Chapter Two – Pulling The Strings
Two Weeks Later
On the North American continent, there were two cities that dominated most of the news cycles since the attack by Dolza's fleet three years prior. The first, New Macross City, became known as the home of the Robotech Defense Force with the presence of Macross Command and the SDF-1. The Malcontent Zentraedi forces, for the most part, focused most of their attacks there as they looked to eliminate the group that left them on Earth and also potentially capture the SDF-1 in the process.
However, about 200 kilometers away to the East, was another just as equally important target for any invading force. Monument City sat in a valley between a ridge of mountains that was created by the attack three years prior, as it was built over the site of a destroyed RDF base. The valley in of itself was more of a crater than a valley, but this also afforded the city a measure of protection going forward as access was limited to a small pass. Naturally, the UEG decided this would be a suitable location for its new capital city. The entire city was completed within the space of a year, giving the surviving members of the Supreme Council and Senate a new location to call home after the terrible events.
Dominating the skyline of the city was the new Government Center, which served as the main headquarters for the United Earth Government. The two largest rooms in the building were the Senate Hall, where the Senate met, and the Council Hall, where the Supreme Council sat. Offices and conference rooms spread out through the large building for more intimate meetings that affected how the day to day operations of the global government were to transpire.
It was in one of these rooms where a somewhat momentous meeting was about to transpire.
Sitting at the table was a short, squat man in a dark blue business suit and tie to match. In front of him was a dossier that he was intently reviewing as he kept an eye on the clock on the viewscreen that dominated the wall. Shaking his head, he looked up from the files and sighed.
So, they're actually serious about going ahead with this again? My uncle was right, this damned alien technology is nothing but trouble. He always said he should have fought against this harder when that monstrosity arrived.
Senator Ulysses Russo was not exactly pleased with having to be in the upcoming briefing about the RDF's request to go ahead with a new SDF to replace the one that was destroyed just about six weeks prior. The Senator, who was the nephew of Senator Alphonso Russo, had been named to his late uncle's seat after the end of the attack by Dolza's fleet. Representing the quadrant that was home to New Chicago, Russo intended on making sure his quadrant was put above anyone else. Also, much like his uncle, he also intended to put his interests above anyone else as well, especially in a financial bearing.
I don't see why this is needed, he thought as he gazed over the report. It's not like Gloval is going to be in favor of sending any of the work for this over to my constituents. Especially as long as Donnie's brat has got his ear. A frown came across the Senator's face as he thought of the man that virtually destroyed his uncle's career right before the attack. It had turned out that the elder Senator Russo was skimming RDF funds from some lucrative defense deals for years. It was only when Admiral Donald Hayes's daughter, who was a Captain in the RDF, caught wind of what was going on, informed the Admiral. That led to Alphonso's downfall and expulsion from the Council right before the attack.
It would have been impeachment for Uncle Al as well too, but I guess I should thank Dolza for attacking when he did. Kind of tough to have an impeachment trial when a good number of the Senate, the main witness, and the subject are all dead.
A smirk came across Russo's face as he thought of what happened next.
At least I got a slight measure of revenge when Gloval submitted that promotion for that bitch, he mused. A recent round of promotions had been submitted from Macross to Monument for final approval, with the most prominent being that of Captain Lisa Hayes being promoted to Rear Admiral. In his capacity as head of the Defense Committee, he had recommended to the Council that the promotion be to an alternate rank instead, that of Commodore. The reasoning given was that it was unwise to have two admirals on the same base. As Hayes would have been the head on the SDF-2, the promotion would have been a mere formality and any rejection would have looked suspicious. However, with the ship now destroyed, the rejection had some merit to any observer without any insights as to the history between Hayes and the Russo clan.
As much as I may not like her, Russo thought, we did have to do something there. At least she was agreeable to the Commodore rank with the promise of full Admiral down the road.
A sneer came across his face as he thought of the chances of that next promotion.
But, if I have my way, that will never happen. Not on my watch. If Gloval and Hayes think they're getting a green light to build this big waste of time, they have another thing coming, unless they play ball.
Russo reached over for his glass of Scotch and raised it into the air.
