Hello, I am back. Sorry it has taken me so long for me update and add another chapter to this story but with college, writer's block, and all, it has taken me quite some time to write out this chapter. Hope everyone will enjoy reading this chapter and do leave a comment. Hopefully, it will not take me several years to write and add another chapter.
TWO OF A KIND
CHAPTER 16
DEFECTORS
ZENTRAEDI ARMADA
LORD BREETAI'S FLAGSHIP
Breetai was talking to his one of his most senior officers, Khyron on the video screen and he was livid. Khyron who barely managed to survive two run-ins with the Micronians; the first was the overload and blast of the reflex furnace at Sara Base Mars and the second was a fire fight with Rick when the Zentraedi tried to overrun the RDF defending the SDF-1 in the Pacific Ocean tried to do what Breetai thought was a lone wolf attack on the SDF-1. It did not please Breetai when he noticed the ship Khyron oversaw was gone and did not return for several hours. When he finally returned, Khyron's explanation for why he left the fleet and went out on his own only managed to infuriate Breetai even further.
"I did not give you permission to leave the fleet and to go off on your own to try to attack the SDF-1 Khyron!"
"I wasn't trying to attack the SDF-1 Breetai. I went on a reconnaissance mission by myself to test the Micronian ship's defenses. Believe me Breetai, if I wanted to attack the SDF-1, I would have destroyed that ship with ease."
"That would have a grave error on your part Khyron IF you have been able to destroy that ship by yourself! That ship is especially important to us and if you have destroyed that ship, the consequences for our people would have been catastrophic."
"What is it about that ship that is so important to us? It's nothing but a ship that is inhabited by Micronians who don't know how to fight." 'Except for the one who almost killed me.',Khyron said to himself trying not to shudder at the bad memory of almost getting killed by Rick that day in the Pacific Ocean when the two of them battled it out on the flight deck of the Prometheus.
"The reason why we need to capture that ship intact is on a need-to-know basis Khyron and you do not have a need to know!"
"How dare you talk to me like an insolent child?"
"And how dare you go off and try to attack the SDF-1 without my knowledge, permission or order! I am your superior officer Khyron which means you obey my orders! If you ever go off on your own to try to attack the SDF-1 without my knowledge or permission again, I will bring you up on charges of insubordination and dereliction of duty and I will have you executed!"
"You wouldn't dare! You don't have the intestinal fortitude to do it Breetai!"
"Just try me Khyron!", Breetai said as he had the video connection cut.
"My lord, it was a mistake to allow Khyron to be part of this task force.", Exedore said after the connection was cut.
"I know that my friend but there is really not much I can do about him; he knows how to fight."
"That is about all he can do my lord. He has a very violent temper, and he is a terrible leader. His subordinates call him; "Khyron the Backstabber". I'm afraid that one day he will cost us a victory and we will not even know it until it's too late."
"I know that Exedore but there is nothing we can do about him for now. The best we can do for now is to keep an eye on him and make sure he stays in line."
Exedore could do nothing but to sigh. For all his bluster and complaining about maintaining discipline and keeping subordinates in line with an iron fist, his friend and superior is a kind and soft-hearted warrior who is deeply concerned about everyone under his command and is liked by everyone under his authority and Khyron is using it to his friend's detriment and there is nothing Exedore can do about it.
Back on his ship, Khyron was steaming mad He made an angry growl, balled up his fists and banged it down on the table so hard that it sounded like a gun going off.
'I will make you pay for treating me like I was an insignificant paper pusher Breetai. One of these days I will show you how a real Zentraedi warrior fights. I will lead the charge against the Micronians and you, Exedore and the SDF-1 will be nothing more than a footnote in Zentraedi history.'
"Grel!"
"Yes Khyron."
"Get in here at once and notify Azonia while you're at it! We have a mission to plan!" 'Very well Breetai, you want the Micronian ship to be captured intact, I have a plan to do just that. And if you disapprove my plan, that would be your problem, not mine.'
LOWER LEVEL OF THE SDF-1
Bron, Konda and Rico were huddled around a small gas stove at the rendezvous point. It was the same rendezvous point where the three were dropped off to begin their spying mission. With their espionage mission complete, the trio was about to eat a last meal before a battle pod was to come and pick them up and take them back to Lord Breetai's ship. There they will not only debrief Lord Breetai and Exedore about what they found out about the Micronian humans and protoculture but will be brought back to normal Zentraedi size. During their spying mission, they amassed and managed to stash away examples of human life such as MP3 players, smart phones, books, magazines, computers, children's toys, a singing Minmei doll, skateboards, hair dryers, bicycles, CDs of Minmei's music and money. They even somehow managed to heist big appliances such as an HDTV set, a stove, washing machine, clothes dryer, a dish washer, even a car.
The trio tried to remain upbeat but the mood among them was somber and melancholy. They have grown accustomed of living among the Micronian humans and they enjoyed it. They enjoyed eating their food, drinking their beverages, listening to their music, reading their books and magazines, wearing different clothes every day. This time tomorrow they will be back on duty where they will be eating the same bland food with nothing to spice it up. No coffee, tea, sodas or cocktails to drink. They will be wearing the same uniforms every day with nothing to occupy their free time doing recreational things such as going to the movies, playing sports, shooting pool, listening to music, playing board, computer, video and card games, watching television, dancing, writing, reading books and magazines and they were not looking forward to it.
"What did you just cook Rico?", Bron asked as Rico was passing a cup to him.
"It's called beef stew Bron."
Bron took a spoonful of stew into his mouth and began chewing it.
"You must be getting better with your cooking Rico. I used to get indigestion right away but now it takes me an hour to get it.", Bron cracked.
Rico chuckled with good humor at his friend's snarky comment. "Well don't get too used to it Bron because tomorrow we'll be back on duty."
"Yes, I know.", Bron said with a sad sigh.
"You know what I will miss? Minmei's singing.", Rico said.
"Me too but what I will miss the most are the three Micronian girls.", Konda said.
"Yes, me too. I wish we could have spent more time with them other than that one time when we first met them at the discotheque. We don't even know their names.", Bron said somberly.
"I know. I wish there were some way we can stay here.", Rico said wistfully.
"We can't Rico! It is our duty as Zentraedi soldiers to go back! What do we tell the pilot when he comes to pick us up? We are not going back because we have enjoyed living with the Micronians too much. We'll be shot on sight!", Konda said.
"I know that Konda but there has to some way where we can stay here!", Bron said.
"Dudes,", Rico said using a Micronian slang term of male endearment he picked up while on the SDF-1. "Listen to me! I think I know of a way. I was at the public library one day when I came across a magazine article about a Micronian pilot, I believe he was Cuban. One day he got into his fighter jet, I believe it is a MiG-23 and he flew the plane to Florida. There he did what the Micronians call 'defected' and asked for what is called 'political asylum.'"
"What is political asylum Rico?", Bron asked.
"It is where someone asks a country to give them refuge because they were persecuted for their political or religious beliefs."
"And what is your point, Rico? We are not being persecuted for our personal, political or religious beliefs. We're just soldiers who have never been exposed to the Micronian human culture until recently and now we want to live among them.", Konda reminded Rico.
"I know that Konda but that shouldn't be a reason for the Micronians not to accept us as political refugees!"
"Do you think this will work Rico?", Bron asked again.
"We don't know if it will work unless we try."
"We can't do that Rico! The pilot will be here at any minute to pick us up and take us back to Lord Breetai's ship!"
"I know that Konda. We'll go back but the next time we are called to fight the Micronians, we need to try to find some way to get on the SDF-1 and ask for political asylum."
"And how do you plan to work that out? How can we get into the resizing chambers without someone looking or even knowing? Besides, none of us knows how to work the resizing chambers. The next time we are called to fight we may not even be assigned to fly a battle pod not that it will ever happen anytime soon because we have not flown a battle pod in months! All we have been doing is to be bodyguards for Lord Breetai and Exedore. Even if we do manage to get a battle pod, how are we going to fly it when we have been shrunk down to Micronian size?", Konda said.
"Konda, don't you remember how those four Micronians were able to escape from us? Remember the next time we saw them it on the SDF-1. It was at a news conference when they said they captured a battle pod, and they flew it to their ship. If they can do it, we can do it. Besides, you let me worry about that. But for now, let us keep this between the three of us. Are you with me?"
Bron immediately nodded his head. Konda on the other hand was silent for a long time before he let out a sigh and shook his head. "I don't know if this plan of yours will even work Rico but I'm all for it if you are willing to take the responsibility for it to work."
