Part 58: Mission 25 - Life ~ Awakening - Part 1
Welcome back, folks. Last time, we survived a double dosage of dull with Trailblazer and Frontier, but, fret not, we’re back in the cool part of town today! Arnie, Saya, Shinn and Kazuki are deploying as solo event units, so that calls for a few changes in our formation:
Fei-Yen/Lockon
Sun Quan/Sun Shangxian
Dancouga/Canaria
Mazinkaiser/Soubi
Michel/Kenji
Ozma/Tieria
Mamoru/Sakura
Cao Cao/Moritsugu
Liu Bei/Rennie
Yamashita/Lunamaria
Joe/Luca
Setsuna/Klan
Shou/Marvel
Aesap/Guan Yu
Kurou/Deceive
Heroman
Alto/Allelujah
Kouichi/Eida
Tactician: Zhuge Liang
Lot of stuff to do today, so let’s get to it.
: Cpt. Spencer, I believe both the Vijaya and Draupa are ready to be deployed.
: Okay. Let’s get going, then.: U-Um…: Something wrong?: N-No, I… I just can’t stop thinking if I’m ready for this… : I mean, I wouldn’t want to trip you up…: Not at all, Ayul. Remember, my purpose is to bring about your awakening. : So, if anything, I’m the one here to help extend your reach. : B-But…: Heh, I've already died once.: That makes my life as cheap as they come… but if I can still give something to you, then…: Cpt. Spencer…: Come on. We… rather, you will grasp the Beginning of Life with your own hands!: Okay…!
Location: Tatsumiya – Forest
: Life is born…
: Life…?: I, you, everyone, we are all our own persons. That’s how so many connections were formed between us. : Uh, is that some kind of fairy-tale?: Yes; a fairy-tale about us and about this very universe.: A joyful and sad tale, given to all of us by God…: …?: Can I ask you a favor?: Huh? Oh, sure – ask away. Could you be my friend? I don’t have a single one…: Ahahaha. Hey, now, what’re you on about? I think we already are, no?: Thank you, Seri…: Don’t mention it… Um, wait. Did I tell you my name?*
*
: Don’t move!: Wh-Who—?!: Don’t try anything funny and I won’t hurt you. Come over here!: N-No… Someone! HELP!
: HAAH!*Punch!*
: Grurgh!*Faint.*
: (The Army of Mankind’s made its way even out here… ALVIS may already be under their control by the looks of things…!): Are you two hurt?: N-No, we’re fine… Who are you?: Athrun! You saved us!: Y-You’re…?!: Oh, you know each other?: …: Tsubaki… Minashiro…?: “Minashiro”…?! As in, Soushi Minashiro?!: Eheheh… Pleased to meet you?
: Tatsumiya’s been taken over by the Army of Mankind?! Are you serious, Soushi?!
: Yes, there’s no doubt about it.
: Is my dad… is everyone safe?!: From what I’ve heard, ALVIS accepted an unconditional surrender so no major battles broke out. I wouldn’t think the people of the island were hurt.
: Mom…
: So they went behind our backs and took the place while we were out in space?! Those good-for-nothing hyenas! 
: But the Army of Mankind’s also an official independent platoon of the Federation, right?
: Yeah. We’re supposed to be on the same side, so what gives?
: Hester Gallop. She was just assigned as Representative of the Army of Mankind… and she’d always been very insistent in trying to get ALVIS to hand over our units.
: And this is more of that? She’s after the Fafners in our hangar?: I believe so.: Tsk… And she’ll even take over the whole island to make that happen?!: We need to head back right now! Who knows what they’ll do to everyone if we leave them be!
: Calm down, Kazuki. Rush in there without a plan and you’ll be doing exactly what they want.: Are you telling me not to care about our friends and families?!: Of course not. Everyone wants their friends and family to be safe. : And you need to do everything in your power to keep those dear people from becoming casualties. I agree with that thought 100%. : Mr. Asuka…
: …
: But remember what I said before: you’re not doing this by yourself.: …!: We’re all here too. We’ll work out a way to save the people of the island and then we’ll do it together.: …: Alright. I apologize, Mr. Asuka… and thank you.
: Heehee, hearing you say that shows how much you’ve grown.: Th-This isn’t funny, Cham…
: But isn’t it strange how fast they managed to pull off an op like this? I mean, the Army of Mankind was just put together…
: I’m sure they’d been planning this for a while now. 
: Hm. And our departure into space was exactly the opportunity they needed to execute. As though it was all preordained…
: Another freakish chain of coincidences, hm?
