Episode 45, “Emperor Overthrown”

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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”

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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

Episode 41, “The Die is Cast”

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Synopsis: Reinhard announces the abduction of the Emperor to his subordinates. They speculate about the possible interference of the Free Planets Alliance. Alone with Mittermeyer, Reuenthal wonders aloud who had the most to gain from the Emperor’s kidnapping. Hildegard confronts Reinhard with her suspicion that he let Vice Admiral Molt take the blame for the Phezzani plot, just as it is announced that Molt has committed suicide. On Phezzan, Rupert Kesserling reports to Rubinsky about Boltik’s weakness in the negotiation with Reinhard, but Rubinsky shows little concern. Later on, Kesserling plots with Dominique Saint-Pierré about supplanting his father. read more

Episode 40, “Maze”

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Synopsis: Boltik frets over Reinhard’s request, but insists on continuing the plan to kidnap the Emperor. Oberstein advises Reinhard to make human sacrifices if necessary. Later, the two discuss who to put on the throne in Erwin Josef’s stead. Alfred von Landsberg and Leopold Schumacher lay out their plan to penetrate Neue Sanssouci to kidnap the Emperor. They decide to use the underground passages to sneak in. Schumacher has his doubts about the mission, but ultimately decides to commit as a military man. While the Phezzani office provides a distraction for the MPs in a different part of the city, the two former members of the Lipstadt Alliance make their way through the underground labyrinth, sneak into the Emperor’s room, and steal him away in the night. read more

Episode 39, “Thunderclaps”

*****SPOILERS*****

Synopsis: Reinhard receives a report of the arrival of Alfred von Landsberg and Leopold Schumacher on Odin. Hilda surmises its for a kidnapping plot, mostly likely involving the young Kaiser, Erwin Josef II. Upon his request to secure her property, Hilda visits his sister Annerose to get her permission. Annerose is reluctant, but is eventually persuaded to take on security. Reinhard has the Phezzani commissioner to the Empire come to his office, where he cuts through the bureaucrat’s doublespeak and makes him admit to the plot at hand, which will give Reinhard cassus belli regarding the FPA. Reinhard demands Imperial passage through the Phezzan Corridor to achieve his goal. read more