Version 2 notes: Less McKinney-isms to deal with in this chapter thank god. There is the part about judging Moran and Lenord, but I can let that stand as being something else… and Edwards, Zand and Shimida can be treated anyway I want since they are not from canon sources anyways… (I do consider the sent movie canon, so I will try to stick to that Edwards, rather then the guile rip-off from the new comics). Anyways fixed things up a bit again. Enjoy.

A note on Robotech characters and Martial Arts: although the world of this Fic seems a lot like the world of Robotech with the Ranma characters in it Remember that this is a fusing of the two universes. So don't be surprised if characters like Minmei, Rick and even the Terrible Trio demonstrate martial arts skills throughout this fic.

In the halls of Dimension Crux University

Lynn-Mari Aino walked briskly down the hall when she arrived at the Room Beta Squad was using their meeting room and study hall. Which was of course the dorm room of its commander Jimmy Shiro. Lynn looked down at her notebook, threw her long blonde hair behind her, took a deep breath and then entered the room. Her eyes fell on the squad leader. "What's that book your reading James?"

"It's a Twentieth Century fiction novel called 'The Golden Compass'," Jimmy said closing the book.

"Fiction?" Lynn-Mari gave her friend a sceptical look. Fiction novels where very out of style; most people read only to increase their knowledge. If you wanted to do something frivolous, better to play a game of zero-g lacrosse or start up a virtual universe.

Jimmy saw the look on the blonde's face, and then explained. "I know Fiction is passé. But when you think of the Hoshino principle all fictions novel are in reality guides to other universes; when you think that there exist literally billions of billions of alternate realities. So much so that we call it near infinite (despite the obvious contradiction there) and there are countless more created every second as new possibilities are introduced. Either the writer of the novel inadvertently wrote of a universe that all ready existed. Or in introducing the possibility he or she did what we have trouble doing in our evolved state and with our superior technology, and flawlessly created a new universe to his exact specifications. I find that positively amazing. Besides the author himself one Philip Pullman, had a great grasp on elementary dimensional physics. You see in a relatively undeveloped off-shoot of Terra he actually had grasped the concept of 5th dimensional physics," when Shiro said this he was of course referring to Wells physics (in which Time is referred to as the 4th dimension and Reality as the 5th).

Lynn rolled her eyes. "By the way Jimmy speaking of other realities. I found out something about our little project that you should see."

Ranmatech½
Episode 2 version 1
A Trip to Remember Part 2:The Great Chinese Ramen Rivalry

Looking at back at the past from our "all knowing"
point of view it is easy to cast judgment on historical figures.
We see this many times with Leonard, Russo and
Nabiki Tendo. Many would brand Tendo a traitor
for simply carrying the communications between
Kan Shimida and Colonel Edwards (these communications
also included messages from/for the IHE, Zand and
many other groups and persons exploiting the
Robotech Project) let alone her concealing what she
learned about Edwards after she examined their contents,
but indeed I must wonder if she really had a choice in the matter.
I'm not one to support the theories of any organized religion (especially
not the church of the shapings). Just that the universe seems to keep its
aces for when it really needs them. And we are truly fortunate Nabiki
saved this ace in the hole for when she did.

-Lynn Jason
as quoted in the Southren Cross Triumverite
Leonard, Edwards and Zand

"Dozou Yoroshiku" Minmei said which means welcome.

"Thank you Minmei but I think Ranma is the only one here who can't speak English," Ukyo replied; to which all the Tendos, and Mr. Saotome nodded their heads in agreement.

Ranma turned to them and then said in Japanese. "What how come you can speak English?"

"We'll Ranma-Honey it's like this…" Ukyo attempted to explain. "When you're the owner of the best okonomiyaki shop in Tokyo you get a lot of foreign tourists; so I picked up a lot from my patrons."

Then Nabiki added. "And Dad thought it would be a good Idea for us to know English for our future, one of the few smart parenting decisions he's made."

"Nabiki, is that anyway to speak of your father?" Soun asked.

"Anyway if I want to go into international business, or any high paying job, then knowing English is going to be a big help," Nabiki explained.

"So tell me Minmei, how is it that you came to speak Japanese?" Akane inquired.

"We'll I was born in Japan silly, I'm only half Chinese the other half is Japanese," Minmei said with a certain measure of pride in her voice.

