SUPER ROBOT WARS IMPACT WALKTHROUGH
by Mark Neidengard (mneideng@ugcs.caltech.edu)
version 1.0

please email me with any corrections or amplifications.


Introduction
------------

  This document is intended to be one step removed from a complete translation
of Banpresto's SUPER ROBOT WARS IMPACT for the Playstation 2.  It was prepared
with input from http://www.geocities.co.jp/Playtown/7800/Srw_Imp/Root.html,
which will be of interest to gamers with some Japanese knowledge.



New Features
------------

  SRWI's game engine is essentially that used in SRW Alpha Gaiden, with certain
additional features.  The most important is the addition of several new kinds
of Support during battles.

  - Simultaneous Support requires two pilots with the Unify ("Touritsu")
  ability.  Unlike normal Support attacks, this guarantees a critical hit
  (which is 1.2 times normal damage in this game).

  - Battleship Support utilizes a unit within a battleship, which could either
  be units Docked during combat or else units eligible to participate in the
  battle which were not sortied at the outset.

  - Combined Attacks differ from Support attacks, requiring all the
  participating units to be close but not necessarily adjacent each other.
  Such attacks also do not have the normal Support requirement that the 
  participating units have not yet moved.  Such attacks require specific 
  combinations of units.  NOTE: Combined Attacks cannot Support or be 
  Supported.

An additional wrinkle in combat are Shields, a handy supplemental defense
that some friendly (and hostile) mecha come equipped with.  Using Shields
requires that the pilot have the Shield Defense skill.  Damage is reduced by a
factor proportional to the level of the pilot's Shield Defense skill, and every
hit removes one Shield from the vehicle (replenished every Intermission).
Obviously a pilot whose unit is out of Shields cannot prevent damage this
way.  Clever strategists may wish to erode Shields with weaker attacks before
unleashing the heavy stuff.

Another major change are bonus skills, which are awarded at the end of each
mission.  Unlike previous games where character special powers were fixed,
SRWI allows you to augment or even replace the skills each character starts
with.  Each character has four slots, some or all of which may be "reserved"
with ???'s, until that power manifests at a high enough level.  At the end of
each battle, you get to choose one skill from the list of available skills, and
then figure out who to assign it to.  Certain plot-related events will grant
you additional bonus skills to assign.  What skills are available to choose
from depends on how many turns you took to complete the stage, with a special
milestone at 5 turns (the Concentration skill) and at 6 turns (the SP +15
skill).

Also new is the Gravity Wave Beam, which is a special property of the Nadesico
functionally similar to the umbilical cables of the EVA units in SRW's past.
Within the radius of the Gravity Wave Beam, all the Aestivalis units will be
restored to full EN at the beginning of each turn - outside it, every action
(including blocking in combat) will cost 5 EN.

A handy new feature is the ability to alter the viewing angle of the map by
moving the right analog stick left or right.  You an quickly rotate the board
by pressing "in" on the stick.  You can even zoom in and out by pressing up or
down.  You may discover that it's still hard to see what the cursor is
pointing at, which is where the floating overhead map comes in (toggleable with
the Square button).  If you're like me, you wish the damn map would stay in
one place instead of jumping around as the cursor moves.

Finally, an important change has been made to game flow.  The game is broken
into Episodes, each of which consists of several Scenes.  Within a Scene are
one or more Stages.  Frequently, it is possible to choose the order in which
Stages are completed to complete a Scene.



Episode 1: Earth Crisis
-----------------------

SCENE 1. Ihen-hen ("Catastrophe")

Stage 1: Hiryuu Jou'un ("Flying Dragon Riding the Clouds")

Backstory (also in the manual).

  It is the Space Calendar Year 00XX.

  At one time, the Earth Sphere was engulfed in conflict.

  After the conclusion of the One Year War, the Titans began to run amok in
  the name of hunting down the remnants of the Jion.  This lead to the 
  so-called "Gripps Conflict", in which the ambition of Paptimas Scirocco,
  who had joined forces with the Neo-Jion in a bid to ultimately control the
  Earth Sphere, was overthrown by the Argama Squadron lead by Bright Noa.

  And in the shadows of that war...
  Were certain elements who continued fighting.

  The scientist Dr. Hell, scheming at world domination in step with the chaos
  of war.  The tragic Meganoid cyborgs, born of human science.  The Kyouryuu
  Empire, appearing suddenly from the subterranean depths and claiming 
  aboriginal rights to the Earth.  And the Muge Zolbados Empire, striving 
  to control not the Earth but the entirety of Space itself.
 
  The turbulence of these conflicts, striking almost at once, was quieted by
  the so-called "Super Robots", who as their name implies are machines with
  immense powers.

  And yet, the Earth was still engulfed in conflict.

  The top Federation brass, thinking that peace had returned, had scarcely
  arranged for military reduction when new invaders appeared in the form of
  the Vegan Allied Army, led by Emperor Vega.

  As well as incursions by the once-withdrawn Axis/Neo-Jion.

  Complicating matters further was the appearance of mysterious unmanned 
  weapons in the vicinity of Mars - the Jovian Lizards.

  Additionally, despite the war being over, the "Gundam Fights" became 
  necessary as the only means for the colonies to maintain self-governance.

  The storm of war has begun to gather again, with the Earth in its center.

  ...And yet noone knew that all these events were as a mere prologue to what
  was to come, or that a "certain power" enveloping all of space was at
  work the entire time.

  It is the Space Calendar Year 00XX.

  The stage is the Earth, the Federation's Far East Branch, the Beast Machine
  base.  There the story begins...


Some debate exists among the mysterious aliens.  They seem to want a new world,
a new life form... and aren't doing so well at it.  The humans have something
to do with this...

Meanwhile, Shinobu is grousing as usual and his teammates are grousing back at
him, also as usual.  He's pissed that his crew stuck their neck out in the
fight with Muge, and got sent out to the boondocks by the Titans as their
"reward".  Masato is fine with the arrangement since being in Japan makes him
closer to home, and Sara opts for the middle ground.  Ryou conjectures that
the top brass sent the team out there to keep power diluted and incapable of
running amok.  Clearly, the Titans tried to take over the world in the
name of their Jion-hunting, resulting in the Gripps Conflict... which the
Argama Squad took care of.  That Argama squad was mainly disbanded after the
war, and remains as an independent practice squadron with a new battleship with
a skeleton crew as its only remaining warpower... same as the Beast Machine
squad.  Which isn't making Sara or Shinobu too happy, since they weren't able
to help when Dr. Hell showed up to try his hand at world domination.  The
Mazingers that stemmed _that_ conflict are now in a museum somewhere.

Shinobu grudgingly admits that the Mazingers were too powerful for a civilian
laboratory to be left in possession of, just as the 0080 pilots show up.  Chris
just got shifted from being a test pilot to a regular one, and after a few
pleasantaries Chris notes that the NT-1 Alex and Bernie's Zaku Custom are now
finished with outfitting and ready to go... if there's any need for their
dispatch.  Shinobu wants to know why Bernie pilots a Jion machine, and it
appears there's something Bernie would rather not talk about in his past [see
Gundam 0080 for why this might be...]  Before Shinobu can make any more snide
remarks, Chief Hazuki shows up and explains that three pilots formerly from
the Argama squad and then from the Southeast Asian Kojima battle group are to
be stationed at the base.  That's Kojima as in the 08th MS Squadron, the one
which had been assembled using spare parts from the First Gundam.  Chris has
heard quite a bit about them, and Hazuki tells her that he stepped in and
asked for them when they were under suspicion of internal strife during the
last war.  He assures a dubious Shinobu that the pilots in question are quite
skilled and not as unfair as other people seem to think... and points out
that gathering warpower against another invasion like the Muge Empire is a good
idea.  And... he's got special pull in the military ranks due to his stature as
commander of the Beast Machines.

Elsewhere, a Jion soldier is reporting to Norris that a certain something is at
the Jaburo base.  Norris wonders if the order from Jion to attack the surface
stems from this, and wonders if this "thing" can actually exist, especially
since nobody has noticed "it" before.  Just then Norris's superior Gineas 
shows up, having heard about Jaburo as well.  Norris reports that all the
information is still unconfirmed, and that there are no signs of a large
scale battle...  Gineas isn't interested in supposition, but he is interested
in what's actually going on at Jaburo, and at the Far East Branch, where a
certain prototype seems to be progressing very well - "it" can fly.  Gineas
wants it brought to him, and Norris protests that the wounds to Gineas's heart
from the previous war have not yet healed.  Gineas is not to be dissuaded
easily, until he starts coughing from the bad air in the area.  Norris tells
him that there's no need to use Gineas's new machine to attack a small island
country's base, and Gineas accedes and returns to his room.  Norris wonders why
Gineas isn't more like his blood relation as a soldier arrives to let him 
know that preparations for sortie are complete.  With little choice, Norris
leads the sortie, still worried about the goings-on at Jaburo... that the
base that forced even the great Char Aznable to retreat seems to have been
(something'ed) in a single night...

Meet Kyousuke, one of the two original characters for this game!  He comments
to himself that the base of the Beast Machines seems a lot more normal than
he had heard.  Given what was responsible for a certain incident in the past,
he figures that he's less important for the brass to keep their eyes on than
his machine since he's just a test pilot.  Just then he bumps into Fa and
Amada Shirou, the other two mystery pilots.  Kyousuke introduces himself as
the test pilot of the Alteizen, and Fa the support pilot.  Shirou recalls
hearing that the transformable Metas was part of the Argama squad, and Fa
says that while she _was_ in the Argama squad, she had to return to Earth 
alongside a childhood friend who got injured in the battle.  That friend had
been moved to Jaburo as soon as his wounds began to heal... in particular,
that friend is Camille Bidan, a Newtype from what Kyousuke has heard.  He's
also heard that Amuro was removed from the Argama squad, and kept under virtual
house arrest... and is quite upset at the military's habit of splitting up
talent like that.  Shirou wants to meet Chief Hazuki and agrees that something
is fishy in the Federation as of late, although standing around and talking
won't fix it.

Elsewhere, Yurika Star is giving a bubbly welcome to Akito who's just joined
the Nadesico's crew.  Prospector notes that despite her appearance, Yurika 
managed to go through the academy's military simulations undefeated.  Needless
to say, the other crew members aren't convinced.  Just then the redoubtable
Daigouji Gai makes his appearance on the bridge, undaunted by Uribatake's
reminder that his actual name is Yamada Jirou.  Start Ruri's Baka Counter at
one.  Prospector reassures the somewhat nervous bridge bunnies that aside from
the last-minute addition of cook Akito, everyone aboard was carefully selected
for the Scaparelli Project.  Which, simply put, is the Nergal Heavy Industry's
plan to reclaim Mars.  Although many once called Mars home, after the Meganoid
revolt the Federation has been concerned only with defending the Earth... and
the mysterious unmanned weapons, the Jovian Lizards, are making life on Mars
a living hell.  The only cities left on Mars were built atop the remains of old
Meganoid bases.  Gai figures that had he been a pilot at the time, he'd have
blown both the Meganoids and the Lizards to hell, and Akito recalls the Utopia
Colony on Mars sadly.  Yurika figures Akito must be thinking of her, but Akito
is actually wishing he'd been stronger back then.  Yurika pledges herself, or
rather the Nadesico to Akito, but Ruri points out that the conversation is
actually not getting through to him.  In any case, the objective is to go to
Mars and save the people, which Akito had not heard before.  Prospector tells
Megumi that Nergal has secured all proper permission from the Federation to
build the Nadesico.  Unfortunately, contact has just been lost with Jaburo, 
and Minato wonders if it's really a good idea to take off under the 
circumstances.  Prospector loudly asserts that that's precisely why it's time
to take off, although he actually just wants to avoid any possible red tape.

Meanwhile, Bright has just finished explaining things to Hazuki.  Hazuki is
worried that Bright's current warpower won't be enough to fight with the
Vegans, but Bright has no choice under the circumstances.  At least the Jovian
Lizards aren't doing anything visible at this point.  Hazuki would dearly
love to know where those mysterious, mechanical menaces come from - Bright
says that there's a rumor that they're the remnants of the Meganoids.  The only
fully functional base on Mars right now is the Mars Reclamation Base... 
ironically built atop the ruins of one of the Meganoid's own bases.  Just
then the Beast Squad members butt in, noticing that Hazuki is talking to the
leader of the Argama, or rather the Lond Bel, squadron.  The Beast Machine
pilots quickly confer about this new Vegan menace, or maybe it was from
Jupiter, or maybe it was the Jion?  Shinobu figures that it wouldn't matter
who it was if the Dankuuga was dispatched, and Hazuki wonders what's going
on with the reinforcements from Konpeitou and the Satsuki Midori colony.
Like Jaburo, contact has been lost with them.  Fortunately, the Grendizer is
helping Bright hold out so far, but things are deteriorating due to a lack
of pilots.  And all talk of sending pilots with some cutting edge machines got
axed due to budget constraints.  All Hazuki has is a single test machine and
its pilots - three Gespenst type 3's.  Bright hasn't heard much about these
Mk. III's, which are daughters of the Personal Trooper Enhancement "ATX
Project" [see SRWAlpha and SRWAG for a full explanation...]  The one test
machine he's got is ridiculously strong, but it's too unmanageable for the
average pilot.  Bright's been working with a custom version of the mass
production Gespenst Mk.II.  Despite the demilitarization effort, it seems
rather odd to send the prototypes to the front lines with the development
program itself cancelled.  Just what ARE the top brass thinking anyway?

  [Just what are the writers thinking anyway?  This is a recurring theme.]

In any case, Bright intends to defend the path to Earth with his life, and
Hazuki recommends to him that he add the Dankuuga, the Beast Machines to the
Lond Bel.  Bright would love to do so, but their chain of command is different
and he can't afford to take that step with communications out with Jaburo.
Just then Quatro butts in and says that Hazuki has the right idea, pointing
out that the only thing in Lond Bel's current arsenal with the firepower to
down a Saucer Beast with one hit is the Grendizer.  Dankuuga's battle
worthiness has already been demonstrated in the previous war.  To Bright's
continued reluctance, Hazuki offers to disobey orders and simply send the
Dankuuga his way.  Shinobu realizes that this would make him disobey orders
too, and enthusiastically jumps at the chance.  And hey, it's not like this
would be the first case of disobedience for the Beast Machine pilots, 
Sara points out.  Finally, Bright would like Hazuki to check up on some Lond
Bel members that were split off by the military - the only two survivors of a
certain disaster - unfortunately it's impossible to contact the place
to make sure.  Those being Nanbu Kyousuke and Excellen Browning...

Shinbou's looking forward to returning to space, and Chris wonders if she
shouldn't go along too.  Hazuki is worried about the Jion's surface units,
despite their small size - he can't send away all his warpower.  If only the
Mazinger was active... is something you all don't have time to lament about.
Or do you?  Shirou went sightseeing at the Robot Research Museum before coming
here for his own amusement... and rather than see the fabled Super Robots, 
found a notice that Mazinger Z had been returned to the Photon Power Lab for
"maintenance".  He is rather curious why they simply wouldn't do the
maintenance at the museum itself.  Perhaps Professor Yumi is also worried about
the current chain of events...  Hazuki figures that it's time to muster his
resolve, and orders the Dragon to be activated.  Time for both Gondor and the
Dankuuga to rock.

Time for the "Dragon" to be launched as the first battle arrives.  This is one
famous ship, always at the front lines of the Muge conflict.  Bernie is sure
that with such a mighty ship you all won't be defeated... that is, if the 
Dragon's "heart" lasts long enough, thinks Hazuki.  The Dankuuga team 
decides to head to space a bit ahead of the Gondor, but Hazuki wants everyone
to go the Photon Power Lab first.  He reminds Ryou that Dankuuga is only at
50% of its full power due to the tests that had been run on it... meaning
it can't get to space alone.  Just then the enemies attack, led by Norris.
Bernie recognizes the custom Gouf, and Norris wonders what the hell a Zaku is
doing on a Federation base, and highly tuned up at that.  He recognizes it
from the Cyclops Squad, and quickly realizes that the long-rumored traitor is
before his very eyes.  He informs whoever is piloting the Zaku that Steiner
would cry if he saw this, and after a moment's hesitation Bernie declares that
he's chosen the path he believes is right.  Norris tries to attack Bernie's
morale some more, but Shidou quickly intervenes and tells him not to be taken
in.  Sara cautions Shinobu against charging in recklessly and reminds him to
be heedful of the Terrain.  [Beams don't work under water, blah blah blah]
Chris tells Bernie that she'll support him if she's nearby.

  This shouldn't be too hard a battle, although none of your units are 
  particularly good against enemies underwater.  One of the enemies to the West
  will drop a Magnetic Coating when killed.  Another to the North is worth a
  Repair Kit S.  Norris is worth a Booster.

  You can get a Skill Point for actually blowing away Norris (he runs at around
  a quarter of his HP).

  When you drive out or shoot down Norris, your dudes comment that the battle
  isn't over yet and to stay on your guard.

After the battle is over, Hazuki says that he just got contacted by the 
Saotome Laboratory and the Photon Power Laboratory - they're offering aid.
Yes, that means you get the Super Robots on your side.


  PLAY STAGES 2-4 IN ANY ORDER.  DO THE SCIENCE FORTRESS LABORATORY LAST AS THE
  FIRST STAGE TO ACQUIRING THE Mass Production Great Mazinger.


Stage 2.  Mitsu no Kokoro ("Three Hearts") (Saotome Laboratory)

Hazuki thanks Saotome for his help.  Saotome sees Hazuki as the logical
successor to the deceased General Igor, although Hazuki maintains that he's
more comfortable fiddling with machinery than with leadership.  Saotome figures
any scientist would say the same, including Professor Kyou.  Shinobu jokingly
notes that this makes Hazuki sound like the rest of the old geezers, and
Kyousuke wonders why Getter wasn't sent to the museum like the other Super
Robots.  Hayato tells him that Getter Robo was left at the laboratory to
further the study of Getter Rays.  This doesn't sound very convincing, but
Ryouma says that for this reason Getter wasn't allowed outside the lab... just
like Mazinger.  Of course, the crew just "happened" to keep training in case
something like this happened.  Just as Hazuki is thanking the Getter Team for
their help, the bad guys show up (natch).  What's more, it's the Kyouryuu
Kingdom!  The Getter Team has been waiting for this, and out they sortie.

  One of the enemies drops a Propellant Tank S.

  On round 3, more bad guys show up, similar to the old Megazauruses but 
  somehow different.  Hydra is the leader, and doesn't like his mecha being
  likened to the Megazauruses.  He informs you that he's one of the hundred
  members of the Hundred Demon Empire.  Is this one more headache for your
  guys, or just a nice plaything to christen Getter's reawakening?

  One of the bad guys has a Chobham Armor.  Beat Hydra for a Skill Point and
  an Apogee Motor. 

When you drive Hydra off he'll warn you that the day of the Hundred Demon
Kingdom is near, which your people doubt.  However, it seems that this new 
enemy is taking advantage of the current chaos to make their move.  Your
people stay on their guard as they greet each other.


Stage 3. Kurogane no Shiro ("Castle of Iron") (Photon Power Laboratory)

Boz is glad to lead the charge of the Mazinger armies, although Kouji tells 
him to shut up before he sounds any more uncool.  Sayaka says that Boz is
better off being a little weird, and Hazuki welcomes everyone to the team.
It's a nice hot-blooded reunion for Shinobu and Kouji, although Sara wishes
they'd both keep it down some.  Assuming you did Getter first, Kouji gives
Ryouma and the crew a warm hello too.

And then the bad guys show up, led by Ashura who was waiting for the Gondor
squad to show up.  She thinks she can get rid of all of you at once.  Kouji
is quite shocked to see Ashura, who supposedly died in the previous war.
Ashura asks him why he thinks she could die without fulfilling her vengeance
against him.  As Kouji and the others prepare to show off the power of 
Mazinger, the Getter team has a collective bad feeling about the fact that
all these former foes are coming out of the woodwork.

  One of the enemies has a Cartridge.  Another has a Magnetic Coating.

  On turn 3, the Great Marshall of Hell shows up with reinforcements.  This
  is someone that Kouji's met before, back from hell... Dr. Hell himself!  He
  has some plans going on that Kouji knows nothing of, and leaves Ashura to
  reduce you all to a bloody pulp.  As Shinobu complains about dead guys coming
  back to haunt you, Kyousuke hopes the same thing doesn't happen with the
  Muge Zolbad...

  Ashura will flee at less than 4500 HP.  If you kill her, you get a Skill
  Point and a Super Alloy Z.

When you drive off Ashura she tells Kouji that this is merely the beginning,
which he isn't pleased to hear.  He tells her to tell Brocken that he and his
crew are welcome to come at any time.  Ashura says that the wheels are just
beginning to turn and retreats with a few more of the same old cliches.
Leaving your people to wonder just what the heck _is_ going on, especially the
part about "wheels beginning to turn."  Also, Kyousuke apparently doesn't like
being called a "stud" by some of the female cast members.


Stage 4. FAIYAA ON ("Fire On!") (Science Fortress Laboratory)

The Great General of the Dark is up to his usual manic laughter.  Apparently
the lab was no match for him with Great Mazinger gone.  Needless to say your
crew shows up late to the party.  He'd love to stay and play with you, but he
got what he came for.  He's got Great Mazinger, which was _not_ where it 
should have been in the museum.  He tells your people that you'll eventually
figure out what's going on... and until you do, the best bet is defeating the
enemies before you.

  One of the enemies has a Repair Kit S.

  On turn 3, Tetsuya and Jun show up, maintenance on their machines having
  taken longer than it should.  Looks like you've now got Great Mazinger
  and Vyunas A on your team.  Tetsuya in particular has heard a lot about
  Hazuki from the professor, and is looking forward to serving under him.  More
  bad guys then show up on 3.5... Jion Gogs, who are here to try to capture
  the new Federation mobile suit.  They're not deterred by the fact that a 
  battle is already going on, and it sucks that they're under water.  Lucky for
  you that Getter 3 works great under water.

  The enemies have a Needleless Ampule and a Booster.

  Defeat all enemies within 5 turns for a Skill Point.

Ashura, Dr. Hell (aka the Grand Marshall of Hell), the Mechanical Beast
armies... things aren't looking good for anyone except Boz, who figures that
all it'll take is a bit of force to solve the problem.  Sayaka yells at him
that it won't work that way this time.  As the others agree, Hazuki hopes
that the true source of all this trouble will become clear soon, not that you
have any choice but to gather your forces and press forward.  And you still
haven't heard from Jaburo either.  Your people decide to regroup and then
move out, as Tetsuya wonders precisely what the General got his hands on.


Stage 5. "Otoko Rashiku" De Ikou ("Let's Do This Like Men!")

Looks like some bad guys have shown up to spoil the launching of the Nadesico.
Yurika decides to try to leave through the underwater gate, surface, and 
attack the enemy from behind.  Prospector says that it's time for everyone to
show what they can do, but unfortunately the engines aren't ready to go - 
emergency launch isn't possible.  At this point, Gai volunteers to go to the
surface and decoy the bad guys away...and boy is he fired up about it!  Baka
Counter increases.  Since it seems impossible to stop Gai at this point, your
people appear to have around 4 turns until the engines warm up.  Ruri is
pretty sure things won't go smoothly, and Uribatake starts shouting something
about Gai's Aestivalis...

  More enemies show up on turn 2.  Yurika is impressed at his spirit but
  wonders if he'll be okay with that many enemies.  Prospector points out that
  with as few combat personell as they have Gai _has_ to work this hard.  Gai,
  or Yamada as everyone else calls him, insists on ignoring the warnings of the
  crew and manages to pass the Nadesico's Energy Line.  Too bad that means
  he can't move any more.  Gai is crushed that his Gekiganger is now immoble.
  A furious Uribatake explains to Gai that his Aestivalis is powered by energy
  from the Nadesico - of _course_ the damn thing will stop working if he gets
  away from the Nadesico!  Gai blames this on Uribatake not warning him
  beforehand and berates him roundly, and Uribatake is forced to lament the
  fact that the Aestivalis batteries he prepared are going to waste since Gai
  took the wrong Aestivalis.  Meanwhile, Akito is mumbling something about 
  hating being closed in and wanting to be a cook.  He definitely doesn't
  want to die, which looks more and more likely given the additional enemies
  showing up.  Still three turns to ignition and things looking grim when Akito
  of all people pops out in another Aestivalis.  Despite his cookly ways, he
  happens to have an IFS (Image Feedback System, a neural linkage created by
  nanomachines inside the body, as Ruri helpfully explains).  Yurika asks her
  to keep it simple since a battle is going on, so Ruri says that it lets you
  think something and thereby direct machines.  This all should in theory let
  Akito pilot the Aestis, although it'll be up to him to get the hang of it
  himself.  Yurika has no doubt that her "prince" will come through.  Yurika
  debates whether or not to go against Akito's obvious resolve to use himself
  as a decoy (first he's heard of it...), and finally entrusts Yamada (aka
  Gai!) to Akito.  Guess Akito's in for it now.  Baka Counter increment.

  Yet more enemies show up on turn 3.  Fortunately, the Nadesico is now ready
  for launch.  Akito is a bit surprised that the Nadesico is a turn early,
  but Yurika says she hurried just for him.  Given all the enemies within
  firing range, Yurika orders them blasted.  Map weapons are fun.  Akito is
  amazed, as are your dudes who just showed up.  Your people wonder what the
  hell the enemy are, since their IFF says "Jovian Lizards".  Hazuki gets to
  explain about the mysterious unmanned weapons that appeared on Mars months
  ago, noting that while it's not guaranteed that they're enemies, the
  probability is high.  Putting first things first, Hazuki formally announces
  himself to the Nadesico, whose crew are pretty impressed at the gigantic
  flying dragon.  Prospector recalls the Gondor's unshakable resolve in the
  face of the Muge Zolbados Empire, and Gai remembers the Ultra Beast Machine
  God that ought to be inside it.  Shinobu is glad that at least once someone
  understands what's going on.  Your people are eager to sortie, although
  Hazuki hesitates due to not knowing the situation.  As your people sortie,
  Prospector and Hazuki chat briefly before Yurika introduces herself as
  captain.  Your people are, in a word, doubtful.  Kyousuke stops the 
  speculation, saying people shouldn't doubt things right off the bat - and
  he doesn't think this is any kind of joke... apparently he's learned not to
  judge a book by its cover from hanging out with a "certain someone"...
  As your people's doubts continue, Hazuki recognizes the name Misumaru and
  realizes who Yurika's father must be: the Admiral of the Third Federation
  Fleet, Misumaru Kouichirou.  Yurika's met Hazuki before in his former life as
  a scientist, and unfortunately Hazuki can't remember her among all her 
  fellow students.  Yurika was quite moved by Hazuki's thesis on "Human
  Instinct and Universal Peace".  Whether instinct and the universe are
  connected will have to wait until after the battle.  Hazuki has heard of the
  Nadesico, Nergal's "secret battleship" which Prospector insists has been
  cleared with the Federation.  Since Jaburo is offline still, Hazuki has no
  choice but to demand an explanation anyway.  Both Bernie and Hazuki would
  like to know what motivated Nergal to build the Nadesico, but Ruri reminds
  everyone that there may not be time for that as yet more enemies appear.
  Their leader is Butcher, who says that the folks in space were fearsome but
  doubts as much can be said of those on the surface.  These new enemies have
  no IFF at all.  Hazuki has apparently heard of these insectiform ships, and
  just about everyone is now pulling their hair out to get the battle over
  with [including me!]  Yurika decides to follow Akito's lead, and Hazuki does
  likewise (making Butcher wonder who the hell kind of ragtag band you all
  are...)

  One of the enemies has a Propellant Tank S.

  On turn 5, Shouhei shows up.  Gai is moved that all these people are coming
  just to save him, but Akito figures it's just coincidence.  Shouhei and
  Uchuuta have grave doubts about the fashion sense of the bad guys, but
  Eko tells them to concentrate on the fighting.  Said bad guys, now pissed
  off, send forth even MORE bad guys for you to fight, this time with 
  crescents on them.  Shouhei has no idea what Hazuki is talking about when he
  asks for identification and posting.  A rather smug Uchuuta tries to tell
  you that this obviously isn't the time for questions and that this is why he
  hates adults.  Eko, more serious about all this, says that they're members
  of the Kami ("God") Family and that they're here to protect the Earth from
  the Gaizokku in Zanbot 3.  This mainly serves to fluster and confuse Hazuki,
  and Shinobu says that now the enemy's identity is clear everyone should just
  _fight_ already.  Shirou wants to finish this quickly before any more
  fighting concentrates here.  Yurika wants to attack all the shiny robots
  on the scene, but Prospector figures that now is a good time to pull back.
  Yurika is disappointed that her Akito Love-Love onslaught is being cut
  short, but figures that the Gondor squad will win and orders an emergency
  escape as soon as Akito and Gai are recovered.  Hazuki has lots of questions
  he wants answered, but Prospector points out that they have no obligation to
  answer them... Akito and Gai are recovered and the Nadesico departs.  Your
  people are left scratching their heads until the Zanbot folk remind you
  that there's a battle going on [^^;;;]

  One enemy has an Apogee Motor.  Defeat Butcher instead of driving him off
  for a Skill Point and an Anti-Beam Coating.

When you drive off Butcher, he says that this was just playing around.
Shouhei demands that he stay and fight fair and square, and Butcher tells
him not to worry, that he'll be sure to slowly and thoroughly kill him when
the time is right.  Your people are left to ponder this new Super Robot and
the new Gaizokku enemies.  Kyousuke figures that maybe the enemy has no goal
but pure slaughter, which would make them a pretty tough fight in Shirou's
eyes.  Indeed, they might even be linked to the enemies the Nadesico was
fighting.  The Zanbot team figures that it's time to get moving and follow
the Nadesico - Kouji figures that these kids surely aren't likely to turn on
you at this point.  Hazuki is a bit more cautious, but secures confirmation
from Saotome that he's talking to Kamikita Heizaemon's daughter Eko.  Hazuki
still isn't 100% convinced, but asks the Zanbot people to accompany your group
for now... kinda sucks that things are so bad even children have to be drafted,
but them's the breaks.  As Kyousuke notes that it's probably impossible to
catch up to the Nadesico now, Hazuki wonders if Bright is aware of the
Nadesico's existence.

Heizaemon finishes his explanation to Hazuki, and urges hid grandkids to
cooperate with Hazuki.  As the kids trade kid-like bravado, Sara and Shinobu
figure that despite their normal appearance it wouldn't be strange to find
out that their ancestors are aliens or something.  Certainly, the rest of the
alien invasion stuff you've seen leaves the possibility open.  Speaking of 
aliens, Kouji asks Tetsuya what Daisaku is up to - Tetsuya's heard that he's
working with the Lond Bel.  The kids are eager to meet this other alien with
the Japanese name, but Kouji bursts their bubble by telling them the guy's
real name of Duke Freed, the pilot of Grendizer from the Planet Freed and
sort of a brother to the Mazinger pilots.  Your people wonder if the batch of
enemies you just saw was the Vegan invasion that Daisaku mentioned, but the
insectoid mecha the kids called the Gaizokku seem to be something else again.
In fact, Shouhei has never seen the _particular_ type you just fought, but
is pretty sure that they're of Gaizokku origin.  Your folks just hope that
the Lond Bel is managing to hold these new enemies off without too much 
trouble.  Well, since your people are going to space things should get easier
up there, but there's still a lot of problems on the Earth.  To wit: the
Jion ground forces, the Mechanical Beast armies, and the Gaizokku... oh and
maybe the Nadesico as well.  Oh, and the reborn Kyouryuu Empire too, and Dr.
Hell...  Shirou's most worried about what the Jion are up to, thinking that
among the Gouf's that attacked the Beast Machine base may have been a mech
belonging to a certain female someone...  Finally the Minovsky interference
is at least low enough to get through to the Lond Bel...

Butcher is whining about about all the things standing in his way both in
space and on the surface.  Interestingly, Butcher doesn't know what those
insectoid robots were either - but he does wish that they'd done their job 
better so his life was easier.  He much prefers his own Megaboosts.  Just
then a mysterious thingie reminds him not to forget the contract, that his
orders were to destroy stuff.  The mystery blob informs him that those who
disobey orders will _not_ get off lightly...

Bright is blaming himself for not being able to hold off the enemies
singlehandedly, but Hazuki says not to blame himself.  The code-name Elshank
fleet that attacked the Mars Reclamation Base is also heading to the surface,
a group that Reclamation Director Hazard has pegged as scouts for new invaders
called "The Boom" Army.  However... they haven't attacked the Lond Bel, and
actually seem to be being pursued by The Boom.  Plus, it appeared that Director
Hazard is hiding something, telling Bright not to worry about Mars despite 
the attacks by the Jovian Lizards despite their supposed shortage of warpower.
Either Hazard is counting on the Jovian Lizards' unmanned weapons being weak,
or there's some reason he doesn't want your people coming to Mars.  You'll
have to check it out later, but at the moment the Jovian Lizards' attack on
the Nadesico's port in Sayoho is a bigger problem.  This can hardly be a
coincidence.  Hazuki has perceived that the Jovians and the Gaizokku are
probably separate entities, and both he and Bright figure the Nadesico could
only have run off to one place: Mars.  Looks like the Scaparelli Project is
underway.  Just then another transmission comes in.

So your people still don't know what these Jovian Lizard weapons are.  Shidou
wonders if they're from Jion, but Bernie points out they don't seem at all
Jionic.  Shinobu doesn't care where their from, and doesn't appreciate their
rather comical name.  Apparently the first time they appeared on Mars they
were observed coming from the direction of Jupiter, and since they have
lizard-like tails...  Kyousuke has apparently been reading up on the databases
just quickly enough to sound like he knows what he's talking about. ^_^  So
many mysteries, so little information...

The transmission, meanwhile, is from Admiral Misumaru.  It seems the Third
Fleet is in Europe dealing with the enemy instead of their scheduled posting
at Jaburo.  Certainly Misumaru _was_ at Jaburo, but they were dispatched on
short notice.  Meaning that Misumaru doesn't know what's happened to Jaburo
either, and he'd like the Gondor squad to go find out.  He appreciates that you
won't be able to make it immediately with all the invasion stuff going on, but
figures you're the only ones who can make the journey.  Everyone just hopes
the worst hasn't happened at Jaburo...  Misumaru is rather less composed when
Hazuki breaks the news that the Nadesico has left port, which Hazuki and Bright
try not to look too askance at.  After some delay, Misumaru is able to tell
Hazuki that indeed Nergal has been in talks with the Federation, but that even
he doesn't know the details, only that the talks were top-level on both sides.
Too bad you can't contact Jaburo to ask... but hey, it's at least clear that
the Nadesico isn't your enemy.  The problem might be Nergal itself, and the
true objective of the Scaparelli Project.  At the moment, having the Nadesico
add to your warpower would be a great help, but Misumaru figures that help
would be best applied at Mars itself.  However, when Bright breaks the news
about Hazard, Misumaru figures that its very presence ought to cause
_something_ to give - and he asks you to pass that along to Yurika.  Although
Jaburo is still offline, it's something of a relief to be in touch with part
of the rest of the military.  Bright will try contacting the Nadesico if his
people run into it, and Hazuki's people are heading for the Space Sciences 
Lab.  He plans to send either Kouji or Tetsuya to join Bright despite the
dangers lurking on the surface.  Looks like both Hazuki and Bright find this
whole process of commanding during turbulent times rather exhilarating...

Hazuki calls Kouji and Tetsuya in and explains the situation to them.  The
HLV attached to the Dankuuga will permit one or the other pair of Mazinger
pilots to go up, as well as Boz despite the apparent unspaceworthiness of the
Borot.

  Sending Kouji to space is necessary if you want the Mass Production Great
  Mazinger later in the game.

Looks like the Nadesico is well on its way, which Yurika says is all thanks
to Akito.  Akito doesn't think he's done anything, and Gai doesn't want to be
left out.  Ruri reminds him of his battery lossage, and Gai has increasing
difficulties maintaining his heroic version of events.  Prospector notes that
the Gondor squad was probably better suited to fighting off the enemies than
the Nadesico crew is, being combat professionals and all.  What the Nadesico
will have to do to get to Mars is break through the six defense lines 
surrounding the Earth, as well as fend off any interference from the Vegans
or such.  It seems that due to the chaos the second and above defense lines
are currently nonfunctional - all you have to do is get through the first
line, the Big Barrier.  This is comprised of 24 satellites, four of which are
along Nadesico's flight path.  Destroying any one of them will let the
Nadesico escape.  Prospector would personally prefer to avoid destroying
anything in the bid to escape given that Nergal will have to pay for damages.
In fact, if you had the access code to the sattelites, you could get through
unscathed... unfortunately, Prospector has forgotten it.  Yurika figures that
all you have to do is try punching in the code, and if it fails just blast
your way out - either way, you'll make it.  Ruri compliments her on her
enthusiasm.  Now, can Prospector actually remember the code or not...

Back on Earth, the Gondor team prepares for launch, noting that space is not
at all the peaceful place it ought to be.  As worries persist over the 
Nadesico, Ryou notes that only the Lond Bel are currently actively defending
space.  It'd be great if the Nadesico were on your side, but not all your
people are prepared to believe in it so easily.  Kyousuke repeats his
assurances that there's more to Yurika's bubbly type than meets the eye.
Shirou finds Yurika more than a little odd, and is especially concerned about
Nergal's manager Prospector.  Given the timing of the Nadesico's launch and
the other incidents on the ground, something big is afoot - and your people
don't much like not knowing what.  Kouji then comes and breaks the news to 
Boz about his being sent to space.  Boz figures this to be proof of how
indispensable he is, which Kouji shakily accedes to...


Stage 6. Maiagaru Tsubasa, Maiorita Tsubasa ("Ascending Wings, Descended Wings")

Professor Uma tells Hazuki that he's happy to help your people in their
fight.  Shinobu and co. are more than ready to launch, and nervous that 
something could go wrong.  Sara alone thinks that a leisurely trip to space
is good every once in a while, considering what waits ahead... and Kouji 
doesn't want that kind of depression.  Uma tells your people to tell Daisaku
not to push himself too hard.  Shirou notes this launch is already a bigger
deal than it should be and hopes nobody comes to try to stop it.  The Zanbot
folk are ready to stop any trouble, and head outside rather ahead of any
order by Hazuki, on the theory that this way they'll be able to stop any
trouble faster.  Very sensible actually, considering all the bad guys that
just showed up.  It's Norris and his henchmen, here to check on whatever your
guys are up to.  Bernie recognizes the custom Gouf, and although Norris would
rather not be attacking under these circumstances, it's his job.  Hazuki
insists that the Dankuuga not sortie lest it miss its launch window, and
tells everyone to hang on for five turns.

  On turn 3 Butcher shows up to berate you some more.  Since none of the
  Jovian Lizards are around, it's safe to assume they're a separate entity 
  from the Gaizokku.  Butcher likes the fact that humans are fighting other
  humans, and he's basically back for payback for last time.

  Reduce Butcher to 30% or less of his HP for a Skill Point.  If you can
  actually kill him, he has a V-Up Unit(W) [one of the best items in the game].

  When turn 3 is over, your dudes get to blast off despite their misgivings
  over the equipment.  Butcher takes off after the HLV, causing a SUPER
  pissed off Ryou to swing the Getter Team into action... or rather he tries
  until the Zanbot 3 folk intervene and head off to settle the score instead.

  On round 6 yet more stuff appears from the skies above - apparently the 
  Elshank team that Bright spoke of.  Princess Romina wonders if her people
  have finally arrived on Earth.  Gamelan demands to know from Joe if this
  is Earth (it is), the place of Joe's birth.  They then notice that a battle
  is underway, meaning that things are even worse than the deterioration
  Joe had heard of between the Jion and the Federation.  The Elshank folks
  realize that they're about to get attacked by your folks when their pursuers
  show up and surround them.  Everyone yells at Joe to do something, which he
  yells back he would have done even if not told.  Thinking fast, Joe Maya
  yells out that he's from the Mars Reclamation project, gives his ID number,
  and rapidly asks for help.  Hazuki finds that his number checks out, but
  doubts still linger.  Joe yells that there's no time and tells Hazuki to
  check into a Federation operative called "Rounin", someone who will believe
  Joe's words.  Hazuki is astounded that Joe knows of Major Rounin Sanada,
  and decides at last to help them out.  Rounin is under Misumaru's command,
  and ought to be trustworthy...  In any case, if the Elshank actually attacked
  Mars, then who is pursuing them?... Oh, in case it wasn't obvious all of them
  are apparently ninjas...

  One of the enemy has an Apogee Motor.  One of the ninja robots has a Mars
  Donburi.  Another has a Chobham Armor.  Norris has 10k in cash.
  
  Making matters even worse, more bad guys show up on turn 6, including
  Tobikage!  Tobikage is no more than three or four meters tall, and yet is
  apparently a robot.  Actually, Tobikage is an ally. ^^;;;;  And has Double
  Motion!  And is a Transformer, or at least can fuse with one.  Joe hates
  having to rely on Tobikage's help, but certainly won't turn it down.

After the battle, it seems that the HLV will probably be okay with the 
Zanbot team flying shotgun, but the question now is what to do about your
new guests.  Gamelan informs you that you're speaking to Princess Romina from
the planet Radorio.  Joe offers his assurances that they're not enemies, but
Hazuki is reserving judgment until he's heard the whole story.

It seems the Nadesico got away, heading for Mars as Bright had foreseen.  
Hazuki is also worried about the three mysterious Gundams that showed up in
pursuit.  Bright has heard that they're under Major Urube's orders - as in
Ishikawa Urube from Neo-Japan.  Bright is still worried about the people
Hazuki sent into orbit, but Hazuki figures that with all his new reinforcements
things are pretty much under control.  The fact that these are not enemies
makes Mr. Hazard's schemes seem even deeper.  And this despite all the 
troublesome people popping up... Bright figures that for the time being
there's no choice but to stay on the defensive.  The Bunker and Gyandora
forces in space should be as much trouble for the Jion as for you, which 
is at least some comfort.  Hazuki will call Bright back when he's finished
hearing from the Elshank folks.

Joe isn't happy about being confined to the self-study room, especially since
he's come to warn you all of danger.  Fa retorts that the Gondor is a military
vessel - your people can't just say "oh, cool, thanks" and leave it at that.
And it's not like you've stuffed everyone in the brig.  Joe demands to see
whoever's in charge and wonders what happened to contacting Rounin.  Lenier
finally tells him to shut up before he makes things worse, and your people
begin to converge and wonder what all the yelling is about.  Tetsuya (if
he's still here) will coldly tell Joe to think about his situation: there's
no proof that he's not an enemy operative.  Joe doesn't like hearing this,
and Jun tells Tetsuya to lay off as well.  Tetsuya figures the appearance of
all these ninja-like robots leaves far too many questions open... and at the
mention of the word "ninja" the captives all suddenly stop and take notice.
Apparently they've come to Earth in search of "ninja".

Meanwhile the princess' attendants are urging her to rest.  However, she
thinks that her people are as unwelcome guests to the Earthlings.  In the 
mission to search for "ninja", she feels she can't drag anyone else in.  Shaf
notes that there were plenty of brave fighters in that last battle, and
recommends asking your people for help.  Damien agrees, saying that it might
fill in the gap left when Irubola betrayed them all.  Gamelan doesn't like
hearing this and blames Irubola's departure on their presence, but Shaf tells
him that he's hardly the sort of person with the right to raise his voice
in the presence of the princess.  Just then Shirou shows up, ostensibly to
act as a guard (not that he wants to do so).  Shirou realizes that Romina's
people have a reason behind their being here, and asks them to be patient a
little longer until Hazuki can speak with them.  Shaf wants to know why your
people have taken in a group whose friend or foe status is unknown, and 
Shirou answers that you all just fought together against the invaders.  Romina
protests that this means you've all gotten dragged into her fight, but Shirou
doesn't think the notion of friend or foe has much to do with it.  Heck, for
all he knows you all could make friends with the folks attacking you if you
could all understand each other.  Damien thinks this is naive and wonders if</pre><pre id="faqspan-2">
Shirou really was one of the people who was just fighting... Shirou gets this
a lot.  Fa then shows up to escort the Princess to the bridge, and Damien 
hopes Joe hasn't been raising too much of a fuss.

A mystery figure is talking about the necessity of a certain something for
the resurrection of the Demon Century, and the Great Youma Kingdom's ruler,
with an even more mysterious figure.  The first figure notes that the
surface is getting noisy but thinks the surface dwellers are no match for
his people.  As a start, he plans on blowing up a certain laboratory to hide
the evidence, and orders the Gante dispatched.  Now two shadowy figures 
confer about the prince stealing all their glory...

Joe explains to Hazuki that Hazard is in league with The Boom.  Hazuki 
recounts the work of Professor Hazan Kenzou in creating the cybernetic
Meganoids.  Since the battle involving them happened on Mars, the Earth was
not significantly harmed - and the one who brought an end to the war was
Kenzou's son, Banjou.  Kyousuke has heard that Banjou blew up the machine he
was using with his own hands... Anyway, the Elshank team brought Joe and
company here, and Romina is prepared to simply leave if she's in the way.
In fact, she's halfway out the door before Joe yells at her to stop and think
before she throws away the hope that has brought her all the way from her
home planet: the Legend of the Ninja.  Your people seem to kind of have their
hands full, but Joe isn't easily dissuaded and asks if Hazuki has gotten in
touch with Rounin.  Hazuki agrees to try, saying that he'll have to report
all this to the Admiral sooner or later anyway.

Elsewhere, Rain and Domon appear to have lost whatever they were following.
Domon is quite peeved, but Allenbie tells him that this isn't a time to get so
worked up.  She asks their teacher Touhou Fuhai to back her up (he says
nothing), and Rain says that with more enemies than just the Death Army 
things won't be that easy.  Domon still doesn't want to let it slide, and
Touhou tells him that that's why he's an idiot.  He asks if Domon thinks he
can defeat the enemy with his current skills, and says that although Domon
has indeed gotten strong, there's no way he can win at present.  Instead, he
tells Domon to train himself further and grow to his true potential.

Misumaru is asking Rounin about the Legend of the Ninja.  Rounin says that
while ninja may sound pretty silly in this day and age, the people asking
about them are dead serious.  He asks Misumaru to lend Joe aid, as well as
the Radorians who have come a good 60,000 light years to get here.  Misumaru
can hardly just turn them out on their ear under the circumstances, and tells
Hazuki to join forces with them - hell, if there are still any ninja around
he'd love to meet them himself!  The two sides agree to pool their warpower,
thanks to Rounin's intervention, and everything will be under Hazuki's
command.  It also seems that somewhere along the line Hazuki got word to
Yurika via Bright about all these goings on.  As Joe assures the princess
that she doesn't have to say "thank you" quite so much, Misumaru asks Shirou
for more details about the robot that Tobikage joins with...

ELSEWHERE, Galeria is wondering where the Dunbine is.  Shou happens to be
riding in it and narrowly misses with his first attack.  Something is strange
about Galaria today - she's even stronger than Burn.  As the two fight, some
strange light starts shining...

And whisks them to near the Gondor!  GAWD this is some busy day.  They're
in Shinjuku, Tokyo, the Mutron Laboratory, and in the Mie mountains.  The
Shinjuku bad guys are the Bunkers, and Ryouma wonders what the bad guys would
want in Mie Prefecture where there aren't any major cities or labs.  What there
is however is the homeland of the Iga, which might just pertain to the ninjas
that the princess is looking for.  Apparently The Boom are going ninja
hunting too - hunting the Iga Clan!  Your people are reluctant to tell the
princess that there aren't any ninja around anymore (to Tetsuya's annoyance),
but Hazuki tells everyone to assume battlestations.  As your people race
off to the rescue, Kyousuke wonders what Excellen is up to.


SCENE 2.  Nippon-hen ("Japan Chapter")

DO THE NEXT FOUR STAGES IN ANY ORDER.


Stage 7. Cross Fight! (Shinjuku)

Gil is reveling in how fragile the "Earth" is.  He's looking forward to
ravaging Mia's hometown and hopes she shows up soon.  Your people appear on
the scene and notice a distinct lack of resemblance between the machine
before you and the space pirate Bunker's units... for one thing, it's huge.
Hayato isn't impressed and figures that the bigger it is, the harder a time
it'll have keeping up with Getter 2.  And Benkei figures the thing is worth
chucking, since Musashi never got a chance to throw anything that large.
Gil figures that tangling with your dudes will keep him from getting bored.

  On turn two something flying shows up on the radar.  Don't tell me it's
  ANOTHER enemy!  Actually, it's the Dangaioh crew.  "It's...the Earth.  My
  planet.  Let's combine!"  Loving the nonsequiturs here.  Time to unify 
  their hearts and go for a cool FMV.  Your people are shocked because
  the robots combined.  Tetsuya figures Kouji would be overjoyed at seeing
  this new type of enemy, Jun yells at him, and the Dangaioh say that they're
  not in fact the enemy, but rather that they're here to kick out the
  Bunkers.  Gil thinks Mia has some balls to say that, but in fact all he's
  after is her life.

  One enemy has a Magnetic Coating.

  After you blow away Bloody I, Gil insists he hasn't lost and comes back in
  the Bloody II, a robot that had been combined inside the Bloody I.  The
  Dangaioh people are confident that they'll win no matter what Gil tries,
  and Hazuki notes a very troubling energy reading... a different enemy has
  just shown up: the Hundred Demon Empire.  It appears there's no time to do
  anything but hose everyone's butt.

  One of the enemy has a Propellant Tank S.

  The Bloody II will flee at 30% or less of its HP.  Destroy it for a Skill
  Point and a Large Generator.  Either way, he'll realize he underestimated
  the power of the Earthlings and retreat.  Mia decides not to pursue.  

After the battle, Hazuki has to decide what to do with the new arrivals, when
he gets a communique on a military channel.  The rest of the Dangaioh crew
are about to let Mia off, since she's finally found the homeworld she
couldn't even remember for so long.  Although she hates fighting, she doesn't
fully have her memory back and doesn't want to be left all alone, plus the
mecha requires four pilots and that it wouldn't be fair for her to be the only
one who gets to go home.  And...she's become companions with the other crew
members.  Hazuki then calls them up and asks if he can call them the 
Dangaioh Team.  Mia hastily introduces herself as an Earthling, and Hazuki
responds with his own introduction and the news that someone called Professor
Tarsan just contacted him.  Apparently this is who they're fighting "for".
The transmission cut off in the middle of what sounded like a battle, and
Hazuki tells them that if they've got nowhere else to go he'd like them to
come along with the rest of you.  He certainly won't force them - and he
honestly wants information about Bunker... since right now he has no idea what
kind of enemy they are.


Stage 8. Mezameyo, Yuusha ("Awaken, Hero!") (Mutron Laboratory)

Sharkin is on the scene, noting that things on the surface appear to be in
something of a mess.  Before he takes over the world by force, there's
something he has to take out of the picture first - so that he can tell the
world that it is the Great Youma Kingdom who will have the last laugh.  A
bunch of thingies show up, and Sharkin is greatly upset that the humans are
reacting so quickly.  He rapidly realizes that these are not human weapons,
and wonders if someone besides his people is aware of "its" existence.
Although he finds these rather unworthy opponents, he has no choice but to
fight them first.  Higashiyama then sounds battle stations, and the Mutron
lab clams up. ^^;;;  Kamiyadera then stops a bunch of "intruders", and Mari
tells him that this isn't the time to be running his mouth.  Higashiyama has
notified the Gondor squad of his plight, and the others aren't very optimistic
about holding out until the cavalry arrives.  Of course, maybe Akira will be
able to do something with the "hero" he's heading to...

  Your dudes show up on turn 2.  Your people quickly establish contact with
  Mutropolis and agree to help them out.  The newcomers are rather nonplussed
  at the sight of the enemy, and after some disorderly conduct your people 
  get around to sortying.  Kyousuke notes that the Dangaioh token guy seems to
  almost have split-personality disorder after his flashy appearance speech.

  On turn three, Akira pops out in Reideen with much unnecessary screaming.
  But what do you expect from the guardian of the ancient Mu Empire?
  o/~ Oooohhhh bound for Mu-Mu Laaaaand....

  One enemy has a Cartridge.  Sharkin has a Megabooster.

  Gil shows up on turn 6, not so easily disposed of.  He will retreat at 30%
  of his HP.  Defeat him for a Skill Point and a High Powered Radar.  He'll
  bitch very mightly that you defeated him not once, but twice.  Mia pleads
  with him to tell her why he hates her so much.  He tells her to seek the
  answer within her own heart and vanishes.

Your people figure out that the Youma Empire and the other evil forces are 
a bad sign, and might even have something to do with Jaburo's loss of 
communications (what a deduction).  Despite all the time this is taking,
you've got no choice but to continue the fight.  Akira helpfully explains that
his robot was made 12,000 years ago to stop the advent of the Akuma Century.
It and the Copelander Squad are there to protect Mutropolis.  Hazuki wants an
immediate explanation for all this, but Kamiyadera recommends that Akira
travel with your people and explain nice and slowly.  Hazuki is a bit flustered
about the lack of proper channels, but Higashiyama says that under the
circumstances there aren't any such channels available.  Joe points out that
with all the kids and aliens on board the Gondor squad is hardly a military
unit anymore, and the Dangaioh people just want to hurry on to the next
location.  Hazuki accedes, and Fa notes that he's becoming more like Bright
every day.


Stage 9. Ushinawareta Ninja Densetsu ("Lost Legend of the Ninja") (Iga Village)

Your people are now at the homeland of the legendary ninja... none of whom are
likely to show up for your benefit.  Ryouma is feeling really sorry for your
guests, who aren't likely to meet any real ninja except in comics or novels.
Tetsuya wants to know how someone from 60,000 light years away has heard of
ninja in the first place, who only ever existed on one tiny island nation on
Earth to begin with.  Considering that the princess certainly looks and acts
human, can she really be from this Shaymar solar system?  Well, Daisaku and
Maria _are_ from the planet Freed, and the Reideen is certainly in the five
digits of old.  Gee, doesn't Japan have a disproportionate amount of unusual
stuff going on?  Gee, isn't Yours Truly about ready to throw up from the
uninspiring writing?  As Benkei recommends pressing forward instead of sitting
here worrying, Hayato is concerned about the large energy signature your people
detected from this area.  Joe and the others have come to the ancient hall, but
there's nothing left except touristy stuff.  Romina is crushed, and begins
slumping against Joe in despair (provoking a jealous(?) reaction from Lenier).
Just as it looks like all is lost and it's time for everyone to pull out, the
bad guys strike!  There isn't time to return Romina to the Elshank, so Joe
is forced to keep her in the cockpit with him.  Lenier still doesn't trust Joe
being alone with the princess, but she and Mike are ready for battle.  Kyousuke
thinks there are far too many coincidences between The Boom and Tobikage and
all... there must be something special about the "ninja" after all.

  One enemy has a Repair Kit S.

  On turn 3, Irubora Sako shows up, the traitor to the Elshank team (well, he
  was sort of driven out, but still).  Actually, Gamelan has it that Irubola
  didn't betray the Elshank people, and blames it on the arrival of Joe and
  the others.  Irubora has sold his soul to The Boom just to defeat Joe, and
  although astounded that Romina is on the scene won't tell her why he,
  former captain of the royal guard, had to leave.  Rather, he orders an
  attack.

  On turn 4, Tobikage shows up.  Wonder who's piloting it.  Whoever it is,
  they seem to be on your side.  Irubora certainly isn't happy to see it...
  At the beginning of the following round, Tobikage combines with whichever
  of the ninja units has the highest Morale.

  One of the new enemies has a Chobham Armor.  Irubora is worth a Skill Point
  and a Ninja Manual.

Irubora will be amazed that his Skeleton can't cut the mustard and tells Joe
that they'll finish their duel later.  Romina pleads with Joe not to chase
Irubora as Gamelan acts like his usual ineffectual lackey self.  Romina asks
Hazuki to move onto the next site, and says that she hasn't given up on the
ninja and that she'll accompany your people to the very end of their fight.
Joe agrees and the ninja hang out with you too.  The question now is how 
The Boom got down to Earth, especially without the Lond Bel noticing.  Maybe
this has something to do with that large energy surge...


Stage 10. Raihousha, Kanata Yori ("Visitors, From Afar") (Tokyo)

Shou is telling a bewildered Cham that this is the Surface - Tokyo in fact,
despite how wrecked the place is.  Looks like there's warfare here too.  In
fact, there's about to be even more as Galaria materializes.  Galaria ignores
Shou's pleas to move their fight to somewhere uninhabited on the theory that
these people must be her enemies since Shou is.  Shou yells back that they've
got to figure out why they came out to the Surface before continuing their
fight.  As Cham observes that she's not listening, lots of Dramro materialize
too.  Evidently Shou has nowhere to run.

  Do not attack Galaria in the interest of recruiting her later.

  Your dudes show up on turn 3, are quite nonplussed at all the little 
  insect-like robots swarming around, and demand to know what's going on.
  Shou hastily declares himself to be a Japanese citizen, promises to explain
  everything later, and implores your guys for help.  Tetsuya decides to go
  along with Ryouma's good samaritanical urges, and the mobile suit brigade
  is ready to launch against these fleet-looking opponents too.  When asked if
  her homeworld is always this warlike, Mia says her memory isn't fully
  recovered yet.  Lots of upheaval suits Pai fine, and Hayato points out that
  this much conflict is definitely not normal.

  Lots of bad guys pop out on turn 4: yet another new type you've not seen
  before.  Both *I* and the troops are getting a bit tired of it, and as one of
  the enemies mumbles "One form".  Shou certainly hasn't seen them before, but
  Cham is really upset: something she can't put into words is very _wrong_
  about them.  Reideen's spidey sense is tingling too, and it's trying (and
  apparently only partially succeeding) to tell something to Akira.  Maybe
  this is like how it warned Akira about the Youma Kingdom, and Joe points
  out helpfully that all you really have to do to these skeletal warriors is
  chop them into little bitty bits.  Despite how simpleminded that sounds, it
  appears to be the best way for now.

  Just then, Rain contacts Professor Hazuki.  Shirou demands to know what
  civilians are doing on the battlefield, and Rain tells you that they're
  here from Neo-Japan on Major Urube's orders.  Hazuki wonders if they're the
  people that popped up near the Barrier sattelites, but Joe points out that
  this isn't the time to talk.  Rain offers to fight alongside you, and 
  Shirou notes that he can't see the newcomers' mobile suits.  Allenbie is
  sure that everything will be just fine.  Domon summons a set of Gundams that
  noone else recognizes - that would be because they've been modded for
  Gundam Fighting.  Tetsuya is looking forward to seeing these "fighting
  robots"' power.  Master Asia is distinctly unimpressed by the enemy and tells
  Domon to go forth.  Kyousuke (with his encyclopedic knowledge...) seems to
  recognize Domon the Gundam Fighter...

  One of the enemies has an Aura Converter.  Another has a Repair Kit S.
  One of the zombies carries the Space Abacus.

  On turn 4, yet more zombies show up.  And then disappear abruptly.  Your
  people are left scratching their heads, except for the inestimable Master
  Asia who REALLY won't let the Forces of Evil(tm) off that easily.  He orders
  Domon and Allenbie to accompany the Gondor squad, and then berates Domon when
  he tries to go along with him instead.  He instructs Domon to pursue the
  Devil Gundam with the Gondor squad, and reminds him that it isn't the only
  enemy on the face of the Earth.  He concludes with a somewhat more
  conciliatory assurance that he, and the great Touhou Fuhai Style, aren't to
  be defeated so easily.  Domon finally accedes, and Master Asia entrusts the
  Gondor squad with watching over Domon.  Kyousuke is astounded that this guy
  intends to follow the enemy all by himself.  Rain informs you that if you
  follow those avatars of the Devil Gundam, you'll eventually find the real
  thing.  Domon tells Hazuki to get the full details from Urube, and Shou
  definitely never heard of any of this stuff at the time he went to Biston
  Well.

  Assuming you've let Galaria live, Shou cuts short her raving and points out
  that she's all alone with no chance of victory.  He manages to convince
  Galaria to accompany him long enough to return to Biston Well - better by
  far than dying like a dog here on the Surface.  Doing all this will give
  you the Special Ability +1 Skill and a Skill Point, plus Galaria and her
  mech itself.

Domon's pretty sure that Master Asia will be okay given the number of enemies
he's pursuing - surely he'll make contact soon.  Mikamura Rain introduces
herself as mechanic and tells Hazuki that she's heard a lot about him from her
father.  Given that the three of them can only do so much searching by
themselves, Rain asks Hazuki to take them in.  Hazuki can't make that decision
himself, but he will contact Urube and see.  Domon intends to follow his
master's orders and won't object.  Hazuki then asks Shou to explain himself,
which has the makings of a long story.  Joe's joking comment about jumping
here from another world is, of course, right on (^^;;;)

Shou gets to explain his rather implausible story.  Biston Well is supposed to
reside somewhere between land and sea - sort of an odd concept.  Cham gets
indignant about your doubts, and Hazuki informs her that her very existence
is the ultimate proof of Biston Well's existence.  "Huh?  What?" *facefault*
And no, she's not a "fairy", she's a "Mi Ferario".  Anyway, Hazuki currently
has to deal with aliens and fairytale creatures on top of the ugly state of
world events, plus the esper kids on the Dangaioh team.  A promising setup,
to be sure, but... oh, and don't forget about the Gundam Fighters either.
Just then Urube checks in from Neo Japan.

Mia is angsting about Gil again.  Pai isn't having much fun staying on the
military defensive, and Ryouma comes by and introduces the Getter Team members.
Hayato notes that the way the females are dressed reminds him of "race queens"
(think skimpy, skin-tight getups).  The other Dangaioh pilots are from the
planets Rateshia (Roll), Lilith (Ranba), and somewhere that Pai can't remember.
Hayato doesn't think that they really look like "aliens", Mia is getting
embarrassed by being stared at, and Roll says that he can't believe it himself.
After all, before he got his memory back he had been told that Dr. Tarsan had
made them all.  Tarsan is the old guy who sold them all to space pirates, as
well as the creator of the Dangaioh - Pai figures that that makes him their
boss.  Hayato would like to hear more about both the Dangaioh and these space
pirates, since there's an extreme lack of info about the enemy.  The Dangaioh
team is eager to chat, especially about Getter Robo.  The first thing Ryouma
would like to know is if everyone from Rateshia has split personalities.  Pai
isn't surprised to hear the question...

Urube is a bit surprised that Domon and the crew are hanging out with the
Gondor squad.  It's true that he ordered them to pursue that "certain
something", and upon hearing that they joined up with you decides that it
might be dangerous for them to go it alone - he asks Hazuki to take them in.
Hazuki appreciates the increase in warpower, but is worried about the D.G.
Mikamura comes on line and offers to explain.  Hazuki notes that the last time
he saw Mikamura's daughter she was just a small child.  Mikamura asks if
Hazuki has heard of Self-Organizing Metallic Cells - Hazuki vaguely 
remembers Professor Kasshu working on those.  Using those cells, "D.G. Cells",
the Ultimate Gundam was made - the Devil Gundam as it came to be known after
a certain man stole it.  That man was Domon's brother and Kasshu's son:
Kyouji.  And the Neo-Japanese government sentenced Professor Kasshu to cold
sleep for his role in developing that dangerous Gundam in secret - Urube had
to exert himself to the utmost to keep it from being the death penalty instead.
The Neo-Japanese government let Domon loose on the condition that he recover
the Devil Gundam, so that his father could ultimately be released.  Urube was
responsible for letting Domon use the Shining Gundam which had been intended
for the Gundam Fights.  Urube is quite happy at Hazuki's assurances that the
Gondor squad will take care of the Devil Gundam problem.  After the 
transmission is over, Hazuki begins to have doubts about Urube's story...

Romina has been looking out at the forest and pondering the absence of a
certain set of ninjas (maybe they're a hedge??)  She tells Joe that he doesn't
have to accompany her any more since he's back to his homeland, but Joe says
that it isn't that easy any more with the way the war is going.  Demian wishes
he could get in on the fighting too.  Romina quickly forestalls Lenier's 
objections at borrowing the ninjabots - the theory is that it's her
responsibility to see that the mess caused by The Boom following her to Earth
is cleaned up.  Gamelan uses the opportunity to once again suggest to Joe that
he leave the ship and the protection of the princess to him.  Almost like
kids arguing, that...

Kyousuke seems to have heard of the Shining Gundam from that certain someone,
who was quite fond of it.  He's also heard that it's got some kind of special
system [if you got Domon to 130 Morale in the previous battle, you got to see
a bit of it].  Rain notes that the "Emotion Energy System" converts emotions
such as rage and happiness to power.  The Shining Gundam is currently the only
machine to have it installed, unlike the sailor-suited Gundam next to it which
Allenbie says was developed by Neo Sweden.  Chris asks why someone from Neo-
Sweden would be helping someone from Neo-Japan.  It's for the sake of the 
special training that she and Domon are undertaking - in fact, that's what
got her and Domon into the cockpit in the first place.  Lots of people are now
showing up and wanting to know what Gundam Fighting is.  Kyousuke recites 
that it's an event staged using Mobile Fighters to help exercise the colonies'
right to self governance.  He then says that while he doesn't particularly
like fighting, someone close to him does.  Rain points out that unlike Mobile
Suits, Mobile Fighters copy the movements of their pilot and feedback the
condition of the chassis to the pilot: the "Mobile Trace System".  And boy
does it make maintenance a bear.  This means that all damage is conveyed to
the pilot, which is why fighters like Allenbie are chosen as pilots.  Bernie
and Kyousuke want to know how the heck the Gundams came when called - is it
some kind of voice-recognizing autopilot?  Neither Rain nor Domon have an
adequate reply...

Akira can't explain properly, but he figures that the skeletal warriors are
something that Reideen hasn't seen in all the millenia since its war with the
Mu Empire, and that they hold the key to the Great Youma Empire war.  Or
perhaps they were made with the specific goal of targeting the Reideen.  The
bottom line is that it's far easier for the Mutropolitans to fight by your
side than separately.  Hazuki is pleased to have them along, noting that 
Mister's rather assertive attitude is nothing compared to the subordinates
Hazuki sent to space a while back.  Just then a transmission comes in from
Tarsan, wanting to discuss the Dangaioh team.  Who conveniently walk in the
door just then.  Pai is almost disappointed to see the good Doctor apparently
unscathed from the battle he got caught up in.  He says he's hardly one to
go down that easily, and asks the Dangaioh team to return.  Ranba asks what
he's scheming now, and he berates them for not understanding the gravity of
their situation.  He's having trouble with the Bunker, which Hazuki desperately
wants to know about.  His ignorance seems typical of those living inside the
galaxy to Tarsan, and Pai notes that even she doesn't know much about them.
Tarsan is amazed that her memory hasn't returned yet, although he seemingly
thinks that that's for the best.  He proceeds to explain about the Bunker
space pirates...

Gineas has meanwhile summoned Aina regarding the test piloting assignment he
had told her about.  The mecha in question is almost finished - something he
believes will turn the entire tide of the war singlehandedly: no mere dream,
but something for the actual battlefield.  Aina is concerned about all the
aliens and unidentified fighting machines, but Gineas is quite sure that 
all of them will be equally powerless before his masterpiece.  Aina wants to
help her brother, who is _very_ glad for her help.  She hastily notes that
it's time for his medicine.  A soldier comes in with a report from Colonel
Norris, who had been surveying the Jaburo area.  The message is that someone
stole a MS and ran off with it.  The colonel is currently in pursuit, and
Gineas is about to have the message passed along to the colonel to handle it
himself when he thinks better of the idea.  He talks to Aina...

Tarsan concludes by saying that the Bunker are very bad news, having recently
joined forces with the Universal Crime Syndicate and gotten even stronger.
Hazuki recalls hearing about these folks from Bright, and Roll is worried 
about the consequences of being on such a group's hit list.  Tarsan is sure
things will be fine... _if_ the Dangaioh comes back to base so he can finish
adjusting the thing, especially so they can use the Spiral Knuckle.  Ranba
would appreciate it if he could so something so that she doesn't have to get
blasted off entirely.  Mia wants to just leave so as to avoid any further 
trouble to the Gondor squad from Bunker hitmen, and Hazuki is sorry he can't
do anything more for them under the circumstances.

Excellen finally shows up!  She is SUPER HYPER happy to hear that Domon is 
hanging with your crew.  Excellen wants Kyousuke to get Domon's autograph, or
better yet to let her speak to him.  He says he'll try and wants to know what
she called about - she's wondering if these skeleton-like thingies have 
shown up on the surface.  Apparently, she's the only one who can hear their
voices... well her and Kyousuke.  Other than the fact the two of them have 
this in common, she doesn't know anything about why she and he are the only
ones who can hear the voices.  Excellen notes rather irately that a certain
girl seemed to know a lot about Kyousuke - he has no idea what she's talking
about.  This person appeared in a red mech along with the skeleton thingies,
and sounded like a little girl from her voice... Kyousuke says no such mecha
or person has been his way yet.  Apparently this person claimed she was 
"coming to meet Kyousuke".  Excellen wonders what she should do, and hasn't
told anyone else in the Lond Bel about this yet.  He recommends that she keep
quiet about it for now, less any additional confusion result.  That being
said, she's about to sortie and prepares to hang up.  She tells Kyousuke to
call her anytime he's lonely.  He wonders what the enemy have to do with him
and her, and tells her that he'll let her in on his worries when he's made
sure.  Kyousuke sure hopes the voices are just his imagination, and notices
Shirou.  He tells Kyousuke to get ready to sortie, since a former
Argama squad member has escaped from Jaburo and is being chased by the Jion.
Kyousuke notices that the Dangaioh folks have left, and Shirou says he's
amazed that they could pilot the thing with those swimsuit-like outfits they
wear.  Kyousuke somewhat humorously says he hopes those aren't their idea of
flight suits... [God bless you, Hirano!]


Stage 11. Futari no Nyuutaipu ("Two Newtypes")

Camille is about at his limit, and Norris is amazed that he's held out this far.
Is this the power of the fabled "Newtypes"?  Camille has no way to know what
shape the Federation is in given the sorry state of Jaburo, and Norris orders
Camille captured if at all possible in order to pump him for info about Jaburo.
Well, Camille has sent out his distress call - the question now is whether
he'll be able to last long enough.

  On turn two, your dudes ride to the rescue.  Norris isn't very pleased to
  see this new obstacle to his plans and calls for reinforcements.  As 
  Camille accepts your help, Kyousuke notices that the enemy mobile suits
  seem to be structured like the Titans' machines.  Hazuki had heard that 
  that technology had made its way to Neo-Jion after the revolt, but is
  surprised to see it in actual use.  They should be more vulnerable, but also
  more maneuverable, than the mechanical beasts you've been fighting.  Norris
  hopes reinforcements make it in time.

  One of the enemies has 10,000 credits.  Another has a Needleless Ampule.
  Norris is worth a Chobham Armor.

  More bad guys show up on turn 4 - flying ones.  High maneuverability Titan
  units in fact.  Camille feels a presence, one he hasn't felt since... Four
  bought the farm.  It's Rosamia, back to reprise her fabled Chicken Little
  performance (*bkaw!* The sky is falling!  The sky is falling! *bkaw!*...)

  One of the enemies has a Booster.  Send Camille to Persuade Rosamia and
  she'll join you immediately.  He hastily reminds Rosamia that it's her
  "brother" speaking, with a little help from Four.  He continues that she
  mustn't become a tool of war.  Doing this will also give you the Technique
  +15 Skill.

  On turn 6, Aina and some bad guys show up.  Aina's mech resembles nothing
  so much as a big, round daifuku [if you don't know what these are, go out
  and eat some NOW.]  Given the lack of visible propulsion systems, Kyousuke
  figures it must be moving via Minovsky Craft.  Bernie notices the Zaku head
  grafted on apparently for use as a main monitor.  Shirou would love to know
  when Jion went and developed such an enormous mobile armor as this.
  Fortunately, at that point the ReGZ shows up too.  Your dudes are about to
  start with the "this isn't no time for Earthlings to be quarreling" bit, but
  Camille realizes that the ReGZ is being flown by "that person".  In fact,
  Aina is amazed that "that person" was able to keep up with her and her
  cohorts.  Amuro is rather unsatisfied with the ReGZ's tuning, but the former
  ace of the Argama squad is here to save your butt.  Many on your team never
  thought they'd meet this living legend.  The dudes on your team who've
  been on some other planet or in some other dimension have of course no idea
  what the fuss is about, but are glad for the assistance anyway.

  Tobikage shows up on Turn 8.  Domon and Allenbie are favorably impressed with
  this ninja robot, and your dudes hastily reassure the Gundam pilots that
  this is a friend.

  One of the enemies has a Biosensor.

  To get the Skill Point and a Minovsky Craft, you have to shoot Aina down.
  She flees at 50% of her 26800 HP, making this one of the hardest Skill
  Points in the game.  Beware that Tobikage will get two opportunities to hit
  Aina before you regain control, so it's best to not attack her until after
  the Tobikage storm has blown over after turn 8.

After the battle, Amuro will observe that all you did was drive the enemy off.
He wonders if there's actually any facility on Earth capable of making a 
mobile armor like that.  Hazuki will want to hear the full story from Amuro
and Camille in the bridge.  If you Persuaded Rosamia, the Newtypes will lament
the fact that Augmented Humans like her are still being used in battle.  Not
to mention the fact that it appears that Jion still has enough resources to
make very dangerous weapons - maybe they've got some secret base somewhere.
Camille hopes you'll be able to get some useful information from decrypting
the Jion communications he picked up along the way.

Hazuki is honored to have the two Newtypes working with him.  Camille has
sustained massive psychic trauma in the past, but appears to Amuro to have
effected a virtually complete recovery.  Both of the Newytypes have been
sensing _something_, although they can't say concretely _what_.  The Federation
seemingly found more important things to do than guard Amuro, so he was able
to slip out and, upon sighting your huge adversary from the previous battle,
followed it.  Unfortunately, Camille has no idea what's going on in Jaburo
despite having escaped from the medical facilities there.  All he knows is
that when the stirring in his heart woke him, the soldiers were in some kind
of uproar - making it easier for him to flee.  He couldn't see anything in the
skies above as he fled - and noticed only that things were quieter than usual.
Looks like you have no choice but to actually go to Jaburo and figure stuff
out for yourself.  Fa comes in and is _very_ glad to see Camille again.  If
you rescued Rosamia, she comes in too and is told by Camille that she'll 
never be made a tool of war for anyone again.  Amuro is shocked to see her, as
one of the survivors from the Titans' Augmented Human project.  Hazuki tells
Camille to go get some rest in the room he's prepared for him, and fills 
Amuro in on the mess plaguing both the surface and space.  When Hazuki asks,
Amuro explains that the ReGZ he was piloting is a prototype from the Z Gundam
mass production project.  For budgetary reasons, the project itself was 
cancelled, leaving only the mech itself behind.  That wasn't what Hazuki was
trying to ask: in theory, Amuro isn't allowed to possess a mobile suit.  
Setting aside his escape itself, just where did he pick the ReGZ up?  Well, it
had been hidden underground.

Akira is asking Reideen to explain to him what those skeletal warriors were...
without much success.  He's starting to wonder if Reideen only called to him
to fight the Youma Empire and nothing more.  Cham finally manages to get his
attention (and startle him badly), and after berating him that she's a FERARIO,
manages to _not_ spit out whatever she wanted to say.  Shou wonders what's
wrong with her, and she testily calls him "slow", asking if he didn't feel
something when "they" emerged.  Akira had in fact felt something... or rather
Reideen told him something when the skeletal enemies emerged.  Akira explains
to Shou where and when Reideen was made, and wishes his father was around to
help him make sense of all this.  Too bad his father is missing.  And why is
it that all these ancient foes are appearing now of all times?

Elsewhere, some of your people are pondering the Bunker space pirates, who
the Dangaioh team seems to be flitting around fighting.  Everybody is fond of
commenting on the Dangaioh team's clothing - Jun seems to be wishing she got
to wear that sort of thing too.  Ryouma's not having this kind of talk, and
points out that not only are the enemy coming from the surface and from space,
but from other dimensions as well (i.e. Biston Well).  And there's aliens,
especially the ninja-seeking ones from Radorio and such.  With everything else
going on, the seemingly implausible Legend of the Ninja isn't seeming so
implausible any more.

Meanwhile, some shadowy figures are conferring.  Apparently "the time" has
come, after many years separated from their homeland.  The son is eager
to wipe out Earth's culture entirely, but the mother tells him to start by
attacking the base called the "Nanbara Connection", since the people there have
become aware of these shadowy figures' existence.  She instructs her son to not
leave any footprints behind.  Before she lets her son go, she shows him
something red and shining - something that would take too long to explain.
The short form is that "they" might appear suddenly - and her son must not
under any circumstances fight with "them".  Her son agrees, and orders his
Greidon readied.  The mother wonders if the ones who took action 12,000 years
ago are on the move again... _something_ is definitely about to happen.  She
wishes Garuda the best of luck.

Gineas is rather bumming that Norris let the Newtype escape, but rather than
cry over spilled milk tells him to finish the Apsalas as soon as possible.
It's a shame that Aina wasn't able to win the battle she was in though - Gineas
is not going to be able to explain that away to Hamarn, who entrusted the
Apsalas project to him.  He forestalls Norris' attempt to say that it wasn't
Aina's fault, and says that he definitely doesn't like how some unknown
military is occupying Jaburo - OR the Gondor squad.  He hopes Aina will do her
best in the likely instance that the Gondor squad attacks.  Just then a
soldier interrupts Norris with word that a transmission from Anavel Gatou of
the Delaz Fleet has arrived.  Norris wonders what the hell the Nightmare of
Solomon is doing on Earth.

Hazuki is planning to visit the Nanbara Connection before heading to Jaburo.
Hayato recalls that this place was researching Ultramagnetic energy, and how
to make a robot based on it.  Given that the robot is scheduled to be complete
soon, Hazuki hopes to add it to your team.  Joe's not sure what good it is
going there if the robot's not finished yet, but Amuro points out that you're
also planning to reprovision.  Of course, NOW would be the time for the 
distress call from Nanbara to come in.  Hazuki orders everyone to take their
stations, saying that you'll attack as soon as you arrive.


SCENE 3. Sekai-Hen ("World Chapter")

Stage 12. Shutsugeki, Choudenji ROBO ("Sortie, Ultramagnetic Robot!") (Nanbara
Connection)

Garuda is not impressed with the human warpower he sees, and can't figure out
why his mother was so worried.  Yotsuya sees that the Campellian aliens have
finally arrived.  Garuda is in fact somewhat bored by the fact that the Gondor
isn't here.  Yotsuya is in fact making final adjustments, meaning the rather
impatient team can't sortie just yet.  He tells the troops to wait, that the
Gondor squad should be here any moment - and that nothing will be accomplished
if they launch and can't combine.  Kosaku notes that the Gondor squad is the 
only Federation force currently active, and your people seemingly arrive just
in the nick of time.  Garuda is glad you finally made it, and vows to wipe
everyone out at once.  As usual, you have no record of this new enemy.  Yotsuya
helpfully tells you that these are the Campellians that the deceased Professor
Nanbara prophesied of.  Since the word from Bright is that nothing has 
entered the Earth's atmosphere as of late, it must be the case that these new
bozos were hiding out somewhere.

  On turn 2, Yotsuya says that the armaments on the Battle Machines are
  far from complete, but Hyouma insists that once they combine it won't matter.
  Yotsuya agrees and gives the launch order, notifying Hazuki that Combattler
  V will now be joining the fray.  Your people are impressed at the five-fold
  combination, since the most you've seen from Dankuuga and Dangaioh is four.
  Tetsuya is more reserved, saying that what really matters is how the thing
  does in battle, which he's looking forward to seeing.

  On turn 3 more enemies show up, including a mysterious voice that only
  Kyousuke can hear.  At least Kyousuke knows it wasn't just his imagination.
  Garuda recognizes the people his mother spoke of, and elects not to
  attack them.  Unlike the attack on Tokyo, there's some red mech with them
  this time: it's that "little girl" who knows Kyousuke's name.  And hey,
  _everyone_ can hear her voice.  The girl's name is EINST Alfimi, and she
  decides to fight you...

  One of the enemy has a Repair Kit S.  Another has a Magnetic Coating.

  Alfimi flees at 50% of her 20000 HP.  BEWARE as she has two extremely
  annoying abilities.  First is her Precognition, which kicks in at 110 Morale
  and makes her both harder to hit and gives her a free Hirameki per round.
  Second is a map weapon in the form of two _10_ block long stripes projecting
  from one square diagonally in front of her.  This means that you can attack
  her head-on, but not from a diagonal: this also kicks in at 110 Morale.
  Careful Morale management is an absolute must.  When you toast or drive her
  away, she murmurs that she understands Kyousuke a little bit, but not enough.
  She coyly refuses to answer a very irate Kyousuke's questions about who she
  really is, and merely tells "her" Kyousuke that she'll see him again.
  Kyousuke's now thinking about Excellen...  Cham notes that Alfimi felt
  different than Neoneo, and Kyousuke wonders why the heck Alfimi seems so
  similar to Excellen... what could be going on between her and him?

