Part 82: Mission 33 (Vajra Route) - The Hour of Dialogue - Part 2
Strike Freedom Gundam (Kira Yamato)
Pilot Skills:
SEED
Support Attack L1
Support Defense L1
Counter
All-Attack L1
Spirit Commands:
Sense
Focus
Mercy
Snipe
Mech Features:
Sword
Gun
Beam Shield
VPS Armor
Hyper Deuterion Engine
Squad Bonus: Ranged attacks’ power +100, Accuracy +5 (Ranged attacks +200, Accuracy +20, S in Space)
Kira’s voice actor: Soichiro Hoshi (other roles: Brera in Macross F, Sanada Yukimura in Sengoku Basara, Chaos in Xenosaga, and a ton more)
Infinite Justice Gundam (Athrun Zala)
Pilot Skills:
SEED
Support Attack L2
Support Defense L1
Command L1
All-Attack L1
Spirit Commands:
Sense
Focus
Accelerate
Justice (正義) – reduces own EN, MP and Ammo cost to 0 for the next turn.
Mech Features:
Sword
Gun
Beam Shield
VPS Armor
Hyper Deuterion Engine
Squad Bonus: Melee attacks’ power +100, Mobility +5 (Melee attacks +200, Mobility +20, S in Space)
Athrun’s voice actor: Akira Ishida (other roles: Tellius, Mekibos and the Machinery Children in SRW OGs, Kaworu in Evangelion, Gaara in Naruto, Luke Skywalker in Star Wars and a ton more)
We’ve been through this THRICE ALREADY! Big huge stats on Jesus, only pilot who I’d consider can give Maya competition for best sniper, fan-fire MAPW as in L and W, etc. etc. Use him as a lead (get him Hit & Away), unless you just don’t like his face – still recommend at least making him a squaddie.
Athrun is Kira -1, and with a melee focus. Still pretty dang good. Only new thing is that his Phantom-01 actually has a MAPW version that hits 1-8 in a straight line.
SRW UX - Linebarrel
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LVkju5DSXug
And here are the Valkyries new Reactive Munitions.
SRW UX - Envoy from Jupiter
: I’ll sink my feet into the ground and fight any enemy that threatens peace, even ones I cannot fathom! Such is my pride as a soldier!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LEWcG9tBZ3o
First time we fight one of these buggers, so here’s it in action.
SRW UX - You Are Similar to Me 
: I’m ready and willing to shoulder every burden now that I’ve returned to the battlefield – the burden of our lives, of our resolve and our future!: The man standing here isn’t the son of Chairman Zala or Alex Dino! I’m Athrun Zala of the UX, nothing more and nothing less!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MDyWR3k_Z6M
And here’s Graham’s new strongest attack, with his Sol Brave mooks to help!
: All ELS in the sector are confirmed destroyed!
: Now we can follow our original plan and focus on the Vajra!Mind, as you start dwindling the Vajra numbers…
: Tsk… This isn’t working. We kill one and three more crop up in its place!
: (They still haven’t activated that device of theirs…?)
: …: There – the concert’s started just now! If all goes right…!
SRW UX - Interstellar Flight (LIVE in Alcatraz)
: ♪~
: That’s…!
: Ranka’s song!
: Nice, the Vajra are slowing down…!: It’s the effect of her song! Its Fold Waves are jamming the Vajra’s inner communications!
: Don’t let this chance slip by our fingers, troops! Break through their lines and trash that fortress!
SRW UX - Envoy from Jupiter
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LKqDzsUrilA
Hey, did you know the Quarter gained a new final attack during mission 24? I only now realized it!
SRW UX - You Are Similar to Me
: It’s possible our fighting’ll eventually bring about new sorrow… And I understand that there’s no such thing as a 100% righteous battle…: But I’ve made a decision to help pave the way for our future! And I won’t look back!https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5kbpKvynI2M
And as you dwindle the Vajra numbers again…
: The enemy’s defensive lines are falling apart! We’ve our way into the fortress…!
: …
: L-Look at the size of that thing…! Think it’s the boss of their hive?
: Tsk… And, of course, it’s blocking our path inside!
: Meaning we won’t be getting in the fortress until we trash it!
: Still, we’d have to do so sooner or later. This hive will not fall while the leader stands.
: Right on! So let’s suck it up and get to work!
Vajra Bishop-Class
Pilot Skills:
Support Attack L1
Support Defense L2
All-Attack L1
Mech Features:
Fold Barrier
30% HP and EN Regen
All Canceller
Big blob of HP but the lack of Prevail means we can tear it down on one turn. The problem is getting in range, as it’s very well equipped to blast all your guys – complete with a MAPW that blasts in a 1-8 arc (mind, it can’t hit in the column straight in front of the Bishop) – but, thankfully, it’s not too accurate.
If you still have a Confuse cast available, pop it on approach, clear off the remaining Vajra and drop the Bishop to end the mission. If not, your Reals should be safe from the MAPW, so just make sure your Supers and ships are flying inside the blind-spots.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tBfH3mOQws8
Here’s the thing’s strongest move but, more importantly, Arnie’s first own-screen usage of the warp skill!
