Somewhere in the rings of Saturn. Captain Gloval orders to send two squads
of Valkyrie
Fighters to investigate the wreck of the Zentrandi warship which the
Macross defeated.
Ernest's Apollo squad and the newly promoted Ensign Maxilian Jiniyas lead the Skull squad. Max went inside the wreck of the Zentrandi ship, while Ernest and the rest secured the area.
Ernest radioed his wingmen "Apollo leader to Apollo 2, 3 what the status of your area, over."
Bruce "Apollo 3, almost finished scanning the area, no threat detected."
Eddy "Apollo 2, it just debris and damaged ship parts sir."
Ernest "This Apollo leader to Skull, do you detect any enemy activity?"
Kakizaki Hayao radio in "Nothing, Apollo, it's peacefully here."
Ernest felt really uneasy he knows the risk of this kind of operation. Earlier they were briefed to obtain information by using a Valkyrie unit to hack into the Zentrandi ship's Mainframe. Emma, Gloval and Ernest knew making an operation like this was like walking into a trap.
Ernest "Bruce, Eddy and the rest of the Skull squad don't let your guard down."
Eddy "I'll keep a sharp eye out, fearless leader!!"
Bruce "Roger, proceeding into the next target area." He notices a private channel form the Bridge of The Macross. He opens the channel and switch into secure frequency. In his monitor, he see the image of Vanessa.
Vanessa in a low tone "Bruce, be careful."
Bruce face was still in neutral expression, but he gave thumbs up and proceeded to his to his next location.
Ernest radioed the Bridge "Apollo Leader to Delta 1, what the status of Skull leader (Max)."
At the Bridge, because of the absence of Lt. Hayase. Emma was chosen as the replacement tactical officer. She is wearing the same colored uniform as Misa." Emma "Delta 1 to Apollo leader, Skull leader is proceeding as planned." Notice the uneasy looked of Ernest. "Ensign Rayer?"
Ernest looking at his computer panels "I'm concern a about this operation, this has an eerie signs of an ambush."
Emma "I know, if we can access the enemy's mainframe, it might us the invaluable information. We'll update the squads for any situations." She lowers her voice "Be careful, ok"
Ernest puzzled " Huh ?"
Emma "Never mind."
Ernest and his Apollo squad hovers near the wreck of the Zentrandi ship. Meanwhile inside Max proceeded with the plan, after passing a few corridors, he located the ship's mainframe.
Max relays the information back to the Macross computers.
Max "Delta 1 How's the transmission feed?"
Emma " The frequency is stable, just a few more to go. Skull leader." Then Max notice the mainframe became active.
Max " What?!"
A computerize voice spoke in Zentran it translated into
At the Bridge Vanessa detects an abnormal energy build up in the ship core, she quickly alerts Emma "The ships core it's directing all reserve energy into the core !! It's going to blow!!!"
Emma "Delta 1 to Skull leader!! Get out of there!!!"
Max switch his Battroid into gerwalk mode and quickly exited the area, all of the security systems supposed to be "dead" ship came to life. The security systems open fires at Max Valkyrie; he easily avoids all attacks, but his surprise a couple of enemy units that was in hiding showed up.
At the same time.
Outside of the shipwreck a raging battle began to start.
Bruce in Battroid mode destroyed a couple of battle pods " There are multiple hostiles in my area. I'm engaging with enemy!!" Blast a couple more battle pods.
Eddy " Damn it!! This is Apollo 2, I'll be at Apollo 3 position in a few moments, and I'll assist Apollo 3 !! Where did those bastards came form?!!"
Ernest in gerwalk mode destroying a couple of gun emplacement the appeared out of nowhere. Then an emergency transmission came.
Ernest " What!! Self destruct !!Where's Skull leader?!"
Emma "Skull leader in still inside and is fighting with the enemy units!"
Ernest "This is Apollo leader to Skull squad!! Get your asses of here!! Now!!! I'm going inside to assist Skull leader! Bruce! Eddy !! Guard the exit port!!" Quickly went inside the ship.
Eddy and Bruce "Roger!!"
Two Vf-1A with Super Packs in Battroid mode stood guard the area and shoot down any enemy that came near.
Inside the ship Max has no problem engaging the battle pods, but the problem is the enemy unit keeps on popping out of nowhere.
Max "How much time left?!"
Kim "90 seconds!! Hurry!!"
Max in his mind "88 seconds" sees another batch of enemy units "There no end to them!!" Max sees a volley of missiles and gunfire destroying all the enemy units, it was Ernest.
Max "Ernest!!"
Ernest " Move!!!!"
Max and Ernest in fighter mode maxed their Valkyrie's engines. Then a lone Officers Battle pod appeared in front of them, separating the two.
Ernest radioed Max " Just move !! I'll handle this !!!"Attacks in gerwalk mode.
Outside the exit port.
Eddy "What's taking them!!"
Bruce "Less than 60 seconds!!! Blast it!!"
Then sees Max's Super Valkyrie Exited. Bruce and Eddy followed suit.
Max " Delta 1!! Apollo leader is still inside!! I repeat !! Ernest is still inside!!!"
Bruce "!!!"
Eddy " The squad leader!!"
Emma Alarmed "!!!!! Kim!! The time !!!"
Kim " 31, 30 !!!"
A few seconds later Ernest's Super Valkyrie exited the ship
Ernest " What persistent, assholes!!!" pushing his unit at maximum speed.
At the Bridge
Vanessa sees all units safely outside of the blast radius. " Apollo leader, 2,3 and Skull leader are all accounted for!!"
The Zentrandi ship explodes in a large fiery orb.
Emma relieved let's out a sigh.
Vanessa "That was a gutsy move that Ensign Rayer pulled."
Kim "Gutsy and risky, I always thought of Ensign as a even headed person, but looks can be deceiving."
Shammy "I think I'm changing my opinion about Ensign Rayer, I thought he was dull and backwards, but now I think he's a heroic type."
Kim smirking " A type which you and many other female officers want."
Just a Shammy was about to say something. Emma gave a serious glare. Kim and Shammy quieted.
Emma opens a channel to Ernest and spoke calmly "Lt Rayer, do you know what you did?"
Ernest " ........ I know, I didn't have the authority issue a order like the one I did. ..... .... I know my mistake I'll hand in a report and write an explanation."
Emma "No need ... .. I want to hear it personally .. ... ASAP!"
Ernest " Roger, Apollo leader. Out!" Salutes
Claudia " Be easy on Ernest, Emma."
Emma "Ensign Rayer should know that this is a professional military that he's in. There's the chain of command to follow and ......"
Captain Gloval interrupts "Emma, you can reprimand Ensign Rayer, but a simple slap on the wrist will do."
Emma " But .. .. .. .. I understand Captain."
Shammy "Emma you know seeing you act and wearing the uniform you look like Misa ... ..." Put her hand in her mouth.
Vanessa and Kim "Shammy!!" in their mind they avoided to mention the names of Roy and Misa while Claudia is around. They knew that Claudia is deeply affected by this issue.
Claudia " .... .... It's alright girls, lets just concrete on our duties for now."
Emma felt guilty in her mind " I'm sorry ... .. Claudia"
************************************************
It's been almost 5 days since Hikaru and Misa landed on Earth, at first they thought it was an alien planet. But went they saw the ruins of the Prometheus. To their horror they acknowledge this devastated waste land was their home world. The Planet Earth .
Using the Valkyrie the search the land for survivors, they went to Tokyo, Alaska, they found none.
Hikaru and Misa took shelter form the storm in a make shift tent. Misa is ill and was being attended by Hikaru, he puts a blanket over her.
Hikaru hand over a cooked weird looking fish and hands it over to Misa "Here, it's cooked . You haven't eaten for three days now. At least eat a little."
Misa because of her illness and the destruction of their home world felt depress was losing the will to go on " I would rather die before I eat that."
Hikaru " I've used an anti radiation drug on this fish, I'm sure it's safe, a little bite of this won't hurt. To survive is also a soldier's duty, isn't it?"
Misa " It doesn't matter any more."
Hikaru " ... ... We came back on Earth .. ... We finally made it back ... ... If the Macross is okay, it will be here also. Misa you should need to keep up your strength, here." Offer the "fish".
Misa " Don't you understand!"
Hikaru " Huh?! What?"
Misa "The Macross couldn't do anything, even if it came back!"
Hikaru "Why?"
Misa " There's no more people left on Earth!"
Hikaru " But there is still people still on broad the Macross!!"
Misa " The Zentrandi at an instant can wipe out billions of people" Coughs "Can't you (cough) see, how miserable to be an officer of any army who defeat is obvious."
Hikaru come at Misa side and place a damp handkerchief on her fore head.
