[footsteps]
PLANET BARKA TRADE FEDERATION MILITARY BASE OUTER RIM
[Barkan grunts]
[grunts]
[in foreign language] Turn that off!
What if the enemy sees it?
I'm sorry, sir!
[Barkan 2] Your daughter?
No, my granddaughter.
[speaks foreign language]
It is for your granddaughter's future
that tonight we will take down
those oppressive Shoren bastards.
You and I,
we will win back Barka's freedom!
Yes, sir.
Go to hell, Shoren pigs! Freedom for Barka!
[gasps]
- [Barkan 3 speaks] - [grunts]
[speaks foreign language]
- [gun blast] - [Barkan gasps]
[electronic action music plays]
[alarm blares]
All squads, attack!
[overlapping yelling]
[babbling]
[clamoring]
[speaking foreign language]
[babbles]
[yells]
[squawks]
[grunts]
[chattering]
[gasps]
[Barkans exclaim]
[yelling]
[whimpers]
[yelling]
[grunts]
[yells]
Freedom...
for... Barka...
[clamoring]
[Barkans scream]
These damn mice! They won't slow down!
PLANET BARKA TRADE FEDERATION MILITARY BASE OUTER RIM
BARKA DISTRICT 142 SPECIAL DISPATCH SECURITY FORCE
What the hell is this? I didn't think this mission was gonna be so damn rough.
ORDINARY PERSON UNIT K321
Did you really think our Yakitori unit would be assigned an easy job?
Get down!
[groans]
[electronic action music continues]
[grunts]
[exhales]
Ah! It's hot! ...
[grunts] Screw this!
[Barkan exclaims]
Good grief. I hope it's over.
[woman] Of course it's not over.
Shit! That's all I had.
[woman] I only have about two rounds left.
I have three more.
Well, my damn gun is jammed.
You shouldn't be auto-firing.
Did you forget your training?
Always fire your weapon in three-shot bursts.
[man] Thanks for sharing.
That would've been real nice to know about ten minutes ago.
[man 2] Enough of that.
Admin AI, report.
Do we have ammo on the way?
[in Japanese] Notification: Ammunition drones have been deployed.
Current status: Drone throughput at maximum.
It will likely take some time until redeployment.
[in English] Damn it!
Of course! Just another excuse!
[woman 2] Why don't you just take whatever you need?
What?
There's lots of unused ammo outside.
[scoffs]
You saying we should loot the corpses?
Some of them might be playing dead.
I'll cover you.
[man 2] Seriously?
A needle gun, but made for mice.
These weapons, they're Trade Federation.
I'm not surprised by that. Take a closer look.
They aren't terrorists or rebel insurgents.
They're the local Trade Federation Army.
[man] So they're allies, huh?
[man 2] Yeah, until yesterday.
[Admin AI in Japanese] Notification: New enemies in the encampment perimeter.
[man grunts]
They blew up the damn bunker!
[explosion]
[man] Hey, what's up with them?
- [speaking foreign language] - [gunshots]
[in foreign language] Freedom for Barka...
[man screams]
[in English] What the hell was that?
They're bombers! Suicide bombers!
Don't let them get close to us!
[man] Yakitori versus mouse suicide bombers?
I like those odds, so bring it on!
Let's go assholes!
YAKITORI
1. Official Name: Special Space Security Industry Jurisdiction Ordinary Person Unit
2. Overview: Cheap substitute of the Trade Federation Marine Corps
3. Legal status: Fixtures 4. Advantages: Very cheap
5. Place of Origin: Planet Earth
[theme song plays]
A DIPLOMATIC MISSION
TEN HOURS EARLIER - PLANET BARKA TRADE FEDERATION MILITARY BASE
[quacking]
[babbling]
[trumpets]
BARKA DISTRICT 142 SPECIAL DISPATCH FLEET INTERSPECIES SECURITY FORCE
[sighs]
It's so heavy.
K321 UNIT MEMBER AKIRA IHOTSU
SPECIAL SPACE SECURITY ORDINARY PERSON UNIT K321
[woman] Yeah, no kidding.
Barka's gravity is
within the Trade Federation's standard tolerance levels, huh?
[sighs]
[chuckles]
What a joke, right?
LIKEWISE: AMALIA SCHULZ
Akira and Amalia actually agree?
