Part 3: Mission 1 (Super Robot Route) - Visitors from Beyond
Location: Space Science Institute
We find Professors Umon and Saotome (with the ‘stache) discussing "Operation Overlord", a counteroffensive the Federation is putting together against “them”. Seems like they want Saotome’s support in it.
Umon asks if that means they want the Getter Robo to take part but, no, it doesn’t stop at that. The Federation has also requested the cooperation of the Saotome Labs itself, as well as the Photon Lab, Umon’s own institute, the Science Fortress Lab and Mutropolis. Essentially, they want all Super Robot labs to help.
And the request even came from Kouichirou Misumaru, commander of the Federation’s Space Corps. Umon is familiar with the man who, from what Saotome's heard, is thinking of making a new special squadron with these mechs.
This group, formed around the Nahel Argama and Nadesico B, will be tasked with not only fighting the Giganos forces, and executing Operation Overlord, but also dealing with any other matters that may arise in the future.
Umon understands, remembering how it was those ships' combined efforts that paved the way to settling the Baam War and the Devil Gundam Incident. With the battles against the Dinosaur, Mycenae and Devil Empire also finished, Saotome is planning on sending his team as soon as the new Getter finished. Umon agrees to help in any way possible.
Before the call ends, however, Umon warns about the increasing number of UFO sightings – Saotome would do well to be on guard. The professor thanks for the tip and goes, leaving Umon to ponder the upcoming operation and this new squadron. He understands that they must prepare themselves before the enemy acts properly but…
Just then Kouji shows up, it’s been a full year since Umon’s seen him but the boy did actually make a quick stop by Japan half a year ago. He figured Ryouma, Akira and company needed help with their battles against the Dinosaur and Devil Empires.
His Mazinger Z went straight back to the robot museum after all that was done, though. Not a bid problem, as Umon is quite impressed with Kouji’s well-made TFO – a flying saucer he made while studying in the US. Granted, its shape made folks at the nearby Shirakaba farm freak out, thinking it was an actual UFO.
Indeed, Umon knows that Danbei has been quite excited recently over the many UFO sightings around here. In fact, that's why Kouji's here: to hear more about the UFO sightings near Umon’s lab and the Tokyo Jupiter area.
It seems Kouji's interested in trying to make contact with the UFOs; he'd like to believe that peace can be made with the aliens despite the number of people who hate and fear them. It’s his understanding that the Earth of the future will need to build positive relationships with other planets.
Umon warns that that is not an easy thing to do and Kouji can see why: humanity still finds itself marred in internal strife, so how can they build bridges with other races?
Still, we managed to pull it off with the Baam, so the precedent is there and that’s why he won’t throw in the towel.
Umon is glad to hear that and can only hopes that any aliens we meet in the future will share his ideals.
Just then Daisuke comes in with something to discuss with his father. Umon wants to introduce him to Kouji first – one of the warriors who defeated Dr. Hell and the Mycenae. Daisuke brushes the topic aside, making Kouji a bit miffed at being ignored, but this is more important.
Daisuke asks if Umon’s seen the Moon and the answer is a negative: the thing’s only now started to rise over the horizon and… has the moon changed color? It has, to a blazing red tone!
Daisuke warns that this is a sure sign that "they" are coming to attack, and recommends that Umon warn the Federation. Kouji, understandably confused, wants to know who this "they" are, but Daisuke says that he ought to keep out of this. "They" are far worse than the foes Kouji once fought in the Mazinger Z.
Before Kouji has a chance to get in Daisuke’s face, Umon tells his son to back off.
Furthermore, he thinks Kouji must be tired from the trip and suggests he take some time to rest. He accedes, wondering what the heck the deal is with the professor’s son.
Daisuke, meanwhile, is in his own little world: “It’s finally happening… But I… I don’t want to pilot that thing anymore… I can’t stand the thought of doing so!”
Mission 1 (Super Route) – Visitors From Beyond
The following morning, Daisuke heartily greets Hikaru, having gotten up early in the morning to feed the horses.
Kouji is still around, impressed that he’s already up and working and, no, he doesn’t want to continue yesterday’s debate – Daisuke seems busy enough. In that case, Daisuke figures he could put his free hands to use and help scrub the horses. Kouji might but, first, he wants to ask him something… not that Daisuke is willing to answer.
