Okay, only ONE MORE CHAPTER TO GO! After that, I'm gunna add an 'authors closing' chapter, just so I don't have a total of 13. Sorry, but that is one superstition I can't seem to get over.
Chapter 12, To Join Together.
The battle inside the SDF-1 was becoming one sided. The enemy seemed helpless without their leader to give them tactical orders and all grouped together near the exits. It was a simple matter for the ship's Destroids and Veritechs to clean them up.
As Ranma landed his Veritech, a pretty good trick since he did it in reverse, Max Sterling ran into the launch bay. "Is the battle over Captain?" He shouted as he ran.
"Yeah Max. Sorry you missed out on the fun." Ranma said, hopping from his cockpit to the ground.
"Oh, I got plenty of action." Max muttered, causing Ranma's eye to twitch.
"I hope you don't mean what I think you do, not that it's any of my business." Ranma muttered.
Realizing what he had said, Max began to blush. "Erm... no, that's not what I meant... My date turned out to be an alien sent to kill me."
"You're kidding right?" Ranma said, incredulously. "No, I bet you ain't. I just found out that those waiters from the Dragon are Zentraedi spies. Why not an alien Amazon?"
"They're what?" Max sighed. "This is going to be a long day."
HR.
Ranma, Max, Lisa, Brun, Reko, Kunda and Miriya sat in a conference room across the table from Captain Gloval.
"Alright, so what's going on here?" Gloval asked, rubbing his temples.
Reko spoke up. "We want to request asylum onboard the Macross. We want to see Minmei and live as Micronians." He decided not to mention the Ranma portion of the "Macross Fan Club's" Mission, as the aforementioned pilot was sitting right next to him.
"Minmei?" Lisa interjected. "Why Minmei?"
Kunda spoke up here. "She sings so well, The Zentraedi troops LOVE her, not to mention Captain Saotome."
Ranma's eye twitched before he growled, "Don't wanna know."
Reko elbowed Kunda sharply.
"Well." Gloval sighed. "You're here now and apparently our size. We do have the room for you and your companions although we would want to know a bit about Zentraedi culture. fair exchange?"
The three Zentraedi nodded eagerly. "That's fine." Reko said, excited.
"Fine then. Now that that is temporarily resolved." Gloval continued, looking over at Max and Miriya, who were sitting in chairs next to each other. "What's your story?"
Max started to stammer before Miriya cut him off. "I sent by Meltraedi to assassinate Pilot Max Sterling. I try but he beat me. He say he "Love" me... I don't know what "Love" really mean... But I think I Love him too. We get married."
Gloval blinked. "Let me get this straight. You came to kill Lt. Sterling, and now you're getting married?" His voice contained an evident note of incredulity.
Ranma spoke up. "Sounds like an Amazon to me." He commented, casually, before being glared at by Lisa and Miriya.
Gloval laughed. "Alright Lt. Sterling, you will have to take responsibility for watching Miss Parina until we confirm that these people are actually requesting asylum and not trying to blow us up. Also, the Zentraedi will have to stay in a secured area until the same time. Other than that, this meeting is dismissed."
The officers, Zentraedi and one Meltraedi walked out of the conference room, leaving Gloval to sit there, shaking his head.
HR.
Ranma walked down the hall with Lisa, Max and Miriya. The three Zentraedi had turned off at a branch of the corridor a while earlier. "So, Max. You didn't listen to my warnings about Amazons huh?" He laughed, getting a scowl from Miriya.
"No Captain, and it's a good thing." Max grinned, grabbing Miriya's hand.
Lisa grinned. "I think it's kinda romantic. He fought her for her hand."
Ranma blinked. "Was that you Lisa? You feelin alright?"
Lisa swatted Ranma on the arm. "I can be romantic, I just don't normally do it."
Remembering what Akane had done when he had said something about tomboys to a comment like that... Ranma said it anyways. "Ah, that's my tomboy."
Lisa growled. "You do know I outrank you right?"
Ranma shrugged. "That's why I never call you uncute... Ow!" Lisa had just punched him in the ribs, hard.
"I do that to you Max?" Miriya questioned.
"Erm... no. That's fine." Max said, sweat dropping.
Just then, the four entered the White Dragon. Minmei was behind the cash register, taking orders. "Hey guys." She greeted, seeing them walk in.
"Hey Minmei." Was the reply.
