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Last time, we discovered how racist the rest of the universe is to clones and saved Marg from a more canon-friendly fate.
Helios Route Chapter 29: Treasonous Kloppen
Chapter 28 if you went Space/Jupiter. Chapter 30 if you went Earth/Keilas
[Battle 7, Bridge]
Whew.
How many calls was that?
Twenty… Maybe twenty-one.
Maaaaaan. Why are we the only busy ones?
Sorry for the trouble. But we’re getting communications from so many star systems. This is a good thing.
The question is how many of them will be able to stand up to Gishin garrisons successfully.
Yeah… It’s an uphill battle. We don’t have the resources to support all these rebellions. All we can do is pray.
[Battle 7, Residential Area]
Hey, did you hear? Apparently we’re getting a lot of communications from planets that are rebelling against Gishin.
Really? That’s amazing.
Ryoma, I know it’s all because of Prince Harlin, but are all those people going to be okay?
Yeah… Those planets were recently under Gishin control. I don’t think these rebellions will succeed that easily.
True.
But since it’s all happening at the same time, I’m sure those Gishin bastards are freaking out.
Exactly. That makes this entire trip worthwhile.
[Gishin Empire, Mobile Fortress]
That’s right… I’m not just a biological tool. I’m a person. It’s ironic that they’re the ones who made me realize that clones are no different from normal people.
Commander Kloppen, we’re receiving a message from Emperor Zuul. Please come to the audience chamber.
Emperor Zuul?
Your Majesty, you called for me?
Kloppen, I’ve considered all that you’ve done for me since you were a child and I’ve decided to give you one last chance. If a clone were to become a commander, it would affect not only the morale of the Zaal fleet, but the entire Empire. Moreover, you’ve been failing a lot. Normally, you would have been executed or sent to the clone facility. But as long as we can kill Harlin, the Helios rebellion will no longer be a threat. Then we can stamp out the remaining pests one by one. This is your last chance, Kloppen. Kill Harlin.
If I kill him, will I be able to remain fleet commander?
Silence. You have no choice. Do it.
…With my life on the line!
[Zuul hangs up]
Hehehe. So it’s a fight to the death. Then I’ll fight like a man. Prepare to attack!
You called for us, Emperor Zuul?
You’ve come. Nessia, come forth. I’m promoting you to be the Supreme Commander of the Zaal fleet.
Me?
Are you dissatisfied?
No, it’s an honor beyond my imagination!
Wait a moment, Your Majesty! Why would you make a plant the Supreme Commander!?
Silence, you rock!
Your Majesty, if it’s loyalty then I’m second to none! Please reconsider!
Silence! Are you refusing my orders?
No…
My apologies.
Kloppen as set out. Nessia, as the new Commander, use all of your strength to eliminate the Earth battleship.
Sir. But didn’t you order Kloppen to do the same thing?
Use him as a decoy for your attack. Whether or not he wins or loses, kill him.
Even if he wins?
He’s no longer worth anything.
Yes sir. General Boider, as the new Commander, I order you to set out. Dispose of Kloppen and the Earthlings.
Tch…
(What do you mean “new Commander”? She’s just a goddamn plant!)
Nessia, Roze should be in that star system. Use her.
Roze, you’ve failed again at the worst possible time. Marg was one of my trump cards to destroy the extremely dangerous Earth. And now he’s in Mars’ hands.
…I’m prepared for punishment.
Roze, I’m giving you one final chance. Take command of the Zaal fleet and defeat Mars and the Earthlings. If Mars dies, Marg and those Earthlings will go with him. Got it?
Even if it costs me my life.
(I don’t think I’ll be spared in the end. But Mars and the Earthlings need to be defeated…)
[Battle 7, Storage]
What? A power-up? For Daltanious?
Yes, Kento.
The battle with Gishin is only going to get tougher from here on out. As things stand, Daltanious is lacking in power. It’s within the limits of what’s possible with Battle 7’s equipment, but I thought I’d take this opportunity to go ahead with it.
Wait, gramps. If this was possible, why didn’t you do it sooner?
He’s right. Why now?
