In every age,
in every place,
In every age,
the deeds of men
in every place,
In every age,
remain the same.
the deeds of men
in every place,
In every age,
At last, one of the POWs confessed.
Yang Wen-li was absent in order to confuse us.
As we thought, his superiors told him to say that
It figures.
didn't we, Your Excellency?
We very nearly fell for it,
Is that really so?
It's strange that he'd set a trap like this.
the fortress is so unexpected as to be implausible.
First of all, this story that Yang Wen-li's not in
to be intentional misinformation.
It's too out of the blue
That's true.
it's too reactive and roundabout.
Besides, with a man like Yang in command,
Then...
Maybe Yang really isn't there.
trick us when the information got leaked.
Maybe they wanted us to think it was a trap to
But...
There's no proof, but...
around the entire corridor!
Deploy a search and warning network
Your Excellency!
Yang Wen-li's not in the fortress!
We'll wait for his return and then take him prisoner.
but the Alliance military itself will collapse,
If we do that, not only Iserlohn,
and ultimate victory will return to our hands!
What? 3,000 ships?!
Yes.
By Deputy Commander Müller's orders,
in the direction of the Alliance.
they've been distributed across the corridor
What's gotten into Müller now?
went to Iserlohn for a POW exchange,
Last year, the late Siegfried Kircheis
he revealed something to me.
but after he returned,
he didn't look like a valiant soldier at all.
He said the first time he saw Yang Wen-li in person,
And in that, he said, lay his fearsomeness.
So?
Yang Wen-li isn't in the fortress.
A dying POW told us that
I don't know why,
he'll no doubt race back here!
but when he learns of our army's attack,
it will be a fatal blow to the Alliance military.
If we attack and capture him,
what kind of tricks Yang might use?
Wasn't it you who said we don't know
strategic point for the Alliance.
Iserlohn is the most important
Why would its commander be away from his post?
he's not in the fortress, and divide our forces.
It must be a plot to make us think
their original positions at once!
Return those soldiers to
as reserve firepower!
Your troop strength is extremely valuable
Your Excellency!
What am I going to do, Chief of Staff?
I understand how you feel.
but you're the deputy commander.
I supported Your Excellency's idea,
obey the commander-in-chief's directive.
Rather than having your own way, you have to
You're correct.
the commander-in-chief.
The deputy commander must obey
Very well, my previous order is belayed!
Reuenthal! Mittermeyer!
Sir!
and depart for the Iserlohn Corridor at once
You will each take all fleets under your command
to rendezvous with Kempff and Müller.
Y-yes, sir...
With respect, we accept your order, but...
If we leave now,
and think that we're usurping his achievements?
won't Admiral Kempff misunderstand
There's no need for you to worry about that.
may not be achieving much of anything.
First of all, it's possible that Kempff
Yes, sir!
Don't recklessly expand our battle front.
Aside from that, I'll trust you to do as you see fit.
What's Duke Lohengramm intending?
there are plenty of reasons for us to go.
If the battle's deadlocked,
there's no need for us to go.
But if Kempff's winning,
in our going at this time.
And if he loses, there's no point
an order from the prime minister.
Either way, we've accepted
Let's do our best.
we can and fight when the situation demands it.
For now, we'll get to the battlefield as soon as
Let's plot our next move once we're there.
You're right.
we'll defend him as he's being pursued.
For the time being, if Kempff is beaten,
wouldn't be to your liking.
I had a feeling that Admiral Kempff's report
I thought Kempff would do a little more,
is about his limit.
but it seems causing the enemy grief
The objective is to neutralize Iserlohn.
There's no need at all to capture or occupy it.
If I might make a radical suggestion,
by smashing his fortress into theirs.
maybe he should have just destroyed it
using Geiersburg as his base
Except, Admiral Kempff is
the enemy to a head-on battle.
and saw meaning in challenging
That's why I'm saying he's limited.
to be the person in charge can't avoid blame.
On that point, the person who selected Kempff
I'm considering that I made a mistake.
As it was I who recommended him,
Well, how admirable of you.
But ultimately, it was I who chose him.
Besides, if we get right down to it,
for coming up with a useless plan.
it's that man Schaft's fault
If it were just futile, I wouldn't mind,
and I don't know how to deal with it.
but it's now a thorn in my side
by force of arms alone.
