From Farewell to Be Forever, My own New Voyage
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The Making of Be Forever Yamato, Part 6
Monthly Animation: Yoshinobu Nishizaki interview
Staff Interviews, 1979
The Making of Be Forever Yamato, Part 7
All Things to All FansThe Making of The New Voyage
Yamato Fan Conversation, 1979
The Be Forever Yamato Time Machine, Part 1
The Be Forever Yamato Time Machine, Part 2
The Making of Farewell to Yamato, Part 3
The Making of Farewell to Yamato, Part 4
1980: the Yamato Summer of Love
The Making of Farewell to Yamato, Part 5
Hideaki Ito Interview, Part 2
The Making of Farewell to Yamato, Part 6
The Farewell to Yamato Time Machine, 1978
All Yamatos Great and Small, Part 4
All Yamatos Great and Small, Part 3
Fan Club Magazine #16
The Making of Be Forever Yamato, Part 5 conclusion
Story Draft by Toshio Masuda & Yoshinobu Nishizaki, Conclusion
Yamato‘s First Bridge: The captain (or possibly Kodai) gives orders to end the survey and plunge through the Dark Nebula. When Yamato is surrounded by the cloud, it is affected by natural phenomenae. (The highlight of the scene.)
The enemy attacks just before Yamato leaves the scene; Wave-Motion Depth Charges are used. At this time, we get a glimpse of Mio’s psychic talent.
Yamato escapes from the dark cloud. (Here, the screen changes from Vistavision to Cinescope.) Relief quickly turns to surprise–the space outside looks exactly like the solar system.
Focusing on Earth, we also see Mercury, Venus, Jupiter, and Saturn, and the large Milky Way spreading across the distant horizon. If we turn around, we see the Dark Nebula in a sharp boundary dividing black from white. Ahead is a beautiful aurora presenting a spectacle beyond imagining.
“This is where we are?”
“Isn’t that Earth?”
“Have we returned to Earth again?”
Yamato advances toward the apparent Earth with no sign of attack. It is eerie. Light waves are sent out, and the surface of the planet appears on the video panel.
On the panel:
An ultra-modern city far more advanced than those of Earth civilization. In addition, the ruins of Greece and Rome. Also dotted around the planet are the Statue of Liberty and Manhattan, The Arc de Triomphe in Paris, and Miyagi in Japan.
“This is Earth! It’s undoubtedly Earth!”
But there is no trace of war. It is peaceful. Even though this is not understood, Kodai leads an advance party to investigate. As a precaution, the Wave-Motion Gun is aimed at the planet.
The ultra-modern city: There are no people at all, just glittering geometric shapes. Could it be called a grand ghost town? Kodai advances, then hesitates. Suddenly, there is ethereal music.
“Welcome, everyone of Yamato!”
A messenger appears; Sada, a beautiful woman accompanied by android soldiers as guards.
“I’ve come up to receive you. The Great Emperor awaits.”
As soon as she says this, the scaffolding beneath Kodai drops into the Earth. Underground, there is a palace with a grand hall. Sada encourages Kodai toward a luxurious chair. A liquid curtain rises and a ballet performance of Swan Lake begins. Everyone stares wide-eyed at the classical art of Earth.
The Great Emperor, a man of stately dignity, rises into view against the backdrop of the stage.
“It was good of you to come, crew of Yamato. Until now, no one has survived the Dark Nebula to come through to this planet. I praise your courage and valor, and consider you guests of honor. Please relax.”
“Is this real? This ballet?”
“You shouldn’t be surprised, this art has been with us for centuries!”
Kodai is shocked! Sado sips alcohol. Paintings hang on the wall: da Vinci, Raphael, Renoir, Van Gogh, Picasso, Chagalle, Hokusai, Hiroshige, etc. Kodai recovers himself and says, “Great Emperor, we also want to invite you to Yamato.”
“Only when Yamato is surrendered,” he laughs. “We know all about Yamato.”
Sada begins to read a list of all the crew’s names. However, Mio (Sasha) is unknown. The Emperor says she is unidentified.
“Where is here,” Kodai asks, confused. “If it is Earth, then what age is this?”
“Kodai, this Earth is two centuries later than your own.”
“This is Earth in two centuries?”
“Yes, two centuries into your future. After being covered by the dark cloud. Let’s examine your history.”
A big screen drops down and shows:
– Exterior of Earth Defense Headquarters
– Yamato‘s fight against Gamilas
– Yamato fighting the White Comet (Excerpts from Part 1 and Part 2.)
– Yamato plunges into the Dark Nebula and does not return. A title appears: Yamato does not return, XXXX A.D.
Everyone is shocked.
“Yamato…?”
“Yamato never returns to Earth?”
“That’s impossible!”
“This is history,” the Great Emperor declares calmly. “Yamato was unable to return to Earth. The only way you can survive is to surrender and reside permanently on this planet.”
Kodai recovers and asks a question in return.
“If this planet is the Earth of the future, then what was the Hyperon Bomb sent for? The human race would have been destroyed by it in one blast. Your present would be erased if the past was wiped out!”
“We cannot liquidate our own ancestors. However, it is only a tool of intimidation to those without reason. But the history of Yamato comes to an end with this voyage. Staying here is the only way you can survive.”
“No, Yamato will return! Now that I understand that you’re not able to use the Hyperon Bomb, we can return to Earth, expel your advance invasion party, and restore peace to Earth!”
“That is foolish. History has proven that you will be unable to return. No matter how hard you struggle, you cannot escape your fate.”
“No, we’ll pry open our fate with our own hands!”
“Hahaha…you may try, men of Yamato.”
Kodai has decided to challenge their fate and rise above it. Only Sasha says she will stay here.
(We just notice that she is already determined to remain.)
“What is it, Sasha?”
“This planet of 200 years in the future is more suitable to my body,” Sasha says.
“Tell me the truth, Sasha. You’re hiding something.”
Sasha looks down and tears fill her eyes.
“For me to return with you…is cruelty.” (In a tearful voice)
“What do you mean?”
“You have Yuki-san.”
“Sasha!” (Startled)
“There’s not enough room for me in your heart.” (She turns away.) “An uncle and a niece…it was impossible from the start. But I understand…good bye.”
She runs away.
“Sasha!”
Sasha (crying out): “Don’t come after me! (then to herself): Please don’t follow me even if you like me only a little.”
Sasha runs, her cheeks wet with tears. Kodai stands stunned.
*****
2nd Lieutenant Kiman’s house: Yuki looks up at the moon from the garden. She weeps. Kiman watches her from the shadows for little while, then approaches her from behind.
Kiman: It’s quiet. It doesn’t seem possible for war to exist in such a place.
Yuki turns to him.
Yuki: 2nd Lieutenant Kiman…
Kiman: What is it, Yuki?
Yuki: I have an answer for what you said the other day.
Kiman (looking at her): …
Yuki (closed eyes, hoarse voice): I will accept your love.
Kiman: Is it true, Yuki-san?
Yuki nods. Kiman gently grips her shoulders. He almost leans in to kiss her, but pulls back in case anyone is watching. After a moment, he speaks quietly.
Kiman: What a sad woman you are. Do all Earth people think so much about love? Yuki-san, you intend to die. After I tell you the secret to the Hyperon Bomb, you’ll pass it on to your companions. After that, you intend to die. I understand…the man called Kodai lives on in you, body and soul.
Yuki: That person is dead…
Kiman: But you do not believe that!
Yuki gazes at Kiman and tears fill her eyes.
Kiman (groaning): You think I don’t understand? That you don’t sincerely believe Kodai is still alive? No matter how many times a phoenix falls, it rises again. That man’s life continues to fight for Earth in your heart.
Yuki: It may be…but I…I’m serious… (she breaks down crying) I want to know the secret of the bomb…even if I fall into hell for it…I’m sorry, Kodai-kun…
Yuki looks down and cries aloud. Kiman stands over her and mutters.
Kiman: Yuki…I loved you. I have loved you. But now I cannot accept you. You should leave here. And I will give you one more chance. I will defend the bomb. You will return to your colleagues and attack me there. If you defeat me, I will tell you everything.
With that, Kiman leaves.
Kodai returns to Yamato and looks down at the planet from the bridge. He reflects on his thoughts about the human race.
“Is that really our Earth? Is this what we’re fighting for? So the history of Earth can lead to this? We cannot have fought and sacrificed to become like that! Where has all the wisdom of humanity gone?”
He gives commands for launch, but everyone answers from their posts without enthusiasm, the premonition of death hanging over them. Yamato begins to move and the Black Fleet moves to surround them.
Sasha waves farewell to Yamato and poses as if in prayer. Starsha appears in the sky.
Starsha: Sasha.
Sasha (surprised): Mother!
