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This Puzzle is a bit different. Instead of defeating all enemies, you need to get any unit onto the base. Just move Marbet in the Gun-EZ forward and blast the enemy to the left of the Methuss. The other one will survive because of the forest’s defensive bonus. Then transform the Methuss for the flying movement and move onto the base.

For winning, we get 10k money and a Skill +20 pilot part. Must like power parts for the mechs, skill parts give pilots certain skills or an increase to their stats. And you can move them around however you want during intermissions.

For the intermission, I give the Ra Cailum the beam coating. This ends up meaning nothing in the long run. Not gonna use the money just yet…

Last time, we Macross 7'd all over the place.

Space Route Chapter 5: The Boys Who Returned to the Battlefield

[Neo Zeon Spaceport]

Captain Amuro, what should I do with my unit?

Just put it on the Ra Cailum’s deck. It looks like OZ is stepping up their reconnaissance around here. They may also send in some ships.

Roger. It looks like the Rewloola just returned from the Moon.

Gyunei, how was it over there?

No problem. Just a small BESPA unit. I dealt with it with just my machine.

[Space Fortress Bulge Control Room]

I can’t believe Maximillian Jenius just did that. Not only did he disobey our orders, but they joined Neo Zeon. And they brought back more aliens with them. If I knew that was going to happen, I wouldn’t have called for his return.

It’s too late for that now.

Shut up. We still have an overwhelming advantage in numbers, but the 1.5km long super large battleship Battle 7 is overwhelming. We’re left with no choice but to attack Neo Zeon now. Also it seems Zanscare is building something like a mobile fortress in satellite orbit. We need to hurry.

…

What’s the matter, Lady Une? We’re running out of time. Begin preparations for an invasion of Side 3.

(Hopeless… This is hopeless. And now with a new alien force attacking, Duke Dermail cannot lead us to victory.)

Lady Une, are you listening to me?!

(I must fight and win. There’s a way to overcome this oncoming tide. We must leave a path for the future for when the Earth returns. For Treize’s future… and the future of the Earth Sphere and myself. For that, I will risk my life…)

[Neo Zeon Command Center]

What the hell!?

What’s up?

I just received a message from the Crushers who stayed on the moon. Lady Une of OZ just contacted our agents.

Lady Une did?

I see… Very interesting. What did she want, Amuro?

It seems that even within OZ, the number of dissidents to Duke Dermail’s rule is on the rise. Lady Une was tasked with solving the mystery behind the Earth’s disappearance and the alien invasions and wants to collaborate with Neo Zeon to that end.

She wants us to eliminate Dermail?

Yes. The space fortress Bulge is controlled by the Dermail faction. If we can seize control, it will give the anti-Dermail faction the upper hand.

But OZ’s fleet is based there…

It also appears that OZ has begun preparations to invade Side 3. Their fleet is starting to leave Bulge. If we time things right, we will only have to deal with their defenses.

Lady Une was Treize’s confidant, right?

Yes. She was my former superior.

Hm… Do you think this information can be trusted?

After going into space, Lady Une changed. Now that the planet is gone and Treize’s status is unknown, it’s possible that she would take these actions.

If the invasion of Side 3 happens, we would have to fight them anyway…

However, if Treize still lives, Lady Une might become our enemy.

That doesn’t matter. We just need to stay alert. Amuro, let’s ask Captain Max for his cooperation.

Got it. I’ll tell the Crushers to remain on the moon to negotiate with Lady Une. There’s also the matter of the Gundam being built by Anaheim. Chan wanted me to check it out, so I’ll head to the moon too.

[Space Fortress Bulge]

…That’s what I heard. This concludes my report.

Thank you for your hard work. Now everything is in place. We just need to wait for Neo Zeon to pull it off.

Hmm? Hey, what camera is on that monitor?

That’s… the airlock for bay 6.

(That soldier that appeared on the screen… That has to be Heero Yuy. Haha, so he was still alive after all. How interesting. I don’t know what he’s planning, but it’s about time to get those boys moving.)

Proceed with the plan.

Yes ma’am.

Guard, call Specialist Schbeiker.

Schbeiker, coming in. You called for me?

Specialist, I have a favor to ask of you.

A favor… What is it?

You know that prisoner? The one you captured?

…Yes.

I’ve heard you’ve visited that prisoner many times.

No… I mean… It was for interrogation.