However, it's difficult to take the universe
No matter how foul they might be,
as many pawns as possible.
I think it's best to set up
Don't misunderstand, Oberstein.
I want to seize it.
I don't want to steal the universe;
As you wish.
We don't have much time.
Meaning what?
the battle lines have reached a stalemate,
Once Duke Lohengramm knows
he'll definitely dispatch reinforcements.
Iserlohn Fortress before the reinforcements arrive,
If we don't retake the space around
our chances of winning are practically zero.
So, time's been on our side, but now it won't be?
Right.
Even so, it's lucky that they're holding out.
If you were the enemy commander,
captured Iserlohn long ago.
you probably would have
I'd probably smash one fortress into the other.
Yeah, if it were me,
One big bang as they crashed together.
That would end it.
transport another fortress there.
After that, you could just
That's a pretty extreme method, isn't it?
But effective, right?
couldn't change his mindset.
Anyway, it looks like the Imperial commander
there would have been no way to stop it.
If they'd tried that trick right off the bat,
there's still one way we could counter it.
But if they try it now,
Now, don't get so excited, Commissioner.
but I can't stay calm!
Easy for you to say, Counselor,
from Iserlohn and held an inquiry!
On your advice, we recalled Admiral Yang
And then what happened?!
to massively violate our border!
The Empire took advantage of his absence
Suspiciously good timing, wouldn't you say?!
these circumstances in detail!
I demand that you explain
Your tea's getting cold.
To hell with the tea!
We took your advice, and now...
It was unreasonable advice, wasn't it?
What?!
I said, it was unreasonable.
Uh...
Admiral Yang to an inquiry.
I had no right to tell you to subject
It's interference in your internal affairs.
and the right to refuse.
I think you had both a good reason
That's-
You didn't exercise that right.
and you voluntarily accepted them.
We raised objections as we pleased,
you argue that Fezzan is entirely responsible?
And yet, now, Commissioner,
But if I'd refused then,
never have had Fezzan's goodwill again!
the Free Planets Alliance would
it wasn't unreasonable of me to think that.
From your attitude at the time,
Well, dwelling on the past will get us nowhere.
The question is, what's to come?
What do you plan to do, Commissioner?
What's to come?
Oh, dear, you haven't thought about it at all?
I don't know what to say.
It's of genuine concern to Fezzan.
or the future Yang administration,
The present Trunicht administration
which do we ally ourselves with?
The future Yang administration?!
That's absurd!
Pardon me, but that can't happen!
It absolutely can't!
My, aren't you full of confidence?
foresee three years ago
Then may I ask, did any of you
that the young Reinhard von Lohengramm
Galactic Empire in the near future?
would rise to be ruler of the
Well, that's...
and fate full of caprice.
History is rich with possibilities,
It's how things are.
of prior investment, Commissioner.
I think you should consider the necessity
The present is important, of course,
being a result of the past,
but more than the present
that the present is the cause of the future to come.
people need to give more consideration to the fact
Enemy detected, bearing: 11 o'clock!
Number: approximately 50!
We believe it's an enemy patrol group!
We've been spotted.
Now we can't launch a sneak attack.
Huh? A sneak attack?
I never intended to do anything like that.
Imperial military has spotted us.
The truth is, I'm relieved the
commander is forced to make a choice.
Basically, by spotting us, the Imperial
and turn his back to our attack?
Does he continue his attack on Iserlohn Fortress
and try to keep Iserlohn at his back?
Or conversely does he attack us
and adopt a two-front strategy?
Does he divide his forces
to crush us in turn?
Wager that he can use the time lag
Or see he has no chance of victory and retreat?
Well, he's cornered.
That alone puts us at an advantage.
For my part, I'm really hoping he picks option five.
and most importantly, it's the easiest.
That way nobody gets hurt,
That's a good one!
That's funny...
We'll use these enemy reinforcements, instead.
from Iserlohn Fortress entirely.
First, we'll retreat at high speed
When the Alliance military in the fortress sees that,
because reinforcements have come,
they will think we're retreating
to launch a pincer attack.
and then use the opportunity
That's when we'll reverse course and hit them.
reinforcements are a trick of ours
They will then think the arriving
and try to withdraw back into the fortress.
