"Armored Trooper Votoms: Pailsen Files" is a six-episode OVA series that serves as a prequel to the original "Armored Trooper Votoms" anime. Set in the same universe, the story delves into the early career of Chirico Cuvie, the protagonist of the original series, and explores the events that shaped his character. The narrative unfolds during the Hundred Years' War between the Balarant Union and the Gilgamesh Confederation, focusing on Chirico's involvement in a covert military operation known as the "Pailsen Files."

Chirico, a young and skilled Armored Trooper pilot, is recruited into a secret unit led by Colonel Pailsen, a ruthless and ambitious officer. The unit is tasked with carrying out high-risk missions behind enemy lines, often involving espionage, sabotage, and assassination. Chirico's exceptional combat skills and unwavering resolve make him a valuable asset, but he soon becomes disillusioned with the brutal and morally ambiguous nature of the missions. The series highlights the psychological toll of war, as Chirico grapples with the ethical dilemmas posed by his assignments and the dehumanizing effects of combat.

The plot intensifies when Chirico and his comrades are sent on a mission to retrieve a mysterious artifact known as the "Prototype," which is believed to hold significant strategic value. As the mission progresses, Chirico uncovers dark secrets about the true nature of the war and the motivations of those in power. The series explores themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the cost of obedience, as Chirico begins to question his role in the conflict and the orders he is forced to follow.

Key characters include Colonel Pailsen, whose manipulative and authoritarian leadership drives much of the unit's actions, and Chirico's fellow soldiers, who each have their own reasons for participating in the war. The interactions between these characters reveal the complexities of their relationships and the pressures they face in a war-torn environment. The series also provides insight into Chirico's early development as a soldier, setting the stage for his later struggles and quest for identity in the original "Armored Trooper Votoms" series.

"Armored Trooper Votoms: Pailsen Files" offers a gritty and introspective look at the realities of war, focusing on the personal and moral challenges faced by its characters. The series complements the original narrative by providing context for Chirico's journey and deepening the understanding of the broader conflict within the "Votoms" universe.