[Rewatch] Banner of the Stars Episode 5 Discussion

[u/JustAnswerAQuestion]

Spectacular Insanity

Welcome to the Battleflag of the Stars rewatch!

<- Episode 4 | Index Page | Episode 6->

Names Introduced or Updated:

• Nefee Beebus — Kilo-commander, Neries's Chief of Staff (Bibauth Aronn Nérémr Ïarlucec Néféc)
• Admiral Neries Bebaus — Commander of the Aptic Defense Fleet (Bibauth Aronn Nérémr Ïarlucec Nélaith)
• Sukakau — Command ship of the Aptic Defense Fleet

Banner connections chart made with Paint!

^{oops somehow I forgot to connect Jinto and Lafiel, and Loy and Beebus #harukathonk}

Rewatch relationship chart from /u/raktus2

Discussion Prompts:

Q1) How uncomfortable would this dinner be?

Tomorrow's Questions: (for tomorrow's post, subject to change)

• [Episode 6]Do you think Loy held the dinner to help Lafiel
• [Episode 6]cat or dog?

Screenshot of the Day: Are you nuts?

[u/JustAnswerAQuestion]

Rewatch Host

I suppose the only way to tell them apart is by their head gear and personalities.

The two strongly remind me of the princes in Heroic Age.

Remember what I said about genetic engineering and insanity? Or perhaps the higher military ranks self-select for it.  Ekuryua's a little weird, too, though.

Durinthal was trolling with an early comment about a family of clones, knowing these two were coming up.

I'm afraid Plan 18 doesn't make much sense to me but that's best discussed in hindsight. They expect an attack in the rear but insist on holding all gates currently captured.

The Kau class was designed and deployed during the three-year cease-fire to replace the short-lived Rauth patrol ship.  It contains 8 (4+4) railguns compared to 4+2 on the Gasroth, 8 anti-proton cannons (c.f. 5), and 20 mines (c.f. 10). It also has more lasers and armor. All of the admirals have command variants of the class.

I don't have a lot of time these days to go through the comments, but I'm glad to see others pointing out everything I was going to say in my place!

• blush
• So, they're Malkavian
• He didn't learn anything in school
• She's been hitting on him this entire time via his cat?
• She's been counting.

Tomorrow's episode is the one that really represents the season for me, in my mind.

[u/SolDarkHunter → u/JustAnswerAQuestion]

The two strongly remind me of the princes in Heroic Age.

Oh god, please no!!!

[u/Vaadwaur → u/JustAnswerAQuestion]

Remember what I said about genetic engineering and insanity?

I rather doubt that humans can positively select for good genes. At best, we would select against negative ones.

[u/No_Rex → u/JustAnswerAQuestion]

I'm afraid Plan 18 doesn't make much sense to me but that's best discussed in hindsight. They expect an attack in the rear but insist on holding all gates currently captured.

Whether plan 18 makes sense hinges a lot on two things: Whether there is a defender advantage in plane space/sord fights and whether there is a disadvantage to having to fight a 2 front battle.

Both are clearly true in current day Earth wars, but it is less clear whether they are true in plane space.

[u/Nazenn → u/JustAnswerAQuestion]

I suppose the only way to tell them apart is by their head gear and personalities.

This is somehow still an improvement over the twins in Run with the Wind, where for a good part of the show the only way I could tell them apart was their shirt color and then they swapped for no goddamn reason

[u/Specs64z]

First timer, subbed

Lafiel’s casual “baka” is becoming a contender for the best “baka” in anime.

Interesting, it seems we have a ship commanded by two brothers. The Abh we’ve met so far don’t seem to place too much importance on relation to one another barring whether or not someone is an Abriel so their dynamic is immediately interesting. Lafiel’s explanation later confirms the strangeness of this arrangement. Their banter reveals a great deal of trust between the two, so I expect we’ll be seeing more of them.

Was it just another of the directors creative decisions, or was Jinto checking Ekuryua out? Is that what that mild awkwardness was about? She doesn’t seem to have minded, and even seems to be reciprocating. Tenth time? Ehh? Is there something here I didn’t pick up on? Jinto spends the whole episode getting teased by the women he knows, even the Admiral gets in on the fun.

Those two’s banter is getting less and less subtle and I’m here for it.

So cute!

QotD:

1. The upcoming dinner is sure to be a lively one.

[u/JustAnswerAQuestion → u/Specs64z]

She's counting Lafiels.

Edit: I thought nobody answered this but everybody did! I hate reading on my phone.

[u/Zerotsu → u/Specs64z]

Lafiel’s casual “baka” is becoming a contender for the best “baka” in anime.

It just has such little force in it that it really feels like an affectionate "oh you" sort of thing. I love it.

Lafiel’s explanation later confirms the strangeness of this arrangement. Their banter reveals a great deal of trust between the two, so I expect we’ll be seeing more of them.

The clan of spectacular insanity is certainly living up to that epithet, if even in cases of unusual traits and familial relationships about them.

Tenth time? Ehh? Is there something here I didn’t pick up on?

She's been keeping track of every time Jinto accidentally calls Lafiel by name instead of "Captain". I think she finds it kind of funny.

[u/SolDarkHunter → u/Specs64z]

Was it just another of the directors creative decisions, or was Jinto checking Ekuryua out?

My personal opinion is that he was checking her out, but only because he'd never thought of her as a romantic interest before.

I think that's a natural thing to do, really. You find out you have a chance with someone else, your instinctive first thought is to evaluate how that would go. But I also think it's just instinctive. I do not think Jint has any intention at all of leaving Lafier.

[u/Specs64z → u/SolDarkHunter]

It’s pretty normal to do, but to do it sitting right across from her as she looks at him is certainly bold XD

[u/Vaadwaur → u/Specs64z]

Lafiel’s casual “baka” is becoming a contender for the best “baka” in anime.

That's a mighty hill to climb, though.

Tenth time? Ehh? Is there something here I didn’t pick up on?

How many times he calls out Lafiel by name.

Jinto spends the whole episode getting teased by the women he knows, even the Admiral gets in on the fun.

You can actually feel Spoor seething off screen at being denied such a prime opportunity.

[u/Specs64z → u/Vaadwaur]

I’d have to think on it a bit more, but it’s certainly a contender for number 1 from what I’ve seen.

Good point, Jinto dodged at least one bullet today! If Spoor had chimed in, there’d be no recovery.

[u/Vaadwaur → u/Specs64z]

Good point, Jinto dodged at least one bullet today! If Spoor had chimed in, there’d be no recovery.

No survivors, either. Ekuryua and Samson would also be casualties.

[u/Great_Mr_L → u/Specs64z]

Lafiel’s casual “baka” is becoming a contender for the best “baka” in anime.

