Universal Calendar 799,
Reich Calendar 490, February 7th:
The advancing Alliance forces
the positioning of the Imperial forces at 1240.
first gained information regarding
Rantemario Stellar Region.
Imperial forces are penetrating the
and are deploying in five columns.
They number over 100,000 ships,
orbit and then pass through the stellar region.
We predict that they will graze the second planet's
are they attempting a Double-Headed Serpent?
Looking at the enemy's formation,
that we'll plan to break through the body.
In that case, the enemy must be expecting
I believe the risk to be too great.
Most likely.
No, undoubtedly as you say.
that makes sense to adopt.
But there's already no other strategy
take advantage of the enemy's formation
There's nothing left for us to do but
crushing each and every one of them.
and break through the body,
It's as you say.
shame to the title of "genius" that he's been given.
Still, Duke Lohengramm certainly doesn't bring
He always takes the initiative from us,
while forcing us into combat.
and he's driven us into a strategic corner
speak so highly of his genius.
That's why people like Yang Wen-li
Did you know, Lt. Commander?
This is something I heard Yang say:
"If I had been born in the Empire,
to serve under his banner."
then I would have gladly come running
Isn't that something of a dangerous statement?
Why is that?
I agree with him completely.
and lacking in talent,
But as you can see I'm quite old
so I'm not sure that he'd use me in the first place.
5.2 light seconds to the enemy fleet.
than I would've expected.
The body formation is thicker
to break through the center,
I don't think it will be impossible
of the enemy's left and right flanks encircling us.
but if we take too long then there's a real danger
That's what I was thinking as well.
and ward off that attack while luring them in,
On the other hand, if we preempt them
then circle around one of the flanks,
it may become easy to wipe them out.
Our ships have opened fire!
What?
No orders have been given yet!
Sir!
rears its head, huh?
So the weakness of a mixed fleet
There's no help for it.
and aim to break through the center.
We'll proceed as initially planned,
All ships, open fire!
Thirty minutes have elapsed.
I suppose it's about time to try moving.
All ships, advance in unison!
to keep advancing in this way?
Your Excellency, we're simply going
Now we watch how the enemy reacts.
This movement is a way of showing force.
Right!
The enemy fleet is advancing in this direction.
Sir!
Don't panic.
We mustn't fall for it and make a move.
They're trying to intimidate us.
Flagship confirmed.
The enemy fleet is approaching.
of the Mittermeyer Fleet.
It's the battleship Beowulf,
The Sturm Wolf's fleet, eh?
Sir!
Open all gun ports!
Pound away at them with our beams and missiles!
they'll crush us in an instant!
If we don't hold back the enemy's advance,
Attack! Attack!
Fire! Fire!
They're concentrating fire on a single point.
At this rate, we'll be split apart!
What?!
Cracks are appearing in the Imperial fleet.
I'm surprised.
results beyond that of strategy or tactics...
To think that such unplanned frenzy could yield
The advance guard is continuing to rush forwards.
All ships, retreat for the moment.
and we'll disperse them.
Ward off the enemy's attacks while withdrawing,
enemy that's protruding in.
It's only a fraction of the
of what they can do soon.
They should reach the limit
I'm surprised.
Admiral Mittermeyer is being pushed back.
brave combatants themselves.
It seems the enemy has quite a few
those Alliance forces, merely wild mania.
That is not bravery coming from
Just consider Mittermeyer a matador.
are pushing him back,
It may seem that those fierce bulls
and aiming for a way to prevail.
but he's in truth preserving his strength
he may have truly winced before their offensive.
Though I suppose there is an off chance that
I suppose it's about time for me to move as well.
I'm amazed. They're entirely reckless.
planning and calculations?
Do they completely lack
They're aberrant.
ride this energy and break through?
Isn't it possible that we could
No, right now,
an inexperienced pack of hounds howling at them.
it's like ferocious tigers being perplexed by
they'll wipe them out in an instant.
If the other side gets serious,
That's right.
to stop this chaotic attack,
If we don't do something
who will have our forces scattered.
then we're the ones
and get all ships back under control.
Open up all communication channels,
Regroup into a retreat formation.
All ships, cease attack.
Haven't you already killed enough?
Reform our ship columns.
We're retreating.
As if we'll let you quit while you're ahead!
All ships, reverse direction!
Shift the offensive.
Forward enemy fleet is turning around to attack!
from both left and right flanks!
Enemy fleets approaching
Sir!
has finally started moving.
The Double-Headed Serpent
It's raised both of its heads.
to the orbit of the first planet.
Close ranks and retreat
1,000 ships in the enemy's right flank.
