Part 45: Mission 28 - Tragedy Beneath the Moonlight - Part 1
Mitall’s gotten in touch with Elde, relaying news of a new TE Absorber that’ll be rolled out soon – he wants her and Albero to see whether Hugo and Aqua are fit to pilot it. Elde asks if that means they’re welcome to dispose of them if they aren't up to snuff.
Mitall sniffs at her inane suggestion: those two are important parts in the Tsentr Project. Losing them would delay the whole thing, though Elde says that defective parts can never be anything other than that. Mitall isn’t so sure, liking the data he’s been receiving lately.
As for Elde’s previous request of a TE Engine for the Medius, there’s been a problem. The Tsentr Project only had two engines and one was destroyed in a test accident; the remaining one was installed in said new prototype, so it’ll be a long while before the Medius can be equipped with one.
Elde isn’t too happy, seeing in this a maneuver to keep her and AI1 in check, though he sneers (with that grin of his) that it was just a simple accident. Certainly nothing he orchestrated. In that case, he won’t oppose them taking the Garmraid’s own TE Engine, right? That way, she’ll be able to test the engine working in tandem with the Lasmunanium.
Mitall tells Elde to go for it, as that data would also be very valuable for the development of Model #10 – just make sure Hugo and Aqua don’t get killed in the process. Elde acknowledges and, with that, he ends the call.
”I knew it… he really is set on opposing the committee’s plan. Sooner or later, AI1 and the Medius will both…” Elde ponders, as the door opens behind her. It’s Albero, asking for their new orders. Elde says it’s to destroy the Garmraid and Albero’s surprised that Mitall has already given up on the thing; moreover, Elde says Hugo and Aqua are to be disposed along with it.
Albero pauses for a bit but confirms before asking Elde to go and make sure the Medius and AI1’s adjustments are finished. As she ought to know after all these battles, they shouldn’t underestimate Hugo and Aqua.
Elde huffs that it’s unlike him to acknowledge someone else’s strength but assures him that AI1 is superior – there’s nothing to worry about. Furthermore, she’s sure that Aqua can be easily unbalanced by revealing her presence aboard the Medius. Emotional control has always been the girl’s biggest weakness.
This scene is only for MXP's original plot:
: Elde Mitte… She’s likely picked up on what we’re planning.
: Most likely.: We need a way to keep her in check like Hugo.: It’s not my job to control her. Still, it’d probably be best if we took some precautions to ensure the development of the new model isn’t set back.: What will you do, then?: Get a rescue team ready to go and run a trace on the Medius and Magnate Ten’s current movements.: Just in case Elde decides to go against your instructions?: Hm. I’ve no plans of switching pilots at such late a juncture.
: I still have much for those two to do for my project…Back to common ground:
Location: Last Guardian Base
We’ve already made it back, with Miku relating to Oki that there have been no issues with Masato recently – he hasn’t gone crazy again. That’s good but the situation’s changed: Oki has decided that liabilities must be removed at once.
Miku sees that he means Masato and Oki says that the Haudragon are starting to act and if they’re going to defeat the last Hakke Robos, the Zeorymer needs to be fully under Last Guardian’s control. “If it’s not, that power is… he is too dangerous,” Oki says.
Evil Masato steps out of the shadows, asking who, exactly, is “too dangerous”? Yes, he heard everything, and ponders what Oki is planning. When the guy doesn’t answer, Masato says he needn’t: Oki is very transparent and, really, he ought to stop with this pointless charade.
: Masato, what happened…?
: Are you worried about me, Miku?: Of course I am… we’re partners, no?: “Partners”…? Heh, drop the act. It’s very easy to see that you’ve fallen for me.
: !: You are a puppet. Your purpose in life is to obey my will – nothing more.: …: A puppet trying to play at being human… now that is ridiculous, isn’t it?: Kch…!*Miku runs off.
: Miku!: Hmhmhmhm…
: Masato… you’re…!
Elsewhere, Miku’s crying over the horrible things Masato said… until Rockfell pops up.
Miku is shocked that anyone could slip into this base and realizes all too late who she’s dealing with, getting tazed and knocked out.
The rest of our team’s receiving info on the battles involving our other teams – Nana wonders if we should expect an attack here, too, and Hayato figures it’s likely. The Federation’s caught up with the Giganos across Japan, so the Haudragon could potentially strike amid that chaos.
