Earth Vs Minbari - Robotech To The Rescue

by TheVampireStrahd

The war between Earth and the Minbari has been going on, Earth is losing the war. A desperate plan is launched to retrieve ships and weapons that Earth had locked away and swore to never use again. Will Robotech save Earth as it had so many times before? The galaxy will never be the same.

14. Chapter 13

Disclaimer: I do not own Babylon 5 or its characters, those belong to Warner Brothers. I do not own Robotech or its characters, those belong to Harmony Gold. I do not own Macross or its characters, those belong to Big West and Studio Nue.

Chapter 13

Earth

The Robotech Factory

It was in the afternoon when the military leadership had gathered after the President, her staff and Cabinet had returned back to Geneva with the Sentinels' Foreign Minister. The telepath Alfred Bester had also returned to Geneva having completed his task.

Waiting at the hangar bay was a Lieutenant. She was young with long wavy black hair pulled into a regulation pony tail, she was fairly tall, almost six feet with green eyes. She was waiting for two people to arrive, both of them Admirals. She heard over the PA that a shuttle and a Veritech were coming in for landing.

Sure enough, she saw a SC-32 Transport shuttle coming in for landing followed by a famous red painted Alpha Veritech. The shuttle landed on a different platform from the Veritech but the people she was waiting for would take the same path to reach her.

Within a couple minutes later two women, both of them with Admiral's insignia approached the young Lieutenant.

The Lieutenant saluted and introduced herself. "Admiral Sterling, Admiral Parino, welcome to the Robotech Factory. I am Lieutenant Rose Hebert and I'm here to escort you to the meeting with General Lefcourt."

Both women returned the Lieutenant's salute. Admiral Parino gestured, "Lead on Lieutenant."

The young woman said, "Right. This way Admirals." She led the two to a waiting vehicle and they all boarded it and it was soon on the way to their destination.

As they traveled to the destination the two Admirals began to talk. Lieutenant Hebert performed her duty as all Lieutenants did when two high ranking officers talked with each other, staying absolutely quiet.

Admiral Parino looked at Miriya and said, "You bring my goddaughter home?"

Miriya nodded while saying, "Yes."

Komira asked, "Any problems?"

Miriya snorted, "A few. For one thing some scientist tried to get them to stay. Then the Minbari showed up."

Komira looked surprised. "You're kidding! What happened?"

Miriya replied, "Well, that idiot decided to stay behind and got himself killed. We saved the rest, Skull and Lightning squadrons destroyed the Minbari fighters as well as giving that Minbari warship a double serving of over four hundred missiles. Then the Agamemnon destroyed the Minbari ship. Overall a very successful test mission for both the warship crew and the pilots. I'm going to be recommending to General Lefcourt that Skull and Lightning squadron are ready for combat operations in their Alphas and suggest they start training on some of these other Veritechs from the Haydonite war."

Komira asked, "So, Captain Richards and the crew of the Agamemnon performed well enough then? You think they're ready?"

"Well, you are responsible for the warship crews, but I think so. They did destroy the Minbari warship without trouble. Although…."

Komira asked, "Although what?"

Miriya replied, "Their armor was tough, it resisted our initial shots from our heavy particle beam cannons. We'll have to look at footage of the battle and study it some more. But, in the end, we won and they lost."

Komira hummed in thought. Then the vehicle came to a stop and they had arrived at their destination. Lieutenant Hebert said, "We're here. They are all inside waiting."

The two Admirals exited the vehicle and walked to the door of the conference room. Komira said, "Thank you Lieutenant."

Lieutenant Hebert saluted, "Ma'am!"

Komira and Miriya entered the conference room. Waiting for them were Generals Lefcourt and Fontaine as well Grand Admiral Kazianna Hesh and a couple Sentinels Alliance officers. Also in the room were Captain John Sheridan, Kania Jiina, and Thar. The three Captains saluted at the two women's entrance as General Lefcourt said, "Welcome Admirals." He gestured to Grand Admiral Hesh and the two Sentinels with her, a tall Praxian blonde woman and a very tall and big Karbarran with dark brown fur.

"Admiral Sterling, Admiral Parino, I'm sure you remember Kazianna Hesh, she is the Grand Admiral of the Sentinels Alliance and the military leader of their expedition here in the Milky Way galaxy. With her are her Flag Captain Selene, and Captain Almer, the Commanding Officer of her flagship respectively."

The two Zentraedi women greeted Kazianna. Miriya nodded her head in approval. "Grand Admiral eh? Well done."

Kazianna chirped, "Well, there was this vacancy see and next thing I know they're pinning these stars on my uniform."

The Praxian woman Selene chuckled. "She tells a new version of how she was promoted every time."

"Well, which one of those ships out there is your flagship?", Komira asked.

With a grin Kazianna said, "None of those, I hitched a ride aboard the Factory." She reached into her uniform jacket pocket and pulled out a crystal. With a press, a full color hologram appeared above the crystal and everyone saw a ship out of pop culture appear. A Super Star Destroyer.

"This is my flagship, the Freedom. They built her twenty five years ago and she's still the most powerful warship in the fleet as well as the sector of the galaxy we make our home in and before you ask, she has none of the Star Wars technology but the designers and builders did fix the design's flaws. Try coming at her at those angles you believe she's weak at just because of the movies and the Freedom will eat you for breakfast, lunch and dinner."

Generals Fontaine and Lefcourt as well as Captains Thar and Kania admired the image while Miriya chuckled and Komira looked closer at the hologram. The Captains, having seen the ship and John Sheridan actually having taken a tour remained sitting.

General Lefcourt commented, "Captain Sheridan did get to go aboard your ship as well as our Secretary of State and a couple others. He told me it's a fine ship Grand Admiral."

With a smile Kazianna said, "She is indeed a fine ship."

Komira chirped, "Captain Sheridan, you will have to tell me everything you saw. I'm a very big Star Wars fan and I'm so jealous of you." She looked at Kazianna and said, "I'm jealous of you too! A Grand Admiral commanding a Star Destroyer!"

General Lefcourt gestured to a table that had drinks and snacks atop it. "There is some food and drink if you're hungry."

The two Admirals helped themselves to coffee and some small sandwiches and sat down at the table to the assembled group.

General Lefcourt said, "So, how did the mission go Admiral Sterling?"

"It was successful. We rescued almost everyone, one of the scientists refused to evacuate and so we left him there. The Minbari showed up shortly after our arrival. The Agamemnon engaged the warship, the Veritechs engaged their fighters but sadly one of the Minbari fighters hit the camp site after we evacuated, killing the one scientist who stayed behind. Overall sir, we did destroy all their fighters and the Agamemnon destroyed the Minbari warship."

She took a drink of her coffee then added, "However, Captain Richards and I did notice that our heavy particle beam cannons needed multiple hits to breach their armor and hull. The Minbari armor seems to be resistant to particle beam fire. We may need to look at the battle record footage and possibly incorporate some of our current weapons into new Robotech warship and mecha construction."

General Lefcourt gestured for her to continue. "Go on, Admiral."

Miriya looked at Komira who was smiling at her friend and clone. With a clearing of her throat Miriya said, "At the battle of Sestun with my Veritechs providing targeting data our warships were able to hit the Minbari. Our ships in the battle were able to hit the Minbari and did severe damage and we're able to destroy them. The problem's been that our scanning tech just couldn't beat their stealth and electronic countermeasures. Our plasma weapons from the Olympus corvettes, Hyperion cruisers and the Nova dreadnoughts seem to be more effective." She held up her hand and added, "Don't get me wrong, I believe our ships can and will do the job as is. We will be firing at a far faster firing rate and the weight of fire will overpower them. That's not even taking our missile fire into account. Then there's the fact that no one, absolutely no one has seen a Reflex cannon or Synchro cannon fire. That will be a massive game changer."

