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War rages between the Galactic Empire and the Free Planets Alliance. With two new brilliant young leaders at the helm, anything can happen in this military space opera.
“In every age, in every place, the deeds of men remain the same.”
1991
January 1, 798 S.C. / 489 I.C.: Reinhard von Lohengramm is now Premier and Commander-in-chief of the imperial military. He implements many reforms for the welfare of the people. Meanwhile, an training sortie, under Dusty Attenborough's command, turns out to be Julian Minci's first battle as a fighter pilot. The Attenborough Fleet is on the verge to be crushed, but Yang Wen-li, with the help of Admiral Merkatz, goes out of Iserlohn with the whole fleet and saves the day (January, 16).
January, 798 S.C. / 489 I.C.: Admiral von Schaft, head of the Science and Technology Division, works out a plan to take Iserlohn back. The Geiesburg fortress is to become a mobile fortress by adding warp engines: its firepower is a match to Iserlohn's, so the Imperial fleet will be able to defeat the Iserlohn Fleet. The operation will be under Admiral Kempf's command, with Admiral Müller as second-in-command. In Phezzan, Rubinsky decides to support the plan and asks Kesselring to find a way to move Yang away from Iserlohn. Some of Mittermeyer and Reuenthal's background is revealed.
In Phezzan, Rubinsky explains his plans to a bishop of the Earth Cult. He will use his contacts in the Free Planets Alliance, such as chairman Trüniht, to make the Alliance crumble from inside, paving the way for an Imperial victory. Then, Reinhard is to be murdered. Kesselring is sent to the Alliance's commissioner in Phezzan, saying the financial support can continue only if the Alliance is a stable democracy, hinting that Yang is willing to seize power. In Iserlohn, Alex Cazellnu is concerned about Yang's safety: for the time being, his skills are needed, but he fears that Trüniht wants to dispose of him in the end. In Heinessen, Trüniht, who dislikes Yang's popularity, asks the Secretary of Defence, Negreponte, to form an inquiry committee about Yang's action during the coup.
Yang is summoned to Heinessen, where the Secretary of Defence is holding an inquiry. This move shocks his staff because such a committee has no legal basis. In Phezzan, Kesselring enlists two former members of the Lippstadt League, Leopold Schumacher and Alfred von Landsberg to carry out a plan we know nothing about. March 13, 798 S.C. / 489 I.C.: the test of the warp drive of the Geiesburg fortress is a success. The fortress and its supporting fleet can now move to the Iserlohn Corridor and attack the Alliance's fortress.
On his way to Heinessen, Yang thinks about the current situation. The Alliance's disrespect for human rights, democracy and freedom on the pretense of the war is leading the nation toward its destruction; moreover, the failed invasion of the Empire and the civil war have drastically weakened the Alliance's military. In Heinessen, Yang is separated from his companions, Louis Mashengo and Frederica Greenhill. While Yang's personality and actions are questionned by the committee, Greenhill and Mashengo try to reach him, but any contact is denied. They go to Admiral Bucock for help, but are attacked by the P.K.C. (which appears to be related to the Earth Cult) and rescued by Bucock's staff. April 10, 798 S.C. / 489 I.C.: the Geiesburg Fortress enters the Iserlohn Corridor.
While the inquiry continues, Greenhill tries to find out where is Yang and discovers that the government controls the media and leaves little room for the opposition: the Free Planets Alliance is a democracy in name only. When the news of a new imperial attack reaches Heinessen, the inquiry is suspended and Yang sent back to Iserlohn. However, the journey will take at least four weeks: Yang's staff thinks about a strategy to hold on and not let the enemy know that Yang is not there.
Geiesburg and Iserlohn fire at each other, causing little damage to the fortresses. After that, Schenkopp and the Rosen Ritter repel a boarding party. Kempf then decide to use the firepower of Geiesburg and the Müller Fleet to make a breach in Iserlohn's outer wall. The operation succeeds, but the Imperial forces can't get through because Admiral Merkatz launches the Iserlohn Fleet and drive off the Müller Fleet. Meanwhile, Yang is on his way back with some reinforcement. April, 15, 798 S.C. / 489 I.C.: in spite of the numerical advantage of the Imperial fleet, the situation is deadlocked. However, Müller learns from a dying prisoner of war that Yang is not in Iserlohn.
Reinhard is displeased by Kempf's report and decides to dispatch Mittermeyer end Reuenthal Fleet; he thinks the best tacticts was to smash Geiesburg against Iserlohn and destroy both fortresses (Yang has the same idea). Imperial scout ships detect Yang's reinforcement fleet. Kempf plans to lure the Iserlohn Fleet out of the fortress by pretending to retreat, then strike and seal it in the fortress, which will allow him to attack the reinforcements. Julian Minci sees through his plan. Merkatz, leading the Iserlohn fleet, pretends to fall into the trap, thus the Imperial Fleet is attacked from behind when it engages Yang's fleet. Kempf finally decides to smash Geiesburg into Iserlohn, but the Alliance's fleet destroys the engines, and the damaged the fortress moves randomly, destroying many imperial ships, before blowing up. The Imperial Fleet falls back but, against Yang's order, some commanders decide to pursue the Imperial Fleet.
The Mittermeyer and Reuenthal Fleets meet the retreating Imperial fleet and destroy the Alliance's pursuing ships before falling back when the Iserlohn Fleet shows up. In Odin, Müller is forgiven by Reinhard. Reinhard tells Hildegard von Mariendorf that power should not be inherited, but seized. In Phezzan, Kesselring explains to Rubinsky that the Free Planets Alliance is on the verge of bankruptcy; they decide to go on with their plan. It is revealed that Kesselring is Rubinsky's illegitimate son. Back in Iserlohn, Yang shares with Julian Minci his thoughts about military strength and how it is often used against the citizen it was supposed to protect.
Admiral Kessler, chief of the Military Police, informs Reinhard that two former members of the Lippstadt League (Landsberg and Schumacher) have arrived in Odin, and may be involved in some plot. Reinhard asks Hildegard for her advice: shes thinks they are in fact sent by Phezzan and will try to abduct someone, probably the young Emperor. later, she pays a visit to Annerose von Grünewald (Reinhard's elder sister) and persuades her to let Reinhard increase the security measures. Reinhard summons Boltik, the Commissioner of Phezzan, tells him he knows everything about their plan, and asks what is Phezzan's interest: Boltik answers that Phezzan expects to control the space communications and trade in an unified Empire. Reinhard agrees to act according to Rubinsky's plan, only if Phezzan grants a free passage through the Phezzan Corridor to the Imperial Fleet.
July 6-7, 798 S.C. / 489 I.C.: Landsberg and Schumacher kidnap the young Emperor under hidden underground tunnels within the palace grounds. Admiral Molt commits suicide over his failure to guard the grounds and product the Emperor. Hildegard sees through the kidnapping and confronts Reinhard over why he allowed the kidnapping to take place. Reinhard explains he cautiously joined with Phezzan as a method of justification for the Empire to invade the Alliance.
The young Emperor passes through Phezzan into Alliance territory. The Alliance government declares that they will shelter the refugees while the nobles announce a government in exile. Merkatz is appointed as secretary of defense without his own consent. August, 20, 798 S.C. / 489 I.C.: Reinhard declares the government in exile kidnapped the young Emperor in an underhanded act of cowardice. The public within the Empire mobilizes in support of Reinhard's declaration of total war.
Julian is assigned to Phezzan by central command. Yang and his staff decide to assign Mashengo to be Julian's body guard. Yang shares with Julian his thoughts about the possibility of Phezzan allying with the Empire due to the power balance being shifted. Julian mentions the possibility of Phezzan allying with the Empire not because of realist means, but instead out of ideological or religious reasons. Julian agrees to be of use to Yang and go to Phezzan to spy on any developments. The Iserlohn staff say their goodbyes to Julian.
