Original subtitles

F

[NARRATOR] A new threat has surfaced for the next generation

of Robotech defenders,

who have grown up in the wake of Earth's first victory

over their alien invaders.

Calling themselves the Robotech Masters,

this ancient race of techno-voyagers

has come to the Earth

to claim the mysterious substance known as Protoculture.

[ANNOUNCER] Citizens of Earth!

A dire emergency confronts us!

The renegade flagship of the Robotech Masters

has appeared in stationary orbit

30,000 kilometers above our planet.

Communications within the flagship

have been intercepted and decoded.

These renegades are descendants of Zor,

the originator of the science of Robotechnology.

They are invaders intent

on plundering the world's supply of Protoculture.

Already, much of our satellite communication system

has been knocked out.

We are presently cut off from Space Station Liberty.

This is a state of war!

Attacks from the flagship are imminent!

Any and all attacks shall be repelled.

Military headquarters is doing everything in its power

to defend our planet and you, it's citizens.

You are urged to be calm. You are instructed to act

only in accordance with military directives.

Again, this is a state of war!

We must be strong! We shall not be defeated!

[ROCHELLE] Headquarters' thinking is we can't sit

and wait for those murderous renegades up there

to launch a planned offensive.

Their sheer destructive power and their Robotechnology

far outweigh our strength.

We need to draw them out with our fighters,

lay in a missile barrage, disrupt their strategy,

and keep them off balance.

It's not in our blood, I tell you!

We're just not built to sit back and wait

for an enemy to destroy us. We must attack them!

[OFFICER B] But their counterattack could easily

end up annihilating our entire defense force!

[OFFICER C] That's right it's suicide!

Why, it's insane to attack!

It's like jabbing a stick in a hornet's nest!

And a very short stick at that!

[OFFICER B] Stick? Ha! That's a laugh!

You mean twig, don't you?

Quiet, all of you! This decision has been made

at the highest levels of the government.

And once policy is set, it's our job to carry it out.

Believe me, I respect all of your opinions...

However, I'm sure headquarters

has a much broader picture of the danger we face.

We will follow the orders we've been given.

What remains of the Protoculture is our concern.

It must be protected at all costs--

even to the point of sacrificing lives if necessary.

[DANA] Oh...

Let's just hope all the hornets

don't come out of the nest at once.

In the attack, Lieutenant Sterling's group

will handle the rear guard defense.

Lieutenant Crystal, your squadron will be the spearhead.

We'll be ready, sir.

[DANA] Some people have all the luck!

Don't get your tail shot off!

[BOTH] Hmm.

[ROCHELLE] Colonel Fredericks, I'm putting this division

on immediate emergency alert!

Strict military discipline is now ordered.

I expect full compliance!

Yes, sir. You can plan on complete obedience...

- -...from everyone. - -[DANA] Oh, sure!

[NARRATOR] While details of the surprise attack

are being worked out,

Sean Phillips, the former commander

of the 15th Tactical Corps, receives an unpleasant surprise

of his own at the base motor pool.

[SEAN] Louie? Is my ship ready?

[LOUIE] Oh! Um... I, um...

What's wrong?

[LOUIE] I didn't want to bring this up...

That is... um...

Somebody, tell me what's goin' on here.

As of today, you've been assigned

to a new Veritech hovertank.

Somebody slipped up!

With you bein' in the brig, I guess they forgot to tell you.

[SEAN growls]

[LOUIE grunting, groaning]

Which one's my ship? Huh?

[SEAN] Ah, what's that over there?

Is that it?

- -[LOUIE] Uh... - -[BOWIE] Well...

[SEAN] Ahh...

[grunting]

Huh? What?

Hey, a brand new hovertank. All right!

- -[BOWIE] Uh-oh! - -[LOUIE] C'mon, he found it!

[controls beeping]

Beautiful, isn't it? I think I outdid myself.

Man, this baby was built with me in mind.

What a sweetheart.

