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SECTION II: THE TV SERIES

2.1: MAIN CHARACTERS IN ROBOTECH
2.2: ROBOTECH TV EPISODE GUIDE
2.3: THE ROBOTECH TIMELINE
2.4: HOW TO SEE THE SERIES

2.4.1: Is Robotech Still on TV?
2.4.2: Where can I get Robotech on Videotape?
2.4.3: Where can I get Robotech on Laserdisc?

2.5: ROBOTECH TV SERIES QUESTIONS

2.5.1: Why are there continuity problems between the three segments?
2.5.2: What is Protoculture?
2.5.3: Where was the SDF-2 in Episode 36?

2.1: MAIN CHARACTERS IN ROBOTECH

THE MACROSS SAGA

RICK HUNTER
Japanese Name: Hikaru Ichijo American Voice Actor: Tony Oliver

One of the key characters in the Robotech saga, Rick Hunter starts out in the series as an arrogant young civilian stunt pilot and becomes an experienced, tempered veteran by the end of the Macross saga. A skilled pilot, Rick becomes leader of Skull Squadron after Roy Fokker dies and is promoted to Admiral at the end of the first Robotech war. Rick leads the Expeditionary Force to Tirol on a mission of peace, but instead becomes involved in a war against the Invid. After the Invid invade Earth, Hunter orders the Expeditionary Force fleet to Earth (including a young pilot named Scott Bernard) in order to recapture humanity's home. Rick Hunter disappears along with the rest of the SDF-3 in the final episodes of the series.

LYNN MINMEI
Japanese Name: Lynn Minmay American Voice Actress: Reba West

A beautiful but spoiled young girl who becomes Rick's primary love interest early on in the Robotech series. Minmei wins the Miss Macross beauty competition on the SDF-1 and quickly becomes a star, leaving Rick to pursue her career. After her career collapses, however, she comes back to Rick for emotional support. Lynn Minmei hates war and is a strong advocate of peace with the Zentraedi.

LISA HAYES
Japanese Name: Misa Hayase American Voice Actress: Aline Leslie

A career military woman, first officer of the SDF-1, and Rick Hunter's commanding officer. Lisa Hayes and Rick Hunter fight each other like cats and dogs in the early episodes of the series, but come to respect each other and eventually fall in love. Lisa is given command of the SDF-2, and then the SDF-3 after the SDF-2 is destroyed in the final battle of the first Robotech war. Rick and Lisa marry each other on the night before the SDF-3 leaves for Tirol.

ROY FOKKER
Japanese Name: Roy Focker American Voice Actor: Don Warner

Rick's mentor and "big brother", Roy Fokker is largely responsible for getting Rick into the military in the first place. Roy is a veteran pilot from the global civil war and was one of the first test pilots for the Veritech fighter. Roy leads the famous "Skull Squadron" of the SDF-1 until he is killed in combat by the ace Zentraedi pilot Miriya. His death is a tremendous shock for Rick Hunter, who relies heavily on the veteran pilot for advice.

CLAUDIA GRANT
Japanese Name: Claudia LaSalle American Voice Actress: Brittany Harlow

Chief Communications Officer of the SDF-1, Claudia Grant always provides a steady presence on the bridge during battle. Claudia was Roy Fokker's lover and is badly shaken by his death. Claudia is also Lisa's best friend, and helps her to sort out her confusing feelings for Rick Hunter. Claudia sacrifices herself in the final battle with Khyron to save Lisa's life.

CAPTAIN HENRY J. GLOVAL
Japanese Name: Bruno J. Grobal American Voice Actor: Guy Garrett

An experienced commander and veteran of the global civil war, Captain Gloval is assigned command of the SDF-1. It is largely due to Gloval's tenacity and experience that the SDF-1 is able to make it back to Earth after folding to Pluto. After the destruction of the Earth and defeat of the Zentraedi armada, Gloval becomes supreme commander of the RDF, and begins construction of the SDF-2 to try and prevent another war by making peace with the Robotech Masters. However, Capt. Gloval is killed and the SDF-2 destroyed during Khyron's attack on New Macross.

MAXIMILLIAN (MAX) STERLING
Japanese Name: Maximilian Jiinas American Voice Actor: Jimmy Flinders

At first Max is an insecure recruit assigned to Lieutenant Rick Hunter during the SDF-1's voyage to Earth. However, Max's phenomenal piloting abilities quickly distinguish him as THE best pilot aboard the SDF-1. This causes him to earn the hatred/respect of Miriya, ace pilot of the Zentraedi. Max defeats Miriya in combat and eventually marries her. Max becomes one of Rick's closest friends after Roy Fokker's death, and becomes the leader of "Skull Squadron" after Rick is promoted to Admiral.

BEN DIXON
Japanese Name: Hayao Kakizake American Voice Actor: ?????

Another young recruit assigned to Rick Hunter during the SDF-1's voyage, Ben has tremendous courage, determination, and loyalty but only average skill as a fighter pilot. Ben is killed in the line of duty while defending the SDF-1 from Khyron's attacks.

LYNN KYLE
Japanese Name: Lynn Kaifun American Voice Actor: Eddie Frierson

Lynn Minmei's cousin. Lynn Kyle comes onboard the SDF-1 after it returns to Earth to watch over Minmei and to be reunited with his parents (who Minmei was living with on the SDF-1). A talented actor and skilled martial artist, Lynn Kyle is also a strong believer in peace with the Zentraedi at ANY cost. Kyle becomes Minmei's manager, but the two break up when Kyle becomes discouraged and starts drinking after the destruction of the Earth.

KIM YOUNG
Japanese Name: Kim Kaviroff American Voice Actress: Wendee Swan

Claudia Grant's communication assistant and one of the "bridge bunnies," a trio of bridge officers who are inseparable both on duty and off. Kim is killed during the final battle with Khyron.

SAMMIE PORTER
Japanese Name: Shammie American Voice Actress: Deena Morris

Lisa Hayes' assistant and the youngest member of the bridge crew. Also a member of the "bridge bunnies". Sammie begins to show promise as a talented officer near the end of the series, but is killed in the final attack by Khyron's forces.

VANESSA LEEDS
Japanese Name: Vanessa American Voice Actress: Sandra Snow

Chief Computer Operator on the SDF-1 bridge, and the third member of the "bridge bunnies" trio. Vanessa is also killed by Khyron during the final assault on the SDF-1.

BREETAI
Japanese Name: Britai Kridanik American Voice Actor: Jonathen Alexander

Commander of the first Zentraedi fleet that locates the SDF-1 on Earth, Breetai is a skilled and merciless opponent who leads attack after attack on the battle fortress. However, Breetai comes to respect and even admire Earth's culture and eventually defends the SDF-1 during the battle against Dolza's forces. Breetai becomes a strong supporter of Admiral Gloval, Rick Hunter, and Lisa Hayes.

EXEDORE
Japanese Name: Exedore Formo American Voice Actor: Leonard Pike

Breetai's assistant. A fairly brilliant analyst and scientist, Exedore is one of the first to realize the potential that humans possess. Exedore is absolutely loyal to Breetai, and eventually becomes a great supporter of Admiral Gloval, Rick Hunter, and Lisa Hayes.

KHYRON
Japanese Name: Kamjin Kravshera American Voice Actor: Greg Snow

Nicknamed "the Backstabber", Khyron is one of the best generals that the Zentraedi fleet has to offer. He is also totally ruthless, often sacrificing his own men if it will earn him a quicker victory. Khyron becomes obsessed with destroying the SDF-1 and constantly launches attacks despite his superior's orders to the contrary. Khyron is eventually killed in a kamikaze attack run on the SDF-1 and SDF-2.

MIRIYA
Japanese Name: Miria Fariina American Voice Actress: Penny Sweet

A beautiful ace Zentraedi pilot and member of the Quadronos, an elite band of all-female Zentraedi warriors. Miriya is undefeated in combat until she meets Max Sterling. Miriya is so intrigued and infuriated by an opponent that she cannot defeat that she elects to be micronized and enter the SDF-1 secretly to kill Max. However, after being defeated by Max, Miriya falls in love with him and marries him. Max and Miriya have a child named Dana Sterling, who becomes a key character in the second Robotech saga.

DOLZA
Japanese Name: Bodolza American Voice Actor: ?????

Supreme Commander of all Zentraedi. Dolza wants to recapture the SDF-1 because he believes it holds a secret that will make the Zentraedi the most powerful race in the galaxy. However, he is unable to comprehend human emotions and orders the Earth destroyed rather than risk the contamination of his fleet. Dolza is killed by the SDF-1's counterattack after the Earth is destroyed.

