Robot 101 is essential curriculum - Let's Play Super Robot Wars L

[Mattman324]

As has been brought up, AI Ishigami is an invention of the show, as Ishigami doesn’t die in the manga until much later at least. He tends to “glitch” whenever people bring up inconvenient things. It’s actually an interesting concept, because the show only ever hints at how accurate the AI is… but being the Linebarrels anime it’s handled really shittily.

The whole “Idol festival” is mostly taken from Gaiking LoDM, and is a part of the contributing factor to the worst two episodes of the show. For some ungodly reason K and L both use that event (Because why not?) but L at least takes out the bits that are the really fucking annoying parts and makes it not come right the fuck out of nowhere.

…also, wooo, the anime’s shipping of Risako (a high school girl) and Jack (a middle aged fucking cyborg) is starting. Boy, this was absolutely something the anime needed. Two characters who have nothing in common, no chemestry, and no real reason to get together, who aren’t even physically compatible and are double digit years apart in terms of age, are getting shipped.

In the manga, mind, she was with Yajima. But that was because Yajima wasn’t randomly a fucking villain for no really good reason, because he was on the good guy’s side! When the Apparition was “destroyed”, in the anime, apparently everyone ignored the machine despite everyone at the scene knowing from firsthand knowledge that MACHINA BIND WITH THE PEOPLE THEY KILL (or who die close to them, more often) AND THIS ONE JUST KILLED A GUY, IT WILL SELF REPAIR NOW. In the manga, they of course pick it up, do repairs, and Yajima does quite a bit of offscreen fighting for JUDA before showing back up and getting into a quick fight with Kouichi over some shit that had happened (Kouichi was rather out of sorts, as it was right after the whole “Linebarrel Amagatsu” situation).

He still does that 1v1 fight with Kouichi in the anime, I guess. It looks like absolute ass though due to the bad quality animation.

[Brunom1]

Click to see the mission!

Daiya’s getting farther and farther ahead as the top ace. Now it’s an 11-kill gap that Kenji needs to cover.

No 50% update bonuses today. I opted to spread the love around, giving the Frontier folk some boosts since they’ll likely be event deployments down the road and I don’t want them falling behind too badly. Iczer-3 and Shinn also got some extra pips here and there.
As far as Skill Parts are concerned, Kouichi took our new E-Save and is our next recipient of Infights, with Daiya already at L3.

Finally, for squaddies, we’ve Shinn, Ichitaka and Athrun (in this goddamn ZAKU) launching as event units, and we’ve only 16 slots available, so here’s how we’re going:
Ozma/Luca
Asuka/Domyoji
Daiya/Quatre
Lee/Norza
Kenji/Kyo
Jeeg/Micchi
Voltes/Yanma
Alto/Michel
Combattler/Rei
Kouichi/Puria (for the better rank in air)
Goh/Anna
Tetsuya/Canaria
Shinji/Rey
Kouji/Yagyuu
Dancouga/Hilde
Iczer-3/Deceive (shrug)

Here we go.

Kouichi and Emi have made it back, explaining that apparently Katou only had her taken as a way to lure the kid over. Cursory analyses haven’t shown anything wrong with her, either. That’s strangely gentlemanly from a known terrorist in Johnny’s eyes, but he figures Kouichi turned down the guy’s offer again.
Kouichi’s surprised they already knew what Katou wanted, but Izuna says it’s not like the guy didn’t make his interest in corporate poaching when he waltzed into JUDA. Regardless, Kouichi confirms and makes note that he had some words with Yajima. When Quatre asks if he’s really joined the Katou Organization, though, he doesn’t answer.

Alarm!

: We’ll be reaching our rendezvous point with ZAFT soon.
: Here’s hoping we’ll manage to catch Djibril today…
: The hell’s Orb thinking taking in a guy like him? Seriously, the country’s gone full crazy since the Junius Seven drop!
: H-Hey, Kenji… Maybe be a bit considerate…?
: …
: O-Oh…! My bad, Shinn…
: That’s weird… What’re you apologizing for? Djibril’s is a baddie, so if Orb’s taking him in, that means they’re bad too, no?
: Iczer-3…!
: It’s fine; she’s just saying the truth. The Orb politicians don’t give a damn about the people living in their country.
: Shinn…
: Still, Rep. Athha worked hard to try and make things better. You know that, I’m sure.
: … She’s not a whole lot better than them. She’s off doing her thing, chasing some mystery organization, instead of working for the country she’s supposed to lead.
: Speaking of, we haven’t heard from the Archangel since our last encounter… Hopefully they’re in one piece.
: When we get to Orb, we’re likely gonna have to deal with not just Djibril’s forces, but the country’s troops too, right? I’d love if we could get those Archangel folks to help, but it’s not happening, huh…
: We’ll just have to manage our forces appropriately and make do, I guess…
: … A few units could also stay in reserve. Shinn, you’ll be on standby.
: No, I want to come with you guys. If we’re to attack Orb… then that’s what I’ll do!
: Shinn… could you really do that? Could you attack them…?
: Yeah, I can. What about you, though?
: I-I…
: Alright, let’s stop it at that.
: Athrun, Djibril’s in Orb, so we don’t really have a choice here. But if you jump into the fray with doubt clouding your mind, you’ll drag not just yourself down, but also those around. You understand that, right…?
: …

: (I… What am I doing? I took a vow back then, so why am I…!)
: Here you are, Athrun.
: Goh…
: You’re still not sure about attacking Orb, huh…
: And you? Are you OK with that…?
: We’ll be fighting our fellow humans. I don’t think I’d ever be “OK” with that.
: Then why…?
: Once, I had to kill a friend. It was a helpless situation, really, but I wanted to try and save him… Still, I don’t regret what I did.
: Why…?
: Because it was my decision. And a decision that you, alone, make is one that you can take upon yourself. It lets you move on with your life.
: I, alone…
: You’re still young, unlike Ozma and me, so I guess that’s easier said than done for you. But… if you’re here, right now, because you chose to, then see it through.
: …

Cut to the Archangel nerds, they’ve just pinged ZAFT converging around Orb. Looks like a battle’s inevitable, so Murrue asks if the ship still can’t set off. Murdoch says no, the engine repairs are still ongoing, but is interrupted when Cagalli gets on the mic and says she’ll be setting out ahead of the pack.
Murrue argues that that’s crazy dangerous, especially since Kira’s off in space right now – she should at least wait for him to come back. “Orb’s about to be set ablaze once again! I can’t just sit on my hands and wait! Besides, I’ve the Akatsuki my father left me…!” Cagalli fires back and sets out then and there.

As Murrue groans, it’s Neo’s turn to call over. Apologizing for bugging her while she’s busy, but he’d like to know how long it’ll be before they let him go. The POW life doesn’t jive with him, and he might be willing to work to buy his freedom… but, no, Murrue sees that he’s healing and says he’s free to go.
Huh? Really. There’s a Skygrasper in the hangar, so he can use that and take off. Neo’s confused if she’s legit, but Murrue just sobs: “You… You’re not Mu…”

Neo’s taken her up on the offer… though the thought of making the lady cry and taking off REALLY leaves a bad taste in his mouth.

Mission 27 – The Enemy We’re to Fight

: The Minerva and LOTUS are here… Get to work, Yuna Roma. Just stick to the plan… you don’t want to end up a loser in this conflict, right?
: O-Okay…

Beep.

: Of all the idiotic… You’d sacrifice an entire country just for your self-protection?!
: There’s still time. Just stop and surrender!
: Don’t be ridiculous. I simply need to reach space, and there’ll be no enemy strong enough to give me pause. And, actually, shouldn’t you be more concerned with your own well-being…?
: …
: Captain, we’ve an incoming transmission from the Orb Army!
: From Orb? Put it through!

Boop.

: This is Yuna Roma Seiran, speaking as representative of the Orb Government. We have told you time and again, this man you’re demanding we surrender, Lord Djibril, is not here!
: To say nothing of the fact that this blatant armed coercion is a major attack on my country’s sovereignty…
: They’re going to stick with that story to the bitter end, huh? How do they even figure a lie as inane as that would stick?
: I suppose our hands are tied, then; it’s too late for us to indulge his farce.
: If they’ll answer our request with lies, then we’ll muster our prayers for justice and enduring peace and take a stand! Drag Lord Djibril from Orb’s hands!
: Yes, sir! Troops, open fire!

Wreck everything, don’t lose a ship, Ichitaka, Shinn or Athrun.
This mission’s as simple as the rest, with only the Zamza-Zahs posing a modicum of a threat. The water’s out of your way, too, so you won’t need to worry about it. Handle it as you did previous engagements with Alliance folks: build morale on the piss-weak Daggers and Windams, and trash the bigger mooks.
As the power creep flows in our favor, Daiya should now be able to oneshot any of these units, while everyone else should be a oneshot.
Oh, and we’re starting to reach the levels where people learn Valor, so keep an eye out for that! :getin:

: The future I’ve always longed for… It is close, so close at hand…!

When turn two rolls over…

: Lord Djibril… I’m taking Relena back!
: Hah, I knew he’d turn up.
: Heero…!
: The knight in shining armor takes to the stage again, huh? But I also accounted for that!

: …
: That Gundam’s…!
: Go, nameless pilot! Give them what they deserve for all they did to you!
: Trowa… I’m not holding back.
: And I wouldn’t expect you to… Come, Heero.

Can’t lose Heero either, but that’s not a problem. First, because he’s very survivable, and, second, because the Wing Zero’s unlikely to see that much action as my highly-mobile torrent of destruction squishes the enemies to mush.

: I don’t want to fight… but I have to. I… what am I supposed to do, Kira?

: I can kind of understand you getting in bed with the Alliance to keep war from torching the country again… but what is the goddamn point of sticking up for Logos now?!
: You’ve abandoned your dear founding principles and now you do nothing but make your people miserable…! If that’s the kind of country you’ve become, then I’ll…!

Cha-ching!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hexLwuOa-5M
Time for the last of Daiya’s new tricks, this one’s his second best weapon. I’ll never tire of watching these things get oneshotted.

When you either kill all enemies or turn four comes…

: What’re my troops doing?! If this doesn’t change, and soon, Orb will…! Aaah, what do I do…?!

Beep, beep!

: We’ve a heat signature closing in! Unknown affiliation!

: A golden MS…?!
: Hmm… That’s quite the bold color for a front line unit to have.
: (Father, I…)

Flashback!

: Cagalli…
: That’s my father’s voice…?!
: Should the time come where you are in need of power, then I leave this in response to that desire…
: It is a blade meant to defend… Take it in hand, whenever you deem it necessary.
: A blade meant to defend… A golden MS…!
: If you are set in what you must do… then follow your chosen path…

: (Father… I’ll take up the will you’ve left me, and wield this golden blade in the defense of my people…!)
: I am Cagalli Yula Athha, daughter of Uzumi Nara Athha! All of you, cease fighting immediately!
: Cagalli…!
: Ah, Cagalli! Cagalliii! You’re finally home, my honey! I’m the one commanding our troops!
: Yuna… Do you acknowledge me as the real Cagalli Yula Athha, Representative of the United Emirates of Orb?
: Of course, of course! I do! I can easily tell that you’re the real one!
: Then I now command our troops with the full authority of that title. Arrest Yuna Roma Seiran on charges of high treason!
: Wah?! Cagalli, wait!
: Furthermore, to the entire army, I say: our country will not tolerate Logos’ presence within our territory! Drive any and all of their associates out of Orb!

I’ve the sinking feeling that had I not killed all Orb troops already, they’d have turned neutral… whoops!

: Blast that Athha girl, sticking her nose where it doesn’t belong…!
: Fine! Then I’ll just destroy them AND this country in one fell swoop!

: Seems they’ve decided to throw caution to the wind to get rid of us.
: Troops, the Minerva’s moving to engage the Alliance forces and carry out Djibril’s capture!
: Are you sure about this, captain…?
: The Chairman’s orders were simply to get him. He didn’t say anything about fighting Orb, so it’d be a waste to do that if we don’t have to. I trust that’s fine with you, too, Rep. Athha?
: Yes, and I thank you for your wise decision.
: You heard her, people! Team up with Orb and push back the Aliiance!

Akatsuki - Oowashi Frame (Cagalli Yula Athha)
Pilot Skills:
SEED
Sword Cut
Shoot Down
Shield Defense
Prevail L4
Support Attack L2
Support Defense L2
Attack Combo L2
Mech Features:
Sword
Gun
Anti-Beam Shield
Yata-no-Kagami – all beam damage reduced to 0
Spirit Commands:
Sense
Focus
Fighting spirit
Rouse
Squad Bonus: Armor +100, A Rank in Air, Debuff Immunity

Now that’s a much better unit for her than the Strike Rouge. The Oowashi Akatsuki’s packing some decent firepower (though its strongest is pre-movement) and decent bulkiness. Against Gundam units, though, it becomes nigh invincible due to the Yata-no-Kagami. Range isn’t the best in this form, aside from the strongest weapon which is 2-6, but she can absolutely hold her own with SEED’s bonuses pushing her along.
The Oowashi Akatski’s also got an S in air, so it’ll be tougher to hit than most. All in all, a solid unit that you can even set as a leader if you want to.

Carrying on!

Ain’t about to give you a chance to MAPW me.

: This is where it ends, Gundam!
: … I’d like that, but the other shoe has yet to drop for the people in charge.

Had Daiya learned Valor yet, that’d have been a major oneshot.

: … I’m done already? Very good, LOTUS.
: (Sorry, Heero. I couldn’t make you an opening… but my mission continues.)

: Huh? The Gundam’s running off?
: Forget him, and focus on dealing with the remaining Alliance troops!
: Roger! We’re almost there. Let’s make it happen!
: Rrrgh, that useless Gundam! In that case…!

Turn five…

: The Archangel…! But it’s hurt real bad…
: Cpt. Ramius, what were you thinking?! The ship’s in no condition to be here!
: But we couldn’t well let you run off by your lonesome.
: I apologize for that… But, I—

: …!
: How stupid are you that you’d charge into a battlefield battered like that? Die…!

The mook starts closing in.

: Oh, no, you don’t…!

: Huh…?!

: The Skygrasper?!
Sorry for butting in like that.
: Y-You’re…! But why…?!
Because I don’t really care for Djibril either. You’re gonna have to put up with me for a bit more, I’m afraid!
: Alright, now we’re cooking! With all these forces fighting together, we’ll have Djibril in chains real quick…!
: Damn you all… Send out the Destroys!

: The Alliance’s deployed their giant MSs! Incoming artillery strike!
: But at that angle… its shot will hit right where the civilian shelters are!
: No, it won’t! The Akatsuki’ll stop it…!

…?!
: Hrk…! I guess blocking even the impact of the blast’s a different story…!
(Th-This… I’ve seen this before…!)
: That’s enough, Cagalli! Not even your unit can handle all that! And if you die, Orb’ll—
: No… I can’t, I won’t back down! I won’t let this nation… these people be ravaged by war again…!
(?! That’s it…! I… I’m!)

: Tch! Uurgh…!
: Cagalli!
: Haaaaah!!

The Skygrasper flies by Cagalli.

: Lt….?!
: It finally came back to me…! Who I am… and why I’m here!
: Did… Did your memories…?!
: I’ll keep you safe. After all…
: I’m the man that makes the impossible possible!
: Mu…!

: What are you all doing?! Destroy her already! That armor isn’t covering her cameras and thrusters, I bet!

: High energy reading coming from the Destroy! It’s prepping to fire all its weapons!
: Stop it! The Golden MS and the Archangel’ll both be destroyed if that barrage hits!
: CAGALLI!!

: The Freedom…?! No, it looks different… What unit is that?!
: The gnawing pain we felt that day isn’t something we wanted anyone else to experience…
: That’s why it’s my wish to defend Orb… to defend the entire world!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yVeNMuNPp5Y
Kira: “It’s the giant MS from before… I won’t let it also set Orb ablaze!” > “The Strike Freedom carries all of Lacus’ wishes…” > “And, now, I’ll make those wishes come true…!”

: Kira Yamato…
: Kira, is that your…

: That is his wish. And I’ve granted him a new blade with which to make that wish real.
: The Eternal…?! Why did you come here…?!
: Athrun, I’ve something I want to give you. Come aboard, please.
: Me…?

: This is…!
: The Infinite Justice Gundam… Another new blade, for you to use.
: A new blade… But I’m…
: To be afraid is to shut out all else. It leads you into thinking there’s nothing you can do, and to simply give up and let that be the end.
: But power is just that: power. Is it something you want? How would you use it? That is something you, alone, must decide.
: It’s my own decision…

: Because it was my decision. And a decision that you, alone, make is one that you can take upon yourself. It lets you move on with your life.

: …
: Justice… We’ll fight together again…!
: Athrun Zala, Justice – launching!

: Seems our deliveries are all done. What now? Do we tag in as well?
: No, we shouldn’t stay here. We’ll leave the rest in Kira and his allies’ capable hands.
: Roger that. Pulling back!

: The Eternal… Does that mean it is not yet time for it to take to the front…?

: They’re still sending out more…?! But it looks like their numbers are dwindling!
: We’ll wrap this up, Cagalli! Go and look for Djibril!
: Alright. Lt. Flaga, come with me!
: Aye, aye! Take care of things, people!

Still can’t lose the Gundams, but we’re making good progress. The Destroys are, obviously, the bigger threat, but Kira magnanimously shaved off half of their HP, so your guys should easily be able to take them down in one or two big hits.
Do it quick, too, lest they get a chance to MAPW.

Strike Freedom Gundam (Kira Yamato)
Squad Bonus: Accuracy +5, A rank in Air

As usual, Kira’s one of the – if not THE – best Reals in the game. The Strike Freedom packs a hefty punch, it’s got long range attacks, regen EN, has an S in air, plus that same fan-fire, smart-targeting MAPW he had in W (and he learns Soul, so that’s some good money).
As you might see, he doesn’t know Hit & Away, so that’s priority one to be fixed, but, that aside, Kira’s likely the pilot with the highest aggregate of stats in the game, and the only to give Iczer-1 and 2 competition in that department.
Whatever misgivings you might have with the series, there isn’t a mechanical reason NOT to use him. The Strike Freedom is simply great.

Infinite Justice Gundam (Athrun Zala)
Squad Bonus: Mobility +5, melee weapons’ power +100, A rank in Space

Same deal as above, only slightly worse. The Infinite Justice is the melee counterpart to the Strike Freedom, and it is just as fine. Use it as a leader or as a very nice squaddie, but you are especially encouraged to deploy the boys together to get more bang for your buck.

Having Kira blast these guys to also further damage the Destroys. The Daggers and Windams all get oneshotted, for a total of 6 kills.

When the number of enemies falls below 10…

Alarm!

: We’ve new heat signatures on approach! Searching database… we’ve a match!

: ?! It’s the group we were after…!

Looks at the mob.

: Captain, there’re some models we haven’t seen before!
: We’ve fought these troops once, but still know nothing about them… what are they after…?
: That Fighter unit… These’re the guys who took the professor, no doubt about it!
: Then, the Archangel has been pursuing them just like us…!
: Yeah, and I reckon this is a good chance to check if they got anything to do with GreAT! We just gotta nab one of them!
: We’re hailing the Unknowns on all possible channels, but they’re not answering!
: Come, LOTUS… Show us how much strength you can still muster after exhausting yourselves.
: All units, ignore the Alliance forces. Our target is LOTUS alone!
: Psh, looks like they’re gunning for us.
: Fine by me! I’ve no idea who they are, but if they’re looking for a fight, they’ll get one!
: Who are those… no, it doesn’t matter. I can’t let this opportunity pass me by. Launch the shuttle right now!
: You can run wherever you’d like, it won’t help. Just concede your defeat!
: Silence! I still have you and one final ace in the hole to play!
: “Ace”…? You’re still scheming…?!
: Heheheh… The monsters here on Earth and in space won’t be around for much longer!

: We’re detecting something launching from the main island’s 2nd district! It’s… the Seiran family’s shuttle!

: Damn it, he’s making a run for it again?!
: … You won’t get away from me, Djibril!

: Always so quick on his feet…
: We’ll just have to let him handle Djibril. Orb needs our help!
: Sounds good. Psyche yourselves up, people, and let’s carry on!

Start angling your forces thatta way, but do finish off the Destroys. They’re still the bigger threat, though the Imperial (big red one), Strike and Cannon Valleys pack a decent punch while also boasting a respectable amount of HP for mooks (15k+). The Imperial Valley itself has 60k.
Still, their defenses aren’t the best, so that HP pool won’t last long against our high morale troops.

The little ORF-59 Reeves are fodder, pure and simple.

Only 6k HP.

: Their maneuverability is… Murrue, we were right…!
: Hm. Every time we fight, their capabilities are higher than expected, and their tactics are changed ever-so-slightly.
: They can do so much… So why… why is violence the only thing in their minds?!
: Kira Yamato…

And when the turn flips…

: …
: Yuu?! Why’re you here?!
: Pay me no mind, Ichitaka. Focus just on the enemy before you.
: Huh?! Yuu…?
: Data collection complete… As we feared, the technology applied to those units is…
: Hrm…! I won’t let them keep using my grandfather’s intellect for evil…! Haruno, we’re putting a stop to them!
: Roger that!

: Hm…? They were hostile in every single one of our past encounters, but this time…
: They might’ve had a change of heart – or maybe not. But they don’t seem to be against us today at least.
: Do not engage the Straybird, people! Dispatch the unknowns and then we’ll hurry out after Djibril!
: Yes, ma’am!

You don’t need to babysit the Straybird, but it’s advisable to attack the Valleys ASAP lest Yuu take your cash!

Oh, and here’s Athrun’s best weapon:

: I’m done hesitating to put my power to use! We can’t let mankind’s future be plunged into darkness, so I’ll take this new blade in hand and defend Orb and the world itself!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LrkASDr9lrE
And the last of the Alliance mooks falls to Kira.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GKEsz-2BzyA
I’m surprised they gave his regular rifle a DK.

With all that done, it’s just a matter of plowing through the Valleys real quick. Like I said, they’re stronger mooks than most, but still mooks. The Imperial Valley’s more of a HP-boosted midboss, so not all that dangerous if you just pack a few defensive spirits.

: Djibril’s gone, so we’ve no more reason to hammer at Orb. Rather, I’ll now protect it!
: The Linebarrel… your “potential” is beyond our jurisdiction, but…

: Holding back to check how they move is too risky… I’ll just have to wreck them as quick as can be!
: The Frontier Fleet’s proprietary VF-25… Its performance truly is strikingly superior to the VF-19…
: The speed with which they’ve progressed in less than two decades is very much worth noting…!

: Like Shikinami said, if they’re looking for a fight, we’ll have to give them one…!
: The Humanoid Decisive Weapon, Evangelion… information on this one is abnormally scarce. Just what secrets does it hide…?

: What’re you people after?! If you’re trying to turn this entire city into a battleground, then you’ll answer to me!
: The unit’s output is reaching heights far beyond what our spy at NEX reported… Is it a unique property of that “Flame”?
: We thought we’d gathered enough data, but it seems further observation is required.

This convo only plays against the Reeves, but screw it.

: The unit’s power is greater than it was before. How much will you grow…? How exciting, this.
: These’re the same guys that took Prof. Grife at Misaki, right?
: There were only a few pictures to go by, but they sure look like the ones.
: We might’ve been able to stop them if we’d made it over sooner…
: So I guess that’s a bit on us, too. We better help Ichitaka out with this and see if we can’t make up for it!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7t__pb_E3qo

: We’ve little data on the Iczelio – too little… But it appears we won’t be able to collect any more.
: Yeesh, why’s that guy staring at me… Sicko!

: Well, don’t you got the worst timing in history! Djibril only got away ‘cause you turned up!
: If you are not piloting the Mazinkaiser, then you are worthless to us. Go and find some corner to yell from.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BN45wXecf5k

: I never seen you folks before, but try to mess with us and you’re gonna get it!
: We’ve no idea what they’re after, so don’t go too crazy, Kenji!
: Steel Jeeg… Let us have a look at the extent of your Bronze Bell’s power.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3u17WxacXM4

: The Voltes V…! How I hoped this would happen. I’ll be sure to enjoy facing you!
: Damn it, we were so close to catching Djibril!
: Hiyoshi, if you’ve time to fume, then you’re better off focusing on bringing an even faster end to this battle!
: He’s right. Our main concern now should just be Orb’s safety!

: This pilot’s displayed that unusual power before. Let’s see how he’ll do against the new units…!
: What the… he’s looking at me?

: The Combattler V… It’s been active for over half a year already, so I’d expect the necessary data to have been collected, but…
: Guys, the enemy’s strength is a complete unknown! Normally, the best approach would be to try and observe them for a bit…
: Relax, Kosuke! The Combattler’s invincible! Whatever these guys are, we’ll make sure this ends with a V-Sign of Victory!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oUQ1DnCkHxs
Here’s the boss’ strongest attack.

: It’s very unlikely the Plasma Drive alone was strong enough to eradicate the Mimetic Beasts… Maybe a different approach’ll let us get some answers.

: …?! Its outer frame is…!
: I saw it too. It is nigh-imperceptible, but there are some similarities to the Rushbird and Straybird…!
: One of the 40 meter robots we left in Misaki… but now it is no more than a relic of the past. I wager it’s already been deemed unnecessary.
: …! Here it comes!
: Not giving us time to make sense of things, eh? Let’s get to it, then!

: Not bad at all, LOTUS! But this all fell within our estimates!
: D-Converter – maximum output! Let’s get this shakedown started!

The Imperial Valley blasts off after Kira!

: What…?!
: Hmhmhm… Yours may be a new model, but it is still a straight upgrade from the original Freedom! It’s not a match to my unit’s mobility!

This cheeky mook runs circles around Kira. Heresy!

: Urk! How is it so fast…?!
: Rising temperature detected around the enemy unit! Space time is beginning to be distorted!
: Not good…! If that unit runs out of control, this whole area’ll go up in smoke! We’ve to stop him, Haruno!
: We can’t – it’s already going critical! Simply shooting it down won’t be enough!
: Kira!
: RAAAAAARGH!

