their jobs but Lisa Hayes, executive officer of the SDF-1 kept one eye on the two young women.

Sammie said, "I confirm mine as authenticated. "

Kim said, "I confirm mine as authenticated."

Kim punched in her portion of the EAM into her terminal while while Sammie did the same on her terminal. The message was decoded and sent to a printer by Kim which spit out a page. She grabbed it and put it in a folder without looking at the message herself, then got up and gave it to Admiral Gloval.

Kim said, "Sir, we have received an Emergency Action Message. It has been verified and authenticated."

"Thank you, Kim.", replied Admiral Gloval. He took the folder and opened it as Kim returned to her station.

Looking at the message the Admiral gave a grunt.

At the same time Taylor was walking out of the building. She said, "Admiral, what's going on?"

Admiral Gloval closed the folder and said, "Lisa, spool up missile launcher seven. Prep a single fifty megaton Reflex Missile for launch. Kim, make contact with "Overwatch" at once. Get ready to receive targeting data from airborne reconnaissance asset, callsign 'Overwatch'. Once contacted, have "Overwatch" transmit the targeting data over. Taylor, take us up to eight thousand feet."

Both Lisa and Kim raced to carry out their orders. Any questions they had would have to wait. Taylor was walking down the street away from the temporary PRT building to start out on helping with reconstruction herself but she stopped and began to fire up her engines. She was still in "Attack" mode so her feet began to glow and seconds later she was airborne, climbing high into the sky. She was curious as to what was going on but she knew the Admiral would say what was going on when he was able.

Admiral Gloval issued manuevering instructions which Taylor continued to carry out, heading out to sea. Then he had Claudia contact the PRT Director directly. The Director's exhausted but stern face appeared on a monitor.

"Director Piggot, this is Admiral Gloval. SDF-1 has been tasked with a classified military operation. We have been directed by the President to carry out this mission. A missile will be launched shortly. Do not panic, there is no need to sound any alarms. Once the situation is resolved and I am cleared and authorized to talk I will brief you personally."

Director Piggot did not look happy but she nodded and acknowledged the Admiral. After that conversation, the Admiral turned back to Lisa. "Lisa, contact the hanger and prep Skull Leader's Veritech for launch. Make sure it is loaded with two 100 megaton Reflex Missiles as part of the loadout. Then get Lieutenant Commander Hunter to get ready to launch."

Lisa said, "Yes sir, right away." She hung up the phone then contacted the hanger. "Orders from the Admiral, prep Lieutenant Commander Rick Hunter's Veritech for launch. Admiral wants the loadout to include two 100 megaton Reflex missiles. This is Lisa Hayes, Executive Officer of SDF-1 Macross. Authentication Code: Code 1, 1A, 2B. Confirm."

There was a response on the other line then Lisa said, "Admiral, they are requesting your authorization."

Admiral Gloval stepped over and took the phone from Lisa. "This is Admiral Henry J. Gloval Commanding Officer of SDF-1 Macross. Authorization Code: Code 1, 1A. Confirm.

Pause.

Admiral Gloval said, "Final Verification Code: Zero, Zero, Zero, Delta, Zero. Confirm. Two RMS-1 100 megaton warheads on Skull Leader, Confirm."

Pause.

He spoke again. "Very good, carry on." He gave the phone back to Lisa. He patted her on the shoulder with "Good job, Lisa."

Lisa picked up the phone again and dialed Rick Hunters quarters.

The phone was answered on the first ring. "Lieutenant Commander Hunter here."

Lisa said, "Lieutenant Commander Hunter, report to your Veritech and prepare for launch, Admiral's orders."

Rick replied with a crisp, "Yes, ma'am. I'm on my way."

Admiral Gloval took note of the SDF-1's position as she was at the designated altitude and position far off of the coast as he instructed.

Looking to Lisa he asked, "Lisa, status on Reflex missile prep?"

Lisa put her phone down. "Missile launcher seven is ready, a single fifty megaton Reflex missile is ready. Targeting data uploaded to the weapon is complete. The weapon is ready to fire."

Admiral Gloval nodded his head. "Very well." He took a moment and said, "May I have everyone's attention please." There was a brief pause and he resumed speaking. "We have been tasked with a very serious mission. The destruction of the Slaughterhouse Nine."

There were gasps on the Bridge from Claudia and Vanessa. Sammie let out an "Eep!" Outside, Taylor opened her mouth to speak but no words came out. Admiral Gloval resumed speaking.

"Last night, The Nine hit a small town in Arizona, and now one thousand three hundred lives are gone. Those two vehicles you see on the monitor screen there are the Slaughterhouse Nine escaping and making their way to their next target. The White House has learned from Forecast that there is over a ninety eight percent chance that the Slaughterhouse Nine are on their way here. Furthermore, Forecast is ninety eight percent sure that we are a target."

There were whispered curses and explicit language along with more gasps. Taylor let out a "Bastards" under her breath. Everyone had taken note of Forecast's name being mentioned. The powerful precog that Taylor and the SDF-1 had saved from the mastermind villain Coil had been taken in by the NSA once they found out how powerful her power was even with its limited uses. Forecast's family was safe, and most importantly to Taylor, the little girl was safe.

"So, now you know. Lisa, is Lieutenant Commander Hunter ready to launch?", asked the Admiral.

Lisa did a quick check. "Yes sir, Skull Leader is ready."

Nodding his head, Admiral Gloval said, "Let me speak with him please."

Claudia pushes button and flipped a switch. "You're on Admiral."

Taking a second Admiral Gloval said, "Skull Leader this is the Admiral. Acknowledge."

Rick Hunter was a little surprised but he quickly replied, "I read you sir."

Rick listened as the Admiral issued his orders. "We are on a strike mission to destroy the Slaughterhouse Nine. We are firing the strike package, your primary mission is bomb damage assessment. But if any of the Slaughterhouse Nine survive, you are to contact me directly to secure permission before deploying any of the Reflex Missiles. Use of your other weapons against the Nine are approved. Understood?"

Rick replied, "Understood, sir. Target info received, nav data received. ROE confirmed. Ready to fly, sir."

"Good. Hopefully, you won't have to use any of your weapons. But at any rate, be careful. Good luck. Stand by for launch. Gloval out."

The communication was disconnected and now Rick could hear temperatures and wind speeds from flight operations. Rick looked at the men and women on the flight deck, focusing on the catapult officer. His Veritech was already placed on the catapult, now he was waiting.

Meanwhile on the Bridge, Admiral Gloval went to one of the weapon control panels. Lisa quickly joined him. Sammie quickly passed her duties to Kim and Vanessa then rushed to take Lisa's spot at her post.

Both Lisa and Gloval took a set of keys out and inserted their key into position next to the panel designated for missile launcher seven.

Admiral Gloval said, "On my mark, turn your key. 3...2...1...Mark." Both the Admiral and the Executive Officer turned their key. The "Launch" button on the weapon panel was flashing. Admiral Gloval said, "On my mark, turn key to Launch position. 3...2...1...Mark!" There was a steady tone emerging from the weapon panel for a couple of seconds then it stopped right as the flashing "Launch" indicator stopped flashing.

Lisa said, "Weapon away sir."

Admiral Gloval grunted, turned to look at Vanessa. "Status?"

Vanessa said, "Weapon is running hot, straight, and normal sir. Telemetry data from "Overwatch" is good. Weapon is passing Waypoint 1."

Nodding his head he says, "Lisa, launch Skull Leader."

Taylor was floating high and far off of the coast of Brockton Bay. She was forty miles offshore. She glanced down at her chest to see a tiny missile pod appear and a single tiny missile streaked away. As it reached a certain distance the missile grew in size quickly until it reached its full normal size. By then, it was climbing high and fast, making a turn to to the west as it followed it's programmed flight path. Taylor watched it streak away at incredible speed.

"Cool. I hope they feel so much pain before they die.", she said.

Now she glanced over and down at the Prometheus to see the preparations on launching Rick Hunter in his Veritech. She watched the tiny flight deck crew expertly perform their duties.