  Your reward for ousting Alfimi is a lousy Biosensor.  Think of it as the
  journey being the reward. >_<#

  Garuda will flee at 30% of his 25000 HP.  Off him for a Spiritual Energy
  Device and a Skill Point.

When you off Garuda, Yotsuya observes that since you don't know enough about
the enemy's true composition.  After the battle, he asks Hazuki to add the
Combattler team to the Garuda squad.  Hazuki has no personal objection, but
points out that the Connection would be left completely unguarded.  The team
members are in the process of agreeing when Yotsuya tells them not to act
like spoiled little kids - there are more enemies to worry about than just the
Campellians.  If all the warpower on Earth can't be unified, you have no 
chance to survive (make your time!).  Even if the lab itself were to be
destroyed, the pilots themselves will live on... and Yumi, Saotome etc. all
built their respective super robots with that in mind.  Amuro compliments the
Combattler team on having a good commander, and Hyouma easily agrees to work
with the Gondor squad.  Now, your dudes can go back to worrying about those
bony enemies and the mysterious red mech that was with them.  From what Alfimi
said, the skeletal enemies are "Einstknochen" (sensible, given the German) -
just call them the "Einst" series machines.  Your people have no time to spend
on stopping and pondering what they're after.

Shirou is appalled to hear from Camille that the Zaku-headed mobile armor is
from the Apsalas Project.  Shirou knows well the name of the Jion higher-up
in charge of it: Gineas Saharin.  It seems that the name of an acquaintance
of Shirou came up in a transmission Camille caught while fleeing Jaburo.
Just who is this "acquaintance" you ask?  Shirou tells Camille to report what
he heard to Hazuki immediately - it may be the key to understanding where
the Jion surface troops HQ is.  Shirou is stewing over this commander with
the same name as Aina...

Elsewhere, Reika and co. has arrived at the point Garrison had indicated.  This
is where the rash of mysterious disappearances has been going on.  The two
women aren't sure what they're doing this for given that there's a war on, but
apparently this job came straight from Banjou's desk - as his assistants they
sort of have to comply.  Apparently Banjou himself isn't here because something
was up with Daitarn. Reika recalls that after the last battle at Mars in the
previous war, the Federation pressured him into mothballing the thing.  Maybe
Banjou has finally decided to blow that off?  Anyway, Beauty has spotted a 
most odd building.  And Tob apparently falls afoul of it.

ELSEWHERE, Master Asia has run into a certain person.  Whatever this person
has been up to, Master Asia is most impressed - with this person's power,
the world can soon be his!  Or something.  Guess the only thing to do is
deal with the person inside "it".  Unfortunately, since he's getting old he
can't do it himself... apparently "his" power is necessary.  Oh so mysterious.

Hazuki has called everyone together to explain your next course of action.
Bright had contacted him, and the Vegans and Gaizokku are still causing 
plenty of problems out in space.  Fortunately, they don't seem to be descending
to Earth - the Lond Bel surely are part of the reason why, but Amuro is sure
you haven't seen their full objective yet.  It seems like they're searching
for something, although nobody knows what yet.  This is different from The
Boom and the Bunker, who have warp drive and aren't so easily stopped from
descending to the surface.  Tetsuya notes that given the immense gap in
cultural levels it's far from clear what the outcome of all the fighting will
be.  Your people are kind of dubious of this "warp" stuff, and Romina explains
about the Elshank's "wormhole" system, or "microworm" for short hops.  Gamelan
pipes in and notes that the Elshank is actually almost out of fuel... maybe
not right away, but eventually it'll stop moving.  Joe points out that all
that's needed is refueling somewhere, and Gamelan says that this is why he
hates barbarians.  The Elshank runs on a special substance called Kilhacium,
which Gamelan is sure wouldn't exist on Earth.  Actually, it does in fact,
according to Hazuki.  Unfortunately, Earth science isn't capable of refining
it... but Photon Power might be able to get the job done.  Hazuki's got an idea
of where he might be able to get his hands on some, but he'd prefer to keep
the war effort as the highest priority.  Joe sure hopes that the Elshank isn't
just gonna run out of gas, which triggers a round of mirth among the crew.
Hazuki wonders what Shinobu and the crew would say if they saw him now, and
breaks some bad news about yet another mystery enemy in space.  Worse, you
don't even know what that enemy is doing - you're trying to piece together
scraps from eyewitnesses.  Furthermore, Hazuki has pretty much figured out
where the Jion's base is from Camille's story: the mountains of Southeast
Asia.  Just then, an emergency transmission comes in about a bunch of Aura
Battlers appearing in the skies over New York.  Has Drake managed to open
the Aura Road?  Furthermore, in the deserts of Central Asia, a military SOS
occurred and quickly vanished.  All people to their places!

Kyousuke tells Excellen that while he heard the girl's voice, others were
able to hear it too this time.  Perhaps only the two of them can hear the
Einsts' voices, but it seems at times that everyone can hear the little
girl's voice, as though she's deliberately speaking in order to be heard.
Both of them would love to know why this girl knows so much about Kyousuke,
and Kyousuke's rather worried what will happen the next time Alfimi makes
contact with him.  After joking about Kyousuke paying attention to other women,
she seems to recall something about an "Alfimi", as does Kyousuke... since
both of them are about to sortie Kyousuke is about to cut the channel when
Excellen tells him not to be so abrupt.


  STAGES 13-15 MAY BE DONE IN ANY ORDER.  IF YOU DO STAGE 13 LAST, YOU'LL GO
  TO BISTON WELL, SO KEEP IN MIND WHICH OPTIONAL MECHA AND PEOPLE YOU WANT AS
  YOU CHOOSE.  EITHER WAY, I RECOMMEND DOING STAGE "14" FIRST.


Stage 13. Tamashii no Kokyou Kara ("From the Homeland of Souls") (New York)

  Todd is amazed to find himself in New York... not what he was expecting when
he tried to hunt down Shou.  Noting the mysterious mechs near the Statue of
Liberty, he thinks that the Aura Road appears to have opened after their
initial appearance.  Your people then show up, and Shou isn't very happy that
the Aura Road seems to be getting easier to open.  Cham is once again terrified
at the Neoneo friends she sees.  Domon doesn't know what they're up to, but
figures that smashing your way through them is your only option.  Kyousuke is
hearing voices again, and this time he's the only one.  The Biston Wellians
are quite surprised to see each other, and Todd with his usual stupidity 
doesn't care about _why_ he's here: he just wants to finish his duel with
Shou.  Joe wants to settle this with force, which Mike and Lenier would like to
say is a bad idea but can't really figure out any other alternatives for.
The bigger worry is the Death Army guys who Master Asia was supposed to have
been pursuing...

  Have Shou Persuade Todd as a step to recruiting him later (after you do so,
  kill him with anyone).  Shou will demand that Todd stop fighting and asks
  him what's going on in Biston Well.  Todd notes that Shou's in a hurry as
  usual and says that it doesn't matter.  Cham starts insulting Todd and
  pointing out that none of them may ever make it back to Biston Well again.</pre><pre id="faqspan-3">
  Todd repeats that he doesn't care, saying that this is his homeland and that
  "those who ask shall receive".  Shou tells Cham to knock it off, since Todd
  isn't to be persuaded under the circumstances.  Shou says that as 
  Surface-dwellers they haven't got time for this, hoping that there'll be some
  opportunity to persuade Todd.

  One of the enemies has a Cartridge.  Todd has an Aura Converter.
  
  On the enemy turn after you toast the original set of bad guys, some new
  adversaries appear, including Master Asia!  Domon would like to believe
  that Asia is here because of his pursuit of the Death Army.  Camille and
  Amuro feel some kind of abrasive sensation, and Rain observes that something
  about the Master Gundam isn't right.  More enemies show up around Master
  Asia and Domon is about to rush to his aid until Asia shows his true colors.
  Domon isn't prepared to believe that his master is a servant of the Devil
  Gundam, and Master Asia isn't surprised.  He figures this must be tough on
  Domon, and tells him to believe in him so that he may be saved.  Chris
  can't believe that he's trying to lure Domon to the Dark Side(tm), and Asia
  tells Domon that his brother is waiting along with the Devil Gundam.  Hazuki
  now has to tell your people the full story of the Devil Gundam's theft.
  Master Asia attempts to hypnotize Domon, which Rain breaks up barely.
  Domon will heal fully and is now REALLY upset, attacking Master Asia
  directly.  Master Asia will counter and do half of Domon's HP in damage.
  He tells Domon that his Shining Finger won't work on him, and Kyousuke is
  impressed at the strength of the King of Hearts, Touhou Fuhai aka Master
  Asia.  Domon is determined to make Master Asia see the light with his own
  hands.  Keeping Domon alive through the ensuing enemy onslaught may not be
  easy.  They say Master Asia might retreat after some amount of turns - if
  you're set up properly you should be able to take him out in a single one
  of your turns.  Take him down for the count for a Skill Point and a Shuffle
  Crest.  He'll tell Domon that the next time they meet he'll surely take
  Domon's life.  Domon begs him to explain why he's doing all this, to say
  it's just a bad joke.  Master Asia tells him to suck it up, that this is the
  truth.

  One of the other enemies has a Booster.

After the battle, your people are still bumming over Master Asia's duplicity.
Domon doesn't want to believe it, saying that he must simply be being
controlled by the Devil Gundam.  Of course, it also doesn't help that you
still don't know the identity of the mysterious enemy.  You have no idea
what the connection (if anything) between the Devil Gundam and the Einsts, and
that really sucks.  Indeed, nobody but Kyousuke heard their voices, and it
appears that the red mech wasn't here this time.  Mike wonders if the enemy
are AI, but Kyousuke thinks to himself that the voices he heard were positively
those of thinking beings.  Assuming you persuaded Todd, you get to fish him
out of the wreckage after the battle.  Hazuki gives Shou leave to deal with
Todd as he wishes, and Shou vows to bring Todd around to your side.  Anyways,
the main enemies seem to have switched from bony to plant-like...
unfortunately since you don't really know any more than that, your only option
is to continue pressing on to Jaburo.


Stage 14. Kyoushuu ("Raid") (Southeast Asia Jion Secret Base)

Shirou realizes that this is the secret Jion base where Aina is.  Shirou is
definitely not us usual self, and Camille realizes that he, like a certain
other someone, must have feelings for an enemy pilot.  Amuro prepares to
launch, reminding Camille just how dangerous this kind of thing is.  Your dudes
emerge in what could be called the calm before the storm.  Hayato thinks it
might be best to hide underground in Getter 2, and Domon thinks that this is
a fairly likely hideout for the bad guys.  Hazuki figures the enemy are
probably hiding in the mountains to the north.  Shirou is eager to go check
those mountains out since sitting still accomplishes nothing, but Amuro 
cautions him that impatience never results in anything good.

  On turn 2, the bad guys pop out.  Aina is amazed that the Federation forces
  have found them here.  Assuming you picked this mission first or second, that
  includes Gatou, who is impressed that your troops are here despite the 
  apparent takeover and destruction of Jaburo.  Your people are appalled to
  see the Gundam Project GP-02, which was supposedly cancelled.  Aina asks
  Gatou to withdraw, saying that he presumably has to take his mech up to
  space.  He's got about five turns before that happens, and wants to play a
  bit.  Norris apologizes to Major Aina, and Gatou advises him to care more
  about him (a Colonel).  Gatou then ponders Brg. General Gineas' plan to use
  his own sister as a tool of war - not exactly his cup of tea.  Your dudes are
  thinking that the rather flamboyant GP-02 must be for show until Hazuki
  reveals the military secret that it's got nuclear armaments.  This isn't
  funny.  Shirou tries to get a transmission through to Aina, which Hazuki
  won't let through.  Tetsuya wonders how Shirou can call himself a soldier,
  which Jun responds to by saying that he's incapable of comprehending love.
  Not that Tetsuya thinks that that's necessary for battle.  Norris asks 
  Aina to retreat if she finds herself at a disadvantage, saying that Gineas
  has passed along the same message.  Aina agrees.

  One of the enemies has a Mars Donburi.  Norris is worth a Chobham Armor.

  Did I say nuclear weapons aren't funny?  Gatou has the most anti-Chris
  Rockian map weapon in the game at his disposal.  It activates at 120 Morale,
  and he won't hesitate to use it on his own people.  Gatou will flee at either 
  40% of his HP, or after 5 turns.  Make him flee for a Skill Point.  If you
  can manage to stick his nuclear bazooka up his ass, he's worth a V-UP
  Unit(U).  Either way, Gatou is impressed with your unit's movements and
  decides to withdraw.  Bernie tries to tell him to stop, but Gatou takes off
  in the GP-02 anyway, saying that if you'll ever see him again it'll be up in
  space: and you should think of it as your final moments.  Amuro points out to
  Bernie that it would be folly to try to pursue Gatou at this point, and
  Hazuki notes that this is one more headache you really really didn't need.

  On turn 5, yet more bad guys show up.  It's sneering boy Gineas, who your
  people are exceptionally eager to beat to a bloody pulp.  Rather than flee
  as planned, Gineas wanted to see your people's strength with his own eyes.
  Norris is terrified that Gineas will end up getting killed, but Gineas says
  he knows when to retreat... plus, it's Norris' and Aina's job to protect him.

  For once, you can simply keep shooting Aina until the Apsalas runs out of
  HP.  Have Shirou be the one to finish her off as a step to recruiting her
  later.  Shirou will realize that it's really Aina inside, and Amuro's
  warning that battle is still going on gets shushed by Camille, who remembers
  things being just like this with Four.  Shirou goes nuts, trying to see if
  Aina is still alive.  Happily, Aina is still alive, and remembers Shirou to
  boot!  Too bad the Apsalas is in the process of crashing in a pile of flaming
  wreckage.  Shirou will actually leave the battle, but you'll get him back
  later.  Everyone is very impressed with this amazing display of recklessness.
  Oh, and Aina is worth a Biosensor.

  Gineas seems like he might be a problem at 25000 HP and fleeing at 50%.  In
  fact he's some crack baby cripple who can't even do a decent amount of
  damage to your guys.  I recommend saving him for last since he'll most
  likely stick close to Aina to benefit from her Support.  Assuming you saved
  enough clout to do the requisite amount of damage (after Alfimi and Gato
  this should be a piece of cake), you get a nice shiny Large Cartridge.
  He'll be oh so distressed when you make him flee, and he fervently hopes
  that the completed version (of the Apsalas) will make it in time.

Happily, it now seems that you've smashed the Jion ground base and can
concentrate on the aliens... well, it probably won't be that easy, but hey.
After all, the Neo Jion main forces are in space, and you'll have to leave
those up to the Lond Bel.  Moreover, assuming you toasted the Apsalas with
Shirou, it will turn out that his IFF signal has vanished.  Hazuki decides to
leave the high Minovsky particle concentration of this place behind, and says
that Shirou's actions were a breach of military discipline.  Despite the
chapter closing on this stage of the battle, you've still got many fights 
ahead of you.  In other words, you wait for Shirou to contact you under his
own power, or else...  Hazuki is adamant that you're proceeding on to Jaburo,
and won't hear any dissent.  Camille is berating himself for not stopping
Shirou, saying that this is just like the time with Four...


Stage 15. Boku wa Boku, Kimi wa Mireenu ("I am Me, You are Milane")
(Central Asia Desert)

Hazuki is surprised to see buildings here, noting that they don't appear to
be bases.  Amuro's got a bad feeling about this.  Hazuki launches your dudes
and tells them to standby.  Hey, maybe these are the secret hiding places of
the ninja!  Romina joyfully asks Hazuki if this is so, and even Tetsuya 
doesn't know what to say.  Jun on the other hand steps right up and points 
out that among other things this isn't Japan.  As your dudes dither over this,
the enemy helpfully show up.  It's yet another heretofore unknown type of
enemy mech... could this be yet another new enemy?  Milane is kind of miffed
that she was discovered before she could amass a bit more warpower, but she
won't hold back on people who interfere with her plans (i.e., you).  In fact,
Jion and Drake soldiers are among your opponents, and Hazuki can't believe
the IFF he's reading.  It's a Meganoid!  This shouldn't be possible, since all
of them were supposedly wiped out in the previous Battle of Mars.  Milane 
notes your surprise and thinks that there's no need for her to join the battle
from her hiding place.  Kyousuke notes her little tactic of watching from on
high, and Domon figures that all that's needed is to knock her down to Earth.

  On turn 2, Milane tells you to feast your eyes on _this_!  "This" being
  Reika, Beauty, and Tobb.  Your dudes don't immediately recognize them, but
  after a bit of putting on your thinking cap you recognizes the assistants to
  Hazan Banjou.  Said assistance appear to be in thrall to Milane, which she
  says is thanks to the power of the Spiritual Control Devices she's been
  perfecting since the war.  Kosaku has detected abnormal energy emanating from
  the pyramids.  What does this mean?  Wreck the pyramids and the control will
  be broken of course.

  There are three pyramids, and each one only has one weak spot.  Do 1000 HP
  of damage to it and you'll free one of the thralls.  Hazuki will tell each
  one in turn to leave the battlefield for somewhere safe.  Destroy all three
  before turn 5 for a Skill Point.  Also, this is necessary in order to get
  Puru and the Quberay Mk.II when you take Puru out.

  After you take out the pyramids, Milane gets very vexed and is forced to
  send out an unfinished work.  Amuro and Camille recognize the sensation
  immediately: a Newtype-outfitted machine with a Psycommu.  Camille wonders
  where he's felt this before, and Puru(!) wonders if she's feeling Judou.
  Amuro is quick on the uptake, and Fa calls out Puru's name.  Sucks that you
  won't be able to uncontrol Puru by wrecking a pyramid (it's an experimental
  machine which Milane doesn't know how much she can trust).  Puru is worth a
  Psychoframe.

  In fact, Milane will deign to engage you all in battle as well.  Her mech
  is a GIGANTIC woman (Shinguji starts cracking jokes again).  Cham notes that
  this thing is really frigging goddamn immensely huge, and Hazuki determines
  that it's a Meganoid enlarged by micromachines (um....): none other than a
  "Megaborg"!  She's disappointed that Banjou isn't here yet, and lo and behold
  he shows up to avenge his assistants.  "Daitarn, Come Here!" and stuff.  This
  of course sets off the "Unknown Flying Object" alarm aboard the Gondor.
  A triumphant Banjou informs Kyousuke that Daitarn won't be mothballed or
  killed until the plans of the Meganoids are thoroughly overthrown.  Evidently
  the thing that was seen demolished at Mars was a fake.  Milane wonders what
  Colos would say to all this, and Banjou notes that he ran into her: both
  she and probably Don Zauser are doing just fine.  He informs Commander Milane
  that his fight has begun again, and that this time he'll wipe every last one
  of her people off the map.  She tells him not to spout that kind of bullshit,
  and he vows to keep spouting it even louder.  Milane flees at half of her
  28k HP, and is worth a Super Alloy Z.

When you drive Milane off, she notes that this was more than satisfactory as
an experiment.  Banjou demands to know if she's running away, and she says
that now that she's seen him, he shouldn't expect things to go nearly this
well.  Banjou tells her to tell Don that he'll be by in the not-too-distant
future to check in on his "health".  Banjou has heard a lot about what your
people are up to, and makes belated greetings to Hazuki.  The bad news is
that you've got the Meganoids to fight now too.  The good news is that Banjou
has his usual raft of information about them, and that Hazuki welcomes him
to fight alongside your dudes, along with his assistants.  Puru meanwhile has
been rescued and is now resting in the medical room.  Gotta notify Judou
about this one.


IF YOU HAD SHIROU TAKE OUT AINA, NOW YOU GET THE "SNOWY MOUNTAIN" SCENE.
Shirou regains consciousness at Aina's side.  They've been carried way far
north of the base into the midst of snow-covered mountains.  His hands are
frostbitten and Aina advises him to take it easy until they can be healed.
His mech is busted, but Aina used the Apsalas's comm unit to send out a 
distress call.  Aina is sad that although they were just fighting, they now
seemingly won't be able to survive even by cooperating.  Shirou asks her to
help him with something.  Meanwhile, a Jion soldier reports to Norris that
the Apsalas has been found.  Gineas, upon hearing this, figures he's still
got a chance to tune up the Apsalas.  Norris leaves in a huff, realizing that
he's not getting through to Gineas about Aina...  Back in the mountains, 
Shirou has Aina using her beam rifle at minimum power (still amazingly strong)
to heat water.  Aina as usual, is amused and impressed with his ingenuity.
As he warms his hands and feels the discomfort of circulation returning, he
comments that there's all sorts of uses besides warfare for the weapons their
machines are carrying.  And by the way, does Aina want to take a bath?
EXCELLENT. ^_H

The distress call has reached the Gondor squad, and Shinguji and Mari ask to
head out in the Copelander to see if the Jionian call is legit.  Hazuki can't
have the Gondor flying all over the place, but allows them to go.  Aina is
wishing that she and Shirou were the last man and woman left in the world,
but a Jion mech shows up to recover her.  She assures Shirou that she and he
will meet again, and departs.  After Shirou's recovery, Amuro asks him for
a moment.  Shirou apologizes for acting on his own, but criticizing him for
that is not what Amuro came for.  Amuro confides that both he and Camille once
fell for Jion pilots.  Amuro leaves what resulted from that to Shirou's
imagination, but tells Shirou that he'd better prepare himself... given that
this is war.  Lots of angst for Shirou.

And for Domon, lamenting the betrayal by his master.  Rain and Allenbie show
up to try to comfort him.  Domon's not exactly talkative about what's bothering
him, but Allenbie tells him to spar with her to clear his mind.  Domon doesn't
feel like it, but Rain points out that martial artists usually don't express
what's in their heart except through their fists... in which case, Domon 
needs to royally whup Master Asia's ass to let him know how he feels!!  She
hates to see Domon just down in the dumps.  Allenbie agrees, telling Domon
that if he "speaks with his fists", even Master Asia is sure to understand.
Thus persuaded, Domon is back to his old self and ready for some serious
martial arts practice.

Apparently, Cham is feeling like some kind of museum exhibit and asks Shou
to tell everyone to stop staring.  This apparently goes in one ear and out the
other of the women on the scene, who are all entranced with the romantic
notion of "fairies".  Hyouma marvels at this amazing collection of ancient
relics and space robots, not to mention aliens and mecha and fairies and all.
Banjou notes that with the Meganoids and Campellians and such the outlook
isn't that bright.  Daisaku agrees and thinks Hyouma is too relaxed about all
this.  Hyouma knows all that, but opines that for the moment the only choice
available is to simply fight and fight some more as you go forward.  Banjou
agrees, and observes that something may have happened on Mars to bring the
supposedly defeated Meganoids back into the picture.  Shou isn't proving much
help in Cham's quest to avoid being hugged, and Banjou informs his assistants
that he's getting in touch with Garrison.  He tells them firmly not to trouble
the "little lady" while he's gone.  Just then Shou gets called to sick bay to
look in on Todd, who's just regained consciousness.

Bright is filling in Hazuki on something.  Apparently wherever the Argama
just got to, the battleship Crocus has disappeared following some kind of
skirmish.  Furthermore, the Tulip that supposedly swallowed the Crocus had
the Nadesico emerge from it!  Yurika was quite surprised to pop out into the
middle of a battle.  Hazuki is still trying to figure out how the wormhole or
warp or whatever aspect of the Tulips works, but Misumaru is just _really_
glad Yurika is alright.  Rounin notes that while there are still many aspects
of this "Boson Jump" system that the Federation has yet to unravel, they
may be able to figure something out from the data the Nadesico collected while
warping.  Just then Joe barges in (over Lenier's objections) upon hearing that
the Nadesico is back from Mars.  He eagerly asks about the Mars Reclamation
Base, but the news about the Scaparelli Project is that it... failed.  And
the fate of the families of our ninja dudes are... unknown.  Prospector is
fairly certain that they're still okay somewhere, on the theory that Hazard's
collusion with the alien armies should have served to keep the Martian citizens
safe.  Joe doesn't like hearing this, and while Bright isn't sure that the
Martians would actually fight alongside the enemy he does point out that this
kind of alliance to prevent invasion is quite common.  Rounin isn't sure
that the Hazard house would let things end there though.  Before the Nadesico
went to Nergal's research facility, they received word from Hazard that
"everything was okay"... not that Prospector's gut feeling agreed with that.
Misumaru says that of course the Federation doesn't intend to leave affairs
on Mars like this, but at this rate it may take a while to actually do much
there.  Misumaru also tells Hazuki that the Nadesico has temporarily been
assigned under the Lond Bel's command.  It's not actually been deputized by
the military, but rather is "accompanying" the Lond Bel and establishing
mutual battle lines as arranged by Nergal - a cat's paw.  The Nadesico and
Bright's people have been entrusted with space.  Oh, and Misumaru tells 
Yurika to come on home if anything happens, since he loves her so very very
much.  Yurika is rather embarrassed by all this, and Lenier wonders if the two
are actually blood relations.

Todd has come around (Chris is helping him), and never thought he'd be saved
by Shou.  When Shou asks what's going on in Biston Well, Todd informs him that
given that they're enemies, he's not obligated to do anything more than 
thank him for being saved.  Shou tells him that there's no time for that,
that their real homeland of the Surface is in danger.  This gets Todd's
attention, making him wonder if those plant bastards who dragged him away
from Biston Well are somehow involved.  Shou doesn't know, but he does know
that there's no time for he and Todd to be fighting.  Todd asks if Shou is
asking for his help, and Shou points out that it'd be easier with him fighting
for you.  Todd is amazed that Shou has gotten so trusting, and finally agrees
to help - but only for the sake of his mother in Boston.

Elsewhere, a mysterious person tells another mysterious person that he(?)
needn't have come along.  Moreover, that that second person is in fact getting
in that first person's way.  They're looking at a picture of Tenkawa Akito
from right before the Nadesico Boson Jumped, right as the Nadesico came out
of the Tulip.  Apparently something about him is mooost interesting.
Meanwhile, a thinly shadowed Master Asia is wondering why someone was with the
lot that showed up in New York.  Asia wonders if another mystery person wants
his help, and wonders what the hell "they" are up to.  Evidently "they"
are in cahoots with whoever, and that means they're after... something or
other -_-;;;  Given whatever assurances mystery man gave Asia, Asia's willing
to use whatever it is to his advantage, for his ultimate objective.

Your people are finally nearing Jaburo, and the chance to see what's going on
with your own eyes.  Nothing unusual has happened so far, and you're 
approaching the facility where Camille was housed.  Hazuki notes that if
the enemy had come from underground, it wouldn't be surprising that Camille
saw nothing.  It's very odd that there's _still_ no transmission from the
base, and the men Misumaru sent out are missing too... and it means that
there's a high probability of more enemies on the scene.  Just then you 
detect a group of Einsts, the enemies from New York.  All hands to your
battlestations!


Stage 16. Ihen ("Calamity")  (South America Jaburo)

The mystery invaders have clearly overrun the base.  Can we say "bad feeling
about this" boys and girls?  I knew you could.  So why would this mysterious
foe attack Jaburo?  You can't find out because the enemy seemingly aren't
outfitted with radios.  All except for Alfimi's red mech that is.  Actually,
maybe the Einstknochen are more like the Fossil Beasts: half-alive.  One
thing to do, kick their ass.

  Lots of enemies show up on turn 2: the Death Armies.  What can it mean that
  they're here at the same time as the Einsts?  Maybe they're all made by the
  Devil Gundam?  Kyousuke doesn't think so.  The Death Army's presence may
  mean that the Devil Gundam and Master Asia are nearby.  Domon tells his false
  master to come on out!  Master Asia appears and tells him to spout that
  stuff _after_ he manages to lay even one finger on him.  Domon is sure that
  if he puts all of himself, everything he's learned until now into his fists,
  his master will surely come to understand.  Domon challenges Asia to a duel,
  with the title of King of Hearts at stake.  "GUNDAM FIGHT!  READY, GO!"

  One of the enemies has a Megabooster.  Another has a Ninja Manual.  Another
  has 10,000 credits.  Yet another has a Propellant Tank S.

  Tobikage shows up on Turn 5.  Your dudes are glad to see the ninja show up,
  although Domon insists on taking Master Asia down himself.

  Master Asia will flee after turn 5.  Take him out before this for a Skill
  Point.  Do so with Domon as a step towards recruiting Master Asia later.
  He's also worth a Space Alloy Gren.

  He'll actually reappear at turn 5, telling Domon that he's too late and that
  he'll let you see his lord - and that Domon must walk by his side.  It's
  the Devil Gundam, which Master Asia figures is so awesome your dudes are
  speechless.  He says that unlike the others he's not being controlled by it:
  he's attracted by its power and willingly serves it!  Domon's brother is
  of course on the scene, and Master Asia tells Domon that if he won't come
  along the time has come to end his life.  Just then a mysterious figure 
  shows up and says that he won't let that happen.  It's Schwarz, who isn't
  prepared to let Master Asia have his way.  Master Asia for his part figures
  that this is just one more small fry to take care of - until Schwarz uses
  Body Divide and dodges his attack.  Schwarz introduces himself as Schwarz
  Bruder of Neo Germany - a name that everyone better remember.  This is
  Neo Germany's Mobile Fighter, Gundam Spiegel, and Schwarz tells Domon to
  hurry up and defeat the Devil Gundam while he's got the chance.  Domon is
  having a bit of trouble at first working up the resolve to attack, but as he
  recalls what happened to his parents as a result of his brother's actions,
  he gets psyched and begins laying waste.  Well, he tries - but misses the
  head.  Or rather, the power of the Shining Finger got absorbed.  Actually,
  thanks to Domon's power the Devil Gundam is now complete - which was 
  evidently Master Asia's aim.  Hazuki is amazed that the Self-Organizing
  Metallic Cells have capabilities this great.  As your dudes regard the
  prospect of fighting the Devil Gundam with some dread, Master Asia declares
  that he won't show you its power at this time.  However, _next_time_ will
  be your end.  He tells Domon to reflect and repent on his incompleteness, and
  bids a mocking farewell to the King of Hearts.  Domon is now officially
  bummed out, as his EEG shows.  Rain has no choice but to have the Shining
  Gundam rescued.

After the battle, Schwarz says that while he can't give you the details, he's
chasing the Devil Gundam just like you are.  In fact, he's chasing it so much
that he vanishes right on the spot.  Romina had lots of questions for him, and
Shaf points out that there'll probably be another time.  Now's the time to 
think about actually getting inside Jaburo, despite your worries about the
Devil Gundam.  Hazuki decides to first recover the remains of the mystery
enemies, after you've all made repairs and such.  Amuro is given charge of
this recovery group.

Your people are pretty beat after all this fighting, and Joe's taking a little
breather despite the need to go back out and recover the bad guys' wreckage.
Romina comes in and thanks them for their efforts, which Joe replies to in
kind.  Of course, Gamelan has to go and spoil the mood, prompting Joe to
drag his compatriots off for that recovery work.  Just the Allenbie comes in
to have a look around, getting a little self-conscious when Romina attaches
"-sama" to her name.  She's searching for Domon, who Mike recently saw go
outside with Rain.  Joe figures that during depressing times like this getting
comforted by a babealicious girlfriend like Rain is the best medicine.  That
Rain is Domon's girlfriend comes as news to Allenbie - Joe figures that since
the two of them are always together...  Allenbie thinks that that's not
enough, and Lenier agrees rather hotly that there are SOME people who don't
notice people's feelings even if that person is next to them.  Why is Lenier
looking at Joe?  Well, looks like Lenier and Allenbie are in the same boat...
As this beautiful friendship among women blossoms (Joe is clueless), Romina
asks Allenbie if Schwarz is a ninja, given how he moved like Tobikage.
As a matter of fact, Allenbie _has_ heard of a Mobile Fighter who uses
German-style ninjutsu (uhhhhhhh..............^^;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;)  Even Romina
is puzzled. (^^;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;)  Well, if you call someone
who uses ninjutsu a ninja (^^;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;) then perhaps Schwarz is one
of the legendary ninjas everyone is searching for.  Looks like there's still
hope for Romina's little quest after all!  The odd part is how Joe and the
crew were the only ones able to pilot the last remaining ninja machines in
Radoria - what could this mean?

Domon is outside, thinking very hard.  When Rain finds him, he tells her he's
going on a journey to train himself.  He says that his incompleteness caused
him to allow the Devil Gundam's revival - had he been stronger, he should have
been able to get through to his brother and master.  When Rain tries to come
along, Domon tells her shortly that she'd be in the way.  She in turn reminds
him that she's part of the Shining Gundam's crew - who else does he think 
will repair the darn thing?  After a moment's pause, Domon smiles and tells her
to come with him.  Rain says that it'd be bad to just go off alone and asks
him to say some parting words to Hazuki first.

Hazuki is bothered by the thought that these mysterious adversaries were what
took over Jaburo, and Bernie is sure that after the recovery of the wreckage
is complete that you'll figure something out.  Basically, all the Mobile Suits
are the ones doing the work, lead by Amuro.  And just to be safe, the Getter
Team is on the scene too.  And Lenier and Joe.  AND Allenbie.  Banjou manages
to get his assistants to leave this work up to the others, pointing out that
minute jobs are far more suitable for the MSs than his machine.  Of course,
the super robots have their roles too.  With all the mysteries surrounding
the new enemies, including the Devil Gundam, you can't afford to rest on your
laurels (wilted as they may be).  Hazuki then breaks the news that Domon and
Rain have left the Gondor squad in order to track the Devil Gundam's
whereabouts, training as they goes.  As soon as they find it, they'll contact
the Gondor.  Tetsuya is eager to press forward, but Hazuki tells him to wait
until the analysis of the enemy is complete.  Juuzou is impatient too, and just
then a message comes in from the recovery team.  Romina just then feels a
stirring in her heart.  Just then some kind of light shines in from outside.
The light obscures all vision, but isn't hot or anything - what the heck could
be causing it?  Tetsuya tells Jun to get ready to sortie in case this is a
preparation for an enemy attack.

In space, a mysterious figure is hoping that something is able to go on like
it is and safely meet up with the captain.  The figure is also quite impressed
at how persistent a certain two people are.  Meanwhile, Master Asia notes that
although resurrected thanks to Domon, the Devil Gundam's power still isn't up
to snuff.  Worse, where they're at right now the Gondor squad will find them
in short order.  Just then a mystery female (Alfimi?) shows up in a red mech.
Master Asia asks how this girl got in, and then observes that this must be no
mere girl.  Despite his somewhat menacing tone the girl tells him that the
Gondor squad won't be coming any time soon - she had the dragon banished to
between the land and sea.  She tells him that she's his ally, although Master
Asia doesn't plan on taking the words of some bewitching intruder at face
value.  She says that while it's up to him whether he believes her or not, he
should not forget the help she gave him in the southern forest (i.e. Jaburo).

As the light subsides, Hazuki orders a full status report and asks for the
condition of the recovery team.  No answer, and Mari is appalled by what she
sees... the recovery team appears to be _gone_ completely.  Tetsuya warns 
Hazuki that you're all in danger here if that was an enemy attack.  Akira
comments that the light was less like a beam weapon and more like what happens
when Reideen emerges.  Does this mean that the light was the indication of
some supernatural force at work?  Banjou, fast on the uptake as always, 
recalls the story of Shou and the others coming from another world.  The
chances are good that Shou and the otters have now gone back to Biston Well,
taking your dudes with them.  Todd (if you've got him) tells an anxious 
Hazuki that to be perfectly accurate, he like Shou were originally summoned
to Biston Well.  That said, the light you just saw greatly resembles the light
when he was first summoned.  Todd reminds everyone that when he appeared in
New York, he managed to somehow drag many of the plantlike enemy along with
him.  This probably means that Joe and everyone are still _safe_... and given
that their transponders are totally gone you will just have to trust in them to
pull through.  Oh, there _is_ the small problem of the war going on in the
the other world, but there are enough sensible dudes like Amuro along that
everything should be okay.  The problem is that now your people are in no
position to break into Jaburo - as Tetsuya grudgingly tells Jun.  Just then,
the Far East base sends you a distress call.  Great.  Well, Hazuki was planning
to back to the Beast Machine base sooner or later anyway... so that's where
you're going to regroup and regather your forces.  All hands, level 2 battle
stations!


SCENE 4

The Biston Well path route is 17A-20A.  The Surface route is 17B-20B.  The
routes rejoin at Stage 21.

Stage 17B. Zettai Reido no Wana ("Absolute Zero Trap") (Beast Machine Base)

Your people barely made it to the base ahead of the Great General of the Dark's
forces, but he can take some comfort in the fact he's got you totally
surrounded.  The order is to smash the base and all into rubble.  While it's
bad that there's enemies coming from all directions, at least that means that
the enemy aren't all clustered together in one group.  Tetsuya isn't very
impressed with the Mikeene Empire's tactics of attacking while people are away
from home, and the general tells him to say that as often as he wants... IF
he can win that is.  Tetsuya promises to knock the general back underground
where he belongs.  Hazuki is kind of hating the fact that the lake around the
base will actually hinder your guys' fight.  The general has a certain foe for
you to fight, and Tetsuya doesn't care what it is until it turns out to be
Mass Production Great Mazingers (MPGM).  Apparently that's what the General
stole before: the blueprints.  Your people are feeling intimidated until Akira
points out that they're just imposters.

  Assuming you've got Tetsuya, you can have him Persuade any of the MPGM's
  to acquire one after the battle.  When he does, Tetsuya notices something
  odd about the MPGM's... they're _exactly_ like his, right down to the
  transponder code.  This allowed him to short the MPGM's out, so that if you
  can manage to defeat them...

  One of the enemy has a Booster.  Another has a Repair Kit S.

  Tobikage shows up on round 5.  As your dudes continue to ponder this
  mysterious figure, Romina wonders if his appearance here means that he's 
  not helping out Joe and the others.

  The general flees at 30% of his 29k HP.  Take him out for a Skill Point and
  a Super Alloy Nu-Z.  He'll retreat "for today", but tells you that things are
  far from over.  Tetsuya tells him to shut up.  Unfortunately, you don't
  have the resources to pursue.

  Unfortunately, after the general is gone Kirika and her cohorts show up in a
  flying saucer.  Looks like the Vegans just added themselves to your list of
  opponents.  How inedible.  Lucky for you Maria and Daisaku just happen to
  show up.  Duke Freed is forced to repeat himself once again: he won't give
  the guardian god of Freed to the Vegan Federation.  Apparently Maria's
  brother is being irradiated with Vegatron Rays, which will hurt him more and
  more as time passes: this was kept secret so as not to worry everybody.
  How noble of Duke Freed.  The cure would be the Vegatron Minus that Kirika
  has... and Tetsuya figures the simplest thing to do is just shoot down
  the whole damn flying saucer and steal the stuff.  Unfortunately, it's not
  going to be that easy, as Kirika does some hocus pocus and freezes the whole
  damn map.  And apparently this wasn't even as much of an effect as Kirika
  wanted... just freezing water instantaneously isn't good enough for her.
  What she wants to do is freeze the blazing red planet and make it habitable,
  which this won't cut the mustard for.  More bad guys pop up: Zuril has
  noticed Kirika's trouble and decided to check in on his subordinate.  He
  says that Kirika's chain of failures will force him to halt development of
  her freeze ray, which would shatter Kirkia's, or rather her brother's dream.
  In which case, Zuril says, Kirika has to actually perform up to his
  expectations.  Maria figures this desire to save her brother might just be
  some common ground between her and Kirika.  Anyway, Hazuki orders the Vegans
  to get wrecked.

  Kirika will run at 30% of her 15465 HP.  She's worth a High Power Radar.
  When you dispose of Kirika, Maria will beg Kirika for the cure for her
  brother.  Kirika notes that Maria followed her all the way from the Moon.  Is
  Duke Freed really that important to her?  Maria lets Kirika know of their
  commonality, and begs her to save her brother.  As Kirika leaves, she
  carelessly drops(^^;;;) the Vegatron Minus ray.  Freed is quite impressed
  that there are actually women like that in the Vegan Alliance.  With this
  ray, Duke can now rid himself of the radiation rotting his body and fight
  by your side once more!

  Zuril will flee at 30% of his 22000 HP.  He will realize that taking out
  you surface dwellers won't be as easy as he thought.  Of course, he just
  came to observe today - the next time you meet will be your last blah blah.
  He's worth an Anti-Beam Coating.

With the enemy defeated, your people express their surprise at meeting Daisaku
here.  Banjou points out that your dudes can catch up on old times inside
the Far East base, since you're actually there and stuff.  The Gondor will
reprovision and conduct repairs.  Everyone is given a bit of a breather.

Your people are now "back" at base, although the only people actually posted
here out of your team are Hazuki and Bernie and Kyousuke: the rest of the 
team is either in space or Biston Well.  Romina wonders if everyone will
actually be able to make it back, but Gamelan the spiteful observes that 
nobody would miss them if they don't.  Romina heatedly tells him that even if
he wouldn't miss them, she would!  Akira points out that given that Shou has
already made it back once, surely there's a way for the rest of the crew to
come back as well.  Your only choice for now is to wait and see.  Romina
fervently hopes Joe will make it back.

Uma asks how Daisaku is doing - he's a little fatigued but otherwise fine.
Tetsuya isn't prepared to trust the ray that cured him, but Maria is sure
Kirika isn't the sort of person to plant any sort of hidden danger in it.
Daisaku had observed that Kirika appeared to be being manipulated, and Uma
notes that the Vegan Empire enlarges itself by invading other planets... she
probably had no choice but to follow their orders.  Uma tells Daisaku to hang
onto the ray gun until the next time they stop by the Space Science Lab: it
may prove useful in their research.

Elsewhere, something is lurking in the woods near Domon and Rain.  Domon 
demands that whatever it is show itself, lest he blow away the entire tree.
That person is in fact none other than the (shadowy) Schwarz.  He is in fact
here to stop Domon and Rain from going where they're headed... which is not
so much for training as Domon's solo quest to stop Master Asia.  Domon asks
why Schwarz saved him before and is now standing in his way.  Schwarz says
that for Domon's own good, he should turn back now.  Domon tells him that
it's none of his business and that he's got his own plans.  Schwarz responds
that Master Asia has seen through those plans long ago: there are some things
you can't beat even by getting worked up.  Rain can see what Schwarz is
saying: there's no way for Domon to take on Master Asia and the Devil Gundam
alone.  Schwarz tells Domon to watch carefully: fists without heart only
give birth to destruction... however, depending on how fists are used, they 
_can_ become something wondrous.  Indeed: immense power has two faces, being
as it were a double-edged sword.  Which will Domon choose?

Yotsuya has just informed Hazuki that the bad guys are heading for the Nanbara
Connection.  Worse, Akira's father, who had been missing, is being held hostage
by the Youma Empire.  Juuzou observes that the Connection is protected by
Ultramagnetic cannons and barriers, and that it'd probably be best to rescue
Akira's father first.  Akira says that since there are conditions for his
father's release, his father should be okay for the moment.  Apparently you're
closer to the father than to the Connection, and Hazuki has to decide which to
tackle first...

PLAY THEM IN EITHER ORDER

Stage 18B. Ouji, Saigo no Kake ("The Prince's Final Gamble") (Atlantic Volcanic
Island)

Sharkin has been looking forward to this.  Akira's father Ichirou is on
hand, and not easily reached.  Sharkin assures your people that he's the
proud prince of the great Youma Empire - he isn't planning on doing anything
dishonorable here.  Akira demands to know what Sharkin's after: if it's a 
fight with him, he'll do it any time.  Sharkin says that Akira doesn't get it:
Sharkin won't let anyone else have Akira... or more accurately, Reideen.  Does
this mean that something from the ancient Mu Empire is hidden in it?  Like duh.
Maybe this has to do with the way Reideen responded when the Einsts came out.
Anyway, your dudes don't have time to think, only to save Akira's father.
There may be a lot of bad guys, but nothing to worry about.

  On turn 3, Sharkin summons forth Bustadons and Gardons, which run on Mutron.
  At this rate, your super robots' energy may not hold out!  Even refueling
  has its limits.  Fortunately at that point Tobikage comes out.  Sharkin is
  not exactly impressed by this little robot...

  The spoils of war are a Propellant Tank S, an Apogee Motor, and 
  Super Alloy Nu-Z.

  Sharkin is worth a Spiritual Energy Device.  Take him out with Reideen for
  a Skill Point.  Akira will demand his father back, but Sharkin says that
  he's still standing: it's not the end yet!  He charges Akira, who tells
  everyone else to stay back.  He intends to finish the battle with Sharkin
  with his own hands.  Watch the cool ass AMV.  Akira won by a hairsbreadth,
  and Sharkin agrees with Banjou that it was a magnificent move.  Sharkin
  promises you that even though he is dying, his kingdom will live on.  He
  asks Barao to bring glory to the great Youma Empire, and explodes.  When
  you take him out, any remaining enemy units will detonate.  Banjou is 
  amazed that Sharkin never menaced his hostage in any way - Sharkin seems to
  have been one of those rare honorable enemies.  Given that Ichirou is now
  free, the Copelander is dispatched to pick him up.  Tetsuya mulls over this
  concept of a "father", drawing sympathy from Jun.  Aww.  No, I take that
  back in Tetsuya's case.  Anyway, you dudes have to hurry on to the next
  point, given the mass of enemies still before you.  Too bad you didn't manage
  to learn anything about the connection between the Youma and the Einsts.
  Ominously, Romina seems to vaguely recognize the name "Barao"...


Stage 19B. Tatakai no Kaze no Naka E ("To Within the Winds of Battle") (Nanbara
Connection)

The Campellians have sent their robots, and the Gondor squad got slightly
delayed by some trouble.  Why would the robots be attacking the lab now?  
Unless of course they're after this device that the professor happens to have.
What are the odds?  Garuda thinks it's rather overblown to need his men to
wipe out a single human building, but gives the order to attack anyway.  Meia
offers to help out, despite Garuda having told her to stay behind.  Garuda
relents and lets her help out with the admonition not to get in his way.
Yotsuya tells a rather flustered Ropet that there's nothing to but believe in
the Gondor squad and wait.  Garuda ponders the order from his mother that
directed him to attack this base of the Ultramagnetic energy his enemy uses
just as your dudes show up.  Just in the nick of time.  Garuda for his part
is very upset to see your dudes showing up to spoil his easy demolition job.
With his previous defeat in mind, he challenges you to a duel.  Your dudes
note as they go into battle that the enemy can't hit flying targets at close
range...

  Your goal is to keep the enemies from reaching the Nanbara Connection.

  One of the enemies is worth a Space Abacus.

  Mia has 16300 HP and a Magnetic Coating.  Garuda will run at half of his
  25000 HP and is worth a V-Up Unit(W) and a Skill Point.

Hyouma's not totally happy with how the Mikeene folks keep running away from
you all the time.  In fact, the whole Combattler team is peeved, and take off
in hot pursuit despite the warnings of your dudes.  No choice but to pray
for their success.  Hazuki is having difficulty comprehending how the 
Combattler Team could run off like that: they can't _all_ be Shinobu, can 
they?  Yotsuya for his part is sure the Combattler Team will do just fine.
Not that Ropet can figure out their location with all the EM noise.  Really
gotta hope the Combattler Team will rejoin you shortly, since you're already
short on warpower.  Hey, you probably can believe in them, just as Tetsuya
believes in Kyouji up in space.  Hazuki has no choice but to regroup his
forces and ask Yotsuya to let him know as soon as the Combattler Team checks
in.

Hazuki is confiding in Bright that battling is a bit hard with Amuro and the
crew gone, even with the addition of Daisaku.  Bright has somehow been holding
off the Vegans out in space, but apparently let them flee to the surface.
Bright's satisfied with Grendizer doing its work on the ground for now, and
notes that the Vegans appear to be mustering on the Moon.  There should be
plenty of institutions like Anaheim and Von Braun to stand against them, but...
So just what IS going on in the Earth Sphere anyway?  The only commonality
between all these incidents is that the invaders are heading to the Earth, and
the mysterious "Einst" army.  Bright's been able to figure out that whoever
is helping out the Einsts is probably a "human"(?) from another star system,
something about a "Wolf of Swords".  Meanwhile, the folks on the ground have
ninja on the brain.

Schwarz is explaining to Domon that the Shining Gundam's Super Mode which he's
been using until now is incapable of defeating Master Asia or the Devil Gundam.
Super Mode converts Domon's emotions of rage into energy when they peak,
unleashing a massive amount of power.  This is the Emotional Energy System that
Mikamura invented.  However, rage is void of serenity, causing vulnerability
to occur.  The answer is Meikyou Shisui, "Clear Mirrorlike Still Waters": 
making ones heart like placid waters with narry a ripple.  If Domon can attain
this state, he will be able to achieve what could be called "True" Super Mode.
And, in order to draw that out of Domon...

Akira's father tells him that his mother is still alive.  Said mother went
missing shortly after giving Akira birth, and Ichirou says that there's no way
she would die: after all, she's not like a mere human.  Ichirou is surprised
to have heard it from Sharkin himself, but Akira's mother is actually a Muian.
Meaning she has hidden within herself the ancient power of the Mu Empire.
It seems that before the scientifically advanced Muians perished 12000 years
ago, Akira's mother was sent to the present day somehow... probably cold sleep.
And, after she woke up, she hooked up with Ichirou and the rest is, well,
Akira.  Evidently this Muian blood flowing in Akira's veins is all so he can
pilot the Reideen.  And there's a strong probability that Reideen is connected
with the Einsts somehow.  Ichirou plans to return to the lab and continue his
studies on Mutron, the Reideen's power source.  He asks Akira to join forces
with the rest of your dudes until he finds something out: defeating Sharkin
has not brought an end to the peril threatening the Earth.

Alfimi has had a bit of an emergency come up, so she's got to journey to 
the gap between land and sea.  She tells Kyouji to give her regards to Master
Asia.  She'll be right back as soon as she's done, and leaves a number of
guardians behind just to be on the safe side.

Hazuki then contacts Romina about the Kilhacium shortage: he's gotten some,
but can't manage to have it brought to you.  Not surprising, given that the
stuff is quite dangerous: a small shock will cause it to explode.  The stuff
is being brought to the Space Science Lab: it appears that you've got enough
fuel left to make it that far.

Domon meanwhile wants to know what this "True" Super Mode is, so Schwarz
challenges him to a fight.  Domon doesn't want to do that in this narrow
cave, but observes that Schwarz is somehow able to manoever freely despite the
narrow confines.  Schwarz tells Domon to be serious and attack him, or it
will cost Domon his life.  Suffice it to say Domon's not doing so well, and
Schwarz tells him to die "quietly".  As Domon's life begins to fade from
before his eyes, he stops caring about rage or anything... except Rain.  In
that moment, he sees something, and the Shining Gundam begins to glow: this
is Meikyo Shisui!  True untroubled placidity of heart, capable of granting
people power beyond themself.  Domon wants to know why Schwarz is telling
him all this, but Schwarz tells him to concentrate on perfecting the
technique.  If Domon can force Schwarz's machine back, it will be the sign
that he's ready.  Just then the Death Army barges in, having interrupted 
Domon's training one step from it being finished.  Schwarz tells Domon to
leave these guys to him and get his machine in gear.

Hazuki and the crew have detected this earthquake centered at the Giana base.
This ain't no ordinary earthquake.  A few of the crew are pretty sure it's</pre><pre id="faqspan-4">
the Devil Gundam, especially since it's in the right direction and isn't
far from Jaburo: a perfect hiding place.  Of course that means that Domon is
in danger since that base is where Domon was training (yeah, we noticed...)
It seems impossible for the Shining Gundam to go it alone, but given that
it's Domon he'll probably try anyway.  Hazuki has the Gondor head to Giana,
and the attack will commence as soon as you arrive.


Stage 20B: Mizu no Hitoshizuku ("A Single Drop of Water")

  Rain isn't expecting the Shining Gundam to boot up - did Domon call for
it?  Worse, it's the Death Army attacking.  She thinks she can go it alone...
she's probably wrong...

  On turn two Domon and Schwarz come out, Domon taking over for Rain.  Once
  these six enemies are disposed of, Domon will demand that Master Asia come
  out.  He does, and observes that this is the day when the score must be
  settled between them.  Domon will no longer call him "master", and Master
  Asia is going to totally bury him here in this land of training.  He tells
  Domon that although of the same blood as Kyouji, Kyouji's power is as 
  far from Domon's as the heavens are from the earth.  Just what is so funny
  to Kyouji?  After all, it's Kyouji's fault that their mother is dead and
  their father consigned to cold storage.  And Domon's gone through hell
  following him - Kyouji's got no right to laugh, and Domon's gonna pound him
  into a bloody pulp right here and now.  Master Asia figures that his 
  judgment was sound regarding Domon: all Domon's fury is doing is wasting
  his energy.  Now's the time to attack!  Except that Schwarz gets in the 
  way.  Master Asia asks if Domon intends to defeat him with what skill he
  has, and Domon indeed won't hold back.

  [They appear to have fucked up the order of the battle and the dialog 
  here >_<###]

  Just then Schwarz gets in the way, asking why Domon has ignored all his
  warnings and activated super mode in his incomplete state, getting blasted
  in the process.  Master Asia berates Domon for still being so vulnerable
  even after being saved by Spiegel.  Schwarz implores Domon to remember that
  one instant of Meikyo Shisui.  As Domon recalls his parents, Kyouji tells
  him to die with a placid heart!  As Domon recalls back, Rain implores him
  not to lose.  Just then Domon finally sees the single drop of water, going
  True Super Mode and completing the training.  Your dudes finally show up,
  brought by that earthquake.  Master Asia is now thoroughly upset, and figures
  he can't afford to lose the Devil Gundam here.  Looks like there were more
  enemies around that just the Death series: there be Einsts too.  There's no
  time to care if the Einsts are in league with the Devil Gundam, you've got to
  go protect Domon and the others and destroy the enemy.  Kyousuke sorties 
  despite his bad feeling.

  One of the enemies has a Biosensor.  Another has a Repair Kit S.

  Master Asia has a LOT of HP: 51300 to be exact.  He's also got Inner
  Strength Lv. 6 and Obstinance, making him a CAST IRON BITCH to chisel away
  at.  Kill his ass for a Skill Point and a Shuffle Crest.  Do it with Domon
  for that extra warm fuzzy feeling that comes from messily disembowling the
  enemy and bedding their dark elven consort in the same evening.  Well, maybe
  not that good.  In any case, Master Asia will be astounded that someone
  managed to defeat him, but his machine manages to still move.  As his name
  "Touhou Fuhai" suggests, Master Asia is he who knows not defeat.  He tells
  Domon that although he's going to depart this place, Domon's future is still
  unchanged.

  Believe it or not, Tobikage shows up on turn 13.  Yes, you read right.  Mike
  is like "I'm sorry you can't combine with anyone better than me", but Romina
  tells him not to go all soft.  He's got to try hard enough for Joe and
  Lenier as well.

  Oh, by the way, the Devil Gundam heals fully when you reduce it to 50% of
  its 38000 HP.  It's self-evolving or some such technobabble.  Luckily the DG
  Cells aren't all powerful - you've got to get it when its regenerative powers
  are low.  I.e. it only does this once.  It's also got full time Small HP
  Recovery.  Isn't that just dandy?  The Devil Gundam is worth a Space Alloy
  Gren.

When you finally off the Devil Gundam, Hazuki warns you all that the Devil
Gundam has the Sandai Theory, and that it's too early to relax yet.  As the
Devil Gundam explodes, Domon notes his rage, sadness, revenge... all fading
away.  It _appears_ that the Devil Gundam is gone.  Unfortunately, some new
opponents appear, along with Alfimi who appears out of the light of an Aura
Road.  Guess they've come from Biston Well.  One of the Einsts mumbles about
how it's too late - Alfimi didn't make it back in time.  Aw, too bad.  Lo and
behold, your other dudes show up too!  And boy are your dudes glad to be back.
Camille points out that the mech they'd been fighting is still here, and 
Alfimi is getting a bit more irritated at having brought along the nuisances
with her.  She sniffs that she's got no further business here now, and is
about to leave as Kyousuke demands to know who she is.  She tells Kyousuke
that she wanted to know more about him... and vanishes.  Well, looks like
all the enemies in the area are gone for now.  All hands are to return to the
Gondor - you'll talk after that.

Apparently it was thanks to Alfimi's red mech that everyone came back to the
Surface.  Does that mean that the Einsts sent you over there, hoping to
imprison you in an alternate world?  Apparently Alfimi hadn't _wanted_ you
to come back with her, it just _happened_ for some reason.  All the people
from the Surface were called "holy warriors" in Biston Well.  Hazuki fills
the absentees in on what you've been doing in their absence.  Most of the
heavy lifting is thanks to Domon, and his Meikyo Shisui.

The ninja folks are more at ease in the Elshank than they were in the Goraon.
Romina comes in and congratulates Joe on his return (hey, what about Lenier!,
she cries).  Yes, Joe did _not_ settle down in the other world, much to
Gamelan's annoyance.  While there weren't any ninjas in the other world,
Tobikage _did_ pay them a visit or two... this Tobikage dude has like mad
frequent flier skillz and such.  Romina had hoped to hear something of the 
ninja from Schwarz, whose Gundam had gotten ass-rocked defending the Shining
Gundam... hope he's okay.  Elsewhere, Rain tells an anxious Domon that as soon
as the destruction of the Devil Gundam is confirmed, Domon's father will be
released from cold sleep.  It appears that since the original mission that
sent the G-Gundam folks here is over, there's no further business here.  Not
that Domon is planning to leave, since Master Asia is still up to something
or other.  Further, Rain's father is working on a new Gundam for Domon, which
will have a multiplier device used to strengthen its Emotional Energy System:
a worthy successor to the Shining Gundam.  That, plus Domon's Meikyo Shisui
ought to rock - of course, the machine won't be ready for a while yet.
Allenbie is wishing she could get a powered up machine too, and Domon 
observes that Schwarz just left a little while ago without saying a word.
Given the damage he sustained while protecting Domon, he shouldn't have been
able to move around again so soon... just who the heck is he?

A very irate Gineas receives word from Hamarn via Cima that it's time to
deploy his Apsalas.  Given that the plan is in its final phase, it would 
prove inconvenient if the Gondor squad were to come up to space.  Cima tells
him that he doesn't have the right to refuse the order, and at length Gineas
irately orders her to tell Hamarn that he'll obey orders.  Cima tells him to
do his best and see to it that his pilot little sister doesn't accidentally
get killed.  When Aina comes in to see what the transmission was about, 
Gineas tells her that a colony is about to fall to Earth.

Aina then goes to confide in Norris.  Aina is impatient for the tests to be
over and the Apsalas to be completed.  It's ready for its current mission,
although Norris is worried about where the help came from.  Aina is doing all
this for her brother's sake, not the sake of the military reconstituted under
Hamarn.  Norris observes that she's gotten strong - is it because of love?
Aina, startled, says that while he's like a father to her he has no idea what
she's feeling about love.  Norris is startled, then honored to be thought of
as Aina's father figure.  He declares that life only has value because of its
accomplishments.  Gineas has already accomplished something, and as one who
lives and dies with the Saharin family, if Aina wishes to take over the
Space Science Lab, he'll gladly lend her military aide.  He prepares to sortie,
telling her to wait a little while before following so he can complete the
dirty work of the takeover of the base and then come for her.

Hazuki has just heard of the colony drop from Bright, who got suckered by
the Delaz Fleet.  The colony is to be dropped on Jaburo, since it seems that
Hamarn doesn't enjoy some unknown military occupying the place either.  The
sucky part is that your people can't do anything except sit on their hands
and watch, safe as they are in Japan.  There's no way to make it in an HLV:
you have to hope Bright and the crew will manage.  And the Gondor can't
travel to space with the surface in such a mess... especially since doing so
might "kill" "it" (i.e. the Gondor).  Daisaku says that since the Grendizer can
go to space, he'll head up alone if need be... and Maria says that she'll go
along.  Romina pledges the Elshank to ferry the necessary people, using a
microworm.  Luckily, fuel should have just arrived with Rounin.  Thus, you've
all got to hurry to the Space Science Lab.  Note that the area around the
colony will be some fierce battlefield, and Joe is worried about Romina's
safety.  Akira decides to go, hoping to find out about the Einsts in space as
well as to help in the fight.  Your dudes head to the lab, with Kyousuke
noting that he'd like to see the Einsts in space for himself too. 


Stage 21. Arashi no Naka de Kagayaite ("Shining Amidst the Storm")

  Shirou is going out in his Ez-8 to support the Elshank, and the ninja pilots
are doing likewise. (I.e. they're all automatically in the battle).  Rounin
tells Joe not to push things too hard, and when Romina thanks him for hauling
the volatile Kilhacium all this way, Rounin says that it's the least he could
do as Joe's best friend.  Gamelan informs Romina that they're ready to 
microworm, and Hazuki has your dudes deploy to guard the area.  Domon tells
Allenbie that he's not sure how everyone else is doing since it's been quite
a while since descending to Earth... eventually the Gundam Fighters will have
to return to space themselves.  Hazuki notes that this is your first time back
at this base since launching the HLV, and Amuro points out that that kind of
talk frequently leads to history repeating itself.  Apparently that sort of
thing happened to Bright all the time back in the Argama days.  Puru
(assuming you got her) is being sent back to space as well: she hasn't yet
regained consciousness, except to vaguely mumble Judou's name.  Amuro has
wisely elected to send Puru to where Judou is.  Shaf tells Romina that you've
got five turns until launch.  Joe tells Demian to take care of the naive
princess he's riding with, and Shinguji tells Akira to stop the whole damn
colony with God Bird if worse comes to worse.  Tetsuya tells Daisaku to tell
Kyouji that he'll be up to join him as soon as the fighting is over on the
surface.  Daisaku will do so, and put his life on the line to help win this
fight.  As goodbyes are said, the ninja pilots note that it doesn't seem real
that a colony will actually fall - Shirou says that by the time that reality
sinks in it'll be faaaar too late.  He's in the process of warning the ninja
pilots not to let down their guard lest enemies appear, when a bunch of them
_do_.  This isn't his fault, honest.  Norris can't figure why you'd launch a
spaceship when there's no hope of making it to the colony, but he won't let
you get away with it regardless.  Amuro is impressed that the bad guys still
had this much warpower left, and Chris isn't looking forward to tangling with
the mighty Gouf (that's why she's nice and safe piloting the water cooler).
Bernie notes that it's a Custom B3 version of the 07: it's pilot must be one
unique individual.  As in, an ace.  But hey, if an ace is here, it may mean
that Aina will be on the scene too.  Kyousuke is mumbling about how the last
time the Elshank descended during the fighting, and now it's ascending.
Akira is about to try to use Reideen to help when your other dudes tell him
to sit tight: they can handle this much bad guys.  Norris, for his part, wants
to clean this up personally so Aina won't have to ever ride in the Apsalas
again.

  One of the enemies is worth a Needleless Ampule.  Another has 10,000 credits.
  Another has a Booster.  Another has a Chobham Armor.

  Keep the enemy from attacking the Elshank for a Skill Point.

  On turn 3 Aina shows up, earlier than the plan called for.  Your people
  recognize the Zaku-headed mobile armor as belonging to Shirou's girlfriend,
  and Norris says that he wishes he could have spared Aina from having to
  pilot it ever again.  Tetsuya figures that one more mech makes no difference
  to this battle, and Amuro concludes that the Jion must have another base
  somewhere else.

  On turn 4, Shamans and Banks's show up, probably detecting the energy from
  the microworm.  Norris is no happier to see these new arrivals than you
  are.  Things looks desperate, but Banjou's not too worried.  Your dudes are
  just hoping that Tobikage makes it in time...  He in fact shows up on turn
  5.  Your dudes are now totally psyched, as they finally bid Romina a fond
  farewell.

  One of the new enemies has a Mars Donburi.

  If you've been following the instructions, send Shirou to Persuade Aina.  He
  tells Aina that although he hates the Jion, he's never been able to forget
  her since the first day they met in space.  Hazuki can't figure this heart to
  heart talking stuff out, but Amuro advises him to let the two of them be.
  Shirou asks Aina if they really have no other choice but to fight each
  other... of course not!  He yells that this is no time for Earthlings to
  fight each other, and Aina agrees to fight... by his side!  She murmurs an
  apology to Norris.

  Rather than just apologizing, have her go and Persuade Norris herself!  As
  Aina tries to apologize, Norris is glad that Aina has decided not to be
  Guineas' doll any more.  He tells her to walk her own path... however, he
  is a soldier of Jion until the bitter end.  He asks her to get away from
  him, lest he have to fire upon her too.  Norris is glad he had a chance to
  meet the person Aina loves (Shirou), and says that his mission is coming
  to end for all those who are about to be destroyed.  Bernie is startled
  by this (HINT HINT), so have Bernie go and Persuade Norris too.  Norris
  recognizes this remnant of the Cyclops squad, and Bernie tells him that
  Captain Steiner said the same thing about acting for the sake of those who
  are to be destroyed... right before he died!  However, Norris ought to still
  have things to do, things to protect.  Is throwing that away really what
  makes the model soldier?  No.  This is is a very impressive speech coming
  from Bernie, and Norris says that while Bernie is clearly a dropout in a
  military sense, Steiner clearly knew what he was doing by accepting Bernie
  into his squad.  He's wryly amused to be lectured by a kid like Bernie.
  In addition to recruiting him, you get "Great Fortune".

Well, looks like you won this [astoundingly easy and routine ^^;;;] nailbiter
of a mission.  Uma has confirmed the Elshank's warpout: all you can do is
watch over them from afar now.  Lenier tells Mike that despite appearances
Romina has certain areas where she's got it together: surely she'll be okay.
All you can do is believe in them, just like Tetsuya believes in certain
people.  Besides, your people still have your work cut out for you.  Hazuki
has just received a message from the Combattler team - they've found the
secret hideout of the Campellians.  As Kyousuke suspected, they _do_ have a 
hidden base on the surface, which explains their rapid movements.  Domon is
glad to hear this news, since it means you'll be the ones on the offensive for
a change.  Both Allenbie and Banjou are looking forward to the ensuing mayhem,
but Banjou notes soberly that for now all you can do is keep fighting forward.

Meia is telling Oreana that Garuda is fortifying his own mech for the noble
task of sending the abominable Combattler V to hell.  Oreana tells Meia to
inform Garuda when he gets back that he's been relieved of his generalship.
Meia, distraught, asks to know why Garuda's being canned despite his great
efforts on behalf of Campell.  Oreana cites numerous failures and Garuda's
clear inability to execute on the plan to modify the Earth.  Furthermore,
Oreana shows Meia something on the monitor: it's Combattler V, practically
at the front door.  Garuda, like an idiot, got followed home, and Oreana is
having NONE of it.  Oreana informs a very sad Meia that a new general is being
sent from Campell.  Meia is well aware that the proud Garuda is not going to
be able to handle being removed from command.  Meia, in desperation, beseeches
Oreana for something...

Meanwhile, your dudes are taking a minor breather after successfully launching
the Elshank, while Hazuki consults with Misumaru about what to do next.
Perhaps you'll once again try to bust into Jaburo.  There's also the planetary
guard operation, which your dudes in space have to handle.  Camille is sure
Bright and the crew will prevent the colony drop.  As for the Nadesico, it
seems to be helping out in space after emerging from the Tulip... which is not
to say it wasn't wise to send the Elshank.  After all, the Nadesico is the
private property of Nergal Heavy Industries... quite conceivably it could end
up doing things beyond Federation control.  Joe wonders how the military 
tolerates that given the emergency you're facing, and Banjou thinks that that's
precisely why they're tolerating it.  It seems that Nergal's cooperation is
necessary for Misumaru to maintain his fragile unification of the military...
and that includes the Gondor squad.  But just what is Nergal thinking?

Misumaru has a job for you: there's this Tulip that fell to Earth in Russia.
Moreover, some giant Jovian Lizard weapons came out of it.  Several squads
of soldiers have been annihilated by the Jovians' dimensional attack system.
Misumaru had Yurika*ahem*the Nadesico sent to investigate, but communications
have been lost.  Misumaru is more than a little worried that the same weapons
have taken out Yurika and co., but after a bit of prodding he regains his
senses and points out that the Nadesico _does_ have its Distortion Field.
He doubts it could be easily sunk, and bristles a bit at Hazuki's implication
that he wants you to just check up on his daughter.  Your mission is strictly
the destruction of the "Walking Stick" insects, as the Jovian weapons have
been codenamed.  They're equipped with very nasty railguns.  Hazuki prepares
to set off for Russia, _strictly_ (yeah right) to take out the Walking Sticks.

Garuda has been wandering around in the underground laboratory, and runs into
a place his mother had never told him about... a clone lab!  An AI intones
"Garuda #1, abnormality in memory circuits... Failure, eliminating."  Another
comments "Garuda #2, error in character composition... Failure, eliminating."
Garuda is not exactly thrilled to see so many of him lined up in a row.
"Garuda #3, emotion circuits assigned, numerous perturbations... Failure,
eliminating."  As Garuda pleads with the system to stop, "Garuda #4, fusion
with them calculated... Failure, eliminating."  Garuda is now thoroughly bummed
that he's no more than a robot, given memories and emotions of being a 
Campellian but ultimately nothing more than a merry little puppet.  He, the
great general!  "Garuda #5, fusion successful but short lived... Failure.
Complete elimination of project itself."

Yurika [SOMEHOW, more continuity flaws >_<###] is telling her troops about
the new weapons they get to destroy.  The "Walking Stick" ("nanafushi") moniker
comes from the seven legs, causing Prospector to doubt the naming sense of
the military.  Apparently three full battalions have been lost trying to take
them out, which is where the Nadesico comes in.  Yurika plans to let them have
it with the gravity blast, and Akito is a bit sorry that there's no close
range combat to be had.  At least it'll give Akito time to refine his cooking
skills, and Gai tries to wrangle him into watching some Gekiganger.  Erica is
not exactly thrilled with Gai's attitude, but figures things may be safer 
with him glued to the TV screen.  Prospector financially agrees.  Megumi is
glad that the Aestivalises won't be put in danger, but Minato chides her for
not just coming out and saying "Akito".  As Megumi fesses up, Yurika orders
the operation to begin.

A shadowy figure has just heard of the(?) situation from Chief Hazard.  Irubora
would like to borrow "that" device again.  Don said to say that he's not sure
whether that's such a good idea for his people, and one of the shadowy figures
notes that Irubora failed the first time around when he moved to the Earth's
surface.  Irubola says that it won't just be him going this time.  He plans on
flinging the Gondor squad, considered as great a nuisance as the Lond Bel, into
somewhere where it'll be easy to destroy them.  Doesn't Irubola mean where _he_
will be easy to destroy?  He doesn't think so, and the shadowy figures are
prepared to let it slide and loan him the gadget, saying that all other usable
commanders were lost in the previous great war.  Irubora is confident he can
take out the Gondor squad.  Don will be very happy to hear this... assuming
Irubora can actually deliver.  Irubora meanwhile wonders why Hazard has joined
forces with people like these...

8:30 until mission launch, and the Nadesico is hiding behind a mountain.  As
soon as the energy charging is complete, Yurika orders the Nadesico to pop up
and fire.  The countdown proceeds until the enemy start shelling you.  The
Distortion Field is offline and the Transposition Engines stop... Ines figures
that the Walking Sticks are actually gravity wave railguns.  The Nadesico fires
all retrorockets in an attempt to soften its uncontrolled crash.  Ines notes
that while the railguns are very powerful, you should be okay for a little
while while the enemy replenishes its micro black holes.  Does this mean that
they've got to launch the Aestivalises after all?

Hazuki has just informed the troops of the mission, and the gist of it is
that terrestrial combat mechs only will be going to avoid the Walking Sticks
strong antiair weapons.  There's every chance that the Nadesico got hosed by
the enemy rail guns, so your people are hopefully to help them out.  Shirou
is given command of the operation, and the Gondor will wait outside the
Walking Sticks' range for your signal. 


SCENE 5.  Hyakuma Teikoku no Kyoui-Hen ("Menace of the Hundred Demon Empire")

Stage 22. Ki ga Tsukeba, 'Yakusoku?' ("When you realize, is it a promise?")

Yurika explains the plan to get the Aestivalises close and destroy the 
Walking Stick.  Jun rather irately reminds Gai that you can't fly in lest
the Walking Stick's AA systems shoot you down.  Akito is placed in tactical
charge, and Jun happily reminds Guy not to get too psyched and run out of
energy.  Ruri points out that with the Nadesico immobilized the Aestivalises
won't be able to recharge: the Aestis have batteries but they aren't infinite.
All you have to do is get close to the Walking Stick and wreck it.

  On turn 2, Gai will get impatient that there are no enemies, giving Izumi
  a chance to make one of her patented dreadful puns about this "stage" not
  suiting her.  Unfortunately, the levity is cut short when the bad guys
  show up, bringing out Izumi's serious side.  As Akatsuki and Akito point out,
  your objective is the Walking Stick alone: don't waste EN and ammo on the
  small fry.  Fortunately, the cavalry arrives on turn 3.  Shirou contacts the
  Nadesico, relating Misumaru's worries and offering to help.  This is good 
  timing, but Guy figures it'd be better if the super robots were the ones to
  show up.  Bernie points out that real robots have their good points,
  especially Zaku's.  You've got 5 turns left until the Walking Stick's 
  micro-black hole recharges and fires at the Nadesico, bringing about Game
  Over.

  One of the enemies has a Chobham Armor.  Another has a Space Abacus.

  This is a good map to get learn about camping out on defense/health boosting
  positions to prevent enemies from occupying them later.

  When you take out the Walking Stick (doable early in turn 6), it appears to
  still be operational anyway.  As your people debate what to do, it finally
  blows up.  Mission accomplished, and no more worries about that railgun.
  Yurika thinks it's all thanks to Akito (Guy wonders about his valor) when
  some more bad guys show up.  They're led by Glowbein, who apparently thought
  the big energy source he was coming to investigate was Mutron.  Ruri
  identifies the bad guys as Gyandora, causing Erika to wonder what Bright
  is doing that's letting all these enemies slip through and land: even the
  great Lond Bel has its limits.  Everyone but Guy is a bit worried about the
  odds (increment Baka Counter), and the Nadesico still won't be able to move
  for a while.  Your dudes are now (theoretically -_-) running low on energy
  and about to become immobile.  Shirou has sent a distress call to Bright
  and says that you only have to hold out a little while until help arrives.

  The Gondor will in fact show up in another couple rounds.  As your people
  set out to deploy, Glowbein decides to see how powerful you really are.

  One of the enemies has a Repair Kit S.

  Glowbein runs at 7200 HP.  When you hose him over, Kyousuke observes that he
  seems to have underestimated your people somewhat, and an amused Glowbein
  tells your people that he'll look forward to your next duel.  He's worth a
  Skill Point and a Psychoframe.

  Lo and behold, more enemies emerge on turn 9.  Ryouko is about to get
  medieval on their ass when a strange figure with a dramatic speech about
  love and justice slicing through evil.  He calls upon the Sword-wolf to 
  grant him power, causing a nifty FMV to occur.  The upshot of the explanation
  is that you've just gained a butt-kicking ally.  Gai likes the sound of this
  speech about blazing souls, wishing he could have an entrance like that.
  Akito is suitably impressed but doubts he could pull it off himself.  Ruri
  "reminds" you that you've met these people on Mars before: Rome Stall.
  Yurika explains to the ever-stoic Hazuki that these people saved the Nadesico
  back on Mars.  Hazuki wants more details, but Rome points out that this 
  isn't the time for a leisurely chat.

After the battle, Yurika thanks Akito for all his hard work.  As does Megumi.
Gai proclaims that this is what happens to anyone who tries to mess with him,
which is far from convincing.  When Amuro asks Rome who his people are, Rome
responds that he doesn't want to mix the Earthlings up in something that's
not their fight.  All he'll say for now is that his crew are people pursuing
the Gyandora.  Hazuki's heard a little about them from Bright: mysterious
gentlemen (and ladies! *ahem*) who come and go like the wind.  Actually,
Lena is some unbroken horse who might as well be a guy, according to Drill.
Anyways, Hazuki asks the Machine Robo people for help in battling the numerous
mysterious enemies threatening the Earth.  Rome would of course not refuse a
request on behalf of peace in the universe, but his duties of pursuing the
Gyandora are calling.  Given that whatever the Gyandora are after appears to
be here on Earth, he's certain he'll see you again.  Like Bright said, they
proceed to vanish: mysterious people, but surely not bad people.

Prospector is very grateful for your people's assistance (especially for 
saving Yurika's Akito!)  Surely the Nadesico would have been toast if not
for your assistance, according to Ruri.  Shirou wonders what the enemy was
up to in that factory, and Ines leaps at the chance to explain!  Gai 
enthusiastically introduces the long-anticipated Explanation Lady, which Ines
doesn't entirely appreciate.  Anyway, she explains that the Walking Stick's
micro-black hole powered weapons consume a lot of energy.  That energy 
signature got mistaken for a "certain" something, causing the enemy to appear.
That "certain" something is Mutron, that stuff that powers the Reideen and
comes from the ancient Mu Empire.  Perhaps the enemy realizes the value of this
stuff, which modern science can't even fully comprehend.  Perhaps aliens 
know of this so-called "Mutron" energy from finding it elsewhere in the
universe?  Ines is quick to point out that this all is merely her conjecture,
but that it would explain a lot.  Hazuki could believe all this, although it's
anybody's guess whether Mutron is really worth all this trouble.  Just then
Prospector reminds Yurika that she's got to report in to her father that the
mission is complete.

Meanwhile, Benmel has just gotten his hands on a truly rare mobile suit.
Colos isn't interested in his collection, but wonders how the operation is
going.  Benmel manages to convince her that the plans for Meganoidizing the
Earth are right on schedule.  Fortunate, Colos says, since Don himself is
worried.

Misumaru is very glad to see Yurika in one piece as Hazuki explains that 
the Nadesico's mobile suits had destroyed the Walking Stick before he got
there.  Yurika points out that the Gondor didn't come in vain and was a huge
help against the Gyandora.  Misumaru would love to send the Nadesico to 
help the Lond Bel stop the colony drop, but that's not feasible now: several
Tulips have slipped through the chaos in space and landed on Earth.  The
Nadesico's job is to eliminate them, while the Gondor go about trying to
get rid of the Hundred Demon Empire and Campell Armies.  Reclaiming Jaburo
will come after that.  Unfortunately, due to all the Minovsky particles and
EM interference, Fa can't pinpoint the Argama's location, much less get 
communications through.  The Combattler Team has informed you that the 
enemy's base is in the new volcanic island area of the Pacific Ocean.  Hazuki
has them standing by in the skies above it, but knowing them they probably
won't be able to wait long.  It's hard to know which is worse, the menace
above or the menace below.  The Biston Wellians finally get around to asking
what this "colony" thing is that everyone's making such a fuss about.  Neither
Shou nor Todd are in a mood to tell the pouty Cham what a colony is, so 
Shinguji tells her to think of it as a humongous house.  One with _lots_ of
people in it.  Cham pictures a big mansion falling from space, and Marvel 
finally steps to the plate to correct Shinguji... evidently without much
success.  This is why Shou didn't even want to try.  Kyousuke hopes the colony
isn't gonna come crashing down onto your heads in the middle of battle, which
might just happen if the people fighting off the colony aren't thorough.
Amuro notes that there's nothing to be gained by worrying about it, and that
it's time to go help out the Combattler folk... when Saotome breaks in with
an urgent communique.  He says he's glad that you're still alive, which Hayato
thinks is bad luck.  Ryouma wonders if Getter Robo G is finally done: your
dudes are all glad to hear that a powered up Getter is in the works [damn
thing's weapons _are_ starting to look kind of pallid...]  Ryouma is half
right: Getter G _is_ ready.  Unfortunately for the other half, the lab is
under attack by the Hundred Demon armies.

Allenbie is a bit disappointed that the Nadesico is taking off so suddenly -
the additional firepower would have been a big help [not that they'd let you
bring everyone into battle -_-;;;]  Rain points out that without dividing your
forces, there's no way you could handle all the enemies on Earth and in space.
Joe wonders how Romina is getting along, which Mike says is very unlike his
brother.  Joe of course denies thinking of Romina, causing Jun to notice his
taste for classically "princessesque" women.  Tetsuya finds such women to be
merely naive, and Joe sarcastically apologizes for his concern for his 
comrades in space.  Lenier wonders primly where the plural came from, since she
figures Joe is only concerned about a single person.  As she and Joe trade
barbs, Tetsuya tells them to go maintenance their mecha if they've got this
much time to bicker.  Jun observes that Tetsuya is as dense as ever.  Domon is
totally clued out, which may be for the best.  Hazuki summons all pilots to the
bridge - something bad is going down.