Now, the plot kicks in once you get the Bishop under 50% HP and that’s when the pre-battle convos actually start playing. So, to save on space and keep things flowing nicely, let’s jump to it now and then we’ll get the battle rolling properly.
: Blah, the boss-bug’s really making us work for it…!: …!
: It doesn’t know when to give up…!
: Gch…!: You okay, Luca?!: I-I’m fine, but… that attack just wrecked my transmitter…!
: Damn, the Vajra are feeling better…!
: Because Ranka’s song stopped…?!
: Never mind that, we’re already running low on resources! If they call in a new mob of Vajra, we’ll be in big trouble!: I’ll do it!*Fei moves in front of the Boddole Zer.*
: Fei…?!: I don’t really know what’ll happen this time… I’m kind of scared it won’t help, but if there’s a chance my song can get us through this…: Then I’ll sing! I’ll sing for Ranka, for Setsuna… for everyone! I’ll put all your emotions to song!
Chieko Higuchi - Believe 
: This wavelength is…!: It’s very similar to Ranka’s Fold Song?!
: Look… the Vajra’re being subdued by her song!: One last push, people! Time to finish the leader off!: Monsters entranced by song… I can appreciate the different side you’re displaying, but this is still an opening I need to exploit! 
: Their songs, their emotions, make it through to anyone who listens, no matter who that is…: And, in that case, I know what I must do!
: Even in a different time and in a different battlefield, there’s always power to song – to the voice of a songstress that prays for peace!: And I’ll also do my part for as long as their feelings remain with me!
: I won’t stop until all our emotions get through to you. And that includes Ranka, Setsuna’s…: And that girl’s emotions too!
: So it wasn’t just a one-time thing – Fei’s song really works on the Vajra. But how? Is there some hidden power to her, Sheryl and Ranka’s music?
: I’m not wasting this opportunity! I might not know what kind of power their songs have, but the feelings packed in those lyrics are as clear as day – and they won’t be for nothing!
: Well, dang, Fei’s song really is just as effective as theirs. Now, I get that you’re digging the music so much its got you stunned, but I’m gonna have to cut that short!
: Fei’s song is also getting through to them… Are the Vajra really reacting to the emotions in her lyrics…?: But… but that’s a question for another time! If we let these guys go, Earth’ll…!
: Are they acting like this because they heard Fei’s song…? Are they actually being moved by it…?
: No… No, look at everything they’ve done – all the people they’ve killed! These things are heartless…! They have to be…!
: …!
: That Vajra’s still kicking…?!
: The enemy’s movements are very sluggish, though. Now is when you attack…!: You’re—…!
SRW UX - The Target.: It’s that Galaxy Valkyrie – Brera’s…!
: This is Antares 1 to the UX. I’m moving in to assist you.*Brera flies after the Bishop.*
: He says “assist”, but it’s looking more like he’s trying to take the thing out by himself!: He’s not, because I won’t pass this on to someone who just got here! I’m going too!
: Don’t stray from the team, Alto! : But we can’t let up either, or we’ll miss the opening Setsuna and Fei gave us!: I figured you’d come… Back me up, Alto! We’ll wipe out every single one of these Vajra!: “Wipe them out…”: (Setsuna was ready to risk his life trying to communicate with an alien species…): (Meanwhile, I…): If you’re not going to attack, then leave!: ?!: Someone who’s not willing to pull the trigger when needed has no business being here…!: …: No, I’ll do it! I’m here, right now, as a pilot…!https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eUEMo5hPHpQ
: (That’s…!) 
: Aaaargh!: Hrm…!*Kira flies over to Alto.*
*Any surviving Vajra and ELS run away now.*
: Where’s Alto?! Is he alright?!: Yes, he’s fine.: Hrgh…: He seems to be a bit injured, but I don’t think his life’s at risk.: I see… Thank you for bailing him out of that blast.: Mission complete. Returning…: Stop right there, you! The hell’s wrong with you, ignoring a wounded wingman and taking off…?!: My Valkyrie’s also damaged. Besides, I’m sure you’ll get him back to your ship and patch him up.: …: That is all.
: Always such a friendly guy, eh?
: Delta 1 to all units, the mission is a success. We’ve confirmed the target’s destruction and we’re detecting no signs of any enemy forces. : Repeat, there are no signs of the enemy. Halt combat operations and set a course back to the ship…: (That Vajra sent out a massive Fold Wave when it died…): (The direction it went might just be…)
Back at the Frontier, Luca reports everything that happened – the data collected has already been passed on to the lab for analysis. As the call ends, Mishima is so happy: the outcome of the operation was far better than what he and Howard anticipated. The bugs won’t be running roughshod around them any longer!
“Rejoice, Mr. President. The day the Frontier Fleet ascends to glory is nigh,” Mishima gloats to Howard, before shifting to his inner monologue. “And that calls for a little something to be done first…”
: Well, that battle was as tough as we figured it’d be. And the ELS surprise appearance sure didn’t help things…
: Right. Not only did we spend a lot of resources there, the bigger issue is our injured teammates.