Hikaru tells them not to spoil this fine morning with their bickering, lest he have to try her on for size.
Kouji’s a bit taken aback but agrees to let this go, observing that Hikaru's so headstrong that even Sayaka would likely back down before her.
“Did you say something?” Hikaru bristles; “N-no, not at all,” Kouji stammers in return.
Fine. Hikaru turns to Daisuke and asks if he’s seen her father and, indeed: he’s been on the roof all morning. Hikaru sighs, figuring he’s searching for UFOs again, even after the scene he caused yesterday when he mistook Kouji’s TFO for one.
The human-like creature known as Danbei, Hikaru’s father, waves at her from above and she chides him for wasting time with that instead of lending a hand to Daisuke.
Danbei takes offense, saying he’s the chairman of the “Friends of E.T.s Club” and it’s his very important mission to keep an eye out for the next alien race to arrive. He figures one’s due to come over eventually, following the Baamians.
Kouji very much likes his idea and feels the same way, earning himself much praise from Danbei. He may be a young but he show a lot of promise, as Danbei would hope from one who built his own UFO!
Kouji corrects him, again, by saying it’s a TFO – then again, he likes having Danbei’s approval. That’s good, but daddy-o warns that that’s not a free pass to get any ideas with his girl and that applies to Daisuke, too.
Hikaru blusters at him and yells to get down and help clean the stables. No can do, as Danbei actually spots something flying nearby.
And there are some legit UFOs! Daisuke actually recognizes these and Kouji remembers seeing them in the laboratory's database.
As Danbei flips out, Kouji figures these are some of the ones who’ve been popping up across Japan. Well, now’s his chance to make first contact so he moves to grab his TFO.
Daisuke yells at him not to go, that this foe is far beyond him. Kouji demands to know what he's talking about - does he actually know what those UFOs are?
Daisuke says that that's not important, and tells Kouji that if he values his life he’ll keep away from them.
Kouji wonders if Daisuke’s one of THOSE types, who think all aliens are monstrous invaders. Doesn’t he know the truth about the Baam war? He does, that Olban and Geroiyer caused it as part of their plans. Had they not assassinated the old Baam leader, the war wouldn’t have happened in the first place, Kouji points out.
Daisuke doesn’t disagree but says these aliens are not the Baamians – Kouji shouldn’t expect them be willing to talk. Kouji protests that he has no way of knowing that without trying but Daisuke yells back that he’s the one who doesn’t understand. Don’t try to contact those things, damn it!
Kouji tells him to piss off with that attitude and, besides, he’s never been one to not do stuff simply because people spoke against it.
And off he goes, leaving Daisuke fuming at his idiocy. When Hikaru asks why he tried to stop him, the man stays quiet.
“Yesterday’s moon really was signaling their arrival… the Vegan Empire,” Daisuke thinks. “Those demons have finally set their sights on Earth… do I have no choice but to pilot IT again? No… I’ve found happiness in this beautiful land, in its greenery… I never want to use that thing again…!”
Meanwhile, Kouji’s already in the air and Danbei begs him to make a good first impression – that’s of utmost importance! Sounds good, so he moves in closer and hails the UFOs, introducing himself and asking for a response.
They have apparently heard him, but make no reply other than moving closer. Daisuke yells at Kouji to run, but not before the aliens start blasting the TFO.
He gets blown far away but barely manages to regain control before crash landing. Still, Kouji’s not happy that these aliens are actually invaders.
Daisuke feels his hand being forced and he is not happy, cursing fate for stuffing him back into the cockpit. When Hikaru asks why he’s looking so angry, he takes a deep breath and tells her to get Danbei and run. And without another word, he heads out elsewhere.
Kouji’s trying to figure out what to do, when Umon gets in touch and tells him to retreat.
He’s not one to turn tail and run, though, but Umon protests that his TFO isn’t a combat unit – he can’t win this. Kouji counters by saying he’s dealt with worse situations and he can do it again.
Over by the command UFO, Bracky isn’t impressed with the Earthling’s flying saucer.
More important is destroying the building that was gathering information about his forces. That will truly signal the start of their invasion of this planet.
