Chapter Nine

March 25th, U.C. 799, I.C. 490

Lycus Starzone, Barbarossa, Bridge

"They're surrendering rather than fighting?" Kircheis raised his eyebrows in surprise as Bergengrun came to him with that news.

Kircheis was currently leading half of his fleet in an attack on the supply facility in Lycus Starzone, which was built on a large, stable asteroid. When Kircheis had argued strongly for Muller's fleet to become Reinhard's reserve, Reinhard had agreed only upon the condition that Kircheis attack two supply facilities, including the one that Muller had initially been assigned to attack.

Kircheis had made an effort to be as quick as possible in carrying out his mission to attack two supply facilities, in order to be able to turn back to head to Reinhard's side as soon as was humanly possible. To that end, he had made the risky move of splitting his fleet into half, placing half of it under his subordinate's command to attack the first supply facility a couple of starzones away, and leading the other personally to attack this starzone. It was dangerous, for that meant that they had to overcome the enemy's resistance with only half of a fleet, but Kircheis would risk it in order to be able to return to Reinhard's side sooner. Even with Muller's fleet in reserve, Kircheis was worried about his friend.

Hence, Kircheis had decided to overwhelm the supply facility at Lycus Starzone with a lightning-fast attack, before leaving for Vermillion Starzone, where Reinhard was expected to encounter Yang Wen-li. And now, Bergengrun had come to inform him that the base commander had surrendered without a fight.

"Yes. They said that they wouldn't resist." Bergengrun replied. Kircheis could not identify the emotions he felt upon hearing that. On one hand, he was elated at the surrender, as it meant that he would be able to be on his way sooner than he had anticipated. On the other hand, as a military officer himself, he could not condone what appeared to be cowardly conduct on the part of commander of the supply base. Yet… Was the surrender of the commander because of pure cowardice?

When the request came in a couple of minutes later, Kircheis thought he had his answer. The base commander's surrender had included a condition: that the supplies at the base were to be distributed to only civilians. Kircheis readily agreed. Even here, behind enemy lines, there are commanders who truly care about the well-being of civilians…Kircheis could not help but feel respect for the enemy base commander. Aubry Cockrane. I wonder if he would consent to serve Lord Reinhard? Lord Reinhard would welcome the service of a compassionate and honourable man like him…

March 29th, U.C. 799, I.C. 490

Vermillion Starzone, Brunhilde, Bridge

Reclining in his horizontally-tilted command chair, Reinhard was gazing at the stars through the transparent steel of the bridge. Stars were stars. No matter if they were viewed from the Imperial side or the Alliance side of the galaxy, they never cease to fascinate Reinhard. "In any age, in any society, when people are small, they look up at the stars and stretch out their hands as if to grasp at last, they learn that their own arms aren't long enough to reach the call that becoming an i don't think fail,those stars will be in this hand!" Reinhard had once told Kircheis that, and now, he believed in that statement with an even stronger conviction. Soon, I'll defeat Yang Wen-li's fleet, and force the Alliance to its knees.

"Your Excellency, we've determined the position of the enemy fleet," a cold, emotionless voice stated. Reinhard tilted his head to observe his Chief-of-Staff, Oberstein, standing next to his chair. Reverting the command chair to a vertical position, Reinhard held Oberstein's gaze, despite the latter's artificial eyes, as he continued, "We are likely to engage them in the Vermillion Starzone."

"So it'll be here after all," Reinhard commented. Taking all the possibilities into consideration, this was the best place for Yang Wen-li to intercept the Imperial fleet. If Yang Wen-li had waited until Imperial reinforcements were at the furthest from Reinhard's fleet, Reinhard would have reached the Alliance capital, Heinessen, before Yang Wen-li could attack. So Yang Wen-li had to settle for intercepting Reinhard's fleet at Vermillion. What Yang Wen-li could not know however, was that Muller's fleet was about one week behind Reinhard's fleet, in its position as a reserve fleet. It would launch as if to attack an Alliance supply base, but would veer off to rendesvouz with Reinhard's fleet about three days into its journey. That would hopefully be enough to prevent Yang from finding out about the reserve fleet. Muller had wanted to follow more closely, but Reinhard knew that Yang Wen-li would not take the bait if he even suspected that Reinhard's fleet was not alone.

"Streit!" Reinhard called out.

The grey-haired middle-aged Rear-Admiral stepped forward. "Yes, sir!" He said with a bow.

