by the fans for the fans

It's is my hope people enjoy and understand the ties that bind and hidden connections throughout the fic that caused me to sit down and begin this WIP.

It is the saga of a AU of "What happened to the SDF-3". It is also an Avatar self-inertion that hopefully won;t turn people off.

And now we begin...


The Nexus Chronicles



Chapter One:


A Female Lt's voice from the darkness, "Attention all forces, Operation Normandy has been initiated, Moon group fold!" Moments later, hundreds of shimmering spacecraft disappeared from orbit around the planet Fantoma (The Tirol System/Southern Cross constellation). Two individuals stood on the bridge of the largest starship in orbit admiring the cascade of flashes.

"Well Rick, its started." Declared a blue haired man, slim of build wearing aviator glasses and sporting Colonel's stars.

"Yeah Max, and God go with them..." The emblems on this persons uniform suggested that his companion show more respect, being the rank of Major General, but there was an undeniable informality between these two.

"Well in that case they won't need us huh?" A feeble attempt at humor to lighten up Rick's dark mood.

"Nice try Max, are your people ready? We go in 1 hour." Rick and Max were a part of Jupiter group, the last of a 3 wave assault on the Invid occupation of Earth (their home world).

"Yep, everyones itching to go. This is the first big operation for a lot of our forces since the REF finished its purpose here. I'm sure there are many who feel that they have to 'Prove' themselves and you gotta admit if you were them you'd be nervous too." Max began cleaning his glasses, he had a habit of taking them off in the middle of a conversation and sometimes it really annoyed Rick even after 15 years of friendship.

"I suppose your right Max. It's just that I can't shake this feeling that somethings not right. Maybe it's just that this battle is so important. I mean it's not everyday you liberate your OWN planet!" Turning towards the bridge crew and flicking a lock of hair out of his eyes, "I want latest status intel from moon base ASAP and have Mars group standing by to fold!"

"Sir" Spoke a young blond Lieutenant, "Moon base has lost transmission, looks like their being jammed by the Invid."

Rick turned back to Max, "Well, it had to happen sooner or later. I'm surprised they even let us talk to them for so long. You'd better get to the flight deck Skull Leader." Rick tapped Max's shoulder, saying much more.

"Ok boss, see ya when I see ya!" Max saluted and hurried from the bridge. This was definitely an appointment he wasn't going to miss!

10 minutes later, "Sir still no word from Moon Base and Mars group is ready to fold."

Rick, "Understood, tell them to go ahead and that we'll be right behind them so don't stand in the door!" A bit of humor as Moon group folded to the Moon, Mars group folded to Mars, and Jupiter group was going to Jupiter. This arraingement was so that an initial beach head was made at Earth orbit while a command post was set up at Mars and could send reinforcements. Jupiter group held overall command authority but was a mop up and last ditch effort wave. If the battle went badly, they would bomb the planet all out like the zentreadi did 20 years ago. This was more preferable than the domination of the Invid.

"Sir, Mars group has folded and our fold engines are at 80%"

Rick, "Roger, send a signal to the fleet that when we get a 100% fold ready consensus they are to fold"

"Acknowledged Sir."

Rick could imagine the fierce fur ball that would be taking place in Earth orbit 10 days from now and prayed that some of them would survive. The projections were that the first wave would be utterly destroyed unless they could miraculously destroy the Invid Reflex Point (Central Hive) and cause a collapse of their command structure. But it was necessary to pave the way for the cruisers so they could bring their heavy weapons to bear without merely destroying wave after wave of fighters and not reaching their surface targets (minor hives, protoculture farms, etc.)..

"Sir, we have a green light across the board. Initiating fold as ordered."

The great ship (The SDF-3) hummed as it vibrated and slowly entered hyperspace. The moment it began to move the entire fleet started fold operations. They would soon be in Jupiter orbit as fold technology was advanced after trading technological skills with the races liberated from the Invid during the Sentinels campaign. Though travel time would be many days (vice years) it would only feel like a couple of hours. Then something occurred...

"Sir I'm getting an anomaly from the engine indicators...They're starting to SURGE!"

"During a fold? Dammit! Signal the fleet to continue and initiate an emergency shut down NOW!" Rick shouted.

"Sir fleet acknowledges go ahead, but engines not responding, now passing 120% capacity!"

'What the hell is going on?' Rick thought. "Dr. Lang, can you tell me what in space is going on down there?"

Dr. Lang, "General, there seemz to be a problem with the interlock mechanizim. It will not disengage and unless we can..." the communication went dead and the huge fortress was rocked by some sort of impact. Bridge personnel were thrown about like rag dolls. 'Damn, should've used the seat belts' Rick thought as someone was gently touching his shoulder and helped him off the deck.

"General, are you alright?" it was the blond Lt., apparently she was one of the few individuals who used their belts during a fold (smart girl).

"Yes, I think my pride is bruised more than I am, thank you." He jumped to his chair comm, "LANG do you read me? Engine room respond."

Nothing... Rick barked, "Status report."

"Sir, multiple injuries scattered across all decks. Indications of some casualties from heavy objects. We are on backup power, secondary power NOT responding and inertia has stopped, we are no longer in hyperspace."

Glancing out the window Jupiter could be seen in the distance, it's unique appearance left no doubt that the SDF-3 was in the Sol system. But hours/days early???

The comm panel on the command chair came to life startling Rick, "Rick! It's Max, what the hell is going on? I got planes all over the deck and my men are pretty banged up, others aren't so lucky. It's a real mess down here!"

"I don't know yet Max, Lang got cut off at that bang and haven't heard from him since. Meet me in Engineering, I'm gonna have a look."

The panel lit up, "On my way boss! He'd better have a damn good explanation!" The light went out.

"Commander Davies, YOU have the con!" Rick shouted as he ran for the elevator.

It took considerably longer to reach main engineering with the power shortage blocking transit routes but eventually the two officers got there.

Rick and Max stepped through the doors and were rendered speechless Dr. Lang was there yelling orders at his crew, it was apparrent that most of the back up power was going to the pinpoint barrier system cause that was the only thing that was keeping the people in the room from being sucked through the gaping hole in the bulkhead!

Lang noticed them, "Gentlemen give me a moment to stabilize the barrier, or as you say, we're scruood!"

Minutes later, "Best that I can figure is that some unknown force in hyperspace reacted with the Engines of the SDF-3. The system went wild and threw itself into full capacity. Then it reached a breaking point and it was like slamming into a brick wall. BANG! 'claps hands' The SDF-3 stopped and the result is this...", pointing at the hole.

Rick, "You mean the engines tore away and are traveling on?" A blank expression was forming on his face while Max also had yet to say a thing.

Lang, "Not exzactly, more like a sense of they were ripped away by that force! More clearer than that I can't be at this time. This is very much different than the inzident on the SDF-1 though the after-effects are similar. Regardless, if we hadn't had the pinpoint barrier system tied into to the backup power supply so thoroughly many more would be dead..."

Rick, "Alright Dr., try to get something going here though I have no illusions of getting full power anytime soon. Max, get whoever is able to man what planes are flight capable and standby. We may be out of the fight but that doesn't mean we are out of danger. In fact we are in Jupiter's orbit as I speak and that means we're early!"

Max exclaimed, "What?! Dr. how can this be?"

It was Lang's turn to be caught unawares (a rare event), "I...I don't know this should not be possible, but if Rick says we are at Jupiter then maybe we were catapulted at a speed we cannot fathom to our destination... I will try to figure this out as quickly as I can General." He turned towards the engineering crew and began status checks and repair priorities...

"Well that's my cue then." max took off back to the flight deck. Rick wanted to go to the infirmary to see for himself his injured soldiers but also cause Admiral Lisa Hayes-Hunter (his wife and Commanding Officer) had taken ill just before the operation began and he was going to fill her in personally about their situation...

She practically met him at the door the way she moved from the bed to intercept him. "And what do you think you're doing with MY ship mister?!" Though she was angry at him, Rick couldn't help but feel attracted to Lisa. It seemed that they were always fighting about something, it didn't matter what. In the end however, they always made up and that's what he looked forward to each time, but not now.

The instant Rick opened his mouth Lisa shot, "And don't start with 'I can explain'! You've used that too many times before..."

Switching gears mentally, "Lang says 'something in hyperspace ripped away the engines', right now we're on emergency backup power only. Secondary power is shot to hell cause they we're directly connected to main power. The crew got banged up pretty damn badly and we've got casualties. Btw, I'm glad you're in one piece..." Rick embraced his wife , a serious breach of PDA and rank, but Lisa didn't feel like disciplining him severely in public.

"Ahem, near death experience is no excuse for lack of protocol, consider yourself reprimanded." Lisa smiled.

Rick saluted his wife, "Yes Admiral!"

Lisa continued, "Well we better get to the bridge, I've goldbricked enough, you think?" Nodding in agreement the couple carefully returned to their stations.

[Cut to mining station based near Jupiter]

Unified mining platform JS1 was a long boring and (as is often the case with space mining) a dangerous assignment. Their purpose was to land on Jupiter's moons and mine the rare elements there when their orbits made it safe. Jupiter's gravity as too dangerous to continuous mine the same site 24/7, 365 days. So once a month a mixed cargo of minerals was sent to earth by robot tug. Once received the tug would be sent back (with much needed supplies,etc..) and the process started anew. So at any one time there were 6 tugs going to Earth and 6 on Route to Jupiter. Each one taking 1 year to complete their circuit.

"Captain? The satellite is picking up a wierd signal."

"What, you got an episode of friends again?" laughing.

"No sir, seriously, it's a comm signal but according to the computer it's close!"

"let me see that," Leans closer to the screen, mumbles "This can't be right" Hitting some buttons to enhance and triangulate source again for confirmation. "Damn, it's real. Ok people get everyone on alert. we got a visitor in the area and if anyone was supposed to drop by I would've heard about it from the company!"

This wasn't good. An unknown signal this far out probably meant pirates. The minerals normally were worthless to normal people, BUT if a group had a corporate sponsor they could make a good profit by hijacking tugs or even taking over entire platforms. There was nothing to be done except for going completely silent and hoping the pirates (or whoever) goes about their way and passes them by before a tug shows up and gives away their position (since one was due in a few days)...


Chapter Two:


A few hours after arriving 'early' in Jupiter's orbit the crew of the SDF-3 was making some progress with repairs. Dr Lang had ordered the removal of protoculture engines and power cells from a whole fighter squadron (which didn't please Rick or especially Max very much) In fact the two were in a heated discussion on the Prometheus hangar deck.

Rick, "Max calm down I understand how you feel."

Max, "General you know at a time like this we need every pilot and fighter we can get our hands on and now I got a whole squadron grounded!"

Rick, "I know, I know. Look I understand where you're coming from and it's gonna be hard on Eagle Squad. And I know it was hard for you to tell them to hand over their planes. This wasn't one of my favorite orders I can tell you that."

Max, sigh "You're right (as usual) it's just that if you had seen the look on their faces. Dr Lang is gonna be very unpopular for awhile on the flight decks."

Rick, exasperated "If only the power system wasn't so hosed I never would have agreed to jury rigging the reactors of 24 veritechs and all their power cells. But Dr Lang is right we need to keep the pinpoint barrier system up and God help us if we need to fire the main gun!"

Max, though still angry was somewhat mollified by this predicament, "Have we got word from the fleet or any indication of Invid activity?"

Rick "No, and that's got me real worried. It's too early to come to any firm conclusions so I am ordering a full sweep of the area. At least it will give you and Skull Squadron something to do and get you outta my hair." trying to be humorous to hide his nervousness.

Max "I just hope that however we got here that the Invid haven't picked up on our presence yet. This could screw us badly especially if moon base couldn't hold out."

Rick"Exactly. If you do find Invid and are detected, kill them quick!"

Max, turning to leave with a hurried salute, "Don't I always?" Smiling.

Rick watched his friend go saddle up Skull Squadron for the recon mission and knew that he couldn't ask for a better X.O. and Wing Commander. Not only was Max Sterling an ace pilot, but in many different kinds of situation he was a tactical genius. Also he was a good friend and the 15 years they had known each other proved that no one would be as able an officer as Max in this position.


Minutes later after the briefing, the members of Skull Squadron boarded their planes and took off into the void. For most of them Jupiter was just another gas giant (many of the crew were born in deep space or on the worlds of the sentinels in the constellation of The Southern Cross). Few of them remaining on board had ever been from Earth, but being their parents and grand parents home it was their duty to finish the battle against Invid domination. It was a long 5 years. World after world was liberated from the Invid starting with Fantoma (The home of the Robotech masters), and continuing to all the others that were formerly part of the Robotech Empire. The Battle was taken even to Optera the Invid home world (where the Invid Regent was destroyed in single combat by Commander Breeti) but too late as half of the planet's forces had left for Earth not 3 years earlier.

Max, "Ok people look sharp and keep your power levels as low as possible. We want to see anything FIRST, combat is NOT the priority. Lets not make this more than a Recon mission if we don't have to!"

The squadrons formed up with Skull taking the lead, followed by: Viper, Ghost, Vermilion, and Sepia. Eagle was grounded for lack of power cells and the other squads had taken losses of planes or personnel so their remnants stayed behind to protect the ship.

"Sir, Viper 1 here. I got a reading near Europa."

Max, "Roger Capt. Thompson, Viper can check this out. All other Wings maintain your vectors and watch your scopes."

Capt. Quince Thompson, "Acknowledged Skull Leader, Viper Wing let's go."

Viper Wing proceeded to the source of the signal cautiously. Just because the signal was quite small didn't mean that a whole battle group couldn't be hiding behind the moon. A few minutes later they reached visual capability.

Capt. Thompson, "Sir we've got a visual. Looks like some sort of installation. Looks very Terran." Invid structures were mostly Organic in nature, unlike actual combat units.

Max, "I read you Viper 1, Proceed with a long range scan and then a flyby to see if anyone's home."

Cpt. Thompson, "Roger Sir."

Viper Wing activated scanners which determined that the installation had noting organic (living) except for the crew which appeared Terran. Viper 1 ordered the Wing to circle while he went in for a closer look."



"Dammit!" Capt. Jones shouted, "Even with generators on low they found us..." (Not knowing that the sensors of the veritech squadron were superior to any known by this Earth) "Mr. Lee, wait for optimal range and then power up all defense turrets starting with ones closest to the intruder."

Lee, "Aye Sir!"

Viper 1 closed and began a sweep near the front of the installation.


Capt. Thompson, "Strange. For an installation of this size the power readings are extremely low. Permission to hail.."
At that moment indicators on board began to light up threat status. "Sir, Power levels have spiked and I am being tracked!"

Max, "viper 1 get out of there! All wings converge on Viper 1's signal!"

The veritech squadrons began in earnest to reach their comrade who by now was under fire.



"Sir! Target evaded first volley. The Turret couldn't power up and lock on fast enough. It's speed is incredible."

Capt. Jones, "It's not your fault Lee, our visitor is unlike anything I've ever seen. Let's keep the defense grid up for now and restore power levels to normal. If he comes back then we'll try to give him a fight!" 'Brave words' Jones thought, 'but if IT comes back you might as well be throwing stones. If we couldn't hit it when we had surprise then we're dead.'



By now the fighter group had met up and Max's Blue veritech taking the lead.

Max, "Ok pilots, we're going in slow and easy. I'm gonna try to get through to them. BUT if things stay nasty then we're gonna level the place."

4 Sets of V formations approached the station.


"Sir! My scope is picking up the intruder AND more of them!"

Capt. Jones, "This is it. Maintain lock on any targets and..."

"Transmission incoming from lead intruder Sir..."


Max, "This is Col. Max Sterling, of Skull Squadron. Hold your fire, repeat hold your fire. We detected your power signature and were looking for Invid forces. We mean you no harm but if you insist upon firing at us I will have my fighters blow you to dust."


Jones, "This is Capitan Jones of Unified Mining Station Jupiter 1. I have received no information about a military force in the area and I have no idea what these Invid forces you are talking about. You are ordered to stay clear of the station until I get authorization from Earth that you are who you say you are!"


Max, "Very well Captain, as long as you hold your fire we will only fly within 1 mile of your station to ensure your safety while we sweep the area. As for authorization from Earth. My orders come from Major-General Hunter aboard the SDF-3, not Earth. In case you didn't notice the planet's been invaded by the Invid for the last 3 years! We are the last wave of the expeditionary force returning from Fantoma to liberate the planet."


Jones, 'This man is either insane or deluded' "Roger Col. Sterling that is acceptable."


Max, "Major-General Hunter would probably like a word with you about your current situation and whats been happening out here. He can answer any questions you might have about who we are and our authority."


Jones, 'Great, I can't wait to meet this fruitcake' "I will be looking forward to hearing from your C.O. then Col. Captain Jones out."


Max, "Rick, it's Max."

Rick,"Go ahead Max, we've been monitoring you."

Max, "Is it my imagination or is something REALLY wrong here?"

Rick, "You know miners, maybe they've been out of touch with Earth so long they might not even KNOW about the invasion. Besides, even you could go 'Space Happy' after crushing rock after rock for a few years."

Max, "Roger that! Well, we've completed a full sweep of the area and the mining station is the only thing on the scopes so I'll leave Sepia on station and bring the rest home, rotating the wings out to relieve each other in case something turns up."

Rick, "Sounds like a plan Max, see you soon."


Max,"Aye boss man. Sepia 1, you guys got the duty for 4 more hours and then you'll be relieved. All other wings return to base."

Sepia 1, "Roger that Skull Leader, safe trip home."

Chapter Three:

(Jupiter Mining Station)

Shock. No, not just shock, SHOCK & AWE... Captain Jones's mouth literally hung open as the SDF-3 came into view of the stations observation bay. The sight of the green and white monstrosity was overwhelming and frightening. Looking like a nightmarish growth it was a bulbous rear module with two gigantic arms that overreached it's keel. In a word, it was Alien. It also was no doubt the largest space vessel he had ever seen, it must have been almost 2 miles long.

"Mining Station, this is command shuttle requesting permission and a vector to dock, over."

Lt Lee responded, "Command shuttle this is mining station, activating flashing strobes to mark landing pad, touchdown at your discretion, staff is ready for your arrival."

The shuttle in contrast looked human in design. It was white and angular with the apperance of a late 20th century space shuttle, but visibly armored and armed with some sort of cannons projecting from the main body. Touching down without incident the shuttle attached itself to the airlock and the entranceway was pressurized to human tolerances. The lights were green on both sides and the shuttle doors open with a whoosh and the pressure evened out. Six individuals exited the shuttle and approached the greeting party.

A tall swarthy skinned man with light brown (and graying) hair was in the lead and introduced himself first with a German Accent. "I am Dr. Emil Lang and mission leader of the Robotech Expeditionary Force. To my right is Admiral Lisa Hayes-Hunter, commander of the REF Navy and her husband Major-General Rick Hunter, commander of the air and ground units. To my left is Col Max Sterling, commander of the Fighter Wings.

"we've met earlier, just not formally", Max quipped with a half-smile.

"I am Captain Jones of the Unified Mining Station, and this is my right hand man Lt Lee. Perhaps we could have this discussion in the conference room, Lord knows I could use a drink about now."

45 mins later... Max had given the 'short version' of the Earth-Zentreadi conflict, the Robotech Masters, the Invid, and now their journey home.

"And that's how we ended up here in orbit around Jupiter." max finished the briefing prepared by Dr Lang for the miners.

Captain Jones got up as Max returned to his seat, it was an amazing story. Almost unbelievable except for the fact that the ship in the story WAS real, the people who crewed it WERE real and they were HERE in his station!

"Thank you for that briefing Col Sterling. It's an awful lot to digest and seems incredible but I will not dispute it. However it's my turn to tell you the history of this station and the company that owns it as well as the government which allowed it to be built here."

Unified Mining holds the rights to all 'legal' mining of celetial bodies in the Sol system. Before the break up of the United nations in 1992 the American based company managed to get funding from it's international partners and agreed to split the profits for support of their country's governments. The stations were built and then all hell broke loose. It was around 2001 the first use of a 'labor mech' for terrorism was against the golden gate bridge. Many lives were lost and America declared a war on terrorism. Unfortunately this ended up becoming a virtual WWIII. Sides were chosen, Those looking to rid the world of terrorism, those who harbored terrorist, and those who simply wanted to get out of the way. America and it's allies became the Coalition and the terrorist states became the Soldiers of Allah (SOA), there are too many neutral fractions to mention but many are just small countries. If the situation was bad enough already it seems there were some research projects that had already advanced beyond the level of the 'Labor mech' that were coined as 'Super Robots' Most of these were controlled by madmen, some were more benevolent. Regardless of who controlled them where ever they fought it ususally caused great damage and loss of life. The military began development of Mechs to be used as weapons and so began the decline of support for orbital stations such as us. Now everything is automated from the supply drones to our infrequent communications. Out here we are basically safe but the closer to Earth the bigger the chance a pirate vessel belonging to either or none of the factions might try to strike for the mined ores or other supplies. We though you might be pirates when your fighters buzzed us earlier. I can see now you are not. Were we to contact Earth, such as it is, they would no doubt have the same reaction to you at first as we had." Captain Jones sat down.

Dr Lang addressed the miners and the SDF crew, "We are grateful for you explaining the situation we find ourselves in Captain. It seems we are now in a universe were Earth is still in the throes of global war. They have no idea 'what may be out side their doorstep' as they say. We should immediately head for Earth and make contact with any of the Democratic nations that are willing to talk and try to resolve this wasteful conflict. Meanwhile we should try to figure out exzactly how we got 'here' and if there is a way back to where we belong. For the moment we have to assume it was an event that can be duplicated, BUT we must be prepared for the possibility that it might not be so.

Both sides were stunned at this train of thought. The universe, as both sides have known it, had changed.

Preparations were made and the SDF-3 bid it's farewell to the mining station's crew. Without the main fold engines the sdf-3 had to 'limp' on it's secondary drive systems. This would normally not be a problem but many of the conduits for them were ripped loose by the disappearance of the mains. They had to alternate usage otherwise the temporary fixes would rupture so the going ws slow, estimated travel/repair time was 1 month. They used this time well to examine all the data the mining station had graciously donated to the command staff about Earth after getting "the 10 cent tour" of the SDF-3.



CHAPTER 4:

(Chaos reigns)

"Striker I need backup, one more hit on the rear grid and I'm toast!" Pure desperation filled the cockpit of the Hunchback as smoke and sparks threatened to engulf the pilot. Like a drunken sailor the mecha tried to align it's backside to a building tall enough to shield it.

"I'm comming hold on!"

Like it's namesake, the Panther quickly tore up the pavement as it's pilot tried to come to his lancemate's aid, however the enemy units weren't making this easy. Fire Lance Alpha of the Storm Rider Company (a Brittish unit) had walked into an ambush and was paying dearly for it. The unit had come to Egypt after the government there informed the coalition of terrorists passing weapons through the Alexandrian port so a lightning raid was drafted.

"I hate to be a ninny old chap but there isn't much to hold on to!" Already the targeting computer had reacquired the Hermes, Urbamech, and Catapult that had lit him up earlier and tore him a new A-hole. The two lighter mechs had distracted the Hunchback with minimal small laser fire and when he had tried to move in closer to unlease his deadly AC20 point blank the Catapult pilot jumped in behind him from concealment and two LRM 20 salvos ruined his day! Quick thinking he used counter measures, ecm jammed, and used the temporary smoke created from the explosions to side step out of the kill zone. Even with lowering his radar to passive only and almost no engine power it was a scant few minutes till they would close in for the kill. 3-1 odds is never good if you are the 1, especially if you can't turn your back to any of your opponents! Now he had no where left to run and doubted his opponents would be kind enough to come down the alley one at a time into range, Hell, the Catapult alone would do it as soon as it turned the corner as it would be optimal range for the LRMS.

"Blocker I got you on radar I am almost there!"

*Pity, he wasn't gonna be able to return the 10 bucks he had borrowed before last payday* That and other stray thoughts one has when one faces certain death went in the back of Blocker's head.



"Damn you bastards! Just a few more seconds..." Striker was already charging his hand mounted PPC, the weapon was so massive on the light mech it was actually half of it's right arm so he could do noting with it like grab things just point and shoot, though in an emergency he could use the arm to cradle things or shoulder block. He could see the enemy formation ahead rounding the corner where Blocker was trapped, the Catapult in the lead with the Hermes and Urbamech backing it up. He wouldn't get past the other two in time!



"Here goes nothing!" Just as Blocker was about to charge the Catapult and hopefully be close enough as it turned towards him so the LRMS wouldn't arm in time, a deafining roar came from above.

"Not on my watch! GETTER BEAM!" A crimson lance split the ground and snaked toward the catapult and it's escorts in a fraction of a second. All three were serverely melted then moments later exploded as thier super heated ordinance and engines went critical. The two Mechwarriors were stunned...

"Hey you two, your unit is regrouping South three clicks. I suggest you get a move on!" Looking up from the shadow that raced over them into the sky they saw, in their words, 'Something Incredible', an armored Red LAM.

Blocker wasn't the sharpest tool in the shed, but he recovered from his stupor quickly enough to ask "Not that I'm complaining but who the HELL are you?"

You could almost feel the amusement in the reply, "You can call me Star Dragon, and that would be MAJOR."

"Right-to, Good show Major, thank you for the assist we will be going now!" The two Brits had heard the briefing about the American experimental mecha by that call sign that would be 'around' the theater of operation and although he technically wasn't in their chain of command, when someone has blown away three units (with one shot) about to frag you and is friendly, are you going to argue with him?

"No problem, mates, leave anything North of here to me, just keep going south." *Damn that limey was lucky I saw that, 2 more seconds and he was a goner*

Major Carl Crocker (c/s Star Dragon) was here for a more specific reason then just to bail out mecha teams. There were still two factions that had "Mech-Monsters" bastard creations of science run amok. Dr Hell (sometimes referred to as Dr Demon) had unearthed the prototypes of his evil seeds in the ruins of ancient Crete. Apparently the legends of Atlantis had some fact after all about being an advanced civilization long ago only to have been destroy by some unknown event.

The other faction was led by Commissar Krell and his "Krell Corps" Krell was once a respected Physicist and when it was discovered the planet Promete was capable of supporting Human life and was in the nearby star system of Alpha Centuri the governments of the world kept it a secret and collaborated on a means of designing a power source and spacecraft to reach this jewel in the heavens, dubbed "The Promete Project". Krell betrayed Humanity and sabotaged the project at a critical stage. Trillions of dollars wasted and the war on terrorism beginning meant not much could be done about it. Krell took the plans for the semi-stable power source and traded it to Dr Hell as the other madman had offered secrets of the ancient war machines in return for the ability to make them live again. Now Krell had built purely mechanical mechas based on the schematics and writings of the ancients, while Dr Hell uses the power source to awaken the organic constructs and mastered them.

Reports had indicated something beyond the norm in the area, and the fast amount of unconfirmed casualties indicated destruction before the pilots could radio back their situations, that was a bad sign. Flying towards the coast line it didn't take long to spot a suspicious shadow lurking under the water of the city's deep port. "Yeow!" The threat indicators lit up in spades as numerous missiles erupted from the waters surface and closed on his position. Trusting in the computer, the Major set the controls to transform into mecha mode. During this 3 second operation the handgun and the head mounted turrets took out the incoming missiles as they were programmed to do.

