This is the Star Forces Transport Ship Trekses.
Casting off.
You are cleared to proceed.
Preparations for normal takeoff.
This is a message from the bridge to all passengers.
In a moment we will be taking off, generating twice the force of gravity.
Once we achieve orbit, you will experience weightlessness...
...until we activate our gravity control.
Please remain calm at all times.
Turning toward takeoff run.
Trekses...
...you are cleared for takeoff once you have passed the airship.
Ready for takeoff run.
Activate engines for water takeoff!
Twenty seconds to takeoff.
Engine output at 0.75.
All systems normal.
We have reached takeoff speed.
Ten seconds to takeoff.
Eight...seven...
...six...five...
...four...three...
...two...one.
Takeoff!
So, we've managed to move fifteen thousand people.
Everything's going according to plan.
Roger.
Next, there's...
Ow, ow!
What is it?
I've just been attacked!
By a prisoner?
Everything's fine.
Their weapons are fairly primitive.
Ouch!
What's wrong?
It's got thorns all over its body.
It just spat at me!
It has weapons, thorns, and spits at you?
There are more of them!
Ow!
Ouch!
Is it a rebellion?
It might be more interesting if it were.
Banner of the Stars II
The Hunters
This is the Assault Ship Basroil.
We are commencing coupling with Orbital Station 10885.
The first pressurization bay is ready for docking.
Looks like we're here for the long haul.
Given that they've sent an entire orbital station here...
...it must mean that HQ thinks this will be a long-term mission.
Yes.
We'll just have to be ready for anything.
But it's been two months since we arrived at this system.
I'm actually quite glad they've sent this orbital station.
Captain, transfer operations from the Trekses are starting now.
Deploying the transport ships one after another...
...really helps speed things along.
I have to say Fleet Command is handling this very nicely.
But isn't there something strange about Fleet Command?
''Strange''?
Yes. The communication ship we sent the other day hasn't returned.
Do you think something unexpected might have happened?
There's a good possibility of that.
Taking a nap, Nereis?
I wasn't sleeping.
I was just taking time to appreciate some art.
Seems like a sensible hobby for one like you.
I've felt this sensation before.
I'm sure it had music to go with it as well.
Can't you just enjoy art in its purest forms?
Music is an unnecessary addition for area-sensor art.
What a simple opinion coming from you.
I can't be bothered to argue.
But I prefer composite art.
Egmunt System
But I prefer composite art.
I suppose someone as erratic as you...
...would like something that's just thrown together.
I believe that each individual thing has beauty...
Operation Hunter Flagship of the Fourth Fleet, Sukakau
...that can get lost when it gets thrown together with other things.
Not at all.
The beauty of composite art is how the various elements...
...are chosen and assembled harmoniously.
So...
...did you come to ruin my rest with your opinions about art?
I'm afraid not.
I just received a report.
Is it good?
At least you'd think so.
If I said I don't want to hear it, would you not tell me?
Sure.
Then you can let us handle the situation.
No. You'd better tell me.
I knew you'd say that.
An enemy fleet passed through Ryureem Gate 13.
About forty squadrons.
Which way are they heading?
Toward the Milky Way Gate, of course.
With the intention of escaping, I suppose.
What? You mean they don't intend to surround and destroy us?
The enemy commander has far more common sense than you.
What a pity.
Ever since Aptic, I've become fond of fighting to defend the Empire.
Is that why you insisted on advancing...
...despite our advice and pleas to stop?
What do you think our troops think?
Of course, I wouldn't endanger their lives without good reason.
So long as our fleet keeps the enemy occupied...
...the overall losses will be kept to a minimum.
I thought I'd already explained that to you.
You're talking about overall losses in Operation Hunter.
But you are commander-in-chief of the 4th Fleet.
I'm disappointed, Nefee.
Are you saying it's okay as long as you're not in danger?
If you've become conscious of philanthropy...
...how about being conscious of the enemy's standpoint?
I have thought of that.
Even if they're not going to ultimately win...
...if we let them surround us...
...they'll feel like they've achieved something.
In my memoirs...
...I'll write, ''We were prepared to be annihilated by a worthy foe.''
For what purpose?
What do you mean?
I know you lack common sense and have many character flaws...
...but I didn't realize you also have no insight.
Enemy survivors reading your memoirs...
...will be all the more moved.
They'll see that their battles were not fought in vain.
It'll give them a good sense of pride.
So, you did understand what I was getting at.
I was starting to get worried about you.
I didn't want to think that you'd be capable of such evil.
What do you mean, ''evil''?
I know.
It's your way of showing concern for the troops.
Right. ''My way.''
That's the kind of thing that bothers me.
Don't let it bother you. That's not like you.
But don't think you're obliged to show concern toward me.
Have I ever shown concern to you?
No.
At least I've never noticed.
See? And I'll never show any concern for you.
That's a relief.
Anyway, what should we do?
Let's see.
I don't want them to think that I allowed them to escape.
Maybe I shouldn't write about this incident at all.
