Part 53: Mission 30 (Moon Route) - Break Through the Falcon
Location: GEAR HQ
Seems like Ruri’s decided to send Hokuto and Ginga home for a little bit, arguing to Vega that there’s still some time before the Nadesico heads to space. The next battles will be tough, especially for the kids, so she figured it’d do them good to see their family’s faces.
And it’s not like they’re being given special treatment, as Ruri’s also gave some time off to everyone not on duty. She figures Vega should do the same, too. Vega is a bit uncertain to leave the ship but Ruri says she’ll be hanging by, so she needn’t worry about anything.
“You should head home, too – just like Hokuto and Ginga,” she says, startling Vega that she might have figured out who she is… Naaah. Well, she’ll still take Ruri on her offer and takes off.
Harry ponders the knowledge that Vega’s home is also nearby and Saburouta asks if this talk’s getting him homesick. No, Harry says the Nadesico is his home and Saburouta likes hearing that. It’s because Ruri’s here, eh?
N-no, the Nadesico is just where Harry feels like he belongs – and that’s all he meant! As Saburouta laughs at the kid’s beet red face, Ruri is deep in thought. The Nadesico is also the same thing to her right now: her home and where she belongs.
Judau’s decided that Leina won’t be coming with us into space, wanting her to remain at GEAR. When she asks why, Judau argues that Eris is super busy with the Data Weapons now, so he wants Leina, being around her age, to be here and help out.
But Leina can’t make heads or tails out of all the high-tech programs being fiddled around here… still, Judau figures there are other ways she can help. Well, she can work the kitchen and make food and tea for the folks working.
That’s good enough, Judau says – it’ll all help us win this. Leina accepts but, in exchange, she wants him to promise to return safely. Of course he will, as he always did.
Hokuto’s already back home and his mom’s making her famous stew for him and Saionji, her father. A shame that Hokuto’s dad isn’t around but he’s ever-so-busy; of course, he’s glad to have his grandpa over and he’s got a bit of trivia: this stew was the very first recipe Orie cooked… which, in turn, was something he’s made for her for a long while.
As everyone digs in, Saionji prods Hokuto for information of his travels with the “science trainee program”. Yup, they’ve been touring the world and even got to travel to space, so it’s been pretty hectic. As Hokuto talks, though, he’s still a bit ill at ease: while Ruri let them visit home, he can’t help but think of how the Unicorn and Drill must be hurting now.
Saionji figures he’s made plenty of friends and, indeed, he has – including the neighbor’s kid and Eris, from the US. That Hokuto’s girlfriend? N-No!
Saionji has a laugh but quickly gets his serious face back on with a question for Hokuto: there are plenty of enemies, Gulger included, assaulting the Earth now. What would Hokuto do if he had to fight them? Hmhmmm.
Hokuto thinks for a bit a says that he’d probably find it very scary BUT his dad taught him that there are times when fighting is unavoidable. That’s what it means to live, so he figures he’d fight as best he could.
Saionji approves of his brave answer and, with Orie noting that she needs to talk to the guy for a bit, Hokuto heads to his room.
Saionji muses about how much Hokuto’s grown and Orie agrees, noting that he’s eleven already – time just flies by. But Saionji wasn’t talking about his age and more at his surprise that Hokuto was chosen as one of the pilots. Perhaps this is fate at work?
When Saionji asks, Orie’s obviously conflicted about all this. Shibuya’s already gotten in touch and informed him of the Data Weapons, plus our upcoming lunar operation. Orie’s ill at ease about sending the kids into such a dangerous situation but Saionji notes that everyone else has it just as bad.
No one would want children like them to have to battle and Saionji would readily do it himself if he could… but the Dendoh’s made its choice. And, truth be told, neither of those children will have future if the Earth is destroyed.
It’s been seventeen years since Orie first arrived in this world and, thanks to her, they were able to prepare for the Gulfer’s arrival. Now we must fight tooth and nail to keep Earth from ending like her planet.
So, Saionji tells her to keep her held up high and facing forward – how can she fight if she’s so downcast? Though this is difficult, it is also her, GEAR and the Magnate Ten’s duty, and she must always keep a positive disposition before the kids. If she lets herself get sad, uncertain or afraid, it can easily have a negative impact on them.
Orie understands and thanks him for the talking-to. Can she fight Altair without hesitation, should they meet again? She says she can. So, Saionji tells her to get to it and protect this world – including the kids’ future.