Garrison has just informed you that Hazard has joined forces with the
Meganoids - it was he who helped bring about their revival.  Of course, Don
and Colos were not confirmed destroyed in the last war: about the only place
they could have hid is the Mars Reclamation base.  Joe tells Hazuki that the
hunch about Hazard was right, and then [for the benefit of those who haven't
been playing the rest of the SRW games] asks who Garrison is.  After he
explains who he is, he informs Banjou that the missing Crocus has been found
at the Martian pole.  Hazard has of course informed neither Misumaru nor
Hazuki about this.  Since Hazard was on Tulip watch, this surely isn't a case
of carelessness: he's up to something.  Unfortunately, everyone about the 
Crocus is gone: discovered in a cruel state that couldn't even be identified
as organic or not.  This is said to be the result of their Boson Jump....
which is very odd, considering that the Nadesico made the jump just fine.
Perhaps it's a result of the Nadesico's Distortion Field?  Garrison doesn't
know the details, and Hazuki tells you that everyone's been brought here for
one purpose only: to decide what to do next.  Shirou and Aina come in just
then, rather late, and Cham is about to gleefully blab about what Shirou was
doing - something very similar to Shou and Marvel...  Aina _had_ warned 
Shirou to shut the door, and Marvel takes all this to mean that even outside
of the battlefield one can't let down one's guard.  Hazuki manages to
continue: you've got two things to do - attack the Campell main base and help
out at the Saotome lab.  The lab's situation is more dire, but the Campellians
are geographically closer.  Hayato likes the notion of taking on the Campell
first and catching the Hundred Demons on the backswing, and he's confident
that Saotome won't let the lab fall easily.  Your people proceed to debate
the various merits to each side until Garrison offers to collate all the
available information in a few minutes from now.  As your people prepare for
a short breather, Garrison mentions that The Boom have been spotted in their
combat robots in Kyoto... your problems have just gotten worse!


YOU CAN PLAY THE NEXT FOUR STAGE IN ANY ORDER.  PICK THE SAOTOME LAB FIRST
OR SECOND TO GET TEXAS MACK.


Stage 23. KOMANDAA No Isan ("Legacy of the Commanders") (Kyoto)

Irubora is waiting impatiently for the Gondor and Joe to show up.  He's sure
that with Romina off in space he'll have no problem beating you.  The ninja
show up automatically, well ahead of your other dudes.  Mike is quite pissed
that Irubora is raising hell in a civilian area.  Irubora will do whatever it
takes to take them down: they, who took everything from him.  This sounds like
a personal problem.  Before battle, Lenier notes some odd capsules dotted
around the battlefield.  Could these be some sort of trap?  Joe figures it
won't matter what they are if you scrap them.  He plans to go take on Irubora
and leaves it up to the others to take out the capsules.

  The capsules have 10k HP.  If you fail to destroy them within 4 turns, the
  ninja will get teleported away from the battlefield.  Taking out any one
  of them will do.  Irubora will be somewhat displeased, but he sort of figured
  that Hazardian tech wouldn't cut the mustard anyway.  Joe will try to lord
  this little victory over Irubora, who responds by bringing out more bad
  guys: Meganoids.  Fortunately, at this point, your dudes will show up to
  help.  Garrison and Banjou recognize the weird devices instantly: the
  Commanders' teleportation devices.  Irubora _had_ been planning to teleport
  the whole lot of you somewhere else.  He figures he can just finish you off
  here anyway.  Show him how sadly mistaken he is.  Might as well wreck the
  other teleporters too, just for good measure.

  One of the enemies has a Booster.  Another has a Needleless Ampule.

  On the next turn, Milane shows up and observes that Irubora doesn't appear to
  be holding up his end of the bargain.  Irubola tells her that this is all the
  fault of the POS machines she lent him.  Banjou tells them to take this
  outside, as Milane and your crew renew their "acquaintance".  The fact that
  the Meganoids are in cahoots with Irubola confirm's Joe's suspicions about
  Hazard and the Mars Reclamation/Meganoid base, as well as the resurgence of
  the Meganoids themselves.  Milane scoffs at Hazard, saying that were it not
  for the stubbornness of Don she would never associate with someone like him.
  Is Hazard the one who's being used?  Well, if your people lose here Milane
  will be able to advance plans to Meganoidize all of humanity.  Milane is
  doing all this for the future of the Meganoids, and Banjou points out that
  as long as he's here, the Meganoids have no future.

  On the following NP turn Tobikage shows up, and Joe points out that he's
  way late.  Lenier doesn't like him putting it that way...

  Irubora flees at 9600HP.  He's worth a Skill Point and a Ninja Manual.
  Joe doesn't want to let Irubola get away, but Irubola tells him that the
  time will eventually come to settle their duel.  He up and disappears.

  Milane runs somewhere around 6k HP give or take.  She'll be astounded
  that you're doing so well with so little warpower, but Banjou points out
  that that just means that the Meganoids suck this much.  Tetsuya agrees.
  Milane has no choice but to take that quietly and retreat for now...
  however, this _isn't_ their full capabilities.  She's worth a High
  Accuracy Targeting System.

Looks like Hazard, The Boom, and the Meganoids are in league.  And given
that they're based off of Mars, you can't do jack right now.  Amuro says
that you can worry about that later: right now you've got to finish your
defensive battles.  Leaving the colony problem up to Bright, Banjou figures
that you all will eventually have to go to Mars.  Irubola's joining forces
with them has Joe pissed off, and Lenier wonders if those teleporters really
could have teleported most of Kyoto off somewhere.


Stage 24. G no Houkou ("G's Roar") ("Saotome Laboratory")

Ryouma is getting his first look at Getter G, which is in its final tuning
phase.  Saotome is sorry he couldn't send the thing up to space.  A strange
energy is emanating from the lab: Getter Rays from the uprated Getter reactor.
Amuro thinks this will greatly help out given your current dearth of Super
Robots, but... with energy this great, why haven't the enemy attacked before
now?  In fact, there's been no enemy activity ever since you picked up the
original Getter.  Could it be that...?  Tetsuya gets Amuro's drift, thinking
that the timing certainly fits.  To explain all this to Cham, Marvel tells her
to imagine that there's something she wants, and that that something has to be
assembled.  Furthermore, imagine that that something is assembled by someone
else.  Could Cham, given the pieces, assemble them herself?  Well, it would
depend on what it is, but if it was something difficult she'd get someone else
to do it and... bingo!  Now would be the time for the enemies to appear.  RIGHT
now.  Amuro's bad feeling apparently didn't even portend something this bad.
Hidler is here on Emperor Brai's orders to steal the new Getter.  Tetsuya
wonders if Hidler expects your people to just hand it over, and Hidler says he
plans to take it by force.  Domon welcomes him to try, and in the name of the
Hundred Demon Empire Hidler swears he'll succeed.

It'll take a few turns until Getter G can launch, so Saotome tells the Getter
team to get in and standby.  As the Getter team implores him to hurry, a
strange mecha appears outside, almost like a... cowboy.  It's Jack King and his
dreadful English-accented Japanese.  He's come all the way from America when he
heard of the Gondor's plight.  Marie King is along for the ride too, and
Saotome is glad to see that Professor King's super robot is finished.  Looks
like you've got another ally (assuming you did this route first or second of
course; otherwise, prepare to _fight_ Getter G).

  On turn 3, final checks are complete and Getter G is launched.  Hidler
  is pissed that it launched before he could steal it, and he's still
  determined to haul it off at all costs.  The question is, can Ryouma and co
  handle it or not.  Of course they can. ^_^

  One of the enemy has a Repair Kit S.

  Hidler is worth a High Powered Radar.  He'll beg Brai's forgiveness, and
  tells Brai that he'll begin working on the next operation as soon as he
  returns home.

  On the next round, more bad guys show up.  It's Brai himself, and he
  complements you on the good fighting that has forced him to activate
  "that".  He's in some giant four-legged mecha unlike anything you've
  seen before, and the great emperor Brai says that he's come to show
  the foolish humans just how big their foolishness is.  Cham tell him
  hotly that size isn't everything, and everyone pretty much agrees that
  the only thing really big around here is Brai's mouth.  Brai, seeing
  that you're not impressed, tells you that you'll learn the true power
  of his Unified Hundred Demon Robot as you die.

  One of the new enemies has a Space Abacus.  Brai is worth a Super Alloy
  nu-Z and a Skill Point, since he leaves at 10500HP.  That should no longer
  be a tall order, even for one or two individual units (like Domon or 
  Banjou if you've been powering up their weapons).  Brai will be quite
  impressed that you've managed to damage his Unified Hundred Demon Robot,
  but notes that even so you've got no chance of winning.  Tetsuya is very
  much unimpressed with this kind of trash talk _after_ Brai already lost.
  Brai tells you to laugh it up while you can - you'll be crying soon enough.

Camille is worried that this wasn't mere trash talk.  In any case, Getter G is
to get its final tuneup finished and then you'll hurry on to the next point.
And hey, now you've got Jack and Marie to keep you company too.  Camille is
_still_ worried, feeling as though this was merely the prologue to something
bigger.  After all, there was that huge robot Brai was driving around, and
Norris figures that that parting shot of his _must_ mean something.  He
explains to Aina that one's guard is never lower than when one is declaiming
their revenge amidst a furious rage.  However, Brai seemed like he had time to
spare.  Unfortunately, your people still don't have time to ponder what else is
in store, with the fate of the colony unknown.  Time to push forward.

BTW, IF YOU PLAYED THIS THIRD OR FOURTH, YOU HAVE TO FIGHT GETTER G!  WHICH
COULD SUCK SINCE IT'S GOT 35K HP AND SUCH.  OTOH, THERE'S A FMV OF IT FIGHTING
GETTER.


Stage 25. Daishougun GARUUDA no Higeki ("The Tragedy of the Great General
Garuda") (New Volcanic Island)

The Combattler Team has found the hideout of the bad guys.  Kosaku has tracked
Garuda here via IR camera.  While it's kind of unpleasant that the bad guys
have their base in a volcano, it at least explains why the Lond Bel couldn't
track the Campellians' movements: they were already on Earth.  Oreana
complements everyone on making it this far, but says that this is the end.
The Combattler team is quite startled to see a statue talking, and Hyouma
demands to know what Oreana is.  She's the boss.  Simple enough.  Miia and
a bunch of flunkies show up, asking Oreana to hold to her promise if Miia can
defeat you.  Oreana will keep that promise... IF Miia can prevail.

  The cavalry arrives on turn 3.  Hazuki is astounded that the bad guys 
  would have their base here.  As your people sortie, everyone realizes this
  will be the decisive battle for eliminating the power of the Campellians.  In
  fact, this particular base is not new, but VERY old.  Hyouma asks Oreana just
  how old she is (Chizuru says that's not the problem), and she says that
  she'll blow you away warship and all.  Kyousuke tells her to just try it, but
  Amuro warns him that this can't be the only defenses for the enemy's main
  base.  Joe for his part isn't very inclined to listen to the voice of
  restraint in the presence of the supreme commander of the enemy...  

  When you kill enough of the enemy, a bunch of Einsts show up.  Oreana is
  surprised to see "them" lending a hand - what does this say about Earthlings?
  Shinguji is astounded to hear that, but Mari didn't catch it through all the
  explosions.  Shinguji is now quite pissed and sorely wishes he had Reideen
  on hand to help clear this mystery up.  Cham is freaking out, stammering
  that you mustn't charge these enemies although she can't explain why.  In
  the voice only Kyousuke can hear, the Einsts say "Un...desirable..."  It
  appears the Einsts are in league with the Campellians, and although their
  claws can rip even through Super Alloy nu-Z, Tetsuya isn't about to back
  down.  You can't pass up this chance to take out the Campell stronghold,
  so keep fighting.

  One of the enemies has a Propellant Tank S.  Miia is worth a Ninja Manual,
  and will lament not being able to help her beloved Garuda as she goes boom.

  Oreana is worth a V-Up Unit(U).  Does her death mean the end of the
  Campellians?  Surely not, since Garuda is still around somewhere.  Surely
  he hasn't simply run and hid somewhere.  As Hyouma challenges Garuda to
  come out and fight, an AMV occurs.  Garuda is distraught, and asks the 
  departed Miia to forgive him, since he didn't know the truth that he,
  like her, is a robot.  He he but realized sooner, he could have accepted
  her love.  But it's too late for all that now - he challenges you all to
  one last duel, for his own sake.  As your people try to assimilate what
  it means to be a robot with emotions, Hyouma tells Garuda that while he
  doesn't know who Garuda is or what his past is, he can't afford to lose
  here.

  Garuda is worth a Super Alloy Z.  Defeat Garuda with Combattler V for a
  Skill Point.  Garuda complements you all on a splendid victory, and
  Hyouma demands to know what the connection between the Campellians and
  the Einsts is.  Garuda is bitterly amused that he would ask him, a robot,
  such a question.  He decides to answer, saying that his mother came to
  this planet several thousand years ago, a time when humans possessed no
  science or technology.  Why didn't Garuda's mother take over the planet
  then... or why she was unable to do so?  She probably tried...  Garuda
  tells you all that he has no regrets, and tells Miia that he'll never let
  her go again.  Kablam.

In the end, you _still_ aren't much closer to understanding what's up with
the Einsts.  Cham is a bit calmer now, but warns that if these fights go
on... Shou asks her to say concretely what's wrong, and she impatiently
tells him that she doesn't know.  Bad stuff is bad, period.  Well, what
you've learned is that the Campellians have been on Earth for thousands of
years... precisely what happened back then?  What Tetsuya can't figure out
is what made the Campellians choose _now_ to stick their heads up with all
the military action on so many fronts.  Indeed: what made _all_ these
different armies mobilize at the same time?  Hayato gets their drift, but
this isn't the time to get theoretical: regardless of the colony drop
status, you've still got a job to do.  Hazuki agrees, and it's time to blast
off for the next point as soon as repairs and refueling are done.  Hyouma
says one last, morose farewell to Garuda.


Stage 26. Uragiri no COREKUTAA ("Collecter of Treachery") (Deserted Island)

This is the island where Hazuki met with Amuro and Camille.  This is also the
place where the Federation Transports went missing.  However, something is
here that wasn't here the last time you visited.  Whatever it is is very well
hidden (Could it be a hidden ninja base! DUH! HELLO!  Earth to Lenier!  
Tetsuya tells her to give it up.)  Considering that you can't get through to
this base, your people will just have to investigate carefully.

  On turn 2, it looks like there's no response.  Kyousuke's got a bad feeling
  about all this, but Banjou is happy.  Sure enough the bad guys appear:
  Meganoids!  This means the person behind all the disappearances is none
  other than...!  Benmel is overjoyed at all the new robots he's going to
  get from you (yeah right).  Yes, it's a Megaborg fisherman, and he thinks
  he's caught some real big fish this time.  He takes his time admiring
  your machinery, amazed that lower life forms like humans could create such
  objects of beauty.  Banjou asks who Benmel thinks made _him_, and informs
  him in no uncertain terms that his fishing days are over.  Apparently
  Benmel didn't get the memo.
</pre><pre id="faqspan-5">
  As you trash Benmel's stuff, he'll get pissed and start dipping into his
  private collection: Jion mobile suits, and Gaizokku.  As you continue the
  damage, he'll bring out Aura Battlers (how the hell did he get his hands
  on those??) and some Titan mecha.  As Banjou's trash talking increases,
  Benmel finally shows himself.

  One of the enemies is worth an Anti-Beam Coating.

  Benmel flees at 7500HP, and is worth a Skill Point and a Haro(!!)  He'll
  tell Banjou not to think of this as the end, and Banjou has no plans to
  let things end here either.  Benmel vows to return, with the full fury of
  his collection in tow.

  On turn 6, Tobikage shows up.  Benmel goes minorly orgiastic over this
  Japanese Ninja Robot which he wants to add to his collection.  This
  assumes that Benmel lives long enough - it should be quite possible to
  kill him before turn 6 is over.

  It may well be worth twiddling your thumbs however, since on turn 10 
  Benmel sends out the G-3 and Char Edition Zaku.  These are some vicious
  opponents; however, if you have Chris take down the G-3 and Bernie take
  down the Zaku you'll get them right before stage 27.  AND THEY ARE VERY GOOD
  UNITS.  Benmel is reluctant to send them out because they're rare, but hey,
  this is an emergency.  Amuro is amazed to see an RX-78-3, and Bernie is
  ready to spooge over the Zaku S-type.  Time to feel the power of
  oldie-but-goodie One Year War engineering.  Bernie and Chris of course have
  it all figured out how to capture these machines...  The G-3 has a Magnetic
  Coating, and the Char Edition Zaku has a Cartridge.

Things are certainly looking grim with the Mechanoids being active all over
the place.  Too bad you've got no time to worry about all that - Hazuki
orders everyone to set about recovering all the stolen stuff.

The good news is that the Campellians are now beaten down.  The bad news is
that none of your other enemies are.  Hazuki then breaks the news to you
that this is around the calculated time when the colony would pass the point
of no return.  Garrison informs you that the trajectory isn't yet changed,
and that it's still on course to fall on South America, smack dab on top of
Jaburo.  Looks like you've got to talk about what to do after the impact,
as much as you'd like to believe in the Lond Bel.  Just then, something comes
on the monitor!

If you got the mecha, Rain calls Bernie and Chris aside.  Bernie is overjoyed
to see the Gundam and Zaku standing side by side.  It took Rain a long time
to repair them, and Domon's not sure what good ancient hardware like this will
do.  Bernie, for his part, is overjoyed at seeing the Red Comet and the White
Demon back together again.  Not that Domon can't appreciate the sentimental
value...  All that remains to decide is who pilots them: Bernie is sure he'll
be in Char's Zaku and Chris in the G-3.  Domon smiles and says to check with
Hazuki first (damn straight!)

Some kind of giant thing has appeared in the sky - an island made of iron.  Is
this a new enemy?  It's currently headed through the skies above the Pacific,
i.e. headed straight for you.  Your young whippersnappers can't figure out
how Garrison can take this so calmly, although the Combattler Team are more
interesting in things like, where the funk did someone hide this thing and
what the funk are you going to do about it.  Marvel wonders if someone merely
made it _look_ like a normal sized island, which wouldn't be that hard.  It's
got weapons on top, and is several times the size of the Will Wips.
Apparently it's piloted by none other than Brai, who wishes you all well and
commends you on your victory over the Campellians.  He doesn't approve of
the allies they made, but couldn't exactly lend you a hand.  Which is to say
he let you do the dirty work and is now coming in to mop you up.  As a final
gesture of fairness, he grants you time to run away while he sets up camp in
Japan.  Ryouma wants to counterattack, but Amuro figures that beating him
right now is impossible.  You may have to pull back and regroup.  The decision
falls to Hazuki, who decides to ram the enemy fortress with the Gondor.  You
don't have any time left, and if the enemy manages to land on Japan, the 
damage to the cities will be extensive.  As the rest of your people beg Hazuki
to think calmly about the consequences, he says he is being calm.  The very
enormity of the enemy makes it that much easier for you to make it inside.  He
asks Amuro's opinion, and Amuro says it's up to him.  A tacit gesture of
agreement, as Shirou realizes.  Norris is quite amused that he's fallen in 
with such a daring group of people.  It's been ages since he's fought such an
engaging fight, and he's more than eager to see how things turn out.  Hazuki
apologizes for being so like the Beast Machine pilots he commands, and Kyousuke
says that he loves all-or-nothing gambles like this.


27. Senba wa, Oozora Takaku ("The Battlefield is the Heavens Above")

Only ten turns left until the the fortress squashes Japan and the Gondor
squad.  Who have just made it through to the fortress.  Domon rather doubts
that sending this thing after you will make you any easier to defeat: size
isn't everything!  Brai is astonished that you made it through the triple-A,
and Ryouma doesn't even wait for orders before sortying.  Apparently the
rest of your crew have been quite jostled around and are feeling lucky just
to be alive (#weak!)  Small details aside, it's push or shove time, and
that time's running short.  You've got to take out _all_ enemies in ten
turns.

  Do it in 7 for a Skill Point.

  On turn 2, Brai impatiently orders more troops forward.  Bernie is
  impressed at all the bad guys hidden away in this base, but Chris
  chides him that this is not a good time to be impressed.

  Hidler will show up on turn 4, asking Brai to leave this to him.  Cham
  is so excited that she's getting in Shou's way pointing Hidler out to
  you.  On turn five, who should appear but Dangaioh and a tankard of beer.
  Long live Hirano's skimpy flight suits!  Tarsan has sent them _right_
  to the center of the battle with his usual flair.  Gil and the Bunkers
  are heading for Earth, but of course you don't have time for that right
  now.  Your dudes now feel that victory is assured.

  Brai in turn gets pissed off and decides to fight you himself.  This
  could be the end of the Hundred Demon empire, if the two sides would
  stop trading insults long enough.

  Tobikage shows up on turn 6, and now the battle is _really_ going in your
  favor.

  One of the bad guys has a Repair Kit S.  Another has 10,000 credits.  Yet
  another has a Mars Donburi.   Hidler is worth a Large Generator.

  Brai is worth a Biosensor.  He'll be astounded that his great fortress could
  be taken down, and won't accept it.  Whether he accepts it or not, it's
  the truth.  Tetsuya informs him that demons are suited to going to hell.
  All that remains is crashing the fortress... at least until the next group
  of enemies show up.  Garrison finds the main powerplant right under where
  Brai's throne is, and Hazuki has the least damaged mecha plant explosives
  on it.  All the heavily damaged mecha are recovered quickly.  Scratch one
  hundred demons and assorted equipment of theirs.  However, as Hayato notes,
  it's perhaps more than just coincidence that for "demons" they looked an
  awful lot like humans.

The fortress island is going down like Heidi Fleiss.  Looks like Brai's
vaunted military might was no match for a good old ass-whupin' courtesy of
your guys.  Most of the enemies _should_ be toast now; unfortunately, Dr.
Hell (who somehow survived getting killed by Kouji ^^;;) and the Mikeene are
still doing something behind the scenes.  The real question is how to balance
hunting Dr. Hell and breaking into Jaburo.  Hyouma figures that you can
safely leave Dr. Hell be for now, since he's gonna be some broken down wreck
after the ass-handing he experienced before.  Tetsuya sure hopes that's the
case.  Unfortunately, you don't have time to sightsee at the new floating
island: Hundred Demon or Campell or some kind of enemy robot has been spotted
on the south side of Jaburo.  Considering that both of those groups should
have gone down in flames, this is very disappointing.  Everyone has to gather
at the bridge as Kyousuke gets another one of his bad feelings.

Elsewhere, Hamarn is impressed that your people managed to stop the colony
drop.  Mashmar comes at her summons.  She tells him that the Federation is
still in an uproar over the alien invasion (as is Neo-Jion, to a much lesser
extent).  She tells Mashmar to take the new machines and destroy the Lond
Bel.  He accepts her order, asking what she plans on doing about matters on
the surface.  Mashmar suggests striking at the military strength of the 
Federation in both areas at once, and she tells him not to be hasty: Gremy's
men have already been dispatched to Jaburo.  That, and she met someone 
interesting among the survivors of the Titans.  Mashmar protests (politely)
Hamarn's choice of Gremy, and while Hamarn agrees, she wants to see how
he/she/it reacts.  She tells Mashmar to focus all his efforts on taking down
the Lond Bel, looking forward to his success.  He is very grateful at her
words, and promises to be worthy of them.

The Dangaioh people note that Earth is in as much chaos as ever, and Bernie
says that things have actually calmed down some.  Space is still a mess too,
with some "vegetable planet" having appeared... well, she's not supposed to
have mentioned that.  Apparently it used to be just a lump of rock, but it's
been getting bigger, and heading towards Earth.  Tetsuya smiles at the 
irony: just as the colony drop has been stopped, an asteroid or something
is on the inbounds.  Apparently Bright has some kind of plan, and had asked
them not to pass the word along, but...

Hazuki is informed and gets on the horn to Bright.  Bright wasn't trying to
hide it unnecessarily... Hazuki understands.  Bright's reconnaissance shows
that while there's no problem yet, the object definitely contains some
dangerous stuff.  Man-shaped dangerous stuff.  At least other enemy activity
is quieting down, although it would be folly to let down your guard now.
Unfortunately, the Cosmo Family's Crossbone Vanguard is apparently becoming
active according to recent information.  As Bright and Amuro wish the fighting
would end, Bright has to hang up to go fight a battle (^^;;)  Bright leaves
the Neo-Jion forces on the ground up to you and signs off.

Elsewhere, Gineas has finally, at long last completed his dream mech, his
child, the Apsalas.  Zabiine notes caustically that just finishing it doesn't
equal proving its use in battle.  Gineas thanks Zabiine for helping him get
ready to wreak vengeance on the Federation, but Zabiine tells him to thank
the Iron Mask; he's merely come to check Gineas' progress.  With a flourish,
Gineas shows him the completed Apsalas.  Ugly and unconventional, much like
its mysterious sponsor.  Gineas is resolved to gather all his remaining
forces and take down Jaburo.  He yells out to Aina to witness the power
his Apsalas.

Right before you invade Jaburo, you're going to reprovision in Kawasaki
City.  The Nadesico is supposed to be there, after being formally installed
in the Federation military.  Hazuki isn't sure how this happened, since 
Nergal's objective is solely the Scaparelli Project (i.e. the reclamation of
Mars)... probably Nergal hoped to gain the military's help by letting the
Nadesico be drafted.  Evidently problems on Mars are bigger than the Nadesico
can handle alone, and while you all are eventually planning to go to Mars too,
the whole mess with Hazard and the Mars Reclamation Base has been back-
burnered.  Besides, you can't easy just _go_ to Mars unless via Boson Jump,
and that's effect on living crew members isn't exactly reassuring.  After your
people finish maintenance and help with reprovisioning, Hazuki gives everyone
shore leave.  The girls are going shopping, and Banjou decides to see if he
can break into Nergal and sniff around for fun.

Admiral Munetake is yelling at the Nadesico's crew, telling them that it was
only due to HIS hard work that they, as civilians, didn't get kicked off this
military warship.  Now they've all got to become soldiers.  Ruri is not
impressed, but Akatsuki says it shouldn't matter since everyone is fighting for
peace on Earth anyway.  Munetake screams some more about how the military can't
just let a battleship like this participate in a "friendly" and not allied
manner as it has in the past.  Besides, anyone leaving the ship now would
attract some rather unfriendly surveillance.  Ruri wonders who brought in
Munetake on such short notice, and Erina tells everyone that if they want to
preserve peace on earth and free the Martians, their only choice would be to
remain on board.  Akito isn't sure he wants to make war his profession, and
Munetake will gladly remand him to just being a cook, saying he doesn't plan
on trusting an Aestivalis to someone like him.  He gleefully tells Akito that
they don't even need a spare cook, and that there's no place on the Nadesico
for him.

Apparently Megumi left the Nadesico too, to be with him.  Akito will probably
go back to being a cook, although he isn't looking forward to being called a
pilot washout.  He's never worried too much about what he wanted to be, but
in the end it appears that nobody called his number either.  Erina shows up
just then, saying that she'll gladly call his name.  Megumi figures she just
wants to keep Akito under surveillance, but she tells Akito that there's a
job that only he can do.  Akito knows that the Jovian Lizards can use their
teleportation aka Boson Jumping to stage attacks just about anywhere.  It
turns out that Nergal has a separate effort from the military to understand
how this system works.  What does this have to do with Akito?  Well, the
Jovian Lizard weapons are unmanned and the Crocus's crew got wiped out: the
question is, how was the Nadesico's crew able to survive?  Akito appears to
be the key, as Banjou notes.  Beauty is on the scene too, as is Reika, and
Tobb.  And Ines.  This is mildly ludicrous.  It's also intensely scientifically
interesting that Akito and the crew managed to Boson Jump alive.  If this
were possible more widely, the conditions of the war could be very very 
different.  Mind you, the Martians appear not to have made organic Boson
Jumps work - the Earthlings have to get there first.  The way Erina says
this makes it sound like Nergal knows more about the Jovian Lizards than they
are letting on, which she then hotly denies (somewhat too hotly).  Despite
Akito's belief that he has no special powers, Erina is convinced that he's 
the key to organic Boson Jumping.  She asks Akito if he recognizes a certain
pretty blue stone she's got: not a stone in fact, but a shard of a dream.
Banjou catches on to what she's saying, watching in amusement.  It's a
CC (short for "Tulip Crystal", damn fragging Japanese phonemes!), discovered
on Mars.  It is in fact just like Akito's memento of his father, which he
lost on Mars.  These crystals are in fact of the same make as the Tulips,
and the CCs are the trigger for the Boson Jump.  Just like Akito experienced
on "that day".  When he came to Earth from Mars, the day a Tulip landed on 
the Utopia Colony.  The day he couldn't save Ai-chan, the day when the next
thing he knew he found himself on Earth.  Apparently, Akito is the only one
who can use the CCs, as he has demonstrated twice.  The question Banjou has
is why _Akito_ in particular is important in the equation.  Just then the
Jovian Lizards attack... are they after the Gondor and Nadesico, or...?
Maybe they're after Atomo Corporation, i.e. Nergal itself!


Scene 6. The Reclamation of Jaburo


Stage 28. Yume no Kakera ("Fragments of a Dream")

Looks like shore leave is cancelled.  The women are pissed at having their
shopping trip cut short, and Domon tells Allenbie to voice her complaints to
the enemy.  The enemy is a mixture of Jovian Lizards and Bunker units.
Moreover, these look like the same crew who attacked when the Dangaioh team
was trying to go shopping on the Von Braun base on the moon.  Your dudes
sortie, drawing yet another "Baka" from Ruri at Gai's usual melodramatics.
Note that some of the enemies have Distortion Fields, which will make them
harder to kill.  Yurika promises to protect Akito.  Banjou urges his people
to head for safety, and Megumi tries to have Akito head for one of the civilian
shelters.

  More bad guys show upon turn 3.  In fact, the bad guys look just like...
  Gekiganger!  And no, they're not here to help Gai out.  Although these
  don't look anything like insects, they could conceivably be Bunker machines.
  It seems doubtful that the Bunker would model their machines after some
  anime, and Kyousuke observes that this doesn't seem likely to end as
  just a joke.  As your people try not to laugh, Ines notes that the enemy
  appears to have caught on to Earth's experiments in organic Boson Jumping.
  In which case, the enemy is hear to put a stop to those experiments once
  and for all.

  Damage this new enemy enough and your people will observe that unmanned
  enemies don't seem to know when to quit.  Banjou however looks at the way
  it moves and doubts it could be unmanned.  Megumi keeps trying to shepherd
  Akito into the shelter, saying that everyone's fine without him.  Akito is
  having trouble with the notion of Gekiganger being a bad guy when a new
  enemy appears.  This new enemy has Boson Jumped in, meaning it must be of
  Jovian origin.  But yet more enemies show up: the Bloody, piloted by Gil.
  He's on his usual rampage, and as most of your people resent the intrusion
  Yurika cheerfully notes that Kawasaki City sure seems to be a popular
  travel destination.  As people are still trying to get Akito and company to
  a shelter, Banjou can't help having a bad feeling about the new Jovian
  mecha.  After you toast off the first bad adversary who runs away via Boson
  Jump, Uribatake will beg your people to recover for him the wreckage of
  one of the Jovian mecha so he can put it back together and try to learn more
  about the Jovian Lizards.

  One of the enemies has a Space Abacus.  Another has a Magnetic Coating.  
  Another has a Repair Kit S.  Yet another has a Spiritual Energy Device.
  Yet another has a Super Alloy nu-Z.

  When you take down the new Gekiganger-like robot, it will come back to
  life and Boson Jump to another part of the city, with its internal
  temperature and Boson count rising rapidly.  It appears that it's been
  programmed to self-destruct and will take everything around it into a
  Boson Jump with it.  Ines guarantees that it'll wipe the city completely
  off the map.  Even inside Megumi's beloved shelter won't be safe, and 
  Banjou is hardly going to sit around and watch this sort of catastrophe
  occur.  Erina wonders why he isn't going to run away, and he tells her
  that not only would he not make it, but there would be no point in only
  him saving himself.  He gives Akito a CC, which he just happened to pick
  up on a certain excursion to Mars(!).  He tells Akito that Akito knows
  what he has to do.  He explains to Megumi the wet blanket that while he
  holds down the enemy, Akito has to do what only he can do.  Daitarn 3
  shows up, and he tells your people he has no time to explain what he's
  been up to.  He tells everyone to get as far away as possible.  Akito
  pops up, and there's only ten seconds until the Jovian explodes.  As Akito
  struggles to understand what it is that only he can do, what makes him
  special, he yells at Banjou to get out of the way.  Banjou yells back to
  do what he has to do by his side: to believe in the circle of the sun and
  more than anything else in his own power.  There is a flash of light,
  and both Akito, Daitarn 3, and the Jovian vanish.  It's now clear that the
  CCs are indeed the trigger for Boson Jumping.  Hazuki yells at your stunned
  people to fend of the remaining enemies, and worry about Akito's whereabouts
  afterwards.  He tells Yurika not to waste the life he saved and the time
  he bought you.

  When you off the Bloody, out comes the Bloody II - heavyweight gives way
  to Bantam weight.  Your dudes get fast and furious with the boxing
  analogies.  When you finally take Gil down, his machine is badly off enough
  that he won't be able to eject.  Looks like his revenge train has hit the
  final station.  Mia call out to Roll, who knows what to do.  Roll yells at
  Gil to jump on before his machine explodes.  Ruri notes that the Bunker
  machine is seconds away from exploding.  Gil considers their offer, then
  tells Mia that she's far too naive, and allows the explosion to claim him.

  Do all this within six turns for a Skill Point.

The Dangaioh team are devastated, especially Mia.  This seems odd, considering
that Gil was out for their life, but it seems there's something more going on.
Pai is pissed, and Mia laments how Gil had even been cybernetically enhanced
by Tarsan... what had he hoped to accomplish?  But he used his power for
_evil_, and there was nothing else that could be done!  Amuro notes quietly
that things like this have happened before.  Joe observes that in some sense
Gil died like a "man"... a "warrior's pride", as Domon flatly notes.  Yurika
can't comprehend that kind of pride.

Anyways, you all managed to protect Kawasaki City.  A Pyhrric victory for
the Dangaioh crew, and Roll observes that the Bunker must be smashed before
they latch onto the Earth Sphere in earnest.  Joe recalls that they had been
searching for something: Mutron, which recalls the Gyandora incident.  What
a headache.  Kyousuke states that your only choice for now is to take out
the enemy's appendages one by one, until you finally get to squash the head.
By the way, what happened to Akito when he stopped the entire city from 
being Transposed?  Both he and Daitarn 3 have vanished, using that emergency
Boson Jump.  Kosaku notes that there's too little data to know where they
might have warped out or what might have happened to the self-destructing mech.
Of course, people can't normally survive Boson Jumping, which is an 
extremely distressing thought.  To be sure, Akito managed to do an organic
Boson Jump before...

A shadowy (oh, come on now) figure manages to get a transmission through to
the Nadesico.  The crew think they're hearing things at first (^^;;) but Ruri
suggests it might be a ghost (^^;;;;;;;;;;)  Finally the picture comes in
loud and clear: Akito is safe and sound and at Von Braun.  Banjou's doing fine
too, despite the uproar their sudden appearance caused.  The Dangaioh crew
are wondering how this teleportation was accomplished without any sort of 
special device in evidence, except for maybe that pretty rock.  Well, this is
apparently Akito's power, with a bit of help from the CC.  Yurika has shut
herself away in her bedroom in grief, and Ines tells Akito to show his smiling
face to Yurika pronto.  Hazuki figures all this deserves further analysis, but
is glad that everyone's okay.  Apparently even Yurika thinks Akito is a ghost
at first, but when she realizes it's him she resolves to head straight to the
moon and pick him up.  Akito has to remind her that since the Nadesico is now
a military vessel she can't just do that on a whim.  Ruri then interrupts
and summons Yurika to the bridge for a transmission from Admiral Misumaru.

Munetake is hyperventilating about a not-so-little object people just
noticed.  Bright explains that it was just a regular asteroid until recently,
when it suddenly sucked in everything nearby.  This is that vetegation
asteroid, still on a course for Earth and putting everything in grave danger.
Prospector ironically notes that the insurance payout would be _rather_ large
were the thing to hit.  This is bad timing considering you all were just
about to go storm Jaburo.  Bright says that he's hoping to fire a Colony
Laser at it, but nobody knows if Gripps II will work or not until they actually
try firing it.  Munetake is sure Gripps II won't work, and Misumaru says that
you have to plan for the eventuality of it failing.  Yurika then comes in,
and is instantly taken aback by the scene on the monitor.  Bright continues,
saying that if the Gripps II fails, he believes the only hope is to infiltrate
inside the thing.  Which would fall to the Lond Bel, with their help from
Dankuuga and Reideen and so forth.  Yurika has an idea: leave the retaking of
Jaburo to the Gondor squad, and the Nadesico going to space to rendezvous with
the Lond Bel.  She points out that while the Surface is a mess, the problems
there will be nothing compared to what happens if the asteroid hits.  Hazuki
agrees: Yurika is definitely her father's daughter when it comes to strategy.
And lo and behold, the Moon is a great place for the rendezvous, in particular
Nergal's lunar dock.  Looks like all is coming together _quite_ nicely. ^_^

Hazuki explains all this to your people.  The tricky part is the Neo Jion
group that has landed on the East side of Jaburo.  Kyousuke is amazed that
the Jion would actually make contingency plans like this against their own
colony drop failing, and Amuro is forced to admire the thoroughness of Hamarn
Kahn's operation.  This isn't the time to be too admiring though.  Jaburo is
bounded on the west by a squad of Titans, on the North by survivors of the
Jion's land brigade including Aina's brother.  On the East are those new
Jion forces, and to the South, those Hundred Demon and Campell mecha.  This
latter is a real pisser because supposedly you finished all those dudes already.
It's hard to imagine that they could have simply kept some firepower in
reserve with the survival of the empire on the line.  Besides, according to
Hayato even if the two empires were somehow still alive, it's unthinkable that
those two armies would join forces.  Furthermore, there's lots of AI involved
in running all these enemies... maybe it would have been better to keep the
Nadesico here?  Not really if the asteroid got through as a result. Domon
points out that talk is cheap - what your people need to do is get down to
work.  And that work will involve taking out the enemy one side at a time
lest you get caught in a pincer movement at the center.  Time to kick off
the reclamation of Jaburo!


YOU CAN DO THE NEXT FOUR BATTLES IN ANY ORDER.  I RECOMMEND DOING THEM IN THE
ORDER PRESENTED: EAST, NORTH, WEST, THEN SOUTH.  This is important if you
want to get the Psychogundam.

Stage 29: AKUSHISSU no Shisha ("The Servant of Axis") (East Jaburo)

Gremy isn't happy that he got roped into coming here, especially in light of
the Apsalas Project's failure and the abortive colony drop.  Just then the
Gondor shows up - he's impressed that they're doing this well despite being
surrounded by the enemy.  Your dudes for their part note that these enemies
look tough - nothing but new Mobile Suits you've not seen before.  The bad
news is that they've all got Funnels: looks like Neo Jion is getting serious.
Hyouma is not very impressed.  Given the large number of long range weapons
the enemy has, it appears to be their intent to use the terrain against
you.  Fortunately, this has never stopped your people before, and isn't going
to stop you now.  Gremy is pondering how to deal with the new mecha you've
brought, and Pai is fired up like a guy to fight against such impressive odds.
Gremy doesn't like the odds much, and will send for reinforcements from the
west side of Jaburo.

  One of the enemies has a Needleless Ampule.  Another has a Repair Kit S.  Yet
  another has a Magnetic Coating.

  Reinforcements show up on turn 3... in Titan mobile suits.  In fact, they're
  Hammurabis, remnants of the Gripps fleet.  And Yazan is in command.  Gremy is
  happy that there are even more high mobility machines on his side now, and 
  Yazan is looking forward to his first serious fight in years.  Your people
  aren't precisely intimidated.

  Tobikage shows up on turn 4.  This dude's timeliness is reminiscent of the 
  Gundam Spiegel.  The question is, where the hell does Tobikage come and go
  from?  You'll have to figure that out eventually.

  Gremy runs at 15565 HP.  That's not as many as it sound like, if you spend
  the time to erode his Shields first.  Note that the base he's standing on
  restores energy and HP each turn.  He's worth a Skill Point and a Haro.
  He'll comment as a flees that he can't afford to die here - he's still got
  stuff to do.  Yazan is worth a Anti-Beam Coating.

According to Tetsuya, these guys were tough (yeah wrong).  That you ran into a
force this strong must mean that Neo Jion is really worried.  If you can just
take back Jaburo, you'll have a huge advantage over them.  Well, recover
everyone and press on for the next point.


Stage 30: Toujou no Akuma ("The Demon Overhead") (North Jaburo)

Gineas is sure that this time, his Apsalas will be perfect.  He rants to
himself that he'll prove how wrong Aina's decision was to betray him.  Your
dudes show up, rather unhappy to see yet another Apsalas.  Kosaku notes that
something fishy is going on - Jion shouldn't have this much warpower left.
Aina certainly didn't expect to see the final version of the Apsalas 
operational.  There's no overt indications that Hamarn's ground forces are
in cahoots, but it does make one wonder.  What also odd is how all the
apparatus for the Jaburo perimeter is non-operational.  Just what's going on
inside Jaburo itself?  As Gineas gleefully challenges Aina, your people observe
that the completed Apsalas resembles the Big Zam from the One Year War...i.e.
it's got a big ass particle cannon.  As Aina angsts over her role in developing
this monster, Gineas blames Aina for leaving his side and Shirou for causing
it to happen.

  One of the enemies has a Mars Donburi.  Another has a Cartridge.

  Gineas has 40,000 HP and some very unpleasant weaponry, but is too stupid
  to run away.  When you shoot him down, he'll be quite surprised.  He's worth
  a Minovsky Craft.

  On turn six, reinforcements arrive commanded by Zabiine (even if you 
  killed Gineas in 5 turns, as is eminently possible).  Zabiine is not 
  impressed with the battle so far and wonders how long Iron Mask will insist
  on using putrid, outdated machines like these.  Yet more mobile suits Amuro
  has never seen before.  Bernie thinks their concept seems very un-Jionic,
  and the Dangaioh folks vaguely remember seeing them in space.  All Mia can
  remember is that they're the "Something Vanguard".  This jogs Hazuki's
  memory: these are the Crossbone Vanguard.  All Hazuki has time to tell your
  people is that these are some people that Bright's data speaks of, who
  have used the confusion on Earth as their chance to attack.  He tells you
  all to concentrate on shooting them all down.  Domon's getting impatient,
  and wonders when you'll finally reach the Devil Gundam.  Norris realizes
  that the mysterious people hanging around Gineas were the Crossbone
  Vanguard.  Although this new addition to your list of enemies is unwelcome,
  your people are more than prepared for the challenge.  Zabiine isn't
  impressed with your dudes, but figures that since you'll have to fight 
  sooner or later, it might as well be now.

  Zabiine flees at 13100 HP.  He's worth a Shuffle Crest and a Skill Point.
  Add him to the long list of people who have underestimated you.

Hazuki is amazed that the Crossbone Vanguard are helping Neo-Jion.  Amuro 
notes that Bright didn't mention anything about them - maybe they're only
helping the Neo-Jion ground forces.  He can't say for certain that they're
not affiliated with Hamarn, but something's fishy.  Despite all the new
anxiety, your people have to continue the breaking into Jaburo.  Aina says
one final farewell to her brother.  Who, it turns out, isn't quite dead yet.
Zabiine isn't terribly impressed with what's left, and once again wonders
what Iron Mask is thinking.  With no choice, he takes Gineas with him.


Stage 31. GURIPPUSU no Bourei ("The Ghosts of Gripps") (West Jaburo)

Seems all is noisy on the Western Front.  Everyone wants to know where all
these bad guys came from - apparently they used the colony drop as cover to
sneak down here.  Amuro figures that given their numbers, they must have been
positioned before the colony thing began.  An insurance policy of sorts.
Camille thinks back to the Gripps Campaign, when Scirocco joined forces with
Hamarn.  Even after the Titans' destruction, their foul legacy remains.  More
than that, as Norris states: their pilots are around too.  Hyouma chides your
guys to forget about the past and concentrate on the present confronting them.

  Destroy enough of the enemies and reinforcements will appear, led by Jerrid.
  Camille knows this particular rogue well: a former Titan who sided with
  Scirocco.  Jerrid says that he's become a man who can't move forward at all
  until he defeats Camille.  This brings back a lot of bad memories for
  Camille, and several people have to tell him to keep his cool.  Furthermore,
  even more bad guys show up, including the Psychogundam if you did the East
  Jaburo mission prior to this.  Camille _really_ isn't pleased to see that
  here, but your dudes note that even though it's twice the size of a normal
  Gundam it's still far smaller than Combattler.

  One of the enemies has a Propellant Tank S.  Jerrid is worth a Skill Point
  and a Psychoframe.  He'll vow to take Camille down someday...  Your people
  note that they can't chase Jerrid right now, and Tetsuya figures that with
  the damage he's sustained he won't go far.  Camille is still angsting over
  all this, wonder what made Jerrid want to kill him so badly that he joined
  the Jion.  

  The Psychogundam is worth a Super Alloy Z.  Have Camille finish it off and
  you'll get to keep it.  Camille is finally able to bid farewell to Four, and
  Amuro compliments him on his skill in only taking out the generator section.
  Camille tells Amuro that "skill" and "beauty" has nothing to do with killing
  and destroying.

  By the way, this battle should be finishable in 5 turns, giving access once
  again to the mythical Concentration ability.

Hazuki notes that this whole process is taking longer than he thought.
Apparently the enemy still have cards up their sleeve despite the colony drop
failing.  That said, your people have no intention of letting Hamarn have
Jaburo.


Stage 32. Michibiku Mono, Michibikareru Mono ("The Leader, and the Led")
(South Jaburo)

Upon seeing the enemies at this most problematic site, Tetsuya gets a very
knowing expression on his face.  There was no IFF error: those are genuine
Hundred Demon robots.  But surely that empire is in ruins.  Ryouma decides that
there's only one way to find out, and launches.  The Dangaioh folks launch for
the same reason when they see the flying Bunker machines.  Where there's
Campellian mecha, there's Combattler V.  Domon spots the Einsts mingled with
the enemy when suddenly a heat source emerges from the ground: Devil Gundam
zombies.  One of the Einsts mumbles something that only Kyousuke can here about
"interfering", making Kyousuke join the general frenzy.  Cham can only tell
that there's some kind of vague evil aura around the Einsts - nothing more.
Kyousuke figures that if Alfimi shows up in her red mech much more should
become clear.

  One of the enemies has a Chobham Armor.

  As you erode the enemies, more will appear, including some Banks machines.
  Why the heck are all these different enemies appearing?  Gaizokku too, and
  Youma Kingdom machines etc. etc.

  One of the new enemies has a Mars Donburi.

  Tobikage shows up on turn 4, almost as though he's been watching and waiting
  to jump in when the circumstances are most dire.  This engenders a longer
  than normal silence from Tobikage, and Kosaku makes a startling discovery.
  The enemy are emitting a noise above the range of human hearing - could this
  be how this enemy is controlling all the AI-regulated, cockpitless machines
  you've been fighting until now?  And does the fact that Tobikage is
  responding too mean that it's an AI as well?  You'd better hope not, since
  you'd have to fight him.  This prompts Joe, who was glad to see Tobikage a
  moment ago, to tell Tobikage to get the fuck out when he's not wanted, one
  heck of a 180 according to Lenier.  He combines with you anyway on the
  following player turn.  Joe is, once again, glad for this.

  When you deplete the enemy enough, the ringleader will show herself: it's
  Alfimi!  You might find it useful to station dudes on the southern encampment
  to prevent her from hogging the defensible spots.  Interestingly enough, the
  enemy have fake Alteizen.  Actually, they're not fake, they're something even
  more different.  Alfimi greets Kyousuke, and tells the Aura Battlers that
  she's done opening the pathway to Biston Well since "their" objective has
  been met.  She tells Kyousuke that Excellen is coming with her and him.
  Alfimi claims that the three of them will go to a new universe, so they can
  cast off the original land.  Kyousuke isn't parsing this well and asks if she
  thinks that your dudes will just do what she wants.  She plans to make you,
  and emits some strong psychic wave.  Apparently it fails to control Kyousuke,
  as he already told her once.  She can't understand why she failed, despite
  the fact that Kyousuke's body is like hers (or some such).  As Amuro yells at
  everyone to concentrate fire on the red mech, Alfimi stammeringly asks why
  Kyousuke rejects her, when she loves(?) him.

  One of the enemies has a Shuffle Crest.

  Alfimi runs at 9900HP.  She's worth a Skill Point and a Solar Sail.  When you
  beat her, she'll tell Kyousuke goodbye.  He yells at her to wait and answer
  his questions, but Alfimi regretfully observes that Kyousuke seems to love
  Excellen after all.  As she disappears, Kyousuke is more puzzled than ever
  and hopes that Excellen is extra careful.

Your people are glad to have this stage of things over with, although the
enemy's activities surrounding Kyousuke are quite puzzling.  Kyousuke has no
clue himself what's up, other than that Alfimi implied that he and Excellen are
necessary for something or other.  Maybe they're just Alfimi's type or
something?  The Dangaioh pilots have it that Kyousuke is a pretty good-looking
guy, although that sort of leaves out the question of Excellen (^^;;;;)

All the enemies surrounding Jaburo are now toast, and it's time to bust into
the main area.  Fortunately, no Aura Road got opened to disrupt you or
anything.  Alfimi's motive is as mysterious as it was a paragraph ago
(^^;;;!!!)  It seems reasonable to assume that Alfimi's red mech was what was
controlling the Einsts up to this point, although Kyousuke thinks that the
other voices he heard besides Alfimi's point to the existence of a third party.
Hazuki summons Domon to the bridge for a message from Urube.  He's got bad news
for Domon: his father is still fine, but still frozen.  It appears that the
Devil Gundam you all thought was trashed, isn't.  It was gone by the time
anyone got to Giana, which means that it's probably somewhere in your general
area.  Although Urube feels bad for Domon, the prof's dethawing will have to
wait.

As the Dangaioh people get psyched for the upcoming battle, Amuro asks why
they, as aliens, are helping you.  Because they're all Mia's friends, of
course!  Plus, helping people in trouble is what anyone would do, right!
Tetsuya is feeling spudly for having to rely on offworlders' help to defend the
Earth (LOTS of offworlders), but notes that since every last one of them seems
human there's a pleasant lack of cognitive dissonance.  Aside from the fact
that the offworlders are Espers, there's good reason to suspect that they and
the Earthlings come from a common origin (wherever that may be).  Come to think
of it, many of the Earthlings have various sorts of "psychic" powers, despite
Camille's doubts that the Newtypes are anything special.  Amuro notes that
Newtypes just have "slightly" better intuition than other people (um, HELLO!),
and everyone agrees to discuss the subject more after Jaburo is secured.

Domon is about ready to leave in search of his master and the Devil Gundam.  He
had been staying with the Gondor squad because he thought the Devil Gundam was
history, but given that it's not, he's gonna... get lectured by Schwarz that
it's all the more reason to stay _with_ the Gondor squad!  He informs Domon
that the Devil Gundam is actually inside Jaburo, whose pursuit has brought him
here.  That Kyouji is in Jaburo means that Master Asia is presumably somewhere
lying in wait too.  This means that Rain has to hurry and finish tuning the God
Gundam that Urube delivered.  Domon, calm again, leaves this up to Rain, and
wonders what the strangely familiar sensation he feels from Schwarz is.

Your dudes are a bit short on info about what's going on inside Jaburo, which
makes this whole breaking in bit a trifle annoying.  Joe's short temper is
leading him to quarrel some with the Combattler team, leading to yet another
reprimand from Lenier.  Especially since he hasn't finished servicing his
machine yet when just about everyone has.  As Joe struggles to finish (last),
Mike explains that while his team's robots are made with alien technology,
_piloting_ them is somehow quite easy.  This seems a bit too anthropocentric,
and Lenier recalls that the Elshank _was_ bound for Earth to find those ninjas.
The odd part is that the Elshank came from somewhere over 60,000 light years
from Earth, and Earth only started making mecha within the last few decades.
Now that everyone thinks about it, there certainly are more similarities than
can just be easily brushed aside.  Hazuki calls everyone to the briefing room,
and Joe is quite confident that his incomplete maintenance job will hold...

You're all about to go into Jaburo, with no word at all what's going on inside.
Tetsuya urges speed, lest more troops be sent out to stop you.  Hazuki will
take your people's questions in order.  Minovsky particles and heavy EM noise
make it impossible to reconnoiter the inside.  Sadly, you've got neither the
time nor the machines to spare on further reconnaissance (even Getter Raigar).
Looks like it's down to the Beast Machine Squad's patented charge through the
front door.  This jamming is something you've not seen before, and is most
likely to be coming from the mystery enemy who's been dogging you all this
time.  Your dudes are assuming the worst: that the enemy has lots of warpower
built up inside Jaburo, including long-range attack mechs, all under their
control.  Making matters worse, you can't even contact the Lond Bel anymore.
The last transmission you got from Anaheim said that your people were winning
some lunar battle, but...  Given that Garrison can't even get through to
Banjou, whatever the disturbance it must be something big.  Hazuki won't
change plans because of this: it's time for your people to do their part just
like the Lond Bel stopped the colony drop.  Your people start giving Kyousuke
a bit of a hard time about his girlfriend up with the Lond Bel until Hazuki
cuts it short and orders everyone to their stations.  Whatever happens next,
it's gonna be a doozy...


Stage 33. Gekidou no Chijou wo Seisuru Mono ("He Who Governs the Quaking Land")

You've found the nest of the Einsts, and even though you came prepared it's
still a daunting sight.  This battle will decide whether or not your side can
reclaim Jaburo.  Kyousuke demands that the bad guys reveal their true identity.
Thanks to Rain's mad mechanic skills, Domon can sortie in the new and IMPROVED
(i.e. hope you spent lots of dough on it) God Gundam.  Your dudes find out a
bit late that Domon expects to find the Devil Gundam and Master Asia here. Your
dudes aren't too worried, since you already managed to beat the thing once.
However, Hazuki breaks the news that the Gondor is D-U-N done, which has your
people mystified.  Hazuki explains that the dragon's lifespan is 180 days and
3.  Its Achilles heel, its nuclear reactor, is at its limit.  Hazuki hadn't
told your people since he calculated that the dragon would hold out just long
enough for your people to get sent to space, and it's unimportant if this is
its last battle.  Pai observes that the Earth is a strange mix of high and low
technology.

  If the Gondor is due south, there is a wall in the southeast area that you
  can and SHOULD destroy to open a shortcut to where the Devil Gundam is.
  This is far better than going the long way around and wasting energy on 
  the "small" fry.

  Master Asia leads a bunch of new adversaries into the fray on turn 3.  He
  explains to your people that Kyouji wanted to come here, and shows Domon
  the corpse-like visage of his brother.  He notes that the Devil Gundam is
  in fact in pretty poor shape after the ass-whuping your dudes dished out
  back when, in particular it's "living components".  The pilot of the
  Devil Gundam apparently gets infiltrated by its DG cells and literally
  becomes its core.  Given that Kyouji's personality is now basically gone,
  Master Asia informs Domon that Domon gets to be the new core and bring the
  Devil Gundam fully back to life.  _This_ is the moment Master Asia has
  been waiting for all this time.  In fact, Master Asia has been manipulating
  the Einsts too so that his wish of a true Devil Gundam could come true.
  Domon informs him that no matter how often the Devil Gundam comes back, he'll
  just go on beating it down.  And this time, he'll settle the score with
  Master Asia once and for all.

  On turn 5, Master Asia discovers either a new level of constipation or a
  newfound respect for your dudes' prowess.  Either way, a number of AI-driven
  robots show up.  They're controlled by the Einsts and are the usual 
  assortment of supposedly defeated mecha, including some machines that haven't
  made their way to Earth yet.  As usual your dudes are unimpressed, but
  Master Asia roundly berates you all for not realizing the magnitude of the
  power behind all this, especially Domon who ought to know better after
  studying the King of Hearts.  All Domon learned of kindness etc. from Master
  Asia leads him to one conclusion only: he's got to defeat Master Asia.
  Master Asia, for his part, thinks this is the wrong answer (^_^) but
  Schwarz agrees w/ Domon's math.  He pops out and tells Master Asia that
  he won't let him have his little brother's life.  This is messed up, since
  it really _ought_ to be Kyouji in that Devil Gundam.  Anyway, Schwarz tells
  Domon not to let the Devil Gundam fall into the hands of evil, but rather
  to destroy it.  Hazuki hastily tells your dudes not to let this distract
  them - they've got to guard against the Master Gundam.

  In a container way off in the corner is either the RX-78 Gundam at Skill 15+,
  or 20,000.  There is a secret room to the southwest of the Devil Gundam,
  with a container containing the GM Cannon 2.  Both these containers you must
  explicitly get.

  When you take down the Devil Gundam, it appears to still be moving, making
  your dudes wonder how the hell to defeat it.  Schwarz says that there's still
  a way, and hastily gets into the Devil Gundam's cockpit.  He tells Domon to
  shoot Kyouji, the core which is keeping the Devil Gundam alive.  Domon 
  hesitates, and Master Asia pops out and tells "Kyouji" not to interfere.
  Domon demands to know why there's two of his brother.  Schwarz/Kyouji will
  tell him all this time: "Kyouji" has been split in half, mind and body.  He
  is, in short, Kyouji's "shadow", nothing more than a copy created with DG
  Cells.  This was all done in order to wipe out the Devil Gundam, which has
  Domon confused since he thought Kyouji wanted world domination.  Schwarz
  says that that's incorrect: the Devil Gundam was originally made for 
  rehabilitating the natural balance on Earth, using Domon's father's Three
  Great Theories: Self-Regeneration, Self-Propagation, and Self-Evolution.
  However!  A certain man became enamored of the ultimate power of the
  Ultimate Gundam, so Kyouji got into it and fled to Earth.  Unfortunately,
  the shock of the landing messed up the programming, and the Ultimate Gundam
  became the Devil Gundam.  In short: the story about Kyouji stealing the
  Devil Gundam was made up entirely by Urube and Professor Mikamura.  Does
  this mean that this is all Neo-Japan's idea?  Schwarz explains to Rain that
  her father coveted the Three Great Theories, causing him to side with Urube.
  Rain is crushed over what her father did to the Kasshu house to fuel his
  ambition.  Domon is bumming over how he's been chasing his brother all this
  time, and asks why Kyouji didn't tell him in the first place.  Schwarz 
  explains that there's no way he could have gotten through to the hot-blooded
  Domon... and that he was worried about Domon.  In fact, protecting Domon is
  why the Devil Gundam made Schwarz in the first place!  Master Asia, seeing
  that his plans are messed up, has the Devil Gundam try to envelop Schwarz
  too, who implores Domon to shoot now while there's still time.  This gets
  very dramatic, but Domon finally resolves to do the deed.  His brother,
  finally free, thanks him.

  The Devil Gundam is worth an Ultimate Cells.

  If you kept Schwarz's HP from dipping below 50%, Tobikage shows up at this
  point, having somehow rescued Kyouji at the VERY last moment. ^_^  He tells
  a thunderstruck Master Asia that dying without leaving behind a corpse is
  the ninja way, and that furthermore his duty and his life aren't over yet.
  Master Asia is furious with Domon for destroying the Devil Gundam, but Domon</pre><pre id="faqspan-6">
  tells him to put a sock in it: he's a villain who tried to take over the
  world.  Master Asia yells back that he never said that that's what he was
  up to.  But what of his collaboration with the Einsts?  Hmph!  That little
  brat only wanted to investigate the Devil Gundam, and he let her in the
  interest of bringing the Devil Gundam back to life.  Then why did Master
  Asia need the Devil Gundam in the first place?  He tells Domon that he'll
  tell him with his "Two" Attack.

  Master Asia will go on to tell you all that none of you realize that it's
  your fault for making the Earth end up like this.  What has Domon seen in
  Tokyo, in New York?  Your people protest that that's precisely why all of
  you are fighting, but Bernie realizes that that's not what Master Asia is
  getting at.  When he finally realized the plight of the world, he could no
  longer stand the sight, and he swore to return the Earth to its natural
  bounty.  Unfortunately, he's no average conservation nut: his plan is to
  wipe out all of mankind!  Master Asia not only blames humanity for all the
  Earth's ills, but he scoffs at the colonies and Mars Reclamation Project
  as alternate ways to find habitat for man.  Unfortunately, Master Asia's own
  body is starting to give out on him...  Once you reduce him past 50% of his
  HP, Domon will note that Master Asia's fists feel laden with sadness.  It
  was Master Asia who taught him to express himself with his fists after all.
  Master Asia demands to know why Domon can't understand that humans have 
  purchased the Earth with death - Domon disagrees!  In fact, the very humans
  who Master Asia is trying to destroy were born _of_ the Earth: in fact, they
  are an integral part thereof.  Any plan to restore the Earth's environment
  without also restoring humanity is the very summit of foolishness.  Guess
  you'll have to duke it out to see who's correct.

  Unfortunately, it's time for more bad news.  The Newtypes sense the
  appearance of a new Einst that threatens the Gondor.  It mumbles something
  about "Devil Quieter, body, Jekkins.  All the psychically sensitive among
  your people are now freaking out, and Rain detects a pattern identical to
  the DG Cells coming from your new opponent.

  Take Master Asia down with someone _besides_ Domon.  Master Asia will
  commend Domon on how strong he's gotten.  Hyouma is ready to move in for
  the kill, but Amuro halts him.  Domon asks why Master Asia has changed,
  saying that his master was never someone who would have wished for the
  eradication of mankind.  He tells Domon that for the sake of the path he
  believes in, he once fought the enemies of this beautiful Earth, while
  claiming the title of King of Hearts.  Hazuki has never heard of this,
  and Master Asia says that he has no wish to leave his name on the pages
  of history... he'll be content if this Earth never ceases to shine.  _That_
  is the master Domon knew, but Master Asia says that at one point he 
  realized that the more he fought, the more he wounded the Earth.  Tetsuya
  can't believe that Master Asia prioritizes collateral damage above destroying
  the enemy, but Jun curtly reminds him that destroying the enemy isn't Master
  Asia's goal.  Master Asia regrets what he's done, and apparently it's led him
  to the wrong answer.  Domon tells him that he's _not_ wrong, and Amuro adds
  that nobody has all the right answers.  Master Asia, he says, just was overly
  simplistic.  As Master Asia meets his "end", he tells Domon not to repeat
  his mistakes.  He's worth either a Shuffle Crest or a Lilith Royal Family
  Crest.

  The Einst Regiseia has a big nasty energy weapon and will try to shoot down
  the Gondor as fast as possible.  It's worth either an I-Field Generator or
  a Distortion Block.  Your dudes are left feeling that this is a somewhat
  Pyhrric victory, especially for Domon.  Without giving your dudes a breather,
  Hazuki hurries everyone aboard to prepare for launching to space.  He
  says that the Lond Bel are still out of contact and probably have begun
  the assault on the vegetation asteroid.

  If you destroy all enemies in 20 turns or less (I took 18), you get a 
  Skill Point.  Some unknown thing will happen to end the battle at turn
  22....

Looks like all the enemies on Earth are toast, and you can turn things over
to the surviving Federation battalions.  All that's left to do is use the
energy remaining in the Gondor to get to space.  Tetsuya notes that not _all_
the scores have been settled on Earth - this is just _an_ ending, not the
ending.  For example, Dr. Hell is still out there somewhere.  But nothing will
get solved by just sitting here, and your only real option is to take down
that lump of "stuff" out there.

Domon is still trying to sort out his feelings about Kyouji and Master Asia.
Rain's been stewing over all the trouble her father caused Domon and Kyouji,
but she's assured that it's not her responsibility.  "Kyouji" is planning on
helping your people, as everyone is summoned to a briefing.

Kyousuke has been mulling over a number of things, including his absent 
girlfriend and the words of the Einsts.  Kyousuke says that nothing will get
solved until he meets "her", which confirms Joe's suspicions that it really is
girl troubles.... which is just a reflection of Joe's own longing for Romina,
according to Mike.  As Lenier ribs Joe for it, Kyousuke notes slyly that it's
tough being a popular guy to Joe.  Kyousuke has also been pondering the 
ninja legend, and how it might connect to the mysterious Tobikage.  The ninja
pilots aren't so sure Tobikage is "the" ninja they're looking for, since in the
legends that one is supposed to wield enough power to take out entire planets.
Goodness only knows what's up w/ this mysterious ally of yours...

Meanwhile Camille is missing the Zeta, which is up with the Lond Bel being
piloted by a female (much like Fa and Rosamia).  Rosamia is undergoing tests
for all the strain placed on her body by the Fortification.  The little tete a
tete is broken up by the Getter team tromping in to work on tuning up Getter G
for space combat.  They echo the sentiment that once the mess in space is
cleaned up, there's still many enemies on Earth to worry about.  Camille and
Fa note that with Quatro and the newly returned Judou on hand, the Lond Bel
should be doing okay despite the commo blackout.

Meanwhile, Shirou is apologizing to Aina.  He had planned to take her with him
and leave after the battle on the surface was over... but neither of them can
exactly leave now.  And both of them are planning to fight for their own
sake, and for each other's.  Norris then interrupts accidentally, telling Aina
that the Apsalas is now spaceworthy.  He tells her it's no trouble at all,
and tells Shirou on his way out to take good care of Aina.

Shou's got some kind of bad feeling about going to space.  Kind of like some
evil aura enveloping the Earth is about to start expanding.  Marvel tells
Shou that it's a bad habit of his to keep his fears locked inside, and tells
him that he's at his best when he's looking ahead.  Todd then shows up and
wonders what the Aura Battler team is talking about.  Shou asks him if he can
feel the evil aura, and while Todd won't swear to that he does allow that he
has some kind of bad feeling.  Todd tells Shou to move forward instead of 
brooding, which Cham notes Shou is amazingly good at.

A mysterious voice demands to know why Abel not only was attacked, but allowed
"them" into "their" land.  Abel implores Diore to allow her to smash the 
so-called Earthling's pride, and promises to enact their plans.  Shapiro finds
this funny, and wonders whether pride or defeat will be left in her wake.

Your biggest remaining problem is the vegetable asteroid, which is getting 
bigger all the time.  Joking aside, that's one very unusual asteroid since
it's moving closer to Earth irregardless of the Earth and Moon's gravity wells.
Your dudes aren't about to allow this thing to crash land on Master Asia's
beloved Earth.  Since you last saw it, it's almost begun glowing, with 
disgusting pulsing vein-like thingies.  Your plans are still unchanged, to go
out there and kick its ass.  Shirou reassures Aina that this fight isn't
about the Federation or Jion, but about mankind itself.  Amuro has the vague
feeling that that asteroid is where Bright and the others are.  Amuro has to
explain again that his Newtype abilities are nothing more than heightened
hunches (yeah right), and Lenier figures that this gives pretty good odds that
Bright, Romina, Banjou and the others are in fact at the asteroid.  As the
hilarity ensues amongst the crew, Hazuki resolves to head off to space!

Some Einsts decide that something is "dangerous", and elect to "destroy" it.

--

The fierce battle on the face of the Earth is drawing to a close, and thus
the stage shifts to space.  Yet, that will last but a moment.

The Einst: invaders who until now had not shown themselves, or even revealed
their objective.

And the Lond Bel, with whom communications are still silent.

Beset by numerous troubles, the Gondor squadron puts for its final strength
to head into the quaking heavens.

Yet noone knew that the dragon's ascent was but the prologue to the impending,
final battle...

[HERE ENDS EPISODE 1.  YOU GET A CHANCE TO SAVE.]


Episode 2: Cosmoquake
---------------------

  [see the intro to Episode 1]

  The Federation Independent Practice Squadron "Lond Bel", who defend the
  space near the Earth, have just received an emergency transmission: "Attack
  by invading army."

--


Stage 34. Shutsugeki ("Sortie")

Some debate exists among the mysterious aliens.  They seem to want a new world,
a new life form... and aren't doing so well at it.  The humans have something
to do with this...

Quatro is informing Bright that all the enemy warpower has withdrawn from
the vicinity, for the time being at least.  Duke is surprised that the Vegan
army would attack this area so persistently.  Bright reluctantly decides that
the time has come to launch the Argama, and asks for a status report from
Ema.  She rather calmly reports that basically _all_ the colonies and
facilities are currently under attack.  This right on the heels of the 
Gripps Conflict.  Let this be a lesson to all those who think military cutbacks
are a good idea.  Maria is sure that all will be well with her brother on
the case, but said brother Daisaku is far less boastful.  Quatro opines that
the time to remain on the defensive has passed, and Kou notes that the number
of useful MSs here on Luna2 is running dangerously low.  In fact, Quatro, 
Kou, and the soon to be repaired Rick Dias are the only things currently
defending the place, along with Grendizer and the Aphrodite A.  Ema notes
that if only all aliens were like Maria and Daisaku, this war probably wouldn't
be happening.  Quatro reminds her that humans divided and set up the colony
regime all on their own, although he hastily apologizes for this overly glum
view of events.  Bright confirms that the Ral Kairam is to leave Luna2 and
pursue the Vega army as it passes near the moon.  Presumably their main
stronghold is somewhere around there, although their ultimate objective is
the Earth... and they surely want the Moon as one more stepping stone.  Kou
points out that Von Braun City and Anaheim Electronics are located on the moon;
surely the bad guys couldn't set up a base totally undetected... or can they?
Bright notes that this might be a good chance to steal a march on the enemy
while they're still on their heels after this latest defeat.

Just then Excellen shows up (late) with a very assertive introduction.  And
only her - her machine had to be modded for use in space and she was sent
straight here after the work was completed at Anaheim.  Said machine is the
PTX-007-03C Gespenst Mk.II Custom, slightly underpowered by Excellen's (and
my!) standards.  Bright notes that while your people are scheduled to 
receive reinforcements from Konpeitou and Satsukimidori, they're not here
yet.  This might be because communications have been lost to both of those
places.  Apparently Excellen got "lucky" on her journey here.  Regularly
scheduled contact with Jaburo is still going on just fine, although the
situation hasn't changed any: the only reasonably decent machines going are
the Beast Machine squad at the Far East base.  Upon hearing this, Excellen
encourages Bright to get in touch with them and see if they can figure out
what's going on on the surface.  She realizes that Kyousuke must be having
a hard time too.

A mysterious alien has just sighted the Earth, and he finds it to be totally
beautiful.  He's especially looking forward to killing all the life on this
planet...

Bright has just finished explaining the situation to Hazuki.  Despite the
lack of firepower, Bright has no choice but to go and strike at the Vegan
army.  At least those pesky Jovian Lizards haven't been up to much lately.
There are rumors that these mysterious unmanned weapons have something to do
with the remnants of the Meganoids.  It's somewhat ironic that the Mars
Reclamation Base is built on the former site of a Meganoid base.  Quatro 
explains to Kou that the man Bright is talking to is responsible for the
independent raid on the Muge Zolbados Empire's base and the death of its
emperor during the last great war.  Kou has at least heard of the Beast
Machine squadron and their fabled penchant for disobeying orders.  One thing
worth remembering is that Dankuuga is currently the only super robot the 
military has... all the other super robots that became famous in the last
war have all been mothballed.  Bright is admitting to Hazuki that he's short
on people and on the new machines that he had originally been promised: he
only got one machine and the pilot to go with it... just like Hazuki's crew,
who got the Mark III [see ep. 1 for the full technical specs ^^;;;]  It's a
sign of the current desperate times that machines from these cancelled projects
were sent to the front lines.  As Bright prepares to defend the Earth
with his life, Hazuki recommends that he add the Dankuuga to his forces.
Bright would love to, but he can't just make the transfer with commo out to
Jaburo... except that Quatro interrupts and agrees with Hazuki's judgment.
Dankuuga is battle tested and aside from Grendizer is the only mech with the
firepower to take out one of those pesky flying saucer beasties in a single
hit.  Hazuki offers to simply disobey orders and send the Dankuuga team on 
his own responsibility, which Shinobu shows up and heartily agrees to do.
As Sara gives Shinobu some ribbing, Bright finally accepts the offer.  Before
hanging up, he asks Hazuki to see if he can find some information about a
certain pair of pilots, one of whom has been posted to his unit.  They were
the only two survivors of a certain incident: Excellen and Kyousuke...

Excellen, for her part, is really psyched at the sight of Grendizer's horns.
Daisuke runs over and stops a rather miffed Excellen before she gets too
close to Grendizer, explaining that if anyone besides him gets close to it
its automated defenses kick in.  He goes on to explain that it's the guardian
"god" of the planet Freed: not totally untouchable, but currently configured
to prevent it falling into evil hands.  Maria comes over to investigate all
the commotion, wondering if Excellen was hitting on her brother (Excellen 
wonders how the heck she reached that conclusion).  Maria was in fact joking,
and asks if Excellen is having problems with her boyfriend.  Now quite miffed,
Excellen admits that her boyfriend isn't exactly the most sociable person in
the universe, causing Daisaku to ask Maria to give it a rest.  Maria explains
that she came here in the first place because of a feeling of unease, which
is connected to her weak precognitive abilities.  That might be why Bright is
summoning everyone to the bridge in such a rush...

Bright tells everyone assembled that the Vegan army has now gotten serious.
Apparently the attack on Luna2 was just a preliminary foray.  Commo is out
with Jaburo, which means that Luna2 can't dispatch its mobile suits.  Bright
agrees with Maria that the military can be a pain in the ass sometimes, but
in any case the only people capable of acting are the independent Lond Bel.
Your destination will be a dense area of colonies near the Moon that the
Vegans are headed for.  Furthermore, there are unconfirmed reports that a
reconnaissance drone was shot down on the dark side of the Moon... unlikely
that it merely ran into an asteroid.  That's where you're going, until
Ema detects an unknown ship heading for the Earth, of neither Vegan or
Jionian origin.  Since forces on Earth are all busy with their own problems,
you have no choice but to stop them yourself.

Some mysterious dudes are pissed that "they" would even dare to attack this
planet.  They intend to do something about it, despite one of them's bad
feeling about the fight about to begin on Earth... one can only hope it'll
be over quickly.  One of them is worried by reports that the fearsome space
pirates are also beginning to act, and their only choice is to move where
the Sword-Wolf leads them.

Your people arrive, and Quatro gets a very familiar, bad sensation.  The
bad guys are led by Mashmar, who notes that everything is just as Hamarn
said it would be.  Looks like Jion has been watching the battle against the
Vegans from the sidelines and has chosen this time to act.  Your dudes
sortie, and Excellen is really psyched.  Quatro notes that strong spirits are
a good thing, although they alone won't keep someone alive.  Mashmar feels
underestimated by the small quantity of your dudes, and Duke informs him
that battles aren't won by numbers, but by justice and ideals.  This sounds
cool to Excellen [and faintly absurd to me...], but Mashmar argues that what
really wins is Love and Fidelity.  Maria is puzzled.

  One of the enemies has a Repair Kit S.  Gordon has a Booster.

  Mashmar runs at 4000 HP, and is worth a Skill Point and a Biosensor.  He'll
  be surprised that you're that good, but warns you that the battle is just
  beginning.  You might want to use Maria's magic to give Grendizer doubled
  experience here - this will give Duke level 9 and Hot Blooded.

Kou says that could pursue the bad guys in his Full-Vernier mech [no, it's not
"Full Burnerd" or whatever the fsck the "official" Romanization claims >_<##]
Duke warns Kou against it, saying that the farther you pursue, the thinner
your warpower will get.  You'll have to settle for driving the enemy off, and 
Quatro desperately wants to know why Hamarn fails to understand that this is
no time for humans to be quarreling among themselves.  Excellen is rather
worried that even the enemy recon mecha proved quite strong.  Bright says
that you have no time for complaints: you can't wish for the warpower you once
had in the Gripps war.  He says that never again can a fight like the one
Camille faced be allowed to recur.  Judou too forsook the Earth Sphere and
traveled to Jupiter's gravity well, despite the fact that this is no time to
be pulled around by gravity [^^;; It's Tomino's fault.  Entirely.]  Anyway,
you've got to head towards Earth in pursuit of the mystery foes.  Except
you've also got to head to the moon to check out what those pesky Vegans are
up to.  Duke isn't about to let them have their way or their asparagus [^_^]
and Quatro thinks that Amuro too has been caught by the Earth's gravity...


YOU CAN DO THE NEXT THREE STAGES IN ANY ORDER; TO GET THE MOST MILEAGE, YOU
SHOULD DO THE "COLONY ZONE" MISSION FIRST, THE "NEAR MOON SEA" SECOND, AND
THE "NEAR EARTH SEA" MISSION THIRD (I.E. IN REVERSE ORDER).

Stage 35. Makiokore Arashi - Seigi no Kenpou ("Rise Forth, O Storm - Martial
Art of Justice") (Colony Zone)

Bright is amazed that the enemy have deployed this widely.  Gorman is hardly
impressed with your dudes, and declares that this will be your graveyard.
Duke recognizes the cross-shaped star markings on the ship, and tells Bright
that he's sortying right away.  Bright tells Duke not to run on ahead, and
orders everyone who can sortie to do so.  Duke tells Quatro that the cross-star
marking is the sign of the Vegan imperial guard.  The fact that they're here
means that the Vegans are now putting their full power into invading the
Earth.  Duke and Gorman then trade bluster back and forth over the destruction
of the once-bountiful Freed.

  On turn three, more bad guys show up, led by the Osaka-ben-speaking Devil
  Satan.  Bright can't tell anything from IFF other than that these guys are
  neither Jionian nor Vegan.  Devil Satan warns you that it'll cost you plenty
  if you get in his way - heck, it'll cost you plenty either way.  Basically,
  he doesn't seem to want your dudes scrapping with the Vegans, and although
  Excellen is optimistic Bright and Quatro figure that with this many enemies
  you may have to withdraw.  Duke demands to know why these dudes are siding
  with the Vegans, and Devil Satan says it ain't so - all he wants is the
  Earth's treasure.  Excellen is impressed at the arrangement, but Duke says
  that the beautiful blue Earth itself is the treasure, and he won't let these
  guys set foot on it.  Devil Satan figures he'll just burn everything away
  and search for the treasure, but someone else has other ideas.  Apparently
  this person and their speech about true appreciation for value being within
  the beauty and bounty of their heart... is standing ON the Ral Kairam's
  bridge!  This dude (who apparently doesn't need his helmet) says that the bad
  guys don't deserve to know his name, and summons forth the Sword-Wolf.  Your
  dudes are impressed and wondering where the hell this robot came from, and
  Devil Satan recognizes Rome Stall... as well as the rest of the Machine Robo
  folks.  As they and Devil Satan trade tough talk, Quatro asks precisely who
  the heck these folks are.  Rome will give the details later, but says that
  they all are allies.  Quatro takes them at their word immediately, noting
  that if they were enemies the Ral Kairam would already be toast.  Besides,
  you need all the help you can get even if you don't know its source.
  Excellen agrees, saying that the studmuffin newcomers certainly had the
  opportunity if they were going to turn on you.  Rome swears that the 
  Sword-Wolf will not betray you all, who believe in justice.  Jet tells Jim
  to keep up the repair and resupply while watching out for a certain
  unbroken horse at the same time.

  One of the enemies has a Propellant Tank S.  Another has a Chobham Armor.

  When you achieve Morale 130 for Rome, he'll transform into Vikungfu.

  Gorman flees at 5700 HP.  Take him down for an Anti-Beam Coating and a
  Skill Point.  Duke tells him that he intends to see the Imperial Guards
  destroyed.  Gorman tries to tell him not to think he's won, but the 
  Machine Robo folks point out that parting verbal shots by the loser are
  particularly disgraceful.  When Gorman can't beat the Machine Robo folks
  with his inferior rhetoric, he retreats.

  Devil Satan retreats at 6400HP, and is worth a Magnetic Coating.  He'll
  be quite dumbfounded, and promise you all payback as he retreats.

The Machine Robo folks aren't in a position to pursue the fleeing adversaries.
Your dudes are greatful for the help, and Quatro asks once again who your
mysterious allies are.  Rome says that they're nobody whose name is worth
giving - merely, they are people who can't stand by and watch as others run
amok.  Jim than gives Reina the data on the bad guys escape route.  As they
set off in hot pursuit, Rome wishes your "people from another world" good
fortune in battle.  Quatro realizes that this implies that he's dealing with
aliens, much like Duke.  Rome explains to Duke that they helped you out
since those who love blue (as in the Earth) could not possibly be bad people.
With that, they leave, possibly never to see you again (yeah right).
Excellen finds this the height of coolness.  Duke is amazed that such 
warriors still exist in the universe, and Maria observes that Kyouji would love
these guys.  Bright wonders what the heck is going on in the Earth sphere such
that both your enemies and allies are of unknown origin.


