Part 56: Mission 23 - The False Songstress
And we are back. Last time we wrapped up Act 1 in spectacular fashion and became CHAMPIONS OF JUSTICE. Can this mission measure up to that? Well, Alto, Ozma and Michel are deploying as event units, so it’s not looking good on that front.
Here’s how we’re going:
Fei-Yen/Lockon
Zhang Fei/Shangxiang
Shinn/Klan
Sun Quan/Aesap
Dancouga/Canaria
Mazinkaiser/Soubi
Michel/Kenji
Ozma/Tsubasa
Mamoru/Sakura
Cao Cao/Moritsugu
Liu Bei/Rennie
Yamashita/Mike
Joe/Saya
Shou/Marvel
Setsuna/Luca
Kurou/Deceive
Heroman/Eida
Kouichi/Luna
Kazuki/Allelujah
Arnie/Guan Yu
Tactician: Zhuge Liang
And now that Act 1 is over, the game finally brings us the standard wall of text:
SRW UX - Where All Possibilities GatherTwo years following the founding of the Earth Federation, as mankind reveled in a transient peace, a mysterious mercenary group feared as “Hell’s Executioners” lurked in the shadows of it all.
They were called UX – the Unknown Xtrikers.
Taking requests from anyone, bound to no army, the UX single-handedly undertook black ops for any and all nations. At one point, due to the schemes of Hazard, Director of the Martian Development Bureau, they were hunted as enemies of the world, but thanks to the efforts of several of their supporters – including Athrun Zala – and the UX successfully stopping the Katou Organization’s worldwide nuclear assault, the team was at last reborn as an independent strike steam of the Earth Federation.
However, all around them, many mysteries and conspiracies remain unearthed.
Who was helping Hazard from the shadows?
How did the Katou Organization manage to spread their reach to the very core of Earth’s government and military?
What is the truth behind all the inimical beings of mankind, such as the Festum?
What is the implication of the parallel universes? And what of the voice heard by those who arrived from said different universes – “Gather at the beginning”?
Events intertwine with one another, as though weaving a complex, yet unseen, spider web, driving the UX towards a new stage. The next one shall be the fleet of immigrant ships that arrived from a different universe – the Macross Frontier.
What will Sheryl Nome’s voice – the fleet’s top artist, renowned as The Galactic Fairy – bring them?
Act 2 – Vagabond Blues
We open up at the Frontier Fleet, where Howard and Mishima thank us for coming all the way here. See, there’s a very important task for us: Sheryl will be hosting a concert soon, and they’d like our team to stand guard over it. She’s quickly risen to be a superstar not just with the Frontier folk, but the Earth populace as well – her show would be a prime target for many unsavory elements.
Richard and Romina understand that… but is that ALL of Howard’s reasons for wanting to hire us? Our services aren’t cheap. Howard mulls a bit and Mishima figures they’d best come clean if they’re to convince us: the truth is they believe Sheryl is drawing in the Vajra with her song. Scarlet and Kongming find that hard to believe, and while Mishima admits they’ve no solid evidence, he points out that Sheryl was singing prior to both the Vajra’s attack at the PLANTs’ charity concert and the bugs’ massive assault before the Frontier Folded to this world. That’s enough to get them to start questioning things.
But Moritsugu has doubts: even if their guess turns out true, what would Sheryl have to gain by beckoning the hostile Vajra? Well, they also suspect that she might be a spy for the Galaxy Fleet, another immigrant fleet like the Frontier. And while they all started the same, setting off to travel the universe, when you put so many people together, it’s inevitable that they’ll develop their own particular set of beliefs and national consciousness.
What he’s getting at, Richard surmises, is that both fleet’s differences of opinions has put them at odds with each other. And Mishima says they believe the Galaxy’s using Sheryl as a way to attack their fleet.
Sumeragi understands, but asks, if they’re so suspicious of her, why not do something about it? Because the situation won’t allow it: their people grow more and more anxious with each passing day and Sheryl is loved by pretty much all of them. Were they to arrest her, worst case scenario, they could have a revolt in their hands, Sima Yi sees. And, so, the government was to avoid making any overt moves right now.
