Early 21st century.
Worldwide, the robotics industry is undergoing urgent development.
By the year 2050,
Japan is the leader in robotic technology and manufacture.
From consumer electronics to weaponry,
in everything robotic they monopolize the market.
However, as the technology for androids
and parts to extend human life reach realization,
the international situation makes an about-face.
Just as with nuclear development and biotechnology,
by way of a strict accord, regulations are established by the U.N.
Japan protests and resists these regulations to the end,
but the decision will not be overturned.
In protest, Japan withdraws from the U.N.,
choosing to embark upon the unsparing road of "high-tech national isolation".
2067. Japan uses its high technology to complete perfect national isolation.
This year they welcome their tenth year.
The thoroughness of an information quarantine policy
shrouds the entire country in a veil of secrecy.
Naturally, in these ten years,
not one single foreigner has seen the true face of Japan.
My schedule is ruined.
Your family has already left Washington for Denver.
Don't the Japanese understand Christmas?
Dragging us out in the mountains...
It seems the British, French, and Russians have come as well.
Final stand-by. We go in on my mark.
What unsavory work on such a day.
Our colleagues are probably just reaching the peak of the Christmas party.
If you want to eat Mom's cake,
we'll just have to wrap this up quickly.
Without exception, all evolutionary theory
throughout the world comes to the same conclusion.
As this conclusion has been derived from the world, surely,
one could say it is the future at which humanity is soon expected to arrive.
If we at Daiwa Heavy Industries have your endorsement in this matter,
please answer with a round of applause.
I suppose you can't...
The primary target is Saito of Daiwa Heavy Industries.
We're working on a tip-off. It might be a trap.
Keep your eyes open.
I said we wouldn't need them, so why did we bring so many robots?
Beats me. Ask the chief...
They're the latest Daiwa models.
Latest or not...
...I dislike mechanical lumps!
SWORD?
Maria?
Don't stand in my way!
Damn!
Don't leave behind any bodies.
What's with this treatment!?
What's SWORD doing here?
Hey! Answer me!
Who do you think I am?
I won't soon forget this!
Leon!
It's a flagrant violation of international treaties.
Which ones?
They ignored just about every one.
Which part is metallic?
Well, it's bio-metal.
Is it possible the leg was the only robotic part?
I hope that's the case.
His bio-signature has been validated.
I can't deny the possiblity it was added afterwards.
Is such a thing possible?
It is impossible for us.
So, are you saying that this level of android is standard for Japan now?
If that's true, it's a threat rivaling nuclear technology.
Damn. You mean Saito's an android?
Either way, legal or not,
it's technology that doesn't exist in America.
It will require an extensive amount of time to analyze the evidence.
This reminds me of San Pedro last month.
Hey.
Zack!
Even with all the people living in this city
we only talk to people with this badge or our computers.
It's not just this city.
It's the age we live in.
Anything from Irene?
Not since she left.
Sorry...
By the way, heard anything about San Pedro from Leon?
Really...
Did the info for the mission come from San Pedro?
Yes. Not that there's any reason to keep it hidden.
"Daiwa"
Is it really necessary for us to be on guard duty?
Seems they contain the latest robotic soldiers from Japan.
But any enemy will generally have them as well.
The battlefield is a showroom for things made in Japan after all.
That's why I think Japan should be handled like a growing tumor.
Surely it won't be long before they're forced to pay.
Cease pursuit and withdraw immediately.
You've got to be kidding.
I repeat, cease pursuit immediately.
This is our turf.
Zack!
Hey, watch out!
SWORD...
December... 23rd... Mt. Filar...
A meeting... Beware...
Maria...
Leon had complete faith in what the fugitive said and wouldn't turn it over.
But even now I can't believe it was an android.
Functionally?
You couldn't tell it wasn't human by appearance alone.
Is there a possibility it was?
There was absolutely no bio-signature.
But those eyes...
The results of the autopsy?
Due to political pressure,
the android was returned to Japan that very same day.
In the end they weren't even able to touch it, let alone perform an autopsy.
I see.
Maria...
For ten years Japan has been keeping quiet.
But since this mysterious behavior began last year,
to ignore them would be dangerous.
The purpose of the secret meeting on Mt. Filar is still unknown.