"Konda, you're already worrying even though I haven't even thought up of a plan yet, don't worry, I will take full responsibility for the plan. But I will need yours and Bron's help for it to be carried out, but it will work. You will have to trust me on this."
Konda let out a small sigh but this time he nodded his head even though he was still unsure about Rico's plan. "Very well Rico, I'll trust you even though it's against my better judgment."
"Konda, try not to worry. I know you have doubts, and I do not blame you, but it will all work out in the end. You need to trust me on this.", Rico said as he put his hands on his friend's shoulders.
This time Konda confidently nodded his head. "Okay Rico, I trust you. I'm in."
Rico smiled warmly at Konda.
"Good but remember, for now this is only between the three of us. No one knows about this and if anyone finds out, we will deny it. We will have to be judicious in whom we tell. We're in this together, right?", Rico said as he held out his right hand waiting for Bron and Konda to lay their hands on-top of his in the old Micronian gesture of forming unity and a bond between friends.
Rico's two friends and fellow spies laid their hand on top of his and nodded their heads.
"Right...TOGETHER!", Bron and Konda said in unison as the three spies moved their hands downward and broke.
"C'mon, let finish eating. The pilot will be here at any moment to pick us up.", Rico said.
A short time later, a battle pod was knocking on the outside of the ship. The pilot pried the skin of the spaceship open with ease. Rico, Bron and Konda hurriedly began to stuff the small things they have collected into their pockets. They needed the pilot's help in gathering the larger stuff but in no time at all everything was inside the battle pod. The three Zentraedi spies then got in the battle pod and the pilot pushed back the bent part of the metal trying to make it look like it has not been touched as best as he could. The pilot then turned the battle pod around, turned on the thrusters and soon the Zentraedi soldiers were flying back to Lord Breetai's ship.
"How was life living with the Micronians? Tell me everything guys. I want to know.", The pilot said.
Rico looked over at his friends. This was their first test of their unity and resolve. Bron and Konda nodded their heads giving Rico the sign that it was okay for him to talk; they are not going to say a word.
"We first have to report to Lord Breetai and Exedore about our mission, but we will tell everyone everything later on and you'll be the first one we'll tell."
"You promise?"
"We promise we'll tell you everything Brun."
"Alright, I can wait but I'm holding you up to your promise."
"You have our word."
It had taken several hours for the battle pod to reach Breetai's flagship. When the three spies got onboard the ship, they were lifted onto a cart and were wheeled to the bridge. Several seconds later Breetai and Exedore entered. The three snapped to attention and saluted. Rico spoke on behalf of the trio.
"My lord, we are happy to report mission completed."
Breetai returned the salute. "Very good. Report to the resizing room to be brought back to normal size, you have the rest of the day off. Report to me tomorrow morning to brief me and Exedore on your findings. You're dismissed."
"Yes sir.", the three said in unison and saluted.
After the three were carted away, Breetai looked at Exedore. "Tomorrow we'll find out if this plan of yours has worked my friend."
"Indeed, we will, and what will we do in case it didn't work?"
"Then we'll have to try something else. What it is, I do not know."
LORD BREETAI'S FLAGSHIP
THE NEXT MORNING
After spending what seemed to be hours in the resizing chambers being brought back to their normal gigantic size, the three returned spies could have the rest of the day off. The resizing process not only takes a long time, but it also uses up the ship's energy and it takes a toll on the body. Having to spend a vast amount of time in the chambers was physically and mentally draining and by the time the process is done, the person was so exhausted by the experience, they could not do anything which is why it was hardly ever done.
The next morning before they were to meet with Breetai and Exedore, the trio was given new uniforms to wear because their old uniforms were thrown away. The three sighed with sadness and accepted the uniforms. Back on the bridge the three waited for Breetai and Exedore to appear. They did not have to wait long because they walked onto the bridge just soon after the three returned spies were on the bridge. Upon seeing Breetai and Exedore, the three snapped to attention and saluted.
"Rico, Bron and Konda are reporting as ordered my lord.", Rico said on behalf of the trio.
Breetai returned the salute and motioned with his hand towards the table. "As you were, take a seat. So, Rico what can you tell us about you and your compatriots time onboard the SDF-1 and living among the Micronians?"
"It was a very unique experience to say the least my lord."
"Were you able to ascertain whether or not the Micronians have any knowledge of or in procession of Protoculture?"
"Not that we know of my lord, but we were able to collect various examples of Micronian culture that might give us some clues.", Rico said as he laid the items the trio collected during their time onboard the SDF-1."
"Hmm, yes so I see. I was told that you and your team had collected quite a bit of various artifacts of Micronian life. It's fascinating.", Breetai said as he picked up a car and laid it on his hand. "What can you tell me about this Rico?"
Rico went on to explain to Breetai what each item was and what it was used for. By the time Rico explained everything to his leader, Breetai was flabbergasted. He could not believe that the Micronians needed so many tools and material for basic day-to-day living without the use of protoculture. He then leaned back in his chair to think for a moment.
'It has to be protoculture! There can be no other reasonable explanation for all of this! That protoculture chamber must be somewhere on that ship but the question is where? We need to find out where it is, we are running low on energy. I can't keep this operation going without re-fueling soon.'
He then turned to Exedore.
"Exedore, turn these items over to our scientists and see if they can find any traces of protoculture on them. Let me know immediately how long they say it will take to get results. Even if they can find a faint signature of protoculture it will answer some serious questions."
"I'll get on it right away my lord.", Exedore said as he gathered up the booty and left the bridge.
"Wait for just a moment Exedore. Before you leave, I must have another look at the Minmei doll."
"Yes, my lord."
Breetai picked up the doll and laid it in his hand. The doll was so small, it dwarfed in the alien's huge hand and he had to hold the doll up to his face in order to see it clearly. Rico told Breetai that the doll sings and all he had to do was to press its middle. The doll started to play what is now has become Minmei's signature song; "To Be in Love". However, the doll was so tiny that Breetai had trouble listening. He literally had to hold the doll up against his ear so he can hear the song. As he was listening to the song, he went over in his mind the months and years since the Zentraedi first intercepted and began to eavesdrop on the SDF-1's TV transmission signals, he remembered they were always showing Minmei.
There was something about that Micronian female that was so beguiling that it almost seems that she can cast a spell on him. Having never heard music or interacted with women before in a social setting until they started spying on daily life aboard the SDF-1, Minmei's singing was like a Siren's song to him and to many in his armada. Even her doll is making an effect on him. 'How can such a small creature hold so much power over me? Does she have any connection to Protoculture? It must be. There is no other reasonable explanation for it!' Breetai thought to himself. He then handed the doll back to Exedore.
"Alright Exedore, I've heard enough. You can leave now."
"Yes, my lord."
"As for you three, you're dismissed. Return to your posts."
"Yes, my lord!", Bron, Konda, and Rico said together as they saluted after they stood up.
Several minutes later, Exedore came back from the science lab. Breetai was eagerly waiting for him.
"So, what did the lab say Exedore?"
"They say it will take anywhere from one to two weeks for the lab to get definitive results from the items the team brought with them my lord."
Breetai could do nothing but sigh upon hearing the news. It was not the news he wanted to hear. "This is so frustrating it goes beyond being unacceptable because time is the one commodity, we simply do not have but I guess we have no other choice but to wait for now."
"I'm afraid so my lord. The team had brought back so many artifacts with them, it will take the lab a significant amount of time to test all the items and get a result."
"Very well, we shall wait then."
LORD BREETAI'S FLAGSHIP
MEN'S BERTHING SECTION
After getting off duty Bron, Konda and Rico were immediately mobbed by their friends and everyone else asking them how the mission went and how was it like living with the Micronians. Rico did most of the talking for the trio. He began by telling everyone how overwhelmed they were when they first saw Macross City inside the SDF-1. It was something they had never seen before, a city inside a spaceship.
But what really made their jaws dropped in awe was seeing men and women dressed in different clothes and were walking together talking to each other while others were by themselves talking on cell phones or listening to music on their MP3 players. Some were driving in cars, while others were riding bicycles or on skateboards. There were buildings like libraries, bookstores, candy shops, music stores, grocery stores and flower shops. There was open area with trees and flowers called parks. There were places to eat called restaurants where they served different types of food and not the bland protein meals the Zentraedi always eat in the mess hall. There were strange animals called dogs that were walking besides the humans tethered to something called a leash while smaller dogs and another animal named a cat were being carried by the Micronians.
The vast majority of the Zentraedi having never been exposed to human culture stopped Rico every time he had mentioned something new and asked him to explain what it was. Rico tried explaining the best he could with what limited knowledge he picked up while on the SDF-1. The more Rico, Bron and Konda talked, the more the soldiers became intrigued. But what really pique their interest was when Rico mentioned Minmei.