That’s where we come in: if the Vajra DO wind up attacking, we’re to move in and protect the fleet. Mishima hopes their suspicions turn out to be unfounded, of course…
Cut to the urban area, Maya’s blown away to find a sprawling city like this inside a spaceship – the place looks very much like a city you’d find the US West Coast, which gets Marvel thinking of home. Domyoji sighs at the amazing tech found in the Frontier universe… but Kouichi wants to know what he’s doing here. Why’d he come along?
Oh, don’t be like that: ever hear the phrase “no road is too long in the company of a friend”? Right, Kizaki? Actually, she’s here because she’s now an operator for our team. Well, fine, the truth is that Ishigami asked Domyoji to come here and take a look around the place – in preparation for future events. What does he mean? Domyoji and Damian aren’t telling, but ask us to look forward to it. These two seem to have grown into fast friends, and Shou can help but raise an eyebrow at this odd pairing of Damian, the Martian guerilla man, and a priest/exorcist.
Is your reference game on point? Wiki says that’s a stab at The Omen, where the standard demon-possessed kid is called Damian.
Rachel’s keeping tabs on all us “kids”, though she still has time to order a rather enamored Humanoid to buy her some profiteroles. Isn’t she the biggest kid around here? Pish-posh, age is a nonissue – it’s what’s inside what matters. Truth be told, Sakuya can’t believe she’s a world-class genius, but Joey points out how her help is what allowed us to beat the Skrugg back in the US.
And she’s now with the UX, so our mechanical problems are as good as solved! Oh, and these profiteroles are really good too… Aoi’ll need some more time to process that “genius” story.
But our attention’s diverted to Ranka, who laughs that Ozma wasn’t kidding when he said we were a cheerful crew. It’s been a long while since the “Richie’s Angels” crew got to see her and, as it turns out, she’s the guide Ozma got to show us around. But Ranka’s not alone: Sheryl herself is also tagging along!
Mike is stunned that a superstar like her would be showing us around, but Sheryl figures we, the heroes who saved the world, are a much bigger deal. So much so that we’re worthy of having her as a tour guide! And there’s a lot to see in the Frontier, so Ranka’s already beckoning everyone to follow.
As she goes, Kurou’s having a hard time believing that Hardass Ozma has such a cute little sister… “Hmph, I see that you are not squeamish in regards to women!” Al sniffs, causing Tsubasa to immediately frown. No, Kurou’s not like that! Don’t listen to her!
And, as it turns out, Ranka’s changed manager and is now signed up under Grace as well. She owes Elmo, the previous manager, so much for helping start her career, but he’d been unable to find her bigger gigs.
So, in Ranka’s best interest, Elmo decided to step down. And, indeed, Eida’s heard that Ranka – a.k.a. the Superdimensional Cinderella – has been growing pretty famous as a singer even back on Earth.
Johnny can certainly see the problem, as it’s hard for small agencies to book their singers a spot in major events; that said, as Rennie remembers, Ranka wasn’t singing for the fame, but because it was her dream. And it’s pretty great that she’s managed to fulfill it.
Ranka chalks it up not only to Elmo, but also to the support so many people have given her. “Are you sure you don’t mean ‘his support’? Sheryl giggles, which gets the girl all flustered. Well, Sheryl is certain Alto’ll be turning up soon enough – she sent him a message to set things up. Oh, boy…
Cut to the Quarter, Alto’s already gotten the message and isn’t amused. “‘Come to Griffith Park right now’… What am I, your goon?” he grunts, as Arnie overhears. Is that his sweetheart calling? A-Absolutely not, it’s just frickin’ Sheryl pushing him around… though Alto doesn’t look all that miffed in Lockon’s eyes. And, on that subject, isn’t that earring he’s carrying hers?
