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Aidoneus Island
Elzam: Commander Bian, the Hagane has just passed the Line Islands.
Bian: What is their current position?
Elzam: They’re 1,232 km North of here…they’re moored right before our 5th defense line.
Adler: Commander Bian…if we don’t take action soon, they’ll be able to strike at us.
Adler: If that happens, it will be almost impossible to stop them.
Bian: …..
Adler: So, now that we know where they are anchored, we have the perfect opportunity. Once again, I ask that you allow us to attack the Hagane…
Bian: …Elzam.
Elzam: Sir.
Bian: Once the Hagane begins to move again, I want you and Tempest to take command of the DC’s elite guards, the Last Battalion…
Bian: And lead that battleship to me.
Elzam: Understood.
Adler: (Lead the Hagane…? Nonsense, why would he lead them here to Aidoneus…?)
Bian: Adler…
Adler: Y-Yes, sir?
Bian: Move to DEFCON 4. Make preparations for the Hagane.
Adler: Yes sir.
Bian: And…prepare to launch the third ship.
Adler: Th-The third ship…? …Yes, sir.
Bian: (Heheheh…the Hagane has indeed come far. As the defenders of our futures, they must continue to gain strength…)
Hagane – Briefing Room
Tetsuya: Now, let’s go over our battle plan for the invasion of Aidoneus Island.
Ryusei: Our final battle with the DC…
Giado: It ain’t gonna be easy.
Giado: Remember, da probability of success is 9.7%.
Masaki: At least it’s not zero percent.
Giado: Dat’s one way to look at it…
Irm: Well…I don’t care about the odds.
Irm: You never know until you try.
Giado: …Dat’s also true.
Tetsuya: …At the start of the operation, the Hagane will engage full stealth mode. We’ll submerge to a suitable depth, and infiltrate the waters off the Marquesas Islands.
Tetsuya: Then, we’ll resurface before reaching Aidoneus Island’s Elysium Bay…
Tetsuya: Finally, we’ll destroy the enemy’s fortress with the ship’s Tronium Cannon. That’s the outline of the plan.
Ryusei: Hey, Rob. Is the Tronium Cannon that big gun on the bow of the ship?
Rob: Yeah…
Rob: Tronium is a rare metal that was discovered in Meteor 3. As the name suggests, it was used to construct a heavy cannon…
Rob: It’s the Hagane’s ace in the hole.
Masaki: Then why didn’t we use it before?
Rob: Because it’s very difficult to control the energy output of Tronium…
Rob: If there’s a meltdown, everything within a 10k radius will be history.
Masaki: So that’s why. However…why equip such a dangerous weapon in the first place?
Rob: …Well, it’s power is a great deterrent to enemy ships. Also…
Rob: The people who built the Space Noah class ships were so afraid of the Aerogaters…
Rob: They wanted a contingency plan onboard, regardless of if it was a double-edged sword.
Ryusei: What do you mean, double-edged?
Rob: If need be, we can self-destruct the cannon and take the enemy down with the Hagane.
Ryusei: …..
Rob: Actually, the Hagane is the only ship able to equip a Tronium Cannon…
Irm: Because it’s the only ship big enough to carry the energy controller?
Rob: …That’s right. We’re currently working on a miniaturized controller for PTs…
Rai: (So that’s why the development of the R-2’s taking so long…)
Masaki: Wait, I’m confused. Bian’s the one who discovered Tronium, right?
Rob: Yes. Three years after Meteor 3 crashed on Aidoneus…which was four years ago.
Masaki: Well, then, why did he hand the Tronium to the EFA?
Masaki: If he was planning to start a war, why didn’t he just keep it for himself?
Rob: …..
Rob: (He’s right…we have five of the six Tronium samples that were found…)
Rob: (…Dr. Bian must have planned the formation of the DC when he discovered the samples of Tronium…)
Rob: (So why DID he give five of them to the EFA and Mao Industries…?)
Ingram: …One question, Vice-Captain. If the Tronium Cannon is disabled…
Ingram: Or, if it doesn’t produce the required output, will it be up to our PTs to destroy the central area?
Tetsuya: Yes…
Irm: …So it’s our PTs against both the Granzon AND the Valsion.
Irm: We sure could use some more firepower.
Tetsuya: ..Dr. Omiya, how’s the R-Series coming along?
Rob: Not too good. We’re still tweaking the R-1. It’s not ready to be deployed in live combat.
Tetsuya: I see…
Ryusei: …..
Hagane – Mess Hall
Garnet: Oh? What’s going on here, ladies?