: Then, what would the next event in that chain be…?*Beep, beep.*
: Your Highness, we’re receiving a transmission! They say it’s from Hester of the Army of Mankind!
: From the Army of Mankind…?!
: Master Kongming, do you think…?: Speak of the devil, indeed. Once more, threads of the spider-web of “coincidence” wrap around us…
: …: Put her through, please.*Beep.*
: A good day to you, pilots of the UX. I’m Hester Gallop, Representative of the Army of Mankind.
: What a surprise to have someone of your stature contacting us. What do you need, madam?: As I’m sure you’re aware, the island of Tatsumiya – and ALVIS itself – is under our control.: Thus, I’d like to request that you return the Fafners they lent to you.: That sounds dangerously like extortion, if you ask me. What would happen if we refused?: I don’t think it needs to be said. But it’s in the best interest of the island’s citizens that you comply.
: O-Of all the underhanded—!: I’ll be looking forward to a speedy response from you. I’m not known as a patient woman, you see.*Boop.*
: Now that was a one-sided “request” and half. Seems our hunch was right. 
: Hester’s a pretty big player among the hard-liners in the Federation government. I don’t think she’s bluffing…: Maybe not, but we can’t hand over the Fafners to the Army of Mankind.
: What about the people of the island, though…?!: It’s all right. Not even one of them will be hurt.: Is that so… Do you mean she’s awakening?: Yes…: …!: Got it. Get in touch with the Quarter and the Ptolemaios, then! The UX are moving out to liberate Tatsumiya!
Location: ALVIS – Cell
: Heeey! You let me out of here right now!*Door opens.*
: Yeesh. Haven’t changed at all, have we?: Y-You’re…!
: You doing okay, Yumiko…?: Mi-Michio… and Yukippe!
: I suggest you behave yourself, okay? I’d rather things not have to turn sour.: Yukippe, why did you do it? Why did you betray us?!: …: Tell me, do you remember the faces of our classmates?: Our classmates…?: One by one, they were assimilated by the Festum genes they'd been implanted with… and now the three of us are all who remain. : What it comes down to is that we were guinea pigs – a means to bring about the next generation, the ones truly meant to be the Fafners’ pilots. : But what does any of that have to do with the Army of Mankind?!: The more someone pilots a Fafner, the more their chromosomes mutate, bringing them closer and closer to death by assimilation…: But it’s also possible for those genes to develop in a way that allows one to survive. At least, that’s what my dad said. : So you left the island to try and find a potential cure for assimilation, is that what you’re getting at?: Do you seriously think that justifies what you’ve done?!: … : A long time ago, I knew this girl who dreamed of becoming an idol singer…: ?! That’s…!: I asked myself: “what should I do to protect her dream”…?: And before I knew it, I was fighting outside the island. : Michio…*Door opens!*
: Michio!: W-Wah?! What’re you yelling my name for, idiot?! : You’re the one who’s always telling me to call you that. Our next mission’s about to begin, remember?: Fine, fine… You go on ahead. I’ll be there in a sec.: …*She leaves.*
: That girl, I swear… she really needs to learn how to ease up.: Well, I gotta get going, Yumiko. I’ll come see you later…: Please wait.: Just tell me this: do you really believe fighting with the Army of Mankind is the way to protect that girl’s dream…?
: …: I dunno…*Leaves.*
: Michio, you…
: I’m so sorry that you have to carry me, Athrun…: It’s just this is my first time ever outside. I still can’t walk too well.: …: Your first time ever? Tsubaki, what kind of girl are you…?: … They’re coming.: Huh…?!*Alarm!
: Th-That’s…!: The Festum?! And at the worst possible moment…!*Tssssst!*
: Aah! Wh-What’s this?!: The entrance to a shelter. You have to get away from here, Seri.: But what about you?!
SRW UX - Separation: I have to go… (Separation lyrics.): Go where?: We promised each other we’d be friends, right?: T-Tsubaki…?*Shelter closes.*
: …: You were controlling that shelter, weren’t you?: Are you coming with me, Athrun?: Yeah. I’m one of many people tied to this island, so I’d like to see for myself what you’ll feel, what you’ll learn…: Everything I learn, I learn in order to impart to our Mir. : To impart the beginning of that joyful and sad tale – one of how this universe can have nothing but life…
Mission 25 – Life ~ Awakening
SRW UX - The Gate of Neidhöhle Opens
: Are you there…?
: Gh-Gwaaaaaaargh!
: Hrm… Even our best forces are no match for them!
