When Lovecraft Meets Three Kingdoms and Pop Music: Super Robot Wars UX

Oh god, I love the Odyssea. While I do question the fact that they just outright give you its finisher immediately, the mech, its theme, and all of its attacks are just fucking amazing…

I’ve noticed they also do that a lot for the OG games. As soon as your guys get their upgrades, they unveil their finisher attack right away and give the enemy a good smacking (looking at you, DGG and SRX in OG2…). I guess it’s good to give the players a feel of how strong the new bot is, but I’d rather prefer it if they take some time and let us unlock the stronger attacks.

Man, every attempt the game makes to try and get me to feel emotions for the one-dimensional Demonbane characters just feels more forced than the last. Going into this, I really didn’t think the Lovecraft giant robot anime stuff would be the biggest drag on the plot.

I wouldn’t be bugged about it if it wasn’t for the fact that Kurou just escaped one angst fest, and now it looks like he’s about to be dragged into another one. It’s especially bad since the Mazinkaiser finale was going on during this alongside a major turning point for the OG plot and characters. The whole drama could have been paced better.

ククク…

Click to see the mission!

: That book-girl is dead…? But she always looked positively unkillable…
: Al…
: (This is my fault…)
: (She’s dead because I just sat there with my thumb up my ass when I should’ve been fighting…)
: They’re… they’re gonna goddamn pay for this!

: Hey, hey! Where’dya think you’re going, Kurou?!
: I’m gonna kill all those Anticross… that’s where I’m going!
: Don’t be stupid! What could you even do in the state you’re in?!
: Shut your trap! Al died to keep me alive – how am I supposed to let that go?!
: Can’t any of you imagine how she must’ve felt?!
: I ask the same thing, Kurou!
: Do you think Al would be happy seeing you like this?!
: …?!
: Kurou, what you’re trying to do is just pure revenge.
: And I know I ain’t Shou to be talking like this, but… all you’re gonna find is a quick death if you fight with hatred in your heart.
: …
: You’re not the only one who’s hurting over what happened.
: But aren’t we friends?! We’ve all been fighting by teaming with each other, right?!
: Joey…
: I ask that you please act carefully. It wouldn’t do to waste the life Al Azif sacrificed herself to save.
: Enduring the pain is as much of a battle as anything else, Master Daijuuji.
: Tsk… Al, I…
: Rrrgh! GODDAMN IT!

: How’s Kurou looking?
: A bit calmer than he was before. I’ve treated his wounds as best as I could, so now he’s getting some rest.
: I suppose he’s finally starting to come to terms with Al’s death…
: …
: I wonder if Al knew what her fate was…
: Maybe she did… but still chose to accept it, and entrust everything to Kurou…
: Knowing that you’re going to die and still pushing yourself to keep going until the end…
: Maj. Richard also felt the same way, I think.
: …!
: But when the time came, I…
: I’d say he must’ve been happy you didn’t shoot.
: Huh…?
: I’m sure the Major wanted you to learn the weight of life.
: Way I see it, the reason he taught you so much about professional commitment and the hardships of battle was so that you’d come to understand the pain and sorrow that comes when a life is taken, when it’s lost forever.
: The pain and sorrow… of a life lost…
: The Major bet on your potential to the very last second, and, in the end, he won that bet.
: So you’ve nothing to feel ashamed of – on the contrary, you should be proud of how well you fulfilled his wish…
: …
: Sniffles Oh, Major…
: Da… Daddyyy…
: Saya…
: “Daddy”…
: I guess Maj. Richard can finally rest easy now.
: Yeah, looks like it…
: By the way, Ensign, how’s your body doing?
: As surprising as it sounds, it’s doing fine.
: That shouldn’t be possible, though, no? The aftereffect of the Orphes’ warps always had you in a lot of pain.
: Still, we checked Ensign Berge’s vitals and there were no abnormalities whatsoever with him.
: Our theory is that it’s due to Saya successfully achieving a perfect synchro-overdrive with their Accelerated Particle Engines.
: Because of her…?
: As we noted before, the Orphes’ warp is a form of time travel. Every moment an imperfect warp was executed, the mech and the pilot would cease to exist in this universe for a small instant.
: And, as a result, that progressively eroded the pilot’s own life force.
: Then, by executing a perfect synchro-overdrive with the Lepton Vectrers…
: Saya’s effectively nullified that momentary state of non-existence?
: That’s the theory, at least.
: Saya’s strong will has given the Orphes a new power…
: Or, better put, she imbued it with life.
: A person’s Aura Power can occasionally affect the very essence of his or her machine.
: Life has many mysteries, indeed…
: A manufactured life like mine did that…?
: And speaking of the bot, I think the Orphes needs a new name.
: Agreed. A name to celebrate its transition from a machine that beckoned death to one that weaves life.
: A new name, hm…?
: How about Odyssea?
: Odyssea…?
: Yeah, taken after Odysseus, a hero in Greek legend.
: Oh, that’s the guy who built the Trojan Horse, right?
: There’s that, sure, but the main reason is that the current name’s based off Orpheus and his return from Hell.
: But now the bot’s not mirroring a tragic hero, but the protagonist of an ancient epic – someone who brought victory to thousands of his comrades.
: Ooh, I like that. What do you think, Arnie?
: I…


Sure thing.

: The story goes that Odysseus overcame many hardships with his fellow men and, eventually, managed to find his way back to his home.
: That’s something I’d like to do myself – alongside everyone, and especially you, Ms. Saya…
: Ensign Arnie…

Beep.

: Cpt. Jeffrey wants relay our next missions.
: All team members are to assembly at the control room right away.
: Roger that. We’ll be right over!
: We should do the same, Ms. Saya.
: Right…!
: (When Jin and Ayul attacked us, they executed a synchro-overdrive with their Accelerated Particle Engines.)
: (Technology that’s supposed to only exist in the future now exists in the present…)
: (Does that mean that Novel Dylan actually is making use of time travel…?)


And our next mission comes as a request from the Frontier Fleet – straight from the President’s Office. Our target is a Boddole Zer-Class fortress, which the Vajra have used as nesting grounds. A what now? As Klan tells, it’s a type of Zentran fortress with several hundred kilometers in length. If the Vajra are nesting there, who knows how many we’ll find.
Worse, according to intel sent by the Frontier, said fortress is slowly headed towards Earth – should it make it here, the damage will be immense. But, of course, there’s the matter of the Black Lodge and their Cthulhu-ball right on top of Arkham City. As Cao Cao notes, if we leave here, they’ll get on the offensive again.
Only option Sumeragi sees is to split the team in half: one to stand guard in Arkham, one to clear out the Boddole Zer Fortress. Arnie sees no problem with that assessment, figuring Richard would’ve agreed with that suggestion.

The more ground-combat oriented units will stay in Arkham: which makes for the WSO, the Elshank, the Fafners, the SD Gundams, Heroman and the Classic Aura Battlers. Of course, Kurou’ll also be staying here since, as Ruri points out, the Demonbane’s immobile. Everyone else is headed up top.
But what about Arnie and Saya?


[i]Time for another route split, but this one’s very short – only a single mission.

Participate in the Vajra Mop-Up Operation
Wings of Rean
SEED Destiny
00 Gundam
Dancouga Nova
Fei-Yen
Linebarrel
Macross Frontier

:siren: Secret Alert! x4 :siren:
Take this route if you’re on track for these secrets: Linebarrel’s (4th step), 00 Gundam #1 and #2 (4th and 2nd step, respectively), Macross F (4th step).

Stay and Defend Arkham City
Dunbine
Tobikage
Fafner
Demonbane
Heroman
SD Gundam
Mazinkaiser SKL

:siren: Secret Alert! x4 :siren:
Take this route if you’re on track for these secrets: Demonbane (6th step), Fafner #2 (2nd step), Heroman (3rd step), Tobikage #1 (6th step).

Also have both these route flags raised, so I can keep whichever I want. I reckon that’ll be the Arkham route, simply because it’s got more series I enjoy.[/i]


Pick the space route and Arnie figures they ought to head up there as, judging from the sheer scale of the fortress, we could use as many extra units as we’ve got. Saya’s fine with the idea, so Jeffrey commands the troops to set off immediately. Inwardly, Alto thinks back to Sheryl and Ranka, wondering that they’re doing right now.

: You wish me to teach you the Art of War…?
: Yes, please. We’ve set ourselves up as Maj. Richard’s successors, so we want to be capable of providing tactical commands like he did.
: Though we’re not sure how capable we’ll be at it, of course…
: I see. That is a fine spirit you two display.
: And if you are so certain, then I would gladly agree to your request.
: Thank you so much.
: And I suppose that means you two are now my fellow pupils!
: Oh, wait… That also means I’ll need to go the extra mile to set an example, right?
: Hmph, I do not remember teaching you to be feckless…
: It is due to that attitude that regardless of ow much time passes, you— cough, cough, cough…!
: Master…!
: I-I am fine. Just a slight chest congestion…
: …
: Um, if you’re not feeling well, then you don’t have to…
: Worry not. In fact, the prospect of new pupils is making me feel even spritelier than usual.
: General Zhou Yu…
: (My lord Sun Ce… please, grant me strength for just a while longer…)


Over by the Frontier, Howard’s being told that we’ve agreed to help – granted, Mishima was certain we would, what with the SMS being personally involved with the battle against the Vajra. Howard’s feeling a little bit queasy for this operation, though, as there’s something to be said against stirring this literal hornet’s nest.

Mishima agrees with him in that they’ve never seen a bigger swarm than the one nesting in the Boddole Zer – but that is precisely what makes this such a major opportunity. What it all comes down to is Fold Quartz, a mineral capable of relaying thoughts across time and space… and the things can only be found with the Vajra, as it’s inside their bodies that the mineral’s refined.
In that case, Howard presumes he has a plan for them to prevail against such odds and, naturally, Mishima does. You see, he’s taken care to match the day of the operation with Ranka Lee’s concert. Inwardly, Mishima schemes: “Now is the time to play that particular card. Which, in turn, means it’s almost time for the other songstress to exit stage left…”


Cut to Aprillius One, Lacus informs Rubens that REQUIEM has been fully repaired and can be fired at any moment. Mind you, the prospect of that doesn’t make her happy. “A weapon is defined solely by the people who wield it – depending on who that is, it can be a positive force. The REQUIEM is no exception” Rubens argues.
Lacus sighs but agrees to move past her unease since, as both she and Rubens understand, they cannot afford to stop for any reason. With a wish for both of them to continue their good work, Rubens hangs up.

: …
: Lacus…
: I preach about peace, yet I hold a gun in my hand…
: I’ve made my share of bad choices and this might just be another one… Still, at this moment we need strength with which to sever the chains of this unending strife…
: Right, we’ve a responsibility to do this…
: If we just turned away from it, everything we said to Chairman Durandal about being prepared to face the hardships ahead would be one huge lie…

Door opens.

: That’s right… by themselves, neither strength nor wishes are enough…
: You’re…
: Athrun…
: …
: There are things you have to protect, even if it means setting off to another battle…
: You may understand that it’s a painful path to follow but…
: But we’re ready to face it in order to protect this world.
: I understand, Athrun. I feel the same way you do…
: Kira…
: You’re ready to stand up and fight once again, aren’t you, Athrun…?
: …
: I’d like to ask you something. Give us the power to carry out our wishes one more time… the Freedom and the Justice…!


And Eida gets her second tactician bonus - +10% attack power to all ranged weapons – while Arnie gets exactly the same ones Richard had.


Or Arnie might decide to stay in Arkham, figuring dealing with the Black Lodge ASAP is the top priority now. With that done, Ruri orders her maids to get the Demonbane fixed with all haste. Not that the thing’ll move with Al gone, but Ruri at least wants it ready to go – her grandfather would’ve done so.
Chiaki and Denton’ll see to it, and Joey sees that even in this seemingly desperate situation, no one’s given up hope yet. So he’ll continue to believe that Kurou’ll recover from his injuries and find a way to fight with us again.


Again, Arnie asks Zhou Yu to teach him how to tactics.

: Gathered disciples! The treachery of the Grand Master, Master Therion, is as I have explained!
: When I think of all our comrades who have been sacrificed to his madness, my heart bursts with rage and grief!
: And, thus, we of the Anticross have judged him as a traitor ought to be.
#1: M-Master Therion is…
#2: The Grand Master…?!
: There’s no cause for concern. No cause at all, I say.
: The god, Cthulhu, has already been beckoned into this world and the means of controlling him are in our hands.
: And with our powers, the C Project can reach its true completion!
: Now is the time to renew your conviction! Comrades, the Word of the Law is…!

  • :bravo: :bravo: :bravo: *

: The Word of the Law is Thelema!

Dissenting Guitar Solo!

: Now you stop right there!
: … What is your business, Doctor?
: Wow… he’s scary-robo.
: Hmph… I just heard your speech and it was nothing but self-serving nonsense!
: You rant that Master Therion betrayed us, but this was all your plot, wasn’t it?! You’re the traitors here!
: Oh? Are you implying you will not obey us traitors? I never imagined you were so loyal.
: I’ve no loyalty! A genius is always alone! I don’t grovel before anyone!
: However, I find you all repugnant! Just because you were his lieutenants, you think you can—

Stab.

: Gch… uargh!
: D-Doctor…!
: I’ve had enough of you, Doctor.
: Rrgh… you little…

Collapse.

: Doctor! Stay with me-robo!
: I can understand that you are rather agitated following Kurou Daijuuji’s defeat. Everyone here understands you saw in him a hated warrior…
: However, we must restore order as quickly as possible, and that means troubling elements must be dealt with summarily.
: But I am nothing if not merciful… I’ll put you both out of your misery quickly.
: You won’t kill him-robo!
: Spell Cannon: “Dig Me No Grave”! Fire!

Blaaaaaast!

: They‘ve escaped...
: Should we not give chase?
: Hmph, no. There is nothing he can do against us.
: Besides, we already have a suitable replacement for him.
: We trust you will rise to our expectations, Doctor…
: Hmhmhm, absolutely…
: You may count on me, Dr. Minami, scientist extraordinaire…!


And Ruri’s also unlocked her second bonus, which provides +20 SP to everyone.

Click to see the mission!


We’re starting off in the Arkham Route, where Joe and Joey are deploying as event units. Kurou’s still unavailable, so here’s how we’re going:

Arnie/Saya (I got him pretty set up to work well solo in the Odyssea)
Sun Quan/Shangxiang
Kazuki/Canon
Damian/Guan Yu
Cao Cao/Zhang Fei
Liu Bei/Rennie
Mamoru/Sakura
Burn/Tsubasa
Mike/Kenji
Shou/Marvel
Maya/Michio
Mazinkaiser/Shouko
Tactician: Ruri (if you’re still en route for the Demonbane secret)

Off we go.

: Hey, guys. Sorry I had you all worried.
: Kurou!
: Looks like you’ve cooled your head some, eh?
: Not some – a lot. But, yeah, I’m fine.
: I’m glad to hear that, Kurou…
: So, how’re things going with the Black Lodge?
: Still camping out above the city. Thankfully, they’ve been keeping to themselves for now.
: Which strikes me as odd. They have revived that Cthulhu creature, so one would expect seizing control of Arkham to be a simple task…
: Maybe they’re overconfident that they can destroy us at any moment, or, perhaps, there’s another reason…
: Whatever the case, we cannot afford to presume anything in the situation we’re in.
: Hmm…

Beep, beep.

: Commander, we’ve got a message coming in from the Union’s California Base.
: From the Union…? Put it through.

: My apologies for not keeping in touch, Cmdr. Hadou.
: Heey, is that you, Ronin…?!
: Why, it’s been ages, Joe. I’m glad to see you’re doing okay.
: (Maj. Ronin Sanada, vice-commander of the Federation’s California Base…)
: (But Ensign Berge probably looks at him and thinks…)
: …
: Maj. Ronin, to what do we owe this call…?
: Ah, yes… There’s something I’d inform you about…
: What is it?
: Not long ago, a certain Union scientist went missing…
: And we’ve just received word that he’s reached out to the Black Lodge.
: Say what?!
: His name’s Dr. Minami and he used to be head of the Union Army’s weapon R&D projects.
: But then… doesn’t that mean he knows everything about your country’s new weapons?! Someone like him has run off to join the Black Lodge?!
: Do you have any idea what he’s after?
: Unfortunately, no. The President has dispatched an agent to look into it, though.
: And it’s someone you know – Axel Hughes. He’ll let you know if anything turns up.
: Thanks for telling us, Ronin.
: Oh, I haven’t done anything worth thanking. In truth, none of this would’ve happened if we’d done more than the bare minimum.
: …
: Maj. Ronin… I…
: Say no more, Ensign Berge.
: Huh…?
: Agnés Berge, the Ensign of the Federation Army is listed as MIA.
: The man I’m speaking to is simply Ensign Berge of the UX, yes?
: …
: Maj. Ronin… Thank you, sir…
: Hmhmm, he’s a pretty shrewd man.
: The giant fortress that’s appeared above Arkham City’s left the entire planet in an uproar.
: So now we’re forced to once again rely on your group. You’re all but everyone’s ray of hope – the people who once saved our world…
: Everyone’s counting on us…

Alarm!

: We’re under attack?!
: Makoto, report!
: A lone Destroyer Robo’s launched from the flying fortress! It’s descending towards the Hadou Building!
: Just one? What’s going on…?

Boop.

: Darling! You’re in there, right-robo?!
: Elsa…?!
: The Black Lodge’s android?! Why is she…?
: Please help-robo! You… you have to save the Doctor-robo!
: O-Oooh…
: Dr. West…?!

: …
: There, that should take care of it.
: But, I have to say, I’m impressed by how tough he is. All those wounds and his life wasn’t even in particular danger…
: That’s not really a surprise, I think. He shook off a ton of punishment like it was nothing the last time we fought!
: Why did you save this man? He’s our enemy, no?
: Sure, but… I guess I’d just feel bad leaving someone hung out to dry – even him.
: Besides, from what Elsa’s told us, they’ve cut ties with the Anticross.
: Oh, brother… You are far too kind for your own good.
: But, all right. If Mr. Daijuuji’s fine with this, then I suppose I won’t complain…
: Thank you so much for saving the Doctor, Darling-robo!
: Owowowowow! Gimme a heads up if you’re coming for a hug, Elsa!
: Hrm…! Unhand him this instant, you animatronic!
: But more important is the other bit of news she’s brought: the Anticross have taken over the Black Lodge…
: It appears the upheaval in the previous battle was, indeed, an insurrection.
: On the other hand, from what they’ve told us, the Destroyer Robo’s control system is inoperable right now…
: Right-robo! I made sure to break everything when we escaped-robo!
: Ya don’t say? Doesn’t that make this like the perfect chance to go and pop that Big C Ball up top?
: No, it’s not that simple.
: Why not?!
: While Master Therion has perished, the remaining six Anticross are still well.
: And we have no idea how mighty that evil God, Cthulhu, is…
: Gaah, y’all are driving me up the wall! We’re gonna have to fight them one way or another, right?! Staying in here thinking’s just wasting time!
: …
: (I’m not a Magius anymore. I’ve no more power to fight the Black Lodge with…)
: (But, still, I…)
: (Kurou…)
: …


Over by the Illusory Heart Mother, the Anticross are assessing the damage made by Elsa – Claudius vows to turn her into as many pieces of junk as she’s left the control system. But, of course, they’ve Dr. Minami around and his mighty intellect can easily figure out and fix up whatever tech an imbecile like West put together.
Indeed, he promises Augustus to take care of everything, though Stallion and Amanorich don’t share in his excitement. Should Minami really be making promises to big evil folks like the Anticross?! “Quiet, you! My rosy future’s fallen to pieces thanks to those UX beating me to the punch and stopping the Skrugg invasion!” Minami yells/whispers to them. “Now I want REVENGE and I’ll even sell my soul to the devil to make it happen!”

Mind, as Veronica points out, he should consider himself lucky if these guys simply don’t eat his soul and leave it at that (gulp). Caligula spots them whispering but it’s n-n-nothing at all! As Titus warns, untoward ambition will find their lives forfeit in short order (Eeeeek!).
“Oh, but don’t you worry. Even if you do wind up dead, I’ll take care to… recycle you,” Tiberius quips and Minami’s already starting to have second thoughts. “Hrrmmgh… I’m in too deep to turn back now! You better watch your back, UX, because DR. MINAMI’s coming for you…!” he swears inwardly.

