Bright and early in the morning, Cal stands outside of the front offices of Bell-Casse Dynamics. Today is officially his first day back on duty and he intends to get a lot done as early as possible so he can spend the rest of the day wrapping up his personal affairs before his ship's departure tomorrow morning. His fresh, new uniform reflects pure white and is neatly pressed and creased.
After checking his watch to verify his timely entrance, he proceeds forward to the office building, carrying his duffel bag over his shoulder. The lobby is pristine with numerous marble and stone sculptures crafted in an abstract form. In the center of the lobby is a glass case full of Valkyrie models and various awards and certificates from both the NUNS and private sector organizations fully on display for anyone to see. Cal approaches the front desk and introduces himself to the receptionist. He receives his visitor's badge and is directed to the hangar area.
Inside the hangar, the VF-171 is patiently waiting for its flight time. Near the offices, David is at the coffee machine preparing his morning caffeine shot. Cal approaches David to start his orientation. After the initial greeting, they both go into a meeting room next to David's office. There are already a couple of other scientists and technicians waiting for the presentation to begin. Once introductions are finished, the meeting begins.
David positions himself in front of the large projection screen located at one end of the huge meeting table. "Okay, first I'd like to start out by saying that we're all excited to have you working with us again, Cal. Even though you don't work for us, having you as a part of these projects is the next best thing... especially considering the source that we have used for the majority of these systems," David said, holding a pointing stick with both of his hands. The screen followed David's presentation to give visual aids to his lecture. "We'll go ahead and cover the details of the systems we're going to implement onto your Valkyrie during your deployment. Since the mainstay of the NUNS fleet is the VF-171 Nightmare Plus EX, we have already fitted the VF-171 in the hangar with a similar setup. We don't have the EX version, which enables use of the EX-gear," David said.
The projection screen changed to show the first system being outlined in David's lecture. "Here at Bell-Casse, we've spent a lot of our time focusing on countermeasures designed to confuse and blind enemy ships. These projects are the brainchild of Marie Benson, our former compatriot. Using the research diaries she left behind, which are proprietary property of the company, we were able to design and develop these countermeasures into tangible systems. Our first item on the list is the Fold-magnetic Chaff. Standard chaff is designed to act as additional targets for incoming missiles to lock onto, thereby making them less likely to follow the targeted ship. We've developed chaff that is able to emit opposing fold waves, thereby temporarily masking close-range sensors and effectively causing target acquisition loss by the attacking craft. It is deployed by standard systems and is easily retrofitted into any available launcher on NUNS craft," David continued.
The screen changed again to cover the next item. "This is the Flashbang. Obviously modeled after the grenade of the same name, it's designed to incapacitate pilots visually and physically. Marie's notes described in detail on how to modify the effects to become useful against targets in a space vacuum and how to pack it into a small disposable cartridge that is simply ejected from it's moorings on the Valkyrie. In order to reduce the chances of an enemy pilot visually spotting it while it travels towards the pilot, we removed any kind of standard propulsion and allowed it to push itself away from the hull of the bird by magnetic acceleration. Only the pilots with the sharpest eyes and fastest reflexes will be able to avoid it. Once it comes within effective range or reaches the end of the fuse time, the grenade detonates, emitting intense light and also electromagnetic pulses designed to disrupt onboard systems and will actually cause a loud popping sound in standard communications devices. The pilot will be overwhelmed visually and audibly via the sound in their headgear from the magnesium flare and EMP. Your flight systems can be immunized to the EMP effects, as long as the grenade's frequency stays in sync with the protection we put in place on the computers. You'll still have to deal with the visual effects, though," David continued.
Cal was at his seat frantically scribbling notes down on his notepad. The Bell-Casse employees watching him were pleased to see that they finally had a pilot who was taking this seriously enough to actually pay attention. The Cal they knew from a year ago was too proud and arrogant to take things seriously enough. Even the pilot they had after Cal initially left was no different.
David moved on to his next item, "The final system we will introduce you to in detail today is a bit of trickery and is difficult to employ in most scenarios. This is a holographic projector similar to those that we use in civilian and military life. This baby is designed to mimic your image and display it with the highest resolution possible, in order to maintain the illusion against even the sharpest pilot vision and instincts. The device also emits electromagnetic and fold-magnetic waves similar to a real Valkyrie. Both the pilot and his or her flight systems will be temporarily fooled into thinking that it's a real enemy target. What makes it hard to employ is that you cannot be seen deploying it, nor can it actually move or fire. In a combat scenario, distancing yourself from the projector will be seemingly impossible without being detected by radar."