Mission Objective: Destroy all enemy units
Mission Failure: Any allied unit destroyed
And here we are. Unlike Alpha 2, again, this game does not have Skill Points, so you’re almost always free to take things at your leisure.
Regardless, this mission is pretty easy as the Vegan UFOs are made of papier mâché and prayer.
Let’s take a look quick look at Kouji and his toy:
TFO (Kouji Kabuto)
Pilot Skills:
- Prevail L1 – accuracy, evasion, armor and critical rate get boosted as you lose HP. Effect increases with skill level
- Sword Cut L1 – can only be used by units with a sword. Fixed chance to negate incoming melee or missile attacks. Also increases with skill level
- Assisted Attack – more on this when we can use it.
- Support Defense L1 – when adjacent to a unit being attacked by an enemy, the pilot can jump in front and take the attack instead (reduced damage). The skill level dictates how often you can activate this per enemy turn and the damage mitigation.
- Strike (20) – hit rate becomes 100% for the next turn
- Guts (30) – fully heals HP
- Repair module – enables the use of the repair command, allowing this unit to spend its turn to heal some of an adjacent unit’s HP
- Resupply module – same as repair, only restores EN and Ammo
Kouji’s the prototypical Super Robot pilot: very bulky, prefers physical attacks and isn’t too accurate or dodgy. His morale growth is good (which’ll help later), his spirit command list suits him perfectly and he naturally has Assisted Attack, which is always nice in this game.
Oh, and that “can’t dodge” bit doesn’t matter because he’s using the big cheat code called TFO. While it was dodgy enough in Z, it is nigh untouchable in this game:
- SS size (size difference means the smaller unit deals less damage but has an easier time dodging and hitting – the opposite is also true. SS is the smallest size available, so pretty much everything is bigger.)
- Natural S ranks in both Air and Space (移動 ranks mean how well you can traverse a terrain, 地形 means how well the unit handles in a terrain – better ranks here, the better it dodges and hits)
- And, to top it off, 120 mobility (運動性 – a big variable in the dodge formula. Get more of this to get better dodge numbers) right off the box.
With all that done, Kouji moves forward but he’s too far away to attack anything.
Enemy Phase!
And the UFOs just move forward, Bracky hanging back.
Player Phase!
: Wait, are those guys going after the lab?!
: (This isn’t good… If only it could be used…!): (But for that to be possible, he needs to willingly choose to fight…!)
: …
U-FO!
: DUUUUUKE FLEEEEEEED!!
: Grendizer! GO!!https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pTjZ3Gx7QGw
: Wh-what?!
: Hngh?! That’s--!: Shoot in! Dizer, GO!
: (Daisuke…!)
: Are you alright, Kouji?: How do you know my name…!? Wait, never mind that! What robot is that? Who are you?!: There’s no time to explain – we need to destroy these right now!
: I-it’s that hateful Grendizer…! : Blast you, Duke Freed! You ran off to this planet, huh…?! Rrgh, release the Saucerbeast!
: Those guys got some weapons like the Mechabeasts and Battle Beasts too?!: Hear me, you fiends! The Grendizer is reborn and it will keep this beautiful green world off your evil claws!: Damn it all… Him being here wasn’t in the plan…! I have to return and report this to Commander Gandal! Deal with him!
: Hey! That guy ran away?!: Forget him, Kouji! Focus on the problem at hand!: Y-yeah, you got it!
We’ll look at Duke in a second. First off, Kouji moves in close and aims his sole attack at the only enemy in range.
FYI: this Minifoo has a whopping 5% chance to connect against Kouji, one of the most easily hit pilots in the game.
: I’m not cutting you any more slack if you’re looking for a fight! You better not underestimate Kouji Kabuto and his TFO!https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bpSPfKsP8o8
Sadly, the Vegan mooks don’t have the honor of being voiced by Hiyama in this game.
But, hey, look at that: the Minifoo left a small box after dying. Unlike most SRWs, you don’t automatically get items from downed enemies; instead, it stays on the ground for anyone to pick. That means enemies, too, and if you let them retreat with it, you get jack.
If the mission ends, however, you pick up everything’s that is still on the ground so don’t worry too much unless you think a mook might grab it. The AI doesn’t worry about it, so that’ll only happen if they move into the right position when attacking someone.
