Chapter Nine - Point Of No Return

It was another busy afternoon all across Macross Command as the day continued on. It was no different in the section of the base that the RDF's air squadrons called home as squadrons were in constant rotation of patrols and runs in the simulators to stay sharp in case of any emergency. With the heightened tensions being reported in the Argentine Quadrant, it was imperative for the squadrons stationed at Macross to keep on top of things as there was the potential any could be called into active duty at a moment's notice.

Among the squadrons keeping at a heightened state was the most elite of all stationed at the base, the vaunted and legendary Skull Squadron. Inside of their common area, a few of the pilots were relaxing after yet another run in the simulators. One, Major Jack Baker, smiled after thinking about the latest drill that went he and some of his counterparts went through.

"To be honest, it wasn't as hard as everyone made that out to be," he stated with a wry smirk. "I mean, I know the Boss programmed that one back a few years ago, but I really don't see why everyone thought it was that hard."

"Wasn't easy at all, that's for sure," Sergeant David Rivers, known to the others as Stitch, responded. "Nothing like having twenty pods waiting for you right after takeoff. That's just unfair."

"Dunno how that wasn't," Baker mused. "I mean, you just have to keep your weps unlocked on takeoff."

"Which is against every protocol we follow, genius," Stitch retorted. "Even money, you do that on an actual mission and Commodore Hayes would be yelling at you more than usual."

"Still, it wasn't impossible. Just some of have the knack, that's all."

This was met with a rolling of eyes by the assembled group.

Another pilot, Sergeant Karen Penn, only could shake her head. "Easy for you to say, Plankton. You made it past five minutes. The only good thing about that sim run was that I at least didn't want to puke during or after it, unlike some others that were run," punctuating the comment with a grin.

"Ha ha, Karen," Baker shot back. "Funny. You should make like your call sign and let it go already."

"Ease up there, shorty," Penn responded, referencing the reasoning behind his call sign of Plankton.

Mock hurt came over Baker's face with the response. Deciding to change the subject in a different direction, Baker continued on. "Well, I would wonder how much easier that drill the Boss came up with would be with the VF-4's as opposed the regular VF-1's. Would have to think that opening part would be like watching a hot knife go through butter with the firepower the Lightning has."

Stitch nodded. "Plus a bit more armor doesn't hurt either."

"Agreed," Baker stated. "Hopefully there's no more holdups with it rolling out and we can get our hands on those new toys, unless there's another reason as to why that's happen..."

The other pilot in the group, Sergeant Susan Graham, had been glaring at Baker the entire time. Finally, the last comment pushed her towards a response, cutting Baker off in the process.

"Just shut up, Jack. Seriously, I'm tired of getting that pointed out."

Baker looked back in shock. "That wasn't what I was getting at, Sue. If you think for one.."

Once again, Graham cut Baker off before he could finish.

"Oh stop lying, Baker. It's exactly what you mean. Skull's not getting the new plane because there's one screw up that can't pass the basic check out. Am I right?"

"No, you weren't," Baker responded with a bit of an edge to his voice. "I was referencing the constant foul ups the plane's had at the Proving Grounds. Why would I point your issues with the sim as the reason? If anything, they'd move you to another squadron before holding up the deployment. And that's somewhere where I would't go."

Penn and Stitch looked at Baker and then over at Graham. Sue had a definite scowl on her face.

"You're not fooling a damn person, Jack, seeing you just did 'go there'," she snarled back. "Also, there's no way Captain Hunter would transfer any of us out."

"Think again, Sue," Baker shot back. "He's done it before, or did you forget about the story about the whole Wolfe saga? He and Wolfie went way back to when he first joined up with the RDF, but he didn't let any personal loyalties get in the way of cashiering his ass for under-performing."

"That's not how I remember it, Jack," she retorted. "Wolfe asked for a transfer well before."

"That's also what he told everyone else, genius. Seeing he's about as believable as Khyron was, I'd be apt to agree more with the Boss's take, seeing most of the other vets in the squadron agree and had much better knowledge of what actually happened."

Graham stood up. "Fine, believe what you want," she shot back. "I've got better things to do than argue with an idiot. Also, just a bit of friendly advice, Jack. May wanna lose the cocky attitude unless you want to give your folks a great Christmas present of a folded up RDF flag and a letter."