Starsha: My daughter Sasha, destined to have been born between the loving Planet Iscandar and the beautiful Planet Earth. You endure your loneliness. You were destined for sorrow. Though it may be painful, please understand. You have a duty to perform. Your mother has watched you, and waited for the day when you can finish all that began by my hand. Now laugh, my sweet daughter, and say goodbye to Yamato and Kodai.
Starsha fades away. Through her tears, Sasha watches Yamato depart forever.
In the palace, the Great Emperor watches Yamato‘s departure with Sasha and Sada.
“Fools. What makes you think you can return home successfully? As history showed you, I will bury you in the clouds.”
The underground EDF command center: Yuki enters. The commander rises.
Commander: Yuki!
Yuki: Yamato…?
Commander: We understand that Kodai boarded and launched.
Yuki: Eh? Kodai is safe?!
She weeps for joy.
Commander: Naturally. It’s thanks to your work. However, their subsequent fate is unclear. Communication was blocked…
Yuki: Commander, please add me to your ranks of soldiers. I am part of Yamato, too.
*****
Yuki and other soldiers launch an attack in the vicinity of the Hyperon Bomb.
The captain encourages Yamato to speed up and exit the Dark Nebula.
“If that disgusting planet is the future of Earth, we absolutely must return to our Earth and bring that future down ourselves! We must open up our future with our own hands!”
The Great Emperor orders the attack to begin. Near the exit of the Dark Nebula, the Black Fleet attacks! Yamato is hit and takes damage. Aihara mourns bitterly.
“Is this our fate after all?”
During the fierce battle, Sanada and Analyzer discover that the Great Emperor’s race is different from the human race. (It is a handprint on a glass that shows their blood type.)
Sanada shouts: “It isn’t! This is not our fate! That planet was not our future! They were all deceiving us!”
“That’s great! We can return alive!”
Everyone regains their courage and their spirit is restored a hundredfold. However, Kodai realizes something.
“If that future Earth was a deception, they have no reason to care if mankind is destroyed. They will use that Hyperon Bomb!”
Yamato‘s purpose still stands. It is vital to break the Dark Nebula’s control of the bomb! Yamato turns around and heads for the mother planet. Everyone prepares for combat. The Wave-Motion Gun is prepared for firing.
The vicinity of the Hyperon Bomb: an Earth soldier drops in front of Yuki, but the enemy side has fallen, too. 2nd Lieutenant Kiman is also hit. He is on the verge of death. He tells Yuki that the bomb cannot be deactivated only by destroying the controls at the home planet. As he dies, his last words are that unless the detonator here on Earth is shut down, the bomb will explode when the home planet is destroyed.
*****
The Great Emperor sees that Yamato has reversed course and smiles.
“So, Yamato, you realized it.”
He issues an order to his fleet.
“All ships attack!!”
The Black Fleet attacks. (Show a strong new setup for the Wave-Motion Gun, something unprecedented.) The Wave-Motion Gun fires at the hostile craft, causing a huge explosion. This makes a connection with the planet, and it also begins to explode.
But when the smoke clears, the planet’s crust has been torn away to reveal huge pipes radiating from a central core. They begin to rotate.
“What is this?”
“What sort of thing is it, Sanada?”
Sanada analyzes it calmly.
“That is the main body. The surface of Earth was a false paradise. The energy comes from the nucleus in the center. That huge pipe and the surface of the nucleus consist of a super-metal. Not even the Wave-Motion Gun could damage it.”
“The Wave-Motion Gun will have no effect?”
Sorrow fills the air. The captain shouts:
“Do not show weakness! A soldier of Yamato should not give up until the last possible moment! Endure whatever pain the voyage gives you and come back alive! That’s what Captain Okita would have said!”
Everyone is stirred by these words and remembers Okita’s death.
“Explore every possibility to the absolute limit! There should be a breakthrough somewhere!”
The computer begins to investigate. The figure of Sasha appears on the video panel.
“There is an artificial sun in the central nucleus, and their base is a super-modern city on the inside. I will open the tunnel at the south pole. Penetrate into the interior from there, and fire the Wave-Motion Gun at the artificial sun.”
“Fire the Wave-Motion Gun at the core’s artificial sun?”
“Yes, the light energy of the sun will resonate with the Wave-Motion energy of Yamato and collapse in on itself.”
“Is that it? That’s why he was afraid of Yamato?”
“Yes, because only it can destroy this planet. You’ll have XX seconds from the beginning of collapse until the explosion. Please use that time for Yamato to escape through the tunnel toward the north pole.”
“But what will happen to you? Your life will be lost!”
“The Great Emperor moved up the time gauge to detonate the Hyperon Bomb. I don’t know when, but it will explode soon!”
Sasha disappears from the panel when she finishes saying this. Everyone discusses it, but no one has a better plan than hers.
“Yamato…” It is the voice of the Great Emperor, speaking from a large palace inside the mother planet. Kodai orders it switched to the video panel.
“End this useless resistance! After I push this switch, within XX Earth minutes, the Hyperon Bomb will explode and not one person in the entire human race will survive! I give you one more chance to surrender! I will wait X minutes!”
Kodai: Is this his trump card?
“We can’t do anything while we’re in the enemy’s hands.”
“Do we fight or surrender?”
The enemy’s Black Fleet surrounds Yamato.
On Earth at that moment, Yuki obsesses on the Hyperon Bomb. The partisans continue fighting.
On Yamato, Kodai decides to surrender.
Then, there is a communication from Earth; Yuki appears on the video panel for the first time. But there is no time for Kodai and Yuki to celebrate their reunion.
“The Hyperon Bomb needs to be deactivated simultaneously at both locations. I’ll soon be able to dismantle the triggering device here on the Earth side.”
The Great Emperor hears this; Yamato‘s communication with Earth has been intercepted. He presses the switch, but there is no response.
Yamato starts moving toward the south pole entrance, and the Emperor notices Sasha has gone.
Sasha is in the location from which she can open the tunnel. The Emperor comes rushing in.
“Sasha! You know the secret!”
He fires on her. The tunnel at the south pole opens.
Kodai has had his hand on the Wave-Motion Gun trigger; he releases it and stands up. He cannot shoot Sasha, his only remaining family member. (Kodai is in a frenzy.)
The image of someone appears on the video panel; Sasha and the Emperor. She points a gun at him.
“Susumu, the Wave-Motion Gun…”
“I can’t fire it!”
“Please fire it, I beg you. If you don’t, we cannot destroy this planet. As for me, my fate was decided when I separated from you.”
“Sasha!!” (Tears flow)
The Emperor leaps into the gap and shoots Sasha. On Yamato, anger rises from Kodai’s heart.
Yamato rushes into the huge entrance at the south pole. Inside is a long tunnel; Yamato soars through it at top speed. (Breaking through enemy interference as it advances.)
The core of the mother planet: the artificial sun shines with plasma energy into the internal atmosphere, bathing the ultra-modern city. It sparkles on the interior surface and various armaments appear. An attack begins inside the fortress. Yamato presses through the attack toward the core, steadily approaching the artificial sun that burns red.
His eyes wet with tears, Kodai fires the Wave-Motion Gun! Light roars into the artificial sun. Yamato reverses rapidly toward the tunnel to the north pole. The artificial sun begins to collapse. White light and a huge roaring sound approach Yamato. (Play this escape drama with great suspense, a huge gripping spectacle.)
Yamato narrowly escapes from the mouth of the north pole tunnel. The collapse extends to the surface of the mother planet. Yamato flies away desperately! The mother star’s collapse reaches maximum and a huge explosion shakes space itself! Yamato is severely shaken and light flashes!
EDF underground headquarters: communication is received from Yamato. The Hyperon Bomb has collapsed. The Android troops have fled; partisan forces are tracking them.
Outer space: Yamato is hit by the tremendous heat of the mother star’s explosion. Yamato desperately evades it and barely succeeds in warping.
From Yamato, Kodai watches the explosion.
“My hand has blood on it again.”
From outside the ship: “No, no one in this world would blame you.”
Sasha appears floating in space.
Kodai: Sasha!!
Everyone looks surprised.
“Born between the loving Planet Iscandar and the beautiful Planet Earth. My destiny was short…my youth was best. I do not regret it. Kodai, you showed me that Earth is the most beautiful planet in the universe because people believe in each other to live. I want you to drink that beauty forever. Now I can go to my mother and father with pride.”
“Goodbye, everyone of Yamato. Goodbye, Susumu, my wonderful young uncle!”
Sasha is held tight in the arms of Starsha’s motherly love. Kodai bids her a solemn farewell and says, resolutely:
“Yamato, return to Earth! Destroy the surviving enemy fleet!”
Yamato rushes for home, sweeping the remaining fleet with renewed determination!
Yuki waits on Earth for Kodai.
(Play a song about how wonderful it is to believe in each other?)
Kodai thinks about Yuki. Images of Kodai and Yuki in the sky. Yamato approaches the beautiful Earth.
