Lisa Hayes (full name Elizabeth Hayes, later Lisa Hayes-Hunter) was the first officer of the SDF-1, serving under captain Henry Gloval and with fellow bridge officers, Claudia Grant, Kim Young, Sammie Porter and Vanessa Leeds during the First Robotech War. She later became an admiral in the Robotech Expeditionary Force.
Lisa also became highly proficient at coordinating flight activity with the newly-created Veritech fighters, which would become the backbone of the new Robotech Defense Force.
History[]
Early Life[]
Lisa came from a long line of military officers that dates back to more than a century. She was the daughter and only child of the Admiral Donald Hayes, a top-ranking admiral in the Robotech Defense Force and leading figure in the development of Robotechnology and the Grand Cannon.
Having lost her mother at an early age, she was raised by a loving but hard-driving father. Admiral Hayes' important duties during and after the Global War often forced long separations. She also owned a pet cat and kept a photo of it.
At some point in her early life, she was engaged to a young man named Karl Riber, who left for Mars Base Sara and perished there.
Military Academy[]
Lisa graduated at the top of her class at military school and later at the Robotech Academy. While she excelled in all areas of academics and training, she stayed at a distance from most fellow Cadets and formed few if any close relationships.
First Robotech War[]
On February, 2009, the day the SDF-1 was due to launch, she arrived on the bridge. She and the rest of the bridge crew were wondering where Captain Henry Gloval was, Claudia suggested he had been out but she replied that Claudia and Roy Fokker had done the same. The bridge crew began to engage in banter regarding her lack of the love life because of her high sense of duty. Claudia then pointed out to her that her screens had picked something up, the pilot identified himself as Rick Hunter, whom she looked up to be a guest of Lieutenant Commander Fokker. She ordered him to proceed along heading course 57 and he acknowledged. When Claudia saw the battlefortress original systems were all powering themselves up and switching over to firing mode. She told Claudia to shut down all systems but the SDF-1 continued to power up its main cannon despite Claudia's efforts.
After Sammie reported a space-monitor code to Captain Gloval, Lisa explains that when the cannon fired, it destroyed 2 crafts in lunar orbit 2,000 miles from above their position and that they were struck dead scented by the beam and were eradicated. Captain Gloval laughed heavily as his suspicion that the aliens that crashed the ship installed a "Boobytrap" had been confirmed. After Breetai disabled Armor-10, Armor-2, and the craft inside them, including EVRP-1 Spider Bug and a VF-1S Valkyrie, Lisa informed Captain Gloval of a message from Armor-10 stating they were sustaining minor damage, that Armor-2 was out of commission and that the enemy fleet, were heading on a direct course for the SDF-1. Captain Gloval commented that he had hoped this moment would have come in his life time to faced initiate again by encounter an alien species whose powers beyond imagination after finally achieved peace on the planet.