: Hrgh…!
: You…!
: Why’re you so surprised? You’re the one who showed me how wonderful it was to keep others safe! That it was worth risking your life for!
: Shinn, you…
: You said you wanted to defend Orb, and this entire world, right? Then you can’t go down like this!
: You’re right… we can’t let ourselves be beaten! We fight to keep others and the world safe, even if it costs us our lives!
: Pfeh, and just what can a single unit do?!
: Stop right there!

: What…?!
: Now! GO!!
: Athrun!
: I’m on it!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VJdqIoq7D48

[video type=“youtube”]VJdqIoq7D48[/video]
Athrun: “We can’t waste the chance Shinn gave us!”
By the end, Kira: “Thanks… Athrun.” > “You should thank Shinn as well, Kira…”

: I-It can’t be…! What the hell are you people…?!

: A continuous flurry of synchronized attacks …! How’d they improvise that…?!
: Athrun…
: Kira…
: The first unit went for the enemy’s engine, stopping it in its tracks, and the other two used that opening to tear it apart in tandem…
: I suppose they saved us today.
: …
: Yuu… I’m sure you’ve realized it by now, but we cannot stand up to the enemy alone…
: … Shut up, Haruno. This is my battle, my problem. I won’t have anyone else interfere with it…!

: Ah! The Straybird!
: And, once again, when he’s gotta run off, he bolts. Reminds me of a certain pilot.
: (Yuu… What’re you trying to do…?)

: All of the Alliance and Unknown forces have been eliminated!
: Apologies, but could I ask you to come see me? I’d like to talk about Djibril and the unknown attackers.
: Understood, Rep. Athha.

Few convos we missed today:

: … Here I come, Wing Gundam.
: Don’t worry. It’s only natural for obstacles to be pushed aside. I’m not about to pay this any mind, either.

–

: …
: As unsociable as ever, aren’t we? Careful: you might get me thinking you actually turned on us.
: The situation doesn’t really allow me to chat. Don’t take it personally.
: Right back at you, buddy-boy. Let’s get this show on the road, then…!

–

: You’re still hanging out with Djibril?! What the hell’s wrong with you?!
: I am just a nameless dog of the Alliance. And that is enough for now.

–

: How can you be fighting to buy Djibril time to escape…! Don’t you see that both him and his organization are done?!

–

: I won’t let you sow any more sorrow…! That’s what I got this power for, and it’s how I’ll use it!

Durandal is “so surprised” at seeing the thought-sunk Archangel showing up today, and Talia takes responsibility for not seeing through their “ruse”. She’s ready to face the music, if need be. Nah, it’s fine. Durandal won’t hold her to it, simply being amused at the ship living up to its tough-to-kill reputation.
Moreover, the good work Talia and the Minerva crew have done in Berlin, Heaven’s Base, and with LOTUS’ over battles far offsets this. He wants the ship to carry on cooperating with, and to leave it to the Preventers to find Djibril. They’ve an agent in pursuit, so he’ll let us know as soon as we’ve a fix on the guy.
As Talia confirms and signs off, Durandal’s deep in thought: “The Archangel… I suppose I still have use for it, as a necessary force for this world…”

By the Orb Army HQ, Cagalli’s just decked Yuna. She doesn’t intend on putting the whole blame for this on him, but, seriously, what the hell is this? Despite their differences, she at least expected him to share in her desire to keep their country safe. Yuna cries that he did, which is why he sought Logos’ influence. Cagalli has troops take him away before she wrings his neck.
Mighty kind of her for the guy that made a mess of her country, Duo sighs, but Athrun says the guy WAS trying to stop war from breaking out. Problem is he got tunnel-vision. Cagalli figures Yuna understands the huge mistake he did, and, maybe, that’ll help him grow into a better person.
Some people won’t admit their mistakes, though, namely Djibril. He still has Relena and Noin worries what he might do if we don’t find them soon. Cagalli says Orb must make amends after helping the guy, and promises her nation’s full cooperation to our cause.

There’s still the matter of the unknown group, though, and Kenji got the idea that they were using us for something of a test. What for? We don’t really know, Murrue sighs – not their goals, not their background. There’s only one thing she’s sure: their units get stronger with each encounter, and they’re using our own technology to do so.
As Ichitaka and Tsubaki gasp, Goh wonders how people could reverse-engineer our tech from just compiled data. That’s some major tech know-how they must have available.

Regardless, when Misato asks, Murrue says the Archangel’ll work with Lacus and continue their investigation into that unknown force. Neo Mu will also be coming along, and, yes, he’s remembered everything: who he is, who he loves, all of it.
Cagalli proclaims she’ll be joining them as well, entrusting Todaka and Kisaka to handle things here in Orb. Kira wonders if that’s the right thing to do, and Cagalli stomps that it absolutely is. Or doesn’t he trust her direct subordinates to be capable of this?
Goh explains that Kira’s just worried: the Archangel is still hurting, and they’ll be going after the Alliance. It’ll obviously be very dangerous. And, in that case, Athrun offers to come with – the Justice, Freedom and Akatsuki should be capable of standing up to whatever Djibril throws at them.

Shinn wonders, however, what’ll become of the Minerva with him gone, but Athrun’s sure the ship will be fine: “The Minerva still has you, no? You’re also a fully-fledged member of FAITH, so now it’s your turn to take charge and keep them safe.”
Can he do that? After all these times he’s watched and learned from Athrun as he thought, yes, he can! He’ll rise to the occasion! Seems like he’s legit, Heine laughs, so he wishes Athrun good luck out there.
Goh likes seeing how clear the ZAFT boys’ hearts are looking, but Ichitaka isn’t really listening. “The units that group used… It looked like Yuu had figured something out about them,” he thinks. “And their abnormal ability to analyze and work with our tech… You don’t think the professor…?”

: Our on-site crew has just sent a new report on LOTUS, and…
: Oh? They managed to stop the D-Converter right before it ran amuck…?
: It really does look like we were right on the money. LOTUS has much “potential” gathered in their ranks. Our options just keep on multiplying.
: How should we proceed?
: There’s been no change to the plan. Your top priority is still to carry on compiling data on them.
: As you command.
: Meanwhile, I’ll take this opportunity to head up into space. I’ve come to realize that with the professor’s brain on our side, finishing that also shouldn’t be just a dream anymore.
: Roger that. It shouldn’t be long before construction of the Humanoid models is complete. What should they do afterwards?
: Carry on as usual, and feel free to keep scanning his brain waves until everything is finished.
: Yes, sir…
: And now, my dear friends of LOTUS… What kind of powers will you show me next?

Cut back to us, Makoto’s gotten in touch with the Daiku Maryu with some urgent recall orders. They’ve pinged something with a blue pattern hanging in Earth’s orbit. They’re still trying to get details, but Misato agrees to the request.
As the call ends, she needn’t even ask before Lulu agrees to it: LOTUS is headed towards Neo Tokyo 3, on the double.

[Mattman324]

I love how L properly portrays both sides of the conflict here in SEED Destiny to make them both have points. On one hand, the Archangel’s side could have done a lot more to help before now, and your side doesn’t totally trust them, but on the other, they did show up in full force with a severely damaged battleship, despite knowing this was likely to be their last fight if they did so. On top of all the character stuff going on to make them more complete characters, and the fact that K/L have differences between Earth and Space for some units (most notably the VFs, but also the Jeeg finishers) that gives Strike Freedom and Akatsuki and the rest some more interesting animations… it works well. Especially in that they just outright change how some major events play out, like with Athrun peacefully leaving the Minerva to work with the Archangel.

If you are not piloting the Mazinkaiser, then you are worthless to us. Go and find some corner to yell from.

It’s funny because of what Mazinkaiser IS. It’s been sitting around, being worked on, upgraded, and made better in every way since it was last deployed… do you think you can take it?

Well, to put it simply - until L, no SRW game accurately portrayed Mazinkaiser as it was in its movie. They all did it to the extent of the OVA, with some movie extras (outside of GC, of course, which didn’t have the movie). L portrays Movie Mazinkaiser. Mooks beware.

Also, looking at GReAT troops makes me realize that they share a few similarities to the various Riots. I hope OG does something with that.

And hey, what do you know, the Evangelion 2.0 finale is on us! …because Eva 2.0 does fucking dick in this game. Seriously, why did they even bother with the Rebuilds here?

[Brunom1]

Click to see the mission!

Back again, and not much has changed here. I did notice that Kenji’s lagging a wee bit behind on levels, which strikes me as odd.

As for upgrades, the EVA-01 got brought up to 50% and its Squad Bonus is now: Mobility +15, Accuracy +15, A rank on Land, Range +1.
Remaining amount of cash went into giving Alto, Shinn and the Nagahamas a few pips here and there. I reckon I’ll be getting them to 50% next.

Speaking of the EVAs, they’re all deploying as event units today. We’ve 19 slots again, so here’s how we’re going:
Ozma/Luca
Shinn/Domyoji
Daiya/Quatre
Lee/Norza
Kenji/Kyo
Jeeg/Micchi
Voltes/Yanma
Alto/Michel
Combattler/Dick
Kouichi/Puria
Goh/Anna
Tetsuya/Canaria
Yamashita/Rey
Kouji/Yagyuu
Dancouga/Hilde
Iczer-3/Deceive
Ichitaka/Miu
Jack/Duo

Off we go.

Misato’s already arrived, and Makoto’s grateful for her haste. Not like we can expect the Angels to care about what’s convenient for us or not. Regardless, Makoto reports that the 8th Angel has been spotted right outside Earth’s atmosphere. One of NERV’s satellites got a look at the thing and it is positively humongous. Worse, its A.T. Field also seems very strong – enough to warp the light around it.
Misato already knows the answer, but figures she might as well ask: it’s dropping towards NERV, isn’t it? Yes, the MAGI say that’s 99.9999% likely. The SDF tried bombing the Angel with N² Mines, but that did precisely zilch; plus, the distortions it’s causing in space-time around it make taking potshots at it pretty much impossible.

In other words, we can’t push it off course and it’s looking like the Angel itself is one giant bunker buster headed towards us. According to our estimates, when it goes off, it’ll obliterate everything in a 420km diameter, 15km deep: there goes the entirety of Neo Tokyo 3, and Central Dogma’ll be easy pickings.
And what does Gendou have to say about this? He wasn’t present when it all started going down, having been summoned to an urgent meeting. The Angel’s presence is sending EM waves across the upper atmosphere, so we can’t reach the guy.
Seems like Misato and the others will need to handle this on their own, then. She has them get in touch with the Japanese government and order an evacuation of every civilian within an 120km radius.

Misato’s later sitting at the Quarter’s briefing room, still trying to figure out what to do. Goh’s got nothing as well; the thing’s like a giant meteor with an A.T. Field Izuna sighs.
We’ve no way of attacking it head-on, we can’t snipe it down like in Operation Yashima, and not even all those N² Mines did anything. Shinn’s getting worried, and Ichitaka wonders if it really is game over for us. Misato says nothing, but asks that they give her some time to think.

: So, you are saying that if the Angel falls to Earth, it’ll trigger this “Third Impact” and erase all of humanity…?
: That’s RIIiight! However! It is possible LOTUS could IMPEEeeed it!
: … In other words, you wish for us to prevent that?
: I cannot act overtly just yet… HOWEVER! I can deploy a few forces of my OOoownnnn!
: If all goes well, the Cthulhu shall claim Earth with nary an effort. A FIIiine proposal, no?
: As you will. I’ll send my troops towards the surface, and I’ll be expecting your reinforcements.
: You may count on MEEeee. Today shall mark the final moments of these foolish organics! BRRRUUUAAAaaah!

(I want you to know that I did not exaggerate this dialogue in any way, shape or form. Emperor Wakamoto is going all out for this one.)

: Whaat?! You want us to catch it?!
: That’s the best idea you could come up with?!
: It was, yes. An EVA will catch it with its A.T. Field as it comes crashing down. And since we can’t get a precise take on its trajectory, we’ll be deploying all three to better adapt on the spot.
: No need. I’ll just wreck that bugger myself.
: That’s not going to fly. It’s a wide area where we’re projecting its point of descent – a lone EVA can’t cover all that.
: You’re serious that it’s actually possible to straight-up catch that thing…?
: Wouldn’t you need, like, something way bigger than any of our guys to be able to pull that off?
: In truth, even the MAGI are giving this a 99% chance of failure… Can this plan of yours even be called a strategy?
: At least it’s a 1% chance of success.
: You’re counting on a miracle. Better we focus on something tangible, like getting Lilith and the #01 to safety.
: I’m not “counting” on anything. We’ll be creating our own miracle… with a little something called human determination!
: It does sound like a very dangerous plan… but it’s the only one we’ve got, it seems.
: Still, I like the idea of making our miracles happen.
: Yeah, you’ve pulled off some crazy stunts before and it all paid off.
: Um… What did she say the chances of success were?
: Ah, that’s anyone’s guess, really.
: Hmph, deadweight like him’ll just hold me down! I’m all you need to protect mankind!
: Enough with that, Asuka. I’m sure even you can see that that’s not the way…
: Asuka, this operation isn’t depending on solo-combat scores.
: You’re selling my talents short, eh…
: I’m not. But it’ll take all of your combined strength… all of LOTUS’ combined strength to make this miracle happen…!
: … Well, you’re the one in charge, so I can’t really say much about this. But I seriously hope you haven’t forgotten how I trashed the previous Angel.
: …
: And what will the rest of us be doing, Col. Katsuragi?
: You’ll be on standby in the combat area, just as a precaution.
: Roger that. Go get yourselves ready to deploy, people – make sure everything’s looking good!

Mission 28 – A Broken Promise

Further south…

: This shelter won’t be doing us much good if that Angel falls here, will it? (Hikari)
: Oh, then why do we need to stay here…? If the thing won’t help, then we’d be better off staying outside to watch the EVAs!
: Kick some ass, Shinji! You better save our world!
: Are you three ready? We’re still running the numbers on the Angel’s projected point of descent; you’ll need to rush over to it as soon as we have it tagged!
: And don’t forget to connect your cables to the power supply buildings near you!
: How did you know where to place us?
: Call it woman’s intuition.
: That sounds reliable…
: Calculations are complete. Displaying the projected point of descent now!

: We can’t rely on secondary data anymore, so any further decisions will have to be made as we go! We’re betting everything on you kids!

Alarm!

: Detecting several heat sources on rapid approach! It’s!

: Forward, Dilos Thetas! Crush these disgusting humans to dust!

: Like clockwork… Deploy all troops!

: The Cthulhu?! Why’d they have to turn up now?!
: Does that mean they don’t care if the Third Impact happens?!

Looks at the different enemies.

: They even sent out some new troops. Guess they’ve no problem with the whole world getting covered in that dead, red sea before they start their immigration!
: Hey, Cthulhu! You better give Nagisa-1 back right now!
: Don’t, Iczer-3. All those robots are drones, I think.
: Baah…! And I’m sure that granny’s camped out here somewhere…!
: All troops, open fire! Don’t let the enemies block the EVAs! Shinji, Asuka, Rei, you need to get to that spot on the double!
: Yes, sir!
: Good luck, everyone!

Thankfully, Sahaquiel is very patient, so there’s no timer hanging above our heads. Any EVA can reach the market spot (though you should do it with Rei or Asuka, FYI), so it’s just a matter of carving through the Dilos and the new Regulus Alphas without losing any of them or a ship. The latter are pretty much the only ones that can pop our A.T. Fields, mind.
That said, all in all, the gameplay part of this mission is pretty much filler. We’ve had way worse fights, so the new mooks shouldn’t tip the balance against you.

The Regulus Alphas are particularly dangerous, and there are 5 of them. Sporting 28k HP, plus a Spherical Barrier that reduces all incoming damage by 1500, they’re quite hardy for mooks.
As far as skills go, they can do both types of supports, but the good news is that they’re flying – so they can only support each other.
Finally, they only have a single attack which, while packing some not-insignificant firepower, is only 1-3 range. That’s easily outranged by a good chunk of our forces, so focus fire them down as soon as you’ve built up enough morale. The second they’re downed, the EVAs pretty much cannot be killed.

: I can’t let them pin me down…! Here goes! I’ve to make this as fast as can be!

: We won’t make it in time if we let them stall us…!

: We’re busy now, if you pests can’t tell! I’ve no time to waste on you – OUT!

: …
: … Hey, are those really Cthulhu? Sister Gray didn’t tell me anything about stuff like that.
: True… they kind of feel different from the others…
: Whatever – the fact is they’re enemies. We can sort out who they are after they beat.
: Bit of a rash way of putting it, but she’s got a point. Keep an eye on these new units and carry on covering the EVAs, people!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h8o38NPsiZY

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sZNvzzh_J8Q
Since we’re not on a timer, I’ll let Norza and Lee have some fun on their own. Plus, it lets me show off their slick DKs.

And, boom. Just make sure, to give you some leeway, that Shinji still has his move once Rei or Asuka tag the spot.

: Alright, looks like they made it in good time!
: All that remains now is to catch the creature. Hopefully it goes well…
: We’re detecting a shift in the target’s A.T. Field! It’s changing course!
: What did you say?!
: Recalculating the point of descent! Transmitting new coordinates!

: We’re cutting it too close! All EVAs, head to the new point! Hurry!
: Easy for you to say! We’re running as fast as our legs let us!

: Enemy reinforcements have deployed around the target area!
: Those little…! They don’t know when to quick bugging us, do they?!
: Save the complaints for later! We need to get rid of them quick!
: She’s right. Clear a path for the EVAs!

And, NOW, you need to hurry. You’ve three turns to get to the new spot, which is why I said to keep Shinji’s turn. Casting Accel, he should make it just fine – just make sure the enemy doesn’t wall him out. Or, if you’d like, just kill everything and Shinji’ll get in the spot. Either way, carry on as usual.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j0kB10uVUYs
Oh, and I JUST remembered that I never showed the DK for Dimension Storm. I was rather disappointed that the Rushbird doesn’t teleport away amid all the smoke like the Zeorymer did…

: You’ve three minutes left! Please hurry!

: Two minutes on the timer! Make it happen, Asuka, Shinji, Rei!

And here we go.

: The Evangelion’s reached the target area!
: The target’s closing in! Distance: 12km!

: It’s time, Daddy’s Boy, Wonder Girl!

Rei and Asuka also get in position.

: A.T. Field… deployed…!

: …

: GAAAAAAAAAH!!

: It’s bypassing the A.T. Field and attacking the #01 directly!
: Stay strong, SHINJIII!

: Gurgh! Kch… rrrgh…!
: Daddy’s Boy!
: I… I’m holding it…! H-Hurry!
: #02 – the core!
: I know! Don’t tell me what to do! SORYAAAA!

Craash! Woosh!

: I missed?! This “core’s” moving all over the damn place!

: Asuka, HURRY!
: I am hurrying! But I can’t get a shot…!

Tweeooop!

: Kch…!
: Wonder Girl?!
: I… I’ve the core…! Q-Quick…!
: Fine, I’m on it! HAAAAAH!

: The Angel’s confirmed destroyed! All EVA units are crippled.
: They… They did it…!
: Yeah. Time and again, they manage to outdo themselves…
: Well, I’ll be… A miracle actually happened.
: No, those kids made it happen… My biggest thanks to everyone for their work!

: How in blazes…! But I cannot return empty-handed, or an execution is all I’ll find…!

: What?! There’re still more?!
: I can at least shatter your bulwark against the Third Impact – the Evangelion!

: UWAAAH!
: His Field isn’t deploying!
: Shinji, you alright?!
: Y-Yeah…!
: Resilient cockroach… Even after that battle, you still stand?
: But seeing as how your barrier did not deploy, I’d wager your concentration is in tatters. Then it is just a matter of ending this!

: …!
: Daddy’s Boy, gimme a hand. We’ll show this mook who it’s messing with!
: Us, getting beaten up by this thing after all it took to kill that Angel?! How could we ever live that down, right?!
: Huh…?! Shikinami…?
: You too, Wonder Girl! On my mark, blast it with everything we got and then the kid moves in for the kill!
: … Roger.
: (Psh… I guess I am going soft…! But, what the hell, let’s try some teamwork for once!)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8o9YfNzIjRk

: Wh-What?! They spent all their remaining energy on that life-threatening offensive…! Damn it all…!

Power dooooooown.

: Psh, we cut it a bit closer than I thought. We’re out of gas…
: S-Sorry. I took a bit too long to get in position…
: … Eh, you didn’t do too bad. It’s just a matter of getting used to it now.
: Shikinami…
: …
: No more enemy signals on radar. Situation is green!
: Whew… We managed to pull through again…
: Chalk it up to all the close calls we’ve had, I guess.
: Comm. systems are back online. We’ve an incoming call from Cmdr. Ikari.
: Put him through.
(Gendou): …
: Sir, I personally elected to deploy the EVAs and, as a result, they’ve all suffered major damage. I apologize and take full responsibility everything.
(Fuyutsuki): It’s no problem. The target was destroyed, so we should count ourselves lucky that this is all the damage it caused.
(Gendou): Correct. You did well, Col. Katsuragi.
: Thank you very much.
(Fuyutsuki): We still need to deal with the brass a bit longer, it seems, so it’ll be another while before we’ve returned.
: Understood.
(Gendou): … Put me through to the #01’s pilot.
: …! Yes, sir!
(Gendou): I’ve heard what happened. Good job, Shinji.
: A-Ah?
: … Thank you…!
(Gendou): Col. Katsuragi, I’ll leave the follow-up work in your hands.
: Yes, sir!

Bloop.

: Recover the three EVAs, quickly now! And will LOTUS be joining us on the Geofront again?
: That’d be just fine. Slow ahead, Bobby.
: Aye, aye!
: …
: (I heard that right, didn’t I…? Dad… gave me a compliment?)

: The 8th Angel was eliminated. Very well done, Ikari.
: …Hm.
: Only a few more remain, and then—
: There’ll be no more Angels.
: …!
: …
: This world is… different. It’s not the world that was promised to you.
: Excuse me…?
: Was he the only one who noticed?
: Ikari…?!
: … Though I had no tangible proof.
: This world is too distorted to carry out the script to its end.
: According to a memo left by Ishigami, all of this was seemingly preordained. The outbreak of the invasion from a parallel world, the appearance of a different lineage of humans… It is all a within the universal cycle of death and rebirth.
: And you both knew this…?
: We are truly sorry, but we only came across this information recently.
: Said memo was described as no more than “estimates from a companion”. We needed to confirm its contents.
: But you should have figured it out by now. There’s too much foreign matter in this world. The Dead Sea Scrolls Apocrypha is a no-go.
: Then… our Project is…
: Better luck next time, I guess? At the very least this world is headed to a different ending.
: A different ending…?
: (And depending on what they do, this might just be one where he can be happy…)

You know, despite the abruptness of it all, I had a big giggle over SEELE getting the rug yanked out from under them so unceremoniously. The fact that the last game I played was MX made it even more amusing to me.

Elevator door opens.

: Ah—…!
: Daddy’s Boy!

Hold the door! Door closes!

: Hey! Stand back, you; this is my personal space you’re in!
: B-But there’s only so much room in here…
: Psh…
: U-Um… Do you mind if I ask why you decided to pilot an EVA…?
: Now that’s a dumb question. I did it for myself, nothing more. What about you?
: I… I’m not sure…
: Are you stupid? Way I see it, you’re just dodging the subject.
: … Maybe I wanted my dad to compliment me?
: Today was the first time he did anything of the sort… my dad acknowledged what I did…
: … You really are stupid.
: …
: And, by the by, I noticed how you called me by my first name during that mess.
: O-Oh…
: Bah, whatever… “Asuka” is just fine. I might start calling you Stupid Shinji, too.
: Asuka…

The bosses are back in NERV HQ, and Gendou wasn’t really surprised to find out that SEELE was basing their script on the undisclosed Dead Sea Scrolls Apocrypha. Not that it matters, as both their shady cabal an NERV have just lose their reason for being. What now, Fuyutsuki wonders.
Gendou says they’ll simply carry on down their own path. After all, it is not by the hands of others that wishes are made real – it must be done with one’s own strength, no matter the cost.
So they’ll keep going despite not having the script to guide them anymore? Indeed, that’s the answer Gendou found. “Whatever could be waiting for us in the future… Hahah, I think I’m too old to be getting this excited,” Fuyutsuki laughs.

Touji and Kensuke rush on over to find Shinji and thank him for saving the city again. Hikari’s also tagging along – they wanted to check on their friends after word got around that we had the rest of the day off. Rei assures her that they’re all fine, while Nagisa extends warm greetings to Shinji’s classmates. Kensuke, of course, is deeply honored to speak with the LOTUS folk.
Anna has a laugh at how nervous he is, and tells him to relax. We don’t bite… though Goh admits there are a few crusty folks in our bunch. “Waaaaaaah! Goh Saruwatari! The real Goh Saruwatari, hero of the War of Giants! Duuuude, this is awesome!” Kensuke flips out. “Ooh, no, is that Daiya Tsuwabuki over here?! And is that… HYOUMA AOIIIIIII!”
While Touji tells him to quick with the pointing and yelling, Hikari thank us all what we’ve done today. Touji is man enough to admit that when he heard our plan was just to catch the Angel, he figured that not even Shinji could keep this from going south big time.

“But he always finds a way to bring home the bacon,” Kouichi cheers, “That’s what makes him the MAN!” N-No, not at all, this win was only thanks to all of us, Ayanami and Asuka; the girl likes hearing that, since, as we know, “Stupid Shinji couldn’t fight his way out of a wet paper bag without our help.”
Hey, now, since when are they calling each other by their first names? Ichitaka knows this trope: the flower of love, blossoming after two people risk their lives fighting together! Now that’s the stupidest thing Asuka’s heard ALL MONTH, and she demands that Shinji stop stammering and deny it firmly!

Regardless, Nagisa saw fit to draw upon her cooking experience from Nyan-Nyan to whip up lunch to our folks. Daiya and Tetsuya are blown away by all the tasty-looking food, and, yes, she made it all herself, with some help from Anna and Lou. It’s not often we get a chance to put our feet up, so they wanted to help make it even better.
Goh and Johnny love it all, but the biggest surprise is that even Shinji saw fit to put together a few lunch boxes of his own. And it is unexpectedly good – enough that even Asuka, Tetsuya and Shizuna have to admit it.

