Let's play Star Ocean 3! Part 23

[paranoodle]

Disc 2 start!!


Mirage: Engaging gravitic warp.
Marietta: Our long-range sensors have picked up a ship - fast approaching.
Maria: Ship registration?
Marietta: It's the Aquaelie, a Federation battleship.
Maria: A battleship? What is a Federation battleship doing out here?
Fayt: Could they be after us?
Maria: ...
Marietta: Incoming transmission.
Maria: Full stop. Display the transmission on screen.
Mirage and Marietta: Roger.


Maria: Likewise. I would never have expected to meet Commodore Wittcomb, star officer of the Federation fleet, in these parts.
Commodore Wittcomb: Heh heh. I'm flattered you'd remembered my name. But first things first. That's Dr. Leingod's son standing behind you, correct?
Maria: Yes it is.
Commodore Wittcomb: Well, what I am about to say will no doubt come as a surprise. There's no time for details now, so I'll be brief.
Maria: Go on.
Commodore Wittcomb: A Vendeeni ship is approaching you. Our analysts believe they will not attack, so we expect the same of you. None of us want there to be any hostilities.
Fayt: What are you talking about? How could you possibly know that the Vendeeni will not attack!?
Commodore Wittcomb: Because-
Marietta: Captain, our sensors have picked up the Vendeeni ship. They're sending out a transmission.

Wittcomb nods.

Maria: Switch signals.


Biwig: Surrender immediately and submit to our orders.
Maria: Nice to meet you, too.
Biwig: Dr. Leingod, enemy of the galaxy, and the girl, are in our hands. You are in no position to refuse our demands.
Fayt: Dad! Sophia!
Fayt: What do you want with my father!?
Biwig: We have but a single demand. You must exchange Leingod's son for Dr. Leingod.
Fayt: Exchange me for my father?
Maria: And the method of exchange? I suppose we don't trust one another enough to transport them between our ships.
Biwig: Obviously not. We will reach your location in a few minutes. Further orders will be issued at that point. You will standby until then.

Biwig cuts the communication feed.

Maria: Marietta, encrypt our signal to the Aquaelie.
Marietta: Done.
Commodore Wittcomb: I heard everything.
Maria: So that's the situation.
Commodore Wittcomb: Dr. Leingod's safety is paramount. As long as they hold him, we're unable to attack.
Maria: I suppose you're right. Commodore, just how much do the Federation and Vendeeni really know?
Commodore Wittcomb: About what?
Maria: Don't play dumb with me. You wouldn't be trying to get Dr. Leingod, let alone Fayt, unless you had some sort of information on them.
Commodore Wittcomb: I suspect our intentions are not that different from your own. As for the Vendeeni, I'm not sure what they want, but I do have my suspicions.
Maria: I see.
Cliff: So... What'cha gonna do? You gonna give him up without a fight?
Fayt: You gotta be kidding! I still have things I want to ask my father!
Maria: Don't worry, Fayt. I won't let them have you or your father. I won't stand for that.
Fayt: Maria.
Commodore Wittcomb: As long as you can secure Dr. Leingod, the Aquaelie will be able to deal with the Vendeeni ship.
Maria: The timing of the hostage exchange will be key. No doubt, they will specify a neutral location for the exchange. I'm not sure what we'll do then. We'll have to think of something.
Cliff: 'Think of something'? We'll be flying by the seat of our pants!
Maria: Not much else we can do. We've no time, and the cards are stacked against us.
Mirage: Just the sort of situation you like, isn't it Cliff?
Cliff: S'pose so, but...
Commodore Wittcomb: Give it your best shot. I place it in your hands.
Cliff: Well, we aren't doin' this for you, ya know.
Commodore Wittcomb: Nevertheless... Dr. Leingod and the boy must not fall into Vendeeni hands.
Maria: Right.
Commodore Wittcomb: I imagine it will not be much longer until we arrive. Sit tight until then.
Maria: All right.
Commodore Wittcomb: Best of luck to you.


Maria: I know... Remember, I have some unfinished business with him. We won't fail to free your father.
Cliff: Heh heh. I can hardly wait.
Maria: I'm glad you're on my side.
Cliff: You know it.
Fayt: I hope Sophia's holding up well. This has to be hard on her.
Marietta: Captain, we're receiving a transmission from the Dasvanu.
Maria: On screen.


Fayt: (On Elicoor?)
Biwig: Prepare to transport down. ... And no heroics.
Marietta: The Dasvanu's sent the coordinates. 147.5834, 34.8874.
Maria: Location.
Marietta: Right away.
Fayt: Hey, isn't that-
Cliff: Heh, oh yeah.
Maria: You've been there?
Cliff: Yup, sure have.