AZONIA
Japanese Name: Lap Lamiz American Voice Actress: ?????

Commander of the Quadronos and Miriya's superior officer. At first Azonia is extremely loyal to Breetai, but defects to Khyron's side after Dolza is killed. Azonia is killed along with Khyron during their attack on the SDF-1 and SDF-2.

BRON, RICO, KONDA
Japanese Names: Walera, Rori, Konda
American Voice Actor: ?????, Axel Roberts, ?????

Three Zentraedi spies sent to infiltrate the SDF-1 and learn all they can about human culture. However, they become contaminated by that culture and spread the contamination to Breetai's ships after they return. They become strong supporters of the RDF and good friends of Max and Miriya Sterling during the rebuilding period after Dolza's attack.

THE MASTERS

DANA STERLING
Japanese Name: Jeanne Francaix American Voice Actress: ?????

The daughter of Max and Miriya Sterling and the first child to result from a union of two races. Dana is among the first to graduate from the new Robotech Military Academy and is very eager to prove herself in combat. Dana has a wild streak that makes her a good leader but a poor follower. Fortunately she is quickly put in charge of the 15th ATAC squadron where she can put her talents to good use. By the end of the second Robotech war Dana has lost her innocence and some of her energetic personality has been replaced with a with pessimism about the future and the coming of the Invid.

NOVA SATORI
Japanese Name: Lana Isavia American Voice Actress: Penny Sweet

One of the youngest and highest ranking members of the Global Military Police, Nova is a career military officer with a very disciplined spit-and-polish attitude towards the military. This puts her at odds with Dana and her squad, who are much more lax and often bend rules and regulations. Nova and Dana become great rivals, and tension becomes even greater when Zor Prime is captured and becomes part of the ATAC.

SEAN PHILLIPS
Japanese Name: Charles de Touard American Voice Actor: ?????

Formerly a first lieutenant in charge of the 15th ATAC, Sean Phillips is demoted and replaced by Dana after being caught with the daughter of a high- ranking Southern Cross official. A professional womanizer, Sean eventually falls in love (for real) with Marie Crystal. The problem is that Marie has a hard time believing that Sean is sincere in his feelings.

BOWIE GRANT
Japanese Name: Bowie Emerson American Voice Actor: Larry Abraham

In the original scripts for Robotech, Bowie Grant was the younger brother of Claudia Grant, but was later changed to be the nephew of Claudia for the Sentinels story line. Bowie is actually a sensitive and talented musician and is not really suited to the military or combat. The only reason he stays in the military is his loyalty to Dana Sterling, who has been his best friend since childhood. During an invasion of the Robotech Masters' fortress Bowie meets and falls in love with Musica, an alien musician.

MARIE CRYSTAL
Japanese Name: Marie Angel American Voice Actress: Shirley Roberts

An independent, proud, and skilled pilot for the TASC space forces of the Southern Cross. Like Nova Satori, Marie is a strong believer in discipline which puts her at odds with Dana and crew. Marie's discipline falters slightly, however, when she falls in love with Sean Phillips.

ANGELO (ANGIE) DANTE
Japanese Name: Andrzej Slawski American Voice Actor: Drew Thomas

Second in command of the 15th ATAC, Angie is a very no-nonsense down-to-earth kind of guy. At first he has trouble respecting Dana as his commanding officer, but grows to respect the young lady as she leads the 15th to victory time and time again.

LOUIE NICHOLS
Japanese Name: Louis Ducasse American Voice Actor: ?????

Half punk, half nerd, Louie is the young genius of the 15th ATAC. When not involved in combat, Louie often tinkers around with machinery and mecha, constantly trying to improve them. One of his most clever inventions is the "pupil pistol," an eye-controlled aiming system that was designed to improve Louie's score at a video game. However, Louie gets very upset when the military starts to use his invention to improve the targeting systems of Earth mecha.

ROLF EMERSON
Japanese Name: Rolf Emerson American Voice Actor: Jeffrey Platt

A seasoned veteran and skilled officer, Rolf Emerson is one of the finest generals in the Southern Cross military forces. However, his sense of honor and duty often put him at odds with the more corrupt leaders in the Southern Cross, who usually assign Emerson to dangerous missions in the hopes of getting rid of him. Rolf was named chief guardian of Dana Sterling and Bowie Grant after their parents left on the SDF-3, and the trio has become quite close.

ANATOLE LEONARD
Japanese Name: Claude Leon American Voice Actor: ?????

Supreme Commander of Earth's military forces, Anatole Leonard is the opposite of Rolf Emerson in almost every way. While Lenoard is a skilled officer and tactical genius, he is also a bigot and very corrupt. He is totally unwilling to negotiate with the Masters, andwants to kill every member of the enemy forces rather than compromise. Leonard's blind hatred of the Masters and anyone who opposes him (like Rolf Emerson) is a primary cause of the destruction of the Southern Cross during the final battles of the second Robotech war.

THE ROBOTECH MASTERS
Japanese Name: The Zor American Voice Actor: Alex Gregory

The immortal lords of Robotechnology who corrupted Zor's original discoveries into terrible weapons of war. The Robotech Masters were once the leaders of a vast intergalactic empire. However, the destruction of the Zentraedi and constant attacks from the Invid have greatly weakened the Masters' forces to the point where they can no longer maintain their empire. In order to survive, the Masters MUST retrieve the Protoculture Matrix from the wreck of the SDF-1 on Earth, even if they have to kill all of humanity to do it.

ZOR PRIME
Japanese Name: Seifrietti Weisse American Voice Actor: ?????

Zor Prime is a clone of the original Zor, the "father" of Protoculture. The Robotech Masters use Zor Prime first as a soldier and then as a spy in an effort to find a way to defeat the Earth forces. However, Zor's advanced intellect allow him to eventually overcome the Masters' programming and remember who and what he is. Zor Prime dedicates himself to destroying the Masters and preventing the Invid from destroying Earth. Although he succeeds in the first task, he fails to destroy the flower of life, instead scattering the seeds all over Earth and guaranteeing the arrival of the Invid. Zor Prime sacrifices his own life in the wasted effort to destroy the flower at the end of the second series.

MUSICA
Japanese Name: Musika American Voice Actress: Chelsea Victoria

One of the Masters' clones and a member of a trio of musicians, Musica is charged with playing music that keeps the other clones of the Masters passive and obedient. Musica meets Bowie Grant during a Southern Cross invasion of the Masters' fortress, and the two instantly fall in love. Bowie opens Musica's mind to new possibilities, and as a result Musica rebels against the Masters' control.

THE NEW GENERATION

SCOTT BERNARD
Japanese Name: Steik Bernard American Voice Actor: Greg Snow

Robotech Expeditionary Force (REF) Pilot and sole survivor of the Mars Division assault on Reflex Point, Scott Bernard has one goal; defeat the Invid at ANY cost. After surviving crash-landing on Earth, Scott tries to recruit others who are willing to fight the Invid, and eventually succeeds in gathering a group of freedom fighters to help him in his quest. Scott is very determined and single-minded at the start of the series, but starts to lighten up when he meets and falls in love with Marlene, who reminds him of his former girlfriend who was killed in battle. Scott's world is turned upside-down when he learns that Marlene is actually an Invid; a member of the race he is trying to destroy.

LANCER
Japanese Name: Yellow Belmont American Voice Actor: Jimmy Flinders

A skilled pilot and freedom fighter who joins up with the team in the third episode. In order to escape the Invid, Lancer created the female personality of Yellow Dancer and uses her to do undercover work for the team. Near the end of the series Lancer falls in love with an Invid named Sera, and together they help to form a tentative peace between both sides at the end of the series.

RAND
Japanese Name: Rei American Voice Actor: Anthony Wayne

A young and arrogant wanderer/freedom fighter, Rand is a self-taught survivor. When Rand meets and joins up with Scott Bernard, he begins to learn the value of friendship and teamwork and becomes less of a loner. Rand falls in love with Rook early on in the series, but it takes nearly until the end of the series before she returns the feelings.

ROOK BARTLEY
Japanese Name: Fuke Eroze American Voice Actress: ?????

Rook grew up among the ruins and gang wars that followed the Second Robotech War, and learned how to be tough and independent at an early age. In fact, she has built up so much emotional armor around herself that she has trouble relating to other people. Like Rand, though, she eventually learns to drop her armor and care for other people again while being part of Scott's team. Near the end of the series Rook falls in love with Rand.

