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 counterattack...
Commander-in-Chief Commanding Admiral Abriel However, in response to the Alliance's counterattack...
Commander-in-Chief Commanding Admiral Abriel ...Operation Phantom Flame has entered a new phase...
...in which the objective is to annihilate the enemy fleet.
First Fleet Commander-in-Chief Admiral Spoor ...in which the objective is to annihilate 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.
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 ...the defense forces of Admiral Bebaus consist of only twelve squadrons.
...the defense forces of Admiral Bebaus consist of only twelve squadrons.
Aptic Defense Fleet Commander Admiral Bebaus ...the defense forces of Admiral Bebaus consist of only twelve squadrons.
Given that they are outnumbered by almost fifteen-to-one...
...the two fleets have decided on the time of the decisive battle.
It has started.
The enemy mines at the head of the formation...
...approaching fast!
Commence battle!
So, first on the scene is the Basroil.
They sure have a lot of energy and enthusiasm.
An enemy mine will be within firing range in ten seconds.
Eight... seven... six...
...five... four... three... two...
...one.
Enemy mine within firing range!
Fire the anti-proton cannon!
It split in two?
It's still active!
This is it, huh?
Those mines we saw at Wimpel!
Ekuryua!
Firing!
What the hell?...
We're surrounded!
Keep firing! Don't ease up!
Ekuryua! Watch out behind!
Five and seven! Firing!
Port side armor has been damaged!
There's also damage in Sectors 4, 11 and 15.
And now Sector 7, too!
What about casualties?
Everyone's okay at the moment.
Onboard temperature is rising.
I don't think we need to be worried.
It's probably just temporary.
Basroil, are you still together?
We can continue.
So this is what was on the report.
I believe so.
There's a second wave coming!
Shooting Star
Banner of the Stars
How many mines did the enemy bring with them?
You'd think they would save some for the main fleet battle.
Even if they were to defeat us...
...and then establish themselves in the Aptic region...
...they'd still need more mines.
Why don't you explain that to them?
I almost want to.
What could they be thinking?
Whatever they're thinking...
...we have to hold down the fort.
Let's use the mines from the patrol ships.
Weren't we saving those for when we rout them?
If we lose here, we'll never get them on the run.
Awfully practical thinking coming from you.
If that means you agree with my rationale...
...then I have to say I'm just as surprised as you.
No point in being surprised at each other.
I hate to say that I agree with you.
Relay this to all patrol ships.
Begin the mine counterattack.
What's the matter?
It looks like we're a little late for that, Nereis.
No way!
What's going on?
It's their new weapon!
Their new weapon?
You're not fooling around, are you?
Third attack vessel squadron eliminated!
Tenth attack vessel squadron eliminated!
Eighth attack vessel squadron eliminated!
I see.
The weapon mentioned in the reconnaissance report?
You're taking this badly, Nereis.
About the situation here?
Or that our family reputation is at stake here?
Well, it's not very good whichever way you look at it.
In any case, what about our attack vessels?
We can't just let them sit there in the middle of a mine attack.
We haven't got much choice.
If the enemy sends their attack ships in...
...we'll need their help.
But we've got to do something.
Let's bring in the guard ships.
What?
We'll escort each attack squadron with a squadron of guard ships.
We can let the unit commanders arrange their own formations.
Sounds reasonable.
I know.
But we have little time. Let's hurry.
All right.
Oh, Nefee...
If we gather data from each of the ships...
...do you think we can simulate those enemy mines?
What are you getting at?
We need to check that we've destroyed...
...every single one of them.
Mines that haven't been destroyed are lying in ambush.
Then we can send warnings to our ships on their positions.
Does the command ship have the capacity to coordinate that?
We'll have to process enormous amounts of data.
But it's worth giving it a try.
I'll ask the officer in charge if it's possible.
Communications Chief...
...how long before the main fleet arrives?
Yes, sir.
The schedule says...
...they should arrive in about six hours.
That's a problem.
If it's going according to plan...
...I imagine the battle at the Aptic Gate has already started.
Is that so?
It would be nice if they'd finish it before we get there.
Given their numbers...
...we're at a great disadvantage.
They'll need our help...
...as well as that of the main Third Fleet...
...to defend Aptic successfully.
What about Admiral Rulef?
His main priority is still to defend the Mystel Gate...
...but it's only a matter of time before he moves on to Aptic.
The enemy is clearly focusing their strength on Aptic.
I see.
Well, I suppose that means we'll be the first ones on the scene.
That's the plan, if all goes well.
That reminds me. I wonder how that Princess is doing.
As I recall, she was assigned to the Aptic region.
What princess is that?
Three years ago, I rescued a pretty princess at Sufugnoff...
...who looked like a little kitten who couldn't find her way home.
The port side armor...
The temperature's rising!
Ekuryua! Fire Four and Eight!
The output of the engines has decreased by 0.05!
Ekuryua!
Shoot at everything that looks like a mine, moving or not!
Yes, ma'am!
It's hard enough handling the ones that are moving.
We're going to crash!
What's the status with the enemy mines?
There doesn't seem to be any more that are moving.
But there's debris everywhere.
If there are any dormant mines...
...we'll have difficulty identifying them until they're activated.
All right.
Decrease engine output by 0.2.
Keep an eye out for dormant mines.
I appreciate that.
Supply Officer! Damage report!
The first explosion...
...seems to have slightly damaged the starboard side armor.
It won't be a problem.
Even if the armor was new...
...it only takes one direct hit to turn it into a ball of plasma.
Everyone, stay focused.
Message coming through from Command!
