Stage 05 (FM4)/Transcript

The following is a transcript of Scene 05, the sixth mission of Front Mission 4, in addition to the dialogue before and after Scene 05.

Pre-Mission Dialogue
[Durandal Common room]


 * Elsa: Zead! I am sorry, I did not expect anyone else to be here.


 * Zead: Hello there, Elsa.


 * Elsa: You look tired.


 * Zead: I am... I've been buried in paperwork since we came back. It happens every time we engage in actual combat, but I don't mind. Once a soldier, always a soldier, I suppose.


 * Elsa: How long were you in the army?


 * Zead: Twenty-four years. My career started with the army and will probably end with the Durandal.


 * Elsa: ... How many times have you been in actual combat?


 * Zead: Do the events of our last sortie still bother you?


 * Elsa: ... A little.


 * Zead: Remember that they did shoot first. Besides, they were--


 * Elsa: I know, Zead. Still... I fired my weapons. I had never shot at anyone before... even when I was in the French Army...


 * Zead: I see... But you did what you had to do. That is all. Whether you accept it or not is up to you.


 * Elsa: ...


 * Zead: Maybe you should get some rest. These things take time... but you are still young.

[Talk to Zead]


 * Zead: I told you we are not soldiers... But what we do here is important to the security of the E.C. and its people.

[Durandal HQ Briefing Room]


 * Zead: Prime Minister Noland! And Miss Allison! To what do we owe this pleasure?


 * Noland: Hello, everyone. There is something I need to confirm with you.


 * Hermes: What is it?


 * Noland: Your report stated that you found evidence proving that the German base assailants were using Zaftran wanzers. Correct?


 * Elsa: Yes, that is correct. Although it's not enough evidence to tell if the Zaftran Army itself was involved...


 * Noland: Then how do you explain what I was told at the E.C. Assembly today!? Miss Allison, show them.


 * Allison: Yes, sir. This is a news article featuring a press release issued earlier today by the E.C. Assembly... Please read it carefully.

A news article fades in; the headline is 'GERMAN BASE ASSAILANTS IDENTIFIED!'.


 * Article: The E.C. Central Assembly announced today that the U.C.S. is most likely responsible for the attacks on the German bases earlier this week. Brigadier General Glaeser of the German Army, who is leading the investigation, announced that experimental U.C.S. parts were recovered from the remains of the wanzers used by the assailants. Mr. Glaeser also stated that his team was able to reconstruct a computerized simulation of the attacks, but a motive is yet to be found. The U.C.S. Central Government, however, is strongly protesting the accusations.

The article fades out.


 * Zead: This is nonsense...


 * Noland: And that's exactly what Glaeser said when I told him about your findings--that Zaftra was responsible for the attacks, not the U.C.S.


 * Hermes: But we didn't just make it up! I double-checked our data when we got back! Those wanzers were Zaftran!


 * Noland: Program code can't be counted as evidence! I need to see the original microchip. Where is it?


 * Zead: We gave it to Glaeser, sir. While this data is all we have left, what we told you is the truth. Glaeser is the one who is lying.


 * Noland: I want to believe you... But I can't. Not while I am a member of the Central Assembly.


 * Elsa: We will continue our investigation.


 * Noland: Please do so. But the next time you find physical evidence, bring it directly to me. Now... I must take my leave. Miss Allison?


 * Allison: I will stay here a bit longer, Prime Minister.


 * Noland: Do as you wish.

[Talk to Zead]


 * Zead: Glaeser... What reason could he have for hiding the truth?

[Talk to Allison]


 * Allison: This incident may be a hard one to resolve, Zead. There are so many questions, yet too few answers.


 * Zead: I agree. Why would Glaeser lie? Why were the attackers using Zaftran wanzers? And the biggest question of all: What is the motive for the attacks on the German Army bases?


 * Hermes: Yeah... how would anyone benefit from taking out those bases?


 * Hermes: Unless... Of course! I've got it, Elsa!


 * Elsa: What is it?


 * Hermes: It's simple: data analysis! We're the only ones who can apply wanzer tactics data to geopolitical strategies. And that's how we can find the attackers' real objective!


 * Zead: Ah, of course! The destruction of the German bases was only a prelude... They were only paving the way for an attack on their real objective.


 * Elsa: We must find what that is...


 * Zead: Don't worry, my dear, we will.


 * Hermes: All right! It's data-crunching time!

A map of Europe fades in, with the location of the base at Jutland marked.


 * Hermes: This is their landing point.

Five purple circles appear in Germany.


 * Hermes: And these five circular areas represent the defensive perimeters of the German bases that were attacked. Their main objective has to be located at the end of a 'safe' route created by elimination of these five 'threats'.

For each of the following mentioned locations, their location on the map is marked, with an arrow from Jutland to each location that passes through some, but not all of the purple circles.


 * Elsa: All right, let's see... How about the submarine base in Rostock...?


