The trio was more than relieved with the news Rick gave them. Once they had
settled down, the three expressed their intention to return to Lake Gloval
as there was still the rest of the afternoon for salvage operations. They
added grimly however, that there were no further survivors to be found from
the wreckage. That was another thing Rick noted regarding these 3 specific
Zentraedi survivors: despite spending millennia as purely soldiers, their
adaptiveness to new fields of endeavor was nothing short of amazing.
They've been peddlers, dry-cleaners, toy-hawkers, etc. These 3 had done all
the odd jobs you could think of before opting to re-enlist though it was
with the RDF now. It was a stark contrast to their brethren who failed to
adjust to a non-aggressive lifestyle. A substantial number of them had just
been slain in a recent uprising by none other but Rick himself with the
Skull and Green Squadrons just the other week. "What makes these other well-
adjusted Zentraedi so damned different?!!" Rick thought to himself as the
three slowly disappeared from view. Genetically-related or not, they still
looked and behaved very human, especially now. At least there were
Zentraedi who did take well to peace, foremost of which were Lord Breetai,
Exedore, Miriya and a slew of others. Rick breathed a sigh of relief
knowing that they were the ones with Lisa-Minmei on the mission to the
Robotech Factory satellite. He wondered what she was up to right now as he
made his way back to the hangars.
---------------------------- =================================---------------------------
"Docking-procedures, complete. All crew, prepare for disembarking." a voice rang over the comm as Breetai's flagship was secured inside the huge landing bay of the factory satellite. Lisa-Minmei felt just a very slight vibration as gravity-anchors held the flagship in place.
"We're here. I'll go on ahead to the ready room. I'll wait for you and your team there, Dr.Lang. Capt. Hayes, shall we?" boomed Breetai despite his best efforts to speak softly. Lisa-Minmei nodded her assent as she made her way to the moving ramps which were retrofitted to the walls of the factory. She had to laugh inwardly as she had to hold on to the handrails as the ramp's pace was such in order to match those of a Zentraedi's normal walking gait. Yet this was still a tad too slow as Breetai had to slow down considerably in order to facilitate a conversation with her. Indeed, even for a Zentraedi, Breetai was quite tall. In human standards, he would've been a 6-foot 7-inch man.
"You find things amusing here, Captain?" queried Exedore as he sidled up to Lisa-Minmei.
"Not really, Exedore. It's just that despite our best efforts to make things around here modular, there's always something that won't fit. Not in a bad way I mean, but I guess this stems from a being's uniqueness, whatever race he/she might be." She replied.
"I see what you mean and I find it amusing myself. Then again, Lord Breetai has always been a Zentran who's a notch above the rest and even his peers attest to that. I had thought that we would've just fled to other star- systems when we learned that Lord Dolza decided to eliminate everything here in your planet including us "tainted-Zentraedi". But his peaceful overtures and eventual alliance with your RDF was one of his most surprising yet soundest moves. Did I ever tell you how he got his cranial- cowl?" Exedore offered. Lisa-Minmei was more than willing and she began to listen intently to Exedore as he recounted the events. It was in Breetai's act of saving the Tirolian, Zor where he lost his upper face. By then, Zor health was failing him and Dolza was torn between his dedication to Zor and his loyalty to the Robotech Masters. This operation was a unique event since the Zentraedi had no prior knowledge of repairing anything and had to rely on the other remaining Tirolians on their ship to instruct them. Suffice to say that the operation was a success.
"It's also amusing to note that that operation was held on Zor's ship, the Azstraph." Exedore added.
"Really? How so? Lisa-Minmei asked.
"It was the Azstraph which crashed on your planet, Capt. Hayes." Exedore replied.
Lisa-Minmei was dumbfounded at this revelation. The alien ship that became the SDF-1 was actually Zor's ship. No wonder Dolza wanted to recapture it so badly. And it was the same ship which was pivotal in their victory over Dolza. Lisa-Minmei had a newfound respect for the SDF-1. She was almost startled when Breetai addressed her.
"Are the mobile-ramps to your specifications, Captain?" Breetai boomed
"Ye-yes, they are, Lord Breetai. Though I see that even these ramps have a hard time keeping up with a Zentraedi like you." she replied.
Breetai gave a small laugh at her statement. The next few minutes went by wordlessly until they came to their destination. Once inside the ready- room, the meeting commenced. Exedore showed the progress of the repairs being done and their estimated time of completion. Various holo-screeens showed the areas where the macronized-techs were currently making diagnostics and repairs. They were a team of twelve yet even so, the sheer size of the factory-satellite coupled with the need to translate Zentraedi symbols meant a longer time was needed for repairs.
"We'll definitely need them to instruct the Zentraedi here. How many from the list were able to make it?" Breetai asked.