Grendizer/Spazer (Duke Fleed)
Pilot Skills:
- Prevail L1
- Sword Cut L1
- Support Defense L1
- Leadership – A Support Attack triggers before the enemy has a chance to counterattack, with 100% hit and critical rate.
- Mercy (5) – if this unit has a high Skill stat than an enemy it would destroy, instead it survives with 10 HP
- Strike (20)
He’s like Kouji, only even worse at dodging but slightly better at everything else. There’s no Dizer Power to give him a free damage boost in here but the Grendizer still hits like a truck and the Leadership skill will really help squeeze out an extra bit of free damage. Duke’s naturally good Skill stat makes him extra crit-y, too.
The Spazer can fly and moves one space farther, is a bit weaker but has cheaper moves. The actual robot form is the opposite: stronger, land-bound and with EN-heavier attacks.
You can switch forms either by pressing Triangle over the unit or by selecting the 変形 option in the unit menu.
Case in point, Duke needed that one extra mobility to get in range for the other Minifoo.
: I will not let you do to this beautiful Earth what you did to Planet Fleed! 
No problems here.
One more turn waiting around, as the other UFOs trudge their way towards us.
Kouji picks up the item from the ground (I wasn’t sure we’d get it at the end), so Duke sets onward and slaps one of the two remaining Minifoos into oblivion.
Enemy Phase!
The last Minifoo makes the objectively bad call of attacking the TFO and dies. Meanwhile, the Saucerbeast has made it to Duke.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BG3x5O6e2iA
Good man.
Player Phase!
And it’s dead!
: Looks like that’s the last of them. Are you alright, Kouji?: That voice, those eyes… are you—!: Watch out, you two! Another flying object is approaching!
: More UFOs?!
Uh, oh…
: What the hell is that robot…?!: (At least it doesn’t seem to be of the Vegan Empire…)
: This is where I was detecting ongoing combat, Major.
: What unit is that? It looks like a Super Robot but…*Looks at Grendizer*
: There’s no match in our database. That said, I’m detecting an unknown energy signature coming from it.: Hmph… Is that why we came here rather than keep going to the Saotome Labs?: Yes. Moreover, I believe that if we can make them get in contact with the Space Science Institute staff, we can consider the first objective to be met.: How do you figure?: The institute shares a very deep connection with all the other Super Robot bases. That connection will eventually lead them to the Nahel Argama and Nadesico B.: Fine… Then how about we take the time to teach the Medius and AI1 the terror of live combat?: “Terror”?: Do you not think it can be taught that?: This child has no need for such things as emotions, is what I think.: Heh… Whatever you say. Either way, are they in pursuit?: Yes. They should arrive any time now.
: There you are, Medius Locus!
: You hand that unit back right now!: …: Fair warning, we’ve also been given permission to destroy it! So if you’re thinking of using it as a shield, think again!: (Hmhmhm… Looks like he’s recovered.): They’re not answering. What do we do, Hugo?
: …Turn the weapons’ safeties off.: Without contacting that nearby lab first…?: Yeah. Remember, our unit’s highly classified.
: Sure but I don’t think that means much after we started flying around in pursuit of the Medius…: Whatever. Just focus on managing our output. : The Garmraid won’t be beating the Medius in a race – we need to bring it down here and now.
: I-I know that!: They’re engaging. Are we ready?: Yes. Initiating data collection… Fight as you will, Major.: Drop that title. I’m not a soldier anymore.: …Very well.
: Adjusting the TE Engine’s output…! Urk, it’s not working! It won’t leave the yellow! And I also need to project the Medius’ motions and—!: Again, let me handle the fighting – just worry about the output.
: No way! I’ve a job to do and I’ll be doing it right!MX Version:
: (This is her first actual battle… It’s only natural for her to be nervous…)MXP Version:
: (This is our second time fighting the Medius but it's her first actual battle... It's only natural that she can't concentrate on the DFC...)Back to common ground:
: Hmm, their control of the TE Engine’s output does not seem to be going too well.: Both the unit and its pilots are faulty, I see. (MXP Version: No surprise there. The main pilot's damaged goods and the sub-pilot's a novice.): Indeed. : (Aqua Centrum… Is this, really, all you amount to?): Uurgh! What’s going on here?! This never happened in the simulator!: Just leave it in the yellow – it’s fine! I’m going in, Aqua!: Huh?! H-hold on a minute!: Come, then. You’ll all be fodder to the Medius…!
