Part 18: Mission 7 (Celestial Being Route) - The Trailblazer
One thing I forgot to note is that you get the scene with Saya and Arnie right after choosing the space route.
It’s pretty much the same, only shorter: Arnie freaks out over them being joining up with former enemies of the world Celestial Being, Saya asks what he’s going to do (no paraphrasing Yajima’s soon-to-be-spoken words to Kouichi) and Arnie ponders that.
Next, we find the Elshank having already left Earth’s orbit and the Celestial Being are already on the move. Rennie points out the Orbital Ring around the planet and Tsubasa explains that it’s essentially a giant solar panel array, which disperses the created energy through the three Orbital Elevators on the surface.
The sight is still as impressive to Mike as it was the first time he saw it – to think human hands could build something like that. It’s already been a full two centuries since WWII, and humanity has long since abandoned fossil fuels, turning their gaze to new energy sources – as Scarlet notes, the Orbital Ring and Elevators represent a culmination, but hardly the end, of that research.
All is not roses, though, as while the whole system is great, those who control said system have, in turn, gained even greater power and wealth in contrast to the rest of the world. To say nothing of all the times conflict has erupted as nations vied to control it themselves. Quite ironic for something created in order to bring humanity a better future, and, to Richard, it showcases both the greatness and stupidity inherent to humans.
Speaking of energies, the Elshank’s running on fumes as its stocks of kylhasium diminish further and further. If this doesn’t change soon, Ylbora fears the ship’ll be stranded. They need to get some more, Romina knows, but the problem is that it takes some very advanced tech to refine the fuel and Gameran isn’t sure Earth is at that stage.
Joe is confident, though: Earth made something as awesome as that Orbital system thing, so of course they got the tech and the brainpower to pull that off. Getting their hands on some new fuel should be way easier than finding that legendary ninja. Romina hopes so.
Now, with that done, Joe turns to Richard and asks what they’ll be doing.
: Before we get to that, there’s someone I’d like to introduce to you guys.
: Someone…?: Come on in, Ensign Berge.*Door opens.*
: …
: ?! H-He’s…!
: He’s that Federation pilot Richard captured, right…?
: I think so, yeah…: Ensign Berge’ll be working together the UX starting today.: Huuh?! Yo, pops, are you serious?!: We here risking our lives on this mission, remember?! This guy’s got no idea what he wants – he’s gonna do nothing but drag us down!: …: Oh, don’t be like that. He’s given this a lot of thought.: So you say, but…: If you can’t bring yourself to trust me, then feel free to shoot me down.: What…?: But, if possible… I’d like to go and see for myself what Maj. Richard and Saya are trying to do. I’d like to find out what is truly right… that’s what brought me here.
: …
: What is truly right…: (Ensign Berge…)
Cut to the C-Terahertz, Grathan isn’t actually familiar with that mysterious fleet. That said, considering how suddenly they appeared in the Earth Sphere, he’s pretty sure they’ve Warp capabilities like The Boom Army has. Which means, Hazard deduces, that their military might will likely also be significant.
Indeed, and that would make it a problem for them if said fleet were to ally itself with the Earthlings. Then the path is clear to Hazard: they must make sure the goodwill ambassador never reaches her destination. Grathan sees that he has a plan, and, indeed, he does.
Hazard turns to Dog and preparations are already in order – the operation can begin on his command. Inwardly, though, the slimeball has plans: “a fleet with technology to rival even The Boom Army… If I play my cards right, they could be my ace in the hole against both the Federation and The Boom…”
Now, over by the Federation’s shuttle, Shirin reports to Marina that they’re twelve hours away from the fleet; and while Marina COULD sleep until then, she wants to review some of the information they have in anticipation to the meeting.
After a moment of silence, Shirin asks: is Marina fine with getting involved in this? While she’s glad Marina was appointed as the goodwill ambassador, she’s still worried.
What does Shirin mean by that? Well, is Marina familiar with the Elshank? She’s heard that the ships in cahoots with Martian terrorists and seeking to invade Earth. That’s the official story, but Shirin, of course, doesn’t buy it. Rather, what she sees are the schemes of the director of the Martian Development Bureau to try and seize the ship’s technology and armaments for himself.