ANNIE (MINT)
Japanese Name: Mint Rubble American Voice Actress: Mary Cobb

The youngest member of the resistance fighters, Annie is a spunky and obnoxious little girl who always wants to be in the middle of the action (often getting in over her head). Despite her annoying and troublesome antics her teammates love her and would go to great lengths for her.

LUNK
Japanese Name: Jim Austin American Voice Actor: ?????

An ex-Southern Cross mechanic, Lunk is a good source of technical and moral support for the rest of the team. However, Lunk himself is plagued with worries and insecurities from his actions during the initial invasion of the Invid, where he was forced to run away and watch as friends of his were killed. Lunk desperately wants to prove to himself that he has courage, and believes that he can do that by staying with Scott's team.

MARLENE (A.K.A. ARIEL)
Japanese Name: Marlene American Voice Actress: ?????

Marlene is the first humanoid Invid created by the Regis (see below) to spy on Scott Bernard's team. However, during her insertion into the team she is hurt and loses all of her memory. Believing her to be a wounded human female, the team takes her in and cares for her. Through them Marlene learns human customs and emotions, and eventually falls in love with Scott Bernard. Though shocked when she rediscovers that she is an Invid, Marlene recovers and manages (along with Sera) to convince the Regis to flee Earth rather than fight to the finish.

THE REGIS
Japanese Name: Refles American Voice Actress: Celena Banas

The supreme ruler of the Invid. The Regis has one overall goal; the evolution and survival of her race. Intelligent and ruthless, she is completely intolerant of humans, who remind her of the Robotech Masters who destroyed her homeworld long ago. What the Regis doesn't realize, however, is that she is acting just like those same Masters that she hates. Sera and Marlene are eventually able to convince her to leave Earth rather than continue a war that may destroy both races.

SERA
Japanese Name: Sorji American Voice Actress: ?????

Along with Corg, Sera is the result of the Regis' second attempt to create a humanoid Invid. At first a cunning and ruthless warrior, she eventually falls prey to human emotions and begins to fall in love with Lancer. Although she has trouble understanding these newfound feelings, she eventually realizes the futility of her races' actions and helps Marlene to convince the Regis to flee Earth.

CORG
Japanese Name: Batra American Voice Actor: ?????

Another humanoid Invid created by the Regis, Corg also falls victim to human emotions like Marlene and Sera. However, instead of friendship and love Corg learns hate and aggression, and directs his violent feelings towards his enemies. An extremely skilled fighter, he is responsible for many REF deaths during the final battle and almost succeeds in killing Lancer, Rook, and Rand. He is finally defeated and killed by Scott Bernard in the final episode.

 

2.2: ROBOTECH TV EPISODE GUIDE

 

THE MACROSS SAGA

  1. Boobytrap The SDF-1 comes to Earth.
  2. Countdown Rick Hunter encounters the giant Zentraedi.
  3. Space Fold The SDF-1 is stranded near Pluto.
  4. The Long Wait Rick and Minmei are trapped, alone together.
  5. Transformation The SDF-1 adopts an Attack Mode.
  6. Blitzkreig Lisa Hayes conceives the Daedalus Attack.
  7. Bye-Bye Mars Khyron attacks the SDF-1 on Mars.
  8. Sweet Sixteen Rick is promoted and Minmei has a birthday.
  9. Miss Macross The Zentraedi monitor a TV beauty contest.
  10. Blind Game Rick and his team are captured by the Zentraedi.
  11. First Contact The Zentraedi are terrorized by human affection.
  12. The Big Escape Miriya plants micronized Zentraedi spies.
  13. Blue Wind The SDF-1 finally makes it back to Earth.
  14. Gloval's Report Captain Gloval summarizes the story so far.
  15. Homecoming Minmei visits her parents and returns with Kyle.
  16. Battle Cry Rick's has a near-fatal accident in combat.
  17. Phantasm Rick has a bizarre dream.
  18. Farewell, Big Brother Max battles Miriya and Roy is fatally wounded.
  19. Bursting Point The Omnidirectional Barrier kills Ben Dixon.
  20. Paradise Lost The "Small White Dragon" cast party.
  21. A New Dawn Rick and Lisa become allies in adversity.
  22. Battle Hymn Khyron leads his troops into the SDF-1.
  23. Reckless Some Zentraedi desert and are given asylum.
  24. Showdown Lisa leaves the SDF-1; Max meets Miriya.
  25. Wedding Bells Max & Miriya are married, and fly together, too.
  26. The Messenger Exedore warns the SDF-1 of impending disaster.
  27. Force of Arms Rick and Lisa are reunited; the SDF-1 triumphs.
  28. Reconstruction Blues The SDF-1 crew now build their lives on Earth.
  29. Robotech Masters The Robotech Masters set off for Earth.
  30. Viva Miriya A Zentraedi factory satellite is captured.
  31. Khyron's Revenge Malcontent Zentraedi on Earth oppose the humans.
  32. Broken Heart Rick rescues Minmei from Khyron.
  33. A Rainy Night Lisa and Claudia Grant talk about Roy and Rick.
  34. Private Time Minmei comes between Lisa and Rick.
  35. Season's Greetings Khyron prepares for a final attack on the SDF-1.
  36. To the Stars The SDF-1 is destroyed; Rick and Lisa make up.

    THE ROBOTECH MASTERS

  37. Dana's Story The Robotech Masters engage the humans in combat.
  38. False Start Dana Sterling is put in charge of her squadron.
  39. Southern Cross Dana repels the Bioroids and is promoted.
  40. Volunteers In Earth orbit, Dana panics under fire.
  41. Half Moon Bowie Grant is captured by the Robotech Masters.
  42. Danger Zone Dana's squadron takes down an enemy Fortress.
  43. Prelude to Battle Bowie is arrested by the Global Military Police.
  44. The Trap Inside the Master's ship, Bowie meets Musica.
  45. Metal Fire Dana argues that the enemy aren't androids.
  46. Stardust A GMP agent assists Dana in fighting the Masters.
  47. Outsiders A single ship from the REF returns to Earth.
  48. Deja Vu Dana meets the captured Bioroid pilot, Zor.
  49. A New Recruit Zor unwittingly becomes a spy for the Masters.
  50. Triumvirate Invid Flowers of Life are found inside the SDF-1.
  51. Clone Chamber Marie Crystal's team rescue the Earth Fleet.
  52. Love Song General Emerson is assigned to a combat mission.
  53. The Hunters The military perverts Louie Nichols' invention.
  54. Mind Game Dana's squad is sent to help Emerson's fleet.
  55. Dana in Wonderland The humans encounter the Masters' society.
  56. Crisis Point In the Masters' ship, Zor and Musica find Dana.
  57. Daydreamer Zor, Musica and Dana's squad return to Earth.
  58. Final Nightmare Zor suffers a flashback inside the SDF-1 ruins.
  59. The Invid Connection The Masters issue an ultimatum to Earth.
  60. Catastrophe Zor destroys the Masters, but attracts the Invid.

    THE NEW GENERATION

  61. The Invid Invasion Scott Bernard crash lands on the planet Earth.
  62. The Lost City Annie joins Scott and Rand against the Invid.
  63. Lonely Soldier Boy Rook, Lancer and Lunk join the team.
  64. Survival The Invid sense the Protoculture in the mecha.
  65. Curtain Call Scott's team pull off a Protoculture raid.
  66. Hard Times Rook has a violent bout with her past.
  67. Paper hero Lunk tries to fulfill a friend's dying wish.
  68. Eulogy Scott meets his hero, Colonel Jonathan Wolff.
  69. The Genesis Pit Invid evolution experiments are discovered.
  70. Enter Marlene An amnesiac woman joins Scott and company.
  71. The Secret Route Lancer falls foul of his old flame, Carla.
  72. The Fortress A decisive victory for Scott and the others.
  73. Sandstorm Rand has a dream influenced by the Invid.
  74. Annie's Wedding Annie woos a young would-be tribal warrior.
  75. Separate Ways The teams' personal conflicts become arguments.
  76. Metamorphosis The Regiss creates two new humanoid agents.
  77. The Midnight Sun The Invid Sera is disturbed upon seeing Lancer.
  78. Ghost Town Word of a new REF offensive reaches Scott.
  79. Frostbite Marlene puts a dent in Scott's emotional armor.
  80. Birthday Blues "Mint" LaBelle has the best birthday ever!
  81. Hired Gun Rook meets a man with a cruel vendetta.
  82. The Big Apple An attack on an Invid hive in New York City.
  83. Reflex Point Scott discovers that Marlene is an Invid.
  84. Dark Finale The team joins the REF in a final assault.
  85. Symphony of Light The Regiss changes form and leaves the Earth.