The End
The Making of Be Forever Yamato, Part 5 continued
Story Draft by Toshio Masuda & Yoshinobu Nishizaki, Continued
Asteroid Icarus Observatory: the high-speed boat arrives and Kodai disembarks. They don’t see Yamato, or even the appearance of Sanada.
“Where is Yamato?”
“What happened to Sanada?”
They look around, but don’t find them anywhere. A huge wall of rock looms over them as they are wrapped in anxiety. There is a door at its base. Everyone walks into it. They move through a thin passageway and reach what looks like a hatch. Shiny mecha surrounds them.
“What is this place?”
“It looks like the belly of Yamato.”
Finally, they get on an elevator. And when they get off, they walk onto Yamato‘s bridge. A vast cave is seen out the window, and the forward deck.
“It is Yamato!”
“This is the first bridge!”
“In such a place?”
Everyone is delighted; they look around and run their hands over the controls with nostalgia. At that moment, unknown young people rush in.
“Don’t touch it! This is our ship!”
“What?”
Sanada enters.
“I’m sorry for surprising you. These are students at the space training school here. The commander gave me custody of Yamato in case of emergency. The students and I were upgrading it.”
The trainees’ expressions change to reverence when they hear Kodai’s name.
One is Sosuke, the spitting image of Black Tiger pilot Kato, his older brother.
Another is Nishio, a person with an interesting face, in charge of information analysis.
All are energetic volunteer soldiers with high spirits.
“Those who aspire to be space warriors nowadays are a strange bunch,” Sanada explains. “They revolted against mechanization, and came to this asteroid. They aren’t the elite, talented men of the old days, but they certainly are unusual.”
“By the way, Sanada, are you the new captain of the ship?”
“No, that’s not my job. As headmaster of the training academy after Captain Okita and Captain Hijikata, I can devote myself to educating new generations and avoid promotion politics.”
As he says this, the captain’s seat descends and a new captain is sitting in it. Kodai looks at him in surprise and with an expression of resistance. The new captain ignores this and speaks out.
“I was appointed captain in order to defeat the enemy. Needless to say, each of you has the same intention. From now on, each of you will cease to exist as an individual; you are part of Yamato and the goal is to win.”
(The new captain has some special skill which will be shown in an upcoming tactical combat situation.)
“Parts?”
“What do the newcomers say?”
“We are of one mind and body with Yamato.”
Gasps are heard as this deep impression sinks in. A beautiful young woman appears from the elevator. Sanada introduces her.
“This is Mio Sanada, my niece. Because she is educated as a soldier of Yamato, there is no shame in giving her the duties of Yuki.”
Their eyes admire Mio’s pretty face and they mutter between themselves.
“She’s just like Yuki.”
“No, she looks more like Starsha.”
Kodai feels caught by something and stares at her. Sanada speaks.
“Let’s start renovation so Yamato can destroy the enemy Black Fleet immediately. The plan has already been made.”
Yamato remodeling:
For example, amplification of the Wave-Motion Engine.
-Reconstruction of the First Bridge
-Repair of the computer system
-Powerup for each port
(Interesting upgrades and mecha concepts to match the expected capabilities of the enemy)
Yamato is readied for launch. New mecha remodeling is 100% complete. When spirits are high and takeoff is imminent, a message is received from Earth. The EDF Commander appears on the video panel.
The transmission comes from the old underground EDF Headquarters. The commander says, “The enemy fears Yamato. They are looking very hard for Yamato‘s whereabouts, so be careful.”
Furthermore, he touches on the Hyperon Bomb implanted in the city center. It seems powerful enough to destroy the entire human race at once, and the time gauge seems set to go off in X months. But it is not understood in detail. An image of the bomb appears on the panel.
Kodai stares at it silently, knowing its menace for the first time. Sanada murmurs uncomfortably.
“This is definitely a Hyperon Bomb. If it is detonated, the brain cells of every Earthling will be instantly destroyed. It isn’t likely that the occupation force would have attacked Earth carelessly and risked the occupation fleet losing control. The controls for it may be on the home planet of the enemy.”
“Will an attack set off the bomb?”
“Probably so. This is the enemy’s advantage.”
Everyone is thoughtful. Kodai asks hesitantly, “Commander. Yuki…what became of Yuki?”
“I don’t know. If she’s alive, we’ll find her. But so far there is no word.”
Kodai looks dark.
Commander: Kodai, only sorrow follows you. Your older brother Mamoru…
Kodai: Eh?
Commander: He sacrificed himself and died to free me from execution.
Kodai: …
Commander: Captain XX, as the EDF Commander, I order you to take Yamato to the home planet of the enemy before the Hyperon Bomb explodes. Attack and destroy it to remove the threat of the bomb.
(Note: Mio should not be here in this scene.)
Central strategy room: Sanada explains, standing in the center of a floor panel.
“The appearance point of the enemy Black Fleet is in the direction of the XX constellation, a dark nebula XX light years away. I don’t know what’s inside the dark nebula, or if it is just the tip of something else. But we have no choice but to go!”
The first bridge: the new captain says, gravely:
“Yamato, launch for the dark nebula!”
The mechanism of Yamato‘s launch blows the surrounding bedrock to pieces, and the brave figure of Yamato emerges from it to depart. Its speed gradually takes it away from Earth past Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto. The crew thinks of Earth, focusing on their individual families.
(Make this area lyrical. Music flows through trees, earth, sky, sea. Combine this with Yamato‘s passage and farewell to the solar system.)
Yamato approaches the 11th planet. It is decided to perform a small warp for the (new) Wave-Motion Engine test. (Sanada gives a suitable explanation.)
Yamato communications room: the captain enters and orders a blockade of all communication with Earth. This is because the eager enemy has begun an all-out move to find Yamato. Kodai represents everyone’s protest.
“Please wait. I need to find out about Yuki’s safety…”
Captain: It is prohibited.
Kodai: It isn’t just for me, Captain. It was only possible for us to take action with Yamato because of Yuki’s dedication.”
Captain: I have heard that.
Kodai: Even if I worry more about Yuki…it’s because she’s a member of Yamato.
Captain: Kodai!!
Kodai: Yes?
Captain: A man who fights has to abandon thoughts of a woman!
Kodai is startled.
Kodai: …
Yamato warps. (Picture it with a new idea.)
In nearby space, a surveillance ship of the Black Fleet detects this. It is reported to headquarters and pursuit is ordered immediately. (It is assumed that Yamato‘s destination must be the entrance point of the Dark Galaxy.)
Lieutenant Kiman watches Yuki in bed. An android nurse changes the bandages around her wound. Yuki wakes up and reacts to Kiman with a start. She tries to rise and suddenly falls down from the pain. Kiman lays her back down with chivalry and says, “you are my guest.”
Kiman tells her about no life signs being detected on the high-speed boat, and Yuki reacts with intense despair (thinking Kodai must be dead).
Yamato completes its warp. There is slight damage to the hull, caused by the super speed of the warp. Short-term repairs are needed. (It is recognized that the speed of this warp is faster than the enemy’s.)
During this time, the ship is attacked by a patrol fighter (or a scout plane would be better). It is intercepted by either Kato or Sakamoto.
Kodai polishes a cannon as an outlet for his anger. Mio arrives and watches patiently.
“You seem lonely, uncle.”
Kodai is annoyed.
“First, I want you to understand that I’m too young to be an uncle!”
“No, you’re my uncle. Look at me. I’m Sasha!”
“Eh? The child of my brother Mamoru and Starsha of Iscandar…”
“Therefore, aren’t you my uncle?”
Flashback: Starsha and Mamoru holding the infant Sasha.
“I felt something when we met for the first time. I didn’t realize it was you, Sasha. You were just a baby one year ago.”
“The blood of both an Earthman and my Iscandarian mother flow through my body. People of Iscandar grow to an adult age very quickly. Life on Earth was not suitable for my body, so my father entrusted Sanada to raise me on Asteroid Icarus.”
Kodai: I heard the story from my brother Mamoru. But if you’ve grown this much in one year, you might turn into an old woman soon.”
“No, from now I will grow normally.”
“Hahaha! That’s a relief.”
“Let’s keep this a secret between us for the time being. Can I sing you a song I made up?”
Kodai: Yes.
Sasha sings, and her sweet voice brings comfort to Kodai’s heart. Kodai listens as she finishes and says, “thank you.” He stares at her and she begins to feel uneasy.
“What is it?”
Kodai: My brother Mamoru is dead.
Sasha: …
Sasha suddenly breaks down and cries. Kodai rubs her back.
Kodai: From now on, I’ll be an uncle and a father.
A message comes in from reconnaissance craft; an advance enemy base (supply base) has been discovered. At the same time, the underground EDF Headquarters reports the pursuit of the Black Fleet.
