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Hringhorni – Mess HallMasoukishin II

Masaki: …..

Lune: Oh, Masaki. Have you eaten dinner yet?

Masaki: …..

Lune: Huh? Masaki, what’s the matter?

Masaki: …..

Lune: Masaki! HEY MASAKI!

Masaki: Wha? What’s…

Masaki: Oh, its you, Lune. Don’t scare me like that.

Lune: What are you talking about? You were in some kind of daze. I called your name several times.

Masaki: Uh…really?

Lune: You have a lot on your mind?

Masaki: Yeah, kind of. So much has been happening lately…

Lune: Hmm…

Lune: Is there anything you want to talk about?

Masaki: No, I’m fine. I’m gonna go get some food.

Lune: You’re fine? If you say so…

Lune: Oh, that’s right. Elscine’s speech should’ve started by now.

Masaki: Hey, is it that time already?

Lune: Yeah, you want me to put it up on the holo-video?

Masaki: Yeah, go ahead.

Elscine’s Speech

Elscine: …I am also well aware of your historical background.

Elscine: But I beg you to consider this. If your opponent surrenders by force, have they surrendered in spirit?

Elscine: Will such means not create animosity, birth new hatred, and cause resentment to magnify and reproduce?

Elscine: Hatred only begets more hatred. It is up to us to break this endless cycle.

Lune: …I get what she’s saying, but her ideals are set a little too high.

Masaki: You think so? Isn’t that what we should be aiming for?

Lune: Well, hatred isn’t solely created through war, right?

Lune: So isn’t an abolishment of hatred just setting an impossible standard?

Masaki: Not really, ’cause I’m talking about it as an ideal. Don’t you think we need ideals?

Lune: I know that. But I don’t think that’s the only way to make a point. Otherwise my dad…

Masaki: Huh? What’s that? Breaking news alert?

Lune: Let’s see…

Lune: What!? A surprise attack by the South!? That means the war…the war has officially begun!?

Masaki: No! Call it in! We need to hold a briefing!

Hringhorni – Briefing RoomMasoukishin II

Xenia: I assume you all know of the South’s sudden offensive?

Becky: Yeah, it’s all over the news. Geez, and right in the middle of Elscine’s speech, too…

Masaki: We can’t ignore this.

Tytti: Yes, an unprovoked attack by the South can be considered a violation of the Union Treaty.

Masaki: I guess that’s our cue.

Wagner: Yes.

Xenia: Oh, before that…we actually have another serious problem.

Mio: Again? We’ve had a heaping helping of those lately.

Xenia: This one’s a little more serious. Rodney and Ellis have been detained by the Northern Army Intelligence on charges of espionage.

Mio: Old man Rodney!?

Masaki: Arrested as spies…? Hold up, how’d they find out what we planned?

Xenia: Someone anonymously tipped them off.

Ahmad: That’s absurd, you can’t arrest someone when your only evidence is an anonymous tip-off.

Xenia: Yes, detainment is another matter. Interference with a public servant in the execution of his or her duties is normally considered a minor charge.

Xenia: Ordinarily, they would have been released immediately for lack of evidence, but the South’s assault has resulted in martial law being invoked.

Xenia: Under martial law, espionage charges are taken very seriously, making bail difficult to obtain.

Ahmad: Their dual nationality with the Antiras Squad and Shutedonias couldn’t have helped.

Xenia: That’s right, so…

*Incoming call*

Xenia: Huh? Uh, hold that thought. Someone from the Northern Army is contacting us.

Wagner: Do you think it’s with regards to what we were just discussing?

Xenia: Maybe…should I put it up on the main monitor?

Wagner: Please do. Masaki, you will answer.

Masaki: Huh? Why’re you dumping this on me?

Wagner: I feel that this conversation will require making a quick decision. As an official representative, it would be inappropriate for me to make hasty decisions.

Wagner: So, Masaki, you will be acting representative.

Masaki: …Why does this just sound like you’re shirking your duties…?

Masaki: Oh whatever. Pull it up on the main.

*beep*

Akreid: *ahem* A pleasure to meet you. I am Lieutenant Akreid Barom of the Northern Army General Staff.

Masaki: R-Right. I’m…

Akreid: Ah yes, Masaki Andoh. Your reputation precedes you.

Masaki: …Okay. What is it that you want?

Akreid: You probably already know, but it’s about Mr. Rodney Jes’ha.