"Order the troops to rest," Reinhard commanded. He read the flicker of surprise in his Vice Chief Adjutant's eyes even as the latter acknowledged his order. Feeling in a charitable mood, Reinhard explained. "Since we know their position, we won't be surprised. The troops may stand down for now. Allow them three hours of rest and relaxation. Alcohol is hereby permitted."

"Yes, sir!" Streit said, snapping a salute. Reinhard watched him leave with an indecipherable expression on his face.

In the past, looking out for the soldiers in his fleet had been Kircheis' job. Since Kircheis had obtained his own command however, Reinhard had had to take over that responsibility. Reinhard had known since a long time ago that Kircheis had always gone out of his way to make Reinhard's life easier. What he had not realized though, was the true extent of it, until Kircheis had left his position in Reinhard's fleet. That worrywart… Reinhard thought fondly.

Then, Reinhard turned his thoughts to the upcoming battle. The strategic direction of the battle was obvious; Reinhard's fleet was the bait to ensnare Yang's fleet, while the other Imperial admirals would spring the trap with a quick about turn. However, tactically, Yang Wen-li might have an advantage. His goal was to destroy Brunhilde, thereby killing Reinhard. However, Reinhard's aim was to destroy the entire Yang fleet – his pride would not allow anything less. The first stage however, was for Reinhard to survive anything that Yang could throw at him, and drag on the battle until Imperial reinforcements arrived. Unfortunately, Reinhard's battle style had always leaned towards the offensive…

Three hours later, the Battle of Vermillion begun on an ordinary note. Both Reinhard and Yang feared that the other had some trick up his sleeve, and thus started with very conservative tactics, so as to enable them to react to the other's move. When Alliance and Imperial forces finally came within firing range of each other, Reinhard gave the command to fire with a note of anticipation in his voice. "Fire!"

As Alliance and Imperial ships blasted away at each other with high powered energy beams, space exploded into a frenzied choreographed cacophony of sound and movement. Organized confusion – that was what the battlefield was. Once the battle had begun, against the wishes of the commanders on both sides, the contested zones expanded.

"The front line has asked for clarifications on how to proceed." The communications officer on Brunhilde's bridge announced. Reinhard clenched his hands into fists at the utter stupidity of that question. Was it because they were overawed of him that they had to ask for directions over something that was clearly within their jurisdiction? Reinhard certainly did not assign incompetent officers to his own fleet. "They may act in accordance to their own situation!" Reinhard snapped out irritably as he narrowed his icy-blue eyes. "Why else would we have mid-rank commanding officers?! Do I have to make a command decision about everything?!" Privately, Reinhard resolved to do a culling of incompetent mid-ranking commanding officers in his fleet once the battle was over.

A couple of minutes later, the communications officer worriedly reported jamming in the communications to and from the frontlines. "Of course communications are going to be jammed!" Reinhard hit the arm of his command chair with his right clenched fist. "Relay my orders! Isn't that why we prepared shuttles beforehand?" He glared at the hapless communications officer, deciding that once the battle was over, he would replace the man with someone with more intelligence.

For the time being though, all Reinhard could do was to watch the battle from the tactical display.

Lycus Starzone, Alliance Supply Facility, Meeting Room

The enemy base commander, Aubry Cockrane, was a middle-aged man with worry lines on his face. Dressed in the Alliance uniform of dark green top with a beige scarf, beige pants and a green beret, he looked rather distinguished. Kircheis smiled gently at Cockrane as he said, "I will keep my promise. Rest assured, we will not use these supplies. We will distribute them to the people."

"You have my thanks," Cockrane replied carefully as he bowed. Kircheis understood it to be a gesture of extreme gratitude. He knew that, unlike in the Imperial military, Alliance officers rarely bowed to their superior officers, unless in extreme apology or gratitude. And that told Kircheis, more than anything else, that Cockrane was sincere in his desire to lessen the suffering of civilians.

"Captain Cockrane. Would you consider working for us? We can employ your talents in governing this place." Kircheis offered, even though he knew that there was only a small chance of Cockrane accepting. After all, an honourable man like Cockrane would be unlikely to consider serving another so soon. As expected, Cockrane inclined his head slightly in acknowledgement of the offer, but said, "I appreciate your offer but I'm a timid man – I care a great deal about what others think of me. I wouldn't want it said that I surrendered the supplies in exchange for a post. It'll be enough if you allow me and my men to return to Heinessen."

Kircheis nodded. He understood Cockrane's position. "I see. I will allow it." He watched with some regret as Cockrane left the room.