As they found a table, Ranma commented to Max. "We sure can pick em."
Max blinked. "What?"
Ranma continued. "I get a command Rank tomboy and you get an Alien Amazon... Just seems funny."
Max laughed.
Just then, Miriya and Lisa showed up with they're orders and sat down, followed by Minmei.
"Congratulations Max." Minmei said, brightly.
Max blinked. "For what?"
"You're getting married, idiot." Minmei responded, exasperated.
"Oh, Yeah." Max said, with a nervous laugh.
Ranma remembered something. "Oh. Minmei. Those waiters of yours are back..."
"Really? I've been missing their help."
"Yeah, they're in a secure area for now but should be let out tomorrow or there abouts... and you've got a whole buncha new fans."
Lisa grinned. "And what about you, Ranma? They did mention your name as well."
"I don't wanna think about it." Ranma muttered.
Minmei giggled.
HR.
Captain Gloval sat in his office, pondering what he'd heard at the meeting a few hours earlier. The Zentraedi were seeking asylum. Maybe this meant that peace with them was possible. He'd have to be cautious and have security keep an eye on the ship's new passengers, but he was quietly optomistic about the latest turn of events.
As for the other matter, it was surprising, Very surprising but if Lt. Sterling was serious, he wouldn't do anything to stop him or the woman.
He was interrupted in his pondering by a knock at his ready room door. "Come in." He yelled, sitting up straight.
Commander Lang walked in and sat down. "Captain, I've found something very interesting in the Zentraedi blood samples I took."
Gloval shrugged. "Alright, what is it? And try to say it in normal Japanese."
Lang laughed slightly. "I'll try. The Zentraedi seem to have normal human DNA. There are variations that would be expected of two groups of people who live in different areas but the main structure is human, or at least very close."
"What?" Gloval asked, surprised.
Lang sighed. "I'm saying these people are human. Just 'really' big."
Gloval nodded. "Thank you Commander... you've just made one of my decisions easier... and things a lot more complicated."
Commander Lang nodded before walking out of the room.
HR.
Ranma was sitting in his room, watching "Good Morning, Macross!" when captain Gloval's announcement came on.
"This is Captain Gloval to the people of Macross City. Yesterday, a group of Zentraedi refugees came aboard the SDF-1. We have determined that they are not a threat and they are going to be let out of the holding areas and into the general population. We request that you try to help them as best you can. These people are to be treated as any other civilian onboard the SDF-1. Thank you."
Gloval's face blinked off, to reveal the smiling face of the "Good Morning, Macross." announcer who was saying something about a wedding.
"And in a happy occasion, Lt. Max Sterling of Wild Horse squadron has stated that he's getting married tomorrow afternoon. The lucky lady is apparently a female Zentraedi. This will probably be an interesting marriage."
Ranma blinked. 'He works fast don't he?' He thought, getting up. It was time to get going to the dragon for breakfast. His cooking was better than Akane's, but that didn't stop him from wanting to avoid doing it whenever possible.
HR.
The day passed rather smoothly. There were no further Zentraedi attacks and the Refugees were being pretty much accepted by the people of Macross City. Some of them were suffering from culture shock but other than that it was a rather easy transition for them.
Ben and the rest of Wild Horse had thrown a rather large bachelor party for Max. Ranma hadn't gone but he could hear the music from his room.
HR.
The next day, Max walked up to Ranma in the dragon. "Hey Captain."
Ranma looked up from his food. "Yeah?"
"I was wondering if you'd do something for me."
Ranma blinked. "What's that?"
"Well, I kinda asked Minmei to sing at the wedding... and she said she wouldn't unless you accompanied her." Max scratched the back of his head.
"What?" Ranma asked, spiting a piece of pork from his Pork Ramen half way across the restaurant.
"Aw, C'mon Captain." Max begged.
"No way in hell Max. Not again." Ranma objected, shaking his head violently.
"So... you're scared?" Max said, smirking. This was risky as Ranma was his CO but he was pretty sure it would work.
"I ain't scared of nothin!" Ranma said, automatically. "Well, except for c-cats." He added.
"So you'll do it then?" Max asked, still grinning.
Ranma growled. "Why, why do I let people do that every time? Yes! Fine. I'll do it... but you owe me for this."
Max gulped but walked off triumphantly.
HR.
Ranma scowled at Minmei, tugging at the fabric of her dress. "I understand why we need to be in 'Fancy Dress' but this?"
