Original subtitles

F

[NARRATOR] The council of the United Earth Government

has ordered a military action on a fallen vessel

under the command of a group of aliens

calling themselves the Robotech Masters.

[NARRATOR] Crashing near the site of Monument City,

the military headquarters of the Army of the Southern Cross,

the Alpha Tactical Armored Corps is called into action

to counterattack the invading aliens.

[DANA] Squadron 15 to Airborne 4, attack!

Let 'em have it with everything you got!

[SEAN] Heads up!

[DANA] Circle back for another attack... full force!

[DANA] Looks like we'll have to try

a little different strategy this time.

[SEAN] These guys are as tough as nails.

They aren't budging an inch!

[ANGELO] At this rate, the fighting could go on forever;

we gotta think of something... quick!

- -[BOWIE] Huh? - -[ANGELO] Look out, Bowie!

[BOWIE] Whoa!

[ANGELO] Bowie, wake up! Stay on your toes!

[BOWIE] Sorry.

[DANA] Come on, you...

These guys just won't take no for an answer.

[SEAN] It's no use.

[ROCHELLE] The enemy is showing no sign of giving up,

and the 15th Squadron is slowing due to fatigue.

[RUDOLF] What if we try attacking the enemy

with all our troops at once?

Eliminate them in one single blow.

If something were to go wrong with that proposal,

the repercussions would be disastrous;

everything would be lost.

But, Colonel Rochelle, we must do something

to curtail the enemy's movements.

This battle requires more than just manpower, gentlemen.

I'm afraid we have no other choice

but to withdraw temporarily to formulate a new plan.

Yes, General.

Call back our men.

[DANA] Withdraw? Okay, if that's what they want.

But let's give them something to remember us by.

[LEONARD] There's got to be some kind of strategy

we can find to stop the enemy advances.

Somehow put them in their place.

Perhaps Rudolf's plan?

[ROLF] But Commander...

I will not tolerate any delays!

We have to come up with a new tactic and quickly.

Certainly, Commander, I understand.

Hmm, good. Because I want an end to this madness

and I'm holding you responsible.

After all, you're supposed to be the one

with the brains around here.

- -[ROLF growls] - -[door opens, closes]

[ANGELO] Women just aren't tough enough

to handle these prolonged battles.

We should still be out there fighting, now, am I right?

[SEAN] Don't be such a hero. Dana was following orders.

I'm tired of fighting.

We could be fighting until we're old men, Sean.

Unless we defeat them in one big blow.

The commissioned officers are determining

the best plan of action; they know what they're doing.

By the way, have you noticed anything peculiar

about Bowie's performance out there?

[SEAN] No, why do you ask?

Hmm, never mind.

Angelo, tell me, does Bowie have a problem?

Sure does.

Bowie's beginning to make small but stupid mistakes.

Hmm?

[NARRATOR] Meanwhile, in another section of Monument City,

Dana visits with Nova Satori to discuss the current strategy

and to try to patch up any misunderstandings

they may have between them.

[DANA] Sometimes I dream about meeting a guy

and flying to the edge of the universe with him.

Hmph! Don't you think it's about time you grew up, hmm?

And took life a little more seriously?

Nova, you must think I got to be a lieutenant

just because of my parents. Hmph!

[OFFICER 1] Excuse me Lieutenant Satori,

may I have a word with you, please?

[gasps] Bowie, what's wrong?!

[OFFICER 1] I caught him in one of the restricted areas

during my patrol.

I brought him here for further orders.

[DANA] Hmph! Keep your big nose out of this.

I'll handle this Dana. Well, where was he?

[OFFICER 1] At a bar on the outskirts of town, ma'am.

Wait a minute. It wasn't a bar, ma'am. It was a music café.

You certainly must realize the seriousness

of the situation we are in.

Private Grant, never, never do anything to disgrace

the reputation of the Global Military Police

in tense times such as these, understand?