Still, that big dumb bastard Khyron helped a bit on this by blowing up that monstrosity at Macross. Here's to ya, you crazy bastard. Hope you're not roasting too badly in whatever Hell you freaks believe in.
As he was about to take a sip out of his glass, a slight buzz came over the intercom, pulling Russo out of his thoughts.
"Yes?"
"Senator Russo," a tinny voice came over on the intercom. "I have Colonel Leonard on the other line."
"Patch him through."
Of course, my uncle also taught me to have a trump card ready at all times to even the odds, the Senator thought as the large screen that dominated the wall in front of his workstation came alive. On the screen was an older man in an RDF uniform, a scowl on his face and a cigarette dangling from his lip.
"Colonel, it's a pleasure as always."
"Wish I could say I was in a better mood, Senator," the Colonel barked back. "Is it true that Henry's going ahead with another one of these damn monstrosities?"
Russo held up the folder. "Have the paperwork right here, Anatole. I have a briefing with him and two of his underlings coming up tomorrow."
"Fecior de curva! I always thought all this alien câcat was nothing but trouble when it arrived, and I think I've been proven correct. All it's brought us is near extinction."
Anatole's definitely upset, seeing he's cursing in his real native tongue, Russo thought. For years, Colonel Anatole Leonard had served with distinction with the Russian forces, much as Admiral Gloval had, during the Third Global Civil War. That much was true, but Leonard was a rarity in the Russian Army during the Civil War; a non-Russian among the higher ranks. However, there were rumors of some of Leonard's forebears participating in some less than savory actions in prior wars. Senator Russo had been able to pull some strings and had found the rumors had more than a grain of truth to them. Besides, it's a great way to keep this guy under control. We wouldn't want those little tidbits getting out, would we, Anatole? At least it's led to a bit of an understanding between us as we both want the same things.
Getting his focus back to the situation at hand, Senator Russo refocused himself.
"Look, Anatole. I'm not arguing with you on this. My uncle thought the same way as well. He fought against this abomination the first time it came around."
"He also was notorious for taking payoffs too, Ulysses. I may be a simple grunt, but I do pay attention to the news blasts. Plus, I never got to thank him for the defective SAMs one of his contractors supplied us with. Nearly got my ass blown to kingdom come after one of those rockets went wonky. In a way, I am kind of glad he got vaped when the big bastards came."
Well, well, well, you did your homework as well, Anatole, Russo thought with a sly grin. Somehow, I think we can work together well before the knives come out.
"Colonel, you wound me," Russo responded in a semi-mock hurt tone. "To think I would stoop to the same thing? I mean, I loved Uncle Al as much as any nephew would, but yes, there were some things he did that were a bit, um, unethical."
A laugh came over the videoscreen. "Unethical? What your uncle did, well, it would be like calling a Zentraedi tall. And if you're anything like your uncle, you're pretty much a chip off the block. My dad had a saying: 'The apple usually doesn't fall far from the tree.'"
Russo nodded. Guy definitely did his homework.
Leonard took another drag off of the cigarette and expelled the smoke. "Look, I don't trust you very much and you don't think very much of me outside of what I can do for you or enrich you somehow. However, we do have a common interest regarding this madness Gloval wishes to go forward with. This needs to be stopped."
"Well, I do appreciate the honesty, Colonel. And yes, I think from what it seems, we're on the same page here and have the same interests as you mentioned. I will do what I can to keep this from happening."
"And have you given thought to my proposal I submitted regarding how we go forward? The one called Southern Cross?"
Russo pulled up a second file he had nearby. Leafing through it, a broad smile came across his face.
"I do like it. It's a sound idea," Russo stated plainly. Besides, I can make a freakin' killing on the kickbacks alone, he added silently. Not only does it eliminate some of my enemies, it also could put someone I have some control over in charge of the RDF, and it will potentially end the Zent problem on Earth once and for all. Eat your heart out, Uncle Al!
"With the right guidance and support," the Senator continued, "I don't think there will be much issue in getting this through the Senate and Council. That is, after we clean up some loose ends first."
