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Apologies for the delay with this update. Romancing SaGa 2 is a wonderful game and I want to try and avoid burnout before I finish this LP. Also I needed to get Rim caught up for that one scene.


This puzzle is about abusing the enemy’s support defenses. Have Kamille use Valor and hit the enemy on the far left, which will prompt its neighbor to support defend it. Char then uses Assault to kill that weakened unit, since Assault prevents the target from being supported. Finally, Amuro uses Accel to move onto the objective.


Victory nets 30k money and an Energy Drain part.

Intermission time.

Soon I’ll go back and redo everyone’s equipment to focus on who I’m going to bring to the endgame. It might be a separate update, I haven’t decided yet.

Last time…honestly most of that last chapter could have just been an email.


Chapter 22: Heroic! Operation Giant Roller!
Chapter 21 if you went Space/Jupiter. Chapter 23 if you went Earth/Keilas


[Ra Cailum, Bridge]
We’ve been waiting for you, Commander Jin, Your Excellency.
Thank you for your hard work. What’s the situation?
Currently, the League Militaire and OZ are working hard in searching for the Motorad fleet. No news yet as to their location. We currently believe their fleet is underwater.
You still can’t find them? Since we don’t know the true nature of their Operation Clean Earth, we need to at least find out where they’ll strike. We’ll send out scouts too.
Right. How about repairs to the Ra Cailum?
It’s being arranged.


[Ra Cailum, Deck]
So this is Earth…
It is, Yui. It may not be our Earth, but it’s a real Earth.
Yes. This Earth’s environmental destruction has progressed a bit. Therefore, we must not let this Earth be anymore destroyed. Good luck, Shogo.
Right. I’ll try to do everything I can. I wish I could live here.
Shogo, please head to the Tower. Yui, the people who went out on recon will soon return. I’m sorry, but could you please help Fa and Shiro prepare lunch?
Ah, sure. On it.
Yui, over here.
I’ll go out for a quick drive on my Garland. Good luck, Yui.


Oh, you’re back. Hey Tetsuya, any luck?
Nada. I couldn’t find anything. Gou, how about you?
No.
Nothing here either.
I wonder where they are.
Hey, the Diamond Force and Kamille are returning. Make room!


Ah~ I’m tired.
Good grief. Well, if you think about this as training for flying in the atmosphere, it wasn’t a complete waste…
We couldn’t find anything.
Marbet, how was it over there?
Nothing.
A large number of them did descend to Earth…
HIDDEN IN PLAIN SIGHT.
I know that, Haro.
Good work out there.
Here’s a lunch pack.
Oh, thanks.


Odelo, let’s go out next.
But we’re not ready yet for the atmosphere…
It’s for the sake of becoming a better pilot. It’s not like we’ll be fighting. Besides, it’s better to have more manpower for things like this. Captain Amuro, please include us in the recon rotation.
…Alright. When they get back, join Oliver’s unit. However…
I know. I won’t push myself.

I see, so we still haven’t found it.
Seems so. Okay crew, let’s take a break and then head back out there.
Again?
Akira, don’t complain. Look at Heero. He left immediately after resupplying without complaining.
Even if he has a complaint, he’s the type who doesn’t say anything.
I know what you mean, but this is boring.


[Tower, Command Center]
Odelo Henryk of Oliver’s team has discovered three Motorad ships in the Gulf of Mexico.
There they are. But only three ships…
There should be at least three more fleets.
True. But their course is consistent with OZ’s reports. No mistake, they’re planning to land in Mexico.
Then shall we head there as well?
Yes. Bright, we’ve spotted the Motorad fleet. How are things over there?
So they were hiding. Apart from our life support system, the damage is still extensive. It looks like it’ll still take a while. Are you going?
Yes. You and the Ra Cailum will stay put. We’ll intercept them with the Tower.
Roger. We’ll give you all the units that didn’t go on recon..
Call back all scouts. Yamazaki, launch the Tower as soon as the transfer from the Ra Cailum is complete.
Yes, Commander.


