The enemy fleet is three hundred kedrel away from the Lobnas Gate.
Estimated time of arrival here is approximately three hours.
What's the situation on the planet?
From their latest report...
...they need another five hours to evacuate into Plane Space.
I see.
It seems my precious ships are going to get hurt after all.
All ships!
Prepare to depart.
Banner of the Stars II
Things to Protect
Passing the Lobnas Gate.
The Lashkau passing through.
Roomukau, Kurekukau, Vezetokau...
...passing through.
The Suryuzubilge passing through.
Ten seconds until we pass through...
The Suumubilge passing through.
The Ryuumubilge passing through.
Received the signal for ships to assemble!
Current location confirmed.
Follow the Lashkau!
All ships of the First Fleet have passed through the Lobnas Gate.
Eleven patrol ships from the Altec region are joining us...
...as planned.
We only have thirty-three ships if we include the flagship.
Not much for a reconnaissance squadron, let alone a battle fleet.
Chief of Staff.
Assemble thirty of the ships into five temporary formations.
And the two remaining ships are to be under our direct control.
Understood.
It's hard to believe that we're playing guard ships...
...and forced to fight in order to save such an insignificant system.
I certainly agree with that.
Keep transmitting the signal to assemble.
The ships are now assembled in temporary formation...
...from numbers one to five.
The enemy fleet is now under two hundred kedrel away!
They're not running away.
I guess they know they've got a huge advantage.
It's so humiliating...
...knowing we have to fight when the odds are against us.
I agree.
Boy... The enemy sure seems calm.
They may just be weighing their options.
If that's so, I know exactly how they feel.
Defending the Lobnas Gate, which has no strategic importance...
...with a fleet that has virtually no chance of winning...
I've got it!
Chief of Staff!
Send a communication bubble to the enemy fleet!
What do you want to say?
This battle is mutually pointless.
It's obvious as to why from our point of view.
But it would be irrational for them, too, to run the risk of damage...
...when they could wait a couple of hours for us to leave.
If they don't understand the situation here...
...they're going to think that this Star Forces commander is stupid.
And that commander is me!
I wouldn't be able to take that.
I understand.
If we can get the enemy fleet to hold back for a bit...
...we'd be out of here, and there would be no need to fight.
The letter should read, well, let's see...
''I am the Supreme Commander of Operation Hunter First Fleet...''
''...Admiral Spoor.''
''Our objective is to temporarily secure the Lobnas Gate region.''
''Do not oppose us.''
''Remain at your current position until we have retreated.''
How does that sound?
It's a start, but I think we should re-word it here and there.
Really?
Well, I'll let you deal with it.
But we have little time. So hurry.
Right away.
This is the First Fleet of the Star Forces Operation Hunter.
We do not wish to engage in battle.
We promise that we will retreat from the area in six hours.
We request that you refrain from advancing any further.
The enemy fleet has stopped!
They've sent back a communication bubble.
''This is the Salai Sector Fleet of the United Mankind Peace Corps.''
''We grant you a grace period of one hour.''
''Then withdraw immediately.''
That's it.
If we could retreat that quickly we wouldn't have had to ask.
Wouldn't my opponent at least understand that?
Tell them an hour isn't going to be enough.
Tell them we need twenty-four hours.
Twenty-four hours?!
I have requested six hours.
It'll take five hours even if all goes smoothly.
I'd like at least twelve hours so we have some leeway.
I thought you just said to ask for twenty-four hours.
You've never worked in business, have you?
No.
I've been in the Star Forces my entire working life.
It's no wonder you don't understand.
In the world of trade, no price is fixed.
We might as well have some fun haggling with them.
I wouldn't want you to take that joy away from me.
Right.
Start by asking for twenty-four hours!
Y-yes.
We have a reply.
''Your original request was for six hours.''
''Now you're asking for twenty-four hours.''
''I am completely dumbfounded.''
End of message.
Tell them the original transmission was a mistake.
Make another request for them to hold back for twenty-four hours.
