Legend of Galactic Heroes Gaiden II (The Third Tiamat Battle)

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Heroes of the Galaxy

Chapter 1

THIRD BATTLE OF TIAMAT

794 Space Age, 485 Imperial Calendar, December

At the end of the year 794 of the space age, 485 of the imperial calendar

Ministry of Defense of the Empire

... in the Galactic Empire, a decision was made on a military campaign.

So you say we should go camping

... just to commemorate the 30th anniversary of His Majesty's accession to the throne?

Fleet Admiral Steinhof

The New Year marked the 30th anniversary of the reign of Frederick IV, a rare achievement,

Fleet Admiral Ehrenberg

... however, his achievements in domestic affairs were, to put it mildly, insignificant.

It is natural for a ruler to divert attention from such a fact by external military activity.

But, Commander-in-Chief, it is also true that lately

... the rebels are constantly attacking us.

The last time they carried out the sixth attack on the Iserlohn fortress.

Fleet Admiral Gregor von Mückenberger

We reflected them there,

... and before that we got to the Van Fleet star system, and destroyed their supply base.

But two years ago we almost lost the fortress of Iserlohn, and if we look back

... we have suffered a crushing defeat in the Arlesheim star system.

Not that I blame you alone.

We all share this responsibility.

It is high time to strike the rebels in retaliation with a painful blow and achieve something.

That's all.

Even if Fleet Admiral Mückenberger had some objections,

... it didn't look like the decision would be reconsidered.

After the New Year, in January 486 according to the imperial calendar,

Military spaceport of the planet “One”

... The Empire intended to advance a fleet of 35,400 ships.

Of course, many welcomed the decision to go.

Reinhard von Musel was also pleased with this.

Vice Admiral Reinhard von Musel

As soon as I became vice admiral and took command of the fleet

Captain 3rd rank Siegfried Kircheis

... this campaign arrived in time.

Luck is on my side.

Look at Mückenberger.

He carries himself with such dignity.

But of course, that's just what he looks like.

Tannhäuser

News of the Empire's impending attack had already reached the Union via Fezzan.

Iserlohn Corridor

Union Free Planets Space Fleet

The Union immediately deployed patrol units in the space zone at the exit of the Iserlohn corridor,

...but at this point a problem arose.

Due to errors in the deployment of supply ships,

... the fleet at the forefront faced a dire shortage of the necessary resources and fuel.

Planet "Haynesen"

The military could not cope with the problem on their own

... so about 100 civilian ships were hired to bring resources from nearby areas.

Of course, we will send an escort with them.

Union Space Fleet Headquarters

I agreed on cruisers and destroyers, 10 ships in total.

Fleet Admiral Lazar Lobos

This is good, but warships are very valuable, especially on the eve of the battle,

... so by all means warn them not to take risks and put themselves in danger.

Yes sir.

Although he did not tell them to give up their duties as escorts,

... it is also true that Lobos' instructions significantly reduced the escort's sense of responsibility

... and many of them turned back before they entered the dangerous area.

Captain, the escort ships are turning back one by one.

That's why it's hard to deal with the military.

Don't the military exist to keep people safe?

But they abandon their escort duties for their own safety,

... but in reality it should be the other way around.

What should we do?

Should we turn back too?

We are honest businessmen.

And we are responsible for the business we do.

Our mindset is not the same as these campaigners.

But one cruiser remained.

Cruiser "Grand Canal"

It was a cruiser called the Grand Canal.

As the escort turned around, overreacting to a directive from Fleet Admiral Lobos

Captain 3rd Rank Fegan

... this ship remained to fulfill the previous order - to accompany civilian ships.

On the third day

...they encountered Imperial cruisers prowling the area in search of booty.

The combat effectiveness of the cruisers was equal.

However, in the battle of one against two, the outcome of the battle was obvious from the very beginning.

So the Grand Canal sacrificed itself to buy as much time as possible,

...so that civilian ships can get away.

It was not a battle, but rather a unilateral massacre.

Among those ships that left, one was destroyed, the other was captured,

... but half reached their destination,

...and others were able to get to the safe zone.

The Grand Canal not only saved the lives of civilians,

... but also the honor of the Union army.

Heinesen Stadium

The Army awarded Captain Fegan and the rest of the dead with Liberty Warrior medals.

... and extolled their virtues.

It is impossible to deny that, by highlighting their good deed as an occasion worthy of praise,

... they sought to divert attention from other ships that had violated their duty

Yang Wenli

... and avoid criticism of the highest officer who sent the notorious directive.

Vice Admiral, Vice Admiral...

Vice Admiral Holland, what do you think of this incident with the cruiser Grand Canal?