Rick got the word from flight operations and looking at the catapult officer, he began to spool up the engine thrust quickly for takeoff speed. The barricades behind the Veritech were already up, the catapult officer using hand signals to signal Rick what to do. It was almost time, Rick gave his salutes and the catapult officer was already to the side, he dropped to a knee and gestured to the end of the flight deck. The catapult launched Rick and his Veritech sped across the flight deck and he was airborne.

Taylor watched as the tiny Veritech flew away, growing in size once it reached a certain distance just like the missile fired seconds ago. She watched as Skull Leader made a turn to the west as it kept climbing high into the sky.

Taylor could talk to her pilots directly so she opened a channel to Rick Hunter and said, "Good luck, Skull Leader. Come back safe."

Rick replied with a crisp, "Thanks, Taylor. I'll see you soon. Flight ops, I am at angels 45 climbing to angels 50 on course to target, request permission to go maximum burn."

Lisa's voice replied, "Granted Skull Leader. Overwatch is on channel S31. Targets are still on same road and travelling at same speed as last report."

"Roger, going to maximum burn.", said Rick.
Rick adjusted the wings to handle the increased speed then pushed the throttles forward and his VF-1S punched through the sound barrier multiple times. He was on his way.

White House Situation Room
0835 Hours EDT

Tensions were high as the reports started coming in. The SDF-1 had launched the Reflex missile against the Slaughterhouse Nine. The crew of the SDF-1 were transmitting their data on the missile's flight to the Situation Room. At the same time they were receiving the video feed from the Overwatch aircraft that was tracking the two vehicles that the Slaughterhouse Nine were travelling in.

The radio chatter was between Overwatch and the SDF-1 and Overwatch and Skull Leader. Everything was going smoothly.

"Weapon is passing Waypoint 3 and running hot straight and normal."

"Roger, SDF-1, targets still proceeding on course. No change in speed. Targets are in The Badlands, target zone is clear. Uh...check that. Targets are changing course and speed. Targets are moving South, speed increasing to 100...120"

"Acknowledged, Overwatch. Targeting adjustment complete. Weapon is still on track."

There was a quiet pause. A voice spoke out. It took a couple of seconds for the President to realize that it was the Secretary of Defense. "That's not going to help them."

"Weapon is passing Waypoint 4, now entering attack phase. Impact in 30 seconds, secure aircraft for flash, make sure you are at safe distance Overwatch. Skull Leader, reduce your speed, take new heading..."

Everyone heard Overwatch and Skull Leader acknowledge their instructions. The President finished filling a glass with scotch and ice. Picking it up he listened to the countdown.

"Impact in 10...9...8...7...6..."

The President lifted his glass in a toast. "May the Slaughterhouse Nine burn in hell." He took a drink.

"...3...2...1, Impact."

The screens monitoring the RV and the van that the Slaughterhouse Nine were travelling in flashed white.

The Oval Office
Hours Later

The President was exhausted but the work had to continue. Since the airborne detonation of the Reflex missile attack on the Slaughterhouse Nine he and everyone in the Situation Room awaited confirmation that the Slaughterhouse Nine were killed. It took longer he had liked but the news came in from Skull Leader of Skull Squadron from the SDF-1 that the Slaughterhouse Nine were dead. There was no sign of any of them, no sign of The Siberian, no sign of Crawler. The fact that the temperatures inside the center of the blast were hotter than anything that they had developed also wiped out any of Bonesaw's plague failsafes. The American people and the world could rejoice that seven more monsters were gone.

Once the confirmation of the Slaughterhouse Nine came in, there was a brief celebration but there was work to do. He had to give a statement to the American people and the world. He went and did that shortly after 12pm. When that was done, then he had meetings with Senators and House members. Those had mostly gone well but some of the opposition party and a few of his own political party were not happy about the secrecy and the destruction at the outer boundaries and beyond from the detonation. He admitted that they had underestimated the destructive power of a 50 megaton Reflex warhead. The government was going to be paying for a lot of broken windows and some new construction. He still believed it was worth it. The partying going on outside the White House celebrating the demise of the Slaughterhouse Nine and the death of Leviathan told him as much.

There was a knock on the door and his senior administrative assistant poked her head in and said, "Chief Director Costa-Brown is here to see you. She..."

The President looked up and said, "That's fine, send her in." He went back to reading the document in his hands.

She nodded her head saying "Yes sir." Then opening the door wider, gesturing for the Chief Director to walk in. Chief Director Rebecca Costa-Brown strode in and the door closed behind her.

Rebecca Costa-Brown walked into the Oval Office like she owned the room. She had a stern expression on her face as she stood before the Resolute Desk that the President was sitting behind, reading a document then signing it and placing it on a tray. Then he looked up to see Rebecca Costa-Brown standing in front.

"Please, have a seat.", he gestured to one of the big chairs placed in front of his desk.

She sat down, her serious and stern expression never changing.

"So, what brings you here Chief Director?", he asked. There was a bit of a smile on his face but it vanished quickly.

She glared at the President saying, "Mister President do you realize what you've done?"

The President glared right back. "Yes, Rebecca I know exactly what I've done. I ended a S class threat, a National Security threat. Something you and your organisation along with The Protectorate have failed to do time and time again. I already gave Legend the same answer. Don't make me have to do this again."

"Excuse me?", Rebecca asked incredulously.

"No. I will not." The President continued to glare at the Chief Director of the PRT. "You are the Chief Director of the PRT. You are the first Chief Director of the PRT, one of the Founders, and your successors are no doubt going to be challenged to follow in your footsteps and leave their own mark once you are no longer Chief Director, but make no mistake the Slaughterhouse Nine have been a blight on us all; on the country, on the Protectorate, on the PRT. You allowed those murderhobos to run free too long without consequences. The number of people they've killed since King founded and formed that group is enough for a small city. King leading that group was bad enough, Jack Slash taking over was our worst nightmares come true."

He took a breath and continued before Rebecca could speak. "There have been three administrations before mine that allowed these psychopathic murderhobos to run free. In my opinion, President Griffith should have made capturing or killing the Slaughterhouse Nine a directive to you when the PRT and Protectorate were founded in '93 and you took the job of Chief Director. Failing that, another of my predecessors should have done it. Perhaps all those lives lost could have been prevented. Maybe Hero would be alive today."

Rebecca flinched slightly at the mention of Hero.

"But, he didn't. Hindsight being what it is, I'm sure that taking out the Slaughterhouse Nine by capturing them, throwing them in the Birdcage, or killing them would have been made a higher priority back then. Which brings us to here and now. You're upset and think that I overstepped. You're certainly entitled to your opinion but I had my decision reviewed by the AG and White House Legal counsel. They back up my decision."

Reaching to a folder on his desk, the President picked it up and tossed the folder onto the Chief Director's lap. "That right there is the reason Chief Director that I made my decision. Go ahead, open it."

With a skeptical look Rebecca opened the folder and looked down. She closed the folder immediately. She tossed the folder back on the desk and some pictures slid out and became visible. She looked at the President flatly.

The President said, "It's just a few pictures of the Nine's latest and last crime against humanity. I'm sure you recognized Bonesaw's handiwork in that top photo. Oh look, here's one of Jack Slash's handiwork, and look at this, Shatterbird's work no doubt." The President pointed at the few pictures that had slid out, moving them to the side to reveal each one he pointed at. Then he slid them back into the folder, picked it up and tossed it back onto Rebecca's lap.

The President tapped the table with his index finger as he said, "One thousand three hundred more citizens gone." Then he slammed his hand on the table. "A town wiped out. The Nine escaping again without any confrontation by the PRT or Protectorate forces. The town's sheriffs department butchered beyond recognition. Neither you or your organisation had any idea what direction they were going or where they were headed next. If it wasn't for one of our AWACS aircraft flying a border interdiction patrol we might not have spotted them. They were driving too fast in the beginning and it cost them. Thank God for that little mistake. The radar technician that spotted their vehicles and called in a spotter will be receiving part of the reward monies. I'm inclined to reward the whole crew including the pilots."

He slammed his clenched fist down on the table "Because of that atrocity, I declared the Slaughterhouse Nine to be a National Security threat. That's why I pulled the trigger and ordered their deaths. I would do it again. I will do it again if I have to. I will not allow monsters like the Slaughterhouse Nine to run free anymore. If the PRT or Protectorate forces can't get the job done, by God I will use whatever force I have at my disposal."