 * Hermes: That's not it.


 * Elsa: Brussels...?


 * Hermes: Nope.


 * Elsa: Amsterdam...?


 * Hermes: Negatory.


 * Elsa: The radar base in Oostende...?


 * Hermes: Nada.


 * Elsa: The Navy base in Hague...?


 * Hermes: Negative. Hmm... No probable destinations west of Germany. Let's widen the search a bit more.


 * Elsa: Zurich...?


 * Hermes: Doesn't check out.


 * Elsa: Budapest...?


 * Hermes: Uh-uh.


 * Elsa: The army base in Klando...?


 * Hermes: No.


 * Elsa: The thermal power plant in Pordenone...?


 * Hermes: Nope.


 * Elsa: The oil fields in Kempton...?


 * Hermes: No go.


 * Elsa: The new resource base in Poland...?

This time, the arrow goes from Jutland to the resource base near Rawicz, passing through all bases.


 * Hermes: Wait... Yes! That's it!


 * Elsa: ...!


 * Zead: Interesting...


 * Hermes: No doubt about it! That's their objective! That's where they're trying to go!


 * Allison: The largest source of raw materials for the E.C... If they manage to destroy that base, it will trigger a major resource crisis.


 * Hermes: Any idea why Zaftra would want that to happen?


 * Zead: Once, the E.C. relied heavily on imports of raw materials from both the U.C.S. and Zaftra. After the discovery of those untouched resources in Poland, however, the E.C. became self-sufficient.


 * Hermes: You mean the U.C.S. could be behind these attacks, too?


 * Zead: Yes. The export of raw materials to the E.C. was also a major source of income for the U.C.S.

The map fades from the map to the Durandal HQ briefing room.


 * Allison: What are you going to do, Zead?


 * Zead: We still have the right to continue this investigation.


 * Allison: But you can't trust Glaeser, can you? You can't ask him to send reinforcements to Poland.


 * Elsa: Then what do you suggest we do?


 * Allison: ...


 * Elsa: Vice-Minister...


 * Allison: All right, Elsa. I will talk to my counterpart in Poland. No matter what the Assembly believes, Poland can't turn a blind eye to a possible threat to their resources.


 * Elsa: We will head there right away and give them our full cooperation.


 * Allison: I was just about to ask you to do so. Good luck.


 * Elsa: Miss Allison...


 * Zead: Thank you.


 * Allison: It's quite all right. It's the least I can do.


 * Zead: All right, let's get ready. The enemy never waits for us to finish our tea.

[Talk to Allison]


 * Allison: We're having the Department of Foreign Affairs look into the incident... but I don't think they'll find many answers.

Second time


 * Allison: The gear you have here may not be enough. I'll ask for aid from the British Army.


 * Zead: I'd rather you didn't do that.


 * Allison: But...


 * Hermes: Don't worry, Miss Allison! Our gear is as good as the army's!

[Durandal HQ Hangar]


 * Hermes: Hey, Elsa, you haven't met Robert yet, have you? He's our official transport pilot. He'll be flying us to our next mission.


 * Robert: So you're the new recruit. Much obliged.


 * Latona: I will be going with you as well.


 * Elsa: Nice to meet you, uh...


 * Latona: Latona.


 * Elsa: Nice to meet you, Latona.


 * Latona: Don't worry about it. Members of different teams hardly ever meet.


 * Zead: Latona, are you sure you want to come with us? What about your teammates?


 * Latona: You know you need me, Zead. You can't do everything by yourself.


 * Hermes: Hey... what are we, chopped liver?


 * Latona: By the way, we received some additional funds. It seems Prime Minister Noland pulled some strings for us.


 * Hermes: That's mighty kind of him.


 * Zead: It seems the prime minister still has faith in us. Let's not disappoint him.

[Obtained: 1500 credits.]

[Outside Resource Base]


 * Hermes: Jeez! Is that the resource base? Look at the size of that thing!


 * Zead: And that's not the half of it. There are natural resources spread out over forty kilometers here.


 * Hermes: Yeah, I know. And that makes defending this place that much harder.


 * Zead: Well, it looks like we're cleared to land. Take us down, Robert.

[Polish Command Center]


 * Roemer: Welcome to Poland, my friends. I am Lieutenant Colonel Roemer of the Polish Homeland Defense Troops. You must be Zead. We appreciate your coming.


 * Zead: Thank you, Lieutenant Colonel. We appreciate your taking the time to listen to us.


 * Roemer: I must say, I still have my doubts... Are you certain the same people who attacked the bases in Germany will come here as well?


 * Elsa: We wish we were mistaken... but an assault on this resource base is the most likely scenario.


 * Roemer: I see... I would like to ask another question: Why did you decide to come here? Would it not have been easier to try and intercept them while they moved through Germany?


 * Elsa: As we have told you, we cannot fully trust the German army. We suspect there may be people in its ranks who are involved with the attacks.


 * Roemer: I see.


