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The squad is mostly the same. Knight Gundam must fight alone. This is also the first chapter where you’ll have to leave some units behind, so Ryoko, Izumi, Hikaru, and Aisha are warming the bench. My squad consisted of Jojo/Riddhe, Gorg/Seric, Alto/Marvel, Kio/Leon, Youta/Sayaka, Guy/Shanalua, Akito/Akatsuki, Koji/Captain, SKL/Yuuki, Shou/Obright and Jin/Knight Alex. I chose Flit as my Tactician for the stage for the extra defense.
I moved the Aestis to their Air Frames, which turned out to be a huge mistake for this chapter. I wasn’t aware of this when recording, but this map is considered space terrain. This makes the Air Frames less than useless. Thankfully, GaoGaiGar’s Dividing Driver fixes all problems for a single turn (except the weapon ranks though).
Last time, we found ourselves on the Galient World, Earst. Alto’s comrades are being held hostage too.
[White Valley, Village Square]
Alright everyone! Here’s some food!
What’s this? It looks like something was minced and rolled into a ball…
It’s Viera. You saw some of them at the underground lake when we were looking for Galient. Remember?
You mean those shrimp knock-offs? Is something that big and creepy really edible?
How am I supposed to eat this anyway?
I’m just gonna take a bite. Thanks for the grub!
Oh. This is actually…
Pretty good…
I’m glad you Earthlings like it.
Seems the Captains and Azuves are still talking about something.
It’s decided that we’ll rescue the SMS members who’re being held captive by Mardoul.
I’m sorry… You’re getting involved in our war…
It’s only natural to help those in need.
Well, since SMS is involved, we’re not entirely uninvolved. It’s an Earthling organization after all. But it seems they can’t decide as to how we’re going to rescue them.
Thanks to that message in the bullet Alto found, we learned that they’re held in a valley that’s under Mardoul’s control.
But Mardoul’s security is so tight, no one here knows anything about this place.
Does that even matter? Let’s just storm the valley!
You haven’t given it any thought at all. It’s not that simple.
“If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles”. If we go into battle without knowing anything, we’ll find ourselves on the back foot.
(TL Note: That’s a Sun Tzu quote.)
That’s how we were able to fight back against GAIL.
So then what’s the plan? Are we just gonna wait until we learn more? We’ll just get attacked again.
I know what you’re saying, but…
But it’s a bit strange. I know they have hostages there, but it feels like the security in the valley is too tight…
That’s because the place you're looking for is their “Treasury”.
(???. Darkened)
Who’s there!?
Don’t be so cautious. I came to help you guys attack the valley.
(Face uncovered)
You want to help us? Who are you?
I’m Red Window. A thief of little renown.
(Red Window. Galient. CV: Shigeru Chiba)
[Treasury, Command Room]
It’s been a while, Lord Protz. It seems you’re as busy as ever with maintaining the valley.
For a man who has His Majesty’s trust, it’s a waste of your valor to come all the way here.
(Protz. Galient. CV: Takkou Ishimori)
His Majesty ordered me to check on the Evil Armored Soldier after it was brought here. It is here, right?
I’ll put it on the monitor right now.
…
(???. Phone)
It does look like an evil Armored Soldier… But I can see it has unfathomable strength within it… With this, even Galient will…
Lord Protz, can this Armored Soldier be piloted?
Not only have we been unable to even enter it, our analysis keeps turning up blank. I’m not even sure if it is a machine…
With all the scientific knowledge that Lord Mardoul is allocating to this place, it’s only a matter of time before we’ll figure it out. I mean we can even freely control the valley with that device… It’s always amazing to see it in action.
Hmm. So you do get it. That device is beyond the imagination of Earst’s science.
Lord Mardoul is amazing. His majesty is unmatched.
When that device is sent to the Iron Castle, it’ll be the day the world, no, the universe trembles.
That’s exactly what he wishes. I fight and risk my life for that day to come…
Hmph. With those mercs still around, we’ll need to be careful.
What do you mean, General Zaba?
You should have realized it by now. They will never bow to His Majesty. And why are the hostages being held here? This place is too important for that sort of thing.