With that, she turned and left towards the locker areas, leaving the other three pilots stunned. Almost immediately, Karen stood up and left, following after Graham. Stitch turned towards his now speechless squad mate and shook his head.

"You've got a definite way with people, Jack," he deadpanned.

Inside of the locker area, Karen found Susan sitting at one of the benches, staring off into space. Walking over, she found herself replaying the end of the conversation between Graham and Jack. As much as Baker can be tactless, I kind of believe him that he wasn't harping on Sue for her issues with the Lightning check-out, she thought. There's just been way too many issues over at the Proving Grounds with that fighter.

As she approached, Karen gave voice to her concerns.

"Hey, what was that all about?"

"I'm just frustrated, Karen," Graham responded with a bit of an edge. "I really don't like being singled out as being the screw-up on the squadron, especially by some proven loudmouthed idiot that holds the title hands down."

"Hang on a second, Sue," Karen responded. "I don't think Baker was meaning it like you're taking it. The Lightning's had it's issues while at the Skunk Works. We all know that. I don't think the check out was even being referenced."

"So you're taking his side now? Really nice, Karen. Thought you were a friend."

A hard stare from Karen followed after this comment. "Where in the hell do you think I was taking any side on this? If anything, I should be ripping you for that over the top comment about Baker's folks getting a flag and a letter. That was pretty harsh."

"He had that coming. He's way too cocky for his own good and is gonna get himself, or someone else killed."

"It's also somewhere we as pilots shouldn't go," Karen shot back. "Besides, as annoying as he is now, he was much worse before we got on the squad, Sue. I think I remember Stitch telling us about right before we met him that Nibs nearly decked him for being a smartass."

"Too bad she didn't," Sue remarked darkly. "Would have checked his ego good to get taken down by a chick." She turned back towards her wingmate. "Still not taking back what I said."

Karen sighed. "Fine."

Sue shook her head. "I have no idea what this meeting tomorrow with the Captain is about. I'm kind of not looking forward to this."

"Can't really blame you. It must be important, whatever it is. Besides, it may not be as bad as you think."

A sly grin came across Sue's face. "Well, I should be prepared to do whatever it takes to keep my spot here on Skull."

Karen thought about the implications of what was said and the look her friend had on her face as she stated her thought. Sue, that would be a really bad idea if you're thinking of doing what I think it is. That would get messy real quick and get the Commodore involved on a professional and personal level.

"Sue, as a friend, I'm going to tell you straight out if you're thinking of doing what I think you just hinted at, it would be a really awful idea. It's no secret you have the hots for Captain Hunter, but acting on it is a whole different thing."

A laugh came back from Sue. "Nonsense, Karen. I've seen the way he looks at me. It's mutual. I know I can show my, ahem, appreciation if he lets me stay on."

"I also remember the last person that thought the same way you did. Look that turned out for them."

"I have an advantage of not being drunk all the time though, so I have that going for me. Also, I'm not scared of my own shadow and can handle myself. Besides if he doesn't, well, there's other things that can be done to keep my spot here. It would look really bad for a decorated member of the RDF being accused of.."

Karen shook her head at the implications and cut things off before they went any further. "What the hell are you thinking? This is going to end badly if you go ahead with it. I'm begging you as a friend, Sue. Don't do it. You'd be chucking your career down the toilet."

A resigned sigh came from the dark haired woman. "OK, fine. You have my word as a friend, Karen. I won't go that route." I hate lying to those I call friends, but in this case, you've proven you're not a friend, Karen. So, I don't really feel too awful about fibbing here, she added silently.

Karen smiled after hearing that. "Hey, a bunch of us are meeting up at the SetUp after shift today. Why don't you come on out with us? I promise Baker won't be there if that's a concern."

Sue stood up from the bench and started towards another locker. "Thanks, but I'm actually meeting up with an old friend from the Academy for dinner tonight. They just got transferred to Macross, so I figured I'd show him around town a bit. Talk to you later on."

Karen nodded and started to make her way towards the exit and back towards the common area. Once back out of the locker area and far enough away from Sue, she pulled out her phone and dialed a number.