Exedore stated that out of 150 candidates, only 20 showed promise. These had actually made minor repairs on their batllepods and power-armor before.
"It's a pity that Lt.s Rico, Bron and Konda aren't here with us. They were the ones who actually taught some of these candidates in the first place." stated Exedore who made a surprisingly human-sounding sigh.
"Oh? I didn't know that. But then again, I am not surprised as they were members of Khyron's Boturu Battalion. Did you know Capt Hayes, that Khyron's battlepod was his own design?" stated Breetai as he turned to Lisa- Minmei.
"It was?!!" she asked.
Breetai nodded as he went on to reveal that Khyron found the then existing battlepod design insufficient when dealing with the enemy in close quarter combat. While their power-armor and the Quadrono suits were designed for this purpose, there was glaring need for a combat-unit that had features and capabilities that had the battlepod's land-mobilty and Quadrono articulation needed when battling Invid scouts. Thus was born the special battlepod design that was reserved for flight commanders. Their success in battle rose up tremendously after a sufficient number of the new battlepods were used. Of course, Breetai received commendation for this as well since the Boturu Battalion was under his command. Breetai also expressed his dismay at Khyron's behavior and stated that had Khyron been anything better, then the repairs would've commenced a lot sooner.
"Try to find more of the remaining former members of the Boturu Battalion. I believe that their skill will be of great help here." Breetai ordered the other Zentraedi officers.
They were about to move on with other matters when warning sirens and alerts went off. A gravimetric surge was detected on the dark side of the moon, signifying a substantial number of ships had just de-folded there.
"Have you verified the identity of these newcomers?" Breetai asked.
"Yes, sir. They're Zentraedi, mostly female: the B'Elarna Division. RDF defenders have taken off and will engage them in 2 minutes." the sensor- crew replied.
"B'Elarna, eh? Well they're in for a surprise. Were the rearticulated pods deployed as well?" Breetai asked.
The crewman replied that they were, with Lt.Commander Miriya Sterling heading them while her husband Max, headed the veritech crews.
-------------------------------------===============================-- ----------------------------------
(Main Ship-B'Elarna Division)
"We have found the factory-satellite, Commander. The initial reports seem to be correct as the fighters they've dispatched are a mix of Zentraedi and alien origin." a crewman reported.
"Amazing. Lord Dolza's Imperial Fleet was indeed defeated here. Just how powerful are these "micronians"? Are they as powerful as the Masters? No matter. They'll soon feel the wrath of the B'Elarna Division. Decimate them!" Commander Zelaenna ordered.
Soon, the area of space between the moon and the factory-satellite was a battlefield. Veritechs and battlepods engaged the Quadrono and tri-thruster ships from the enemy. In the midst of it all, 2 Quadrono armors were lording it over their adversaries while Max and Miriya were decimating ship after Quadrono.
"Do you see them, Adlea?" asked the other Zentraedi.
"Yes Gela, I do. They're quite good but they'll see that they're no match for us." the other replied.
With that, the two boosted to Max and Miriya's location and enagaged them. Max and Miriya were a bit surprised but were able to cope immediately. Soon, it was a pitched battle.
"Aaarrgghh!! I can't believe it but this one has been able to avoid almost all of my strikes and manage to take out one of my thrusters!" an irritated Adlea spat over her comm.
"This one's good, as well. It seems as if a Zentraedi is piloting it and using Zentran-tactics." replied Gela.
"Did you see those battlepods? They're quite different from the ones we use ordinarily. From the way it functions, it seems they've been augmented!" Adlea added.
True enough, the rearticulated battlepods were lasting longer than their ordinary counterparts. Robotic arms from the RDF's defender-mecha were added to them, smaller destroid-cannons and a few more maneuvering thrusters as well. The enemy's battlepods were sorely outclassed. Meanwhile, on Max and Miriya's end:
"Woo-hoo! I haven't this much fun since I last fought you, Miriya! Man, but you female Zentraedi are danged good!" Max declared.
"Be careful, Max!!! These two mean serious business! Wait a minute! I think I recognize them! Max, just try to disable your opponent!" Miriya replied, as Max's exhilaration added to her already growing suspicions.
"Disable, eh? Well, here goes!" and with that, Max zoomed off.
The next few minutes were a blur as the two veritechs went all out against the two Quadronos.
"You're quite good, girl. But-not---quite---good---enough." declared Max as he deftly dodged every volley and shot that the enemy mecha launched at him. When the smoke from the explosions cleared, Max had the other at gunpoint with the Quadrono's main thrusters damaged, while Miriya and the other armor-unit were in a Mexican-stalemate, though damage was also evident on the other Quadrono's thrusters.
"It seems you're out of luck, Adlea," Gela observed.