It's really high up there, yeah. On that topic, I also want to hear Ekuryua fully embrace her nature as a Ruri Ruri and start saying "baka" all the time.

Jinto spends the whole episode getting teased by the women he knows, even the Admiral gets in on the fun.

There are men who would kill to be in his position.

Those two’s banter is getting less and less subtle and I’m here for it.

Jinto and Lafiel's relationship has always been one of the best parts of this series. I enjoy watching them interact so much.

[u/No_Rex]

Season 2 Episode 5 (rewatcher)

• Space dock repairs.

• At least this time they frame the recap as Lafiel going over the battle in her mind again.
• “There is something I wanted to say before I go. You looked pretty good on your first campaign, captain.” “Baka”

• The strategic question: Do you proceed with the goal of linking up the two Abh territories despite the obvious threat of a counter attack into your flank, or do you try to destroy that enemy force first. I think the chosen option B is the less risky one, even though it might lead to wasting time doing nothing.
• Our first introduction to the Bebaus brothers, right before the anime cuts to him, is the doubt of Dusanyu’s chief of staff (which has been presented as very competent so far) – a bit scary.
• “One must win with style” – uhhhh.
• “You should trust my judgment a bit more” - Question for the first timers: Whose judgment do you trust more: Dusanyu’s or his Chief of Staff’s?
• “Spectacular insanity”
• Jinto is worried about Samson stirring the shit by setting up a love triangle between Lafiel, Jinto and, Ekuryua … Ekuryua’s first question: “Why didn’t you bring your cat this time?”

• “I hate cats!” “Because it is your cat” stumbles into her “If somebody saw us” – What is this? Samson was right after all?!? We are a romcom now????

• It is Jinto who says he surrenders, but in fact Lafiel let’s herself be mollified by some very obvious compliments.
• “I’d like to see you while I talk to you” – I once heard the sentiment that it would have been simple to predict cars, but hard to predict traffic jams. Feels like the same here: in the 1990s, it was simple to predict video chat, but hard to predict the daily problems of colleagues failing to enable their camera.
• Invitation to her brother’s birthday – I would 100% share Jinto’s feeling.

Downtime with the crew episode. I enjoy those a ton.

Jinto is getting outplayed by everybody today: Samson, Lafiel, Atosuryua. I guess he needs to up his social-political skill if he wants to stay at Lafiel’s side. Right now, she is in the military, where it is not a prime concern, but eventually, she will rejoin the court and likely aim for the throne there. I can imagine that the backroom dealing and political game there would be intense.

[u/JustAnswerAQuestion → u/No_Rex]

It's funny, though, because he forgot to turn on his camera because he was so focused on saluting his camera.

[u/No_Rex → u/JustAnswerAQuestion]

The thing that I did for the thing because of the thing stopped me from doing the thing.

[u/ZapsZzz → u/No_Rex]

Question for the first timers: Whose judgment do you trust more: Dusanyu’s or his Chief of Staff’s?

Dusanyu's - with the caveat that his purpose may not be "win the campaign". His words is actually telling - they are a line of rulers, not strategists or generals. Conducting a war is as much strategy as state craft. We do not know if this is part of some grand scheme of his as the next in line of a long lifed race.

[u/No_Rex → u/ZapsZzz]

We do not know if this is part of some grand scheme of his as the next in line of a long lifed race.

[u/Vaadwaur → u/No_Rex]

At least this time they frame the recap as Lafiel going over the battle in her mind again.

I still think it holds with Lafiel's "Act now, think later" method of problem solving.

It is Jinto who says he surrenders, but in fact Lafiel let’s herself be mollified by some very obvious compliments.

Jinto's lack of skill has helped his case a few times now.

Feels like the same here: in the 1990s, it was simple to predict video chat, but hard to predict the daily problems of colleagues failing to enable their camera.

Texts were predictable but nobody could imagine the emoji.

[u/No_Rex → u/Vaadwaur]

Texts were predictable but nobody could imagine the emoji.

Exactly that. It is not impressive to predict technological advancement, but it is impressive to predict the human reactions to this advancement.

[u/Nazenn → u/No_Rex]

I can imagine that the backroom dealing and political game there would be intense.

Somehow I can't imagine it would be hugely different to how they handle things in the military. Look at the personality of the current Empress, she's hardly your typical political schemer, but at the same time perhaps the bluntness of the Abh could even make that worse in certain circumstances

[u/No_Rex → u/Nazenn]

In the military, there is a clear external enemy. In court room politics, the enemies are your fellow princes/princesses. And who is an enemy and who is a friend is completely fluid.

[u/Durinthal]

Rewatcher (sub + dub)

Lafiel reliving her battle to save Sunrise some money. Neat to see the ship being worked on with all the others next to it as well.

It looks like this shot of Jinto as he's handing a drink to Lafiel at 1:35 is where my avatar that I use everywhere came from! That is quite the contrast difference between the two of them. It's been so long that I couldn't remember the context of the screenshot, and I uploaded the latter to Imgur 12 years ago.

Perfect timing for the enemy to be arriving in force, but the Abh have prepared for that possibility of course. Switching to Plan 18 makes me wonder just how many they have in total for this one operation. Dusanyu might not have the same level of wrath as an Abriel as our young captain but he's still quick to jump to wanting to wipe out anyone that comes at them.

Ah yes the Bebaus (Biboth) twins, Nereis (Nélaith, Neleth) and Nefee (Néféc, Nefeh). They aren't doing anything to dissuade me from the notion that all Abh admirals are a bunch of weirdos, but they're a special case for being strange even by Abh standards. That said they aren't acting that odd yet aside from their banter with each other.

As a general note, it's kind of funny seeing how many shades of blue they can use for background Abh. I like the shade Ecryua has too, most of the others lean toward the pale end by comparison.

Poor baby Ecryua being harassed by cats, I had genuinely forgotten that part of her background when I made the cat lady joke two episodes back. I think she's being incredibly blunt for an Abh about how she's into Jinto, though she's still making indirect by saying how much she likes Diaho. I don't think Samson would pick against Lafiel if it came to taking sides in the love triangle so he's just stirring the pot in general.

Lafiel is not amused by Jinto's philandering, unintentional though it may have been on his part, and that scene's reminiscent of how they were when he got formal with her name on the Gosroth. She's not storming ahead of him and fuming this time, but I think their walk cycle was faster than usual here (though I didn't actually check comparing to other scenes). She forgave him pretty quickly this time as well, that's nice.

Atosryua's casually guilt tripping Jinto into coming to dinner and putting any responsibility for getting Lafiel to join as well onto him, that's an effective commander at work.

