Disclaimer: I do not now or have I ever owned the characters of Sailor
Moon, Robotech. People I want to say something about Miss Lynn Minmei. I
don't like her. I like the Rick/Lisa romance and Minmei just gets in the
way. So if you like her don't read this, however, if you want to see a new
bitchy side to Minmei please enjoy! At first she'll be nice until the Miss
Macross pageant then watch out people Rick will leave her in the dust for
Lisa don't worry I slowly bring Rick and Lisa together. Again I want to
thank Chibi Halo who wrote 'Sailor Moon Macross' without this story
wouldn't have existed. As always please R&R this so I know how it is coming
across to people! Chibi Halo I would like to know what you think as well!
Chibi Halo there might be a few scenes in my story but I pray you won't
mind. One more thing for the beginning of the first few chapters I will use
your chapter names, I will come up with my own after the last chapter you
named. People who haven't read her story yet please do it is a great read!
Please enjoy and now on with the story! This is the only Disclaimer I will
write! I just wanted to thank Chibi Halo for being my beta reader!
Authors note: When ever I am talking about Kevin, Nathan, Justin and Zack as a group I will refer to them as the four earth generals as that is what they were suppose to be in the manga before Beryl brainwashed them!
Here comes Trista ready or not! Oh and Minmei lovers this is the beginning of the end of her old goody two-shoe days! But if you like Rick/Lisa relationships stick with it we're going to be headed there!
Robotech Warriors Book 1 By thunderbird with Sections From Chibi Halo
The SDF1 had been floating in space for almost a year since the space fold jump had brought them to Pluto. The crew of the battlecruiser had become accustomed to having the city inside the ship. And the people of the city welcomed any assistance the crew of the SDF1 could give them. All in all it was a fair arrangement for both sides.
As Life slowly returned to normal on board the SDF1 Captain Kenji Tuskino along with the military engineers and scientists didn't mind helping to fill the requests of the mayor of Macross. When the SDF1 had first transformed for battle and the city ended up looking like a jigsaw puzzle Captain Tuskino along with the engineers helped put the city back together again so it would be able to survive another transformation. But the moral of the citizens of Macross was beginning to waiver. The entire city of Macross had a bad case of cabin fever. In almost a year not one single individual in the city had seen the light of day. And the people of Macross were beginning to envy the Veritech pilots who were able to leave the ship even if it was to battle the enemy.
The battles between the SDF1 and the Zentreadi pods were growing in number and frequency. The wait between battles was very short. Sometimes there would be two or three attacks in a four-day period. The pilots had enough time to return to the carriers and refuel before they were needed again. Things were not going well for either side.
It was during one of these breaks in the fighting that the mayor of Macross got his most brilliant idea. The TV studio in the city was being unused and the mayor decided for the sanity of every citizen in Macross City that it should be turned into a broadcast network. The mayor hoped this would brighten the spirits of the citizens of Macross.
"Picture it," The mayor said to Marshall the head of the studio, "The Macross Broadcasting System showing movies and events to anyone in Macross City!"
"That's fine Mr. mayor we need something like that. But what will we show?" Marshall asked.
"Think about it thirty of the cities most beautiful women in a beauty pageant. There's not better way to launch the MBS. It'll be good for moral!" The mayor said.
******
Part 7: Miss Macross
******
With the decision to host a beauty pageant onboard the SDF1 now all they needed were people to host and help with the show.
"So Mr. mayor how are we going to create the fashions for these girls?" Marshall asked.
"Well why not have that nice lady who opened the clothing store a few weeks ago?" The mayor asked.
"Who Trista Meiou?" Marshall asked the mayor.
"Yes that's her! From what I've heard she is a famous clothing designer!" The mayor told him.
"She'll be a good person to have do this! Now all we need are people to pay for the event and sponsor girls in the show!" Marshall said.
"I think I might be able to get the businesses to help pay for it! And as for sponsoring girls, maybe we could get the local companies who have daughters to do it!" The mayor said.
"Good idea we could also get that actress! Oh what's her name?" Marshall asked.
"I think it's Jan Morris!" The mayor told him.
"Thank you sir! Anyway I also think we should allow military women to come and join too!" Marshall told the mayor.
"Okay good idea Marshall! And we'll pay for the military girls to get in to the show if they need help!" The mayor said.
******
Rick was enjoying the break to the fullest. He had some time before his next patrol run and with the fighting easing off for a bit his days were usually spent relaxing and catching up on lost sleep. But on this particular day Rick was sitting in a small coffee shop waiting for Minmei to arrive because on this day he was going to ask her out on an official date.
Minmei came walking into the coffee shop and sat down at the booth Rick had chosen. Rick smiled when he saw Minmei. Dressed in a simple yellow dress with her hair down Minmei looked quite cute. Taking a deep breath Rick began to ask Minmei for a date.
"Minmei I was wondering if you would like to go out on a date tonight." Rick asked her.
"Oh Rick you should have asked me sooner. I have to help out at the restaurant tonight." She said.
"That's too bad Minmei. Well maybe some other time then."
"Well I have to get going Rick."
"At least let me walk you back."
"Okay."
As Rick and Minmei headed towards the restaurant Rick noticed something different about the city. The whole area seemed brighter than before. As he looked up expecting to see more lights Rick saw the sight of a lifetime an artificial sky
"Hey what's that up there?" Rick asked.
"The Mayor asked the military engineers if they could make the roof into a sky. Now if they could only make sunrises and sunsets." Minmei explained.
"Wow I guess I've been so busy lately I didn't have time to notice those things."
******
At the shop of Trista Meiou the Mayor and Marshall were busy trying to talk her into creating the fashions for the show as well as for introducing the girls in the fashions.
"Miss Meiou would you please do us the honor of creating lovely dresses for the girls who enter this competition?" The Mayor asked.
"Why would you want me?" Trista asked.
"Because your clothing is spectacular and we could use someone with your talent to help make these women grand!" Marshall told her.
"He's right my dear your clothing could even help our ladies look and feel like movie stars!" The Mayor told her.
"Is that all you want?" She asked knowing full well it wasn't.
"Well no ma'am it isn't! We were hoping that you would do us the honor of showing off the young ladies in their dresses?" The Mayor answered.
"Very well I'll do it!" Trista volunteered.
"Oh thank you Miss Meiou! Now we must be going to our next stop! Good bye Miss!" The Mayor said leading off Marshall.
******
"Aw come on Lynn we need you to sponsor this event. It could mean big things for your restaurant." The mayor begged.
The mayor of Macross was determined to put on the first annual Miss Macross contest. He had just got a famous clothing maker on board now all he needed was money and girls. He had made it his personal duty to oversee every detail of the pageant. And right now he was going from business to business to gather sponsors for the pageant and contestants. The mayor already had one contestant he knew would draw a big crowd Jan Morris the movie star. With her in the contest others were likely to join. And that's what the mayor was hoping when he went to see Lynn Chan.
"Why should I sponsor a beauty contest?" Chan asked.
"Because this event is going to restore the hopes and dreams of everyone in all of Macross City and it's a good way to get your name out there." The Mayor explained.
"Well I'll think about it."
"You know you could also sponsor a girl in the pageant too."
"But where would I find a girl to sponsor?"
"What about that niece of yours?"
"Minmei, I couldn't do that to her."
"Well if Jan Morris can do something like this I'm sure your niece could too."
"Okay I'll talk to some friends of mine and see what we can do about sponsoring Minmei and the pageant." Chan said a bit dejected.
"Good. Now I really must get going. I have a busy schedule to keep."
The mayor left Chan to ponder his decision about sponsoring the pageant. As he sat at the table Chan thought about what the mayor had said. It was simple all he had to do was give the pageant committee a donation and his name would be added to the list of sponsors. But the more that he thought about it the more Chan began having another idea catering the entire event.
A few minutes after the mayor had left the restaurant Minmei returned from her meeting with Rick. One look at the smiling girl and Chan could see why the mayor suggested she enter the pageant. Minmei was a beautiful young woman and if Chan could get a couple of his friends to help out with the money Minmei could be in the Miss Macross pageant.
"Minmei how did it go with Rick?" Chan asked his niece.
"It went fine uncle. Rick asked me out tonight but I told him you needed me here." Minmei said.
"Well that's nice. Listen Minmei I need to talk to you about something but first I'd like you to come with me to see George and Harry."
"Sure uncle."
Chan and Minmei left the restaurant and went to the bakery and the produce store. George and Harry were more than happy to listen to what Chan had to tell them. And they were more than happy to visit with Minmei.
"What did you want to see us about Chan?" George asked.
"Gentleman, I have been asked by the mayor to be a sponsor in the Miss Macross pageant. And I also thought the three of us could sponsor my niece Minmei in the competition." Chan replied.
"Us sponsor your niece?" Harry wondered.
"I'd do it alone but the fee is more than I can afford to spend but if we split it three ways we could all afford to sponsor Minmei." Chan explained.
"That is if your niece will do it Chan." George pointed out.
"How about it Minmei. How would you like to be Miss Macross?" Chan asked the girl.
"Well I don't know uncle." Minmei replied.
"It's for a good cause. It's to help bring back the hopes and dreams of everyone in Macross and get us all out of the funk we're in." Chan explained.