Maria: Understood. We'll hold you to that as well. We'll exchange Fayt for Dr. Leingod and the Esteed's daughter. That's the deal.
Biwig: Yes, that is the deal.
Cliff: We can only transport six at a time. Their capacity shouldn't be any different.
Maria: Most likely.
Cliff: Well, I guess six should be enough.
Fayt: Remember, they've got my father. Whatever you do, be careful.
Cliff: You're such a worrywart. Put a little more trust in me.
Fayt: I trust you, I really do. It's just...
Maria: Don't worry.
Maria: It'll be okay... Believe me. We'll get everyone back safely.
Fayt: Maria...
Fayt: Okay.
Maria: Mirage, prepare to transport us down.
Mirage: Roger, Captain.
Cliff: I'll go with you.
Cliff: Hey Steeg, you're coming, too.



Maria: Lancar, you read me?
Lancar: Sup, Maria?
Maria: Ready three combat personnel, equipment level A. You pick the team. They'll transport down with us.
Lancar: Level A? This must be serious.
Maria: It is.
Maria: Our suits are no match for the disrupter rifles the Vendeeni use, but they're better than nothing.
Lancar: Got it. I'll have them ready ASAP.
Maria: I'm counting on you.


Fayt: Nothing. I was just thinking you really are Quark's leader.
Maria: Not too sharp, are you? I've been telling you that from the start.
Fayt: I know, it's just that...
Maria: Yeah, whatever. There's still some time before we transport down, so you're free until then. There's nothing I need you for right now. I'll make an announcement when it's time to go.
Fayt: Okay.

We get to run around the ship for a bit and talk to people, but there isn't really much noteworthy other than Lieber getting jealous of Fayt getting to hang out in space with Maria. Eventually we get beeped back up to the bridge.


Cliff: You've got the bridge, Mirage.
Mirage: Roger.
Cliff: Yahaa, let's do it!
Mirage: Good luck. See you soon.
Maria: If something happens, you have command of the Diplo.
Mirage: Understood.
Lancar: Well, let's just hope nothing happens.
Maria: My thoughts exactly... We'll be back shortly.
Mirage: Take care.
Lancar: Stay sharp and keep an eye on the captain.

Starting at this next scene, there'll be slight variations in cutscenes depending on which character got flagged as our first optional character between Nel, Albel, and Roger. I'll be using Nel as the "default" for screenshots but I'll include the variants for each one in the transcript.

From now on, anytime a line is in teal that means it's unique to whether that character is in the party or not. Usually this'll only be a single line at at a time (and everyone else says the same thing regardless) but when responses change as well I'll indicate it more explicitly.



Fayt: (Hang in there, you two. Shouldn't be long now.)
Fayt: (Hmm?)


Fayt: A transport jammer!
Biwig: Hand over the boy, now.
Maria: What do you mean? I thought we had a deal.
Biwig: Hmph. Did you? Your equipment suggests otherwise. You Federation scum are always up to dirty tricks.
Maria: It'd be plain stupid to come unprepared. Besides, we're not from the Federation.
Biwig: What's the difference? Hey, boy... Get over here.
Fayt: Grrr...



Maria: No!!! How dare you!
Biwig: Take the boy alive. Kill the rest!

We have a quick and trivial fight against some Vendeeni soldiers.


Cliff: Seems you underestimated us.
Biwig: It would appear so.


Maria: The tables have turned, Biwig.
Biwig: Heh heh...
Cliff: What's so funny, bag-head? You're the only one left.


Fayt: Something's being transported down!?
Maria: How's that possible!? There's a transport jammer here!
Biwig: Ahahahaha! Fools! Our technology only blocks who we want it to block. We can bring down as many reinforcements as we need!
Cliff: Grrr!

More reinforcements appear.

Cliff: Run for it!




Sophia: Don't worry. I just tripped.
Fayt: Let me see your leg.


Fayt: Why didn't you tell me you were hurt!?
Cliff: Must've been hit in that fight back there.
Cliff: !!!

Cliff looks out the door behind them.

Cliff: ... You guys hide here. I'll try to draw them away.
Fayt: What, alone?
Cliff: I'll be fine. I can handle these guys. Her injury is gonna slow you down.


Vendeeni Soldier: I've spotted one over here!


Sophia: Huh?? Oh, right here.
Maria: It doesn't look too bad. We'll fix you up in no time once we get back to the Diplo... I know it hurts, but hang in there a bit longer.
Sophia: Okay, thanks.
Maria: The transport jammer should have about a 2-km radius of effect, right?
Robert: That's the Federation spec, but the Vendeeni technology is more advanced. No doubt it has an even greater area of effect.
Maria: It will be hard getting clear of it.
Fayt: If we try to run, they'll only come after us. We have to make a stand.
Robert: You've grown, Fayt.
Cliff: Let's talk it over with Cliff when he gets back.
Maria: Okay.
Fayt: In the meantime, Dad, there's something I have to ask you.
Robert: So you've finally found out.