Minmei giggled. "But you look so pretty, Ranma."
Ranma looked down at the long red... thing... that Minmei had somehow talked her into wearing during the wedding and shivered. "Max, I'm going to get you for this." Ranma muttered under her breath.
Minmei just laughed some more. "C'mon Ranma, we're going out there to entertain people. You have to look right."
"And what's wrong with my dress uniform or somethin?" Ranma asked, desperately trying to think of a way to avoid walking out into the crowded reception area.
Sighing resignedly, Minmei just grabbed Ranma's arm and tugged. Ranma followed, reluctantly.
HR.
Brun, Reko and Kunda stood in the middle of the crowd of people milling around the hall. They knew Lt. Sterling and had been invited. When they heard that Minmei was going to be singing, with Ranma as backup, they had decided to come. They didn't really know what a wedding was for, but everyone was having a good time so it had to be good.
"This Wine stuff is pretty good, isn't it Brun?" Reko questioned, taking a long and hardy gulp out of his glass.
"Yeah. It's very good, but I'm starting to feel kind of strange." Brun responded.
Kunda nodded slowly and deliberately as his coordination was starting to go. Too bad no one told the Zentraedi to drink in moderation...
HR.
Max was explaining what was going to happen to Miriya. "And then we put the rings on each other's fingers and kiss."
"What kiss?" Miriya asked, confused.
"Erm... Like touch our lips together." Max attempted to explain.
"That sound strange but I try." Miriya said, still slightly confused. She tugged at her long white wedding gown. "Still don't get point of long clothes." She muttered, with a look on her face that was rather similar to Ranma's earlier.
HR.
Lisa Hayes stood near the door to the hall, waiting for Ranma and Minmei to show up. She wanted to talk to Ranma and maybe hang around with her during the latter part of the reception. Even if Ranma was going to be in girl form, she could still make a sort of date out of the occasion.
Lisa almost dropped her glass of water as she saw Ranma and Minmei walking in. "R...Ranma?" She sputtered, seeing the red haired girl, wearing a floor length dress and earrings that looked to go through actual pierced ears.
"Don't say it." Ranma said, glaring at her.
That's when Lisa burst out laughing.
HR.
Commander Bretai of the Zentraedi looked on in confusion at the signal that the Micronian Battle Fortress had been transmitting for the last few minutes. It appeared to be a scene of a hall, filled with people. He had been informed that the caption at the bottom left read "Max Sterling's Wedding." but no one knew what a "Wedding" was or who "Max Sterling" was for that matter. The reason that Bretai was watching this transmission was because three Zentraedi, apparently Micronized, had been seen in the crowd. He wondered what was going on.
Suddenly, the image focused in on a small stage at the back of the hall where two Micronian females were standing in front of voice amplification devices.
The taller one said something in Micronian that Bretai didn't bother to translate and the two began to sing. "This must be one of those "Concerts."" Bretai muttered.
"But why would they call it a "Wedding," Commanderi?" His aid, Excedor, questioned.
The two watched for a few more minutes until the two females stepped off of the stage, making way for a tall male who intelligence had identified as "Captain Gloval."
The captain began to speak, and Bretai read the subtitles at the bottom of the transmission.
"We are gathered here today, to celebrate the Marriage of one of our Veritech Pilots, Max Sterling, to a woman who was once part of our enemy's forces. I, Myself, hope that this will bring Human and Zentraedi towards a state of peace."
Bretai blinked. "Doesn't the word "Woman" mean female?" He asked, questioningly.
Excedor nodded.
"But the Zentraedi race is all male. Does he mean a Meltraedi?"
. "I don't know, Commander." Excedor responded.
"And what is this "Piece" that he speaks of?"
"We don't know Commander. The word seems to have no analogue in our language. As near as we can tell, it's a time when there is no conflict. Maybe they want to surrender?" Excedor wondered.
They were brought back to the scene on the screen when the camera zoomed in on a different area. A woman, apparently a Meltraedi, was walking down a carpet wearing a long white dress.
Bretai stroked his chin. "That Meltraedi looks familiar." He muttered, looking her up and down.
Excedor made a surprised noise. "That's Group leader Miriya Parina. She's one of Commander Azonia's people."
"That's where I've seen her before then. Why is she over there?"