"Hi, is Captain Hunter in? He's not? OK, is Commander Sterling available? Thanks. Hi, Commander Sterling? I just tried reaching out to Captain Hunter about something that he may want to know about, but he's in a meeting. Can I swing by your office? It's pretty important. Thanks, sir. Be there in five minutes."

Putting the phone back in her pocket, Karen started to make her way from the common area towards the office wing. I feel bad tattling on a friend, but there's just this vibe about Sue right now that makes me think I should give the Boss a heads up about that potential course of action she might take, she thought as she made her way down the corridor. She may not forgive me, but she may thank me for this down the road.

In another part of the Macross Command complex, a high level meeting of the three highest ranking officers on base was going on. A fourth officer, recently promoted, was also a part of the conversation. The meeting had been called by the base's CAG, Captain Rick Hunter and was pertaining to some sensitive information he had received from Doctor Koromatsu at the Proving Grounds.

"So, Captain," Admiral Gloval stated plainly. "You are telling us someone has been hacking into the Proving Grounds and, as you say, 'messing' with the programming for the VF-4 Lightnings?"

Rick nodded. "That would appear to be the case, sir. At least from what Doctor Koromatsu reported."

The officer sitting next to the Admiral, Commodore Lisa Hayes, could only shake her head at this new development. That would explain a lot of the issues the Lightning has been having, she thought. She gave voice to her next concern. "Rick, do we have any idea as to who is behind this?"

Rick shook his head. "Right now, we can't fully pinpoint as to who is doing it, but we have a good idea of where it's happening." He then turned towards another officer sitting nearby. "I have Major Danny Rodgers from the Engineering and InfoTech department here with me. He's been running some research on the timing of the attacks and the routing." Rick turned to Rodgers and nodded. With that, the taller man stood up and moved towards one of the viewscreens in the room.

"Thank you, Captain," he stated with a nod, then turned towards the other two officers in the room. "Admiral, Commodore, per a request from Captain Hunter made about two weeks ago, I ran a scan of the activity on base around the time of the most recent setback the Lightning suffered." On the viewscreen, a listing of web activity came up for the time of the most recent failure seen for the VF-4, which involved the weapons system malfunctioning a few months prior.

He pointed towards a spike in activity on the readout. "It was at about this time that two VF-4 prototypes were being prepared for takeoff, as shown here on the manifests from the Proving Grounds." Another screen came up, showing a quick listing from the test facility. "It was right about here that we saw the first major spike." On the screen showing the activity, two entries were highlighted.

"The entries highlighted had an IP that was directly connected to the Proving Grounds. It was that address where our little hacker got in and did their dirty work."

Lisa was the first to speak. "That IP address, was that from the base?"

Rodgers nodded. "Yes, it appears it was one of ours."

The Admiral shook his head. "Wonderful, it was an inside job."

Lisa frowned. Sabotage for one of our bigger projects is bad enough, but the fact it was done by someone on base is much worse, she thought. Deciding against just thinking her concerns, she gave voice to the larger and more important issue. "Do we have any leads as to who was using that address and was accessing the Proving Grounds like that?"

Rodgers shook his head. "Not as of yet, ma'am. It appears whoever it was that was doing the hacking was smart enough to use a random IP instead of a statically set one. However, we do have one lead." The viewscreen came up with a layout of Macross Command itself. On the map were three red triangles, forming an outline of an area where the hacking attempt was made. "It appears it was in the barracks. Most importantly, in the pilots wing."

Rick nodded. "Wouldn't have believed it if I didn't see it and Danny didn't explain it. They're drilling down with the information further to get an exact fix on the floor this happened on. I've also reached out to Intel and have them poking around the wing where that happened." A deep sigh followed. "It also appears that the wing in question is where most of Skull Squadron is situated."

A look of shock came over Admiral Gloval and Lisa. Lisa was the first of the two to speak. "Rick, you don't mean...?"

Rick nodded sadly. "Yeah, it looks like one of mine went rogue. Can't fully prove it as of yet, but all signs are pointing in that direction."

At the same time, over in the office areas held by Skull Squadron, Karen Penn walked with a purpose down one of the hallways. Finding the office she was looking for, she knocked.

"It's open," came a voice on the other side of the door.

She entered in and saw Commander Max Stirling at his desk. Standing at attention, she saluted briskly, which was returned in kind by the second in command of Skull Squadron.

