Space Era Imperial Year
What ?
That damned brat's going to inherit the Lohengramm Countship ?
Is that true, Secretary of State ?
He will soon be twenty years old.
For rendering distinguished services in this battle...
...it's certain that he'll be promoted to High Admiral...
...revealing His Majesty's desire to wish him well, as an adult.
Isn't the Lohengramm Countship...
...a famous family from the founding of the Galactic Empire ?
Now that the direct line is extinct, there are many nobles worthy of that title.
And you're going to give that to that upstart ?
That is the will of His Majesty the Kaiser.
His Majesty is a troublesome person, too.
Having just given the title of Countess Grunewald to a poor noble's girl...
...he'll now elevate her little brother to Count ?
What Your Excellency the Prince is saying goes too far.
We managed to come home safely.
Yeah. To your beloved wife ?
Yeah.
This is thanks to him, too...?
Yes.
But it seems we'll be able to manage pretty comfortably under him.
What ? Are you dissatisfied ?
No. It's desirable.
But how far can he go, beating his wings...?
Are you at a loss due to Prince Braunschweig's controlling ways ?
But by marrying His Majesty's daughter...
...he probably thinks he has property rights.
But this time, is there also truth in what he says ?
Yes. About that brat.
Certainly, His Majesty's patronage is also being called into question.
But that brat cannot be dismissed altogether.
This time, the Space Fleet Commander in Chief also recognizes his distinguished services.
Field Marshal Muckenberger ?!
His Majesty the Kaiser may also be impressed.
Maybe so.
If his political influence on the Imperial Household increases more than this...
...I won't be able to ignore it.
If there's a bad bud, I want to snip it quickly.
Like so...
No need to guide me. The Countess is here, right ?
I'm fine, do whatever you like.
Baroness ?
Here, after all ?
This is a pretty sudden visit, isn't it, Baroness ?
No, I got some very good news...
...so I thought I'd hurry over and let you know.
Your little brother won !
They say they'll arrive on Odin today !
But they're saying some nonsense about it being a military secret...
...so they couldn't announce it publicly until just beforehand.
Reinhard...Sieg...
Your Excellency, we've arrived.
Yes, thank you.
Sir !
Let's go, Kircheis, and inform my sister of our victory.
Yes, Lord Reinhard.
LEGEND OF THE ~~GALACTIC HEROES~~~~
Overture to a New Battle
Hurrah for the Imperial Fleet !
Hurrah for His Excellency von Musel !
Hurrah for the Imperial Fleet !
Hurrah for His Excellency von Musel !
Your way of fighting was splendid. I'm quite satisfied.
Hereafter, I want to make the most of your talents and abilities...
...for MY sake.
As you will !
Yang !
Good work, Your Excellency, Yang !
Cut it out, Lap.
Sorry...
But didn't you stand out this time, too ?
Next time it'll be ``Your Excellency the Rear Admiral,'' right ?
Because, at the same time, you're reluctant to advance, right ?
I probably won't be promoted this time.
However, maybe Attenborough will be promoted.
Oh, dear. To be outstripped by my junior...
No... Not by me...
Lap, if you hadn't been sick, by now you'd...
No, forget it.
I can't advance like Yang.
By the way, it seems Jessica was here too, but...
She's waiting outside.
Before you see her, there's a little something the two of us have to talk about.
Then, with this, I'll...
I see ? Sorry.
I'll see you again next time ?
Yeah.~~Bye.
So, what is this ``talk ?''
Why don't we sit down.
Say, Yang...
...how many years have we known each other ?
Twelve years ?
Yeah.
Well, you see, thinking that I'd like to come to a conclusion soon...
...I was waiting until you returned.
Conclusion ?
Yeah.
I'm thinking of marrying Jessica.
Is it alright ?
Why ?
It's strange.
What ?
Well...
...asking you.
Isn't it OK ?
Is it OK ? Really ?
Yeah.
Be happy.
Jessica hasn't even said OK yet.
She will.
Will she...?
She will.
What's the matter ? Get a hold of yourself !
Y...yeah...
Thanks, Yang.
I will give directions to everyone who is waiting to greet someone.
Just now, at Gate #59, the 2nd Fleet is arriving...
Jean Robert, get a hold of yourself.
It can't be helped.
He makes me worry about our future.
Jessica, can you get him in ?
Yeah.
Say, Yang...
This guy's a good one.
Jessica, you can be happy.
Yes, I know.
Sorry, Yang...
Thanks.
This carriage is so slow !
You've been saying that quite a bit since a little while ago, eh ?
I can't help it, because it's the truth !
In the first place, this palace is too big !
And to make people use Renaissance-style horse carriages here...
...is both irrational and gaudy !
You won't forgive anything that makes you late to see Lady Annerose, will you ?
You're talking as if you understand.
Yes, I understand.
Because I feel the same way.
You...
Up !
Oh, dear...
An Imperial Admiral, of all people, doing handstands on the lawn...?
It feels good to defy gravity !
Sister !
Although you two have grown up and succeeded in life...
...in some ways you haven't changed a bit since childhood, have you.
I have changed. Regrettably.