Rebecca scowled, "You ordered the use of a thermonuclear weapon on American soil, a weapon that was clear overkill."

The President replied, "Overkill? Pshaw! Ha! This was the Slaughterhouse Nine. We've seen Crawler take so much damage that anything standard wouldn't work. Besides, the weapon was clean, no fallout. We knew that already but Independent and our own government sources report no harmful radiation. Second, I directed the strike to hit them when they were in The Badlands. The Nine were in the middle of it...sort of. For a reason we won't know, they changed direction right before the impact, they turned south. So, I guess they were a little off to the right." He gave a quick chuckle. "My point is the same, it was The Badlands. Practically no one gives a shit about The Badlands, but that will change. Got some plans for that place. Anyway, it turns out we had a bit of a two for one deal on that strike. Apparently the shockwave of the blast destroyed a ranch belonging to one of the Fallen Clans, this particular ranch belonged to that Behemoth following. All their Capes, the major ones with Birdcage or kill orders were there. Looks like they were having a big powwow on the ranch or something like that. The minor ones not on the property were dealt with by PRT and Protectorate since they started a fight in a town because their ranch was destroyed and they tried to rampage. It saddens me that there were innocents there on that ranch but their sacrifice will be remembered. Even if the Nine hadn't changed course most likely it wouldn't have changed anything. The blast wave was more powerful than we anticipated. The news on the Fallen taking a major loss will break later tonight. So there's more good news."

Rebecca's eyes widened at this news. A Fallen Clan wiped out was good, but no doubt it would cause the others to act up. "That weapon can't be one of ours. It's from her, the SDF-1."

With a tiny bit of a smirk he says, "No comment."

She picks up the folder on her lap and puts it back on the desk. "Mister President, I must reiterate that Taylor 'SDF-1 Macross' Hebert should be in the Protectorate Aegis under the Wards and not the military."

The President sighed. "I'm not getting into this again. I understand your feelings and I agree with you that her powers are unlike anything that has been encountered to date. But, for all intents and purposes she is a Warship. A warship that according to all our tests is capable of going into space and has the firepower that outclasses everything that the Navy and Air Force could field barring tinker tech. She has a crew aboard. She has civilians living in a city aboard her. I still don't understand the dimensional shenanigans taking place there. Then there's the fact that she was able to evacuate many civilians before the Endbringer battle and I believe that there are more civilians she has rescued aboard her now. Finally, there is the fact she took out Leviathan, she killed an Endbringer. Finally after fifteen years Leviathan has been killed. The first Endbringer to fall. Hopefully we can add Behemoth and the Simurgh to that list. However, look at the damage from that main gun of hers. She has too much firepower to be sent out there to play the cops and robbers game that capes play. So no, she stays under Department of Defense."

With a bit of a laugh the President said, "You know Rebecca, if I was one of those tin foil hat conspiracy nutjobs I'd say that the reason Jack Slash managed to keep the rest of the Slaughterhouse Nine under his sway and he always managed to get away was he had some kind of power that allowed him to." He chuckled. "Then again maybe it's because the PRT and the Protectorate just allowed the Slaughterhouse Nine to escape all the time."

He closed his eyes and laughed. He didn't see Rebecca's expression as she seemed to come to a realization. He opened his eyes and said, "Thankfully I am not and I don't believe those conspiracy theories. Anyway, neither he nor his psychopathic assholes were able to dodge that weapon."

Looking at the folder the Chief Director had put back on his desk he reached across and tapped the folder. "The Slaughterhouse Nine were heading for Brockton Bay, Rebecca. We had a 98.7% certainty. Furthermore, we had more than 98% certainty that Taylor was a prime target for them. I could not let them reach Brockton Bay. I could not allow Jack Slash somehow subverting or worse learning how to get aboard, that his gang of murderhobos boarding and taking over Taylor, massacring the crew and those civilians onboard, getting control of the weapons...no. I could not let that happen Rebecca."

Rebecca frowned, thinking about the precog that the NSA had now then sighed. "No. You could not. They all had kill orders, I know that, but the military should not have pulled the trigger. Now this attack on the Nine also takes out a Fallen Clan. That could cause the others to act up. What I'm trying to tell you is that deploying such a powerful weapon...It sends a very dangerous message Mister President."

The President nodded his head. He kept the serious expression on his face. "You're right, it does. It's a message that I told Legend an hour ago and now I'm telling you. The point is Rebecca, the PRT and the Protectorate have lately been relying on Public Relations instead of Parahuman Response. That stops now. I told Legend and now I'm telling you that the it is time the kid gloves come off and it is time to make those monsters out there afraid for once. I want the monsters out there dealt with. Get them in MaxSec, Birdcaged, or killed. Get it done Chief Director or I will fire you and replace you with someone who will. Am I clear?"

Rebecca looked at the President flatly. "Yes, Sir. I understand completely."

The President's expression softened. "Good. Rebecca, we are practically holding the country together with duct tape, chicken wire, and chewing gum. We have to start taking decisive action against these threats or there won't be a country left. Now, if there is nothing else then, have a good night Chief Director. Go home and celebrate this victory over pure evil."

Chief Director Rebecca Costa-Brown stood up, reached over the desk and shook the President's hand. "Good night sir."

She turned and left the Oval Office then quickly left the White House, taking note of the celebrations going on outside. Once she returned to her office at the DC PRT Headquarters building she secured her room then said, "Door to Cauldron." A portal opened and she stepped through it.

Cauldron Base
Conference Room
Unknown Location

Rebecca Costa-Brown didn't bother changing into her Alexandria costume. She walked into the room that her fellow Cauldron members used as their conference room. She looked angry.

Sitting at the conference table were the other members except for one. Looking around the room she asked, "Where the hell is Contessa?"

Doctor Mother said, "She is obviously running a Path."

Rebecca snarled, "Running a Path? How the hell..." Rebecca stopped talking as a portal opened and a woman in a suit wearing a fedora stepped through. Rebecca angrily said, "Where the hell were you? Where have you been? Why didn't you let me know the President was going to execute the Slaughterhouse Nine?! He took out a Fallen Clan at the same time, the others will be even more angry now. The Crowleys are going to try something for sure now that their God is dead!"

The fedora wearing woman took off the fedora she was wearing, setting it on the table. Next she pulled out the chair and sat down, taking out an apple from her suit pocket. She bit into it, chewing slowly. Rebecca's eye twitched. Kurt, known as Number Man looked amused while Legend known as Keith looked concerned. Eidolon was strangely looking gloomy.

Finally, the woman known as Contessa finishes chewing the bite of apple and says, "I was busy."

Rebecca hissed, "Busy?! Doing what?!"

Contessa had taken another bite of the apple as Rebecca spoke. Once finished she said, "Running a Path."

Rebecca angrily asked, "Doing what exactly?" Rebecca's patience was nearing its limits.

Contessa smiled but it was not a kind smile, "Bringing a weapon under our control." She paused for a moment then resumed. "Mister Manton is currently on one of our satellite bases heavily sedated where he will remain until we have need of his power. The Siberian is ours."

Everyone stared at Contessa.

Then she said, "Christine Mathers and her son Elijah are dead."

She took another bite of the apple, looking very much like a cat who'd just caught the canary.

Everyone stared at Contessa.

After what seemed like forever but was actually about ten seconds Rebecca said, "What. The. Hell!?"

With mischievous smile Contessa said, "You're welcome."

"Explain. Now." Rebecca said sternly.

Contessa calmly said, "The Path changed. The Slaughterhouse Nine were a threat to the Path. We can use Manton so...I captured him right before the detonation. Mathers and her son were another threat, so I removed them. There were additional casualties but they were acceptable." Contessa took another bite of the apple, finishing it off then throwing the core into a waste basket that was behind her in a perfect shot without looking.

She pushed her chair back, stood up, put the fedora back on her head and continued. "It works better this way. The technologies that the SDF-1 posesses will bring great changes. We have the advantage of more time now. Jack won't be the one that starts The End Of The World now. It's a good thing." Contessa whispered and a portal opened which she stepped through and the portal closed.

Rebecca was upset. "I really hate when she does that."

