Chapter 9

"Lisa, how am I supposed to be scored on the upcoming First Contact simulations if I'm involved in creating the same protocols they're being judged on?" Vanessa asked after the conference room had been emptied of other officers.

Lisa brushed her hair back behind her shoulders and looked up from her data tablet. "You're probably not going to be, Vanessa. You've become somewhat of a special case. Most likely, we're going to ask you to help judge the other trainees' performance. Don't worry, there are plenty of other things you're expected to learn and be tested on, and plenty of standard combat simulations. I'm pleased to see your scores are much improved on that front."

"So long as we're clear on what's a straight tactical simulation and what's not." Vanessa said with a smile, then gathered herself and took a breath. "But Lisa, I still feel like I've fallen behind, so I wanted to talk to you about tomorrow…"

Lisa pursed her lips. "Minmei."

"Yes. I was thinking it would be better if I withdrew from the photo shoot and focused on my studying and the First Contact protocols."

"I'm afraid that's simply impossible," Lisa said flatly.

"But why?" Vanessa asked, doing her best not to sound petulant.

"I told you before, this recruitment drive is being backed at the highest levels of the United Earth Forces, and you've been assigned to take part in it."

"But Lisa, there's so much I need to learn! I'm not ready to command yet! And what about everything happening on Earth? York is still making threats, and people are suffering in Manhattan because of the blockade. We have to be ready to move."

Lisa shook her head. "Nothing has been determined yet. I'm aware that there are back channel talks happening, but the UEG isn't willing to take a position on the crisis openly right now."

Vanessa clenched her jaw against a wave of frustration. She had tried to allay the worries of the Zentraedi in her unit, because she saw it as her responsibility, but she shared their feelings.

"What about General Maistroff? Can't he use any of his influence? He of all people would want to clamp down on rogue states like York, especially when they're being this aggressive."

"I'm sorry Vanessa," Lisa said with a sigh. "I know he's become a strange sort of mentor for you, but Maistroff can't help us with this. He's finished."

"What?"

"The investigation of Streight's coup is over, and the sentences have all been passed down."

Vanessa nodded. She had followed the court martial proceedings closely. Last week, Lieutenant Colonel Streight had been stripped of rank and sentenced to ten years hard labor on waterway restoration projects on the Gulf of Mexico coast. His cat's paw, the destroid pilot Clyde Rawlins, who had almost killed Vanessa and her friend, Cantor, was starting a five year sentence.

"Now that the dust is settling," Lisa went on, "the UEG is tying up loose ends. The reorganization of the combat commands and the activation of the Army of the Southern Cross has given them the pretext to reassign Maistroff. He's being shut out of the Headquarters staff and shuffled off to a training command.

"Can they really do that?" Vanessa wondered. "He was head of Ground Forces!"

"He has enemies on every side. The Spacy was always against him, going back to before the war, and his disagreements with Admiral Gloval didn't help him in that regard. Within the Army, he's either considered a traitor or an untrustworthy opportunist. And the politicians are falling all over themselves to distance themselves from him. I think the only reason he's not in prison himself is because of all the damaging information he's still carrying around in his head about the connections between the current UEG and the corruption on the old United Earth Defense Council. We can't expect Maistroff to be of any help."

Vanessa settled back in her seat, staring past Lisa at the bulkhead for a moment. Maistroff had warned her this would happen, but she hadn't really believed it. As annoyingly abrasive and manipulative as he could be, she had gotten used to his guiding hand acting behind the scenes to keep the military and the government on the right path. Lisa cleared her throat, and Vanessa blinked.

"What about the Zentraedi fleet? Are they likely to intervene on their own?"

"I've talked to Admiral Breetai and Minister Exedore. They fully understand how damaging it would be to their cause if the Allied Fleet intervened."

Vanessa's skin prickled uncomfortably. "Are you sure their captains all feel the same way?"

"I-" Lisa swallowed. "We're not sure," she admitted.

"Someone needs to take action, Admiral. You know what York is trying to do is wrong."

"The Assembly is deadlocked right now. Our recent success in the Southlands helped, but the destruction of the SDF-1, Streight's coup, and the upheavals surrounding the Zentraedi have made the UEG look weak and unstable. We have even less credibility with the independent states than before. Even Manhattan itself is being cautious about the type of aid they're asking for. They don't want to trade one set of potential occupiers for another. And York could make a strong case to form an anti-UEG coalition if we handle this the wrong way. We could see a return of the Anti-Unification League and a new Global War. So they stand to gain an advantage no matter what we do."

"This is insane. After all we've been through, how could everything go wrong so quickly?" Vanessa wondered. "And we're trying to return to space? Admiral, doesn't this just prove my point? This photo shoot - with all that's going on, how can I participate in something so… so frivolous!" She shook her head in disbelief.