"Well, you're in no better shape. Your enemy will take you out as soon as you shoot," Adlea taunted back.
"Oh well. I never thought the day would come that we would taste defeat. But they'll never take us alive. I, at least, want to know who defeated us today." She turned her attention to the veritechs. "Enemy unit! I am Lt.Commnader Gela Parino of the Zentraedi B'Elarna Division and that is my sister, Adlea. Identify yourselves." Gela asked over the comm.
A few minutes of silence went by as no one spoke up immediately. Even before Gela had finished stating her name, Miriya knew who it was they were fighting early in the battle. She knew by the tactics that the two used that they were who she suspected. Max was about to open a channel when Miriya asked him if she could do it instead.
"Maximillian; let me," she asked of him. Max nodded his assent.
"Quadrono armor-units, this is Lt.Commander Miriya Parino Sterling formerly of the Laplamiz Fleet and that is my mate, Commander Maximillian Sterling. Lord Breetai extends his invitations to Commander Zelaenna. There is much to be discussed. I suggest a truce for now," Miriya replied, the slight jitter in her voice evident.
Gela and Adlea could hardly believe their eyes as Miriya shifted her veritech into fighter mode so as to provide them a better view of her.
A few nerve-racking minutes passed by before Gela responded.
"All fighters, cease operations. We will return to the mothership and inform Commander Zelaenna of these developments," Gela ordered her squadron.
With that, the enemy fighter ships withdrew leaving only the two Quadrono armor units. Max had lowered his rifle by now but he was still wary of the two. He was almost about to raise his rifle again as the two Quadronos approached them but stopped when he saw Miriya's veritech transform back into Battloid-mode and give a hand-signal to the two who in turn, gave their own hand signal. The two then zoomed off towards their mothership.
"What was that all about, dear?" asked Max.
"I just wanted to know if they still knew," Miriya replied as she had to stifle a sob.
Max then told her to transform back into fighter mode so he could retrieve her since he knew she was in no condition to fly after the recent developments. He ordered the remaining fighters to just bring back her veritech with them as he returned to the factory-satellite with Miriya in the back-seat.
---------------------------------- =================================----------------------------------
Back on the factory-satellite, Lisa-Minmei was more than surprised at the recently concluded battle. Not only were these the first non-Dolza Zentraedi, as it turned out Miriya's sisters were among their Quadrono fighter complement.
"It seems we have them surprised, eh Captain Hayes?" Breetai asked as he turned to Lisa-Minmei.
She could only nod in agreement. She recalled the time she and Rick spent on Dolza'a world-ship where they saw not only sizing-chambers but cloning chambers as well. While there was no actual sense of family among the Zentraedi, it seemed that clones who were aware of each other addressed each other as kin though according to Exedore, such an occurrence was quite rare as clones were almost always spread out among the fleet especially those who showed exceptional skill. Proof enough was Miriya who was alone with the Laplamiz fleet headed by Azonia.
"Most likely, they found themselves together in a campaign where their two fleets combined. I myself am not aware of my clones though I suspect that they may still be out there," Exedore stated.
"And now Miriya's sisters have found her. Let's hope we can use that as further leverage in convincing them to join us. I'd hate to see such skill go to waste. If they're anything like Miriya, I believe they have built their own reputation in battle as well," Breetai added.
"The fighter-complement has returned, sir. Minimal losses incurred," reported a crewman.
"Hmm. Congratulations on your suggested augmentation-designs, Captain Hayes. Most of our fighters made it back. Extend my congratulations to your partner in this strategy, Captain Hunter as well," Breetai stated.
Lisa-Minmei breathed a sigh of relief at the report while attempting to hide a blush that was slowly creeping up her cheeks. Breetai's last statement made more of an impact than he could imagine. Her initial suggestions to augment the battlepods were indeed a success. It was actually Rick who made the initial suggestions after he and Max spent an afternoon in the war-room of the temporary headquarters threshing out new strategies. Max had mentioned an inherent weakness in the Zentraedi battlepod-design which enabled him and Miriya to take them out of action while preserving the lives of their pilots. Max added an instance where a micronized Zentraedi approached him when he was in a grocery buying milk for Dana. The Zentran, after verifying Max's identity, thanked him profusely for not killing him and only disabling his battlepod, mentioning where and when that battle took place. Max's insight was quite deep and he suggested that the RDF find a way to improve their overall battle-prowess in case more Zentraedi were to come along or worse, the Robotech Masters. Indeed, the earth forces now had these Zentraedi as their allies and their technology was a huge addition but they still did not have the numbers which, they assumed the other Zentraedis had more than could be imagined. To date, Exedore revealed that there were five more world-ships that he was aware of. Five fleets the size of Dolza's: heck, even half of Dolza's could obliterate them right now. Rick agreed that what they lacked in numbers, they had to make up in power and skill, thus the need to improve and augment existing human/Zentraedimecha designs. He showed his findings to Lisa and Admiral Gloval then and the Admiral approved it. Lisa of course, put her own two-cents in to the mix and what got carried out was a conglomerate of her's and Rick's designs. Max couldn't participate actively after that as Dana was becoming more of a handful by then. Lisa-Minmei fondly recalled those times she and Rick spent together finalizing the plans where she would've almost burst with all the sexual and emotional tension in the room then. She almost told Rick how and what she felt back then and it was almost funny how she was going to spend a few hours in the same quarters she used in this factory-satellite: the same quarters where she again almost revealed to Rick her emotions. "What was she to Rick now?" she asked herself. She always sensed a huge confusion from him before and it only got cleared when Rick finally chose her, Lisa, over Minmei. But that same confusion had returned, and she knew that Rick was having an extremely difficult time with her current condition. She herself was confused as Minmei's memories came to fore and she recalled the Christmas Eve Rick spent with Minmei where she came round to tell him but ran away when she saw them together. Her thoughts on the matter had to take a backseat as a crewman reported a communiqué originating from the B'Elarna Division.
