Part 20: Mission 11 - Do Justice To - Part 1
Location: Giganos Empire
Dorchenov is talking to some mysterious man whose people are just about ready to spring into action. The guy wants the Giganos to keep on distracting the Federation in the meantime.
Dorchenov notes that the man hasn’t been able to deal with some flies buzzing around the Hisago Plan – the Nadesico B and the so-called "Black Ghost". The guy only says they’re taking measures regarding that. But, just to be safe, he’ll be sending some folks over for Dorchenov to use as he sees fit.
Dorchenov thinks that that's a rather weak repayment but the rest of his reward will come when they gain full control of the "ruins". Dorchenov finds it ironic that the Nadesico and its heroes will be the spark for this new conflict and the mystery man signs off, saying it is all done in the name of mankind’s future and bringing about new order.
Dorchenov inwardly tells the Jovian ghosts they ought to remember that they’d be in a MUCH worse situation without Giganos support. But his more immediate problem is the intel he received of discontent amid the younger officers towards the brass’ methods.
The only way he has of reeling them in is to ply the influence of someone who holds their trust – Maillot Plato. He figures Guiltorre will have no objections towards recalling the guy to the moon. So, he calls a mook over and tells him to have a certain group head to Earth and escort Maillot over.
The mook seems a bit queasy but mystery man did say he could use them as he saw fit. Dorchenov’s not about to let them hang around to spy on him – might as well have them do whatever oddjobs he can.
Finally, there’s the matter of that prototype unit - the Medius Locus - whose pilots sent, a few days ago, a request to cooperate with the Giganos. Dorchenov orders them assigned to their Far East base and put to work. The mook asks if they shouldn’t keep it closer, where they can study it? While the thing is a special prototype of the Federation, it is also an imperfect machine. Dorchenov’s only concern is to use both it and the Jovian ghosts as a diversion until the mobile fortress and the Gilgazamune are finished.
The Practice groupies have received their recall orders and are not happy – they’re to abandon their pursuit of the D Weapons? Yes, some Hokushin agents say, such are Dorchenov’s orders. They’re here to escort them back.
Karl gets in their face, seeing that they’re not fellow Giganos. Who are these dogs sent to corral them?!
Maillot steps in and tells him to pipe down. He realizes that Dorchenov wants him to keep the young officers in line and the Hokushin agents say they’ve heard talk of that. Dan and Werner tell him not to go, figuring this is a trap to kill Maillot and force everyone to bow to Dorchenov and his peers.
Maillot doubts he’d try something so careless in Guiltorre's presence. Karl isn’t too sure, knowing Dorchenov would be willing to do anything to further his agenda. And that’s saying nothing about him sending these unfamiliar messengers here.
Still, Maillot figures this to be a good chance to figure out the state of the army. Furthermore, he wants to see whole thing – both the top brass and the young officers – brought closer together to better fulfill Guiltorre's wishes.
He tells the Hokushin men that he'll follow the orders, but only after he takes care of one last business: he wants to meet a certain man in person and ascertain his thoughts.
Back in the Argama, we’ve already received the Giganos message: they want to organize a private meeting between Kaine and one of their own. Misato and Vega already assume that this is a ploy to kidnap him, though Kaine doesn’t seen why they’d want to.
Asuka explains that he, pilot of the D-1 and only person capable of actually turning the thing on, would make for quite the VIP. Does the rest of the team see him that way? Of course, Douglas nods; why else does he think their whole crew was reassigned to the Nahel Argama?
Kaine figures they oughta treat him a whole lot nicer, then, but Ben tells him to shush – let’s not forget that he’s only in this situation because he and the others flew the Dragonars without permission. By rights, they should be in jail. Fair enough.
When Vega asks, Douglas says it was the Giganos’ Blue Hawk himself who wants to meet Kaine. Why? We’ve no idea but the Giganos proposed a secret six hours of cease-fire as a show of good faith.
Asuka smells a trap and Vega is also worried: there must be a big reason for them to request this meeting; maybe they want to confirm what the D-1 pilot looks like?
Douglas says that the meeting area is in Kyoto, a demilitarized zone. They’ve assured Kaine’s safety but, of course, that’d require us actually believing said promise.
Misato figures it’s probably best to just ignore this request but Kaine is insulted that they’re suggesting he run from this meeting like a coward. Douglas argues that willingly walking into what could be a trap is wholly different matter; plus, there’s absolutely nothing for us to gain from this.