[laughs]
That's something you don't see every day.
LIKEWISE: TYRONE BAXTER
Shut up.
You don't feel heavier here, Tyrone?
[Tyrone] Hmm?
[inhales] Actually, yeah, kind of.
[Amalia] Stupid meathead.
Still, it's a pretty nice view!
LIKEWISE: ERLAND MARTONEN
Hey, why do you have so much energy, Erland?
[chuckles]
I can't believe this is our day.
There are so many species here.
I mean, I know this is the Interspecies Security Force, but still!
That's true! It's like those sci-fi movies we used to watch.
- Yeah, I know! - [woman] Will you stop?
Hmm?
Always focusing on the wrong things.
LIKEWISE: ZIHAN YANG
[Akira] Zihan's right.
Akira, what's wrong?
Look out there. They don't have any blockades.
Not even some barbed wire?
[Erland] I see some bunkers and stuff but, uh...
They're old and run down.
This isn't a war base. It's just an airfield.
Yeah, looks like it.
They don't have any defenses.
These guys are either really confident or just a bunch of idiots.
Unless...
- Unless what? - [Zihan] You don't get it.
They're overconfident.
So what does that mean?
[Akira] It means that all they think they need is just a show of force.
- [Tyrone] Uh... - Seriously?
Attention, all squads!
Time to get in formation!
Instants, line up! Line up! Line up now!
[grunts]
- Get in formation! - [babbling]
[quacking]
[grunts]
Show some discipline!
Well, this is better than I thought would be.
[blubbers]
MARINE MILITARY OFFICER RIMEL
Yes, Rimel, sir.
The Instants were given minimal instruction
and are standing by now.
They're awaiting command.
[Rimel] Look at all these damned fools
who are incapable of thinking for themselves.
[sighs]
They're cheaper than regular soldiers, but still come at a cost.
They want us to use them as...
[groans]
...decoys.
Those at the top of the Federation are only interested in lowering our costs.
Ready them.
Don't let the foreign affairs clan ruin it.
Sir!
Don't rely on your imprinted knowledge.
Follow your officer's guidance!
[sergeant grunts] Pay attention where you're standing!
[blubbers]
Stay in your spot!
[sergeant 2] What? Hey! This way!
[squawking]
You idiots would know where to go if you just listened to me.
This does seem like a ridiculous sci-fi film.
PLANET EARTH
[Akira] A few decades ago,
they suddenly appeared on Earth,
like it was ripped right out of the pages of a science fiction novel.
[somber orchestral music plays]
The Pan-Star System Trade Federation, or the Trade Federation for short.
They're an interstellar civilization made up of several different alien species.
After a brief, violent demonstration,
they used their overwhelming technological and military might
to force the countries around the world to bow to their will.
They called it "friendly diplomatic relations."
The day aliens came to Earth,
they stripped humanity of their freedom.
We call this "The Great Collapse."
After that, everything changed.
That was the turning point in human history
when the existing order of human society was erased.
Due to The Trade Federation's advanced technology
and overwhelming trading capital,
the Earth as a planet
became the equivalent of one large third-world country.
Their only export was human beings
as food and mercenaries.
Although I've only read about this stuff in a textbook,
the only life I've ever known was at the bottom of the food chain.
Ihotsu, listen.
I have your best interest at heart, believe it or not.
Between you and I, you should forget about going to college.
What the hell is this about?!
I'm just saying that it will be a difficult experience for you.
Your behavior, your family...
I mean, their social standing is already so poor.
Do you honestly think you could handle it?
You should consider it a blessing, really.
We're just cutting things off at the pass.
You'd simply drift towards another direction
to make it easier for everyone.
Oh, hell no!
I'm gonna pass all my exams so I can build my future, you asshole!
There are a limited number of placements open in our district this year.
Two! That's it.
If you take the examinations,
then it means that someone more deserving will miss out.
Our school has to send someone who can properly represent us.
Everything affects how we are perceived and evaluated in the future.
- [Akira] Stop telling me this shit! - Ah!
Why does my education have to take a back seat for that?
- Look at yourself! You're out of control! - [Akira] Shut up!
As of this moment, Mr. Ihotsu, I have no choice but to expel you!
So gather your things and get out now!
