Imperial Calendar 956, Socarh Month, Day 12
In the distant future...
the space battle between the two human races reached yet another level.
Imperial Calendar 956, the Space Navy launched Operation Hunter
to eliminate the enemy fleet present in the territory of the segregated Human Union.
There, Captain Lamhirh and Jint of the Destroyer Basrogrh
were captured in the battle for supremacy in the Prison Colony, Lobnas II,
but they barely made their escape thanks to Admiral Spaurh's desperate strategy.
And now, Jint, who barely returned alive, has temporarily left the Navy,
and is headed for the system of Hayd with Lamhirh...
to govern the native planet returned to Imperial rule by Operation Hunter...
That should do it.
It's one of the Seven Wonders of Abh.
I wonder why they don't produce unscented cat ointment.
If they do, the cat'll lick it.
That's why they purposely add a scent that cats hate.
Then they should just make it taste bitter.
It is bitter.
It's more salty than bitter.
Cats hate that taste.
Really?
Do they?
M-My nose...
Idiot.
The Reuniting Stars
Socarh 5th, 7:22 AM
Lightly-armed rented passenger ship, Bocbirch, ten days into its voyage.
You sure are quiet at times like this.
It's a waste to give you away.
Now then, your breakfast.
Eat up.
Quiet, or your wife will scratch you again.
Jint, the flower is about to bloom!
Oh, Lamhirh, good morning.
Have you had breakfast yet?
No, not yet.
Why don't you join me then?
I said that the flower was about to bloom.
That's what I heard too.
Then why are you still eating?
Why? Because I haven't finished eating yet.
Idiot.
Flowers won't wither so quickly.
Why are you in such a rush?
Wasn't that flower special to you?
Ah! It's that flower?!
Mention that sooner.
I wouldn't have told you if it was just any flower.
Well, yes, but my brain's not functioning yet since I just woke up.
Don't lie. You're always like that.
Then what does that make you since you don't know my slow-wittedness?
You miraculously become mediocre sometimes.
If you're slow-witted, then stay that way.
Ridiculous.
It already bloomed. We were too late.
The flower isn't that impressive.
Thank you for your honest opinion.
But...
this flower is at its full beauty when it blooms.
Flowers from Earth are enjoyed while they're stationary,
but flowers from my native planet are cherished while they're moving.
It's very beautiful.
You said that before, which is why I was watching it.
Sorry.
It will bloom again, right?
Yeah.
I'm glad.
What's wrong, Jint?
Do you feel like staring at my face?
It's not surprising, right?
Idiot.
Your Excellency, it's time.
It's rare to find you late for a conference.
I'm sorry. I'll be right there.
Do you want to come too?
Of course. I am a representative of the Clybh Royal Family after all.
But it'll just be some boring conference.
We Abliarsec are used to being bored.
I remember now.
Just thinking about how much effort your clan put into obtaining "that" makes me-
What are you trying to say?
That it must be hard becoming royalty.
It looks like I'm being glossed over.
I'm sure it's just your imagination.
If you didn't have government duty next,
you'd be supporting your entire weight on your right pinky toe right now.
I guess government duty isn't all that bad.
That's a lie.
I'm sure that being my traveling companion is the most boring event of your life.
But it's okay for a little while, right?
Because your life span should be longer than mine.
This very moment makes me happier than anything.
Even now, I can see the faces of my comrades who are still on the battlefield
and it pains me a little inside.
Ten seconds until Llicr Gate passage.
Eight...
Seven...
Six...
Five...
Four...
Three...
Two...
One...
Emerging.
We've exited.
Same day, 07:57 AM: Imperial Capital Lacmhacarh
Congratulations, Captain.
Please save those words for the Crest Acceptance Ceremony.
Stop the commanding ship!
Stopping commanding ship.
Iatech Front Flyer,
please contact the 1st Infringement Fleet Commander at Military HQ.
Roger.
Infringement Fleet?
It's a newly-formed fleet.
We will become part of the 1st Infringement Fleet when they become official.
The Infringement Fleet, now that's one promising name.
Though it's useless if only the name is promising.
I disagree. This assault ship is a nice ship.
I've always felt that if we didn't carry any mines, the cruisers would be easier to maneuver.
When the vice-captain and gunner say that, there's more weight attached.
Captain,
we have visual.
Communication time lag is 2.7 seconds.
This is Assault Ship Fricobh. We have just returned from trials.
Awaiting further orders, Commander Atosryac.
Good work, Captain Sobach.
Same day, 08:11 AM: Mercantile City, Baitec
You've retired from service?