"What's a Minmei Rico? Is it a Micronian weapon?", a friend asked.
"No Misha. Minmei's not a Micronian weapon, Minmei's a Micronian female." 'Although I won't be surprised if she is a weapon.' Rico said to himself.
"What does she do?"
"She's a singer and entertainer."
"What's a singer?"
"Yes, what's an entertainer?"
Rico tried to explain it the best way he knew how to his friends by telling them the story when he, Bron and Konda first got onboard the SDF-1 to begin their spying mission. They were at the Macross Amphitheatre when they somehow managed to sneak in to Minmei's concert without tickets. When Minmei came on stage and started singing, the energy they felt and the music they heard was almost hypnotic but what really intrigued them was Minmei herself. There was something about her that was so enchanting that she almost seems to cast a spell on them. For their whole time on board the SDF-1, Minmei was everywhere; they could not go a day without hearing or seeing some mention of her. The more Rico talked about Minmei, the more his friends became intrigued of her.
"Did you ever meet her or tried to meet her?"
"No, we have tried many times to meet her but couldn't because there always too many people around her."
"I want to meet this Minmei.", one soldier said.
"Yes, me too.", another soldier replied.
Rico looked at Bron and Konda and with only his eyes, he asked; 'Should I tell them?'
Rico's friends slightly shook their heads as if not to try to give any clue of what they talked about earlier while they were still on the SDF-1 but still. it spoke volumes; 'No, do not tell them. Now is too soon.'
"Maybe one day, hopefully it will be soon, you might just get the chance to meet her."
SDF-1
COMMANDER LISA HAYES' QUARTERS
MONDAY MORNING
Rick and Lisa were in bed naked when he awoke to the sound of the alarm on his aviator's watch going off. He pressed the button on his watch to silence the alarm and had to blink several times to clear his fuzzy vision so he can look at the watch for the time. He had just enough time to go back to his quarters to get ready for the day. He lowered his arm to see Lisa's arm draped across his chest and felt the now familiar warmth and form of Lisa's naked body pressing up against his. He then gently and quietly took Lisa's arm off his chest, turned to look at her and began to gently kiss her to let her know that he had to leave but he will see her again when he gets off duty. He then got up from Lisa's bed and began to put on his clothes.
"Hey Rick, see you later this evening when we get off of work?", a half-sleepy but still sweet voice of Lisa asked.
Rick already dressed, sat down on the bed and kissed Lisa on the lips as she propped herself up by her forearms with her stomach down on the mattress and crossing her ankles. "Umm-hmm, what do you like to do this evening?" He asked as he was looking at her and lovingly running his fingers through her long auburn hair. Lisa then reared her head back, closed her eyes, smiled, and sighed like a contented kitten being stroked and petted but quickly recovered to answer Rick's question.
"Oh, I don't know. Why don't I come by your quarters after work, and we see where the evening takes us?," Lisa answered with a sly smile on her lips.
"Okay, sounds like a great idea to me.", Rick said with a smile. "I have to go Lisa." Rick said before kissing Lisa again.
"Alright, see you tonight Rick.", Lisa said as she put her hand to her lips and blew a kiss Rick's way as he was leaving her bedroom. Rick smiled and waved to her and seconds later Lisa heard the door to the outside closing. Lisa lay on her back for a second sighing happily contented that she can find love again after all she has been through. She then grabbed the pillow Rick slept on, inputting the faint scent of him and his cologne into her brain. She then giggled for a moment when she realized she fell in love with someone who is five years younger than her. Lisa then got up from her bed and went into the bathroom so she can get ready for the new day herself.
Rick entered his quarters to see the voice mail message light blinking. He sighed knowing that he did not have to think twice of whom the voice mail message is from, but he knew he simply cannot avoid listening to the message because he must listen to it for the machine to clear the message from the memory. He pressed the play button and sure enough he was right; it was Minmei, and she was not sounding happy.
"Yeah, hi Rick, it's Minmei. Can you call me when you get the chance? Talk to you later, bye."
'That's the shortest voice mail message Minmei has ever left for me.' Rick said to himself as he pressed the erase button. After erasing the message, he called Minmei's cell phone.
"Hello."
"Hi Minmei, this is Rick returning your message."
Minmei then proceeded to go off on a bitter tirade complaining how Lisa ruined what should have a special evening for her last Friday night but Rick cut her off in mid-sentence asking her to calm down.
"Minmei, I need you to calm down. I know you're upset and angry and I don't blame you but hear me out, okay."
"Oh…okay Rick."
"Good, during the general quarters alarm Lisa and I had a little talk"
"Rick how many talks you're going to have with her about me?!"
"Minmei, I need you to calm down and stop interrupting me okay."
"Oh…alright, Rick, sorry to interrupt you. Go ahead."
"It's okay Minmei you don't have to apologize. Like I said earlier I know you're angry and upset and I don't blame you. Anyway, Lisa and I had a little talk. You must understand Minmei, she is only jealous because she is worried that you will try to steal me away from her and I told her that is not the case. You and I know that we do not have romantic feelings for each other, and we are just friends. I told her that she should not be worried about you and I do not want to lose you as a friend because we have been friends long before she and I ever met. She agreed not to be so suspicious of you and to let me continue my friendship with you. I apologize Lisa treated you so rudely, but I think all of that is in our past now."
"Well…to be perfectly blunt with you Rick, your girlfriend should be the one to do the apologizing not you. You did nothing wrong."
"I know that Minmei, you're right. I do realize that, really, I do.
Minmei wanted to stay mad but could not. Rick's voice was so soothing and calming, he can be very persuasive without even trying. "I know Rick but…oh alright…I accept your apology on her behalf."
"Thanks, Minmei. Look, I must go. I have to get ready for the day but try to call me again when you have the chance and hopefully it won't be because I have to smooth things over with you again because of Lisa."
"I will Rick, but I don't know when I'll have the opportunity to call you again because Vance has me going everywhere and doing everything it seems all at once, but I'll let you know, or you can call me when you get the chance."
"I will Minmei, I'll talk with you later. Good-bye."
"Good-bye Rick."
ZENTRAEDI ARMADA
LORD BREETAI'S FLAGSHIP
Breetai was talking with Khyron on the video screen. To his left as usual was Exedore standing next to him. "I understand Khyron that you have a plan to capture the SDF-1 intact."
"Yes, my lord, I do. In my reconnaissance mission to test the Micronian ship's defenses, I found a weakness. He turned the power to his computer monitor on, punched a button, and up came a schematic of the Daedalus.
"Whenever we are too close for the Micronians to attack us with their main gun, they use one of the arms of their ship to initiate a close-in missile attack. After the arm punches through the bow or stern of one of our ships, a door swings down, where many of their armored vehicles empty their missiles into the body of a ship, thus destroying the ship. We can use that to our advantage. Now I calculated how far the arms travels inside. What I propose we do, is to hide inside a decoy ship far enough away from the arm but still close enough to where we can use the swung down door as a ramp to get inside the SDF-1 before the Micronians can discharge their missiles and this will enable us to overrun the merger Micronian's defenses and overtake the ship intact with ease and with minimal loss of Zentraedi life."
Breetai did not showed any emotion or spoke a word about he thought about Khyron's plan. All he did was to put the elbow of his left arm in the palm of his right hand. He then put his left index finger to his chin and gently rubbed his chin. But he did give out a slight "hum". After a long moment of silence, Breetai spoke up.
"Can you give me any assurances that this plan of yours will work Khyron?"
"You have my word and guarantee that it will work my lord."
"Hmm…I see."
Khyron kept an even neutral look to his face but he was getting impatient with Breetai's indecisiveness.
"I need to think this over Khyron. You will have a decision from me in 48 hours."
Khyron exploded. He leapt out of his chair and placed both of his hands on his desk palms down. "WHAT? What is wrong with you? I know it will work! The Micronians do not even know how to fight! We can overtake the SDF-1 with ease!"
"Don't you dare talk to me in that fashion Khyron! I am your superior officer and what I says goes! I said that you will have my decision in 48 hours and 48 hours it will be! No more, no less! Breetai out!"
Just as soon as the video screen went dark, Khyron angrily gritted his teeth and growled, balled his fists, and slammed it down on his desk real hard.
"You fool! What is wrong with you? Don't you have a backbone?", Khyron seethed. "I would have Zor's ship by now if I was in charge instead of you, you spineless weak excuse for a warrior!"