Concentrate fire on a mass of no more than
drive a wedge into the Alliance fleet,
If we cut through that section and
we should be able to divide them.
Are there still no orders to dispatch our fleet?
No, not yet.
get its chance to take the stage.
At this rate, our fleet may not
Our fleet will move at the closing of the battle.
The star performer always appears last, after all.
Still, waiting doesn't seem to suit my nature.
has lost ships 840 thru 130,
Admiral Dudney's fleet in the right flank
and is already unable to act as a group.
has already exceeded 8%.
In just three hours, our loss rate
from the flanks, wouldn't you say?
The enemy intends to split our forces
We need to strengthen our defenses.
Have Admiral Morton fortify the right flank.
Sir!
Don't let the enemy fleet penetrate!
concentrating their fire, crush the tip of the wedge.
Since the enemy's trying to shoot their way in by
The enemy is stubborn, as well!
the enemy's ship columns.
It seems it won't be possible to divide
So they closed up the wound we ripped open.
There's no helping it.
extending left and right,
Redeploy to form a dense formation
then shave off their defenses.
press in on the enemy's flanks,
Right!
on dividing the enemy forces.
It seems the Wahlen Fleet has given up
Yes, sir.
on their right flank to the Wahlen Fleet,
All right, we'll leave the enemy force
and we'll circle around to their rear.
What's happening?
gunfire and the wreckage from the ships
It seems the energy released by both sides'
gravitational field, creating a single stream.
are being pulled by Rantemario's
A space current, huh?
those of the enemy from 3 o'clock to 9 o'clock,
The flow passes between our forces and
leading into Rantemario's star.
and is forming a parabola
All ships, maximum output.
Cut through the current without stopping!
It's surprisingly strong.
to traverse the current,
Your Excellency, it's possible
swept too close to Rantemario.
but at this rate we'll be
already disturbing our gauges,
The magnetic field is
then we run the risk of being drawn into the sun.
and if it becomes impossible to handle the ship
The enemy total comes to a fifth of our forces.
I suppose our victory is already affirmed.
take an unnecessary risk here.
In which case, we needn't
We'll give up on circling around the enemy.
Back away from the current,
with our long range cannons.
and we'll concentrate on attacking
Hurry!
having them move in behind us.
It seems we somehow avoided
With this difference in military power,
then we can't oppose them.
if we don't have other advantages,
and wipe them out one by one has crumbled.
But our initial plan to divide the enemy
and hope that the Yang Fleet will show up.
Now all we can do is hold out
That's true.
but if we devote our efforts to not losing,
It may not be possible to win,
then we may still be able to do something.
shall we go wait in the wings of the stage?
To prepare for our turn,
Sir?
protecting His Excellency, the fleet admiral.
Move the fleet to the flank of the fleet directly
existence of the Schwarz Lanzenreiter?
Do you wish to remind him of the
be easy for Duke Lohengramm to call for us.
I simply thought we'd wait in a place where it would
goes from right to left,
Also, if that stream of energy
from the right flank.
then our fleet will be able to enter from upstream,
I can't win against him so easily.
I suppose old people are simply stubborn.
Merkatz was like that as well.
However, our victory isn't going anywhere either.
It's simply a matter of time, yes?
since we opened hostilities.
But it's already been ten hours
The officers and men won't be able to hold out.
Streit!
Yes, sir!
While the front is locked in a stalemate,
unnecessary casualties among our forces.
further hostilities will only result in
have all forces fall back and regroup.
For the moment,
can have a rest and eat their meals.
In the meantime, the officers and men
Yes, sir!
Fräulein Mariendorf...
with your own eyes for the first time?
Are you not also tired from seeing the battlefield
You may retire to your room to rest.
They're being thorough in their defenses.
of destroyed ships as shields.
They're even using the wreckage
What do you think of that strategy?
Very well.
as motherships launch their fighters.
Have all ships capable of acting
direct control of headquarters take the front line.
Also, have all carriers and battleships under the
And hurry.
Yes, sir!
Fighters are launching from the enemy fleet.
What do they intend to do at this point?
All-out war, wouldn't you say?
Shall we send out our Walküren as well?
able to keep up our bombardment.
No, if it becomes a melee then we won't be
That may be what the enemy is trying for.
we should persist with bombardment.
In which case,
advance and deal with them.
Have Droysen and Sinzer's units
destructive force of our ships' cannons.
The enemy is faltering before the
closing the distance to the enemy fleet!
Keep going and rout them,
will close that much tighter,
If we advance, then the noose
and victory shall grow ever closer!
Don't let them get away. Corner them.
We're within range.
All right-
What is it?
Th-this is the cross-fire point for the enemy fleet.
