Dana is thrown into the brig after running afoul of Tactical Armored Space Corps (TASC) officer First Lieutenant Marie Crystal but is released in time for the Southern Cross' first ground-based encounter with the Robotech Masters. The aliens are caught by surprise at the human forces' capabilities. Dana's skills during the battle earns command of the 15th Alpha Tactical Armored Corps (ATAC) after its commanding officer, Captain Sean Phillips, is demoted to private second-class for flirting with a colonel's daughter. Dana is intrigued by visions of a red Bioroid and its pilot.