Yes, this is a lets-throw-as-much-together-as-we-can universe. But I think it works.

Many years before Zor...

The Tirolean race is already flourishing and prospers. Counter to the current theology of the Robotech Masters, the Tirolean race works heavily in the fields of mechanics and cybernetics. (This of course forms the basis for their later experiments in bio-mechanics) During this time, the Mechanoids are developed and put into production. They serve the Tirol Empire well for many years.

Enter Zor. His work in biomechanics and his subsequent discovery of protoculture ushers in a new era for the Tirol Empire. Excited by the new possibilities offered by the flower of life, many scientists begin studying this new field and its possibilities. As secrets are slowly unlocked, more and more scientists flock to its research, and new levels of biomechanics as well as genetics are attained.

As this technology is discovered the "beauty" of protoculture alters societies views. The Mechanoids slowly become abhorrent to the Tirol people. This is acutely apparent in the scientific community which becomes faction- alised into two groups: the Marduk (and their cybernetic/mechanics) and the Triumvirates (today's Robotech Masters). The neutral scientists begin to join the triumvirate in larger and larger numbers.

Problems begin to occur in the Mechanoid Forces, as some become a bit psychotic. The triumvirates openly question the mechanoids' use and the Marduk ideals. The Marduk refuse to relinquish their ideals. This sets the stage for an upcoming confrontation.

The whole issue comes to a head when several mechanoids (either ordered by the Marduk or on their own, it is not known) attack and pilfer a Triumvirate research centre, touching off a brief civil war. Whether by choice or necessity (they were outnumbered) the Marduk and their forces flee into exile.

The Triumvirates, now feeling fully confident in their abilities, begin to dream of something greater. A small group gain control over the governing council and begin to plot sector dominance and control. Thus began the enslavement of many worlds and the defoliation of Optera.

Zor is horrified by this act and sends the SDF-1 to earth... and is killed.

This all leads to the events in the Macross/Southern Cross/"Sentinels"/Invid Invasion Saga. (NOTE: The Sentinels 'series' occurs differently than portrayed in the novels, etc. Suffice to say, it turned out the same. The races involved are also different, see here) Scott Bernard, Dr Louie Nichols and others work to find the SDF-3. After a long search, the battlefortress re-appears and the events of its disappearance becomes known. The SDF-3, after a misfold, encountered the Regis after she left earth. A small battle ensues, but both sides are weak and a 'dialogue' occurs between the Regis and the SDF-3 command. Against all odds, a peace accord is reached (more of a mutual understanding). The Regis returns the SDF-3 to Optera (much to Scott etc's surprise).

Over the following years, REM, Dr Lang and Dr Nichols help the Regis re- foliate and repopulate Optera, returning life to the world. During this time, an Alliance is formed among all known races. The Invid remain silent partners, but allow protoculture to be cultivated and used.

A massive de-mobilization of the RDF occurs, the Alliance secure in its stability. REM disappears and never heard from again. The Alliance builds, colonizing new planets. An era known as the Golden Decades passes, allowing civil research to catch up.

The sudden return of the Marduk and their Mechanoid forces shatters the peace. After subjugating and eliminating races from their exiled quadrant, they have returned to claim what is theirs. The 4th Robotech war begins.

The Alliance is beaten to a pulp... literally. Weak after years of comfortable living, they are quickly reduced to a small cluster of homeworlds. Somehow a standoff occurs which lasts for several years, the Alliance clinging to their small cluster of free worlds, while slavery is imposed on all captured Alliance worlds. The Alliance desperately tries to rebuild.

Unexpectedly, the Regis pledges her support and new Invid mecha swell the Alliance ranks (see Third Invid War). The counterattack begins and lasts a gruelling 4 years. The Marduk are finally defeated in a climactic battle over Tirol. Rebuilding begins once more.

A quasi-military Explorer Corps formed for exploration and expansion purposes (as well as a preventatory measure by those that be against another demobilisation). While the corps/military not expanded in size, new technology is introduced as quickly as possible.

20 years later First Contact is made with the Commonwealth and, soon thereafter, the TOG forces. The 1st Galactic War commences.

The Military Technology
The RDF forces of the alliance is still very similar to the RDF of old, with its destroid corps and the veritech squadrons. Due to the history (Demobilisations, Desperation) new versions of the old trusted VF-1 series (super capable) can still be found, though in smaller numbers. New versions of the Alpha and Beta also abound. A completely new veritech hovertank, as well as the VF-2 series are the newest entrants to the RDF, and form a good bulk of the forces. Destroid wise, the lighter experimentation of the REF forces was found to be a disaster, and hence a return to heavier designs. Most of the original series exists in new forms (Exalibur, Raidar X) with a quad design for the MAC, and a new design replacing the Gladiator. Power- armour troops are the norm for infantry.

There also exists Homeguard forces for each of the races, and they have their own equipment including ships, interceptors, mecha, etc.

The new Invid are using the designs from the Third Invid War.

The TOG Military actually consists of three forces: The Civil Defence Force, the Navy and the Legions. (The CDF is basically the "Coalition" mecha from the Rifts universe, to give the TOG a somewhat anime-ish edge to them. The CDF is lightly armed (by comparison) and is used for pacification and to keep the slaves in line.)

The Commonwealth/RenLeg forces are... the Commonwealth/Renleg forces.

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