Part 45: Mission #42: Takemura vs. Takemura

I'm starting to think that these submission periods bring out the worst parts of this thread...

Also, Deceitful Penguin, relax, just relax. The communism joke is dead.

Mission #42: Takemura vs. Takemura



It's almost time for the long-awaited showdown of Kazuki against his father, and keep in mind, whatever else we may have seen of Isao Takemura, he is partially responsible for the creation and raising of Kazuki.



Lukav betraying the men he nominally works for? Impossible!
: The mission was to take over the base. We succeeded.
: Many men were killed! You call that a success!?
: That base was uncooperative. Now that it's destroyed, I'm sure the other bases will cooperate. Am I wrong?
: You...!
: That's enough, Major Kuroi.
You know what the problem with this game is? The only other competent villain besides Lukav in this entire game is probably Liu.
: But...!
: Lukav isn't entirely wrong. Other bases will cooperate after seeing what happens to Kaita Base. But if you ignore our orders again...
You've got to hand it to Sasaki, Lukav just ignored his orders, and has a long history of betraying everyone he works for, but he's still willing to have faith in Lukav.
: I understand. You command the missions. I follow your orders.
: There it is, Major. Continue the mission.
: ...



: He'll be fine.
: All right.
Well, at least one person from that base survived...kind of a shame that it only was one person.
: Colonel Takemura is asking for you. Please follow me.
We've actually met this guy before a long, long time ago.
: ...
: It's time for the reunion! This is your last chance to run away!
: Shut up. I'm here to beat him down.
Well, I'm glad Kazuki has his head in the right place...
: You guys are such babies.
: Um...
: Miho, we'll be fine. Please stay by the lieutenant's side.
: Thanks...



: Alisa, I'm glad to see you. I was worried.
: Dad! You're okay!
: That idiot did okay.
: Who are you calling an idiot? You're one to talk!
Well, I mean, Kazuki has essentially left a trail of destruction in his wake primarily due to his amazing incapacity to make good decisions.
: You haven't grown up a bit.
: Shut up!
: Stop it, Kazuki!
: We have no time for a family feud.
: Are you the CIU agent?
: Yes, sir. I'm Mayer Edward.
: I guess the OCU can't leave the coup situation alone. But the culprit behind the coup is Chief of Staff Sasaki in the Makuryo Headquarters. You'll be better off talking to him.
: We have no plans to contact the coup force, or to send in the OCU military like in Alordesh.
That's a reference to the events of Front Mission 2, where the OCU took a more active role in dealing with a coup....it did not go well.
: You're asking us to take care of ourselves?
: Yes. The OCU right now, especially South East Asia, is hanging in a balance. If this balance is disturbed, the OCU will break up for sure. Japan must maintain it's current situation for the OCU's stability.
To review the situation in the OCU, they lost future-Bangladesh a few years back, and, in the events of this game, the Philippines was the scene of a brutal civil war that ended with a city being wiped off the map. So, things are rather grim, and the Australians need Japan to not become a military dictatorship, as that's bound to scare off the rest of the OCU.
: The coup forces took the capital and are being joined by other divisions. It's only a matter of time before they change Japan.
: That's why I'm here. Mr. Takemura, you used to work as Sasaki's right-hand man. Sasaki knows your abilities well.
: That was a long time ago.
: Sasaki used your name in starting this coup, because he didn't want you as an enemy. You pose a threat to him.
Yeah, that's the explanation for the profoundly odd situation of Sasaki framing Isao Takemura for the coup. Sasaki apparently figured that if he told everyone that Takemura was leading the coup, this would somehow prevent him from fighting Sasaki. The only way I can make sense of that is if, by claiming Takemura was responsible, he created confusion among his opponents.
: But I can't do anything by myself.
: You're not alone. Look, this base is providing you with a hideout. There are other divisions that are in conflict with the coup forces.
: Are you suggesting that I start a civil war?
Okay, granted the last two times the party participated in a civil war, they ended up causing their side to lose...but I got a good feeling this time.
: You're the only one who can stop the coup.
: But then the entire country will become a battlefield.
: I understand what you're saying. But the coup relies on force. Casualties will spread if you leave them alone.
: But...
: You're wasting your time, Mayer. He probably wants to take part in the coup. We don't need him. We can stop the coup ourselves!
: Kazuki...
: A man named Lukav is here in Japan. Tell me where he is.
: Lukav of the Imaginary Numbers?
: You know him?
: Yes. Your parents told me about him.
: !
: So you knew! You knew that Alisa is an Imaginary Number!
: Dad...
: Did you conduct research on Alisa!?
: I knew about Imaginary Numbers. So what? I adopted my friend's beloved daughter. Who cares about Imaginary Numbers?
It's kind of hard to take Kazuki's grudge against his father seriously when Isao Takemura is just so reasonable...
: Dad...
: Alisa, my friends loved their daughters. Even if they weren't truly related, they were a real family. That's why they risked their lives to protect you.
: ...
: You didn't feel their love?
: Thanks, Dad... I knew that you and Kazuki both love me. We're a real family.
: Yes, you're my only daughter.
: Wait! You know Lukav is a dangerous guy! Then why do you leave him alone?
: Sasaki is planning to mass-produce MIDAS with Lukav's assistance. We can't risk a false move while they're working together.
Yeah, the problem with fighting against Sasaki is that Sasaki already has a copy of MIDAS.
: Lukav is after MIDAS. He's going to steal MIDAS if we leave him alone!
Except, you know, he has absolutely no need to do so, seeing as he already has captured the scientist who designed it. Really, he;s stealing the original from Sasaki for kicks.
: Fighting Lukav means fighting the coup forces. I can't start a civil war in Japan...
: Kazuki, please don't blame Colonel Takemura. He's in a difficult position.
: We can't turn Japan into a battlefield.
: I've had enough. Let's go!
: Kazuki, wait!
: Colonel Takemura...
: I know they're right. But the problem is not so simple.
: ...
: You military people are so complicated.
: I told you to wait!
: Give me a break. I'm running short on time. Colonel, only two positions can result from a war. A winner and a loser.
: You'd want a war here. It's good for business.
: Are you suggesting that we're going to start a war? You got me all wrong. The war started when Sasaki joined forces with Lukav. What matters now is how this war will end. You can wait here to lose the war, or fight until you win.
: ...
: Isn't it time for you to make a decision, Colonel? You're fighting a losing war with your son already.
: You have a big mouth for a mercenary.
: I can say whatever I want because I'm a mercenary.