As Julian travels to Heinessen to accept his commission in Phezzan; he thinks about how Yang's background in history. Julian reviews the history of humanity during this long trip. The history lesson starts with the birth of the Galactic Republic in 2801 and man's continued expansion into space. The lesson then touches on space piracy, the increase in military powers, and the eventual decadence which let to the rise of the Galactic Empire. The final parts of the lesson include the creation of the Alliance up to the first military conflict between the Alliance and Empire.
Admiral Bucock informs Julian that the alliance government is trying to divide Yang from his allies as a way of preventing any future powergrab by Yang. Reinhard discusses his plans on using the Phezzan corridor with his Admirals, calling the plan Operation Ragnarok. Over 1 million ships are planned to be in the fleet. Reinhart speaks with Oberstein and discuss the use and eventually the expendability of Boltik, current Commissioner of Phezzan. Oberstein creates a secret police with Lang as the leader. September 20, 798 S.C. / 489 I.C.: 8 month old Catherine succeeds the throne of the Empire as the new Empress.
Julian arrives on Phezzan. The next evening, he attends his welcome party. Julian spreads conjecture about a possible invasion of Phezzan from the Empire. Reinhart organizes his fleet for operation Ragnarok. Admiral Bucock tries to warn the Alliance National Defense Council about a possible Phezzan corridor attack, but is ignored. November, 20, 798 S.C. / 489 I.C.: Admiral Reuenthal leading an Imperial Fleet of 36,000 ships lays siege to Iserlohn. Carrying out the first part of Operation Ragnarok.
Reuenthal plans a war of attrition against Iserlohn. Reuenthal sees the Hyperion, Yang's flagship, emerge from port and decides to rush his fleet to destroy the Hyperion. However this is a feint and the Rosen Ritter led by Schenkopp latch on to Reuenthal's flagship and engage in combat. The battle is a draw and Schenkopp eventually withdraws. Reuenthal returns to his plan of attrition by rotating his attack forces in small groups. December 9, 798 S.C. / 489 I.C.: Part two of Operation Ragnarok launches from the Empire homeworld.
The Imperial fleet under Mittermeyer invades Phezzan after feigning to approach Iserlohn. Kesselring tries to kill Rubinsky, but Rubinsky had a trap laid out and kills Kesselring instead. Rubinsky goes into hiding. Julian and Mashengo destroy the computers in the Alliance High commissioner's office. Julian later finds a smuggler to take him, Mashengo, and the cowardly Alliance commissioner out of Phezzan space. Mittermeyer orders the execution of soldiers which raped and robbed civilians. The Empire secures Alliance space maps from the Phezzan Navigation Office.
Reinhard celebrates the new year with his officers. The citizens on Heinessen panic and question the government's handling of the situation. Admiral Bucock is chosen to lead the defense of the Alliance. The Alliance situation is dire as the fleets are greatly weakened from past campaigns, the only intact fleet is the 1st fleet. The 14th and 15th fleet are then created from a hodgepodge of 20,000 ships from around the Alliance. The military leaders of the Alliance realize however, they do not have enough ships to block the exit of the Phezzan corridor. Yang is given free rein over any future actions for the 13th fleet. January 8, 799 S.C. / 490 I.C.: The first Imperial fleet, led by Mittermeyer passes through the Phezzan corridor into Alliance territory.
On Iserlohn Yang decides to abandon the fortress. Yang realizes that the fortress no longer has strategic value as a choke point defense after the Imperial fleet has broken through Phezzan space. Furthermore, the Fortress would be able to hold out till the end of the war, but would probably be forced back into Empire territory in the event of a peace treaty. Yang's fleet prepares bombs and another surprise on Iserlohn and abandons the fortress of all staff and civilians. January 9, 799 S.C. / 490 Reuenthal has retaken Iserlohn fortess.
Julian and friends leave Phezzan on a cargo ship. Julian tricks the captain of an Imperial destroyer and captures the destroyer. Reinhard organizes and briefs his fleet on the invasion plan. The Imperial fleet has a 3 to 1 fleet number advantage over the hodgepodge fleet of the Alliance. The Imperial and Alliance fleets are days away from a battle in the uninhabited Rantemario star system.
The Imperial fleet takes a snake formation as they approach the Rantemario system. Bucock fleet is forced to attack the center of the snake formation as their only plausible tactical response. The Alliance fleet is badly damaged as the much larger Imperial fleet closes in on all sides. Bocock tries to minimize losses to the Alliance fleet by using a space current to slow down the Empire's advance and disabling enemy engines with fighters. At the last moment Yang's fleet approaches from behind, stopping the total destruction of the Alliance fleet under Bucock. The Imperial fleet reorganizes their fleet and heads for next Alliance system. Julian's destroyer joins up with the Alliance fleet at Heinessen.
Yang is promoted to Fleet Admiral as he lands on Heinessen. Yang clarifies his war plan to the government of the Alliance. The war plan is to attack the spread out Imperial fleet and lure out Reinhard. If Reinhard is killed, his admirals will lose their unifying force, potentially causing infighting. Julian and Yang go out to dinner and catch up on the events which have happened in the last few months. Merkatz leads the exile Imperial government fleet to join with Yang's. Reinhard has a flu and thinks of the past. The end of February, 799 S.C. / 490 I.C.: The unified Alliance fleet launches from Heinessen.
Yang attacks the supply lines of the Imperial fleet successfully. Next, Yang defeats a fleet near a black hole. Reinhard's anger at these losses are reaching boiling point. Mittermeyer and Reuenthal realize that they will have to launch a large offensive versus Yang if they hope to win before morale and food drops to dangerous levels. Yang defeats another fleet by filling supply pods with helium, then igniting the pods when the Imperial fleet nears them for pick up. Yang's guerrilla warfare tactics leave the Imperial fleet with uncertainty on where Yang will appear next. An attack on Heinessen is vetoed by both the Imperial Admirals and Reinhard. The only remaining option is a full fleet encounter by using Reinhard as bait.
Yang announces R&R time before the final battle. Julian and Yang discuss the differing battle goals for both sides. The Alliance needs to kill Reinhard while the Empire needs to hold out long enough for reinforcements to trap the Alliance. Yang finally reciprocates Frederica's feelings and proposes marriage after the war is over. Frederica is thrilled at the idea. It is revealed that Yang felt a large amount of guilt at pursuing familial happiness with all the deaths he has caused. Both fleets engage each other cautiously; both sides suspect traps or tricks from the other.
Yang organizes his fleet for a blitzkrieg directly at Reinhard's flagship, the Brunhilde. Reinhard divides his fleet into multiple layers of ships, providing an rotation for each broken layer. Ivan Konev is killed in battle when his strike craft is lured into cruiser fire. Yang realizes that it has become an issue of endurance if Reinhard's fleet is continuously reforming the front line. The Alliance fleet tricks Reinhard's front line into entering an asteroid field. Reinhard is divided from his main force as that group is surrounded by Yang's fleet. Müller's fleet is the first to return, rescuing the Brunhilde and acting as a shield.
Yang's fleet nears firing range of the Brunhilde, but a message from Heinessen declares a ceasefire. During the battle of Vermillion, Hildegard had convinced Mittermeyer fleet to take Heinessen. Hildegard is wary of Reuenthal's ambitions, but has Mittermeyer convince Reuenthal to join the Heinessen attack. In Hildegard's judgement, the battle of Vermillion would have concluded in Reinhard's death before the other fleets could return in time. Trüniht plans to surrender, while the other members of the Alliance government would prefer to fight and die. During the meeting, armed Earth Cult members rescue Trüniht. The surrender of the Alliance has divided Yang's staff, some preferring to ignore orders and kill Reinhard while others grudgingly accept the ceasefire. It is decided that a portion of Yang's staff will escape with Admiral Merkatz to a life of piracy.