It’s fine, Specialist. I want you to help that prisoner escape.

Eh? Duo… You mean Duo Maxwell?

Chang Wufei as well. I’ll release their locks from the command center. Provide them your support. Give them their modified units as well. But by doing this you will be treated as a traitor. Prepare yourself for the consequences.

But…

Specialist, I know you’ve been looking at the surveillance system data.

…

What the… The door opened?

…

Duo and Chang Wufei, get out. Hurry!

Hilde! What happened to the guards? You idiot, did you really do it?

My boss told me to let you escape. But no one else was informed so they started shooting. There’s no one left here. I’ll show you where your mobile suits are. Follow me.

I see.

Wufei, this could be a trap.

Then you can stay put.

That ain’t happening. I don’t know what she’s planning, but at least she’s still alive. I’m thankful for the escape. Hilde, you should go hide. If they find you, they’ll kill you.

It’s safer to go with you.

No!

Duo, like I told you the other day. I don’t know who or what I should fight for. Aliens are attacking and the future is uncertain. At the very least, I want to do what I want without regrets.

…Man. It looks like you caught our stupidity.

Duo Maxwell, I’ll go first.

Hey wait a sec! Wait up!

…This is fine. Neo Zeon’s fleet will be arriving soon. I want you guys to survive.

Lady Une, what are you doing here? …Could it be that you really let those prisoners escape?

It’s as you see.

My dear, this is clearly an act of betrayal. You’ve forgotten all that I’ve done for you! Lady Une, I’m putting you under arrest. Treason is punishable by firing squad. Prepare yourself!

Where is Dermail? Did they find me…?

Kyaa!
(Hilde is now a friendly blue instead of the hostile red as she was in the previous scenes)

Don’t move!

You’re Heero, right? What are you doing here?

You’re Duo Maxwell. What are you up to?

Me? I’m just stretching my legs after being locked up in a small room for so long.

Duo, who’s he?

Don’t worry Hilde, he’s just like me. Heero, put the gun down already.

…Did you raise the alarm?

Yep. Wufei was with us just now too. Heero, what’s with the OZ uniform?

…I don’t approve of the false peace OZ and the Unified Government are trying to make. My target should be the Queen, but she disappeared with the Earth.

Oi, are you still trying to kill that girl? And Dermail is Plan B? That’s just like you.

They’re over here!

They’re here. Hilde, Heero, let’s book it.

…Mission Failed.

Sorry, but it seems like OZ is dealing with some issues right now. Apparently it’s Lady Une who’s helping us escape.

Duo, this way!

Heero, did you come here in a mobile suit?

…I came here in Zero.

Really now. OZ’s watch is really too lax these days. Can’t believe you’re riding that thing. It’s not something a normal person could pilot.

It’s not for you.

Man, you’re crazy too…

I can handle it.

Oh right, I forgot you’re not normal.

Duo, hurry up!

Heero, we’re escaping after we destroy Hangar 8. See you outside!

…

What the hell is going on?

That has to be the Neo Zeon fleet!

It couldn’t be them. What happened to our defenses?!

They’ve flown off course and are too far away!

What the hell!

It was an order from Lady Une!

What?! That damn fox! Not only did she let the prisoners escape, she defected to Neo Zeon! What forces do we still have!?

They’re gathering at point 198x for the Side 3 invasion! They won’t make it in time!

What bull. Oh well, we have no choice but to launch the interceptor mobile dolls. What about the Virgo IIs?

Adjustments are complete so they can be used.

Very well. Char and Zechs will experience the full power of the Virgo II.

[Battle Map]

Hehe. The God of Death is back from Hell!

Duo, what should we do?

We cut down our pursuers and get the hell out of here. Heero, where’s Wufei?

He left.

Same as he always is. Well then, let’s get started!

Since we got two battleships, you can now select which one you want to use. Despite giving Ra Cailum the beam coat, I choose to deploy Battle 7. Whoops.

That’s…

Neo Zeon…

Neo Zeon? What about their defenses? And the Side 3 invasion…

Looks like she let us escape for a reason.

What do you mean?

They have a traitor. It must be Lady Une.

Those mobile suits…

Gundams.

Wing Zero! Then those must be Heero Yuy and Duo Maxwell.

I figured it was Heero and Duo…

You know them?

They were involved in sabotage against OZ on the surface. I fought against them a few times as an enemy.

The opposite for me. I fought with them against OZ.