 * Hermes: Hey, Zead, can you come over here? I need your help with something.


 * Zead: All right. Elsa, can I trust you to brief Mister Roemer?


 * Elsa: Okay. Lieutenant Colonel, this is what we are planning to do...

A map of the resource base fades in, with the location of the refineries marked on the map.


 * Elsa: As you know, there are four refineries in this resource base.


 * Roemer: Yes. Those are where we process the raw materials we dig out. If even one of them were to be destroyed, the entire facility would be unable to function for several years. I have already placed troops around all four refineries.


 * Elsa: Lieutenant Colonel, our enemies excel in covert action. We will be unable to defend the facilities unless we can detect them before they get too close.

Several red dots appear to the west of the marked refineries on the map.


 * Elsa: Our plan is to place special heat sensors around the base in order to detect their approach. That should give your troops enough time to set up a defensive perimeter wherever necessary.


 * Roemer: Truly, I am impressed. Did you come up with this plan, Miss Elsa?


 * Elsa: No, just the part about the sensors...

The map fades out.


 * Roemer: ... Miss Elsa, if I may ask, why are the members of the Durandal risking their lives for us?


 * Elsa: Well, because... this resource base is important to the E.C.'s economy...


 * Roemer: Yes, of course. But there was no need for you to come all the way out here, was there?


 * Elsa: It may be so... I do not know, sir. Maybe it is because we were involved from the start. I think we need to see it through to the end.


 * Roemer: I am... beyond words. You are truly admirable, Miss Elsa.


 * Elsa: I-I... Thank you, sir.


 * Zead: Elsa, have you finished briefing the lieutenant colonel?


 * Elsa: Y-Yes. Yes, Zead. Is it time to set the sensors?


 * Zead: Yes. Let's hurry.


 * Roemer: Be careful.


 * Elsa: You too, Lieutenant Colonel.

[Talk to Roemer]


 * Roemer: Let us talk again after this battle is over. There are many things I want to know about you.

[Durandal Transport]


 * Hermes: What's wrong, Elsa? Your face is red.


 * Elsa: N-Nothing. It was just hot in there.


 * Hermes: Really? We've been freezing out here.


 * Zead: It's time to go. We may go into combat sooner than we expect. Make sure the wanzers are ready.


 * Latona: Elsa, you should use the simulator and check the tutorial on 'Setting Links'. Our teamwork will be the key in gaining victory in the upcoming battle.

The Setting Links tutorial plays.


 * Latona: Several other tutorials have been added to the simulator. Be sure to study them as well.


 * Hermes: There's new gear in the wanzer shop. Better stock up on whatever we can--we need to come out of this alive.

[Outside Resource Base]


 * Hermes: Still nothing on the sensors...


 * Latona: It's only been three hours since we set them. And as you say, a watched pot never boils.


 * Hermes: You're probably right, but...


 * Latona: Just be patient.


 * Hermes: Whoa! Here they come! I have blips moving towards Refinery Three!


 * Elsa: I'll inform the lieutenant colonel. There should be enough time for the other Polish units to arrive.


 * Hermes: Wait... This can't be right!


 * Zead: What's wrong?


 * Hermes: They're moving faster than any wanzer I've ever seen! It's like... they're rockets or something!

Several wanzers with jetpacks are moving towards the refinery.


 * Roemer: What is it?


 * Elsa: Sir, the enemy's heading towards you at incredible speed!


 * Roemer: Then there's not enough time for the other units to arrive?


 * Elsa: You cannot stop them by yourself, Liuetenant Colonel! Fall back, now--


 * Roemer: I can't! I must defend the resource base...

''The wanzers detach their jetpacks, with rockets attached to the jetpacks being launched at the refinery.


 * Roemer: I have visual contact! You're not getting through me, you--

The Polish wanzers attempt to defend the refinery, but several rockets avoid destruction and damage the refinery, knocking down Roemer's wanzer in the process.


 * Roemer: Arrgh!

The Polish wanzers continue fighting, but they are soon overwhelmed and take heavy losses.


 * Elsa: Lieutenant Colonel, respond! We're almost at your position!


 * Roemer: Protect... the base...

A bazooka is fired at Roemer's wanzer, destroying it and killing Roemer.


 * Elsa: Roemer!

Several enemy wanzers move towards a SH Type-44Z helicopter; while the Durandal transport moves towards the refinery, the same helicopter with several attached wanzers moves away from the refinery.


 * Hermes: They're getting away! Should we go after 'em?


 * Elsa: No! There are still enemy wanzers on the ground! We must help the Polish Army first!

While the Durandal transport prepares to land, several enemy wanzers approach its position.


 * Elsa: Come on! Let's get them.

Post-Mission Dialogue

 * Elsa: Where did that helicopter go!?


 * Hermes: It hasn't gone far! We can still catch it!


 * Elsa: Let's go!

The Durandal wanzers move towards their transport.