This was not a standard mecha by any means! In fact it had been a bastardized version of a Land-Air-Mech (or LAM for short), and the technologies salvaged from a mostly destroyed Getter unit. The Saotome Institute of Japan had created a "super robot" called Getter Robo G (before the disappearance of most of the super robots overnight!) so it never bothered to reclaim the lost unit that still orbited the Earth as so much space junk. The American military used it's last remaining space shuttles (Independence) to bring back anything they could find to advance their mecha projects. The results of this effort was ONE prototype that can not be replaced as they have failed to duplicate the technology, only re-install it in a new frame.

"There you are you fugly thing!" Though no intelligible reply ever came back from these monsters besides some type of roar it always pleased the Major to get some type of response during a battle. It looked like a giant squid as tentacles lashed out with blinding speed and caught the unit within it's grasp. "Sorry not only do I not kiss on the first date, but hugging is out as well! ARM BLADES!" A whirring sound like a circular saw began as both lower forearms revealed huge versions of those blades and began to slice through the tenticles in short order, but not before the mecha was dragged below the water and closer to the monster.

Just as the last tentacle was about to be severed the monster glowed bluish-white and massive jolts of electricity surged into the unit. "SHIT!" the insulation for the systems would be fried in no time not to mention the pilot's flesh, there was no time for fancy tactics.

"EAT THIS!" The right arm had freed itself and managed to direct it's gunpod into the monsters chomping mouth. 'CLICK!' The muzzle flashes lit the interior of the beast's maw as auto cannon rounds penetrated deep into lightly protected areas and it quickly released it's prey with a distorted howl.

"Oh stop your whining, it wasn't exactly cricket but what did you expect?" Ok fun was over, now the LAM was as badly damaged as the monster. If he couldn't put his opponent down now or get away it was over. *think man THINK!*

"Got it, follow me tall dark and squishy!" The foot thrusters engaged and launched the robot out of the water. The beast was enraged that it's prey was about to escape and angrily pursued. As soon as he hit the surface the Major switched to the hybrid mode (how the LAM got it's name) or Air-mech, as it was now appearing as a fighter plane sprouting arms and the engine/feet angled down to the water. "You want me, come and get me!" If his plan worked this monster was as good as dead, if not... *Sucks to be me...* His target was a tanker he saw in the deep water port, hopefully it was still filled with crude oil headed for a refinery. Within seconds he was just above and past the tanker and turning about to face his opponent (hovering in the air as a trademark LAM maneuver)

"Yeah that's it, you know you want to smash the boat and eat me up!" By now the Squid Monster was soaring on the surface of the water at an unbelievable rate practically ignoring the obstacle in front of it, it's attention almost totally on it's target. There was no margin for error, this would use up that last of his energy for weapons and movement for a long time. "GETTER BEAM!" Once more the crimson ray erupted from the black crystal embedded in the mecha's head and struck the deck of the tanker, only impeded for a moment before reaching the oil in it's hold. The monster had almost no time to realize it's mistake as it was practically on top of the tanker, so intent on reaching the taunting enemy it had half climbed over the tanker and now tried to reverse course as it felt the massive explosion rip into it's underside.

"Now or never, Double Tomahawk!" as the LAM began to descend (its power draining to zero in a few moments) the two arms pulled two bars from the legs and axe heads extended from the ends just as they arced back to throw them. Both hit dead on and both of the squid's eyes now had an axe buried into it. Blinded and mortally wounded the creature floundered about in frustration and perhaps fear(?) as the major eyeballed the manual targeting reticule and launched a missile salvo just as his console went dead. 12 Missiles streaked out to their predetermined target and 10 hit home. The LAM hit the water hard and jarred the pilot roughly just as the squid monster went critical and blew its bio-mechanical body all over the bay causing a tidal wave to slam some tanker debries into the cockpit. The force of the water made the wreckage penetrate the canopy and now water was rushing in as the LAM started to sink. As normally mechs are waterproof he had planned on waiting a bit till the generator had recharged enough to simply walk to shore this was NOT part of the plan! He grabbed the emergency oxygen mask and as he managed to get it clear of water he felt a tug.

*great, it's alive and gonna finish me off now?* As the LAM was lifted high enough so that the cockpit was above the water line he could finally see what had a hold of his mech. It was an Atlas!

"No Worries! I saw the tail end of that bugger and thought you needed a hand." Her voice was definitely British, and VERY nice. "BTW my name is Capt Jennifer Storm, but you can call me Jenny for short" The bay had settled now as the two quickly approached the waters edge.

"Well Capt Jenny your timing is excellent! How did you manage to save my bacon?"

"Seems like you met up with 2 of my boys who were in trouble so I wanted to see if I could return the favor." By now the Atlas had made it to shore and gently settled the LAM on the ground.

Laughter came over the radio as the Major realized he was talking to the CO of the Storm Riders, "I'll take that as even but please don't mention the part about carrying me alright? I think it would be detrimental to my macho image, even if the only one who believes it is me!"

More laughter "Your one of those funny Americans huh?"

"Yep..."

"Well mr comedian how about buying me a drink at the club later?"



"That can be arraigned."

This was a relatively normal day, but that was soon to change...

Chapter 5: (Whispers in the Dark)

Darkness... But was it really Dark or just an absence of light? Cold, or just the lack of heat? Insanity, or just the omission of rational thought.

It did not matter *We shall be FREE*

The chorus of millions of voices echoed in the void that was their home/prison. Already they could feel the barriers weaken. Perhaps someone had found the portal and was foolishly powering it up?

---

[The USS Defiant in Bajoran space outside DS9]

Cmdr Benjimin Sisko was sweating slightly. The air circulating on the small bridge actually felt good against the back of his neck. But this was no time to be distracted, "Dax, arm all mines and cloak them." This was it, the Dominion fleet was preparing to move and reinforce their footholds in the Alpha Quadrant. If that were allowed to happen it would be nearly impossible to resist their invasion.

"Mines armed and now cloaked, this should make things very difficult when they get here Ben!" Dax had a half smile on her face. Though the situation was about as serious as it could get she still derived some pleasure that the brutal killers (The Jem'Hadar) would lose MANY ships in their exit of the anomaly called The Wormhole.

"Major, any sign of the Dominion fleet?" Turning his head Sisko could see Kira intently manipulating the sensors giving total concentration to the detection and tracking of any enemy vessels. "No sir... WAIT, picking up a reading from our DQ probe. Multiple warp signatures heading for the wormhole."

"Damn" He swore, "Dax, if it looks like they are getting through the mines we are to fire the quantums and collapse the wormhole."...

As his order finished time stopped for the Defiant crew and Sisko found himself in a realm of light.

"What? You? No, not now! Any moment the Dominion is going to try to overwhelm our position at DS9. Send me back!"

Two men and a familiar woman surrounded him. "You are the SISKO, you are needed."

His frustration was starting to mount, "I am needed on the bridge of the Defiant! Please send me back."

"That is not the path of the Emissary"... The one who he had called wife spoke.

"Dammit I am not just the Emissary, I am also a Starfleet Officer! And if you've failed to notice there is a war going on!"

"We told you this war was not for you Benjamin, you are of Bajor."

"Fine, you don't want to send me back? We'll guess what. The Dominion is about to send over a Thousand ships through the wormhole. I am willing to fight, and probably die, but at least I will die defending Bajor the best way I can." His temper up now Sisko wasn't holding anything back,"Not only that but after we are killed Bajor will most likely be totally destroyed! And what will you do then? You have been unwilling to lift a finger this entire war and now it's on your doorstep. If you want to pretend to be Gods, THEN BE GODS!"

The trio hadn't changed their mannerisms or tone (like all other conversations), but this time thier words alone impacted him as never before, "Very well. But there will be a price Sisko."

"What?!" before he could finish asking, Benjamin found himself back on the Bridge of the Defiant. "Commander?" Kira had spoken, "Last reading I had was about 1500 Dominion ships entering the wormhole...Now I have no readings at all?"

In the pit of his stomach he knew that the prophets had done it. The Gods of Bajor had delivered a miracle. *But what will they ask of me in return?* "It's over."

All eyes turned to him the questions reflected in their curious expressions, "I'll explain later. I just spoke with the Prophets it's all right now the Dominion forces are gone. Lets head back to DS9."

Chief O'brien was slightly sarcastic, "Thank you Prophets! Aye aye, course laid in we'll be home in 3 mins."

For them it was over. But for others, this was only the beginning...



Chapter 6: (Devils an Angels)

[Imperial Sector 001] Three years later...

The ISS Enterprise (1701) hung in orbit around Jupiter, a relic of an age long past now brought back to life as the mythical phoenix.

"Mr. Laforge, are we ready to begin?"

A black male with a prosthetic VISOR looked up from his engineering panel, "yes all systems appear nominal and engine power is stable. We can go at any time."

The grey being with the small pointed ears sat in the captain's chair and gave a wave of his left hand, "Then by all means, it's your show Lieutennant. Let us hope it is not a disappointment."

*Come on Geordie you CAN do this!* "Aye sir venting plasma and modulating warp field."

The reason this Terran ship and crew were here was due to the Founders. Three years ago the Dominion fleet appeared at Bajor as expected, Only no one was waiting for them and the station. Not long after they were shocked to discover the Cardassian's (supposedly their allies) running the station were hostile. Not only that but Major Kira was now "The Intendant" and was the CO of DS9 , or rather "Terrok Nor" as the Cardassians originally called it. Further interaction and research revealed that the entire history of the Alpha Quadrant had changed. Humans were called Terrans and were brutally subjugated about 70 years ago. the largest power in the AQ was now called The Alliance and was made up of Klingons, Romulans and Cardassians.

The wormhole was no longer working (or had collapsed), so there they were confused and isolated in the AQ. The Founders accompanying the invasion fleet came up with an idea. After securing "Terrok Nor" and freeing the Terrans they presented themselves as a benign race serving a 'higher power', whose goal was to liberate the Terrans and restore their empire (under their guidance of course). Terra and most of the Human colony worlds were retaken with minimal trouble as no one expected an unknown fleet of 1000 ships to attack them. 500 ships were left at Bajor to secure the station and also in the event the Wormhole started working again. The madness behind this method was in their assessment of the AQ powers it was determined that Humanity was the biggest threat due to their conviction, and their creativity. If the Dominion could harness that here in this 'twisted mirror universe' then prehaps they could find a way to get back to where they belong, or at lest to the Gamma Quadrant.

One such effort was the reason the Enterprise was near Jupiter. The aging wreck was taken out of mothballs and given priority repair. As the dominion gained access to the knowledge of the Empire's history from a liberated Earth, they discovered this wasn't the first time a crossing had occurred. Records they found that implied that Tiberius Kirk had been transported to another reality and in his place a double who had engineered the downfall of the empire had briefly corrupted the first officer of the ISS Enterprise (Spock the traitor) before returning to his home reality hours later. Intrigued and hopeful the Founders sought Terran engineers to duplicate the occurrence. If this could come to pass maybe they could make the effect bigger and get their fleet back to their AQ. During this time they had not been idle. Where Utopia Planatia once orbited, it's scraps were used to build a mega shipyard. The dominion had close to 500 additional ships constructed during their exile so far and the numbers continued to rise.

Using their data banks of AQ knowledge they sought out Terran survivors whose doubles were talented people in various fields. Given training by the dominion it was hoped they could emulate their 'other selves' in ability (though they were not told about the other universe, simply that this was a different type of trans warp experiment).

One such person was now controlling the engineering bridge panel, Lt Geordie LaForge. Rescued from a Klingon forced farming colony Geordie had always been 'bright' and absorbed technical knowledge like a sponge (almost). The colony was a harsh place under Klingon rule but with his status as a technician he was given a few privileges denied most of the other slaves. The coming of the Dominion was like divine intervention, the forces of the Alliance outnumbered and over matched lost battle after battle. Now the tide had passed and the situation more or less stabilized. The Dominion almost controlled about the same amount of territory as the other Federation did in it's universe. The Alliance had rallied holding firmly to Qonos and Romulus but Cardassia was hanging by a thread. When the dominion moved their former 'allies' were their first targets as they were intimately familiar with ships, tactics, codes and personalities of the Cardassian war machine. In short it was astounding how fast they were brought to the brink of utter subjegation before Alliance forces were able to relieve the battered world. Leaving only token forces near the Cardassian system the Dominion then sent skirmish teams to make the Alliance feel their other home worlds were threatened to push them back as much as possible and give them breathing room. The tactic worked, and the Alliance became paranoid and relations between the Klingons and Romulans became strained as each began withdrawing support of Cardassia in favor of securing their own regional borders.

Now a new plan was conceived, the Dominion would put everything it had into the Trans dimensional effort or they would be trapped here forever. Using the data recovered from Imperial intelligence archives it was decided to try the first experiment with the original Enterprise including the state it was when the event happened. At first they had used the famed engineer (and 'miracle worker') Captain Montgomery Scott (who had been recovered from a transporter stasis of 72 years). After numerous failures, which caused the death of a dozen 'volunteers', he was summarily executed for gross negligence and the event was broadcast throughout the AQ. Showing although the Dominion had saved the Terran Empire, it would not allow such a disgraceful failure to be tolerated from it's best people after expending vast resources.

Now it was Geordie's chance. At first he was daunted and feared he would be the next 'example' of failure, but after a flash of insight and weeks of study on the problem he came to a conclusion of WHY Captain Scott had failed. All previous attempts were to duplicate teh incident that happened all those decades ago but Captain Scott had failed to take one factor into consideration. There had been an cosmic storm in BOTH universes during the transporter use in the same coordinates simultaneously. What if the failure was due to the fact that this effort was ONE SIDED? No one on the 'other side' was trying this experiment, and especially with no cosmic storm on the other side to facilitate it of course it would fail. It was a once in a googleplex chance! With this new realization LaForge utilized Dominion computer models to come up with new variables and concepts to approach the trans location. Now 6 months of work was about to be put to the test.

Well he would know in a few minutes if he was to be executed like his predecessor or be hailed as the new hero of the Dominion & the Terran Empire.

"Activating warp field... Field stable" Though faint the whine of the engines could be felt as maximum power was applied and the ship was ready to move like a bat outta hell.

"Initiating Neutrino beam" A pale green shaft of light sprang from the ancient ship and struck the vented plasma.

"Now reading anomalous reaction". The area in the middle of the plasma began to buckle and warp as if being pushed and pulled simultaneously. The Vorta, Weyoun, leaned forward in the Captain's chair. They had never been so close and he could feel success! *Blessed be the Founders!*

---

The tiniest of ripples, insignificant in the vast void but felt none the less drew their attention. *Again? The barrier is being weakened, we must try to use this!*

---

The violent reaction of the artificial anomaly reached a crescendo and LaForge was ecstatic "We have a breech!" his voice was loud and joyful, "it's small barely there but definitely holding. How long I can't say, maybe a few minutes max." The Vorta turned toward the science officer quickly, "Launch probe into the anomaly NOW!"

The class 5 probe streaked from the Enterprise and vanished into the vortex. "We have telemetry, receiving video signal."

This would be the proof Weyoun needed to show the Founders, "Maintain recording of probe data and put it on the main screen."

They were not prepared for what the saw. It was a vast fleet of ships colored blue & white of a species they didn't recognize though Jupiter could be seen in behind them. Suddenly many of the ships began to shimmer and disappear like so many cloaked Romulan ships but instead of fading to transparency the glowed brighter and brighter until they shown like tiny stars and then faded away. The sight was breathtaking. Alarms and indicators flashed angrily at the engineering panel "Sir, something is overloading the engines?" The gauges began to redline and creep dangerously higher to the critical level. "We got imminent warp core breech in 60 secs! initiating emergency shut down proceedure!" Crewmen ran to emergency stations and donned radiation gear.

The Vorta stood up and shouted, "Eject the core and move us away at maximum impulse!" For once the crew had heard fear in Weyoun's voice, but there was no time to register this event. "Negative!" LaForge screamed, "The relays are not accepting the eject command or the shut down ones either. CARLISLE! have your people smash open the warp inhibitors manually!" 20 seconds remained till warp core breech, the bridge crew held it's breath.

The feverish whine of the engines that was almost deafening by now, had started to subside as gauges lowered and systems powered down. "They did it." Geordie sigh with relief.

Weyoun had regained his composure and barked,"Report!"

Laforge was first, "Engines shut down completely, we have no impulse and are on battery power only, multiple systems are shorted out. Fire crews are responding all over the ship, we lost a lot of EPS conduits but we should be able to hold together."

The Enterprise was practically a dead husk once more, but regardless they HAD created a pinhole and obtained proof of anohter place beyond the anomaly however briefly. Weyoun smiles in the dim atmosphere of the emergency lights, *The founders will be pleased*...

---

The dark consciousness concentrated and used all their will to batter the walls of their prison. The effort of a whole race focus into one act of assisting and enhancing the efforts of the unknowing Terran Empire. *YES! Now We shall use them all!* Taking control of the Enterprise's engines they forced the breech open wider and sense the massive folds taking place within the REF fleet. As the SDF-3 began it's fold they siezed their engines as well as this construct was vastly more powerful then the pitiful wreck they now withdrew their will from.

The SDF-3's engines went hyper critical and started to be dragged across dimensional boundaries far beyond what they are normally capable of as they slammed from one universe to a completely different one. the event left the main body in this strange place while the fold engines were able to be dragged into 2 or 3 more realities before the strain finally destroyed them utterly.

It was done *Now we sleep* the effort was so draining it threatened to obliterate the race as they fell into a mass coma, the weakest of them dying in the thousands. But the damage had been done, the spiders have woven their web and now awaited their prey to make the first tentative steps into doing their bidding. It was just a matter of time and no one was more patient than them...

Chapter 7: (Destinies Dawn)

The world was shocked when the SDF-3 transmitted it's message of peace and goodwill through the existing satellite network. For some it was heralded as "the end of days", most looked to the sky and prayed it would deliver them from the rotted cesspool their everyday lives had become. the many nations of the world began to bicker as each prepared their own agendas and preparations to welcome and treat with the visitors from beyond.

Major-General Hunter was not having it "Oh HELL no!" Lisa Hayes-Hunter grinned openly at the conference table, as unlike her, her husband was never shy about his feelings.

"There is no way we should allow any nation to seem above the others or that we would deal with them one on one. These people are almost barbaric! I was just a kid then but I still remember the global war and if we were to start separating nations it will only feed their paranoia and deepen their divisions."

Most of those around the table nodded in agreement though some were lost in thought. Lisa turned to Dr Lang, "Are you ready to meet with their representatives?"

Shuffling of papers accompanied his affirmation "Yes, I have been gathering my notes and journals from the beginning of the UEG (United Earth Government). The appearance of the SDF-1 brought us together as one world and hopefully the SDF-3 can have that same effect here for these troubled people."

Captain Jack baker couldn't resist adding, "At least we aren't dragging a Zentreadi armada after us! Ow!" Captain Karen Penn elbowed him firmly with a stone face.

"Indeed. I have devised a set of guidelines for them that, if they are willing, will enable their world to copy ours in a much shorter time than it took us to get sorted and economically stable."

Admiral Hayes gave the documents a once over flipping through them, "And what is the time table you are projecting for the best outcome possible?"

Dr lang started rubbing his chin, "Provided they are open to the idea of global peace and unity, I would say 2-3 years."

"Wow!" Rick Exclaimed, "it took us like 6 years and that was purely with political divisions, UEG didn't even have full support for rebuilding SDF-1 till the last 4 years of the project."

"Be that as it may." Lisa interjected,"We don't have time to babysit or with for these people to grow up. We need to find a way to get home, and they might want what we have to offer so I think we should just lay it all on the table and see if they go for it."

"And if they don't?" Lang asked.

"Then we say have a nice day and get the hell out of here and taske our chances searching this universe for the improbability that we can find a race we are familiar with that can help us, or barring that, accept the inevitable and settle a planet somewhere."

That cast a pall on the meeting as no one in the room relished the thought of giving up and packing it all in to retreat to some planet. It would feel too much like running away.

"But lets not dwell on that until we have to. When you are ready Dr Lang, you can send the transmission stating that each interested party may send one unarmed representative to be brought on board and meet with us."

Lang nodded, "I shall be ready to make the announcement by this afternoon. We can begin scheduling shuttle transfers by tomorrow morning."

"With full fighter escorts of course?" Col Max Sterling added.

Rick was quick to join in, "Of course, no way i'm allowing diplomats into any of our shuttles without a wing to cover each of them. last thing we need is to have them shot at while in our custody!"

"Well then, if there is nothing else?" pause "then this meeting is adjourned until 0900 tomorrow." Admiral Lisa Hayes-hunter got up from the table and the others followed in turn.



The following chapter contains a rewrite of previous history involving the Golden Gate. Ignore the previous reference of the "Labor MECH" incident (that occurred against a different landmark in another city)


CHAPTER 8: (Warm Welcome)


The sun had just rising over the British Isles and stationed nearby the Carrier USS Enterprise.

"Dammit!" Star Dragon swore as he cut himself shaving (yet again). In the explosion of the tanker a month ago, debris had ripped into his cockpit and though injured he hadn't noticed how badly until afterward. Reinforced canopy shards had pierced his forearm and only now the doctors were talking about green lighting his flight status. Not to mention being promoted to LT Colonel was really pissing command off as his latest success brought him higher into the ranks of the Confederation. Though he had no direct problems with any particular member of the chain of command, it often irked the Joint Chiefs and their overseas counterparts that one man had so much authority and autonomy over the raw power of the Getter system.

Of course the other reason he was so despised was the fact that he was specifically chosen to be the pilot after his successor died while trying to master the newly reconstructed system. Converting an unknown technology was hard enough (as the US was not about to let anyone know of its recovery, at least for a while) but trying to adapt it on a smaller scale to a manageable airframe was murder.

He remembered when he was visited in the hospital. It was 7 years earlier and his plane had crashed from the shock wave of San Francisco being all but wiped out. Though his squadron tried valiantly to defend the city from one of Krell's monsters the devastation was the stuff of nightmares. The monster had attacked during the noon rush and his wife had been traveling over the Golden Gate. Thousands were killed in the initial attack as the monster destroyed the momument to early engineering. It was months later before final DNA confirmation would be made for many casualties of the attack.

SD had known she would be running errands and didn't need to be told she wasn't coming back, at least after the first month went by of having military agents search for her in hospitals or shelters. Then he got a visitor that would change his life and give new meaning to his existence...

He wore a beige overcoat and underneath looked the part of a business man. "Hmmph, Don't tell me you're with the IRS and want to ask why my taxes are overdue..."

There was something about this man that was, off? It was almost as he was examining SD, evaluating him with those blue eyes.

"Well at least you have SOME sort of humor left in you. The question is, do you have any fire left?"

Was this was a game? SD didn't want to play but this person had picked the WRONG time to be cryptic.

"Just what the hell do you want Mister? You got 3 secs to explain yourself otherwise burns or no I will ass end you out of this room!"

For just a fraction of a second the stranger smiled.
"Excellent, first let me apologize for antagonizing you. I wanted to be sure you had spirit enough to listen to my proposal. We've never met, but we are distantly related."

SD had never laid eyes on him before so as his brain was working in overdrive the man solved the mystery for him.

"I am Thracia's uncle, Dr. William Thompson, I'm with Special Projects..."

SD was stunned for the moment. A relative of his wife's here? Now? Turmoil was apparent on his face. Being bed ridden was bad enough, but dealing with the loss of his wife so recently as well as meeting a relative through his marraige so suddenly was taking it's toll on the battered pilot. In a subdued voice he slowly replied, his eyes threatening to loose control over the wall of tears that could erupt at any moment.

"What do you want from me, an apology for not saving her? (louder) for not saving the city? (yelling) WHAT THE HELL DO YOU WANT FROM ME NOW?"

There was a pause, perhaps Dr.Thompson was not quite prepared for SD's reaction, but he quickly recovered. "It's NOT what I want from you. It's what I can possibly give you a chance to get." At this he leaned in closer to the bewildered SD and whispered the word that would dominate his life up to this point.

"...Revenge"...

---

The electric whine of his second alarm clock broke SD from his nostalgia.

"Shit! If I'm late it's my ass!"

The Lt. Colonel roughly reset the alarm and finished getting ready. It was 6:45 and he had to really haul it to get to the office in 15 mins.

---

In contrast this one never needed to worry about such minor nuisances as shaving. Commissar Krell was a bald man, and when I mean bald I mean totally hairless. Continuous exposure to his greatest achievement had robbed his body the ability to grow and maintain it's hair follicles but what's a little vanity compared to being master of the Earth? The man seated on the throne of solid gold was dressed in the finest black silk with matching cloak. Normally, he would be exuding an aura of complete confidence, his posture one of utter control of the situation at all times

But not today. His posture on the throne now was not that of one in control, it was of one in bedlam. Defeat after defeat had built his frustration to it's limits. At first it was a great boon when Getter Robo, Danguard Ace, Grendizer, Great Mazinger, and all those other 'do-gooders' were destroyed/disappeared on that day 7 years ago (along with one of his BEST warriors Cpt. Stache). But then those Damn infidels played God (Trampling on HIS domain!) and created that abomination called Getter GX.

It was laughable. How could anyone take that franken-mech seriously? They salvage some of Saotome's technology and slapped it in a primitive airframe intending to defy him? The mere audacity of it! However, it proved to be more than just a annoyance as mech-monsters were being defeated faster than they could be manufactured. Working hard to win the support of 3rd world countries and the extremist factions, he had began offering his support militarily and minor technological improvements to their gear, but it wasn't enough. It was just a matter of time before all his forces would be out numbered and outgunned.

Now these ALIENS from the cosmos threaten to take his dream away forever and deny him his true destiny! They are a threat, and there was only one option left to take. It was a final solution and there would be no going back...

"Are the preparations complete Dr. Monocle?"

The blue skinned man with pointed ears and a monocle over his right eye turned to his master, "Yes Commissar! Even now Colonel Harkin has his squadrons ready in the hangar and waiting for your command."

"Excellent! Keep us in cloud cover as long as possible then drop the cloaking screens and launch the attack when the shuttles get in range. These peasants will taste my wrath for defying me once and for all!"

Dr. Monocle cackled with fiendish glee, "Yes my Lord! They sky will be covered in blood I can assure you!"

Meanwhile in the hangars of Krell's sky-fortress quite a different outlook was apparent...

"Damn his twisted heart!" Colonel Harkin of the Krell Corps was usually above reproach when it came to military bearing. At this particular moment this was NOT the case, "It's the end of us all and he KNOWS it, this is just a last ditch act of desperation!" Adjusting his cap he prepared to address the men of his squadron.

The young lieutenant beside him in the matching blue Krell Corps Trooper uniform was very nervous at that outburst, "Sir?"

"Oh don't worry Alex, I fully intend to do my part for Commissar & Corps, but make no mistake, IF we get through this there WILL be a reckoning." The lieutenant was wide eyed at the flagrant sound of treason in the Colonel's tone.
"Don't be so shocked, I would have given up by now if I was the Commissar. These aliens were the final straw. With Cpt. Stache killed by Danguard Ace, and now That bastard child of Getter Robo has plagued us until we have one last monster. Basically it's over... (Sigh) So be it..."