A smile came across the Colonel's face. "Good. There is hope for Monument after all."
"I could say exactly the same about the RDF after this conversation, Colonel," Russo added with a smile. "I should go ahead and get ready to crush some dreams tomorrow when Gloval and the Macross Prom King and Queen call in regarding their ideas and this fantasy of other worldly beings wanting to kill us."
"Why Henry persists in having those two teenagers involved in this is beyond me," Leonard added with a bit of venom. "Besides, their conduct is totally unbecoming officers."
"Well, the Admiral and the Council seem to think otherwise regarding the conduct issue. But yes, they are a bit wet behind the ears to be playing with the adults. Don't worry though, Colonel. I'll cut them down to size."
Leonard nodded with a smile. "I wouldn't expect anything less, Senator. Also, did you and the council get a chance to review my other request?"
"Yes we did, Colonel. I don't see much of a problem with that. Not so sure how other parties are going to feel about it though."
"I expect some resistance to it, but if Southern Cross is to go forward, I would need to be a bit more, ahem, hands on with this."
The Senator nodded. "Oh well, it's not like they'd be totally lost without you there for the time being." Getting out of dodge, eh Colonel? Smart idea if things look bad up here and you happen to be elsewhere.
"Seeing Zent activity's been quiet since that big bastard Khyron failed miserably, I think Macross Command may be a bit boring for a while."
"Well, consider your request granted. You may want to let the Admiral know, just as a courtesy."
Leonard laughed. "I'll let him know soon enough. Just keep your end of the bargain, Ulysses. We all are about to be in a much better situation sooner rather than later."
"Indeed, Colonel, indeed."
As the screen went black, Colonel Anatole Leonard sat back in his office and smiled. Nice to see I'm being listened to in Monument for a change, he reflected. Reaching into his shirt pocket, Leonard pulled out a cigarette and lit it. Blowing the smoke out, he thought over the most recent conversation with the Senator.
You may be an untrustworthy and unethical piece of horse crap, Senator, but as you said, we do have some common interests. It's like the old saying, the enemy of my enemy is my friend. And for now, Senator, consider yourself a friend. But once you're an enemy, well, it will be a bit uncomfortable for you.
Leonard then looked over a dossier on his desk. It was labeled Operation: Southern Cross and contained an outline of what appeared to be a detailed plan of action. Leafing through the plans, Leonard smiled even more.
Soon, I should hopefully be able to act on this. And if I get the chance, God help any of these Zent bastards left on Earth that get in my way. The South American quadrants will be a good enough place to test this out. There's not an overabundance of them there and it's far enough out of the spotlight.
Glancing at the wall clock, he turned his thoughts towards another issue he had been discussing with the Senator.
Oh Henry, you should have gotten on board with this. Another one of those damn ships is not going to be the answer. Besides, whatever fallacies Hayes told you should have been fully vetted before going on a flight of fancy like this. As far as we know, we iced that big bastard Khyron, so that should be the end of it. No more chasing E.T. or whatever it is out there. Leave the Star Trek crap in the movies where it belongs.
He glanced over at his computer and a draft of what appeared to be a letter. Glancing over the contents, Leonard smiled.
I'm sure that this will come as a surprise to Henry, but well, if I want to get what I need to do off the ground, I do have to go ahead with this. As I learned in school, the longest journey starts with but just a step. And this first step is the start of the rise to the top. Having the approval of Russo and the Council for this is just an added bonus. If it came to it, I would have just gone ahead with this anyways.
A change in mood came over the decorated ground forces commander when thinking of his current benefactor in the Senate.
Unctuous little prick. He's a lot like Hunter, just without ethics or morality. However, dear Senator, you're in for a surprise. I've accounted for everything, even that supposed trump card you hold over me.
A sneer came over his face as he took another drag off of the cigarette.
Like I'd be ashamed of who my father was and what he did in the past. Hell, he taught me all I ever needed to know about warfare. Told me that winning a war took every measure possible to finish the job. And that is something I fully intend to do.