Oh, really ? In what way, Reinhard ?
I can stand on my hands a lot longer than I used to.
Oh, my !
Hi, Julian. Good morning.
Good morning, Rear Admiral Cazellnu.
Your guardian is sleeping in as usual, isn't he ?
Yes !~~Because he came home late last night, drunk.
Really ?
Then he's hung over and passed out ?
Ask him to call me when he gets up.
Roger !
Commodore !
Please get up !
I've made you breakfast.
I'm not hungry... And my head hurts...
Hung over, huh ?
It's rare for you to drink too much outside the house, isn't it ?
Did something happen ?
Lap and Jessica are getting married.
Drinking in celebration ?
Well, yeah... So let me sleep...
And I just got back from the front lines.
Nobody's going to object if I celebrate.
Understood.
But Rear Admiral Cazellnu said to please call him.
I've told you.
Yeah, yeah.
Drinking in desperation...?
Although it's good to render distinguished services...
...share them a little with other people.
Nobody can hold everything in their hands.
Yes, I know.
Although I really wish it were so.
Don't worry, Lady Annerose.
According to the orders so far...
...Lord Reinhard probably won't have to go to the front lines for a while.
If so, maybe I'm a little relieved.
Admiral von Musel, inheriting the Lohengramm Countship...
...as well as being promoted to High Admiral, will lead an expeditionary force...
...invading Free Planets Alliance territory to subjugate the rebels.
To test if he has the actual power suitable to the rank ?
If he doesn't, I won't be able to quiet the high nobles' grumbling.
But does he have such talent...?
If not, then he doesn't; and if he dies in battle, then His Majesty will also give up.
But if he does, I also think there's value in taking advantage of that.
For you, too.
Indeed.
The two of you share this, all right ?
After all, food is the best souvenir.
Sister, you always treat us like gluttonous children, don't you ?
Yes...I want to think so...
Really...
To the soldiers who took part in the last battle...
...His Excellency, our beloved and respected National Defense Chairman...
...will give words of acknowledgement for services rendered.
What's that ?
He probably wants to announce publicly, to those who really love their country...
...and to all the soldiers who took part in the battle, his own control over the fleet.
And I have to go to a thing like that ?
It can't be helped.
Well, as always, think of this as part of the salary, and accept it gracefully.
Lady Annerose also seems as well as ever...
Who could be well, imprisoned in a place like this ?!
Lord Reinhard...
How many battles will it take before I can rescue my sister...?
Good work, all of you.
Here's Commodore Yang Wenli.
I see. You're the ``Hero of El Facil ?''
To you, what is the strategy for certain victory ?
By all means, for the sake of future reference, I'd like to hear it.
It is, first of all, to gather at least six times the number of the enemy...
...distribute supplies and equipment perfectly...
...and convey the commander's intentions without error.
What we call the ``outcome'' is decided off the battlefield.
Tactics are nothing more than technically assisting the perfection of the strategy.
That's rather simply put...
...but doesn't the talent of the soldiers placed on the battlefield become a problem ?
If the strategic plans are equally matched, then of course the soldiers' abilities are critical.
But first of all, you can more or less make up for a discrepancy in quality with quantity.
You don't think battles are won by numbers, do you ?
That kind of thinking is no more than self justification...
...by those who couldn't find the numbers.
It's unusual that a minority can beat a majority.
If we'd started the war with that kind of miracle in hand from the outset...
...there wouldn't be heaps of people standing on the front lines.
National Defense Chairman !
Hey, Paeta. Good work this time.
I'm fed up with listening to Truniht's big talk and derision.
If he loves his country as much as he says, why doesn't he go to the front lines himself ?
Did you know ?
While he was enlisted, although public announcement of it has been prohibited...
...he didn't take one step off this planet.
It's a standard story.
People get more pro-war the farther they are from the front lines.
I want to retire soon and live without having to be polite to that kind of guy.
You've started on that topic again, I see.
Whenever something disagreeable happens, you start saying you'll retire.
Even without any disagreeable things, I want to retire.
Without paying lip service ?
Well, thinking formally for a while, there probably won't be any big battles or invasions.
Taking advantage of this peaceful time...
...I intend to get time to work fully until my pension arrives.
Kircheis !
Lord Reinhard.
Kircheis ! It's a dispatch !
Early next year, leading a fleet of twenty thousand ships, we'll invade Alliance territory.
I can't believe I'll get an opportunity so soon to get my hands on the Admiralty !
Sister, don't you rejoice that I succeed in life by rendering distinguished services ?
That's impossible, isn't it.
Only, you see, Reinhard...
...I think there's no need to be impatient about rendering too many distinguished services.
I'm not impatient, Sister.
But if there's an opportunity, it's only natural to make the most of it.
Reinhard, you're not yet twenty years old...
...and yet you're now ``His Excellency the Admiral.''
It's more than enough.
I don't want you to do anything unreasonable.
Soon, I will be twenty.
And thirty, and forty...
If so, both my court rank and my official rank will probably become disproportionate.
What will you do after that ?
And what will you do after that ?
Wish for still more ?
From the base of the mountain, I've still only reached the middle.