As the State Department has acknowledged,
the politician we'd apprehended has urgent official business
and was returned to work as of yesterday.
We've also received strong pressure from Japan
for the return of Saito's confiscated leg.
The result of our analysis,
the undetectable pseudo-organic metal composition of the leg,
the allocation of the affixed bio-signature,
leads us to the conclusion
that the likelihood of Saito being an android is exceedingly high.
Android development in disregard of the accord is a serious international crime.
Even with so much evidence in hand,
the White House is showing discretion to the end.
Any action that might even slightly
harm relations with Japan is forbidden at the present time.
However, it is clear they are moving forward with something.
Consequently, so that everything proceeds as usual,
our objective will henceforth be regarded as independent action.
No matter what happens, we will not be allowed American protection.
Nevertheless,
we must repel this menace facing the world with our own hands.
Our mission this time:
infiltration of Japan.
It is time to expose the true face of Japan,
which has been shrouded in secrecy these ten years.
These are images of Tokyo obtained ten years ago,
prior to their isolation.
As we know, at present Japan is under complete isolation.
Japan's largest corporation, Daiwa Heavy Industries,
has controlled everything in Japan from the economy to politics,
from several years before isolation.
It is our guess that they were the ones to press forward the issue of isolation.
Used in the realization of their perfect high-tech isolationism
is an electromagnetic network known as RACE.
RACE is comprised of 270 dedicated,
ocean-based antennas surrounding the entire nation.
As you know,
these filter all light and electromagnetic waves entering Japan
and entirely diffuse any outgoing signals.
Acting as a perfect barrier,
it affects correspondence from Japan,
not to mention satellite surveillance.
The mission this time is to penetrate the electromagnetic field
and transmit a special signal from inside to analyze the diffusion pattern.
If successful, it will enable us
to take direct photographs of Japan using a spy satellite.
The objective upon landing is to transmit the signal from Tokyo
a minimum of 3 minutes in order to situate the satellite.
The problem is the route of entry.
A "perfect wall"
equal to RACE guards all physical routes of entry by water and air.
It is impossible for the latest micro scouting devices,
let alone people, to sneak in.
After successful transmission of the signal,
the infiltration unit will explore further through Japan,
obtaining as much intelligence on Daiwa as possible.
Seventy-two hours later,
the team will be extracted from a predetermined location.
Commander Leon Fayden has volunteered to lead this hazardous mission.
Ten years ago, the Commander was dispatched to Japan heading up
an anti-terrorist unit assisting them with public safety concerns.
He remained after the closure of the border
until they commanded his deportation.
Why didn't you tell me?
I didn't want you to worry.
Not about volunteering, that you were in Japan!
I never had a chance to.
Is that really all?
Yes, it is.
Didn't want you involved...
Bring up the deck monitor!
This vessel is not damaged, whether by attack or accident.
An American freighter in adjacent waters has just exploded.
We're in the middle of investigating the cause.
To be sure, requesting emergency systems.
Freight inspections all complete.
They are safely through the border gate.
Entering area of communications blackout
We've caught the diffusion electromagnetic wave.
We're counting on you. Three minutes.
One minute down.
Two minutes, thirty seconds down.
Ten seconds to completion of analysis.
Nine, eight, seven...
What is it?
The signal has been interrupted.
The analysis?
No good. Analysis not possible.
Scan again.
Vexille, this way.
Zack!
In these ten years, you are our first foreign travellers.
We've quite a welcome for you.
On my signal, run for the ocean.
There's no way I'll go alone!
You're the only one with a back-up transmitter.
We'll follow afterward.
Leon...
Don't worry, Miss.
I'm alone. Nothing to be afraid of.
Maria changed your clothes, not me.
Maria?
Ah! Don't go outside!
Leon...
Be quiet and do exactly as I say.
Maria!
Don't go out on your own.
They're still swarming all over, looking for you.
Sorry, Maria. It was my fault.
To think SWORD would show up...
Oh... There's so much!
My colleagues?
Put this in cold water.
Sure.
What about Leon and the others?
What happened to Leon Fayden?
There is no news of your colleagues.
We're still looking.
This is real.
The real thing is rare, ya'know.
You slept for two days.
Get some food in you first.
You were the one who sent the messenger to America?
