Well.
An Abh cat with a good pedigree.
A Kutirowaru?
Let me give you some advice.
If you're going to keep him onboard...
...you should have a transmitter on his collar.
That is, if you don't want him...
...to suffer anything traumatic in the event of a pressure leak.
Nice and meaty!
Hey, kid.
You're the supply officer, aren't you?
Now, bringing a cat like this onboard...
...we have an excellent officer here!
The senior aviator told me.
I think you'll find this will help.
This?
It's a transmitter.
I don't know what to say about your lack of sense.
We're going into battle soon.
Don't you think it's unfair having him here?
But what can I do?
The Basroil's my home.
The Shapes of Bonds
Are you still alive, Jinto?
You know...
...you look like a fool even when you're asleep.
Wouldn't "unconscious" be a better way to describe it?
I was dreaming of everyone.
And the body of Klasbul was lying in his coffin.
I never imagined I'd experience being a corpse while still alive.
Does it still hurt?
It's just a scratch.
It's humiliating.
To ride a ship with no exterior area sensors or guhakes.
This is not a ship.
It's a coffin.
C- O-F-F-l-N.
It's cramped in here. I suddenly feel annoyed by you.
- Stay away from me. - Ouch!
Be careful. I'm injured.
I thought it was a scratch.
Jinto.
Yeah?
Forgive me.
For what?
You are...
...an honorable man.
What is it, Jinto?
Uh, nothing.
This emergency pod is more comfortable than the coffin.
But it only gives us twenty-four hours.
I'm sure Sobaash will have rescued us before then.
Of course she will!
Why are you so angry?
I'm not angry.
What's so funny?
Nothing. When you get angry like that...
...I feel kind of relieved. I wonder why.
Can I pick him up?
He looks like he needs exercise.
Oh, sure. Guess I've been a neglectful owner.
Tell that to the cat.
He's fine. He neglects me as well, so we've got a lot in common.
I see.
He'll come back.
I guess I've got nowhere I can call home now.
Jinto.
O Stars, listen to our plea as our lives are but short.
Our wish...
...is that you will guide us to you when we meet our end.
It's strange.
It almost feels like nothing matters anymore.
Maybe it's because I'm with you.
You fool.
I wonder who...
...I really am.
And then...
...we were rescued...
...twelve hours after the Basroil was destroyed.
How was your bath?
It wasn't too bad.
Although the water splashed on my face at every shot.
Any change in the situation?
Nothing, really.
Except that the enemy retreated.
And it appears that the main fleet has arrived.
What did you say?
Why didn't you inform me of something so important?
Even as a kid, you'd get upset if your bath was disturbed.
Only if I was disturbed for no reason.
It's different when there's something important going on.
I'll remember that.
But it wouldn't have meant anything even if I did tell you.
As commander-in-chief, I'll decide that.
Now, let's go after the enemy!
I figured that's what you'd say.
That's why I didn't tell you.
What?
Our fleet is in really bad shape.
If we go after them now, we'll just end up getting routed.
That wouldn't happen...
All right. You win this time, Nefee.
It's not a matter of win or lose.
We have to regroup...
...and hope that the main fleet is victorious over the enemy.
That's all we can do?
What're you talking about?
It's not an easy task.
Although we, the staff, are the ones who do the actual work.
By the way, Nereis...
What now?
You might as well go back to your bath.
Enemy one has now achieved space-time fusion!
Prepare the electromagnetic cannons!
Enemy detected!
Cannons ready!
Armor damaged! Sectors 4, 11, 15!
Pressure leak!
Jettison the armor!
That's just like Beneej.
She's taken a merciless and devastating tactic.
Rather crude, even for an Abriel.
Whatever she may be, her fighting style is crude and overly violent.
But her strategy is proving to be extremely effective.
Do me a favor.
Please avoid giving any praise to the head of the Spoor family...
...within the range of my senses.
It's not really praise.
Merely a realistic observation.
We've got the enemy in disarray as a result.
Even our side is in disarray.
We're passing through the rear of the enemy formation now.
Maybe we went too quickly.
Huh?
She regrets it.
Yes.
Most of our squadrons will reach the rear of the enemy fleet shortly.
But only two squadrons have managed to keep pace with us.
Maybe we should take a little break?
I think it would be prudent to do that.
Then let's do that.
Inform all of my ships.
Put their space-time bubbles into stationary mode.
However...
...should a situation arise where it is necessary to move...
...give them permission to mobilize their space-time bubbles.
Understood, ma'am.
It's a good thing the enemy has used up their supply of mines.
They must've been very confident that they would capture Aptic.
That's probably not the only reason.
They were probably confident in their new fleet formations.
That may be so.
Contact the ships in the Assault Vessel Mudoto Contingent.
Tell them to pull out of the battlefield immediately.
Their losses are too great.