While I intend to climb, maybe I'm really descending, maybe falling.
There's nothing to do but think of the future.
I see...
Sieg, do me a favor.
Please keep watch so that this mischievous boy doesn't stray from the road.
Because if you let him go, he's a child who will go leaping who knows where.
Yes, Lady Annerose.
You're terrible, Sister !
What's the matter ?
You told me not to think of losing, right ?
Lord Reinhard, you're ill-natured.
Lord Reinhard, this is...
Certainly, as you say, if he doesn't return, there's no problem.
However, if by some miracle he wins, what will you do ?
Next is Field Marshal; later, he might progress to Marquis.
It's a matter of IF he wins, right ?
The essential thing is not allowing him to win.
How ?
Even if you say he has real talent, he's also blessed with good staff officers.
Certainly there are many problems with Mittermeyer and Reuental...
...who command both wings, but there is the criticism of diluting power.
The fleet's Chief of Staff Officer, Mecklinger, is the same type.
In order to test his real talents, we should make him fight without them, right ?
Even the ship's captain has been transferred ?!
What in the world are these personnel matters...?
Essentially, they intend to pluck off my limbs.
At whose instigation, I wonder...?
You're not angry ?
I'm angry !
But I'm more relieved than angry.
Because you weren't transferred, Kircheis.
As long as you're with me, there's nothing to fear.
Lord Reinhard...
How can I lose ?
As long as you and I fight together...
Until we hold the universe in our hands !
Yes, Lord Reinhard.
So who are the substitute commanders this time ?
Admiral Merkatz...
...Vice Admiral Staaden...
...Vice Admiral Erlache...
...Rear Admiral Vogel...
...and Rear Admiral Fahrenheit. Those five people.
With Merkatz, if you talk about actual results...
...it's strange that he hasn't become a Field Marshal yet.
He may not look like it, but he's steady, and he's good at using troops.
However, being afflicted with an unadaptable character...
...he's a man who advanced late in life.
For a young commander, isn't he the hardest partner to use ?
The Field Marshals, too, concerning the existence of awkward people...
...aren't they getting rid of some trouble ?
Yeah.
I know Staaden well.
When I was in Officers' School he was a lecturer in tactical theory.
He couldn't turn to actual battle from theory.
We students called him ``Succumbed to Theory Staaden.''
For the time being, this time he's being evaluated ?
Erlache and Fogel are the type that became admirals...
...by combining a total number of 16 personnel matters.
If they've become encumbrances, they probably can't be saved.
Another, Rear Admiral Fahrenheit, is rumored to be a problem.
Born a petty noble who became a soldier in order to eat...
...he's a person who seems to be full of flattery.
He seems to have talent, but I've heard that he's inclined to rely on others to do his part.
With this, on top of having his limbs cut off, isn't he weighted down by chains ?
No matter what you say, this time we can't do anything.
Just believe in him.
But the outcome of a battle is a relative thing.
Can't he also be saved by the enemy's self-destruction ?
That's true, but...
Before that, I have a good idea.
Why don't we let the damned Phezzanni Landsherr hear about this invasion plan...?
Indeed ! Phezzan is the middleman.
For the sake of trade, they might sell such information to the rebels' fleet.
If so, it means they'll greet the brat after they've prepared all measures against him.
What shall we do with this information, Your Excellency Landesherr ?
In a recent battle, the Empire was victorious, wasn't it ?
Yes.
Then to keep the balance, I'm afraid we must get the Free Planets Alliance to win this time.
Understood.
I'll allow this information to reach the ears of the Alliance government.
Yes.
Leading big fleets, a space fleet battle ?
Political balance and so forth...
...with one informative investigation, and those who groan about it...
Such a troublesome matter.
...which means, HQ Chief, please take a counterattack posture at once.
Understood.
They say the enemy numbers 20,000 ships.
Six times that amount is unreasonable, but if we send out twice the amount...
...40,000 ships, and three fleets, it should be enough.
Six times ?
What does he mean ?
It seems someone said something uncalled for.
He said to make the culprit who said that to the National Defense Chairman take responsibility.
You're kidding !
I...is the 2nd Fleet really mobilizing, too ?
What seems to be true is that Admiral Paeta...
...has vigorously requested a chance to recover his honor from the last time.
In reality, the 2nd Fleet incurred the least damage in the previous battle.
This time, because they're calling it an easy victory...
...including the commanders of the 4th and 6th Fleets...
...the National Defense Chairman was probably firm...
...in thinking he wants to make us distinguish ourselves.
The 6th Fleet is going, too ?
Yeah.
Oh, Lap is stationed in the 6th Fleet, isn't he ?
Yeah...
Anyway, it'll be within a few days.
Just do the preparations beforehand. Bye.
Are you worried ?
Yeah...
I don't think Lap wants to go out to the front lines.
I'm selfish.
But they say it's an easy victory this time.
Rear Admiral Cazellnu, too.
Even in a winning battle, sacrifices result.
You can't win by spilling just one drop of allied blood.
Usually...
But Commodore, if you aren't careful...
Because it's not a traffic accident.