On the screen, Miriya had walked up to the front of the hall. Max was standing there, in front of an older looking man in some sort of robe.
As the man read the wedding vows, Bretai and Excedor speculated.
"That sounds almost like an alliance pledge." Bretai said.
"The wording is slightly different though. What does "To have and to hold" mean anyways?" Excedor responded.
Suddenly, an alert light on a console in front of Excedor blinked on. Looking at the display, he looked confused. "Commander Azonia is signaling us. I'm putting her through now."
Bretai nodded.
A woman's face appeared, pushing the image of the wedding to one side. "Commander Bretai. Are you watching the transmissions from the Micronian ship?"
Bretai nodded. "Yes. This is rather confusing though. What's your Group leader doing over there?"
Azonia shrugged. "I don't know. She requested permission to go over to take revenge on one of they're pilots for shooting her down. It was a matter of honor so I allowed her to do it. Apparently, she is doing something Else. What I am really calling about is this "Piece" proposal that they're Captain talked of."
Bretai blinked. "Do you have a better translation of the word than we do? We do not see much importance in it."
Azonia nodded. "From what we can tell, they appear to be asking for an Alliance. They want to work with us."
"An Alliance? So that is what Miriya Parina is doing." Bretai muttered.
Azonia took on a more serious cast. "I think we should respond soon. We haven't been able to overcome the Micronians by force, perhaps an alliance, even a temporary one, would work better."
"Alright. Who should contact them then?" Bretai asked, keeping one eye on Azonia and one on the continuing wedding scene on the other side of the screen.
"You have already communicated with the Micronians. I would recommend that you do it. Also, there are more Zentraedi than Meltraedi aboard that space fortress... I'm only missing one of my people. You are missing about 30, correct?" Azonia said, smirking a bit at the end.
Bretai sighed. "I will contact them in a few cycles. I'll tell you what they said afterwards. Is that acceptable?"
Azonia nodded and the screen blanked.
"Pleasant isn't she?" Excedor remarked.
Bretai actually laughed. "Hearing that statement, I think we've already been around Micronians too long."
HR.
Ranma sat in the audience next to Lisa. She had been let off the hook by Minmei after a few songs but didn't want to leave the ceremony for long enough to change back. Lisa didn't seem to mind all that much though, as her constantly holding onto Ranma's hand attested.
Miriya and Max were just finishing they're vows, with Max saying "I do" and Miriya simply saying "Yes." As Max leaned forward to kiss Miriya, Ranma remembered something. 'Didn't those Zentraedi act really weird when me 'n Lisa kissed?'
HR.
Miriya blinked as Max leaned towards her. 'This must be that kissing thing.' she thought, leaning in and mimicking Max's actions. They're lips touched, and for an instant Miriya wanted to draw back shuddering, until she started realizing how good this felt.
Max did a credible imitation of what Ranma had done the first time Lisa had kissed him. If he had had a pigtail the likeness would have been perfect, right down to the dopey grin. Suddenly, a lot of noise came from the back of the hall. looking back, Max saw three figures, clapping and hooting loudly.
"Yeah!" one yelled.
"Good work, Max Sterling!" another piped up.
They were obviously intoxicated... very much so. They walked down the isle, only swaying slightly and grabbed Max by the shoulders. "What the?" Max yelled as he was carried out by the three men.
Miriya growled and ran after them, her long white dress trailing behind her.
Ranma blinked and then whispered to the astonished Lisa. "Man, I feel like I'm back in Nerima."
Lisa started giggling frantically. She had had, perhaps, a little too much to drink herself. Thankfully Ranma didn't drink... for obvious reasons.
HR.
Lisa Hayes woke up, groaning. Where was she? Looking around, she found herself on a bed... not hers... Ranma's? Frantically looking around, she saw Ranma sleeping on the floor next to the bed, still in female form. Lisa sighed in relief. If Ranma was still in female form, she hadn't done anything really stupid, or at least she hoped she hadn't.
Just then, Ranma rolled over and opened her eyes. "Hi Lisa. You're finally awake."
"What do you mean by that, Ranma?" Lisa asked, slightly angrily. She had just woken up in her boyfriend's room, not knowing how she'd gotten there and he... er... she just commented on her being awake.
"I tried to walk you home after Max's wedding last night, but you kinda fell asleep on the way. how can you sleep standing up like that? Anyways, I slung you over my shoulders and tried to carry you home but I don't got keys to your apartment so I had to bring you here. Sorry." The redhead explained, hurriedly.
