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Izu Base – Hangar
Ryusei: (At the time…If I was alone…)
Ryusei: (Would I have been able to come back alive…? If Aya and Rai weren’t there…would I…?)
Aya: Ryu, there you are.
Ryusei: Aya…
Aya: We’ve been called to Sakae’s office. He’s the Chief of staff at the Far East base.
Ryusei: …..
Aya: What’s wrong?
Ryusei: Oh, it’s just…yesterday I got the rug pulled out from under me during that fight…I-I’m sorry.
Aya: …Oh, come on. We’re a team…the three of us have to look out for one another.
Ryusei: …Yeah, you’re right.
Aya: Until you’re more used to combat, just follow me and Rai. You’ll be fine…with a little luck.
Ryusei: All right…
Aya: Well, let’s go. Rai’s waiting for us.
Izu Base – Briefing room
Sakae: …Captain Aya, Lt. Rai, Lt. Jg. Ryusei, I have special orders for you.
Sakae: Go ahead, Major Ingram.
Ingram: Yesterday, the test models for Project SRX were completed.
Ingram: From now on, you’ll be assisting us in fine-tuning them.
Ryusei: I have a question, Major! What exactly is Project SRX?
Ingram: The purpose of the project is to create humanoid-type mobile weapons to fight the Aerogaters.
Ryusei: So, we’re going to be test pilots…
Ingram: Yes. Currently, the SRX plan is developing three prototype machines called the R-Series.
Sakae: Give them the test model data, Major.
*Data Shown*
Ryusei: Wait a moment…three Personal Troopers…?
Rai: (One with normal specs, one with additional artillery, one that’s smaller than a Gespenst.)
Ingram: These are the mechs you’ll be test piloting…. the “R-Series”.
Sakae: Now, for this special mission, you will be referred to as the “SRX Team”.
Rai: SRX Team…
Ryusei: What does SRX stand for?
Ingram: You’ll find out later. Now, here are the spec data and control manual.
Ingram: Familiarize yourself with them in the next three days.
Ryusei: Three days…do we have a sleep-study machine?
Aya: You mean one that lets you learn while you sleep?
Ryusei: Yeah!
Aya: *sigh* If something like that existed, I would have used it on you by now…
Ryusei: …Fair enough.
Aya: We’ll have a study group every day. If there’s anything you’re having trouble with, Rai and I will help you.
Ryusei: That’s what you said to me before the meeting…
Aya: I did, didn’t I?
Ryusei: All right then. Thanks, Aya.
Rai: …You’re awfully humble today. What’s going on?
Ryusei: I’ve been thinking a lot since yesterday…and I don’t want to drag you guys down.
Rai: You say that now…but can you keep up that attitude?
Ryusei: C’mon, don’t say that. We’re all part of the SRX team, so give me a chance.
Rai: Your attitude’s improved a lot…but I still wonder if it will last.
Ryusei: Gee, thanks…
Rai: Fine. But don’t expect any sympathy from me.
Ryusei: H-Hey, take it easy…
Sakae: …Major Ingram, we need to talk. Please come to the commander’s office.
Ingram: Of course.
Izu Base – Laker’s Office
Ingram: Antarctica, sir?
Laker: Yes. That’s where the Earth Federation Government’s secret meeting will be held.
Laker: But, it’ll be masked as the Shirogane’s completion ceremony…
Laker: And the unveiling of EOTI’s new mobile weapon.
Ingram: I see. If anything happens, the damage will be minimized there…
Sakae: Nothing can happen, Major. This event will decide our future.
Ingram: But aren’t you two opposed to this meeting?
Laker: It’s what the top brass decided on. We have to support it.
Ingram: (…Is the unveiling of EOTI’s new mech just an excuse for them to be present?)
Laker: This assignment was given to us by Major General Norman Slay of the Earth Defense Council.
Ingram: (Norman Slay…the man behind Project SRX and ATX.)
Ingram: By the way…is there any information on EOTI’s new weapon?
Sakae: Only the absolute minimum. They’re withholding their hand as long as possible.
Ingram: Actually, they’ve tipped it a little.
