Original subtitles

F

[GLOVAL] As this is the first quiet moment I have had

since our splashdown on Earth,

I must now apologize for the delay

in sending you my report, gentlemen.

I will now begin. But the question is where?

This is Captain Henry Gloval reporting.

[fireworks whistling, exploding]

I will attempt to reconstruct the incredible chain of events

which led to the, shall we say,

unforeseen and abrupt disappearance of the SDF-1.

It was during the inaugural festivities when,

without warning, the shipboard defense systems

activated in response to some unknown signal.

- -[alarm blaring] - -[CLAUDIA] Hey!

What's going on here?

[LISA] What is it, Claudia? What's wrong?

Every system aboard the ship is starting up

without being turned on.

[gasps] The defense system

is activating the main gun to fire.

[groans, speaks Russian]

[LISA over PA] We are under attack by alien invaders

in sector 4-1-2.

This is not a drill. Repeat, this is not a drill.

All forces will proceed at once in battle formation.

[GLOVAL] With a crew as inexperienced

as that of the SDF-1,

we were completely at the mercy of the alien forces.

Their vastly superior technology

had produced an array of armaments

the likes of which had never been even imagined on Earth.

Our defense forces, raw recruits

fresh out of the Space Academy, fought bravely,

but were almost powerless

against the might of the alien armada.

All planes convert to Veritech mode.

Whew. Huh?

[GLOVAL] It was at this time that we had

our first close look at the aliens.

Calculations made from information

found in the SDF-1 proved to be correct.

- -[ALIEN growling] - -[screams]

[GLOVAL] Incredibly, their molecular and genetic structure

seemed to be the same as ours.

In fact, except for their enormous size,

nine or ten times that of humans,

they were indistinguishable from us.

Finally, we attempted to liftoff

using the untested antigravity control system.

We were, uh, unsuccessful.

What in blazes is going on?

Trim the pitch attitude immediately.

It must be the gyroscope.

- -[LISA] No, look. - -What?

The gravity pods, they're breaking away.

What is it? Oh, no!

They're tearing away from the ship

instead of lifting it.

This can't be happening.

[LISA] Captain, the ship is losing altitude rapidly.

Please, tell me I'm just dreaming.

[LISA] Excuse me, sir?

It's a nightmare.

Our liftoff attempt was a disaster

but we eventually rejoined the defense forces out in space.

A direct attack by the aliens

destroyed almost all of our forces.

I had no choice but to escape back

into the Earth's atmosphere.

It was at that time,

and I accept full responsibility for my actions,

that I gave the order to execute a Hyperspace Fold operation.

[GLOVAL] Needless to say, we were completely unprepared

for what happened.

Instead of the planned de-fold point near the moon,

we found ourselves just beyond the orbit of Pluto.

The battleships Daedalus and Prometheus

had been carried into space along with the SDF-1.

As had Macross City,

the entire island and even some of the surrounding ocean.

We succeeded in mooring the ships to the space fortress

and they have since become integral parts of the SDF-1.

We also brought aboard all of Macross City's

70,000 inhabitants.

This operation too was a complete success.

The civilians soon started reconstruction work,

utilizing materials from the island,

and their situation became almost normal.

It was after the disappearance of the fold system

that we found we could not fire the main gun,

so I ordered a modular transformation.

It was a drastic measure, but one that had to be taken.

[LISA] All Veritechs, scramble.

Repeat, all Veritechs, scramble.

[ALL gasp]

[grunts]

[GLOVAL] Thundering asteroids.

Enough is enough.

We will now carry out

Dr. Lang's modular transformation on my command.

[BOTH gasp]

- -[RICK] Minmei! - -[MINMEI] Rick, save me!

[CLAUDIA] Modification percentage at 11.50.

[CLAUDIA over PA] ...that has occurred...

[GLOVAL] We developed a recovery system

to take care of the massive damage to Macross City,

should we again need the transformation.

There finally came a time when we were able

to launch a counterattack on the enemy

from deep within the ice fields of Saturn.

[GLOVAL] The remaining reflex furnaces could not produce

enough energy for a complete force field,

so our science officer developed

a manually controlled means of defense,

called the pinpoint barrier.