Even if they're told to be careful, there are times when people die in battle.
If that happens, I'll be in a fix !
I'll go back to being a war orphan again !
I'm still only fourteen, but I'm planning on becoming a soldier in two years.
Julian, do you intend to become a soldier ?
Yes.~~My late father was a soldier, too.
More than anything, I want to help you, Commodore !
You don't particularly have to continue the work of your father.
For example, my father was a merchant.
Besides, don't you help me enough, Julian ?
You're good at making this tea. Your cooking is delicious, too.
That's it. Why don't you become a cook ?
When I retire and go on a pension, I'll even give you a restaurant-opening ceremony.
How about it?
Then you're opposed, aren't you ?
To me becoming a soldier.
Do you want to be a soldier that much ?
Yes !
I'm expecting great deeds of you, Reinhard von Musel.
No, it's already Count Lohengramm, isn't it ?
I will make every effort for your blessed words.
If they aren't showier deeds beyond those you've already rendered...
...I'm afraid the old courtiers, who are apt to be noisy...
...will also express discontent that you're succeeding to the Lohengramm Countship.
Their claim is that court rank and position are the results of great achievements !
Countships, no matter who succeeds to them, or becomes extinct...
...aren't of great importance, are they ?
Although there are many who are convinced that they're important.
How about this ?~~I'm thinking that I'd rather make you a Marquis...
Marquis...was it ?
While I am gratified by your words, even a Countship is higher than I deserve.
A Marquisate...In short, my being above the clouds, is not within my reach.
So, you think so ?
To say nothing of Marquis, even Count is more than you deserve ?
As you will, Your Majesty.
You think of yourself as above the clouds ?
It is said in the world that Kaiser is more grand than Marquis, but do you think so, too?
Yes.
So, you think so, do you ?
Well then, for the time being, you should be diligent and aim for Count.
And then after that, aim for yet another thing.
Lord Reinhard !
Kircheis, we're going to battle.
I told you, I'll be OK.
Commodore, even at the front lines, please take care to eat.
Because, no matter how busy you are, it's no use if you don't eat punctually.
It's OK. Because I won't work that hard.
Jean Robert...
Please don't make that kind of face.
You shouldn't worry, this time it's an easy victory.
Right, Yang ?
Y...yeah.
At any rate, take care...
Come back in one piece, all right ?
Yeah, I promise.
When I come back, let's go look for a house together.
A house where the two of us can live.
I promise.
Oh, my lipstick
Can I have this as an amulet ?
Yes, fine...
Yang !
Jean Robert !
Both of you, really, come home in one piece, OK ?
Yeah !
What's the matter, Yang ? Worried about something ?
Even if you say twice the number of troops, if you make a mistake in moving them...
It can't be an easy victory ?
Yeah.
Hey, hey...
If you're the Hero of El Facil, it's unavoidable.
It's OK, it's OK.
At any rate, the both us will come back alive.
Yeah.
See ya.
The total number of the enemy is 20,000 ships.
Our opposing fleet, in three fleets, is 40,000 ships.
In other words, twice the enemy's strength.
Each fleet, on its respective course will approach the enemy fleet from 3 directions...
...forming a perfect envelopment.
This is the same formation that our fleet used against the Imperial Fleet...
...in the historic Battle of Dagon Starzone to gain perfect victory.
As in that time, making the most of carnage...
...by forcing the enemy into the siege net, we will then exterminate them.
This time, too, our fleet's victory cannot be doubted !
The predicted final battlefield is the Astate Starzone !
Are you looking at the stars, Your Excellency ?
Yes.
The stars are good.
In any age, in any society when people are small, they look up at the stars...
...and stretch out their hands as if to grasp them.
Then at last, they learn that their own arms aren't long enough to reach the stars.
They call that becoming an adult.
But I don't think so.
Without fail, those stars will be in this hand !
So...?
As expected, the enemy is approaching from three sides with twice our strength.
Concerning this...
...the five admirals have been urgently requesting a meeting with Your Excellency.
Really ?
You won't see them ?
No, I'll see them.
Because they must've already held council.
Your Excellency, thank you very much for allowing us to voice our opinion.
I already know what you all want to say.
That our fleet is in a disadvantageous situation.
You probably wanted to call my attention to that.
Exactly, Your Excellency.
To our front, the enemy's 4th Fleet is positioned, numbering 12,000 ships.
To the left, the enemy's 2nd Fleet, 15,000 ships.
To our right, the 6th Fleet, 13,000 ships.
If they combine, they are twice our strength, at 40,000 ships.
Our fleet is standing in an overwhelmingly disadvantageous situation.
We shouldn't enter into an exchange here...
...but make an honorable retreat, as long as we're at a disadvantage.
We mustn't consider withdrawing.
Why ?!~~Will you let us hear the reason ?
Because we are in an overwhelmingly more advantageous situation than the enemy !
What ?
It seems you hold an opinion that's rather hard for a dense person like me to understand.
I'd be grateful if you'd explain in a little more detail.
You say the enemy is twice our size.
That, until the bitter end, is the story of adding up all the ships.
The enemy, again making a wrong assumption...