Sakae: By stating that it’s an example of a humanoid-type flying mobile weapon?
Laker: I’m also worried about EOTI’s intentions, but now we must concentrate on the Antarctica mission.
Ingram: Right. I’ll prepare the SRX Team.
Sakae: The details of this meeting are strictly confidential. Don’t forget that.
Ingram: Of course.
Laker: One more thing, Major Ingram…in case of emergency, we are going to prioritize the outfitting of our second Noah-class battleship in the underground hangar here at the Far East base.
Ingram: Understood.
Ingram: (The commander is also anxious… The EOTI is an anti-alien faction, so if they’re going to be showing their latest mobile weapon at the conference…)
Ingram: (Could they planning on starting a war…?)
Laker: …I’m counting on you, Major.
Ingram: Yes sir. The SRX Team will leave for Antarctica.
Izu Base – Ryusei’s Room
Ryusei: (Whew…the SRX Team’s first mission is in Antarctica!)
Ryusei: (The Major sure doesn’t hold back. Well, I’ll get to see a new model, so I guess there’s a silver lining.)
*D-Con rings*
Ryusei: What? My email’s been…
Izu Base – Rai’s Room
*D-Con rings*
Rai: (Hm? An email…?)
Rai: (It was able to clear security… And the sender is…Leona Garstein.)
Rai: (…..)
Rai: (I don’t have to read this. I won’t go back…she knows that…)
*Knock on door*
Rai: !
Ryusei: Rai, you there? I want to ask you about something…
Izu Base – Mess Hall
Rai: …So, what do you want to ask me?
Ryusei: I can’t send emails to my ma and my friend. I’ve been able to until now, so why can’t I anymore?
Rai: That’s because our personal security level has gone up.
Ryusei: Security level…?
Rai: We learned confidential information about the R-Series today. In order to prevent that information from leaking out, we are prohibited from sending private mail from the base.
Ryusei: I see…
Rai: It’s common procedure in the military.
Ryusei: Doesn’t that bother you? Not being able to get in touch with your family, I mean.
Rai: Not really…I don’t care. Besides, some of us don’t want to be contacted.
Ryusei: Oh…alright, I guess…
Rai: Anyway…we are involved in the critical secrets of the military. Don’t forget that the luxuries of your civilian life are no longer here.
Ryusei: Uh, yeah…I’ll remember…
Chapter 5: Atrocity
Antarctic Base
*Preparations Screen, Ryusei, Rai and Aya deploy*
Ryusei: Achoo!
Ryusei: Ugh, my PT’s heater isn’t working.
Aya: You…do realize that’s because your hatch is open?
Ryusei: Of course! I want to get a good look at the new battleship!
Aya: Don’t even think about taking pictures or anything.
Ryusei: I know. Because it’s confidential, right?
*Hatch Closes*
Ryusei: Whew, the inside of the cockpit has cooled down completely.
Aya: You really like it, huh?
Ryusei: Heck yeah!
Aya: And I thought you were only interested in Super Robots.
Ryusei: It’s not like I’m ONLY interested in Super Robots.
Aya: So then, what else do you like?
Ryusei: I also like Real Robots, jet fighters and tanks, battleships, submarines, spacecraft, giant monsters…
Aya: (Does he have any interests that aren’t related to sci-fi?)
Ryusei: …By the way, Rai, do you know anything about the “Eat-Oat-Tea-Eye” organization’s new mech?
Rai: That’s E-O-T-I organization. And the detailed data was not released…but I do know it’s name.
Ryusei: What’s it called?
Rai: The “Granzon”…or so I’ve heard.
Ryusei: Whooaaa…sounds like a final boss in a video game!
Rai: I don’t follow your line of thinking….
Ryusei: But why are they unveiling it all the way out here?
Aya: That’s right. They could have done this at Izu or Langley.
Rai: (…Ryusei and the Captain are right.)
Rai: (And this tense atmosphere…I doesn’t feel like just a ceremony. It feels like a battle is going to start.)
*Siren sounds*
Rai: Hm…? The Granzon is about to appear.
*Granzon is lifted from belowground*
Ryusei: W-wow…the name fits it. It looks downright villainous.