"Sergeant Penn, you said you had something to discuss?" Max asked.

"Yes, sir. It's pretty important. It's about Sergeant Graham, sir."

Max nodded. "I know you and her are pretty tight, Elsa," he responded with a smile, using her call sign. "I'm sure everything tomorrow will go well. The Boss is looking out for her best interests and the squadron."

"It's about that meeting, sir," Penn added, taking a deep sigh. "I just had a conversation with Sue about that. I have a feeling she may do something really rash."

"Such as?"

Penn then went into detail as to her suspicions and the course of the conversation in the locker room. Max's smile melted away quickly, replaced by a look that was a mix of concern about the details just given and anger at the course of action Graham was about to take.

Silence fell over the room as Penn finished. Max sat back in his chair and stared at the ceiling. Jeez, Rick, he thought to himself. You sure do have a knack of getting into trouble without looking for it. He sighed deeply as he continued his thoughts. Well, Mir, you were right about those bad vibes in regards to Mystique. That's going into Minmei territory, and we all know how that ended.

Gathering his thoughts, Max's smile came back, masking the serious concerns he had about the information that was just given to him.

I hope I'm doing the right thing, she thought. Sue's a good friend, but this was going a little too far. Still, part of me thinks I just plunged a big knife in her back.

Max took note of the look on Penn's face. She's worried that she just betrayed a friend. Need to reassure she did the right thing on this one.

"Sergeant, you made the right call on this. What you relayed to me could and would become a major issue in the Squadron and all of Command for that matter. I know you and Graham are good friends, but sometimes, stepping in and preventing a friend from making a major mistake is needed."

"Like you and Lieutenant Commander Dixon did with the Boss regarding a certain washed up pop star?"

Max nodded. "Exactly that. Speaking of the Boss, I'm gonna reach out to him right now. He's actually in a meeting with the Commodore as well. And knowing Lisa, she'll definitely want to hear this."

Penn nodded as she went over to the couch and sat down.

Max wasted no time picking up the receiver and punching in an extension. "Yes, this is Commander Stirling. I need to reach Captain Hunter and Commodore Hayes. We have a potential situation that needs their immediate attention. Thank you."

It was shortly after Rick had made the statement about the potential of one of his pilots being the culprit behind the hacking of the Proving Grounds that the intercom in the conference room buzzed. A slightly annoyed Admiral Gloval responded.

"Yes? This had better be important!"

"Sorry for the interruption, Admiral," the voice on the other end came back. "I have Commander Stirling on the line asking for both Captain Hunter and Commodore Hayes. He stated there is a potential situation that may need their attention."

Rick looked at Lisa with a sense of puzzlement. If Max is calling over, something just went off the rails, he thought. Looking over at the Admiral, he got a nod to go ahead and pick up the receiver.

"Max? What's going on?"

Silence followed as Rick was listening to the details being given by his XO. Lisa noticed the color draining from his face while listening to the other end of the line. That can't be good, she thought. She then saw Rick's demeanor change from shock to anger as a scowl came over his face.

"Thank you, Max. We'll be right there," Rick responded a bit more tersely than he intended. He put the receiver back on the cradle and turned two the two ranking officers.

"Admiral, something that just came up that requires my immediate attention. Going to need to borrow the Commodore on this one as it does involve her as well."

Lisa had a shocked look. Definitely not good, she thought. Also, why am I getting called in about something that may be squadron related? It took a second or two for Lisa to find her voice. "Rick, why do I need to be called in on whatever it is that's going on?"

Rick shook his head, "Lisa, you're gonna want to tag along on this one if what I heard was correct."

"Captain, Commodore," Gloval stated. "What exactly is going on?" Lisa looked at Rick and nodded.

Rick took a deep sigh, then turned to all three in the room. "I have a feeling what my XO just called over about may be possibly connected with what we've been discussing here." This earned a nod from the Admiral and a stunned look from Lisa.

Rick then looked over at Danny. "May want to have the Intel boys hit up the 5th floor of the barracks. That's where the majority of mine call home. I may have an exact location shortly."

Rodgers nodded and saluted. Rick then turned towards Lisa, who stood and saluted the Admiral before making her way to the doors next to Rick.

"Rick, keep me posted as to what is going on," Gloval responded.

