Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch from Mercury

Thrall to LF-03.

Restarting Permet link connection test.

In three, two, one...

Interconnect established.

Currently on Layer 31.

Please commence calling.

Roger.

Calling Layer 31.

No abnormalities detected in GUND Format.

Connect to Layer 32.

Calling Layer 32.

Call-back confirmed.

Connect to Layer 33.

Error. No call-back.

Retreat to Layer 10.

Attempting to call Layer 33 again from Layer 10.

Error. No call-back.

Calling Layer 33.

Error. No call-back.

LF-03 to Thrall.

Requesting an increase to the GUND Format score.

Negative. That would go against the test's objectives.

We don't have time. I'm executing it.

Hold it.

Elnora.

Let's wrap things up for today.

I haven't entered the danger zone yet.

Let me increase the level and attempt to call Layer 33 aga...

The test ends here, Elnora.

Understood.

Test complete.

Start analysing the Permet influx values.

Roger. Starting analysis.

Any abnormal fluctuations?

You're too eager.

Oh, Dr. Cardo.

If you can't clear it, then no one can.

We have to prove that the GUND Format is safe as soon as we can.

If not, we're at the whims of the council.

It won't mean a thing if your body doesn't hold out.

But...

Besides, someone's here to pick you up.

Huh?

Mama!

Mama!

Eri!

Mama! Papa's waiting!

Let's go eat cake!

I thought I told you not to come in here!

Is she still sleeping?

Yeah.

Fast asleep.

She's gonna get a spanking if she doesn't wake up soon!

Lfrith is still an infant.

A baby?

Exactly. A new-born who can't even turn over.

Everyone here helped with her birth.

Right now, your mother is teaching her all kinds of things.

Huh.

Then she's my little sister!

How old are you now, Eri?

Four!

As of the 20th, the Front 3rd Autonomous Sector

has approved a budget to purchase Gundam-type mobile suits manufactured by Ochs Earth.

Ochs Earth's weapon system has raised major concerns regarding bioethical issues for its pilots,

eliciting calls for accountability from the company, as well as the Mobile Suit Development Council.

The GUND Format was originally constructive:

a medical technology meant to assist with physical dysfunctions caused by the environment of space.

However, Vanadis Institute, the project's lead researcher,

was bought out by Ochs Earth.

The GUND Format was then repurposed for military mobile suits.

Its pilots, however, are regularly exposed to data storms that wreak havoc on the body.

Imagine, if you will!

A gigantic frame 18 meters tall, moving with inorganic mechanisms,

controlled by forcibly linking it to a human body.

The strain a pilot must bear is unfathomable.

The public fears an arms race,

as the build-up of mobile suits may prompt Earth to expand their military, accelerating tensions...

They're sure saying all they want about our products, huh.

Papa! I'm back!

Welcome back.

Looking good. Sorry for making you do all this.

It's nothing to apologize for.

Eri helped out, too.

I made that over there!

Amazing. It's beautiful!

Eri, why don't you go grab a party hat for Mama?

Okay!

Layer 33 again?

If I don't clear it soon, we're all going to be in trouble.

I'm sorry.

This wouldn't have happened if the higher-ups weren't in a rush to roll out Lfrith.

We got the sponsor we needed.

Thanks to you, Nadim.

I just hope the Council stays put until the deadline...

The press conference is in one hour.

This is it for Ochs Earth.

This is what happens when Earthians get ahead of themselves.

Hopefully, it'll be as easy as you say.

We don't know if Dr. Cardo Nabo will comply.

Will it really go smoothly?

Is this not exceeding the capacity of a private enterprise?

What are you worried about at this stage?

There's nothing wrong with overachieving.

We didn't ask for your opinion, Delling.

It'll be too late if we let Vanadis complete their Gundam.

We, the Mobile Suit Development Council,

must come to a decision.

For the peace of all humanity...

we must purge the witch.

Cake! Cake! Yummy cake!

I'm putting the candle in now.

Oh?

Oopsie.

Mama?

Sorry about that. Give me a sec.

Mama's GUND always breaks.

I guess it does.

But without this tech,

Mama wouldn't be alive right now.

That's why Dr. Cardo is more than a mentor to me.

She's my saviour.

The old granny's amazing!

Eri.

The doctor isn't the type to mind what people call her.

Still, it's disrespectful.

HQ?

Eri, can you give your papa a minute?

Whaaat!

Papa has work.

Sorry, kiddo.

No fair!

I want papa now!

What's going on?

The Council is having a press conference.

But we should still have time!

It's Delling.

He's behind this.

The ex-military guy?

We don't know what they're trying to pull.

You guys watch out, too.

Folkvangr to transport ship Begavent. Control 173.

This is Begavent. Communicating with 173.

Distance to gate entrance, 22.

Trajectory confirmed.

Please enter Gate Three.

A ship's here.

Wendy, gimmie a hand with the cargo.

Tariffs are way too high lately.

It's pissing me off.

They aren't gonna ship it for free, you know?

The Spacians are monopolizing trade to bits.

I'll make it worth your while.

Okay?

That's cheap.

Found it, Eri!

This one, right?

Eri?

Wake up already!

You make Papa and Mama worry all the time!

Even on my birthday!

That's unfortunate.

Granny?

You came here by yourself again?

Elnora must be tired of scolding you.

I guess...

Is she important to you too, Granny?

Indeed.

Why?

What about those two over there?

This one's special.

Special?

In order for you and your family to continue living in space,

a suitable body is required.

Though not a weapon like this.

Lfrith embodies the future we envisioned for GUND.

A door to a new frontier

for all humanity.

I don't get it.

Then, do you want to try talking to her?

Come, Eri.

Try putting your hand there.

Lfrith recognizes you now, Eri.