"... That same dream again. And with it, the same castic, horrifying emotions. It's not a nightmare, though. No. For me, it is reality. It's been a full month since, but still I dream of that fateful day. It serves as a reminder that I'll never see him again. I was taking part in live-fire testing for Ash'ari Kreutzer corp.'s weapons development division. A secret domed installation on the moon housed us. At least, until Jovian Lizards pinpointed our location. In an instant, the dome was attacked and completely obliterated. The staff, the trainees, the equipment, the data, the unit... all wiped out. Except for me. He was a co-worker of mine. Army liaison, he said. he asked me to leave the army. I obliged. I knew then. We were always going to be together. That was until I woke up in this cold hospital bed. That was until they told me I was the sole survivor. Grief-stricken, I try to remember the sound of his laughter. I envision his clear eyes, and lose myself within."
Needless to say, the female pilot has had kind've a rough time.Mystery figure: ...In regards to the shop, the board of directors has agreed to entrust you with its preperations until it's ready to launch. You will, of course, be duly compensated for your cooperation. Are our terms acceptable?
to think you had some sort of evil intentions... I accept!
Mystery figure: All right, we're leaving the rest in your hands. Do your best to advance the project and achieve our goals. That is all.
Prospector: My, aren't we busy? I suppose I should start gathering talented peple for the main crew. There's no way the army's going to let us advance with the project once word breaks, so we can't settle for anything less than the cream of the crop.
Fukube: Quite a crowd you've assembled.
Prospector: The personnel department chose to enlist them all at once. Do you have any questions about the main crew?
Prospector: Yes, well. I'm more than sure he'll make up for that with his skills.
Fukube: Aren't all the bridge staff novices?
Prospector: They may not be in a crew that will impress an ex-admiral of the UEFA, but they're all quite talented. Especially the operateor. She's so skilled that she can control even the Nadesico's special systems single-handedly.
Fukube: Hmm... So all that remains is the combat personnel? I only see one candidate.
Prospector: The Nanbara Connection has agreed to provide some to us in exchange for monetary assistance. We are also negotiating with the Photon Power Labs, and in addition, we've selected three Aestivalis pilots from our company's colonies. Their transfer is still in progress. We also have another pilot on her way to negotiate. She's ex-UEFA, and seeks to improve her abilities through combat on Mars.
Nanbara Connection is the home base of Combattler V, Photon Power Labs is the home base of the Mazinger army.Fukube: Mars, eh...?
Shift view to a hospital on the lunar surface...Calvina: I figured I'd be talking with the guy who contaced me, but I guess I was mistaken. Are you the Prospector?
Prospector: Indeed. I'm expecting a favorable reply. That's why I'm here, after all! You'll be leaving the hospital tomarrow, correct? That must be very exciting.
Calvina: I appreciate your enuthusiasm, but... Even if you emply me, I'm not going to be of any use. That won't change no matter how many times you ask.
She seems a bit down, to say the least.Prospector: This is most unexpected... Just so you know, I'm not going to take no for an answer. Let me be blunt, Ms. Coulange. Our company wants you to lend your prowess to the Nadesico, a new model warship.
Calvina: ......
Prospector: Of course, we've already investigated your background. Ex-Federation Space Force, 2nd Lieutenant... A star student at the academy, so much so that people began to call you the "White Lynx." After being sent to Mars' garrison during the first conflicts with the Jovian Lizards, you ran up against some... troubling circumstances. Due to injuries, you were sent back to Earth, before the imminent main battle. Shortly thereafter, you unexpectedly left the military and worked under contract at the Ash'ari-Kreutzer Corporation. One month later, the dome you were assigned to for testing purposes was attacked by Jovian Lizards and annihil-
I'm... not really sure what he thought rattling off her past was gonna do for his case.Calvina: Enough! I've seen the media coverage, and I know they're claiming no survivors... How the hell did you know I was there?!
We know you were working on a new weapons project, and that you were striving to ascertain the value of an experimental unit when the dome was attacked. A member of your officer's training class had his eye on your testing results, and through him we were able to find you. That is all we know. We were unable to secure any further details.
Calvina: ......
Prospector: In addition, all data concerning the incident was erased and the entire project destroyed. Doesn't it almost seem like someone in the Federation didn't want this one to be solved? They've gone so far as to claim the sole survivor of the incident wasn't even there... ... I wonder why they would do such a thing?