 

2.3: THE ROBOTECH TIMELINE

Perhaps the most hotly debated portion of the Robotech universe is the timeline. Very few dates are given in the show, and competing (and contradictory) chronologies are given in the novels and the role-playing game. Indeed, the former two sources even contradict the show on several points. Furthermore, the timeline from the McKinney novels directly contradicts the series in many places. So what is known, from just the television show itself? And is it possible to make a coherent timeline, just using the show?

Macross:

  1. The SDF-1 lands on Earth in 1999. This is made explicit in the narration in the episode "Boobytrap".
  2. The SDF-1 is completed, and the Zentraedi first arrive, in 2009. This is established in both narration and in the caption on a time-lapsed sequence of the repair work on the SDF-1, also from "Boobytrap".
  3. It takes the SDF-1 12 months to return to Earth from the fold. This is established in the episode "Homecoming". Earth is bombarded some months after.
  4. The show picks up again approximately 'two years' later, according to the narration. The time seems to be early Autumn, as it begins to snow only a few episodes later. Dana Sterling is several months old by this time. See "Reconstruction Blues", et al.
  5. In "Private Time", Rick and Minmei are reminiscing. Rick says that his first date with Minmei was "over four years ago" (counting it out on his fingers); this in all liklihood refers to their meeting in the park before Rick's first mission in "Blitzkrieg". In addition, Kyle tells Minmei that he's worked hard to develop har gift over the last four years - probabally referring to his arrival on the Battlefortress about 12 months after her initial departure from Earth.
  6. The episode "Season's Greetings" is set at Christmas.
  7. The episode "To the Stars" takes place soon after that, either in late December or (less likely) in early January. A picture album closes at the end of the episode, with the words "So long...2012" written on it, possibly indicating the date of the end of the show. Picking January 2012 produces problems getting the cues from "Reconstruction Blues" and "Homecoming" to fit, so the most likely date for "To the Stars", assuming the accuracy of this reference, is December 2012.

There's a bit of a problem here. If one accepts the two references from "Private Time", one gets the date of "To the Stars" as sometime after Dec 25, 2013, probabally as late as January 2014. However, the writing on the photo album hints at 2012. As we have hit an internal contradiction, one must make a judgement call. As the photo album's date is of uncertain context, I feel it is outweighed by the two references in "Private Time". The best date for the destruction of the SDF-1, in my opinion, is January 2014, and the following discussion assumes that date.

Robotech Masters:

  1. Leonard's speech in "Dana's Story" indicates that this episode takes place exactally fifteen years after the destruction of the SDF-1 and -2. This puts "Dana's Story" around December 2028 or January 2029. "False Start", the next episodes, takes place an appreciable time later - time enough for the crisis caused by the attack on Moon Base Luna in "Dana's Story" to have subsided, and for more people to have been sent there (this is known because Liberty, which was not cut off until the beginning of "False Start", tries to radio Luna. If Luna had no one on it by the beginning of "False Start", Liberty would have known that.
  2. Dana is still a teenager (less than 19), but she is a graduate of the Robotech Academy (can't be too young). This is established in the episode "False Start". If she is born in 2012 (from above), then a good guess for the arrival of the Robotech Masters would be between 2028 and 2031.
  3. Major Carpenter's aide refers to their ship as their home for 15 years in the episode "Outsiders", limiting the date of the departure of the REF.
  4. A major task force arrives from hyperspace to aid the Southern Cross in "Mind Games" - every indication is given that this group is from the SDF-3 Pioneer Mission (though that is not explicitly stated). In "Eulogy", Wolff is said to have been sent to Earth with the "first wave against the Robotech Masters". Carpenter's ship could hardly be counted a wave, but this fleet could. In other words, it's very likely that Wolff arrived with the fleet from hyperspace in "Mind Games".
  5. The cues from the climate and foliage seem to indicate that the entire saga, from "Dana's Story" to "Catastrophe", lasts on the order of a year and a half.

New Generation:

  1. Most of the crew has never seen Earth, and was born on a Robotech ship in deep space, established in "The Invid Invasion"; if the median age of the crew were 22, then that means that this episode is set 22 years after the departure of the REF.
  2. The Invid seem to have run Earth for many years. This is especially true from the scenes in "The Secret Route". Carla and Lancer have not seen each other in three years. When Lancer crashed, three years plus the time the two spent as refugees together ago, the Invid had a network of sympathizers already.
  3. Scott was a kid (10?) when Wolff departed for Earth, from the episode "Eulogy". Wolff was also sent with the "first wave against the Robotech Masters". See above.
  4. A crashed vessel from the expeditionary force is seen in "Ghost Town". Its crew are old men, in their sixties and seventies, except for one man in his late forties (who doesn't seem, from the way he's treated, to be part of the crew). They are said to have been sent to help fight the Robotech Masters.
  5. Lunk apparently made his promise to Nader "a year ago, during the Invid invasion". This contradicts everything else in this section - and is most likely an error of some sort. Lunk could have meant 'occupation' rather than 'invasion', but there is no good resolution for this reference, other than that it is another internal contradiction.
  6. The pacing of the episodes seems to indicate that Scott crashes to Earth in the Southern Hemisphere spring (September). The group is expecting the onset of the Southern Hemisphere's winter in "The Secret Route" (implying July or so), travels to the Northern Hemisphere to see another winter in "The Midnight Sun" and "Frostbite" (implying December or January), up through perhaps a Northern Hemisphere summer (July or so) by the battle of Reflex Point. All in all, about a year and a half, perhaps a little more, appears to pass from "The Invid Invasion" to "Symphony of Light".

Sentinels:

  1. Lisa tells Rick that he's had "nine years to prepare for this mission [to Tirol], not to mention our marriage". The narrator also tells us that the RDF suffered from ten years of inactivity and overconfidence. From the best date we can get for the end of Macross (when Rick first learned of the mission - as well as the earliest possible date at which he could have become engaged to Lisa), this would indicate that the REF left in 2022, which coincides with the date Macek gives for it in _Robotech Art 3_.

Obviously, it is difficult to generate a calendar that agrees with every cue from the series - because there are vestiges of the pre-Robotech plot-lines still in the dialogue, and some outright errors (Lunk, in "Paper Hero", places the Invid invasion a mere year before that episode, in contradiction to every other cue).

As an alternative to those in the novels and the RPG, this FAQ includes a composite solution. Built from the original Macross timeline by Shoji Kawamori (which was modified to include specific changes in the Robotech version), the events of the Sentinels as described by Macek in _Robotech Art 3_, and the extrapolations of fanfic authors Peter Walker and Aubry Thonon. The full technique for deriving the core of timeline is discussed in the essay "A Methodology for Constructing a Coherent Timeline for the Robotech Television Series", by Peter Walker (pww@spacsun.rice.edu).

ROBOTECH CHRONOLOGY

                         Compiled by:
                         Aubry Thonon
                             and
                         Peter Walker

Sources:

       MACROSS CHRONOLOGY by Kawamori Shooji
       from Macross Perfect Memory, pg. 54 - 55
       Copyright 1983 by Minori Library, Big West and MBS
       Published Aug. 10, 1984 by Minori Library
       Original Translation 1990 by Michael House
       Additional fact-checking by Egan Loo

       ROBOTECH ART 3 by Carl Macek
       Copyright 1988 by Carl Macek
       Published July 1988 by Donning/Starblaze

       ROBOTECH: OBJECTIVE REFLEX POINT by Peter Walker and Anand Rao
       Book 1: ROLL CALL, Glossary
       Archived for anonymous ftp at ftp.tcp.com
       Copyright 1993 Peter Walker

Note: The Sentinels storyline is inspired by Macek's outlines in _Robotech: Art 3_, and not the McKinney novels. The version of the timeline published here omits all explicit fanfic references and hypothetical pre- and postRobotech timelines. A full version of this timeline can be obtained from Aubry Thonon (ess6alt@qed.qld.gov.au) or Pete Walker (pww@spacsun.rice.edu).


Feb, 1996                  World War III. No nuclear weapons are used,
                           but several chemical and biological weapons
                           are tested. WWIII continues until July
                           1999.

Dec, 1996                  First introduction of power armor in the
                           US, CIS and Japanese forces.

Jan, 1998                  Experimental nuclear fusion reactor
                           at Princeton achieves break-even point.

