Enemy fleet is currently 300 cedlairh from the Robnasr Gate.
I believe they will begin entering this territory in approximately three hours.
What is the status on the surface world?
The report says that they need five hours to evacuate to the planar universe.
I see.
So it seems that my ships will get hurt.
All ships, set sail.
BATTLE FLAG OF THE STARS II
EPISODE 8: The Thing to Protect.
Passing through Robansr Gate.
Sumhbrish, passed through.
Accepted rallying signal.
All 1st Fleet ships have passed through the Robnasr Gate.
11 cruisers from the Areticr direction will be joining us as planned.
Now, we have 33 ships counting this flagship.
It is a force that is inferior to a single reconnaissance fleet.
Chief of Staff, divide the 30 ships into five temporary battle groups,
and place the remaining two ships under the command of this flagship.
Roger.
I cannot believe we must fight like an Imperial Guard Fleet for this boring territory.
Yes, I agree.
Continue to send the rally signal.
Completed the formation of the 1st to 5th temporary battle groups.
Distance to the enemy fleet is now 200 cedlairh.
They are not retreating.
Well, that is because they are at an overwhelming advantage.
What a disgrace, I must fight knowing I am at disadvantage.
I agree.
Really, the enemy seems to be really calm.
They might just be confused.
If that is the case, I can understand how they feel.
Yes, we are trying to guard the Robnasr gate, which has no strategic value, with an inferior force.
I have decided.
Chief of Staff, send an inter-bubble communication to the enemy fleet.
What message shall I send?
This battle is meaningless to both sides.
It is obviously meaningless to us, but for them, it is unreasonable to take damage just to get back into normal space a few hours early.
And most importantly, if the enemy does not know the circumstances, they will think that the commander from the Star Forces is an idiot.
In other words, me!
I could not stand the thought of that!
I understand. It is true that if the enemy fleet can standby for a while, there is no meaning for us to battle with them.
For the content... let's see...
"I am the Supreme Commander of the 1st Hunter Fleet, Admiral Spoor."
"Our purpose is to maintain the Robnasr gate for a certain period of time."
"Please do not attempt any futile resistance, and stay where you are until we retreat."
Something like that.
I believe you should polish up the wording a little.
Do you think so? Then I will leave it up to you, Chief of Staff.
We don't have much time, hurry.
Roger that.
We are the Imperial Star Forces 1st Hunter Fleet.
We do not wish to cause or take any damage.
We promise to leave this area in less than six hours.
Please hold your advance.
Enemy fleet has stopped.
Receiving inter-bubble communication from the enemy.
"We are the United Mankind's Peacekeeping Force, Sarai Fleet".
"We will give you a one hour grace period."
"Retreat immediately."
If we could retreat immediately, we would have not sent a message in the first place.
Does my enemy not even know that?
Tell them one hour is not enough.
Demand a 24 hour grace period.
24 hours?
I asked for six..
It is going to take five hours at the very least...
I wont 24 hours just in case.
If we demand 24 hours right now...
Chief of Staff, have you not ever gone on a business trip?
Yes. Once I became an adult, I entered the Star Forces and have done nothing else.
Then you probably will not understand.
This world is not built upon an established price.
I cannot do something as impolite as taking away the enjoyment of haggling over price.
Oh...
Anyway, make it 24 hours.
Roger...
It is a reply.
"You have previously begged for six hours, and now you are requesting 24 hours."
"I am dumbfounded."
That is it.
The previous message sent was some sort of mistake.
Re-request a 24 hour grace period.
The enemy commander is, excuse me for saying this, an amateur.
The negotiation will only prolong if you say unnecessary things.
The commander just might not be as attached to the standards of commerce.
Especially to our standards...
If that happens, we will just have to fight.
It is a reply.
"I request an explanation for making the grace period four times longer."
Tell them, "I will tell you once we reach an agreement to our negotiations."
Reply: "I ask that you explain why you are concealing the reason."
That is also a secret.
Reply: "I cannot recognize you as a sincere negotiator."
Ask them, "Is that a notice to cease negotiations?"
Do you not think you are being a little too strong?
If the enemy affirms that message, battle will begin immediately.
There is no movement in the enemy fleet.
It means they have a lingering affection for avoiding battle.
But there is a one-in-a-million chance that...
It is sad that we cannot come to an agreement.
But by overcoming that sadness, people are able to become successful merchants.
I think this is a good experience for you, too.
I intend to serve in the Star Forces forever.
That is a waste, Chief of Staff.
That is the equivalent of throwing away half the joy of life.
Well, it is your life, so I should not be telling you what to do.
Anyway, I am the one who is conducting the negotiations.
Send the question right away.
Reply: "It is too early to come to a conclusion."
"I will acknowledge the fact that you requested a 24 hour grace period."
"However, we still request for you to retreat in an hour."
The enemy commander is a good person.
It seems she is having more fun than a fleet to fleet battle.
I do not know who the person is, but the person barely passes as my playmate.
How shall we reply?
Please explain to them why we are stuck here.
Slowly, thoroughly, and using a lot of time.
I do not mind a little exaggeration.
Roger that.
But where shall I begin?
