"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 him into the hardened soldier he becomes. The narrative is set 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 Cuvie, a young and skilled Armored Trooper pilot, is assigned to a special forces unit led by Colonel Pailsen. 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 tactical acumen make him a valuable asset, but he begins to question the morality of his missions as the true nature of the war and the motives of his superiors come to light. The series portrays Chirico's growing disillusionment with the military hierarchy and his struggle to maintain his sense of identity and purpose amidst the chaos of war.

The plot revolves around a series of missions that gradually reveal the darker aspects of the conflict. Chirico and his comrades are sent on increasingly dangerous assignments, including the retrieval of classified data and the elimination of key enemy personnel. These missions are fraught with tension and moral ambiguity, as the lines between friend and foe blur. Chirico's interactions with his fellow soldiers, including the enigmatic Colonel Pailsen, highlight the complexities of loyalty, duty, and survival in a war-torn world.

As the series progresses, Chirico uncovers a conspiracy within the Gilgamesh Confederation involving the development of advanced military technology and the exploitation of soldiers for experimental purposes. This revelation forces him to confront the ethical implications of his actions and the true cost of the war. The climax of the series sees Chirico making a fateful decision that sets the stage for his eventual desertion and the events of the original "Armored Trooper Votoms" series.

The main characters include Chirico Cuvie, whose stoic demeanor and unwavering resolve define his character; Colonel Pailsen, the ambitious and morally ambiguous leader of the special forces unit; and a diverse cast of soldiers who each grapple with their own motivations and fears. The series explores themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the dehumanizing effects of war, providing a deeper understanding of Chirico's backstory and the events that shaped his journey.