...has dispersed its fleet strength in three directions.
When you compare our concentrated fleet to any of those fleets, based on the numbers...
...it's self-evident that our side is at an advantage.
Besides, because our fleet is placed in the center of the enemy trying to envelop us...
...we can catch the enemy more quickly than the enemy can try to combine.
In the end, our fleet is in a superior position to the enemy, both in concentration and mobility.
What can this be called, if not the conditions for victory ?!
We're in no danger of being enveloped.
It's a chance to crush the enemy one by one.
He's going to try to use that kind of weak academic argument in actual battle ?!
Your Excellency, what do you think...
...of the Fleet Commander's plan ?
To be called a ``weak academic argument'' by ``Succumbed to Theory Staaden ?''
Then, after all...?
Maybe the negative of a negative is a positive.
Yes, sir.
The change in dispatch will be fine.
Isn't it interesting ?
Your Excellency, is it alright ?
Everybody went back in a bad mood.
Let them go.
Do they have the spirit even to disobey a superior officer ?
Grumbling all they want, and sick from worry that they'll lose a chance to be sarcastic.
But maybe that's just because they're introverted.
Even if they don't rebel, by deciding on sabotage, they may become a nuisance.
You worry too much, as always. Then, what should I do ?
Among the five, Rear Admiral Fahrenheit looked favorably on Your Excellency's plan.
He's a person who originally offered great promise.
How about if we use him in the vanguard ?
Yes.~~Please arrange it at once.
Yes, Your Excellency.
Kircheis, when it's the two of us, stop calling me ``Your Excellency.''
I'm always telling you that, aren't I ?
I understand, but...
If you understand, then do it.
Because when this battle's over, you yourself will become called ``Your Excellency.''
You'll be promoted to Commodore. It'll be fun, won't it ?
What's the matter, Kircheis ?
No, it's nothing, Lord Reinhard.
I looked at the strategic plan you presented.
Yes ?
It was a pretty absorbing plan.
However, even for a cautious plan, isn't it rather conservative ?
Do you think so ?
As you yourself wrote, it certainly is a pretty hard-to-beat strategic plan.
But there's no meaning in just not losing.
Our fleet surrounds the enemy on three sides.
Furthermore, it's a force twice the enemy's.
Based on this, why do we have to have a plan so as ``not to lose ?''
But the envelopment is not yet complete.
At any rate, your strategic plan is rejected.
It goes without saying...
...but it's not because I bear you a grudge.
It seems you're bothered ?
I have no idea what he's thinking.
How'd it go ?
Oh, dear...
We're asking for signatures to stop the cutting off of funds from the fine arts !
We're asking for signatures to stop...
Sign, please ?
Please ?
Signature, please...
Miss Edwards ?!
I'll help out, too.
Thank you very much !
Ma'am, is it true you're getting married ?!
Yes.
Wow ! Congratulations !
Thanks.
Hang in there.
Keep fighting for things that aren't of use to the war.
We absolutely can't allow it !
But...
You can't give up !
Even though it looks like this, when we were students, we did the same things.
``We ?''
Yes.~~With this person I'm marrying, and one other friend...
Come back in one piece, Jean Robert, Yang...
Message from reconnaissance !
The Imperial Fleet is not at the expected coordinates !
They're advancing rapidly, and will contact the 4th Fleet !
What ?! That's absurd...
It can't be !
Imperial Fleet, rapidly approaching !
What does this mean ?!
What does the Imperial Fleet have in mind ?
What're they thinking ? What a fix this is.
The enemy commander knows nothing of fleet movements.
Is there a way of fighting like this ?!
Admiral, what'll you do ?
Aren't you the staff officers who advocated this dividing up as a means of certain victory ?
What's this ``what'll you do ?!''
Urgent message to the 2nd and 6th Fleets !
Tell them that we've engaged the enemy in space zone alpha 7.4, beta 3.9, gamma -0.6.
We require immediate assistance.
It's no use ! They're jamming us !
Admiral, the enemy...!
All ships, commence attack !
Forward group, counterattack !
All ships, prepare for all out battle !
You damned incompetent, you've reacted too late.
Launch fighters.
Switch to dogfight.
Launch Valkyries !
No matter whose distinguished service it becomes, we'll win, no matter what.
Launch Spartanians !
Blitzkrieg group, to the front...
Oh, shit ! Front guns, fire !
W...what're they doing ?!
What are they doing...?
Come in, 4th Fleet !
This is the 2nd Fleet flagship, Patroklos !
4th Fleet flagship, Leonidas, come in !
Come in, 4th Fleet !
This is the 2nd Fleet flagship, Patroklos !
4th Fleet flagship, Leonidas !
Come in !
Commodore Yang !
Sir !
How do you view this situation ?
Give me your opinion.
It means the enemy will attack each fleet individually.
It's a plan that depended on dealing with the 4th Fleet in front of it first of all.
Since the 4th Fleet's the smallest, and the 6th and 2nd Fleets' distances apart are greater...
...and if they time it well, even after they've shot down the 4th Fleet...
...they can attack either of us more quickly than we can combine.
