It would have been better if you were never born.
if I hadn't been born.
Yes, it would have been better
But since I was born, I may as well do all I can.
Your Excellency...
Oh, dear, was I sleeping?
when you were fatigued.
My apologies for disturbing you
both send their requests for a meeting.
Admirals Lennenkampf and Lutz
Yes, let them both through to the meeting room.
Sir.
Bergengrün?
Sir?
Did I say anything?
No, nothing at all.
Is something wrong?
No, it's nothing.
What are you saying, sir?
We're abandoning Iserlohn Fortress.
It's not that I object to your intentions,
explain your reasoning somewhat, sir?
but could you possibly
Iserlohn Fortress only has a reason for existing
both ends of the corridor.
when it's able to exert control over
have broken through the Fezzan Corridor,
But now that the Imperial forces
than ever before,
it will inevitably become more isolated
made powerless without even fighting.
and the garrison fleet will be
but that only applies when talking tactics,
Iserlohn Fortress is called impregnable,
has been obliterated.
and at this time its strategic value
Duke Lohengramm's genius when it comes to war,
Well, we can attribute that to
but for now, we need to at least pick a strategy
our military force as a stationed fleet.
that will allow us to make use of
and fight to the bitter end,
But can't we shut ourselves up in Iserlohn
to negotiate a peace?
then use the fruits of that battle
will be the return of Iserlohn Fortress, right?
One of the demands for that peace
if we give it back before that, right?
So as such, it's not a huge difference
to the enemy is certainly regrettable, isn't it?
Still, to return something we once won
for the Imperial forces
Wouldn't you say it was more regrettable
after spending so much money and effort
to see a fortress they finally finished
be stolen by someone else?
a psychological effect, right?
Still, there's bound to be
and abandons Iserlohn Fortress,
If Admiral Yang is driven out by the Imperial forces
the citizens of the Alliance.
it will be quite a shock for
without even a battle,
They'll be tormented by a sense of defeat
and they may even lose their fighting spirit.
will become absolutely doubtful.
In that case, a rematch some day in the future
What are your thoughts on this matter?
There's certainly some truth to that.
my responsibility doesn't extend that far.
However, to be honest,
massive army with just a single fleet.
I need to take on the Empire's
I have my hands full just thinking about that.
I agree with the Chief of Staff's views.
to get off their asses, go red in the face,
Isn't it better to wait for the big shots
and come save them?
and yell for us to abandon Iserlohn
They're an ungrateful bunch,
they know down to their bones
but that will finally ensure
just how thankful they should be for the admiral.
By then, it would be too late.
to beat the Imperial forces.
We would end up losing our chance
Our "chance to beat" them?
So you think that we can win, then?
I understand what you wish to say, Commodore.
position strategically,
We're in a very disadvantageous
that a victory at the tactical level
and it's military common sense
cannot compensate for a loss at the strategic level.
to try to turn things around.
But this time, there's a single chance
And that is?
Duke Lohengramm is single.
That's going to be our aim right now.
I see...
territory without facing any resistance, then?
So Mittermeyer has managed to invade Alliance
Just as expected.
in the Iserlohn area?
By the way, what is the state of the war
so I believe there may be some inaccuracies,
This information comes by way of Odin,
but it seems to still be at a stalemate.
contrived to discard Iserlohn.
But Yang Wen-li has already
He should be making a move soon.
Your Excellency?
Is he truly going to abandon the fortress,
the anger of the Alliance government,
Wouldn't doing such a thing earn him
as well as making him a target for punishment?
then who will command the Yang Fleet?
If they punish him,
the Alliance a chance to emerge victorious.
Also, it's the only method that provides
wouldn't be an issue.
Abandoning the fortress before victory
to emerge victorious?
The only method for the Alliance
Don't you understand?
I mean defeating me on the field of battle.
That wasn't like you.
something you wanted to say.