"Greetings, Lord Breetai. Are you serving these micronians now?" Commander Zelaenna taunted.
"On the contrary Zelaenna, these micronians have given me more knowledge about Protoculture than the Masters ever revealed to us and thanks to them, I was able to defeat Dolza and his Imperial fleet. I suggest you join us in our mission to enlighten our Zentraedi brethren." Breetai replied.
"You, master the innate workings of Protoculture?!! I don't believe it! Show me proof!" an obviously incensed Zelaenna responded.
"What further proof do you need? Our fighters were able to repulse your Quadronos. You could not deny their superior fighting skill as they ran rings around your fighters. Even your best warriors were bested by mine," Breetai replied.
Much as Commander Zelaenna hated to admit it, there was a lot of truth in Breetai's words. An obvious indicator of added Protoculture knowledge was vastly improved fighting skills in a mecha and in battle-strategy. The Parinos were proof of this and so was Khyron. And it was clearly obvious that the male micronian who Miriya declared as her mate was highly skilled in battle as he defeated Lt.Gela. Did these micronians really possess knowledge of Protoculture?
"IF I should agree to what you're saying Lord Breetai, that would mean going against millions upon millions of our Zentraedi brethren should they choose not to believe in us. I'll need more than that to go on if I am to risk myself and my fleet," a somewhat introspective Zelaenna added.
"Indeed. But from what I have experienced here with these micronians, it is often the batlle itself that is more invigorating, not the outcome. Wouldn't you agree?" teased Breetai.
Lisa-Minmei and Exedore could hardly contain their amusement at the scene unfolding in front of them. Given the short span of time that Breetai and the others had spent in contact with the humans, Breetai had already learned the art of negotiation and bargaining so much that one would think he was a well-seasoned diplomat.
"Very well, though I am not completely convinced I will go there and see for myself. I believe you can be trusted not to fire upon an unarmed enemy?" Zelaenna stated.
"You have my word. When shall we expect you?" Breetai queried.
"In about three hours. Zelaenna out."
"It seems we have caught her attention, my lord." Exedore noted.
Breetai nodded in agreement. He had only used as a bargaining-chip what he himself noticed during his initial contact with the earth humans especially in battle. Captain Hunter and Commander Sterling were but a few examples of micronians who displayed tremendous skill in battle not to mention and few others who followed in their footsteps. Indeed, the new recruits spent lesser hours in simulation but displayed better aptitude in battle. As far as strategy and tactics went, the late Admiral Gloval and Captain Hayes were prime examples as well especially after he learned that the Daedalus Maneuver was Lisa's idea. There was also Dr. Emil Lang and his team of scientists who were able to adapt Protoculture to their own technology. Exedore suspected that had the earth humans been given more time and if they had been as numerous, they would have probably developed their own weapon systems that could match the Zentraedi's own firepower. The Grand Cannon Installation in Alaska was also proof of this. Breetai could only begin to imagine what they could achieve together; maybe even rival the power of even the Robotech Masters.
"I'll retire to my designated quarters for now, Lord Breetai. Please inform me as soon as their retinue arrives." Lisa-Minmei said as she stood up to take her leave of the ready-room.
"Go ahead, Captain Hayes. You'll need your rest especially if Zelaenna decides to go against us." Breetai stated.
Lisa-Minmei stopped on her way to the door, surprised by Breetai's last statement . What backup plan did he have in case Zelaenna did not side with them? Though their number wasn't anywhere near Breetai's one million, female Zentraedi divisions were known for their speed and unusual yet highly effective battle-tactics. In truth, they were more effective in battling Invid hordes than their male counterparts.