Concept: EDF Headquarters is now occupied by the enemy, so the former headquarters (underground) is now the base of a partisan resistance. The commander can intercept and inform Yamato of the movements of the enemy, but cannot receive transmissions from Yamato.
The advance enemy base is destroyed before the arrival of the Black Fleet. Yamato cuts off their supply line and must hurry on from this point.
(There are some strategic ideas, such as preventing radar detection by the enemy.)
New attack fighters are piloted by Kodai, Kato (the younger brother) and Sakamoto. Demonstrate their excellent improved performance. Finally, the front-line base is destroyed by Yamato‘s main guns. The enemy’s war potential is centered on fighters and a number of other ships. (It’s like the attack on Pearl Harbor.)
Aerial dogfight: Kato and Sakamoto are friends and rivals, they compete for the lead.
*****
Yamato performs a continuous warp toward the goal of the Dark Galaxy.
The Black Fleet arrives from Earth. They know about Yamato‘s passage after finding the destroyed front-line base. They signal the Dark Galaxy’s garrison (floating fortress) to intercept!
Yamato completes its warp. The Dark Galaxy is ahead. Surprised, Sanada explains that there must be an entrance somewhere.
Battle at the Dark Galaxy:
Incoming ships and fighters launch from the floating fortress. It seems Yamato is more than a match for them, and scores the first victory. However, the enemy uses this as a trap to surround Yamato. The strategy is to separate Yamato‘s fighter corps. The fighters engage the enemy fleet. Is the entrance to the Dark Galaxy nearby?
The Cosmo Zero corps goes into deep reconnaissance (Kato and Sakamoto). Can they somehow find the entrance?
Suddenly, the floating fortress appears and blocks the way to the dark cloud. (It is ridiculously huge, similar to the Autoplanet Goruba…) One, two, three…there are seven of them. The enemy fleet pulls back.
The Cosmo Zero corps is exposed to intense enemy fire from seven directions. Yamato receives a distress call and tries to go to the rescue; the Black Fleet that tracked them from Earth appears. Yamato fights hard against the mounting attack, using asteroids of the Dark Galaxy to get closer to the Cosmo Zero corps step by step. (They are actually moving rapidly toward the floating fortresses.)
Two planes in the Cosmo Zero corps are shot down and the others are unable to escape the siege. Sakamoto sacrifices himself for Kato to get out. Kato escapes, but ends up on the opposite side from Yamato (behind the floating fortresses) and cannot make his way around (his fighter is damaged).
His subordinates previously got away and were seen heading off toward Yamato. Kato moves off in the direction of the Dark Galaxy when he sees what looks like a mouth.
Yamato is being surrounded by the floating fortresses. Caught in a crossfire, it is decided to use the Wave-Motion Gun, but the engines will have to be shut down to use it. They can’t do this, or they’ll be attacked and destroyed. Instead, they decide to use the Wave-Motion Bullet Cartridges. They are hurriedly prepared in the middle of the confused fight–and fired.
Reversal: an abnormally large explosion, wondrous.
(Note: at this time, the captain could take responsibility for the failure of this strategy. Namely, the pursuit of the Cosmo Zero.)
After losing about half the fighters, Kato is nowhere to be seen. Kodai goes out to look for him. It is Kato who discovers the entrance to the Dark Galaxy and returns, dazed.
Yamato arrives at the entrance of the Dark Galaxy; a terrifying image of natural phenomenae. One discovery is that movements and cycles of time become strange there. Despite tension and anxiety, they are determined to plunge into the center of the Dark Galaxy. However, it will first be necessary to do some research.
A brief respite…
Yamato‘s First Bridge: Kodai turns around and accidentally addresses Sasha incorrectly:
“Yuki, is everything all right?”
Sasha answers: “I’m Mio.”
Kodai: Oh, I’m sorry…
Shima: I understand Kodai’s feelings at such an important time.”
Kodai says he needs to cool his head and leaves.
The observation dome: Kodai stares out blankly. Sasha arrives.
Sasha: “You must be exhausted after engaging in so many tough battles…”
Kodai: It’s not going as well as I thought. I feel like a puppet missing its core.
Sasha: Is it because of Yuki?
Kodai: Yes. I understand it for the first time. Until now, the reason I could cope was that Yuki was nearby.
Sasha: Am I useless?
Kodai: On the bridge, I see you and always think it’s Yuki. However, you are you after all.
Sasha: I seem to be lonely. I’m sorry…but…I…
Kodai: You don’t need to apologize. (Sigh.) Human beings are mysterious things. The value of a person is only understood after they’re gone.
Sasha: I wonder how Yuki-san is doing?
Kodai: If we weren’t separated like that, I wouldn’t be alive.
Sasha: …
Kodai: But I believe it.
Sasha looks at him with a start
Kodai (looking up at the sky): Yuki is alive! She is surely alive!
Sasha looks at Kodai’s strong profile. (Concealing her secret love.)
*****
On Earth, a fierce resistance is waged by partisan forces, directed by the EDF Commander from the underground base. The Hyperon Bomb is the center of their attack, but they are easily defeated. (Lieutenant Kiman is a commander here, too.)
Note: the official title of 2nd Lieutenant Kiman is Engineering Division Intelligence Officer (belonging to the Earth Occupation Forces Engineering Division).
2nd Lieutenant Kiman’s house: Kiman comes home. Yuki Mori is there with android sentries, working as a maid. With Yuki’s help, Kiman takes off his uniform and relaxes. Distant, stray gunfire is heard outside.
Kiman: It is a sweep to clean up the partisans. Earthlings are quite persistent.
Yuki: …
Kiman: Yuki, why don’t you try to escape and join them? You are a first-class soldier.
Yuki: Because of your kindness. You cured my injury.
Kiman: Hahaha…don’t lie to me. You know I’m an intelligence officer for the Engineering Division and you’re looking for the secret of how to deactivate the Hyperon Bomb. Isn’t that right?
Yuki: …
Kiman (meaningfully): I might reveal this to you.
Yuki: Eh?
Kiman: Earth is ours now anyway even without the Hyperon Bomb. But there is a condition.
Yuki: …
Kiman: Yuki, I’m in love with you. If you accept my love, I will tell you.
Yuki trembles.
Kiman: Yuki!! Do you hate me?
Yuki: Please give me time. I have to think about it for a while…
The Star Blazers Audio Drama, Season 2
All Yamatos Great and Small, Part 2
The Making of Be Forever Yamato, Part 3 conclusion
Yamato turns its Wave-Motion Gun toward the home planet and stops. The surrounding black fleet also stops and trains all its guns on Yamato.
The captain ascends the long staircase to the Great Emperor’s office. Sanada, Kodai, Sasha, Shima, Sado, and Analyzer go with him. The guards at the gate welcome them with a salute. The Great Emperor rises from his throne, lifts his hand like Caeser, and nods to them.
Captain: We wish to express our gratitude for your invitation.
Great Emperor: It is gratifying that we can promise at least a temporary cease-fire and speak peacefully.
Captain: You may visit Yamato at your next opportunity.
Great Emperor: I will only go to the bridge after Yamato has surrendered.
Kodai: What…?
Sado nudges Kodai to keep him from getting angry. A female in black clothing steps forward and reads the names of the guests.
Female Officer: Captain XX, Chief Scientist Shirou Sanada, Combat Leader Susumu Kodai, Navigation Leader Shima Daisuke, Chief Engineer Tasuke Tokugawa, Advisors Sakezo Sado and Analyzer, Communication Chief Aihara, you have aimed your Wave-Motion Gun at this place.
Kodai: I’m surprised…you know our exact names and the location.
Great Emperor: We are all-knowing! All the records of Earth are at my fingertips!
Sanada’s eyes gleam.
Great Emperor: However, there is one lone woman who I don’t understand, whose name and career have disappeared from the record…it is you. (He points at Sasha.)
Everyone is seated at a large round table in a dinner party; the Great Emperor raises a glass in a toast.
Great Emperor: To Yamato and its brave crew.
All the glasses are raised.
Captain: To our past and future.
Great Emperor: …
The Commander lifts his hand and a stage curtain rises without a sound. The prelude is heard to the ballet Swan Lake! Odette the ballerina dances onto the stage with Siegfried in a brilliant performance. The music is powerfully performed by a full orchestra!
The Captain stares quietly at the stage.
Captain: …
Kodai: This…
Shima: Classical art even here!
A glass falls from Dr. Sado’s hand and shatters loudly on the floor. Kodai looks at the pictures on the wall. Mona Lisa…The Gleaners…The Last Supper…
Shima sees a sculpture in the corner…Nike, the Goddess of Victory.
Kodai staggers out into the hallway. The music of Swan Lake throbs throughout the hall.
Kodai: This is Earth!!
Shima: Kodai…how could it be? Where are we?
Sado comes out looking faint. Analyzer is reeling.