Does she think the same will happen with the outer space fleet, Marina asks. She does, especially in face of said fleet being advanced enough that it can traverse the galaxy. And the greedy eyes set upon it aren’t limited to just Hazard’s: the Union, the AEU, the HRL and more are all very much interested in getting their hands on it… and they’ll do ANYTHING to succeed. As such, Shirin worries that Marina might get caught in the crossfire and hurt.
A dark cloud sets on the ambassador’s face, and she wonders what the Federation was created for. So much blood was spilled and, at the end of it all, peace had returned to Earth; but, underneath, nothing has changed. It’s still the same power struggle with the various nations as before.
“People don’t change that easily – unfortunately,” Shirin sighs. “And that is precisely why I want to serve as a guide for them. To help them find a way to change for the better,” Marina counters. “It’s my firm belief that, in time, said people will all be capable of talking and understanding one another.”
But never mind that, the shuttle’s captain gets on the mic and warns that they’re pinging unknown MSs on approach. “Please fasten your seat belts,” he says… right before the shuttle starts getting blasted. Shirin feared this would happen.
Mission 7 (Celestial Being Route) – The Trailblazer
The Shuttle’s captain has no idea why they’re shooting – don’t they know there’s an ambassador from the Federation aboard? A mysterious man figures they’re likely AFTER said ambassador. Causing an international accident doesn’t seem to be the attackers’ concern.
Right as the terrorists prepare to shoot again, the man takes the flight wheel and manages to evade the incoming shots: “‘I have control’!” Shinichiro Miki proclaims, in his best Latooni impression. And with that done, all that’s left is...
: Wh-What?! Where’d that shot come from…?!
SRW UX - Envoy from Jupiter
: … : ?! It’s a Gundam…?!
: Ah, right on time as always.: 00 Raiser, Setsuna F. Seiei… engaging!https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lSfd1bxL7pY
: I-It’s too strong… This is how one of the Gundams that changed the world is like?!
: Is that… Celestial Being?!*
*: Easy there. No sudden moves.: …?!
: Y-You’re…!: Nothing personal, but we’re not letting you ladies meet up with that fleet.: Kch! How can you…!: And… will doing this bring you happiness?: Wh-What?!: If you kill me, will you and your family—: Sh-Shut your mouth!*Bang!*
: …?!: Marina…!: R-Rrgh…!: Whew, barely made it.: Your attack’s a no-go, so you decided to try some old school assassination? What a dedicated bunch we got here…: Thank you for saving us, Mr…?: Oh, I’m no one important. Take care, miss.: W-Wait…!*He doesn’t.*
: (That man… I saw him during the Katharon days, I’m sure of it… He’s call-sign Gene-1!): (Celestial Being… Even now they’re still fighting against the world…)
: Lockon, I’ve brought your partner along.: Thanks much, Setsuna.
: Aah… feels good to be back.
: Gundam Dynames, Lockon Stratos… Sniping the targets!: Ack—! Captain, another Gundam…!: Settle down! Our backup’ll be here soon! Just hold on until then!: Federation shuttle, do you read me? We’ll deal with the enemy. Leave this area right away.: C-Copy that!
: Okay, Mr. Terrorists… you better start bracing yourselves!
: Attack! Attack!
Kill everything, don’t lose anyone. And this is a pretty straightforward mission, especially compared to the other side (the actually fun side). You’ve got just a bunch of generics up against two Gundams, so head on in and start cutting them down.
Start using Focus with Setsuna and the goons start converging, as evasion decay will start piling up.
Gundam 00 Raiser (Setsuna F. Seiei)
Pilot Skills:
Innovator (イノベイター) – activates at 130 morale, increasing accuracy, evasion and the odds of triggering a later ability.
Support Attack L1
Support Defense L1
Counter
All Attack
Spirit Commands:
Focus
Sense
Mech Features:
Sword
Gun
GN Field
Trans-AM
Trans-AM Burst – usable over 140 morale, costs 80 EN. Hits everyone in a 1-7 range; enemies get all stats debuffed by 20, allies get all stats upped by 20. The effect stacks.