"So anyway what can I get you to eat?" Minmei asked. They placed their orders and Minmei went to the back to tell her aunt.

"So Ukyo what are you going to do until launch day?" Akane asked. "We pretty much have free time except for the journal we have to keep of our experiences."

"Well Akane I think I'll set up an okonomiyaki cart and take advantage of all the travelers here to see the launch," Ukyo wasn't one to miss out on a profit.

"You know Ukyo, I like the way you think. I bet you could make a killing out there right now. In-fact I'll bet you're the only girl who knows how to make okonomiyaki on the entire island," Nabiki could hear money, could smell it, now if only she could get a cut.

After a while Minmei came back with their orders, "Here you go Akane, Nabiki, Ukyo, Kasumi, Mr.Tendo, Ranma and I even have something here for your pet pig," Minmei had a talent with making people feel totally at ease with her, part of that was she picked up names instantly.

"No! Shampoo no let Ranma eat food, Minmei give him," The voice came from a certain Chinese amazon who just barged in her bicycle skidding to a halt in front of everyone "Ranma, get a way from Minmei."

"Shampoo what is the meaning of this?" Soun asked.

"Minmei is rival of Shampoo," The amazon raised her bon-bari.

"Minmei what's this all about?" Ranma asked.

"It all started when I was on a trip to China…" Minmei informed them as she started relating the tale of how she met Shampoo and the unbelievable events that led up to their rivalry. Which for the sake of time will not be related here… but will be explained in due course.

"Wow is all that true Shampoo?" Akane couldn't believe what she just heard.

"More or less, Minmei leave out part about how she nearly drive Cat Café into bankruptcy," Shampoo said.

"Wow is that even possible?" Nabiki knew how profitable Shampoo's Great-grandmother's chain of Ramen Shops where.

"Oh Shampoo's exaggerating I assure you. We did have a little business competition a while back but neither business would have lost more than a couple thousand credits max," Minmei didn't want Shampoo making her look bad in front of all her new friends. "So Shampoo why don't we put aside this rivalry. I mean we seem to have some common friends sit down and relax. I'll give you an order of Ramen on the house."

"Shampoo would no eat Minmei's food even if you paid her. Minmei, Shampoo make you pay for all you've done," Shampoo jumped out and lashed out with her battle maces.

"You really think you'd manage to land such an attack on me, Shampoo? When your cousin is a world class martial artist you pick up a few tricks," Minmei replied as she easily dodged Shampoo's attacks. "Now Shampoo I'll show you a technique of my own. Lynn school of martial arts special attack: White Dragon Fist." Minmei said as her fists collided with Shampoo sending her flying.

"You not such bad fighter Lynn-Minmei. Shampoo no go easy on you now." Shampoo threw her bon-bari aside and launched a furry of punches and kicks at Minmei all of which the Chinese girl easily avoided.

"Strange. Minmei shouldn't have been able to attain the kind of skill necessary to give my Shampoo such a hard fight by just watching her cousin."

"Old goat where did you come from?" Ranma inquired of the new comer.

"Why Son-in-law I've been here all the time." Cologne informed him with a smile.

Ranma returned his attention to the fight. Shampoo was just gaining the advantage over Minmei. Shampoo launched herself into a jump-kick which easily found it's target sending Minmei crashing into the table where the Tendo's where eating. Sending all of their meals flying everywhere. All that is except Nabiki's who had moved her bowl of Ramen right in time.

Shampoo stood triumphant over Minmei's body. "You no match for me after all. Stay away from Ranma or Shampoo come back and finish the job," Shampoo marched out of the White Dragon followed by Cologne.

"Wow Minmei are you alright?" Akane asked as she helped the Chinese girl to her feet.

"Oh don't worry about me Akane. Shampoo just caught me by surprise that's all," Minmei said as she straightened out her dress.

"Well if I where you I wouldn't mess with Shampoo. On the off chance that you do actually win then… then…" Ukyo started to warn Minmei.

"Yes I know but I have my pride too you know," Minmei was not going to take this lying down.

On the other side of the galaxy, the mighty Zentradie fleet was abuzz with preparations. "Mighty Breetai," Exedore saluted his commander. "My lord we have finished preparations for the fold operation."

"Excellent. Fold out," Breetai issued the order.

From his observation post Khryon saw the ships of Breetai's fleet engulfed in a bright light and then disappear. "So Breetai's fleet is on the move eh Grel?"