"Whatever my personal feelings, Minmei is an incredible asset to Earth and the defense forces," Lisa said. "She's here to help the recruiting efforts of the REF, and we have to support her."

"But-"

"No, Commander." Lisa's voice was uncompromising. "I feel the same way you do about the Manhattan crisis, but we're here, not on Earth. Try to make the most of it."

Vanessa saw that it was pointless to protest any further. "I understand, ma'am."

"Make sure Minmei keeps busy. I don't need her… distracting flag rank officers. I won't keep you in the dark about the situation on Earth if I learn something important," she added, warmth and understanding in her eyes, "but you mustn't lose sight of your responsibilities here. Good luck."

Feeling discouraged, Vanessa returned to the quarters she shared with May. She tried to be cheerful and not worry May with her private frustrations while they went over their evening coursework. May was doing enough extra to support her as it was. She urged May to go to her bunk afterward, promising she would follow shortly. Then, grateful for their tiny desk space and the hatch separating it from their bunks, she reactivated her terminal and began typing.

She spent a great deal of time writing a long, carefully thought out message to General Maistroff, sharing all of her concerns about the situation on Earth, especially how the Zentraedi might respond if the UEG failed to act, and asking for his advice. It was something she realized she had never done before. Always, he had come to her, prodding, directing, and provoking. Did she really miss him? She knew she had come to rely on his wide-reaching influence, his certainty and his stubborn determination. She rewrote the message several times, trying to strike the right balance of sympathy, urgency, and respect, before she was satisfied.

Next she prepared a brief message to Mary Brennan, simply asking her in as straightforward a way as possible to let her know if Bron and the others were going to become involved in the Manhattan crisis. She didn't want a repeat of the episode in the Southlands. Finally, she wrote Bron, expressing all of her fears and frustrations, but also pouring as much of her love and longing into her words as she could. She had just sent the final message when a response from Maistroff arrived unexpectedly soon.

Lt. Cmdr. Leeds,

Given my new role, and the fact that I am not your commanding officer, it would be considered inappropriate for me to advise you in these matters. The Zentraedi must be made to understand that if their ships intervene in the Manhattan Crisis, it will mean the end of their fleet as an independent force. I expect you to carry out your duties and responsibilities as you have previously.

General Dennis Maistroff

Headquarters, North American Training Command

Army of the Southern Cross

Vanessa read and reread the message, astounded by the terse and unhelpful reply. She blanked the screen and dragged herself toward the bunk area. She knew it had been naive of her to expect anything different, especially over an unsecured line of communication, yet a part of her couldn't help feeling betrayed. She felt she was growing short on time and hope.

"Do we really need to start this early?" Vanessa muttered to herself, confirming that it was just before 0530 when she arrived outside the bay set aside for Minmei's use. The electric powered runner she rode weaved past the behemoth feet of numerous macro-sized Zentraedi that were milling about in the corridor, and rolled to a stop on small, solid rubber wheels. A waiting master-at-arms confirmed her identity, then smiled cheerfully.

"Enjoy your day, Lieutenant Commander Leeds," she said, and released the hatch.

"Thank you. Is anyone else here y-"

"Vanessa!" Minmei exclaimed, ducking through the hatch and seizing her arm. Behind her, Vanessa heard the loitering Zentraedi murmur excitedly. Minmei was in a fluffy, calf-length robe, and her midnight colored hair swirled freely around her shoulders.

"Oh, hello, everyone!" Minmei was smiling happily, and she waved up at the nearby giants. "Thank you for welcoming me to the Factory Satellite!"

Vanessa paled as the deck shook under her feet and reverberated. Zentraedi crowded close, calling Minmei's name, and even the master-at-arms gulped.

"Whoa!" Minmei laughed, holding her palm out toward them, and the giants clattered to a stop a short distance away. Vanessa could see her and Minmei's doubled reflections in the polished surface of the boots worn by an armored trooper.

"I'm sorry, we have to go now, but I hope to see you all at the concert!" Still holding Vanessa by the arm, Minmei pulled her through the hatch, which slid shut behind them. "Wow, it's always so wonderful to see excited fans!"

"Isn't it a little dangerous?" Vanessa asked. "I mean, there were a lot of them… and they got really close." Vanessa knew many giant Zentraedi, and had even been carried by some of them several times, but she had never been surrounded by strangers like that before.

Minmei shrugged. "They wouldn't hurt me."

"But it was just last year when you were-" Vanessa forced her mouth shut, realizing too late how insensitive it might be to remind Minmei about. She had let lack of sleep and her own discomfort get the better of her.

"When I was abducted by Khyron, you mean," Minmei finished. Her sunny expression slipped away.