Lisa questions rick why he hasn't taken off into battle. (Macross Saga: "Boobytrap")
Captain Gloval, via Lisa, then ordered all fighters to scramble. Rick was sleeping in a VF-1D Valkyrie called "VT-102". Lisa appeared on his screen, wondering why he hadn't taken off from the Display Grounds. The puzzled Rick tried to leave, but personnel fitted VT-102 with a gunpod, preparing him for launch, despite the mess the runaway was in. When Rick was unconscious with VT-102 spinning towards the ground. Lisa hailed him and ordered him to veer off immediately because he was about to collide with the SDF-1. He explained to her that it was no good as the rudders and spoilers were acting crazy and nothing else was responding. She told him to change to configuration B (Battroid mode) but Rick had no idea what "B" meant. So Lisa told him to pull the B-switch on the left of his console and engage ACS. Rick was then able to land VT-102 on Macross City.[1]
After Captain Gloval realized that the first wave was just a decoy, he asked Lisa if Fokker's squadron could come back to guard the SDF-1. She replied that Fokker couldn't as he was still fighting off the first wave and couldn't break away yet. Vanessa reported that the unidentified targets had splashed down in the sea 25 miles west of them, so Gloval gave orders to call the Prometheus to send some patrol helicopters. Luckily, Lisa had already done that, Captain Gloval replied "Mind Reader". Five minutes later, "Sea Sergeant" recon helicopters flew over the target area report no sign of the enemy craft. Helicopter PHP-202 and another helicopter patrol the bay harbor, and she told the pilot of PHP-202 to be careful. Several Regult Battle Pods, arise from the waters. and begin firing on the helicopters with their electron beam guns. The pilot of the second helicopter tries to turn back but he's killed, the pilot of PHP-202 fires the two outermost Self-Propelled Torpedoes on the wings of PHP-202 at the Regult Battle Pods but he too is unfortunately killed. On the bridge of the SDF-1, First Lieutenant Hayes informs Captain Gloval that their recon group has been shot down. The aliens soon begin their assault, and overrun the city's meager defenses. Civilians are evacuated into their designated shelters, including Lynn Minmei and her family. Hayes orders all squadrons to engage the enemy as the battlefortress begins its ascent.[2]
Later on, Roy informs Lisa that he has to return to the island to retrieve something he left behind, and that Captain Kramer will take command of the squadron until he gets back. Lisa questions why he’s going back, and Roy explains that he’s returning for VT-102 and its pilot. Lisa insists the pilot is probably an imposter, as there's no record of such a person. Roy then reveals that the pilot, Rick, is actually a civilian—much to the shock of Lisa and the Bridge Bunnies.
Shortly after, Lisa orders all Veritech fighters to return to the carrier bay. Captain Gloval asks Lisa if all the pilots have boarded the battlefortress. She replies that all fighters are aboard, except for Commander Fokker and VT-102. Gloval tells her not to worry and heads over to Vanessa, asking her to display the exact positions of Armor-1 and Armor-10 on the monitor screen. Vanessa reports that both Armor-10 and Armor-1 are approaching and will make contact within half an hour. Gloval then asks Claudia if there’s any intel on the enemy craft, to which she responds that everything is clear. However, Lisa expresses suspicion about why the Zentraedi haven’t used their full firepower. Captain Gloval shares her concerns, suspecting that the Zentraedi are merely toying with them.
Soon after, Lisa sees the final Veritech returning to the ship and asks Fokker if he found Rick. Roy replies that Rick got sidetracked trying to help a lady, so he had to rescue her too. Lisa realizes Rick is the same civilian pilot she had picked up earlier and remarks that, surprisingly, he managed to fly the Veritech despite being untrained. She's visibly annoyed when Rick, unaware of her identity, asks Roy, “Who’s the old sourpuss?” prompting laughter from the rest of the Bridge crew, including Captain Gloval. Lisa composes herself and orders Roy to transport the shaken Rick and Minmei across the ship to Bay-504, which he acknowledges.
Later, the Armor carriers prepare to rendezvous and dock with the larger ship but are prevented by a massive bombardment from the Zentraedi fleet. Vanessa identifies the source of the attack as the same location as before. Captain Gloval then instructs Claudia to make it appear as though the SDF-1 is returning to the island, but to initiate a spacefold jump as soon as they arrive. Eventually, a miscalculation sends the entire ship and much of the island on the other side of the solar system.
Following the desperate spacefold maneuver to avoid annihilation, the SDF-1 reappears—not near the Moon as intended, but all the way out in Pluto’s orbit. The fold system disappears in the process, and the crew faces the grim realization that they are completely cut off from Earth.[3]
On the bridge, first officer Lisa Hayes immediately takes charge alongside Captain Gloval as the situation turns chaotic. With communication to Earth and their original escort vessels—the Prometheus and the Daedalus—cut off, Lisa attempts to re-establish contact but fails. Gloval reminds her that these ships were not meant for space travel, but they must adapt. He orders Lisa to organize the work crews to begin towing both carriers toward the SDF-1. The plan is to physically dock them where the Armor-1 and Armor-10 platforms were lost during the fold.