Legend said, "Rebecca, I know you're upset over what the President did today, I'm upset about it too but this is really good news. The Slaughterhouse Nine are gone. Finally."

Rebecca furiously said, "I know that! The problem is he used Her to do it! First, he declares the Slaughterhouse Nine as a National Security threat then he used a miltary response, not the Protectorate, not the PRT! The bastard had the gall to tell me about a conspiracy theory that the PRT and the Protectorate allowed the Slaughterhouse Nine to escape over the years, that it wasn't incompetence, then laughed and said he didn't believe in the conspiracy theories!"

Legend and Eidolon looked uncomfortable. Doctor Mother had her head looking at the clipboard she had in front. Number Man shrugged his shoulders. Number Man said, "Funny that he's actually correct."

Rebecca turned her head to look at Number Man with a glare. "Not. The. Time." She took a breath. "I went to the White House to personally express my displeasure over what he had done and the President ripped me apart over how we've handled the Slaughterhouse Nine over the years." She looked at Legend, "What did he say to you?"

"Well, I called him to express the Protectorate's displeasure over his decision and he proceeded to rip me and the Protectorate a new one. I told him that I disagreed over his decision to use that level of force and he said that had we done our jobs he wouldn't have had to do our job for us." Legend sighed, "Naturally, it went downhill from there. It ended with him giving me a directive. To start taking the monsters out. He wants the really bad ones in cells, Birdcaged, or dead. He give you the same directive?"

"Yes. The President wants the PRT and the Protectorate to start doing exactly that. We need to start planning for it. Which ones we can rebrand and use, those that we need to throw in MaxSec or the Birdcage, and those that need to dealt with permanently. Let's get started."

Hours Later

The group had spent hours going over a list of those Parahumans that they knew that the President would want to be dealt with. They broke the list down into different categories. The first was to list those that could be captured and rebranded as heroes. The next was to list those that could be captured and put in MaxSec or the Birdcage. The final list was for those Parahumans that had an existing kill order and those that needed to have a kill order placed on them.

It had taken a long time. Legend had argued for some of the extreme cases to be captured and put in MaxSec instead of Birdcaging or putting them on the kill list. Eidolon for some reason was gloomy and sulking and was being difficult the entire meeting.

His attitude was getting on Rebecca's nerves and finally Rebecca blew her top. "Alright, that's it. David, you've been a pain all throughout the meeting. What is your problem?"

Eidolon let out a sigh and shrugged.

Legend commented, "I don't know why you're sad, Leviathan's dead, the Slaughterhouse Nine are dead. You should be happy!"

Eidolon sighed again this time muttering something. Rebecca angrily said, "Would you care to repeat that?"

Eidolon sighed then said, "She's got the credit for killing Leviathan, when are they going to give her the credit for killing the Slaughterhouse Nine?"

Rebecca's eyes narrowed. "So what? Your attack cracked his core, that is what most likely allowed her to finish Leviathan off. You had as much to do in killing Leviathan as SDF-1 did. As for the Nine, I don't think the President will be giving her the credit since he hasn't done so. This is not important David. We are not.."

Eidolon interrupted Rebecca snarling, "It was important to ME! I've been fighting him and the others from the beginning! They are the only worthy opponents besi-"

Rebecca was out of her chair extremely fast. She grabbed Eidolon by the front of his costume, pulled him up and out of his chair then yanked his hood back and removed his mask so fast that it was as if she had teleported.

Looking at the most powerful hero in the eyes she angrily said, "Worthy opponents?! What are you, seven years old pretending you are in a comic book?! Worthy opponents!? I have news for you mister, the things we face are all worthy opponents, you apparently disagree but all it takes for someone to get lucky one time. Remember Hero? Hero paid the price for underestimating the enemy! I paid a price for the same reason! I lost my eye! We didn't expect that did we?! Worthy opponents?! Get your head out of your ass and focus! With your diminishing powers, you better watch out that the next battle you are in you don't get blindsided like Hero did and end up crippled or dead!"

Throwing Eidolon back into his chair hard enough that it almost fell over Rebecca turned back to her chair. Before she sat down she snarled, "Worthy opponents?! Scion is out there! We aren't ready for that fight, but he is the only true worthy opponent for all of humanity. This is not a game. Grow up."

Eidolon straightened himself up, stood up and was about to speak when a portal appeared and Contessa stepped through. She started throwing bundled up objects at everyone, Eidolon was the first then Rebecca, Doctor Mother, Legend, and Number Man was last. Eidolon took the bundle he had caught and realized was a T-Shirt. The front had an image of a young woman that was growing increasingly even more popular than ever before considering her song was broadcast during the battle with Leviathan. Underneath the image were the words "LYNN MINMAY'S BENEFIT THE BAY CONCERT MAY 18, 2011"

Everyone was looking at the shirts that Contessa had tossed at them. Rebecca looked at Contessa with an arched eyebrow and asked, "You went to a concert? Her concert?"

"Yes. There was a satellite concert at one of the parks in Brockton Bay. We will need to move some monies around but we must financially contribute to Brockton Bay's reconstruction."

Rebecca said, "We can do that if it is good for the Path. Now that you are here, please look this over." Rebecca passed over the list that they had all worked on over the past couple of hours.

Contessa took the pages and started looking at it. She took a pen from her pocket and started writing. Several minutes later she gave the list back to Rebecca. Rebecca looked it over then passed it to Legend. The Cauldron members looked it over and asked Contessa a few questions.

As the meeting was concluded and Rebecca, Legend, and Eidolon returned to their homes or offices, Eidolon wondered if Contessa had used her power to time her return when she had. Eidolon had to think about what Rebecca had said.

Brockton Bay
Same time as President was meeting the Chief Director

Taylor was flying over the city, taking note of the lights that were coming on as power was being restored to more of the city. More than half of the city now had power, including the Docks area near her home. The SDF-1 Macross City engineers were a big help to the city of Brockton Bay. Taylor marvelled at how much of the city had power now.

"Admiral", she said in awe, "your people are incredible workers to have so much of the city's power back so quickly."

Admiral Gloval chuckled. "They've had a bit of practice."

Taylor was feeling a lot of satisfaction. She had a hand in destroying the Slaughterhouse Nine today. The news giving the city of Brockton Bay and Macross City inside the SDF-1 even more of a party atmosphere. Especially when the President had revealed that the government had strong evidence that the Slaughterhouse Nine were travelling to Brockton Bay before their demise. With Leviathan and the Slaughterhouse Nine dead the party was on in full swing.

Of course people had been uneasy at first as word spread of a massive explosion over in the southwest part of the country in The Badlands. Taylor knew where the detonation happened due to her knowledge of the operation. The Slaughterhouse Nine had just crossed from New Mexico into Oklahoma at the edge of the panhandle several miles away from the former city of Boise City, Oklahama and had made a sudden turn south to head into Texas when they were hit.

People were confused at first. For the most part the citizens of Brockton Bay didn't overreact since what happened was just around 2,000 miles away give or take a few miles. There was a lot of speculation going on that the media spread which led to social media sites like PHO going nuts as people posted pictures and video of the massive mushroom cloud that was visible from as far as five hundred miles away. There was also a lot of postings of damage to property. Taylor winced at seeing those. Soon after the mushroom cloud became visible, the White House Press Secretary announced that a statement was coming from the President at around Noon EDT and that there was no need to panic.

Which of course led to some people over in Arizona, Utah, Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska, South Dakota, Wyoming, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Missouri, Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana to do just that...panic. Order was eventually restored with mostly minor to moderate injuries.

When the President made his announcement that the Slaughterhouse Nine were a National Security threat after they had wiped out a small Aizona town and were destroyed in what he said was a "weapons test" the city and the country exploded in celebration. There was a party atmosphere already with Leviathan being killed, this was the icing on the cake.

Taylor continued to fly over the city noticing the areas being rebuilt, looking at National Guard, BBPD, PRT, and her own Robotech Defense Forces on the ground as they did their part in helping with disaster relief and securing the city as she flew home until she had landed in the street in front of her home. It looked a little worse but there were signs of construction around her block. Her home was intact, workers from the SDF-1 had looked it over and made sure it was okay for habitation. Her house had power just like her neighbors did. She took note of the Spartan Destroid standing guard at the entrance into her neighborhood tract. She gave a friendly wave to the Destroid pilot then made her way inside.