Even the director retires from service these days. It's not surprising that I would too, is it?
Well, yes, but why?
I wanted to work with you again, Director. Please hire me.
You know, you should consult me on these things before you retire from service.
I'll find a different job if you turn me down.
There's a shortage of specialists right now.
Though I doubt there's any place that'd give you a better offer than the Space Navy.
If I value my life, it's practically the worst place to work.
To me, my life is what's most important.
Then why did you enlist in the Space Navy in the first place?
I'd never have enlisted if I knew there'd be a war.
Well, the same goes for me.
But why did you choose to become the boy's, I mean, His Excellency, the Duke of Hayd's vassal?
I was going to cultivate a farm in the countryside too...
See?
I thought you'd be fermenting livestock crap right about now.
I thought that starting a new nation might be good training for managing a farm.
I thought you were attracted by the pay.
That's beside the point.
I'm not going to complain if I'm well-paid.
Well, I wouldn't either.
Still, there aren't many whimsical people out there who'd want to serve in a place like that.
That's true.
Especially when you're gathering people to work on the reconstruction of the anti-matter fuel factories.
That must be urgent business.
I see you've done your research.
I would think that a portion of my specialized knowledge is in demand by the Hayd Dukedom.
Fine, I'll interview you.
We can grab lunch or something.
Interview? What are you talking about now?
If you still don't know me, what are you going to find out in a ten minute interview?
I'm also an employee, so it can't be helped.
Excuse me,
are you Samsonn-san of the Hayd Family?
Indeed.
I am the Duke of Hayd's household manager, Samsonn Borgh Tiruser Tirusec.
There was no one else here, so I thought he might be the one, but...
Eww, he looks like he eats cats and stuff.
I am the Sernaic Company President, Feubdach Sernaic.
I hear you have a letter of introduction from Her Majesty the Princess?
You're going to stay in the Boghrashr Dukedom for a while?
Weren't we just going to re-supply?
Did I not tell you?
No. Why are we going to stay at a place like that?
"A place like that"?
Don't you dare say that it's the place that holds memories of when we first met.
Just hearing you say it embarrasses me.
I won't. It's even more embarrassing to say it.
But...
Derctuh of Boghrashr is like a second home planet to me.
Then it is a personal stay.
To some extent, but I also want to recruit vassals.
In that case, Maintenance Wing Flyer Samsonn is recruiting them at the capital, right?
I'm having Samsonn-san choose technical vassals.
I intend to look for a clerical vassal.
You should look for one on Lacmhacarh.
Actually, it's best to look for one on my native planet, Martine,
but that's not possible with the present situation, right?
Then isn't that all the more reason to go and make the citizens' government surrender?
I would if I had the confidence to.
You can always return to Boghrashr if your attempt fails.
That's a sound argument.
Regarding that...
I think that it is best if Your Excellency refrain from returning to your homeland for a while.
Why is that?
The situation is too unstable.
I think that it's best for me to go first and obtain a better grasp of the situation.
Now that you mention it, I hear they are seeking independence.
It's an absurd idea.
I cannot believe they are serious.
The Hayd Dukedom was self-sufficient for more than 200 years.
Excuse me. You are correct.
I'm sure that even if they're isolated from the outside economy, it won't affect them one bit.
Then why don't you leave them be?
I don't think there's any reason to rush it.
Just mobilizing this ship for a day blows away my savings.
If I take my time, my debt will grow astronomically.
It won't be a problem if you set up anti-matter fuel factories and matter fuel extraction facilities near your sun.
You don't need the cooperation of the citizens' government on the surface.
You're not going to tell me to forget about my debt, are you?
It's the money that my father invested for the reconstruction of the Hayd Dukedom.
It's not my money.
But you'll inherit it, right?
That's in the distant future, and my younger brother may inherit it instead.
Then, Yestech-san, please go on ahead to the Hayd Dukedom.
I will try to recruit vassals in the Boghrashr Dukedom.
I understand, Your Excellency.
What will you do?
What do you mean by that?
Will you stay in Boghrashr with me?
Or do you want to go ahead and see my native planet?
I am accompanying you.
I won't let you relax by yourself.
So that's how it is. I will ask for permission to stay there.
Then...
Shall I do that for you?
It's all right.
It's my job after all.
Um, this is Duke Hayd.
I'm sure you've already heard that I am temporarily parting ways with all of you.
Until we meet again, I will leave the command of this ship to Inspector Yestech.
Though the situation is uncertain, I am counting on you.
D-Do you think that was okay?