Yet Breetai knew something that he wasn't saying. In their experience with the Zentraedi, Lisa knew of only one thing that enabled them to win over the vastly superior military might and firepower with the meager forces they had. As realization sank into her, she turned slowly and fixed a disbelieving look on him.
"You're not saying..?" she whispered audibly.
"Indeed, I am, Captain Hayes. Though we can defeat them in battle, it would be more beneficial to our cause to have them as allies. The only way we can convince them is not by fighting them, though we will if we are forced to."
Lisa-Minmei 's throat had gone dry and, as if coming from a great distance, she heard Breetai say simply, "You may have to sing."
---------------------------- =================================---------------------------
"Docking-procedures, complete. All crew, prepare for disembarking." a voice rang over the comm as Breetai's flagship was secured inside the huge landing bay of the factory satellite. Lisa-Minmei felt just a very slight vibration as gravity-anchors held the flagship in place.
"We're here. I'll go on ahead to the ready room. I'll wait for you and your team there, Dr.Lang. Capt. Hayes, shall we?" boomed Breetai despite his best efforts to speak softly. Lisa-Minmei nodded her assent as she made her way to the moving ramps which were retrofitted to the walls of the factory. She had to laugh inwardly as she had to hold on to the handrails as the ramp's pace was such in order to match those of a Zentraedi's normal walking gait. Yet this was still a tad too slow as Breetai had to slow down considerably in order to facilitate a conversation with her. Indeed, even for a Zentraedi, Breetai was quite tall. In human standards, he would've been a 6-foot 7-inch man.
"You find things amusing here, Captain?" queried Exedore as he sidled up to Lisa-Minmei.
"Not really, Exedore. It's just that despite our best efforts to make things around here modular, there's always something that won't fit. Not in a bad way I mean, but I guess this stems from a being's uniqueness, whatever race he/she might be." She replied.
"I see what you mean and I find it amusing myself. Then again, Lord Breetai has always been a Zentran who's a notch above the rest and even his peers attest to that. I had thought that we would've just fled to other star- systems when we learned that Lord Dolza decided to eliminate everything here in your planet including us "tainted-Zentraedi". But his peaceful overtures and eventual alliance with your RDF was one of his most surprising yet soundest moves. Did I ever tell you how he got his cranial- cowl?" Exedore offered. Lisa-Minmei was more than willing and she began to listen intently to Exedore as he recounted the events. It was in Breetai's act of saving the Tirolian, Zor where he lost his upper face. By then, Zor health was failing him and Dolza was torn between his dedication to Zor and his loyalty to the Robotech Masters. This operation was a unique event since the Zentraedi had no prior knowledge of repairing anything and had to rely on the other remaining Tirolians on their ship to instruct them. Suffice to say that the operation was a success.
"It's also amusing to note that that operation was held on Zor's ship, the Azstraph." Exedore added.
"Really? How so? Lisa-Minmei asked.
"It was the Azstraph which crashed on your planet, Capt. Hayes." Exedore replied.
Lisa-Minmei was dumbfounded at this revelation. The alien ship that became the SDF-1 was actually Zor's ship. No wonder Dolza wanted to recapture it so badly. And it was the same ship which was pivotal in their victory over Dolza. Lisa-Minmei had a newfound respect for the SDF-1. She was almost startled when Breetai addressed her.
"Are the mobile-ramps to your specifications, Captain?" Breetai boomed
"Ye-yes, they are, Lord Breetai. Though I see that even these ramps have a hard time keeping up with a Zentraedi like you." she replied.
Breetai gave a small laugh at her statement. The next few minutes went by wordlessly until they came to their destination. Once inside the ready- room, the meeting commenced. Exedore showed the progress of the repairs being done and their estimated time of completion. Various holo-screeens showed the areas where the macronized-techs were currently making diagnostics and repairs. They were a team of twelve yet even so, the sheer size of the factory-satellite coupled with the need to translate Zentraedi symbols meant a longer time was needed for repairs.
"We'll definitely need them to instruct the Zentraedi here. How many from the list were able to make it?" Breetai asked.
Exedore stated that out of 150 candidates, only 20 showed promise. These had actually made minor repairs on their batllepods and power-armor before.
"It's a pity that Lt.s Rico, Bron and Konda aren't here with us. They were the ones who actually taught some of these candidates in the first place." stated Exedore who made a surprisingly human-sounding sigh.
"Oh? I didn't know that. But then again, I am not surprised as they were members of Khyron's Boturu Battalion. Did you know Capt Hayes, that Khyron's battlepod was his own design?" stated Breetai as he turned to Lisa- Minmei.
"It was?!!" she asked.