But, the 4th Fleet, so easily...
Both fleets clashed from the front.
Against the enemy's 20,000 ships, the 4th Fleet is 12,000 ships.
The outcome is perfectly clear.
If so, we must advance quickly to the battlefield and assist the 4th Fleet.
If it goes well, it may even be possible to destroy the Imperial Fleet.
It's probably useless.
What do you mean ?!
By the time we arrive, the battle will already be over.
The enemy will leave the battlefield...
...and, more quickly than the 6th Fleet and 2nd Fleet can combine...
...will probably turn and attack one of our flanks.
So what are you telling me to do ?!
Combine the 2nd and 6th Fleets using the shortest route...
...and establish a new battlefield in that space zone.
If we combine both fleets, becoming 28,000 strong...
...we can have a more equally matched fight with an enemy of 20,000.
So you're saying we leave the 4th Fleet to its fate ?
Even if we go right now, we won't be in time.
But we can't neglect an allied fleet's crisis.
Then, in the end...
...each of our fleets will be lured into the enemy's individual attack strategy.
It needn't be that way.
I'm sure the 4th Fleet won't be taken so easily.~~If they can hold out...
I told you a moment ago, it's no use.
Commodore Yang, reality doesn't come about just like the plan you spoke of.
The enemy commander is Count Lohengramm.
He's young and inexperienced.
Compared to that, Vice Admiral Pastoll is a veteran of 100 battles !
But Count Lohengramm is the commander of the white ship in the previous battle.
His style of command...
Enough, Commodore !
Organized resistance has ceased.
Hereafter, it will become a matter of switching to a mop-up operation.
There's no need.
Sir ?
The battle is barely one third over.
We should neglect such things as straggling enemies.
Rather than that, we should prepare for the next fight.
Understood, Your Excellency Commander-in-Chief.
He's changed his attitude a little, hasn't it ?
Yes, it probably couldn't help but change.
Which fleet, the left or the right, do you think we should attack next, Kircheis ?
It's possible to turn to either flank, but your decision is made, right ?
Well, yes.
The 6th Fleet, which is positioned to the right, is smaller in size, isn't it ?
Precisely.
Advance as we are, changing course clockwise, attacking the 6th Fleet's right flank.
About how much time will it take ?
About four hours.
You've already calculated it ?
Transmit the order to the whole fleet.
Very good, Sir.
Do you have some objection ?
No, I don't.
As there is some spare time, I was thinking we should let the troops get some rest.
Oh, yes. I hadn't noticed.
Have them rest in shifts.
Yes, Sir.
Doesn't our young commander do pretty well ?
What, don't you know ?
We've been saying for a long time that our admiral's luck is the best.
We've just been stationed here, but we were previously under the command of a nobleman.
When we came here, because it's a noble again...
...and because he's that kind of pretty boy, I thought it would be no use.
But that's your ignorance.
You're right !
They're a mere mob.
In the end, victory and so forth, is no more than fighting a mob !
I think so, too !
Anybody could beat an enemy like that !
Everything, regardless of that kind of brat's effort or not !
If it's going to be like this, can I stand to let only the brat have distinguished services ?
Without fail, I'll use it for my own ends.
Is there no helping the 4th Fleet ?
When you fight, it can't be helped that sacrifices will result.
But...
No, therefore, to get the best results, the first sacrifices must be meaningful.
When it comes to civil wars, it becomes using soldiers effectively to make allies die ?
Do you suppose our commander understands that ?
Because it's best for the upper echelon ?
But, about this time, the 6th Fleet...
Jean Robert...
So you're saying you have an objection to this strategy ?
There's no need to deliberately divide up twice the number of the enemy.
Rather, concentrating our fleet strength, we have a better shot from the front.
Based on the numbers, isn't it better ?
This strategy will repeat the annihilation of the Battle of the Dagon Starzone.
Our Lt. Commander Lap, here...
...is wiser than past commanders, High Admirals Lin Pao and Yusuf Tparoul !
Admiral.
A message from the Vice Commander in the rear group.
Ship image seen at 4:30.
Impossible to identify.
4:30, is it ?!
Y...yes, Sir, it's the 4:30 direction.
We still can't determine whether it's enemy or ally.
Which 4:30 is it ? A.M. or P.M. ?!
Don't lose your heads.
The enemy couldn't be at 4:30, could it ?
We're advancing rapidly to the battlefield.
After all, the enemy is in the direction we're heading.
But, Admiral...
What ?!
I believe the enemy has moved the battlefield.
Neglecting the 4th Fleet ?
Sir, I'm speaking bluntly, but I believe the 4th Fleet is already defeated.
It's a bold but unhappy estimation, isn't it, Lieutenant Commander.
It seems your mouth has gotten loosened by grease.
What's going on ?
Enemy attack from starboard rear !
The enemy ?
The enemy's behind us ?
Could it be a special enemy detachment ?
Or else, could it truly mean the 4th Fleet is already broken ?
Don't lose your heads !
Counterattack !
Open fire !
Maybe the age of old soldiers like us is already gone...
Admiral, the enemy's ship ranks are crumbling.