Garmraid (Hugo Medio/Aqua Centrum)
Pilot Skills (Hugo):
- Fortune – Money earned +20%
- Support Attack L1 – Same as Defense, only if a unit attacks adjacent to one with this skill, he can call it in for an extra attack in battle
- Support Defense L1
- Gunfight L1 – Increases damage done by ranged attacks with each level. At levels 4 and 7, increases ranged attacks range by 1
- Shield Defense L1 – Requires the unit have a shield. Will block an incoming attack and mitigate damage in proportion to the skill level - always triggers but only if you've a non-0 Shield charge (more on this later).
- Support Defense L1
- Accelerate (5) – Increases movement range by 2 for a turn
- Strike (15)
- Focus (10) – grants a 30% boost to your chances to hit and evade for a turn
- Lucky (40) – money earned from the next battle is doubled
- Alert (10) – guaranteed to dodge the next attack.
Aqua’s Voice Actress: Yuri Shiratori (other known works: Rena in Ace Combat 3 Electrosphere, Mokona in Rayearth, Yukina in Yu Yu Hakusho and many others)
The Garmraid’s a very standard Super Robot: bulky and with absolute shit for range. It’s farthest-reaching attack is range 4, which is even worse than the Gunleon! Still, that’s why Hugo has that dirt cheap accelerate and Aqua’s spirit commands add a nice bit of utility and survivability.
It should be noted that Hugo’s a bit of an odd pilot: his defense stat is pretty low when compared to the likes of Duke or Kouji but his evasion is good. That’d indicate the Cerberus would be a better fit… until you look at his ranged stat and realize it is absolute garbage.
The Garmraid will be getting a lot more bulkier with upgrades but, until then, don’t expect it to shrug hits as well as the Grendizer.
Now, I'm making a small tangent here because MX has these weird melee-ranged attacks (Hugo's Bloody Ray and Fang Knuckle, for instance) and they often confuse people. These are identified by having both the image of a fist and a crosshair next to an attack and what it boils down to is how the game will calculate your damage and your attack's accuracy.
It works like this:
The "melee" half of the attack means it is affected by your stats and skills as a purely based weapon would. Meaning your Melee stat and skills like Infight are the ONLY things that'll up the damage.
What the "range" half of it affects is that it makes your attack count as a ranged attack in the accuracy calculation. A melee attack considers the target's terrain when calculating hit% (that is, if you're grounded and attack an aerial enemy, it'll consider Air in the formula). A ranged attack, however, considers the attacker's own terrain rating in the formula.
So, in essence, if your unit is, say, crap in the air and tries to melee a flying enemy, it'll take a hit in accuracy. However, a melee-ranged attack from the ground will hit a flying enemy with the accuracy as if it were grounded.
Also, if you target an empty space and press X, you can check if it has any special features going on. This tile’s a forest which gives any units sitting within a +20 boost to defense and evasion.
So, with that in mind, we’ll have the Garmraid land.
And just to be extra safe, we’ll have Aqua cast Alert. Pop the unit menu, look for the 精神 option, choose your pilot if need be and cast. You can cast as many spirit commands as you want, so long as you have enough spirit points (SP) to cover the cost.
Now we can move in.
: Th-there! I’ve got the estimates on its movements!
: Just shut up before you bite out your tongue, Aqua!: Let’s begin. Show me what the Garmraid can do!https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dhfqM5oQga0
We put fangs in our rocket punches because why not!
: ! That move…!
: Heh… Not bad at all.: At the very least they seem to be strong enough to face the Medius.: Hm. There wouldn’t be any point to this if they weren’t.
: It can’t be…!: What is it, Hugo?: …Nothing. Don’t worry about it!Enemy Phase!
And here comes the Medius again – good. Let’s me show off the Garmraid’s chainsaw knees!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CD3fxgIkCYk
When you bring the Medius below 80%, the plot kicks in.
: Hm? AI1’s reacting against this…?: Hah…hahahaha!
: What’s so funny?: I think it just got its first taste of the terror of live combat, no?: That is not possible.