Breetai nodded as he went on to reveal that Khyron found the then existing battlepod design insufficient when dealing with the enemy in close quarter combat. While their power-armor and the Quadrono suits were designed for this purpose, there was glaring need for a combat-unit that had features and capabilities that had the battlepod's land-mobilty and Quadrono articulation needed when battling Invid scouts. Thus was born the special battlepod design that was reserved for flight commanders. Their success in battle rose up tremendously after a sufficient number of the new battlepods were used. Of course, Breetai received commendation for this as well since the Boturu Battalion was under his command. Breetai also expressed his dismay at Khyron's behavior and stated that had Khyron been anything better, then the repairs would've commenced a lot sooner.
"Try to find more of the remaining former members of the Boturu Battalion. I believe that their skill will be of great help here." Breetai ordered the other Zentraedi officers.
They were about to move on with other matters when warning sirens and alerts went off. A gravimetric surge was detected on the dark side of the moon, signifying a substantial number of ships had just de-folded there.
"Have you verified the identity of these newcomers?" Breetai asked.
"Yes, sir. They're Zentraedi, mostly female: the B'Elarna Division. RDF defenders have taken off and will engage them in 2 minutes." the sensor- crew replied.
"B'Elarna, eh? Well they're in for a surprise. Were the rearticulated pods deployed as well?" Breetai asked.
The crewman replied that they were, with Lt.Commander Miriya Sterling heading them while her husband Max, headed the veritech crews.
-------------------------------------===============================-- ----------------------------------
(Main Ship-B'Elarna Division)
"We have found the factory-satellite, Commander. The initial reports seem to be correct as the fighters they've dispatched are a mix of Zentraedi and alien origin." a crewman reported.
"Amazing. Lord Dolza's Imperial Fleet was indeed defeated here. Just how powerful are these "micronians"? Are they as powerful as the Masters? No matter. They'll soon feel the wrath of the B'Elarna Division. Decimate them!" Commander Zelaenna ordered.
Soon, the area of space between the moon and the factory-satellite was a battlefield. Veritechs and battlepods engaged the Quadrono and tri-thruster ships from the enemy. In the midst of it all, 2 Quadrono armors were lording it over their adversaries while Max and Miriya were decimating ship after Quadrono.
"Do you see them, Adlea?" asked the other Zentraedi.
"Yes Gela, I do. They're quite good but they'll see that they're no match for us." the other replied.
With that, the two boosted to Max and Miriya's location and enagaged them. Max and Miriya were a bit surprised but were able to cope immediately. Soon, it was a pitched battle.
"Aaarrgghh!! I can't believe it but this one has been able to avoid almost all of my strikes and manage to take out one of my thrusters!" an irritated Adlea spat over her comm.
"This one's good, as well. It seems as if a Zentraedi is piloting it and using Zentran-tactics." replied Gela.
"Did you see those battlepods? They're quite different from the ones we use ordinarily. From the way it functions, it seems they've been augmented!" Adlea added.
True enough, the rearticulated battlepods were lasting longer than their ordinary counterparts. Robotic arms from the RDF's defender-mecha were added to them, smaller destroid-cannons and a few more maneuvering thrusters as well. The enemy's battlepods were sorely outclassed. Meanwhile, on Max and Miriya's end:
"Woo-hoo! I haven't this much fun since I last fought you, Miriya! Man, but you female Zentraedi are danged good!" Max declared.
"Be careful, Max!!! These two mean serious business! Wait a minute! I think I recognize them! Max, just try to disable your opponent!" Miriya replied, as Max's exhilaration added to her already growing suspicions.
"Disable, eh? Well, here goes!" and with that, Max zoomed off.
The next few minutes were a blur as the two veritechs went all out against the two Quadronos.
"You're quite good, girl. But-not---quite---good---enough." declared Max as he deftly dodged every volley and shot that the enemy mecha launched at him. When the smoke from the explosions cleared, Max had the other at gunpoint with the Quadrono's main thrusters damaged, while Miriya and the other armor-unit were in a Mexican-stalemate, though damage was also evident on the other Quadrono's thrusters.
"It seems you're out of luck, Adlea," Gela observed.
"Well, you're in no better shape. Your enemy will take you out as soon as you shoot," Adlea taunted back.
"Oh well. I never thought the day would come that we would taste defeat. But they'll never take us alive. I, at least, want to know who defeated us today." She turned her attention to the veritechs. "Enemy unit! I am Lt.Commnader Gela Parino of the Zentraedi B'Elarna Division and that is my sister, Adlea. Identify yourselves." Gela asked over the comm.
A few minutes of silence went by as no one spoke up immediately. Even before Gela had finished stating her name, Miriya knew who it was they were fighting early in the battle. She knew by the tactics that the two used that they were who she suspected. Max was about to open a channel when Miriya asked him if she could do it instead.