Cal raised his hand to ask a question. "Yes, Cal?" David asked. "I can only see it being used either before a battle starts, or if there are numerous sub-planetary bodies in the combat area. I think it would work if you could somehow hide behind an asteroid or large piece of debris, deploy it, then boost yourself away from it. Once the boost has been fired, you could turn off your flight systems to help avoid detection. Since most asteroids have metals in them, it would fool ship sensors to a degree and all you'd have to do is avoid visual detection. I think this could be done in a dense asteroid field or amongst battleship wreckage. That's about the limit of its service," Cal said.
David nodded his head in agreement. "Sounds like it's something that you'd only put in your loadout on a per-scenario basis and nothing more. The device is rather large, so it will have to be attached to your Valkyrie via one of the hardpoints under the wing. That means that's one less missile pack or bomb that you will not be able to carry," he said.
David progressed his projector to the next set of images. "We also have developed two RVF-specific defensive abilities that make use of the increased capabilities of the large radome that it carries. We created installable program modules and radome modifications to allow a greater range of uses. One is the ability to detect and mimic IFF signals to obscure your identity as an enemy. This system isn't quite reliable, as it requires a bit of encryption cracking to be done in the cockpit. What we do is give the computer the ability to analyze and decode the encryption, then sew it back together and transmit the signal using the same encryption. Usually, this takes a bit of time, unless you happen to have the encryption key in your hand," David said with a chuckle. Cal was already trying to figure out how he can get around the impediments of the need to encrypt.
"...and our last combat-ready system is a temporary fold-stealthing. The radome can be modified to emit an opposing fold wave and electromagnetic signature tailored to neutralize them on both accounts. However, the erratic and varying nature of those signatures emitting from your bird during combat will reduce its effectiveness to a short time. We're thinking in the range of 2-3 seconds. We're trying to overcome this limitation, but it looks like it would mean deactivating your engines and subsequently, your energy conversion armor. It would make you extremely vulnerable, due to your inability to evade incoming fire and take a couple of hits without it destroying your ship entirely," David said as he turned off the projector and put his pointer down.
"We'll give you the chance to test out the ordnance systems for the new chaff, flashbangs, and how to deploy the hologram, Cal," David said. Cal replied with a question, "What happened to the YF-24?" A couple of the other meeting attendees snickered. David smiled and answered, "The last pilot we had smashed it to pieces. Let's just say he's not working here anymore, nor do I think he's got permission to fly even a crop duster in one of the agricultural areas. We made sure of that." One of the scientists chimed in, "He was probably the worst pilot ever. We hired him as a favor to one of our customers. We won't be doing anyone any favors like that anymore."
The group left the meeting room and headed out to the hangar. After changing into his flightsuit, Cal spent a moment introducing himself to the VF-171. Everyone in the hangar watched as the traditional pilot ritual was performed. Cal caressed the fuselage and began talking to the machine, asking for a smooth flight.
After so many months of being grounded, Cal climbed into the open cockpit and strapped himself into the seat. The engines firing up were sweet music to Cal's ears. He could feel the hum of the powerplants through his seat. The tug vehicle linked its towbar to the front landing gear of the Valkyrie and pushed it out of the hangar and straightened out on the runway.
Cal did a thorough flight checklist, as each vertical and horizontal stabilizer and wing flaps on the plane oscillated. After a quick check-in with the regional airspace control, Cal receives clearance to take off. He slowly grips the throttle and side-stick, remembering how it feels to be at the controls of one of these majestic birds. Receiving the "OK" signal from the ground crew, he creeps the throttle forward until liftoff velocity is achieved. He leaves the ground and clears the treeline at the end of the runway with ease. Cal feels the inertial forces thrusting him into his seat , tilts the side-stick, and peels away from his straight flight path. Finally, he feels free again as all of his worries and problems are left on the ground.
Nearby in the ocean bay, the Quarter is making its last preparations before tomorrow's launch. A container ship is docked alongside the Quarter, unloading the parts and ships that were ordered off of Alto's requisitions report. Alto is on the flight deck checking in all of the containers while technicians piloting Work Destroids and tugs move the supplies and Valkyries inside for storage.
Up on the bridge, Bobby is taking some time to get to know his new work partner. "Have you gotten used to the way things work on this ship?" he asked Jennifer. She hadn't quite gotten comfortable yet, but she had to at least let Bobby know that she was making progress. "Oh, yes! I can tell I'm going to like serving on this ship with you all," she replied.
Bobby searched for something to talk about. "So, are you leaving anyone behind here on Aimo?" he asked. Jennifer looked down and smiled. "Fortunately, all of my family survived this far. They've already made a life in Frontier City. I'm the oldest of 3; I have two younger brothers who are still in school. Everyone is so proud of me for choosing to serve in the NUNS and I hope to not disappoint them," she replied. "Do you serve to protect them, then?" Bobby asked. "Yes, and I serve to protect this colony and what it stands for. To honor the sacrifices of the generations before me, and to protect the future of the generations that will come after me," Jennifer said.