Kaine isn’t having it: Kyoto is really close and we could get there in a heartbeat. The Blue Hawk requested him by name, so what kind of man is he if he refuses? Asuka says his pride isn’t what’s important now – what if something happens to him? The D-1’ll be grounded!
Kaine smirks that he won’t get dropped that easy but it changes not the fact that he’s putting himself in a whole lot of danger. He points out that he'd hardly have joined the military if he was worried about that. And if they’re gonna be like this, then he’ll just go out with the D-1 on his own!
“… Do you really think we’d let you off the ship after hearing that?” Misato asks. “Ah… crap…” Kaine’s other shoe drops.
As Ben tells him to pipe down before he decides to tie him to a chair, Bright actually speaks in favor of having the meeting. The Giganos obviously have an ulterior motive for this but this might also be a chance for us to gain some information about them.
Misato concedes that gaining insight into the enemy’s personality could make it simpler to see through their strategies; plus, Bright would rather not risk the Dragonars deciding to leave on their own anyway.
That said, he wants Vega and Domon to tag along as his escorts, while the D-3 and Garmraid stay close to support in case of a trap. Finally, Bright asks Kaine to be very careful.
Elsewhere, Light’s telling the kids about the Shirahime Incident: a recent attack suffered by the terminal colony of the Hisago Plan by a mysterious robot codenamed the “Black Ghost”. It’s all over the news and even Leina’s seen it.
Ginga sounds a bit surprised to hear that colonies have ghosts too and Light reports that this ghost can seemingly Boson Jump as well. When Ginga asks, Kirakuni explains that Boson Jumping is, simply put, teleportation, and one of the causes of the Lizard War.
Said war was over certain ruins from an ancient civilization on Mars, the creators of a piece of technology that must be used to perform a Boson Jump. Mind, Eris says that a specialized device and a uniquely talented person are also required.
But, back to the war, at the eye of the hurricane was the battleship Nadesico A, led by the late Yurika Misumaru. Judging by the name, Ginga is quick to realize that it’s the daughter of Bright’s boss.
Her death in a shuttle accident was nothing short of a tragedy, especially considering that she was on her honeymoon with Akito Tenkawa. Barring rumors that it was a Titans plot due to the Nadesico’s clashes with them in the Lizard War, the whole event is still marred with unanswered questions.
Aqua then shows up, telling Light about his recon role in the upcoming mission.
She explains they’ll be escorting Kaine over to Kyoto, though Light still hasn’t gotten that memo. He can get details from Douglas but, more importantly, Aqua’s trying to find Hugo to get him up to speed.
No one’s seen him but maybe in the hangar? Ginga and Leina are quick to offer their help by also checking his room. Aqua thanks them and goes off.
: … Hugo…
: …: If you ever take anything I say to heart, make it this… There is death in life… and there is life in death…: …: Find out how to live through the unlivable. Carry out your mission and come back alive above all else. : There is no meaning in death. Defeat your enemy and survive – cling to life with every fiber of your being. That is the one ironclad rule of us, the Cry Wolves…: (And I survived… the battle against that demon…)
: (Hey, Hugo… You in there?)
: Yeah, come in.*Door opens.*
: Were you busy with anything?: No, no, I was just meditating.
: Meditating? My mom made me do that while teaching me Shorinji Kenpo… I ended up with both legs numb.: The same happened while I was starting out… But did you need anything?: Ah, yes. Aqua was looking for you.
: You got a new mission, so she wanted you to head to the bridge right now.: Alright.
Location: Kyoto
Turns out the meeting with the Giganos is in a Buddhist temple, much to Domon’s surprise. Vega sighs that she hasn’t been in one since “he was born”… and, when Kaine asks if she’s a mom, immediately corrects herself by saying she’s talking about a relative’s child.
One of the Hokushin welcomes them and Vega presents Kaine Wakaba, as requested. As the guy beckons them inside, Domon tells Vega to be careful: this guy’s stance is that of a trained person. She’s noticed it and both stand ready to act if need be.
Light tells Hugo and Aqua that the team’s reached the temple; when asked, he also tells he’s detecting several heat sources in the mountains opposite them - no real surprise there.
They haven’t attacked yet, so it seems the meeting’s legit and Aqua wonders if there'll be any time for sightseeing if things continue to remain quiet. Light’s interested, having heard of this “Daimonji” thing before.