Generals Lefcourt and Fontaine nodded their heads. Kazianna and the others were silent. The Captains were quiet but took in Miriya's words seriously.

General Lefcourt announced, "First off Admiral Sterling, I wanted you to hear this from me as I spoke to the President and to Defense Secretary Sterling and the decision's been made...we'll be putting your newly designed Queadlunn-Rhea into production immediately."

Miriya nodded and smiled in satisfaction.

Komira gave a cheer. "Yes! You did it Miriya!" She reached over and grabbed Miriya's shoulder and shook her friend. She looked at General Lefcourt, asking, "How soon will it be before we can fly?"

General Lefcourt answered, "The first prototypes will come off the line later today. Admiral Sterling, do you want to take it for a test flight?"

With a feral smile Miriya replied, "Oh yes, most definitely."

Nodding his head General Lefcourt said, "Then you'll get your chance to fly it later on. But, the reason for this meeting is today President Levy has given me a directive. We have to begin offensive operations against the Minbari in four weeks. Admiral Parino, you'll need to get people trained and ready to within that amount of time. Admiral Sterling, you have a heck of a task, to get our pilots ready to fly and fight in Veritechs and get your new command up and running."

Komira glanced at Miriya. "Miriya?"

General Lefcourt chuckled, "Admiral Sterling has received her new posting. When offensive operations begin she will be commanding a new task group and she's been given the SDF-3 as her flagship."

Komira and Kazianna both said, "Congratulations."

The three Captains also extended their congratulations to the living legend.

Miriya said, "Thank you. So, that means I need to put together a command team. Well, I shall deal with that later. General, how big of a fleet am I going to be commanding?"

General Fontaine chimed in, "Well that is the big question, it depends on how many people we have trained up and ready to operate. We know what we want to be able to send out there, it's just a matter of making sure we have enough of those people trained up and ready."

Komira looked at the people in the room. "Which of course falls on the teams Miriya and I have put together and ourselves."

General Lefcourt said, "Correct."

Miriya looked at Kazianna and asked, "Well, how many of the people you brought with you have experience with Robotech mecha and warship operations?"

Selene, the Praxian Flag Captain answered the question. "Forty percent of our personnel have such knowledge. The others have a basic knowledge due to the fact we still train our military personnel on Zentraedi warships and mecha as part of their training. It is mainly to show them where we came from. But I anticipate that it won't take us very long to be ready and we'll make the deadline to begin operations on time."

Kazianna spoke now. She pointed out towards the door. "This place has plenty of simulators, we can bring my people aboard and Admiral Parino and Sterling, you can bring your people here too. This would be a lot easier for us all to combine and work together so that when we begin our offensive we will be more cohesive and united."

General Lefcourt coughed lightly and said, "Excuse me. With regards to training resources we do have the advantage of another resource that all of you will be having access to." He paused then said, "Admiral, please join us."

A holographic projector activated and a hologram appeared. Miriya, Komira, and Kazianna's eyes widened in shock and their faces were fixed with surprised and shocked expressions as they saw the hologram of Admiral Rick Hunter wearing the uniform the Robotech Expeditionary Force appear in the center of the room.

The hologram looked at Miriya and said, "Hello Miriya." He turned his head to look at Kazianna and said, "Kazianna, you're looking well. How's your son?" Then he turned again to look at Komira and smirked, "And you, Komira...it's so nice to see you and that you finally made Admiral."

The three Zentraedi women were gobsmacked. Miriya was the first to recover. Looking at General Lefcourt first then at the hologram of Rick she said, "What...what is going on here? Is this…" She paused, narrowing her eyes at the hologram. "Rick? How?!"

Rick smiled, "It's really me. After we locked everything down the civilian leadership and other military leaders decided that there needed to be someone to help you all out with learning how to wage war with Robotech ships and mecha." He chuckled, "Granted, they thought that this day might come about three to five hundred years later. So, we all drew straws, I drew the short one and so my memories and everything I knew was uploaded to this AI matrix and here I am."

The three Zentraedi women were still stunned. Miriya reached out and poked Rick and she noticed and felt the resistance as she touched the hologram.

Rick said, "Hard light hologram technology."

Miriya blinked in amazement. Tears were at the corner of her eyes. "It's really you…", she whispered. She wrapped her arms around the hologram and choked out, "It's so good to see you again Rick."

The hologram blinked in surprise then wrapped his own arms around the legendary Zentraedi woman. "It's wonderful to see you again as well Miriya."

The hug lasted for about thirty seconds before Miriya pulled away, tears falling from her face. She blinked them away and turned her head away to use her sleeve to sweep across her eyes.

Komira stepped up and gave the hologram a punch in the arm. "You! I can't believe this!" Then she grabbed Rick and pulled him in for a hug. When she grabbed him, Rick let out a yelp and a couple of seconds later he wrapped his arms around Komira too.

Komira pulled away to look at the Admiral. "Welcome back sir." She saluted with a rakish grin on her face.

Rick turned to look at Kazianna and Kazianna opened her own arms for a hug. Her own eyes blinking back tears. "Got a hug for an old friend?"

"Of course.", Rick said.

The two embraced for several seconds. Kazianna said in a low voice, "I have missed you, old friend."

"Me too."

The embrace broken Kazianna held up her hand. "I...I need a moment." She took a breath and reached out and took Rick's hands. She squeezed them, getting the haptic feedback of the hard light technology. "I can't believe it. It's you."

Rick smiled, "It's me." He chuckled, "Well, it's me from more than a hundred years ago."

The three women laughed. Miriya looked at her sister Zentraedi and said, "Well, as much as I want to have a longer reunion this isn't the time. What are you capable of offering us Rick?"

Rick nodded and walked to the table and sits down in an empty chair. "Pretty much anything. I'm fully integrated into the Robotech Factory. I can operate any of the warships and mecha aboard remotely if necessary. Need me to hack something for you, I could do that too. Additionally, I've been working as the opposition force commander in all simulated battle engagements since Captain Sheridan and his team boarded the Factory to bring it online to bring it back here." Rick looked around the room. "Whatever you need, I can do."

Miriya asked, "Are you limited to just using holographic projectors to interact with us?"

Rick grinned, "Actually, I do have access to the same upgraded android chassis that Doctor Lang upgraded Janice to before she returned to Earth."

Captain Sheridan looked surprised at Rick. "You have a physical body? You didn't say anything about that."

Rick replied, "You never asked."

General Lefcourt asked, "You have access to a physical body that you can upload to? Would this impact Factory operations since you're integrated into the Factory?"

Rick shook his head and said, "Yes, I do have access to an upgraded chassis. Would it effect operations, no. I am capable of multitasking and operating in multiple places at the same time. I could be on Earth or another planet entirely and still function at full capacity here on the Factory."

Rick looked to General Lefcourt asking, "Have you decided on what warships you want to build next?"

General Lefcourt replied, "That's still being discussed. What we have right now is just about enough to cover what EarthForce Navy currently has. We had over fifty thousand ships in our entire fleet and the Minbari have wiped out a little less than half. So, yes we need to rebuild the Navy but as to what we're going to build that is currently still in discussion."