"Maximillian; let me," she asked of him. Max nodded his assent.
"Quadrono armor-units, this is Lt.Commander Miriya Parino Sterling formerly of the Laplamiz Fleet and that is my mate, Commander Maximillian Sterling. Lord Breetai extends his invitations to Commander Zelaenna. There is much to be discussed. I suggest a truce for now," Miriya replied, the slight jitter in her voice evident.
Gela and Adlea could hardly believe their eyes as Miriya shifted her veritech into fighter mode so as to provide them a better view of her.
A few nerve-racking minutes passed by before Gela responded.
"All fighters, cease operations. We will return to the mothership and inform Commander Zelaenna of these developments," Gela ordered her squadron.
With that, the enemy fighter ships withdrew leaving only the two Quadrono armor units. Max had lowered his rifle by now but he was still wary of the two. He was almost about to raise his rifle again as the two Quadronos approached them but stopped when he saw Miriya's veritech transform back into Battloid-mode and give a hand-signal to the two who in turn, gave their own hand signal. The two then zoomed off towards their mothership.
"What was that all about, dear?" asked Max.
"I just wanted to know if they still knew," Miriya replied as she had to stifle a sob.
Max then told her to transform back into fighter mode so he could retrieve her since he knew she was in no condition to fly after the recent developments. He ordered the remaining fighters to just bring back her veritech with them as he returned to the factory-satellite with Miriya in the back-seat.
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Back on the factory-satellite, Lisa-Minmei was more than surprised at the recently concluded battle. Not only were these the first non-Dolza Zentraedi, as it turned out Miriya's sisters were among their Quadrono fighter complement.
"It seems we have them surprised, eh Captain Hayes?" Breetai asked as he turned to Lisa-Minmei.
She could only nod in agreement. She recalled the time she and Rick spent on Dolza'a world-ship where they saw not only sizing-chambers but cloning chambers as well. While there was no actual sense of family among the Zentraedi, it seemed that clones who were aware of each other addressed each other as kin though according to Exedore, such an occurrence was quite rare as clones were almost always spread out among the fleet especially those who showed exceptional skill. Proof enough was Miriya who was alone with the Laplamiz fleet headed by Azonia.
"Most likely, they found themselves together in a campaign where their two fleets combined. I myself am not aware of my clones though I suspect that they may still be out there," Exedore stated.
"And now Miriya's sisters have found her. Let's hope we can use that as further leverage in convincing them to join us. I'd hate to see such skill go to waste. If they're anything like Miriya, I believe they have built their own reputation in battle as well," Breetai added.
"The fighter-complement has returned, sir. Minimal losses incurred," reported a crewman.
"Hmm. Congratulations on your suggested augmentation-designs, Captain Hayes. Most of our fighters made it back. Extend my congratulations to your partner in this strategy, Captain Hunter as well," Breetai stated.
Lisa-Minmei breathed a sigh of relief at the report while attempting to hide a blush that was slowly creeping up her cheeks. Breetai's last statement made more of an impact than he could imagine. Her initial suggestions to augment the battlepods were indeed a success. It was actually Rick who made the initial suggestions after he and Max spent an afternoon in the war-room of the temporary headquarters threshing out new strategies. Max had mentioned an inherent weakness in the Zentraedi battlepod-design which enabled him and Miriya to take them out of action while preserving the lives of their pilots. Max added an instance where a micronized Zentraedi approached him when he was in a grocery buying milk for Dana. The Zentran, after verifying Max's identity, thanked him profusely for not killing him and only disabling his battlepod, mentioning where and when that battle took place. Max's insight was quite deep and he suggested that the RDF find a way to improve their overall battle-prowess in case more Zentraedi were to come along or worse, the Robotech Masters. Indeed, the earth forces now had these Zentraedi as their allies and their technology was a huge addition but they still did not have the numbers which, they assumed the other Zentraedis had more than could be imagined. To date, Exedore revealed that there were five more world-ships that he was aware of. Five fleets the size of Dolza's: heck, even half of Dolza's could obliterate them right now. Rick agreed that what they lacked in numbers, they had to make up in power and skill, thus the need to improve and augment existing human/Zentraedimecha designs. He showed his findings to Lisa and Admiral Gloval then and the Admiral approved it. Lisa of course, put her own two-cents in to the mix and what got carried out was a conglomerate of her's and Rick's designs. Max couldn't participate actively after that as Dana was becoming more of a handful by then. Lisa-Minmei fondly recalled those times she and Rick spent together finalizing the plans where she would've almost burst with all the sexual and emotional tension in the room then. She almost told Rick how and what she felt back then and it was almost funny how she was going to spend a few hours in the same quarters she used in this factory-satellite: the same quarters where she again almost revealed to Rick her emotions. "What was she to Rick now?" she asked herself. She always sensed a huge confusion from him before and it only got cleared when Rick finally chose her, Lisa, over Minmei. But that same confusion had returned, and she knew that Rick was having an extremely difficult time with her current condition. She herself was confused as Minmei's memories came to fore and she recalled the Christmas Eve Rick spent with Minmei where she came round to tell him but ran away when she saw them together. Her thoughts on the matter had to take a backseat as a crewman reported a communiqué originating from the B'Elarna Division.
