The freedom fighters find themselves high in the Rocky Mountains with Invid in close pursuit. They can't use their Robotech mecha for fear of detection by squads too numerous to withstand. As they make their way across the ice-covered pass, Rand's scanners pick up a heat source beneath the snow.
Further investigation reveals a subterranean city enclosed within the Earth. The rebels locate an entrance and make their way to the street level. While Lunk and Lancer overhaul the mecha, the rest of the team go in search of food and supplies. They are quickly carried away with the fun of exploring the abandoned city. The stores are well stocked with food and clothing. Annie introduces Marlene to her favorite food – peppermint chocolate. Rand discovers Vienna sausages, but spoilsport Scott interrupts the festivities: "I want to load these supplies and get out of here. You may have forgotten, but there's a war going on."
"Give it a rest, Scott," Rand urges. "I mean, I know you were born in space and this place might not be very important to you –"
"But we were born right her eon Earth," Annie breaks in. "Leaving this place now would be like turning our backs on our historical heritage."
Looking down at Annie's chocolate-smeared face, Scott knows the last thing on girl's mind is the desire to study old Earth civilization. However, Scott relents and decides to relax himself as he strolls away with Marlene.
The lieutenant has come to enjoy Marlene's company. She reminds him of his fiancée in many ways. They enjoy shopping in the deserted mall and each other's company. It is the first time Scott has felt at ease since he landed on the planet. Meanwhile, at the arcade, the magnitude and the loneliness of the place begins to wear on Rook Bartley. The deserted city reminds her of all Earth has lost. The gigantic city calls out for people who will never return so, when the Invid attack again, Rook is more than willing to leave. Marlene is almost overcome by the psychic trauma she experienced whenever the aliens are nearby. Scott helps her to safety.
The assault is led by Prince Corg. He has not been affected by any human emotion save lust for victory. The joy of battle stimulates him into taking unnecessary chances, and Rand is able to shoot him down. The rebels have no choice but to use their mecha to escape. Behind them, the city bursts in to a tower of flame. Lunk has rigged the main generator to feed back on itself. The mile-high city blows a mile high.
Lancer stares at the flames. "If it wasn't a ghost town before, it certainly is now."
"But those were come fireworks, huh?"
"Golly gee, Miss Rook, I'm sure glad we were able to provide you with some excitement today," Rand teases.
Scott ignores the friendly bickering. "How did Marlene know the Invid were coming?" he wonders. "And why didn't that one warrior fire at us when he had us both in his sights? It was almost as if he recognized her somehow...as if...Marlene was one of them!"
Experience this episode at home! Now available through the Robotech.com Store:
- DVD Video: Robotech DVD Vol.13: Genesis (also part of DVD Box Set 7 and The Protoculture Collection)
- Toys: Cyclones and Alpha Fighters
- Collectibles: Mars Base patches and keychains
Rook sees a city hidden in a glass dome under the mountain
Everyone goes shopping for supplies...
... and some souvenirs
Scott and Marlene begin to acknowledge their feelings for each other