I guess it was fine.
Everyone was probably too busy to actually listen anyways.
Captain, we have permission to dock at Gate 5.
All right. Commence final deceleration.
Same day, 3:08 PM: Imperial Capital No. 7022, specially-established arsenal
Roger that. Commencing final deceleration.
Damn, looks like we're not the first.
That's Matocobh.
It's the Prototype-12 ship.
Looks like it sortied early.
If they deem the Cobh class practical, many of her sister ships will be released from here.
I'm honored to be able to witness such an event.
Assault Ship Fricobh has landed.
We will head for the ceremonial room now.
Deca-Commander Stach Administrator, have everyone board the Calicke.
Roger that.
Aicryac Front Flyer.
Eh?
Please take the helm.
Opening rear gates. Confirming decompression.
I hear Saguri Bari, the restaurant where the ceremony's going to be held, is quite famous.
[Saguri Bari = Searching Needle]
I'm looking forward to the couple of hours of relaxation, until we get there, more than the alcohol.
I will sleep right away too.
This will be my first time at Saguri Bari.
Proceed as you like. You're the main pilot.
This is the main pilot.
All personnel, fasten seatbelts and prepare for rapid acceleration.
Rapid acceleration?
Are you serious?!
Hold on—
Control, requesting use of electromagnetic catapult to launch.
To Calicke aboard Fricobh, this arsenal is not capable of electromagnetic projection.
We request that you depart using low temperature jet propulsion.
Roger that, Control.
I appreciate it.
Vice-Captain...
What a crappy arsenal.
Doesn't even have an electromagnetic catapult... Worthless, worthless, worthless.
Damn, it's tardier than a sarubokkee's breeding. It'll be hatched on its back.
[A sarubokkee is a fictional animal]
Nowadays...
Sorry, everyone.
Launching.
Same day, 6:27 PM: Saguri Bari
Sorry to keep you all waiting.
Everyone, take your goblets!
Are you okay?
The last one really hurt.
Sir,
if you intend to visit, please fly past once and return after you've decelerated.
No.
Flyer, follow their instructions.
Yes.
You all are not yet a part of the 1st Infringement Fleet.
However, it is certain that our fleet will be made up of your ships.
Our fleet still does not have anything to be proud of yet,
though it can't be helped since it hasn't even been formed.
We can't, unfortunately, make you be grateful to be a part of this newly-founded fleet.
Our pride must be founded starting now.
If I were to make one wish, I would wish that forming this fleet will equal the sharing of that honor.
And although the chances of this dream turning into reality is slim,
I wish for the day when victory is brought to the Empire,
and for everyone here to gather once more and reminisce of the many battles filled with honor.
Cheers!
Heavy destroyer!
Light cruiser!
Heavy destroyer! From the looks of its function, an assault ship should be treated as a heavy destroyer!
No, considering it's equipped with an electromagnetic catapult, it should operate as a light cruiser!
Here we go again...
This dispute has been going on since the naming of the assault ship.
I wonder how long they're going to continue this.
I think the assault ship is fine as it is.
Why don't you have an alcoholic beverage once in a while?
My body doesn't take it well.
I miss his bad habit.
Maybe I'll write him a long letter.
And so...
I...
I see.
Then...
Are you enjoying this?
Yes, I am.
Saluting is prohibited.
They said that before the party, right, Aicyac Front Flyer?
He looks like a very eager Rear Flyer.
Perhaps you didn't need me to rescue you.
U-Um, Captain...
Oops, I'm not your rival in love. Don't misunderstand.
But still, if he's going to hit on his superior, he needs to be bolder.
Captain.
Oh, feel like drinking now?
There's a fight.
What do you think you're doing?!
Don't lay your hands on my girl!
Is she even yours, huh?!
Stop it!
Don't underestimate us!
So the opponent is the Ryumocobh.
Something about our people talking to the most popular girl there.
So youth's in full bloom everywhere.
Everyone sure is young.
What? There are more fights?
Please just ignore them.
More importantly, we'll need to train our maintenance crew later.
They're still terrible at fighting in low gravity.
Before you do that, can you give me permission to stop them?
Mediating fights is your hobby?
This has nothing to do with my hobby.
Then what's the problem?
Because it's something we should do.
They're unarmed, so I doubt they'll be severely hurt.
They'll have grudges after it's over.
They'll still have grudges even if you stop them.
May I join you?
Huh?
Mediating seems interesting.
Stop it!
I told you that playing with food is prohibited.
If you continue, I will arrest you for violation.
You there!