It’s thanks to the database search we did the other day.
Yes. I discovered data from a research paper on energy theory written by a professor at the Helios Science Academy. It reminded me that Daltanious uses Anti-Gravity Energy, Antimatter Energy β and Super-Electromagnetic Energy α by synthesizing them. But instead of synthesis, we’ll use the hyperspace energy that’s generated by colliding those energies. If successful, we can expect a significant increase in power for things like the Flame Sword.
Wow… That’s amazing. Right, go ahead, old man.
Okay, let’s get started right away.
Doctor, take a look at this. It’s a new weapon I came up with.
I see… Excellent. Make it post-haste. This is the perfect chance to attach it to Daltanious.
Excellent job.
Nah, it’s not that great.
Hmmm. The Gett Machines are still going strong.
Great work everyone.
Yeah, we are balls deep in enemy territory after all. You never know when or where the enemy will come from. Gotta do what we can.
Exactly.
Good job. Everyone, I’ve brought some snacks.
Snack time!
We’ve made them. If you’d like, please have some. The maintenance staff is welcome too.
Ooooo, onigiri.
Thanks a bunch. These guys keep giving me nutrition bars that I hate, but this looks so much better.
Onigiri…? Oh, rice balls. I like this a lot. What’s in it? Strawberry jam?
Strawberry jam!? I-is there something like that in these, Sanae!?
There isn’t. It’s actually Shake (シャケ
.
(Shake is a kind of salted salmon, also called Shiozake.)
That’s good. Thank you.
Shake? Salmon? You put weird stuff in there.
You’re the weird one! What’s this bull about strawberry jam!?
[Alarm]
An enemy attack!?
Hmm… They’re here.
This is Tetsuya Tsurugi at the Hangar 7 maintenance deck. Lieutenant Miho, tell me the situation. How many enemies are out there?
This is the bridge. There’s only one enemy.
Just one!?
What does that mean…?
It’s Zaal Fleet Commander Kloppen. Let’s hear what he has to say.
Is Prince Harlin there?
I am.
Prince Harlin, I challenge you to a one-on-one duel. You will accept.
A duel!?
What are you planning, Kloppen?
What are you saying now?
This is the final challenge. Or are you saying that you can’t accept it because I’m a clone? As you can see, I’m ready to do this.
Kloppen… It seems like you’re serious.
This isn’t a joke! How can you accept something like this?
This doesn’t concern you. Prince Harlin, what is your answer?
…I accept.
What?
No, please stop, Prince Harlin!
You’ve got to be kidding me! You can’t let him go. As long as I’m around, I can’t let my dad be in danger! If you really want to fight him one-on-one, I’ll be your opponent!
Please wait Lord Kento! Daltanious hasn’t finished its testing yet!
Then we’ll do it in live combat!
That’s insane.
What do you think, Kloppen? Are you going to do it or not?
Kent, are you serious about this duel?
Silence, Kento Tate. My goal is Prince Harlin.
…If Daltanious loses, you can do whatever you want with me.
…Very well. To prove that I’m serious, I’ll give you the self-destruct code for this Death Stark. Come on out, Daltanious.
Oh no, what are you doing?
This is a problem.
Prince Harlin, why are you allowing this?
Kloppen, being a clone, should be in a losing position within the Gishin army. This is the perfect opportunity to make him surrender.
What? You want to make the enemy Commander your ally!?
Kento! What are you thinking!?
What’s the matter? You think I’ll lose? Here’s our chance to beat that bastard Kloppen!
That’s right. Go for it! Fight to your heart’s content!
Here he comes, Kento.
Right. Let’s go, Kloppen! I’ll test the power of the powered-up Flame Sword on you!
While we’re at it, let’s also try out the Cubic Cannon that Manabu made.
Super Robot Wars XO - Song of Daltanious
Let’s go, Kento Tate! This is our final battle!
Damn you, Kloppen! I’ll kill you for sure!
Kloppen, prepare yourself!
Fufufu. Come on! Daltanious!
Dammit all. I’m not going to let myself be beaten here!
He’s a stubborn one.
[Alarm]
W-what was that!?