Meanwhile, Lisa continues to monitor operations while keeping an eye on the city’s civilian refugees now trapped aboard the ship. She expresses concern for their safety and tries to maintain communication with the different sectors of the SDF-1, coordinating with Claudia Grant, Vanessa Leeds, Kim Young, and Sammie Porter. The influx of over 70,000 civilians strains the ship's infrastructure and complicates military operations. (Macross Saga: "The Long Wait")
Two weeks after the rescue of the young pilot Rick Hunter and Lynn Minmei—who had been trapped deep within the ship—the SDF-1 continues its long journey back to Earth. While the civilians onboard begin to rebuild their lives in the relocated city nestled within the giant battlefortress. Lisa keeps her focus on military duties. Despite the calm, she remains wary. Her caution proves justified when Vanessa Leeds detects a massive spacefold signature—unidentified objects closing in rapidly from starboard. Lisa quickly confirms the incoming forces' hostile nature and issues a ship-wide battle alert. Over the comms, she orders all Veritechs squadrons to scramble, signaling to both military personnel and civilians that this is no drill.
Meanwhile, onboard the Zentraedi flagship, Breetai and his advisor Exedore monitor the SDF-1’s movements. They are puzzled by the humans’ lack of main cannon usage. Exedore, analyzing the situation, suggests testing the enemy further. Breetai consents and orders a limited assault—not to destroy, but to provoke.
When the SDF-1 comes under direct attack—suffering heavy structural damage, Captain Gloval faces the hard reality of activating the transformation sequence to reroute the main gun's energy conduit—severed during the initial fold. Though he hesitates due to the catastrophic impact it could have on the civilian city inside the ship, the increasing pressure from the Zentraedi assault leaves no choice. The transformation is chaotic, endangering civilians like Minmei and Rick as the entire ship reshapes into its combat form. When the transformation is completed and the main cannon is fired, vaporizing a wave of Zentraedi ships. On their ship, Breetai and Exedore are visibly shaken by the display of raw power. Lisa and the bridge crew breathes a momentary sigh of relief.
In the aftermath, a follow-up message were broadcasts to the ship’s population, acknowledging the damage and offering guidance for recovery and property loss. Unbeknownst to Lisa, Rick, inspired by the Veritech pilots, decides to step into the war and protect the civilians—including Minmei. (Macross Saga: "Transformation")
Saturn[]
Two months after the SDF-1's unplanned spacefold to Pluto, the crew continues their journey home to Earth. Rick Hunter, now a new recruit, is on his first leave. While shopping with Lynn Minmei, Rick accidentally causes an awkward moment when he bumps into Lisa, Sammie, and Kim in a lingerie store. Later, Commander Fokker tells Rick he’s officially part of the Robotech Defense Force. On the street, they run into Lisa, Kim, Vanessa, and Sammie. Sammie teases Rick, calling him “Mr. Lingerie,” and Lisa asks Commander Fokker if Rick is the so-called "brilliant new pilot” he took under his wing. Rick salutes and declares his name as does first officer Hayse. She suddenly remembers him as the civilian who piloted the VF-1D whereas Hunter remembers her as the “old sourpuss." They exchange a brief, awkward greeting.