"Well if it's for a cause like that then I'll do it." Minmei said.
"If she's going to be in the pageant then I'll help sponsor her." George told Chan.
"Me too." Harry added.
******
When news of the beauty pageant began spreading throughout the SDF1 people began to wonder who would be in the pageant. Speculations and rumors began flying around the ship and soon everyone was talking about the Miss Macross pageant. People wanted to know where and when the contest would take place. They even wanted to know what sort of prizes the winner would receive.
The pageant became the talk of the crew onboard the SDF1. All the men talked about the beautiful girls in the pageant and all the women talked about the possible prizes. One thing was for certain the mere mention of a pageant was brightening the sprits of everyone on the ship and giving them something to look forward to.
Even the bridge crew was talking about the pageant. Claudia thought it would be a good morale booster for the people of the city. But Lisa didn't see it that way. She couldn't understand why anyone would want to go into something like that. Rei and Michelle thought the pageant would be a good way for people to get their minds off their current predicament. Mina on the other hand wanted to be a part of the Miss Macross pageant. She wanted to be an idol singer.
"Hey guys I'm going into town and sign up for the Miss Macross pageant when the shift is over." Mina announced to her friends.
"With out talking it over with Kevin?" Michelle asked.
"Well I'm hoping he'll understand!" Mina told her.
"Hoping to cash in on some good prizes Mina?" Claudia asked her.
"I'm hoping to get back in the spotlight lieutenant. I haven't done anything like this since I did some character modeling for the first Sailor V movie." Mina told her.
"What about the idol singer contest?" Rei reminded her.
"Oh yeah that too." Mina said.
"Well if you need any help practicing a song to sing or play I'd be more than happy to assist you." Michelle offered to Mina.
"Thanks I'll keep that in mind." Mina replied.
"Well I for one think beauty pageants are a waste of time." Lisa said.
******
Mina's decision to enter the Miss Macross pageant had Luna and Artemis as well as Kevin worried. Artemis knew what Mina was like when she got visions of stardom in her head. He had seen it when she auditioned for the voice of Sailor V. Kevin upon hearing this from Artemis got really worried for Mina. Mina thought she would be the perfect candidate for the role since she already was Sailor V in real life. But when the producers of the movie decided to go with an established voiced artist Mina's heart was crushed. But something good did come out of it when the producers asked Mina to be a character model for the animators.
Now Mina wanted to be Miss Macross. Artemis knew Mina wouldn't stop at anything until she got what she wanted. He remembered the national volleyball team tryouts. If she weren't the best at whatever she entered Mina would mope around for weeks. And in a situation like this that wasn't the best thing for her. Artemis had talked to Luna about this and she suggested they talk to Serena.
"Serena we need to talk." Luna began, "It's about Mina."
"Ever since this Miss Macross thing went public Mina's talked about nothing but entering the pageant. And you know what can happen if she looses." Artemis told her.
"But she won't loose." Serena said.
"Are you sure?" Kevin told her.
"Remember the idol contest." Luna reminded her.
"But she was fine about loosing." Serena replied.
"Yes but I remember a time when she wasn't so fine with loosing." Artemis began, "Before she met you Mina tried out for the voice of Sailor V for the first movie. She thought she would get the part but the producers of the movie went with a professional voice actor. If it wasn't for their offer to have her be the character model for Sailor V she would have moped around a lot longer than she did."
"Wow I didn't know that." Serena commented.
"See I couldn't bare her to get hurt!" Kevin said.
"You know whoever wins this is going to get a lot of attention." Luna said.
"Mina likes to receive attention even if it's not directly focused on her. With the volleyball team at school, Sailor V, and the Sailor Scouts Mina got plenty of attention. In fact it was when that manga artist first began drawing Sailor V manga when Mina started thriving on attention." Artemis explained.
"Yes I remember all the stories he told me about her." Kevin said.
"You guys want me to talk her out of this don't you?" Serena asked.
"Yes and if she still wants to do it then let her know you'll always be there for her." Luna replied.
******
The auditions for the Miss Macross pageant were held one week after the announcement of the pageant was made. Girls from all over the city came out and performed in front of the people chosen by the mayor to be judges for the pageant. And since so many girls were trying out the auditions were held over a two-day period.
Only one person didn't have to audition for the pageant Jan Morris. Her manager had pulled some strings and got her into the pageant without having to audition. It was widely known that she was a talented actress but no one knew what other talent she had. And if she couldn't sing, dance, or play an instrument then she wouldn't be in the pageant. Jan 's manager believed that if she weren't in the pageant no one would bother to come or watch it at home.
Mina was slated to go on the first day of the auditions, as was Minmei. The two girls had met briefly when Serena was promoted. Mina was nervous and she showed it by pacing around backstage. Dressed in her favorite orange dress with shoes similar to the ones worn in her Sailor Venus guise. Minmei watched as Mina paced and then smoothed out some non-existent wrinkles in her dress. Mina was a nervous wreck.
"A bit nervous aren't you?" Minmei asked which startled Mina.
"Don't do that." Mina began as she jumped three feet; "Yes I am a bit nervous."
"Well you don't have anything to worry about. I'm sure you'll do fine. Me on the other hand well I've never sung in public before." Minmei reassured Mina.
"Wait a minute you're the girl from the Chinese place aren't you?" Mina wondered.
"Yes I am. My name is Lynn Minmei." Minmei replied.
"Nice to meet you I'm Mina Aino." Mina said.
"Mina Aino, Mina Aino you're up next." The stage manager called out.
"Well wish me luck." Mina said as she went to the stage.
"Good luck Mina." Minmei called out.
Mina walked out onto the stage and took her place in front of the microphone in the center of the stage. The judges looked Mina over and made some marks on their sheets. Turning to the judges Mina introduced herself and what she would be doing for the audition.
"Good morning I'm Mina Aino and for my audition I would like to sing a song entitled 'The Shining Star.'" Mina told the judges.
When the karaoke tape of her favorite Three Lights song began Mina began singing. As she sang Mina blocked out the judges and imagined she was singing along to her Three Lights CD in her room back in Tokyo. When the song ended Mina gave a bow and waited for the judges to speak.
"Thank you Miss Aino. The results of the audition will be posted within the week." The mayor told Mina before making more notes on his sheet.
As Mina left she could hear the mayor and the other judges talking about her performance.
"She has a good singling voice." Paul Briggs, the head of the MBS, said.
"And she is pretty that's a plus." Ellen Logan, the owner of the local salon, commented.
"For a member of the RDF she certainly has what it takes to be in the pageant." The mayor said.
"I know Miss Aino she is very good!" Trista Meiou said.
After making a few more notes on their sheets the judges looked up to see the next person on the audition list standing in front of the microphone.
"My name is Lynn Minmei and today I would like to sing for you a song called 'Stage Fright.'" Minmei told the judges.
As Minmei sang her song something happened anyone within listening range of the amphitheater came over to listen. Even backstage everyone stopped to listen to the girl who was singing. Minmei had a young innocent quality to her voice that was filled with hope. People couldn't help but listen to her. When the song was over the judges were speechless.
"Wow that was good for your first time in public." Mina commented when Minmei came back.
"Thanks. You were pretty good yourself." Minmei told Mina.
******
Breetai was not in the best of moods. His report had not been received well by the head of the Zentreadi military Lord Dolza. Dolza had chewed Breetai out for not being able to make any progress in capturing the Micronian ship. Breetai was given an ultimatum either capture the ship or Dolza would send Breetai's female counterpart to take over the mission for a while. This was one piece of news Breetai didn't want to hear. He was ready to blame someone and that someone was Khyron.
"Khyron you incompetent fool!" Breetai yelled at the squad commander.
"Oh hello Breetai. What can I do for you on this fine day?" Khyron replied smugly.
"Your inability to capture the Micronian ship is costing us dearly and has not gone unnoticed by Lord Dolza. If you don't get some positive results from your next mission Dolza is going to pull both of us from this mission and replace us with Azonia and her crew." Breetai told him.
"Replace us with women, how primitive." Khyron commented as if he didn't care.
"Just keep that in mind Khyron. This time Dolza means every word he says." Breetai said.
******
A week had passed since the auditions for the Miss Macross pageant were held. The results of the audition were posted on a bulletin board near the amphitheater. The list of sixty had been narrowed down to twenty-nine plus Jan Morris. The girls who auditioned raced to the outdoor venue to see who had made it into the pageant.
Mina like everyone else was anxious to see the results of the auditions. She was hoping that she made it into the pageant. Looking at the crowd gathered near the board Mina could that tell they were a bit confused over one of the names on the list. She could hear them say things like she must have auditioned on the other day. When she finally got to the board Mina saw her name on the list right below Minmei's.
"Alright I made it!" Mina said excitedly, "Wait till everyone hears about this."
Mina rushed back to the crew quarters to give Kevin and Artemis the good news so he could tell the others. This was defiantly going to be one of the best days in Mina's life.
"Kevin, Artemis I made it! Pass on the good news." Mina told them as she popped her head into her room.
"That's good Mina." Artemis commented as he saw the blond blur leave the room.
"Yes love that is very good!" Kevin said giving her a quick hug and kiss.