: How’re they doing?
: There wasn’t anything major with Alto – just some superficial wounds. He’s being treated and should be discharged from the hospital soon.: On the other hand…: It’s not as simple for Setsuna, right?
: He’s suffered severe brain damage from the massive flow of information that poured in when he tried sharing his mind with the ELS’. 
: He’s currently in a coma, and it’s anyone’s guess if he’ll ever recover…
: He…
: But what possessed him to even try that sort of thing…? : I suppose he was just trying to find a way to communicate with the ELS.: A way that didn’t involve fighting…
: …: Setsuna…: Feldt, I know you’re worried about him, but you should also get some rest…
: We’re moving in to dock at Island 1 now, so why not take some time off while we’re there?: No, I want to stay here a while longer…*Door opens.*
: You’ve been looking for a way for people to better understand one another, and now you’ve even tried reaching out to the ELS…: Blazing a trail for our future… that’s what your fight’s always been, isn’t that right, boy?: Maj. Graham…: (Graham Aker… the Ensign’s former superior officer…): You look well, Ensign.: Maj. Graham, I…: You’ve no need to explain yourself, Ensign.: ?!: I only have to look at you to see that you’ve uncovered where your beliefs lie, and what path to follow…: …: Now, Maj. Ronin’s pulled some strings, and I’ve also been assigned to work with the UX – effective immediately.: Then…: Yes, we’ll ride together once more. That said, it won’t be as subordinate and superior officer, but as comrades-in-arms. : You got it…!
: It’s been a long time, Lunamaria, Shinn…
: Good to see you again, Athrun. And…
: …
: Here we finally are…: I’d always wondered when we’d meet again like this…: I’m sorry it couldn’t happen sooner, but there’s always so much to do. Still, what I told you back the first time we met is still true to this day. : Let’s fight together, Shinn. We’ll try and make sure those flowers are never wiped out again… and even if they are, we’ll carry on replanting them…: Kira Yamato…: Exactly. That’s what we’re all fighting for.: So, you’ll be coming with us too, Athrun?: I am. Glad we’ll finally be able to fight shoulder-to-shoulder, Lunamaria. : Hahah… And I promise you I won’t be dragging anyone down this time, Athrun.: As for you, Shinn, you’ve done a great job. 
: Are you pulling my leg? Do you know how hard things’ve been for us…?: Shinn…?!: But I guess they say hardship is the best teacher, so there’s that.: I hope you’re ready to buckle down, because there’s a lot of learning in store for you, too, Cpt. Athrun!: Ah…: … Aye, aye. You can count on me, Shinn. : He’s a good man. : Huh…?: Athrun’s told me of how hard Shinn tries to make his dreams real.: Um… Are you really going to trust us to watch your back? You, Kira Yamato, the Super Coordinator…?: Yes, and not just to watch my back. All of us are trusting you with our strength, our emotions and our wishes. : That’s the path we chose to follow in order to shape our future…: And the path Setsuna would also like to take.
Location: Frontier Fleet – Hospital
: Sure you should be hanging out here? Don’t you have work to do?
: Shush, you. It’s not everyday I visit the infirm, so how about some gratitude?: Hahah… Yeah, thanks…: But are you really okay? I heard you were hurt pretty bad…: They’re giving me the full regenerative medicine treatment. Still hurts a bit, but I’ll be better soon enough.: I see…: Something the matter, Sheryl…?: Your wounds’ll be healed, and then you’ll go flying again.: That’s the plan. Flying’s what I live for.: Alto, um…!: I don’t want you to be a pilot anymore. You don’t have to be out there, risking your life…!: ?!: There are plenty of pilots around, but there’s…: There’s only one Alto Saotome, you know…!: Sheryl…*Door opens!*
: Hey, Alto, how are you...: Ah…?! Sheryl…?: Ranka…?: …: I guess I’m interrupting something… I’m so sorry…!: W-Wait, Ranka…!*
* 
: Don’t move!: Wh-What the hell are you…?!
: As much as I would’ve loved to watch this drama some more, I’m afraid that’s not in the cards.: You’re the president’s aide… What do you want with me?!: With you? Nothing at all. My business is with this girl.: Isn’t that right, False Songstress…?: …: Sheryl…? What’s going on…?: …: Sheryl Nome, you are under arrest for a grand total of twelve crimes, including suspicion of espionage and violating the Statute of Secrecy!
Both Graham and Athrun are tacticians, and already come with their second bonuses unlocked: both have +25% chance of activating defensive skills, but Athrun boosts melee weapons’ damage by 10%, whereas Graham boosts counterattack damage by 10%.
Oh, and in case you’re wondering, when Arnie and Saya attack anything, they have the same convo they did in the other route:
: Ensign, I’ll assume control of both our units’ engines once we’re combined. I’ll try and make sure it all operates as best as can be…: Don’t worry about it, and don’t hold anything back! It’s your being here that brings our units’ full power to light! Here we go, Orphes/Odyssea!