I am an Abriel.
And Abriels don't cry.
If I weren't an Abriel...
I'm sorry, Captain.
I should've gone with him.
It's not your fault, is it?
He was the one who made the decision.
Yes, but...
It's all right. It's his fault for getting captured.
And mine for abandoning him there.
You intend to abandon him?!
Come back to the ship.
Captain, please.
Allow me to fulfill my duty.
I won't take my men. I'll go on my own.
My guess is that they want to avoid getting into a fight.
They just need a catalyst.
I'm sure they know they've screwed up.
But people who fall usually don't like to admit it.
That's how it is, Captain.
My going there will give them a chance to admit their mistake...
...and return the kid.
Please let me chance it!
Be silent!
I don't want to hear another word about you going alone over my head.
I said you're not responsible.
Be silent...
Samson Bolge Tilsal Tiluse!
Captain...
A transmission from Commander Gabort on board the Melkutel.
Your Highness, we understand the situation.
We can assemble up to fifty men as a ground battle force.
We can land our transport ships...
...as near as possible to where His Excellency is being held...
...and then storm the compound.
And what are our chances?
We believe they're between eight and twenty-one percent.
What will happen to the ground troops if they don't succeed?
None of them would be able to return.
I want you to ensure the emigration goes smoothly.
Is that an order?
Yes.
Understood.
Who's the next territorial representative?
It's a man named 'Tomasof.'
Contact him immediately.
We can inaugurate him informally.
Right now...
...we will forget about him.
Can you, Your Highness?
Banner of the Stars II
The Flag of Gasarus
What do you think you're doing?
I don't want this hell the Abh are talking about!
Besides, you don't even take Alkaik.
It's against the teachings of God.
So, what's your point?
Then you have no reason to hang on to this planet.
You might not be able to get on board the next ship...
...but there'll be other chances for you to emigrate.
Then you can father as many children as you want!
I never thought of that.
Give me a break!
The only reason guys like us stick around this dump...
...is that we need to get our next fix of Alkaik!
I am an Abriel.
And Abriels don't cry.
If I weren't an Abriel...
All right, then.
When I officially become prime minister of the system...
...the first thing I'll do is sign your emigration papers.
So stop being stubborn and let's hand this count back!
I can't do that.
A man can't go back on his word.
Besides, there's no planet that would accept me.
Either way...
...we have nothing to gain by this!
You heard it.
The Abh have no intention of leaving women behind.
What's the point of killing the count?
Besides, this isn't proving to be much fun.
So why don't we give it up, huh?
I'll contact them and tell them we've changed our minds.
Okay?
No way!
Why not?!
Don't tell me you might want to experience that hell!
Not for me!
I don't believe in hell created by God.
But a hell created by the Abh probably does truly exist.
I have no doubt they'd do it.
No!
Oh, come on!
Whatever you say, I'm putting an end to this!
We'll gain nothing by fighting them!
I won't allow that either!
Using force is our only option now.
We have to work together in order to keep the women here.
I have no intention of doing that!
If you want to carry on by yourselves, that's fine with me!
Just watch your back!
Now we have a reason for keeping this coward as a hostage.
If you do try to stop this fight, I'll kill him.
And I'll spread word that you did it.
Enjoy the artificial hell to the fullest, Dokufu.
I have no intention of accepting such false accusations.
There are plenty of witnesses who could back me up!
You'll be the only one who'll get to the real hell...
...by way of Abh hell!
If it exists.
I'll be waiting for you at the real hell.
I look forward to seeing if the Abh pay attention to your excuses.
This isn't fair!
If you're not afraid of dying...
...you can do it, too.
You're the coward around here, Angusson.
If you had any courage at all...
...you would stay and face the consequences of your crimes.
Very impressive speech, coward...
...speaking to Lord Angusson like that.
But...
...I hate impudence much more than cowardice.
You've got to be kidding!
I'm not committing suicide for the sake of your stupid pride!
Hey!
Let go of the young master!
You guys!
How much longer are you going to follow this idiot?!
We've come too far to quit now!
Besides, you're nothing but a neutered fast-talker!
No!
- Ryuumubilge passing through. - Roomukau passing through.
- Suryuzubilge passing through. - Uzetokau passing through.
- Check current position. - Turning off the main engine.
- Uploading data. - Suumubilge passing through.
Commander, twenty-one ships of the First Fleet of Operation Hunter...
...have passed the Lobnas Gate.
Distance to enemy fleet is approximately 2100 kedrel.
The enemy is headed directly toward us.
But it will be another twenty-four hours before we're in contact.
By then another eleven of our ships will be meeting up with us.
You don't need me to tell you this.
But even if the enemy attacks, we mustn't retaliate.
Of course, Commander.
As before, our task is simply to monitor enemy movements...
...and gather information.
When we get into attack position we run away like rabbits.
Uh, sorry. Our squadron's duty is to retreat promptly.
We could have some fun teasing these slack-jawed mud turtles!
That's a relief.
She seems to be enjoying the mission.
As long as Her Highness is in a good mood...