Feb, 1999                  Zor killed by an Invid ambush on a seeding
                           mission. Macross is sent to Earth.
                           Invid closing on Imperial core systems.

Jul, 1999                  A colossal meteorite impacts with Earth,
                           coming to rest on South Atalia Island.
                           Investigation reveals that it is an alien
                           spacecraft. It is code-named ASS-1 (Alien
                           Star Ship). Public announcements are that
                           an asteroid 3 km in diameter, composed of
                           great quantities of metal, impacted with
                           Earth. The matter is treated as top
                           secret until the chaos and confusion are
                           brought under control. What begins as an
                           emergency meeting between the heads of the
                           US and CIS becomes an assembly of all
                           nations.

Aug, 1999                  UN Investigating Teams organized. Precise,
                           accurate, minute investigation of ASS-1
                           begins. South Atalia Island designated UN
                           sphere of jurisdiction.

Sep, 1999                  Robotech Masters authorize Dolza to use
                           'any means necessary' to recapture Zor's
                           Fortress.

Dec, 1999                  According to first report of the study of
                           ASS-1, it is discovered that the alien
                           spacecraft is a warship, and its crew are
                           fully five times the size of human beings.
                           Terrified by the all too real prospect of
                           invasion from deep space, a project is begun
                           to unite Earth into one nation.

Mar, 2000                  Otech Corporation, a research
                           organization analyzing the alien
                           technology, is established through joint
                           Japanese-US-CIS-German-English-French
                           collaboration.

Apr, 2000                  Development of weapons systems for use in
                           combat against the giants begins.

Jun, 2000                  Aliens' existence formally announced
                           (excepting the fact of their size, which is
                           kept top secret). Following this, framing
                           plan for United Earth Government officially
                           proclaimed.

Jul, 2000                  Outbreak of conflict in the Middle East.
                           The disputes and rebellions and civil wars
                           frequently occurring hereafter in various
                           parts of the world, coupled with World War
                           III, came to be known (somewhat inaccurately)
                           as the Global Civil War.

Oct, 2000                  Construction of the gigantic, permanent,
                           Apollo Lunar Base begins in the Sea of
                           Tranquillity, later known as Moon Base Luna.
                           A civilian station is also begun on the moon's
                           surface, known as Advance Lunar Chemical and
                           Engineering station (ALuCE-1). Plans are
                           made (but are never realized) for a second
                           ALuCE base.

Jan, 2001                  United Earth Government inaugurated.
                           Founding Prime Minister, Harlan J Niven.
                           United Earth Forces established.

Feb, 2001                  Repair and remodeling of ASS-1 for use as
                           main battleship of United Earth Forces
                           begins, with Otech Corporation as heart
                           of project.
                           ASS-1 renamed SDF-1 (Super Dimension
                           Fortress-1) "Macross", the apparent name of
                           the vessel in the language of its original
                           owners. Estimated date of launch: May, 2006.
                           Much of Earth's industrial economy is
                           diverted to the space effort.

Mar, 2001                  Announcement of the discovery of a large
                           number of major material science advances
                           by Otech.

May, 2001                  Construction of giant space manufacturing
                           station begins at L-5, in Lunar orbit.

Jul, 2001                  Construction of permanent base on Mars,
                           named Sara, begins.
                           Civilians begin to immigrate to South
                           Atalia Island, to work on repair of SDF-1.
                           South Atalia Island renamed Macross Island.

Aug, 2001                  Theory of SDF-1's thermonuclear Reflex
                           system explained. Reflex Engines still a
                           mystery.

Sep, 2001                  The "Destroid System," ground-combat
                           anti-giant weaponry, begins trial
                           production.

Nov, 2001                  Theory of firing system for SDF-1's main
                           cannon explained.

Feb, 2002                  Tentative plan introduced for variable
                           all-purpose combat system for use against
                           the giants.

Mar, 2002                  Grand Cannon Theory finished.

May, 2002                  Construction of United Earth Military
                           Anti-Stellar-Warfare Headquarters begins,
                           in Alaska. On the same site, Grand Cannon
                           No. 1 is begun.

Jul, 2002                  First Battle for Macross Island fought
                           against the Anti-Unification Forces.

Nov, 2002                  First successful test of an Earth-made
                           protoculture Reflex plant, at Otech
                           Corporation. What is known of the
                           principles behind protoculture is kept
                           top secret.

Apr, 2003                  Construction of Armored Series of space
                           carriers begins, as well as space
                           destroyers, at the L-5 manufacturing
                           station.

Nov, 2003                  In a factory beneath Apollo Lunar Base,
                           using feedback from repair work on SDF-1,
                           construction begins on SDF-2, a massive
                           space battleship purely of terrestrial
                           design.

Mar, 2004                  Construction on Grand Cannon No. 2 begins
                           in the Australian Autonomous Region.

Sep, 2004                  Super miniaturized protoculture power-
                           plant finished by Otech. Understanding
                           of alien technologies minimal but sufficient
                           to adapt systems on SDF-1 to Terran weaponry
                           and mechanisms.

Oct, 2004                  Grand Cannon No. 3 planned in South
                           America, in the Brazil Autonomous Region.

Nov, 2004                  Increases in defense expenses for the SDF-1
                           Restoration Project cause deterioration of
                           world economy, forcing drastic delays in the
                           restoration.

Jan, 2005                  Rioting breaks out in Kazakhstan, Central
                           Asia Autonomous Region.
                           The Second Battle for Macross Island is
                           fought.

Mar, 2005                  The first Ophelia-class Space Destroyer is
                           commissioned.

Apr, 2005                  Harlan J Niven, Founding Prime Minister of
                           the United Earth Government, is
                           assassinated. His successor is Robert A
                           Rhysling.

Jul, 2005                  Frequent occurrences of guerrilla warfare
                           all over America.

Aug, 2005                  Withdrawal from Mars Base after threat of
                           destruction by the Anti-Unification Forces.

Sep, 2005                  To inaugurate the Anti-Unification Forces'
                           Space Force, the third Ophelia-class Space
                           Destroyer to be commissioned is hijacked and,
                           in that raid, the return fleet from Mars is
                           destroyed. A UEG Space Destroyer quickly tracks
                           down and destroys the rogue ship.

Nov, 2005                  In a retaliatory attack, the United Forces'
                           Grand Cannon No. 2 is destroyed during
                           construction in Australia. Efforts moved
                           to Grand Cannon No. 3 in Brazil.

Dec, 2005                  The giant semi-submersible aircraft
                           carrier Prometheus, CVS-101 (later
                           designated simply as "assault carrier"), is
                           commissioned, for Robotic Technology
                           Mechanism use.

Jan, 2006                  First recorded usage of the words "Robotech
                           Mecha" as an abbreviation of Robotic
                           Technology Mechanism.

Mar, 2006                  Grand Cannon No. 4 planned in the Lunar
                           North Polar Region.

Apr, 2006                  The gigantic assault landing ship
                           Daedalus, SLV-111, is commissioned.

May, 2006                  Outbreak of the Third Battle for Macross
                           Island.

Jun, 2006                  Decision made to develop the MBR-04
                           series of Destroids.

Oct, 2006                  In the Central Russia Administrative
                           Region, the Anti-Unification Army uses
                           tactical nuclear weapons to annihilate
                           St. Petersburg.

Nov, 2006                  Battle for Macross Island ends.

Jan, 2007                  Global Civil War concluded.
                           Training Center for crew of SDF-1
                           established on Macross Island.

Mar, 2007                  The VF-X1, prototype of the variable-combat
                           machines, begins flight testing.

May, 2007                  Stationing of Destroids aboard the SLV-111
                           Daedelus begins.

Jul, 2007                  Grand Cannon No. 5 planned in the Victorian
                           Autonomous Region, Africa.

Sep, 2007                  MBR-04 mk III Destroid Tomahawk enters service.

Oct, 2007                  Testing of the VF-X1's usefulness in space
                           begins.

Jan, 2008                  MBR-07 mk I Destroid Spartan enters service.

Mar, 2008                  Decision made to formally introduce the
                           VF-X1. Mass production of the VF-1 series
                           begins. Variable Fighter series code-named
                           "Valkyries". First recorded usage of the
                           words "Veritech Mecha" as an abbreviation
                           of Variable Technology Mechanism.

May, 2008                  Space Carrier ARMD-1 and ARMD-2
                           commissioned.

Oct, 2008                  ARMD-3 and ARMD-10 commissioned. ARMD-10 is
                           a new design, specialized (unlike the
                           others) for Valkyrie Veritechs.

