Planetes
It has been roughly one century since the Apollo moon landing.
People, energy, garbage, and many other things have all begun to spread out in to space.
And behind the scenes, the economic and technological gap...
...between the countries of the world has also spread wider.
It is at a time such as this that the Von Braun, mankind's first manned explorer to Jupiter,
...is about to set sail,
...carrying with it humanity's hopes and dreams.
Gotta go faster...
Gotta push myself harder...
Gotta go further!
That's the kinda ship the Von Braun is...
Did you see that vector change just now?
Yeah. He didn't use any propellant at all.
Hachirota Hoshino... He hasn't made any mistakes in the EVA exam so far.
He worked in Technora's Debris Section for four years. Resigned last month, huh?
His remaining propellant, oxygen, and time aren't too shabby at all.
His academics are a little weak, but I think this guy has the right stuff, don't you?
Yeah.
Soshite hito wa toki wo koeta yume wo miru, And people dream dreams that transcend time,
...seijyaku no umi ni idakarete. ...held in the arms of a still sea.
Tori ya kumo wo miagete wa... As they looked up at the birds and clouds,
...hakanai inochi moyashita... ...it set their ephemeral souls on fire...
...ikusen no asa ni. ...on a thousand mornings.
Hikari ga mukau basho e... I bet they're taking flight...
...habataku darou. ...to where the light is headed.
Negai wo hanatsu toki wa ima. Now is the time to launch your dreams.
Hatenaki yume wo noseta... Off into the frontier that is carrying...
...frontier e, ...boundless dreams,
...tooku tooku dive in the sky. ...farther and farther, dive in the sky.
Planetes
Phase 20: Tentative Steps
Somebody stop me!
Grab onto the bars! Use the bars!
Geez, my hair is a mess!
That's why I told you to use spray on it before we left!
Look, it's a Mr. Nora! A life-sized one!
I've never seen one up close before.
Where's Public Relations Section?
Look, it's right here. Right below reception.
Wow, this place is pretty big.
Oh, right. Training's ended, and people are getting their new assignments.
I wonder if we were ever like that...
Yeah, it's been a year.
It hardly seems like it's been a year already.
I wonder if I've matured a bit as a person...
Hi! Welcome! Welcome!
The wonderful Debris Section, the happy Debris Section,
...gives you a hearty, thankful welcome!
Oops.
What in the world's all this about?
Our welcoming ceremony for new employees.
We're sorry. When you were assigned here, Ai, we didn't expect you to actually show up.
Wow, new workers two years in a row! I must be dreaming!
New worker? You don't mean as a replacement for Sempai, do you?!
Well, um... There are only so many sick days and personal days that he can take.
But this new worker is simply here to increase our staff, right?
That's right. They value our services as the people who found that INTO mine.
Yeah, I'll just bet...
Tanabe, have you heard from Hachimaki? The first round of testing is over, right?
He probably failed and is too embarrassed to call us.
I'd be glad to have him back in any capacity.
You don't think he'd commit suicide out of disgrace, do you?
Careful, Chief...
He'll be fine.
Sempai isn't that weak a person.
It's the new guy for sure this time!
Tanabe, get out of the doorway!
Oh. Right!
Hi! Welcome! Welcome!
The wonderful Debris Section, the happy Debris Section,
...gives you a hearty, thankful welcome!
Huh?
You're that girl from...
We're sorry, it's our welcoming ceremony for new employees.
That's right! We weren't playing around or anything.
What's up? You here to watch over our shoulders again?
I'm Claire Rondo. I've been assigned to work here at Debris Section.
Wait, so the new employee is...
I look forward to working with all of you.
This is an announcement from the examination committee.
Examiners who haven't attended post-redesign reevaluation task guidance sessions,
-Mind if I throw this one in, too? -Sure. Thanks.
...make sure to submit an attendance request form before the end of third term testing.
-Sorry for the trouble. -That's okay.
...make sure to submit an attendance request form before the end of third term testing.
Hakim!
...make sure to submit an attendance request form before the end of third term testing.
Looks like the isolated environment test is about to start.
Attention, all members of the press.
Looks like the isolated environment test is about to start.
Attention, all members of the press.
You must have a lot of spare time, Hoshino. You came here to tell me that?
Today's public testing is now ended. We ask that you please leave the examination block.
You must have a lot of spare time, Hoshino. You came here to tell me that?