"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have brought it up."

"It's alright. I'm not going to blame you for being scared. You're not used to being crowded everywhere you go like that."

Minmei led Vanessa over to a semicircle of empty plastic chairs to one side of the private bay and they sat down. Vanessa was aware of activity, other people, tables, equipment, and lights all around them, but she kept her attention on the suddenly serious musician.

"Khyron was insane. So was Azonia, his- his lover," Minmei said. "But I was around them long enough to see that they were all too human. They exploited their followers. I know they wanted to lash out at Earth and the military, but most of them didn't want to hurt me or my cousin. One of Khyron's soldiers tried to protect us, and was hurt… very badly." Tears brimmed in her eyes at the memory.

"It had to be terrifying, to be caught up in a battle, and carried off like that."

Minmei smiled weakly. "How many battles have we all been through, now? And how many different people have protected me?" She wiped her eyes and her smile suddenly became dazzling. "It's no good dwelling on fear! I'm not going to be afraid of the Zentraedi, they're brave and persevering, and they're some of my greatest fans! Tomorrow I'm going to host a concert on the satellite, and hold my head high for the thousands of Zentraedi and Earth soldiers who are going to be there! How could I do any less for all of the people who have defended and believed in me?"

Vanessa looked in wonder at the celebrity, rearranging her perceptions a second time. "You're strong, Minmei."

Minmei's eyes widened, and all at once, she looked vulnerable again. "No one… no one has ever called me strong before. I haven't felt strong in a long time. For a while, I wondered if I was even very talented. It became a struggle just to walk out on the stage and do what everyone expected of me, singing the same old songs and wondering if I could ever live up to those expectations."

Vanessa found herself filled with compassion for this twenty-one year old woman who had not yet celebrated her eighteenth birthday when she sang a song of hope to an audience of billions, even as she bore witness to the destruction of her planet, her family, and most of her species.

"Is that why you're here, Minmei?" Vanessa asked. "Because others expect it of you? I think it's because you want to give people the inspiration they need."

Minmei blushed. "It's kind of you to say that. But I haven't always performed just to help others. When I started, I was doing it for myself. My dream was stardom. I never thought about what would come next."

"You were a child. We've all had to change because of the war."

There was an expression of yearning on Minmei's face. "So you think maybe it is possible to change for the better, even after you've been hurt, even after you thought you had lost hope?"

Vanessa absently touched her eye patch. "Yes, I think so."

Minmei, who's eyes had been unfocused, looked to Vanessa again, and took her hands. "Thank you so much for coming, Vanessa! I know I'm used to getting my own way… this probably made a lot of trouble for you."

After all that Minmei had just shared, Vanessa decided not to go into her own misgivings. "I can tell that this day is important to you. I wasn't sure if you would be able to forgive us- the United Earth Forces, that is- after what happened in Monument back in April."

"It hurt, a lot," Minmei admitted. "It also made me realize that I was taking my Zentraedi fans for granted, without actually making it clear where I stand. I support Earth and the military, obviously, but after what the conspirators tried to do to the Zentraedi protestors, I don't think I could ever agree to having my music used as a battle strategy again. Using something that I created to give hope and love to instead hurt ordinary people…" Minmei shook her head. "I can't allow it."

"I'm glad to hear that. Being right in the middle of what was happening that day, I felt so angry and helpless. Of course, the Zentraedi surprised everyone by taking up your song themselves. They've grown a lot. I don't think they could be attacked that way again."

Minmei smiled. "Good. Now, we need to get started. We have a lot to do, and I promise we'll have fun!" She stood and held on to Vanessa's hand, raising her to her feet.

"Ok," Vanessa agreed, looking around trying to take in all the bustle around them. "Where do we start? Will the uniform I have on work for the recruitment photos?"

"No, no, no!" Minmei laughed. "First you need to change into one of these robes to get ready for your spa treatment!"

"Spa treatment? Minmei, have you forgotten we're in outer space?"

Minnei's smile broadened. "I run a professional operation. Everything has been planned for." She gestured grandly to their surroundings.

Vanessa finally looked around, taking in the whole bay. There was a caterer's area loaded down with fresh fruit, breakfast pastries, and beverages right by the hatch they had entered through. Nearby were rank after rank of wall-sized flatscreen backdrops mounted on casters, all projecting test patterns. There were enough gantry-mounted lights to equip a small stadium. A dozen racks of clothing were arranged like the spokes of a wheel, and Vanessa was sure the myriad outfits she saw hanging from them couldn't all be intended just for today's session. A Valkyrie fighter with shining green and white paneling was parked in one corner of the bay, and a whole troop of civilian staffers from more than a dozen different media and cosmetic professions were scattered throughout, busily making preparations.

