Imperial Calendar Year 956.
The Humankind Empire Abh has launched Operation Hunter...
...in an attempt to recapture any territories still left stranded.
With the Empire's boundaries expanding...
...a territorial ambassador was assigned to the planet Lobnas II.
It was Princess Abriel Nei Dubrusk Paryunu Lafiel.
Her Deputy Ambassador was Count Lin Syune...
...Rocke Hyde Jinto.
However, waiting for them down on the planet...
...were a million of the worst prisoners imaginable.
For Lobnas II was used by the United Mankind...
...solely to house convicted criminals.
- Okay, let's get a move on here! - To the right!
Starting with 1200...
...take all these containers to storehouse seven!
There!
Over here!
This is ship number three. We've started loading.
Do ship number two next, and then in sequence.
Roger.
Preparations for departure will be completed shortly.
Hurry up with the escort.
Miss Fazun!
His Excellency has arrived!
Right.
Considering this is just a delivery of some food...
...it's pretty heavily guarded here.
Actually, we can't be sure if it's enough.
All ships are ready to depart.
All right, let's go.
So, we have to get twenty thousand people off this planet...
...and figure out where we're going to take them.
I'm exhausted just thinking about it!
If I were the ambassador...
...I think I'd just sit tight on the Basroil...
...until a real administrator came along.
I'd like to do that, too.
What's over there?
Watchtowers.
Not even a piece of driftwood is overlooked.
They couldn't escape even if they made it across the sea.
They could get to other sectors.
Then what's the point of having separate sectors?
I guess those great big walls you built would be a waste.
Why didn't you just split the planet instead?
Potential residential planets are a precious commodity.
Then put your prisoners in orbital cities like the Empire does.
Life imprisonment in space?
But that's cruel and inhumane.
No wonder we went to war with them.
Their attitudes are completely at odds with the Abh.
But I doubt you'd want to spend the rest of your life in space.
Of course not.
If someone told me I'd never step on land again...
...I'd plot a rebellion of my own!
Look there. That's the Eastern Detention Sector.
We have arrived at our destination.
Drop the food supplies immediately!
Roger.
Ship number two commencing drop!
Ship number three commencing drop!
Ship number four commencing drop!
Ship number five commencing drop!
Ship number six commencing drop!
This sure is a ruthless delivery method.
Don't worry.
We've calculated the impact the containers will make.
Ninety percent of the food should withstand the impact.
The remaining ten percent should be salvageable...
...as long as they're careful.
They might need to pick out some shrapnel here and there.
Miss Fazun!
We're under attack!
What was that you said?!
Our intentions may have been misunderstood.
Any damage?
Nothing so far.
Just a little chipped paint.
I see.
Abort the food drops immediately.
Are we heading back to base then?
I saw you turning pale, too.
Banner of the Stars II
Emigration Plan
I do understand your assertion.
In that case why don't you...
...go ahead and recognize me as the territorial representative?
Because I don't feel like it.
I represent the overwhelming majority of the people of Lobnas II!
If you refuse to recognize me as the territorial representative...
There is no ''if''.
I simply refuse to recognize you.
Yes, of course, I know.
Just a figure of speech.
Very well.
Even though you've already made your decision...
...could you give me the reason for your refusal?
No.
That's not the answer I expected.
In any case, I have nothing more to say to you.
That's a pity.
But I won't be giving up.
This is getting nowhere.
And it's because you're not dealing with them properly, Jinto.
Captain!
There's a transmission from the Western Detention Sector.
And again from the Central Detention Sector.
I've had enough of them.
Tell them we're busy.
Roger.
There's one more!
Not another.
It's the Deputy Ambassador.
Gunfire?!
From where?
Not sure.
But it's nothing to worry about.
Probably just an accident.
Anyway, I have something more important to tell you.
What's that?
The people here want to emigrate.
Is that all?
But there's over twenty thousand of them!
I see.
Is that it?
I said twenty thousand people. Is that all you have to say?
It's not a big deal.
Why don't we just put them on the returning transport ships?
But where do we take them?
That's the first thing we need to decide.
