Alternate Robotech: Dana's Story
Posted: 2011-09-19 02:23pm
Okay, I started this originally as part of an RPG campaign to have a different take on Robotech. It sort of grew from there to include fan-fiction. The most basic idea is that the 1st Robotech War in this alternate universe did not start until 2050. That and no image from SDF Macross itself is considered part of this (the ersatz-Macross designs from The Sentinels are substituted). Southern Cross, Genesis Climber Mospeada, Robotech 3000, Shadow Chronicles, The Sentinels, the old comics & rpg provide the necessary images to fill out the various TO&E's of groups like the T'sentraeti, Robotech Masters, Invid et al. Been working on a fairly detailed timeline (if you're actually interested, look at the Palladium forums for [Setting Riff] Alternate Robotech: A Timeline). So, anyway....
‘Enter,’ came a deep male voice.
‘Brigade Major Dana Sterling reporting as ordered,’ stated Dana as she entered ‘sir!’ Snapping a crisp salute, she came to stand at attention in front of the only desk in the room.
Field Marshall of the Army Gunther Reinhardt regarded Dana for half a moment before returning her salute. ‘At ease, Major. I understand that you are ready to return to active duty and you have requested a billet with Task Force Sentinel.’
‘Yes sir, I would like to take command of my old Hovertank unit, Hell’s Horsemen, which has been assigned to the Task Force.’
‘Request denied!’
Dana flushed and started to ask why, but Reinhardt held up a hand to silence her. He again regarded her for a moment before opening a file that lay upon his desk. Putting on a pair of reading glasses, he glanced up once at Sterling before reading.
‘Dana Parino Sterling, born December 2nd, 2052. Entered the United Earth Forces Military Academy January 5th, 2066. Graduated December 14th, 2068. Class Rank: 5th from the top. Awarded Blood Stripe 2nd Second Class upon graduation for combat actions during Zero-G Jump Training incident on October 7 of that year. Second to ever have that distinction in the Academy’s more than twenty year history. Also awarded Long Knife for valorous deeds in combat against T'sentraeti forces as well as Cavalry Spurs, first ever for both in the Academy’s history. Assigned to 15th Armoured Cavalry Regiment squadron Hell’s Horsemen.’
‘When Tirolian Imperial Forces invaded on January 3rd 2069, lead squadron in first recorded ground forces counterattack on Bioroid troops. February 17th, again lead counterattack against Bioroid forces that had overrun Fokker Field resulting in complete route of hostiles. Promoted to Field Commander by order of Supreme Commander Leonard.’
‘May 19th, volunteered for space operation to infiltrate troops in reconnaissance mission to Tirolian City-ship in which a great deal of intelligence was gathered about Tirolian culture, military structure and combat capabilities. Bioroid mecha and operator captured during course of mission, subsequently turned over to The Robotech Research Group for examination. Mission also included revelation that there was a dissident faction within The Masters’ inner circle that expressed interest in coming to terms with the United Earth Government. Awarded Silver Star with V for Valour for actions during mission by recommendation of Major General Rolf Emerson.’
‘July 3rd, given special duty by Supreme Command to debrief and re-assimilate captured UEF Army trooper Seiffreit Weiss who was later revealed to be a clone of the first Robotech Master, Zor.’
‘February 10th, 2070 assigned to Second Space Offensive with Armored Tactical Space Corps. February 11th, penetrated Tirolian City-ship as per mission directives of Second Space Offensive. Linked up with elements of the 10th UEF Special Forces Group: The Wolfe Pack and UEF Air/Space Force Black Lion Squadron. Retrieved dissident Tirolian faction representative Musica, member of the Clone Master Caste, and transported her to United Earth Command. Promoted to Brigade Captain, awarded Bronze Star with V for Valour and Blood Stripe First Class upon recommendation of Colonel Jonathan Wolfe.’
‘April 8th, again given special duty by Supreme Command to debrief and assimilate Tirolian dissident Musica.’
‘May 3rd, discovered Reflex Factory and Matrix hidden in irradiated crash site of the ASA-01 along with Field Lieutenant Seiffreit Weiss, Staff Sergeant Angelo Dante, Specialist 4th Class Bowie Grant, Patrol Commander Nova Satori and Tirolian Clone Mistress Musica. May 4th, 2070 participated in final defense of Monument City. Placed at ruins of ASA-01 along with detachment of 75th Recon Regiment and GMP 1st Operations Directorate under command of Patrol Commander Nova Satori. Captured by Tirolian forces near ruins and taken to fleet mothership. Escaped confinement and aided dissident forces in bringing down City-ship, which exploded in orbit. Evacuated some five hundred dissidents held prisoner and aided in rescue operations in orbit of UEF, AUF and Tirolian personnel. May 7th, lead team that recovered Reflex Factory from ruins of ASA-01 and provided testimony concerning approach of Invid Swarm due to appearance of Sensor Nebula in the final months of the 2nd Robotech War.’