Yes, sir.
The same goes for Konaseeru and Garikoosh.
That means eleven squadrons will have been withdrawn.
I was prepared for some losses. But this is terrible.
I'm afraid it is terrible.
Actually, Your Highness...
I think you're doing rather well.
Although they had more ships, we've controlled the battlefield.
I wonder about that.
If those other two fleets were to arrive soon...
...our situation would improve considerably.
You mean Admiral Rulef's Second Fleet...
...and Admiral Kotoponi's Fourth Fleet?
I wonder what those two are doing.
What do you mean?
They're advancing as fast as physics will allow them.
It seems like they're advancing as quickly as possible.
I sometimes despise physics.
Oh, Your Highness...
As your loyal chief of staff...
...I suppose I'm to ignore that last comment?
Yes.
I don't know exactly to whom you are loyal.
But if you could ignore that comment, I'd appreciate it.
I apologize for venting my petty complaints.
Not at all.
Commander!
There's a message from the Second Fleet!
It's Admiral Rulef!
Distance to the enemy front one hundred wesdaj!
The First Fleet has stopped advancing...
...and now appears to be gathering its forces.
We've made it in time!
The enemy appears to be in disarray.
All right.
All ships! Prepare to launch mines!
We've got to make up for lost time!
All ships ready to launch mines!
After deploying their mines...
...all ships are to advance in individual space-time bubbles.
Yes, sir!
All right!
All mobile space-time mines! Fire!
The Second Fleet is attacking the enemy!
Our break is over!
Notify all ships!
Mobilize their individual space-time bubbles!
Heading on a course of 270!
Continuously transmit the message to follow me!
Can't wait to bully these weaklings around!
It's not exactly my idea of fun.
She couldn't be?...
It's a little bit old-fashioned but it seems so refreshing.
She couldn't possibly say that!
Now!
You lousy pigs and mud turtles!
Prepare to meet your doom!
The Lashkau has entered space-time fusion!
The Seventh Attack Vessel Squadron! Space-time fusion!
Fire the electromagnetic cannon!
Second Squadron Kuryuders! Spread out!
Roger!
Leikross! Attack from the right side!
Coming about 180 degrees!
Prepare to fire the anti-proton cannon!
Anti-proton cannon ready!
Enemy three and enemy nine are separating!
Don't let them get away!
Space-time bubbles approaching ahead to port!
It's the Fourth Fleet!
Enemy nine destroyed!
Fire the electromagnetic cannon continuously.
In addition to the Fourth Fleet... other squadrons are now engaged!
We now have an overwhelming advantage.
Now we will surely win.
I think so.
It appears the enemy is retreating into the Wimpel region.
What would you like to do now?
When the enemy has withdrawn into Wimpel...
...we will seal them off with front line ships.
Then, once we've established control of Aptic...
...Mystel and Dalmav...
...we'll move on and take Neopol and Malskuty.
And you plan to cut off any remaining enemy forces?
We'll let the Fifth Fleet handle that.
Then we'll be free to take over more enemy territories.
Understood.
But there's just one problem remaining.
And what's that?
I still don't know which one.
Was it Nereis or was it Nefee?
Which was it?
Your Highness!
Don't tell me...
...that it was both of them.
Or perhaps you don't know which one it was.
Your Highness...
I have devoted half my life to the Star Forces.
If there's anybody who doubts your loyalty, bring them here.
I'd be perfectly happy to convince them otherwise.
And I have the deepest love and respect for the Imperial Family.
That's very nice to hear.
So, I ask...
...that you understand that it is difficult for me to say this to you...
...the commanding admiral of the Star Forces and heir to the throne.
Yes?
Just shut up!
Imperial Calendar Year 955, Month of Roswik, Day 23
Battle of Aptic Gate Ends
8779 Star Forces Vessels Destroyed
211,055 Killed in Action
The Government of the Aptic System Announces its Surrender
Vobeirunei Deity Ministry
Vobeirunei Deity Ministry It looks like I can get someone to look after Diaho at the Clyuve Palace.
It looks like I can get someone to look after Diaho at the Clyuve Palace.
I thought he was a pretty friendly cat...
...but he simply has no will to do anything.
Oh, really?
I always wondered why you two were so alike.
Communication Ship Boorool Now I think I understand why.
Communication Ship Boorool
Don't say that.
The docking is now complete.
All personnel are requested to prepare to embark.
All right. Let's go.
You've made proper arrangements to send Diaho back to the capital?
Of course!
But I figured Ekuryua would want to say goodbye to him.
Trust me.
I'll send him away after we've finished the trials.
I'm not going to forget and leave him on the ship.
Just make sure you don't.
Understood?
Okay.
He'll probably forget about me in no time.
I don't think we should expect a cat to remember us.
Good advice.
When you think about it...
...in the time we spent on the Basroil...