Seems to Touji that the kid’s got a few other skills outside of his regular “save the world” job, but Shinji’s already satisfied if everyone’s happy. Men that are skilled in the kitchen are quite popular with the girls, Shizuru notes… b-but that’s not what he’s after.
Only one who isn’t eating is Rei, but not because it tastes bad: she doesn’t eat meat. No problem, as Shinji’s got some miso soup ready and hands to her. “It’s good… Thank you,” she says, and everyone does a double-take. That’s the first time Touji’s ever heard her thank anyone else.

But all is not roses, as Risako calls Kouichi with a question: is he a Factor? Is that how he got so strong out of seemingly nowhere? After all she’s seen, including the realization that Kouichi’s piloting one of those robots, she put two and two together. He meant to tell her eventually, but she’s not mad. He’s been fighting to protect the world all this time, no?
Not quite: this would be too much for him alone. But now he’s got a bunch of teammates to help. And he helps them in turn, however he can. “Hahah… I can’t believe it’s really you saying that. Bigmouthed Kouichi’s turned into a real Champion of Justice, huh?” she laughs.

Kouichi mentions that he spoke with Yajima – the guy has stuff he needs to talk to her about, but it might be a while. That’s fine, she’ll wait until he decides to come over. In the meantime, Risako asks Kouichi not to do anything too crazy out there. Whatever happened to his body, he’s still the same Kouichi she knew all these years.
Wishing him good luck, she ends the call and leaves the kid to his thoughts: “I’m waiting too, Yajima… Hurry up and tell her, man.”

Cut to Dragon’s Hive, F.S. has just heard of SEELE’s Human Instrumentality Project going kaput, and both he and Tanaka know what that means: it’s only a matter of time before he makes his move. Or, actually, he may already have started: the new MP unit the Cthulhu fielded today have been deemed likely to be his pawns.
Seems to Tanaka that they must trigger the Dancouga’s awakening ASAP, and F.S. agrees: humanity has very little time remaining.

[Mattman324]

“Kaworu just nopes the rest of the Eva plot” is an amazing way to end it all, to be fair. And hey, we actually get an Evangelion comboattack in this game, which no other Rebuild game does. Some effort went into this!

[Brunom1]

Click to see the mission!

And we are back, to the same old rankings. Ichitaka’s still breathing down Kenji’s neck.

No 50% upgrades today, but I’ve set up Iczer-3 and Shinn to get it next mission. Little bit else went into the Nagahamas.

The final, thank god, route split of the game is upon us, so I’ll save the squad arrangements for after that.

We open up with Misato informing Lady Une that the EVAs are just about fully repaired, though it’ll take a bit longer to get them ready to fight in space. Djibril hasn’t been found yet, but Une would like us to have people up top for when he is. Misato agrees and suggests we split our team: one to stand guard over space, one over Earth.
The Minerva and Quarter’ll be heading into space, which is perfect for Jeffrey as the SMS team could so with some full-scale maintenance at the Frontier.

Cut to the hangar, Asuka is booored – there’ve been no Angels, no Cthulhu, no nothing to fight. Ichitaka doesn’t see the problem, since we’ve been fighting precisely to have these uneventful days become the norm again. Sounds like ages ago when he and Kouichi spent time watching vids of their favorite bots. Much has passed since Ichitaka went to see Grife and Kouichi got squished by the Linebarrel.
Same goes for Shinji, who still can’t fully believe this is what his life is like now. Will those days ever come back, Kouichi wonders? Michel sighs, saying that there are some things you can’t go back on once you’re in there. Alto asks if that was directed at him, and he says no… well, maybe.
Ippei figures he means Ranka; is there any indication that she’s struggling in her show business life? Not really, Alto THINKS she’s fine. Iczer-3 isn’t really listening, wishing Granny would crop out so she could beat the location of Nagisa out of her.

But that’s for another time: Misato comes in and informs that folks’ll be heading into space. No Djibril yet, but we’ll be ready for when he sticks his lipsticked head out. The Earth team’ll be on standby at JUDA in case anything happens here… though Daiya hopes we’ll get nothing. As always, Ichitaka gets to go on whichever group.

Stand Guard in Space Route:
Gundam Wing
SEED Destiny
Macross Frontier
Iczer-3
Jeeg
Voltes
Combattler

Stand Guard on the Surface Route:
Mazingers
Godannar
Dancouga
Linebarrel
Evangelion
Gaiking

Choose the space route, and Misato suggests we rest while we still can. That doesn’t feel too right for Luna, noting that the PLANTs have search parties looking for Djibril around the clock. Duo sees it the other way: we’ll rest now, and work extra-hard when it’s go-time.
And since he’s such an old-hand at that philosophy, Hilde declares his go-time to be now: he’ll be helping her gather intel. So much for relaxing…

Some time later, the Quarter’s already left Earth. That’s Ichitaka’s first real chance to really look at the planet without any hostiles or falling colonies hogging his attention – it’s a real gem, Luca thinks. Might not be that big of a deal face the vastness of the universe, but Nagisa knows that the Cthulhu or the Frontier Fleet haven’t run into any other world like it throughout their travels. Sister Gray said the same thing to Iczer-3, too.
Michel’s not feeling the vibe, though: they’re heading to the Frontier and won’t be working for a bit, so this may be the time to get him over to Sheryl. Kenji pokes him back to reality – he was just thinking to himself. Date plans, asks Juzo? Michel says it’s about our guard schedule, so that’s half-right.

But whatever’s on his mind, Kenji tells him not to take it all upon himself, having noticed him looking the same way he did before that friendly fire mess happened. Klan assures everyone that she’s making sure Michel’s keeping his head together – there’ll be no more hiccups from him. At least with her on watch, Megumi feels more at ease.

Over by Michel’s room, he apologizes for needing to have her bail him out. She notes that that only happened because he’s got a terrible poker face: everyone could see the worry spread across it. Sorry, sorry.
Regardless, Cathy gets on the PA and says she Quarter’s approaching Island 1, so what will they do now…

Choose the Surface Route, and Kouji and others take Misato up on her suggestion to get some rest. Emi’s worried, though: the Katou Organization’s still going strong, so it’s likely we’ll have to fight Yajima again. Kouichi doubts it, declaring that the guy isn’t with those guys anymore.
That sounds like certainty to Kurara, and it is. Last time they spoke, Yajima said that he hadn’t really joined Katou’s team and that he had some thinking to do. Guess that’s insight only years of friendship provides, and Ichitaka’s very glad to hear it as he didn’t want to fight the guy either.

Vestanu calls on Lulu to get our patrol missions set up – never know what might happen. Norza agrees, saying that idle days quickly erode one’s skill. With that in mind, Goh figures we could try some mock battles as a way to unwind. Plus, in Aoi’s opinion, it’ll do good to warm up both themselves and their engines.
Tetsuya likes their spirit, and Ichitaka’s raring to go too – the Katous can come try their hand whenever they want!

: …
: Is something wrong, Yamashita?
: We’ve been at it for so long, and we still don’t know what the Katou Organization or Reiji’s goals are… Is it really to take over the world?
: … Tsk, guess I really do still want to believe in him. I told myself I’d get over what happened, but… I’m just pathetic, huh?
: There is nothing to be ashamed of, young Satoru Yamashita. It is only natural to have faith in one’s lord. Never forsake that faith, I say, and your thoughts will surely reach him.
: Kain…
: Yamashita… no one here knows Reiji better than you. So keep trying to figure him out, and I’m sure you’ll find an answer eventually.
: Shinji… thanks. Heh, talk about a role reversal here… But, yeah, I’ll wait for him to show up again. And when he does, I’ll tell him everything!

[Brunom1]

Click to see the mission!

We’ll be going on the Surface Route first (though will be keeping Space). Some fiddling around later, here’s how we’re going:
Ichitaka/Miu
Domyoji/Jack
Daiya/Deceive
Norza/Lee
Dick/Puria
Goh/Anna
Ken/Lou
Tetsuya/Yanma
Shinji/Mira
Kouji/Rei
Asuka/Boss
Yamashita/Shizuru

Forward!

Masaki’s back at Shangri-La, and, with an apology, Katou asks that handle the “last one”. That is to say, the installation at Point Zero. They’ve managed to take advantage of the chaos gripping Earth to install the other Spheres without a hitch, but Katou figures the location for this one will make it especially difficult.
That’s fine with Masaki, who pledges to see it done despite the expected resistance. Once the installation at Point Zero’s finished, they’ll be done with making their preparations – the time for the Gate to open is nigh. Reiji himself is already out in space, ready to activate the Hub Fountain.
With that, Masaki gets ready to set off for Point Zero… the town of Misaki.

At the Daiku Maryu, Kouichi reports that the EVAs have all been fully repaired – took really long time, too, Ichitaka groans. Recent battles, especially the last one, had taken a heavy toll on them, but, as Kouji remembers, Shinji, Rei and Asuka have been pulling all the stops. The EVA kids kicked ass at Operation Yashima, and they did it again with the last Angel.
True, Shizuru admits while she’d initially thought of Shinji as just a “cute kid”, he’s shown himself to be a real man. Shinji stammers a denial, and Asuka sighs that he’s still being so wishy-washy. He’s fought and done more than enough to earn himself the right to be proud, and everyone here’s giving him props, so be happy about it!

The kid isn’t very good at being open with others, Kurara sees, but Sakuya notes that Shinji has undergone some amazing changes. He wouldn’t have expected him to amount to all this when they first met. Indeed, Goh concedes that he also worried that it’d be too much for him… but all’s well that ends well.

But the Team D’s changed plenty themselves, Anna says. When they joined the crew, they were so aloof and uncaring, but they’ve warmed up to the team. Now, their energy and soul burns hot enough to even get Tetsuya Kouji hyped to be fighting with them.
Aoi isn’t so sure, reminding of what she said during their first talk: she’s only really been fighting with the Dancouga because she thinks it’s exciting and fun. Kouji isn’t buying it, saying that’s just her hiding what she REALLY feels. Note, when Daiya was training last time and screwed up, the Team D lent a hand – that shows they care.

Aoi shrugs that that was just a spur-of-the-moment thing, and they’re reading too much into it. “Spur-of-the-moment”, as in it her body just did what felt natural to it, Goh asks? Whatever she might say, everyone here now sees the Team D as people whom we can trust to watch our backs.
But the camaraderie is put on hold as the klaxons go off. There’s an emergency and Rosa summons everyone to the bridge.

We’ve just got warned that the Katous are headed for Misaki. The missing Godannar characters (in order, left to right: Knight, Eris, Shadow, Luna, Ekaterina and Kukrachov) tried stopping their advance, but couldn’t pull it off. That the International Super Robot Team got trounced comes as a surprise to Anna, but, according to Eris, it was due to a certain bot showing up: the R-Daigun.
Shadow explains that it appeared in the battlefield in the blink of an eye and broke their lines apart. We hadn’t seen the bot since the battle at Vladivostok, which begs the question from Alice: why now? Whatever the case, it and the Katous were too much and forced them to back off.

Goh won’t hold it against them, telling his friends to stand down and lick their wounds. With an apology that they couldn’t help us from Kukrachov, Ekaterina asks that we stop their advance. We’re the proverbial last ray of hope.
While Kouichi fumes, Lulu tells Naoto to set the Daiku Maryu towards Misaki on the double. Meanwhile, Aoi knows we’re going to fight the R-Daigun there. Can they beat an enemy that’s trounced them before?

: So, what’d you want to talk with us about?
: Um… you guys all pulled through a bunch of battles even before we started piloting the Dancouga, yeah? What did you do when you had to go up against an enemy that was way stronger than you?
: Hearing about the R-Daigun after all this time’s brought some bad memories back, huh?
: Yes… When we last fought, we were completely outmatched…
: That said, it ain’t in us to just take another loss like that.
: So if there’s anything we can do to help us win, we’re ready and willing to run with it.
: Oh, wow, you HAVE gotten so much fiercer nowadays… It’s a huge contrast with when we first met!
: Alright, I see where you’re coming from… and I got just one piece of advice to give.
: As bad as things may get out there, never, ever, give up.
: I say the same thing. Victory always comes to those who keep fighting, who try ‘til the very last second.
: In other words, “never say die”…?
: It’s your call how you’ll take our words. But, there is something you’re lacking when compared to the other pilots.
: Something we’re lacking?
: And you should already know what that is.

Beep!

: We’ll be arriving in Misaki shortly. All pilots, battle stations!
: What happens next is all up to you folks. Go give that thing twice what it gave you!
: …

Mission 29 (Earth Route) - The Awakening of the God Beast

: Captain, the Fuji #1, our secret weapon, has been sunk…! We can’t hold the line anymore!
: And who’ll be left to protect the civs if we bail, idiot?!
: B-But…!
: The SDF really aren’t good enough to handle us, I guess. And here I was, hoping to have a bit more fun.

: N-Not yet… I can’t go down yet… It’s our mission to protect this town…!
: And now it’s your turn to hit the dirt!

: Stop right there, Katou Organization…!

: Why don’t you try your hand with me next!
: That’s JUDA’s Machina!

: Deploy all units!

: We’ll handle the rest, gramps. Pull back!
: I-I can’t just run and leave this to you…
: Don’t overexert yourself. There are still some other lives you need to take care of, right? Pull back and watch over them.
: S-Sorry… I leave this to you, then…

: There’s LOTUS. All troops, engage and destroy them. So says Cmdr. Katou.
: Hey, hold the phone… the Glain-Neider’s… it’s right above our school, isn’t it?!
: Everyone hurry! The Katou Organization’s trying to install a Sphere at Misaki Middle School, it seems!
: “Sphere”, as in that thingamajig they put in Vladivostok?!
: We still don’t know what those are, but we can’t just let them set the thing down! Get the Katou Organization off Misaki!
: Perfect… both we and Aoi’s crew can get some payback for their shenanigans in Vladivostok. Two birds with one stone.
: You’ve got some nerve trying to have your way with my town! You better be ready, ‘cause this is gonna hurt!

Looks at the R-Daigun ahead.

: R-Daigun…
: I have been waiting, Dancouga Nova… Show me how much you’ve grown since joining LOTUS.
: We’re not losing this time…!

Destroy everything, don’t lose a ship, Kouichi or Aoi.
The Katous have buffed up a wee bit since we last fought. Of note, they’ve started fielding MP Jinrais and these are rather dodgy for mooks – decent firepower, too. But, of course, we’ve fought stronger stuff against the Darius and those were WAY bulkier, so it’s just a matter of getting a few good hits to stick (usually with your Supers).
Soubi and Wufei aren’t around, probably busy discussing the finer details of SEIGI, but Masaki’s right up top and he’s just as dangerous as in Vladivostok. Approach accordingly. The R-Daigun’ll move straight away, making a beeline for Aoi, so be mindful of that – make sure she’s not in position to be mobbed by the Jinrais, or tucked behind Iron Wall (don’t worry about their SP).
Taking away these additions, it remains the standard fight with the Katous. Masaki won’t move, so it’s only Sawatari and Yulianne popping command auras this time – much more manageable. Build up morale and tear down the R-Daigun to get it, and its debuff, off your hair. Once that’s done, clean-up as usual and converge on Masaki (remember to watch out for his MAPW: 5x5 AoE centered on him).

Off we go!

: We’ve learned much since getting wrecked by you and joining LOTUS!
: We can win this now… I know we can!
: So if you think we’re the same people we were back then, you’re in for a rude awakening!
: Talk is cheap. Show me action…!
: You want it, you got it! Here we go!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=01Xt1IIX5bw
Let’s take a look at some DKs and attacks with couldn’t before. I don’t use the Blade Gainer enough, but it is quite the powerful machine nonetheless…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xMYloiy5gFU
And here’s a double-wammy: the Raiking and Vulking’s strongest non-combined attacks.
And I really got a kick of the Vulking’s “AAY, who wants a hug?!” victory pose.

Kill enough stuff and the plot kicks in.

: I’ll concede that you’re all very good, but it is too little, too late.

: Aah… the school’s…!
: It’s enormous… That Sphere’s completely different from the ones they’ve set before…!
: Just what are they planning, setting a Sphere in a place like that…?!
: You… what did you do to our school… That place held so many memories for us, and you…! You’re gonna pay for that…!!

: What…?!
: You do not learn, do you? Beam weapons won’t work against this unit.
: That’s why I’m always telling you to check the data we got on the enemy, man!
: This isn’t over! If I can just close the distance, then…!
: Don’t lose your cool, Hayase! Stop!
: Imbecile. That’ll cost you your life…
: Haaaaaaaah!

Kouichi starts charging in, but!

: What…?
: That attack… was it—?!

: Yeah, I figured your unit would still feel a real bullet just fine, beam immunity or not!
: Yajima…!
: Kouichi… I’ve thought about what I wanted to do…
: And I reconsidered a few things: what your new power actually means to you, what you’re using it for…
: …
: And I thought that if you got yourself in a bind, then I should be there to keep you safe… because that’s what I want to do.
: But, Yajima, I…
: I know… you’re not someone who’s just going to be protected anymore.
: So when I get myself in a bind, I want you to protect me back, Kouichi.
: Yeah… you got it, Yajima. I’ll watch your back come hell or high water… That’s what a Champion of Justice does, right?
: Right… I’ll be counting on you, Kouichi.
: Hey, hey! You two ain’t the only ones who wanna take care of their buddies!
: We all feel the same way…!
: Hear, hear! I don’t wanna ever have to go to a friend’s funeral again!
: Sorry about that, guys…
: Come and get it, then, Katous! We’re keeping our town safe from you!
: One extra Machina won’t help you change the tide of this battle. You’ll simply die alongside the traitor.

Don’t need to watch over Kouichi anymore. Proceed as usual.

Apparition (Yajima Hideaki)
Pilot Skills:
Factor (baseline value: 70)
Shoot Down
Hit & Away
Prevail L4
Support Attack L1
Support Defense L2
Attack Combo L1
Spirit Commands:
Snipe
Focus
Strike
Fighting Spirit
Mech Features:
EM Camo: activates at 130 morale. 20% chance to trigger double image, mitigated by Skill stat.
Squad Bonus: Ranged weapons’ attack power +100, Accuracy +5

Like all the other Machinas, the Apparition’s pretty good. As you might expect, it’s a pure sniper mech, but it does its job well. He’s got Kouichi beat pretty much on all stats (unsurprising, since it’s a well-established fact that the kid IS coasting on the Linebarrel being broken), but he’s not the most survivable of the bunch if the enemy gangs up on him.
As a sniper, it’s always better to have him hanging back behind our front line guys, so set him up accordingly. He only has two weapons: a 1-3 range post-movement shot, and a 3-8 range pre-movement one. All are ammo based, so you can spam his big weapon without much care.
All in all, another good squaddie mech for our range-focused guys.

Speaking of weapons, here’s Yajima’s best trick:

: Maybe I was the one who let this new power get to my head…!
: But if there’s one thing I know for real, it’s that I want to protect both this world and Risako…!
: So I’ll be fighting together with Kouichi’s crew! That’s the answer I found!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UufDbxDL4Lw

: We can’t well trip at the finish line, you know. Sorry, but I’ll have to put you down hard and fast!

: Those mooks bored me halfway to death! Y’all better make for a more fun time than them, ya hear!

: What’re you up to, setting that Sphere in Misaki?! Is it part of your plan to conquer the world?
: You’ll have your answer, soon enough. Just sit tight and wait for it to happen.
: Sorry, but we don’t have the time to wait around. I’m gonna have to make you come clean with us!

[i]I don’t think I’ve ever seen the Gaiking’s little shield in action!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Q5PU2Mpw3M
And let’s get this one out of the way as well: the DK for Norza’s Giant Cutter combined attack.

: Blah. I wanted to cap off this mission with a win… oh, well. See ya!

: Dealing with you should be up to Team D, but I can’t do anything about that if you’re headed my way!
: They didn’t take the R-Daigun seriously, either. Do you think actually think you’ll do any better?
: It’s you who’s not taking me seriously, but don’t worry. I’m about to give you a crash course on what happens when you do that to Kouji Kabuto!

: The Dancouga isn’t the same one you fought before. If you think thing’ll end as they did back then, you better think again.
: You should be worrying more about yourself than about them, Godannar…!

: Hey, didn’t you break up with the Katou Organization?! You saved the Dancouga from them that one time!
: I did save them, but that doesn’t mean things are as you imagine them to be. It’s that simple…!

: I cannot go down yet! I’ll keep going until I’m 100% sure…!

The R-Daigun rushes the Dancouga down!

: …! It’s still really dang fast…!
: You’re mine!

: GAAAAH!
: Is this the best you’ve to offer?! How do you figure you can defend Earth like that?!

: Crap, the Dancouga…!
: You’re done… And what a disappointment it is to see that the Dancouga Nova can’t do any better…
: The thing really is tough as nails…
: Is there just no way for us to win this…?
: We need to do something, or…!
: We’ll end up losers again…
: Don’t give up!
: …!
: We told you before: victory always comes to those who keep fighting, who try ‘til the very last second!
: The moment you let your heart be beaten, is the moment any enemy’ll get the better of you!
: So pull yourselves together! Show the enemy how loud your spirits roar!
: You’re right…
: I don’t want to lose this… not here, not now…!
: I can’t let myself be beaten here…!
: I won’t have it…!
: I don’t wanna be a loser…!
: (What is my purpose in life…? Is it for someone? For something? I still haven’t found anything of the sort… so I can’t let this be the end…!)
: (This isn’t all my life’s meant to be… I’m not dying here… absolutely not!)
: We… we’re not going to lose to you…! We can’t!!

: The Dancouga’s glowing…?!
: Wh-What…?!
: What’s going on…? It’s like I’m burning up…!
: My body… and my soul are on fire…!
: Power pouring through from my core…!
: This power…it’s what we’ve been looking for…!
: HAAAAAAAH!
: Hrm…!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lpwM-MeE7wE

: Urgh…!
: Alright, they did it!
: Wow… That some crazy power and speed they’ve got…!
: The Dancouga’s… like a wild beast now…!
: A Beast Mode… who’d have thought they had something like that.
: That’s the apex of the Dancouga…!
: Haah… haah… haah…
: Hold on, something’s wrong!
: Are… Are they going to kill the R-Daigun’s pilot…?!
: RAAAAAARGH!

: Kch…
: …!
: DON’T!!
: …!
: They stopped…?
: Eida… Wh-Why are you…
: …

: Wh-What the…? What were we doing?
: And what form was that…?
: What the hell is the Dancouga…?
: Team D, are you alright? Do you hear me?!
: Y-Yeah, we’re here!
: You look like you’re back in control, but there’re still enemies around. Maybe it’d be best for you to return to the ship for now?
: No, we’re fine…! More than that, actually… There isn’t an enemy that could keep us down now…!
: If you say so, alright… but at least try not to do anything rash.
: Roger that. Come on, people! Let’s go wild!

And the Dancouga Nova’s got a swanky new attack – expensive in EN, but very powerful. Only a handful of stuff left, so we’ll wrap things up quick.

: A very good show, LOTUS. Too bad that victory’s already ours…!

: I never imagined this unit would display dimensional interference abilities of this degree. But no more: you and LOTUS will all meet your end here.
: No, we won’t! We cannot fall until we’ve rescued the professor and saved the world!
: Plus I got a real problem with that weird toy you’ve set at my school, so it’s time to give you what you deserve!

: Struggle as you might, this battle will end in our favor. All you’re doing is wasting your energy.
: Maybe, but I’m piloting an EVA – that means I can’t just give up and do nothing!
: To say nothing of the fact that Misaki is like a second home to me. I’m not letting you destroy it!

: Machinas beyond the Linebarrel are of no consequence to us… and the same also applies to the hybrid.
: Your units weep, for they’re saddled with weak pilots, unable to bring out their actual powers.
: Psh, buddy-boy there’s looking down on us!
: But we won’t let you spread any more violence!
: We just gotta bring down your gumball, and then things’ll turn in our favor!
: You’ll be sorry you ever underestimated us!
: Off we go, folks! Dealing with the Katou Organization’s our bread and butter!

: You’ve successfully mastered the Plasma Drive, and even overwhelmed the combined Mimetic Beast… You’ve made it much farther than I’d ever imagined, Goh Saruwatari.
: Maybe it’s time to give up thinking you can tag where our limits are. We’ll always be reaching beyond whatever line your imagination sets!

: This guy was there during our first failed mission, right? We never fought him straight-up, but I still feel like taking it out on him too…!
: What he said. It wasn’t really his fault, but screw it – we don’t care.
: Team “D” stands for “Dangerous” today. Let’s go and make him painfully aware of it…!

: To call that unit weak would be an understatement. You must be mad to face the Glain-Neidr with it.
: I’ve heard a bunch of talk like that before – usually a few minutes before I shoved my foot up the speaker’s butt! I don’t take sass sitting down, guy!

: Grit your teeth, Katous! This CHAMPION OF JUSTICE’s about to run your evil into the dirt!
: His standards are beyond childish… I was right. The point of us observing him was to…

: I hope you’re not expecting the Glain-Neidr to go down after just that.

: Damn it, that fatass is still going?!
: He’s as strong as advertised, huh…!

Beep!

: The Hub Dynamo’s already online. Retreat, Masaki.
: …
: My orders were just for you to install the Sphere, I recall.
: I never said anything about eliminating LOTUS, making your current activity absolutely needless. Do stop with it right now, yes?
: … Retreating.

: All enemies are leaving the area.
: Hah, and stay out!
: We somehow managed to keep the town in one piece.
: Same can’t be said about keeping them from setting up that Sphere, though…
: No point in crying over spilt milk. We’re making some headway on our research on the things, mind, so can you guys come back to JUDA on the double?
: Understood. All troops, return to the Daiku Maryu!
: Aye, aye!

Back at Shangri-La, Katou’s taking Masaki to task for trying to destroy LOTUS when that went far beyond the scope of his orders. To say nothing of the fact that Masaki’s offensive ended in failure, too. He says things were going fine, but he didn’t expect the Apparition to interfere. With that, Masaki quickly excuses himself.
Katou seems annoyed, but doesn’t say anything when Reiji asks. Rather, he wants to know how things are going on his end. Smoothly: all of the orbiting Hub Dynamos are confirmed to be receiving energy from the Hub Fountain. Now they just need the Flag to awaken, and the Dimension Peeler can be activated.