Feb, 2009                  HWR-00 mk I Destroid Monster enters service.

Mar, 2009                  VF-1 series begins deployment for actual
                           combat. (However, usage is limited to
                           aircraft configuration only, for reasons of
                           internal security.)
                           ARMD-4 and ARMD-5 commissioned.
                           ADR-04 mk X Destroid Defender enters service.

Jun 23-30, 2009            Launching ceremonies for SDF-1 Macross
                           scheduled.

Jun 27, 2009               A Zentraedi fleet, commanded by Breetai,
                           arrives in the solar system.
                           Outbreak of First Robotech War between Earth
                           and the Zentraedi. ARMD-01, -02, -03 and
                           -10, as well as four Ophelia-class Space
                           Destroyers, are destroyed in the initial
                           battle. Macross makes a serious mistake
                           in Fold navigation, sending it, without
                           the Fold System, to Pluto's orbit.

Jul, 2009                  ARMD carrier production resumes.
                           City completed within Macross.

Jul 22, 2009               Macross Transformation.

Aug, 2009                  ARMD-6 commissioned.
                           SDR-04 mk XII Destroid Phalanx enters service.

Sep 14, 2009               Macross engages in the Battle of Saturn's
                           Rings. Daedelus Maneuver first used.

Oct, 2009                  ARMD-7 commissioned.

Jan, 2010                  ARMD-8 commissioned.

Feb 12, 2010               Macross engages in Battle of Mars Base.
                           Mars Base Sara is destroyed during the battle.

Apr, 2010                  Macross shipboard TV station begins
                           broadcasting.

May, 2010                  First Officer Lisa Hayes and several pilots
                           are captured by the Zentraedi and are
                           interrogated by Dolza, the Zentraedi Supreme
                           Commander. At the same time they are
                           rescued, three Zentraedi spies infiltrate
                           the SDF-1.

Jun 12, 2010               Macross returns to Earth. Captain Gloval
                           reports his experiences to the General
                           Staff.

Jun 25, 2010               Khyron launches an unauthorized attack on
                           the SDF-1, sitting in the Pacific Ocean.
                           Rick Hunter is injured by friendly fire.

Jul 8, 2010                Miriya Paarino launches her first attack
                           against the SDF-1, and is beaten by Max
                           Sterling. Roy Fokker is killed in the battle.

Jul 21, 2010               Rick Hunter returns to active duty, now as
                           the SDF-1's Commander Air Group.

Jul 28, 2010               During an attack by Zentraedi starships on
                           the SDF-1 in Earth's atmosphere, Ottowa and
                           much of the surrounding countryside is
                           destroyed when Macross' omnidirectional
                           barrier overloads.
                           Breetai given command of the Imperial Class
                           "Ado" fleet.

Aug 14, 2010               Macross, under orders to sortie away from
                           Earth, once again leaves Earth's
                           atmosphere.
                           Zentraedi spies return to their fleet and
                           report their findings. Zentraedi soldiers
                           begin to be contaminated by culture.

Nov, 2010                  Grand Cannon No. 1 completed in Alaska.

Feb 7, 2011                The film "Zhao Bai Lung" (Small White
                           Dragon) premieres.

Apr 13, 2011               The Zentraedi launch a major assault
                           against the SDF-1, taking advantage of
                           the Daedelus attack. Macross City is
                           badly damaged in the fighting, though
                           the Zentraedi are beaten back.
                           Zentraedi begin seeking refuge aboard
                           Macross.

May 15, 2011               Lisa Hayes returns to Earth in an attempt
                           to convince the United Earth High Command
                           to use the Zentraedi defectors as a
                           starting point for negotiations with the
                           Zentraedi.

May 29, 2011               The interstellar wedding of the Terran
                           Maxmillian Sterling and the Zentraedi
                           Miriya Paarino is broadcast.

Jun 18, 2011               A peace agreement is reached between
                           Macross and Breetai's fleet.
                           Dolza's Grand Fleet arrives in the solar
                           system, leaving the Tirolian Empire
                           virtually undefended. Earth is heavily
                           bombarded from orbit. Dolza's fleet is
                           annihilated through Operation "Lynn
                           Minmei". Surface battle begins.

Jul, 2011                  First Robotech War ends. Atmospheric
                           purification operation executed.

Nov, 2011                  United Earth Government re-established.
                           Education and micronization of Zentraedi
                           begins.

May, 2012                  Reconstruction of New Macross City well
                           underway.
                           Restoration of Nature Project begins.

Jun, 2012                  Construction begins anew on SDF-2, now
                           christened "Megalord," at New Macross,
                           the ship having been transferred from
                           Apollo Lunar Base.
                           First mixed-breed birth, to Max and Miriya
                           Sterling.

Nov, 2012                  UEG appropriates funds for the development
                           of new classes of Veritechs, Destroids and
                           combat spacecraft.

Dec, 2012                  Repairs to Breetai's ship are completed,
                           and it is recommissioned as the flagship
                           of the New United Forces.
                           Percentage of Zentraedi converted to
                           Micronians exceeds 50%.

Aug, 2013                  Rioting by Zentraedi the world over begins
                           occurring. Patrols begin for sake of
                           maintaining public law and order.

Sep, 2013                  Study of plan for project for voyage to
                           Robotech Masters' home-world begins.

Oct, 2013                  Armed resistance by Zentraedi breaks out.
                           Operation to seize Factory Satellite
                           begins.
                           Robotech Masters depart Tirol for Earth.

Nov, 2013                  Factory Satellite arrives at Earth, soon
                           breaking down. Extensive repairs will be
                           needed for even partial function of the
                           facility. Factory Satellite is renamed
                           Space Station Liberty.
                           Zentraedi attack on New Detroit leads to the
                           capture of a sizing chamber.
                           Khyron's group goes into action. The Lynn
                           Minmei hostage operation.

Dec 24, 2013               Khyron captures a Protoculture Generator.

Jan 8, 2014                Battle for New Macross City. SDF-1 and -2
                           are destroyed.
                           Project for pioneer mission to Tirol is
                           made public.

Feb, 2014                  Several Nations declare independence of the
                           UEG.

Mar, 2014                  Zentraedi Control Zone is defined. RDF
                           surrounds the Zone with troops and tries
                           to minimize the Zentraedi threat.
                           Skull squadron liberates Brazilian Grand
                           Cannon.

Feb, 2015                  Army of the Southern Cross is formally
                           established. Construction of the Monument
                           City Southern Cross Headquarters is begun.
                           Chimera-class escorts (CTC) enter service.

Dec, 2014                  Tristar-class light cruisers enter service.

Mar, 2015                  XAF-3 Alpha pilotless prototype completed
                           and tested.

Apr, 2015                  VHT-1 Veritech Hovertank enters service.

May, 2015                  First Tokugawa-class battlecarrier
                           commissioned.
                           Breetai's flagship, the last operational
                           Zentraedi vessel remaining in Terran space,
                           is decommissioned and its parts form the
                           core of the new SDF-3, now being designed
                           at the Robotech Factory Satellite.

Aug, 2015                  Battle-class heavy destroyers (DSS) enter
                           service.

Jan, 2016                  More nations declare independence of UEG.

May, 2016                  SF-6 Vulture space fighter enters service.

May, 2017                  VAF-5A Alpha fighter enters production.

Oct, 2017                  Development of the new Destroids begins.
                           # First Hargun prototype completed.
                           Development delayed due to REF priority.

Aug, 2018                  Command staff of the SDF-3 selected, and
                           the ship's construction is begun.
                           Development of the Logan and Hovertank
                           begins.

Apr, 2019                  ADR-10 mk I Catapult enters service.

Apr, 2021                  MBR-09 mk II Gladiator enters service.

Jul, 2021                  Z1 REF Zentraedi Battle Pod enters
                           service.

Nov, 2021                  Z2 REF Zentraedi Officer's Pod enters
                           service.

Dec, 2021                  MBR-10 mk II Excalibur enters service.

2022-2023                  Troops for REF are selected. Ultimately -
                           including troops, ships' crews, reserves,
                           support and dependents - 210,000 Terrans
                           and 23,000 micronized Zentraedi will make
                           the journey to Tirol.

Mar, 2022                  SDR-10 mk II Shark enters service.