As Khyron and Breetai were having their heated exchange, Bron, Konda, and Rico looked at each other, but before they could do anything, Breetai turned around to where they are and spoke. "Bron, Konda, Rico, I'm going to my office to think this over. I am no longer in need of the three of you. All of you are off duty for the next 48 hours."
The trio snapped to attention and gave the Zentraedi salute. "Yes, my lord!", the three responded in unison. After which, they turned and left the bridge. After the trio left the bridge, Breetai and Exedore were by themselves.
"Come with me Exedore. There is no need for us to be on the bridge any further."
"Yes, my lord.", Exedore said as the two of them left the bridge.
As they were walking to Breetai's office, Breetai was still seething mad.
"The gall of him! How dare Khyron speak to me in that fashion?"
Exedore wanted to say to Breetai, "See, I told you so, but you wouldn't listen to me.", but his stoic Zentraedi bearing made him bite his tongue.
"I know my lord. I find it rather disconcerting that Khyron would talk to you the way he did."
Breetai quickly changed the subject. "Be that as it may, what should I do my friend?"
"I do have my doubts but, in the end, the decision is yours, my lord."
"I know Exedore, and I don't like Khyron's plan either because I have my doubts also."
As Bron, Konda, and Rico were walking back to their barracks, the three of them walked close in together and talked in hushed tones so as not to be overheard.
"Are you formulating a plan Rico?", Bron asked.
Rico confidently nodded his head. "Yes, and I know who we can trust and tell of my plan and who we can't."
"I know Gerick, the one in charge of the resizing chambers is in with us, but he can't be shrunk down because he and only five others know how to work the chambers and far as I know, he's the only one who is in with us. He says he hasn't told anyone else of our plan.", Konda said.
"And we can only have so many of us be shrunk down to Micronian size otherwise Breetai and especially Khyron will get suspicious.", Bron added.
"I know Bron.", Rico said. "The only way I can see that we can get around this problem is to draw lots on who will be shrunk down and who will remain at Zentraedi 0size."
"Do you think Breetai will approve of Khyron's plan to overtake the SDF-1, Rico?", Konda asked.
"I think he will. There is no other logical way I can see for Khyron to try to take over the ship."
48 HOURS LATER
Khyron appeared on the bridge's monitor as if on cue and he was impatient for an answer from Breetai.
"So…have you reached a decision Breetai?"
"You will address me as Lord Breetai Khyron! Remember who you are speaking to or have you forgotten?"
"No, my lord,", Khyron said as he spat out saying "lord" with a tone of distaste in his mouth. "I haven't forgotten."
"Good.", Breetai said ignoring Khyron's tone of voice. "Yes, I have reached a decision. I have many misgivings on whether this ill-conceived plan of yours will even work or not, but I approve of your plan despite my doubts."
Khyron did not say a word but a smug smile of satisfaction crept across his face.
"Don't be so sure of yourself Khyron so I suggest you wipe that contemptible smirk off your face NOW! How much time do you need to put this plan of yours into action?"
"We are running low on munitions and energy to re-power our energy weapons, but I can have a force ready within 72 hours."
"Very well, and remember Khyron, the success of this operation now rests on your shoulders. You will suffer the consequences if you fail.", Breetai said in a very stern tone of voice.
"Yes, my lord, but I assure you, my plan is fail-proof. I will not fail!"
"We shall see Khyron.", Breetai said as before he cut the connection.
"My lord, why did you approve of Khyron's plan even though you have misgivings yourself?"
"Because it's the only way I know how to regain possession of Zor's ship! I do not have any other ideas! Nothing we have done or tried seems to have worked so far! Do you know of any other way of regaining possession of Zor's ship from the Micronians Exedore? Because if you do, I would like to hear it from you now!"
"No, I do not my lord."
"Then it's settled. Khyron's in charge of this operation now. It's out of my hands."
As Breetai was finishing what he was saying, Exedore could almost swear what Breetai said was in a relieved tone of voice. It was as if the noose was finally taken off Breetai's neck and was now on Khyron's neck.
After Breetai broke the connection, Khyron chuckled to himself. "Overtaking the Micronian ship will be simplicity and it's only the first step in my master plan. After I am finished with the Micronians, my next target is Breetai and after I am through with him and that puny little stooge of his Exedore, the Zentraedi will have a real leader to lead and look up to.", Khyron said to himself.
Breetai then placed the armada on stand down as Khyron prepared to put his plan to overtake the SDF-1 into action. As a ruse, Rico asked Breetai if he and his friends can take a short leave. Breetai quickly approved of Rico's request.
After the trio left the bridge, Bron, Konda, and Rico went into a storage closet so they can talk without being overheard.
"Are you ready to put your plan into action, Rico?", Bron asked in a not too low tone of voice.
Rico confidently nodded his head. "Yes, I have, Bron. Okay, here's what each of us is going to do."
SDF-1
72 HOURS LATER
Claudia Grant walked onto the bridge of the SDF-1 from her break with a big smile of her face.
"I have good news Lisa."
"Oh, it's about Roy, right Claudia?"
"Yes, it is. While I was on break Roy called me on my smart phone. He said that the speech therapist likes the progress he has shown in his therapy so much that he can continue his therapy as an out-patient, so the doctor is going to discharge him from the hospital tomorrow! Isn't that wonderful news Lisa?" Claudia asked with a big smile on her face.
Lisa's face brightened with the good news. "That IS wonderful news Claudia. I'm so happy for you and Roy!", Lisa said as she hugged Claudia.
Claudia then turned to Capt. Gloval. "Sir, I just want to tell you"
"Yes Claudia, I've overheard what you've told Lisa. Congratulations to you and Roy. I'll put him back on active status and back to his position of CAG immediately."
"Thank you, sir. I'm sure Roy will be glad to hear that.", Claudia said with gratitude in her voice.
"So has Rick been told yet?", Lisa asked.
"No, he hasn't. He is stopping by to visit Roy later this evening when he gets off duty, Roy will tell him then. I'm sure Rick will be happy to know that Roy will be CAG once again.", Claudia said.
"Oh, I'm sure he will. You know Claudia, he has been so overwhelmed with the responsibility that comes with being CAG that many times he was so worn and wiped out that he had to beg off going out on dates with me many times. We barely had time to see each other much less enjoy each other's company ever since"
Suddenly, the alarm on the telescopic radar on her workstation went off. Lisa's eyes went wide with fear.
"What the? Sir! Enemy ships just came out of hyperspace and de-cloaked less than 300 kilometers off our starboard bow and they are closing are in at a high rate of speed!"
"Have they deployed their battle pods Lisa?"
"No sir!"
"Let us beat 'em to the punch then! Sound the general quarters alarm and scramble the veritechs!"
"Yes sir!", Lisa said as she pressed a red button on her console. "GENERAL QUARTERS! GENERAL QUARTERS! GENERAL QUARTERS! ALL HANDS REPORT IMMEDIATELY TO YOUR DUTY STATION TO MAN YOUR BATTLE STATION! ALL PILOTS REPORT TO YOUR SQUADRON'S READY ROOM TO PREPARE FOR IMMEDIATE TAKE-OFF! ALL CIVILIANS PLEASE STAY IN YOUR HOMES OR GO TO THE NEAREST AIR RAID SHELTER IMMEDIATELY!"
Skull Squadron was on alert-5 rotation for immediate take-off. Rick and Ben quickly got into their flight suits and ran to their veritechs. Rick quickly got himself in the cockpit. His crew chief quickly but securely buckled Rick in. Rick was first out on the catapult launch. Lisa's face came on his vid-radio screen for final instructions.
"Skull Leader, this is Camelot. You are number one for take-off. Your flight's call sign is "Bingo". We have thirty alien craft approaching from sector Gamma-Bravo-Theta one-three-six, do you copy? Over."
"Affirmative Camelot. Over."
"Radar does not show any fighters yet, only cruisers and battle wagons but expect to encounter battle pods at any moment. Your threat evaluation computer displays should be registering their signals now."
Rick turned his head to a side screen. "Affirmative Camelot. They do. Locked and loaded; I am out of here. Bingo Leader out."
Lisa then flipped a switch so she and Rick can talk in private. This will be the first time Rick will be flying a combat mission ever since he was shot down over the Pacific Ocean only mere months ago.
"Rick, this looks like a big one. Please be careful."
"Don't worry Lisa. I'll be careful.", Rick said as he pressed his gloved hand on the comm. screen.
"I'll be waiting for you outside your ready room when you come back. I'm turning your over to flight deck personnel.", Lisa said as she put two fingers to her lips, kissed and pressed it against the tactical network screen.