"Greetings, Lord Breetai. Are you serving these micronians now?" Commander Zelaenna taunted.
"On the contrary Zelaenna, these micronians have given me more knowledge about Protoculture than the Masters ever revealed to us and thanks to them, I was able to defeat Dolza and his Imperial fleet. I suggest you join us in our mission to enlighten our Zentraedi brethren." Breetai replied.
"You, master the innate workings of Protoculture?!! I don't believe it! Show me proof!" an obviously incensed Zelaenna responded.
"What further proof do you need? Our fighters were able to repulse your Quadronos. You could not deny their superior fighting skill as they ran rings around your fighters. Even your best warriors were bested by mine," Breetai replied.
Much as Commander Zelaenna hated to admit it, there was a lot of truth in Breetai's words. An obvious indicator of added Protoculture knowledge was vastly improved fighting skills in a mecha and in battle-strategy. The Parinos were proof of this and so was Khyron. And it was clearly obvious that the male micronian who Miriya declared as her mate was highly skilled in battle as he defeated Lt.Gela. Did these micronians really possess knowledge of Protoculture?
"IF I should agree to what you're saying Lord Breetai, that would mean going against millions upon millions of our Zentraedi brethren should they choose not to believe in us. I'll need more than that to go on if I am to risk myself and my fleet," a somewhat introspective Zelaenna added.
"Indeed. But from what I have experienced here with these micronians, it is often the batlle itself that is more invigorating, not the outcome. Wouldn't you agree?" teased Breetai.
Lisa-Minmei and Exedore could hardly contain their amusement at the scene unfolding in front of them. Given the short span of time that Breetai and the others had spent in contact with the humans, Breetai had already learned the art of negotiation and bargaining so much that one would think he was a well-seasoned diplomat.
"Very well, though I am not completely convinced I will go there and see for myself. I believe you can be trusted not to fire upon an unarmed enemy?" Zelaenna stated.
"You have my word. When shall we expect you?" Breetai queried.
"In about three hours. Zelaenna out."
"It seems we have caught her attention, my lord." Exedore noted.
Breetai nodded in agreement. He had only used as a bargaining-chip what he himself noticed during his initial contact with the earth humans especially in battle. Captain Hunter and Commander Sterling were but a few examples of micronians who displayed tremendous skill in battle not to mention and few others who followed in their footsteps. Indeed, the new recruits spent lesser hours in simulation but displayed better aptitude in battle. As far as strategy and tactics went, the late Admiral Gloval and Captain Hayes were prime examples as well especially after he learned that the Daedalus Maneuver was Lisa's idea. There was also Dr. Emil Lang and his team of scientists who were able to adapt Protoculture to their own technology. Exedore suspected that had the earth humans been given more time and if they had been as numerous, they would have probably developed their own weapon systems that could match the Zentraedi's own firepower. The Grand Cannon Installation in Alaska was also proof of this. Breetai could only begin to imagine what they could achieve together; maybe even rival the power of even the Robotech Masters.
"I'll retire to my designated quarters for now, Lord Breetai. Please inform me as soon as their retinue arrives." Lisa-Minmei said as she stood up to take her leave of the ready-room.
"Go ahead, Captain Hayes. You'll need your rest especially if Zelaenna decides to go against us." Breetai stated.
Lisa-Minmei stopped on her way to the door, surprised by Breetai's last statement . What backup plan did he have in case Zelaenna did not side with them? Though their number wasn't anywhere near Breetai's one million, female Zentraedi divisions were known for their speed and unusual yet highly effective battle-tactics. In truth, they were more effective in battling Invid hordes than their male counterparts.
Yet Breetai knew something that he wasn't saying. In their experience with the Zentraedi, Lisa knew of only one thing that enabled them to win over the vastly superior military might and firepower with the meager forces they had. As realization sank into her, she turned slowly and fixed a disbelieving look on him.
"You're not saying..?" she whispered audibly.
"Indeed, I am, Captain Hayes. Though we can defeat them in battle, it would be more beneficial to our cause to have them as allies. The only way we can convince them is not by fighting them, though we will if we are forced to."
Lisa-Minmei 's throat had gone dry and, as if coming from a great distance, she heard Breetai say simply, "You may have to sing."