There is no prison more airtight than this place. You know that, don’t you, General?
Hmph. There’s no need to imprison them in the first place. We should just kill them and steal their stuff!
His Majesty has his own ideas. You don’t need to worry, General.
…You’re too young.
Lord Protz?
The depths and strength of His Majesty’s projects have been frightening me lately. But it’s true that all of His Majesty’s wishes will be fulfilled, without exception.
(No matter how much time passes, your beliefs remain unwavering, Mardoul…)
[Gran Garan, Meeting Room]
So you wish to obtain the treasure that’s supposedly in their treasury?
Given how tight their security is, there must be piles of treasures that I’ve never seen before. Based on my research, there’s no way I could ever get in on my own. It’s give and take.
We’re here to rescue the hostages! I see no reason to help a thief!
But without my knowledge, it won’t be easy to rescue them.
But…
It’s possible that you’re just luring us into a trap.
You are a thief, after all. It wouldn’t be surprising if you’d sell us out to Mardoul.
Hey! I’m trying to help you! Quit suggesting things like that!
…
Everyone, I want to trust him.
Oh! I thought you were just a suit of armor. I didn’t know you could talk!
Are you serious, Knight Gundam!? He’s a thief!
No matter what his origins are, the moment you start to suspect others, you’ll lose sight of what’s really there. If you want to compare origins, I’m an orphan who doesn’t even know where I was born.
Sir Knight…
There’s a saying that you should fight poison with poison. Maybe we should take the gamble…
Of course, we should be careful of handling poison. If a man ever lies or betrays me…
Umm… You’re just joking, right? Right?
Heh. That depends on how well you do. I don’t mind either way.
So, as planned, we’ll split into two groups, a diversionary team and an infiltration team, to carry out this rescue mission.
First, the diversion team will deliberately get caught by Mardoul’s surveillance net and attract the enemy’s attention. The infiltration team will use that opportunity to infiltrate the treasury and resume the hostages. Then the operation will be a success.
In short, we just need to go wild, right? Simple and easy to understand.
That’s your speciality…
Since the operation will be focused on sneaking, the infiltration team will be made up of a small elite group.
The members will be led by our guide, Window, and Captain, who’s skilled at infiltration. Knight Gundam and I will act as escorts. Is that okay?
Since we need to make the diversion as loud as possible, this is the best call.
I was the one who recommended Window to be our guide. I have no objections.
I’ve seen Captain and Knight Gundam in action, so I know how strong they are, but is Azuves comparable?
Gramps might not look like it, but he’s an amazing warrior who was once called a hero!
That’s just an old title. But I haven’t let my skills get rusty. Sir Alto, I will definitely rescue your companions.
I beg you.
Isn’t four of us still too few for something like this? Two or three more wouldn’t hurt.
Then can we accompany you?
We’ll help you rescue the hostages.
I appreciate the gesture, but we can’t involve two civilians…
They’re very strong. They were the ones who captured us on Austral Island in the first place.
Ehhhh!?
They’re not just any ordinary civilians. They’re members of Celestial Being, the group that once made the entire world their enemy. One of them is even a Gundam Meister.
A-a Gundam Meister!?
…Yes, that’s right.
[White Valley, Village Square]
I never thought you’d both be members of Celestial Being…
It’s not something we can advertise. Do you want us to be arrested?
I can guess your situation. But right now, we need your help.
(And I understand the feeling of wanting to fight the world…)
Hey Captain, how did you know they were part of Celestial Being?
I have my methods. I know a lot more than you realize.
(It’s one thing if he found out because of me, a former Federal soldier, but Allelujah… Who is he?)
But you’re amazing Soma! You’re a Gundam Meister even though you’re a woman!
Huh?
Question! Just like in Celestial Being The Movie, are you and the main character a couple?
Um, what…
Hehe. She isn’t a Gundam Meister. He is.
What? But in the movie, the transforming Gundam was piloted by a woman…
I mean…it’s just a movie… I guess they changed it to look better on the screen… Hahaha…
(Reality isn’t pretty… I guess what Saji said was true in a way…)
Hey, we’re about to start a heist. Aren’t you nervous? The valley where the treasury is is completely different from normal valleys.