"MEN, to your positions!"

The Sky Troopers of the Krell Corps manned their planes and started their engines. It wouldn't be long before the signal to attack would be given and their final fates sealed.

Notice
* denotes speech in thought
[] indicates a particular song


CHAPTER 9: (Meetings of Destiny)


After checking into "the office", SD made his way to the hangar, the smell of burning metal and sounds of powered equipment felt like coming home. As he made his way past the plane berths he heard a familiar voice barking out instructions to a noob mechanic.

"Dammit Jimmy, if you don't take a second reading with the laser..." The speaker was a graying man in his late 50's early 60's, "Never mind I'll take care of this later. Why don't you recheck the load outs for Pilgrim Wing." As the young engineer departed the man turned to SD. "What are you thinking of doing, Colonel, scratching my paint job?"

SD chuckled, "Spark plug, you know I never INTEND on bringing him back damaged... How are things otherwise?"

"Well I've upgraded the canopy so it SHOULD take a little bit more pressure to bust. Now the frame would more likely give before the actual glass does. So how's the arm?" pointing.

"Meh, the Docs still need to write off on it, but as far as I am concerned it's good to go!" Holds it up and balls a fist.

"Well, he's ready when you are. In fact I got a little surprise for you." Taking a set of headphones off the worktable, "Here try these on."

SD took the headphones and inspected them, "Seems like a set of standard issue... Hmm what's this?" He noticed the dual input plugs on the end as well as the inner set of ear inserts.

"he he, after the "incident" when taccom caught the volume on that Walkman I know you've been Jonesing for some flight tunes."

"Yeah, probably why I couldn't concentrate enough last fight. It's just not the same when I'm not feeling it."

"Well with this configuration the normal headphones both disguise the ear inserts as well as contain the sound." He grinned.

William "Spark plug" Whitwickey was a civilian engineering specialist who was recruited by Doc Thompson long before SD was. In fact "spark plug", as he liked going by, was a mechanical wizard who could seemingly fix things other mechanics would scrap as hopeless wrecks. Though his previous military background was limited it really didn't justify the amount of sealed files and level of security clearance this relatively unassuming man possessed.

When SD asked him one time about what got him interested in special projects he cryptically replied, "One day remind me to tell you about my son Spike."

This was a much needed gift as SD found his concentration in battle much more focused listening to his favorite songs. "This is sweet thanks a lot Spark plug!" Oh yes, this day was looking up indeed!

"No problem Sir, just doing my part for the cause."

"Damn Spark plug, you're a civilian, I think you could call me by my c/s by now. Especially since our 'Unit' is not quite what you would call normal."

Both laughed. It had been a rough start at first with Whitwickey being a retired non-conformist civilian and SD being a spit and polish pilot. It had been a long six years of trials together that had brought their working relationship closer then most people would have thought possible.

The loudspeaker announced escort operations were starting and pilots began arriving for final preflight checks.

"Well, I better get back to ops. Keep'em warm for me!"

"Alright Dragon, but lets hope things stay quiet."

SD let out an amen as he proceeded to leave the hangar deck and head to the operations area.


It was going to be a busy morning. Numerous representatives were scheduled to meet with the command staff of the SDF-3 and commence negotiations as what role these visitors would play in interacting with all parties. To help facilitate this "cluster-f", it was decided that grouping the representatives in like-minded groups for transport was best to both conserve space and yet still get them all there in one trip with as little friction as possible as not all of them got along with their peers.

The plan was for the Diplomats shuttles and their escorts to meet the honor guard from SDF-3 halfway and the native fighters would return to base. At least it looked good on paper...


On the SDF-3 preparations had been made to receive the diplomats but as usual there were always loose ends to finish. Major-General Rick Hunter was leafing through a request document.

"Seating requests, oh this is rich! Hmm musta been lost in the transmission." He took a marker and blacked out the section. "If they are going learn how to get along they might as well learn now! Umph!" He grunted as a three year old ball of energy slammed into his leg.

"Daddie play!" It was little Roy. Unlike most ships, the SDF-3 was a generational ship complete with family facilities. While it was a great comfort knowing their families were at hand, it was always still a risk since the SDF-3 was also built for war in cases where diplomacy failed. Many of the families of Jupiter group were aboard SDF-3 as the other ships of the fleet were mainly warships and as such provided little to no room for civilians or bulk passengers, that would only degrade their combat capability and create hazards. This was an unforeseen misfortune as now those families were trapped in this alternate dimension and far away from their loved ones, who most likely, were fighting for their lives to retake their home from the Invid.

Lisa Hayes-Hunter, Admiral, mother, and all around miracle worker was there to run interference. "Sorry Roy, daddy is too busy to play right now." as she picked up the pouting child. Little Roy Hunter looked NOTHING like his namesake Roy Fokker with his moptop of black hair, but had plenty of the same personality somehow. Balancing her bundle of joy on her hip she turned to Rick, "How's it going?" Rick held up the packet of documents and she could see occasional areas of black marker obscuring them, "That well huh?" His reply obviously had a sarcastic tone,"You know it, it's gonna be a barrel of monkeys alright. Remind me again how I got stuck helping Dr lang with the diplomats?" Lisa pointed her thumb at the epilet on her shoulder that denoted rank and branch. "Oh yeah, I remember now..."

*He definitely is not looking forward to this*, Lisa tried to lighten the mood. "Like they say 'only Nixon could go to China'." Rick growled and kissed his wife and son as he got ready to leave their quarters, "First of all I don't have a dog named Checkers, second, that doesn't even make sense!"

"Doggy!" Roy chimed in. Lisa was not so amused,"Great! You mentioned the D word..." It was a well established fact that pets and starships do NOT mix (much to the irritation of the newest generation of REF offspring). Many on board had made requests for shore leave or brief visitations when that subject could finally be addressed. Getting the crew some fresh air, as well as letting the children run around a bit would do wonders for morale.

Rick decided leaving 5 minutes earlier was best since Lisa now had the unenviable task of explaining to Roy WHY he still could not have a dog, as he had be told "When we get to Earth, you can have one.". However, this was NOT their Earth and they weren't free to just stroll the countryside and start settling in like new neighbors quite yet. A 3 year old has not the understanding of time an older child does so this "betrayal" of a promise was going to be quite upsetting.

Lisa's eyes narrowed both in irritation and amusement as Rick casually retreated from the room with, "Love you both, but gotta run. A General's work is never done! Cya!"

*Oooo that man!* she thought as she tickled little Roy *If we could have traded places once, especially during the pregnancy I'd show him some work!*. "You know Roy, no one can annoy me like your father does. But I still love him."


Rick was in such a hurry he almost bowled into Skull Leader around the corner from his quarters.

"Geesh Rick, what's your hurry? You got an armada after you or something?"

"Worse, CODE D..."

"Uh-oh, she's gonna have her hands full today!" At that both men laughed at their inside joke about Ricks inability to stay out of trouble with his wife for very long. (Code D for example is whenever Rick slipped up and said the word dog in front of Roy).

"How's the Sterlings so far?"

"Oh just PEACHY. Dana is bored out of her skull so much she ALMOST volunteered for escort duty. But then she realized it's diplomats and loathes that kind of babysitting, plus she's a ground pounder. I swear Rick, Miriya and I can't imagine a life without flying and our Dana never had eyes for anything but her Hover Tank MKII! Was it something WE did?" The wounded tone of his voice was mocking as Rick KNEW Max and Miryia were as proud of their eldest daughter as any parents could possibly be.

Dana Sterling had been left behind initially when the SDF-3 began it's quest to secure peace from the Robotech Masters at the age of 11. She and Bowie Grant, who was the nephew of the deceased Claudia Grant, were watched over by General Rolf Emerson of the Army of the Southern Cross.

Being a celebrity of sorts as the FIRST half-Human half-Zentreadi Dana always craved being the center of attention. This was BOTH a blessing and a curse, but despite this personality flaw she got in with little fuss into the Army at age 15 (she had "Uncle Rolf" sign a waiver for her) and firmly established herself by age 16 as a talented destroid pilot. Eventually she was assigned as in the XO slot in the 15th Armored Tactical Corps (ATAC15).

By her 18th birthday the constant escapades of Sean Phillips finally got his command stripped from him permanently and Dana Sterling was Promoted to Lieutenant and Commanding officer of the 15 Squadron. Not long after that the Robotech Masters appeared and began trying to secure the scattered ruins of the SDF-1 (as the protoculture generators deep in the bowels of great ship had a supply of seeds of the flower of life, the last known to exist in the universe!). The conflict was short and ended with the death of her soul mate Zor (The recently freed clone of Zor Prime), the defeat of the Masters, and the accidental release of the seeds into the ecology of Earth. The seeds took root and it was only a matter of time until the Invid would come in force to harvest it.

Just before the Invid invasion 2 years later, a REF ship with an experimental fold system appeared commanded by Colonel Wolfe (leader of the Wolf Pack ground commandos). The ship had been dispatched in haste to test the system first of all but also to gather intel about Earth and let them know the REF had secured a peace with the Masters of Tirol (albiet too late to save more than a remnant of the once great empire). Due to oaths and promises made during their voyage, the REF was still in the process of freeing the worlds of the Sentinels (the deaths of the Invid Regent and the traitorous Colonel Edwards had just occurred but still more hostile forces remained to be mopped up.), but would begin heading home shortly.

Dana met Colonel Wolfe and they had a torrid affair. The colonel was a ladies man with an eye for exotic women and Dana enjoyed the air of scandal their relationship produced. But eventually she realized their pairing was just running from her feelings about the deceased Zor and broke it off. Instead she volunteered to go on the return trip and join up with her family in the Fantoma system (as the REF had made the Planet Tirol, the Master's former home world, their headquarters). Wolfe likewise decided to stay on Earth and try to prepare the Army of the Southern Cross against the Invid with his tactical knowledge gained from fighting them (which as we all know proved almost useless as Commandant Leonard was an egotistical idiot and was one of the main reasons Earth fell so quickly to the Invid!).

Dana traveled a year through fold space and was eventually reunited with her parents, as well as her new "little sister" Aurora. However due to strange forces on Haydon V Miriya's pregnancy was complicated and she gave birth very early. As a result Aurora Sterling grew at an accelerated rate which alarmed evryone but Dr Lang assured that he could tell the phenomenon would eventually slow down and stop, though this meant that she would age rapidly till end of puberty (biologically she was 12-13) Chronologically she was like 6. Dana swore that once in the SDF-1 Ruins she had a vision of her sister Aurora and was warned about the Invid. Of course her Earth superiors laughed at her but once among the forces of the REF her friends and family took her seriously as Aurora seemed to manifest amazing powers of precognition and awareness. Sometimes this was a clear and precise warning, but most of the time it was more like a feeling. Dr Lang categorized Aurora as a very powerful empath with the possibility of becoming a telepath later in life.

"Um Rick" max begn slowly as they we nearing the SDF-3's command center, "Aurora had one of her bad feelings again."

"Damn! In that case double the fighter escort and to hell with the plan. Send them WITH the shuttles on the way down. IF this bruises anyones feelings then tough cookies!"

"Roger that. I'll go make sure things are good to go below, later boss."

That was Max's favorite way of referring to Rick even from the first day he was assigned to Vermilion Wing by Commander Roy Fokker (Along with Ben Dixon). It became contagious and soon Ben was calling Rick Boss as well (before Ben's untimely demise over Ontario) and it sorta stuck, even now over 17 years later.

---

Not much later...

Commissar Krell was getting impatient, soon he would make the leaders of the Earth taste his wrath and nothing would stop him. "Monocle, status of the cloud generators?"

The demonic, elfin-looking scientist double checked the gages, "All generators at maximum output and holding. We have complete cover and a very nice thunderhead is forming!" (Cackle) Krell invented a device that obscured his fortress 24/7 in a radar defeating blanket of clouds and when pushed to it's limits could also cover additional areas around the fortress (like his launching fighters) and also generate hazardous weather that MOST planes avoided at all costs. It was the perfect disguise for hiding in plain sight.

"My Lord, sensors show shuttles and escorts descending to planet surface."

Krell smiled, it wouldn't be long now. "Excellent! The moment they launch from the surface have out fighters attack. We will squash them like insects!" Krell slammed his fist on the armrest of his throne for emphasis.

The airspace around the flying fortress was occupied by the fighter jets of the Krell Corps. Morale had grown higher since the actually took to the sky and with the final moments till the attack began confidence was rising.

---

On board the Enterprise SD and the command staff were tracking the departing shuttles. All was well until 5 mins into the flight.

The radar operator broke the silence, "Sir! Multiple contacts from out of nowhere bearing for pilgrim wing and the shuttles! Range 5 miles and closing!"

Captain Lancing of the Enterprise was shocked, "5 miles! Launch the Alert 5 fighters" He turned to SD, "It's him isn't it?" The look on SD's face, jaw clenched and eyes narrowing said it all. "Then get going son and Godspeed!" He yelled into the com, "Whitwickey! Raise GX's platform for emergency launch CODE RED!" SD was out of the conning tower by the end of the Captain's order. The sound of his dog tags and crystal snowflake neckless (the last item he had of his wife's) made a tinkling sound as he ran through the hatchways to the flight deck.

The Alert 5 planes launched with a roar and began closing the distance but the battle would be well underway before any backup could arrive. SD emerged outside and agonized for the minute or so it took for the birth to reach the top of the deck and latch into place.

He climbed into the cockpit and strapped himself down muttering, "all debts are paid in full today Krell!" The engines had been keep in low power mode at all times and were set for atuo start the moment the platform began raising so he already had green lights across the board and punched the accelerator as the ground crew were clear. Plugging his new phones into the jacks he pushed play on the mini MP3 player in his flight suit as the GX climbed into the sky...

[ Running where boys run free, burning up the sky, chasing the angels! ] - Iron Eagle II

---

It was the Veritech squadron of mixed Alpha's and old Valkyries that detected the oncoming bogeys first.

"Skull Leader to all SDF-3 fighters launch missiles and engage unknowns. Pilgrim Wing stay with the shuttles. we'll handle this!"

"Roger that Skull Leader, Pilgrims Stay Put!"

The Veritechs peeled off on an intercept course while Pilgrim Wing drew closer into escort formation and tried to cover all the angels around the shuttles.

"Rick!" Max yelled into his com, but Rick was already coming on the monitor "Yeah we got them Max, about 300 of them! Plus something else but we can't get a fix on it, there's somewhere in those thunderclouds but it was clear not 2 mins ago!"

By now the initial missile volley had taken out about half of the approaching hostiles and it was dog fighting time. Though it was hard to pay attention to others while engaging in one to one combat Max managed to sneak a peek at the red Skull 2 (his wife Miriya Parino Sterling) as the former Zentreadi Quadrano saved an Alpha fighter from certain death by firing her gun pod to the right while using her head lasers to the left destroying both attackers that were about to hammer it.

*Showoff* He smiled, then set out to make sure he at least would have a respectable number of kills. Age was slowly creeping up on him at 38 but as a 42 year old Zentreadi, Miriya was still as sharp as ever and would be even past 60. The fighting intensified and explosions of flaming jets and Robotech ordinance littered the surrounding airspace. The Veritech squadron had taken some losses to the unknown fighters but were more than holding their own.

On board the flying fortress...

"Commisar, the enemy is engage with the fighters and only a token guard force remains with the shuttles."

"Yes now Monocle, release the monster upon them. Have it target the shuttles!"

The blue abomination cackled with delight as he activated the auto launch sequence. "It is away my lord, your will be done!"


On board SDF-3...

Rick started at the monitor in disbelief, "What the HELL is that? MAX, watch your six, something BIG and fast is headed your way. All wings have launched and will be backing you up in about 2 mins."

In the chaos not many noticed the approach of a single fighter heading up from the surface. At the same time both friendlies and hostiles saw the enormous form of the Mech Monster fly past their conflict and make a bee line for it's objective. It was huge about 60 meters tall and had jagged wings like some mechanical dragon and on it's serpentine neck it had a skull type head unit. Black Scales and protrusions dotted it's body but that was all they had time to see as it was VERY fast.

Unfortunately Pilgrim Wing was the first to find out how deadly this new threat was. It opened it's mouth and flame like energy disintegrated 2 planes instantly. The shuttle crews had their hands full as diplomats panicked as well as trying to avoid both the flaming gout of energy and debris from the destroyed escorts.

Lost in the screams and shouting of orders was the faint sound of music.

[What the hell we fighting for? Just surrender and it won't hurt at all. Just got time to say your prayers, while you waiting for the hammer to fall...] - Queen


The monster screamed out as it was struck from behind. "Oh I see I got you attention, I certainly hope I've pissed you off BONEHEAD!" SD grinned as the monster's head rotated behind to face this new opponent. The modified AGM-64 bunker buster was set for dumb fire mode and with the additional rocket engines it could be fired at anything right in front of the pylon accurately for up to a mile and deliver a devastation payload for a non-nuclear device. A weapon practically useless in a normal dogfight, but against huge opponents the size of a barn at the right moment it was perfect.

"Pilgrims, Getter GX here, push it as fast as you can and get your escorts out of here! Do not engage, repeat do NOT engage. Leave this to me!"

With no urging needed the Star Goose shuttles were at maximum burn already and it's escorts activated their afterburners to keep up. The monster was not having this and before they could get out of range the spikey protrusions that covered it's body shot out as fragmentation missiles and destroyed another 3 planes of Pilgrim wing and damaged both a shuttle as well as GX.

Meanwhile the Veritechs were dominating the battlefield and the Krell fighters (despite their better than normal weaponry) could not compete with the tactics of the REF fighters ability to change forms and gain unique VTOL combat abilities. Soon they would either be routed or outright destroyed.

"Leader of the alien forces. This is Colonel Harkin of the Krell Corps. I will order my men to stand down if you give them quarter? However I wish to face you in combat" The Colonel's radio activated immediately, "Sir no! WE will fight to the last with you!"

"No Alex, this war is lost but you are still young and have a full life ahead of you. It's time to end this... But where I go you cannot follow. Promise me you will find a new way for yourself and do something with your life."

Max answered, "Colonel Harkin, your men are to land immediately and surrender if ANY of them fire a weapon or runs from the formation all will be destroyed. As for a one on one combat I will be glad to oblige you! Alpha Fighters surround and escort the Krell Fighters to the surface, all veritechs proceed to that THING immediately!"

On board the fortress things were not looking good...

"That BASTARD Harkin!" Krell raged, "He has betrayed me! Monocle break cover and prepare to reach orbit! IF they want this miserable world that is fine by me. I wash my hands of this rabble, but Promete will be mine and mine alone to rule!"

The flying fortress began its ascent and emerged through the clouds, all its engines engaged and burning at maximum output as all power was diverted to them and the cloaking screen fell.

Back at the shuttles the monster was in full pursuit with SD close behind...

The monster was beginning to close the distance to its prey when an open transmission came over the Tac Net. "Getter GX... Before I depart this sorry excuse of a planet I just wanted to say farewell. Especially before you die as I've ordered the monster to self destruct. You can't reach me in time and your forces can't save your precious diplomats from the explosion!" Krell burst into maniacal laughter...

For about 3 seconds...

The Commisar was bathed in golden light as if it was a religious experience for about 1/10 of a second before he realized it was a burning sensation. Most of the flying fortress was disintegrated as the main cannon of the SDF-3 powered down.

*Thank you!* SD thought... *One asshole terminated, one more to go.* Now the monster was beginning to glow, it was evident it was building up to a critical mass. *screw it there's no time!* "A shuttles DIVE DIVE DIVE, pull out at the last second at least that might buy you some time!" SD shouted into the com and hit the advance button on his player.

[Gan Gan Gan Gan, The fire of youth blazes, Getter spark rising to the heavens...] - Getter Robo


The shuttles dove and the monster was surprised by the unexpected maneuver. It was probably more surprised when over 20 tons of the GX slammed into it's back when it prepared to dive after its targets. Whipping its head back it opened its mouth to disgorge its energy weapon but SD grabbed the upper neck and forced it up while trying to stay on it's upper back by wrapping the GX's legs around it. The arms joints squealed in protest against the power of the monsters head as SD kept the mouth pointed away from him. The energy weapon was boosted by its reactor going critical so the discharge was even greater than normal and already the proximity of the GX's hands to the mouth was causing the metal to boil and beginning to melt off the inner skeleton. The temperature in the cockpit was rapidly rising but the worse part was the blinding light as SD had to keep his eyes closed at this point while in this position. He reached into his flightsuit and grasped the miniature crystal carved into the form of a snowflake. *Soon... I will see you in a few moments my love...*

At that moment the Calvary came in the form of a red Valkyrie that ironically enough could be mistaken for a twin of the GX with minor outward differences who launched a pair of reflex torpedoes, one striking each of the monsters wings . The monster jerked and stopped forcing its head down and directed its still firing weapon at the new arrivals. SD took the opening and activated and overcharged his most powerful weapon. "GETTER BEAM!" At this range there was no chance of missing now that he had a clear shot. The crimson ray tore through the monster neck joint just under the head and before it realized its error and could direct the energy beam back onto the GX the head was already falling away from the body, its weapon silenced forever...

Unfortunately this meant the GX was totally out of power and was falling out of the sky and all he had time to do before the controls went dead was to let go of the monster's corpse. Miriya saw this, "Hey you! Change modes or something, you're going to crash!" of course with no power even the radio was dead so after a few seconds she radioed the Veritech closest to her, which was Sepia 1 (Captain Quince Thompson).

"Hey Q-Man!" (his c/s) "Give me a hand with this guy, go for the left I got right!"

Sepia 1 dived and moved in from the side, "Roger that Skull 2, nice and easy..."

The two veritechs edged close to their Terrestrial "cousin" and managed to grab it. Activating their jets they began to stop its spin and slow its decent. Hovering in the air they all saw the flash from below as the monsters main body had exploded and the shock wave momentarily shook them. The shuttles had reached the surface and had pulled out of their dives. the added speed had enabled them to gain enough distance to outrun both the explosion as well as its shock wave. Now that the emergency was over they would regroup with the Veritech squadrons and head back to the SDF-3

A few minutes later Miriya and Quince (carrying the GX) landed on the SDF-3 and were soon joined by skull 1. Max appeared no worse for wear from his dogfight with the now deceased Colonel Harkin, but his Veritech had some fresh laser scorches that was testament of the fallen warrior's skill.

They managed to pry open the cockpit of the GX and medics standing by attended to SD as he was half blind, slightly burned, and promptly passed out.



CHAPTER 10: (Mergings)


It was many days later before SD's eyesight returned to normal. He first awakened in a panic, the memory of almost being burned alive in the cockpit fresh in his mind as he came back to consciousness. Even with the wonderful painkillers the medics of the SDF-3 gave him, it was still a trial not to scratch as his skin was regrowing over the burnt areas. In time even those would heal as mostly it was limited to his hands and face.

A surprising amount of progress was ongoing since the destruction of the Krell Corps and it's insane leader. Perhaps it was being in a near death situation that helped to forge a common bond amoung the delegates but the meeting about the SDF-3 went much smoother than anticipated. when all the data was given to the representatives of this Earth about the history of the visitors and how they had faced similar conflicts and divisions politically but overcame them in the face of the alien threat it truly transformed their outlook and they all swore to go back to their leaders and try to lobby that the hope of peaceful co-existence was possible.

Just in case any other disruptive factions decided to take advantage of Krell's downfall the SDF-3 announced that ANY aggression on the face of the Earth by ANY force would be instantly delt with. They also released Veritech gun camera footage to back up their claims. It was notable how much violence decreased after CNN and all the major networks began broadcasting the clips.


One of the nurses popped her head in to SD's room, "Colonel, are you up for a visitor?" They informed him earlier that he would be transferred in a few days back to the surface once the doctors were satisfied about his progress, but to tell you the truth SD was going stir crazy already. "Oh heck yeah, please!"

A man walked in who had swarthy skin and light brown hair. However the feature that stood out and was almost impossible to miss was his eyes. The parts of the eye that is normally white were black. It gave him an almost demonic appearance. Entering behind this man was a familiar figure.

"Spark plug! 'you're a sight for sore eyes!' He he"

Whitwickey approached bedside and shook SD's extended but bandaged hand. "Hey col, I mean Dragon. They said you were finally awake, minor concussion and all that."

"They won't really tell me anything (these doctors), how's GX?"

Sparkplug sighed and his voice lowered a little,"Honestly..." Spark plug saw SD set his jaw and was braced for the news. "The hands are melted off, as well as most of the canopy. The shielding was damaged from the heat in so many places that when the shock wave hit, the EMP fried hundreds of circuits. So far it doesn't look like any of the Saotome Systems were damaged. I'm sorry, but the airframe is a total loss."

SD's head drooped and he was silent. While it was good that the irreplaceable systems could be salvaged it still was the loss of a machine he had grown fond of and had mastered its operation.

Spark plug directed attention to the man on his left, "This man is Dr Emil Lang. He's been conferring with doctor Thompson and myself and he has quite a proposal to make that you should hear."

SD looked Dr Lang in the eye, "What kind of proposal are we talking about ?" A sense of deja vu washed over him for a second as this felt so similar to the events of several years ago when Dr Thompson came into his life.

"When we looked over your mecha it was misidentified as a radiation hazard. Further analysis was warranted and when your people contacted us about yourself and the machine we began a dialogue. It is a most interesting design and it's power source still eludes us. Your military has agreed on a technology exchange. They will receive 4 veritechs in return for the study of this mecha..."

SD struggled to sit up, the look on his face instantly agitated, "Your taking Getter!"

Spark plug interjected,"Wait, hear him out there's more!" His hands on SD's shoulder ured him back down to the more comfortable angle.

"I'm sorry I didn't mean to make it sound like that. We want you to be transferred as part of an exchange program for pilots. Eventually the military's of the Earth will have access to our technology both as a sign of our good faith, but also for the purposes of defending the planet should the need ever arise (hopefully not). It is remarkable that the airframe you used for it is so close to our veritechs in principle although the development was totally independent of history or technology. Nevertheless, we would like to help rebuild 'Getter GX' with one of our airframes and possibly unlock the secret of these 'Getter Rays' that power it. It is most fascinating as what you were able to accomplish against that mechanical beast and could rival, if not surpass our standard Veritech designs." Dr Lang leaned in closer. "BUt of course as the only pilot ever to successfully master this system how do you feel? Would you continue as pilot and let us try to make this happen?"

SD was stunned. *Rebuild Getter?* At the moment he felt nothing. Although his revenge had been complete with the destruction of Commissar Krell and the foiling of his last act of terrorism, SD still felt empty inside. "I want to see him" SD pulled out the IV needle from his arm, "Now. If you please."

Against the medics judgment the group made their way to the hangars of the SDF-3. SD was lost in thought but on some level was impressed with the alien vessel. When they finally got to the berth that contain the mech SD approached it slowly.

As his left hand reached out and reverently touched the scorched hull, the memories of all their battles and victories flashed through his mind. A single tear beaded down his cheek as the full impact of avenging a loved one meant the loss of yet another that was almost equal.

"Alright... All I have left is flying. IF you really want to rebuild Getter... I'm in, but I have two requests. First, I am the ONLY pilot of Getter. Second, Spark plug is included on this project."