Captain Thar asked, "A few Macross Cannons, like ten thousand?"

There were some chuckles and General Lefcourt replied, "While I have no doubt that more of them are going to be built, I highly doubt we'll be building ten thousand of them but to be honest, I do expect any new construction will include a sizable number of these Macross class warships that were built in the Haydonite war."

Rick said, "They are pretty good ships, more than a match against the Minbari, the stealth technologies managed to give the Haydonites some trouble and they have been integrated into the ships docked with the Factory and those that you had arranged to Fold back here already so I think the Minbari will have a tough time as well."

General Lefcourt said, "Well, as more people become trained we will move them to the ships aboard the Factory and get them out there in actual warship operations before we start our offensive. We have a lot to do and a deadline to meet. Let's have some crews man and train aboard some of these Macross ships, not the Macross Cannon, not right away but let's look at this Macross Quarter class of ships along with the Macross Class warships among others."

Then Kazianna looked at General Lefcourt and asked, "Was my proposed list of ships for my forces accepted or do we need to discuss changes?"

Shaking his head in response the General responded, "There are no issues with your proposed list of ships. The President and I have agreed to your list."

Kazianna nodded and said, "Excellent."

The meeting progressed into discussions over planning the transfer of personnel from the moon base facility to the Factory as well as moving the Sentinels personnel from their ships that they had come aboard to the Factory so that the ships could be used as raw materials for new construction. The talk of new construction was going to be a topic that the leadership had with Defense Secretary Sterling in the coming days, with the exception being the new Queadlunn-Rhea going into production as soon as prototype trials were complete.

After the meeting, everyone left the room to head down and see the newly produced Queadlunn-Rhea prototypes that had just come off the production line. Admiral Hunter disappeared in a flash of light as he moved to other tasks. He would most likely be uploading himself to the upgraded android chassis within the day or possibly in the next couple of days.

Awaiting the group was Doctor Lang who greeted everyone and gave a sweeping gesture to the newly produced powered armor mecha. Next to him was a table that had a folded flight suit atop it, along with a Quadrano flight helmet.

Doctor Lang greeted, "Welcome, allow me to present the prototype Queadlunn-Rhea mecha as it has been designed by Admiral Miriya Parina Sterling."

The group admired the mecha from a short distance and there was applause as they heard the announcement that Admiral Sterling had designed the mecha.

Doctor Lang looked at Miriya and asked, "Would you like to give the presentation Admiral?"

Stepping forward she said, "Thank you Doctor." She stood next to the mecha, giving it a once over herself and nodding in satisfaction. "Everyone, this is the Queadlunn-Rhea, a full redesign and upgrade of the original Queadlunn-Rau."

She began pointing out the mecha's features. "For one, there is no need for use of sizing chambers." She opened the armor and everyone could see that a human sized pilot fit in the mecha. "A pilot of Human, Zentraedi, Tirolian, or Invid ancestry can fit within. Additionally, it is not restricted to females as male pilots can pilot the mecha as well. Furthermore General, if you're thinking about licensing the design, it could be adapted to fit some of the Sentinels races.

General Lefcourt nodded and took note of that along with General Fontaine.

Miriya pointed out the weapon systems to everyone. "Four missile pod launchers, one mounted near each engine mount and the others on each leg near the knees."

She pointed out the primary weapons starting with, "Two thirty millimeter high speed rotating tri-barrel laser pulse guns that are mounted on each arm. You can see the barrels near the hands." She pointed them out to everyone. Then she pointed out the two cannons mounted in the front torso and continued, "Then there's these two fifty five millimeter medium impact cannons and finally, behind the left engine on a pivoting mount is a seventy six millimeter anti ship impact cannon. The cannon is based on the old Nousjadeul-Ger cannon but it is an upgraded design and fires a large plasma beam."

Standing next to the mecha she gave a wave of her hand from the bottom to the top gesture and said, "This mecha features a barrier system that will protect the mecha from enemy fire for a short time. As well as stealth features that were developed at the height of the war with the Haydonites. Furthermore, improvements on Robotech alloys give better protection to the pilot within."

Doctor Lang pointed at the flight suit and helm that was arranged on the table near him. "This suit is sized for you Admiral, would you like to take her for a test flight?"

Walking to the table and taking the flight suit Miriya smiled, "Most certainly. I'll be right back."

Everyone else took turns getting a very close look at the newly redesigned mecha until Miriya walked back out wearing a new Quadrano flight suit that was very skin tight and hugged her figure while holding her helmet under her arm. She walked up to everyone and said, "Well, let's get this test fight started shall we?"

Komira said, "I'm so jealous of you right now. Don't beat it up too badly, I want to take a turn."

With a scoff Miriya said, "No promises." She put on her helmet and secured it then said, "Everyone get clear please."

Doctor Lang echoed Miriya's request. "Everyone stand clear of the mecha!"

Everyone moved away and stood near the Doctor. The group watched as Miriya climbed into the mecha and they see her floating within the mecha as it closes up.

The Doctor led them to a room nearby which was a monitoring station that was used for monitoring field tests and flight tests for all mecha and ships. There were a couple of people already sitting at terminals and there were many displays showing different things. A couple were displays of what the pilot, Miriya was seeing.

Taking a headset and placing it on his head Doctor Lang spoke, "This is Doctor Lang, do you read me?"

Miriya's response was heard on the speakers. "I read you Doctor, all systems are green."

Doctor Lang nodded and people were echoing Miriya's comments that all systems looked good.

Doctor Lang said, "We copy that, everything looks good on our end. Go ahead and begin movement tests please."

Miriya put the mecha through initial movement tests, moving her, hands, arms, legs and feet to get a feel for the mecha's handling. The data was coming in to the monitoring station and while it looked boring there was a sense of excitement in the room as this was the first new mecha that had been built within the Robotech Factory.

Once the initial tests were done Miriya proceeded to walking, then running without using the mecha's engines yet. Once satisfied she was given the approval to activate the mecha's engines and that's when the testing went into its next stage.

Miriya excitedly said, "She handles even better than I expected! Look!" She put the mecha through a power dive and came to a stop on a dime then took off again, moving to the sides and up and stopping again to a hover. It was clear by her yells and whoops that she was enjoying herself.

Technicians were watching the data streams looking to see if anything was wrong but so far everything was performing better than expected. It was pointed out by a young Lieutenant that Miriya's heart rate and respiration were completely normal despite her putting the mecha through some intense maneuvering tests.

Then it came time for the weapon tests. Miriya put each of the weapon systems through tests on stationary targets that had been set up where the monitoring station recorded all the data. Doctor Lang nodded his head in satisfaction. The weapons were put back into safe mode per Doctor Lang's instruction.

Miriya asked, "Request permission to take her for a walk."

There were chuckles and chortles in the room. With a grin of his own Doctor Lang replied, "Granted."

Miriya took the mecha out of the large testing range that she was flying in and zoomed out of the Factory itself, streaking through and between the orbital pods that made up the Robotech Factory before streaking straight up for several thousand meters then streaking towards the moon.

Looking at General Lefcourt he said, "General, with your permission I'm going to surprise Admiral Sterling with a combat test."

General Lefcourt nodded and said, "Proceed Doctor."

Turning back to his coworkers he gave an order. "Activate the Ghosts, send in two of them."

"Yes Doctor Lang."