Is it a fortress like White Valley?
No no no. Not at all. The place we’re heading to is called “The Floating Graveyard”.
The Floating Graveyard, huh…
That’s a scary name. All the more reason to ask for your guidance, Mr. Thief.
Preparations are now complete. We’re counting on you, Captain.
Alright. Let’s head to this Floating Graveyard place.
Chapter 14: The Floating Valley
So this is the Floating Graveyard…
I feel no gravity at all… It’s like I’m in space…
I never thought there’d be a place like this in Earst…
Be careful. Everything here is weightless, like you’re in water. If you’re not careful, you’ll be swept into an open space and spend eternity floating in midair…
So that’s where those animal bones came from. No wonder this place is called the Floating Graveyard.
Right now, your friends must be causing a big stir. Let’s hurry this up…
I’m sorry, everyone!
[Knight Gundam pushes them towards the treasury]
What? You pushed us away! Hey Knight Gundam, didn’t you hear what I was saying!? This valley is…
Just stay quiet and hide… They’ll find us otherwise.
Huh?
Hahaha! Mardoul’s prediction was correct! Looks like I do have a role here after all!
The Mardoul Army! We’re taking the hostages back!
Hmph. What can you do all by yourself? Once you’ve been found, your little rescue mission is as good as failed!
…Or so he thinks. Let’s go around and sneak into the treasury.
What? Are you just going to abandon him?
Don’t you get it? He let himself be caught on purpose. He was the first one to notice the ambush.
He entrusted us with rescuing the hostages.
(That guy is too nice for his own good…)
Let’s go while Knight Gundam is attracting their attention.
Well… He’s alone so it’s only a matter of time before he’s defeated. No matter how many lives he has, he won’t have enough. Sorry, but I can’t do this…
[Red Window leaves]
Window, are you planning to run away!?
Leave him. He’s taken us this far, so we’ll be fine. Let’s hurry.
(Looks like Sir Azuves and the others have left…)
Hehe. It’ll be no fun if we kill you quickly. Let’s make this nice and slow. You guys can take it a little easy. Let’s have you be killed by the very people you’re trying to save. Fun times, right? Hahaha!
(What a despicable man!)
(But we have to obey him for now!)
I am Knight Gundam! I will fulfill the role I’ve been given! Let’s go, Mardoul Army!
The goal is to survive four turns. When all the grunts have been defeated, more will spawn. There will be endless reinforcements until the plot advances enough. Zaba, Luca, and Klan won’t move, so you can position yourself in the perfect spot, outside of their ranges, and defeat all the grunts.
And that brings up a fun “exploit” on this stage. The grunts are weak as hell. If you invested enough into Knight Gundam, he cannot be hit by the grunts and will be able to one shot them until his MP runs out. Thus, this is a great place to grind some money and experience for Knight Gundam.
Unlike UX, you do not get to keep any money or kills gotten before a Game Over. Don’t think you can abuse that.
Don’t worry, you will die here! Your comrades so desperately trying to create a diversion will follow you soon after!
They’re stronger than you think! They will not succumb to evil! As for me, I’m only fighting small fry here! There’s no way you can defeat me!
S-small fry!? I’ll crush you with my bare hands! Die! DIEEEEEEEE!
When the first wave of enemy grunts dies…
Pretty tenacious, ain’t ‘cha? I thought we’d just be killing time here, but it’s time to get serious!
[A fresh wave spawns]
Hahahaha! Get crushed by the sheer numbers of the Mardoul Army!
It doesn’t matter how many of you there are! Don’t think you can defeat me with numbers alone!
A cutscene occurs at the start of turn 3.
What’s wrong, Knight Gundam? You’ll never rescue the hostages if you keep defending.
…
(Zaba doesn’t seem to notice it yet.)
(After all the fighting we’ve done, I’ve realized that he’s not trying to win. There’s probably something going on in the treasury right now…)
[Treasury, Hallway]
[Punch sound]
Ugh!
So there’s gravity inside the building.
Thankfully that makes it easier to move around. Is the interior of the treasury the only place that’s not affected?