Misa "Hikaru, you're a lot tougher than me, Commander Fokker told me."
Hikaru surprised " Roy?"
Misa "That you lived alone, with out a true family with you. Your mother died when you're young, and your father died at an accident."
Hikaru try to mask his grief " He died while performing an aerial acrobatic maneuver. Zoom then splat. Just like that ."
Misa "Then you lived by yourself until now?"
Hikaru "For a while I guess, until Roy found me and took me under his wing, he taught me how to fly, and ever since I was young I was an air race prize hunter."
Misa " ... .. That's why you're holding up. But not me. I always thought that, all I have is duty, as a soldier. I thought that I was soldier that will struggle to survive even if I'm the only one left. But in this sorry state I'm in now .. .." A handkerchief falls on her lap and notices that it has an autograph of Lynn Mimmay."
Hikaru sit facing the gas stove, on looking into the flame of the stove, in deep thought.
Misa " I'm sorry .. ... I didn't mean to ... .." In her mind, she thinks of how Hikaru must have felt when his "older brother" Roy died in front of him, and how he was so close in rescuing Mimmay yet couldn't, these things were tormenting him.
Misa got the fish and took a small piece and ate it, she realize she's not the only one suffering.
****************************************************
At the SDF 1 Macross. At the city area, at a café, Emma in her casual attire was taking a break. She noticed familiar figure, a young man with Black hair, wearing an old U.N. Spacy air force jacket and jeans passed by.
Emma calls out "Ernest?! Over here!!"
Ernest turns around "Granger?!" comes near the Emma table.
Emma calls the waitress "Two glasses, the usual."
The waitress delivers what Emma ordered.
Ernest "So, how's Claudia holding up?"
Emma expression became sadden "At work she still tries to do her duties, but when her shift is over, Kim told me that she (Claudia) will lock her in her room till the next day. She will only come out until her next shift."
Ernest "......... .............. By the way, the data that Max retrieved. Was it useful?"
Emma "Tactically it wasn't much, but there was very surprising information we deciphered. The Zentrandi race has been in space more 500,000 years ago, and they've been roaming around the galaxy only to fight."
Ernest analyzing the revelation that he heard "All those thousand years, all they did was to fight and make war? I remember reading an article that in ancient Greece there was a warrior civilization called the Spartans form the day a male Spartan is born he is already drafted in the military, but it pales to comparison to the Zentrandi, only knowing war for 500,000 years .. . That's unheard of .. .." Grab the glass and drinks some.
Ernest began coughing and spit "What the?! This tastes like alcohol!!!"
Emma surprised "Huh? Of course it does, it's Gin. So , the rumors were true."
Ernest puzzled "Huh? What? Rumors? Of what?"
Emma smiling " Never mind" in her mind "He really doesn't drink liquor." Drink a bit of her Gin.
Ernest "You know I surprise to see a young pretty girl like you drink that kind of stuff."
Emma puzzled "A young pretty girl??"
Ernest narrows his eyes a bit " well 18 is young, right? I know your do act well beyond your age and ..... ....."
Emma even more puzzled " Huh, you I think I'm what?"
Ernest confused " I meant is your YOUNGER than me, I'm TWO YEARS older than you, Then YOUR 18, right? Because you look like one ."
Emma wasn't sure what her emotions are telling her, a part of her was puzzled, yet another part of were kind of glad to hear that coming from him.
Emma " Well, Ernest what your opinion of guys having girl friends a few years older than them."
Ernest "Well for other people, I got no qualms about it, for me personally it's scares me."
Emma " What? Why?"
Ernest " For me it's intimidating to know that being older and having more experience than me, she might be just be toying with your feelings and eventually she'll dump you."
Emma "Mature women aren't like that!! I'm no where near like that!!"
Ernest scratch his head gave a dumb answer "Of you're not!! You're younger than me!"
Emma ticked off "And this is coming form a guy that never dated a single girl in his life!!"
Ernest "Ok! Lets not escalate this further, I heard form Vanessa that we're on route to Mars?
Emma composing herself "Yes we'll reach Mars about a week time."
Ernest "Are we going to get provisions at Mars base Sara?"
Emma "Even if the base was abandon a few years back when it was assaulted by the insurgents. The senior officers believe the still a large stock pile of armaments, food rations and fuel that we can salvage, but ... ..."
Ernest "Having to re-supply the Macross means making it an easy target to attack , giving the Zentrandi a perfect opportunity to strike."
Emma " ... .... We got not choice, with almost routinely skirmishes with the enemy, slowly but surely we are depleting our ammunition stocks. Plus there the matter of more than 70,000 people to think about."
Ernest "Talk about being stuck between a hard place and a rock." Notice Eddy Hiding himself behind and was holding something. "Isn't that Eddy?" point in the opposite direction.
Emma "Sgt. Jutilainen? One of your wing men?"
The pair silently goes the Eddy's position.
Eddy was hiding a tree and was holding a small radio giving helpful "Advice" To his buddy Bruce.
Eddy "Come on Bruce!! Don't keep telling her how the fine the weather is. Give her a nice compliment!"
Earlier Bruce asked Vanessa out for afternoon drink. Bruce having close to nothing how to start a conversation, especially with women.
Bruce nervous "Well. ... You ... I mean Vanessa ... .. You look different ... . Today ... .. What happen to your glasses?"
Vanessa in her mind "That's Bruce Rudel for you, calm in the line of fire, but when it come to females he's nervous and shy" Lets out sigh.
Bruce alarmed "It's not .. .. That I like don't like ... ..You .. . You without your glasses ... I'm sorry!!"
Vanessa softy giggles and in her thoughts "He's quite cute when he does that." And she speaks "It's ok Bruce you did nothing wrong. If you don't mind I'll order some thing for me to drink."
Bruce "Sur-Sure." In his ear piece he hears Eddy.
Eddy put his hands on his face "Man, I have heard a lot of lame compliments, but you take the cake." He notices some body tapping his shoulder, he turns around was shock to see His squad leader and Lt JG Granger.
Eddy "Squad Leader!! Lt. Granger!!" drops the radio.
Emma "Sgt. Jutilainen, What the heck are you doing?? Spying on someone is a criminal offence!!"
Ernest pick up the radio and sees Bruce at a near by café "Emma, I think it nothing like that" points at a table where Bruce a nice looking woman was sited "Eddy, your helping Bruce, right?" See Eddy nodded "Hmm, isn't that beautiful lady . ..." pause a moment "I know I seen her some where."
Emma curious and spot the "Beautiful lady" To her surprise "That's Vanessa, you dull witted Ensign." She tells Ernest.
Ernest taken back his eyes narrowed "LT. Laird, Vanessa? Isn't she a bit old for Bruce? Bruce is 18 and Vanessa is . ... Ah Eddy how old is she?"
Eddy gave a puzzled look "Vanessa is 22, Squad leader. It's just 4 years difference."
Ernest sarcasm in his tome "Oh, yeah 4 more years more of experience is a lot of difference. Anyway it not my business."
Emma trying to hold her temper in her mind "If I hear one more stupid remark out of you (Ernest) I'll break your neck!!"
Bruce using the Radio "Eddy!! Help me here!!! I don't know what to do!!!"
Eddy used the radio "Wait!! Can't you for once think for yourself!!! Just say something!!!"
Bruce perplexed don't know what to say to Vanessa, then he sees an electronic billboard and decided read it and tell it to Vanessa
Bruce "Vanessa you know .. .. It takes a tough man to tenderize chicken .. ... BREAST??? What!! ?? I .I .. Meant .. . That."
Vanessa "What??!!"
Ernest Emma and Eddy put their hands in there faces.
Emma "My goodness, Bruce really need coaching!"
Ernest "Oh boy, Eddy give me the radio." Eddy Hand it over
Ernest "Bruce! This is your squad leader speaking!" Bruce was startled " Bruce, be calm, use your feelings and thoughts to guide your words on what you want to say, whatever reaction you may or may get doesn't matter. Just be honest to her and to yourself."
Bruce took a deep breath "Vanessa I need to tell you something."
Vanessa notices the seriousness of his demeanor "Yes, what's the matter Bruce?"
Bruce "We've been seeing each other for a couple of months now, we talked and laugh at each other stories, well maybe you laughed most of the time because of how I acted in front of you, I every time I talk to you ,I feel out of place, insecure ... ..."
Vanessa "Bruce, do I make you insecure .." in her mind a troubling thought occur, She grew quite found of this young silver haired pilot, her fears was Bruce want to break their friendship for another girl. In her mind "It's must be some young and pretty girl. I thought I was prepared for anything like this, but Bruce is a very different case."