Once we've bottled up the fortress' garrison fleet,
and crush the Alliance reinforcements.
we again reverse course
by using the time lag.
It's a tactic for crushing each in turn
It's an excellent plan,
there's a danger of being caught in a pincer attack.
but with no margin for error in the timing,
individually is correct,
I think your policy of attacking them
to strike the reinforcements
so why not use our fleet
to hold Iserlohn in check?
while leaving Geiersburg Fortress behind
You have a point.
Very well, we'll modify one part of the plan.
Enemy fleet: retreating!
What about Geiersburg?
It hasn't moved. Range: 600,000 kilometers.
Have reinforcements come?
in order to lure us out.
They might be trying to make us think that
You mean it's a trap?
What do you think, kid?
It might be both.
Both?
Right, reinforcements are definitely approaching,
might instead be trying to use it as a trap, right?
and the Imperial forces, knowing this,
So?
have come and then fall under full scale attack,
If we launch the fleet, thinking reinforcements
and withdraw, wouldn't we?
we would think it's a trap
So, they bottle up our fleet here,
with their full strength.
then counterattack the reinforcements
That's what I think.
Why do you think so, Julian?
are too unnatural.
The movements of the Imperial military
only basis for your conclusion?
That's true, but is that the
Well, let me put it this way.
what's their objective?
If they're trying to lure our fleet out,
Deploy an ambush force to hit our fleet?
and infiltrate the fortress?
Or nip at our fleet on its return
Which is it?
sticking to our defense and won't sortie far,
But the enemy must know that we're
defensive mentality to bottle us up in here.
so instead they'd probably use our
That would be a very sound plan, after all.
I see.
before the kid was my or Poplin's pupil,
It's very clear to me now that,
he was Admiral Yang's top student.
Admiral Merkatz, what do you think?
the decision isn't that complicated.
If that's the case,
We should pretend that they've bottled us up.
we charge in and hit them from the rear.
Then, when they reverse course,
it will develop into an ideal pincer attack.
If we synch up with the reinforcements,
Understood.
I'd like you to take command of the fleet, Admiral.
Agreed.
on the battleship Hyperion, on the bridge.
Oh, yes, I'd like to take Julian along with me
Yes, sir!
is deploying from Iserlohn.
The enemy garrison fleet
then attack immediately!
Good! All ships, reverse course at once,
The Imperial fleet is closing rapidly.
Withdraw, but not too quickly.
Aye, sir.
The enemy fleet is retreating.
Good! Force them back in one stroke!
Don't get within range of the fortress' gun.
firing range of the main gun.
The Imperial fleet isn't coming within
As expected.
then stand by in the liquid metal.
We'll make it look like we're returning to Iserlohn,
Good! Reverse course again!
of the fortress' sensor range,
We'll rendezvous outside
and strike the enemy reinforcements!
then proceed toward Alliance space
Enemy fleet ahead: bearing 11:30.
Number: approximately 12,000!
Okay, will our people move to help us?
we won't stand a chance.
Unless they do, with our 5,000 ships,
They have the veteran Admiral Merkatz with them.
what I've taught you?
And Julian, do you remember
If he does, then...
No, wait...
I thought I didn't want Julian to be a soldier.
Now I'm being a little selfish.
Enemy coming into firing range!
Okay, just follow the plan.
All ships, fall back!
Maintain a relative velocity of zero with the enemy!
The enemy is continuing to retreat.
for the last five minutes.
Our relative distance hasn't decreased
has assumed a deep defensive formation
It's not possible that the enemy
that they're luring us into, is it?
The probability is extremely low, sir.
Then their intent is to buy time.
allied fleet to leave the fortress.
They must be waiting for their
Slippery bastards! I won't play their game!
All ships, flank speed!
Enemy fleet accelerating!
The enemy is coming into firing range!
Right! Fire!
Sir!
Take formation D.
Formation D!
Of all the impudence!
Smash through their center, then come about!
from outside their formation!
We'll do a reverse encirclement
Your Excellency, that's impossible!
What?!
navigable areas of the corridor.
The enemy is utilizing all of the
if we leave the confines of their formation.
Our ships won't survive
Twice their ships, but we can't make a move?!
Enemy attack to aft!
What?!
Bearing: zenith!
Got 'em!
How could they have redeployed so quickly?!
We were tricked!