Masaki: That’s what I thought…

Masaki: I’ll have you know, he’s not a spy.

Akreid: Yes, I agree.

Masaki: I just said that he’s not…

Masaki: Huh? What was that?

Akreid: We’re in agreement that Mr. Jes’ha isn’t a spy, correct?

Masaki: Y-Yeah, but…

Masaki: No, wait a minute! If you know he’s not a spy, then release him!

Akreid: *sigh* That, too, is my personal opinion, but unfortunately not the general consensus of our army.

Masaki: You…know Rodney, I take it?

Akreid: We were never in the same unit, but we’ve spoken several times.

Masaki: Then you ought to know. There’s no way that clumsy oaf could pull of being a spy.

Akreid: I’m not so sure about that, but, I understand your meaning. Though again, that’s only my personal opinion.

Masaki: …So what’s your point?

Akreid: I want your help in proving his innocence.

Xenia: That’s quite a heavy request to spring on us. And last I checked, Presumption of Innocence requires the accuser to provide proof of guilt, right?

Akreid: True, but the process of doing so will undoubtedly be a lengthy process, yes?

Xenia: Uh…yeah, but…

Ahmad: You want us to do something for you?

Akreid: Very preceptive. Now, I take it you are aware of the assault that we face?

Masaki: Ahh. You want us to beat back the attackers?

Akreid: You’re quick on the uptake. That is correct.

Masaki: Forget it pal, that’s your job.

Akreid: Well, yes. But it’s also your job.

Tytti: …You’ve clearly thought this out. You’re going to take advantage of the Union Treaty?

Akreid: Indeed. This surprise attack by the South can be broadly interpreted as a violation of the Right of Belligerency stated in the Treaty.

Tytti: Strictly speaking, yes, but that’s a problem to be resolved between any relevant parties.

Akreid: True, but the Antiras Squad was created for such occasions. Forced execution should be possible.

Tytti: Still, I have a problem with using that in the course of some deal. It can be considered a breach of our internal affairs.

Akreid: Well, that’s one way to interpret it. I personally view it as a win-win.

Tytti: That’s an extremely…er, elastic way of thinking.

Akreid: To be honest, I have high expectations for Mr. Jes’ha.

Akreid: So this is a personal request from me, not an official one from the military.

Masaki: And you decided to chat with us over an open military line?

Akreid: There’s no risk of anyone eavesdropping on or recording this conversation. You have my word.

Tytti: It’s certain that we would’ve needed to take some kind of action against the South.

Akreid: There you go.

Tytti: But if that’s going to be part of some sort of business deal, we can’t act.

Akreid: Hence my discretion. What they don’t know…

Tytti: That’s even worse. I understand the need for confidential negotiations, but that’s just a backroom deal.

Tytti: Besides, if this conversation remains secret, how can we prove Rodney’s innocence?

Akreid: Ah, no need to worry. All we need is the fact that you took action against the Southern ambush.

Akreid: That would prove that the Antiras Squad isn’t allied with the South.

Xenia: …If that’s the case, why contact us at all?　

Xenia: You knew beforehand that we’d do something with regards to the South, didn’t you?

Xenia: Therefore, if you’re going to the trouble of contacting us anyway, you must have another reason, am I right?

Akreid: My, well done, Princess Xenia. Very insightful.

Xenia: I wasn’t a member of the Intelligence Bureau for nothing.

Akreid: Actually, I have a request on behalf of Mr. Jes’ha.

Xenia: Is that the real issue at hand?

Akreid: Yes, although I can’t speak of it until I confirm what his intentions are.

Xenia: …I may not know what this favor is, but your means of requesting it is very well thought-out.

Akreid: I’m a worrier by nature. I tend to think three steps ahead.

Xenia: You must be a pretty good strategist then, right?

Akreid: Oh, no, you give me too much credit.

Akreid: For me, my main objective was to get in contact with you. I’m satisfied on that point.

Akreid: I have a better understanding of your personalities and how you think.

Xenia: …So that concludes our business, right? I’ll be disconnecting, then.

Akreid: Oh, yes. Sorry for the long conversation. Goodbye.

*Beep*

Masaki: What’s with that guy…he was reading us forward and back.

Xenia: Yeah, he may look mild-mannered, but he’s insanely shrewd. Not the kind of guy you want working against you.

Xenia: The reason I cut communications so abruptly was to keep him from gleaning even more information.