The enemy fleet is bombarding-
They lured us in!
and retreat for the moment.
Come about as fast as possible,
The engine block has been hit.
Output is falling fast! Navigation, impossible!
Requesting rescue! Requesting rescue!
fatal wounds to the enemy ships,
Right, don't worry about dealing
just take out their power and leave them drifting.
unable to move, then they can't fire, right?
If their allies are stuck in the middle,
but it will do for buying time.
There's no excuse for using lives as shields,
as well as their methods.
How clever, both the way they lured us in,
pull back for the moment.
Have Sinzer and Droysen
and deliver them to the rear.
Quickly rescue any ships that can't navigate
In total fleet terms, our forces are clearly superior,
chain of command and the unity of their actions.
but the enemy is holding together their
is an experienced tactician,
The enemy star fleet commander-in-chief
to fighting a holding action,
and now that they've devoted themselves
is having a hard time.
it seems even Admiral Mittermeyer
I believe we may need a single strong attack.
To corner the enemy into all-out collapse,
It seems our hand has been forced after all.
Contact Bittenfeld.
Tell him that it's his turn.
as a spearhead,
Using the Schwarz Lanzenreiter Fleet
beret and bring it here before me.
he's to take the enemy commander-in-chief's
has begun to move.
Your Excellency, the Schwarz Lanzenreiter Fleet
In other words, the finale is closing in, huh?
What shall our fleet do?
Attack from the front.
hog all of the juiciest meat from our prey, after all.
We can't let the Schwarz Lanzenreiter Fleet
I believe the same.
The commanding officer has given his permission.
All ships, move to attack from the front.
Don't fall behind the Schwarz Lanzenreiter Fleet!
Victory is close at hand!
Our fleet shall advance as well!
Your Excellency, shall we circumvent the current?
for such dull words as "retreat" and "detour."
There's no place in our fleet's dictionary
I see.
All ships, maintain course.
the Imperial forces' advance,
Calculate the speed of
as well as that of the flow of energy.
They're drifting.
we should be able to determine
With some calculations,
the specific point they'll arrive at on this side.
We have it!
the enemy will "cross the river."
All fleets, focus your sights on the point where
right as the enemy comes out of the current.
We'll launch a pinpoint attack
Now!
Don't falter! Return fire!
Navigation, impossible!
We've taken serious damage!
Considerable loss of personnel and materiel!
Cannot maintain front line!
Please, give permission to retreat!
Requesting assistance! Requesting assistance!
have a single warship or carrier left.
Even if we offer assistance, headquarters doesn't
hopeless situation didn't pan out, huh?
Our intention to recover from this
This is it, then.
The day we bet on is ending,
without any military success.
and we've lost thousands of lives
Give me a little time.
You mustn't commit suicide, Commander-in-Chief.
lived a long life after his defeat?
Hasn't Admiral Merkatz
When the space fleet has been wiped out,
commander-in-chief to live on.
it's meaningless for only the
Don't you think so?
It hasn't been wiped out just yet.
The Yang Fleet is still in good health.
As long as at least one ship remains,
and take responsibility.
the commander-in-chief needs to live on
countless people lost their lives,
Under my command,
and then there's the orphans and widows.
to fulfill my duty to them than by dying?
Are you saying that there's some other way
towards your allies.
Killing yourself only fulfills your duty
responsibility for an enemy that has...
The point I'm making here is how to address
yes, that has won.
something extremely inhuman.
What I'm about to say is
If you prefer, then please use that gun on me.
When this war is over,
for war criminals, don't you agree?
the Empire will surely demand trials
have all died in battle, or committed suicide,
At that time, if the military's top management
or otherwise disappeared from this world,
will be forced to act as scapegoats
then those who acted under them
and take the defendant's seat in their place, right?
I understand.
the muzzles of the enemy's guns, yes?
I need to leave this old body for
as well as HQ Chief Dawson...
Yourself, Sir, and myself,
The military tribunal
the uniformed personnel to accuse, right?
will need about three people from
that may be caused in this area.
We need to hold back any other trouble
people like Yang Wen-li must live on.
For the sake of the Alliance's future,
Captain, there's a fleet approaching from the rear.
Which of our allies is it? Try asking.
Yes, sir!
belonging to the Müller Fleet.
This is the cruiser Oberhausen,
please make clear to whom you belong.
Approaching fleet,
Wh-what? Th-the enemy!
Alliance reinforcements?
The enemy is attacking.
An enemy detachment is attacking from the rear.
for the enemy to our rear!
Halt your advance, and regroup in preparation
Alliance forces is greater than expected.