- -But I wasn't-- - - [NOVA] Private Grant!

Do you understand?

[DANA] Mm-hmm.

I, um... Well, I...

Okay, I promise not to do it again, ma'am.

If your trustworthy friend here

is willing to take responsibility for you

and keep you out of trouble, then I'll let it go.

But remember, next time the punishment

will be more severe.

I'll take care of him, Nova.

All right officer, you may go now.

[OFFICER 1] Yes, ma'am.

Now, may we continue our discussion over a cup of coffee?

I think it would be better if I proved myself to you

by taking care of my new responsibility.

Yes.

In the foul mood our dear Nova was in,

you're lucky she didn't throw you to the lions.

You better watch your step Bowie, you hear me?

I'm sorry.

Sometimes Nova's elitist attitude goes to her head,

and she forgets that soldiers are also people

who need to have fun.

Bowie, I'm willing to bet the civilians just love

to hear you play your piano solos, right?

Well, yes, they do.

Look, I'm sorry if I caused any friction

between you and Lieutenant Satori.

Don't worry about it, Bowie.

Thank you, Dana, you're a good friend,

I'll return the favor sometime.

'Kay, there is one thing you can do for me,

and that's cheer up, Bowie; don't look so darn gloomy!

[NARRATOR] The United Earth Defense Forces

have their own gloomy thoughts to contend with.

[LEONARD] This meeting has been called

because we have to take action immediately.

All right, General, go ahead.

Ahem, you see, Commander, we need a reconnaissance group

to go inside that Robotech ship.

Uh, just what to you mean by "reconnaissance group"?

- -Yes, we can blow them up. - -Yes, we can plant a bomb.

[ROLF] However-- Gentlemen, please!

The goal is not to destroy the enemy vessel,

but instead to get our men inside the ship.

We can gather information about the enemy

which will enable us to capture them.

[LEONARD] Hmm. I see,

but isn't that plan a bit risky for the infiltration team?

We can't possibly defeat a force that we know nothing about,

and we know nothing about these aliens.

Sounds like a plan that's risky, but logical.

[RUDOLF] General Emerson, we must know something

about the enemy already.

How many are there? What are their behavior patterns?

What do they look like?

[ROLF] Excuse me, please, but we received information,

which indicates that the enemy resemble humans superficially,

but they may very will be micronized Zentraedi

or some sort of clone.

But their usage of Robotechnology

far surpasses our capabilities.

Then I'm inclined to agree with the idea of a recon group.

Do you think a penetration team can break in?

[ROCHELLE] If that team is comprised

of the right personnel, yes, I believe it can.

Then we must put that penetration team

together immediately,

and well all know who the best candidate is...

the 15th Armored Tactical Attack Squad.

I agree that the 15th Squad has had remarkable success

but some of them are not qualified for this job, sir.

- -Private-- - -Enough! General Emerson,

you know the 15th Squadron is the best for this job.

[ROLF] But I promised Bowie's parents.

Only they are qualified to pull of this mission.

Sir, I must agree.

All right then.

Rudolf, you can outline the tactical order

concerning the infiltration team to Lieutenant Sterling.

[RUDOLF] I'll get on it right away, General.

[LEONARD] Just a minute, Rudolf.

Yes, Commander?

Rudolf, don't tell Lieutenant Sterling

the plan is a proposal. Just tell her

it's a direct order from headquarters.

We must put aside Rolf's personal matters

and carry on with the war.

[RUD OLF Sir! I

[LEONARD] I'm sorry, Rolf.

[ROLF] We can't possibly defeat a force

that we know nothing about,

and we know nothing about these aliens!

[ANGELO groaning]

Tell us what happened, what brilliant scheme

has the council cooked up?

[SEAN] They want to get someone inside the ship

to find out what we're dealing with,

and you'll never guess who they chose.

You mean they want us to go inside the ship?

[SEAN] That's right.