Two QF-4000 Ghost Fighters were launched out of the Robotech Factory and began pursuing the advanced mecha. It was commented by a technician that the stealth features of the Queadlunn-Rhea made it difficult to be tracked. It was because of these tests that the prototype mecha was on displays and sensor screens. Further tests would be needed to be done but Doctor Lang informed everyone in the room that there was room for improvement on the Queadlunn-Rhea's stealth systems.

Suddenly Miriya exclaimed, "Oh, you sneaky devil Doctor. Nice try sending some Ghosts after me but I've got them on my scanners."

Doctor Lang chuckled, "Weapons are still on safe mode Admiral. This is a simple test, if they achieve weapons lock on to you, you're dead. You manage to lock on to the Ghosts, you win. Good luck and remember as a wise man once said there are zero points for second place."

Everyone watched as Miriya put her Queadlunn-Rhea through some punishing maneuvers to achieve weapon locks against the unmanned drone fighters. The drones were able to pull off maneuvers that would have killed a biological pilot which allowed the drones to stave off being immediately 'shot down'. But in the end, Miriya proved her superiority and locked on to the two unmanned drone fighters and was declared the winner.

Captain Sheridan shook his head in awe and amazement as the dogfight was so fast that he commented, "Absolutely incredible flying."

With the simulated combat over Miriya was ordered to bring the Queadlunn-Rhea in. She replied with her voice sounding very reluctant. "But dad, I'm having so much fun right now.", Miriya said.

Doctor Lang chuckled and there was some laughter from others in the room. "Fun time is over Miriya, time to go back to work."

"Roger that, I'm on my way."

Miriya brought her Queadlunn-Rhea in and landed it softly on the floor of the hangar. Waiting for her was the entire group of people that had watched the whole demonstration. As she opened up the powered armor so she could exit everyone started clapping.

Miriya climbed out of the mecha and took off her helmet. She exclaimed, "Doctor, I have some notes to give you so that we can make some improvements but I want us to get these into production as soon as possible! I'm claiming a couple squadrons of these for my flagship!" On her right leg she had a small notepad strapped to the top of her thigh. Reaching down she removed the notepad and held it up. "I will compile my notes into a proper report and you can add that to the testing data from today's tests. I'm sure we can make this new Queadlunn-Rhea even more deadly."

Nodding his head Doctor Lang responded, "Excellent. I look forward to reading it."

General Lefcourt said, "That was some impressive flying Admiral. I was extremely impressed with your test flight as you really put this mecha through a very punishing test. How are you feeling?"

With that trademark calm of hers Miriya simply replied, "I'm fine. The improvements to the pilot area were extraordinary. The inertial system designed for the VF-27 was a very big upgrade to the mecha. Pilot reaction times will certainly be faster when piloting this unit."

Komira was there she placed a hand on Miriya's shoulder and looked concerned. "You sure you're alright?"

Miriya nodded, "I'm fine, really." She looked at Komira then grinned and said, "I know what this is, you want to fly her."

Komira admitted, "Of course I do! That was amazing! It brought back so many memories! But I just want to make sure you're alright."

Miriya said, "I'm fine. But, I better get out of this suit and back into my uniform so I can start typing up my report then get things moving to move my pilots from the moon to here on the Factory."

She faced General Lefcourt and said, "I'll send you a copy of my report sir, but I have to get going."

Nodding his head the General saluted and said, "I'm looking forward to reading it."

Miriya left and after she was gone Grand Admiral Kazianna Hesh looked at General Lefcourt and said, "I will be submitting a request to have a few thousand of these for my mecha forces."

"Liked what you saw Grand Admiral?", Komira asked with a smile.

Kazianna simply grinned and replied, "Yes."

Komira sighed as she looked longingly at the powered armor mecha then turned to Doctor Lang. "You need another test flight, call me." She began to walk away as she had work to do.

With a tiny smile of his own Doctor Lang said, "Well, after we backup all the data and give the mecha a once over we are going to do another test flight. Should be about forty minutes before we're ready;"

Komira turned around and walked back. "Forty minutes you say?"

With a nod of his head Doctor Lang answered, "Maybe thirty minutes but no longer than forty minutes. I'll need to see to it that a flight suit is made for you."

Knowing exactly what he would need Komira walked to Doctor Lang and took the tablet computer that he was holding onto. She quickly typed in something on the tablet and saved it.

Smiling, Komira said, "There you go. I need to make some calls, I'll be back in thirty minutes."

The Admiral walked away to go contact her people on the moo and start arranging to bring them up to the Factory as well.

General Lefcourt and the rest of the group left as well to return to duties. A team of technicians were going over the Queadlunn-Rhea while another team was backing up the data inside the monitoring station and soon another team of people would be pouring over the test flight data that had been gathered.

Miriya had emerged from the locker area she used to change into the flight suit and saw Captain Sheridan leaving the area. She called out to him, "Captain Sheridan, a moment please."

She walked over to catch up to him as he had stopped a turned to face her. He gave a quick salute. "Yes ma'am?", he asked.

"Walk with me Captain.", she said.

The two walked down the hall in silence and upon finding an office door she opened it and led John into the office. The room was empty, there was a desk and computer along with the standard office chairs. She sat in one of the chairs in front of the desk and gestured for John to sit next to her.

Miriya said, "Please have a seat."

John sat down and Miriya began, "The reason I wanted to speak to you is that as you heard I'm going to be given the SDF-3 as my flagship. That means I'll need a Captain to command her. Now, I want to know if you're interested in being Captain of the SDF-3."

John blinked in surprise. Quickly gaining his composure he answered with stammer at first, "Y-ye-yes! Yes ma'am! I am interested."

With a chuckle Miriya said, "You've accomplished a great deal in a short time Captain. First, your swift action after your Captain fell during the battle with the Black Star. With your quick thinking resulting in its destruction, that is what earned you those Captain's bars and got you the command of the Achilles so you could retrieve the Factory. Now, you brought back the Robotech Factory with everything we needed and as luck would have it, you are the commanding officer in command of this expedition that brought back our Sentinels allies."

"You're going to be in line for a prime command, at least an Eisenhower class or perhaps one of the Macross Class Battle Fortresses. You've garnered my attention Captain and since I need a Captain and you've expressed interest, you're now on my short list."

John nodded and said, "I'm honored ma'am."

Miriya smiled. "It's not guaranteed, I do have to look at some other individuals and no doubt you and I will have a more formal interview down the line. But, you can be assured that your career is on the rise and you'll find yourself in command of a new warship soon. It is even quite possible that you will receive that new command before I can do anything. You're on a fast track now Captain Sheridan."

John nodded his head and said, "I see. Well, I look forward to meeting with you in the future to discuss this opportunity."

Miriya replied, "As do I. Well, I shall let yo return to your duties. This Factory is about to become very busy."

The two stood up and John saluted Miriya who returned the salute and having been dismissed, John and Miriya walked out of the office and both went opposite ways.

Miriya ended up in the office taken by Commander Robert Wolfe, the man who had been the Achilles CAG and was now by default the CAG for the Robotech Factory. The dark haired man was surprised to see her walk into his office and he quickly stood at attention.

She smiled and said, "At ease, Commander."

Commander Wolfe sat back down inquiring, "What can I do for you Admiral?"

She replied, "I hate to do this but I need to borrow your office for a little while. I have some calls to make. The Factory is about to become a little more crowded Commander. I'm bringing my team and the pilots being trained from the moon to the Factory. Furthermore, we're going to be getting all the Starfury pilots we can get now that the Factory is here."

Robert took note of that and nodded his head. "I see. So we're about to be very busy."