Sure enough, at the opposite end of the bay from the veritech, Vanessa could see partitioned changing rooms, showers, baths, massage tables, and even a free-standing sauna. Hair stylists and manicurists were standing at the ready by newly set up booths. Vanessa could hardly believe what she was seeing. What stood out to her the most was the seeming… excess of it all.

"Minmei, who- where did all of this come from? Is the UN Spacy really paying for all of these things?" she asked as Minmei led her toward the changing rooms.

"Don't be silly! Of course not. I am!"

"You?" Vanessa's gaze snapped back to the cheerful woman.

"I'm here to help. It wouldn't be fair to go and make a bunch of demands. Greg helped me organize all of it. The Spacy just provided a shuttle to bring everyone up here, and set aside this bay for us to use." She waved over an attendant, who handed Vanessa a soft robe that matched Minmei's and bustled off again. "Oh, and I suppose they also cleared the day for you and Straza."

"Lieutenant Straza?" Vanessa shook her head. Minmei seemed to have a gift for keeping her off balance.

"Here she is now!"

Sure enough, the former battlepod commander was leaving one of the changing rooms, shaking out her purple hair and adjusting her robe to cover thickly freckled shoulders. The robe, which was the largest available, reached just to the knees of the statuesque officer. She saw the pair of them and smiled bemusedly.

"Straza, you didn't tell me you would be doing this!" Vanessa exclaimed.

Straza shrugged coolly and saluted. "You didn't tell me either, Commander."

"I- well, yes. I'm sorry. I didn't want to make a big deal about it. I wasn't a hundred percent sure I would actually be here today," she admitted, with an apologetic look toward Minmei.

Straza nodded. "Yes, I was somewhat uncertain myself. Minmei reached out to me before she left Earth. Apparently the UEF provided Minmei a list of suitable Zentraedi who were newly enlisted in the armed forces. She's been explaining to me about the importance of 'representation' to boost recruitment for the expeditionary fleet."

Vanessa glanced over at Minmei, who was nodding brightly. Straza was certainly not a conventional candidate for a model, starting with her height, standing head and shoulders above everyone in the room. The dense sprinkling of thousands of freckles over her amber skin, the purple hair and intense jade green eyes were striking features. She was a formidable person, and her contributions to the planning discussions had been valuable.

"The fleet greatly needs Zentraedi recruits like you," Vanessa assured her.

"I find it hard to imagine relying on something other than cloning to crew ships and replace losses, but Minmei has convinced me this will help."

"That's right!" Minmei said. "You're both going to present a great image of everything Earth's defenders should stand for! Straza, if you like, you can go get something to eat at the caterer's table while Vanessa takes a moment to change, ok?"

"Very well. I've become partial to croissants, if you have any."

Vanessa shook her head and smiled as she got ready, letting go of some of her own anxiety. It sounded like Minmei hadn't just invited her on a whim. If Minmei was taking all of this seriously, then maybe she could, too.

Later, as Vanessa let Alexandra, the masseuse, skillfully work at her neck and shoulders, she struggled to stay awake. Her skin was pink and still warm from the long, luxuriant bath. It had been her first in many weeks, as opposed to brief, tepid showers. She spoke up to keep from embarrassing herself by falling asleep.

"Straza, I'm curious, you never said why you joined the UN Spacy.

"Humm?" Straza replied distractedly from the massage table to Vanessa's left. She opened her eyes, which looked somewhat glazed, and then focused on Vanessa. "'My apologies, Commander. This is a very strange experience… although not unpleasant."

"That's ok. And you can call me Vanessa while we're here today."

Straza gave her a small, stubborn smile. "Just while we are out of uniform. Tell me again what you were asking?"

Vanessa smiled back and nodded once. Some Zentraedi, like some Earth officers, just did not feel comfortable relaxing protocol. "You were an important officer with Azonia's fleet. You commanded thousands of battlepods, right?"

"There were thirty thousand in my division," Straza agreed.

"I was curious what made you decide to leave the fleet and accept such a large demotion to join the UN Spacy, not to mention all of the other challenges that have gone along with that."

"The fleet… well you know my opinion on the Armada, and the Masters' empire."

Straza had made no secret of the fact that she considered them both evil. In the years since the Rain of Death, she had fully embraced beliefs that were entirely new to her; valuing life and freedom, and rejecting oppression, greed, and prejudice.

"But Breetai's Allied Fleet-"

"- Is a dead end," Straza interrupted. "Let me explain," she said, seeing the surprise on Vanessa's face. "Most of the women in my division died during the global assault. Our mother-ship was vaporized by a loyalist gunship. Even before that, the losses of our three previous campaigns were terrible. Of the few comrades I had left, most chose to leave the fleet and went to Earth."