Yang boards the Brunhilde and meets with Reinhard. Yang declines an offer by Reinhard to the position of Imperial Fleet Admiral, instead preferring to retire to a quiet life. Reinhard and Yang discuss government and philosophy. The treaty of Barlat is announced, formally ending hostilities. The concessions within the treaty increase civil unrest, public anger turns from the Empire to former Chairman Trüniht. Admiral Lennenkanpt is appointed Imperial consul of Heinessen. Julian, Mashengo, and Boris Konev prepare to visit Earth. June 20, 799 S.C. / 490 I.C.: The regent of the young Empress signs a declaration abdicating the throne to Reinhard. Beginning of the New Empire; year 1 of the New Imperial Calendar (N.I.C.).
Streaming availability information not available
Kei Tomiyama
Wen-li Yang (voice)
Ryo Horikawa
Reinhard von Lohengramm (voice)
Kazuhiko Inoue
Dusty Attenborough (voice)
Yoshiko Sakakibara
Frederica Greenhill (voice)
Masashi Hironaka
Siegfried Kircheis (voice)
Nozomu Sasaki
Julian Minci (voice)
Katsuji Mori
Wolfgang Mittermeyer (voice)
Masako Katsuki
Hildegard von Mariendorf (voice)
Kaneto Shiozawa
Paul von Oberstein (voice)
Norio Wakamoto
Oskar von Reuenthal (voice)
1996
As if to escape the feelings of his rival's death, Reinhard works industriously in administrative tasks. In the rain, Reinhard ponders the pact he made with Kircheis and Reuenthal during a storm. At that time, Reuenthal had asked Reinhard's help in freeing Mittermeyer from nobles using their influence to kill him. Mittermeyer had executed a noble born soldier for killing and looting. On Heinessen, Reuenthal does swift moves to clean out corrupt ex-alliance politicians and military industry owners. Reuenthal feels that cleaning out corruption helps justify his rule in Heinessen. Mittermeyer meets his wife Evangelin at the space port.
1994
Emperor Reinhard celebrates with his staff and focuses on the organization of domestic positions and issues within the Empire. Meanwhile Frederica and Yang marry and enjoy their private time. The Imperial government keeps an eye on Yang's new life, but does not interfere. Julian and Mashengo arrive at Merkatz's secret base. The Merkatz fleet is only 60 ships, but they plan to procure more from raids and decommissioned Alliance ships. Julian meets Katerose von Kreutzer for the first time. Poplan joins Julian's group to Earth. Till the fleet is needed once again, Merkatz plans to maintain and safeguard it.
Julian ponders his next step. Julian speaks with Katerose around the Iserlohn park. The fleet in Iserlohn work hard and keep training for any future military conflicts. Julian considers a plan of pushing the Empire towards constitutional government. Boris Konev arrives with supplies from Heinessen. He points out that Trünicht is conspiring with Terraists. Frederica remembers the history of her relationship with Yang and lets go of regrets.
While commemorating a cemetery to the Imperial war fleet, an assassination attempt is made on Reinhard. It is revealed that the assassin's family was killed in the nuclear strike on Westerland during the Lippstadt conflict. Reinhard is shaken to the core by his own guilt and inaction during that time. Reinhard asks Hildegard to spend the night with him. The next morning Hildegard goes home to her estate flustered. Reinhard visits the Mariendorf estate, asking for Hilde's hand in marriage. Hildegard is unsure of his feelings towards her, thinking his actions may be due to Reinhard's own sense of obligation.
A large memorial service by the former Alliance government turns into a bloody riot with around 5000 killed and the number of injured exceeding 50,000. Reuenthal looks for the instigators of the riot. A anonymous tip warns that Trüniht is responsible for the violence now spreading from the memorial service to all parts of Neue land territory. Reuenthal orders a blockade outside of Iserlohn. On Iserlohn, Julian and Katerose become closer. Meanwhile, Terraists plan to turn Reinhard into a tyrant by provoking Reuenthal to betray Reinhard. If Reinhard became a tyrant, it would increase public unrest and give Terraism as a religion a chance to gain mass appeal.
Reinhard is bored of his administrative duties and branches out to the arts in his free time. Lang and Rubinsky meet and discuss plans to provoke Reuenthal's betrayal of Reinhard. On Phezzan, rumors about an assassination attempt by Reuenthal on Reinhard spread like wildfire. The rumors suggest that Reuenthal will invite Reinhard to Heinessen for an assassination attempt. Oberstein discovers Lang has been meeting with Rubinsky, but takes no actions. Reuenthal decides to test Reinhard's belief in the rumors, effectively inviting Reinhard as the rumors suggest. Reinhard accepts the invitation to Heinessen. Mittermeyer, Lutz, and many other admirals discuss the possible outcomes of the invitation and preemptively plan their positions.
Julian answers complaints on Iserlohn. Reinhard visits many locations on Uruvasi. That evening the guards around the guest house act erratically. Lutz, Müller, and Reinhard's personal guards escape via car with a battalion of soldiers in pursuit. In the woods, the Reinhard entourage is attacked by soldiers and snipers. Eventually they meet up with the flagship Brunhilde. High Admiral Lutz stays behind to hold off the soldiers and is killed. Konev brings news of Reinhard escaping Uruvasi with only a single ship. Merkatz advises Julian on Reuenthal possible plans.
Word of civil unrest and the assassination attempt reaches Reuenthal and he orders his subordinates to restore order and find Reinhard. Grillpalzer hides evidence of Terraists on Uruvasi. Reuenthal considers visiting Phezzan and asking for Reinhard's understanding, but he realizes he risks assassination himself from Lang. When news of Lutz's death reaches Reuenthal, Reuenthal realizes the circumstances have forced him to take on the role of traitor. Even if Reuenthal had not planned the attempt, he still failed to ensure Reinhard's safety. Reinhard decides to act with all his abilities against Reinhard. Reuenthal considers offering the remaining republicans in Iserlohn the old Alliance territory if they can blockade Imperial reinforcements from that corridor, thus preventing a two front battle for Reuenthal.
Mittermeyer tries to convince Reinhard to exercise restraint. That same day, a letter from Reuenthal explains the danger of Lang, but ignores Reinhard. The letter's presumption of Reinhard being controlled by Lang and Oberstein infuriates Reinhard. Mittermeyer comes to the understanding that if he had refused the Emperor's order, Reinhard would have led the force. Thus, it would have increased unrest with all Reinhard's vassals. Mittermeyer considers killing Lang, but Kesler stops Mittermeyer. A report initiated by Lutz and investigated by Kesler implicates Lang of unjustly imprisoning and killing Nikolas Boltik. Hildegard realizes she is pregnant. On November 14th, Space Calendar 800, New Imperial Year 2, A space fleet of 42,770 ships commanded by Mittermeyer, Wahlen, and Bittenfeld launch toward Reunthal's territory.
Admiral Grillpalzer convinces Admiral Knapfstein to join Reuenthal's side while betraying him later. Mittermeyer discusses battle plans with his subordinates. Wahlen tries to convince Reinhard to exercise restraint. Murai arrives at Iserlohn as Reuenthal's messenger of negotiations. Julian decides to refuse Reuenthal's offer. To accept it would be a short term gain with consequences later from the Empire. Reuenthal and Mittermeyer talk about resolving the situation, but are unable to persuade each other. Reuenthal had realized that Reinhard needed a strong opponent more than anything else. In Reuenthal's fleet, unrest is brewing. Reuenthal explains to his soldiers they are fighting against villainous vassals within the Empire. Moreover, Reuenthal had to secure a victory to raise morale.
Reuenthal plans to divide up his fleet into a formation which would surround incoming fleets. Mittermeyer arrives first, quickly attacking before Reuenthal tactical plans are set up. Mittermeyer uses quick fleet movement to prolong the battle and limit casualties. Over time, Bittenfeld and Wahlen's fleets arrive as well. Wahlen is nearly killed and loses his artificial arm. Bittenfeld's fleet formation is unstable due to it being 1/2 survivors from his fleet and the remainders Fahrenheit's fleet. Admiral Knapfstein is killed in battle. Eventually the battle becomes a war of attrition. As it is reported that Mecklinger is approaching the battlefield in the Rantemario system, Reuenthal orders a hasty retreat.