Ryouma and Benkei says we should get ready to fight at the drop of a hat then – we need to protect Masato. Hayato seems a bit uneasy with that.
MX Version:
: The TE limiters?
: Yeah. I’d like you to run a simulation on how the Garmraid would run with the limiters cut.: “Cut”…?! You do understand that if you do that, the engine will overheat, right?: But before it does, we should see a momentary increase in output.: And why would you do something like that…?!
: So we can take out the Medius Locus, that’s why. You saw how our previous battles went; with the Lasmunanium on its side, we need to destroy that thing in one go or it’ll just regenerate all damage it took.: I won’t argue with that but… it’s crazy risky.: A bit of crazy can go a long way.
: Th-This is not “a bit”! If it goes wrong, we’ll be sitting ducks!: …: …: …
: …Fine. I’ll run the sim.: …Sorry.: It’s fine. I made a promise to Rain.: To Rain…?
: Hm. We’ve a job to do together… so I’ll do everything in my power, as your partner, to make it happen.MXP Version:
: Cut the Garmraid’s TE Limiters?: Right. Can you run the sim and check how long the mech would handle running like that?: Hold on, now. Prof. Zapato has explicitly forbidden us from cutting the engine’s limiters.: Because it’d overheat the thing, right?: Yes. And, really, with how the engine is right now, we run the risk of losing all control over it before it even overheats.: Which is why I want to know how long we’d be able to fight like that.: Your plan is to destroy the Medius Locus with that gamble, hm?: You saw how our previous battles went; with the Lasmunanium on its side, we need to destroy that thing in one go or it’ll just regenerate all damage it took.: I won’t argue with that but… it’s crazy risky.: Doesn’t change the fact that, right now, it’s the only way we’re beating that thing.: If all goes according to plan, we’ll take the Medius down with us…But if anything goes wrong, we’ll give it just the opening it needs and that’ll likely be the end for us!: What, then? Can you think of any other plan to take the Medius down?: Let’s talk to everyone, explain what’s going on and ask for their help. If we do, I’m sure we—: The Medius is my target. I won’t ask the others to get involved with this.: “Your” target…?! Do you think you’re fighting that thing by yourself?!: We had this conversation before: I’m the one who pilots the Garmraid, so I’m the one who decides how we fight.: …: If you’ve a problem, then we can end this partnership right now.: What, you think throwing that at my face is going to make me shut up?!: What…?: But, fine, since you went there, let me just make something perfectly clear!: !: It’s not you alone that makes the Garmraid work, OK?! Do you have any idea how to work the DFC System?!: …: No, you don’t! So stop acting like you can fight this by yourself!
: Fine, then I’ll go and take care of the TE Limiters myself!*Hugo stomps off.*
: Urgh! He’s like a huge child!: …
: (Then again, so am I…): (Aah…I did it again. And Rain even told me how important it was to be there to help him, no questions asked…): (This duo of ours might really be beyond saving.)Back to common ground:
Location: Tekkoryu Castle
Lurahn’s got Miku in a tube and, as he examines her, is inwardly shocked to find out how she fit in Masaki’s plans. When Yura asks, however, he says he’s got nothing yet – more tests are required.
Yura accedes, remembering how the Zeorymer was designed to be controlled by a lone pilot and that’s how it was when Masaki stole it. Yet, the bot is now driven by both Masato and Miku together. None of the other Hakke Robos require two pilots, so why is the Zeorymer different?
Lurahn stammers that the answer to that question should lie with Miku herself. Then he should get to it, Yura commands – remember that everything they do is to transform this planet into the Underworld, where she’ll rule as Hades.
Elsewhere, Saiga compliments Rockfell on her successful mission, and she in turn on how his Omzack seems to be finally finished. Still, she says that he’ll likely not have a chance to display the thing’s vaunted power.
Saiga is certain of the opposite: ultimately, the moonlight has no hope of reaching the depths of Heaven. And, regardless, he has bigger fish to fry than the Zeorymer. More interesting to him is Rockfell’s annoyed semblance – has she grown weary after indulging the empress’ games? All that trouble just to capture some girl…
Rockfell frowns that the empress has something in mind. Dare he criticize? Saiga sniffs that Rockfell is giving her too much credit: way he sees it, the empress simply wants to slowly torture and kill Masato’s partner. All as vengeance for her unfulfilled love.
His insolence sets Rockfell off but Saiga continues, saying that this might be a good time to quit this mess. Would Rockfell come with him? He can give her a far better deal than the one she’s got with the empress.