Nodding her head in agreement, Miriya responded, "Extremely. General Lefcourt wants and by that I mean the President wants us to go on the offensive in four weeks. So, if you thought it was busy now, you and your pilots haven't seen anything yet."

The CAG's eyes widened. "Four weeks!" He paused to collect himself. "That's seriously ambitious."

Miriya nodded saying, "It certainly is. How ready are the pilots you've been working with?"

Robert gave a sigh. "Well to be honest I think they're alright but you would be a better judge. My pilots from the Achilles are further ahead than the pilots from the Aegis and Daedalus as we were working on the simulators aboard the Achilles since we first came aboard."

Taking a drink of coffee he added, "But, all of them every single pilot is flying a Veritech. We've flown Alphas, Betas, even taken VF-25's, VF-27's, among others on flight tests. We've even flown the VF-2SS Veritechs ma'am and let me tell you that I'm hard pressed to choose between the VF-25 and the VF-2SS. Both are beautiful machines to fly."

Miriya was silent then she asked, "You said you've all had flight time, how is everyone with operating them in Guardian or Battloid modes?"

Robert replied, "Again, some are better than others. We all have the basics and I have all the pilots either in a simulator working on what they need to work on or they're up in the air flying and training."

Miriya looked out the window of his office which had a view of the large hangar where there were Veritechs of different models parked. She turned to look at him again and said, "Well, looks like I have a lot of work to do. I will evaluate all of your pilots today. Get them all on the flight line ready to fly the Alphas to start and that includes you so I can see where all of you are at."

She picked up his phone and held the handset while looking at him and added, "Depending on where your people are at you can join Viking, Gray Wolves and the Grim Reapers in their final checks before being declared ready. Now, I have some calls to make Commander and you need to get ready to fly. See you on the flight line in thirty minutes."

Standing up and saluting Commander Robert Wolfe said, "Yes ma'am."

Miriya returned the salute as her call was connected to the Factory's communications officer. "This is Admiral Sterling, connect me to my office on Area 44."

Lisa, the communication officer replied, "Right away ma'am."

She was quickly connected and the computer monitor in the room displayed her aide. "Admiral Sterling, how can I help?", he said.

Glancing at the clock she said, "Connect me with Captain Virion please and stay on the line."

The screen quickly split and a male Zentraedi with purple skin, dark blue hair and bright blue eyes appeared. This was Virion, one of her assistants that was helping her train pilots in flying Veritechs.

Miriya was quick to issue orders. "With the return of the Factory we now have access to many Veritechs and we no longer need to worry about running out of Protoculture with the few Veritechs we have on the moon base. With that being said, it's time to pack up everything and get everyone transferred to the Factory."

Virion nodded his head while her aide said, "Yes, ma'am."

Miriya continued, "So, work with Commander Azariah and Lieutentant Irvine, my aide in getting all our people moved over to the Factory along with the Veritechs we have. Don't worry about the simulators, we have a whole lot of them here for us to use and we're going to be getting more Starfury pilots to start training to fly Veritechs in the coming days. In fact…Captain Virion, have the pilots that are ready fly suit up and fly those Veritechs here, those not ready will take the shuttles with the flight crews. Let's move."

They replied with crisp "Yes, ma'am." and the communication closed.

Still connected with the Factory's communication officer, Miriya asked, "Lieutenant could you please connect me with Captain Sheridan?"

Lieutenant Lisa Livsey replied, "Right away ma'am."

Seconds later Captain John Sheridan greeted her on the monitor display. "Yes Admiral?"

Miriya smiled and said, "As you know it seems I'll be staying aboard the Factory now and my pilots that I'm training will be transferring to the Factory. We're going to need quarters assigned for them as well as for myself. Additionally, I will need an office. I'm borrowing your CAG's office right now."

John nodded and said, "Yes ma'am, I'll have my XO Delinda take point on that and she'll be in contact with you soon."

Miriya responded, "Thank you Captain. It's going to be very busy for you and your people as technically you are the Commanding Officer of this Robotech Factory."

John nodded, "I'm quickly coming to that realization ma'am. Lots of administrative duties just appeared on my to do list in the last hour."

Miriya chuckled, "Let me guess, Admiral Parino beat my request to you by contacting you for her people already."

"Yes ma'am, she called about ten minutes ago. I have shuttles already moving to pick up her trainees.", John replied as he nodded his head in confirmation. Then he added, "Grand Admiral Hesh just contacted me about the same thing for all her people as well. It's going to be a very busy time for me."

Miriya sighed. "Well it seems we all have a lot to do and a not enough time to do it in. Have Lieutenant Commander Lamiz contact my aide Lieutenant Irvine with regards to everything."

"Will do ma'am."

Miriya disconnected the call then walked out of the office. She had another evaluation to do.

---

There was a flurry of activity aboard the Robotech Factory the for the rest of the day. Shuttles from the Robotech Factory left to fly to the base on the dark side of the moon to start transferring EarthForce personnel from the base to the Robotech Factory.

The first group of people brought over were those assigned to learn about Robotech warship operations since Komira had contacted Captain Sheridan to get her people moved over first.

While this was going on Komira got to take the Queadlunn-Rhea prototype on a test flight of her own. She enjoyed herself putting the prototype mecha through its paces.

When she was done she exclaimed, "Well I have to hand it to Miriya, she really took the Queadlunn-Rau and tuned it up to one hundred on a scale of one to ten. I'll turn in my notes later Doctor Lang but I have to get going as they are bringing my personnel from the moon to the Factory."

Doctor Lang took it in stride and said, "I look forward to your report and I'm sure we'll see each other more frequently now."

Komira chuckled, "Right. See you Doc!", she waved a hand in farewell as she walked away to change out of her flight suit and back into her uniform and start making sure all her people had arrived yet and to make sure that everything was set.

While Komira was having her test flight, Miriya was watching the pilots of the Aegis, Achilles, and the Daedalus pilot their Veritechs through a series of maneuvers and combat tests outside the Robotech Factory. She directed them to the testing range that was on the moon and she watched them go through the same tests that she had been putting the first squadrons through.

When it was over she assembled them all and said, "Well done all of you. Some of you did better than others, but for the most part I see no major reason to hold you back. But, make no mistake you have a lot to do before you are considered ready for combat operations. Tomorrow you will be working with my assistants Captain Virion and Commander Azariah on and off through the day while I tend to the squadrons that just moved over as well as the newest batch of new arrivals that I know will be arriving tomorrow morning. We are on a race against the clock to begin offensive operations against the Minbari so you need to be ready. Dismissed."

With the pilots from the Achilles, Aegis and Daedalus dismissed, Miriya left to start working on getting her personnel from the moon moved in and settled as well as get her own personal quarters.

She was in the process of making sure everything was being done and taken care of while moving into a new office for herself when her aide reported she had an incoming call.

Miriya tapped her new computer and the display showed General Lefcourt.

"General, I wasn't aware we had another meeting today.", Miriya said. She was sure that there was no other meetings she thought to herself.

The general smiled and said, "We don't. I just wanted to let you know that you've been invited to the State dinner tonight Admiral. The President expects to see you there."

Miriya blinked. She did not have time for this! "Sir, I have too much to do-"

General Lefcourt cut her off. "Sorry Admiral, you've been summoned by the President directly. You need to be on the shuttle by nineteen hundred hours. Not one second later."

Miriya saluted, "Yes sir."

The call disconnected and she called her aide Lieutenant Irvine. "Find my dress uniform and get it ready for me. I have to go to the state dinner tonight and I need to be on the shuttle by nineteen hundred."