It’ll be a little bit before that happens, mind. Katou can’t help but be ruefully impressed with Ishigami: not only the guy made off with the Flag, he saw fit to seal away the key to getting their final operation rolling behind a game in Katou’s computer. He’s in the process of clearing it all to undo the seal. Not that surprising to Reiji, of course, knowing how much the guy fancied his pranks.
Whatever the case, very soon they’ll be able to progress to the last stage. And then…

: Huh…?
: There, I’ve said it… I love you. I always have…!
: But…
: I’m sorry, I—
: You love Kouichi, right?
: Huh?!
: I know, but I wanted to get this off my chest.
: I wanted you to know that there’s another guy who loves you… and I’d be happy if you just remembered that.
: Yajima…

Nearby…

: You’re a real man, Yajima…
: … It feels kinda awkward to be spying on them like this, though…
: Oh, don’t be like that. This is a big moment for our buddy, so how could we not witness it?
: Friendship’s fine and all, but it doesn’t make this any better.
: G-Goh…! W-We were just…!
: Psh… Hurry on up to the Ishigami’s office. Seems they’ve finished their analysis on the Spheres.
: Really?!

From what the JUDA crew’s found, the Katous have set a bunch of other Spheres beyond the ones at Vladivostok and Misaki. They’ve been slowly getting those in place while we weren’t looking, and Tetsuya Kouji isn’t amused.
Now, Sakon originally thought we were dealing with something like a Death Cross Point, but it wasn’t quite that. Rachel says they’ve managed to get confirm their hypothesis with the Misaki Sphere, though. The Spheres spread throughout Earth are part of a system; one that’s meant to interfere with the planet’s gravitational field, triggering a large-scale space-time distortion.

Distortion? A hole in the fabric of space-time, like the one that allowed the Linebarrel to come into our world in the first place. Said distortion’s projected to be 350km wide and form right above Misaki – that is, right above US. Yajima figures what they’re going to do is use that as a gate to bring their army.
When Kouichi asks, he explains that the Katou Organization as a whole is just the spearhead of the Highly Probable World’s invading force. Once the way is open, the entire army’ll come over. The Organization alone is a pain to deal with, and the prospect of an even bigger force isn’t one Sayaka’s happy with.

Right then, AI Ishigami crops up and sees that there is little time remaining. “The world must be kept out of their clutches, so I will now entrust you with the entirety of Project JUDA,” he proclaims.
Data starts pouring into the computers, which Rachel tags as depicting a detailed analysis of the D-S.O.I.L., as well the development of optional equipment based around that. “He kept stuff like this hidden in JUDA’s underground…? Wait, no… this isn’t underground!” Rachel realizes as the ground starts shaking!

Not just – JUDA HQ is going airborne! Yajima asks Kouichi to calm down, and AI Ishigami explains: “This is the true form of Project JUDA… the giant battleship, Flag!” As Johnny notes it, the entire building was camouflage for the thing, as Ishigami needed to keep its presence hidden until the right moment.
Is he implying that the forces from the Highly Probable World are already underway? No, he assures Misato that the Katou Organization will need some time to activate the Dimension Peeler and open the gate in space-time.

That sounds great to Tanaka, who calls in and asks if we couldn’t make a detour for Dragon’s Hive, then. But Aoi likes that he’s on the phone, wanting to ask him about what happened to the Dancouga during the battle.
That’s fine, that’s fine, as they WERE going to discuss the Dancouga once Team D’s back at Dragon’s Hive. Oh, so they’re finally going to get some answers? Yes, but it won’t be from Tanaka… F.S. himself wants to speak to them.

Speaking of, F.S. is very glad that Team D’s finally reached the point where they can unleash the God Beast Mode. They might actually be able to succeed in their plan. His previously-hidden friend, WILL, agrees, noting that Team D and the Dancouga have grown and awakened faster than his predictions.
They may yet bestow humanity with the power it’ll need to oppose “them”… though it is still too soon to say for sure, F.S. notes. They still need to see where Team D stands in all this, which means it’s time to tell them everything about the Dancouga’s true purpose.

Oh, and MajinZenki did a thing over discord:

[Mattman324]

Blade Gainer is one of the strongest units in the game, you should be using him more. Its low range doesn’t change that.

It’s “Electro Blazer”, as in the counterpart to Hydro Blazer.

Kind of sad that Kouichi, at this point, still is “just coasting on Linebarrel being strong”. At this point in the manga it’s been plainly established that that’s only a half-truth - Kouichi is only a good pilot for Linebarrel, because he trained in the thing and it’s got a lot of unique systems, which makes him a bad pilot for MP units… but he IS still a good pilot and he’s got great instincts for that stuff. Of course, the anime can’t have characters actually fucking develop.

…and yes, “MP Katou Grunts” is fucking awful.

Oh, by the way - if you go Earth/Space/Earth/Space/Earth/Space, the next stage is arguably the worst in the game. It does give one really fun unit to you, though. Expect a few fun units in the next few stages, including the one you’ve been clamoring for for so long… and, well, Dancouga Nova’s next upgrade (IT LITERALLY GETS GOD BEAST RIGHT BEFORE IT UPGRADES FUCKING L MATE)

[Brunom1]

Click to see the mission!

Here we are at the Space Route. We’ll be keeping this path, so we’ll see how our ace list changes as Kenji and Ichitaka get to wreck stuff without Daiya around.

This first mission only allows for a surprisingly small amount of squads: only 10. Granted, all of the Valkyries and Klan are deploying as event units, so here’s how we’re going:
Ichitaka
Shinn/Luna
Duo/Quatre
Zechs/Yagyuu (I soon regret this choice, swapping her over to Rey’s team and bringing Noin back here)
Kenji/Kyo
Jeeg/Micchi
Voltes/Canaria
Rey/Noin
Combattler/Hilde
Iczer-3/Heine

Off we go.

We open up on the Quarter, and Jeffrey asks if Talia shouldn’t take some time off to rest. She agrees, willing to let Arthur take things over for a bit… though she has a hard time being at ease when we can only sit around and wait for information on Djibril to come in. Well, Jeffrey tells her to have faith in ZAFT and the NUNS, as they’re scouring the whole sector looking for him.
Jeffrey himself would prefer if nothing happened at least for a bit, while the ship’s still getting serviced. True, true, considering the battles we’ll have in the future, it’ll be tough to get another chance to run maintenance like this. And that’s saying nothing on giving our team a chance to get some much needed R&R. Maybe this waiting around isn’t SO bad, Talia reconsiders.
Indeed, haste makes waste. While Jeffrey applauds her dutifulness, she ought to put her feet up once in a blue moon. So she will.

At Island 1, Alto’s not happy that he got conscripted into helping buy groceries during his time off. Tsubaki suggest he not look at it like that, and instead think of it as shopping. Nagisa herself is enjoying being back home after so long, but the same clearly doesn’t apply to the man. And telling him to look at it like “shopping” isn’t helping make it better, either.
Hilde quips that not enjoying shopping won’t help him get along with the ladies, though Alto grunts that he doesn’t care. One thing Quatre notices is that Ranka’s music is playing throughout the area. In fact, it’s been like that since they came to port.

Seems to Ichitaka that the Frontier has Ranka Fever – way more than down on Earth, that’s for sure. Speaking of, Megumi’s heard that the girl’ll be making a live performance at Mihoshi Academy soon. Provided nothing happens, we’ll be able to catch that. Nagisa’s excited for it, as it’ll be hers and Kawai’s first time seeing their friend perform solo.
That’s great, but Juzo tells them to be careful not to jinx it: better pray hard Djibril doesn’t rear his head out of whatever hole he’s hiding in.

Back to the Quarter, Cathy’s brought some unusual info to Ozma: apparently, Ranka’s show today is being sponsored by the Frontier’s Executive branch itself. Her guess is they want to further boost Ranka’s career, as the one whose song can repel the Vajra. A modern Lynn Minmay, Ozma sighs.
He likes that her wish is coming true, but doesn’t care that it’s coming hand-in-hand with her being weaponized in our fight with the bugs. And to further raise questions around this, it seems the whole event was proposed by Mishima.
He was the one who put forward that experiment to use Ranka’s song against the Vajra, and Cathy thinks there’s more to all this than what we’re seeing. Ozma feels the same way, and wants to get to the bottom of it.

Ranka’s getting ready for the show, and while she seems bothered by what’s going on, she’s willing to go with it to make everyone happy. At least she gets some visitors to cheer her up before it all starts. She’s glad to see Klan and Michel again but, of course, what really brightens her day is Alto’s presence.
He asks if she’s not feeling too nervous – singing at her school’s different from her usual gigs. True, she’s a bit nervous, but figures she’ll be fine. She’ll just have fun and sing! Alto likes hearing that, impressed with the professional she’s become – all thanks to him helping her so many times before. And she’ll be working extra-hard out there knowing he’ll be listening.

At that, Michel and Klan nod at each other and suddenly remember that they have a few things they need to take care of real quick. Ranka’s a bit dejected, but understands that they’re busy. But she needn’t be bummed out: they’ll be leaving Alto here to keep her company until the show!
That’s the first Alto’s heard of any of this, but, whoops, too late – gotta go! Klan and Michel promise to be at their seats by the time she steps on stage. Alto grumbles as they leave.

Outside, Klan and Michel groan right back: seems like it didn’t really dawn on Alto WHY they were leaving him there. Seriously, being that dense should be a crime, Michel thinks. “Pfeh, I really don’t think you can say anything about that,” Klan harrumphs.
Michel stops short, but Klan continues. Despite all the myriad ladies he’s been with, he’s never REALLY gotten together with anyone. “Is there no one you really have feelings for, Michel? Is there love, somewhere in your heart?!” Klan demands to know, and Michel can’t answer.

: Hold me to the edge of the galaxy!

: Ranka’s on fire today, huh?
: Yes, she is! There’s this glow in her eyes that I don’t see often…!

: Wow, has it been half the show already?
: She’ll be wearing an outfit you designed for the second half, right, Nanase? How exciting…
: Speaking of excitement, Sheryl, I saw on the news that you were taking some time to rest? Are you well enough to be here?
: She’s right! And I know this is the VIP area, but do you need that disguise…?
: Ssshh. This is Ranka’s show, so I don’t want to stand out. And, as you can see, I’m doing just fine. Relax and have some fun, would you?
: Huh… that’s a lot different from the picture Michel painted. He said you might not be feeling too good, and that I really needed to see you… And here I was, all worried for nothing.
: (Michel and Klan… so they now there’s something wrong with me… but I can’t let him know. That’s why I…)
: Of course – what did you expect? I am Sheryl Nome, after all.

: Oh! The second half’s starting!
: (Are you listening, Alto? Please let my feelings reach you…!)
: That’s a beautiful stage.
: Hey, Sheryl… I heard you’d quit singing. Is that true?
: … It is. I’ve retired…
: But you still want to sing, don’t you…?
: Come, now… Sheryl Nome never says anything that she…
: …!

Thud.

: Sheryl!
: Don’t worry… I just got a bit dizzy. And, whatever the case, I am not singing any—
: Don’t lie to me, Sheryl. I know you’d never quit singing. You wouldn’t have touched the hearts of so many people if you didn’t love doing this!
: …
: Whenever I got up on stage, I wasn’t really there. So I can tell when someone’s pretending to be something they’re not, and someone who’s the real deal.
: Alto…
: (Huh? There’s someone with Alto… Sheryl? No… no…!)
: (How can you break my heart like this, Alto…? Is she really the one you love?)

BOOM! Vrrrrr!

: !!
: That sound was!
: SHYAAAAAAAA!!
: Aaaah!
: That’s… a Stage #2 Vajra larva?! How did it get in Island 1?!
: Save the questions for later! We gotta get back to SMS!

Mission 29 (Space Route) – Triangular

: A new type of Vajra…!
: More important than that is how we now got a fight breaking out in an airtight environment…! This isn’t good, man!
: Worse, some of our units are still repairing, so we won’t have all hands on deck for this!
: There are so many Vajra… Where did they come from…?!
: That’s not the main issue right now! We’ll have to keep them from tearing through the city until Alto and the others come over!

On the other side of town…

: Damn, this just keeps getting worse… Transportations down, we got split up with Alto’s group…
: Michel… Are you still not going to give me an answer?
: Huh? What is it now?
: Is there love, somewhere in your heart…?!
: … If there is, it’s currently MIA. I can’t even remember if I ever felt that to begin with.
: I see how it is… You’re a coward…

Punch!

: Hm…?!
: I love you, Michel.
: Y-You… Look at what’s happening…!
: I am, which is why I did this! How could I be truly in love if I let something like the fear of death hold me down…?!
: Klan…

And, on that note, let’s shoot some bugs. This mission is a bit of an odd one: there are 30 Vajra larvas to the NW, with more to come, and you have a rather diminished amount of resources. Start sending your folks out thattaway and start blasting – the larvas are pretty frail. That said, don’t go too crazy: you’ll want to leave 8+ of them alive for stuff.
On the flip side, the Vajra Larvas are SS sized, so they’ll be getting better numbers than usual against your guys. Worse, your beefier units will likely have pretty shoddy hit %s against them, so Strike is the name of the game.
Of note is that Ichitaka is FUCKING INVINCIBLE in this mission: the larvas only have one attack, and it’s a Beam weapon which doesn’t hit too hard. In other words, they’ll never get through the Laplace Wall.

Push onwards and, on the next turn…

: Urk!
: Sheryl! You alright?!
: Yes, yes! The shrapnel just grazed me.
: … Ranka, you have to sing! Make the Vajra docile with your song, please!
: Huh… but…
: You’re the only one who can! Please! Our city and everyone in it need your help!
: I’m the only one… Okay, I’ll do it…
: (You tell me that, but she’s the one you’re holding… It hurts… You’ve no idea how much my heart’s hurting, Alto…)

: …!

: What the?! The Vajra got all energized?!
: Damn it, and they were already tough to deal with before…!
: (What… how…?)

Elsewhere…

: Emotional level: -7.3…
: Is this mess your doing?
: No. I admit that I considered the possibility, but this is an irregular event as far as I’m concerned.
: But it doesn’t matter. How are things going on your end? The plan’s been going so swimmingly… I could lend you a hand with that if you’re feeling uneasy.
: Thank you, but no. I’ll handle it myself. This mayhem could be a bit of divine providence at work, I think…!

: AAAH!!

Thud.

: Nanase!
: Ur…gh…
: H-Hang in there! Stay with us!
: Nanase! Sheryl!
: I’ll take her to the shelter! Your job is to keep the city safe – hurry back to the SMS building!
: Hrm… alright! Can you keep up, Ranka?!
: Yes…

: Sorry for the delay, people!
: Ranka’s already safe and sound! Same goes for Nagisa and Kawai, by the looks for things!
: You… You’ve hurt Nanase!

Back at the SMS base…

: How’s my Queadluun doing?!
: It was still undergoing maintenance, so its frame’s pried wide open! We could try reassembling it on a hurry, but…
: Damn it, of all the…! Wait, there was a Super Pack stored in the hangar, right?
: Sure, but what use—
: Give it to me! I’m going out with it!

: Klan?! Are you really sure about fighting with that?!
: We’re already short on people as is. Watch my six, Michel!

Can’t lose Michel or Klan here, which is fine as they’re very dodgy. Just don’t let evasion decay bite them in the ass. With the new gaggle of Vajras to the NE, we’ll have to spread our forces a bit – I’ll have the Rushbird lead the way there since it can’t be damaged. The NW group has the SMS folks, so I’ll only add a few more hands there.

Klan Klang (Super Pack)
Squad Bonus: Critical +10, Mobility +5, Money +10%

And here’s Iczer-5! Klan and her jetpack are rather short on attacks, but she’s got decently powered missiles with 2-7 range, so that’ll do well enough. And unlike Z2.2, this isn’t a one-time thing: Klan can now go out in either this or her Queadluun-Rea for any mission!
One thing you really need to pay attention to is that Klan doesn’t fly too well: only a B rank in air, and that’s a real problem since she deploys in flight! Put her back in the ground ASAP or the Vajra Larvas WILL be getting good numbers on her. Grounded, she is very dodgy, though.
Once she’s landed, she’s pretty much untouchable until the evasion decay really piles up.

And one final thing before we go:

Secret Alert!
Have Michel kill 8+ enemies. As in, by the time you clear out THIS bunch of Vajras, he needs to have 8+ kills.
Easiest way to do that is to have Luca (my Alto’s too strong – he often crit-kills one with even the Gunpod) pop a chain attack to shave off 50-70% of a pair’s HP, and have Michel follow up for two kills. Do that four times, and you’ll be good.

Here we go.

: You’re not hurting Island 1 or any other of the people I love! I’m not having it!

: Fighting and dying are things only soldiers should be doing! You’re not killing any more of the Frontier’s civs on my watch!

: Ranka’s song isn’t working on them, so we’ll have to handle this ourselves! You bugs can go straight to Hell!

: What’s wrong, Mr. Bug?! Why’re you angry?!
: But I still need to get Nagisa back… I’m sorry!

: There’re shelters all over this area! It’s only a matter of time before those get damaged – we need to get rid of these things quick!

: Are there any people who haven’t run off yet?! This all went down so suddenly…!
: About 90% should already have evacuated safely! We should hurry to make sure the remaining 10% are also fine!

Every once in a while comes a mission where all stars align in Ichitaka’s favor, and this is one of them. By the end, he’ll have taken a total of 11 kills, and that’s only because I held him back after a point – the Rushbird can solo this whole thing with just its Lightning Fist and absorbing EN.

: Damn it, how did a screw-up like this happen?! We haven’t had Vajra managing to get inside Island 1 since first contact!

: This isn’t the time to lose your head – calm down…! Calm down and push the bugs back…!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cNYfYtR3DO8

: What the hell… Did the Vajra manage to build a nest inside the Frontier? I can’t think of any other explanation for this!

: Rrrgh, these’re ever smaller and quicker than the ones we fought before…! And there’s a ton of them, to boot!
: Just point us in the right direction, Hyouma! I’ll get you a lock!

It was as I was killing the last survivors that I came to realize that I REALLY wanted Rey to be able to MAPW aerial targets, so I went and swapped his and Zechs’ squadmates around.

Much better.

: Yeesh, how many of them are there?!
: We have to do something, or there’ll be no way for anyone to live here…!
: SHYAAAAAAA!

The Vajra rushes Klan down!

: Damn—!
: KLAN!!

Michel: Zentran or no, she’s out there in the flesh…!

Michel: K-Klan… I’ll… protect… you!

: Michel?!
: Hey… Alto. When you really love someone… you’re ready to risk your life for them… right…?
: Michel…!
: Sorry, Klan… that I couldn’t say this ‘til now… But I… I also…
: Mi…Michel…?
: I love you…

: Aah…! AAAAAAAAAH!
: Th-This has to be a sick joke… Michel! MICHEEEEEEL!!

Beep! Secret Achieved!

: Hrgh…! Quit yelling… I hear you just fine…
: Michel! You’re alive?!
: Just barely… I really thought I was a goner there… which loosened my tongue a bit too much…
: Argh, you idiot! If you actually do love me, then you can’t just die like that!
: Kch… You’re such a slavedriver… God, this hurts…
: Don’t talk anymore, Michel! Do whatever you can for your wounds – we’re sending people your way!
: Aye, aye… I’ll be waiting…!
: In the meantime, we’ve to clear out the remaining Vajras in Island 1 and keep the people safe!
: Yes, sir! We’ll wrap this up in a hurry!

In a hurry, indeed, because I’ve officially ran out of patience. So I have everyone bunch up at Mihoshi and hold back for just a few turns…

Perfect.

That’s precisely 30 kills for Rey, and not a drop of regret on my part (especially because I used Bless).
And it’s just hit me that this is the second game in a row where a Toshihiko Seki character becomes my go-to “fuck this” tactic.

: (What’s going on…? I shouldn’t have any memories of my childhood… so why does this look so familiar…?)
: (That’s right… someone helped me before! What happened was… hrm… I can’t remember…!)

Anything that wasn’t inside this AoE gets wrecked, and we’re done!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pNECbtp60y4

: We’ve managed to bring down all the Vajras that entered the ship…!
: Now we just need to deal with the ones surrounding the fleet!
: What…?! There’re more outside?!
: Yes, Brera and the fleet’s forces are currently engaging them. They won’t last by themselves, though. We need to get out there and provide support!
: So he’s fighting too… Roger that!

: I see you’re safe, Mr. President.
: Oh, Mishima? We’ve already finished transferring all governmental functions to the Battle Frontier. All that remains is leading the offensive from there.
: Much appreciated. Now, if you would, I, Leon Mishima, shall take those duties upon myself…
: What…?

Door opens.

: Father, get away from him!
: Cathy?! What are you doing here?!
: Oh, dear, we’ve some uninvited guests… but I’m afraid you’re too late.

Bang!

: Wh—…!

Dead.

: F-FATHER!!
: Mishima…!
: Your father is gone, Cathy. And I fear I must now call off our engagement.
: You… how could you!
: Much as it pains me, I cannot afford to leave witnesses… Get them!
: Yes, sir…!

: You’re not getting rid of us that easy!

Punch!

: Urgh!
: Cathy, run!

Door closes, and they run off!

: Tsk… After them! Don’t let them escape!

: …
: Stay strong… Alto and his friends will save us, I’m sure…
: Why is any of this happening…? Couldn’t Ranka’s song stop the Vajra?
#1: Rrgh, damn that aide… I thought that story was too good to be true!
#2: If only we’d made it to pilots, we…!
: …

: Don’t lie to me, Sheryl. I know you’d never quit singing. You wouldn’t have touched the hearts of so many people if you didn’t love doing this!

: (Singing, huh…? Could I still touch their hearts?)

L doesn’t have this song, but screw it!

: Kami-sama ni koi wo shiteta koro wa… ♪
: … Sheryl? It’s Sheryl Nome!
: What a beautiful song…
: (I might not be able to be a symbol of hope like Ranka. But, still, I’ll carry on singing even as despair spreads around me.)
: (All so my song can touch and bring joy to the hearts of these people…!)

[Mattman324]

And to think, you’re still not done getting Iczers in this game!

Man, I really like Armored Klan, but it’s a shame that she’s not particularly good. Still, I made use of her fairly extensively my first playthrough, and while her partner bonuses aren’t THAT impressive (it’s the same as her Queadlunn but with +money instead of +EXP and eventually +Range instead of +Movement) they do tend to help quite a bit.

[Brunom1]

Click to see the mission!

Back at the Earth route, no need to check the Top Aces since we’ve decided to keep Michel alive. Not a whole lot of money from the last mission, but I did use it all giving our secondary units a boost in HP, Armor, and whatnot, to keep them from being too flimsy.

The Dancouga’s still an event unit, so we’re pretty much the same as before:
Ichitaka/Miu
Domyoji/Jack
Daiya/Deceive
Norza/Lee
Dick/Puria
Goh/Anna
Ken/Lou
Tetsuya/Yanma
Shinji/Yajima
Kouji/Rei
Asuka/Boss
Yamashita/Shizuru
Kouichi/Mira

At Shangri-La, Vladimir’s bidding Katou farewell. She does appreciate his help, as it allowed the Dancouga to awaken – now she and her fellows can carry on with their own plan. Katou is very understanding, knowing that it’s all necessary to stand up to a certain group. As the call ends, he tells her to give his regards to “him”, and Vladimir hopes his plan’ll also proceed smoothly.
Vladimir (and, likely, the R-Daigun) blast away, and Katou tells Reiji that neither of the ladies had any reason to share in their battles anymore. Regardless, Katou knows time is running short, so they ought to also start advancing with their own project.

Cut to the Cthulhu Fortress, Iczer-2 is up and about. And despite having just returned to active duty, she’s already given Iczer-3 a major beating on the other path. 2 was stopped just short of killing the girl, but knows she can end someone as weak as her at any time – with or without control over Nagisa’s powers.
Neos Gold is very impressed with her mother’s warrior, and asks if Iczer-2 wouldn’t be willing to take on another assignment…

Meanwhile, our people have just arrived at the Dragon’s Hive – hidden on an island only a scant few people in LOTUS and the UN were even aware existed, Lulu adds. O-G’s still around, and extends a warm welcome to Ru. Seimi trails right behind, and it’s been ages since she and Team D saw each other face-to-face.
Her figure has Domyoji blown away, and Kouichi can’t well argue with the guy’s assessment – he even feels his heart beating faster! Goh knows what that’s like, right? D-Don’t bring him into this, as he’s already trying hard enough to keep his gaze under control. Anna doesn’t appreciate it, and while Goh stammers that his eyes moved on impulse, Emi is still very disappointed with everyone. They’re all despicable!

Seimi has a giggle at our lively posse, but figures we’re to thank for the Dancouga displaying that kind of power in the last battle. And Sakuya’ll admit it, saying it was our advice that allowed them to push the bot into the mode. The Dancouga also deserves its share of praise, of course.
It’s pretty clear to Seimi that the team has changed a lot over this period of time – like so many have already noted, Johnny sees. But it’s true, as she remembers they kept this sort of wall around their hearts, and never really let their spirit run free. Now they’re just beaming with energy, and she’s so impressed with them.
Before she can give Aoi one of her painful hugs, Tanaka comes in and beckons everyone.

He leads us to the command center, and while Misato wants to know why we were called here, Tanaka explains that while he has the title of Commander, he’s not actually the one running the whole show. Meaning it’s that F.S. guy, Tetsuya asks? Indeed, and we’ll hear it all from him.
F.S. – Fog Sweeper – steps in and Aoi immediately demands him come clean about what the Dancouga’s about. That’s fine, though F.S. notes that we apparently have an unexpected visitor. It’s Isabelle Cronkite, who’s very surprised at how easily she managed to break into the base.
F.S. explains that he disabled security, figuring that she’s also earned the right to hear everything – out of respect for her fearless zeal in uncovering and reporting the truth about the Dancouga.

Why now? Because, says the suddenly appearing Vladimir, now the Dancouga and the R-Daigun have gained the strength needed for us to emerge victorious. Tanaka introduces her as the commander of the R-Daigun team, but the bot’s pilot is yet to arrive. She’s stayed at their home base to check on the Daigun’s repairs, but will be coming over as soon as can be.
So, how about those answers? And Kurara would like an explanation on what Vladimir just said about the Dancouga and R-Daigun, too. Very well, F.S. will talk: first off, the Dancouga was built with the singular purpose of safeguarding all life on this planet. With that in mind, the bot needed to collect and study combat data from various sources in order to grow.