Over by Ginga’s place, Midori was a bit surprised at how suddenly he came back. Of course, him getting the chance to come over was just as sudden – and he’ll be heading back to the moon tomorrow. Midori sighs that with his abrupt comings and goings, never calling beforehand, makes Ginga so much like his father.
The guy, a reporter, is currently out in Spain following a story; but, more importantly, Midori wants to know how Ginga’s doing. That program’s tough business, no? He hasn’t been getting himself in trouble, right?
Ginga says he’s A-OK and Midori’s glad to hear that. Still, things have been a bit crazy lately with the Gulfer and Demons and whatever. But Ginga says we’ve folks like the Magnate Ten around to wreck those baddies.
Otome’s a fan of our crew, especially the Dendoh. Midori notes that the girl cheers for the bot every day – she does, too, of course. Ginga starts stammering, wanting to tell them what’s what but knows his mom’ll be worried sick if she knows.
Mom’s not stupid, though, and tells Ginga that it’s all good. So long as he’s doing fine, she won’t complain. She tells Ginga to keep hard at work, as they’ll be waiting right here for his return.
Mind, Otome wants him to remember to buy her a gift: either a stuffed lion or a stuffed boar.
Location: Giganos Empire
The surface troops have sent intel that the Federation’s mobilizing for a large-scale operation. Guiltorre sees what’s up: now that they’ve finished mass-producing their Metal Armors, the Feds plan on getting on the offensive. Several fleets are already setting out into space so, again, Dorchenov wants to get the Mass Driver to blast the Federation HQ.
Guiltorre still isn’t budging on his idea that the thing isn’t to be used again – it’s a deterrent and nothing more. Problem is, the Giganos forces are being pushed back across every front and it’s only a matter of time before they’re cornered in the moon.
Guiltorre proclaims that, in that case, the Giganos will muster their iron unity and defend their HQ to the death. Which is WHY Dorchenov really wants him to allow— Guiltorre shushes him, preferring not to repeat himself.
As Dorchenov seethes, Maillot passes along info that the Federation’s elite force is also coming to the moon – that Magnate Ten group. Maillot is very sure we’ll be at the core of the upcoming operation and, so, if we’re taken out before the ball gets rolling, it’ll be a major blow to the Federation’s spirit.
Even slowing us down would be advantageous in Guiltorre's book, so he orders Maillot to take his best men and strike. As he goes, Dorchenov quietly grunts at Maillot’s impertinence… The way folks like him and Guiltorre are running things, the Giganos will soon be in deep trouble!
The Nadesico’s already left the atmosphere and are en route to the moon. Operation Moonraker should be starting soon, too.
Ruri expects the Giganos to have picked up on our movements, so she tells everyone to stay on alert… and the alarms start blaring. Here come some Metal Armors.
Mission 30 (Moon Route) – Break Through the Falcon
Huh… I guess the 鷹 in Maillot’s title means falcon instead of hawk (the word serves for both, see). When I first started this, I actually did read it as Blue Falcon… but then I remembered that it was the name of Captain Falcon’s car and it didn’t seem right. Many sites wrote it as Blue Hawk, too!
Blah.
A whole bunch of enemies get in our way, annoying Ginga as we hardly have the time to waste on them. Ruri and Amuro figure the Federation allowed us to do this because we’d be drawing some of the Giganos’ attention, giving the rest of the fleets an easier time as they head to the moon. So, this was bound to happen.
Hokuto points out to Ginga that we’re not here solely to save the Unicorn and Leo – barring any surprises, we’ll also have to move into Giganos airspace and fight them sooner or later. Harry reports that the Federation’s fleets are advancing apace, so Ruri sends everyone out.
: Amuro, while we may also be playing bait with this, we can’t afford to be held here any more than necessary. 
: Hm. We should prioritize helping the Nadesico break through their lines than engaging them.
: That Gundam and a Golden MS…!
: Captain, the Red Comet is working with Amuro Ray?!
: That’s what it looks like.
: W-We need to face both the top aces of the Federation and the old Zeon…?!
: (… Red Comet… why do you wield your sword against the Giganos? With the destruction of Haman’s Neo Zeon, House Zabi’s ideology is all but ashes.): (Didn’t you want to witness the innovation of mankind? Why is such a man still lending his strength to the Magnate Ten…?): Captain…!
: Heh… We should consider it a blessing to have a chance to do battle with warriors of their caliber.
: Men, the shortest route to the moon lies at our backs! We must protect it with our lives! Do not allow the Magnate Ten to trespass into the heart of Giganos!: Yes, sir!: Lt. Makibi, what’s our time limit?