"I will, Sir," he responded with a quick salute. From there, Rick and Lisa left the room and started their way towards the wing where the Skull Squadron offices were.

As they walked down the hallway, Lisa looked at Rick with a look of concern.

"Rick, what did you mean back in the conference room?"

"It'd be better if Sergeant Penn explains, Lisa," he responded. "She's the one that reached out to Max."

Lisa thought for a second regarding the information given and felt a scowl coming across her face. Rick looked over at the white-uniformed officer walking next to him and was startled by the look on her face. I think she just put two and two together and got the answer, he thought. That shade of green in her eyes I've only seen once. And that was when Minmei openly challenged her regarding me.

The two walked down the corridors in silence. each deep in thought about what was to happen next.

The silence in Max Stirling's office was broken by a sharp knock at the door.

"It's open," Max stated loud enough for his visitors to hear.

Rick and Lisa walked through with a sense of purpose. Turning towards the couch, they saw Karen Penn, standing at attention and saluting, albeit with a paler than normal look to her.

Returning the salute, Rick and Lisa settled on a couch across from that of Penn, who had also sat back down. Max, however, had gotten up from his desk and walked in front.

"Rick, Lisa, I wouldn't have called you away from that high level of a meeting if it wasn't something drastically important. However, Sergeant Penn here has some pretty vital information she uncovered earlier."

Both Rick and Lisa nodded. Max looked over at Penn and nodded as well.

Karen cleared her throat and began to speak. "Sir, Ma'am, like Commander Stirling said, if it wasn't drastically important, he wouldn't have called over." She looked directly at Rick and continued on.

"Sir, this has to do with Sergeant Graham. I talked to her this afternoon just at the end of our shift and the topic of tomorrow's meeting was brought up. I only know about it because I was at the mess with her when Nibs came over to tell her about it. Anyway, to make a long story short, it'd probably be a really good idea to not have the meeting with her alone."

"And why is that, Sergeant?" Rick asked. "Basically, she's being told she's got one last chance to pass the check-out. I think I can handle that by myself."

"She's planning to make a pass at you, Boss, at the very least. She's had a crush on you since the day she came on Skulls. Basically, she implied she'd do anything to keep her spot on the roster. And by that I mean, anything. Also, it gets better. She also implied something about making claims something happened even if it didn't."

Rick and Lisa's eyes both went wide at that implication. Instinctively, Rick grabbed Lisa's hand as if to reassure her of his loyalties.

After a brief silence, Rick was the next to speak.

"Karen, you did the right thing here," he stated. Getting a nod from both Max and Lisa, he turned back towards Penn. "You're dismissed, Karen. I think the three of us here have a lot to discuss."

"Understood. Sirs. Ma'am," Penn responded as she saluted before exiting the room. Once the door was closed, Rick was the first to stand up.

"Max, I don't have to tell you that anything from this point on is of the highest security level. You know the protocol and drill."

Max nodded. "Is it about some of the things we discussed yesterday?"

Rick nodded. "Yeah. That briefing Lisa and I were at was about exactly that. Danny Rodgers from Engineering's been able to drill it down a bit with the instances and it looks like more and more it was an inside job. And after that little bit of news, I think one Susan Graham just went to the top of the list of possible suspects with this."

"Seems like it could be a stretch, Rick," Max opined. "I mean, yeah, she's a young kid that made a bad choice in her romantic interests.." Quickly realizing what was said, he turned to Lisa. "Sorry bout that, Lisa, but I think you know.."

Lisa nodded. "Totally understood what you meant there, Max. Don't worry, I won't say a word to Mir about it," she said with a wink.

A sigh of relief escaped the blue-haired pilot as he continued. "Anyways, I wouldn't think that would lead to digital piracy or outright sabotage."

"It's not that much of a leap, Max," Rick said. "I mean, think about it. She's the lone pilot in the squad that hasn't passed yet. And it seems like when the Lighting is about to get rolled out, suddenly, a bug hits."

"Very coincidental, Rick," Lisa stated. "But as you stated, not out of the full realm of possibility." She took a deep breath before going on. "As for tomorrow's briefing with her, I would take Penn's advice and not do it alone, Rick. Not after the statement about implying something happening regardless of it actually happening or not."