Y-Yes, but that’s only because she asked him to look for the thing and he’s hoping to give it back now… but that becomes a bit of a problem when Ozma walks in and tells Alto to cut ties with that woman. What for? As Cathy tells him, both Sheryl and Grace are under suspicion of being spies. Alto’s shocked but Richard and Saya confirm it: the intel came from the President’s Office itself, and says both are controlling the Vajra and getting them to attack the Frontier.
Ozma does note that there’s no definitive proof yet, but considering the two of them even reached out to Ranka… Wait, what does she have to do with any of this? “Ranka… She’s not actually my sister,” Ozma tells. “She’s the sole survivor from the planet Galia 4.”
Klan heard of it, a planet that was completely decimated by the Vajra. Ranka lost all her memories from her childhood and her family from the trauma, so Ozma took her in and raised her as his sister. Now, her parents were scientists working on the Vajra, and Ozma figures something about that’s got to be how she survived when no one else did.
As Zhuge Liang surmises, it could be that the memories locked away in Ranka’s mind hold the key towards controlling the creatures. As for Alto, he’d never heard anything about this, only that Ranka had pretty much no recollection of her childhood… except Aimo, and that’s when it hits him.
For some reason Sheryl knew that song as well, despite it being Ranka’s – the sole survivor’s – only remaining memory. What if that song’s said key towards controlling the Vajra? Sumeragi and Sima Yi fear Sheryl’s much farther along in her work than expected!
And, Michel remembers, Sheryl asked to tag along with Ranka to show us around today. Ozma is livid and orders Alto over to Griffith Park to get his sister back – and if Sheryl tries to put even a fingernail on her, then he’s to stop her by any means necessary! Arnie and Saya’ll also be coming along.
: Yeesh… How can the inside of a ship be this big? Feels like we’ve been walking forever…
: I-I’m pretty tired too. Maybe we should take a break…?
: Come on, don’t be so wimpy. There’s still so much to see – you can’t be tired yet!
: Heheh, you really are just like Alto said, Sheryl.: Alto’s told you about me…?: I bet he went on and on about how I’m selfish, stubborn, moody, and the like.
: Eeeh, maybe a little, but that wasn’t the end of it.: He also said you become like a completely different person when you get up on stage – that you’re a true professional.: …?!: W-Well, of course, tell me something I don’t know. I swear, Alto…
: (Sheryl…)
: Pii! Pii!: Ack?!: N-No, you can’t come out here, Ai-kun!
: Ooh, who’s this little guy? He’s so cute!: I found him around town the other day. I think he’s some kind of animal, but don’t ask me which…
: Come here, child. Let me see—: Piii!*Runs off!*
: Ai-kun!
: Now look what you did, furface! You scared the thing away with that ugly mug of yours!: Hrm… Never have I known such shame…
: He went that way! C’mon, we gotta go after!
: Are you sure this is the location Sheryl Nome sent you?
: Y-Yeah, but… um…: What is it?: I gotta ask, why the outfit?: This is a covert action-oriented costume. Pay it no mind.
: (C-“Covert”…? Way I see it, a beret, leotard and mantle combo only make you stick out like a sore thumb…) (Reference to The Star of the Seine - Saya's dressed as the main character.): Haah, haah… I… I can’t run anymore…: You stop right now! Get back here!: ?! That’s…!
: Sheryl’s chasing Ranka…?!: Kch…! So she really was…!: Sheryl, stop!*Shove!*
: ?! Waaah?!: A-Alto?!
: What are you doing?! Why’d you just walk up and shove her like that?!: Be quiet, all of you.
: S-Saya… what are you wearing?: Stay away from Ranka, Sheryl.: …?!: I didn’t want to believe you were a spy from the Galaxy Fleet… Then I turn around and see you attacking her?!: …: Was getting closer to me also part of your plan…?!: N-No, Alto! She was just trying to get Ai-kun back…!: Ai-kun...?: Pii! Piii!
