Yuri and Nia approach Ropesk for the first time since fleeing the planet...
: Uh oh. Here comes a big one!
: A big one? Is it Panfilov?
: I think we can bet on it.
Back on the LOTUS, a computer pings: A communication?
: It's him!
It is indeed. Just like when Yuri heard the broadcast, Demid Panfilov's face appears on the viewscreen
: Ah, Yuri, my boy. I see you've finally come to your senses and decided to return to Ropesk.
: Panfilov!
: Bring your ship to a halt. Your sister is at the spaceport. As a reward for finally deciding to obey the law, I'll let you join her right away.
: Wait a minute. How do I know Kira is really at the spaceport?
: You can see for yourself on the monitor.
: All right. Good. Now I know Kira will be safe when I bring your ship down!
: What?!
: I'm gonna bring you down, and rescue Kira. I am not going back to Ropesk!
: I see. So you defy the laws of our planet to the end, do you?
: Don't give me "laws of our planet"! They're just a bunch of rules you made up to try to keep your own people prisoner!
: Hmph. I traveled the sea of stars far and wide, and finally found Ropesk. A planet to call my own. I broke my back colonizing it. Without me, it would be nothing today! Why shouldn't I be allowed to govern it as I see fit?
: But what's wrong with wanting to explore space anyway? You used to be a zero-G dog yourself, didn't you? You should understand!
: And that's the very reason! You kids, always wanting to run off and do things that I'm too old to do now...I can't stand it! And I won't allow it!
Y'know, I was kinda hoping that Demid forbade space travel in a misguided attempt to protect his people. Guess not.: Wait, you're just jealous? That's why you've kept us all prisoner?! I think I've heard enough.
Enough banter. Fight now!
This here is the first boss battle of the game, and it can be a doozy if you still don't grasp the combat mechanics. Demid has three ships in his fleet. The first is a Boiky, the second an upgraded model called the Sokol R, which we haven't seen before. The flagship...
Yikes. Meet the Varyag, Panfilov's custom ship. Yes, that is a giant laser cannon on the port side of the ship. Since it's in the back of the fleet, our shots have a poor chance of hitting it. The escorts will have to go first.
Here's the dodge command in action. That barrage could have done a whole lot of damage if it hit, though it wouldn't cripple me.
After the first Sokol dies, a cutscene plays:Ropesk soldier: Lord Panfilov! That's a formidable ship! I'm afraid we might not be a match for it.
: Damn that boy! Well, he forces my hand. Prepare the Panfilov Cannon!
Ropesk soldier: Yes, my lord! Panfilov Cannon standing by!
: Heh heh. Ha ha ha! Death! That will take care of you all!
The shot narrowly misses! The LOTUS still shakes from the shock!: What was that?!
: That's an extremely high-powered laser! We don't want to get hit with that thing, let me tell you!
: Got it!
Indeed. For the rest of the fight, the Panfilov Cannon can be fired by Demid. It takes the entire command bar to fire, and it can be Dodged, so it's not all bad. Getting hit, however, will cause MASSIVE DAMAGE.
...or not. Honestly, this is one of the easier fights in the game. At this point, Panfilov has basically gone crazy, and will fire this beam o' fail frequently. The only difficulty comes from the fact that his ship has a lot of health behind it.
The second escort dies to an overpowering barrage. Panfilov is now alone in the skies!
Within a few minutes, the ship explodes. Demid Panfilov is dead!
Sweet haul. With this we almost have enough for a whole 'nother ship. 
: Yuri! Yuri!
: Urm...Nia?
: (sighs)
: It's me! It's me, Torlo! Let me on!