Rick nodded. "I agree as well. First off, you know where my loyalties lie, Lisa. That's not changing anytime soon," he added with a smile. "Now, the best way to handle it would be to have every officer in Skull there, but that may also intimidate her to the point where she knows something's up."

Both Max and Lisa nodded. Rick stopped for a second and smiled. "Actually, I have an idea."

"And what, may I ask, is this idea, Flyboy?" Lisa asked, dreading the response.

"I go ahead with the briefing with Graham alone."

Max could only shake his head at this. Lisa, however, felt a wave of anger rising and gave in to it.

"Christ, Rick! Are you insane?" Lisa shouted back. "That would be the dumbest idea ever. You damn well know I could order you to have someone else present!"

"Now hear me out, Lisa," Rick responded. "She's expecting it to be a one on one meeting, not a Spanish Inquisition run by the Skulls. Like I said, that happens, her guard is up. Now, if it's alone, she may think she has the advantage, and her guard is down. However, I thought of something."

"Go on," Lisa added with a strong hint of sarcasm.

"We have the briefing room hooked up with cameras. I think Rodgers could help out on that one and we have one or two people in a room nearby watching on video. That way, if she wants to make any insane claims I molested her or something outrageous like that, we have proof that it didn't happen."

Max nodded in agreement. "Actually, Lisa, that's not a bad idea."

Lisa fumed for a second, thinking over the implications. "I really don't like the idea of my boyfriend being put out as bait for some traitorous bitch, but I guess I have to agree on this one. On one condition. I'm the one sitting in the room with Rodgers."

Rick smiled. "Took the words right out of my mouth, Forever Girl."

A quizzical look came up from Lisa after Rick's statement.

"First off, I have zero interest in Graham in that way. I mean, how can I top perfection? I'd be an idiot to even broach that idea."

That earned a deserved smile from Lisa. Rick smiled back and continued.

"Secondly, I'm also not in favor of being a honey pot for some delusional chick thinking with her other head. But if it can put her at ease enough to make her drop her guard, well, guess I'll have to take one for the team. Also, any claims she wants to make would backfire because we'd have evidence that it never happened. And the last part, well, you were my first choice to be the observer, Lisa."

"You do realize it will be really tough for me to not go in there and wring her neck if she tries something, right?"

Rick nodded. "I do. And trust me, I'm not starting a thing." He moved over next to Lisa and put his arm around her. "You have to trust me on this one."

"I can't believe I'm signing off on this, but, yes, Rick, it's a go. May want to reach to Danny to get things all set up first thing."

Rick nodded. Tomorrow just became a lot more interesting than I had intended, he thought.

The Downtown section of New Macross was a buzz of activity as the day descended towards night. In one of the trendier districts, a raven-haired woman made her way down the sidewalk towards one of the many restaurants that called the district home. Looking up, she took note of the name listed outside and glanced back at her phone. El Madrigal, she thought. This is definitely the place. She then glanced at the time on the phone. I'm right on time as well, but knowing my friend, he's probably already in there having a few "refreshments", she mused silently. Walking in, she looked at the bar area and saw her friend at a table off to the side, with a glass in front of him. The man in question was a bit taller with long black hair and a wistful look on his face.

Not surprised, she thought. Hopefully he hasn't had too many yet. Need him to be on point here.

She made her way over to the table and sat down with a smile.

"Couldn't wait up for me?"

The man shrugged. "I only got here maybe twenty minutes ago," he stated as he looked at the nearly empty glass. "Been nursing this one since I got here. What kept you anyways?"

"Traffic. All the construction on the M-8 has been a nightmare for getting around. I'm lucky I timed it right otherwise I'd still be stuck on it."

The man nodded. "Well, we're not here to discuss the construction patterns of the Macross Quadrant DOT, my dear. I believe you told one of my friends we may have a potential issue, am I correct?"

The woman nodded. "Yes. Things may be heating up back on the job. I have a sitdown with my, ahem, immediate supervisor, tomorrow."

A scowl came over the man's face. "Are you sure you weren't compromised?"

The woman shook her head. "Not that I know of. I was careful every time."

The man nodded. "I'm sure you were. That's why Raven was sure you were in that prime position. He knows your work and how thorough you are."

"That is a bit of a relief," the woman stated. "He also said I should have reached out to you earlier regarding this. Especially knowing your distaste for one of the subjects involved."