Today's public testing is now ended. We ask that you please leave the examination block.
As if.
Today's public testing is now ended. We ask that you please leave the examination block.
Back during the first round, I beat out a friend of mine.
Today's public testing is now ended. We ask that you please leave the examination block.
I don't care about anybody but myself.
This is an official announcement.
I don't care about anybody but myself.
This is an official announcement.
That's good to hear.
Test module reconfiguration work is scheduled to begin tomorrow morning...
That's good to hear.
Test module reconfiguration work is scheduled to begin tomorrow morning...
Neither do I.
Test module reconfiguration work is scheduled to begin tomorrow morning...
For the next ten days, we will have you live in those modules in teams of four.
In this test, you will not be evaluated as individuals, but rather as a team.
If a single member of the team leaves the module before the ten days are up,
...the entire team will be disqualified.
He wants us to work as a team with total strangers, huh?
All right, please enter your modules through the airlock that matches your test number.
Very well, begin the test.
102...
Well, I'll be. The test modules are exposed to space, huh?
Well, I guess it's better this way. It'll keep us on our toes.
You sure got here fast. I thought I'd be the first on board.
Sally Silverstone. I worked as a contractor to CalTech as a mission specialist.
Hi, I'm Hachirota Hoshino.
-Debris Hauler. -"Hoshino"?
Wow, I guess we've got ourselves a thoroughbred on the team!
I'm Leonov Norstein. I'm an engineer on a supply transport.
Nice to meet you.
Hey, isn't there an engineer by the name of Hoshino?
Chief engineer! The Von Braun's chief engineer!
They say that Dr. Locksmith recruited him in person.
Yeah. He's my old man.
Oh, wow, so you really are a thoroughbred?
He's got nothing to do with me! I'm me!
This is test site #24. Applicants 2300 through 2400 are present and accounted for.
Where is Dr. Locksmith?
This is test site #24. Applicants 2300 through 2400 are present and accounted for.
He's in the lab, making last-minute tweaks to the system software.
This is test site #24. Applicants 2300 through 2400 are present and accounted for.
He said he might be in there for a while.
Block 32, practical skills examination is complete.
He said he might be in there for a while.
Block 32, practical skills examination is complete.
Hard to believe that the guy who came up with a test like this isn't gonna oversee it himself...
Shall we call off the test, then?
Beginning removal of materials used during test.
Shall we call off the test, then?
Beginning removal of materials used during test.
No. There may be some ethical issues with this test,
...but since we're taking on Jupiter, I suppose we can't say that this is too harsh.
Success rates at exam sites 56 and 62 have fallen slightly.
...but since we're taking on Jupiter, I suppose we can't say that this is too harsh.
Success rates at exam sites 56 and 62 have fallen slightly.
Keep a close eye on the safety checks. I don't want any incidents if we can help it.
A reorganization of applicant registration has been accepted.
Keep a close eye on the safety checks. I don't want any incidents if we can help it.
A reorganization of applicant registration has been accepted.
Yes, sir.
One person to go. He sure is taking his time.
I don't want any weak links. This is a team effort, you know.
Finally here, huh?
Hakim!
Hoshino, huh? I swear, we can't seem to shake each other.
What, you two know each other?
Fifteen minutes have now elapsed.
Teams whose four members are not in their designated module are hereby disqualified.
Geez, that was close!
For the next ten days, you will be testing the cabin's pressure, water, and temperature,
...along with conducting simple health checks of each member,
...as well as physical fitness assessments, power system maintenance checks,
...as well as periodic in-cabin radiation checks and magnetic calibration tests.
These will comprise your daily duties aboard the Von Braun.
Also, there is one more part to this test. Please note the blue box on the desk.
Assemble the item in the box within the ten-day period.
However, if even one team member should leave the module during the test period,
...the entire team fails.
Furthermore, no outside communications will be possible during the test period.
That is all.
Well, you heard the man.
Might as well open it up and take a look.
What the heck is this?
Here are some plans.
What is it?
Blueprints for a spaceship. It's pretty big.
It's the Von Braun.
What?
It's a model of the Von Braun. See this? It's a mirror coil.
Do you think she's gonna work out?
You mean Claire? Sure, why wouldn't she?
She's acted as our supervisor before when she was with Control Section,
...and she's lived in space for three years.
I'd rather have her than any of those new...