: I’m sure you’re well aware that conventional weapons will have a very hard time standing up to the Festum’s mind reading abilities. : Which is precisely why we’re asking you to give us the Fafners!: Our organization is the one tasked with fighting all of mankind’s enemies. Don’t you think weapons that embody humanity’s hope are meant to be in our care? : You people think of nothing but war. I’m not about to hand them over to you.: Besides, humanity’s hope doesn’t lie with just the Fafners.: What…? SRW UX - Rebellion Against Fate
: The UX?!: Hmph, what a surprise to see them here…: Wait by your cell, Cmdr. Makabe. We may as well have them weaken the enemy for us.: (Kazuki…): It’s looking like the Army of Mankind’s planning to have us play shock troops for them.
: I know we’re here to protect the people of the island, but setting up a united front with them is just…
: Tch… Michio, do you hear me?! Why are you helping scum like the Army of Mankind?!: Kazuki…
: These are our orders. The “why” doesn’t matter.: “Orders”?! You have friends and family, don’t you?! How can you do this to our own…?!: I had a family… I don’t anymore. As for my friends… the Festum ate all of them.: …?!
: That’s enough, Kazuki. : Mr. Asuka…: (For the Festum to attack at this precise moment… Was it just random chance or was it an inevitability?): Troops, ignore the Army of Mankind for the time being. Focus all your energies on eliminating the Festum!
Mission Objective: Destroy all enemies.
Mission Failure: Any ship, Arnie, Saya, Kazuki or Shinn shot down.
Got a bigger fight ahead of us than during our past couple of missions, but we’ve fought enough of the Festum to know how to deal with them (and there’s no superpowered one this time). As said, ignore Michio and Canon for now and just worry about dropping the things as quickly as possible – make sure you don’t leave stuff weakened around them or those two may steal those kills.
And, as before, try your best to conserve resources because there’s more stuff on the way.
SRW UX - The Gate of Neidhöhle Opens
SRW UX - Shangri-La
Onomnomnom. Good to see you creepy blobs again.
SRW UX - Lion
Kill enough stuff and the plot kicks in.
: Damn them, they’ve broken through! What is the Army of Mankind doing?!*The Festum flies towards ALVIS HQ.*
: S-Stop! Yumiko’s in there!: Get back here!!*Shinn blasts after the Festum!*
: R-Rrrgh!: Mr. Asuka…!
: Damn it… he got my thrusters!*The Impulse drops to the ground!*
: We’re detecting major abnormalities in the Impulse’s main thrusters and leg joints after that attack! It can’t get any lift!: What?!
: This isn’t good… he’s a sitting duck right now!
: …?!
: They wanna assimilate Shinn while he’s immobile!: Are you there…?
: Shinn, run!: Hrm…!: Haaaaaaah!
: Aargh!
: Kazuki…?!: K-Kazuki, you…!: The Mark Sein should be able to resist assimilation at least a bit! Run while I keep them at bay…!: Gaaaaah!: Kazuki, stop! This is too much even for the Mark Sein!: Forget about me! Get away from here now!: I’m fine…! Y-You’re the one who needs to go… hurry!: I gave you an order, Kazuki! If we lose the Mark Sein here – if we lose you – that’ll be the end!: Don’t you have people you need to keep safe?! Those are the ones you’re truly meant to lay your life on the line for!: ?!: Shinn…!: That’s my point exactly, Mr. Asuka… Mika Arisaka - Life Goes On: As far as I’m concerned, you’re also a dear friend and someone I need to keep safe!: …!: Kazuki…!: Uooooooooh!*Kazuki drags the Festum far away!*
: Kch… Impulse, move! Move!: If we don’t do something, he… my friend’s gonna..!: Everything will be fine. Destiny is your ally…: Huh…?!*Flash!
*The Destiny blows the Festum away.
: …?!: Wh-What…?!: It’s… the Destiny!: But who’s piloting it?!: Huh… What in Newton’s name is going on?! We’re not detecting any vital signs inside… It’s flying by itself!: By itself…?!: (No, this sensation is…!)*Beep.*
: That’s the answer you picked…: It’s what you sought… the Wings of Destiny!: Who… Who are you?!: (I knew it… Tsubaki…!)
: Shinn, hop aboard the Destiny quick! The Festum are still coming!: Athrun?! What’re you doing here…?!: Just do it already! You’ve people you need to keep safe too, don’t you?!: A-Alright…!
: Come on, Destiny! This time… I’ll hold strong and protect all that’s dear to me!
: Kazuki, form up! We’ll shape destiny with our own hands… for as long as we’ve our lives! (Last part is Life Goes On lyrics.): Yes, sir!https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oc2ubP23p1U
: Th-They’re so strong…!