The man snorted. "Don't remind me. I never liked that jackass from the start. What you see in him..."

The woman laughed. "Means to an end, my dear. Means to an end. He may be easy on the eyes from my standpoint, but he's also a major obstacle that needs to be removed in the grand scheme."

"True," the man stated. "And believe me, I'll enjoy watching this happen." He finished his drink and smiled.

"Anyways," the woman replied. "The best course of action?"

"Go along with this meeting and if you want to try your idea, then by all means do so. I can't guarantee it will work though. His loyalties are well known and he won't shake them."

The woman nodded. "I've seen that. However, a little kernel of doubt on the other's behalf, though. That could help."

"Good luck with that," the man chuckled. "I watched someone close to me try before and it failed rather spectacularly. You might have heard about it. And this was before the loyalties I stated were as they are now. If anything, it's stronger. I doubt you'd have much of a chance." He motioned to the waitress for another drink.

The woman scowled at this response. "You don't think I'd have a chance with the great Ri.."

"Careful, we don't need to mention names. Not yet at least," the man cautioned as his new drink arrived. "Besides, knowing your current employers, they could have a someone hiding in this seedy bar."

The woman nodded. "Sorry, I'll be more cautious."

Some caution, the man thought as he took a sip from a new drink. Name dropping is never a good idea. Wonder what else you bragged about or to who. As much as Raven says you're good, you're way too sloppy sometimes. Especially when you're thinking with your ovaries instead of your brains.

Composing himself, the man continued on. "If the meeting doesn't go to plan, I have a source you can reach out to. I think you know him pretty well." The man slid a piece of paper over to the woman across from him. She opened up the note and smiled.

"Indeed. It's been a while since I've seen him. I'm sure he'll be overjoyed to see me again."

"Big things are coming, Sparrow," the man stated. "As bad as this may have possibly looked, it may work out better in the long run. We need an asset like you with your considerable talents."

"That they are, Dragon, that they are. I'll let Raven know of the changes." She raised her glass. "To things reborn."

The man reciprocated. "To things reborn."

After another drink, the woman rose up, left a twenty dollar bill on the table and made her way out of the bar. The man decided on having one more drink before leaving. Checking his phone, he saw a message and read over it. Well, this day got even better, he thought. Looks like Raven convinced the right folks about my little idea. Scrolling over to his contacts, the man found the one he was looking for and clicked on the call button. Was pretty surprised he was out and about, especially after that incident last year. Anyways, I'm sure he'll be glad to hear from me again.

"Hi, pal. Long time, no talk. Look, I have a business proposition for you. Meet me in a few days at the overlook at MacArthur Park. I think it'll be mutually beneficial to everyone."

He tapped the phone again to stop the call and took another sip of the drink. Aren't the RDF in for one helluva surprise, he thought with a smile. Two of their most implacable enemies coming together. And getting to watch Rick Hunter taken down about twenty pegs in the process is even more worth it. An even more sinister smile came across the man's face as he finished the last of the drink. You embarrassed me and my family, Hunter. We don't take that lying down. Be happy you got that lone punch off, because the next time we cross paths, you won't even get that chance.

Deep in the Frag, Xamdar smiled as he swiped at his phone while standing out on the front deck of his current residence. Joining him was his counterpart Pyoto, who had just come out a few seconds before.

"What was that call about, Xamdar?"

"Just an old friend, Pyoto," Xamdar said with a smile. "It appears my contacts among the Micronians are paying off."

"Should I let Quazmin know?"

"No, not yet," he answered with a shake of his head. "But, I should have more information in the coming days."

The woman had by this time gotten back to her car. She also had her phone out and was making a call. The voice on the other line answered quickly.

"I see you just met with Dragon. Did you get my message?"

"Yes. He delivered it. I think I can go ahead with that. I'm sure Stefan will be more than happy to see me again."

"Indeed he will. You need to keep your cover for just a bit longer though. We can't have them snooping around as much as they are. If what you told me earlier was true, it may be a bad situation."

"I have a contingency plan in place. I may have to use some of my other talents on this one."

"I'm sure Dragon told you that was a bad idea in light of who it is you're dealing with. He does have some experience with seeing someone attempt that same tactic."