That’s… complicated.

It’s a little late for that now.

I guess so.

Heero Yuy and Duo Maxwell, can you read me?

Zechs…

Zechs… Zechs Merquise? What the hell is he doing with Neo Zeon?

Zechs, is this the future Epyon showed you?

…Yes. What are you going to do now?

None of your business.

I was held captive and am on my way out. Are you planning to capture Bulge and destroy OZ?

No. We’re going to form an alliance with OZ. But we have no use for Dermail. This was a trap for them.

So it was Lady Une after all.

I’m not going to ask you to cooperate with us. Just don’t get in our way.

I had no intention of getting in your way. But I don’t mind giving them some payback. What say you, Heero?

Do as you like. I’ll… ugh.

(Has the future changed? …Are you telling me to fight with them, Zero?)

What’s wrong Heero?

I’ll… attack Bulge.

That right. Could have seen that coming. Time to cut them to shreds! Hilde, don’t leave my side!

Heero, Duo, you’re helping?

Joshua Radcliffe…

You’re here too? That almost covers everyone. By the way, this Taurus is on our side. Please don’t shoot her in the back.

Enemies incoming!

Everyone launch. Annihilate the enemy mobile suits. Mobile Dolls are more powerful, so don’t let your guard down.

Let’s go over these new guys first.

[XXXG-00W0 Wing Gundam Zero]
I’ve always preferred the TV version of Wing Zero over its EW design. Zero here sports two different MAP attacks, a super powerful Twin Buster Rifle, and the Zero System (increased stats and damage starting at 130 will). Epyon also has the Zero System but it’s just not as good on that. Of course Wing Zero can transform into its Neo Bird mode for the increase in mobility and movement. If you don’t like Heero on a personal level, Milliardo is perfect for this machine. You really can’t go wrong between those two pilots here.

[XXXG-01D2 Gundam Deathscythe Hell]
I always call every Deathscythe “Ol’ Reliable” for its consistency. D’s version of the Grim Reaper sports both a beam coat and a hyper jammer (chance to just negate any attack starting at 120 will). When we start using combo attacks, its scythe is the strongest of any C weapon. Deathscythe won’t deal massive damage in bursts, but it will deal consistent damage. Expect to see this on my squad for the majority of the game. Duo’s a fun guy too, for sure my favorite of the Wing Boys.

[OZ-12SMS Taurus]
Wow, powercreep already? This machine is a direct upgrade to the Methuss that we got not that long ago. This particular Taurus is stat-for-stat better than the Methuss in every way that matters, has better weaponry, and it has a repair device too. The only thing you’re missing out on is Fa’s great spirit setup. Shame Fa can’t pilot this, but the best support unit in the game is Fa compatible…

No enemy reinforcements this time and no bosses either. Just you and them. What I tried to do was to camp out in the asteroid field and try to line up some MAPs with Wing Zero, but in the end it devolved into a brawl in the open space between that asteroid field and Bulge. Remember that Virgos and Virgo IIs have their anti-beam ability, though even with that, Wing Zero deals decent damage.

They clump up so nicely for MAP attacks, but my foresight is lacking when lining up those shots. Very few MAP attacks in this series are post movement.

Gamlin got his 10 kills for his secret. You’ll be seeing that next space chapter. Amuro still needs a bunch of kills for his secret, so I try to only have him attack low HP enemies.

Once all the Mobile Dolls are defeated…

[Ra Cailum Bridge]

No enemies left. No reinforcements either.

It’s over? That’s strange. I thought there would be more resistance.

Looks like we won’t have to destroy Bulge. Good.

…Issue terms of surrender to Bulge.

Communications from Battle 7. I’ll put it on the main screen.

This is Sally S. Ford from the Battle 7 bridge. We just confirmed a high speed shuggle just escaped from the fortress.

What?

That has to be Dermail.

Yes, most likely.

So they’ll stop resisting?

I think a Valkyrie with a Fold Booster could catch it.

No, let him go.

Understood. We’ll head back to Side 3 first. Later.

Allright, make contact with Lady Une. Only thing left is to get the fleet under our control, then it’ll be done. Dermail will have no place left to go.

[Space Fortress Bulge]

Have you found Lady Une?

Yes. She was arrested under Duke Dermail’s orders.

She’s on her way here now.

Dermail’s orders? Considering she was caught, the operation went well.

They probably found out she let us escape. She did it on her own accord.