What about a prisoner-of-war camp?
A prisoner-of-war camp?
What's wrong?
If the administrative director leaves...
...will one of the prisoners take control?
I suppose.
I see.
I hope you're not expecting this to be something amusing.
A prisoner-of-war camp?!
We're not the prisoners here!
Just calm down!
It's called a prisoner-of-war camp...
...but it's more like a standby site.
What do you mean by that?
It's used to house any soldiers whose ships have been destroyed.
It just has a bad name.
It's like a temporary facility...
...until you know where you're emigrating to.
Does that mean we'll be free to emigrate anywhere from there?
Yes.
As long as the government of the planet you wish to emigrate to accepts.
I see.
And we can get information on that planet?
Of course.
Then we'll decide once we've looked at that.
We'll let you know as soon as we can.
We're not in a hurry.
There's something we'd like you to do before we help you leave.
We'd like you to choose the next territorial representative.
Captain, aren't you tired?
Not particularly.
If anything happens, I can call you.
So why don't you get some rest?
It won't make any difference...
...if I'm sitting in my room or sitting up here.
It's physically the same.
Well, I suppose you're right.
Does it bother you that I'm sitting here?
No, not at all.
I just remembered something from the past.
The past?
Yes.
When I first went out on trading.
I could've started out as a second navigator on a large ship.
But instead, I borrowed money from my father...
...and used that money to lease a ship of my own.
Of course, it was only a small one.
But I was so worried that I couldn't leave the bridge.
Even when you slept?
Yes.
The crew tried to warn me that it wasn't good for me...
...but I stubbornly refused to pay any attention.
When we reached our destination, and began business negotiations...
...I couldn't concentrate anymore.
We lost quite a bit because of that.
But I sleep well in my room.
That's better than I used to be.
It's been five years since I was first appointed...
...and it's been over a year since I've been in actual battle.
If that's the case...
...you should take it easy on yourself.
So you also treat me like a child.
Certainly not.
I just can't stand to watch such a youngster.
You can't stand to watch?
To be more precise, I think you are being overly enthusiastic.
Overly enthusiastic?
You think so?
That's how I see it.
I don't do it intentionally.
When I'm given a job to do, I want everything to go right.
But I never really wanted to be a territorial ambassador.
Here you go.
It's cold.
So, what do you do with yourself when you're on your own?
That's an awfully personal question.
Should I not have asked?
Forgive me.
That's okay. I have nothing to hide.
Let's see...
I send a lot of letters.
Everyday?
Yes. Everyday.
I write to everyone I've ever met and known.
Plus I still have some business matters to attend to...
...even though I'm out here in the service.
So I have to spend some time on administrative work.
Don't you get bored?
I enjoy receiving replies more than writing.
I only write letters to see the replies.
It's a good way to keep a relationship from dying.
''Relationship from dying''?
Even though you're close...
...without spending time together the friendship will eventually fade.
Writing is a way of keeping connections when you can't meet.
You know, when I die...
...I want my funeral to be bright and cheerful.
Even though I spend my time with all of you on board...
...I doubt you and many of the crew would make it there.
You could be right.
If you die in battle...
...that's when the ship is destroyed.
By the way, aren't you going to rest?
Talking to you like this seems like a better way to relax.
But I'm still on duty, at the least.
At the least, right?
Yes, at the least.
It's from Supply Officer Lin.
Put him on screen.
Territorial Ambassador...
...this is the deputy ambassador reporting from the planet.
What's the matter?
About the emigration issue, I'll be sending the plans to you.
All right.
By the way, you look a little tired to me.
A little? That's an understatement.
Do you want me to come down there as well?
No, it's okay.
You'd better stay there.
I see.
The first group to board consists of twelve thousand people.
The Darkses could be used to shuttle them...
...to the other transport ships orbiting the planet.
Would the transport ships be ready to take on those people?
They are supply ships, after all.
They're not designed for passengers.
The squadron commander says it can only accommodate up to eight thousand.
Then do you think we should arrange for more ships?
I guess we'll have to do that.
But they are ready for the first eight thousand.
I'll try to convince them.