"So I've been told. I'm confident though that I can sway him and cause enough chaos on that end that neither of them will be an issue going forward."

"I still don't think that's a good idea. It may bring more suspicion upon you than you realize."

"Well, seeing I have an all-or-nothing meeting tomorrow, I think I really don't have much to lose at this point. Also, I have something in mind to raise flags in a different direction. I already have my diversion all set to go."

"Fine, go ahead. It's not like you'd ever listen to me anyway. Besides, we're going to need you at that new location a lot more, mostly due to your insight. So, please use your best judgement. I'd really hate to have one of my associates take care of you at New Leavenworth."

"Trust me, it won't come to that."

"It better not, little sparrow. I have been known to keep my word. Let me know how things go tomorrow."

With that, the phone went dead. Well, tomorrow should be interesting, the woman thought as she pulled out of the garage and towards the southern side of New Macross. As she pulled up to a gatehouse outside of Macross Command, she smiled as she extended an ID.

"Evening, Sergeant," the guard stated with a salute.

She returned the salute. "Thank you, Corporal. Have a good night."

As she pulled into a parking spot, Susan Graham did not find herself conflicted at the least as to the events of the past few hours. Everything is just about set, she thought as she made her way up to her room in the barracks. Noticing another door was slightly ajar, she smiled darkly as she remembered who the resident was. Peeking in quickly, she saw nobody in the room and a laptop sitting on the desk. Moving quickly, Susan opened up the door to her room, pulled out a USB drive from her laptop, went back to the other room, and quickly inserted it into the other laptop in the unlocked room. Clicking on the laptop, she moved files from the USB on to the laptop. After finishing up, she pulled the drive out of the laptop and put it back in her pocket. Leaving the door slightly ajar as prior, she quietly walked back towards her room. Along the way, she saw the room's resident walking back from the laundry area.

"Evening, Sue," the resident said with a smile.

"Hi, Jack," she responded.

"Look, about earlier, I wasn't trying to get on ya about.."

"It's OK, Jack. If anything, I was out of line with my crack about the folded flag."

"Don't worry about it. I'm writing it off to stressing about the whole Lightning check-out thing. You got this, Sue," adding a reassuring smile.

"Thanks," she responded with a smile that was somewhat forced. First chance I get to vape you, I'm not turning it down, she added darkly.

"No problem. Have a good night!"

"You too."

Killing two birds with one stone, she thought as she made her way in to her room. Deflects suspicion away from me and gives that little bastard his come-uppance, she thought as she fell back on the bed. Shouldn't have pissed me off, Baker. And as for the worries about why I shouldn't be going after one Rick Hunter, I have my talents that will make Rick see my point of view. Or at least make it look as such. And if he doesn't play ball, well, it wouldn't be the first time a female pilot has complained about certain forms of harassment in the RDF. That would be more than enough to get Hayes pissed at him, and from there, all sorts of chaos can happen.

It was with this thought that Susan drifted off to sleep with a smile.

Author's Note - Well, the plot thickens and I think you can make a slight guess as who just came back into the picture, albeit in a much more darker and sinister role than before. Also, as a bit of a hint, there's a few more from DBTD that will be coming back as well...and some in much different and totally unexpected roles than first shown.

To the reviews...one did roll in here:

Just A Crazy Man - Very interesting points. I was just basing it off of what I remember from watching the original way back when (and also firing up my copy of the Macross Saga just to double check). As I remembered it, I don't think I heard of any other higher ups in the RDF ground side going beyond Colonel during that arc (Maistroff comes to mind there. Leonard and Emerson are more of the Masters arc, but they were prominent in the Macross Arc as well from other works I've read). The only real high ranking officers I can think of were Gloval and Donald Hayes (both Admirals). Gloval could do that, but what's to say the Council or Senate doesn't block the move (as they did earlier with Lisa's promotion from the end of DBTD)? Ah well, it is a flight of fancy here on this. Also, Leonard's already thought a lot of things out, as will be shown later on. Plus having Russo on his side (for now) doesn't hurt either.

In the next installment: A great many things come to a head in Macross, in Paraguay, and also in Buenos Aires. Stay tuned for Chapter 10, Dancing Upon A Volcano, the next thrilling episode of Robotech: Shrouds Of Darkness.