Bruce continued "No, I'm the one who's making myself insecure, Vanessa I was glad to meet me a person like you, I feel comfortable talking and just being with you. I just wanted to let you know how I felt. I also pray and hope that you feel the same way as I do. I just wanted to for us to continue what we've started."
Vanessa gently touch Bruce's hand "Bruce, I'm glad that you told me this, Bruce. I also feel the same way as you, thanks for trusting me with your feelings." Smiles "Any way let's eat. What do you like?"
Bruce "Hamburger, fires and a cola will do."
Vanessa softy giggles "Ordering a meal like. That's so you, a young teenager."
Bruce annoyed "... ... Whatever"
Vanessa smiles "You know your especially cute when your like that."
At the other side of the café.
Eddy "Wow!! Squad leader! I never thought give that kind of advice. But I thought you never dated."
Ernest "I see you're the one who spreading this. Why you .. .."
Emma "Can you explain, Ernest? "
Ernest "It doesn't mean I never dated, that I never loved some one. As Roy would use to say: A man is often to young to marry, but never to old to love."
Emma " Is she on this ship?"
Ernest ".... ....... My feeling that I have for her are unrequited and unanswered .. . and she's dead . ..."
Emma "I'm sorry I didn't mean to ... .."
Ernest "It's just alright, that happened when I was a stupid teenager, I've move on with my life and form then on, I do notice how men and women interact."
Eddy "Really, Squad leader? How?"
Ernest "Let's just say, man always wanted to be a woman's first love, but for the woman, it's different, they have a different instinct. What they want is to be the man's last romance." Slowly walks away.
Emma was impressed by the level of dept of Ernest definition of Love. Something in her was bringing her closer and closer, to an enigma named Ernest..
************************************************
The SDF1 Macross Nears Mars orbit, The Bridge informs all personnel, to prepare for atmospheric entry.
Claudia " All, necessary panels are closed and heat shields are activated."
Kim "We will reach the atmosphere in 3 , 2, and 1! We've just entered the atmosphere."
Emma " Pitch and attitude speeds are in optimal levels."
Gloval in deep thought "Mars, The Red planet, the same name of an ancient Greek god of war."
The Macross battle fortress land a few kilometers away for the former UN Spacy base call Sara and made preparations to re-supply the ship.
Each Valkyrie squad is assign to forward sector, to intercept and destroy any advancing enemy units. While Destroid forces of mainly Spartan, Phalanx secured the vicinity of Mars base Sara as a second line of defense. Ernest's Apollo squad and a squadron Tomahawks and Monsters formed the Last defensive on Macross.
The Apollo squad's Valkyrie units are outfitted with "Armors" this optional systems are called. Weapons Protector Systems, giving the Valkyrie over all protection and give a lot more missile compartments than a standard Fast packs of the Super Valkyrie, thus earning it the nick name "Armored Valkyrie"
At the Bridge, Radar operator Lt. Vanessa Laird detected Zentrandi unit are advancing to towards the first line of defense. Gloval orders the Valkyrie squads to intercept the enemy unit. Leading the offensive was Skull squad headed by Max.
Vanessa on her monitors sees a yet another large number of bypassing the 1st defensive line and is directly heading to the 2nd defensive line.
On the deck of the Macross, 3 VF 1J Armored Battroid Valkyrie are on standby.
Emma "Delta 1 to Apollo squad, go to the 2nd defensive position and reinforce the area."
Ernest "Roger!!"
Eddy "We'll show then the full capabilities of the Armored Valkyrie!"
Ernest's Apollo squad quickly mobilize and got in the second defensive line, all the 3 Armored Valkyrie, quickly engaged the hostile forces with shear fire power, cutting the Zentrandi units into ribbons.
Eddy fires a full barrage missile and wipes out a squadron of Battle Pods "See that !!! This is the power of the Apollo squad!!!!" Blast a couple more units.
Bruce simultaneously fires his missiles and Gun pod the whole area erupted into glowing sphere of explosions and speaks to himself " I'm impressed with this unit."
Ernest gives fire support to a couple of Destroid squads "Hurry and fall back!!!" in his monitor he locks on all available targets and yelled "ATTACK!!!" All of the Armored Valkyrie missile compartments opened , unleashed volley after volley of missiles, bombarding and destroying all of his targets. Then behind him three power armor units were chasing after him, He obliterates his pursers by using his unit's Gun pod.
Then an emergency transmission coming form the Macross is heard.
Emma "Delta 1 to all Valkyrie squadrons!! Return to the Macross immediately!! Enemy forces have engaged the Macross!! All Tomahawk and Monster units prepare for defensive bombardment!!"
Shammy "Emma ! Another new enemy group is engaging and blocked all the Valkyrie squadron, preventing them to assist us!!"
Ernest "This is bad !! Bruce!! Eddy !!"
Bruce and Eddy " Roger!!"
Ernest's squad hastily heads back to the besieged Macross
At the Macross, a fierce exchange of weapons fire between the Zentrandi, Destroid and the Macross defensive guns.
At the SDF 1 Bridge numerous battle reports are flooding the consoles of all the operators. The situation is dire, with the Valkyrie reinforcements being block off, and the enemy unit out numbering the Destroid units 10 to 1.
Squadrons of Destroids against all the odds are still holding their ground. Leading the defensive bombardment was a volunteer of the civil defense corps. A young man named Kenneth Chen.
Kenneth radioed the Bridge "We'll try our to best to protect and hold our position!!"
At the Bridge. Kim "What happen to Destroid squad 5 and 8?!"
Kenneth positions his Tomahawk to find cover " They've being wiped out !!" and he opens a channel to all Destroid units "People! If we fail in protecting the Macross our homes, our families and our love ones will all perish!! We will protect this ship to the last man left standing!!! HOLD THE LINE AT ALL COST!!!!"
On the Bridge,
Gloval "Status Report !!!"
Shammy " The Macross receive 80% damage form all sectors, if this up .. .."
The Bridge crew sees vast numbers of missile trails heading towards the Zentrandi units, taking out a large chunk of the enemy forces.
Vanessa sees in her radar console "I'm seeing three friendly units ... ... It's Ensign Rayer's squad !!!!
Kenneth's Destroid squadron is taking a beating, with his Tomahawk severely damaged an enemy power armor was going to finish him off "Looks like this is it."
Just as the Zentrandi power armor was going to blast Kenneth's Tomahawk. The power armor was blasted into shreds. He saw three Armored Valkyrie taking their positions. He notices the insignia.
Ernest "Eddy!! Bruce!!! You two engage the incoming bandits! I'll sanitize this area !!"
Eddy "Okay!!! I'll show these bastard who's their dealing with!!"
Bruce " Acknowledged!! Squad leader!!!"
Emma on her console sees the Apollo Squad engaging the enemy in her mind "Apollo squad ... .. Please .. Protect the Macross .. .."
Bruce and Eddy engaged incoming hostiles, try to repel as much enemy units as they can. Ernest is on the deck helping the other Destroid units and fought a fast pace running battle.
Bruce and Eddy sees a large damaged Zentrandi fighter, it was trying to break through the defensive line is going to crash into the Bridge.
Eddy "Shit !!! Its going to ram the bridge!!!"
Bruce " !!! I won't let it happen !!!"
The two Armored Valkyrie a opens fire at the enemy fighter craft, damaging it, but still the it was still determined to ram itself on the Bridge of the Macross. Eddy and Bruce tries to intercept, but was blocked by two power armor.
Eddy sees Bruce's unit was tackled by a power armor " Bruce!!"
Bruce unit is punching the power armor for him to break free " Eddy!!! Never mind me!!! Stop that thing before it crashes itself on the Bridge !!!"
Eddy unit also tackled by another power armor be struggles to break free "Bridge!!! There an enemy craft that's going to ram you!!!!"
At the same moment . At the Bridge
Vanessa " An 30 meter long object is heading straight at us!!! It's range is 100 meters and closing."
Gloval "All guns !! Shoot it down!!!"
Claudia " All gun batteries are deployed! Sir !! It's still heading straight for us!!!"
Shammy " 90 second till impact !!!"
Kim "None of our defenders can make it time!!!!"
Gloval " All Hand brace for impact!!!"
Emma in the Bridge window sees a this thing approaching. She stood on her console and closes her eyes in her mind "Looks like I can never meet you again, Ernest."
Now of nowhere, Ernest's Armored Valkyrie pulled every known Battroid maneuver and blasting every thing that blocked his way, to reach the Bridge
Ernest " I swear to you Emma, I will protect your life without fail!!!!"
Emma instantly opens her eyes and a lone Battroid stood in the path of the incoming craft.
Ernest "I won't let you go any further!!!!!!!!!!!"
Ernest's Armored Valkyrie opens all missile bays. Fired a flurry of missiles, the enemy craft also opens it's lasers. The exchange of weapons was intense, it was head to head no holds barred, and no dodge fighting.