: About fifteen minutes. If we exceed that, we’ll have a lot of difficulty executing our planned operation in time!
: B-But, breaking through all these enemies in just fifteen minutes is…: No, we’ll do it in seven.
: Whaaat?!
: B-But that’s half the time!: Didn’t you swear that you’d return with Ragou’s data and save those two Data Weapons? 
: …!
: Ginga, Hokuto… Whatever the situation, you must always give your all. Haven’t the battles thus far taught you that?: !
: Don’t be intimidated, Hokuto. We’re all right here with you both.: Kazuya…!
: Indeed, fret not. We’ll carve open a path for you.
: And you’ve got the whole Gundam Team, too, so you know you’re in good hands.
: Hey, Judau! Don’t forget about us!
: S-Sorry, Ryouko.
: Hokuto, Ginga… You won’t be able to save the Unicorn and Leo if you hesitate now. 
: Right, right. We’ll be helping you every step of the way, so go and give it your best, OK?
: Aw, you guys…
: Onwards, you two – to the moon…! We’ll save the Data Weapons and destroy the Giganos’ Mass Driver! : R-Right!
: (Thank you, everyone…)
: Well, now that everyone’s renewed their spirits… Harry, what’s the shortest way through this sector?
: Hmm, one second… OK, it’s over there!
: Heey, that’s smack-dab in the middle of the enemy!: I suppose that’s just the way it is. The Nadesico has to reach that point in less than eight minutes… I’m sorry to ask but all units please provide cover.
: Okey-dokey! You’re all about to see that there’re no walls Rod Drill can’t bust through!
: Easy, Drill. Our priority is to escort the Nadesico above all else – there’s be absolutely no point in you, alone, reaching that spot.: I know that, man!
: All units, don’t bother with the enemy interceptors! Focus on destroying the platoon surrounding the target point!
Naaah, I ain’t gonna. That big wall of Gebais may seem intimidating but, really, they’re not; we can wreck all of them in, at most two turns. Leaving Maillot and his groupies around to hound you is an unnecessary headache, especially with how they’re right in the way.
Just keep a steady pace (especially with the Nadesico) and wreck everything in your path. So long as you make the time, you’re good.
Folks start moving up. While Hugo engages a Dein on the opposite end, Kazuya takes this one.
No oneshots at low morale.
Oh, and here’s the new Cellbooster: it’s pretty much better than the Cellfighter in every conceivable way, expect it has an S in space instead of Air. New weapons have been added, though they’re pre-movement.
As before, you can have either Kirakuni or Vega as the main pilot. I forgot to switch but Kirakuni’s pretty much tied with Vega in the important stats, though she has a slight edge in Accuracy and Evasion.
Finally, if the situation calls for it, you can purge the boosters and revert back to the Cellfighter. I’m not sure if that’d replenish your batteries but I would expect it to…
Enemy Phase!
: (Maybe I should take this chance to ascertain what he’s thinking…)*Beep.*
: Char Aznable… or, rather, Quattro Bajeena. Do you copy? I am Cpt. Maillot Plato of the Giganos elite forces. : …!: What is he doing, calling up the Lt…?!: …: If you hear me, then open your channel.: What is your business with me?: I need an answer… why are you in that crew? House Zabi, who exploited the ideals of the late Zeon Zum Deikun is long defunct… And, yet, here you are standing against us. Why?: …: We, of the United Giganos Empire, stand as a purifying blade to excise the corrupted Federation… If you’re the same man who, in that great war, saw a glimpse of the potential innovation of mankind, then one would think you’d endorse our cause. : …You’re in too much of a hurry. What mankind needs now is not radical innovation but to perceive where this era’s headed. 
: “Where this era is headed”?: Yes; every individual is given only a finite amount of time. And those who attempt to force a reform without understanding that are bound to, sooner or later, face destruction… just as Jamitov Hyman and Haman Karn did.: And you say we’re treading the same path?: Hm. Your “righteous” iron hammer has brought nothing but fear and hatred to the people… And those who, lacking faith for the next era, attempt to solve everything in the present will simply beget the hammer to bear down on themselves instead.: And you’re implying the Magnate Ten are the ones who’ll make that happen?: Correct. Your Mass Driver is no such thing as a “purifying blade”… It is simply a tool to uproot the seeds that will birth the next era. That is why I’m here… to put a stop to people like you.: (Char…): And you’ll take it upon yourself to just lay the foundation of the next era? You’ll forsake your destiny, deny your blood, and immerse yourself in the present?: It is not the older men who’ll build a new era – I learned that from Camille Bidan and Judau Ashta.: !