It was this barrier that was first put to good use

in the Daedalus attack, our first victory.

I can't move it fast enough! I'll never make it!

[BOTH] Huh?

It should be noted that Dr. Lang and his science team

have been recommended for special commendations.

By this time, unfortunately,

we were reaching dangerously low levels in fuel,

vital supplies, medicines, everything.

[GLOVAL] We replenished our stores at Mars base Sara.

This nearly turned out to be the end of our journey;

the enemy had planted the entire zone

surrounding the base with underground gravity mines.

[CLAUDIA] We're in trouble!

The sixth, eighth, and 18th attack squadrons

have all been wiped out!

Calm down, I have a plan that might help us

to get out of this trap.

How can we get to them when they are underground?

I know something about this base,

there was a reflex furnace put in far beneath it.

If we can just get to it and blow it up.

Probability check.

It looks like it will work.

All right, we'll start the operation immediately.

Lieutenant Hayes is on the base,

tell her to find the furnace controls and turn them on.

Yes, sir.

[LISA] You want me to blow the base up?

[GLOVAL over radio] I want you to put the furnace

into overdrive so it will blow up

and destroy the enemy's mine system.

It's our only chance!

[LISA] There. That should do it.

[alarm blaring]

- -[LISA] Got to hurry. - -[COMPUTERIZED VOICE] Warning!

Furnace fuel reaching critical mass.

- -Danger! Danger! - -[LISA] There.

[COMPUTERIZED VOICE] Security systems

at fail-safe point.

Furnace in overload. Evacuate.

Fifteen minutes to meltdown.

Evacuate. Evacuate.

[blaring continues]

[GLOVAL] Only the bravery of Lieutenant Commander Hayes

made it possible for us to escape the alien's trap.

I am of the opinion that the aliens wanted

only to capture the SDF-1, not to destroy it.

Otherwise, we wouldn't have escaped.

[applause]

[GLOVAL] Morale was high.

[laughs] We even organized a beauty contest.

But with Earth in sight

and surrounded by countless enemy ships,

we had little time to celebrate.

Up until this time, we had been unable to communicate

with Earth Defense.

All channels to headquarters were jammed continuously.

How, I don't know.

And then one day, all jamming ceased.

Oh, sir, I'm receiving a communication

but I'm not sure it's coming from Earth.

Well, Sammie, I suggest we listen to it, then.

Yes, sir.

[ZENTRAEDI SOLDIER] In the name of the Zentraedi forces,

you are ordered to surrender.

The last attack was just a warning.

You cannot escape. Surrender.

Enough!

It was amazing how little time it took for them

to learn our language.

And we found that the Zentraedi meant what they said.

[GLOVAL] After the destruction of the radar tower,

I dispatched Lieutenant Commander Hayes

in a Cat's Eye on a reconnaissance mission

to the Zentraedi fleet.

[grunting]

[MAX] Look out, lieutenant.

When the Cat's Eye reconnaissance ship was damaged

and then captured by the Zentraedi forces,

Lieutenant Rick Hunter and his squadron

attempted to rescue Commander Hayes,

but were themselves captured.

There seemed to be no way to escape.

Then they were taken to the main fleet

of the Zentraedi armada.

There, they were questioned at length

by the supreme commander of the Zentraedi.

A being who called himself Dolza.

[BREETAI] Welcome aboard, Your Majesty.

Greetings, Earthlings, my name is Dolza, Commander in Chief

of all the forces of the Zentraedi.

You will now submit to my interrogation.

Why...

Why do you insist upon attacking us

in this outrageous manner?

[LISA] He speaks our language.

Yeah, he speaks all right,

but what's this "outrageous" stuff?

Ben, for once in life will you just listen and be quiet?

[EXEDORE] It seems our communication methods

are working.

[DOLZA] Tell us what you know of Protoculture.

Forget it. I don't know anything about it.

Stop your lying.

Why do you insist upon attacking us?

[RICK] What are you talking about?

You're the guys who are attacking us.

You deny you've made a secret weapon?

And what is your knowledge of Protoculture?

[LISA] What is this Protoculture?

What could it possibly be?

And why do they think we have it?