You better have a real good answer, or they're gonna have to prep the emergency room to put that bespectacled visage of your back together...
Yowch.Prospector: Ah, well... Forgive my lack of courtesy! You are quite right to be angry. That was just a chat that got... out of control. What we need is your high degree of skill, knowledge and experience in battle. We don't have any other important reasons for hiring you besides that. My sincerest apologies for the misunderstanding.
He may be kind've a jerk, but let nobody say the prospector doesn't have balls.Calvina: Well, that's a shame. I'm in no shape to pilot anything right now. Hell, it looks like I'm gonna be in rehab for months.
Prospector: We are aware of your current state, but that won't be a problem with our new Image-Feedback System. Our company developed Aestivalis can-
Calvina:I have no intention of being altered for IFS-use, Mister Prospector.
Prospector: Hmm! That is an obstacle, indeed. May I ask you, then, how you intend to fight the Jovian Lizards?
Calvina: Couldn't care less about 'em. And with that... I looks like you're out of options. Time to give up.
Prospector: No, no! How about this one? We want you to join the crew as a combat advisor. You could work as an aide to the captain on mobile weapon use!
Prospector: Because you are an ex-soldier with first-hand combat experience. We need people like you. Including a bonus... How does this salary sound?
Calvina: ......
Prospector: Something wrong? Oh, don't worry! It will all be tax exempt, of course.
Calvina: Fine. I agre to your terms. Besides, it's not like I have anywhere to go if I decline. I'll settle for anything. When's the departure?
Meanwhile, back in the lunar city harbor... battle's nearby is kind've an issue, but... What's the problem with being a coward?! Fact of the matter is, if I get scared, I get scared. It's not like I do it because I LIKE it. My body just-)
Yurika: ... But Jun, are you really okay with this? You were a Lieutenant in the UEFA! You gave that up just to be by my side?
Yurika: Huh?
Jun: That's why, I... well, er...
Yurika: I see... All right, Jun! We're gonna be the best of comrades!
Jun: Yeah... Yeah.
Akito: Whoa!
Yurika: Oh, sorry! Are you all right?!
Akito: Ahh, well...
Yurika: Oh no, my luggage is all over the place!
Akito: Sorry. My fault. Let me help you out.
Yurika: Thank you very much! ...Hm? I know this may sound a little strange, but... ... Have we met before?
Akito: Uh, what?
Yurika: I just... get the feeling we've already met, somehow.
Akito: Couldn't say.
Jun: Yurika, we're gonna be late if we don't hurry!
Yurika: Right! Thanks a lot for the help. So, if you'll excuse me... All right Jun, let's go!
Jun: Ah! Wait, Yurikaaaa!
Akito: Hey, you dropped your picture! ...Too late, she's gone. Hmm? What's this photo? ...Wait a sec, that's me! Why am I in there? Oh, I get it now. We really HAVE met before! Yeah... I know you, Yurika Misumaru. Argh, I can't let this go! I have to be sure it's her! Where did she run off to?!
Calvina: Seriously though, I never thought I was going to be in a place like this as soon as I left the hospital... Especially when you originally contacted me during my hospitalization.
Prospector: That's understandable. You'll be officially commissioned soon enough. Ah... Excuse me! What are you doing here? This is a restricted area!
Akito: I'm looking for my friend, Yurika Misumaru. Did she come through here?
Prospector: Oh, you're already registered. Mr. Akito Tenkawa... You're a survivor of the destroyed Martian Utopia Colony?!
Calvina: Unbelievable. How did you get back to Earth?
Akito:...I don't remember.
Prospector:*chuckle* You're a pilot, eh?
Akito: No, I'm a cook! And that's enough about me! Is Yurika here? I'm sure she and her father must know my parents died.
Prospector:I see... You've lived through some real hardships. Indeed, she's here. If it's all right with you, can we employ you as a cook? You'll be able to talk to her whenever you wish, that way.
Akito: Huh? Well, er... since I don't have a job yet, I guess I could-
Prospector:That settles it, then. From now on, you're the Nadesico's cook. Be sure to give it your all!
Akito enters the nadesico's hanger...Akito:She always did love to roam... I wonder where she is now?
Gai: Let's go, Gekiganger! Hyaaahh! Take this! Final blow! GEKIGAN BLAAAAAAAADE!