Nobody else in the 15th division can handle this darlin'.

[BOWIE] Uh...

[DANA] Well, I'm afraid somebody else

is going to have to try, Private Phillips!

[SEAN] Hmph. Nope!

[DANA] This hovertank is reserved for officer use only.

Get it? Now watch my lips while I repeat this, Private,

to make sure you understand. You'll never fly this craft.

There ain't no justice

in this world and that's the truth.

This tank and me were history on wheels.

'Course there's still a chance for you and me, little darlin'.

Phillips, the only history we'll make

is when I bust you out of the corps...

For insubordination. Now move it!

[SEAN grunts]

Okay, okay, but give me a tank like that,

and who knows what could happen.

Give up, hotshot.

[SEAN] I've been bounced off my tank and the prototype,

so where am I supposed to find something to ride?

Right up there.

Huh? What are you talking about?

That thing? Hey, what's the big idea?

[DANA] It's the oldest tank we've got,

but it's all yours, Private.

[SEAN] Thanks.

Okay, now, listen up, everybody...

Orders from high command...

The 15th Armored Squadron will be mobilizing at 1300 hours.

[NARRATOR] And so, the defense forces of Earth

combine to launch their first assault

against a new and powerful enemy.

In a last-minute realignment, Marie Crystal and her squadron

find themselves assigned to the second wave of the attack,

and watch quietly from the control tower

as their comrades lift off in strategic formation.

There goes a lot of good men and fighters, Lieutenant.

How many do you think will make it back?

Most of them should, with any luck.

I only wish we'd been able to keep our original orders,

so we could go along with them.

[DANA] I ought to be up there with them,

instead of trailing behind.

I can't stand being stuck here on the ground

waiting to pick up the pieces. This is driving me crazy!

- -[LOUIE] Uh, Lieutenant? - -[IDANA] Huh?

I imagine being stuck with this civil defense duty

doesn't exactly thrill you?

Even so, I certainly hope you're not getting any ideas

about chargin' off on your own, hmm?

I don't have to be given an update on our orders.

Uh, yes, ma'am. But remember what happened the last time.

[DANA] And I don't need an update

on that incident either, Corporal.

[ANGELO clears throat]

[CONTROLLER] 15th Tactical Armored Command,

you are now scheduled for deployment!

Assemble immediately at subterranean gate six west,

and begin moving out to pre-designated

sector defense points!

[NARRATOR] As the 15th Squad

moves into position on the ground,

the Veritech fighters continue to close in

on the renegade flagship.

Their progress is being closely monitored

by anxious eyes throughout Earth headquarters.

No doubt their sensors

have detected our approaching squadrons, General.

[ROCHELLE] Hmm... The first skirmish should begin

in 30 seconds.

Now, if we can only withstand the counterattack.

Are you picking up any kind of reaction

from the invading craft?

[SOLDIER] No, sir. We show no movement of any kind.

Huh? Nothing yet? Why, that's unbelievable!

[SQUADRON LEADER] First fighter group reporting in, Commander.

We are now in attack formation.

[ROLF] This is incredible!

All right, we'll provoke a response.

Start attack immediately!

[SQUADRON LEADER] Roger! All right, boys,

you heard the man. Let's do it!

[PILOT 1] Sir, I'm getting some movement on the enemy ship.

[SQUADRON LEADER] Right. All units,

watch out for cannon fire.

[SQUADRON LEADER] Initiate evasive maneuvers.

[PILOT 2] Sir, I'm picking up an unidentified craft

emerging from inside the ship!

Correction, Captain, make that two unidentified vessels.

[SQUADRON LEADER] Ground control, we are now under attack

by mecha from within the Robotech flagship!

All forces, break off from flagship attack

and surround those assault units immediately! Isolate them!

[SQUADRON LEADER] Roger!

The sensor readings are clear...

The power of each of those ships

is superior to our entire squadron.

[ROLF] Mm... I'm not surprised, Colonel.