Bobby smiled at the thoughtful answer. He prefers to have people working with him who are not so easily coerced into just becoming pitiless weapons of war. "I, too, serve for the very same reasons," he said. "So do all of those who serve on this ship. We have accepted that we will submit ourselves to the needs of the colony and we will die to protect it and everyone we care about so that they may live on," Bobby continued.
Jennifer finds one more reason to call her new assignment her "home". "All that's left for me to do, then, is to learn to embrace my shipmates as my own family while I am away from my real one. I'm glad to be able to serve with this crew," she said. The two look at each other with a smile and turn to their stations to continue working. Captain Wilder takes a mental note of their conversation as he takes a sip of his hot tea.
Throughout the halls of the Quarter, crew members and pilots are all taking time to reflect on their mission and what it means to their ultimate aspirations. Even Klan, who has erroneously managed to convince herself that she has nothing left to fight for, has begun to reassess herself so she can continue to live her life as an independent person. Every person desires to be with someone else; someone to call them their "love", but if they haven't found it yet, they have to learn to operate normally as an individual. There are different levels of caring for others, not just true love. You can love and not be loved in return, and still be okay with it. Klan has to find within her the things that really matter to her. She slowly realizes that what she has left are the people who are closest to her in battle, and those who cheer her on from behind the lines.
Bobby's advice has bored a hole through her conscience and she must fill that hole with the truth. The truth that eventually, someone else will come by to draw her attention. That someone who she will come to call her true "love" and she must be prepared to deal with it when it comes. She can no longer afford to keep pushing people away and wallow in her self-pity alone. It may come down to her last breath before she plunges below the water line when that helping hand grabs a hold and lifts her back out of the quagmire.
Alto's confusing, albeit exciting relationships with Sheryl and Ranka give him two big reasons to continue serving as a protector. Resolution of his love triangle is definitely not on the high priority list, since the two of them seem to rather enjoy the competition they have between each other. This helps him justify to himself the rather glaring fact that he's not ready to commit to any single relationship. As long as he stays alive, they'll have plenty of time to work it out naturally.
Luca's love for Nanase tries desperately to emerge fully from its shell. His shy and reserved nature sometimes keeps him from truly being able to both understand and reveal his feelings to Nanase. Such is the nature of a young and inexperienced couple. They, too, have a lot left to learn about how to love each other. At least they both understand that fact and are willing to keep on doing the best they can with what they have.
The only real and understood love is that between Ozma and Cathy. They've both been around the block a few times. They've been through multiple relationships and though they carry several emotional scars, it starts to become a badge of honor to have them. More entries on their "love resume's" to indicate the level of experience they have. Both of them know exactly what level their partner is on and can play that game to its fullest. Even though they aren't aware of it, the magnitude of success of their relationship rubs off on all of the people around them, especially the crew of the Quarter.
Some hours later, a love of a different kind manifests itself in the forms of one's memories and thoughts. Cal is standing in the middle of the cemetery amongst hundreds of headstones all lined neatly in rows and columns. On top of the one he stares at, a bouquet of roses and two rings rest in the sun. "Well, Marie, it really looks like you are doing your best to protect me and to help me fulfill my dreams as my guardian angel. You don't know how convinced I am that you're still with me in some form. It is you who brought me from the brink of death several months ago, to standing in the doorway of opportunity right now. You continue to protect me beyond your death through your undiscovered work, and I will become the instrument with which you finally fill your destiny posthumously. Only you would make things happen this way; to put me back in the pilot's seat as the one who continues your work at Bell-Casse. I wonder if you will make good on your dying wishes for me to find another to call my own. I now know how much you want me to continue to live and I will not give up on your wishes. I only miss being able to hold you, to touch you, kiss you, and tell you how much I love you and I miss you," Cal said with a quivering voice.
Cal picked up the two rings and pushed a string through them. He then tied the string to his neck, leaving the rings free to rest together against his chest. Cal picked up the rings together and gently pressed them to his lips as he allowed a few tears to leave his eyes. After staying knelt for a few moments in quietness, he stood up and gently placed the bouquet on the ground where his loving fiancee rested a few feet below. Cal imagined a peaceful, calm Marie lying on the ground, holding the roses at her chest. Following another minute of reflection, he picked up his duffel bag and started walking away. He took a deep breath and looked to the sky as he continued to the cemetery gates.
He wasn't the only person paying respects to their lost loved ones, however. Many of the crew of the Quarter were gathered in a crude semicircle around Michael Blanc's grave. A micloned Klan was knelt in front of his grave with a handful of carnations tightly clenched in her lap. A trail of tears extended from the corner of her eyes to the bottom of her chin. Klan began to think to herself how Michael would have wanted her to be like in his absence. This cold, calculating, heartless attitude of hers would no longer push people away. She promises to Michael that she will live on and do her best to become a happier person.