It seems the military might of the
So, the enemy before us was a feint,
cut off our path of retreat, huh?
while their true goal was to
into enemy territory.
We've invaded a deep 2,800 light years
are masked by the uplifting feeling of victory, but...
The soldiers' worries and yearning for home
it's inevitable that we'd become restless.
Now that they've provoked us,
and intend to cut us off from behind, then?
So they anticipated that,
The path to Fezzan will be cut off!
We won't be able to return to our country!
We're isolated in enemy territory!
The enemy is in chaos.
Sir, this is our chance.
and break away from the battlefield.
Let's concentrate our fire on a single action,
All right, we'll bombard the enemy while retreating.
beams and missiles that you have left!
All ships, hit the enemy with all the
Even though it's the final phase,
close formation is all the more difficult to control.
seven fleets rashly rushing forward in
What are you afraid of?
then you simply need to crush them all.
If the Alliance has sent out a new force at this point,
Don't panic!
Retreat while maintaining order.
to Fezzan space is closed off,
On the off chance that the path
we shall simply continue on to Heinessen,
the Alliance all the more quickly.
and bring about the death of
via the Iserlohn Corridor.
After that, we'll return triumphantly to the Empire
And will that not be the end of things?
such disgraceful behavior.
I am ashamed at having displayed
To become so disorganized while winning,
from becoming too used to victory.
it seems to be a weakness that has arisen
It's not unreasonable.
the room to play a petty trick like that.
Not even I expected the enemy to have
It amounted to little more than a feint at any rate,
but we can't be too cautious at this stage.
As you wish.
Still, is this truly Yang Wen-li's doing, after all?
like this effectively is that swindler.
The only one left who can use a trick
withdrawn from the battlefield,
Friendly troops have successfully
and are on their way to the Ba'alat Stellar Region.
pulled back for the moment,
The Imperial forces have also
and are in a state of putting the front in order.
our allies from being annihilated.
It seems we were able to at least prevent
Still, we were half a day late.
what it means to lose one's touch.
I guess maybe this is
passing through the Fezzan Corridor,
Though we predicted Duke Lohengramm
we still fell behind.
They succeeded in stalling for time here,
know before that happened,
but if we could have let Admiral Bewcock
they could have found another way of fighting.
ended with fewer casualties.
If we'd done that, maybe this would have
Careful, careful...
the situation would have turned out different"
Getting caught up in thinking "If I had done this,
shows I'm overestimating my abilities.
we avoided the worst possible outcome,
At least this time,
so I should consider that plenty, right?
Sir, if we don't hurry for Heinessen,
Iserlohn region may rush them first.
there's the concern that the enemy from the
Ah, that's right.
to head for the capital.
All ships, immediately change course
Good grief, this certainly is some heavy labor.
It's the Rio Grande.
Communications have been restored.
You're all right, then?
I let myself survive, I'm afraid.
How cowardly.
Even though I let my subordinates die.
What are you saying?
We need you alive to lead the counterattack.
A single enemy destroyer is approaching.
What?
That's an odd way to engage us.
Try ordering them to heave to.
Sir!
military vessel, heave to.
To the approaching Imperial
If you do not comply, we will open fire.
Heave to-
Please hold your fire.
who was stationed on Fezzan,
This is a Free Planets Alliance officer
Ensign Julian Mintz.
and all of our passengers are anti-imperialists.
We stole this warship from the Imperial forces,
accompany you to Heinessen.
We'd like permission to
This is a surprise. Julian Mintz, huh?
So, you're all right?
a landing party over to investigate you.
Just to be safe, let us send
Also, we're contacting the Hyperion.
Sir...
He truly is my natural enemy, it seems.
Tiamat, Astarte, Amritsar, and now Rantemario...
Why does he always appear to thwart me,
to gain an absolute victory?
just at the point when I'm about
Kircheis, if you were here...
walk around unchecked.
you wouldn't let men like Yang Wen-li
Having withdrawn from the battlefield,
the Imperial forces moved 2.4 light years
occupying its second planet, Urvashi.
into the Gandharva Stellar Region,
had fallen into their hands,
In the future, when all of Alliance space
Showdown at Rantemario
The Double-Headed Serpent:
this was to become an important military base.
NEXT EPISODE
of the Alliance forces,
Having prevented the complete collapse
where he reunites with Julian.
Yang temporarily returns to Heinessen,
hopeless situation and head out once more.
Yang must plan a way to recover from this
people accompanying him?
But what of the determination of the
Next time, on Legend of the Galactic Heroes,
"It's Always Darkest..."
Episode 49:
Another page turns in the history of the galaxy.
It's Always Darkest...
Next Legend of the Galactic Heroes