But if we can isolate them... Who knows?

[SQUADRON LEADER] Okay, we've got him now. Keep him in sight.

[SQUADRON LEADER] Huh? Where'd he go?

[PILOT 1] There he is, at 12 o'clock!

[SQUADRON LEADER] Phantom 7, roll out!

[PILOT 2 screams]

[SQUADRON LEADER] Oh, no!

[SQUADRON LEADER] Mayday! Mayday, ground control!

My ship is hit and I'm going down!

[SEAN] Oh no! Look at that. It's incredible!

A whole squadron, wiped out in minutes!

[ANGELO] We can't fight those guys!

They're invincible!

[DANA] Whatever happens,

we mustn't lose hope.

[gasps]

[NARRATOR] Now, from inside the mobile assault units,

a new threat emerges--

an army of bioroids armed with laser cannons

and propelled by anti-gravity hovercraft.

The counterattack has begun!

[NARRATOR] In a frightening counterattack,

enemy bioroids have poured out of the mobile assault units

and are now swooping down on Earth's defenses.

[CONTROLLER] Reserve pilots, the base is under attack!

Launch and scramble! Repeat, launch and scramble!

[MARIE] This is it, folks!

I want everybody airborne immediately. Let's go!

[grunts]

[MARIE] Enemy craft approaching. Distance, 500 meters.

[MARIE] Let's blast these buzzards! Fire!

[PILOT 3 screams]

[MARIE] Where's he going?

[MARIE] They're trying to wipe out the base!

[NARRATOR] Far across the valley at their sector assignment,

the troopers of the 15th Squadron

watch helplessly as their base erupts in flame and smoke.

Our defenses have been penetrated!

[DANA] Hmm.

- -Let's mount up! - -[BOTH] What?

[ALL grunt]

- -[ANGELO] No! - -[DANA] Huh?

Have you gone crazy?

Outta my way, Corporal!

We were all assigned to protect this sector, Lieutenant.

Or have you forgotten those orders?

We don't have a snowball's chance

in a blast furnace of surviving this attack...

Unless every one of our units gets into the fight right now!

Our orders are to wait right here!

Then you wait. Let's move out!

[ANGELO] Lieutenant! Ahh!

[ANGELO] Hmph. Well, of all the stupid...

You know she's gonna end up right back in the brig!

Assuming we still have a brig!

- -[ANGELO] Huh? - -[SEAN] See ya later, Corporal!

[NOVA] Lieutenant Sterling, come back here immediately!

Lieutenant, you are deserting your post!

Return at once! Hear me?

Come back or face court-martial proceedings!

Huh, what? Then you'd better court-martial me, too,

because I'm going to be out there with her!

Unbelievable! They'll throw the whole bunch of them

out of the service if they survive this.

[MARIE coughing]

I guess it's time for a change of tactics.

[MARIE] Huh?

[MARIE] Gotta take him out!

I copy. Sir, it appears the base could fall at any time!

Bring up the 15th Squad of the Civil Defense Forces.

Our heavy armored units?

I'm sure it would take them much too long to get here.

Huh? Hope they make it in time.

[GREEN] Sir, I'm going to inform all units

to get ready for evacuation of the base.

[NARRATOR] Unknown to the high command,

the heavily fortified units of the 15th Squadron

are already on their way to the rescue.

As they approach the scene of destruction,

the young troopers put on their armor

and prepare themselves for battle.

[FEMALE PILOT] You, my friend, are a dead duck!

[FEMALE PILOT] Oh!

[FEMALE PILOT screams]

[MARIE gasps]

[MARIE] Okay, where are you now?

[MARIE grunts]

[gasps]

Huh?

[DANA] Over here, you metal midget!

[DANA] Yeah, I mean you, you overgrown tin can!

[DANA] Tank configuration!

[SEAN] Good shot, lady.

[DANA] Not bad yourself, Private.

[ANGELO] On your right, Lieutenant!