There's an awkward pause during which Sophia looks back and forth between Robert and Fayt.

Robert: But you must understand. I never once thought of you as a tool for my research. You were born because your mother and I always wanted a child.
Maria: Well then, tell us why! How could you treat your own child like a guinea pig!?
Robert: By the way, who is she?
Fayt: This is Maria. Maria Traydor.
Fayt: She's the leader of Quark, the anti-Federation group.
Robert: Maria Traydor... Traydor?
Fayt: You performed genetic engineering on her, just like you did to me.
Sophia: Uncle Robert - genetic engineering...?
Robert: What!? So that means you're- I see. That's why your last name is Traydor.
Maria: Explain yourself, Dr. Leingod... I think we have the right to know.
Fayt: Dad, tell us why... Why did you do it, Dad? Why did you manipulate our genes?
Robert: I did it... for the sake of our universe.
Maria: Our universe? That's quite a grand scale. How could modifying our genes have anything to do with the universe?
Robert: But it's the truth. I performed symbological genetic engineering on you because of a force that would one day threaten all we know.
Fayt: Threaten all we know?
Robert: I don't expect you to believe me right here and now. It's a long story. I'll explain everything once we get out of here. Just be patient.
Maria: Is that all!? You think we'll accept that poor excuse for an explanation!?
Fayt: Maria...
Maria: That's not what I wanted to hear!
Robert: I'm sorry.


Fayt: It's nothing, really.
Cliff: O-kay...
Cliff: I've cleared out all the enemies in the immediate area, but we can't waste any time. I'm sure they'll keep calling in reinforcements. And there are still Vendeeni soldiers here and there. Seems to b eno end to them. They're like roaches!
Fayt: I think we should destroy the jammer. Otherwise, we don't stand a chance. We'll be picked off one by one.
Fayt: What do you think? I'd like to hear your opinion.
Maria: Hmmm... Seems we have no other choice.
Maria: Maria to Diplo.
Marietta: I'm here!
Maria: That Biwig's using a new type of transport jammer. We're going to destroy it. Be ready to transport us up as soon as we do.
Marietta: Cannot comply!
Maria: What's wrong?


Maria: What happened to the Aquaelie? It should have been here by now...
Marietta: They're being blocked by another Vendeeni ship. They need a little more time.
Maria: Where's Mirage?
Marietta: She's on damage control. Lieber and Lancar are with her!
Maria: All right. Find some way to hold out until the Aquaelie arrives!
Marietta: We'll do our best!


Fayt: Hey! If the Vendeeni are engaged, maybe they're also too busy to use their transporters.
Cliff: Yeah. There's a good chance of that.
Maria: If so, then they've got all the soldiers they're going to get.
Maria: Let's take out their jammer then. In the meantime, let's just hope the Aquaelie shows up to lend a hand.
Cliff: Relying on the Federation sticks in my craw, but I guess we have no other choice.
Fayt: It's gonna be tough, you two, but hang in there.
Fayt: Let's go.

This last scene had us up in the kitchen section of the training facility (floor 3) so now... we get to run all the way back to floor 1 so we can take the elevator to floor 4. Thankfully there's less enemies here than back when the Black Brigade was still stationed there, but it's still a little tedious.





Biwig: I will say it once more. Resistance is futile. I can keep calling in reinforcements, no matter how many of my soldiers you defeat. There is no escape! Muwahahahaha!
Fayt: Grrrrrr!

???: That's because of this thing, you fool!
???: That's because of this thing!

Cliff: Huh!?
Fayt: What!?
Maria: How the-!?

Nel: I think that did the trick. What the heck was it, anyway?
Fayt: Nel!

Albel: Hmph, are you still so confident, now?
Fayt: Albel!

Roger: Jackpot! Hehe, sweeeeeet!
Fayt: Roger!

Biwig: Damn you!

Biwig starts shooting at Nel/Albel/Roger.

Albel: Huh!?
Roger: Uhwaaa!?

Nel: Aaaaaahhhhhh!
Albel: Gaaaaaaah!
Roger: Aiiiiiieeeeeeee!

Fayt: Biwig!
Biwig: Destruction of our transport jammer means nothing! Our battleship can crush your flagship at any time!


Lieber: Captain, are you ok?
Biwig: What is going on!? Where are the reinforcements!?
Biwig: What? The Aquaelie!?
Biwig: Damn! Pull us out now! Dasvanu, transport us up!



Fayt and Cliff rush over to Nel/Albel/Roger.