That’s the Daimonji festival, Hugo corrects. Regardless, it’s not time that time of the year yet so that idea won’t fly. Aqua’s rather surprised that he knows so much of this place and Hugo explains that his old superior officer was a bit of a Japanophille. That person had him do some spiritual stuff in a nearby temple as part of his training way back when.
Aqua asks if said person was the leader of his old elite squad, prompting Hugo to start scowling. “Did I say something wrong?” she wonders. Hugo only turns back to Light, asking him to keep a close eye on the Giganos – they won’t care that this is neutral ground if they’ve anything planned.
Maggie’s on the job.
Kaine finally meets with Maillot Plato who introduces himself formally. “‘P-Plato’?! That’s the same surname as Linda…!” Kaine gasps inwardly. Vega and Domon, meanwhile, see that the Blue Hawk’s reputation is well deserved – he’s the bearing of a true warrior.
So, why did he call Kaine here? To ask a question: “What are you fighting for?”
Not because he gets a kick out of doing so or because of orders, for one. But if not out of loyalty to his homeland, then, why?
“So I can keep everyone alive! You guys started this fight in the first place… And until you back off – until Giganos is wrecked – I’ll keep at it!” he says.
“Fool,” Maillot spits. “You haven’t the slightest grasp of your inner strength. You are ignorant in every sense of the word.”
As Kaine bristles, Domon sees what’s going on. “You’ve felt your convictions wavering in battle, didn’t you?” he asks.
Maillot knows much about Domon and asks why he, one of the Shuffle Alliance, is helping out the Earthnoids when all they do is consume Mother Earth? Isn’t the Shuffle Alliance meant to guide the history of humanity down a better path?
Domon sniffs at him preaching the restoration of mankind when his group keeps a knife at the environment’s throat with their Mass Driver. Those who’d look down upon others, who’d impose their will upon them, cannot speak of thinking of humanity as a whole!
Maillot asks if that’s what he learned from the Undefeated of the East.
Regardless, they haven’t much time left: between the first MU conflict, the Second Impact, One Year War, Lizard War and, finally, the Gryps War, humanity and the Earth Sphere as a whole are reaching their breaking point. There’ll be no future for them without drastic measures.
Vega disagrees, raising the point that this is no time for humans to fight among each other with the Gulfer and Vegans are our doorstep. This world would be finished if they invaded in earnest.
Kaine agrees, saying that this war is exactly what those guys want; Maillot isn’t listening, however, sighing that we are incapable of grasping the Giganos’ ideals. He has one final question: is one Linda Plato travelling with us? The fact that he knows her is all the confirmation Kaine needed that this guy’s related to his crush.
But the Hokushin agents decided that this is enough talk. They’re here to capture Kaine now! Maillot demands he explain himself and it seems Dorchenov’s sent new orders: they’re to bring in Kaine so they can use it as a bargaining chip with the Feds.
Maillot objects that he only summoned the young pilot over to witness his true character – to ascertain whether he’s a warrior to be respected, one who could defeat him in battle if underestimated. He’s seen that though Kaine’s spirit is wild and, indeed, he has much potential.
Well, he can keep studying him back on the moon as the Hokushin still have their job to do. They draw their blades to attack… and are promptly repelled by Domon.
“Hmph… The Jovian-Style quickdraw technique, I see. Still, swordsmanship of that level won't work against the School of the Undefeated of the East!” he says before kicking them away.
The Hokushin are undaunted but Vega joins in and sends them flying with her own kung fu – time to leave, right now.
Mission 11 – Do Justice To
Don't ask me what this title means.
Metal Armors are quick to enter the area and Domon ponders the Giganos were planning to attack from the very start. Whether Maillot was in on it is a wholly different story, mind. Vega grabs her Valkyrie and asks both men aboard – Light’s already told her that the Nahel Argama’s headed this way.
Kaine won’t turn her offer down (“I always wanted to ride this thing!”) and Vega points out the area where they can rendezvous with the ship. She says that Light and Hugo, arriving just now, will keep the pursuers at bay.
They’re all ready to cover their escape, so off everyone goes.
Mission Objective: the Valkyrie reaches the demarked area
Mission Failure: Any allied unit shot down
This mission actually caught me by surprise and gave me my first game over. You’ll see why in a bit but, suffice to say, you’ll want Vega to get to that spot ASAP. If you’ve some boosters lying around, putting it on her bike will make things simpler.
We’ll have Light take point, setting up that nice EWAC fun-zone.
Can’t oneshot these Gebais, still. Hugo finishes the job.