Switch to short-range battle, and break through the enemy formation.
All ships, reverse !
Admiral !
Even if we can reverse, it'll just cause confusion !
On the contrary, I think we should advance at full speed...
...and change course in the counterclockwise direction, to attack the enemy's back.
Before we can reach the enemy's back, the vast majority of our allies will be defeated !
A reverse-course offensive it is !
But...
Shut up !
Fools !
Fire !
Many small vessels rapidly approaching this ship !
It's a dog fight !
Launch Spartanians !
Isn't Merkatz also doing pretty well ?
He's a man who was piling up military experience...
...since before Your Excellency was born.
There are many men whose long military experience is just napping and meals.
The outcome will be decided momentarily, but...
Shall we give them a chance to surrender ?
You're kind, aren't you, Kircheis ?
Being attacked on all sides !
Come in !
The flagship's been hit !
Reactor power rapidly falling !
What happened to the P.A. system ?!
They're rushing in !
Come in...!
Come in !
Jessica...
Commander, that's...!
Here, too !
We're completely surrounded !
It's a luminous signal.
Try and read it.
Reading it...
``Your ship is completely surrounded. There is no path of escape.''
``Surrender. We promise lenient treatment...''
Surrender, is it...?
They can't be serious !
Are they telling me to accept the shame of living ?!
But, Commander, smeared with temporary disgrace...
...if we live, there will be a chance to fight again.
Here...
Damn you...! Do you begrudge your life ?
Except for praying for God's help, there is nothing to do but die in an honorable defeat !
By charging, I'll show the enemy proof I'm a soldier...!
That's a meaningless death !
Shut up, coward !
Just for the sake of self-fulfillment...
...you're trying to make many soldiers go along with you !
Which is more cowardly ?!
Are you rebelling ?!
Arrest Lieutenant Commander Lap !
For the crime of mutiny !
Stop it !
Everyone, do you want to die for nothing ?!
Don't be poisoned together just to satisfy a pathetic soldier !
All ships, full speed !
Jessica...
When I come back, we'll marry...
I'll come back...
For sure...
Jean Robert...
So the 6th Fleet, too ?
Yeah. Probably. By now...
What a waste !
Then, Lap...?
I don't know that.
Even if you say ``wiped out,'' it can't be that not a single ship will come back.
The rest is just to pray ?
But what we must now do is avoid a reappearance of mistakes...
...and control the mounting casualties.
What will you do ?
There's a measure I can take.
But will I be given the chance to make the most of it...?
What a shame.
Though, if you had more authority, Yang...
...we would've managed without producing so many sacrifices.
Soldiers have a duty to follow orders.
Exceeding that, and acting forcibly, can't be forgiven.
If I did that kind of thing...
...at the least, we would end up not being the fleet of a democratic nation.
Both the 4th and 6th Fleets are probably wiped out.
Only our fleet is capable, but aren't we fewer in number than the enemy ?
I want some information.
What's going on, the present situation...
This kind of thing wasn't planned.
Shouldn't we have enveloped the enemy from three sides, and wiped them out ?
What does the Commander intend to do...?
Enemy fleet approaching !
In the midst of high-speed approach !
The direction will be between 1 and 2 o'clock.
The direction is 1:20, eleven degree angle of inclination !
Prepare for battle !
Too late.
Open all gun ports, attack...!
Commander !
Commander Paeta !
Commander Paeta has been wounded.
Please send a doctor and nurse to the bridge.
Engineering, immediately investigate and repair the damage to the ship's hull.
The reports can wait until after that.
Are there any unhurt officers ?
I'm OK.
No others...?
We've headed them off, haven't we.
With this, it's a perfect victory.
The enemy is the Alliance 2nd Fleet.
In the 2nd Fleet, certainly...
That man is there.
Commodore Yang Wenli.
Six ribs are broken. We'll treat him at once.
Commodore Yang...
You take command of the fleet...
Me ?
At any rate, you're the highest ranking among the uninjured officers.
Prove your skill as an expert tactician...
Commander !
No, he just passed out.
Bring a stretcher, quickly !
Gently, gently now...
You're being appraised, eh ?
Announcing to the whole fleet...
I am Commander-in-Chief Paeta's next ranking staff officer, Commodore Yang.
The flagship Patroklos is damaged...
...the Commander-in-Chief is also badly hurt.
By the Commander's orders, I am taking over command of the fleet.
Your Excellency, it's an enemy broadcast.
Don't worry. If you follow my orders, we'll be saved.
Those who want to return alive, I'd like you to be calm and follow my instructions.
We're losing at present, but the essential thing is that we should win at the last moment.
Even I'm talking big, aren't I...?
No, we expect it.
We won't lose.
Until I issue new orders, each ship is to concentrate on individual bombardment.
He came out, after all.
``We won't lose...?''
Considering the situation, how does he intend to reverse it ?
Well, fine. Shall we go to view the performance ?
Kircheis ?
Yes, Sir ?
Rearrange the battle lines.
Notify the whole fleet to take a spindle formation.
You know why, don't you ?
Do you intend to break through the center ?
Yes. Just as I expected of you.