Mittermeyer's fleet catches up with Reuenthal's fleet as they head to Heinessen. Grillpalzer betrays Reuenthal's fleet and fires on his former allies. Reuenthal's flagship is hit by long distance artillery. Reuenthal is impaled in in the chest by a piece of metal. Reuenthal continues to order tactics as he becomes pale. Grillpalzer surrenders to Wahlen's fleet. Mecklinger discovers Terraism evidence on Uruvasi hidden by Grillpalzer. Mecklinger orders Grillpalzer arrested. Reuenthal returns to Heinessen with only 10% of his fleet remaining.
Reuenthal returns to his office and assigns all domestic political matters to Elsheimer. Trüniht is killed by Reuenthal after they both discuss their ambitions and Reinhard. Reuenthal is visited by Elfriede von Kohlrausch and her baby. Reuenthal requests that she give the his son to Mittermeyer. On November 14th, Space Calendar 800, New Imperial Year 2, Reuenthal dies at the age of 33. Mittermeyer arrives on Heinessen, but is too late to meet with his old friend. Admiral Bergengrün, who also served under Kircheis commits suicide, after hearing of Reuenthal's death. Bergengrün had lost both his commanders to underhanded political schemes. Lang confesses to all his actions and implicates Rubinsky. Rubinsky is nowhere to be found.
Mittermeyer and the other admirals return to Phezzan. All the admirals are debriefed by Reinhard. Mittermeyer meets with Hilde and discusses the adoption policy for Reuenthal's child. Mittermeyer adopts Reuenthal's child and servant and brings them home to meet his wife. Hilde reveals to Reinhard she is pregnant with his child, she accepts his marriage proposal. The Terraists feud leadership now that Reinhard has a successor. A deranged Landsberg leads Imperial police to the mummified corpse of Erwin Josef II. In Iserlohn, the staff celebrates the new year with a large party.
Kaiser Reinhard publicly announces his marriage to Hildegard von Mariendorf at the Imperial new years party. Hilda's father, Count Mariendorf resigns from his position recommending Mittermeyer as the new Chief Minister of Internal Affairs. Many of the ministers discuss joint rulership and succession rights for the upcoming Empress. Princess Grünewald visits Reinhard and Hilde on Phezzan. On January 29th, Reinhard and Hilda's are wed. Oberstein interrupts the wedding midway through to report riots on Heinessen.
In January of Space Calendar 801, New Imperial Calendar 3, the chronic shortage of basic consumer goods caused riots throughout Heinessen. The distribution system is attacked by terrorism, complicating the problem further. Wahlan suppresses the riots and hands out a portion of the military food supplies to cool the riots. The Imperial admirals consider a campaign against Iserlohn, but decide not to due to the Imperial Treasury running low from continuous military expeditions. On Iserlohn, Julian thinks if the riots around alliance territory would be a good time to re liberate old Alliance territories. Many republicans are distrustful of the Iserlohn government for letting Mecklinger through the corridor. Julian decides to go to battle, citing the opportune moment and the fact that Reinhard's personality would look down upon a risk adverse successor in Iserlohn.
Wahlan orders his fleet to investigate after learning of fleet movements inside the Iserlohn corridor. On the Imperial side of the corridor, Julian approaches Imperial admiral Wagenseil's fleet. Using strike craft and a slow withdrawal strategy, Julian infuriates Wagenseil. The Wagenseil fleet is lured into range of the Iserlohn Thor hammer cannon and loses a large portion its ships. Wahlan's fleet tries to attack Iserlohn from the back before the Thor hammer recharges. Merkatz ambushes Wahlan's fleet from a blind spot while Julean approaches from around the fortress, executing a pincer formation. The Thor hammer fires two more times, causing massive damage to the pincered Wahlan fleet. Reinhard prepares for a counterattack from Phezzan, but is bedridden with a high fever.
Princess Grünewald visits Hilda and the sickly Reinhard. Although Reinhard's expedition was canceled, the problems of the insurgency and Iserlohn fleet remained. Oberstein is chosen to handle the new problems for the Empire. Oberstein takes Müller and Bittenfeld with him on the campaign. News of the Iserlohn victory bypasses Imperial news censors, causing many protests. Oberstein orders the arrest of all former public officials in the Alliance. Oberstein infuriates Müller, Bittenfeld, and Wahlen with his plan of using hostages to draw out the forces of Iserlohn. On Iserlohn, the Julian fleet wonders what to do if the Empire were to abandon Heinessen and use it as a lure.
Reinhard learns of the rift between Oberstein and his admirals. Word of the rift leaks to all the soldiers and civilians on Heinessen. Bittenfeld is put under house arrest by Oberstein for assaulting him. Street fights between Bittenfeld's forces and the military police under Oberstein erupt. Müller tries to convince Bittenfeld to apologize to Oberstein in hopes decreasing further violence between Imperial troops. The Iserlohn group gets the news of the trouble on Heinessen. They decide to divide up their leadership and accept negotiations on Heinessen for the release of the hostages.
A riot breaks out at Rugpool prison, where the 5000 political prisoners were being held. The rioters are somehow well armed and the situation deteriorates. Bittenfeld's lancers fight with the military police. At the end of the night, over 4000 of the prisoners are dead or injured. Julian's envoy fleet heads back to Iserlohn on news of the riots and martial law on Heinessen. Rubinsky is captured by Obersteins agents. Reinhard releases all political prisoners and sends Müller to ask the Julian envoy to come once again to Heinessen.
Terraists attack multiple critical infrastructure locations on Phezzan. Communications with High Admiral Kesler are not re established till later when Terraists storm Stehibalm Schloss, the provisional home for Hilde and Grünewald. Marika von Feuerbach, a servant to Hilde leads Kesler and his military police to Hilde and Grünewald before they are assassinated. Hilde is rushed to a hospital where she gives birth to the new prince of the Lohengramm dynasty. Kesler uses torture and truth serum on the Terraists, cleaning out all Terraist influence on Phezzan. Reinhard names his new son Alexander Siegfried von Lohengramm.
In late May of Space Calendar 801, New Imperial Calendar 3 a refugee ship chased by Imperial ships runs into the Julian fleet. The Julian fleet decides to engage the Imperial ships. Eventually both sides send reinforcements and the full number of ships for each fleet is present. The Imperial fleet includes 51,700 ships while the Julian fleet has 9,800 ships. Both fleets act cautiously rotate their front line forces. Reinhard collapses midway through the battle. A communications blackout results in frustration from the Imperial admirals. Poplan intercepts some communications betweet Mittermeyer's ship and Reinhard's flagship. The Julian fleet decides to board the Brunhilde with melee infantry.
The Rosenritter soldiers latch on to Flagship Brunhilde. The Imperial doctors reveal to the admirals that Reinhard has an unknown and incurable disease. General Schenkopp holds off the Royal guard with his soldiers. Reinhard prepares to meet with Julian, should Julian make it to his room. Bittenfeld frustrated with inactivity, rushes into the Merkatz fleet. Admiral Merkatz is killed in battle. Mashengo dies protecting Julian from gunfire. Schenkopp is fatally wounded in battle while Poplan fights off Reinhard's Imperial guard. Julian reaches Reinhard's room for negotiations. A truce is announced.
Julian, Poplan, and the remaining Rosen Ritter soldiers return to Iserlohn. The setting is mixed, a truce was given but the Julian fleet lost many important members. Julian and Kate decide to officially have a dating relationship. Both the Reinhard and Julian fleets arrive on Heinessen. Rubinsky kills himself in the hospital, setting off multiple bombs under Heinessenpolis tied to his brain waves. Reinhard and Julian discuss the next steps politically. It is agreed that Heinessen and its surrounding systems are to be given autonomy for the ownership of Iserlohn. They consider setting up a constitution for the Empire. Both Julian and Reinhard's staff prepare to leave to Phezzan.
The legend ends, and history begins.