Squad Bonus: Melee weapons’ attack +100, Crit rate +10 (Melee power +200, Crit +20, S in Space)
Setsuna’s voice actor: Mamoru Miyano (other roles: Flynn in Tales of Vesperia, Light Yagami in Death Note, Takuto Tsunashi in Star Driver and many more)
As your typical Gundam protag, Setsuna is of course good. Not a powerhouse, but certainly a higher tier unit.
He’s also soooo uninteresting in his movie incarnation, so forgive my lack of excitement. But, hey, at least we can use his Trans-AM Burst to really give us the edge in a battle. The ability to place a 40 point difference between our guys’ stats and the enemies’ is certainly nothing to sneeze at, especially as the game progresses.
Also, Setsuna’s kill count is tied to a secret – he needs to have 150+ by the end of mission 47.
Gundam Dynames Repair (Lockon Stratos)
Pilot Skills:
Support Attack L1
Support Defense L1
All Attack
Hit & Away
Gunfight (ガンファイト) – same as Infight, but for ranged attacks
Spirit Commands – Lockon:
Invincible
Strike
Spirit Commands – Haro:
Scan
Focus
Mech Features:
Gun
GN Field
Trans-AM
Squad Bonus: Ranged weapons’ attack +100, Accuracy +5 (Ranged power +200, Accuracy +20, Range +2)
Lockon’s voice actor: Shinichiro Miki (other roles: Ryusei in OGs and Alpha, Aoyama in Dai-Guard, Fighter Roa in Grandread and a ton more)
Take everything I said about Setsuna, only apply it to a sniper unit – only a step weaker. Still good, especially for ranged-focus guys, and having a free support subpilot is always nice. Mind you, Lockon ain’t the dodgiest guy around and the Dynames can’t take much of a pummeling either, so he’s very much meant to be hanging back.
His weapon ranges are very nice, at least.
Let’s wrap this up quick so we can get back to the other route.
: What you’re doing will only assure that the world never changes. There’s nothing to be gained from this battle, so I’ll end it with my Gundam and all its power!https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rzEMOxAqE0I
: I can snipe down a target all the way across the stratosphere! That’s who I am… and you better remember it!https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BxHKcd15RvY
: Hrm… They really are as strong as advertised! But if our backup would just get here, we…!
: Ah-ha, there they are! And now—
: Wh-Whaaaat?!
SRW UX - A Bird’s Song
: Sorry, your backup’s been dealt with. (Eida): We had your whole plan figured out for a long while now!: Th-That’s impossible! Our operation couldn’t have been leaked…!
: It didn’t, but that doesn’t mean much when it’s so predictable.: Hahah... Always got that keen eye for reading the enemy, eh?
: We’ve already received confirmation that the ambassador’s shuttle has left the area in one piece.: All troops, engage and destroy the remaining enemies ASAP. : Roger.: And we, the UX, will help you all the way through, Celestial Being!: Time to jump into the fray, R-Daigun!
R-Daigun (Eida Rossa)
Pilot Skills:
Prevail L2
Support Attack L1
Support Defense L1
Predict
Spirit Commands:
Sense
Accelerate
Assail
Mech Features:
Sword
Gun
Resupply Module
Stealth – another mirror image effect. Maximum activation rate is 35%.
Squad Bonus: Mobility +5, EN +50, A in Air (Mobility +20, EN +100, S in Air)
Eida’s Voice actress: Yuko Goto (other roles: Anya in Code Geass, Mikuru Asahina in Melancholy of Haruhi, Junko in Madoka Magica and plenty more)
Now how’s this for an early entrance? The R-Daigun is from Dancouga Nova, and it carries the usual characteristics of its ilk: it has decent firepower but lags a bit behind in terms of defenses. Her evasion can be surprisingly high for a Super Robot, especially with that S rank, but you should still be careful when using her – just in case.
Eida’s stats are a bit “eh” but her bot makes up for it some. Either way, you’ll likely want to use her for other reasons.