"Okay Lisa. I'll be looking for you when I come back.", Rick said softly with a smile. He then turned to his right to see the catapult officer saluting him as his sign that he is ready to shoot Rick off the catapult. Rick returned the salute and gave the thumbs-up sign and braced himself for the launch. A split second later, Rick was shot off the catapult and was airborne. Ben then came on the screen.
"Wreaker, this is Packer. The rest of Bingo Flight and myself is now with you sir."
"Roger, Packer," Rick then saw his radar screen came alive with unknown number of blips. "Bingo Flight, I have unknown bogies approaching us at our 2:00. Switch over to your targeting computers and be ready to fire on my command!"
Numerous battle pods then began shoot their missiles. Rick barely had time to give the "Tally Ho" command after yelling to his flight to break off and dodge the missiles. Rick kicked in the afterburners to his veritech to gain an edge on an unsuspecting battle pod so he can take it out with a shot from a heat seeking missile. Soon space was being filled with the heat trails of missiles, rockets, bullets, and the mushroom clouds of exploding battle pods and veritechs.
On board the SDF-1, Lisa's eyes became large with fear. "Sir, I have an enemy ship closing in on us at a high rate of speed!"
"Do we have time to charge up and fire the main gun Lisa?"
"No sir!"
"Get ready for Daedalus maneuver then! Start counting off the distance Claudia!"
"Yes sir!"
DECOY ZENTRAEDI SHIP
Sitting in his officer's pod Khyron was getting antsy and restless. He's not used to sitting around and wait for something to happen. All he could do is to fidget and nervously shake his right leg. As the planner of the mission, Khyron had overall command and was up in front waiting to give the signal. Suddenly, he felt a jolt as the ship began to shudder and shake when the Daedalus arm punched through the bow of the decoy ship. He then saw the door swing down and a group of Destroids getting ready to empty their missile drums. This is what he has been waiting for. Khyron smiled and gave himself a nod of self-satisfaction.
"TO VICTORY! SMASH THE MICRONIANS! GIVE THEM NO QUARTER!", Khyron yelled as he began to go forward and to fire his gun at the Destroids.
In the very last row and inside a battle pod they had managed to commandeer with the help of friends, Bron, Konda, Rico, and a sizeable amount of micronized Zentraedi were awaiting their turn to go inside the battle fortress. Rico was standing on top of the seat with a walkie-talkie in his hand. "Okay everyone, get ready. We are about ready to go inside the ship. Bron, you're ready?"
Bron standing on one of the steering controls. "Yes Rico, we're ready."
"Konda, you're ready?"
Konda was down near one of the foot pedals. "I'm ready also, Rico."
"Remember everyone, once we get inside the ship, we'll have to break off from the main attack force or else we'll be mistaken for the enemy."
"I think we need to stay out of sight and hide until it's the right time. That is when we will abandon the pod and lose ourselves amongst the population. Then we will find someone of authority and tell them we are defecting. Otherwise, if we are in the wrong place at the wrong time, we could be killed by the Micronians or by our own."
"You have a good point Konda.", Bron said. "I'll pass the word along to the others."
"Let's start moving!", Rico commanded. "TO OUR VICTORY OR DEATH!", yelled by everyone in the battle pod in unison as they raised their fists in the air.
BRIDGE OF THE SDF-1
Claudia could not believe what she is hearing in her earpiece.
"Captain! Enemy battle pods have entered the ship through the ramming arm!"
Gloval's eyes went wide with shock and surprise. "What! The enemy is on board?"
"Yes sir! The Daedalus is on fire! We have battle pods attacking Macross City!"
"Quick! Patch me into the civil defense network!"
"Yes sir!"
Claudia pressed a button on her console. A split-second later radio traffic from the city's first responders began to come through the speakers. What Gloval and the bridge crew were hearing was not good. All the bridge crew heard was sounds of chaos and death.
"Ten enemy battle pods are on Lilac Street! We're trying to hold them" the transmission was then suddenly cut off with sounds of an explosion and a blood curdling scream.
"This is Officer Cummings in patrol sector Gamma! We cannot hold them off! We need"
"We're retreating from the Tenth Avenue gate! Send help immediately! We're getting our"
Gloval had heard enough. "Shut it off! God help us all!"
"Damage reports are coming in from all over the ship and city captain!" Kim said.
"LATER!"
"Sir, I'm getting reports from civil defense and first responders! They don't know how much longer they can hold out!", Claudia said.
"What about our own defenses? How are they're doing?"
"They're doing the best they can, but they are being overwhelmed! They are being attacked by so many battle pods; they don't know how much longer they can hold out either!"
"Very well! Lisa, contact the veritechs! Tell them to break off engagement from the enemy and divert them to the city to fight the battle pods immediately! They are our only chance in defeating the battle pods!"
"Yes sir!"
Out in space, Rick, Ben, Max, and the rest of the surviving veritechs were doing mop-up operations on the rest of battle pods when they heard a disturbing message from Lisa on their radio.
"ATTENTION ALL PILOTS! BREAK OFF ENGAGEMENT FROM THE ENEMY IMMEDIATELY! ENEMY BATTLE PODS HAVE ENTERED MACROSS CITY THROUGH THE RAMMING ARM OF THE DAEDALUS AND ARE OVERRUNNING THE CITY'S DEFENSES! RETURN TO THE SHIP IMMEDIATELY AND START ENGAGING THE ZENTRAEDI INSIDE THE CITY!"
"What! Is she serious Rick?", Ben said over the tactical radio.
"I don't know Packer, but she sounded serious! Do what she says and break off engagement now!"
All the veritechs banked and turned and kicked in the after burners to fly back to the SDF-1 as quickly as they can. As they were approaching the ship, on both sides of the ship, huge hatches that lead directly into Macross City began to slide down. That was when many of the pilots, Rick included began to realize what Lisa said was real.
As he was approaching the ship, Rick can hear the mixed symphony of missiles and rockets being fired, battle pod and mecha explosions, and the distinctive "rat-tat-tat" sound of guns being fired. Just as soon as he entered the city, Rick, along with the rest of the veritechs switched to battloid mode and began shooting at battle pods.
"Does anyone know if the Amphitheatre has been hit?", a pilot asked over the radio.
"No, why?"
"Miss Minmei is having a concert there!"
"Is there anyone near the Amphitheatre? Report!"
"This is Dodger! I am near the Amphitheatre with several other veritechs! We are engaging three battle pods! We are trying to advance to attack them, but they have us pinned down and we need re-enforcements now!"
"This is Wreaker in Skull-One! I'm on my way!"
Inside the Amphitheatre, Minmei was singing when the Amphitheatre began to shake and rock with the sound of munitions exploding. She stopped singing and stood where she was at frozen in fear.
Standing off to the left side of the stage in the shadows, Minmei's manager, Vance Hasselwood even though he was scared himself was more concerned for his star client. "Hey Minmei! I'm over here!", Hasselwood said in an extremely low voice so he will not be overheard by the audience.
Minmei slowly looked to where Vance was standing.
"Are you alright?"
Minmei slowly began to nod her head.
"It's okay Minmei. It is okay to be scared. But you must continue to sing so the audience will not panic. You must keep them calm! Give it all you got!"
The audience sensing that Minmei was just as scared as they were beginning to sing "Stage Fright" as encouragement. Slowly Minmei began to sing. Very soon the orchestra began to play along and soon Minmei was singing like nothing bad was happening. Vance could not help but smile at the job his star client is doing. Soon after she finished, the audience stood and gave Minmei a long-standing ovation. Minmei smiled and waved to the audience. An official of the Amphitheatre ran up to the microphone stand.
"Ladies and gentlemen! Please evacuate the Amphitheatre and seek shelter immediately! But please do it in an orderly manner! Try not to panic and run!"
Minmei then turned and began to run to where Vance was standing. Vance held out his arm and wrapped it around Minmei and helped to guide Minmei off the stage and to an air raid shelter.
Rick arrived in time to help the pilots in destroying the battle pods. "Wreaker, this is Packer! How it's looking where you're at Rick?"
"It's really bad Ben! A lot of buildings have been destroyed. How about you?"
"Same here but I have more battle pods running and gunning than standing and fighting! Did the Amphitheatre got hit?"
"I don't know Ben. Let me look.", Rick in his battloid walked to the Amphitheatre and looked inside. The crowd quickly dispersed and cleared the outdoor theater. "There's some minor damage Ben, but it looks generally intact. It's deserted also."
Ben blew out a sigh of relief. "Oh, thank you God! That means Miss Minmei made it out okay."
"It appears to be that way Ben."
ELSEWHERE IN MACROSS CITY
Smiling an evil grin, Khyron was really enjoying himself as he was destroying every battloid, Destroid, Spartan and Gladiator mecha he can find.