Captain, Gishin forces are descending!
What? Kloppen you cur. Launch an interception force!
Choose 14 units for the land battle. Daltanious is a given of course.
Kloppen, you idiot. You won’t even serve as a decent decoy. If it comes to this, I, Boider, will sink that battleship and kill Harlin and the Earthlings at the same time! Then His Majesty the Emperor will see that I’m more suitable to be a Commander than that goddamn plant.
Kloppen, that’s a dirty trick! I won’t forgive you!
I knew you would do this!
What!? Wait, I never knew about this! It’s true! Boider, stop attacking! That’s an order. Stand down!
Order? Hmph. Listen carefully, Kloppen. You’ve been fired! And your replacement is none other than that fucking plant. Emperor Zuul also ordered your execution! You’re just a biological tool that can’t even be a decoy!
What!?
Dammit, is it because I’m a clone? Is it because I’m not the true prince of Helios? Damn you, Zuul. Is this how you treat me, who fought with my life as your shield? I won’t forgive you… I’ll never forgive you, Zuul!
…Somehow, things are getting strange.
…
Boider, you’re the first to realize that there’s no difference between the clones you underestimate and humans! Kento Tate, this match is postponed.
Wh-what’s going on!?
Zuul tried to have Kloppen killed. Now he’s resolved to fight against the Gishin.
…Alright. All units, support Kloppen and attack the Gishin army.
Tch. I don’t know what’s going on, but we just need to defeat these Gishin. Let’s go, Kento!
Say hello to another two parter chapter! Destroy all the Gishin to continue. First thing’s first, Daltanious is still injured from the cutscene battles, so make sure to heal it up. Remember your training and this map won’t take too long.
Do not let Kloppen die, else face a game over. He may have a lot of HP and armor, but he can and will charge directly into the enemy to fight Boider. He also cannot be healed by any means, so try to end this map ASAP. Any enemy that Kloppen kills won’t get you any money, so watch out for that.
SECRET ALERT
Daltanious got some new attacks as featured in the cutscene battles. You only get these attacks if you take this route, hence why it’s considered a secret.
Hahaha, this is the end for you.
Damn you Boider! Behold my power!
Eventually you’ll make your way through the enemy and knock down that living rock.
T-this is impossible…!?
It’s over, Boider. Thanks to you, I can now sever all lingering attachments!
WAAAAAAAAHHHHH!!
[Boider dies]
We did it!
Not yet!
General Boider was killed in battle. Commander Kloppen, I have reported your betrayal to Emperor Zuul.
Earth Special Forces… I see, so you’re also out of options.
Roze!?
Mars… This time… This time, I will defeat you!
Stop it, Roze! What the hell are you fighting for?
No excuses! I’m fighting for Emperor Zuul! There is no other reason!
Roze, you’re mistaken. Even Zuul couldn’t completely win Marg’s heart. Zuul made us brothers fight against each other, and now he’s even abandoned Kloppen. He’s the most ruthless person ever!
Silence!
Time to about-face and deal with Roze’s last stand to the south. Kloppen will continue to charge at them, so don’t linger too long. If necessary, put units inside Battle 7 as you make your way south to recover some HP and EN.
Roze has words with Takeru and Kloppen… and also Maria.
Mars, prepare yourself!
Dammit. Let’s go, Roze!!
Kuh, don’t get in the way, traitor!
Roze, you’re just a pathetic battle machine. Just like me.
Shut up!
It’s you! You used my body the other day and did terrible things to me! I’ll never forgive you!
You? Get out of the way!
Like always, Roze goes down easy enough.
Dammit, I was so close…
And once all enemies are defeated, part one is over.
Damn…
I-it’s no use…
Roze. She still seems to be moving, but she has no fighting power left. Mars, she’s trying to escape.
Roze… She can’t run anymore. Let’s finish her off!
Wait, Mars!
Dad…?
Please don’t stop me, Prince Harlin! She’s the one who brainwashed Marg to attack us!
This isn’t you, Mars. Revenge only breeds revenge. That won’t solve anything. Unless someone breaks that chain, peace will never be realized. The important thing is to get to the root of the problem. I’m sure Marg would agree.