...the only thing we fought over was Diaho.
It's weird to say this when we're in the middle of a war.
But things seem peaceful.
That's only how you feel.
And you say we fought over Diaho...
...but you never insisted that we should keep him onboard.
I suppose that's true.
I mean, I did think about saying something...
...but it didn't seem appropriate in the middle of a war.
Fool.
By the way, did you hear the rumor about the new ships?
Heavy attack vessels.
I heard it was light patrol ships.
Then maybe it's something in between.
I wonder why they're deploying such awkward ships.
Perhaps it's the attack vessels that are awkward.
Maybe there's no longer any need for attack vessels.
But I...
Is that the new Basroil?
It's the same as the last one.
It's the same design. What did you expect?
Did you have a reason for changing the subject?
Huh?
Uh, I thought that if the ship was big enough, I could keep the cat.
You fool.
This inexperienced battleship...
...was famous for a peculiar reason.
It was because two officers were members of the nobility.
One of them was our captain, Abriel Nei Dubrusk Paryunu Lafiel.
Or, Deca-Commander Abriel.
Princess of one of the Royal Families of the Humankind Empire Abh.
The other was me...
...Count Jinto of the Lin Syune Rock Hyde family.
This small ship was the only place I could call home.
And, if truth be told, it was the only place where I felt I belonged.
Captain. Supply Officer Lin.
Welcome back.
Captain, I would like to return this to you.
Thank you.
This time I intend to fight better.
I'll be counting on you again.
Now! Let's prepare for departure!
I'm the Empire's Deputy Representative?
It's an order.
You have no choice.
The Aptic Planetary System and territories of the United Mankind...
...shall become a part of the Humankind Empire Abh...
...and shall fall under the laws of the Empire as subject territories.
If the Empire makes any demands exceeding its own laws...
Well, I didn't realize that...
...such famous people were under my command.
When you have some time...
...tell me the secret of how you can be so ignorant about your fleet.
Wasn't that Count Hyde...
...the same one who conquered some world with the Princess?
"Conquered"?
I heard he was able to conquer a whole planet...
...armed only with a laser gun.
Hey, Nereis...
...is there a problem with your information...
...or with your memory?
I think you're pretty far off the truth here.
Who cares about the truth?
I always find made-up stories far more interesting.
You could be right.
But it's that attitude that brings our reputation down.
Do you intend to take any action whatsoever...
...to achieve independence from the Empire?
No...
...but I might permit myself to imagine it once in a while.
Or is that forbidden?
Depressurization complete.
Release the locks on the gates!
So.
You've been released from your duties as Territorial Ambassador?
It's a shame.
You're lucky you can continue to take part in the battle operations.
We, on the other hand...
...have to complete the trials on our new ship before we join you.
Don't rush into it.
The battles will continue for much longer.
There'll be other opportunities for us to fight alongside each other.
By that time...
...I might be fighting under your command!
Commander...
I wish you luck, Deca-Commander Abriel.
And the next time we fight together...
...let's empty that bottle of wine.
Gates are fully open!
Request permission to depart.
Senior Aviator, do you care for a drink?
A little something to celebrate our survival?
That would be nice, Line Wing Aviator.
But this time...
...try not to pass out on me.
Forcing that medicine down your throat...
...isn't something I want to do again.
I'll be fine!
What about the cat?
I can't bring him along this time.
So this will be the last trip.
Play with him if you like.
It was strongly suggested that going into battle...
...with a cat on board wasn't really a good idea.
I hope you're not trying to blame me for this.
Of course not!
But...
I, uh...
What can I say?
I wonder who I am.
I still can't find the answer to that.
But Lafiel...
...there's something else I need to find now.
What you told me then...
...I haven't responded to yet.
But you know what, Lafiel?
I'll be sure to find those words.
The things I want to tell you.
Until then, I'd like you to stick around.
Until the day that I can respond to you.
All engines normal.
Onboard environment normal.
We've been cleared for departure from Vobeirunei traffic control.
Preparations for departure are complete!
Main engine ignition!
The attack vessel Basroil.
Daisiele!
Banner of the Stars
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
Are you all right, Jinto?
I was okay until just now.
But I can't say for sure anymore.
You fool. Would you have preferred that I didn't come?
Of course not.
Thank you. If you hadn't come, I'd be dead.
What is it with you and your fascination with vacuums?
Give me a break.
I hate vacuums.
I mean, Landers like me...
...have this idea that vacuums aren't very good for you.
Maybe that's just a superstition.
You once said...
...that you didn't think anyone would miss you...
...or grieve over your passing.
What?
Yeah...
If you were to die...
...I would be saddened.
Is that insufficient?
O Stars, listen to our plea as our lives are but short. Our wish is that you will guide us to you when we meet our end.
From the National Anthem of the Humankind Empire Abh.