Vandread - Second Stage - Revelations (Vol. 3)
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 theNirvanathat 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 theNirvanasuddenly reveals that "she" is  actually a male agent from Tarak in disguise. (Rated 13 and older: profanity,  brief nudity, violence, sexual humor)--Charles Solomon