Big Ring Absolute Defense Line
Again! Go ahead, Ensign Max!
We're still doing this?
Please!
Hey, I outrank you, you know.
Commander Woolf!
Have you seen Asemu?
There he is.
More training?
He's pretty enthusiastic.
Training? Nope.
He's just trying to distract himself.
This is the power of an X-Rounder.
Again!
I am...
I am Flit Asuno's son! I'm Asemu Asuno!
Vagan.
A new nation created by those abandoned in the Mars Sphere after the failed settlement plan.
Forced to live in this harsh environment,
the Vagan began a grand plan to take back the paradise known as Earth.
ai ja nai sawarenai
It's not love; I can't touch you
tada hakanai negai deshita
I just had harbored some fleeting wishes
kimi dake sore dake
Wishes about you, no more
mitsumeteita hikari deshita
I stared at the light that was you
ima unmei wo hamidashite
Now we break free of fate
sutorobo no toki ga kimi wo sarau mae ni sa
before a time of uncertainty blows you far away
motto hayaku kakenuketeyuku
We will go faster than ever before
ano hoshi ni naritai
I want to be your star
maboroshi demo ii
I don't mind if I can never become it
oikakete chiri ni naru made
It's my goal until I turn to dust
ima ginga wo matataite
Now I shine onto the galaxy
monokuro no yume ga boku wo sasou mae ni sa
before despair sneaks into my dreams and hopes
konya mayowazu ni mune wo saku
Tonight we act without hesitation, without regard for others
ano hoshi ni naritai
I want to be your star
Episode 21 Phantoms in the Way
Wow, this is amazing!
So this is the EFF Command Center, Big Ring.
I've never been inside before.
Me neither.
Would you stop that?
You look like country bumpkins.
You're embarrassing me.
We'll deploy the 7th Squadron to patrol sector Stan 078.
And the 42nd Squadron will...
Dad!
Dad, I...
I'm not your dad.
I'm Vice Admiral Flit Asuno, the commander of this base.
Welcome, Asemu.
I'm expecting great things from you.
Dad...
It's been a long time, Commander Asuno.
Welcome.
I'm sorry I haven't kept in touch.
The battle ship Diva has arrived at Big Ring.
I'll report the details later.
Yes.
The original plan was to have the Diva continue on to Earth,
but now its mission has changed.
Our intelligence division found out that the Vagan are planning a large-scale attack on Big Ring.
The Diva will be participating in the operation to defend the Big Ring.
Yes, sir!
A large-scale attack...
Will Zeheart be there too?
Asemu.
Never let me see you again.
What's going on?
There's this thing about an "Advanced Pilot Training Program for Next-Generation Types."
I wonder what it is.
It's an advanced training program to cultivate next-generation pilots.
Lieutenant...
You know about it?
I've heard people talk about it.
It's a program spearheaded by Commander Asuno
that puts each pilot through various training regimens to determine their attributes,
so they can improve our forces with pilots that have better integrated fighting abilities.
I hear it also indicates their X-Rounder aptitude.
Can I take it too?
I think it's meant for pilots with at least 5 years of mobile suit experience,
but there aren't any official restrictions.
So we can take it, right?
Hey, look at him.
Yeah.
That's Commander Asuno's kid...
He thinks he's all that, taking the advanced training program even though he's just a rookie?
Um... Which way do I go first?
Oh, I'm sorry.
No, it's my—Hey!
Ensign Max!
So you're taking it too, huh?
N-No!
I'm not here because I'm upset that you have a better record than I do, even though I outrank you.
I just...
That's right!
I just want to get a feel for my own potential!
I guess...
Everyone, over here!
I will now explain the details of the training.
Yes, sir!
Listen to people until they're done talking!
Each of you will now undergo testing with the machines here.
We'll gather data from these machines to determine the strengths and weaknesses of each pilot,
after which we will make your results available.
Do your best, everyone!
Yes, sir!
I'm going to catch up to Zeheart.
As quickly as I can...
And my dad, too!
What?
The maintenance records for the Genoace II?
Yes. The left leg's response time felt a bit slow during the last battle.
Would you mind showing it to me, if it's not too much trouble.
Sure, but I'm not in charge of the Genoace II.
Remi!
Remi Ruth!
Yes?
What is it?
The Lieutenant wants to see the maintenance records for the Genoace II.
The maintenance records?
Yeah. I still have work to do,
so help him out.
You see, the left leg's response time felt a bit slow during the last battle...
I thought so!
You thought so?
I had a feeling the drive actuators might be incompatible with the new data transfer system.