Xenia: That’s why you didn’t want to appear in the call, right Uncle?

Wagner: Well, that’s one reason, but I just had a feeling that the whole conversation would have gone sideways.

Mio: Yeah, I can see that.

Tytti: I know this isn’t exactly a back-room deal, but I can’t help feeling like were dancing in the palm of his hand…

Masaki: That’s fine. If he wants to use us for this, we’ll take him up on that offer.

Lune: So, you’re going along with his request to stop the South’s advance?

Masaki: Yeah, I was planning on doing that fromt he start. Is that okay, Representative?

Wagner: If the other Masoukishin heralds are in agreement, I’ll approve it. Tytti, Mio, any objections?

Tytti: No, sir.

Mio: Same here.

Wagner: In that case, we’ll proceed to request a ceasefire from the Southern troops.

Chapter 14: Rodney in Chains

Northern Shutedonias – Lake KishnatMasoukishin II

*Southern soldiers and Antiras Squad arrive*

Zanboss: General Dusdresh! The Antiras Squad!

Leffen: Yes, I know. I suspected they would come…

Masaki: Stop right there! Your actions are a violation of the Union Treaty! Withdraw at once!

Leffen: This is General Leffen Dusdreash, leader of this detachment.

Leffen: There is room to debate if our actions can be called a violation of the Treaty. I am more than willing to hold negotiations on the matter at some future date.

Leffen: At the present, however, you have no grounds to force our withdrawal. If you press the matter, we will interpret it as a declaration of war.

Wagner: Well, that is an excellent counterargument. If they’re going to insist upon it, we’ve no choice but to enact Compulsory Execution.

Masaki: Can’t be helped. If they want a fight, they’ve got one!

Zanboss: Hmph! Don’t get carried away! This time we’ve got Captain Riko Sandleave with us!

Xenia: Eh? Sandleave…one of the Twin Aces?

Zanboss: And besides, I’m stronger than I used to be! I’ve come a long way since the Four Seasons War!

Leffen: All units, don’t overextend yourselves. If the situation becomes unfavorable, withdraw.

*Conditions shown, Unit selection, Battle starts*

{Masaki VS Leffen}

Masaki: Why are you trying to start a war!?

Leffen: If we don’t take action now, the South will continue to be subjugated to the North. Therefore, we have to take a stand.

Masaki: Did it never occur to you to try and talk things out!?

Leffen: Tell that to the North. They’re the ones who constrained us with a multitude of unreasonable demands, forcing Zolushard to take extreme measures.

Masaki: There’s still got to be a better way than an armed invasion!

Leffen: You have no grounds to lecture us, not when you’re trying to suppress us by force.

Masaki: !?

{Masaki VS Riko}

Masaki: !? The pilot’s just a kid!?

Riko: My name is Riko Sandleave! Come, face me in combat!

Masaki: This kid…is an Ace!?　

Masaki: No, that battle stance says it all…this one’s tough.

{Masaki VS Zanboss}

Zanboss: Long time no see, kid!

Masaki: I remember you! You’re the guy who used Xenia as a hostage!

Zanboss: Let me remind you, that was an emergency measure. I didn’t do it because I wanted to.

{Xenia VS Zanboss}

Xenia: I still owe you one from before, Lt. Colonel Zanboss!

Zanboss: Yeah, I underestimated you back then, Princess Xenia.

{Shoot down Riko}

Riko: I can’t go on…falling back!

{Shoot down Zanboss}

Zanboss: Grrr…you got me again! One day I’ll get you, you’ll see!

{Shoot down Leffen}

Leffen: I see…the strength of the Antiras Squad…is greater than I anticipated. I’ll have to rethink my strategy.

{Three enemies remain, including Leffen}

Leffen: We’ve lost too much manpower. We can’t hold the line like this. All units, retreat.

{Three enemies remain, including Zanboss, excluding Leffen}

Zanboss: Curses, we can’t go any farther! No choice but to fall back!

{Three enemies remain, including Riko, excluding Leffen and Zanboss}

Riko: We can’t go on fighting like this…as per the General’s order, we’re withdrawing!

{Three enemies remain, excluding Leffen, Zanboss and Riko}

Southern Soldier: Rgh…that’s enough! We’ll follow the General’s order and retreat!

Hringhorni – Briefing Room

Xenia: Well, we stopped the Southern Army’s invasion.