: (I’m not holding my breath, but all these magic armaments should at least let me fight with the Black Lodge for a bit…)
: (Now I just have to find the Destroyer Robo Elsa came in with and break into the Illusory Heart Mother.)
: Okay… let’s get going…
#1: Go where, exactly?
#2: And what’s with that weird get-up?
: ?!
: You were going after the Black Lodge by yourself, weren’t you…?
: Guess you didn’t actually cool off.
: Joey… Joe…
: Are you going to avenge Al?
: No, that’s not what this is about.
: What for, then?
: The only reason I kept on fighting is because I had people I cared about nearby.
: And I believe the same applied to Al.
: …
: So I’m going to carry on that fight…!
: I’ll watch over everything she wanted to protect in her stead…!
: Really… Well, if you’re saying that much, I ain’t stopping you…
: Better yet, we’re gonna tag along with ya.
: ?!
: I told you before: you haven’t been fighting this alone.
: We’re all friends here, and we feel the same way you do.
: You…
: And, by the looks of things, that doesn’t apply to just us.
: Huh…?

Supportive Guitar Solo!

: Are you lonesome toniiiiight? Do you miss me toniiiiight? Are you sorry we drifted apaaaaaaart?
: Dr. West…?! You’re better already?!
: Mwahahahahaha! Fool! Did you think me only as stubborn, full-bodied and annoying as a sweet cup of coffee?!
: If you like it that sweet, then go eat a bunch of saccharine! Feast until you can feast no more!
: We’ve been waiting here for a while, darling-robo! Everything is set up and ready to go-robo!
: “Set up”…?

Boom! Alarm!

: Psh… Looks like it’s a legit attack this time!
: But they shouldn’t have repaired the control system this quickly-robo!
: Whatever, we’ve no time to worry about that!
: Dr. West, I’m taking out that Destroyer Robo of yours!
: Oh, you little buffoon, you! It takes a genius to handle my super ultimate Destroyer Robo and that’s certainly not you!
: I’m really not in the mood to enable your nonsense…
: Easy, Kurou Daijuuji! I’ve seen fit to prepare a mech that’d suit you far better!
: Yes, that hateful, despicable, oh-so-annoying machine which I can’t help but also admire a bit!
: A mech that’d suit me…?
: Wait, you don’t mean…!


Mission 33 (Arkham Route) – The Crow

: …

: Hoho… Very impressive, Doctor. Very impressive, indeed.
: Hmhmhm… You honor me with your kind words.
: Hmph… idiocy. There is no thrill whatsoever to be had in stomping ants underfoot.
: (And with Kurou Daijuuji and the Demonbane gone, the only one who could rouse my spirit is…)
: That’s far enough, Black Lodge!
: Whuh?! That voice…!

:siren: SRW UX - Deus Machina

: It can‘t be...!
: Kurou Daijuuji and the Demonbane are here to put an end to your mess…!
: The Demonbane?! It managed to escape our attack?!
: But something is odd… the grimoire Necronomicon should be the source of its powers, yet I feel none of its presence…
: Wow… the Demonbane’s really moving…!

Beep.

: Yeah, you see that! The Demonbane’s been transformed by my brilliant intellect! It’s stupendously invincible!
: Darling, my proxy-grimoire system’s running smoothly-robo!
: Still, it’s just that – a proxy-robo. With Al Azif gone, you…
: It’s alright, Elsa!
: I may not be able to use the power of her fragments, but I’m more than happy just being able to fight with it!
: Dr. West, you piece of… you’re still alive…?!
: (Rrrrgh! You’re thwarting my plans again, West?!)
: We’ve got a few more enemies than expected, but that’s just perfect for us…!
: Now go, Kurou Daijuuji! Show me the perfect union between you, my brain and the Demonbane!
: Aye, aye! I’m on it!
: This blade might get broken to pieces, but I’ll keep on fighting to my last breath even if I have to glue it back together!


As Kurou said, the Demonbane’s back to its base form. It’s lost all of its special abilities, and the only attacks available are the Vulcans, the melee attack and Atlantis Strike. Worse yet, it’s not regenerating MP anymore since Kurou lost the grimoire skill. You can refill its stocks via the Resupply command, but Kurou’ll need to be a lot more careful with his attacks now.
Elsa’s replaced Al as the subpilot now, with her spirits being Accelerate, Alert, Iron Wall and Assail.

:siren: SRW UX - Deus Machina

: Are you ready to go, Darling-robo?
: Yeah, I’m all good!
: Come on, Demonbane… we’ll make sure everything stays in one piece! This is for Al too!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZryeF5NUic0
I just realized we never saw this attack from Tobikage.

And once you kill 4 enemies…

: More meat for the grinder! Those bundles of garbage won’t take long to deal with!
: Um, didn’t you make those robots? You’re being awful dismissive of them now…
: You think those are my robots?! Ridiculosity! Look at them! There isn’t a shred of elegance in how they move!
: Yes, I’m sure some nobody must’ve tinkered with them! Hah!
: We’ll see how long your sass lasts, Dr. West!
: ?!

: Urgh…! What the…?!
: The Demonbane… it won’t move…!

:siren: Heroman OST - MADNESS
:dance: FUNKY! :dance:

: Mwahahahahahaa! How do you like my EM Pulse Blaster?!
: Your machines are special, but they’re still machines! You won’t be going anywhere inside my EMP!
: Who is that…?!
: Open your ears and listen up! I am the genius Dr. Minami!
: And this machine of mine is poetry in motion! It’s art! It’s the ultimate weapon in all the universe! The MR-1!
: It’s the guy Ronin warned us about!
: What the hell are you thinking teaming up with the Black Lodge…?!
: All to enact my vengeance on you, see!
: The hell…?!
: You… If the UX hadn’t stuck their noses where it didn’t belong, I would’ve beat the Skrugg! I would’ve been the hero! You stole my gloryyyyy!
: Oh, cry me a river! We didn’t do anything wrong!
: Silence! And regardless of you, I won’t know peace until I’ve had my revenge on him!
: That’s right! I’m talking to you, Dr. West!
: Huh… Dr. West…?
: Do you know him, Doctor?
: Nope, doesn’t ring a bell.
: You… does your disrespect for other people know no bounds…?!
: I said I don’t know, so I what do you want from me? Besides, I really don’t think I’d be familiar with a buffoon like you.
: Rrrrr… If you’re going to feign ignorance, then fine! Be that way!
: But don’t forget the quagmire you’re in! This is the end of the road for all of you!
: Hrm… Elsa, isn’t there anything we can do?!
: N-Nothing works-robo… His EMP has left us completely immobile-robo…
: Of all the dirty…!
: I make it a point to never start a fight before my victory’s well secured! Now behold the power of the MR-1!
: …
: Heromaaan… BLAST!

:siren: SRW UX - Roulette

: I-Inconceivable! How can you move?!
: Heroman runs on electricity, you know.
: As powerful as your attack might be, if it’s made of electricity, then you’re not beating him!
: N-Not bad… I suppose that’s to be expected from the Ghost. You’re special, even among the UX bots…
: But I wonder… How, exactly, are you going to handle all these enemies by your lonesome?
: Damn it… Joey, you can’t pull this off alone! Forget about us and get outta here!
: I’ll be fine. I’m not fighting alone…
: …
: I’ve my friends here with me! And your presence makes me stronger!
: Joey, you…
: Here we go, Heroman! We’ll keep everyone safe!

And now Tobikage and the Demonbane can’t do anything. That can be a bit problematic on a fresh game, since your Demonbane’s might not have its Barrier yet and there are a ton of Destroyer Robos gunning for him. And you can’t even cast spirits!
Best you can do is send Heroman up ahead to try and divert as much attention as possible and hold the line (which might cause Evasion Decay to bite you).

:siren: SRW UX - Roulette

And on the second player phase after the new enemy wave…

: Haah… haah… I have to… keep them safe…
: I’ll admit that you’re very resilient, kid, but you seem to be on your last legs!

: Joey, Heroman, are you two alright?!
: Hrrrmmmm…
: W-We can keep going… right, Heroman…?
: Psh… It’s still hanging in there? That’s quite the curious specimen, especially with it being able to move inside my EMP field.
: Okay, then I’ll give you a little reward for your trouble! I’m taking in your Ghost as a research subject!
: Where do you get off…?!
: Sorry, but I don’t speak loser! Here goes! Time to seal the deal!

: Waaaaaah!
: Wh-Who…?!

:siren: SRW UX - Rebellion Against Fate

: Now, what’s going on here? You guys got a big party rolling and don’t even invite us? That ain’t cool!
: G-Guys…!
: What were you thinking, setting off to fight the enemy just the three of you?!
: Forget them. All troops are to spread out and rout the enemy forces!
: Take back our city from their evil clutches!
: Thanks, princess…!
: Boss! That attack just now did some major damage to the EM Pulse Blaster…!
: It cannot irradiate high-frequency blasts anymore – we can’t immobilize the enemy.
: Th-that’s pretty bad, isn’t it, boss?!
: Hardly, I always have a backup plan! Switch the Blaster to Mode 2! Rain thunderbolt and lighting on top of them!
: And besides, they simply cannot hurt my MR-1. Ever…!
: That geek’s way too cocky for someone who just got the rug pulled from under him!
: And with good reason. From the readings we’re getting…
: That robot’s completely covered in a barrier!
: W-We’ve been made!
: Hmph, so they noticed the MR-1’s barrier.
: But it doesn’t matter – I’ve analyzed data from all their units! It’ll be impossible for any of them to break through it!
: Maybe, but it falls on science to make the impossible possible!
: Give me a while and I’ll figure out how that barrier works!
: (They’ve really covered their bases… Could it be that…?)
: A Hadou could never turn a blind eye to villains hurting the city or its populace!
: Everyone set forward and engage! Crush that fool of a man!


Kill everything, don’t lose any of the event deployments or a ship. Minami’s still covered by his barrier (had we attacked him before, we’d have gotten a scene that said exactly that), so focus on dealing with the Destroyer Robos.


MR-1 (Dr. Minami)
Pilot Skills:
Prevail L4
Support Attack L2
All-Attack L2
Minami’s voice actor: Yasunori Matsumoto (other roles: Stoner in Eureka 7, Alejandro in 00 Gundam, Folka in SRW OGs, and many more).

Minami doesn’t really bring anything new to the table – in truth, he and his MR-1 are standard fare as far as midbosses go. Hell, they’re not even immune to debuffs. On the other hand, the thing has plenty of range, with his Darts Spear and EM Pulse Cannon carrying the Armor Down and Mobility Down, respectively. Keep an eye out for that, and you’ll be fine.

:siren: SRW UX - Future-Bound Fighting Spirit

: Ensign, I’ll assume control of both our units’ engines once we’re combined. I’ll try and make sure it all operates as best as can be…
: Don’t worry about it, and don’t hold anything back! It’s your being here that brings our units’ full power to light! Here we go, Orphes/Odyssea!

:siren: SRW UX - Shangri-La

And the next turn over…

Beep, beep.

: Aha… Eureka! It’s the Destroyer Robos!
: All the robots set about this area are providing energy for the barrier!
: Which means if we take them all out…
: Exactly! You’ll be able to damage his unit!
: Dr. Minami, it seems they’ve figured everything out.
: So, what?! My MR-1 is absolutely invincible!

:siren: SRW UX - Tales of Mirisha ~ The Brave Legend

And the next enemy phase…

:siren: Heroman OST - MADNESS

: Get a load of this! EEEEE! EMMMM! PIIIIIIIIIIII!


Everyone loses 10% max HP! Heroman gets a full EN restore!

: Aaargh…
: You feel that?! That’s the sting of my technology!
: I got some bad news for you, though!

Zhang Fei also gets a full EN restore.

: Whaaaaaaaa?!
: Lightning doesn’t do jack to me! Actually, it just powers me up…!
: Gaaaah… It’s not just the Ghost that’s like that?!
: We cannot allow this opportunity to pass us by! Form up around Heroman and Zhang Fei and split the enemy formation!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XdgaoyJalTg
“EEEEE! EMMMM! PIIIIIIIIIIII!”

And, soon enough, all Destroyer Robos are down.

: We’ve confirmation that the EM Barrier is gone! He can’t block our attacks anymore!
: You better start clenching, old man, because we’re repaying you in spades for the mess you pulled!
: Our primary defense is gone. What should we do, Dr. Minami?
: Hrrmmm…

: Rrgh, it’s them…!
: Getting beat already, Doc? You gotta put your back into this!
: Please, I might not have my barrier but no one pushes me around!
: You better get to work, then.
: You finally show your faces, Anticross…!
: Aw, look at how hard you’re trying, Kurou! And you don’t even have Al Azif there to help you anymore!
: But no miracle‘ll save you today. This time I‘ll bash you to dust!
: You’re right. Al’s gone, and it was my weakness that killed her…
: Which is why I’ll make sure we win this today! I won’t let you kill anyone else!

:siren: Secret Alert! :siren:
Demonbane secret – 7th step: set Ruri as your tactician and then have Kurou shoot down Caligula.

Killing either of the two Anticross’ll trigger the plot, so make sure you drop Caligula.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UaE2VYm_eYs
Here’s the Odyssea version of Last Testament – very nice.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GgpQZRw0_14
Also, the Wing Cross version of the Gazanto. I am extremely cross that they don’t get to keep the JIGOKU DA finish on this one.

:siren: Heroman OST - MADNESS

: Of all the UX units, this one looks like it could yield particularly interesting data.
: Okay, time to pick that bot apart and see what makes it tick!
: The Orphes/Odyssea embodies our bonds and our wishes! You’re not getting your hands anywhere near it!

:siren: Heroman OST - MADNESS


Ah, how long it’s been.

:siren: Heroman OST - MADNESS

: You’re willing to even throw your lot in with the Black Lodge to get what you want?! What’s wrong with you?!
: A scientist has to be ready to use any and all means necessary to get to the top! If you’re not nº 1, then you’re just one of the losers!
: Hmph, I’ve got you all figured out. You’re not a scientist… you’re just another maggot like them!

:siren: SRW UX - The Will of Man Awakens

: You even turned on your boss to carry out this insane project of yours… Too bad for you, we’re stopping it here and now!
: The Grand Master was looking to destroy the whole world! You should be thanking us for putting him down!
: Now we‘ll use the reborn Cthulhu to rule the world... And we‘ll kill anyone who tries to stop us!


Arnie vs. Black Lodge: “I’m getting chills…? It must be because of their magic… BUT!”

:siren: Heroman OST - MADNESS

: Ghost…! Fame and fortune would’ve been mine for the taking if you hadn’t bungled everything up!
: That is the reason this guy’s hurting the city and the people who live here…?!
: Forward, Heroman! We can’t leave him running loose!

:siren: Heroman OST - MADNESS

: Rrrgh… so you were just waiting for your friends to come over and blindside me?! Cowards!
: That’s what’s called strategy! Consider it your lesson for the day, “genius”!

:siren: Heroman OST - MADNESS

: Ganging up on me, are you?! You’re all going to get a taste of the EM pulse!
: Those sparkles of yours ain’t real lightning! Now sit there and let thunder’s roar fill your ears!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ta-8NwjjzN8
Aha! I finally got Zhang Fei’s Lu Bu impression on tape! “This thrill! This scorching excitement! It ignites— MY SOOOOUUUUUP!!”
No, this doesn’t even qualify as a pun. In essence, Fei misread a memo somewhere and didn’t realize that Lu Bu yells 魂 (tamashii) and not 塊 (katamari).

And we get another HEYBO from Minami.

: The MR-1 has taken critical damage. It won’t be long before it explodes.
: B-Boss, we need to eject!
: Aaaargh… You imbeciles! How dare you destroy my art!
: I won’t forget this, UX… and Dr. West!

: Hey, they got away!
: We can’t go after, though. We’re as good as dead if we take our eyes off these two!
: I’m glad you’re with the program! ‘Course, keeping your eyes on us only means you’re gonna get killed from the front and not from the back!

:siren: SRW UX - Tales of Mirisha ~ The Brave Legend

: Hey, shortstack! You really think a thing like you stands a chance against us?!
: As sure as the sunrise, I do! There is no strength in evil – and it is fated to perish before the true might of JUSTICE!
: Power isn‘t right or wrong. All that matters is who has more of it.

:siren: SRW UX - Shangri-La

: Quit wasting time, Caligula! You oughta be able to take this gangly-lookin’ bot out with one hit, right?!
: You do it, Claudius...Your Lord Byakhee should also only need one swing to end this one.
: Tsk… They’re always giving each other lip, but that doesn’t make them any less dangerous…!

:siren: SRW UX - LEGEND OF KAISER

: Don’t just stand there, Caligula! Those guys’re closing in on you!
: Then I just need to hit back and beat them to a pulp. Or can‘t you tell even that much?
: Hurry up, Kaido! Fighting’s about the only thing you’re good for, so don’t screw up!
: Get off my back, mom! And make sure you don’t throw me off my game!

:siren: SRW UX - Dunbine Flies

: They’ve the size advantage, but an Aura Battler has the better speed! I’ll confuse them and move in on the offensive!
: Annoying bug! I‘ll teach you to buzz around me!
: You’re a real speedster, eh? Come try your hand at me, then! They’ll need tweezers to pick up your pieces after I’m done!

:siren: SRW UX - Tobikage Appears!

: You Anticross’re a buncha cowards! Why don’t all 6 of you step out to fight us like you did the Master Therion?!
: You’ve got a real big mouth, but you know what they say: the weaker they are, the louder they bark!
: We don‘t need all the Anticross to deal with worms like you. You‘ll have plenty of time to regret fighting us once you‘re dead!

:siren: SRW UX - JOEY AND HEROMAN

: Pin him down, Claudius. Then I‘ll rip him apart...!
: Don’t tell me what to do! I can trash that toy of his myself!
: These two are really tough…! But Heroman and I are a way better duo!

:siren: SRW UX - Deus Machina

: I won’t let all she did be for nothing…
: You better be ready, Anticross! I, Kurou Daijuuji, will wipe your evil off the face of the planet!
: Aaw, you must’ve cried so much when you dear grimoire got killed! You actually think we’re gonna get beat by a wimp like you?!
: Don‘t let your guard down, Claudius.Arrogance only makes you an easier target!

: You insects can make as big a swarm as you want, but when the storm comes, all you can do is be swept away!

: Tsk, this is looking worse by the minute…
: But we cannot give in! The people of this town need us…!
: Hahahaha! You’re bringing a tear to my eye! But it takes more than a “never say die” attitude to win this!

: Waaaaaaah!
: Darling, the Demonbane’s really hurting-robo! Any more than this and it’ll…!
: Kch… No, we can’t let it end here!

Kurou moves up top.

: Hah, well, aren’t you a real go-getter. But you oughta know when to give up!
: (Just one… I just need one opening…!)
: In the end, you‘re just a failure of a sorcerer with a Deus Machina you can‘t use properly. It‘s impossible for you to beat us.
: But don’t be sad! We’re about to send all you guys right to where Al Azif’s waiting!
: And you‘ll be the first to go, Kurou Daijuuji...!
: Hrk…!

: Grrrrr…!
: Tch… You’re still doing this?! Lemme go!
: Th-This ain’t gonna go your way…!
: Don‘t get ahead of yourselves. All you‘ve done is pin us down...!
: P-Pinning you down’s more than good enough…!
: Yeah… he’ll take care of the rest!
: What…?!

:siren: SRW UX - Sublimation of a Destroyer

: T-Take a look, Anticross…
: I’ll show you how much power this “failure” has…!

: Raaaaaaaaaargh!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7gHAeCmb8Gc
Captions are available because we FINALLY get this attack for real.

: GUWAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!

: Y-Yo… Caligula…? You’re just messing with me, right…?
: Azathoth readings have vanished. The enemy Deus Machina has been completely destroyed.
: That’s your associate down, Claudius! And you’re next!
: You… SCREW YOU!!

: Oorgh…!
: You killed him…! You killed Caligula!
: You’re gonna pay for this, I swear it! I’ll tear you apart down to your goddamn cells!
: Wh-What happened to him…
: An unbridled killer instinct, as of a rabid beast… He’s like a completely different person!
: You better not hope for a quick death… I’m gonna take my sweet time with you…!

: That’s enough, Claudius. Pull back.
: Piss off! I ain’t going back ‘til I’ve killed them all!
: The C Project is nearing its final stage. We need to muster our powers – all of us.
: We have already lost Caligula; no further missteps can be afforded.
: Kch… Damn it…!
: Just you wait…! When I get my hands on you, you’re dead! You’re all dead!

