Return to Macross
A sequel to Earth Wanderers
chapter 8 - Epilogue
six months later
Macross, its citizens and new Zentraedi allies returned to Earth.
The surviving remnants of the Bodollezer Fleet, which had retreated from the solar system, would surely find another main fleet and would tell of the mysterious world of the Protoculture who knows?
And so the humans and Zentraedis began their life of coexistence. Inside the now-stationary Macross, an emergency government was formed, with leaders from both races meeting to carefully devise plans for moving forward.
They need to work together to reconstruct Earth and its culture, and to protect that culture from outside enemies. And the Reconstruction proceeded. The New Unified Government was established: Bruno J. Global was appointed as its founding chief executive: Exsedol, now micronized, was his right-hand man.
Max and Milia, having undergone the same process, had got married and were now officially the first human-zentraedi couple in history.
They had kept on flying Valkyrie thus becoming leaders of their own squadrons. Hikaru Ichijo had been raised to Captain and was still leading the Skull Squadron: plus soon would begin the flight testing of the new fighter, the VF-4 Lightning III, and Hikaru had been chosen as the lead pilot. Inside the Macross, the command center for the new Unified Forces was being set up, and Misa Hayase had been appointed as its head: Vanessa was her second in command while Kim and Shammy along with newcomer Kenichi Makizaki were in charge of monitoring air and ground traffic. Claudia had become Global's sidekick, a role somewhere between political and strategic.
Minmay and Kaifun started to tour the new villages and towns, bringing Minmay's songs to anyone who would listen... both humans and Zentraedis.
For half a year, Kaifun had been nothing but kind to her, and she certainly didn't dislike him. No, she even liked him, to a degree... he was passionate about his yearning for peace, but also, he was deeply in love with her. And she was happy when she thought of it. But still she simply couldnt decide. Something had fractured; at least in her heart. At 17, she didn't want to decide her future, she was content just living her dream of singing. So Minmay and Kaifun went on their world tour, and peace continued to reign.
The Nature Reclamation Project began as soon as the Macross returned to Earth. The Chief Engineer, with his team and the efforts of Dr. Gina Bartlow, set up a pioneering process: the first task undertaken was the purification of the atmosphere. For now it seemed breathable, but it was expected to become a major problem in the long run. With the delivery of chemical reaction agents, the atmosphere began to be restored. And to revive the flora and fauna, the Chief Engineer used the technology of the Zentraedi miclone chambers system: it was discovered that the same system could be used to create clones.
They managed to gather cell samples from virtually any form of plant and animal life. Through artificial breeding devices and growth accelerators, the inhabitants of the natural world began to be reborn in numbers of a few, then dozens. And the Nature Recovery Program began to restore every area of Earth to the kind of life that had previously lived there.
After only six months since the Nature Reclamation Project had started, the hills were green, Macross City was full of giants and miclones, everything had been born anew. People were now finally getting used to living in peace again.*
One day during a routine patrol, Hikaru felt a pang of uncertainty. He had worked hard as a flight test pilot and knew that the new VF-4 Lightning III had not been merely designed to defend Earth from any attacks. They were far too sophisticated, and more than this, they were meant to fly in space. He knew that a new ship was under construction on the Apollo base, on the Moon. It was named SDF2 Megaroad 01.
Hikaru landed his Valkyrie in gerwalk mode on what looked to all intents and purposes like a field of flowers.
A field of flowers!
Hikaru smiled, flipped up the visor of his helmet and in an instant jumped out of the canopy.
He took a few steps on the fresh, fragrant grass. The sun was shining high on the brand new landscape. Suddenly he remembered when, as a child, he used to run on a similar lawn, while in the sky, his sempai Roy flew the stunt plane.*
Hikaru crouched on the ground and carefully picked a flower. It was yellow, up of countless petals. He smiled again... he could feel the energy of the Earth running through his veins.
Misa had been upgraded to the rank of Captain and was at the head of the New Macross command center. It was a newly rebuilt base inside the old space fortress. Her shift was over and she enjoyed heading home walking home at dusk. After the atmosphere was purified, the sky started to turn into surreal colors, from deep purple to bright coral red to yellow-gold. Each time, the sunset was an unexpected sight.
Misa wrapped up in her military trench coat as she exited the side entrance and walked down the walkway that bordered the lake. She was deep in thought and didn't notice, until it was in front of her, that a young officer in a flawless blue uniform was leaning casually against the railing. When their eyes met he snapped a salute and gave her a charming smile. Misa's cheeks turned a tinge of scarlet. She still hadn't gotten used to the effect he had on her. Sometimes, after making love for hours, during the night she woke up and touched his face softly, as if to make sure he was there. Sometimes she couldn't believe it was really hers.
-Captain Ichijo!
she said with affection
-At ease!
Hikaru relaxed his shoulders and advanced towards her.