Later, back on the bridge. Lisa reports that their ECM is active, preventing the Zentraedi from tracking them. Captain Gloval orders a Blitzkrieg maneuver to avoid being trapped when they leave Saturn. Lisa helps coordinate preparations for the attack while Dr. Lang reports that the Pinpoint Barrier System is now operational, providing extra protection for the SDF-1 during the mission. As the battle begins, Rick joins the mission and performs his first combat duty. Lisa creates a strategy known as the Daedalus Maneuver, which, combined with the Pinpoint Barrier, successfully leads to the defeat of the Zentraedi Destroyer. (Macross Saga: "Blitzkrieg")
Mars[]
Three days later, the enemy has been attacking cautiously but persistently. Vanessa reports enemy ships approaching from three o’clock. Captain Gloval orders Claudia to reset the main gun. Lisa directs the Skull squadrons to attack the enemy at Coronasis, five o’clock relative position. During the battle, two Veritechs are destroyed near Rick, who fears he might be next. Vanessa then informs Captain Gloval that the enemy is retreating. Gloval says they have enough for one day. Lisa orders all fighters to stop and return to the ship. Claudia notes the cautious nature of the enemy’s attacks over the past three days. Kim adds that each attack pushes them further away from Earth.
Later, Kim detects a large incoming force but is unsure where it is coming from. Vanessa confirms it is coming from six degrees on their current course — Sara Base on Mars. Lisa is shocked and asks if Vanessa is sure. Vanessa confirms the reading is accurate. Captain Gloval explains Sara Base was thought to be deserted and wiped out. Lisa asks if there could be survivors, but Gloval doubts it. Claudia asks if they have time to investigate, and Gloval agrees, hoping to find supplies. He orders the ship to change course to Mars.
When the SDF-1 arrives at Mars orbit, Lisa is haunted by memories of her fiancé Karl Riber, who was last assigned to Sara Base. Determined to see for herself, she gets permission from Captain Gloval to leave the ship and inspect the base, accompanied by the Veritech pilots and supported by Claudia and Vanessa on the bridge. While Lisa explores the ruins and the crew gathers supplies, Khyron’s forces lie in wait, having set Gravity Mines to prevent the SDF-1 from taking off. When one of Khyron’s soldiers prematurely attacks, the Recon plane detect the shot and warn Captain Gloval of the ambush. Trapped by the Gravity Mines, Gloval orders Lisa to find and overdrive the Reflex Furnace controls to destroy the mines and the base. She found Riber’s room and wished to stay there, but Rick Hunter bravely rescued her just before the furnace exploded, freeing the trapped battlefortress. Despite her despair and desire to die there, Rick showed leadership and courage in the Battle of Mars. Lisa endure the emotional loss of Karl and face the harsh realities of war, while Khyron suffered his first defeat but remained relentless. (Macross Saga: "Bye-Bye Mars")
While the SDF-1 remains trapped in orbit around Mars and endures constant Zentraedi attacks pushing the battlefortress to its limits, Lisa Hayes serves on the bridge as the ship operates on auxiliary power with its main engines damaged. Later, Lisa receives notice of Rick Hunter’s promotion and is shocked to learn he has been made a squadron leader. When she questions the decision, Claudia jokingly explains that Rick earned the promotion after rescuing a “damsel in distress” during the Battle of Mars. Realizing she was responsible for recommending him, Lisa irritably comments that she has promoted an incompetent officer.
As Khyron defies Breetai’s orders and intensifies his assault on the battlefortress, Lisa helps coordinate the defense of the SDF-1. The renewed attack interrupts Minmei’s birthday celebration and forces Rick and his squad back into combat. Despite heavy pressure on the ship, Breetai ultimately intervenes, ordering Khyron’s forces to withdraw and allowing the SDF-1 to survive the battle. (Macross Saga: "Sweet Sixteen")
As the citizens of Macross City hold the Miss Macross beauty contest to boost morale. During the Miss Macross beauty contest broadcast aboard the SDF-1, Lisa Hayes remains on duty on the bridge with Claudia and Vanessa, and the rest of the crew. The Zentraedi detect the broadcast and send a reconnaissance team, which Lisa helps to intercept by sending Rick Hunter on patrol. When the Vermillion Squadron does not report at their assigned position, Lisa grows concerned about the approaching enemy.