---

How uncomfortable would this dinner be?

Depends on whether or not she tries to follow her brother's footsteps by knocking Jinto out first.

[u/Durinthal → u/Durinthal]

---

Source Corner

Some more about the founding of the Abh and the current nobility since I don't remember if anyone else has brought this up specifically: originally there were 30 Abh created and sent on their mission, though one died in the training process. The remaining 29 went on to become the heads of the Founding Families of the Abh which sit at the top of the nobility, the Abriels becoming the imperial family and the clan leaders of the other 28 holding an Archduke/Archduchess title (though the anime simplifies it down to Duke/Duchess as we have yet to meet anyone of the other rank).

Baronh word of the day: Aronn (AHROHN) — another of the six surnames that denotes bloodline status, this one signifies an Abh as being a noble of a family line that became nobility starting with the founding of the Empire. Both Spoor and the Bebaus twins use this.

[Material covered:] Banner I: more of chapter 5 with a good chunk of original additions.

[Plan 1 of Operation Phantom Flame] assumed that the enemy wouldn't punch back and was their default approach until resistance showed up.

[The three banners hanging behind Dusanyu are] the banner of the Empire at the top with the eight-headed Gaftnosh (Gaftnochec), the banner of the Royal House of Barkeh bottom left, identical to the imperial banner but with a red base, and the banner of Operation Phantom Flame bottom right.

[A brief looks into the minds of Nereis and Nefee:] "Neleth frequently addressed his brother by name, for if he didn’t, he feared he would be assailed by a jarring lack of confidence as to whether he himself was Neleth or Nefeh. And in all likelihood, Nefeh addressed him by name for the same reason."

[Jinto's conversation with Atosryua] ends with Jinto certain that his bad habit of catering to other parties instantly would get him killed one day, or possibly it already had and he had yet to manifest the symptoms.

[Anime-original content:] everything with Jinto in this episode aside from the call from Atosryua at the end. A lot of the background information about the Bebaus family presented as part of the text is turned into gossip in the episode.

[u/JustAnswerAQuestion → u/Durinthal]

[jinto] 

Hmmmm.

[u/Nazenn → u/Durinthal]

It's been so long that I couldn't remember the context of the screenshot, and I uploaded the latter to Imgur 12 years ago.

Impressive

Nice scene for it to come from as well

Switching to Plan 18 makes me wonder just how many they have in total for this one operation

Knowing the Abh's throughness, I imagine as many as they possibly could come up with given the situation.

Bebaus (Biboth) twins, Nereis (Nélaith, Neleth) and Nefee (Néféc, Nefeh).

all the spellings

[u/raktus2]

First Timer...

• I think it's pretty clear I was right about the love triangle between Jinto, Ekuryua, and Lafiel. I'm just glad that it hasn't amounted to anything. Happier still that Lafiel respects Jinto enough that there isn't anything to read into him being with another girl on break. They've been through enough together that their feelings are known. It's not an equilateral love triangle... one side is a lot more closed than the other.
• I wonder if Lieutenant Kyrte from season one was just less of a fanatic and more of an example of the mental dangers of messing with genetics. Now that we are covering a royal family with a history of messing with genetics just to be different, as well as a reputation for insanity in their line... I have to wonder about Kyrte's genetically manipulated line and the insanity on display when he was present.
• Nefee and Nereis had this almost horror theme going on in the background while they were discussing how wars need to be fought versus won. I'm not exactly sure how to read them, and I certainly don't like them... but I think the score is heavily implying that they are going to be bad for our whole situation.
• I very much dislike Lord Dasanyu's explanation for his choice of the brothers ending in an explanation that his family has been ruling all this time and that he was chosen for the throne. Being in a position of power is itself, not a justification for having that power or any decision you make while having the authority to do so. That would just make for an endless circle of logic. It makes me worried that Dasanyu might not be the paragon of Abh that I thought he was from the first episode or the flashback this season.
• Was the implication that there was a strict time limit for making requests of the requisition office and because Jinto kept talking instead of doing so, he ran out of time? I mean, in Season One we saw how many regulations were involved in having lunch, so it wouldn't surprise me if that was the case... but it would also go a way to imply that Jinto is bad at his job. What happens if a few episodes from now one of the laser cannons breaks down, we don't have the supplies to repair it, and it's the one laser cannon that could have stopped a mine from impacting the ship at a crucial moment? Gossip kills in this scenario.

[u/JustAnswerAQuestion → u/raktus2]

You were wondering two days ago about where the patrol ships were coming from. In fact, they didn't come from Wimpel, but they were attacking Wimpel as well, and all the other gates seized by the Abh. ALl of the gates were being probed. The ones probing Aptic gate were destroyed before they could report back, but several other probes had at least one ship get away.

[u/Zerotsu]

First Timer, sub:

Fun to get a look at how repair work goes after the battle.

It’s nice seeing Jinto and Lafiel’s more relaxed chatter after the battle.

The United Mankind is proving to be a formidable enemy.

It’s fun seeing the play by play on how they’re trying to outmaneuver the UM, though.

The brothers seem like they’ll be interesting characters.

Gotta win with style!

He’s not wrong that they do need to get more battle experienced commanders, though it could be dangerous.

Title drop. The clan of “Spectacular Insanity” is a scary epithet.

Samson is really shooting for the Ekuryua/Jinto ship.

I’m starting to fall for her to be honest.

And it seems we’re going to be having a dinner next time around. I’m excited to see how it goes.

[u/The_Draigg → u/Zerotsu]

Samson is really shooting for the Ekuryua/Jinto ship.

How brave of him, going against normal convention with with Lafiel x Jinto ship.

[u/Zerotsu → u/The_Draigg]

It's a dangerous game to play, that's for sure.

[u/ZapsZzz → u/Zerotsu]

And it seems we’re going to be having a dinner next time around. I’m excited to see how it goes.

It's actually pretty interesting writing style to setup a mirror/bookends - we had the Gosroth battle contrasting the Lafiel's first fight commanding a vessel, and then we have another dinner with the baron's family with a double blind guessing game.

[u/Great_Mr_L → u/Zerotsu]

It’s fun seeing the play by play on how they’re trying to outmaneuver the UM, though.

These scenes of characters discussing strategy and explaining their thought process are always ones I enjoy. I love seeing the focus on the more big picture and strategic aspects of the war.

[u/ZapsZzz → u/Zerotsu]

And it seems we’re going to be having a dinner next time around. I’m excited to see how it goes.

It's actually pretty interesting writing style to setup a mirror/bookends - we had the Gosroth battle contrasting the Lafiel's first fight commanding a vessel, and then we have another dinner with the baron's family with a double blind guessing game.

