This mecha adventure takes an unexpected mystical turn in episode 9. During a battle Hibiki is mysteriously transported to a nearby desert planet, where he meets the Anasazi-like telepathic inhabitants. While Duero reveals to the captain of the "Nirvana" that Hibiki has a strange and significant origin, the telepaths are putting Hibiki through a physical and mental journey that puts him in communication with the "Spirits." At its conclusion Chief Kokoperi proclaims "the birth of another true warrior." This new arc is juxtaposed with some very sloppy story telling--Jura, who sacrificed herself on the last disc, is inexplicably back among the living; the captain collapses in pain in one scene but is perfectly fine in the next; the vice-captain of the "Nirvana" suddenly reveals that "she" is actually a male agent from Tarak in disguise. (Rated 13 and older: profanity, brief nudity, violence, sexual humor) "--Charles Solomon"