You seemed to be holding in
big wigs in the government do,
I was just thinking, what will those
with Heinessen isn't possible?
now that they know peace
My conclusion is that they'd abandon the citizens,
in the impregnable Iserlohn.
and then just hole up with their families
What do you think?
who would forget their duty to the citizens,
There should be a fitting punishment for the sort
and plot only for their own safety.
when they come running,
We could do a big roundup
hand them over to Duke Lohengramm,
for the crime of betraying their people.
then have them punished
both in name and in substance.
After that, you could stand at the top,
such a bad idea either, don't you think?
And the Republic of Iserlohn doesn't sound like
a sewage treatment plant.
I consider political power to be like
but I certainly don't want to get close to it.
Not having it can be a problem,
because we want to, are we?
We aren't the sort who get closer to things
It's strange to be pointing this out now,
because you wanted to, right?
but it's not as if you became a soldier
necessarily leads to becoming a dictator.
I don't think that being a soldier
But if that's the case,
good-for-nothing business as soon as I can.
it's all the more reason to want to get out of this
If it's the people that act as a dictator's support,
to be free are also the people.
then the ones to resist and demand
since I defected to this country,
It will soon be 30 years
but there's a question that I still can't answer.
desired not a democracy but a dictatorship,
That is to say, if the great majority of the people
then how should that paradox be dealt with?
I don't think anyone can answer that question.
since mankind discovered fire,
However, even though it's been a million years
even today, fire hasn't gone away.
since democracy came into existence.
It hasn't even been 2,000 years
I think it's still too soon to come to a conclusion.
A million years, huh?
there's some urgent business in front of me,
More importantly,
so I suppose I should take care of that first.
when we haven't finished making dinner, yet.
No point discussing tomorrow's breakfast
supplied the ingredients for the meal,
Even so, just because the other side
returning them is being a little too generous.
and return them when you don't.
Only borrow things when you need them,
What if you need it again?
Then we'll borrow it again.
In the meantime, we'll let the Empire hold on to it.
It's a shame we can't charge interest, though.
can't be borrowed so easily, you know.
Things like wives and fortresses
even if we asked them nicely.
I suppose they would obviously refuse,
Your only choice is to trick them.
one of the shining stars of the Imperial military.
Our opponent is Reuenthal,
Tricking him would be worth it.
If that fortress could be usurped using brute force,
five or six times already,
then it would have changed owners
who's in Iserlohn Fortress right now.
but the only one to manage that is the swindler
Even if you say so,
simply abandon the fortress of their own free will.
I'm hesitant to agree that the enemy will
it could serve our interests.
It's very likely that if they abandon the fortress,
wouldn't he obviously defend his post to the last?
In the first place, if he's a military man, then
That would be true if this was still the era
was the only route for military movements.
in which the Iserlohn Corridor
But now, the era has changed.
that simply clinging to the fortress
Yang Wen-li surely understands
won't be of any benefit to the war situation.
Even if the Alliance were to crumble,
as long as Iserlohn remains impregnable?
wouldn't Yang be able to hold on to his honor
then that's certainly how he'd think.
Yes, if Yang was like you,
to mount a grand offensive on the fortress,
Admiral Lennenkampf, I'd also like
then it only makes sense to obey, don't you agree?
but if the supreme commander says no,
It seems I've said too much.
I apologize for being impolite.
However, it's now time for the ripened fruit to fall.
It will become ours without any effort,
a need for unnecessary sacrifices.
so I don't believe there's
encircling them without taking any fire?
Then shall we confine ourselves to simply
No, that won't do either.
That would allow the enemy to bide their time.
Regardless of what they may be planning,
to give it their undivided attention.
we mustn't just allow them
In other words, attacks to harass them?
That's too blunt of a way to put it.
and leave nothing to chance.
Let us make all preparations,
Things have suddenly gotten busy.
Working overtime is against my principles.
Dispatch gunnery personnel to Turret 46.
Switch over to long range cannons
from outside the range of our main battery.
and respond to the enemy's bombardment
Send the 22nd Combat Engineer Battalion
I give you permission to sortie, Attenborough.
to the damaged points in Block E-639 for repairs.
I give you permission to sortie, Attenborough.
range of Thor's Hammer.
However, just drive them out of
to the damaged points in Block E-639 for repairs.
don't chase them too far, all right?