As Taylor walked up to her house she noticed the repairs to the steps leading up to her house. "Thanks for getting the power up and running here, it means a lot."

Claudia replied with a little chuckle, "Well, we can't have our ship go without her home port."

Taylor smiled. "Home port, huh? Yeah I guess you're right."

Opening the front door she could hear noise from the kitchen so she called out, "Dad, I'm home!"

Her dad poked his head out from the kitchen. "Taylor!"

Father and daughter walked toward each other and hugged. Once the hug was broken Danny Hebert, Taylor's father smiled and said, "Welcome home, little owl. We have guests. Few people from the Association and the kids from New Wave, I thought Sarah could use a break. I'm sure you won't mind. I hope you're hungry."

Danny and Taylor walked into the kitchen to see the controlled chaos. Lacey was working on the stove frying french fries and onion rings on two dutch ovens just as Kurt was walking in from the backyard with a platter of freshly cooked hamburgers. The aroma reaching Taylor and her mouth watered as she realized how hungry she was.

That wasn't all, she sees more Dockworkers outside sitting or standing around, bottles or cans in hand, a few had plates of food. In the kitchen with Lacey there was Vicky Dallon being put to work slicing lettuce, onions, tomatoes, and the block of cheddar cheese for the burgers. Vicky's sister Amy Dallon was putting the burgers together, assembling them to order as people called out what they wanted on them. Once assembled, Kurt would grab the burgers, add fries or onion rings then he was passing the food around. Lacey kept an eye on the sister heroines, making sure they were alright.

Vicky and Amy greeted Taylor with "Heya!" and "Hi." respectively.

Lacey called out, "Welcome home squirt! Grab a burger, just tell Amy whacha want on it or put it together yourself. Grab fries or rings or both. Kurt's helping out and also working the grill. Let him know if you want more. Your dad is keeping us all entertained."

Taylor was a little gobsmacked at all the activity. She walked over, hugged Lacey, then turned and gave half hugs to Vicky and Amy, greeting the two. Taylor grabbed some onion rings and asked Amy for a double cheeseburger with everything.

As Amy put the requested burger for Taylor together, Taylor opened the fridge and pulled out a can of Coke for herself then grabbed two more for Amy and Vicky. Once the burger was complete Amy made burgers for Vicky and herself. Once done, Lacey shooed Amy and Vicky away with burgers and fries on their plates and directed the three girls to the outside.

As the three girls walked out into the backyard Taylor could see Crystal Pelham sitting at a table by the big tree. She had a plate of food but it was barely touched. Vicky and Amy led the way to sit by their cousin. As Taylor walked with them her dad's friends and coworkers greeted her. A few of them asked out loud if she had anything to do with what had happened to the Slaughterhouse Nine.

Taylor stooped halfway to Crystal's table and said in a loud voice, "I can neither confirm nor deny with being responsible or having anything to do with the Slaughterhouse Nine's demise. The same applies to any of my crew. However, in light of this momentous news I am happy to announce that musical sensation Lynn Minmay will be performing live later tonight at the Macross City Amphitheater and her concert will be broadcasting over the air on the radio, public television, and streaming on the internet. So stick around for a great show."

There were claps, applause, and cheers.

Taylor finished walking to the table and sat down, joining the New Wave kids. She walked over and hugged Crystal then sat down. She came to the hard realization that Vicky and Amy were orphans while Crystal had lost her dad and her brother because of the battle with Leviathan.

Leviathan, the Endbringer had slaughtered many capes in Brockton Bay. The ABB had lost their capes before he attacked. Lung was released from custody to fight the Endbringer and while he fought hard and valiantly, the rematch went in Leviathan's favor. While the gang was honoring the Truce, the gang was crumbling to infighting.

The Empire 88 had lost many of their capes. Fenja, Menja, Hookwolf, Victor, Krieg, Crusader, Stormtiger, Cricket were all killed by the Endbringer and while Purity had left the Empire and fled the city before the Endbringer attack, she showed up for the fight with Leviathan under a new name and left immediately after. Night and Fog had left the city the same time Purity had but did not show up for the battle. They had been seen in Boston without Purity though. Additionally, the Empire had taken heavy losses to their regular forces. So they were licking their wounds.

The Merchants had fallen apart after Skidmark had been killed right before the Endbringer attack in a fight with Kaiser. Skidmark hurt Kaiser badly, forcing him to retreat but Kaiser killed Skidmark when Skidmark taunted Kaiser for "running away". Squealer vanished, apparently taking their entire cash stockpiles with her.

On the Heroic side, losses to the Wards were Browbeat, Gallant, and Kid Win. Protectorate losses were Velocity, Assault, Battery, and Triumph. Miss Militia had lost an arm that Panacea had regrown. Dauntless had suffered from a broken back and legs but Panacea healed him too. He was promoted to Protectorate leader because something had happened with Armsmaster during the battle and now the only thing publicly being said was that Armsmaster was taking time off.

Aboard the SDF-1 shift changes had taken place among the crew. Many citizens of Macross City left their jobs but given that the ship operated twenty four hours there were businesses operating the same hours. There were still five thousand Brockton Bay citizens temporarily living in the city as well. Parties and celebrations aboard the SDF-1 were beginning to start to celebrate the demise of Leviathan and the Slaughterhouse Nine. She could sense the Bridge crew were going to the concert along with twenty five thousand citizens.

Taylor was startled from her ruminations by Amy when she gave Taylor a light shove.

"You okay? You blanked out there.", asked Amy.

Taylor nodded, "Yeah, sorry. I just got caught up in my thoughts." Taylor took a bite of her double cheeseburger and moaned. "God, this is so good. I hate to admit it but I am starved. Its been a day." Taylor had eaten half of her burger very quickly. Looking at it, she looked up at Kurt working the grill. She stood up and said, "Uncle Kurt! Two more double cheeseburgers please!"

There were some laughs from some of the Dockworkers but Kurt turned to look at Taylor and said, "Coming right up, kid!"

Her father had looked and smiled. Sitting back down Taylor resumed eating and finished her cheeseburger in seconds. Looking at her empty hands, she sighed.

Vicky rolled her eyes. "You still have onion rings."

Taylor started eating a few of those then once she stopped chewing and swallowed she said, "I know, but it's not a burger." She picked up another onion ring, dipped it in ranch then ate it, looking sad.

Amy, Crystal, and Vicky looked at each other then looked at Taylor. They said in unison, "Oh, come on!" Vicky reached out and gave Taylor a light Gibbs slap to the back of Taylor's head.

Taylor kept her sad expression for few seconds then started laughing.

The three girls looked at Taylor oddly. Taylor stopped laughing then said, "Gotcha."

Vicky gave Taylor another Gibbs slap. "Unreal."

Taylor giggled. "Be right back, burgers are ready." She stood up after finishing her onion rings then went to go get her food.

She returned with another plate with two double cheeseburgers with onion rings.
Sitting down again Taylor started eating her food fairly quickly.

Eyes slightly wide Amy said, "Slow down there Taylor, remember to chew then swallow instead of eating the burger in one bite."

Taylor finished chewing her food and said, "Ha ha. Like I said, I'm starving." She bit into her burger again, finishing the first one quickly.

Taking a moment to use napkins, and drink some of her Coke, Taylor said, "I'm glad you are all here. I'm glad you guys could make it. I know it can't be easy for you right now. I know I told you all this after the battle but I want you to know if there is anything I can do or anything you need you let me know."

The three New Wave girls nodded their heads. Vicky finished her burger and said, "Thanks Taylor. Your friendship and support means everything. But I think my sister, my cousin, my aunt, and I cannot thank you enough for killing Leviathan. That gives us a sense of comfort because that thing will never hurt or kill anyone else ever again."

Crystal and Amy nodded their heads. Amy put an arm around Crystal's shoulder. "Your search and rescue teams found and saved Crystal." She paused, gathering herself to speak. "Taylor, thanks to them, they were able to stabilize her and get her to Brockton General fast enough so I was able to save her." Amy reached and grabbed her sister and hugged her with her other arm. "Leviathan took everything from us. Vicky's right. We cannot thank you and your crew enough. I know I have not been a good friend to you, Taylor. I held my views on the military against you which was not fair. I'd like to start things over and really become your friend instead of just some acquaintance."