‘September 8th, assigned to Western North American Theatre at Forward Area Resupply Point Echo under command of Colonel Jonathan Wolfe as part of Operation Rolling Thunder.’
‘October 1st, successfully lead efforts to evacuate New Sedona when overrun by Bioroid forces. Breveted to Brigade Major by Colonel Wolfe. October 10th, 2070 lead high altitude combat drop of Hell’s Horsemen and Valeria Victrix into ruins of New Sedona to save refugees and relieve Battloid company of Royal Blackwatch. Volunteered to cover retreat when situation became untenable. Assumed killed in action. Awarded Brigade Major rank, Purple Heart and second Bronze Star with V for Valour.’
Reinhardt looked up and flipped the file closed. Dana, standing ramrod straight, kept her eyesight focused on a picture, showing a much younger Gunther Reinhardt posing in front of an Excaliber Battloid, that was upon the wall behind his desk. Without preamble, Reinhardt began again. ‘Three months later you were rescued by members of your former squadron. However, during that time you had been operating as a Bioroid Commander for Master Dalmeric Khane, inflicting serious damage on his behalf. When it was discovered you were incapable of being debriefed, due to catatonic state caused by implanted cyberware, you were turned over to the care of Doctor Lazlo Zand and The Robotech Research Group. Shortly afterwards you were placed in cryogenic suspension in the hope that one day you could be returned to active duty if and when a cure was found for your malady.’
‘Just under one month ago you were taken from cryo and underwent surgery that removed the majority of the implanted cyberware. Since then you have undergone what I am told has been rather punishing physical therapy program to get yourself back into shape. One week ago, in an apparent rage, you had a breakthrough and appear to have regained your long term memory. Does that about sum things up, Major?’
Dana, realizing what was in store, waited for a moment and then slowly said ‘Yes, sir, I would say it does. May I be dismissed now?’ Apparently her career was at its terminus and she would be demobilized because of her actions while serving under Khane, involuntary or not.
‘No, you may not.’
‘Sir?’
‘Major Sterling, there is a very good reason why I denied your transfer to Task Force Sentinel. Quite frankly, the Hunters’ don’t need you. Expeditionary Command does, and I’ve been ordered to recruit the best personnel from the UEF, AUF, Zentraedi and Tirolian Allied Forces Commands. We’re reforming 10th Special Forces Group: The Wolfe Pack and I believe you’re quite possibly the best candidate I have ever seen.’
Reinhardt held up the file for a moment, ‘Believe me, Sterling, few people have praises from Field Marshall Leonard, Lieutenant General Emerson and Colonel Jonathan Wolfe for their brilliant operational acumen, adherence to the finest traditions of soldiery, bravery, compassion and heroism. If those aren’t ringing endorsements for one of the best soldiers ever produced by the United Earth Forces Military Academy, then I don’t know what would be.’
‘You’ve already had training enough to be considered for Special Forces. As it is, an accelerated schedule and constant around-the-clock cross training will have you operational within three months. It will be the same for all but for a handful of the new members. The good thing is that we’ve called a few of the original veterans out of retirement to help the unit get on its feet.’
‘So, do you think you’re up to this challenge?’
Dana didn’t hesitate a moment, ‘Yes sir, I believe I am!’
‘Good. Report to the Auditorium on Habitat Level 2 at 1900 tonight. There will be a briefing and we’ll get down to brass tacks.’
‘Yes, sir.’
‘One more thing, Sterling,’ said Reinhardt, opening a drawer in his desk.
Dana caught the small velvet covered box as it sailed towards her. Inside were a pair of golden oak leaf rank insignia.
‘You’re out of uniform, Brigadier Colonel Sterling’.
10th Special Forces Group: The Wolfe Pack
Military Personnel as follows:
Sterling, Dana - Brigadier Colonel (O-5): United Earth Army of the Southern Cross: Hell Hounds
Weston, Terrence - Wing Commander (O-5): United Earth Army Air Corps: Dire Wolf Squadron
Norri, Senna - Group Officer (O-4): Zentraedi Allied Forces Command
Earl, Ronald - Patrol Commander (O-4): Global & Military Police
Nicks, Rebecca - Air Captain (O-3): United Earth Army Air Corps: Dire Wolf Squadron
Bernard, Scott - Flight Lieutenant (O-1) United Earth Air/Space Force: Dire Wolf Squadron
Malone, Roger - Sergeant Major (E-9): United Earth Army of the Southern Cross: 1st Airborne Corps
Additional names omitted for brevity's sake....