Even if the enemy eggs you on,
Roger.
Hey, do something about the enemy attacks.
while dealing with maintenance and replacements.
It's impossible to draft an escape plan
for the plan is changing moment by moment,
In the first place, the data that's the basis
and I need to think about changes in personnel.
This attack has been ongoing since yesterday,
one after another from overwork.
and people are collapsing
I just sent out the fleet; just hold on a little longer.
I'm counting on you.
is requesting an audience.
Sir, a delegation of civilians
Again?
complaint or problem, one-by-one?
God, do they need me to hear each and every
this work off onto someone else,
That's right, there's someone who's pushing
Send them his way.
all the while nonchalantly sipping his black tea.
a fierce attack like this going on?
Is escape even possible with
Why can't I ride on the ship with my family?!
The personal property limit is too small!
Is there any guarantee in regards to our safety?!
Oh, it's Admiral Yang!
Is there any guarantee in regards to our safety?!
Oh, it's Admiral Yang!
Miracle Yang!
Admiral!
Miracle Yang!
Admiral!
Magician Yang!
Ah, please stay calm, everyone.
There's no need to worry, and everything is fine.
I'll see you all safely to the capital without fail.
It's El Facil!
Right, it's El Facil!
It's the evacuation of El Facil all over again!
He succeeded that time too!
God, I'd like somebody to give me a guarantee.
Their expectations are already selfish,
in the shoes of the guy who has to do all this.
but they should try putting themselves
But still, this is just what I'd expect from Reuenthal.
he intends to interfere with the evacuation, too.
On top of having seen through our intentions,
Are you definitely on the list?
All ships, pull back.
Turning them back is plenty.
You absolutely mustn't chase them too far.
of the fortress' main battery.
Don't take even a single step outside the range
no matter how long we stay on the defensive.
Admiral, the situation won't change for the better,
and reduce the enemy's strength,
If we keep going like this
then it should prove beneficial for escaping.
Admiral!
Sir!
For now, return to the fortress.
Wait for me to get Commandant Yang's approval.
Dammit, even I want to fight.
the enemy back out of range, and morale is rising.
Commandant, as you ordered, we've driven
to part of the enemy fleet,
I'd like to sortie again and at least strike a blow
so may I have your permission?
Forget it.
so you shouldn't just say "forget it."
I-it's not like I'm a kid who wants his allowance,
The morale of the soldiers will be affected.
Please, let us fight again.
The answer is still no.
I'm definitely going to form a labor union for pilots.
Jeez, once I get back to Heinessen,
the overworking of soldiers.
I'll dedicate my life to quashing
Just watch, you damn supervisors!
your lifetime to a woman?
Weren't you going to dedicate
I have an idea.
so I implore you to let us have another battle.
I'll take responsibility,
I've thought up a pretty easy way for us to win.
Could I please give it a try?
too many bad ideas, Lieutenant.
Please don't give him
If you do, then it will be a huge pain.
Yes, I was too forward. My apologies.
have taken off from Iserlohn Fortress,
Approximately 500 transport ships
as they proceed towards Alliance space.
with about 2,000 battleships guarding them
What do you think, Bergengrün?
evacuating VIPs and civilians, as expected.
On the surface, they appear to be
the situation is as you might imagine, but...
From the current information we have,
You have reservations? Why?
Because of Yang Wen-li.
ingenious traps he may have set.
We don't know what sort of
Yang Wen-li is quite a man,
and from the shadow of fear he casts.
as a hero of long military service,
Your Excellency!
Be afraid; to me, his tricks are frightening.
I shudder at the thought of becoming
who had Iserlohn stolen from him so easily.
the successor of Stockhausen,
The Lennenkampf Fleet has started to move.
who have separated from the fortress.
It's chasing the enemy
That's fine. Let's leave it to him.
Admiral Lennenkampf pulling in a big haul.
But there's the chance of
Won't it be like yielding that achievement to him?
If it's something that Lennenkampf can handle,
well of ingenuity has run dry.
then surely Yang Wen-li's
who this is most unfortunate for,
But while I don't know
I don't believe that wellspring has ceased just yet.
