Imperial Calendar Year 955
As a result of the battle triggered by the Triple Alliance's invasion...
...the Humankind Abh Empire began a huge retaliation.
This retaliation was known as Operation Phantom Flame.
The Star Forces fleet of Operation Phantom Flame...
...has established a stronghold in the enemy's territory.
However, in response to the Alliance's attack...
Commander-in-Chief Commanding Admiral Abriel However, in response to the Alliance's attack...
Commander-in-Chief Commanding Admiral Abriel Operation Phantom Flame has entered a new phase...
...in which the objective is to eliminate the enemy fleet.
First Fleet Commander-in-Chief Admiral Spoor ...in which the objective is to eliminate the enemy fleet.
First Fleet Commander-in-Chief Admiral Spoor They await the Triple Alliance in the Aptic System...
They await the Triple Alliance in the Aptic System...
Second Fleet Commander-in-Chief Admiral of the Fleet Rulef ...soon to be the main battlefield.
...soon to be the main battlefield.
While the size of the enemy fleet is expected to be 170 squadrons...
Fourth Fleet Commander-in-Chief Admiral of the Fleet Kotoponi While the size of the enemy fleet is expected to be 170 squadrons...
While the size of the enemy fleet is expected to be 170 squadrons...
Fifth Fleet Commander-in-Chief Admiral of the Fleet Rekef While the size of the enemy fleet is expected to be 170 squadrons...
Fifth Fleet Commander-in-Chief Admiral of the Fleet Rekef
Fifth Fleet Commander-in-Chief Admiral of the Fleet Rekef ...Admiral Bebaus's defense consists of only twelve squadrons.
...Admiral Bebaus's defense consists of only twelve squadrons.
Aptic Defense Fleet Commander Admiral Bebaus ...Admiral Bebaus's defense consists of only twelve squadrons.
Aptic Defense Fleet Commander Admiral Bebaus Given that they are outnumbered by almost fifteen-to-one...
Given that they are outnumbered by almost fifteen-to-one...
...the two fleets have decided on the time of the decisive battle.
Close the hatches!
Hatches closed!
Prepare to separate gangways...
...and to store them away!
Preparations complete!
Commencing power!
Separate gangways!
Ignite engines!
Engage the forward stabilizers with pulse drive!
All engines fully operational.
Ready for departure!
The stabilizers are ready to go.
Ignite the main engine!
I repeat.
The enemy fleet is expected to enter range within six hours.
All ships depart.
I repeat.
The enemy fleet is expected to enter combat within six hours.
All ships depart.
All engines are fully operational.
Internal environment, status normal.
Ready for departure.
Separate the gangway.
Separating the gangway.
Ignite the main engine!
Igniting the main engine.
Daisiele!
The Basroil's Battle
Banner of the Stars
I've thought about this a little.
No.
It's got nothing to do with the Bebaus brothers' relationship with you.
I suppose that's a relief.
So, what is this all about?
How about we reinforce the First Fleet a little more?
The First Fleet?
You mean have more patrol ships than we had the last time?
Yes.
I think we can get hold of twelve more squadrons.
Maybe even as many as thirteen.
Looks like I miscalculated!
I take it you've already considered this option?
I didn't work it out.
But the staff did.
The enemy's formation and strategy...
...and the many other uncertain factors...
...made it difficult to predict the correct course of action.
In other words...
...we can't be sure that increasing the number of patrol ships...
...will be the right decision.
But if I go ahead and order the strengthening of the First Fleet...
...you won't object?
No, I won't.
However...
...if that's the course of action you're intending to take...
...I've got one piece of advice for you.
And what's that?
We should replace the commander-in-chief.
What's wrong with Beneej?
With all these extra patrol ships...
...she would be in charge of twenty-five squadrons.
Dalmap System ...she would be in charge of twenty-five squadrons.
Dalmap System And that doesn't include the supply ships.
Dalmap System I'm not concerned about...
...Admiral Spoor's ability to command...
...but this is not appropriate for her rank.
Surely someone with a higher rank should...
If you're not concerned about her ability...