: The Illusory Heart Mother…!
: It’s gone…?
: Radar’s not picking up any enemy signals in Arkham City…!
: Then does that mean…?
: Yeah, we did it… We beat the Black Lodge…
: We’ve saved the city…
: Winfield…
: Yes, my lady.
: The sword that smites evil hasn’t left us yet.
: Of course, my lady. We are far from the point where we should admit defeat or give up hope.
: You see that, Anticross? This is the light of the sword that’ll destroy you.
: You better go and start praying to all your sick gods, because the sword that smites evil’ll hunt you down wherever you might turn up!

: Aaargh, those accursed UX! They bungled my plans not once but twice!
: On the other hand, the Black Lodge are gone – I say we got lucky to jump off that ship when we could…
: By the way, where’s Veronica? I haven’t seen her for a few…
: It doesn’t matter where she went!
: What’s important is rebuilding my MR-1 straight away! Revenge will be mine…!
: I’m afraid that’s not going to happen, Dr. Minami.
: Y-You’re…!
: NIA Special Agent Axel Hughes, in service of the Union’s president!
: Dr. Minami, for the crime of collusion with the Black Lodge and treason against your country, I now place you under arrest!
: Wh-Wh-Whaaaaaaaaaaa?!

*Slap!

: Urk…!
: D-Darling…?!
: Consider that your punishment for launching the Demonbane without permission. Never do something like that again…
: You only have one life, Mr. Daijuuji… Had things turned out differently, that would have been the end of you…
: Sorry, princess…
: I’m more impressed that the Demonbane was even in fighting shape to be begin with. You fixed it up real good for how beat-up it was…

Proud guitar solo!

: Bwahahahaha! But of course! Don’t compare me to the buffoons you’ve got lying around here!
: Because I am the greatest intellect in history! A genius! An intellect chosen by the big man upstairs! DOCTAAAAA WEEEEE—

Punch!

: Ooof…!
: Get off your high-horse, creep! Who even said you could mess with the Demonbane, eh?!
: Grumble… Four-eyed buffoon…
: What was that now?!
: Just tell me one thing, Dr. West.
: Why’d you decide to help us?
: …
: Here’s the deal. The Anticross are now my sworn enemies. So I’d like to join forces with you to fight them.
: Is that a fact…?
: The enemy of my enemy as a friend, huh?
: Please let us fight together with you, darling-robo!
: C-Come again?!
: You expect us to trust people who’ve been hostile to us until a few hours ago?
: I’d think this battle today proves that we’re telling you the truth, no?
: …
: Alright. Welcome aboard, you two…!
: Hah, spoken like my true rival. That speeds things up for every one of us!
: Are you serious, Kurou…?
: It’s only because of him that the Demonbane’s active again. If anything, we can’t question his ability.
: Besides, while he does have all his screws loose, I don’t think he’s straight-up a bad guy like the Anticross.
: I agree. He helped us a lot today…
: What do you think, Ensign…?
: Hey, who am I to say anything? I started this as a POW, remember?
: Oh…
: Hah, I guess that’s true.
: I say what’s important is the answer you’ve found, not the road you took to find it.
: You’re absolutely right…
: If anything, I see that he’s a man who follows through with his beliefs… the correctness of those notwithstanding.
: That settles it, then! You’re part of our crew now!
: Thank you-robo! I’ll work extra-hard to help my darling-robo!

Cheerful guitar solo!

: Aahahahaha! Just you watch! My Destroyer Robo’ll make mincemeat out of those Anticross!
: That’s quite the celebration you have here. Mind if I hop in?
: …! You’re…!
: This is our first time meeting face-to-face, isn’t it, Hero of Center City?

: So, Dr. Minami’s been arrested… that’s a relief.
: All thanks to your help.
: As much resources as the NIA might have, even we would’ve been hard-pressed to stand up to the Black Lodge.
: I can’t help but feel a little bit sorry for the guy. He’ll be shipped off to Alcatraz now.
: That’s the most secure prison in the world, right? I doubt we’ll be hearing from him for quite a while.
: Maybe he’ll take this time to learn that science should always be used for good, not for evil.
: Serves him right, I say! Who goes around starting vendettas with people for no good reason? Oh, the humanity!
: You’re one to talk!
: Still, setting aside Dr. Minami, the Black Lodge remains a concern…
: Hmhmm, but I swear to you on the name of the Hadou Financial Group that we’ll locate their base…!
: I’ll also send out some feelers of my own. If anything turns up, I’ll let you know.
: Um, thank you for everything, Agent Hughes. You helped us so much and we didn’t even know who you were.
: Ah, please, I’m just doing what I do best. And personally…
: I’m also a big fan of you guys.
: Us…?!

Beep, boop.

: We’ve an incoming message from the space team…
: It looks like their operation ended successfully!
: They have prevailed…!
: Hm, you always seem to find a way to pull through, no matter how dire the situation is.
: That’s why I and so many people look up to you and try our hardest to help.
: We all know that feeling, I think.
: Yeah, we can fight as hard we do because we’ve got everyone here with us…
: (That’s right… We’ve always been fighting together, and that hasn’t changed now.)
: (Isn’t that right, Al…?)

Minami’s theme is way too catchy.

Criminally catchy, you could say. I’m not sorry.

And yay, Lemuria Impact. I know I’ve joked about Demonbane being an h-novel originally, but did the devs need to keep the panty shot? It just takes away from the awesomeness of the Impact.

I mean, this is Banpresto we’re talking about, I’m just glad our woman Original pilot has some proper support in this game (and I don’t mean in game mechanics terms)

FUCK YES IT’S DR. WEST. I think in the original he had a unique version of his MP robots when he joined the heroes, but in the anime he just used the thing he has in this game. He did finally make it waterproof though, since it gets used in the water just fine later on.

Keep the “Zhang Fei working with Heroman for LIGHTNING POWER” thing in mind, it will be important later. Also, regular reminder that Zhang Fei Z Gundam can make giant lightning dragons and is thus the greatest character.

Actually, Lemuria Impact didn’t originally have a panty-shot. The anime added it. As for why they added it, fuck if I know!

1 Like

Wow, the anime tried to lewd-up a scene from the VN instead of the opposite. What a twist.

Also, what’s this about Zhang Fei and lightning dragons?

They strike me more like lightning snakes, but I suppose one could call them chinese dragons:

He joined the team with a standard MP robot. It was only during the battle in the Pacific when he upgraded it to the superior ace custom Zombio. Note the command horn.

Yeah, I can see the resemblance to a snake, but the jagged lines along the mouth make me think of dragon teeth. Also, HOW THE HELL DID I NOT NOTICE THIS FOR THE LAST 20 MISSIONS?

Click to see the mission

Okay, let’s deal with this quick so we can move on to more important things. Tieria, Alto, Setsuna and Fei-Yen are deploying as event units, so here’s how we’re going:
Dancouga/Deceive
Yamashita/Canaria
Arnie/Saya
Talisman/Hebi
Kouichi/Kiki
Ozma/Lux
Moritsugu/Eida
Shinn/Luna
Michel/Klan
Amalgan/Allelujah
Aesap/Miu
Tactician: Moritsugu

Off we go.


We open up at the Frontier, and Howard’s very grateful that we heroes decided to help them. Of course, the Vajra are too big a problem for us to simply ignore, as Moritsugu notes – they’ll have to be dealt with sooner or later. Now, about the fortress that’s headed for Earth, Mishima figures it’d be faster to just show us a picture of it.
What we see is worrisome, as the fortress is stupidly huge – more like a planetoid, in Shinn’s eyes – and from what Howard’s been briefed, it was lost to the Vajra about a century ago. Their current theory is that this flock of Vajra also came to this universe in pursuit of the Frontier Fleet, just like the other flock that’s been harassing us.
Howard says that while the Frontier’s still investigating what’s what, the issue at hand is eliminating the Vajra inside the Boddole Zer before they cause any trouble. How do our odds look? Well, Saya points out that our Valkyries have been equipped with new Reactive Munitions and we’re expected to be receiving help from the Federation Army, but Tieria thinks that’s unlikely to be enough to offset the enormous numerical disadvantage we’ll have.

In other words, Sumeragi sees, we’re not going to win this if we try to outlast them – we need to find a way to destroy their nest entire. Well, as luck would have it, Mishima says that their investigation has revealed that the fortress has an inactive nuclear reactor inside. So if we can get in there and blow the thing up, we can take care of that problem in one fell swoop.
But how are we going to break through the swarm of Vajra and get inside to begin with? Ah, but Mishima wouldn’t have asked for our help if they didn’t have something in mind; and that plan revolves around Luca’s RVF-25, with its custom Aegis Pack.
You see, the pillar that supports the humongous Vajra flock is their ability to communicate with each other via Fold Waves. It’s what enables them to coordinate perfectly and adapt to pretty much any strategy we throw at them. On the other hand, Tieria sees, if you can find a way to jam their communications, that coordination goes right out the window.


Mishima appreciates a quick study, adding that the Frontier’s successfully developed a device capable of doing just that. It’s still undergoing trials, but he’s certain a prodigy like Luca can make good use of it. And when the Vajra are all weakened, we go inside the fortress and blow up its nuclear reactor. That’s the overall gist of the operation, and Arnie figures the rest’ll come down to our own teamwork… Only a certain guy disagrees, figuring he’s all we’ll need to pull this off.
It’s Descartes, having been dispatched by the Federation to assist with today’s op. Mishima’s heard of him as the guy responsible for dropping the Europa, so it speaks well of his skill. Tieria isn’t listening, though, as he quickly pings the guy as not even an Innovade, but an Innovator.

Descartes’s a bit disappointed that he didn’t get a chance to meet with Setsuna, our own Innovator – he wanted to get his take on the idea of certain entities resonating with the Vajra. Is Descartes implying the things have allies? Who knows; that’s for other people to look into, and Descartes figures it’ll be a moot point once he’s destroyed all of the buggers.
Pretty confident guy, Lockon sniffs, but, again, Innovator.

: Hrk…! cough, wheeze.
: The V-Type Infection in your throat’s getting worse. You know there’s only one way to fix this…
: What, to undergo surgery and have them cut out my vocal chords? Is that what you’re suggesting…?!
: I’m not doing it. I’m not giving up on my voice…!
: I’m sure you remember that the contract we made was that you’d just be a stand-in until Code Q1 was located…
: But I’ve always been singing of my own volition! If the options on the table are death or going mute, it’ll take death!
: Even if that means you’ll never see him again?
: I…!

: Oh, dear, what will it be? Will you abdicate your role as heroine to another…?
: Wh-Who…?!

Kicks door!

: Get down!

Gunshot!

: Hmhmhm… Not quite. You’ll have to aim better than that.
: (What…?! I missed at this range?! No… was I made to miss?!)
: And what kind of greeting is that, rushing in and shooting at someone? Didn’t mommy teach you some manners…?
: Are you a Frontier spy… Are you even human…?
: Oho, people in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones, you know.
: (She knows about us…?!)
: But, no, I’m just a simple fan of the beautiful Galactic Fairy.
: Which is why I absolutely must talk to you. You see, I know a way for you to keep both your life and your music.
: You… can help me…?
: You were meant as a stand-in until the real songstress was found…
: Then all you have to do is a little switcheroo. And, luckily, there’s a way for you to take the role as leading singer for yourself!
: Isn’t that right, dear manager?
: …
: What does she mean, Grace…?
: … There is a way to save you, just like she said.
: It’s to transplant all the blood and organs of a person that’s immune to the V-Type Infection onto you…
: But then the donor would…!
: Ahahahah! Bingo! That would be the lead singer’s cue to exit the stage!
: Come on! Come on now! What will it be, Galactic Fairy? Do you have a hankering for that forbidden fruit?
: …
: Hmhmhm, the choice is entirely up to you. I’ve told you the truth and that’s my part done…

Swoooooosh…

: She disappeared?!
: I’m going after her!

Leaves.

: Sheryl, are you alright…?
: Grace… were you telling the truth back there?
: I was… and it’s certainly a way to save both your life and your voice.
: But the person that’s immune to the V-Type Infection…
: Yes, her life and her voice would be forever lost in exchange…
: Code Q1… The Superdimensional Cinderella, Ranka Lee, would lose everything…
: …

: Goodness! Everyone’s here…!
: Well, we were in the area for work.
: Hey, Ranka! It’s been a while!
: I hope we’re not bothering you or anything, turning up right before your show starts…
: Of course not – I’m so happy to see you guys! Thank you so much for coming!
: Pii!
: Heheh, Ai-kun’s also happy that you’re here, I think.
: Here, Ranka, a friend asked me to deliver this to you.
: Ooh… what a beautiful bouquet! And there’s a card? Let’s see…
: ‘Good luck on your first solo concern!’ by Furuya!
: Ah, that’s Hayase’s friend.
: Though, if I remember, he said he was a huge fan of mine…
: Eeh… Apparently, his explanation is that he’s only expanding the list of singers he’s a huge fan of…
: Hm, wonder if we should call that being open-minded or just playin’ both sides…
: Hahahah, I think he’s just a fan of Idol singers in general.
: Speaking of, I’m a bit surprised you wanted to come with us, Setsuna… Can it be that you actually like Idols?
: No way, that’s just…
: … To tell the truth, Ranka Lee’s had my interest for a while now.
: Ah…?
: Oh, I did not see THAT coming!
: (What is there to her song…? What is it that’s resounding with them…?)
: Well, what do you know, Ranka? You’ve got the Innovator’s seal of approval!
: Eheheh… I don’t even know what to say. Are you guys staying for the show?
: Sorry, we can’t… We’re setting off for a mission in a few, you know how it is…
: Oh… right, I guess so…
: But it’s fine. You’re all fighting to help the whole world…
: Ranka…
: Then, Ranka, why don’t you hold onto this?
: It’s… some mini-wireless microphone?
: It’s a prototype our company’s just made.
: Wear it, and it should transmit your song to our units in real-time.
: Real-time transmission through space with that tiny thing? Pretty impressive…
: All thanks to the Fold Quartz that’s installed in it.
: Fold Quartz? That’s the stuff they use in some of our Valkyries’ gear, right?
: Hmhmm. These stones have the natural property of being able to transmit people’s minds.
: We figured we could use that property for a bunch of other things – that’s how we came up with that mic.
: It transmits people’s minds, huh? Kinda sounds like that Odyssite.
: (People’s minds… their thoughts… Then maybe the stone in Sheryl’s earring is…)
: Thank you so much, Luca! I’ll give this concert 200% and make sure my song finds its way to you guys!
: Whereas we promise you we’ll trash that Vajra nest. That way you can sing without worrying about the bugs.
: Huh…? Your mission’s an attack on the Vajra…?
: Is there a problem, Ranka…?
: …
: U-Um… Are you really sure the Vajra are evil?
: Where’d that come from…?
: Well, back when I was trapped inside that Vajra…
: I know I was supposed to be scared, but… I just had this feeling of familiarity. Like I was home, surrounded by family and friends…
: Hey, are you listening to yourself? These are the Vajra we’re talking about.
: But…
: Yeah, the reports we’ve gotten have shown that they’ve got really tiny brains and aren’t all that intelligent…
: But does having a tiny brain mean they don’t have a heart?
: Does a singing cricket have no feelings, no heart at all? Do these flowers feel absolutely nothing?
: Ranka, you…
: But, errr… Even if they DO have a heart, they’re still attacking us for no reason, you know? We don’t really have a choice here.
: Yeah… Way too many people have lost their lives because of the Vajra.
: I just can’t bring myself to believe that creatures that’d do stuff like that have a heart…
: …
: I… I guess you’re right… Sorry, I shouldn’t be bringing this up right as you’re heading out.
: Don’t worry about it. And whatever happens, we’ll protect the fleet and this world from the Vajra.
: And that includes you, too, of course.
: Thanks…
: (But there was a resonance between the Vajra and song. I felt it…)
: (If we can pry open another way – one that doesn’t involve violence – then the future of mankind might just…)


Mission 33 (Vajra Route) – The Hour of Dialogue

: That is a nest, alright… there’s a ton of them…!
: The more spectators, the better, I say! I want my song to get through to all of them!
: What’s gotten Fei this hyped-up?
: Well, we’d previously established that her song was effective against the Vajra.
: Right, so we asked her to lead the charge to speed up our operation.
: Her song is effective against the Vajra? It’s just like when Sheryl or Ranka are singing, then.
: …
: Hmph… You’re awful chatty when the enemy’s sitting right up front…!

Descartes blasts ahead.

: Descartes Shaman, Gadelaza! Moving to engage the enemy vanguard!
: Cpt. Shaman, wait – that’s too dangerous! Don’t break formation!

: Wh-What the…
: The Federation’s Innovator’s that strong…?
: These pests are hardly a match for the power of an Innovator…

Woooom.

: Hrgh…?!
: Huh… This sensation was…!
: Th-That’s…!
: Kch… There’s a voice ringing through my head… What’s going on?!
: What happened, Erebos?! What voice?!
: Something’s wrong with Fei and Setsuna… What in blazes…?!
: B-Be careful… It’s…!

: The ELS?! Why now…?!
: A-Aargh… gaaah…!

Descartes heads after the ELS group.

: Fed, what’re you doing…?!

Wooooooom.

: My…head…!
: Are you the ones MESSING WITH MY HEAAAAAAD?!

: Rrrgh… The noise! There’s so much noise!
: You’re in too deep! Come back…!

: This is bad! They’re gonna nab him if we don’t do something!
: Artillery strike on the ELS mob! Clear an escape path!

: I-It’s not working! There’re too many of them…!
: The Gadelaza is…!
: Th-They’re… fusing with my unit… grargh…
: Uwaaaaaaaaaaaargh!

: Tch…!
: Friendly’s gone from radar! Unable to verify if the pilot’s alive or not…!
: No… way…
: They killed a real Innovator like he was nothing…
: That’s enough quivering! Don’t forget what we’re here for!
: Hrm… So, we’ve to deal with the Vajra and the ELS?! It won’t be easy, but we gotta find a way to make it happen…!
: To think we’d wind up finding both these creatures… But those are still enemies we’ve to destroy.
: Our mission remains the same: make our way towards the center of the fortress and eliminate anything that’s in the way!


Kill everything, don’t lose a ship, Setsuna, Alto, Luca or Fei-Yen. The start of this mission’s the more dangerous part simply because you’re caught in the enemy’s pincer attack. Way I see it, the simplest solution is to just head a wee bit north of the starting area and let the enemy come to you until you get a good morale lead.
Let your dodgier guys hang to the east and deal with the ELS, lest your Supers go the rest of the mission on fumes. Make good use of Command Auras and AoE skills when you can to increase your chances of not getting plinked, and as your morale gets good, you can start heading up and dealing with the bigger guys.

:siren: SRW UX - Lion

:siren: SRW UX - Envoy from Jupiter

: I feel something – like their mind – flowing through the Quantum Brainwaves…
: Talk to me! Why did you come here?!

: Hrgh… The flow of information is just too great to try and parse their thoughts…
: We’ll need to find another way if we want to talk with them…!

: Kch… Is this the ELS’ mind that Setsuna told us about? It’s echoing through my head…!
: Goddamn, these things are kicking up a storm in our brains! Get the hell outta my face!

:siren: SRW UX - Lion

: (What if Ranka’s right, and these bugs really do have a heart of their own…?)
: (No, I can’t think that way – they’re still the enemy! They’re the ones who wreck our towns and kill our people without any provocation! And I won’t stop hitting back while they keep with that…!)

:siren: SRW UX - Linebarrel

: Sorry, Ranka… I’ll be honest, I don’t really know what’s going on inside these things’ heads.
: But they’re hurting people, so that doesn’t leave me with any choice! I gotta fight them!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qbKsnEzTT8s
Did you know you can shoot down the incoming ELS? Moritsugu’s command bonus is particularly good against them because it REALLY makes your guys likely to proc something against the incoming swarm (the ELS don’t have a high Skill stat, either).

And when turn 3 rolls over…

: Hrm, there’s no end to them! We can’t keep this up forever…!
: We’ve our hands full with just the Vajra! Adding these things on top is just…!
: I’m going in!
: Are you nuts, Setsuna?! Not even you can take them all on by yourself!
: No, I’ll engage the Raiser System and spread the GN Particle mental-affinity field!
: You’re going to try and communicate with the ELS?!
: What, you think you can get through to those things?! There’s no way…!
: If we let the fear of not being understood, of failing to communicate, stop us from taking the first step, then nothing’ll ever change… Our world will never change…!
: ?!