I think that's Mori's first name...I think.
: Miho. Sorry about this.
: Seriously. You had me worried.
: You're one to talk. You quit the military intelligence, became a police officer, then disappeared.
: I'm sorry...
: I know Major Kuroi was your supervisor. Were you working for him?
: Yes, I was under his orders to watch Kazuki's group.
: I see... But why? Why did you take part in a coup!?
: Do you remember my brother?
: He was a good commander. We lost a great man.
: He was sent overseas as a backup squad to the OCU military. His death was announced as an honorable death in battle.
: What about it?
: The government sent him to the front prohibiting any battle. I learned about it when I joined intelligence.
: What!?
: He was the government's pawn in gaining influence over the OCU. I began thinking after I learned the truth about his death.
: ...
: Why do I have to protect the country that killed my brother? Am I fighting for the right cause? I became confused. Then a man said to me, "The military that should be protecting the citizens is now a tool for politics. They'll crush Japan. We must change this country before that happens. The Japan we must protect is not this one"
: And that was Yuji Kuroi.
: But watching you and Kazuki made me understand. It's not the country or government that need protecting. It's the people. MIDAS can't change our country for the better.
: You're strong.
: Yes, but not as strong as I'd like.
: You're going with Kazuki's group, aren't you?
: Yes. I still have things to do. I want to stay but... I'm sorry.
: Don't worry about me. Don't do anything rash.
: Of course not.
: Miho, when this is all over...
Someone has a lot of faith that he's going to escape the 85% NPC mortality rate in this game.
: ...?
: Never mind. I'll tell you when this is all over.
: Sure.



: Kazuki...
: Here we go again. Leave him alone, Alisa. He'll calm down sooner or later.
: If he's a soldier, why doesn't he fight to protect the civilians!?
: It's because he's a soldier.
: Miho!
: Is your boyfriend okay?
: Yes. Thank you. Kazuki, your father doesn't want to see the Japanese people fight each other. No one wants to see that. He's trying to settle the situation without bloodshed.
Kazuki does not understand! Without the blood of his enemies, how can he make a proper sacrifice to the Berzuki?
: It doesn't matter! Lukav is moving to get MIDAS while we stall here!
: Your father knows. That's why he's in conflict.
: He drives me insane!
: Can't you settle down?
: Kazuki, dad isn't entirely wrong. Think about his position.
: Like father, like son. Especially how stubborn you both are.
: Kazuki, please trust your father.
: Maybe you and your father should go to some family therapy.
: Your father cares about you. Be kind to him.
Hey, it's Lan! She's...apparently still here.
: I have no interest in your family affairs.
Fair enough, perhaps a visit to the bar can move this story along...