Hmmm… If that’s the case, then it’s a very convenient natural phenomenon.
Let’s hurry. Even though their attention is focused outside, it’s only a matter of time until they find us here.
Kuh!
What’s the matter?
Did you feel it too, Marie?
What are you guys doing here!?
They’re with those rebels outside!
Tch. What an annoying time for them to find us.
If you don’t want to die, don’t move.
We’ve failed…
You managed to sneak in here, but this is the end of the line! Accept your fate!
Giving up already?(Darkened)
Huh?
There’s no need to do that.
!?
HAAAAAAAAH!
(Hallelujah Haptism. Gundam 00. CV: Hiroyuki Yoshino)
Super Robot Wars BX - Envoy from Jupiter
[Violence noises]
He’s fast!
You guys are too damn slow!
AHHHHHHHH!
[Lots of punching sounds]
He killed all those people by himself… What happened to him?
He’s Allelujah, but not Allelujah.
Dame Piers? You also feel different…
It seems these people have a second personality within them. This one is a Super Soldier with specialized combat abilities.
(Hallelujah, weren’t you sleeping inside me?)
I was awakened by some sort of incredible power.
(An incredible power?)
I don’t know what you two are talking about, but we need to prioritize saving the hostages. I don’t want to fight any more than we have to.
Guh!
Give up! Your allies should have been crushed to dust by now!
I believe in…the strength of my comrades who fight beside me… I believe in every single one of them! I will never give up!!
Just survive one more turn.
Haa… Haa… What’s wrong? I’m still standing…
You stubborn asshole! I’m going to finish you off myself!
Kuh… Even more of them…
(Zaba, this is all of your troops! If this keeps up, he’ll…)
Go, centaur soldiers! Fire on him together!
What!?
The earth is shaking!?
This way, Knight Gundam! If you hesitate, you’ll be caught up in it!
(???. Darkened)
Alright!
[Knight Gundam moves a few squares to the left]
The ground is collapsing!
(Mardoul Soldier)
Oh no! I can’t control my mech!
M-my cavalry!
An underground explosion caused the ground to collapse…
The enemy Armored Soldiers fell into the ground… So this was your plan, Red Window!
It’s something only I could do after having explored every inch of this valley.
(Back to normal)
Why are you here? Weren’t you supposed to be with Sir Azuves?
Don’t sweat the details. In the first place…
It seems my half-assed solution didn’t accomplish much. Sorry!
To think mere thieves would go this far… I knew it was the right call to come here.
Mardoul Army’s flying Armored Soldiers…
So those are flying Armored Soldiers. Dammit! Azuves isn’t back yet!
[Treasury, Cell]
It’s been pretty noisy outside for a while now…
(Jeffrey Wilder. Macross Frontier. CV: Tōru Ōkawa)
That was a big tremor. And the guards are dealing with a commotion…
(Cathy Glass. Macross Frontier. CV: Sanae Kobayashi)
Someone’s coming…
(Canaria Bernstein. Macross Frontier. CV: Houko Kuwashima)
It seems my message bullet wasn’t wasted.
Are you from the Macross Quarter?
Eeek! The Mardoul Army!
(Ram Hoa. Macross Frontier. CV: Kaori Fukuhara)
Don’t worry, we’re friends. We’ve come to rescue you.
Oh thank god… You looked so intimidating, I thought you were the enemy…
(Mina Roshan. Macross Frontier. CV: Aya Hirano)
Hey, what are you two doing?
I’m sorry. On behalf of the crew, I would like to express my sincere gratitude for your help in rescuing us.
I’m used to it. I don’t mind. More importantly, I would like your help in breaking out of this situation.
Gah!
K-Knight Gundam!
To my Armored Soldier, you’re nothing more than an insect crawling on the ground. How anticlimactic.
Stay out of this, Hy Sharltat! I’ll be the one to finish him off! My hatred for my unit’s annihilation will not be satisfied until I cut off his head with my own hands!
Eeek! I guess I shouldn’t have tried to look cool… It seems we’re finished now…
No, Window. Your actions were not in vain.
H-how? How can you not give up!?
