Birthday Blues

Soaring in one of the alpha fighters high above Earth with Rand and Marlene, Annie is more excited than usual: "Yahoo! What a bee-yoo-ti-ful day! Do you know what day it is? Do you? I bet you don't! It's my birthday!"

"If you don't stop screaming in my ear, it'll be the last birthday you ever celebrate," Rand promises.

Rook buzzes across their flight path to advise that they're about to fly in to an Invid hive. The freedom fighters investigate the activity from the air. It looks as if the aliens are expecting them. The small band makes its way cautiously around the outskirts of the hive with their mecha cruising at the lowest possible speed in the hope alien sensors won't pick up the vibrations.

"Count your blessings, Mint," Rand advises. "We're lucky to still be alive."

Rand tries to console his young friend as they land. The group takes cover I an abandoned village. As night falls, Annie and Marlene sit together, waiting for the others to return. "I guess birthdays are very special days," Marlene says. "I wish I could remember if I ever had one."

"You've had one," Annie tells her. "I don't think there's a way around that."

"Do they make you happy?"

"It's hard to be happy when every single one of your birthdays was a disaster. I remember my mother and father going away and leaving me to celebrate alone. I don't know how many times I prayed that just once I could have a real birthday party with friends and family just like everybody else. I don't think there's anything worse than being alone on your birthday. Thank goodness the day will be over soon."

Lancer, Rand, Rook, Lunk, and Scott complete a protoculture-baited trap. Rand is sent to retrieve Marlene and Annie. He takes them into the darkened village to a house where the rest of the crew waits for them.

Annie's special dream comes true. Her friends have prepared a surprise birthday party. She is delighted, but soon uninvited guests invade the party. A patrol of Invid troopers led by Corg converge on the house – only to fall into the freedom fighters' trap. The shock troopers don't know what to make of Lunk's Roman candle-enhanced explosives. They retreat into the night. In the village safe-house, the resistance fighters enjoy the fireworks.

Although the evening provided just a brief moment of fun in the never-ending Robotech war, it is a time that will be remembered by all of the young people who lived through it. By fulfilling the dreams of one little girl, they have unconsciously answered a need felt by all. On this night, they are more than just a band of freedom fighters. They have become a real family.

Experience this episode at home! Now available through the Robotech.com Store:

- DVD Video: Robotech DVD Vol.14: Hollow Victory (also part of DVD Box Set 7 and The Protoculture Collection)

- Toys: Cyclones and Alpha Fighters

- Collectibles: Mars Base patches and keychains