Another air strike has started!
Has anybody managed to find any signals from the crew?
It's no use! I don't see any signals that we might be able to back-hack!
Tachikoma! Gather up all the free space you can find inside cyberspace...
...and secure enough room for me to upload the memories and Ghosts of three million people.
Why the heck would you want us to do that?
There's no time to explain, just get to it!
B- But is that even possible?
I don't know. But I don't see any other way to salvage the refugees.
Get to it!
R-Roger!
I just ordered my support AI's to start work on securing all the available space in cyberspace.
Once they're ready, let's get started.
Thanks for your help.
Even if we manage to survive by uploading our Ghosts into cyberspace,
what about those refugees who don't have cyberbrains?
Refugees with family members like that will have difficulty accepting this decision.
I expect that they will lose faith in me and leave Dejima of their own accord.
In cases like this, the role of the leader is both invaluable and filled with uncertainty.
When you're in a position where you have to lead many people,
you're sometimes forced to make tough decisions to deal with a situation.
I'm sure that those people will understand.
I hope you're right.
Tachikoma! What's the shortest route to the Major's location?!
Mr. Batou?! I thought you were going to the bridge!
I'm gonna help the Major to...
Mr. Batou?
The line went dead...
Do you think they'll use the confusion caused by the air strike to fire off the nuclear missile?
Judging from how the submarine is running completely silent,
the launch time might have been set beforehand.
If that's the case...
If we look at the timing of the Aegis cruiser withdrawal and the micromachine dispersal,
we might be looking at a launch time of 10:00 hours...
Guys, tell me what you really think.
Do you think the refugees' Ghosts will be preserved...
...just by uploading their memories to the net?
From a biological activity standpoint, memories are a vital component, all right.
But without a Ghost, memories are nothing more than data.
But isn't the Major betting everything on this as their last hope?
I understand all that, but this order is crazy!
I think so, too.
But if we don't do something, we won't be able to save Mr. Batou and the others, either.
That's why I think that we ought to ignore the Major's order.
- What are you saying we should do, then?! - We can't do that!
Are you having any luck?
It's no use. I'm not getting a response.
The hotline is active and working properly, but...
But that would mean...
This is so frustrating.
I realize that I was simply a face to put on the billboards to win the general election...
...after the breakup of the last Cabinet.
But I didn't do anything to deserve this sort of treatment!
If Takakura is willing to go this far, I'll put an end to this situation my own way!
Who are you calling, ma'am?
All right, we did it! This makes eight!
Calculations like this are what we do best!
This next satellite will let us put up a flak curtain along the missile's trajectory!
Just like you said, even if it meant disobeying the Major's orders,
deciding to take a chance on dropping satellites in its path sure was the right call!
Yeah...
What's the matter? The plan is gonna work!
The thing is...
Well, isn't this satellite the one that our Al is kept on?
I don't get it! That's an American Empire satellite!
Yeah...
But it looks like we we're being stored in leased payload space...
...on an American Empire satellite that was launched from Japan.
Aw, what the hell?! Even without that Security Treaty, we're still doing exactly what they say!
Even so, why do you think the Major would put our Al onto one of their satellites?
Well, maybe she was planning to use us to spy on them or something.
There's no way to know what she was thinking, but this really puts us in a tough spot...
We're almost out of time!
Mr. Ishikawa!
Yeah, what?
Um, I have to go somewhere with the guys...
You do, huh?
I'm sorry.
That's okay. Look after the Major and the others.
Sure!
Well, now... I guess I really am on my own from here on in.
Major?
Where are you?
Kuze.
Yes?
Do you know how to fold origami cranes?
Cranes?
Yeah. And only using your left hand.
With the proper control software, anyone can do that.
That's not what I mean.
Can you do that? Fold one left-handed?
I can now.
It sounds like you're someone who's survived her fair share of loneliness, too.
What's your name? I never asked, but who are you?
I don't remember. I have a pseudonym, though.
It's the same with you, isn't it?
You're right. I've been given countless names by the refugees.
I joined forces with them with the intent to save them,
but maybe the real reason I joined them was to keep the loneliness at bay.
But in the end, you couldn't make it go away.
Because even if others could count on you, you couldn't count on them.