****
A street in the capital: much of Earth’s scenery is unchanged. Everyone walks along with Sada as their guide. As for the differences, unusual aliens are used as slaves like oxen and horses. Most people devote their time to gourmet food, and everything is at the height of decadence.
A crowd of slaves writhes in a ditch…magnificent cities rise high into the sky. Many of the city’s mechanisms harken back to classical science. Sada takes them to a library of micro video ranging from classical times to the modern age. Famous works of art, literature, and music appear one after another.
Kodai: Is this the history of this planet…?!
Shima: But it is Earth here…
Kodai: This is Earth in the future!! The Earth of the past is fighting the Earth of the future!
Data files regarding the history of space begin to emerge. There is information about Yamato.
“On February 08, 2980 AD, Yamato embarked on a mission to the Proxion area of space. Communication was cut off after 15 days and the ship did not return. It was lost in unknown space. There were no survivors.”
Kodai: Yamato was lost…did not return…
Everyone goes quiet.
****
In his office, the Great Emperor faces the Captain.
Great Emperor: This is history. Yamato will not return from this mission. You all shall die. The history of Earth afterward is a result of that.
Captain: If Yamato returns to Earth, then history changes. There is the possibility that you will not become Great Emperor.
Great Emperor: But Yamato does not come back. This is historic fact!!
The Great Emperor laughs confidently.
Captain: Yamato will return! It will absolutely return!
The Captain rises resolutely from his seat.
Yamato is anchored in the sky over the home planet. Kodai, Shima, and everyone else looks down at it.
Shima: After all of human history, all the work to build cultures and civilization, the future of Earth cannot be like this!!
Kodai: What did our Yamato shipmates travel and fight for? If only to make this horrible Earth, it’s all wrong! It cannot be allowed. All of human history just to build this evil planet!!
Sanada: We must make the effort to return alive and prevent such an Earth from coming to be. We’ve seen the Earth of the future. We must survive and return at all cost.
Yamato‘s engine begins to groan.
Sanada: Yamato, launch!! From slow speed port and starboard to first battle speed and second battle speed. Then raise Wave-Motion Engine to maximum battle speed.
Shima: Yamato launching!
Yamato begins to move. The surrounding black fleet begins to move as well.
Sanada: If war begins, it will be at the emergence point, not near this planet. According to the records of Earth, Yamato is lost in unknown space. Because it happens in the point of contact between past and future, it is not understood.
Kodai: Are we defeated?
Captain: No…we’ll avoid a fight if possible. To make it back alive is our top priority. We’ll make it back to Earth even if it’s just one person!
Yamato accelerates with a roar. Analyzer scurries onto the bridge.
Analyzer: Ms. Sasha! It’s big trouble!
Kodai: What!!
In Sasha’s room, her uniform is folded neatly. A letter is left behind, addressed to Kodai:
“Goodbye from the daughter of Iscandar. I am staying on the future Earth.”
Kodai: …
****
The Great Emperor watches Yamato‘s departure. Sasha stands quietly behind him in a blue dress. Sada and the Vice-President also watch. The Great Emperor crosses his arms and a smile of victory comes to his lips.
Sasha: Great Emperor…
Great Emperor: Yes, Mio Okita?
Sasha: How do you pronounce your name in the language of Earth?
Great Emperor: Okita…
****
Yamato leaves the home planet.
****
KABOOM! Yamato takes an intense impact. The black fleet orbited around the planet and now attacks. Yamato is heavily damaged. The crew’s spirit falters. Against the weight of historical fact, they lose the energy to fight.
Captain: Do not give up!
They muster up their energy again.
Captain: Even if it is historical fact on this demonic planet of the future, that history will change if we make it back home. We will change the future of Earth!!
****
Aihara gets a signal on the communicator.
Aihara: It is from the home planet.
Captain: Transfer it to the video panel.
A picture appears on the big screen. It is the Great Emperor. The figure of Sasha is behind him.
Great Emperor: You have my sympathy, crew of Yamato. In a life of constant war, it is decided that death is hell. However, there is a way to escape.
Kodai: There is a way?
Great Emperor: Yes. It is a historical fact that Yamato does not return to Earth. You can still survive by surrendering here. I will give you ten minutes to choose. Either return to the past, or a life of comfort here.
Sasha: Great Emperor, if you tell them all your name…would they choose to live here like me?
Great Emperor: Yes, that is so. Mio Okita…let me solemnly introduce myself to Yamato by name. The Earth reading of my name is Okita…I am a descendant of the Okita family. Hahahahaha!
Laughing loudly, the Great Emperor’s image fades from the screen. The faces of the bridge crew are frozen.
Sado: Obviously, we’ve been deceived.
Sanada enters holding a glass.
Sanada: Listen, everyone. The blood type of the people who held this glass is not of Earth. It is entirely unknown! They are not our descendants!
Captain: 180-degree turn! Ready Wave-Motion Gun!
Yamato slowly begins to turn.
Kodai: But Sasha is still there…Sasha stayed behind to explore the secrets of that planet.
****
The Great Emperor is thrown into confusion.
Great Emperor: How did the Earthmen notice? Why? I thought I succeeded in completely deceiving them!
Vice-President: Yamato is turning around. This is dangerous.
Great Emperor: There is still a way. Contact the occupation force on their planet. We’ll order them to kill all the Earthlings!! That will force Yamato to surrender!
Vice-President: We cannot communicate with Earth…
Great Emperor: Why not?
A thousand flashes of light cover the entire Earth. Everywhere, the human race is in an armed uprising. Intense street fighting is reminiscent of the City of Warsaw.
Occupation Commander: We underestimated the strength of these warm-blooded animals…
In Yuki’s cell, her hospital garments have been thrown onto her bed. There is a large hole in the wall; she escaped. Yuki takes part in the street fighting, staggering in ill-health.
Yuki: Kodai-kun will return soon…soon…
At the home planet, the Wave-Motion Gun roars. The black fleet vanishes in the blast. On the bridge, the crew rallies.
Captain: Take us down!
Yamato dives to the surface and begins a battle royale against the fortress and city area. The Cosmo Tigers fly in formation to support Yamato. The enemy is defeated in a heroic victory.
Kodai: Where is Sasha?
One huge black ship rises quickly into the air. It appears on the video screen.
Captain: Get after him!
Yamato rises in pursuit. The Great Emperor speeds away desperately. Yamato takes a huge blast and many pieces fly off the hull. The ship lurches, heavily damaged.
Shima: Where is the Commander’s ship?
Sanada: Lost in sight among the debris. No…wait…what’s this?
Captain: What is it, Sanada?
Sanada: I don’t understand, but…ahead of us, something unbelievably big!
Aihara: The radar is pure white, something is spread out ahead of us.
Kodai can’t see any stars dead ahead. They are blocked by something curved, a gigantic dark globe.
Sanada: This is…
Kodai: A planet?
Sanada: Its diameter is XX kilometers…the same as our sun. This star…to become this size after it cooled…what is it?
Yamato‘s Wave-Motion Gun fires. The energy flies toward the faraway surface, but is repelled and dissipates into space.
Sanada: There’s not a scratch on it. The surface is like armor plating!
Yamato closes in on the surface of the dark star, a hellish landscape of black.
Sanada: According to the sensors, there are numerous exhaust vents. They’re artificial. It seems there is a city inside with a considerable population.
Kodai: We have to enter it to rescue Sasha.
An assault corps descends from Yamato. Kodai and the team drop to the bizarre, black alien surface. Sanada is with them.
Kodai: Sanada, we won’t find any sensors or this kind of surface, right?
Sanada: Sturdy material is used as armor plating, they do not think sensors are needed.
There is a rumble, and a hot wind blows up out of a huge opening that seems to be an exhaust vent. The assault team descends inside. Before long, they reach the lower end of a tunnel and look inside. Everyone is astonished.
A magnificent, glittering city spreads out to fill the interior before them. Thousands of fleet vessels crowd the airport. A wind blows through their weapons; the place is deserted. As far as they can see, there are no people in sight, only weapons stacked everywhere.
Sanada: The energy reaction of the central core is abnormally strong. It’s probably the energy source. The cities are permanently automated.
Kodai: Life-sign reading to the upper right!
BLAM! A shot is fired.
Sanada: The Great Emperor’s remaining force!
Kodai fires back and the remnant soldiers flee. It becomes a confused fight using whatever weapons are at hand. A signal comes in from Yamato.
Shima: Return to Yamato immediately! We have an emergency!
Sanada: Kodai, we have to go back. It’s impossible to find Sasha and the Great Emperor in this huge city.
Kodai: But…
Sanada: It’s too dangerous, Kodai!
Kodai is attacked by a soldier sneaking up from the rear. Sanada steps in to shield him and is shot. Kodai guns the soldier down immediately.
Kodai: Sanada!
