Super Ostrich

So what transpires during the first act, when our dumbass heroes are 'on trial'? I heard the word Zentradi mentioned but not beyond much that

Can some translate what Roid says post credits?

This episodes feels to me like the half way mark for the show, but alas we only have 2/3 eps left

He says:

Episode started off dull with lots of talking but kicks into gear when...

Arad pilots Wright's VF-22

Makina takes a shot from a sniper

Mikumo transforms into the Wind Singer

Xaos arrive with Kairos's and Koenigs

I'm hoping they keep things moving in this direction for the final few episodes.

Wright Immelmann's Sturmvogel in action. For all of a few seconds.

SDF MACROSS !!!!!! ahahaha vajra universal domination

!!

That is on the Earth! so NUN government is getting involved?

Super Ostrich

while i would also like there to be a longer finale (hell make it a 2 hour special. if it's the last ride, make it long!), but i have no such expectations. and, surprisingly, i thing it can be summed up in a regular-length episode. alto contacts ranka, gets her to wake up, ranka/sheryl combo communicates with the vajra, inter-species peace is declared, grace dies, leon arrested, bilra meets that "someone" and gives a 10 minute explanation of what happened from the start, then, finally, triangle is resolved.

And I think there is still time left to play another Macross Zero homage: the NUN reinforcement shows up late and determine to annihilate Vajra to take all credit. Ranka and the Vajra fold away...

Super Ostrich

但是，已确定最终的完结篇，将会以一部完整的电影的形式出现，初步定于2008圣诞之前放送

But, it is confirmed that the final episode will be presented in the form of feature film, tentatively scheduled to release before X'mas 2008

关于这个剧场版的具体信息，大家可以在第25话中了解.

The detailed information about the theatrical release, you can find out in episode 25.

Interesting, what Chinese forum you got it?

Super Ostrich

He saw that brief flash of Ranka "crucified", and you know his (personal) mission was to get in there and save her. This is much easier to do if Brera and Grace think he's dead. My guess is he wasn't even in the cockpit.

Yes, he is pulling the greatest kabuki ever. Even his father is admired, when he said "Alto, is this your dance?"

Super Ostrich

Based on what I've seen, I must say that I agree with you 100% on this. This is in fact, at its core, no different from the clone wars in Star Wars, where both sides (Republic and Separatist) were manipulated into a war to pave the way for the Emperor Palpatine.

Yes, I've been aware of what 0 lag communications implant network does and aims to achieve since the last episode, when Grace was arguing with Ranshe. This is in fact no different from what RFID and internal comm implants (both of which are already technically possible today) can potentially achieve as their capabilities evolved. Both Frontier and Vajra, unwittingly led into paving the way for Grace's new empire.

EMPRESS GRACE O' CONNOR. She shall rule the world with her fold quartz fist.

Join the Grace side, or you will all pay with your lack of vision! HAHAHAHAHA!!!! (Maniacal Grace laughter)

Exactly, Ranka was manipulated. Grace deliberately chose this song against Sheryl. She said "no better song can fit this situation."

Super Ostrich

Some interesting development during the first half of episode:

1. In her flashback, Ranka's bother told her not to tell anybody that her singing attracted Vajra after pushing her to escape pod.

2. Ranks think she is responsible for 117th's destruction. Grace uses Ranka's guilt to persuade her to defend Vajra home planet against intruder (Frontier).

3. On the wreck of Global they found the script from Grace about "super-dimensional network", by inserting implant to fold quartz. They also found the medical record for Ranshe, shown that she gave birth to Ranka while infected with V-type virus, which confirms the power source of Ranka.

4. Based on the Grace's theory, it is possible to create galaxy-wide real-time nerve network by using fold quartz as the core. The network will be hierarchical, meaning there are nodes above the others, with the one super-node dominate all. But to archive that all creature will have to be implanted, Wilder realizes that Vajra will be used as the mean to get the submission, because it is so powerful human cannot resist. And Ranka is the key to command Vajra.

5. They sent their finding to NUN government, realized that they have face Grace alone since reinforcement won't come in time due to distance and bureaucracy.