This may sound rude, but that commander is an amateur.
The negotiations will only take longer if they waste time like this.
That could mean that he may not adhere to the trading code...
...especially ours.
Then we have to fight.
Another reply:
''We want explanation as to why the time has been increased fourfold.''
We'll let them know once the negotiations have been finalized.
Their reply:
''We demand to know why you are being so secretive.''
Tell them that's a secret.
The reply:
''We do not accept that you are negotiating in good faith.''
Are they saying they want to end the negotiations?
Ask them that.
Isn't that too confrontational?
If they say yes, we're going to have a battle on our hands!
The enemy fleet shows no signs of movement.
That shows that they want to avoid a battle.
But what if worse comes to worst?
It's sad when an agreement can't be reached.
But if you can overcome that...
...you're on the way to becoming a successful businessman.
This is a useful learning experience for you.
I intend to remain in the Star Forces my whole life.
That's such a waste, my dear Chief of Staff!
You've already thrown away half the joy in life.
Well, it's your life.
I suppose I don't have the right to interfere in it.
But right now I'm the one negotiating with these guys.
Hurry up and send my message.
Reply:
''It is too early to draw such a conclusion.''
''We acknowledge your request for twenty-four hours grace.''
''But we have decided that you must still retreat within one hour.''
That's it.
This enemy commander's very nice.
She's relishing this more than her lopsided battle.
Whoever this person is...
...this one has passed my test as a worthy playmate.
How should we reply?
Explain to them why we're still here and why we need more time.
Explain it slowly, giving every detail.
You could even spice it up a bit.
Understood.
But where do I start?
How about from when the universe began?
I can't include all that!
You sure are serious.
Tell them it's impossible for us to retreat in an hour.
And that we'd be happy to give them an explanation.
We've delayed them an extra hour already with these questions.
Reply:
''We don't need your explanations.''
''We have reasons for wanting you out...''
''...and those reasons are of no concern to you.''
''We will wait for two more hours...''
''...after which we will advance and attack those in our path...''
''...with the aim of complete annihilation.''
End of message.
I see. At least it sounds honest.
The enemy commander is probably a pure military officer.
A bit like you, my dear Chief of Staff.
We're not going to be able to negotiate anymore.
Do you think they have a problem with supplies?
Probably.
If they remain here any longer than they are allowed...
...they risk becoming space-time particles scattered across space.
But considering their stance, they must have enough energy left to fight.
And it's probably a lot more than they need.
Can't we try to reduce it by negotiating further?
Stop whining, you sound like a sore loser!
Part of the skill of negotiation is knowing when to quit.
Uh, what message do you want me to send?
Let's see...
''Your message is understood.''
''We will do our best to evacuate within two hours...''
''...but we may not be successful.''
''I suggest we suspend further contact to conserve energy.''
Something like that.
How unlike our commander to take such a moderate position.
We'd better get ready, Chief of Staff.
When they attack there'll be no mercy.
Not only that, we're totally outnumbered.
What a problem we have.
How I hate this...
Fifteen minutes before the enemy fleet advances.
This will be the last of the refugees.
It now depends on how much time Admiral Spoor can buy us.
I suppose.
Commander, we have an aircraft asking us to land.
An aircraft?
The territorial government's?
Yes.
The territorial representative would like to talk to Her Highness.
I'm Tomasof, the territorial representative.
It's a pleasure to meet you, Ambassador.
Are you on your own?
You might want to see this.
Where did you get that?
Well, the rebellion has become very disorganized.
We thought that if we knew his position...
...we might be able to rescue the deputy ambassador.
And when we contacted your ship in orbit...
...they scanned the surface...
...and they managed to locate him for us.
I didn't know that.
However...
...it was only His Excellency's communicator that they traced.
So, do you know what happened to him?
No, I'm afraid not.
That personal communicator was all we found.
I'm sorry, but we've been unable to trace his position.
We had no time left to try to find him.
I see.
I appreciate your work.
Thank you.