On the long trip to Earth, Julian and Poplan review the history of Earth. The lesson starts with the 13 Day War between Earth factions in 2039 AD. After the nuclear exchange, the unification of all governments on Earth occurs in 2129 AD. Following unification man expands into the stars. However, the lack autonomy to colonies, unequal economic polities, and tyranny from the Earth government culminate in multiple conflicts and human rights violations. The end of these chaotic conflicts eventually leads to the creation of the Galactic Republic in 2801 and Earth being forgotten.
Emperor Reinhard announces his new cabinet. Through a personal favor to Hildegard's father, the new secretary of state, Reinhard agrees to visit Künmel. During the lunch, it is revealed that Künmel and the Earth cult had placed explosives under the court. Trüniht leaks information to the chief of ministry police Kesler; an assassination attempt is planned on Reinhard. The Earth cultists around Odin are attacked in full force by the military police. Reinhard disables the trigger, via Künmel complacency. The Mariendorfs are put under house arrest. July 10, 799 S.C. / 1 N.I.C.: Julian crew arrives on Earth, that same day the Empire decides to suppress Earth by force.
Oberstein confronts Reinhard to choose a consort for bearing a heir. Reinhard releases Hildegard and her father from house arrest. Reuenthal reveals to Mittermeyer that his personal demons are effecting his lifestyle. At this time Reuenthal also gives up his ambition for power, realizing he can not exceed Reinhard. Müller launches his fleet from Odin towards Earth. Julian, Mashengo, and Poplan arrive on Earth and head to the Earth Cult holy temple.
On Odin, Reinhard reviews the secret history of the past Emperors of the Empire. On Heinessen Yang is enjoying his private life. Lennenkanpt is uneasy with Yang's quiet life, being vigilant he increases surveillance. Fredrica decides to learn how to cook better for Yang, she consults Cazellnu's wife. During this period, both women realized they can trade information inside the food.
July 17, 799 S.C. / 1 N.I.C.: Alliance forces in accordance with the Treaty of Barlat start decommissioning and disassembling Alliance cruisers and carriers. The Merkatz freedom fighter fleet launches a sneak attack on the Imperial flagship, causing many planned decommissioned soldiers and ships to switch sides. Oberstein tricks Lennenkanpt into blaming Yang. Yang is arrested in his home by Alliance soldiers. All of Yang's subordinates notice increased surveillance as a sign of danger. If Yang is executed by the Empire, it would cause a popular uprising in the Alliance. The uprising would thus give the Empire a reason to subjugate the Alliance further. The Alliance government thus considers executing Yang before the Empire, to avoid interference or subjugation
Prime Minister Lebello visits Yang in prison. Yang realizes he will be used as a scapegoat by the Alliance to avoid Imperial intervention. Schenkopp and Attenborough reorganize Yang's subordinates. With the Rosen Ritter in full rebellion, the Alliance troops are no match for the difference in battle experience and morale. During the chaos, the Rosen Ritter kidnaps the Prime Minister. However, the Alliance military decides to sacrifice the PM and execute Yang early. Frederica and Schenkopp save Yang at the last moment, escaping with Yang's staff into the night.
July 22, 799 S.C. / 1 N.I.C.:The turmoil on Heinessen expands. Yang debates Lebello on the state of the nation. Lebello agrees to exchange his freedom for Lennenkanpt. The Rosen Ritter infiltrate the Imperial Consulate, kidnapping Lennenkanpt and causing massive casualties on the Imperial side. While in captivity Lennenkanpt hangs himself, too ashamed too live. Fredrica applies make up to Lennenkanpt's corpse, tricking the Imperials. Cazellnu resigns his post in the Alliance government and joins Yang's fleet with his family.
The Wahlen Imperial fleet arrives near Earth orbit. An Earth Cultist within Wahlen's flagship attacks Wahlen with a poisoned blade. Wahlen's arm is amputated and he goes into a coma. Meanwhile, Julian and Poplan realize the food being served to cultists has minute amounts of Thyoxin, a mind control poison. Julian goes through withdrawal symptoms, and meets up with the others in the infirmary. Wahlen awakens from his coma and orders a ground assault and missile bombardments of the Terraism fortress. The Imperial forces and Julian's friends (Posing as Phezzan infiltrators.) work together against the Earth Cultists. Julian and the others escape with the Terraism data while the cultists detonate the Earth cult fortress.
Julian convinces Wahlan to escort him to Odin. The Imperial admirals discuss the issue of Lennenkanpt's capture and the unverified accusations against Yang. Oberstein argues that the subterfuge within Heinessen could be very advantageous to the Empire. The Admirals all reject Oberstein's conclusion and opportunism, preferring to investigate the plot for the truth. Yang's fleet heads towards Merkatz's base. During this trip, Yang considers the miscalculations leading up to his capture as well as the next steps needed. Reinhard formalizes his plan of moving the Imperial capital to Phezzan. August 13, 799 S.C. / 1 N.I.C.: Planet El Facil declares independence from the Empire and Alliance.
Rumors spread around the Alliance on the whereabouts of Yang and Lennenkanpt. El Facil, the only independent planet not under Imperial supervision, aggressively tries to recruit Yang. Yang decides to remain on the sidelines. The reasoning behind's Yang's caution is due to the Yang fleet not having enough military power to protect El Facil or any other systems. Yang decides his next action depends heavily on the Empire's next move. On Heinessen, Lebello considers the possibility of Yang allying with the Empire for revenge as well as asking Yang to return and lead the Alliance. Reinhard receives a report on the truth behind Yang's movements and Lennenkanpt's actions. Reinhard summons his three top Imperial Military commanders...
Reinhard considers the possibility of Yang joining the Empire. Hildegard considers the different power groups at play. The current balance of power is divided between the Empire, the Alliance, Yang, El Facil, Phezzan merchants, Earth Cultists, and Goldenbaum loyalists. Yang is seen as a possible unifier of the Alliance, El Facil, and Phezzan merchants. Meanwhile Silverberche, the Imperial Secretary of Industry starts construction of the new Imperial capital in Phezzan. During a high level staff meeting, Reinhard decides that the Galactic unification of humanity is vital.
Reinhard announces the situation to all citizens within the galaxy. Reinhard covers the failure of Lennenkanpt and the selling out of Yang and Lennenkanpt by the Alliance government. He further declares Treaty of Barlat's spirit has been desecrated with the only solution being force. Yang realizes that he has been cut off from allying himself with the Alliance government. Bucock returns from retirement. The next day, Reinhard announces the fleet organization for the second Ragnarok operation. Alliance diplomat Odets desperately heads into Imperial territory to ask for a ceasefire.
On Odin, Julian and friends prepare to leave the planet. Alliance Chief of Staff Trung Yu Chan prepares to send Yang supplies, ships, and personnel. Around the Alliance, the military is sending Yang all of their extra personal, ships, and supplies. Yang consults with his staff, considering asking Phezzan merchants for war funding. Yang's fleet finally decides to go to El Facil. The government on El Facil plans to declare a new legitimate democratic government.
The Imperial forces head deeper into Alliance territory. Julian and friends arrive on El Facil. Julian passes off the Terraism data disk to Yang. Yang and stuff discuss the next step, namely the retaking of Iserlohn Fortress. The El Facil government is wary of Yang being outside of their field of control, thus they refuse to let Yang lead the next operation. Effectively Yang has become a bargaining ship for controlling the excesses of his subordinates. Yang speaks with Konev about the possibility of Phezzan's aid. December, 799 S.C. / 1 N.I.C.: The El Facil fleet, under Merkatz launches for Iserlohn. During the same time, the last of the Alliance fleet launches for their final sortie.
All military campaigns for both the Alliance and Empire are put on hold to celebrate the new year. Admiral Lutz starts receiving multiple conflicting launch and Iserlohn defense orders. Reinhard is furious at Lutz's refusal to launch. Lutz finally launches with all his forces, hoping to sandwich the El Facil fleet between him and Thor's Hammer. The Rosen Ritter disable the Thor's Hammer with a previously encoded computer lock down code. The enemy infantry forces are superior in numbers, but not in skill or morale. The Rossen Ritter eventually enter a backup control room and fire the Hammer at Lutz's returning fleet. January 14th, 800 S.C. / 2 N.I.C.: Iserlohn is once again under Yang's control.