"Yes M'lord" Khyron's aid replied sharply.

"I wonder what this all important mission is," Khyron pondered the subject.

Back on Macross Island. Launch day had come. Minmei, Ranma and the Tendo's where watching the demonstration of the armies new fighters.

"It is through the use of the science we discovered aboard the alien space craft that makes such precision possible," The blond pilot at the mike was saying. When a small red stunt plane flew into the mist of the fighter planes. The tiny crimson fanjet started flying rings around the military's most advanced aircraft. "What the hell do you think you're doing?" The blond pilot yelled still on the mike. "Rick you're making my men look like fools," then the pilot realized that everyone was laughing at him. "Hey switch this to radio only will ya?"

Minmei was standing in the audience with Ranma and her cousin Jason. She was having the time of her life. "Oh that's so funny; Ranma have you ever seen anything so funny?"

Ranma just sighed and walked away. Minmei stood thinking for a moment then decided to catch up with the pig-tailed martial artist. "So Ranma, what do you think of our island?"

"It's nice I guess but I can't wait to get back to Tokyo," Ranma replied.

"Yeah I know how you feel. Sometimes I get homesick too. I told you I'm half-Japanese right? Well I was born in Yokohama. I left there to come to Macross and start a singing career." Minmei told Ranma.

"Really, have you gone to any auditions?" Ranma inquired of her.

"No not yet. Though I am singing tonight during the launch festival. And… hey isn't that that pilot from before?" Minmei asked pointing to the blond man in uniform.

"Yeah I think it is," Ranma replied.

"What do you think you where doing?" The pilot yelled at a smaller black haired man. "You could have got yourself killed. And where did you learn that little stunt?"

"Oh come on Roy, it was just a simple booster climb you taught me that yourself, when is I was just a kid," The second man said.

"Rick Hunter I swear if I hadn't promised your father I'd look after you I'd…" Roy shook his fist at Rick.

"Excuse me but are you that pilot from before?" Minmei asked to which Roy shook his head. "Tee-hee. You where so funny."

"Hey Roy she's kind of cute," Rick whispered to his friend.

The four made their introductions. Then Minmei returned to the restaurant. She was really excited about singing later that night. The earlier incident with Shampoo was forgotten.

Elsewhere on the Island, there was a beautiful piece of beachfront property. This particular piece of property was a sort of outdoor restaurant. A tall blonde man walked to one of the occupied tables and sat down. "Nabiki Tendo?" the name was said as a question."

"Colonel Edwards," She replied.

Edwards snapped, "Don't use my real name."

Nabiki stood up and started yelling while pointing at the man. "Edwards, Colonel Edwards. We have T.R. Edwards here," A few people looked but those who new the name fromm the Global War soon dismissed the girl as a nut, "No one cares."

"You have some information for me?" Edwards was eager to get this over with.

"Yup. Nabiki produced a data-disc, "with the compliments of Kan Shimida," She started to hand the disk over, when Edwards reached for it she withdrew it. "Ah-ah-ah. Edwards aren't you forgetting something? Like my money? You know making an enemy of Kan Shimida is something even you can't afford to do. The Yakuza don't give freebies, and neither do I."

"Of course. Ten Thousand credits as promised," Edwards handed the money over too Nabiki. "I also have some information for your boss he'll…"

"Kan Shimida is not my boss, I am not some Yakuza floozy. I was simply doing this service for him this one time because I happened to be headed in your general direction," And I might as well make as much money out of this trip as I can, she thought to herself. "If you want me to take something to Mr. Shimida," she smiled. "It'll cost you something extra," Edwards slipped another thousand credits on the table along with a second data-disc. "There you go Edwards-baby, a nice equitable business contract you give me a little credits and Mr. Shimida will get your message when I arrive back in Tokyo," well this worked out rather well. Thought Nabiki. After Kan takes is $9,000 I'll still have a cool two thousand credits to burn.

"By the way Ms Tendo,"

"Hmmmm"

"When do you leave Macross Island?"

"Uh the day after the launch, so tomorrow." Nabiki responded.

"Very good," He started to walk away and then glanced over his shoulder. "I don't suppose I need to tell you Ms. Tendo that the contents of the disk are for Mr. Shimida only?"

Nabiki flashed him her most innocent smile, "No of course not."