Jennifer was with them and made it a point to learn what it might be like to lose a loved one. She'd been one of the lucky ones and hadn't had to experience this before. Unfortunately, she was also not able to handle the sight of someone experiencing the pain of loss. It became glaringly clear that she must not ever allow this to happen to her. It means that she will remain a vigilant protector of the innocent and of her newfound friends in the Quarter crew. Just as Klan places the flowers on the grave, Jennifer notices a distant uniformed figure through her cloudy eyes walking towards the exit of the cemetery. Yet another pour soul dealing with the pain of loss. She curiously wonders if there's anything she can do.
After the crew of the Quarter leaves the cemetery, Jennifer notices that the same figure she saw earlier was leaning forward against the railing to the fountain flowing outside the cemetery. She could see he was in deep thought, but she had to investigate the source of this man's need for concentration. She joined him and leaned against the railing just like him. Searching for something thoughtful to say without revealing her true intentions, she finally spoke what came to mind.
"There's something eerily magical about this place. It has the power to put one's thoughts and hopes and dreams into perspective, doesn't it?" she asked. Cal slowly glances over to Jennifer as if to ask her what the hell she wants with him. He turns back to the fountain and stares at the flowing water a moment before answering. "Death isn't the end. I'm convinced of it now. What's hard for people to comprehend is the things that they cannot see or touch," Cal answered. Jennifer was shocked to hear such an insightful answer from someone who is obviously grieving the loss of a loved one. She thought she understood from watching Klan's emotions earlier that people saw death as the final destination; there's no bridging the gap between life and death. This brought a smile to her face.
"So, you don't feel alone?" Jennifer asked. Cal shook his head and smiled, "Yes, and no. There's definitely a large void that death leaves behind. It tries and tries to suck everything in around it and turn it into void as well... but the Strong feel that pull and tear away from it before it consumes them. I once thought I wasn't strong enough, but something helped me from being consumed completely. Now I know that it's possible to fill that void with the memories of that person and continue to do so until those memories congeal into an ethereal form to be my companion. I can then live in the light, thanks to the impact she's had on my life... the memories that she gave me."
Jennifer was touched by his thoughtful analogy. "I never thought it could be stated so clearly. She must have been an incredible woman for her to continue to affect you even after her death," she said as she noticed the two rings hanging on Cal's necklace. She reached her hand out to Cal to shake his. "I'm Jennifer. Jennifer Wentz," she said. Cal looked at her hand for a moment and casually grabbed her hand. "Calvin Wagner. You can just call me Cal," he replied. "Well, Cal, I am very pleased to have met you. You've already made an impression on me," she said with a laugh. Cal could only smile to humor her uncomfortableness.
Jennifer then got an idea. An idea so crazy that she couldn't help but blurt it out. "Are you going to the concert in a little bit?" she asked. Cal raised an eyebrow in curiosity. "Yeah, I got an invitation. I was debating on whether or not I wanted to go. I'm not much of a concert-goer, especially going by myself," he said. He instantly realized he just opened himself up for an invitation to go with her. "Why don't you and I go together, then? I'm sure you could use the company and I know I would enjoy getting to know you a bit," Jennifer said nervously. Cal immediately began to wonder if this was a reply to his question to his deceased fiancee at her grave earlier. Unwilling to let this chance go by and disgrace Marie's will, he accepted with a nod.
Just then, Bobby came out of nowhere to see what all the fuss was about. "Jen? Who's your new friend?" Bobby asked. Jennifer leaped off of the railing in surprise. "Oh! Um, Bobby! This is Cal," she replied. Bobby reached out to shake Cal's hand. Cal, not wanting to be rude, shook hands with Bobby and nodded. "We were just talking about going to the concert together for fun," she said. Cal didn't want to spend time getting to know another person, so he decided to get his things together and move on to the next item on his agenda before the concert.
"I'd love to stay and chat, but I have a few things to do before the concert. Here you go, Jennifer," he said as he pulled out his PDA, tapped it with a stylus, and flicked it towards Jennifer's phone on her hip. Jennifer's phone reacted with the reception of Cal's contact information through the "toss". He then bid the two goodbye and continued walking towards the train station down the road.
Once Cal was a "safe" distance away, Bobby had to tell Jennifer his thoughts. "Oh, look at you go! Girl, you found yourself a cute one too!" he said, hopping in front of her with his hands on her shoulders. Jennifer was embarrassed, but had to respond in kind. "You were checking him out too, don't deny it," she said with a chuckle. Bobby had to play it cool or he was going to lose control of the conversation. "Oh, he's too young for me... but one can wish, can he?" Bobby said with a slight blush. The two continued down the road to rejoin the Quarter crew as they continued to swoon over the recent events that transpired there.