: Sheryl was just helping Ranka catch her pet.: That’s why they were chasing after it, man!: Ah…: …: What a piece of work you are. And here I was, bringing you tickets to tomorrow’s concert.: Sheryl, wait! I-I was—!: I guess I was wrong about you, Alto…*She leaves.*
: Sheryl…
Back on the Elshank, word’s already gotten around about what happened. Seems to Liu Bei that Ozma’s at fault for Alto’s misunderstanding, and while Kouichi didn’t hang out with Sheryl for long, he didn’t take her to be a spy. Fei-Yen doesn’t think she’s lying to us, either. What makes her say that? “Because I got my song back when I heard her singing,” she says, her speech impediment completely gone. “Song is part of who you are… No one who’s lying to herself can sing like that.”
Still, the fact remains that the Vajra did appear during her concerts, so Magami still thinks there’s something there. We don’t really know what’s going on, and that’s what makes it worse – Kurou figures Alto must be particularly torn over this.
: …: (Sheryl, are you really a spy? What could be going through your head…?): (This earring… she said the jewel inside it can transmit thoughts…): (If I just knew what she’s really thinking, then…)Flaaaash!*
: …?!
: Please… don’t leave me alone…: Wh-What was that just now…?: Did… Did his earring really transmit her thoughts to me…?
Cut to somewhere hidden, Grace is in touch with her bosses again. Woman notes that Faery 9’s suffered some mental damage, but Grace is certain that won’t impede tomorrow’s operation. “You’ve nothing to worry about. I raised Faery 9 – Sheryl Nome – myself… Whether she’s happy, angry, or sad, she can be trusted to always turn that emotion to strength and sing,” Grace assures them.
Young Man likes reliability but notes that, ultimately, Sheryl’s only meant as a spare, and Old Man agrees: Code Q1 is always their first choice. Grace confirms and is confident that Faery’s song will cause Q1’s sleeping powers to awaken. “I swear to you: our hands will raise humanity to the apex of its evolution, freeing us from the bondage of individuality,” she adds.
: ..: (“What is he thinking right now…”? Hahah, whatever he’s thinking, it’s not my problem…): (Isn’t that how it’s always been? I might be alone, but I sing anyway.): (Because I’m a songstress… because I’m Sheryl Nome, the Galactic Fairy!)
Mission 23 - The False Songstress
*
*
: Thank you, thank you. Now, my next song is…: (Wow… both she and the crowd are getting really into it…): (But… something’s missing from her voice today. It’s like her heart is in chains.): (What happened yesterday must have really hurt her…)
: The show’s already underway…
: The Elshank and Ptolemaios have just finished their checks and are standing ready in case the Vajra attack.
: Right in the nick of time – good. 
: Are you actually expecting the Vajra to attack during this, Captain?: Well, I don’t know if I should call it an old sea dog’s intuition… but I’m feeling a pinch in this scar of mine. Usually that means a storm is coming…
: But do you think it’s possible for song to attract the Vajra?
: Who knows? Here’s hoping all this is for nothing, but…*Alarm!*
: It’s…! We’ve multiple De-Fold signatures around the concert area!
: And that bad feeling was right on the money!: I-It’s the Vajra again…?!: Are you kidding me?! Why do they always turn up during my shows…?!
: (Hmhmhm, and there they are. Sheryl’s Fold Song is leading them nicely…)
: Kishaaaaaaaa!
: It’s going after Sheryl!: Aaah!
: Sheryl!
SRW UX - The Target.: Alto?!
: Alto… Why did you…?: …: Sheryl, I’m really sorry for what happened yesterday. I won’t ask that you forgive me, but…: …: But I want to say just one thing to you!: Whatever might happen, you won’t be alone!: ?! Wh-Where did that come from?!: Your earring. It showed me what you feel, deep inside your heart!: …!: Whether that’s true or not, I don’t know… but that’s not the point anymore!: I’ll believe in your song… That’s what I want to do, and I won’t stop believing ‘til the very end!: …: Of all the insubordinate…! We need to back him up!
: All units, deploy!