Stage 36. Tsuki Kara no Senshi ("Warrior from the Moon") (Near Moon Sea - Reef
Area)

Your dudes have managed to sneak up on the enemy.  Time to raid _them_ for
a change.  This is very exciting stuff.

  On turn two, they realize they're being attacked and send a call for help.
  Too late.

  Annihilate all of the initial enemies within three turns for a Skill Point,
  perhaps the easiest of the game.

  On turn four, El shows up.  Her Jionic mobile suit has your dudes somewhat
  confused.  She tells Bright that she's here w/ a resupply ship from
  Anaheim.  Quatro finally remembers that this girl is one of Judou's crew,
  the Shangrila Children.  The mech El is piloting is supposedly from Nina,
  to be handed over to your dudes.  Just then El's pursuers show up, worrying
  your dudes greatly since they're so close.  Don't let the bad guys shoot
  her down, or its all over.

  This mission should easily be completable in 5 turns.

  The enemy have an Apogee Motor, a Cartridge, and a Needleless Ampule.

El is doing as well as ever, and says that although she "snuck" this mech
over to you she's got all the proper paperwork.  Nina said something about
not letting Nergal beat her.  Quatro has heard some bad rumors about Nergal
Heavy Industries, but is glad that both appear to be pitching in on the war
effort.  Unfortunately, El doesn't know anything about the whereabouts of
Judou or his sister.  Ema explains to Duke about the Jupitoris II fleet,
whose purpose is to gather Helium-3 from Jupiter's atmosphere.  El has heard
some nasty rumors about the Jovian Lizards, which would of course put any
mission to _Jupiter_ in some jeopardy.  Quatro ponders what Jupiter, which
has given rise to such skilled Newtypes as Scirocco and Puru, could give to
someone else.


Stage 37. Hakaisha no Kyoui ("Menace of the Destroyer") (Near Earth Ocean)

Butcher finds the Earth to be a most beautiful place, especially given that
before _his_ might it'll turn into a planet of death in no time flat.  The
barrier goes up, which doesn't impress him much.  Your dudes show up, wondering
what the deal with this mecha - or rather battleship - is.  Most of your
dudes think it's butt-ugly, but Excellen likes its looks.  The bad guy is in
fact really immense, which makes it that much easier for your dudes to sneak
in and trash it.  Well, more units of this unknown enemy show up, and Bright
says that you mustn't let them land.

  Assuming you played things in the order described here, Devil Satan will
  show up on turn three, ready to settle the score from last time.  Butcher
  likes how much commotion this new arrival is causing for the humans,
  although Devil Satan tells him his mech is ugly.  The structure of the 
  dialog is as though your dudes have never seen him before, which is clearly
  broken >_<##

  One of the enemies has a Propellant Tank S.  Another has a Chobham Armor.

  Butcher will flee at 8000 HP.  He's worth a V-Up Unit(W).  Unfortunately,
  even if you off him he'll flee and head to Earth.  Your dudes have no
  choice but to leave the bad guy to the Gondor squadron.  Excellen is
  _pretty_ sure Kyousuke won't be beaten by something that ugly.

  Devil Satan is worth a Magnetic Coating and a Skill Point.  He'll get
  very pissed at the resistance your dudes are putting up and will flee
  before you can finish him off.

Your dudes are glad the battle's over, but Quatro notes you've got to find
out who these mysterious new foes are, and fast.  It kind of sucks that
you let the Gaizokku through to Earth.  Actually, Quatro says that under the
circumstances it's more like good luck that only _one_ enemy battleship got
through.  If only your dudes had two or three more mecha, especially something
with punch.  Not that you've got the pilots for them.  Well, there's always
AI.


Stage 38. Aoi Kokoro no Houmonsha ("Blue-Hearted Visitors")

The ninja crew are in dire straits, and Joe doesn't want to quit now that
they're so close to the Earth.  Shaf doesn't know if the Elshank will make it
to Earth or not.  When a bunch of Sharmans pop out near the Elshank, the
end appears near.  Joe and the others sortie, hoping to buy Gamelan enough
time to repair the Elshank's ailing engine.  Romina is sad that Irubola isn't
around to help out, but Joe tells her to forget about that traitor: their
only choice is to handle this themselves.  Gamelan tries to take Joe to task
for not understanding why Irubola, the captain of the royal guard, left the
Elshank, but Joe says that he doesn't _want_ to understand the feelings of
someone who would abandon princess Romina.  Despite a major power disparity,
your only choice is to buy time and keep the bad guys from entering the
Earth's atmosphere for three turns, until the Elshank's repairs are
complete.

  The Skill Point for this could be a tad bitchy if your ninjabots _really_
  weren't upgraded much in episode 1.  Have the ninja crew attack the nearest
  trio of enemies.  You have to kill all three by the end of the enemy turn.
  The crucial thing is to be able to use your Combined Attack at least twice,
  giving Joe the chance to finish off the final enemy with a high-critical
  percentage hit if a third Combination isn't available.

  Happily, the Lond Bel shows up on turn 2.  Bright is wondering who all these
  unknown mecha are, but after some initial confusion he recognizes the
  enemy The Boom mecha who attacked Mars.  The question is what to do about
  the crane-like ship, which hasn't responded to hailing yet.  Excellen
  points out that you've got to sortie in any case - if the Crane attacks
  you, it's an enemy - it's that simple.  As your dudes sortie, Joe tells his
  people not to lay a finger on them; he doesn't want to hurt other Earthlings.
  Gamelan doesn't buy this, but Romina tells him that as much as possible,
  she wishes not to hurt the Earthlings - there must be some way to resolve
  the situation.

  One of the enemies has a Magnetic Coating.

  On turn three, the handy-dandy, never-fail, little-giant Tobikage shows up
  seemingly out of nowhere.  Quatro, in a good position to know, observes that
  this thing has terrifyingly high manoverability.  Shortly thereafter, the
  ninja squad returns gratefully to the Elshank (despite Gamelan's attempt
  to leave them behind ^^;;;), which then enters the atmosphere.  Tobikage
  then vanishes too.  Bright is appalled that he let even more people land on
  the Earth, and Kou notes that they certainly didn't _seem_ like a threat.
  Bright will contact the Gondor squad, and orders everyone to prevent any
  further intrusion to the Earth.

  On turn 4, Gil and some of his goons show up.  He observes that this must
  be Mia Alice's homeworld: blue, and beautiful... however!  Meanwhile, your
  dudes are puzzling over yet ANOTHER heretofore unknown set of adversaries,
  although Excellen notes that some of the "Gyandora" units appear to be mixed
  in.  Gil plans to wipe out out summarily, but Fargos warns him that your
  people aren't to be taken lightly - Devil Satan No. 1 warned him.  Gil 
  doesn't care, and says that he'll show your people just how nasty the Bunker
  can be.  Your people haven't heard of the Bunker before, but at least it
  now seems clear that multiple groups are in cahoots here.

  The following turn, he observes that your people have no hope against these
  odds.  Gil plans on hurrying down to the surface and raising some hell
  until Mia shows up.  Duke won't let him do that to his second homeland, and
  Gil is in the process of telling him how he gets to watch as that 
  "homeland" is about to go up in flames when someone interrupts.  That
  someone is Rome, who has another fine speech about the so-called "lightning"
  that is the great wrath of heaven against those with evil hearts, who
  enjoy killing which even beasts who live by the law of the jungle do not
  do. *deep breath*  Gil is far from impressed, as once again the Machine
  Robo swing into action (where the hell did they come from again??)  Looks
  like once again, these rather odd allies are on your side.

  One of the enemies has a Repair Kit S.

  The following turn, Gil realizes that he's missed his reentry window.  He
  makes to retreat, but warns you that after he's taken "her" out, you're
  next.  Rome is reluctant to pursue Gil, noting that if he really is in
  cahoots with the space pirates it could be a major problem.  Your dudes
  can only sit by and soak these names in in ignorance.

Although the Gil escaped, you've mopped up pretty much everyone else.  Duke
thanks the Machine Robo folks for the help, and Rome says he's sure your
people could have handled the enemy themselves.  Jet points out that that
there's a lot more of the enemy out there, and that if your people had as much
trouble as they did with these goons the real force would totally overwhelm
you.  Quatro doesn't try to disagree with this assessment, and Bright asks
Rome for any bit of information he could offer.  Rome would like to help, but
he has his duty too... and suddenly the Sword-Wolf responds to something, and
they all bail off again.  Clearly, these folks aren't from Earth.  In fact,
those masks and stuff they're wearing make it almost look there aren't
pilots inside at all.  Kinda reminds one of Quatro, Excellent points out.
Gotta be the sunglasses.  Actually, it doesn't gotta be the sunglasses, but
Bright cuts the chit chat short there - he's now let _two_ battleships
through to Earth, and has to contact Hazuki and co.  He orders all mechs
recovered.

El and Bright agree that things are always too busy around the Lond Bel, in
both the previous and current conflicts.  El for her part is determined to
do Judou and Ruu's share of the work in their absence.  That's Judou as in
the ZZ's pilot, gifted Newtype and problem child extraordinaire who's currently
illing out somewhere near Jupiter.  Ema wants to know what Judou is looking
for in the gravity well that gave birth to Scirocco.  Bright has no clue, but
he says that your people have to shoulder the burden of protecting this age,
so that the future can fall to him.  When Bright asks, El says that like the
time with the Titans, the Federation brass seem to be really prone to being
stymied, and only the Lond Bel can be counted on - hence her bringing the
experimental Gundam to you.  All Bright can say is, that's the army for you.
In response to El's impatience, Bright explains that the military HQ at
Jaburo is out of contact with everyone, and with all the mysterious invaders,
independent action only serves to worsen the chaos.  Fortunately, that's
where the independent Lond Bel come in.  As the young women give the middle-
aged Bright some ribbing, Quatro comes in with a message from Side 7, the
Green Oasis that used to be the Titans HQ.  Burning has sent a single
reinforcement your way, although Excellen was hoping for about ten of the
Grendizers instead.  Too bad all the super robots from the previous war are
either mothballed or missing, except for the incompletely armed Dankuuga.
Quatro observes that although a single mobile suit can't turn the tide of the
war (like HELL it can't), you're better off with it than without it.  Gotta
think positive and stuff.

Just as Bright is about to confirm the transfer of the Beast Machine squad
to you, Hazard contacts you from the Mars Reclamation Base.  He wants to
see if you're aware of the mystery dudes heading for the Earth.  He's _very_
glad to hear that you've heard of The Boom, who had attacked Mars, and
sycophantically points out that they're heading for Earth after being 
repulsed from mars.  Hazard has it that the "Elshank" is some weapon of The
Boom, headed for Earth, and as "one who loves the Earth" hopes that you dudes
can do something about it.  Bright is grateful for the info, but Hazard says
that it's an honor to help out the great heros from the last war.  As Hazard is
about to hang up, Quatro politely asks how Hazard is so sure that the
"Elshank", an alien mystery weapon, is a warship.  Hazard doesn't have a good
answer for that, and Quatro says that he's heard that the mystery mecha who
attacked Mars have no given designation.  Hazard asks whether you're
questioning him, and then hangs up in a hurry.  Quatro explains to Duke that
he's heard some nasty rumors about the Mars Reclamation Base, and he figures
they're hiding something.  After all, it _is_ where the Meganoids were from.
Bright will contact the Gondor squad and try to learn more.

Kou is examining the machine from Anaheim, realizing its movable frame and
such are sure hallmarks of a Gundam!  Although it's disguised so as to hide
its actual nature.  The odd part is that its manufacture is Jionian - how
could Anaheim build that?  Anyway, the pilot comes out - it's Burning, who
asked to come over as soon as he heard that things were so bad a whelp like
Kou was on the front lines.  He couldn't just cool his heels on some colony.
After introducing himself to Duke, he explains that his mech was custom tuned
by Nina Purpleton.  Kou knows that Anaheim normally produces GMs - so how could
Anaheim somehow make this Garvela Tetra on the sly?

See episode one for the conversation between Bright, Hazuki, and Misumaru.

Master Asia and friends are heading out on Urube's say-so.  Urube hopes to hear
nothing but great things that wouldn't disgrace the great Touhou Fuhai's name.
Domon tries to confirm that his father will be released upon the completion
of the mission, the pursuit of "that" thing.  Urube assures Domon that he
doesn't lie and that he'll remove all evidence of his father's crime, which
a rather upset Domon tells him not to even mention, since his father is no
criminal.  If anyone's the criminal, it's Kyouji!  Master Asia reigns Domon in,
and Urube explains that somehow the Ultimate Gundam changed after it wrecked
the laboratory, and evolved into some other kind of mobile fighter according
to the information he's got.  He doesn't know precisely _what_, and hopes
_they_ could find out.  As they move out, Allenbie wonders where Rain is - 
sent to Earth to check out something by her father.  The plan is to overtake
her, and go to Earth in her stead.  Guess some souvenirs are in order.  Not
that there's anything of value left on the Earth, according to Master Asia.
With commo out to Jaburo, Urube reminds them that they may not be able to 
count on any reinforcements...

More of Misumaru freaking out about Yurika and the Nadesico.  The upshot is
that the Lond Bel will rendezvous with the Nadesico before it heads to Mars.
Plus, you're getting Kouji and Dankuuga.  Boy, it's hard to be an ally of 
Justice sometimes, but at least you've got some studmuffin reinforcements on
the way.  Fortunately, Tetsuya and the others are still holding down the
super robot fort on the surface, which Duke tells Quatro can be counted upon.
Quatro is more concerned about whether they can escape the gravity well.

As the Nadesico makes its way out of the Earth's gravity, Prospector thinks
that they're all doing a bit of a bad thing to the Gondor squad by leaving.
Ruri notes that they didn't result in anyone dying in battle for the Gondor,
and that with Getter and so forth they should be strong enough to endure.
Akito notes that Getter is almost as strong as Gekiganger, although Gai
maintains that if his Aestivalis's maintenance wasn't so shoddy things would
be even easier.  This pisses off Uribatake, who drags off Gai to a bit of 
Ruri fanfare.  As they list off all the mecha on Earth, Prospector notes
that most of the most powerful ones aren't military but privately owned.  This
causes Ruri to go into an explanation of where super robots come from.  Oh,
then there are the Federation mobile suits, mostly from Anaheim.  Minato 
can't tell the Gundam apart, but she does know the White Demon on sight, and
this causes Ruri to reel off the roll call of mobile suits on the ground.
Of course, given that all these dudes are the best the Federation can come up
with, there shouldn't be much trouble with Mars!  Increment the Ruri baka
counter.


Stage 39. Kiseki wo Yobu Juumon ("The Incantation For Miracles")

The Nadesico is _about_ to escape from the Earth, but Prospector is worried
about the lack of resistance.  Apparently Jaburo really _is_ offline.  Yurika
orders the Nadesico to head straight for Mars and all the people waiting at
the Mars Reclamation Base.  However, before it can go straight to Mars it
has to go by the Satsukimidori colony for resupplying - and that colony is
currently out of radio contact.  The only choice is to go there and see for
yourself.  Oh, and before you can go _there_ there's one more thing to take
care of (i.e., destroy?) first: that pesky barrier.  Just then Ruri detects a
Boson response: lots of bad guys.  Does this mean you have to take both them
_and_ the barrier out of commission?  Uribatake yells at Gai not to stray
from the Nadesico's Gravity Wave Beam.  Akito reluctantly follows the hot-
headed Gai into battle, although Yurika's order to destroy the barrier and
Prospector's plea to leave it be aren't helping.  Ruri tells the two
Aestivalises that it'll take three turns to hack into the barrier system.

  On turn 3, Ruri has a choice of input codes to the barrier: "Whose is the
  Blue Earth" or "Whose is the Green Earth".  Choose the former unless you
  want to have to fight each of the barrier sattelites.  Yurika will tell
  Akito it's okay to take down the barrier sattelites anyway, much to
  Prospector's discomfiture.  Fortunately, your dudes show up just then.
  Quatro is impressed with the efficiency of the Nadesico in deactivating the
  barrier.  The question is what to do with the Nadesico now - take out its
  engine and halt it?  Fortunately, Bright has heard of the 20-year old Yurika
  from her father, and doesn't intend to fight her.  Yurika's open (and
  naive) demeanor is making it a bit hard for your people to stop the 
  Nadesico by force, and Ruri notes that this conversation isn't going much of
  anywhere.  Prospector, figuring he has no choice, introduces himself to the
  Lond Bel.  Quatro realizes that he can't be the person pulling the strings
  here.  Bright tells the Nadesico that while he's aware of the Scaparelli
  Project, the defense of the Earth is a hard enough problem: he wants the
  Nadesico to come under his command.  Yurika figures that since things worked
  out with the Gondor squad, she might as well help out for now here too.

  One of the enemies has 10,000 credits.  Another has a Booster.  Another has
  a Needleless Ampule.  Another has a Chobham Armor.  Another has a Space
  Abacus.

  Two turns after the Nadesico arrives, Ruri detects a heat signature closing
  fast.  It's a Gundam!  Except something is very odd about its face, and it
  has no IFF code.  Ruri can say that it's nothing that Anaheim produced, 
  since she had done a bit of hacking into their network.  Prospector quickly
  hushes her up and explains that Nergal doesn't _usually_ do that sort of 
  thing.  Given that this mystery Gundam is heading for the Earth, you've got
  little choice but to take it out.  Yurika agrees to help Bright and tells
  Akito to get rid of it.  Quatro would at least like to know where it's from
  before destroying it.  The fact that it's a Gundam at least should mean 
  that it's not of alien origin.  Prospector is hoping to find some opportunity
  to escape, lest the Nadesico lose the opportunity to go to Mars at all.

  On the following turn, the G Gundam crew turns up.  These are no enemies,
  but they're in a big hurry to take out Kyouji and the Devil Gundam.  
  Excellen and Kou recognize the Gundam Fighters, and Master Asia yells out 
  that he's pursuing the Devil Gundam on Urube's orders - he tells them not to
  get in his way.  Excellen, quite the martial arts otaku, recognizes Master
  Asia.  Domon quite hotheadedly yells out that if you get in the way and don't
  shut up he'll show you no mercy, and Prospector seizes the opportunity to
  have Minato take the Nadesico to full battle speed.  Looks like it's time to
  repeat what the Nadesico did to the Gondor squad ^^;;;  Yurika tells Bright
  that she's got her own job to do, although Ruri wishes that job didn't cause
  quite so many problems for others.  Duke offers to pursue, but Bright yells
  that the remaining Jovian Lizards and your new adversaries are top priority.
  Master Asia doesn't take much account of the Nadesico's departure, figuring
  that it makes it that much easier for him to move.

  The Devil Gundam flees at 12120 HP, and is worth a Skill Point and Ultimate
  Cells.  Domon will demand to know why Kyouji stole the Ultimate Gundam, which
  resulted in bad things happening to their parents.  Kyouji starts to laugh,
  and the Devil Gundam regenerates itself.  However, before anyone can react it
  flees to Earth.  The G Gundam people set off in hot pursuit, leaving Quatro
  to wonder how the hell all this fits together.

A better question is, why are all these mysterious foes hanging around the 
Earth.  Excellen tells Marie to save all the hysterics for when she's old and
grey, but Quatro frets over the fact that you could stop neither then Nadesico
nor the Devil Gundam.  Bright orders everyone to return to ship so he can hurry
to the rendezvous point for some new warpower: some Super Robots.

Bright is going to contact Hazuki and chat about the Elshank, which _should_
be a threat if Hazard was telling the truth.  Not that it felt that way to
Quatro.  There's also the small matter of the mystery Gundam and the equally
mysterious Gundam Fighters in pursuit of it.  For the time being, you should
at least be getting some help from the Mazinger team... assuming of course that
they didn't get shot down by the recently emboldened Jion.  Excellen also
wonders how Kyousuke is doing down on Earth...

El comes over and tells Kou, who's going over data from his Gundam as usual,
to stop looking so gloomy.  Nina told him that too once...  El suspects that
Nina is more than just a project supervisor to Kou, and Duke encounters them
both while on his way to maintenance Grendizer in preparation for the Mazinger
team's arrival.  Gotta free up some space in the hangar and all.

There seems to be a snag however - the HLV with the Mazinger and Dankuuga 
teams, has gone missing.  Ema fears that this is because of the Gaizokku that
the Lond Bel permitted to land, but Hazuki tells her to not cry over spilt
milk.  Hazuki is taking all this so calmly because he believes that Shinobu 
and the others wouldn't just let themselves get shot down without a fight.  He
then goes on to relate how the Kami family's Zanbot-3 is in hot pursuit of the
Gaizokku, and in the process searching for the HLV.  Excellen recommends
broadcasting your current location, even if it might reveal you to the enemy.

Meanwhile, Hazard is quite impressed that his mysterious companions even has
"that" technology.  He attempts to eke out some gratitude from them for 
connecting them to the newly-discovered energy lines.  "Don" has commanded 
these folks to ask Hazard to name his wish, and Hazard figures out that they
see right through his attempts at flattery.  Hazard would like to thank them
for the teleportation machine in any case, which let him send that annoying
Irubola dude to Earth so easily, to some Village of the Iga or wherever.
Hazard in fact hopes Irubola dies on Earth.  The mystery servant of Don 
suggests that Don is tired, and recommends that Hazard depart if his business
is finished.  As Hazard makes to beat a hasty and sycophantic retreat, Don
mutters the name "Banjou".  If they and Banjou meet again...

Bright and Hazuki continue to discuss the loss of the Nadesico, the descent
of the mystery Gundam Fighters, and the addition of the Elshank to the Gondor
squad.  As well as all the other mystery enemies on Earth.  Elsewhere, Tarsan
explains to the Dangaioh squad that Gil is after the Earth, or more
specifically Mia's homeland.  Tarsan doesn't want to let Mia fall into such an
obvious plot, but she can't stand to see her home laid waste.  The Dangaioh
team doesn't seem to be too good at heeding Tarsan's warnings about the 
Bunker space pirates.

Ema then receives an SOS from the HLV.  Unfortunately, a Gaizokku mothership
just appeared near the Earth, having left the gravity well, which means the
Zanbot-3 is probably in hot pursuit.  Man, so much junk to do...  Nina has a
new machine for Ruu to take to the Lond Bel.  Nina says that strange things
are afoot on the Moon, and that El was surrounded by foes when she took the
Garvela Tetra to the Lond Bel.  Ruu notes that with all the confusion on the
Earth some upheaval on the Moon comes as little surprise.  Unfortunately, the 
ZZ Gundam's energy conduits aren't in good shape, so Judou can't go along with
her.

In fact, the Vegans are attacking Ruu as she makes her way toward you.  Duke
is bothered by all the activity near the Moon.  You've now got three things
to worry about: Ruu, the Mazinger Team, and the Gaizokku.


DO THE NEXT THREE STAGES IN ANY ORDER.

Stage 40. Ikari no Mashin ("The Furious Demon God") (Satsukimidori #2)

The female Aestivalis pilots are uneasily waiting in radio silence.  They've
got to preserve what little batteries they've got left.  This occasions a
TRULY horrible pun about running out of gas.  Just then some people turn up:
it's Kouji and crew!  Kouji's feeling a bit miffed about having to wait in</pre><pre id="faqspan-7">
a place like this for help, but there's not much help for it.  Worse, the
Dankuuga's whereabouts are unknown ever since it bailed out to help protect
the HLV. Unfortunately, the enemy don't appear to be willing to let the team
rest until Bright shows up.

  On turn three, more bad guys show up.  Figuring they've been discovered, the
  Aestivalis pilots sortie too.  Ryouko calls out to Mazinger Z, telling him
  that they're allies.  Hikaru is overjoyed to finally meet Kouji, and while
  Kouji isn't happy about not knowing who they are he agrees that the 
  Lizards come first.

  Take out all these enemies within four turns for a (very easy) Skill Point.

  On turn 5, the Nadesico shows up to find Satsukimidori in pretty sad 
  shape.  Both Kouji and the Nadesico crew are surprised to see each other.
  The Nadesico is here to help the Aestivalises, and launches all two of its
  own mecha.  Prospector would love to analyze Mazinger Z, saying it would
  probably advance Nergal's science a good ten years.  Kouji is NOT pleased
  at this prospect, but at that moment a bunch of new enemies appear.  These
  foes didn't show up on the radar at all.  Kouji is willing to take 
  anyone and everyone on if need be, but Yurika orders her troops to 
  fight alongside Mazinger.

  On the next round, the Lond Bel show up.  Bright thanks them for helping
  Kouji out, but says that their position hasn't changed.  Quatro would love
  to tell them to throw down their arms, but given that a battle is going on
  that clearly won't work.  Duke says that this is no time for Earthlings to
  fight each other, and Yurika can't decide what to do.  Prospector says that
  as a Nergal employee he can't simply go along with this request, but more
  enemies show up.  Yurika orders the Transposition Engines to full and 
  commands an emergency recovery of the Aestivalises.  She then undertakes an
  emergency Transposition.  Your dudes are more puzzled than ever, but there's
  nothing else to do but take down these enemy robots.  Kouji and Duke are
  glad to see each other at least.

  There is a Rick Dias in one container.  In another hidden container is
  20,000.  One of the enemies has a Booster.  Another has a Mars Donburi.

After the battle, Kouji observes that whether on Earth or in Space, there's no
such thing as a peaceful rendezvous with allies.  Your people are glad to
have Kouji fighting by their side, although they're nonplussed when they hear
of the Dankuuga's "exploits".  If everything is in order, Dankuuga should be
capable of combat in any environment... too bad it wasn't fully tuned when it
had to blast off.  Bright believes in the Dankuuga team strongly enough that
he won't deviate from the current mission plan.  He's happily exasperated with
those people who produce the best results when they act on their own the most.


Stage 41. Ubawareta Aoi Hoshi ("The Stolen Blue Planet") (Near Earth Sea 1)

Gil recalls his previous failure and is sure it won't happen again.  As he
defiantly waits for Mia to show up, Devil Satan asks what everyone is waiting
for.  Gil won't tell him, and Devil Satan mutters about how his "older sister"
Diondra can't figure him out either.  Bright then shows up, aghast that the
Gyandora are spread out this widely.  As both sides trade barbs, Duke begins
to realize that the Gyandora are not one single syndicate, and wishes he had
more information.

  One of the enemies has a Magnetic Coating.  Another has a Cartridge.
  Another has a Repair Kit S.

  Defeat Devil Satan for a Shuffle Crest.  He'll complain that his Commander
  Ranking goes down.

  On turn 3, Butcher shows up and is _very_ surprised to see human fighters
  here.  Quatro notes that the Gaizokku appear to have made out off the Earth
  safely.  Gil thinks he's in luck, and Duke is lamenting having to fight three
  different armies at once.  This is looking tight...  Except that on the next
  turn something else comes up from the Earth: Zanbot-3!  The pilots quickly
  make contact with Bright and begin deriding the Gaizokku for trying to shoot
  down the defenseless HLV.  Mind you, for a defenseless HLV it certainly had
  strong enough defenses in the form of Dankuuga.  Which, is still missing as
  Kouji and the Zanbot team confer.  Butcher is getting fed up with the little
  kiddies, and battle ensues.

  On the next turn, something with an unknown IFF code shows up.  It turns
  out to be the Dangaioh.  Mia is a bit awestruck at the sight of her planet,
  but is able to get it together and help combine.  Poor Excellen is about to
  come with such a cool robot before her eyes.  As your dudes watch in
  puzzlement, Mia tells Gil not to attack any other Earthlings if his grudge
  is with her.  He retorts that just attacking _her_ won't help his hurt
  feelings - he's got to tear her home to shreds and plunge her into the 
  depths of despair before he can kill her.  This dude is Dr. Lector, and the
  cybernetic enhancements apparently didn't help his sanity much.  Pai isn't
  having it and recommends kicking his ass straight away.  As the rest of the
  team plunges into battle, Ranba desperately calls out to Mia's fellow
  Earthlings not to shoot them.  Bright hastily orders your people not to
  attack this mysterious new ally(??) unless it attacks you first.  Keeping
  all these intruders from the Earth is job one.

  Butcher flees at 5700 HP, and is worth a V-Up Unit(W).  He's quite
  unrepentant about all the planets he's destroyed and all the lives he's
  ended.  He asks you all to think about _why_ all those planets had to be
  destroyed, and tells you that if can't understand why then you'll all meet
  the same fate yourselves.  He flees before your people can shut his big mouth
  for good.  Your dudes don't have the spare warpower to pursue, and Quatro
  figures that you've got to start working on countermeasures right away.

  Gil flees at something like 6000HP (I think).  He's worth a Skill Point.
  He'll be amazingly pissed that his Bloody can't hack it, and decides to
  ride his wrecked machine back into the atmosphere.  In fact, the Bloody
  isn't completely toast yet, and manages to head to Earth despite your best
  efforts.  The Dangaioh splits up and hastily sets off in pursuit.  Once
  again, only the Grendizer can simply reenter the atmosphere, and you can't
  afford to divide your forces.  Actually, Zanbot-3 can do it to, but...

Looks like you let more enemies land on the Earth, and this is the _second_
time for the Gaizokku.  Mind you, the Gaizokku already got kicked back off the
planet once, sort of.  Duke doesn't know of this probably alien Dangai-
something-or-other; all he really knows are Freedian, Vegan, and Earth
vehicles.  Bright is fretting that he can never face Hazuki like this, plus
there are additional mystery forces in the picture...who at least appear to be
against the Bunker, which means they're for you.  In addition to all the foes
you _do_ know about, the foes whose identity you don't know makes it very
hard to plan countermeasures.  At least you've now got the Kami family and
their Zanbot-3 on your side.  Bright is sorry that kids have to fight, but
Quatro points out that you can no longer be picky: men, women, adults, and
children all have to do whatever they can.


Stage 42. Zeta no Kodou, Futatabi ("The Rhythm of Z, Again") (Near Earth Sea 2)

Ruu is having a bit of trouble with Gorman, who is impressed with the
capabilities of this new-model Earthling mech... not that it's much of an
opponent for the mighty Vegans.  Ruu is hardly impressed and points out that
her machine isn't all that new given that it served in the last great war.
Gorman doesn't plan on letting her rendezvous with the Lond Bel in any case.
In fact, he plans to keep this defiant girl long enough to lure in the Lond
Bel.

  Yet more enemies appear on turn 2.

  Kill four enemies within two turns for a (very easy) Skill Point.

  Gorman praises the power of this old machine, but Ruu would like to say
  that it's all about the pilot's skill, but in fact this mech has inherited
  the hearts of many great pilots throughout the War.  No lamo soldiers or AIs
  are gonna take this baby down.  Gorman could care less about human hearts,
  but he likes the Zeta very much.  In fact, he plans on taking it and using
  it to enhance the warpower of his empire and is through with trying to
  smoke out Ruu's friends.  Worse, he's just fired an EMP to cause the Lond
  Bel to lose precise track of where Ruu is.  Ruu for her part won't even give
  Gorman the Zeta over her dead body, saying it's not remotely that cheap and
  that she could never face Camille again.  Just as all seems lost, those
  wacky Machine Robo dudes show up for more Love and Justice.  Gorman is
  furious at finally meeting the bastards who've been helping out the 
  Earthlings, but Rome says that he has no tongue for talking to evildoers.
  Ruu would also like to know who they are, and Jet points out that they're
  some allies of justice who just happened to be passing by.  Jim thoughtfully
  sends out a new homing signal on a frequency not currently being jammed.
  The Machine Robo folks decide to wreck a little havoc before your guys show
  up, explaining that while they've fought alongside the Lond Bel they're on
  the same side per se.  All this serves to piss off Gorman, which Rome isn't
  having any of.

  One of the enemies has an Anti-Beam Coating.  Another has a Chobham Armor.
  Another has a Propellant Tank S.

  The Lond Bel show up on turn 5, faster than the Machine Robo folks expected.
  Duke is surprised to see Rome and crew again, and Quatro wonders who the
  heck is piloting the Zeta.  Ruu quickly tells Bright that she'll explain
  everything once the enemy are taken care of.  Seeing that Ruu is now in
  good hands, Rome and the others hasten off to Mars to deal with a major
  push by the Gyandora.  As your dudes ponder these good aliens, Excellen is
  in danger of echoing Jet's cry of "Jeeeet"...

  Gorman flees at 7600 HP, and is worth a Super Alloy Z.  He'll compliment
  you on damaging his flagship this badly, but tells you not to get used to
  it, now that you've pissed him off.  He manages to scurry off quickly before
  Duke can finish him off.
Probably the Vegans have established a beachhead somewhere, probably in a
nearby colony or asteroid and probably not in the heavily populated moon.
Having to search everywhere will suck.  Ruu explains that Judou came back 
from Jupitoris II to Von Braun, but she hasn't seen him since.  Bright will
hear Ruu's explanation later, but as he did in the days of yore explains to
her that right now the danger threatening the Earth is top priority.  So,
just what is going on on Earth that all these enemies are gathering?


Stage 43. Tamaki ("Circle") (Stone Circle 1)

Your dudes show up to the zone of strange gravity.  Confronting you is a
circular group of meteorites, hardly normal for a regular asteroid field.
Much like the ancient Stonehenge, the identity and purpose of the architects
of this stone circle are unknown.  UNLIKE Stonehenge, this is out in space.
Nothing _appears_ to be going on here, meaning that your attempt to find out
more about your mysterious foes seems to have dead-ended, when suddenly
_something_ starts bothering the psychically sensitive folks.  Fearing some
kind of dreadful calamity, your dudes sortie.

  Finally on turn 2, the enemy show up - and they're machines your dudes have
  never seen before.  More new bad guys?  Excellen is preparing to cheerfully
  wipe them out when she (and only she) hears them mutter "Again", and "This
  place".  Maria is very freaked out, stammering that these aren't any kind of
  new enemy.

  Kill 8 of the Einsts within five turns for a Skill Point.

  On turn six, Excellen starts feeling something very unpleasant.  Imagine
  this: a high-energy response from the center of the circle.  More bad guys
  show up, and they aren't heeding your attempts to hail them.  In fact, the
  bad guys might be _creatures_, since they don't seem to have any heat
  sources or metallic signatures.  Not that they have any life signs either,
  but...  As your dudes try to tell themselves that this isn't sci-fi and
  those can't be space monsters (-_-;;;), Excellen wonders if she's an Esper.
  Just then even more of them show up, including creepy waif #1, Alfimi!
  Alfimi wants to know who Excellen is, which she hotly responds to by asking
  who Alfimi is.  If you have Excellen fight Alfimi, Alfimi will tell her that
  the moment foretold is nigh.  Excellen asks her to explain it so she can
  understand, and says that from the voice Alfimi sounds like a cute little
  girl.  Alfimi disagrees - she says that she _is_ Excellen.  Alfimi starts to
  say something about if she and Excellen were only more perfect, but Excellen
  halts her and implores her to speak in words that she can understand.  Alfimi
  is silent, and Excellen notes that it feels like she's met Alfimi somewhere
  before... but where?

  One of the enemies has a Needleless Ampule.  Another has a High Powered
  Radar.  Another has a Booster.

  Alfimi flees at 10k HP, and has a Shuffle Crest.  Even if "killed", Alfimi is
  still perfectly functional.  Excellen threatens her by saying that if she'll
  simply tell you who she is she'll let things slide.  Alfimi haltingly tells
  Excellen that she's going to meet Kyousuke, to obtain something she lacks, so
  that she can be "her".  She then flies off far faster than Excellen can
  follow - and everyone is wondering what has been passing between her and the
  mystery mech.

After all the enemies are gone, Maria announces that she's got a _really_ bad
feeling, and wants to get away from here as fast as possible.  Duke observes
that it's not like her to be this timorous.  Maybe the solution is to crush
all those rocks into powder.  Then again, Quatro figures that retreat is the
best option, given the strange feeling he's got, and given Excellen's rather
sorry state.  Well, she tries to do the instant genkiness rebound thing, but
Bright says that you're outta here, especially since you've still got 
mountains of other stuff to attend to.  Kou wishes he could find out more
about the enemy, especially the red mech that seems different than the others.
Excellen wants to know why the mystery girl said "Kyousuke", and wonders if
he has any idea.

Ruu is happy to be fighting for your guys - much better than chilling out on
Jupiter in any case.  Apparently the mass production Zeta Gundam prototype
got assembled by Anaheim and sent to Earth as the ReGZ.  Kouji is glad enough
for the extra firepower, but wants some kind of big ass super robot instead.
Well, you've already got Grendizer and Zanbot-3.  Nevertheless, it wouldn't
hurt if those mystery allies of justice dues would stick around.  Bright
observes that the seem to be some kind of humans from outside the star
system, and Uchuuta wonders how they can survive without oxygen or space
suits.  Duke, who really digs them, doesn't particularly care.

El, concerned about Judou, asks Ruu how he's doing.  Apparently Judou's not
here because of the Double Zeta, which Anaheim is rebuilding after it was
dismantled at the end of the previous war.  Apparently Judou's still with
Anaheim and the ZZ.

The Zanbot team is busy explaining to Bright that the Gaizokku don't appear to
have any particular objective other than killing living things.  Further, it
seems the Bialians, ancestors of the Zanbot crew, were wiped out by the 
Gaizokku... and the survivors came to Earth.  Burning the perpetual skeptic
isn't prepared to believe all this.  Of course, the Zanbot people LOOK human,
and don't have elongated ears or a third eye for easy identification by
Excellen (^^;;;)  Well, they _are_ aliens anyway.  As for the Beast Machine
folks, they got lost along with the enemies they were fending off.  Seeing
as you've found no trace of the Beast Machine folks, guess you'll have to
move on.  Not that these new creepy, bonelike enemies seem to have anything
to do with the Gaizokku - and were the voices in Excellen's head just her
imagination?

Duke, Marie, and the Mazinger Team take some time to get reacquainted.
Everyone agrees that the sooner the Beast Machine pilots check in with you,
the better.  Meanwhile Kyousuke is telling an elated Excellen that Domon and
co are hanging with the Gondor and in pursuit of the Devil Gundam.  See
episode 1 for this conversation.

Elsewhere, the Nadesico crew observes as a Transposition Engine signature
fades away.  Apparently they're watching a nanomachine colony at work,
remnant of the nanomachines released long ago to make the Martian atmosphere
more like Earths.  They're now serving to protect Mars from harmful rays
from space, although nobody is around to benefit from their services.  Yurika
tells the crew that the nanomachines are harmless, and easily pass from the
body in waste (which she quickly becomes embarrassed by).  Yurika orders the
Gravity Blast to stand by, so as not to repeat the same mistake they made on
Earth.  There are now now Jovian Lizards within a 30 kilometer radius.  First,
the Nadesico is to head to the research facility on Mount Olympus...


Stage 44. Itsuka Omae ga "Utau Shi" (The "Poem" You will "Read" Some Day)

The Nadesico manages to make it to the lab okay.  Your people are getting
antsy about not seeing any of the people they're supposed to be saving, but
Prospector points out that what they see before them is in fact an 
evacuation shelter.  This doesn't seem very convincing, and given the fact
that there's Tulips on all sides your people would like to escape as soon as
possible.  Ruri reports that no activity has been recorded from those Tulips
for several decades.  As Prospector is about to start the Scaparelli Project,
Akito wants to borrow an Aestivalis to go see the Utopia Colony.  Prospector
informs him that there's nothing left there but Tulips; the only thing on
Mars that's survived is the Mars Reclamation Base.  Akito inexplicably can't
be dissuaded from wanting to go see his former home.  The rest of the crew
checks out the base, noting that it appears to have been abandoned for months.
One good question is, what were these folks researching way out here?  The
Nadesico itself, according to Prospector.  What your people are seeing was
discovered some thirty years ago.  Just then, Ruri detects an increase in
Bosons, and some Jovian Lizards show up.  Akito is a bit out of range now,
and the rest of the Aestivalis Pilots are all inside the lab.  Yurika implores
Akito to be careful, and Akito realizes that although his energy is running
low he can't afford to die here.

  On turn 3, Minato tells Yurika that it'll be several turns until the
  Transposition Engines are stable.  The Aestivalis pilots return with someone
  new: Ines.  Ruri cuts Ines's self introduction short by pointing out that
  Akito appears about to die.  Just then, an unidentified flying object comes
  over - it's Banjou in Daitarn-3!  Ines explains what Daitarn-3 is, which
  Banjou in turn cuts short.  He seems to know all about Nergal's minions,
  which interests Prospector intensely.  Gai gets the amazing privilege of
  sharing Banjou's patented challenge to the enemy.  As Ruri calls Akito baka
  again, combat ensues.

  The following round, the Nadesico is able to move again.  The first round of
  enemy reinforcements show up later that round.  These are the same bad guys
  who attacked at Satsukimidori II.  Once again, these enemies didn't show up
  on radar - they may have approached you from underground.  Ines figures that
  they must be from The Boom.  Banjou certainly isn't backing away from this
  fight, especially since these enemies appear to have stolen Meganoid tech 
  from the Mars Reclamation Base.  Stolen, or...

  On the next round, some Meganoids show up, including Colos.  She is one 
  huge robotic(?) woman, and very well endowed too as Yurika notes.  Ruri
  doesn't find that surprising since her body is roughly 100 meters tall.
  Banjou tells Colos to cut the pleasantaries.  She, like Banjou's Daitarn-3,
  is still alive.  As the Nadesico folks observe that there's history between
  these two, Colos tells Banjou that he can see with his own eyes whether
  "that person" revived too - assuming he lives long enough.

  As the war of words between Banjou and Colos continues, she brings out
  more bad guys on the next turn.  Apparently these are more of the moving
  around underground kind.  Yurika hastily tells her troops to defend the
  Nergal lab.  Banjou for his part is quite curious why Colos showed up in
  step with The Boom.  Colos tells him to ask the wind on this planet or
  something.  That is immensely amusing to those pesky Machine Robo dudes,
  who tell her precisely what the wind would say about such evildoers.  This
  is getting vaguely old.  They're more than happy to interfere with the
  Meganoids in the interest of justice.

  One of the enemies has a Repair S.  Another has a Mars Donburi.  Another
  has 10,000 credits.  Another has a High Power Radar.

  Killing Colos is tricky.  She flees at 12540HP, which is right around the
  limit of what Banjou can do double-damaged with FULL weapon upgrades and
  full morale, supported by Akito.  With careful damage management and clever
  use of support magic, it _is_ doable.  [BOY, YOU BETTER HOPE YOU WERE GOOD
  TO DAITARN-3's WEAPONS IN EPISODE 1...]  The reward for all this is a Skill
  Point and a Spiritual Energy Apparatus.  Banjou will tell her that he'll
  once again settle the score with her, and she tells him that he didn't 
  settle any score the first time.  Banjou reads into her confidence that
  Don is back too, which Colos says is entirely up to him whether or not to
  believe.  The huge woman then flees outside your radar envelope at amazing
  speed... which means that she must not have been serious.

Prospector recognizes Banjou, and Rome tells his companions not to stick their
two cents into this one.  Yurika is quick to thank Banjou and the mystery
folks, who are in the process of beating a hasty exit.  Banjou asks them at
least for their name, and HE is cool enough for Rome Stall to reveal it.  He
then introduces Reina, Blue Jet and Road Drill, and Triple Jim.  Banjou is
here because he was investigating something at the Mars Reclamation Base (as it
is the former base of the Meganoids).  Minato invites everyone over for tea,
which Rome is greatful for but says he can't accept since he's not from this
solar system.  Gai is impressed at Drill and Jet's "powered suits", but they
say that that's their body itself.  Rome then leads the withdrawal, wishing
the blessings of the Sword-Wolf on you all.  Gai is impressed at these hero
folks, but Akito wonders if there's actually people inside.  Banjou for his
part would like to stay for tea, but these latest developments have occasioned
haste.  He realizes that if the Meganoids have truly and completely revived,
Reina and the others are in danger.

Akito ponders Daitarn-3, which Izumi says is too bold (another HORRIBLE pun.
I heartily approve).  Ruri is about to check with Omoikane for data about the
supposedly wrecked Daitarn-3, but Ines cuts in with an explanation.  She
suspects that the Daitarn everyone saw destroyed in the previous war was a
fake and the real one was stored here on Mars.  This is the same Hazan family
involved with the construction of the Mars Reclamation Base.  Yurika has had
Gai plant explosives on the nearby tulips, just to be on the safe side.  Not
that anybody but him calls him by his "true name".  Gai was really impressed
with the steel giant Daitarn-3's power, but Hikaru also thinks that the
Powered Suits of Justice brigade made quite an impact too.  Unfortunately,
Ruri breaks the news that the enemy has now surrounded you completely,
as though waiting for all the others to leave.  Worse, you can't get through
to the Mars Reclamation Base - or rather, they're not answering.  Looks like
you've got nowhere to run...well actually, you do.  The Tulips!  Prospector
is aghast, but the enemies are increasing more and more.  Yurika orders the
Aestivalises withdrawn and tells Minato to set course for the Tulip.
Prospector tells Yurika that she's violating her contract with Nergal, that
there must be some other way.  Yurika asks him if he doesn't believe in the
crew that he himself selected.  Akito then comes in and yells out to turn 
back, that nothing living has ever passed through.  Ines says that it's not
necessarily doomed, since the Nadesico has a distortion field.  Yurika has the
explosives set to detonate, and pushes ahead.  What will become of them?

Elsewhere, Abel has finally made it to the Earth.  Caim notes that it's rather
noisy outside, but Abel tells him not to worry.  Caim points out that they've
been told to take out the so-called "Lond Bel" in order to invade this blue
Earth.  Their commander, Diore, has just awoken from a two hundred million
year sleep, and the two begin arguing about whether they need to actually take
military action.  Apparently Diore's orders are coming via Shapiro, who isn't
entirely pleased at the dissension.

Finally we see the Beast Machine team, way far away from the rendezvous point.
They figure that the rest of the people they were protecting are okay, and
figure they should worry about themselves first, since the Gaizokku are still
on the scene.  All they can do is send out an SOS before the battle.

Elsewhere, Garimos is informing Gil that things are not going smoothly.  Gil
apologizes profusely to the admiral, promising to do better next time.  Garimos
reminds him that the Bunker don't need the incompetent, and that Gades'
people might be more reliable.  Gil REALLY doesn't want them involved, and
says that the new person he's gotten his hands on (Shazalla) should assure
his victory.

The SOS has reached Bright from PLS Black Point, an area that a meteor
shower just happens to be passing through now.  Apparently all scouts sent
into that area have met with some kind of trouble and disappeared.  This is
quite suspicious, as is the news that the Tulips are active.  Too bad that
the Bunker have chosen this moment to attack the colonies.  Guess you'll have
to pick who to go and save first.

The Dangaioh people hear that the Bunker are active, but don't seem to be
heading to Earth.  This is probably another of Gil's traps.  Tarsan recommends
everyone run and hide, which just makes them more fired up to head into
battle.  Can't do anything with the kids these days.


THE NEXT FOUR STAGES MAY BE DONE IN ANY ORDER.

Stage 45. Namida no SUPAIRARU NAKKURU ("The Tearful Spiral Knuckle") (Colony 
Zone)

Gil is musing over his underestimation of the Earth military.  However, he's
still after Mia, and Dangaioh shows up with a nifty FMV.  He tells Mia that
this time, no Earth robots will interfere with his plans.  Pai hotly informs
him that they don't need the help of any Earth robots, but Gil informs them
that he's got something interesting to show them.  Ranba says that nothing he
can do will scare them, but he tells them to wait and see - if they can live
long enough of course.

  The Lond Bel show up on turn 2, surprising Gil mightily.  Pai wonders if
  _this_ is what Gil wanted to show them, but Ranba figures it's something
  else.  Bright quickly makes contact with the Dangaioh and offers assistance.

  On turn 3, Gil's reinforcements finally arrive.  Your people are not
  particularly impressed by a mere increase in numbers, although Duke cautions
  against complacency.  Mia figures that there's more to the surprise than
  a simple group of reinforcements, and asks Gil what he's up to.  He ignores
  her and informs Shazalla that her enemy is in the Dangaioh.

  One of the enemies has an Aura Converter(!)  Another has a Repair Kit S.

  Gil has two lives, as before.  He's worth a Lilith Royal Crest.  Killing him
  unleashes the hounds, as it were.  You can Persuade Shazalla once she's below
  50% of her HP using Dangaioh.  It seems that she once cared for Ranba, and
  the Lond Bel get quite confused as Ranba tries to get through to her.  If
  this is the person that Gil was speaking of...  The conversation is being
  jammed, but Duke picks it up and relays it.  Shazalla says that she hasn't
  forgotten Princess Ranba, or the hatred she bears for her.  Ranba relates
  the story of how the Bunker didn't spare the Lilith kingdom, and Duke
  apparently has heard of Lilith's plight: one very similar to Freed.  Ranba
  had cut her hair and fled to space to escape the Bunker, but her parents
  stayed behind to fight.  It seems that Shazalla and a few others survived,
  with the sole purpose of spilling the blood of the royal family who betrayed
  them.  It seems unlikely you'll be able to get through to someone this
  determined to vent the grievances of "the people".

  You have two choices at this point.  Reduce her HP below 20% and Persuade
  her again to get her to join, or kill her with Dangaioh for a Skill Point
  and the Spiral Knuckle weapon.  I personally recommend the latter.  Ranba
  tearfully apologizes to Shazalla, but says that she can't afford to be
  defeated here - she intends to go on fighting for the Lilith citizens who
  died.  Shazalla wants to know what is to become of her grudge, and Ranba
  asks Roll to let her deal the final blow (with Spiral Knuckle).  Shazalla
  tells Ranba that perhaps she has been waiting for this day all along.  Ranba
  is crushed.

Bright is not pleased that the Bunker have started moving in earnest, and
Kouji figures them for a bunch of shitbag assholes.  Duke reflects briefly on
his own lost homeland, and then reassures Maria that he won't permit the 
Bunker to soil the Earth as well.  Bright has already heard of the Dangaioh
from Hazuki and Tarsan, and Quatro asks for their help against all the enemies
facing the Earth.  The Dangaioh team are all ready to help out, although Ranba
is very sad and nothing can be said to console her.


Stage 46. Kodoku no Senshi ("The Solitary Warrior") (Near-Didora Sea)

The Dankuuga has been fighting alone all this time, and the enemies appear to
be thinning out.  Masato is wonder if that's a problem since they now appear
to be lost.  When he asks where they are, Shinobu helpfully points out that
they're in space (^^;;;)  Ryou points out that the enemy you've been fighting
are all small fry, but Shinobu says that since they're still fighting you
you've got to worry about them before anything else.  There appears to be
something fishy going on in the area - something that shouldn't be occurring
without a special power source.  Shinobu keeps telling them to shut up and
fight, and Ryou agrees that between obvious enemies and possibly suspicious
stuff it's obvious which comes first.

  Kill five enemies by turn 3.5 for a Skill Point.  Hope you spent some dough
  on Dankuuga back in episode 1.

  On turn 3.5, Sara is getting irritated at all the enemy and wonders why
  they haven't gotten through to the Lond Bel yet.  Apparently their SOS is
  being jammed, and not by the Gaizokku.  Whatever it is is probably in that
  mystery area.  Just then a bunch of new enemies show up, which don't
  register as metallic, or as heat sources, or even as life forms.  Just what
  the heck is going on?  Shinobu figures you may as well fight them too,
  since the current enemies are lacking.

  The cavalry shows up on turn 4.  The Dangaioh people are surprised at the
  four-person Dankuuga, and more surprised yet when Quatro tells them that it
  was thanks to this robot that the previous war was won.  The real question
  is: what are those enemies that Dankuuga is fighting - they're not
  mechanical.  Bright doesn't like the looks of this whole area, but taking
  out the enemy comes first.  Shinobu gets to argue a bit with the Zanbot
  kiddies before getting down to battle.

  One of the enemy has a Booster.  Another has an Apogee Motor.  Another has
  a Cartridge.  Another has a Chobham Armor.

After all the enemies are toasted off, Bright thanks the Dankuuga team for
their effort in protecting the HLV.  Kouji points out to Shinobu that his
jumping off the HLV caused all sorts of trouble, but Shinobu tells him not to
worry about the small stuff and instead hurry towards the next point.  Duke
is faintly thunderstruck by this, and is about to chew Shinobu out when Maria
forestalls him.  As Bright is calling everyone back to the ship, the Beat
Machine pilots fret over this area - as though they're being watched.


Stage 47. Atatame no "Tsumetai Houteishiki" ("A Warm 'Cold Equation'") (Tulip
Near Earth)

The view of the Earth from this close makes the war seem like a lie.  Shouhei
wonders what his parents are doing, but Uchuuta wonders if he isn't missing
sucking on his mother's breasts instead [I don't even have a joke here.]
Duke tries to keep the kiddies from squabbling, but Kouji says that quarreling
is how guys build up manly friendship.  Luckily, a Tulip floats by and gets
your people back on task.  Seeing as these are how the Jovians send their
unmanned weapons to Earth, El suggests going around and taking them all out.
Kou says that it's more likely to result in defense forces being sent through,
only making things worse - it's been determined that it's better not to mess
with them thoughtlessly.  Just then, those pesky space criminals pull into
view.  Sortie!, and an additional chance for the Beast Machine pilots to rag on
Shinobu.

The enemy are led by Devil Satan, who figures your dudes are like moths to the
flame, and by Glowbein.  As the two converse about not underestimating your
guys, Devil Satan observes that the pesky dudes who keep interrupting haven't
showed up yet.

  On round two, the Tulip begins to activate, which is the last thing Bright
  needs.  It's the Nadesico.  Ruri figures out where she is, and then tries
  to wake up all the others, scaring Yurika mightily in the process.  At least
  Yurika is quick on the draw and Gravity Blasts the bad guys who followed them
  through the Tulip.  Your dudes are, in a word, stunned at this display.
  Bright immediately tries to contact the Nadesico, and Yurika is _much_
  surprised to find out that the Lond Bel are in the area.  Good thing they
  didn't accidentally get caught in that Gravity Blast.  Yurika mumbles
  something to the effect of "we ran into the Tulip cause there was nowhere 
  else to go and..."  Quatro is amazed at this, since he thought all the
  Tulips were were transport vessels... Yurika would get Ines to explain, 
  except Ines is still out cold.  Yurika quickly agrees to help Bright, and
  Bright sends a little addendum message requesting that Yurika not perform
  any wide-area attacks without advance notification.  Yurika figures Bright is
  just being bashful, but while the rest of the crew are correcting her the
  next wave of enemies shows up.

  The next round, the bad guys start feeling full of themselves due to their
  superior(?) numbers.  Even Duke is getting worried (unnecessarily).  Just
  then the dudes that Rome if they want to show up, stealing the scene once
  again and causing Glowbein to demand to know their name.  Too bad they're
  not worthy.  Akito hasn't even had time to do his cool hero stuff (not that
  he was going to anyway, but).  THIS time the Machine Robo people are going
  to tell you the whole truth, but they warn your people first that there's
  something different about this group of enemies.  Glowbein is even more
  impressed that they can read "sword-auras" like that, and challenges these
  warriors to face his Ankoku Sousatsu-Ken.  Jet is looking forward to matching
  his Tenkuu Shinken against this.  Apparently Roll, upon seeing this cool
  intro, has gone totally bonkers.

  One of the enemies has a Space Abacus.  Another has a Magnetic Coating.

  Devil Satan flees at 6000 HP, and is worth a High-Performance Targeting
  System.  Glowbein flees at 6000, and is worth a Skill Point and an Anti-
  Beam Coating.  He'll retreat for now, but he won't forget the fury of having
  his warrior's pride wounded.

With all the enemy gone, the Machine Robo dudes set off in pursuit again lest
they lose track of the enemy.  Pai wants to pursue as well, figuring that
the Gyandora could likely lead them to the Bunker.  Mia points out that the
link between the two might not be that strong, and Roll says that since the
Bunker are coming for the Earth sooner or later there's no need to be hasty.
Ruri notes that the mysterious powered suits (or not) have left the area.
At least Ruri suspects something is fish since Omoikane has no idea who they
are.  The question is what to do about the Nadesico.  Since the Scaparelli
Project has failed, Prospector doesn't want to cause any further trouble for
the Federation.  Although Akito objects that the Nadesico is a civilian
ship, Yurika agrees to come under Bright's command.


Stage 48.  Futatsu no PUROJEKUTO ("Two Projects") (Above the Abandoned Colony)

It's Carozzo, fretting that this mech isn't fully up to snuff yet.  He figures
that the chaos on the Earth won't last long, and that he's got to hurry.
Just then your dudes show up, making Carozzo realize that the Lond Bel is 
in fact the most perilous group within the Federation.  Your dudes for their
part are glad to finally see an enemy that uses familiar weapons: mobile
suits.  Mind you, the MSs aren't Jionic - and they're accompanied by a 
gigantic... flower-like machine.  How romantic.... not! according to
Excellen.  It's big even for a mobile armor, and Omoikane doesn't have it in
its database.  Gai figures that it's job to make the petals fall from this
fleeting flower, although Megumi offers that the mech is hardly elegant enough
for such a fine-sounding proclamation.  In ANY case, at least you're sure
that the enemy is human - not that you're going to let them slide as a result.
Prospector notes that whoever developed this thing in secret must be quite an
outfit...which causes about half of the crew to tell the other half of the 
crew to grow some balls and not worry about how big the enemy is (this would
include Pai ^^;;;)  Bright tells your dudes to only fire back if fired upon,
but everyone seems to agree that no normal group would be skulking around an
abandoned colony.  Bright for his part seems to have an idea who these people
might be, and he's hesitant to voice his guess.  Carozzo is seeing FAR more
firepower arrayed against him than he planned on, especially the super robots
from the previous war.  Carozzo tells his men to hold you off until the Black
Battalion shows up - he won't risk his incomplete Raflesia in this battle.
Your people are amazed at the speed it retreats at, and as the bad guys head
for you battle is joined.

  The enemies show up on turn 3.  The Crossbone soldiers note that while
  Zabiine didn't bring the new weapon here, there are so few of you that they
  should be able to do the job.  Kouji for his part thinks that black is 
  Mazinger's trademark, and that the jet black MSs you're facing are in
  violation.  As Akito and Ryouko trade pleasantaries (and take ribbing for
  it), Bright is getting a worse and worse feeling having seen the enemy
  formation.  Ruri notes that while these specific units aren't in the
  database, they're the same type of mecha as those used by Special Forces.
  Quatro thinks it quite odd that a group capable of such tactics and such
  mecha should be _totally_ unrecorded.

  The enemy have a Repair Kit S and a Mars Donburi.

  Kill 9 enemies within three turns for a Skill Point.

  This battle can be finished in four turns.

What were the enemy doing here, and what was that mobile armor all about?
Quatro figures from the fact that the mobile armor fled and the fact that 
there were enemy reinforcements close at hand that this was a testing ground.
And that whoever was responsible will probably be back to cause trouble later.
Never mind the fact that this is no time for Earthlings to be fighting amongst
themselves, which your dudes start brooding over.  Pai still can't remember
her homeland - and given Ranba's example perhaps she's better off that way,
or not.  Quatro points out that there are some Earthlings who don't call the
Earth their home: the Spacenoids.  To the multitudes who fled the overcrowded
Earth, raised in artificial cradles, can the Earth ever truly be called a
beloved homeland?  Duke and Maria want to know what Quatro is trying to say -
he's almost scaring them.  Shaking himself out of it, Quatro informs Bright
that all enemies in the area are gone.

It seems that all contact is now cut off to the Mars Reclamation Base.  Hazard
and his alliance with The Boom seem to be responsible, along with the 
Meganoids.  Banjou then tunes in, and compliments Yurika on her skill as a
captain for knowing when to run away.  Hazuki regrets that he can't help out
on Mars due to trying to reclaim Jaburo.  Bright in turn apologizes for not
being able to help out with the retaking of Jaburo.  As they hang up, the
curmudgeonly Burning expresses doubts about some of the new allies on the 
surface.  Quatro points out that with Amuro and Camille back in action there
should be no cause for concern - he's more worried about the Meganoids and
the stolen GP-02.  Kouji is most worried about the Dangaioh team's 
uniforms [F00KER!  SHUT UP AND LEAVE WELL ENOUGH ALONE!]  Sayaka is perplexed.
Yurika is willing to try it herself for Akito's sake, and Excellen notes that
you can only pull that off when you're young...  She lightly suggests that
Yurika not try it, but Ruri asks her to be a bit more forceful since Yurika
seems more than ready for the style change.

Said Dangaioh pilots are fretting over Shazalla's death (unless of course you
recruited her instead to hold the headset cord or refill the water cooler).
Mia points out that they had no choice - they can't be defeated or allow any
more tragedies like this one occur: they must beat the Bunker.  Pai is more
direct, saying that they don't have time to be down in the dumps.  Duke and
Maria can empathize.  Meanwhile, Shinobu is in a foul mood - he had planned
to say something to the "impudent" Pai, but the atmosphere wasn't right.
Ryou is amazed that Shinobu actually managed to read the atmosphere, noting
that he appears to be maturing.  Looks like all the aliens of a feather are
flocking together.

Elsewhere, Hamarn is asking Mashmar for a progress report.  Space near Earth
is in near-total chaos, and all the aliens are keeping the Federation from
doing much of anything.  Hamarn would love to take advantage of this chance,
but the aliens seem to be throwing down with the Neo-Jion too.  Mashmar 
thinks it's inexcusable that those obnoxious aliens keep confusing the Neo-
Jion with the foolish old-fashioned humans clinging to the Earth.  Hamarn
points out that as a result, Mashmar hasn't exactly taken out the Lond Bel
either - she lets that slide for now.  Mashmar reports that the Delaz Fleet is
in motion with Operation Stardust.  Hamarn muses over those inheritors to
Delaz's will, and orders Hamarn to get to his next task.  She seems rather
unhappy with Mashmar's views about "foolish old-fashioned humans"...

Duke is in some kind of private agony when Maria comes to summon him to the
briefing room.  He tells her that it's merely the wound he sustained when the
Vegans attacked Freed bothering him again.  Maria wants to rush him to a 
doctor, but he tells her that the wound was caused by Vegatron radiation - 
no medical science on Earth can cure it.  Maria realizes that this means that
Duke may not have long to live, but Duke doesn't plan to spend his final time
sitting around.  Grendizer is needed in battle, and Duke asks Maria not to
worry anyone else with this.  Besides, there may yet be found a way to cure
him.

Bright explains to his assembled pilots that Neo-Jion is on the move.  The
place is Konpeitou - formerly known as Solomon.  Your dudes all realize that
this is your chance to whittle down the enemy while the Gaizokku etc. are
temporarily beaten back.  Quatro has a bit of a bad feeling about the prospect
of attacking Solomon, but he can't think of any better way.  He can explain
only that he figures the enemy's movements should be more complicated than
just this.

Elsewhere, Gandar calls Gorman up.  Gandar has noticed that other Earthlings
are keeping Duke Freed occupied.  This appears to be their big chance, and
Gorman is sure he's up for it.  ELSEWHERE, Nergal has delivered a new
Aestivalis to the Nadesico, along with a new pilot.  This new Aesti has
Uribatake spooging, which has the three female pilots rather disgusted, as
well as pouting that there's an even newer Aesti than theirs.  Just then
Nagare Akatsuki and Erina Kinjou Wong make their appearance.  As Akatsuki
begins to make small talk, Akito starts wondering just exactly who he is,
since he doesn't _seem_ like a pilot...

The ZZ is now ready to rock, but Judou is doing something or other out of
habits formed back in the Junk House: checking his mech by himself.  Nina
notes that she's done all the checking herself, and hopes that he will ride
the machine with confidence.  They both lament the long assembly time, 
comparable to the GP-02, necessitated by the fusion of the First Gundam and
the G Armor: the "ultimate" (far from it) Gundam, the MSZ-010 "Double Zeta".
The machine is in fact a bit finicky, but Judou likes it; for her part, Nina
is glad for the things she learned and can apply to her own designs.  As
Judou makes ready to leave, he doublechecks with Nina that he's to destroy
the GP-02.  He wonders if Nina is hiding something (she claims she's not),
and shrugs it off by saying that adults are good at keeping secrets.


Stage 49. Akumu, Sairai ("The Nightmare Returns")

Cima smugly watches your dudes arrive.  Bright notes that they haven't yet
reached Solomon, and your people aren't sure why since they sure had the 
chance.  Well, regardless of how lame the enemy seems there's still a lot of
them.  Your dudes don't have much choice besides just chewing away at them
until they're gone, and try to take Solomon.  It's anyone's guess how much
actual supplies will be waiting for you there.  As your dudes impatiently
wait to launch, Quatro wonders why the enemy haven't taken the strategic high
ground of Solomon.  When your dudes sortie, Cima notes that all the actors
are assemble and now it's time to wait for the "guest".  There's a good
variety of MSs here, compiled from lots of the various bad-guy human groups.
The bad guys seem a rather motley crue, but then again so do your own people.
Gai insists that you're not a military unit but a Super Robot brigade (baka)
and Izumi makes another heinous pun.  Cima notes that you're a very lively
bunch, but that it's going to get a lot livelier yet.

  On turn 2, Gorman and his stooges show up, amused at the sight of the
  humans fighting.  He identifies the army that Duke Freed has been helping,
  and is determined to turn the tide of his losses.  These are the Guests
  Cima was talking about, and she's now ready for the show to begin.  Kouji
  notes that this is nothing worse than the usual bad timing, and Quatro
  deduces from the calmness of the Jion that something strange is going on.
  You've got no choice but to fight the Vegans first as the Jion watch, which
  has the Zanbot-3 crew impatient.  Cima warns her men not to mess with the
  Vegans, so that they and the Lond Bel can all get taken out at once.
  Uchuuta notes that the aliens are even out to kill the colony-born humans...

  One of the enemies has 10,000.  Gorman is worth a Super Alloy Nu-Z.  
  Another has a Needleless Ampule.  Another has a Propellant Tank S.

  This is where your blasting Gatou earlier comes in handy.  Cima will start
  to wonder where the hell he is, and the Jion start acting worried.  Your
  dudes figure the enemy had something up their sleeves, but whatever it is
  is apparently on the fritz.  Cima has just received the report that the
  GP-02 is broken down like some Cheech-and-Chong mobile pulled over by the
  CHP, and man is she pissed.  She can't believe that the damage it took on
  Earth was so severe (so much for German efficiency!)  She flees quickly, 
  and Bright tells your dudes to mop up the remaining enemies instead of 
  pursuing her.

  On turn 5, a familiar Gundam shows up, the Double Zeta, with Judou at the
  controls!  He explains how the somewhat psycho Nina fixed up the ZZ, and
  Akito notes that all mechanics seem to have a wild streak.  Quatro 
  apologizes to Judou for his getting involved in the fighting, but Judou
  answers that he can't just sit by and watch.

After verifying that the enemy are all gone, Ruu berates Judou for being late.
He retorts that he was waiting for the ZZ to get put back together.  Judou's
happy to help you all in the cause, but is pissed at Jion for not realizing
that humans shouldn't be fighting each other.  Quatro observes that the 
current Federation is powerless, and that the enemy attacking you first is
only natural.

Elsewhere, Glowbein is impressed that a leader of the Gyandora would appear
in person.  Diondra hadn't wanted to entrust this operation to mercenaries,
but this is Gades's orders.  She blames it all on Devil Satan being lame,
which he resents (under his breath).  After yelling at Devil Satan not to call
her "big sister", she confirms that Glowbein wants to fight Rome and Blue
Jet, with whom he feels he's got to settle the score as one warrior to
another.  She offers him her help, but Glowbein will not brook any interference
in this warrior's duel.  She is just trying to be helpful - for instance,
luring Rome and the others to this asteroid field where Glowbein can then do
as he pleases.  Glowbein accedes to this and orders Devil Satan and the</pre><pre id="faqspan-8">
others to get ready.  Diondra figures that even if Glowbein fails, as long as
things go as Gades said...

Elsewhere, Walkymedes is astonished that he, sent by Oreana to infiltrate the
earth thousands of years ago in preparation for colonizing, should have to do
_this_.  Dangel agrees, and figures that now that they're on the scene the
Earthlings are toast.  Just then the empress, Janela, shows up and tells them
that she can't leave the colonizing project to Oreana any more - she's taking
command directly.  Walkymedes plans to take his brother and the fortified
Magma Beasts and wipe out the humans without fail.  Further, he points out to
his brother that since Oreana how now been abandoned by Her Highness, perhaps
they can use Oreana as bait.  Janela was thinking the same thing, and 
Walkymedes plans to use the current chaos near the Earth to take over the
apparently-abandoned space fortress called "Zedan's Gate".  Walkymedes leaves
the takeover of this fortress to Dangel, who figures he can't lose to anyone
in a fight.

Bright has meanwhile picked up a faint energy signature from near the area
where you picked up Dankuuga.  The Dankuuga Team figure that whatever
suspicious thing they saw in the area has sprung into action, but unfortunately
it's not the only suspicious area - unidentified mecha have been spotted in
the asteroid belt, gathering.  Excellen reminds Bright about some information
from Neral that an abandoned colony has just gone out of contact.  Sending you
on a colony recovery mission during these busy times seems like a waste, but
the fact that Nergal told you is a bit suspicious.  It's more suspicious how
an entire colony could just go missing.  This may be some kind of bait, or
it just could be various different enemies doing their own thing.  You have
little choice but to check them out in turn, and Bright is especially worried
about the colony business...

Unfortunately, Bright has to call everyone off their break due to the 
attack at Zedan's Gate.  Excellen wants to know if it's the mystery bony
enemies, making Yurika wonder if the Lond Bel have been fighting ghosts.
As the crew mull over who those aliens could be, Ranba wonders if there's some
giant doorway floating in space, but Ruu sets them straight that it's a
space fortress, formerly called A Baoa Kuu.  Although this fortress is out 
of the way and barely used, you can't just ignore it since it might come back
to haunt you later.  Your dudes are summoning the will to attack it, figuring
they've got to match the Gondor squad's effort, when Bright breaks the news
that the Gondor's attempt to retake Jaburo was halted.  All the transmission
said was that and that they were returning to Japan.  Surely there's a good
reason for it, and the Gondor squad will win through.  You'll just have to
trust them.  Yurika especially believe in him, having become a fan of Hazuki's.
Just as your dudes are about to go about their business, an SOS arrives from
Anaheim: the Vegans are attacking Von Braun.  The Aestivalis pilots are kind
of pissed, wondering just how many enemies there are.  Hikaru can't keep them
all straight, but the rest figure that a battle's a battle no matter where
it is.  Gai is ready to make a great defense of Von Braun until he realizes
he doesn't know where it is.  Ruri is about to call him "baka" until Izumi
reminds her that repetition lacks art.  Ines helpfully reminds everyone that
Von Braun is a city on the Moon where several of the Gundams came from.
Prospector would prefer if the Moon were remembered for more than just
Anaheim, but...


SCENE 4. Operation Stardust

Stage 50. Tatoe Waga Inochi Tsukiru Tomo ("Even If My Life Extinguishes...)

Your dudes prepare for assault, including a somewhat pointless FMV of
Grendizer.  Duke is plenty pissed at the Vegans, but his health appears to be
finally failing, probably from that Vegatron radiation.  Ines explains to 
Yurika that Von Braun is a very important resupply point.  The others think
that the enemy's objective is clearly overall invasion, but Duke thinks the
enemy are oddly focused on the Moon.  It doesn't seem like Anaheim and the
various mining bases near Von Braun should be that vital to the enemy...
Anyway, the enemy show up, with Shigura impressed that the Earthlings have
set up this quickly.  Kirika is also on the scene, who hopes to take down
Grendizer and avenge her brother's death.  Shigura figures that if she can
defeat Grendizer she can let someone else carry on the freeze ray research,
but Kirika is determined to continue that too.  Which, is why she's ready to
play her secret trump card.  Duke recognizes the markings of the Vegan royal
guard.  Both sides trade bravado, as Duke thinks that he's even prepared to
die from Vegatron radiation if need be.

  On turn 3, more bad guys show up, led by Mashmar.  Ruri helpfully notes that
  they don't seem to be attacking the Vegans.  Shigura realizes a chance when
  he sees it, and orders his men to concentrate fire on Duke Freed.  Judou
  yells at Mashmar to stop, and Mashmar figures he's now got a great tale to 
  bring back to Hamarn.  He says that his allegiance to Hamarn isn't to be
  swayed, which has Quatro thoughtful and the Zanbot-3 people pissed.

  One of the enemies has a Cartridge.  Another has a Magnetic Coating.

  Shigura runs at around 13000HP.  He's worth a Skill Point and a Chobham 
  Armor.  He'll tell you that he'll save this duel for later and flee.  Your
  dudes would love to chase after this fleeing coward, but Duke is adamant that
  none of you can afford to leave the area.

  Kirika when killed will bail out in a Minifour.  Duke isn't going to let her
  get away, but she asks Duke if he really wants to shoot her down.  Pai is
  pissed off at this, and yells at her to either come and fight or gather up
  her pubic hair and flee (^^;;;;)  She tells Duke that she's got the Minus
  Vegatron Gun that can cure his Vegatron radiation poisoning.  She's willing
  to trade it for Grendizer, and asks Duke what it'll be as she disappears.
  Duke stops Maria from pursuing as Ruri explains what Vegatron radiation is:
  rays released from crushing Vegatron ore.  Despite the possible benefit to
  himself, Duke isn't willing to leave the companions he's fighting alongside.
  Kouji basically tells Duke to go help himself so he won't become a burden
  on others, and as Duke wavers Bright formally orders him to pursue the 
  fleeing enemy.  Ruri tracks the enemy's course (heading to Earth) and Duke
  thanks you all and promises to return.

  Mashmar runs at 7500HP.  Your dudes will berate him for not understanding
  that this is no time for humans to be fighting amongst themselves, but he
  says that to the Spacenoids, the Federation which insists on continuing
  to inhabit the Earth is at fault.  He'd be just as happy letting the aliens
  have the Earth.  Mia says that both he and you all should be the same in
  terms of longing for home, and Mashmar says that none of you have the
  slightest clue why he's here.  Judou in fact couldn't care less why Mashmar
  is here, and tells him to tell Hamarn that hatred only breeds more hatred:
  and that if she intends to spread hatred into space he won't permit it.
  He's worth a Ninja Manual.

Quatro will tell Judou that he's got to solve the problems in front of his
eyes first, which Judou reluctantly agrees with.  All that remains now is
the question of whether Grendizer can pull through or not.  Its loss is
annoying, but at least the rest of your warpower is congealing.  It's possible
that this latest attack was simply a ploy to lure Duke out (like Gil did), 
and Quatro starts worrying seriously about what the Jion are up to.  He
figures that the Neo-Jion are using the current confusion to conceal some
deeper objective, and that the colony has something to do with it.  Judou 
figures that Mashmar is acting on Hamarn's orders, and he explains to the
newcomers that Hamarn is... a very bad woman from Jion.  Your only option is
to keep looking forward, and to move on as soon as resupply is complete.  Ines
wonders why the Vegans, bent on invading the Earth, are so interested in the
moon.

Devil Satan is all set and is waiting for Diondra.  Glowbein is all eager to
see Blue Jet, and explains that Blue Jet seems like the first tough opponent
he's seen in twenty years.  The two debate the merits of this unyielding desire
to fight.  Elsewhere, Kou muses over all the new Gundams.  Judou apparently
got to see the top-secret GP-03, and Kou wonders what it's like given that
the GP-01 is designed for land warfare and GP-02 is for nuclear war.  He
figures it's a high manoverability machine for space combat, but notes that
the Full Vernier GP-01Fb already fulfills that role.  Excellen then turns up,
complaining that her machine starts acting up every time you run into the
bony or plant-like enemies.  Excellen briefly asks if any of the others have
heard voices, and then quickly hurries off when they haven't.  But just then
Alfimi starts speaking to her, asking her to come to where she is.  Excellen
would love to, and has some... questions for her too.  Alfimi welcomes her
saying that Excellen is her...  Just then, Excellen heads off in her mech,
and Kou yells at everyone else to support her.  Kou tells El to contact Bright
and asks Judou to help him hold Excellen back, but she's already lit her
engines...

Hazard is asking Irubola to do something quite distasteful.  Hazard tells him
not to be angry at him, since the request came from Above.  He tells Irubola
that the enemy are storing warpower in that abandoned colony.  He claims to
have confirmation, and says that he had sent Sharman to check but...  Irubola
still doesn't want to do this, but "He" recommended that Irubola do this in
return for letting Irubola once again use the device he used while on Earth.
Irubola _still_ isn't happy, but is willing to go along with it.  Hazard for
his part thinks that he won't have to act this servile forever.

Bright is breaking the news about Excellen, who seems to be in some kind of
trance.  Prospector is worried about losing one of the most valuable things
aboard the ship (a pilot), but Megumi tells him to be worried about Excellen
herself.  Bright requests that the Nadesico head to Zedan's Gate, where the
new aliens are attacking, since time is of the essence and the Nadesico is
faster than the Ral Kairam.  He plans to join the Nadesico as soon as they've
checked things over in this area once more.  Yurika is confident that the
Nadesico can handle any trouble on its own, although some of the other
crew members aren't so sure.

Elsewhere, Cima is assuring Mashmar that all is going according to plan (as
she did for Gatou).  He informs her that Hamarn is worried herself, but Cima
sinuously tells him not to be so jittery, lest he screw up and lose Hamarn's
trust.  As he orders her to get the plan underway, he thinks to himself that
he's no good with women like her, and that Hamarn is his only love.  Meanwhile,
Bright and the crew are trying to figure out where to head next.  As Kou is
caught worrying about Nina, Quatro slickly says that the lack of damage to
Nina and the rest of Anaheim Electronics is the silver lining to the clouds
of war you've been facing.  Your dudes are confident that Excellen and Duke
will both overcome their respective ailments.  The question is which of the
various problems you face to tackle next...

DO THE NEXT FOUR STAGES IN ANY ORDER.  I MIGHT RECOMMEND ZEDAN'S GATE FIRST
TO TEMPORARILY GET THE NADESICO BACK.

Stage 51. Jotei no Wana ("The Empress' Trap) (Inside Zedan's Gate)

Gai is surprised to find that Zedan's Gate seems to be deserted.  He's not
the only one wondering where the guards are...did they get wiped out?  Akito
tells everyone to start searching fast, but Yurika wants him to wait for
Ruri to finish scanning the interior.  Ines explains that you couldn't just
scan from the outside because of jamming (this is a space fortress after
all).  Izumi makes a pun about jamming that would make Dark Helmet proud, and
Ruri notes that anti-scan seems to be active inside too.  There is a somewhat
inexplicable debate about whether it's more important to search safely or to
try to find survivors, and Yurika finally gives Akito and the other Aestis
permission to search manually.  Of course, at that moment Ruri finishes 
scanning and determines that you're totally surrounded.  Several unrecorded
mecha are assuming attack postures.  Dangel figures he can wipe you all out
easily, and his enthusiasm leads Gai to defend his own enthusiasm as that of a
hero.  As he and Dangel trade bluster, Prospector figures the odds of survivors
are basically zilch.  Looks like you all arrived too late.  Ines notes that
these enemies seem similar to the Vegans, but Ruri advises her to think about
that after the bad guys are dispatched.

  Some Einsts show up on turn three.  Your people note quickly that they seem
  very different from the initial enemy units: disgusting, and not very robot-
  like.  Gai is sure that such things couldn't be allies of justice, and Dangel
  recognizes these allies of Oreana.  Dangel himself finds them disgusting, but
  has been told to keep his hands off them.  Your people are annoyed at more
  enemies appearing, and Ruri detects something approaching the outside of the
  fortress (how soon your dudes will ride to the rescue depends on the order
  you pick the stages in).

  One of the enemy has a Mars Donburi.  Another has a Chobham Armor.  Another
  has a Megabooster.

  You'll need to break a thin wall to proceed.  Once through, keep looking
  along the left and you'll find another wall which leads to a secret room
  containing the Core Booster.   Behind another breakable wall near Dangel is
  10,000 credits.

  Dangel flees at around 6600 HP (child's play!) and is worth a Skill Point
  and a V-Up Unit(U).  He can't believe that his Magma Beast is sucking so
  hard, and at the hands of the people who messed up Garuda no less.  Next time
  he sees you, he'll kill you for sure etc etc.

Well, that takes care of that.  It seems that the guards managed to bail in
escape pods before the enemy took over (how convenient).  Given the relatively
intact state of the base, it seems that the enemy weren't out to destroy it -
both the material and human losses were minimal.  Given that the operation was
a success, you're now left to wonder what the heck the Einsts are after.
Maybe they were trying to set up shop here as part of invading the Earth?
Shinobu wants to know just what's so good about the Earth, and Ruri points out
that the Earth has many different technologies, energy sources, and cultures.


Stage 52. JETTO Yo, Sousatsuken wo Yabure ("Jet, Defeat the Sousatsu-Ken)
(Large Rock Region)

Jet's been pursuing Diondra this far, but he seems to be lost and far away
from Rome and the others.  He commands his adversary to show himself, which
Glowbein obligingly does.  Glowbein informs him that had Jet turned tail, he
planned to stab him in the back.  Jet notes that noone is likely to interfere
here, and that they two are the only ones who can live or die in the area.