Dr Lang walked next to SD, "Excellent! I truly hoped a pilot of your courage and skill would accept. Dr Thompson will be arriving later on and while you finish convalescing we will draw up plans for the rebuild as well as begin your simulator training as an REF Exchange Officer." As for Mr Whitwickey here" he turned to spark plug, "His experience will be greatly appreicated as well as expanded as we offer him training as a bio-maintenance engineer which will be vital for the new systems of the airframe." He offered his hand to both and they shook.

"I stepped down as mission leader but in the spirit of diplomacy I think Admiral Hayes and Major-General Hunter will green light this immediately."

SD had a thought, "Oh and Dr Lang could you relay a message for me?"

"Of course, who would you like to contact?"

"I would like to thank the people who brought me aboard, I heard how they risked their lives to keep me from being radioactive road pizza."

"That is not a problem, but a later time perhaps would be better? When we are ready to initiate the exchange program formally no doubt we will have a official ceremony. As most personnel on SDF-3 will likely attend that would be the best time I think as right now they are very busy."

SD's knees buckled slightly and Spark plug grabbed him before he swayed too much, "Ok tough guy, back to bed now!"

With no resistance SD let himself be led back to the medical bay "Promise me you'll stay in bed till the docs say otherwise and I'll tell you a little story about my son Spike and a planet called Cybertron..."

---

Months later...


A rough document was hammered out called The Earth Charter. It created the founding and mandates of operation of the United Earth Government and was very close to the copy provided by the SDF-3. For the military, The Earth Defense Force was formed. This would replace the forced of the United Nations and give them more authority to settle conflicts and also mainly to protect the planet from ANY outside threats.

Part of the deal for learning to co-exist peacefully in a productive manner was that the REF would start sharing it's military and civillian technology with the nations of the Earth. While some strides in medicine would be made, the greatest advances would be in the fields of manufacturing, computers, and communications. While anti-gravity units and fusion plants would alliviate pollution and dangerous fission plants for providing power, discussion was still going on about possibly allowing the flower of life to take root on this Earth. Using Zentreadi cloning technology endangered species would soon be on their way to flourishing once again. This also would impact the livestock and fishing industries as there would be little fear of shortages for now on.

Soil samples had been brought to the SDF-3 on a whim and under laboratory conditions a single seed was allowed to be grown. It blossomed normally. This set off a fierce debate between those who felt that the protoculture they needed could be harvested on this Earth versus the people who felt that their new allies should NOT be made a target by any Invid that MIGHT exist in this universe.

While all this was going on the best officers of the EDF were selected and sent to the SDF-3 for the exchange program. A huge get together was arraigned and the incoming officiers got to meet the REF ones that were to fill their vacant slots on Earth. One slot however would not be filled. Instead it was a complete transfer.

*Great, it's a real dog and pony show!* SD thought as he stood on one of the observation balconies that dotted the sides of the main gathering hall. The commencement was still a few minutes away and he was gazing out into the heavens as for atmosphere the SDF-3 had climbed to a low Earth orbit (to the delight of those Earthers gathered). A vaguely familar voice broke him from his reverie.

"You learn to swim yet Major, ops! I mean Colonel?" SD turned his head and a blond woman had stopped next to him with a British accent and a grin on her face. One he had shared a drink with not long ago.

"Ouch! So they invited you to this little 'shin ding' Captain Storm?"

"More like volunteered. Once I heard about their 'Destroid' operators I put my request in for the program. With all that has happened I figured it was my chance to get away from everything for a while. Besides, it will be a remarkable experience!"

SD nodded in agreement and the loudspeakers came to life announcing the beginning of official greetings and those assembled took their assigned seats. It was a relatively short ceremony as they touched on the purpose of the program, it's development earlier during their Sentinel Campaign against the Invid with their alien allies, and how the applicants were chosen. The official part ended as those seated to the right were Earth officers and to the left were REF exchangees (think boy girl seating). Many others not involved were also present. The officers rose and introduced themselves to their counterparts.

After initial pleasantries were exchanged the assembly was directed to the command lineup and both newcomers and current crew made their way down the line greeting the command staff. It was here that SD met those who had saved his life, but he waited till the gathering was basically finished to have more than just a greeting and a handshake

As the people left or coalesced into smaller groups he approached the Sterlings. He addressed Maj Miriya (The Red Queen/Skull 2),"Excuse me, we just met officially but I wanted to thank you not only for saving me, but for saving my mecha." Miriya had her trademark stunning smile on her face and gave her husband a glance as she replied, "Anytime Colonel, Your selfless act saved many lives. Max have you ever heard of a pilot as dedicated as this one? Anyway it's a pleasure to have you aboard with us and I hope things go well for you in the program. BTW, this is my Husband Colonel Max Sterling (Skull 1/leader), and our daughters Major Dana Sterling (Rabbit 1/Leader), and Aurora Sterling."

While her mother had been conversing, Aurora had unintentionally read SD's aura. When he looked to her their eyes met and to her it felt like an eternity had passed before hearing the words "Nice to meet you." She had felt a great sadness as he had approached their group and for a moment there she sensed a longing as he looked at her, but almost instantly an iron shell clamped down and she read nothing more but cold discipline (and maybe a tinge of self loathing).

Unfortunately for her, her older sister Dana (bane of her existence at times) noticed the momentary attention her little sister was paying to the older man. "Aurora!" This shocked Aurora back into the present, "You really surprise me little sister, but I think you need to start thinking younger" Turning to SD, "No offense!" Poor Aurora was mortified as he face became absolutely flustered. Meanwhile SD grinned as he was actually a little amused although equally confused as to how Dana could have interpreted that her little sister had that kind of interest in him.

Without missing a beat her mother interjected, "Dana DEAR, when Aurora decides she needs advice on relationships I'm sure she knows WHO to come talk to." Dana immediately went into pout mode while Max just shook his head. It seemed that Dana was the total carefree one and refused to grow up while Aurora (in contrast) had a maturity and studiousness that most grown people lack. Physically they looked similar, but personality-wise they were like night and day. Plus it was almost common knowledge that the elder Sterling sister was not the most stablest person to date.

SD tried to leave gracefully with, "It was very nice seeing you again and meeting your family. Goodnight!" As he was leaving earshot he heard Dana complain, "What did I do? and her mother returning, "We'll talk about it later!" He hadn't been aware, but Aurora hadn't taken her eyes off him despite her sister's embarrassing remark until the hall's doors closed behind him. Miriya looked to her youngest with inquiring eyes as Max blew it off as typical Dana behavior and went to get a drink.

CHAPTER 11: (Awakenings)


Despite the enthusiastic beginning things were not going as well as hoped for in regards to the exchange program. Earthside, some nations were feeling heady about the power "loaned" to them in the form of Veritech squadrons. It took some rather brutal conversations on the part of the Hunter's to the respective leaders to put their attitudes and responsibilities back into perspective. REF side, the Earth pilots for the most part did well but there were still problems with prejudices not only with each other, but with the aliens among the compliment of the SDF-3. Especially when these outsiders were instructors or commanders of classes. Of course students were disciplined and it would be awhile for attitudes to start changing, but that's what growing pains are. Unfortunately the people of this Earth had a lot of growing up to do still.

As for SD, well, it was another story. Frequent failures in the REF simulators had cast a pall on his abilities. While he learned their new control setups and operating proceedures, for some reason he just could not reach a level of acceptable ability to their standards. This was a serious issue and there was talk of removing him from the GX project. In contrast while the pilot himself was having difficulties, the GX was ready to go. In the passing months a VF-1S chassis was refitted with the Saotome technology under Dr Thompson, and Whitwickey's guidance. Computer models all checked out and apparently the systems meshed together with little to no problems (so far).

GX would be far superior than it was before as this time it's main weapon system would retain it's original power source, but engine and all other systems would be protoculture based. This meant that after exhausting it's most powerful weapon the mecha itself would no longer become a useless piece of scrap and thus a liability to the survivability of the pilot. That and the ability to use secondary weapons systems would multiply its combat effectiveness exponentially.

Dr Lang participated when possible but his main focus was trying to figure out HOW the SDF-3 was forced into this dimension, as well as HOW to return to where they belonged. While the research into the origins and harnessing of the Getter Rays was fascinating, most of the actually work was left to the Earth experts of Dr Thompson and newly graduated Bio-Maintenance Engineer Whitwickey.

Unfortunately aside from adapting the existing systems to the Robotechnology of the new frame, little to no advancement was made on Getter research. The Getter Rays were developed by a Japanese scientist (Dr Saotome) and with the apparent death of the Getter Team, he had all but washed his hands of anything to do with the work.

So far the only clue as to how they worked was that only particular persons could operate the devices. Before SD, the last pilot to try could not make the mecha obey his commands and it caused a fatal crash. From the very first moments of SD's piloting the mecha behaved beautifully. Apparently it chose it's own master.

That piece of data was the main mitigating factor that saved SD from being taken off the project by the REF leadership as while this was the modification of a single Veritech, it was STILL a expenditure of research materials and time of talented people that could be used for solving their more critical problems. Lack of progress and poor performance ratings were not very attractive at this time.

To say that SD was depressed was an understatement. His first chance to get into the new mecha would come tomorrow but it was also his LAST chance to perform to their standards. It seemed insane, how could he be failing their damn simulators anyway? *Christ! It's just a damn video game, it isn't real!* He was lying in his bed and couldn't sleep. In a few more hours it would be decided if he was to be cut from participation or not. Turning restlessly once again his mind was racing. The GX was all that mattered now as he no longer had the power of vengeance driving him to succeed. At first he had felt so lost and out of place without a true goal to work towards that didn't revolve around defeating his enemies or at least making them suffer in pain and blood as he had suffered.

*Is it over? Maybe I should just resign...* That thought lingered a long time as he continued to suffer from insomnia. Deep within another thought bubbled to the surface. *I'm alive right now only cause of GX, a destiny forged in sacrifice, I will not be replaced!*

"Screw this!" he said out loud to no one, as he tumbled out of bed and got dressed. Minutes later he was getting outfitted in flight gear and boarded the GX. The ground crew was a bit perplexed that the pilot wanted to board the mecha long before the test was ready, but relented when he simply stated, "If I fail today I will never see GX again. I want some time alone with him."

No one stopped him from getting inside though many thought he was "touched" for calling a piece of Robotechnology "him". Granted the protoculture sometimes added a feeling of intuition to a mecha pilot, but to refer to a mecha as a living thing was pretty much out there in their opinion.

SD plugged in and turned on his player after he sent a email to Whitwickey to make sure he was awake an hour before the test, it would be embarrassing to be snoring in the cockpit when everyone would be waiting for the event to start.


[You had a dream you once believed in, it burned inside you like a fire. The big wheel kept on turning, somehow the dream it passed you by. Now the fire just keeps on burning, leaves only hunger and desire. Better find yourself a new dream, just leave the rest behind.] - Eddie & The Cruisers II


Sitting there in the cockpit listening to the song, SD was actually falling asleep. Though the body was new, this was still Getter his longtime friend and reason for existence. *It's like coming home.* Before the song was finished, SD was sound asleep, the sleep of the just.

Three hours later, "Ok Sleeping Beauty, WAKEY WAKEY!" The voice over the Tac Net stirred SD from his sleep. Already his memory of REM sleep fading. Though he certainly felt a lot more rested then he would have been staying in his quarters, there was still an unsettling feeling.

The final hours of pre-flight went quickly and all systems checked out. Dr Lang was present for this test as well as Admiral and Major-General (M-G) Hunter, the Sterlings, and all the staff of the REF Mecha Research Group as well as Spark plug and Dr Thompson.

Rick turned to Max, "I certainly hope this hasn't been a total waste of time." Max nodded, "Yeah the sim results were not good. The good news is the mecha seems excellent, but it all comes down to the pilot."

Whitwickey got the word from control and passed it on, "Ok Dragon, you are cleared for launch. Take him out to the test range and approach the marker bouy. From there it's all your show, good luck!"

"Roger that Spark plug." SD gunned the engines and moved the stick forward. For a fraction of a second the mecha did not move. The hesitation was very disturbing and SD almost panicked, but then he was surrounded by sky and his confidence returned as he felt in control again.

A few minutes later he was at the predetermined coordinates, the marker buoy floating in the air. A remote spot over an African desert was chosen for the live fire test. Once SD targeted the buoy it would begin the preprogrammed scenario. The bouy sent out the start signal when SD got it in his crosshairs and the test started...

Hostiles appeared from under the sand as Battle Pods burst from concealed positions and radar painted them and their approaching missile ordinance. "Shit!" SD proceeded with evasive maneuvers and popped chaff to try to avoid the incoming missiles and began to use the new GU-13 REF issue gunpod to take out as many of them as possible. Hearing a lock on establish on the closets Pods he also launched his short range missiles, which streaked away from him like angry hornets who's hive have been disturbed.

The oncoming missiles were nullified and the first Battle Pods exploded from his SRM volley. The remaining pods took to the sky and closed to dogfight range. Suddenly the controls went dead and GX began to fall.

Witwickey was on the horn, "Dragon what's wrong? You're descending out of control!"

Battle pods were taking potshots at the GX as it spiriled towards a crash into the desert.

"I don't know I'm getting no response from the controls at all, 100% systems failure, but main power is still on?" The observers were pouring over the real time data telemetry.

Lang spoke up, "The relays are refusing to pass along the flight command input from the stick." Whitwickey pointed to the screen,"Look at that coding, it's more like a virus than a protocol conflict!"

This was a startling coment that was seconded by Lang, "Mien Got! He's right, it almost looks like a corrupted program. This should not be in the operating system!"

Rick interjected, "Can he reboot? If not he will have to eject, I'm pulling the plug on the pods now!" As he was speaking M-G Hunter had been typing command codes into the master simulator coordinating program. Within a fraction of a second all the battle pods stood down from hostile mode and landed on the surface, promptly powering down to maintenance mode.

SD heard the Major-General's comment and knew there was no time to try a system reboot so he activated the ejection system... Nothing... He waited a second and pulled the rings again, still noting! "DAMMIT! Ejection system failure, I'm along for the ride this time guys."

Those on the SDF-3 exchanged solemn looks. There was nothing they could do and no way to stop the mecha from crashing in mere seconds. Dr Lang continued to attempt hacking into the GX system and fight the malicious coding, but so far was ineffective.

With moments left before impact SD almost gave in to despair but fought it. He hit his player and started to yell, "Getter! Do you want it to end like this? A failure!?" Ever since Lang said the word virus he could almost feel a presence inside the GX beside himself. It had grown strong enough to make him feel nauseous like some sort of evil infection invading his own body.

Then he saw it in his mind, a shadowy figure reaching out with its will to seize control of the GX and kill him. It spoke in a voice only he would hear, 'We are the Invid, and you will die!'

SD turned up the volume to max and the GX was flooded with sound,

[Even though there was something shouting in my heart I pretended not to be aware of it.
Whipped by strong rain and wind My heartbeat woke me up]

They were about to die but SD would not give up fighting this enemy. No not only would he not quit, he urged Getter to fight as well focusing all his will to coerce the mecha to resist this invader.

[No one can hold down My heart full of desire.
If I do things to the best of my ability, That's all I need to know.]


The SDF-3 crew was unaware of the mental battle taking place but the readings comming from the GX were not only confusing but were nothing ever seen before. "What in the hell is that?" Lang was beside himself with a feeling of being utterly powerless to solve this tragic mystery. As the code was changing, Dr Thompson noted it, "I think it's the Getter Rays, see how they are interacting with the protoculture engines? It's not losing power at all, it's building it!"

Meanwhile in the plummeting mecha, the power was building to maximum output and beyond. With no control it would soon bypass safety measures due to the invader, even parts of the mecha remaining after the crash would soon overload and explode.

SD screamed both in frustration as well as an act of defiance to the dark presence that was engulfing him, "GETTER!!!"

[Burn your passion, Start running towards your dream
Burn your hands with your passion
Climb up without taking your eyes off of it
To make sure your still alive]

Something else stirred, a memory or just an act of creation (who could really know), but something did happen inside the GX. Those monitoring the data flow were stunned, a new code appeared, and it was fighting the virus.

They could see the GX start to glow (as if burning up on re-entry) though there was no explanation for it). Suddenly the invading code was eradicated and full control was regained. SD engaged the leg thrusters at full burn while changing to guardian mode.

[Burn your desire, Engulf it in flames
Move forward with no hesitation
Then you can become the wind and change the world] - Heats / Shin Getter

The song ended just before touchdown. It was a rough landing, granted, but at least it was in one piece. For a long time the only sound in the cockpit was SD's breathing as his mind was dealing with what had just happened as well as still being alive.

---

The GX was retrieved and placed under lock down. An immediate round table discussion of the test events ensued...

SD was adamant, "I don't care if you believe me or not! All I know is that this INVID tried to kill us!"

Many faces had the look of disbelief, while few were supportive. Dr Thompson addressed those seated, "I believe the Colonel's account is factual. In fact now we have been able to go over the data and I have seen how these protoculture engines work I have a theory." All edged forward a bit as this was starting to sound interesting.

Protoculture cells are the miniature reactors used by the REF for 99% of it's power requirements. Protoculture is derived from the chemical manipulation of the seeds from 'The flower of life'. This reaction is equivalent to a small fusion reactor in output. Getter Rays," He continued," are still an unknown quality but it does involve evolution according to Dr Saotome's writings. Could this mixture of power sources create an Invid weapon?"

Murmurs went around the table and then Lang spoke up,"Hmm, actually that is a very good theory. In fact it may be the ONLY explanation. I think your Getter Rays affected the Protoculture in a way we never thought possible. The Invid not only use it for energy production, but the flower of life is mainly used for their spiritual evolution. Perhaps there was some sort of racial memory that was cultivated or made manfest by the Getter radiation? This of course would become hostile to a non-Invid presence. The only part of this I can see no explanation for is how it was defeated?"

All eyes turned back to SD (making him feel really self conscious). "Umm" He stammered, "I really don't know. I could feel that virus in my mind and wouldn't give in to it. I didn't want to let it have Getter, that's all I know."

M-G Hunter asked, "Ok weird as this all is, what's the deal with that music?"

"Oh, well I seem to be able to perform better when I have my music on, timing and concentration ect. That's probably part of the reason I did so badly in your simulators, I wasn't allowed to play it then."

Dr Lang looked pensive, "That is VERY interesting, some feel that music is a highly spiritual thing. Perhaps there are some factors of this event we will never truly understand, but considering you regained control it is extraordinary!"

M-G Hunter interjected, "We're all glad your alive Colonel, but what's to keep this from happening again?"

Dr Thompson answered that question, "We did a full search of the systems. So far there are no more disrupting code strings or fragments. It is as if the virus was totally eradicated and it never existed."

"I concur" Lang added, "Though prudence is advisable I see no reason to continue not only with the current project, but in light of it's rather remarkable properties it may be a suitable testbed for the new interactive control systems?"

Admiral Hunter rarely spoke unless it was to make a decision but commented, "Would that be wise? I mean is this happens again wouldn't the pilot be totally at the AI's mercy and it would gain 100% control?"

M-G Hunter was quick to add, "That's right! It would be insane! Last thing we need is a out of control Veritech with reflex weaponry running amuck on the SDF-3!"

Lang tried to calm things down, "Comrades, I see little to no danger if we proceed slowly and closely monitor the situation. We have learned some fascinating things from this event, an no one was hurt. I think we should continue."

The Admiral thought it over before replying, "Alright, you have permission to continue and expand your project. However I want some assurances. First I want that unit disarmed as much as possible due to it's unique configuration, strip off what you can. Second, the moment things look like they are going out of control the unit is to be terminated immediately. That is non-negotiable."

SD was NOT happy with that but bit his tongue, he was in no position to challenge the Admiral on that last point. He was grateful to her however, as this meant he would be able to continue piloting the GX.

She continued,"Also what is your progress about OUR situation?"

Lang had some documents he was flipping through, "Though I haven't gotten much further in figuring out WHY we were brought here I do have some preliminary designs for a new type of engine. I call the process Quantum Sliding. If we can perfect it, it will enable us to breach the barrier that exists between separate dimensions and then pass through the opening it makes. I should have a small prototype ready soon."

The meeting adjourned and while Dr Lang went back to working on a way to get the SDF-3 home, Thompson, Whitwickey and SD collaborated on the new control system as well as trying to find out how NOT to let any disruptive influences take over the GX again.



Chapter 12: (Dinner at Eight)

The following weeks passed quickly. SD poured over technical manuals and spent more time in the REF simulators. Though the GX was the same on the inside, it still took a lot of getting used to for better control and it now had a lot of advanced systems that he had to become familiar with from enhanced sensor systems to precision targeting. At the same time Dr Thompson and Spark plug were adapting Dr Lang's prototype of the AI interface into the GX. In theory it would enable the pilot to control the mecha purely by thought. SD wanted an addition made to the program, a voice interface as well.

When he wasn't working he made good use of the facilities aboard the SDF-3. There was so much to do that he hardly bothered going Earth side since he came aboard. He did keep a low profile however and didn't associate with others much, often using the areas like the gym or swimming pool in off hours.

It had been 8 months now since he had come aboard (it went so fast it seems), and the anniversary of "that day" came once more. On Earth he always took a week off as unless there was a rampaging monster as there was no way he was functional during this time. Finding the SDF-3's multidenominational chapel, he lit a candle and said a short prayer. He hadn't noticed at the time but the elder Sterling sister had seen him exit the area.

Dana was always as curious as a cat and since SD was relatively new she decided to follow him a bit. He had gone into the gym and had quickly changed into sparring attire (minus the head gear). She watched for about 15 mins as he struck and kicked the body bag and was not very impressed, *He looks like an anger management course would do wonders!*. Quickly becoming bored she left thinking although he seemed to have a decent body, that male pattern baldness really wasn't her style at all.

After his leave, work progressed on all fronts. SD spent some time learning about the various races that comprised the SDF-3's crew. In particular he was most interested in their different combat styles. For example the warrior women of Praxis lived in a amazonian state and physical combat was very important to them. Likewise the Micronized female Zentreadi (the Melteandi) kept their traditions alive of hand to hand combat via martial arts style tournaments. During his research he was able to see a bout in which Miriya Sterling defeated a woman a whole 2 foot taller than herself. When it was over she had noticed him near the front row and came over.

"Hello Colonel, did you enjoy the bout?" She was toweling some of the sweat of her body and drinking a bit of water. Despite being what Humans would call 'middle aged' she had quite a muscular (although VERY feminine still) physique and definitely not one bit of fat anywhere.

"Quite, though I am not really a martial artist myself I do like to observe and maybe pick up a few things here and there." While SD was disciplined as a pilot, he never really had the commitment to stay with any sort of physical training program or combat regemine besides that required for military fitness (just lazy like that).

"My husband tells me the AI program is coming along nicely. Normally he would be top dog, but I'm a little relieved he's sitting this one out." She started stowing her fight gear in her bag.

"Yes, it's a great honor to be the first test monkey to try out the new system in real time, but it could be really dangerous if things go wrong. I'd rather be the one to take that risk. I hope He isn't to put out by that."

That evoked a light laugh, "Don't fret at all. Max may be a little disappointed true, but he's way past the stage as a pilot that his ego would be bruised." Her gear was packed and she was ready to hit the showers.

"Why don't you come over for dinner tonight? Say eight o'clock. I'm sure Max would love to have you over, thought I can't vouch for my older daughter's behavior. " Chuckling.

SD felt a little nervous, "Thank you I would appreciate it. I certainly wouldn't want to be an imposition though."

Waving her hand, "Not at all. Your one of the few Earth pilots who seem to really try and fit in and I'm sure many of our crew would like to get to know you better." They reached the door to the ladies locker room, "See you tonight deck 5 section C28."

As she disappeared past the door SD wondered if accepting was a good decision. It wasn't that he disliked any of the Sterlings, but more to the point that he really didn't feel like a 'people person'. Aside from Dr Thompson and Spark plug he basically kept to himself. *bah, a little socialization won't kill me. Besides, if I refused and pissed her off she could wipe my ass all over the deck!* He grinned at the image of his broken body being thrown about by the older woman No doubt to the cheering of bloodthirsty Praxians and Meltrandi warriors.


Not much happened besides picking out a suitable attire for his dinner appointment. *Definitely NOT the master of social situations!* he commented to himself as he gazed into the mirror. Not really sure what would work best he settled for the classic balck dress pants and white shirt with black tie and his favorite leather jacket. He was ready to go when he finished brushing his hair *or what remains of it* he thought dryly, and put his rear locks in a ponytail. After his transfer to special projects Dr Thompson could care less about his appearance as long as he could pilot. SD had let his hair grow and was glad that aboard the SDF-3 hair styles were a respected personal form of expression and were not regulated except for pining it back on duty.


"What?" Dana excalimed when her mother informed her of an extra person, "Hey sis, your MAN is coming to dinner!" (laughter)

Her mother was not very amused, "Dana, really now. It's not nice to tease your sister like that. The Colonel seems like a nice man and since he and you father had been working together off and on I thought it would be nice to have him over."

Not even pausing in her cooking she added, "Besides, if you can't be civil then there is no reason you have to eat with us tonight. You know the Hunters are joining us also."

Dana rolled her eyes, "Big surprise, we must all eat together like a bizillion times." She saw her mother's exasperated look, "OK, ok, I PROMISE I won't be a pain in the ass!"

"Don't make promises you can't keep!" Max's sarcasm chimed in from the next room.

"Dad!" Only mock hurt was in her tone though. "How can you say that to your loving daughter?"

"Cause ONE I live here, and TWO I know you oh so well...." Both Max and Miriya burst into laughter as poor Dana put on her pouting face again. It lasted only about 10 secs as the door chime announced visitors. Then her excited face came on again, "I'll get it!!!" She jumped to the door control and opened it. Excitement gave way to disappointment as it was just the Hunters (Rick, Lisa and little Roy). Seeing her changing expression Rick ventured, "Something wrong? Or were you expecting someone else?"

"Kinda, come on in folks. Hey Roy, wanna play tanks?" The Hunters came in and no sooner did Lisa get Roy's jacket off did he run off with Dana into the next room and start playing with her collection of miniature mechs, particularly Hover Tanks.

Miriya yelled into the family room, "Dana don't get him too worked up in there, dinner will be ready soon." and then down the hallway,"Aurora are you almost ready?"

"Yes mom!" was echoed from both rooms.

Rick had sat down next to Max While Lisa helped Miriya in the kitchen. "Hey Rick, Mir invited Colonel Crocker over." The major General had just opened a bottle of American brewed beer and taken swig. "Hmm, Come to think of it I haven't really talked to him since that first test. You guys have been interacting a lot though, what's his deal?"

Max pushed back his glasses, "Well for starters I can honestly say don't let his performance in the simulators fool you. This guy is a very good pilot! It's really strange, in training he can't measure up beyond our raw cadets, but when he's actually in the cockpit for real it's like he's a whole different person. I can't explain it, it's just weird like that."

Rick was halfway through his bottle now, "Whatever, we've all seen and been through some 'weird' things so I guess we can deal with it. By the way, just how GOOD do you think he is?"