: Well, it doesn’t matter. The mission is complete – we’re retreating.: Yes…
: Damn it…! What kind of speed is that…?!: That’s to be expected… The Medius is not equipped with a TE Engine, so its energy output is stable.: No point in discussing that now. We’re going after it.*Beep!*
: Huh? Hold on, Hugo! We’ve received new orders!: I don’t even need to see them – it’s to go after the thing ASAP, right?: Actually… no, it’s not.: No? What are you talking about?: The new orders are to… join with the Japanese Super Robot and rendezvous with the Space Corps' battleship Nahel Argama, all the while continuing our pursuit of the Medius Locus… What is all this…?: …: They’re essentially telling us to let the Medius go…!: …Aqua, get in touch with that lab. If that order’s legit, then they must also be receiving it.: O-OK...
Back in said lab, Daisuke realizes that he couldn’t fool Kouji and tells him that he is, indeed, the pilot of the Grendizer.
Umon confides that Daisuke isn't his real son. Rather, he's the prince of Planet Fleed, in the Vega Nebula – Duke Fleed. His world was an advanced one of science, and peace until the dreadful King Vega decided to conquer the whole nebula. Innocents were slaughtered, the green land was consumed in flame and, within the burning palace, Duke’s parents and sister perished.
As for the Grendizer, it is the unit his father built, embodying the total scientific knowledge of their world, as a defender of universal peace.
However, the mech’s power caught the eye of King Vega – he wants to use it to fuel his galactic conquest. He couldn’t let it fall into the guy’s hands, so he left Planet Fleed with it and, after a long voyage, found Earth.
It was by mere chance that Umon found Duke, half dead, shortly after he had crash-landed in the mountains of Japan. Umon felt fate’s hand at work in that encounter, like there was a connection between them. Thus began the fated father-son thing, a whole two years ago.
Regardless, Umon wants Kouji to keep this a secret lest further misunderstandings arise if others find out about Daisuke’s origins. He will but, of course, they’ve bigger problems to worry about : King Vega never lets his prey escape and that prey is now Earth. It is certain he’ll be sending his men to attack this beautiful world again.
Indeed, and from what info Umon’s receiving, it appears the Saotome Lab was also attacked by Vegan troops about the same time we were. Unfortunately, details are sketchy so he doesn’t know about the Getter Team – the lab itself is safe, at least, and Kouji’s certain they’re all fine.
Regardless, Daisuke sees this isn’t just our problem and Umon says it is precisely to deal with the various problems like this that the Federation wants to make that new special squadron.
Umon tells them that it will be an independent squad with the Nahel Argama as one of its flagships; and said ship which should be descending in Japan soon.
Kouji has heard of it, the mothership of the Gundam team that played a great part in bringing an end to the Neo Zeon conflict. Only difference is, this time, they’re bringing in more stuff than just Gundams aboard.
Daisuke asks if they’ll need to join the Federation Army if they want to help with that but, no, it was arranged for them to be just civilian supporters. Sounds good to Kouji, if it’ll help us keep Earth from falling to the Vegan Empire – not that they can afford to ignore the Giganos and Tokyo Jupiter, either.
Umon apologizes for leading Kouji back into the battlefield but, really, he doesn’t care as he was already planning on doing so when he came back to Japan. Daisuke himself is quiet, pondering rumors that he heard while traveling in space: the Vegans may not be the only alien group with an interest in conquering Earth.
When Kouji pokes him, Daisuke concedes that he can’t well run from his fate now that she’s chosen to pilot the Grendizer again. And this planet is his second home, so he’ll also tag along. The two of them will be heading to the Saotome Labs and they won’t do so alone.
He calls in Hugo and Aqua, who introduce themselves to the others. Kouji doesn’t even need to introduce himself, as Aqua is well aware of his exploits with the Mazinger from his many appearances in the news.
Hugo says that at the very least, Kouji's quite famous among those who work in developing Super Robot and related technology. As the guy gets bashful, Umon asks if they’re willing to share details of their assignment.
Sure, as Aqua notes that their superiors have given them permission for this. So, Aqua tells him about their Garmraid: a humanoid weapon powered by Terminus Energy, developed by the Federation’s Tsentr Project. It’s popularly referred to as a TE Absorber.
And what about that Terminus Energy? It’s a previously theoretical form of energy discovered by Prof. Mitall Zapato that exist outside the four fundamental interactions in nature (gravitation, electromagnetism, strong nuclear and weak nuclear).