Lisa blinked. Could that be the truth? Then again, this was Ranma, who had once tried to lie to her, and she still snickered at the memory. It probably was true. Weird as hell though.
Lisa sat up in bed, realizing that she was still wearing her dress uniform, and swung her legs over the side. "What time is it?"
"About 08:00". Ranma said, looking at a wall clock.
"08:00? I'm late for my shift!" Lisa yelled, panicked. She jumped up and ran out of the room, straightening her rather rumpled dress uniform.
Ranma just shrugged, got up off the floor and changed out of her T-shirt and Boxers into her usual Pilot's uniform. Grabbing her wallet off of her night stand, she pocketed it, walked into the bathroom and came out in male form. 'Time for breakfast.' was his last thought before opening the door.
HR.
Lisa stepped onto the bridge, still trying to straighten her rumpled uniform. Noticing this, Vanessa Leeds smirked. "Have fun last night Commander?" She asked, one eyebrow raised.
Unconsciously picking up an expression from Ranma, Lisa responded quickly. "It ain't like that!"
"Sure it ain't." Kim young drawled.
Sammy spoke up. "Aw, c'mon. Lay off the Commander, she needs to loosen up."
Lisa face faulted when she heard this statement from Sammy.
Captain Gloval walked into the bridge, stepping over the face faulted Lisa. "Are you going to get off the floor commander?" he asked, slightly amused.
Lisa jumped up, blushing. "Sorry sir."
Gloval chuckled. "Don't let it happen again."
HR.
Ranma walked into the Wild Horse briefing room to see a whole lot of pilots holding hands to they're heads.
"You guys Ok to fly?" He asked, worried.
The four men groaned but nodded.
Ranma noticed something. "Um... Where's Max?"
Ben spoke up. "He didn't show up this morning. I think he's still in his quarters."
Ranma sighed. "O'Hara, you're in flight one today. I'll take your place in two for patrol 2."
Lt. O'Hara nodded.
"Alright. Today we have close patrol. Since I'm pretty sure that almost none of you can fly a straight line at the moment, we won't do training today. Let's go."
Ben and O'Hara trooped out behind Ranma as if they were on a thousand mile forced march.
"Man. I'm glad I don't drink." Ranma muttered, looking at the near zombified state of his squadron.
HR.
Lisa watched a radar display as Wild Horse squadron flew close patrol around the SDF-1. She often entertained herself on long shifts by trying to predict where the planes in patrols were going to go next without looking at the sector patrol list. She was brought out of her contemplation of nothing by Sammy speaking up.
"Commander. We are receiving a signal from... the Zentraedi?" Sammy's voice sounded disbelieving.
"Page Captain Gloval and put it through." Lisa ordered, wondering what was going on.
A man's face appeared on the screen. "I am Commander Bretai of the Zentraedi fleet. I wish to discuss "Piece" negotiations. May I speak to Captain Gloval?"
Lisa's jaw dropped. 'Piece Negotiations? Is he serious?' "Erm... Captain Gloval is on his way to the bridge at the moment. Please wait?"
The Zentraedi nodded.
HR.
Several moments later, Captain Gloval ran onto the bridge to see the face of the Zentraedi on the main screen. "What's going on?" He asked, panting as he had run up here from one of the squadron meeting rooms.
"Greetings Captain." Bretai spoke. "I'm commander Bretai of the Zentraedi. I wish to discuss "Piece" negotiations."
Gloval had generally the same reaction as Lisa but hid it better. "Alright. Having this discussion over a comm channel is rather awkward though. Is it possible for you to come over to the Macross?"
Bretai nodded. "That would be possible... I would have to bring guards of course."
Gloval reluctantly agreed. :"Two guards? And we have a squadron of our own escort you to the ship."
Bretai shrugged. "That is acceptable. I and the Meltraedi Commander Azonia will be coming aboard in an hour. We will be Micronized but our guards will not. They will stay in your launch bay." Bretai's image winked off of the screen.
Gloval stood stunned. He had just worked out the first stage of a piece negotiation with a Zentraedi.. And he had done it through improvisation. The instructors at the officers academy had NEVER seen something like this coming.
HR.
Ranma received orders from the macross not to shoot at the next group of battle pods that was supposed to drop out of fold space. "What the hell?" was his only comment as he relayed the orders to Ben and O'Hara.