It was something Leonard had learned well in his past. Noted as one of the more ruthless commanders in the most recent Global Civil War, he had made a reputation of leaving nothing standing in his path and also expending whatever resources he had without any concern. It earned him commendations upon commendations during the conflict from the politicians. Among his soldiers, he earned a less than gracious nickname, that of "The Ol' Meatgrinder". It was with some heavy convincing from then Captain Henry Gloval that Leonard decided to throw in with the new UEG and later, the RDF. Through it all, Leonard utilized the same tactics, much to the dismay of his RDF comrades at times.
Making war is like making an omelette. Sometimes you have break a few eggs, or in my case, get a few men killed in the process. Oh well, nothing is ever easy either. We all die anyways, so what if it gets accelerated for a few poor bastards? Like Patton said, 'nobody ever became famous dying for their country, they got that way by making the other poor bastard die for his.'
Besides, he thought, if this plan goes through without any difficulties, I should be well on my way to my rightful place, running the RDF and making it into what an army should be.
Stubbing out the cigarette, he allowed himself a slight flight of fancy towards two of his fellow officers at Macross Command.
And once I get my way, the first thing I do is separate Hayes and Hunter from each other. Hope she enjoys being a desk jockey for the rest of her career when I'm done with her. Although, I may be nice. She may like being stationed at New Pearl. But Hunter, as good as you are, you've crossed me one too many times. I'll take a bit of joy in shipping your ass somewhere...unpleasant.
Glancing over his files, he eyed another one nearby. He paused briefly as he casually lit up another cigarette.
Speaking of getting one's ass shipped somewhere unpleasant, I think I may have to pull some strings here. This person could definitely help me out. With what Southern Cross has in store, I'll need someone with his unique abilities to make this happen. Besides, there's something to be said about keeping promises.
Tapping a button, the screen in front of Leonard came alive.
"Corporal, get me the Correctional Service."
After a brief pause, the surprised image of the RDF's Correctional Service, Colonel Bertrand Durossier, came up on Leonard's screen.
"Bert, it's Anatole. I'm sending over a formal request for one of your special 'guests' to be released into my care."
"Sure thing. Let me take a look here." A split second later, Durossier's face went white.
"Mon Dieu! Him? But the Council..."
Leonard cut off Durossier with a sharp look. "I know damn well why he was sent to where he was. However, circumstances have changed greatly. This person is someone that will need some supervision, and I'm one for giving those worthy a second chance."
Leonard cracked a smile before continuing.
"Look, if you're afraid of the Council or any of the other brass like Gloval coming down on you, don't worry about it. I have the blessings of Senator Russo himself that this is a go."
Durossier looked at his screen and looked back at his counterpart. "That does change things a bit. However, has Russo read the files on this particular subject? This may be a case of opening up a whole new can of worms. This man cannot be trusted."
"I'm fully aware of what this gentleman has done in the past," Leonard answered with a bit of hostility in his tone. "However, for what I have on tap with the Council, I need a man with his particular skills."
Durossier sighed and bowed to the pressure from his counterpart. "OK, Anatole. If the Council has signed off on it, I'll approve this, albeit reluctantly. If I get any sort of blowback on this, it's your ass."
"Why, Bert, like I said, I'll take the hit on this. You're in the clear."
The screen went dead.
This should be a big help going forward with everything, Leonard thought as he took another long drag.
Leonard smiled as he took a final drag off of his cigarette. Everything is starting to come into focus. The beauty of all of this is, nobody knows what is about to happen. Not Hayes, not Hunter, not Gloval, not that little bastard Russo, and certainly not those genetic freaks. The world is about to change and for the better.
Well, this is going to go about as I expect, Senator Russo thought to himself as he reviewed one of the documents on his desk. The cover of the document stated simply Super Dimensional Fortress 3: Proposal.
A slight scowl came over Russo's face as he leafed through the plans. If they think this thing has any sort of chance of happening, they're crazier than I thought, he thought as he kept reading. Still, if they are willing to play ball, I could make a killing on this. Then again, seeing Gloval and Hayes are involved, there's zero chance of that happening.
A wry smile came across his face.
Kind of like the chances this monstrosity has of making it out of committee.
He looked over at the clock and punched in a code.