Gai:Heh, it's me! I'm Gai! This super robot - Gekiganger's - main pilot... Gai Daigoji! Nice to meet you, Professor!
Akito:(Gekiganger... Boy, that brings back memories.)
Uribatake: Who the hell's this "Professor"?! And how can you be the main pilot in a one-seat unit?! And it isn't "Gekiganger" it's "Aestivalis"! Stop giving it weirrd names like that!
... You're a little early don't you think?
Gai:Daaahahahahaha! No way! I've been looking forward to this my whole damn life! I'm already one step ahead of you guys! Yeahhhhhhh! KABLAM! KABLOOIE!
... Daaahahahahaha?Uribatake: What's this guy's problem? Hmm? Wait a second! It says the pilot is Jiro Yamada... This doofus isn't even the actual pilot?!
Gai:T-That's just my given name! Gai Daigoji is my SOUL'S name! The real one! Come on, you evil Jupiterians! Gai Daigoji ain't gonna let you have your way with Earth! Awwww yeah! Hahahaha! I'm so awesome, it hurts!
Akito: What're the "Jupiterians"?
Uribitake: Who knows? Nobody's ever seen 'em. The Jovian Lizards send automated robotic weapons exclusively, and those don't really count as living, so-
Uribatake: I'm Chief Mechanic Seiya Uribatake. Nice to meetcha, cook. Hope you make some good grub! Anyway... Hey, you! Give it a break already, willya?
Uribatake's a pretty chill guy. I like him.Gai: Hahaha, this is gonna be a special treat, just for you guys! Gai Daigoji's Ultra Super Giga Final Blow Technique! The people call it... GAI! SUPER UPPERRRR!
Uribatake: Hey, cut it out, you moron! Whoaaa!
Scene shift to the bridge.Minato: Well, well... Looks like they're causing quite a stir in the hangar.
Uribatake calls up to the bridge.Uribatake: Sorry to be the one to tell you this, but that dumbass got himself a broken leg overturning the Aestivalis. Could we get someone over here to provide medical attention, please?
Minato: A broken leg? Now that you mention it, isn't he the only available pilot right now? What in the world was he thinking?
Fukube: ......
Gai: Aarrghhhh! It huuuuuurrrrts! ...Hey, kiddo... please... can you bring me my... Treasure?!
Akito: Your TREASURE? Don't tell me it's that Gekiganger doll?!
Something of note, remember when "baka" was that one word that everyone that wanted to know japanese, that didn't know japanese, was saying? Ruri is pretty much the reason for that. her catchphrase, more or less, in nadesico, was "Idiot" which as most internet folk now know is "Baka" in japanese. Internet history! Would you believe I picked this up from wikipedia rather then watching the actual shows? Because I did. Prospector: Hmm, it appears we have the bridge crew fully assembled. Ms. Coulange, this is the Nadesico's bridge. Have you all finished introducing yourselves?
Minato: Not at all.
Prospector: Then allow me to introduce you to one more person. This is the commanding officer, Adm. Fukube.
Fukube: Yes, ahem... Even if you're only an observer, we're still counting on you.
Calvina: (Adm. Fukube? The same one from the climactic battle on mars...?)
Prospector: Former private secretary, now main helmsman: Ms. Minato Haruka.
Minato: Nice to meet you!
Prospector: This is our communications operator, Ms. Megumi Reinard. She's a former voice actress.
Megumi: Pleased to make your acquaintance!
Prospector: This is the ship computer's operator, Ms. Ruri Hoshino.
Ruri: Nice to meet you.
Megumi: Wow, you're the girl who runs the ship's computer?!
Ruri: Seems that way, yes.
Minato: *laughs* You're an amazing girl, aren't you?
Prospector: When it comes to Image Feedback-based electronic devices, she's a genius. Since the Nadesico's main system was heavily designed for IFS use, she's the best one available... And this is our combat advisor, ex-UEFA 2nd Lt. Calvina Coulange.
Calvina Not that I have a rank anymore. Nice to meet you guys. I've heard you're all the best at what you do. I'm sure you'll do fine.
Minato: Huh. You mean we're going to be able to do something after all?
Prospector: Yes, all of the bridge crew are experts in their respective fields, and our Captain takes pride in having never lost a simulated battle in the Earth Federation Academy.
Calvina: They're the elite, then... I wonder what a captain like that would be doing out here? ... Hell, where IS the captain?