Max was pensive for a moment, "Real good. In fact he's probably in our league." Max was being a little generous at that and Rick knew it. Rick still kept his flight qualifications and took to the sky whenever possible, flying was in his blood, but he hadn't flown in real combat for almost 3 years now.

At 7:50pm SD was at the door to deck 5 section C28. Most of the command staff's quarters were on this deck and he had ensured that despite the enormousness of the vessel that he wouldn't get lost and would be there on time. He paced nervously for a second before pressing the door buzzer. It wasn't long before a big grinning Dana Sterling had opened the door and invited him inside, or was that more like pushed? He almost did a double take as he noticed the Major General kicked back with a beer next to his superior in the AI project Colonel Sterling.

"Sirs!" He got out.

Both Rick and Max enjoyed the Colonel's discomfort for a second then Max said, "At ease soldier, It's dinner. When your off the clock and in my home it's Max and Miriya". Rick added, "Likewise it's Rick and Lisa here."

"Um," SD chocked out, "I prefer to go by Colonel, or SD. I really don't go by my given name usually."

Rick and Max just shrugged and the ladies announced dinner was ready. Everyone was called to the table and SD was introduced to little Roy, who was now four.

Miriya and Lisa had brought the dishes to the table and as Max and Rick pulled out the seats for their spouses SD got up. Momentarily the men seated themselves after the ladies as the smell of the dinner was wafting over the table.

"Your in for a treat tonight SD, Mir made her famous Beef Stew and Dumplings." Max pointed at the pot.

Rick cleared his throat and turned to SD as people started helpign themselves, "So , SD. How are you getting along? I hope you are enjoying your stay aboard the SDF-3?"

"Yes very much so. Your ship is amazing and I've never had the chance to work with such diverse and interesting people before. Plus... I can't tell you how grateful I am that you believed in the GX enough to rebuild him. That alone puts me in your debt more than I could ever repay." There was a sincerity in his voice that all took note of.

Miriya interjected, "Don't be shy SD, if you don't fill your plate up now I'm afraid my eldest here will make sure you don't get the chance later!"

SD took her advice and piled the food on. They had corn, string beans, and mashed potatoes as sides dishes. "I must say this is one of my favorite meals. It's excellent!"

Max laughed, "Yeah Mir has come a long way from cooking coffee pots!" the rest of the table laughed while Dana groaned, "That is like so old dad!"

After a few minutes of enjoying the meal Lisa (Admiral Hayes-Hunter) was curious, "SD, do you have any children of your own?"

He managed to look her in the eye and smile slightly, "No, I never had."

Dana chimed in, "I was wondering if you were particularly religious? I noticed you were at the chapel a few weeks ago."

SD was beginning to pick at his food as he slowly answered, "Uh, not really. My wife had passed away on that day so each year I light a candle for her... It's just something I do."

Dana became subdued (a rarity), while Aurora, who had been succesfully paying as little attention as possible to SD suddenly turned to him. There was no way she could avoid sensing the amount of pain he still carried inside.

SD tried to get past the awkward moment, "Please do let that ruin the mood. It happened a long time ago and now all my energies are focused on the GX."

Rick inquired, "Have you noticed anything unusual so far in your handling of the mecha?"

"Negative, and for your peace of mind I had Dr Thompson install a VERY small nuclear device for self detonation in the event that any irregularity should appear." SD's tone was casual now.

"But wouldn't the AI simply deactivate or take control of a self detonation system?"

"Not this one." SD continued, "See it's a dead man system. IF something goes wrong I can hit the button and the second my finger comes off it, it goes off. It's totally independant of any system and with no connections at all to the wiring of the GX. There is no way anything can take control of it or prevent its functioning."

"He's right Rick," Max added, "That system is fool proof. There's only two catches. It can't be used after ejection, and there is no time to eject after activating it..."

"That's... Pretty extreme, wouldn't you say?" Rick stammered.

"Not to me it isn't." SD stated, "If something goes wrong there is no way in hades I will let anyone become endangered while I am piloting. It's simply the risk one takes, especially as a test pilot..." SD realized he might have made a Fax Paus, "I'm sorry no one knows that better than you all, it's just how I feel about it"

The group ate in silence till near the end of the meal. Dana then promptly excused herself as she "had plans" immediately after dinning involving ATAC members (which wasn't an unusual occurrence).

After some more small talk SD excused himself, "It was a wonderful meal and I enjoyed being here tonight." He shook hands all around while Miriya said, "We enjoyed having you. Don't be surprised if you get asked again soon."

Not long after the door closed Rick turned to Max, "Nice enough guy, but he does need to loosen up a little, but do you think if push came to shove would he really hit the button?" Max offered Rick another beer (Which he accepted), "Well I've gotten to know him a little and been to his quarters once. Honestly I think in his personal life he's a bit of a slacker, but when it comes to his job, he's all business... Yeah... I think he'd do it. In a heartbeat."

Unaware of his evaluation of character, SD wandered down to the hangar, as he usually did before bed. It was almost a nightly ritual that he checked on the mecha and said a silent goodnight. Spark plug was still up and noticed SD. "Hey kid, what's with the threadz?"

SD laughed, "Had dinner at the Sterlings."

That raised an eyebrow on the grizzled mechanic "Bout time you got to hanging out with real people more."

SD grunted in acknowledgment. Spark plug had finished up for the night and was heading out. "Don't stay up too late." The door opened and spark plug started to leave.

SD waved a wordless goodnight from behind his shoulder to the older man knowing he would sense it and got in the cockpit once more. He kept a spare SDAT in his quarters but the main MP3 player was here (where it belonged). Thumbing the button, the unit came to life.

[Can I play with madness!]

SD was still bothered by his momentary distraction on the way out. Once again he had been captivated by the eyes of the younger Sterling sibling. *Those eyes are so blue, you can get lost in them... Like hers...* Thracia had blue eyes, SD would spend minutes at a time just staring into them when they cuddled or we out about town. He had never felt whole before she had come into his life, and once the were married he never had any regrets to speak of. In short, it was as perfect as a mortal could hope for.



Then Krell's sickness destroyed everything and everyone he loved. It took so long but he finally got his revenge. *Rot in hell you bastard, you sent me there for seven years...*

[Oh, and he fixed me with a freezing glance, and the hellfire raged in his eyes.]

He had to let it go. *It's been eating me up inside...* The only thing he had to live for was Getter and now they both needed a new mission. Vowing not only would they succeed in the AI test, he promised silently that they would both help their new friends find their way home. No matter what.

[He said you wanna know the truth son? Lord I'll tell you the truth, your soul is gonna burn, in a lake of FIRE!]

He had picked up the new detonator switch and examined it. Hopefully it would not be needed. *But I will do what I have to...* The people on board SDF-3 gave him and Getter a new lease on life and he would not allow them to become endangered by his actions or Getter's. A second later after scrutinizing the control, he had replaced the detonator back into the console holder.

Once more his thoughts drifted back to Aurora. *Damn... What am I some sort of cradle robber? Besides, there will never be anyone else.* He fingered the crystal snowflake hanging at the top of his chest to that lingering sentiment as the song ended.

[The prophet looked at me, laughed at me. He said, your blind..Too blind to see... Can I play with madness!] - Iron Maiden

Chapter 13: (Heritage)


Dana Sterling was sitting on a swing, legs idly swaying slowly. To her left was a similarly positioned micronized Zentreadi, both attired in ATAC uniforms.

Her companion's serious tone broke the silence of the moment. "So how long do you think we can keep avoiding everyone?"

Considering they were in a public park area, it wasn't the most clandestined location for a get together.

Dana sighed and ran her hand through her neck length blond hair, "Tell you the truth Kierin" (pronounced Kir-rin) "I was thinking of just telling all of them right now!"

"Are you serious?"

"Well, it's getting harder to meet like this and I'm just tired of feeling guilty or that I have to hide how I feel. You were there for me after I made a total idiot of myself with REM"

Dana and Kierin had a common Zentreadi connection but were also near in age (Dana older by almost 3 years). Kierin had gone with the REF while Dana had stayed with General Emerson's family on Earth and they had gotten reacquainted 10 years later when Dana took Colonel Wolfe's ship back to Fantoma and joined the Sentinel Forces. Not long after arrival she uncounted the spitting image of her dead love ZOR Prime, REM (Who was in fact an exact clone). Shocked would be an understatement for her reaction. For his part REM was totally unprepared for a hybrid girl to totally become unglued in his presence. Members of the 15th squadron and Kierin were her rock during this period and she eventually learned to stop both obsessing and hating REM.

Dana had always liked Kierin, especially his detached and analytical demeanor towards her. He never took her for granted as an object or even made a pass at her, but at the same time never made her feel invalid or not worth his companionship. In short he was the perfect guy friend. Not long
after this new adventure started Dana had come to realize she had feelings for him and decided to complete moving on over ZOR/REM she should explore this relationship further so she had told Kierin about her romantic interest in him. It was a big chance on her part, for if he had rejected her it
would have been another crushing blow to her fragile ego but luck was with her as kierin had often thought of Dana in their time apart and was quite taken with the older girl who was now a vibrant and outspoken young woman.

They had been meeting in secret to keep their relationship as low profile as possible. First for Dana's peace of mind, but also cause Kierin had an issue as well which up to this moment Dana was not aware of.

"There's something I have to tell you then." He paused, "I do care for you Dana, but after this you may not want me around anymore, hell, maybe everyone would rather I just leave."

Dana stared intently and could hardly draw breath. She couldn't fathom what Kierin could possibly say that would alienate him from her and their people.

"you know I was orphaned and raised by Breeti and Exedore." That was common knowledge among the RDF/REF who cared to inquire so Dana shook her head affirmative.

"There is something that Exedore told me shortly after Breeti was killed by the Invid Regent.. Being the last person alive to know the secret he felt pressured to tell me in case something happened to him. He and Breeti KNEW who my parents were. In fact they are... well known."

Dana's thoughts were whirling *How could his parents be well known? Breeti shows up one day with a newly born Zentreadi baby mysteriously, saying that the parents were dead.*

"My mother was Strike Commander Azonia, and my father was her lover, Khyron the Backstabber."

*Gasp* Dana was speechless.

"I will understand if you wish to cease our relationship." Kierin's tone was much more subdued then he had ever been and indicated that he was expecting her to reject him.

"I'm sorry, it's just a shock. I remember stories mom and dad's stories about missions they went on to find Khyron and stop him. Plus Mom always mentioned Azonia when I was little and told me about her life as a Quadrano under her command... All this time and They never told you?"

Kierin shook his head, "No. Exedore said they were about to tell me when I was 15 but I had already joined the REF by then and they reconsidered waiting till I was 21. They felt that I didn't need the distraction in the beginning of my military service, I don't know maybe they were right. I
mean, it's not everyday you find out your parents were Earth's most wanted!"

Dana took Kierin's hand in her own, "Look, it sucks that there is a bad history and all but I don't care. The past is just that ancient history. You are your own person and always been reliable, especially to me. Not only can I ,say that I honestly love you Kierin but if you think I'm letting you walk just because your parents weren't perfect, then I'm gonna have to disappoint you!"

"I... I love you too Dana and thank you." He was getting choked up for about the second time in his life (the first when his co-guardian Breeti died) and held Dana's hand firmly. A second later they were embracing as their mouths searched for each other, their passions sharing a language beyond
words.

It was a night that would remain very special to both of them for many years to come. The night Kierin finally shared his secret and Dana shared her heart once more.

Unfortunately that night was also special for quite a different reason, a shuttle arrived to the SDF-3 from Earth with the latest batch of academy recruits. The young fresh faces were full of eagerness and exuberance, especially for a new avionics technician. He was here for a specific reason.
And only time would tell if his agenda would be completed...

---

Due to Dr. Lang's unavailability, Louie Nichols, (famed for inventing a eye targeting interface for the second Robotech war and also a member of Dana's 15th ATAC squadron) was slotted to take over the AI project in concert with Colonel Sterling. Recently promoted, Dr. Nichols, was a computer genius and programming was his special talent. He could write new code for almost any purpose as easily as most people breathe. It was only 3 weeks later that a workable framework was completed and trials for the GX were scheduled in a few days.

One Saturday SD had gotten a message inviting him to join the Sterling's at Lynn Minmay's Karaoke Restaurant. Not wanting to be rude (but amateur performances were NOT his thing) he accepted out of courtesy but was feeling a bit uncomfortable about what might happen there.

Lynn Minmay was a young girl who had become a famous singer, and who's songs during the First Robotech War touched the Zentreadi so deeply that 99% of them gave up their former lives of warmongering to become Micronian citizens. After accidentally being included on the journey with the
SDF-3's mission to Fantoma, Lynn Minmay was captured by the twisted Colonel Edwards and after being rescued she became a recluse for almost 2 years. Having an epiphany, she reinvented herself and joined the military, but was shunted by officials into a division more suited to her talents, PSY-OPS

(Psychological Operations, a subdivision of the Intelligence branch). On the side she used her immense influence to open a Chinese eatery that featured an open mic karaoke facility that was a HUGE hit with the crew of SDF-3. Though she was now about 32 years old, she still make quite a stunning
figure on stage especially in uniform. Now that the crew had taken many liberty's to the planet she had collected a large number of new songs to include for recreation at the restaurant.

It was a VERY popular establishment as was evident by the patrons that night, including the Sterlings, the Hunters, and the 15 ATAC squad as well as dozens of others. The crew of the SDF-3 were enjoying the expanded selection of new songs thanks to the artists of Earth. One of the most
entertaining aspects (though not good role models) was most of the 15th squadron getting totally plastered and then trying to perform hits.

Sean Philips and his wife (Marie Crystal-Philips) had just finished a slightly slurred version of [Endless Love] to the delight of many. As they held out the mic towards their friends there didn't seem to be any one eager to claim it. Both Lieutenant Kierin and Chief Master Sergeant Angelo Dante both shook their heads no.

"Oh come on Angie!" Dana exclaimed, "Get up there and shake that money maker!" Angie was Dante's nickname given to him by Dana when she first took command of the unit almost 5 years ago.

"Sorry Dana, you got as much chance of getting me up there as you do with Kierin!" Dante and Dana looked over to Kierin who immediately added, "Oh HELL No!"

"Oh you guys are such wimps!" Dana always tried to get the two 'stone faces' to get on stage and repeatedly failed to illicit their cooperation, much to the amusement of the other patrons.

"Fine!" she exasperated, as she then spied SD walking in "Hmm.."

He approached their table and was greeted. Dana was quick to snatch him up, "Hey SD, you're just in time here's your mic!"

He looked at her as if she had grown a second head, "Excuse me?"

"Oh come on! New guy has to sing, it's the law!" She had her hands on her hips.

SD looked around those seated,"Is this true?"

Giggles from Lisa and Miriya were indicating he was about to be had and Rick merely said,"How the heck would I know, I'm just a soldier, not an entertainer." Max just shrugged while Kierin and Dante both kept conspicuously quiet. Dana was not about to be put off again, "Ok so stop wasting time newbie and get up there pronto!" Slapping the mic into SD's hand she then turned him to the stage steps.

He eyed her in an annoyed manner but then sighed and started to climb the steps muttering, "might as well get this over with." He climbed the steps slowly and laboriously (as if he was Frodo bringing The One Ring to Mount Doom). Open laughter was now heard as Kierin and Dante finally lost their composure of Dana finding a new "victim".

Luckily by now there was a VAST amount of mp3's collected in the club's general database and it was possible for him to choose a song he knew he could sing (albeit badly), but at least he knew the words. The lights dimmed and the music started.

[I've been alone, since I was a young young boy.
Gonna live and die in the streets I cry, since I was a young-in.
It's been 20 long years, the fire's still burning.
The wax on the candle melts like tears, you know it don't come easy.
Road of the Gypsy.] - Iron Eagle

---

The new comer had gotten familiar with his quarters and the best place to hide his gear. He had just finished stripping down the issued energy pistol and pointed it at the wall imagining his target. 'Click' broke the silence as he pulled the trigger (not firing cause the power source was absent)

"you're dead."

Methodically reassembling the pistol, the technician went about memorizing duty logs and deck plans of the SDF-3. He was in no rush, and knew that an opportunity would show itself eventually.

"I have all the time in the world." he spoke to no one in particular, lost in his thoughts.

---

The music ended and SD retreated from the stage (as if it was a leaper). Dana and company were clapping (politely).

When SD sat down Dana stood up grinning, "Ok now that SD's initiation is over (loses grin) I have a serious announcement to make, actually make that two announcements." This took the table mostly by surprise as the word serious barely existed in Dana-world.

"I've been seeing Kierin for a while now and decided make it more permanent." Miriya smiled and asked, "Is this his idea or yours?"

Dana chuckled, "Oh totally mine, I finally found someone that doesn't bore me to death or piss me off, so I might as well keep him around."

Max interjected, "Sounds like valid reasons to me." and promptly was nudged in the rib by his loving spouse (herself all smiles), who added, "Well daughter of mine, when is the date of this wondrous union?" (with the actual unspoken thought being *It's a wonder any man would tolerate her,
he he*)

Dana waved her hand, "Oh not for at least a year. I may like the guy, but I'm not crazy enough to get hitched until I know we can stand living together." SD was out of the loop so he didn't get the reason smirks were flashing all around.

Dana sat back down oblivious to the groups expression and continued, "But there is one little major 'thing' we should talk about."

"You're not pregnant are you?" Miriya asked suddenly.

"Mother! NO, I'm not pregnant. And don't get any wrong ideas, I don't plan on being so for a good long time." Max sighed suddenly feeling old at the thought of becoming a grandfather in the future.

"Anyway, WE (she emphasized) found out something about Kierin's past we did not know about till a little while ago. To me it's no big thing but I think it's better to just air it in the open now and get it over with."

Max patted her hand softly, "It's ok Dana you can tell us anything, we love you no matter what and since you feel that Kierin is special enough for you to want to be with him then the same goes for him as well."

Dana breathed a long exhale and looked to Kierin. He slowly nodded and smiled slightly. She then began, "you know how Kierin is full Zentreadi but Exedore said he was orphaned and his parents were unknown?" This part got the table interested as most leaned forward unconsciously, "well Exedore AND Breeti KNEW who his parents were, but didn't tell him for a long time. In fact it wasn't till after Breeti had , passed on, that Exedore finally spillt it."

Noticing that everyone was giving her their full attention was making the attention hog unusually nervous as she cleared her throat, "Well it turns out that Kierin's parents were Azonia and ..." she stumbled.

"...Khyron!?" Lisa and Miriya Burst out almost simultaneously as they mentally made the leap of logic.

"Say what!?" Was Ricks reply while Max was momentarily stunned.

Kierin spoke up, "Let me add some details." He slowly added, "Apparently they began having Micronian urges during their extensive time exposed to each other and it turned into a relationship. They conceived me and
then went secretly to Breeti and Exedore for 'help'. They assisted and arraigned for Azonia to have me and then took me in as my parents felt they could not care for me and did not want me involved in their battles. My father especially had no opinion other than I was a great waste of time and 'inconvenient', while my mother wanted to give me another option."

Most were practically speechless... "Wow!" was Rick's reaction, while Lisa reflected, "Hmm I always thought it strange that you were the ONLY full Zentreadi orphan generally known about."

"Well" Max added, "I just thought it was strange that Breeti and Exedore had raised you!"

That elicited a few laughs as the group imagined the trials that a young Kierin must have put the two clueless Zentreadi bachelors through in dealing with child rearing customs (such as wondering which one wore the bottle mounted bra for feedings or dealing with diaper changes!)

Kierin smiled, "My uncles did a fine job I think, despite their 'difficulties'. After all, I'm still alive aren't I?"

..."And I thought my whole upbringing was a military operation" Lisa said dryly.

Rick then motioned with his hand, "Look, you can't CHOOSE your parents. It's unfortunate the events they had a part in and that most of us here have 'unpleasant' memories of them, but that's not a reflection on you. I know you're a good officer and have served the REF with honor."

"Likewise", Max continued, "We don't get to see much of you, but I know your a great pilot, and if my daughter thinks your ok, then I think so too!" he held out his hand and Kierin too it firmly.

Dana had water forming in her eyes but quickly changed the subject, "Now that that's over with, lets order some FOOD! All this melodrama has made me ravenous!" That evoked laughter all around as they then began ordering from Club Minmay's dinner menu.

---

The crowd was jumping and the band was performing nicely but something was still nagging Nikki Basara (lead vocalist and guitarist). FIRE BOMBER (their band) were more popular than ever and were loved by the people not just for their music, but also because they had saved the population of Macross 7 from the plans of the ProtoDevlin and their sinister "spirita Farm'."

Mylene Jenus (bass player) noticed his distraction and kicked him in the shin to get him to focus on the final set of the evening. (Disappointing the crowd was not on her agenda!) Her constant companion Guvava (a Gyarashi from the planet Pukirases V that basically looks like a tribble with eyes) on her shoulder (looking like a red-orange dust ball with eyes) chirped at him in symbiotic annoyance with his mistress.

After the curtain fell she was quick to follow up...

"What's with you Basara? You make us practice saying how we can't become complacent and then you zone out like that!"

"You're kinda cute when your angry. Probably cause it gives you more color."

She had her angry face on, "Don't change the subject."

"Ray I'm taking off for a bit." He grabbed his jacket and proceeded to walk out of the room after Ray gave him the nod.

Mylene stopped herself and breathed counting to five. "Now where are you going?"

"I don't know..." Basara closed the door behind him.

"That's NOT an answer!" Mylene yelled after him. Sulking she turned to Ray Lovelock (Keyboardist and default band leader), "Ray, do you know what's going on?"

He grinned, "Nope" and promptly began working on some new arrangements to try in the studio.Mylene turned to Veffidas Feaze, but the female Zentreadi was already drumming on the table lightly (a
good indication she was not in her 'communicative mode').

"Argh!" She exclaimed and stormed out of the area.




Chapter 14: (awareness)



It had been nearly a month since Dana's engagement announcement and things were looking up. Dr Lang had produced a prototype dimensional engine and it successfully left the continuum with no trace. The REF council green-lighted the start of construction of full-sized models but settled for a radical new idea.

Instead of just equipping the SDF-3 and it's escorts, they decided to build a giant version and then build a dock, command facility, and lab all into one structure. This would be a HUGE station encompassing 20 km. Most of the space would be interior berths for the escort contingent of ships but the rest would be crew/passenger quarters. Space dock repair and refit facilities, and an laboratory both for future research and computer archive that contained the current records from SDF-3 as well as Earth One (the dimension they currently resided in).

This new class of Orbiter would be designated MDF or Mobile Dimensional Fortress. The name of this and future vessels would be taken from legendary places from Earth history. The very first one was to be called MDF Xanadu. A second one was also being constructed simultaneously in the event Earth One ever needed to be Evacuated (as a last resort), and was to be named MDF Atlantis. Other names floated for future use were listed as Avalon, Hyperboria, and Babylon. For now construction of the stations were the priority but new Earth designs for ships were being evaluated and tested (those records would be included in the stations libraries).

These were not the only new developments. Earth's new space fleet defenses were forming as construction was completed on the Lancer Class Carrier (EDFCa Yorktown) and Segomo Class Battleship (EDFBs Vigilant). Many more were planned to both keep the populations at work as well as to prepare for any future "visitors" that may be hostile.

In the meantime SD had been taking classes and training in simulators for basic bridge proficiency. This was standard for all senior officers regardless of branch or specialty. The theory was in an emergency even a fighter pilot may have to take over for a short time and at least should get some exposure to commanding a starship no matter if they found themselves on a shuttle or a Battle Cruiser.

If the worse should happen at least someone would be able to step in temporarily and keep command functions online until a replacement could be found (often not possible during a battle).

Regarding ground forces, many similar mecha designs were now being replaced by REF versions. For example, the Earth Warhammers were now phased out for REF Excaliburs. The LRM20 bearing Archers were to be succeeded by REF Gladiators, and the list goes on. It would still take many weeks of training for the Destroid Pilots (mech warriors) to get 100% confidence operationally with their "new" mechas, but it was going to be far faster than if they had been totally unfamiliar frames. The REF armors were many times more resiliant and damage absorbing then the native terrestrial mechas plus the output and targeting abilities of the various weapons systems had nearly 99% of the military won over immediately. It wasn't long before units had repainted their logo's on the new frames, as evident by some noted ones in the SDF-3's main mech bay that sported a Black Horse atop a storm cloud (The Storm Riders).

However things were not as rosy as it sounded at first. SD was still being plauged by insomnia (which became slightly more prominent), and it was affecting his performance in the Bridge Command Course. This was very upsetting to his instructors and failure to perform satisfactory below minimum would take away his flight status (as if he needed more pressure).

Not only that, despite the winning of hearts and minds of various militaries, there was a bit of a backlash from certain groups (no doubt instigated by those who simply would not walk away from terrorism or would not support peaceful co-existence). Rallying around the cry of being forced into conformity and fear of being culturally absorbed into a Terran Hegemony, these instigators fired up the populations of various "third world nations" and it was becomming a problem for the UEG.


On one hand, the REF could step in and systematically root them out and neutralize the malcontents as they had on their Earth decades ago, but that was the jurisdiction of the UEG. They would have to learn on their own that unless one was willign to go the distance and find the resolute will in themselves to put an end to such instances of violence, it would never simply go away. Peace has to be won, it doesn't just "happen" no matter how much one prays or begs for it, you have to earn it.

---

Not much later it was time for the test of the mental interface (the Louis Nichol's "Jackcap"), which consisted of a full body suit worn under the pilot's normal clothing. It was embedded with hundreds of sensors that monitored the firing of neurons not only in the brain but in all the major
muscle groups of the head, torso, and limbs as well as the general EGG readings of the brain.

"This really makes me feel uncomfortable, probably cause I don't have a rubber fetish." SD complained...

Witwicky was quick on the fly, "You're a big boy, so stop your whining." People in the hangar control area could see the grin on his face as the engineer imagined SD squirming around in the cockpit since the occasional squeek of rubber could be heard.

Colonel Sterling spoke up, "You're approaching the waypoint, hows the status?"

SD eyeballed the indicators, "Sir, I'm all green."

"We're good to go here also Colonel." Dr Nichol's added.

"Alrighty then, switch the interface to active and lets see if this prgram works." Max's tone was cool and calm but inside he was more than a little excited. If this program worked it could give the REF pilots an edge in the future when combat was needed. A human can only react so fast, but even with a fraction of a second better response time it could make the difference in some instances and technologically this would be a major breakthrough.

Meanwhile, on the crew levels Aurora Sterling was starting to get a bad feeling. Often she would try to ignore it as it did not good to worry about something she couldn't pinpoint more than a general "something bad is going to happen" it was often not specific enough to do any good but put people on edge and possibly make a bad situation worse. In this instance however it was starting to both increase in intensity as well as becoming more focused.She stopped what she was doing and almost unconsciously started to leave her quarters and make her way to the main hangar. Her pace would match the rising dread that was slowly overtaking her.

One other was making his way to the hanger as well, but this one had a different agenda. Not of preventing a tragedy, but of causing one. He had studied floor plans and duty rosters and picked this time as ripe for his revenge. It was all though out, from the arrival time at the hangar to the assembling of his concealed weapon in the maintenance area (with scheduled work as a cover). Time, location, and equipment was all joined. Now the only element needed was the will to carry it through.