And that is why, Johnny surmises, he had them take part in all these battles, R-Daigun included? Indeed, so that it could evolve to even greater heights… and also to gather vital data from humans and all myriad lifeforms across the world. As for why the bot’s been prolonging conflict since before the War of Giants, F.S. says it was done in accordance to his investors’ orders, as a way to keep them none the wiser.
What Daiya wants to know is why the Dancouga would be collecting that vital data, and F.S. says it was all to defend the life for this world against two things: the Angels, and WILL. What’s a WILL?

And WILL materializes to explain about that: he is, as F.S. puts it, an inorganic life form and ONE of many WILLs out there. He and his peers have stood as the observers of all organic life before this universe even came to be, and as WILL observed humanity’s emergence and growth throughout the ages, he felt the boundless potential within us.
However, another of his kind was on the moon – the aptly named Moon WILL – deemed that there was no place in the universe for our kind (a process that has been done to many other civilizations before). In other words, the guy wants to wipe out humanity.
“And that is precisely why we cannot allow you to fight Moon WILL,” F.S. adds. What? WILL explains to Aoi that Moon WILL has control of the so-called Original Dancouga. They based the Nova on it, and its power is beyond compare to anything we’ve faced before. It is a machine made solely for combat, while our Dancouga is, first and foremost, a means to make sure the vital data of this world survives.

That is the reason why they also had it fight and learn from collected combat data throughout all these years: to help it develop the strength needed to protect the seeds of all life, human included, that lie in its data banks. Misato sees that the thing is like Noah’s Ark, built in the eventuality Earth was destroyed.
Seems to Isabelle that she was right to doubt that the Dancouga would be this world’s savior. If anything, F.S. wants us to understand that they can’t send us into a battle that they know we’ll lose.

Asuka and Shinji don’t like this one bit: they’ve fought all those Angels to keep humanity safe, and now F.S. wants them to just give up and wait for our world to be destroyed? “What have we all fought for all this time, then?!” Shinji asks. And Aoi follows up: “You won’t even give us a chance to try and fight for our lives…?! We’ve already fought to get to this point, and we’re already set to keep going all the way!”
What do we care about this Moon WILL guy? Sakuya says we’ll just kick his ass one way or another! And while Goh isn’t outright rejecting their plan, we have been, and still are, fighting to protect the lives of all those living in THIS world.
We keep on going, struggling as hard as we can for as long as we have a shot of winning. “But how can this end with anything but you getting beaten, when you won’t even try to do anything?” Ichitaka argues.

F.S. understands how we feel, but the enemy’s power is far more than what we can currently oppose. Aoi still isn’t convinced, but the alarm signals a newer problem on the horizon: we have enemies headed this way. The SDF has reported them as Cthulhu forces, and tried to intercept them with the Fuji #2… which promptly got trashed as well.
Seems we’ll have to decide what to do about Moon WILL after these guys are dealt with. And as everyone runs off to deploy, F.S. ponders: “They now know the truth, and still they are determined to face Moon WILL…”
It proves to WILL how tough our people are, and he figures F.S. expected us to react like that. Still, that changes not the fact that we stand no chance against this enemy… right now, at least.

Mission 30 (Earth Route) – Transcendent Evolution

: Hmph, is that all…?

: And there you are… LOTUS.
: It’s… the Iczer-Σ!
: Gah, meaning that scary broad’s back in action?!
: I am, but, unfortunately, you lot will have to be permanently out of commission. That way my sister will come and fight me in earnest!
: Keep your heads on a swivel, everyone! The Iczer-Σ’s looking to be even stronger than before!
: Yes, ma’am! We’ll kick them out in a hurry!

Again with the Cthulhu, and the same tactics still apply. Iczer-2’s as dangerous as always, but we’ve fought her enough that we can handle that, despite the stat boost. Better still, a whole bunch of our guys now know Valor, so her HP pool won’t last at all.
Just don’t lose a ship or the Dancouga, which isn’t likely anyway.

Nothing happens on the first turn as we all start closing in. When turn two rolls around…

Beep, beep!

: We’ve got an enemy force approaching our airspace! This signal…
: It’s the Pretender…?!

: Kiriyama… but I’m sure I—!
: He survived…?!
: Well, how do you do, LOTUS… and Kouichi Hayase! It’s been ages!
: You really humiliated me back then, but, today, my justice… jus…tice… j u s t i c e…
: The hell…? What’s wrong with him?
: What… What am I feeling…?
: Oh, yeess… Today, I’ll make the whole world…
: Acknowledge mine and Reiji’s justice…!
: His… His D-S.O.I.L. rate has broken past 300%?! That’s impossible…!
: You and your false justice… will all vanish…!
: (He is only after LOTUS, it seems. I might as well make use of this.)
: I am righteous – just …! Me, and only me…! This world needs no one else’s justice…!

Pretender, a.k.a. Deceive IV (Eiji Kiriyama)
Pilot Skills:
Machina-Human L7 – you have no idea how much restraint it took not to call this Humachina, Manchina or something silly like that. But I DID say I’d stick to established terms…
Sword Cut
Break Morale Limit
Prevail L8
Support Attack L3
Attack Combo L3

Oh, Kiriyama… someone in the anime team really didn’t like you, I guess. Still, the guy was dangerous before and he’s even worse now.
First and foremost, the Machina-Human skill not only give a passive HP regen (20% at L7), it also provides a free boost to his accuracy, evasion and crit rates (+15% at L7). This guy was dodgy and accurate before, so you can guess how his numbers’ll look now.
The Pretender also got significant stat and power boosts across the board – Kiriyama’s huge Prevail and Break Morale Limit will only further bolster its effectiveness. So my advice to you is to not give him the chance to pull anything: save a couple of Valors, lure him in and BLAST him off your hair before he can do some real damage.
And be mindful that he still has his Nerve Cracker missiles and his new strongest attack will apply armor down.

He and his MP Jinrais will take a couple of turns to get here, so in the meantime we’ll build up morale while clearing the Dilos.

Once you wreck about 70%-ish of the Dilos…

: You appear to be struggling, warrior of the Cthulhu.
: You’re that Moon WILL with whom Neos allied herself, hm?
: That’s RIIIiiiiight! And I shall AAASSIIiist you! In order to eradicate these OORGANICSSsss!
: What…?
: We’re detecting a powerful energy reaction from the Moon! It’s headed this way…!
: What did you say…?!

: It’s those things we saw at Neo Tokyo 3…!
: We’ve run out of time. They are Moon WILL’s vanguard.
: Hmph… So, as it turns out, the vaunted enemy is one we’ve bested in the past.
: No, that’s not the case! These readings I’m getting… these are on a wholly different league from the ones that appeared in Neo Tokyo 3!
: Whatever, we’ll trash the all the same! If we don’t, Earth… all our friends will…!

Aoi charges after the lead Regulus.

And she gets blasted back.

: UWAAH!!
: Aoi!
: Oho… not bad at all. Let us see the extent of your servants’ prowess, then.

: Kch…
: Absolute Hurricane…!

: That attack was…!

: You’re not destroying the Dancouga!
: The R-Daigun! It helped us?
: I am here to also fulfill my duty as the R-Daigun’s pilot…!
: Eida…!
: Wha… Wait, huh?! The R-Daigun’s pilot is…!
: Sorry, autographs will have to wait until later…! Now we take the fight to the Cthulhu and Moon WILL’s troops!
: Y-Yeah!
: Yesterday’s enemy is today’s friend, huh? Let’s get to it, then, Eida…!
: Aye, aye!

Can’t lose Eida either, but the R-Daigun is just as solid as the Dancouga itself.

R-Daigun (Eida Rossa)
Pilot Skills:
Sword Cut
Counter
Prevail L5
Support Attack L1
Support Defense L1
Attack Combo L1
Spirit Commands:
Assail
Sense
Accelerate
Lucky
Squad Bonus: Mobility +5, EN +50, A rating in Air

Eida’s a pretty good pilot with the perfect spirit list for what she’s meant to do. The R-Daigun hits hard, the ability to fly is as useful as ever (especially paired with Accelerate), and, of course, a few other things… but that’s for later.

Carrying on!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nrpBKdztMyg
And now we can finally see the DK of her attack. Like Kiriyama’s posse, the Regulus are a bit distant, so we’ll keep on bashing the Cthulhu.

She wasn’t coming, so I came to her. Maybe I should’ve held off since I think she adds a couple extra lines to following scenes…

: Come… Let us see how much your strength has grown during my slumber…!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D_h1vPOqy08
Hey, here’s that one attack I could never get her to use before!

And, boom!

: Hrm… So I will truly struggle to crush them so long as I’m lacking a partner? Nagisa… you will be mine, this I swear!

: Damn it, she got away!
: However, I sensed that she wasn’t facing us with her all. Rather, it felt like she was using this bout simply as a warm-up.
: She faced us as a warm-up? Does that mean Iczer-1 is the only one she is truly after?

Kiriyama and the Regulus should reach you at the same time, which can make things a bit harry. All things considered, you should focus on the former group, while setting someone beefy up (Daiya) as a distraction of the latter. You’ll see why in a bit.

: These guys really are tough as nails…! We gotta get rid of that Moon WILL before more of these start turning up!

First and foremost, they all got a major HP boost. You’ll want to focus-fire them even more than before.

Clever girl… At least I’ll get to show off his strongest move.

: Anyone who stands against me’ll crumble to dust! The enemies of justice will be eliminated with extreme prejudice!
: Righteousness is with me! I AM JUSTICE GIVEN FLESH!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e3Gx36Ebaz4

Couple more hits from Tetsuya, Daiya and Shinji, and he’s ready.

: We’ve gathered enough data. Retreat, Kiriyama…
: No, not yet! JUSTICE will not flee when faced with evil…!
: Retreat. That’s an order.
: …!
: Or…der… Roger… retreating…

: Eiji Kiriyama… What the hell happened to him…?

Now clip the rest of the Jinrais, as you don’t need them converging on someone and boosting evasion decay for the Regulus.

Now, let’s start wrecking the Regulus…

: What?! They regenerated…?!
: And it wasn’t just the one we defeated…! All of them recovered at the same time!
: Psh, and they think that will be enough to beat us?
: You listening, Moon WILL?! You’re not breaking us with that!
: Forward, everyone!

Strap in, folks, we’re in for the long haul. As before, go after ONE at a time – doesn’t matter which.

: You can send whatever weapons you want, Moon WILL, we’re not bailing on this fight!
: And we’ll be showing up on your doorstep real soon, just you wait!

: …
: Something about their faces is really pissing me off…!
: Yeah, it’s like they’re laughing at us.
: But they won’t be for long! Get a load of this, Moon WILL!

: They’ve got that Original Dancouga stashed away in their evil lair…!
: So we can’t let these random mooks give us a hard time!

: Do you think we need to beat them all at the same time…?
: Or maybe only one’s actually real, and we gotta trash that guy?
: No, from the readings we’re getting, they’re not sharing any energy with each other. All of them are real, individual units.
: Damn it, then we’re just gonna have to keep going ‘til we can’t no more!

: We can’t run away…! If we did, that’d really be the end for everything!

: How about we toss that family maxim by the wayside for today and just get right in these things’ faces? I really don’t care to show them my back…!
: Now we know who the enemy we gotta take down really is…!
: Come what may, however strong they might be, we’ll keep Earth safe from Moon WILL! That’s all that matters!
: Kurara, Sakuya, Johnny! I’m taking us in!

: Aah, ENOUGH already! No one asked for an encore!
: Emi, have you found any clues that’d let us beat these robots?
: I’m sorry, but…
: …
: Fine, bring it…! We’ll wreck them again and again and again until they can’t regen anymore!
: …
: Are we going, F.S….?
: Yes… I’m willing to take a chance on all the potential humans have…

: Just because you’ve been observing Earth since forever doesn’t give you the right to just call for humanity’s destruction!
: No one has that right!

: All this time, I’ve waited… waited for the day I’d fight against Moon WILL, side-by-side with the awakened Dancouga!

: What does this Moon WILL take humanity for…? How can he deem that there’s no place for humans in the universe?!
: I guess I can kinda see what set him off… I mean, Earth’s got a bunch of folks like Logos prowling about.
: Ichitaka…!
: STILL, that doesn’t mean he gets to come out and say “everyone dies”! I’m not taking it!
: Come on, Alice! First we’ll get rid of these guys, and then it’s straight off to rain on that guy’s parade!

FIVE! TIMES!

: …
: And they keep on trucking…!
: How are we supposed to win this, Misato…? At this rate, we…!
: Quit your whining, Stupid Shinji! You wanna go back to being just Daddy’s Boy?!
: But things are looking bad! Seriously bad!
: Is this the power Moon WILL has…?!
: What do we do, Misato…?
: We might not have a choice but to sound a temporary retreat…
: Hey, hold the phone! We can’t just run off and leave them free to go!
: Yeah… If we ran, there’d be no one to stop them!
: Kouji, Daiya…
: …
: Right… There’s got to be something for us to try! We’re not losing this… we can’t!
: Indeed, Aoi… Failure is not an option!
: F.S….?!
: Rise and stand tall, Dancouga and R-Daigun…!

RUUUUMBLE!

: Hrm?! What vibrations are these…?
: It’s… coming from the Dragon’s Hive…?!

: This is the true shape of our base, the Dragon’s Hive.
: The base itself as one huge battleship…!
: Keep at it all the way, guys! We know you can win this!
: Team D, and LOTUS! Surely this isn’t all your strength amounts to!
: You…!
: Show me, heroes of the Dancouga… Show me that you can truly be this world’s saviors…!
: Saviors of the world, eh… Sounds like a good deal!
: From regular salaryman to savior… That’s quite the leap, but I don’t mind it.
: We can’t let these monsters steal away everyone’s future!
: Come on, Aoi. The Dancouga… rather, we still have plenty of energy to fight with!
: Right on. Let this Moon WILL, and whoever else feels like it, step right up! We’re never letting ourselves be beaten…!

: The Dancouga and R-Daigun are glowing…?!
: It’s like my whole body’s on fire… Pretty intense, but pretty nice too…!
: The time has come… Now is when the Dancouga shall truly awaken!
: Transcendence Mode, activate!

: Wha…?! These letters are…!
: You will evolve… beyond men, beasts… beyond the gods themselves, to reach your ultimate form!
: Roar, Aoi! Call out its name! Keyword: M-A-X-G-O-D! Dancouga Max God!
: Let’s go wild!
: Keyword: M-A-X-G-O-D!

: Dancouga! Max God!

: That’s… the ultimate form of the Dancouga…!
: D-Dude, that’s siiick…! The Dancouga and the R-Daigun combined…!
: And with all this power in our hands… Come on, guys!
: Aye, aye! Grit your teeth, silverware!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v1oY-IKLdm8

: !!

Explosions on all surviving Regulus!

: The enemy’s unknown regeneration has stopped! It looks like backlash from the major damage they took caused it to malfunction!
: We did it…!
: Hell, yeah, Dancouga!
: We’ve got this now! One last push, people! Let’s run these mooks into the dirt!

Dancouga Max God
50% Squad Bonus: Crit rate +20, Armor +150, Mobility +15, Movement +1

Take the Dancouga, make it better in every conceivable way, and you get this. The original bot’s firepower was starting to lag behind a bit, so now it makes up for it by being one of the strongest (non-cheating) bots in the game. You say Dancougas are often glass cannons? Not in L – this bot was hard to kill before, now it is nigh impossible.
And it can do pretty much anything, even dodge reliably thanks to the S ranks it has on earth and space. EN cost is a bit hefty, of course, but that’s what EN-Save is for. If we’ve the deployment slots to spare, it could be worthwhile to set, say, Anna and Eida as their separate teams, so that we can have Goh and Aoi keep a resupplying squaddie even after combining.
Whatever the case, the Max God is pretty good.

And now! We! KIIIIIIILL!

And done.

: Our energy stores are unbelievable…! So this is the Dancouga Max God…!
: Who’d have thought the bot had a secret like this tucked away…!
: We can absolutely push back Moon WILL’s vanguard with this…!
: They’ve already lost – they just don’t know it yet.
: We just have to show it to them, then! They’ll get a taste of the full power of a warrior that’s transcended men, beasts and the gods themselves!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7i7tGlfLE34

: It’s over…
: Yes… We’ve beaten Moon WILL’s forces…!
: Yes, we did… It’s a total win for us!
: That said, to think our two units could actually combine with one another…
: You didn’t know, Eida?

: They’ve grown so much in such a short period of time… astounding.
: I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t just as surprised… Still, this is the strength humans possess.
: And that is precisely why I rejected the eradication of mankind. The boundless diversity of your kind, the overwhelming might of your individuals… all of which has the potential to push you to newer, greater heights…
: They’ve done very well today… We might have a chance now.
: We might, yes… These people could possibly prevail…

Back to Shangri-La, apparently Masaki didn’t clear things with Katou before deploying Kiriyama – it was all to gather data on their opponents, see.
Masaki figures the boss understands that that’s a necessity in their bid to carry out their objective. He slowly concurs, but still seems ill at ease.

Outside, Soubi can hear the talk at the bridge and Yulianne tells what happened. Sawatari’s surprised to hear that, as Kiriyama sure as hell wasn’t in any condition to be doing anything yet.
Not the first time Masaki’s gone against Katou’s orders, either, as was shown during his previous offensive when installing the Sphere. Soubi thinks it might be good to keep a close eye on the guy.
Wufei’s listening in quietly, but inwardly he thinks: “Will you make it in time, LOTUS…”

Seimi was very much impressed with the Dancouga folks drawing out strength from one another – that’s the mark of a good team. And while it still sounds a bit weird to Aoi, she appreciates the praise regardless. Isabelle herself is now a firm believer in the Dancouga as a savior of mankind, and Sakuya swears we’ll make good on it.
Indeed, Aoi declares to F.S. that they’ll be taking the fight to Moon WILL and any other enemy that shows up – no matter how strong. He won’t try to stop them anymore, entrusting the future of Earth to us… and, furthermore, the Dragon’s Hive is officially travel alongside LOTUS (Only the ship isn’t an actual unit, but hey). Should the need arise, F.S. and WILL will help in any way they can.
In any case, Lulu is very much impressed with the strength of the new Dancouga, but Daiya says power isn’t all it’s got. Just the sight of the bot’s pilots fighting got his flame burning hotter – same for Kouichi! “Combining with your Rival Bot is just a beautiful, beautiful, turn of events!”

Speaking of unforeseen turn of events, Shizuru’s still shocked to find out who was piloting the R-Daigun. It really is worldwide idol Eida Rossa, the one who’s been hounding the Dancouga all this time to get them to awaken. As it turns out, the reason she had to back down on that movie deal way back when was due to her getting a mission.
As for why the R-Daigun spent all that time missing, it was due to the Dancouga joining LOTUS. F.S. and the others saw the remarkable growth the bot and the team were doing with us, so there wasn’t as much need for them to fight the Daigun. Though, as Vladimir puts it, WILL had it happen again as a way to trigger the Dancouga’s awakening.
But whatever the reasons, Eida is still very sorry for everything she did to them… but Aoi says it’s all water under the bridge. As she mentioned before, yesterday’s enemy is today’s friend, and not only were they actually on the same team all along, Eida also seems to be close with Johnny. That makes things easy for her.

Eida’s really grateful, and with that done, there’s a very important matter left unattended: autographs! Kouichi wants one, and Anna’ll take two (one for Nagisa Kanou, once she’s back), as does Ichitaka – she’ll show it to everyone at school once he goes back! Hey, Kouichi asked first!
Asuka groans at the idiot fanboys, but Yamashita figures that attitude’s a good feature of them. His attention’s diverted by an incoming mail, though… it’s from Reiji.

[Mattman324]

I don’t think Seimi entirely minds all those people looking at her, the show made it preeeetty clear that she’s hotblood-sexual and in a SRW that’s basically half the playable cast.

The fact that the anime had Machina Humans bugs the fuck out of me because I keep thinking of the manga, which had Human Machina, and that was a big fucking deal. Also robot Kiriyama is stupid, Drill Pretender is even more stupid, and this all makes me remember that in the manga Kiriyama grows some stubble and joins the main cast, contributing to one of the most nightmarish parts of UX (YES THANK YOU GAME YOU’VE PORTRAYED HIS SUICIDE CHARGE VERY WELL, NOW IF YOU COULD DO IT IN A WAY WHERE HE DOESN’T JUST FUCKING DIE THAT’D BE NICE.) in the process.

Aaaand you don’t get Dragon’s Hive despite it showing up as a map thing. I’d be more mad if Z2-2 didn’t have it show up. I’m still pissed about Big Falcon not being fucking playable though because that’s zettai ni urusenai.

(Also, at person in the main thread - Solarion was lategame, as was Chouginga Dai Gurren in Z3-1 and Shin Dragon in Z2-2. And the Ultrasaurus in OE but hahahahahahahahahahahahaha FUCK OE WITH A POLEAXE.)

[Brunom1]

Click to see the mission!

[I]Back in the Space Route, Ichitaka’s Vajra killing spree has pushed him father away from Kenji. And he’ll likely get a bunch more today, as we continue our trek through Macross land.

Now, before we get to upgrades, it should be noted that Klan herself comes with four upgrade bars, which is a ton more than I ever gave her Queadlunn. As such, I’ll likely keep her in this form not only for the survivability, but because I prefer the cash bonus.
We’ve a complicated mission ahead of us, and everyone’ll need to pull their weight. As such, all the cash I had went into giving boosts to our secondary folk – give them weapons, armor, EN, mobility, the works. Everyone needs to be able to hit reliably and for not insignificant damage.

Reason for that is because I’m deploying everyone, barring Rey and Yagyuu (safety net), as solo units. I also finally remembered to put Heine in the Gaia Gundam.
You’ll see why we’re going out like this in a bit.[/i]

By the Quarter, our people are getting reports that the number of Vajras around Island 1 is finally starting to decrease, but the protracted battle is starting to wear us down as well – we can’t repair and resupply our units fast enough. Even Iczer-3’s feeling beat up, and doesn’t understand what made the bugs so angry.
Unfortunately for her, Nagisa says she’ll have to head out again after a bit of a breather. And what Bobby wants to know is where Ozma and Cathy have run off to during this mess. The Bridge Bunnies have been trying, and failing, to get in touch with them, and Hilda fears the Vajra might’ve gotten them. Best not to go there, Ichitaka thinks.
But Jeffrey gets a call from Monica, saying ACTING PRESIDENT Leon Mishima has arrived.

Indeed, he’s taken up the President’s chair after Howard “unfortunately” met his demise at the hands of the Vajra. Talia is deeply saddened to hear that he died in such a way, and extends her condolences. That said, now isn’t the time for grieving: Leon has come to request LOTUS’ assistance with a mission.
The siege by the Vajra represents not only an unprecedented crisis for the Frontier Fleet, but it is also a knife at the throat of the PLANTs if left unchecked. They’ve got us severely outnumbered, Noin agrees, and that is why the Frontier’s thought up a plan. And the key to it all will be codename “Little Girl”.

What is it? A Fold Bomb developed by L.A.I., capable of destroying anything in a 50 kilometers radius. That sort of blast would engulf a chunk of the Fleet, Alto yells, which is why Mishima wants us to draw the Vajra elsewhere – then, they’ll detonate it.
As for how they’ll do that, Mishima notes the known fact that the bugs are drawn to Ranka’s song, so they’ll use that. “You want to use Ranka as bait for them?!” Alto isn’t happy, but the girl herself has agreed to it.

He has her escorted in to explain it all, and she confirms to Micchi that she really did agree to help with the operation. Hyouma asks if she’s actually okay with setting herself up as bait, and Mishima says it’s to avenge her late brother. It’s only natural for her to want this, no?
“Hey, hold on there, Mushroom Head!” Kenji protests. “It’s too dang soon for you to tag Ozma as having been killed by the buggers!” Oh, but news of his and Cathy’s disappearance almost coincided with the time the Vajra started tearing through the urban areas. Is it that absurd to take that they were among the many victims?
Maybe not, but Kenichi agrees with Kenji that the jury’s still out on that one; to say nothing of the fact that Ozma wouldn’t want Ranka to avenge him like that! But Ranka speaks up, and says it’s fine. This is a choice she made by herself.

Alto doesn’t like it, but Ranka figures if her song can help everyone – help Alto, in particular – then that is good enough for her. Jeffrey can see that we’re not changing her mind, so he asks where we’ll be gathering the Vajra. That’d be Island 3, and now it’s Klan’s turn to get mad: that’s one of the Zentradi’s.
Mishima understands that it’s an agricultural and sightseeing Island, but her people can easily be micronized and accommodated in the other ones. And there is simply not enough time to prep a different island for the operation. Once the Vajra have been drawn there by Ranka, they’ll blow them and the Island with the Little Girl.

Jeffrey’s a bit uneasy that they’d destroy an entire Island to exterminate the Vajra, but Mishima says it’s better than risking them causing even more damage. While we’ll need to wait for Lady Une to officially OK our participation in this Talia sees no problem in helping safeguard the Fleet from the things.
Mishima extends the gratitude of all of the Frontier’s populace, but inwardly he’s grinning like a motherfucker: “Heheheh… And, with this, we’ll be able to proceed to the next step of the plan. My turn is just around the corner…!”

Iczer-2 has fully recovered from her wounds and Neos Gold bids her welcome. Iczer-2 tags her as the spawn of mother Big Gold, and asks if it is true that she’s captured Nagisa Kanou. Indeed, thanks to the splendid work of her Four (one) Generals – they’re currently analyzing the girl in a bid to figure out the source of her unique powers.
Iczer-2 seems a bit disappointed that she can’t be put to actual combat yet, but, regardless, asks what of her sister. Currently hiding inbetween the dimensions along with the traitorous Sister Gray – she’s left Earth’s defense in the hands of Iczer-3.
3? Another warrior granted the Iczelio’s power, like Iczer-1. She could well be dubbed Iczer-2’s little sister. “My little sister? I care not for such nonsense. My target, my enemy, is Iczer-1 and no one else,” she answers quickly.