Mina returned to the bridge with a huge smile on her face. She couldn't wait to tell the others her news. They were going to flip when they heard she had made it into the pageant.
"Commander I'm going to need a day off in two weeks from today." Mina said when she entered the bridge of the SDF1.
"What reason would you have for wanting that day off corporal?" Lisa asked Mina.
"I'm participating in the Miss Macross Pageant." Mina said with a huge smile.
"You made it?" Claudia asked her.
"Yep I made it and so did that girl from the Chinese place." Mina replied.
"Isn't she a bit young?" Michelle wondered.
"She may be young but she has some hidden talent like Rei." Mina explained.
"That was just a school festival." Rei said blushing.
"Face it Rei you were good." Mina told her.
"Alright ladies you can talk about the pageant later we need to get back to work." Lisa said.
******
"Uncle Chan I made it into the pageant." Minmei told her uncle.
Like Mina, Minmei couldn't wait to see the list of contestants. She was too excited when she heard the results would be posted on that day. After finding her name and her sponsor Minmei rushed back to the restaurant to give her uncle the good news.
"That's wonderful Minmei." Chan replied.
"And you don't have to worry about the money anymore. The chamber of commerce is going to sponsor me." Minmei informed him.
"I wonder why they're going to be your sponsor?" Chan asked her.
"I think it's because you and your friends belong to the chamber and they decided to sponsor me on your behalf." Minmei pondered.
"That sounds like a logical explanation. Either way I'm proud of you Minmei." Chan said.
******
Two days after the contestant list was posted each person participating in the pageant received an information packet. Mina was sitting in the mess hall with Rei and Michelle looking over her packet when the others came into the room for lunch.
"Hmm let's see swimsuit preference two piece, color orange, shoes will provide." Mina said as she checked off the various boxes on the form.
"Hey Mina what's up?" Serena asked as she sat at the table.
"I'm filling out my forms for the pageant." Mina said.
"Cool. So what kind of things do they ask you?" Lita wondered.
"Oh the basics like what kind of swimsuit you want and a bit of interesting information about yourself they can use in the interview portion. Also they want to know what you'll be doing for the talent competition." Mina explained.
"That sounds real exciting." Serena commented a bit sarcastically.
"I just hope she stays the same if she wins!" Kevin said walking up behind Mina with a smile.
"Cute lover boy real cute! What! Measurements? Why in the world do they want measurements?" Mina said after reading the next question on the form.
"Oh well you know me I try!" Kevin answered.
"Maybe they need them so they can get you the right size gown and swimsuit." Amy suggested.
"Amy's right. With the measurements of each contestant they can have the best fitting outfits for each contestant." Michelle added.
"Oh so then they're not weird for wanting them." Mina said as she wrote them down.
"No love their not! And if they were they'd better watch out cause only I'm aloud to really get to know those curves!" Kevin stated with a huge grin on his face.
"Oh look Guys Corporal Fukada is being cute!" Justin every the jokester said.
"Can it Tanaka! I can talk to my girlfriend however I want to! As long as it isn't rude or crude that is!" Kevin corrected himself.
"Easy man he's only joking! Hey Ice princess!" Zack said as he kissed Amy than sat next to her.
"Hi how was your day?" Amy asked.
"Fine can't wait to get off tonight though!" Zack told her.
"Us either! We've had a hard patrol!" Nathan said.
"Well got to go bye guys!" Serena said.
"Bye Serena!" The others said.
******
The pageant was sold out. Every seat in the amphitheater was filled. Even more people were watching the pageant on the new Macross Broadcasting System. Not a single business was open. Everyone wanted to see who the first Miss Macross would be.
Back stage at the pageant people were moving here and there. The contestants were making last minute preparations before they had to go on stage. Minmei took in all the sights and sounds of the backstage excitement. The young woman had butterflies the size of the city in her stomach. As Minmei took a look at each person she saw two people she recognized. The first person was Mina and the second person was Jan Morris the movie star. Minmei decided to wish Jan good luck in the pageant.
"Aren't you Jan Morris the movie star?" Minmei asked her.
"Yes and I don't have time to talk to a child like you." Jan said very egotistically.
Minmei was a bit hurt by Jan's remark. The blonde haired woman was a big star and in Minmei's opinion very beautiful. She had played the role of the police officer in the Sailor V live action film and was only visiting Macross with her manager for the premier that just happen to take place during the same weekend as the launching of the SDF1. As she left Minmei heard Jan mumble something.
"I have no idea why my manager put me into a contest with a bunch of no talent amateurs." Jan said below her breath but loud enough for people to hear.
"Don't let that stuck up woman get you down." Mina said to Minmei.
"Gee thanks Mina but I don't see how I can win with her in the pageant." Minmei replied.
"You've got something she doesn't have real talent. All you have to do is your best that's all that matters. That's what my best friend told me once when I was your age." Mina reassured her.
"I'll try my hardest and see what happens." Minmei said with a smile.
"That's the spirit." Mina added.
******
In the audience Max and Ben were waiting for the start of the pageant along with the rest of those gathered. The two members of the Vermilion squad were there to support Rick's friend Minmei. As they looked around at the audience they took note of who was there and who was not there.
"Wow, it looks like half the town showed up." Ben commented.
"Yeah but I don't see Lieutenant Hunter anywhere." Max replied.
"That's a bummer. Wouldn't want him to miss his girlfriend's big chance." Ben said.
"Well it seems Lieutenant Tuskino and her friends showed up to support their friend. Heck it also seems the guys are going to sit with their girlfriends!"
"Yeah and I see Lt. Commander Fokker and his girl Lieutenant Grant."
"A lot of important people are here but no Lt. Hunter."
******
Lieutenant Rick Hunter was going to attend the pageant. Even though he didn't have a ticket Rick knew he could watch from the part of the park that overlooked the amphitheater. As Rick ran down the streets he hoped he would be able to make it in time for the opening of the pageant. There was no way Rick was going to miss seeing Minmei on stage.
******
The lights on the television cameras turned on signaling the start of the broadcast. As the music began playing a gentleman in a tuxedo walked out on stage carrying some index cards and a microphone. The master of ceremonies for the pageant was a well-known broadcaster in Macross who would be hosting a news magazine program on MBS.
"Good evening ladies and gentleman and welcome to the First Annual Miss Macross pageant. I'm your host Mark McKinney. Tonight we'll be broadcasting on the newly formed Macross Broadcasting System. So without further ado let's bring out our thirty lovely contestants. Also allow me to introduce Trista Meiou. She is the one who created the lovely clothes the girls are wearing!"
The curtain behind the host rose up revealing the contestants in the pageant along with Miss Trista Meiou. Each contestant was wearing a gown of their choosing that Trista herself had made to fit each of them. Trista went through all the contestants until she got to the last three.
"Next we have Miss Lynn Minmei! She is wearing a red modern Chinese styled gown with a Mandarin collar and gold embroidery. Very lovely Miss Minmei!" Trista said.
"Next we have Miss Mina Aino! She is wearing an orange off the shoulder gown with cap sleeves. Very lovely Miss Aino!" Trista said. As Trista finished Serena and the others clapped their hearts out for their friend who Trista clapped right along with.
"Finally we have Miss Jan Morris! She is wearing a flashy red strapless gown with red sequins with one slit running up her thigh. Very good Miss Morris!" Trista secretly thought she looked like a slut. After Trista was done she walked off stage and the host re-entered.
"Before we begin tonight's festivities let's talk about what the winner will receive." Mark began, "The winner of the Miss Macross pageant will receive a recording session, a screen test, and a Morgan 280 rear prop two seat airplane."
The audience oohed and ahed at the mention of the prizes although no one knew what Miss Macross would do with a plane.
******
Rick made it to the park just in time to hear what Miss Macross would win. He hadn't missed very much of the pageant.
"And now let's meet the contestants in tonight's Miss Macross pageant." Mark McKinney said.
One by one Rick saw the thirty young women step up to a microphone on the center of the stage and introduce themselves. Then Rick saw Minmei step up to the microphone in a more formal version of the dress she wore on the day they were rescued.
"My name is Lynn Minmei and I want to bring hope to the people of Macross." She said.
The next contestant Rick recognized from seeing with Serena and her group of friends.
"That's one of Lt. Tuskino's friends." Rick said to no one in particular.
"I'm Mina Aino and I want to see everyone on the SDF1 make it home." Mina told the audience.
The next contestant was in a flashy red dress and looked like she didn't really want to be there.
"I'm Jan Morris and I want to entertain all of Macross." She said faking as though she cared.
When the last of the contestants finished stepping up to the microphone the girls stood one last tine before the curtain fell and the host spoke once again.
"While our lovely ladies are changing out of their formal wear and into something less formal let's meet the judges for tonight's pageant." Mark began, "Staring to my left we have Paul Marshall the head of the MBS, Miss Ellen Logan owner of the renowned salon The Japanese Baths, Filmmaker Andre Duchane, radio personalities Collin Shane and Aaron Cody, owner of the Gilded Truffle chef Henri Morne, Trista Meiou maker of fine clothes, and the Mayor of Macross City."
As Rick watched the stage workers set up for the next part of the pageant a robotic messenger rolled by his general area paging him.
"Paging Lt. Rick Hunter paging Lt. Rick Hunter." The robot said.