Aya: T-that…thing is a PT?
Rai: The shape and overall body structure are completely different from a standard PT. And I expect the control system is too.
Tetsuya: The Granzon is in place, sir.
Daitetsu: Where is the test pilot, Professor Shu Shirakawa?
Tetsuya: He’s in the conference hall. The Granzon is on auto.
Daitetsu: Now, we just wait for our guests.
Tetsuya: Yes sir.
Albert: Vice-Captain Tetsuya Onodera, has the area been secured?
Tetsuya: As you can see, sir, we’re doing our best.
Albert: You’d better be. Should anything happen to me, the talks will be off.
Albert: That’s why you need to protect me with your life.
Tetsuya: …We’re aware of that. That’s why the Shirogane was stationed here.
Albert: Hrm…
Daitetsu: President Albert Grey…
Albert: Y-Yes, Captain…?
Daitetsu: We’ll handle this. Please proceed to the conference hall.
Albert: D-Don’t worry. I’ll be there when they arrive.
Tetsuya: (My, my…he’s afraid to meet with them…)
*Communicator Beeps*
Eita: Detecting gravity-anomaly above the base, sir!
Daitetsu: They’re here…
Tetsuya: Platinum 1 to all units. The ceremony is starting. Secure the perimiter.
Tetsuya: Hold your fire until further instructions.
Aya: SRX Team here, roger that.
Aya: (Secure the perimeter for what…hostiles?)
Aya: (I have a bad feeling about this…)
*Aerogater battleship warps in*
Ryusei: W-what is…THAT!? It came outta nowhere!
Rai: Whatever it is, it’s not from Earth…!
Ryusei: ! Then, they’re the Aerogaters!?
Aya: If that’s true, there shouldn’t be a combat prohibition order.
Ryusei: Th-then who…
Rai: …..
Eita: …AGX-04 shifting confirmed.
Tetsuya: So that’s the Aerogater’s battleship…
Albert: Don’t call them Aerogaters. They’re the ‘Guests’.
Albert: And, they should be treated as such.
Daitetsu: (I hope you’re right about our ‘guests’.)
Daitetsu: Then, President Grey…
Albert: Very well. Let the conference begin.
Rai: …..
Aya: …..
*Focus on ‘Guest’ battleship*
Ryusei: !
Ryusei: H-Hey, there are people coming out of the ship! Are we sure it’s not from Earth?
Aya: There’s also a welcoming party from the Shirogane…
Rai: (…Is this some sort of meeting…?)
Ryusei: So, is this the ceremony, then?
Rai: …..
Eita: Captain, the meeting with the Guests has begun.
Daitetsu: I see. Keep an eye on the conference hall.
Eita: Affirmative.
Tetsuya: Still…I wonder if the EOTI will accept the conditions.
Daitetsu: Indeed. Tell me, why would Dr. Bian Zoldark show the Guests the Granzon?
Tetsuya: To show them the military power and the technology level that we have on Earth, right?
Daitetsu: Exactly.
Tetsuya: Do you really think that the Earth’s future hinges on this conference?
Daitetsu: That’s what President Grey believes, at least.
Daitetsu: (Though the council would be perfectly willing to sell the Earth to ensure their survival…)
Eita: …..
Eita: Huh?
Tetsuya: What’s wrong?
Eita: I can’t seem to find Dr. Shu Shirakawa, sir.
Tetsuya: What…?
Eita: That’s strange. He was just there in the conference hall…
???: …..
???: Heh…the stage is set…
???: …Now, let’s put an end to this farce…
*Warning Siren*
Eita: ! C-Captain, there’s a high energy reaction from the Granzon!
Daitetsu: !
*Battle Scene – Granzon attacks AGX-04*
???: That battleship will not fool my eyes…
AI: …..?
*10,000 Damage – Battle End*
Eita: Th-The Granzon has attacked the AGX-04!
Tetsuya: Wh-What!?
*Enemies deploy*
Ryusei: Wh-What the heck are they!?
Rai: Bugs…! No, they’re different!
Aya: There’s no data on this type of aircraft!
Eita: AGX-04 had dispatched unknown aircraft! They’re preparing to attack!!
