Macross 2032 - Galaxy Four
Prologue 1

July 13, 2031. Elidar system.

It had been a routine sweep of the system.  Command hadn't expected the Third 
Galaxy Patrol to find anything of interest there, with the system was listed as 
uninhabitable, two dry rocks, and 3 gas giants.  However, while traveling near 
the innermost gas giant, a Stargazer and her completement of VF-14 Vampires had 
run into a damaged Thuverl Salan and it's mecha.  The Salan had immediately 
retreated, despite severely outclassing the Stargazer.  The commander of GP3 
thought long and hard for all of five seconds before ordering the entire fleet 
to pursue the rebel ship.  This led to a cat and mouse chase across the system, 
leading the fleet toward the innermost planet, where the Salan linked up with 
it's fellow rebels, another Salan and a trio of picket ships.  The five 
Zentraedi ships engaged the Third Galaxy Patrol, inflicting heavy casulties on 
the Zentraedi forces attached to the Spacy fleet, but after several hours, the 
Spacy forces now had the upper hand, and were decimating the rebels.

-Bridge, UNS Krasidika, Nupetiet-Vergnitzs class flagship -

The young lieutenant in charge of comm looked over her shoulder toward the 
fleet commander.  "Commodore, the last enemy Salan is signaling surrender."

Commodore Gregory Masters tapped his chin thoughtfully as he watched the battle 
draw toward it's conclusion.  "No... ignore it.  The Zentraedi never surrender 
a fight.  Obviously, they're trying to get us to close in so they can spring a 
trap."  A smile spread across his lips, though it didn't reach his 
eyes.  "Let's finish this battle for well and good.  Weaps, fire the main 
battery."  

The young bridge bunny turned, "But sir, the allied Regalts and Glaugs are 
still engaged with the enemy forces.  If we fire now..."

"Do it, Lieutenant.  They're only Zentraedi.  If we ever need more of the 
animals, we'll just clone them.  It's not like they contribute anything to the 
war effort besides distracting their fellow aliens."  He cocked an eyebrow 
toward her.  "Or do you wish to be held for refusal to obey orders?"

She swallowed, before turning back to her station.  "No sir.  Main battery... 
firing."

The bow of the Krasidika split apart, revealing the heavy cannon unmatched by 
almost any other ship.  Energies ran up and down the length of the weapon, 
coiling tensely, before bursting into a ribbon of green-yellow power, catching 
the last of the rebel Salans straight down it's axis, before it exploded.  The 
mecha of both sides that had been caught in the beam... simply vanished.  

Masters nodded, pleased.  "Excellent work, Lieutenant.  Air Chief, dispatch the 
second shift VF units to dispatch the enemy stragglers.  No survivors, please."

"Sir!  We're receiving a transmission from Captain Nagleviz.  He demands to be 
put through."

"Oh does he?  Well certainly then, put him through."  Masters coldly regarded 
the obviously irate Zentaedi male who appeared on the holographic 
display.  "What do you want, Captain?"

"Why did you slaughter those people, Commodore?!  They were clearly 
broadcasting their surrender, and their mecha were trying to retreat!" Nagleviz 
roared, barely holding back a lethal rage.  "And not only did you kill warriors 
trying to surrender, you killed MY warriors who were keeping an eye on them!"

Masters' face didn't change a whit as the accusations rolled off of him like a 
wave off a boulder.  "I have never known Zentreadi 'warriors' to surrender, 
Captain.  It has been my experience that Zentreadi fight like rabid dogs until 
they are put down.  Knowning that, I made the proper call to bring the battle 
to a quick conclusion.  Your pilots were merely in the wrong place at the wrong 
time."

"RABID DOGS?!  You DARE?  We're on your side, you fool!  Contact with your 
culture has changed the Zentreadi people.  We are not unfeeling automatons, to 
be used for your dirty work."

"True.  As you yourself are evidence, Zentraedi feel rage, and hate.  Perfect 
for what we use you for.  This conversation is over, Captain.  Collect your 
men, and prepare to leave this ship at my command."  His hand sliced sharply, 
signaling Comm to cut the transmission.  "Ignorant fool.  He should be grateful 
we allowed him to keep his ship after Quamzin's attack on the Macross.  Major, 
status on our fighter squadrons?"

The Air Chief turned to deliver her report when Sensors cut in.  "Commodore!  
Captain Nagleviz's ship is breaking formation!"

"What?!  Where is he going?"

"Uncertain.  Wait.  Fold engines powering, powering..."

"Weps, fire at his ship and disable their engines  Quickly if you please."  
Masters began to seethe.  This was not part how he was supposed to react.

"Fold engines charge, and gone.  Captain Nagleviz and his Queadol-Magdomilla 
have folded.  We didn't have enough time to try to trace his destination."

The Commodore pursed his lips.  "Damnation."