It's hard enough analyzing their technology,

but to get inside their ship?

Those are the commander's exact orders.

Ah, well, he's gotta be completely out of his gourd

giving us orders like those.

Let me tell ya, I'd like to make mincemeat out of him. Hmph!

We're nothing but little pawns in the headquarters' game

of "name that alien." We all play by their rules,

gambling our lives for their reputation.

How literary of you, Angelo. I never knew you cared.

Funny, Lieutenant. Very funny.

But I don't think you realize there's a good chance

we may not return from this mission alive.

Hmm, pity, she's gonna miss me when I'm gone.

- -[LOUIE] Gone? - -[BOWIE] Is that a song?

Come on, Sean.

[SEAN] You're right, this mission is more important

then our personal safety anyway.

[DANA] Yeah, that's the right stuff,

and there's no other way to pull this mission off

but to... well... to simply do it!

Yeah, you're right there, Lieutenant.

We'll make 'em regret showing

their puny alien faces around here.

- -[SEAN] Yeah! - -[LOUIE] Mm-hmm!

All right, then tomorrow we all meet at the hanger

precisely at ten o'clock!

Each of you: Angelo... Sean... Louie...

...and you Bowie,

all are crucial to the success of this mission.

[SEAN] We all want to see this mission succeed

just as much as you do, Dana.

You have our full support.

[NARRATOR] Wherever the people of Monument City go,

they are constantly reminded of the enemy's presence.

[ALL] Hmm?

[KID] Is that thing going to hurt us, Daddy?

[DAD] I don't think so, son, let's hope not.

[MOM gasps] Let's hurry home.

[KID] Okay.

[NARRATOR] The alien ship casts its dark shadow over the city,

where in another part of town,

brave soldiers relax before tomorrow's battle.

[BOWIE] I just figured that buying you a sundae

was the least I could do,

after what you did for me yesterday.

[DANA] It's too delicious to think about all those calories,

although I may have to get a bigger uniform

for the mission tomorrow. [DANA laughs]

- -[BOWIE] Huh? - -[DANA laughs]

Just my idea of a joke, Bowie. Never mind.

Dana, you break me up. [laughing]

[DANA] Oh, what's this? A flower?

[BOWIE] Oh, that's an orchid, Dana,

They're supposed to bring you good luck.

[DANA] Hmm.

[DANA] What's on your itinerary today, Bowie?

[BOWIE] Hmmm... I don't really have any plans.

Ah, come off it, Bowie,

I'll bet you'd like to go play piano over at the coffee house.

- -[BOWIE] Uh... - -[IDANA] Hmm?

Playing jazz piano... that's your real passion.

Mm-hmm. I prefer being a musician

to trying to be a combat spaceman.

[DANA] I see, you still feel that way?

Afraid so.

Then be positive, believe in yourself

and make your dreams come true.

Becoming a military man... wasn't my decision.

Oh, boy, now I get the picture.

Bowie, you can make your dreams come true.

I just had a terrific idea!

Hey why don't you go play piano at the coffee house right now?

- -Go! - -Huh?

I always say it's a good idea to relax

and enjoy yourself before a battle...

it helps to reduce stress and clear your mind

so that you can perform better, right?

You mean you're actually giving me

permission to go, really?

Yes... you may go... but I'm responsible...

...so be careful of the Global Military Police

and remember the promise you made to Lieutenant Satori,

otherwise we'll both be in trouble.

Oh man, I really appreciate this, Dana.

[DANA] One thing, whatever you do, Bowie, don't get caught.

[BOWIE] Right! Thanks, a lot.

Ah, to heck with the calories, I think I'll have another one.

[BOWIE panting]

- -[SEAN] Come on, Lu... - -[BOWIE] Huh? Hey?

[SEAN] Just one last one, I may never return.

[LU] You always say that, just to make me worry.

Ah, come on, this time could be the last time, you know?

Oh, you're nothing but a big phony.