Well, Neos Gold figures destroying Iczer-3’ll be the quickest way to drawing Iczer-1 out into the open. Hearing that, 2 is now more than willing to “play” with her baby sister a bit. As she leaves, Golem wants to know why Neos entrusted that one with the destruction of Iczer-3.
Neos harrumphs at her, annoyed that she’d dare show her face again – surely she, as a commander in her troops, hasn’t forgotten that the price of failure is death. Golem begs for another chance, arguing that the Evangelions had never displayed teamwork of that level before.
Neos Gold calls her a fool, but, fine. She has ONE chance to redeem herself, and only if she successfully kills Iczer-3. There is no place for the weak among Neos’ generals! Golem confirms, and starts scheming: while Iczer-2 is the favorite warrior of Big Gold, she must obviously be weakened after all the time it took to recover…!

: This sensation… the tension ripping through the air… Ah, to be in the battlefield again…!
: Wait just bit, Iczer-3. I’m coming to end your life and drag my sister out of hiding!

Woosh!

: Stop right there!
: Hmph, what of you, weakling…? If you are here as my backup, tell Neos Gold that I don’t want any. You’ll just get in my way.
: “Get in your”…? Idiocy. I am the one who’ll destroy Iczer-3, and it is you who’s in the way!

Blast! Warp!

: … Impudent worm!

Blast!

: I-I can’t be…! She’s too… stron…g…!

Boom!

: This was the mightiest of her Four Generals? I’d laugh, if it wasn’t so pathetic. Now, where was I…?

Warp!

: (That woman’s… so strong…! She’s going to crush Iczer-3! What should I do…?)

Mission 30 (Space Route) – Little Queen, Little Sister

: … The new president’s got a lot of nerve, cooking up a plan like this.
: Michel?! Weren’t you injured?!
: I couldn’t exactly stay in bed with all this going down… But I’m fine, and ready to go as usual.
: Well, don’t worry about watching my six anymore. And you better not make me cry again, or there’ll be hell to pay!
: Yes, ma’am… Any tears I get out of you will only be tears of joy, I promise.
: The Vajra are expected to start massing here as soon as Ranka starts singing. Once we’ve confirmation that they’re all here, we’ll detach Island 3. The Little Girl’ll be detonated right when the Island’s made it past the buffer zone.
: And I just have to keep singing until that moment?
: Right, and we’ll keep them all away from you. Once it’s time to go, we’ll get you out of here safely… So…
: So don’t worry about anything. Just sing.
: … Okay.
: We’re all counting on you, Ranka.
: And after this is finished, maybe you could put together another concert?
: Hmhmm. I’ll be happy to…
: … You don’t have to sing if you don’t want to, Ranka.
: !!
: Why… Why would you say something like that, Brera?
: Your song comes from your heart. It belongs to no one but yourself – that’s why.
: Thank you, Brera. But it’s fine…
: (I wanted my song to touch the heart of just one person… but I couldn’t. Still, this is that one person’s wish, so I…!)

: Aimo… Aimo… ♪
: (Come on…! I’m over here…!)

Vajra spawns all around us!

: Here they come!
: Sorry, Mr. Bugs, but I don’t want Nagisa and her friends to be sad…!
: Our objective today is to draw all the Vajras into Island 3. Don’t worry about shooting them down outright.
: Focus primarily on making sure none of them reach Ranka’s stage.
: According to our calculations, it’ll take about 8 minutes for all the Vajras to make it here. You must keep Ranka safe until then!

: 8 minutes, roger that!
: “That one person’s wish…” If making it real is your own wish, Ranka, then I…

[i]Mission Objective: Protect Ranka for 8 turns.
Mission Failure: Any Vajra enters the target area, Alto or Iczer-3 shot down.

Oh, boy, this mission. I’ve heard plenty of talk about this being one of the hardest missions, and I can certainly see why.
You’ve a big area to defend that you simply can’t fully encircle even if you deploy everyone as solo units (there’ll be one spot open, and Brera’s AI controlled), there are enemies on all sides, and you’re kind of forced to rely even on folks you might not have been using too much. The Vajra are also very quick on their feet, and can easily blindside you. That’s why I don’t advise the aggressive approach, because all it takes is one breaking through your lines.

Still, there are a few things that can make your life easier. First and foremost, and probably THE most important piece of information for this: you should always prioritize the Small Vajras (the yellow ones, not the larvae). Their AI is hardwired to ALWAYS make a beeline for Ranka; the other ones are rather prone to attacking nearby enemies, but these are a lot more likely to just ignore you. And they’re also very fast. I’ve only seen the yellow Vajra ignore this rule if someone’s at their spawn.
Do note, however, that this doesn’t mean the other enemies’ll drop everything to attack your bait. They might still go after Ranka regardless (especially if they catch sight of a juicy target inside the target area), so be mindful of them. Oh, and the Red Vajras pairs are flier/walker twins, so, if you can take both out, get the flier first – the forest will really slow down the walker.

Resource management is the name of the game, as 8 turns is a lot and our stocks of SP aren’t too great. Provided you’ve been using the Nagahama bots, Kosuke and Megumi should already know Confuse, so use those to give your Reals two turns where they won’t need to cast Focus.
Ground whoever’s good on foot because Ranka’s stage area provides a decent boost to defense and evasion. Also keep an eye on your EN and Ammo, but don’t be stingy enough that you’ll leave a Vajra hanging close by: using an expensive weapon to quickly ease pressure on a side will allow you to shift attacks around more flexibly.

Now, I’m going for the defensive approach here. It’s what allowed me to beat this mission in one try, so I reckon it’s the safest bet. Another thing you’ll want to keep in mind is that you can check a target’s movement range like in any SRW. This is important, because it’ll let you know what you need to kill THIS turn, and what you can leave for the next.
You’ve two gaps to keep an eye at, so don’t hesitate to shift your people around to close an entryway if a Vajra’s too close and you can’t kill it. If you can only kill one of two targets, and one can be blocked off, but not the other, you know which one to pick. Again, check their movement ranges constantly to confirm which is which. New Vajras will arrive whenever you drop them under 12, so keep that in mind. All things considered, with this defensive approach, you should expect a new wave to be closing on your perimeter every 3 stages (but that’s not a hard rule).

Finally, don’t be afraid to send units out if you spot a nice chain attack (especially with guys that can oneshot both smaller Vajras), provided next turn they can get back in place. If you need to pop Valor to put a squad down quick, do it.
Take things slow, constantly check movement ranges, send people in and out as needed, and keep Duo and, especially, Rey’s MAPWs ready to use in a pinch. The first few turns are the hardest, but this’ll get progressively easier as your morale builds and you can reliably oneshot the enemy.

Brera’s AI will immediately cast Focus, Accel and Renew, and spawn camp at the north. He’ll be a fine distraction, drawing in enemies from N, NE and NW, and he can’t die, so I’m not too mad over the lost money.

The first turn’s a freebie, though, as all enemies, except the Vajra Larvae, will stay put.[/i]

: Seven minutes until the operation’s concluded!
: I’ll make you all pay for hurting Nanase!

And now the other Vajras start moving.

: Six minutes left! Keep Ranka safe, people!
: Yeah!

Since we’re running solo units, if you’re not comfortable using chain attacks, you’ll either have to make use of Support Attacks or Fury to bypass the Vajras’ support defense.

: I won’t hesitate to pull the trigger and kill you all if this boils down to only one of us getting to survive!

–

: Hrk…! Crap, the painkillers aren’t really cutting it by themselves, huh?
: Still, the pain’s keeping my eyes wide open, so I guess that helps. A sniper’s eyes are his life, after all!

: We’re letting you have one ship, but that’s it! You better never show your faces around here again!

: I swore that I’d keep Nanase safe…
: So you’ll have to forgive us, Island 3! If we let the Frontier take any more damage, it’ll be the end of our fleet!

: Five minutes left…! Where were these many Vajra hiding at…?!
: (Urk…! I’m hurting… inside…!)

As I said before, you can send folks out to weaken with chain attacks, provided they’re in range to plug the new opening they’re creating. Heine’s cheap, powerful Gryphon 2 does that nicely, and our remaining folks can pick off what’s left.

: The fate of the Frontier’s riding on this battle! We need to draw as many of them as we can!

: That guy, Leon’s, attitude really rubs me the wrong way… but we still need to work as hard as we can to help Ranka!

: Hm…? What am I feeling…?
: Is something wrong, Iczer-3? Are you sensing Atross?
: No… It’s something a whole lot weirder – and scarier. Eyes, hiding in the darkness… looking right at me.
: Then… Then maybe you should let the others handle the Vajra, Iczer-3!
: No, no, I don’t wanna be treated like a baby! I’ll fight them too!

Once the enemy’s turn four rolls around…

: Wah?!
: Iczer-3!
: That was close! Who did that?!

: It’s…!
: Watch out! That’s Iczer-2, your big sister!
: Whuh?!
: So you’re Iczer-3… the sorry creation of Sister Gray…
: Then how about I put you to the test? Prove yourself as my little sister… as one of the Iczer siblings.

Iczer-2 rushes 3 down!

: Oow! What the hell?!
: Listen to me, Iczer-3, because I’ll only say this once. We, Iczers, have no room for those that are weak. Much less a young sister who cannot measure up to her elders…
: Iczer-1… my big sis never said anything like that!
: And I am not her. Show me the depths of your strength!
: Why, you!!

: …! Is she stronger than she was before?!
: Hmph, you have raw power, at the very least. Unfortunately for you, battles aren’t won with just that!
: Whaat?!

Iczer-2 warps all around 3!

: Ah? Oh?! Awawawa!
: And your movements are too haphazard!

: Waaaaaaaaah!
: Iczer-3!
: What’s the matter? Your other sister was a far greater challenge than that, you know.
: I’m not done yet…! If I got beaten here, Nagisa… and the Earth would… Hrgh!
: Your end has come, Iczer-3!

: Hm?!

: You are…!
: Atross!
: You’re not killing her!
: That girl… Has she found a different path than fighting us…?
: … You are Neos’ servant, are you not? You’ll betray the Cthulhu?
: Lady Neos lied to me! I thought I was her daughter, but I’m not! So I won’t let you kill Iczer-3… I’ll stop you even if it costs me my life!

: Pfeh… I’ve lost my appetite now. When you find Iczer-1, relay a message for me: “I, and no one else, will be the one who’ll kill you.”

: Stop!
: Uh-Urrgh…
: …! Hang in there, Iczer-3!

Atross moves after her.

: Atros… Why did you…?
: I’ve tormented you and Nagisa so much… but I’m done.
: Nagisa, do you hear me?! I’m bringing Iczer-3 over to you! I want to make up for what I did!
: Thank you! Just follow my telepathy and you’ll find me!
: Understood, Nagisa.

: We’ve confirmation that Iczer-3’s made it out safely. The rest of us will carry on with the mission!
: Aye, aye!
: Keep at it, Ranka…!

And now we have a new gap in our defenses… I seriously hope you didn’t have any yellow Vajras being blocked on Iczer-3’s side, or you might simply be screwed here.

: Go to hell, Vajras! You can have Island 3, but leave and never return!

: There’re still so many flying around…! But we just need another four minutes! We need to keep things steady until then!

: Why are you attacking us?! What are you after?! If it’s bullets, then I’ll give you your fill!

: Just three minutes left… Stand firm, people! Psyche yourselves up and don’t give them an inch!
: (Hrk… It hurts…!)

: We will hold this line…! If we don’t, both the Frontier and the PLANTs will…!

: Couldn’t we just have used a bunch of bug lights or something? That way, we wouldn’t need to put Ranka through something as dangerous as this…!
: Hm, it’s a shame that the Rushbird can’t attract the Vajra. In which case, we’ll just have to do everything we can to make this go smoothly!

: They’re still not all in here…?! How much time left, Tsubaki?!
: Two minutes! Just a bit longer!

: Only 60 seconds until the mission is done! This is it, folks!

: It’s time! 2nd Lt. Alto, take Ranka and evac!
: Yes, sir!

Alto flies to Ranka’s stage.

: Come in, Ranka!
: Alto!
: Ranka’s secured!
: We’ve confirmation! Island 3 has been purged! T minus 1 minute until Little Girl is detonated!
: There it goes. All forces, full retreat!

BOOOOOOOOM!

: An excellent job, Little Queen. What a difference 11 years make, hm…?

We’ve made it out and Alto is very grateful to Ranka for everything she did. She nods, but inwardly wonders if it was the right thing to do. All those Vajra died because of her song, and she still doesn’t know what to make of that sharp pain she felt inside her as the bomb went off.
Her thoughts are interrupted when Mishima calls in to also thank her for leading the operation to success. However, today’s battle merely defeated the Vajra that invaded their fleet – this battle will not end until every single one of them has been destroyed. Ranka doesn’t like hearing that. Will she continue to sing for them, to ensure their victory and survival?
Ranka’s progressively growing frown soon gives way to an apology: “I’m sorry, but I… I can’t sing anymore!” And she runs off, leaving Mishima to wonder what happened. Rey notes that despite her being in battlefields before, she is still a civilian – the destruction that unfolded before her eyes has likely disturbed her plenty.

Kenichi sees his point, as being forced to sing as tons of dead Vajras fell all around you would scar anyone. Seems to Mishima that they’ll need to assign some mental care for the girl, to make sure nothing obstructs the success of future operations… and Grace will handle that job.
But, whatever the case, the Vajra threat has been repelled for now and the Frontier Fleet is safe. Mishima is certain Howard would’ve been overjoyed, and extends the fleet’s gratitude for our efforts. Now, he has to oversee preparations for the next offensives in his Vajra extermination campaign, so he signs off.

The thought of extermination leaves a bad taste in Kenichi’s mouth, and Kyo agrees: the new president’s way of thinking is a whole lot more extreme than the former’s. You can see that just from today’s operation.
Rey counters that extreme measures were necessary, as the rampaging Vajra even did damage to nearby PLANT colonies. Sure, but Alto still doesn’t agree with the guy’s idea of using Ranka as bait…

By Island 1, Ranka’s back a Griffith Park and isn’t happy: “I can’t do this anymore… Why me? Why does my song affect the Vajra…?” But she’s brought back when Ai-kun flies over.
Now where did the little guy go? She’s been worried sick! Never mind that, as Ai-kun starts glowing and transforming!

Oh, my god, it’s a Pokémon!

: I can’t go back to the Cthulhu anymore…
: And you don’t have to. You can just stay with us!
: …! I’m your enemy, remember? A warrior created to destroy you?
: No, you’re not, Atross. That’s why you saved Iczer-3!
: Right, and that makes us friends!
: “Friends”…? That’s insane! I’ve fought and hurt you and your friends as your enemy! How can you say I’m a friend now…?!
: Ah, don’t worry about that. Everyone screws up once or twice. What’s important is what you’re gonna do from here on out!
: That’s very well said… Who are you and what did you do to Kenji?
: Blah, gimme a break, Tsubaki.
: But if I hadn’t attacked you back then, Nagisa Kanou wouldn’t have been taken by Golem…
: I can’t even imagine what she’s going through at Lady Neos’ base… and it’s my fault…!
: If you feel that way, then come with us and help rescue her.
: Hmhmm, that’s how you can take responsibility for what happened.
: Speaking of, do you know where Neos Gold is hiding?
: Not really… the Cthulhu fortress hides itself between dimensions, and it’s already left the spot I knew of…
: I see…
: Chin up, Atross! The only way to move onwards is to look straight ahead, not at your feet!
: … I understand, and I’ll try my best!
: That’s the way!
: Thanks for everything you said, Nagisa. I really, really like you!
: Oh, Atross, you’re such a sweet girl…
: HEEEY! Nagisa’s my partner! You can’t hug her without clearing it with me first!

Beep, boop.

: Hm? A message from Ranka…?

Alto’s run up to Griffith Park, wanting to know what happened, why she’s not singing anymore. Ranka has a favor to ask of him, though, and waves Ai-kun over… and he looks very much like a Stage #2 Vajra larva! Alto flips out and draws a gun, but Ranka begs him not to shoot. Why?! It’s a Vajra – one of the things that’s brought so much pain to the people of the Frontier!
“But that’s not the case with him! He’s just shed his skin, so he hasn’t done anything wrong!” Ranka protests, but Alto isn’t budging. “So long as any Vajras are around, the sky’ll erupt into a battlefield again! The only way for us to survive is by killing them!” he says.

He tries pushing Ranka off the way, and earns himself a punch from the suddenly appearing Brera. He asks Ranka what she wants, and he’ll make it happen. Thinking a bit, she turns to Alto: “Alto… these past days, I’ve been slowly remembering things from my childhood. I’m kind of scared of what I’m going to find out, but… but it’s something I have to know. I just feel like I have to… and that’s why I need to go.”
Go where? “I want to at least bring him back to his friends,” she says. And Brera understands, immediately summoning his VF-27 and beckoning Ranka aboard.

: Alto…
: Ranka, please, this is insane! Don’t go!
: To be honest, I wanted to make this trip with you. I wanted to be with you forever.
: Ranka…!
: Alto… Goodbye… I loved you…!

The VF-27 flies away.

: Ranka! Don’t go! RANKAAAAAA!!

At President Mishima’s office, turns out this is all part of the plan. They’ve pinged Brera’s route and know that he’s headed to the Vajra Homeworld with the Little Queen in tow. The girl’s pet Vajra will lead them there… you see, the major influx of Vajras, and their constant cries, have beckoned their homeworld itself to Fold into this universe.
Now it is only a matter of following the Little Queen and they’ll find the planet in due time. Mishima is ecstatic, and figures he needs to make ready to head over there right away.

Grace inwardly sneers at how small he’s thinking: he’s so giddy over all the Fold Quartz lying in wait at the Vajra HomeWorld… “But, to me, the crown jewel of that planet is the being that managed to Fold the entire homeworld”.
Whatever the case, Mishima thinks they should cover their bases. He wants a substitute songstress readied for the eventuality they lose the Little Queen. Oh, Grace says he doesn’t need to worry one bit about that: “As it turns out, the fallen songstress has exceeded my expectations. I’m certain you’ll be pleased…Hmhmhmhm…”

[Mattman324]

So, if you didn’t save Michael here, Klan would actually debut as mini-Klan inside Michael’s VF, something she did late in the show that no other SRW has done because it was only done in the show and not the movies and relies on Michael dying (something else no other SRW has done, as the only other one to even have the show plot was Z2 - OE had no plot, UX/BX/Z3 had the movies). It’s arguably her best vehicle and she’s inarguably better than Michael in it. If you decide to do NG+ for some reason, make sure to show that off.

[Brunom1]

Click to see the mission!

Back for the last mission of the Earth Route and, damn, did Daiya really get ahead of the competition. But we’re not staying on this path in to keep Michel’s bespectacled face from getting sprayed across the space countryside, so it doesn’t matter.

As before, all our cash went into our squaddies to help them stay alive. The R-Daigun comes with 4 bars, so it’s already good.

Ichitaka, Kouichi, Miu, Yamashita, Kouji and Tetsuya are deploying as event units, so that’s a good bunch of squads I need to rearrange:
Dancouga/Yanma
Domyoji/Jack
Gaiking/Deceive
Norza/Lee
Dick/Puria
Goh/Rei
Ken/Lou
Eida/Anna (another combination-oriented squad, deployed separately so Goh and Aoi still have their mates)
Shinji/Yajima
Mira/Shizuru
Asuka/Boss

Alright, let’s get to it.

: (I’d lost both my parents at a very young age, so the only family I had left was my sister Yuriko.)
: (I fancied myself some Champion of Justice back then. My body felt no pain, so that led me take the fight to any delinquents I found…)
: (But there was a price to pay for all the gangs I defeated… and my sister, the one who’d been protecting me from the world, was taken from me.)
: (It was payback from some of the delinquents I’d hurt… though they weren’t the masterminds behind that plan. The culprit was my confidant, my one friend, Eiji Kiriyama.)
: (I presume he did not like how Yuriko kept me grounded, how she made me hesitant to give all of myself to “justice”.)
: (But even knowing the truth, I don’t hate him. Because I know that the real blame for my sister’s death fell on my self-serving, distorted sense of justice…)

: … A dream. That’s unusually nervous of me, hm…?

Cut to Shangri-La, Katou’s already managed to get things rolling – the pathway is stabilizing and it won’t be long before “Central’s” invasion of this world begins. He wants Masaki to lead the first wave, though the guy asks if Katou’ll be able to carry out LOTUS’ destruction without him.
That’ll be no problem at all, and he asks Masaki to give his regards to the superior… though he concedes that addressing individuals is meaningless. Whatever the case, Masaki asks to have Kiriyama accompany him on his mission and Katou allows it (though he doesn’t look too happy).
As Masaki leaves, Katou, inwardly, is hoping for Reiji’s success.

Over by Flag, Yumi’s called in to say he STILL needs more time before the Mazinkaiser is ready. Fine, Kouji will just keep on trucking with the Mazinger, and Yumi’s very apologetic, what with our showdown with Moon WILL drawing closer and closer.
Still, he wants Kouji to take care and not do anything crazy. When the call ends, Kouji spots Miu and the JUDA techs talking nearby. Seems like the Painkiller’s D-S.O.I.L. is showing signs of growing weaker, and Rachel can’t really determine the cause. It shouldn’t affect her ability to fight YET, but she still wants Miu to be careful.

Miu mumbles a “thanks”, and Rachel asks if something’s wrong. She’s not looking too spritely. Miu says she’s fine and sets out, though Maki is worried: if her D-S.O.I.L. continues to drop, it’ll push her already dipping vitals to very dangerous levels.
As Sakon remembers, Factors are dependent on the D-S.O.I.L. to stay alive, so a problem with it is a major problem for them as well. And that’s saying nothing of the fact that it’ll also really diminish the Machina’s own ability to regenerate, Shibakusa points out. Rachel hopes it’s just a temporary thing, but will try and look for a way to deal with it.

: …
: Ah, here you are, Miu.
: Kouichi… you were looking for me…?
: Yeah. Kouji said you looked kind of down, and I got worried…
: Sorry… I’m just being a burden for everyone…
: No way, you’re a very dear friend for all of us. There ain’t a soul here who thinks you’re a burden.
: Thanks… you really are a nice guy…
: Ahahah… I think you’re giving me too much credit there.
: I… I want to be capable of helping you and our friends… to be a Champion of Justice, someone who can protect what’s dear to me…
: Or… rather, that’s what I wanted…
: … Why the past tense?
: Huh…?
: You can still do it now. Just don’t give up on it, and you can come to be a Champion, keeping safe all that’s dear to you…
: The important part is asking yourself: “What do I want to do”? And, if you ask me, you’re already a great Champion of Justice.
: O… Okay… Thank you, Kouichi.
: Um… Kouichi, I—

Alarm! Take off!

: The alarm?! What happened?!

Door opens.

: Not good, guys! Yamashita’s just taken off on his own!
: He…?!
: Col. Katsuragi’s just ordered us to give chase! Everyone aboard their units!
: Y-Yes, sir…!
: (What happened, Yamashita…?!)

Mission 31 (Earth Route) – The Demon-Eater

: Sorry, folks…

: Hello, Yamashita…
: Reiji… Why did you kill the president? Please tell me…
: Because it was necessary.
: “Necessary”…? Not out of anger, hatred, or whatever… but just because it was necessary…?
: That’s right. Come with me, Yamashita. I could use someone like you.
: Did you expect this one mail would get me to turn on everyone else?
: Did you honestly think a few words is all it’d take for me to betray friends I’d been fighting with since forever…?!
: They’re only people you know. Nothing more, nothing less.

: …
: Hmph…
: I told you trying to be diplomatic would be a waste of time.
: The Katou Organization…! How wrong I was about you, Reiji…
: What will you do about it, then…?
: I’ll put you down… here and now…!

Yamashita can’t really take on Reiji by himself, so we’ll just pull him out of range for a turn…

As the enemies start closing in, next player phase…

: The Hind-Kind’s an artillery and support model – as evidenced by its cannons and reflector cores.
: I don’t need a reminder…! That’s why I’ve been trying to keep you at a distance…!
: … You do understand, I see. Still, if you haven’t the skill to make proper use of it all, then your Machina is no more than a fancy paperweight.
: Reiji…!
: Is this what you think is just?! Fooling those who took you for a friend, hurting them… Is this what you really wanted to do all along?!
: …
: Answer me… Reiji Moritsugu…!!
: Are you done with your monologue?
: Kch…
: YAMASHITAA! You still alive?!
: They’ve come…

: K-Kouichi… everyone…
: Goddamn… Now this is a crazy stunt you tried to pull!
: Once we’ve made it back, you’ll be sweeping all of the Dragon’s Hive gym until it is sparkling clean!
: Sorry… but I needed to hear what was on his mind – nothing else mattered…
: Reiji Moritsugu… looks like every millimeter of your heart’s frozen solid, huh?
: You don’t stand a chance of winning this battle as you are, LOTUS. You’ve too many amateurs holding you down…
: Hrm…!
: So what we’re amateurs…!
: We’ve still learned a lot more than you think!
: And if you say that’s still not good enough, then we’ll just help each other cover our weaknesses! That’s what being a team – what being friends – is about!
: Right on! And we’re going to win this, and keep our world safe, even if we gotta kick you to the curb!
: A fine speech, but one that’ll amount to nothing if you haven’t the strength to make good on it.
: Come… I’ll show you what true brutality is like.

You can take down Reiji but he’ll just heal to full and keep going (cash only on the first kill), so I’ll ignore him until later. Other than that, it’s the same battle we had in Misaki, only it’s Sawatari, Yulianne, Soubi and Wufei instead of Yulianne, Masaki and Sawatari. Deal with the MP Jinrais as you have, and this’ll be simple – valored attacks will tear through the midbosses.
Of note is that Reiji’s AI seems to be hardwired to go after Yamashita if possible, so be mindful of that or you’ll be eating chain attacks. Miu can always repair him if the damage mounts up too high.