"VICTORY SHALL BE MINE!", he shouted with glee as destroyed another battloid. But at the same time, he was hoping that he will not meet up with Rick again considering how things almost turned out for him the last time they had met.
But then he sensed that something was wrong. Some of his soldiers were not firing their guns or returning fire. He caught up with a trio of battle pods who were just running around and not firing.
"What are the three of you doing? Where are you going? Answer me at once!", Khyron yelled into his radio.
A soldier's face then appeared on Khyron's video radio screen.
"I'm sorry sir but we were hoping we can find Minmei commander."
"Minmei? I have never heard of a Minmei. What are its offensive capabilities?"
"Minmei is not a missile or a weapon my lord. She's a Micronian female."
"WHAT?"
"She is the most incredible creature in the universe!"
"We want to meet her in person my lord and to hear her"
"Silence! I have had enough of this!"
"I'm sorry my lord but the thought of meeting Minmei is so overwhelming that I"
Khyron let out an angry growl then angrily fired his gun at the battle pod. All what the Zentraedi soldier's compatriots saw was a big ball of exploding flame and heard the anguished dying scream of the soldier as the battle pod he was in blew apart.
"He's mad! Run! Run!"
"Cowards! Stop! All of you! Come back!", Khyron yelled into his radio as many of his soldiers began to panic, turned, and ran. "Come back here and face me like a Zentraedi warrior soldier! You can't run from me forever!", Khyron yelled as he continued to fire at the fleeing battle pods. It then that he realized that the rumors he had heard from Grel about many in his and Breetai's command wanting to defect were true.
ZENTRAEDI ARMANDA
BREETAI'S FLAGSHIP
"My lord, I'm receiving some very disturbing news."
"What is it?"
"I'm receiving reports that Khyron is firing on his own people!"
"WHAT? HAS HE GONE MAD?"
"I don't know my lord. I'm also receiving reports that many of the Zentraedi are defecting!"
"WHY?
"Many of them said they want to meet Minmei and hear her sing my lord."
Breetai let out a groan and shook his head. "This is exactly what I don't need or want to hear! More bad news on top of already bad news!"
All Breetai could do was to blow out a sigh of frustration. "Very well. Order Khyron to break off contact and return immediately to his ship. That is my order!"
"Yes, my lord."
Breetai dared to glance over to Exedore.
"Are you thinking what I'm thinking my friend?"
Exedore shook his head. "I'm thinking the exact same thing you're thinking about this Minmei my lord."
SDF-1
"Sir, I'm receiving strange radio traffic from the veritechs and other mecha commanders. It seems that a lone battle pod is firing on their own personnel." Lisa said.
"What? Are you kidding me Lisa?"
"No sir, I'm not."
"Captain, I'm receiving the same type of radio traffic from civil defense and first responders.", Claudia reported.
"I'm seeing the exact same thing on my screen sir.", Kim said. "Wait a minute! All battle pods are now beginning to retreat sir."
"What?", Gloval said incredulously as he walked over to Kim's station. "So, I see. Very well. Claudia, open all the above hatches so that all the remaining battle pods can escape and order all pilots and mecha commanders to cease firing. Let them go. We had enough fighting for one day."
"Yes sir."
MACROSS CITY
The micronized Zentraedi in their battle pod, hid in an alley way in the downtown area of Macross city. They waited for quite a while after the battle died down to see if was alright for them to climb down from the battle pod. Bron opened the hatch a bit.
"Is it now safe to leave, Bron?", Rico asked on the radio.
"Yes, it is, Rico."
"Very good. Everyone, bring out the ropes."
Several micronized Zentraedi soldiers struggled with two ropes. It even took more effort to toss the ropes over the open hatch of the battle pod, but they managed to toss the ropes over and they began to climb down from the battle pod. Several minutes later all the micronized Zentraedi climbed down from the battle pod.
"Alright Rico, everyone's here. What's next?"
"We'll start walking until we find someone who looks like they're in authority."
Rico, Bron, and Konda and their band of micronized Zentraedi soldiers began walking until a police officer came upon them.
"Hey! Why are all of you out here for? The all-clear alarm hasn't sounded yet!"
"We're Zentraedi soldiers and we want to defect." Rico said.
"Huh…what…come again?", The officer said with a puzzled look on his face.
"We're Zentraedi soldiers and we want to defect."
"Aren't all of you a little bit too short to be Zentraedi buddy?"
"We went through a resizing process. We're micronized.", Bron tried to explain.
"Excuse me, micronized?"
"Yes micronized. Look sir. We can prove to you that we are Zentraedi. We came in on a battle pod that is nearby.", Rico said.
"Okay…then show it to me." The skeptical officer said.
Rico led the officer to the battle pod. The officer's jaw dropped when he saw the gigantic battle pod.
"Holy crap! How the heck did you manage to pilot this thing when all of you are shrunk down?"
"It was easy with all of us to pilot. Look officer, just take us to see Captain Gloval and we can prove to you that we are who we say we are and have come in peace."
"Okay, okay. Just give me a minute.", The officer said with a wave of his hand. He then keyed the button to the mike of his radio that was on the epaulette of his right shoulder.
"Central, this 1-Delta-18."
"Go ahead 1-Delta-18."
"Central, you're not going to believe this but"
SDF-1
Rick entered his quarters, turned on the living room light and let out a big sigh. He was tired and wiped out.
'Man, I'm beat.' Rick said to himself. 'As if fighting out in space and later in the streets of Macross City was not bad enough, filling out the CASREPs, after action reports and typing out condolence letters after all of it was over just makes it worse. Sometimes I really hate my job."
After all he went through during the day, he was looking forward to spending a rare evening with Lisa. But first, he had to take off his sweaty flight suit and take a long, hot shower. But before he could even take off his flight suit, the ship's intercom came on.
"WILL COMMANDER LISA HAYES, LIEUTENANT COMMANDER RICK HUNTER, AND CAPTAIN BEN DIXON REPORT TO THE CAPTAIN'S CONFERENCE ROOM ON THE DOUBLE? WILL COMMANDER LISA HAYES, LIEUTENANT COMMANDER RICK HUNTER, AND CAPTAIN BEN DIXON REPORT TO THE CAPTAIN'S CONFERENCE ROOM ON THE DOUBLE?"
"Oh great. Now what?", Rick said to himself with a groan.
Rick's quarters were on the starboard side of the ship towards the stern of the SDF-1 while the conference room was near the bow of the ship, so he had some traveling to do. Fortunately for him and the rest of the ship's crew, there was shuttle bus to take him to the other side of the ship, otherwise, it would have taken him quite some time to arrive at the conference room. When Rick arrived at the door to the conference room, he straightened out his uniform the best he could, and knocked.
"Come in."
Rick opened the door and walked in, turned around, closed the door, and marched to the end of the conference table, stopped and saluted. Captain Gloval was seated at the far end of the table.
"Lieutenant Commander Rick Hunter reporting as ordered sir."
"Thank you for coming in at such short notice Rick. Have a seat anywhere you like.", Gloval said as he returned Rick's salute.
"Thank you, sir."
Rick spotted where Lisa was sitting and sat down next to her. Gloval smiled and chuckled at the obvious of what Rick did but he did it so deftly that no one noticed.
'I thought so. Figures that's where he would sit.', Gloval said to himself.
Lisa looked up at Rick as he was sitting himself down. "Hey, you.", Lisa whispered with a smile.
Rick smiled. "Hey yourself."
Rick noticed Ben was sitting across from him. "Hey Ben."
Ben smiled and nodded.
"I see you've been promoted since we last met. Congratulations Lieutenant Commander Hunter."
Startled at the unfamiliar voice calling his name, Rick turned to where the voice was. It was then that he noticed Rico, Bron and Konda sitting together.
"Hey, I've seen the three of you! You are the guards on the Zentraedi ship when me, Commander Hayes and Captain Dixon was held prisoner! How did you get on board and what are you doing here?"
Lisa immediately grabbed Rick's hand. "Rick, calm down. They have come in peace. As a matter of fact, they have defected."
Rick's jaw went slack and dropped at hearing the bombshell news from his girlfriend but before he could ask another question, Gloval stopped him.
"I'm sure you have a lot of questions commander and they will be answered in due time, but we need to know more about our guests and see if we can gain some useful information from them." Turning to the three Zentraedi. "Can you tell us who you are and how do you know so much about us when we hardly know anything about you and your kind?"