...let's leave it as is.
I appreciate your point of view.
But the First Fleet right now has very few suited to command.
Whether it's twelve or twenty-five...
...it doesn't really matter.
Your Highness...
What is it now?
Considering that you backed Admiral Bebaus...
...and that you support Admiral Spoor...
...are you giving those with the blue blood special treatment?
You should know what you can say and what you can't.
Even if I did have overconfident expectations for them.
Besides...
...do you think I'd have the head of the Spoors be assigned to...
...a job that she's not suited to?
You do have a point.
Do you now acknowledge that my decisions are not so perverse?
Having Beneej in charge is the most rational choice.
That's all there is to it.
Moreover...
...I'm counting on the fact...
...that Beneej will not enjoy carrying out her position.
I see.
Now that you understand...
...go and get in touch with Beneej for me.
Understood.
One minute to the rendezvous location!
Shut down the main engine!
Shutting down engine!
Engage the stabilizers!
Stabilizers engaged!
Thirty seconds to the rendezvous point!
Arriving at assigned location.
Shut down the main engine!
Shutting down main engine!
Arriving at the rendezvous point.
Leaving stabilizers engaged...
...and shutting down the main engine.
All crew are free to step away from their stations.
I want everyone to keep on schedule...
...and take turns at getting some rest.
Yes, Ma'am!
Captain?
Can I get you a drink?
Yes. I'd like that.
But if you want to be on your own...
...just tell me.
I don't want you to think you can't get rid of me.
If you want to stay here with me...
...it doesn't bother me.
Can I get an exterior image?
As a kid, I never would've imagined...
...that I'd see a view like this with my own eyes.
I always knew I'd see this.
It was decided before I was born that I would join the Star Forces...
...and that one day I would go to battle.
However...
...I hadn't anticipated being the captain of an assault ship.
I wanted to wear the uniform of an admiral.
You've got a long road ahead.
I'm sure you'll get the opportunity in the future.
I suppose.
What did you want to grow up to be when you were a kid?
I was only ten...
...when the Empire came and took control of our planet.
I was too young to know then what I wanted to do.
But I do know that I never imagined I'd make it out to space.
You must have had many choices.
That's right.
Even though...
...I don't think there was much to choose from.
Oh, I remember.
My mother, before she died, was a mining engineer.
So I wanted to be a mining engineer.
Even though I didn't know what it was about.
What kind of work is it?
Well, I'm not going to be a mining engineer...
...so it doesn't really matter.
I wonder what it's like...
...not to know what you will be in the future.
It can be unsettling.
Sometimes you have to do a job you hate just to get by.
And that dream job you wanted might turn out to be boring.
To be honest with you...
...I didn't think much about what I wanted when I was a kid.
But when I heard that I was going to be Abh nobility...
...I know I felt relieved.
Even though it wasn't my choice...
...it was a path I could take.
Then I must have it easy.
Whether I like it or not...
...I've got to strive to be Empress.
Do you really want to become Empress?
It's not that I want to be.
Rather, I wanted to work on a merchant ship.
However, as an Abriel...
...I have no choice but to take my place on the imperial throne.
Maybe I could go off and take a real job, once I've done my duty.
The family business, huh?
Sometimes it seems the way you people live is so simple.
Don't forget you're an Abh, too.
Yes, Lafiel, of course I know that.
If this operation succeeds...
...maybe the Hyde System will be recaptured by the Empire.
What will you do once your territories are restored?
Who knows?
To be honest...
...it'd be hard to go back and see those people again.
If possible...
...I'd even trade places with someone.
You could always hire a deputy.
I know.
But it would feel like I'm running away.
And I wouldn't have a good excuse.
You're working for the Star Forces.
Isn't that a good enough reason?
I suppose.
After another ten years...
...maybe I'll be disqualified as a count.
I've got an idea!
Why don't we switch titles?
You can be Countess Hyde...
...and I'll be Viscount Paryunu. I could raise roses somewhere.
There's no way we could do that.
I suppose.
Seemed like a good idea.
Well...