"Your Excellency!" Bergengrun cried out as he hastily stepped into the room. "At 14:20 today, His Excellency Fleet Admiral Lohengramm's fleet engaged the enemy in Vermillion Starzone. They're in combat!"

Kircheis felt his heart skip a beat at that news. "It's begun?" Kircheis straightened. "Leave an administrative staff behind, Rear Admiral. The rest of the ships will make for Vermillion immediately. Leave behind any ships which cannot keep up." Kircheis would make for Vermillion Starzone with the greatest speed at his disposal, and heaven help anyone and anything in his way. "Please hurry!" The last sentence revealed all the anxiety that Kircheis was trying hard to suppress.

Bergengrun hastened to obey. He had never seen his superior officer lose his composure this much, save that time when he had first heard about Prince Lohengramm's possible responsibility in the Westerland incident…

March 31st, U.C. 799, I.C. 490

Vermillion Starzone, Brunhilde, Bridge

Reinhard watched with increasing frustration as the battlefield developed out of his control, degenerating into melee combat situations. The only comfort he had was that Yang Wen-li probably felt the same way. Then, Reinhard watched incredulously as the sub-fleet under Turneisen's command did something extremely reckless. It thrusted itself into the frontlines even when there was obviously no need for its presence, causing a momentary disorderliness that Reinhard immediately discerned. Which meant that Yang Wen-li had caught it too. By Odin!

Sure enough, Yang's Fleet immediately fired a concentrated volley at that weak point in the frontlines. As explosions of fire rocketed through the Imperial fleet, Reinhard slammed his fist into the arm of his command chair. "What the hell is Turneisen doing?!"

The communications officer took that as his cue to ask for a status report from Turneisen. Reinhard could hear the shouts from his position, but he doubted that the communications officer would get a response. Even so, he noted clinically that at least he had not needed to reiterate his orders this time. Perhaps the communications officer would work out after all.

"What a hero," This came from Oberstein, delivered in a flat voice that was no doubt meant to be sarcastic, if Oberstein had been capable of modulating his tone. "His voice reaches far but his eyes can only see what's in front of him. He's a man to keep away from."

Having regained his calm, Reinhard replied coolly, "If I'm still alive when this battle is over, I'll take your advice. But right now, I have need of his fleet strength." Except in cases of outright mutiny, officers were rarely, if ever, relieved of their command in the midst of heated battle. Simply put, it would cause too much furor and demoralize the soldiers. "Get a shuttle and get in touch with Turneisen!" Reinhard gave the order to Streit. Even as he said that, Reinhard knew that it was too late. The damage was done. Reinhard watched as the tactical display showed the disintegration of a large chunk of the ships that made up the frontlines. Gritting his teeth, he conceded that Yang had gained the upper hand for the first round.

Subsequently, at the first opportune moment that Reinhard caught, he stood up from his command chair and gave the order to disengage and retreat. It appeared as if he wasn't the only one either, for the Yang fleet broke off from the battle at almost the exact same time. It was apparent that Yang Wen-li felt the same way; further continuation of the combat engagement as it was was meaningless. Both sides withdrew from the battlefield to reorganize their forces. This was but a temporary cessation of hostilities; the battle would continue on.

April 1st, U.C. 799, I.C. 490

Vermillion Starzone, Brunhilde, Bridge

The next day, Reinhard watched the tactical display calmly as Yang Wen-li launched what appeared to be a lightning strike on Imperial forces. "The Alliance forces are launching a blitzkrieg," Oberstein bent his body to report this to Reinhard in a dispassionate voice.

"Give them a warm welcome," Reinhard commanded in crisp, precise tones. He laced his long and slender fingers together, waiting with all the patience he could muster for the battle to begin.

Soon, it started. Reinhard watched as Yang's forces concentrated their fire at the centre of his fleet and charged. It was just as Reinhard had expected. Unfortunately for Yang, Reinhard had preempted their strategy and arranged his fleet into a formation he had invented. Basically, Reinhard's flagship, together with about one third of his other forces, was in the rear. The rest of his fleet was split into two columns of twenty four defensive walls, and lay between the flagship and Yang's fleet. One layer would drift up to meet Yang's forces one by one. Each time Yang's forces pierced through a layer, it would just reform and retreat to the back of the column, so that it would appear to Yang's forces that Imperial forces had an endless defense. Reinhard had two aims when he had first created this strategy – to mount a psychological attack on Alliance forces while stalling for time for his admirals to swing back and spring the trap. It was after all, hard not to give in to despair in the face of what appeared to be never-ending Imperial forces.