Ptolemaios #2 Custom (Sumeragi Lee Noriega, Feldt Grace, Mileina Vashti, Lasse Aeon)
Pilot Skills:
Support Attack L1
Support Defense L1
All Attack
Command L1
Spirit Commands – Sumeragi:
Alert
Trust
Spirit Commands – Lasse:
Vigor
Strike
Accelerate
Spirit Commands – Feldt:
Focus
Gain
Spirit Commands – Mileina:
Scan
Cheer
Mech Features:
Repair Module
GN Field
Trans-AM
Squad Bonus: Ranged weapons attack +100, EN +50 (Ranged attacks +200, EN +100, Spec Down Debuff Immunity, Movement +1)
Sumeragi’s voice actress: Youko Honna (other roles: Nagisa Misumi in Precure, Lalaco in Space Patrol Luluco and some more)
Feldt’s voice actress: Ayahi Takagaki (other roles: Chris Yukine in Symphogear, Manny in Reconquista in G, and many more)
Mileina’s voice actress: Haruka Tomatsu (other roles: Hyou Matsuri in Star Driver, Micott in Unicorn Gundam and many more)
Lasse’s voice actor: Hiroki Touchi (other roles: Daguza in Unicorn, Nathan Drake in Uncharted, and many more)
Same deal with the Elshank, really, only with even more pilots and slightly stronger weapons, in exchange for only its weakest being post-movement and lower stats overall. Not the best at attacking, but its strongest attack DOES ignore size difference, so it won’t take that big of a accuracy hit there. Sumeragi, as a pilot, is down there with Romina, but the bevy of subpilots will help her hit and stay alive.
It’s still one of your few ships in this game, so you’ll have to make do with it. Hit & Away could help Sumeragi keep up with the team and still blast stuff.
Carrying on, we just need to kill the few weakened survivors.
: The Red Dancouga… You’re also still up and about?!: “Still”...? Sorry to tell you, but I keep a very clean face - no scandals or anything to ever push me into retiring!https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FditS_xjJxk
SRW UX - Envoy from Jupiter
: And it looks like we’re done, Setsuna.: No, there’re still more…
Oh, sure, just drop them right on top of us. Real cute.
: Those units…! I think they’re from that group intel mentioned - The Boom Army!: Only the official story is that they’re Mars-developed Fed mobile weapons…: But Eida’s correct. Those are the alien forces that chased the Elshank all the way to Earth!: “Aliens”? What’re aliens doing in cahoots with a bunch of terrorists?!: We can discuss this later. The main problem now is that we’re very outnumbered. What’s our approach?: Oh, don’t worry about that. Everything’s well within expectations.: What…?
: That’s…!
: We’ve a data match. Those are friendlies, being led by the Unknown Xtrikers!: Good to see you here, Maj. Richard!: Sorry to keep you waiting, Eida. Your schedule wasn’t hurt too bad, yes? I know we called you in a hurry.: I knew what I was signing up for when I joined the UX. The mission is more important than my regular job!
: (A Red Dancouga… That’s the R-Daigun, right?): (Didn’t expect that mech to also be in with the UX…): Major, that’s the Elshank and its forces with you, right?: It is, yeah. Contrary to what the Fed’s garbage announcement said, they’re actually 100% on our side.: A pleasure to meet you, fellows of the Celestial Being. We are also here to assist you in any way possible.
: How’s your handling of the Wingle, Lt. Yuki?
: I’m managing it somewhat, thanks to your data…: But do you really think I’m suited to work as a pilot?: We’ll need your strength when the time comes for that Op. Meaning you’ve to learn how to handle yourself in battle ASAP. 
: Yes, ma’am. I’ll do my best, ma’am!: (And it’s not just the Red Dancouga… The Celestial Being and their Gundams, the alien machines, even the WSO…): (Why are they all so willing to work together with an alleged outlaw organization like the UX…?): Ensign Berge, please refrain from mulling during a mission. : I-I know. I made a decision to be here, so I don’t want to be a hindrance for anyone.
: Put your money where your mouth is, then! Show us how committed you are!: Mind if I hand you operational command, Sumeragi?: Copy that. All troops, shift your targets to The Boom Army and wipe them out!: Setsuna F. Seiei, roger! SRW UX - Future-Bound Fighting Spirit: The Boom Army is backing up an Anti-Federation terrorist group...?! What’s going on here?!
SRW UX - Shadows that Rend Darkness: Why is The Boom Army assisting with a terrorist assassination plot…?: Does that mean their targets include not just Princess Romina, but Princess Marina as well…?