Additional Personnel as follows:
‘Eris’, Mk I Infiltration Cyborg - Robotech Research Group
Dr. Sampson Beckett - Robotech Research Group
* * * *
Dana stood outside the doorway to Field Marhsall Reinhardt’s office, awaiting her moment to be summoned. She was still on light duty after her almost month long physical therapy regimen following her surgery and nearly year long cryogenic suspension. Blessed with some level of patience, thanks mostly to her father Max, she managed to neither pace nor fidget. Thankfully, the intercom beeped not a moment later.‘Enter,’ came a deep male voice.
‘Brigade Major Dana Sterling reporting as ordered,’ stated Dana as she entered ‘sir!’ Snapping a crisp salute, she came to stand at attention in front of the only desk in the room.
Field Marshall of the Army Gunther Reinhardt regarded Dana for half a moment before returning her salute. ‘At ease, Major. I understand that you are ready to return to active duty and you have requested a billet with Task Force Sentinel.’
‘Yes sir, I would like to take command of my old Hovertank unit, Hell’s Horsemen, which has been assigned to the Task Force.’
‘Request denied!’
Dana flushed and started to ask why, but Reinhardt held up a hand to silence her. He again regarded her for a moment before opening a file that lay upon his desk. Putting on a pair of reading glasses, he glanced up once at Sterling before reading.
‘Dana Parino Sterling, born December 2nd, 2052. Entered the United Earth Forces Military Academy January 5th, 2066. Graduated December 14th, 2068. Class Rank: 5th from the top. Awarded Blood Stripe 2nd Second Class upon graduation for combat actions during Zero-G Jump Training incident on October 7 of that year. Second to ever have that distinction in the Academy’s more than twenty year history. Also awarded Long Knife for valorous deeds in combat against T'sentraeti forces as well as Cavalry Spurs, first ever for both in the Academy’s history. Assigned to 15th Armoured Cavalry Regiment squadron Hell’s Horsemen.’
‘When Tirolian Imperial Forces invaded on January 3rd 2069, lead squadron in first recorded ground forces counterattack on Bioroid troops. February 17th, again lead counterattack against Bioroid forces that had overrun Fokker Field resulting in complete route of hostiles. Promoted to Field Commander by order of Supreme Commander Leonard.’
‘May 19th, volunteered for space operation to infiltrate troops in reconnaissance mission to Tirolian City-ship in which a great deal of intelligence was gathered about Tirolian culture, military structure and combat capabilities. Bioroid mecha and operator captured during course of mission, subsequently turned over to The Robotech Research Group for examination. Mission also included revelation that there was a dissident faction within The Masters’ inner circle that expressed interest in coming to terms with the United Earth Government. Awarded Silver Star with V for Valour for actions during mission by recommendation of Major General Rolf Emerson.’
‘July 3rd, given special duty by Supreme Command to debrief and re-assimilate captured UEF Army trooper Seiffreit Weiss who was later revealed to be a clone of the first Robotech Master, Zor.’
‘February 10th, 2070 assigned to Second Space Offensive with Armored Tactical Space Corps. February 11th, penetrated Tirolian City-ship as per mission directives of Second Space Offensive. Linked up with elements of the 10th UEF Special Forces Group: The Wolfe Pack and UEF Air/Space Force Black Lion Squadron. Retrieved dissident Tirolian faction representative Musica, member of the Clone Master Caste, and transported her to United Earth Command. Promoted to Brigade Captain, awarded Bronze Star with V for Valour and Blood Stripe First Class upon recommendation of Colonel Jonathan Wolfe.’
‘April 8th, again given special duty by Supreme Command to debrief and assimilate Tirolian dissident Musica.’
‘May 3rd, discovered Reflex Factory and Matrix hidden in irradiated crash site of the ASA-01 along with Field Lieutenant Seiffreit Weiss, Staff Sergeant Angelo Dante, Specialist 4th Class Bowie Grant, Patrol Commander Nova Satori and Tirolian Clone Mistress Musica. May 4th, 2070 participated in final defense of Monument City. Placed at ruins of ASA-01 along with detachment of 75th Recon Regiment and GMP 1st Operations Directorate under command of Patrol Commander Nova Satori. Captured by Tirolian forces near ruins and taken to fleet mothership. Escaped confinement and aided dissident forces in bringing down City-ship, which exploded in orbit. Evacuated some five hundred dissidents held prisoner and aided in rescue operations in orbit of UEF, AUF and Tirolian personnel. May 7th, lead team that recovered Reflex Factory from ruins of ASA-01 and provided testimony concerning approach of Invid Swarm due to appearance of Sensor Nebula in the final months of the 2nd Robotech War.’