Tetsuya: Th-This is treason! Who’s piloting the Granzon!?
Daitetsu: …Only one person can be piloting that mobile weapon.
Tetsuya: Y-you mean…!?
Daitetsu: Yes, Shu Shirakawa. Contact him immediately!
Tetsuya: Roger! Eita, open a comm channel to the Granzon!
Eita: No good, sir! The Granzon won’t respond!
Tetsuya: !
Daitetsu: …What is that man thinking?
Tetsuya: Captain! Since we were the ones who attacked first, there won’t be any negotiations!
Daitetsu: We have no choice. Tell all units to attack!
Tetsuya: Yes sir! Platinum 1 to all units! Intercept the enemy forces!
Ryusei: M-Man! I can’t believe we’re engaging combat!!
*Victory, Defeat and Mastery conditions shown, Battle starts*
*All aircraft defeated, battleship escapes*
Eita: The Guest-the Aerogaters have retreated.
Daitetsu: What’s the Granzon doing now?
Eita: ! Th-This can’t be!!
*Granzon eliminates all remaining NPC tanks and PTs*
Ryusei: !!
Rai: !
Aya: N-No way!!
Albert: Wh-What’s going on, Vice-Captain!?
Tetsuya: The G-Granzon wiped out nearly all our units!?
Eita: A-Affirmative!
Tetsuya: Insanity! Why would he attack US now…!?
Daitetsu: Blast it, Shu Shirakawa…!
Shu: …And now, for the finale.
Eita: The Granzon is targeting us!!
Daitetsu: Deploy the Energy Field! No, ready the cannons!!
Tetsuya: Captain!?
Daitetsu: Quickly, shoot down the Granzon!
*Too late*
Shu: Heh…
Shu: …This attack will start a whole new fight.
Daitetsu: C-Curse you…Shu Shirakawa…..!!
*Shirogane destroyed*
Ryusei: The Shirogane!
Rai: Impossible! Only one shot?!
Ryusei: U-uaaahh…!
Ryusei: E-everyone at the base…th-they’re all dead!?
Rai: Ryusei! Keep it together!
Ryusei: A-AAAAHHHH!!
Rai: Aya! He’s freaking out!
Aya: What’s happening!? Why would the Granzon attack us!?
Shu: Just as I thought…this is the best you can do.
Ryusei: Wh…What did you say!?
Shu: You’re not worth being used by me, or them.
Ryusei: Who the heck are you…!?
Shu: Enough. Time for you to die.
Ryusei: !!
Aya: Rai, cover Ryu!
Rai: Roger that!
{Ryusei VS Shu}
Shu: Resistance is futile…
Ryusei: Urg! I-I can’t control my mech!
Shu: Oh…you’re a rookie pilot.
Ryusei: Wh-Who…just who is this guy!?
Ryusei: His mech’s not even a new model of a PT! This power…what is it!?
Shu: Now…curse your bad luck and die.
Ryusei: Ah…Aaarrggghh!!
{Rai VS Shu}
Rai: You…! Do you know what you just did!?
Shu: Of course I do.
Rai: What the…? You planned this from the beginning…!?
{Aya VS Shu}
Aya: I can’t believe the EOTI is staging a revolt against the EFA…!
Shu: …..
Aya: !
Aya: You mean, that’s what you want…!?
Shu: Well, what do you think?
*Next player phase*
Shu: Oh? This reading is…
Rai: Something is…approaching?
*Cybuster’s awesome CG entrance*
Masaki: What the–!?
Shiro: The ground troops…
Kuro: All because of the Granzon…
Shu: Well, imagine seeing the Cybuster here…
Shu: By any chance, were you after me, Masaki?
Masaki: Duh! I haven’t forgotten what you did to Langran!
Shu: So you’re still seeking revenge for that incident? Interesting.
Masaki: Don’t mock me! What are you thinking!? Do you intend on destroying the Earth along with La Gias!?
Shu: Of course not…well, at least, not yet.
Shu: I just taught them a lesson for trying to use me.
Masaki: Tch…I’m won’t let you get away with this…!