Might as well make this call and get it over with, Russo thought with a semi-disgusted sigh.
The screen lit up with the image of an older man with thinning gray and white hair and an impressive gray mustache.
"Ah, Senator Russo. What do I owe the pleasure?"
"You know why I'm calling. I just got done reading over the brief from Macross. I have a meeting with Gloval and Hayes regarding CF-33907 tommorrow. I'll be sending that back to my committee within the next few days after the meeting where it will reside in legislative hell for the next millenium. And yes, before you ask, it's an encrypted channel. The spooks can't nose in on it."
Senator William Cardwell, who represented the New Denver quadrant, smiled.
"Ah yes, that proposal," he responded with a hint of distaste. "I can assume you're already seeing you won't be able to shake the good Admiral and the Commodore of their misguided ideas?" adding a bit of disdain to the official rank of one of the subjects of the pending meeting.
Russo nodded. "I'm planning to tell them the committee would look at the proposal 'as soon as possible'."
Both men started to laugh.
"Think they'll buy it?"
"Not a chance in hell, Bill. It's still getting shelved, unless they decide to cooperate in the appropriate manner. And knowing the virtuous nature of these two, I would say there's a better chance of Khyron coming back."
"I had that feeling," Cardwell said with a laugh. "I would say that your uncle would be impressed."
Russo smiled. "Oh, he would be alright. Before reviewing this mess from Gloval and Hayes, I had a talk with our friend Anatole. That's regarding CF-30946. The Southern Cross proposal he floated. I'm sure you've had a chance to go take a look at that."
"That I have, Ulysses. I have to admit, it's a pretty audacious idea he's floated here. Took a lot of time to research everything. I'm right in assuming you'll be recommending we go ahead with this and the other proposal he sent out that was tied with that?"
"You know me well, Bill. Plus, the way things will work out once this passes, we should be able to benefit from this as well. Plus, giving the Colonel what he wants right now puts him in a place that he will owe us when the time comes around."
Cardwell smiled. "Indeed. I already reached out to Cardozo over at GalaxiaTech and let him know."
"And I've been in touch with O'Donlan at Midway InfoDynamics as well. Gave him a heads up of what's about to come."
"It's just a minor step, but we both should be looking good after this, Ulysses. If..excuse me, when this goes through, we both can make a case to be on the Council sooner rather than later."
"And with Leonard on board and taking over the RDF once we get on the council, we may actually get some things done and stop worrying about whatever UFOs are out there."
Laughter filled the office from both men.
Cardwell, however, stopped laughing quickly. "You sure Leonard can be trusted?"
Russo nodded. "We can count on him, trust me." Besides, if he so much as twitches the wrong way, one phone call will ruin his career once and for all. And he's pretty aware of what I can do and what information I have. Sorry, old friend, but I can't share with the rest of the class. At least not yet.
"I'll defer to your judgment on this, Ulysses."
"Good. I'll be pushing through 30946 and sitting on 33907 for the foreseeable future. I expect I have your vote on both measures."
"You can count on it. I'll go ahead and round up the usual suspects. This shouldn't be a problem getting it to the Council for final approval."
"For your sake and mine, I hope that is the case."
The screen went dead. Grabbing a glass, Russo made his way over to one of the counters near his desk. Opening a glass carafe, he poured a decent tumbler of his favorite Scotch. I should savor this a bit more seeing there won't be any more of this kind for the next ten to twelve years. That is if they even rebuilt the distillery.
Taking a sip of the amber liquid, a smile came across his face.
Still, it's worth it. It's definitely a special occasion. Smiling, he raised his glass to the ceiling in a mock toast.
"Here's to you, Colonel Leonard. You may be a crazy son of a bitch, but you're my crazy son of a bitch."
Situated out in the middle of the North American continent, New Leavenworth was an imposing sight for anyone that managed to come up on it. The fortress was a solid block of white rock standing alone among flat rolling plains. The building was constructed as the UEG and RDF's home for the most incorrigible prisoners that they held on to. Inside of the fortress in a wing of plain cells, two heavily armed MPs and an official walked briskly down the corridor towards one particular cell.