  Jet will ask why someone as skilled as Glowbein has become a lackey of the
  Gyandora.  Glowbein thinks it's obvious: his own city is too peaceful, and
  its other residents kicked him out as unnecessary.  It was the Gyandora who
  took him in - and it's a warrior's job to fight regardless of the master.

  Your goal is to damage Glowbein to 50% of his HP for a Skill Point before
  turn 3.  He'll praise the splendor of Tenkuu Shinken, and Blue Jet will allow
  that had he not seen Ankoku Sousatsu-ken before, he might have been the one
  to lose.  Since Glowbein's heart isn't yet pierced, the two continue to
  fight... or rather they try until Devil Satan interferes.  Jet is
  disappointed in Glowbein as a warrior, and Glowbein hastily explains that
  they're interference isn't his wish.  Glowbein, furious, says that he's
  lost interest in continuing this duel, and Jet agrees.  He tells Glowbein to
  leave, knowing that Jet has won the first round.  Devil Satan thinks that
  all this "warrior" business is what got Glowbein hurt, and a rather irate
  Jet tells him to come and get him if he's got so much time to run his mouth.

  After you take down at least four of the enemy, Burst, Flash, and a bunch of
  cronies show up.  They're disappointed to not see the Earth army, although
  they do see the Gyandora and the warrior from the planet Chronos in battle.
  They figure that tormenting the Chronosian is the best way to lure out the
  Earth army, including "that" man.  Of course, Rome wouldn't let the odds stay
  this lopsided for long.  As he hears another of Rome's overblown speeches,
  Devil Satan realizes he's wasted too much time.  The Bunker pilots aren't
  impressed over this happy reunion, and think they're sending everyone to
  hell regardless.  As Rome prepares to demonstrate the power of Tenkuu 
  Chuushin-ken, Bright and crew show up and quickly decide to help out.  
  Apparently the Bunker pilots have some past history with the Dangaioh team,
  and as everyone sorties the Machine Robo people find out for the first time
  what it feels like to be saved: not bad.  Roll finally recognizes the voices
  of Flash and Burst, who plan to send him to hell again.

  One of the enemies has a Propellant Tank S.  Another has a Booster.

  Devil Satan flees around 7170HP.  He'll be very flustered, but as he flees
  Jet tells him to tell Glowbein that he'll be willing to duel him at any
  time, he won't run or hide.  He's worth an Aura Converter(!)

  Flash and Burst will flee if the other is killed (so kill them both with
  a map weapon!)  They tell Roll that they were just saying "hi" this time,
  and that next time they'll kill him for sure.  Flash is worth a Shuffle
  Crest, and Burst is worth an Anti-Beam Coating.

Your dudes don't need the thanks of the folks who saved your bacon countless
times, but they are impressed that something was troubling _them_.  Rome
agrees with Uchuuta's view that you "only" managed to drive the enemy away,
and notes that with the Gyandora leaders now directly involved the fighting
is going to get messy.  Rome figures that his people will eventually fight
by your side for good, but not right now.  Prospector had wanted to request
their aide on behalf of Nergal too, but Akito figures he just wanted to study
them.  Even Ines can't guess how they're put together, and Yurika wants a 
transformable suit like theirs.  As Yurika plans how to improve their style,
Roll asks his teammates for a little time to ponder these people who seem to
know him so well.  He tells Quatro that he's still able to fight, and your
people are off to the next point.


Stage 53. DIRADO, Kakusei ("Dilad Awakens") (Dilad Sea)

There's definitely _something_ going on here.  Apparently all the debris are
being pulled in, and Yurika notes that eventually it'll get big enough to be
a planet where people could live.  Ines points out that if that happens the
gravitational balance of the solar system will be disrupted and mass calamity
will result.  Just then the enemy emerge from the asteroid: Abel and his goons.
Your people "thank" him for greeting you in a new mecha, and battle is joined.

  Defeat Abel before enemy reinforcements arrive for a Skill Point.  He's
  worth a Super Alloy Z.

  Reinforcements will show up on the enemy turn after you kill two bad guys.
  They'll be led by Devil Satan, who immediately gets derided by your people
  for his lameness.  In the process, you find out that the Bunker and Gyandora
  aren't exactly the closest of allies.  The consensus is that they intend
  to fight you, as more of the bad guys pour out of the asteroid.  Everything
  is going fine until a voice calls out to Sara momentarily (which she shrugs
  off).  But the battle can't be allowed to start without yet another
  impressive appearance by those wacky Machine Robo guys.  Even Omoikane can't
  figure out where the hell they came from.

  One of the enemies has a Repair Kit S.  Another has a Space Abacus.

  Devil Satan flees at a little under 12k HP, and is worth a Large Cartridge.
  He'll say that he's sick of messing with some wacky little asteroid, not to
  mention Rome and crew.

Rome now thinks the enemy's objective is clear given that only Devil Satan
showed up here.  The Machine Robo crew sets off in hot pursuit.  Or, they
try to until the Dangaioh team ask them what their relation to the Gyandora
and Bunker is.  Rome tells them that the Gyandora's ultimate objective is
the Earth.  Unfortunately, he doesn't have time to explain and says only that
he will probably have to ask your help sooner or later before leaving.  Your
dudes aren't happy about leaving this asteroid alone, but you don't have the
means to destroy it handy.  The odd thing is, if it's an enemy base it's got
neither life signs nor metallic readings.  What that means is that whatever
attacked you might be alive in and of itself.  Kou likens it to a bee's nest,
with the warriors sent out to attack when threatened.  Burning and Prospector
recommend prohibiting entry to this area and leaving it be.  Most of your
people are in favor of leaving this sleeping dog lie


Stage 54. Renkinjutsushi no Omoi ("Thoughts of the Alchemist") (Near Moon Sea)

Excellen reaches her destination, finally coming to and demanding that Alfimi
show herself.  The Einsts that appear don't appear too talkative.  She decides
to kill some time until the red mech appears.

  More Einsts show up on round two, quite resistant to everything in 
  Excellen's conversational repertoire.  Even more pop out on turn three,
  prompting a miffed Excellen to tell them to all come out at once.  More
  come out just then as she tries to tell them she was only joking.  She
  notes that things have gone from bones to plants, meaning armor is
  probably next.  What then will the final form be like?  Sure enough, armors
  appear the next round, and Excellen almost wishes for a bit of
  unpredictability.  Since this is as many types as have been cataloged, what
  will come next?  Probably the little girl...

  Your dudes show up on turn 5, quickly berate Excellen for taking off on her
  own, and promptly ignore her in favor of taking down the mystery bad guys.
  All Excellen can say is that she felt as though she was being called here,
  and Bright realizes that she and Kyousuke have something particular in
  common.  As your dudes ponder the unknown identity of the enemy, Excellen
  tells everyone to be careful of a "special" adversary coming out, probably
  the leader.

  Sure enough, Alfimi and her guards show up on turn 5.  Although you haven't
  seem these enemy before, they strongly resemble Kyousuke's mech, the 
  Alteizen.  When Excellen demands an explanation for Alfimi's copying of
  Kyousuke's mech, Alfimi says that whenever she thinks of Kyousuke her heart
  goes pitter-pat (say what?), and sadly can do no more than create these
  facsimiles since she doesn't know him.  The other's can't hear Alfimi's words
  and Alfimi tells Excellen that she couldn't even talk with Kyousuke this
  way.  This is why she needs Excellen as an interpreter of sorts.  Excellen
  doesn't know how Alfimi is related to her and Kyousuke, but says that she'll
  show no mercy if Alfimi is an enemy she's got to defeat.

  One of the enemies has a Repair Kit S.  Another has a Propellant Tank S.
  Another has a Space Alloy Gren.  Another has a Large Generator.

  Alfimi flees at 6600 HP, or if all the other enemies are defeated.  She's
  worth a Skill Point.  She leaves, with only an enigmatic statement to 
  Excellen that she hasn't yet...

Excellen really wants to know what's going on with Alfimi and her special
link to her and Kyousuke.  She explains to the others that she sort of kind of
sensed the enemy's presence, which at least Judou is sympathetic to.  Bright
suspects that this may be related to "that" incident.  Bright lets things sit
for now, but will confine Excellen until the next point as this is, in
principle, a military outfit.  Yurika thinks that's way harsher than on the
Nadesico, and Minato points out that by those standards Yurika herself would
be stuck in the brig forever.  Ruri offers "no comment".

Unfortunately, your dudes don't have time to rest: that stolen colony is
headed for the Moon.  Even given that Anaheim is located there (among other
things), your dudes can't figure out why the enemy would move so quickly.  Kou
points out that you don't have time to reflect, only to hurry over there.  As
the Nadesico dudes are about to rush to help the overworked Bright, Prospector
receives an urgent call from Nergal asking them to return to Earth... which
is also a request from the Federation, directly from Admiral Misumaru himself.
Omoikane has received the data about this mission: some large Jovian Lizard
weapon has come out of a Tulip that landed in Russia.  Basically, this weapon
is being left up to the Nadesico while the Gondor squad tries to recapture
Jaburo.  As the banter continues, Yurika explains to Akito that she'll have
the Nadesico return to earth: it's best to concentrate on jobs that only you
yourself can do.  Megumi reminds her that she should tell Bright that too,
and communications are open.  Bright gathers the remaining warpower and
heads to stop that colony.  Quatro explains how bad it will be if Jion manages
to actually drop the colony on the Moon.  This is somewhat mysterious though:
have the bad guys given up on the Earth and are attacking the Moon?  Come to
think of it, Duke was also concerned with why the Vegans were on the Moon when
they were after the Earth.  Looks like you'll be attacking it immediately after
landing at Von Braun - no time for shopping whatsoever.

Gatou watches the Lond Bel enter Von Braun.  Cima thinks its time to make you
dance, and tells Gatou to do his job.  Not that he needs her to tell him that.
Cima will come and help if she has time, and she's left a little surprise in
that city anyway.  Your dudes then find out that the colony is going to MISS
the moon: instead, it's going to slingshot to the Earth!  Your dudes are
scrambled right away, which has them rather peeved.  Fortunately Ryou has had
time to put the Dankuuga back together properly, and if you've fulfilled the
conditions you now get Aggressive Beast Mode.

  If not, you get it in episode 3.

Bright and Hazuki trade info - looks like both teams are in for very rough
sailing.  The good news is that Duke has been cured and will be joining you
with Maria.  The real question is: how can you stop the colony?  Quatro and
Excellen explain that while wrecking the colony isn't practical, disrupting
its course is.  Or rather, disrupting the Vernier thrusters on the colony
that'll do the final course corrections.  Your other dudes are dubious, but
Quatro is confident.  Mia asks him if he's done this before, to which he
replies, "Who knows?" and smiles.


Stage 55. Rakuen e no Kikyo ("Return to Paradise")

Bright wants to use what little time is left to hit Anaheim Electronics and
get what new mecha he can.  Of course, if you can't break out of Von Braun
all of it will be meaningless.  Your dudes are actually beginning to think
that Quatro was taking all of this too seriously, and he for his part is
expecting the enemy to try to stop you here.  Gatou and his goons show up
to do just that.  Your dudes are very unhappy to see them, and Bright says
that you've got ten minutes to clean this mess up.

  After you kill six enemies, reinforcements will arrive on the next turn,
  led by Kerry.  He's very greatful that he's finally been given a chance to
  help his long-time idol.  Cima, for her part, isn't impressed with his thanks
  and says it won't mean a thing if he can't deliver.  Quatro is impressed with
  the Nightmare of Solomon for having bad guys hiding in the city, and your
  guys don't have time to waste on all this...  For no apparent reason your
  people are getting very demoralized by the difference in numbers, when the
  Machine Robo crew intervenes.  One nifty speech about wind eroding imposing
  rocks into individual grains of sand later, Rome gets to lecture Cima that
  size isn't what matters in battle.

  One of the enemy has a Magnetic Coating.  Another has a Needleless Ampule.
  Kelly is worth a Val Valo (^^;;)
  Cima is worth 10,000 credits.

  Have Kou fight Gatou.  He'll demand to know why Gatou stole the GP-02, and
  Gatou figures that Kou doesn't even know what it means to fight.  Kou demands
  to know what's so meaningless about fighting for his homeland, and Gatou
  informs him that those without ideals, principles, have no future.  As proof
  of how little good pilots acting on their own does, he points out that the
  rest of the Federation outside your dudes is basically helpless - reduced to
  borrowing help from outsiders.  Gatou finds this despicable, and while Kou
  can't refute him he does intend to keep pursuing Gatou until the score is
  settled.  Then send Quatro to Persuade Gatou - he'll quickly slip inside
  Gatou's guard, and inform Gatou that all the ideals Jion was striving for
  ended "back then" - at the time Jion Zum Daikun was assassinated by the Zabi
  House.  Gatou finally realizes the Colonel, and Quatro tells him to
  reconsider how the Zabis and Hamarn Kahn are merely using the Jion for their
  own ends.  Gatou, still a Jion soldier, can't back out now and betray the
  hopes of all the other Jion the Federation has trampled.  Guess you'll have
  to kick his ass the old fashioned way.

  Gatou will flee around 11k HP.  He's worth either a Psychoframe or a Haro
  depending on skill level.  If you want a Skill Point for killing him, you
  have to do it before enemy reinforcements arrive - which, given that Gatou
  is responsible for mutually exclusive Skill Points anyway, hardly seems
  worth it.  He'll be amazed that you could hurt him this badly, and retreats
  to let Operation Stardust do its work.

Bright orders everyone back to the Ral Kairam immediately after the battle,
saying that all damaged mechs will be fixed en route to the colony.  Jet thinks
this kind of vigorous command is like Rome in the old days - Rome figures
that any strong commander has to be decisive like this.  In fact, he decides
to go pursue the Gyandora and Bunker, who should now be in full swing
somewhere.  Quatro has neither the intention nor the right to stop them, but
asks their name before the depart again - Rome at least introduces himself
before taking off.  The Dangaioh team wonders about this Chronos planet Rome
comes from, and plan to ask Tarsan about it.

Strong EM jamming is keeping you from getting through to the Gondor squad.
They _were_ doing okay...  Well, you don't have any time to worry about it now.
Just then Nina contacts you and lets you know that she's just finished the
GP-03 Orchis, designed for point defense.  The bad news is that you can't
afford the detour to pick it up.  Nina will get it ready just in case, and
wishes Kou good luck.

Tarsan had hoped that hearing from the Dangaioh team meant they're ready to
return to base, but of course that's no the case.  Tarsan gives them the usual
lecture about not knowing the true terror of the Bunker, not to mention the
most powerful crime syndicate in space (the Gyandora).  The Dangaioh folks
ask if Tarsan knows anything about the mystery dudes chasing the Gyandora, 
and Tarsan is amazed to hear the name Chronos - one of the only planets to
repulse the Gyandora.  He demands to know if they've run into Kirai Stoll, and
Pai points out that who they ran into is Rome Stoll.  Tarsan, now aghast,
informs them that Kirai was the successor to the most powerful martial art
in the universe, Tenkuu Chuushin-Ken... since Kirai supposedly died in battle
with the Gyandora, it seems like the one saving your bacon may be his son.
Tarsan, like the rest of your dudes, can't figure out why so many prominent
people are converting on the Earth, but he points out that there seems to be
some sort of energy or force emanating from the Earth, conveying its position
to all of space.  Assuming, of course, that one has the right gear to detect
it.  He can't explain what this means, since the Earth is only moderately
high-tech and in an otherwise uninteresting solar system.  Since the Dangaioh
is going to stop the colony drop the crew is about to hang up on Tarsan, who
hastily informs that if they're _determined_ to help the Earth he's found out
something.  The asteroid at "PLS Black Point" is dangerous, and emitting a
growing amount of energy.

Irubola has been sent to Colos to request the use of "that" device again.
Don says through Colos that he isn't sure there's something in it for the
Gyandora.  Irubola knows that the Gyandora find the Gondor squad as big a
nuisance as the Lond Bel, and plans to throw them somewhere easy to dispose of.
Or, easier for _him_ to dispose of.  Given that the only commander who could
use the system died in battle earlier, Colos and Don figure there's no harm in
letting Irubola borrow it.  Don is very happy to hear Irubola's pledge to
wipe out the Gondor, and Irubola wonders why the heck Don has forged ties with
people like these.

Looks like the ninja squad has made their way to the moon, and will rendezvous
with the Lond Bel.  Bright fills your dudes in on all the allies you have to
go and pick up.  Delay is bad for trying to stop the colony drop, but you also
need firepower to overcome the surely stout Jion resistance.  If all works out
well, you may even be able to pick up that GP-03 as well.  The Dangaioh people
then pass along Tarsan's information, and no matter what route the Lond Bel
takes you'll have to pass close to the ominous PLS Black Point again.  You
won't have time for a detailed investigation, but you'll at least know if
something is up there.


SCENE 5.

Stage 56. Sakubou no Chuuiki ("Zone of Plotting")

Kou has gone into Anaheim to pick up the new mech, and it's taking a while.
With no choice but waiting for him to return, your dudes are thinking they're
sitting ducks for the Jion.  Just as Bright is about to take Quatro's 
suggestion to send out some guards, the enemy show up led by Mashmar.  He
figures you've got some deep countermeasure in mind since you didn't go
straight to the colony.  He disregards Judou's plea to leave your people
alone, saying he's got to remove everything in the way of Operation Stardust,
no matter how insignificant.  He plans to destroy both you and whatever new
mech Anaheim has cooked up.  Your dudes have to keep the bad guys away from
Anaheim, and aren't very patient about Kou showing up.  Quatro is wondering
what the GP-03 will be like, given the normal duty GP-01 and the nuclear
GP-02.

  Mashmar will flee at 7848 HP, and is worth a Skill Point and a Super Alloy
  nu-Z.  He'll lament not being able to take out the new mech, but figures he
  at least slowed you down.  He tells Judou that he'll see you all again...
  assuming you make it in time, that is.

  Gordon is worth a Booster.

  On ep. 5 Kou shows up with more than just the Armed Base Orcus - he's got the
  GP-03S Stamen combined to make the whole frigging Dendrobium.  Kouji figures
  this is like how Grendizer combines with the Spacer, and your dudes mull
  over how the Orcus is probably full of weaponry like the Big Zam once was.
  Excellen is just in the process of wishing she could get a power-up like this
  herself when a bunch of enemies show up.  Iria, their leader, is worth a
  Space Abacus.

Your dudes are glad to wipe out the enemy, and note that the GP-03 really
looks like a Gundam stuffed into a box.  With it in tow, your dudes prepare to
speed off to the next point.  The fact that the Jion were here getting in your
way is proof of how dangerous they see you as... and that the Jion aren't fully
confident in their plan.


PLAY THE NEXT FOUR STAGES IN ANY ORDER, ALTHOUGH I RECOMMEND DOING THEM IN
THE GAME ORDER.

Stage 57. Moete Hashire Kyoudai Senshi ("Blaze and Run, Kindred Warrior")
(Abandoned Colony Zone)

Gamelan informs Romina that they're at the end - the Elshank is now dead in
the water.  Romina is apologetic that they won't make the rendezvous, but
Duke says that he's already received a response to his SOS - the Lond Bel will
be here any minute.  As they exchange banter, the enemy decides to show up.
Devil Satan recognizes the starship from another world that Gil mentioned,
and figures that you're here to try to interfere with the colony drop.  Your
folks realize that this means that the Gyandora aren't out for world
domination, but must be after something _on_ the Earth.  Devil Satan is sorry
he said it, but figures that if he takes you out here noone will ever know.
He tells Kina to get cracking, and she doesn't want to fight since Rome Stoll
isn't on hand.  Kolon tells her that if they keep fighting Rome is sure to show
up, and Kina accedes.  Romina is worried, but Duke is determined not to let
the same thing happen to her planet or to the Earth that happened to Freed.

  On turn 3, Duke worries about the quantity of the enemies, and the Elshank
  can do nothing but fire at the enemies within its own range.  There's no
  choice but to hang in there until the Lond Bel arrives.  When Duke informs
  Devil Satan that he won't be beaten by a crew who thinks numbers are
  everything, Kina informs Devil Satan that she sees things Duke's way.  This
  is a good time for Rome and crew to show up.  As they banter with the 
  Elshank crew, Rome actually tells Romina his name - and upon hearing it
  Kina goes berserk with rage.

  Send Rome to Persuade Kina.  He asks why she's after him, since she's 
  apparently not a Gyandora commander.  She announces that Rome killed her
  father: she's the daughter of the Buffalo Warrior Jingi.  Rome explains that
  their duel was one between warriors - there should have been no grudges on
  either side.  The other Machine Robo dudes remember this duel, which Rome
  won with Cyclone Drive.  Suffice it to say that the kids aren't having this
  excuse.

  Kina will run at 4500 HP, or when Devil Satan does.

  The enemy have a Magnetic Coating, a Chobham Armor, and a Propellant Tank S.

  Devil Saturn flees at 8340 HP, and is worth a Large Generator.  It is VERY
  HARD to both Persuade Kina and kill Devil Saturn, even if Grendizer's 
  weaponry is powered all the way up.  Given that Devil Satan won't attack
  you and that he effectively flees at the end of enemy turn four, and that
  it'll take turn just to get in range, you've only got three turns to attack
  him.

     You'll need to use two critical Hot Blooded Double Hakken attacks and a
     Tenkuu Shinken Konoha Oroshi (preferably also critical) to even have a
     prayer of offing Devil Satan.  The question is how to muster the remaining
     points of damage, given that you have to withstand two turns of all of
     the goons pounding you.  If you were forward-thinking enough to give Duke
     Concentration, you should have enough SP left for two Iron Walls (or Hot
     Bloodeds).  By killing at least two enemies on turn 2 and "wasting" an
     Encourage on Duke at the beginning of turn 3, it _is_ possible to off
     Devil Satan without needing a third Hot Blooded...

  On turn 5, the Lond Bel show up.  Rome and the crew are planning to follow
  him, since he's obviously up to no good.

  Whether or not you take out Devil Satan, this battle can be finished in
  five turns.

Your dudes are all glad that the battle's over and that the rendezvous came
off okay (with some help from those mysterious hero type dudes).  While it
sucks that the Elshank won't be able to accompany you into battle, at least
you've got the Grendizer folks back.  Bright asks the Elshank to head to
Anaheim, where it can receive repairs - he's made all the arrangements already.
Excellen asks where the Reideen is - Duke reports that Akira felt something
that bothered him, and left by a different route to check it out.  Romina
then asks what's to be done with Puru (Judou is astounded that you found her)
and Duke explains that while she's still unconscious her life is in no danger.
Romina pledges to bring her safely to Anaheim or Von Braun, where she can be
properly cared for, and Judou's feel a lot better already.


Stage 58. Majin Tensei ("Reincarnation of the Devil") (Sea Near Dilard)

Your dudes are nearing PLS Black Point, and Bright isn't happy about taking
this long-cut.  Your dudes are in the process of hoping that nothing's amiss
when they notice that something is different about this area from the last time
you were here: the asteroid has moved.  Or rather is _moving_, which has your
folks very upset, especially since it's headed to Earth.  VEEERY slowly.  Your
folks will have to deal with it eventually, but for the time being it looks
like the colony is still the top priority.  Just as Bright (and Excellen) are
calming Shinobu down, the bad guys arrive and Pai blames not detecting them
on Shinobu's tantrum.  Looks like it won't be easy getting to the colony...

  Kill half of the enemies and who should appear but Shapiro.  The Dankuuga
  team quickly recognize his blue mech.  A few of the others have heard that
  he defected to the Muge Zolbados Empire during the previous war - and Quatro
  notes that his death was confirmed at its end.  Your dudes tell a rattled
  Sara (who dealt the final blow) that this surely is just someone who picked
  up Shapiro's mech, although whoever is in it remembers Sara...

  One of the enemies has a Cartridge.  Another has an Anti-Beam Coating.

  Shapiro will flee at 8700HP, and is worth a Psychoframe and a Skill Point.
  He'll bail inside the asteroid, and the Dankuuga folks really want to follow
  him, but the colony drop is higher priority.  Shinobu is about to protest
  until Sara says that she's fine with not pursuing Shapiro.

Roll starts complaining after the battle that it took longer than expected (it
only took 4 turns, 80's hair boy!!!)  You've got no choice but to hurry ahead
and fret over whatever purpose is sending this asteroid to Earth.  Sara is
sure that Shapiro is trying to take over the Earth, and she's sure that it
_was_ Shapiro you just fought.  Your dudes try to play psychiatrist over Sara's
past killing of Shapiro (her lover), and as you try to get your but out the
door a Shadowy Figure(tm) [don't give us that crap] still thinks Sara's name...


Stage 59. Ugokidasu Yuugon-tachi ("Resurgent Ghosts") (Inside Luna2)

The junior people on your team are irritated at stopping at Luna2 for supplies
after all the talk about haste, but Burning reminds them that nothing would
get accomplished by running out of gas on the way to the colony.  This doesn't
entirely soothe the nerves of some of the more high strung folks.  Just
then, the bad guys attack, and Quatro isn't happy at which bad guys Hamarn
sent: lots of Titans mecha.  Jerrid and Gremy are surprised to see the Lond
Bel here and not in hot pursuit of the colony, and Jerrid is planning to pay
your dudes back for past grievances.  Despite Gremy's warning that he shouldn't
forget his debt to Hamarn for taking him in, he says that he wont' let this
chance slide.  Gremy tells a shadowy figure that he might need her help, and
the figure says that she likes to think she understands her role here.
However, that figure feels something strange - something that Judou and
Quatro feel too.  The shadowy figure is none other than Puru2, who vows to
wipe out everything that makes her feel bad.

  In containers are a Jegan and an Aura Converter.

  On turn 3, Gil shows up, having finally found the Dangaioh.  He hotly informs
  them that he's not such a slacker that he'd be hanging out with the other
  aliens this much, and Gremy advises the Jion against picking a fight with
  the space pirates for now.  Gil just won't give up on picking on Mia (like
  he's some stalker or something).

  One of the enemy has a Repair Kit S.

  Gremy will flee at 8646 HP, and is worth $20k.  He'll note that this was good
  practice, and when Judou accuses him of running away says that his staying
  any longer would delay the colony drop.  He's content with having slowed
  you down.

  Send Judou to Persuade Puru2.  He'll be amazed at the sensation of there
  being another Puru, which will confuse Puru2.  Judou is sure that she's
  either Puru or another Puru (^^;;), to which she hotly responds that she's
  Puru2.  He implores her to leave her current companions, saying there's no
  need for her to be used and that that's not the place she should be.
  Quatro is amazed that Judou is able to communicate like fellow Newtypes did
  of old.  Puru2 is not to be so easily misled, and you have to have Judou
  persuade her again when her HP are below 20%.  She's amazed that the Lond
  Bel could hurt her this badly, and tells Judou to quit touching her heart.
  He tells her to be more honest to that heart, that she isn't really this kind
  of girl.  He demands to know if she wants to die as nothing more than a tool
  someone else wields, and while Shinobu is sick of watching Judou Quatro tells
  Bright to led Judou do as he pleases - so long as it prevents the mistakes of
  the past from being repeated.  She'll accede and come along with you.

  Jerrid flees at 9900 HP, and is worth a Needleless Ampule and a Skill Point.
  He wonders why his battle intuition hasn't returned.  Quatro wants him dead,
  but Jerrid flees rather than die here.  He still has to settle a score with
  "him" on Earth.

  Gil flees at 9150HP, and is worth a Chobham Armor.  As the Dangaioh taunts
  him for being far better at running away than he is at fighting, he informs
  them that he can't concentrate on them so much he shirks his real job for
  the operation on Earth.  When they ask what's going on, he informs them that
  it's none of their business but to remember that he'll be the one to collect
  all their heads... on a stage suitable for Mia.

As your dudes re-reprovision, Duke wonders about all the dangerous dudes who
just got away.  Maria is sure that the Gondor squad will deal with them
when they make landfall.  Unfortunately, Puru2 knows nothing of the plans that
sent some of the Jion commanders Earthside: she was simply sent out here to
strike you all down.  So just what the heck _are_ the Jion up to, both 
infiltrating the Earth and bombing it from orbit?  Mia for her part realizes
that her people can't pursue Gil just now.  And all your people can do is hurry
ahead.


Stage 60. Tokoyami no Kuni ("Country of Perpetual Darkness") (Stone Circle 2)

Reideen has brought Akira to a strange, apparently vacant area.  Akira pleads
with it for an explanation, having thought that Reideen was trying to tell him
something.  When Reideen makes no reply, Akira wonders if he shouldn't just
have gone with Uma and the rest.  Just then, a large number of Einsts appear,
and Akira finally understands what Reideen was trying to tell him.

  More enemies appear on turn 2.  Yet more appear on turn 3, and Reideen is
  reacting to them despite Akira having never seen them before.  Akira is
  now determined to discover the identity of this strange enemy.

  The Lond Bel show up on turn 4.  Akira tells them how Reideen led him here,
  and Excellen resolves to sortie, the others hastening to follow her.  She
  wants to know what the Einsts are, and one of the Einsts mumbles "this...
  is..."  Excellen demands to know why they speak and only she can hear them,
  and Akira realizes that Excellen, like Kyousuke, can hear the Einsts.  Just
  as Quatro exhorts them to concentrate on the battle, a collosal Einst shows
  up, and now all the psychically attuned people on your team can feel it.
  It's something disgusting, something unsettling - something like a vacuum.

  One of the enemies has a Booster.  Another has an Apogee Motor.  Another has
  a Cartridge.  The Einst Regisia is worth a Minovsky Craft.

  Finish the battle in under 8 turns for a Skill Point (this should be easy if
  your strategy is sound and your main offensive line is not #weak).

Shouhei wants to know what's up with this weird place, where enemies pop out
at random, but Uchuuta tells him to be satisfied that it turned out okay in
the end.  Akira makes his introductions and apologies for leaving the Elshank
earlier, and explains that Reideen directed him to come here.  He then asks
Excellen about the strange voices she's been hearing from the enemy, and what
her relationship with Kyousuke is.  Excellen hesitates, and Bright is now 
positive it must have something to do with the incident during the One Year
War.  Since you're in the middle of an operation, the chat will have to wait,
but at least your group now has more warpower.

Kou is marveling over the Jion mech that Anaheim had sent to them via the
Elshank.  Apparently it was recovered and restored after the last assault on
Von Braun.  Kou is sure that the Doben Wolf will help out your cause.
Moreover, Kou is certain that his GP-03 [whaddya mean "his", white man!  That's
Quatro's ride now!] can even beat Gatou.  Burning cautions Kou not to be
bent on one single enemy, when there's so many more left.  Just then the 
Zanbot crew comes by and disrupts their conversation.  Excellen is in tow as
well, trying to get her Weiss back into shape from the mystery ills it's been
suffering lately.  Akira then shows up, and Excellen goes half into
seductress mode and invites Akira to coffee so they can talk.  As the Zanbot
team egg them on, Excellen points out she's already got a boyfriend...

Tarsan contacts the Lond Bel, introducing himself with so much impressiveness
as the father of the Dangaioh and its team of pilots.  He's contacted you to
let you know what the Bunker are after, and why they joined force with the
space crime syndicate Gyandora.  They're after a mysterious form of energy </pre><pre id="faqspan-9">
known as High Libido [@_@;;]  There's only one surviving record of it ever
being used, on Chronos, and apparently they could even use it to control the
tilt of a planet's axis.  Apparently the Gyandora left Chronos behind after
Rome's people beat them off, and have now come all the way out to the Solar
System.  Tarsan seems to be hinting that the Gyandora are now here in search of
High Libido on Earth, and compliments Akira on being quite a bit sharper than
Shouhei.  Shouhei resents this, and informs the good professor that he's never
in his life heard of High Libido.  Tarsan likes the kid's spirit, and says that
he's absolutely right: in all likelihood High Libido exists nowhere on Earth.
Instead, Earth seems to have a large number of its own special energy sources.
But as for something that could tilt a planet's axis... Mutron seems to be the
only thing, and is seemingly what the Gyandora want.  Tarsan is a bit surprised
to learn that Earth already has a Mutron-powered mech (the Reideen), and says
that like High Libido, Mutron is a mysterious and potentially terrible source
of power.  Tarsan does _not_ want the Mutron to fall into the hands of the
Bunker, and has a _REALLY_ bad feeling about what's going to happen next.
Bright agrees to pass the information on to your friends on the ground, and
Tarsan waves off his attempt at thanks since Bright is caring for the Dangaioh
team.  He secretly thinks that this'll also make the Dangaioh easier for him
to recall, and is hoping to get his hands on some Mutron before all is said
and done.  Duke meanwhile offers his heartfelt thanks for finding someone from
another star who's finally willing to lend a helping hand.  As Tarsan 
nervously accepts these thanks, Quatro says that he'd love to sit down and
chat at leisure with him... assuming that he sticks with you through the entire
campaign.  Tarsan offers his hearty assurances while thinking to himself that
these two people are tricky - one totally honest and one totally inscrutable.

Just as he's about to hang up, Mia runs in informs him that the team are
thinking of going down to Earth.  Some of the other dudes are understandably
upset given the colony drop is upcoming and all [like, I'M upset that my best
mech is going away!!], but Pai says that they can't sit still now they know
what the Gyandora are after.  This is a bit of a quandry, but since the 
Dangaioh team know the Bunker best it is sounding like a good idea to dispatch
them to stop the Bunker from becoming as big a problem as the colony drop.
Bright would honestly prefer the Dangaioh to stay, but gives her permission for
them to head to Earth.  Tarsan doesn't even try to stop them, and Shinobu tells
them to say hi to Hazuki if they meet him.  Apparently Tarsan's front wasn't
fooling anyone, and Quatro figures that as long as he cares about the Dangaioh
team Tarsan's schemes are a plus for you.  And, Duke helpfully deflated him a
bit with his words...

Akira and Excellen are chatting about the Einsts, and Akira wants to know
what's going on with the red enemy mech that seems, unlike the others, to have
a pilot in it.  Excellen can't be of any help, and Akira cautions her and
Kyousuke that they may have some deep connection to these bad guys.  That's
what Excellen would like to know, and jokingly wishes that if they want to
invite her on a date they'd do so in the good old fashioned way.

Well, despite all that fuss your dudes have made it to the colony drop stop
point.  When the crew is still dubious about Tarsan, Judou points out that he
knew a suspicious old guy like that back in his Junk House days, and that such
guys are seldom all bad.  Bright for his part is glad for every last person
pulling for you.  Of course, even if you can stop the colony you've still
got the Gaizokku and the Crossbone Vanguard to worry about (and the Jion).
Quatro chips in a bit of gallows humor about what should happen if you fail,
and in the midst of apologizing notices a transmission from someone wanting
to dock.  It's the ferry from the Elshank.

Devil Satan is grousing about being sent on this mission, figuring that Diondra
is too impatient even if the treasure's existence has now been confirmed.  He
figures that Gil should be enough to handle it, and figures that it'd be more
fun if the colony falls to Earth anyway.  This is the cue for a shadowy figure
to pop up and vow to stop him - spoiling Devil Satan's hard-earned good mood.
The Machine Robo folks plan to keep messing up the Gyandora's plans until
they're eradicated from space.  Devil Satan, not easily daunted, is still
planning to watch the colony drop from a specially-prepared seat, and Rome
starts invoking all the elements in an effort to stop him.

Your dudes are amazed at the size of the colony when seen up close.  Time is
running out, but Kouji figures thirty turns should be more than enough no
matter how many enemies there are.  Bright is having a bad feeling about all
this, and it shows on his face.  Fortunately, a good round of banter amongst
the crew lifts everyone's spirits and Puru appears on the scene too!  (Assuming
you rescued her that is).  Apparently Anaheim were able to nurse her back to
health, and Romina sent her over on the shuttle.  She tells Judou that she'll
fight all the bad guys too, when suddenly she draws up short upon meeting
Puru2 for the first time.  Puru2 isn't happy about being likened to Puru's
twin, and Quatro laments how Hamarn has even stooped to cloning Fortified
Humans.  Puru takes this in stride, saying that she is her and Puru2 is Puru2
and that since they both like Judou they can be friends.  Puru2 isn't very
familiar with this "friends" thing, and Shouhei notes that Judou has suddenly
become mister popularity.  Quatro marvels at the power of children to turn
unpleasant enveiglements into friendship, thinking to the absent Amuro that
they two might be obsolete Newtypes after all.  Bright sounds general quarters,
and it's time to rock and roll.


Stage 61. Zetsubou no Uchuu ni ("In A Space of Despair")

Gatou is impressed that your dudes made it, and Mashmar figures that since
your dudes survived two runins with the Jion they're not to be underestimated.
Noting all the late-model enemy mecha in attendance, Ryou figures that you
were right to take a long-cut and build up your forces.  The time limit is
12 turns according to Bright, who says that if he were joking about that that
deadline he'd either be the most skilled captain in space, or else its biggest
idiot [and his name would be Justy Ueki Tylor!  But I digress.]  Your dudes
all steel their resolve, and Gatou vows to make Operation Stardust succeed.
Kou recognizes Gatou's new machine (the Neue Ziel), and Judou recognizes 
Mashmar's movements in his Doben Wolf.  Just as everyone is about to sortie,
Reideen starts trying to tell Akira something.  Excellen feels something amiss
too, but there's no time to sit and chit-chat.

  Beware, since Kou will automatically be put into the GP-03.  He'll get into a
  shouting match with Gatou, vowing to stop him from pulling off the colony
  drop in the 12 turns you've got left.  Quatro for his part is impressed that
  the colony drop is being carried out by so few people: the times have
  certainly changed.

  Iria is worth a Mars Donburi.  One of the other enemies has a Repair Kit S.

  On turn 4, Alfimi shows up.  At the very least it appears that her people
  don't care if a colony gets dropped on the Earth.  She tells Excellen that
  the time is fast approaching when she too will know the answer... so long as
  the awakening occurs.  Looks like there's no way any of your other dudes can
  intervene in Excellen's private struggle.

  Cima and her goons show up on turn 5.  She poo-poo's the skills of the
  Nightmare of Solomon and the Rose Knight, who are being beaten back so 
  badly.  Kou immediately notices that Cima is in the GP-02.  Cima for her
  part is quite used to the -02, since it handles similarly to the Garvela.
  As your dudes lament their fate, Ryou notes that between the colony drop
  and the nukes the enemy are pretty nuts.  Not that Shinobu is afraid of a
  little nuke or two.  On the beginning of your turn your dudes make the usual
  speeches about not giving in ever, and how they have to do their best for
  the Gondor squad on the ground.  Just then Rome and the crew appear, and not
  a moment too soon.  They got rid of the Gyandora, and will now help stop
  the colony drop.

  Gatou flees at 13,200HP(!).  He'll be sad that the Neue Ziel didn't last
  until the colony drop, but he vows not to die until he sees it happen with
  his own eyes.  This is worth a Skill Point and an I-Field Generator.

  Mashmar is worth a Biosensor or a Psychoframe.  Cima is worth either $10k or
  $20k.  Alfimi is worth a Solar Sail.  She'll sadly note that her mech can
  no longer move and attempts to flee, although Excellen demands to know her
  objective: what's her link to her and Kyousuke?  Before Alfimi can say, she
  disappears.

Well, that was a rough battle and no mistake.  Well, it's not over yet, since
you've got to break into the colony and change its course.  Quatro volunteers,
and asks Kou to come with him.  Bright orders everyone else to be ready to
flee at a moment's notice.  As for Rome and the crew, they now know the
Gyandora's objective, and Rome asks Bright for permission to come aboard and
talk.  When Bright hesitates, Duke vouches for them and points out that you
need all the information you can get.  [No mention of how Tarsan provided that
information just last mission.]  Bright opens docking bay number two and the
Machine Robo folks enter.  

Apparently the Dangaioh team have broken the news about the asteroid to
Hazuki, although Bright had asked everyone to keep quiet so as not to add to
Hazuki's worries.  Well, it would have gotten reported sooner or later anyway.
See episode one for the full conversation.  Rome and the others then come in,
Rome acceding to Bright's estimation that he's a robot.  Your people are
quite impressed at their bodies, which aren't precisely cybernetic.  These
are different from the Megaborgs, whose true nature only the late Professor
Hazan knows for sure.  More and more people invade the bridge for a glimpse
of these unusual people, and Rome takes it in stride, saying that back on
Chronos there are even supermen of stone.  After the rest of the Beast Machine
squad introduce themselves, Bright steers the conversation to the true
objective of the Gyandora...

Elsewhere, the Machine Robo dudes are pointing out to your crew that they're
not some exhibit - after all, to them organic life forms are the exception and
not the rule.  As both sides get to know each other better, Jet says that he'd
better tell you all about Gyandora's attack on Chronos.  In fact, the Machine
Robo dudes have chased the Gyandora all this way in the Gyandora's quest for
High Libido.  Sounds familiar.  Something much like it is supposed to be on
the third planet of this solar system.  Gosh, sounds like you already know
the Gyandora's objective after all [well, at least I know continuity flaws when
I see them >_<#]

Elsewhere, Banjou is struggling to rouse Akito from dreams of Ai-chan.  He
informs Akito that they're on the Moon - instead of the traditional rabbit,
there's a man-made city.  He's not surprised that Akito, raised on Mars, 
wouldn't recognize it.  As Akito comes fully around, he realizes that the two
of them got catapulted here from Kawasaki.  The Gekiganger-like robot that
was going to self-destruct disappeared somewhere along the way, perhaps 
because there was no more point to it self-destructing.  It seems that Banjou
has been keeping Akito with the Elshank crew, away from the prying eyes of
Nergal.  Akito is still stunned that Banjou survived the Boson Jump, but 
Banjou informs him that he was safe inside Daitarn 3... in short, there is
no such thing as impossible for the fabled Hazan Banjou, or something ^_^.
Romina recommends Akito inform the people on Earth that he's okay as soon as
possible to allay their fears.  Akito wonders what will happen to him, as 
he's shown to the radio room, and Damian is amazed that a single robot was
able to do something like a Microworm.  It's amazing tech, and Romina is sad
that such craft would be turned to warfare.  Banjou, meanwhile, realizes just
how special Akito is to survive the Boson Jump _completely_ unaided.

Excellen is still fuming about those voices she hears from the enemy, and how
her Weiss goes wonky when they're around.  Akira notes that Kyousuke said 
much the same thing, and asks what her relationship with Kyousuke is.  Excellen
is impressed with this "bold" question, and Akira clarifies that he's asking
what the two of them have in common.  Excellen recalls a certain accident
during their academy days - a shuttle accident that only the two of them
survived.  As for what caused the accident...  Reina shows up at precisely
that moment to say hi.  Excellen quickly assures her that she's not in the
way, since what she and Akira were talking about isn't something that can be
resolved.  Akira for his part hopes he can figure out what Reideen was trying
to tell him about.  Excellen sympathizes with Rome and the other's plight of
being ogled for their unusual bodies, although she's a bit envious about
Reina's truly non-quitting (metal) figure. ^_^  Akira agrees that bodily
difference are no big deal, since he's got ancient Mu blood in him and his
insides are apparently not like normal humans [damn green Vulcan blood!]
Reina gets agitated at the mention of Mu, and excitedly tells you that Mutron
is what the Gyandora are after.  We knew that already.  Oh well.

Minato asks Meg why she hasn't gone to the bridge.  Apparently there was a
cockpit in one of the captured Jovian Lizard mecha, and its occupant may be
loose in the ship this very moment.  Meg is rather blaise about this, but
Minato is rightly up in arms about the fact that these supposedly unmanned
weapons are manned after all!  Space cadet Meg is about to clean up her room
and head to the bridge when she runs into Banjou's assistants, who are now
guests aboard.  As they introduce themselves, they're surprised that the
Nadesico allowed them aboard, but Minato says that it's that kind of place.
Unfortunately, Tsukumo shows up just then and orders them all to freeze.
However, when he sees he's dealing with three ladies the man blanches and
apologizes.  He then hastily introduces himself (with a paragraph long title)
as Shiratori Tsukumo.  Apparently he can speak Japanese because his 
country flourished on Jupiter for the last hundred years.  Minato demands to
know why he hasn't paid attention to all the textbooks that say that mankind
hasn't colonized farther out than Mars, but Tsukumo declares that that's
just incomplete Earth history.  Meg mumbles something about how this guy showed
up while she was watching Gekiganger, and as a Gekiganger fan he can't be
that bad a person...  The women conspire to hide this guy somewhere safe, and
Reika is positive that this is the pilot of the Jovian robot... looks like
Banjou's guess about the Jovians being human is correct.  She plans to let
Garrison know.

Banjou is talking on the communicator, and tells the "captain" on the other
end that he and Akito will wait here.  Bright is on the way too, and Romina
is eager to help out.  Banjou begins to explain to a bewildered Akito that
things have gotten complicated by that asteroid heading for Earth.  The
Nadesico will be heading to space to try to do something about it, and will
rendezvous here on the moon with the Lond Bel, who just finished averting the
colony drop.  Banjou is in the process of noting that the stronger the work
ethic, the fewer the breaks when Garrison contacts him on an emergency
channel...

Elsewhere, Gen'ichirou receives the report from Akiyama that Tsukumo hasn't
returned to base.  Gen'ichirou can't believe this, since Tsukumo's life
signs were supposedly confirmed even after his Tetsujin was shot down.  Looks
like Tsukumo got captured by some evil organization!

Banjou then breaks the harsh news to Akito that the Jovians are in fact
human, based on the word he got from the Nadesico.  Akito realizes that the
pilot who tried to self-destruct was also human...  Banjou then asks Akito what
he plans to do when the Nadesico arrives, and notes that Akito has a while to
decide.  He will tell Akito one thing: everyone has a place they belong, 
though it doesn't follow that that place is always peaceful.  He continues
that while Anaheim has facilities on the moon, so does Nergal... and _they_ are
currently in need of a pilot for their latest model machine.  Banjou tells
Akito that sooner or later, in some form, this fight will end - he doesn't
think it'd be that hard to keep running away until then.  But perhaps if
Akito is undecided, he should at least wait around for the Nadesico to show up.

CHAPTER 6. Chikyuu-ken Konran Hen ("Chaos in the Earth Sphere")

Stage 62. Asu e no Yuuki ("Courage For Tomorrow)

Gen'ichirou notes that Tsukumo has been jumped from Earth to the lunar
city.  His eye falls on the city adjoining this weapons factory, and declares
that he won't let them make any more of the devil's weaponry.  Banjou spies
the invaders, but Romina's plea to launch the Elshank is delayed by it still
being enmeshed in the dock.  Daitarn is your only hope, and Banjou plans to
buy time until the Lond Bel arrive.  Apparently, Akito has made his decision
as well.  Gen'ichirou glories in the lack of resistance, figuring that the
servants of evil are terrified at the mere sight of his men... but then Akito
shows up, pleased with the Moon Frame on his Aesti and determined to prevent
the invader from having his way this time.  Gen'ichirou is actually happy that
there's at least one Earthling with some spine, but says that evil must be
destroyed anyway.  Banjou tells him to hold it right there, and the two are
determined to settle their score right here and now.  Given how Banjou's 
triumphant entry speech is grander than Gen'ichirou's, I'd say the outcome is
already assured.  The good news is that Akito has decided to fight to 
protect the place he belongs.

  On turn two, our heros note that this is one tough fight.  Just then the Lond
  Bel show up, Quatro noting that he seldom hears pessimism from Banjou.

  Gen'ichirou will flee at 7950 HP.  He's worth a Shuffle Crest, and killing or
  driving him off within three turns is worth a Skill Point.  Banjou will note
  that the duel seems won, and Gen'ichirou petulantly says that he'll get
  Banjou next time.  Banjou welcomes him to try, if he's willing to face the
  brilliance of the sun again.  Gen'ichirou gets even more pissed that every
  little thing Banjou says is so darned cool, and disappears.  Banjou figures
  that Gen'ichirou needs to work on his lines if he wants to prevail, but is
  glad that the Jovian lizards are at least people susceptible to talking.

  On the next turn the Nadesico shows up, earlier than expected.  This time
  around there was no damage to the Earth's defenses, although the bridge has
  been somehow lonely of late.  As the Aestivalises sortie, Izumi makes another
  of her trademark horrible puns.  With the battle begun, the women recommend
  to their "guest" that now's the time to act, although Reika thinks that what
  the Jovian Lizards, or rather the Jupiter Federation Army, are doing is
  dangerous - especially since she know what they're after.  Beauty reminds 
  her that those are Garrison's words.  Tsukumo gets very embarrassed about
  being the cause of women quarreling.  Just then Jun comes through and 
  discovers the little secret, and the women help the guy to escape.  Jun is
  having some trouble figuring out why the women are running _with_ the
  Jovian.

  The following turn, the captured Jovian robot takes off.  Jun then runs in
  to report that the enemy pilot has captured Meg, Minato, and Banjou's
  assistants.  Prospector finds it a bit odd that Banjou's assistants, both
  of whom are trained Interpol officers.  Meanwhile, one guy and four girls
  don't fit very well in a single-seat vehicle, and the usual "hey, don't touch
  me there" hilarity ensues.  Banjou isn't exactly terrified when he hears the
  news, and in any event you've got to stop the fugitive mech.  He explains
  that he trusts his assistants, and that they're prepared for a "worst-case
  scenario".  Excellen likes how hard-boiled this sounds, and Akito will be
  damned if he lets any worst-case scenario occur.

  One of the enemies has a Space Abacus.  Another has a Repair Kit S.  Another
  has a Super Alloy Z.

  When you take out Tsukumo, Akito notes that it's still moving and plans 
  to extract vengeance for all the Martians who died.  Tsukumo orders him
  to halt, saying he'll let off the four women so he can fight one on one with
  Akito.  Megumi, aghast, yells at both of them to stop, demanding to know
  why this is necessary.  Akito says he's protecting the Earth, and Megumi
  asks if that makes the protectors somehow better than the invaders.  She
  thinks there's something wrong with this, and says it's not like Akito at
  all.  She says that Akito doesn't have to make war anymore - he can just sit
  at home with her and watch Gekiganger.  That... is more like Akito.  Akito
  agrees that it may be more like him, but that's not how he had wanted to turn
  out.  He hadn't wanted to be an adult watching Gekiganger, he had wanted to
  _be_ Gekiganger.  Kouji points out that that's not what this battle really
  is, and Akito agrees, telling the Jovian to leave.  The Jovian thanks him,
  asking for his name.  Akito replies that he doesn't want to have to fight 
  with and possibly kill someone whose name he knows.  Tsukumo lets the
  four women off, and escapes via Boson Jump.  He's worth a Biosensor.

Well, the battle is over, but it's left a rather bad taste in people's mouth.
Yurika is overjoyed to see Akito back, and says that Nergal has rescinded his
dismissal.  The bad news is that the Jovians are in fact human, and you can't
just go on fighting them as you have before.  Erina is silent, and Akatsuki
figures it couldn't stay hidden forever.  When Judou asks if Bright knew of
this, Bright says he didn't, although if he did he'd have been sworn to
silence.  This sort of top-secret treatment doesn't please your people much,
but Banjou points out that it's good enough that everyone is together again.
Yurika announces that the Nadesico has now been posted as part of the Lond
Bel.  Both Bright and Quatro are worried about the morale of the Nadesico's
crew...

The Nadesico now has some new equipment: the Y-Unit.  It was planned to go on
a new battleship of Nergal's, but with the recent uproar that other project
had to be scrapped.  Ines pops up to explain to Ryouko how the Y-Unit increases
the Nadesico's power.  It doubles the number of Transposition Engines to four,
which increases the power of the Distortion Field, as well as strengthening
the Nadesico's weapons.  Gai wonders if that's "all", and Uribatake wonders
what else there could be besides stronger power output, weapons, and armor?
He was apparently hoping for the ability to combine with the Nadesico to form
some giant robot.  Yurika likes that idea, although Ruri figures transforming
the Nadesico could cause certain problems in the dining hall.  The question
now is what to do with Meg and Minato.  Banjou's assistants are being 
disciplined by the Federation and confined to quarters, and nothing has been
decided about the Jovians themselves yet.  Yurika says after a moment that the
Nadesico's responsibility hasn't changed.  Does this mean that the Nadesico
plans to go on killing the Jovians?  As a shouting match is about to develop,
Banjou interjects himself and says that he'd like to introduce people to
someone who knows a bit more about the current circumstances.  Apparently the
lock confining the prisoners has been removed - but how could someone hack
Omoikane?  Bright did it on his authority as commander - no hacking at all.
Basically, Banjou has brought in the heavies from the Lond Bel.  Yurika is
glad to finally meet them in person, but it seems that there won't be time
for a leisurely chat over lunch...

Elsewhere, Hamarn is impressed that the colony drop was actually averted, and
that things are settling down on the surface.  She summons Mashmar and orders
him to take the new machines and shoot down the Lond Bel.  Mashmar recommends
dividing his forces and striking the Federation both on the surface and in
space at the same time, but Hamarn tells him not to be hasty: she's already
sent Gremy to deal with matters at Jaburo, and has found an interesting person
amongst the survivors of the Titans.  Mashmar has grave reservations about
Gremy, which Hamarn actually shares - but she wants to see how a certain thing
reacts.  She tells Mashmar to concentrate on shooting down the Lond Bel, which
he will undertake with his utmost efforts.  Hamarn asks him to take a certain
person Gremy left behind along, just to be safe - Mashmar doesn't trust the
Newtype squad, but will certainly not disobey.

Meg and Minato are still upset about the prospect of waging war with other
humans, but Yurika asks them to calm down.  Akito points out that despite 
them being human, they _did_ attack the Martians... in effect, the Jovians have
brought this slaughter amongst humans on themselves!  Bright and Prospector
unfold the top-secret information, confirmed by Tsukumo, that the Jovians
are indeed humans who were evicted from the Earth Sphere during the revolution
at the dawn of the Space Calendar era.  Successively kicked out of the
colonies, the moon, and Mars, all information about them was systematically
squelched.  Their large colony ships were quietly sent to deep space in the
confusion, and forgotten about on Jupiter.  Megumi still wants to know why you
have to war with these people, and Duke points out that Yurika never said that
_war_ was their responsibility.  As Yurika tells Quatro, the Nadesico has never
seriously fought - it only took up arms when absolutely necessary when the
unnamed weapons of the Jovians attacked.  Even that might have been too much
she thinks, which is really no different than what Bright's people have been
doing.  Bright wants to put out the embers coming off the fire, but has no
plans to engage in full scale war.  If not, there'd be no way that so many
civilians would work with the Lond Bel and Gondor squad.  Quatro points out
that the Jovians are not currently your responsibility, and that very little
is known about conditions on Jupiter anyway - you must simply pray that the
Jovians don't move against you.  This is finally calming the girls down 
somewhat, and Megumi tells Akito that according to Tsukumo Gekiganger is
like some holy scripture to the Jovians.  Ruri explains that it's an old
super robot anime, although even civilians now have the technology to build
such machines.  Akatsuki has no choice but to watch all this in silence, at
least until the next change in circumstances.  Yurika pledges the Nadesico's
support no matter what should befall, and then belatedly recalls that she
forgot to tell everyone about the dining hall's fabled Mars Donburi.  "Baka".

Shadowy figures are discussing Iron Mask's experiments at the Frontier 
Colonies - apparently involving the Bugs, although the first figure doesn't
know the details.  All the two of them know is they have to stop it, and the
only Federation battalion operational is the Lond Bel.  Help is unlikely to
be forthcoming if something goes awry on the Frontier - at worst, it'll be 
just they two.  He tells Cecily to flee for her life if things go splat, but
she says that she can't, or rather isn't permitted to, run away.  She and
Seabook hurry into action.

Your people are fretting about how this is no time for humans to be fighting
amongst themselves.  Again.  The delegation to the Nadesico returns, having
more or less gotten the Nadesico folks onto the same page.  They, like the
Lond Bel, are specialists from all over the world: far more competent than they
seem.  As for what to do now, there's a problem with that asteroid.  It's 
accelerating towards the Earth.  The only way to stop it seems to be to
blow it to smithereens.  Burning is sure that there's no way to do that even
if you concentrated fire from all your units, but Bright announces that you'll
be using a Colony Laser.  Yes, Gripps II.  In principle, it should still work
and be capable of blasting the asteroid into oblivion... if Shapiro lets 
everything work out.  Unfortunately, with the colony drop stopped most of your
other enemies will also probably spring into action.  Just then Ema detects
the bad guys gathering on Konpeitou, and Bright orders the ships out of port
with only the essential provisioning complete.  Banjou says that he'll have
his assistants bring the rest of the supplies and fuel later.

PLAY THE NEXT FOUR MISSIONS IN ANY ORDER.  HOWEVER, WHETHER YOU GET THE 
X-VALIS OR THE Z-II DEPENDS ON WHETHER YOU PLAY THE FINAL STAGE IN THE FIRST
TWO OR THE LAST TWO.  I RECOMMEND GOING IN THE ORDER PRESENTED.

Stage 63. Yuukuu Naru Kazu ("Eternal Wind") (Frontier Colony 1)

Carozzo is impressed that the colony drop failed.  Although it was sort of at
odds with his Raflesia project, he had hoped for a bit more from it... 
apparently the only way to get things done is to do them yourself.  Zabiine
has informed him that things are settling down on Earth, making him hasten
his own plans.  Just then the Lond Bel arrives and sees... a giant flower
mecha.  Gai is sure that that mech is the handiwork of the bad guys, but Akito
cautions against that kind of judging a book by its cover.  Not that it looks
like it's made for peaceful purposes, or that it isn't coming to attack you.
Carozzo actually compliments you on stopping the colony drop, but says that
you'll die hear.  When your dudes demand to know who he is, he says that he's
noone - a weak man who must wear an Iron Mask.  Judou feels something strange
emanating from this man, and Quatro observes that having to put on a mask to
accomplish one's goals isn't that rare.  Not that such matters concern the 
Lond Bel now.  Iron Mask finds your use of children, hypocritically moving
according to emotion without discrimination between good and evil,
preposterous.  He demands to know why you can't see that that sort of action
is what's driven the Earth to the brink of ruin.  Banjou says that even if
that's so, he won't permit those who selfishly evolved themselves to have 
their way.  Quatro hastens Bright for the launch orders, which he gives.
Duke won't complain about people following their ideals, but says that if those
ideals require sacrificing other people, he'll put a stop to it even if it 
means his life.

  One of the enemies has a Needleless Ampule.  Another has a Megabooster.
  Another has a Repair Kit S.

  On turn four, more enemies appear, including some new, bigger Apsalases.
  The question is, where did they get the Jion tech from?  Carozzo is glad to
  see that there's someone in Jion who actually understands what a Mobile
  Armor should be.  Banjou and Jet have a bad feeling about the gaping maw on
  these new mecha, and Zabiine announces that he'll be supporting the 
  Raflesia.  Carozzo is looking forward to chatting with him later, and 
  Zabiine says that while he holds no grudge against you it's his job to take
  you out.  Just then, Seabook and Cecily enter the colony in their mobile
  suits.  One looks like a small Gundam, though not of Anaheim manufacture.
  The other is a Crossbone mech.  Seabook quickly informs you that they're not
  your enemy, and that they're in pursuit of the mobile armor: he's got the
  Gundam Formula-91.  There no time for details however, and Bright hastily
  includes them in your party.  Zabiine tells Vera Rona that if she's sided
  with the humans clinging to the Earth, he'll show her no mercy either.
  Zabiine tells an incredulous Cecily that the Crossbone Vanguard will do
  whatever it takes to achieve its ends, including siding with Iron Mask.
  Banjou says that any revolution that involves casting off one's homeland is
  doomed from the start.

  Zabiine is worth a Haro.

  Carozzo will flee at 13710 HP, and is worth a Spiritual Energy Device and a
  Skill Point.  He'll finally appreciate the warpower that stopped the Jion
  colony drop.  Unfortunately, the Raflesia is still operational, and Carozzo
  realizes he's got to optimize the Bugs before they're of any use.  He flees,
  but first informs Cecily that she's a bad girl who isn't entitled to doubt
  what adults do.  Your dudes would love to pursue, but the thing is _very_
  fast at running away.  Bright asks Cecily to fill him in on the details 
  of the Crossbone Vanguard after the battle, and she agrees despite Seabook's
  warning that she can't turn back after this.

Your folks are glad the battle is over, but upset that the mobile armor has
fled.  It's dispersed a massive amount of Minovsky Particles in its wake and
is impossible to track.  It may be using a different power source than the
Zaku-headed flying daifuku mecha.  In any case, you have only once choice:
press forward in pursuit of the Gyandora and other invaders, since this is
the optimum time for them to attack.  After a bit of banter, Seabook confirms
for Bright where his mech was made, revealing that his mother was one of its
architects.  When Cecily says he doesn't have to offer that much information,
Seabook notes that they've already stuck their necks out this far - nothing
wrong with going the rest of the way.  The female pilots like this and promise
to look out for him; Jet is slightly cynical about this.  Prospector observes
that with Gundams being built in so many different places, Nergal ought to be
in the Gundam business too.  Bright then asks for Cecily and Seabook's help,
and Cecily figures that Iron Mask's plans haven't yet reached operational
status.  She pledges her and Seabook's help, thinking that she'll sever the
bloodline with her own hands.

Stage 64. Tankyuusha ("Seeker") (Inside Solomon)

Who would have thought Konpeitou would be attacked again?  I would.  Excellen
realizes it's happening again, and Ruri reports that amongst these unidentified
bad guys are some _really_ unidentified ones.  Could it be that these Einsts
are looking for something?  Rome suddenly senses a "will" at work: unlike
previous times where they felt lifeless and inanimate.  Shinobu is quick to
doubt that these things could be lifeless since they're just machinery, and
as Sara quickly apologizes for him Rome notes that whether a body is made of
flesh and blood or machinery, its "life" is the cry of its soul in action.
Likewise, even a fleshly body isn't called "alive" without the volition of its
soul.  Kouji wants the difficult speeches to stop and the launching to 
begin, but Sayaka tells him to shut up and listen.  Even Rome can't fully
explain what's at work here, but he feels a very clear "will" emanating from
the enemy.  Bright asks Quatro for an explanation, and Quatro says that 
the martial arts are said to hone the mind, sometimes revealing to the user
things not visible to the eye.  If Tenkuu Chuushin-Ken is as phenomenal a
martial art as Tarsan claims it is, Rome's perception may well be right.  Ines
notes that it's also possible that beings of similar composition have an
intuitive feel for each other - call it "life force" in action.  Banjou notes
that this is all very important stuff, but confronting the enemy is also 
rather important.  In fact, two of your kiddies have already launched.  The
Einsts murmur "Chi...kara", which could either mean "Power" or "From Blood".
Akira couldn't hear it, but Reideen is positively responding.

  There is a breakable wall past the first corner.  Inside the room is a 
  container with 10k credits.

  A few more enemies appear on turn 2.  Puru is scared of them: there's
  something badly wrong with them.  Puru2 isn't scared of their numbers, but
  she too feels something very bad about them.  As Bright tells everyone to
  stay focused on the fight, the words "chikaraniwa" come out, and now just
  about everyone is feeling that something's not right... "fukumare" also
  comes out - are they trying to tell you something??

  Even more enemies appear on turn 3.  Yurika wishes they'd all just come out
  at once.  Your people marvel that these seem to actually be plants, instead
  of an imitation like the Raflesia.  As Kou worries about their long-range
  attack, "tainai" comes across.

  One of the enemies has a Cartridge.  Another has a Space Abacus.  Another
  has a Biosensor.

  On turn 4, the armored Einsts appear.  Ruri says that the enemy appears to
  have honored your request to come out all at once.  Or at least, it's a
  pretty big coincidence.  "Motometa".  Do these words connect, as in
  "tainai motometa"?  In any case, the enemy appears to enjoy playing hide-and-
  seek.  Bright is pondering the similarities between this place and the
  interior of Jaburo, and Banjou has realizes them too.  As some of others
  impatiently demand support, Akira notes that without an understand of what
  these enemies want or where they come from, you'll be doomed to fighting
  them forever.  Just then "mono" comes out, and Excellen realizes there's
  meaning in the words.

  On turn five, yet more bad guys show up, led by Alfimi!  Her mech is the
  one Reideen responds most strongly to.  Alfimi notes that this is not the
  place she was seeking - this power is unnecessary.  However, she's got a
  different goal: namely, Excellen.  She smiles and tells Excellen to come with
  her, and Excellen retorts to the little girl that she'd be better off not
  teasing older girls so much.

  In another secret room is either the Type-100 Custom or the FA Type-100 
  Custom, IF you defeated Gatou way back on Earth.

  Alfimi flees at 13,200HP, and is worth a Skill Point and a Super Alloy nu-Z.
  She notes that Kyousuke wouldn't listen to her, but...  Excellen testily
  tells her to explain in terms she can understand.  Alfimi tells her that 
  she'll understand soon enough - yes, soon indeed.  After all, Excellen is
  her...  Suffice it to say that Excellen is not at all easy in her mind about
  any of the things happening to her or Kyousuke.

Is this the end of the enemies?  Yurika yells out for any remaining enemies to
come out at once, but since there's no response it appears that things are
over.  Prospector reminds you all that this _is_ Solomon... there are surely
plenty of hiding places.  Excellen is having trouble understanding what the
enemy are up to, especially that girl.  Your other dudes don't have any more
idea than she does, but Akira does wonder why the enemies that seemingly 
blindly attacked you before seemed to have an objective this time.  Rome asks
what this base used to be, and Quatro explains that it was the site of a 
fierce battle in the previous war.  It's also the spot where the Solar System,
a weapon that concentrates the sun's light, was used.  And now it's some kind
of testing ground for weaponry - perhaps the enemy has sniffed out this place's
past?  Certainly the records of what occurred here are all still perfectly
intact...  Shinobu points out that since you've got no info there's no point
hanging around here making your head hurt, and Bright agrees to pull out and
have Luna2 increase their vigilance over the area.  Excellen ponders the
Einsts' words: "chikara, kono, chikara ni wa, fukumare, tainai, motome, tamono"
or "Chikara, kono chikara ni wa fukumarete inai, motometa mono..." ("Power,
not included in this power, that we sought...")  What could it all mean...?


Stage 65. Kaimetsu Soukyoukusen ("Destructive Hyperbola") (Inside Gripps II)

Units from the asteroid appear to have gotten to Gripps II first...  Among them
is Shapiro's mech, which Sara is convinced has Shapiro himself in it.  
Moreover, the rest of the enemies are ones that Dankuuga fought in the previous
war too, from the Muge Zolbados empire.  Since the emperor of the Muge was
killed with Dankuuken, it appears that this is a case of the enemy picking up
and refurbishing the old mecha, except Sara is sure Shapiro is behind it.
Just then Shapiro calls out to Sara - Banjou thinks he knows what this is but
hopes he's wrong.  Sara calls back to Shapiro, despite the protests of her
teammates that if Shapiro is still alive, he's the enemy.  Bright yells at
everyone to hurry up and beat the enemy, since the laser isn't currently
fireable.

  This battle can be beaten in five turns.

  The internals of this map vary depending on when you play it.  This version
  is if you play it in the second half.

  Caim shows up after you defeat four enemies.  He figures you foolish 
  Earthlings fell into Shapiro's trap just as he foretold.  Suffice it to say
  your people aren't having it.  He's worth a Ninja Manual.

  One of the enemy has a Booster.  Another has a Propellant Tank S.

  Shapiro will run at 9840 HP, and is worth a Skill Point and a V-Up Unit(U).
  As he mumbles about all the damage he took, Sara tells him to go back (to
  hell presumably) - there's no place for him in this world anymore.

All the enemy have left Gripps II, and it's doubtful you've seen the last of
them.  Sara tells Shinobu and Maria that she'll be okay.  Unfortunately, Gripps
II no longer usable - and it was taken out right before you arrived.  It's
almost as though the enemy predicted your movements.  Faced with no other
choice, your people leave the area, and Sara thinks that she'll no longer
hesitate where Shapiro is concerned


Stage 66. KOROSU wa Korosenai ("Colos Cannot Kill") (Meganoid Space)

Something very odd has happened to the space around you.  Ruri can't pinpoint
your current location.  Banjou notes that this is the rendezvous point for
Beauty and the provisions from Anaheim.  This extra-dimensional abnormality
reminds Rome of the fight at Tenkuuma Castle back on Chronos.  Banjou thinks
he knows what's going on here - aside from the Gyandora, only "they" could 
pull this sort of thing off.  As in, the Meganoids.  Banjou figures it would
be rude not to take them up on their invitation, and sorties quickly.  Duke
notices that Banjou is acting differently from usual, and Bright yells at
everyone to sortie instead of pondering.  Banjou is sure that "she" will appear
herself after pulling something this big.  Apparently your dudes interrupted
Benmel in the middle of counting his collection, and Banjou starts the verbal
sparring right away.  After babbling about his collection for a while, Benmel
violently objects to being called an otaku - he prefers "collector".  He
in fact wants to add all of your mecha to his collection, and when Excellen
recommends collecting young beautiful women like her instead he informs her
that he prefers girls younger than her.  Mind you, she's only 21.  Ruri then
informs your people that in 12 turns this place will revert to normal space -
and there's no telling what will occur when that happens.

  This battle can be won in five turns.

  One of the enemies has a Mars Donburi.  Another has a Super Alloy Z.
  Another has a Repair Kit S.

  On turn 3, Diondra and her stooges show up.  Banjou has been looking forward
  to meeting Colos, who asks him why he can't understand Don and the rest of
  the Meganoids.  Banjou's not having it, and with less than his usual cool
  informs her that he'll never forgive Don or the Meganoids.  Seeing that
  there's nothing more to be accomplished by words, both sides prepare to 
  fight, with Banjou pausing to ask Colos about his assistants.  She professes
  no knowledge, but Banjou suspects that they're caught up in Colos' secret
  plan.

  Benmel is worth a Super Alloy nu-Z.  He'll be astounded that he was beaten,
  and Banjou notes that his collection isn't going to increase after all.  As
  Benmel explodes, Banjou tells your somewhat sympathetic people that this is
  how those who can't control their desires end up.

  Colos flees at 14610 HP, and is worth a Skill Point and a High Performance
  Targeting System.  This should be just on this side of doable for your
  heaviest hitters.  She tells Banjou to check a certain something out if he's
  determined to keep getting in Don's way.  As Banjou feared, Colos has
  Beauty hostage.  She tells Banjou to stop resisting unless he wants to see
  her dead, to which Banjou retorts that killing a single woman won't change
  anything for Colos.  As Colos threatens to crush Beauty's head, she yells
  out that she wouldn't want Banjou to be subject to Colos's will...  Banjou
  the apologizes to Beauty, saying that he doesn't have the time to both
  save her and take out Colos - he promises that both their deaths will be
  swift.  Beauty would ask for nothing else, and Banjou informs Colos that her
  hostage taking has in fact made HER vulnerable.  Rome notes in amazement
  that Banjou's lethal intent is real, and Banjou orders Colos to kill Beauty
  if she's going to.  After a moment's hesitation, Colos frees Beauty, telling
  Banjou that she now fully understands his resolve... if in fact that's what
  it is.  She asks whether Banjou's determination to take down the Meganoids
  no matter what isn't just self-righteousness - if so...  He tells her to
  begone, and noting that this all proved quite educational, leaves, telling
  him that he can't kill her.

All the enemy are gone, but how to get out of this subspace?  Ines says there
is no need for concern - a force is at work returning this space to normal.
This will only take ten more turns.  Apparently, Colos herself is doing this
for you - her way of avoiding being in Banjou's debt.  All your dudes are
complimenting Banjou and Rome on their acting.  In fact, however, Rome was
serious.  So was Banjou.  So was Beauty.  Your other dudes now have even more
respect, or perhaps fear, for Banjou now...  Your people prepare for the
return to normal space, and recover Beauty's transport, whose contents should
be unharmed.  In fact, those contents include a new mobile suit from Anaheim.
Gai was hoping for a Gekigan Frame or something instead, but hey.  When your
people note that the Meganoids are a fierce enemy, Banjou says that they're
just Meganoids - incapable of restraining their own egos.

Caim is very unhappy with the speed things are progressing, and demands to
know whether Diore knows of Abel's actions.  Abel for his part figures the
Earthlings are beneath his concern, and figures he can take them and the rest
of the humans all out in one blow.  Well, by "take down" he figures they'll
all become "theirs".  Caim wants to know why Abel isn't heeding "that
person's" words, where "that person" apparently has some background with
Dankuuga; Abel asks whether Caim isn't trusting "him" a bit too much.  In
fact - that guy is just someone they picked up while wandering through space,
and furthermore since he's got weird stuff in his mecha that they themselves
don't use, isn't he some kind of sinner for polluting Diondra with foreign
cultural stuff?  Caim says that it was used by "their" allies in the previous
war, but Abel tells Caim not to take that guy's side.  In any event, he 
expects to see the Lond Bel as they near Earth, and he says that the price of
their past interference will be quite steep.  Abel thinks to himself that
Diondra seems quite fond of "that man", and wonders what's so good about him.
Caim for his part wonders where lord Shapiro went - evidently feeling some
sort of recriminations.

So, with the colony laser offline, you may be faced with storming the
asteroid itself.  In fact, the asteroid is still accelerating and life is
still sucking worse than ever.  The solution may be a big showy invasion as
Yurika advocates, since in fact the asteroid isn't accelerating under normal
gravity.  Even if you can't break the asteroid itself, you could probably
break whatever is accelerating it.  Shinobu notes acidly that it's down to
a raid after all, which you should have done in the first place.  Hindsight
is always 20-20.  Your people then change the subject to holding swimsuit
contests [don't ask me O_o;;;], especially once you rejoin the Gondor.  The
competition might be pretty stiff, especially if the Dangaioh team
participates, and Ruri notes that she probably couldn't participate because
she's a kid (not that that's stopping anyone else...)  In fact, bigger
problems are looming in the form of powerful EM jamming from the asteroid
that's knocked out communications with everyone else.  Basically, this is a
battle you can't afford to lose, and you can only pray that the folks on the
ground do the same.

Gades is chastising Diondra for her difficulties in taking out the Earthlings
and acquiring "the stuff".  Diondra in turn grills Devil Satan about his
readiness - he's all set, and so are the Buffalo chicks.  Guljios warns
Diondra not to fail again like she has in the past, to which she retorts that
those who haven't been to the front lines should keep their mouth shut.
Perhaps he's cowering with fear in the rear because of his loss to Rome back
at Tenkuuma Castle?  At the mention of Rome's name, a certain person steps
forward, saying that perhaps it's time for him to swing into action.  After
all, he was feeling a bit bored...

Akito is feeling a bit down before the battle, and Ryouko can understand his
feelings.  After all, all your enemies up until now have been clearly
identified.  But before you are the mysterious enemies from the asteroid,
and the Einsts.  Just your luck that the interior of the asteroid is 
protected from sensor scans by some field.  In short, you'll be fighting the</pre><pre id="faqspan-10">
enemy in his own castle - but hey, you've got the whole Lond Bel at your
disposal.  As the pilots prepare for launch, Yurika especially wishes Akito
good luck, which has Megumi all indignant.

Elsewhere, Excellen has a feeling of unease, as though somebody or something
is watching her.  She yells out for them to show themselves, which mainly
has the effect of spooking the rest of the crew.  Kouji tells Excellen that
he knows she's a weirdo, but that she should be careful anyway.  She's a
bit miffed at this, but Banjou offers that this is a brigade full of weirdos,
including the captain.  This is somehow less than totally conciliatory.
Banjou has his assistants on the trail of the Meganoids again - which he 
points out is an easier job than what the Lond Bel do.


Stage 67. Gekidou Suru Uchuu ni ("To Quaking Space")

The asteroid is very near the Earth, and the enemy have prepared some very
hardy defenses.  Abel claims you're too late, and that all you should do is
watch the great Diondra's resurrection.  Caim seems to be feeling some regret
at wrecking Shapiro's homeworld.  Akito laments how badly not firing the 
Colony Laser sucks, and Banjou is quite impressed at using a whole asteroid
for kamikaze purposes.  This time, Shapiro isn't in evidence, and your dudes
figure he's hold up spectating somewhere.  As Sara reassures her teammates
that she's already resolved about Shapiro, Bright announces you've got 20
turns to wrap this up.  No sense in being cowardly now.  Abel figures that
such a small force is hopeless, and says that the time has come for Diondra's
people, who have lost their homeland, to have their wishes come true.  In
fact, they plan on taking over Shapiro's homeworld.  Your dudes are figuring
that the 20 turn limit should be a piece of cake compared to the colony limit,
although Quatro points out that there's no guarantee you can stop the 
asteroid itself.  If you can't stop the asteroid, you can always wreck it from
the inside.

  As the battle wears on (i.e. you take out more than half of the starting
  dudes), Quatro tells a nervous Kou that things are going great.  Just then
  all your psychically attuned dudes get a bad feeling, with Maria saying
  that "they" are going to do a very bad thing to the Earth.  As your dudes
  try to grapple with this new turn of events, Alfimi and a bunch of Einsts
  show up.  Your people are somewhat nonplussed at the massive Einst facing
  them, but there's nothing to do except fight through.  Just then, "kono
  hoshi kara" comes through, and Reideen isn't telling Akira what's going on.
  As the confusion continues, Excellen mutters that these enemies _must_ be
  defeated - then the word "sare" comes.  As in "Leave this planet."  Alfimi
  figures it's about time, and Excellen wonders what's happening to her that
  she can understand what the Einsts and Alfimi are thinking.  Abel will
  gladly accept this unasked-for help, but Caim wonders what Shapiro would
  do.

  Caim is worth a Ninja Manual.  Abel is worth a Magnetic Coating.

  Devil Satan and the crew show up on turn 5.  Rome is very much not happy
  to see Diondra, who has apparently decided to stop being beaten by Rome
  and company... or perhaps its just the treasure on the Earth.  Despite his
  big talk, Devil Satan appears to have forgotten to bring a line to yell
  when he runs away again.  However, Galdy warns Devil Satan not to fall for
  your banter, and Rome demands to know who he is.  Galdy is really dying
  to tell him he doesn't deserve to know his name, but unfortunately he has to
  introduce himself anyway.  He's more or less interested in Rome and the
  crew, and plans to match skills against you in the battle.  Rome wonders who
  this person is, who he feels like he's met before.  Kina just wants Rome
  dead.  Looks like all these various adversaries want you out of the way...

  If you have Rome fight Galdy, Galdy will inform him that their two swords are
  destined to fight until one of them breaks.  Rome is surprised by this.  He
  is worth a Crest of the Wolf.

  One of the enemies has a Magnetic Coating.  Another has a Cartridge.  Devil
  Satan is worth 10k credits.  Diondra is worth an Apogee Motor.

  You can Persuade Kina after you kill Diondra.  He tells Kina that although
  she surely hates him, he can't afford to die here.  She protests that Diondra
  told her that he killed her father, that Rome laid a trap and stabbed her
  father in the back.  Rome's companions protest that he'd never do that, but
  Colos says that they didn't see the incident and aren't planning to trust
  Rome's companions.  Jet notes that Diondra's mouth is as filthy as ever, and
  asks both of them if Rome really seems to be the kind of man to pull that
  kind of trick.  Colos protests that that's what Diondra told them, but Jet
  points out that Diondra fled and left them behind.  He tells them that if
  they insist on dancing to the tune of this fake revenge, _he_ will cut them
  down.  Duke points out that the man they're risking their lives fighting 
  alongside is surely no treacher, and Rome says that _if_ he used any unfair
  means to take down Jingi, there will come a time when Heaven punishes him.
  If they think that time is now, they're welcome to come and get him.  BUT,
  he doesn't plan on dying here, and if fighting and bleeding are his fate, 
  he'll fight, and win, and confront them with all his strength.  Gai is
  overawed that Rome can say lines like that off the top of his head - a hero
  to his very core.  Shinobu notes that this is no time for admiration - Rome
  has left himself vulnerable.  Ryou notes that there's no need for concern:
  regardless of its origin, the hearts of warriors are the same everywhere.
  Kina acknowledges Rome as a true warrior, and decides to hang out with him to
  see with her own eyes when Heaven punishes him.  This not only recruits Kina
  and Colos, but will give you an "Overachiever" to assign.

  Alfimi is the only boss who flees at 10800HP, and is worth a Skill Point and
  a Solar Sail.  She tells Excellen that it's time to cut the evening short.
  "The time" is fast approaching, as Excellen should be very well aware - and
  Alfimi doesn't care if the "original land" ends here.  In fact, perhaps it
  would be better for both her and Excellen that way.  What is this talk of
  the original land and a new space?

  The Einst Regiseia has 67800 HP, and is worth either a Distortion Block or an
  I-Field Generator.