That's not what I meant!
Claire is Hachimaki's old girlfriend, right?
His old girlfriend is all alone with his current one.
Something's gonna happen, mark my words!
Current one?
I mean Tanabe!
What?! Those two were going out?!
Edel?
Um... Claire?
I know that the work in Debris Section is tough and there isn't much hope of advancement,
...but it's not such a bad place!
When you see the big Earth below your feet,
...you can forget all the bad things in life, or things that been bothering you!
It makes you feel better, I guess. Or it makes all your problems seem trivial. It...
-Claire Rondo. -Yes?
This will be your ID tag. File this form with Control Section.
Um, I'll take it there. I need to go to Control Section anyway.
Really? Well, I'll leave you to it, then.
Go back to the office without me, Claire. I'll take care of...
I'll go to Control Section.
Huh? But I need to go there anyway.
And do what?
Well, um...
I don't want your sympathy.
With humanity's chronic shortage of resources, Jupiter represents our future.
If I'm going to live for a cause, I'd rather live for the future.
It sounds a little dramatic, but I guess that's why.
Hoshino, what made you decide to try to get onto the Von Braun?
It's the father-son thing, right? You wanna watch your daddy at work.
That's not it at all. It's just 'cause I wanna be on her crew.
Why's that?
'Cause it looks fast. And powerful. And like it could fly to the ends of the universe.
I know! I know what you mean! It's the same for me!
I wanna go as far away as I can. I wanna leave this dump Earth far behind.
Good grief, we've got a couple of bad boys on board.
-Done with the shower? -Yeah.
Hakim, how about you? What's your story?
You even quit the OSA to take this test.
If I get selected, I'll tell you.
Then I guess we might never know.
If I don't make the cut, neither will you.
I look forward to hearing your answer, then.
I was surprised to hear that they'd put you in the hospital.
Paging Mr. Fritz Ramsey in room 305. Please come to the central pharmacy.
I was surprised to hear that they'd put you in the hospital.
Paging Mr. Fritz Ramsey in room 305. Please come to the central pharmacy.
I'm only in here for testing. I've got plenty of time left, Angel.
I'm glad to hear that.
You're calling about Hachimaki?
Um... Yes, sir.
Careful, now...
I know. I'll be gentle, just like I was caressing a girl...
Got it!
Mission complete!
So, this is the Von Braun, huh?
There aren't any pieces left over, are there?
Don't worry, I checked.
Still, what are they hoping to learn by putting us through a isolated environment test now?
This has been a total cakewalk, right?
And we've still got a whole five hours.
Maybe we're just a good team. At this rate, we...
What the...?
Keep calm. The first order of business is checking the systems.
Okay, I'll take the power box.
I'll check for radiation.
I'll do a magnetic check.
Just as I expected. I didn't think it would end this easily.
Planetes
Oh, I see. So, he hasn't gotten in touch with you either, Mr. Gigalt.
No. Sorry I couldn't help you, Angel.
That's okay. Thank you for your help. Take care of yourself.
This is an announcement from the Medical Section.
That idiot Hachimaki...
This is an announcement from the Medical Section.
He should know that every ship needs a harbor.
The endoscopy center will be undergoing maintenance tomorrow.
He should know that every ship needs a harbor.
The endoscopy center will be undergoing maintenance tomorrow.
Was that Tanabe just now?
The endoscopy center will be undergoing maintenance tomorrow.
Patients who were scheduled for their regular checkup at that time,
That was Tanabe, the debris hauler, wasn't it? Hachimaki's friend?
...please consult with your primary physician by the end of the day.
That was Tanabe, the debris hauler, wasn't it? Hachimaki's friend?
...please consult with your primary physician by the end of the day.
We couldn't pinpoint the cause of the accident from inside the module,
...but it looks like an electrical system malfunction.
How much power do we have left?
We've got 26 kilowatts stored in the batteries.
If we tweak the control system, we can squeeze out about 3 kilowatts an hour.
But the real problem is our air supply.
The ventilation filters aren't working?
If we don't use power for anything else, there's just enough to run the ventilation filters.
Then what's the problem?
We flat-out don't have enough oxygen.
We might have vented it during the accident.
-How much O2 do we have left? -About 627 grams.
A human's O2 consumption is about 34.8 grams per hour,
...so we'd need 696 grams to last the four of us until the end of the test.