Rico as leader of the trio stood up and began to answer Gloval and his staff's questions. He started by explaining how one day while on duty the three of them accidentally intercepted the MBS TV feed from the ship. Not knowing anything about human culture, they assumed what the humans were doing based on their own military culture, while others had them thrown for a loss. It did not surprise Gloval or the rest of the staff to hear that because the transmission was never meant or intended to be sent over a secure network, they knew that anyone, including the Zentraedi would have intercepted the transmission.
But what really thrown Gloval and the rest for a loop was the admission that after Lisa, Rick, Ben, and Max escaped from them, they were clandestinely inserted into the SDF-1. Their job was to do espionage on the humans and to garner intelligence to be used against them. Every eye in the room went wide with a look of shock on their faces. To hear that a trio of alien spies had been planted into their mist and without anyone's acknowledgement was something they just could not comprehend. It took quite some time for everyone in the room to recover from the startling news. Gloval then recovered enough to ask a question.
"Why have you been fighting with us for these past several years?"
"We do not know or are privy to that information, captain. We are low-ranking soldiers. You will have to ask our commanding officer."
"Captain Gloval, with your permission may I ask them some questions?"
"Go ahead Commander Hunter."
As Rick was getting up, Lisa grabbed his hand with a look of concern on her face.
"Don't worry Lisa, I'm not going to hurt them.", Rick whispered to Lisa.
As Rick was walking towards the three aliens, he could sense them tensing up. "It's okay, I'm not going to harm you." He could then feel them relaxing after his reassurance. He then sat down next to Rico.
"What I don't understand is, after all you've done to us, why are you and your friends seeking political asylum?"
"You don't understand commander.", Rico began. "You don't know what it's like to live a life without constant fighting and war. Until we came on board the SDF-1 and started living among you, we did not know anything about recreation. We did not know what it is like to have a pet, go to the movies or listen to music. When we are off duty, all we do is sit in the barracks and do nothing or wait for another call to go into battle."
Rick was shocked upon hearing the news. Even though Rick considers himself somewhat of a workaholic even he finds time for a little down time.
"And there have been people who says that the war and fighting is wrong, and we can understand what they are saying.", Bron added.
Rick nodded his head in understanding. There have been people among the civilian population who have been holding demonstrations against the war and several senior staff members including Colonel Maistroff tried to persuade Gloval to have the anti-war people arrested but Gloval always said "no". He always believed in people's right to freedom of speech, even if that view is against most other people's views and to have the military arrest them just for having an unpopular viewpoint in Gloval's eyes is wrong and is one step closer to a military state where people do not have any rights.
"Also, we have friends on board our ship who gave us information that one of our officers wants to have us captured, arrested and executed for treason for having many of our friends turn against the Zentraedi code.", Konda interjected.
"Besides, we want to meet Minmei!", Rico said.
"Really, why?", Rick asked.
"When we first came on board your ship, we went to hear Minmei sing at a concert. Her voice and music were so…how do you say it…enchanting that it almost seemed to cast a spell on us. When we went back to the fleet and we told our friends about Minmei, they want to hear her sing too."
Rick smiled and slightly shook his head at the revelation.'OH man, Minmei has a cult following among the Zentraedi and most of them never heard her sing. I wonder how she will react when she gets wind of this.'
"Captain Gloval, I believe what they are saying is true. I think we should grant them political asylum."
Colonel Maistroff immediately jumped out of his seat. "WHAT? HAVE YOU LOST YOUR MIND COMMANDER? YOU'RE NOT SERIOUSLY SUGGESTING WE SHOULD ALLOW THEM TO LIVE WITH US JUST BECAUSE THEY HAVE NEVER BEEN EXPOSED TO OUR CULTURE? HAVE YOU FORGOTTEN THE MANY PEOPLE WE HAVE LOST IN THIS WAR WITH THEM?"
"Yes sir, I am aware of what we have lost, colonel. I have lost many friends in this war also.", Rick said in a calm tone of voice.
"Henry, we should not give them political asylum! We should have them executed as spies!"
"With all due respect sir what good will it do in executing them?", Rick asked. "You heard him. If they go back to their ship, they will be executed."
"Good! It will save us some bullets!"
"Sir! I cannot believe you would even suggest that much less say it!"
Gloval put an end to the back-and-forth between his chief of staff and Rick. "Alright! Enough! I will need to speak with the civilian authorities and the JAG and see what they say, but for now, let us treat our guests as asylum seekers and quarter them in vacant quarters. We are adjourned for now. Everyone's dismissed."
Lisa walked up to Rick smiling, wrapped her arms around his neck and began lightly kissing him on the lips. "Nice going Rick. Way to stand up to Colonel Maistroff." She quietly said.
"Oh, thank you Lisa.", Rick said with his trademark boyish smile.
As everyone was getting up to leave, Gloval stopped Lisa as she was leaving with Rick. "Commander Hayes, I need to speak with you in private."
"Yes sir."
When the room was empty, Gloval pulled Lisa to the side. "Lisa, I think you should go back to Earth and talk to your father. This is the perfect opportunity for us to try to persuade the RDF, the UN and the UEG to try to negotiate with the Zentraedi. We now have aliens who are willing to drop their arms and to live with us in peace. If you cannot persuade them, then we won't have any more wars to fight with them because we will all be extinct."
"I understand captain. When do you want me to leave sir?"
"Tomorrow morning at your earliest opportunity. I will notify your father of your pending arrival and the purpose of you being sent to Earth. But we need to keep this between the two of us. You can't tell anyone, not even Rick."
"Yes sir."
Outside in the hallway as Rico, Bron, and Konda was being escorted when they were stopped by Sammie, Vanessa, and Kim.
"Is it true…you're aliens and spies?", Kim asked in a shocked tone of voice.
"Yes…it's true. We are sorry that we kept this from you. It was not our intention to do so. We wanted to tell you who we really are…but…we never saw you again until now…so…we didn't think it was necessary to tell you the truth.", Konda said quietly.
"If you don't want to see us again…we understand.", Bron said.
"Where are you taking the three of them?", Vanessa asked one of the guards.
"To vacant officer's quarters."
"Do you mind if the three of us escort them? We will make sure they reach where they are being housed."
The guards looked at each other. "No, we don't mind. It's not like they will be escaping and going back to their ship anytime soon.", the guard said in a nonchalant tone of voice.
After giving Vanessa the room numbers, the guards left. Even though the six of them were by themselves, there was still an awkward silence between them.
Sammie broke the silence. "So…how did you guys got on board our ship without getting caught?"
"It's a long story.", Rico said as they began walking.
Outside Rick's quarters, Lisa gently rapped on the door. A voice she has grown to love and adore answered. "Hold on, Lisa. I'm coming."
When Rick opened the door, Lisa literally ran in, closed the door behind her and began to passionately kiss Rick. It was quite some time before they broke off their kissing so they could breathe.
"So, where do you want to go tonight Lisa?", Rick quietly asked with love in his eyes.
"Nowhere Rick. I only want to be here with you and to make love to you.", Lisa said quietly as she buried her head in Rick's chest. She did not know if she is at the point of her ovulating but at the same time and at this moment in time she really did not cared. She did not know how long she would have to stay on Earth or if her father would even allow her to go back to the SDF-1, but she did know that it would be quite some time before she would see Rick again or be close to him and to make love to him. Her mind was racing, wanting to tell him that she was leaving for Earth in the morning, but she was sworn to secrecy by Captain Gloval.
"Sounds like a great idea to me Lisa.", Rick said with a smile as he took her by the hand and led her to his bedroom.
EARLY NEXT MORNING
Lisa lying quietly in Rick's bed with her naked body pressed up against his was a whirlwind of emotions. As she looked over at Rick sleeping but being unable to sleep herself, a part of her wanted desperately to wake up Rick and tell him that she must leave in several hours to go to Earth and try to persuade her father and the Earth Government to negotiate with the Zentraedi, while another part of her is telling her not to tell Rick because she promised Gloval not to tell anyone, not even her boyfriend. Earlier in the evening as she was making love with Rick, she did not want the night to end because she knew that eventually she would have to leave Rick to go to her quarters and pack for the trip to Earth. Glancing at her watch, she knew it was futile to try to go to sleep considering how short of time she has. She hoped that she will get some sleep on board the shuttle jet. So, she slowly and quietly lifted herself out of Rick's bed. After dressing herself and not wanting the risk of Rick suddenly awaking when she kissed him on the cheek, she instead blew a kiss Rick's way and left Rick's quarters sobbing, cupping her hands over her mouth to stifle her sobs as she ran out of Rick's darkened quarters to her quarters so she could pack.