Kodai picks up Sanada and retreats, racing up the tunnel and back to the surface. They rise into the air on a parachute.
Kodai: What happened?
Shima: This star has begun to move.
It moves slowly through space like a dark spot.
Inside the Great Emperor’s control room…
Vice-President: Great Emperor! It doesn’t matter if we take a small ship into space, it is dangerous to move this star. The abnormal reaction in the core is caused by magma from convection of the mantle.
Great Emperor:I know it.
I’m aware of the danger. The Earth occupation forces have not communicated. They must have experienced some sort of accident. Those Earthling apes will be our only companions if our race is lost. A crossbreed lower than us…I cannot permit them to outlive us in the sea of space.
The dark star moves through space.
****
Sanada: This star intends to escape from this dimension into ours!! Once it is comes through, we are doomed!
Kodai: But the star can’t be hit by the Wave-Motion Gun. We can’t destroy it.
Captain: It is far from indestructible. We came out here to destroy their fleet.
The last strike force emerges from the dark star. It is a mysterious-looking force. A big battle erupts in space close to the moving star.
****
Yamato suddenly receives a communication from Sasha.
Sasha: The Great Emperor plans to self-destruct this star near the Earth. We must destroy it by all means!
The Great Emperor is surprised to learn of Sasha’s message from the inside.
Great Emperor: It was Sasha? Then…
The Great Emperor becomes enraged.
Sasha: Susumu, I’m in the control room for the energy conduits from the core of this star. Use the Wave-Motion Gun to hit the large exhaust vent at the south pole. I will open the conduit!
Kodai: Sasha!!
Sasha: There is no time left. After you shoot the gun, please turn around and warp at once to escape through the emergence point to outside space! Repeat the longest possible warps to leave this enclosed space!
Shima: Sasha!! Can’t you escape from there? You can’t give up hope!
Sasha: Thank you. But once an entire race went extinct because one person was reluctant to sacrifice themself. Forgetting the spirit of protecting each other, ego ruined civilization and pushed the race into a graveyard of weapons.
Yamato slowly trains its gun on the south pole.
Captain: Kodai…shoot it!! This is our only chance.
Kodai: Wave-Motion Gun firing in five minutes…take anti-shock, anti-flash protection!
****
The Great Emperor runs through a long hall looking for Sasha. A long groan rises from the dimensional power engine of the star. Energy gushes profusely from the core. Sasha remains standing, holding onto a lever.
****
Yamato approaches the south pole. The gigantic star hangs over them like a curtain.
Kodai: 10…9…8…7…6…
Yamato gets closer.
Kodai: 5…4…3…2…1…
Captain: FIRE!
BWOOOOOM! Energy flies from the Wave-Motion Gun into the large exhaust vent in the south pole. It is hit and begins to crack.
Sasha: I am Sasha, daughter of Iscandar and Earth…I dedicate my all to a better future. Goodbye, Susumu. Goodbye, kind Shima. Goodbye my mother, who I could not meet…goodbye, Yamato…goodbye.
Sasha pulls the lever and the conduit opens. Cracks spread over the entire south pole.
Captain: Turn us around! Go to warp!
Yamato goes into full reverse. The star begins to explode just before they begin to warp.
A giant whirlwind of light and a roaring sound…a burning prominence explodes into space. Yamato is struck by the rush of light and energy just before warping! The captain takes a piece of shrapnel in the chest. Yamato warps and disappears. It reappears at the emergence point.
Shima: Kodai, this is the emergence point, the exit to outside space.
Kodai: That star!
On the video panel, they see a ball of light swell up far behind them.
Captain: We’re still too close. Warp again!
Shima: Captain!
Captain: Don’t worry about me. Warp again!
Shima: But captain, if you go into warp when wounded…
Captain: I said I was part of Yamato. If we’re afraid to break a few parts, we can’t save Yamato. Do it, Shima!!
Shima: Roger!
Yamato accelerates and disappears into warp again. It is a long warp, bravely taken across the dimensions.
Yamato reappears in space. The space closing behind them looks like a balloon filled with red fire. There is a blinding flash. The explosion of the star gives birth to the beginning of a new galaxy! A vast white nebula floats in front of Yamato. Everyone admires it from the bridge deck.
Sanada: Sasha and the Great Emperor created a new galaxy…hundreds of millions of stars like the Earth’s sun will grow there before long, creating an unlimited number of lives…
Shima: It’s almost like watching the beginning of space.
Kodai and Shima notice the captain has said nothing. The captain sits quietly, his eyes wide open and staring forward.
Kodai: Captain!
The captain falls to the floor with a thud, debris embedded in his back.
****
The battle is over on Earth. The occupation army has surrendered. A new galaxy appears in the night sky, and people are amazed. Yuki looks up at it, using a gun to support herself.
Yuki: Kodai will return…he’ll return…
On Yamato‘s bridge, the dimensional compass lights up and the video panel powers on. The face of Starsha appears on it.
Starsha: I am Starsha of Iscandar. There are numerous futures you can build. Which one will you choose? It depends on the effort and will of you who live today. If you do not want to make your future world a demonic planet, use your best effort to devote your life to your beliefs. There is not only one future, but surely one of them is your future. Do what you can to make a better future while you are still alive.
Everyone: …
Kodai: Where does this message come from?
Sanada: I don’t know…it could be from the distant past, or maybe from the future…
Iscandar floats in unknown space. Starsha turns and pauses, lonely, near a gravepost.
Starsha: The last descendant of Iscandar has disappeared. My daughter Sasha…youngest princess of Iscandar…dedicated her life to the people she loved. Youth can never be revived on this planet…and planet without youth has no future…I entrust her body to Iscandar where it will fade.
Starsha’s face fades on the video panel.
Starsha: Goodbye, everyone of Yamato. Goodbye to our youth who was with Yamato. Goodbye, the breath of shining youth. I pray that life will continue on Earth forever. I am Starsha of Iscandar. Goodbye…
Kodai: Space Battleship Yamato, return to Earth!
Voices of Earth: Yes!!
Yamato‘s engine powers up. Yamato is drawn toward the shining blue Earth. A song flows out, dedicated to youth. Various scenes of everyday life overlap and eventually fade.
Title: Be Forever Yamato
Staff credits roll up
The End
The Making of Be Forever Yamato, Part 3 continued
The captain of the invading force sits on a platform in the Earth Federation conference room.
Captain: I am commander XX of the attack corps. In the name of Great Emperor XX of the holy XX Empire, we declare Earth to be under our control. Our borders reach as far as the might of our military power. Our sphere of influence is infinite. Never forget that you are now part of it.
The leaders of the Earth Federation bow their heads when they hear this. But one man from the defense command laughs fearlessly. The commander notices this and glares down from his platform.
****
The commander is taken out onto the roof of EDF Headquarters.
Captain: It is one month since our attack! The Earthlings surrendered to us body and soul, everyone but one person–€”you. Your automated fleet fell easily before our fleet. So let’s hear it. Why do you laugh?
The commander looks triumphantly at the captain and smiles as bravely as ever.
Commander: Because there is something you aliens do not understand, called hope.
Captain (smirking): Hope? None of you have any hope remaining. Is it somewhere within the wreckage of your fleet? Or an empty dream within your tiny brain?
Commander: We have Yamato.
Captain: Yamato? What the hell is that?
Commander: Yamato goes…Yamato goes to destroy the root of your lives.
Captain: Apparently you’re speaking of a ship. There is no such thing, anywhere.
Commander: Yamato goes.
Voices from Yamato‘s bridge are faintly heard in the mind of the commander, murmuring as if from a dream.
“Full throttle both port and starboard. From top battle speed to the second battle speed!”
“Pressure in the Wave-Motion Engine increasing to 120%!”
“Open energy conduction valve!”
The commander stands firmly with his feet set apart at the edge of the rooftop. While glaring at the captain, he slowly pitches his body backward, falling headfirst into the urban canyons.
Communications flow busily in the sea of space.
“It looks like a large battleship, supposedly from Earth, escaped from occupied territory…”
“Its seemed to be facing toward our star cluster.”
“Its fighting strength is unknown, and it has an extremely old-fashioned appearance.”
A serious voice sounds off.
Great Emperor: I am not worried about one battleship reaching us. It will disappear into the ocean of space.
****
Sado: Kodai, as Captain Okita often said so well, as long as there is life, there is hope.”
Kodai: By the way, who’s the Captain this time?
Shima: My guess is on Sanada since he knows Yamato best.
Sanada enters.
Sanada: Kodai, you must come to the captain’s cabin with Shima.
Kodai & Shima: To the captain’s cabin?
The two instinctively look up.
****
Two people knock on the door to the captain’s cabin.
Captain: Enter.
They walk in and are startled. A familiar figure of a man sits in Okita’s chair. He stands and turns slowly to fix his powerful gaze on them with eyes sharp enough to impale.
