Episode 03 - Gathering of Troops
Riot Force Six is officially launched, and the new Forwards begin training under Nanoha's instruction. Their first challenge involves figuring out how to take on Gadgets — it's revealed that they generate a low-level Anti-Magic Field (AMF), which significantly reduces the effectiveness of 'conventional' magical energy attacks. Fortunately, our four recruits are anything but conventional.
Meanwhile, Hayate gives a presentation at TSAB Ground Headquarters, under whose jurisdiction Riot Force Six operates, about the purpose of the unit. Several times over the past few years, powerful Lost Logia known as Relics have been discoverd, in some cases causing major destruction when activated. Relics seem to have been created by an ancient civilization for an unknown purpose; outwardly, they look like large gemstones housed in a special case. More ominously, some shadowy group appears to be trying to collect these Relics, apparently with the objective of using them in advanced (and highly illegal) bio-magical research. Whoever this is, they are believed to be responsible for the recent attacks by Gadget drones, which go after Relics whenever they appear.
Later, Hayate joins the Wolkenritter for dinner, and tells them they've received affirmations of support from HQ. She also names the main sponsors of Riot Force Six: Admirals Lindy and Chrono Harlaown, Admiral Leti Lowran, and someone she describes as their greatest supporter: Carim, leader of the Saint Church.
Tropes
- All There in the Manual: The organizational structure of Riot Force Six isn't very clearly described here, although it is alluded to in bits and pieces over the course of the season. The manga and other supplemental materials have more details. For reference:
- 'Long Arch' refers to the command center staff, led by Hayate (a.k.a. Long Arch 0) and including Griffith, Rein, Shario, Alto and Lucino.
- 'Backyard' is the support and maintenance staff.
- 'Stars Squad' is the combat team led by Nanoha and consisting of her as captain, Vita as vice-captain, and Subaru and Teana as Forwards.
- 'Lightning Squad' is the combat team led by Fate and consisting of her as captain, Signum as vice-captain, and Erio and Caro as Forwards.
- Exposition: The main focus of this episode. A lot of background information about the unit's role and function is provided, the Gadgets and Relics are described, and various yet-to-appear characters like Carim are name-dropped.
- Plot Coupon: Hunting and securing Relics is set up here as the main objective of Riot Force Six, and of their still-mysterious opponents. However, throughout the series it's never made clear what the Relics are actually for, and — with one exception — none of them ever really ends up being used for anything. They're mostly just a plot device for setting up the unit and getting them to cross paths with Scaglietti.
- Remember the New Guy?: The main characters greet Griffith as an old acquaintance, although he's never been seen before in this or any earlier season (though he was briefly mentioned in the final A's Sound Stage). His mother, Admiral Leti, was a minor character in A's and is mentioned here but has, ironically, been Put on a Bus this season.
- Swivel-Chair Antics: Rein is ''delighted' to have a desk and chair in her size, and is seen breaking them in this way.