Kuh…
..Mars…? This unit cannot fight back. Do as you like.
Dammit… Just go! Before I change my mind!
Mars is serious. What will you do, Roze?
…
(I don’t know… Marg saved me before, and now Mars is too. What am I living for… Dammit.)
…
…Now it looks like it’s over.
Kloppen…
…Harlin. Kento Tate. Mars. Duke Fleed. Earthlings. I will no longer fight you. A new enemy has appeared before me. His name is Zuul, Emperor of the Gishin Empire!
Kloppen… You are a man after all.
Listen, Earthlings. There’s an Imperial Army Termination Zone that looms over almost half of the former Helios territory. At its center is a stary system with three mobile fortresses. I will launch an attack there right now.
What?
I can’t believe such a place exists.
I’m giving you the coordinates now.
(Zuul… The puppet you controlled died today. As a person, I, Kloppen, now challenge you to war. Revenge burns in my heart! Zuul, I will get my revenge on you!)
Wait up, Kloppen!
There he goes…
Kloppen…
[Battle 7, War Room]
So, what should we do?
Let’s go after Kloppen.
Yeah, he told us the coordinates because he wanted us to come too.
…But we can’t be sure how much power they have.
Yeah. It’ll be rough.
Besides, he’s the one who attacked Earth many times as the Zaal Fleet Commander. Can we even trust him?
I… I think we can trust him.
Yes. I agree with you. He wasn’t lying.
Why? What makes you think that? Tell me.
Even if he defeats us now, he has no place in the Gishin Empire.
I agree.
But… Does that mean we have to forgive him?
That’s right, brother! It was the Vega fleet that attacked Planet Fleed, but they’re pretty much the same.
I certainly can’t forgive him, and I don’t think we will ever become allies. But right now he’s trying to fight Zuul all by himself.
Yeah… Maybe it’s okay to at least fight alongside him…
(Seriously. At least he realized how terrible of a person Zuul is.)
Alright, let’s go! Let’s hurry up and head there, Captain Max!
Guy, don’t jump to conclusions. This is one of the Gishin’s most important bases after all.
…What will we do, Commander?
Everyone, get into position immediately. We’re going to launch a surprise attack on the Gishin military base. Get all of your mechs serviced on the double.
Heh. I knew you’d say that, Squadron Leader.
Hahahaha! I knew it was right to trust you. Let’s go!
Are you sure, Captain?
This is also a battle for us Earthlings. Let’s show them how I, Maximilian Jenius, fights.
Okay you guys, it’s decided. Hurry it up with supplies and maintenance. You can use as many people as you want, but finish it within the hour!
[Gishin Empire, Mobile Fortress]
My apologies, Your Majesty. Now only were we unable to kill them, but Kloppen sas betrayed us and is now heading towards this star system.
Damn you Kloppen. How dare you oppose me, you biological tool. Kill him. You must. I’ve just sent some Psychic commandos from the Imperial Guard to you. Use them. Listen, you will risk your lives to stop both Kloppen and the Earthlings. I won’t tolerate any more failures!
S-sir!! Leave it to me. We’ll kill him even if it costs us our lives!
Oh, it’s Kloppen, huh? Guard, what have you been doing, you moron!
S-sorry. The identification signal showed a friendly…
You utter buffoon!
Hahahaha. You’re acting up, Commander Nessia.
K-Kloppen…
Nessia, are you comfortable in the Commander’s seat? I’ve come to congratulate you on your appointment!
Bastard, you’re just a tool!
Tell Zuul that I’m no longer the same Kloppen that I was before. I’ll show you the power of those tools you underestimate!
You fool! What can you do on your own? You’re a fool who doesn’t know your place, so regret your own stupidity! General Kabuto, attack! Kill him!!
Oh come on, I don’t need you to tell me to do that. Go! Get rid of him!
What? An Earthling battleship!?
Fold out complete.
Enemy mobile fortress confirmed. It’s close!
My god!
Impressive as always, Captain.
Launch all units. The target is the enemy mobile fortress. Destroy it before reinforcements from other star systems arrive.