Can we have documents concerning the habitat?
All right.
I'll get the transport squadron to send them.
That would be great.
Oh, there's one more thing.
I got a list called ''The Territorial Order of Succession.''
I'll send that to you.
The contents are to be kept secret...
...but they also want us to ensure...
...that the prisoners aren't aware of its existence.
So, this list contains the names of persons they recommend...
...as representative after the current administration?
No. That's not it.
It is a list of people who will be in charge...
...of the emigration process in case something should happen...
...to the current representative.
Once the prison guards have left...
...the list won't be needed.
Why didn't you say that only eight thousand people can get on board?
We'll have to draw up a new list.
If you're not in a hurry...
...why don't you just wait for a proper passenger ship?
Although it would be more cost effective for the Star Forces...
...if you would be willing to use our transport ships.
You are very sincere, Your Highness.
Am I right?
You could have tricked us...
...and crammed us into the holds to save cost.
But instead you insist on sending the ships.
You are all important subjects of the Empire, after all.
Anyway, these eight thousand people.
If the administrative agency refuses travel on a supply ship...
...we would love the opportunity.
We never said we didn't want to!
And I don't know anything about you emigrating.
Well...
...I haven't had the chance to speak out.
I'll make it clear right now!
I hereby declare on behalf of the Western Detention Sector...
...that we wish to leave the Lobnas II Planetary System!
You think they would allow that?!
You're all criminals!
You're here to pay for your crimes!
Don't you feel any remorse toward your victims?
If we felt remorse...
...do you think we'd have been put here in the first place?
On this isolated planet?
Are you going to let this happen?!
You want to let the criminals go?!
I doubt that we have any choice in the matter.
None of them were sentenced under the laws of the Empire.
As far as emigrating to another planet is concerned...
...the decision rests with the government of the planet itself.
It's hard for me to say, but...
Please feel free to speak your mind.
I doubt if there's a government that would welcome immigrants...
...with a criminal record.
Compared to this dump of a planet...
...anywhere else would be heaven.
These people would commit crimes wherever they lived.
Are you sure the Empire wants that?
Or does the Empire not care about matters of the surface worlds?
I actually don't think they do.
From what I've heard...
...planets that accept criminals have harsher penalties for crimes.
Harsher? Like what?
Let's see...
For example, in a standard prisoner-of-war camp...
...the highest penalty for any crime is the death sentence.
Even for a little shoplifting?
Or killing a man because he was harassing me?
Theft is punishable by a minimum ten years of hard labor.
Murder, by a minimum of twenty-five years.
And there is no such thing as parole.
You want to cancel your plans for emigration?
No way!
Anywhere's got to be better than here.
We've just have to stay clean.
This place will soon be hell.
This is quite unforgivable.
You say you want to get out of here...
...but we're planning on staying here.
And building our ideal society.
With that Angusson?!
Well, good luck with that.
But we'd like it if you'd stay.
Why?
If we leave, you're sure to become territorial representative.
Although I'm sure Angusson would have something to say about that.
At least one obstacle will be gone once we leave.
But without you, this planet has no future.
After all, only women can give birth.
Don't be ridiculous!
Who do you think we are?!
You're saying we're only needed to make babies for you?!
We're not cattle, you know!
Do you understand now?
Do you see why we have to leave?!
I apologize if I didn't put it more appropriately.
But if all the fertile women were to leave...
...what will the future of this planet be?
Why should I care?!
This planet had no future to begin with!
I, uh...
We can provide you with some artificial birth technology.
Seems they don't appreciate that idea...
Anyway, we want to emigrate.
Got that, Administrative Director?
You've made that clear.
However, we have our priorities.
First, the non-staff.
Then all the staff.
And then, maybe you.
I can't accept that!
You and your people made a choice to live here!
We were brought here against our will!
That logic is absurd!
Don't act like a victim when you're actually the criminal!
This is going nowhere.
Say, Your Highness...
Perhaps we could go and discuss this privately?
If you insist.
But let me first make something clear.
In order for you to board our ship, there are two things you require.
Like what?
Permission from each person...
...and approval of the government.