"I'm Lt. Hunter." Rick called out to the robot.
"Please place your ID card in the slot for verification." The robot instructed.
Rick put his military ID card in the slot on the messenger. A few moments later the small screen shaped head went blank and a priority message from Commander Lisa Hayes came on the screen. Rick read the message and groaned.
"Patrol duty. Is she trying to make my life worse than it already is." Rick complained.
"Thank you for using Message Bots." The robot said before leaving.
"Oh well. TAXI!" Rick called out to a nearby cab.
"Where to?" the cab driver asked him.
"Prometheus please." Rick replied.
******
When the stagehands finished setting up for the next part of the pageant the host Mark McKinney announced what would happen next.
"We've been spending the day getting to know these lovely young ladies. They've gone through an interview process and a talent competition. All this has been done so we can pick our ten-quarter finalists. And now our ten quarter finalists." Mark announced.
The names of the ten-quarter finalists were read off in random order. Among the quarter finalists were Minmei, Mina, and Jan Morris. The next round of the pageant would consist of evening gowns, swimwear, talent and interview.
"And now our quarter finalists will go backstage and prepare for the swimwear portion of the pageant." The host told the audience.
******
Rick knew patrols at night were usually quiet so he decided to see if he could pick up the broadcast of the pageant to see how Minmei was doing. At the moment the host was explaining the scoring process to the viewing audience while the girls were getting their swimwear on. As he was watching the pageant Commander Hayes interrupted his signal.
"Lt. Hunter I hope whatever you happen to be watching is well worth it." Lisa yelled.
"Sorry commander." Rick replied.
Rick flew off to another part of his patrol area and turned the radio back to the signal carrying the pageant. The first special performance for the evening was just finishing and the swimsuit portion would soon be under way.
******
Khyron could tell things were unusually quiet on the SDF1. The patrols around the ship were light and few in numbers. In Khyron's mind it was the perfect time to attack the SDF1. As the members of his squad launched from the ship they went into their usual attack formation breaking up into smaller groups. In one group were three of Khyron's pilots Rico, Bron, and Konda.
As the three battlepod pilots made their way towards the lone Veritech in front of them they noticed it wasn't moving.
"Does this guy have some sort of death wish?" Rico asked Bron.
"Who knows." Bron commented.
"Hey a sitting target." Konda said.
"We'd better report this to Khyron." Rico suggested.
As Rico scanned for Khyron's frequency he picked up the signal carrying the Miss Macross Pageant. The sight on the screen fascinated him. Standing on the stage was a woman in a two piece bathing suit talking to the host.
"Bron, Konda turn to frequency 2136 quickly." Rico said to his partners.
"What's that Rico?" Bron asked when he saw the transmission.
"I have no idea Bron." Rico replied.
"Maybe these females are some new kind of weapon?" Konda suggested.
"We'd better inform Lord Breetai about this." Bron said.
******
Rick continued to slowly patrol the area around the ship when the alarms on his Veritech began to go haywire. Turning on his radar Rick saw a large number of pods headed in his direction with three of them in front. The three pods out in front, however, were not moving. Rick knew he had to do something or else he would be in danger of getting shot at.
"This is Lt. Hunter calling the SDF1 and I'm going to need some backup out here. There are a whole mess of enemy craft headed my way." Rick said.
"Back up should be there soon lieutenant." Lisa informed him.
******
"Lord Breetai we have an incoming message from one of the pilots in Khyron's unit." Exedore told the fleet commander.
"What does this pilot say?" Breetai wanted to know.
"He says he's intercepted a Micronian transmission on frequency 2136." Exedore replied.
"Set all transmission systems to frequency 2136." Breetai commanded.
When the image came up on the screen the Zentreadi began to shudder at the sight of the barely clothed Micronian woman talking to the Micronian man. The man said a few things about the woman before she left the stage and another woman wearing a one-piece suit came onto the stage. The Zentreadi watched the transmission mesmerized.
"And now our next contestant Miss Lynn Minmei. Miss Lynn is sixteen and her measurements are 32-24-30. Miss Lynn hopes to make everyone in her life happy. Miss Lynn Minmei." The host said.
Minmei stood on stage for a few moments before exiting the stage.
"Contestant number 27 Miss Mina Aino is 23 years of age. Miss Aino's measurements are 34-26-32. Miss Aino has done some character modeling for Toei Feature Animation in Japan and would like to sing professionally. Miss Mina Aino ladies and gentleman." He said.
As Mina, in an orange tankini, exited the stage Jan Morris came out onto the stage in a red string bikini wearing red spike heels.
"Contestant number 12 Miss Jan Morris is 28 years of age. Miss Morris's measurements are 36-28-34. Miss Morris has acted in several movies including the live action Sailor V movie and Shot in the Dark. Miss Jan Morris." The host told the audience.
The crowd went nuts when Jan stood on the stage. Breetai was quite curious about the effect this Micronian woman was having on the people in the audience.
"Hmm she must be their secret weapon." Breetai commented.
"Even if we don't get the Micronian ship we still have something useful to send to Lord Dolza." Exedore said to Breetai.
"Yes these transmissions will be most useful to Lord Dolza." Breetai replied.
******
As the battle raged on outside the ship the talent portion of the pageant was underway. One by one the contestants sang, danced, and played musical instruments. Things were going quite well. As one of the contestants finished her piece the host announced the next contestant.
"And now ladies and gentleman Miss Jan Morris will recite Hamlet's soliloquy." Mark said.
Jan came onto the stage in her red dress and began reciting the famous to be or not to be lines from Hamlet. When she was finished she bowed to the audience and flashed a fake smile before walking off stage to mediocre applause. The next contestant was Mina who sang 'The Shining Star.' The audience liked her singing and gave her a good round of applause.
"Miss Mina Aino. And now our last contestant Miss Lynn Minmei." Mark announced.
Minmei came out on stage and began singing 'Stage Fright' the only song she knew from her favorite musical. When she finished the song the crowd went wild.
The contestants were narrowed down from ten to five. The five contestants were then asked some questions and redid the evening gown competition. Those five were narrowed down to three Mina, Minmei, and Jan. Jan thought she had it in the bag. The final step was for each contestant to answer the same question. Mina and Minmei were placed in a booth so they couldn't hear Jan 's answer.
"Miss Morris if crowned Miss Macross how would you help the citizens of Macross City?" Mark McKinney asked Jan.
"I would make more movies to show in the theater. If people don't have movies then they don't have anything to care about." Jan answered.
"Thank you Miss Morris. And now Miss Mina Aino." Mark said.
Mina was led out of the booth and walked over to the host.
"Miss Aino if crowned Miss Macross how would you help the citizens of Macross City?" Mark asked a nervous Mina.
"Well I would get to know the people in the city better and have them continue to work hand in hand with the military. And I would visit the people in the hospital and the infirmary." Mina answered.
"Thank you Miss Aino. And now for our final contestant Miss Lynn Minmei." Mark replied.
Minmei walked out of the booth and stood next to the host.
"Miss Lynn if crowned Miss Macross how would you help the citizens of Macross City?" Mark asked a smiling Minmei.
"What we need are hopes and dreams. The people on this ship need their hopes and dreams returned to them. And I'll find a way to bring back their hopes and dreams." Minmei said.
"Thank you miss Lynn. And mow while the judges are making their final decision we will have a special performance from Miss Michelle Kaiou." Mark announced.
******
The battle against the pods raged on. Rick had just taken out another pod when the backup he needed came to assist him. Thoughts of the pageant were quickly put aside when the pods began attacking the ship. With people's minds elsewhere over the past few days the crew of the SDF1 was not ready for the oncoming attack.
As Rick held his own against the pods he noticed some strange behavior in a few of the pods. The three that were at one time coming straight at him had stopped. Whatever they were waiting for Rick didn't want to stick around and find out.
The battle was turning Rick's way when like every other battle it abruptly ended. The Zentreadi pods turned and left the scene. Rick thought that was quite strange. And he knew it had something to do with whatever the three pods were doing.
"This is Lt. Hunter calling the SDF1. The enemy has retreated and the battle is over." Rick said.
"This is the SDF1. Please report back to the Prometheus." Lisa told him.
"Yes ma'am!" Rick said.
******
Michelle finished her violin piece to a generous round of applause. As she took a bow the host came back onto the stage with an envelope in his hand.
"Thank you Miss Kaiou. Before we get to the announcement you've all been waiting for why don't we bring out our contestants one more time." Mark said.
The thirty original contestants came out on stage and took their places with the finalists standing in front. The crowd gave the contestants a round of applause before Mark made the big announcement.
"And now what you've all been waiting for. Our second runner up for Miss Macross is Miss Mina Aino." Mark announced.
"Alright Mina!" Mina heard Kevin yell which made her blush.
Mina smiled and received a hug from Minmei before joining the rest of the contestants.
"Wow! Mina got second runner up." Serena said.
"That's my girl!" Kevin told her.
"Sorry kid but it's obvious I'm going to win." Jan commented smugly.
The host, Mark McKinney, then announced the first runner up.
"Our first runner up is Miss Jan Morris. Which means Miss Lynn Minmei is Miss Macross."