It’s obvious… I… I am the hero who protects the people… No matter what the situation is, I never give up hope… That’s what it means to fight as a hero!!
Hmph. Then I’ll end everything by taking your life!
K-Knight Gundaaaaaaaaaam!
[A flash of light]
…
(???)
T-this Armored Soldier…
W-why is the Evil Armored Soldier here!?
Retreat, General!
…
!
Super Robot Wars BX - Traces of War
Ugh… The Evil Armored Soldier… What are you…?
What are you doing, mercenaries? Capture that Evil Armored Soldier!
Hmmm. How about no?
What!? You bastards… Don’t you care about your friend’s lives!?
You don’t get it? We don’t have a reason to follow your orders anymore!
(It may be hard to tell, but the main battleships appeared to the east)
[Luca and Klan switch to a friendly blue]
Super Robot Wars BX - Lion
(TL Note: THE TARGET plays here, but fuck that.)
You bastards! FIRE AT WILL!!
It took down all those Armored Soldiers… It’s been a while since I’ve seen it, but it’s still scary. It may be on the small side, but it’s a Macross for a reason.
That’s the merc’s battleship! I screwed up! Are you saying those were all decoys!?
Thank goodness… You managed to save them…
As you can see. That surprise attack saved us too. Good job.
All that’s left is to secure an escape route! I know you must be tired from just fighting, but please give it your best, everyone!
Deploy the troops!
Gentlemen, the time for hiding is over! From now on, we’ll repay our debt to that proud knight who fought alone! Are you ready, everyone!?
I’ve been waiting for this. Let’s do it!
If we don’t do our best here, the SMS’ reputation will be ruined.
It’s been a while since I’ve felt this way… I feel like I could shoot through any enemy right now!
(Michael Blanc. Macross Frontier. CV: Hiroshi Kamiya)
Lieutenant Alto Saotome, you are authorized to rejoin the Skull Squadron as of this moment! I hope your skills haven’t dulled.
I managed to avoid most of your attacks at least. I’ll prove myself in this battle!
Don’t get too excited. We’re not the only ones fighting.
…
Yo, Knight Gundam. We don’t have to fight that black thing, right?
Correct. I don’t know what that is, but it saved me. At least it's hostile towards the Mardoul Army…
…It doesn’t hail our calls, but it’s not hostile towards us. Should we consider it an ally?
The rescue operation was a success! Now, work with the Frontier Fleet’s SMS and destroy the remaining enemy mechs! From here on out, I, Flit Asuno, will be in charge of operational command! Godspeed, everyone!
(TL Note: I think this line is different if you choose another Tactician, but I cannot confirm right now.)
Anyway, loads of new units!
[Macross Quarter (Battleship and Humanoid forms)]
Consistently one of the best battleships in every game it’s playable in, and this game is no exception. Its firepower when transformed is probably the highest among all other battleships in the game, and it has the Pinpoint Barrier to reduce all damage by 1000. It will obliterate enemies at long range if it hits, so boost its accuracy and EN.
[VF-25S Messiah (Fighter and Battleroid forms)]
Ozma’s Valkyrie. It’s pretty much the same as Alto’s, but with slightly lower stats which could be attributed to Alto’s Tornado Pack.
[VF-25G Messiah Tornado Pack (Fighter and Battleroid forms)]
Michael’s Valkyrie. A really good sniping unit who can quickly get into position, then snipe any fools. Plus Michael comes with Hit & Away, which is always a huge positive. He works best with another long ranged sniper.
[RVF-25 Messiah (Fighter and Battleroid forms)]
Luca’s Valkyrie. It has lower stats compared to Alto or Ozma, but it has a repair module and the Composite Sensor special command. That’s basically a stackable Focus debuff on all enemies in range. Very useful for dodgy bosses if you’re low on SP. The RVF also gets you bonus money on every kill and its Ghost attack can lower the enemy’s accuracy.
[Queadluun-Rea]
Klan’s mech. An all ranged brawler. Its Formation attack can bypass barriers and lower the opponent’s accuracy.
