Layzner Ep. 19: Frustrated Feelings

Eiji catches his breath in Layzner‘s cockpit as the tripod carrier leaves lunar orbit. Arthur pilots and gets a kiss from Simone for doing a good job. Elizabeth asks Anna to watch the children while she tends to Clayton. When Eiji comes up to the cabin, David expresses his surprise over Layzner’s performance. Eiji thinks about how this has happened three times and that it isn’t Rei. David and Rohan ask if Layzner has a special ability, and he thinks it just used up its remaining power. The radar picks up an object on approach. On Earth, the American military’s Space Command picks up the tripod carrier and has its defense satellites open fire. Eiji uses the tripod carrier’s cannon to destroy the satellites. On Earth, Gen. Dwight is informed that an alien object has broken past their defenses. Elizabeth uses the radio to call the UN and is put in touch with Prof. John Gilbert. She explains that Gradosians have attacked Mars and are heading for Earth. She adds that they’re in a Gradosian craft and don’t want to be shot down during re-entry. Elizabeth puts Eiji on the radio, and he explains that Gradosians fear Earth’s expansion. Gilbert is shocked to hear that Eiji is the son of Ken Asuka, whom he knew from the Apollo X-0 program. Eiji wants to meet with Gilbert, and the tripod carrier approaches Earth’s atmosphere. Everyone laughs with happiness over finally reaching Earth. On the Gradosian flagship, Gresco orders Zuhl to transfer the Bloodykaisar to the Giulla team because he wants to see if Julia’s loyalty is real. Gresco adds that he wants to ensure that as few Gradosian weapons as possible fall into the hands of Earthlings. The tripod carrier completes atmospheric re-entry.

Eiji tells everyone that it’s safe to get out of their seats. As they fly over Europe, Simone spots her native France and Arthur his home of England. Simone cries and hugs Anna, and Elizabeth notices that Eiji is amazed by the Earth. The radar picks up Gradosian enemies, so everyone heads to their SPTs. Tripod carriers launch several transforming Solomcos and Bravers. Eiji asks if Rei has any other code names, but it doesn’t understand. He then takes off in Layzner, followed by Baybull and Buldy. After the Solomcos open fire, Eiji spots the Bloodykaisar, which he mistakes for the Grimekaisar. He wonders if Gale survived and addresses the SPT as such, but it opens fire on him. Eiji proclaims that he doesn’t want to fight again, but he gets no response. David gives Eiji some supporting fire and asks if he’s ok. Multiple American jets and Soviet jets join the battle, so Eiji and the others return to the tripod carrier. He sees that the tactics are precise like Gale’s and wonders why the SPT is red. American wing commander Evans orders Elizabeth to land at Edwards Air Base, but she wants to go to the UN Space Division headquarters. Evans explains that they can’t escort them that far and must prioritize a safe landing. Elizabeth agrees, on the condition of speaking with Gen. Saul. With more reinforcements arriving, Giulla orders a retreat. Everyone cheers when the tripod carrier lands, and Elizabeth thanks Eiji. Dwight is informed that 90 percent of the American and Soviet planes were shot down. When everyone disembarks, they’re shocked by the military reception of armed soldiers and tanks. Dwight takes a call from the director of national defense, who is happy that they have an advantage over the Soviets now. Zuhl is unhappy with Giulla’s report about the battle and orders him to remain on standby. Gilbert wants to speak with President Dellinger directly and presumes that the Americans have taken Eiji prisoner. Elizabeth is held captive for interrogation and injected with a tranquilizer. Eiji wakes up naked in a padded room and vows that he won’t be beaten down by this. He then gets up and warns them to stay away from Layzner because it’s dangerous. Several technicians approach Layzner in a hangar to begin examining it.