It's time.
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!
You mean we're going to fight?
But of course.
There are still some Imperial ships left in the Lobnas System.
We managed to buy quite a bit of time with our negotiations.
Haven't we done enough to help them with their mission?
That's one way of looking at it, I suppose.
But your request is denied.
Very well then.
The enemy frontline...
...will be in range of our mobile space-time mines in ten seconds!
The enemy has split its squadrons into two groups. Front and rear.
Would you say that the rear squadrons are the supply ships?
If so, that's a very obvious move.
- Two...one! - That's what's worrying me.
The enemy frontline squadrons are now within range.
They're not firing.
Well...
I guess the enemy doesn't want to waste their mines.
I've got it.
What?
The 4th and 5th Squadrons are to remain in their current positions.
And be ready to shoot down any enemies.
Don't let a single ship through!
The rest of us will break through the enemy frontline...
...and then we attack the rear squadrons.
Now wait a minute!
We're weak enough without splitting ourselves up!
This'll be like suicide!
If we can't break through, we'll be surrounded...
...and they'll wipe us out!
Listen, my Chief of Staff.
Back at home we're gathering artists from all twenty-eight provinces.
They're building the Letopanyu family tomb.
Once it's finished...
...we plan to hold a great banquet to celebrate its completion.
It's a tradition in our family.
What an unpleasant tradition.
But what has your family tomb got to do with this?
The celebration will take place in about twelve years' time.
I'd like to invite you.
That would be a great honor.
But I can't think that far ahead.
I'm more concerned about surviving this first.
These Kau class patrol ships are good ships.
But they're only mass-produced ready-made ships.
They're not graceful enough for me to die in.
Don't worry!
We're not going to be wiped out.
I won't let that happen.
I've got a plan!
All ships, take up the eighth dense pack formation...
...in individual space-time bubbles!
Please arrange the bubbles in half-squadron formations!
Absolutely not, Chief of Staff.
I don't have time to explain.
Just trust me and do as I say!
But...
Yes, I understand.
With just one ship in each space-time bubble...
...their defenses will be too weak.
Up to now, when it came to fighting battles...
...Admiral Spoor has always been a good commander.
Oh, well, Kufadis Wef Espiel Sespy...
People have to die sometime.
At least if I die here in battle...
...I won't have to worry about refusing her invitation to celebrate...
...the opening of her tomb.
Fire mines only at the outer vessels of their formation!
Target the enemy frontline!
The enemy doesn't seem to be firing any counterattack mines!
The rear squadrons are splitting down the middle!
Send out the shuttles!
Have them attack the rear squadron to the right.
We'll take up a half-squadron space-time bubble formation.
Hurry!
Kurekukau. Space-time fusion!
Doubilge. Space-time fusion!
Confirm that the 4th Squadron has received its orders.
Confirm that the 5th Squadron has received its orders.
They're heading to attack the enemy on the right!
The enemy's frontline is attacking from both sides!
Turn the ship around!
Target the squadrons at the rear on the left!
We're going to break through the enemy line!
Fire mines in all directions!
Second Squadron! Launch your mines!
Don't let the enemy through!
They've surrounded the First Squadron!
Abort space-time fusion!
Our target is the squadron at the rear on the left!
The Roomukau has been hit!
We've got to fix it!
We've lost the First Squadron!
This is the Ryuumubilge!
We're in space-time fusion with enemy ships!
We need support!
Mobile laser cannon!
Attack all ships!
Sector 18 on fire!
The automatic equipment isn't working!
Passage 3 losing oxygen!
Seal off that area!
Laser cannons 1, 2 and 3 have stopped!
Ryuumubilge had been hit badly!
They've lost all battle capabilities!
Asking permission to abort!
Permission granted!
So, Chief of Staff...
...you know what you have to do here, right?
Yes.
Keep our space-time bubbles ready for emergency response.
And ensure that the ships are in half-squadron formations.
That's right! I'm counting on you!
Yes!
The Roomukau has exploded!