There was criticism that the commanding officer was stingy with military escort, but...

Vice Admiral Willem Holland

Only those who know nothing about military affairs can say such things.

In preparation for an important battle, we must collect as many ships as we can.

...and we can't afford to lose them in skirmishes.

We saved nine ships at the cost of one

...so Fleet Admiral Lobos' orders were correct.

Their sacrifice was not meaningless - is that what you mean?

Of course.

The advanced units received supplies, and the morale of the army increased.

Prevention of the expected offensive of the Empire and the expansion of the territories of the Union,

... that's how we can reward the souls of these war heroes.

This time the 11th Fleet will be mobilized

... and what do you think, taking command of the fleet for the first time?

Become a Vice Admiral at 32

... it was a feat accomplished only by Admiral Bruce Ashby, what do you think?

There are people who say that you are a reborn Admiral Ashby, but...

I'm flattered.

In this battle, we will strive to surpass the historic deeds of Admiral Ashby.

...and block the path of the Imperial fleet in the Tiamat star system.

My tactics will completely destroy them!

Commodore Jan, could you share your thoughts with us?

Like the hero of El Fasil, the Grand Canal saved civilians,

... what do you think of their medal award today?

Well... Probably, the Grand Canal needed one more of our ships instead of 100 medals.

Kindly conduct interviews only on an official basis.

Other comments should not go to print.

Commodore, this way, please.

Yang had been promoted to commodore the year before.

... for his services in operational planning carried out by him in the battle in the Van Fleet star system.

The 28-year-old commodore was the hero of the press,

... but in the eyes of most of the military, his words and deeds looked like heresy

...and was watched over all the time.

War Planning Headquarters

In February, the Union Army adopted the final plan of operation.

The plan presented to the press by the commander of the 11th Fleet, Vice Admiral Holland -

... to intercept the enemy in the Tiamat star system, was practically approved.

And since there were few star systems suitable for interception

... it was a plan with a high probability of fighting,

... which was part of the reason why several votes were against.

But the final decision of the Admiral of the Fleet Lobos was inspired by the words of Holland that

... that they will repeat the legendary victory of Admiral Bruce Ashby.

Fleet Admiral Sydney Sitole

Five fleets were mobilized.

In addition to Holland's 11th Fleet, on the advice of Fleet Admiral Sitole, the vanguard included:

Vice Admiral Alexander Bucock

Vice Admiral Wulanfu

... Vice Admiral Bucock's 5th Fleet and Vice Admiral Wulanfu's 10th Fleet.

And as soon as the Department of Defense gives the go-ahead,

... the 4th Fleet was to be added under the command of Vice Admiral Pastolli

... and the 6th Fleet under the command of Vice Admiral Moore.

On the other hand

... the imperial troops had already reached Iserlohn and were replenishing resources at the moment.

Did you hear, Kircheis?

It seems that the commander of the Stockhausen fortress

... and the commander of the station fleet, Zekt, quarreled again.

Again?

Moreover, they did it in the presence of the commander in chief.

And I heard that Mückenberger was forced to intervene.

It would be interesting to see how he maintained his dignity by separating them.

You are evil, Reinhard.

Do not say that.

By the way, were you going to tell me something?

The meeting that Admiral of the Fleet Mückenberger spoke of will take place soon on the flagship.

Prepare, please.

Ah, you reminded me.

Have you forgotten about her?

I haven't forgotten.

I just wanted to forget my current predicament,

... that I still have to show up to them when they call me.

Reinhard.

Since the mediocre duke Helbert lost the Dagon star system

... how many battles do you think there were?

I have no idea.

Including shootings, 329.

329 times in 150 years.

I wonder how they managed to continue all this and not get bored.

The war never ends, so...

Union, no, rebel troops, have no concept of strategy.

There is a way to neutralize the Iserlohn fortress without any bloodshed.

To begin with, why are they so ridiculously obsessed with Iserlohn?

They believe that since there is a fortress, they should attack head-on and besiege it.

This is extremely inflexible thinking.

That is why it was important for the Empire to build a fortress.

It's right.

However, you have to go.

Your shuttle is ready, and Rear Admiral Norden is waiting.

I do not want to go.

Even if I go, it is unlikely that they will listen to me.

I'm used to alienation and hostility, but I can't stand wasting time.

Kircheis, if you went with me, it would be calmer,

...but I'm accompanied by the chief of staff, so...

You don't like Rear Admiral Norden?

It's not about like or dislike.

He is useless.

At 32, he is a Rear Admiral.

It might mean more than you think.

He was promoted quickly only because he was from the family of a viscount.

When I saw him, I realized that the army is just another bureaucratic structure.