Setsuna moves into the mob of ELS.

: Uooooooooh!

:siren: SRW UX - Envoy from Jupiter


“Hrgh…! Who are you?!”


“What are you looking for?! Why did you come here?!”


“Answer me!”

: Talk to me! What are you after…?

OOOooooOOOOOoooooOOOO

: …?!
: What’s wrong, Setsuna…?!
: A…gh…
: Gwaaaaaaaaaaah!

: The ELS are fusing with the 00 Raiser!
: Stop them, or they’ll do to him what they did to that pilot!
: Everyone forward! Rescue Setsuna!

: Crap…! We can’t even get close to him…!
: Setsuna’s not the only one in trouble… We’re all on the way to getting overwhelmed and wrecked at the pace we’re going…!

Alarm!

: ELS fusion rate with the 00’s at 90%! It’s reaching the cockpit!
: An…swer…me… What… are you…!
: Setsuna, you’re still…?!
: Gaaaaaaaaah!
: Hrm… ELS! Can’t you tell that he’s trying to talk to you?!
: And, yet, all you care about is consuming him…!
: Alto…!
: Are you really just mindless hunks of metal?! Do you feel absolutely nothing at all?!
: Rrrgh…aaaaaah…!
: Fusion rate: 95%! We’re not going to make it…!
: SETSUNAAA!

: Wh-What…?!
: All those ELS were brought down in the blink of an eye…!
: …
: I know that attack… It’s!

:siren: SRW UX - You Are Similar to Me
:siren: :siren:

: …
: The Freedom… Kira Yamato!
: ELS, aliens… I’d like to think that even you are trying to protect something

: But if that pushes you to set fire to our world, to shut down the path to our future, then…!
: Athrun…!
: Then we’re forced to make a choice and take a stand…!
: To protect the future of all mankind!

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

: Wow… Those are…
: The two super aces from the 2nd Alliance-PLANTs War…

The two bots fly over to Setsuna.

: A-A Gun…dam…
: Get here and bring in the pilot! He’s in too much risk!

: Allow me. I’ll take it from here.
: You’re…!

: Have the medical team dispatched! Hurry!
: The boy’s in your hands!
: Maj. Graham Aker?! What’re you doing here…?
: It’s been a long time, Ensign Berge. We’ve a lot of catching up to do, but…
: That’ll have to wait until we’re through this mess! I trust you two Gundams are also ready to go…?!
: We are. This is what we returned to the battlefield to do!
: To clear the way for our future – with our own two hands!


Strike Freedom Gundam (Kira Yamato)
Pilot Skills:
SEED
Support Attack L1
Support Defense L1
Counter
All-Attack L1
Spirit Commands:
Sense
Focus
Mercy
Snipe
Mech Features:
Sword
Gun
Beam Shield
VPS Armor
Hyper Deuterion Engine
Squad Bonus: Ranged attacks’ power +100, Accuracy +5 (Ranged attacks +200, Accuracy +20, S in Space)
Kira’s voice actor: Soichiro Hoshi (other roles: Brera in Macross F, Sanada Yukimura in Sengoku Basara, Chaos in Xenosaga, and a ton more)


Infinite Justice Gundam (Athrun Zala)
Pilot Skills:
SEED
Support Attack L2
Support Defense L1
Command L1
All-Attack L1
Spirit Commands:
Sense
Focus
Accelerate
Justice (正義) – reduces own EN, MP and Ammo cost to 0 for the next turn.
Mech Features:
Sword
Gun
Beam Shield
VPS Armor
Hyper Deuterion Engine
Squad Bonus: Melee attacks’ power +100, Mobility +5 (Melee attacks +200, Mobility +20, S in Space)
Athrun’s voice actor: Akira Ishida (other roles: Tellius, Mekibos and the Machinery Children in SRW OGs, Kaworu in Evangelion, Gaara in Naruto, Luke Skywalker in Star Wars and a ton more)

We’ve been through this THRICE ALREADY! Big huge stats on Jesus, only pilot who I’d consider can give Maya competition for best sniper, fan-fire MAPW as in L and W, etc. etc. Use him as a lead (get him Hit & Away), unless you just don’t like his face – still recommend at least making him a squaddie.
Athrun is Kira -1, and with a melee focus. Still pretty dang good. Only new thing is that his Phantom-01 actually has a MAPW version that hits 1-8 in a straight line.

:siren: SRW UX - Linebarrel

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LVkju5DSXug
And here are the Valkyries new Reactive Munitions.

:siren: SRW UX - Envoy from Jupiter

: I’ll sink my feet into the ground and fight any enemy that threatens peace, even ones I cannot fathom! Such is my pride as a soldier!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LEWcG9tBZ3o
First time we fight one of these buggers, so here’s it in action.

:siren: SRW UX - You Are Similar to Me

: I’m ready and willing to shoulder every burden now that I’ve returned to the battlefield – the burden of our lives, of our resolve and our future!
: The man standing here isn’t the son of Chairman Zala or Alex Dino! I’m Athrun Zala of the UX, nothing more and nothing less!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MDyWR3k_Z6M
And here’s Graham’s new strongest attack, with his Sol Brave mooks to help!

: All ELS in the sector are confirmed destroyed!
: Now we can follow our original plan and focus on the Vajra!

Mind, as you start dwindling the Vajra numbers…

: Tsk… This isn’t working. We kill one and three more crop up in its place!
: (They still haven’t activated that device of theirs…?)
: …
: There – the concert’s started just now! If all goes right…!

:siren: SRW UX - Interstellar Flight (LIVE in Alcatraz)

: ♪~
: That’s…!
: Ranka’s song!

: Nice, the Vajra are slowing down…!
: It’s the effect of her song! Its Fold Waves are jamming the Vajra’s inner communications!
: Don’t let this chance slip by our fingers, troops! Break through their lines and trash that fortress!

:siren: SRW UX - Envoy from Jupiter

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LKqDzsUrilA
Hey, did you know the Quarter gained a new final attack during mission 24? I only now realized it! :v:

:siren: SRW UX - You Are Similar to Me

: It’s possible our fighting’ll eventually bring about new sorrow… And I understand that there’s no such thing as a 100% righteous battle…
: But I’ve made a decision to help pave the way for our future! And I won’t look back!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5kbpKvynI2M

And as you dwindle the Vajra numbers again…

: The enemy’s defensive lines are falling apart! We’ve our way into the fortress…!

: …
: L-Look at the size of that thing…! Think it’s the boss of their hive?
: Tsk… And, of course, it’s blocking our path inside!
: Meaning we won’t be getting in the fortress until we trash it!
: Still, we’d have to do so sooner or later. This hive will not fall while the leader stands.
: Right on! So let’s suck it up and get to work!


Vajra Bishop-Class
Pilot Skills:
Support Attack L1
Support Defense L2
All-Attack L1
Mech Features:
Fold Barrier
30% HP and EN Regen
All Canceller

Big blob of HP but the lack of Prevail means we can tear it down on one turn. The problem is getting in range, as it’s very well equipped to blast all your guys – complete with a MAPW that blasts in a 1-8 arc (mind, it can’t hit in the column straight in front of the Bishop) – but, thankfully, it’s not too accurate.
If you still have a Confuse cast available, pop it on approach, clear off the remaining Vajra and drop the Bishop to end the mission. If not, your Reals should be safe from the MAPW, so just make sure your Supers and ships are flying inside the blind-spots.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tBfH3mOQws8
Here’s the thing’s strongest move but, more importantly, Arnie’s first own-screen usage of the warp skill!

Now, the plot kicks in once you get the Bishop under 50% HP and that’s when the pre-battle convos actually start playing. So, to save on space and keep things flowing nicely, let’s jump to it now and then we’ll get the battle rolling properly.

: Blah, the boss-bug’s really making us work for it…!
: …!

: It doesn’t know when to give up…!

: Gch…!
: You okay, Luca?!
: I-I’m fine, but… that attack just wrecked my transmitter…!

: Damn, the Vajra are feeling better…!
: Because Ranka’s song stopped…?!
: Never mind that, we’re already running low on resources! If they call in a new mob of Vajra, we’ll be in big trouble!
: I’ll do it!

Fei moves in front of the Boddole Zer.

: Fei…?!
: I don’t really know what’ll happen this time… I’m kind of scared it won’t help, but if there’s a chance my song can get us through this…
: Then I’ll sing! I’ll sing for Ranka, for Setsuna… for everyone! I’ll put all your emotions to song!

:siren: Chieko Higuchi - Believe
:siren: :siren:

: This wavelength is…!
: It’s very similar to Ranka’s Fold Song?!

: Look… the Vajra’re being subdued by her song!
: One last push, people! Time to finish the leader off!

: Monsters entranced by song… I can appreciate the different side you’re displaying, but this is still an opening I need to exploit!

: Their songs, their emotions, make it through to anyone who listens, no matter who that is…
: And, in that case, I know what I must do!

: Even in a different time and in a different battlefield, there’s always power to song – to the voice of a songstress that prays for peace!
: And I’ll also do my part for as long as their feelings remain with me!

: I won’t stop until all our emotions get through to you. And that includes Ranka, Setsuna’s…
: And that girl’s emotions too!

: So it wasn’t just a one-time thing – Fei’s song really works on the Vajra. But how? Is there some hidden power to her, Sheryl and Ranka’s music?

: I’m not wasting this opportunity! I might not know what kind of power their songs have, but the feelings packed in those lyrics are as clear as day – and they won’t be for nothing!

: Well, dang, Fei’s song really is just as effective as theirs. Now, I get that you’re digging the music so much its got you stunned, but I’m gonna have to cut that short!

: Fei’s song is also getting through to them… Are the Vajra really reacting to the emotions in her lyrics…?
: But… but that’s a question for another time! If we let these guys go, Earth’ll…!

: Are they acting like this because they heard Fei’s song…? Are they actually being moved by it…?
: No… No, look at everything they’ve done – all the people they’ve killed! These things are heartless…! They have to be…!

: …!

: That Vajra’s still kicking…?!
: The enemy’s movements are very sluggish, though. Now is when you attack…!
: You’re—…!

:siren: SRW UX - The Target.

: It’s that Galaxy Valkyrie – Brera’s…!
: This is Antares 1 to the UX. I’m moving in to assist you.

Brera flies after the Bishop.

: He says “assist”, but it’s looking more like he’s trying to take the thing out by himself!
: He’s not, because I won’t pass this on to someone who just got here! I’m going too!

: Don’t stray from the team, Alto!
: But we can’t let up either, or we’ll miss the opening Setsuna and Fei gave us!
: I figured you’d come… Back me up, Alto! We’ll wipe out every single one of these Vajra!
: “Wipe them out…”
: (Setsuna was ready to risk his life trying to communicate with an alien species…)
: (Meanwhile, I…)
: If you’re not going to attack, then leave!
: ?!
: Someone who’s not willing to pull the trigger when needed has no business being here…!
: …
: No, I’ll do it! I’m here, right now, as a pilot…!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eUEMo5hPHpQ

: (That’s…!)

: Aaaargh!
: Hrm…!

Kira flies over to Alto.

Any surviving Vajra and ELS run away now.

: Where’s Alto?! Is he alright?!
: Yes, he’s fine.
: Hrgh…
: He seems to be a bit injured, but I don’t think his life’s at risk.
: I see… Thank you for bailing him out of that blast.
: Mission complete. Returning…
: Stop right there, you! The hell’s wrong with you, ignoring a wounded wingman and taking off…?!
: My Valkyrie’s also damaged. Besides, I’m sure you’ll get him back to your ship and patch him up.
: …
: That is all.

: Always such a friendly guy, eh?
: Delta 1 to all units, the mission is a success. We’ve confirmed the target’s destruction and we’re detecting no signs of any enemy forces.
: Repeat, there are no signs of the enemy. Halt combat operations and set a course back to the ship…
: (That Vajra sent out a massive Fold Wave when it died…)
: (The direction it went might just be…)


Back at the Frontier, Luca reports everything that happened – the data collected has already been passed on to the lab for analysis. As the call ends, Mishima is so happy: the outcome of the operation was far better than what he and Howard anticipated. The bugs won’t be running roughshod around them any longer!
“Rejoice, Mr. President. The day the Frontier Fleet ascends to glory is nigh,” Mishima gloats to Howard, before shifting to his inner monologue. “And that calls for a little something to be done first…”

: Well, that battle was as tough as we figured it’d be. And the ELS surprise appearance sure didn’t help things…
: Right. Not only did we spend a lot of resources there, the bigger issue is our injured teammates.
: How’re they doing?
: There wasn’t anything major with Alto – just some superficial wounds. He’s being treated and should be discharged from the hospital soon.
: On the other hand…
: It’s not as simple for Setsuna, right?
: He’s suffered severe brain damage from the massive flow of information that poured in when he tried sharing his mind with the ELS’.
: He’s currently in a coma, and it’s anyone’s guess if he’ll ever recover…
: He…
: But what possessed him to even try that sort of thing…?
: I suppose he was just trying to find a way to communicate with the ELS.
: A way that didn’t involve fighting…

: …
: Setsuna…
: Feldt, I know you’re worried about him, but you should also get some rest…
: We’re moving in to dock at Island 1 now, so why not take some time off while we’re there?
: No, I want to stay here a while longer…

Door opens.

: You’ve been looking for a way for people to better understand one another, and now you’ve even tried reaching out to the ELS…
: Blazing a trail for our future… that’s what your fight’s always been, isn’t that right, boy?
: Maj. Graham…
: (Graham Aker… the Ensign’s former superior officer…)
: You look well, Ensign.
: Maj. Graham, I…
: You’ve no need to explain yourself, Ensign.
: ?!
: I only have to look at you to see that you’ve uncovered where your beliefs lie, and what path to follow…
: …
: Now, Maj. Ronin’s pulled some strings, and I’ve also been assigned to work with the UX – effective immediately.
: Then…
: Yes, we’ll ride together once more. That said, it won’t be as subordinate and superior officer, but as comrades-in-arms.
: You got it…!

: It’s been a long time, Lunamaria, Shinn…
: Good to see you again, Athrun. And…
: …
: Here we finally are…
: I’d always wondered when we’d meet again like this…
: I’m sorry it couldn’t happen sooner, but there’s always so much to do. Still, what I told you back the first time we met is still true to this day.
: Let’s fight together, Shinn. We’ll try and make sure those flowers are never wiped out again… and even if they are, we’ll carry on replanting them…
: Kira Yamato…
: Exactly. That’s what we’re all fighting for.
: So, you’ll be coming with us too, Athrun?
: I am. Glad we’ll finally be able to fight shoulder-to-shoulder, Lunamaria.
: Hahah… And I promise you I won’t be dragging anyone down this time, Athrun.
: As for you, Shinn, you’ve done a great job.
: Are you pulling my leg? Do you know how hard things’ve been for us…?
: Shinn…?!
: But I guess they say hardship is the best teacher, so there’s that.
: I hope you’re ready to buckle down, because there’s a lot of learning in store for you, too, Cpt. Athrun!
: Ah…
: … Aye, aye. You can count on me, Shinn.

: He’s a good man.
: Huh…?
: Athrun’s told me of how hard Shinn tries to make his dreams real.
: Um… Are you really going to trust us to watch your back? You, Kira Yamato, the Super Coordinator…?
: Yes, and not just to watch my back. All of us are trusting you with our strength, our emotions and our wishes.
: That’s the path we chose to follow in order to shape our future…
: And the path Setsuna would also like to take.


Location: Frontier Fleet – Hospital

: Sure you should be hanging out here? Don’t you have work to do?
: Shush, you. It’s not everyday I visit the infirm, so how about some gratitude?
: Hahah… Yeah, thanks…
: But are you really okay? I heard you were hurt pretty bad…
: They’re giving me the full regenerative medicine treatment. Still hurts a bit, but I’ll be better soon enough.
: I see…
: Something the matter, Sheryl…?
: Your wounds’ll be healed, and then you’ll go flying again.
: That’s the plan. Flying’s what I live for.
: Alto, um…!
: I don’t want you to be a pilot anymore. You don’t have to be out there, risking your life…!
: ?!
: There are plenty of pilots around, but there’s…
: There’s only one Alto Saotome, you know…!
: Sheryl…

Door opens!

: Hey, Alto, how are you…
: Ah…?! Sheryl…?
: Ranka…?
: …
: I guess I’m interrupting something… I’m so sorry…!
: W-Wait, Ranka…!

  • :tfrxmas: *

: Don’t move!
: Wh-What the hell are you…?!
: As much as I would’ve loved to watch this drama some more, I’m afraid that’s not in the cards.
: You’re the president’s aide… What do you want with me?!
: With you? Nothing at all. My business is with this girl.
: Isn’t that right, False Songstress…?
: …
: Sheryl…? What’s going on…?
: …
: Sheryl Nome, you are under arrest for a grand total of twelve crimes, including suspicion of espionage and violating the Statute of Secrecy!


Both Graham and Athrun are tacticians, and already come with their second bonuses unlocked: both have +25% chance of activating defensive skills, but Athrun boosts melee weapons’ damage by 10%, whereas Graham boosts counterattack damage by 10%.

Oh, and in case you’re wondering, when Arnie and Saya attack anything, they have the same convo they did in the other route:

: Ensign, I’ll assume control of both our units’ engines once we’re combined. I’ll try and make sure it all operates as best as can be…
: Don’t worry about it, and don’t hold anything back! It’s your being here that brings our units’ full power to light! Here we go, Orphes/Odyssea!

Click to see the mission!


And we’re back, far away from Trailblazer/Frontier Land, where actually interesting stuff happens. We’ve got plenty of event deployments today with Kouichi, Moritsugu, Canon, Mamoru, Kenji and Sakura, which also means our available slots are rather diminished – only sixteen.
As such, here’s how we’re going:
Joe/Athrun
Heroman/Shouko
Arnie/Saya
Sun Quan/Eida
Kazuki/Allelujah
Cao Cao/Zhang Fei
Liu Bei/Rennie
Kira/Graham
Mike/Yamashita
Shou/Marvel
Mazinkaiser/Soubi (forgot to deploy Tsubasa… whoops!)
Dr. West/Ozma
Kurou/Deceive (him having a squaddie with resupply module’s even more important now that Al isn’t regenerating his MP anymore)
Shinn/Luna
Fei-Yen/Lockon
Aesap/Miu
Tactician: Zhuge Liang

FYI, this mission is the cutoff point for you to get the Fafner trio five uses of their Triple Dog combo attack, so watch it. We’re way over that, of course.
Off we go.


We’re back at JUDA and it’s time to go over what happened on the other routes:
If you kept the Vajra route: we killed one of the Anticross, but their big fortress disappeared. Ruri pledges to use all resources of the Hadou Financial Group to locate the thing and while Dr. West would love it found as quickly as that, he’s doubtful that’ll happen. And, on that note, Elsa asks him to pipe down with his loud guitar solos (“NOOOOOOOO! You’re tearing me apart, Elsa!”).
Holly and Joey explain that these two quit the Black Lodge and are now our buddies (though West says they’re just tagging along until the Anticross are dead), but Kurou trusts them enough. “Oh, you make me so happy, Darling-robo! That’s why you’re my hubby-robo!” Elsa glees and introduces herself as Kurou’s “de facto wife”.
Dr. West shakes his fist at KUROU DAIJUUJI for getting together with Elsa behind his back… but, as Denton points out, wasn’t he the one who made it so the Demonbane needed them both to work? Well, he’s clearly abused his benevolence and incredible genius to seduce Elsa! VILLAIN! And that’s why Dr. West’ll be taking to the field as well using his Super West Invincible Robot Type-28 Special! Oh, so he’ll be fighting alongside us? No! He’ll be there to make sure Elsa is kept safe from this villain!