[Motorad Fleet, Pippiniden’s Ship]
He’s leaving our first strike to me. So Cronicle does have his good points. Surface the ship and prepare to land. Operation Clean Earth has begun. Everyone, prepare for ground battle.
Commence Operation Clean Earth! All ships, surface!
…
What do you think, Major Duker Iq?
I’m deeply moved. This is the first battle under gravity with these ships.
Wouldn’t it be great if we could run over THE BOYS with these?
It’s as you say. But right now, our top priority is to clean up the Earth and prepare it for our Queen.
Of course. To all officers and soldiers of the Motorad fleet, we’ll eliminate the decaying cities and people of the surface without polluting the Earth. That is how we’ll clean the Earth. We’ll crush them all with these wheels and level them to the ground. It’ll be tough, but this is for the sake of regenerating the Earth through Maria-ism. I want everyone to prepare yourselves for this operation. That is all.
It looks like Cronicle’s fleet has also begun to surface.
I see. There will be resistance from OZ and the League Militaire. The mobile suit teams should be ready to leave at any time.


[Motorad Fleet, Cronicle’s Ship]
Pippiniden’s fleet has begun hostilities. Our fleet will also start the invasion.
There’s a small town in our path. Is this okay?
In order to make the land habitable again, we have to crush the city, the people, the League Militaire, and OZ.


[Intense rumbling]
What’s that shaking?
U…Uwaaaaaaaaaa daaaaaa.
Karl, what’s wrong?
This is…
Huh? Auntie, what do you see?
This ship is crushing the city.
Is that…true? Ah… What do you mean…
I want to see outside the window too.
No, don’t look. …Zanscare loves children… Why would they…
(Our weight is helping to crush the city and its people… Uso…)
Shakti… Are you okay…


What are you doing!? Let me out of here and see outside!
I’m sorry. Commander Cronicle said we must not let you out of this room.
My uncle did?
I can only confirm that we’re leveling the ground.
What do you mean by this battleship is leveling the ground!? Uncle, listen to me!
Apologies, princess.
[He closes the door and locks it]
Open up! I know you’re doing something horrible! Stop it! Please stop!


[Tower, Command Center]
We’ve received an emergency transmission from OZ’s advance troops. The Motorad fleet is using giant rollers on the underside of its hull. The battleships themselves are advancing, crushing entire cities in its path.
W-what the hell!?
Are you… Are you saying they’re crushing entire cities… along with its residents!?
Dammit. Are those Zanscare bastards out of their minds?
Ugh… So that’s what I’ve been feeling, human death groans.
How absurd.
Is this… Operation Clean Earth? Damn Kagatie, how dare you come up with this.
They won’t cause a nuclear winter, but instead destroy entire cities and slaughter the people on the surface. It’s inefficient, but it is relatively cleaner for the planet.
This isn’t the time for jokes! There’s no difference between this and what you all were planning to do! Char, you’re not going to let them get away with this, are you!?
Does it look like I will?
I’ve been watching you, but I still have doubts.
Amuro, this isn’t the time for this. I’m here because I want to. Is that what you want me to believe?
…
Can’t we stop their advance?
All of our defensive lines are being breached one after another. They’re divided into two fleets of three ships each.
Six ships total… We should go after the fleet that landed first.
You read my mind. We can’t let them go any further. Yamazaki, advance at maximum speed to a position that heads off the front of that fleet.
Sir. Tower, maximum output. Course, point KX33108, full speed ahead!


[Tower, Storage]
An announcement to all personnel. The Motorad fleet launched a plan to destroy entire cities, using their unique shape as a weapon. We, THE BOYS, must stop them at all costs. All pilots, stand by and prepare for takeoff.
W-What the hell!?
Are they really trying to run over cities and its people!?
Damn BESPA, are you out of your mind! How evil can you actually be!
If that’s true, then what they’re doing isn’t war.
Yeah, it’s just a massacre.
Tch, stop messing around! I thought their battleships were strange, but I never thought they would do something like this. Damn them all!
Let’s sink every last one of them!
That’s a bad idea.
What are you saying, Manabu? Are you siding with them?
Not at all. If a battleship of that class were to explode in a place like this…
What would happen?
Kei, the surrounding area will become even more contaminated than the Getter Rays ever could.
No way…
Fine, then what should we do!?
It would be better if they were in the ocean or the desert. BESPA thought this through.
Plus my mom, Shakti, and our friends are on one of those!
That’s right, Kento. Don’t forget about them.
Shit, you’re right.
Ah… We have to stop them or at least change their course somehow.
Damn BESPA…


Dammit, this isn’t funny! We have to stop that fleet no matter what!!
B-But Commander, how can we do that…
THE BOYS are coming! We just need to buy them some time! We just need to destroy their guns and bridge in close combat… Let’s go!
Uwaaaaaaaa!!