All units, launch. The target is the enemy mobile fortress.
15 units as is the norm. No force deploys this time.
Fufu. You made it, Earthlings.
Damn you… I see, so you gave them the coordinates of this star system…! But I can’t believe they’re attacking us with such a small force. Everyone, launch! Don’t let a single one of them go home alive!!
Kloppen is too far ahead to help and he will get overwhelmed very quickly. Thankfully, he doesn’t need to survive this map and he’ll go down swinging. Regardless, focus all of your efforts in moving north ASAP as over time, Godmars related enemies will spawn in from the south and start to swarm you. Nothing says fun like 15+ enemies all surrounding you while also support attacking and defending each other. The map ends once both Nessia and Kabuto are defeated, and they both have two phases. You can try to go after the reinforcements if you want of course.
Once the number of enemies drops to 10…
Fufu. Earthlings, prepare yourself!
I won’t tolerate any more invasions! Freeze and become space dust!
And when the number of enemies drops to 10 again…
Damn you Earthlings. Die!
To keep all the battle dialogues together, this is what the remaining Zaal generals say when defeated. First, Nessia.
Dammit all. I can’t believe that this mobile fortress was destroyed by the likes of you!
[She explodes but respawns in her unique battleship]
I won’t forgive you! I can’t lose any more! As Commander of the Zaal fleet, I’ll show you my true power!
[Nessia gains 30 will and uses Focus]
Look at her fancy ship. Let’s destroy it.
Dammit, what’s going on? What happened!?
General Nessia! The m-main engine is…!!
W-what was that!? Damn. Emperor Zuul, I’m so sorry! AHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!
Next is Kabuto.
Oh no! What the hell! We’re abandoning this place. Send out the battleship!
[He explodes but respawns in his own nice battleship]
Kuh, this is my territory… These fools who think they can oppose Gishin! Don’t think you’ll return home alive! Everyone, fight with all of your might!
[Kabuto gains 30 will and uses Focus]
And when his fancy ship is destroyed…
W-what was that…!? Damn you. DAMN YOU!! KYAAAAAAAAAAAA!!
And now, all of the boss conversations in one place.
Nessia of the Zaal fleet… You demon!
G-Grendizer!? Damn you, Duke Fleed!
You guardian deity who failed to protect Planet Fleed, I will annihilate you!
I won’t let you do that!
Damn you, Kento Tate! Today I will get rid of you!
Nessia, you’re the one who should prepare yourself!
Kabuto, come at me! You’re now up against Kento Tate!
I’ll get rid of you, Harlin, and Kloppen all at once! Kento Tate, prepare yourself!
Damn you Mars! I’ll wipe you out and take down the Earthlings once and for all!
Nessia, I won’t lose! SHAAAAAAA!!
Mars! I’ll show you what happens if you go against Emperor Zuul!
Tell Zuul I absolutely will not die!!
I won’t let you get away, Nessia! Accept your fate!
You’re just a clone! Disappear!
I won’t let you live, you biological tool! I’ll give you a fitting end! Hahahahaha!
Damn you, Kabuto! I won’t lose to the likes of you. I cannot lose. No matter where you are born, your value as a person remains the same. You are the one who will die!
The moment both Kabuto and Nessia are killed once and for all, all remaining enemies run away.
You did it…
Captain, the Gishin Empire has retreated. There are no more enemies left to resist!
Yay!!
Looks like we’ve won.
Oh, at last. At last the Zaal fleet is… Thank you. Thank you, Captain. This is all thanks to you.
Earthlings. This will surely help the rebellion in the former Helios territory. But that won’t be enough to reach Zuul.
Don’t get the wrong idea, Kloppen. We didn’t come here to help you or to make you our ally!
Hehe. Earthling, what’s your name?
I’m Koji Kabuto.
Koji Kabuto, I have no such intentions. Farewell, those who fought on Earth’s battleship. As long as I have this life, I will fight against Zuul. My battle has only just begun!
Again, Kloppen? What will you do by yourself…
[Kloppen leaves]
He’s gone…
[Battle 7, Medical Floor]
I see… It was Kloppen.