The enemy craft explode, while Ernest Armored Valkyrie because of the laser fire, it s head, one of it's arm and leg was blown off. Finally a laser hits the chest armor. The armor absorbed most of the damage, but because of shear force of the impact. The Armored Valkyrie was thrown off like a used up rugged doll and on crashes on the deck of the SDF 1.
Emma sees on the monitor the wounded and unconscious Ernest, her eye are building up with tears " Apollo leader!!!! Respond!!! Apollo leader !! Please respond!!!! ANSWER ME!! Damn it!! Ernest, answer me!!!!"
Kim receives a radio massage "Skull Leader and the rest Valkyrie squadrons... ... They're here!!!"
Max " Skull leader to Delta one, our apologies that we were delayed!! We'll handle the rest !!"
Emma holding back her tears " Delta one to Valkyrie squadron, Take over Apollo 2 and 3 position, and send a unit to bring Ernest, I meant Apollo leader inside the ship." Then a monitor pops up.
Ernest breathing heavily "Emma .. I kept . . my ... Promise ..." Breaths heavily and holding his wounds.
Emma did not her notice tears flowing down " Ernest, please save your strength, everything will be alright."
Ernest closes his eyes "Is the ... .. Macross .. .. Safe ?"
Emma alarmed " Don't you dare even dare quit on me!!! Where the unit that I requested!!! I want an MED VAC !!! Now!!!"
Ernest still breathing heavily " I not going .. . to quit .. .. I'm just tried .. .. I'm . . Sleep ... ... for a while .. .. .." and was unconscious but still breathing. A Valkyrie in Battroid mode nears his location and brings his unit inside the ARMD 1
Claudia " Emma, you want to see him? Right?"
Emma wiping her tears " .. ... There are still enemy units around the area, I'm still needed .. " Gloval cut her off
Gloval "Emma you can take your leave, you already did enough good work. Shammy, you take over."
Claudia "What are you wanting for? Girl ! Just go to him!!!"
Emma salutes and ran as fast as she could.
The Valkyrie squadron leaded by Max, successfully repulses the Zentrandi forces. The Macross Finished with the re-supply, prepare for a lift off, quickly leaving Mars.
At the hospital inside Macross. Ernest wakes up, his head bandage and he felt that he was run over by a bus.
Ernest " I'm in the hospital . ..." Notices Emma still in her officers uniform, she slept with her with head being cushion by her arms, beside his bed. "Emma . .." He lift his hands a touched her long blonde hair.
Emma was awaken and sees Ernest touching her hair " Ernest .. ... "
Ernest " ... ... Hi, Emma .... .... How long did I pass out ?"
Emma composing herself "About half a day. The doctor said that you've suffer a concussion and some minor bruises."
Ernest "Half a day.. .. I feel that I was lying in this bed for a week .. .. Emma " Ernest, I was glad the you saved the Bridge, but ... ... What you said that : You will protect my life.. .. .. I .. ..."
Ernest " ... .... ....If a friend of mine whom I trust and care the most is in danger, I will not hesitate to use my life a shield ... .. As long as you're alright, I don't care if I die .. .."
Emma slaps him tears forming in her eyes "YOU DON"T CARE?!! I do care if a friend of mine dies because of me!! Do you know how I felt when I thought you're going to die in front of me!!" Tears began to flow down on her cheeks.
Ernest "Emma ... .. Please ... .. stop crying .. .. I feel guilty if I made girls shed their tears ... ... I thought .. ... I was trying ... To protect the ship... I wanted to protect you especially ... ... For I think I've" Avoiding Emma eyes and Murmurs "I have special feelings for you."
Emma " !! Special feelings ... .. Like love? With me?"
Ernest Closed his eyes and trying not to blush " I . ... I'm quite fond of you... ... I feel more comfortable being with you .. .. But still .. I'm still sorting out my feelings .. .. For you .. .. I ." Emma gently put a finger near his mouth.
Emma smiling " Shhh, We can talk about that later, for now just rest and recover form your wounds. By the way, Ernest because of your squad's actions, all of you will be given a promotion."
Ernest "I see, I guess now I'll have the same rank as you." Smirking "I guess you can't boss me around now."
Emma giving an innocent girl look "Well, guess what? I got promoted also, too bad."
Both Ernest and Emma fell silent for a few moments, and then both laughed.
***************************************
At Earth Hikaru and Misa was traveling around the globe for almost to a month, still looking for survivors, upon traveling on the ocean they stumble upon a weird structure stick out and checks it.
Later, inside the strange looking building Hikaru and Misa enter what seems to be a communication room. Misa tried the console to send out a signal to the Macross, Hikaru tell her it will be bad if the enemies gets it also. Misa tell she knows but they got to try. Sent out a signal to their ship, she waited for a few moments, but got no response. Misa dishearten stand away form the consoles she fears that the Macross is also been destroyed. She snobs.
Hikaru tell that the console must be damaged, and also suggested to find try the other consoles.
Then suddenly the computer system came to life, it told them in alien language. Misa with training with Zentrandi language, understand a bit. Hikaru ask if she understand. Misa tell him she can but just a bit for it was more complex than the Zentrandi's dialect.
Misa asked a couple of questions to the computer, the computer display's some kind of data on the holographic displays giving information to her. Then the power was cut off.
Misa "Wait I got more questions to ask!!"
Hikaru "It disappeared? Why?"
Misa "It's diverting all power to raise the city."
Hikaru "What? City??"
They step out of the tower and watch, as a huge city rises out of the sea. Misa explains to Hikaru the history that she has learned from the computer, of the island, as they watch.
Misa explain to Hikaru about a race called Protoculture interstellar race, how they created the Zentrandi, the Meltrandi, what between them, also adding that these Protoculture race created the humans on Earth.
Misa and Hikaru investigated the ruin of the city; the couple enters a house Misa sees a card-like thing in the kitchen sink and something is writing on it."
Hikaru "Did you find something?"
Misa pick up the card "I wonder what this could be? There seems to be some kind of writing" Tries to read "Do you . .. Do you Rem ... Do you remember ...? It much more complex than what the giants used."
Hikaru "It must be another ordinary house, let's try somewhere."
Misa "Can we stay a bit longer? I really got no reason, but I just have a vague feeling of ... .. ."
Hikaru "I see, Well I'll just go have a look around. I'll be back soon." Leaves.
Misa looks in the kitchen sink see the utensils "Some things really never change" Hikaru returns after a longer search of the city, and he enters the dwelling that he and Misa found.
Hikaru "As expected no one here, all of the machines are useless."
Misa "Welcome home. Dear!"
Hikaru finds Misa waiting for him with eating utensils, plates, and glasses. She has set a rather nice table for the two of them and greets him as if the two were a newly wed couple.
Hikaru plays along "I'm home, Dear!
Misa "Shall we eat?"
Hikaru with a Dramatic pause "Yes!"
They play "house," pretending to have an elegant dinner. Hikaru accidentally knock one of the glasses off the table onto the wet floor. Misa looks at it. Suddenly she is depressed. She folds her hands and lowers her head.
Misa sobbing "I want to go home ... .. Where everyone is ... ... I'm so alone ... ..
Hikaru in his thoughts he felt guilty of thinking of this, but Misa looks so vulnerable, yet so beautiful while she grieved, like she a completely different person, not as a Lieutenant that gawks at him and which he always quarrels with, but a kind and gentle woman of endless strength and compassion.
Hikaru surprised himself what kind of thoughts that he was thinking, but he fact the he couldn't resist staring into Misa, admiring, and caring for her. He tried asking his brain on what to do, but to his surprise it was his heart that answered.
Hikaru gently reaches Misa's hand. Touching it softy "... ... You're not alone ... .. I will be always be with you ... .."
Misa " Ensign Ichijo .. ... Hikaru . ...
The Hikaru and Misa Kissed, A flood of emotions and thought race to both of them.
Hikaru " Why am I doing this? Is this love ? I could I have fallen in love with the 3 years older Misa?" He tries to asking his brain to answer, but only his heart would answer. "Yes you do love her." But what about Minmay? I was suppose to be in love with her. Was I really in love with Minmay?? Try as he might there was no Minmay, His heart and now his brain answered "Yes, you do love Misa, Hayase. You wish to protect her and share your life with her."
Misa in her thoughts race like endless tide, but she above the rest of emotions, she was certain that she have fallen in love with Hikaru, yet there was a lingering fear in her that, Hikaru's heart still belong to Minmay, or that Hikaru was so desperate that we want to taste the woman with in her.
But the perfect moment Both Hikaru's and Misa's hearts became as one . .. ...
To be continued ......