"I'm sorry, Straza. I can imagine how difficult that time was." Vanessa knew all too well. "But if that's the case, why didn't you go to Earth too?"

"I almost did. Azonia tried to convince me to follow her. But Lord Breetai offered me a position on one of the command ships. I thought I might be able to do a lot of good if I stayed with the Allied Fleet. I thought I could help Earth and help the Zentraedi. But with the exception of capturing the Factory Satellite, we've done… nothing!"

Vanessa could hear the bitterness in Straza's voice. The brief battle for the Factory Satellite, with so many of its automated systems now known to be inoperable, had felt like a hollow victory. "A lot of military life is waiting and preparing," she pointed out.

"Waiting and preparing for what?" Straza demanded. "We stood by during Khyron's campaign. We were no help at all when the SDF-1 was attacked; completely passive during the coup attempt and the fighting in the Southlands. There's no role for the Allied Fleet in the Pioneer Mission. Life in the fleet…" she shook her head. "I got a lot of reading done, and watched a lot of videos, so I'm not completely ignorant of micronian society or Culture, but you can't imagine how mind numbing it was. The crew were bored, demoralized, or angry. The captain started putting troublemakers and nonessential crew in cryostasis." She hesitated. "Sixty-five percent of the crew were in cryostasis when I resigned."

"Straza…" Vanessa found it hard to fathom. Breetai had always projected such an aura of authority and confidence, and the Zentraedi such iron-clad discipline.

"That's not all," Straza went on, starting to go up on one elbow. Her masseuse murmured something, and the agitated officer laid down again, trying to relax her tense body. "The ships are falling apart. Conditions get worse every month. You'll see for yourself when we visit for the training program."

"So why didn't you leave? Why did you join the Spacy?"

Straza sighed. "Because I still want to make a difference. To stop the evils of the Masters' empire- and those like them. Which is why it angers me so much that nothing is being done about York."

Vanessa frowned at that, but before she could respond, Alexandra made a tutting sound and attacked a new area below her shoulder blades. She hissed and then relaxed as the knot of tension started to ease.

"I agree that inaction won't get us anywhere, but we mustn't rush to a military response either." She looked past Straza to where Minmei lay on her stomach. "Minmei, do you think-? Minmei?"

When the celebrity didn't respond, Straza turned to face that way also. The exhausted young woman was asleep, snoring lightly. Minmei's masseuse shrugged as she continued her work.

"Huh. I thought Minmei never stopped talking," Vanessa said.

Vanessa reflected that she had never experienced a morning like this one. The amenities that had been available in Macross during the SDF-1 era were almost unbelievable considering the war and the ship's desperate exodus across the Solar System, and she and Sammie and Kim had treated themselves when they could. An occasional weekend appointment bookended by window-shopping, coffee, or dancing couldn't compare to this endless parade of treatments and attentive specialists, though. She dearly wished she could have shared it with her friends. After the sauna, the shower, after the sessions with the hairdressers and the manicurist, and the intimidating squad of makeup artists that had caused Straza to blanch at their approach, Vanessa stared at a face she hadn't seen in years. Her soft brown hair, finally regrown to her preferred shoulder length, was stylishly arranged into long, spiraling curls. Her deep blue, almost purple eye was highlighted with expertly applied enhancements. Her remaining facial scars were rendered invisible, and her lips shimmered pinkly. Framed by her face and hair, her blue eyepatch became more an adornment than a covering.

"Wow…" she whispered to herself.

Military life was spartan and demanding, and sometimes it seemed like the only person not constantly asking her to give more was Bron. It felt good to be attended to just for a little while by so many cheerful and caring people. Those good feelings lasted until she got a clear look at the first outfit Minmei was holding by its hanger, and then she wished for Sammie and Kim's presence even more.

"No! There's no way I'm wearing that!" Vanessa insisted.

Minmei, who seemed much refreshed, looked down at the teal uniform quizzically, and took the pale yellow collar between her thumb and forefinger. "Really? It was approved by the UN Outreach ministry and the Spacy director of recruitment."

"No! The hem of the skirt doesn't even reach mid-thigh, and the cap is silly; twice as tall as it should be. It's not a real uniform!"

Minmei broke into a smile and giggled. "I'm sorry, Vanessa, I couldn't keep it up! That uniform is actually for me. You won't be made to wear anything you don't want to, today, alright?"

"Oh. Well, thank you," Vanessa said, relieved. "But- you're really going to wear that?"

"Why not?" Minmei asked. "I already wore one a lot like it during the war, and that recruitment campaign was a big success."

"It doesn't make you self-conscious?"

"Ha! Did you see what I wore in my first movie? It's my choice, and you can't deny it'll be motivating."

