Part 65: Emma's Branch Mission #2: Damned If We Don't

Well, that wasn't a satisfying conclusion. Let's try this again, and do it right this time!

Emma's Branch Mission #1: Damned If We Don't

The beginning of the game plays out the same, MIDAS gets stolen, and Kazuki tests out a new wanzer (Which, as we know now is a Shunyo Mk111, a decent, if not spectacular, late-game machine). Anyway, he chats with his bosses for a bit, Ryogo sidles up making noise about Japan possibly going to war, although, as it turns out, had they really been geared up for war, it probably would have ultimately been helpful to the party. Anyway, then he asks you to come with him on a trip to Ocean City. Last branch, Kazuki declined, ultimately screwing over mankind in the process. For the sake of the world, we have no choice but to have him hang out with Ryogo.



: ... Fine, I'll go.
: You're a good friend, buddy. Well, let's get going.
: Use the testing site anytime. I'm sure you're too tired now, though.



To the residential area! Scene of one of the less memorable end-game battles from last branch, you know, the one where we iced Jared for the last time.



: Wow, this is a huge project. How come there are so many JDF soldiers?
: They're supervising the project, you dummy.
: Why is the military supervising a city reconstruction project?
You can tell Kazuki is a different person because he didn't deliver a hammer punch to Ryogo's clavicle after being called a dummy.
: Heck, I don't know. Maybe only the JDF can handle the type of work.
: We're dropping off the wanzers from Kirishima Industries!
: Hey. We're taking them underground. Leave them there.
: Yes, sir. Please sign right here.
: It's dangerous here. Go straight back home.
: Thanks much! Let's go, Kazuki.
: ...
: Anything else?
: Oh... No, sir.
: What's up with you? Let's go!
: Go home if you're done.
: What are you thinking?
: Oh... It's nothing.
: What, were you thinking about Alisa again?
: Oh, cut it out!
: Yeah, she's not related to you by blood, but she's really cute. Man, if I had a sister like her...
: Don't even go there.
What? That was the perfect prompt for a Kazuki freakout, and he just stood there? Kazuki, I feel like I don't even know you anymore.
: Well, let's go. We're in Okinawa, dude! Let's have some fun!
Nah, we need to hurry the plot along so Kazuki doesn't have time to check his email! Back to work!



: Hey, you're back. Oh, Kazuki was with you, too?
: Yeah...
: You guys really get along, huh? We're set to take off. You're coming with us also, Ryogo.
: What!? You're joking, right? But I just got here...
: Sorry, we're short of people. Besides you're done with the delivery.
: They never told me I was only gonna be here a day!
: It's our job! Quit complaining.
: Doesn't Kazuki's father work at Yokosuka Base? Isn't he a JDF officer?
: ...
: What's wrong?
: Forgot to warn you, Dr. Koike. You can't ever talk about his father.
Kazuki still doesn't like his father. I bet everyone's just thrilled that this is one of the things that stays consistent between branches.
: I see. Sorry I asked...
: Don't worry about it. It's for our job. Right, Kazuki?
: I didn't say anything.
: The wanzers will finish loading soon. Meet me at the heliport when you're ready.
: Let's get this done and go home!
: Are you ready? If you are, report to the heliport. Oh, I gave you access to the company web site. Take a look later.



Yep, straight back to Yokosuka, let's hope things work out a bit better this time.



: ID please.
: We're with Kirishima Industries. We're here to deliver the new wanzers.
: Kirishima... Oh, yes, we're expecting you.
: Look's like our job's done. We're outta here.
: What are you on?
: Kazuki, Ryogo, unload the wanzers.
: More work...?
: Just shut up and do it.



Well, maybe this time, things will be different...
: An explosion!?



It's not different at all!



Accidental explosion on the base. All available personnel report
in. There is a risk of second explosion.
: What happened?
: Looks like an accident.
And since, as far as Kazuki knows, the only member of his family at the base is his father, he is utterly indifferent to the crisis.



Of course it is. We were fools to trust the machines with our defense.
: We've got civilians here! Shut it down!
: It's no use! It's not accepting any commands!
: Tell the helicopters to take off! It's too dangerous here! You too! Get out of here!
: Aww man! We're bein' left behind.



The robots are out for blood.



: We've got to stop it!
: No way, man! You want us to fight that thing!?
: It's better than just waiting for it to kill us! Move it!
: Jeez... yes, sir, Mr. Soldier Boy!
Yeah, if living is that important to you...



This is basically a tutorial battle since it's the first fight of the branch. It's Kazuki and Ryogo in Shunyos against a few machine gun emplacements.



And not particularly tough emplacements either. Irritatingly enough, since you're in the Shunyos, you don't even get a chance to unlock decent battle skills.



Let's just skip ahead...



And down goes the last enemy.



A good start for the branch.



: You! Drop your weapons!!
: Wait! We didn't do anything wrong.
That's actually true this time!
: They're civilian test pilots. We asked them to stop the cannons.
: We'll take care of the rest. Have the civilians take shelter!
: What happened?
: An explosion in the base. Somethin's got to be up!
: You civilians don't need to concern yourselves any further.
Kuroi's back, too.
: Who do you think you are!?
: The base is still dangerous. Leave the wanzers and get out.
: The nerve of you! We almost died!
: You stick around any longer and you're really gonna die.
Kazuki's better this time around...but not that much better.
: Is that a threat!?
: We'll comply. We'll leave at once. Calm down, Kazuki! The company will take care of the rest.
: No, I don't get it! They didn't even thank us!
So, instead of trying to single-handedly kill everyone on the base, Kazuki is mildly irritated by the rudeness of Kuroi. Berzuki will have no place in this branch.
: Forget it, man! They mean business...
: Tch!

Next Time: A plot twist that makes sense? In Front Mission 3? What is happening to this LP?