A crown was placed on Minmei's head and a royal cape was draped over her shoulders. Minmei was then handed a scepter made of silver with a leaded crystal on top. Minmei didn't know it but her whole entire life was about to change.
******
Breetai made his report to Lord Dolza high commander of the Zentreadi military. Even though Khyron wasn't able to capture the SDF1 his men were successful in intercepting a transmission from the ship. This action had saved Breetai's position in the mission for a little while longer.
"While I am not pleased that you did not capture the Micronian ship this new information you have sent us is quite interesting. I'm going to give you one more chance Breetai." Dolza said.
TBC
Please R&R!
Authors note: When ever I am talking about Kevin, Nathan, Justin and Zack as a group I will refer to them as the four earth generals as that is what they were suppose to be in the manga before Beryl brainwashed them!
Here comes Trista ready or not! Oh and Minmei lovers this is the beginning of the end of her old goody two-shoe days! But if you like Rick/Lisa relationships stick with it we're going to be headed there!
Robotech Warriors Book 1 By thunderbird with Sections From Chibi Halo
The SDF1 had been floating in space for almost a year since the space fold jump had brought them to Pluto. The crew of the battlecruiser had become accustomed to having the city inside the ship. And the people of the city welcomed any assistance the crew of the SDF1 could give them. All in all it was a fair arrangement for both sides.
As Life slowly returned to normal on board the SDF1 Captain Kenji Tuskino along with the military engineers and scientists didn't mind helping to fill the requests of the mayor of Macross. When the SDF1 had first transformed for battle and the city ended up looking like a jigsaw puzzle Captain Tuskino along with the engineers helped put the city back together again so it would be able to survive another transformation. But the moral of the citizens of Macross was beginning to waiver. The entire city of Macross had a bad case of cabin fever. In almost a year not one single individual in the city had seen the light of day. And the people of Macross were beginning to envy the Veritech pilots who were able to leave the ship even if it was to battle the enemy.
The battles between the SDF1 and the Zentreadi pods were growing in number and frequency. The wait between battles was very short. Sometimes there would be two or three attacks in a four-day period. The pilots had enough time to return to the carriers and refuel before they were needed again. Things were not going well for either side.
It was during one of these breaks in the fighting that the mayor of Macross got his most brilliant idea. The TV studio in the city was being unused and the mayor decided for the sanity of every citizen in Macross City that it should be turned into a broadcast network. The mayor hoped this would brighten the spirits of the citizens of Macross.
"Picture it," The mayor said to Marshall the head of the studio, "The Macross Broadcasting System showing movies and events to anyone in Macross City!"
"That's fine Mr. mayor we need something like that. But what will we show?" Marshall asked.
"Think about it thirty of the cities most beautiful women in a beauty pageant. There's not better way to launch the MBS. It'll be good for moral!" The mayor said.
******
Part 7: Miss Macross
******
With the decision to host a beauty pageant onboard the SDF1 now all they needed were people to host and help with the show.
"So Mr. mayor how are we going to create the fashions for these girls?" Marshall asked.
"Well why not have that nice lady who opened the clothing store a few weeks ago?" The mayor asked.
"Who Trista Meiou?" Marshall asked the mayor.
"Yes that's her! From what I've heard she is a famous clothing designer!" The mayor told him.
"She'll be a good person to have do this! Now all we need are people to pay for the event and sponsor girls in the show!" Marshall said.
"I think I might be able to get the businesses to help pay for it! And as for sponsoring girls, maybe we could get the local companies who have daughters to do it!" The mayor said.
"Good idea we could also get that actress! Oh what's her name?" Marshall asked.
"I think it's Jan Morris!" The mayor told him.
"Thank you sir! Anyway I also think we should allow military women to come and join too!" Marshall told the mayor.
"Okay good idea Marshall! And we'll pay for the military girls to get in to the show if they need help!" The mayor said.
******
Rick was enjoying the break to the fullest. He had some time before his next patrol run and with the fighting easing off for a bit his days were usually spent relaxing and catching up on lost sleep. But on this particular day Rick was sitting in a small coffee shop waiting for Minmei to arrive because on this day he was going to ask her out on an official date.
Minmei came walking into the coffee shop and sat down at the booth Rick had chosen. Rick smiled when he saw Minmei. Dressed in a simple yellow dress with her hair down Minmei looked quite cute. Taking a deep breath Rick began to ask Minmei for a date.
"Minmei I was wondering if you would like to go out on a date tonight." Rick asked her.
"Oh Rick you should have asked me sooner. I have to help out at the restaurant tonight." She said.
"That's too bad Minmei. Well maybe some other time then."
"Well I have to get going Rick."
"At least let me walk you back."
"Okay."
As Rick and Minmei headed towards the restaurant Rick noticed something different about the city. The whole area seemed brighter than before. As he looked up expecting to see more lights Rick saw the sight of a lifetime an artificial sky
"Hey what's that up there?" Rick asked.
"The Mayor asked the military engineers if they could make the roof into a sky. Now if they could only make sunrises and sunsets." Minmei explained.
"Wow I guess I've been so busy lately I didn't have time to notice those things."
******
At the shop of Trista Meiou the Mayor and Marshall were busy trying to talk her into creating the fashions for the show as well as for introducing the girls in the fashions.
"Miss Meiou would you please do us the honor of creating lovely dresses for the girls who enter this competition?" The Mayor asked.
"Why would you want me?" Trista asked.
"Because your clothing is spectacular and we could use someone with your talent to help make these women grand!" Marshall told her.
"He's right my dear your clothing could even help our ladies look and feel like movie stars!" The Mayor told her.
"Is that all you want?" She asked knowing full well it wasn't.
"Well no ma'am it isn't! We were hoping that you would do us the honor of showing off the young ladies in their dresses?" The Mayor answered.
"Very well I'll do it!" Trista volunteered.
"Oh thank you Miss Meiou! Now we must be going to our next stop! Good bye Miss!" The Mayor said leading off Marshall.
******
"Aw come on Lynn we need you to sponsor this event. It could mean big things for your restaurant." The mayor begged.
The mayor of Macross was determined to put on the first annual Miss Macross contest. He had just got a famous clothing maker on board now all he needed was money and girls. He had made it his personal duty to oversee every detail of the pageant. And right now he was going from business to business to gather sponsors for the pageant and contestants. The mayor already had one contestant he knew would draw a big crowd Jan Morris the movie star. With her in the contest others were likely to join. And that's what the mayor was hoping when he went to see Lynn Chan.
"Why should I sponsor a beauty contest?" Chan asked.
"Because this event is going to restore the hopes and dreams of everyone in all of Macross City and it's a good way to get your name out there." The Mayor explained.
"Well I'll think about it."
"You know you could also sponsor a girl in the pageant too."
"But where would I find a girl to sponsor?"
"What about that niece of yours?"
"Minmei, I couldn't do that to her."
"Well if Jan Morris can do something like this I'm sure your niece could too."
"Okay I'll talk to some friends of mine and see what we can do about sponsoring Minmei and the pageant." Chan said a bit dejected.
"Good. Now I really must get going. I have a busy schedule to keep."
The mayor left Chan to ponder his decision about sponsoring the pageant. As he sat at the table Chan thought about what the mayor had said. It was simple all he had to do was give the pageant committee a donation and his name would be added to the list of sponsors. But the more that he thought about it the more Chan began having another idea catering the entire event.
A few minutes after the mayor had left the restaurant Minmei returned from her meeting with Rick. One look at the smiling girl and Chan could see why the mayor suggested she enter the pageant. Minmei was a beautiful young woman and if Chan could get a couple of his friends to help out with the money Minmei could be in the Miss Macross pageant.
"Minmei how did it go with Rick?" Chan asked his niece.
"It went fine uncle. Rick asked me out tonight but I told him you needed me here." Minmei said.
"Well that's nice. Listen Minmei I need to talk to you about something but first I'd like you to come with me to see George and Harry."
"Sure uncle."
Chan and Minmei left the restaurant and went to the bakery and the produce store. George and Harry were more than happy to listen to what Chan had to tell them. And they were more than happy to visit with Minmei.
"What did you want to see us about Chan?" George asked.
"Gentleman, I have been asked by the mayor to be a sponsor in the Miss Macross pageant. And I also thought the three of us could sponsor my niece Minmei in the competition." Chan replied.
"Us sponsor your niece?" Harry wondered.
"I'd do it alone but the fee is more than I can afford to spend but if we split it three ways we could all afford to sponsor Minmei." Chan explained.
"That is if your niece will do it Chan." George pointed out.
"How about it Minmei. How would you like to be Miss Macross?" Chan asked the girl.
"Well I don't know uncle." Minmei replied.
"It's for a good cause. It's to help bring back the hopes and dreams of everyone in Macross and get us all out of the funk we're in." Chan explained.
"Well if it's for a cause like that then I'll do it." Minmei said.
"If she's going to be in the pageant then I'll help sponsor her." George told Chan.
"Me too." Harry added.
******
When news of the beauty pageant began spreading throughout the SDF1 people began to wonder who would be in the pageant. Speculations and rumors began flying around the ship and soon everyone was talking about the Miss Macross pageant. People wanted to know where and when the contest would take place. They even wanted to know what sort of prizes the winner would receive.