After arriving at her quarters and entering her bedroom, she got her suitcase out of the closet. Lisa decided to only pack for several days. She was bound and determined that come Hell or high water that once she completed her mission, she will go back to the SDF-1 and no one; not even her father will stop her from returning to Rick. The threat of him having her thrown in the brig or be court-martialed be damned. She is returning to her father as an officer in the RDF on orders from her superior officer. He maybe her father but all he is to Lisa is another flag officer. They stopped being father and daughter years ago. After showering and putting on her makeup and uniform, Lisa called the flight deck to have a shuttle jet ready for launch.
Rick began to stir when the alarm clock on his nightstand began to buzz. He looked to the side and was surprised not to see Lisa not beside him. But he knew Lisa was a busy woman with many responsibilities, so he thought nothing of it or anything unusual as he was getting himself ready for another day.
On the bridge of the SDF-1, after putting the ship on general quarters alert, Gloval was beside himself and was pacing in a state of anxiousness and self-doubt. He wondered if he did the right thing in asking Lisa to go to Earth to talk to her father and the UEG considering the cold paternal relationship between his superior officer and his senior staff member. He knew that if Lisa were attacked and killed, he could never forgive himself and one of his most senior pilots and squadron commander would not forgive him either, not that he would blame Rick if he did not if that happened. Instead of sitting down in his command chair, Gloval kept walking the parameter of the bridge like a caged tiger.
"Any sign of enemy activity in the immediate area?"
Lisa' replacement Lieutenant Gail Foster answered, "No sir."
"I don't like it, it's too quiet out there. Keep me appraised and notify me immediately when you do."
"Yes sir."
FLIGHT DECK OF THE PROMETHEUS
0800 HOURS
Lisa met the shuttle jet in the pressurized hangar deck which was underneath the flight deck. An air crewman saluted as Lisa walked up the small staircase into the jet. He then stowed Lisa's baggage underneath the fuselage of the jet. The jet then got on an elevator where it up to the flight deck.
After a few moments spent on maneuvering the jet to the catapult launcher, then even before Lisa had the chance to brace herself, the jet shot off the flight deck like a bullet being shot out of the barrel of a gun and mere seconds later the jet was flying in the darkness of space. Inside the cabin of the jet Lisa was going over meeting Claudia earlier in the passageway outside her quarters. Claudia found out about Lisa's mission.
"Did you tell Rick that you're leaving?"
"No, I didn't.", Lisa answered quietly and timidly.
"YOU DIDN'T? Lisa! Rick has the right to know!"
"Claudia, I was ordered to by Captain Gloval not to tell anyone, not even Rick. Besides…I wouldn't know how to tell Rick or how he would react if I did tell him."
"That doesn't matter! Gloval told me! The least you could have done is tell Rick that you are off on an official mission and you cannot give him details but you would be back in few days. That would have worked."
"You're right Claudia, I could have told him something like that.", Lisa said to herself. She was shaken out of her thoughts by the voice of the pilot over the intercom.
"Commander Hayes, radar shows enemy battle pods are vectoring towards our position. I'm lowering the protective shell over your seat."
SDF-1
Lieutenant Foster turned to where Gloval was with a wide-eyed look of fear. "Captain, radar show enemy battle pods are on an intercept course with the shuttle jet Commander Hayes is on!"
"How far away is the shuttle?"
"Less than 500 kilometers sir!"
"Who's on the cat launch for immediate take-off?"
"Skull Squadron sir!"
"Get them airborne…NOW!"
"Yes sir!"
"ALERT! ALERT! ALERT! SKULL SQUADRON REPORT TO THE CATAPULT LAUNCH FOR IMMEDIATE TAKE-OFF!"
Rick ran to the flight deck to find that his usual veritech was replaced by an exceptionally large veritech. The veritech was a prototype that was still in the final developmental stages according to R&D. The geeks in R&D did not wanted to have the veritech fly so soon but combat was the only way to find out if the veritech would even work.
Lieutenant Foster's voice came over the radio. "Skull Leader this is Shortstop. We have enemy battle pods attacking a shuttle jet that is heading for Earth. The shuttle jet's flight number is three-one-two. Your flight's call sign is Voodoo. Launch officer says you are cleared for immediate take-off. Current position of the shuttle is Lambda thirty-four."
"WHAT? Lambda thirty-four! Where is that? I have never even heard of those coordinates!"
"Sammie, did you see to it that all pilots had the new star coordinate map and codes?", Claudia asked Sammie in a loud shocked tone of voice.
"No ma'am. I am sorry ma'am, I…I…I was so swamped…I…. thought he wouldn't need the new code book until later."
Lieutenant Foster growled in disgust. "Nice going Sammie! Commander Hunter, go to Weasel twenty-one. Those are the coordinates from the superseded code book."
Disgusted that he was given the wrong coordinates, Rick looked over at the catapult launch officer to see if he was cleared for take-off instead of acknowledging the tower. The cat officer saluted Rick, in turn Rick returned the salute and gave him the thumbs-up sign. Soon afterwards, Rick and the rest of Skull Squadron was airborne. It only took a matter of minutes before Rick and the rest of the squadron to start engaging the battle pods in combat. Rick flipped a toggle switch for missiles and his jaw dropped when he saw the number of missiles leaving the covered missile racks and started going towards the battle pods and that was only half of the total missiles.
Khyron who was the leader of the flight of battle pods that was attacking the shuttle was growing frustrated. The shuttle pilot was incredibly good at evading and dodging the missiles and bullets Khyron and his pilots were throwing at him. Upon seeing the heavily armored veritech and sensing that somehow Rick was in the veritech Khyron called for his surviving pilots to break off the attack.
Rick seeing the Zentraedi retreating, got on the radio. "Okay everyone, looks like the rest has bugged out and gone home. Looks like they had enough for one day. Break pursuit and return home. I'll escort the shuttle from here on out."
"Roger Wreaker. Packer and the rest of Voodoo Flight is returning to base."
"Shortstop, this is Voodoo Leader, enemy has broken off engagement and has retreated. I'll be escorting the shuttle and the rest of Voodoo Flight is returning home."
A big sigh of relief emanated from everyone on the bridge. "Roger Voodoo Leader.", Lieutenant Foster replied.
Claudia walked over to Sammie's station. "Sammie, your code book screw-up almost cost Commander Hayes her life. You're incredibly lucky the veritechs got to her in time."
Sammie was at the point of tears. "I'm sorry ma'am."
Claudia then wrapped her arm around Sammie's shoulders. "It's okay Sammie. We all make mistakes but try to remember next time to make sure all pilots get the new coordinate books. Pilots are still on-duty even when they are not flying so they need to stay updated at all times."
"Yes ma'am. I won't forget."
On board the armored veritech, Rick received a call on his radio. It was the shuttle jet pilot. "Commander Hunter, you have an incoming personal call on the secure channel."
"Thank you."
"Rick…thank you saving my life."
"LISA? It that you? What are you doing on board that shuttle jet?"
"I'm not supposed to tell you this…but…I was ordered by Captain Gloval to go to Earth and to talk to my father, the UN and the UEG to see if we can negotiate peace with the Zentraedi."
"Why didn't you tell me this Lisa?", Rick asked crossed.
"I was ordered by Captain Gloval not to tell anyone including you."
"Didn't you realized that I would have eventually found out? You could have told me about Gloval is having you doing without telling me everything!"
"I know that now Rick! But I didn't think about it at the time!"
"And last night, what was that all about?"
"I just wanted to be with you Rick! I didn't know how long it would be until I see you again!"
"Why didn't you tell me that?"
"I don't know Rick, but you know that nothing and no one, not even my father can come between us and us being together again. Rick. Rick! Answer me Rick! Answer me please!"
But all she heard was dead radio air. In his anger, Rick had switched off the secure link.
"Shuttle three-one-two, this is Voodoo Leader. I'll be escorting you all the way to Alaska Base."
"Roger Voodoo Leader. Thanks for the escort."
It had taken long hours for Rick and the shuttle jet to enter Earth's atmosphere but when Alaska Base came up on the windows of the two jets, it came up quickly. Rick slowed down to let the shuttle jet make its approach and land but stopped short several hundred feet of the runway.
"Alaska Base Tower, this is Voodoo Leader. Request clearance and permission to leave Earth's atmosphere."
"Roger Voodoo Leader. You're clear for a thousand-kilometer radius."
Rick then banked and turned the nose of the veritech skyward. Inside the jet, Lisa seeing the jet thrust of Rick's veritech, began pounding on the window.
"Rick! Rick! Come back! RICK!"
But she knew that all the shouting in the world would be in vain. He cannot hear less see Lisa calling for him. After not being able to see Rick anymore, she broke down and began to weep very bitterly.