If you kept the Arkham route: they killed Vajra and got two more Hirai characters for our pile.
More importantly, Arnie’s glad to work beside Graham again, who’s impressed at how different the Ensign’s gaze looks from when they first met. We’ve all come full circle, as Joe and Saya remember the tough fight Graham gave them back at Arkham City – if anything, it tells that he’ll be an asset to the team.
“We might have been hostile in a previous battlefield, but now we stand as comrades-in-arms, united by common ideals. And, of course, I say the same of you, Ensign,” Graham proclaims, and Arnie’s all giddy.
Oh, and there were also ELS and Setsuna got mind-zapped – he’s still in a coma, but Feldt has faith that he’ll return to us in time. Lastly, Sheryl got arrested as a spy, and the news that sent shockwaves across the Earth Sphere. As Ruri relates, though, Lacus, Cagalli and Marina are working together to try and convince the Frontier Government and the Earth Federation to reinvestigate this matter and try to clear up Sheryl’s good name. Here’s hoping it works, but then Michel wonders: if Sheryl does wind up convicted, how will Alto react?

: The YF-29… This is my new Valkyrie?
: Looks pretty good, huh?
: The Frontier brass developed it from data collected in our past battles. It’s a specialized anti-Vajra prototype.
: And they’ve also outfitted it with high-grade Fold Quartz taken from said Vajra. Its performance is a whole lot better than the regular jets, that’s for sure.
: Fold Quartz, that stone that transmits thoughts…
: Right, so the YF-29 can pick up, amplify and convert Fold Waves into energy.
: Meaning it turns the pilot’s will into power, just like the Odyssea?
: Hmm, I’m not sure if that’s the best way of putting it…
: While it’s true that the Fold Quartz has similar properties to the Odyssite, what it amplifies is strictly Fold Waves.
: Still, we’ve found that some humans are capable of emitting Fold Waves, and those do carry the will of the emitter within…
: Of course, only Sheryl and Ranka are capable of that feat thus far.
: …
: Hah, you’re thinking “I’ve no special abilities of my own – being a pilot is all I’m good for”, aren’t you?
: …?!
: Listen here, Alto. No one gets to say what goes with your life but yourself. It’s your own will that shapes it all.
: So listen to yourself and decide what kind of role you want to take.
: … What kind of role I want…


Location: Tokyo – Cemetery

: This is your friend’s grave, Hayase…?
: Yeah. He was a real busybody, and, thanks to this huge idiot, wound up dying way too soon…
: Hayase…
: But that idiot’s now a Champion of Justice who fights for the entire world. I think Yajima’d be happy with that, no?
: Hahah… I hope so.
: Either way, we better head back. Should be almost time for our next mission.
: Sorry, but you’re gonna have to go without me.
: Hm? Something up?
: Nah, it’ll just be a bit. I’ll get back before the next op.
: If you say so. See you there.

Everyone leaves.

: …
: Alright, are you gonna keep spying from that corner or am I gonna have to drag you out? Who are you anyway…?
: …
: It’s good to finally meet you, Domyoji…
: Y-You’re…!

: Kouichi and the others went to visit the graveyard, huh…?
: We should go, too, next time we’re at the island.
: Right. I’m sure your father would also be very happy, Sakura.
: Happy, huh…
: Is something wrong, Sakura?
: No, it’s just that… my dad was a soldier; he worked protecting Tatsumiya from harm…
: And he died fighting the Festum…
: I’m so sorry…
: I believed that I could honor my dad’s memory by taking out as many Festum as I could by myself… but I’m just not strong enough to do that.
: So I can’t help but wonder if my dad’s actually happy watching this…
: Oh, don’t worry. I’m certain he is!
: Shangxiang…
: My father also died in battle, you see…
: But he was a very strong, very kind man, and always looked to keep his family safe.
: And that spirit of his lives on within me and my brother.
: His spirit lives on…
: Right. And heroes never really die while their spirits stay inside people’s hearts.
: …
: If your father’s in your thoughts while you’re fighting, Sakura, then I think that honors him plenty.
: You must always think of those that are dear to you while in battle, I say…
: (Those that are dear to you…)
: Alright… you might be right. Thanks, Shangxiang.
: Heheh, don’t mention it.
: U-Um… chief!
: Wh-What?! Why’d you get so riled up…?
: I… I’m gonna do it! I’m gonna be just like your dad was!
: Huh?! Where’d that come from?!
: Wh-What I mean is… Mamoru and I’ll handle the fighting, so you don’t have to go at it that hard…
: What was that now…? Are you looking to retire me or something?
: N-No, I… I just mean that I’ll work at it and get even stronger than Kazuki…
: A-And then I’ll protect you!
: …?!
: A-Are you stupid?! Did you hit your head or something?! I don’t need anyone protecting me!

She leaves.

: Sa-Sakura…!

Door opens.

: Hey, we’re back… Uh, did something happen?
: Kenji tried making his move on Sakura and, well, it didn’t go too good…
: Ah…?
: …
: Kenji, don’t you think you should just straight-up tell her how you feel?
: H-How I feel?!
: I mean, saying stuff like that isn’t gonna fly with her. Sakura doesn’t like people who beat around the bush.
: …
: (That’s easier said than done…)


Location: JUDA – Underground Facility

: You said you wished to speak with us, Mr. Ishigami…?
: Yes, there’s something I’d like you folks to know. Especially after your little pow-wow with Hisataka Katou …
: You’re aware of that, hm?
: You didn’t really need to jump through all those hoops, of course.
: If you had questions, you just had to ask me.
: It takes information from more than just one source to piece together what the truth is. And I was going to question you eventually.
: I see… Then I believe this should answer one of those questions.

Hangar opens.

: Th-That’s?!
: It’s my Machina… Judah.
: The president’s own Machina…
: It’s a Machina that specializes in information collection and analysis. All of our company’s systems are connected to it, which functions as the core to everything.
: JUDA and Judah…
: It could well be said that this Machina is the company itself…
: Then, Mr. Ishigami, you’ve been taking advice from this Machina?
: “Advice” isn’t the word I’d use. More like guidelines.
: Guidelines…?
: You should understand what it entails, Tieria. After all, you’re part of the Quantum Supercomputer Veda…
: …!
: What do you mean?
: Every outcome that occurs is a result of the sum of various events.
: With that in mind, I ask you this: what if you knew what events needed to happen for a given outcome to occur?
: Then you’d be able to bring about whatever outcomes you desired…?
: Exactly. And that is what Judah does.
: In other words, this Machina allows you to put together whatever future you want?!
: I don’t raise a future from scratch, no – I just choose from the available options.
: Just as the Celestial Being used Veda’s predictions to put together their plan on how to accomplish Aeolia’s project…
: …
: Mr. Ishigami, if you’re trying to use this Judah to take control over our future and our destinies…
: I don’t fancy myself God, Tieria, and I’ve no intention of taking His throne.
: I believe I’m in the same boat as Aeolia Schenberg, once he realized what future awaited humanity, way back when.
: …
: Then, Mr. Ishigami, what are you using Judah for?
: Hmhmm… If I may borrow your own words, Master Kongming…
: I’m trying to get a glance at the center of the spider’s web…
: At the center…?
: You could also say I’m trying to find the underlying truth of the world.
: Even if the first link in a chain is pure happenstance, I can influence the events that follow it and, eventually, arrive at the outcome I want.
: A prime example would be Ensign Berge here. His enlisting with the UX was a result of a sequence of various events…
: …!
: Then, you and Maj. Richard…?!
: You were stringing things along since the battle at Arkham City, so that I’d end up right where I am – where you wanted…?!
: Now, now, that’s not quite it. Your being here right now is first and foremost fruit of your own will…
: As I said, the first link in that chain is pure happenstance.
: Don’t give me that! You just said very clearly that you can choose what future comes to be!
: And, if that’s the case, if I hadn’t been shot down at Arkham—…
: Then, I believe… it would be your friend, Jin, standing here with us.
: …?!
: Wh-What…?!
: What I mean is that whether it was your own will that set the wheels in motion, or if it was your friend’s, the end-result would be the same…
: Or, better put, Judah would steer things in a way that would lead to the same end-result.
: It is as he said.
: Th-That’s…
: Mind you, what Judah does is simply provide guidelines for one of an infinite variety of different possibilities.
: But it cannot outright create someone’s fate from scratch. We may choose events that lead towards a certain outcome, but the beginning, the first link of the chain, is always beyond our control…
: …
: In which case, this unease we have felt since coming to this world… those strange “coincidences” that seemingly bind us were influenced, but not created by you.
: Indeed, the origin of it all is the underlying truth of this world…
: It is the will of the heavens that lies at the center of the spider’s web…
: The will of the heavens…
: …
: Then… For what did Jin and I…
: I’m sure you have plenty to say, but I’d like you to understand just one thing.
: The outcome I’m trying to bring about is one where humanity is saved.
: …
: And I swear to you that that is no lie. So I hope you will trust me for now…
: …
: Very well. And what is the next “event” that needs to happen?
: I appreciate how to-the-point you are, Moritsugu. The next event…
: Is a surprise attack on the Katou Organization’s production plant.

: These are the new Arma models, huh? It took a while, but they’re finally ready.
: Hm… Never did I expect the day to come where I’d be making these.
: Ain’t it a bit of a waste, though? I mean, if you just plugged an AI into these things, they’d practically be Machinas, no?
: Indeed, but these were made specifically to be Armas, not Machinas. Take that as some food for thought, if you would.
: It makes no difference to us. We need only crush the foe ahead of us.
: (Yeah, if we can beat those guys with those, I don’t care either…)

: Commander, we’ve analyzed the intel Yulianne gave us. They’ll be attacking us – soon.
: Very well. Then let’s begin our preparations.
: (That is, our preparations to reach the truth… to reach the beginning…)

: You wanna talk now? I’m kind of busy getting ready to launch.
: Um, I… You know… It’s just that, I…
: You, what?
: I-I’m gonna try and prove in this next battle that I’m the strongest guy here…
: And if I do that, I’d like you to be my mumble…!
: …?!
: You idiot… We’re not like that at all. You don’t have to take on way more than you can handle for me.
: I can totally handle it!
: No, you can’t! You’re a helpless coward and a bigmouthed flirt! You’re like the complete opposite of my dad!
: But, still, I…!
: So don’t go out of your way for me. Because if I ever lost you, I…!
: ?! Sakura…
: …
: I’m gonna give this everything I’ve got… I won’t let my Altered Consciousness get the better of me again!
: Kenji…
: (That’s it. One step at a time…)
: (Just take it one step at a time and even I can make it…!)


Mission 34 – Advance to the Beginning

: Yaaaaah, mommyyyy! I’m scaaaaared!
: (Oi, that idiot… What happened to all that attitude from before?)
: Pull yourself together, Kenji! The enemy base is dead ahead!
: Yeah! You’re gonna prove that you’re the strongest and convince Sakura to give you a shot, right?!
: Sob
: Enemy production plant in sight. Moving to attack!
: That ain’t happening!
: What…?!

: The Katou Organization…!
: Heheh, took you long enough to get here! Ya kept us waiting!
: What is the meaning of this?! I thought this was supposed to be a surprise attack!
: Yet the enemy has such a bevy of troops waiting for us…!
: Do you think they anticipated our move?!
: Hahahahahaha! We already knew everything you’re up to!
: You sought to attack at our flank… and it is too late to regret your poor choices!
: Now, take up arms and face us! I demand that you make my heart beat faster!
: You accursed Shura…! I shall end your life today!
: Everyone launch! Quick!


Is this a bad time to say that I completely forgot to set Alto in a team? He’s not available at the intermission menu (since he only gets his new unit in the prologue), and I didn’t realize it until later.
We’ll see his YF-29 next mission, I guess. :v:

: Crap… And here we were, figuring we were finally gonna catch them unawares!
: Hey, you guys know where Moritsugu went? I haven’t seen him in a bit.
: Apparently, Mr. Ishigami gave him another mission to go on…
: Another mission now, of all times?
: You don’t think he’s been leaking info behind our backs again, do you…?
: No way! And I thought we cleared up that he wasn’t spying on us – it was just one big mix-up!
: Forget about him and focus on the enemy!
: (An enemy ambush… Is this also another of Mr. Ishigami’s required “events”? In that case…)
: My friends, your mission remains the same. Repel the enemy and seize control of the target structure!


Destroy everything, don’t lose a ship, Kouichi, Sakura, Canon, Kenji or Mamoru. We’ve had this battle plenty of times before, so you know what to expect. Lu Bu’s as dangerous as ever, but, oddly enough, he’ll only cast Soul under 30% HP this time; many of our guys know Valor now so, if you’d like, you could probably down him before he does that.
Do keep this in mind, though:

:siren: Secret Alert! :siren:
SD Gundam secret – 4th step: have Cao Cao down Lu Bu.

Simple enough.


Destroyer Robo (Dr. West)
Pilot Skills:
Prevail L4
Support Attack l2
Support Defense L1
All-Attack L2
Spirit Commands:
Invincible
Strike
Fighting Spirit
Daunt/Exhaust
Mech Features:
Gun
Repair Module
Squad Bonus: Armor +100, Money +10%, A in Water (Armor +150, Money +20%, S in Water, EN +75)

I confess I got a giggle out of that S in Water.
Dr. West makes for a surprisingly effective Squaddie, truth be told. His Destroy Robo’s quite tanky and the Squad Bonus it has gives plenty of decent stuff; his weapons have good enough stopping power, furthered bolstered by his L size, and their range covered isn’t bad at all.
On the flip side, he’s sloooooooow as molasses and really wants someone providing him with flight and/or Accelerate (especially since his Tornado Crusher can’t be used on aerial targets without). Regardless, you could do a lot worse than him.

:siren: SRW UX - LOVE 14 ver. HD

:siren: SRW UX - The Gate of Neidhöhle Opens


“CHOU-HISSATSU! GOOOUSPAAAAAAARK!”

:siren: SRW UX - Deus Machina

Warring guitar solo!

: HAHAHAHA! I cut a fine figure against the blowing wind! Here I am, genius scientist DOCTAAAAAAA WEST! (Cyborg 009 OP lyrics.)
: And now begins my glorious quest to educate the unenlightened masses of the world of the magnificence of my Destroyer Robo!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7vcSPA8-leY
Adding this video so you can finally hear Dr. West’s guitar solo in action.

:siren: SRW UX - Love Survivor

: This isn’t simply about my duty as a soldier. I wage this battle to also help blaze a path for our future!
: And I’ll fight for the boy as well, in his struggle to communicate with the ELS…!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xZMHzxyebos
While we’re quickly cutting Jack down to size, I take the time to show off the DK in Kira’s Funnels and Graham’s GN Beam Rifle (Full Output). And depending on which route you kept, Kira, Athrun or Kurou also have pre-battle convos but they’re the same ones from the previous mission.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=galSQqHyx8Q
Fine, I suppose I should show you off too. In truth, Kira and Athrun’s units look pretty good.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tkshfdQi888
And, of course, Jack decides to start triggering his Camo instead of letting Shinn run him through! :argh:
I would’ve loved if Luna actually got the kill, but alas.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kX9zBnfdYlw
Fine, you wanna get cute? Then you’ll help me show off the Odyssea’s version of Hell Stringer!
And we take Jack’s Glass of Milk as a prize (Skill and Defense +10, Accuracy +5).

: Hrk… That I’d be forced to retreat before having a chance to challenge Reiji Moritsugu… Curses. Our showdown will have to be postponed…!

:siren: SRW UX - Tales of Mirisha ~ The Brave Legend

: Psh… This dinky Arma just ain’t cutting it against them!
: I need something stronger… a whole lot stronger! If I just had that, then…!

:siren: Dynasty Warriors 6 - Theme of Lu Bu -DW Prime Mix-

: Hahahah… Your skills have improved, Ultimate Cross!
: Yes, excellent! This thrill! This scorching excitement! It ignites—MY SOOOOUUUUL!!

: Watch out, folks, don’t let that monster tag you with that attack! Make sure you dodge it good!
: I need dodge nothing!
: Lord Sun Quan…?!
: I will kill him, even if I must surrender my life to do so…!
: Father! Brother! This Koteito has been passed down through generations of the Sun Family, and now I beseech that you grant it your strength…!


Casts Iron Wall and Drive.

: B-Brother…?!
: Oho…!
: Young Lord, don’t! You cannot set off to battle with hatred in your heart…!
: Come, Lu Bu! FACE ME!
: Hmhmhm… I accept your challenge, tiger cub! To arms!

:siren: Dynasty Warriors 6 - Theme of Lu Bu -DW Prime Mix-

: Lu Bu! You… I’ll end you if it’s the last thing I do!
: Hmhmhm… Yes, I see well the pitch darkness swirling within your soul!
: Wh-What…?!
: I wonder, will you willingly join the ranks of us Shura in order to strike us down?!
: S-SILENCE!

:siren: Dynasty Warriors 6 - Theme of Lu Bu -DW Prime Mix-


And that’s both of them down!

: Hrrrmm…!
: Fengxian…!
: Hahahah, I see… So that is the foundation of your souls!
: The foundation of our souls…?!
: Indeed, I believe Hisataka Katou did not waste his time advocating that you imagine your deaths!
: What’re you on about?! Do you know something?!
: Hmhmhm, but you must not stop here!
: Rouse the flame of your life brighter still! The Heaven I seek awaits further ahead…!

: ?! Stop, Lu Bu—…!
: Fengxian… What was it that you noticed?

: …
: What am I supposed to do to defeat him?! How can I crush that Shura…?!
: Brother…

: All Katou Organization troops have been routed!
: Okay, now all we gotta do is trash that factory…

Kouichi moves towards the building.

: Wh-What’re these things?!
: We’ve no data on those units! Maybe they’re a new Arma model from the Katou Organization?!
: A new Arma?!
: They went and had all these new mechs waiting for us…?! The hell is going on?!
: Is this whole thing just one huge trap…?!

Heartbeat.

: Ah…?!
: What is it, Hayase?!
: Ki…
: Wh-What voice is that…?!
: Ki… Mach…
: C-Come again…?!
: Hayase, what’s going on?!
: I-I dunno…! The Linebarrel just stopped moving!
: Hmph, you’ve finally awakened…
: Indeed… The ones standing before you were originally meant to be Machina…
: So, please, fight to your heart’s content, Counter Machina… Or, better put…!
: Amagatsu Kizaki…!

: The Linabarrel’s turned black…?!
: Yeah, it’s what it did when Kizaki was piloting it before…!
: B-But the aura it’s giving out is…!
: Yeah, I have a very bad feeling about that!

: The Linebarrel’s moving on its own…?! What the hell is going on?!
: Ki… the… hina… Ll… Mach…
: Kill the Machina.
: Huh…?!

The Linebarrel turns neutral!

: …
: L-Linebarrel, you…!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0QVDAFM3Dt8
“What’s happening to you, Linebarrel?!”

: Gwaaaaaaaaargh!

: Wh-What…!
: It’s just like…!
: A demon…!

: Kill the Machina.
: S-Stop… STOP!

: Gaaaaaaaaaah!!

: it’s aiming directly at their cockpits… and the pilots inside…!
: I said stop! Those’re people in there!
: Kill the Machina. Kill the Machina. Kill the Machina-a-a-a-a-a.
: Shut up! Stop saying that! Those aren’t Machina!

: A-Aaah!

: Gyaaaaaaaaaaaaargh!

: And the way it’s attacking…!
: Continuous teleportation… It’s using the Override!
: Please… stop…!
: …

: Wh…?!
: STOOOP!!

: Urgh! Wh-What…?!

:siren: SRW UX - Linebarrel

: That’s far enough, Linebarrel.
: Or, rather… Amagatsu Kizaki.
: Moritsugu…!
: Hang in there, Hayase. I’ll put a stop to him shortly.
: W-Wait, what did he call him? Amagatsu Kizaki…?
: As in, Emi Kizaki…?
: Listen up. The Linebarrel is no longer under Hayase’s control…
: Its original Factor, Amagatsu Kizaki, has taken over… Simply put, the will of Kizaki’s father is controlling it now.
: And his primary goal… is the destruction of all Machina.
: The will of Kizaki’s father…?
: I don’t have the leeway to explain everything. Your orders are to help me stop the Linebarrel and rescue Hayase.
: S-Stop it…? You want us to fight a monster like that?!
: Pull yourself together, Kenji!
: …?!
: Were you lying to me when you said those things before?!
: If you’re making promises, then at least have the decency of sticking with them!
: S-Sakura…!
: Not being capable of protecting what’s dear to you is something that’ll haunt you for the rest of your life… Fight, Kenji!
: Do not run, and do not fret, Kenji! Goubine stands with you!
: Let’s go… We’ll save our friend!
: G-Guys…!
: …
: O-Okay… I’ll do it!
: I promised Sakura… that I’d be stronger than anyone else!
: Kenji…!
: Steady yourselves, troops… Now begins our mission to destroy the Linebarrel!