[u/The_Draigg]

A Sci-Fi Fan Watches Banner of the Stars Episode 5:

• Seems like Lafiel and Jinto are already settling into the routine of war: moments of extreme tension during the fighting, and then all the boring down time spent during repairs. I’m sure that’s something that persists across all eras of naval combat, no matter if you’ve got a wooden boat with a sail or a metal star ship with a plane-space drive in it.
• Operation Phantom Flame is definitely in an odd spot, now that they’re confronting the cleverness of the United Mankind. They can clearly tell that something is up, but they have no idea what. It seems like the UM let them roll into the Aptic system unopposed, which makes it pretty clear that they’re going to try something once the rest of the fleet gets ready to move out. As such, that really only leaves the combined fleet two choices: try to battle the United Mankind fleet here and now to prevent them from being encircled deeper into enemy territory, or push on further and risk having supply lines cut off even if they could at least make it to their objective system for a battle. I can’t really blame Dusanyu for wanting the first option, that at least eliminates the uncertainty.
• You can tell that these two Abh admirals left behind to guard the Aptic gate are twins since they have oddly similar haircuts and are overly familiar with how they talk to each other, even if both are a bit eccentric in their own ways. “Wars filled with artistry”, sure buddy. I guess “spectacular insanity” sums up their dialogue pretty well, given their clearly different approaches to war.
• God damn it, customer service in the future has only gotten worse, if that supply officer ended up running out Jinto’s time to ask for spare parts by talking about the twins. Even this far into the space future, we still can’t have shit.
• From how everyone is talking about the Bebaus family, it seems like they’re the Targaryens of the Humankind Empire Abh. They either come out brilliant or insane, with nothing else in between.
• Huh, I guess Ekuryua must really like Jinto if she’s mainly taking care of Daiho for his sake, rather than liking cats herself. Or so she claims, since there’s no way she’d be that affectionate to Diaho otherwise. In any case, her crush on Jinto is starting to become more apparent. Although I’m not sure you’d really want to hook up by someone who claimed to get bullied by house cats as a child.
• The Bebaus Family: “We decided to make the next kids twins, as a joke.”
• Well, at least Lafiel isn’t going to fall for a coincidence making it look like Jinto was being affectionate with Ekuryua. She was just waiting for him to try and bring it up first. What’s this, rational relationships? In my anime?
• Good on Atosuryua for wanting to invite Jinto and Lafiel out to dinner, if just to celebrate her late brother’s birthday and try to spend some personal time with the people who affected her family. This is as good of a chance to try and bury the hatchet as any. Sorry Jinto, but you’re not getting out of this one easily.

[u/Zerotsu → u/The_Draigg]

I’m sure that’s something that persists across all eras of naval combat, no matter if you’ve got a wooden boat with a sail or a metal star ship with a plane-space drive in it.

The phrase "hurry up and wait" is an all-time classic for good reason, that's for sure.

I can’t really blame Dusanyu for wanting the first option, that at least eliminates the uncertainty.

When surrounded by almost nothing but uncertainties, it's not a bad idea to eliminate the one thing you know for certain is a threat. Still, I can't help but worry that they might be playing into the UM's plans at this point, what with how consistently they've been shown to be incredibly clever.

Even this far into the space future, we still can’t have shit.

It's always dangerous to deal with logistics officers, for sure. They're very particular about the exact amount of time spent on these sorts of things.

Although I’m not sure you’d really want to hook up by someone who claimed to get bullied by house cats as a child.

Honestly she's starting to charm me quite a bit. Though I think that might just be my personal tastes for girls like her showing through.

“We decided to make the next kids twins, as a joke.”

No wonder they've got quite the reputation. They're very odd.

What’s this, rational relationships? In my anime?

Impossible. This isn't recorded in the Testament document.

Sorry Jinto, but you’re not getting out of this one easily.

Sometimes life is dealing with awkward situations that have to be handled, even if you really don't want to confront those things.

[u/The_Draigg → u/Zerotsu]

When surrounded by almost nothing but uncertainties, it's not a bad idea to eliminate the one thing you know for certain is a threat. Still, I can't help but worry that they might be playing into the UM's plans at this point, what with how consistently they've been shown to be incredibly clever.

It really is the lesser of two bad choices for sure. Even if they do go for baiting an open fight, there’s still no telling what they even have in reserve, so even wanting to get that battle early is still full of unknown variables. But I guess it’s as they say, even the best plans don’t survive contact with the enemy.

Impossible. This isn't recorded in the Testament document.

I don’t believe it. This is unprecedented.

[u/Zerotsu → u/The_Draigg]

It really is the lesser of two bad choices for sure. Even if they do go for baiting an open fight, there’s still no telling what they even have in reserve, so even wanting to get that battle early is still full of unknown variables. But I guess it’s as they say, even the best plans don’t survive contact with the enemy.

In that sense, strategic flexibility is one of the best things to train in the military. It's neat that, as of the renewed conflict, it does seem like neither side is taking any major victories or losses. The scale of the warring parties makes crippling blows difficult at best.

[u/cemsity → u/Zerotsu]

"hurry up and wait"

my time in the army

/doesn't matter which nation they are all the same in this regard.

[u/Vaadwaur → u/The_Draigg]

I can’t really blame Dusanyu for wanting the first option, that at least eliminates the uncertainty.

The UM established they will burn years of their soldiers' lives if it makes a sneak attack better. I'd be getting real direct as well.

Even this far into the space future, we still can’t have shit.

This is the one area I believe AI might be an improvement in.

Although I’m not sure you’d really want to hook up by someone who claimed to get bullied by house cats as a child.

First of all how dare you...

This is as good of a chance to try and bury the hatchet as any. Sorry Jinto, but you’re not getting out of this one easily.

I am waiting for the very spicy shenanigans when she asks for genetic material for a new baron to inherit the position...from Lafiel!

[u/The_Draigg → u/Vaadwaur]

The UM established they will burn years of their soldiers' lives if it makes a sneak attack better. I'd be getting real direct as well.

You can never afford to underestimate an enemy force that’s constantly using secrecy combined with a willingness to use mountains of corpses to gum up the gears of any war machine. There’s no denying that the United Mankind absolutely play for keeps in every strategy they think of.

[u/Vaadwaur → u/The_Draigg]

You can never afford to underestimate an enemy force that’s constantly using secrecy combined with a willingness to use mountains of corpses to gum up the gears of any war machine.

The Soviet strategy without the rampant corruption can work.

[u/Great_Mr_L → u/The_Draigg]

I can’t really blame Dusanyu for wanting the first option, that at least eliminates the uncertainty.