Reinhard commanded his forces carefully, delivering orders of extreme precision – a necessity to carry out a plan of this level of intricacy. There was a reason why many commanders preferred to use tried and tested methods and simple formations. Quite simply, they did not have the skill and utter trust of their subordinates – which were essential in carrying out a novel, untested and intricate stratagem of this nature on the battlefield.

April 3rd, U.C. 799, I.C. 490

Vermillion Starzone, Brunhilde, Bridge

It's almost time for Yang Wen-li to have discovered my plan…now, I wonder what he'd come up with to counter it…Reinhard watched the tactical display carefully. Yes, it was apparent upon a closer look that the Yang Fleet had slowed down their attack. Perhaps only by a miniscule fraction, but it was there. Although that was to be expected, Reinhard mused. Fighting a seemingly endless battle non-stop for three whole days would take its toil on even the hardiest soul.

Reinhard did not have to wait long. The Yang Fleet soon made its move. "They've pulled back 800,000 kilometers to an asteroid belt," Oberstein reported the fact to Reinhard. Even though Reinhard's features remained expressionless, inside, he was bristling with impatience at this inactivity. At his very core, Reinhard was a man of action – a warrior-prince, born to fight at the head of an army. His pride would not allow for anything less. Yet now, it was obvious that Reinhard was the one in a defensive position. While it may be necessary for his overall stratagem, it still rankled. A week of battle and still nothing to show for it! Ah I wish Kircheis were here…At least then he'd have someone to pour out his own frustrations to. Reinhard glanced at his Chief-of-Staff. No, there was no way Oberstein would be able to substitute. If Reinhard unleashed his frustration on Oberstein, more likely than not, the man would look at him with those implacable cybernetic eyes and emotionlessly state the need for patience.

"The enemy fleet has moved out!" The officer in charge of monitoring enemy movements cried out. "From our perspective, they're pulling hard to the port flank. Count: ten thousand ships!"

As Reinhard tapped his index finger against the arm of his command chair in a rhythmic beat, Streit turned to face him. "What is he planning, I wonder?"

"I don't think Yang Wen-li would casually disperse his forces," Reinhard replied. "Perhaps his purpose is to spread out our forces. But the problem is whether that was their main force?" He brought up his finger to stroke his chin thoughtfully as he considered the situation. Yang Wen-li was, after all, not known as Magician Yang for nothing.

"They allowed us to see it, so it is probably a decoy but it's possible that it might be their main force," Oberstein stated. "In any case, spreading out our forces would be foolish." Reinhard inclined his head in agreement at Oberstein's words. Reaching up under the frontal drapings of his cape, Reinhard played with the golden locket that he had worn constantly since Kircheis had given it to him. It comforted him somehow…it reminded him of both Kircheis and his beloved elder sister, whom he had always sought familial comfort from.

"Please give us your orders, Your Excellency." Oberstein's unfeeling voice intruded upon Reinhard's ruminations. No matter, Reinhard had made up his mind. Standing up, Reinhard ordered, "All forces, turn to our port flank. That lure is a decoy and appears to be a ploy to move their forces! We'll take them head on and punch them in the nose!" Reinhard's declaration was followed by a flourish of his right arm. Still, Reinhard could not help the vague feeling of foreboding that plagued him. Yet, he took care not to allow his unease to show.

Most of the twenty-four layers of defense had combined together to form an arrowhead that was aimed at the enemy's force to the port flank. They moved to attack the enemy's force, even as Reinhard's flagship and its surrounding ships moved to join them. Before they could merge into one formation however, another enemy fleet appeared out of the side, careening into position to cut off Reinhard's portion of the fleet from the fleet that had been sent to deal with the port side's enemy. It now appeared however, that the enemy forces on the port side merely contained a token number of ships – the rest of the 'fleet' was made up of asteroids! It had indeed been a decoy.

Reinhard watched in consternation as the main fleet of Alliance ships opened fire on the Imperial forces that were wedged between the decoy fleet and the main fleet, tearing into the arrowhead bit by bit. The asteroids that the Alliance ships had dragged with them were cut loose, and were currently doing significant damage to Imperial ships. That Yang Wen-li! He had swiftly maneuvered into an advantageous position, cutting off Reinhard's flagship and its surrounding ships from two-thirds of his fleet. Now, with the Alliance main fleet in between them, Reinhard could not merge with his main fleet. In other words, he was isolated deep within enemy ranks.