Masaki: That should cause a lull in hostilities, right?

Wagner: Yes, I believe it will.

Mio: I wonder if Old Man Rodney’s been released.

Tytti: I’m sure he’ll be fine…

Mefil: Oh, wait a minute. Take a look at this newsflash.

Xenia: Huh? What is this? When did…

Masaki: What? What happened?

Xenia: Northern soldiers have taken over a major Southern stronghold. Two of them, in fact.

Mefil: We weren’t told that the Northern army would be moving too.

Xenia: …We’ve been had. They used us to halt the South’s advance so they could launch a counterattack.

Ahmad: …That was most likely Akreid’s plan.

Xenia: But a lieutenant attached to the General Staff is nothing more than a junior officer….

Xenia: Oh, wait, wait a sec. Maybe its the opposite. If he’s a lieutenant that was attached to General Staff…

Ahmad: Our short conversation was enough for me to glimpse his keen intelligence. We can’t be too careful when he’s involved.

Xenia: Exactly…

Mefil: Oh, there’s a transmission! From Mr. Rodney!♪

Mio: Heck yeah, he’s free!

Masaki: Put him up on the mian.

Mefil: O~kay!

Rodney: Hey everyone, hope I didn’t make you worry too much.

Masaki: Have they let you go yet?

Rodney: Eh, more or less. At least they’re convinced that we aren’t working for the South.

Masaki: That was obvious from the start. So when are you coming back?

Rodney: …Yeah, about that. We need to have a talk.

Masaki: ? You’ve got a serious look on your face…what happened?

Rodney: Well, I know that this is quite a bombshell to drop, but…Ellis and I want to leave the Antiras Squad.

Masaki: !? Wait a minute! What’s that supposed to mean!?

Rodney: I’m sorry! I can explain!

Tytti: …Did something happen while you were detained?

Rodney: Actually…we just found out that Ellis is pregnant.

Tytti: Pregnant…?　

Tytti: Huh? Pregnant!?

Rodney: Don’t act so surprised…she and I are married, after all

Tytti: Ah…right. That’s right. Congradulations.

Mio: That’s great!

Rodney: Thank you!

Masaki: So…is that the reason?

Mio: Ohhh, I get’cha. If Ellis is pregnant, she can’t operate a machine.

Rodney: There’s that, but there are other reasons. What got to me the most was the accusation of being a spy.

Rodney: Ever since the division, everyone’s been jumping at shadows. The entire country’s on the edge.

Rodney: And at the end of the day, this is my homeland. I can’t just sit by and watch this happen.

Masaki: I get that, and that’s why we need to…

Rodney: There’s also only so much we can change from the outside. Some things can only be changed from the inside.

Masaki: From the inside…what are you going to do?

Rodney: There’s going to be a by-election for the senate soon. I’m thinking of running for it.

Mio: Running for office…Pops, you’re gonna be a politician!?

Rodney: Yep. I have a lot of connections, and, if I do say so myself, I’m pretty popular. I think I’ve got a shot at winning.

Masaki: Really…you’re going through with this, even if it means giving up your duties as a Masouki pilot?

Rodney: As far as I’m concerned, yes.

Ahmad: I’ll warn you about one thing. If you become a member of the Shutedonian house, you may find yourself at odds with the Antiras Squad.

Ahmad: Are you willing to face that?

Rodney: Well, I’ll do my best to avoid burning that bridge…but if national interests are at stake, I’ll be ready.

Ahmad: I see. Very well.

Masaki: No, very BAD. We’re fighting for the entirety of La Gias, not just one nation!

Rodney: Can that only be done if you’re a member of the Antiras Squad?

Masaki: Well…no…

Rodney: I’m not trying to be hostile or antagonistic. But I’ve been thinking about things like love for one’s family, or one’s country.

Rodney: And it’s not only about Ellis, or this war. I believe this is the best way for me to help La Gias as a whole…

Rodney: That’s the answer I arrived at. Luckily, I had plenty of time to mull this stuff over while in that jail cell.

Wagner: Well, you seem determined.

Rodney: Yep, I’ve made up my mind.

Mio: If he’s being this serious, I’ve got nothing to say on the matter.

Masaki: …..

Lune: Masaki, are you against this?

Masaki: …My opposition won’t change his mind. I’m not against it.

Rodney: …Sorry.

Xenia: One question. Did Akreid suggest this to you, Rodney?