Just one more...
Where are we?
This used to be the city known as Tokyo.
Tokyo...
Captain, a second transmission is coming through.
Are you certain?
Certain, yes.
From the back-up transmitter.
It's still coming in.
We're counting on you this time.
Never used chopsticks before, Miss?
Tasty?
That's like magic.
Where did you hide it?
Saito's heading this way.
Most impressive...
Or so I thought.
5 guys for 1 girl?
That's kinda pathetic.
Where are you hiding the SWORD woman?
Any woman would run from a tacky tie like that.
The boss goes soft on you.
I won't.
I don't know what you're planning
but whatever you do it's just a matter of time.
I'll be waiting for you at headquarters.
You're right.
It's just a matter of time.
Daiwa's goons are dead-serious.
What is it?
This place is so full of life.
It's the first time I've ever seen a city like this.
It's somehow nostalgic...
Not good.
Captain, three minutes completed.
All right, run the analysis.
Put the images from satellites JC17 & JD15 on screens one and two.
Beginning analysis program.
Nothing there...
No mountains... no rivers...
No cities...
What about Tokyo? Show Tokyo.
That's all?
Daiwa Heavy Industries...
Captain, we've got Lt. Commander Vexille Serra's bio-signature in Tokyo.
So, she's alive.
Satellite JD14 is scanning for her now.
Any other survivors?
We cannot confirm yet.
Captain, look at this.
Put it on screen three.
The red point is her.
She's being pursued?
JD14 is tracking her.
...Captain? ...What is it?
The bio-signature map... it's unfiltered, sir.
We can't pick up any bio-signature other than hers.
What's going on?
They aren't human?
Scan the entire country!
Maria!
What's this?
We'll wait here to make sure we're not being followed.
They say everything outside the city's a wasteland.
Daiwa built an island fortress just for themselves to escape to.
Come here and see.
Floating out in the sea, that's Daiwa.
It's their fault no people are left.
The Japanese race has been wiped out.
But...
We're not human any more.
Not human?
We're just fragments of humanity.
Fragments?
Those fragments will soon disappear as well.
You saw it, right?
The change to machine when those fragments disappear.
Red blood no longer flows through our veins.
You're saying none of these people are human?
But I'd never seen anywhere so alive.
They're all just living, trying to hold on to their humanity.
Like eating food although we don't need to.
Ten years ago,
just after the government began the whole isolation policy,
an epidemic of unknown cause spread out from the heart of Tokyo.
The infection began with a high fever and had a high mortality rate.
It was never announced what kind of virus it was, or how it was transmitted.
The government just required everyone to get vaccinated.
That was the beginning of our tragedy.
The disease was a government fabrication.
And what they were injecting into everyone
was a cyber-virus developed by Daiwa.
The virus gradually undermines the cells in the body,
mutating the molecular structure into bio-metal,
replacing the human body itself with machine.
The worst part is that the virus was still under development.
What do you mean?
The citizens were all Daiwa's guinea pigs
and Japan was their grand test site.
At last, the brain is copied over and the appropriation is finished.
The person becomes a perfect android and comes under Daiwa's control.
The speed of the appropriation of the brain differs between people.
Those that have yet to be completely copied
over barely retain their sense of humanity.
In short, just fragments of humanity.
It's poorly engineered
and most of the population are reduced to mere junk.
Even when successful,
we become lumps of metal with our memories erased.
Either way, we're just miserable guinea pigs awaiting death.
How long do you have?
They won't be satisfied with just Japan.
The next target is America.
They've already planted androids there.
That politician...
Oh! My buddy, Saga!
Go on!
We call that a "Jag".
It's what happens to those that fail the mechanization process.
When they find any kind of metal, they assimilate it.
The wasteland's full of them.
Every now and then they'll throw up some neat stuff, though.
We should get going.
Our secret base is underground.
Saito, what about that SWORD woman?
We've lost her.
Failure's dogging you since you let that informant escape to America.
Maria is harboring the girl.
Leave them alone.
SWORD may have penetrated the RACE net.
But even so, America won't do a thing now.
Relax, Saito.
Our decade-long experiment nears fruition, at last.
That group, G32 Beta, in the slums, they alone are perfect.
Maria is a part of that group.