Shu: Always the same. Don’t you ever get tired of this?
Masaki: Shut up! Here I come!!
Shu: Unfortunately, I have no time to play with you today.
Shu: I need to pay a visit to Dr. Bian.
Masaki: Bian…?
Shu: Farewell for now.
*Granzon disappears*
Masaki: Rats! He got away again…!
Kuro: Aren’t you going to go after him, Masaki?
Masaki: …..
Masaki: …Who’s this Dr. Bian he mentioned?
Shiro: Beats me…we don’t have enough info on Earth yet…
Masaki: …We need to investigate more.
Shiro: Investigate…what, exactly?
Masaki: That guy named Bian! Kuro, Shiro, let’s go!
Kuro: Roger!
*Cybuster disappears*
Rai: That humanoid-type mobile weapon…it wasn’t a PT either. So, what was it…?
Ryusei: …..
Aya: Ryu, are you okay!? Answer me!
Aya: Ryu!
Ryusei: (H-He beat us…so easily…like it was…a game…)
Ryusei: (Is this…is this what war is…?)
Ryusei: (…War…)
Izu Base – Command Center
Sakae: Commander! The Shirogane, at the Antarctic Base!!
Laker: …I know.
Sakae: Wh-what’s this..!?
Laker: A worldwide announcement. They began broadcasting it a short while ago…
Sakae: Wh-What!?
*Cut to announcement*
Bian: …Mankind has nowhere to run!
Bian: What we need now is not an ark…it is a sword to fight against the alien invasion!
Bian: Today, the EOTI has been reborn as the Divine Crusaders, the true guardians of Earth!
Bian: We will abandon the corrupt Earth Federal Government, defeat the invading aliens, and establish the sovereignty of the human race in this universe!
*Back to Izu*
Laker: Bian Zoldark has finally revealed his true colors…
Ingram: …..
Laker: What do you think of this, Major Ingram?
Ingram: Dr. Bian Zoldark, the leader of EOTI…
Ingram: I believe this is a declaration of war from the Divine Crusaders.
Laker: Then, the Granzon and the flying mech that you fought…
Ingram: Yes…they must have prepared them for today.
Sakae: Dr. Bian intends to fight the EFA with just this new faction of his!?
Laker: It certainly seems like that, doesn’t it Major?
Ingram: The level of technology that the EOTI…no, that the Divine Crusaders posses is several years ahead of the EFA’s.
Ingram: For example, mobile weapons capable of independent flight.
Laker: …..
Ingram: I believe their plans will center on using their tech as their main advantage.
Laker: ISA…”The goal to create a battleship fulfilling the role of an aircraft carrier, and mobile weapons piloted by humans, both capable of flight within and beyond the Earth’s atmosphere”…
Ingram: Exactly. With their air force, our enemies have a distinct advantage over our land-based PTs.
Ingram: Also…our number of Gespensts is smaller. And we only have one battleship that can traverse Aerospace at the present time.
Laker: So if the enemy has submarine or aircraft carriers, we’ll be completely overpowered?
Ingram: Most likely.
Laker: …..
Ingram: (Bian Zoldark…your decision is the right one, in a way.)
Ingram: (It’s the only way for humans to fight off the Aerogaters. At least, for the time being…)
*The announcement continues*
Bian: What the Earth truly needs is a regime with strong military power, one that can be exercised instantaneously and accurately.
Bian: However, it is not our intention to rule as a dictatorship, using fear as our weapon.
Bian: We will not turn against the people of the Earth whom we have sworn to protect!
Bian: Those who understand the will of the Divine Crusaders and wish for the continued existence of the Earth and of humankind, join with us!
Bian: Those who wish to oppose us, show us your convictions and face us in battle!
Hospital
Kusuha: …Is there going to be a war now…?
Nurse: It’s okay. We aren’t going to be involved in a war.
Doctor: …That may not be the case.
Nurse: Hm?
Doctor: If there truly are aliens ready to attack the earth…everyone may be caught up in the war.
Kusuha: (That’s right….the attack at the stadium…)
Kusuha: (…..)
Kusuha: (Ryusei…where are you right now…?)
Atrocity End
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