Do note that you’ll only have actual backup by turn 6, so it’s in your best interest to shave off the enemies’ numbers ASAP – send Ichitaka, Kouichi and the zingers forward, setting them in the forest and/or popping Iron Wall when the enemy wave comes closer.
From what I’ve seen the more distant mook groups will take a long while to start moving, so you’re not in a big risk of being overwhelmed. After Kouji and Tetsuya’s HP dips enough, they’ll likely only be taking two-digit damage if Mazin Power’s active anyway.
Your bigger liabilities here are Miu and Yamashita, and even they should prove pretty resilient unless you’ve neglected them throughout the whole game.

: We’ll protect what is just… we’ll fight side-by-side… Isn’t that what you once said?! What is all a lie?!
: It was.
: …!! Reiji…!!

The Katou folks will support defend like crazy, so chain attacks are the way if you’d rather be proactive.

But, really, barring you not using ANY of these people, this isn’t really hard if you let the protags take point.

When turn four rolls over…

: …?! M-My energy’s…!

Power dooooown.

: What happened, Miu…?!
: Kouichi… I… the Painkiller is…
: The Painkiller’s D-S.O.I.L. has dipped below 20%! Her cardiopulmonary functions are going critical…!
: What?!
: … You’d try to uphold your “justice” with a body as frail as that? Calling it idiocy would be an understatement!
: But don’t worry: I’ll make it all go away in just a second!

Soubi charges after Miu!

: Watch out!

“You’re not taking the Painkiller!”

: Urgh…!
: … Heheh… Looks like the Painkiller’s still in one piece…!
: Kabuto!
: I-I’m fine, Tetsuya… that attack just wrecked the Mazinger Z’s propulsion, though…
: …! You’re willing to go this far to save her? The Factor of this Machina is that important a companion to you…?!
: This ain’t about me being “willing” or not…! I just acted on impulse…!
: …

Soubi backs up.

: cough, cough I-I’m… so…rry…
: Hayase, Yamashita, Nagumo! We have to cover Kabuto and Kujo!
: Roger!
: We’re not letting them have this their way!

This would probably be more dangerous if Kouji didn’t have enough SP to cast Guts. That said, it’d probably take a midboss to do anything more than 10 damage to him on that HP level (and they’re not close enough).

FYI, I could never get Miu to attack anything before this event because either she was out of range or the enemies all ran after our beefier targets, but she does have a quick line:

: (Please… hold on for just a bit longer, Painkiller…!)

Now, just hang in there one more turn, and…

: Hmhmhm… fighting while babysitting your friends is pretty tough, isn’t it? Why not just dump those guys and take care of yourselves?
: Are you kidding? None of us would ever do that!
: I can appreciate how manly you’ve gotten, boy, but I wonder for how long that attitude’s going to last.
: …

Tetsuya moves by Kouji and Miu.

: You kids let me handle this. Grab Kabuto and Kujo, and pull back!
: Wh-What’s wrong with you, Tetsuya?! I’m gonna fight here until the last second!
: What he said! Not even the Great could take all these enemies alone—!
: Don’t be stupid! Our main goal isn’t to win this ONE battle – it’s to make sure the entire world survives! That’s what we need to do!
: Tetsu…ya…
: Damn it… Mazinger, please, move…! I don’t wanna have to leave one of friends hung out to try…!!

Beep, beep!

: What…? There’s something… flying towards us?

: It’s the Kaiser Pailder…?! What’s it doing here?!
: Kouji, I’ve finished the Mazinkaiser’s maintenance at long last! Quickly! Board the Kaiser Pailder!
: I don’t know what you’re up to, but it won’t be a problem if I just destroy you all!
: No, you won’t! Both Kabuto and Kujo are under my watch!

Soubi takes aim at Tetsuya and Kouji.

: Hrk…! The Great was…!
: Tetsuya, I’m also sending the original Great for you to use! Climb to a higher altitude – hurry!
: …! Yes, sir!

Kouji and Tetsuya fly westward a bit.

: Don’t know when to give up, do you? And here I was, trying to free you from all this hardship…!
: I won’t let you hurt them…!

: What…?! But I thought the Painkiller couldn’t move…!
: Th-This is…! The Paikiller’s D-S.O.I.L. has been reenergized! Its energy cycle rate is… 250%?!
: She’s deliberately sending the D-S.O.I.L. into overdrive! The nanomachines are being pushed to the point of apoptosis to increase the rate they metabolize energy!
: Miu, stop! That’ll kill you!
: I won’t die like this…! Because I…!
: I’ll be a Champion of Justice… side-by-side with everyone… and with you, Kouichi…!!
: Miu… you…
: Kouji… Tetsuya… Keep flying. I’ll cover you…
: Alright. Let’s go, Kabuto!
: Sorry, Miu!

: You’re not going anywhere…!

: Kouji! Tetsuya!

: N-No way…! Kouji! Tetsuya! Say something!!
: … And there you have it. At the end of the day, the so called “power of justice” is—
: Easy there, Hayase! We’re not going down from something like that!
: What?!

:ssj: :ssj:

: You’ve been getting a kick outta messing with us, eh…? But now you’re gonna have to deal with the Mazinkaiser! Get ready!
: They both made it…!
: My piloting technique hasn’t waned enough that you’d need to worry about me.
: …
: Time to pay them back with interest, Kabuto!
: Aye, aye, Tetsuya!

Nearby…

: So those are the Mazinkaiser and the True Great Mazinger… The data didn’t do justice to their magnificence.
: Should I deploy and collect data directly?
: You’ll have plenty of chances to fight them in the near future. That can wait until then.
: I ask that you simply observe them fight, precisely in the interest of what moment. I’d like my magnum opus to be absolutely flawless when it steps into the limelight.
: Yes, sir.

True Great Mazinger (Tetsuya Tsurugi)
Squad Bonus: Armor +150, Accuracy +5

Mazinkaiser (Kouji Kabuto)
Squad Bonus: Armor +150, Accuracy +5

Show’s over, folks. We’ve officially won the game. If Gaiking the Great already made this plenty easy, Kouji and Tetsuya’s upgrades mean we cannot be beaten in a straight-up fight ever. Mazin Power, if you’ll remember, ups damage done by 25%, and lowers damage taken by 25%. Once it activates, only bosses will do real damage; once Prevail gets rolling, not even they will.
Tetsuya’s original Great Mazinger, complete with blue arms and legs, gains access to its Double Thunder Break move, on top of a stat boost to everything else. But the real jump in power goes to Kouji, who’s just been promoted to the rank of “tied with Gaiking as the strongest goddamn unit in the game”.
Gaiking the Great has more HP, but the Kaiser hits harder courtesy of still having Double Burning Fire with Tetsuya. There are a couple of moves with higher attack power, but this won’t get left far behind with Mazin Power boosting it.

Mazinkaiser has everything: survivability, nuclear powered strikes, good range, it is cost efficient (99 Gigant Missiles! :vince: ), Rust Tornado will apply Armor Down, strong chain attacks if you’re deploying solo, and more, more, more.
The only demerit I can think of is that neither it nor the True Great actually inherit the upgrades from the regular Mazinger or Great Mazinger. That’s a bit of a dick move if you dumped a lot of cash into them (which I didn’t), BUT you can assign any other Mazinger pilot to control the things (though only Kouji and Tetsuya can do the Double Burning Fire).

Now we just need to stand by for a bit longer, and be thankful that the enemies are spread out, otherwise Kouji and Tetsuya would wreck them all.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_lH19nxoFSI

: Our plan’s been pushed into the final stage, but these orders we got… Hmm, I wonder.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j4Qs6OQOBNs
Tetsuya and Kouji’s rocket punches had their animations updated, so he it is (with a bonus of Kouichi showing that he’s pro now).

: There’ll be nothing left if we do not make good on this opportunity… Come! Show me your full strength!

: Had things played out differently, I believe I could’ve ended up part of your team… but this is reality, and I am now your enemy!

: A legit attack jives a whole lot better with me than sneaky traps like this. Still, orders are orders.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IXCLXlj66ac
Would you blame me if I said that it was only on this mission that I noticed Sawatari had upgraded his mech (apparently he’s had it since the Misaki Sphere mission)? To be fair, his new Idaten Ver. 2 looks pretty much identical to Ver. 1, only with a new backpack, I think?
And because I know someone’ll ask, no, it’s not called Idaten Nogota. Do they outright call it like that in the original series, or did the furigana read like that in the manga? Because it is written イダテン弐型 and that is Idaten Nigata.
The JP wiki doesn’t have it spelled out like that, either. Where did this Nogota business start?

Either way, after a whole turn of slaughter…

: Is everyone alright?!
: Ah, there’s the Daiku Maryu, right on time!
: That’s… the Mazinkaiser! And the True Great Mazinger!
: Okay, that’s enough “Men’s Super Robots Monthly” for you, Johnny.
: We had a few close calls here, but, as you can see, everyone’s A-OK!
: I’m really sorry, guys…!
: Never mind that right now! You just went through a tough bit, didn’t you? Then let’s go and get some payback!

Looks at the Reiji.

: The Vardant is leading the enemy forces… We’d best assume he’s got a pretty good read on all our tactics…
: It’s fine…
: Huh…?
: He might be LOTUS’ old commander, but that doesn’t mean he’s familiar with the current LOTUS. So we’ll be alright.
: That is correct. All of you have been displaying growth far beyond our expectations.
: And if the enemy underestimates that growth, then that’d actually be an opening we can exploit.
: … I understand. And we only got this far by having faith in one another, so I shouldn’t stop that now. I’m counting on you all, troops!

Still need to keep Miu, Kouichi and Yamashita safe (plus your ships, of course). Not that any of this matters, since Kouji and Tetsuya could’ve easily wiped the floor with all the enemies, but hey.

Carrying on.

I have chosen you to suffer!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=suv5DWM-fRA
How ghastly.

Bye, Yulianne.

: So you kids have done a bit of growing up, huh…? Much as it annoys me, I better run off…!

Secret Alert!
If you’re taking this route to carry on with the Linebarrel secret, then you’ll want to have Kouichi fight Soubi TWICE before killing him (anyone can take him).

: Are you seriously fine with the whole world getting destroyed? Katou’s trying to bring over a bunch of invaders from that other universe!
: You really are a noble kid, huh…
: A long time ago I also had that same passion of justice and ideals… but that changed when my wife died. That is when a realized that there are no such things in this world.
: But in the future? That’s where we’ll find true justice and ideals – nowhere else!
: Y-You…

Second time:

: Listen, I don’t think I could ever imagine what it feels to lose your wife…
: But what you’re doing now will only result in more people being as miserable as you!
: Hah, noble, indeed… so much so that you’re getting on my nerves…!
: You don’t think I’m well aware of that? Of course I am…!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9KKv601ZD78

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aNPiVF4OuTQ
Folks decide to tangle with Tetsuya, allowing me to show off his new moves (that’s a pretty smug DK for Double Thunder Break!).

And I have Kouichi wreck Soubi again just because.

: I’m not finished yet… I also have a cause of my own, you know!

: Damn it, his Machina’s still regenning? When does it stop?!

Miu charges after him.

: What are you doing, Miumiu?! We’ve no idea when your D-S.O.I.L. might break down again!
: Are you trying to get yourself killed, MIu?!
: I’m fine… so is the Painkiller…! This Factor is in pain… I have to do this not just for us, but to also set him free from it…
: Painkiller… please give me strength… just enough to keep everyone safe…!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9iSvOVauoCo

: … Kaoru… Finally… I can be with you…

: Are you alright, Miu…?
: I am. The Painkiller heard my voice and answered it…
: (Thank you, Painkiller…)
: Recording complete. Will we turn in in this data as well?
: No… a D-S.O.I.L. being stimulated by one’s emotions isn’t something they’d be too happy with.
: Still, it is some very interesting data. I think we could put it to good use for our future endeavors.
: Copy that.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5eFHb-p_T9I
And here we go, I found a good opportunity to show off God Beast Mode’s DK. We’ll likely never use it again!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vPRyf6CIWyw
Bye, Wufei!

: This is it. I believe that today is when the curtain will rise on a new battle!

: Psh… How did I end up as just some random foil to guys like them…?!

: Don’t think I’m the same guy I was before!
: Your brute-force approach hasn’t changed, though… I could see through your attacks blindfolded, Hayase.
: You son of a!!

: You overextend beyond what the Painkiller can handle. Carry on with that and you risk not only your life, but that of your allies as well.
: I won’t… let that happen!

: Oh…? Your movements have improved. And you’ve learned how to properly control your unit…
: But this is still as far as you’ll go. You’ll have your chance to get together with Prof. Grife in the afterlife.
: No way, I’m not stopping now. Rather, this is the moment I’ll clear a major milestone!
: Come on and let’s do this, Reiji Moritsugu!

: The Gaiking and Daiku Maryu have served their purpose with the defeat of the Darius. Now I’ll just snuff out these symbols of hope.
: Like hell you will! The souls of every single one of us are riding on that ship!
: And while I know that you’re really dang strong, I’m still not letting myself get beaten! And that’s a promise!

: Ever the obedient pup, fighting on command. If you’re so afraid of being rejected by others, I can just put you out of your misery.
: I… I’m not doing this because anyone told me…! I’m here just because it is what I chose to do…!
: Ah…?
: And that’s because…
: I’m Shinji Ikari of LOTUS, pilot of the EVA-01!

Had you attacked Reiji before all events went down:

: Your units aren’t in top condition, it seems. That’ll hamper your capacity to fight with all your might.
: Too bad for you, the Great’s still running perfectly. And while your body might not feel any pain, I can just as well give your soul ample taste of its power!

: You called Yamashita here only to try and kill him?! I never took you to be the kind of man to use dirty tricks like that!
: It is never a good habit to presume things. There was much more you never thought to question, and that was your biggest mistake.
: Oh, no, you’ve rubbed me the wrong way since day one. But I saw that everything you did was for us and Earth - that’s why I trusted you! So what the hell happened there?!

: …
: What’s the holdup, Reiji? Come and show us “what true brutality is like” already!

: As you wish.

Reiji rushes Kouichi down.

: H-He’s fast…! But I!!

: Wh-What?! But I should be way stronger than before!
: You are, absolutely… but…
: Like I said, I can still read you like an open book.
: Damn…!
: The Linebarrel is special; it eclipses all other Machinas. It is the ultimate, greatest of all weapons. You’ve been entrusted with it, and this is all you can manage? Show me strength to match all your grandstanding!
: Kouichi, you’re being too hot-headed! Pull yourself together!
: Is this what the power of your justice amounts to…? Defeat is not an option in this fight. If you think you’re allowed to die and leave all this behind, think again…!

“How do you figure you could ever defend this world with so little power?”

: GAAAAAH!!
: Stay strong, Kouichi! A Champion of Justice always finds a way through even the toughest situations!
: He’s right – get up, Kouichi! I know you too well to think you’d have gone down from that!
: Mister Godannar… Wasn’t there something odd about the Vardant’s attack just now?
: Yeah… The killer intent is clearly there, but he didn’t hit any vital spots…
: You don’t think Reiji’s…?
: You cannot protect anything, Hayase. You ramble on about justice, but have no power to back any of it up…
: You cannot even kill me, the villain who murdered Ishigami and left to join the Katou Organization. How could someone like you ever protect even a single person?
: Then I suppose I’ll just kill you, the people of LOTUS, and everyone you swore to keep safe…!
: Kouichi…!
: I’m not… losing this…!

: The Mode B…! It engaged without my authorization…?!

“Nothing’s changed, Hayase. You still have no idea how to make good use of that power.”

: Even if you can engage Mode B at will, it isn’t difficult for me to predict your actions when your attack patterns remain the same.
: Can he really not win this…?!
: Wait, this is… the energy readings are still going up!
: I’m not finished…! So many people have trusted us with all their hopes. That’s why…
: That’s why I…!
: … I am never letting myself be beaten!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xOVv42SVQY8
Kouichi: “Everyone’s hopes are riding on us… I can’t go down!”
Reiji: “Hah… it’s finally awakened…”

: He did it…!
: Haah… haah… haah…

: What was that just now…?
: My guess is the Linebarrel answered his wholehearted determination…
: Yamashita!
: Y-Yes!
: I trust you collected data on what happened? That was the true power of the Linebarrel. But the awakening is still incomplete…
: Hayase has no choice but to keep on moving onwards, so you will all need to support him.
: Reiji…!
: Never forget how you felt now, Hayase. Nagumo, Kabuto, Tsurugi, Kujo, I hope you’ve also gained something from this battle with me.
: Reiji, you…
: I knew it…
: …
: It seems the time has come…

: Th-That’s…!
: We’ve a match in the Flag’s database… It’s the Shangri-La, Katou Hisataka’s battleship!
: Ladies and Gentlemen of LOTUS, I am glad to see you well.
: Katou Hisataka…
: I’d like to tell you that we have officially entered the final stage of our plan…
: The second the Dimension Peeler activates, the forces from the other side will invade this universe. Are you ready to take a stand and fight…?
: Damn straight! We’ll kick all their asses, and yours as well, so you better start clenching!
: “Tired” isn’t part of our dictionary…! We’re ready to go whenever, wherever…!
: That’s good to hear. And, in that case, I’d like to propose an alliance between us and LOTUS.
: What?!
: An alliance?! Just what are you…?!
: The Katou Organization’s true purpose has always been to oppose and destroy the invasion from the other side… and to cultivate the strength and resolve of this world’s dwellers in preparation for the showdown that’d inevitably come.
: I think we can safely check that objective as “accomplished”.
: That’s your “true” purpose…?
: Oi, what the hell is going on…?!
: B-Brother… why…
: “Brother”?! Him?!
: You’ve recovered all of your memories, hm? It’s been a while, Emi…

: … Could I ask you for a full explanation? Why have you proposed this alliance as abruptly as you have?
: As I mentioned not long ago, the Dimension Peeler will soon activate, opening a hole in the fabric of space-time.
: Machina-Humans from the other universe will surge through it, and it is up to us to face them.
: “Machina-Humans”…?
: To put it simply, those are humans who’ve chosen to merge themselves with machines in order to better execute their goals. Their separate psyches were unified into a single network, and all is directed to one thing: harmony with the collective mass. There are no more individuals, nor emotions.
: Perfect efficiency… Discordance is a thing of the past. And the unified consciousness that controls it all is the being named Central.
: No individuals or emotions… Are there no regular humans in that other universe, then…?
: Yes, there are. Half of that Earth is populated by humans like those of the Frontier Fleet, under the rule of the United Nations Government.
: It’s possible for us to coexist, then…?
: No, it isn’t coexistence. Central merely surveyed and appraised them as having the potential to be “useful” to the whole…
: Just as it did to Amagatsu Kizaki, the one who’d recovered a piece of technology that’d been lost when humanity transitioned into its unified state: the Factor System.
: Amagatsu Kizaki… the creator of the Linebarrel, and Emi’s dad…
: …
: Okay, I kinda get what that Central is, but why are do they want to invade our world…?
: Because all must be in harmony with the whole. They now seek to expand that harmony across the other universe, converting all who live here into Machina-Humans.
: It could well be said that that desire to expand is the one instinct left within the Machina-Humans.
: And so you pretended to work with Central, all the while forming the Katou Organization in order to oppose them?
: So that the people of this world would be ready and able to stand against the force that would eventually arrive from the parallel universe, correct.
: And was that… why you killed Amagatsu Kizaki? Is that why you killed our father?
: I need an answer, my brother… why did you kill him that day?
: While I remember you often clashed with each other, I still thought that, deep down, you loved each other as family…
: … Around that time, our father had been appraised as an “unsuitable part” by Central. He, himself, realized that, and what was coming, so he asked me to gun him down…
: I had already infiltrated Central’s ranks by then, and it would prove my trustworthiness to them… all in the name of true justice…
: So… when he told me not to hate you, he was…
: … But the fact still remains that I killed our father. I will not blame you if you’ve come to despise me.
: …
: Color me surprised… The Katou Organization has been an unknown force since before the Second Impact, but not once did I expect that to be your goal.
: I all kinda makes sense… but, damn, it still feels so surreal…
: I think he’s telling the truth, though…
: Eida?
: What the Katou Organization has been doing is about the same thing the R-Daigun did: force your opponent to grow. That’s why they willingly cooperated with us.
: All for the sake of mankind’s future, huh…?
: Their ideals guided their hands in battle, though all could see that they’d be villains in the eyes of the world. No different from one Treize Khushrenada…
: And, so, I chose to help this man: for our once-earned peace to be made truly enduring…
: I see… that’s why you stopped reporting after you infiltrated their group.
: My goal is to permanently strand the invading forces inbetween the dimensions… but I cannot do that without yours and the Linebarrel’s power.
: …
: My friends, now is the time where we must pool our strength against the enemy from the other universe.
: Mr. Ishigami…!
: My words are neither commands nor threats… The choice is entirely yours to make. If pressed, I’d say… this is a sincere plea for your help.
: I’m never going to forgive what you guys have done… but I can tell that there’ll be no way for us to protect this world by fighting each other.
: So if us fighting together is an option, then I guess that’s the one I’ll pick…
: Kouichi…
: And I agree… if we can stop fighting our fellow men, then that is clearly the way to go.
: I think LOTUS should accept their proposal, Lady Une.
: Giving them a vote of confidence, are you…? Very well, I’ll defer to your judgement.
: Thank you!
: We have an agreement…
: Then I guess that’s that. I look forward to working with you guys… especially with these cute boys.
: P-Please don’t look at me like that…!
: Reiji Moritsugu… I await the opportunity for us to have our duel.
: You’re free to try, but only after this battle’s finished…
: …
: … Have you nothing to say about this, Sawatari.
: … Eh, I already had some idea of what you were up to after how long we’ve worked together.
: I just wish Soubi, Riku and the boss were around for this… but you can’t get stuck in the past, right?
: I see… but I apologize to you regardless…
: I was also privy to what Katou’s agenda was, but I couldn’t condone all the bloodshed that would’ve resulted from his methods…
: So I left, taking many of their Machinas and the Flag with me… and the rest is history.
: Of course, actually getting said Flag to activate wound up putting a major burden on Reiji’s shoulders.
: Activating the Flag…?
: You see, doing that requires someone to part with their physical self and merge with the ship itself. I took that job upon myself… but I had to thrust the dirty work onto Reiji.
: Pay it no mind. Whatever the reason, it doesn’t change what happened… and I’m ready to do as I must to the very end.
: Reiji…
: Blah, there’s being poker-faced and then there’s you… it’s like I’m staring at a cardboard cutout. Damn it, I can’t believe I let you trick me like that!
: Further proof that you still have a long way to go.
: And you, Prez! You said you were an AI, but that’s really you in there, isn’t it?! You just plugged your mind into a machine!
: Ahahaha, I guess the cat’s out of the bag. Still, this is a pretty sweet body, don’t you think? Now I can go flat out with my pranks.
: Granted, that’s not really that different from before…
: … Alice, is there anything you can do to teach him a lesson?
: I think I could hack into the main computer and start messing with his source code a bit, or maybe…
: N-Now, please wait a second! … By the time you see this, I’ll likely be dead, dead, dedededededededddddd…
: You’re not fooling anyone!
: Darn and blast! The truth was better left unsaid! Oh, the humanity!

: I hope I managed to help you guys out there, Kouichi…
: Yeah, absolutely… but you also really had me on pins and needles. Can you promise you won’t push yourself to the edge again?
: Oh, don’t worry. My body’s feeling a whole lot better now!
: It seems that your condition today was a secondary effect to the Painkiller inoculating itself against viral attacks.
: And with this data in store, you should be fine even when faced with viral weapons targeting your D-S.O.I.L.
: Miu’s back to normal, I’ve got the Kaiser back and Tetsuya has a new and improved Great… all things considered, today was a good day!
: And what about the Mazinger?
: He’ll still be ready for to be used if need be. We’ve been fighting together for too long for me to just leave him behind…
: Wouldn’t you feel bad if you had to say goodbye to your EVA all of a sudden, Asuka?
: … Yeah, I guess.
: (Inside the EVA’s the only place I feel truly at home, after all…)
: (… Actually, maybe that’s not true anymore. Maybe here, with these people, is just as much of a home to me now…)

It’s been a long since time since Wufei and Goh had a chance to fight – not since he and Katou visited JUDA. Wufei’s wanted to speak with him again for a while, and is glad to see that he’s recovered his spirit. Actually, he’s looking even mightier, courtesy of all his comrades.
That’s especially true in regards to Anna, Goh says. Wufei also recognizes the girl, telling Goh to value his wife. “I will,” he says, “We’ll never be taken apart again.”
But never mind that: Misato calls in and says we just got an urgent message from Une. One of the Preventers’ agents has located Djibril, and the guy’s camping out at the Moon’s Daedalus Base. That sounds pretty good to Goh and Anna since we were headed up there do deal with Moon WILL as well.
We’re expecting a major battle, though, so Misato says we’ll be first heading up to rendezvous with our other half.

: What… I’m still alive…?
: …
: Masaki… What are you doing to me…?
: I’m making you useful, just as I did to Eiji Kiriyama.

Click.

: Masaki! What the hell are you—?!

Wirrrrrr

: No, stop! STOP! GWAAAAAAAAAAAH!!

[Mattman324]

Ha. Reiji calling Yamashita out for being “unable to pilot his machina.” Despite Yamashita being one of the better pilots in the manga and having one of the strongest bonds with his unit (seen through the eye colors, which the anime fucks up - fucking PINK eyes. In the manga you have Red, Orange, or Yellow, and what color you have is a big hint about your machina.). How funny.

Double Burning Fire actually ISN’T the strongest attack in the game. It’s either fourth or fifth. The top three/four are the stronger version of Final Phase, which is strongest becuase it beats the others by like 2000 base, the Iczer Combination off Iczer 2 (She gets Soul, which is Hot Blood + Mazinpower, and it’s 400 stronger), the Eva combo off Shinji (ditto, it’s 300 stronger), and possibly Kotetsushin Jeeg, which is much weaker than the others, but Kenji gets Soul AND a Mazinpower equivalent in Bronze Bell so he might be better than all but Final Phase. That said, it’s still bullshit strong.

As for Sawatari, dunno. The only difference is the backpack though. In the manga, this isn’t even his final upgrade, it lasts a hilariously short amount of time - right before he goes full villain, he picks up a new, manga exclusive mech that hasn’t been in SRW yet outside maybe Chain Chronicle. He doesn’t go full villain in the anime though despite being a total bastard because ?

