What's a Living Thing?
The marionettes learn about life and death when Lime adopts a squirrel for a pet. As Lime nurses the squirrel back to health, and then chooses to set the squirrel free for its own good, the marionettes experience new emotions, proving that their maiden circuits are continually growing, just as the Shogun said they would. When the Shogun hears of the pet project that the marionettes have undertaken he is pleased because the growth signifies one step closer to reviving females on Terra II.
Aired 21/01/1997EP 16 - What's a Living Thing?
Saber Marionette J
In the distant future, since the Earth has become overpopulated, efforts to find and colonize on other planets have begun. However, one of the ships, the "Mesopotamia" malfunctions and all but 6 of its inhabitants are all killed. the remaining 6 manage to escape to a nearby planet named "Terra ll ", which is similar to Earth in many respects. However, all of them are male. Therefore, as to not let their efforts go to waste, they begin to set up 6 countries and to reproduce through cloning and genetic engineering. however, there are still no women, and to make up for it, thy create lifelike advanced female androids called "Marionettes" which do everyday chores and work. However, they are all emotionless machines. But one day, a ordinary boy named Otaru finds and awakens 3 special battle type Marionettes that have emotions due to a "Maiden Circuit" within them. It's up to him then to teach them and allow their emotions to grow, and when a nearby country threatens with world domination, it's up to to Otaru and his "human" Marionettes to protect their country.