The pageant became the talk of the crew onboard the SDF1. All the men talked about the beautiful girls in the pageant and all the women talked about the possible prizes. One thing was for certain the mere mention of a pageant was brightening the sprits of everyone on the ship and giving them something to look forward to.
Even the bridge crew was talking about the pageant. Claudia thought it would be a good morale booster for the people of the city. But Lisa didn't see it that way. She couldn't understand why anyone would want to go into something like that. Rei and Michelle thought the pageant would be a good way for people to get their minds off their current predicament. Mina on the other hand wanted to be a part of the Miss Macross pageant. She wanted to be an idol singer.
"Hey guys I'm going into town and sign up for the Miss Macross pageant when the shift is over." Mina announced to her friends.
"With out talking it over with Kevin?" Michelle asked.
"Well I'm hoping he'll understand!" Mina told her.
"Hoping to cash in on some good prizes Mina?" Claudia asked her.
"I'm hoping to get back in the spotlight lieutenant. I haven't done anything like this since I did some character modeling for the first Sailor V movie." Mina told her.
"What about the idol singer contest?" Rei reminded her.
"Oh yeah that too." Mina said.
"Well if you need any help practicing a song to sing or play I'd be more than happy to assist you." Michelle offered to Mina.
"Thanks I'll keep that in mind." Mina replied.
"Well I for one think beauty pageants are a waste of time." Lisa said.
******
Mina's decision to enter the Miss Macross pageant had Luna and Artemis as well as Kevin worried. Artemis knew what Mina was like when she got visions of stardom in her head. He had seen it when she auditioned for the voice of Sailor V. Kevin upon hearing this from Artemis got really worried for Mina. Mina thought she would be the perfect candidate for the role since she already was Sailor V in real life. But when the producers of the movie decided to go with an established voiced artist Mina's heart was crushed. But something good did come out of it when the producers asked Mina to be a character model for the animators.
Now Mina wanted to be Miss Macross. Artemis knew Mina wouldn't stop at anything until she got what she wanted. He remembered the national volleyball team tryouts. If she weren't the best at whatever she entered Mina would mope around for weeks. And in a situation like this that wasn't the best thing for her. Artemis had talked to Luna about this and she suggested they talk to Serena.
"Serena we need to talk." Luna began, "It's about Mina."
"Ever since this Miss Macross thing went public Mina's talked about nothing but entering the pageant. And you know what can happen if she looses." Artemis told her.
"But she won't loose." Serena said.
"Are you sure?" Kevin told her.
"Remember the idol contest." Luna reminded her.
"But she was fine about loosing." Serena replied.
"Yes but I remember a time when she wasn't so fine with loosing." Artemis began, "Before she met you Mina tried out for the voice of Sailor V for the first movie. She thought she would get the part but the producers of the movie went with a professional voice actor. If it wasn't for their offer to have her be the character model for Sailor V she would have moped around a lot longer than she did."
"Wow I didn't know that." Serena commented.
"See I couldn't bare her to get hurt!" Kevin said.
"You know whoever wins this is going to get a lot of attention." Luna said.
"Mina likes to receive attention even if it's not directly focused on her. With the volleyball team at school, Sailor V, and the Sailor Scouts Mina got plenty of attention. In fact it was when that manga artist first began drawing Sailor V manga when Mina started thriving on attention." Artemis explained.
"Yes I remember all the stories he told me about her." Kevin said.
"You guys want me to talk her out of this don't you?" Serena asked.
"Yes and if she still wants to do it then let her know you'll always be there for her." Luna replied.
******
The auditions for the Miss Macross pageant were held one week after the announcement of the pageant was made. Girls from all over the city came out and performed in front of the people chosen by the mayor to be judges for the pageant. And since so many girls were trying out the auditions were held over a two-day period.
Only one person didn't have to audition for the pageant Jan Morris. Her manager had pulled some strings and got her into the pageant without having to audition. It was widely known that she was a talented actress but no one knew what other talent she had. And if she couldn't sing, dance, or play an instrument then she wouldn't be in the pageant. Jan 's manager believed that if she weren't in the pageant no one would bother to come or watch it at home.
Mina was slated to go on the first day of the auditions, as was Minmei. The two girls had met briefly when Serena was promoted. Mina was nervous and she showed it by pacing around backstage. Dressed in her favorite orange dress with shoes similar to the ones worn in her Sailor Venus guise. Minmei watched as Mina paced and then smoothed out some non-existent wrinkles in her dress. Mina was a nervous wreck.
"A bit nervous aren't you?" Minmei asked which startled Mina.
"Don't do that." Mina began as she jumped three feet; "Yes I am a bit nervous."
"Well you don't have anything to worry about. I'm sure you'll do fine. Me on the other hand well I've never sung in public before." Minmei reassured Mina.
"Wait a minute you're the girl from the Chinese place aren't you?" Mina wondered.
"Yes I am. My name is Lynn Minmei." Minmei replied.
"Nice to meet you I'm Mina Aino." Mina said.
"Mina Aino, Mina Aino you're up next." The stage manager called out.
"Well wish me luck." Mina said as she went to the stage.
"Good luck Mina." Minmei called out.
Mina walked out onto the stage and took her place in front of the microphone in the center of the stage. The judges looked Mina over and made some marks on their sheets. Turning to the judges Mina introduced herself and what she would be doing for the audition.
"Good morning I'm Mina Aino and for my audition I would like to sing a song entitled 'The Shining Star.'" Mina told the judges.
When the karaoke tape of her favorite Three Lights song began Mina began singing. As she sang Mina blocked out the judges and imagined she was singing along to her Three Lights CD in her room back in Tokyo. When the song ended Mina gave a bow and waited for the judges to speak.
"Thank you Miss Aino. The results of the audition will be posted within the week." The mayor told Mina before making more notes on his sheet.
As Mina left she could hear the mayor and the other judges talking about her performance.
"She has a good singling voice." Paul Briggs, the head of the MBS, said.
"And she is pretty that's a plus." Ellen Logan, the owner of the local salon, commented.
"For a member of the RDF she certainly has what it takes to be in the pageant." The mayor said.
"I know Miss Aino she is very good!" Trista Meiou said.
After making a few more notes on their sheets the judges looked up to see the next person on the audition list standing in front of the microphone.
"My name is Lynn Minmei and today I would like to sing for you a song called 'Stage Fright.'" Minmei told the judges.
As Minmei sang her song something happened anyone within listening range of the amphitheater came over to listen. Even backstage everyone stopped to listen to the girl who was singing. Minmei had a young innocent quality to her voice that was filled with hope. People couldn't help but listen to her. When the song was over the judges were speechless.
"Wow that was good for your first time in public." Mina commented when Minmei came back.
"Thanks. You were pretty good yourself." Minmei told Mina.
******
Breetai was not in the best of moods. His report had not been received well by the head of the Zentreadi military Lord Dolza. Dolza had chewed Breetai out for not being able to make any progress in capturing the Micronian ship. Breetai was given an ultimatum either capture the ship or Dolza would send Breetai's female counterpart to take over the mission for a while. This was one piece of news Breetai didn't want to hear. He was ready to blame someone and that someone was Khyron.
"Khyron you incompetent fool!" Breetai yelled at the squad commander.
"Oh hello Breetai. What can I do for you on this fine day?" Khyron replied smugly.
"Your inability to capture the Micronian ship is costing us dearly and has not gone unnoticed by Lord Dolza. If you don't get some positive results from your next mission Dolza is going to pull both of us from this mission and replace us with Azonia and her crew." Breetai told him.
"Replace us with women, how primitive." Khyron commented as if he didn't care.
"Just keep that in mind Khyron. This time Dolza means every word he says." Breetai said.
******
A week had passed since the auditions for the Miss Macross pageant were held. The results of the audition were posted on a bulletin board near the amphitheater. The list of sixty had been narrowed down to twenty-nine plus Jan Morris. The girls who auditioned raced to the outdoor venue to see who had made it into the pageant.
Mina like everyone else was anxious to see the results of the auditions. She was hoping that she made it into the pageant. Looking at the crowd gathered near the board Mina could that tell they were a bit confused over one of the names on the list. She could hear them say things like she must have auditioned on the other day. When she finally got to the board Mina saw her name on the list right below Minmei's.
"Alright I made it!" Mina said excitedly, "Wait till everyone hears about this."
Mina rushed back to the crew quarters to give Kevin and Artemis the good news so he could tell the others. This was defiantly going to be one of the best days in Mina's life.
"Kevin, Artemis I made it! Pass on the good news." Mina told them as she popped her head into her room.
"That's good Mina." Artemis commented as he saw the blond blur leave the room.
"Yes love that is very good!" Kevin said giving her a quick hug and kiss.
Mina returned to the bridge with a huge smile on her face. She couldn't wait to tell the others her news. They were going to flip when they heard she had made it into the pageant.
"Commander I'm going to need a day off in two weeks from today." Mina said when she entered the bridge of the SDF1.
"What reason would you have for wanting that day off corporal?" Lisa asked Mina.
"I'm participating in the Miss Macross Pageant." Mina said with a huge smile.
"You made it?" Claudia asked her.
"Yep I made it and so did that girl from the Chinese place." Mina replied.
"Isn't she a bit young?" Michelle wondered.