We need to hurry and get Lady Une to make a statement. Otherwise there will still be fighting.

…The remaining soldiers have surrendered. The fighting is over.

Good job out there.

It would have been trouble if you were acting on your own, Special Lieutenant Colonel Lady Une. If you died, all of this would have been for naught.

If Bulge was destroyed, I had backup plans set up that would have fired off without me. I decided it would be better to let them escape in case the operation fails.
(Lady Une is now blue instead of red, marking her as an ally)

Even though you were captured yourself? That’s not like you.

I don’t want to hear that from you, Zechs. Just when we think you died, you reappear in the Sanc Kingdom. And now you’re with Neo Zeon.

So, what’s the situation as it stands?

Most of the junior officers don’t care for Dermail. The Side 3 invasion was called off as planned. It will take time to fully control the entire OZ Space Force, but it will be done. As per our agreement, the OZ Space Force will conduct operations against both the aliens and Zanscare. We will work with Neo Zeon. I’ll also arrange for the exchange of information regarding the Earth. In return, I would like permission to station a fleet on the Moon.

That’s fine. I’m looking forward to working with you, Lady Une. Let’s get started right away.

I would like your help, Zechs. Among our soldiers, there are still many who see you as a hero. If you meet them, more people will follow our instructions.

…Very well. But right now I’m not Zechs Merquise of OZ. Understand that I’m not your subordinate.

I know. This is not an order. This is a request. We’re fighting against the aliens as comrades.

This is Hilde Schbeiker, OZ Specialist.

Ah, thank you for having me.

Specialist? So why did you fight against OZ?

She has her reasons. Lady Une asked her to help us escape. But in the end you guys came and captured Bulge so it wasn’t really worth it.

We all have our reasons, so it doesn’t really matter.

You right. I don’t really understand your entire merry group.

An abnormal group for an abnormal situation, right?

Didn’t think you’d be in space though. And with Neo Zeon? I thought you were with the League Militaire.

I’ve got my own reasons. But what about you? What will you do now?

Actually, I haven’t given it a thought.

Hey, Duo.

Well for now, as someone who fights for the colonies, there are aspects of Neo Zeon that I can sympathize with. You’ve seen Zanscare’s guillotine right? Hilde said we were under alien attack, but from what you’ve been telling me the situation is worse than I thought.

Will you join us?

Well you’ve got former Unified Forces, former OZ, former League Militaire. It wouldn’t be weird if I joined you.

Yup. And Heero?

…Fine. Under the current circumstances, it would be best for me to join you.

Great… Have you heard from the other three?

Wufei skedaddled right before you showed up. Knowing him, he’ll show up in some battle somewhere. Haven’t heard from Trowa. And Quatre…

Last I saw him, he was on Earth.

…And there you go. We don’t know.

Ah Milliardo, are you finished?

We’re done with Bulge. Lady Une will deal with the rest, so we return to Side 3.

Heero, Duo, and Specialist Hilde will be coming with us.

…Do you remember the Sanc Kingdom, Heero?

…Yes. You were in Zero and I in Epyon, and we fought against OZ.

It seems we share a strange connection. When you asked me if we were friends or foe, you told me to ask Zero. Now it’s my turn to ask. What did Zero show you?

War with the aliens.

…That’s fine. Looking forward to working with you.

[OZ High Speed Shuttle]

We can’t waste any more time. Hey, haven’t we reached the Side 3 invasion fleet yet?

We should be able to see them by now…

Say it clearly.

Sir… It seems the fleet isn’t at the rendezvous point.

Don’t be ridiculous, it isn’t time for them to move yet. Look again!
[Beeping]

Well, did you find them?

No, it’s not them! It’s BESPA!

What!?

[Amalthea Bridge]

Captain, that’s an OZ shuttle.

I’m detecting it too. The OZ fleet should have moved on… What is it doing here?

No signs of the enemy nearby. Let’s approach it.

Captain, Dermail is onboard that shuttle!

Dermail… What a catch.

Should we capture it?

…No. There’s no need. If the Earth was there, we could have used him against the Romefellers, but alas.

Flying through a place like this means that Neo Zeon really did take over Bulge.

Seems so. So there was trouble within OZ after all. If the intercepted communications are true, then Dermail no longer has any real power. Destroy the shuttle. At least we’ll have his death to our name.

Sir!
[Beam fire, explosions]