Do you have someone that you can open yourself up to?
Sort of...
I see...
I've been looking for mine for a long, long time.
We'll be fine! The missiles won't come near the bridge!
Stay calm and keep moving!
Motoko!
bokura wa minna ikite iru We're all alive, every last one of us,
ikite iru kara kanashii n' da and we can feel sad 'cause we're alive!
tenohira wo taiyou When we hold our hands up to the sun...
ni sukashite mireba ...and peek through our fingers,
makka ni nagareru boku no chishio we can see the deep red blood flowing inside!
mimizu datte okera datte amenbo datte Even earthworms, even crickets, and even water striders!
I don't believe it... You know, I bet that you guys have Ghosts...
minna minna ikite iru n' da We're all alive, every last one of us,
What's wrong?! Proto!
tomodachi nan da and we're all friends!
bokura wa minna ikite iru We're all alive, every last one of us,
ikite iru kara warau n' da and we can laugh 'cause we're alive!
bokura wa minna ikite iru We're all alive, every last one of us,
ikite iru kara ureshii n' da and we can feel happy 'cause we're alive!
tenohira wo taiyou ni When we hold our hands up to the sun...
sukashite mireba ...and peek through our fingers,
makka ni nagareru boku no chishio we can see the deep red blood flowing inside!
donbo datte kaeru datte mitsubachi datte Even dragonflies, even frogs, and even honey bees!
minna minna ikite iru n' da tomodachi We're all alive, every last one of us, and we're all...
What's the matter, Proto? What happened?
It looks like the Tachikomas rammed their satellite into the nuclear missile.
They did what?!
So we've managed to avoid a worst-case scenario, then.
Yes, sir.
I'm sorry, I don't follow you.
It appears that some of my people sacrificed themselves to stop the nuclear missile.
You lost some of your men?!
That's not important, ma'am. Who did you call just now?
It's me.
The missile was intercepted?
Well, no matter.
Either way, we'll use Kayabuki's actions to establish a cold-war framework.
What a shame, he wasn't able to become a hero...
Was that blast what I think it was?
Yeah, I heard the Tachikomas singing.
Were they the ones who stopped it?
What happened?
I don't know why, but it looks like my AI's did something other than what I ordered them to.
Major! You okay in there?!
The Tachikomas...
I know.
Chief. If the Prime Minister contacted who I thought she contacted, it'll...
Yes, I know. But for now, arresting the Chief Cabinet Secretary and Gohda takes priority.
There's a chance that what happened today won't be made public in our lifetimes.
First things first, let's clean up this mess as quickly as possible.
Understood!
Enter.
Chief Cabinet Secretary Takakura, I assume you know the reason why we're here.
Your actions amount to a coup d'etat, as well as mass murder under the guise of war.
I can't stand idly by and let them blow themselves up with a nuclear weapon.
They don't have any such weapons!
That little storyline was fabricated by you and Gohda of the Cabinet Intelligence Service!
Gohda?
All I did was fast-track the Security Treaty with the aim of securing this country's future.
We're in a war against the refugees.
Secretary!
May I remind you that you will be put through a rather rigorous, unofficial inquiry...
I've been prepared for that all along.
And as for you, you were even more of a woman than I thought you would be.
I don't know who you begged for help while in the midst of an emotional fit,
but this country has to stand on its own two feet without the American Empire!
You seem to be working under a false impression.
That doesn't look like a nuclear explosion.
Orders, sir? Shall we launch a second missile?
No. Let's hold off until we ID the southbound bogeys that're approaching from the northeast.
What if they're marked with the "ba yi" military insignia?
"National independence through personal independence."
I like to think that I have acted in accordance with that ideal ever since I took office.
Just as it always has, the Kayabuki administration will pursue...
...a policy of independent action and UN reconciliation.
I intend to maintain an equal distance from the American Empire, the Ameri-Soviet Union,
China, as well as Asia and the nations of the EU.
A secret Air Self Defense Army unit, huh?
All right, Japan's made their intentions clear. We're pulling out.
Take him away.
Yes, ma'am.
The Prime Minster sent us! Get in!
You got it!
Stand up.
I'll take this back, if you don't mind.
Saito! Paz! Borma!