The official looked down at the paperwork in his hand and sighed. Whoever thought this was a good idea is seriously off their rocker, he thought. Releasing this particular subject is something I do not agree with. However, orders are orders. If I had said no, there's a good chance I would be joining this piece of garbage in here for a long stay.
The three reached their destination, which was a cell near the end of the corridor. The two MPs took their positions to the side of the door, brandishing their rifles in case the prisoner decided on doing anything unacceptable to the official. The official took another deep sigh and punched in a code.
The door slid open. Inside of the cell was a man with dark hair and a darker look on his face.
"Prisoner 451D87," the official intoned as he looked down at the papers in his hand. "By order of the UEG Supreme Council, you will be remitted to the custody of one Colonel Anatole Leonard per their instructions. You will be transported to a separate barracks to await his arrival for your new posting."
The man smiled. "I guess this means I'm getting released, warden?"
The official nodded. "Wasn't my call. If I had my say, you'd rot in that cell for the rest of eternity. However, whatever it is Colonel Leonard wants with you is none of my concern. Once he gets here, you're thankfully no longer any of my concern."
The man in the cell stood up. "Well, I'm not going to say it was the most hospitable stay I've ever had, but I'm not exactly shedding many tears leaving."
This was met by a glare. "As you can tell, I'm not exactly upset you're leaving either. As I said, whatever it is that Leonard wants you for, he can have you."
The warden then motioned to the two MPs, who entered into the cell. "Come on. Time to move. I'll have one of the orderlies bring your belongings over to your new temporary home."
The man smiled again as he walked through the doorway into the corridor. That's one thing about Anatole; he always keeps his promises, he thought. I wonder what sort of adventure he has in store for me or why he needs my services again.
A few minutes later, the man found himself in his temporary home. Not too bad, he thought as he walked around the living area. Definitely an upgrade from that cell I was caged in for the past year and a half. It was then that he noticed the laptop computer and a thumb drive sitting on the desk. Looking over, the man smiled as he turned on the computer and inserted the drive.
As the drive opened up, a familiar face came up on the screen.
"Raven, it has been a while," Colonel Anatole Leonard stated on the video. "I do apologize about the less than satisfactory treatment you received at New Leavenworth, but we had to go that route to make things look, well, believable."
Raven nodded as he continued to watch the video.
"I will be arriving within the next 24 to 48 hours and you will be accompanying me to our new base camp. Also, as well as we have worked together in the past, don't take advantage of my mercy. There are MPs outside of the barracks that have orders to shoot first and not ask questions if you try to strike out on your own before I arrive."
He laughed a bit. Even after all this time, the bastard still doesn't trust me. Not that I'd blame him, but, at this point, I really don't have much of a choice.
The video continued on. "I would highly suggest going over the files in this drive as they are important as to why I have gone ahead and released you to my care. They will outline what I need you for in the coming months. This is a very important operation I have in store and I definitely need a man with your unique talents. Needless to say, the fate of the world rests on it. Together, we can make this a better place and get things back to how it was before these Zent bastards showed up and set things as to how they should be. You will also note that there is an encrypted VOIP connection on this laptop. You may want to reach out to some of your old contacts to see if they are interested. Let them know that I do pay pretty well."
The image faded out and the screen now showed a link for a presentation called Southern Cross. Raven shrugged as he clicked on it. Well, might as well see what I'm in for.
As he scrolled through the presentation, an evil grin came across Raven's scarred face. I have to say, Anatole, I am impressed. This is a plan I can definitely get on board with. And yes, I think I may have to make a few calls tonight.
Closing the presentation, Raven activated the VOIP connection and started to punch in numbers long remembered. The first connection picked up rather quickly.
"It's Raven. We're getting the band back together."
Original A/N - So, to kind of explain, the first 3 chapters will give a bit of a backstory and catch things up going into this one. Then, we'll be leaping into the mix with the story. Next chapter, we catch up on what the Skulls and Macross Command have been up to since we last saw them (although some things were hinted in this particular chapter).
Author's Note (3/17/18) - Some new aspects have been added from the original setup.