: Lt…: But if the wise do not guide the fools, then humanity and the Earth Sphere itself will be destroyed. Surely you all understood that during the One Year and Gryps War!: In that case, why don’t you look for other methods beyond your Mass Driver? What is the point in the destruction of the environment and the loss of countless lives it’d cause?!: Since we declared our war, the Mass Driver has been plied as an instrument to improve the status quo to our forces – it is no more than a deterrent against the Federal Army. The fact that Marshal Guiltorre hasn’t allowed its use since the conflict began proves it.: That still doesn’t guarantee you won’t use it again…!: The Marshal truly has the future of the Earth Sphere in his thoughts! And our goal is not the destruction of Mother Earth’s environment, but the purge of the incompetent bureaucrats that nest within it!: And, so, you can justify your previous Mass Driver attack as necessary birthing pains to bring about your new era…?!: Still, what you’re doing now is laying the groundwork for what’ll amount to a dictatorship. A self-righteous reform imposed by a handful of people could never lead the hearts of men.: …!: You’re pointing your swords at the wrong enemy…! How can a government built on exploiting the current chaos take humanity down a better path?!: … Indeed, it seems we just cannot see eye-to-eye…!
: Yeah? I reckon we touched a few sore spots, though.: Excuse me…?: You bear doubt within your heart. Is that not why you wanted to question us?: I’ve no doubts… none!: What will you do, then, Maillot Plato?: That goes without saying… I’ll cut down the lot of you!
: As you wish! Our fists will crush your bewildering spirit!
Back to work, these Deins all converge on Hugo.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wJp7Ds-hVWI
Low morale doesn’t stop the Garmraid Blaze from tearing stuff up, though. I let the other two live to feed morale to different folks.
Kazuya takes a couple of kills.
The Practice Squad is hanging back and that big mass of Gebais will never move.
Player Phase!
Kirakuni and Vega could use a bit of exp.
And they both learn Valor, with Vega also boosting her Support Attack.
Ginga gets to work on a distant Dein and Rom follows it up.
There it goes.
Quattro finishes the last of Kazuya’s victims, with Amuro, Camille and Hugo taking out the northern Dein group.
Being in space, Roux and the Dijeh are VERY reliable.
And that would even have been a oneshot.
Everyone else approaches.
Enemy Phase!
Maillot’s clever, you see.
: Hm…!: This one’s quite good…!
: Heh, to think this misguided group would harbor of man of such skill… what a shame.: Silence! Neither my blade nor my heart bear one angstrom of doubt for our cause! That is the source of my strength!
: Then pour your ideals into your sword and I’ll readily face them! JEEEEEEEET!!https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2fEFQhkpibg
Here’s Hugo’s barrier in action – it’s quite hard to pop when the Blaze is defending.
The rest of the groupies take turns sniping at us, grazing Jet a bit.
Player Phase!
The Practice all have support defense, so we’ll want to prioritize double attacks. Karl, as always, is your first priority to deprive them of his EWAC.
Between Rom, Quattro and Camille, he’s brought down low enough.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tWMv6qRp9kM
And here’s Hugo’s ultimate attack!
You don’t need me to translate what they’re STILL saying when they bail out, do you?
Next in line is Werner since he’s protecting Maillot.
Figured the guy was low enough that I could kill him via his support defense.
: Do you also believe the Federation’s methods to be correct, boy?
: No, that’s not what’s going on. We’re Spacenoids, so the Feds are a bunch of idiots in our eyes!: Why do you take their side, then?! Why not use your strength to change the world?!: Because I know what comes out of trying to use force to change the world… all that ugliness, fear… and sadness…!: Are you talking about Haman Karn…?!
: And I swore back then that if people like her showed up again, I’d be there to put a stop to them!
Almost but not quite.
Amuro can finish it with a Double Attack, though.
: Weren’t you imprisoned by the Federation, Amuro Ray? How can you not grasp their foolishness?!: Then answer me this: do you truly think the Giganos’ methods can make Earth a better place?!: The future of Earth and all its denizens is being driven into a dead end! Surely you’ve noticed that!: Who was it that decided it is so?! Any future built with violence would serve only to benefit a handful of people and nothing more!
More Newtype powers.
Following Kazuya’s opening, Ryouko moves to finish Dan off.
Bam.
Now we turn our sighs onto Maillot.
: This is crazy, Kyoshiro! That’s the Giganos’ Blue Hawk we’re dealing with!