For once, forget about these memoirs that nobody will read.
I'm asking how we're going to deal with this enemy fleet.
Is there anything left for us to do here?
Any of our squadrons along the enemy's route?
No.
The supply ships and frontline ships are too far away.
There's a huge gap where the enemy is passing through.
Are you sure you don't want to go after them?
Don't even bother.
I'm sure the main fleet will deal with it.
The enemy knows that this is their last chance to escape.
If we were to go after them...
...we'd end up looking like bullies.
They aren't as weak as you think.
Then there's all the more reason not to attack, Nefee.
Chasing after them would be a waste.
There's no meaning in risking losses over that.
I don't want my readers to get the impression that...
...this was a hasty quick fix.
Forget your memoirs for a moment.
So we're not going to do anything?
Maybe we should let command in Dalmav know about this.
And we should order those squadrons behind us...
...to move swiftly and not try anything rash.
We'll hurry on.
Especially now that we know there's no worthy enemy ahead.
The other fleets will learn of the enemy's movements...
...and competition for the prize will become intense.
Are you saying...
...that you want to be the first one there?
Of course. It would be a great honor.
You see, Nefee?
I consider the honor of the 4th Fleet at heart.
Looking at the information we have from various sources...
...the enemy forces...
Atoria System
...have slipped through the Milky Way Gate frontline...
...and are advancing toward the center of the system.
Operation Hunter Flagship of the First Fleet, The Lashkau
They appear to be stealing anti-matter fuel from civilians.
But even if we consider that...
...their escape seems awfully slow.
Probably because of the slow supply squadrons attached to them.
In the end...
Let me guess...The enemy fleet wants to reunite with its main fleet.
It's the most likely strategy.
Is that so?
I thought they wanted to abandon their own fleet.
Why would they abandon it?
They could go to a surface world and do whatever they like.
Unlike us...
...they don't have a reason to carry on in space.
But it looks like they do.
There's something they have to protect.
As long as they're still able...
...they'll probably continue fighting.
That's how a soldier would think.
Although there may be exceptions.
Have we finished everything we need to do here?
According to the orders...
...our jobs are to keep monitoring what's left of the enemy fleet...
...and to maintain patrol of the frontlines.
I know that! But there's nothing going on here.
Operation Hunter is over.
You may be right.
This may actually be all that's left of the enemy.
There probably won't be any real fighting...
...until we go in and conquer all the territory and take back...
...what we lost 4 years ago.
I thought she had set her heart on fighting a battle no matter what.
But it looks like she'll just stay safely behind the scenes this time.
What's that grin on your face, Chief?
Well, we've finished a big phase in our mission.
For me it has.
It's just more boredom from here on.
I'm so envious of you.
I suppose we watch the remnants of the enemy fleet as they withdraw.
When are you going to give me the operation plans?
Would you give authorization for us to start moving...
...with the enemy fleet?
Of course, Chief of Staff.
Then we'll proceed in six hours.
Also, make sure you arrange as many ships as possible...
...to accompany us here in the flagship.
So, she is planning to fight, after all.
Understand?
Yes, ma'am!
Near Melmi Gate 552
Why exactly did the 4th Fleet let the enemy slip past them?
I suppose they didn't make it in time.
Operation Hunter Flagship of the 21st Fleet, The Suurubilsh
I suppose they didn't make it in time.
If that's the case, there's nothing we can do.
But they didn't even try to go after them.
What is Admiral Bebaus thinking?
If they had, there would've been heavy losses...
...and little gain.
That's probably their rationale.
I think it was the proper decision.
It may have been proper...
...but I don't think it was right.
If they had annihilated the rest of the enemy fleet...
...Operation Hunter would have been complete.
But right now, I only have...
...forty-three squadrons at my command.
However...
...if we attack the enemy remnants...
...it's possible that the Triple Alliance would jointly attack us.
And if we amass a large force on the frontline...
...it signals to the enemy command that they still have a force here.
I see.
I do understand what you're saying.
But I'm still not satisfied.
The enemy has forty squadrons.
We can't say that we would have a sure advantage if we attacked.
But they likely have many supply ships among those forty.
Chances are good that their actual firepower is a lot less than ours.
I know that!
I know but it all comes down to probabilities.
That's right.
We must wait for a reconnaissance report from Admiral Spoor.
Whether we get the data first...
...or collide with the enemy first...
...we have no idea what may happen.
Learning the strength of the enemy is the priority of those missions.
They wouldn't allow us to enter into battle...
...without the appropriate intelligence reports.
No. We can't rely on that.
There's a long tradition in the Star Forces...
...of commanders being uncooperative toward each other.
Well, I wouldn't go so far as to call it a tradition.
Damn!
I don't care if enemy's command learns that they have survivors!
I just want to get enough of our forces together to annihilate them!
If only I had double the strength.
I see.
And what do you mean by that?
I think I understand what you meant by the tradition...
...of uncooperative commanders.
That's all I meant.
I see.
So you understand.