Heh, what a waste. Ignore them and keep going.


U-UWAAAAAAA!!
[Explodes]


Damn Zanscare, how dare you.
We’re too late…
This is…
Horrible…
How… How could you do something like that!?
Bastards!
What the hell are they doing!
Dammit, what a mess. Aliens are one thing, but I can’t believe that a fellow Earthling could do something like this.
Y-You’ve got to be kidding me! Fellow Earthlings are doing this!? This is even worse than war. This is just murder!
Cronicle of BESPA… I won’t let you go any further!
All forces, launch. There’s still a city in the enemy fleet’s path.


We cannot let them destroy it. Our plan is to damage the Motorad ships enough to either stop them or force them to change course. However, exercise extreme caution to not sink them.


15 units to make your stand. Boss dialogs include Uso, Marbet, and Danji (I believe you have to separate Daltanious first). No secrets to worry about except for the kill count requirements.

Oh, THE BOYS are here. Duker Iq, let’s show them the power of the Motorrad fleet.
Roger that.
Mobile suits, launch.


They’re really persistent. Goze Barl, we just need to keep them away from our battleships. Got it?
Roger that, Commander Lupe Cineau.


It’s time for one hell of a defense mission. Not a single enemy unit can touch the city behind THE BOYS and by god they’ll try. Form a wall and prioritize culling the enemy’s numbers. Like Yamazaki said, do not destroy any of their battleships. Surround them and drop their HP to below 20%. The hardest part of this stage is not killing the battleships, because you might accidentally counterattack and kill them. Be extra careful to recognize who’s attacking what.


My best advice is to hit the battleships while in the air so they can’t use their ultimate attack… which just runs you over.

Make sure you knock down Duker’s battleship’s HP during the start of your own turn, because once you do…


We took too much damage. THE BOYS are tough indeed. Otherwise this wouldn’t be exciting. Hey, bring That out!
Sir!


Are you finally going to use those weapons you got from the giant moon ship?
They’re best suited for use on the ground. Hehehe. Your biker blood is boiling, isn’t it, Renda?
Yes, I want to drive freely.
Me too. When I first saw them, my body was shaking.
That’s… They have Garlands?
Wha-- Garlands!? Why would they have Garlands!
So they were the ones who attacked Megazone the other day.
Tch, now they’ve done it.
Hmm… Let’s see how far we can take on our own weapons.

They have motorcycles now, but this is Duker we’re talking about. Even though he’s revived the tradition of biking, he’s far from invincible. Just extremely hard to hit without Aim or Focus. Just keep doing what you’re doing and don’t let any of those Garlands reach the city.

Once you knock down Pippiniden’s HP to the threshold…


Damn you, THE BOYS. If our ship sinks here, the nearby town will blow up along with it. Don’t you know that?


The League Militaire’s Tower? No… it’s THE BOYS.
If it isn’t Commander Cronicle. These guys are pretty tough.
You’re right. Our ship will join you.
Not even THE BOYS can stop this operation. Surrender quietly!
That voice… Katejina!? Katejina, why are you doing something like this!? If you’re willingly helping them, I can’t ever forgive you!
Is that… THE BOYS? Can they even stop this fleet…
Oh, everyone is here?
Uso… Uso is here. Are they trying to stop this fleet? Uso…
…!? Shakti…? I knew it, she’s here!

More reinforcements! They spawn all the way to the west, so it’ll be a few turns until their wheels are upon your face. All you need to do to win the map now is to lower Cronicle’s ship’s HP to the 20% threshold. Of course, destroying the other mobile suits for money and exp is always a good idea first.

And now some boss dialogs.

Katejina! Do you know what you’re doing!? Crushing people and destroying cities with a battleship is worse than a guillotine!
The corrupt are beyond saving. Let them burn. You don’t understand the meaning of Operation Clean Earth! If you get in the way, I’ll shoot you!

Stop it!
Uso Ewin, the punk. What can you do with all this anti-air fire!
Dammit, my mom and Shakti should be on that ship. Where are they!?

Don’t get in the way, Marbet Fingerhut!
I won’t let you do this! Stay away, young lady!

Dammit, Sana is right there! What should I do?
What is that thing? Shoot it down!