Oh, obviously, none of this Miu/Soubi shit happened in the manga. I will make a quick note though - did you know that Painkiller’s not even the right color in the anime? In the manga, we do see some of the Painkiller’s initial armor in a colored shot (since it quickly sheds said armor in its first fight, never using it again, but that’s the form the anime uses). It’s fucking red. Like, pretty dark red, even.

Aaaand here we are. Mode C is entirely created by the anime, based on something the manga wouldn’t end up pulling out until the literal last volume, many, MANY years later. It looks a little neat, I guess, but the manga’s version whose name I cannot recall is great (Linebarrel, which was supposed to be based on a demon, turns blood fucking red! And has a few addons before the fight that are neat too) so whatever. The big problem is the Executor suddenly becomes a short blade, despite it being a goddamn ranged weapon that got misappropriated as a long blade so that makes no sense at all.

(EDIT: The red form was “Linebarrel Overlord”.)

Oh, yeah, and Wufei was actually doing the right thing all along. This is such a minor thing, but I find it fucking hilarious.

And yeah, this twist. Let’s compare to the manga. L handles it pretty much the same, but in the manga…

Manga plot leading to this point

So Ishigami wasn’t dead, and at this point he’s clearly got a plan, and has in fact said “So I have this mysterious, big plan that’s going to save everyone’s life, but unfortunately a part of this plan can only succeed if I don’t go into great detail about it,” which everyone… mostly accepted, because he did still give a lot of info. For instance, it wasn’t an alternate dimension or a time loop - the year was actually somewhere in the 2600s, and a large chunk of history from the early 2100s to the late 2400s was missing, after which people thought it was the 1800s (there’s a good reason but that’s post timeskip info.) Also, he had a Machina. Its name was JUDA. It named itself. After Judas. Also mostly post timeski as to why, but it’s important.

Right before the big final battle, Kouichi got into a lengthy discussion about Justice! and Imagination! where he basically called Katou out on all his shit and showed that he was the true heir to the vision of Amagatsu Kizaki. At the same time, Reiji fucking wrecked Jack and… that one older guy who had a fortress Arma the show never really had… and Ishigami let Sawatari (previously captured) go free with the knowledge that Katou had another Machina inside of Shangri La that he let no one see. Sawatari wanted a Machina because he’s a narc and an asshole, so he reinfiltrated their force with the intention of finding it.

The big final battle starts, but before it can really go anywhere, Ishigami goes “Hey, so, I’m rejoining Katou Organization as of this moment. Also all of JUDA is now working for Katou.” This stops the fighting pretty effectively, and in the confusion, Sawatari finds the Lostbarrel inside Shangri La. He activates it, and while he’s doing so, Ishigami reveals the major plans at this point. Katou was trying to take over the Earth using Machina to save it - as long as a single Machina wasn’t active, the evil Hitomachina faction (who were STILL ALIVE! The heroes knew about them from Amagatsu’s visions but thought they were dead!) wouldn’t come to Earth and fucking wreck it, because their plan required every Machina active for post timeskip spoiler reasons. This would be bad, but in Katou’s mind, it would be way better than letting the machines win.

Ishigami thought that was fucking weak, and since JUDA was the one who set the entire Machina scheme up and was helping him with his plans, he had a new one - let the last Earth Machina activate while everyone was near JUDA headquarters, and when the giant portal in the sky opened, fire massive fucking cannons through the breach. This blew apart the camouflage the Hitomachina were using to hide (on the moon, as it turns out, with what remained of the original Tokyo as their base), and as Ishigami pointed out, this made them vulnerable to a counterattack. The first Hitomachina does still get through, and Ishigami led the charge, leading JUDA forces and Katou forces to victory. When a bunch more came through, Ishigami finally realized the end of Juda’s plans, and why it was cagey about a few details - because the plan would save as many people as possible, but Juda and Ishigami would die, as Juda was near suicidal and didn’t care about its own life. Ishigami left one final message and destroyed the portal with Juda, killing both of them in the process.

The scene was really touching, Jouji Nakata admitted that he really wanted to voice it at some point (it is voiced in UX. If you SAVE him, however, you get the SD Gundams using Celestial Armors to fuck the portal sideways, including - if you get Lu Bu - the first use of THE FOUR GODS ARE UNITED), and the anime has nothing like it, which is par for the course.

[Brunom1]

I confess I simply assumed the EVA attack was weaker than Double Burning Fire, but I suppose three regular ass rifles beats two magic energy-powered Super Robots! Not sure if Soul would be enough to cover the 700 attack power difference between Kenji and Kouji’s moves, though, but alright.

Also, dang, reading that stuff really made me want to LP UX next. I heard Citra was actually running the game now? Is it 100% ready for primetime or are there some quirks left?

[nekomajokko]

man it’s almost like making an anime based off an ongoing manga leads to wild plot divergences

[Mattman324]

It’s not just Soul. Kouji’s attack is effectively 2.5x (2x and 1.25x combined), but Kenji’s is 3.125x (2.5x and 1.25x combined), which is a fairly notable increase in power. Also it’s not 700, since Kenji is on a better upgrade tier… but it is close, it’s a difference of 550 (8950 to 8400).

UX is totally playable, though I haven’t tested it on Citra myself I’ve seen videos and stuff and people say it works. The thing is, UX would require you to do three runs through to grab every secret. It would come with the positive side effect of those secrets carrying over (as in, if you unlock… I dunno, Graham, in your first run, Graham will stay unlocked in every run afterwards automatically without you having to do shit as long as you’re NG+ing. It’s a plot point, even!), but then, most of the secrets are rather insane, requiring upwards of 200 or 300 kills within the run while you’re incapable of relying on the screen because kill carryover across NG+ is rather fucked. And by that I mean someone who ended run 1 with 100 kills might join with like 200+ and none of those kills count for killcount secrets. You have to kill enemies manually.

Fortunately, Game Over grinding does work - if someone kills 30 enemies and then you lose and continue, even though the kill screen doesn’t show it, the game remembers. Typical practice is to get to THE SHADOW OVER INNSMOUTH and kill grind there, since everyone except Graham (who is piss easy to get kills for since he only needs like 50) who needs to get kills is on your team at that point.

[Brunom1]

Click to see the mission!

One more mission and we’ll wrap up the Space Route. Ichitaka’s 15 kills ahead of Kenji, so he’ll likely have a solid lead on Daiya once we’re back together.

On upgrades, I’ve gotten Alto and Shinn over 50%, so their bonuses are now, respectively, Mobility +15, crit +20, movement +1, and, Mobility +15, crit +20 and A rank in Space.

Regarding squads, Voltes and Combattler are going out as event units, and while Ozma isn’t showing up in the intermission menu, he WILL be back when the mission actually starts, so you’ll need to set him in then.
Ichitaka
Shinn/Luna
Duo/Hilde
Zechs/Noin
Kenji/Kyo
Jeeg/Micchi
Heine (Gaia)/Quatre
Rey/Luca
Alto/Michel
Iczer-3/Atross
Klan/Yagyuu
Ozma/Canaria

Here we go.

We open up the Quarter, and Mishima’s up on TV, issuing a call to arms: “We sought nothing but peace after we left our homeworld. As we searched for a new planet, we asked simply for a moment of peace at this parallel Earth! But the Vajra attacked, relentless in their desire to eradicate us. We will not bend our knees to their onslaught, however! I, as the 5th president of the Frontier Fleet, solemnly swear that victory will be ours in this holiest of battles! For the people of the Frontier!
Lam is very surprised someone as young as Mishima made it president, and Monica chalks it up to the success of his operation against the Vajra. His speech at Howard’s burial was also quite moving – all in all, he gathered a lot of support. And the guy’s already showing what he’s all about, Kyo noting that the Valkyries are being equipped with some new kind of warhead.
Luca explains that it’s the MDE Warhead, L.A.I.’s newest creation and capable of creating a miniature Fold when it goes off… he only wishes they’d completed it sooner, as maybe Nanase wouldn’t have gotten hurt. But Ippei says it’s not the kid’s company’s fault; moreover, Nagisa points out, our Valkyries are also getting the goods, so he’ll need to stay strong for the battles ahead.

The fact that Mishima doesn’t seem to care that Ranka’s song isn’t available anymore to use against the Vajra makes Quatre wonder if the guy’s THAT confident in the MDE Warhead’s firepower. Ichitaka can see why Mishima’d be all hyped and raring to go, as the things are said to be even stronger than the Reactive Munitions… but knowing how he is, Heine figures Mishima would only be this excited if he was sure he had good odds of winning this.
Good for him, because Ranka is long gone. Duo says her departure was confirmed not only by Alto but by several eyewitnesses and the airlock locks of Island 1: she, Brera and that one Vajra were seen leaving.

Kenichi wonders if the Vajra’s hive is hiding somewhere in this universe, though Alice also raises the possibility that Ranka and Brera might be able to Fold back to the Highly Probably Universe with their Vajra’s help, finding their hive over there. Whatever the case, there’ll be no end to the battle with the bugs until we find and wreck the place. They’re in for a tough fight, Hyouma sighs.
Iczer-3 thinks it’s more sad than anything, figuring the best solution would just be if we could find a way to get along with the bugs (Atross is taken aback by our kindness – a far cry from the Cthulhu).
And with all this crazy stuff that’s happened with Ranka, Bobby has to wonder: what is Ozma doing? Here’s hoping he’s safe…

By Mishima’s office, he’s seen fit to call in Sheryl. She’s a “mere” indie singer now, so what use could he have for her? Well, word has reached him that she has V-Type Infection, and that it’s already reached her brain, meaning it can no longer be treated. Oh? Is he paying attention to what the paparazzi’s rumors, or did the government look into her?
Mishima won’t reveal his source, but the important thing is that her disease has opened a new avenue for her to use. You see, due to the V-Type Infection, Sheryl’s voice is now capable of generating faint Fold Waves – just like the traitor, Ranka Lee.
Does that mean Ranka’s also sick? No, it’s due to something else, though the cause is still unknown. But, regardless, Sheryl can now do what the girl could and Mishima would like to ask that she use her music to save the Frontier Fleet.

Back to the Quarter, Jeffrey’s just assembled the team to pass on some information relayed to us by the President’s Office: they’ve just received reliable intel indicating the location for the Vajra’s homeworld. Not nest, homeworld, and Kentarou says the entire place’s in the process of being Folded into this universe.
Hiyoshi and Ippei are blown away and impressed, as the best us humans can do is just warp our ships around. Regardless, once we’ve confirmed the homeworld’s location, the Frontier Fleet itself will set off to attack it.

This all seems incredibly hasty to Megumi, what with Ranka’s departure, but Kentarou figures they’ll be using Sheryl as her replacement. Alto’s taken aback by that, and the professor explains that her song can now affect the Vajra… likely due to her disease.
Alto, of course, hadn’t heard anything about that, and Michel and Klan figure we’ve no choice but to explain what’s what now.

Alto now understands what was going on with Sheryl, and Kentarou wagers Mishima’s looking at both her and the MDE Warheads as the keys to securing a victory against the Vajra. Ippei raises the fact that the Frontier’s been placed under the UN’s supervision and their actions’ restricted. Won’t unilateral actions – such as up and Folding away at the drop of a hat – make things much more difficult to control for the PLANTs and Lady Une?
Sure, but Kentarou figures Mishima doesn’t take this Earth’s protection to be needed any more. Considering how often forces of this world helped the Frontier defend against the Vajra before, that sounds very selfish to Megumi. Kenichi agrees: how can they simply turn their backs on the crisis enveloping Earth, all the people who’ve risked their lives for them?
Still, those are the options presented to the Quarter now: leave Earth with the Frontier upon Mishima’s command, or stay behind with LOTUS…

But the suddenly appearing Ozma and Cathy say balls to Mishima – that guy’s a criminal! As Bobby cries tears of joy over his return, Ozma apologizes for the worry and explains that they were being pursued by Mishima’s goons and couldn’t get in touch. Mishima’s what now?
Ozma explains how the guy used the Vajra attack as cover to kill Howard, and tried to eliminate them as witnesses. That explains a message Jeffrey received from Birler’s estate not too long ago: it said that the SMS was being disbanded and incorporated into the NUNS. Seems to Canaria that Mishima’s moving for a takeover of the SMS forces, but Ozma refuses to serve someone who killed the president to fulfill his own agenda.

Jeffrey agrees with him, figuring the Quarter’ll need to choose its fate right now, and the path is clear to him: we’ll be cutties ties with the Frontier Fleet. As Bobby scrambles to tell Micchi and Talia, Luca asks if this won’t mean we’ll be tagged as traitors.
If not that, Michel says we’ll at least be deserters, and while Luca’s still worried about Nanase, he can’t turn his back on this. Now, Ozma doubts the Frontier’ll simply let us go, so he wants everyone ready to deploy at the drop of a hat. Before we leave, however, Alto has one thing to take care of: he can’t leave Sheryl in Mishima’s hands.

Mission 31 (Space Route) – Set Out on an Interstellar Flight…

And, indeed, NUNS troops fly out after us the second we start leaving. The President’s Office is demanding we return immediately – the Quarter was never given permission to depart. Not happening, of course, and Jeffrey declares that they’re cutting ties with the Fleet and will be acting independently. The NUNS have orders to shoot us down, in that case!
Talia gets in touch and argues that the SMS is currently assigned to LOTUS, but the NUNS guys aren’t listening. This is a Frontier problem, and we better keep off unless we’re ready to face the consequences! As Meyrin detects their sights being set on us, our hands are forced. Shinn would rather not have to fight people who’ve helped protect the PLANTs before, but Rey knows we’ve no real choice here if they’re not willing to talk.
Jeffrey does apologize for pulling our folks into this, but Talia says it’s fine: we’ll just avoid fighting as much as possible and focus on leaving the area.

Alto’s left Sheryl aboard the Quarter, having quickly shown up and brought her over. She’s very confused with all the stuff going on, but explanations will have to wait a bit. In the meantime, Luca’s asking Jeffrey’s permission to use THAT – we can’t afford to hold anything back if we’re to leave here safely.
And if we’re already being tagged as traitors, Luca figures we should be ready to use all means at our disposal to pull through this and future battles. Fine, Jeffrey allows it, and Luca releases the AI limiters in his three drones. It’s time to engage that which once spread terror across Macross City: the Judah System!
And, with that, Ozma calls for formation My Soul For You. “We’ll show these mooks that we’ll fight not for Mishima, but for the future of the entire Frontier!”

Get any allied ship to the marked area, without losing either of them or the Nagahama bots. Now, despite what Talia said, you’ve no reason to avoid fighting the Frontier guys and, I think, it’s best to actually wreck them all first.
This shouldn’t come as a surprise for you, but we won’t be dealing with JUST a bevy of Macross mooks. In fact, the second a ship enters the area, you’ll be caught in a pincer attack. Not all that dangerous, but there’s no reason you should subject yourself to that in the first place.
And, as you might expect, the Frontier’s Valkyries are very dodgy, but don’t have much by way of defenses – pop Strike and go to town. I suggest you engage this group from one of its wings first, to force the other to come to you. Their missiles have rather long range, so goading them in will make things simpler.

It should also be noted, if it wasn’t clear enough, that the Valkyries now have access to new weapons: all of them have MDE Warheads, which are way stronger than the Reactive ones, and Luca now has access to his new Judah System weapon. It’s basically a better version of his Ghost weapon, which is post-movement and has 3 shots.
Pair that with all the different warheads and Luca’s one of the strongest squaddies around.

: I’d rather not fight the NUNS, but you’re not leaving me any choice…! If you’re set on stopping us from following our path… if you’re gonna try to use us and Sheryl for your schemes, then…!

–

: I get that you’re all giddy with your new weapons, but you’re not winning that war by putting all your eggs in that basket. The Vajra aren’t that weak!

: The Vajra aren’t our only enemies! Chances are the NUNS and SMS alone wouldn’t be able to keep the Frontier safe…!
: So it’s far too dangerous for you to send all of the Fleet towards the Vajra homeworld!

When you roll into the next enemy turn…

: Now what is this… the Macross Quarter is parting with the Frontier Fleet?
: Yes, sir. Moreover, it seems the Fleet’s development of an MDE Warhead has been successful… As they said, necessity is the mother of all invention.
: We can’t well not collect data on that, can we? Prepare all troops to deploy soon.
: Roger.
: What should I do?
: I want you to simply observe how they’ll fight. You’ll likely be facing them soon anyway.
: Your mission is to control my magnum opus absolutely flawlessly, so we shouldn’t rush to send you into combat.
: Copy that. Proceeding as instructed.

: Ken, these people are…!
: I know; they’re soldiers. If the orders are to fight, then they have to comply whether they want to or not!
: But we’re also on that same boat: whoever the enemy is, we have to fight!

: You think these cobbled together fighters can take us own? Someone’s really selling us short, I see!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ZM6K4UjrMw
When you first use this weapon, you get this scene:

: Data collection complete. Should we relay these to the Professor’s brain?
: No, this is something we can develop by ourselves. Continue to gather data on LOTUS.
: But we should already have more than enough on these units…
: There’s only so much one can learn from videos and recorded data. I want her to observe, to experience, how these heroes fight with her own eyes.
: …
: Roger that. Carrying on.

: Look at these pirates, thinking they can commandeer our ship. We’re going in, you lot!
, Aye, aye, captain!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ipfbkj8HZmU
And here’s Luca’s new trick. It’s pretty good!

Kill everything and the Quarter will move into the evac area.

Beep, beep!

: We’ve multiple heat signatures closing in from 12 o’ clock! It’s!

: Come and show us that new weapon of yours. Let’s see whether or not it’ll amount to a new “potential”…
: And I believe we might as well collect some data on the NUNS as well, just in case (I might have bad news for you…)
: Those are… What are they doing here?!
: These guys always pick the worse moments to crash our parties…!
: Forward, troops! Engage and destroy the new enemies!

I guess they really did expect me to do as the captain said and make a beeline for the escape zone. Whatever the case, your objective now is to destroy all of the new enemies – if there are still NUNS troops alive, you don’t have to take them (though that’d mean less money and we know that’s no good).
As for the Valleys, they’re pretty much the same as the Orb fight. Decently bulky and hard-hitting, but our guys here are some of our strongest. Focus fire them down and do keep an eye out for opportunities to MAPW them with Rey (who should already know Valor).

Finally, you can’t hit the Imperial Valley – not even with Strike. If you tried to attack if with Hyouma, you’d get this:

: We’ve already processed data on all of your weapons. Nothing you have will work.
: That guy’s not taking us seriously…!
: He might have some trick up his sleeve. Keep an eye out!

So all you can do is take out the lesser Valleys.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jBSls69zyoA
Also, here’s Atross’ Iczer Bomb plus its DK.

Once three turns have passed since the Valleys’ arrival…

: No different from what the data suggested… which means the newest auto-evasion program can easily handle them. (Reported for hacking!)
: Hey, what gives?! It’s using some sort of trick?!
: That’s just like before… when I had to help Kira and Athrun!
: Anything we can do, Kosuke?!
: I’ve nothing! The enemy’s apparently analyzing and predicting any and all of our motions!
: Damn it, then what’re we supposed to do?!
: What the hell are you people doing, letting the enemy get inside your heads?!
: Prof. Sakonji!
: How many battles have you fought until today?! Did you learn so little from them that the enemy can process it all just like that?!
: Get your head in the game and bring out every gram of your strength! Surpass the enemy’s predictions and your own limits!
: Surpass our limits, eh… I like the sound of that!
: This might just be the moment for us to try that again… the attack we used against the Boazans way back when!
: J-Just what’re you planning?!
: Chill, XO – we’ll handle this!

The Combattler moves after the Imperial Valley.

: Super Electromagnetic Tornado, followed by the Spin… I just have to avoid being hit by the Tornado, and the rest will be relatively easy to dodge.
: I don’t need to tag you with the Tornado… I just gotta do this!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iWwWU3GCB_8
Hyouma: Kosuke, bring our super electromagnetic energy into the red!
Kosuke: You got it, Hyouma! Forming a super EM field around the Combattler!
Juzo: Get in there, Hyouma!
Soldier: How… they stopped my movements without resorting to the Tornado?!

: Wh-what was… that attack?!
: Now, Kenichi!
: I’m on it! Here we go, guys!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8E7kIi3HSsg
Megumi: We’re going with that move, huh?
Ippei: Just gotta think back to that hellish training we went through!
Kenichi: We’re going!
Soldier: This can’t be! Our predictions said nothing of them being able to do something like that!

: Impossible…! We should already have analyzed those units’ capabilities from top to bottom! This… this is…!
: Kch… E-Engage the emergency repair!

: What…?! An error?!
: The enemy’s movements have grown sluggish! We should be able to attack it now!
: Alright, then let’s go and finish him off for good!

: Decided to come out your hidey-hole, eh, Mr. Stalker?!
: I haven’t the time to play with you. There are too many tests left to be done…!

: Ichitaka, the more we let this battle drag on, the more they’ll be able to gather data on us!
: We still don’t know what these guys are after, but I guess nothing good’ll come out of letting them do that, yeah? Then let’s save the questions for later and just worry about trashing ‘em all quick!

: Who are you?! Why did you kidnap Ichitaka’s professor, and what did you target us for…? Answer me!
: We’ve already applied the Orb data. I should be able to keep up with him now…!

: What’s up, Red Bot? Where’d all that attitude from before go?
: I’m not finished yet! I just have to put the Imperial Valley’s full capacity to use and your measly Super Electromagnetic Robot will be easy pickings…!

The Voltes and Combattler now have a combined attack, but I forgot about it! We’ll see it next mission.

: Hell, yeah!
: We did it, Hyouma!
: A very good job, all of you. That was some fine teamwork!
: Yow! Did Prof. Sakonji actually give us props?
: Hah, maybe someone oughta check if Hell’s frozen over.
: Are you volunteering, Juzo? Because I can provide some extra training that’ll send you straight there…!
: S-Sorry, sir…!
: All unknown units have retreated from the sector.

If NUNS units are still alive…

: What’re these people made of…! They drove out all of those unknowns…!
: These cowards…! It’s because you’re like that that we need to handle everything!
: But you soldiers will have to keep the Frontier safe… just be careful around Mishima.

: Here’s our chance. We’ll evacuate the area and reorganize.

: I suppose regular humans really can’t use the Imperial Valley to its full capacity…
: You’ll be leading the troops next deployment. Is that fine with you?
: Yes, master. It is no problem at all.

: Sorry for dragging you like that, but I didn’t want to leave you in Mishima’s hands. Not in the state you’re in…
: Aaah… You’ve heard about it, huh? And you were the one person I really didn’t want to find out…
: Sheryl, please… stop pushing yourself. You don’t need to force a smile, or carry on with that act anymore…
: No!
: !
: I’m going to keep singing – I have to keep singing! That’s the only way I’ll leave proof that I ever existed…!
: Sheryl…
: But… it’s almost too much. I’m all alone, watching as my life crumbles away… and it scares me…!
: Strange, isn’t it…? I’m Sheryl Nome… I’d decided to live the rest of my life like that, and look at me now…
: … I’ll be right there with you!
: Alto…
: If you’re going to sing, then I’ll stay by your side until the very last moment!
: Alto…
: … Alto, please grant me some courage. Just enough to carry on singing for as long as I can…!
: Sheryl…

By Talia’s office, she informs Durandal of Mishima breaking the Frontier’s treaty with the UN. If nothing’s done, won’t this be a heavy blow to Durandal, and the PLANTs’, position? Indeed, and Durandal’s disappointed: he’d hoped to hold talks with the guy. But it’s already too late, as Durandal informs that, just now, the Frontier Fleet Folded out of the solar system before the PLANTs could do anything to keep them in check.
Talia sees that their attack on us was meant to do nothing but stall for time as they prepared to leave, and Durandal figures they all fell for Mishima’s plan. Whatever the case, he’ll figure out what to do about this. In the meantime, he has intel for Talia: they’ve finally located Djibril.
So the time has come to track down the Logos remnants, and Durandal’s already requested LOTUS’ support with it. Once the Earth troops are up top, the Minerva and the rest of our group will rendezvous with them and pursue Djibril.

Cut to the Quarter’s briefing room, Ozma hands a disc to Kentarou. It’s filled with data he and Cathy gathered from the government computers while they were investigating Mishima; among which, some worrying information regarding Grace. Luca remembers Sheryl’s former manager (and Ranka’s current one) and, when Kenichi asks, Ozma says she was the one who suggested that Mishima weaponized the singers’ music against the Vajra.
Kentarou figures Ozma is worried that the lady might have her own plans, and Sheryl steps in, demanding they let her in on this conversation. From what Grace herself said, she deliberately gave Sheryl the V-Type Infection after picking her up from the Macross Galaxy’s slums. As the disease developed, her singing started to affect the Vajra apparently – and Grace sought to have her work as a tool for Mishima’s plot.

Nagisa’s appalled over the woman using Sheryl’s life as a plaything, but she disagrees: she’s not being used, and never will be. “My life belongs to no one but me. Everything I’ve done to this day, I did because I wanted to – and I’ll carry on living that way. I am Sheryl Nome!”
Well, Michel figures Alto’ll have to be there for her all the way – he’s the only one who could manage to lift her spirits like that. And he’s alright with that: “Sheryl… I swear I’ll be your rock,” he thinks.

Now, Alice hands Sheryl a fresh batch of her medicine and asks that she keep taking it. It should at least allow her to carry on with her everyday life. Sheryl’s not one to ignore doctor’s orders, so she promises.
All that said, there’s still one big question in Ichitaka’s eyes: Brera. We’ve been told that he’d been taking orders from the government, but, from what Ozma’s found, his recent escapade wasn’t part of that. There was no information whatsoever about it on the data they found.
But Zechs figures we’ll have to worry about him later. Right now, we should focus on dealing with Lord Djibril. Inwardly, though, Ozma prays that Ranka’s safe.

Speaking of, we find Brera and Ranka out in the middle of nowhere, some distant corner in space. She thanks him for helping her with this, flying all the way here, but he was eager to help. He was supposed to be no more than a fighting machine, but when he heard her sing, something washed over him – this is him paying her back for it.
Ai-kun’s still bouncing around, and Ranka tells him it won’t be long before he’s home. With that, she starts singing Aimo…