The Coral star was beginning to reach for the edge of the horizon to end its journey over the Aimo sky. The orange hue of the setting sun gave warning to the residents that the dark night sky was imminent.
Over at the NUNS airfield, the big event was getting ready to unfold. Countless NUNS soldiers began to congregate towards the huge stage built across some of the runways on the base. Following the meeting instructions that Jennifer gave him, Cal casually searches for his concert mate. He spots her near one of the entrances, patiently waiting alone.
"Jen!" he calls out to her. She hears her name and scans the incoming crowd to identify the source. After locking her eyes onto Cal amongst the many uniformed soldiers, she waves in response and runs up to him to hug him. Cal was a bit surprised at her zeal, but took it all in stride. Looks like she was far more excited about this little get-together than he was. "Were my instructions easy to follow?" she asked. Cal nodded in response. He offered her his arm, to which she accepted, and they strolled into the enormous coliseum.
Warmup music was playing in the concert area while the attendees worked their way towards their seats. Various souvenir vendors strolled up and down the stairs barking out their goods and prices. There were very many cosplay fans, dressed up in Ranka's and Sheryl's most popular performance outfits. The rest of the fans were dressed in their standard uniforms and the range of ranks abounded.
After looking at some concessions together, Jen and Cal found their seats and made themselves comfortable while they waited for the festivities to begin. Jen started out the conversation, "Are you a fan of Ranka and Sheryl?" Cal smiled and shook his head, "Not really, but I do listen to their music from time to time. I'm more of a rock and roll kind of guy." "Oh! Then you must like Fire Bomber!" Jen said confidently. Again, Cal shook his head, "They're alright too, but not quite my cup of tea. You've probably never heard of the bands I like, but let's just say they'll melt your face if you ever heard them." Cal chuckled as Jen gave him a confusing look.
Jen finally noticed the wings on Cal's uniform. "So, you're a pilot?" she asked, "Where are you posted?" Cal told her about his history in NUNS and about his most recent events within NUNS. Jen was extremely happy to hear about his turnaround. Cal made it a point to leave out his previous relationship with Marie. He's been told my numerous female friends that you never bring up past relationships with women around your dates and girlfriends. It's an unwritten law!
"I was recently reassigned to the Macross Quarter. I'm so excited to be working with such a great group of officers there," Jen proudly exclaimed. "We are also shipping out tomorrow. Maybe we'll be working closely with the Azusa and your VF squadron," she said. "I don't know where we'll be going. They haven't told me since I haven't quite joined the crew yet. I'll be taking a transport to the ship, which is already in orbit, tomorrow morning. Odds are that we'll be on the other side of the system as the Quarter," Cal said, trying to remain realistic.
Jen was a bit bummed at the reality of Cal's statement, but chose to remain optimistic. "So, what you're saying is that we might not see each other again after tonight, huh?" she said with a flirtatious wink. Cal, not sure about what she meant by that, could only smile and nod. What's going through her mind right now?
Just then, the in-house lights dimmed. The concert began with a long crescendo leading up to an explosive entrance of the two songstresses. They both performed a powerful duet they wrote specifically for the concert. As expected, the crowd was thrilled at the stunning performance on stage and erupted in a deafening cheer as the song came to an end. The music died down and two powerful spotlights illuminated the pair as they wanted to welcome their fans.
Sheryl started out with her words, "Thank you all for joining us on this historic night! We can't properly express how thrilled we are to be here to play this concert in YOUR honor!" Ranka continued, "That's right! As you all know, we wanted to thank each and every one of you NUNS officers and soldiers for the immeasurable sacrifices you all have made to make all of this come true!" The crowd cheered in response.
After the cheers died down, Ranka continued, "Sheryl and I wanted to make sure we had this concert before you all left Aimo to serve as the vigilant protectors of our new colony. We also want to give a huge thanks to our stage crew and supporting staff for making this possible!" The crowd aimed their cheers at the hard-working crew.
Sheryl took over the monologue, "All of us have friends and family who serve the NUNS and we all want you to know how much we support you. We will all be thinking about you and sending our prayers your way while you are serving your duty out amongst the planets and stars. We'd like to dedicate this concert to the good people of the NUNS; especially this next song!"
Sheryl's words quickly segued into the next song. Ranka's and Sheryl's costumes changed into NUNS uniforms using the holographic projectors on the stage. Images of VF's and capital ships played on the enormous screen behind them while they sang. Various pictures of NUNS soldiers performing their duty were also intertwined in the video on screen. The crowd was cheering louder than before for this song, since it was especially for them. Just as the song was about to end, a formation of five Valkyries with smoke trails zoomed overhead right on queue. After passing over the stage, they climbed the air and spotlights illuminated their smoke trails in the sky. Reaching a predetermined altitude, they broke formation into a star figure. Cheers abounded as the NUNS flexed its military might in a stunning display of piloting precision. The song ended just as the fighters broke their formation in the air.
