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At Tesla Reich...



Kusuha learns that contact with Langley has been lost. She asks if the enemy are as powerful as that, but Filio suspects that it's their warp technology that made the difference. Federation scientists have been trying to unlock the secret in the White Star's data, but it's clearly too late for that now.



In response to Gilliam's warning, they've asked Kusuha to help load the Gold and Silver prototypes into a shuttle. This is the first she's heard about the attack on Mao, though she's relieved to hear that her friends are safe for the time being. Now it's just their own safety that's in jeopardy...



Tsugumi enters to report that Gold, Silver, Unit 2, and the Alpha prototype have been loaded, although they're having trouble moving the Type-3's Units 1 and 3. Jonathan decides to try activating it in test mode to take care of the move. Tsugumi asks Kusuha to help; given that she's their most experienced Grungust pilot, that should speed things up considerably.



It's a shame that they haven't been able to finish development on the prototypes, but hopefully they'll be safe in storage in Izu. And with any luck, the data that they send will allow Robert to do some of the work himself. Tsugumi needlessly points out that it won't matter if they don't get away safely.



Jonathan comments that it's a shame this has to happen to Project TD. Filio agrees, but says that he doesn't have the right to grieve after joining the Divine Crusaders and helping ignite the DC War.



Jonathan: "Haven't I told you, Filio? Failure is the nature of science."
Filio: "Professor..."
Jonathan: "Leave the judgements about whether you're good or evil to other people. If you think you need to make amends, do it with your future research."
Filio: "....."



Jonathan: "Still have doubts?"
Filio: "After this... the true battle lies out there, in the sea of stars. Humanity will have to go there to surpass its trials. If the goals of the Terrestrial Dream lie beyond that... then I must fight as well."
Jonathan: "Heh. Guess the world's still got some attraction for you."
Filio: "Yes... a great many things. And once I met Tsugumi..."
Tsugumi: "Filio..."



Jonathan: "Whoa now, is this what I think it is?"
Filio: "I mean, she's been invaluable to Project TD... and to me."
Jonathan: "And then you get all serious again. Sheesh..."
Filio: "...? I'm sorry?"



Jonathan: "Anyway, our receiver will be coming soon."
Tsugumi: (Receiver?)
Jonathan: "Sorry to ask this of you, but can the two of you help with the loading?"
Filio: "We certainly can."

-----



Kusuha has finished loading the Type-3 and is about to begin the sealing process, but is surprised when the hangar crew tell her to prepare the Type-2 as well. Rishu comes up and says that he wants her to escort the transport. Realizing that they're sending her away from Tesla, she tries to protest, saying that the danger will be just as great here and she can't leave them undefended. Rishu reminds her that the transport's contents are far too important to fall into the aliens' hands.



Kusuha: "But..."
Rishu: "When you go... give this to Bullet."
Kusuha: "This sword?"
Rishu: "A Shishioh Blade. One tempered specially for Personal Troopers. Give it to Bullet, and tell him to walk the path of the sword again."
Kusuha: "But, Master..."



Rishu: "What's this? Unfurrow that brow. The professors and I have our part to play - but this, I leave to you, my students. Guard the Earth, as you did during the L5 Campaign."
Kusuha: "....."
Rishu: "That is your duty. Do you understand?"
Kusuha: "...Yes."



Sleigh: "How many times do I have to tell you!? You can't do the RaM maneuver; you're just not good enough."
Ibis: "You can't say that if you won't let me try!"
Rishu: "Hm? What's this?"
Kusuha: "It's Sleigh and Ibis..."



Sleigh: "It's called Rapid Acceleration and Mobility for a reason. If you can't make full use of the Boost Drive, you're just making yourself another target."
Ibis: "I can do it if I just try a little harder... please, run the drills with me again! I'm begging you!"



Sleigh: "You're wasting my time."
Ibis: "Sleigh, just listen to---!"
Sleigh: "You listen to me, Ibis. I'm the only pilot Project TD needs. You're a substitute, that’s all. It's about time you got that through your head."
Ibis: "....."



Rishu observes that the two are as volatile as ever, but prevents Kusuha from interfering, saying that this is all just part of youth. Ignoring them both, Sleigh tells Ibis that shooting stars don't sail through the sea of stars, they just fall. Before Ibis can say something to jeopardize the game's PG rating (not really), Tsugumi comes in and breaks them up. Kusuha tries to soothe her, saying that this is no time for infighting, but when Ibis meekly backs down, it just gets a smug reaction from Sleigh.



Filio: "Sleigh, I asked you not to call her that."
Sleigh: "This is between the pilots. There's no need for you to be involved, Major."
Filio: "I'm not. I'm getting involved as your brother."
Sleigh: "Ugh..."
Filio: "You owe Ibis an apology, Sleigh. The two of you are supposed to be comrades."
Sleigh: "....."



Filio: "What's wrong, Sleigh? You've been rather frustrated lately. If there's trouble, you should talk to me about it."
Sleigh: "I'm Project TD's pilot, and you're its chief! We're not brother and sister any more! My private life isn't your business!"
Ibis: "Sleigh..."
Sleigh: "Don't forget, Shooting Star! I'm number one here! Me, Sleigh Presty!"



Sleigh storms out, and Rishu observes that Filio's intervention managed to make everything worse. Ruefully, Filio says that it wasn't that long ago that Sleigh was always following close behind him - but, as Rishu points out, she's not a child any longer, and there's a difference between being kind and being overprotective. Things are awkward for a moment, during which Tsugumi admonishes Ibis that she'll need to keep her emotions in check to be an astronaut.



Filio: "By the way, Ibis... why does Sleigh call you 'Shooting Star?'"
Ibis: "....."
Tsugumi: "It's just a nickname between pilots, sir."
Filio: "Is that so... it's quite romantic."
Tsugumi: "It's sarcastic, actually. It's because Ibis has been shot down so many times."
Ibis:



Kusuha: "Um, Ibis... you shouldn't let that get to you."
Rishu: "That's right. There's another pilot with an equally bombastic name."
Kusuha: (I think Ryusei would be mad if he heard that...)

This was mentioned the last time it came up, but the Japanese word for "shooting star" is ryusei.



Kusuha keeps trying to encourage Ibis, telling her to have confidence, since there's plenty they haven't tried yet. Ibis thanks her, but it's pretty clear that her experiences are taking their toll.



And then the alarm sounds.



Mission 24: Escape From Tesla



The Inspectors' troops have arrived. While Jonathan and Tsugumi scramble to prepare for the evacuation, Sleigh and Kusuha launch to defend the Institute.



Ibis, on the other hand, has been grounded at Filio's orders. She protests that with the aliens at their doorstep, they need every fighter they have; Tsugumi flatly responds that if she goes out there she'll die, and that's the reason for the order.



Jonathan asks Sleigh and Kusuha to buy them time to get the transport going. Kusuha acknowledges; Sleigh immediately tells her not to get in her way - this is her first real battle, and she's going to show she doesn't need any help from the Type-2!