We don't have enough!
What about making O2 from our drinking water?
We don't have anywhere near enough power to even consider electrolysis.
What about the oxydizer in our propellant?
The problem is that it's stabilized.
Even if we could extract the oxygen, it'd also produce a highly toxic gas.
Aren't there any emergency pressure suits? A spaceship ought to...
No.
How can you be so sure about that?
I checked before I came in here.
There are no pressure suits or air tanks of any kind.
So that's why you were so late, huh?
It wasn't a race. I put the time I was given to the most effective use I could.
Thanks so much, Hakim. You just dashed our last hopes.
Let's call it quits while we still have air. It was an accident, so the test is...
No way. There'll be mishaps at Jupiter, too.
I know that's what Locksmith would say.
Are you kidding?
He's right.
Dr. Locksmith failed all the applicants who were involved...
...in a mishap at the New Guinea test center.
Besides, there's a good chance that this malfunction scenario was planned.
Okay, I get it. I thought this was a little too easy.
You're saying that this is the real test?
I know there's a risk of accidents in these isolated environment tests,
...but a life or death situation like this is...
That's what Locksmith wants to test us for.
He's putting our lives at risk to see how we'll handle the real thing.
Claire? Take that maintenance list we'll be using when we help out on the moon...
...and submit it at the Bay Office, okay?
The check sheet is on Tanabe's desk.
Sure.
Fee, Ai hasn't taken any days off for a long time now. Is she gonna be okay?
She says she wants to go out, so I won't ask her to.
Anyway, I'm glad to have her out there in the field now that Hachi's not around.
But still...
Sometimes you want to tough things out.
Relax, I'll keep an eye on her.
Really? With that Supreme Council meeting coming up on the moon,
...I think that things are going to be hectic, so take care of her, okay?
See it?
It's the one with the blue cover.
Right.
That was a pretty good makeshift vacation, huh?
Yes.
Cheng-Shin!
-Welcome back, Cheng-Shin. -It's good to be back.
Who's this, your girlfriend?
Way to go, loverboy!
It's not like that!
I guess we'll go on ahead, then.
See you on tomorrow's flight.
Sure.
What's the matter with him?
He's been acting kinda funny ever since the test ended.
I'm glad to see you. I didn't expect you to welcome me back.
Um... Is it true that Sempai passed the first round of testing?
Where's the second round being held?
Do you think they'd let me see him? Or maybe I could leave a phone message...
That's really cruel.
I failed the first round of tests, and you're asking me about the second round?
Hachimaki said that he doesn't need friends or girlfriends.
He'll live his life alone.
He doesn't need a company, or friends, or even the Earth.
But not me!
There are things that I want! Dreams and girls that I want!
Cheng-Shin?
I want them! And I'll get them, even if I have to steal them!
You bit me?
If you ever do that again, I'll bite your lip off.
Tanabe!
I'm not acting like myself?
Not really.
There are things that I want. Things that I'm willing to chase after!
He's wrong. Sempai's not like that. He'd never want to live alone!
It's useless! We can't do anything from in here!
Stop shouting! You're using up our oxygen.
Hey, where are you going?
I'm going outside and calling for help.
Forget it! If you do that, we'll all be disqualified!
It's better than dying!
Don't! There's an airlock between us and them. There's a chance that it vented.
Like I care!
Stop thinking about only yourself!
I'm getting onto the Von Braun, even if it costs me my life!
Die by yourself, then. We'd have enough air with only three people in here.
Hm... Three people. That's an interesting suggestion, Leonov.
H-Hey, wait a minute...
We've got 490 grams of O2 left. That's enough to keep three people alive.
What the hell are you two implying?
Don't be stupid! This is also supposed to be a test of our teamwork.
Teamwork's important, all right.
It certainly is. However...
Your point is that regular teamwork is different from teamwork in an emergency, right?
Yeah. When you're short on oxygen, what's important isn't to keep everyone alive,
...but to keep everyone from dying!
Are you seriously suggesting this?
I have to get on board the Von Braun!
Maybe, but you're not necessarily gonna be one of the three survivors.
I'm gonna make damn sure that I'm one of those three!
Sally, keep your hand away from that emergency button.
You're softer than I expected, Hoshino. The truth is, you're not sure, are you?
You're not sure you can murder someone. Well, don't push yourself!