: Kazuki… Mr. Asuka!: (“For as long as we’ve our lives”…): (Rrgh…! For what… for who have I been fighting for?!) (Life Goes On again.)
: Now’s our chance, people! Destroy the remaining Festum!: Roger that!
Hurray, Shinn finally has his actual bot back!
It’s still just as good as it was back in the prologue, and Shinn also has access to its better weapon now (plus Luna can dump that ZAKU!).
Good times all around.
SRW UX - Obelisk
SRW UX - Tales of Mirisha ~ The Brave Legend
SRW UX - Future-Bound Fighting Spirit
And the rest of them fall in short order.
: All Festum confirmed destroyed. No new signals on radar!
: That’s them taken care of, but what about…: That was some excellent work, UX. Now if you would, lay down your weapons and surrender immediately.
: You had us take care of all the Festum and then you spring this on us, eh? That’s real cute!: …
: What’re we gonna do about this, Soushi?!: Don’t worry. We’ll have our chance soon.: Soushi…?
: Hah, is it over already? I think I’m actually a bit disappointed. But, now, the Fafners—*Alarm!*
: Wh-What’s going on…?!
: The ALVIS personnel have all escaped! They broke out of their cells!: What?! Get them back NOW!: We can’t! All of the base’s security devices and equipment are going out of control… We’re pinned down!: What insanity is going on here?!
*Door opens.*
: I see you made it too, Yumiko. : The bulkheads were opening and closing all around the base. They helped me… or, actually, I think they led me here…: The same happened to us.
: But what is this place, commander…?*Power up!*
: This terminal is… Solomon’s main unit?! Which means…!: It’s Arthur’s Room… the 2nd CDC!
: 2nd CDC…?!
: Th-The computers are turning on by themselves… The island management functions are being transferred from the occupied 1st CDC!: To your stations, everyone! The basic structure of this place is the same as the 1st! : Run checks on all systems! We’re taking control of our island back!: But how is any of this working? Wasn’t the 2nd CDC sealed away because it put too much strain on our systems…?: If I had to guess, I’d say she’s behind this…: I am this island, and this island is me.: The only thing I can do for the people who live here is let them choose… so that they can know what they really want…: And you let Kazuki and Shinn make their choices too?: They weren’t the only ones. The people of the island did too; as did Soushi…: And so did the Festum…: Y-You’re…!: (Isn’t that right, Soushi…?)
: (Tsubaki…!)
: The island’s defense systems have come online…?!
: Yo, what’s going on there?!*Beep.*
: Apologies for the headache we caused. The ALVIS staff and all of the island’s inhabitants are safe.: Commander, did she… Is Tsubaki Minashiro awake?!: Yes, she is.: Mi-“Minashiro”…?!: UX, we’d like to employ your services again: please defend our island!: Consider it done, sir!
: Okay, and with that mess sorted out, we can go to town on these mooks!
: Hrm… Never did I expect this would take such a turn!: We’re left with no choice. Shift to Plan B!: Plan B…?! But, then, the island’ll…!: This is just a precaution for a worst case scenario. They should be here soon.: And if they can sort this out, great. But if they fail…: …: Preparations are complete. Moving to withdraw!: You’re not going anywhere…!*Arnie runs after Dog’s battleship.*
: U-Urk…!: I can’t let you do that, Arnie…!: …?! Th-That voice…!SRW UX - The Proud Challengers
: Been a while, hasn’t it?: Ji-Jin…?!
: A squadron of Riots… and two new models?!
: This is the Special Mobile Troop calling all forces. Let us handle this!: We’re already switching the operation into Plan B. This is the tipping point for everything, so I hope you won’t disappoint!
: (“Plan B”…?!): Jin, you’re alive…! I can’t believe it!: Wrong, Arnie. What I am is reborn.: Reborn… so that I can lead this world to the Beginning of Life!: Wh-What are you—…?!https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EqXu9TAH9Gg
“Open your eyes and behold the power of the new me…!”
: Gwaaaargh!
: Arnie…!: No abnormalities in the Neutron Generator. Internal pressure is also stable. : These readings are… particle acceleration?! Then those units…!
: (It can’t be…!): (Yes. Them, too…): Urgh! Ji-Jin… why?!: You’ve always been drifting through life, Arnie, never knowing the difference between belief and destiny! What could you possibly understand?!: But I’m different! I’m deciding my own fate, and I’m standing here of my own free will!: Jin, you…!*Saya flies next to Arnie.*
: Back off, Ensign! Those units are incredibly dangerous!: Ms. Saya…!
: Skull Leader to all units! Move in and cover the Orphes!: Drive the Army of Mankind off this island!: Jin… Why do we have to fight again?!