: There was a coup in Tokyo area. It doesn't really matter to a sleepy country town like this.
: Some idiot started a coup. They're fighting a war out there. I heard people can't even go out. I just can't believe there's a war going on.
: There's a fighting within the JDF because of the coup. Wasn't there any way to avoid the bloodshed? Why do they have to fight against each other?
http://lpix.org/195606/Peasantwoman.jpg: There's nothing on TV! Only programs they air are news about the coup. Is it because that Takemura guy started a coup? I wanna watch variety shows.
Looks like someone's got their priorities in order!
{When the party tries to leave the bar, Rudolf shows up.}
: Hey! You're all here.
: Rudolf! Where have you been!?
: Never mind. Looks like we won't have to fight you guys.
: The deal is done?
: You mean he hired Wulong?
: We're allies until the contract expires. Good, huh?
: We'll make lots of money!
That's great. I'm sure that five NPC wanzers are really going to change the course of the war.
: Looks like your father made a decision.
: ...
: I thought you don't fight wars you can't win. Don't you think the coup forces had the advantage?
: It's a matter of balance. They won't pay us as much.
I would have thought that the reason you didn't take the losing side is because the winners don't tend to take to kindly towards mercenaries employed by the losing side.
: Besides, we don't like Lukav. We lost to him in Shanghai. It's payback time.
: You all have a big ego for mercenaries.
: Not as big as yours.
Oh, hateful Rebecca, you are a never-ending source of delight.
: We don't have time for small talk. Let's get back and start briefing! We don't have much time. Don't be fooling around.
: We're only allies because of the contract. Don't talk to me.
: Ladies, we can fight together again! Be happy!
: We don't need you guys. Just leave everything to us!
We truly are the fools Greg pities...
: Heh heh... Too bad. I wanted to fight you guys.
In another life, perhaps...



: Looks like I'll have to face the enemy. I never thought a mercenary would make me realize it.
: Took you long to catch on!
: I'll let that one go for now.
: Shut up!
Kazuki will not rest until he and his father get into a fistfight!
: Stop it, Kazuki...
: Do you have a specific plan, Colonel?
: Don't tell us we'll have to force our way through! I'm tired of Kazuki's plan!
: Are you saying that's the only plan I ever came up with!?
: Yes!
: She's right!
: The colonel will explain the mission.
: Listen up! The coup forces currently consist of divisions from Nerima, Soumagahara, Fukuoka, Naha and Yokosuka. The divisions in Moriyama, Senzo and Kumamoto were defeated. Other divisions are maintaining a neutral position.
: How many allies do we have?
: Kure Base, divisions from Kaita, Kamicho and Obihiro.
: Kaita Base was destroyed.
That's a very negative way of describing things. I prefer to think of it as reverse-constructed.
: We're totally outnumbered!
: We're at a disadvantage because we started late.
: Our allies will be crushed like Kaita Base if we don't get moving!
: I think we should gather our forces in one place.
: She's right. Let's transport the Obihiro division to Sendai, using Kure's naval squad. We'll meet up in Fukushima and take the Soumagahara division.
: So we're gathering the forces spread across the country. Sounds easy but it'll be tough on each division commander.
: Who's going to protect this base!? The enemy can attack here while we're fighting in Fukushima!
: Moriyama's 10th division will protect the base.
: Are you crazy? Moriyama was defeated by the enemy!
: Moriyama's Commander Isogai doesn't intend to join the coup. He volunteered to become a hostage to avoid unnecessary bloodshed.
: So once we rescue the commander, the 10th division is free.
: He's being held in Nagoya. But we must send most of our forces to Fukushima. The rescue operation in Nagoya must be conducted by a small squad.
: Sounds like a job for us. How about it, Kazuki?
: We'll do it. How about you? Are you ready?
: I hired some extra help.
: Leave it to the pros, little guy.
: Gather at the dock when you're ready! I just told you to gather at the dock.
: Kazuki, if you have time, use this training data. It'll be a good warm-up.
: Leave the rest to us.



: Takiguchi will explain the mission en route.
: Don't worry about us. You should worry about yourself.
: I'm not worried. Show me how good you really are in battle!
: Will do!
The 'because you're fucking next, old man!' is implied.
: Kazuki, we're leaving.
: Okay.



And away we go!