Reinhard watched helplessly as the Alliance ships formed into a circular formation to surround the main Imperial forces. Caught in a cross-fire from all sides, Imperial forces were devastated. "Altringen's fleet is being wiped out! Brauhitz's fleet cannot maintain the battleline!" Chatter over the open Imperial communications channel confirmed Reinhard's worst fear – it was a complete defeat on the part of the Imperial forces.

"Enemy fleet approaching!" A single, piercing voice rang out over the din. Reinhard felt as if someone had struck him as he gritted his teeth together. "I've been had." That realization shook him. Once again, Yang Wen-li had tricked him. Is it to be victory upon victory, only to suffer defeat at the very end? Kircheis…is this as far as I'll be able to go? Reinhard thought back to the confident promise that he'd made so very long ago, before his very first battle, with Kircheis by his side. "We'll fight, we'll win, we'll continue to win…" And the following year, during a duel in which he had acted an agent for his sister's friend, he had reiterated that promise to Kircheis. "We'll never lose, at any time, to any enemy." Would he have to break that promise with a complete defeat now?

As Reinhard bit his lips with a fury that coursed through his veins, there was no fear in him, only anger. Reinhard von Lohengramm had never been afraid of anything on the battlefield. Time and again, he stood at the frontlines with the rest of his men, leading by example. It was why the soldiers all idolized him and would willingly follow him anywhere. And Reinhard was not about to change that now. Even if he should go out in a blaze of fire with Brunhilde, his beloved white lady, he would show nothing but stately calm to the very end.

As the Alliance fleet destroyed the last line of defence in front of Reinhard, Vice Chief Adjutant Streit came before his liege lord. "Your Excellency, a shuttle has been made ready. Please, you must escape." Streit insisted. A lesser commander would have already been calling for evacuation procedures to take place. Streit knew, without a doubt, that if it had been his previous liege lord, Prince Braunchsweig in these circumstances, the man would have already abandoned the ship. Yet not Prince Lohengramm… Streit had in fact single-handedly organized the evacuation process, securing the shuttle and essential personnel all on his own initiative, without Prince Lohengramm's orders.

"Don't overstep your bounds," came Prince Lohengramm's cool response. Streit knew that it would be an uphill struggle instantly. He heaved a mental sigh. While it was unfortunate to have a cowardly and inept master like Prince Braunchsweig, Streit could not help wondering if it would make his job easier if Prince Lohengramm possessed some small modicrum of that dishonourable quality. No, he would be happy if his liege lord possessed even an ounce of the human characteristic of self-preservation...

"I know of no wars where one runs away when it is unnecessary. Do you think a coward could become the final victor?" Prince Lohengramm continued stubbornly. Streit closed his eyes and took the reprimand in silence. It rankled, to have to suggest this dishonourable course to his liege, but when Streit had pledged his allegiance to this man, he had given his full and complete loyalty. Which naturally included holding the safety of his liege lord above all else. Streit would take the reprimand, but he would not waver in his determination to see his liege lord safe. However, he would have to phrase it in a way so as not to shatter the pride in the winged golden lion.

"Please forgive my presumption," Streit replied formally. "However, abandoning the battlefield now does not mean defeat. As soon as we gather up the rest of our forces, we can re-engage and seek revenge." Presented with this ready-made and logical excuse to abandon ship, any other person would have evacuated especially when faced with certain death otherwise. Unfortunately, Streit had underestimated exactly how stubborn and iron-willed Prince Lohengramm could be.

"If I run away in fear of Yang Wen-li here, those whom I've killed would mock me, from Hell to Valhallah," Prince Lohengramm stated implacably. "What kind of conqueror would I make?! Do you mean for me to become a laughingstock?" It was a noble sentiment, which Streit admired, in the abstract. It was this honourable quality in Prince Lohengramm that caused so many talented and capable men to be willing to serve him. However, Streit was also a practical man, an old man who recognized that life was precious, above all else.

Streit might have risked Prince Lohengramm's anger to say something more. However, at this point in time, Captain Kissling stepped forth. The loyal young man pleaded, "Your Excellency, please don't take your precious life so lightly. We can begin again. Please escape." However, Prince Lohengramm's only response was a shake of his head. Streit watched with a growing desperation as even Kissling's pleas fell on deaf ears. If only Fleet Admiral Kircheis were here! Prince Lohengramm would surely see sense if his red-haired superior officer were here to advise their liege. He made eye contact with Kissling. A silent understanding passed between them – they would get Prince Lohengramm to safety at all costs, even if it were against Prince Lohengramm's will and his orders. Both Streit and Kissling were willing to face whatever punishment that entailed as long as Prince Lohengramm was safe.