Captain: Give your full name and official position!
Kodai: Combat Chief, Susumu Kodai!
Shima: Navigation Chief, Shima Daisuke!
Captain: Well…I, XX, was given command of this battleship for a reason. I will tell you two first, though I am going to inform everyone eventually.
Kodai: Sir!
Captain: I came here as captain for a single purpose: to defeat the enemy! I will not hesitate to make a sacrifice of any kind…death always goes hand in hand with battle. You are part of the life of the battleship called Yamato. All of the crew is its blood. Even I who speak these words am one of those parts, too. Parts need no feelings. I will have no mercy on frightened cowards.
Kodai: …
Captain: That’s all. Back to your station.
So speaking, the captain sits back down in Okita’s chair.
****
The two come back down in silence.
Sanada: How was it?
Kodai: Eh…all right.
Shima: What happened to him, I wonder. I don’t know his name.
Sanada: Captain XX. During the war with Gamilas, he was confined underground beneath Madagascar in an escape-proof town. All the records were lost. It was a terrible time, but everyone who was confined there was forgotten.
Shima: Forgotten?
Sanada: Yes. Every chain of command on Earth was disrupted by the wars against Gamilas and the White Comet. He was 10km underground, and was forgotten.
Shima: That’s…so awful.
Sanada: Yes, a terrible story. If Okita were still alive, it would not have been that way…he seems to have been a close friend of Captain Okita.
Kodai and Shima look up. The man still glares patiently from the captain’s chair.
****
Yamato goes to outer space. The main crew stands below the captain on the large floor panel in the central computer room.
Sanada: This used to be the central computer room. It was expanded and improved in our overhaul. Therefore, it is twenty times more efficient than before. The improvements to the ship are not limited to this; everything has been improved except the exterior.
A projected image of the Milky Way Galaxy appears on the computer room floor. The captain walks over it.
Captain: This is our current position…and the ship will take this course.
The captain indicates a course that stretches far beyond even the Andromeda Galaxy. The image of the Milky Way disappears and another image appears.
Sanada: When I worked in the asteroid’s astronomical observatory, I secretly observed the route of the alien fleet. It all appeared from this one point, to the left of Ypsilon, XX220 degrees on the star chart! No trajectory data beyond that.
Kodai: That means a star is there?
Another type of image appears. This time, only black space appears.
Sanada: This is point XX220 degrees where the fleet came from.
The area he indicates shows absolutely nothing.
Shima: Maybe they came out of a black hole.
Sanada: Our sensors would have detected a black hole. But there is no reaction of any kind from that point.
Kodai: What do you mean?
Sanada: There is nothing there.
Kodai: Nothing?
Sanada: There is…nothing. A null point where even space itself does not exist…perhaps it would be better to describe it as an empty hole that opened up in space.
Shima: Is it an opening to another dimension?
Sanada: I don’t know, it’s simply a dark hole twisted into the shape of a barrel. The fleet came from there…their mother star is on the other side.
(There are certainly points in space that appear to be big holes with no stars.)
Sanada: If the theory of closed space is valid, it could be like this.
He holds up two balls and joins them together. The point where they touch becomes a hole that joins the two.
Kodai: Can we go there easily?
Sanada: You are here because it is not easily done. The opponent has the power to annihilate our most advanced automated fleet. We can’t make light of that fact. However, this ship has a strong point.
Kodai: A strong point? This old ship?
Sanada: It is the fact that humans are on board. Humans who combine thought and power in order to fight. I believe that humans are the most complex. A living entity is far more complex than a machine. Machines are unable to predict the thoughts of man. We are not machines, so no one can predict our actions. That is the strong point.
Mio Okita: Don’t worry, Analyzer, we’re not denigrating you.
Analyzer: I am a machine anyway. Warm hearted but yet a machine.
Mio Okita: I like you. I’ve never thought of you as a machine.
Analyzer: Oh, haven’t you?
They hug, and he childishly pulls up her skirt.
Mio Okita:Come on! Who taught you that?
Okita pushes him away.
Sado: I wonder who taught him that.
Analyzer: It was thanks to your education.
****
The first bridge, radar console. Mio is lost in thought and takes her eye off the radar to look out the windows. She doesn’t notice a reaction appear on the radar.
****
The worried footsteps of Kodai sound in the darkened ship. In his mind, he hears the running of crew members and shouting voices amid a battle. He even hears the voice of Yuki. The hull creaks and groans and Kodai staggers.
This is not a hallucination; Yamato has received an impact.
On the bridge, Mio looks at the radar.
Mio Okita: Two large battleships to port, 100,000 space km, 1.2 km apart!
Two black battleships are spotted to port. The main batteries swing around and open fire. Kodai jumps into the combat station seat.
Shima: This is getting serious!
Kodai hastily activates the target scope.
Kodai: First, second, and third gun turrets, turn to 45 degrees port. First and second, aim at target 1, third at target 2, automatic enemy tracking indicator set on!
Gunnery: Aiming complete! Error margin zero!
A buzzer sounds and a red lamp lights up.
Kodai: Fire!
Yamato‘s main guns fire. The ship shakes and pitches to the right in reaction.
Shima: That never happened before!
The shots stretch out, but all beams fired from the main guns are off-target.
Kodai: Correction right, plus minus 1.2!
As Kodai shouts this order, the captain speaks.
Captain: Stop fighting! Go to full speed! Shake off this swing!
Shima: Roger!
Kodai: Are we running away?
Captain: Yes, I do not fight losing battles. The time is not right. We’ll escape until the next opportunity comes. You get no second chance when you’re dead.
Kodai: …
Shima: Speed rising to maximum…nearing the warp limit point.
Captain: Stand by. No warp yet since it is still under maintenance.
Yamato begins to pull away from the black ships. The difference between them is immediately apparent. On the bridge of the black ship, the crew watches Yamato‘s departure, maintaining complete calm.
Black ship captain: We should ascertain the model and specifications of that Earth battleship’s engines.
First mate: But the only way to know that is to destroy or capture it…
Black ship captain: That ship discovered our origin point and will certainly go there. It is the place of the narrow sea. If they attempt to invade it, they will run into our fleet…and a satellite fortress, too. We are thoroughly prepared.
Black ship captain: Message from Earth outer region attack fleet Zoroas to central fleet command!! One Earth ship has appeared in our vicinity. Use all the power of the fleet to defeat it!! But avoid complete destruction in order to investigate its engines.
****
The Captain’s cabin in the conning tower: Kodai and Okita appear before the Captain.
Captain: You made a mistake, you understand that.
Kodai: I’m sorry, I didn’t think there would be such a strong reaction.
Captain: Kodai, as Sanada said, all the weaponry is greatly modified and reinforced, as well as the main guns. So now when the shock cannons fire the energy beams from the three muzzles interfere with each other. Therefore, the beams’ course will be thrown off and miss the target. To solve that, each energy level should be slightly different and the firing timing must be offset. These are the basics of firing large-calibre guns, Kodai!!
Kodai: …
Captain: Now, Ms. Okita…
Mio Okita: I know. I overlooked the reaction of the radar…I’m sorry. When I look out into space…into the sea of stars…I become absent-minded. I feel something in my chest…
The captain stares into her face.
Captain: Understood…we need to talk about it. Kodai, you’re dismissed.
Kodai: Susumu Kodai, dismissed!
Kodai leaves.
Mio Okita stands in the Captain’s cabin. He slowly takes his seat.
Captain: Ms. Okita…
Mio: Yes.
Captain: I knew Jyuzo Okita well, and I swore friendship with him to my death.
Mio: …
Captain: Okita had no relatives. All his family members were lost in the Gamilas attack.
Mio: …
Captain: Do you understand this?
Mio: I do.
Captain: Jyuzo Okita was alone in the world. The blood of the Okita clan disappeared from space with his death.
Mio: …
Captain: Who are you?
Mio: …
Yamato passes quietly through space.
****
Tokugawa reports from the engine room to Shima on the bridge.
Tokugawa: The damage is minor, we can warp without interference.
Shima: We’ll complete our warp at the point where the black fleet appeared. That message indicates the fleet could be substantial…
Sanada: The enemy wants to get their hands on our engine. So its attack won’t be at full strength. Some margin should be left.
Kodai: We’ll be caught in a bottle. This won’t be easy.
Mio Okita comes down to the bridge with tears on her cheeks.
The countdown begins.
Tokugawa: All circuits normal, pressure in the Wave-Motion Engine increasing to 120%. Release starting valve, start flywheel in ten seconds.
Tokugawa: 10…9…8…7…6…5…4…3…2…1…
Captain: Warp!!
Shima: Warp!
Yamato accelerates fiercely, instantly dissolving into space. In the mysterious phenomenon of warping, the fire of St. Elmo burns everywhere around the ship. The crew faints…then begins to awaken…
Yamato suddenly appears in dark space.