[Akira breathing unsteadily]
LABOR COLLECTIVE
[knob squeaks]
[sighs]
[chuckles] Bam!
- Yeah, check it out! Read 'em and weep. - [groans]
I win again.
[man] Seriously? Idiot.
Uh, luck's on your side today. - [man 2] I have nothing left!
[grunts]
Hey!
- Huh? - Huh?
You guys, get up and get to work!
[man 3] Listen up, Ihotsu.
Why are you busting your ass for nothing around here
when nobody else even gives a shit?
Hey, it kind of looks like you're trying to make the rest of us look like assholes.
Then why don't you just stop slacking off?
Oh, shut it.
Come on.
The only reason they have us doing this is crappy work
is because they pity us.
Why should we take this serious at all?
Yeah, sure it's crappy, but at least it's some damn work!
I'm not gonna be thankful for this bullshit.
You're starting to sound like you think you're better than us.
We've got a sweet setup and you're ruining it for everybody here.
- Do you get me? - Huh?
You're the ones who are dragging me down here!
What did you just say? You're just as bad as they are,
looking down your nose at us
when you're the same scraping the bottom of the barrel!
I'm nothing like you, trash!
Asshole!
[grunting]
[man 4] What the hell is going on in here?
[Akira] Ugh, damn.
Are we going yet?
[whirring]
Thank you.
Officer Rimel here.
Reporting to my new post at the Trade Federation Personal Security Squad.
[scoffs]
We will now be escorting the special envoy.
All troops, advance!
[Akira] These soldiers are just for show.
[Zihan] Same goes for us.
You got that right.
[sergeant] Wait a second! Stop where you are!
Yeah, you! Yakitoris!
What the heck is that?
Why do you have heavy weapons?
You're supposed to be in formal dress for all diplomatic missions!
Being in combat gear is against regulations!
Listen. You're gonna have to take your complaints up with our Cook.
- [sergeant] Your Cook?! - Oh, our recruiter is our Cook!
[sergeant] Hmm.
So?
We weren't provided ceremonial uniforms,
so our Cook assigned us this equipment to carry just in case!
Yeah? Bullshit!
If you don't believe us, then you can check in with our Cook directly.
All right, wait here.
[beeping]
BARKA DISTRICT 142 SPECIAL DISPATCH FLEET
[computer beeping]
[ringing]
SPECIAL SPACE SECURITY INDUSTRY VASA PUPKIN AKA "COOK"
[beeping]
How may I help you?
Are you in charge of the Yakitoris? The, uh, so-called Cook?
Oh, did K321 do something wrong this time?
ONE YEAR AGO
LONDON SPACEPORT TERMINAL THREE
[grunts]
[Pupkin] Hmm.
[man] Excuse me. Are you Vasa Pupkin from the UN?
I am.
The Social Welfare Service of Japan
hereby formally hands over custody of Akira Ihotsu to you.
[Pupkin] Thank you for bringing him to me.
Hmm.
Don't you think this is a bit of an overkill?
All of this fanfare just to hand over one boy?
You misunderstand.
This was
for Ihotsu.
It was to protect his human rights.
["Eine kleine Nachtmusik" plays]
Good day.
[Akira grunts]
[grunts]
Uh.
[beeps]
Do you mind if I just call you Akira?
[sighs] Call me what you want.
Come take a seat.
[gasps]
[Pupkin] Well, since we are in a restaurant,
how about some food?
- What do you want? - [Akira] Huh?
Feel free to order whatever you like.
It's on the house.
Courtesy of the UN.
[Akira] So I can pick any fancy food?
Fancy?
It's only a hamburger.
Are you just a senile old man?
Or is this some kind of setup?
Well, he confirmed.
While it's not ideal if you don't have the uniform,
there's nothing we can do.
However, listen.
You can't provoke the crowd,
so I'll get an armored car ready.
[beeping]
What's wrong? Back up!
You may be Instants,
but letting fully-armed soldiers into the capital with all this tension...
[in Japanese] Notification: Ally commander code authenticated.
Transmitting response identification code.
ADMIN AI VOICED BY MIMI HATSUNE
Is that a marine Admin AI?
How did lowly Instants get that kind of tech?
That little lady was also provided to us by the Cook.
[sergeant] Ah!
