Iron-Blooded Orphans Ep. 24: A Future Reward

Merribit and Atra tend to wounded members of the Tekkadan crew, who have been fighting outside Edmonton for three days to break Gjallarhorn’s blockade of the city. Kudelia helps unload an injured crewmember brought in on a Mobile Worker, and Makanai notes that the election begins in six hours. He wonders if the job was too big a burden for Tekkadan, but Kudelia is angered and says that Tekkadan is fighting with all they have, so his words are heartless. Makanai isn’t worried that they can reach the destination, but he worries about the bloodshed until then. Outside the city, Mikazuki, Akihiro, Shino, Lafter and Azee fight against never-ending waves of Graze Ground Types. Gjallarhorn Mobile Workers keep up the attack, so Orga orders their side to retreat, with the Alaya-Vijnana Mobile Workers holding the rear. Akihiro destroys another Graze, and Corlis orders his men to fall back and regroup. Mikazuki is happy that he can finally eat, which both Akihiro and Shino think is weird. Eco Turbine supervises the mobile suit maintenance while Nadi handles the Mobile Workers. One of the boys wonders why they don’t use mobile suits in the city, and Orga explains that Ahab reactors disrupt city functions, so causing that would lead to Makanai losing favor. Ride reports to Orga that the river’s water has decreased enough for a Mobile Worker to cross, and he asks Orga to let him pilot it. Orga calls Mikazuki in the Gundam Barbatos‘ cockpit and tells him they have to launch a risky final attack, but Mikazuki answers that he and everyone else has placed their bets on Orga, so now he has to bet on them. At the parliament building, Alesi reassures nervous MPs that Makanai will definitely show up for the election. Henri complains to Iznario about Makanai, but he isn’t worried about them. Orga tells Merribit to withdraw with the wounded while everyone else acts as decoys. He tells anyone who disagrees to leave with the wounded, and Merribit tells him that he’s crazy. Orga counters that they’ve been risking their since birth, and the deaths so far haven’t been in vain because Tekkadan still exists. He wants to bet everyone’s lives, and the bigger risk means a bigger reward for the survivors. Merribit is shocked, and Takaki proclaims that even one death means a better future for Tekkadan. Merribit cries says that this is wrong and not what Biscuit or Fumitan wanted. Kudelia gets into an SUV with Makanai and is surprised that Atra is the driver due to Tekkadan being shorthanded. Tekkadan launches a surprise attack and destroys several Grazes before Corlis’ men can respond. However, Mikazuki comes under attack from Gaelio’s Kimaris Trooper.

Tekkadan’s Mobile Workers press forward against the Gjallarhorn defensive line, and nearby Orga’s group prepares to make its run. Gjallarhorn’s Mobile Workers move forward and suddenly come under fire from a group including Eugene, Chad, Dante and the Brewers kids. Orga’s group makes its run across the river bank, and Gaelio orders Corlis’ team to support the Mobile Workers. The massive Graze Ein arrives and attacks the Roueis, knocking them aside easily. Orga notices a lack of security in the city and tells Takaki to push forward. Azee doesn’t respond to Lafter, who is also quickly taken down by Ein. Mikazuki tries to help and is kept back by Gaelio, who attacks with a lance and sword. Gaelio proclaims that Ein’s determination has made him a true embodiment of Alaya-Vijnana that will allow him to surpass fakes like Mikazuki. Ein quickly dispatches the Ryusei-Go and proudly proclaims that he’s recovered Crank’s suit. Ein rips open the cockpit and hears a message that Kudelia has entered the city, which fills him with rage. Gaelio vows that he’ll defeat Mikazuki, and Akihiro reports that Ein got away. Takaki blasts past Gjallarhorn’s light defensives, and suddenly all communications are cut off. Ein lands in front of them and smashes the street. He mentions Kudelia, so she comes out and asks what he wants with her. Ein blames her for Crank’s death because she didn’t just come with them on Mars. She responds that many lives have been lost because of her, so she can’t stop now. Ein swings his axe to kill her, but Atra and Orga knock her aside just as Mikazuki arrives and engages Ein. McGillis arrives with his Grimgerde and blocks Gaelio’s path. Orga looks up and knows that Mikazuki wouldn’t let them die in a place like this.