"Don't double cross me Nabiki Tendo," The Colonel warned. "I may not be the lord of an international crime cartel… but I am not a man to be trifled with."

"I'll be sure to keep that in mind Colonel," Nabiki responded.

The launching ceremonies where drawing to an end. The students of Furinkan High where all assembled to hear Senator Russo's speech. "This project has been a great asset to the economy of Macross Island. And a has served to unite…"

"What a bore, why is it that the Blue Thunder of Furinkan High, the great Tatewatei Kuono must put up with this?" Kuono voiced his opinion aloud.

"Oh I agree completely brother dear. HO HO HO HO HO HO HO HO," Another voice said.
"Kodachi why are you here?" Kuono inquired of his younger sibling.

"Why brother dear don't tell me that you can't be bothered to keep and interest in the affairs of your younger sister. My school took their trip here the same as yours," The Black Rose responded. "And I have brought along Sazuke. After all it's bad enough being forced to stay in such a small apartment for so long. And it would be even worse if I hade to…" Kodachi shuddered. "Take care of the cleaning my self."

A military officer ran on to the podium; from where Ranma was standing he looked like he was in shock. Oh great. Ranma thought. I hope this isn't something major; I better check on Akane and Minmei. It's probably nothing though, not even the most fool hearty anti-unification party would attack the SDF-1 now that it's been fully restored, I hope. Ranma risked a glance back and what he saw on the Captains face he didn't like. The face betrayed no emotion that the untrained eye could see. But after studying in the martial arts for years you pick up subtleties that others miss, and while the Captain looked calm Ranma could tell he was very, very afraid.

While Ranma's initial gut feeling was correct, no anti-unification party would threaten Macross Island that day, Earth's first generation of Robotech Defenders where about to encounter something far more sinister…

"You're absolutely certain that this is the point of their de-fold?" It was a question that Breetai had put to his drawfish advisor many times over the past few days. But one could never be to certain.

"Positive M'lord."

"And you're sure they haven't made a re-fold?" Breetai continued his questioning.

"Yes, there seems to have been no fold activity in this Solar System other then the initial De-fold of Zor's Fortress and our de-fold now," Exedore assured his master.

"They couldn't have gotten far, in their condition. And they would have had to land the make repairs," Repairs a word the giant hardly understood. It was a sort of magic his creators could perform on machinery that could make scrap heaps into operational war-machines. "A logical assumption wouldn't you agree?"

"Yes it does seem plausible," the Dwarf returned.

"Well then," Breetai smiled. "Send a scout ship towards the third planet of this system."

"Yes My lord," Exdore bowed.

Back on Macross Island, Ranma was headed for the White Dragon. Along the way he saw a beam of light streak overhead; what ever that meant he didn't like it. He picked up the pace and ran to the restaurant.

The beam that Ranma saw flew into space where it vaporized two Zentradie scout vessels. "Excellent now we know they're there; prepare to engage the enemy," Breetai ordered.

An epic battle for the fate of planet Earth was about to begin. But in the White Dragon restaurant another battle only slightly less important was taking place. "It no seem Minmei learn her lesson," Shampoo said as she punched, her hand colliding with the air where Minmei was only moments before. "Shampoo tolled you. Stay away from Ranma."

"Oh why Shampoo? Afraid that I will take him away from you?" Minmei laughed.

"Shut up Minmei. Shampoo show you what true Chinese Amazon is made of," Shampoo launched into a jump kick that almost caught Minmei but she managed to dodge at the last second.

At that moment Ranma walked into the restaurant. "Oh hi Ranma don't mind us. I'm almost done here," Minmei said.

"Minmei no know how right she is," Shampoo replied.

Shampoo was about to launch another attack when they heard Lynn Jason cry out. Minmei ran upstairs. And out of curiosity Shampoo and Ranma followed. When they got upstairs they found Jason on the balcony connected to Minmei's room. He pointed at a large orange and gray/silver object headed towards the restaurant. Ranma couldn't make out what the object was. At first he thought it was a jet but it seemed to be changing shape; Ranma decided that was impossible and his eyes where playing tricks on him. The object came to a merciful rest mere meters from the restaurant. When the Dust settled Ranma found himself staring at a giant humanoid figure. It was nearly fifty feet tall; Ranma had seen some strange things since he fell into the spring of drowned girl. But this… this was a new one on him. "What is it Minmei?"