SRW UX - Envoy from Jupiter: Enemy unit detected engaging us from vector 138!
: Heh… They better not be thinking the Ptolemy’s your average Gundam carrier or they’re in for a surprise!
: Right, so let’s go and give it to them! GN Field, deployed!: Ptolemy, battle stations! We can at least weather this storm!https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LaHiM0DDutY
Hell, no – we’re going for the kill! Fire everything!
SRW UX - Love Survivor
SRW UX - The Eternal Soldiers: That’s a bunch of alien drones you’re up against, Lt. Yuki! Hold nothing back! Kick their asses!
: “Kick their…”? R-Roger! Tsubasa Yuki, engaging!
SRW UX - Love Survivor: I’m really getting sick of finding another swarm of your mooks every goddamn day, Boom Army! But just give us a sec and we’ll shred this one too!
SRW UX - Shadows that Rend Darkness: She even anticipated the arrival of all the enemy groups…: The lady’s reputation as one of the best strategists in the biz is very well deserved.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ku7-4vOzDug
And here’s Setsuna’s best move just because.
: No signals left on radar. The enemy has been wiped out, it seems.: Then we managed to stop their assassination. All troops, back to your ships.
: Sure you don’t wanna say hi to Princess Marina or anything, Setsuna?: I don’t see the need for it.: Ah, of course, of course.: (Yeesh, the kid’s dumb as bricks. What about all them Innovator powers, huh…?)
Aaand Klaus brings news that the UX just got framed for the attack on Marina’s shuttle, courtesy of the Martian Peacekeeping Forces recording us, the Celestial Being and the Elshank all fighting together against them. Shirin calls bull, saying they’ve one of the attacking terrorists in custody right now.
Klaus doubts that’ll make any difference, as he’s rather certain the whole terrorist group was secretly backed by Hazard’s Martian Development Bureau, with all the enormous influence it holds with the Federation government and beyond. They’ll make sure this goes the way they want. With a warning for Shirin to watch herself out there, he signs off.
In the meantime, Marina’s talking with the captured terrorist and he says no one ordered them to attack her at all – rather, they did so of their own volition. Trying to have talks with a bunch of unknown, suspicious aliens is UNFORGIVABLE. Marina argues that they’re doing so in order to try and avoid unnecessary conflict. It is by seeking mutual understanding that we may find prosperity for both us and them.
Counterpoint: the Skrugg killed the terrorist’s family and he is not even going to entertain the idea of talking with aliens. As Marina pouts, Shirin asks where they got the intel on the aliens, the shuttle and everything? It was Hazard’s group that gave it to them, wasn’t it? In other words, Shirin says, he and his fellows were all just pawns in the guy’s schemes.
Marina and the terrorist don’t understand, so Shirin will explain. Whether the attack on their shuttle succeeded or not, it’d be a major terrorist act. However things played out, it’ll still enable the Martian Peacekeeping Forces to further increase their activities under the pretext of suppressing terrorist groups.
What stories were the terrorists led to believe? That Marina was going to capitulate to the aliens, sell Earth out to them, perhaps? Whatever the case, Shirin isn’t about to let Hazard have everything his way – she will find a way to turn the tables on him.
Back at the Ptolemaios, Feldt greets Setsuna and Lockon with drinks, but the boy says he’s doesn’t need any and asks for Sumeragi. While Lockon shakes his head, Mileina says she went to the Elshank and Lasse relays the news that the UX got framed for the attack.
Joe is not happy to be tarred as a villain in this story, but it’s not like the UX and allies – what with all of them being outlaw groups – can make official announcements refuting these claims. If we try, it’ll only be spun against us. Damian sees Hazard’s grubby fingers all over this, and Rennie’s dejected that the Celestial Being got their named dragged in the mud as well.
Of course, they’re used to being public enemies ever since they started their campaign seven years ago. Arnie looks back at how long it’s been since Aeolia Schenberg first made his declaration of war to the entire world; yet, despite the creation of the Federation, the Celestial Being still haven’t succeeded in eradicating conflict.
Tsubasa walks over right then, now having a chance to see Eida’s face. Isn’t she one of Japan’s most popular singers? Is that a problem? Not at all, but she can’t help but be surprised that she lives a double life as a merc pilot! Arnie is surprised as well: first a couple of classical actors, then a singer… Imagine the collective gasp if the rest of the world ever caught wind of how the pilots of UX are actually like.
