Lisa Hayes, born Elizabeth Hayes in 1985, belonged to a family boasting over a century of military service. Her father, Admiral Donald Hayes, held a key position in the Robotech Defense Force, instrumental in developing Robotechnology and the Grand Cannon. Raised by her strict, demanding father after her mother's early death, frequent absences due to his duties forged her disciplined, duty-bound character. Childhood ownership of a pet cat hinted at a private sentimental streak. Her engagement to Karl Riber ended tragically when he perished during the Mars Base Sara disaster, leaving a deep emotional scar. She graduated at the top of her class from military school and the Robotech Academy. Despite her academic excellence, she maintained emotional distance, forming few close bonds during her cadet years, reinforcing her career focus over personal ties. Assigned as First Officer aboard the SDF-1 under Captain Henry Gloval, Lieutenant Commander Hayes managed flight control, communications, and defense coordination. Her critical duties included directing Veritech fighter squadrons throughout the First Robotech War. She served alongside bridge officers Claudia Grant, Kim Young, Sammie Porter, and Vanessa Leeds. During the SDF-1's February 2009 launch, her quick thinking guided untrained civilian pilot Rick Hunter to activate his Valkyrie's Battroid mode, preventing a collision. Later, she coordinated emergency responses during the ship's accidental spacefold jump to Pluto’s orbit, managing communication blackouts and civilian evacuations amid chaos. Her initial interactions with Rick Hunter were contentious; he dismissively called her "old sourpuss" after their first meeting, drawing laughter from the crew. Their relationship evolved from professional friction to mutual respect and a tumultuous romance, complicated by Rick's initial pursuit of pop star Lynn Minmei. Captured by Zentraedi forces, Lisa commanded Rick to kiss her as a demonstration of human intimacy, confusing their captors and aiding their escape. Despite setbacks like Rick's wavering affections and Lisa's temporary resignation attempt over heartbreak, shared trauma solidified their bond. Rick ultimately recognized Lisa's depth of understanding and commitment, choosing her over Minmei. Following the First Robotech War, Hayes rose to full commander and later captain. She aided Earth's reconstruction and married Rick Hunter. Together, they investigated alien technology, including examining a mysterious pod at Alaska Base. Eventually attaining the rank of admiral in the Robotech Expeditionary Force, she commanded the SDF-3. In this role, she collaborated with former Zentraedi allies Breetai and Exedore to confront threats like the Robotech Masters and the Invid, undertaking deep-space expeditions including a mission to the Robotech Masters' homeworld. Her leadership blended pragmatism tempered by compassion. She balanced military rigor with concern for civilian welfare, evident during the SDF-1’s refugee crisis. Beneath a reserved exterior, she privately grappled with romantic insecurities yet refused to compromise her principles. Her growth involved embracing vulnerability while upholding core integrity, finding fulfillment in both command and marriage.