Yes, brother. You were right. Zuul was the one in the wrong. But Roze…
Mars, please help Roze. Zuul also sees her as nothing more than a battle machine.
Marg… Okay. I’ll do the best I can.
[Battle 7, Operation Room]
So Chief Exedor, how’s the situation?
According to the information we’ve received, rebellion is spreading rapidly in each star system in the former Helios Empire. It seems that some star systems have already had their garrisons withdrawn.
Yes, Prince Harlin. It appears that the prison planet Marios is also gaining the upper hand in their own battle. We believe that they’ll be liberated soon.
I see. So that planet too…
The anti-Gishin leaders of each star system have responded to our appeal and are rising up in arms one after another. It’s only a matter of time before the Helios Empire is restored. At last, our time has come. Oh, Emperor Palmion, please look! The time has come for your name to be cleared! May His Majesty bless our battle!
Sorry for ruining your fun, but is it really going that well?
Kento’s right. The Gishin Empire has taken control of so many planets and has an extremely powerful military. At this moment, there should be multiple invasion fleets fighting their own wars. I wouldn’t be surprised if they were also fighting the Varauta or Zentradi.
Any thoughts, old man?
Exactly. We can’t underestimate the Gishin army or Zuul.
No, but…
I agree. Dr. Earl, don’t get the wrong idea. With the rebellion spreading, it’s true that there are more allies not just in Helios’ territory, but all over the galaxy. But that will only mean that the Gishin’s strength will be stretched thin.
So things can’t continue like this.
Yes… With time, it’s likely that pretty much every star system will be back under Gishin control.
…We can’t win like this.
Yes, and it’s likely that Zuul will just destroy entire planets. He’s tried it before with Mars and the Anti-Proton bomb.
Dammit…!
Yeah… Even if that doesn’t happen, they might just kill everyone instead of ruling the planet, much like he did with mine. All to set an example.
That’s not a joke.
But maybe we could gather enough military power to fight the Gishin on equal footing.
Even if that were to happen, all it would lead to is a galactic war. How many star systems would be sacrificed? How many billions of lives would be lost? That would make peace impossible.
Yes… If that were to happen, the chain of hatred would cover the entire galaxy if not the universe. I know that all too well.
…
I see… So instead of fighting the Gishin with rebellions, our goal is to disperse their forces.
Um… What do you mean by that?
(...To attack the Gishin homeworld… That’s our only option.)
(Tha… That’s it!?)
Just like before, you want to launch a surprise attack on the Gishin?
Yes… We have no choice but to take advantage of this opportunity. We have no choice but to go directly to Zuul before he can recall his fleets from other fronts. If possible, I would prefer to avoid fighting and to settle this with a discussion, but…
Yeah. No matter how unlikely that might be, we can’t give up on that.
So… You’re going to go there?
No. I haven’t thought that far ahead yet. I intend to organize a fleet from among the rebel forces first. I want Kento to come with me.
I’ll leave that to you. I’m going to stay in this space and create a proper Helios fleet.
What about us…
We don’t know how things will move. The road ahead will be endlessly difficult. I think it would be best for you to return to Earth for now.
Dad…
[Battle 7, Living Quarters]
Oh no. Kento, what does this mean!?
I don’t want that!
What’s wrong?
Ah… well. I’ve…decided to go with my dad to Gishin. After we return to Earth, we'll be going out separate ways.
Right… That would be for the best.
Please don’t say that. Take me with you!
Please!
What will happen if we’re left behind!? I don’t want to be separated from you guys!
You dumbasses! There’s no way we can take you! Listen, when you get back to Earth, ask the Colonel to send you to Side 3. Wait for me there. I won’t tolerate any back-talk!
Kuh… You goddamn moron!!
Dummy!!
[Jiro and Ochame run off]
I know you’re worried, but there has to be a better way.
I feel sorry for the kids.
No, this is fine. Going directly to the Gishin HQ is insane. But if Kento’s dad and Takeru are going, we’re going. The next time we leave Earth, we might not return.
…
Next time, the routes converge.