The enemy is taking a spindle formation.
As I thought. They're going to try to break through the center.
Break through the center ?
The morale that destroyed the 4th and 6th Fleets is high.
It's probably a natural tactic for the Imperial Fleet.
How do you intend to cope with it ?
I'm thinking of a countermeasure.
However, how will we communicate it to our allies ?
There is the danger that the enemy will intercept our communications.
Don't worry.
Using multiple comms circuits...
...we should just transmit ``open the C-4 circuits of the ship's strategic computer.''
If it's just that, even if the enemy intercepts it, they probably can't decipher it.
So, predicting that the situation would be like this...
...you input all the strategic information into the computers ?
Yeah.~~Although it would've been better not to have had to use it.
Never mind that, please transmit the order quickly.
Yes, at once.
With this, when it can't go well...
Scratching my head, I'll cook something up !
All ships - Charge !
Enemy ship approaching !
Judging from the ship type, it appears to be the battleship Wallenstein!
Main guns - Even firing !
Another battleship, the Krunten !
Keep firing !
Rotate !
The enemy's morale is high, isn't it.
We might be watching the moment of birth of a famous commander.
Famous commander ?
They call ``famous commanders...''
...those who can make their subordinates embrace the faith that they won't be defeated.
Isn't the height of the enemy's morale...
...proof that Count Lohengramm can get his hands on and support that faith ?
At any rate, we've won, haven't we.
At any rate, it seems to be going well.
Dammit...!
Now !
Engines, full thrust !
The enemy has divided to the left and right !
They're advancing at high speed towards both flanks of our forces !
Kircheis !
We've been outwitted...
The enemy, divided into two sides, intending to turn to our fleet's rear.
They've turned our central breakthrough tactic back against us...!
What will you do ?
Reverse course and counterattack ?
Stop joking.
Are you telling me to be more of an imbecile than the commander of the enemy's 4th Fleet?
Then we can only advance.
Exactly.
Fleet, full speed ahead !
We did it ! We've taken their back !
No, not yet.
Keep advancing like this, clockwise, sticking to the enemy's back.
Hurry !
Advance ?! That idiot !
The enemy's behind us !
Reverse course ! Rapid reverse course !
The battleship Heilenheim has been destroyed !
Rear Admiral Erlache died in battle !
Was he so shortsighted ?!
He got what he deserved.
This is the first time I've ever seen a formation like this.
Probably so.
What an awkward formation !
With this, isn't it a battle of attrition...?
Because this, too, is a battle of attrition.
If we continue like this, neither side can win.
If the enemy notices that , they'll soon begin to withdraw.
Kircheis, what do you think ?
Shouldn't there be a chance soon...?
You think so, too ?
Even if we fight more than this, it will just increase the damage to both sides.
Strategically, it's meaningless.
Do you think it's humiliating ?
It's not that, but... I wanted to win a little more.
While surrounded by an enemy twice our size on three sides...
...you destroyed two fleets with the tactic of individual attack...
...and while turned back upon by the last enemy, you fought well-matched.
Isn't it enough ?
To hope for more than this is rather greedy.
I know. There'll also be more excitement at some future date.
Yang Wenli...
He fights well, doesn't he ?
Kircheis, send a message to Yang Wenli in my name.
What shall I say...?
Message ?
``To express respect for your brave fight; your health until the day we fight again.''
``Imperial Fleet High Admiral von Lohengramm.''
That's all.
Oh, dear...
He means, ``The next time we meet, I'll smash you to bits.''
What shall I do ? Send an answer ?
No, leave it.
Because the other side isn't expecting a thing like that.
Rather than that, find every survivor from the other fleets.
I want to save as many as possible.
Roger !
Oh, after that...
Jean...
I mean, please look into the situation of the 6th Fleet.
Roger !
If I had a little more authority...?
Return to the Imperial Capital ! Fleet - order ship ranks !
We've seen intriguing magic.
Count Lohengramm and Yang Wenli...
Interesting.
Tell each of our High Commissioners' Offices to gather data on them as soon as possible.
Yes, sir.
Jean Robert...
You...
For what...?
LEGEND OF GALACTIC HEROES Overture to a New Battle
I'm appointing you Commander of the newly formed 13th Fleet.
Its first duty...
...is to capture Iserlohn Fortress.
I'll do what I can.
Yang Wenli: Kircheis: Reinhard: Attenborough: Jessica: Annerose: Lap: Tomiyama Kei Hironaka Masashi Horikawa Ryo Inoue Kazuhiko Koyami Mami Han Keiko Tanaka Hideyuki
Mittermeyer: Reuental: Paeta: Merkatz: Cazellnu: Fahrenheit: Mori Katsuji Wakamoto Norio Tokumaru Kan Naya Goroh Ki-ton Yamada Hayami Sho
Truniht: Mecklinger: Rubinsky: Flegel: Braunschweig: Ishizuka Unshou Haji Takaya Kobayashi Kiyoshi Futama Issei Kobayashi Osamu
Translation: Sue Shambaugh
Time Editing: Central Anime(Kansas)
Additional Editing: Central Anime(Kansas) Version 2.0
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