Dec, 2022                  XAF-6 Alpha and XBF-1 Beta docking first
                           tested with mixed success by pilots Max
                           Sterling and Karen Penn. both planes
                           immediately enter production as the VAF-6
                           and VBF-1.
                           Invid invade Tirol, conquering it swiftly.
                           Hunters are wed.
                           SDF-3 departs for Tirol.
                           Southern Cross takes possession of all
                           RDF bases and facilities. Apollo Lunar
                           Base is redesignated Moon Base Luna.
                           The Factory Satellite (aka SS Liberty)
                           folds one final time to the asteroid belt
                           to serve as a hyperspace relay station
                           to the fleet.

2023-2028                  Southern Cross Battloids and AJACS are
                           developed.

Jan, 2023                  REF arrives in the Valivarre system and
                           begins to liberate Tirol from the Invid.

Mar 3, 2023                Scott Bernard born on Tirol.

Jul, 2023                  Tiresia Base is completed and staffed by
                           REF troops. Massive relief effort for the
                           Tirolian citizenry begins.

Jan, 2024                  Sentinels' ship Farrago arrives at Tirol.
                           After heated debate, much of the REF splits
                           off from Tirol and joins the Sentinels.

Mar, 2024                  # MODAT conceived as a next-generation
                           Hargun.

May, 2024                  Logan enters service as the premier Southern
                           Cross light Veritech fighter.

Apr, 2025                  Karbarra is liberated.

Jun, 2025                  # Harguns enter service with the Southern
                           Cross.

Sep, 2025                  Praxian campaign begins.

Jun, 2026                  # MODAT 1 completed. Weapon system
                           enhanced. Hargun system successful and in
                           production at Tokyo facilities, slowing
                           MODAT development.

Dec, 2026                  Praxis liberated. Sentinels proceed to
                           Garuda.

Jan, 2027                  # MODATs 2, 3, 4, and 5 built as variant
                           prototypes.

May, 2027                  # Space Harguns enter service with the
                           Southern Cross' Cosmic Unit.

Nov, 2027                  Garuda is liberated. Many soldiers breathe
                           Garudan air, forcing the Sentinels to delay
                           while the soldiers receive treatment.

Jan, 2028                  Katana-class destroyers enter service with
                           REF.

Jun, 2028                  Sentinels arrive at Haydon IV.

Jan, 2029                  Robotech Masters arrive and attack Moon
                           Base Luna.
                           # One of the Masters' motherships tries to
                           steal the EVE memory core by inserting a
                           clone simulagent of a Southern Cross soldier,
                           B.D. Andrews, who is assigned to the Robotech
                           Research Center in charge of the EVE computer.
                           Todd Harris shot to death by B.D. Andrews'
                           forces, after passing the MODAT 5 to his
                           civilian friend Mark Landry. The simulagent
                           begins transmitting the contents of the
                           computer core to an abandoned Earth satellite,
                           to be intercepted by the Robotech Masters.
                           Mark Landry attempts to expose the Andrews'
                           simulagent with the help of EVE. Threatened
                           by a minister in the Earth Government, the
                           simulagent stages a coup in Japan, only to
                           be killed by Landry.

Mar, 2029                  Anatole Leonard becomes Field Marshall.
                           Southern Cross strengthens its forces,
                           anticipating a new invasion. The previous
                           incident is kept a tight secret, although
                           rumors of the prior attack abound.
                           Haydon IV is liberated. Sentinels proceed
                           to Spheris.

Apr, 2029                  Second Robotech War begins when the Robotech
                           Masters descend en masse on Earth and
                           destroy Earth's satellite network. Contact
                           with Space Station Liberty cut off.

Jun, 2029                  Contact with Space Station Liberty re-
                           established. Message is sent to the REF
                           requesting assistance in defending the
                           homeworld.

Jul, 2029                  A Tirolian system battleship descends to
                           Earth to excavate the ruins of the SDF-1. The
                           ship is discovered by a patrol of the 15th
                           ATAC. After a soldier is taken prisoner by
                           the Masters, the 15th launches an unauthorized
                           rescue attempt, which turns into a full assault
                           when Southern Cross reinforcements arrive.
                           The prisoner is rescued, and the alien ship
                           is driven from the surface.

Aug, 2029                  First Robotech Master flagship is downed by
                           the 15th ATAC.
                           15th ATAC penetrates downed flagship on a
                           recon mission.

Sept, 2029                 Downed Robotech Masters flagship docks with
                           another mothership, and the two lift free of
                           Earth.
                           Zor Prime is captured by the Southern Cross.
                           Carpenter leaves in Tokugawa for Earth.
                           Edwards makes a secret pact with the Regent.
                           MBR-12 Destroid Cougar enters service with
                           the REF.

Oct, 2029                  Tokugawa arrives on Earth and is destroyed,
                           taking a Robotech Master mothership with it.
                           Carpenter warns Leonard that he can expect
                           no more aid from the REF at this time.
                           Spheris is liberated.

Mar, 2030                  Earth launches first major offensive against
                           the Robotech Masters. It is quickly defeated
                           and the survivors are sent to refurbish
                           ALuCE-1 as a fall-back position.

Apr, 2030                  Mission from Earth to relieve ALuCE-1 is
                           ambushed by the Robotech Masters, and escapes
                           with the aid of the returning troops from
                           the moon.
                           Peryton is liberated; its 'curse' broken.
                           Sentinels decide to split up. Wolff, Hayes-
                           Hunter, Exedore and the Sterlings lead a
                           portion of the fleet back to Tirol; the
                           rest proceed to Optera under Richard Hunter.
                           Breetai discovers Edwards' treachery and is
                           ordered arrested by Edwards. Breetai and his
                           Zentraedi loyalists steal the battlecarrier
                           Valivarre and go into hiding.
                           Remaining Sentinels begin Opteran campaign.
                           The Regent arrives secretly on Tirol, and
                           is assassinated by Edwards.
                           Ikazuchi cruisers enter service with REF.

May, 2030                  Emerson's flagship, Tristar, leads expedition
                           to reinforce Moon Base Luna. His fleet is
                           attacked en-route by a Tirolian battleship
                           and several destroyers, but manages to defeat
                           the alien battlegroup and deliver the troops
                           and supplies to the base.
                           Message arrives on Tirol from Space Station
                           Liberty, requesting help from the REF to fight
                           the Masters. The Plenipotentiary Council, at
                           Edwards' and Admiral Hayes-Hunter's urging,
                           orders a relief expedition to be sent as soon
                           as possible. Edwards recruits the ships and
                           troops mostly from the group that has just
                           returned from the Sentinels' expedition on
                           Peryton, keeping his own loyalist troops
                           close-by.
                           Marcus Antonius leaves for Earth, with the
                           3rd Planetary Corps, the 5th REF Air Force
                           and a large flotilla of destroyers and escorts
                           to assist the Southern Cross' defense of Earth.
                           Colonel John Wolff is among the departing
                           troops.
                           Soon after the relief group's departure,
                           Edwards stages a coup on Tirol and holds the
                           Plenipotentiary Council and the General Staff
                           hostage. Breetai returns and attempts a
                           rescue mission, and is fatally wounded in the
                           attempt.

Jul, 2030                  Relief Group arrives at Earth and links up with
                           fleet from Liberty, Earth and the Moon for a
                           massive offensive against the Robotech Masters.
                           15th ATAC is inserted into the Masters'
                           flagship again. Zor Prime rebels against the
                           Masters and destroys the power core of the
                           flagship. The Masters evacuate the vessel
                           before it is destroyed and transfer their flag
                           to another ship.

Aug, 2030                  Robotech Masters launch an all-out offensive
                           against Earth. Emerson is captured. 15th
                           ATAC agrees to a prisoner transfer aboard the
                           flagship. The Robotech Masters break the
                           truce and Emerson is killed in the ensuing
                           fight.
                           Optera is captured.

Aug 8, 2030                Robotech Masters' flagship is destroyed over
                           the ruins of the SDF-1. The Flower of Life
                           grows readily all over Earth. Much of the
                           fighting dies out, but hostilities continue
                           for another year.

Nov, 2030                  The Sentinels and the Opteran Expedition return
                           to Tirol and, thanks to a betrayal by Edwards'
                           most senior aide, Lieutenant General Horace
                           Peckenham, the combined loyalists rout Edwards'
                           forces. Edwards is killed. Peckenham is
                           granted amnesty for turning on Edwards.
                           The Tirolian shipyards are destroyed in the
                           fighting, damaging the ships on the building-
                           ways and leaving the REF without naval
                           construction capacity. The REF enters into
                           negotiation with the Sentinels, especially the
                           Karbarrans, and makes plans to replace the
                           vessels sent to Earth with Wolff with their
                           new battleship, cruiser, and destroyer designs.
                           Plenipotentiary Council and REF are asked by
                           Tirol's citizenry to administrate their world.