Captain: What’s our position?
Aihara: 1.1 million space km from the solar system.
Space strangely overlaps before them. A different sea of stars spreads out in the other end of the dark tunnel ahead. There is an intense reaction on the radar.
Mio: Radar response to the fleet. The first group in front to port, 10 o’clock direction at 20 degrees. The second group in front to starboard, 2 o’clock direction at 30 degrees. Third group same as the second only at 45 degrees right, zero angle above and below. Two more groups are coming from our stern, each consists of one hundred ships.
Kodai: We’re surrounded.
The flagship of the black fleet: a heavy, imposing battleship with a bridge of mysterious design. The commander stands firm with his feet set apart.
Commander: Just as expected, the Earth ship arrived by warp! Get its range and concentrate fire! Move into combat formation!!
The black fleet moves into a formation that swings up and down. Yamato swings around to unleash a barrage.
Captain: The enemy expects us to panic. Aim carefully before firing!
Kodai: First and second gun turrets, aim 20 degrees to port. Third turret, target the group to our starboard rear. Each gun will fire at intervals of 0.0001 seconds!
Gunnery: Targeting completed, enemy is lined up perfectly!
A red lamp comes on in front of Kodai.
Kodai: FIRE!
Energy roars out of the shock cannons and lances out. The black fleet explodes and flies apart.
Shima: This hole in space…if this is a tunnel to another dimension…after having entered, will the hole still be here? Could Yamato be unable return?
Captain: There is that danger…however, they have occupied Earth. It is only a child’s step to crush their base and restore freedom to the Earth.
Fighters launch from the black fleet and an air battle begins. Kodai fights bravely. He notices these are the same kind of ships that attacked him during his flight test.
Kodai: Damn you for that!
Yamato passes through the tunnel-shaped hole and crosses into different space. A vast galactic nebula spreads out before their eyes.
Aihara: Its diameter is XX light years. This great island in space is equal to our galaxy and Andromeda combined!
Captain: Shima! Input the position of our emergence point into the computer. It will be impossible to escape if we make an error.
Shima: Roger. It’s in computer memory, Captain.
Captain: Aihara, call back Kodai.
Aihara: Cosmo Tigers, return to the ship at once.
The Cosmo Tigers return one after another. Kodai comes in wiping sweat from his brow.
Kodai: Where is their home planet?
Captain: There are many sources of energy. The sensors will analyze them and find it. We’ll break off the battle for the time being and escape.
Yamato accelerates away from the combat. The Great Emperor delivers an order from the shadows of his command bridge.
Great Emperor: Recall the commander of the Earth attack fleet who issued that useless directive! He must appear before me immediately!
****
Sanada and Yamashita look down at the screen in the computer nerve center. The image shows numerous trails converging on one location.
Sanada: The trails converge on their home planet…that’s where it is. It resembles our solar system and their sun is slightly larger in mass than ours. The same is true of the number of planets. The third planet has the same mass as Earth, with a satellite with a black metallic quality. In a word, it is their moon.
At that moment, a small blip approaches the planet.
Kodai: That’s…
Sanada: It seems one ship is returning to their home planet.
The point goes toward the home planet and is absorbed.
One black warship descends into the atmosphere, which shines in an uneven purple. It is the flagship that ordered the attack on Yamato and a study of its engines. The ship drops slowly into a huge, magnificent city similar to the city of the White Comet.
Shortly, the flagship commander climbs the long stairs toward the Great Emperor’s glittering office in a dark mood. When he reaches the top, the sentries at the gate salute him.
Great Emperor’s voice: It is useless to salute him. He is stripped of all authority as of today.
The Great Emperor wears a black cloak and sits on an Emperor’s black throne. The lighting is harsh. He has the character of a majestic hero, nearly two meters tall. The commander steps forward toward him.
Great Emperor: Fool! How could you have failed so? Never before in the history of my rule have we been invaded by an enemy ship. But now look, after you ordered it unnecessary to destroy, the ship snuck in at the emergence point.
Great Emperor: One blow is what determines victory or defeat in war. It has been taught from ancient times that hesitation and a mistake in judgment brings one to ruin!
A figure approaches the commander wearing a uniform like that of an Vice-President to the supreme ruler.
Vice-President: Commander XX, by decree of the Great Emperor, you are stripped of your rank. Your military record is erased and you are demoted to permanent duty in a third grade transport ship.
The Great Emperor solemnly raises his hand and points at the entrance.
Great Emperor: Leave! Never show yourself to me again!
The commander descends the long staircase. The report of a gunshot is heard…the commander falls…he committed suicide.
Great Emperor: So he knew how to end the matter at least…
Before long, the image of Yamato starts to move across a three-dimensional chart.
Vice-President: The Earth ship has begun to move!
Great Emperor: Is it coming??
Vice-President: The mobile fleet is making a sortie to intercept.
Great Emperor: The fortress satellite?
Vice-President: Its battle preparations are complete.
Great Emperor: Good. Be cautious.
Yamato proceeds slowly through space. A glittering fleet surrounds the ship, right, left, above, and below.
Analyzer: Enemy fire from starboard! Many beams incoming!
Captain: Navigator, accelerate to combat speed!
Shima: Roger!
Shima steers Yamato to the right, avoiding the energy beams. Some graze Yamato‘s hull, making an unearthly sound.
Kodai: Target the large ship 20 degrees to starboard. Fire three successive rounds!
Yamato presses a mighty counterattack. The huge black ship bursts into flame.
Analyzer: A number of torpedo planes attacking from port, presumed dangerous!
Captain: Cosmo Tigers, launch!
Kato leads the Cosmo Tigers in another launch. Yamato, the black ship, the Cosmo Tigers and torpedo bombers engage in a chaotic fight. Appearance of a heroic figure of space battle.
Control room of the black satellite fortress orbiting the mother planet: the target scope zeroes in on Yamato.
Mecha Voice: Target acquired, range 65,000, direction 2-020, speed 27 space knots.
The fortress’ guns turn slowly.
Mecha Voice: Fire.
BOOM! A huge burst of energy stretches out from the satellite.
Analyzer: Energy approaching at high speed, impossible to avoid!
KABOOM! Yamato is shaken by a direct hit! Fragments scatter into space. Several crewmembers are blown out of the ship. A second burst comes from the satellite fortress. BLAM! Yamato takes further damage.
Captain: It’s a satellite fortress! The main batteries can’t reach it! Use the Wave-Motion Gun!
Kodai: All energy to the Wave-Motion Gun! Target cross gauge open. Brightness level 80, aim Yamato at the satellite fortress.
Shima: Roger, aligning with the satellite fortress.
Tokugawa: Wave energy valve opening. Power rising, valve open to the Wave-Motion Gun cylinder. Release safety lock. Anti-flash, anti-shock protection on. 10…9…8…7…6…5…
Kodai: On target! Stabilize gyro operation! 4…3…2…1…FIRE!!
A blast of light fires straight and far to the satellite fortress! The light of the Wave-Motion Gun strikes the center of the satellite and pierces straight through to the other side. The fortress satellite explodes! The stone of its internal structure flies apart. The Great Emperor watches.
Great Emperor: Do not hesitate! Yamato‘s energy is drained! That is the nature of a Wave-Motion Gun! Crush them!
The black fleet and torpedo bombers had recoiled, but now they rally and renew their desperate attack. Yamato has not yet recovered from the firing of its energy and takes many hits. Gun turrets are knocked loose and go flying.
Tokugawa: Energy will be restored in five minutes! Just five more minutes!
Kodai: We’ll be dead in five minutes!
Yamato shakes and shudders in the storm. The dimensional compass begins to shine with an orange light. The orange light also begins to appear inside the three-dimensional dome of the Great Emperor.
And…the voice of a graceful, dignified woman fills the bridge of Yamato and the command dome of the Great Emperor.
Voice: I am Starsha of Iscandar…you must talk before you continue this fight. There is a secret you harbor in the depth of each others’ hearts. Please talk before you fight, or you will regret it.
Sanada: Starsha!!
Sanada stands trembling.
Great Emperor: It is Starsha!!
Mio staggers forward onto the deck of Yamato‘s bridge.
Mio Okita: Mother!
Kodai: Mother?!
Mio: I am not Mio Okita. That is only a pseudonym. I am the daughter who was born between Starsha and Earth…
All the crewmembers on the bridge gaze at Sasha and gasp as she stands next to the dimensional compass.
Kodai: This is…Sasha’s body could not adapt to the environment of Earth. She’s supposed to have died shortly after birth…
Sanada: It’s true that the environment was not suitable for Sasha. But every year she grew five years…her intellect grew much faster as well…It surprised Mamoru and I, so we raised her secretly in the asteroid’s observatory…we gave her the temporary name Mio Okita.