Your people begin to wonder if the battle is really over.  The good news is
that there are no more enemies in sight.  The bad news is that the asteroid is
showing no signs of slowing down.  Can your people do nothing more than watch,
having come this far?  Both Shinobu and Yurika decide to simply charge the damn
thing.  Sara's not pleased about having to repeat the end of the Muge battle,
but she's in.  Prospector protests that if you all get wiped out, Nergal, err,
the whole Federation would suffer irreparable losses.  That said, ramming it
is your only choice besides just sitting by and watching.  Akatsuki agrees,
saying that this is no time to be worrying about Nergal - if you fail, it's
the end.  Duke notes that if you want to catch a tiger, you've got to go into
the tiger's den - a phrase Ines has to explain to Jet, and which she's
impressed Duke Freed, an alien, knows.  Quatro offers Rome and the crew the 
chance to back out, saying it's got nothing to do with the Gyandora, but Rome
certainly isn't going to turn his back on you now.  Anyways, time to cut the
chatter and break out of this tough spot just like Gekiganger always did.

Your people continue to worry about the asteroid... which is really just a
bunch of debris from the asteroid belt around its original core.  Probably
all you have to do is take that out.  You still can't raise the Gondor squad,
or anywhere else for that matter.  Reina is worried about going into the
asteroid without being able to tell anyone where you've gone, but Quatro is
sure that _someone_, yes someone in the Gondor squad will realize what's going
on.  This is almost too optimistic for Quatro, although Rome figures that it's
less more optimism and more trust in someone in the Gondor.  Sort of trust,
anyway, provided that "that person" can break free of the Earth's gravity.

Shouhei is worrying about how quiet the Gaizokku have been lately.  Burning 
and Kou join the conversation, noting that the Gaizokku are probably just
waiting and watching.  Their goal is wiping out mankind - so if the asteroid
hits the earth, their problem would be solved.  Jet, aka Sunglasses Robot,
doubts its just that - he could be overthinking, but he suspects that the
Gaizokku want to finish their prey off with their own hands.  If that's the
case, there must be some other reason why they haven't attacked lately.  Kina
then comes up, determined to stick with Rome through whatever dangers lie
ahead (though she denies being "interested" in him).  Your people mull over 
the fact that despite everyone else's different exteriors, they're all
basically the same inside.

As the Aestivalis pilots get ready for battle, Izumi keeps up the nonstop
barrage of AWFUL puns.  Gai in particular is all fired up and already done
with tuning up his Aesti.  Akito is on the bridge, and Ryouko is pretty
pissed (figuring he went to see Yurika).  Everyone else in turn wonders why
she's so bent on Akito, and she irritably goes to tune up Akito's mech too.

Shaf is reassuring Romina that everyone in the Gondor and Lond Bel will be
just fine.  She's not easily convinced, but Beauty points out that at this
point whatever happens is out of their hands.  Especially since everyone is
currently cooped up inside Anaheim for fear of the Meganoids...  Just then
Nina comes in to inform everyone that the assault on Jaburo succeeded, with
no casualties even.  The fighting on the surface should at least settle down
for a while, so the Gondor squad will be heading to space.  But no matter
what, it comes down to the huge asteroid and the Lond Bel fighting somewhere
around it.

The ZZ girls are busy telling Judou to leave the thinking to Bright and Quatro.
All four of them.  Judou is getting bugged no end, which probably serves him
right for having that many potential girlfriends.  After Banjou teases him a
bit, Judou says that he was thinking about Hamarn - who hasn't shown her face
even once so far.  Even if you take out the asteroid, the fight will continue.
Banjou, for instance, still wants to go back to Mars when time permits.
Seabook and Cecily show up and someone everyone to the bridge - the time has
come!  And Judou is determined to settle the score with Hamarn after this
asteroid business is done.

Akito's come to the bridge, and Yurika says that she understands how he would
want to see his true love one last time before putting his life on the line.
Minato is impressed with his boldness, but Akito insists that's not what's
going on.  Yurika can't be nudged out of her delusions, but Akito voices his
disagreement to helping with this operation.  He wonders why they all have to
do something so dangerous - why the Nadesico has to help out the Ral Kairam
on this one.  Everyone wonders what's making Akito say something like that all
of a sudden, and he says that he's worried about _everyone_ getting taken out
if something goes wrong.  Really, he's worrying about Mars, and when Yurika
repeats her desire to accompany the Ral Kairam he demands to know why 
_everyone_ has to face the danger.  Yurika tells him that it's precisely 
because it's dangerous that everyone's got to face it together - it's the
surest way.  Akito isn't totally convinced, but Ines says that the fastest way
to settling things on Mars is settling the more immediate problems here first.
Looked at from the other side, Ruri points out, the Mars operations would be
MUCH harder for the Nadesico alone if the Ral Kairam alone fails while
infiltrating the asteroid.  Plus, Akito's not the only one with unfinished
business on Mars.  He realizes that everyone's fighting for their own ideals,
and Yurika tells him that she'll listen fully to his burning feelings
somewhere private, after the mission is over.  Ruri, ever the pessimist, 
figures everyone for idiots for striving so hard for their own ends...

Excellen is acting flakier than usual, and tells Akira that the final Einst
to emerge was their leader.  She mumbles about the original Earth, her face
ghastly pale.  Just then she comes to herself, wondering what everyone's doing
gathered around her.  After chiding her for worrying them, everyone heads to
the briefing, wondering what Bright plans to say about an operation that 
can have no real plan.  Probably just "good luck" and "be careful".  Excellen
thinks to the absent Kyousuke that something is wrong with her... could it
be because of that girl?

Your people are all impatient to get going, despite the lack of guarantees of
success or anything.  Everyone's got plans and adversaries to fight after
this, and you've got both the people and the mecha to pull through.  Bright's
glad to see everyone's morale is still high, and formally orders the Lond 
Bel's assault to begin.  Excellen isn't looking very well, and murmur's 
Kyousuke's name...

Abel has some cockamemie plan which involves actually letting the Lond Bel
invade his people's space, which Caim is very much against.  Abel is quite
sure he can strike down the pride of the Earth and bring about his people's
long-cherished wishes.  Diore is silent, and Shapiro bursts out laughing at
Abel's grand-sounding speech.  Shapiro wonders aloud whether pride or defeat
will remain for Abel.  Shapiro, heedless of Abel's fury, feels Sara's 
approach.

The Einsts agree that this is dangerous.  The time has come for destruction,
and to call a certain being.

As the credits role, we're told that long, tumultuous battle in space has been 
merely the prolog to the great calamity to come.  Fortunately, a single dragon
is ascending from the surface to participate in the battle...


EPISODE 3. GALAXY SHOWDOWN

SCENE 1. Dilard Infiltration

We learn of the reawakened Dragon-shaped battleship Gondor and the Lond Bel,
plus the Nadesico.  And all their troubles and enemies, and new allies.  We
hope you played episodes one and two ^^;;

The more the Machine Robo people look at the asteroid, the worse things seem.
More to the point, Rome simply can't figure out what the bad guys are up to.
Judou figures the plan is to wreck the Earth, just like the colony drop, but
Rome points out that the asteroid will hardly escape unscathed in the process.
The only thing he can think that fits seems preposterous: whoever's piloting
it actually intends to _land_ on the Earth.  The other people aren't buying it
at all, and start trying to laundry list all the bad things that would happen
to the Earth if the asteroid (now about the size of the moon) got close to the
Earth.  In the process, people wonder what's become of Judou's oh-so-beloved
sister, who Judou hasn't heard from since the fighting started.

Caim is still fretting about letting the Earthlings this far in, especially
during such a busy time.  Diore shows up, opining that Caim has gotten too 
close to Shapiro.  Caim tries to deny it, then wonders why Shapiro hates the
other Earthlings so much.  She explains that his blood is calling Shapiro to
his mother planet, Earth, as though Shapiro had never forgotten that Diore's
country once existed on the Earth itself some 200 million years ago.  Diore
tells an astounded Caim that not even Abel knows of this, and that _this_ is
the time for the incarnation that failed to happen back then.  Caim beseeches
her to give him one more chance to defeat the Earthlings.  She tells him
that there's no need to leave Dilard, although he sees it as a holy place that
the Earthlings must be kept out of.  Diore says that any infiltrators will
simply be eliminated by "them", and orders him to hold inside Dilard in case of
emergencies.  "Them" meaning the Einsts, who also appear to want to see 
Dilard incarnated.  As Abel arrives at her summons, Diore explains that Dilard
will not stop - before the incarnation, the Earthlings must be destroyed.
As Abel vows to crush the Earthlings, Caim wonders why the incarnation failed
that long ago in the past.

Elsewhere, emperor Annex is showing Sharm a certain robot, The Boom's trump
card, the Zerokage.  Sharm wonders if by its form and its name it's got
something to do with Tobikage, and Annex says that it will enable them to
fight with Tobikage on equal terms...  However, until now nobody has been able
to pilot it.  So just who has turned up who can pilot it?  Why, Irubola, who
caused Zerokage to display a slight reaction when he first showed up...

Your people are STILL fretting about the difficult mission before you, and 
some of the crew are getting very impatient.  As they fret over whether
they've got enough power to actually destroy the core once they reach it,
Yurika says that if worse comes to worse she'll simply have the Nadesico's
four Transposition Engines overload, and kablammo.  Prospector is hoping it
won't come to that, although losing the Nadesico is better than losing the
whole Earth.  To get your people into the asteroid, Bright asks everyone to
go in the Nadesico.  He notes that the thing appears to have acquired an
atmosphere no different from Earth's - if so, the space-faring Ral Kairam
couldn't get close.  Once they do get inside, everyone has to follow the 
energy pattern you detected when the asteroid was just a small lump of stone.
Bright wants your people to split up and perform the demolitions in parallel,
to avoid wasting too much time in a single spot.  The top priority is
sending the Nadesico straight to the core, and Bright leaves Yurika in
command of the infiltration.  Your people just wish that the Gondor was here...

Elsewhere, Amuro is fretting about returning to space, worried about how
space won't let people's wills go.  Aside from Camille, the others don't
understand this comment, and Amuro wonders how Char can stand it.  As your
people wish the Gondor would go a little faster, Kyousuke gets a sudden
headache.  Alfimi is calling Excellen to her, telling her she needs her.  He
claims to be okay in a moment, but wonders if something has happened to
Excellen.  Cham's being affected too - whimpering that someone's calling.  If
the Einsts are calling, Excellen's in trouble.  In fact, Excellen's still
fretting and fussing with Weissritter, to the bemusement of your other
pilots.  Just then, Excellen receives the call, saying that she's got to go.
And, as happened before, she takes off.  What... horrible... timing...

Elsewhere, Annex has broken the news to his subordinates that he's returning
to the planet The Boom, having confirmed the Ninja Legend with his own eyes.
Now he's got to go and tighten his grip on the Shaymar star system.  Irubola and
Sharm are being left with the task of taking over the Solar system.  Irubola
for his part tells Sharm not to worry - he's leaving all command up to her.
In fact, Annex isn't terribly pleased about Irubola's ingratiation, but plans
to slip back and observe on the sly.

The Gondor has escaped the Earth's gravity, and the ninja crew are realizing
just how small the Earth is in the vastness of space.  Joe can't figure out
why people would come and attack it, and Lenier is reminded of just how 
beautiful the Earth is.  She tells Mia that she wasn't actually born on Earth,
but rather on Mars (making her a Martian?), although Pai was convinced that
Lenier was from the same planet as the somewhat frail princess Romina.  In
fact, the Martians are outnumbered by the Spacenoids, including Aina, who 
wishes she could have met Shirou sooner by being born on Earth.  Apparently,
they need to get a room and not make out on the bridge.  Anyways, there must
be some reason why people from not only the Earth Sphere, but all over space
seem basically human: some sort of common ancestor.  Somehow Tetsuya can't see
that sort of thought coming from the creator of the Dankuuga, and wonders what
then motivated him to have the Dankuuga operate on "instinct".  Hazuki dodges
the question, and orders everyone to battle stations - hoping that the Dragon
will last long enough.

Excellen has been traced to the Dark Zone - an apparently empty area of space.
Bright explains: that area was once an asteroid belt, but now nothing is there:
as though all of it was annihilated.  Furthermore, the area interferes with
communications, which is why it took so long to find Akira.  It seems that
the Dark Zone is also where the Einsts are from.  Aside from Excellen, only
Kyousuke and, to a lesser extent Akira, seem to have some connection to them.
Rome recalls that Diondra has ways of controlling the human heart, which Kina
experienced firsthand - one mustn't look directly at her.  However, that's not
what happened here: Excellen appeared to be hearing voices, but left of her
own volition.  Unfortunately for Excellen, you have neither the time nor the
people to spare to go fetch her right now.  Ema then reports that the asteroid
is slowing down: not enough to call the whole operation off, but enough that
you've got a little breathing room timewise.  Banjou figures it as an
invitation.  Ema also notes that the jamming has gotten slightly less, and 
maybe it's possible to get through to the Gondor now.  Well, even if the enemy
are inviting you in, you've got no choice but to accept.

Shapiro figures Sara will come, the woman who killed him not once but twice.
Caim finds Shapiro near the periphery of Dilard, asking him to come father
inside in preparation for the Earthlings' arrival.  Shapiro doesn't want to,
but Caim knows all about his feelings for Sara - the one thing that still
binds him to Earth (so Diore told him).  Shapiro is quite upset about others
peeking inside his heart, but Caim simperingly announces that he couldn't bear
to lose Caim.  S-L-A-S-H!!!

Irubola notes that Zerokage does indeed look very similar to Tobikage.  Sharm
then finds him, noting that his impatience is showing in his walk.  He 
recommends that she worry more about planning and less about him, since she's
now in command.  More to the point, the Gondor have gone to the asteroid, and
Irubola figures it might not be a bad opportunity to catch them.
Unfortunately, Irubola hasn't gotten Zerokage to work yet, but figures that
the fortified Skeleton will be more than enough.  She tells him to show his
mettle, which he's not interested in - he merely wants to take Joe out.

The Gondor nears PLS Black Point, and should be able to contact the Ral Kairam
soon.  Kyousuke then gets another bout of headache, and implores Hazuki to 
hurry up and reach "her".  As everyone asks who he's talking about, Kyousuke
thinks it may already be too late.  Just then contact is established with the
Ral Kairam!  Bright explains the current plan to the Gondor, and Hazuki figures
he's got a better way of destroying the asteroid's nucleus than sacrificing
the Nadesico.  Hazuki's planning on heading for the Ral Kairam, and they both
hope that everything will work out okay.

Stage 68. DIRARUDO Totsunyuu ("Dilard Infiltration")

The group of your dudes who start the battle are here to protect the rear
of the infiltration party.  Unfortunately, the enemy headed in your direction
appear to be copies of the Dankuuga.  Shinobu's not having it, and proceeds to
wipe a couple of the fakes out.  Looks like the Dankuuga's back near 100%
power, and things are ready to rock.  Until some enemy reinforcements show up:
Einsts.  As your folks wonder where the heck they came from, Puru's bad feeling
about them won't go away - their "will" is getting stronger.  Puru2 agrees.
Excellen's not in sight, but you can't worry about her now.  Judou wonders if
capturing one of the Einsts would help, but Ryou says that since you can't
communicate with them there'd probably be no point.

  This battle can be finished in six turns - possibly even in five if you have
  superior tactics.

  To get the Skill Point, kill four enemies in three turns.  You should in fact
  be able to kill five of them if you've got both Puru sisters on your team.

  More enemies show up on turn 3.  Your people begin to worry about being
  outnumbered, and Shinobu sure hopes that that frigging huge Einst from before
  won't show up.  Not that your chances look that great even if it doesn't...
  You really need some help, badly.  Fortunately, Hazuki and the Gondor show up
  on turn 4.  He quickly gets filled in on the status, and battle is joined.
  Well, a few more Einsts show up, but that's no big deal... except that
  they're fake Alteizens.  Kyousuke notes that Excellen isn't here...  The
  Gundam pilots have some big reunion.

  One of the enemies has a Super Alloy Z.  Another has a Cartridge.  Another
  has a Repair Kit S.

After confirming that all the enemies are toast, your dudes gloss over
introductions and hurry inside.  Ema breaks the news that Excellen suffered a
relapse of what happened to her before, and took off for the Dark Zone (i.e.
where that Stone Circle is) in her mech.  Your dudes are quite flustered by
this, but Kyousuke insists that you hurry on ahead.  He won't stand for it if
she has nowhere to return to.

PLAY THE NEXT TWO MISSIONS IN EITHER ORDER.

Stage 69. Seimei no Shushi ga Yonda Mono ("What the Seed of Life Called")
(Dilard North Area)

Your people are now inside the enemy base, although all the greenery really
makes the nickname "organic asteroid" seem accurate.  This beautiful, natural
place certainly isn't what you came expecting to destroy.  Rome points out
that while devotion to nature is important, it must be set aside if 
necessary for a greater cause.  The Buffalo girls are glad that Rome is living
up to the "warrior" persona their father drilled them in.  Sadly, the enemy
isn't going to just let you proceed uneventfully to the nucleus.  Caim is
leading the enemy, and he won't let you stand in the way of Dilard's wishes.
He had wanted to fight with Dankuuga, but he'll take your people on first.
Rome demands to know what precisely those wishes are.  "Incarnation" - seeing
that their "planet" Dilard gets to its rightful place.  And he isn't planning
on forgiving you all, who defiled that place.

  This battle can be finished in 5 turns, although six would be more likely.

  Your reinforcements show up on turn 3.  The current combatants are glad for
  the assistance, and Caim wonders how the hell Abel let an entire battleship
  in.  Domon observes that this is the sort of green nature that his master
  may have wished for - but in this case, it's merely an illusion of nature.
  Caim is furious to see the Dankuuga still alive, and Shinobu berates Caim
  for relying as always on numbers.  Caim clearly hasn't forgiven the
  Dankuuga for its past crimes against his Shapiro.

  Caim flees at around 7000HP, and is worth a Space Abacus and a Skill Point.
  He runs off, but Hazuki says there's no need to chase him - you'll be seeing
  him again soon enough.

  More enemies show up on turn 3 - looks like Shapiro's got some of the enemies
  in mass production.  Abel is leading the bad guys, and he's bound and 
  determined to see his ideas through.  Two more bad guys show up on turn 4,
  and it's something the super robot pilots recognize: supposedly the worst
  monster in space, Gilgilgans.

  Abel, like Caim, flees at around 7000 HP.  He's worth a Biosensor, and says
  that things are far from over as he retreats.

  The enemies have an Anti-Beam Coating and a Propellant Tank S.

Hazuki tries to start introductions, but Ryou yells out that all the greetings
should be kept for later.  Other members agree, causing some to lament that
it's a shame everyone's in such a hurry.


Stage 70. Kuukyo na Yume wo Miru Mono ("He Who Dreams Futile Dreams") (Dilard
South Area)

Looks like the enemy is bringing this fight to you.  Your dudes aren't 
especially afraid, especially Akira who figures he can't die before he's taken
out both the enemies of Earth and La Mu.  Shapiro laughs, saying there's no
way to stop Dilard anymore.  He's quite sure that nothing you puny humans can
do will stop the inevitable, but Banjou interrupts him with false admiration.
He notes that the Muge Zolbados once said the same thing of the humans.  
Before the verbal duel is over, Shapiro manages to insult Banjou's former 
plans to help create a new humanity on Mars - words that Banjou says will
cost him dearly.  In any case, Shapiro feels no need to tell you what the
Dilardians are up to, since he figures you're about to die here.  As Banjou
issues his formal challenge, Shapiro figures there's no need to fight you
himself, and departs.  Well, if that's what the enemy wants, that's what
they'll get.

  On turn 3, more bad guys show up: The Boom soldiers, being chased around
  by the ninja pilots.  The Gondor follows in short order, and greetings are
  exchanged all around.  Shapiro _still_ thinks it's futile, and comes back
  out.  Your dudes deploy, and Sara demands to know why Shapiro is copying
  the Dankuuga and Muge, and more importantly how he came back from Hell.
  He asks her why she fights for the Earth, and asks if she remembers what the
  fools of the Federation said when he predicted an alien attack.  Sara says
  that that's not an answer, and Hazuki informs Major Keats that his words
  reached the very highest levels of the Federation military.  However, the
  Federation proceeded in the wrong direction with the Titans, resulting in
  the mess that Bright and Camille had to clean up.  Rome notes that Shapiro
  never intended on holding an equal dialog in the first place, and Shapiro
  scornfully says that there's noone in space equal to him.  He tells Sara that
  he will once again take hold of all of space, and tells her to come to him.
  Sara tells him that it's over between him and her, and his ambition.  In
  fact, your people intend to steamroll Shapiro as long as he stays in their
  way.

  One of the enemies has a Repair Kit S.  Another has a Needleless Ampule.

  Shapiro flees at around 103k HP, and is worth a a Ninja Manual and a Skill
  Point.  He tells you to keep yapping while you still can, and your dudes
  point out there's no way he can run away from this one.  Shapiro tells Sara
  not to forget that she's his enemy now, which she doesn't need him to 
  remind her of.

  On turn 6, Irubola appears.  Your dudes are clearly not happy to see him,
  figuring he couldn't have wore timing or pick a worse locale.  He states that
  time and place don't matter as long as he defeats you.  Allenbie says that
  guys who don't know when to quit are the worst, but Domon says that this is
  the sort of vengeance that people have who are chasing something (I guess he
  ought to know).  Lenier hotly informs Irubola that the reason Romina turned
  to Joe is because they three are the only ones who can pilot the ninjabots.
  Certainly there was no call for Irubola to go and join The Boom just to get
  Joe back.  Not that Irubola can turn back now.  Your dudes get in a bit of
  philosophizing before the bloodshed begins, with Kyousuke noting that maybe
  war is just a large agglomeration of such personal hatreds.

  Once Irubola's HP are below 30%, have Joe Persuade him.  Irubola tells Joe
  that it is he who pushed him down this far - he isn't going to listen to
  any lectures.  Joe tells him to quit blaming his own evils on other people,
  and that even if he can defeat Joe he won't be accepted back by Romina.
  He continues that running out and fighting isn't the same as protecting
  something - and how does he think Romina felt after he left?  And given that
  Irubola even joined the bad guys' side, just what _is_ he trying to
  accomplish?

  When you take him out, he gets extremely pissed.  It appears that all is
  over until something strange appears on the horizon.  This is a The Boom
  machine you've got no data on - and it sure as heck resembles Tobikage.  And
  even more enemies follow.  Their leader is Sharm, noting that as the
  emperor had foreseen, Zerokage chose Irubola.  However, the real Tobikage
  stands up, and calls to Joe.

  Sharm flees at 30%, and is worth a Chobham Armor.

  Irubola in Zerokage flees at 12k HP, and is worth a Spiritual Energy Device 
  and a Skill Point.  He can be very bitchy to hit due to his high Morale and
  Body Divide ability.  He flees, and Joe is about to run off in pursuit 
  regardless of the consequences.  Lenier points out that if Joe runs off on
  his own, he'd be just like Irubola.  Joe, cursing roundly, wonders what the
  hell happened to Irubola to make him like this.

Hazuki asks everyone to gather to the Gondor so they can head quickly to the
next point.  Ryouma points out that this isn't a battle where defeating the
bad guys is enough - there's the supposedly dead Shapiro and Muge Empire stuff
to worry about.  A more immediate worry is that robot Irubola had with him:
you didn't see it the last time you faced him in space.  Your people don't
have the luxury of time to worry about all this however.  Hazuki notes that
there's not much time, which Amuro knows what he's talking about and nobody
else does.  Time to hurry to the core.

The force is almost all gathered - all you've got to do is rendezvous with
the Grendizer and Mazinger teams, along with the Nadesico.  Sadly, you can't
contact them due to a special field inside the asteroid that squelches all but
short-range communication.  Both the Gondor and Nadesico have data about how
to get to the core, so if you keep going you'll presumably meet each other.
You should still be able to make it in time, but the new enemy mecha you ran
into are cause for concern.  Quatro doubts you're facing the leftovers of some
enemy force - those fake Dankuugas and Muge Zolbados mecha seem to be new.
After all, if Shapiro is still alive it wouldn't be all that odd for the Muge
to be still alive too.  Domon points out that this isn't the time for that:
there's one and only one thing that's your top priority right now.  The speed
of the asteroid has picked up again - as though it slowed to let you in, things
went south, and they're back to hurrying again.  Hazuki still has his plan for
how to save the Nadesico from being sacrificed - one that Amuro can't quite
believe...

The Nadesico is having trouble locating the core, and figures that time may
be running out.  Fortunately, there is the Hinagiku to ferry people away from
the Nadesico, since not everyone could be evacuated in the various combat
mecha alone.  Ruri points out that Omoikane isn't capable of self-destructing,
i.e. suicide: someone has to stay behind.  Yurika happily says that she'll
remain behind.  She's not planning to die - all she has to do is flee in an
Aestivalis at the last minute, using IFS (the Image Feedback System).  Akatsuki
explains that with this system that converts thoughts into directives for the
Aestivalis, even a cat could pilot one.  It's gonna suck to lose the Nadesico
in the worst case, but Yurika says it's cheap at the price for saving the
Earth.  Even Prospector refrains from his usual calculations.

The ninja team are mulling over the jet-black Tobikage-like robot.  The other
pilots are hoping Kyouji and crew are okay.  Tetsuya is reasonably sure Kouji
can pull through, since he gets stronger the worse things get, but it's
possible that simple numbers will overwhelm them... although if Tobikage has
gone on ahead things might be better.  Your other pilots are a bit nervous
about Tobikage: Tetsuya notes that he's in a sense unreliable, and Jun briefly
wonders if he's just shy.  Well, looking at Blue Jet and crew, that may not
be entirely a joke.  Shirou chides everyone for not working harder on their
maintenance - this will be the last chance before the final assault.

Diore calls Caim and Abel to her.  Their wishes are about to be realized: 
Dilard is about to merge with the Earth and sew its seeds.  The plan is an 
eternal return to the time when they, plants, ruled supreme.  Caim asks why
this "incarnation" hasn't happened for the past 200 million years.  Had it
happened, there would be no need to be assailed by the Earthlings so.  As Abel
tells him he's being rude, Diore says that the time was not ripe.  When they
tried to be born into this universe too soon... bad things happened apparently.
Caim then asks who the [Einsts] are, and what their connection to all this
is.  Diore tells him that they are their allies, ones who wish for the
incarnation to occur.  Does that mean that they, too, wish for a time of
nothing but peaceful plants?  Diore says that they need them, the people of
Dilard, and no longer require the humans.  Meaning Shapiro is toast.  
Meanwhile, the Earthlings have no located the core, and Caim and Abel are
dispatched to deal with them.  Caim wonders why Diore would save Shapiro if
he was one of these troublesome humans...


Stage 71. Hakunetsu no Shuusho ("The Climactic Climax")

Shapiro has been called on to protect Dilard, and doesn't seem to enthusiastic
about it.  Abel questions Shapiro's enthusiasm, saying hotly that he rather
doubts that Shapiro was giving his all in the previous battle.  Shapiro then
asks in turn: does Abel really think he can win?  Caim, shocked, asks if
Shapiro is saying that they'll lose, and Abel says that the only way they'll
lose is if by Shapiro's treachery.  Shapiro finds it laughable that he'd side
with the Earth.  Diore then appears, saying that her people are the chosen ones
and ordering the invaders destroyed.  She then tells Shapiro that
underestimating the chosen ones is impermissible.  Your people then pop out,
finding the nucleus strangely quiet.  As Diore leaves, so does Shapiro (ooh,
surprise surprise).  Abel sarcastically praises the Earthlings for making it
this far, and Kouji retorts that he'll return these bossy bastards to stone
statues.  Caim takes the time to remind Abel that _he_ was the one who let 
the Earthlings in, although Abel wants Caim to thank him for luring their 
enemies to somewhere where they're easily disposed of.  Caim is hardly
convinced, but Abel reminds him what Diore said about doubting.  Your dudes,
for their part, are readying for the final battle.

  One of the enemies has a Propellant Tank S.  Another has a Booster.  Another
  has 15000 Credits.  Another of the enemies has a Propellant Tank S.  
  Another has a Needleless Ampule.

  Reinforcements on both sides arrive once eight enemies are dead.  To get the
  Skill Point, you must defeat Caim and Abel before this happens.  If you 
  haven't been pouring money into the Aestivalises, this is a practical
  impossibility.  Therefore, concentrate on killing 8 enemies as soon as
  possible to summon the cavalry.  Your dudes are VERY glad to see the Gondor
  on the scene.  Kouji's looking forward to the long-awaited Double Mazinger
  action, and Tetsuya is getting really fired up.  Abel, for his part, is
  unimpressed and tells Caim to shut up with his weak-sounding talk.  The
  Gondor is almost at its end of its long, distinguished service.  Now is
  the time for all your people to show their true worth.  As your dudes
  deploy, Ruri notes that the Transposition Cannon, as expected, can't be
  fired.  Yurika notifies everyone that it's time for plan B, the self-
  destruction of the Nadesico.  Hazuki interrupts, saying that that role lies
  with the Gondor.  He tells everyone to listen carefully: he plans to turn
  off everything other than the Gondor's AA guns, to save what energy remains.
  The plan is to let the fusion reactor go critical - it's 180 days and 3
  of life are now at their end.  Your people are a bit stunned at this turn
  of events, and Hazuki says that you've got ten turns to take down the enemy
  and get out of dodge.  Abel, now very pissed off, decides to stage an all-
  out attack on the Gondor.  You've got ten turns - use them well.

  On turn 7, Shapiro reemerges in another fake Dankuuga.  Your dudes figure
  he's obsessed with his former teammates, but he mockingly says that he
  merely chose the most appropriate implement to bury you with.  Your people
  point out that his logic sucks, but Shapiro tells Caim that he'll stick
  with Caim until the end in return for siding with him until now.  Abel
  wonders what Shapiro means by "the end".

  Tobikage shows up on turn 8.  Looks like all the players really are 
  assembled - except for Excellen.  He'll depart after two turns if not
  combined with anyone.

  Defeat Caim and he'll bemoan his people's wishes not being carried out.
  Your people point out that by crashing into the Earth these "wishes" will
  become a tragedy.  Duke agrees, saying he's seen enough tragedy on Freed.
  Your other people agree in more less polite ways.  Caim then wonders what
  will become of his people, who have already lost their own planet.  Tetsuya
  observes that perhaps there's no choice but for one side or the other to be
  destroyed - that's what fighting is.  Caim calls out one final lament to
  Diore for not being of any use, and to Shapiro, his butt-buddy.  Abel figures
  him for a fool, and Shapiro thinks that Caim was even more fragile than he
  expected.  He's worth a High-Precision Targeting Device.

  Abel will be outraged when defeated, figuring it can't possibly be happening.
  How could he, one of the chosen, be beaten by these Earth scum?  Duke informs
  him that he lost the moment he shut himself up in his own little heavenly
  body, refusing to acknowledge or even look at other life forms.  Rome adds
  that those who drown in their own power will naturally fail when faced with
  a greater foe, left with nothing but regret at their own defeat.  Shapiro
  isn't having it, but Rome says that people call this "Destruction".  He's
  worth an Apogee Motor.

  Shapiro isn't too happy about being shot down either, given that he's a god
  and all.  Shinobu isn't sure where Shapiro got his fake Dankuuga, but he
  plans to send both it and Shapiro back to hell where they belong.  Shapiro
  then tries to call out to Sara, who tells him hotly to quit trying to seduce
  people.  After that, all the evil Aura seems to be gone from the area.
  Guess this is what happens to those with God complexes... or at the very
  least, Shapiro himself turned out to lack the qualifications for godhood...
  He's worth a Large Generator.

With all the enemies gone, it looks like the battle is over.  Your people then
scramble to get to the Nadesico to evacuate.  She orders the Distortion Field
to max, and prepares to book out of the area at full throttle.  Hazuki has
finished his preparations aboard the Gondor: the runaway reaction can no longer
be stopped.  All that has to happen now is it to be sent into the core on
auto pilot.  Your people spend a moment mourning the Gondor's passing, with
Norris noting that although its form will depart, its spirit will live on.

Hazuki urges your people to hurry: there's no telling how much energy the
destruction of the asteroid will release.  Yurika asks Ruri to calculate, and
Ruri says she may wish she hadn't.  In fact, in the worst case the blast may
catch not only your people, but even part of the Earth itself.  All your
people can do now is pray, although Domon says that as long as you live, you
must break open your own paths ahead.  Your people, while lamenting their own
possible incineration, also hope the (somewhat spacy?) Captain Bright will be
okay as well.  With everyone aboard, your people flee at maximum speed...

Diore does not take having her dreams, or herself, incinerated, well.  At all.
She was sure that the time was ripe, but...  One of the Einsts says that it's
all the same, the same result.  Nothing has changed, and a result nothing
can begin...

Annex, scared for his life, orders his people to flee the blast.  They can't
raise Irubola or Sharm because of all the energy, and Annex is amazed and
pissed that Irubola planned to use the whole thing just to get direct control
of Zerokage.  He directs his subordinate to set course for Shaymar, but it
seems they're too late...

Your people, now chilling check out the big ass explosion.  Kosaku has
calculated that whatever is left will definitely miss the Earth, burning for
a short while longer like a miniature sun.  Fitting that all your struggles
should have such a showy conclusion.  Your people, fated to be alive or
something, then proceed to try contacting Bright - halfway convinced that he
got incinerated anyway.  Shirou asks if Bright is really that unreliable a
guy, and Shinjugi says that Hazuki certainly has his share of problems too.
Yurika, in awe of these two great captains, vows to develop more problems of
her own (^^;;;)

Elsewhere, Hazard is marveling over the burning of the asteroid.  He notices
Annex's ship on the replay, watching as it explodes.  He had been wondering
why the vixen Sharm had taken direct control, and realizes that the Emperor
had gone to the asteroid for some reason.  In fact, Hazard is overjoyed at
this, having wondered precisely how to take out Annex after his world 
domination reached fruition.  Just then Colos contacts him, scaring and
flustering him badly.  Colos, dubious, asks if he's seen the footage showing
the Gondor and Lond Bel doing in the asteroid.  Don had hoped that they'd meet
their end there, but since that didn't happen his people are beginning their
next operation.  Hazard quickly (and obsequiously) pledges his full support
to whatever Colos and Don have planned.  Colos is planning on descending to
Earth again, and orders Hazard to notify her if any useful information comes
his way.  He roundly accedes, secretly thinking that nobody else appears
aware of Annex's fate.

Elsewhere, Muzie and Shot have come out to the Surface, realizing that the
story of Shou and Galaria coming here was true.  Shot for his part is glad to
be here, and figures that all the Aura Roads in Biston Well probably lead
here.  He decides to spend a while gathering information about what's going on
on the Surface, especially since Drake's Will Wips will presumably be 
Surfacing soon too.  He orders Muzie to go out on recon, since he may need her
to find the Will if communications can't be established.

Yurika has brought Hazuki to Bright, their first face to face meeting since
before the last war.  Amuro and Camille are glad to see Bright again as well,
especially seeing that Bright isn't the least bit charred.  Quatro tries to
forestall the flood of conversation and recommend that everyone rest, which
Bright agrees to but has something to say first.  Something bad is happening
on Earth (the usual), although no concrete damages have occurred yet.  He
wants several of your super robots to return to the surface in the HLV, so that
Saotome can run tests on a new Getter Reactor.  The Combattler team is being
called down since several units of apparently Campell origin have been spotted,
despite their base supposedly being destroyed.  Your people have to act fast
before they become a major problem.  As for Banjou, a certain flying object
landed believed to be of Meganoid origin...  Banjou isn't easy in his mind
about this, but agrees to go without hesitation.  Bright says that this is all
the warpower he can spare, but Kyousuke shows up just then.  Bright apologizes
about Excellen, but Kyousuke says it's her own responsibility for breaking the
military's rules.  Your people are pretty sure she'll be okay, and there's
simply no time or people to spare on searching.  Bright says that they'll
gather as much information as possible about her whereabouts.  You probably
haven't heard the last of the Einsts' voices...

Elsewhere, Janera summons Walkymedes and Dangel.  She's not at all happy that
the Earthlings have sniffed out the secret base they had started building on
Earth.  Walkymedes says, "oh, was that all", and explains that having them
discover it was part of his plan (although Dangel hadn't heard of it).  The
theory is luring in all the Earth robots standing in their way, especially
Combattler.  He figures that the Earthlings should believe the Campell warpower
to have mostly perished along with Oreana - therefore, they wouldn't send any
sort of large force to investigate.  Thus, letting them take out the Earthlings
bit by bit.  Walkymedes is glad that even Dangel understands, and Janera is
pleased with the plan.  Dangel comments that this is a wonderfully unfair plan,
but Walkymedes tells him to shut up: the Earthlings are now stronger than a
direct assault could hope to conquer.  Dangel protests that clashing power 
against power is at the base of being a warrior, but Janera tells him to
lay off.  She orders Walkymedes to lure Combattler to the castle first, since
the enemy are concentrated in space and sending a large force should be
impossible.  Dangel is to do as his brother says, and concentrate on taking
down Combattler V.  She orders them both to reduce those meddlesome Earthlings
to a bloody pulp.

Rounin contacts Bright on an emergency channel.  Things are worse than the
forecast confusion after the asteroid detonation: numerous unidentified Aura
Battlers have appeared all over the Earth.  As footage from the battle is
beamed in, Shou and Marvel recognize an Aura Ship, though they're not sure
whose it is.  Well, judging by the Aura Battlers it's from Drake's army -
they've surfaced!  Given that there's a Nergal dock in Sasebo where the 
fighting is, Yurika volunteers to scramble to the scene with the Aura Battlers,
using its specialty to get there fast.

Meanwhile the Combattler team see the enemy castle on an emergency
transmission.  Dangel informs them that he's got a super-huge missile aimed at
their base.  Walkymedes says that their queen hates doing things the roundabout
way, and tells them if they want to stop the launch they'd better come to the</pre><pre id="faqspan-11">
castle.  The base is traced to somewhere in the Pacific, and Hyouma is prepared
to accept this challenge.  Dangel tells him not to think of him as another
lame Garuda.  They'd better hurry if they don't want the button pushed...

Hazuki has contacted Tarsan for help, sooner than Tarsan expected.  They want
him to use the Warp Beam to send them to Sasebo quickly, and Ines would love
to study the differences between it and Boson Jumping.  Akatsuki figures that
gathering data should be good enough, and Joe notes that Tarsan's untrustworthy
side is much like Hazard.  The Lond Bel members left behind will pursue the
Neo Join and Vegans.  Romina volunteers the services of the Elshank, to make
up for the loss of the Nadesico in the hot springs department.  Your people are
all eager for the creature comforts, and Aina notes that "hot springs" bring
back very good memories for her and Shirou.  The division of forces is decided,
with Hazuki being put in charge of operations on Earth (he apologizes to
Yurika).  After a bit more banter, it's back to the salt mines.


CHAPTER 2. Surfacing

Stage 72. Norowareshi JYANNU DARUKU ("Accursed Joan of Arc")

Sheila and crew have appeared on the Surface, noting that it's little
different from Biston Well.  The question is, WHY are they here?  And why are
all these bad guys here with them?  Allen tells his Drake Army compatriots
where they are, and demands that Shou Zama come forth.  While he doesn't know
about the rest of Drake's army, he seems determined to cause plenty of
trouble here.  Fortunately, Shou and friends show up at that point, having
hurried ahead of the Nadesico fortuitously.  They're not thrilled to see that
the war in Biston Well has spilled over to the Earth, but at least the Aura
Power that led them here led them to the good guys first.  Cham isn't happy
to see Alan, aka Bad Eyebrow Guy, on the scene.  Shou tells Sheila that 
he'll explain everything later, and the Aura Battlers hurry into battle before
the enemy can solidify its position.

  To get the Skill Point, you have to either defeat Allen or five enemy
  units before reinforcements arrive.  That's _supposed_ to happen on turn
  four, but in my case happened on turn 3.  Not sure what the story is... but
  if reinforcements really do arrive on turn 3, getting the Skill Point will
  be next to impossible unless you poured money into the Aura Battlers.

  On three, your dudes start feeling overwhelmed.  Sheila asks Shou and
  Marvel to depart the area, noting that all this fighting is what produces
  the Aura power that's enabled Drake to expand the war.  Shou, after a 
  moment's hesitation, says that there's a larger power at work.  Just then,
  the cavalry arrives.  For some reason, the Nadesico is experiencing control
  problems, and isn't going anywhere for a while.  Yurika sorties the Aestis
  and the rest of your dudes, who apologize for being late and note that these
  enemies aren't to be underestimated.  Allen is looking forward to this 
  fight, and Quatro notes that he's exuding Pressure.  Shou hastily informs
  Quatro that the thingie like a giant flying castle is where Queen Sheila
  is.  I.e., don't shoot it.

  One of the enemies has a Magnetic Coating.  Another has a Mars Donburi.
  Another has a Cartridge.

  Enemy reinforcements show up on turn 4, led by Jeril, who figures that she's
  in luck for finding her prey.  Jeril is in fact starting to drown in her own
  Aura power, and a fine shouting match develops between the two sides.  Your
  dudes note that the Aura Battlers seem fairly powerful - but you can win by
  going over and beating them at close range.  Shinobu is looking forward to
  slicing open their Aura Barriers with his Dankuuken.

  Allen will wonder why he got beaten so easily.  Jeril scornfully tells him
  to go to the afterlife.  Guess the power of his hatred gave birth to 
  nothing.  He's worth a Aura Converter.

  Jeril can't believe she's being shot down either... well, in fact, she turns
  into Hyper-Jerril.  As the terrifying light of her hatred pours forth, your
  dudes wonder if they're seeing some kind of illusion.  All your dudes look
  small to her now...  Sheila recognizes the Hyperization, and realizes that
  Jerril's evil aura has gone out of control.  The results must not be left on
  Earth.  Amuro too recognizes the light of hatred when he sees it, and says
  that it must be destroyed.  The weird part is that it's NOT an illusion: she
  really did get that big.  When Ruri tries to analyze it, something very bad
  happens - Omoikane shuts down, paralyzing all the Aestivalises.  Or more
  accurately, it's refusing commands from the Nadesico crew, and controlling
  the Aestivalises on its own.  This throws your team into chaos.  Jeril for
  her part is overjoyed, and prepares to wipe Shou off the map.  And look, the
  Einsts are involved too.  Beat her down again.  She's worth a High
  Performance Targeting System.

Jeril and her malevolent Aura are gone... as are the mysterious watchers.
Kyousuke realizes that even the three high-powered Newtypes haven't noticed
the Einsts.  Omoikane is still being petulant, despite Yurika's hope that it
would return to normal once the bad guys are gone (Ruri figures she watches
too much TV).  Sheila isn't too happy after the victory, wondering why the
Biston Wellians have to fight against each other.... everything has been going
mad since the Earthling Shot Weapon made the first Aura Machines.  In any
case, the Nadesico is out of commission and won't be able to accompany you on
the next phase of the battle.  The good news is that although you just lost
one battleship, you gained another from Sheila.  She and Shou are resolved to
stop Drake and his men, as well as find Ere's Goraon.  For her part, Romina is
very interested in chatting with Sheila about their different worlds.  
Unfortunately, nerves are raw on the Nadesico and are unlikely to be soothed
for some time...  Before leaving for the next mission, Sheila gives Shou a 
new Aura Battler: the Billbine.

Elsewhere, the Einsts note that a new life is beginning, and the original
land is ending.  That land belonging to Excellen...

Burning and the crew will head ahead to rendezvous with those robots already
on the Earth.  Yurika will follow in the Nadesico as soon as it's fixed, and
Ines explains that in the legend of the Ama no Iwato, "Omoikane" is the name
of the wise god who suggested the way to lure Amaterasu Oomikami out of 
hiding.  Amuro likes that name a lot, and Ruri thanks him, blushing.  When
Quatro asks if the cause of Omoikane's malfunction has been determined, Erina
says yes but that it'll take time to fix.  Yurika is surprised by this.  As
the others launch, Erina explains that she told a convenient lie.  More of 
the usual banter, and Prospector figures that Quatro has probably seen right
through the lie anyway.  During all the talk, Ruri has apparently found out 
what the problem is, though she's not sure how to fix it.  The problem is, in
short, that Omoikane is stressed out.  That could be a problem...

PLAY THE NEXT THREE STAGES IN ANY ORDER

Stage 73. GETTA-Sen, Sono Imi ("The Meaning of the Getter Rays") (Saotome
Laboratory)

The Getter team are not happy to see the big rock floating toward the lab.
Saotome thanks them for coming back and tells them that tests on the Getter
Amplifying Reactor are going well.  The Getter team wants to know what sort of
experiments these are that merit risking such danger during such turbulent
times.  Saotome says that that's precisely the reason why the experiments must
be carried out.   He tells his dubious team that if these experiments work,
they'll be able to light the fire to a new Getter Reactor - in theory, a new,
stronger Getter will result, assuming the reactor doesn't go out of control.
Calling the team back was both to hand this new machine to them directly, and
to have their protection against the enemy, probably including those strange
floating rocks.  They're probably some sort of surveillance platform, probably
not from the (supposedly deceased) Hundred Demon empire.  He figures they're
waiting for Saotome to complete the reactor, which is about to enter final
testing.  Ryou and the others vow to keep the mysterious enemy at bay.  Just
then, a bunch of Einsts show up, and Saotome tells his team to buy some time
since the test has already started.  There's no telling what'll happen if the
lab is disturbed during the test.  Hayato marvels at the amount of Getter
Rays, wondering what kind of Getter is in store...  Fortunately, the Lond Bel
are on their way, so Ryouma and the others just have to hold out until they
arrive.

  Reinforcements arrive on turn 3.  Amuro notes that the enemy haven't formed
  their battle lines yet.  Your dudes figure that the enemy are after the 
  Getter reactor, but Cham figures they're after something more fundamental,
  something to do with life.  The bigger concern is what would happen if the
  reactor were to resonate with the enemy... in the worst case, the resulting
  explosion could destroy the entirety of Japan.  The Einsts are after some 
  new "life", which Kyousuke realizes and which Reideen reacts to.  Just
  then some kind of resonance occurs, and Excellen shows up!  With better
  makeup and hair.  As your dudes are about to give the "damn it you had us
  worried" speech, they realize that something is very wrong.  Perhaps the
  enemy just stole Excellen's mech?  Kyousuke is sure it's really Excellen,
  and a bunch of Gespensts sortie as well, probably copied from the Weissritter
  by the enemy, which is surprising that they've got the technology.

  One of the enemies has a Biosensor.  Another has a Repair Kit S.  Another
  has a Space Abacus.

  If you don't let the enemy get close to the lab, you'll get the Rein 
  Weissritter.  If you do, however, you'll get Shin Getter.

  Send Kyousuke to Persuade Excellen after all the other enemies are gone
  (this is worth a Skill Point).  She makes no response to Kyousuke's 
  entreaties, and your other people certainly don't want to fight her.  She
  mumbles something about Getter Rays, finally speaking Kyousuke's name before
  fleeing at some phenomenal speed (totally unlike the Weissritter from
  before).  About the best you can say is that Excellen is still physically
  well, and remember Kyousuke's name.

Assuming you let an enemy reach the lab, Saotome says that he hasn't fully
figured out what happened with the new Getter Reactor, but it fiercely
resonated when the enemies came near.  It didn't go out of control, but...
In any case, it looks like the bad guys were after the Getter reactor after
all - maybe they're trying to make a Bone Getter or Plant Getter.  In any case,
the experiment was a failure but at least everyone is still okay.  Your other
dudes plead with Kyousuke to open up about what went between him and 
Excellen, and he allows after a moment that this battle was probably set up
to bring him and Excellen together.  Your people will just have to wait for
a chance to rescue her...


Stage 74. Onnen wo Tatsu Ken ("The Sword that Cleaves Hatred") (Boston)

Ere's people certainly aren't in Biston Well anymore, or even Kansas for that
matter.  Notice that part of the city is _floating_, no doubt the result of
one to many drunken frat parties at MIT!  Actually it's just the usual bad
guys, led by Neros.  He's not happy to see such a huge battleship appear, and
order his soldiers to attack.  Ere would prefer to avoid conflict, but they
can't allow their ship to be shot down now, especially if the missing Holy
Warriors are still around...

  On turn two, a bunch of hostile Aura Battlers show up: servants of Drake.
  Neros isn't happy to see them either.  Shot Weapon is in the lead, and
  figures attacking the Goraon is a great way to lure Shou and the others to
  him.  He also wants to keep the Goraon from becoming a rallying point here
  on the Surface.  As for the Megaborgs, which hadn't become practical by the
  time he was summoned to Biston Well, he tells Muzie to ignore them.  Neros
  is somewhat relieved to see that the humans aren't all banding together, and
  is about to start attacking the Goraon himself when Banjou pops up to stop
  him.  And his little band, who have a habit of trying to steal his lines.
  Banjou quickly identifies the Goraon and notifies its crew that he's a friend
  of Shou and no enemy of theirs.  They are _very_ relieved, and beseech him
  for aid.  Neros is spoiling for a fight with Banjou, and Shot decides to 
  spectate and see just how cool Daitarn-3 actually is.

  The cavalry arrives on turn 3.  The Biston Wellians all note that the 
  dangerous Shot Weapon is on hand - and he in turn greets the Holy Knights.
  Apparently Drake is planning to take over the Surface.  Shot tells him to
  stop and think about why they all got kicked out of Biston Well, to which he
  responds that Shou should think about why they were summoned there in the 
  first place.  Come to think of it, the Einsts and Tobikage seem to be able
  to open this Aura Road thingie pretty much at will.  All that aside, the
  enemy are coming, so it's time to sortie.  Rimru pleads with Muzie to 
  reconsider why the Biston Wellians have come to the Surface: this isn't the
  doing on the Ferario or the Aura Power itself.  Muzie just wants to help
  out Shot - that's her only reason.

  On turn 5, some enemy reinforcements show up, suffused in an astounding 
  Aura of malice.  That Aura belongs to none other than the Black Knight, Burn
  Burnings, who promptly challenges Shou to a duel.  In fact, he's lost his
  knightly bearing in his quest to take down Shou (though Burn figures that 
  that's the only way he _can_ become a knight), and Quatro is nonplussed to
  see that even on other worlds that sort of thing occurs.

  Take out Neros and he bemoans how he, lord over humans, could be defeated.
  Banjou commands him to begone, along with that delusion of ruling humanity.
  The rest of the people notice that Banjou becomes somehow more fierce when
  fighting the Meganoids...  He's worth a Haro.

  One of the enemies has a Cartridge.  Shot is worth a Needleless Ampule.
  Muzie is worth a Megabooster.

  When you shoot down the Black Knight, he'll wonder why he can't seem to 
  beat Shou.  Unfortunately, he doesn't just die - he Hyperizes.  Your
  people are, again, alarmed that hatred can give rise to something like this.
  This power that humans can obtain is indeed one that must not be called
  upon.  Once Hyperized, the Black Knight will flee at around 11,700 HP, and
  is worth a Skill Point.  He'll tell you that you can't stop him that easily,
  and that he won't stop fighting until he defeats Shou.  This guy is one 
  dangerous dude.  Ere apparently has some plan, and tells Abe to take care of
  the nation of Mi if something happens to her.  She begins to use her Spirit
  Powers, which Amuro notes as something akin to Lalah Ru's ability.  With
  great difficulty, she returns the Black Knight's machine back to normal.  He
  is really upset, wondering if his power was incomplete or something.  Well,
  he decides to flee, saying that next time he'll have Shou's head for sure.

Your folks are just as glad to see him go, figuring that they couldn't 
withstand that sort of onslaught for long.  Banjou counsels Shou to wait for
the next opportunity.  When fears of Shou going Hyper arise, he says that
he can't do that - he can't allow malicious Aura to spread any farther across
the Surface.  In fact, if he tries, Ere vows to stop him, even if it costs her
her life.  Fortunately, Ere's exertions haven't cost her her life.  As Ere is
filled in on the situation with Drake and company, she pledges her ship and her
own power to the war effort.  Your worries about the connection between Aura
power and the Einsts deepens, especially since Kyousuke worries that they're
watching this battle from somewhere.  Presumably, the Einsts are curious about
this Hyperization - perhaps wanting to become huge themselves.  Hazuki figures
this deserves investigation, and Kyousuke figures that Excellen will be at 
the end of the trail of evidence... he's beginning to see how all these battles
fit together.  Getting back to the floating city, Reika and the crew have
already been sent to disable the antigravity machinery - it'll be back to
normal in a few hours.  Your only response to the increasingly aggressive
Meganoids can be to keep on fighting one battle at a time.  Banjou is resolved
to overthrow the Meganoids' ambitions no matter what.


Stage 75. Kimen no Kai ("Apparition of Kimen") (Kimen Castle)

The Combattler team has arrived at Dangel and Walkymedes' summons.  Your
folks are nonplussed at this place, which suits the name "Demon-Face Castle".
Walkymedes was hoping more of your dudes would show up, but the Combattler
folk think they're more than enough to handle this [morons].  Walkymedes
figures he's being underestimated, and although this wasn't his plan he 
figures taking out the hated Combattler V would be a fine thing to do, 
seeing as how it would weaken the Earth army overall and please Janera.  
Hyouma succeeds in provoking Dangel, and a somewhat annoyed Walkymedes plans
to make you regret coming here alone.  Here come the Magma Beasts, right on
schedule (your dudes knew it was a trap).

  On turn 4, Walkymedes is furious that Combattler is holding out so well, 
  but tells you not to think you've won.  Kosaku notices that something
  fishy is going on, but Hyouma and the others figure the bad guys are simply
  hiding more of their people somewhere.  Unfortunately, a bunch of Einsts
  show up at that point.  Hyouma's not so worried since he's fought them many
  times before, but the rest of the team is aghast that Dangel was actually
  able to summon the Einsts' aide - given that the Einsts have never sided
  with anyone before.  Fortunately, the good guys show up just then.  Your
  people are quick on the uptake about this new turn of events, and Kyousuke
  quickly sorties followed by the rest of your dudes.  He fears that there
  is more to this castle than meets the eye...

  On the enemy half of turn 4, Kyousuke says he's sure these aren't the
  servants of the Campellians.  The Einsts then mention "that which is old",
  and Alfimi appears.  Kyousuke demands to know where Excellen is, and when
  Alfimi stays silent he threatens to drive a stake through her if she doesn't
  answer him.  She tells him that she is Alfimi, which he's heard before - he
  in fact cares nothing for her name.  Alfimi can't understand why he's acting
  this way toward her, when she's the same as Excellen.  Your other dudes can't
  quite make out all this nonsense, but Kyousuke is determined this time to
  find out who Alfimi is and where Excellen's at once and for all this time.

  Alfimi flees at 20% of her HP, and is worth a Skill Point and an I-Field
  Generator.  She bemoans how her mech hadn't lasted any longer.  Kyousuke 
  yells at her not to run away, and she tells him that there's a small amount
  of time left...and that Excellen is gone.  He yells back that he met her,
  and regardless of what was done to her he'll get her back someday.  Alfimi
  notes that she can't have a meaningful conversation with him anymore, which
  he outright admits to.  She repeats that the time is near, and says that both
  she and Excellen are incomplete... but when the time comes... She wishes
  Kyousuke well, and departs.

  One of the enemies has a Propellant Tank S.  Another has a Chobham Armor.

  Dangel flees at 30% of his HP, and is worth a Mars Donburi.  He gets quite
  pissed off to be shot down, and flees despite being one of the ones who
  picked this fight.  Walkymedes also flees at 30% of his HP, and is worth a
  High Powered Radar.  When _he_ is shot down, Hyouma tells him he'll come and
  kick his ass any time he wants, missile or no missile.  Walkymedes, with no
  other choice, flees to.

Looks like these bad guys weren't all that after all.  Guess you'll have to be
satisfied with proving you were stronger than them for now.  Your dudes
FINALLY get around to asking Kyousuke what his connection to that "Aluminum"
chick is.  He doesn't himself know, although he's sure that if they find her,
they'll find Excellen.  What your people still can't figure is why the Einsts
are trying to hinder you and help your enemies... or why they made off with
Excellen.  Unfortunately, your people don't have the time to throughly search
Kimen Castle, despite the possible connection to Kyousuke's girlfriend.  Your
enemies are still numerous.

Amuro tries to comfort Kyousuke about Excellen, saying that she may just be
under the influence of something like the Meganoid's mental control device.
Kyousuke is sure there's something deeper going on.  At least Kyousuke is
being reasonably optimistic about it all.  But just where _is_ Excellen now?
You're close to Sasebo, and your people hope the Nadesico has been fixed.
Joe figures that if it's not fixed yet, all the mechanics should get together
and get the job done.  Not that it's necessarily a job that brute force will
solve...  Bright, Quatro, and Amuro plan to go to the Nadesico when they
arrive, and Kouji wishes he could go along to get a taste of the hot spring.
Amuro diplomatically offers them a chance to come along.

Drake is surveying the Surface, asking Shot who he thinks it was that led them
here.  Drake figures it was "that" woman they just saw.  Drake actually wonders
if they aren't being total idiots for trying to take over a Surface he knows
nothing about right on the heels of getting kicked out of their own world.
Shot tells Drake not to concern himself over such things, and worry about
gathering the landships first.  Shot has located "the" at the west end of
the Pacific Ocean.  Drake figures defeating them is just what the doctor
ordered for his melancholy.  Shot is confident that he and his new mech will
not fail.

Prospector is welcoming all your dudes, who hasten to refresh themselves with
the Nadesico's amenities.  The Gundam folk had come to the bridge to say hi
to the captain, but both she and Ruri seem to be absent.  Apparently the two
of them went off to "prepare for the guests", and haven't been seen since.
Apparently, problems are lingering with Omoikane, so the Federation has 
decreed that its memory is to be forcibly cleared.  That won't be good, since
it means all the combat data to date will be lost to your people.
Prospector says that the source of the problem has been identified, but...
Your people ask why something hasn't been done about it, and offer to help.
If only Ines were around to explain...  just then, a display comes through.
Apparently the captain, Ruri, and Ines are in full Nadesico wackiness mode.
Be afraid.  Quatro and Amuro agree that they're not quite sure how to react,
but they have little choice but to watch the broadcast unfold.  This 
probably won't make much sense if you've not seen any Japanese kids'
programming.  A most adorable Ruri manages to explain that Omoikane is stressed
out, prompting Megumi to coach her on how to perform in this kind of show.
Things get worse when Kouji gets into the act, as well as a few others.  As
they make a giant mess of their lines, the question arises: how could a 
machine get stressed?  Ruri explains that Omoikane is a learning system - by
accumulating combat data, it gets more accurate in battle.  Apparently, it
remembers breaking through the Federation defenses, and learned of the 
Federation as the enemy.  Even though Ruri reset the parts of its memory that
sparked the reaction, it got more upset with every reset.  And apparently,
your dudes are needed to fix the problem.  Ines will continue the explanation
in the next room, and thanks everyone who participated in the broadcast.
Ruri never wants to do this again.

Your people are still a bit puzzled by the elaborate staging, but they go to
meet the other folks in the Virtual Room (it's the Holodeck, basically).
Uribatake has altered things so you can dive into Omoikane's programming,
for "debugging" purposes.  The question is, how does the debugging work.
Uribatake's hooked his own host computer up with a simulation soft running, so
all of you can be great cyber warriors.  Shinobu wonders what would be wrong
with simply wiping Omoikane's memory, which Banjou concedes would be faster.
Ruri says that forgetting about the past is a typically adult thing to do...
and unfair.  Camille responds that there are some memories so important that
they can't be forgotten, even if one wants to.  Sara can't agree to forcing
someone to forget things that important, although Quatro points out that there
are those who are better off not being made to remember things they've
forgotten.  However, that's not for man's hand to control... and that goes for
memories of atrocity...  Apparently, the debugging task is big enough that
it'll take more than just the Aesti pilots to pull off.  Just then notice
comes through that the Federation has decided that time is up for repairing
Omoikane, and will start directly instigating the wiping process.  Amuro
tells Hazuki to stall the technicians at the dock, and Hazuki requests 
Banjou's assistants' help.  Everyone else not involved in the debugging will
help too.  Yurika stays around to help "watch over Akito", so Ruri will stay
too to help watch over her.


Stage 76. Sono Tame ni Ima, Ikite Iru ("That's Why I'm Alive Now")

Your people are, oddly, inside the computer.  Which looks exactly like MIT's
library, where Uribatake personally flunked out seven times.  An appropriate
enough representation of a computer's memory bank, all things considered.
Interestingly enough, your dudes all have a representation of their 
respective mecha.  Uribatake figures you all are the ultimate debugging 
squad, and Hayato figures this is a great job, if you don't count the part
where Uribatake stole all the data needed to build this.  Ruri guides you to
Omoikane's self-aware area: the tree-looking thingie.  It is the proof that
the Nadesico is the Nadesico - the proof that it wants to be itself, the 
memories it can't forget even if it wants to.  Your job is to make it forget,
just a bit, by cutting a specific spot.  While it's a sad thing to have to
do, the branches will grow back and Omoikane will endure.  Ruri asks Omoikane
to forget, and to become an adult.  By pretending to obey the Federation, 
Omoikane can go on being Omoikane.  Too bad it won't be that easy: Omoikane
dispatches its self-protection programs.  It's identified you as invaders,
and is sending out the strongest images from your past battles to stop you.
Quatro is impressed by Omoikane's capabilities as a computer produced by the
best minds at Nergal (and elsewhere?).  You've got to clean this up within
ten turns.

  This mission can be defeated in five turns.

  Two more bad guys show up on turn two, Gekigangers.  These are nothing more
  than copies of your memories that you should be able to beat easily.

  Once you get your dudes to the tree, Ruri starts the operation.  In 
  response, Omoikane sends out a Hyper Aura Battler - it _really_ wants to hold
  onto its memories.  But this aura of hatred is something it mustn't remember,
  and Shou resolves to sever it.  Worse, it sends out a big-ass Einst.  Things
  are desperate, so Uribatake tries starting a little easter egg he put in:
  a REALLY good copy of Tobikage.  As your dudes marvel, Uribatake notes that
  it's subtly different from what he input...

  Arriving at Omoikane within five turns is worth a Skill Point.

  On the enemy turn after your dudes arrive, four more enemy appear: GP-02,
  plus the completed Apsalas, and Garuda, plus Shapiro's mecha.  Sara points
  out that the main effect of these images is just to provoke your dudes more,
  and Ruri figures that Omoikane knows that it's cornered, and is trying various
  different images in desperation.

  One of the enemies has a Booster.  Another has a Cartridge.  Another has a
  Repair Kit S.  The Einst has a V-Up Unit(U).  

When you destroy the big Einst, all the other enemies will disappear.  The
question now is - what if the Federation authorities find out what you've
done?  Uribatake says that this is no problemo - all you've gotta do is wipe
out some dummy information and you're home free.  This is a great plan to fool
the authorities, and Uribatake earns himself a big round of praise.  Your
people's feelings are a bit mixed over what they've done, but overall the 
chance to confront and defeat their rivals was fun.  Ruri is even on the verge
of tears, moved by the strength of Akito and the other's various obsessions.
Your people all leave cyberspace, hoping that Hazuki hasn't been having too
hard a time with the Feds.  Before Ruri leaves, Omoikane murmurs to her about
the days it will never forget...

Apparently the Feds bought the dummy data hook, line, and sinker.  Quatro 
managed to smuggle everyone back off the Nadesico before they could draw
attention to themselves - the emergency call from the Saotome lab might have
something to do with this as well.  Looks like the baths didn't get used after
all...  Prospector figures that Nergal is now greatly in the Lond Bel's debt,
although Hazuki says that it's only natural for people to help each out in
times of need - he figures that neither he nor the others are conscious of
"debts" like that.  Well, at least the whole incident is good for a bad pun
or two from Izumi.  The odd thing is how Omoikane went from images it knew
well (of the Jovian mechs) to images that would make the deepest impact on
your people.  Namely, the Einst and the Hyper Aura Battler.  Anyway, the
Nadesico is back on line and it's time to get back to work.

Strange things are afoot at the Photon Power Lab.  It's Shin Getter Robo
(unless you went for the powered-up Weissritter ^^).  Apparently this is the
heretical bastard child borne of that Getter Reactor experiment.  Saotome had
planned to seal away the reactor block after the failed experiment, but
this is what happened to Getter 1 instead.  The Getter count is back to 
normal, and Saotome wants the team to use this for the final battle.  He tells
the somewhat nervous team that its insides are more or less like the old
Getter, and it's already been tested through powerup.  As the team gets ready
to head back to the Guran Garan, Saotome tells them to beware the Einsts.
Getter Rays are the energy of life - or so he believes, and plans to continue
his research.  If this "accident" was in fact a deliberate attempt to get at
that living energy, the results could be an enemy totally unlike what you've
faced before.

Your people are still torn between fatigue and enjoyment over the computer
maintenance.  You seem to be slowly getting the upper hand over most of the
enemies, although the Einsts are still a big question mark.  As Hazuki returns,
the plan is to contact Bright and find out what's going on in space.  Sheila
ponders the eternal night that lies above this world - it's very sad that
people would spread the flames of war even out there.  Quatro figures that
that's human nature - a nature that must one day be left behind (Sheila 
realizes that he's not like the others here, and Amuro wonders what Char is
thinking of).

Drake is not happy to hear that the Goraon and Guran Garan have joined up,
especially since there's two other battleships involved too.  Apparently
Drake is some major idiot, since he's determined to hold course and try to
strike them.  Shot tries to dissuade him, only to be informed that has no
place trying to tell his commander how to run his war.  He asks Drake if he
has some plan in mind, and Drake says that trickery won't work on Sheila or
Ere.  He plans on a simple, frontal assault since neither he nor Shot figure
that the enemy will split up again.  He even manages to convince Shot that
his plan isn't lunacy, and both hope that luck is with them.

Bright informs your people that Hamarn has swung into action.  So far, Judou,
Rome, and the crew have held them off, but there's no telling what Hamarn has
in store.  All the old bases are still in disarray, meaning that so is the
Federation C&C apparatus.  Tetsuya says that he was never counting on the
Federation brass in the first place, which Kouji figures is pretty harsh but
also undeniable.  This means that some of your people need to go up to space,
but some troubling information has also come up: something looking like the
Weissritter has showed up in the area, despite your people seeing it a short
while ago at the Saotome lab.  Kyousuke asks Amuro to let him be among those
sent to space, and Rein wants to go to, to inform Domon about Kyouji - who
is still laid out but wanted to tell Domon to do his best.  Amuro agrees, and
plans to return to space in the HLVs Banjou and the crew used.  Those 
remaining on the ground still have much to worry about, but most especially
Drake's army.  Sheila has detected the Will Wips headed your way - what great
timing.  Hazuki orders everyone to battle stations - looks like Drake is
cruising for a serious bruising. ^_^


Stage 77. Umi Yo, Daichi Yo ("O Sea, O Land")

Your people recognize their enemy from the trip to Biston Well, the Will Wips.
Unfortunately, it appears that the enemy are powered up compared to when you
first faced them.  Sheila asks if Drake is determined to rule this world - 
given that he has no visible means of returning to Biston Well, it's only
natural he'd take over this world (^^;;)  Plus, he wants to see how how far he
can go, and figures that nobody is in a position to tell him otherwise.
Rimru, his daughter, then steps up to the plate and begs him to stop, but
Drake is positive that _someone_ on the Surface led all his people here.  That
would be the Einsts, and Drake admits that they sent some young girl to 
negotiate with him... Kyousuke sorties immediately, and the rest of the party
follows suit.  Drake tells his daughter that if he's being a clown, at least
he wants to chase his dreams in proper clown style.  He can no longer withdraw
his armies, since his Aura Battlers have become too entwined with the power of
this world - in fact, he's something that should be eliminated from the world,
but that doesn't stop him from deploying his forces.  It seems his personal
emotions are being given the upper hand in trying to settle this duel, and
Shot says that the fact he's trying to kill his own daughter is beside the
point.  He claims to be nothing more than the faithful servant of Drake, which
is pretty clearly bunk.

  One of the enemies has a Needleless Ampule.  Another has 15,000 credits.
  Shot has a Megabooster.  You get Muzie's ship, the Zwass, for shooting her
  down.  

  On turn 3, the Black Knight and some stooges show up.  The Biston Wellians
  are beseeching Shou to fight the urge to Hyperize himself, and Shou demands
  to know what all Burn's hatred got him.  Power... and cunning!  Not that
  it'll save him.

  Drake sounds almost relieved when you shoot down the Will Wips, figuring it's
  fate or something.  He believes there was nothing wrong with what he was
  trying to do - his only regret is that he doesn't know the identity of the
  ones who tried to use him (i.e. the Einsts).  He tells his daughter that
  the power that opened the Aura Road and led them all to the Earth is...
  *Kaboom*  He's worth a Distortion Block.

  As before, when you take down the Black Knight he Hyperizes.  Far from dead,
  he figures that his victory is now assured.  When you down him, he whines
  about "Oh, if only Shou weren't here", but Shou points out that he and his
  out-of-control Aura would be this way whether or not Shou was around.  Burn
  insists that Shou is the only person he could hate that much, which is some
  messed up logic.  Shou realizes that it's not his fault, but all your dudes
  are nonplussed by what human hatred can accomplish.  Unfortunately, this
  triggers the bad guys showing up - the Einsts.  Prospector figures he'd
  better start planning for a total overhaul of all your mecha despite having
  just set out from dock.  He's worth a V-Up Unit(W)!!

  It is in fact Excellen, whose Weissritter has been changed almost beyond
  recognition.  Kyousuke seems to be getting some idea about what's going on,
  and Excellen mumbles something about power at the most fearsome fundament...
  On the next neutral turn, Tobikage shows up with a coolness somewhat unlike
  the more sermon-prone Rome and crew.  Excellen, upon seeing Tobikage, murmurs
  that it too is the original power...

  The big Einst is worth an Apogee Motor.

  Excellen flees at 135600 HP and is worth a Skill Point and a Super Alloy Z.
  When you whump her ass, she begins to recover her own consciousness.  That's
  the good news.  The bad news is that the mech itself is still an enemy 
  machine, and the worse news is that it's still got hold of Excellen.  She
  manages to get across the following message: this planet, Earth, is the
  "original"...  As the Weissritter flew off at an amazing speed, something
  like a jewel glowed at its breast.  Burning hastens to comfort Kyousuke, 
  saying that it's been proven that Excellen's sanity can be restored -
  provided you can take out her mech.

Well, here's where Drake's ambition ends.  Sheila and Ere offer your people
their utmost thanks, but Hazuki tells her to raise her head - your people did
nothing more than fight to protect their own world.  Indeed, he's grateful for
their assistance.  Well, it's all good cause you won.  The evil Aura is
dissipating, but some even more foreign Aura still lingers: your fight is far
from over.  Ruri announces that she analyzed the machine Excellen was piloting:
it's very likely built upon the Weissritter.  With all these mysteries still
remaining, the only choice is to keep going forward.  As preparations begin
to send some of the team to space, Quatro asks to talk to Kyousuke privately
after returning to the ship.

All the orders have been handed out, and in the brief time before launch
everyone is to rest.  Banjou and Akira turn up to hear Kyousuke's story about
Excellen - better than resting according to Banjou.  Kyousuke figures that the
reason that he and Excellen can hear the Einsts' voices is "that" accident.
Hazuki has heard of it - it's rather famous in a certain part of the
Federation... or rather, among the top brass in that part (Amuro hasn't heard
of it).  Hazuki offers to explain in Kyousuke's place.  During the final
stages of the One Year War, a shuttle headed to Luna2 from Jaburo exploded
and crashed right before leaving the Earth's atmosphere.  Aboard it were 
several dozen officer candidates... and only Kyousuke and Excellen survived.
Unnaturally, not only were they still alive, but Excellen was not hurt or even
_singed_.  Kyousuke was hospitalized, though his injuries weren't major.  All
Kyousuke remembers is trying to shield Excellen from the flames - and nothing
further until being rescued.  It's not clear what the connection to the Einsts
would be, except that this miraculous survival is simply too unnatural.  That's
why the two of them were posted to different squads and put under observation
by the top brass (it helped that they were both gifted pilots).  The lack of
explanation may make this a true miracle in Quatro's view, which mildly
surprises Amuro given that Quatro is the most disbelieving in miracles in the
entire party.  The one thing Kyousuke can't figure out is, if his memory of
the blast is correct, Excellen should have been fatally burned by the time he
shielded her.  There's no way she should have been found unharmed.  Oh man.

Ruri finds Omoikane in reasonable good order, reminding it that it's able to
go on existing thanks to all your people.  Akatsuki comes to the bridge,
finding only Ruri there.  He asks her to summon the rest of the bridge crew -
she's willing to do so, but wonders what he's scheming.  A simple experiment,
Erina says, to do with how the Nadesico will have to go on fighting alongside
the Lond Bel.  Akatsuki figures this is a good time, with things settled down
on the Earth for the moment.  Everything is set with the positioning of the
CCs, and it's up to Ines now.  Ruri realizes what this must mean...

With Akito and Yurika present, Ines begins the experiment, asking them to
forgive her for not having time to explain.  She asks them both to think of
Mars, saying only that this experiment may let them steal Mars back from The
Boom and the Meganoids.  She soothingly tells Akito and Yurika to remember the
peaceful days of yore at the Utopia Colony.

The rest of the bridge crew gets to see Ines, Akito, and Yurika vanish in a
flash of light.  A Boson Jump.  As the Boson Jump Field surrounds the Nadesico,
Akatsuki tells Ruri to smile for the camera, since this is a historic moment.
Akatsuki is counting on Akito...

Suffice it to say that the Nadesico's disappearance comes as something of a
shock to the others.  Banjou recounts how the Tulip Crystal enabled the Boson
Jump that carried he and Akito to the moon.  He can at least guess where the
Nadesico is, and Garrison's fast work with spy sattelites confirms it: Mars.
Unfortunately, some Gaizokku are moving in on them.  Fortunately the Elshank's
Wormhole drive can get it to Mars in a short amount of time, and the Zanbot-3
team wants to go along to settle the score with the Gaizokku.  Joe and the 
ninja pilots still have the score to settle with The Boom, and Banjou's got his
own unfinished business with the Meganoids.  Quatro will go too, along with
part of the mobile suit brigade slated to go to space.  Amuro agrees, and
as the troops are divided, Kyousuke wonders what brought Excellen to Earth if
something is going on in space.

AT THIS POINT YOU MUST CHOOSE BETWEEN THE EARTH(A), MARS(B), AND MOON(C)
ROUTES.  YOU END UP PLAYING THEM ALL BEFORE ALL IS SAID AND DONE.  IF YOU PLAN
ON GETTING GLOWBEIN, PLAY THE MOON ROUTE FIRST.


Scene 3C. Moon Route

Devil Satan is still amazed that your people took out the asteroid.  Diondra
is determined to strike your dudes now while they're off their guard, although
Devil Satan is less than enthused about attacking such an assemblage of tough
mecha.  He heads into battle anyway, driven by Diondra's threats, but he seems
sure he's going to die.  Guljios persuades her to calm down, saying that he
has a plan to consolidate their warpower before attacking the humans.
Diondra doesn't like other people trying to tell her what to do.  There is a
Chronosian in the works, who simply wants to wipe your people out - and it's
Gades' direct orders to use him.  Diondra does not trust him to say the very
least, but she isn't planning to disobey.  She in turn wonders what's going on
with the alliance with the Bunker, and Guljios notes that the Bunker seem to
have something up their sleeve too.  The mystery Chronosian doesn't like this
tricky stuff, and wants to get the fight with your people over with as soon
as possible.  Guljios is interested in seeing what this person has planned,
as well as seeing his Uchuu Chuushin-Ken in action.  This is surely gonna get
messy...

Garimos has just wakened someone, telling him to go forth and take his
revenge.  This person is grateful to have another chance, and another shot
at Mia...

Kyousuke, Rain, and their mecha have arrived at the Ral Kairam.  For a change,
nobody attacked them on the way up.  Rein passes Kyouji's message along to
Domon, which brings a smile to his face.  Nina Purpleton and Amuro's assistant
Chain appear on the scene - looks like Amuro's got a fanclub of his own.  The
women start exchanging preferences in boyfriends, and Allenbie runs off to
help Domon with maintenance.  Rain hesitates to follow, saying that she's got
to contact Neo-Japan about Kyouji.  Busy busy.  The question then becomes
what Tarsan is up to, since nobody's heard from him for a while.  Presumably
he's hanging out and keeping an eye on things from somewhere.  Your people
then have to almost bodily restrain Nina from dismantling the Machine Robo
team in the interest of improving her mecha.  The Buffalo gals go along with
Rome and co to the deck to watch him practice.  Meanwhile, Kyousuke has a
request for Nina...

Chain shows off the nu-Gundam, designed for Amuro.  Everyone agrees that it's
a pretty beautiful mech, and thanks to Nina's input the thing is almost 
complete as the ultimate embodiment of the Gundam project.  Seabook spies
the strange-looking Fin Funnels on its back - Bright realizes this is a
Newtype-specific weapon, and hadn't been aware that the Federation had the
technology to pull such a feat off.  Apparently some data leaked in from
the materials research division, and the result is a Psychoframe - which
Seabook is majorly impressed by.  However... that this idea came from
Anaheim is probably a lie.  No telling who the idea came from, but in the
testing phases everything worked perfectly.  Judou then comes to see Amuro's
new wheels, noticing that it's even bigger than the ZZ... sort of the opposite
of the F-91.  Anyway, Chain plans on sending it to Amuro, although Quatro has
also expressed interest in piloting it.  Unfortunately, sending it to the
surface is not practical at the moment, and it still has yet to be tested in
gravity - guess Judou and the crew will have to use it for now.  Chain hopes
Amuro will return quickly...

Elsewhere, Carozzo has finally completed his Raflesia.  Zabiine then comes to
inquire about the weapon codenamed "Bugs".  He says that Zabiine will find
out shortly, and suddenly notices a Federation force headed his way: perfect
timing!  Just what _is_ Iron Mask scheming?

Nina is seeing the Gespenst 3 custom for the first time, scoffing a bit at
the armaments that ignore the need to balance the body.  Truly the ogre child
of the Personal Trooper project.  Kyousuke asks if it's possible to combine
it with Custom Parts from the Mk.II, one of which had been posted to the Lond
Bel in the past.  Kyousuke has a plan for how to strengthen the Alteizen, if
Nina agrees to build it and Bright gives permission.  He's been thinking about
this for a very long time, realizing just how much of a disadvantage he's at
currently in battle.  The two discuss the "rieze" (German for "giant")
revolving stake guns - the first part of the Mk.III to be designed, and the
first part to be scaled down due to its bad balance.  The original system has
been hauled around with you in a container all this time, unopened.  Nina 
figures it can be done, especially since she's got additional armor to 
add to the ZZ as well.  Nina wants to tweak the stake launcher some, adding in
an experimental Field Nullifier Anaheim has been working on.  Kyousuke
appreciates the efforts of Nina and the Anaheim staffers, and hopes that he
will finally be able to fight against the Weissritter on equal footing...

The Einsts figure that it's almost time, and that Excellen's role is almost
over as well.  She speaks Kyousuke's name...

Just then, the Einsts attack Neo-Japan.  The enemy have also been detected
closer to the moon - something that's not happened before.  Apparently Domon
and the Machine Robo people have been making a mess of the deck with their
practicing (but it looks fun, according to Puru).  Bright commands everyone
to get to their stations, but a transmission comes in on a strange channel.
It's Tarsan, with some VERY important information he gathered from pursuing
the Gyandora around.  In fact, he almost got caught if not for someone named
Kirai Stoll.  Apparently whatever is going on made Rome and the crew fly off
in a great rush.  Whatever transmission Rome received, he muttered "I 
absolutely won't forgive him" as he left.  Tarsan figures that the Gyandora 
are deliberately trying to draw out Rome's crew - and are in fact hiding 
inside one of the abandoned colonies.  Tarsan sends the coordinates: it's
Texas Colony, formerly a popular tourist attraction that became deserted 
during the One Year War.  You can't afford to leave them alone.  Tarsan
prepares to elude his pursuers again, and hopes the information is useful to
you.  Rome and the others will probably show up at some point, so the
question is where _you_ all should go.  One thing is certain - Excellen should
be at one of the two Einst outbreaks...

PLAY THE NEXT THREE MISSIONS IN ANY ORDER.  I recommend 1,3,2.