Straza was regarding the outfit with her chin in one hand. "Hmm. Do you have it in my size?" Vanessa groaned and palmed her face, while Minmei laughed.

The morning passed in a glare of lights and strobing flashbulbs. The photography setups seemed to Vanessa to be fairly typical recruitment material. She was most happy with her photos in and on the Valkyrie, wearing a lime green flight suit. She was also looking forward to seeing the photos of all three of them standing in a triangle over the gleaming REF seal in the center of the bay, the nose of the Valkyrie visible at their backs. They saluted as they looked up together at the crane-mounted camera positioned almost over their heads.

Then Minmei announced a costume change. They were all given silk dresses that reminded Vanessa of the traditional ones Minmei had sometimes worn when greeting guests at her aunt and uncle's restaurant on the SDF-1. A hairdresser gathered up her locks and expertly held them in place with a single long gold pin. Soon, Vanessa was bewildered to find herself seated at a polished teak table, where she was served a steaming bowl of noodles in front of a movable vid-screen backdrop of a formal Chinese restaurant.

"Minmei, what does any of this have to do with the recruitment campaign?" she asked as Straza began practicing with her chopsticks.

Minmei paused in mid-bite, noodles dangling from her lustrous red lips. "Mmm?" She quickly chewed and swallowed. "Nothing, really. My aunt and uncle just asked to provide the food we brought up for today. I told you, we're supposed to be having fun!"

"Ok," Vanessa said, shaking her head and sampling the food. The noodles were as excellent as she remembered, perfectly firm, coated in rich, savory sauce, and loaded with vegetables and tender beef. "So why are they taking photos then?" she wondered, gesturing with her chopsticks at the photographers busily recording images of them eating the meal.

"Eh, maybe Aunt Lena will want to use one of them for an ad." Minmei shrugged carelessly, and then she and Vanessa's heads were turned by a long, loud slurping sound from the other side of the table. Straza was emptying her bowl in one go, rapidly drawing the noodles into her mouth with her chopsticks. She drained her cup of green tea and breathed a satisfied sigh. "I believe I have mastered these instruments," she said proudly.

Vanessa couldn't figure out how all the food had gotten into orbit tasting this fresh. There were steaming white clouds of rice, plates of crispy, flaky egg rolls, small mountains of plump, pan-fried dumplings, and serving carousels loaded with sweet, savory, and fiery sauces. Experiencing a meal like this was an almost unheard luxury for Earth's survivors. The cuisine of the White Dragon, rebuilt on the SDF-1, moved back to Earth, ruined in the fall of Macross, and then rebuilt again in Monument, was as great as ever. Vanessa had many good memories of meals there with her crew mates, and of a younger Minmei, helping in her aunt and uncle's restaurant before fame had changed her life. She finished only a few dishes, but made sure to sample every one, letting each aroma and flavor transport her to another time and place.

Poor Straza was struggling to finish everything she had chosen, completely overwhelmed after a lifetime dining in Zentraedi and UN Spacy mess halls. Zentraedi rations were far from bland and uninteresting, but she had never been exposed to so many flavors and textures at once, and refilled her plate one time too many. Vanessa had mercy on her and whisked the last warm custard bun off of her former enemy's plate. Minmei selected a shortbread cookie of a type she had told them was called 'Tao Su,' and looked sidelong at Vanessa as she took a small bite.

"So, um, how is everyone?" she asked, failing to sound nonchalant. "I mean, how are Rick and Lisa?"

Vanessa's eye narrowed. The special lunch had her feeling so happy and placid that she had dropped her guard after expecting this very question all morning. She hastily took a large bite of custard bun, holding up one finger as she chewed, to stall for time. Except that Minmei continued on as if Vanessa had answered.

"I know, I know, it's not really my place to ask anymore, but it's just, Rick will always be important to me, and of course I respect Lisa, and I know they have a lot to deal with right now, but I was thinking I might check in on them this evening-"

Minmei was talking more and more animatedly, gesturing with the forgotten cookie as she spoke. Vanessa, realizing that she had made a mistake, tried to chew faster and waved for Minmei's attention, but it was no good.

"Anyway, the point is, I was planning to go see them in person and offer them special seats at my concert tomorrow night!" Minmei said excitedly, finally looking back over just as Vanessa choked at her suggestion. Vanessa hurriedly fumbled for a glass of water, but knocked it over instead.

"Oh my! Let me get that!" Minmei reached for a linen napkin to mop up the spill. Vanessa coughed weakly, unable to clear the dense, sweet bun from her airway, and put a hand to her throat. Straza, who had been watching the two of them in bemusement, caught on and gave Vanessa a hard, sharp thump on the back with the heel of her palm.

