Episode Guide
The Robotech Masters
Episode 45: Metal Fire
An analysis of the 15th Squad’s observations supports Command Central’s theory that the Robotech Masters have come to Earth in search of the last known protoculture matrix. A preliminary report on the captured bioroid indicates the bio-mechanical weapons are controlled by programmed androids.
The bioroids cannot be stopped unless the cockpit controls are destroyed. Dana objects. Blasting the cockpit will kill the pilots. Supreme Commander Leonard seems to find this information especially satisfying and announces: "Gentlemen – it seems to me our course is clear.
We must commit ourselves to the destruction of these androids whenever they appear. You don’t believe we could ever come to terms with a group of barbarians like them? Their advanced technology leaves us no choice. Even if we could negotiate, we’d be doing it from a position of weakness, not strength, and that would be fatal. It’s out of the question."
Although Dana suspects Leonard’s orders evolve from fear and prejudice, there is no way she can successfully contradict him. She is concerned that not all the bioroid pilots are mechanical androids but actual living aliens – aliens like her mother. The lieutenant leaves the conference feeling very disturbed.
The Robotech Masters are in a perplexing situation. The secrets of protoculture production have been lost with the passing of their creator, Zor. All attempts to rediscover those secrets through the cloning of Zor have ended in failure. Confrontation is their final alternative.
The true threat to Earth and the protoculture matrix derives from the approach of another alien race, the parasitic Invid.
The Elders are desperate to recapture the matrix before their civilization collapses around them, but too many of their bioroid pilots have been injured in battle to mount an effective attack. The Robotech masters decide to capture human beings to determine if they can be reprogrammed to pilot bioroids.
Next Episode: Star Dust