[VB-6 Koenig Monster (Shuttle and Gerwalk forms)]
Low firepower in Shuttle mode, but very high long ranged power in Gerwalk mode. It also has a resupply module. Don’t expect it to dodge much though.
Not controllable, but here’s the unknown mech, the Zwauth. It’s not named now, but there’s no point in hiding it. It’ll charge at the enemy and defeat a large number of them by itself. Don’t expect it to ever die, even if you hang back and have it solo the entire enemy fleet. Remember that anything it kills is lost money and EXP, so don’t let it have all the fun.
Defeat all enemies. It’s as simple as that. Try not to let the Zwauth kill everyone.
And this is why terrain matters.
…
Its form is perfect… Who’s controlling that black Armored Soldier?
It must be someone from Earst who refuses to be ruled by Mardoul… We should be careful regardless.
I don’t really like being tied down, but it’s unforgivable that you forced us to point our guns at our allies! I’ll shoot you until there’s nothing remaining!
I can finally fly on the battlefield of my own volition… Simon! John! Peter! I’m removing your limiters! Fight with all your might!
(TL Note: Simon, John, and Peter are the names of Luca’s Ghost drones.)
It’s a shame that the asshole who punched my gut isn’t here. Sorry, but I’ll have to vent my anger on everyone else! All units, formation Totsugeki Love Heart!
(TL Note: Ozma names his formations after Fire Bomber songs.)
Sis, I’m sorry about what I did to Skull 4.
(Nene Rora. Macross Frontier. CV: Kana Ohmura)
There’s no point in regretting it. I’ll properly apologize to Alto later. That’s after I beat all these guys to a pulp! Holt thesz! Holt danz Zentran!
(TL Note: Zentradi language.)
Esequesta!
(Raramia Rerenia. Macross Frontier. CV: Kana Ohmura)
Those two who remained in the Fleet must surely be worried about me… I have to contact them as soon as possible. Rabbit 1, commencing the attack! If you don’t want to die, then get out of my sight!
Main reactor, powering up! Operations are normal!
Fire control system, all green! We’re ready to go!
It’s a bit reckless to straight into battle after we retook the Quarter…
You’re not wrong. But even if our Captain isn’t showing it, he’s fuming inside. Right?
(Bobby Margot. Macross Frontier. CV: Kenta Miyake)
Gentlemen! We are mercenaries who are driven by money, but we also have our pride! They’ve completely tarnished that pride! Let’s teach those Mardoul soldiers the horror of an unshackled mercenary!
(Ah… Captain, you’re so wild and cool…)
Hy’s back and he’s the same as before. I shouldn’t have to tell you how to kick his ass. But Jojo doesn’t have to land the final hit to progress a secret this time.
And as you’d expect, everyone has something to say to him. Whew.
If I let the captured mercs go free, then I’d never be able to face His Majesty! I’ll defeat them all here and offer up their heads!
With all your loyalty and honor, you remind me of a certain someone.
You’re free to be loyal, but don’t think that saves you from being shot down! If you’re prepared to take down your enemies, then don’t complain when you’re taken down yourself!
You thief! You stole the Armored Soldier we found! Reveal your name and face!
…
Hmph. Are you too cowardly to even reveal your name? In that case, I’ll find out after I defeat you!
…
You’re the Armored Soldier that stopped the White Valley invasion… And now you’re getting in Lord Mardoul’s way again? Unforgivable!
You’re the ones who can’t be forgiven! It’s because of people like you that normal people have to suffer!
Hehe. I wouldn’t if I were you! You lost to Jojo in a one-on-one fight. If you lose to us too, you’ll cry over how pathetic you are!
I don’t know what you’re talking about, but I know you’re insulting me! You’ll pay for insulting a knight with your life!
Jin, you idiot! Stop making them angry!
No, Jin’s doing the right thing! His movements have become a lot easier to read now! This fight’ll be a sinch!
The hostages have been rescued and the unit that came to intercept us have been wiped out. Wouldn’t it be better for you to give up and report back to base?
I’m still the Captain of the Royal Guards! If I wipe you all out here, it’ll restore my honor!
We meet again, Jojo. Are you ready? I’ll get revenge from our previous duel!