The Imperial fleet decides to accept Bucock's challenge head on and sends most their ships to meet in the Mar-Adetta system. The Mar-Adetta has unstable solar activity, communication jamming and a corridor through an asteroid belt. The Bucock fleet hides in the large corridor. As the Imperial fleets charge in, they are greeted by unstable asteroids, artillery ship fire, and space mines. The Alliance fleet is astute and attacks from unexpected areas within and behind the belt. January 16th, 800 S.C. / 2 N.I.C.: The Imperial fleet is in the middle of an unexpectedly difficult battle.
Bucock's fleet advances through the Müller fleet while being pursued and surrounded by many others. Bucock's Alliance fleet is unable to charge and kill Rienhard. Hilde advises Reinhard to offer surrender to Bucock. Instead of accepting defeat, the Alliance officers toast to friendship and democracy. Afterwards, the Imperial fleet decimates all remaining Alliance ships. The Imperial victory celebration is cut short when news of Lutz's defeat at Iserlohn is received. The situation has changed for the Imperials if the plan was coordinated. The Imperial fleet would have cut off supply lines if Phezzan fell as well. With that possibility, Reinhard could have underestimated the importance of Iserlohn. Countering the panic, Hilde points out Yang would not have sacrificed his allies for a stall. The Imperial forces thus resumes their course for Heinessen.
The news of Fleet Admiral Bucock's death reaches Iserlohn. The Yang declares a mourning period for Bucock. Lebello is assassinated by his subordinates. The Alliance government surrenders unconditionally. On February 9th, Reinhard lands on Heinessen. The Imperial soldiers discover low level bureaucrats unwilling to surrender public documents, records, or property to the Empire. Reinhard commends on how the Alliance perished precisely because such remarkable government servants were kept below positions of governance. Reinhard disgusted over treachery, then declares death upon Lebello's killers. February 20th, 800 S.C. / 2 N.I.C.: The 273 history of the Free Planets Alliance ended.
Reinhard considers when and how to take El Facil and Iserlohn. Yang considers the position of his forces. Katerose von Kreutzer confronts her illegitimate father, General Schenkopp. The Iserlohn reviews the Terraism data disk, discovering troublesome information: Phezzan and the Earth Cult have been working together for over a century. Yang, Frederica, and Julian talk about the role of military within government as well as Reinhard's next step. In a secret location, Rubinsky discusses his influence and agents. Meanwhile, within Reinhard's office, a letter arrives which postpones the expedition to Iserlohn...
Reuenthal is arrested by the Imperial police under suspicion of overthrowing Reinhard. It is revealed that Lang, the head of the secret police initialed the investigation. Reuenthal is accused of harboring a woman of the exiled Lichtenlade family. Oberstein is suspicious of Lang's intentions. It is revealed that the woman is pregnant with Reuenthal's child. Reuenthal is granted a hearing from Reinhard that very afternoon. Reinhard and Reuenthal reminisce on the past. The Imperial officers direct their hatred toward Oberstein.
Wahlan, Mecklinger, and Kesler discuss the security and happenings of the old Imperial territories. A huge fire breaks out on Heinessen, causing massive property damage and casualties. Through Reuenthal's meticulously planned emergency countermeasures, the situation is handled efficiently. The Patriotic Knights Corps are made scapegoats for the fire. Reuenthal is relieved of his position as Chief of the High Command and made Governor General of all previous Alliance territories. Rubinsky plans to an assassination attempt at Princess Grünewald, Reinhard's sister. March 23rd, 800 S.C. / 2 N.I.C.: Admirals Bittenfeld and Fahrenheit lead their fleets to secure space around Iserlohn.
Reinhard and his senior staff launch from Heinessen and head towards Iserlohn. On Phezzan, a terrorist bombing occurs during a celebration. Silverberche is killed while Oberstein and Lutz suffer minor injuries. The Imperial plan to attack Iserlohn is not postponed. On Heinessen, Andrew Fork is kidnapped by the Earth Cult. On the front lines, Fahrenheit and Bittenfeld kill time.
Bittenfeld sends Iserlohn a message, advising Yang to surrender. The government of El Facil retreats to Iserlohn. Julian and Katerose have an argument. Yang and Julian discuss their situation, talking till sunrise. The Earth Cult convinces Fork to try to assassinate Yang. Iserlohn responds to Bittenfeld, planning to provoke him to attack prematurely before the main Imperial fleets arrive.
Bittenfeld is wary of the message and takes a cautious fleet formation. Yang takes advantage of the communications jamming between both sides of the corridor and tricks Mecklinger into withdrawing to the entrance of the Imperial side. The Bittenfeld fleet is lured into the corridor by Attenborough's fleet. Fahrenheit's fleet follows Bittenfeld, planning to overwhelm the Yang with numbers. Yang uses the superior numbers of the Imperials against them, forcing the Imperials to cluster together inside the tight corridor. High Admiral Fahrenheit is killed in battle preventing the complete destruction of the two Imperial fleets.
Attenborough's fleet lines the entrance of the corridor with mines. He plans to snipe the Imperial fleet as they come through small holes within the minefield. The Imperial fleet creates 5 entry holes through the minefield to establish a bridgehead. Steinmetz is killed in battle. The Imperial fleet movements are sluggish within the corridor. Reuenthal orders the Imperial fleet to feign a retreat. The Yang fleet approaches the Reinhard's flagship but is unable to penetrate the battle line. Both sides withdraw.
The Imperial fleets adopt a tactic of attrition via rotations. The Müller fleet, Mittermeyer's subordinates, Bittenfeld and many other Admirals rotate on the battle line. Yang's fleet, with less that 20,000 ships left fights on with no rotations in manpower. Bittenfeld's elite troops cause a fatal blow to Yang's fleet. Admiral Fischer, the one in charge of Yang's fleet maneuvers is killed in battle. Reinhard passes out from sickness. A ceasefire is announced. The Yang fleet passes out in Iserlohn.
Reinhard confides in Hildegard that his memories of Kircheis motivated him towards ceasefire talks. Yang discusses the situation with his staff. The death of Fischer basically cut off the legs from Yang's fleet. Yang decides to accept the ceasefire talks. Yang leaves Iserlohn with minimal military personnel and the politicians from El Facil. Fork's ship finds Yang's ship en route to the Imperial fleet. Behind Fork two Imperial destroyers fire on Fork, killing him. Back on Iserlohn, the crew receives word of an assassination attempt by Fork. The Imperial ships requests a meeting with Yang. The crew behind the ships are in reality Earth Cultists in disguise. Patrichev and many others are killed defending Yang. Schenkopp with his Rosen Ritter arrive on Yang's ship. Yang is shot in the leg.
Julian finds Yang's body. The Yang staff return to Iserlohn. The crew of Iserlohn enter mourning. Julian tells Frederica about Yang's death. It is decided by Yang's remaining staff that Frederica will assume the role of political leader. Julian is considered to be the next military leader. Julian accepts the role of military leadership after talking with Frederica. Unrest within Iserlohn grows and there is talk of desertion. Admiral Murai speaks with Julian and gives him his resignation. Murai intends to fulfill his last task for Yang by taking all dissidents from Iserlohn with him as a desertion leader. The remaining leaders of El Facil abandon the Yang fleet.
Reinhard is devastated at the death of Yang. Müller is sent as official Imperial envoy in condolences for Yang's death. Mittermeyer and Reuenthal discuss Yang's death and the new peace. Reinhard while sick, continues autocratic reforms. Reinhard is regretful of Silverberche's death. Hildegard, being in a military position is not able to cross over to domestic political advise. Reinhard realizes that outside of himself, Hildegard, and Silverberche, there is not anyone with skill in politics equal to his admirals in military affairs.