You still in one piece, Major?
Yeah. Sorry, but stay put and give a thorough report to the Self Defense Army.
Understood.
You're...
Ishikawa of Public Security Section 9, I take it?
I'll take that, if you don't mind.
Oh, you mean this?
That's right.
Don't screw with us, punk.
Section 9 specializes in dirty tricks and information warfare.
If the vassal state is negligent in its services,
the starvation of the consumer state is inevitable.
Manpower shortages always gives the slave manufacturing industries a boost,
but if you're too strident in the assertion of rights, the arteries of capitalism will harden.
In its mind, this country has always thought of itself as a capitalist state,
but in reality, it is the ideal socialist state.
But when waste matter builds up in the arteries,
brains capable of managing the blood's distribution become necessary.
With its claims of liberty and equality, I'm sure it's the same in your country.
Of course!
But what we do publicly and behind closed doors are different matters entirely.
All right... Do it!
Don't do it!
Don't be in such a hurry to die.
Mr. Aramaki... What might this be about?
Kazundo Gohda! You are under suspicion of conspiring to start a civil war,
...as well as conspiring with a foreign power to start a war for personal gain.
You're coming with us.
The Chief Cabinet Secretary has already admitted to most of the charges.
Also, the final act of your play was a flop.
Are you sure? Even so, arresting me now would be pointless.
What's that supposed to mean?
For one thing, the Chief Cabinet Secretary and I have always had a standalone relationship.
Also, a report written by me personally...
...should already be at Metropolitan Police Headquarters.
Didn't you know? The penal code says that by coming forward voluntarily,
I can't be charged with any of the crimes you just mentioned.
I'm going to a country that has need of my abilities.
Are you sure? That's how you want to play it?
I have a note here from the Prime Minister.
The Prime Minster holds your abilities in the highest regard.
But if there is a chance that those talents might find themselves in the hands of a foreign power,
we're to prevent that from happening at any cost.
She also says that if it should prove necessary, we shouldn't hesitate to use lethal force.
How do you want to do this?
Don't worry about him. It's just a bluff.
Let's go.
Right.
You think so, do you?
Go ahead and die, then!
Gee, what a cryin' shame...
Hi!
Hey, you're that bastard from...
How long have you people been involved in this?!
Chief!
Hurry! We can't let them eliminate him!
Major!
What's that you have there?
A crane...
A crane?
Goodness, these micromachines are rather effective, aren't they?
You'll have a painless death.
You're a fascinating person, but we see you as a dangerous element.
Your country has no need of charismatic leaders that can't be controlled.
Docile consumers, that's the ticket.
I'll go on ahead...
Major! Where are you off goofing around?!
Rendezvous with Azuma and Proto in Niihama Ward 4!
What's the matter? The supplementary budget you requested was passed in its entirety.
Uchikoma! Information!
Yes, sir!
Say, Major...
A great many lives were lost in this incident...
All it's done is return the refugee issue back to square one,
and PM Kayabuki's "Self-reliant United Front" policy...
...will probably prove to be a thorny path for the populace.
People like us will be needed more than ever now.
Maybe.
Hey, what's with you? You make it sound like it's somebody else's problem.
Come on, Major, you haven't gone all philosophical on us, have you?
Major, I have a report stating that the supplementary budget passed...
...in the 329th session of Parliament.
Right!
I'm calling off our round-the-clock cherry blossom surveillance operation!
Saddle up, we're back on the job!
'Bout damn time...
Yeah...
I thought I was gonna die of boredom.
I shoulda had a drink to warm myself up.
Nice to have our Major back...
Penetrate in whispers...
What about the briefing? Wanna handle it with a brain dive?
In shadows rise to surface...
No, you go on ahead without me and take command.
I'll meet up with you later.
In someone's mind...
You will?
Echoes that dwell...
What is it?
It's nothing, forget about it.
Echoes that dwell!
Blameless sorrow...
Hollow hush of trees...
Roots are deeply intertwined...
Penetrate in whispers...
In shadows rise to surface...
In someone's sigh...
Segments that yell!
Silence is crying, is crying...
Open doors and empty glasses,
Christmas in the Silent Forest...
The limp ticking of the hand...