If for some reason you accidentally shoot down one of those battleships…


No! We’ve failed…!

When you finally take down Cronicle’s ship’s HP…


Dammit, we’re done. If I take any more damage, it’ll interfere with the continuation of the operation.
What will you do, Commander Cronicle?
Have the mobile suit squad retreat. We’re leaving.
The right call. Understood, Commander.


[The all transform into their flying form and retreat]
The enemy has retreated to the skies. We’re withdrawing too.
We just barely stopped them…
Mom and Shakti are gone…!? No, all we did was just change their course. We have to stop them. Mom…!
Uso…? Uso, calm down. Reckless pursuit will only increase casualties!
Damn…


[Tower, Operations Room]
For the time being, we’ve managed to halt the Motorad fleet’s plan…
Yeah. I feel that was a mission without a main objective. I don’t think we’ve done enough to make their Operation Clean Earth a failure.
They’ve headed north, right?
Yes. I think they were heading towards the Rocky Mountains.
The hell kind of plan they came up with.
…The Rocky Mountains, huh? If we can catch up to them, we can sink them there.
Colonel, are you serious?
We’re out of options. We can’t stop them if we can’t sink their ships.
But…
Right now, we can only whittle down the enemy’s firepower in a war of attrition. Even if OZ’s ground forces could help, we’re running out of time.
But Zechs, that’s…
…No. It’s too early to jump to conclusions.
Fine. We’ll just try the same thing again.
Beltorchika, what’s the Ra Cailum’s status?
It looks like repairs will be completed soon. Once it’s done, they’ll rejoin us.
Should we wait for Bright and then pursue them?
Fine. The pilots need to get some rest anyway. Lady Une should be planetside by now. Let’s have OZ buy us some time.
Right… We haven’t had much time to rest lately. What happened with the Motorad fleet was too big a shock. Morale is low and things aren’t going well. Especially for the kids.
You’re right. There’s also the matter of Uso. We need to give him a change of pace, or he’ll collapse.
…
Captain Inoe, is something wrong?
Well… I’ve been thinking about that lately.
A change of pace? Like what?
Well you see, I…


[?????]
This strong feeling… This groan of death and despair… Interesting. To think that humans bring this upon themselves.
Hahahaha. Humans really are like that. No need to panic. They’ll all die to us anyway.
Heh… But if that’s what they want to do, I might as well help them to deepen their suffering, hatred, despair, and sadness.
Hahaha! That’s a good idea. I’ll let Laci know and join you. You’re not going to stop me, Aquila.
Very well. Let’s go. For the sake of us Ruina and the “King of Ruin”.

The following scene is if you’re on Josh’s route.


(Anger… Sadness… These are the emotions of that man. THE BOYS have returned… Joshua Radcliffe. I must know why. I must find out the meaning of this phenomenon that impairs my functions…)
What’s the matter, Laci? Let’s go. It’s about time Contagio finished making the newbies.
Ah… Got it. Let’s go.

The following scene is if you’re on Rim’s route.


Laci, let’s go. It’s about time Contagio finished making the newbies.
Coming. Let’s bring the fear of destruction to humanity.
(...This feeling… Are humans planning to walk the path to their own destruction?)
Hey loser, you’re coming too. Hehehe. I’ll have you convert plenty of power again.
…
(Ah… I can feel them coming back. Back then, our souls resonated and connected. I still feel that connection even now. I’m sure…you will come to me. I will wait for it. For the moment you erase my existence… Cliana Rimskaya...)