The bridge on the Sryuzubilge has been destroyed...
...and they can't generate a space-time bubble!
No response from the captain or officers!
It's also exploded!
Mines coming in on the right!
Too late for the laser cannon!
Emergency turn!
The stern's been hit!
Give us a damage report!
A lot of casualties!
And serious damage to the main engines!
The Uzetkau's engine is gone!
They've lost power!
Only the Suumubilge is left from the 2nd Squadron.
Requesting permission to join another squadron!
Explosion on the left!
Brace for shock!
Which ship exploded?
I hope it was an enemy ship!
It was the Kurekukau!
Have the Suumubilge fuse with our space-time bubble!
Too late.
The Suumubilge has exploded!
Are they done with the evacuation down there?!
Don't lose your temper on my bridge, Chief of Staff!
I'm sorry.
We all want to know, and we'll be the first to know.
Yes, of course.
There's been a direct hit in Sector 13!
And pressure leaks in Sector 15...
...but the damage is minimal!
How could the ship bearing the Flag of Gasarus get damaged?
How humiliating.
But it looks like the other ships in our fleet did well.
The enemy's rear squadron has been virtually destroyed!
We might've succeeded in stopping them at the Lobnas Gate.
Yes.
But we have only six ships left.
I guess that's it. We can't last much longer.
All ships retreat!
But that's impossible! The enemy has completely surrounded us!
Stop worrying, Chief of Staff.
This is a pointless battle.
At least...
...it's pointless for those of us who couldn't negotiate enough time...
...to get those wretched transport ships out.
As soon as they see our ships retreating...
...the enemy will also realize that this is a pointless battle.
They won't come after us.
Of course, if they're completely stupid...
...it'll be a different story!
I suppose.
Turn the ship around!
Head for the center of the Milky Way Gates!
It's all right. Let's run fair and square!
Squadron space-time bubble, complete the maneuver!
Roger!
All ships! Follow the Lashkau!
The enemy's coming after us!
Distance ten sheskedrel.
Space-time fusion!
Two more enemy ships at one hundred seventy degrees!
Looks like the enemy is stupid!
Oh.
Do they really hate me that much?
Do what you can to break through!
Electromagnetic shot coming this way!
We've lost power on our rear laser cannon!
Use the mobile cannons to counterattack!
The Doubilge has exploded.
What have I done?
Did I misjudge the time to retreat?
Your Highness, the boarding is complete.
I see.
All ships take off immediately.
Understood.
We'll join the fleet in orbit and head straight for the Lobnas Gate.
This is the captain speaking.
All ships prepare for emergency take off.
Activate gravitational control. Prepare for take off.
Gravitational control activated!
Get into battle configuration!
Battle configuration!
Jinto...
Dokufu...
Battle configuration?
It must be the last ship.
Oh, no!
I can't afford to die in a place like this.
Commence countdown to take-off. Twenty seconds!
Damn the Abh!
I won't let you take away our women!
Angusson...
Five...four...three...two...
...one. Lift off!
No!
What about my children?!
My children!
If you were to die...
...I would be saddened.
Lafiel, I will go to you.
What's the situation?
Checking now.
We have a response!
The enemy fleet's passing through the Lobnas Gate!
Looks like we didn't make it.
What should we do?
We have no choice but to go through.
All ships activate space-time bubble generators!
Space-time bubble activated!
The enemy's right behind us!
Here they come!
Prepare for battle!
The laser cannon is ready!
Catch up with the transport ships...
...and get out of here!
Enemy ships confirmed ahead!
Ignore them and keep moving!
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
Is this all that's left of the 1st Fleet?
Perhaps I'm not fit to be a military officer.
Of course...
I was the one that got us involved in this mess in the first place.
The Vascotton Gate?
We've come full circle, to where it all began.
Of course there are exceptions.
I wish you the best.
He was the first Lander I met...
Next Episode To Lay Down the Bow ...who was about my age.
Next Episode To Lay Down the Bow