Kusuha: We’re making lunch for the crew.
Garnet: Making them lunch?
Kusuha: Yes…the final battle is about to begin…
Kusuha: So I wanted to do something nice for the crew…
Rio: Yeah, and we’re all lending her a hand.
Aya: Of course, only while the ship is moored.
Latune: …..
Garnet: Oh, you’re helping too, Lat?
Latune: …Yes…
Garnet: That’s unusual. You’ve never done something like this…
Rio: Would you believe that she’s excited to cook for Ryusei and the others?
Latune: …This battle will be long and difficult…
Latune: ..So I thought the male pilots should load on carbs…
Garnet: Carb load? Why?
Latune: Because the body converts carbohydrates into energy…
Garnet: Ohhh…that’s good thinking.
Garnet: Well, I’ll help too. Who knows what Kusuha will put in there.
Kusuha: Huh…?
Garnet: Kidding, just kidding!
Rio: (I’d rather eat Kusuha’s cooking than Garnet’s…)
Garnet: Anyways, it’ll get done faster with two more hands.
Kusuha: Thank you…we really appreciate it.
Hagane – Hangar
Ryoto: Dr. Omiya, I’ve drafted a blueprint for a miniaturized Tesla Drive based on the Lion’s specs.
Rob: Oh, let me see…
Rob: …..
Ryoto: What do you think, will it work?
Rob: Not only that, but we can build one from the extra materials in the Hagane.
Ryoto: That’s great…
Rob: This is very well designed. I’m really impressed.
Ryoto: Since I was young, I’ve loved toying with machines…and when I was with the DC, I studied their mech systems.
Rob: You’re very talented. Say, would you like to study PT and SR engineering under me?
Ryoto: Really!? Yeah, that would be great!
Rob: Good. Take these blueprints to the technicians, and tell them to start working on it right away.
Ryoto: Yes sir!
*Ryoto leaves*
Ryusei: …..
Rob: Huh? What’s wrong, Ryusei? Have you finished checking out the Wildraubtier?
Ryusei: …Hey, Rob. Is the R-1 really inoperable?
Rob: …Yes, unfortunately.
Ryusei: Yet, it worked when the Hagane was launched. It was even able to fire a rifle…
Rob: Well, the R-1 is almost ready…
Ryusei: But it’s that system thing isn’t working?
Rob: Yes. Even though it’s activated, I’m not sure if it’ll operate properly…
Ryusei: At least it can move. As it is, I can fight as an artillery unit.
Rob: No way. I can’t have you operating the R-1 when it’s unstable.
Ryusei: But!
Rob: When I said no, I meant no. Now finish checking the Raubtier.
Ryusei: …O-Okay…
Hagane – Bridge
Tetsuya: Captain, everything has been taken care of.
Daitetsu: Good…start the engine. Prepare to submerge.
Tetsuya: Aye! Start the engine! Seal all quarters! Stow the main wings! Blow the ballast tank!
Daitetsu: Set depth at 100! Destination…Aidoneus Island’s Elysium Reef!
Chapter 17: Last Battalion
*Last Battalion units scramble*
Tempest: Elzam, we’re all set.
Elzam: …Affirmative.
Tempest: …What’s wrong?
Elzam: …Preparing for combat with you reminds me of the good old days.
Tempest: …My memories of the Aggressors bring me only pain…
Tempest: I joined the EFA to help them develop PT maneuvers…
Tempest: And they thanked me by destroying the Hope Colony…
Elzam: …You have my condolences, Major.
Elzam: But, the revenge you seek will lead to your destruction.
Tempest: Hah…I know no other way to be.
Tempest: Unlike you, I can’t forget the death of my wife.
Elzam: …..
Tempest: …I’m sorry, Elzam. I shouldn’t have said that.
Elzam: It’s fine.
LB Soldier: Commander, the Hagane is approaching!
Tempest: They’re here…I’ll take command of the second unit. Don’t worry about the rear.
Elzam: Roger.
*Tempest falls back*
Elzam: Good…all units, deactivate your HOS Jammers! Attack from this position!
*Hagane appears*
Tetsuya: You couldn’t detect them at all!?
Eita: N-No sir! They’re using some sort of jamming device…!
Giado: What da!? Dey’re all piloting Guarlions!
Ryoto: Th-That unit must be…!
Aya: What is it, Ryoto!?
Ryoto: Those are Commander Bian’s personal guards…the elite of the DC’s elite pilots…
Ryoto: The Last Battalion!
Aya: !!