---

Dr Nichols hit the switch on the console and the command to activate the interface was transmitted to the GX. At first SD would later describe the feeling as "being crawled on by 1000 ants" as the program ran and the moment by moment neural activity of his body was being scanned.

*Time to see if this was worth it* "Control I'm initiating rudder imaging." Which meant although he still had his hand on the stick maintaining a level flight path, he would attempt to turn left and right by mind thought alone.

"damn, it isn't working..." SD was trying hard not to become frustrated as Dr Nichols told him before the mission that maintaining a clear though pattern was crucial.

In control Dr Nichols had an idea, "Ok SD, try focusing on turning the plane left with the stick and concentrating on that motion. Perhaps if we can get the system to recognize your pattern for left it will kick in."

It certainly sounded reasonable to SD so he calmed himself and concentrated on turning left as he moved the stick appropriately. Back in Control the readouts were showing his movements as SD turned the plane left 90 degrees and then straightened out.

"Good." Louis said, "Now try to think of what you just did and do it again without actually moving, think of yourself moving it."

SD concentrated again. He imagined his right hand holding the stick and turning it to the left as he just had done. In that moment he felt it, not just the stick but more. He began to feel the rudder as if it was a part of him. The GX began to turn left.

There were gasps in the control room. Louis was almost beside himself in excitement, as Max uttered, "Unbelievable, it actually works." Spark plug added, "Way to go kid, the brass is all smiles."

After a few moments of elation things died down a bit, Max got on the mic "Ok SD, go through all the basics and when that's done prep for live fire tests at way point bravo."

"Affirmative" SD put the GX through all the maneuvers flawlessly. Right left turns, bank up and down, even a barrel roll and split S turn, all to the enjoyment and pride of the project team.

In minutes he was in position and with a mere though of his hand actually pressing the buttons the different weapon systems of the GX were powering up and awaiting use.

"Now we're at the crucial part" Louis added, "Can SD fire the weapons and if so can he still pilot the GX effectively enough while engaging targets as well as evading return fire?"

That question was about to be answered.


At point Bravo threat indicators appeared on the GX's sensors and SD began to prioritize them. From control they could see him choose his approach vector and then the icon of a missle appeared as he had though of a missile activation and it flew from it's rack to obliterate it's target moments later. As programmed the target drones began to return fire as he entered their preset minimum range for testing purposes. Was this actual combat in full they would have no restrictions but this was a very special test and safety has paramount.

A squad of six pods approached and was now engaging him in aerial combat as he noted two remained below, probably as an ambush tactic should he go to ground. The GX began to evade as soon as his eye detected the missile threat warnings and incoming icons. He returned fire as his GU-11 gun pod spit rapid fire slugs into the first pod in his sights as he mentally invisioned squeezing the trigger.

Back on the SDF-3 all were pouring over the real time data as it came in. While most of it would undoubtedly be useful for implementation fleet wide, this was still a unique project and all were praying that no unexpected occurrences like before would come to pass. The results they were getting
were simply too damn good.

The ariel targets were destroyed in about 2 mins with none scoring more than a few close missile locks and some laser scorched paint. "I'm going to urban combat mode." He said into the mic. SD had noticed a pair of targets waiting in ambush behind some buildings and wanted to try getting up close and personal. First the GX changed to Gerwalk (or guardian mode) as he approached the ground level and hovered to the targeted block of the mock city test range. Then as he approached the ambush point he changed yet again to full battloid mode. It appeared effortless in the control room as it had grown completely silent aside from the hum and beeps of the machinery. Those assembled continued to be awestruck at this achievement.

SD had gone from hovering to running as the mech's feet touched ground and he approached the building concerned. He was sweating a lot now. This was taking a tool on him as he had to keep concentrating on controlling the GX. He realized how much easier it was to actually do it by hand, but could not deny that although mentally taxing, it was far faster to do it with his mind. As soon as the thought appeared the mecha was responding, and it was getting faster *and hotter,or is that just me?* he thought.

He departed from norm REF engagement procedures and reverted to his preferred methods. A one-handed axe ejected from the side and upon reaching his hand, the blades extended to combat use.

Max asked, "Is he thinking what I think he's thinking?" To which spark plug replied, "Oh yeah, he sure is. I love this part."

Still running the GX rounded the building and as the two REF pods open fired he threw the Tomahawk at the faceplate of the right one while simultaneously jumping up and to the right and then pushing himself with his feet off the building he executed a kick to the left one as he came down. Reaching out for the axe embedded in the now downed right pod he pulled it free and spun around catching the staggered left pod in the leg severing it. It fumbled around for a fraction of a second and in that awkward moment SD had jumped up and was bringing the axe down dual handed. Upon contact it split the pod in twain.

Breathing heavy SD spoke, "Control this was fun but I think I should come home now."

"Affirmative SD, good job, Bring it on home." Max turned to Louis and Sparkplug, "Congratulations to both of you as well. On paper it looked good, but to see it actually worked in the field was amazing." As they shook hands all around Louis interjected, "Thank you Colonel, but as Dr Thompson
suggested to me the GX is 'special' it was his opinion that we would have the best chance of success using it first and now the challenge will be to duplicate these results with our standard REF mecha.

It may not happen right away, but I am confident using this data we got today will be the template for the effort." Sparkplug added, "Exactly, I knew he could pull it off. You made the right choice letting the kid take first crack at it, thank you for believing in all of us Colonel and especially in the GX."

Max suppressed a chuckle as Spark plug often referred to SD as "The Kid" despite the fact that SD had recently past 34. "Not a problem Spark plug, You guys have amazed us all from the beginning and the dedication and courage shown by you team when we got here indebted us to you."

SD had reached the hangar and guided the GX down. Louis told SD, "Please leave all the systems on, we want to run more simulations on the active system." "No problem, but can I take this balloon off? I feel like I got a gallon of sweat on me." Laughter, "yeah go ahead, in fact why don't you take the rest of the day off. We're going to be studying this data for a while."

As SD was climbing out of the cockpit Aurora had run into the hangar and was desperately looking for someone. Max saw her first, "Hey Honey! What's got you in a state?" his daughter was obviously out of sorts and for a Moment Max thought maybe something had happened to Dana or Miriya and Aurora had come to tell him.

"Father!" Aurora yelled as she began to run to him as a man stepped out from the maintenance area with a weapon drawn. "Stop right there!" She froze in fear, the premonition she had been receiving now crystallized to clarity. This man was going to kill her father!

"What's this all about!?" Max Shouted, the armed man was Human and appeared to be from the Aero-tech enlisted branch according to his insignias.

"Actually it's about you."He calmly replied as he pointed the gun at the Colonel. "You killed Colonel Harken my mentor. The man who was like a father to me. Now it's your turn..."

Spark plug almost didn't notice the monitor as the readout changed to a query, "[Is this still a simulation?]" Perplexed he typed 'no'. "[Awaiting Command]" was displayed. *It couldn't be* he thought as he looked up to the GX. Almost as a response the eyes flashed. In that moment he KNEW, he suspected all along but now it was staring him in the face. Getter Was aware.

"Please don't kill my father!" Aurora pleaded as she moved between the man and Max. "I said Don't Move!" He now pointed the gun at Aurora "Fine, maybe it would be more fitting if you were to die instead. I lose a father and in return he looses a daughter!"

SD shook both in rage and helplessness. He was too far away still and it looked like this psycho had come to kill Colonel Sterling but now was going to shoot Aurora instead.

Spark plug took the biggest chance he ever thought of and typed in ACTIVATE and shouted, "Now Kid!" Startled, the armed man fired at Spark plug and the engineer went down.

It was then everything went to hell as the world turned red. He heard screams and later realized one of them was his own. He felt the energy wash over him, the crawling of the ants. Then it changed, it was a feeling of enormity of power, It was like being outside himself and most of all, it felt good. He could see himself reaching out with his hand and crushing the life out of this bastard who endangered the people he'd come to care for (whether he'd admit it or not). And the most surreal thing of all was the incredulous look on the man's face when he turned around as the metal fingers enveloped him and a second later crushed the life out of his body, a horrified expression left on battered the corpse.

It wasn't till the thud of the jellied remains (as every major bone in the body was pulverized) hit the floor that he noticed the silence, and then the world turned back to normal. That is except he still ahd his hand outstretched and fingers mostly grasped. For an instant those that witnessed the event could swear they saw the devil himself in SD's eyes. But as for SD himself it was a fraction of a second before the feeling of limitless power left him and it was replaced by another feeling. Or rather a memory of a feeling, of crushing another living thing in his own hand. Of feeling his fingers constrict until the snapping of bones and the life was squeezed out of his victim.

It was not more than 3 seconds after the body had hit the floor that SD also fell to his knees and started to retch, vomiting uncontrollably on the hangar deck. His mind overloaded with the utter diusgust of this traumatizing experience, mercifully shut down and darkness took him into its embrace.

Chapter 15: (The Fallen)

1:58 a.m. Epsilon Eridanni


(Voice of Ivonova "The news is spreading all over the place Captain. We got every ambassador on the station ready to sign on."

(Voice of Sheridan) "I should stop by see Kosh, thank him for his help."

(Voice fo Ivonova) "It's almost 2am, you're exhausted. My Grandfather had a saying - Good news can wait, bad news refuses to leave. Get some sleep."

The door opened to ambassador Kosh's inner quarters, his private sanctum. Kosh was already alert, in fact he had been expecting this event ever since the Vorlon strike force destroyed the Shadow one raiding Brakiri space earlier that day. In a minute it would be over, but he had enough time for one final thing. Quickly he reached out with his mind and connected to the one who he chose to be the force of change beyond the circle.

John Sheridan started to toss in his sleep. His normal REM sleep about to be interrupted.

"John...Johnny..."

Sheridan turned to the familiar voice and answered, "Dad?" His father was with him in his quarters, but he didn't remember him entering or the reason for the visit.

"I don't have much time son. I want you to know... you were right. I, didn't want to admit that.. Just pride I guess. You get my age, you get kinda set in your ways. It HAD to be done, don't blame yourself for what happened later."

The senior Sheridan started to collapse but John reached out and supported him. "Dad are you?"

"It's too late for me, I'm sorry for what I did before. I knew what was ahead I guess, I guess I was afraid. When you've lived as long as I have, you kinda get used to it. Uh! I wish I could have done more for you, so many things I should have said, now it's too late. You're right, it's time you started fighting this war your way!" Collapsing again as if his body lost all control "UH! Got to go now John."

Shaking his head as realization started to dawn on Sheridan as to who he was really talking to, "No NO! Don't leave!"

Turning his head to look at John and smiling, "It's ok son, see, long as you're here, I'll always be here..."

The dream ended abruptly and Sheridan found himself sitting up in bed, a great emptiness had descended upon him. One that can only occur when one you care about is taken from you. With tears in his eyes he whispered, "Kosh...KOSH!"

---

SDF-3: Earth 1 orbit



Though his eyes were closed, when SD regained consciousness he knew where we was. It was from the smell. That smell of a sterile environment that made him sick to his stomach. He opened his eyes thus confirming it, he was in the sickbay. A nurse noticed his activity and notified a doctor.

"Good Evening... You were out for 5 hours in case you were about to ask, also I couldn't find out any reason as to why. However at first your EEG was unusual, but it returned to normal after the first hour."

"When can I get out of here?"

"How about tomorrow morning? barring anything occurring I'll sign you off then as fit for duty. Oh, and someone arrived who would like a word with you." He pointed at the window and Col Sterling was visible in it. "you up for it?"

"Sure..."

Still writing on the chart the doctor motioned for the Colonel to enter and then left to tend his other patients. Max approached SD's bed and fought for words.

"There's something Spark plug wanted you to know. He said it was very important to tell you... He wanted you to know 'you did good'. It was his last words."

As Max looked at SD he could see no expression on his face at all, in fact his face seemed like a cold steel mask as hard as the deck alloy. One would get the impression that he was an uncaring bastard, except for the beading tears that fell frist from one side and then the other.

Flashes of what happened started to replay in his mind and SD fought against it. He DIDN'T want to remember, any of it. Max had been talking but he had heard none of it.

"...so thank you." Max finished and realized that SD probably didn't hear a damn thing he had just said. "Look, doc's releasing you tomorrow but I think you should be on leave till next Monday ok."

SD nodded.

"I'll take of now, if you need anything... Right, I'll see you next week Colonel." Max steeped out of the room leaving SD to his thoughts, or rather lack thereof.

Aurora was waiting for her father outside. When he came out he had the look of disappointment on his face. "I'm sorry honey, he's definitely not in the mood for another visitor even though you mean well."

"I just wanted him to know how much I appreciated what he did and how sorry I am." Max hugged her as they walked, "I know sweetie, but I am sure he knows. He just needs some time alone right now."

Aurora didn't doubt he knew, but as for the being alone part that didn't feel right to her.



The next day there was a meeting to discuss what had happened and Dr Thompson was worried, very worried.

*I can't let them stop the research. Not NOW, not when the very thing predicted by Dr Saotome has started to occur undeniably!*

He gathered his relevant notes and entered the meeting chamber. The Hunters as well as Colonel Sterling, Dr Nichols and Dr Lang were already present. Admiral Hayes spoke up, "Now that we are all here let's begin. First of all do we know WHO this gunman was and why he came to SDF-3 and also HOW he got past security?"

Max answered, "I can cover some of those things. This individual was named Alex Marshall. He was formerly part of the Krell Corps under a Colonel Harkin, the same one I defeated in the battle almost a year ago. He blamed me for his death (rightly so) and took it upon himself to have revenge against me, but when Aurora came in to warn us he started to act and then decided to kill her instead. At that point somehow Colonel Crocker had used the system to stop Mr Marshall. That's all I had to add."

Rick was skeptical, "I find this very hard to believe even though we can see the security tape. HOW did he manage this?"

Louis cleared his throat very embarrassed, "I'm sorry sirs, I have no idea at this time. I was there and that's exactly what happened."

"I think I can explain SOME of it" Dr Thompson interjected. Lisa motined with her hand and Thompson stood up and walked a bit. "Let us start first with the premise that the GX is NOTHING like you are used to. It STILL may have capabilities that defy conventional science. With that in mind I will narrate events according to the tape." He began a slow motion playback.

"As you can see here the Colonel is about 10 feet from the cockpit but still has the interface suit on. Also Mr Whitwicky is occupied with the control panel as if something caught his interest." he points at the screen as the engineer can be seen looking at the console with a puzzled look momentarily.

"A moment later he can be seen manipulating the controls and yells to the Colonel to take action. The Colonel then commands the GX to grab the threat, neutralizing it. And that is what happened."

Lang can be seen scrutinizing Thompson, his eyes narrow as he's trying to figure out just what it is the good doctor is NOT telling them.

"So are you saying this is NOT another out of control event?" Rick inquired.

Thompson held up his hands, "Absolutely NOT. This was a deliberate, although maybe slightly unconscious act FROM the pilot TO the mecha and thus the mecha acted on the wishes of the pilot. Pilot sees threat, wants to act but can't, suddenly the opportunity is there so the mecha lashes out as willed by the pilot. It's as simple as that."

Lisa turned to Lang, "Dr what do you think?" Emile thought for a few moments and then started, "I agree."

Rick was shocked, "You do?"

"Yes." The German continued, "Without any other evidence aside from what we see and the console command logs provided by Dr Thompson I can onyl concluded that the GX was NOT out of control,although maybe the PILOT was momentarily..."

Anyone looking at Thompson for a second would have seen victorious smile being repressed *YES! Now to follow up.*

"Sirs, as unusual and tragic as this event was, it in NO WAY should affect continued resaerch both into the AI program as well as the GX itself."

Lisa turned to him, "what are the chances that an AI system in an Alpha fighter would do something like this?" She had a concerned look on her face.

"I can tell you right now the chances of duplicating this with one of your regular fighters is almost zero. From my experience only something as incredible as the Getter Rays could make such a quantum leap with the AI system and thus is worthy of continued research. Also," he added, "I think the Colonel is to be commended both for preserving lives and for making such a breakthrough with the aid of Mr Whitwicky. We should not ignore that achievement and sacrifice."

The Admiral nodded her head, "I agree, and as long as no one else has any objections we can put that part to rest." She looked around the table. Rick and Max nodded their heads, Louis nodded nervously, Thompson was smiling, and Lang had his poker face on.

"Now how did this Alex Marshall get on the SDF-3?"

Rick had some documents he referred to, "Preliminary security report indicates he was in a training program for aero techs. He passed a Earth background check and after finishing school was transported with his graduating class as trainees. I can see right now if there are any more ex-Krell people that slipped through Earth security we can be in for more trouble. I recommend ALL Earth liasons and transfers be rechecked immediately and have their clearences TEMPORARILY revoked."

"Hmm" She mused out loud, "This could create some schisms we don't want, but I guess it can't be avoided.... Very well make it so and inform all involved WHY this is being done. I don't want anyone to feel like we are targeting them personally or at random."

"Fianlly, how is the Colonel doing?" she asked.

"Ahem," Max cleared his throat, "I visited him and he's awake and alert, although understandably out of sorts. I put him on a weeks bereavement leave, I figured with what happened plus the loss of his engineer he needed a few extra days."

"Granted, any idea why he collapsed like that?" She asked.

Thompson spoke up, "I think it's safe to assume that due to the special nature of that particular interlink that it must have been overwhelming and his system just couldn't take it. After all he had just completed the real time test superbly and indicated that he was already fatigued from the exertion. This threat was enough to give him an adrenalin rush momentarily and then his system most likely just crashed." He finished confidently.

Eyes turned toward Lang, "Again I concur. For the moment, it is the most reasonable explination."

"Well then," Rick added, "let's hope can get past this soon."

"Any other business?" Lisa Inquired.

Dr Lang was the only person to add more, "Final installation and calibration fo the quantum slide engine is nearly complete. Charging will be then begin with your approval and then by the end of the month we will be ready for the actual operation."

Lisa thought for a moment, "Alright proceed unless there is a change. Also do not inform anyone outside the loop about the departure schedule until all new background checks are complete. Last thing we need is someone that might sabotage us feeling like they now have a time limit to act within IF there IS a threat still among us."

Lang nodded, "A wise precaution Admiral."

Thompson spoke up, "Admiral, would be Joint Chief's be authorized? I have a meeting with them later."

"Yes, as long as this information is considered CRITICAL. I've noticed your forces use 'Top Secret' for a much broader range than we do, no offense."

He smiled, "No offense taken, and you are absolutely correct. They have used it for far too many things a lower classification could be rated for it, you could say it's almost become a cliche."

"Well then," she finished, "if there is nothing else this meeting is adjourned."

The meeting ended and as those involved filed out Dr Lang caught Thompson. "Can I speak with you a moment?"

"Certainly Emile, what do you need?" Lately the two men had gotten close enough to skip formality as Lang was teaching Thompson about the Shapings of Protoculture and he in turn had described the basics of the Getter Rays to Lang in long discussions.

"I want you to be perfectly honest with me" he said it slowly and his German accent had become more pronounced. " what are you NOT telling them?"

He looked Lang in the eye, "What makes you think I know something more?"

"Call it intuition, or as the Major General would say, 'my BS detector is red -lining.'."

Thompson held the other man's gaze for a few more seconds then sighed, "Alright Emile, I'll tell you but I want a promise first."

Lang was doubtful, "I can't make a promise on information I don't know."

"Fine... Just try to keep an open mind then, as a fellow scientist." He sat down and motioned for Lang to follow suit.

When his colleague had seated he began, "I wasn't lying when I said at no time was the mecha out of control. As far as I can tell there is no more danger of that at all, unless we bring it upon ourselves."

"What do you mean by that?" Lang was concerned.

"I'll get to that in a moment. What I didn't tell them was I knew exactly why this happened." Lang's silence prompted him to continue, "Whitwicky saw something in the readout... THIS!" He slid a paper over to Lang. After a moment his apparent pupiless eyes grew imperceptibly wide, "Mien GOTT! This can only mean..."

"Yes Emile, the GX itself initiated an inquiry based on real time events. It analyzed the situation, determined there was a threat, and asked for instruction on how to proceed. It ONLY took action when Whitwicky activated the system and then yelled at the Colonel."

Lang was floored, "So it's...Alive?"

Thompson spread his hands, " I don't know, possibly, I prefer to say Aware. I think this is incredible but I don't think this should be revealed to anyone else, at least not yet. Don't you agree?"

Lang thought hard, "Possibly. But first what did you mean by 'bring this upon ourselves'?"

"Well look at it this way. For now it follows the orders of the pilot. What if the mecha becomes aware of the attitude of others around it? See what I mean? If it analyzes that it is amoung a impending threat THEN it could concievably start to go out of control. IE if I am surrounded by enemies that intend me harm why not take action to prevent that harm? I submit that even though Witwhicky and the Colonel installed the self-destruct device the mecha did NOT react to it while I believe it has had ample opportunity to do so. Why, because it's pilot felt it necessary so the mecha does also. Do you understand?"

"I think so, what you are saying is an adverse reaction from the rest of the command staff could influence the GX?"

"Precisely! IF Admiral Hayes orders the research aborted or WORSE separates the Colonel from the mecha THAT could initiate an adverse reaction. I'll tell you the other thing no one has mentioned yet Emile. The first pilot we chose for teh GX, ws killed. Officially it was pilot error, unofficially I believe the GX rejected him even then with a primitive form of awareness. It was fortunate indeed that the Colonel was not killed the day he got into the cockpit or in the 8 years since. Dr Saotome had a saying once, 'One dose not CHOOSE to become a Getter pilot, the getter chooses HIM'. Please help me Emile, believe in me and this work and keep this to yourself at least for now. There is so much more we can learn and I honestly believe now that the Getter has overcome the Invid seed memory take over attempt, that it is NO danger to us what so ever, as long as we don't choose to become the enemy."

"That's a dangerous assumption William... Alright. I'll keep this confidential , for now. Don't make me regret this, I have a duty to the REF but I can concede your points as a scientist. Eventually they will have to be told."

"Thank you Emile. And you're right, I want to be the one to tell them though, soon." *Soon is a relative turn my friend*

"I'll hold you to that then... Good day."

Lang left the conference room leaving Thompson alone with his thoughts. *Sorry Emile, I couldn't tell you everything. But you know more than enough... For now.*

Things were happening far quicker than Thompson could imagine, it had to be the Protoculture. Somehow it had awaked the Getter far sooner then predicted by Dr Saotome. It was both exciting and terrifying at the same time that he would live to see this day. The day the life form known as Getter would begin it's OWN evolution. For 8 years now the Rays have saturated the pilot but otherwise lay dormant. It had formed an unconscious bond with SD and now thanks to the REF it would instantly obey him even with him outside of the cockpit. *this is far beyond what I could have dreamed of, oh Saotome if you could have see this...* But no, with the death of his daughter Michiru in a 'training accident' and then the day of light when all of Earth's Mightiest Machines disappeared Saotome and many others abandoned their work and either became recluses or transferred to other defense projects like the BattleMechs.

Much more beyond that he could only guess at. But more there certainly was... Only time would reveal what the Rays would become, or even more interesting how much more they would affect the pilot.




Chapter 16: (Empty Soul)


(Thump Thump THUMP!)... For the second time security was called to the level that SD's quarters were located at with a noise complaint. *Maybe they should move him near the engine room* Sgt Dante mused as once more they asked the Lt Col to please lower the volume on his system and he grunted back an affirmative.

SD was a mess, one look at him and you could see the bags under his eyes and he definitely let himself go with 3 days of beard growth (and still with 4 more days left of his 'leave' to go it would get denser). "Please Colonel (Angelo implored), keep it down or I'll have to confiscate the system..."

With that MSG Dante lead the MP squad back to the garrison. Security, while important, was rarely called upon to deal with a situation on the SDF-3 as it's crew was mainly a well disciplined force. Angelo was second in command of the 15th ATAC squadron so in Battle was operating a Hover tank, but he also cross-trained for ship security under Nova Satori when times were 'slower' as he enjoyed helping to solve problems of his fellow soldiers and to keep their home peacefuly efficient.

It wasn't long before the troops returned to their operating center and one of his subordinates queried, "Hey MSG, why didnt you bust that officer the second time around?" Dante sighed, "Kid you got a lot to learn. Sure it's our job to keep order on the ship but remember we're here to SERVE and protect. Dropping the hammer is not always the best thing to do. One, cause it's combat guys like the Lt Col who bolt to the front lines when we need them without hesitation. And Two, he just lost a member of his squad. I know from experience what that's like in a combat situation, but it happened from a damn terrorist attack practically so he probably feels even more helpless at the situation."

He continued, "Give the guy a break, it could be worse.... He could be drunk off his ass and shooting up the decks or crashing a mech all over the bay, I've seen stuff like that before (he grinned as the memory of Marie Crystal ,4 sheets to the wind in a jeep, was bailed out from getting arrested by her future husband Sean Phillips. When they found her drunk and sobbing over her issues it was Sean who had removed her from the vehicle and then jumped into the jeep taking it on a fast vector out of the area just as the MP's were arriving. He took the heat and it was one of the most selfless things Dante ever witnessed as a soldier.)

He began adding to the event log of the day, Hoping that the Lt Col would get through his personal hell before he'd have to press the issue and enforce some regs...



On Earth Dr Thompson was about to address the Joint Chiefs. This was never a thrilling occasion for them and the anxiety levels of the members were about to rise.

"Sirs, as you know the Mobile Space Fortress Xanadu, and it's escort compliment, will be initiating the quantum slide at the end next month. Before that comes to pass I want to make a recommendation for leadership of the Earth Forces that will be included in this operation."

This brought a murmur from the table as Chief Johnson of the US Army spoke up with his southern drawl, "And let me guess son, you want to nominate Lt Col Crocker dont'cha?"

Smiling Thompson continued, "I'm glad to see the thought has crossed your minds as well."

"Now HOLD ON a minute!" Johnson interjected, "Why should we allow that mech head misfit (though there were more colorful and inflammatory words he was wanting to say but while in session wouldn't express them) to represent OUR contingent? He has NO practical experience in large unit operations, is unaccustomed to TRADITIONAL chain of command, and overall I for one don't even like him." (that much he was willing to admit)

The scientist cleared his throat, "I'm glad you asked General... Col Crocker has been in training with the REF in fleet operations, particularly in starship command protocol.

Not only that but his loyalty to EARTH is unquestionable. Lastly, he's one of OUR OWN, even aside from whatever personal feelings YOU may have. Isn't it true that a Flag Officer will have to be included because of the number of Earth personnel and equipment involved? Not only that, but because of what we might see or learn don't we need someone on the inside we can trust who will represent the interests of our Earth?

I mean seriously, would ANY OF YOU be willing to risk your lives in a experiment that may very well kill everyone instantly when the switch is thrown. Or even if it does work, who's to say we will EVER be able to return. This could be a one way trip and being that this mission is entirely voluntary, now the question is WHICH one of you is gonna volunteer....?"

The murmor now turned into an uproar. Thompson always irritated the chiefs with his arrogance and the feeling that he never told them quite everything. Now he had basically called them on the carpet and was gonna force someone to step forward on this potentially suicidal endeavor.

Needless to say the next few hours would include much arguing and heated debate...

---

"We are intercepting the transmissions again." The alien fighter sent to it's companion scout ship.