As you can see, we’re deploying right in the middle of a pond, so try to get as many troops airborne as you can. Those that are stuck on the ground, try to set them up close to the pier-like things, so they can reach shore as quickly as can be.
: The NUNS forces are dealing with the Vajra that appeared outside the fleet’s ships! They’re asking that we deal with the ones inside!: Kizaki, I know you haven’t had time to get used to this yet, but we’ll make it work together, alright?
: I’m not sure how useful I’ll be for our team even as an operator… Still, I’m glad to be here.
: Ah, but there’s nothing we cannot do if we work together. Let’s roll up our sleeves, ladies!
: (Vajra, yet another group of visitors from a different universe… Was it truly song that led them to this world…?): In any case, our priority should be to evacuate the civilians!
: Do not allow the Vajra to encroach upon that stage, troops!
Mission Objective: Destroy all enemies
Mission Failure: Alto, Michel or any ships destroyed. Any Vajra enters the marked area.
Thankfully, this mission is far simpler than the last time we had to play defense against a tide of Vajra. For one, they don’t respawn infinitely and, should you wish, you have just enough troops to outright surround Sheryl’s stage completely. So you COULD turtle up and just let the Vajra come to you.
That’ll take a while, though, and you don’t really need to do that: there’s a decent distance between their flock and the target area, and if you spread your guys well enough, you’ll create a wall of fire that they won’t be able to traverse. Standard rules apply: prioritize whichever enemies are closest to the stage, especially the yellow Vajra since they’re faster.
Once you kill the first wave, the latter ones should be easily kept at bay with your guys through the pond and with decent morale.
SRW UX - Shangri-La
: Were these things really drawn over by Sheryl’s song?
: Let’s hope not… If the Vajra could actually be controlled at will, that’d make them a very powerful, and dangerous, weapon!
SRW UX - Deus Machina
: Jeez, we just got a parade of weird animals attacking our world! Next thing we know, we’re gonna be fighting giant octopi or something!
: However, it matters not what force sets itself before us! ‘Tis our duty to strike own any who would harm humanity! Take them, Kurou!
“What, we’ve got monsters coming from space too?! I already have my hands full with the stuff in Arkham City!”
SRW UX - Dunbine Flies
: A monster the size of a mobile weapon?! And they’re not even Direbeasts from Byston Well!: It might be human greed controlling you right now, but I can’t cut you any slack if you’re attacking here!
SRW UX - Roulette
: Another kind of bug alien like the Skrugg… I didn’t think space would have more of these. : But we’ve been through too much to lose here! Go, Heroman!
: Urk… W-What’s going on…?! I’m… hurting inside…!: This is… It’s just what happened at the PLANTs concert… SRW UX - Linebarrel
: I don’t care if the Vajra were or weren’t called over by someone!: What I’m here to do is keep the people on that concert safe! That’s what a CHAMPION OF JUSTICE is about!
SRW UX - A Bird’s Song
: So these are them space monsters we heard so much about.
: How do we deal with them, Johnny?
: Sorry to tell you, but I’m not subscribed to Men’s Space Monsters Monthly…
: Bah, whatever! The four of us and the Dancouga don’t need any tricks to win!: Time to make things up as we go, I say! Let’s go wild!
And when you kill 7 pairs of the initial enemies…
: We’ve got more of them…!
: That’s the first time we see that type, though.
: Maybe it’s a new strain of Vajra? I’d wager our usual approach may not work as well against it.: It… It hurts!
: Kishaaaaaaa!: (If this keeps going… If this keeps going, everyone’ll die… just like before…!)*Flash!*
: Huh…?: “Before”…? What’s going on? Why did I think that…?*The new Vajra goes after her!*
: The Vajra—?!: ! Damn it, it’s going after her…!*Waaaaaaaaagh!*
: Aaaaiiiieeee!
: RANKAAA!*And the Vajra moves back.*
: A-Alto!
: The Vajra took Ranka inside itself…!: You goddamned bug! Let her go!
: Kch, we can’t get close!