How about from the creation of space?
That is a little too...
You are such a serious person.
Anyway, "Withdrawing in less than an hour is impossible."
"We will explain the reason right now." Send that.
We have gained one hour with this negotiation so far.
Reply: "There is no need to explain the reason."
"We also have a reason, and that reason is of no concern to you."
"After idling for two more hours, we will advance with the will to destroy anything in our path."
I see it is a sincere response.
The enemy commander must be a genuine strategist.
Just like you, Chief of Staff.
I guess any further negotiation is meaningless.
Perhaps it is a refueling problem?
Most likely.
If they stay here longer than the time specified, they will turn into space-time particles and scatter everywhere without a fight.
But as long as they have the desire to destroy us, they must still have some power left.
And most likely more than enough.
Can we not shave off some of that power by negotiating?
Stop it, how unmanly.
It is important to know when to withdraw in business.
Um... How shall I reply?
Let me see...
"We acknowledge your will. Although we will try our best to change our course in less than two hours, the task will be difficult."
"Let us both cultivate our courage for now." Something like that.
Our Supreme Commander is using such clever sentences.
Looks like we need to prepare ourselves, Chief of Staff.
Those people will come at us with everything they have.
And even if that does not happen, we are at a disadvantage.
How troubling.
I hate this.
Time left until the enemy fleet advances, 15 minutes.
These will be the last people to go onboard.
Now, it is up to Admiral Spoor to gain us some time.
Yes.
Commander, an airspeeder is requesting to land.
Airspeeder?
Is it from the feudal government?
Yes, it seems the feudal representative has something to discuss with Her Highness, the Feudal Lord Proxy.
I am feudal representative, Taumasauhu. We meet for the first time, Your Highness.
Are you alone?
To tell the truth... I wanted to give you this.
Where did you get that?
Since the riot has become disorganized,
we thought it would be possible to rescue His Excellency if we knew his position.
And after contacting the person in orbit,
she searched the planet's surface and was able to pinpoint where His Excellency is.
I did not know.
Even if that's true... Strictly speaking, it's only the location of His Excellency's portable terminal.
And? What has happened to him?
I do not know.
We were only able to discover that.
About the Deputy Proxy himself...
We were not able to confirm his location with the limited time we had.
I see.
Good job.
I thank you.
It is time.
Enemy fleet has begun to advance!
I like people who are punctual.
Tell all ships to prepare for a mine battle.
Send out a signal of defiance.
Are we going to fight?
Of course. Our war fleet is still in the Robnasr Earldom.
But we were able to gain a lot of time with the negotiation.
Have we not accomplished our duty?
You could interpret it that way, too.
But I'm going to dismiss that idea, Chief of Staff.
Roger.
Ten seconds until enemy battle group reaches mobile space-time mine range.
The enemy fleet has separated into a vanguard and a rear guard group.
Can we assume that the rear guard are the supply units?
If so, their battle formation is very easy to recognize.
Yes, that worries me.
Enemy battle group is now within range.
They are not firing.
Maybe it is because the enemy values their mines.
I have decided.
Yes?
4th and 5th Squadrons will remain in their original positions and destroy any enemy that trickles towards them.
Do not let even one ship get through the gate.
The rest will break through the vanguard group with me.
We will attack the rear guard group.
Please wait! Dividing an already small group is suicide!
If we cannot break through, we will be surrounded and annihilated.
Let me tell you, Chief of Staff.
Artists gathered from 28 principalities are building Grand Duchess Retpahnyr's coffin.
Once the coffin is completed, I plan to give it a grand debut at a banquet in my territory.
Since that is a family tradition...
What an unpleasant tradition.
What does your coffin have anything to do with this, Commander?
I can hold a banquet in about 12 years.
I will invite you, too.
I am honored, but I cannot make an appointment that is 12 years in the future.
Getting through this now is much more important...
Kaughr-class cruisers are good ships.
But they are only a mass-produced, ready-made good.
It is too seedy-looking to be my coffin, and it is not pretty.
Do not worry. We will not be annihilated. I will not let that happen.
I am confident in our success.
All ships, form a simple space-time bubble and take the 8th cluster formation!
Please put together a space-time bubble with at least half a fleet's worth in each!
Idea dismissed, Chief of Staff!
I do not have time to explain right now.
Please do as I say.
But...
Roger... I understand.
Even if our speed increases with simple space-time bubbles, our defenses are too weak.
Up to now, Admiral Spoor has been an honorable commander regarding battles.
Oh well, Cufadis Uimh Espeirtgh Sespiegh.
Everyone dies one day.
At least if I am killed here, I do not haves to think of an excuse to refuse the invitation to her coffin's debut banquet.
Only the ships on the forward outer perimeter are permitted to commence mine attacks.
Target: Enemy's bow!
The enemy shows no sign of commencing a defensive mine attack!
Enemy rear guards have begun to turn towards both left and right flanks!
Launch the communication boat.
We will let the 4th and 5th Fleets deal with enemy rear guard's flanks.
We are going to create a space-time bubble using half a fleet.
Hurry!
Krekaughr, space-time merge!
Deuhbrish, space-time merge!