As Kissling walked towards Prince Lohengramm, Streit waited with bated breath. Before Kissling could act however, a series of explosion in close proximity to Brunhilde rocked the flagship. Everyone on the bridge fell onto the floor, including Streit. He watched with desperation and anxiety as the green-painted hull of an Alliance flagship loomed near, with its forward mounted cannons sizzling with pre-firing laser emanations… No… there was no time to get Prince Lohengramm to safety…

Another explosion however, soon rocked the ship. "What happened?!" Prince Lohengramm cried out. Somewhere in a detached portion of his mind, Streit noted clinically that Prince Lohengramm had been the first to stand up after the two explosions. This was not a man who would die cowering on the floor… Streit realized with an utter certainty.

As everyone else climbed to their feet, the communications officer on the bridge cried out, "It's Muller's fleet! Muller's fleet has come to our aid! We're saved!" Streit breathed a sigh of relief at that. It was the reserve fleet, which had finally caught up with them…a day early, Streit noted. He suspected that Admiral Muller had changed its course a day earlier than ordered. Most of Prince Lohengramm's men were fiercely loyal to him, and were greatly concerned for his safety, Streit knew. It was a marked contrast indeed from the attitude of his fellow officers when he had been serving Prince Braunschweig. Aside from Ansbach, there had been few men who were truly loyal to Prince Braunschweig. And that difference, Streit knew, was the reason why Prince Lohengramm was a great leader while Prince Braunschweig could never hope to be one even if his life depended on it.

April 4th, U.C. 799, I.C. 490

Vermillion Starzone, Lubeck, Bridge

"Don't let up your fire! Chase the enemy off!" Muller ordered with an edge in his voice. Anxiety and worry plagued him as he wondered about the fate of Prince Lohengramm's flagship, the Brunhilde. He had arrived in the Vermillion Starzone in the midst of a heated battle, and had immediately discerned, to his shock and horror, that Imperial forces were losing. When his adjutant had reported that Brunhilde was under attack, Muller thought that his heart would stop. If Prince Lohengramm were to be killed in battle…Muller had squashed down that thought immediately. It did not bear thinking about. Until it had been confirmed one way or another, Muller would do his very best to ensure that Prince Lohengramm would live. Muller had then entered the fray with his fleet, and aimed his flagship at destroying the frontline of the enemy fleet.

"Have we made a positive identification?" Muller asked his adjutant worriedly, once he had finished giving his orders.

"Yes. The flagship Brunhilde is unharmed," his adjutant replied.

Muller heaved a mental sigh of relief at that. "We made it in time…" Thank Odin! His thoughts however, soon turned to other pressing matters. Prince Lohengramm was not yet out of danger. Muller had to do everything that he could to change that situation "Put us between the enemy fleet and the flagship." Muller commanded. "Protect Prince Lohengramm!" It did not matter that that meant his fleet would bear the brunt of the enemy's attack, that it would mean death for many of the soldiers under his command. Muller's first priority was to protect his liege lord. If that required the deaths of soldiers under his command, or even his own death, then so be it.

Perhaps the enemy in the Alliance would never understand such feelings, given that they were a democracy. In the Empire however, traditional knightly ideals like honour and loyalty had long been emphasized to military men, and Muller, like most Imperial officers, was a veritable product of that system. He had given his oath of fealty to Prince Lohengramm when he had accepted a position in Prince Lohengramm's admiralty. Not only was Prince Lohengramm his commanding officer, he was also Muller's liege lord. In and out of the battlefield, Prince Lohengramm had proven himself worthy of Muller's oath.

And sooner or later, Prince Lohengramm would become Kaiser, ruler of all humanity in the known universe. His ruler. Mein Kaiser. And that was why Muller would give his life for Prince Lohengramm without the slightest hesitation.

Muller's fleet soon cut into the enemy's formation, chipping away at the ships on the frontline. Muller could not have known it, but his excellent judgement and tactics was, at that moment, earning him praise from the great tactician of the Alliance – Yang Wen-li himself. "What an excellent commander…He sizes up the situation well, he fights well, he knows when to protect his master…" Many years later, Muller would find out about this through the first biography about Yang Wen-li to be published, written by Julian Minz, his dependent.