Rockfell seems uncertain as a furious Gisou enters, accusing Saiga of rebellion; the guy simply scoffs at his “ridiculous” allegation and leaves. Gisou turns to Rockfell – she’s not going to lend her ear to Saiga, right?
Of course not, as Rockfell proclaims that the Hakkeshu’s lives are with their empress. That’s good but… Rockfell asks what the problem is. Gisou seems out of sorts.
Gisou mumbles that he’s just worried about her but quickly backs down and says it’s nothing. Ho-hum.
Mission 28 – Tragedy Beneath the Moonlight
Last Guardian’s alarms start blaring as they detect a Hakke Robo on approach – it’s already broken through two of their defensive lines. The rest of the Magnate Ten are still busy fighting the Giganos, so Oki will have the troops available intercept.
Or he would but Evil Masato proclaims that he alone is more than capable of dispatching a Hakke. And he insists: Oki’s to make sure no one interferes with his battle. The kid’s personality is making something very clear to Oki.
: Hmhmhm… the hour of my vengeance is finally come. Show yourself, Zeorymer of the Heavens!
: AAAAH!: Urk! Our earth cover was blown away…!
: We’re going out there, Oki!: No, just wait. Masato’s launching with the Zeorymer.
: What, alone?!
: That’s insane!: We’ve no other choice right now… it’s necessary, if we’re to get answers.
: There you are…!: Heh… still pursuing death ever-so-doggedly, hm, Ritsu?: Silence…! You will now feel the weight of the humiliation I’ve tasted to this day!: Heheheh… Well, I’m about to start making my way over to you. You’d do well to charge your J-Kaiser in the meantime. : You dare mock me…?! Fine! Behold the power of the moonlight!
Well, we gotta indulge Evil Masato now. It takes two turns to get him anywhere close to Ritsu since we don’t have Miku’s accelerate.
Enemy Phase!
Here he comes.
: Hahah… have you come to meet your end, Ritsu?: You’re far too slow, Zeorymer!https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dhp9uY21kCE
Not doing too hot here.
Masato notices something wrong with how the Zeorymer’s performing and so do our people. Did something happen? Aqua takes a look and notices that the light usually on the bot’s chest is gone – maybe there’s some abnormality with the engine?
Oki tries getting in touch with Miku to ask for a status report but, of course, no one answers. Aqua tries telling Miku that she needs to get the Zeorymer’s energy output stabilized or else… still nothing. Hugo wonders if she’s not aboard but we’ve no idea. Oki, realizing he has the worst security staff in the world, considers the possibility that she might’ve been kidnapped just like Masato was before.
He asks everyone to search the base to see if they can find her and, failing that, for our folks to get ready to deploy depending on how this goes. Masato has heard that: “Oki, I thought I told you all to stay out of this… Besides, I can bring Miku back at any time.”
Oki doesn’t know what to make of that last bit.
Player Phase!
Let’s skip a couple of turns because the plot only kicks in once the Zeorymer’s bumped below 40% HP. Eventually I remember to bring Masato in closer for Ritsu to use his stronger Luna Flash.
Enemy Phase!
Try again.
Here we go.
Ritsu’s confused as hell – the Zeorymer’s not displaying even half of the strength it previously had. What’s going on? That’s what Masato wants to know, getting back to normal and wondering what he’s doing inside the bot. He tries calling out to Miku, asking where she is.
Oki, realizing that Masato’s reverted, explains that she’s been kidnapped by the Haudragon; yet, he still needs to face Ritsu. Masato hesitates to fight without her but Oki points out that she is, ultimately, no more than his sub-pilot – he’ll just have to make do.
Our folks will be deploying soon, so he asks Masato to hold on for a bit. Inwardly, though, Oki ponders how the Zeorymer’s energy output is considerably lower than usual. Is it due to Miku’s absence? “What were you planning, Kihara?”
Masato, meanwhile, tries making sense of what happened. He figures that other Masato took over again: that cruel, manipulative Masato who attacks with no regard for even his friends at the Magnate Ten. “No…! That’s not me! That’s not—!”
Our folks deploy and are already rushing over, surprising Masato that they’d help him. Ryouma and Kazuya ask what’s so weird about that – they’re not about to abandon a comrade with whom they’ve fought alongside with. Nana agrees, having seen what a hard-worker Masato is.