Vega moves into D-3’s zone, becoming even more untouchable.
Enemy Phase!
Light pings another unit on approach and Hugo and Aqua quickly recognize the signal. In comes the Medius, its pilot surprised to find the Garmraid here – the sentiment goes both ways.
Either way, the Medius gets in touch with the Giganos and tells them they’ll handle the Garmraid. Light’s shocked that they’re working together and Aqua raises the question that the thief may be showcasing the unit to a potential buyer.
In that case, why bring it here? Why risk the valuable stolen prototype in an actual battlefield? Aqua figures he could be trying to compile live combat data just like we’re doing with the Dragonars or, maybe, the thief may want to steal the Garmraid as well.
Well, whatever the reason, Hugo decides it’s another chance for us to destroy the thing – and, inwardly, to confirm who’s actually piloting it.
The Medius pilot figures he'll tell Hugo and Aqua’s what's what soon but, first, he and the woman want to test their progress. With that in mind, he asks her to keep AI1 on a tight leash and minimize its interference in the battle.
The smaller enemies, and the Medius, are closing in, though only the Gebais are in range to attack. Light gets them all in the yellow.
Player Phase!
This is hardly recommended for reasons you’ll see shortly but, screw it, there’re convos to be had.
: This thing’s capabilities are now a whole lot higher than what the previous data said…!
: An electronic warfare unit, huh? You’ll stand no chance against the Medius with that puny machine!
: This mech… it really is targeting Hugo and Aqua?!
: We’ve no business with you. Still, you’d better make your peace if you’re set on getting in the way!
: Heh… It must be fate for us to end up fighting in this area.
: I’m bringing your face out into the light, pilot of the Medius!
Word of the wise: keep Hugo next to Light.
: Hmm… Looks like he’s gotten a bit better.
: (I knew it – this unit’s moves are…!): But, right now, you’ve no hope of beating the Medius and I!
: !
: Th-That’s…!: It’s just like before!
: No issues whatsoever between the mech and AI1.: In that case…!https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RigwRu3SDDM
: Hugo! Aqua!
: Ah— Aaargh…!: Y-You alright, Aqua…?!: Somehow, yes…! But how is the Medius that strong…?!: (He read me like an open book in that attack run…! I…I’m sure of it now…!)
: What happened, Hugo? Did you forget what you learned here?
: That voice…! It really is you, Captain…!: Come again, Hugo?!
: You know what pilot?: Y-yes… He’s the captain of the Cry Wolves special forces, the Federation squad I belonged to… Former Major Albero Est..!
: Then he was your master as well?!: Yes… Everything I know of combat, I learned from him…!: That, you did, Warrant Officer Hugo Medio… 
: Wait, you’re an Ensign now, right?: Captain… why are you flying the Medius Locus?! Didn’t you leave the army after—
: That’s not for you to know. You were chosen as the Garmraid’s pilot and, I, the Medius’. That’s all there is to it.: Then why did you go and steal it?!: Again, that’s not for you to know!: B-But…!
*Morale dooooown.*
: C-Captain, why are you…!
: Pull yourself together, Hugo! That guy’s trying to trying to kill us!: No! The Captain would never do something like that!
: Hugo…!: If you won’t fight, then you'll die right now. There isn't really any point in living with your body like that, right? (PSP Version: And living with your body like that would only mean pain, right?)
: !!: (His body…? What does he mean by that…?!): I’ll make it quick – it'll be my last duty as your former superior.: C-Captain… you’re…!
: Hugo, move! We’re goners if you don’t do something!: I… I can’t do anything…!: Do you really think this is the time to be acting like that, you moron?!: !: Are you really letting this be the end? You’ll just drop dead right here, without knowing – or doing – anything about whatever’s going on?!: …: Well, I’m not having it! I’m not dying without producing those results or figuring out what’s what!: …!: And if you’re gonna insist that you can’t do it, then hand me the controls! I’ll fight this myself!: But that’s…!: What, you don’t think I can pull it off?! I’ve had pilot training too, you know!: … : No…: ?!: I'll fight him - it's my responsibility…!: …: The Captain’s not backing off, so I have to…! I’ve to fight in order to survive…!: Hugo…!: That’s it. I don’t remember raising you as man who’d just lie down and accept death.
: … Are you sure about this, Albero? (Her name’s Elde): Of course I am.: Then, please, don’t let her find out about my being here just yet.: Fine.: Hurry, Vega! It'll be dangerous to let things carry on like this!: I got it!