Do you intend to violate another prohibition?
Looks like you understand.
I'm glad that you are not yet part of the 1st Infringement Fleet.
I cannot tell the royalty that my fleet's first brawl was this shilly-shally.
You guys.
Are you all right?
Now, let me see.
It's okay. It's okay.
It's not that bad.
What happened to that boyfriend of yours from earlier?
Boyfriend?
The Rear Flyer you were talking to.
Oh, him. I didn't talk.
He was the one talking.
And? What happened?
He went over there.
Poor fellow.
Perfect timing.
You two are together.
I wanted to talk to you two.
With us? And is that because we used to serve on the Basrogrh?
Yes.
You are Front Flyer Aicyac, right?
Yes.
How about something to drink?
In other words, is it regarding the fact that it is not mere coincidence that we became your subordinates?
We'll start with that.
At the same time, you will find out that we will be together for a while.
I have thought about it myself, but...
What you thought is probably right.
Her Highness, the Princess, is taking a break right now.
However, she will one day return to the Space Navy.
After all, she is an Abliarsec.
There's no way someone from that family can stay away for long when there's a war going on.
It is our duty to prepare a place for her to return to when she does.
I guess you can say it that way too, though I wouldn't put it like that.
Well then, how would you put it?
We were chosen.
Favoritism?
That's quite blunt.
Exactly.
Are we favored?
Not us, Her Highness, the Princess.
I see.
For the Empire that has become too big,
the most sought-after trait right now is an empress blessed with the talent of military leadership
and many excellent admirals who will be her arms and legs.
The ones chosen as candidate admirals are you two.
I'm very honored.
You're a nice man.
Are they only favoring Captain Abliarsec?
Day 7, 2:19 PM: Boghrashr Dukedom, Planet Derctuh
You're rude.
Sorry, sorry.
You've been kind to me lately, so I inadvertently said that you were cute.
Even I serve tea sometimes.
Ah, okay, I see.
Did you find your friend?
Yeah, I'm searching right now, and—
There are 30,000 people with the same name?!
Oh well...
I guess I'll have to narrow it down by adding all the information I know.
Jint.
What is it?
I took another look at your flower before we left.
The Brian Flower. Did it bloom?
Or did you see it the moment it bloomed?
It was crushed.
Crushed?
That can't be possible...
It became a toy to Deaho.
It was a miserable sight.
I see. I'll have to scold him when I get back.
No, there's no need to do that.
Are they only favoring Captain Abliarsec?
You're very astute.
Right now, those who are in the squadron captain class are all related to royalty.
In other words, it's not just a place for Her Highness, the Princess.
Correct.
If the Infringement Fleet becomes the main fleet, those considered royalty will be assigned here one after another.
We are testing out the assault ship right now,
but when the test is over,
we will then be made a tool of that test
if they can manage us well.
I see.
It certainly is not too pleasant.
The other cause for concern is if Her Highness becomes the captain of an assault ship.
In the case of?
I will become her superior.
I'm sure you're used to it.
Once is enough.
I prefer being her subordinate,
though I'm sure she'll surpass me right away.
If she can't surpass me, Her Highness won't be able to become Empress.
I doubt there's any difference in how fast one will be promoted between royalty and nobility.
Criteria-wise, yes.
But, the Abliarsec family are very capable strategists.
Commander, you're not incompetent yourself either.
Thank you.
But I will not suffice as Empress.
But even if Her Highness took charge, I'm talking about the emperor after her.
Are you saying that the war will be over by then?
There is a possibility.
But the chances of the war still being waged is also great.
There may come a time when knowing peace will be a great benefit.
You're right.
Starting now, there will be many children who will not know peace.
But, most likely, if the Empire is victorious,
there will be no more war in humanity.
I did it! Only one left!
Sending picture.
Your expression is that of a dried jellyfish that's just been doused with hot water.
Thank you.
I've finally found you, Ku Dorin.
My best friend when I was in Derctuh.
No, my best friend in all my life.
Day 9, 12:08 AM: Hayd Dukedom, Planet Martine
A part of my native planet.
Captain, heat source approaching from the surface!
What?!
Next Time
The Bocbirch... has been attacked?!
The Federation of Hania.
The captain of the enemy military is the representative?
Yes, the Minister of Politics and Economy, Mr. Corint Till.
Till Corint...
Tell me everything.
The 1st Infringement Fleet, under imperial orders, will immediately enter group battle as part of its training.
Assault Ship Fricobh, set sail!
The Family Dinner
I will become his world, and I will make him my world.