Hayato isn’t as friendly, though, unable to agree with their unwavering trust of the kid. Ryouma asks if he can’t bring himself to trust a comrade and, yeah, that’s right. This Masato notwithstanding, we know nothing of what “the other one” has in mind.
Ryouma doesn’t know what he’s talking about and Hayato simply tells him to ask Masato himself… but that’ll have to wait. Alarms start blaring as new enemies approach: Hokushin mooks with some Successor bots.
Ritsu snaps that he didn’t ask for their assistance but they’re not here to interfere with his battle – their mission is simply to distract the Nadesico.
I didn’t calculate this right but, thankfully, the Hokushin mooks went only after folks that could handle their hits.
The Katonbos, however, didn’t like the look of Kyoshiro.
Distortion Fields!
The little Joros, however, go after our two Akira Kamiyas. That’s good because we want them to get as much morale as possible.
Ryouma learns Valor, right on time!
Player Phase!
Had a leftover Joro but I shouldn’t have given it to Hugo.
Still, I did. At least Aqua FINALLY starts leveling up her skills.
Ryouma and Kazuya slooooowly start chipping away at a Rokuren. I bring Masato over to both help with that and draw Ritsu closer.
Enemy Phase!
: …
: The Medius Locus…! Now?!
: This isn’t good – we’re getting flanked!: …*Hugo charges in to intercept*
: Where are you going, Hugo?!: I’ll hold him back while you guys take care of Masato!: Hugo… it’s time for you two to serve your true purpose.: Our true purpose?!: Yes… you, and the Garmraid, will now become part of the Medius.: So you wanna settle everything today. Is that what you’re saying, Captain?: Yes, I’ll put an end to your suffering and send you to join Foglia and my subordinates.
: Shut up! You’re right that we’ll settle everything… because, today, I’ll destroy the source of this whole problem – the Medius Locus!: The Medius is the problem? You need to get your head on straight. This machine was built to surpass the Devil Gundam itself.: And that’s exactly what I’m talking about! Just what do you want more power than the Devil Gundam for?!MX version:
: You’ll have your answer… in death.: I’ve absolutely no intention of biting it here. And I’ve my own job to do as part of the Magnate Ten!
: I can respect that spirit of yours; shame that it’ll also be undone today.: And you think I’d just let you have your way?! Aqua, give me full power on the TE Engine – don’t let it drop into the yellow!: Aye, aye! Terminus Energy absorption plates, extended! Bypass, open!MXP version:
: You’ll have your answer… in death.: I’ve absolutely no intention of biting it here!: I can respect that spirit of yours; shame that it’ll also be undone today.: And you think I’d just let you have your way?! Aqua, give me full power on the TE Engine!: Don’t lose your cool, Hugo! Calm down!: I know, I know – just do as I say!: I'm not cutting our limiters, though, you hear me?!: Yeah, whatever! Now go and raise our output!: F-Fine! Terminus Energy absorption plates, extended! Bypass, open!Common ground:
: We’re ready, Hugo!: OK…! 
: (The Garmraid’s output rose instantly… Hmhmhm… Yes, that’s the way, Aqua. Show me and AI1 the depths of your strength. And then…): Here we go, Captain!
: Come…! It is here that I’ll close the book on our accursed past!
But, first, back to Ritsu.
: You’re pathetic, Zeorymer! And that is how you’ll leave this mortal coil!
: I have to do this…! Everyone came over to help me…! I… I will…!
Defending, just to be safe.
While the Rokuren’s continue to pester Kyoshiro, the Katonbos go for Kazuya.
Sloooow.
Albero, of course, will readily exploit Hugo’s low range.
: Let’s end this, Captain… rather, Albero Est!: Hm – that’s exactly what I want!
Though the Medius’ damage suffers due to the morale difference against a defending Garmraid.
Player Phase!
The Nadesico team shows up, Ginga very worried about Kazuya’s safety.
As everyone deploys, Ruri sends them in to support.
No need to babysit the weaker units anymore, though you’ll still lose if the Zeorymer, Garmraid or Nadesico are destroyed.
There’s nothing over where our backup spawns, so I’ll run Hugo over to draw in Albero.
Meanwhile, I’ll be sending Ryouko and Saburouta aboard the Nadesico to help with the Successors. This weak Rokuren finally gets killed.
Let’s push Ritsu.
: Come try your hand with us, Hakke Robo! We’ll more than make up for the Zeorymer’s troubles!: Hmph… Indeed, you do seem like a more worthwhile foe than the Zeorymer right now…: Still, all are powerless face the light of the Moon!
