It has been 35 years since Lynn Minmay brokered peace between the Zentradi and humans in Macross. Nekki Basara resides in a less-developed region of City 7, a flying colony seeking a new home. As the lead singer and guitarist of Fire Bomber, Basara utilizes his belief in the transformative power of music to compose and perform soulful tunes. While traversing the galaxy, City 7 encounters an enigmatic alien race, which promptly attacks with unconventional means. Instead of seeking destruction, the aggressors extract "spiritia" from their targets, rendering them passive and unresponsive. Throughout the skirmish, Basara courts danger by braving the frontlines to serenade both friend and foe in a bid to move survivors with his compelling melodies.