Maria: Thanks, that was close.
Lieber: No problem. I'm just glad we're in time.
Maria: Give me a status report. I assume the Aquaelie has arrived?
Lieber: Yes, it arrived a few minutes ago and joined the fight against the Vendeeni. Even the Dasvanu should have a hard time against both our ships.
Maria: Good.



Fayt: What are you doing here!?

Nel: ... I had... a lot on my mind... And so... I came here. Then... I saw you all and...
Nel: I'm glad... I could help... before... the end. ... I never... thanked you... properly.
Cliff: Hey, I don't wanna hear any of this 'the end' crap from you!

Albel: What am... I... doing here? ... This is... my turf. Just thought... I'd drop by... And look what... happened.
Albel: You worms... are... my prey... I'm not going to let... anyone else have you...
Cliff: Stop joking around! Hey! Open your eyes!

Roger: Glad... I could help... you guys... before the end. ... You guys... helped me... before.
Cliff: Hey, I don't wanna hear any of this 'the end' crap from you!

Nel/Albel/Roger passes out.


Maria: You're right.
Maria: Diplo, report.
Marietta: The Aquaelie has just destroyed the Dasvanu with its creation cannons!
Mirage: We'll be able to transport you in one minute's time.
Mirage: Just a second. What is it, Marietta?
Marietta: We detected transporter activity right before the Dasvanu was destroyed. We can't tell what they sent, so be careful down there.
Mirage: Did you get that? Be very careful.
Maria: Okay, thanks...




Fayt: Dad!
Maria: Doctor!
Sophia: Nooooooooo!!!
Robert: Fayt... Maria... Sophia...


Fayt: Dad, save your strength...
Robert: ... Aaaahhhh...
Biwig: Haha, it serves you right for interfering! This never would have happened if you had done what I asked.
Maria: Slime!

We get to fight Biwig for real this time, and he's not that difficult, he goes down like he deserves.


Robert: ... Forgive... me...

Robert goes limp.

Maria: Dr. Leingod...
Fayt: No, it can't be! Dad!


Maria: Diplo... It's over. Transport us up.
Mirage: Roger, Captain.
Mirage: We'll transport you up as soon as we can.



Maria: How long do you plan on moping around?
Sophia: That's a mean thing to say!
Sophia: His father just died, you know! How about a little more sympathy?
Maria: Fayt, your father left something to the two of us! What are you going to do about it?

Fayt shakes his head.

Maria: I don't care what you do. I'm going to Moonbase. ... Even if I have to go alone!
Fayt: Sorry.
Fayt: I'll go, too... to Moonbase. We'll go get whatever my father left behind.
Maria: Good.
Sophia: Fayt...
Sophia: Maria has a point. It's not like you to be so depressed.
Sophia: But... don't be too hard on yourself.
Fayt: Ok...
Fayt: I'm sorry for worrying you.
Sophia: That's okay.
Cliff: All right. So it's off to Moonbase, then?
Maria: Yeah, that's the plan. I've already given the crew the order.

Albel: Moonbase, hmm? Sounds interesting. I think I'm ready for a new world.
Roger: Moonbase... What in the world's that? Huh, hope they have lotsa good stuff to eat there!

Fayt: Huh, what did you just say?
Maria: Do you know what you're saying? You might never make it back home again!

[Nel's version]

Nel: I realize that.
Cliff: I don't think you understand what you're getting into!
Nel: We were able to end the war with Airyglyph thanks to all of you. But now that the war is over, there is no longer a need for me there.
Nel: So, now, I'd like to help you all out. That's the only way I can pay you back for helping to end the war.

[Albel's version]

Albel: Yeah, I know. So what of it?
Cliff: I don't think you understand what you're getting into!
Albel: No thanks to you, the war's over, and Vox is dead.
Albel: There's no excitement left in Airyglyph. Means I gotta find it somewhere else.
Albel: You got that, worms?

[Roger's version]

Roger: Hmm? Oh, yer probably right.
Roger: After seeing such interestin' stuff, ya think I could leave now? I'm with you guys till the end.

Fayt: Yeah, but...

Nel: But if you feel that I'll just get in the way, I'll leave.
Albel: But it's a different matter if you think I'll weigh you down.
Roger: Am I... a nuisance?

Cliff: You won't be in the way, but still...
Fayt: I think... it's a good idea.
Cliff: Huh!?
Sophia: You sure?
Fayt: Yeah. I think so. C'mon.
Maria: Fine. If that's how you feel, I've no objections.
Cliff: Ok, what can you do?
Fayt: Good to have you with us.

Nel: Good to be here.
Albel: Hmph.
Roger: You can count on me!

This is actually the middle of a cutscene, but it's the cleanest stopping point for now, so that's it for this update! As of now, whichever Elicooran saved us is permanently a party member again :D