About 20 minutes later, three Zentraedi battle pods dropped into normal space. Flying in towards them, Ranma turned his radio on. "This is Captain Saotome of Wild Horse squadron. I've been ordered to escort you to the SDF-1. Me and my squadron will form up around you, me in front and a fighter on either side. Understood?"
A voice came through almost immediately. Ranma vaguely recognized it. "This is Commander Bretai. I understand."
Wild horse swung into position and the six planes flew towards the Macross. As Ranma and Wild Horse landed, Ben and O'Hara spun and covered the three Zentraedi craft. After the green pods had settled to the ground, Ranma ordered his wingmen to cover them as he hopped out of his own machine.
One of the three battle pods knelt down and popped it's hatch, revealing two normal human sized forms. Ranma approached and finally recognized one of the forms. "You're the guy who questioned Me, Lisa and Ben on that battleship." He blurted.
Bretai laughed. "It's good to meet you again Captain Saotome."
Ranma nodded, recovering some of his non-existant tact before speaking again. "Well, Captain Gloval and Commander Hayes are waiting for you in the bridge meeting room. I'll take you there, alright?"
Bretai and the woman standing next to him nodded.
Before the group left the landing bay, the two aliens were asked to relinquish any sidearms they were carrying by a guard at the door, which they reluctantly did.
HR.
As Ranma walked down a hall of the Macross, leading Bretai and Azonia, something that hadn't happened in a long while happened. That is his water magnetism acted up. A Maintenance worker who was cleaning a bulkhead nearby kicked a bucket of dirty wash water and it splashed all over Ranma.
Ranma looked at the two alien leaders, who were looking at her in astonishment.
"So that was the truth." Bretai muttered.
:How?" Azonia sputtered, shocked that this Micronian male could turn into a female. She had seen Wild Horse 1 but had assumed that that part had been one of those "Fictional" events that she had heard about.
"Long story. Stay away from the Bayankala mountain range in China." Ranma said, smiling a bit. "It's a bit weird when you see it for the first time... but it has nothing to do with what you are here for so let's keep going."
Bretai and Azonia nodded, overcoming their astonishment.
As Ranma led the two alien leaders through a portion of the city that was on the way to the lift to the bridge, she had to stop several times to wait for them to speculate on the purpose of this building or that. It was only when she heard something about "Battle Arenas" and "Simulator chambers" that she interrupted.
"Actually, we're just in a housing block at the moment. those are all residential units."
Azonia blinked. "How many people do you have on this ship?"
Ranma thought for a moment, scratching her head. "About twenty thousand, I think." She said, sounding unsure.
"You need that many soldiers?" Bretai asked, inquisitively.
"Oh, they ain't all soldiers. We've got a pretty big Civilian population and Engineering core aboard."
Bretai and Azonia roughly knew what a "Civilian" was, a noncombatant. The term engineer puzzled them though. Finally Bretai spoke up. "What is an... engineer?"
"Someone who fixes ship's systems. My friend Ryoga's a flight deck crew chief. He fixes my Veritech if it gets shot up. Don't know how he does it and I don't much care." Ranma laughed. Looking down at her watch, she cursed, getting a raized eyebrow from the aliens. "I was supposed to have you two up on the bridge three minutes ago. Let's go!"
Bretai and Azonia exchanged glances as they saw Ranma start running. Shrugging, they followed.
HR.
The lift arrived at the bridge and Ranma and the two commanders stepped out. "Sorry sir. They wanted to ask a few questions." Ranma explained, sheepishly.
Captain Gloval nodded. "That's quite alright Captain. Come with me, commander Bretai and?"
He asked, looking at the woman next to Bretai.
"Commander Azonia of the Meltraedi." She responded, nodding.
"Gloval nodded. "You come as well Captain Saotome."
Ranma blinked but complied.
Gloval led the way to a conference room where Lisa was already sitting. Sitting down himself, he gestured for the other three to take seats.
"So, commander Bretai. You mentioned wishing to discuss peace?"
Bretai nodded. "The Zentraedi and Meltraedi fleets have invested far too many resources in the battle against you and the rest of the Micronian forces. We must get protoculture to maintain our ships and you have it. I also understand that many of my people have joined your crew. I do not believe that so many people would desert the Zentraedi military with no good reason."