Even Cal was very impressed by the performance as he started to cheer and clap right along with the rest of the crowd. Jen was ecstatic beyond belief. She leaned over and embraced Cal with one arm around him and the other in the air as she reached for the sky. Cal was too distracted to even think about whether or not he's comfortable with Jen holding him so close. All of his reservations and doubts left him the moment the concert started.
Sheryl and Ranka had to wait for the crowd's cheers to die down so they could be heard again. To them, it was such a great feeling to bring that much happiness and entertainment to the people they respected so much. They held each other side by side as they pointed at the crowd with their mics in hand.
The concert continued for another hour and a half and did not disappoint. Sheryl and Ranka took turns singing their own singles, electrifying the crowd with every song. As the twilight consumed the night sky, the concert was beginning to wind down to its final number. Sheryl once again took to the stage as she wanted to give her final parting words before their last song.
"My goodness, what an incredible night this has been. Ranka and I can literally feel the excitement from you all. We just wanted to make this last number a duet between us and dedicate it to the coexistence of the Human and Zentran races. I don't think enough is said about the profound impact that we have had on each other and that we think it's an amazing thing to be able to walk together as friends and family," Sheryl said with zeal. Ranka stepped forward to say her part.
"Some of you may or may not know that I am part Zentran. I am proud to have lineage of both races. I want us to celebrate the union of our two races because it's made us who we are today. Because of our fight to survive, we understood what each race meant to the other. Because of this understanding, we were able to achieve peace and enter a new era of history as we reached for the stars to find new planets to colonize. Our colony is a direct result of that undertaking and we all agree that it would not have been possible if things were different. I want to say a huge 'Thank you!' to our predecessors, Humans, Zentraedi, and the NUNS! We love you all!" Ranka cheered as the music began to play an all-too-familiar tune.
The crowd erupted in cheers and applause as the duo began to sing "Ai, Oboete Imasuka" with images of the end of the Space War and subsequent colony ships traveling through space in search of a new home. The ancient love song sparked many couples to embrace each other as they sang along, including Jen and Cal. Elsewhere in the crowd, Ozma and Cathy were holding each other tightly. Even Luca and Nanase were enjoying the song backstage as they looked on through the curtains.
Back in the Quarter's Galley, Klan and Nene watched the concert from the television set. Although neither had someone to hold, they understood the profoundness of Sheryl's and Ranka's words of racial unity. Even though they were pureblood Zentraedi, they still looked to their miclone friends as equals and held them in high regard. However, They knew that there will always be groups of both Humans and Zentrans who hold a contempt towards each other. Unfortunately, this is one thing that the two races shared with each other... the inability to cope with racial unity. This one commonality is quite ironic.
As the concert came to a close, Ranka and Sheryl gave their final goodbyes to the soldiers. Their message of support and appreciation was heard loud and clear by the NUNS personnel. Cheers and chanting were echoed by all of the people attending the concert as the pair of songstresses waved goodbye and left the stage. The house lights went up and everyone started to quietly and calmly head towards the exits. Cal and Jen slowly followed the crowd out of the amphitheater, noticeably holding each other closer.
"So, did you have a great time?" Jen asked as she held tightly onto Cal's arm. Cal nodded, "A very impressive show. I especially liked the message that they were trying to get across. It's good to know that we will have people like them supporting our cause. War is not an easy thing for the people to continue to support. Even though we're not in a war right now, we'll be far away from home and from the people we care about." Judging from Cal's statement, Jen could tell he was a thinker. Looking beyond the obvious musical entertainment, he saw the underlying tones behind their overall message.
Just as Jen was starting to work up the courage to ask a more personal question, her phone chimed, indicating there was a text message for her. She picked up the phone, read the message, and turned to Cal to ask him a question. "Oh! Some friends of mine want to meet up outside. Do you want to meet them?" she asked. Cal, knowing that he had no choice in the matter anyways, agreed to go. As soon as they got outside of the hallways to the exterior of the complex, Jen began to walk hurriedly, pulling Cal along by his arm.
As they approached the group of friends, Jen let go of Cal and ran to hug them all. Bobby, Mena, Lam, and Monica were all huddled around Jen as Cal looked on with an inquisitive expression on his face. He walked up and shook Bobby's hand, having met him once before and greeted the other ladies in the group. Jen introduced Cal to the rest of the bridge crew whom he had not met yet, and they all started to slowly make their way towards the transportation depot located just outside the runway grounds.
Cal really didn't have much to say to the group, seeing as how he had just met most of them, but he tried to at least pay attention to whatever it was that they were all talking about. He noticed Bobby's propensity to be able to talk to the women about fashion and cute guys. He remarked to himself how it's kind of funny how women always desire to have at least one gay guy as their best friend.