...I might've ended up being called "Viscount of the Roses".
Probably doesn't suit me.
Forget it.
Being a count is a duty.
It's a duty I'd happily give away...
...if there was someone who wanted it.
The noble title of Count Hyde belongs to your family.
It's not possible to give it away.
Good grief.
Like it haunts me.
However, I'm the only member of the Lin family.
If I had a cousin somewhere, I'd force the title on him.
You should stay in the Star Forces or work on a merchant ship.
Lots of nobles who don't want their territory end up doing that.
Really?
Maybe that's what I'll do.
But I don't want the people back home to think I'm chickening out.
There are pros and cons to everything.
It's up to you to decide.
Thanks for the helpful advice.
I thought my life was decided now that I'm an Abh noble.
But it's nice to know you can have fun, too.
Even nobility needs to have fun.
We, as Abh...
...have three stages of life that we go through before becoming an adult.
You and I...
...have only just started to experience the first stage.
Why worry about the future? You can't do anything about it.
But I don't spend much time worrying about it.
In any case...
...what are these three stages of life?
I think I know what two of them are.
One as an officer.
And the other as a merchant.
But what's the third?
Don't you know?
No. I don't.
It's the most important stage of the three.
So, tell me what it is.
When you become a parent.
Hello, Beneej!
Changed your hairstyle?
No.
I was about to go to sleep, Your Highness.
I apologize for the inconvenience.
No matter what time of the day or night it happens to be...
...it's my greatest pleasure to hear from Your Highness.
What can I do for you?
I see.
So, our fleet may be engaged in head-to-head combat...
...with the enemy's elite squadron of patrol ships?
There is that possibility.
I thought the plan was for my dear fleet...
...to deal a finishing blow to an already tattered enemy in disarray.
Whether your wish comes true...
...depends on how the enemy comes at us.
Squadrons of patrol ships fighting head-to-head...
...seems rather brutish and barbaric.
There must be a way headquarters can avoid this.
We'll try to do our best.
However...
...I choose to win fighting like a barbarian...
...than to lose elegantly.
You're giving me a task that's more suited to an Abriel.
You're a very unkind man.
Good night.
Beneej said that I was unkind.
Should I be taking it as a compliment?
Please don't ask me.
Every time I talk to His Highness, it throws me off.
I know Abriels are famous for being terribly serious.
But that man just doesn't take the bait.
It's no fun teasing him.
Perhaps that's because...
...being teased by you is not why the royal family exists.
Well, my dear Chief of Staff...
...I've never looked at things that way.
Preparations to fire...
...space-time mines from the front line battle ships are complete.
All ships working near the front line ships must now clear the area.
I repeat!
All ships working near the front line ships must now clear the area.
Front line ships...
...launch space-time mines!
Space-time mines launched!
Space-time mines ready to be positioned for detonation.
The battle is about to begin.
I need you to relay an urgent message to all units!
All crew are to take up battle positions immediately!
Roger!
Assault Vessel Latouche Contingent!
All ships to take up battle positions!
I repeat!
Assault Vessel Latouche Contingent!
All ships to take up battle positions!
Assault Vessel Burushusyunraafu Contingent!
All ships to take up battle positions!
I repeat!
Assault Vessel Burushusyunraafu Contingent!
All ships to take up battle positions!
I repeat!
Assault Vessel Aruroo Contingent!
All ships to take up battle positions!
Assault Vessel Kookusyundoo Contingent!
All ships to take up battle positions!
All ships are now in position!
Enemy fleet estimated to arrive in thirty minutes.
So, our main fleet is over here...
If we wait for them, they might arrive in fifty hours or so.
The enemy must know that, too.
They'll come at us with all they've got.
I wouldn't have it any other way.
This war isn't happening...
...just for your entertainment.
I don't mean that we should have fun from war.
If it turns out to be fun, then what can you say?
Is that so?
Of course.
The lives of our crew are at stake here.
We're not going to alter strategy for the sake of entertainment...
...if that's what you're worried about.
Actually, that's exactly what I am worried about.