Prospector: Hm, that is strange... They should've arrived by now.
Yurika: Ah, here it is! Look, Jun! That's the bridge!
V!
Jun: H-Hold on, Yurika!
Yurika: I'm sure to capture their hearts like this!
Huh. Minato: ......
Megumi: ......
Calvina: Guess that's why she isn't working for the UEFA...
Ruri: ...More idiots?
Jun: Ah, well, I... I'm her second-in-command, Jun Aoi. Pleased to meet you, everyone!
Prospector: Huh... Well, I know this may be a bit abrupt, but we have to talk about the ship's utilization rules and...
An alarm sounds off.Calvina: An alarm?
Ruri: Jovian mobile weapons are engaging the UEFA forces directly above us.
Fukube: How's the Federation doing?
An explosion rocks the ship. Jun: T-They're attacking us?!
Fukube:That means they aren't after military installations exclusively. Make no mistake, their target is the Nadesico. What do you make of this, Captain?
Yurika: Mr. Prospector, are all crew members onboard?
Prospector: Most of the crew have boarded, yes... Wait. Captain, don't tell me you're going to engage the enemy?!
Another explosion rocks the ship.Fukube: She's right. If we sit here, we're going to be destroyed. What do you intend to do, captain?
Yurika:If we go out through the tunnel above us, they're going to shoot us down... ... We'll have to use the underground gate to exit from the Lunar City. If we can get out through the 3rd gate, we'll surface behind the enemy!
Jun:That's too reckless, Yurika. This port isn't military! The only exit big enough to allow a ship to depart are those docks!
Ruri: The 3rd gate's size is adequate. It will not be easy, however. We'll have to maintain an excellent balance ration while moving... We don't want to damage the area, after all.
Yurika: Okay! I figure it'll take us about 10 minutes, but I have no idea how we're going to keep them at bay for that long, so...
Gai: That's my cue! Gai Daigoji'll keep the enemy outta here, no problem! Gahhhh! My burning passion...!
Uribatake: It's burning, all right... You can thank your newly broken leg for that.
Ruri:A decoy's already launched. It's an Aestivalis, using the upward elevator to the docks.
Megumi: Open a comm channel!
Akito: I'm sick of getting involved in things! I'm a cook! I don't want to die in a horrible place like this!
Calvina: (Isn't that the cook from before?)
Fukube:You... What's your name and designation?
Akito:Huh?! W-Well, I'm Akito Tenkawa, cook.
Jun:Yurika, he's...
Yurika:...The boy from earlier? Akito... Tenkawa?
Prospector:He came from Mars. I contracted him to work here earlier today.
Gai:Why's the cook in my Gekiganger?!
Calvina:A person under your circumstances shouldn't be mouthing off so much. Can you handle this, Akito Tenkawa?
Akito:Handle what?
Yurika:Akito... Akito... Oh! Hooray! Akito, it's been so long since I last saw you!
Akito: Huh? Me?
Yurika:Yes, you! Why'd you pretend not to know me though? Oh, I know!I bet you're still as shy as ever!
Akito: W-What the heck? What are you doing on the bridge?!
Prospector: She's the Nadesico's Captain.
Akito: Huhhhhhhh?!
Yurika: Yup, that's me! *giggle*
Jun: Hey, Yurika... Who is he?
Yurika: He's my Prince! He always comes to my rescue when I'm in trouble!
Akito: Hey, hold on a sec-!
Yurika: Akito, you can't be a decoy. It's too dangerous! I understand, though. You've made up your mind. A woman's selfishness is nothing compared to your resolve!
Akito:W-wait! Did you say "decoy"?!
Calvina: ...Wasn't that what you wanted to do?
Akito: Of course not! ...Wait a second... What decoy?!
Yurika: Don't worry, Akito, I understand! We on the Nadesico leave our lives in your hands. Be sure to come back in one piece okay?
Akito: Hey, waaaaaait!
Ruri:The elevator has reached the lunar surface.
Megumi:Hang in there!
Gai:Gimme back my gekiganger!
Calvina: *groan* Akito Tenkawa, can you hear me? This is the ship's combat advisor, Calvina Coulange. The Nadesico's surface ETA is 10 minutes. During that time, try to keep the enemy away from the docks. Oh, and one more thing... ...Good luck.
Tomarrow, the actual combat!