Meanwhile, in the hall of villainy...
: He'll probably merge with the 5th division of Obihiro.
: Should we attack before they merge?
: Do what you want. Watch out for Takemura's mercenaries. Lukav had trouble with them in the DHZ.
: Chief of Staff, I don't think Lukav is trustworthy.
: But we can't finish MIDAS without him. Don't worry. All we need is his knowledge of MIDAS. Once MIDAS goes into mass-production, he'll be taken care of.
That plan cannot possibly fail!
: Do we really need to mass-produce MIDAS? MIDAS is a great weapon, but I believe it should never be used...
: Major, don't talk back to me. You keep quiet and follow my orders!
: I'm sorry, sir.
: This is a chance for Japan to lead the world. We can't give up now.
You know, it seems like everyone's plan is:
1. Create MIDAS
2. ????
3. Rule World!

I mean, MIDAS is neat, but it's not more powerful than a nuke, so I'm not exactly sure how you can cow other nations with it.



: Roger that. Mr. Takiguchi, what's the situation in Nagoya?
: Commander Isogai is being held in the chemical factory.
: Right in the middle of the city...
: Are we going through the city?
: That would cause civilian casualties.
: Yes. Let's avoid any battles and surprise the enemy.
Cowards!
: What are we going to do?
: Take a look at this.



: It's the Nagoya underground sewage treatment plant. This is the chemical factory where they're keeping the commander. Passing through the plant you directly under the chemical factory.
: So we're going under the city...
: We're going through a sewer!? No way!! I'd rather die than go through a sewer!
: Then Pham will stay here.
: Wait a minute!
: Well, if you don't wanna go...
: That doesn't mean I want to stay here!
: Um, you'll be in a wanzer. You won't smell anything.
: But my wanzer will get dirty!!
I...simply cannot believe that this conversation is happening...especially since Pham has been fighting with no complaint for about thirty missions now.
: Well, then maybe you should stay behind...
: ... Kazuki, can't I go above ground?
: No! Quit complaining, or we'll leave you behind!
: All right. FINE! You're all going to help clean my wanzer when we get back!



Look at that portrait. As far as I know, this is the only place in the game where they use it.

: What're you babbling about? You just don't know when to give up.
: Hey, I'll complain if I want to!
: Shhh!



: I don't think we can get through so easily...
: Maybe it might be better to go back and go from above?
: No, we'll have to force our way through.
: We can't let them call for backup. We should hit them hard.
: Did you hear that? Give it up.
: Fine, then let's give it to them real good!



: They're trying to get to the chemical factory. There aren't many. Let's go get them!



Finally, it's time for the battle. New wanzers! Kazuki in the Tiger Blood, Ryogo in the Ultra Combo, Alisa in the Mjolnir, and Miho in the Tyrant. Against us? A couple of Jinyos, a pair of Enyos, and a couple four-legged tanks with rifles. Not exactly a fearsome force.



The Berzuki is strong in this one...



Now that's teamwork I can get behind. Kazuki knocks the guy out of his cockpit, and Ryogo and Alisa waste him, netting me the abandoned wanzer in the process.



I've already played all of the missions using this set of wanzers, so I'll just say this: This is the high tide of the Ultra Combo's durability.



Alisa...being helpful? No. This...this cannot be!



That said, while the Ultra Combo was rarely able to finish a fight, it always did well up until its demise.



Every enemy on the map is vulnerable at close range. Therefore, this mission is already over. The other side just doesn't know it yet.



For whatever reason, a lot of you guys asked for computers that boosted combo chances at the cost of activation chance. For, Ryogo, that works out pretty well...



Quite well, indeed.



For, Miho, on the other hand, it's more feast or famine. Her Chongdu 2s are two tiers behind the best available weaponry. Now, if Miho is shooting four times in a row, this isn't a problem, because she'll make up for it. If it doesn't go off, though, she's going to do basically no damage.



Still, it's aesthetically pleasing, I suppose.



And, when the combo does go off, it's quite devastating.



And that's the end.



New wanzers, same result. Ryogo wins MVP, if only because while Miho and the Tyrant's outburst was impressive, that was about the extent of it productivity in that mission.



: I don't know, but it's only a matte of time.
: Don't tell me we're going back after we've come this far!?
: What's with the sudden rush of enthusiasm?
: Because I don't care anymore! I'm up for anything!
: Should we calm her down?
: ...I think it's better than her not being enthused at all. We're continuing with the mission, then!
Thrilling!

Next Time: Much less words! Also, I opt-out of the hardest mission the game!

Submit your builds, and show thy spirit!