Vanessa staggered under the force of the powerful officer's blow and went into a coughing fit, but was finally able to breathe again, gasping as she picked up her napkin to cover her mouth. Minmei finally understood what had happened and blushed.

"I'm so sorry Vanessa! Are you ok?"

Vanessa was blushing as hard as Minmei was. "It's- Yes, I'll be fine. Thank you, Straza," she said, wiping her mouth and setting her napkin aside. "Don't you think it's time to get started again?" she hinted, hoping she could still dodge the conversation.

Minmei's face fell. "You think it's a bad idea, don't you?"

Vanessa suddenly felt terrible. She should have just responded honestly right away, she thought.

"Minmei, do you understand what kind of pressure Rick and Lisa are under right now?" She tried to speak kindly. "The Pioneer Mission could decide humanity's fate, and you know how unstable the situation is on Earth right now."

Minmei nodded, tears welling in her eyes. "I know all of that, I just… I really need…"

Vanessa put a gentle hand on her shoulder. "What do you need? What are you hoping to do?"

"I… I want to be able to see Rick. I want my friend back."

"Your friend?" Vanessa glanced over at Straza, who was quietly watching them.

"Yes." Minmei sniffed. "You said it yourself, I don't have that many friends. When I first arrived on Macross Island to stay with my aunt and uncle, I didn't know anyone. There were only a few young people in the neighborhood, and most of them joined the service or died in the war. Rick was someone my age who I learned I could trust and rely on. I told him about my secret dreams before I ever imagined they could be a reality. He's never done anything but support me and…"

The starlet suddenly shut her eyes tight and put her fists to her temples. "Oh Vanessa, I've screwed everything up! I knew how Rick felt about me, but he only told me he loved me once, and that was the day of the Rain of Death. All along I thought if I didn't encourage him he would understand I didn't feel the same way, and we could stay good friends. But I never had time for him when he needed me; when he was injured, when Roy and Ben were killed, when he was promoted. I just kept on taking and taking from him whenever I was having trouble. Then Kyle left last Christmas, and I felt like I had no one left. I convinced myself that I could be in love with Rick and went to stay with him."

Vanessa goggled at that comment, unable to help herself. "Wait, that really happened? That wasn't just tabloid gossip?"

Minmei groaned and hung her head. "God, I was so stupid! I almost convinced him to resign and marry me. I know I would have gone back to singing, eventually, and then where would that have left him? We would have been miserable. And I almost messed things up for him and Lisa, too. It's no wonder they hate me!"

"I'm sure they don't hate you," Vanessa tried to assure her, shaking her head in disbelief at everything Minmei had just poured out to her.

"I haven't talked to him since the new year, and I can't even imagine how much Lisa must loathe me."

"I promise she doesn't loathe you, Minmei. Lisa is the one who made me follow through with coming here today when I was having doubts. I know things are complicated for the two of you, but she recognizes and respects your talent and all you've done to bring Terrans and Zentraedi together."

Minmei brightened. "Really?"

"Yes. But, I'm not sure what you're suggesting is a good idea. If you tried to see Rick, it could be taken the wrong way. And Lisa might not be ready to see you. That song you released…"

Minmei looked embarrassed. "I started writing 'On a Far Away Shore' during the evacuation from Macross. I was really confused about how I felt at the time. And it was such a beautiful song, I didn't want to let it go. I guess it might have made things worse?" Vanessa nodded. "Then what can I do? I wanted to give them the seats at the concert together, so that they would see that I respect and support them as a couple. I was hoping that maybe Lisa would begin to trust me, and I could talk to Rick again, and apologize for letting him down. This is the closest I've been to them in months, and now it's like they're as far away as ever!"

Vanessa hesitated. Lisa had been very clear. Did she dare disobey an admiral and potentially anger an old friend in order to help a new one?

"We've all lost too many friends to war and different paths," Straza said softly. "I wouldn't want to lose anyone I have left."

Vanessa swallowed. She could relate all too well to those feelings. "Minmei, I want to help you, I just need you to answer me truthfully. Did you plan this photo shoot, and this tour, to get a chance to see Rick?"

Minmei looked surprised. "I- No!" she said firmly. "I know that any time I'm dealing with the military I could run into him, but I planned these events because I think they're important!"

Vanessa nodded. "I believe you. I'm going to talk to Lisa about it. I can't guarantee anything, she could become angry at me just for bringing it up, but I will try."

"You will?" Minmei bolted from her chair and threw her arms around Vanessa. "Oh, thank you! Thank you!"

Vanessa rocked in her seat, and then hugged Minmei back.

"Straza is right. You shouldn't give up on a friend."

"You and Bron and the others have become such good friends to me," Minmei said, stepping back and clutching her hands over her heart. "I'm going to try to be a better friend too."