I can’t allow you to torture not only the people of Earst, but people from other planets as well! Bring it on, Hy Sharltat! I will destroy your cruelty!
To think you’d manage to withstand General Zaba’s assault by yourself… You’re not to be underestimated, even when wounded!
You’re using your ability to fly to slowly corner me! You’re not like that brute from earlier! But I’ve already devised a strategy to deal with flying opponents from all my battles against monsters!
You’re that Armored Soldier from the other day! I’ve already seen through your transformation mechanism!
We’ve only fought once but you seem to know how my mobile suit works! Don’t think you’re the only one adapting out here, Captain of the Royal Guard!
Using hostages to force people to do what you say? You’re just as evil as the Vagans!
You don’t even know the basics of strategy! Children should stay at home and play with their parents! Stay off of the battlefield!
Until now, I was just a diversion… I controlled my emotions and stuck to my role… But that role is over! I don’t need to hold back anymore! Prepare yourself for my rage!
That Valkyrie pilot… It’s impossible… There’s no way I’d be overwhelmed by my opponent’s spirit alone!
I’m pissed off as hell… Now who to take it out on…
Don’t get too worked up, Klan. It’s times like these that you need to stay calm and think things through.
But you seem to be fired up as well… What about you, Lieutenant Canaria?
Looks like y’all are the only ones who want to let off a lot of steam. They’ve done it now!
Skull Leader to all units! Today’s a special occasion! Fire everything you have! I’ll settle things with the higher ups! Let’s go! FIRE AT WILL!
W-what’s going on? They’re acting completely different from before! Is this how they really are!?
How can we ruin that battleship that Mardoul desired!? I can’t…
Huh? That Royal Guard boy doesn’t seem to know how to attack us.
This ship may be on the smaller side, but it’s still a Macross! It’s a ship that exceeds the standards of ordinary mobile weapons! I feel sorry for them, but I want them to understand for themselves what kind of enemy they just made!
No matter how well they managed to fend off the interception force, they must be exhausted! Even if the SMS turns against us…
That ship’s SMS was very kind to us in the past. We may not have suffered the pain they did, but we’ll return it all the same!
If only I had the Jet Scrander, I’d be able to fight a little better. But there’s no point in wishing for something I don’t have!
Hmph. That Armored Soldier is slow! Drown in this weightless space!
I can’t let such a vicious guy continue to rampage in a place His Majesty loves!
Hey, that guy’s really trying to kill us! I can feel his killing intent from here!
Maybe there’s some reason why he doesn’t want us to rampage… Let’s turn it up a few notches!
Taking hostages and threatening people? Your king is a dirty asshole!
Lord Mardoul is someone who will control the entire planet! In other words, everything in this world is owned by him! People who cannot understand his greatness don’t deserve to live!
Fighting comrades is the last thing I want to do!
The Mardoul Army forced us to do this! Not only that, but Jojo talked about the many atrocities they’ve committed! My will strongly cries out to never forgive them!
Without exception, anyone who pretends to be a Hero of Justice must be executed in the name of Lord Mardoul! You’ll be joining them now!
Dammit. Not only have those mercs rebelled, but even the Evil Armored Soldier has become our enemy… I must report this to His Majesty immediately!
[Hy retreats]
The map is over when all enemies are defeated.
All hostile mechs have been eliminated!
They should still have some reserves stationed in the treasury. There’s little point in sticking around here.
We’re leaving here, pilot of the black mech. What will you do?
…
And he’s gone.
Black Armored Soldier, lost. It’s way too fast.
In the end, we never found out who was piloting it…
But I felt a weird Aura Power emanating from it… Who could be piloting it…
That machine saved me from danger. I want to believe it’s not evil.
Either way, this isn’t the place to be talking about this. Let’s retreat.
Hmm? That’s…
What’s up, Falsaber?
No, it’s nothing. I must be overthinking something.
[All units retreat]
Finally, I’ve found you… Falsaber, I will defeat you…
[White Valley, Village Square]
Good grief… At least we don’t have to follow their orders anymore…
SMS is amazing! They even employ little girls! But what do you do there?
That’s Klan, who we fought with earlier. She’s a Zentradi, and that’s her Miclone form.