Destroy the Linebarrel Amagatsu, and you can’t lose Moritsugu either. Taking him out ends the mission, but we don’t want all those moneys and kills to be wasted, do we? Get rid of the Katous too.


Linebarrel Amagatsu
Pilot Skills:
Factor – it doesn’t show on the list, but the effect is very much in play. D-S.O.I.L. rate is at 160%, so he’ll regen 80% of all damage taken!
Double Movement
Prevail L9
Support Attack L3
Break Morale Limit
Counter
Predict
All-Attack L3
Mech Features:
Gun
Override
10% HP Regen
All Canceller

Amagatsu, as you can see, isn’t playing around. He’s got massive stats everywhere, all the skills he could possibly need and, if you didn’t see it above, will outright regen 80% of all damage you do on every attack.
He’s also very trigger-happy with that Override, so make sure you come in with Strike (and defensive spirits, of course) – especially since he has S ranks on all terrains. At least his ranges aren’t too good, as he can only use his weakest attack at 3+, with his Override attack being point-blank.
Also, that regen means he’ll also get a lot of mileage out of Prevail-Land once he starts dipping his feet into it, so don’t give him a chance: lower his HP enough and then hit him with a valored finisher to take him down all the way.

But, if anything, Amagatsu is a gentleman and will not go after your guys while the Katous are around, so just make sure you kill as many as you can before he gets a chance to shred them all.


Like so.

:siren: SRW UX - You Are Similar to Me


Between us and Amagatsu, the Katous’ new Armas are done by the next player phase.

: That’s all the new models. Now, if the thing would just settle down, that’d be great…
: …

  • :tfrxmas: *

: Kill the Machinas…
: The Linebarrel’s switched targets to our Machinas!
: I guess it’s really not going to let up until all of those are destroyed!
: Then your orders are the same, maggots! Bash the Linebarrel upside the head and make it shut down!

Now, we need a song for the beatdown… What could we—

: I know!

:siren: Miku Hatsune - Sword of the Demon Emperor ver. HD
Aaaaaaaaaaaa

: Eliminate any who are taken over by the enemy. Those are the orders I was always given. But now I…

: Sa-Sakura…
: Sorry, Hayase, but you’re gonna have to grin and bear it for a bit…
: That inconsiderate dad inside your bot’s ticking me off and I’m about to give him a piece of my mind…!


Sakura attacking: “Think of how sad you’re making your daughter! Of how much you’re hurting her with this! How can you be fine with that?!”

: Not even the Linebarrel can keep pulling attacks like that forever…
: We just gotta hang in there and we’ll find a way out of this…! Stay strong, Hind!


Yamashita attacking: “Easy there. I won’t hit anything important!”

: That is how the Linebarrel is truly like…?! However, as overwhelming a power it may wield, I shall not forsake Kouichi!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZltztP6hKF0
And here’s when I remembered that Override was also a Double Image effect.
Liu Bei attacking: “We must end its rampage…!”
Cao Cao attacking: “‘Tis the path of light that you should follow! And mine attack shall now reopen your eyes!”
Sun Quan: “Everyone stand back! I will stop him!”
Shangxiang: “Maybe if I tried missing just a little bit…! No, I must do this…!”
Guan Yu: “I, Guan Yu, shall save you! I stake my life on it!”
Zhang Fei: “Think I can’t save him? Hah, just wait ‘til you see how good I am…!”

: This thing took out those new Armas like they were nothing, and the way it moves… Its abilities are on a whole different level from what we’d seen the Linebarrel do.
: Well, ain’t that just aces?! I always wanted to see how our Kaiser would do against him!


Kaido: “Hah, what a pain this thing is! Time for you to take a lil’ nap!”
Magami: “I just need to make it shut down, yes?”
Tsubasa: “I don’t want to be killed as much as anyone else, but…!”

: Soubi, run! Don’t risk your life for a kid like me!
: I’m afraid I can’t do that. I’ll use the strength I have to keep others safe… That’s what Kaoru wanted, and what I want!
: Soubi…
: Hold on, Hayase. I swear to you that I’ll stop the Linebarrel!


Soubi: “What a sinister presence…! It’s a demon, indeed…!”; “I’m not about to go quietly into the night…!”

: The Linebarrel’s attacking anything within striking range… And it’ll do the same to us, if we approach without care…
: I’m not backing off, Soushi! I will save Kouichi!
: Well, what a coincidence – that’s exactly what I was thinking.
: I’m relaying you my analysis on the Linebarrel’s attack patterns! We’ll rescue Kouichi together!


Kazuki: “Can I really attack?” > Soushi: “Yes – hold back just enough to not kill him.”

: The Linebarrel’s trying to kill everyone… How can it fight like this…?
: Hrmm…!
: You’re right, Heroman… This isn’t the time to be scared. We need to get Kouichi out of there!


Joey: “Hold on! Heroman and I’ll think of something!” > Heroman: “Hmm!”

: The awakening of Amagatsu Kizaki… Is this another of those required “events”? Mr. Ishigami, are you…?


Arnie: “Tsk… Can I really save him…?”; “I have to find a way to stop them…!”; “I won’t let a friend’s life be snuffed out right under my nose!”; “If we just avoid any direct hits, we can pull this off…!”

: The Linebarrel’s giving out such a crushing pressure… Is that the will of Amagatsu Kizaki?
: On the other hand, I’m feeling more than just hatred coming from him. If I can just cut down the obsession binding him, then maybe…!


Shou: “I’ll try and avoid any of your vitals! Don’t hold this against me, now!”
Burn: “The Machina has gone Hyper?! No, that cannot be it…!”

: How can you put your own daughter’s friends in danger…?!
: Did you even stop to think of what you’re doing, how this might end?!


Aesap: “I’ve to stop him, somehow…!”
Lux: “If this carries on, his evil Aura Power’ll…!”

: Hayase! Hayaseee! Aah, why is this happening…?!
: I dunno, but you’re in danger! Get away, Kujo!
: I will not… I owe you my life, Hayase…
: So, this time, I’ll make your pain go away!


Miu: “Why… Why…?!”

: It may have that Override ability, but I can get around it by tanking its attacks and moving in right after! Hang in there, Hayase…!


Mamoru: “Don’t be afraid! Goubine will save you!”

: Linebarrel, stop! Those’re my friends you’re attacking! Don’t hurt them!
: Whatever’s going on with it, the thing’s clearly trying to kill us…
: B-Berserk Linebarrel or not, I’m putting a stop to it…!


Soushi: “Concentrate on limiting its movements for now!” > Kenji: “I-I’m on it!”

: Moritsugu, did you know the Linebarrel was gonna do this…?!
: I’ll answer every question you have, Hayase… but only after Amagatsu’s dealt with.

: How did this happen…? The Linebarrel really is fundamentally different from the other Machinas…
: Whatever! Hayase, we’re coming to bail your ass, so keep with it just a bit more!”


Shizuna: “Yeesh, you just don’t stop being a headache for JUDA, eh?!”; Izuna: “We’ll have you safe and sound soon, Hayase!”
Kurou attacking: Elsa: “Darling, what’ll we do-robo?” > Kurou: “Whatever works! We ain’t got time to talk things out!”

: Joe, be careful! The Linebarrel’s…!
: I know. I ain’t taking this guy out with half-measures…!
: So, I’ll have to beat him up legit! Grit your teeth, ‘cause this might get a bit rough…!


Joe: “I better drop him quick, before things get even worse…!”
Mike: “I wouldn’t do this if I had a choice, but you’re not giving me any…!”
Rennie: “I’ll open your eyes right back up!”
Damian: “There’s no way around this…! I’m going!”

When Amagatsu goes down: “Kizaki’s dad, it’s over.”

: Did it work…?!
: …

: What…?!

: Hrk… It’s still going?! You have to admit, that thing’s very sturdy…!
: Damn, the Linebarrel’s really going all-out for this…
: They’re not going to win this the way it’s going…!
: Stop…!
: Ki-Kizaki…?!

: Why is she aboard the Vardant…?!
: (Is that what’s going on? Was Moritsugu’s “separate mission” to stay with Kizaki and come in when this happened…?)
: …
: Father, please stop. Things aren’t like how they were before!
: Listen to your daughter, Prof. Kizaki. And try to understand the situation.
: If you continue attacking, we’ll be forced to destroy the Linebarrel completely. Which, in turn, would mean your daughter’s death…
: And above all, losing the Linebarrel would assure this world’s destruction as well. Am I wrong?
: …
: Father…
: Phew, it’s finally piped down.
: Don’t relax just yet, Kenji…!
: Huh…?!

:siren: SRW UX - Mark Sein

: U-Uwaaaaaaaaah!
: Ke-Kenji…!

Kenji runs far away!

: Don’t turn your back on the enemy! You’ll be an easy target!

Amagatsu powers up!

: Yaah… M-Moomyyyy!
: Tch…!

: A-Aaargh…!

: Canon…!?
: Critical damage on the Babylon Model! We’ve lost its signal…!
: N-No… Canon, come in!
: Hrm…!
: I-It’s my fault… because I’m such a coward…!
: Father… why?!
: Are you even gonna kill your daughter’s friends?!
: …
: You sorry excuse for a father…!
: Making your daughter cry, pointing a weapon at her friends—!
: Is that something any loving father would do?!
: Sakura, Joey…!
: They’re absolutely right! A father is supposed to be a strong, kind man…
: The kind of person that would always, always, fight to protect his family!
: But not you…!
: You’re a heartless man who feels nothing for those who should be so dear to him… And I won’t forgive you for this!
: Those are dear to you…!
: …
: Fall in, Kenji, Mamoru! We’ll put him down ourselves!
: W-We will…?!
: Muster your courage, Kenji! Could you still call yourself a man if you didn’t take a stand now?!
: …
: O-Okay… I am a man! And I’ll…
: I’ll protect the one that’s dear to me!

: Here we go! GOUBINE SMASH!
: One!

: Twooooo!

: Now, Sakura!

: It’s… OVER!!

: …?!
: Huh…?

: …

: Gch… A-Aark…
: Wh-What’s going on, Sakura?! Attack him, quick!
: (This sensation I’m getting from her… It can’t be!)
: (Wh-What is this…)
: (M-my mind is…)

:siren: SRW UX - Separation

: (It’s fading away…!)
: Sakura…!
: (No… No! Kenji, Kenji… Kenjiii!)

: K-Kenji… help!
: …?!

: Aa—

Amagatsu powers up!

: …
: S-STOOOOOP!!

: U…rgh…
: Sa-SAKURAAAAAAAA!
: Wh-What are you…
: What the hell are you doing, Linebarrel?!

: Stop… I told you to stop, goddamn it!
: Hrm! After them, quick!

: Aaaah!
: It used the Executor…?!
: W-We can’t close in through that barrage…!

: D-Damn it, you piece of shit! Stop it already! STOP!
: Raaaaaaaah!

Mamoru tackles the Linebarrel.

: Mamoru…!
: G-Get away from Sakuraaaaa!
: …

: Gwargh!
: Ma-Mamoru…!
: Rrrgh, damn iiit!

The Linebarrel’s pushed back!

: Kenji…!
: E-Even…
: Even garbage like me has someone dear… someone I’d risk my life to keep safe!
: Kondo…
: I’m begging you, please… please stop this!
: …

: Rrgh…!
: Kenji…!
: Sa…kura…

: KENJII!
: …

: W-We’re detecting an energy buildup in the Executor!
: It’s… It’s gonna use that weapon at full blast?!
: They’ll all be killed if it does!
: Father… please, don’t!
: Go to hell…!
: …

: Go straight to hell, Amagatsu Kizaki! You son of a bitch!

Blast!

: …?!
: Someone sniped him?! Where’d the shot come from…?!

:siren: SRW UX - Linebarrel (Full Intro)

: …
: That Machina…!
: It’s the one that killed Yajima…! What’s it doing here?!

: You’ll have to wait a bit for the info, Hayase! We’re coming in to deal with the Linebarrel!
: Domyoji?! Why are you…?!
: Priest, remember? I’m just exorcizing some demons haunting this planet of ours!
: Here we go, Moritsugu!
: Copy that. Close your eyes, Ms. Kizaki.
: …?!
: Amagatsu Kizaki…!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pAe6NvWSNJc
Captions are available.

: …

: The Linebarrel’s back to normal…
: Domyoji and that Machina saved them…
: “Saved” me?! That’s the Machina that killed Yajima! It wouldn’t…
: …
: It’s been a while, Kouichi…
: Ya-Yajima…?!
: I-I don’t believe it…!
: H-How are you here…?!
: You were supposed to be dead! Why’re you piloting that Machina?!
: …
: Say something, Yajima!

: Mr. Ishigami, if I may.
: Yes?
: Hisataka Katou said that the last Machina was squarely within his grasp.
: I was certain that today’s operation was to seize said Machina…
: But it appears I was mistaken.
: …
: The event you chose to happen today, one of many on the road to bring about your desired future… it was to cause Amagatsu Kizaki, the will inhabiting the Linebarrel, to awaken, wasn’t it?
: Sir…?!
: …
: If you say it was necessary to secure our future, then I’ll understand.
: On the other hand… it does not mean I’m capable of forgiving what happened to Sakura.
: Hm. I doubt Hayase’ll forgive me either.
: …
: Mr. Ishigami… Despite everything, you are not going to change your methods, are you?
: …
: Of course not, Master Kongming…

:siren: Angela - Separation (Piano Version)

: …
: Sakura… Why…?!
: This is… assimilation?
: …
: Is she alive?
: She is… biologically speaking, at least.
: You call this living?!
: If… If we’d only taken out the Linebarrel faster, this wouldn’t…!
: You’re wrong. Sakura was undergoing assimilation even as the battle progressed.
: This would’ve happened anyway, even if the Linebarrel hadn’t attacked…
: But…!
: Let it go, Canon…
: Torturing yourself over this won’t bring Sakura back…
: Tch…!
: And you’re telling me this is how we’re all going to end? The more we pilot our Fafners, the closer we get to it happening…?!
: Dr. Toumi’s still researching how assimilation works. It may be possible to defend yourselves against it.
: JUDA’ll also help in any way it can. If anything, it’ll help speed up her work.
: But does any of that mean you’ll be able to cure her?! Will Sakura be back to normal?! Gimme a straight answer!
: Th-That’s…
: Look at her…! We’re pretty much batteries to get the Fafners moving! And Sakura’s a battery that’s run out of power, isn’t she?!
: Kenji…
: Don’t say that, Kenji…
: Sakura risked her life in every battle…
: …!
: She fought tooth and nail for those that were dear to her.
: So let’s just… honor her memory…
: …
: B-But… She’s gone…
: She’ll never move again!
: …
: Ke…n…ji…
: S-Sakura…?!
: …
: Sakura… you’re…
: You’re still fighting… your mind is gone, but you still haven’t given up!
: Kch… sniffles Saku…ra…
: Sakura… Waaaahaaaaa!
: …
: Kenji… Sakura’s battle isn’t over just yet…
: Sob Aah… Sakuraaaaaaa!

: You’re… You’re the Factor of the Stray Machina?
: Yeah. I was chosen by it – the Apparition – as that explosion in the park swallowed me.
: A Machina may revive a dying human as its Factor…
: The Apparition’s former Factor died in that battle, and right nearby was…
: Me… half-dead from the wounds I’d taken.
: But, then…
: If you were alive, why didn’t you show yourself until now?! I…
: When you came to, you were a different person from who you used to be. Anyone would need time to come to process that.
: As pathetic as it sounds, that’s right…
: Still, you owe him some gratitude. If he hadn’t acted when he did, your mission to stop the nuclear missiles would’ve ended in failure.
: The nukes? You mean…
: Ah… There was that last nuke that was shot from Japan. You were the one who took it down?
: You did that, Yajima…?!
: And the president’s been keeping him around as a secret weapon since.
: ‘Course, I can’t really say anything since I’ve been getting pilot training behind your backs.
: Training, huh… The unit you’re flying is one of those Jinrais Kiriyama made, only modded to allow manual flight, right? But how did you get your hands on one of those?
: Actually…

Door opens.

: Oh, when you have my connections, getting one unit is as easy as snapping my fingers.
: Y-You’re…!
: Hmhm, I believe we can skip the introductions, yes?
: I think we’re already pretty intimate after the fun times we had at Akoro, after all.
: Yulianne Faithful…!
: The captain of the Katou Organization’s 7th Unit!
: Excellent work with your infiltration mission, Yulianne.
: I-Infiltration…?!
: I was right… You really were one of us.
: Hmm, always so calm and composed. And here I was, hoping to at least get a gasp out of you.
: I had my suspicions after seeing your actions at Kiriyama Heavy Industries and elsewhere…
: Hey, pops, you wanna explain what’s going on here?
: Moritsugu’s already said it all: she’s another JUDA employee and I had her infiltrate the Katou Organization. (So if you were wondering why she was always dropping Ishigami’s Sushi, there you go.)
: She, Domyoji and Yajima’ll all be joining your team.
: That’s the long and short of it. It’s a pleasure to be working with you.
: L-Likewise… as sudden as this might be…
: Are you serious? Yajima and Domyoji aside, she’s an enemy! She’s been fighting us every step of the way!
: I agree. And considering what happened in today’s mission…
: The enemy knew we were coming. Very likely because some double agent leaked our intel to them.
: Hmhmhm, you don’t measure words, do you?
: Sorry to drop this on you, but the one who gave me the intel and told to relay it to Katou…
: Was Ishigami himself.
: Wh-What…?!
: …
: Is… is that true…?
: You were in on it?! And you didn’t tell us?!
: Correct. Mr. Ishigami knew about everything – absolutely everything that would occur. And he has been directing us with that knowledge all along.
: Then… everything that’s happened to us…
: Al and Ennea’s deaths…!

: You knew what was gonna happen to Richard and still kept quiet…?!
: …
: I don’t deny any of it. That said, it’s unquestionably you who determine and accept your respective fates.
: Excuse me…?!
: Judah and I can only show people the way towards the better future…
: But, ultimately, only your own wills can decide what your fate is, what role you take in life…
: …?!
: (So it falls to man to simply prostrate himself at the altar of fate and pray the heavens smile upon him…?)
: Oh, no, you don’t get to wash your hands of this! How many people died because of what you’ve done?!
: Do you have any idea what Sakura and Kenji have gone through?!
: Hayase…
: You knew everything that was about to go down…
: And you still sent them out to fight?!
: …
: Alright, that’s it! I’m done!
: Where are you going, Hayase?!
: …
: I’m never piloting the Linebarrel again…
: I don’t want anything to do with that monster!

And here are the convos we missed:

: I still don’t know what kind of man I should be…
: But I’ll figure it out! I’ll decide what my real dance is…!

: Kill…the Machinas!
: That’s the Linebarrel’s voice…?! It’s being transmitted by Sheryl’s earring?!
: Just what is this earring?!

Well, that wasn’t creepy at all. First Miu turns out to be mentally unstable, and now Ishigami is a magnificent bastard extraordinaire instead of a goofy man-turned-AI. What’s next? Risako turns out to be a serial killer!?

Damn, the anime adaption did a number on the original plot.

I have also come to a conclusion reading this update: to hell with Morgan Freeman, I want Dr. West narrating my life, guitar solos included!

Click to see the mission!


And we’re back, having lost not only Sakura but, actually, Kenji for reasons we’ll see in a bit. That’s two very reliable units gone (plus Kouichi’s still on strike), and I’m not a happy camper. Shouko’s heading out as an event unit, so we adjust accordingly.

Joe/Athrun
Joey/Domyoji
Arnie/Saya
Sun Quan/Shangxiang
Kazuki/Allelujah
Mamoru/Hebi
Cao Cao/Zhang Fei
Liu Bei/Rennie
Kira/Graham
Burn/Tsubasa
Shou/Marvel
Maya/Michio
Mazinkaiser/Soubi
Alto/Lux
Dancouga/Eida
Kurou/Deceive
Moritsugu/Yulianne
Fei-Yen/Lockon
Aesap/Miu
Yajima/Michel
Tactician: Zhuge Liang

Off we go.

#1: No! I…
#1: I can’t do it!
#2: Please, Katou… It has to be done!
: But… How…
: How can you expect me to just kill you, Professor…?!
#2:
#2: I understand that it’s a very cruel request I’m making of you…
#2: But I can’t trust anyone but you to see it done. It won’t be long before I…
: P-Professor…
#2: I want you to know… that bringing you into our family has given me so much joy…
#2: Thank you… from the bottom of my heart…
: Professor, I… I!
: Gch… Uwaaaaaah!