...we shouldn't have any problems!
We've picked up a fleet!
Looks like ours.
Two Kutel class ships, one Ses class and one Roil class.
What are they doing here?
They were ordered to withdraw.
Who's in charge?
Since they are primarily transport ships...
...I would guess it's the territorial ambassador or the magistrate.
And who would that be?
Let's see. The ambassador is...
It's the Viscountess Paryunu.
That princess must have crossed my path ten times now.
One time we encountered her, she was in the wrong place.
This is the second time.
Maybe it's destiny or something.
Don't be stupid.
Get me the territorial ambassador.
Deca-Commander Abriel.
What are you doing?
An enemy fleet is on the way.
They're definitely coming here.
You must leave immediately.
No, not yet, Grand Duchess.
Not yet?
Please explain what's going on.
So let me see if I've got this right, Deca-Commander Abriel.
This planet is full of convicted criminals...
...and you have to help them to emigrate?
And all before your temporary withdrawal?
And being such a kind, caring person...
...you felt you had to oblige?
It's not just prisoners.
There are guards, too!
Regardless, we're talking about those who live on a surface world.
You shouldn't get too attached to them...
...Deca-Commander Abriel.
Perhaps.
But I've made a promise.
I see.
Promises are important.
But like I said...
...the enemy is definitely coming this way.
What do you plan to do about that?
Until we've finished boarding them...
...I would like military protection.
Who does she expect to give her protection?
She can't mean us!
Don't be foolish.
I can't risk damaging my little ships.
But if you don't help us out...
...many of these people will die.
Grand Duchess!
I don't think so.
Until recently, this system was ruled by the United Mankind.
The enemy heading this way are allies of the United Mankind.
And please don't forget.
While we protect you...
...it's likely many of my men will die.
In order to save those people...
...who should be paying for their crimes...
...is it really worth sacrificing my people?
It's not easy to say, but let me put it bluntly so you understand.
If we fight, we're going to lose.
In terms of the difference in strength...
...we're going to lose unless there's some miracle.
Wouldn't surprise me if we're wiped out.
Can you guarantee a miracle?
Deca-Commander Abriel?
No. I'm not asking you to win the battle.
We just need more time.
But that's terrible.
You're asking me to send my ships into a meaningless battle?
I can't issue you an order, but I'll give you a warning.
You must leave this system immediately, understand?
I can't do that.
These people are afraid to be left behind, Grand Duchess.
I hate telling you this also.
But I'm afraid, too.
That I, Grand Duchess Spoor Alon Sekpat Letopanyu Beneej...
...will be known as one who led her men to a pointless massacre.
That would be the worst kind of shame.
But it's not pointless!
You say that because the whole purpose is to keep your promise?
This isn't about my promise.
Then what is it about?
The honor of the Empire.
As the territorial ambassador...
...I ask you to protect the Lobnas System until we're done!
Stubborn little bitch, you are.
What a crude thing for Her Highness to say.
I hope nobody heard that.
Can I ask you one thing?
What would you have done if we hadn't come around here?
You're here because you're tracking the enemy fleet.
If you weren't here...
...the enemy wouldn't be coming either.
Good point.
But what would you do if I were to refuse your request?
We would have to hide on the planet.
Hide on the planet? How?
Those ships without landing capability...
...will leave the system with you.
The landing ship will descend on the ocean and take cover.
We'll board as many emigrants as possible.
Of course I would be on board, too.
That's a dangerous gamble.
You're assuming the enemy won't survey the planet once they arrive.
If they were to attack, your Ses class ship wouldn't have a chance.
In battle...
...you just have to accept your luck.
You're right about that.
This is an extremely unfortunate position to be in.
All right, Territorial Ambassador.
I accept your request.
Wait a minute, Commander-in-Chief!
Don't you realize what you're getting into?
This is danger...
However...
I will offer no guarantee...
...that I'll succeed in protecting you.
And I won't see my forces destroyed trying to protect this place.
We will retreat if and when we see fit.
We offer our assistance for a short time only.
Have I made myself clear?
That's fine, Grand Duchess.
Thanks a million.
I'd like my assault vessel placed under your command as well.
I'm sorry, but I must refuse.
It would be an inconvenience.
Right now, you should concentrate on completing your task...
...as quickly as possible.
Understood.
We'll be counting on you.
Why did you agree to help them with such a reckless operation?
Have you forgotten who I am?
I am the Grand Duchess Letopanyu, a proud aristocrat.
How can I refuse a request from my lord?
Even if she's currently a mere ambassador.
But right now, you are to act as...
...commander-in-chief of the First Fleet.
But I am...
The Star Forces must also maintain the honor of the Empire.
But surely there's a limit.
Should we be placing our fleet in danger simply to soothe...
...the persecution complexes of surface inhabitants?
I don't know much about persecution complexes...
...but I think I understand what you mean.
It's an effective way to spite me.
You think this ploy was to spite you?
I doubt that's what she intended.
You're right.
It's the Abriel instinct.
They figure out what we Spoors hate to deal with...