So, as if it were no big deal, he wrapped an arm around her shoulders and kissed her on the forehead, between her temple and eye. Misa blushed even more, but accepted this lack of discipline with delight.
-Did you wait for me too long?
-Only half an hour. I walked myself around.
he said as they resumed walking
They stepped into the sunset turning to darkness. The new city lit up with incredibly bright lights. It was a solace to their hearts.
-I was on patrol in the East Quadrant today
he started. He slid his arm off her shoulder and took one of her hands. Their fingers intertwined
- There's an incredible pile of fighter carcasses and Zentraedi pods as well. They should be disposed of...
-Will you report this to the chief engineer... shall you?
she murmured
Hikaru nodded:
-But there's something more.
he let go of her hand and started walking backwards facing her
-What, Hikaru?
Misa was puzzled.
He brought a hand to his jacket pocket, on the side of his heart.
The flower was slightly dented but still retained its golden color. Keeping it by the small stem he handed it to Misa. They stopped in the middle of the passageway.
-Oh...
she took it carefully in her hands
-It's beautiful!
-There's a field, a whole field of flowers... I think they're dandelions! It's incredible Misa! ... they grew wild where there was only death and destruction!
Hikaru's eyes sparkled, and she smiled with joy: when she thought she couldn't love him any more than that, he always came up with something new.
They started to walk again. Misa still held the flower gently, in her hand.
By now it was already night.
-Misa, I... As soon as our shifts overlap, I'd like to take you there...
-Oh Hikaru, it would be great, I mean...I'd really love to go!
In the flashing of the street lamps, Misa's eyes shone like two rare gems.
Hikaru smiled and leaned over her, capturing her mouth with his.
Although Misa was often on edge about their new assignments and always tried to maintain a composed and irreproachable demeanor in public, at that very moment she reciprocated his kiss with passion.
There was just nothing that could make her happier.
-I love you
he whispered on her breath
-I love you.
The climate restoration had been a success, and despite it was the last days of February the weather was already warm and the sun's beams were pleasantly benevolent on the ground: that was why those flowers had bloomed in the middle of a green meadow of grass, wasn't it?
Misa gasped and clung to the backseat of the new Super Ostrich Valkyrie as Hikaru fired the engines and left New Macross City at full speed.
His flying violated all the rules of common sense and air traffic. But the world had recently ended and those rules made no sense in this new land. Or that was what she liked to think.
Misa squinted her eyes, recalling how they had shared a very similar fighter during their wanderings over the ravaged land. It had been a little while, yes, or maybe an entire lifetime.
She ran her fingertips over the small necklace with the spheres hanging around her neck: she never took it off once in those months.
-Skull1 to Delta1... Delta1, you here?
he pulled her out of her daydreams
Misa winced
-Yeah, I'm here!
-What are you thinking ...uh?
She kept her eyes ajar feeling the heady sensation of being suspended in the clouds
-I... I was just thinking... I wish everything would stay like this... forever
Hikaru grinned
-You mean me, you and this outstanding new training Valkyrie?
-Sort of...
Misa reached out a hand and gently touched his neck and his shoulder
- Me, you and the sky... below us...
Misa jumped out of the canopy not waiting for Hikaru's help.
She had seen the flowers in the field: they were so many, so crowded, like a golden cloak stretching out towards the distant horizon.
-Aaah! Hikaru! There are sooo many!
She started to look around uncertainly, then took a leap and let herself run in the wind: she ran like a little girl who had just had a large, heavy schoolbag taken from her back.
He stared at her and smiled: then grabbed a large picnic basket and some blankets and slowly walked over her. Misa smiled back as she awaited for him to join her. She hugged him, dropping lots of little kisses on his lips.
-It's so pretty! So... lovely... it's a pity to have to lie down in the middle of this...
she said in a whisper
-...kind of sacrilege...
Hikaru wrapped his arm around her shoulders, gave her a small kiss on the head
-Well, actually. We could soften the damage; I'd lie down and you could climb on top of me, how 'bout it?
he said with a mischievous smile
-Hikaru!
Misa blushed and started to punch him in the chest a little. She still hadn't gotten used to his naughty jokes.
They ended up lying among their blankets and the grass, full and drunken with the scent of spring.
Misa had curled up on his chest and was clutching a fistful of his Skull Squadron tshirt. Hikaru distractedly ran his fingertips over her face and neck, caressing her snow-white skin and the small spheres that once belonged to Mao.
Every now and then he'd cast a glance at her cleavage. It wasn't common to see Misa wearing anything other than her uniform fastened up to her chin: it was a privilege only granted to him... and now she looked so young and beautiful in a sleeveless tank top and a pair of very small shorts.
-Are you asleep?
she asked
-Mmmh no...well I...I was thinking...I was thinking 'bout what you said before, when we were flying over here...
-Yes...
-I... I would like to stay like this forever. You and me, on Earth... that's all I really want.