Yes.
Yes, it's all becoming crystal clear to me now.
I'm glad to hear that.
Anyway...
...we must assume that the entire enemy fleet is composed of elite forces.
We need to think carefully before attacking them.
Aren't you feeling well?
Well, I've never felt better.
Why do you ask that?
It's rather unusual for Your Excellency to be so cautious.
You want me to attack our allies...
...so I can commandeer their ships?!
I would strongly advise against taking such action.
I wouldn't want to have to charge my senior officer with treason.
Couldn't you simply wait to see if someone else charges me?
For what purpose?
Never mind.
Anyway, we'll stick with a mobile defense...
...and each time we hit the enemy we'll retreat.
I want you to plan our strategy with that in mind.
Yes, sir.
You want us to suspend the emigration?
Yes.
A communication ship from the 4th Fleet arrived.
We've been ordered to leave the area temporarily.
I know that if the enemy is in the vicinity...
...we must do what we can to avoid any risk of attack.
But it's going to be hard to convince all of these people.
The plan is to withdraw on the seventeenth day...
...and then to return on the sixtieth day.
Tell them that we intend to continue as soon as we return.
Well, okay.
I'll talk to them.
This is totally irresponsible!
You come here and take over and then abandon us!
It's totally irresponsible!
Absolutely!
I thought I was going to get off this planet!
Well, you see...
Listen...
...most of the families have already been shipped to your camps.
If you suspend the emigration now...
...the staff here may never see their families again!
The Abh may not consider families as important...
...but for us it's different!
For some people...
...being separated from family is a fate worse than death!
This is only temporary.
We'll be back soon!
How can we trust you?
The only information we get on what's happening is from you.
It's possible that you're keeping something from us.
You say it's only temporary...
...but maybe you're abandoning this place!
Which means the United Mankind can come to take it back.
If that happens...
...the staff and their families will be living under different regimes!
Can you understand that?!
Actually, I think I can.
Given the current circumstances...
...we should be the ones given the priority to emigrate from here.
After all...
...if the United Mankind returns...
...we'll again be treated just like criminals.
Treated like criminals?
What arrogance!
You have been proven guilty beyond all reasonable doubt!
Whatever happens, we have no power to stop your leaving.
But we ask that you finish the emigration first.
Before you withdraw...
...we want to be moved off this planet.
Don't forget to take us as well.
I understand.
We'll do our best.
Do your best?!
Is that all?!
That's all.
Until we know what's happening with the transport ship...
...we can't tell if we'll be able to move all those who wish to go...
...before the deadline.
I insist that you help us emigrate!
I find it hard to understand what you're so worried about.
I know that some of your staff have already left...
...but you allowed those who were less needed to go first.
Those who still remain...
...should be able to maintain order for another two months.
What I'm saying is that there's no guarantee it'll be two months!
Should I tell you what it is...
...that the administrative director is afraid of?
Yes. What is it?
Don't you dare!
I'll nominate you as the next territorial representative.
Think about the honor of this planet!
''The honor of this planet''?
Let's see.
What will the Territorial Deputy Ambassador give me in return?
Well, it's not as though I really care.
That's too bad.
In any case, Administrative Director...
...I thought you didn't like the title of territorial representative.
I'm handing over the powerful title of administrative director to you...
I would at least be conscious of being a territorial representative.
Besides, it won't be for long.
So you believe us now?
That's not the point.
If the Abh don't return...
...and we fall under the control of the United Mankind...
...I won't have to be territorial representative anymore.
Although I won't be seeing my family again.
I see.
But we will do our best.
That's all I can say right now.
I guess we've got no choice.
You guys are in charge, after all.
I see.
Three day until the withdrawal...
In the end, things didn't go the way they wanted.
I'd love to show her this view.
It's been a long time since we've seen each other in person.
- Is this Your Excellency? - Yes.
It's a rebellion!
We need you immediately!
I understand.
This is how it should be.
So you thought you were going to leave without us?!
Leave the women behind!
You bastard!
You guys!
I thought I told you guys that this wasn't a vacation!
Oh, Line Wing Aviator...
I can't drink anymore.
Damn! Of all the times!
The Eastern Detention Sector is attacking the Central Detention Sector.
What about the armed guards?
They're fighting back, of course!
Then surely we haven't got anything to worry about.
The rebels may have weapons...
...but they're mostly homemade, right?
They're not...
No, they do have proper weapons!
What's going on here?
We have a traitor on our hands.
Among the staff who have chosen to remain.
Administrative Director...
...the leader of this rebellion is...
That's right.
I don't need to tell you.
It's that man.
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
Can you explain to me why you're doing this?
I just don't understand what you prisoners are thinking.
Don't you mix me up with that Angusson!
Um...
If there's anything we can do to help you...
...we're ready to help.
I thought I learned my lesson back in Aptic...
...that being a hero wasn't really my style.
The second wall is being hit from the Eastern and the Central Sectors!
This is becoming too interesting.
Next Episode... Rebellion