4th Fleet, confirmed order.
5th Fleet, confirmed order.
Preparing to intercept enemy rear guard fleet's right flank.
Enemy vanguard fleet is charging from the starboard!
Evade it!
Target - Enemy rear guard left flank group!
We are going to go through the enemy vanguard fleet!
Forward group, commence mine attacks!
All ships, we are going to stop the enemy vanguard fleet with mine attacks!
1st Fleet made contact with the enemy!
Commence a space-time separation while intercepting!
The enemy is strictly the rear left flank guards!
Dobhkaughr, hurry with the repair in damage to section 22!
Due to contact with the enemy, 1st Fleet will likely fall!
This is the Reubrish! The enemy has merged with our space-time bubble!
We need backup!
Intercept with the laser cannons!
Section 18 is hit! Automatic fire extinguisher not working!
Hull breach on Deck Three! Get out of there!
1st to 3rd laser cannon batteries have been destroyed!
Reubrish, down!
Battle ability is completely gone!
They are requesting permission to abandon ship!
Request granted!
Chief of Staff, you know what to do, right?
Yes. Maintain the space-time bubbles to be a half-fleet strong, and change the formation accordingly.
Exactly. Please.
Roger!
Dobhkaughr, destroyed.
Sulsbrish's bridge has been destroyed and has lost its ability to a create space-time bubble!
Other than the captain, all pilots have been killed.
It has been destroyed!
Mine groups are approaching from the starboard side!
Laser cannons will not get them in time! Turn back immediately!
We are hit. Get the damage reports as soon as possible!
Several dead people, and we've been severely damaged.
Iztakaughr has lost engines!
Ship has disappeared!
Sumhbrish is the only one in working condition from the 2nd Fleet and 1st Platoon!
They are requesting to join another battle group!
Explosion on the port side. Incoming!
Have you confirmed what ship exploded yet?
Please let it be the enemy.
It is the Kregkaughr!
Order the Sumhbrish to merge with the main fleet's space-time bubble!
Unable to do so, the Sumhbrish has been destroyed!
Has the fleet remaining around Robnasr escaped yet?!
Please do not be so noisy on my bridge, Chief of Staff.
Excuse me...
Everyone is waiting for that, so we should get notice of that as soon as they escape.
I forgot.
Direct hit to section 13! Hull breach up to section 16, but the damage is insignificant!
A ship carrying Gatharsr's flag is taking damage...
How humiliating.
But it seems the other fleet has done well.
The enemy rear guard's right flank is almost completely annihilated.
We did not let them get through the Robnasr Gate, though.
Yes.
But we only have six ships left right now.
It looks like it is time to retreat. We cannot go on any longer.
We will now withdraw!
Even if you tell us to withdraw, the enemy surrounds us in all directions.
Do not worry, Chief of Staff.
This is a useless battle.
At least it is to us, if we could not buy enough time for the transport ships on Robnasr to escape.
And when we begin to retreat, it becomes a meaningless battle to the enemy as well.
They should not pursue us.
Although if those people are stupid, it will be different.
You are right.
Evade... and...
And set course for the Amanagawa central gate clusters area.
Do not mind, let us run away fair and square!
Switch main fleet space-time bubble into full mobile state.
Roger!
All ships, follow the Rashkaughr!
Enemy ships are coming after us!
Distance, 11 cedlairh!
Space-time merging, 170 degrees to aft!
Another two ships pursuing!
The enemy is pretty stupid!
Oh? Are we despised?
Anyway, we are going to break through!
This is the Doghbrish.
Doghbrish, destroyed.
Did I make a mistake in the time of retreat?
Your Highness, everyone has gone onboard.
Okay.
Then launch immediately.
Roger that.
We will join the fleet in orbit, and head for the Robnasr gate.
This is the captain. We will now begin emergency battle launch.
Switching output of the floatation devices' gravity control to launch output.
Gravity control initiated inside ship.
Transition to battle launch form.
Transitioning!
Jinto...
Dokfu...
Battle launch form?
That must be the last flight. Shoot!
I can't die in a place like this.
Initiating launch in T minus 20 seconds!
Damn Abh! I won't let you take the women!
Angusson...
Five.
Four.
Three.
Two.
One.
Launch!
My children...!
If you die, I will be saddened.
Lafiel... I will... go to your place...
What is the situation?
Confirming now.
Response confirmed!
The enemy fleet is coming through the Robnasr gate!
We did not make it in time...
What shall we do?
There is nothing else we can do except charge in.
All ships, generate a space-time bubble!
Start space-time bubble generating engine!
Confirmed generation of space-time bubbles!
Enemy ships are appearing!
So they are finally here.
Get ready to intercept the enemy!
Laser cannon, ready.
Match speeds with the transport ships, and continue advancing!
Confirmed enemy ships to the front!
Do not mind them, keep going!
Is this what remains of the 1st Fleet?
Am I not suitable as a flyer?
Of course. My decision caused this to happen.
Bascottonr gate, eh? Everything started here.
Of course, there are exceptions. I wish you good lusk.
He was the first grounder I met that was the same age as me.
EPISODE 9: The Time to Put the Bows Down.