Azonia also spoke. "My Group leader, Miriya Parina, is a good judge of allies. If she wishes to Ally with you, I have no choice but to at least consider it."
Gloval nodded. "I see. I don't really know what "protoculture" is but if we have it and you need it then I don't see why we can't work something out."
Bretai blinked. "You don't know what it is?" he asked, surprised. "It's the power source of all of your machines. It is what your pilots use in they're mecha. According to the combat record, "Wild Horse 1" some of your people can even use it without any equipment."
Ranma spoke up. "So you do mean Reflex energy and Chi!"
Gloval nodded. "We do have some spare Reflex reactors. As for the Chi, I don't know much about that. It's Captain Saotome's department."
Bretai and Azonia looked over at Ranma who blushed and scratched the back of her head at the serious scrutiny. "Erm, you mean this?" She asked, manifesting a yellow battle aura.
Bretai nodded
"Well, it usually takes a lot of training to get chi control like mine. Captain Fokker of Skull squadron had a big chi reserve to begin with. Some people are just born like that. You Zentraedi seem to have a lot of Chi because you need enough to maintain your larger bodies. I think it'd be easy enough to teach a human sized Zentraedi to use they're Chi, but I couldn't teach just anyone the art."
The Negotiations went on for several more minutes before a strange sound began to emanate from bretai's uniform pocket. Pulling out what looked like a fragment of a comm unit from his pocket, Bretai spoke into it. "Yes?"
A voice came out, sounding worried. The language wasn't Japanese and all of the humans at the table looked blank. Azonia's face went pale.
Bretai sighed. "Thank you Excedor. This is not good news." He then flicked the comm unit off and put it into his pocket.
"What's wrong?" Lisa asked, worried.
"That was my aid aboard my flagship. High Commander Dolza has become impatient with our results. He's bringing the grand fleet to destroy your home world and take this ship by force." Bretai said, grimly.
"What?" Ranma blurted, before being quieted by a gesture from Captain Gloval.
"Can we stop this "Grand Fleet"?" Gloval asked, sounding worried.
"No. It's in fold space now and coming our way rapidly. It should be here in a matter of days." Azonia said, having heard and understood Excedor's speech.
Captain Gloval nodded grimly. "Will you help us fight?"
Bretai and Azonia nodded. "We are allies now. We will help defend you." Bretai said.
"We don't have a chance of winning against the grand fleet... but it will be a good fight." Azonia said, a slight smile on her face.
"Don't count us out just yet." Gloval said. "Us "Micronians" are a stubborn bunch."
"We are going to go back to our flagships and prepare for the coming battle." Bretai said, Azonia nodding in agreement.
"Captain Saotome, please take our guests back to the launch bay." Gloval ordered.
Ranma nodded, got up and said "This way."
As the three exited the room and the door slid shut, Lisa looked over to Captain Gloval. "That went surprizingly well." She commented.
"I know, but I believe I know why it did." The captain said, leaning back in his chair.
"Why is that, sir?" Lisa asked, confused.
"I believe that this 'Dolza' person won't hesitate to destroy Bretai and Azonia's fleets along with us for their failure." Gloval stated, looking worriedly out of one of the room's windows.
Lisa's own expression was equally worried as she joined him.
HR.
The next day or so was a blur. The SDF-1's engineering crews were working frantically to repair any battle damage since the last refit and to enhance the weapons batteries. Someone had had an idea to weld Destroid Missile racks to the outer hull of the ship in order to give it more firepower and the cooperation with the Zentraedi and Meltraedi was paying off as they knew more about the older systems of the Macross. They didn't know how to repair them, only how they worked, but that was enough to repair the close and far range Reflex cannons. The ship was loaded for war.
The pilots were also preparing. Even Blue, Gold and the other second string squadrons were preparing and training.
Ranma and Wild Horse spent more time in the air than on the ground. After the first day, things started to slow down. People were on edge but they couldn't do much about it. The ship was completely ready and if the squadrons did any more practice they wouldn't be ready for the battle.
HR.
As Ranma sat in the Wild Horse briefing room, going crazy with waiting, Max walked in lead by Miriya.
"I'm telling you Miriya. He won't let you."
"I no care, Max. I ask anyways."
Ranma looked up. "What is it?" he asked, snapping by accident. "Erm... sorry. I didn't mean to do that. It's getting a bit tense, you know."