Misa narrowed her eyes, biting her lip.
She still didn't know when and if it would be a short or long term matter, but... the new battleship would be leaving for space one day.
Global and Britai had established it. Colonize new worlds and preserve the culture: that mission was crucial to save the human race from future attacks by the Zentraedi, or the Supervision Army, or anyone else.*
She... she knew she had to leave. But what if... if Hikaru didn't want to go with her? This was a topic they still didn't resolve to address.
-See, Hikaru...
-Misa...
-You first!
-You first!
They burst out laughing, and pulled up to sit facing each other.
Misa was reflecting in his clear eyes: she smiled, and he smiled back at her.
Then she looked off into the horizon.
- If the Megaroad would be going on a long-term mission...
Hikaru shuddered: that was exactly what he was thinking of.
-Misa, I...
She squeezed his hands tightly. As if to give herself the nerve to speak
Her knuckles whitened
-Well, I...
He reciprocated her grip
-Misa...
She had flushed and her eyes had widened, like those of a cat.
Since Macross' return to Earth, they had never been apart. They had never slept a single night apart. They were actually engaged, but there had been no formal promise. There was no ring. As much as she loved him she felt she couldnt keep him bound to her, and even more during such a long journey through outer space.
-Hikaru I... I know you are the selected pilot for the new flight tests of VF-4 Lightning but...
she swallowed hard
-But... that doesn't mean anything and if you refuse to leave I'll understand...
She looked away again, unable to face him.
Hikaru was stunned. He widened his mouth at her words. Sometimes the old Misa's insecurities peeped out and they always unsettled him.
-Misa!
his voice was imperative
-What the heck 'you talking about?
-I... I don't mean that I want to leave, I mean, I don't want to leave, but if... if by chance there is a way to join that mission I...
She still held his hands in a tight grip
-Hikaru grabbed them firmly and pulled her closer. Their faces were only a few inches apart. Their irises mirrored
-What 'you trying to tell me?
Hikaru looked at her so intensely that she felt melting in her deepest of her heart.
-Misa, if you decide to go on the new mission, you can be sure that I... that I will be with you.
Her heart skipped a beat and started to pound furiously... she took a long sigh of relief.
Hikaru lifted a hand and ran it gently over her cheek, caressing her jaw, resting on her neck.
-Really, you...? You' d be willing to leave Earth... again?
Hikaru cracked a smile, one of those cheeky smiles that so often made her mad. But this time was different:
-I'll go anywhere with you.
Misa felt their love flow through their bodies and return its energy to the earth, once again.
-Even...even to the stars?
-Yes, Misa... even up... to the stars...
He was sincere there was no need to ask a second time. Misa squeezed her eyes shut to not cry and threw her arms around his neck. She held him tightly and he hugged her back, tenderly.
He realized that this was everything he had ever wanted.
You, me and the sky... below us.
The SDF2-Megaroad 01 left Earth in February 2012, commanded by Captain Misa Ichijo and escorted by Captain Hikaru Ichijo's Valkyrie squadron, along with Britai Kridanik's grand fleet. Among the civilian crew, the super star Lynn Minmay and the Ichijo's newborn baby girl, Miku. In 2016, all communications with the ship went lost and the Megaroad and its crew listed as missing.*
"The full, star-dust seas
Reflect the light of the warm sun
This small oasis is the home to which I was born: the verdant Earth
I will definitely return, someday
So stay unchanged, pristine 'til then
Beautiful place in my heart
Inside my mother's arms
I remember the beautiful land
I will definitely return, someday
So until then, fill with kindness
Beautiful place in my heart" *
the end.
notes:
1)Most of the writing is from Shoji Kawamori's essay "The Lost two years". It's about what happened between episode 27 and 28 of the TV series... even though it's not necessarily related to the movie. You can easily find it online, it's pretty interesting.
2) This scene is based on the opening of episode 28 of the series - "My Album".
3) Lines from episode 36 - "Farewell to Tenderness".
4) This is what the Macross canon tells. The Megaroad 01 and its crew are currently missing but... hey! I don't want to give spoilers but apparently it was just recently spotted in the middle of the Galaxy. Looking forward to news! :) hehe
5) English translation of "My Beautiful Place" from SDFMacross OST, performed by Mari Ijima-Lynn Minmay.
Hi everyone. Here we are at the end of this story. I am truly incredulous to have come this far and I have to admit I cried my heart out writing the last two chapters, I felt a great inspiration and connection with Misa and Hikaru and it's hard for me to part ways with them.
I just wanted to thank you for reading to the very end and for your kind reviews.
I love you with all my heart 3
Mao.
Ps. Talking about Kawamori's book The Lost Two Years, it came to my mind that in the future I might write a fic about that time span. It has always been a loose end in the Macross/ Robotech storyline: would you like to read about it?
I'll be thinking of it... who knows.
Goodbye :*