Amy released Vicky from her one arm hug and reached out to shake Taylor's hand. Taylor smiled took Amy's hand and shook it, then she moved in and enveloped the three New Wave girls into a hug. "Group hug!" Vicky cried out.

The hug lasted for a minute then with the hug broken, all four girls had tears falling down their cheeks. For Taylor, the memory of losing her mother came back. She knew that the pain Amy, Crystal, and Vicky were feeling was still extremely raw. She felt those same feelings just two years ago. Now she was reminded of that loss. The four girls embraced each other again and cried together until they stopped. Each person pulling away when ready. Crystal was the first, she got up and went inside the house. Amy was next and Vicky was the last to pull away. Each person went inside to use the bathroom to wash their face and look presentable.

When each girl came out, Lacey was there with a hug. Danny also was there to offer his own support.

Taylor returned to the table, grabbed her remaining food and rushed inside to reheat it. That done returned to the table where she resumed eating. As she was chewing her burger an idea had come into her head. Thinking about it, it seemed to be a good idea. She didnt want anyone to hear what she was planning so she focused her thoughts and a phone rang aboard the SDF-1.

When Admiral Gloval answered the phone, Taylor spoke, "Admiral Gloval, sorry to disturb you Sir but I have a request."

Admiral Gloval listened, pondered her request then said, "Permission granted. I'll take care of things here."

Disconnecting the call, she focused her thoughts again to locate the person she was looking for and upon locating that person, she made another phone call.

The phone was answered on the second ring. "Hello?"

"Hello, Miss Minmay, it's Taylor."

Excitedly, Minmay replied, "Oh Taylor, hi! This is so weird...um...how are you?"

Taylor chuckled. "Tell me about it. I'm doing okay all things considering. I'm sorry to bother you in your dressing room, I know you're getting ready for your concert but I was wondering if I could ask you for three tickets for your concert tonight? They are for some friends that are hurting right now."

Minmay reached for a pen then said, "Just three tickets? Is that all you need? That's not a problem. What are their names?"

Taylor told Minmay the names.

"Okay, Taylor I will make sure that their tickets will be at Will Call. Anything else?"

"Nope, that'll do it. Um, they really don't want any extra attention so um, don't point them out during the show please."

Minmay nodded her head. "Got it, they just need a distraction. Don't worry, I will make sure they have a good time. You won't be missing my concert will you?"

Taylor chuckled. "I wouldn't dream of it. Good luck tonight Minmay."

"Thanks Taylor." The singing sensation hung up the phone then called her manager to get the special request taken care of. After that she returned to getting ready.

Taylor returned to finishing her food watching as Amy, Crystal, and Vicky had returned to the table with more food on plates, this time it was hot dogs. Taylor's eyes widened.

"Those weren't on the grill earlier.", Taylor said.

Crystal grinned. "Special requests."

The New Wave girls sat down. Taylor looked at Vicky's hot dog with all the toppings and reached over as if to take it and Vicky swatted Taylor's hand.

Vicky yelled, "NO! Bad Taylor! It's mine! Go get your own!"

Giggling, Taylor said, "But, there's a perfectly cooked hot dog right next to me!" Vicky held Taylor's hot dog thieving hand at bay with one hand then picked up her hot dog with the other and bit into it. Taylor stopped trying to steal the hot dog and said, "Okay, you can have that one." Turning to look at Amy and Crystal, both girls quickly picked up their hot dogs and took bites. Taylor rolled her eyes. "Fiiiiiiiiiinnnneeeee. Be that way." She finished her double cheeseburger as there were only a few bites left.

Taylor watched her friends eat. Vicky was almost done with her hot dog, pausing she asked, "Are you getting a hot dog or not?"

Taylor replied, "I just put away three double cheeseburgers and onion rings. There's a limit, even for me...but, I could go get one or two hot dogs if I wanted."

Crystal's eyes widened in surprise. "Wow, you try the Challenger at Fugly's?"

Vicky laughed while Amy and Crystal looked confused. Taylor smiled while saying, "I finished the Challenger in fifteen minutes. They will only let me take the challenge twice a month now. Vicky's seen me do it twice. She tried to do it the same time with me once."

Crystal was shocked, "Fifteen minutes? Damn, that's impressive." Then she looked at Vicky. "I remember now, that was the day you were begging Amy to make your stomach ache to go away!"

Vicky covered her face with her hands then slid her hands downward to reveal her face. "Don't remind me, it would have been worth it if I had won." She held up her hand with her index finger and thumb close together. "I was THIS close! So not fair. I will win next time, I'm not going to eat anything the day before. Make sure I'm very, very hungry next time." Vicky had a look of determination on her face.

Amy quickly asked Taylor, "You have to eat a lot?"

Taylor nodded. "Yeah, I do. Power shenanigans, ya know? What I eat and drink apparently turns into supplies for the crew and citizens aboard me...I try not to think about it." Taylor was turning slightly red from embarrassment.

Crystal said, "That can't be easy on the budget."

Taylor sighed, "It isn't, but I am getting a paycheck through my work with the Department of Defense. It's kinda like a Wards contract except better pay. That helps Dad with the grocery bills and stuff."

Amy asked, "Better pay? How much better?"

Taylor replied with a grin, "Why do you want to know all of a sudden? Thinking of joining?"

Amy snorted, "As if."

Taylor snickered. "Really, it's not that bad. Anyway, looks like you've finished your hot dogs, are you ready for some fun?"

The girls looked at her skeptically. Amy snorted. "Fun? Can't have much fun in a city torn up by an Endbringer that's still putting itself together."

Taylor raised her index finger, pointing upward. "Ah, but what if you were in a city that was intact? What then?"

They looked confused.

Taylor smiled, "Ladies, you forget that I have a city aboard. Here's my offer, I have contacted Admiral Gloval and secured his permission for you to board the ship. Once aboard you girls will get to go to the Minmay concert. After that you guys can stay the night at a nice hotel. I've worked it out, how's that sound?"

The girls were surprised. Amy said, "That's nice Taylor but..."

Taylor interrupted with "Bup bup bup! Nope! No arguments!" She placed a hand on Amy's and Vicky's shoulder. Looking at the three girls, "Look, I know how you all are feeling. I've been there. I can see it in your eyes that you need this. So! You three will be going to the concert and you will have fun!"

Vicky leaned in to her sister and cousin and the three girls had a whispered conversation. A moment later the girls separated and Crystal said, "We've discussed it and we decided that we'll go."

Taylor gave a cheer. "Yes! Trust me, you will have a great time!"

"How's this going to work?", Crystal asked.

Taylor clapped her hands and rubbed them together. "It's really simple. Are you guys ready?"

Amy, Crystal, and Vicky all said "Yes."

Taylor smiled, "Alright, this will feel weird but trust me it's safe, there are five thousand Brockonites temporarily living in the city. First thing, you will be greeted by a military officer to process your paperwork, give you a pass kind of thing. Minmay will have one of her staff waiting to pick you up and bring you to the concert. After that, she'll have someone take you all to a hotel and tomorrow, after breakfast you will be brought to the departure/arrival spot and you will be right back here. All set? I'm going to hold your hand, just relax."

Taylor took Crystal's hand and held it. Amy and Vicky watched as Crystal shrank very fast and there was a little "Pop" sound, almost like a bubble bursting sound.

Vicky asked, "Where is she?"

Taylor pointed to one of the large flight elevators on the Prometheus. Standing in the center was a very tiny Crystal Pelham. She waved at Amy, Taylor, and Vicky.

Vicky and Amy looked at each other. Amy shrugged and said, "I've got nothing." Amy offered her hand to Taylor and a second later Amy had shrunk just like Crystal and she appeared next to her cousin.

Vicky looked down at her tiny sister and cousin taking notice that there were no aircraft on the flight deck. "No more flights?"

Taylor said, "Not until tomorrow morning unless I get an order to scramble."

Vicky said, "Well that's good I guess. Okay, I'm ready to be small!" She held out her hand to Taylor and just like with Amy and Crystal she shrank and disappeared in a "Pop", reappearing on the flight deck elevator next to her sister and cousin.