"She may be young but she has some hidden talent like Rei." Mina explained.
"That was just a school festival." Rei said blushing.
"Face it Rei you were good." Mina told her.
"Alright ladies you can talk about the pageant later we need to get back to work." Lisa said.
******
"Uncle Chan I made it into the pageant." Minmei told her uncle.
Like Mina, Minmei couldn't wait to see the list of contestants. She was too excited when she heard the results would be posted on that day. After finding her name and her sponsor Minmei rushed back to the restaurant to give her uncle the good news.
"That's wonderful Minmei." Chan replied.
"And you don't have to worry about the money anymore. The chamber of commerce is going to sponsor me." Minmei informed him.
"I wonder why they're going to be your sponsor?" Chan asked her.
"I think it's because you and your friends belong to the chamber and they decided to sponsor me on your behalf." Minmei pondered.
"That sounds like a logical explanation. Either way I'm proud of you Minmei." Chan said.
******
Two days after the contestant list was posted each person participating in the pageant received an information packet. Mina was sitting in the mess hall with Rei and Michelle looking over her packet when the others came into the room for lunch.
"Hmm let's see swimsuit preference two piece, color orange, shoes will provide." Mina said as she checked off the various boxes on the form.
"Hey Mina what's up?" Serena asked as she sat at the table.
"I'm filling out my forms for the pageant." Mina said.
"Cool. So what kind of things do they ask you?" Lita wondered.
"Oh the basics like what kind of swimsuit you want and a bit of interesting information about yourself they can use in the interview portion. Also they want to know what you'll be doing for the talent competition." Mina explained.
"That sounds real exciting." Serena commented a bit sarcastically.
"I just hope she stays the same if she wins!" Kevin said walking up behind Mina with a smile.
"Cute lover boy real cute! What! Measurements? Why in the world do they want measurements?" Mina said after reading the next question on the form.
"Oh well you know me I try!" Kevin answered.
"Maybe they need them so they can get you the right size gown and swimsuit." Amy suggested.
"Amy's right. With the measurements of each contestant they can have the best fitting outfits for each contestant." Michelle added.
"Oh so then they're not weird for wanting them." Mina said as she wrote them down.
"No love their not! And if they were they'd better watch out cause only I'm aloud to really get to know those curves!" Kevin stated with a huge grin on his face.
"Oh look Guys Corporal Fukada is being cute!" Justin every the jokester said.
"Can it Tanaka! I can talk to my girlfriend however I want to! As long as it isn't rude or crude that is!" Kevin corrected himself.
"Easy man he's only joking! Hey Ice princess!" Zack said as he kissed Amy than sat next to her.
"Hi how was your day?" Amy asked.
"Fine can't wait to get off tonight though!" Zack told her.
"Us either! We've had a hard patrol!" Nathan said.
"Well got to go bye guys!" Serena said.
"Bye Serena!" The others said.
******
The pageant was sold out. Every seat in the amphitheater was filled. Even more people were watching the pageant on the new Macross Broadcasting System. Not a single business was open. Everyone wanted to see who the first Miss Macross would be.
Back stage at the pageant people were moving here and there. The contestants were making last minute preparations before they had to go on stage. Minmei took in all the sights and sounds of the backstage excitement. The young woman had butterflies the size of the city in her stomach. As Minmei took a look at each person she saw two people she recognized. The first person was Mina and the second person was Jan Morris the movie star. Minmei decided to wish Jan good luck in the pageant.
"Aren't you Jan Morris the movie star?" Minmei asked her.
"Yes and I don't have time to talk to a child like you." Jan said very egotistically.
Minmei was a bit hurt by Jan's remark. The blonde haired woman was a big star and in Minmei's opinion very beautiful. She had played the role of the police officer in the Sailor V live action film and was only visiting Macross with her manager for the premier that just happen to take place during the same weekend as the launching of the SDF1. As she left Minmei heard Jan mumble something.
"I have no idea why my manager put me into a contest with a bunch of no talent amateurs." Jan said below her breath but loud enough for people to hear.
"Don't let that stuck up woman get you down." Mina said to Minmei.
"Gee thanks Mina but I don't see how I can win with her in the pageant." Minmei replied.
"You've got something she doesn't have real talent. All you have to do is your best that's all that matters. That's what my best friend told me once when I was your age." Mina reassured her.
"I'll try my hardest and see what happens." Minmei said with a smile.
"That's the spirit." Mina added.
******
In the audience Max and Ben were waiting for the start of the pageant along with the rest of those gathered. The two members of the Vermilion squad were there to support Rick's friend Minmei. As they looked around at the audience they took note of who was there and who was not there.
"Wow, it looks like half the town showed up." Ben commented.
"Yeah but I don't see Lieutenant Hunter anywhere." Max replied.
"That's a bummer. Wouldn't want him to miss his girlfriend's big chance." Ben said.
"Well it seems Lieutenant Tuskino and her friends showed up to support their friend. Heck it also seems the guys are going to sit with their girlfriends!"
"Yeah and I see Lt. Commander Fokker and his girl Lieutenant Grant."
"A lot of important people are here but no Lt. Hunter."
******
Lieutenant Rick Hunter was going to attend the pageant. Even though he didn't have a ticket Rick knew he could watch from the part of the park that overlooked the amphitheater. As Rick ran down the streets he hoped he would be able to make it in time for the opening of the pageant. There was no way Rick was going to miss seeing Minmei on stage.
******
The lights on the television cameras turned on signaling the start of the broadcast. As the music began playing a gentleman in a tuxedo walked out on stage carrying some index cards and a microphone. The master of ceremonies for the pageant was a well-known broadcaster in Macross who would be hosting a news magazine program on MBS.
"Good evening ladies and gentleman and welcome to the First Annual Miss Macross pageant. I'm your host Mark McKinney. Tonight we'll be broadcasting on the newly formed Macross Broadcasting System. So without further ado let's bring out our thirty lovely contestants. Also allow me to introduce Trista Meiou. She is the one who created the lovely clothes the girls are wearing!"
The curtain behind the host rose up revealing the contestants in the pageant along with Miss Trista Meiou. Each contestant was wearing a gown of their choosing that Trista herself had made to fit each of them. Trista went through all the contestants until she got to the last three.
"Next we have Miss Lynn Minmei! She is wearing a red modern Chinese styled gown with a Mandarin collar and gold embroidery. Very lovely Miss Minmei!" Trista said.
"Next we have Miss Mina Aino! She is wearing an orange off the shoulder gown with cap sleeves. Very lovely Miss Aino!" Trista said. As Trista finished Serena and the others clapped their hearts out for their friend who Trista clapped right along with.
"Finally we have Miss Jan Morris! She is wearing a flashy red strapless gown with red sequins with one slit running up her thigh. Very good Miss Morris!" Trista secretly thought she looked like a slut. After Trista was done she walked off stage and the host re-entered.
"Before we begin tonight's festivities let's talk about what the winner will receive." Mark began, "The winner of the Miss Macross pageant will receive a recording session, a screen test, and a Morgan 280 rear prop two seat airplane."
The audience oohed and ahed at the mention of the prizes although no one knew what Miss Macross would do with a plane.
******
Rick made it to the park just in time to hear what Miss Macross would win. He hadn't missed very much of the pageant.
"And now let's meet the contestants in tonight's Miss Macross pageant." Mark McKinney said.
One by one Rick saw the thirty young women step up to a microphone on the center of the stage and introduce themselves. Then Rick saw Minmei step up to the microphone in a more formal version of the dress she wore on the day they were rescued.
"My name is Lynn Minmei and I want to bring hope to the people of Macross." She said.
The next contestant Rick recognized from seeing with Serena and her group of friends.
"That's one of Lt. Tuskino's friends." Rick said to no one in particular.
"I'm Mina Aino and I want to see everyone on the SDF1 make it home." Mina told the audience.
The next contestant was in a flashy red dress and looked like she didn't really want to be there.
"I'm Jan Morris and I want to entertain all of Macross." She said faking as though she cared.
When the last of the contestants finished stepping up to the microphone the girls stood one last tine before the curtain fell and the host spoke once again.
"While our lovely ladies are changing out of their formal wear and into something less formal let's meet the judges for tonight's pageant." Mark began, "Staring to my left we have Paul Marshall the head of the MBS, Miss Ellen Logan owner of the renowned salon The Japanese Baths, Filmmaker Andre Duchane, radio personalities Collin Shane and Aaron Cody, owner of the Gilded Truffle chef Henri Morne, Trista Meiou maker of fine clothes, and the Mayor of Macross City."
As Rick watched the stage workers set up for the next part of the pageant a robotic messenger rolled by his general area paging him.
"Paging Lt. Rick Hunter paging Lt. Rick Hunter." The robot said.
"I'm Lt. Hunter." Rick called out to the robot.
"Please place your ID card in the slot for verification." The robot instructed.
Rick put his military ID card in the slot on the messenger. A few moments later the small screen shaped head went blank and a priority message from Commander Lisa Hayes came on the screen. Rick read the message and groaned.
"Patrol duty. Is she trying to make my life worse than it already is." Rick complained.
"Thank you for using Message Bots." The robot said before leaving.
"Oh well. TAXI!" Rick called out to a nearby cab.
"Where to?" the cab driver asked him.