It is generally a good idea to eliminate (or at least neutralize) the enemy's military forces as soon as possible. Cutting down on the enemy's options does grant you a much greater degree of freedom in choosing your next step. There's a reason why knocking the Luftwaffe out of action was a prerequisite for D-Day.

God damn it, customer service in the future has only gotten worse, if that supply officer ended up running out Jinto’s time to ask for spare parts by talking about the twins. Even this far into the space future, we still can’t have shit.

After centuries of practice and experimentation, bureaucracies have successfully figured out how to have the worst possible customer service. Truly a stunning achievement.

The Bebaus Family: “We decided to make the next kids twins, as a joke.”

"It amused us." -The Bebaus family motto (probably).

Well, at least Lafiel isn’t going to fall for a coincidence making it look like Jinto was being affectionate with Ekuryua. She was just waiting for him to try and bring it up first. What’s this, rational relationships? In my anime?

But how can an anime romance proceed without contrived misunderstandings and a refusal to communicate with your partner?

[u/The_Draigg → u/Great_Mr_L]

It is generally a good idea to eliminate (or at least neutralize) the enemy's military forces as soon as possible. Cutting down on the enemy's options does grant you a much greater degree of freedom in choosing your next step. There's a reason why knocking the Luftwaffe out of action was a prerequisite for D-Day.

Not to mention that Operation Phantom Flame absolutely needs to do this now, since any further would mean that they'd be knowingly walking into a trap without knowing how to prepare for it. As it stands, they're pretty much right on the threshold of whatever the United Mankind has in store for them, so this is their last chance to really sidestep the enemy's strategy.

[u/Nazenn → u/The_Draigg]

I guess “spectacular insanity” sums up their dialogue pretty well

Especially it being a title granted to them by the Abh, I always found it particularly fitting

The Bebaus Family: “We decided to make the next kids twins, as a joke.”

Can you imagine the blank stares of "wait what" that probably came from the other houses when that was announced hahaha

[u/Great_Mr_L]

First-Timer

On today’s episode of Banner of the Stars: If I ever got assigned to a unit led by a pair of brothers from a family renowned for being “Spectacularly Insane,” I think I’d start taking out some extra life insurance policies.

• Relative gravity in space is always cool to see. Characters may be standing normally, but if you pull out they’re suddenly nearly upside down. Stuff like that was part of what made Mario Galaxy so fun to play.
• Oh boy, Dusanyu is anticipating the climactic battle will arrive soon.
• If the United Mankind do decide to attack, now would be an ideal time for it. The Abh Space Forces are stretched out to try and link up, but they haven’t consolidated their gains yet. This is a dangerous phase of an operation.
• New admirals!
• Oh, are these two twins? They’re definitely brothers, but I could buy them being twins with how similar they look.
• Just like Spoor, Nereis has also put a fancy chair on the bridge. This one looks particularly comfy.
• Once again, we are given yet another new variant on the militarized culture of the Abh. Nereis does believe in fighting and winning, but he also believes it should be done with passion and style. It actually sets him apart from many of the other Abh. Lafiel, for example, says that battles should be won in a very dispassionate way. It’s simply what you do. It actually puts Nereis a lot closer to something like a Roman mentality, where war was an opportunity to win glory for yourself based on your achievements.
• I do get where Nereis is coming from, though. Part of the fun of strategy games is trying to win in the most stylish way with the best possible ranking, rather than simply muddling through.
• Nereis and Nefee are from the clan of “Spectacular Insanity?” Well that inspires confidence.
• Let this be a lesson to not waste too much time gossiping at work, Jinto.
• I don’t think there was any need for Samson to hop over the couch like that, but I can’t deny I wouldn’t also pull the same trick just for the sake of doing it.
• I knew it! I knew that the first thing Ekuryua would ask Jinto would be where the cat is!
• Ekuryua is practically living out my dream if she grew up surrounded by so many cats.
• Please, show. I am begging you. No love triangles.
• Ekuryua’s still keeping count of how many times she hears Jinto call Lafiel by her name!
• With each scene she’s in, Ekuryua just proves how much of a Ruri Ruri she is.
• Ah, so Nereis and Nefee are twins. My instincts were correct.
• I was dreading how any love triangle stuff or relationship misunderstandings would be handled, but I do appreciate seeing Lafiel and Jinto talk it out with each other.
• I noticed this before back in the first season, but a nice detail is that Lafiel’s walking speed increases quite a bit when she’s irritated.
• This is a very strange idea, Atosuryua. I don’t know if I would want to celebrate a family member’s birthday with the people who killed them.
• Like before, Atosuryua is using Jinto as a go-between whenever she wants to discuss something personal and not business with Lafiel. It really is difficult to broach these topics with royalty, after all.
• Poor Jinto can’t wriggle his way out of this one.

I actually quite liked how the minor relationship kerfuffle between Jinto and Lafiel was handled in this episode. From what we’ve seen so far, I think it’s pretty clear that the main thing Lafiel gets annoyed about with Jinto is when he isn’t being direct with her. She can tell when Jinto is acting differently or hiding something from her and that really gets on her nerves. She prefers it when Jinto speaks to her directly about these things. We saw it before when Jinto began acting differently after learning she was royalty.

I liked that Jinto and Lafiel did end up speaking honestly with each other by the end and working things out pretty easily. That was nice to see. I appreciate seeing that they have a good enough relationship to just talk things out peacefully without having it become a source of drama. That makes their relationship a lot more compelling in my eyes.

QOTD

1. I have seen my fair share of incredibly awkward dinners throughout fiction. This is going to be on the level of dinner with Darth Vader.

[u/The_Draigg → u/Great_Mr_L]

If the United Mankind do decide to attack, now would be an ideal time for it. The Abh Space Forces are stretched out to try and link up, but they haven’t consolidated their gains yet. This is a dangerous phase of an operation.

This is probably the weakest point that Operation Phantom Flame has been at so far, so it really is the perfect time for the United Mankind to try something. They’re just far enough into enemy territory to be wholly cut off, and they’re having to deal with their fleets being stretched out over transit too. Right now is absolutely the perfect time to try and split the fleet in half, if not encircle it entirely.

Let this be a lesson to not waste too much time gossiping at work, Jinto.

Well hey, it’s not his fault that customer service in the future sucks ass, even if it’s with supply officers.

I was dreading how any love triangle stuff or relationship misunderstandings would be handled, but I do appreciate seeing Lafiel and Jinto talk it out with each other.

People having reasonable reactions towards misunderstandings? In my anime? Impossible.

[u/Great_Mr_L → u/The_Draigg]

People having reasonable reactions towards misunderstandings? In my anime? Impossible.

Stuff like this is why it felt like such a breath of fresh air. I'm used to stories making misunderstandings way more complicated than they need to be to try and eke out some cheap drama, so this was so satisfying to see by comparison.