"Scans are detecting patrol craft, fall back behind the nearest planetary body for cover. We must not be detected. Proceed with recording."

"I obey."

With that the two Zentran ships continued their surveillance of the LUX system. Unaware that they were under observation, two members of Emerald Force maintained their patrol route through the local area around the planet LUX's space.

Over the radio the broadest range of frequencies carried the transmission of interest to the Zentran scouts. "Hey Everybody! Jump into the planet dance!" *This enemy also sings* the pilot thought. *lord Ingues will know what to do*

The Marduk fleet had begun resupply operations a few systems away. Should invasion be decided it would easily be in the LUX system by the end of the month.




__________________

Chapter 17: (Remembrance)



The Isle of Crete is a beautiful and successful spot for tourism, and has been for many decades, however this tiny and tranquil spot on Earth harbors a dreadful secret...



In the near dark the Albino sat, slightly leaning back in his chair. The surrounding was pierced by the echoes of footsteps slowly approaching from beyond the corridors of the great stone complex. A figure cloaked in a blue and purple outfit came into view as he came in range of the flickering torchlight. The smell of the scented oils they burned lightly filling the air with a musky odor.

The Cloaked figure stopped and prostrated himself before the albino, "Dr Hell, your instructions have been carried out."

On closer inspection the features of this arrival were now visible. It was not a man, or rather not a whole man. This person also had the appearance of a woman on one side of it's body! As if someone had taken a man and a woman, cut them down the middle, and spliced the opposite sides with man form on the right and female form on the left.

That is exacly what Dr Hell had done with the two ancient mummies he found 50 years ago. Neither alone was intact enough to survive the ritual he had learned from the great darkness, so he spliced the two remains into one creature. The result was the incompetent, but occasionally useful servant that now bowed before him...

"Devleen" The Albino known as Dr Hell spoke, "I have more tasks for you to accomplish. The Great one has spoken to me and our work will begin for the ritual when the newcomers leave."

The melded personage called Devleen looked up at his...? her..? er, IT's master and inquired, "If I may ask why are they so important to our goals master?" Devleen remembered some of it's prior existence millennial ago as separate individuals serving the ancient Minoan civilization before Krakatoa destroyed it and buried their ancient technology. Even then they had served the great Darkness, as they called it.

Dr Hell laughed ecstatically, "That's the beauty of it, they are the key to everything! I will do nothing to dissuade or impede their lofty goal of returning... (and then slowly) Home..." He continued, "That idiot Krell got what he deserved. Had he succeeded in destroying them our plans would have been foiled beyond recovery!"

"what are your commands for me now my master?"

Dr Hell stroked his white beard and an evil twinkled could be seen in his eyes. Have GENOM assure our agents are in position still for the great experiment. We can't have the increased security levels recently weed out any of our carefully placed personnel. When the time comes for our sleepers to awaken I want them to be wherever the newcomers journey to.

The GENOM corporation was the most technically advanced private business on Earth. Before the world changed forever they were the foremost supplier of arms and technology to the entire world and often played countries and factions against each other. Now that the Earth was truly united their business had suffered greatly, but the mega corporation adapted and survived. Now they made their profits with domestic servants called AI Companions. Instances of them running amuck were rising and now the public had a nick name for these rogues, BOOMERS.

Some considered GENOM a faceless evil corporate entity who were responsible for engineering these death machines on purpose, and they were right. The CEO of GENOM was in fact an acolyte of Dr Hell's twisted religion and would faithfully carry out the twisted wishes of the albino horror, whatever they may be...

---

It was Friday and LT Col Crocker had taken control of Spark plug's final arrangements. Aside from himself and Dr Thompson, Witwicky had no family left except for his missing son, Spike. *Well not missing, fighting in a war halfway across the universe according to the old man* He mused.

No one else was there to take care of his personal effects and his home in West Virginia. SD contacted a local law firm the previous Tuesday listed in Spark plug's will and discovered he had been left with power of attorney so he had the house put up for sale and also acquired a self storage unit to be paid for with the proceeds. It was his hope that after spending a day sorting through the decades of memoribilia his friend had collected, the items he had set aside for storage in the unit would be valued by Spike should he ever return to Earth. He could only imagine what it would be like on such a return to be left with practically nothing aside from the meager contents of the unit and a statement that his father had died years ago.

It was during this grim but necessary task SD had found some interesting things in Spark plug's quarters on the SDF-3. There were some journal entries and a to do list on the computer he stumbled across when deciding what data should be saved or deleted.

It almost felt like an invasion of privacy to read these private thoughts of a dead person but the more he read, the more SD realized that the older man had considered him like a surrogate son. Also that he and Spike had parted on less than amiable terms and he had regretted that their last time together was not better. It was his hope that someday his son would still know how much he had loved him and that no matter what he was proud he stood by his beliefs regardless of what his father thought. It was a hard read and by the end SD was teary eyed. When he got to the to do list this was the entry that caught his eye.

ITEM 3: Mount CD for SD's BDay

*Damn, he was gonna put something in the Getter for me, God bless him. I've been such a selfish prick. When was the last time I did anything for anyone?* The guilty thought stuck in his head.

It didn't take long after that to clean out the quarters. Most of the contents would be shipped to the storage unit on Earth but SD kept a stack of data disks and CD's for examination later. As he opened the door he turned one last time and glacned at the desk imagining his friend hard at work, but the phantom image lasted only a few seconds.

"It's only a room now..." SD softly said to himself out loud and then he turned out the light and the door closed behind him...

---

The REF shuttle docked safely witht eh SDF-3 and it's passengers disembarked. Amoung them were two notable personages, Dr Thompson and a Air Force General.
The General was Eric Massey, a medium height black man in his 40's. He had been SD's commanding officer when he was with the San Francisco Combat Wing and his visit here was for a very special event. Both men took pains to ensure that knowledge of their arrival was limited as they had a surprise for SD as well as the REF. Dr Thompson's plan has succeeded and now it was practically assured that very shortly his work would NOT be purely be at the control of either Earth OR the REF.

Oh yes... Things were looking up indeed...

---

The Marduk fleet hung in space around an relatively unimportant world. Their forces taking what they needed to replenish their stores and also various operation were undertaken by ship tenders ferrying munitions and other goods from ship to ship as the manufacturing centers created them.

ON the HUGE fortress, Lord Feff listened to the report from their scouts along with the Great Lord Ingues. When the scouts were finished and the data reviewed he was witness to a rather unexpected reaction from his liege.

"Excellent!" the booming voice of the Marduk leader filled the room. Feff was stunned for a moment. This was almost a joyful reaction from the traditionally conservative entity, it was definitely energetic regardless.

"What troubles you Feff?"

He stumbled for a second, "My Lord, you seem rather, pleased?, at this development. May I inquire why?"

"Of course, you know such an enemy is the most deadliest we have to face and they MUST be destroyed, ALL of them. But at the same time it will be good for our soldiers to fight a worthy foe again. It had been cycles since they had a decent challenge. It would not be good for the troops to get complacent because of the pathetic drivel we've exterminated lately."

"I understand."

"Good. When operations have terminated plot a fold to the enemy's system. We shall eradicate them from the universe for the glory of the Marduk Empire."

Feff bowed his head, "For the Empire it will be done!" Soon he would lead the Zentran into battle and the emulators would sing the song of war. It will be glorious...



Chapter: 18 (Embarkation)



Dr Thompson mysteriously had called a meeting of all REF staff and SD as well. *frig me* SD thought, *I bet something's come up with Getter and I'm still grounded*... That thought resounded in his head as he entered the council room, and was shocked speechless...

It was like he was the absolute last one to arrive. Either he was imbicilicately late or this was a set up. A number officers of the REF were packed in two sections while the flag officers were up front with Dr Thompson and the main source of his astonishment, an Air Force general he immediately recognised. "Eric?" Was all he could gasp before Admiral Hayse grinned and took the podium, "Now that we are all here we can begin. Lt Col Crocker would you front and center please."

Feeling a bit embarressed at the attention of all eyes moving to him he stoicly approached the small stage and presented himself . Thompson and Massey were particularly enjoying the look that escaped SD's control momentarily of a rabbit ready to bolt.

"The UEG on this day recognises the deeds and service Lt Col Carl Crocker and posthumasly civillian engineer Whitwicky. Each is to be awarded for Meritorious Service and Lt Col Crocker is to be promoted to Full Colonel. Presenting the award is General Eric Massey who is now the Official CO of the Earth contingent. General Massey..."

At that the General smiled and approached SD. He handed him the Meritoriuos Service medal as SD already had earned one and later would attach a cluster to it. Then he removed the Lt Col insignias and replaced them with Full Birds. When he finished he shook SD's hand and saluted him, "Congratulations Colonel".

As the Admiral started to appluad the rest of those took her cue and joined in immediately and it was quite loud (at least to SD). She then spoke into the podium again, "There will be a short reception in the main hall till 1400 to celebrate these appointments."


It wasn't long till SD was in the main assembly hall for the mandatory "hobnobbing" one must perform when publicly cornered. First Admiral and Major General Hunter greeted him, and then of course the Sterlings. It wasn't long till General Massey made his way to SD and grabbed his arm again. "Looks like you'll be a pain in my ass again real soon."

SD had some burning questions as he started with, "As good as it is to see you Eric, how the HELL did you end up here?"

Massey held up his hands in mock defence, "Oh no I had nothing to do with it." he then pointed at Dr Thompson, "Blame HIM! He put the Joint Chiefs in a bind and basicly conned me into this as well. I tell you one thing, thank God that man is a scientist and NOT a politician... He could talk mud off a hog!"

Hearing the laughter and noticing Massey had pointed at him Dr Thompson came over to the group. "Yes yes no doubt I am probably the target of some derogatory remark hmm?"

SD was still chuckling as he spit out, "Oh no, not at all Doctor. In fact I would consider it a very high compliment!"

"Indeed." Though Thompsons eyes narrow slightly there was no extinguishing the gleam they held. "Has the good General here told you the news about our re-assignment?"

"Um, I was about to ask about that... What's going on?"

Massey spoke,"Well since I was put in charge the Station and it's Earth Escorts it was decided that as Earth personel your temporary TDY be ended and you come back into the fold so to speak. So starting tomorrow you, the Doctor and the GX will be transferred to the Station pending further assessment."

"oh" was his unenthusiastic response. SD had gotten used to life aboard the SDF-3 despite the large number of people it carried.

Thompson leaned in, "Plus we are almost ready to leave. I suggest wrapping up any business you have with Earth and then I believe there are some station SOP's as well as ones for the Yorktown and Segomo you can pass the time with learning."

"That's true." Massey added, "I'm almost in the same boat as you Carl. The Yorktown may be a carrier and the Segomo a battleship but they are certainly not the terrestrial craft I am familiar with. It's a whole new world and I just got charged with making it run smoothly as possible. Of course you've been with the REF for nearly a year, I bet you got their proceedures down by now."

SD asked, "And how does Susan feel about this twilight zone we're living in now?"

Massey blinked a second, "Um, you see Sue isn't coming. We were divorced 3 years ago."

SD felt like garbage. Had he kept in touch with his old CO instead of letting his thirst for revenge consume him, cutting him off from everyone and everything except from fulfilling that purpose he probably would have known what his old friend and fellow officer had gone through. "I'm sorry Eric.."

Massey didn't look concerned, "Hey no big, these things happen, we just grew apart. I'm fine with it now. Besides now that I got my hands fully I literally wont have any time to think about anything else. I'm really looking forward to the challenge, who would have thought a lowly Air Force General would be tapped to be a Space Force General? It's like something out of sci-fi" he grinned.

The next day SD had received permission to take the GX Earthside as he visited some places that he probably would ever see again. First stop was Hong Kong and in particular the anime district. True Japan was the source but eventually everything flowed into Hong Kong, like hard to find films.

Next stop was a quick fly by some of the wonders of the world like the Great Wall, the Eiffel Tower, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the Pyramids of course, and the Statue of Liberty.

Finally there was one last destination, and former wonder of the world he had to visit, the remains of San Francisco. A memorial had been built at the edge of the radiation zone. Because of the Holocaust and staggering number of dead a mass wall covered with placards had been erected.

About 20 mins of searching he found the name he was looking for and he ran his fingers over the marble plate. *It's still like I am leaving you behind* He thought.

He placed a single Red Rose on the ledge and paused momentarily, as he considered placing the snowflake neck less he wore next to it. *No my love, this whole world could burn before I leave all that I got left of you behind* having reached his decision he wiped the stream of a single tear that somehow escaped his notice earlier and turn to leave. In minutes the GX was powered up and escaping Earth's Atmosphere for what SD thought was the last time.


The next three weeks were a blur as Both SD and General Massey got settled in to their new positions. The Xanadu station was enormous and teams were constantly checking the miles of corridors and conduits that made up the various decks and machinery for errors or other problems. Some of this inspection duty was taken up by technicians for the Genom Corporation. Having many warehouse areas to themselves it was fitting that they not only run and maintain them, but inspect them as well to free up military personnel for other critical areas. This mission was the greatest in Human history and the Genom Corp was gonna have their people in position no matter what if any benefit could be gained from this effort.

It was through these technicians that certain nefarious individuals passed Earth checkpoints and personnel clearances. Far more subtle and insidious than the poor hacking done by Alex Marshall, one slightly talented individual could not forge an identity as completely as a whole company full of computer whizes.

With little notice the groups got on board the station and sequestered themselves deep in Genom's areas. Their contacts met and with their cover identities still holding they were to be "sleeper agents" awaiting the call of their master to becoem active. Till then they were to observe and remember anything that could further his goals in the future.



The day finally arrived. Now the great engines of the Xanadu Station were fully charged and almost ready to engage the "Lang Quantum Slide". There was electricity in the air as the excitement grew among the crews of both the station and it's escorts. For many of them this was possibly the door to home and long lost loved ones who could still be under the yoke of the Invid. For others this was the greatest adventure of their lives. regardless of the reasons, hardly anyone met that day could not be seen without a smile or an eagerness in their voice as they went about their duties as the clock continued it's short countdown. It would be a matter of minutes until this incredible journey would begin, or end disastrously.

The SDF-3 was nestled in between the enormous outer docking rings as the ship simply could not get into the inner concealed space dock. The Battleship Segomo, and Carrier Yorktown (with fighter compliments for each) were already inside in their custom docks. The beauty of having an inner dock was that crews could work in a pressurized environment without the need for space suits like on a planet.

The Bridges of all ships and the control tower were alive and buzzing with activity. Even off-duty personnel were augmenting any post they could just to say they were witness to the amazing event.

There was an open comm line to all ships as the final countdown reached the 20 second mark. General Massey received the latest real time monitoring report that all systems were in the green as he turned to Dr Lang, "Since this project was your baby I would like to hand over the final command for this first jump to you Doctor."

Lang was almost beside himself as in mere moments his greatest work would be activated, "This is an unexpected honor General, thank you."

The computer was now at 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1... as Lang gave the order "Execute Quantum Slide!"

There was a collective gasp as the vortex formed. and more than one person was quoted that day as uttering, "My God, it's beautiful".

---

Sensor probes had notified Lux control that unknown ships had entered the system by folding. Had they entered by conventional means like the scouts did earlier it may had bought the enemy more time but it was irrelevant.

"Report!" A micronized Zentran in a Captain's uniform was at the helm of battle 7 as warning indicators flashed and comm traffic from Lux increased.

A brunette female human spoke up, "sir! sensor net detected a group of unknowns defolding mid-system. Apparently there are more ships defolding and arraigning themselves in a formation."

"Can the computer identify any silhouettes yet?" *Please let them be just transient Zentreadi* the captain silently pleaded. It was a horrifying few moments before the newest data came back as his prayer had been answered.

"Sir computer has ID'ed a few ships, Analysis indicates Zentradi Construction."

*Oh thank the gods, no more Protodevlins!*
"Contact Admiral Jenius, with his approval I want to prepare Operation 200"

The Captain smiled as a look of recognition flashed on the comm officer's face...

"That's right, The Minmay Attack! (TM) Oh and after that let Dr Chiba in City 7 know Sound Force MAY be needed." While he doubted the new Zentreadi would be as effected by Basara as they would be by the female Micronian's recording still he learned from his new culture to 'not put all your eggs in one basket' aside from the fact that he detested eggs it was still good advice.



On board the Marduk command ship, Lord Feff observed his new prey's preperations. "What activity are you detecting?"

One of the generic looking helmed Zentrans spoke up, "My Lord, one ship approximate to battleship class, one carrier class and several escorts are forming up in between us and the primary target. There is a geo synchronous facility and some smaller craft separate from the armed ones, analysis indicates it's for manufacturing."

"That's it? Nine ships... This will hardly be a challenge at all. Very well launch the Warriors and as soon as the Emulator begins her broadcast begin the attack! I won't need any more forces than this. I'll simply destroy this puny force and then bombard the planet into submission. It will be a victory for myself and the Marduk Empire with the expenditure of minimal forces."


In moments the order was given and the Marduk Warriors flew their assualt craft out fo the hangars and assumed attack positions. On the rear most capitol ship an attendant whispered to the Emulator, "It is time My Lady." The Emulator herself has silver hair that reached halfway between her shoulder and her waist. Eyes of yellow/amber flickered open as she rose from her rest only to then begin a meditative trance. A trance that would enable her to perfectly sing the song of War that would propel the warriors listening to her to victory yet again.

Still someting was bothering her. On occasion she would have a vision/dream of finding that which defied all reason. Something inspired by a legend, the tale of the Alus. Lady Ishtar had tried once to explain this to Feff, but the Closed minded warrior merely scoffed and told her myths of a defeated culture are not to be given a second thought. The Alus was not real and that she should only be concerened with supporting the warriors in battle. "For the glory of the Marduk Empire" she unconsciously muttered as she began her song and it was transmitted openly to all the Marduk as well as the enemy.



In City 7 Admiral Max Jenius was Coordinating with his wife (and Mayor of the city) Millia to get the civilians into shelters and have planet based military forces readied for combat. They were riding on encouragement that the enemy were transient Zentreadi and that the Minmay Attack would successfully rout and confuse them enough not only to defeat them but to possibly take them alive and then the survivors could be assimilated into the culture as their ancestors had been decades ago.

"Admiral Jenius to Battle 7 (now Max was wishing he was back up there in teh command chair in stead fo the micronized Zentran) we're ready down here, it's up to you to get the party started."

Captain Barton had great confidence in his voice, "Acknowledged Admiral, this should end very quickly by the numbers. Comm, launch all Valkyries and have them deploy ordinance at range. All other units will support the fleet until otherwise directed."

"Roger sir, all units responding. Fire Bomber has launched from City 7 and will rendezvous in 3 mins with fleet."

"Excellent." Barton folded his hands in his lap. He would try to make this as bloodless as possible but these were uncultured war mongers as his people once were. The Zentran knew many might need to die but no matter the cost to these fellow Zentreadi Barton would NOT allow his own men and City 7 itself to fall before hostile forces.

A ring of satellite stations that were used for GNN (Galaxy News Network) also doubled for military purposes such as Operation 200. The most powerful transmitters possible were installed in their cores and right now all the capability of these facilities were being controlled by City 7 Defense Headquarters.

Moments later the Valkyrie leader (Major Nexx) signaled to fleet they were nearing extreme range. Fleet relayed that to City 7 and they brought all the stations online at once and operation began. Each station produced a 100 foot tall hologram just beyond itself of Lynn Minmay as she was 40 years ago at the end of Space War One (S.W.O.). The holograms began to sing the song that won helped win that war [Do You Remember Love?]. The enemy fighters started to fly semi-erratically which indicated the operation was working.

Major Nexx yelled into his comm, "All fighters WEAPONS FREE!"

At that dozens of reflex ordinance streaked to their predetermined targets and it wasn't long before the flash of explosions tore through the enemy formations. Things were going according to plan, until they heard it. Later, pilots would say it reminded them of a Gregorian Chant but at the time they were too busy doging weapons fire to pay it much attention.


"So they think their culture is any match for us? Ishtar sing, sing loud and strong for the Marduk!" Feff's fist was clenched as he saw the first wave of his warriors fall before the reflex missiles and waiver slightly under the influence of the alien culture. Almost at that time Istar began her song and the tide began to turn...


Nexx was having a hell of a time now as the alien fighters apparently recovered and started to swarm his forces. he couldn't help himself and it slipped out, "What the HELL is going on?" An explosion behind him reminded him he needed to be more aware as a familiar insignia went by his cockpit, "Thanks Sylvie."

Her melodic voice teased him, "Well you know, I'm not quite ready for your job yet Nexx!" yeah that was his XO Sylvie Gena. Two years younger than him but at age of 17 almost twice the pilot he was.

"Screw this!" Nexx yelled, "Back to back!"

Sylvie knew the maneuver Nexx was contemplating and moved into position effortlessly. "Fire!" She yelled and then both Valkyries let loose their short range missile pods. It was a crude tactic invented by Max Sterling in S.W.O. , but very effective as it was unexpected as testament to the dozens of alien fighters that disappeared from existence and the area around them erupted into momentary plasma bursts creating a zone of death around them.

"Ah" he sighed, "That's better, a little room to breathe." Then he cupped his hand to his helmet pressing it closer to his ear as he faintly picked up something that was growing stronger ever second. "What the? Impossible, the Zentreadi have developed a musical defense???"



The Zentran operation reported, "My Lord, the enemy broadcast units are in range of particle cannons."

Feff had his arms crossed in annoyance that the prey had tried to impede his warriors in such a pathetic manner. "Very good. Fire and destroy them all! What is the performance ratios now?"

The operator responded, "No more than 20% deviance and now is rapidly increasing to normal. Estimating 2 mins till full performance is regained."

The Marduk frontline ships charged weapons as their cannons glowed blue and lashed out, incineration each and every braodcast satellite on that side of the planet. Operation Minmay was almost a complete failure.

Many were stunned as survivors of S.W.O. gaped in astonishment as the hostile Zentreadi proceeded undeterred in their assault and hologram after hologram winked out of existence.

"My God.." Max swore.

Captain Barton was also deeply troubled, *Never could I have imagined the Minmay Attack failing us so soon. Now we have to defend ourselves from THEIR song...* Still although they were vastly out-numbered the battle wasn't over yet. "Launch all reserve forces and inform the guard units to assist the Valkyries!" The fighter compliments guarding the fleet, led by Emerald Force, sped off to reinforce the Valkyrie strike teams.

BY this time Sound Force had reached the fleet when things took their turn for the worse. Basara and company heard the Zentreadi transmission. "Coo!" was his first comment. Mylene was not as enthusiastic, "What's so great about this again?"

Niki sighed, "It means they can be reached. they just have to realize what they are doing is wrong. Lets go, FIRE!" With that he shoved the throttle forward and his custom Fire Valk flew ahead of the others. Already Veffidas began banging her drums guessing he was gonna begin singing [Planet Dance]. Mylene sighed, "Ray someday he's gonna get us killed." Ray Lovelock popped up on her comm monitor and winked, "Possibly, but hopefully not today!" as he began playing his keyboard.



Feff was getting impatient, "what's the status of our warriors?"

"My Lord, the first wave is almost defeated. The enemy seems determined."

This was not what he wanted to hear especially with Ishtar singing the Song of War. Still warriors die, that's what they are for. "Send in the second wave. This should not take much longer."


Thanks to the reinforcements, the line held. just as the last of the Zentreadi orangish pods were getting waxed new contacts appeared on the radar. Docker was the first to see them, "Shit! Nexx we got MORE bandits incoming!"

Nexx was already sweating hard, it was a rough fight and they lost a lot of good pilots already. "We got any more help comming?"

"Not really, all we got is a few more wings from City 7..." Docker corrected himself as a Fire Valk flew past the front line, "oh yeah and HIM!"


The rest of Sound Force were hot on his heels as Basara changed to Battroid mode and fired off a few rounds of speaker pods into the nearest units of the second wave. Confused pilots stared as the non-explosive ordinance opened up on the inside and they were assaulted with the sound of an electronic harmonica and guitar, [Hey Everybody! Jump into the Planet Dance!].

Once more many Zentran units were performing less than expected and incensed Feff to no end. "Increase output of the Emulation to maximum!"
With that the Emulator ship began humming with power as it's transmission boost began to increase. Unlike other Zentran ships this one was special. It functioned primarily as a transmitter, a very powerful one. Consisting of minimal armaments and a fold engine, the rest of the ship function as a power generation and broadcast facility. In moments Basara was all but drowned out by the haunting wordless drone of the Zentran forces.

"This SUCKS!" He wailed... Mylene popped up on his monitor, "Not only that, she's off key!" Ray popped up next, "Maybe they use a different scale?" Basara yelled, "Someone think of something!"

Docker popped up, "I think we're screwed... Royally..."


At that moment a gigantic bright blue vortex appeared. Neither side was prepared for what emerged from it 30 seconds later...



Chapter 18 addition.

In case some were wondering what the Xanadu Station looked like here is an approximation. Nearly 6k wide by 5k long and 2k high it remains the largest structure completed in Earth1 (Earth Prime being the designation of the original Robotech Universe) Also the SDF-3 Mesh isn't ready yet so the SDF-1 is standing in.




SDF-3 is nestled into it's custom dock while the Segomo and Yorktown are underneath the station. Xanadu also has 5 inner berths for cruiser sized vessels and a huge far inner bay beyond that for fighters/shuttles or small craft.

Chapter 19: (The first Evolution)...



The Marduk advance was momentarily delayed as the fighters also witnessed the enormous 6 Kilometer diameter vortex. Concerned they circled their present location until they could reform into formation and confirm their targets.

A blocky construct that looked more like a station than a ship came through. It appeared heavily armored and probably contained thousands of troops within. On the side in between many arm cradles was a large reddish ship that one would think of as a Zentreadi design.

The defenders of planet Lux were quickly becoming demoralized even as they shut their gaping mouths at the over whelming spectacle of the newcomer's appearance.

Hot on the heels of Emerald force and the remaining fighters wings of City 7, came a civilian Valkyrie with Galaxy News Network markings. It was currently being piloted by one Hibiki Kanzaki (17 year old scoop reporter and winner of the scandal of the month award 3 times running!) and riding shotgun on camera was Dennis Sloan (A seasoned war correspondent who was unfortunately nursing a really bad hangover).

Right now Kanzaki was trying hard to pay attention of where he was going as he kept peeking at the new arrivals. "Tell me you got that on tape!"

"Of course I got it.(Dennis groaned) Though I doubt we will be able to get very close to that monster, but be ready. IF we get the chance, try to get near one of the smaller ships. Arrrrgh!" Another sound of discomfort escaped from the backseat as Konzaki threw the Valkyrie into a series of evades as stray missiles almost clipped the plane.


Dr chiba had reached City 7 control as soon as able and had monitored the phenominon that had all but neutralized Sound Force. Admiral Jenius was hoping he could get some answers from the scientist, but from the look on the man's face he didn't have very good news.

"Doctor, can you tell what's happening to Sound Force?"

Chiba continued to look at the readouts and didn't take his eyes off the screens, "Partially Admiral, apparently an intense jamming field that is piggybacking a carrier wave so only their transmission dominates is emanating from the rear most capital ship in the enemy formation. Basara seemed to have little effect on the enemy earlier but now for all intents and purposes he is nullified."