Look at this!
I've already thought of a workaround.
The SDK code changes messed up the data transfer system's error detection,
so I'll just patch it on the receiver end.
I estimate it'll raise the transfer rate by 75%.
And then...
Is something wrong?
Uh, no...
And then?
And then if I take this control unit and the power connectors...
Romary?
Asemu...
We haven't talked like this in ages.
We didn't really get a chance aboard the ship.
That's right.
Asemu, what's up with that outfit?
Oh, I was taking an advanced training program.
I want to be stronger.
You're working hard, Asemu.
No, not at all...
Why do you want to be stronger?
I want to be able to fight better.
I want to...
Fight?
Zeheart was a Vagan.
He was in that red mobile suit during the last battle.
Wait, did you get to talk to Zeheart?
Ah, yeah. He's... changed.
I see.
I'm jealous.
No...
It's nothing.
I see...
So you met Zeheart.
I figured it'd be like that.
Asemu!
How did you do?
Eh... pretty good.
Asemu?
X-Rounder Aptitude Test... D?
That means I...
I can't become an X-Rounder?
Asemu Asuno! Asemu Asuno!
Is something wrong?
No, sir!
Actually... Your results weren't bad for a rookie, but your concentration was terrible.
Well, you just need to be in less of a rush.
What's wrong with rushing?
Asemu...
I saw the results of your advanced training program.
It's a shame that you scored a D for X-Rounder aptitude, but don't worry.
You're still my son.
As long as you have my blood running through your veins, you can do it.
I believe in you.
Asemu...
I saw the results—
Yo, Asemu.
Commander Woolf.
I heard about your advanced training results.
Not bad, huh?
What's wrong?
You down because your X-Rounder aptitude was a D?
Don't worry about it.
These things happen.
Please don't make light of it.
I took that program because I wanted to catch up to him as soon as I could.
If I can't become an X-Rounder, it'll never happen.
So, you gonna quit the military?
I'll take your letter of resignation whenever.
Jeez...
You always overthink things.
Come with me.
I'll take you someplace that's a better distraction than shooting little balloons.
Where are we?
We're here.
Commander Woolf...
Where are we?
You must have heard the name "Madorna Workshop" before, right?
The Madorna Workshop? This is it?
Hey.
There you are, Woolf.
I'll come any time you call, old man.
Welcome, Woolf!
Hey there, ma'am.
You look stunning as always!
Thank you.
So do you have what I asked for?
Yeah, it's done.
Hey, welcome.
I'm Rody Madorna.
The next generation of our family.
Don't worry about my dad.
He looks scary, but he's a nice guy.
I heard that!
He's got good ears, too.
Oh...
Rody!
That thing is ready, right?
Sure is.
All that's left is your final tune-up.
I can do it if you want. But you won't let me, will you?
Of course not.
You're still just a kid.
You've got a harsh master.
He's a lot of trouble.
Hey, that's my line!
Jeez, quit talking like you're older than you are.
He's a lot of trouble.
Here.
Take this.
Mr. Woolf told me.
You're the son of Commander Flit Asuno, right?
Yes.
It must be hard.
Having a famous parent...
My dad's a famous engineer, so I get compared to him a lot.
Sometimes I get really tired of it.
But it looks like you two get along great.
Well, I really admire my dad.
It might be because I grew up surrounded by this stuff,
but I love messing with mobile suits more than anything.
That's why I entered this field.
And then it's right in front of me, you know?
Something like a huge wall.
Or maybe a role model.
Building a workshop like this in one generation is really tough.
When I see him working up close, I think he's amazing.
I want to steal his skills, and then catch up to him.
Maybe I can't surpass my father in his own field.
But what I've learned from working with him is that there are things only I can do.
My dad's my dad, and I'm me.
Hey, guys!
It's ready.
What's this?
A combat simulation machine he made.
I told you I'd give you a distraction.
I made it from an abandoned mobile suit cockpit.
It's powered by the latest in multi-scale situational reproduction systems,
so you won't find a better simulation machine anywhere.
I don't know anything about that stuff.
The little brat kept telling me, "Don't touch this! Don't mess with that!"
Come on, just get in.
Isn't this...?
The cockpit's from a Genoace, but we've loaded the Gundam AGE-2's data.
No time for day dreaming.
The enemy's coming.
Enemy?
The AGE-1's data comes from the "War of Bat Extermination,"
and the red one's combat data is from the last battle.
The data processing took a little while.
That gave me time to talk to you, though.
Where'd you get this data?