I hope you won't forget what you just said.
We don't want our family's reputation to sink any lower.
No.
Perhaps we should say "get any higher"?
Don't worry.
I personally have nothing to do with...
...the Bebaus family's notoriety.
All that it takes to make me happy...
...is to lead an ordinary life.
So being an admiral...
...and commanding a fleet is your idea of an ordinary life?
I think your attitude has just proved...
...that you suffer from our family's affliction more than you realize.
In that case...
...stop spending so much time making me worry about it.
Otherwise I might get the urge...
...to add yet another chapter to the history of our Spectacular Insanity.
Don't worry.
I'm going to be here with you.
If it comes to it, I'll even kill you in order to stop you.
Now I'm even more worried, Nefee.
I don't have a problem with you killing me...
...but I'd like it to be for a reason that anyone can understand.
Transmission received from the Koosururu!
The enemy has launched several space-time mines!
Enemy makes the first move, as we chat away idly.
What's the time of arrival?
About seven minutes!
Should we counterattack?
We don't have much choice.
We can't let them tear us apart without some retaliation.
You're making good sense, Nereis.
Thank you very much.
Fire all mines directly into the Sord!
Issue this order to the fleet!
So, it has begun.
All mines have now entered the Sord!
It makes you feel defenseless.
No.
We've been defenseless from the start.
Whether there're mines ahead of us or not...
...the armor of an assault ship is very thin.
It's going to be impossible for us to destroy...
...every one of those enemy mines.
And there's no doubt some of them are headed our way.
Stay calm.
You have the fate of twenty lives in your hands.
An officer of the Star Forces has a responsibility to his crew.
Senior Aviator...
...do you remember the mines that misfired in Wimpel?
I was thinking the same thing.
What are you worried about?
Back then...
...we thought we had destroyed all the mines.
That's right.
However...
...we then realized what was in those two space-time bubbles.
There were seven mines hidden in there.
The enemy's...
...new weapon?
The enemy mines at the head...
...are due to arrive at any second!
Mines directly in front of us!
I don't know what it is, but...
Second Aviator!
It may be debris, but keep a close eye on it!
Roger!
Are we ready to go?
Line Wing Aviator?
Yes.
Can't you feel the air in here bubbling with excitement?
We can move at any time now with maximum speed!
Good.
Let the battle commence!
First on the scene is the Basroil...
They sure have a lot of enthusiasm.
Is that the blood of the Abriel?
I'm sorry, but...
...I can't let Your Imperial Highness take all the glory in this battle.
Stay calm, Lafiel.
Prepare to fire the anti-proton cannon!
Preparations to fire the anti-proton cannon complete!
The three stages of life...
And I'm only at the first.
Until I experience all three...
...I'm not going to give up!
The enemy mines will be within range in ten seconds.
Eight... seven... six... five...
...four... three... two... one.
Enemy mine is now within range!
Fire the anti-proton cannon!
Month of Roswik, Day 11, 14:12 The Basroil's Battle Begins
Arrival of the Main Fleet 50 hours to go...
kizukanaikoto ga The things I did not notice
konnani takusan aru I didn't know there were so many
kyoumade no jibun ga I think of myself until today
nasakenaku omoete To be so pathetic
kuyashii kurai It's almost frustrating
haritsumeta kimochiga This tense feeling
massugu ni muite ireba As long as I keeping facing forward
setsunasa no nukumori This momentary warmth
hajimete shitta I understood it for the first time
kimi ga iruto When you are there
itsumo pink no namida ga nagareteru The pink tears are always flowing
kono mune no naka wo afureteru My heart is brimming with it
kimi ga dokoni itemo dareto hanashitemo Wherever you are and whoever you talk to
issho ni itaiyo soba ni ite I want to be with you, to be near you
tsunaida te kara yubisaki kara From our joined hands and our finger tips
karadajuu no omoi binetsu tsutawatte My body heat transmits the feelings inside
tomerarenai And I cannot stop it
Their new weapon?
You're not fooling around, are you?
They are almost like...
...the souls...
Next Episode... Shooting Star