Chiba's tone had been despondent and full of anguish, Sound Force was both his dream and life's work. Coming from amazing victory over the Protedevlin to almost complete failure against transient Zentreadi was heart crushing to the scientist.

Max had his eyes closed as his head slowly lowered, his cap feeling suddenly very heavy. "Dammit!" He slammed his arm down on the right armrest as some of the crew flinched from the sound. The Admiral was very good at controlling his emotions in battle but his frustration was so great it burst through.

"We had a chance before, but with that jamming and now those reinforcements I'd be a fool to think we can hold out." He was actually thinking of sending a message of surrender. Battle 7 was ready to fire but it was only one battleship and had been totally rebuilt after the Protodevlin conflict two years ago. It's meager escort fleet was all that stood between the Zentreadi and the fledgling colony of City 7. Max HAD to think of the people first and not his pride, maybe there would be an honorable way out of this that could save lives if they could not win victory. But would these Zentreadi accept a surrender?

On board the Station and it's compliment things were very chaotic.
What they were able to see out the windows was not at all encouraging as missiles and beam weapons passed each other into two groups.

General Massey shouted, "Report!"

One of the male operations responded, "Sir we got almost no power, sensors went down and we're trying to get them online again. Comms blacked out but are coming online now. SDF-3 seems to have slipped from the moorings and has drifted a few hundred yards ahead of us."
He palmed his earpiece against his head for a moment, "Signal from SDF-3 sir!"

"Put it on screen."

Admiral Hayes-Hunter appeared. She had a very unhappy look on her face , "Looks like trouble. We suffered a power drain and only have comms and short range sensors. Minor damage due to snapping of mooring lines. How about the station?"

Frustration was clear on Massey's face as he answered her, "We are experiencing a massive power drain and have almost no sensor capability. Suggest you get into a guard position for us until we can figure something out."

He asked aloud, "Can we launch Yorktown or Segomo?"

"Negative, not enough power to open the interlocks, they're stuck to us sir. However, they can launch fighters!"

Massey slammed his fist on to the nearest panel, "Do it, make sure they get the GX out there as well... I want them to screen SDF-3 until further notice... Admiral Hunter, since this seems to be a hostile situation the ball is in your court."

Massey was in charge of the Station and overall mission as the slide technology was lodged within it, but all naval or escort combat operations were purely under command of the REF, namely Admiral Hayes-Hunter.

"Roger that General, we are getting some comm signals now, we'll keep you informed. Tactical what do we got?"

"One group of capital class vessels with vague Zentreadi profiles, unknown pod configurations most likely Zentreadi and non-Zentreadi fighters and a capital group defiantly not Zentreadi with a possible comm/repair/or manufacturing station behind them. Numerous debris from various fighter units and possibly defense platforms scattered around the planet."

The operator continued, "Sir, we are getting a signal from the second group. It's very weak though cause of a signal from the Zentreadi formation is almost drowning it out."

She moved a strand of hair out of her face, "Let me hear the first signal."

"Aye." a moment later the wordless dirge of the Marduk emulator filled the control room. Lisa was both captivated and frightened at the same time by the haunting melody. It evoked powerful feelings within her that she could feel herself struggling against. Regaining control of her falcalties when she signaled the transmission to be cut off she remarked, *Well, I'll never complain about Minmay again!* Lisa momentarily chuckled inside. "Now can you get the second one through?"

"...There, best I can do sir." The faint signal came over the speakers. At first no one could make it out. Then seconds later Lisa came to a realization, "That's Japanese! Damn, who's fluent in Japanese among us?"

SDF-3 had already launched fighters and Col Sterling was listening to the tac channel. "Admiral I can translate for you."

She sighed with relief, "Do it Max, find out if they need our help. Last thing we need is to get involved in someone else's fight but we just landed smack in the middle of it. I'd be hard to just standby while watching someone under Zentreadi guns."

Max addressed his wings, "All fighters maintain guard formation." He then switched to Japanese and focused a narrow beam transmission to the closest Non-Zentreadi unit. "REF Fighter Wing to Defending Forces do you read?"

By chance that unit was Lt Gena's Valkyrie. She thought she heard something over the radio so after a second or two of messing with the tuning she was able to lock onto the new signal.

"Repeat REF Fighter Wing to Defending forces do you read over?"

*REF?* She puzzled, "What's going on here? Who are you guys?"

Col Sterling shouted into his comm, "Not much time to explain can you patch this signal through to your command, I am barely reading you as it is."

*Oh hell, why the F*#$ not?* "City 7, Strike two here patching through unknown fighter wing's signal per their request, holding the line till further orders. Go ahead Fighter Wing."

That got the Admiral's attention. *Unknown Fighter Wing?* a moment later a distorted but somewhat familiar sounding voice came over the line.

"Colonel Max Sterling of the REF here. If you're wiling, we can coordinate between our command and yours to try to hold off these Zentreadi? Sending tac frequencies now of SDF-3."

Admiral Jenius was taken aback, *Did he say SDF-3?*, but recovered quickly. No vessel had ever had the designation SDF since SDF-2 and that had be reassigned as Megaroad01 30 years ago. This mystery could be addressed later, right now they had a battle to win. "Affirmative Colonel, though your designations are unknown to us any help we can get would be welcomed!"

After indicating to the operators to link their networks to the additional frequencies he added, "REF Forces we intend to fire the Macross Cannon into the bulk of the Zentreadi, advise your units to stay clear."

As this was taking place, SD and the GX had emerged from the 1st hangar of the Yorktown and rocketed at full burn towards the Enemy formation. Getting the word about adding channels he did so in a distracted manner. The GX began to drift off course waggling, as if the Emulator's dirge were actually waves upon the ocean of space and were battering the craft.

Dr Lang had been recalibrating the sensors of the station and sent the new settings to SDF-3 when he noticed this odd response from the GX alone, as none of the other guard fighters seemed to be effected by this transmission aside from an decreased ability to communicate.

Concerned, he told the General,"Sir, Col Crocker may have a problem, I suggest we get Dr Thompson online to monitor this."

Massey looked in the direction Lang had pointed and he could barely see the exhaust of the GX in the distance erratically maneuvering, "Comm, tell Dr Thompson to get to control immediately!" This was not good as he thought, *Thompson you Bastard, if he dies cause you played God in the name of science I'm holding you alone responsible!* But now was not to time to dwell on things he couldn't control, there was a planet on the verge of falling and the hostile force had begun to turn their ships towards the new arrivals.

Things were definitely not right for SD, it felt like he was being physically assaulted as he continued a round about course towards the main enemy formation. Playing his music couldn't seem to help him concentrate much better either and for once in his life he was almost on the verge of panic. That was until a strange feeling came over him, *Let go*....

"what?" He couldn't help asking aloud.

*Trust*...

That second time it seemed he heard it inside his head, as if coming from a place of calm and peace. He did the irrational thing... He let go...


And suddenly he was in the eye of the storm. He could still feel the alien influence trying to prevent him from coming closer but now it barely registered.

Not really comprehending he felt an odd sense of cold detachment. At first he had become numb but now there was a rising sense of heat. No, not heat, anger... And in moments he knew the source of that anger. The target was locked and like an arrow shot from bow the GX headed straight for it. And in the silence of space Roared...

"ping!"

"Nani!?" Dr Chiba was surprised as his monitor began to register a signal on the Spiritia meter. Invented by him, the Spiritia meter measured Sound Force's Anima energy output in units called Chiba's, of course, and now it was registering that Anima Spiritia was being expended.

Normally this would be a very good thing, except for one thing. Sound Force was not playing!


On board the Marduk flagship it's commander was barking out orders, "Ready all cannons! Fire on the alien Battle Cruiser!"

Dozens of gun ports that had been charged and ready to fire on the tiny Macross 7 fleet were now pointed at SDF-3 and blue bolts of energized death range out with a 'VREEE" sound.

As Feff had just finished giving his orders a translucent blue bubble had formed around the target. When the first volley of fire from the Zentran ships struck it, it flared light blue in an arc but was not penetrated. "what!? What is the meaning of this!"

A moment later the scanning operative responded, "My Lord, a powerful energy shield has enveloped the target." He spoke his next words as neutrally and carefully as possible, "From these readings it might not be able to be breached with the units available at the moment."

"Intolerable!" Feff raged, "I wont be denied this victory!"

While the Zentran fighters had reached the defensive line formed by the Macross 7 fighters, the REF Wing was moving in and in minutes would join the fur ball.

As blue fire continued to be rained down upon the SDF-3's barrier, a lone fighter appeared to challenge the green Zentran behemoths. It wasn't long before someone noticed the small contact, "Lord Feff, enemy fighter on intercept course."

Feff was almost stunned by the concept, *One fighter dares to fly into our guns. Is the pilot mad or simply suicidal?*

"Gunners target that fighter and eliminate it."

However the GX had other plans. It dove hip deep into the enemy formation with apparent disregard for it's own safety. The GNN Valkyrie had been trying to work it's way towards the newcomers but was nearer the Zentran formation now and noticed this crazed maneuver, "Holy Shit!" Was the first thing out of Kanzaki.

"Hmmm this may be interesting." Was Sloan's comment, "Hey kid, think you can follow that action?" Clearly it was a taunt, but it was one Hibiki couldn't refuse. "Of course I can, but think We'll survive much longer than that guy?"

Dennis sighed, "True, Life can be a high price to pay for our craft, we can go back if you want to..." Flashes of dying horribly versus fame and wealth that a Pulitzer could bring danced in the young reporters head. "Damn, that tears it. Who wants to live forever anyway?" and tried to be as inconspicuous as possible and yet at the same time fly paralel to the huge battleships of the Zentrans while keeping within camera range of the red fighter who dared these Goliaths to squash him.

Then he heard it. "Dennis, am I imagining things or is that like regular music?" The cameraman concentrated on listening aside from the Zentran's transmission and began to make out what Kanzaki was hearing. "Looks like things just got a whole lot more interesting..."

Things were less than interesting on the Marduk flagship, they were downright unbelievable.

Lord Feff was clearly getting angrier, "Why haven't you destroyed that fighter yet?"

"Sir, it's flying too close to our ships and the weapons cannot get a clean shot without threat of damaging our own ships. It will take a few more moments to space ourselves out a safe distance." Feff was raging. He had kept his ships in assualt formation intending on focusing the enormous firepower to destroy the enemy fleets as the enemy's fighter wings were well beyond engagement range and yet a single fighter has made a fool out of him by a simple error of being too close together. It was all he could do from lashing out in fury at those around him.

Others began to hear the faint transmission as well including Sound Force as Basara became transfixed by it and the others pondered what it could mean.

This song also had no words but it's meaning was clear, it would drive the one sending it out to his goal and not stop until it had been achieved. The GX swooped and rolled and evaded countless bolts of blue fire that the gunners of the Zentran ships tried to score on him. Almost all of them ended up hitting their sister ships and causing significant damage. It wasn't long before the fighter reached the rear of the formation, and it's ultimate target.

As the song reached it's crescendo a crimson beam shot out from the underside head mount and gutted the Zentran ship from bow to stern. The energy ripped through the Zentran hull easily as a hot knife trough butter and caused massive explosions as charged energy emitters released their potential and munition piles were ignited. Immediately the alien transmission stopped, the ship was unable to continue it's jamming broadcast and communications were no longer impeded amongst the Macross 7 and REF forces.

"ISHTAR!!!" Was Feff's reverberating cry as the sound of "Energy Spike!" spit into the air. One third of the Zentran ships vanished in the yellow glow of destructive energy as Battle 7's Macross Cannon had come into range and sent them to oblivion.

The Fighter wings were no longer fighting for their lives as the enemy began to loose all tactical cohesion and in their confusion were destroyed to the last fighter by both the City 7 Forces and the joined REF Squadrons.

The red fighter had abandoned the derelict it created and began to evade more Zentran fire as now the remaining ships had a lot more field of view to shoot at it without danger of hitting friendlies and the GNN Valkyrie decided the belly of the beast was a great place to hide in and get some good footage from such a vantage point. After a few moments of capturing spectacular footage of the daredevil fighter Hibiki spotted something above them, "Dennis look at that! It's a person." "Huh?" the Cameraman gaped and focused the lens on the location his pilot pointed to, "my God, it's a Meltrandi!". Seeing that she had a suit and helmet on he popped the cockpit and proceeded to exit the plane in an effort to reach her.

Hibiki shouted paralyzed with doubt, "what the hell are you doing?" Dennis had reached the girl and though he detected breathing, "look sometimes you can't just report the news, sometimes you got to reach and and grab it so to speak, he he."

*This guy is totally nuts* though Hibiki as he shook his head unconsciously. At that moment a power conduit lost containment and exploded. The blast struck Dennis from behind and he reflexively cradled the girl in his arms tighter and tried to shield her, "AAAHhh!".

"Dennis!" Hibiki floated up to meet his short time partner and tried to patch his suit as it was leaking air seriously. Dennis struggled to speak as he felt these were his final moments and his suit continued to expend precious oxygen with a violent hiss sound, "Hibiki, get the girl and get out of here now... Make sure you get our footage..."

It was over, Dennis Sloan had lost his struggle against the creeping darkness of mortality.


"DENNIS... NO!"

The ship started to come apart now. Maybe it was a delayed self destruct or just a cascade failure but there was no time to mourn for his comrade. A man who he had just met had died. A man who's reputation as a solid news correspondent was something Hibiki had always wanted to strive for but always seemed to let petty scandals and lazy reporting be the hallmarks of his journalistic career.

Gathering the girl and the camera into the back seat, he closed the canopy and left the ruined remains of both ship and man behind. Heading back to City 7 as fast as he could and Hibiki vowed he'd get the story out right and make Dennis proud. This was not just his story, it was their story.


Feeling like he was coming out of a trance SD noted that SDF-3 was yelling at him to "Get the F*#$ out of the way!" as the bow was now pointed at the Zentran ships and the tell-tale glow of the charged Macross Cannon was staring him right in the face. "Oh F*#$ me"... He pulled up hard and hit the burners and held it on that heading for all it was worth as the blinding flash of yellow blocked almost everything else out of his sight. Even with his eyes closed it was damn bright still. Somehow he was far enough away that only some slight singeing was scorched on the the hull as the GX escaped the SDF-3's main cannon.

"My lord, we must fold now! We only have 4 ships left."

Out of a task force of 17 ships and hundreds of fighters all that remained were these 4 capital ships and a few dozen reserve fighters not yet launched. This was a disaster unheard of in all the the thousand year history of the Marduk. To so underestimate an enemy like this was as humiliating as it was inconceivable. Feff barely recognized his own voice as he asked, "And what of Lady Ishtar?"

"Sir, the Emulator's ship was destroyed."

Feff paused a few gut wrenching moments. The struggle deciding to stay and fight to the death out of revenge, or to go back to Lord Ingues and report this dangerous enemy waged within him. The crew released their collected tension as he finally said, "Begin Fold now."...

As the hum of the engines whined powering up and the familiar rippling effect began to play over the view ports Feff stared at the Planet Luxx and these unknown interlopers. *This is not over scum. I still live and because you took from me their can be no surrender, only oblivion. For all of you.*


Unknowing of Feff's dark promise, SD continued to head back to the Yorktown, unconsciously still humming the song that had played in his head the entire time. [" Hmmm Hm Hm Hm Hm Hmmm Hmmm Hmmm.
Hmmm Hm Hm Hm Hm Hm Hm Hmmm Hmmm Hmmm..."] - Toki Wo Koete - Cybaster.

The glow that had been in the cockpit almost since the beginning had gone unnoticed by the pilot and by the time the GX had taxied back into the hangar, it had completely faded again.


Fate, Luck, or just damn coincidence? These were Admiral Jenius's musings as the last enemy ship retreated and disappeared from the scanners and all combat groups were stood down from alert status. *Whoever these people are, they just saved our asses...*


With few words Hibiki Kanzaki answered the challenge by the remaining defense line fighters as he brought the GNN Valkyrie into a vector that would eventually let it land on planet Lux. No one could know about his cargo until he could ensure the girl would be taken care of and his film processed. This story was big and he owed it to Dennis to do it up the best he could.



The REF squadrons had returned to their ships and the grateful City 7 defenders had also bugged out, leaving only Sound Force to float alone in the void. Basara continued to listen to the hum of the red fighter until it finally left his scanner, all the while being bothered by Mylene's insistence to head back cause "It's boring out here".




Chapter 20: (Evolution1.1)


The flight back to the Yorktown was agonizingly short as SD brought the GX in for landing. Never had he felt so good before as in this last battle. *Maybe this last month made the difference?* he thought. *No, there was more than just that. I'll have to see Thompson about this.*

As he touched down and taxied into his berth he noticed more than a few persons in the vicinity. Climbing out of the cockpit one of them spoke as both feet reached the deckplate.

"Colonel Crocker, by order of General Massey we are to INSURE you report to him at once!" The speaker and his companions were armed MP's.

*F*#$, now what the hell is going on?*, but he answered with, "Very well lets go."

In silence, except for the the normal background sounds of the space borne vessel, they made their way to the Yorktown's conference room. Entering alone while the MP's stood guard outside he saw the General in a conference call with Admiral Hayse-Hunter as Dr Lang and Dr Thompson were also seated in the room.

"Colonel Crocker Reporting as ORDERED Sir!" he was a little miffed at the type of escort and tone used in relaying the order to report and couldn't help mouthing off a little as he saluted.

Massey returned the salute but did NOT put him at ease, leaving him at atttention. "Colonel, Admiral Hunter here is wondering WHY you disobeyed the order to screen SDF-3, and in fact almost caused a delay in the firing of the main cannon?"

"Shit..."

Admiral Hunter learned forward towards her monitor, "I'm sorry I didn't quite make that out mister."

Clearing his throat, SD tried to order his thoughts better. "Sorry Admiral, what I meant to say was that something unexpected happened. If I may I was going to discuss this with Dr Thompson alone" at this point he almost mumbled, " but since everyone's here..."

She ALMOST had an amused look on her face, "by all means, this should be good."

Thompson intensely scrutinized SD as he bid him to begin.

"Doctor, not long after launch I felt, well like I was being prevented from approaching the enemy formation which I now gather was somehow due to the enemy transmission."

Dr Lang interrupted, "Yes I could see you experiencing some trouble from the control tower that's why I had Dr Thompson summoned."

Nodding his head he continued, "This is probably going to sound crazy...." then he thought about it a second, "Scratch that, It's nuts, but I swear to you I felt Getter tell me to let go!"

Thompson was already taking notes and looked up, "Can you tell me exactly what you heard or felt?" Meanwhile Massey was getting visibly upset as Admiral Hunter had a doubtful look on her face.

"At first I didn't know what to feel, the GX was almost fighting me and I couldn't fly straight. Worse, I couldn't concentrate on anything. But then I thought I heard a voice say to let go, then a few seconds later it said to trust. At first I thought I was hallucinating , but then I felt it was real and that I SHOULD just go with it, so I did."

The scientist was ecstatic, "Then what?"

"Then I KNEW what was causing the interference. I could see it in my mind and it was targeted as I engaged the after burners and proceeded to engage it with extreme prejudice. I could now act normally but I didn't feel as if I was in my body. In fact I was very numb, but soon it changed to anger. I can't say why I was angry, but that anger was directed at the target.

Evading fire from it's escorts I activated the Getter Beam as soon as I reached optimal range which did massive damage to the underside of the vessel and must have hit a critical component cause in moments it erupted in several locations and the transmission ceased. not long after that I felt more myself and then realized SDF-3 needed me to clear the area I was in immediately, And that is my report."

Dr Thompson had a smile on his face but Massey did not.

"Tell Him..." the General began. Thompson spread his hands with upturned palms, " surely this isn't the time to get into", but Massey interrupted him, "This damn well IS the time you self righteous BASTARD! Now you tell him what you told me to get into this little extended field trip of yours and what you did to him!" That last remark especially got Admiral Hunter's attention.

Thompson looked at Massey first and stoically replied, "Very well, but I hope all here understands this conversation should be considered Omega Level." Omega was the classification above even Top Secret Umbra. Then he looked to SD who was beging to wonder what Massey meant.

"I'm sorry, but it seems you were able to achieve a level of ... Proficiency with the GX beyond that of an ordinary pilot."

Bang! Massey slammed his fist down on to the table top. "Don't patronize him Doctor, tell him straight!"

A now exasperated Thompson almost sighed, "Colonel your long exposure to the Getter Rays these almost 9 years have made you a far better pilot than you were before and now it seems you have developed a conscious link to it's inner core. Basicly I mean rudimentary communication both ways."

Massey was silent while Admiral Hunter emulated him and SD was confused.

"What do you mean by the 'inner core'?"

Thompson was not happy but tried to hide his reaction. It would be difficult, but he tried to explain the bare minimum Massey demanded and still keep some cards close to his chest. "Well, for all intents and purposes... You can consider the GX a barely sentient lifeform, thanks to you piloting it for so long. Also I believe a side effect of the protoculture components also had a major hand in bringing this about FAR sooner than doctor Saotome's data with the original Getter team."

SD was stunned with the thought *It's alive* but somehow he'd always known or rather FELT that there was something more to the Getter than just bolts and wires. He was special.

"Be proud of yourself, you managed to accomplish this in only 9 years and it took TWICE as long for Ryoma Nagarae to reach that level of competency!"

No longer at attention SD pointed a finger at himself, "But what does this mean about me? How has this affected me medically!"

Thompson's palms shot up defensively, "No need for concern! You are completely normal in all aspects, with the exception of having a slightly more active Alpha wave pattern (brainwave activity) and of course having better hand eye coordination while in the GX according to my data."

"Now explain what happened!" Massey demanded.

The scientist looked very uncomfortable, "Erm, well apparently the aliens transmission was upsetting the unit greatly so it needed the Colonel here to let it take decisive action to end that discomfort. By allowing himself to cooperate with the GX on a mental level as well as surrendering flight control. the unit was able to achieve it's directive and come out unharmed."

"It's directive, you mean it's now choosing it's own actions?" the Admiral asked loudly.

Thompson was quite for a few moments before he answered.

"...Yes. However it is not forcing decisions on the pilot. It is using logic to plot the best course of action and letting the pilot know. In this case the unit needed to eliminate that particular target and in a primitive way communicated that need best it could. No doubt Colonel you've felt these urges and intuitions for years getting stronger, and these contributed to your successes against the mechanical monsters of Dr Demon and Krell. This is not a threat to us, in fact this is exactly what I had hoped would happen, eventually. "

The Admiral was shocked, "What do you mean you WANTED this?"

Thompson's tone was defensive, "I had a mandate given to me by the government. Make a weapon system we knew practically nothing about work for US. I did that, if I happened to tap into it's full potential as its' creator intended then even better."

He then stood and pointed at SD, "HE is that full potential, in control of the most amazing weapon ever devised by mortal man. Having achieved symbiosis I dare say together they are the PERFECT WEAPON!"

Looking at the deckplate SD was lost in his thoughts, *I've always known... I'm just a weapon now...*

"Dr Lang", Concerned, Admiral Hunter addressed him as he had been silent the whole time, "Do you believe we are in danger from this development?"

"Azide from the Nucular bomb in the GX, probably not." he joked, but then in a serious tone continued. "I would like to make a confession though Admiral, Dr Thompson shared some of this earlier with me in confidence shortly after the hangar inzident. I have been independently analyzing this situation and personally don't believe we are in any premeditated danger, providing of course that what Dr Thompson has told us IZ accurate."

Massey however was not mollified, "Now tell him the last part, why it was so important the GX be returned to Earth control and how they can't be separated... EVER! Then be so kind as to remind me why I haven't spaced you yet."

This was not going well. It seemed that all his secrets were coming out and he'd have nothing left to protect later. Thompson thought, *I had no idea the Colonel's 'dear friend' would force this into the open so soon!*

"Ahem, very well. The same symbiosis that makes the pilot even more exceptional also relies on the pilot for moral and command guidance. While I seriously doubt a command would ever be refused by the unit at this point , there is no denying that the pilot cannot be kept from interacting with the unit for long periods of time without the unit taking steps to re-establish contact. In essence they are one and the same."

No one else said anything as the gravity of that statement began to sink in.

"If I had come forward sooner I was afraid the REF would scrap the program causing considerable harm not only to our decorated soldier here, but to anyone else in the vicinity should the GX react to that situation now that the truth was revealed in the hangar. I had to take steps to protect not only the project, but the pilot as well."

He turned toward SD looking him square in the eye.

"9 years ago I came to you and gave you what you wanted and what WE needed to protect our country as well as our allies. Now it seems the price of saving all those lives is this. Hate me, demonize me, or forgive me I don't care which, but you CAN'T deny that one man's life is not equal to the many thousands that were spared. All of you commanders more than understand that, and HE" now pointing at SD, "accepted the assignment of his own free will, though there was no knowing what the final result would be."

Massey was the first to speak, "So now we all know. If I may suggest Admiral that a verbal reprimand be appropriate for this incident under the circumstances. Also in case future situations occur I move that the Colonel here be transferred under my command so we can try to avoid as many of them as possible."

Admiral Hunter nodded, "Good idea General, and for the record Colonel while I DO trust you I DON'T trust the good doctor here." Which brought a "Hrmmph!" from Thompson.

Massey continued, "As for YOU Thompson, unless it's in the hangar or your lab I don't want to see you for a LONG time, is that clear."

The scientist matched Massey's hard gaze, "Perfectly." Then he got up and left the conference room.

Taking a few moments to calm himself Massey spoke, "Now that that's settled we should see what we can do about this Zentreadi situation and if that planet needs more help. We could get some intel as well as scientific data hopefully. Dr Lang, are we in your home universe?"

It was Lang's turn to clear his throat, "No General, I am sorry to report that we are NOT in the home universe of the REF. I am very sure of that as a measurement I call the 'Quantum Signature' does NOT match. It is close however, compared to own own, your Earth, and this universes I have been able to see there are variations in the reading. To be quite honest I think we will have to try more slides, as for now the random factor rules this technology."

Admiral Hunter was clearly disappointed, "Well that's unfortunate. I guess we will have to try again then, how soon can we slide."

"As soon as we begin the countdown again the power sequence will have to run 30 days. It cannot be interrupted. We can stay here as long as we need to but once the decision is made to go it has to be final. If the count is aborted we will have to resume it from scratch. This technology is very fragile and the calculations and power balancing MUST be precise." *plus I barely understand how this works as it is* but he kept THAT thought to himself...

The Admiral addressed Massey, "well then General I suggest that we get a handle on what's going on here, last thing we need is to come under attack by whatever remnants these Zentreadi have while trying to get out of here! Colonel Sterling has volunteered to translate for us so I suggest sending a diplomatic group to the planet to make official contact."

"You read my mind. How about Col Sterling, Myself, Dr Lang" and then he looked over at SD, "and it probably wouldn't be a bad idea to get Col Crocker away from that thing for a while so him also. If you wouldn't mind how about rotating SDF-3 with Segomo and Yorktown as patrol ships around the station in case our wandering Zentreadi friends show up again."

She didn't think long on it, "Sounds like a good plan to me. I'll have Col Sterling bring a shuttle over to pick up the group. Hunter out." and a moment later the conference screen went dark.