Left alone they'll join us in good time.
But, sir...
We need not fear any act of man.
Very well. Summon Itakura, Chairman of the slum.
Here.
A fresh piece of junk.
You should be able to get the engine parts you need out of it.
Thanks, it's just in time.
Where's Maria?
Let me introduce you all.
This is Vexille, from SWORD.
Taro, is it ready?
Of course.
My suit...
I've repaired the damage and it's ready for action at any time.
Is this what you're looking for?
...I've already sent out the beacon. ...For how long?
Longer than 3 minutes.
So, we were able to defeat RACE?
Daiwa already reconfigured the diffusion pattern.
Damn.
SWORD only needs it down for a few minutes to get moving.
Oh, and another thing, there's one more SWORD agent at Daiwa HQ.
Leon?
Yeah, Leon Fayden, I believe.
Where exactly is he? Any injuries?
Sorry, that's all I know.
Taro, what's your source?
Daiwa's main stream. There's no mistake.
Only Leon?
Y-Yeah...
Just as we thought.
No bio-signature readings anywhere.
I've picked up a bio-signature in addition to Lt. Commander Serra's.
There's just one other.
What's wrong?
The electromagnetic diffusion pattern has changed.
Damn.
I'll re-run the analysis.
Prepare Minerva for rescuing the survivors.
Captain Borg,
a call on the hotline.
From the Secretary of Defense already?
No, sir. It's the President.
Borg, here.
Yes, Mr. President.
That's correct. Seven agents.
Yes.
Understood.
Our operations are suspended.
Takashi, what on earth's going on?
There's going to be an earthquake.
An earthquake?
Yes, it's our last chance.
We're going to smash Daiwa.
I'm going to fight with Maria, too!
Three above-water freight tunnels connect Daiwa with the mainland.
Only the main line links to the city.
The others connect to the wasteland.
They're all ceramic?
Yes. A mid-scale earthquake is forecasted to occur within the next 24 hours.
Already the joining parts have been opened.
...As a resistance measure. - Yes.
And we've found a weak spot in their earthquake-resistance measures.
While they're performing these measures,
the five gates within the tunnel change over completely to battery power.
This creates a 1.5 times the usual delay between the unidentified intruder alarm
and the lockdown of each gate.
What's the time between tripping the alarm and gate closure?
Eighteen seconds.
...The distance between gates? ...About twenty-five hundred meters.
A difficult range even with the fighter suit's speed.
With our air-buggies, too. But it's sink or swim.
After you make it to Daiwa?
In case we get through the tunnel,
we'll be dragging this wire behind us.
The Jags.
If we get this wire to Daiwa, that should be enough.
A lot of Jags will follow even this thin metal wire and surge into Daiwa.
Maria, Chairman Itakura's called an emergency council session.
Is that all?
Yes, it is.
Don't make me repeat myself.
We don't plan to get in the way of those who calmly wait for the end.
But surely you know Daiwa has begun stretching out their hand to America?
There's little time left. Excuse me.
You're determined to go?
If you do so, Daiwa might open the gates to the wasteland.
This town is their precious experimental material.
They'd never do that.
In the end, we, and the people in this town,
are both trying to protect the same thing.
It's just that we choose to fight...
until the very moment we become scrap metal.
As an outsider, it's not my place to say but...
This city is overflowing
with the sense of this precious thing they are beginning to lose.
But...
I feel Maria is fighting for what's not yet lost.
Foreigners are to be deported?
What's the meaning of this?
Leon...
Maria, come to America with me.
What do you mean?
Your departure permit is invalid.
Lt. Commander Leon Fayden should have requested a pass for me.
No such request was filed.
That can't be right. Check once more.
Every check comes up the same.
We must restrain you for now.
Get out.
What for? Let me call him.
Communication with the airport is not allowed.
I'm going with you.
Let me join your mission.
It's a Japanese domestic matter.
It's no longer just Japan's problem.
You are in another country, please behave.
What a disgusting American habit...
Leon volunteered to return here because of you.
Maria, I'm begging, take me to Daiwa with you.
Don't bring personal feelings into the fight.
I'm sure you want to help Leon, too.
What's wrong? Takashi!
It can't be... Takashi, hold on.
Takashi!
Takashi...
Takashi!