Taylor waved at them as the elevator lowered, "Have fun!" Taylor then headed over to the grill where Kurt and her dad were at. There was a hot dog calling her before the concert started.

Aboard the SDF-1
Aircraft Carrier CVS-101 Prometheus

Once the elevator finished lowering to the hanger area of the aircraft carrier the three girls saw Veritechs being worked on by maintenance workers, others were ready to be moved to the elevators so they could be launched into the sky.

While it was loud, the three New Wave girls heard a voice speaking to them. They turned to face the speaker, a young man wearing a blue and white uniform.

"Hello, I am Lieutenant Sinclair. Welcome aboard the SDF-1," gesturing his arms wide he continued, "This, of course is the Prometheus. If you'll follow me please?" The Lieutenant led the three girls out of the hanger to a jeep.

Once secured on the jeep they travelled through the corridors of the warship until they reached a point where the Prometheus was connected to the SDF-1. The jeep came to a stop.

"We will get out here, and through this door will be your second to last stop." Leading them through there was a hallway with doors. Opening a door, he gestured for them to enter. Inside was a spartan room. There was another person inside, a young woman in an identical uniform. The girls noticed that the young woman had long purple hair.

She greeted them with a smile, "Hello, I'm Lieutenant Jenius. Admiral Gloval has tasked me with processing your ID cards for your visit. Who would like to go first?"

Crystal stepped forward, "I'll go first."

The process was fairly quick for each person. In the end, they were presented with special ID cards with their pictures.

Vicky was looking at her ID card, specifically at her picture. "I don't like my picture, can I take another one?"

Crystal took Vicky's ID card from Vicky's hand, looked at the picture them put it back in Vicky's hand and said, "Your picture is fine. Let's go."

Lieutenant Jenius was smiling as she said, "I'm sorry but unless there was an error with the picture, there are no retakes. Miss Pelham, since you are eighteen, you will be responsible for your cousins during the duration of your stay."

Crystal nodded.

Lieutenant Jenius resumed speaking, "Ladies, while you are aboard the SDF-1, we hope you enjoy yourselves. The Admiral and Command staff are aware of your identities and your special capabilities. Please refrain from using them while aboard unless it is an absolute emergency. Lieutenant Sinclair will be acting as your liaison while aboard. If there is anything you need, you can contact him. One last thing," Lieutenant Jenius gave each heroine what looked like an ATM card. "The Admiral has arranged for two hundred dollars to be loaded on each of these cards. You can use them to pay for goods and services while aboard. Activation instructions are on the card. Also, the businesses in Macross City will accept your currency if you have cash. Any questions?"

After a quick question and answer session the girls left the room where Lieutenant Sinclair was waiting. "Ladies, this way." He led them back to the jeep. Once they climbed aboard and were secured, the Lieutenant drove a short distance. During the short trip he provided a phone that they could use to activate their payment cards. Reaching their last stop, he parked the jeep in a designated zone then led the trio to what were a bank of elevators. Pushing the "UP" button, the elevator door opened and they all entered it. The Lieutenant pushed a button, the doors closed and the elevator started climbing.

Vicky looked at the numbers on the elevator.
She whistled and said, "Damn, that's a lot of floors."

Smiling, the Lieutenant said, "This is only for part of the ship, there's another bank of elevators that take you the rest of the way. And here we are." The doors opened and he said, "Ladies, welcome to Macross City."

Everyone stepped out of the elevator and the three girls with their guide were in the middle of a metropolis. Amy, Crystal, and Vicky stared in shock. It was nighttime, they looked up and saw a beautiful night sky complete with the moon. All three girls were in awe.

Their comments were many and said all at once. "Wow! Amazing! This is inside... Incredible! Absolutely incredible."

They looked amazed at what they were seeing. A voice called out to them. "Hello, you must be the young ladies I was told to pick up."

Turning to the right there was a young man with neatly combed blonde hair wearing dark blue slacks and a blue dress shirt leaning by a banister next to the steps. "Hi there, I'm Bill Preston, one of Minmay's assistants, the designated gofer as it were. You must be the Dallon sisters and Miss Pelham."

Amy and Vicky nodded their heads while Crystal said, "That's right. I'm Crystal, that is my cousin Amy and that's Vicky."

The young man named Bill smiled. "Excellent." Looking at Lieutenant Sinclair he said, "Guess your job is done Sir. I'll take these ladies to the Amphitheatre."

Lieutenant Sinclair nodded, "Very well, I shall leave them in your hands. Take care of them. Ladies, if you need anything you have my contact details."

Bill said, "You got it." As Lieutenant Sinclair turned to leave Bill said, "Hey, uh,...If you see Ted Logan could you tell him Bill said 'hello'?"

The Lieutenant nodded then walked to the elevators.

Bill gestured for the trio to follow him. They walked down the stairs and Bill led them to a mid sized car. He opened the doors for them and they all got in, Bill started the vehicle and they were moving.

As the car started on its journey Bill said, "Hey if you are thirsty, there's a little cooler with bottled water and juice. Miss Minmay uses this car for when she wants to travel incognito."

The girls were still full from dinner so they declined.

Amy asked, "This is incredible, you have cars in here! What about pollution?"

Bill said, "Oh, all vehicles in the city and used by the military run on clean energy."

Crystal asked, "I have to ask, how is everyone dealing with this, that your ship is a fifteen year old girl?"

Bill chuckled, "Well it hasn't been easy, but for the most part nothing has changed too much for us regular folks. Life in Macross City is still the same with the exception of what happened three days ago. Bad enough having giant aliens trying to kill us, but now we find out we aren't in our dimension, people here have super powers, and there's giant monsters right out of Godzilla...yeah...its been an adjustment. Mostly we dont see it except in the news. We heard something big happened today though."

Vicky said, "Yeah, the Slaughterhouse Nine were wiped out today. Good riddance."

"Slaughterhouse Nine? How original. Not. Sorry, I'm pretty bad with current events, dont even get me started on ancient history. I take it they're pretty bad, yeah?"

Crystal said, "They're the worst."

Amy said, "Saying they're bad is an understatement."

Vicky said, "Monsters, all of them."

"Well they're gone, another reason to celebrate, right?"

Crystal nodded. "Yeah."

Bill smiled and said, "Then you came at the right time."

Vicky did a double take. "Wait. Giant aliens? Your military was fighting giant aliens?"

Bill looked uncomfortable. "Uh, forget I said anything."

Crystal said, "You're not joking. Can you tell us more."

"Not really, no. Orders from the Mayor and the military. Sorry."

Crystal gave Vicky a look as if to say "Drop it."

The car reached a security gate and Bill used a card to get the automated gate to rise. Driving through, the car entered into an underground garage. He parked the car in a spot that was designated for VIPs.

Leading them through the garage to an elevator Bill says, "As you've guessed we are under the Amphitheatre. I actually have your tickets and passes, so there's no need to go to the Will Call." The elevator door opened and they all entered. Bill handed each girl a ticket and a lanyard with a special pass. It was glossy and colorful with an image of Lynn Minmay on the center.

Bill said, "You have great seats for the show, Minmay always puts on a great show. I just know you will have a great time. The pass will get you backstage for the meet and greet after the concert."

They walked out of the elevator through the building as Bill explained where to meet up after the concert so he could take them backstage to meet Minmay and from there to the hotel. Moving along, tickets were turned in and he led them to their seats. The amphitheatre was more than half full now as people were arriving for the concert.

Bill said goodbye and left them smiling. Vicky decided to go hit the merchandise stand. She returned twenty minutes later with T-shirts for the three of them. The seats were filling more quickly. The girls put on the shirts and said hello to the other people around them. They were happy at the anonymity in that nobody recognized them.

Soon, the Amphitheatre was full, the crowd was excited, anticipation was building. Chants of "Minmay" were starting.

Vicky said, "Crowd seems ready."

Crystal and Amy nodded their heads. Crystal said, "Looks like it. I think it's going to start soon."

The lights turned off. The crowd roared.