I thought Miclonization was when a giant Zentradi becomes the same size as a human…
For some reason, she becomes a child as a Miclone. It’s probably genetic.
Shut up! Leave me alone!
So you’re all friends of Alto’s? It was a pain when you were captured.
Well, in the end it was a stroke of luck that we were rescued by a unit full of beautiful women.
B-beautiful!?
Michael, you… Don’t you know how much I…
Yes yes, I know. I’m sorry for worrying you, Klan.
Mmm…
Oh, you see what I did out there for you? I nearly died because of it.
It’s because you all took action that we’re here right now.
That wild side Allelujah showed me… It got my heart racing! Can you show it to me, just the two of us?
Hahaha… Maybe if we get the chance…
Armored guy, are you okay with your injuries? I heard you were fighting all by yourself.
No, I was not alone. Everyone’s spirits are always with me. Plus, Window was fighting alongside me.
Didn’t you say no matter how many lives he had, it wouldn’t be enough?
Don’t get the wrong idea. I didn’t think you’d be able to escape, so I tweaked the plan a little. Just make sure I get a fair reward… Ouch!
Are you hurt? Let me see.
Window, did you get that injury when you were helping me?
Huh? It’s nothing serious! It’s just a scratch!
Even with an injury like that, you still managed to save Knight Gundam… I’m sorry. I misunderstood you, Window.
That you did. He’s no ordinary thief.
Now you see why I…
Thank you, Window.
Why are you like that…
(Man, meeting you guys is throwing me off my game…)
By the way, how did you SMS guys join Mardoul in the first place?
From what I’ve seen, you’re a powerful force. Even if you got caught off guard, you shouldn’t have been captured.
Well, it’s not like we had a choice.
…And that’s only true if everything was in perfect condition.
[Macross Quarter, Briefing Room]
Something went wrong when you were flying in space? Didn’t your Fleet colonize the Vajra homeworld?
The Frontier Fleet was planning a new voyage to find a new planet for the Vajra. We, as members of the Fleet, were conducting recon of a planned route as we normally do…
Our ship came under attack from an unmanned group while returning from the mission.
You said you were attacked… Did your drones go berserk?
Even if dozens of drones attacked us, do you really think we couldn’t take them?
Dozens!? You were attacked by that many?
But why? Your Fleet uses the Ghost series of drones, right? It’s had several safety features installed after a major runaway incident in the past. It should have been possible to stop them remotely.
Of course we tried that, but nothing was working on those Ghosts.
Impossible…
The last time we were involved in a runaway Ghost incident, the management facility itself was destroyed, but this situation is clearly different…
Whatever the cause, the Ghosts’ sudden attack caused extensive damage to our ship. As the Captain, it’s entirely my fault. I’ve dragged not only my crew into this mess, but also a civilian…
Wait, you had a civilian on board?
Yes. Captain Ozma’s sister, Ranka. But…
When the airlock failed, she was ejected into space…
What? Ranka!? Is Ranka alright!?
I don’t know…
You don’t know… Captain, what the hell, man!?
Calm down, Alto!
How can I stay calm!? Captain, you’re Ranka’s older brother! You didn’t just…
I know that!
!?
It’s unfortunate, but we didn’t have time to look for her. The Quarter was about to be destroyed and we were forced to make an emergency Fold…
…
It must be extremely hard for someone to abandon one’s family like that. Especially Major Ozma.
I’m sorry, Captain…
It’s fine. I know you’re angry.
Getting back on topic, Captain Jeffrey, you said you made an emergency Fold? But with the way space is right now, a Fold will…
As you’d imagine, because of the Fold Faults, we were transported to this planet, Earst…
The rest of the story is as you’d imagine.
We were imprisoned by Mardoul at that place you rescued us from with the exception of Luca, Klan, and one more person…
One more person?
A woman named Sheryl Nome. She’s still being imprisoned by Mardoul.
What the hell!?
Also by completing this chapter, Ozma (Increased defense by 5%/10%/15%) and Jeffrey (Increases boarded unit’s recovery rate by 40%/60%/80%) are unlocked as Tacticians.