Bang!

: Professor…!
: …?! Th-This is…
: Hm… That dream again…

Door opens.

: Excuse me.
: What is it, Masaki?
: It’s about Yulianne. She has gone AWOL ever since yesterday’s battle.
: I see…
: Our suspicions may have been right…
: Yes… She was likely a spy Ishigami planted in our midst.
: I suppose I’d forgotten what kind of man he is…
: …
: Still, the information she’s provided us with was very valuable.
: And what about General Lu Bu?
: He’s also left with Diaochan. Their current status is unknown.
: That said, considering his M.O., I doubt he was working as anyone’s spy…
: Hm, I’ll say. That man is simply looking for a place to die.
: A place to die?
: To live is to imagine your death…
: And he can only live by confronting death in the battlefield. What a pitiable man…
: …
: One last thing. The Advancers have sent a request by the Hojo Army: they want an audience with us.
: The group that’s arrived from Byston Well?
: Yes, sir. The Advancers reached out to them as they arrived on the surface and the group has been under their protection since.
: They must clearly want something to be requesting this audience.
: Very well. Why don’t we lend our ears to these otherworlders?

Later…

: A pleasure to make your acquaintance, Cmdr. Katou.
: And allow me to thank you for accepting our request.
: It was no trouble. How are you finding the surface, if I may ask?
: The Advancers have been treating us well… though I confess we were all taken aback when we first met them…
: Hah, that happens to everyone.
: …
: Regardless, in light of the kindness we have been shown…
: We would like to propose an alliance between the Hojo Army and the Katou Organization.
: You wish to ally with us?
: I find it hard to believe that the entire military of a nation would go to war over a favor. What are you truly after?
: As we have been told, your goal is world conquest.
: Thus, when said conquest is complete, perhaps you would grant us sovereignty over Japan? It’s the homeland of our king.
: And has King Sakomizu allowed you to make this arrangement?
: I’m acting of my own initiative at the moment.
: That said, the King dreams of seeing his rotted nation restored. He will not object to this.
: Shinjiro Sakomizu… A loyal warrior of the old Japanese Army…
: Does your ardor for your motherland burn still? Did not even your kamikaze attack snuff it out?
: (This man… he knows of the king’s origins…?)
: But I digress. We will gladly accept your offer.
: I thank you, Cmdr. Katou.
: The blades of the Hojo Army will stand united with you and, together, we’ll bring victory to the Katou Organization.

They leave.

: … Are you sure this is fine?
: It doesn’t really matter. They’ll offset the loss of Yulianne, Lu Bu and Diaochan, and that is more than enough.
: But, regardless, I want you to get ready to depart. We must go meet with him as soon as possible.
: …
: With Amagatsu Kizaki, sir…?

(on TV): You want to send Kenji Kondo back here…?
: Actually, the request comes from him. He wants to stay with Sakura…
: Kenji…
: And I don’t think we should discard any options. Maybe their strong spirits, the strong feelings they have for each other, can help us find another alleyway to take…?
: Okay, I’ll allow it. Send him back to the island along with Sakura Kaname.
: Thank you, sir.

Beep.

: Sakura… She’ll get better, won’t she?
: I’m sure she will. Tsubaki’s been helping my mom and it looks like her research is making progress…
: And she’ll have Kenji right there with her, too.
: Still, the fact remains that we have just lost two Fafners and Canon’s Babylon Model is severely damaged.
: Furthermore, the Linebarrel is sealed away. One cannot deny that this is a heavy blow to our forces.
: …
: Speaking of, what was that black Linebarrel anyway?
: We’d previously seen it change color when Kizaki piloted it, but…
: According to Prof. Rachel, the color change is a result of its Counter Nanomachines activating.
: “Counter Nanomachines”?
: She said it’s a system meant to protect the Factor from the resulting burden of the Override’s continuous teleportation.
: Right, because the Override’s also a type of time travel, just like the Orphes’ warp. The process probably eats away at his life like what happened with Maj. Richard and me.
: That’s true. Kouichi did almost push himself over the edge during that mess with the nukes.
: But, from what we’ve seen, the Counter Nanomachines can only be activated when Kizaki’s in the pilot seat…
: Emi’s the only one who can do it? Kouichi can’t?
: So far, yes…
: If you ask me, I think that’s because of Kizaki’s dad. He’s inside the Linebarrel, so he’s trying to protect her.
: Just as you’re protecting Arnie’s life when you’re both in the Odyssea, Saya.
: …!
: …
: Even that kill-crazy robo-dad still cares for his daughter, then? Hmm…
: But what are we going to do now? Kouichi still hasn’t come back, right?
: And there’s also the matter of Canon…

: …
: My Fafner really is a total loss, then?
: I’m afraid so. The main frame’s core components have taken too much damage to fix.
: On the flip side, you really should thank all your lucky stars that you weren’t hurt when your mech got as trashed as it did.
: …
: Cheer up, Canon-robo…
: Um… Couldn’t she use Sakura’s Mark Drei or something?
: Yeah, and I’m sure Sakura would also like that, rather than leaving the thing to collect dust…
: Unfortunately, that’s not possible. From what we’ve been briefed, it takes someone implanted with Festum genes to pilot a Nothung Model – no one else will work.
: Then, if I were implanted with those…!
: That’s out of the question.
: Why? The other pilots all had that procedure done, no?
: Kazuki and the others are different: the Festum genes were implanted before they were actually born.
: Trying to do the procedure afterwards can, at worst, kill the subject.
: …
: And there’s just no other way for me to pilot the Mark Drei…?
: I’m sorry…
: I see…
: Then I can’t fight anymore…
: Canon…
: Psh, so much’s going down the drain and Kouichi’s still gone! The hell’s he doing?!
: We haven’t heard anything from him since he stormed out Ishigami’s office…
: His reaction’s not unreasonable, though. His own unit almost killed his teammates…
: …
: And, to top that off, the friend he thought was dead actually turned out to be alive…
: It was all too much for him to take in, I think. It would be for anyone…
: I suggest we leave Hayase to Domyoji.
: Domyoji?
: We saw him leave to go talk to him. I’d wager he’s got something in mind…
: Some way to get Kouichi back on his feet, maybe…

Punch!

: You little…! Why did you keep quiet all this time?!

Punch!

: Why do you think?! I couldn’t accept what’d happened to me!

Punch!

: W-Why are those two fighting?! Go stop them…!
: Nah, Hayase needs this right now. He’s gotta put things in order with Yajima.
: And this is how they’re doing that…?! A brawl?!
: Yeah. And it has to be Yajima. This is the only way we’ll exorcize what’s haunting Hayase…
: Do you have any idea how hard I’d been driving myself, all because I thought you died for me…
: But here you are, alive again – and you even have the same power we have, to boot! What did I do all that for, then?! It was all for nothing!

Punch!

: “For nothing”?! What about those people you protected?! Where do you get off saying they meant nothing?! Grow up!

Punch!

: Haah, haah… Then…
: Then, tell me, what the hell am I supposed to do now?!
: What matters isn’t what you should do. It’s what you want to do.
: …?!
: What do you want to do, Kouichi…?
: I… I…
: …
: I just want to be a Champion of Justice…
: Then just be one. It suits you, I think.
: Okay…
: Kouichi… You’re not someone who can only be protected anymore.
: So I want you to protect me back whenever I’m in trouble…
: Yajima…

: You made up through a fist-fight? Talk about old-fashioned…
: Still, it looks like getting everything out in the open helped them sort things out.
: Haha— Oooww…
: Sorry if we had you guys worried, but we’re good now.
: But… how? How did that help you?
: Because we’re all a bunch of idiots here. Honestly, I couldn’t tell beforehand if it was gonna work or not.
: You have to break down the excess and single out what actually matters: “what do you want to do?” as they always say.
: Yeah, first you get that sorted out and then you worry about the rest!
: (What do I want to do…?)
: To sum it up, it’s a guy thing, then?
: Owowowow! Don’t poke at me, Erebos! I’m still hurting all over!
: Hayase… I’m so sorry that I never told you about my father…
: …
: I’m sorry, too, Kizaki… because I don’t think I’ll ever be able to forgive your dad for what he did.
: I know…
: But I also did some thinking. If we can choose our fate, like Mr. Ishigami said, then…
: I think your dad must’ve chosen his fate too.
: My father’s fate…?
: Right. I’m sure there must’ve been some reason for him to head down this path – one that had him drive you to tears, to do all those monstrous things…
: And I wanna find out what that reason is!
: Hayase…
: Kouichi, go and speak to the Linebarrel.
: If you can’t forgive what he’s doing, then face him head on… and set him straight with your justice!
: Yeah…!
: Kizaki… Can you come with me to the Linebarrel?
: Okay…!
: (Hayase’s resolved to stand up to his fate…)
: (And I…)

Alarm!

: The alarm…?!
: We’ve an emergency!
: Several mobile units have been detected heading this way! We believe it’s the Katou Organization!
: The Katous?!
: Kouichi, you and Kizaki go for the Linebarrel!
: B-But…
: What, you don’t think the Neo Hayase Corps. can handle this?! Trust us, dude!
: Yajima, Domyoji…!
: Are you done making out, ladies?! The enemy needs killing!
: Aye, aye, ma’am!

Everyone goes.

: Everything’ll be alright, Canon. Just stay here and wait for us.
: …
: Hrm…!

Canon leaves.

: Hey, Canon! Where’re you going?!
: I’ll go after her. You guys go and get ready to deploy…!

: (I don’t belong in this team, with Michio, Kazuki and the others, if I can’t fight… I shouldn’t be here…)
: (But, I…!)


Mission 35 – Choice ~ Decision

: The Linebarrel should be sealed away beneath the JUDA building…
: Hmph… They would merely seal away that which they cannot control? Pathetic!
: Amagatsu Kizaki! You shall awaken once more by our hands!

: They’re looking to steal the Linebarrel today?!
: But we cannot allow it to fall into the enemy’s clutches! All troops, launch!

: (The Katou Organization was always so committed towards destroying all Machinas, but they want to steal the Linebarrel…?)
: (What for? Just what is the Linebarrel – what is Amagatsu Kizaki…?)

Beep, beep!

: Huh?! Watch out, the Katou Organization isn’t alone! This signal is…!

: The Hojo Army?! Why are they with the Katou Organization…?!
: (My money’s on The Advancers being hard at work again…)
: You’ve allied yourself with an army of the Overworld, Sakomizu?!
: …
: What’s it look like?! We and the Katou Organization’re gonna take over this idiotic world together!
: Our Aura Machines are also getting a lot stronger now that we’re in the Overworld… No one’s gonna stop us with this power on our side!
: The hatred in their hearts is growing stronger as their Aura Power does…!
: That’s exactly what happened back in our world!
: Rouri, Kanamoto… Are you really that far gone?!
: On your command, Lord Masaki.
: …
: We’ll be counting on you and your troops. Forward!
: (The Linebarrel is Hisataka Katou’s primary target… and it is also a key for us to unlock one of the mysteries of this world…)

: Ladies, gentlemen, do not allow the enemy to encroach upon the demarked area. Keep the Linebarrel squarely out of their reach!


Kill everything, don’t lose a ship or let any enemy into JUDA HQ. We’ve got forces coming in from the NE and SE, so you’ll want to spread your guys accordingly – the Katous are bulkier in general, so send more guys that way.
Do note that while the bosses will all move in from the start, they’ll prioritize your guys, while the mooks will always make a beeline for JUDA, so focus on the little guys first, especially the flying Aura Machines. Speaking of, while I didn’t bother checking, I’ve a sinking feeling they’ve really gained a power boost from being in the Overworld – a couple mooks hit the Quarter and did about 4-4.5k a pop, which is a ton.
Regardless, the first waves are the more complicated but once your morale gets going, you’ll be tearing through these guys quickly. Remember that Kotto and Masaki still have their MAPWs and you’ll be fine.


Alto’s YF-29 Durandal F is pretty much a straight upgrade to his Messiah, carrying even the same Squad Bonus. There isn’t really much to be said here: it’s got more of everything. I suppose I could mention that he now has his ISC Maneuver, which means he can use his finisher post-movement. The Battroid version is still stronger, mind, and has 4 shots, while the ISC Maneuver costs a hefty 50 EN to use.


Apparition (Yajima Hideaki)
Pilot Skills:
Factor (Base value is 50)
Prevail L4
Support Attack L1
Support Defense L2
All-Attack L1
Hit & Away
Gunfight L2
Spirit Commands:
Snipe
Focus
Strike
Ideal (casts Fighting Spirit on self and adjacent allies)
Mech Features:
Gun
EM Camouflage
10% HP Regen
Squad Bonus: Ranged attacks +100, Accuracy +5 (Ranged attacks +200, Accuracy +20, Range +2, A in Air)
Yajima’s voice actor: Go Shinomiya (other roles: Seishiro Kusanagi in SRW OE, Lee and JB in 00 Gundam, and some more.)

A pure sniper as he was in L, Yajima’s still pretty reliable but he can’t really hold a handle to Maya, Miku, Mike (in the Kaima) or even Lockon. Still, he can make for a pretty good squaddie for any of them and should be an easy fit. His stats are certainly good enough and his squad bonus makes him pretty much perfect for any ranged attacker.

And I forgot to take a picture of Domyoji, so you’ll be spared of my ramblings for another mission. To sum it up, though, he’s a pretty great squaddie too, with his Squad Bonus boosting both ranged and melee weapons.

:siren: SRW UX - Deus Machina

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eWtEDl66vOM
And we start shooting but stuff’s still mostly closing in. Events trigger with every new turn, so…

: (Michio, everyone… good luck out there!)

Door opens.

: …
: Canon… Did something happen?
: You have it, don’t you? A medicine that implants one with the Festum genes?
: Wh-Who told you—?!
: Michio mentioned it a while back. He said that, in the event someone was infected by the Mir’s toxin, it’d be possible to inoculate them through the injection of the Festum genes.
: Th-That’s…
: And considering how many times this squadron has fought the Festum, it’s pretty safe to assume that you’d have some of that for use in an emergency.
: I’m taking it.
: Wait! That’s used only as a last resort—

  • :tfrxmas: *

: Don’t move!
: …?!
: Canon, you…!
: …
: This is what I chose…

Carrying on outside, we’ve got plenty of stuff in range.

:siren: SRW UX - Linebarrel

: I have been reborn as a Factor… and I’ve taken plenty of time to come to grips with it.
: But from now on I’ll be fighting as part of the UX!
: I’ll do so not only for me, but also to protect his home…!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T1NwqJU0QYM

: Hayase’s steeled himself and is off to settle matters with the Linebarrel…
: Then I guess I better get to work too! Can’t have you folks making a mess out of that!

: Hmhmhm… Oh, it just breaks my heart to have to fight some familiar faces…
: Still, this is my debut battle with the UX, so I have to make it a good one!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OL4DCkKiim8

:siren: SRW UX - The Light of Life Shines
Oh, and it should be noted that Saya’s BGM changed when we unlocked the Odyssea and I only noticed it now! :v:

:siren: SRW UX - Love Survivor


I took care to get rid of one of these dumbasses quick before they had the morale to use their combo attack.

: Damn it, wasn’t my Aura energy supposed to have been boosted?!
: Am I just not strong enough…?!

: Tsk… We’ve got some coming from over there too!
: Relay troops to intercept them at once!

Alarm!

: Detecting a powerful energy reaction coming from above!

: H-Hrrgh…!
: Where… Where’d that come from…?!
: Hm, you’ve finally shown yourself…
: Hisataka Katou…!

: They’ve withstood the Shangri-La’s bombardment… You do justice to your reputation as heroes.
: Katou…!
: Heheh, so the boss-man himself is jumping into the fray? I love it!
: It goes to show how much they want the Linebarrel!
: You were all of great use for our plans… but I’m afraid your part has ended now that he’s awakened.
: And I am here to remove you from the world’s stage!

: Now I just have to inject myself with this and I’ll be able to pilot a Nothung Model…
: Canon, stop! Think of what might happen! You might even die, remember?!

Door opens.

: I thought you’d be here, Canon…
: Shouko…
: Why are you doing this…?
: …
: When I tried to disappear along with the island, Kazuki said I had to make my own choices…
: Youko also told me that I had to figure out how to live without orders…
: But neither of them were telling you to do something like this, no?
: How do you think my mom would feel if you went ahead with it and lost your life?
: I suppose… she would be sad. As would everyone else…
: And it’d sadden you, too…
: …
: But I must still do this…!
: … Okay.
: Ms. Yumiko, please let her do as she wants.
: Shouko?!
: I know what she’s feeling. For so long I was always sick, never able to do anything to help the island or the people I loved…
: Shouko…
: It was my own will that let me be here today…
: I chose to stand up to my fate, to overcome it and to stay here…
: And I know you’ll do the same, right, Canon?
: …
: I have thought long and hard about this and so many things…
: And there’s only one answer I found…!
: Don’t! Canon, stop this!
: I am here…
: And I’ll continue to be, along with all my friends. That’s what I choose…!

Inject!

: Aaiieeee!
: The Linebarrel isn’t something you are equipped to handle.
: (Ishigami… Whatever future you might have your eyes set on, you will not make it real…!)

Katou and two mooks close in on JUDA!

: Gch… This is not good!
: Ishigami! I’m taking Amagatsu Kizaki!
: …
: M-Mr. Ishigami…!

: Wh-What…?!

:siren: SRW UX - Shangri-La

: We made it…!
: The Mark Sechs… but the other one is…!
: …
: The Mark Drei… Is it—?!
: I’m borrowing your Fafner, Sakura…
: So that I can protect this place… where all our friends are at!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AfGPMjM2i1M

: Canon’s piloting the Mark Drei…?!
: You implanted yourself with the Festum genes?!
: Canon, you…
: We’ll talk about it later!
: Canon’s here, and that’s all that matters!
: Roger. Canon, provide support.
: Thank you, Maya…
: Canon, you know what to do, right?
: Absolutely!

Canon tags into Shouko’s team.

: All your tricks won’t change the future, Ishigami!

Beep.

: I presume you’re talking about the future you know?
: What…?!
: I’m sure you’ve already noticed it, but there’s a major difference between the future you saw, and the future my eyes are set upon…
: …?!
: Ishigami… You cannot mean…!
: (Kunio Ishigami and Hisataka Katou… What are they talking about?)
: Now, ladies and gentlemen of the UX, I have a new request to make of you.
: Please set forward and remove them from these premises!
: That goes without saying! Everyone focus fire on Katou’s Arma!
: Copy that!


Now you only have to beat Katou to end the mission but, of course, we want all those kills and moneys.


Canon’s Mark Drei is a bit different from Sakura, as you can see by the new Luger Lance. It’s about a little bit stronger overall, though it no longer has the Piram, so it loses a bit of utility. On the other hand, it now has a lot more range since the Lance can be used to shoot stuff down.


Tsukuyomi (Hisataka Katou)
Pilot Skills:
Factor – Only his Machina’s the Shangri-La and he pilots an Arma… so he doesn’t regen anything!
Prevail L7
Support Attack L3
All-Attack L2
Command L4
Mech Features:
Sword
All Canceller
Katou’s voice actor: Jun Fukuyama

Katou’s Arma may look a bit gangly but he’s anything but with 50k HP and that L7 Prevail. His attacks are all high-powered and his stats, as you might expect, are pretty good overall (though nowhere as high as Amagatsu’s).
Best attack is range 1-3, though, so either hit from outside of that or bring defensive spirits. By himself he won’t be a problem, but you might be somewhat threatened if you haven’t shaved off a decent number of the original troops/bosses since that Command L4’ll give them all a major boost.
All that said, he’d be a lot more intimidating if we hadn’t just dealt with Amagatsu.

:siren: SRW UX - Linebarrel

: Hmph, never did I expect you to turn traitor! You will pay for your deceit…!
: Hmhmhm… All women have layers they don’t show everyone – especially good women!


Yulianne attacking: “Not even your feet can match my Tsubaki-hime, Jack.”

: You again, Mister Samurai? Has it still not sunken in that you’re not good enough to face me?
: I’ll concede that you’ve the strength to match your arrogance.
: However, I cannot step aside! The souls of my dead subordinates demand I claim your head!


Made me waste an attack!