Irm: The Last Battalion…? That’s a terrible name.
Masaki: With the DC, I didn’t expect getting to Aidoneus Island would be easy…
Garnet: But this is gonna be extra tough…!
Daitetsu: Deploy all PT units! Intercept the enemies!!
Ingram: Roger that.
Rob: Major, we’ve finished miniaturizing the Tesla Drives.
Rob: Now our land-based PTs will be able to fly.
Ingram: Good, thank you.
Rio: Captain Aya, Ryusei’s not in his mech!
Aya: What!? Then, where is he!?
Rob: Did he really…!?
Aya: Major Ingram…!
Ingram: …That’s fine. Let Ryusei be.
Aya: Huh!? B-But!
Ingram: (This is the perfect time for him to unleash his power.)
*Got Tesla Drive, Rai sorties, Prep screen, Units deploy*
Elzam Heheheh…can you overcome my test? Not just you Rai, but everyone aboard the Hagane.
Rai: Today, brother…I will finally defeat you!
Daitetsu: All hands! Our goal is to reach Aidoneus Island, and destroy the central area!
Daitetsu: This ship will remain submerged, and will break through this area in six minutes!
*Goal highlighted*
Daitetsu: I’m counting on you all!
Ingram: All units, open fire!
*Conditions shown, Battle starts*
{Elzam VS Rai}
Elzam: Show me what you’ve learned, Rai.
Rai: I will…! I’ll defeat you, then I’ll stop the DC!
Elzam: Heh…can you really?
Rai: You know, you always look down on people…you have no respect for human life…!
Rai: You do whatever it takes to achieve your goal!
Rai: That’s why you sacrificed your wife Cattleya in the Elpis Incident!
Elzam: …!
Rai: You could have saved her…! But you chose not to…!
Elzam: …On the field of battle, a soldier must disregard his personal feelings.
Rai: !!
Elzam: If you’re always ruled by your emotions…you’ll never be able to defend this planet.
Rai: What…!?
Elzam: You must comprehend Commander Bian’s vision…
Elzam: And see the entire picture, or you’ll never defeat me!
Rai: To blazes with your vision! Here I come, Elzam!
*Battle resumes*
*Turn 2 Player Phase*
Daitetsu: Move this ship to the breakthrough point within five minutes!
Tetsuya: Roger!
Ryusei: (I don’t care if they’re elite or what…! If I can only move…}
Rob: I thought so…there you are, Ryusei.
Ryusei: Rob, don’t try to stop me. I’m taking the R-1.
Rob: …..
Rob: I didn’t make this machine for the pilot to get killed.
Ryusei: What are you talking about, this is…!!
Rob: …I know. It’s a machine that’s used to kill people…
Rob: I know what I’m saying is hypocritical.
Rob: But, even so…! At least, the people who operate the machines I make…I don’t want them to die.
Rob: I know that could just be hypocrisy and egotism. But I can’t help but feel that this is…
Rob: This is my conscious…!
Ryusei: Rob…!
*Battle resumes*
*Turn 2 Enemy Phase*
Ryusei: Rob, I have to do this.
Rob: …..
Ryusei: I can’t just sit here and do nothing.
Ryusei: If I can pilot R-1 like I did the first time…if it can help us survive, I have to take that chance.
Rob: …..
Ryusei: C’mon, I’m begging you! Let me sortie in the R-1!!
Rob: …Alright. I’ll trust you on this one.
Ryusei: !
Rob: I’ll get it started. You get in the cockpit!
Ryusei: Thanks, Rob!
*Battle resumes*
*When the Hagane crosses a certain line, 2nd enemy wave appears*
Tempest: …I won’t disobey Commander Bian’s orders. So I won’t sink you today, Hagane.
Tempest: However…you will taste my sixteen years of suffering…!
Eita: Th-There’s a Guarlion charging toward us!
Tetsuya: What!?
*Combat start*
Tempest: I’ve waited so long for a chance to fight against the EFA…!
Tempest: You’ll be the first to feel the depths of my resentment!
*Hagane takes major damage*
Daitetsu: W-What…! From just one Armored Module!!
*Combat end*
Daitetsu: Report the damage!
Eita: Direct hit on the port side bow! Trim tank three has been disabled! Blocks ten through fourteen are taking water!
Tetsuya: All that damage…!? And with only one shot!!
Tempest: …I’m not going to sink you just yet…!
Eita: ! The Guarlion is coming around for another attack!!
Daitetsu: Evasive maneuver! Flank speed! Avoid a hit on the bow or stern at all costs!!
