In Another Life

Chapter 1: Space Fold

by jalana



***This is a story set in an alternate universe, a tale of 'what if.' What if Rick Hunter had not been on Macross Island that fateful day in 2009? Without him on the SDF-1, how would events have unfolded?

'...' thoughts

"..." dialogue



Rick kicked his plane for the fourth time, muttering under his breath as he inspected the engine once more. "I knew I should have gotten this repaired yesterday," he grumbled. "But no, I let myself be persuaded by Greg to go watch the girls at the pool. Although that one with the long hair was rather cute..." He broke off his reverie and sighed, "Guess I'd better go make the phone call."

"Robotech Defense Forces, Barracks 3D. How may I direct your call?" the pleasant voice inquired over the phone.

"Uh, yeah," said Rick, "could I get Roy Fokker on the line please?"

"I'm sorry, Lieutenant Commander Fokker is currently at the launching ceremony for the Super Dimension Fortress-1. Would you care to leave a message?"

"Um...okay. This is his friend, Rick Hunter. Please let Roy know that my plane is undergoing repairs, so I won't be able to attend the ceremony today. Tell him I'm sorry, and that I'll give him a call later tonight."

"Very well, I'll relay the message to Lieutenant Fokker."

"Thanks." Rick hung up the phone slowly and headed back outside to fix his plane. 'Sorry, big brother,' he thought, disappointed. 'And I really wanted to see you again too.'

*************

"Rick! You have to see this! Hurry!" The shout startled Rick, causing him to drop his wrench onto his foot. Hopping on his other foot and cursing under his breath, he turned to see his father waving at him from the back door.

"What is it, Pop?" Rick yelled back.

"Something is happening on Macross Island. Come on, boy!"

Rick started to run back to the house, a cold sick feeling settling in his stomach. He skidded into the living room and saw everyone huddled around the television set.

"...devastation is terrible!" shouted the battered reporter as the camera showed shots of the ruined city on Macross. "They came out of nowhere, swooping in and attacking without warning. All the citizens have safely retreated to the various shelters around the island. The attackers seem to have no regard for human life, as if...wait, something is happening over there." The image of the collapsed buildings shifted to a view of the SDF- 1 slowly rising from the ground. "The ship is launching! Ladies and gentlemen, the SDF-1 is rising to meet the enemy. We'll show these people that the United Earth Forces won't be so easy to defeat!"

Holding their breaths, they watched as the massive ship grow smaller and smaller as it rose into the upper atmosphere. The firepower focused on the ship intensified. Suddenly, the SDF-1...rippled.

"What was that?" gasped the reporter, fear evident in his voice. "The ship..."

Once again, the ship seemed to ripple. Then without any warning, the television image abruptly faded to static. After a few moments of shocked silence, Rick's dad reached over to switch channels. The static changed to an emergency bulletin announcement flashing across the screen. A solemn voice accompanied the streaming text.

"Ladies and gentlemen, twenty minutes ago during the SDF-1 launching ceremonies, Macross Island came under attack by an unknown force. Our defense forces stationed on Macross fought back valiantly, buying the battlefortress SDF-1 enough time to launch and begin a counterattack. However, just a few moments ago, a catastrophic explosion appears to have destroyed not only the SDF-1 and the attacking ships, but also the entire island. It is unclear who these attackers were, nor is the cause of the tragic explosion known. We will keep you posted as we get more information..."

Tears streamed down Rick's face as he turned the television set off. "Big brother..."

*************

Captain Henry Gloval put down the sheet of paper he had been reading and tiredly rubbed his eyes. 'One hundred fifty-four,' he thought sadly. 'So many civilians lost.' He glanced again at the paper on his desk. The names of those presumed dead jumped out at him. Christopher Wright, Laura McDougall, Anthony Sanchez, Jessica Albright. The imagined voices of the victims seemed to ring in his head, accusing him of causing their deaths and stealing their futures. Gloval stared blindly at the names, barely registering the knock at his door.

"Come in," he called out absently, rubbing his temples in a futile attempt to ward off the impending headache.

"Sir, I thought that you might like a bit of tea." A young woman stepped in the room with a steaming teapot balanced on the tray she held.

"Thank you, Lisa," he replied with a weary smile. "How are the civilians adjusting to life here in the SDF-1?"

"Well, Captain, they've begun the rebuilding of the city. It looks like we'll have Macross City back in no time." Lisa Hayes looked at her captain with growing concern. "Are you all right, sir?" she asked. "You look tired."

Gloval nodded and reached for the cup she offered. "I'm fine, Lieutenant," he sighed. "I just feel guilty because we lost so many civilians."

Lisa scanned the list of names he handed to her. "It was an unfortunate accident, sir," she finally stated. "I know that the citizens of Macross don't blame you. They fully understand that this was all a horrible mishap."

"Thank you, Lisa. I hope you are right." The captain sipped his tea, then reached for a pen. "I suppose I need to start writing the condolence letters to the families onboard."

Lisa quietly exited the room as Gloval began the first letter.

Dear Mr. and Mrs. Lynn,

My sympathies and prayers go out to your family for the tragic loss of your niece, Lynn Minmei...



Notes:

1) How's the premise? Like it? Hate it?

2) I've always wondered what would have happened if Minmei had died...(evil, aren't I?)

3) I just re-watched the episode...oops, I guess you really couldn't see the SDF-1 from the ground after it lifted off. Oh well...