Dec, 2030                  Concerned with the depleted state of the
                           Southern Cross forces on Earth, REF commanders
                           from the Relief Group establish six REF bases
                           to defend Earth from a possible Invid invasion.
                           REF Relief Group leaders establish close ties
                           to the formidable Southern Cross presence still
                           on the moon, at Luna and ALuCE-1.

Feb, 2031                  REF Relief Group commanders decide to reestablish
                           Mars Base as well as setting up supply stations
                           throughout the solar system for fall-back
                           procedures.

Mar, 2032                  Cyclone system enters mass production.

Apr, 2033                  Marcus Antonius, loaded with Tirolian refugees and
                           led by the 15th ATAC, folds out of Earth-space
                           for Tirol. The ship is scrapped on Tirol
                           because of damage caused by a malfunctioning
                           fold system.

May 15, 2033               Invid arrive. Moon bases are cut off from Earth.
                           Invid occupation begins.

Sep, 2033                  Invid forces rout last Southern Cross
                           regulars.

Jun, 2034                  Karbarran shipyards are finally retooled and
                           begin to construct warships for the REF.
                           Izumo battleships enter service with the REF.

Mar, 2035                  Fleet construction underway. Galaxy wide mop-
                           up operation against the Regent's remaining
                           outposts commences.

Oct, 2035                  Shadow device is conceived.

May, 2037                  Resistance movement gains much strength in
                           North America, Europe and Australia.

Oct 15, 2039               Driven to desperation because of the failure
                           of the REF to return, a coalition of North
                           American resistance groups and troops from
                           ALuCE-1 launch a joint attack on Reflex Point.
                           Invid succeed in defending the hive and, in
                           subsequent months, resistance in the Americas
                           is completely crushed for the forseeable
                           future.
                           Lancer crashes to Earth and is rescued by
                           Carla from sympathizers.
                           Traditional date for beginning of Third
                           Robotech War.

Feb, 2041                  In preparation for the upcoming missions to
                           Earth, 6000 men and 2000 Veritechs are
                           dispatched to establish an advance attack
                           base in South America, code-named 'Point K'.

Sep, 2041                  Invid troops mass in South America and
                           successfully destroy Point K.

Aug, 2043                  Mars Fleet leaves for Earth.

Sep 14, 2043               Mars Fleet arrives at Earth and is destroyed
                           to the last ship. Survivors join the
                           resistance.

Nov, 2043                  Shadowdrones perfected and added to
                           arsenal. Shadow devices installed on
                           Alphas, Betas and spacecraft.

Jan, 2044                  Colonel Johnathan Wolff dies. Invid
                           attack and destroy Soldiertown soon
                           after.

Apr, 2044                  Invid simulagent, Ariel, is transmutated,
                           and is inserted into Scott Bernard's
                           resistance band near the ruins of Point K.

July, 2044                 Sera and Corg are transmutated.

Feb, 2045                  Scott Bernard's resistance band
                           finds the city of Denver, which
                           has been covered in ice.

July 18, 2045              Final attack on Reflex Point.
                           Invid leave Earth.

As a final note for the curious, the McKinney version of the Robotech Timeline is available via anonymous FTP from remus.rutgers.edu in the directory /pub/anime/misc.

 

2.4: HOW TO SEE THE SERIES

2.4.1: IS ROBOTECH STILL ON TV? WHAT TIME/CHANNEL?

No, Robotech is not on television any longer. It WAS being aired on the Sci-Fi channel, but is no longer being broadcast. There are rumors that Harmony Gold is trying to get it back on the air, either on the Sci-Fi channel or the Cartoon Network. Robotech is not on cable at the moment. HOWEVER, Harmony Gold IS willing to negotiate single station contracts for individual stations that want to show the series. Basically, Robotech is back in syndication. The only difference is that this time the people who want to see it locally are going to have to prod their stations into calling Harmony Gold to negotiate a contract to run the series. Some local stations in America and Australia have already taken advantage of this offer. HG will NOT turn away any serious offer by a TV station. I'm passing this information on because HG feels that syndication will probably be the best way to show Robotech. They are in negotiations AS WELL to air Robotech on a cable network. However the individual syndication contracts are not going to be affected by the impending cable deal. My personal advice is to contact your local station and demand they get Robotech (network affiliation is not a consideration. ANY TV station will do).

 

2.4.2: WHERE CAN I GET ROBOTECH ON VIDEOTAPE?

Robotech videotapes can currently be purchased from FHE and Streamline Pictures. FHE also released an older version that was extremely edited. The new FHE videos contain two episodes per tape and are uncut. The pricing should be around $15 per tape. Streamline is releasing the Robotech Perfect Collection. Each tape contains two episodes of Robotech as well subtitled versions of the original Japanese episodes. Addresses for both companies follow.

        Streamline Pictures
        PO Box 691418
        West Hollywood, CA 90069

The address for FHE (FHE is a division of LIVE Entertainment Inc.)

        LIVE Entertainment Inc,
        15400 Sherman Way
        Van Nuys CA 91406

 

2.4.3: WHERE CAN I GET ROBOTECH ON LASERDISC?

LIVE Entertainment is releasing collections of ROBOTECH episodes on LD. Each disk contains 4 episodes, all uncut and original length. Currently all Macross TV episodes are available and the Southern Cross episodes are currently being released. Presumably LIVE Entertainment will release the New Generation episodes after all Southern Cross episodes are released.

Each disk is $34.95 (manufacturer's recommended price).

LIVE Entertainment is distributing the discs throughout the U.S. to Laserdisc stores, so if you can't find the discs in your local LD shop you can probably have them order them for you.

If you don't live near a LD store, then you can order the discs from a mail- order LD store. Laser Craze in Boston has been advertising the discs like crazy (no pun intended), so they probably have a lot of them. You can contact Laser Craze at the address below:

LASER CRAZE 349 Newbury Street, Boston. Boston, MA 02111

Phone: (800) 888-6086 - Orders Only Phone: (617) 338-9820 - Questions Fax: (617) 338-8098

 

2.5: ROBOTECH TV SERIES QUESTIONS

2.5.1: WHY ARE THERE CONTINUITY PROBLEMS BETWEEN THE THREE SEGMENTS?

Most continuity problems arise in the TV show because the original three series from which the footage was drawn were not intended to be seen together. Carl Macek used three totally unrelated stories, and combined them into one, with the usual time constraints associated with getting a show on the air. The second of the three series, Southern Cross, wasn't even set on Earth in the original Japanese version. An imperfect match was inevitable.

2.5.2: WHAT IS PROTOCULTURE?

It has been proposed that there are as many explanations for Protoculture as there are fans. The best way to answer the question is to examine the facets seen from the various sources.

What does everyone agree upon? Protoculture is a form of energy derived from placing the seeds of the Invid Flower of Life in a matrix that prevents them from dividing. This energy source is completely clean, abundant, and because of this, the Robotech Masters' entire empire depended on it.

What also is agreed upon is that the spores of the Flower of Life (related to the seeds) cause severe hallucinations, and to some extent, precognition and telepathy, usually mediated through obscure symbols.

Protoculture is also somehow involved in genetic engineering technologies of both the Invid and the Robotech Masters, though the details (from the show) are uncertain.

Later writers (especially Jack McKinney) have dramatically expanded on this idea. In McKinney's novels, protoculture has moved from a force that permeates the universe to an intelligence that shapes events in the universe to its own ends. It also is allegedly responsible for a symbiotic relationship between man and mecha, and infusions of it can enhance awareness and intelligence. While some see the roots of these extrapolations in the TV series itself, others hotly dispute this, claiming McKinney went off on his own.

2.5.3: WHERE WAS THE SDF-2 IN EPISODE 36?

In a word, nowhere. There is no SDF-2 in the footage, though there is in the dialogue. In the original Macross TV show, the SDF-2 was to be built on the moon beginning sometime after the series was over (a scaled-up version of the idea for this vessel was seen in Macross: Flashback 2012 as the Megaroad-01; though it is larger than the Macross source material had previously stated). But the SDF-2 is never actually seen in the Robotech footage, as it was not in the footage for the original Macross. There is only one battlefortress to be seen in the lake.

Carl Macek has explained this away by asserting that the vessels were back-to- back, but the first glimpse of this explanation not seen until the Comico adaptation, and has been the standard apologia ever since. The idea was to have three ships to correspond to the three mounds seen in the Southern Cross episodes.


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