As they approached the transportation depot, numerous buses were arriving and departing simultaneously in a seemingly coordinated ballet of parking positions. "So, are you two lovebirds going to spend some more time together?" Monica asked Jen with a wink and a nudge. Jen was obviously embarrassed by the question, but that was the point of asking in the first place. Jen looked at Cal for a moment and could already tell he wasn't quite ready to call it a night yet. "Yeah, we'll go find somewhere to hang out before going home, I suppose," she said.
The group said their goodbyes to each other and headed towards different buses. Cal had no idea where Jen was taking him, but pretended to know what he was doing so he could present that facade of confidence. Who knows what this woman has on her mind... She is quite the flirtatious one. Cal smiled in anticipation of what the rest of the night might bring.
Bobby, Mena, Lam, and Monica all huddled together on the bus to gossip about the concert, but most importantly to them, Cal and Jen. Giggling came from most, if not all, of them with each statement. "How cute were they together?!?" Mena asked. "You could see it in her eyes. She's got big things planned for the rest of the night. I almost feel sorry for that guy, no matter how cute he is," Monica chimed in. Bobby was in total agreement, "She was quick to ask him out when I saw them hanging out outside the cemetery earlier today. Let's see if she actually makes it to her quarters tonight, huh?" The group continued their scheming and gossiping as the bus drove them back to their destinations.
Back at the concert venue, the backstage party was going on. Stage crew, technicians, the performers, and friends were hanging out, drinking, and having a good time in celebration of their recent event. Even Ozma and Cathy had dropped in for a moment before going home. Ozma was having a little bit of interaction time with his dear Ranka.
"I'm so proud of you for standing up and saying those things you did on stage tonight. It tells me how much of an impression I've made on you while you were growing up. I know you don't like me out there risking my life, but I now know you understand what it means to be a soldier," Ozma said, while playfully rubbing Ranka's head.
Ranka laughed nervously while Ozma doted on her a bit. "Thanks, Brother. I hope that you'll think about us while you're out there on duty," she said. Cathy watched the exchange as she tried to prepare herself for the possibility that she might one day become something more than just an acquaintance to Ranka. She debates within herself on whether or not she'll have to be a motherly figure or a big sister figure to her if that day ever comes. She knows one thing is for sure, though.. It's that she will have to rely on Ranka for company and support when she's feeling lonely without Ozma being nearby. Both of them will have a large part of their lives missing while the Quarter is out serving its duty.
The same thoughts are going through Nanase's head as she tries to enjoy some of her last moments with Luca before he leaves. His new rank and position will most assuredly have him distracted from his thoughts of her while he is performing his duty. However, she knows that his thoughts and dreams will be focused on her memory when he is resting from his work. Luca is unsure of how to handle his upcoming separation from Nanase. Each time he looks at her and talks to her is one less time he will have before he leaves her behind. The couple tries hard to maintain a semblance of confidence and cheerfulness as they enjoy the celebration backstage.
Alto stands alone with a drink in his hand, leaning against some stage props nearby. His thoughts momentarily float towards his father. He still has not reconciled with his father, and he knows that time is running out before it may be too late to do so. He is also figuring out how to mentally prepare himself for his separation from Ranka and Sheryl. He attempts to define his relationship with them, but his independent and rebellious nature is fighting with his desire to emotionally attach himself to them in some way. One part of him wants to be just friends, but another desires that extra level of attention. The latter requires him to make a choice amongst the pair, but he fears that a choice of one would devastate the other. Maybe it's just best to let things be and it'll work itself out naturally.
"I thought I might find you here," a voice spoke out from behind him. Sheryl approached Alto with a look of seriousness on her face. "What are you thinking about?" she asked. Alto frantically searched his mind to cover up the truth about his thoughts. "Just thinking about how much I am going to miss being here on Aimo," was all he could come up with. He dared not mention Sheryl or Ranka specifically or he would be ripped to shreds by Sheryl's mocking and fawning. He's learned that any display of care or affection towards her would be reciprocated in the form of some kind of mind game.
Sheryl had already planned out her assault before he could finish his sentence. She came up behind him and embraced his torso underneath his arms. A sulking voice emitted sound waves from her mouth, "All you had to say was 'I am going to miss you, Sheryl!'" A sly grin found its way onto her face, out of Alto's sight. She waited for his response with baited breath, already planning out her next move.
Alto took a sip from his drink to buy himself extra time to think about his next response. "All you had to say was 'I'm going to miss you, Alto!'" he said, knowing he just threw a serious curveball at her, low and away. Sheryl was surprised at his response. She hadn't planned on him saying that! She let Alto go and stood back, brushing her hair behind one of her ears while she thought of what to say next. Alto knew from this hesitation that she knew she was found out. The sly grin left Sheryl's face and jumped to Alto's, who was still turned away from Sheryl.