‘September 8th, assigned to Western North American Theatre at Forward Area Resupply Point Echo under command of Colonel Jonathan Wolfe as part of Operation Rolling Thunder.’
‘October 1st, successfully lead efforts to evacuate New Sedona when overrun by Bioroid forces. Breveted to Brigade Major by Colonel Wolfe. October 10th, 2070 lead high altitude combat drop of Hell’s Horsemen and Valeria Victrix into ruins of New Sedona to save refugees and relieve Battloid company of Royal Blackwatch. Volunteered to cover retreat when situation became untenable. Assumed killed in action. Awarded Brigade Major rank, Purple Heart and second Bronze Star with V for Valour.’
Reinhardt looked up and flipped the file closed. Dana, standing ramrod straight, kept her eyesight focused on a picture, showing a much younger Gunther Reinhardt posing in front of an Excaliber Battloid, that was upon the wall behind his desk. Without preamble, Reinhardt began again. ‘Three months later you were rescued by members of your former squadron. However, during that time you had been operating as a Bioroid Commander for Master Dalmeric Khane, inflicting serious damage on his behalf. When it was discovered you were incapable of being debriefed, due to catatonic state caused by implanted cyberware, you were turned over to the care of Doctor Lazlo Zand and The Robotech Research Group. Shortly afterwards you were placed in cryogenic suspension in the hope that one day you could be returned to active duty if and when a cure was found for your malady.’
‘Just under one month ago you were taken from cryo and underwent surgery that removed the majority of the implanted cyberware. Since then you have undergone what I am told has been rather punishing physical therapy program to get yourself back into shape. One week ago, in an apparent rage, you had a breakthrough and appear to have regained your long term memory. Does that about sum things up, Major?’
Dana, realizing what was in store, waited for a moment and then slowly said ‘Yes, sir, I would say it does. May I be dismissed now?’ Apparently her career was at its terminus and she would be demobilized because of her actions while serving under Khane, involuntary or not.
‘No, you may not.’
‘Sir?’
‘Major Sterling, there is a very good reason why I denied your transfer to Task Force Sentinel. Quite frankly, the Hunters’ don’t need you. Expeditionary Command does, and I’ve been ordered to recruit the best personnel from the UEF, AUF, Zentraedi and Tirolian Allied Forces Commands. We’re reforming 10th Special Forces Group: The Wolfe Pack and I believe you’re quite possibly the best candidate I have ever seen.’
Reinhardt held up the file for a moment, ‘Believe me, Sterling, few people have praises from Field Marshall Leonard, Lieutenant General Emerson and Colonel Jonathan Wolfe for their brilliant operational acumen, adherence to the finest traditions of soldiery, bravery, compassion and heroism. If those aren’t ringing endorsements for one of the best soldiers ever produced by the United Earth Forces Military Academy, then I don’t know what would be.’
‘You’ve already had training enough to be considered for Special Forces. As it is, an accelerated schedule and constant around-the-clock cross training will have you operational within three months. It will be the same for all but for a handful of the new members. The good thing is that we’ve called a few of the original veterans out of retirement to help the unit get on its feet.’
‘So, do you think you’re up to this challenge?’
Dana didn’t hesitate a moment, ‘Yes sir, I believe I am!’
‘Good. Report to the Auditorium on Habitat Level 2 at 1900 tonight. There will be a briefing and we’ll get down to brass tacks.’
‘Yes, sir.’
‘One more thing, Sterling,’ said Reinhardt, opening a drawer in his desk.
Dana caught the small velvet covered box as it sailed towards her. Inside were a pair of golden oak leaf rank insignia.
‘You’re out of uniform, Brigadier Colonel Sterling’.
10th Special Forces Group: The Wolfe Pack
Military Personnel as follows:
Sterling, Dana - Brigadier Colonel (O-5): United Earth Army of the Southern Cross: Hell Hounds
Weston, Terrence - Wing Commander (O-5): United Earth Army Air Corps: Dire Wolf Squadron
Norri, Senna - Group Officer (O-4): Zentraedi Allied Forces Command
Earl, Ronald - Patrol Commander (O-4): Global & Military Police
Nicks, Rebecca - Air Captain (O-3): United Earth Army Air Corps: Dire Wolf Squadron
Bernard, Scott - Flight Lieutenant (O-1) United Earth Air/Space Force: Dire Wolf Squadron
Malone, Roger - Sergeant Major (E-9): United Earth Army of the Southern Cross: 1st Airborne Corps
Additional names omitted for brevity's sake....
Additional Personnel as follows:
‘Eris’, Mk I Infiltration Cyborg - Robotech Research Group
Dr. Sampson Beckett - Robotech Research Group