[DOLZA] You... [snickers]

I think it is still possible that you do not understand

with whom you are dealing.

The forces of the Zentraedi

are the most powerful in the known universe.

And be sure, we will discover your use of Protoculture.

Just a minute. Nobody here has the slightest percep--

Enough, Ben.

I will no longer submit myself or my men to your questions.

[chuckles]

[DOLZA] So, the little female is in charge here.

Interesting.

It seems you are drastically underestimating

the seriousness of your predicament, young lady.

We are in possession of the power

to destroy the space fortress and Macross City

in the blink of an eye.

If you doubt my word,

watch what happens to that planet.

[ALL gasp]

Why have you destroyed it?

[chuckles] Perhaps now you'll understand

the power of the Zentraedi

and begin giving me some answers.

Let us consider it.

[DOLZA] Very well, you may deliberate, but do it quickly.

[LISA] There's a way out of this.

Think, Lisa, think.

There's got to be some way of bluffing them.

But what could it possibly be?

Huh? I thought I told you to do your thinking quickly.

[LISA] There must be some reason they choose not to destroy us.

I don't believe you have enough power!

Impertinence!

Are you crazy?

Let me handle this.

The SDF-1 has much greater power than this bucket of bolts.

[DOLZA] Silence!

[LISA, RICK, BEN groan]

[RICK] Commander, look out!

[LISA groans, screams]

Hey, what do you think you're doin'?

And now, my feisty female,

I wish to know by what process you become Micronians.

Answer me at once or I'll crush every bone in your body.

[groans, screams in pain]

[RICK] Stop squeezing her!

We're born into this world as Micronians.

Born, did you say?

Yes, but born from what is the question.

From our mothers, what do you think?

And how does that happen?

Well, it sorta starts with kissing.

[EXEDORE] Demonstrate this kissing for us.

- -You can't be serious. - -Huh?

There's no way I'm gonna kiss him.

Demonstrate this kissing or I'll crush all of you.

[LISA] Wait!

I'll be the one to demonstrate.

Hmm. Well, all right, make sure you do.

[groaning]

So...

Now, listen, Lieutenant Hunter, I want you to kiss me.

Huh?

I wanna get their reaction on my video recorder.

All right, then, but why don't you do it with Ben?

Because I'd rather do it with you, Rick.

Then you better make it a command.

You will now proceed.

I am giving you a direct order.

Whatever you say, Commander.

[LISA] Are you ready?

Yes.

[RICK] Forgive me, Minmei.

[ZENTRAEDIS groaning in disgust]

- -[overlapping chatter] - -[ZENTRAEDIS] Disgusting.

This results from Protoculture?

- -[RICK, LISA] Protoculture? - -[RICK] What's that?

Why does he keep mentioning it?

Take them out of here.

Get these Micronians out of my sight at once.

We still do not understand what frightened the Zentraedi.

They have nothing to fear.

Their bodies are so incredibly strong

they can even survive unprotected

in the vacuum of space.

They have more firepower than we can even imagine.

It's... Well, the situation is extremely critical

and drastic measures will--

- -[knock on door] - -Yes, what is it?

[LISA] I thought you might like some fresh coffee, Captain.

Thank you, Lisa. That was very kind of you.

Mm, it smells wonderful.

Mm!

I did not realize what time it was.

Hmm.

[LISA] There we are, sir.

Ooh. Wow.

I never thought I'd see anything as beautiful as this ever again.

[GLOVAL] Yes, I feel the same way.

You know, I have a confession to make.

Now it seems a little silly,

but I had a bad omen when I took command of the ship.

That something terrible would happen.

It was a feeling that is very difficult to explain,

that something terrible would happen to us,

and we would be changed forever.

Well, Captain, in a way you weren't wrong.

This ship still has its secrets, Lisa.

But what?

[NARRATOR] In the next episode of Robotech,

Rick is secretly ordered

to fly Minmei to Japan to visit her family.

The reunion is cut short when Minmei says

she will not leave the SDF-1.

Meanwhile, Captain Gloval and Lisa Hayes

try to convince the United Earth Government

that continued fighting with the Zentraedi will lead

to the total destruction of the Earth.

Be with us for "Homecoming" next on Robotech.

F