- Don't point that at me! - Oh.
That's some equipment you have. I'm impressed.
All right, you'll be on standby inside the truck.
Please wait inside until further notice.
Don't even peek outside without permission!
Do not provoke anyone! Understood?
[K321] Copy that.
Huh. Would you take a look at this?
What's this supposed to be?
[Amalia] Are these armored trucks trying to look like school buses?
[Akira] Am I missing something?
- [Erland] It looks like a bus. - [Akira] Okay.
This isn't a sci-fi movie.
This is a bad cartoon or something.
[Zihan] I don't get it.
The Trade Federation Army has such a strange style.
[Akira] It's huge.
[Zihan] Yeah, probably to fit a range of species.
Some are giant.
[Tyrone] This is great.
[chuckles]
Okay, time to sit down.
At least we can rest our legs now.
But there isn't a single window in this thing.
[in Japanese] Notification: Activating perimeter monitors.
- [Erland gasps] - [Amalia] Oh!
[in English] Oh, well, this is weird.
[in Japanese] Notification: Activating auto-drive mode.
[mysterious music plays]
[speaks foreign language]
[sniffs]
[speaks foreign language]
[in Japanese] Notification:
K321, as you make your way to the venue,
be ethical and restrained in your dealings with the local Barkans.
[Akira in English] Did they really need to tell us that?
[in Japanese] Notification: Set rules of engagement to urban warfare mode.
However, use of military force is forbidden.
[in English] Why would we shoot?
It's only a procession?
Hey, wait. What is that?
[grunts]
[electronic music plays]
[Pupkin] Let me explain the work to you first.
[Akira] Okay.
["Eine kleine Nachtmusik" plays]
[computer beeping]
[Pupkin] The job you are about to apply for
is part of the army, a suborbital infantryman.
Officially, you'd be joining the 321st unit
of the Special Space Security Industry Jurisdiction Ordinary Person Unit
authorized by the joint licensing power of the United Nations
and Office of the Government-General
outsourced by the Planetary Native Intelligent Species Bureau
designated by the Pan-Star System Trade Federation Route Security Council.
That's a damn mouthful.
I've said it a few times.
Now then, we call it K321 for short.
For all intents and purposes,
consider it mercenary work.
Mercenary? I thought this was the army.
Legally, it's a division of the Trade Federation's army.
However, they will never acknowledge your unit as actual soldiers,
despite your sacrifice.
Then what are we exactly?
You said we're being hired by the Trade Federation Army.
To the Trade Federation, soldiers are crew members of the space fleet.
There are some non-vessel divisions, like the Marines.
However, their services are needed elsewhere.
Their battlefield is in space.
[Akira] So basically,
they use us to do the dirty work they don't want.
Am I getting that right?
You're correct.
Your salary will be Trade Federation credits.
Depending on your rate,
you could earn enough to live the rest of your life comfortably
on Earth after two or three years.
Your contract is renewed every two years.
This means you can break the contract after your first training period on Mars.
I'll be honest.
Your unit's numbers will decline steeply
if you ever enter the battlefield.
[Akira] Decline?
They send out about a thousand humans up into space every time,
but less than half ever actually fulfill the first two-year contract.
So the death rate is 50%.
No.
[Akira] Huh?
The majority of recruit soldiers
finish out their contract securing orbital satellites.
Combat duty is not required for all.
And their whole unit makes it out alive.
What about the death rate of the ones who do end up fighting?
[Pupkin] The average death rate for descent operations
is 70%.
[Akira] Seventy percent?
The Yakitori who return alive aren't unscathed either.
If you make it back with all your limbs, you've won the lottery.
Wait a sec.
What's this Yakitori you keep mentioning?
The recruits are referred to as Yakitori soldiers.
The Trade Federation actually refers to Earthlings
as Yakitori in their official documents.
So they want to grill us up?
[Pupkin] Just so you know,
it wasn't the Trade Federation that came up with that terminology.
It was the humans.
But I can assure you that your risk will be a bit lower.
[Akira] Why's that?
Because your time spent in combat will be shorter.
Your new K321 Unit will be spending far more time in training
before you're sent out on missions.
[Akira] How come?
The Trade Federation wants to try something different.
Currently, they're gathering research on this new system,
which is why all these new recruits that I'm finding
will enter through this new test program to see how it works.