Eida doesn’t know of any actors here, and Saya whispers to her that, thanks to Richard’s stunt, Arnie serious believes their regular job is as actors. “It’s said that people aren’t always what they seem...” Arnie ponders quietly, “Does her agency and manager know about this other side of her?”
Speak of the devil, we cut to Johnny (with the glasses) who sighs that Eida called off ANOTHER gig and ran off elsewhere. Vladimir tells him she’s just taking some time off to relax and that she’ll be back soon. The problem is that Eida’s finally made it to the top, and if she doesn’t commit to it, she’ll soon find work drying up.
Oh, it’s fine, just put a little pressure on the clients and get them to play ball. Inwardly, though, Validimir apologizes to the frustrated Johnny: much as she wants to, she can’t tell him the truth about Eida now that he’s lost the memories of his days with Team D.
: Damn it, this pisses me off! It took forever for us to get to Earth and now we’re all wanted men again?!: Wanted men… Had I stayed with the army, I…: Yeah, Ensign Berge! Turns out you’re a real sucker too!: You let pops there get inside your head and now you’ve gone from a hotshot Fed soldier to a bigtime criminal!: H-Hey, Joe!: Hahah… I can’t really deny it when you put it like that.: Still, I don’t regret the choices I’ve made… because I’m finally fighting the way I always wanted.: “The way you wanted”?: I joined the army because I wanted to protect the lives of others… But my idealized vision and reality were two completely different things. I was never really sure about what I was doing.: Still, there’s one thing I did figure out: there’re some people in this world I could never tolerate! : Arnie…: So you can call me a sucker and laugh right at my face, that’s fine. All that I want to do… is to protect the lives of others from those that are too evil to be left alone!: Hmhmm, well said. Looks like he’s made of better stuff than you gave him credit for, Joe.: Qu-Quiet, you!: But… if that’s the way you think, I reckon we can carry on fighting together. : Joe…!: I got a real good look at what you’re all about – how committed you are. : Guess now it’s mine and the others’ turn to do the same, right, Arnie?: Thank you, Joe…!: Alright, now that the bonding’s all taken care of, how about we move on to our next mission? : Saya, Eida, I’m gonna need you girls to do a bit of infiltration for this one.
: Infiltration? Us…?: Right. And, if possible, I’d also like to ask Lt. Yuki and Rennie to help…: That’s no problem, but…: Where are we infiltrating, exactly?
: That’d be that giant fleet from outer space… the Macross Frontier Fleet. 
Location: Frontier Fleet – SMS Hangar
: (There’s no up or down in space. All you do in there is float…) : (But what I want is to fly in a real sky – to fly even as I’m constantly being pulled down to earth…)
: I’ll say it again. You never know what might happen out in space. Danger can turn up at the drop of a hat. Are you ready for that?: Of course… I-I mean, yes, I am, Maj. Ozma!
: Look at how nervous the nugget is. (Monica)
: He was famous at the kabuki theater scene as a brilliant Onnagata, right? You can certainly see it in his stance, the way he presents himself – everything, really. (Lam; and Onnagata is a role in kabuki plays where a man plays a woman.)
: Hmhmhm, he’s kind of… (Mina)
: Hoooot! (Bobby): I am Alto Saotome, second year student at Mihoshi Academy’s pilot training school...: And, today, I take a vow to serve as part of the SMS!: Hmph… alright, then. As of this moment, you are officially enlisted into the SMS, maggot!: Yes, sir!: (That’s right, I will fly… even if my sky is one of battle…)
Frontier Fleet – Griffith Park, Hill
: (Alto should be having his “welcome aboard” party right about now…): (I’m glad his dream of flying in a real sky is slowly being fulfilled…): (And if he can fly, could I do the same…?): (Could I fulfill my dream of being a singer…? Of being able to lift everyone’s spirits with my song, just like Sheryl Nome does.): … SRW L - AimoSurprisingly, UX does NOT have Aimo as a BGM! Doesn’t mean you’re going to be safe from it, though!
: Aimo, aimo… ♪