A single spotlight shined onto the curtain which opened and a young woman walked out. Giant screens behind the singer were showing the famous singer so people at the very back could see her. The crowd roared, cheers so loud that the three girls were shocked. Amy, Crystal, and Vicky recognized the famous singer in a blue and white dress that sparkled and shined under the bright spotlight.

After a few minutes, the crowd noise settled down to a quiet. This was not what the crowd had expected.

Finally, Lynn Minmay lifted the microphone she was holding and said, "Hello everyone, I'm Lynn Minmay."

The crowd cheered.

Lynn Minmay continued, "Thank you. Thank you all. I'm happy to be here and I'm happy to see you all. We are broadcasting this special concert over the air on the radio, public television, and we are streaming over the internet. Three days ago tragedy struck our sister city of Brockton Bay when the monster known as Leviathan attacked. Many lives were lost, from the Heroes that fought and died fighting him, the civilian lives lost, and we lost some of our own people that defend us as well. Thankfully, victory over the monster was achieved by our ship the SDF-1 striking the killing blow, killing the monster that has been destroying cities, and killing people for over a decade. For the first time, an Endbringer was killed, but the cost was high. I grieve for all those losses. I ask you all to join me in a moment of silence to remember All of Leviathan's victims from his first attack on the city of Oslo in Norway in 1996 to this attack on Brockton Bay just three days ago. Let us remember them in our hearts and minds."

Everyone stood up and the moment of silence began. When it was over, Minmay said, "Thank you, everyone. As you have heard, earlier today a horrible, terrible, evil group of super powered villains were killed today. The so called Slaughterhouse Nine were truly terrible and while there was damage to property from their destruction we can relax knowing that they will never harm anyone ever again. Let us have a moment of silence to remember all of the victims of the Slaughterhouse Nine."

After the moment of silence was over Minmay said, "Thank you everyone. Now, before this concert begins I have an announcement. This concert is now a benefit concert for our sister city of Brockton Bay. All proceeds from tonights concert will go towards the relief effort that is currently underway. To kick this off, I am going to donate two million dollars for this cause."

There was a lot of applause and cheers. The three New Wave girls clapped and cheered with the crowd.

"Thank you, everyone. If you wish to make a donation, the website is hopeforbrocktonbay..org. You can also call the following number of 1-888-xxx-xxxx. I have another announcement, to just say that this concert may have a surprise or two ahead. Now, are we ready to have some fun?" Minmay was exuberant.

The crowd roared. Minmay chants started.

Minmay said, "Let's start things off with a trip to Sunset Beach!"

The crowd screamed its approval and the music started to play and Minmay began to sing.

The concert was off to a great start. Minmay sang three more of her songs from her first album, My Boyfriend is a Pilot, Stage Fright, and To Be in Lovethen vanishing only to reappear very quickly wearing a new dazzling outfit.

The effects were dazzling, lasers and holographic projections of Minmay appeared over the crowd frequently during each of her songs. Crystal was really enjoying the show. The laser effects actually gave her some ideas for her powers. Looking at Vicky, she had her head bopping to the music and even Amy had a smile on her face.

Minmay kicked off the next part of her concert by singing Little White Dragon, 0-G Love, and a cover of Madonna's song Frozenthat blew the audience away.

Thanking the crowd Minmay said, "Brockton Bay and Macross City I did say there may be surprises and here is the first one! Coming to us live via satellite from her home studio...Katy Perry!"

The giant screen behind switched from showing her image to a black screen that then switched to showing the famous singer in a recording booth.

The celebrity realized that she was "on". "Hello Brockton Bay and Macross City! I'm so excited to participate in this benefit show that Lynn Minmay has arranged! I wish I could be there but I want you to know you are in my heart. Brockton Bay, I have been watching this concert from the beginning and Minmay's very inspirational. I'm going to match Minmay's donation of two million dollars for this cause."

The crowd cheered.

"I have a song that I hope inspires the people of Brockton Bay to rise, to bring out the light within. It's called Firework.

Katy sang her hit song and the crowd loved it.

"Thank you Brockton Bay and Macross City! I hope to see you soon! Your city will rise and be stronger!"

The screen went black for a moment then returned to showing Minmay who had changed into another amazing dress. Minmay thanked the crowd again and started to sing again starting off with Silver Moon, Red Moonthen on to My Beautiful Place, and Love Drifts Away.

Minmay had the crowd in her hands. Amy, Crystal, and Vicky were having a great time. They were swept up by the performance and by the crowds energy.

Minmay said, "I have another surprise for you all! Thanks to all of you, we were able to avert a terrible miscarriage of justice and set free someone who was being wrongfully prosecuted! Ladies and gentlemen, here she is at a secret location...Bad Canary!"

The crowd screamed its approval as the giant screen went black. Then a young woman's voice said, "Is it working? I don't think it's working."

Another woman's voice spoke, "It's working Paige, back up."

"Oh, right." The black went away as the person blocking the camera moved away to reveal the recently freed singer Paige Macabee aka Bad Canary. She was wearing a Tinker tech collar around her neck but she was free. She wore a black T-Shirt emblazoned with "Free Bird" and a caricature of her face was underneath the words. Smiling the singer said, "Hello Brockton Bay and Macross City! It's me, Bad Canary! I want to thank you Miss Minmay and the people of Macross City for doing so much to help me with my case to see that justice was done. I want to help Brockton Bay too so now that I have access to my funds, I'm going to donate two million dollars for this cause too!" The crowd cheered and Minmay thanked Canary.

Canary said, "I'm here right now in a secret location working on songs for my next album which is coming along great and I cannot wait to perform these songs live for you all. When Minmay asked if I wanted to participate I jumped at the opportunity. But I told her that I thought we should sing a song together and she agreed."

Minmay spoke, "We thought about it, we talked about it, and we decided on a song from the past. I think you will recognize it. Ready, Canary?"

The parahuman singer was standing by the microphone. "Ready, Minmay!"

A bass line started followed a piano joining in playing two keys and everyone quickly recognized the song. Bad Canary and Lynn Minmay covered the Queen and David Bowie hit Under Pressurewith Canary singing David Bowie's vocals while Minmay sang Freddie Mercury's vocals that was so amazing it would be talked about for years to come.

Canary thanked the crowd. "I hope to play for you again soon! Come see me when I visit Brockton Bay! I also plan on finding a way to visit and play for you Macross City! Bye now!"

The crowd was cheering wildly and emphatically.

Minmay said, "Thank you everyone!" and she walked off stage. The crowd kept cheering, chanting "Minmay" and "We want more!"

After a few minutes Minmay came back out wearing a pink scarf that had a blue opal tying the scarf together along with short white skirt with a pink bow tied in the front at her waist with pink gloves. Music started and Minmay began to sing An Angel's Paints.

After the song Minmay waited for the crowd noise to settle then said, "Everyone, if you are watching on public television, or streaming on the internet, listening on the radio to this impromptu benefit concert for Brockton Bay, thank you for your donations to this cause. It warms my heart to see such kindness from all of you. Sadly, it is almost time for this show to be over but I want you to go home feeling inspired. This last song is to bring hope, it's called We Will Win"

Minmay performed her inspirational song, bringing the crowd to sing along. Amy, Crystal, and Vicky joined in the sing along, arms raised holding light sticks matching the crowd's movements.

The song ended, the crowd roared in its excitement Minmay waved and blew kisses to the crowd. "Thank you! Thank you! Good night everyone! Please come again to my next show and I will participate in a future benefit show for Brockton Bay whenever that happens. Good night everyone!" Minmay waved goodbye then walked off stage. The crowd kept chanting Minmay's name for a few minutes then started to leave the amphitheatre.

Amy, Crystal, and Vicky left to go to the meet and greet.

Author's Note: Wow, this got really freaking long. I didnt plan that, it just happened. Anyway, I hope you all liked this. I was all set to write the descriptive text of a Reflex missile detonation but the words kept fighting with me and it just kept getting worse and worse as I tried so I cut it because it was really, really bad. If I can find the words and that those words are decent, I will put them in. I'm pretty sure that this is the last of SDF-1 Macross Taylor Hebert unless the plot bunny slaps me silly. Given that Robotech Minmay didn't have many songs, I pulled songs that Minmay performed in Macross. On the bright side, there's a few Easter Eggs/Homages in the snippet, hope you liked them if you spotted them.