[DANA] I see 'em!

Bowie, cover me!

[BOWIE] You got it!

[DANA] Time to go to battloid configuration!

[DANA] Let's see how they deal with someone their own size.

[DANA] Now for a little surprise!

[DANA] Angie, lay cover for me at 2 o'clock!

[ANGELO] I'm on it!

[DANA] Gotcha now!

[DANA] Huh? What's this?

[DANA gasps]

[DANA] Well, that does it! Now I'm mad!

[DANA] Let's just see how they like it

if I take a shot at their assault craft!

[NARRATOR] The bioroid attack is repulsed at last,

but the smoking ruins left behind

are evidence of the enemy's awesome power.

The extent of the destruction and the relentless nature

of the robotic warriors who carried it out,

has raised serious doubts

in some sectors of the defense command.

Does the Earth stand a chance?

Only one enemy weakness was exposed

during the desperate battle.

[ROCHELLE] The bioroids were all tied

into the mobile assault unit.

It was their command post.

The turning point of today's battle occurred

when their command capability was destroyed

by Lieutenant Sterling.

The bioroids were then forced to retreat back

to their mother ship. So, at least we have some idea

of how to handle their most effective weapon.

[ROLF] Hmm. Is that it?

[ROCHELLE] That's the gist of the field analysis, sir.

They examined every aspect of today's battle.

Sorry there wasn't something more positive to report.

[ROLF] Mm. This is the only good news I've had all day.

Yes, sir. Um...

about Lieutenant Sterling abandoning her sector...

- -What should we do? - -We should reward her!

- -[ROCHELLE] What? - -[ROLF] That's right.

[ROCHELLE] Well, I guess she did save

the entire base, General.

What exactly did you have in mind?

[ROCHELLE] Should we give her a medal or something?

[ROLF] Hmm. It seems to me a promotion's in order.

Yes, sir!

[ROLF] Make sure you see to it at once.

[DANA singing]

[DANA] Should I be in show business?

[NOVA] Hmph... Just hurry it up, will you?

[DANA] Oh, take it easy.

I'm just going to the brig again,

which I'm sure must make your day.

I've been sent here

to make sure you show up for the promotion ceremony.

[DANA] Right. "I've been sent here to make sure you"...

Huh? What?

What promotion?!

Huh? Uh-oh.

I wasn't supposed to tell you till we got there.

[ROCHELLE] We are here tonight to honor

one of our tank commanders for her courage under fire.

In recognition of her remarkable achievement

in turning the tide of battle around for her comrades,

the commander of the Army of the Southern Cross

hereby promotes Second Lieutenant Dana Sterling

of the 15th Armored Division, to the rank of first lieutenant,

effective immediately. Please step forward.

[ROCHELLE] Huh? Search the auditorium! She's disappeared!

Uh, I know she was here a minute ago, sir.

Ha, ha... Maybe she'd rather be promoted in private!

[DANA] Here I am! Sorry to keep you waiting,

but I just couldn't be promoted without my hovertank!

[laughs] Yay! Yay!

- -[laughs] Yay! - -[TROOPERS cheering]

[TROOPERS laughing]

[DANA] It was a "hare-raising" experience, folks,

but through the miracle of "rabbit technology,"

we were able to pull a victory out of our hat!

[giggles]

[NARRATOR] Be sure to be watching next time

as the United Earth Defense Forces plan a daring mission

which could decide the fate of the entire world!

Answering a call for volunteers,

Dana Sterling offers the services

of the 15th Tactical Armored Division in an operation

to re-establish communications

with Earth's triple-satellite commlink, Space Station Liberty.

The assignment throws Lieutenant Sterling

and her squad into the lap of Marie Crystal,

Dana's friendly rival.

The action is heavy as this band of Robotech defenders

work together toward a common goal.

Be sure to tune in for "Volunteers,"

the next spectacular chapter in the continuing drama

of Robotech.

F