6. They also found a letter to Dr. Mao, which says, "...decided to give Mother's erring as gift to daughter..."

...

I have to go to bed because my brain is fall asleep...

Super Ostrich

Chinese sub (POPGO) is out.

Super Ostrich

wilber? who's wilber?

Wilder. not Wil"b"er, type too fast

Super Ostrich

Super Ostrich

萌 Warheads

萌 Warheads? "Moe" warheads? Lovely warhead?what is this?

2ch = the site is run by 2 guys called Chan.

4ch = run by 4 guys (or girls), all surnamed Chan.

At least that's what I thought.

But seriously, I have no idea, I never visit either site.

Graham

Could anyone provide the link to2ch and 4ch sites? I like to go there to check out what is the fuss all about.

Super Ostrich

What he always does - he brain-washes Alto and tells him that he's the best actor, that he's still acting in his fighter-pilot role.

n the thick-skull seems to be buying it. duh.

Actually, what Alto is buying into is the pep talk from Leon and Bilrer. They both told Alto that Vajra is using Ranka as a tool to annihilate human. And Alto believes in that.

Super Ostrich

The scenes of the Frontier civilians wearing gasmasks as Leon gave his speech was reminiscent of pictures of Japanese civilians as they prepared for the invasion of Japan, and Alto's attitude in saying he would kill Ranka sounds like gyokusai to me. Leon will sacrifice everything to achieve his goal (whatever it is). Ichioku gyokusai!

Frontier has reached to the point where they can no longer self-supported due the heavy damage inflicted by Vajra. This can be seen when they abandoned more islands. In the assembly meeting a senator proposed to give up the journey and seek help from New U.N. government. Leon announced that there is a better solution for the crisis. Later they located the Vajra planet by tracking the fold wave from Ranka's singing. Based the data collected from the ghost probe, they determined that this planet is in human-habitable Class A.

So, it is the Leon's goal: eliminate Vajra and take over their planet, sound familiar to what we human has been doing, uh?

Super Ostrich

I posted these ones in wikipedia...

23 "True Begin" September 11, 2008

Due to insufficient resources in the Frontier Fleet, food is being rationed. As even oxygen is being lowered inside the colony, Alto cooks for a V-virus infected Sheryl as they pass the time peacefully. Right after that, Alto receives a shocking revelation about the ecology of the Vajra and the secret behind Ranka's song from Leon Mishima and Bilrer.

24 "Last Frontier" September 18, 2008

The members of S.M.S Macross Quarter investigate the truth behind the destruction of the 117th Large Scale Research fleet in a Vajra attack and Ozma Lee finds the shadow of Grace O' Connor's ambition present in the incident where Ranka lost her family. Meanwhile, the NUNS military forces of Frontier gambles the fate of Frontier and decides to wage a final decisive battle against Vajra..

25 "Your Sound" September 25, 2008

After arriving at the planet of origin of the Vajra, the Frontier fleet commences an all-out attack and Battle Frontier manages to charge directly into the center of the enemy forces. However, Island One (the main residential area of the fleet) receives a fierce counterattack from the Vajra and becomes endangered. During that time of crisis, the silhouette of a person starts projecting on the stage at the Battle 25 bridge.

What do you think?

My corrections

so...what's Brera Sterne rank? Major or Lt. Commander????????

This question keeps popping up whenever people has question about the translation for the rank of Roy or Misa...

Shōsa (少佐 in Kanji) is the rank equivalent to both Major or Lt. Commander during the days of Imperial Japan. The confusion comes because Imperial Japanese Army and Navy both have Shōsa rank. Only in the situation where the distinguish the service becomes necessary, Army (Rikugun) or Naval (Kaigun) was added before "Shōsa" (there was no Imperial Japan Air Force).

There is no modern translation of Shōsa in Japan nowadays since Japanese Self Defense Force no longer have Shōsa rank. So it is really up to translator how to interpret Shōsa rank in UN Spacy. Since UN Spacy is more like Navy, I would choose Lt. Commander.