I pulled it from the Gundam's computer.
Isn't that leaking military secrets?
Dique was happy to do it.
Mr. Dique...
Hey, never mind that, the battle's starting!
It has shock feedback features, too?
Don't let your guard down just because it's a simulator!
But...
So you wanna stop?
Give it a try, Asemu!
This is your chance to beat your dad!
I can't fight these two at once!
No complaining.
Just do it, Asemu!
Sure, Flit's an amazing guy.
But you don't have to copy him.
You just do what you can.
What I can...
You beat a Vagan mobile suit without any training, didn't you?
Move more freely.
Move however feels natural to you.
Move more freely...
However feels natural.
That's right, Asemu.
You're you!
Be strong in your own way.
The ones who are really strong, are strong in here!
Yes, sir!
I hit him!
That kid's doing pretty well.
My my, you're a lot less harsh when it's not your own son.
Shut up.
Do you think he can win, Mr. Woolf?
Nope, not a chance.
I'll give him about three minutes.
Told you.
How'd it feel to fight your father?
Let me do it again, please!
Sure.
We'll carry on until you're satisfied.
There are things only I can do.
You're you!
Be strong in your own way.
In my own way...
Strong in my own way...
Lord Ezelcant...
All preparations for the operation to capture Big Ring are approaching completion.
I'm sure you understand the significance of this operation.
It must succeed.
Yes, sir.
Fulfill my expectations, Zeheart.
Leave it to me.
For you, Lord Ezelcant, and for all the people of Vagan!
Big Ring is the cornerstone of our Earth Federation Forces' space defenses.
If it falls, the enemy will have a direct path to invade Earth.
The Vagan are probably planning to attack us in huge numbers.
We will gather as much of our strength as possible to meet them.
This will be the fiercest battle yet.
But I'm counting on your courage, and your pride as Earth Federation soldiers.
Godspeed!
Yes, sir!
Commander, the preparations are ready.
Good.
Begin the operation!
Our target is the EFF Command Center, Big Ring!
kabe ni motarete hitobanjuu
All night I stood leaning against the wall
kangaete mita n da jibun no koto
and pondered who I want to be
eranda ikusaki wa koko de ii no ka
I wondered if the path I chose is right
wakaranaku nanda
and got nowhere
demo kotae nante denai mama sa
But, you know, we never find answers to that
doko ni ita tte hisshi na mono sa
Nobody really has it
utsuridashitemo sukoshi dake mieta za wo shimeta
Even if everything starts changing again, some things won't
boku ga boku de aru tame ni
What are the things I can't lose
boku ga boku de aru tame ni
What are the things I can't lose
ushinaccha ikenai mono wa nani
if I want to be myself?
ushinaccha ikenai mono wa nani
if I want to be myself?
kantan ittenai kotae wa tsurakute kurushii yo
The answer I can't phrase easily has weighed heavily on me for a long time
kantan ittenai kotae wa tsurakute kurushii yo
The answer I can't phrase easily has weighed heavily on me for a long time
tatta ichido no missu wo
You shouldn't brood over
tatta ichido no missu wo
You shouldn't brood over
nandomo kudoku yo shinaide
a single mistake in the past
nandomo kudoku yo shinaide
a single mistake in the past
arukeba aiseru kara
You can find love if you come out of your shell
arukeba aiseru kara
You can find love if you come out of your shell
boku ga boku de aru tame ni
So that I can be myself
sore ga nanika wo sagashite
I have to look for something
hitotsukitachi tomari tsurakute kurushii yo
You've felt bitter for so many months now
hitotsukitachi tomari tsurakute kurushii yo
You've felt bitter for so many months now
dakedo ichido kimi ga jibun wo kudoku yo semezu ni arukeba
If you came out of your shell but once without being so hard on yourself
dakedo ichido kimi ga jibun wo kudoku yo semezu ni arukeba
If you came out of your shell but once without being so hard on yourself
aiseru sa my world
you could find love in my world
aiseru sa my world
you could find love in my world
Next Time
A huge fleet approaches on attack.
Amidst the frenzied battle, the souls of warriors clash.
Next time, on Mobile Suit Gundam AGE...
"Big Ring Absolute Defense Line."
Big Ring Absolute Defense Line
Three destinies will form history...
Gundapedia Big Ring
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The latest info is here! www.gundam-age.net
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Big Ring is a military base in Earth's orbit that serves as the Earth Federation Forces' headquarters.
Its name comes from its doughnut-like shape.
The base commander is my dad, Flit Asuno.
Look Forward To Next Time!