Max and Miriya nodded and then Miriya spoke up. "I want know if I fly in Wild Horse squadron with Max."
Ranma blinked. "You want to what?"
Miriya repeated her proclamation.
"Sure." Ranma said, actually smiling. "From what I saw, you're a good pilot. Max, Familiarize her with a Veritech's controls in the simulators."
Max stood there with his mouth open. "Sir?"
"What?"
"But she can't... I mean she's..."
"She's what?" Ranma interrupted. "She's a Meltraedi, who we made peace with two days ago. She's a girl, which I may remind you that I am half the time. She's married to you? Actually, I think that's a good reason to put her up. You'll cover each other's backs."
Ranma walked out, leaving a sputtering Max and a grinning Miriya. 'I am beginning to like this Commander.' Miriya thought, giggling at Max's expression.
HR.
Ranma walked into the Command staff housing area and up to Lisa's door. Knocking, he held the bunch of flowers that he had in his left hand tighter.
"Hey Ranma." Lisa said, suddenly noticing the flowers. "Oh wow!"
Ranma grinned as he handed Lisa the flowers. "I figured we could go on a date before the big battle."
Lisa grinned. "Really? You made room in your busy schedule?"
Ranma scratched the back of his head. "Actually, Ben kinda grabbed me by the pigtail and threw me out of the briefing room. Still thinking of reprimanding him for that..."
Lisa leaned forward and kissed Ranma on the cheek. "Please don't."
Ranma numbly nodded, before reaching out and taking Lisa's hand. The two left her apartment complex on their way to the white dragon.
HR.
As Ranma and Lisa walked into the Dragon, they saw Rick and Minmei sitting at a table and Max and Miriya at another. The three "Hibiki" brothers were running between tables, apparently having this shift.
Ranma led the way to a table and pulled a chair for Lisa.
"Wow, you're acting gentlemanly tonight." Lisa said, smiling at Ranma.
Ranma laughed. "Would you rather I act normal and accidentally insult you within the first five minutes?"
Lisa's smile turned into a grin. "That would seem to be your normal course of action. Well, let's order our meals."
Ranma's eyes gleamed hungrily. "Sounds good."
"Now that's the Ranma I know." Lisa giggled as she signaled for one of the waiters to come over.
After a while of small talk and eating, Ranma spoke up. "So, what's the captain planning?"
Lisa shrugged. "I don't know. He and Commander Lang have been shut up in his ready room for the last day. He hasn't told me or anyone else what's going on."
Ranma was about to respond when he saw Roy Fokker walking into the dragon, a scowl on his face. Roy walked over and plopped down at their table.
"Erm... Hi Roy." Ranma said, uncertainly.
"Hi kid." Roy replied, unenthusiastically.
"What's wrong, Captain Fokker?" Lisa asked, noting the odd tone.
Roy suddenly erupted. "Commander Lang won't let me back on flight duty. That's what's wrong."
"Well... He said you couldn't fly for the next few months... You didn't seem really upset about it earlier." Ranma said, confused.
"Look kid. How would you feel if Wild Horse was going into an important battle and you had to stay on the ground to repair broken deck plates?"
Ranma nodded. "You're worried about the skull."
"Damn right I am. Rick's a good pilot but not as good as me. What's he gunna do?" Roy had a rarely shown hint of worry in his voice.
"Look Roy. You chose Rick 'cuz he's the best man for the job right?" Ranma asked, reasonably.
Roy nodded.
"So let him do it. He'll be alright. I'm coverin his back with Wild Horse anyways remember?"
Roy blinked. "You're right kid. Just protect my guys alright?"
"Sure thing Roy." Ranma said, smirking. "I'm the best after all."
Roy punched Ranma on the back of the arm. "No kid. Skull and I are the best. you're second place."
Ranma grinned. "Sure, Roy. Sure you are."
The last sentence was followed by a sound of people at the front of the restaurant gasping. Ranma whipped his head around, followed by Roy and Lisa. The image on a hanging TV at the front of the Dragon dropped his heart into his stomach. A HUGE armada of Zentraedi warships were displayed, circling the Earth. As Ranma and the others in the restaurant watched, each of the Zentraedi Battle ships let out a single, large beam that hit the surface of the planet. Explosions could be seen at the impact points of the beams and a huge cloud of smoke boiled up.
"... oh my god." Lisa muttered, her hand over her mouth.
TO BE CONTINUED.