They never returned to the fortress!
Our rear guard is being wiped out.
Send our heavily armored ships to the fore!
Don't make a chaotic retreat!
make sure to not form any gaps in the line!
As damaged ships inside the formation fall back,
Rear Admiral Patricken has been killed!
Don't retreat!
crushing the enemies to the fore,
We'll break through the rear,
and then surge into Alliance space!
corridor breakthrough they call impossible,
If we do that, we'll achieve the
and then all of space will be ours!
Formation E.
Eichendorff Fleet wiped out!
a breakthrough now is impossible.
Your Excellency,
All that awaits us is death or capture.
Much as it pains me to say this, we must retreat.
Yes! There's always that!
What, sir?
Geiersburg!
into Iserlohn Fortress!
We'll smash the huge useless thing
withstand it if we do that!
Even Iserlohn Fortress can't
We've lost the fleet battle, but not everything!
All ships, come about!
through the enemy to our rear!
Take a dense formation and force our way
Retreat to Geiersburg Fortress!
toward the galactic plane.
Enemy fleet changing course rapidly downward,
Don't waste time trying to stop them.
Admiral Yang has priority.
Right now, rendezvous with
just letting the enemy pass through?
Admiral Yang, why are our allies
If we pursue them now,
and wipe the enemy out!
we can act in concert with our allies
I'd like you to give the order to attack!
No, it's all right.
We need the enemy to retreat to the fortress.
Sir, you're naive!
we're just going to regret it later!
If we don't hit the enemy while we can,
I have an idea.
This is fine for now.
All right! We did it!
Admiral Merkatz, I can't thank you enough.
the most distinguished service.
Let me introduce the one who offered
Admiral Yang, welcome back.
Julian?!
Geiersburg Fortress is moving!
It's headed for Iserlohn Fortress!
I think... I think they plan to ram it!
He finally figured it out, but it's too late.
All ships,
prepare escape shuttles for launch and stand by!
Hurry! Move it!
Thor's Hammer, ready to fire!
No! It's too close!
Yang!
Our guns will be useless against the fortress itself.
Target the engines in operation.
left edge relative to direction of motion.
All ships, concentrate fire on the
Fire!
All ships, withdraw!
It's no use!
Run!
Now!
Fire!
Did you see that?! Admiral Yang's magic!
How about that?!
All hands, evacuate.
Your Excellency, what about you?
I'm done for.
Look...
Your Excellency!
Don't leave!
It's an emergency launch! Don't interfere!
Wait, let me on!
Don't leave me!
I said, get away!
Your Excellency!
Hurry, get a doctor!
How long for a full recovery?
You're immortal, Deputy Commander, aren't you?
Nice line, write that on my tombstone.
So, how long till a full recovery?
You have six broken ribs; three months.
I see...
Get him to sick bay, at once!
No, treat me here!
Y-yes, sir.
What happened to Commandant Kempff?
He's dead.
Dead?!
There's a message from Commandant Kempff.
His last words to me were "Tell Müller I'm sorry."
Great god Odin, bear witness!
I swear, I'll avenge Admiral Kempff!
I'll wring Yang Wen-li's neck with my own hands!
Not now, I haven't the strength.
He has too much of an advantage.
But wait and see!
No matter how many years it takes...
Drewentz!
Sir!
never mind a screen, just send it voice-only.
Ready a communication-
but your commanders are still alive,
Our force is defeated,
all you soldiers safely home.
and they promise to bring
maintaining our pride and discipline!
So, let us return with firm resolve,
You said somebody went after the enemy?
Rear Admiral Nguyen's fleets,
Yes, Rear Admiral Alarcon's and
about 5,000 ships in all,
after the retreating enemy.
went into Imperial territory
I don't believe this!
All ships, get after them, at once!
it will be dangerous!
If we don't bring them back right away,
Aye, sir!
Right!
The Return
NEXT EPISODE
pursue the fleeing Imperials
Before the Alliance forces as they
Reuenthal to block their way.
are the fleets of Mittermeyer and
As they do so, a new plot is hatched in Fezzan.
Next time, on Legend of the Galactic Heroes,
"Decisions & Ambitions"
Episode 35:
Another page turns in the history of the galaxy.
Decisions & Ambitions
Next Legend of the Galactic Heroes