Lang finds the terrorists that bombed and killed Silverberche via a tip from Rubinsky. Rubinsky convinces Lang to kill Nikolas Boltik on suspicion of killing Silberberche. Many admirals within the Imperial Military are wary of Lang's influence. It is revealed that Rubinsky has Elfriede von Kohlrausch, the mother of Reuenthal's child. Reinhard officially orders all government servants and their families to move to Phezzan, the new Imperial capital. Trünicht accepts an outragous joke position from Reinhard in Heinessen. Oberstein considers purging members of the Reinhard staff.
The last of the deserters leave Iserlohn. Reuenthal appoints many government officials as he settles as the new governor of the old alliance territories. Reuenthal plans to execute Trünicht for any suspicious actions. Phezzan merchants notice Earth cultists entering Trünicht's home. Julian ponders how Yang became the personification of the spirit of democracy. Julian also realizes that he must ironically acknowledge the effectiveness of terrorism in history to shape Yang's death into something practical. Katerose and Julian talk about Fredrica. On August 8th, Space Calendar 800, New Imperial Year 2, the Iserlohn republic is born. The population comparison is 40 billion in the Empire to 940,000 in Iserlohn.
1988
January 1, 796 S.C. / 487 I.C.: in the Astarte star system, a 20 000 spaceships Imperial fleet under Reinhard von Lohengramm's command is about to be cornered by three Alliance fleets of 13 000 spaceships each. Against the advice of his subordinates, Reinhard decides to strike first in order to defeat each fleet before they can join. The Allied commanders, trusting the overall odds of 2 to 1, don't anticipate this and rebuff Yang Wen-li's advice to quickly regroup their forces.
After the destruction of the 4th and 6th fleets, Reinhard's fleet engages the 2nd Fleet. When its commander is wounded, Yang takes command and manages to escape utter destruction. In Phezzan, Adrian Rubinsky, administrator of the planet, and Nikola Boltik, his main adviser, make comments on the battle and note that it won't change the strategic situation.
In Heinessen (capital planet of the Free Planets Alliance), a memorial for the soldiers who died at the battle of Astarte is held. The warmongering speech of Job Trüniht, the Secretary of Defence, is interrupted by Jessica Edwards, whose fiancé was killed in the battle: she asks him why the advocates of war always sacrifice the lives of others while hiding in safer places. While going home, she is attacked by members of the Patriotic Knights Corps (P.K.C.), a nationalistic organization secretly led by Trüniht. She is rescued by her friends Yang and Dusty Attenborough and barely escapes death. The next day, Yang is promoted to rear admiral in command of the newly formed 13th Fleet. His mission: to take the Iserlohn fortress, a powerful space station which has repelled every attack.
In Odin (capital planet of the Galactic Empire), Reinhard is promoted to imperial admiral after his victory at Astarte. With his friend Siegfried Kircheis, he pays a visit to his elder sister Annerose, the Emperor's favorite. In a flashback, Kircheis remember how he and Reinhard became friends, how Annerose was taken away from her home to be the Emperor's favorite and how they came to hate the high nobles and the Goldenbaum dynasty.
A new admiralty is created for Reinhard. He chooses commoners and lesser nobles to command his fleets: August Samuel Wahlen, Cornelius Lutz, Karl Gustav Kempf, Fritz Josef Bittenfeld, Ernest Mecklinger, Wolfgang Mittermeyer and Oskar von Reuenthal. Meanwhile, Maximilian von Kastrop has rebelled against the Empire. He thinks he is safe because of the "Artemis Necklace", a system of powerfully armed satellites built with the help of Phezzan. Reinhard sends a fleet under Kircheis' command to put an end to the rebellion. He manages to destroy the necklace. Kastrop is killed by his retainers and is the only casualty of the operation.
Yang decides to take Iserlohn by a ruse. The Rosen Ritter (Knights of the rose), a ground combat unit made of Imperial exiles, will pose as an imperial crew and infiltrate the fortress. Yang's staff is introduced: Murai, Patrichev, Fischer (a master of fleet maneuvers) and Frederica Greenhill, daughter of admiral Dwight Greenhill. The Iserlohn fleet is lured away from the fortress by decoys. When a damaged imperial spaceship asks for help, the commander of Iserlohn, who doesn't know where his fleet is due to radar jamming, authorizes it to dock...
May, 14, 796 S.C. / 487 I.C.: a fake imperial spaceship docks into Iserlohn. Walter von Schenkopp, commander of the Rosen Ritter, pretends to have important information and takes control of the center of command. The Iserlohn fleet comes back, only to be destroyed by the fortress' main weapon, the "Thor's Hammer". The fall of Iserlohn dramatically changes the strategic balance: Yang hopes it will lead to a peace treaty. Back in Heinessen, he wants to resign, but is promoted to vice-admiral instead.
Paul von Oberstein, chief of staff of the Iserlohn fleet, is in trouble. He saw through Yang's plan, but his commander didn't listen to him, and he fled before the destruction of the fleet. The three chiefs of the Imperial fleet resign, but want to make him responsible of the defeat. Oberstein meets Reinhard and explains how, like him, he hates the high nobles and the Goldenbaum dynasty, and offer his help. Reinhard agrees and obtains his pardon by advising the Emperor to refuse the chiefs' resignations.
Thirty years ago, marquis Klopstock was exiled form the imperial court. He asks prince Braunschweig, the Emperor's son-in-law, to ask forgiveness on his behalf. Braunschweig invites him to his daughter's birthday party. Klopstock's real goal is to bring a bomb in order to kill the Emperor, who will be there. At the party, Reinhard clashes with baron Flegel. The bomb is taken away by accident and makes little damage. Klopstock commits suicide and all the incident is kept secret.
Yang is sent to Thernussen (Heinessen's second largest city) with his ward, Julian Minci, to attend a ceremony at the Military Academy. He meets Jessica Edwards, who is campaigning for the Peace Party candidate in an upcoming election. We learn that Yang, while being loyal to democracy, has no love for the current politicians. The P.K.C. sets a bomb in the Peace Party's headquarters, killing the candidate, but their plan backfires when Jessica, who is the new Peace Party candidate, wins a landslide victory.
Susanna von Benemünde, a former favorite of the Emperor, wants to get rid of Annerose and win back the Emperor's love. She teams up with Flegel, who hopes that a scandal involving Annerose will lead to Reinhard's downfall. Annerose is abducted: she is to be killed and found with a supposed lover from the lower class. She is rescued by Kircheis, Reuenthal, Mittermeyer and Oberstein. Benemünde is forced to commit suicide. Flegel has been smart enough to leave no proof of his involvement, but Oberstein and Reinhard suspect him anyway.
In the Free Planets Alliance, the capture of Iserlohn has intoxicated the public, the military and the politicians. It is possible to invade the Empire from Iserlohn, and many people think it's time to conclude the crusade against tyranny. In the High Council, Joan Lebello (Secretary of Treasure) and Hwan Lewi (Secretary of Human Resources) think it's better to sign a peace treaty because the economy in on the verge of collapsing, but the Chairman explains that they will lose the next election unless they achieve a substantial military victory, so the High Council decides to invade the Empire.
August, 22, 796 S.C. /487 I.C.: the invasion of the Empire has begun. Reinhard implements a scorched earth strategy: all food is taken from the frontier zone, so the "Liberation force" of the Free Planets Alliance will be forced to feed the inhabitants. Reinhard plans to attack the invading fleets when their supply lines will be overstretched. Commodore Ulrich Kesler carries out the orders but, in the process, has to face someone from his past.
The Free Planets Alliance fleet has conquered more than 200 star systems (50 million inhabitants) without fighting. In Iserlohn, vice-admiral Alex Cazellnu drafts a supply plan, but he is worried about such a heavy burden: for him, Reinhard clearly wants the Free Planets Alliance to exhaust its resources on behalf of the liberated planets. The supply fleet is destroyed by Kircheis because Fork didn't think such an attack was possible. Yang, fearing a scorched earth policy, convinces his fellow fleet commanders to ask for a withdrawal. Riots break out on many planets because of the food shortage and the looting of the soldiers. Fork experiences a case of hysterical blindness in the face of his plan's failure. In Phezzan, Rubinsky grants a new loan to the Free Planets Alliance to maintain the balance: he hopes to economically control both the Empire and the Alliance. October, 10, 796 S.C. / 487 I.C.: Reinhard orders to launch the counterattack.