Stage 78. Shiro-Kishi no Kokoro ("The White Knight's Heart") (Sea Near Moon)

Your people arrive at... apparently nothing.  Kyousuke is fairly sure
Excellen is around here somewhere, and sorties without permission.  Bright 
wonders if he feels something Newtype-fashion, but Judou is pretty sure he's
something else.  Amazingly, Excellen actually comes out when Kyousuke calls
her.  It appears to be Excellen, and she appears to be back to normal.  She
says that all kind of stuff (adult stuff) happened.  Duke doesn't want to be
suspicious, but he doesn't want to let her mech dock right away for fear that
the enemy have done something to it.  "Excellen" is a bit nonplussed when she
sees that she doesn't have docking permission, and asks Kyousuke to ask on her
behalf.  He then says that she's not Excellen - even though this is how she
usually acts, she wouldn't run her mouth at a time like this.  He's sure that
_something_ is wrong about her.  Excellen tries to say "It's been so long 
since I've seen you, don't be like that...", then suddenly magnetizes the Ral
Kairam's hatch, preventing the "Earthlings" from launching.  As your people
reel in astonishment, Domon wonders if this isn't really Excellen, but some
kind of clone like the Death Army.  Kyousuke assures the King of Hearts that
this is the real thing, though it's not clear how he knows.  The bad news is
that Kyousuke's the only one outside the Ral Kairam who can fight, and the
worse news is that a large number of Einsts are on hand.  Bright vows to </pre><pre id="faqspan-12">
come up with some way to open the hatch, and implores Kyousuke to hang on
until then.  Kyousuke, troubled, figures that his only option is to shoot
down Excellen, but Ranba implores him to save her instead.  He accedes, as
the battle is joined.

  On round two, Kyousuke implores Excellen to open her eyes.  She says that
  her goal is auditing - taking out? all those who have disturbed the original
  land.  Kyousuke wonders what she's talking about as your other people
  struggle to open the hatch.  The struggles continues into turn 3, when a
  very bad sensation strikes your dudes - a premonition of a horrible enemy.
  It's Alfimi, who Kyousuke vows to settle the score with today.  Excellen
  again mumbles about taking out(?) those who disturb the original land, which
  has your people all confused again.  Excellen claims to be a space  auditor,
  and Alfimi says that her wish is quiet in space (is Alfimi putting words in
  Excellen's mouth?)  Excellen claims that the original land too will become
  space, and Alfimi adds that after the original land is turned into space,
  her people are the ones who will give birth again to strength.  Kyousuke
  tells Alfimi to cut the babble - he doesn't know what she's up to, but he
  says that it's got nothing to do with Excellen and demands her back.  Alfimi
  tells Kyousuke that he should know better than that - she and Excellen are...
  Kyousuke isn't a very good listener it seems.  Excellen then murmurs to
  Kyousuke that she'll manage something, and tells him to take care of the
  rest.  Alfimi, shocked, watches as the blockage is removed from the Ral
  Kairam, noting that Excellen seems determined to oppose her to the very end.
  Kyousuke vows to save Excellen, but Alfimi plans to catch Kyousuke instead.
  He tells her not to worry - he'll go visit her before he visits Excellen:
  however, he'll be loaded for bear.

  The condition for beating the battle is: destroy all other enemies, take
  down Alfimi, then destroy the Weissritter with the Alteizen Rein, in that
  order.  Alfimi's not having fun anymore, and figures that Kyousuke's struggle
  is futile since the people of the original land have no future.  The future
  is something you build with your own hands! is a cliche that Kyousuke says
  he doesn't intend to repeat [um... -_-;;;]  Kyousuke in fact has no clue
  what's going on around him, but _is_ determined to save Excellen.

  One of the enemies has a Needleless Ampule.  Another has a Needleless
  Ampule.  Another has a Chobham Armor.

  Alfimi flees at 13800 HP, and is worth a Skill Point and a Biosensor.  She
  isn't happy about being defeated, but says that all the actors are now
  together.  She murmurs about a new seed being sown on the original land,
  which will allow her to... do something to do with Kyousuke.  Excellen is
  the only one left, and Kyousuke figures that breaking the red gem on the
  Weiss's breast is the ticket.

  Finish Excellen's mech off with Kyousuke.  As Excellen struggles to regain
  consciousness, a voice comes from the Weiss's red jewel, saying that her 
  role is finished (which Kyousuke can hear).  It repeats thrice that Kyousuke
  understands it, and Kyousuke demands to know why they only took Excellen and
  not him too.  It informs him that he is incomplete, and therefore of no
  use.  But, incomplete in what regard?  Something begins to "crack", and the
  bad feeling oppressing the Newtypes begins to vanish.  The Weissritter
  returns to normal... as does Excellen.  She's got a major headache, and is
  understandably disoriented, but back to her normal self.  She starts to
  tearfully thank Kyousuke, but he tells her not to worry about it - she just
  has to go on being her regular self.

Looks like that took care of all the enemies in the vicinity.  Getting 
Excellen back is good news, though extended debriefing will have to wait since
you've got to hurry on to the next point.  Kyousuke realizes that something
big is going on behind the scenes...


Stage 79. Akuma to Inbou to ("Of Demons and Intrigue") (Neo-Japan Colony)

Things are all quiet, despite the colony theft.  Judou hasn't seen this kind
of colony before, and wonders if they're all this run down.  Rain agrees
that something is wrong - things are too quiet.  You can't contact the 
colony government, OR the controllers for the defenses.  Bad news.  Just then,
a bunch of weird objects (Bugs) show up.  They're very big, but very swift
and are pouring out of the woodwork all over the colony.  Seabook recalls
seeing weapons like this being launched from Iron Mask's mobile armor - it
seems they've been made autonomous now.  These are some very grotesque weapons
for Iron Mask to test, and Seabook has to warn Cecily not to run too far 
ahead.  Just then, the Devil Gundam shows up!!  A transmission comes in from
Urube (the deceiver of Rain and Domon).  He tells a rather irate Domon that
Neo-Japan recovered the Devil Gundam and returned it to its original form,
with help from Mikamura in place of Domon's refrigerated father.  Mikamura
professes to have no knowledge of the connection between Neo-Japan and the
Crossbone Vanguard, and Urube tells Domon to take out the Crossbone Vanguard,
unless he wants even bigger problems than the Devil Gundam.  Seabook is
furious, figuring that Iron Mask is planning on appearing after everyone else
has fallen on each other's swords.  Schwarz tells Domon that the Devil Gundam
must not fall into ANYONE's hands, and Domon is more than ready to take it out
again.  Urube hadn't planned on the Crossbone Vanguard showing up, but figures
the Lond Bel will make a good test for the Devil Gundam.

  For a Skill Point, take out all the Bugs by the end of turn 3.  Fortunately
  they're very fragile.  Carozzo will pop out, complimenting your people on
  all that debugging.  He _had_ hoped the Bugs would slow you down, but sucks
  to be him.  The failure of his little test means that he can't dispatch the
  Bugs all over the Moon and Earth(!), and has to do something else first.
  Domon informs Iron Mask that he's in a PHENOMENALLY BAD MOOD right now -
  Iron Mask had best say his prayers.  Iron Mask observes somewhat humorously
  that if words alone could kill he'd be having a far easier time right now,
  and tells Cecily that what he wants is a purge.  He figures that the cosmos
  is sick, which has nothing to do with the invading armies.  The Earth Sphere
  _itself_ is sick he figures, and Duke points out that that doesn't explain
  all the weapons he built.  He claims that this is all part of the Rona
  Family's millenial dream of letting mankind live eternally.  Your people
  temporarily misunderstand him as saying that he wants to make people
  immortal, and what he thinks he's actually doing is letting mankind survive
  as a race.  This is all so he can enact Cosmo Nobility-ism [which makes about
  as much sense as it did in the *DREADFUL* Gundam F-91 movie >_<#####], and
  entails pruning out most of the fools who have grown beyond their means.
  His rhetoric about shedding the old skin of humanity to let new humans 
  emerge falls on VERY deaf ears among your people, and Cecily tells him that
  a man incapable of doing jack without putting on a mask is in no position to
  talk about "fixing" the Earth.  Iron Mask tells her that she's a bad little
  girl and isn't entitled to doubt what adults do, and even Bright is more
  than fed up at this point with Iron Mask's histrionics.  In short, Iron Mask
  has ordered the death of 90% of humanity, and as summoned up stooges to make
  his plan work.  The Black Squadron, led by Zabiine, are certainly not happy
  with the Bugs.  Iron Mask helpfully explains that the Bugs are programmed to
  attack human respiration and body heat, and have demonstrated ample ability
  in anti-MS combat.  Urube smirkingly tells Domon that Domon appears to have
  bigger fish to fry than him, and Bright has to yell at Domon not to leave the
  battle in pursuit.  Zabiine for his part isn't sure the Crossbone Vanguard
  are in the right here.

  On turn 5, Domon gets increasingly impatient with having his time wasted
  here, while Urube is getting away.  Assuming you were smart and fulfilled
  the conditions, Master Asia appears, berating Domon for letting his thoughts
  become that disordered.  It seems impossible, but Master Asia is back in
  the saddle.  After dissing Domon a bit more, he tells Domon that he won't
  forget the words that Domon pounded into him back at Jaburo, that humans
  are part of nature.  That said, he's furious that his student, who thought
  himself big enough to correct his master's error, would falter so badly here.
  After all, Domon _is_ the King of Hearts now.  Your people marvel at the 
  fact that though all the words are fierce, nothing but concern for Domon
  shows through.  Schwarz agrees: martial artists are awkward people, who can
  only speak through their fists... though true martial artists seem to 
  understand each other through the affinity they share.  Allenbie is glad
  that Domon and Master Asia have made up, although Rain is worried about the
  things she, as a non-martial artist, can't understand.  When Master Asia
  asks, Domon responds crisply that what he must doe is take out the Devil
  Gundam, defeat the enemy, and restore peace to Neo-Japan.  Master Asia says
  that the fearsome thing is not the number of the enemy, but overcome one's
  own aggression.

  When you defeat the Devil Gundam, any of the Death Army units left will
  disappear.  Domon plans to make sure the Devil Gundam will never move
  again, but Urube yells at him to wait and Mikamura joins the cry as well.
  Domon says that they're both guilty and isn't planning to believe a word they
  say.  Mikamura says that he truly wants to research how to use the Devil
  Gundam to restore the Earth - destroying it will accomplish nothing.  Even
  Domon's father would grieve he claims.  Domon yells at Mikamura never to 
  speak his father's name, but Rain pleads with Domon to stop as well.  
  Unfortunately, there's little time for debate since a bunch of Einsts show
  up, having sniffed out the source of such concentrated power.  Carozzo 
  figures this is his chance, and Urube figures he's found the chink in Domon's
  armor - he somehow makes off with the Devil Gundam.  He's planning on fleeing
  Neo-Japan, and trusts that Mikamura won't back out now.  Mikamura thinks of
  his daughter, and Domon tells Urube not to move so he can come and take
  him out.  Duke then tells Domon to wait - the Einsts do seem to gather 
  around areas of great power: fending them off comes first.  Domon, barely
  containing himself, accedes.  The Devil Gundam is worth an I-Field Generator.

  One of the enemies has a Cartridge.  Another has a Mars Donburi.

  Zabiine is worth an Apogee Motor.  He will retreat if Carozzo is defeated
  first.

  Carozzo won't be happy when his Raflesia is shot down.  Looks like he didn't
  remove his mask even at the very end.  As Seabook tries to comfort her,
  Cecily says that what the Rona Family was trying to do wasn't a mistake...
  just that...  He's worth a Spiritual Energy Device.

Well that was a hard [read: easy] battle according to your people.  Ranba
has quickly grown to hate the little flying saucers, and the question is
whether they're all gone with the destruction of the huge flower-ass mech.
Cecily suspects that they're through - Carozzo fortified himself at the
expense of everything else outside his tunnel vision, and became a being of
pure Ego.  That approach simply won't work, and the Raflesia, flower that
blooms in space, had its petals scattered for no purpose.  Domon says that
this isn't any time to be admiring it - he wants to hurry off in pursuit of
Urube.  He's not happy to hear Bright tell him to stick with the mission
plan, but Rain tells Domon that Bright said he'd contact the Neo-Japan
authorities and have them arrest Urube and her father.  Allenbie tells Domon
to consider Rain's feelings too - surely she doesn't want to see him hit her
father.


Stage 80. Fukushuu-ki-tachi ("Vengeful Ghosts") (Texas Colony)

Bright is filling the offworlders in on how the Texas Colony is designed to
match the desolation of the real Texas.  Damage from the one-year war has made
the conversion to desert even quicker.  The Bunker and Gyandora don't seem to
be in evidence, but Domon is sure that the enemy won't be able to contain 
themselves and should appear in short order.  It appears that there's a LOT
of the enemy - this wasn't a retreat on their part, but a trap.  Among the
enemy are Burst and Flash, Roll's old companions.  Roll's memory is finally
returning: he was formerly a resistance leader on his home planet, and Burst
and Flash were his buddies, now part of the enemy.  Domon is impressed at the
array of treachery and intrigue the Gyandora have going, and Roll is determined
to defeat the two of them if they insist on getting in the way.

  Burst flees at 20%.  If you down him, Flash will start calling out to Roll
  for help, trying to confuse him.  He manages to flee before you can finish
  him off.  He's worth a High Performance Targeting System.

  Flash also flees at 20%.  Unfortunately, Roll can't bring himself to finish
  him off, and he flees.  He's worth a Ninja Manual.

  Downing either Burst or Flash will trigger Gil appearing.  Although his body
  was torn asunder in that explosion, his soul has kept crying out for revenge
  on Mia and Tarsan.  He claims that Mia soiled his warrior's pride by offering
  him sympathy and laughing at him.  Kyousuke scoffs at this sort of pride,
  saying that even dogs have that much.  Domon adds that Gil, who doesn't
  even grasp what Roll and the others are fighting for, HAS no pride as a
  warrior.  Gil doesn't give a damn and is determined to do whatever it takes
  to reduce Mia to a bloody pulp, and whichever of Burst or Flash is left 
  figures they didn't need the help anyway.  Bright notes that with such an
  overblown trap, you should be able to deal the bad guys massive damage if
  you can break out of it.

  On turn 4, Bug shows up in the hopes of finishing off Rome and co.  He's 
  disappointed to see that they're not here yet.  He says that they fell prey
  to his Uchuu Chuushin-Ken Dokushuu-Ha.  Domon recognizes that technique: as
  the result of _much_ practice, one can wreathe one's hand in poison: even a
  small scratch will prove fatally poisonous.  Given that Rome is metallic, 
  that "poison" must be something that rusts metal or something similar.
  Realizing that this person uses the same martial art as Rome, Domon asks who
  the hell he is.  Bug is about to tell Domon that he doesn't deserve to know
  his name when a mysterious laugh comes from off in the distance.  In fact,
  Rome gets to tell _Bug_ that he doesn't deserve to know _his_ name.  Bug
  recognizes Rome anyway, who tells him that he won't permit him to tarnish 
  the name of Uchuu Chuushin-Ken any further.  Jim explains that Bug was the
  star pupil of Rome's master.  One day he disappeared, and hasn't seen the
  rest of the crew since.  Bug seems to be operating on some "survival of the
  fittest" mentality, and Jet and Drill won't let him get away with it.
  Glowbein interrupts and reminds Jet of their duel - and Jet agrees to face
  him again: and today, he'll defeat Ankoku Sousatsu-Ken once and for all.

  Gil flees at 12600 HP, and is worth a Skill Point and a Lilith Family Crest.
  He prepares to bug out despite all his big talk, but he tell you all not to
  worry: as soon as he's used to his new body he'll come back and kill Mia for
  certain.  Rome observes that Gil has become drunk on power and lost himself,
  and Jet adds that perhaps such people face nothing but death.

  On turn 5, Galdy shows up.  There seems to be some disagreement over whether
  he or Bug will be the one to take down Rome.  Apparently the Gyandora are 
  getting very impatient if they're putting on a totally joint operation with
  the Bunker.

  Send Jet to Persuade Glowbein.  Glowbein's ready for the showdown, but Jet
  asks him once again for what purpose he wields his sword.  As Glowbein tells
  him before - fighting is a warrior's job, no matter what cause.  Jet tells
  him he should, as a true warrior, know better than that: martial arts are
  for protecting the weak.  Drill points out that if all he wants to do is
  fight, he's no better than some two-bit punk.  Jet tells him to ask his own
  sword: even if he's deceiving his own heart, his true sword won't lie - and
  Jet hears Glowbein's sword weeping.  Domon likes the sound of that, but says
  that the techniques of a martial artist don't lie.  The question is what 
  answer Glowbein will reach.  Rome gets into the act too, saying that if 
  Glowbein is as good a martial artist as Jet thinks, he should realize the
  truth in Jet's words.  After a moment, Glowbein laughs and tells Jet "Well
  said."  He acknowledges that he may have been one of the ill, worried about
  losing other people's need for him.  He wonders how many years it's been
  since being kicked out of his home city on Chronos - all the fighting and
  winning he's done has failed to clear his heart.  Half-amused that he was
  deceived by his own sword, he thanks Blue Jet.  Chalk up another victory for
  true martial artists understanding each other.

  For recruiting Glowbein, you get the Resuscitate skill.

  One of the enemies has a Repair Kit S.  Another has a Magnetic Coating.

  Galdy flees around 12400 HP, and is worth a Shuffle Crest.  Galdy will be
  impressed with the strength of Uchuu Chuushin-Ken [despite the fact I didn't
  use it on him: Double Shining Finger up the ass is my current favored boss
  killing mechanism].  With little option, Galdy pulls out, figuring that he
  bought enough time for Diondra and the others to land on the Earth.  He'll
  leave this duel with Rome until later.  The bad news is that not only was
  this an ambush, it was a FEINT on top of an ambush.

  Bug flees at 30% of his HP, and is worth an Apogee Motor.  He notes that
  at least all your practice at running your mouth paid off.  He tells you
  that he was just messing around today, and that the next time you meet Rome's
  life is over.  He tells Rome that a spoiled brat like him isn't fit to
  inherit Tenkuu Chuushin-Ken, and tells him not to forget that _he_ is the one
  fit to inherit the style.  Rome tells him that Bug doesn't understand the
  true meaning of the style, but Bug tells him to try and defeat him to 
  prove his point.

Well, it's clear that the Bunker and Gyandora are really pulling out the 
stops.  Your people realize you've got to cut off the head of this snake,
since you can't just keep on fighting fights like this.  The more worrisome
thing is how the Gyandora seem to have sent a separate force to the Earth. 
Rome and the others will be heading off in pursuit, Bright telling them that
he has no plans to force them to stick around and impede their original task.

Excellen is back to her usual fruity self after her ordeal.  Fortunately,
your dudes aren't having it, as Kyousuke wants to know more about the Einsts.
Excellen finally realizes that your people find her to be something of an
idiot, but Roll tries to defuse the situation.  Excellen really doesn't
remember much about the Einsts (being that she was virtually hypnotized at the
time), and is shocked when she hears that Kyousuke told everyone about the
accident.  Excellen herself doesn't know the connection between the accident
and the Einsts, and Kyousuke wants to know why the Einsts grabbed Excellen and
not him.  Excellen figures that they'd prefer a cute girl to an insensitive
guy, and Kyousuke tells her to answer seriously.  Your people begin to suspect
some connection to the circle of asteroids (like DUH), and Kyousuke goes so far
as to suspect that that's the Einst's gateway to this world.  When they invaded
the Saotome laboratory, they used the same sort of stone circle.  In fact,
there are stone circles all over Earth existing since ancient times, and the
Einsts are supposed to be an ancient enemy...  Does this mean that the Einsts'
ultimate goal is the elimination of Earth humans?  Kyousuke doesn't seem to
think so, noting that if that was the goal a more simplistic attack would seem
the better bet.  In which case, Domon reasons, there can be only one reason
behind their picking fights with so many of you: they're observing you (Master
Asia concurs).  This makes a lot of sense, and goes a long way to explaining
why the showed up at the Saotome Lab (checking out the Getter Rays).  Moreover,
the Einsts are somehow connected to the Aura Road connecting the Surface to
Biston Well.  Could it be that the Einsts are searching for the power to
destroy humanity?  And why are they only attacking the Earth?  It's fairly
certain that if they wanted to destroy humanity outright they'd simply come in
overwhelming numbers - meaning there's some other reason they're fixated on
Earthlings.  Then there's that Alfimi chick, with the seeming connection to
Excellen.  Kyousuke wonders if she, like Excellen, was being controlled by the
Einsts, and Excellen says that Alfimi is probably her...  Bright interrupts
just then and calls everyone to the bridge for a transmission with Hazuki.

Hazuki is getting ready to invade the Youma Island, for the final battle with
the Youma Empire.  That's likely to get messy with the Youma running around
amok, and Excellen notes that if the King of Hearts got into the mix she'd flee
barefoot if she had to.  Kyousuke yells at her to not get so cocky right after
returning, and Hazuki is at least glad to see her back.  Rome and the others
rendezvoused with him, which was an unexpected plus.  Unfortunately, things
aren't yet settled in space since the Vegans have been detected in action
again.  Apparently they built a forward base on the dark side of the moon, and
your people are kicking themselves for not noticing sooner.  Bright's plan is
to strike the Vegan base, and he asks Hazuki to extend his greetings to Sheila.
Hazuki wishes you the guidance of the Sword-Wolf, and says that Rome and the
crew have left again and will probably be meeting up with you soon.  Duke is
determined this time to show the Vegans the full fury of Freed (just as long as
it's not too furious, cautions Schwarz).  Bright's received news that Quatro
and those people have hooked up with the Nadesico on Mars.  Fortunately, when
the time comes Tarsan's Warp Beam could get you all there, and Bright asks the
Dangaioh team to get in touch with him.  Everyone prepares for the coming
battle.


Stage 81. Tada Chikyuu no Heiwa no Tame Ni ("Only For Peace on Earth")


Gandar reassures Zuril that he's ready to commence operations.  Zuril tells him
that the great emperor of Vega is most displeased with the string of failures,
and tells him to live up to the emperor's expectations this time.  Gandar is
privately furious that the emperor's favorite scientist is giving him this kind
of attitude, and doesn't like Zuril's good looks either.  He hails his whole
force, telling them that the time has come to begin invading the Earth.  He
thinks to himself that the Earth defense forces have done quite well given
that they made him hurry up his own timetable.  Unfortunately for him, Duke
isn't having it.  The Vegans realize that if they can defeat him and the Lond
Bel, their wishes will all be granted.  Duke is determined to settle all the
scores of his people here and now.  It's now clear to your people why the
Vegans were so interested in the moon: they were building this base.  Your 
people tell the invaders to go back to their own planet... which it turns out
they no longer have.  Apparently the Vegatron radiation in their nebula has
polluted and blown up all their planets... finally including Vega itself!  
Master Asia cautions your people: cornered animals like these can be doubly
fierce.  The worst part is that the Vegans are too proud to actually _ask_ to
live on the Earth: they gotta do things the hard way.  Your people remind a
furious Duke Freed that it's not the enemy that's scary - it's the self.

  Kill 9 enemies within three turns for a Skill Point.  You should in fact be
  able to do so in 1.5 turns ^^

  One of the enemies has a Propellant Tank S.

  Send Maria to Persuade Kirika, over Duke's warnings that it's dangerous.
  Kirika explains to Maria that she's fighting to make her brother's dream come
  true.  Maria reminds her how the Vegans are the sort of people who continue
  to invade even when there's an alternative.  But what then is Kirika to do,
  given that she no longer has a home or a family?  Maria tells her to come and
  fight for peace in the universe by your people's side instead: her little
  leaving of the Vegatron neutralizer shows how good a person she is.  You
  can't fight with Kirika, but you do get "Spiritual Unity" for recruiting her.

  On turn 4, Gorman shows up with a bunch of goons, wondering why Gandar and
  Zuril are having so much trouble with you all.  Furthermore, the bad guys
  have someone big with them: Emperor Vega himself!  He thinks your people will
  be easily disposed of: an idea that Domon can't wait to correct...

  On turn 5, the Machine Robo folks show up again amidst the war of words on
  both sides.  Even Emperor Vega doesn't deserve to know Rome's name.

  When you shoot down Gorman, he'll be amazed that Earthlings can do so well.
  Duke points out that your people are actually from many places - all of you
  wish for peace.  He says that as a member of the Royal Guard he won't
  accept it, but as he explodes Duke notes that all the Royal Guard are fated
  to meet the same end.  He's worth a Needleless Ampule.

  Jigura meets a similar fate and is worth 15000 credits.  Gandar is worth a
  Megabooster.  Zuril is worth a Megabooster.  Gandar is worth a Super Alloy Z.

  If you have Duke fight Emperor Vega, he tells Vega that it's time to feel the
  fury of all the people of all the planets he's sacrificed.  Not that he,
  the self-titled king of space, will give way before Duke Freed.

  Emperor Vega figures that ask the king of space and all he can't be killed.
  This proves false when his ship blows up.  Duke's quest is finally over!
  Or rather, his fight as a Freedian is: his fight as an Earthling continues.
  Better yet, Duke isn't even going to leave the party.  Phew.  Vega is worth a
  Space Alloy Gren.

Your people are psyched to have one of the major remaining adversaries out of
the way.  Or rather most of them are - in losing their home planet, the Vegans
were a bit like the Dangaioh crew.  Maria is adamant that it doesn't matter:
they destroyed numerous peaceful worlds along the way.  Bright figures that
it's all karma and thanks everyone for their efforts in any case.  Duke is
finally calm again, and ready to continue fighting for the Earth.  He won't
return to Freed just yet, especially since it's not clear how to clear up its
Vegatron contamination.  As for what to do next, Bright got a transmission from
Burning during the operation.  The Elshank and Nadesico managed to meet up 
with Tarsan: they'll be able to return quickly.  Hazuki was also in touch, and
the plan is to rejoin the whole team.  The reason is that this time, your
people on Mars weren't strong enough for the trouble they faced.  Domon is
much intrigued to hear of this "something" that all the people sent to Mars
couldn't handle, and Rain compliments him on remembering all the people part
of that team.  He tells her not to take him for a fool: he's learned well
Master Asia's lessons about knowing both himself and the enemy before going 
into battle.  Whatever it is, Quatro and Yurika want to discuss it in person.
Fortunately, things on the surface are settling down, meaning that you all
will meet at Von Braun.  Until Hazuki and the crew arrive, your people will
get to play on the Nadesico: a very fun prospect. ^_^  Kyousuke is the only
one not looking forward to the Nadesico: his dignity won't stand another round
of Nadesico-style cosplay.

CHOOSE AMONG THE REMAINING PATHS.  I CHOSE EARTH NEXT.


SCENE 3B. EARTH CHAPTER

Akira finally gets to chat with his father.  His mother has headed to Tibet,
and after examining a temple there's no longer any doubt.  Many tablets were
taken there after the destruction of the Mu continent, which tell of the
star La Mu.  Apparently just before your people arrived, the locals saw a
beautiful woman digging up and carrying off several of the tablets: that
beautiful woman was Akira's mother, and she headed to the sea.  From what
Ichirou found, she should be heading for the Sea of Japan.  Before Akira can
volunteer to go search, Ichirou tells him that the Youma Empire is also back
in action, led directly by Emperor Barao.

Said emperor has been told that the whereabouts of Akira's mother Hibiki
Reiko, also known as the despicable descendant of the Mu Empire, Lemuria, have
been discovered.  He and his underlings figure that she's seeking the key to
unleash Mutron energy: she's surely found the La Mu star.  By and large, if
she succeeds the Youma Empire is toast.  The underlings are quite astounded by
this, and realize that they've got to catch Lemuria and FAST if they want to
save their ass.  Of course, if _they_ get their hands on the Mutron energy,
they'll be invincible.

Elsewhere, Diondra asks Gades to let her go to Earth.  Apparently she's found
the source of the High Libido, aka Mutron.  Her plan is to use the Youma
Empire, which strikes Gades as a good idea.  Elsewhere, Galdy has been sent
to rendezvous with the Bunker - and Diondra is _not_ to go meet them to, but
rather to go straight down to the Earth.  Since the Bunker don't yet know
about the Mutron, Gades figures to live up to the letter of protocol by 
sending Galdy without filling them in on the good stuff...

Elsewhere, Shapiro has apparently been salvaged by Emperor Muge.  Muge is not
precisely forthcoming with what the Einsts objective is.  Muge isn't satisfied
with having to appear as a human in front of them, and Shapiro is still
thinking he can become a god, with_out_ Muge in the way.

Hazuki has heard that the Mikeene have a base on Bardos Island.  This is the
same way where Yumi and Hell did their research in the old days.  The robots
Hell found there were what he tried to use for world domination, which is what
made Kouji's father build Mazinger.  The problem, is where your people should
go first.  This Mikeene base may or may not be new, since the surveillance
photo that chanced to find the base is old.  As your people debate where to
go first, Tetsuya vows to go with Jun to Bardos, since taking down the Mikeene
is what they trained for.  Tetsuya won't hear anyone's attempts to dissuade
him, but Kouji actually plans to go with him.  Tetsuya won't let him, saying
he's got to stay behind and protect the Gondor squad.  Tetsuya tells him to
go help out with the Beast Machine squad since something bad seems to be up
in that neck of the woods, and promises to hold the fort until Kouji shows up
to help at Bardos...


PLAY THE NEXT THREE STAGES IN ANY ORDER.  YOU MAY AS WELL PLAY THEM IN THE
ORDER PRESENTED.

Stage 82. Kami no Shukufuku wo ("May God Bless") (Beast Machine Base)

Something very bad has happened to the Beast Machine Base: it looks nothing
like the time Norris attacked it.  Sheila senses the presence of a most
malicious aura.  Something has lifted the "base" up from below - it almost 
surely can't function as a base anymore.  The rest of your party figure that
some investigation is needed to figure out what's responsible, but the Dankuuga
team are pretty certain that there's only one person who'd do something like
this: Muge Zolbados.  His goal is the entire universe, and to be God, though
the Beast Machine pilots figure he's just one more invader.  He finds this
almost funny that the humans would be foolish enough to see him in that light.
Things get worse when a number of Einsts show up.  Muge tells you all to think
about why the Einsts are helping him and not you, and accuses you all of
upsetting the peace of space.

  On turn 3, Shapiro shows up, impressed that you all are still alive.  This
  guy just DOESN'T know when to die, although he does compliment you on
  preventing the incarnation of Dilard.  Shapiro observes that none of you
  seem to be aware of what's about to happen to the Earth, and Sara figures
  that that's nothing unusual where Shapiro's machinations are concerned.  He
  informs you that all you're seeing is a "shadow" of the real Muge Zolbados;
  if not, you'd all be dead already.  Shapiro scoffs at the notion that this
  is all thanks to the Einsts, and tells you that you'll all figure it out
  sooner or later - if you live that long.  He seems determined to get the
  last laugh...  BEWARE the Guzards!  Once they reaches 105 Morale, they have a
  a Self-Destruct Map Weapon that will ruin your entire day.

  Reduce Dankuuga's HP below 35% before using it to attack Shapiro: this will
  enable you to get Dankuu-Kouga-Ken.

  When Dankuuga attacks Shapiro, Shapiro asks Sara if she still plans on
  hanging out with the Earthlings having now seen the visage of Muge.  She
  says that showing her that thing is hardly enough to make her go with him,
  and Shapiro figures that she is, after all, one of those lower life forms
  called Earthlings.  Shinobu figures that Earthlings are far better than 
  bastards like Shapiro who like to talk about being Gods.

  Shapiro runs at 13620 HP, and is worth a Psychoframe.  He'll tell your people
  that he's got another chance to become a God, and flee.  UNFORTUNATELY,
  you can't get Dankuu-Kouga-Ken if you kill Shapiro (hence you must sacrifice
  a Skill Point).  If you've met all the conditions, Shinobu will be all
  bloodied after the fight, some mild concussion that's blurred his eyes.
  Shapiro is going to take the opportunity to get revenge for all the betrayals
  of the Dankuuga team, and Muge is looking forward to seeing his enemy toast
  as well.  Shinobu's aura swells, and Dankuuga begins to glow.  Hazuki is
  astounded to see Formation D-3, Dankuu-Kouga-Ken, without even using the
  Dankuu Cannon.  Cue a neato FMV.  Shapiro is amazed at this power, surpassing
  machine and man, and beast: the power of godhood.  He's amazed to see
  reason triumph over instinct, and realizes he can't win.  Meanwhile, the
  Muge "shadow" has become a mere husk: the malicious aura has faded from it.

  The enemy have an Anti-Beam Coating, a Repair Kit S, and a Needleless Ampule.

Well, it's certainly not good to see Muge Zolbados on the scene again, and 
the connection with the Einsts is very bad news as well.  Whatever Shapiro and
the bad guys may be plotting, at least you know that they're your enemy.  For
now, all you can do is take care of your problems one at a time as you 
encounter them.


Stage 83. Ashita-Naki Souryoku-Sen ("All-Out Battle With No Tomorrow") (Bardos
Island)

Tetsuya finds himself on Bardos Island, and isn't particularly interested in
slowing down so Jun can keep up.  He tries to tell her that they can't
afford to let the Mikeene escape now that they've discovered their main base.
Apparently confronting the object he's trained his whole life for has made
Tetsuya even more impatient than usual, but there's no time to talk.  The
Grand Marshal of Hell has shown up (aka Dr. Hell), and is going to send his
mechanical monsters to fight Tetsuya.  The Grand General of the Dark is also
on hand, and doesn't plan to let Tetsuya end the Mikeene empire just yet.
He doubts Tetsuya's sanity confronting him with just the two of you, and tells
you to die in peace since he'll at least erect a grave in your memory.

  For the Skill Point, kill three enemies within the first two turns.  If
  Great Mazinger is configured properly, this should be cake.

  On turn 3, Dr. Hell will compliment the two of them on how well they're
  doing.  At that moment, however, a bunch of new enemies appear, including
  a number of fake Great Mazingers.  Apparently all the combat data the enemy
  have gathered let them build their own!  Tetsuya doesn't think that they'll
  work on him, but Dr. Hell reminds him that he himself participated in the
  construction of Mazinger.  And given that Tetsuya is now outnumbered...  Hell
  orders the Great Mazingers to attack, assisted by the Garada K7's missile
  barrage.  Cue FMV, when Kouji comes and saves Tetsuya's ass.  As the rest
  of your people show up, Hazuki warns you all that as this is the enemy's main
  base there's no telling what will happen next.  Brocken and Ashura show up
  as well and talk trash.

  When Brocken is defeated, Kouji tells him it's his fault for underestimating
  your people to the very end.  He says he'll get you next time, but Kouji
  points out that there IS no next time - your people have to move forward.
  He's worth a Super Alloy nu-Z.

  Ashura begs Dr. Hell for forgiveness when (s)he dies, and it's implied that
  (s)he has more feelings for Dr. Hell than just duty.  Kouji seems almost
  sad for a moment, and tells the departed Ashura that he'll send Dr. Hell to
  join her shortly... THAT will be the real resolution of this fight.  (S)he
  is worth a Magnetic Coating.

  When you take down Ashura and Brocken, Dr. Hell gets pissed off and promises
  to take revenge for them.  More bad guys show up, including something
  resembling a gigantic octopus.  Hazuki recognizes the Dragonzaurus: a sea
  monster from ancient times.  Apparently the thing grew large by feeding on
  petroleum: its stomach is like a gas tank, which is why Dr. Hell made it
  into a mechanical monster.  Ere requests machines low on energy to return to
  the flagship (as if I even need that).

  The Dragonzaurus is worth Magnetic Coating.  The random enemies have a Mars
  Donburi.

  On the following turn the two uber bosses show up near where Brocken was.
  Jun tells them to be grateful you came all the way out here to their base,
  and Tetsuya is figuring that this really will be the final day of the Mikeene
  empire.  Unfortunately, the bad guys have some strength in reserve...

  When you down Dr. Hell, Kouji tells him that this island is to be his grave.
  Dr. Hell finds this almost fitting, since this is where everything began.
  And where everything will end, notes Kouji.  As he dies, Dr. Hell tells 
  Kabuto that he'll go visit him... since they were both fellow researchers
  once.  Kouji bids him a morose farewell, and tells Hell to give his best to
  his grandpa.  He's worth 15,000 credits.

  The Great General of the Dark is astounded at what Kouji and Tetsuya have
  done to him.  Tetsuya tells him to go back to the Dark his name mentions,
  and lamenting the General does so.  He's worth a Crest of the Wolf.

Well, that's that.  The mission Kouji inherited from his grandfather is now
over, as is the mission that Jun and Tetsuya trained since birth for.  Tetsuya
typically notes that the whole battle isn't over yet, but at least one of the
major enemies is toast.  Only the Youma Empire still have a base on the Earth
now.


Stage 84. RA-MU no Hoshi ("The Star of Ra Mu") (Mutron Ruins)

Akira's mom has found what she's looking for... and the bad guys have found
her!  In particular, the fools of the Youma Kingdom, and faster than she
expected.  She thinks to Akira that she'll protect the star, and make sure
the power gets to him.  She recognizes Rage, one of the Violence brothers.
He's impressed that she remembered after 12,000 years, but she humorously says
that she could never forget that vacant grin of his.  His brother, Thunderclap,
is not so easily provoked, and orders his brother to capture her using
the Ghostan.  Just as things are looking grim, Akira shows up.  Much trash
talking ensues.  Akira vows to get his mother, now hostage, back.

  The rest of your dudes show up on turn 2.  As your dudes get filled in on
  the situation, Akira's mother tells him to attack without worrying about her:
  she's got a barrier.  She tells him to believe in her, in the power of the
  ancient Mu kingdom.

  After you kill 9 enemies, Devil Satan and his goons show up hot in pursuit
  of the Mutron.  The bad guys promptly start quarreling about who gets to
  abscond with the Mutron...

  Thunderclap flees at 50%(!)  Rage tells him that it's getting dangerous, and
  that he'd best head back to Barao.  Thunderclap, fuming, tells your people
  to not underestimate the Youma Empire's power.  He's worth a Megabooster.

  Rage runs away at 30%.  Defeat him with Reideen for a Skill Point and as
  the first step towards getting God Voice, as well as an Apogee Motor.
  Rage will be, um, upset, and Akira makes a desperate rescue of his mother. 
  Rage tells Akira that even if he can defeat him, he'd better not
  underestimate Barao's power.  Thunderclap, if still around, vows to take
  revenge and then flees.

  Akira's mom is very glad to see him, but there's no time for tearful 
  reunions as more bad guys show up.  She tells Akira that she's got something
  to tell him later, but asks him to concentrate on the battle for now.

  On the round after Devil Satan shows up, Diondra shows up too and tells him
  to get his ass in gear.  She announces that the Gyandora will be taking the
  Mutron, and Akira, most upset, swears not to let them have it.  Actually,
  Diondra wants to kill off Akira's mom, figuring that if the Mutron could
  "vanish" with the death of just one human, it must not have been the High
  Libido after all.  Your people aren't happy to hear that, but just then the
  Machine Robo folks show up.  Time for the light of truth to pierce all the
  falsehoods of the enemy.  Diondra is MOST upset to find out that Glowbein
  switched sides, and offers three levels of commander ranking to anyone
  who can get their hands on the Mutron.

  One of the enemies has a Repair Kit S.

  Devil Satan flees at 30%.  Rome tells his people not to follow until the
  rest of the enemies are disposed of.  He's worth a Space Abacus.

  Diondra flees at 30%, and is worth a Ninja Manual.

Well, so much for the enemy.  Akira's mom is pleasantly surprised that you were
able to find her here, and thanks you at length for saving both her and Akira's
dad.  She figures that the enemy got here not only by following her, but also
by tracking the energy of the Star of La Mu : the key to unleashing Mutron.
The Machine Robo folks decide to pursue the Gyandora before they can meet up
with their friends and renew their attack.  Akira's mom will head to Mutropolis
to work on deciphering the tablets she found: she figures that the Big Shell
can withstand enemies trying to steal the La Mu Star at least a little while.
Your people plan to drop her off on the way to the next mission...

Ichirou quickly decrypts the tablets, and lets you know what they contain.
Astoundingly, they contain information about the Einsts.  He recommends that
you all swing by Mutropolis for resupply and repair, so he can tell you the
contents directly.

Meanwhile, Barao is most pissed that the Star of La Mu has fallen into human
hands.  There's only one thing they can do in the short time they've got left:
surface the entire Youma Island.  Thunderclap's role is simple: take revenge
for his brother by killing Reideen.  Barao recalls the loss of 12,000 years
ago, and figured that it can't be repeated again.

Ichirou explains to Akira that the reason his mother disappeared was both
to hide her from Barao and for her to find a certain something.  Like duh, that
is the Star of La Mu.  The tablet she found, with its strange mosaic-like
writing, was inscribed by the emperor of the ancient Mu kingdom, La Mu,
himself.  In preparation for the coming of the Youma emperor Barao, right 
before the fall of Mu, it's recorded that he left behind three things.  One of
them is the Star of La Mu, one is the Hero Reideen, and the third is Lemuria
herself.  This means Lemuria is 12,000 years old - could she have possibly
cold slept that long intact?  Ichirou explains that his wife, like their son,
has telekinesis: that enabled her to maintain her body through that long 
period of cold sleep.  Ichirou continues that even 12,000 years ago, the Einst
Series was on the scene.  They opposed both the Mu and the Youma, and Lemuria
supposes that they may have been after the Star of La Mu although she's not
sure.  The Star itself is nothing more than a key for unleashing Mutron Energy:
a power so great it's said to be able to destroy the Youma Empire in an
instant - much like High Libido, which was said to be able to tilt the axis
of planets.  The bad news is that if the Mutron Energy is unleashed, Lemuria
herself will be in grave danger.  She herself will gladly offer her life to
god of La Mu if it means the end of the Youma Empire, but Kouji tells Akira
not to worry: all your people have to do is wipe out the Youma instead.  It
occurs to your people that _you_ would be better off holding onto the Star of
La Mu: that will lure the enemy to you and away from Mutropolis.  Sheila will
do the holding onto it.  But just then, the Youma Island shows up.  It's
emitting an amazingly strong aura...


Stage 85. Youma no Shima ("The Island of the Youma")

Well, the Youma are here.  The question is, why aren't they swarming out to
meet you?  Akira senses that they're waiting: they want to take you on directly
in battle.  This reminds Amuro and the crew of the Hundred Demon fortress...
That fortress is in fact really huge - very eerie to see it just sitting there.
Cham asks Shou how the fortress moves (he has no clue), and Lemuria explains
that it's due to Barao's "telekinesis."  Nobody seems to be able to define
what that word means, but it's the same thing that powers Reideen: a "power
from the heart".  YES, TELEKINESIS! yells Barao as he finally appears to 
satiate his grudge of 12,000 years.  As your people marvel at the quantity of
the enemy, Ryouma reminds Akira that the Star of La Mu must not be used.  Barao
is now in full fury, vowing to break the heavens, split the earth, and chop
all the abominable humans into little teeny-weenie pieces.  Mutropolis goes
into emergency lockdown at the sight of the bad guys, and Thunderclap vows to
have revenge on Reideen for the death of his brother.  Apparently, Thunderclap
has turned himself into a Violence Beast: the enemy are really serious this
time.

  Thunderclap is worth a Super Alloy Z.

  Have Akira take down Thunderclap as another step towards God Voice.  As
  Thunderclap gets sent to hell amidst much wailing and gnashing of teeth,
  Akira will tell Barao that he's next.  He tells Barao to get his ass out of
  hiding, which Barao does and tells Akira not to get cocky just from
  defeating the Violence brothers.  Barao is, in fact, huge, and as your dudes
  reassure each other Barao tells Akira that the Violence brothers have not
  in fact gone to hell at all.  Barao uses his claws and hair, harder than
  iron, to bring forth a dragon to protect the Youma: the Paragorn.  The heads
  of the Violence brothers are the Paragorn's hands.  That their souls, which
  should have gone to Biston Well regardless of their misdeeds, are being
  misused in this fashion has the Biston Wellians aghast - but Barao says that
  their souls would be overjoyed to be employed in the greater Youma victory.

  Have Akira take down the Paragorn.  Your people will be amazed at the 
  fortitude Akira showed in taking down the brothers separately and together.
  Just then, the Star of La Mu begins to glow, the light pointing at Reideen.
  Just then a massive power surge flows through Reideen.  Ichirou repeats his
  warning to Lemuria, but she says that she hasn't done anything: the Star is
  unleashing the Mutron on its own.  It apparently has accepted Akira and
  Reideen as the true hero... and as a horde of new enemies show up Reideen
  wastes them all with God Voice.  This is also worth a Skill Point and a
  Space Abacus.

  One of the enemies has 15,000 credits.  Another has a Propellant Tank S.
  Another has a Cartridge.

  On turn four, a group of Einsts appears, apparently determined to interfere
  with Barao and get at the Star of La Mu just as they did 12,000 years ago.
  Reiko is getting increasingly itchy to use the Star, but Ichirou tells her
  to believe in your dudes.

  When you beat Barao, he simply can't believe that he lost... that the dream
  of all these millenia is toast.  He's worth a Large Cartridge.

And that's the end of the Youma Empire, and largely thanks to Akira.  This is
the end of a large part of the battle, but not the war.  Shapiro's still out
there for one thing: though all the Earth-based enemies are toast, all the
offworld invaders are still left.

Lemuria reveals that the Star of La Mu wasn't actually made by the Mu people:
from what her father La Mu told her, the so-called "Star of La Mu" is actually
an artifact from an even older culture.  This could mean it's from some alien
culture which visited the Earth before: the Campellians are a good example.
Lemuria is of the view that the Einsts are trying to get the Star back.  And
if that's the case, you can expect the Einsts to come and try to take it now
that it's in your hands...

With the Mikeene and Youma defeated, your responsibilities on Earth are almost
over.  The worrisome part is Muge - capable of resurrecting the apparently
dead, like Shapiro.  There's something very vengeful, very evil about the aura
surrounding those two.  As for what to do next, your only real option is to
head where you _know_ the enemies are, which is in space.  At least the 
Nadesico and Ral Kairam are holding up their end...


CHAPTER 3B. Nadesico Route

The Elshank has arrived at the red planet, Mars.  Or more precisely, in its
gravity well: it'll take a while to land.  As your people banter back and
forth, it becomes clear that you'll have to search for the Nadesico as you head</pre><pre id="faqspan-13">
to the surface.  Garrison has some bad news regarding the Meganoids: they're
apparently serious now, and building some base roughly 200 kilometers south
of the Mars Reclamation Base.  You may have to leave rendezvousing with the
Nadesico for later at this rate.

Joe is pondering Irubola's black, Tobikage-like mech.  Damien comes in, having
failed to make Joe's mech any faster.  Joe explains that only he can ride it,
and the crew wonder if he could actually pilot Tobikage the way Irubola piloted
the mystery black robot.  Could it actually be done?

Colos is advising the construction workers to keep on schedule: she figures
Banjou and the humans are safely far away on Earth, but doesn't want any slip-
ups anyway.  She's really hoping to get her hands on some technology that's
buried here, so the Meganoids can further surpass humanity.  "That" technology
will make the distance between Mars and Earth meaningless.  She figures that
even the famous Banjou won't make it in time to stop her now...

The Nadesico has appeared in the central block of the Utopia Colony ruins.
Akatsuki teases Erina about interrupting Akito and Yurika, and Yurika yells
that what they just did was too reckless: had it gone wrong, everyone would 
have died.  Akatsuki says that it's okay since it works, and offers a toast to
the big step mankind just took.  Ines has now grasped the true nature of Boson
Jumping, but is worried about one thing.  If the possibility of instant
jumping between the Earth and Mars is indeed real, it violates both
Transposability Theory and Light-Speed Limitation theory.  She doesn't want to
contemplate that, which means she's got an alternate theory, though she can't
say what just now.  Apparently the only course is to investigate the "ruins".
Ruri points out that you're nearing those ruins - and they're occupied.  
Akatsuki, visibly upset for the first time, wants to know by whom.  It's The
Boom and the Meganoids.  Just then a message comes from Bright, warning that
the Gaizokku are also on Mars.  Akatsuki is adamant that the Nadesico go to
the ruins first, despite Akito's protests that the Gaizokku will kill all the
civilians.  He says that the Nadesico must concentrate on Nergal's objectives,
and Erina adds that the Elshank can protect the civilians.  Yurika doesn't
like this, and orders the Nadesico to change course to protect the other areas.
As Ruri starts locating the Elshank, Akatsuki asks if they're all trying to
ignore the will of Nergal.  Prospector says that all the crew are doing their
jobs just fine: the Nadesico is currently under the Lond Bel's command: they're
just following Bright's orders to intercept the Gaizokku.  And those orders are
to find the Elshank first before beginning the defense.  Akatsuki is not happy
about letting this chance slip away.

Tsukumo isn't happy either about hearing the Mars ruins are occupied.
Both he and Gen'ichirou agree that the Earthlings can't be allowed to have those
ruins, even if there are some peace-loving types among the Earthlings.  This
will be complicated by the appearance of the Nadesico on Mars, which Akiyama
appears and asks to be allowed to take down.  Gen'ichirou figures that "that"
thing on the Kannazuki should be enough to handle the Earth robots.  Shiratori
asks him to not destroy the Nadesico since Minato, err, a store of Gekiganger
viewing materials is on it.  This has the Jovians, who are missing certain
episodes, in a total tizzy.

Colos calls up Hazard to harass him about defeating the Lond Bel.  Hazard makes
various excuses, including blaming Irubola's incompetence, and points out to
them that he's the one who found them asleep deep within the base.  Colos is
well aware of this, and tells Hazard that that's different from the current
problem.  She tells him that their relationship with him is at an end.  The
Meganoids stand above humanity, and Hazard is in fact an incompetent _among_
humans.  Hazard is furious at that, and moreso when they tell him they won't
be needing his military help thanks to their new base on Mars.  When he asks
what they're scheming, Colos tells them that the Meganoids have but one goal:
the Mega-ization of all humanity.  She tells him to commit suicide, or flee
to Earth, or whatever he wants - not that Don won't rule the Earth soon enough
too.  As Hazard ponders his narrowing options, he realizes that by involving
"them" in all this he might yet find a chance to turn things around...

Butcher doesn't like how things are going on Earth, when his god Gaizokku
contacts him.  Gaizokku tells him haltingly to go and slaughter the evil ones
from the original land.  As Butcher scrambles to obey, he wonders why Gaizokku
has been acting strange lately...

Hazard has apparently fished Irubola and Zerokage out when he was drifting in
space after the last battle.  He plans to lord this over Irubola to maximum
effect, and fills in Irubola on the death of his emperor (not that Sharm knows
yet).  Sharm is very suspicious of Hazard, but Irubola covers very smoothly
and renews his pledge to use Zerokage to take down the Lond Bel.  He gives
Hazard a small dig as he goes out the door...

Tarsan then contacts Romina with some information about the ruins on Mars.
He can confirm that it was Hazard who connected the energy lines that let the
Meganoids revive.  Tarsan has been looking into this because of his interest
in Tobikage, a robot of amazing potential according to him: he wants to swipe
its technology for use in his own work.  He found out that the opposing black
robot Zerokage was carried to the Mars Reclamation Base.  Banjou realizes what
this means about the enemy alliance, and berates himself for not properly
killing the enemy the last time.  Romina, wanting to help, comes up with a
plan to attack the enemy, plus you've still got to locate the Nadesico.
These whispers make Yurika sneeze, and she badly mangles an old parable about
such sneezes...

PLAY THE NEXT MISSIONS IN ANY ORDER.  REVERSE ORDER IS MY RECOMMENDATION.

Stage 86. BUTCHAA Saigo no Hi ("Butcher's Final Day") (Mars Vicinity)

The Nadesico crew is bored, with several hours projected until the rendezvous
with the Elshank.  Akatsuki wants to join up soon and head back to the ruins,
but Yurika is adamant that the head of the Lond Bel will make that call.
Before this can turn into an argument, the enemy show up from somewhere and
start blasting away at the Nadesico.  Yurika decides to run away at flank
speed, even though it'll make you later for the rendezvous.  Ines finally 
explains what the Jovians are doing: transposing warheads inside your
distortion field and into the ship itself.  Yurika feels the need to dub this
the "boson cannon" (yet another heinous Izumi pun follows).  Just then the
bad guys show up: it's the Kannazuki, with a very overconfident Saburouta at
the helm.  It occurs to Yurika that the Jovians are still humans, and she
quickly orders the Nadesico to halt and sends out the Aestivalises.  Apparently
what this does is cause the Nadesico to disappear from all the enemy's sensors.
Akiyama is very impressed with Yurika's "silent stance", and Saburouta decides
to launch his own fighters to counter the Aestivalises.  The bad news is that
the Aestis can't move without energy from the Nadesico: at best, they can
counterattack.  Nobody's sure what Yurika's plan is, but she repeats that
she believes in the humans on the other side of this fight...

  One turn later, Yurika tells everyone to keep holding while she "reels in"
  the enemy.  Erina indignantly points out that the enemy aren't fish, but
  humans.  THAT, says Yurika, is why this is the best strategy.  Any calls for
  help or anything would result in the Elshank being targeted by the advancing
  enemies.  The Jovians are rather puzzled by this, though Akiyama suspects
  some sort of reinforcements... as well as a trap.  Goodness only knows what
  will happen next.

  What happens is that the Elshank warps out suddenly, scaring the enemy to
  death.  Chaos ensues as Yurika orders the Nadesico back online.  Quatro,
  quick on the uptake, commends Yurika's actions to help save the Elshank.
  Moreover, the enemy can't use their "jump cannon".

  On turn 3, Butcher shows up to gloat and increase patronage at plastic
  surgery clinics.

  One of the enemies has a Needleless Ampule.  Another has a Space Abacus.

  The Kannazuki flees at 30% (around 16k HP), and is worth a Skill Point and an
  Aura Converter(!)  Take careful note of which of your units are S in space to
  help you plan your attack.  It also helps to deplete its energy (note the
  range of its various weapons), and to _not_ get hit by its Map Weapon.
  Akiyama will note that his ship isn't holding out, and when Saburouta offers
  to launch a kamikaze attack, Akiyama tells him that with only two ships (one
  about to sink anyway) it would be meaningless.  Plus... their loss was
  already determined when your people figured out the Jump Cannon's weak point
  and came in close.  They have no choice but to retreat, and Akiyama tells
  his crew to send a telegram that the enemy were quite fierce.

  It's worth noting that Butcher's stooges have Self-Destruct...

  When you take Butcher down, he gets pissed and promises to take care of you
  next time around.  However, his god orders him to take care of you _now_, and
  he launches just the head of his vehicle.  The question is whether to pursue
  the head or the torso, and your people figure you've got enough time for
  both.  When you take down the head, your people figure it's torso time next,
  but Butcher the cyborg is still alive.  Shouhei tells him to prepare for 
  death like the enemy general he is.  He says he was prepared for that long
  ago, and asks them one thing: why were they fighting him?  Shouhei says that
  it's obviously for peace on Earth, and Butcher asks them who the hell asked
  them to do that.  Nobody - it's their own will!  Butcher asks who the hell
  they think will thank them for their efforts - who on Earth is thankful,
  grateful for what they've done.  This strikes a chord with Quatro, but 
  Shouhei says that they were all _born_ on Earth, and he won't let anyone mess
  it up.  Banjou says that you all are fighting to protect your precious
  homeland - you're not expecting anyone's favor because of it.  And your 
  people won't let Butcher say that's meaningless.  Butcher stammers that if
  the Earth was full of only people like you, "they" would never have come 
  back.  He says that the Earth is "destined" to be destroyed sooner or later
  anyway, and explodes amidst manic laughter.  He's worth a Space Alloy Gren.

This victory left something of a bad taste in your people's mouth.  Quatro notes
that none of you are fighting to win someone's praise: you're fighting to end
fighting.  There can be no joy or thankfulness for this - though there may be
grief.  Meanwhile, the torso is about to pass outside your radar range.  Romina
surprises everyone but insisting that the Zanbot team not pursue it and 
separate your forces.  She finds it very painful to watch other people putting
their lives in danger in battle.

In any case, it looks like you've got more problems than the Gaizokku.  The
new Jovian weapon is a bit of a pain too, although it doesn't mean much if 
they can't hit you with it.  Akatsuki and Erina aren't exactly Mr. and Ms.
Popularity for having sent the Nadesico to Mars in the first place, having
forgotten that the Elshank could follow so quickly.  Just then a telegraph
shows up from the enemy, expressing frank amazement and respect for the man
who piloted the Nadesico to such an incredible victory.  Of course, Yurika 
isn't happy to be mistaken for a man...


Stage 87. Ooi Naru Taidou ("A Great Stirring") (Mars Reclamation Base)

Your people are glad to be back to the Mars Reclamation Base, which is 
apparently unchanged by the Meganoids.  Ines figures that once the reclamation
is complete this area will probably become like all the other colonies.  
Unfortunately, Hazard is still in business and in command of some The Boom
mecha.  Hazard tries to say that he's being forced into this by The Boom, but
your people aren't having any of it.  Quatro recommends that Hazard surrender
while he can still cut a deal.  Too bad that he has no plans to do that: he
figures that if he can take you all out, the Bunker and Gyandora will be his
in short order - if not, he figures he has no future.  As Joe and the ninja
pilots prepare to knock Hazard's block off, Damian tells Joe that the Black
Lion can't launch (could it be because he tried to putz with it?)

  On turn 3, Hazard begins to get impatient.  Although it's a shame that Joe's
  not on the scene, he sends out Sharm and Irubola.  Sharm figures that she 
  can win now that the Lond Bel has divided its forces.  Irubola, though he's
  being ordered by Hazard, really wants a showdown with Joe.  Irubola wonders
  why Joe isn't out here, and after a moment tells himself that there's no
  way he can return to the Elshank now.  Joe is PISSED that all he can do is
  sit on his thumbs, but just then Tobikage shows up.  Joe starts to glow,
  and then vanishes!  Only to materialize inside Tobikage.  Apparently it has
  chosen him just like Zerokage chose Irubola.  Damien, overwrought, rushes to
  the hangar to try to get the Black Lion moving...  Irubola is genuinely
  surprised that Joe has combined with Tobikage, as Joe is himself.  As the
  two prepare to finish their duel, Romina wonders why the have to kill
  each other.

  Sharm is worth a Ninja Manual.  She's another one of the commander-class
  opponents out of the way, and your dudes figure that only Annex is left.
  Hazard knows better, and figures that The Boom is toast here today - which is
  rather bad for him.

  After Sharm's death, send Joe to Persuade Irubola.  He tells Irubola to 
  knock it off, and think about Romina's feelings.  Irubola tells him that HE
  is the one person he won't permit to say that.  Joe figures this won't work
  after all: people get dangerous when the blood goes to their head (Lenier 
  hotly tells him he's in no position to talk).

  Irubola flees at 30% of his HP, and is worth a Psychoframe.  He takes off,
  not heeding Romina's request to wait...

  On turn six, a new enemy shows up much to your people's annoyance.  It's
  Saburouta, who claims that there's only one justice and that's on his side.
  This sets Akito off - he, who would otherwise have led a quiet life as a 
  cook, got caught up in this war and all sorts of people died.  Including
  Ai-chan.  He is absolutely not going to forgive the Martians.

  One of the enemies is worth a Repair Kit S.

  Hazard can't believe he's about to die, in such a crappy place as Mars.
  Lenier says that it may be crappy, but it's still home!  Or something.  
  Hazard had wanted to take revenge on the federation that sent him out here
  to the boondocks, but it appears that that won't happen now.  He's worth a
  Mars Donburi.

  Saburouta flees at 30% of his HP, and is worth a Skill Point and a Beam
  Coating.  He tries to insist that justice must prevail, but Akito and the
  others tell him that his machine is ready to fall apart: he'll die.  He
  says that his special Jovian battalion aren't afraid of death, but Megumi
  tells him that death will achieve nothing - she begs him to retreat, and
  says there's no reason for humans to fight each other.  He, upon being
  pitied by those pesky Earthlings, announces that he's forced to retreat.

Your people are a bit sad that Hazard insisted on being foolish enough to get
himself killed.  Damien points out that he basically dug his own grave with his
actions out here, and Joe is very frustrated that things couldn't turn out
any differently.  However, Zerokage has managed to flee... Joe's confident that
he and Tobikage can beat it no matter what.  Gai is very disappointed that he
won't get to pilot Tobikage himself - he wanted to do some Tobikage Finger
attack.  Izumi says that wherever there is light, there is shadow.  Behind
every chosen one of the light is a chosen one of the darkness...  Camille notes
that Irubola seemed to have a moment's hesitation while piloting, which has
Romina thinking.  Unfortunately, you can't afford to go and chase Zerokage
yet, since the Jovians are getting more active with their "justice" business.
This makes Akito start wondering (Ines too), and Banjou warns Shouhei and the
others that this can be the result of people blindly following something 
that's "just" from only one point of view... just like the Meganoids....


Stage 88. Inochi Motanu Mono ("The Lifeless One") (Mars Mountainous Region)

Your people have come to Colos's new base far sooner than she expected.  Banjou
quickly tires of bantering with her - he will offer no quarter to those who
refuse to grapple with their own inner issues.  Camille realizes that by 
becoming cyborgs, the Meganoids fled from their own weakness, and Lenier 
observes that Banjou is a bit frightening when facing these folks.  The enemy
send out a bunch of robots, probably copied using Megaborg data from the days
of yore.  Banjou is wondering where the other Meganoid commanders are, and
Colos comes out in person.  Yurika is jealous of her H-U-G-E breasts, although
Erina can't see the appeal.  As Colos gets ready for the fight, Banjou realizes
that you all have been taken in by a HUGE ruse - since Don Zauser isn't here.
Banjou notes that they went too far in this little decoy, and plans to wipe
out all the Meganoid forces here.

  One of the enemies has a Propellant Tank S.  Another has a Booster.
  Another has a Cartridge.  Another has a Chobham Armor.

  On turn two, Colos brings out the reinforcements that Banjou's been 
  expecting - or _not_ expecting rather.  These are some near-full scale 
  Daitarn-3 copies.  She wonders what he thinks of the Meganoid handiwork, and
  tells him they have all sorts of cool powers.  Banjou informs her that these
  are the very symbol of Meganoid stupidity - no matter how finely tuned they
  are, copies can't beat the original.  Banjou promises to prove the Meganoids
  to be inferior to humans by destroying those fake Daitarns.

  More enemies show up on turn 4.

  Colos flees at 30% of her HP.  She's worth a Skill Point and a Minovsky 
  Craft.  Banjou reminds her that he told her that she can't defeat you all
  with this amount of warpower.  Colos can't understand why he stands against
  her with all his power, but Banjou says that it's not his power alone: it's
  the power of the humans she's trying to dominate.  She acknowledges defeat,
  but says that she _will_ see Don's dreams realized.

Well, the battle's over, but your people were still totally taken in by the
Meganoid's ruse.  There could only be one thing they don't want you to see:
those ruins.  Akito is still adamant that the safety of the Martians comes
first, and it's both his, Yurika's, and the ninja pilots homeland.  As your
people prepare to move on, Banjou wonders why Colos can't see how foolish it
is to hide your eyes from everything for the sake of love, or that that's the
limitation of the Meganoids...which is why he will...

Your people just discovered where that torso went, and Shouhei is in full
irrationality ready to chase after it.  Uchuuta realizes it's no good trying
to tell him to wait or ask for help.  Meanwhile, Gaizokku is chatting with the
Einsts about the original land.  The thinking is that the leader of the 
Gaizokku is inside, and Uchuuta tells Emiko to radio the Elshank and ask for
assistance.  Of course, you're being jammed.  Shouhei's sure that everyone will
show up soon, and says that he can't wait for them to arrive.  In fact, even
the fact that the torso is emitting a huge amount of energy doesn't matter to
him.  It seems he's still pissed about that comment about whose thanks he's
trying to win by fighting.  Who the hell would fight because they want to, he
demands.  In short, he's gone totally bonkers.

Elsewhere, your people still haven't heard back from Zanbot-3 (like duh).
Quatro figured that there would have been no point in ordering them to stay
behind, since they'd just have ignored the order anyway.  In any case, your
forces are heading to the area, and Ruri calculates that you'll meet up with
them any minute.  If you can take out this enemy mothership, one major threat
to the Earth will be history.  As your people pull up to the Bandock, they 
notice a suspicious hole in the side: surely that's where Shouhei and co.
went.  Time to see the leader of the Gaizokku with your own eyes.  Banjou just
hopes that Shouhei and friends don't get too overeager...

Stage 89. Moeru Uchuu ("Burning Space")

Shouhei hadn't expected the inside of the enemy ship to be so... normal.
The god Gaizokku greets the offspring of the God family, and tells them that
it's time for him to destroy them again.  Shouhei demands to know what Gaizokku
means that he's a "god", and Gaizokku tells him that he'll understand... IF
he can come over and defeat him.

  Defeat three enemies within two turns for a Skill Point.

  Your dudes show up on turn three.  As Quatro lectures you on not judging
  monsters like Gaizokku solely on appearances, lots and lots more bad guys
  show up.

  On the next turn, Gaizokku asks the Zanbot team if this power is what they
  were seeking.  Joe tells everyone to ignore this, since confusion will 
  spell your defeat.  In which case, Gaizokku wonders, "that" land was 
  chosen at the beginning.  Quatro realizes that Gaizokku isn't talking to you,
  and as Camille gets a bad feeling a bunch of reinforcements show up.

  One of them has 15,000 credits.  Another has 

  In a container is 50,000 credits(!!) This map has several breakable walls.
  Behind one is a container for either an Aura Converter or a Solar Sail.

  Gaizokku is worth some Ultimate Cells.  When you defeat him, it seems the
  Kami family's wishes have come true.  Gaizokku, dying, somehow seems to
  suddenly recognize Shouhei's voice, and announces his defeat to the
  Earthling.  As Shouhei prepares to complete his revenge for his ancestors,
  Gaizokku says that he is not "Gaizokku"'s true identity: he was merely made
  by the residents of the planet of the same name: nothing more than Computer
  Doll #8.  In short, he's just a lackey of the real bad guys.  Its programming
  commands it to respond to life forms with evil thoughts - once, it destroyed
  Shouhei's ancestor's homeland, which was overflowing with malice.  Shouhei
  is about to lose it over the revelation that this is not the real Gaizokku,
  and Joe wonders if the only solution is to march straight into the front 
  gates of the Gaizokku homeworld and settle things there.  #8 informs him that
  that's futile: that planet is already destroyed.  Ruri, savvy about machines,
  notes that #8's vigil has presumably continued autonomously all this time,
  long after its creators died.  #8 had in fact been in a 200-year sleep of
  peace, but evil thoughts roused him from it: the planet Earth.  Earthlings
  hate each other, tell each other lies, think selfish thoughts, and even shed
  each other's blood.  They cannot be called a "good" life form.  Quatro seems
  to have given this matter some thought.  In any case, #8 was built by the
  Gaizokku to eliminate everything that destroys the peace of space.  Poor
  Shouhei just can't take this.  Ruri then announces that the entire enemy ship
  is about to explode.  Unfortunately, a group of Einsts show up just then.
  Banjou wonders what the leader of the Einsts is thinking.  This looks to be
  a trap, or something.  Quatro thinks he sees a similarity between what the
  Gaizokku and the Einsts are up to, but can't figure out how Excellen and
  Kyousuke figure in.  In any case, you don't have time to worry about it now.
  The Zanbot team suggests peevishly to #8 that it take out the Einsts if it's
  so concerned about malice in space, and #8 replies that even the Gaizokku
  homeworld itself was filled with malice.  But it is unable to destroy its
  creators.  In which case, how was the technologically advanced Gaizokku 
  planet destroyed anyway?  Could it be...?  Unfortunately, #8's systems are
  too damaged to answer.  If Banjou's correct, the (Einsts) were probably the
  ones who wiped out Gaizokku - but there's no time to ponder it now.  You,
  seriously, have five turns before it's Za Endo(tm).

  One of the enemies has a Repair Kit S.  Another has a Biosensor.  The final
  Einst is worth a V-Up Unit(U).

Quatro wants to hear everyone's opinion about the enemies you just fought: the
Einsts.  Why would they have been hiding aboard the Bandock?  Perhaps the 
Einsts, like the Gaizokku computer, find the Earthlings to be "evil", which is
why they're attacking you.  Quatro figures it's nothing that elementary, and
Camille notes that the business with the Aura Road and Jaburo is just too
mysterious.  Plus there's the stone circles they appear from, and the fact
that they were searching for something at Solomon.  Absent input from Excellen
and Kyousuke, you have to try to parse the data you do have.  As your people
are about to decide where to go, you run into none other than Tarsan!  He
explains that things are in a hurry, and has come to transport you all to
Earth without the worries of the Boson Jump system.  Your people are split
between gratitude for his help and distrust of his motives, but they accept
his help and everyone teleports.

With all your people now together, the usual reunion banter ensues.  The good
news is that the enemies on the Earth and Mars seem to now be under control.
...Although, those ruins on Mars are a cause for much concern.  In a way, the
Nadesico's unauthorized jump to Mars is responsible for discerning the
Meganoid's true intentions.  Unfortunately, Nergal isn't very forthcoming about
what those ruins contain - which of course means that something _very_ nifty
is buried there.  In fact, if all the remaining enemies realize that whatever
is there will help enable instant travel throughout space, they'll probably
converge on the spot too.  Sadly, the Earth's not yet in a state where you can
head to Mars due to the Gyandora and Bunker, and the Campellians.  Plus, the
Neo-Jion are still a major concern, as well as the Muge.  Quatro notes that
most of these are aliens, and asks what became of Urube.  Bright has been
informed that both Urube and Mikamura have been captured.  Rain went to see
them, but... the badly damaged Devil Gundam has gone missing.  And apparently
even Urube and Mikamura themselves don't know what became of it.  It wasn't
detected leaving the area, so it _should_ be possible to find it...

Mikamura is recommending to Urube that they surrender themselves, despite 
being already, um, captured.  Mikamura says that they can't go on buying time
for the cyborg they assembled with DG cells forever, which means they should
give it up all the sooner.  Urube wonders why Mikamura would back out now,
and he replies that his daughter opened his eyes.  Urube isn't willing to 
see his plans get washed away, but Mikamura wonders what else precisely he
hopes to accomplish, with the Devil Gundam wrecked and blown away to god-knows
where.  Urube implies that he actually knows where it is, and says that he's
found a new Unit.  In fact, it's Rain, unconscious, who SOMEHOW got captured
by these captive men due to coming alone (what. about. the. prison. guards????)
Urube explains that at the end of his exhaustive research, a healthy, strong
life form is precisely what's needed for the Unit - a life form strong enough
to engender life in the next age.  Urube evidently has an unhealthy fixation
on women as the summit of all life, and capable of birthing it in ever 
increasing quantities...

As your people are about to figure out what to do next, an emergency message
comes in from Urube, the self-proclaimed Ruler of the World.  Based on the
valiant deeds of the Lond Bel, he now declares in his own name the Earth
Sphere to be unified.  Everything will be unified under Neo-Japan: a world
with no more foolish fighting.  Cham is sensing a very bad aura coming from
this guy, and Joe with his usual get-right-to-the-point-iveness tells Urube
to spit it out already.  Which he does.  The Devil Gundam has grown some LONG
tentacles, and Urube says that the world will now kneel before him.  Domon
refuses flatly, and Urube absently thanks Domon for going along with his plan
and enabling him to get his hands on the Devil Gundam.  Domon isn't having it,
and says that _this_ time he'll utterly destroy the Devil Gundam, burning
each and ever DG cell individually if he has to.  Urube wonders if Domon can
do that knowing that... Rain is inside it!  Now every last one of your people
are determined to see Urube get wasted.  As your people make ready to head
to Neo-Japan, Domon is already in route.  On the scene, everyone gets ready
to attack, but Urube warns you (how the hell could he hear you?) that the
colony now dominated by the Devil Gundam can regenerate as fast as you can
destroy it.  Ruri confirms that this appears to be so.  However, Mikamura
then contacts you and tells you that there's one way to destroy this thing
only: from the inside.  Urube isn't happy about this treachery, but figures
that it won't matter until Mikamura frees Domon's father.  Mikamura realizes
that he's done terrible, unforgivable things to both father and son, and has
no standing to make any requests... yet he still begs Domon to save his
daughter.  All the fault lies with him!  Bright realizes that Mikamura intends
for you to enter through the small hatch he opened, and orders Domon to
enlarge it so you can all break through.  Domon does so with gusto, and 
everyone else quickly follows him through the hole.  As your people enter,
Yurika says that every damsel in distress has a knight in shining armor to
come and save her.  Ruri ponders this, as Prospector notes that this is one
hot-blooded knight...


Stage 90. Kimi no Naka no Eien ("The Eternity Inside You")

Your people have finally reached an area where they can deploy.  The shelters
you passed on the way in seem intact, and furthermore should be able to
escape to space outside.  Better yet, Domon's father has been recovered 
safely.  Your people are greeted by the former Gundam Fighter: Major Urube, 
who's been perpetrating all these Devil Gundam incidents from behind the
scenes.  Domon cuts Urube's little greeting short, telling him to either 
release Rain or oblige him by dying on the spot.  Urube wonder if he's some
evil wizard to Domon's knight in shining armor riding to the rescue of Princess
Rain.  Urube tells your people stop your futile resistance, but as always
your people decide to try capacitance instead, or at least to TRY resisting
and see whether it's futile or not.  Domon's dad, quite healthy, is also sure
that the Devil Gundam can be defeated... by your human hands.  He tells Domon,
who's very glad to hear his voice, to stop the central reactor of the colony
that's giving the Devil Gundam energy: it's the only way.  In short, this 
amounts to stopping the "heart" of the colony to kill the parasitic Devil
Gundam.  Domon's father is very glad to see Domon grown up so big, and Urube is
very _non_ glad that he told your people about the weak spot.  Urube figures
that the time has come for his first Gundam Fight in a long while, and hops
in the special mech he had stored here for just such an emergency: the Grand
Master Gundam.  Which is also the aforementioned central reactor.  Shinobu
tells your people not to be discouraged at this turn of events: the central
reactor just saved you the trouble of searching for it by coming to greet you
itself!  Meanwhile, it seems that Urube has been shooting up the DC cells
and making him think he's invincible.

  One of the enemies has a Repair Kit S.  Another has a Mars Donburi.

  On turn three, some new interlopers disturb the scene.  It's Burst and Flash,
  here to steal the Core Unit of the Devil Gundam.  They don't particularly
  care who they squash in the process, or that the core is "biological" in
  nature.  Domon is so fully not going to let anyone else steal Rain away.
  The two of them tell Roll that they'll kill him "again".  Apparently they
  figured that no matter how lofty his ideals as a hero of the Resistance were,
  there was no way he could beat the Bunker.  So, they killed him, fled, and
  joined the Bunker themselves.  Killing them off along with Urube sounds 
  like it's all in a day's work, although Urube himself is planning on offing
  any Bunker members who try to pick a fight with him.

  Burst flees at 30% of his HP and is worth an Apogee Motor.  Take him down 
  and Roll yells at him to open his eyes.  Burst calls him naive and says that
  he'll surely pay him back sooner or later.  He flees.

  Flash also flees at 30% of his HP, and is worth a Biosensor.  When you take
  him down, Roll tells him to quit it already.  Flash, vowing to chop him into
  little pieces, flees.

  Urube is worth a High Performance Radar.  Unfortunately, Urube won't explode,
  and Domon's father is quite upset that you all are too late.  Given this,
  there's only one thing to do: stop Rain, the biological core of the Devil
  Gundam.  Domon certainly isn't willing to _kill_ her, but Urube taunts him
  with the futility of it all just before finally blowing up.  Before Domon's
  father can explain what he means, the Devil Gundam itself pops up behind
  the remains of the Grand Master Gundam.  Kasshu can't believe what he's
  seeing, but it's apparently the final form of the Devil Gundam.  Domon 
  realizes that Rain can't get out alone, but Domon resolves to pulverize the
  Devil Gundam and free her.  His father yells at him to stop: the Gundam
  _itself_ is Rain!  He tells Domon to remember the reason why the Devil
  Gundam's evolution was hastened in the first place, explaining that Rain is
  actually distancing herself from Domon.  Rain is thinking that her father
  tormented Domon, and that her father's sin is her sin.  She mentally
  apologizes, thinking that she'll never see him again.  Domon won't let that
  happen, and Kasshu notes that this Gundam is human emotion, reason made
  energy in its ultimate form.  Ines won't even try to theorize how this could
  happen: the genuine article exists before your very eyes.  Domon can't 
  believe that his final enemy is Rain, but the other G Gundam people tell
  him that it doesn't have to be like that.  Her heart is full of remorse for
  what her father did, shut away inside that Gundam.  Allenbie tells Domon a
  sure-fire incantation to open the doors around Rain's heart: "I love you."
  Domon's never told Rain that before, and Allenbie tells him that all he's
  got to do then is just be honest with his feelings.  Everyone else chips in
  their words of encouragement.

  You could get the Skill Point and lots of XP and money by offing Rain.  OR
  you could do the smart thing and simply have Domon Persuade her.  Domon
  calls out to Rain, causing the Devil Gundam to stop, and tells her of her
  father's selfless act in freeing Kasshu and accepting all the blame.  He
  tells her none of that matters anymore.  He tells her that while he still
  doesn't know who he is or what he's trying to accomplish, she's been part of
  all the battles he's fought until now.  He says he's a worthless man who
  only knows how to fight, so he tells her in the only way he can: "I LOVE
  YOU!!!  I WANT YOU!!!"  Basically everybody is overcome at this amazing
  scene, even including Ruri despite her "being a kid".  The Devil Gundam 
  speeds up its workings due to having its biological core stolen, which Ines
  thinks makes it a marvelous, terrifying invention.  Rain summons the 
  Shining Gundam, and together she and Domon use Bakunetsu God Finger Sekiha
  Love Love Ten-Kyou-Ken to blow it clean away.  You even get the item the
  Devil Gundam has, Ultimate Cells.

With that, all the DG Cells that have parasitized the colony begin to collapse.
Kasshu isn't so sorry to see what was formerly his Ultimate Gundam go, given
what it had become.  Tetsuya notes this is the first colony-sized enemy he's
ever fought, and Banjou notes that it's all thanks to the help Kasshu and
Mikamura chipped in.  You've still got a lot of battling ahead of you, so 
everyone prepares to move out.  Kyousuke wonders as everyone begins to leave
why the Einsts didn't show up despite all the power being used...

After taking down this mighty enemy, Bright hopes to give your people some
R&R.  Domon's father has gone to chat with his son after all this time.  When
Bright contacts the Nadesico and Elshank to arrange things, he finds a 
rather flustered Jun who tells him that Yurika has some very important
"business" to attend to in the ship.  The others wonder if there's some
problem they can help with, and Ruri finally says that Yurika went to Akito's
room in the hopes of being proposed to the same way Domon did for Rain.  The
next thing to do for the whole fleet is to head back to Von Braun and
hopefully outfit the Boson Jump system onto the Ral Kairam, so it can keep
up with the Elshank and Nadesico.

As your other crewmembers begin to kibitz over Domon and Rain, Kasshu comes
over and thanks Domon for his excellent work in stopping the Devil Gundam.
This is so moving both Boz and Kouji can't contain their tears.  As the
Dangaioh people begin to ponder the parents they don't have or don't know of,
Pai begins to regain some of her memories... of her father Varius.  Meanwhile,
Kasshu meets Schwarz, and asks if he won't remove his mask.  Schwarz is
resolved to live life under his new name as long as there is conflict in the
Earth sphere.  Domon tries to stop him, but Kasshu says that perhaps the day
will come when Schwarz will remove the mask after all.  In any case, the good
news is that the Devil Gundam mess is totally cleaned up.  The bad news is
that nothing else is @_@  Domon was planning on continuing to help the Lond
Bel in its fight before Kasshu even brought it up, and Kasshu says that he's
planning to rest a while on Von Braun when you all arrive... since Neo Japan
will require some time to recover fully.  Looks like your people will be kept
fairly busy...

Elsewhere, Gatou figures it's time to swing into action.  Hamarn disagrees,
reminding him of the failure of Operation Stardust.  In comes Mashmar, another
failed commander.  Hamarn tells them both that she's already set the wheels
in motion for them to have the chance to clear their dishonor.

Meanwhile, your people have completed changing flagships to the Elshank.
Greetings ensue, and Romina tells Bright that since she's no strategist she
vests all command in him.  He agrees, and wonders who her military commander
was when she came.  That would of course be Irubola, who nobody wants to
talk about.  Meanwhile, Cham, indulging in stargazing, sees something very
odd coming toward you.  It's a 2-D projection with some kind of message for
all Earth Humans.  Whoever it is calls themselves Deus, having traveled
340,000 light years from Campell to this place.  He's apparently a leader of a
group of pacifists on Campell, fighting against all the evil warmongers there.
He tells you who the remaining leaders you have to take out for things to
return to peace, starting with Empress Janera.  Deus can't take her down
himself, so your people volunteer to take the job.  After Rome and Deus 
exchange formal greetings, Deus tells you that Janera is at Lagrange Point L3:
the Side 7 colony.  In fact, there's an elevated amount of Minovsky particles
in that area.  As your people debate whether to trust this information, an
emergency call comes in that the Delaz fleet is in motion, along with the 
full forces of Neo-Jion.  They're headed for Fifth Luna, and Amuro can't see
what Hamarn would want there.  Kyousuke wants to stop by the black zone on
the way to Fifth Luna - which Bright agrees to only if there's time to spare.
As your people prepare to set off, it's noted that Quatro's not around - 
he claimed he had something to attend to...  Which would be some meeting with
a shadowy figure from his Jion past...

