Ten years after a mysterious alien ship lands on Earth and is rebuilt with its technology adapted, the alien warrior servants of the ship's owners arrive to retrieve it.
On Minmei's birthday, the newly decorated and promoted Rick Hunter finds himself too occupied adjusting to his new squadron under his command to celebrate it with her.
Rick is ordered to go on patrol, but can't resist watching Minmei in a beauty contest only to find a Zentraedi scout crew who are completely flummoxed by the spectacle themselves.
Upon hearing Lt. Hayes' report, Capt. Gloval decides the ship must return to Earth, while Zentraedi spies are having difficulty infiltrating Macross' incomprehensible civilian society,
With the SDF-1 on Earth, Rick and Minmei and Capt. Gloval and Lt. Hayes go out for separate appointments, only to have less than positive results upon arrival.
After the disaster in Ontario, the SDF-1 is ordered to launch into space as a practical exile. The three Zentraedi spies return and report, sparking curiosity about Micronian mores and music, Minmei in particular.
The grand fleet of the Zentraedi bombard Earth and devastate it while the crew of the SDF-1 and its Zentraedi dissenter allies prepare their retaliation.
In some faraway spot in the galaxy, the Robotech Masters find indication of a giant battle that has taken place in the vicinity of the Earth. They feel this might be the location of their lost protoculture factory.
Finding Lisa depressed at Rick's disinterest in her, Claudia puts her feelings into perspective by telling the story of her relationship with Roy Fokker.
Minmei tries to become part of Rick Hunter's life again after returning from her tour of the frontier. It is a situation complicated by Rick's growing concern for Lisa and his final realization of his duty as a soldier.