The Free Planets Alliance fleet are attacked: the 3rd, 7th and 12th fleets are destroyed and the 5th, 8th, 9th and 10th fleets are heavily damaged; only the 13th Fleet has managed to escape without taking too much damage. Admiral Lobos orders the fleets to regroup in the Amlitzer Starzone. Reinhard orders his admirals to regroup in the same area in order to destroy the remaining fleets. The Free Planets Alliance Fleet suffer further losses during the battle of Amlitzer Starzone (October, 15, 796 S.C. / 487 I.C.).
End of the battle of Amlitzer: Yang's 13th Fleet keeps the Imperial Fleet at bay, allowing admiral Bucock to withdraw the remaining fleets. After that, Yang manages to escape destruction (once again). Meanwhile, the Emperor dies without appointing an heir. Reinhard teams up with premier Lichtenlade in order to crown Erwin Josef II, one of the late emperor's three grandchildren. Prince Braunschweig and marquis Littenheim, fathers of the two others, prepare to seek revenge. Back in the Free Planets Alliance, Trüniht is appointed temporary chairman of the High Council, Bucock commander-in-chief of the Fleet, and Yang commander of Iserlohn. he takes all his staff with him, plus Attenborough and a new officer, Julian Minci, and hopes to have Alex Cazellnu appointed as commissioner of the fortress. Meanwhile, in Phezzan, Rubinsky takes his orders from the Grand Bishop of the Earth Cult.
Julian Minci asks Frederica Greenhill how Yang became the "Hero of El Facil": 9 years ago. The Free Planets Alliance fleet, led by Arthur Lynch, fled the approaching Imperial Fleet, leaving 3 million people behind; Yang, one of the few officers left, organized the evacuation while the Alliance Fleet was defeated. Meanwhile, in the Empire, Reinhard thinks a civil war is about to break out; in order to avoid an intervention form the Alliance, he decides to infiltrate Lynch in the Alliance to stage a military coup. The move is hidden behind an exchange of 2 million prisoners of war. End of 796 S.C. / 487 I.C.
Prince Brauschweig and marquis Littenheim team up to overthrow the young Emperor and get rid of Reinhard. Count Franz von Mariendorf wants to join the conspiracy, but his daughter, Hildegard persuade him not to do so because a new order is rising under Reinhard. She goes to Reinhard and offer her family's allegiance. The high nobles create the Lippstadt League, led by Braunschweig and Littenheim; admiral von Merkatz agrees (although reluctantly) to command their military forces. April, 6, 797 S.C. / 488 I.C.: Reinhard strikes first and manages to arrest many conspirators, but Brauschweig and Littenheim flee and regroup most of their forces in the Geiesburg Fortress.
Andrew Fork is released from the Hospital. Fork attempts to assassinate HQ chief Kubersly. Reinhard decides to lead the main fleet against Geiesburg while Kircheis, helped by vice-admirals Lutz and Wahlen, will take control of the other areas. Meanwhile, in the Free Planets Alliance, a military uprising begins (April 3, 797 S.C. / 488 I.C.). In Heinessen, a military coup overthrows the High Council (April, 13): the National Salvation Military Council, led by admiral Greenhill, suspends the democratic institutions. Trüniht goes into hiding. Yang decide to fight for democracy : the 13th Fleets leaves Iserlohn (April, 20) while the 11th Fleet goes out to stop it.
The Lippstadt League plans to draw Reinhard to Geiesburg in order to defeat him in a decisive battle. As a part of this plan, admiral Staaden has to lead a fleet to Odin in order to cut Reinhard's fleet from its base. Mittermeyer is sent to intercept Staaden, whose fleet is crushed during the battle of Altener and withdraws to the Rentenberg fortress. Reinhard decides to take the fortress, but the boarding parties are repelled by the garrison, led by admiral Ovlesser. An assault led by Mittermeyer and Reuenthal succeeds, and Ovlesser is taken prisoner. Reinhard wants to execute him, but Oberstein advises to send him back to Geiesburg. Ovlesser is released, but is executed by Braunschweig who thinks he was freed because he turned against him. Fear of treason spreads among the Lippstadt League.
Schenkopp takes control of the rebel planets on behalf of the Yang fleet. The National Salvation Military Council sends commodore Bagdashu to Yang to pose as a traitor to the coup in order to kill him, but Schenkopp manages to take him away. Yang's 13th Fleet meets the 11th Fleet in the Doria star system; the 11th Fleet is destroyed because its commanders turn down Yang's proposal of surrender. After the battle, Bagdashu decides to join Yang because his victory is certain. Meanwhile, in Heinessen, a peaceful gathering against the coup is held in a stadium. When the army tries to scatter it, it turns into a riot, and thousands are killed, including Jessica Edwards.
Littenheim leaves Geiesburg with his fleet to recover the territories conquered by Kircheis. Because of its lack of discipline and overconfidence of its commanders, the Littenheim Fleet is defeated; while running away, Littenheim's spaceship opens fire on allies who are in the way. In the Garmisch fortress, Littenheim is killed by his men, enraged by such an attitude. Meanwhile, Reinhard's fleet arrives in the area of Geiesburg. The Lippstadt Fleet attacks him but is utterly beaten and barely avoids complete destruction thanks to admiral Merkatz.
And uprising takes place in Westerland, one of Braunschweig's territories. He decides to kill all the inhabitants by a nuclear strike. Reinhard hears about the plan and wants to send a fleet to stop it, but Oberstein thinks it's better to let it happen, record it and use this monstruous act as a propaganda tool against the high nobles. Reinhard is against it, but Oberstein's plan succeeds because he lied about the time of the strike. The images are nevertheless broadcasted in all the Empire: Reinhard becomes the hero of the commoners and, even in Geiesburg, many think its time to get rid of the high nobles. The Lippstadt Fleet makes a last sortie, but is defeated; baron Flegel is killed by his men when he wants to make a suicide attack, and his crew flees to Phezzan. Merkatz, too proud to surrender, decides to kill himself, but Bernhard von Schneider advises him to take refuge in Iserlohn.
After Yang's victory, the National Salvation Military Council loses its supporters and only controls Heinessen, well protected by the Artemis Necklace. Yang decides to use propaganda and asks Bagdashu to publicly admit that the Empire is behind the coup. Bagdashu's speech is widely broadcasted in Heinessen. The leaders of the coup are astonished, but Lynch, who helped them, says that's the truth. Meanwhile, Yang manages to destroy the Artemis Necklace. Hopeless, the leaders of the National Salvation Military Council decide to surrender, but to destroy all evidence of the Empire's involvement. Admiral Greenill and Lynch are killed in the ensuing gunfight. Democracy is restored. Trüniht, hidden by members of the Earth Cult, comes back to power.
Kircheis arrives at Geiesburg. He has an argument with Reinhard about the handling of the Westerland events. Reinhard assumes full responsibility for Oberstein's actions. A message is sent from Odin: Lichtenlade is plotting to get rid of Reinhard. Reinhard receives some rebel commanders. Adalbert von Fahrenheit joins Reinhard's team. Ansbach comes in with Braunschweig's coffin, but takes out a weapon and aims at Reinhard...
Ansbach misses; Oberstein protects Reinhard with his body while Kircheis grabs the weapons, but is killed in the process. Reinhard is devastated by his friend's death and is unable to make any decisions for several days. His admirals go back to Odin, arrest Lichtenlade for the murder attempt on Reinhard. Reinhard finally recovers and speaks to Annerose, who decides to retire to a small cottage; Reinhard feels left alone. Meanwhile, in Phezzan, Rubinsky decides to change his strategy, since the balance of power cannot be maintained: Phezzan will support the Empire. He sends Boltik as Phezzan's ambassador to Odin and replaces him with Rupert Kesselring.