Looking at Lennenkampf's tactical style,
does it not give you expectations as to his ability?
Split the fleet in two,
cutting off their ability to retreat into the corridor,
with the main force going around the enemy and
leading to a pincer attack from forward and rear.
while the other assaults the rear,
Knappstein will take command of the rear unit.
That's magnificent fleet movement, but...
is taking fire from the fortress.
Your Excellency, the rear Knappstein unit
So they were lured into a trap?
Your Excellency?!
We can't just let them die. Cover them.
Your Excellency.
The pincer attack formation has collapsed,
Use this chance to charge the enemy fleet.
The enemy fleet is retreating.
took great care in their training,
Though it appears their commander
any shame in running away.
those Alliance forces don't seem to feel
the enemy's transport ships.
Keep going and capture
All ships, maximum combat speed.
They're relying on petty tricks.
Your Excellency, the enemy fleet is turning around.
They were thoroughly defeated.
Direct the Lutz Fleet to rescue them.
at having lost 2,000 ships.
I can only express my deep shame
the enemy's thinking has become clear.
No, with this,
Good work.
Your Excellency?
The reason they used a plan like that
when they truly abandon the fortress.
was to dull our will to pursue
simply to win a small tactical victory.
Yang Wen-li would not use a petty trick like that
Then shall we once more prepare to pursue them?
Pursue them? Why would we need to do that?
will fall into our hands without any effort.
If we simply see them off, then Iserlohn Fortress
more than enough of a victory?
Don't you think that would be
But if we allow Yang Wen-li to move freely,
he could become a plague to afflict our forces.
then we should all do it together.
If we're to oppose that plague,
should be forced to face that danger.
I don't think our fleet alone
But Your Excellency...
There's a proverb that goes like this, Bergengrün:
then the hunting dogs become useless.
"If the beasts disappear from the fields,
the beasts to extinction."
So the dogs avoid hunting
Your Excellency, that kind of talk is reckless.
It may invite misunderstandings.
No, not just misunderstandings.
It could lead to slander.
Please be more prudent, Your Excellency.
Your warning is certainly correct.
Shall I be a little more careful in what I say?
I am quite glad that you've listened.
By the way, setting aside the matter of pursuit,
for occupying Iserlohn Fortress in order.
I would like to put the preparations
Right, please do so right away.
Operation Ark?
a little more when it came to the name?
Couldn't you spread the wings of your imagination
worrying about something so useless?
Is there really any time to spend
we number 5,068,244 people.
Between the military and citizens,
to divide everyone up between our limited vessels.
I have my hands full trying to figure out how
what was with that previous strategy?
In the first place,
Even if they were decrepit,
500 of our precious transport ships self-destruct?
couldn't you think up something better than having
He certainly is excellent at running away.
One more problem...
Anyway,
just the transport and hospital ships.
it's impossible to accommodate everyone with
the battleships as well.
And so, we'll have the civilians ride in
What? We have to let 600 babies onboard?
Yes, and their mothers as well,
because it's a lucky ship.
since apparently the Ulysses is a perfect fit
Listen, no matter what you say,
most beautiful immediately after giving birth.
it's a long established opinion that a lady appears
alongside our own 3rd Company.
And those beautiful Madonnas will be boarding
but there's going to be 600 babies.
They may be Madonnas,
A grand chorus of wailing, huh?
so that they don't see through the real trap?
So these bombs are here
That's right.
The trap itself is simple.
then it has no meaning.
But if the fortress itself is damaged,
these bombs placed right in front of them,
So there's a need to have them notice
so that they'll let their guard down.
to find these explosives.
In other words, we need the enemy
discover them too easily, right?
However, we can't let the enemy
How wonderfully ingenious.
It's nothing so amazing as to be called "ingenious."
This is just a bit of cunning.
would certainly make someone angry.
Well, I'd imagine being tricked like this
we'll be able to use this trap,
Besides, it's not certain that
needing the fortress again.
and we also may never end up
It will definitely prove useful.
the entire Yang Fleet.