: Quiet now, Nana! I’ve got something to tell that guy!: A quote from Pliny the Elder: “With man, most of his misfortunes are occasioned by man!”: What?!: It’s sheer stupidity to bring suffering onto others in order to right the world! You ought to change your name from Hawk to Vulture!
: Outta the way, Blue Hawk!
: We need to get to the moon in order to save the Unicorn and Leo!: I know not what your situation is but I’ve plenty of cause not to step aside…! If there is something at risk for you, then fight with every ounce of your beings!
: Wake the hell up! Why do we need to fight each other when the Earth is in so much trouble already?!: Kazuya Ryuzaki, the one who helped bridge the gap between the Earth and Baam peoples. I’ve heard of you.: People from different worlds managed to understand each other… so why can’t—: Because of the Federation’s corruption, is why! That organization was meant to represent the collective will of all of humanity and, yet, they wish prosperity only for the Earth! Why?!: The blades we’ve raised will not be stayed while they refuse to change their ways!
: I know you see that there’s no way this battle will benefit Earth, Blue Hawk! : The pain this conflict causes is that of the pus being extracted from Earth’s infection! Even if sacrifices need to be made, we must succeed!: Could you stand before all those who were and will be sacrificed and still say that?!: …Yes, I could!: Then I won’t hesitate to destroy you!
: You are not of Earth, so why have you allied yourself with the Magnate Ten?!: It was by the guidance of the Wolf Blade… which means justice lies with them!: Nonsense! Take a look at how Earth is right now! The chaos that grips it was beckoned by the corruption of its government and, thus, the Giganos will bring down the hammer of justice upon it!: But is that truly for the benefit of the world?!: What?!: A world that floats atop a sea of tears from its denizens will eventually sink! That is all your cause is creating!
: I now see you for what you are, Red Comet! Any hope I had for you is gone!: Good. What I must do now is defend our world and the generation that will lead it… : Even if I do not step up to the plate, I am certain others will guide humanity… In fact, a time is coming where every single human will open their eyes!: But humanity already lies engulfed by the clouds of war. It is past the point where we can hang onto hope…: Earth will not endure unless all humans are unified under a firm rule!
: It can endure and it will! That is what the Magnate Ten are for!
Maillot cannot believe he’s been defeated – does this mean he truly has doubts lingering in his heart?
Only thing that’s left is that wall of Gebais and they NEVER attack. All these things do is sit there, defending/evading, to try and stall your crew.
I may not have the Zeorymer around to show them what’s what but their wall is still quite flimsy.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MyzKyhZAxQI
Aqua’s second best attack.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4WfmhYRyzqI
Here’s the Boar’s FA and, also, the CellBooster’s version of the battery recharge.
And after spending half the game talking about this, I’ve finally got enough morale on Camille and Judau to show off their combined attack!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ogI50X7V_o
And we’re done.
Notable loot today is a Propellant Tank, a Thruster Module and a High Spec. Sight.
We’ve reached the point, so Ruri calls everyone back to exit this sector. We’re headed to the Spiral Castle at full throttle.
Ginga tells Ragou to wait just a bit – we’re coming for it.
Back at GEAR HQ, the Data Weapons are in a lot of pain – Eris’ anti-virus is already at its limit and, very soon, the virus will resume its attack routine. She’s got some makeshift defenses ready but those will hardly hold.
Once it all falls apart, the Data Weapons’ will be completely corrupted and destroyed. Leina says she can’t give up, not when Judau and the others are still fighting to save these two – she needs to keep at it until the very last second. Eris concurs, also believing that Ginga and Hokuto will come through.
The computer starts beeping and Aiko reports the anti-virus program’s been overcome. As the virus goes active again, Eris starts running her counter programs. As Leina watches, she begs Judau to hurry: the Leo and Unicorn are very short on time.
Back at the Spiral Castle, Giga Absolute and Gurumei bring intel of our approach. They initially thought we were here to fight the other humans but that’s obviously not the case – all signs indicate they’re coming here.
The Castle’s appalled that the Dendoh would dare attack them minus two Data Weapons but, more importantly, Giga Witter relates that Ragou’s started going a bit berserk – it’s likely sensing the bot’s approach.
It’s eating a ton of RoBeasts and the Castle figures it’s using them as food to heal the wounds it received in the previous battle. He orders that area blockaded, figuring it best to sacrifice two, three hundred RoBeasts to heal Ragou than risk the Emperor finding out that his pet got hurt. The Gigas see his point.
The Spiral Castle commands that Ragou cannot be allowed outside even when our troops arrive – if something were to happen to it, it’d mean all their heads.