Takashi?
Takashi!
Was that human?
This is our law.
Otherwise our plans will be leaked to Daiwa.
Vexille.
We need someone to replace Takashi.
Once in the tunnel, we'll barely make it even at full throttle.
If you can, going down the middle will shorten the distance.
If you touch the brakes, even for an instant, you might as well call it quits.
Team Red will come with me to the first tunnel in the east.
Team Black will go to the west with Saga into the third tunnel.
This is the first time we moved so many units all at once.
There's no way of knowing how many Jags we'll pick up en route.
Even if there's only one vehicle left in the end, don't give up.
It will be good as long as one wire makes it to Daiwa.
Even if we are merely left-behind fragments,
we are still human!
As long as we have pride as human beings,
we can return to this country to the hands of mankind!
Yes!
Maria, there are more than we predicted, huh.
Murata.
I'll fall back and take them off of you.
Black to Red.
Red here.
We'll be entering the gate now.
Roger.
Hey, they're on you!
Murata!
We're through the gate.
Leave it to me.
Second gate cleared!
Third gate cleared but we lost Masato's team.
Maria, we've led them away from the gate.
Make another run from the front.
Roger.
The Jags are on the wire and through the gate already.
They're too fast!
Maria!
Vexille!
One left.
Maria.
How come...
Bravo.
I guess you didn't expect the tunnel to be separated from headquarters?
That's too bad.
Jags can't jump that distance.
Chairman Itakura told us everything.
Leon!
Nice to see you again, Maria.
We know each other from our school days.
You haven't changed at all these ten years.
More beautiful and more dangerous than anyone.
Kisaragi...
You're in breach of international law.
Nobody move.
...Behave yourselves. ...Come with us.
Maria...
Seems my warning was futile...
Fate is ironic.
To think you would see this face again...
I can't let you do that!
"Insufficient evidence"?
Daiwa Heavy Industries is already beyond the reach of those of us in public safety.
It's not only a breach of treaty;
their research is extremely dangerous to mankind.
They were acquitted this morning.
We are the final figure of evolution.
The existence of man will not go beyond the preparatory stage used for our creation.
Where is evolution in these bodies?
Born of humankind, this body is perfection.
Nothing can compare to this intellect and stability of emotion.
We need neither sleep nor food,
and above all, immortality is in our grasp.
What dissatisfaction is there to be had?
You will join me in immortality soon enough.
Only the chosen will evolve,
and the reborn Japanese race will stand atop the entire world.
This is the work of God.
Now "God" means me!
He's insane.
However, before completion,
this country has run out of experimental material.
Your country has plenty.
Splendid material like Leon.
What's so God-like about you!?
Just another worthless human.
If something had happened to me, it would have been disastrous.
Once the experiment was a complete success and safety had been confirmed,
of course, it was my intention to join in the evolution.
All for this worthless guy...
My research brought you all eternal life.
Your perfect body couldn't possibly be expected to act on impulse.
Stop, Saito. Stop it, please.
The gates in the outer wall surrounding the slums are all opening up.
You already have the citizens'support.
This is Chairman Itakura.
Many of our comrades were betrayed
by the hesitation of myself and the council.
However, thanks to everyone's courageous decision,
those faults can be atoned for.
Thank you all very much.
Chairman Itakura...
Cut the central tunnel from headquarters!
A carrier is now en route inside the tunnel.
Do not let it arrive. Detach the tunnel.
Don't let it in!
Damn.
Piece of junk.
As long as I have my research the world can still be mine.
The Jags will be here soon.
I'll go after Kisaragi. Maria, you look after Leon.
No, I'll go after him...
You can't run with that leg.
Look after Leon for me.
Maria...
Why didn't you come to the airport that time?
I hate machines but I hate people like you even more.
Vexille!
Vexille.
Where's Maria?
Stay back!
You bit of scrap metal, don't come near me!
The Jags are coming.
Maria!
Maria, run!
I won't let you go ever again.
Maria!
Jags throughout Japan came to nibble at Daiwa Heavy Industries
and then sink into the sea.
Maria and her people were wiped out.
But I believe what they left us is
something to hand over with great care.
It was Maria that taught us
as long as we pass along hope to the next generation
we ourselves gain eternal existence.