Unphysical Layer

Unphysical Layer is the 9th episode of the Girly Air Force anime.

Summary
Kei experiences a dream where his interfacing with Gripen's memories appear to unlock a very important secret about the reason for Gripen and the Xi's existence. At Atsugi Air Base, Kei, Gripen, and Yashirodōri meet William Shankle, an American scientist, and the USA's sole Anima, Rhino, an F/A-18E Super Hornet, and learns of an impending mission to retake America by using both Anima and specially designed drone fighters. Shankle invites Kei and Gripen to a simulation that determines humanity's outcome. Kei fails several times while Gripen wins the scenario by ensuring humanity's survival. After the simulation, Yashirodōri explains to Kei that Shankle views Animas as computers and programming, when in fact they are thinking beings whose loyalty and friendship must be won for humanity to succeed.