: S-Such strength… Can not even my Arma body challenge them anymore?!

:siren: SRW UX - Obelisk

: Goddamn it! Our Aura Machines just can’t handle them?!
: How the hell did they get such a leg up on us?!

:siren: SRW UX - Dunbine Flies

: Tsk, we can ill afford a display of weakness right before our new allies… but I also cannot overextend on the eve of our assault of the Overworld!

:siren: SRW UX - Tales of Mirisha ~ The Brave Legend

: Hrk… They are even stronger than our last encounter.
: Was allying with this Katou Organization truly the right decision to make?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zTZ7HzHLImc
And here’s the Apparition best trick, plus Michel’s Reactive Munitions.

:siren: SRW UX - Shangri-La

: I’ll keep them all safe, and then we’ll head home together!
: That’s the decision I’ve made!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pjrn8OlpGRU
And we might as well get Athrun’s best solo attack plus DK out of the way too.

:siren: SRW UX - Sublimation of a Destroyer

:siren: SRW UX - A Bird’s Song

: How unfortunate. Were you still an inciter of war, you could’ve been an asset to us.
: Pass. That kind of gig really doesn’t click with us anymore – quite the opposite, actually.
: Now, we don’t really know why you care so much about nabbing the Linebarrel…
: But that doesn’t mean we’re just going to let you get your hands on it or on Kouichi!
: This might be your grand entry on stage, Hisataka Katou, but we’re about to bring the curtains down on you…!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qmbPS1cx-w8
As you can see, he hurts plenty.

:siren: SRW UX - Tales of Mirisha ~ The Brave Legend

: Sakomizu has not taken to the field… What are you truly after in the shadows of this assault?!
: It’s that man from before…! Is he coming to assault the king again?!
: Rrgh, fire! Fire! Do not let him near His Majesty!

:siren: SRW UX - Dunbine Flies

: Use Aura Machines to wage war in the Overworld and there’ll be no undoing the destruction you’ll cause! Why can’t you see that?!
: We must showcase our might to the people of this land! Holy Warrior or not, oppose us and death will take you!

:siren: SRW UX - My Fate

: King Sakomizu, why did you ally with the Katou Organization?! What’re you trying to accomplish with this?!
: Look at the present Japan! Don’t you understand that it has no room for your ideology?!
: That is not for you to decide, young Aesap Suzuki…!

: Father, why on Earth would you cast your lot with such villains as the Katou Organization?!
: …
: Why won’t you answer me?! Father…!
: Silence! The king seeks to understand the inner workings of this world! Your opinion is neither wanted nor needed, girl!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BhdNeDhASyo
And we’ll take them out in style with Alto’s best Valkyrie attack.

: …
: Sound the retreat, Codour. There is no point in continuing this battle.
: But, Your Majesty, if we do not claim victory here and now, we…!
: Insolence! Know when to still your tongue!
: …?!
: K-Kotto, sound the retreat…
: Y-Yes! All troops, fall back!

Were there any Hojo troops alive, they’d leave.

: (I have seen all I needed to see in this battle. What I must do here, on the surface, is…)

: (Father… just what are you thinking?)

:siren: SRW UX - Tales of Mirisha ~ The Brave Legend

: A full assault at JUDA, is it? Then, come! I’ll end every last one of you!
: Rather than your usual protective stance, now you take a purely offensive one?
: You may not be gripped by fear, but something else clearly has its bindings around you…
: Something binds me…?!

:siren: SRW UX - Linebarrel

: You really were a JUDA spy, I see…
: By your attitude, I presume you already had some suspicions? But just because the cat’s out of the bag doesn’t mean we can’t have some fun, right?
: You’re well aware of the Glain-Neidr’s power. There’ll be no fun for you if you insist on doing this …!

: Apparition… I imagined you’d already produced yourself a Factor.
: He’s clearly got the upper hand in terms of size…
: But I’m not throwing in the towel! I’m sure he wouldn’t, were he here!

: (Mr. Ishigami… What are you planning that you’d gather a force as powerful as this…?)

:siren: SRW UX - Lion

: Our battle with the Katou Organization’ll be over once you’re history!
: I see uncertainty in those wings of yours. Do you mean to strike me down with a spirit as weak as that?
: I’ve already made up my mind to keep on flying – and I won’t stop, with or without uncertainty holding me back!
: Because I know it’ll eventually lead me to finding the role I’m truly meant to play!

:siren: SRW UX - Believe ver. HD

: Whatever spirit has found its way inside you, you’ll still be unable to stop me.
: Sorry, but you’ve got it the wrong way around.
: Whatever is up with you, I’ll just keep on fighting and singing with everything I have! And you can’t stop that!

: It’s possible your way could eventually help people survive hardship…
: Why do you oppose me if you think so?
: Because you’re too ruthless! Not everyone’s as strong as you want them to be and you can’t just throw them away!

:siren: SRW UX - Tobikage Appears!

: So, your obsession isn’t with the Linebarrel but with Kizaki’s dad…?
: You got history with the guy, don’t you?! What’s the deal between you two?!
: I admit I underestimated you, Joe Maya… I thought you were a simple man, but you’re surprisingly sharp!

:siren: SRW UX - The Will of Man Awakens

: Why have you taken the to field now, of all times, Katou Hisataka?!
: Because I chose to do so, pure and simple. To see that it’s not the future Ishigami sees that is realized, but the future I… or, rather, the future he sees!
: (Maj. Richard said he saw Hell when he traveled into the future…)
: (But what about Katou and Ishigami? What kind of future do they see waiting for us…?)

:siren: SRW UX - Tales of Mirisha ~ The Brave Legend

: Do you even have a reason to meddle in this world’s affairs? I don’t see any.
: I shall take up arms wherever I see suffering people!
: Such is the essence of my justice, Hisataka Katou!

:siren: SRW UX - Roulette

: I know of you: swept away by the circumstances around you, too young to tell right from wrong… You have no right to be here.
: Maybe, but at least I don’t try and force what I think is right onto others!
: We think things through together, and fight as best we can to let people live their lives in peace!
: (“Peace”, you say…? Ignorance is bliss…)

:siren: SRW UX - Linebarrel

: You had left this stage once before, and ghosts have no place upon the battlefield.
: That’s how I looked at it at first.
: But now I’m here because I want to be! Not to fight as a ghost, but as a CHAMPION OF JUSTICE!

:siren: SRW UX - Shangri-La

: Why’re you only interested in taking the Linebarrel, Hisataka Katou?!
: Because the Linebarrel is not something that can be left in the hands of the ignorant! Accept that fact!

:siren: SRW UX - Linebarrel

: So, this is where your loyalties truly lie, Yulianne…!
: Sorry, commander. To tell the truth, I didn’t mind the time I spent with the Katou Organization.
: But I was on Ishigami’s payroll first, and I don’t break contracts once they’re made. Think of how much my credibility would suffer!


Yulianne: “It’s nothing personal, commander.”
Katou: “Receive the punishment due to your treachery, Yulianne.”

: Hisataka Katou… What reason does the infamous leader have to come here in person?
: Because the time for it had come. That’s all there is to it.


Katou taking big damage: “Indeed, you were the one we should’ve been wary of the most, Reiji Moritsugu…!”

:siren: SRW UX - LEGEND OF KAISER

: I won’t suffer rabid beasts, lacking any and all ideals, getting in my way. Leave.
: Hah, and you think rabid beasts would listen to what you have to say?
: “Ideals”? Are you trying to bore me to death, guy? When you’re in a battle, you either live or you die – period!


Kaido attacking (he’ll say it for Sakomizu too): “Ya can stuff all them ‘just cause’ speeches! We fight ‘cause we want to, and that’s just how we like it!”

:siren: SRW UX - Shangri-La

: A soldier that does nothing but follow orders cannot hope to oppose me. Leave now and I’ll spare you.
: I’m no longer fighting because I was ordered to…
: I am here, right now, because I chose this for myself!


Katou drops another Teachings of Jikishinkage-ryu Kenjutsu.

: Hrk… Blast you, Ishigami! I will not tolerate what you’re trying to accomplish…!

: Such a terrifying Aura Power…! Where in blazes does such tenacity stem from?!
: I dare say… it’s love that he feels!
: If I have the Linebarrel… If I just have him, then the future—!
: I’m afraid not. The man you’re looking for is gone, Katou…
: What…?!

:siren: SRW UX - Linebarrel (Full Intro)

: That’s enough out of you, Hisataka Katou.
: …?! I-Impossible… How are you…?!
: Why are you piloting the Linebarrel, Kouichi Hayase…?!
: That’s because… Mr. Amagatsu gave it to me.
: What do you mean?!
: Exactly what I said. He entrusted it to me before he passed on…
: Amagatsu Kizaki isn’t with us anymore… he’s dead!
: (Hayase…)
: …
: How… Why were you…
: WHY?!

Katou charges after Kouichi!

: Stabilize fields and then active Counter Nanomachines!
: Engage real-time teleportation in response to target’s movements at intervals 6, 7, 2, 3, 5, 8!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CDDCiBo0EB4
Captions are available.

: U-Uurgh…!
: Kouichi activated the Counter Nanomachines…!
: What’s going on?! I thought only Kizaki could do that…!
: Why… Kouichi Hayase! You were supposed to be just an average kid!
: You were never meant to be chosen for anything!
: You got that right. I absolutely wasn’t chosen for this.
: On the contrary: I chose this! I chose this fate, of my own free will!
: …?!
: You weren’t chosen… but, instead, chose this yourself?!

Beep.

: Katou, the Linebarrel and Kouichi Hayase turning up wasn’t in the plan. We should retreat and reorganize for the moment!
: Tch…!
: You understand now, don’t you, Katou?
: So, what I say to you is this: imagine. That is, if you truly want to save humanity.
: …
: A man who’s a pawn for the Machinas has no place telling me to imagine…!

: (Hisataka Katou wishes to save humanity…?)

: No further signals on radar. Enemy forces are confirmed repelled.
: Phew, we cut it real close today… I don’t know what we would’ve done if the Linebarrel hadn’t turned up.
: You’ve overcome that hurdle, huh, Kouichi…?
: All thanks to yours and everyone’s help. I’m really grateful.
: And there’s something else I forgot to say…
: Welcome back, Yajima…
: Glad to be here…

: I see… Then it really was The Advancers behind the Katou Organization and the Hojo Army’s alliance?
: I think so, yes. And this isn’t the first time they’ve meddled into things.
: For instance, they often supported the Martian Development Bureau from the shadows and helped push that reform of the Federation Army…
: The reform?! Then…!
: Right, meaning they came this close to driving JUDA and Orb off the cliff.
: I was also quite busy during that time, mind, finding and delivering that The Boom Army top secret footage to Agent Hughes.
: Then, our names being cleared with the Federation Government…
: Is mostly because of me, yes. You may thank me later.
: As for The Advancers, I really wish I could’ve figured out who they were sooner, but they’re a very careful, very secretive lot. It took a long time.
: And these Advancers are Hisataka Katou’s personal secret weapon?
: I’m glad you’re quick on the take, Moritsugu.
: Wait, hold on! Who are these Advancers, then?! How are they Katou’s secret weapon?!
: The Advancers are, put it simply, fixers that have been snuck into every nation. Through them, Katou manipulates the world and everyone’s none the wiser…
: But what The Advancers really are is…


Location: New York – Rubens Foundation HQ

: It seems the Linebarrel has progressed to a new stage.
: Nothing escapes your attention, hm? Though we’d expect no less from the heir apparent of the Rubens Foundation.
: The entire world is keeping a very close eye on the UX’s actions. Of course I’d do the same.
: But the question now is what will you and your fellows do?
: The same we’d been doing before. Nothing has changed.
: All we do is advance the schedule that has been given to us.
: …
: Despite the fact that your Original, Amagatsu Kizaki, is now dead…?
: That’s correct…

: Th-The Advancers are all clones of my father…?!
: What do you mean by that?!
: I think I said it as clearly as could be. The Advancers are a group comprised entirely of Amagatsus.
: And Hisataka manages them all.
: But for what?!
: You and Kouichi both contacted Prof. Kizaki’s mind, no? I’m certain you know the answer to that question.
: …?!
: Then, my father…
: Correct. The Advancers are your father’s legacy for Katou. They were given to him so that he’d use them to influence the world out of sight.
: All so he could choose his future…
: …
: The dealings with the Martian Development Bureau, the treaty with the Frontier Government and the AEU, and, also, the hijacking of one of the Union’s most powerful weapons. All those were a result of The Advancers’ work.
: And I’d wager Katou has been working nonstop to correct any eventualities that didn’t conform to his schedule.
: Not so different from you, pushing for your chosen future to be realized through Judah’s guidelines…
: Yes, but our perspectives are fundamentally different.
: Where I see a desired outcome, he sees an irregularity to be fixed.
: And now that Hayase’s inherited the Linebarrel, he’s likely getting ready to make his next move.
: His next move…?
: But, of course, I’m already taking steps to counter that.
: Ms. Ogawa, I trust all preparations are complete?
: Yes, sir. All personnel have been reassigned to new posts and all projects have been passed along.
: With this, the enterprise known as JUDA will cease to exist.
: Whuh…?!
: I’d rather say it’s just returning to the form it was always meant to have.
: …
: Wh-What’d you mean by JUDA’ll cease to exist…?!
: Ensign Berge. I called you and Saya here so that you’d be the first to know.
: JUDA’s Special Forces are breaking ties with Japan! We are officially an arm of the Ultimate Cross, effective immediately!
: …?!
: JUDA’s incorporated itself into the UX…?
: No take-backsies, yes? We’re all at your service…

: The implanted genes are settling in just fine. There shouldn’t be any risk of rejection anymore.
: Thank goodness for that… but what you did was still too dangerous, Canon.
: Sorry. But I wanted…
: I wanted to be like Kazuki and the others…
: If that’s what you decided, then I won’t say anything.
: But you have to make it through this alive. Keep that in mind, please.
: I say the same to you.
: The bond between those two has grown a lot stronger through this, huh.
: Eh. They still ain’t got nothing on the bond between us twins.
: Sis, please, this isn’t a competition…
: Shouko and I’ll take you up on that challenge.
: Ah…?
: The two of us are no different from you…
: We’re sisters, after all…
: Canon…

Door opens.

: Ah, here you are. Everyone’s being asked to gather at the president’s office.
: Did something happen?
: Maybe Mr. Ishigami has some sort of major announcement to make…
: A major announcement…?

:siren: SRW UX - Rebellion Against Fate

: W-We’ve been integrated into the UX…?
: Katou’ll all but surely be making full use of The Advancers from now on.
: And if he does, it wouldn’t be too difficult for them to turn the world against JUDA like they did before. In fact, I’d expect things to be even worse…
: And, so, you’ve decided to preemptively dismantle JUDA before they tried anything of the sort.
: Well, it makes sense. The UX has been recognized by the Federation Government as an independent strike team, so they can’t exert any outside pressure on us.
: I get it, but trashing the whole company…?
: And it’s not just JUDA’s Special Forces that are being relocated.
: The Skull Force’s officially broken ties with the WSO not too long ago.
: U-Us too…?!
: Nice. Now we don’t even gotta worry about the bigwigs getting pissy with us.
: And, of course, that also applies to the SMS.
: Even us?
: Ms. Yulianne’s information has made it clear that The Advancers have also infiltrated the Frontier government. We deemed it best to put ourselves as far out of their reach as possible.
: But there’s still the matter of Sheryl…
: …
: Mind you, no one’s forced to go along with this.
: A lot of you chose to join the UX, so this decision is entirely up to you. Will you stay? Will you leave? Your fate is yours to decide.
: Psh, you say that like anyone here’d start getting cold feet after everything we’d been through.
: Ain’t that right, folks?
: Yeah, I’m not going anywhere until this is over!
: I’m coming along too!
: We were always prepared to see this path through to the end.
: Not only am I staying, I’ll be singing even harder for us!
: Hah, I suppose I now find myself in your shoes, Ensign.
: Major…
: Well, looks like everyone’s okay with sticking around.
: But, if we’re breaking away from all those groups, then who’ll be our bosses?
: Well, why don’t we give Arnie and Saya that job?
: U-Us…?!
: N-Now wait just a minute! I’m still just an Ensign!
: You want me to start giving orders to people that’re a bunch of ranks above me?! That’s insane…
: Oh, then we now grant you a six-rank promotion! Should we start calling you “general” or something?
: G-General…?!
: While that’s very unusual, it’s not without precedent.
: Right, Kira?
: Heh, right.
: N-No, please… just keep calling me Ensign…
: Always the humble man, eh?
: And don’t worry that you’re in over your head. You and Saya’ll just be deciding our overall policy.
: Hmhmm. Zhou Yu and the others will all be on hand to take care of our tactics.
: You’re fine with that, yes, Zhou Yu?
: Absolutely. We shall strive to support the two of them to the utmost of our abilities.
: Although, I trust you will continue your studies under me, hm?
: Hahahah… Y-yes, sir.
: Thank you so much, everyone…
: And now… with that taken care of, I believe Hayase has something to tell us.
: He does…?
: Yeah, it’s about the Linebarrel. About how I inherited it…
: …
: And, more importantly, I need to tell you guys what I learned from Mr. Amagatsu… about the future of mankind…


[i]Fei learns her 2nd tactician bonus, and is now capable of immunizing our guys against spec debuffs as well – in other words, we can’t be debuffed when she’s leading our team (though it still doesn’t affect the Festum or ELS, so…).

Also, some convos we missed:[/i]

: How do you like this, Aesap?! Check out my real power! All it’ll take is a little show of force and we’ll have the rich and powerful panicking like ants!
: You’re still going at it like this?! How do you figure you can change the world for the better by taking out your dissatisfaction on others?!

: We’ll all back at the Overworld, Kanamoto! There’s absolutely no reason for us to be fighting each other!
: What, are you telling me to move back to that apartment, living off minimum wage again?! Get real!
: If I prove myself with the Hojo Army, the King’ll make me a noble!
: A “noble”?! And how many people’ll die because of that garbage?!

Now, as you saw above, Shouko participates heavily in Canon’s events. But what if you didn’t save her? Well, then Soma is the one who tags along. The lines in the prologue are pretty much unchanged, except Soma words it differently, but here are the mid-battle scenes:

: Now I just have to inject myself with this and I’ll be able to pilot a Nothung Model…
: Canon, stop! Think of what might happen! You might even die, remember?!

Door opens.

: I thought you’d be here, Canon…
: Peries…
: Why are you doing this…?
: …
: When I tried to disappear along with the island, Kazuki said I had to make my own choices…
: Youko also told me that I had to figure out how to live without orders…
: They weren’t telling you to do something like this, though, right?
: How do you think everyone would feel if lost your life?
: I suppose… they’d be sad. As would Youko…
: And it’d sadden you, too…
: …
: But I must still do this…!
: … Okay.
: Yumiko, please let her do as she wants.
: Peries?!
: When the HRL experimented on me for the Super Soldier Program… I was left completely paralyzed, stripped of all my senses. I was essentially a corpse.
: But, with Allelujah’s help, I learned how to live as a person.
: And I believe you feel the same way, right, Canon?
: Peries…
: Kazuki and your friends have taught you how to live.
: And that’s what pushed you to make a decision… to answer all their feelings in kind and stand up to your destiny…
: …
: I have thought long and hard about this and so many things…
: And there’s only one answer I found …!
: Don’t! Canon, stop this!
: I am here…
: And I’ll continue to be, along with all my friends. That’s what I choose…!

Inject!

When the Harute sets into battle with the Mark Drei, Soma’s lines are the same as Shouko’s, so that scene’s mostly unchanged. The epilogue one in the infirmary is different, mind, after Canon apologizes:

: I’m sure all this happened the way it did because of your resolve and your wish to stay with us.
: It was that powerful will, those emotions, you showcased that brought this about.
: Yeah, I think so too. That’s got to be it.
: My emotions…?

And then Luca calls everyone to Ishigami’s office.

Ah yes, the Apparition’s rain-maker. I’ve nearly forgotten about it.

What was that between Kira and Athrun about the six-rank promotion? Did something like that happen in Seed?

To quote a poster from the SA thread: For those who don’t know, after retaking Orb late in Destiny, Kira Yamato is quietly promoted from Ensign to Fleet Admiral. It isn’t even mentioned. He just gets a new uniform with a lot more bars on it. That makes him by far the highest-ranked protagonist of any Gundam series.