[Akira] I get it.
[Pupkin] All right, that about covers the basics.
Do you have any more questions?
[sighs]
No, I'm convinced.
Let's sign the paperwork.
[clamoring]
[Barkan in foreign language] Freedom for Barka!
Die, invaders!
[yelling in foreign language]
Shoren, get out!
No to Shoren control!
[in English] Wow, this is a warm welcome.
[Amalia] Can you believe this hostility?
They despise us being here.
[Erland] Yeah, you're right.
I wish we had more than this combat gear.
[sighs] Not good.
[Amalia] I'm surprised.
Being hated bothers you that much?
Are you dumb? That isn't the issue.
What's wrong then, Akira?
Look at where we are.
They're carrying us through the slums.
Huh?
[Akira] It reminds me of the special quarantine zone in Japan.
It's unsettling.
[Erland] Huh? But the buildings look well cared for.
It doesn't look like the slums.
[Tyrone] Yeah, it's actually a pretty nice city.
[Akira groans]
If you all aren't looking to die, you gotta learn to trust your gut.
[sighs] There you go with your feelings.
How about you use your words this time?
[Zihan] The eyes.
It's the hostility in their eyes.
It's like a curse.
Exactly.
[Barkans clamoring]
Ah! What the--
[Barkan in foreign language] Get out!
Get Shoren out of Barka!
[Barkan 2] Yeah, yeah!
[Barkan 3] Freedom for Barka!
Freedom!
[Barkan 4] Shoren, leave Barka now!
[in English] End of the road, huh?
What now?
- [gasps] - Ah! [gasps]
[whimpers]
Hmm.
[Akira] Huh?
[Tyrone] Hey.
What are those?
[electronic action music plays]
[in foreign language] Freedom for Barka!
Freedom!
Get Shoren out of Barka!
[Barkans scream]
[sergeant in English] Attention! Public Broadcast.
Warning! Warning!
Citizens, please stand back!
[Akira] They're so big.
And impressive.
- What's the robot for? - [Admin AI in Japanese] Notification:
That is a Trade Federation Army Ground Security Operational
Multi-Purpose Multi-Limbed Combat Support Vehicle.
It's called a TUF-MAGAK.
[Akira in English] Trade Federation Army?
[in Japanese] Notification: Their ID is the Public Security Forces.
They are Planet Barka's designated Ground Defense Force.
[Akira in English] What the hell?
There are Trade Federation armies other than ours?
I guess they needed one of them to not be for show.
- [Amalia] Hey. - [Akira] Huh?
Look outside now.
[electronic action music plays]
[Barkans exclaiming]
[Sergeant] Attention! Public Broadcast! Warning! Warning!
Citizens, please stand back! Please!
[Barkans speaking foreign language]
[sergeant] Notification! Public Broadcast! Warning! Warning!
Violent protests will not be tolerated in the urban zone!
[Tyrone] Well, that should take care of that problem.
I hope we head back to base. I'd kill for a cup of tea.
Oh yes! Hmm.
[Tyrone] What is it, Akira?
Well, I just feel something in my gut.
[Amalia] It's too late to regret becoming a Yakitori at this point.
No, that's not it.
Man, you're all idiots.
[Erland sighs]
Mission accomplished, I guess.
Yeah, I'm starving
Let's find some food.
Well, I want something real to eat.
So... [grunts] ...why don't we head into town and--
Tyrone, jeez. Do you have a death wish or something?
No.
You've gotta be out of your mind.
I mean, how can you even consider going into the city
knowing how much the locals hate us here?
- Well, I mean, that's separate from us! - [Amalia] What?
We're not allowed to leave?
[in Japanese] Notification:
For security reasons,
orders have been issued to stay inside the garrison during off-duty hours.
[in English] What security measures?!
- [in Japanese] It's a security necessity. - [grunts]
[in English] What sort of foolish logic is that?!
Hey, Amalia, cut it out.
Agreed.
Those guys are just like Pupkin.
You won't get anywhere with them.
Yeah, that's true.
Pupkin, huh?
Pupkin, yeah.
[groans] Akira, what are you doing?
I'm just gonna call up the guy
who sent us all out on this godforsaken mission.
He should explain things.
He owes us that much.