: Fei, can’t you weaken them with your song like you did in the PLANTs’ battle?!
: Sorry, but it’s not happening! I would try something, but I can’t even get started with all these attacks coming down on us!: (Weaken the Vajra with song…?): (If that’s actually possible… then maybe my song can help them a bit!) SRW UX - Obelisk: ?! That music is…!
: Sheryl’s singing…?!
: I can feel the emotions flowing through her song… It’s…!: Aaah, it’s so warm… This fire, this wish to protect others even if it means risking your life!: This… this is all the emotion she’s poured into her song!: (There are people who need my music right now…): (So I’ll put my very soul into these lyrics and sing for them!)
: Gi-Gi…: Her song’s slowed the Vajra down…?
: It’s just like what happened at the PLANTs battle…!: Sheryl… your song’s amazing!: Sheryl, you…: You’ve no time to be gobsmacked, UX pilots!: ?!
: A Valkyrie…?
: This is Antares 1 to the UX. I’m here to assist you.: Assist? “Antares 1”…?!: Never mind him, Alto! Go save Ranka while my song’s slowing the Vajra!: Sheryl…: Alright. I swear I’ll get her off their hands!: Listen up, maggots! What you’re going to do is immobilizing that Vajra! : Make sure you don’t drop that mantis, or I’ll drop my heel up your asses!
Alright, here’s the deal: Ranka’s trapped inside that new Hound Vajra, and we need to reduce it under 20% to win. Sheryl still needs to be covered, though, so don’t send too many units down there if you haven’t cleared the previous wave. Thankfully, we don’t need to babysit Brera as well.
Now, the Hound Vajra has 9600 HP which isn’t little but also isn’t so much for our team (Demonbane’s creator once wound up oneshotting the thing with an Atlantis Strike). Just take things easy and use some modicum of restraint, and you’ll be f—
: !
: 
: Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nSWDR6R9t-U
: AAAAAAH!: Ranka…?!: It hurts… It hurts so much, Alto!
: RANKAAAAAAAAAA!!
Damn it, Tobikage!
Needless to say, you want to be really careful with the Elshank or any of its units on missions like this, because Tobikage only moves at the speed of KILL and won’t hesitate to gut the Hound Vajra.
Furthermore, the same applies to Brera, but he’s not as overpowered as the ninja bot (and can’t move twice). Keep a steady pace, if only to make sure you don’t lose too much cash and kills to the AI.
If anything, they don’t prioritize the Hound Vajra, so, worst case scenario, just give them stuff to keep busy with:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KTr2DOPvHw4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WLfUHADT6W0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=15tWw3ETqE0
Like so. While that’s going on, we’ll make a beeline for the finish!
May’n - Obelisk : I will defend both Sheryl’s resolve and Ranka’s feelings! I swear it on my wings…!
: What are you after?! Are you just attacking us on instinct, or…?!
: That’s a Vajra?! I thought Aura Battlers looked like bugs, but they’ve got nothing on these!
: Maybe, but the way they move... these aren't bugs at all! We can’t let our guard down around them!
: We can worry about sorting out the details later. Her song’s lit a fire in me, and that’s all I need!
: Sheryl Nome’s music having an effect on the Vajra…: We still don’t know why, but could this be another way of carrying out dialogue…?
: Sheryl’s song really is great! I have to give this my best, just like she is!
: Kishaaaaaa!
: Gah, the bug ain’t letting us squish it without a fight!
: A-Aah!: It’s attacking the stage too!: Sheryl…!: (I’m not running from this… If Alto and his team are meant to fight, then I’m meant to sing! I need to just focus on that…!): (Sheryl’s also giving this everything she has… Then there’s only one thing for me to do…!): I can feel them… I can feel both Alto and Sheryl’s spirits – their hearts!: I… I’ll put my heart to song too!: (That’s it, Ranka… Together, this time!)