That's quite correct.
In case you've forgotten...
...I am still the representative of this territorial government.
It's no use using your sexual charm.
You rotten bastard!
You'd better curse your own thoughts!
For all you know, the count might be a homosexual!
Are you a homosexual?
Do I have to answer this?
He doesn't have to answer that!
It has nothing to do with anything!
I was just trying to break the tension with a little joke.
''A little joke''?!
You were trying to seduce him into making a deal!
So, you want to make it seem like I was trying to vamp him.
Let me tell you something.
You're not very popular here.
Of course I'm not!
I'm not here to boost prisoner morale!
But you tend to abuse your authority!
When did I ever abuse my authority?!
I won't tolerate that!
You've heard nothing yet! You useless...
That's enough!
Please calm down.
There's something I want to make absolutely clear.
There's nothing to gain by making secret deals with me.
It's not our intention...
...to change the political governance framework...
...set up by the territorial government.
Besides, I'm merely the territorial deputy ambassador.
That's just great!
Perhaps you should have asked if Her Highness is a homosexual!
That remark was in very bad taste.
You're right. I'm sorry.
I got a little carried away.
That's lese majesty!
I heard the territorial ambassador is royalty.
Questioning the sexual preference of one holding such a position...
...should mean execution for you!
There are punishments for lese majesty, right?
Uh, I think so...
You're doomed, Meideen!
However, the laws of the Empire apply only to its own citizens.
There you have it.
Besides, you're the one who brought up the homosexual thing!
The deputy ambassador here is part of the nobility too!
If I am to be punished for my words, you should be as well!
The count here is part of the nobility!
Nobility and royalty are different things!
Uh, they are different, right?
Of course they're different.
But how about we relax and get back to the matter at hand?
How can I relax?
Once the administrative director leaves the planet...
...we'll be forced to get permission from Dokufu to emigrate here...
...or from Angusson!
Do you really think they'll let us go?!
How disappointing!
If I were to be the territorial representative...
...I wouldn't impinge on the people's freedoms.
Any time you want to emigrate...
...you just say the word.
I'm not so stupid as to take the word of a con artist.
I didn't realize it.
All right.
I'll leave at the very end.
You can emigrate before that.
Really?
You are a wonderful administrative director!
I knew you'd understand!
Your Excellency...
...we'll to have to adjust our schedule.
There'll be more people?
It won't be a problem!
The Western Detention Sector...
...has the smallest population of all.
About how many?
Let's see.
About a hundred thousand.
Current position seven hundred kedrel from Ryureemu Gate 13.
Commencing reconnaissance operation.
All ships prepare to launch high- speed communication bubbles.
Reconnaissance Squadron Loswikakushu, 4th Fleet Flagship Boorukau
Hold on! Just wait!
Commander, I think you should look at the radar screen.
What is it?
Confirming the number of space-time bubbles.
Initial estimates show that there's over twenty thousand.
We can now determine the size of the enemy.
Forty squadrons.
And they're heading toward the center of the Milky Way Gates.
Launch the communication bubbles immediately!
We have to let the main fleet know about this!
Yes, sir!
So, the time had come.
anatano me wa mirai no yokoku Your eyes foretell the future
manazashi wo kaesareruto When you returned my smile
munasawagi ga shita My heart skipped a beat
tooi nami mita youde Like I had seen a distant wave
ima wa futari kokoni irunoni Although we're both here together
hasanda kyori ga hateshinaku naru The space between us seems so distant
misetakunai namidatsu kokoro The tormented souls that we hide
kami wo hitotsu yusuri Shaking off my hair
nomikonda I love you I hold back my ''I love you''
Farewell, my love
kizuita toki wa When I realize it
It's time to go
wakare no toki It's time to part ways
An enemy fleet passed through Ryureem Gate 13.
About forty squadrons.
Whether we get the data first...
...or collide with the enemy first.
We have no idea what may happen.
We'll just have to be ready for anything.
It's been two months since we arrived in this system.
Is this Your Excellency?
Yes.
It's a rebellion!
We need you immediately!
This is how it should be.
Next Episode... The Hunters