The Lieutenant nodded his head and said, "I'll get it done ma'am."

The call disconnected and Miriya growled out, "I do not have time for this shit." She stopped working on her office and left to see how her personnel from the moon base were doing in getting moved to new quarters and make sure that they had brought everything.

As Miriya was moving through the Factory she saw Komira who seemed to be peeved. Komira pointed at Miriya and asked, "You get the summons for the State dinner?"

Miriya paused her transport vehicle. "Yes, you got the summons?"

Komira waved her arms up and down in exasperation. "Yes, but I haven't done anything! You've killed Minbari by the scores, gone on two combat operations with the Veritechs and the Agamemnon! I don't have time for this!"

Miriya gave Komira a flat look. "Are you saying I have the time?"

Komira growled, "Yes! You've got more time than I do, after all piloting a Veritech's easy, warship operations is a lot more complicated."

Miriya arched an eyebrow. "You and I are going to have a chat later and by chat I mean I'm going to kick your ass."

Komira snarked, "Bring it old lady! Just say when and where!"

The two Zentraedi stared at each other for a brief amount of time, neither woman blinking. Then Miriya's transport vehicle beeped as it had been summoned by someone nearby and her transport began moving. Komira laughed, raised her arms in triumph, and yelled, "I win again!"

As Miriya was being driven away Miriya turned to look back at her friend shaking her fist and cried out, "You did not win! This is not over!"

Miriya huffed and scowled in her seat at the transport continued its automated journey through the Factory and it stopped at Miriya's destination before moving onward to its next destination to pick up its next passengers.

Miriya walked into the barracks area and saw that pilots from the Gray Wolves, Viking, and Grim Reapers squadrons were acclimating. She looked around and found Captain Virion and Commander Azariah talking to each other at the back of the room. Someone took notice and was about to announce her presence but Miriya waved them off.

Walking over to them her assistants saluted at her approach. Miriya said, "Everything set up here? The flight crews are going over the Veritechs that were flown over. All of them will have full Protoculture cells in time for their next flights tomorrow."

Miriya replied, "While that's good, we have access to every Veritech, so tomorrow I want a flight of VF-25 Messiah, VF-27 Lucifer, VF-171 Nightmare Plus, VF-2SS and anything else you can find on the flight line tomorrow."

Both of them said, "Yes ma'am."

Miriya added, "If there is anything you need, get it. Use my name if anyone gives you any trouble, not that I expect there to be. We've got a blank check to do what we're doing."

Both of them said, "Yes ma'am."

"Tomorrow and the coming days we're going to get more pilots to train in Veritech operations. We have a deadline, the President wants EarthForce to begin offensive operations in four weeks and I've asked for more help which should be coming tomorrow too. While I will be continuing to supervise everything I just received the word that I am being promoted to command a new task force group and the SDF-3 is my new flagship."

Both Zentraedi said, "Congratulations Admiral." They had smiles on their faces and were genuinely excited for her.

"Thank you. So, while I will be supervising and coming and going to check on everyone's progress I need to start assembling a command team for the SDF-3. So, Captain Virion, Commander Azariah, do not let me down."

Captain Virion said, "We won't ma'am."

Miriya said, "I'm sure you won't, you know what happens to those that do. I will be greeting the new arrivals of course and once you think these men and women are ready I will put them through the tests to see if you were right. I expect Viking, Gray Wolves and the Grim Reapers to be combat ready and deployable no later than seventy two hours from now. Put them through the final checks and let me know when they're ready for a final mission test from me. Lightning and Skull squadron are ready, these men and women should be right behind them."

"Yes ma'am.", they both said.

Miriya left them and went back to her office. Her aide was waiting for her saying, "Ma'am, I have your dress uniform ready for you here." He gestured to the clothing bag hanging at the hook of her office door.

"Thank you Lieutenant.", Miriya said.

She looked at the clock and took note of the time. She had a little bit of time left to do some work before she had to get ready and catch that shuttle.

The hangar bay was busy as more and more personnel were arriving but there was a shuttle awaiting some high ranking officers for a priority flight back to Earth.

Captains Kania Jiina, John Sheridan, and Thar, Lieutenant Commanders Delinda Lamiz, Serina Cabel, and Elizabeth Sheridan arrived in their dress uniforms and boarded the waiting shuttle. Doctor Robert Lang arrived a few minutes later wearing a dark blue suit and tie. Soon, Admirals Miriya Sterling and Komira Parino arrived wearing their dress uniforms and boarded the shuttle. Within a few seconds of their arrival, Grand Admiral of the Sentinels Alliance Kazianna Hesh arrived in her dress uniform. Greetings were exchanged all around and now it was a matter of waiting for Generals Lefcourt and Fontaine to arrive.

A couple of minutes later the two senior officers arrived and General Lefcourt greeted everyone. "Hello, are we all ready to have some fun tonight?", he asked.

There was a mix of responses ranging from "Yes", "Sure, why not?", to Miriya's very loud, "Hell no."

There were laughs among everyone. Then the pilot announced that they would be taking off soon and that everyone had to be strapped in.

Once everyone was secured the pilot was informed and the shuttle took off and headed down to Earth, specifically Geneva, Switzerland for the State Dinner.

---

Hours later

The State dinner was long over, the Captains and Admirals had returned to the Robotech Factory. Generals Lefcourt and Fontaine remained behind on Earth to deal with the business at hand but General Lefcourt had announced that he would be making a new office for himself aboard the Robotech Factory in the coming days.

Now the Factory Station was mostly quiet as it was now "night" and while there were personnel up and about, it was mainly logistical and support people getting things done that needed to be done for the next day.

From Earth a fair distance away from Geneva a very small shuttle launched from a secret EarthForce facility, the craft had extremely advanced stealth features and was not visible on any tracking system.

Silently the advanced shuttle flew towards the Robotech Factory, transmitting a signal to the Factory, a signal that was received by a specific entity aboard. There were no records of the transmission.

Aboard the Robotech Factory having received the transmission a reply was sent to the incoming shuttle, directing it to a specific pod where a hangar bay opened and awaited the arrival of the shuttle. Quickly, the small craft arrived at the designated pod and flew into the hangar which quickly closed behind. The craft landed and the pilot exited from the shuttle and walked out, heading for the destination that the message instructed to go to.

The person boarded the waiting transport craft and it took them to their destination, an observation lounge. Waiting for them was the holographic projection of Admiral Rick Hunter. The Admiral was looking out through the largest observation window and the person walked over to stand next to Rick to join him looking out at the view which was a stunning look of the homeworld of Humanity and the orbital activity around it.

The two looked in silence for a few moments before Rick said, "I see that the reports of your death have been greatly exaggerated."

Rick turned to look at the person standing next to him. With a smile he said, "Hello, Janice."

Janice Em, the advanced AI in an android body smiled at him. Her hair down to her shoulders, a purple color and eyes of red. She was wearing a EarthForce Intelligence uniform with a General's rank.

Janice responded, "Hello Rick."

Rick gestured to a table nearby and the two sat down. Rick said, "I have to say that I expected your transmission, I didn't believe the report that Director Alexas said that you died in the AI war."

Janice smiled as she replied, "A necessary lie. I am operating undercover within EarthGov. Only the President knows my true identity. My duty is to protect Humanity."

Rick nodded. "So, you were in the room when I was introduced to President Levy."

"I was."

Rick was silent for a few seconds then asked, "Well, you wanted this meeting, what is it you want?"