SRW UX - Lion : This song is…!: Ranka’s singing from inside the Vajra?!: Their souls are sending ripples through my very core…!: Me too! Their song’s echoing through me even stronger than before…!: Amazing… Simply magnificent! The Fold Wave count’s risen past level 9?!: So it wasn’t only Code Q1’s sleeping power that awakened… Faery 9 also underwent the same process?!: The large Vajra’s stopped! If you’re going to save Ranka, now’s the time to do it!: Haaaaah! Rankaaaaaaaa!
: Kishaaaaaa!
: Hrgh…!
: Alto…!: Damn it, how am I supposed to cover him from here?!*Michel moves right next to Alto.*
: Michel, that’s too risky!: Uooooooh!https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1VF9HYqMWXo
Captions are available.
: N-Now, Alto! Get her…!: Ranka, jump!: Alto!
: Ranka, are you okay?!: Y-Yeah, I am…!: Alto… Thank you so much for saving me!: Don’t mention it… I’m just glad you’re safe!: Phew… looks like everything worked out – all thanks to your assist, Michel.: Ha-Hahah… Work me to the bone, why don’t you…!: Michel…?!
: Y-You’re… too wet behind your ears, princess…
: Michel…!: Michel?! MICHEL! AAAAAAAAAH!: No… Michel…!: It looks like all Vajra, including the ones outside, have been repelled. : …: From the Ultimate Cross’ Skull Squadron to Antares 1, we thank you for your help…: …I only did what was expected of me.
: We managed to win today, but…: Michel… Michel! That… that huge idiot!: MICHEEEEEEL!!
: Jeez… Now that was a tough bit.: But I guess I should be glad the Valkyrie’s ejection seat worked right…: Y-You MORON! You should’ve said something if you were fine all along!: O-Ooow! What’d you expect…?! All my comms were down, you know…: I’m bruised, but I’ll make it. Sorry to have worried you like that, Klan.: Hm…*Off they go.*
: It’s not always we see the stoic Lt. Klan looking like that…: Well, of course. Everyone’s got folks they never wanna see gone.: And I guess we should head back too, right?: Ooh, look! It’s snowing!: How pretty…: That was a great song, you two.: Alto…
: Alto…: Here, Sheryl. Your earring…: Oh, you can keep it. Consider it a bonus for keeping us safe.: But isn’t it really important to you…?!: And I’m giving it to you, so this is when you should just say “thanks”!: I don’t often do freebies like this, you know!: Sheryl…: …: Thank you, Alto, Ranka… for helping me realize that I’m not alone…: Sheryl…: You’re not, yeah…: …! *cough, cough*!: A-Are you all right?! You might’ve caught a cold from all this snow…: Heh, no, I’m fine. I just think I had a bit too much excitement for a day…: If you say so…: *cough, cough*…: (My body feels like… What’s happening to me…?) 
Cut to Mishima’s office, it seems pretty clear to everyone that Sheryl’s voice is, indeed, drawing in the Vajra. On the other hand, both Sumeragi and Zhou Yu point out that she helped us through the entire battle, risking her life in the process. Not something you’d expect from a spy looking to attack the Frontier.
Mishima agrees, but also can’t discard that possibility with someone with ties to the Galaxy Fleet is deep as Sheryl. But Richard raises a good point: said Galaxy Fleet was in the Frontier’s original world, no? What reason would a spy have to carry on her work when her bosses are in a different universe?
“About that… it may be that her bosses are actually in this universe,” Mishima notes. You see, during the previous battle, the Frontier picked up a distress signal – one matching the Galaxy Fleet’s…
And Sima Yi and Zhou Yu have caught up to Zhuge Liang, their second tactician bonuses being, respectively, +5% to accuracy rate and +10% damage to chained attacks. The accuracy bonus is negligible, but Zhou Yu’s bonus is how you can, with All Attack L3, fully offset the chain attack penalty.
Here are the other convos we missed today:
: (Sheryl’s song could really be calling in the Vajra…): (But, still, I…!)---
: Her song’s brimming with emotion… and I’ll answer it in kind! Not as a singer, but as another warrior!