"Prometheus please." Rick replied.
******
When the stagehands finished setting up for the next part of the pageant the host Mark McKinney announced what would happen next.
"We've been spending the day getting to know these lovely young ladies. They've gone through an interview process and a talent competition. All this has been done so we can pick our ten-quarter finalists. And now our ten quarter finalists." Mark announced.
The names of the ten-quarter finalists were read off in random order. Among the quarter finalists were Minmei, Mina, and Jan Morris. The next round of the pageant would consist of evening gowns, swimwear, talent and interview.
"And now our quarter finalists will go backstage and prepare for the swimwear portion of the pageant." The host told the audience.
******
Rick knew patrols at night were usually quiet so he decided to see if he could pick up the broadcast of the pageant to see how Minmei was doing. At the moment the host was explaining the scoring process to the viewing audience while the girls were getting their swimwear on. As he was watching the pageant Commander Hayes interrupted his signal.
"Lt. Hunter I hope whatever you happen to be watching is well worth it." Lisa yelled.
"Sorry commander." Rick replied.
Rick flew off to another part of his patrol area and turned the radio back to the signal carrying the pageant. The first special performance for the evening was just finishing and the swimsuit portion would soon be under way.
******
Khyron could tell things were unusually quiet on the SDF1. The patrols around the ship were light and few in numbers. In Khyron's mind it was the perfect time to attack the SDF1. As the members of his squad launched from the ship they went into their usual attack formation breaking up into smaller groups. In one group were three of Khyron's pilots Rico, Bron, and Konda.
As the three battlepod pilots made their way towards the lone Veritech in front of them they noticed it wasn't moving.
"Does this guy have some sort of death wish?" Rico asked Bron.
"Who knows." Bron commented.
"Hey a sitting target." Konda said.
"We'd better report this to Khyron." Rico suggested.
As Rico scanned for Khyron's frequency he picked up the signal carrying the Miss Macross Pageant. The sight on the screen fascinated him. Standing on the stage was a woman in a two piece bathing suit talking to the host.
"Bron, Konda turn to frequency 2136 quickly." Rico said to his partners.
"What's that Rico?" Bron asked when he saw the transmission.
"I have no idea Bron." Rico replied.
"Maybe these females are some new kind of weapon?" Konda suggested.
"We'd better inform Lord Breetai about this." Bron said.
******
Rick continued to slowly patrol the area around the ship when the alarms on his Veritech began to go haywire. Turning on his radar Rick saw a large number of pods headed in his direction with three of them in front. The three pods out in front, however, were not moving. Rick knew he had to do something or else he would be in danger of getting shot at.
"This is Lt. Hunter calling the SDF1 and I'm going to need some backup out here. There are a whole mess of enemy craft headed my way." Rick said.
"Back up should be there soon lieutenant." Lisa informed him.
******
"Lord Breetai we have an incoming message from one of the pilots in Khyron's unit." Exedore told the fleet commander.
"What does this pilot say?" Breetai wanted to know.
"He says he's intercepted a Micronian transmission on frequency 2136." Exedore replied.
"Set all transmission systems to frequency 2136." Breetai commanded.
When the image came up on the screen the Zentreadi began to shudder at the sight of the barely clothed Micronian woman talking to the Micronian man. The man said a few things about the woman before she left the stage and another woman wearing a one-piece suit came onto the stage. The Zentreadi watched the transmission mesmerized.
"And now our next contestant Miss Lynn Minmei. Miss Lynn is sixteen and her measurements are 32-24-30. Miss Lynn hopes to make everyone in her life happy. Miss Lynn Minmei." The host said.
Minmei stood on stage for a few moments before exiting the stage.
"Contestant number 27 Miss Mina Aino is 23 years of age. Miss Aino's measurements are 34-26-32. Miss Aino has done some character modeling for Toei Feature Animation in Japan and would like to sing professionally. Miss Mina Aino ladies and gentleman." He said.
As Mina, in an orange tankini, exited the stage Jan Morris came out onto the stage in a red string bikini wearing red spike heels.
"Contestant number 12 Miss Jan Morris is 28 years of age. Miss Morris's measurements are 36-28-34. Miss Morris has acted in several movies including the live action Sailor V movie and Shot in the Dark. Miss Jan Morris." The host told the audience.
The crowd went nuts when Jan stood on the stage. Breetai was quite curious about the effect this Micronian woman was having on the people in the audience.
"Hmm she must be their secret weapon." Breetai commented.
"Even if we don't get the Micronian ship we still have something useful to send to Lord Dolza." Exedore said to Breetai.
"Yes these transmissions will be most useful to Lord Dolza." Breetai replied.
******
As the battle raged on outside the ship the talent portion of the pageant was underway. One by one the contestants sang, danced, and played musical instruments. Things were going quite well. As one of the contestants finished her piece the host announced the next contestant.
"And now ladies and gentleman Miss Jan Morris will recite Hamlet's soliloquy." Mark said.
Jan came onto the stage in her red dress and began reciting the famous to be or not to be lines from Hamlet. When she was finished she bowed to the audience and flashed a fake smile before walking off stage to mediocre applause. The next contestant was Mina who sang 'The Shining Star.' The audience liked her singing and gave her a good round of applause.
"Miss Mina Aino. And now our last contestant Miss Lynn Minmei." Mark announced.
Minmei came out on stage and began singing 'Stage Fright' the only song she knew from her favorite musical. When she finished the song the crowd went wild.
The contestants were narrowed down from ten to five. The five contestants were then asked some questions and redid the evening gown competition. Those five were narrowed down to three Mina, Minmei, and Jan. Jan thought she had it in the bag. The final step was for each contestant to answer the same question. Mina and Minmei were placed in a booth so they couldn't hear Jan 's answer.
"Miss Morris if crowned Miss Macross how would you help the citizens of Macross City?" Mark McKinney asked Jan.
"I would make more movies to show in the theater. If people don't have movies then they don't have anything to care about." Jan answered.
"Thank you Miss Morris. And now Miss Mina Aino." Mark said.
Mina was led out of the booth and walked over to the host.
"Miss Aino if crowned Miss Macross how would you help the citizens of Macross City?" Mark asked a nervous Mina.
"Well I would get to know the people in the city better and have them continue to work hand in hand with the military. And I would visit the people in the hospital and the infirmary." Mina answered.
"Thank you Miss Aino. And now for our final contestant Miss Lynn Minmei." Mark replied.
Minmei walked out of the booth and stood next to the host.
"Miss Lynn if crowned Miss Macross how would you help the citizens of Macross City?" Mark asked a smiling Minmei.
"What we need are hopes and dreams. The people on this ship need their hopes and dreams returned to them. And I'll find a way to bring back their hopes and dreams." Minmei said.
"Thank you miss Lynn. And mow while the judges are making their final decision we will have a special performance from Miss Michelle Kaiou." Mark announced.
******
The battle against the pods raged on. Rick had just taken out another pod when the backup he needed came to assist him. Thoughts of the pageant were quickly put aside when the pods began attacking the ship. With people's minds elsewhere over the past few days the crew of the SDF1 was not ready for the oncoming attack.
As Rick held his own against the pods he noticed some strange behavior in a few of the pods. The three that were at one time coming straight at him had stopped. Whatever they were waiting for Rick didn't want to stick around and find out.
The battle was turning Rick's way when like every other battle it abruptly ended. The Zentreadi pods turned and left the scene. Rick thought that was quite strange. And he knew it had something to do with whatever the three pods were doing.
"This is Lt. Hunter calling the SDF1. The enemy has retreated and the battle is over." Rick said.
"This is the SDF1. Please report back to the Prometheus." Lisa told him.
"Yes ma'am!" Rick said.
******
Michelle finished her violin piece to a generous round of applause. As she took a bow the host came back onto the stage with an envelope in his hand.
"Thank you Miss Kaiou. Before we get to the announcement you've all been waiting for why don't we bring out our contestants one more time." Mark said.
The thirty original contestants came out on stage and took their places with the finalists standing in front. The crowd gave the contestants a round of applause before Mark made the big announcement.
"And now what you've all been waiting for. Our second runner up for Miss Macross is Miss Mina Aino." Mark announced.
"Alright Mina!" Mina heard Kevin yell which made her blush.
Mina smiled and received a hug from Minmei before joining the rest of the contestants.
"Wow! Mina got second runner up." Serena said.
"That's my girl!" Kevin told her.
"Sorry kid but it's obvious I'm going to win." Jan commented smugly.
The host, Mark McKinney, then announced the first runner up.
"Our first runner up is Miss Jan Morris. Which means Miss Lynn Minmei is Miss Macross."
A crown was placed on Minmei's head and a royal cape was draped over her shoulders. Minmei was then handed a scepter made of silver with a leaded crystal on top. Minmei didn't know it but her whole entire life was about to change.
******
Breetai made his report to Lord Dolza high commander of the Zentreadi military. Even though Khyron wasn't able to capture the SDF1 his men were successful in intercepting a transmission from the ship. This action had saved Breetai's position in the mission for a little while longer.
"While I am not pleased that you did not capture the Micronian ship this new information you have sent us is quite interesting. I'm going to give you one more chance Breetai." Dolza said.
TBC
Please R&R!