Sally, I can't let you wound one of us and push the emergency button.
What do you suggest we do, then?
I thought you were on board with the whole "three survivors" plan.
I'm determined to get onto the Von Braun, no matter the cost.
Even if that means committing a crime to do it.
Even if it means murder?!
That's right.
But we still have time before it comes to that.
The test ends in four hours.
If only three of us will be alive, we can last three and a half hours.
We'll try to think of another way in the next thirty minutes.
Hakim...
Don't give up. Not until the bitter end.
What if we think it over and still can't think of a way?
If that happens, I'll kill one of you.
-Did you try electrolysis? -I've been trying!
-Let's push the button! -Not yet!
-How much longer? -There's not enough current!
You're not gonna take me out with you!
You dumb bastard! If you hadn't pushed the button, we...
You think I'm gonna risk my life over this?!
Electrolysis? We didn't have the power to spare!
-Module 5, confirming situation. -Module 12, confirming situation.
-No request for assistance. Repeating... -One to be carried out. Vitals check...
All right, it's time. The test is over.
Supply the modules with additional oxygen and power.
Rescue teams, stand by outside the airlocks.
After checking the pressure inside the airlocks, verify the situation inside the capsules.
If an applicant appears to be in poor physical condition,
...take them to the medical center as needed even if they do not ask for treatment.
Transport will be carried out by the transport teams that are standing by in another block.
The handle's not turning!
Transport will be carried out by the transport teams that are standing by in another block.
Let's pop the rescue hatch.
Transport will be carried out by the transport teams that are standing by in another block.
Why's it so cold?
Is she dead?!
Hey! What the hell happened?! Hey!
I can't believe it, are they all...
Were the monitor teams asleep up there?!
No, she's okay. She's alive.
But her body temp's 28 Celsius!
28 Celsius?!
So, the rescue squad finally graces us with their presence, huh?
This is module 102! Call the medical staff! Stat!
So, the rescue squad finally graces us with their presence, huh?
This is module 102! Call the medical staff! Stat!
I guess this means we beat the secondary test...
Oh, I get it. You lowered your body temperature to slow your metabolism...
...to minimize your oxygen consumption, right?
"Operation: Hibernation" was a success...
Hang in there. The test is over.
How long have you been like this?
Gimme some D-serum. The woman can't move.
Coming.
Hakim...
Were you really willing to kill somebody back then?
Of course I was.
Space isn't forgiving enough to let people pretend to be friends, and you know it.
If I was working with you, I think I could make it to Jupiter.
Gutto mizu wo nomihoshi, We gulp down some water...
...yuuyakegumo miageru no sa. ...and look up at the evening clouds.
Kyou mo ichinichi ga owatte, Let's wind our way home...
...gairoju no shita wo kaerou. ...under the roadside trees as another day ends.
Yaru koto darake de tenpatte, Even if life's so hectic that our tempers flare,
...muri wo shite, tsumazuite mo, ...we push ourselves too hard, and we stumble,
...nani ka kanarazu tsukanderu sa. ...I know there'll be something to grab hold of.
Kiraku ni ikou ze. Let's move on without a care in our hearts.
Subarashii jinsei dakara, It's a wonderful life,
...jibun wo aisuru yuuki wo motou. ...so let's have the courage to love ourselves.
Atarashii doa tataite... Let's take it one step at a time,
...hitotsu hitotsu aruite yukou. ...knocking on new doors on the way.
Subarashii jinsei na no sa. It's a wonderful life.
Kimi mo boku mo subete no hito mo... You and I and everyone else...
...yorokobi to kanashimi no imi... ...keep on searching for the meaning...
...sagashitsuzukete, so just on my way. ...of joy and sadness, so just on my way.
Next Time: Tandem Mirror
Welcome aboard the Von Braun.
Next Time: Tandem Mirror
I graduated from college a while ago.
Next Time: Tandem Mirror
I work for the INTO Development Inspector's Office now.
Next Time: Tandem Mirror
That's fine. It'll be better if they can't get a good look at me.
Next Time: Tandem Mirror
Pick up debris before we even get to port?
Next Time: Tandem Mirror
This looks like a section of the tandem mirror engine.
Next Time: Tandem Mirror
It was my decision, wasn't it? What's the point of talking it over with you?
Next Time: Tandem Mirror
You and your love again... Your love is shallow and meaningless!
Planetes