Iserlohn Fortress is the home for all of us,
There will definitely come a day when we'll return.
will definitely work, sir.
And at that time, your preparations
I'll keep counting on you.
Well, Lieutenant, regardless of what happens,
withdrawing from Iserlohn Fortress.
A vast number of vessels have begun
Pursuing them is unnecessary.
towards the fortress.
We mustn't pull those Alliance pests
The occupation of the fortress is our main priority.
A call is coming in from Admiral Lennenkampf.
not to pursue them?
Your Excellency, is it really wise
to you suffering retaliatory fire.
Following after them will only lead
Let them go for now.
upon the pages of history
I'd also hate to leave dishonor
evacuating civilians, after all.
by inflicting damage on
from his failure from the other day.
He also seems to have learned
quite easily now, I imagine.
Very well, things should go
under our control, we'll pursue Yang Wen-li.
Bergengrün, once the fortress is completely
and fight him, at least at this time.
However, there's no need to catch up
A call is coming in from Admiral Lutz.
truly abandoned the fortress,
Though the enemy has
we've checked for any parting gifts left behind.
we mustn't let our guard down until
the sections that power the fortress,
If they set up bombs in
of occupation into a massacre in a single stroke.
they may be intending to turn our moment
explosives specialists to investigate?
Shouldn't we first dispatch
There are merits to Admiral Lutz's opinion.
The bombs are set to go off in five seconds.
4...
3...
2...
1...
Thank goodness, I guess they found them.
That really was a close call.
They were hidden pretty cleverly,
the fortress would have suffered a huge explosion.
and if we'd found them five seconds later,
And of course, I'd imagine that our forces would've been
Is this truly the only parting gift from Yang Wen-li?
caught up in that and suffered serious damage, too.
Is this truly the only parting gift from Yang Wen-li?
caught up in that and suffered serious damage, too.
Isn't there something even sharper hidden here?
so surely he's planning something.
He's a shrewd man,
No, it's nothing. Good work.
Sir!
Well, it's fine.
may have to take back Iserlohn once more,
No matter what clever scheme Yang Wen-li
then it's nothing I need to worry about.
as long as I'm not a related party at that time,
In the first place,
will be given that chance in the first place.
there's no guarantee that Yang Wen-li
then I shall calmly accept it.
Regardless, if he's yielding it,
Contact Odin.
recaptured Iserlohn Fortress.
Tell them that we have
Sir!
Universal Calendar 799,
Reich Calendar 490, January 9th:
into the hands of the Imperial forces,
Iserlohn Fortress fell back
after a mere two-and-a-half year period.
cheating while I'm away.
Goodbye, Iserlohn, don't go
You really are the Queen of Space.
There isn't a woman as good as you out there.
intermission in the turmoil,
A modest farce occurred during the
associated with the Imperial forces' occupation.
an officer in charge of accounting
It came to light that
abandoned by the Alliance forces.
had embezzled part of the goods
Under his understanding of martial law,
sentenced to death via a court-martial,
Reuenthal promptly had the man
and carried it out himself.
The world is unjust!
they may kill and cities they may burn during war,
No matter how many tens of thousands of people
receive titles and medals!
as long as they win, the admirals and generals
merely for embezzling some goods!
And yet they treat me as a scoundrel
How disgraceful!
You're crying out at this point in time?
It isn't logical!
a hero and a genius,
Duke Lohengramm may be called
isn't he a villain who stole our nation?!
but in the end,
Compared to that, my crime is incredibly small!
to steal the nation as well?
In that case, why don't you try
stealing the nation as well?
Yes, in that case, why don't you try
Admiral Yang's Ark Fleet
NEXT EPISODE
which has been occupied by Imperial forces,
While plotting to escape Fezzan,
secretly heads towards Alliance territory.
Julian seeks the help of traders and
by an Imperial destroyer.
However, he is discovered
Next time, on Legend of the Galactic Heroes,
"Seeking a Free Universe"
Episode 47:
Seeking a Free Universe
Next Legend of the Galactic Heroes
Another page turns in the history of the galaxy.