Kouji's heard of this during his studies in the US, but understands it to be very hard to collect or control. It is said this energy is present everywhere, so does that mean the Garmraid can run indefinitely if it’s using it?
No, Aqua says that the TE Engine is still undergoing adjustments and its output is, thus, unstable. So, various auxiliary electric power sources had to be used as well and Aqua has to always be aboard to keep the engine under control.
Kouji wonders if that has something to do with her swimsuit-like uniform and she weakly confirms. It's part of the "Direct Feeling Control" system, which requires her to leave some skin exposed.
Daisuke asks about the black unit they were chasing and Hugo tells of the Medius Locus, another prototype that was being developed in tandem with the Garmraid. It doesn’t have a TE Engine but, in its place, the thing has had its frame and armor built out of Lazmunanium. A new element also discovered by Mitall: succinctly, it is a metal with self-healing properties.
Umon takes a potentially endless energy source and pairs it with a self-healing element and asks if the ultimate goal of the Tsentre Project is to develop weapons that can function and last forever, without any maintenance. Aqua confirms but, again, the Garmraid and Medius are merely prototypes – they’re still far away from a success. And one of said prototypes was now stolen.
Aqua reiterates that the Medius' Lazmunanium can't be allowed to be misused, lest they risk a repeat, albeit in smaller scale, of what happened with the Devil Gundam. Kouji remembers how said Gundam jacked the Neo Japan Colony a year ago.
Umon is worried now and asks if the Lazmunanium has the same properties as DG Cells. Thankfully, no, as it was carefully developed so that it lacked those self-evolving and self-replicating properties. Still, if someone were to modify it…
Which is why they need to get the Medius back ASAP and, with that in mind, Kouji wonders why they're not off in hot pursuit right now. Hugo tells of their orders to accompany them to the Nahel Argama and just to keep an eye out for the missing bot. There’s obviously more going on but they don’t know anything for certain now.
Well, Daisuke and co have no objections to them coming along. First order of business is getting to the Saotome Labs and joining up with the Getter Team. From there, they’ll head to the ship.
With that, Hugo is quick to pull Aqua back to the bot and, with an apology to the others, she says they’ll be ready to depart soon. Daisuke bids farewell to his father, asking him to be careful, and he and Kouji move off.
: Hey, hold on! Why are you in such a hurry for?!
: …Those orders really are just too weird. : Huh?: Why do we need to join with the Nahel Argama? If we do that, it’ll only increase our chances of getting pulled into other battles.: And there is absolutely no guarantee that the Medius will cross our path.: Hm-hmm.: And, on top of that, the ease with which our assignment was changed bothers me. It’s pretty clear that there’s stuff going on behind the scenes. : Yeah. To say nothing of the fact of how easily the Medius was stolen. : I don’t suppose we’d be wrong to assume that it’s someone within the Tsentr Project behind all this. : You think it’s Professor Mitall?: Maybe but, then, I don’t know why only the Medius Locus was stolen. If his plan was to sell it to another organization, he’d have taken the Garmraid as well. : True… Anyone who wants to reap the fruits of the Tsentr Project would need both the TE Engine and Lazmunanium. 
: (Or does the Medius actually have functions we don’t know about?): (…The moves the Medius did today… I remember them well.): (But it can’t be… He couldn’t be back…)
Location: Skull Moon Base
Over by the Vegan’s HQ, Bracky’s just told Gandal (purple guy) the news about Duke Fleed. Furthermore, the commander isn’t too happy with his underling for turning tail and run at the sight of him.
Bracky argues that it was to bring this piece of information to him as quickly as he could but that doesn’t stop another officer, Balendos, from sneering at what a wimp he is.
Balendos himself has just returned from his mission on earth, where he went to make mincemeat out of some red robot – unlike some other incompetent folks (Bracky seethes). With that in mind, Gandal gives him the job of eliminating the Grendizer.
Bracky protests that it was his job but Balendos tells him to pipe down and help Gandal get the Skull Moon Base set up. Meanwhile, he’ll go and claim Duke Fleed’s head.
Good, Gandal is eager to behold the might of the captain of King Vega’s Royal Guards.
…It’s not the same without Butcher.