All you want is a kiss.

Well, I'm not going to give you one

because I know it's a trick.

Ah, baby.

[BOWIE] Hmm.

[SECRETARY] Excuse me for interrupting, sir.

I wasn't sure if you were still here.

- -[ROLF] Yes, what is it? - -[SECRETARY] Well, uh...

I thought you would have gone home by now sir,

you must be worried about

the reconnaissance mission tomorrow,

and particularly the 15th Squadron.

Hmm, what for?

What I mean, sir is, one member of the team

is going to be, uh...

I appreciate your concern but this matter

is a personal problem, and I think I can handle it.

I'm very sorry. I'll mind my own business.

[ROLF] Thank you.

[door closes]

[ROLF] This mission must not fail.

[LOUIE] Just one more little screw and that should do it.

Come on now, be good to me, dang it!

[LOUIE] Oh no!

This piece of doggone junk!

Why me? Why can't somebody else draw the moldy fig for a change?

Ah, come on, this stuff is absolutely worthless!

[NARRATOR] As the eve of battle slowly draws to a close,

and Louie tinkers with his electronic gadget,

Dana Sterling meets with Angelo Dante,

to discuss tomorrow's mission.

[DANA] Um, I'm really sorry to disturb you, Angelo,

but do you mind if I speak with you a moment?

[BOTH] About tomorrow's reconnaissance mission?

Huh?

I just wanted to say:

Many people are depending on us, and we must not let them down.

I'm sure we're able to beat them...

whatever those things are.

I just can't imagine us losing to a bunch of aliens.

But you're the commander

of this special reconnaissance, Lieutenant,

all of our fates depend on you.

I'm aware of that, but...

...the mission will fail even before we start

unless we can begin to trust each other.

[ANGELO] Hey, what are you doing?

[DANA] Oh, it's just a little good luck charm. Do you like it?

Huh? I guess.

- -[NOVA] Lieutenant Sterling! - -[DANA] Bowie!

[NOVA] I put you in charge of Bowie,

and this is what happens?

Bowie, are you all right? What's going on here?

I guess I did it again.

You were his guardian, supposedly,

you should be thrown in jail along with him.

This time your dear Bowie wasn't just playing piano in a bar;

he was in a bar room brawl.

Well, why were you fighting?

[BOWIE] Oh some wiseguy said that anyone who plays piano

isn't man enough to fight in tomorrow's battle.

Well, I'm proud of you.

How can you praise him? How dare you mock the military police!

Because a man must stand up for himself;

and that insult to Bowie was an insult to our mission.

And all of us, including you, Nova,

are a part of that team.

Cut out the pep talk, babe!

Bowie'll be imprisoned in the cellblock.

[DANA] All right, then if that's what you want.

- -[NOVA] What? - -[BOWIE] Ma'am.

I think Bowie should be confined to the guardhouse.

But, Dana, you can't be serious.

Lieutenant, now wait a minute.

I have as much as I can handle without Bowie's interference.

You must be kidding, Dana. You need Bowie.

He's part of the team.

[DANA] No, I'm not kidding,

I just can't take care of him anymore.

It's your turn to take care of him now, Nova.

Please, I've got to go on the mission tomorrow, Dana,

I want to prove myself as a real soldier.

You just can't let me down.

Enough, Bowie, I've heard it all before.

Please postpone my confinement one more day.

Can't you punish him some other time?

That's it, I've made up my mind, no more argument.

Bowie, go with the Lieutenant.

Dana, perhaps you're making a mistake in this case,

don't you think?

Nova, I didn't ask for your opinions. Thank you.

[NOVA] I think I pushed it too far.

[DANA] Please forgive me, Bowie... I'm so sorry.

[NOVA] This can't be happening,

I don't believe she'll go through with it.

Come on, Bowie.

Dana, please, you can't do this to me.

You need me. Come on, Angelo talk to her.

Dana!

What made you do that?