Notes: Whew!!! I hope it not too long, any thanx for reading I hope you enjoyed it, I'll update ASAP.
Ernest's Apollo squad and the newly promoted Ensign Maxilian Jiniyas lead the Skull squad. Max went inside the wreck of the Zentrandi ship, while Ernest and the rest secured the area.
Ernest radioed his wingmen "Apollo leader to Apollo 2, 3 what the status of your area, over."
Bruce "Apollo 3, almost finished scanning the area, no threat detected."
Eddy "Apollo 2, it just debris and damaged ship parts sir."
Ernest "This Apollo leader to Skull, do you detect any enemy activity?"
Kakizaki Hayao radio in "Nothing, Apollo, it's peacefully here."
Ernest felt really uneasy he knows the risk of this kind of operation. Earlier they were briefed to obtain information by using a Valkyrie unit to hack into the Zentrandi ship's Mainframe. Emma, Gloval and Ernest knew making an operation like this was like walking into a trap.
Ernest "Bruce, Eddy and the rest of the Skull squad don't let your guard down."
Eddy "I'll keep a sharp eye out, fearless leader!!"
Bruce "Roger, proceeding into the next target area." He notices a private channel form the Bridge of The Macross. He opens the channel and switch into secure frequency. In his monitor, he see the image of Vanessa.
Vanessa in a low tone "Bruce, be careful."
Bruce face was still in neutral expression, but he gave thumbs up and proceeded to his to his next location.
Ernest radioed the Bridge "Apollo Leader to Delta 1, what the status of Skull leader (Max)."
At the Bridge, because of the absence of Lt. Hayase. Emma was chosen as the replacement tactical officer. She is wearing the same colored uniform as Misa." Emma "Delta 1 to Apollo leader, Skull leader is proceeding as planned." Notice the uneasy looked of Ernest. "Ensign Rayer?"
Ernest looking at his computer panels "I'm concern a about this operation, this has an eerie signs of an ambush."
Emma "I know, if we can access the enemy's mainframe, it might us the invaluable information. We'll update the squads for any situations." She lowers her voice "Be careful, ok"
Ernest puzzled " Huh ?"
Emma "Never mind."
Ernest and his Apollo squad hovers near the wreck of the Zentrandi ship. Meanwhile inside Max proceeded with the plan, after passing a few corridors, he located the ship's mainframe.
Max relays the information back to the Macross computers.
Max "Delta 1 How's the transmission feed?"
Emma " The frequency is stable, just a few more to go. Skull leader." Then Max notice the mainframe became active.
Max " What?!"
A computerize voice spoke in Zentran it translated into
At the Bridge Vanessa detects an abnormal energy build up in the ship core, she quickly alerts Emma "The ships core it's directing all reserve energy into the core !! It's going to blow!!!"
Emma "Delta 1 to Skull leader!! Get out of there!!!"
Max switch his Battroid into gerwalk mode and quickly exited the area, all of the security systems supposed to be "dead" ship came to life. The security systems open fires at Max Valkyrie; he easily avoids all attacks, but his surprise a couple of enemy units that was in hiding showed up.
At the same time.
Outside of the shipwreck a raging battle began to start.
Bruce in Battroid mode destroyed a couple of battle pods " There are multiple hostiles in my area. I'm engaging with enemy!!" Blast a couple more battle pods.
Eddy " Damn it!! This is Apollo 2, I'll be at Apollo 3 position in a few moments, and I'll assist Apollo 3 !! Where did those bastards came form?!!"
Ernest in gerwalk mode destroying a couple of gun emplacement the appeared out of nowhere. Then an emergency transmission came.
Ernest " What!! Self destruct !!Where's Skull leader?!"
Emma "Skull leader in still inside and is fighting with the enemy units!"
Ernest "This is Apollo leader to Skull squad!! Get your asses of here!! Now!!! I'm going inside to assist Skull leader! Bruce! Eddy !! Guard the exit port!!" Quickly went inside the ship.
Eddy and Bruce "Roger!!"
Two Vf-1A with Super Packs in Battroid mode stood guard the area and shoot down any enemy that came near.
Inside the ship Max has no problem engaging the battle pods, but the problem is the enemy unit keeps on popping out of nowhere.
Max "How much time left?!"
Kim "90 seconds!! Hurry!!"
Max in his mind "88 seconds" sees another batch of enemy units "There no end to them!!" Max sees a volley of missiles and gunfire destroying all the enemy units, it was Ernest.
Max "Ernest!!"
Ernest " Move!!!!"
Max and Ernest in fighter mode maxed their Valkyrie's engines. Then a lone Officers Battle pod appeared in front of them, separating the two.
Ernest radioed Max " Just move !! I'll handle this !!!"Attacks in gerwalk mode.
Outside the exit port.
Eddy "What's taking them!!"
Bruce "Less than 60 seconds!!! Blast it!!"
Then sees Max's Super Valkyrie Exited. Bruce and Eddy followed suit.
Max " Delta 1!! Apollo leader is still inside!! I repeat !! Ernest is still inside!!!"
Bruce "!!!"
Eddy " The squad leader!!"
Emma Alarmed "!!!!! Kim!! The time !!!"
Kim " 31, 30 !!!"
A few seconds later Ernest's Super Valkyrie exited the ship
Ernest " What persistent, assholes!!!" pushing his unit at maximum speed.
At the Bridge
Vanessa sees all units safely outside of the blast radius. " Apollo leader, 2,3 and Skull leader are all accounted for!!"
The Zentrandi ship explodes in a large fiery orb.
Emma relieved let's out a sigh.
Vanessa "That was a gutsy move that Ensign Rayer pulled."
Kim "Gutsy and risky, I always thought of Ensign as a even headed person, but looks can be deceiving."
Shammy "I think I'm changing my opinion about Ensign Rayer, I thought he was dull and backwards, but now I think he's a heroic type."
Kim smirking " A type which you and many other female officers want."
Just a Shammy was about to say something. Emma gave a serious glare. Kim and Shammy quieted.
Emma opens a channel to Ernest and spoke calmly "Lt Rayer, do you know what you did?"
Ernest " ........ I know, I didn't have the authority issue a order like the one I did. ..... .... I know my mistake I'll hand in a report and write an explanation."
Emma "No need ... .. I want to hear it personally .. ... ASAP!"
Ernest " Roger, Apollo leader. Out!" Salutes
Claudia " Be easy on Ernest, Emma."
Emma "Ensign Rayer should know that this is a professional military that he's in. There's the chain of command to follow and ......"
Captain Gloval interrupts "Emma, you can reprimand Ensign Rayer, but a simple slap on the wrist will do."
Emma " But .. .. .. .. I understand Captain."
Shammy "Emma you know seeing you act and wearing the uniform you look like Misa ... ..." Put her hand in her mouth.
Vanessa and Kim "Shammy!!" in their mind they avoided to mention the names of Roy and Misa while Claudia is around. They knew that Claudia is deeply affected by this issue.
Claudia " .... .... It's alright girls, lets just concrete on our duties for now."
Emma felt guilty in her mind " I'm sorry ... .. Claudia"
************************************************
It's been almost 5 days since Hikaru and Misa landed on Earth, at first they thought it was an alien planet. But went they saw the ruins of the Prometheus. To their horror they acknowledge this devastated waste land was their home world. The Planet Earth .
Using the Valkyrie the search the land for survivors, they went to Tokyo, Alaska, they found none.
Hikaru and Misa took shelter form the storm in a make shift tent. Misa is ill and was being attended by Hikaru, he puts a blanket over her.
Hikaru hand over a cooked weird looking fish and hands it over to Misa "Here, it's cooked . You haven't eaten for three days now. At least eat a little."
Misa because of her illness and the destruction of their home world felt depress was losing the will to go on " I would rather die before I eat that."
Hikaru " I've used an anti radiation drug on this fish, I'm sure it's safe, a little bite of this won't hurt. To survive is also a soldier's duty, isn't it?"
Misa " It doesn't matter any more."
Hikaru " ... ... We came back on Earth .. ... We finally made it back ... ... If the Macross is okay, it will be here also. Misa you should need to keep up your strength, here." Offer the "fish".
Misa " Don't you understand!"
Hikaru " Huh?! What?"
Misa "The Macross couldn't do anything, even if it came back!"
Hikaru "Why?"
Misa " There's no more people left on Earth!"
Hikaru " But there is still people still on broad the Macross!!"
Misa " The Zentrandi at an instant can wipe out billions of people" Coughs "Can't you (cough) see, how miserable to be an officer of any army who defeat is obvious."
Hikaru come at Misa side and place a damp handkerchief on her fore head.
Misa "Hikaru, you're a lot tougher than me, Commander Fokker told me."
Hikaru surprised " Roy?"