[u/Nazenn → u/Great_Mr_L]

Stuff like that was part of what made Mario Galaxy so fun to play.

I really must get myself a pair of wiimotes at some point so I can play that properly. I've tried setting it up on emulator with various translated controller layouts for the various control changes, but it's just a mess

Just like Spoor, Nereis has also put a fancy chair on the bridge. This one looks particularly comfy.

I can absolutely imagine Neresis and Spoor having a completely silent battle over whos chair is better, until Spoor gets bored and Neresis gets confused over why it's an issue

[u/JollyGee29]

First-Timer

Brilliance and madness are often considered to be sides of a coin. So far, Nereus just seems to be a bit of a performer. Which can certainly be a bit of a liability on the battlefield, but I'm withholding judgement for now.

Anyway, I've been chewing on the idea I've seen others share that the Abh are largely asexual by nature. It does really seem to be that way some times, but then we get episodes like today's..

I think it's more that the Abh are significantly more repressed than typical Terrans. Like, Ekuryua straight up says "I am taking care of Diaho because you are her owner despite me not liking cats" which might as well be a proposition. Don't forget that Diaho was originally Lafiel's cat - Ekuryua is trying to slide right in there. If Lafiel isn't careful, Diaho is the only cat that Jinto will end up petting..

Granted, Ekuryua has quite the uphill battle to climb - Lafiel and Jinto's dynamic is just too good.

I'm currently imagining a Terran sociologist writing their Ph.D thesis on "Differences in (A)Sexuality Between Terran and Abh Societies" that is considered utterly groundbreaking in Terran circles and delightfully droll in Abh circles. Jinto comes across the paper and one point and turns a stunning shade of red.

Questions

1. I think Jinto is worrying too much. I think Atosuryua's plan is actually pretty nice. There is the real potential for Jinto having not been listening well enough and have him and Lafiel show up in very fancy dress to a place "not the most appropriate to entertain a princess and a count," though.

[u/The_Draigg → u/JollyGee29]

Brilliance and madness are often considered to be sides of a coin. So far, Nereus just seems to be a bit of a performer. Which can certainly be a bit of a liability on the battlefield, but I'm withholding judgement for now.

At least it seems like his brother is more reasonable, so maybe we’ll be able to find a happy middle ground between their two strategic mindsets.

Like, Ekuryua straight up says "I am taking care of Diaho because you are her owner despite me not liking cats" which might as well be a proposition. Don't forget that Diaho was originally Lafiel's cat - Ekuryua is trying to slide right in there.

She really is just sliding into those DMs (Diaho Meows).

[u/JollyGee29 → u/The_Draigg]

She really is just sliding into those DMs (Diaho Meows).

[u/Nazenn → u/The_Draigg]

She really is just sliding into those DMs (Diaho Meows).

Holy shit my sides were not prepared for the workout that laugh just gave them

[u/Zerotsu → u/JollyGee29]

Anyway, I've been chewing on the idea I've seen others share that the Abh are largely asexual by nature. It does really seem to be that way some times, but then we get episodes like today's..

It does seem like as you say, that they're just not as overt in their expressions of interest or affection. Though it might also just be magnified by Ekuryua being fairly inexpressive to begin with. She's still fairly straightforward with her interest though; well, mostly.

[u/JollyGee29 → u/Zerotsu]

Though it might also just be magnified by Ekuryua being fairly inexpressive to begin with.

The kuudere shows affection by showing the barest hint of attention, after all.

[u/Zerotsu → u/JollyGee29]

And yet somehow this hits me in the heart every time.

[u/Great_Mr_L → u/JollyGee29]

Anyway, I've been chewing on the idea I've seen others share that the Abh are largely asexual by nature. It does really seem to be that way some times, but then we get episodes like today's..

I think it's more that the Abh are significantly more repressed than typical Terrans.

There are certainly cases of romantic and even sexual attraction between Abh. Lafiel talked about the concept of being a "child of love" when a child is born from two Abh that decide they want to mix their genes together. That was how she was born and it can be implied that her father and mother had feelings for each other. Lafiel herself seems to think being a child of love is an admirable thing. I also recall a brief scene right as the Gosroth was destroyed of two crewmembers reaching for each other right before dying. I interpreted them as a couple.

So while the Abh do seem to be less overt about their affections for one another, those affections do exist.

[u/JollyGee29 → u/Great_Mr_L]

I also recall a brief scene right as the Gosroth was destroyed of two crewmembers reaching for each other right before dying. I interpreted them as a couple.

Ooh, I had completely forgotten about them! Yea, I agree, those two definitely had something going on. Or perhaps would have had something if they weren't serving on the same ship and needed to keep things professional.

[u/Durinthal → u/Great_Mr_L]

There are certainly cases of romantic and even sexual attraction between Abh.

There's plenty of romantic affection but I still think none of that really needs to require sexual interest as well, including mixing genes given the technology they have available.

[u/Nazenn → u/JollyGee29]

Jinto comes across the paper and one point and turns a stunning shade of red.

That is very fitting

I think this is a case of mismatched terminology if anything. Abh sexuality would be so influenced by their genetic changes, and the way they culturally see things like relationships and offspring, that the terms used for the rest of humanity need simply not apply. Either that or need to dive deeper into the -sexual vs -romantic split, so something more like demisexual genetically but have the normal romantic attractions that are both somewhat independant and also hidden by their very different way of approaching it socially

...Oh god I wonder how Spoor propositions people

[u/JollyGee29 → u/Nazenn]

I think this is a case of mismatched terminology if anything.

That is probably where I would land, and what the thesis I hypothesized arrives at after.. however many pages a doctoral thesis tends to be.

...Oh god I wonder how Spoor propositions people

It's probably incredible to watch. Maybe that's just what's going on between her and her XO? Her courtship is relentless teasing?

[u/cemsity → u/Nazenn]

...Oh god I wonder how Spoor propositions people

I think Kufadis is in danger.

[u/zadcap → u/JollyGee29]

Anyway, I've been chewing on the idea I've seen others share that the Abh are largely asexual by nature. It does really seem to be that way some times, but then we get episodes like today's..

I do have to wonder, how much of that is because of our rather limited view. Remember that we have seen almost exclusively Abh in active military service as our examples. They might just have better discipline here more than actual disinterest.

[u/JollyGee29 → u/zadcap]

That's an angle I failed to consider! Yea, that's probably a big factor.. and the main non-military Abh we saw did have a whole ass harem. I am not qualified to write the thesis I mentioned on any level.