Super Ostrich

It is known that Grace & Co want to be the ruler of the universe. To reach that they are going after the true queen of Vajra, specifically, the ability to manufacture fold quartz, which is the key to dominate the galaxy.

Super Ostrich

Did anyone read the summary for the ep25 (last ep?) on Wikipedia? It is kind of shocking...

Super Ostrich

Leon now is officially elected to the president of Frontier. And the first announcement from his inaugural is declaration war against Vajra !! And he knew that the resource in Frontier can only last for 3 months even under war-time administration. Looks like he want to control the universe so badly, even don't want to share with Grace?

Now Leon is collaborating with Bilrer (I guess his days is numbered... ), who informed Wilder that SMS is dissolved and merged to NUNS. Wilder does not want to follow order from Leon after learned he assassinated Howard. He declared to the men who follow Cathy's message that from now on they are space pirate and take Quater as the first price. Where they will go for the next price?

Luca want to bring Ranka back before Nanase wakes up, because she like Ranka so much. To accomplish that Alto said they need to defeat Vajra. Alto also knows that Sheryl is dying after informed by Klan. Maybe that is the reason he sticks with Frontier?

It seems that in the next episode Alto will know the truth behind Vajra and finally decide his path, and Ranka and Brera will know all thing about their past.

Super Ostrich

I have other requests concerning this episode... Does anybody has pics of Klan fighting the Vajra using the Fastpacks and/or the scene where she is seen firing at the Vajra with some Zentradi soldiers backing her up?

Your wish is granted

Does anybody has a clear nice pic of the first image of Vajra bait Ranka from the previews at the end of the episode?

Here you go (though the original frame is not in very high quality )

I love this episode! (not as much as ep20, but this one still has moments. ranka leaving and confessing FTW). I don't see how a lot of the early posters expressed disappointment and confusion. (is it because i only watched the raw and something got lost in translation?). the plot seemed to flow naturally for me. and things that might not make sense; if there were, i felt that all would be revealed in due time.

or then again, i might just be biased by this point. like gubaba, i've reached a point where the series has taken me in, hook line and reaction warhead. whatever they do (short of an off-screen death for sheryl, ranka or alto) would probably have me as a fan by this point.

as for this episode! haha, looks like a lot got that EVANGELION vibe when Klan went up to attack. eva with a firm ass!

much of the drama of this episode falls squarely on the final scene, whre ranka meets alto. since my japanese is very limited, can anyone tell me what ranka exactly told ranka as to why she's leaving? or even if she didn't tell alto, why did she leave? Is it because she wants to protect frontier? she's guilty? or she want to find a peaceful solution?

in any case, seems she made her decision even before talking with alto, since she left messages to nanase and ozma. did i get that right?

If so, this looks like a call-out to alto for when he stood her up. "ok, alto THIS is how you tell someone that you're going away for a while. not that crrap you pulled on me with michael (RIP)!"

gotta watch the subs! can't wait!

Because she is beginning to remember her past, Ranks feels that she needs to know some thing, though she still has fear (about her past). Doesn’t say exactly what she wants to know, I assume that she want to know the connection between her and Vajra. So she wants to leave, at least to unit Ai-kun with its buddies.

Before she flied away, she told to Alto she wishes Alto could go with her, and be together forever, and said goodbye to Alto whom she loves the most. (I have confess that I was so moved and almost going to tear when watch this, I never had tear watching anime before....)

I finally had time to watch it, rawiser .....

This is a bit late but she leaved this early in the serie ? I would have think it will occur not right after the attack by the vajra...

She looks more like a 17 years old girl here than the previous episode. Her look in the V-F27 and her decision to quit Frontier showed it. At last!!

Plus, she didn't bother to ask Ozma's permission or Alto's advice.

Luca changed in a good way too. Looks like this puppy cheeks from the beginning had their purpose ...

Ai-kun transformation gave me pokemon vibes

I thought Klan will be ubiquitous in this episode but I was wrong. For the end, Ao no Ether with the dramatic plot was well made!

But isn'it strange she keeps seeing or thinking of Brera when she recovers her memories but hasn't made the link yet ? We are in the 21 episode and since episode 7 they keep moping their relationship even though it was too obvious since the beginning. I already said it but VF Messiah, this is a long drag....

