Reviews

Episode 48, “The Occupation of Fezzan”

*****SPOILERS*****

Synopsis: Wolfgang Mittermeyer’s fleet arrives at Phezzan, quickly taking control of its key facilities. Julian and Maschungo escape the commissioner’s office, having erased key data beforehand. At the Landesherr’s residence, Rupert Kesserling points his gun at his father, Adrian Rubinsky, with the intent to supplant him. However, his plans had already been found out and things are reversed. Rubinsky then decides to go underground to wait for an opportunity to return to his position. Mittermeyer has soldiers who committed sexual assault executed. When Reinhard von Lohengramm arrives on Phezzan, the rank-and-file are quick to declare him their new emperor. Using a three dimensional star map, Reinhard plots his course to Heinessen. read more

Episode 47, “Invitation to a Requiem”

*****SPOILERS*****

Synopsis: On Heinessen, Admiral Bewcock attempts to warn the government and military about an invasion from the Phezzan Corridor, but is ignored. Oskar von Reuenthal’s fleet arrives at the Iserlohn Corridor. The fleet fires at the muzzle of Iserlohn’s Thor’s Hammer cannon, making it difficult to use. A melee battle ensues between the garrison force and Reuenthal’s, creating a battle of attrition. Yang lures Reuenthal out by deploying his flagship, then has the Rosen Ritter squadron infiltrate Reuenthal’s ship, the Tristan, where Walter von Schönkopf duels with the heterochromatic admiral. The Rosen Ritter are forced to flee, but Reuenthal decides to withdraw from the battle temporarily. Meanwhile, Reinhard’s main force launches from Odin to conquer the Phezzan Corridor. read more

Episode 46, “Operation: Ragnarök”

*****SPOILERS*****

Synopsis: Julian confers with Admiral Bewcock and Schneider on Heinessen before heading off to Phezzan. He gets a chilly reception from the FPA Commisioner, but comes to appreciate the planet’s liveliness and prosperity. At a welcoming party, Julian passes along the rumor that Phezzan’s government is selling out the Phezzan Corridor to the Empire, which stirs the partygoers. He’s confronted by Rupert Kesserling, who issues a thinly veiled threat. Later, Kesserling visits Bishop Degsby of the Terra Church and blackmails him. On Odin, Reinhard announces the name of his operation to punish the FPA and government-in-exile: Ragnarök. read more

Episode 45, “Emperor Overthrown”

*****SPOILERS*****

Synopsis: Reinhard von Lohengramm calls on the support of a hundred million soldiers and a million ships to lead against the Free Planets Alliance in his punitive expedition. Many civilians volunteer to serve, fearing a return to the old ways the government-in-exile represents could curb their newfound civil rights. At a meeting with his top subordinates, Reinhard announces his intention to invade Alliance territory via the Phezzan Corridor, prompting suspicion over the intentions of the Phezzani. Heydrich Lang, who once led the old dynasty’s secret police, approaches Oberstein with an idea for a new position for him as the head of an Internal Security Department. Rubinsky mulls over the competency of Boltik and the oncoming arrival of Julian Mintz from Yang’s group. Reinhard announces the dethronement of Erwin Josef II and the enthronement of Katharin, an eight-month-old daughter of an aristocrat. read more

Episode 44, “Departure”

*****SPOILERS*****

Synopsis: Seeing that Julian is upset about being reassigned, Yang approaches him to give him a pep talk. Yang expresses his suspicion that Phezzan is assisting Reinhard in conquering the Alliance. He also wonders if the Alliance has outlived its purpose. Julian says his goodbyes to staff at Iserlohn, including Calsenes, Poplin, Murai, Attenborough, and Schönkopf. Yang still has his concerns for Julian, who is likewise concerned if Yang can handle himself alone. Julian departs Iserlohn in the company of Louis Machungo. read more

Episode 43, “Declaration of War”

*****SPOILERS*****

Synopsis: On Heinessen, opinions are mixed on the establishment of the Legitimate Galactic Empire and Reinhard von Lohengramm’s declaration. Many are relying on the leadership of Job Trunicht and the military prowess of Yang Wenli to protect them from the Empire. João Rebelo expresses his misgivings about Yang to his colleague Huang Rui. The government-in-exile has difficulty dealing with a charmless prince, who they must drug to keep up appearances. After a reshuffling of military personnel, Julian Mintz is reassigned to Phezzan. read more

Episode 42, “The Legitimate Galactic Empire Government”

*****SPOILERS*****

Synopsis: Peaceful days pass at Iserlohn, until suddenly Chairman Job Trunicht on Heinessen announces the “liberation” of Erwin Josef II and the establishment of the Legitimate Galactic Empire government-in-exile in the Alliance, sending waves throughout the base. Yang discerns that this situation is to Reinhard’s advantage and that he may have had something to do with the abduction. Merkatz is in a difficult situation, as he has been named the Minister of MIlitary Affairs for the government-in-exile. Reinhard von Lohengramm announces in a public broadcast his intention to punish the Alliance. read more