Episode 5: Innocence

It's a sunny day and the trees are in full bloom as Lancer and Marlene are walking through the park. It has been three months since the death of his beloved companion Sera.

As he sings to his daughter Marlene smiles and wonders what it would be like to experience a childhood. Marlene: So this is the site of the old SDF1. So long ago yet it still symbolizes the strength of the earth.

Lancer: Yes, I was not even born when this ship existed yet I still feel connected to it somehow. Almost as if I spent my childhood being a part of it.

Marlene: I wonder what it's like. To be a child that is

Lancer: It's the best time of your life. No worries no responsibilities.Although I can't really speak on behalf of Sara. Once humans are fully-grown we remember very little if anything at all about our childhood.

Lancer signs and grins as he stares at his child...

Lancer: To be a child again. To erase the hurtful memories. The future looks so bright for her. But who really knows what the future holds.

Lancers memories flash back to the day that he lost Sera to death. As the Doctors try desperately to save her he remembers how helpless he felt. He remembers the pain. Suddenly his consciousness is awakened to the cries of his daughter.

Lancer: Huh??

Marlene: "Oh there-there now". What's wrong little girl. as Marlene takes the baby into her arms and they both settle near a cavern in the park. Suddenly the baby stops crying.

Lancer: Wow. That's amazing, you really have a way with children.

Marlene stares into the baby's eyes but becomes distraught.

Marlene: Please Lancer take her. As Marlene becomes nervous and shaky.

Lancer: What's wrong.

Marlene becomes almost transient as she walks toward the cavern.

Lancer: Marlene? Marlene! There is no response from her.

Lancer proceeds after her as he gets closer to the cavern the baby's eyes glow slightly. Lancer is startled.

Lancer: Ahhhhh!!! As he catches a glimpse of what looks like a small rodent. But it is unlike anything he has ever seen.

Lancer: Wait!!!! That's a...

Marlene: screaming Ahhhhhhhhhhhhh!

Lancer: Marlene! As the pollinator runs off behind it are 5 more and a rattlesnake creeping by the entrance of the cavern.

Lancer: Are you OK?

Marlene: yes. just startled.

Meanwhile at headquarters, Rick is joined by a large crowd who is awaiting to here of his journey into deep space. Rick begins, as the camera switches scenes to Tirole. (Please reference the novels as my story served the purpose of lacing it with a parallel account and a continuation of the Saga of Robotech.

As Rick ends his first account the scene switches back to the SDF Park. Marlene and Lancer have been gone from there for a while. A young child and his father are in the park.

Father: Jason, come back. Leave that thing alone, you don't know where it's been! Jason continues to chase after the pollinator. The pollinator runs into the cavern. Jason pursues it as his father attempt to run him down before going in.

Father: Jason!!!!

Jason: WOW!! Jason is mesmerized by the magnificent glow coming from the interior of the cavern. Jason walks down the tunnel ignoring the calls of his father. When Jason comes to the end; Something shocking: The Invid Flower of Life. Although Jason knows nothing of what he sees he is in awe. As Jason stares at the flowers, the flowers in turn seem to let down it's defesive posture. It is almost as if the flower is living, as if it is intrigued by the boy. It seems to sense that the young boy is not there to bring it harm. For a moment the flowers seem to emit from itself soothing music. "To find for myself the perfect form. One to endure the coming tempest storm As a flower growing wild. I chose the innocence of the child."

As the episode ends as Jason remains silent. The look on Jasons face is one of contentment as he smiles slightly and as in the background there is only the call of his father.

Father: Jason! Jason! Jaaaasoooon!

End of Episode 5