Rodney: Eh? Lieutenant Barom? No, he wanted me back in the army, apparently.

Xenia: I see. So he didn’t put you up to this. Alright then.

Rodney: Oh, by the way, Lieutenant Barom asked me to give you a message. You guys know him?

Xenia: Sort of.

Rodney: He said “Things didn’t quite go as planned, but it was fine in the end.” Dunno what he means, though.

Xenia: …Did he foresee this as a possibility?

Rodney: ? What’s that mean?

Xenia: Uh, nothing. Never mind.

Wagner: Do the Masoukishin heralds have any objections to the two of them resigning?

Tytti: It can’t be helped…it is what it its.

Mio: I’ll miss you guys, but I won’t force you to stay.

Masaki: …No objections.

Wagner: In that case, I officially discharge Rodney and Ellis from the Antiras Squad.

Rodney: …Sorry. Again.

Wagner: We’ll take care of the formal procedures for you.

Rodney: Oh, thanks. Alright, I’ll contact you once I have any news.

Mio: ‘Kay, take care.

Tytti: Good luck to you.

Masaki: …Don’t do anything reckless.

Rodney: Same to you. Welp, see ya.

Masaki: Hey Xenia, why’d you ask about Akreid?

Xenia: I suspected that Akreid was hoping to reenlist Rodney in the Shutedonain army, but I wanted to be certain.

Masaki: Putting the old man back in the army…so that’s what he was after?

Xenia: Akreid said something about ‘confirming his intentions’. Although since he was okay with the outcome, he must have also suspected that Rodney would turn to politics.

Masaki: But what does he get out of Rodney returning to Shutedonias?

Xenia: Rodney’s presence is important, not on a personal level, but to Shutedonias as a whole.

Xenia: He said so himself, didn’t he? He’s popular, and he has connections.

Xenia: Whether or not he stays in the North is important, both politically and strategically.

Masaki: I never thought of that…

Xenia: Well, it’s too bad that the two of them left the Antiras Squad, but at least they’ll be able to make connections in Shutedonias instead.

Ahmad: Yes, and that will give us an advantage in matters of diplomacy.

Hringhorni – Mess Hall

Masaki: …..

Lune: Hey, Masaki. You daydreaming again?

Masaki: …No, just thinking.

Lune: About Rodney?

Masaki: Yeah. The old guy stayed in Shutedonias…to protect his family and his homeland.

Lune: Not just that. He’s also doing it for the better of all La Gias.

Masaki: Ah. That’s right.

Lune: It’s just that his priorities have changed now that he’s got a family to protect.

Masaki: A family to protect…I don’t have one. I lost them…on the surface.

Lune: That’s not true! You DO have one!

Masaki: Huh?

Lune: Because…we’re your family.

Masaki: Family…?

Lune: That’s what I believe. Everyone in the Antiras Squad is our family.

Masaki: Yeah…I see. You’re all my family…that’s right.

Hringhorni – Hangar

Wendy: How does the Dergiran feel, Mefil?

Mefil: Just perfect.

Wendy: Your height’s about the same as Ellis’, so I don’t think we’ll need to make any adjustments.

Mefil: But, is this really OK? Me piloting the Dergiran?

Wendy: You didn’t have any issues in the Spirit compatibility test. You’ll be fine. You can handle the Dergiran.

Mefil: I hope so.

Wendy: If you’re worried, why don’t you go out on patrol as a form of familiarization training? You can join Tsurein’s shift.

Mefil: Oooh, that’s a good idea. *giggle* Going out with Tsurey.♪

Wendy: You guys must be close.

Mefil: Uh~huh.

Mefil: Oh, what about my Gadifol?

Wendy: I’ll put it back in reserve. The advancement of Masouki in recent days has been tremendous, so it’s harder to keep those on the frontlines.

Mefil: Unlike custom-made machines, mass-produced ones seem to have a limit on the amount of improvements you can make.

Wendy: …I should get a spare Masouki up and running as soon as possible, just in case…

Mefil: ? Is something the matter?

Wendy: After what happened to Tian, it’s best if we inspect and make adjustments to all our Masouki. Though that will take some time.

Mefil: Ahhh…I understand…

Wendy: Oh, no need to worry. It’s just something I’m concerned about as a designer, there aren’t any real problems at the moment.

Mefil: O~kay, gotcha. Dergiran, I look forward to working with you.♪

Rodney in Chains End

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