Is he really nothing over than her brother's cyborg ? There is something wrong here...

Ranka did not seek permission from Ozuma because she already knew he is presumed missing (from Loeh’s speech during the funeral).

And she did ask Alto to go with her when they meet at the park. That proved impossible because Ai-kun jumped in at the scene before she can finish the asking and Alto showed hostility. She did not plan to go with Brera at the beginning.

These are why I learned after watching Chinese sub:

Klan wonders they have done the right thing (get Sheryl and Alto together). Michel replies that they should do it since everyone is searching for their love one. Klan asked Michel where is his love?

Sherry told Alto that Ranka’s performance was perfect. Alto probes to her that she may want to sing again. Sheryl replied that she will not singing any more. She fainted before she can finished “Sheryl Nome is already ….”. Alto holds her and told that he does not believe she will give up singing career. Otherwise people weren’t be touched by her singing. As the person who has been performed on the stage, he can tell the difference.

Ranka was hurt so much she feels she want to die. A swarm of bugs coming to attack, Luca immediately recognizes that they are the Vajra in the second stage of their life cycle.

Howard asked whey Vajra are here when escaping from their attack. Leoh told Cathy that he want to cancel engagement and she responded that is what she want. Someone called Leoh who he though the report of assassination but actually from Howard, who orders him to stay there since he is coming.

Alto begs Ranka to sing for the sake of protecting Frontier. Ranka responses that she doesn’t want to be the tool to defend against Vajra. Sheryl told Ranka that she knows how bad her feeling is, but as a pro Ranka can do it.

Ranka began to singing but kept thinking how bad her feeling is. To the surprise of everyone, this wakes up entire colony of small Vajra and triggers their violent response. Grace noticed that the emotion index from Ranka’s singing drops way down to negative territory. This reminds

Ozuma the same fate that had happened to 117th fleet.

Leoh asked Grace why she did it, Grace replies that she had thought about that but it is not her plan to cause the rampage, and offers her help to finish Howard. Leoh responses that he will finish the job, and told his men that it is actually their reat opportunity in this chaos. Macross Quarter got news that Frontier is attacked from inside and ordered to return.

Luca comforts to Ranka that her voice may not have enough power output, and suggest going to SMS base to acquire fold amplifier and high power weapon. When Alto hold her palm on the run, Ranka feels warm and remember being hold by someone who gave the same warm hand before.

Grace ordered Brera to defend Frontier against the incoming Vajra reinforcement. Brera counters that he wants to locate Ranka. Grace warns him to obey her order or she will put him under control mode, saying that Frontier cannot be destroyed at this point, and Vajra won’t harm their little queen.

When meet up with Leoh, Howard instructed Leoh to transfer government function to Battle Frontier. Leoh said he will take care everything.

At the entry to SMS, Michel holds dead SMS personnel and cries out that why he had to die, only the soldiers need to die like this. Klan told him to calm down. Luca found where to find EX gear and weapon for Valkyrie.

Before arriving the scene where her father is killed, Cathy told Ozuma that they are in the secret shortcut route to Battle Frontier that only reserved for VIP.

While preparing to cover Klan running to chamber, Klan asked Michel the answer of where his love is. Michel replied that his loving is missing and he is still searching. He even not sure he has loved before. Klan responding by saying he is a coward and kissing him. Michel asked Klan why she kiss and confess to him in the middle of this situation, Klan pronounces to him and Alto that to love someone they should not be afraid to die.

At shelter, people wonder why Ranka was not singing to protect them. Someone blame Ranka running away and government not protecting them. Eddy’s father conformed him that his mother and other will protect them, and he is prepared to die for that. Sheryl picked her ring and wonder her song can still be delivered. Sheryl pondered that she should sing for their despair, just like Rank sings for their hope. Elme jump up and proclaim that she is the galaxy songstress.

Before being sucking to outer space, Michel told Klan that he has been a coward and could not confess his love to her.

That’s it, folks. Let me what I missed or got wrong.