Tetsuya: Roger! Evasive maneuver! Flank speed, aye!!
Tempest: Now, I shall avenge my wife Leila!
Tetsuya: ! We’re not gonna make it!!
*R-1 launches, Combat start*
Tempest: I’ll give anything in order to have my revenge…even my humanity!
Tempest: Taste the pain…that my wife suffered!!
Ryusei: Let’s do it! R-1, we have to protect the Hagane!!
*R-1 shields the Hagane*
Ryusei: I won’t let you destroy the Hagane!!
*Combat end*
Tempest: What…is THAT!?
Ryusei: I-I made it in time…!
Tetsuya: The R-1…! Is that Ryusei!?
Aya: That’s where…no wonder we couldn’t find him…!
Tempest: A new Personal Trooper!?
Rai: Can the R-1 fight in its current condition!?
Ryusei: Crud…it’s reaction time is way too slow!
Tempest: Hmph…your mech isn’t fully adjusted for battle.
Ryusei: Tell me something I don’t know!
Tempest: Then why are you here?
Ryusei: To stop the DC! I refuse to let you dominate the Earth!!
Tempest: Ha…you’re not the only one fighting for this planet.
Ryusei: !?
Tempest: Commander Bian determined that the EFA and the Feds were not capable of defending the Earth from aliens…
Tempest: So he formed the DC to force the unification of the Earth. And now many support our cause…
Tempest: But an EFA soldier like you must already know that.
Ryusei: Wh-What do you mean!?
Tempest: You mean you didn’t realize? That’s the reason why the DC was able to defeat the EFA so quickly.
Tempest: It’s because we had help from inside the EFA…from people who rallied to Commander Bian’s cause.
Ryusei: That’s why…! So just like them, you’re fighting for that same cause!?
Tempest: …No, I’m not…
Ryusei: What!?
Tempest: Sixteen years ago in the Hope Incident…
Tempest: My wife and daughter were killed because of the EFA’s hard-line policy.
Ryusei: So this is revenge…!
Tempest: Yes. And since you lack both the courage and the cause that I have, you’ll never defeat me!
Tempest: Especially since you don’t know the difference between a video game and an actual war!
Ryusei: !
Ryusei: I have…!
Ryusei: I have courage! And I fight to protect my friends and family from people like you!!
Tempest: Then, allow me to show you what I’M fighting for…
Tempest: Prepare to die!
Ryusei: Bring it on! Let’s do this, R-1!!
*Ryusei buffs up, Conditions updated, Battle resumes*
*Defeat Elzam*
Elzam: You defeated my Trombe…well done.
Elzam: But…I’m not yet ready to go to my wife
Elzam: Listen well, Hagane…you too, brother. I will await you at Aidoneus Island.
{Defeat Elzam with Rai}
Elzam: You defeated my Trombe…well done, Rai.
Rai: Elzam! Be sure to tell Cattleya you’re sorry!!
Elzam: …I’ll see her soon, but not today.
Rai: !?
Elzam: We’ll meet again at Aidoneus Island, brother.
Rai: Wait, Elzam!
*Either way, Elzam retreats*
{Latune VS Tempest}
Tempest: …If only you had sided with the DC, then you wouldn’t have to die so young…!
Latune: …Don’t confuse me with your daughter…
Tempest: !
Latune: Because…I have no intention of dying…!
Tempest: …I see…then, I will show you no mercy…
Tempest: I will kill everyone who sides with the EFA…everyone!!
*Shoot down Tempest*
Tempest: Graaa…! I’ve been defeated…!
Tempest: But, I will not die…! Not until I have avenged my family…
Tempest: I must avenge them!!
{Shoot down Tempest with Ryusei}
Ryusei: There! That…is my courage!!
Tempest: Tch…! How could I…have lost to a child…!?
Tempest: But, I cannot die…I will not die…!
Tempest: I will avenge my family!!
{Shoot down Tempest with Latune}
Tempest: Urk…! How can I be defeated by a child…!?
Latune: …Vengeance cannot bring back the dead…
Tempest: H-Ha…you seem…to fancy yourself a philosopher…!
Tempest: But, I will not die…! Not until I have avenged my family…
Tempest: I must avenge them!!
*Guarlion explodes, Tempest escapes*
Latune: …..
Latune: …How sad…he’s trapped in the past,like I am…
*Hagane reaches the highlighted area*
Tetsuya: Captain! We’ve reached the target area!!
Daitetsu: Good, stay on course! Flank speed! Charge into Aidoneus Island!!
Last Battalion End
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