[beeping]
[sighs]
Hmm?
Oh. What's wrong?
Don't try and play dumb.
How about you let us in on what's happening around here?
[Pupkin] A simple escort mission.
There was an explanation before you deployed.
Yes, but that's all we've been told.
The special envoy is here
and what exactly would they be doing on a planet that's completely full of mice?
And would you care to explain why the public hates us enough
to throw garbage at our transport?
Something isn't adding up here.
Oh, that's right.
I did hear there was quite the commotion this afternoon.
- [Pupkin chuckles] - [Akira groans]
This ain't a joke to us, man.
Can you stop beating around the bush and tell us what's going on?
It's a negotiation.
Basically, they want a better deal.
[K321] Huh?
[Pupkin] Ninety-nine percent of Trade Federation provinces
are dependent on their tech.
They're looking to get a more favorable rate,
one that will affect the next generations.
So they want a legal loan?
I haven't even mentioned the interest.
If the interest reaches seven percent
and they can no longer afford the payment
or money is delayed,
their freedom is cut off
and the Credit Repossession Fleet comes the next day.
As their name might suggest, they repossess everything here.
This makes sense now.
The Barkans don't want the government to negotiate such a horrible deal.
[Pupkin] If something happens,
feel free to use the heavy weapons I gave you instead of formal wear.
Got it?
Uh...
Did he just hang up on us?
- [Amalia] Hmm. - Asshole.
Well, I'm going to rest.
[Amalia sighs]
[Tyrone] Whatever.
[Erland sighs]
Now then, is luck on your side?
I have faith in your team, Mr. Akira.
[whirring]
- [explosion] - [all gasp]
- What the heck? What was that? - [alarm blares]
A bomb?
Hold on. What's happening?
[Zihan] Ah, damn it
- It's started. - [Amalia] Zihan?
[Zihan] War! Don't you get it?
Those idiot Barkans started a war!
[grunting]
[in Japanese] Notification:
All squad members, get into type one combat positions!
Damn it, Pupkin. "If something happens, use the weapons"?!
[grunts] If I see him again, I'm going knock him out.
Squad! Formation! Hurry up!
- [Tyrone] Who was that again? - Who knows?
- And what are the commanders doing? - Let's go.
[Akira] Yeah, I hate falling behind.
[Amalia] Hey, hang on!
[explosion]
The ground force we had
defected.
Apologies.
- [groans] - [explosion]
So we're the only ones raising the Trade Federation flag on Barka.
No damn loyalty.
We have enough Trade Federation weapons.
But there were so many sold to the locals.
[explosion]
Exactly what I tried to warn them about.
Those idiot politicians are only out for themselves.
[growls]
Rimel, sir,
the special envoy has requested we ensure his safety.
[Rimel] That damn cat is such a coward.
It would be such an honor for the military,
for our humble clan to be of service
to the honorable and venerable special envoy's clan!
- [explosion] - [groans]
Tell him I said that.
Sir!
All right, time to prepare!
Show them what the Trade Federation is made of!
[all] Sir!
[electronic action music plays]
[clamoring]
Yakitori versus mouse suicide bombers?
Let's go, assholes!
I like those odds, so bring it on!
[Akira grunts]
They're small, but there's a ton of weapons and ammo.
Use what you want.
[Amalia] Nice job!
[Tyrone] Hmm? Where'd they go?
[Amalia] Seems like the suicide-bomb wave is over.
[Erland] Thank goodness! Can we finally take a break?
[Akira] No way!
Yeah, prepare for the next wave.
Next? There's more of these?
[grunts]
- Oh no! Get out! - [Zihan] Ours'll be next!
[Tyrone] Go! Go! Go!
[panting]
[all scream]
[Amalia coughs]
[Tyrone] That was a close one, but we made it.
No, the real fighting will start now.
- Isn't that... - [yelps]
- It's a spider tank! Am I right? - [Tyrone] How'd they get that?
[Zihan] Simple.
That equipment belongs to them. I bet the pilot is a local too.
[speaking foreign language]
Die, invaders!
[Zihan in English] That cannon's powerful.
Not that I expect less from the Trade Federation.
We have to take that down?
[Akira] If we want to live,
we have no choice.
[musical beeping]
[dance remix of "Eine kleine Nachtmusik" plays]