Lisa and Claudia watching the Miss Macross Competition. (Macross Saga: "Miss Macross")
Rick contacts the bridge during the broadcast and is ordered to report to his Battloid immediately. Lisa reminds him that the new armor Battloids are reserved for special assignments, and he should be flying a Ghost Gort. Despite brief interference in communications, Rick successfully destroys the enemy ship.
The crew returns to watching the contest as Lynn Minmei is crowned Miss Macross. Lisa notices Rick is delayed returning from patrol, and Claudia jokes he may be distracted by the contest, but Lisa doubts this. (Macross Saga: "Miss Macross")
Section Incomplete
She and Vermillion Squadron were once captured by the Zentraedi, but escaped with valuable intelligence.
After the SDF-1 was banished from Earth following the Ontario Quadrant incident, she returned to Alaska Base to try to reason with her father about peace with the aliens. She was at her post when the Rain of Death happened. She was rescued by Rick Hunter, who she had fallen in love with.
Two years later, she was contemplating leaving the military when Gloval made her captain of the SDF-2. Although it was destroyed in the Battle of New Macross City, she and Hunter vowed to head to the stars.
The Pioneer Expedition[]
Lisa as Admiral
In December of 2022, Lisa, now 37 and an admiral of the fleet, took command of the SDF-3, flagship of the Robotech Expeditionary Force (REF) to which was about to depart after eight years under construction. The mission's primary goal was to find the Robotech Masters and forge peace in order to prevent another catastrophic war on Earth.
Rick and Lisa are married. (Robotech II: The Sentinels)
On the day before the SDF-3 launch, Lisa and Rick were finally married in a huge wedding ceremony attended by all of their friends on board the Robotech Factory Satellite. Lisa's one time rival for Rick's affections, Lynn Minmei, made peace with the officer and volunteered to sing at her wedding. Dana Sterling, aged 10, served as a flower girl and Bowie Grant, Claudia Grant's nephew, served as the ring bearer. A micronized Breetai, the former ruthless Zentraedi warlord turned ally, gave away the bride, while Max Sterling was the best man.
Lisa during her later days as a leader. (Robotech: Prelude to the Shadow Chronicles 1: The Enemy Within)
Although they hoped the mission will be over quickly, events kept the SDF-3 away from Earth for the next 22 years.
The REF Civil War & Third Robotech War[]
At the beginning of the REF Civil War, she was finally pregnant with Rick's child. Unfortunately, she was critically injured by T.R Edwards forces in the SDF-3, causing her to miscarry the baby. A year after Edwards's defeat, she was left confined to a wheelchair aboard the SDF-3, and gave up the Admiral position to Rick, declaring that "one admiral Hunter is plenty".
Fourth Robotech War[]
Joining Rick aboard the SDF-3 as they test-fired the Neutron-S Missiles, they both realized simultaneously that something was terribly wrong, and soon they were left adrift by the detonation of the superweapon. The ship was attacked by the Haydonites and they were left stranded once again when the Icarus was forced into a fold without the ship.
Gallery & Concept Art[]
Appearances[]
- Robotech: The Macross Saga (first)
- Robotech II: The Sentinels
- Robotech: From the Stars
- Robotech: Prelude to the Shadow Chronicles
- Mars Base One
- Robotech/Voltron
Secondary continuity[]
- Robotech: Academy Blues
- Robotech: Covert Ops
- Robotech: Battlecry
- Robotech II: The Sentinels (comic series)
Sources[]
- Robotech II: The Sentinels: The Illustrated Handbook 1
Roboverse bio on Robotech.com - Robotech Sourcebook
- Robotech: The Macross Saga Sourcebook
- Robotech: The Art of the Shadow Chronicles
- Robotech Visual Archive: The Macross Saga
- Robotech: A Macross Saga Role Playing Game
- Robotech: The Macross Saga The Roleplaying Game
References[]
- ↑ (Macross Saga: "Bobby Trap")
- ↑ (Macross Saga: "Countdown")
- ↑ (Macross Saga: "Space Fold")
 For the Macross equivalent, visit Misa Hayase. |