...and then push us into these situations.
Right.
Those refugees aren't the only ones with a persecution complex.
Oh.
The data uplink from the Basroil is complete.
Commander-in-Chief!
The deputy ambassador has been kidnapped by rebels!
And who is the Deputy Ambassador?
His Excellency Count Hyde.
Oh?
That's unfortunate.
I wonder why Her Highness didn't mention it.
She probably didn't think it was important enough for us to know.
At least in her estimation.
Will he come back?
Yes, he'll be fine.
We could muster up quite a ground force from our fleet.
We could try to help rescue him.
And minimize our already-limited forces up here?
No way.
I don't want my men taking part in a ground battle they're not used to.
I suppose.
It'd be difficult, certainly in terms of recovery.
Besides, Count Hyde is Abh nobility.
It's a shame.
I guess all we can do is hope for his safety.
I feel bad, too.
I only met him once, but I liked the boy.
He made his little Abriel friend wear such a ridiculous costume!
Well, I wouldn't have sobbed like Her Highness did.
Sob?
Abriels don't cry.
Do you know why?
No.
Imperial sovereigns must be fair.
More importantly, they must be seen to be faithful to their subjects.
If they were to find themselves crying over one subject...
...they would have to cry over them all so as not play favorites.
Which is impossible.
How can you possibly shed tears for someone you don't know?
That's why Abriels who are in line for the throne...
...learn to cry for no one.
I see.
They have the power to send us to our deaths with the click of a finger.
People would be upset...
...if there were any sign of favoritism.
Of course.
But we Spoors can see through it all.
Abriels do cry sometimes.
I remember seeing Her Highness blubbering when she was little.
She didn't look like the type to do that to me.
Don't worry about it, my dear chief of staff.
There's nothing wrong with it.
But if you can't even see the tears of a young Abriel...
...you don't deserve the title of Grand Duchess of Letopanyu!
Commander...
You can't be putting our men at risk because you sympathize with her.
Sympathize?
With an Abriel?
What gave you that idea?
If I hear any of that nonsense coming out of your mouth again...
...I'll cut your tongue up...
...and feed it to my precious birdies.
Grab hold of me!
You can do it!
You don't want to die here, do you?
The rest of you, board the ship that just arrived!
It will be ready shortly.
No one else can board this ship!
I repeat!
We cannot take off with you in the way!
The rest of you, board the ship that just arrived!
Damn!
We'd better pull back.
Are we really going to be saved, Sis?
Don't be having second thoughts.
Listen. Angusson and his men will be taking over soon.
If you want to be their plaything, just stay here.
Sis...
I certainly don't.
We can choose between the Abh or those beasts back on the island.
Work it out with your empty head!
Here's to you, Angusson!
And Dokufu!
Preparations complete.
We're ready to commence boarding!
Boreses.
You may take off as soon as conditions permit.
The Boreses should go straight to the furthest prisoner of war camp.
The Kutel ship is now full and cannot take any more passengers.
Roger!
That goes for the Trekses, which is now in orbit...
...as well as the Darkses.
The Borses can go ahead with the Naatokutel...
...and pass through the Lobnas gate first.
What about us?
The Darkses will team up with the Trekses and the Basroil.
We'll be the last ships to leave the system.
Roger.
This is terrible.
I agree.
In order to get to our ships...
...the people were using rafts which are barely buoyant.
But their initiative means they'll get on board more quickly.
This operation might just succeed.
I'd like to speak with the territorial representative.
Yes.
Just a moment.
This is the territorial ambassador.
How are things there on land?
The situation has calmed down...
...but there are still some skirmishes here and there.
There are also unconfirmed reports...
...that the prisoners have started fighting each other.
There're only men left, right?
Why don't you tell them that?
Also tell them to return the harbor to us.
That's a good idea.
I don't think anything we say to them will have much effect...
...but we'll do as you say.
And...
...have you heard any news about the deputy ambassador?
Unfortunately...
If we hear anything, we'll let you know immediately.
Thanks.
I shouldn't have asked about that.
And I, uh...
What is it?
If anything does happen to the deputy ambassador...
...would we be subject to some sort of punishment?
Of course not.
None of this was your doing.
Thank you. I'm off now.
Are you thinking of doing something rash, Your Highness?
What do you mean?
I hope Your Highness doesn't intend to leave the ship...
...because I'll stop you even if I have to resort to force.
Don't worry. I won't do anything stupid.
Besides...
...we don't even know where they're keeping him.
That's a relief.
Can you, Your Highness?
That's the first time she's ever called me ''Your Highness.''
Bye. I'm off.
Jinto...
Are you still alive?
Jinto!
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
itoshii hito My love
The enemy doesn't seem to be firing any counterattack mines!
Chief of Staff...
...you know what you have to do here, right?
The enemy fleet has started to advance!
I love it when people are punctual...
Tell all our ships to prepare for battle!
All ships fire challenge signals!
The enemy fleet's passing through the Lobnas Gate!
Looks like we didn't make it.
Jinto...
Next Episode Things to Protect