Good job, Basroil.
What's your status?
There's no problem.
We can keep going.
It looks like the guard ships have started their barrage.
That'll take some pressure off.
I don't know if I should be grateful or worried.
Any sign of the enemy's main fleet yet?
We're not able to confirm...
...but I'd say they haven't arrived.
They seem to be trying to eliminate us by using mine attacks.
Mines approaching the port side from the rear!
Here they come!
I'll be in contact later.
Good luck!
Ekuryua.
How many?
Three.
Can we push the engines to maximum?
Yes, ma'am.
We're okay. Just say the word.
What are those explosions?
I think it was one of our patrol ships.
A patrol ship out here would be like a sitting duck!
Well, that's what it looks like.
They came in too deep.
We'll go and rescue them!
Inform Command and the guard ship squadron!
Enemy mine formations confirmed in target area!
Distance seventy wesdaj!
Keep our distance but continue to advance!
In front! Two, four, eight...
...and more! Six, four and nine!
Exterior temperature rising!
Partial meltdown confirmed!
Starting to affect engine output!
Behind us! Eight, three and six!
We can't do it. There's too many!
What was that?
It's the Kidroil!
I should get a medal for rescuing an imperial princess!
Behind! Eighteen and six!
It wasn't even a direct hit.
Regardless, it's a mess.
I doubt we can save them.
Looks like we were too late.
All ships of the first attack squadron!
The patrol ship is doomed.
Concentrate on protecting the Calikes!
Roger!
They're emitting distress signals.
Calikes aren't even attack vessels.
But the mines are just machines.
They can't hear people scream.
That's all very well...
...but the United Mankind...
...doesn't even consider us Abh to be human.
But I can hear them.
The voices of the dying.
The human voices.
All ships of the first attack squadron!
Defending this region is not our responsibility.
We're retreating.
But what about the Calikes?
We'll leave that up to the guard ships.
Understood.
The guard ships?
It's too dangerous.
I'm sure they know that.
Pray for them.
But...
I suppose.
We're on a battlefield here.
Is the support given by the attack ships working out?
It's having some effect.
Anyway, if we can launch our mines...
...we can keep the enemy mines at bay and even force them to retreat.
It's not exactly a speedy solution.
What are you going to do, Nereis?
I'm surprised you haven't got any suggestions, Nefee.
Why don't we pull back the attack vessels...
...and bring the guard ships forward?
Tell the guard ships to get rid of...
...anything that looks suspicious...
...while keeping the assault ships close.
Once the enemy attacks...
...it will be the guard ships that are in trouble.
All right. Seems ordinary.
I always find your praise very comforting, brother.
Well, issue the orders.
Right away.
The port side armor has been hit badly!
All damaged sectors sealed!
The pressure leak has been stopped.
We have one wounded in the engine room!
Wh-Who is it?
Mento Kran!
Paveryua!
The engine output's been decreasing!
It was that barrage!
Give us another twenty seconds!
Okay!
How's Kran doing?
He's the one doing the repairs!
Don't worry. He's invincible!
Good.
Engine output has recovered to 0.95!
Over to you, Line Wing Aviator!
We're back up, Captain!
Good work.
What's going on with our mine counterattack?
Port side temperature is rising!
That explosion came pretty close!
No damage to the armor!
I wish they'd cut it out!
I've kept you waiting, Nereis.
The frontline ships are ready.
Launch immediately.
Let's push those enemy mines.
Captain! Three enemy mines approaching!
Mines from our side will soon retaliate!
We're almost out of danger.
Concentrate!
Mines from starboard!
The Kidroil's coming in to our port side.
It looks like they're positioning to retaliate!
But Captain...
...there're three enemy mines coming directly behind them!
Do they know that?
Yes. They are firing at them.
Right!
Let's offer support!
Just two left!
Hurry up and finish the job!
The Princess.
So much for doing her a favor.
Did we get them?
Not yet!
Damage report!
Major damage to the starboard rear, and a wing has been sheared off.
Interior pressure is dropping fast!
Explosions reported in sectors 13 to 22.
Things are starting to explode!
Oh, no!
Temperature in the engine room is rising!
The output is down to 0.1!
Now, to 0.05!
Captain!
More mines directly ahead!
Shoot them down!
We can't!
The cannons are out!
Message from Command.
Our mines are on their way.
They can distinguish us from the enemy, but be careful!
They're here!
Our mines!
They are almost like...
...the souls.
Finally.
Yes.
We can buy a little time now.
I'm sure the guard ships are relieved.
But we did take quite a lot of hits.
And to think the enemy's main fleet is still in that region.
Why don't we...
...just make our way through that gate into Plane Space...
...and let our fleets battle it out to the very end.
That's stupid.
If we do that we'll certainly be wiped out.
Maybe I'm starting to show signs of the famous...
...Spectacular Insanity of the Bebaus family.
This battlefield has already taken countless lives.
But...
But we've still to catch sight of the enemy fleet!
The real battle...
...hasn't begun yet.
Arrival of the main fleet... five hours to go.
Kizukanai koto 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 kimochi ga This tense feeling
massugu ni muite ireba As long as I keep 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 linked hands and our finger tips
karadajuu no omoi binetsu tsutawatte My body heat transmits the feelings inside
tomerarenai And I cannot stop it
Commander!
My ship can still fight!
This is the battle you've all been waiting for!
Ship's temperature rising! A danger of armor meltdown!
Lafiel! We're too far away!
Now it's four against four.
I've never...
...I've never lost in jousting!
Next Episode... The Flaming Battlefield