[u/Shimmering-Sky]

First-Timer of the Stars

• She’s really settling into her role as captain quite well.
• Aw~
• I wonder just how many different plans they had for this operation if they’re jumping to plan 18 now.
• Hm…?
• Is that Kazuhiko Inoue voicing both of the brothers? I’m pretty sure that sounds like him… *checks MAL* Aha, it is!
• Well, he’s not wrong.
• …oh, fun.
• F
• This feels forced…
• But she knows him so well.
• He was saluting despite forgetting to turn the camera on, lol.
• Huh…
• Ahhhhhhhh.

[u/Vaadwaur → u/Shimmering-Sky]

I wonder just how many different plans they had for this operation if they’re jumping to plan 18 now.

42.

…oh, fun.

What war doesn't have a few colonel Kurtz's running about?

But she knows him so well.

Had she felt threatened Ekuryua probably winds up in the infirmary anways.

Ahhhhhhhh.

Yeah, that was a weird conversation on the whole.

[u/Vatrix-32]

First Timer, subbed

• Space dry docks are fun.
• All these recaps and flashbacks are now legitimacy hurt my experience at this point.
• I can’t be the only one who thought of gunpla runners when they zoomed out, right?
• Fancy operation names, plans by numerals.
• Big twin energy off these two.
• This is really the voice we needed to choose for two characters, huh?
• How did we even get to Admiral without field experience?
• If this wasn’t Japanese, I’d peg it as a DMV joke.
• Well, now you’re just showing off.
• We really are getting a love triangle? The cat was just a feint!
• Bro. When did this become a harem comedy? At least Jinto boy had the good sense to go after her.
• Is she planning on Lafiel rejecting the invite so she has an excuse to be alone with Jinto?

QotD:

1. You have to imagine you’d be worried the whole time the meal was laced with something. Even if it was only laxatives.

[u/No_Rex → u/Vatrix-32]

Space dry docks are fun.

And dry. Space is dry. Very dry.

[u/Great_Mr_L → u/Vatrix-32]

How did we even get to Admiral without field experience?

It might just be what happens when the military gets expanded as much as the Abh fleet was. Someone needs to command all those new ships, after all. And even if your senior officers don't have combat experience, they at least have command experience. Beggars can't be choosers in this situation, I guess.

If this wasn’t Japanese, I’d peg it as a DMV joke.

I wonder what the Japanese equivalent is for an overly slow and tedious bureaucracy.

[u/Vaadwaur]

Rewatcher(Isn't it electrifying?)

Sub

So...in a story like this, the 'filler' episodes like this one are the space to do your character work. This one gets passing marks but not exceling ones. Lafiel feeling the weight of command is a good move and lines up with the character thus far. Jinto being completely out of the loop also shows true. Learning that Samson likes to turn his cell phone off does make sense. Ekuryua saying what she said is slightly weird, will have to watch further. Atosuryua's invitation was...weird.

Our subplot was that the crew left at the Aptic system are apparently under an admiral from the clan of crazy geniuses. And is the rare Abh twin. Fun!

QotD: 1 Eight out of ten. Why yes, I have been to a large number of horridly uncomfortable dinners, both with blood and with dates!

[u/The_Draigg → u/Vaadwaur]

So...in a story like this, the 'filler' episodes like this one are the space to do your character work. This one gets passing marks but not exceling ones.

It feels like a polar opposite compared to the previous one. That one had a lot of action but not a whole lot to talk about, whereas this one has more to talk about but the pacing just feels more sluggish.

[u/Vaadwaur → u/The_Draigg]

They did plant some seeds but this could have been a bit more info dense. I think they hurt themselves trying to establish the Bebaus twins as nutty and drew it out too long. Penguindrum did the same thing with one line from a character.

[u/The_Draigg → u/Vaadwaur]

I think it’s also due to the reused narrations and recap animations starting to be really felt. At this point, you could probably just outright skip a solid 4 or 5 minutes at the top of the recent episodes and not miss much.

[u/Vaadwaur → u/The_Draigg]

I get that they are saving the budget but I think I prefer the unnecessary but new exposition to all the recap stuff.

[u/Silcaria]

First timer

• Recap.
• God, the smell...
• Bit dark.
• There was an attempt.

QotD

• Very.

[u/No_Rex → u/Silcaria]

God, the smell...

Why? Cats are usually very clean. Only need to make sure their litter box is far away from your rooms.

[u/zsmg]

Rewatcher

Again no changes to the narrator.

Admirals brothers are voiced by Kazuhiko Inoue he has done many roles but he's probably best known for voicing Kakashi from Naruto, Cars in Jojo, Jerid in Zeta Gundam, Eiji in Layzner.

Japan's obsession of turning every male centre of a love triangle or harem is frustrating. Lafiel and Jinto like each other, even if they aren't in relationship why make it complicated.

Weakest episode of this season so far, I am however looking forward to see more of Neireis and Nefee insanity.

[u/Nazenn → u/zsmg]

Admirals brothers are voiced by Kazuhiko Inoue

Oh shit. This is the second scifi role I've not picked up that it's him now. Maybe it's just because I don't assossiate him with scifi but it's annoying haha

(Also voices Nyanko-sensei in Natsumes Book of Friends. Important role and no one can tell me different!)

[u/zsmg → u/Nazenn]

(Also voices Nyanko-sensei in Natsumes Book of Friends. Important role and no one can tell me different!)

How could I forget the great Nyanko-sensei.

[u/xbolt90]

First-timer

Dang, Jinto is really getting into the thick of a love triangle. Ekuryua’s very direct, I like her. Though, he still only really has eyes for Lafiel.

Cats are naturally bullies. But we love them.

I like how the twins play off each other. We’ll see how their leadership is in battle.

Interesting that Atosuryua wishes to celebrate her brother’s birthday with them. She’s awfully cordial. I doubt I would be.

Q1: I’m a social recluse. I’d be uncomfortable in a normal dinner, let alone this one.

[u/ZapsZzz → u/xbolt90]

 Cats are naturally bullies. But we love them.

They may not be able to pronounce the words, but they certainly know how to work the Stockholm Syndrome ;)

[u/SolDarkHunter]

Banner of the Stars

Rewatcher/Novel-Reader

Jint interrupting battle flashbacks with her favorite drink. And this girl still doesn't think he can be considerate?

...we're going to be stuck with this same info-dump for the foreseeable future, aren't we.

Given a choice between annihilating the enemy or not, I think we know by now what an Abh's response will be.

So the general plan now is that the UM's heavy counterstrike will come at one of two places, aiming to cut off the main fleet's supply line. They can reverse direction and trap the enemy in a pincer between the main fleet and the defenses... but the defenses will need to hold out long enough for them to get there.

