Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch from Mercury (機動戦士ガンダム 水星の魔女)

This is Thrall to LF-03.

Restarting the Permet link connection test.

Three. Two. One.

Interconnect established.

Currently on layer 31.

You're clear to commence calling.

Right. I'm starting the call to layer 31.

No abnormalities detected.

Connect to layer 32.

Calling layer 32.

Callback confirmed. Connect to layer 33.

Calling layer 33, now.

Error. No callback. Fall back to layer 10.

All right, I'm making another call

from layer 10 to 33.

Error. Still no callback.

Commencing call again. There.

Error. We're getting nothing.

This is LF-03 to Thrall.

I'm requesting an increase in the GUND Format score.

Negative. That's not our test objective.

There's no time. Executing now.

Do not proceed. Elnora!

I think we should stop here for today.

We're still within the safety parameters.

I know it'll work!

Let me increase the level and--

No, that's enough! We're done.

Yes.

Test concluded.

Analyze the Permet influx values.

Understood, analyzing the data.

Any abnormal fluctuations?

Don't look so down.

Doctor Cardo.

If you can't do it,

then there's nobody else who can.

We have to prove the GUND Format is sound.

And we're running out of time.

I won't let the council shut us down.

Our success would be meaningless if it left you crippled.

--You know that, right? -- I wouldn't--

Besides, you have a visitor.

Huh?

Mommy!

Mommy!

Eri!

Are you done? Daddy's waiting for you, too!

Let's have some cake together!

How many times have I told you that you're not allowed in here?

Does she still not want to wake up?

Fast asleep.

What a naughty girl. Time to rise and shine!

Lfrith is still an infant, so it's all she can do.

A baby?

Yes. She doesn't even know how to move around yet.

She's the precious child of all the staff here.

And as for your mommy, she's trying to

teach her all kinds of new things right now.

Oh, wow.

Does that mean that I'm Lfrith's big sister, then?

Eri, how old are you today?

I'm four now!

As of the 20th, the Front Third Autonomous Sector

has approved a budget to purchase

Gundam-type mobile suits manufactured by Ochs Earth.

This controversial weapon system

has raised major concerns regarding

bioethical issues for its pilots.

As well as public outcry for

accountability against Ochs Earth,

and the Mobile Suit Development Council.

You see, it wasn't made for this.

Originally, the GUND Format was

a medical technology meant for those

whose bodies had been damaged by their time in space.

However, when the Vanadis Institute,

the lead research team, was acquired by Ochs Earth,

it was repurposed for use in military mobile suits.

Soon afterwards, reports emerged of

physical damage to its pilots due to data storms.

Just think about it for a moment.

Imagine trying to forcibly link a human body

to an 18-meter-tall frame.

How can you expect them to control

the non-biological mechanisms?

The burden on the pilot must be immeasurable!

Critics of the move have voiced concerns

that the mobile suit buildup may provide Earth

with an excuse to expand its military

and accelerate tensions--

Yeah, yeah, keep on talking about

things you don't understand.

Daddy! We're home!

Watch your step!

This looks great.

I'm sorry for making you take care of everything.

It's no problem. Eri ended up lending me a hand.

I did that part all by myself!

You did amazing! It looks so pretty.

Eri. Why don't you show Mommy your new hat?

Layer 33 again?

If I don't make progress soon, it'll cause a lot of trouble.

I'm sorry. If only the higher-ups weren't

in a rush to get Lfrith up and running.

We needed a sponsor anyway. It's not your fault.

I just hope the council will stay quiet,

and honor the deadline we agreed on.

Sir, the press conference is in one hour.

This will mark the end of Ochs Earth.

It just goes to show you what happens

when Earthians start getting presumptuous.

Well, I hope it'll be as easy as you say.

The only question I have is if they'll comply.

Are you certain that this is allowed?

I wouldn't want to be accused of overstepping here.

Surely, you're joking, right? It's a little late for that.

Who cares if they think we're overstepping?

Please, Delling. We didn't ask for your opinion.

Once the Vanadis Institute completes

development of their Gundam, it'll be too late.

Members of the Mobile Suit Development Council,

it is up to us to make a decision.

To ensure that humanity can remain at peace.

We must wield the hammer of the witches.

Yummy.

Hold on. I still need to put in the candle.

Ugh, not now.

Mommy?

I'm sorry. Just give me a moment.

Hey, Mommy. Your GUND breaks a whole bunch.

Yes. But if this technology didn't exist,

Mommy wouldn't be around anymore.

And it's only possible thanks to Doctor Cardo.

All of us owe her so much.

Granny is awesome!

Eri.

The doctor isn't one to fuss over what people call her.

Even if she doesn't mind, that's no reason to be rude.

Huh?

Is it from HQ?

Mm. I'll be back before you know it, okay?

Huh?!

Daddy has to take a call.

Sorry.

Ugh! No! I want to cut it now!

Something wrong?

Daddy!

The council is holding a meeting now.

But we should still have time!

--It's Delling. --

He's been trying to push the deadline up.

That ex-military guy?

We don't know what he's got planned.

You have to be careful.

Folkvangr to transport ship Begavent.

Control 173.

This is Begavent, we heard you, 173.

Distance to gate entrance is 22.

Course is confirmed.

You're cleared to enter through Gate 3.

The ship's already here!

Come on. Let's get to work, Wendy.

Looks like the tariff rates increased again.

It's so annoying.

Well, fuel isn't free, you know.

If only the Spacians didn't have a monopoly.

I'll treat you to something after, okay? Let's go!

Fine, but I'm still mad.

Ah, finally found it.

Here. Your favorite!

Eri?

Just wake up already!

Everyone's worried about you!

You're all Mommy and Daddy talk about!

It's not fair 'cause it's s'posta be my birthday!

I'm very sorry to hear that.

Granny.

Did you wander in again?

Elnora said that you're not allowed in here.

Maybe. Is she important to you, too, Granny?

She is.

But then, does that mean you care more about her

than the other two over there?

She's different from the others, you see.

What do you mean?

You must understand that in order for you,

your daddy, and your mommy to survive in space,

you need to have a body that can adapt to the environment.

Not a weapon like this.

And Lfrith. She's the future of the GUND Format.

She's the key to opening new possibilities.

For all of humanity.

I don't really get it.

In that case, want to try talking to her?

Huh?

Don't be afraid, Eri.

I want you to place your hand there.

All right, now Lfrith will recognize you.

Perhaps you could tell her that this world isn't so scary.