Misa "That you lived alone, with out a true family with you. Your mother died when you're young, and your father died at an accident."
Hikaru try to mask his grief " He died while performing an aerial acrobatic maneuver. Zoom then splat. Just like that ."
Misa "Then you lived by yourself until now?"
Hikaru "For a while I guess, until Roy found me and took me under his wing, he taught me how to fly, and ever since I was young I was an air race prize hunter."
Misa " ... .. That's why you're holding up. But not me. I always thought that, all I have is duty, as a soldier. I thought that I was soldier that will struggle to survive even if I'm the only one left. But in this sorry state I'm in now .. .." A handkerchief falls on her lap and notices that it has an autograph of Lynn Mimmay."
Hikaru sit facing the gas stove, on looking into the flame of the stove, in deep thought.
Misa " I'm sorry .. ... I didn't mean to ... .." In her mind, she thinks of how Hikaru must have felt when his "older brother" Roy died in front of him, and how he was so close in rescuing Mimmay yet couldn't, these things were tormenting him.
Misa got the fish and took a small piece and ate it, she realize she's not the only one suffering.
****************************************************
At the SDF 1 Macross. At the city area, at a café, Emma in her casual attire was taking a break. She noticed familiar figure, a young man with Black hair, wearing an old U.N. Spacy air force jacket and jeans passed by.
Emma calls out "Ernest?! Over here!!"
Ernest turns around "Granger?!" comes near the Emma table.
Emma calls the waitress "Two glasses, the usual."
The waitress delivers what Emma ordered.
Ernest "So, how's Claudia holding up?"
Emma expression became sadden "At work she still tries to do her duties, but when her shift is over, Kim told me that she (Claudia) will lock her in her room till the next day. She will only come out until her next shift."
Ernest "......... .............. By the way, the data that Max retrieved. Was it useful?"
Emma "Tactically it wasn't much, but there was very surprising information we deciphered. The Zentrandi race has been in space more 500,000 years ago, and they've been roaming around the galaxy only to fight."
Ernest analyzing the revelation that he heard "All those thousand years, all they did was to fight and make war? I remember reading an article that in ancient Greece there was a warrior civilization called the Spartans form the day a male Spartan is born he is already drafted in the military, but it pales to comparison to the Zentrandi, only knowing war for 500,000 years .. . That's unheard of .. .." Grab the glass and drinks some.
Ernest began coughing and spit "What the?! This tastes like alcohol!!!"
Emma surprised "Huh? Of course it does, it's Gin. So , the rumors were true."
Ernest puzzled "Huh? What? Rumors? Of what?"
Emma smiling " Never mind" in her mind "He really doesn't drink liquor." Drink a bit of her Gin.
Ernest "You know I surprise to see a young pretty girl like you drink that kind of stuff."
Emma puzzled "A young pretty girl??"
Ernest narrows his eyes a bit " well 18 is young, right? I know your do act well beyond your age and ..... ....."
Emma even more puzzled " Huh, you I think I'm what?"
Ernest confused " I meant is your YOUNGER than me, I'm TWO YEARS older than you, Then YOUR 18, right? Because you look like one ."
Emma wasn't sure what her emotions are telling her, a part of her was puzzled, yet another part of were kind of glad to hear that coming from him.
Emma " Well, Ernest what your opinion of guys having girl friends a few years older than them."
Ernest "Well for other people, I got no qualms about it, for me personally it's scares me."
Emma " What? Why?"
Ernest " For me it's intimidating to know that being older and having more experience than me, she might be just be toying with your feelings and eventually she'll dump you."
Emma "Mature women aren't like that!! I'm no where near like that!!"
Ernest scratch his head gave a dumb answer "Of you're not!! You're younger than me!"
Emma ticked off "And this is coming form a guy that never dated a single girl in his life!!"
Ernest "Ok! Lets not escalate this further, I heard form Vanessa that we're on route to Mars?
Emma composing herself "Yes we'll reach Mars about a week time."
Ernest "Are we going to get provisions at Mars base Sara?"
Emma "Even if the base was abandon a few years back when it was assaulted by the insurgents. The senior officers believe the still a large stock pile of armaments, food rations and fuel that we can salvage, but ... ..."
Ernest "Having to re-supply the Macross means making it an easy target to attack , giving the Zentrandi a perfect opportunity to strike."
Emma " ... .... We got not choice, with almost routinely skirmishes with the enemy, slowly but surely we are depleting our ammunition stocks. Plus there the matter of more than 70,000 people to think about."
Ernest "Talk about being stuck between a hard place and a rock." Notice Eddy Hiding himself behind and was holding something. "Isn't that Eddy?" point in the opposite direction.
Emma "Sgt. Jutilainen? One of your wing men?"
The pair silently goes the Eddy's position.
Eddy was hiding a tree and was holding a small radio giving helpful "Advice" To his buddy Bruce.
Eddy "Come on Bruce!! Don't keep telling her how the fine the weather is. Give her a nice compliment!"
Earlier Bruce asked Vanessa out for afternoon drink. Bruce having close to nothing how to start a conversation, especially with women.
Bruce nervous "Well. ... You ... I mean Vanessa ... .. You look different ... . Today ... .. What happen to your glasses?"
Vanessa in her mind "That's Bruce Rudel for you, calm in the line of fire, but when it come to females he's nervous and shy" Lets out sigh.
Bruce alarmed "It's not .. .. That I like don't like ... ..You .. . You without your glasses ... I'm sorry!!"
Vanessa softy giggles and in her thoughts "He's quite cute when he does that." And she speaks "It's ok Bruce you did nothing wrong. If you don't mind I'll order some thing for me to drink."
Bruce "Sur-Sure." In his ear piece he hears Eddy.
Eddy put his hands on his face "Man, I have heard a lot of lame compliments, but you take the cake." He notices some body tapping his shoulder, he turns around was shock to see His squad leader and Lt JG Granger.
Eddy "Squad Leader!! Lt. Granger!!" drops the radio.
Emma "Sgt. Jutilainen, What the heck are you doing?? Spying on someone is a criminal offence!!"
Ernest pick up the radio and sees Bruce at a near by café "Emma, I think it nothing like that" points at a table where Bruce a nice looking woman was sited "Eddy, your helping Bruce, right?" See Eddy nodded "Hmm, isn't that beautiful lady . ..." pause a moment "I know I seen her some where."
Emma curious and spot the "Beautiful lady" To her surprise "That's Vanessa, you dull witted Ensign." She tells Ernest.
Ernest taken back his eyes narrowed "LT. Laird, Vanessa? Isn't she a bit old for Bruce? Bruce is 18 and Vanessa is . ... Ah Eddy how old is she?"
Eddy gave a puzzled look "Vanessa is 22, Squad leader. It's just 4 years difference."
Ernest sarcasm in his tome "Oh, yeah 4 more years more of experience is a lot of difference. Anyway it not my business."
Emma trying to hold her temper in her mind "If I hear one more stupid remark out of you (Ernest) I'll break your neck!!"
Bruce using the Radio "Eddy!! Help me here!!! I don't know what to do!!!"
Eddy used the radio "Wait!! Can't you for once think for yourself!!! Just say something!!!"
Bruce perplexed don't know what to say to Vanessa, then he sees an electronic billboard and decided read it and tell it to Vanessa
Bruce "Vanessa you know .. .. It takes a tough man to tenderize chicken .. ... BREAST??? What!! ?? I .I .. Meant .. . That."
Vanessa "What??!!"
Ernest Emma and Eddy put their hands in there faces.
Emma "My goodness, Bruce really need coaching!"
Ernest "Oh boy, Eddy give me the radio." Eddy Hand it over
Ernest "Bruce! This is your squad leader speaking!" Bruce was startled " Bruce, be calm, use your feelings and thoughts to guide your words on what you want to say, whatever reaction you may or may get doesn't matter. Just be honest to her and to yourself."
Bruce took a deep breath "Vanessa I need to tell you something."
Vanessa notices the seriousness of his demeanor "Yes, what's the matter Bruce?"
Bruce "We've been seeing each other for a couple of months now, we talked and laugh at each other stories, well maybe you laughed most of the time because of how I acted in front of you, I every time I talk to you ,I feel out of place, insecure ... ..."
Vanessa "Bruce, do I make you insecure .." in her mind a troubling thought occur, She grew quite found of this young silver haired pilot, her fears was Bruce want to break their friendship for another girl. In her mind "It's must be some young and pretty girl. I thought I was prepared for anything like this, but Bruce is a very different case."
Bruce continued "No, I'm the one who's making myself insecure, Vanessa I was glad to meet me a person like you, I feel comfortable talking and just being with you. I just wanted to let you know how I felt. I also pray and hope that you feel the same way as I do. I just wanted to for us to continue what we've started."