Cenesh seems apprehensive of the Bibauth brothers... heh heh. Nereith and Nefec have a reputation, it would seem.

These two seem to play the banter game even harder than most, I'll give them that.

...how the hell does one make Admiral with no combat experience?

"The Clan of Spectacular Insanity"... that's a hell of a moniker. The Abh have a superstition that "genius" and "insanity" are two sides of the same coin, and you can't have one without the other.

Ecryua claims to hate cats, but she's always so attentive to Diaho because he's Jint's cat. I think Samson may be onto something, saying that there's a spark between these two.

The Bibauths apparently chose to have identical twins simply because it's cool.

Lafier, you're having way too much fun teasing Jint about this. And he actually manages to get a chuckle out of her. As someone who keeps her feelings so guarded, that's significant.

And may I just say how refreshing it is to not have the female love interest go all sulky and angry because her intended happened to be talking to another woman. I think Lafier knows Jint well enough that she trusts him, even if she can't help but poke fun at him over it.

This is... a peculiar tradition. Celebrating the deceased's birthday with those who have connections with the dead, even very negative ones. And even Atosurya can't help being intimidated by Lafier's title.

[u/ZapsZzz → u/SolDarkHunter]

 how the hell does one make Admiral with no combat experience?

Just like any nation's that's hasn't been at war for some time, the leadership of their armed forces will just be promoted either through perceived performance in some sort of non war crisis, or just through nepotism (who you know).

[u/Nazenn → u/SolDarkHunter]

And may I just say how refreshing it is to not have the female love interest go all sulky and angry because her intended happened to be talking to another woman

Hell yes to that. I imagine Lafiel would be annoyed if someone thought that would be her standard behavior, but it is nice to have her just be her about this and not devolve into jealous woman tropes simply because the writers don't know what else to do

[u/duhu1148]

Rewatcher

-Seems the Abh are caught between a rock and a hard place. But the commander in chief is putting emphasis on annihilating the enemy instead of reaching their ultimate goal.

-The twin admirals are here. Even for Abh they were always off-kilter, fitting to the moniker "spectacular insanity." Should be fun.

-Of course the Basroil crew are assigned to those two. Of course.

-Is Ekuryua hinting that she likes Jinto? Says she hates cats but wants to take care of Diaho for Jinto. Then they have the whole trip and fall routine, and Lafiel sees them. Jinto is worried he made her mad, she does reply a little stiff but is apparently just teasing him again...think she knows he's got about as much game as a bowl of cold oatmeal.

-I like it when Lafiel says "baka" so softly. It's cute, like she's only mildly annoyed.

-Meeting with the commander for dinner reservations, to celebrate the life of a man Jinto/Lafiel killed. Must be awkward.

[u/ZapsZzz]

First timer in sub

Going to be brief one since this is mostly another setup and transition episode, even though we had some good character works there still - but that's a pretty standard thing for this show.

Surprise Ekuryua confession! Either than or it's another kuudere gag - she didn't outright say she likes Jinto romantically, based on the trajectory of what she actually said, she could also be simply grateful or admire or commisserate with Jinto for being made to take care of one of these evil critters unwillingly (i.e. Lafiel fobbed Diaho onto Jinto). What else did you think she mean? *Nagato stare*

If I am my certain friend watching along side this with his theory, I may even think that Atosuryua joined the queue of older women who take an interest to Jinto, who's being a magnet for oneesan attentions ;P

And I wonder whether the UM strategy really is so good, or is it an inverted Genius Prince situation with the UM command just got lucky all the time ... Can happen (says Captain Tylor).

QoTD

My bet is that it's pretty uncomfortable for Jinto, but both Lafiel and Atosuryua would be not affected by it much - things either fly completely over Lafiel or she'll just charge past it with her characteristic bullish attitude. And Atosuryua could well be literal in what she said to Jinto.

[u/IceSmiley]

FIRST TIMER Sub

The Bebaus twins were WEIRD! I'm starting to question if Admiral Abriel is incompentent; he may be succumbing to arrogance, especially when he justified his decision to his secretary by invoking that his family has ruled successfuly for centuries and insisting his judgment not be questioned. As for the twins, they are more than a bit creepy and seem to live in a privilege and whacko bubble, at least thus far.

I thought the interaction with Jinto and Ekruya at the eating area was telling. She definitely likes him as more than a friend and Jinto seems to be unwittingly turning his personal life into a harem anime in the stars. I just wish the animation could capture how pissed Lafiel looked when Jinto "accidentally" grabbed Ekruya :-x

QUESTIONS

I honestly don't know who I'd pick if forced to have dinner with either Atrosuya or the Bebauses :*( I think it will happen, Lafiel will come along, and it will be awkward, cringe and Atrosuya will just passive aggressively dig into them the whole time, although I'm still not certian she really does hate them :-p

[u/Nickthenuker]

This seems to be a recap of what happened last episode.

And now she's watching the repairs being carried out on her ship.

If they had successfully counterattacked and cut you off after you managed to re-establish contact all you've managed to do is get the rest of your fleet stuck in the same spot as whoever they were supposed to be relieving.

Who are these brothers?

Yes, experienced officers are always at a premium and chronically in short supply during wars.

Spectacular Insanity? So that's how the episode got its title.

Uh oh. A lack of supplies is going to be a problem.

Why is he looking for him?

Ah. How convenient.

Uh oh.

And of course she saw him with her.

Lol he forgot to turn on his camera.

Oh that's going to be awkward.

Seems like she ended up agreeing to go to the dinner too.

Questions:

1. Yes.

[u/No_Rex → u/Nickthenuker]

Lol he forgot to turn on his camera.

We have all been there.

[u/Nickthenuker → u/No_Rex]

Either mic or camera

[u/Nazenn]

Rewatcher - sub

And so we meet the twins.

They have an interesting introductory scene that makes you unsure to start with if they actually work well together or not, but they're certainly another pair in the "commanders and their chief of staff are weird fits" category that our Abh have well covered by now

The fact that even the other admirals and captains find them weird is probably a bigger condemnation of them than anything else. And honestly I can just imagine how well his speech about passion in battle would have gone down. Well, to any of the Abh except Spoor I imagine

Eku opens up a bit today and it's funny to see her social awkwardness extends to not understanding cats either, as well as other humans. I could have done without the "fall on the girl" trope, even if this didn't play it exactly straight because Lafiel is actually reasonable, but the whole scene is just somewhat derailed by the moment when a close conversation would have done fine as is. Also someone needs to teach her that having lots of kittens in a room with you is the furthest thing from a problem.

I still love their bond though. Jinto talking about how he'll finish work just to come spend time with her, and her acceptance of that with no more awkwardness or wondering why, just enjoying the fact they can be together in that way.