[Tower, Rec Room]
What!? For real!?
Yes, it’s for real.
So Marbet and Oliver… I never expected it.
I know right? They would do that at a time like this?
But they’ve been thinking about it for a while.
I swear. Even if it’s just for show, I don’t think it’s right to have a wedding in the Tower.
My goodness. I’m surprised the higher-ups gave permission. There’s too much to do.
Maybe it’s because it’s the right time.
What do you mean?
Maybe it’s about creating something positive to talk about. From my perspective, everyone seems too mentally exhausted. Same with the rest of the staff.
Yes. We’re scared and disgusted by the way the Motorad operates. They’ve calculated it to create a sense of intimidation and helplessness.
So there’s no point in dwelling on that?
I see now. I knew you figured it out, Daisuke.
So we’ll have a party or something. A fun time, right?
Sounds great.
You’ve got to be kidding me. I don’t think I can understand.
Tetsuya, that’s why you’re going to join in. If we’re going to do it, we should do it properly.
A wedding… How lovely.
Hey Sayaka, you like that kind of thing?
Dummy, of course she does.
But what about the dresses?
We have some spare fabric that we can use to make them. It won’t be a real one though.
Better than nothing.
Haha, sorry, but I can’t help with that. But Marbet was having a hard time and I want her to be happy.
Yes, but I can’t help but feel jealous. Right, Daisuke?
Eh? Ah, uh, what do you mean, Hikaru?
You didn’t hear me? Ah~ Daisuke you surprise me. I thought you’d be a bit more of a dreamer.
Huh? H-Hikaru, what did I…?
I wish Shakti and Sanae were here for this…
S-Sayaka.
Oh… I’m sorry, Uso.
No…
Oh, by the way…
What is it?
Well, I was wondering what Junko was thinking.
Hmm… I don’t really understand the relationship between those three.
…


[Tower, Dining Hall]
Ah, Marbet.
What do you think, Uso? Everyone made it for me… Do you think I look like a bride?
Not really, Marbet. I can’t believe you’re going to marry Oliver.
Uso, don’t say that. Just say congratulations. Okay?
But…
What’s wrong, Marbet?
Oliver… But what about Junko!?
W-what are you talking about? Junko has nothing to do with this. I’ve known Marbet for two years now…
So that makes it fine then!
[He runs out]
Hey Uso!
Even though you’re a mature kid, you’re still simple-minded and jealous… I’m still a child like that too…


What’s up with this bouquet?
We all searched really hard for flowers.
Marbet, you’re really pretty…
Thank you. I’m happy.
Congratulations, Marbet.
Congrats. I’m happy for you.
Thank you. I’m rooting for you too.
N-No… I… Well… If Zechs is willing, I…
Ahem. Now everyone is here. With all due respect, I will act as the pastor.
Norman, you’re perfect for the role.


Oh, oh? Something flew overhead. A bouquet of flowers?
Oh Boss. This isn’t good…
Boss!! What are you doing!! That’s something a girl should catch!!
Unforgivable.
I won’t forgive you.
How dare you.
Oh? Everyone has scary faces…
Good luck, Boss.
I don’t think any of the women will give him the time of day for a while.
Aw man…
You get what you deserve.
Wait up, Boss!!
Hahahahahaha. What’s even going on?


What a peaceful sight.
Yeah. But I feel a bit better.
The two of them make a nice couple.
(Mylene…)
I guess this is the kind of peace we need to protect. Right, Heero?
…All I can do is fight. Peace is only the result after this war is over.
…
Hey hey. You think that young lady would like that talk?
We have to do our best after all.
Yes. Even in a destroyed city, people are getting married, having children, and wanting to live happily. We need to keep that going.
Yes… You’re right, Quatre.


Hmm. It seems to be going exactly as you expected.
Don’t say it like that.
I’m not saying it’s a bad thing. Hey Oliver, congrats.
Sorry, but thank you.
No, it seems like everyone is a bit happier now.
Hey Oliver. Now that you’ve done this, be extra sure not to die. Understood?
I intend to, Major.
But… Everyone seems a little too excited. I didn’t think Noin would get involved…
The Ra Cailum will arrive tomorrow. Then we’ll pursue the Motorad fleet. But that’s not today.
Amuro! What are you doing here?
That’s right. You shouldn’t look so serious.
Fine, fine. I’ll be right there.


[Pippiniden’s Ship, Briefing Room]
Hehe, so you’re the commander of this ship.
I am Arbeo Pippiniden. What can I do for you?
Nothing at all, Lord Pippiniden. I was wondering how I could help you and the Zanscare Empire.
Oh?
I have a bone to pick with THE BOYS. You scratch my back financially, I scratch yours. It’s not a bad deal.
(Hmm… He’s garbage… But he might be useful.)
Very well. Let’s talk.
Excellent news. I knew you were the one to talk to, Lord Pippiniden.
However, you must follow my instructions. We’ll take from whatever town we destroy and anything else we come across. Anything valuable is yours.
Hehe. Then the deal is struck. I look forward to working with you, Your Excellency.
(Seriously, Pippiniden? What a weird name. Oh well. Just watch, you goddamn crow. I’ll get back at you and make a ton of cash at the same time.)