"Alto, I..." Sheryl struggled to speak what she wanted to say. Alto turned around and looked at her sternly. "You really need to learn to say what you mean, Sheryl. All these word games and head games do you no good when you really want to get serious about things. Just be honest to yourself and to those you care about. They'll appreciate it," Alto said, knowing he was referring to himself in his statement. "I'm gonna call it a night. Tomorrow's a huge day, of course, and I need to get my rest," Alto said as he finished his drink. He hugged Sheryl and went back to the party to say his "goodnight"s to Ranka and his other friends. Sheryl watched him walk away through her glazed eyes. She finally convinces herself that she is going to really miss him.
Sheryl followed Alto into the room and watched him calmly and easily talk to Ranka for a moment before saying goodnight to her and hugging her. Ranka was as receptive as she has always been, playing off his endearments as if they were the norm. Sheryl thought to herself how much she wishes that Alto would be that way with her, but she realizes that her way of playing off her feelings towards Alto is stopping the two from really bonding together in the way that she truly desires deep inside. Maybe she's not as mature as Ranka is in this department, despite being her senior by almost 2 years.
In another part of the airbase, Jen and Cal look over the ocean from a remote vantage point. "I'm going to miss being able to look upon the things that we take for granted; like this right here," Jen said pointing out the panoramic view with a sweep of her hand. Cal admired the beauty of the bay. Lights illuminated the shoreline in an all-encompassing arc. Island-1, Battle Frontier, and Macross Quarter shone in their magnificence as they remained moored near the harbor. Cal's thoughts drifted off towards Marie and how much she would have enjoyed this view.
Before Cal could get too lost in his thoughts, Jen broke the silence once again. "Cal," she said tugging his arm and squeezing it closely to her body, "I know that we probably won't see each other again for a very long time, if at all. I can tell you've been through a lot and its made you the person you are now, but you stand at an important point in the road for you. I just want you to know that I think you're going to make something important out of yourself and I am glad to have spent this time with you, even if it's for half a day." Cal continued to look out on the bay, but was showing Jen that her words were being considered in his mind.
He turned to Jen and looked into her eyes as if to say "thanks" without uttering a word. "I am glad you asked me to spend the evening with you. It's really helped me gain some footing back into the real world. It's difficult to re-acclimate myself to the world after I've spent so much time cooped up in a hospital room. I think it will be easier for me to move forward now," Cal said.
Jen's eyes gleamed with excitement at Cal's words of gratitude. Her disposition turned into that of a mischievous kitten. "Well..." she said, "if you think it's okay, I know of a place we can go to be more 'alone', if you know what I mean." Cal was a bit shocked by her statement, but something inside of him knew this was coming based on her behavior around him. She's quite the aggressive one, but that's not a bad thing at all. "Uh..." Cal stammered.
Before he could say anything, Jen covered his mouth. "I understand if you don't feel comfortable with it, I can only imagine what it feels like to be in your position. I just want you to know that there's no strings attached; you belong to no one, regardless of what happens. It's just that it may be a long time before either of us have an such an opportunity," she said with a caring tone. Cal took a minute to think about her proposal.
He began to wonder if this will be his first step towards finding his happiness again, just as Marie wished him to do before her death. He must consider the ramifications of this decision because he doesn't want to dishonor his former lover's memory, but if he goes ahead with Jen's proposal, he has to consider the complications it may bring in the future if they do meet again. He barely knows Jen; how does he know she's not gonna go back on her word?
Cal makes up his mind, but only if his question is answered correctly. "We probably won't see each other again, and this may be our last chance in a long time to be intimate with someone else, huh? And you say this is a no-strings-attached policy?" he nervously asks Jen. She reaches behind his neck and pulls his head closer to gently kiss him on the lips. As she pulls back, she looks directly into his eyes and asserts herself. "I promise, Cal. I can tell that I already care about your plight, but I will hold you to no bonds of my own. You're definitely a gentle and profound soul with whom I have no issues sharing a tender moment with and then letting go. Like returning a majestic creature to its natural habitat after nursing it back to health, I am willing to part with the wonderful feeling of knowing that I helped someone recover from their emotional wounds," she said.
Cal, who usually prides himself on being the insightful one with the cool analogies, found himself unavoidably attracted to Jen following her thoughtful words. He nodded and took her hand in his hand. He leaned forward to return the kiss Jen gave her just a moment ago and the two embraced each other tenderly.
The evening twilight concealed the horizon, much like the time concealed the coming day's events. All over the city, people retired to their comfortable beds alone or with a loved one. Despite their sleeping arrangements, each person slowly entered their sleep looking forward to the next day. Tomorrow would bring the beginning to a new chapter in all of the lives of the residents of Frontier City.