Stage 91. Uchuu no Michi-shirube ("The Road in Space") (Fifth Luna)

It's time for the showdown between Hamarn and Judou.  She's mildly
amazed that he's come with so few units, but he tells her that he 
merely hurried ahead because he wanted to meet her.  He asks what
she's trying to do: in fact, she's trying to drop Fifth Luna on the
Earth.  She tells him that she's running out of time, that this is
her only chance.  She figures this is the only time that she can 
try to win victory for the Jion, and isn't willing to hear the
view, advanced by the kids, that this isn't the time for humans to
be fighting amongst themselves.  Judou isn't impressed with this 
as the "adult" perspective, and she tells him not to think he can
remain a kid forever.  Mashmar then appears and offers to take
Judou on.  Hamarn tells him not to attack, just to keep Judou and
friends away from Fifth Luna.

  On turn 2, the cavalry show up.  They're quickly notified of the
  latest asteroid drop, which Quatro suspected.  Yurika wonders
  why the Jion like dropping stuff on the Earth so much.  You now
  have 10 turns until the asteroid won't be haltable.  As your 
  people deploy, Gatou and his stooges show up too.

  Mashmar is worth a Zaku III Custom.  When you down him, Hamarn
  thanks him for his efforts, and Judou points out that even the
  people who believe in her are dying.  She says that that's why
  she can't pull back now: to see their ideals realized.  Do this
  before turn 6 for a Skill Point.

  Iria is worth a Space Abacus.  Gordon is worth a Mars Donburi.
  Cima is worth a Needleless Ampule.

  On turn 5, your people note that the enemy are considerably 
  decreased and wonder when the other shoe is going to drop.  You
  don't have to wait long.  With the clock ticking and your people
  pissed off, the Newtypes sense Gremy Todd's presence.  Gremy
  is planning for a new future for Jion, one where he's in charge.
  Hamarn thinks he's a little late for this, and Hamarn and Gremy
  get ready to throw down bigtime.  Quatro is astounded.  Gremy
  tries to tell Judou that he, a mere soldier, is in no position to
  tell him what to do, and neither are the Puru "dolls".  Quatro
  interrupts, telling Gremy that just having a "motive" for fighting
  is from enough, saying that whatever the outcome of this battle,
  the ghosts of the Zabi House must end today: everything must be
  begun entirely anew.  He tells Gremy that he's just clinging to the
  notion of being "in the right", and Gremy tells him not to talk like
  it's his business.  Hamarn figures it's time for her to join the 
  fracas, and greets the many heros from the previous war gathered here.
  She wrathfully tells Gremy to just _try_ to take over the Neo-Jion,
  as Camille finally figures out that she can't be allowed to go on
  living.  Amuro tells everyone to shut up and fight already, but
  Hamarn isn't quite finished.  She says that it's precisely because of
  all the alien invaders that she has to act: the existing Federation 
  and indeed the people of the Earth Sphere as a whole are doing nothing
  to save themselves.  She asks: assuming you manage to win all the 
  battles ahead: what will remain?  Only the same old ways of the same
  old unchanging humans!  She tells Judou that she can no longer wait
  for the revolution, and summarily forces Gremy to shut up when he tries
  to claim that he'll be the one to lead that revolution.  Judou figures
  that that's no reason to drop things and damage the whole Earth: there
  are no such things as Earthnoids or Spacenoids, just one humanity who
  has to fight to defend its home.  Hamarn notes that platitudes won't
  save the world, but Judou points out that murder is something beyond
  right or wrong: Hamarn should be able to feel the will of all those who
  died needlessly in this war.  The two are simply unable to change
  each other's minds...

  Send Quatro to Persuade Gatou.  Gatou demands to know why Char, a
  traitor to the Jion cause, is getting in his way.  Char already
  told everyone that the ghosts of Jion, including Hamarn after the
  Zabi family's demise, must be purged.  He won't let the man named
  the Nightmare of Solomon profess ignorance of this necessity.  He
  tells a torn Gatou that what Hamarn is doing ultimately plays into
  the hands of the Zabis, and that her plans have no more future to them
  than the doings of the gravity-bound souls of the Federation.  Gatou
  demands to know why, if Char doesn't accept the Federation, doesn't
  he stand up on his own.  Char says that the time is not yet ripe, and
  Gatou asks him to move away from him, so he can try to enact his own
  ideals.

  When you down Hamarn, she is very surprised that her end could come
  here, and orders you to finish her off.  Judou asks her why she couldn't
  use her powers for good, and she notes that the fact that she, who had
  been all the way to the asteroid belt, came all the way back to Earth is
  proof that souls can't fly and escape the Earth's gravity.  Duke says
  that there's no way people could forget their home.  Well, thanks to you
  all, she wasn't able to kill all the fools who still cling to the Earth...
  but at least she _was_ able to meet a child as strong as Judou...  Amuro
  tells the distraught Judou not to cry: Hamarn had chosen the wrong path.
  Quatro notes that there may BE no such thing as a right path, and Gremy
  figures that Hamarn wasn't as big as her big mouth.  Gatou stoically
  vows to carry out her ideals...  For killing her, you get her Quberay.

  Rakan is worth a Ninja Manual.

  Gremy can't believe that he, the legitimate heir to the Zabi house, could
  die here.  Judou points out that that blood Gremy's so proud of originated
  on Earth (the "original land", as Kyousuke remembers).  Judou demands
  to know what trillionth of the total blood of their homeland, the Earth,
  the Zabi family amounts to.  He tells Gremy to keep his fighting inside
  Axis if he insists on doing it over that blood.  Gremy responds that 
  humans are too numerous, and only that one trillionth is worth anything -
  something Judou as a Newtype should understand.  Judou says that that's
  got nothing to do with it: why can't Gremy understand all the people who
  are fighting against all these alien invaders on behalf of the Earth.  He
  says that the _whole_ of humanity has to start over now, and that unless
  people who get fixated on small things like Gremy are defeated, the Earth
  will have no future.  He tells Gremy that those who are bound by their 
  blood are just in the way, which Quatro concedes may be true...  Gremy says
  that Judou is a disappointment as a Newtype, and explodes.  Puru2 figures
  that Gremy was an idiot, and Judou is determined not to let people like
  him get in the way of humanity's future.

  After defeating Gremy and Hamarn, send Kou to Persuade Gatou.  Kou yells at
  Gatou that he once called him a man who can't understand what fighting means.
  He yells that Gatou's now calling the kettle black.  Gatou claims that he's
  merely fighting in obedience to his ideals, but Kou points out that if the
  independence of Spacenoids were an "ideal", other people ought to be
  fighting for that cause too - so given that they're not, what does that say
  about Gatou's fight?  Quatro bursts out laughing over the notion of Spacenoid
  "freedom", and Gatou wants to know what's so funny.  Quatro asks Gatou if 
  what Gremy is doing will lead to the kind of Jion Gatou wants to see - in 
  fact, at this rate nothing at all will change!  Kou reminds Gatou that he
  once said those without dreams and ideals have no future - but just because
  an ideal exists doesn't automatically make things correct!  Norris nods,
  and Gatou is astounded to see him here too.  Gatou figures he can't just
  turn his back on all his beliefs just like that, but Judou says that if he
  was mistaken, all he has to do is correct that mistake... even Hamarn herself
  presumably wanted to do that.  Gatou smiles, realizing that for the sake of
  these new ideals he's once again failed to die, and joins your team.  Gremy
  is worth a Queen Mansa.

Well, that's that.  The commanders hastily tell everyone who isn't depleted to
work on stopping the asteroid.  The Dankuuga team worries that there aren't any
pulse engines to change its course, but Domon points out that if worse comes
to worse you can just wreck the whole asteroid and be done with it.  Schwarz
points out that the fragments could still cause problems, and says that changing
the course is still the best option.  Quatro points out that the asteroid has a
core used for accelerating its descent - you can use that to change the course.
Meanwhile, your dudes muse over whatever huge cosmic event has resulted in all
these different enemies trying to act at once.  Judou is troubled, wondering
about the "means" Hamarn was using and the end she was using them for: was
she merely consumed with vengeance against the Zabi House?  Quatro tells him
that the only "means" you can use right now is fighting on ahead - at least for
the time being.


Stage 92. 'Katsute' no Imi ("The Meaning of Once (Upon a Time)") (Stone Circle 3)

Oh look, it's the Einsts.  Their presence clearly means that they've got some 
new
plan after things went down with Excellen.  As your people sortie, Amuro puzzles
over how the Einsts never seemed to show up on any sensors beforehand.  The
fact that you noticed some kind of energy response beforehand here means... this
is an invitation.  Kyousuke and Excellen are sure that "she" is here, although</pre><pre id="faqspan-14">
the Einsts are staying mum this time.

  This battle can be finished in six turns.

  On turn 3, more bad guys show up.  This includes Alfimi, who actually greets
  Excellen and Kyousuke in a voice everyone can hear.  She says that she's 
  quite a bit more stable now, although she's not yet Excellen.  When your
  more short tempered people tell her to explain in terms they can understand
  already, she says happily that she doubts they could ever understand.  Domon
  says that he never had any intentions of asking for her incomprehensible
  babble from the start, but demands that she answer this: why were they after
  the Devil Gundam and its self-evolution, self-amplification, self-regeneration.
  She says that she was interested in seeing whether humans could become
  something other than human... however, that Gundam was incomplete and useless,
  just like her own body.  Yurika finds this hard to grasp, and asks if Ruri
  understands what she's talking about.  Ruri has tried inputting all the
  keywords into Omoikane, but even _it_ has no idea what she's talking about.
  Excellen vaguely remembers that there's something important about Alfimi's
  body, but can't bring it to mind.  Domon says that of course it was useless:
  it wasn't the Ultimate Gundam his father wished for.  Alfimi agrees that the
  real thing might have been a different story... but time is now up, for both
  her and the people of the original land.  Your people demand to know if the
  "original land" really refers to the Earth, and Alfimi says that she has no
  reason to answer that question, since it will soon no longer matter to them.
  Kyousuke says that this is getting no where, and tells Alfimi to speak in her
  own words.  She tries to protest that she is herself, but he says that that's
  not what it sounds like to him.  Excellen asks what she is to her, what her
  wishes are.  Predictably, Alfimi fails to tell Excellen what her relation to
  her is.

  Take down Alfimi, and Kyousuke and Excellen are determined to not let her
  escape this time.  And it looks that it works.  It's perhaps a little sad,
  especially since that seems that she was the only Einst who could talk.
  Actually, Kyousuke isn't sure it's over yet, and Excellen agrees that she
  still feels like she's being watched.

  The enemy have a Propellant Tank S, a Megabooster, a Super Alloy nu-Z, and
  a Repair Kit S.

  The turn after Alfimi "dies", she returns.  She says that isn't that easy
  to kill her, and your people can tell from her aura that it's the same
  Alfimi and not a twin or anything.  She blissfully tells your people that
  she can regenerate her Belzein any number of times.  Your people aren't really
  impressed (bad guys return all the time), and Excellen feels like she's 
  beginning to understand her relation to Alfimi...

  She now flees at 30% of her HP, and is worth a Skill Point and a Halo.  She
  says that she apparently hurried too much... and...  Suddenly Akira feels
  his strength draining away (from his comfortable spot on the bench), and
  Alfimi says the time is not yet ripe, either for her for Kyousuke and the
  crew.  Excellen and Kyousuke now think they understand what's up with Alfimi,
  although they still don't know what the people behind her are up to.  As 
  Alfimi flees at high speed, Kyousuke ponders what she means about there being
  "no time left".

Well, that's all the enemies, unless there are more Einsts hiding somewhere.
Kyousuke figures that Alfimi is akin to the Einsts battle captain, although
Banjou wonders if that's all there is to it.  Your people are wondering what
Kyousuke and Excellen have to do with the enemy, and Kyousuke says that 
whatever it is, the Einsts don't seem done with them yet.  Bright doesn't
suspect them of concealing anything from the group, but asks if they've figured
out anything about the Einsts.  Kyousuke has a number of theories, but can't
fit everything into a single explanation.


Stage 93. Ketchaku, Soshite Arata na Nazo ("A Settled Score, And a New Mystery")
(Green Oasis Area)

  Combattler will have all its stats increased by four boxes at the 
  beginning of this stage.  Wise players might want to upgrade to full minus
  four boxes across the board so as to cash in an easy Full Upgrade bonus...

Janera is telling an impatient Walkymedes that she never suspected the
Earthlings had this much power.  Although they can't just sit around and do
nothing, Janera can't contact Campell.  As they ponder their other misfortunes,
your people show up to add to them.  Looks like Deus's information was right
on the money, and hearing his name sends Janera into conniptions when it
becomes clear that Campell's plans for invading the Earth are toast.  Although,
she figures that all she has to do is take over the Earth, and not having a
place to return to will no longer matter.  As your people prepare for a fight,
Duke unexpectedly tells them to get out of the area instead - he knows what
it's like to lose a homeland.  Some of your troops are dubious about this,
but Hyouma joins in, telling them to get lost... but if they _won't_ get lost,
he'll show them no mercy.  Janera isn't having this at all, and it looks
clear that this is gonna get UGLY.

  One of the enemies has an Anti-Beam Coating.

  Defeat Dangel and he begs to be allowed to fight more.  He's worth an
  Anti-Beam Coating.  Walkymedes whines about how he doesn't want to die
  yet, and is worth 15,000 credits.

  Janera is worth a Large Cartridge.  She's having trouble accepting the fact
  that she's dead.  Hyouma laments a bit that she didn't run away even though
  she knew she couldn't win, and as she dies she asks him if he wouldn't have
  done the same in her position.  The Combattler team admits that they'd fight
  to the end, and Janera observes that everyone thinks the same way, which is
  why conflict will never begone from the universe.  Kosuke notes that this
  is pretty selfish considering it was Janera's crew who attacked first.
  Janera says that only the folks helping Oreana were any different (i.e. the
  Einsts).  With her dying strength, Janera tries to drag Combattler V with
  her, which causes her death via FMV.  Looks like she couldn't become like
  Duke and Maria.  Hyouma's not feeling too happy about this victory, and now
  your people have to ponder this "unchanging universe" business.  Kyousuke
  wonders if the Einsts are trying to change the universe, and has to be
  quickly calmed down when Excellen can't remember any of the stuff she said
  during her control by the Einsts...

  Defeat all initial enemies within six turns for a Skill Point.  This should
  be eminently doable.

  Once you defeat all the initial enemies a bunch more will appear: the 
  Gyandora.  Your people aren't in any mood for either their banter or their
  stupidity, but Galdy manages to keep Devil Satan from getting too upset.
  Domon and Master Asia confirm that he's one dangerous cat.  Bright wonders
  if your people should pull out instead of fight this continuing battle, but
  Hazuki explains that everyone is grooved in and unified in mind right now,
  and this is the best time to fight.  Shinobu approves.  Galdy asks 
  Diondra to let him handle this since he's interested in Rome, and lets on
  that he'll let her have the Star of La Mu.  Devil Satan is now required to
  defeat your people, lest his Commander Ranking fall...

  Devil Satan flees at 30% of his HP.  Defeat him really make his Commander
  Ranking fall.  He's worth a Super Alloy Z.

  Galdi also flees at 30%.  He can't believe you've become this strong.  Rome
  and Jet are ready to finish this right now, but Diondra pops up and informs
  you all that Galdy is actually Rome's older brother.  This is certainly news
  to everyone here.  Hayato tells your people that this is too wild to be 
  entirely a lie, and Diondra figures that she achieved the opposite effect 
  from what she intended - she decides to retreat with Galdy.  When Rome
  hesitates to lead his people in pursuit, Banjou tells him to go, even if the
  man in question is his brother.  Until Rome is _certain_, it could only 
  negatively impact his spirit.  Bright adds that Rome can think of this as
  locating the Gyandora's main base for the Lond Bel.  Bright is sure that 
  they'll all return, just as they have every time until now.  He's worth a
  High Precision Targeting Device.

Well, the battle is over, although it doesn't feel like that clean of a 
victory.  The fact that the Einsts didn't show seems to indicate that they're
not in league with these aliens as such - but what could their relationship
actually be?  All Excellen can remember is that the Einsts first met with the
Campellians when they came to the Earth - nothing more than that.  This surely
has something to do with the ancient Star of La Mu.

Rome has lost track of the bad guys, and wonders if he's strayed too far on his
own.  As he's about to head back to join with the others, Galdy appears.  To
Rome's question, he says that that was obviously just a lie about the two of
them being brothers.  Rome isn't so sure, and Galdy stammers that even if he
is Rome's brother, he's still a Gyandora commander - he won't permit Rome to
get in Gades' way.  Galdy tells Rome to follow him to a suitable place for 
them to settle their duel.  He says that the Sword-Wolf and the shooting 
star are fated to fight until they both fall in battle.  Rome is still
wondering what Galdy's technique has to do with the Sword-Wolf...

Kyousuke and Excellen are feeling like the time is coming.  Excellen feels
something from Alfimi, or rather from her mech, and Kyousuke figures that the
reason the Einsts kidnapped Excellen will become clear soon.  The key is this
"new life", and Kyousuke adamantly wants to know what they did to Excellen 
when they took her away.  Too bad she doesn't remember much.  In any case, it
seems certain that the Einsts saved them from that accident back when.
Kyousuke suspects that they were saved just so Excellen could be taken away by
them, although he isn't sure why he was saved too.  If so, then the fact that
Excellen was given back implies that their objective has been fulfilled.  To
the observation of how Alfimi's mech was regenerated, Excellen vaguely knows
that there's really only one proto-Einst, and Alfimi's mech is merely one of
its avatars.  Meaning all the Einsts you've faced so far are like worker bees,
in thrall to a queen bee.  Excellen's not totally confident in that analogy,
but if it's true you've got to kill this Queen Bee or else face a neverending
battle.  It them becomes apparent that Yurika and the crew are listening in,
which is precisely what Kyousuke wanted: he hopes Omoikane can find out 
something from all the data they just gave it.  Actually, as Ruri points out
they weren't trying to eavesdrop: the Gyandora mothership's location was
just found out.  As Kyousuke and Excellen return to their ships, Kyousuke
frets over how the Queen Bee is getting stronger, so all her children are
getting stronger too.

Guljios observes to Gades that Diondra and Galdy have once again failed to
steal the treasure.  Gades will no longer wait for either them or Guljios - he
plans to strike Rome himself while Rome is chasing Diondra and Galdy.  It 
seems Gades is getting fed up with the alliance with Garimos and the Bunker.
Besides, Galdy has been told to lure Rome here...


Stage 94.  MASHIN ROBO - Honou ("Machine Robo - Flame")

The Machine Robo crew has lost sight of Rome, although their good luck has
led them to the Gyandora fortress anyway.  Jim isn't sure that the Lond Bel
will notice the transmissions on the special channels he's been sending.  As
the bad guys step on the scene, Jet wants to know how the Gyandora came to
know that someone on the Third Planet of the Solar System has a power 
comparable to High Libido.  They presumably _didn't_ hear of it from the
Bunker, who unless Jet's ears are much mistaken aren't led by someone who'd
let the Gyandora in on the secret so easily.  What this means is that Gades
knew of the existence of the Star of La Mu, the key to Mutron, from the very
start.  Diondra doesn't care what Gades's motives are, but Jet tells her to
consider carefully why that power, as well as Radorio's "ninja legend", focus
on this small blue world - the "original land".  Upon seeing that the 
Gyandora have lost themselves in their lusts and won't listen to him, Jet
resolves to cut them all down.

  Take out three enemies within two turns for a Skill Point.

  On turn three, the Machine Robo team starts feeling like they're at a
  disadvantage.  Diondra is prepared to take revenge for what happened at
  Chronos.  However, the cavalry arrives with other ideas.  Looks like for
  once the Machine Robo folk are the ones getting saved.  Of course, Rome is
  still missing and unlikely to be easily searchable for - although it's most
  unlikely that anything bad happened to him.  Diondra starts in with the
  "like moths to the flame" speech, but Shirou points out that she's not in
  much position to talk considering that it's _her_ fortress that just got
  invaded.  Your people one-sidedly talk all kinds of good trash at Diondra,
  who orders her troops forward in exasperation.

  In a container inside a room is a Space Alloy Glen.  In a container inside
  a secret room is a Super Alloy nu-Z.

  On the subsequent round, Galdy shows up and talks some more trash to Diondra.
  Galdy claims that Rome ran away from him, which your people find very hard
  to swallow.  However, it _is_ true that he's not here at the moment.  
  Kouji figures that the hero will show up at the height of this pinch, just
  like Tetsuya once did.  You'll have to fight on in his absence.

  Once Galdy's HP are below 90%, something strange starts happening to Galdy,
  a sensation like his head is about to split.  Diondra realizes that his 
  memory must be coming back.  Meanwhile, Gades himself shows up!  He deigns
  to tell you what he's up to as a souvenir before he sends you to the
  afterlife.  After being prevented from getting the High Libido, he came all
  the way to the Earth, a place which he hotly tells the Earthlings they have
  no idea of the value of.  He tells Akira that Mutron Energy, like High
  Libido, is merely a tool - a tool for moving the universe.  Jet isn't sure
  what this means, but is quite sure that he can't let people like Gades get
  their hands on that power.  Just then Rome makes perhaps his best entrance
  yet, saying that every living being has within themself the power to move
  the universe - all must choose whether to use that power for creation or for
  destruction.  People refer to this power as: "love".  MOREOVER, Gades 
  apparently even deserves to know Rome's name!  In fact, Rome did not flee
  from Galdy - he's been busy wrecking this mobile fortress's engines.

  To Persuade Galdy, send first Rome then Reina.  Your reward for doing so
  will be the Spiritual Unity skill, although Galdy is worth a fair amount
  of XP and money if you simply want to defeat him.  You won't actually get
  to use him in any case.  Assuming you send Rome to Persuade him, Rome 
  demands to know why a man of Galdy's skill is working for Gades.  Galdy
  figures that Rome is here to lead him astray with this talk of being his
  brother, but as his headache continues, Rome says that that doesn't 
  matter any longer.  During their fight, Rome can't feel any true evil
  inside Galdy - and he tells him to throw off Gades' spell.  When Reina
  gets into the act, she tells Galdy she's not trying to sympathize with
  him - but if he really is her older brother he should remember the
  teachings of Tenkuu Chuushin-Ken.  Rome agrees: a "defeated" person is
  not someone who loses to the enemy, but rather someone who loses to
  themself!  After a titanic struggle, Galdy's mech like explodes, revealing
  his inner bishounen.  Or something.  Anyways, bygones are bygones...

  Devil Satan manages nothing more than worrying about his Commander rating
  as you kill him.  He's worth a Mars Donburi.

  Diondra is about to die, unable to be of any use to Gades.  Looks like
  she was unable to recover herself, even to the last.  Rome notes that
  Diondra entered the Gyandora of her own free will - this may have been
  her fate.  She's worth 15,000 credits.

  Gades can't believe you defeated him, and demands to know why Rome and
  the Chronosians are getting in his way.  Rome says it's to clear away
  all the darkness clinging to the universe - this is the essence of
  Rome's father and master's Art, the Tenkuu Chuushin-Ken.  Gades manages
  to say that he should have left the supervision of the universe to 
  "them".  Your people demand to know what Gades knows of the Einsts, and
  Reina says that it is the Chronosians' duty to protect the universe.
  Gades asks caustically who gave them that "duty", and says that even
  Kirai Stoll himself surely had no idea... which would mean that _somebody_
  actually arranged for Rome and the others to fight.  Gades had wanted to
  live longer, maintaining his eternal youth and witness to the "coming
  time".  He's worth a Solar Sail.

  Other random enemy trinkets include a Repair Kit S and a Propellant Tank S.

Well, that's about it for the Gyandora.  Unfortunately, you weren't able
to figure out anything more about this "duty" the Chronosians have or
what part the Einsts have to play in it.  Just then, your people detect that
the mothership is about to explode (according to the usual pattern).  Time
to make tracks FAST.

Rome and the crew will be sticking around to the end of this battle 
surrounding the Earth.  Everyone hopes the meaning of Gades' last words
will become clear sooner or later.  As your people consider returning to
the moon for resupply after the frag down with the Gyandora, a call comes
in from the Nadesico.  Your people wonder if the Nadesico is going to throw
a victory party - Yurika says "oh, that's a good idea".  However, there's
no time for that now: there's a Boson signature dead ahead.  Those pesky
Jovians won't give you a moment's peace.  As your people scramble to their
stations, Ruri detects a single Gekiganger-type robot, which hails you.
It's Tsukumo, who announces that he hasn't come to fight - in fact, he's
here as an emmisary of peace.  THIS is an unexpected development.  Bright
asks Yurika to take him in, since he's already seen its insides and he wouldn't
want to reveal the inside of the Elshank should Tsukumo turn out to be a
spy.  Bright will head over with several people for these "peace talks", and
leaves Hazuki in command in his absence.  Your people just hope this isn't 
_waaaaay_ too good to be true.

Meanwhile, Irubola manages to convince the Meganoids to let him help their 
cause in return for the thing he wants: fuel and a machine to fight the Lond
Bel in the coming conflict.  Colos relays a warning from Don not to follow
in Hazard's footsteps...

Tsukumo's visit is brief, since he's just laying the groundwork for full
talks to be held with the Jovian fleet.  As Izumi makes another dreadful pun,
your people fret over the speed with which this is all developing: something
seems fishy.  The meeting is over, and it's arranged that at Tsukumo's word
a representative from the Jovians will meet with Bright and your people.  As
Tsukumo meets Akito for the first time in person, he makes a gesture of
friendship and gives him a VERY special videotape - the Special Edition of
Gekiganger Nettouhen.  The reaction of your people to having to watch a classic
anime is decidedly mixed, though the majority of your people are enjoying
themselves.  Bernie is a bit surprised that Quatro would join in as well - he
says that it makes useful reference material for the (former) enemy's culture...
though he actually does find this kind of stuff interesting too. ^_^  As for
Minato, she and Tsukumo are getting _rather_ comfy together.

Elsewhere, the Jovians have found the "City" in the ruins.  This is not just a
relic of the ancient culture that inhabited the solar system, but something that
alters the entire meaning of the conflict with the Earth.  What effect it will
have on the peace talks remains to be seen, but as Kusakabe plans to sit in on
them he gives Gen'ichirou a special task...

Bright found the contents of the anime very enlightening, though he thinks it's
somewhat dangerous if the entire Jovian federation is operating under the same
sentiment.  This is a bit different from what the Nadesico is doing, which is
preparing for a Gekiganger marathon.  Anyway, the Federation brass will 
support Bright's efforts to negotiate for peace.  Just then you get contacted
by Vice Admiral Kusakabe of the Jovians, who wants to start the talks quickly.
They'll begin in an hour.  Bright tells your people not to get careless, and
Amuro explains that while Tsukumo himself seems trustworthy enough, it
doesn't necessarily follow that _all_ the Jovians are that way.  Tsukumo 
protests that all Jovians believe in one justice, and Banjou asks
conciliatorily whether Tsukumo would object to some guards being on hand,
saying soothingly that it's just a mere formality.  Bright agrees, pointing
out that Tsukumo knows better than anyone how much the Lond Bel want peace.
Quatro asks Rome to be one of the guards - precisely _because_ Rome is not
an Earthling and is therefore a theoretically neutral party.  The Dangaioh 
team will help out too, despite Tsukumo's embarrassment.  Realizing that
the Jovians aren't good with handling women, Reina is to come along too after
Rome's brief objection is laid rest.  Bright and the others HOPE that things
will go well and make force unnecessary; they get ready for negotiations on
the ship Yumemidzuki.

Pai is, to say the least, not used to formal settings like this one.  Yurika
managed to dress Reina up in sailor fuku, which has Mia a bit puzzled.  Just
then, your people are given the "truce" that Kusakabe drafted.  This "truce"
includes provisions like total disarmament of the Earth Sphere, dismantling
all weapons, and transferral of all governmental powers to the Jovians.  Yurika
asks if these are the conditions for "peace" with the Jovians (they are), and
your people are rapidly losing patience with this.  Tsukumo asks Kusakabe
to rescind the document, based on the fact that your people also love
Gekiganger.  Watching Gekiganger again with your people, he realized that all
that is good about humanity (friendship, hard work, etc., and love!) are all
contained in that anime.  There should only be one justice!  Kusakabe then
shoots Tsukumo, proclaiming that the evil empire is to be defeated by
justice: THAT is the conclusion of Gekiganger!!  In short, it's only natural
that he follow the central theme of Gekiganger and suppress and destroy the
evil Earth.  As Reina protests that Kusakabe is merely clothing his own
ambition in the "justice" of the show, Minato cries out that that doesn't 
matter: somebody, save Tsukumo!  As Kusakabe is about to call for the
guards, the espers on the Dangaioh team spring into action.  With the talks
officially broken, your people scramble to retreat.  Gen'ichirou wonders why
the aliens would go so far to help the "evil" humans.  Kusakabe even claims
that the Earthlings are the ones that shot Tsukumo, as your people flee.

Your people make it back to the Nadesico, but Tsukumo's life is in grave
danger.  The more insightful of your people note that the Jovians probably
planned to kill Tsukumo from the start, making his death have meaning.
Your people do NOT like this at all, but Minato insists that saving Tsukumo's 
life is the highest priority.  He needs several organs transplanted,
and it's unclear even if you return to the moon whether there will be any
suitable donors.  Banjou, after hesitating, says there _is_ a way... on Mars.
The Meganoids definitely have the technology to fix something like this.  Kou
remembers their cybernetic technology, meant to "evolve" humans, but Banjou
is adamant that it's not "evolution" at all.  Unfortunately, it's your only
option now.  Said base is near those Martian ruins for sure, and Domon likes
the idea of a lightning strike on that base.  As your people scramble to
prepare, Akatsuki figures that this raid might just give him the chance he
wants to get close to those ruins...


Chapter 5. Ginga Kessen-Hen ("Galaxy Showdown")

Stage 95. MAAZU ATAKKU ("Mars Attack")

I have only five words for your team: "Geht yoh ahss to Mahs." [And please
don't tell me you don't get that reference @_@].  Akito is finally "home", but
he's come to fight or rather to save Shiratori's life.  Banjou meanwhile is
ready to finally end the Meganoids, and agrees with Garrison that some
champagne should be readied for both causes.  In any case, Banjou calls Colos
and Don out - and Colos is _completely_ thunderstruck to see Banjou here.
Unfortunately, Akatsuki and Erina take off without permission, and Prospector
figures he's got to hurry too.  The rest of your team prepares to fight, and
Colos realizes that you were the reason the ruins became active.  Colos
readies for the fight, and Milane hurriedly asks to handle things here.  The
bad news is that they have a large number of Neo-Jion mobile suits, taken from
Benmel's collection.  Even worse, you've got only ten turns before Shiratori
will be unsavable.

  One of the enemies has a Needleless Ampule.  So does another one.  And 
  another one.  And _another_ one.  One of the enemies has a Repair Kit S.

  Milane is worth a Mars Donburi.

  On turn 3, Colos shows up with more fake Daitarns.  And shitloads of other
  bad guys too, including the GP-02A Saisalis!  Colos figures that the cursed
  "nuclear" weapons the humans invented are a fitting way of killing off 
  those humans.  Some of Hazard's mecha are mixed in as well.  If you pulled 
  off the "snowy mountain" scene, Shirou has a great idea for how to take
  down the nuclear-tipped GP-02.  _If_ there's any time to spare, Shirou wants
  to try to snag the GP-02...

  Colos will blame her entire defeat on Banjou, who tells her goodbye.  She
  wonders why Banjou will never understand Don's heart, and Banjou says he
  hates - hates his father who created the cyborgs, used his mother and
  brother for his cybernetics experiments, killing them in the process!  Your
  other people, who've never heard of Banjou's past, are aghast.  Colos 
  insists that humanity will be ruined at this rate, and figures that the 
  humans who have flown to the heavens would understand that her decision is
  correct.  Banjou tells her that the decision isn't hers and Don's to make -
  it falls to all humans.  Colos says that the answer the humans produced was
  in fact the Megaborgs, and Banjou says that even if the means were correct
  _that_ answer was in error.  Colos counters that perhaps that means humans
  are an intrinsically impermissible thing themselves, and Banjou concedes that
  perhaps she's right.  After all, Colos is a great example of how a human
  could fill her heart with love (for Don), losing sight of everything else and
  becoming a Megaborg.  He continues that there's no need in this universe for
  the power that the Megaborgs boast of, which is only capable of satiating
  the human ego.  Now only Don's left, but where is he?  Colos is worth a
  High Powered Radar.

  (By the way, taking Colos out within six turns is worth a Skill Point.)

  ... However, upon beating Colos, Irubola pops out for the long-awaited
  grudge match.  Joe tells Romina that talking to this guy is useless, and
  the duel is on.  If you've met all the conditions, send Romina to Persuade
  him.  She tells him to cut all this out - she doesn't want to fight with
  him anymore.  She even offers to let him shoot down the Elshank if it'll
  stop his fighting.  Your other people are aghast, but don't move to stop
  her.  Except for Joe, who finds all this too much and says that Irubola's
  opponent is him.  Romina sadly notes that the Irubola she knew wasn't this
  kind of man, and all the Elshank's crew pleads with Irubola to come back
  to them.  He figures that he can't come back that easily, although Shaf
  tells Irubola that he should know better than anyone else that Romina's
  heart isn't that small.  The Gundam people marvel at this very dangerous
  gamble - not what you'd call the work of an accomplished military mind.
  Too bad Irubola just can't bring himself to take her up on it.  When Joe
  fights him, Irubola figures he has nowhere to return to - only his duel 
  with Joe remains.  As Joe agrees to fight this blockheaded dude, Mike
  and Lenier wonder what he means - while it's true that Hazard and such
  are gone...  Defeat him with Joe, and Irubola will start babbling an
  apology to the princess - he says he has no idea himself what he was
  thinking betraying her.  Romina pleads with him to escape before Zerokage
  explodes.  Irubola tells Joe to take care of Romina, and his mech in fact
  explodes just as Gamelan wonders if Joe could possibly save Irubola.
  Fortunately the blast throws Irubola clear of his mech, and Banjou has
  Garrison quickly recover Irubola while the rest of your people finish their
  work.  He's worth an Aura Converter.

  Moreover, on the second enemy turn after Colos supposedly buys it, she calls
  out for her "darling", which would be Don.  She's very glad to see that Don
  has reawakened (meanwhile bleeding profusely all over the landscape), and 
  Don pops out in person.  Excellen is totally overjoyed that Don's brain is
  visible for all to see and excitedly tries to show Kyousuke - he tells her to
  shut up and asks Banjou what the hell is going on.  Banjou helpfully points
  out that this is the boss of the Megaborgs: Don Zauser.  This gigantic dude
  is the final form of Dr. Hazan's cybernetic experiments.  Actually, Don
  seems like kind of an idiot despite his huge brain, and mentally retardedly
  notes that it is YOU all who have been tormenting and hurting Colos all
  this time.

  Don really really doesn't want to lose to Banjou, and Colos is quite sad to
  see him getting his ass kicked around.  Too bad Don doesn't manage to tell
  her he loves her before exploding.  By and large, this is a major victory
  for your side, and the Meganoids will surely never be revived this time...
  but Banjou outright hates this.  Don's worth a Large Cartridge.

With the bad guys defeated, Bright orders the land forces into the base at full
speed.  Banjou accompanies the group entering the base, fearing that there may
still be soldiers inside.  Rome brings Jet and Drill along too, as well as
Domon.

Akito is staring at Tsukumo's mech, glad that it still has someone to
pilot it (although said person is still unconscious).  Akito isn't worried
about whether Tsukumo will help your cause or not - he's just glad that
another Gekiganger fan didn't die.  As the other Aestivalis pilots join the
conversation, Akito realizes that he never thought about how "justice" is
defined - for example, by some majority of people who think the same way.
Akito thinks he no longer cares about justice, but Gai drags him off to show
him something.  There could only be one thing that would get Gai so fired
up...

Kusakabe is delivering an impassioned speech to the Jovians, vowing to 
overthrow the evil Earthlings who answered their overtures for peace with 
the death of Tsukumo just like in Gekiganger ep. 39.  "There is only one
justice."  Gen'ichirou is, to say the least, not enthusiastic.

Bright is worried about two remaining things on Mars, now that the Megaborgs
are toast.  Those ruins, and The Boom, whose emperor Annex they all figure is
still alive.  Irubola chimes in at that point, saying you needn't worry about
that.  Irubola is about to apologize to Joe when Joe tells him to shut up,
accept people's forgiveness, and do things right this time around.  He explains
what he heard from Hazard about Annex's downfall, noting that the army isn't
precisely destroyed just because of Annex's death... merely, their plans to
invade are presumably off.  He proposes returning to their own solar system,
but Romina won't hear of abandoning your people here now.  Irubola accepts her
rather strong pledge of support to the Lond Bel without complaint.  In any
case, you can confirm the story later, but still have those ruins to worry
about.  It's clear that Nergal wanted to suppress whatever is there, and Bright
is about to contact the Nadesico and move everyone to those ruins when the
Nadesico radios in instead about an emergency at those ruins.  Banjou realizes
that Nergal has made its move, and asks Yurika if she noticed anything unusual
about the two employees that took off on their own before the battle.  In
fact, Reika has learned that "Akatsuki Nagare" is in fact none other than the
president of Nergal!  Whether he was on the Nadesico to keep an eye on it, or
whether he was just there to have fun as Ruri surmises, Yurika has received
word that a Nergal battalion has deployed at the ruins.  Bright won't let this
slide, and orders his ships to head there at top speed.  Seems that Mars is
one dangerous place...

Akatsuki greets you once you reach the ruins, a bit disappointed that you
already know his identity.  Your people's patience is very thin as they demand
to know what he's up to with these ruins.  Prospector starts explaining, 
saying that Nergal found the ruins by accident while digging up a mountain
at Mars' pole.  These ruins are of the same composition as the Tulip Crystals,
with something even more impressive inside.  Prospector says that that
impressive thing is merely a system (not an obvious weapon or something), which
seems to become more active when something materializes from inside a Tulip,
or any Boson Jump in general.  Benkei isn't getting this at all, and Hayato
agrees to fill him in on everything later.  Ruri realizes that these ruins are
the control system for Boson Jumping, and Erina notes that if it can be
analyzed it would be possible to totally monopolize organic Boson Jumping.
At least she sort of mentions that peace would descend over the war as a side
effect of Nergal's position of dominance.  In any case, Akatsuki is confidently
trying to fend your people off, as Yurika orders the Transposition Cannon
made ready to fire, aimed straight at the Martian pole.  Akatsuki demands to
know what she's doing, and she replies that it's precisely because this thing
exists that there's a war going on.  Hazuki urges her to stop, saying this
is the crucial key to ending the war with the Jovians.  Quatro figures there's
no choice but to take over the place yourself, and Bright agrees.  Akatsuki
sorties his mecha, and your people realize that they'll have to fight enemies
with Distortion Fields - not the end of the world, but something to be careful
of.

But before people can sortie, Ines pops on with the final episode of Naze Nani
Nadesico, all about Boson Jumping.  Ines is broadcasting from roughly 14 km
under the planet's surface, in the lowest level of the ruins.  Before your
people can figure out how she got there, she explains that John Wayler and
Richard Feynman predict that whenever we make an EM impulse, two waves are
created: the early wave and late wave.  The late wave is what orders time -
like what's used for television.  And the early wave travels backward in time,
going into the past.  Ordinarily, this early wave is cancelled out by the 
late wave.  But what if there were some undiscovered particle that doesn't
interact with the late wave?  This is a difficult concept, and as Kosaku notes
would imply that matter comprised of such particles would travel into the 
past.  Ines agrees, saying that she's named such particles "Retrospect".  In
this model, the instant teleportation you've been calling Boson Jumping could
actually be seen as time travel instead.  (Most of your people can't follow
this).  If that theory is correct, then the thing in charge of controlling
the resulting time lag is quite possibly these ruins.  Rome realizes what 
destroying those ruins would mean: the loss of this giant computer that keeps
track of the difference between present and past would mean Boson Jumping could
never be used again.  Anyway, it seems that your people have things basically
in hand, so Ines tells Akito to come to the ruins.  She could have brought him
even without using a CC, but she'd prefer not to stir up the ruins that much.
Bright allows Akito to go, noting that Ines seems very sad somehow...  Who
Ines has found is "Ai", someone who Akito hasn't yet met...


Stage 96. Enzan UNITTO wo Ubae! ("Steal the Operations Unit")

Bright orders everyone to defend Akito while he makes his way to the ruins.
Domon observes that despite the long chat beforehand, it all comes down to
crossing fists with the enemy.  The question is still, what's up with those
ruins, and how did Ines get there - or more to the point, what she plans to
show him there.  Yurika is still planning on wiping out the ruins after Akito
is done there, but Akatsuki pops out and chides you all to treat your cultural
heritage more carefully.  He has the gall to suggest to Banjou that there 
could be something in it for the Hazan Foundation if Nergal is allowed to
study the ruins in peace.  Banjou happily tells him that it sounds like a good
deal - but hardly one worth more than peace between the Earth and Jupiter.
Yurika pleads with Akatsuki to get out of the way so she can wipe out the
ruins, and he notes rather incredulously that the Nadesico crew's stubborn
insistence on doing things "their way" is Gekiganger down to a T.  Akito
furiously yells out that he's thrown away Gekiganger after seeing the Jovians:
he now realizes the true identity of this thing he's loved for so long: an
enemy to be defeated!  Akatsuki tells him that that's only a one-sided way of
looking at it: everyone has their own version of justice.  He points out that
in HIS favorite anime, both the good and bad guys had justice on their side -
he even suggests that Akito hasn't watched enough anime.  And then tells Akito
that little brats like him shouldn't stick their nose into adults' business.
This is going nowhere slow, meaning it's time to switch into "Big Stick" mode,
preferably shoved all the way up Akatsuki's ass if the plot would let me have
my way (which it won't).  Akatsuki notes that he's specially tuned up these
Aestivalises, and equipped them with Nergal's best AI.  Even when genuinely
pissed off at Akatsuki, Izumi manages to make a GLORIOUSLY dreadful pun.
Unfortunately, you have to NOT shoot down Akatsuki, since Bright plans to ask
him ALL sorts of stuff after the battle.

  Get Akito to the ruins to make things happen.  Do it within four turns for
  a Skill Point.  It should be _easily_ doable in three.

    In fact, the whole battle can be finished in six. ^_^

  When Akito gets there, Akatsuki says that there's no need for your people to
  post guards: he has no interest in wrecking the ruins himself.  He points out
  that there's no need to quarrel needlessly, and while Ines and Akito are down
  in the ruins Yurika obviously can't fire either.  Your people figure that
  Akatsuki planned things this way all along, which is why he used AIs in the
  mass-production Aestis and not real pilots.  Akatsuki stops Akito before he
  can thank him for setting this up, saying that he doesn't want to be seen as
  that soft-hearted a man... the question is, who does Ines intend to 
  introduce Akito to?  Yurika realizes it's Ai-chan, and Ruri takes it upon
  herself to explain in Ines' absence.  Essentially, Ai was an acquaintance
  of Akito's before he Boson Jumped to Earth, and being unable to save her is
  one of the sources of Akito's trauma.  However, Ai did not die then...  Ai
  is cutely impatiently waiting for Akito, and tells Ines she smells nice.
  She remembers the moment of Akito's departure, but doesn't really seem to
  have realized that everyone else is dead.

  But wait, there's more!  As in more Jovians, who are all determined to keep
  you from getting your hands on the ruins.  All the activity the nearby 
  Boson Jumps caused are making the ruins go nuts, scaring Ai.  Ines implores
  Akito to hurry, lest Ai boson jump again.  Ai begins to cry, saying that
  she hasn't even met Akito yet, but Ines tells her consolingly that she will,
  one day, for sure...  Akito arrives, slightly too late, although Ines 
  thinks this may be for the best.  With all the bad guys on the scene, a
  tough decision will have to be made about the ruins, but Ines says that there
  is _a_ way, if you can fend said bad guys off.  This is much easier for your
  people to understand, and Akatsuki figures he may as well help out too.

  One of the enemies has a Propellant Tank S.

  Kill off Kusakabe and he'll _still_ be insisting justice is on his side.
  Gai yells at him to shut the fuck up, saying that someone who would kill his
  own comrade isn't fit to speak of Gekiganger.  He's worth a Distortion Block.

  When you down Gen'ichirou, he realizes that Shiratori's version of justice
  was the correct one after all.  He's worth a Super Alloy nu-Z.

  Saburouta can do nothing but cry out for his captain's help.  He's worth a
  Space Abacus.

  Akiyama has little to say, and is worth a Biosensor.

Akito asks Ines what became of Ai-chan.  Ines tells him that the "I" in Ines is
alphabetical, and that "Ai" had been caught up when Akito Boson Jumped.  In
fact she got sent back to ancient Mars, and was subsequently sent back here
by the people who made the ruins (!!!!!!!)  But when she was sent back, she
ended up in the middle of a desert... twenty years ago.  The shock made her
lose her memory, and after getting picked up by a passing Nergal survey
team...  Akito apologizes to Ai for never being able to save her, but Ines
tells Akito that she's met him at long last.  Ines then asks Yurika to come
join them, since she can Boson Jump too (startling the Nadesico bridge crew).

Ines then happily tells a very perplexed Bright what's going on.  The plan is
to extract the Operations Unit at the core of the ruins.  She reassures Shouhei
that these ruins make no distinction between time and space - in short, even
if cut off they should continue to function just fine.  How conveeeeeenient.
Next, the three Boson-Trigger people will send the Operations Unit somewhere
far beyond either your own or the Jovians' reach.  For some reason your dudes
are extremely dubious despite Ines' clear explanation, and carry on about
having "no choice" but to pray for the success of these three eccentric folks.
Nothing happens immediately, so Ines tells Akito and Yurika to kiss.  The
explanation is that a stronger field, from a stronger connection between them,
is necessary.  Jet asks Rome of kissing makes humans power up, and Rome says
that although he's never heard of it he figures it's possible if it strengthens
their affinity for each other.  Reina likes the sound of this and asks Mia
and Ranba to try it (BWHAHAHA!)  When this doesn't pan out, she asks Joe and
Mike to try (oh man!)  Yurika just doesn't want to go through with this, and
adding to the pressure is the fact that all the Jovians can see the scene live.
Yurika manages to tell Akito why she's hesitating: she figures he feels a sense
of obligation to Ai-chan, but Akito finally slaps her.  He tells her that he's
seen the last episode of Gekiganger 3, which Gai forced him to watch before
launch.  According to Akito, it was terrible... terrible, but still thrilling.
It showed Gekiganger 3 and Gekiganger V fighting together as one, and Akito,
the Akito that liked Gekiganger and believed in all its hot-bloodedness, wants
to believe in his feelings - and this finally gets around to him loving Yurika.
When Yurika says she loves him back, Kyousuke asks Ruri to turn off the 
connection and let them have their privacy.  Ruri rather wants to go on
listening, but Excellen reminds her that she keeps calling herself a "child",
and Ruri, blushing, accedes.  As they kiss, the Unit goes somewhere far far
away.

The Jovians, hearing all this, realize that they've been totally had.  Bright
then hails them, saying that since there's no longer any reason to fight over
these ruins, assuming they choose to believe in your people.  Bright announces
that your people are withdrawing, and the Jovians can investigate the ruins
at their leisure.  Hopefully this has been the last battle with the Jovians.
Said Jovians are preparing to pull out, and Gen'ichirou realizes that the
so-called Justice he tried to achieve by shooting Tsukumo has come to
this.  He tells everyone that the don't understand his feelings, and the other
youngsters start to realize that the love scene they saw played out before
them isn't half bad - the "evil" Earthlings have managed to suppress their
anger and hate.  Makes sense, given that the Jovians originally came from 
Earth.  Gen'ichirou thinks to Tsukumo that he will once more try to find
his own Justice...and to do that...

Anyway, the Jovians have been confirmed leaving Mars and the Earth Sphere.
After Admiral Misumaru gets over the fact that the grown-up Yurika and Akito
kissed, he says that the Federation would really like to pursue peace talks
with the Jovians, but with the Federation government in a shambles that's 
rather hard.  The plan is to solve the other problems, stabilizing the 
government in the background.  That means the Bunker and the Einsts, plus Muge.
Misumaru wishes everyone well, and thanks the aliens profusely for their help
in this fight.  Quatro is rather distressed that rebuilding the Earth is
top priority for the Federation - nothing seems to have changed since the
previous war...

Anyway, the Nadesico is all ready to do its part to help.  Minato is back in
action, after Shiratori regained consciousness and (lovingly) scolded her for
shirking her duties.  Tsukumo is in fact eager to fight on your side,
apologizing extensively for the faults in the Jovian government that made his
best friend Gen'ichirou shoot him.  He plans to reveal himself to the Jovians
when peace returns to Earth, and help effect changes - and begs you to take
him in until then.  Yurika can't formally shield him, since this is originally
a civilian ship, but she _does_ tell him that as their _guest_, he should do as
he sees fit.  This all works out great, and a round of Gekiganger watching
ensues.

However, Pai's ready to leave the team, saying she's found a different way of
life.  Your people point out to her that the Dangaioh won't work if even one
of its machines is missing - moreover, Pai is trying to drag Roll along as
well.  Pai finally manages to say that she's getting her memory back, and is
going to see whether she's right or not.  Mia wants to know why they can't all
four go together, and Pai says that if her memory is correct, she'll become
an enemy of the Lond Bel.  As Pai drags Roll off, Mia scrambles to follow, 
dragging Ranba along just like the Beast Machine squad.

Gil has detected the Dangaioh coming in separated form towards Garimos's
flagship.  Garimos, having expected this, tells Gil not to lay a finger on
them - while he won't forgive those who betrayed the Bunker, he wants to see
Tarsan's ultimate creation in action.  He'll let Gil have his way with it if
it's looking like it'll be useless.

Tarsan has been contacted by your people, and after some blather it comes out
that the Dangaioh is probably returning to the Bunker - due to Pai regaining
her memory.  Your people _could_ try a lightning raid to protect the Dangaioh
team, though it is looking very very dangerous.  There are a L-O-T of them, 
and it's unlikely you could make it there safely having to fight through
them: several tens of thousands of them.  FORTUNATELY, you can just warp to the
enemy flagship and take out the leader, ignoring the small fry.  Once this is
proposed, there's no stopping it...


Stage 97. Seishin no Kokoro Ni ("Within the Earnest Heart")

Roll doesn't precisely want to be a pirate, and reminds Pai that it's precisely
because they all didn't want to be sold to these folks that they left Tarsan's
place to begin with.  Pai tells him to shut up - she's remembered what her
place to return to is.  She notes that nobody has shown up to meet her, and
says "I'm home" to her father.  Said shadowy father notes that she's run away
from Tarsan, but she says that it's all because Tarsan tried to brainwash her.
The "father" tells her that she betrayed the Bunker, and that the Bunker 
doesn't believe those who've betrayed it once.  Pai implores her father to
show her his face, to look at her - she's now her father's obedient daughter,
Parias.  Garimos tells her that he left her with Tarsan to have her esper
powers amplified and to become an invincible weapon: he won't believe people
who don't risk their life.  As Roll watches in disbelief, Garimos tells Pai
to prove that she's become the strongest weapon, a killing machine, if she 
wants him to accept her.  Predictably, the way to do that would be her killing
Roll, and predictably, Pai looks ready to do precisely that.  But then she
hesitates, wondering aloud why she returned here - only so she could see what
kind of person she really is.  Somehow or other, she seems to decide that she
prefers being the traitor Pai.  Just then, the rest of the team appears,
forgives Pai on the spot, and hastily combine to face the nefarious Captain
Garimos.  Pai tells her former father that she's changed, having found
happiness and a human father who cares for her happiness.  There was a human
man who fought to correct her real father's mistakes, which is why SHE is </pre><pre id="faqspan-15">
going to go on fighting.  Of course, this is what Garimos has been expecting,
as more of his goons come out.  This includes Burst and Flash, who seem to 
want to kill off Roll in some spectacular slashtastical yaoi tableau in front
of Garimos.  Roll is not having this, and vows to his teammates that he'll
overcome his past.

  Kill three enemies in two turns for a Skill Point.

  On turn three, the Nadesico successfully warps onto the scene.  Time for a
  royal ass-whuping.  As Pai begins to tell your people that this used to be
  her home, Banjou tells her that she doesn't have to talk about painful stuff
  in her past in the midst of this battle.  However, Duke passes along a
  message from Tarsan that he sees her like a daughter, and hopes she comes
  home soon.  In any case, you need to finish this within ten more turns, so
  you can get your butt out of dodge and not get overwhelmed by the tens of
  thousands of enemies around you.

  To be clear, you need to finish by turn 13.  You can easily finish within
  turn 10.

  When there are fewer than ten enemies left, Garimos calls upon Gil to come
  forth.  Gil's not in any mood to listen to Mia's "why must we fight" speech,
  but Pai tells him that she, like him, once thought that heart and pity were
  unnecessary in battle... and she was wrong.  Basically, he's only going to
  understand force.

  One of the enemies has a Repair Kit S.  Another has a Mars Donburi.

  In a container in a visible secret room is 50,000 credits.  In a container
  in a hidden breakable wall near Garimos is a V-Up Unit(U).

  Flash can't believe he's dying - it should be Roll who dies.  He sucks.
  And is worth a High Performance Targeter.  Burst is much traumatized, but
  Gil is merely derisive of Flash as a small fry.

  Butt-buddy Burst is similarly effeminate when he gets taken out.  He's worth
  a Shuffle Crest.  The Dangaioh muses that these guys were no fun to fight
  not because of hatred or rage, but because of their _lust_ for battle.
  Garimos says that that's precisely what drives the Bunker.  Roll is not
  having that either.

  When you toast Gil, you learn that Gil had thought he was the ultimate
  warrior Tarsan had created.  In fact, his mech is pretty buff, but Duke tells
  Gil that he lost the moment he cast his body into the flames of revenge.
  He's toast, and worth a Crest of the Wolf.

  Take out Garimos and there will be much rejoicing amongst your people.
  Actually, he's not quite dead yet.  In fact, he's really pissed off that
  he's about to die despite the fact that YOUR people brought the treasure
  yourselves to right under his nose.  Hayato demands to know what Garimos
  intended to do with the Mutron Energy sealed behind the Star of La Mu.
  Garimos says it's quite obvious: he's taken over many planets in the name
  of the Bunker, to conquer all of space would require eternal life.  Your
  people are quite dubious - life is only worth living because of the impetus
  provided by its limitedness: so said Kirai Stoll.  Rome realizes that this
  is just like the tails of the High Libido... what connection exists between
  Chronos and the Earth??  Garimos scoffs at the fact that your people don't
  know the true value of the treasure, and of how proud Akira was that his
  mother protected it for so long.  Pai points out to him that this is why he
  just lost, and before he can utter a witty rejoinder to his daughter he
  massively explodes.  She, for her part, is resolved to live her own way -
  regardless of whatever any parents have to say on the subject.  In any case,
  the bad guys are in chaos but are still heading your way - time to bug out
  FAST.  Pai figures that she's lost her place to go home to, just like Ranba.
  Your other dudes point out to her that she can never lose that sort of thing
  forever, and a couple pointed (but caring) words from Shinobu get her back
  to her usual self.  And though it's scant comfort to Mia, that was the only
  way Gil could have gone out.  Rome points out that another captain of the
  Bunker will be born and you'll probably have to fight them again some day...

  Garimos is worth a Lilith Royal Crest.

Your dudes synchronize coordinates and get ready to jump out of here.  However,
some mysterious figure calls upon the agitated souls of his universe to vent
their fury open the foolish humans.  The result is that your dudes warp out
somewhere VERY abnormal.  Their position cannot be determined, but this
definitely isn't Earth.  Well, Hazuki has a very good idea where you are:
Muge Space - the very thing that Hazuki feared ever since Muge Zolbados's
avatar nearly destroyed the Dankuuga.  Guess what this means: this is the
final summit in your battles!  All you've got to do is take out Muge, and
then the Einsts, figure Excellen and Kyousuke.  This makes sense to Quatro,
who notes that both of those forces seem to have extensive power over alternate
dimensions.  Your people ponder what this all means, and Rome wonders about
the "duty" that Gades talked about for the Chronosians.  If such a thing
was actually chosen, then what would the "duty" of the Einsts be?  Kouji tells
Rome not to think to hard: your dudes "duty" is beating down the bad guys,
and the Einsts' "duty" is stopping you.  Duke hopes he's right, and Kyousuke
suspects that Kouji may not be entirely wrong...


Stage 98. Ushinawareta Mono-tachi E no Chinkonka ("Requiem for the Lost")

Muge (OH so mysterious...) says that the winds of his space are troubled, and
says that living beings live longer by mastering the winds of their own area.
For whatever reason, he figures your people aren't that wise.  Well, Shinobu
sure recognizes this place.  The rest of your team really doesn't like the 
look of this weird red place.  The odd thing is that there are no enemies,
just this strange landscape with its floating rocks and its inundation with
some evil aura.  In fact, Shapiro shows up - Sara is happy to see him, if only
because she can finally kill his ass for good.  He's acting somewhat smug, and
in addition to all the goons and Einsts on his side, he's got a Gilgilgan or
several.  Apparently they like it here.  APPARENTLY they're the aged form of
Einsts.

  Your people will be very glad when they finally send Shapiro to hell.  
  Shapiro figures that Sara will be joining him there sooner or later, and
  she tells him she's had enough of his sour grapes.  Anyway, he's toast.  So
  where's Muge?  Your sensitive people can feel him watching you.  A few more
  Einsts come out, including a Regisia.  Basically, Muge seems to be watching
  your struggles, from somewhere close.  Shapiro is worth a Psychoframe.

  When you down the Regiseia, it says that its role is finished.  It's worth a
  V-Up Unit(W).

  Other enemies have a Cartridge and a Super Alloy Z.

  Muge had wanted to watch you a bit longer, but decides to sortie himself.
  He tells your shocked people that he's back because the Universe clearly 
  needs him again.  Tetsuya is unimpressed, and Shinobu tells Muge to spit out
  what he wants to say and be done with it.  More or less, your people are all
  looking forward to breaking out of this world Muge has dragged you into, and
  returning him to the darkness in the process.  Muge once again calls all you
  Earthlings fools, and says that Shapiro is the only human worth calling a 
  "man" for figuring out what the rest of you fail to grasp: space wants
  evolution, but humans can no longer want that.  Ryouma says that this is
  nonsense: look at all the people like Dr. Saotome who are researching things
  to open up mankind's future.  Excellen somehow says that humans must
  escape their flesh - overcome beast and intellect and become gods.  Well, 
  Muge claims that HE is the end product of all the evolution that humanity
  wants.  Alfimi shows up and agrees: Muge is one form of human evolution, and
  is what the Einsts were searching for.  Kyousuke asks if she's so sure about
  that - he tells her that if the Einsts are seeking the form of human
  evolution, she'd better quit now.  Excellen tells her "other self" that if
  the Einsts really want an "ultimate", they'd be mistaken to use humanity as a
  starting point.  As your people begin to realize what this "other self"
  business means, Muge says that it's not mistaken to start from humanity:
  _he_ is what humanity is with all its weaknesses and incomplete areas
  removed.  Shinobu doesn't care whether Muge is telling the truth or not, or
  what Alfimi's true objectives or identity are: he's the enemy because he's
  causing chaos throughout space.  Alfimi wonders why your people haven't
  realized that that way of thinking is what's causing the chaos, and Rome 
  says it's because THAT is what the Universe really wants.  All life forms,
  good or bad, live and fight so that their children can be born, to live and
  fight again.  Which is why Reideen is helping Akira out!  Too bad that
  Reideen wasn't able to do any more than sink the Muge to the bottom of the
  ocean.  Muge's heard enough, and basically plans to wipe out all out.
  Shinobu at the very least isn't gonna take shit off someone conceited enough
  to call themselves the "ultimate" anything.

  Alfimi flees at 30% of her HP, and is worth a Skill Point and a Spiritual
  Energy Device.  BUT, if you don't kill her...

  Muge won't believe that you beat him not once, but TWICE - he, the ultimate
  in human evolution.  Ryou notes that the ultimate form of evolution is 
  said to be death; and if so, it becomes Muge quite nicely.  As Muge dies 
  messily, he demands to know why he was chosen if not because of his
  ultimateness.  Alfimi tells him that in fact he wasn't chosen at all, and
  that it was all a <mumble> for the sake of a new <murmur>.  All Muge's 
  remaining minions will evaporate with his death.  He's worth a Halo(!)
  Alfimi says that the time has now come, but Kyousuke says that no time will
  come at all... but it _is_ her turn to die next.  Excellen adds that this
  ultimate form of evolution is meaningless before everyone's emotions here.
  Alfimi can't comprehend this, and leaves too.

  This battle can actually be defeated in six turns, especially if you kill
  Muge before Alfimi.

Kyousuke is thinking about the reason Alfimi was "created", and figures that
she can't be saved.  Hazuki is fretting over the notion of Muge being the
end product of evolution - if he is, then all the work all your scientists are
doing may be heading in the wrong direction.  Quatro too is pondering this
notion of human evolution and renewal.

Suddenly, the environment around you begins to change, and several strange
stones appear around you: a Stone Circle!  The stones are like a more developed
version of what was floating around the Saotome lab.  Looks like you're not 
out of Muge Space yet.  Excellen issues a warning to Bright, telling him that
you all have to go NOW, before it's too late.  She says something about how
this space is expanding, and if it does...  Romina seizes the initiative, and
learns that the Nadesico has precisely one more CC.  All ships can repair 
your mecha, but this will be the last trip you all can make.  Bright resolves
to enter into the space the Einsts are creating - and nobody knows what will
happen next...


Stage 99. Soshite Kessen no Ginga E ("And To the Galaxy of Final Battles")

Your people are now in the Einsts' dimension - a space virtually identical to
conditions on Earth.  Excellen says that this place is not Earth but is
"space itself".  Alfimi pops up and says that this place exists to expand, and
head toward the beginning.  Your Newtypes can feel this place expanding, and
Puru is afraid of how it seems to drain away human will.  The odd thing is
that this space, devoid of everything except space itself, is oddly comforting
after the wash of conflicting emotions from all your battles.  Alfimi's
strategy seems to be to attack you with all the various bosses from the game
at once, although they're only piloted by AIs.  The odd thing is that Omoikane
thinks this is the first time you're fighting them all.  Alfimi made them
all... but Domon points out that it's almost as though this is _all_ the enemy
thinks it will take to beat you - quite an underestimate.  OR, perhaps these
are just some form of stall tactic.  Guess your only option is wiping them
all out and forcing the real bad guys to show up.  As your people ready for
battle, a bunch of Einsts show up, including TWO Regiseias.  THIS means, that
the Regiseia isn't the actual main bad guy after all.  Alfimi has made some
new form of life at the end of all your experiences, and THAT will be your
final enemy.

  One of the Regisia is worth a Distortion Block.  The other is worth a V-Up
  Unit(U).

  When you defeat Alfimi, she notes that a new rhythm has begun in the will
  of the universe.  In fact, that will is about to become incarnate.  But for
  this to happen, life is necessary.  Something starts happening to the Star
  of La Mu, and Reideen begins to resonate fiercely.  In spectacular fashion,
  the Neue Regiseia appears.  This is the first time an Einst has spoken to you
  directly.  It announces that a new evolution is about to begin, and mumbles
  something to the effect that humans are incomplete compared to Muge or the
  people on the organic asteroid.  It says there was a flaw in the very seeds
  of life sewn on the original land, i.e. the Earth.  In other words, ALL life
  began on Earth.  Earth has all the various ingredients of other life: 
  spiritual power, destructive weaponry, and so on.  In fact, that humanity is
  continuing to evolve through Aura Power, Newtype abilities that manifest
  outside the "cradle" of the Earth, and so on.  The "defect" is that such
  evolution produces people like Hamarn and Scirocco, and victims like Lalah
  Sun.  According to the Einsts, the universe is in the process of contracting,
  its evolution finished.  Banjou finds this amusing, and points out that
  even though there may have been one beginning for life, its evolution 
  proceeds in many different directions: and if it's the Einst's job to watch
  over and protect that, they've gone too far this time.  Rome agrees, 
  accepting the Chronosian "destiny" to fight and daring the Einsts to brand
  him as "obsolete" if they can.  Neue figures that all you all can do is
  destroy, but Kyousuke tells Neue that all HE can do is hit "reset" when he's
  lost control.  And Alfimi is nothing more than one more victim of that 
  narrow-minded view.  As Kyousuke continues to berate the hypocrisy of Neue,
  Alfimi switches sides, now desiring to see for herself... to find out whether
  this feeling she feels for Kyousuke is merely destined to be crushed under
  this "new world".  As Neue is about to start lamenting choosing the people
  of the original land as his base, Kyousuke tells him to shut up and asserts
  that the direction of this galaxy, whatever it may be, will be decided by
  its living residents, not by Neue.

  Take down Neue and it wonders why it couldn't become a new life form.
  Excellen tells him that he wasn't chosen, that his role was only to watch
  over the evolving space that began at the original land.  And Kyousuke
  figures _his_ and Excellen's role was to guide those capable of defeating
  it.  Killing Neue will immediately end the battle, which may be just as well
  given that Neue himself has 99k HP and a large assortment of unpleasant
  weapons...

Neue is having trouble understanding all of this - he says that in accordance
with the will of the universe, his people watched over the original land.
Ryouma has heard of this "will of the universe" from Dr. Saotome - a volition
that nurtures life forms.  One of the ways it does this is Getter Rays.  Neue
says that various and sundry dangerous powers blossom one after the other in
the original land - when it realized this, it was judged necessary to learn
about the humans who unify those powers... and the experiments were carried
out on Excellen and Kyousuke.  Alfimi tells Excellen that her body was all but
burned away in the explosion, so that she was given a body transplant from the
Einsts and brought back to life... and afterwards, Alfimi was constructed.
Ruri can't bear the thought of Alfimi being made for the convenience of other
people.  Domon realizes that Alfimi's creation was accomplished in much the
same way as the fake Kyouji was - from data left in his mech.  Kyousuke then
asks why he wasn't chosen too - if he had been taken as well none of this might
have ever happened.  Alfimi tells him that it's because he hadn't died then -
he actually would have survived the accident anyway: a genuine miracle.
Kouji angrily tells the Einsts that they suck at studying Excellen - they made
a terrible copy.  Alfimi sadly says that she's nothing more than an empty
copy of Excellen, and Neue simply CANNOT figure out why he wasn't able to make
a proper copy of humans.  As Neue's aura fades out, Reideen tells Akira that
it's all over.  Excellen happily tells Alfimi that their error was only taking
_her_ if they wanted to make humans: a guy would be necessary too.  Amuro is
mildly amazed that the Einsts missed out on such an elementary fact.  Kyousuke
thinks this is sort of an unfitting end for those who have watched over the
Earth for so long.  Your people then invite Alfimi to return with you, in
gratitude for her help in saving the world and stuff - Romina tells her that
she's a perfectly wonderful human.  Alfimi says that there's no time, and the
entrance to this subspace suddenly closes.  According to Alfimi, two universes
aren't allowed to exist in the same space, but the Dangaioh team recalls Tarsan
saying that the Earth, as a nexus of special power, is visible from everywhere
in space.  In desperation, your Newtypes start hooking together the Biosensors
with the radar...  On Earth, everyone prays for your people's success...
Amuro then adds in a Psychoframe, and tells everyone to wish REALLY hard to
return to Earth and lend him their strength.  The rest of the team is openly
skeptical that prayer will help, until Quatro points out that it's not about
superstition, it's about will and the rhythm of life made incarnate.  Your
people all get into the spirit, with Excellen and Kyousuke agreeing to try to
fix the original land from scratch.  More good wishes from the folks back
at the ranch.  With all the good vibrations and a little help from the Sword-
Wolf, Seabook can finally feel the direction that the Earth lies in...

And you make it.  No real surprise there, although Amuro is very glad the
Psychoframe did everything it's supposed to (no comment from Quatro).  Cue the
mushy stuff about everyone throughout space being "brothers" by virtue of all
coming from this original land.  Over Bright's objections, Garrison has
champagne ready to celebrate this victory.  Kyousuke then leads Excellen away
from the festivities to go see Alfimi, who managed to follow you all.  Alfimi
is finally happy, and that happiness is her own and not just a copy of what
Excellen feels.  Unfortunately, her mech is in the process of collapsing, and
she can't escape from it - she was born from it, and can't exist apart from
it.  She explodes, leaving our morose heros to ponder her fate.

Well, Bright formally announces that all the civilians who helped the Lond Bel
have to leave the ship.  Looks like all the super robots will be under
Federation control from now on...  Your people all discuss plans for what to
do now that the war is over.  Camille for instance wants to go with Fa to the
bottom of the Earth's gravity well and see what Amuro and Lalah once saw.
Professor Mikamura won't be held responsible for all the Devil Gundam mess
that Urube caused.  Etc. etc.  Quatro is actually planning on leaving the 
military now that the Lond Bel is being split up - Amuro tells Char that the
next time they meet, they may be enemies.  Chain is appalled by this, and seeks
some kind of reassurance from Char, but he merely tells her to be a good woman.

Excellen and Kyousuke discuss what to do next.  Kyousuke will stay in the
military, but there's something disturbing.  Although all the Einsts seem to
have been destroyed or at least scattered w/ the loss of their big central
one, Excellen _herself_ is still left.  Kyousuke tells her not to worry - if
worse comes to worse he'll kill her himself: so she should stay right by his
side.  She finds this comforting, and it looks like all will be well...

    - ROLL CREDITS -

HOWEVER, if you have 50 or more Skill Points, all is not yet over.


Chapter 6. Gekishuu no Shaa-Hen ("Char's Counterattack")


Suddenly, Amuro encounters Lalah's ghost, who tells him that "he" is coming.
Amuro tells her not to think that she can make him and Char her possessions,
but she says that she merely wants to watch the two of them now that her
consciousness has expanded out to infinity.  Amuro calls this egotistical, and
she says that she wants to be between him and Char for all eternity.  Amuro
yells at her to reject Char, and she responds that Char is "simple"...  This
all seems to be a dream, and Amuro is rather pissed off that he's started
having this dream again... but why?

Elsewhere, Nanai explains that dropping Axis on Earth will cause something
akin to a nuclear winter: an act of evil that nobody in Earth's history has
yet matched.  Char is prepared to live with that, and believes in the
restoration that will come to the humans who left the Earth.  He figures that
_someone's_ got to do the dirty work of turning all humanity into Newtypes.
What he figured out in this big war is that humanity can't change as long as
it stays stuck in the "original land".  He fears the birth of a second, or 
third wave of Einsts, and is counting on Nanai for help on this operation.
He'll be accompanying Axis and waiting for her arrival.  Nanai will be taking
Quess along, a Newtype so strong she can even control Funnels without a 
Psychoframe...

The news is getting broken to your dudes about Char's plan, and other people
are hastily being assembled.  The bad news is that Bright can't think of a way
to stop this with just the Gundam folks - the good news is that he's contacted
Hazuki to get all the super robots to help.  Your people all begin to gather,
wondering precisely what Char is up to.


Stage 100. Imawashiki Kioku to Tomo ni ("Along With Abominable Memories")

Your people, lead by Amuro in the Nu Gundam (you've got no choice in that
matter) show up, later than Char expected.  Char explains his actions by
saying that the humans left on Earth are souls ensnared by gravity: pollutants.
Judou calls that a mere obsession on Char's part, but Char reminds all your
people that after every single war that threatened the Earth, nothing changed.
Char has taken it upon himself to force the changes through himself,
proclaiming the elimination of all Earthnoids who can only think of themselves.
Excellen and Kyousuke can see that Quatro has ideas beyond the mere
destruction of Earth humanity, but they still don't think these means are
justified.  Amuro yells out that humans have no right to punish other humans,
but Char isn't convinced.  Bright demands to know why, if someone must 
shoulder mankind's burdens, Char feels he must do it himself, and in this
fashion.  All Char wants to do is return the Earth to its original state, and 
renew mankind.  Looks like there's no choice but to fight.  There are exactly
ten turns until Axis becomes unstoppable.  Char wills Axis to hurry, along
with all the abominable memories it carries...

  On turn 4, Gyunei and his goons show up, along with Quess.  Char says that
  young power is necessary for the renewal, though Camille is MOST upset that
  Char would stoop to exploiting children towards this end.  Kyousuke tells
  Excellen that he hopes _both_ sides are right in this argument, and your
  people resolve not to lose in this fight.  A mysterious figure agrees,
  telling your people that winning over conflicting viewpoints is the mark of
  a true hero.  It's the Nadesico, and all its merry men.  Quatro is about to
  arrange for the Nadesico's Aestivalises to be led away from the Gravity Wave
  Beam, but another power announces that it won't let him: it's the King of
  Hearts, in full ass-kicking mode, along with his friends.  Master Asia had
  foreseen that all of this would occur, saying that it takes one who made the
  same mistake to see through that same mistake.  As your people deploy, Char
  wonders aloud why your people can't realize that they're just pandering to
  those remaining on the surface.  Your people warn him that saying any more
  will prevent there from being any turning back.

  One of the enemies has a Mars Donburi.  One has a Biosensor.  Another has an
  I-Field Generator.  Another has a Spiritual Energy Device.  Another has a
  Needleless Ampule.

  Rezun is worth a ____.  Gyunei is worth a ____.  Quess is worth a ____.
  Char is very worried when Quess is shot down, but they manage to recover
  her escape pod.

  I wiped out all the bosses and such in seven turns and somehow got a Skill
  Point.  Not sure precisely what the condition is, though it may possibly
  be killing Gyunei before Quess.

When you down all the bad guys, Char is nonplussed and says that it's all very
well and good when your people's power is used for good - and Gai says that
this is _precisely_ such a time.  This is your chance to storm inside Axis and
destroy it from the inside out.  This will require engineering support, and
Bright orders your people to guard Uribatake and his men as they enter.  Char
notes that the Lond Bel are performing up to their reputation, and when Quess
contacts him in panic he asks her calmly to head to Deck 2.  There's one more
battle in store.  The plan is to put Quess into "that" machine, whose 
development has finally ended.

Your people are being creep-ed out by the lack of enemy attack, though it does
make setting the demolitions easier.  Although there's no trace of the bad
guys, Amuro is sure that Char hasn't just realized his defeat and fled; had
that been in the cards, he wouldn't have done any of this to begin with.  Oddly
enough, the demolition of Axis begins without incident.  Did Char and his
forces simply... not escape?


Stage 101. MEBIUS no Uchuu wo Koete ("Beyond the Mobius Universe")

Your people discover to their displeasure the gigantic Alpha Aziel, with Quess
at the controls.  Gatou defects, and insists on sortying in the Neue Ziel.
The silver-tongued Char tells the inheritor of Delaz's wishes that he 
expects good things from him.  Kou is predictably confused about which side is
right here, but he and Gatou both realize that this video game isn't big enough
for the two of them.  The fact that Char is fighting despite the failure of
his plans can probably mean one thing: he can't retreat any further.

  This battle sucks major schlong because the victory conditions for both
  sides are hidden.  Basically the goal is to defeat Char without defeating
  too many of his henchmen - you've got to leave at least 8 bad guys alive
  besides Char himself.  Should you fail to do this, it's GAME OVER.

  On turn 5, or possibly when enough peons are offed, Char decides to sortie
  himself.  Nanai doesn't want Char himself to head out, but Char notes that
  some very dangerous people are coming.  Char promises Nanai that he'll do
  what she tells him to once the Lond Bel are defeated.  As Nanai enters the 
  combat bridge, Char sorties in his Sazabi.  This is the moment you've all
  been waiting for, and Domon says that unless Char speaks with his fists his
  words won't reach your hearts.  Your people plead with Char once again, 
  saying that there has to be some other way that everyone can work to fix his
  concerns without it coming to this.  Char tells Amuro that, unlike him, he
  can't afford to be just a pilot.  Cecily says that while Char is headed in a
  different direction than Iron Mask, his methods are the same - Seabook 
  points out that Char is being egotistical.  Char responds that the Earth 
  can't begin to absorb the egotism of all humanity, but Amuro counters that
  human knowledge can surmount even that.  Char demands then that your people
  optimize humanity on the spot - of course that can't be done, but...  Just
  then a voice demands that Char stop, a voice that couldn't be seen on 
  radar.  It's Rome, with an even BETTER speech about causing renewal and the
  burden of the process of change.  And Nanai positively doesn't deserve to
  know his name, although Char already knows it quite well ^^;;;  Furthermore,
  Dangaioh AND the Tobikage crew show up!  It's about time!  The sad fact is
  that Char can no longer stand to wait for his renewal, and your people and
  his have no choice but to fight.  Amuro can't believe that such a capable
  man as Char could be so petty.

  If you shoot down Gatou, he tells Kou that had he not sided with the 
  corrupt Federation, none of his suffering would have been necessary.  As
  Gatou told Kou before - he fights for the sake of a true tomorrow...

  If you shoot down Quess, she whines about how Char said he'd protect her.
  Char orders Nanai to issue an override and forcibly eject her, but it
  doesn't work.  Char yells at Amuro, demanding to know if this is his idea of
  justice.  He likens your dispatching of people who believe in him and fight
  by his side to the ease with which people take out garbage, and demands to
  know why you aren't fighting him directly.  In effect, what you're doing is
  no different from what the Einsts are up to.  

  When Amuro and Char first fight, they exchange hard words over Lalah Sun,
  both accusing each other of being unable to restrain their immense powers.

  Oh, and don't let Amuro die either lest it be GAME OVER.

  Once Char is damaged to the tune of around 25% of his HP, Nanai and some
  more goons pop out around Char to help out.  Your people plead with "Quatro"
  to stop this meaningless fight, and when Char says he's no longer Quatro
  Mia says that he's still Quatro to you all.

  When you down the Sazabi, Char's monitors die and he ejects - but Amuro
  won't let his escape pod get away.  Amuro tells him that he doesn't give a
  damn about this fixing the world business.  The intelligencia can start a
  revolution anytime they want - and since they lack a clear objective all they
  cause is havoc.  In short, what you need instead is slow, steady progress -
  there can be no sudden shift.  Amuro continues that after the revolution,
  if the lofty ideals that propelled it become lost in the bureaucratic shuffle
  and the general populace, those intelligencia who pushed for the revolution
  will become disgusted, withdraw from events and become the sort of people
  who would cast away the world.  Char yells that he has no intention of
  fixing the world, despite that seeming to Mia to be his motivation.  He tells
  her that she's overestimating him, and just then something strange, like an
  explosion, begins to push the fragments of Axis off their course.  THIS
  sucks, although your dudes figure that there's a chance if the break up
  the falling portion into chunks small enough to burn up in the atmosphere.
  Unfortunately, your people simply can't make it in time - this was the plan
  from the outset, and your people are kicking themselves for not realizing
  sooner.  The captains give the order to retreat, but Amuro, furious with
  Char, isn't willing to give up so easily.  This touches off an FMV where
  everyone decides not to give up and attacks Axis after all.  Amuro tries to
  warn everyone back, but they won't exactly listen.  Char can't believe
  what he's seeing, but your people are all resolved to follow this seemingly
  crazy course of action.  And boy isn't this easy.  Char starts lamenting how
  tragedy would befall mankind sooner or later, so it seems that they've
  decided to embrace it with their own hands: humans against nature, against
  the Earth.  All your people's emotions are doing something strange to Amuro's
  biosensor - his Gundam is _glowing_.  Char notes in amazement that this
  sensation is devoid of fear - it's warm, comforting.  THIS is the power that
  can change the galaxy, the power that nurtures life.  Char reminds Amuro
  that the humans who hold these warm feelings can even destroy the Earth, 
  which Amuro knows quite well.  Amuro says that this is why he's got to show
  the world this light in people's hearts.  Your people, well, did it!

The space fortress Axis, formerly of Jion alignment, headed towards the Earth
by Char Aznable's hand.  But it did not fall.  The concentration of human
thought, of the power in the human heart, gathered in the Psychoframe, becoming
light and surrounding the Earth in a Mobius ring.  That ring itself is the
power which will change the universe.

At this point, a new form of life called a "Volitional Body" was created,
the seeds of which were sewn across the universe and across dimensions.  This
may have been the new form of life that the Einsts wished for, though that
could just be speculation.  Perhaps the Regiseia which gave birth to the
incomplete Alfimi was such a being.  This power, which causes discord
throughout space, is also the power that protects it.  Here closes the curtain
on the story of the creation of this "Volitional Body" and the small corner
of the vast universe in which it was created.

- SUPER ROBOT WARS IMPACT - THE END -