You know tomorrow is far too important

for Bowie's irresponsible behavior.

Uh, well, you're in command.

[BOWIE] Please give me one more chance.

I have to convince Lieutenant Sterling.

You just have to let me go on tomorrow's mission.

Ah, shut your mouth.

[BOWIE] What are you doing? I'm not a criminal;

I don't deserve this.

[NOVA] Yeah, you're just the piano player;

I've heard that before.

[BOWIE] Please, Lieutenant, wait! Lieutenant Satori!

Lieutenant, you've gotta let me out of here.

- -[NOVA] Dana! - -[BOWIE] They need me! Please.

[NARRATOR] Final preparations get underway

for the coming penetration and recon operation.

All systems are checked and rechecked

as last minute adjustments

are made in the 15th Squadron's mecha.

Nothing is left to chance, nothing overlooked.

The atmosphere is tense and hushed,

none of the usual pre-battle chatter.

They know that for some, this one may be the last one.

Louie, you look a bit sleepy and there's no room

for anyone sleeping on this job.

This gadget kept me up, don't worry, Boss, I'll be fine.

Well, if you're not, I'll know about it soon enough.

All units prepare to move out, and let's make this one count!

[CONTROLLER] Recon group has begun operation, sir;

alien activity is zero.

- -Excuse me, sir. - -Yes, what now?

Bowie's in the guardhouse.

[ROLF] Huh?

[door opens]

- -[BOWIE] Huh? - -[NOVA] You're free to go.

You may go.

[BOWIE] Thank you, Lieutenant, but why am I being released?

Let's say that someone wants to see you prove yourself

as a man, all right?

Wait, before you go...

One more thing, soldier, please be careful of the mission

and come back in one piece for Dana's sake,

and for my sake also.

- -Wha...? - -[NOVA] Go get 'em.

[NOVA] Ha, he'll be okay.

[NARRATOR] Private Grant will never know it,

but only a direct order from his friend

and protector Rolf Emerson

was able to procure is release.

He now becomes one more body in an impossible mission

to penetrate the mysterious stronghold

of the Robotech Masters.

[DANA] Bowie, what are you doing here?

[BOWIE] Beats me, somebody sprang me from the guardhouse.

[DANA] But who let you out? Ah, I bet it was General Emerson!

[BOWIE chuckles] Chances are...

[DANA] That makes me furious.

He has absolutely no respect for my authority.

[BOWIE] Never mind, Lieutenant,

Private Grant is at your command.

[DANA] Okay, soldier,

but I better not have any trouble from you.

- -Are you ready? - -[BOWIE] Yes, ma'am.

[ANGELO] From now on, Bowie, keep your wits about you.

[BOWIE] I will, sir.

[DANA] Okay, lets make our move,

ground squad, keep your positions.

Air support, maintain your formation but prepare to fire.

When I give the signal, zero in and let them have it.

Ready? Fire!

[DANA] That's it, Bowie, good.

- -[SEAN] Way to go! - -[LOUIE] Good shooting!

[BOWIE] Thanks. Thank you.

- -[ANGELO] Good work! - -[LOUIE] You did it!

- -[SEAN] That a baby! - -[BOWIE] All right!

[DANA] Okay boys, we did it! Now lets go in after 'em.

[BOWIE] Hey Lieutenant Sterling, if we make it back home

I'll buy you two ice cream sundaes.

[DANA] Thanks, Bowie. I'll hold you to it!

Okay, let's crash this party and get to know our hosts.

[NARRATOR] Dana Sterling leads her 15th Tactical Armored Corps

into the fallen flagship of the Robotech Masters

in a daring recon mission

ordered by the Supreme Leaders

of the United Earth Defense Forces.

This military tactic was anticipated

by the Robotech Masters, who relish the opportunity

to capture a few human specimens dead or alive.

Be sure to be watching next time for, "The Trap,"

the next episode in the amazing saga

of Robotech.

F