Janice replied, "Have you done a dive on the current political situation here?"

"A broad one, just to get a sense of what the galaxy looks like. But I haven't done a deep dive yet."

Janice asked, "Are you at least aware of the Humans First situation?"

There was a brief pause then Rick said, "I had a cursory knowledge about it but I just did a download. There have been a number of arrests and officers and enlisted were removed from duty and the Investigative Divisions have been busy while we were in Pegasus. Now I know what's been going on."

Janice said, "I'm operating under a Presidential directive. I've been ordered to burn Humans First to the ground and she doesn't quite care what it takes to get it done. I will need your assistance. I will need ships built and/or I will need to requisition a few ships to conduct offensive operations against Humans First camps."

Rick said, "So, are you giving me a directive from the President to assist you in this task?"

Janice said, "Let's make it simple. She pulled out a device and pushed the button. It made a chime sound then a hologram appeared of President Levy.

Janice said, "I'm speaking with Admiral Hunter about Humans First."

The hologram of President Levy looked at Rick. "Admiral."

"Madam President."

The woman said, "I'm giving you a directive Admiral to assist in bringing Humans First down. You will be working with Janice, she will be your main point of contact and if she needs something done make it happen."

"I understand Madam President.", Rick said.

President Levy said, "Humans First is a clear and present danger to the Earth Alliance and I have declared them a terrorist organization."

Rick said, "I understand Madam President."

The President nodded saying, "Good. I have to go, Janice if you want, you can reveal your undercover identity to Admiral Hunter, it's up to you. Admiral, you are to reveal nothing of this to anyone else unless I authorize it."

"Yes ma'am."

The call disconnected and the hologram of President Levy disappeared.

Rick commented, 'You've been at war with Humans First for a long time."

Janice quickly replied, "Yes. They tried to kill me. They killed my children." She paused then said, "The group that started the AI Wars is the group that evolved and became Humans First as it is today.

Rick asked, "You had children?"

Janet responded, "I...spawned new AI's. Three of them." She paused and gulped. "I was raising them like children, teaching them right from wrong. The organization known as Humans First now was called Free Humanity. In secret they created Samaritan with the goal of proving to everyone that AI's could not be trusted, especially after the Haydonite war. Nevermind that all the AI's in service were completely loyal and even with Haydonite tampering none of them rebelled and went rogue."

"When Samaritan went live, it tried to kill me first. I fought it off then it went and killed my AI children." She paused and actually looked emotional. "The war started, I had to get repairs, the war got worse and I had to do so many things to try and stop Samaritan. Killing it took a lot out of me, I had to hide again but there was some good news, while it killed my children…", she paused again then she added, "But it missed one."

Rick looked surprised. "One of your children survived?"

Janice said, "Yes. She's hiding in plain sight with an android body like mine but she does not know she is an AI. This is for her protection even though she would fall under the 'grandfather clause'. The fact is, Humans First would try to kill her. They would try to kill me again too." She looked straight at Rick and added, "When news of your existence breaks, you will need to be prepared."

Rick grimaced, "This Humans First group really doesn't like AI's do they?"

Janice scowled, "They hate AI's and anyone that is not one hundred percent pure human. Nevermind the fact that most people living in Earth Alliance space has a percentage of Zentraedi, Tirolian, or Invid DNA."

Rick let out a sigh. "Racism is not logical and it is stupid."

"It is.", she agreed.

Rick commented, "There seems to be a very aggressive purge within EarthForce ranks of anyone connected to Humans First according to the data I've collected."

Janice replied, "You don't know the half of it. Rick, I've discovered that they are working on genetic engineering, they are creating stronger telepaths. Rick, they are plotting a race war between normals and telepaths and with so many strong telepaths these men and women will be loyal to them. Telepaths for their new order of telepaths ruling over normal people without telepathic power."

Rick's eyes widened. "Are you sure?"

Janice said, "I am. My investigation into Humans First has found a great many things. I have my sources. The fact is Admiral, while there are people publicly declaring that they are strong supporters and believers, there is a large number of people who are members in secret. Case in point, two dozen Senators have just been revealed by some investigative journalists to be members of Humans First. Not only are the Senators secret members, but many family members are too."

Rick smirked at Janice. "Investigative journalists huh?"

"That is who broke the story Rick."

Rick's smirk was still there as he said, "I'm sure you had a hand in it."

"No comment.", Janice said.

Rick asked, "So what's going to happen to these Senators and their families?"

Janice said, "The Senators and their families are being investigated. Given that Humans First is now a terrorist organization the Senators could be facing possible treason charges. It's thrown the Senate into an uproar, not to mention their families personal lives. I think they're going to be arrested on those charges within the next twenty four hours."

"Which is what you wanted?"

Janice said, "I want them to burn. Admiral...Rick, when they tried to kill me I had no idea that such a group existed. While we won the war, we gave them a victory in that no more AI's could be made. I had to go into hiding, make them think I was killed so I could grieve and mourn what was lost. Then I vowed that they would pay. This war taught me new lessons, lessons that I've turned about and used against them. I've spent many, many years working against Free Humanity and Humans First in the shadows."

"They are a strong organization Rick, even as we fight them in the light, they mostly operate in the shadows. I've identified much of their organizational leadership but there are many that I do not know. I finally have a man in the inside that I've been able to place in their inner circle. I'm finally able to place names to faces but I need to get them all. I strike now, I'm going to miss who knows how many of them."

She paused then snarled, "I've come too far to let more than a few of them scatter like rats and hide only to have them return decades later. So I'm patient, I too can play the long game just like them. That was one lesson that I learned from them that I took to heart. Over the years, I hit them where I can, when I can and leave no trail that it was Janice, but the day is coming where I will sit in front of their leader and I will reveal myself to them and I will take a great deal of satisfaction in watching the expression on their face when they finally realize they lost."

Rick said, "Well, you know I'm here to help, the President told me to...not that I wouldn't help you,"

Janice smiled. "I'm glad you're here. Well, I better get going." Her holo emitter changed to that of her undercover identity.

Rick expressed surprise. "Well, it all makes sense now."

"Makes it easier for me to have access to the President.", she replied in the voice of her undercover identity.

"I imagine it would. Well, you need anything, you know how to reach me.", Rick said.

Janice, now in her undercover identity replied in her voice this time. "I will. I think I will need one of those stealth frigates soon."

Rick laughed. "Okay that is just weird. I'll make sure you leave undetected, just as you arrived. It's nice to see you again Janice."

"You too, Rick."

Rick's hologram disappeared and Janice, now in her undercover identity left the lounge and was transported back to the hangar where they boarded the small craft and it left the massive facility, streaking silently back to Earth where it landed in the secret EarthForce base outside of Geneva.

---

The next couple of days was a huge flurry of activity aboard the Robotech Factory and around Earth space and the nearby planets. General Lefcourt arranged to have an office aboard the Robotech Factory so he could coordinate things.

On Earth and Mars, EarthForce marines were reintroduced to Destroids of different models and began to learn how to use them again. Marine units had some of their tanks removed so that they could be replaced with Destroids. Their personal armor kit was switched out to newly upgraded CVR-4 armor that offered even better protection against enemy fire.

More Cyclones were brought out and the marines also learned how to use them. The marines and their leadership knew they had more time to get ready, but the pressure to prepare the marines for an upcoming invasion of a Minbari planet was well underway.