Vanessa gently touch Bruce's hand "Bruce, I'm glad that you told me this, Bruce. I also feel the same way as you, thanks for trusting me with your feelings." Smiles "Any way let's eat. What do you like?"
Bruce "Hamburger, fires and a cola will do."
Vanessa softy giggles "Ordering a meal like. That's so you, a young teenager."
Bruce annoyed "... ... Whatever"
Vanessa smiles "You know your especially cute when your like that."
At the other side of the café.
Eddy "Wow!! Squad leader! I never thought give that kind of advice. But I thought you never dated."
Ernest "I see you're the one who spreading this. Why you .. .."
Emma "Can you explain, Ernest? "
Ernest "It doesn't mean I never dated, that I never loved some one. As Roy would use to say: A man is often to young to marry, but never to old to love."
Emma " Is she on this ship?"
Ernest ".... ....... My feeling that I have for her are unrequited and unanswered .. . and she's dead . ..."
Emma "I'm sorry I didn't mean to ... .."
Ernest "It's just alright, that happened when I was a stupid teenager, I've move on with my life and form then on, I do notice how men and women interact."
Eddy "Really, Squad leader? How?"
Ernest "Let's just say, man always wanted to be a woman's first love, but for the woman, it's different, they have a different instinct. What they want is to be the man's last romance." Slowly walks away.
Emma was impressed by the level of dept of Ernest definition of Love. Something in her was bringing her closer and closer, to an enigma named Ernest..
************************************************
The SDF1 Macross Nears Mars orbit, The Bridge informs all personnel, to prepare for atmospheric entry.
Claudia " All, necessary panels are closed and heat shields are activated."
Kim "We will reach the atmosphere in 3 , 2, and 1! We've just entered the atmosphere."
Emma " Pitch and attitude speeds are in optimal levels."
Gloval in deep thought "Mars, The Red planet, the same name of an ancient Greek god of war."
The Macross battle fortress land a few kilometers away for the former UN Spacy base call Sara and made preparations to re-supply the ship.
Each Valkyrie squad is assign to forward sector, to intercept and destroy any advancing enemy units. While Destroid forces of mainly Spartan, Phalanx secured the vicinity of Mars base Sara as a second line of defense. Ernest's Apollo squad and a squadron Tomahawks and Monsters formed the Last defensive on Macross.
The Apollo squad's Valkyrie units are outfitted with "Armors" this optional systems are called. Weapons Protector Systems, giving the Valkyrie over all protection and give a lot more missile compartments than a standard Fast packs of the Super Valkyrie, thus earning it the nick name "Armored Valkyrie"
At the Bridge, Radar operator Lt. Vanessa Laird detected Zentrandi unit are advancing to towards the first line of defense. Gloval orders the Valkyrie squads to intercept the enemy unit. Leading the offensive was Skull squad headed by Max.
Vanessa on her monitors sees a yet another large number of bypassing the 1st defensive line and is directly heading to the 2nd defensive line.
On the deck of the Macross, 3 VF 1J Armored Battroid Valkyrie are on standby.
Emma "Delta 1 to Apollo squad, go to the 2nd defensive position and reinforce the area."
Ernest "Roger!!"
Eddy "We'll show then the full capabilities of the Armored Valkyrie!"
Ernest's Apollo squad quickly mobilize and got in the second defensive line, all the 3 Armored Valkyrie, quickly engaged the hostile forces with shear fire power, cutting the Zentrandi units into ribbons.
Eddy fires a full barrage missile and wipes out a squadron of Battle Pods "See that !!! This is the power of the Apollo squad!!!!" Blast a couple more units.
Bruce simultaneously fires his missiles and Gun pod the whole area erupted into glowing sphere of explosions and speaks to himself " I'm impressed with this unit."
Ernest gives fire support to a couple of Destroid squads "Hurry and fall back!!!" in his monitor he locks on all available targets and yelled "ATTACK!!!" All of the Armored Valkyrie missile compartments opened , unleashed volley after volley of missiles, bombarding and destroying all of his targets. Then behind him three power armor units were chasing after him, He obliterates his pursers by using his unit's Gun pod.
Then an emergency transmission coming form the Macross is heard.
Emma "Delta 1 to all Valkyrie squadrons!! Return to the Macross immediately!! Enemy forces have engaged the Macross!! All Tomahawk and Monster units prepare for defensive bombardment!!"
Shammy "Emma ! Another new enemy group is engaging and blocked all the Valkyrie squadron, preventing them to assist us!!"
Ernest "This is bad !! Bruce!! Eddy !!"
Bruce and Eddy " Roger!!"
Ernest's squad hastily heads back to the besieged Macross
At the Macross, a fierce exchange of weapons fire between the Zentrandi, Destroid and the Macross defensive guns.
At the SDF 1 Bridge numerous battle reports are flooding the consoles of all the operators. The situation is dire, with the Valkyrie reinforcements being block off, and the enemy unit out numbering the Destroid units 10 to 1.
Squadrons of Destroids against all the odds are still holding their ground. Leading the defensive bombardment was a volunteer of the civil defense corps. A young man named Kenneth Chen.
Kenneth radioed the Bridge "We'll try our to best to protect and hold our position!!"
At the Bridge. Kim "What happen to Destroid squad 5 and 8?!"
Kenneth positions his Tomahawk to find cover " They've being wiped out !!" and he opens a channel to all Destroid units "People! If we fail in protecting the Macross our homes, our families and our love ones will all perish!! We will protect this ship to the last man left standing!!! HOLD THE LINE AT ALL COST!!!!"
On the Bridge,
Gloval "Status Report !!!"
Shammy " The Macross receive 80% damage form all sectors, if this up .. .."
The Bridge crew sees vast numbers of missile trails heading towards the Zentrandi units, taking out a large chunk of the enemy forces.
Vanessa sees in her radar console "I'm seeing three friendly units ... ... It's Ensign Rayer's squad !!!!
Kenneth's Destroid squadron is taking a beating, with his Tomahawk severely damaged an enemy power armor was going to finish him off "Looks like this is it."
Just as the Zentrandi power armor was going to blast Kenneth's Tomahawk. The power armor was blasted into shreds. He saw three Armored Valkyrie taking their positions. He notices the insignia.
Ernest "Eddy!! Bruce!!! You two engage the incoming bandits! I'll sanitize this area !!"
Eddy "Okay!!! I'll show these bastard who's their dealing with!!"
Bruce " Acknowledged!! Squad leader!!!"
Emma on her console sees the Apollo Squad engaging the enemy in her mind "Apollo squad ... .. Please .. Protect the Macross .. .."
Bruce and Eddy engaged incoming hostiles, try to repel as much enemy units as they can. Ernest is on the deck helping the other Destroid units and fought a fast pace running battle.
Bruce and Eddy sees a large damaged Zentrandi fighter, it was trying to break through the defensive line is going to crash into the Bridge.
Eddy "Shit !!! Its going to ram the bridge!!!"
Bruce " !!! I won't let it happen !!!"
The two Armored Valkyrie a opens fire at the enemy fighter craft, damaging it, but still the it was still determined to ram itself on the Bridge of the Macross. Eddy and Bruce tries to intercept, but was blocked by two power armor.
Eddy sees Bruce's unit was tackled by a power armor " Bruce!!"
Bruce unit is punching the power armor for him to break free " Eddy!!! Never mind me!!! Stop that thing before it crashes itself on the Bridge !!!"
Eddy unit also tackled by another power armor be struggles to break free "Bridge!!! There an enemy craft that's going to ram you!!!!"
At the same moment . At the Bridge
Vanessa " An 30 meter long object is heading straight at us!!! It's range is 100 meters and closing."
Gloval "All guns !! Shoot it down!!!"
Claudia " All gun batteries are deployed! Sir !! It's still heading straight for us!!!"
Shammy " 90 second till impact !!!"
Kim "None of our defenders can make it time!!!!"
Gloval " All Hand brace for impact!!!"
Emma in the Bridge window sees a this thing approaching. She stood on her console and closes her eyes in her mind "Looks like I can never meet you again, Ernest."
Now of nowhere, Ernest's Armored Valkyrie pulled every known Battroid maneuver and blasting every thing that blocked his way, to reach the Bridge
Ernest " I swear to you Emma, I will protect your life without fail!!!!"
Emma instantly opens her eyes and a lone Battroid stood in the path of the incoming craft.
Ernest "I won't let you go any further!!!!!!!!!!!"
Ernest's Armored Valkyrie opens all missile bays. Fired a flurry of missiles, the enemy craft also opens it's lasers. The exchange of weapons was intense, it was head to head no holds barred, and no dodge fighting.