"I don't know," She replied. "I've never seen anything like it before.

The head of the robot flipped 180 degrees and then a chair popped up, this really surprised Minmei, given what she already saw this wouldn't have really been a shock; but the odd thing about it was the fact that no one was in the chair. There was nobody was controlling this giant robot. She heard some people at street level talking, they where scared. Minmei knew she should be scared too, but strangely she was not. Then the chair was elevated higher as a second chair took its position; this chair had the ships pilot. The man was wearing an orange flight suit and a red and white helmet.

The pilot looked around for a while and then noticed Minmei. "Um can you tell me what this is?"

"Uh?" Minmei didn't understand what the pilot was getting at.

"Um this… vehicle can you tell me what it looks like to you?" The pilot responded.

"What? You mean you don't know?"

"Look I'm just an amateur I'm not supposed to be in this thing," Rick informed her.

"Uh some sort of Robot," Minmei replied.

"Oh wow. This thing was a fighter plane just a few minutes ago. So I'm not crazy," the somewhat confused mecha operator pulled of his helmet.

"Hey move it buddy," Rick heard a man say he looked down and saw someone get out of a van. The newcomer was very angry. "I have important supplies for the military, move that thing out of the way."

"Uh okay I'll try," Rick activated the controls and chairs went back inside the robot, then the head resumed its place.

The Robot started to move away; it was turning around when it stumbled. It came crashing right into the White Dragon. Ranma grabbed Jason, Minmei and Shampoo managed to throw themselves clear. Fortunately Rick had managed to engage the thrusters to slow down the robots fall. Which managed to stop the mecha from completely destroying the restaurant. In stead the robot merely had it's face dug into Minmei's room.

"Uh are you all right?" Rick asked.

"Shampoo is okay."

"I'm fine," Minmei stated.

Ranma just got up dusted himself off and helped Minmei and Jason.

Rick was at a lost what to do next; luckily for him a new arrival had just brought him the answer. Roy Fokker explained to Rick the basic operations of the robot which he called a Veritech. Roy also told Ranma to get Minmei to the shelter; which wasn't hard because there was one down the street. When they arrived at the Shelter they met up with Minmei's Aunt and Uncle as well as Akane.

"Minmei, we where so worried about you," Aunt Lena said embracing her niece.

"Uh Uncle Max, where's Kyle?" Minmei inquired. Lynn Kyle was her older cousin. Minmei.

"I don't know Minmei," Max cast his head down. "I haven't seen him since last night."

"I hope he is alright," Lynn Lena added.

Ranma approached Akane. "Um Akane?"

"Yes Ranma?" The girl responded.

"Do you have any idea what's going on? I mean obviously something has gone wrong, but what? Why are we sitting in these shelters? Is it an attack by an anti-unification party?"

"I don't know Ranma," Akane was at as much a loss as Ranma.

"Oh No. My diary, I have to go back for it," Minmei said turning to leave.

"Wait Minmei don't it's not worth it," Max screamed at her.

"That diary is my life," Minmei informed him. "I have to go back for it. I have to," Minmei ran out of the shelter."

"That idiot. I have to go after her," Ranma said

"Wait Ranma," Akane begged. "Stay here."

"What?" Ranma was puzzled. Akane doesn't usually act this way.

"Stay here. Why should you have to risk your life to help her?" Akane pleaded. It was a selfish moment on Akane's part to even think to ask Ranma that. She knew saying it wouldn't stop Ranma from going but… she loved him.

"What's the matter with you Akane?" Then as often happens Ranma said the wrong thing to Akane at the wrong time. "You know jealousy is just soooo un-cute."

"What? Ranma your such a jerk," Akane yelled. "Fine go run after her what should I care what you do anyway?" but she did care.

Ranma ran towards Minmei's restaurant; after he got out of the shelter he could see Minmei just up ahead. He would catch up with her in a few seconds. If Ranma hadn't been so focussed on Minmei than perhaps he would have heard the whistling sound getting closer. But Ranma had no choice but to hear the explosion that followed; All Ranma could recall feeling was the sensation of flying, followed by the world fading into darkness.

Preview of next chapter:

Akane voice over: What where's Ranma? Where's Minmei? Where'd P-chan go? What do you mean the island has been folded to Pluto? Find out in the next exciting episode of Ranmatech1/2 a trip to Remember Part 3: Fold Out.