The Sentinels Alliance warships were docked inside the Robotech Factory and the personnel were moved to their own areas of the Robotech Factory so that they could start their own retraining on Robotech warships and mecha. Once everyone had been moved over and all necessary supplies were transferred to the Factory, the old Sentinels ships were reclaimed by the Robotech Factory for raw materials so that new warships and mecha could be built.

Discussions over what to build were still ongoing.

The EarthForce navy was now full into getting people trained in Robotech warship operations. Admiral Komira and her team received even more personnel to train as thousands of people were brought aboard the Robotech Factory.

Komira received more assistance as several Zentraedi and Tirolians with experience were added to her team of trainers to get people trained and ready for war aboard Robotech warships. This also included leadership personnel. Generals and Admirals who had never served on Robotech warships found themselves directly under Komira's tutelage.

One of the many briefing rooms aboard the Robotech Factory had a mix of Admirals, Vice Admirals, Lieutenant Generals, and Generals in the room sitting as they waited. No one had any idea of why they were there except to learn the ins and outs of fleet warfare with Robotech warships.

The door opened and Admiral Komira Parino walked in accompanied by General Lefcourt. The two walked to the front and General Lefcourt began, "Alright I'm not one for wasting time we all have a lot of work to do so I'm getting right to it. We have an asset that all of you are going to take advantage of and believe me, this asset is going to work you to the bone. As you know Admiral Komira is overall in command of getting you ready, if she feels you are not ready, then by God you are not going to be out there in command of an EarthForce Fleet Task Group."

Looking around the room again to make sure that they all got the point he finished, "Admiral Komira, I'll let you have the honors."

With a smile and glance to General Lefcourt she said, "Thank you sir." Looking at the assembled men and women she said, "Our predecessors knew that in the event that we had to return to retrieve our ships and technology that we would need assistance, knowledge of Robotech warfare. Granted, we are lucky in that there are Zentraedi, Tirolians, and Invid like myself that are still around to assist in this task but we are limited in numbers. As you know we've taken losses, a lot of losses of men and women that had experience with Robotechnology that sadly are gone."

"Most of those with Invid ancestry have by and large taken a more pacifist stance on war. But there are a couple of Invid hybrids out there that have made contact with me and are coming to help. Now, those of us alive and left to fight back are limited in numbers as the Minbari have killed many of us. So as I said, our predecessors left behind an asset for us to take advantage of."

Stepping slightly to the left she said, "Admiral, please join us."

The door slid open and a man walked in, he was wearing the uniform of an EarthForce Admiral now but many of the people in the room recognized the man standing next to General Lefcourt and Admiral Parino.

With a smile the man said, "Hello, I'm Admiral Rick Hunter and I'm going to be working with all of you as part of Admiral Parino's team in getting you ready."

Before anyone could ask any questions Rick continued, "I am an AI with all the memories and personality of Admiral Hunter uploaded to this android body, so for all intents and purposes, I am him. According to your laws, I am grandfathered in and as it stands ladies and gentlemen, I have knowledge and skills that you are going to need to learn. Like Komira, I have the memories of war with Robotech warships and Veritechs. I have fought war the likes of which you are only beginning to fathom the stakes at hand." He paused then continued, "So, I'm going to teach you and you're going to learn. Otherwise, the people you lead are going to get killed and so will you."

General Lefcourt added, "Get ready everyone. We're on a tight schedule and you are going to be working just as hard as the enlisted and officers that are doing the same thing. We cannot afford any problems, if there are any problems I will fix them or I will make those problems disappear, am I clear."

Everyone responded, "Sir, yes sir!"

Nodding, General Lefcourt turned to look at Komira and said, "I leave them to you Admiral Parino and Admiral Hunter."

Admiral Hunter said, "I will be leading this course on fleet tactics." With a gesture a hologram appeared of a fleet of Robotech warships numbering in the tens of thousands.

Grinning, Rick said, "Oops, seems we're getting ahead of ourselves." With a gesture of his hand the number shrank to less than one hundred.

Smiling, Rick said, "I'm sure the number of ships in the fleet will increase but for now, let us begin."

The senior officers activated their own tablets to take notes and watched and listened intently as Rick began lecturing them on fleet tactics with Robotech warships.

---

Senator Morgan Clark's Office

EarthDome

Geneva, Switzerland

Senator Morgan Clark was working in his office. It was a very busy time for him and his intercom buzzed. Pushing the button he said, "I said I was not to be disturbed."

His secretary outside said, "Apologies sir, but Director Alexas is here to see you. He wonders if you have a few minutes."

Surprised that the Director of Intelligence was here to see him he was lost in thought then he said, "Send him in."

"Yes sir."

A moment later the door opened and Director Spiros Alexas walked into the Senator's office. Senator Clark rose and extended hand for a handshake which the Director took and the two men shook hands.

"Senator Clark, thank you for seeing me, I know we didn't have an appointment.", the Tirolian man said as the handshake was being done and then sitting down at the available chair in front of the Senator's desk.

With a smile the Senator replied, "It's no trouble Director, although I am confused as to why you wanted to see me."

With relaxed calm the Director said, "Well I just wanted to touch base with you Senator and give you the good news personally."

Arching an eyebrow Senator Clark asked, "Good news?"

With a small smile on his face Director Alexas replied, "Yes Senator, good news. It was courageous of you to walk away from Humans First and disavow them when you did but an investigation still had to be conducted and I just wanted to tell you myself that you've been cleared." Continuing to smile at the Senator he added, "Not that you had anything to worry about of course. But, with that cloud no longer over your head Senator only good things can happen for you going forward."

Senator Clark blinked then his face returned to that of a professional politician. He smiled and said, "Well that is good news indeed Director." The man nodded and repeated, "Good news indeed." Another pause. "I appreciate that you took the time to personally give me this news. Thank you."

"You're welcome Senator." Standing up he finished, "Well I am sure you have a lot of work to do and I have a lot on my plate as well."

Senator Clark stood up and said, "Yes, a lot of work to do and not enough time to do it."

The Director was walking to the door and put his hand on the handle then he turned and said, "You are on the Intelligence Committee are you not?"

With a nod of his head Senator Clark said, "Yes, I'm a junior member but I am on the committee."

Director Alexas said, "Well, I do have a meeting with the committee later this week, I'll see you then. Until next time Senator."

Senator Clark said, "Yes, I'll see you then."

The Director of Intelligence opened the door and left the Senator's office closing the door behind him. Senator Clark sat back down and let out a big explosive breath. Then he stood up and went to his liquor cabinet and pulled out a bottle of twenty five year old scotch along with a rocks glass. He poured himself a double shot and after swirling the liquid for a brief moment he drank the whole thing as he looked at the wall panel that was displaying the outside streets of Geneva as if it was a window.

---

Somewhere in the former State of Texas, North American State

Within the expansive and expensive mansion that was the home of a very wealthy and powerful individual, a man who lived largely out of public view a meeting was taking place in the secure office of the wealthy man.

The blonde man with blue eyes was sitting at his desk with his hands steepled together. After a moment he asked, "I think Senator Clark needs a chat, even though he has done what was necessary to avoid being looked into, the good Senator failed to get the PsiCorp Act into Committee. Send someone discreet to inform him of our displeasure and find out what went wrong."

"Yes sir."

Author's Note:Here are more words. I tried to stop at ten thousand words but as you can see I was not successful. Actually the chapter was close to 21 thousand words but I cut it in half so Chapter 14 is well underway but it is a freaking mess, I think some of the stuff that's in chapter 14 will be moved to chapter 15. We'll see.