The enemy craft explode, while Ernest Armored Valkyrie because of the laser fire, it s head, one of it's arm and leg was blown off. Finally a laser hits the chest armor. The armor absorbed most of the damage, but because of shear force of the impact. The Armored Valkyrie was thrown off like a used up rugged doll and on crashes on the deck of the SDF 1.
Emma sees on the monitor the wounded and unconscious Ernest, her eye are building up with tears " Apollo leader!!!! Respond!!! Apollo leader !! Please respond!!!! ANSWER ME!! Damn it!! Ernest, answer me!!!!"
Kim receives a radio massage "Skull Leader and the rest Valkyrie squadrons... ... They're here!!!"
Max " Skull leader to Delta one, our apologies that we were delayed!! We'll handle the rest !!"
Emma holding back her tears " Delta one to Valkyrie squadron, Take over Apollo 2 and 3 position, and send a unit to bring Ernest, I meant Apollo leader inside the ship." Then a monitor pops up.
Ernest breathing heavily "Emma .. I kept . . my ... Promise ..." Breaths heavily and holding his wounds.
Emma did not her notice tears flowing down " Ernest, please save your strength, everything will be alright."
Ernest closes his eyes "Is the ... .. Macross .. .. Safe ?"
Emma alarmed " Don't you dare even dare quit on me!!! Where the unit that I requested!!! I want an MED VAC !!! Now!!!"
Ernest still breathing heavily " I not going .. . to quit .. .. I'm just tried .. .. I'm . . Sleep ... ... for a while .. .. .." and was unconscious but still breathing. A Valkyrie in Battroid mode nears his location and brings his unit inside the ARMD 1
Claudia " Emma, you want to see him? Right?"
Emma wiping her tears " .. ... There are still enemy units around the area, I'm still needed .. " Gloval cut her off
Gloval "Emma you can take your leave, you already did enough good work. Shammy, you take over."
Claudia "What are you wanting for? Girl ! Just go to him!!!"
Emma salutes and ran as fast as she could.
The Valkyrie squadron leaded by Max, successfully repulses the Zentrandi forces. The Macross Finished with the re-supply, prepare for a lift off, quickly leaving Mars.
At the hospital inside Macross. Ernest wakes up, his head bandage and he felt that he was run over by a bus.
Ernest " I'm in the hospital . ..." Notices Emma still in her officers uniform, she slept with her with head being cushion by her arms, beside his bed. "Emma . .." He lift his hands a touched her long blonde hair.
Emma was awaken and sees Ernest touching her hair " Ernest .. ... "
Ernest " ... ... Hi, Emma .... .... How long did I pass out ?"
Emma composing herself "About half a day. The doctor said that you've suffer a concussion and some minor bruises."
Ernest "Half a day.. .. I feel that I was lying in this bed for a week .. .. Emma " Ernest, I was glad the you saved the Bridge, but ... ... What you said that : You will protect my life.. .. .. I .. ..."
Ernest " ... .... ....If a friend of mine whom I trust and care the most is in danger, I will not hesitate to use my life a shield ... .. As long as you're alright, I don't care if I die .. .."
Emma slaps him tears forming in her eyes "YOU DON"T CARE?!! I do care if a friend of mine dies because of me!! Do you know how I felt when I thought you're going to die in front of me!!" Tears began to flow down on her cheeks.
Ernest "Emma ... .. Please ... .. stop crying .. .. I feel guilty if I made girls shed their tears ... ... I thought .. ... I was trying ... To protect the ship... I wanted to protect you especially ... ... For I think I've" Avoiding Emma eyes and Murmurs "I have special feelings for you."
Emma " !! Special feelings ... .. Like love? With me?"
Ernest Closed his eyes and trying not to blush " I . ... I'm quite fond of you... ... I feel more comfortable being with you .. .. But still .. I'm still sorting out my feelings .. .. For you .. .. I ." Emma gently put a finger near his mouth.
Emma smiling " Shhh, We can talk about that later, for now just rest and recover form your wounds. By the way, Ernest because of your squad's actions, all of you will be given a promotion."
Ernest "I see, I guess now I'll have the same rank as you." Smirking "I guess you can't boss me around now."
Emma giving an innocent girl look "Well, guess what? I got promoted also, too bad."
Both Ernest and Emma fell silent for a few moments, and then both laughed.
***************************************
At Earth Hikaru and Misa was traveling around the globe for almost to a month, still looking for survivors, upon traveling on the ocean they stumble upon a weird structure stick out and checks it.
Later, inside the strange looking building Hikaru and Misa enter what seems to be a communication room. Misa tried the console to send out a signal to the Macross, Hikaru tell her it will be bad if the enemies gets it also. Misa tell she knows but they got to try. Sent out a signal to their ship, she waited for a few moments, but got no response. Misa dishearten stand away form the consoles she fears that the Macross is also been destroyed. She snobs.
Hikaru tell that the console must be damaged, and also suggested to find try the other consoles.
Then suddenly the computer system came to life, it told them in alien language. Misa with training with Zentrandi language, understand a bit. Hikaru ask if she understand. Misa tell him she can but just a bit for it was more complex than the Zentrandi's dialect.
Misa asked a couple of questions to the computer, the computer display's some kind of data on the holographic displays giving information to her. Then the power was cut off.
Misa "Wait I got more questions to ask!!"
Hikaru "It disappeared? Why?"
Misa "It's diverting all power to raise the city."
Hikaru "What? City??"
They step out of the tower and watch, as a huge city rises out of the sea. Misa explains to Hikaru the history that she has learned from the computer, of the island, as they watch.
Misa explain to Hikaru about a race called Protoculture interstellar race, how they created the Zentrandi, the Meltrandi, what between them, also adding that these Protoculture race created the humans on Earth.
Misa and Hikaru investigated the ruin of the city; the couple enters a house Misa sees a card-like thing in the kitchen sink and something is writing on it."
Hikaru "Did you find something?"
Misa pick up the card "I wonder what this could be? There seems to be some kind of writing" Tries to read "Do you . .. Do you Rem ... Do you remember ...? It much more complex than what the giants used."
Hikaru "It must be another ordinary house, let's try somewhere."
Misa "Can we stay a bit longer? I really got no reason, but I just have a vague feeling of ... .. ."
Hikaru "I see, Well I'll just go have a look around. I'll be back soon." Leaves.
Misa looks in the kitchen sink see the utensils "Some things really never change" Hikaru returns after a longer search of the city, and he enters the dwelling that he and Misa found.
Hikaru "As expected no one here, all of the machines are useless."
Misa "Welcome home. Dear!"
Hikaru finds Misa waiting for him with eating utensils, plates, and glasses. She has set a rather nice table for the two of them and greets him as if the two were a newly wed couple.
Hikaru plays along "I'm home, Dear!
Misa "Shall we eat?"
Hikaru with a Dramatic pause "Yes!"
They play "house," pretending to have an elegant dinner. Hikaru accidentally knock one of the glasses off the table onto the wet floor. Misa looks at it. Suddenly she is depressed. She folds her hands and lowers her head.
Misa sobbing "I want to go home ... .. Where everyone is ... ... I'm so alone ... ..
Hikaru in his thoughts he felt guilty of thinking of this, but Misa looks so vulnerable, yet so beautiful while she grieved, like she a completely different person, not as a Lieutenant that gawks at him and which he always quarrels with, but a kind and gentle woman of endless strength and compassion.
Hikaru surprised himself what kind of thoughts that he was thinking, but he fact the he couldn't resist staring into Misa, admiring, and caring for her. He tried asking his brain on what to do, but to his surprise it was his heart that answered.
Hikaru gently reaches Misa's hand. Touching it softy "... ... You're not alone ... .. I will be always be with you ... .."
Misa " Ensign Ichijo .. ... Hikaru . ...
The Hikaru and Misa Kissed, A flood of emotions and thought race to both of them.
Hikaru " Why am I doing this? Is this love ? I could I have fallen in love with the 3 years older Misa?" He tries to asking his brain to answer, but only his heart would answer. "Yes you do love her." But what about Minmay? I was suppose to be in love with her. Was I really in love with Minmay?? Try as he might there was no Minmay, His heart and now his brain answered "Yes, you do love Misa, Hayase. You wish to protect her and share your life with her."
Misa in her thoughts race like endless tide, but she above the rest of emotions, she was certain that she have fallen in love with Hikaru, yet there was a lingering fear in her that, Hikaru's heart still belong to Minmay, or that Hikaru was so desperate that we want to taste the woman with in her.
But the perfect moment Both Hikaru's and Misa's hearts became as one . .. ...
To be continued ......
Notes: Whew!!! I hope it not too long, any thanx for reading I hope you enjoyed it, I'll update ASAP.