: You also think to assist the Zeorymer?!
: Careful, Ryou! This guy’s the real deal!: I got it. You get your head in the game, too, Hayato!
: Don’t worry about me! Masato notwithstanding, this guy is definitely our enemy!
So close to 50% but not enough.
Enemy Phase!
This will do, though.
There.
: It’s high time I finished this, Zeorymer!
: Wha—!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GmW-c-7yi7g
: Uurgh…!
: Masato!: Hmhmhm… And that is that.: What’s going on…? Is it really because of Miku’s absence?!: (Masaki said that she was needed only to regulate the flow of data… but without her, the Zeorymer’s output and offensive capabilities have plummeted. What kind of secret is hidden in her…?!): And, now… I’ll erase Masaki Kihara’s creation, the Zeorymer…! I’ll erase every shred of his existence!: P-Please, tell me!: …!
: Why do you hate Masaki Kihara?! Is it because he betrayed the Tekkoryu?!: No, it is not…! That man… he made of mockery of my life! And, that, I cannot forgive!: What…?!*Ritsu takes off his mask!*
: My face, Masato Akitsu… You may not see it but I have lived all my life with the face of a woman…! I was born and raised to fight as a warrior but the face I was given was that of a woman!: …: There are times when one is forced to coexist with that which they despise the most…! Can you even begin to comprehend what that is like?!: I-I…!: …And, then, I learned… I learned that it was Masaki Kihara who made me… He was the one who made my face like this!: He MADE you…?!: Yes. All of the Hakkeshu are the same: artificial lifeforms created by Masaki Kihara…!: …!: I found data… data regarding the program Kihara devised for us.
: …
: What are they doing?!
: I don’t know. Their comms aren’t open to us…: Each one of us were given a certain neurosis while we were being grown – seeds of our self-destruction, coded into our DNA. : Taiha’s unrequited love, Aen and Tau swerving between mutual hatred and sisterly love… and this womanly face of mine. : …: It may seem ridiculous to you, Masato, but none can even fathom the suffering I feel…!: Thus, I swore that I would never bow to Masaki Kihara’s wishes and drew upon the hatred I feel for my creator…!: Hahah… and, at last, victory is mine!: …: Enough talk. You, and the blood of Masaki that courses through your veins, will now vanish forever…!: …”The blood of Masaki”? Hilarious…!: What…?: Who do you think I am, Ritsu?: ?!: There is no victory for you…!: !! Disappear! J-Kaiser, engage!: Hmph, you struggle in vain…: That’s my line! What can the Zeorymer do now that it lacks Miku Hirumo?!: Does it now?: Indeed! She is being held inside Tekkoryu Castle at this very moment! That’s why the Zeorymer can’t bring forth its full might, isn’t it?!: Heh…Hmhmhmhm…: What’s so funny?!: You, Ritsu; your ignorance is pitiful. Any missing parts need only be called back.: “Parts”?!: That’s right…!
: Call her back, Zeorymer! Call back your Dimensional Coupling System!https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gwBda6739ic
Captions are available.
I’m trying to think of a more disturbing cutscene in other SRW games and I’m coming up empty.
: Wh-what…?! What just happened?!
: The Zeorymer’s chest is glowing again…!: Hmhmhm… Welcome back, Miku.
: Masato… Masato… MASATO… MASATO… 
: M A S A T O… M A S A T O…: It can’t be...! That is the Dimensional Coupling System...?!: You’d best not expect a pleasant death, Ritsu…! We’re going, Miku!: ... Yes…
: Y-You are not Masato, are you…?!: Hmhmhm…: No… You are…!
: … Father…
: I am Masaki Kihara! And I am not your father!
: He destroyed that Hakke Robo in a single attack…!
: These readings… they’re incomparable to what we got moments ago…!: Magnificent… That’s the true might of the Dimensional Coupling System…! You saw it, yes, AI1? You, too, will yield power like that one day…!
: …! 
: He… That Masato is…!: Hmhmhmhm… Dance, dance, Hakkeshu! Dance in the palm of my hand!: Heheheheh… Hahahaha! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!*The Zeorymer leaves.*
: He disappeared?!: What the hell is going on there?!
: We’ll investigate that later… right now we need to eliminate the remaining enemies.I... I dunno what to say after all that.
Rest of the mission will come in about two days, I think.