Vanessa smiled. "I think you already are. What's next for today?"

"Right! Next is the space walk segment!" Minmei answered excitedly.

Vanessa's eye widened, and then she shook her head, smirking. "Nice try. Just how many little jokes were you planning?"

"I can't believe you were serious," Vanessa said as the three of them drifted out of the airlock, propelled by thrusters mounted to their small support packs. A line of compact drones fitted with cameras and lights followed them like obedient ducklings.

"Why would you doubt?" Minmei asked with wide-eyed innocence. The rose-colored surface of the Factory Satellite module spread out beneath them, an artificial continent of organic metal curves, glowing yellow pools of light, and veiny conduits ending in a far off horizon crowned by stars. The Moon was a distant silver disc standing out among the constellations, but it was the Earth directly overhead that caught their breath.

Swirling white clouds obscured achingly blue oceans and vast swaths of brown wasteland, speckled with patches of green that had miraculously been missed by the Rain of Death or were the site of painstaking replanting and irrigation efforts. Lonely points of light stood out against the blackness of the night-side where a handful of cities struggled to survive. Looking out of a porthole or observation deck was one thing, but it was something entirely different to float out in the darkness and see how wounded, how sadly diminished the Earth was. Vanessa swallowed a lump in her throat and dragged her attention back to Minmei.

"Was this really necessary? Couldn't you have gotten the same effect with computers or something?"

"Maybe," Minmei agreed, "but you can't beat the real thing for authenticity. Besides, I wanted a little more practice moving in zero-G before the concert."

"What about the concert?" Straza asked.

"That will have to stay my little surprise until tomorrow night," Minmei said with a wink. "You will both go, right?"

"Of course." Vanessa wondered what else Minmei could have up her sleeve. She had no doubt it would be something spectacular.

"Let's go!" Minmei urged, triggering her thrusters. "We have to be in position for the Hecate's fly-by."

"What?" Vanessa clumsily activated her own thrusters, then wobbled as she over-corrected. The zero-G certifications had not gone easily for her, but she had squeaked by. Straza followed more smoothly. "The UEG gave you a destroyer?"

"Two, actually. The Zentraedi are sending one of theirs to provide some images for the 'Unity' campaign when the third anniversary of the Armistice is celebrated. There will be a couple of formations of battlepods and Valkyries for us to pose with also."

Vanessa smiled wryly at the ease with which Minmei seemed to have marshaled all of this might, but concentrated on her maneuvering to catch up. They repositioned themselves again and again, surrounded by a constantly moving cloud of drones. Sometimes the Earth was their backdrop, other times the dagger blue lines of the Hecate, and finally the gargantuan green hull of the Zentraedi destroyer Kardis. Weaving among it all were the eager strike craft crews, who broke in on the coms frequency to enthusiastically greet Minmei. Minmei graciously posed by the cockpit of each pilot, until finally their life support packs each pinged red, and they set themselves on course to return to the Factory Satellite.

Vanessa watched the Valkyries and battlepods return to their ships, pleased to see each formation trading one craft to provide the other a friendly escort home. She was tired, but she had to admit that she was enjoying herself. She rolled and brought herself face to face with Minmei.

"I'm glad I came today, Minmei. I really have been having fun. I just can't believe everything you did. It seems like you have a way of bending reality to your will," Vanessa observed.

There was suddenly sadness behind Minmei's smile. "If that were really true, you would think I would be happier with my life. But when I spend time with people like you, and Bron, and the others, I do feel better. I wanted it to be a happy day. All of you soldiers work so hard, and are so serious. I want to give all of you a taste right now of that better future we're all trying to create."

"Thank you."

When they reached the airlock, Vanessa took a last look at the Earth, vulnerable and forlorn. Straza maneuvered herself on thrusters to drift close by her side.

"The Masters have much to answer for, Commander," the Zentraedi officer murmured.

Vanessa shook her head. "I just don't want to see it happen again."

They finished the last photo sets midway into the evening watch, pausing for a much more brief meal of sandwiches at the always overflowing caterer's table, and finally, Vanessa changed back into her daily uniform and warmly bid farewell to Straza, Minmei, and the staff that had spent the day with them.

"I'll see you at the concert!" she called to them with a last wave.

"I've got some great seats I'm holding for you! You won't want to miss out!" Minmei called back. Vanessa exited through the hatch and met the waiting master-at-arms, who looked anxious.

"Message for you, ma'am. I was instructed not to interrupt the session, but it is urgent." She handed over the dispatch. It was from Admiral Hayes.

See me immediately. There has been a development on Earth. You have new orders.

End of Part 1

Next week… Interlude IV: Minmei LIVE!