{"id":28076,"date":"2020-03-06T20:13:44","date_gmt":"2020-03-07T04:13:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ourstarblazers.com\/vault\/?p=28076"},"modified":"2020-04-14T20:00:10","modified_gmt":"2020-04-15T03:00:10","slug":"451a","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ourstarblazers.com\/vault\/451a\/","title":{"rendered":"Aquarius Algorithm<\/em> Episode 1"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"2003icon\"<\/p>\n

In November 2019, the classic Yamato<\/em> saga expanded for the first time in ten years when Aquarius Algorithm<\/em> debuted in the pages of Star Blazers\/Yamato Premium Fan Club<\/em> magazine. Written by Katsuya Takashima, it bridges the gap between Final Yamato<\/em> and Resurrection.<\/em><\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

<\/p>\n

In November 2019, the classic Yamato<\/em> saga expanded for the first time in ten years when a serialized story titled Aquarius Algorithm<\/em> debuted in the pages of Star Blazers\/Yamato Premium Fan Club<\/em> magazine Vol. 5. Written by Katsuya Takashima, it takes place in 2215 and bridges the gap between Final Yamato<\/em> and Resurrection.<\/em><\/p>\n

It is Cosmo DNA policy NOT to translate such material until it is out of print and no longer a source of revenue for the franchise (otherwise it would constitute piracy). However, the Yamato Crew website created an exception to this policy when it featured the entire opening episode as a free introduction<\/a> to all readers. Therefore, it is proudly presented here for your enjoyment.<\/p>\n

Be aware, however, that Yamato Crew accompanied this free episode with the caveat that it’s a once-only. From here on, the only way to continue reading is to subscribe to the fan club magazine (and translate it from Japanese). But rest assured that as soon as Aquarius Algorithm<\/em> meets the criteria mentioned earlier, we will pick up where this chapter leaves off. Meanwhile, enjoy every word of the opening episode!<\/p>\n


\nAbove right: promo from Fan Club Magazine Vol. 4. The text reads as follows:<\/em><\/p>\n

Urgent orders for Yamato<\/em> crew!!<\/p>\n

Aquarius Algorithm: Space Battleship Yamato Resurrection<\/em> Chapter 0<\/p>\n

The past and the future (algorithm) intersect<\/p>\n

After a fierce battle, Space Battleship Yamato<\/em> sank into the sea of Aquarius. 12 years have passed since then. Susumu Kodai and his family head out to search for Yamato<\/em> and encounter an unknown enemy. An original novel that links Final Yamato<\/em> to Yamato Resurrection<\/em> finally begins by up-and-coming SF writer Katsuya Takashima. Kodai, Yuki, and Space Battleship Yamato<\/em> fly on a new journey.<\/p>\n

Amazing new serialization starts next issue!!<\/p>\n

\n
\n
\n

Episode 1: Aquarius Ice Sphere (A Sudden Call)<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n
\n

— \uff10 —<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n


\nOpening illustration by Ryuji “Umegrafix” Umeno<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

The darkness of space is approximately minus 270 degrees, only three degrees from absolute zero. However, space is full of light. Due to the various interactions of nature, celestial bodies shine in all colors. Even a black hole, which swallows everything, wears light that it fails to swallow as a photosphere, an jet accelerated to almost the speed of light.<\/p>\n

Countless lives take breath amidst these intense phenomena. Countless lives are quietly born in this vacuum of absolute death. Susumu Kodai continued to experience space in this way. But now, the space he saw was filled only with death.<\/p>\n

This is wrong!<\/em><\/p>\n

Thirty thousand light years from Earth, the small planet Berlaina floated in the darkness as if left behind. Countless explosive flashes sparkled on its surface. The Earth fleet commanded by Kodai was anchored in Berlaina\u2019s orbit, not moving an inch while looking down at the scene below.<\/p>\n

No, we can\u2019t move.<\/em><\/p>\n

One after another, reports were heard of devastation on the surface, piercing Kodai\u2019s heart and body. No one else was on the darkened bridge, only Kodai in the command seat. The light of explosions intermittently lit his face.<\/p>\n

Is it happening here, too?<\/em><\/p>\n

Soon after Kodai became aware of the pain in the depths of his heart, a cold heavy voice echoed through the bridge.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt is absolutely forbidden to violate the armistice agreement between Galman-Gamilas and Bolar.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cEarth should do its job!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t move, Commander Kodai. You must not move!\u201d<\/p>\n

The pressure that bound him and the cries of people swallowed by flames on the planet below collided with each other in Kodai, a raging turmoil in search of an exit.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is wrong! There\u2019s no way this can stand!\u201d<\/p>\n

The next moment Kodai cried out, his body was inside the cramped cockpit of a Cosmo Zero fighter.<\/p>\n

Yes, I\u2019m doing the same thing again. Just like that day, I\u2019m going in too late. I know the ending. I\u2019ve already followed this path many times. Nothing has changed.<\/em><\/p>\n

Even so, Kodai couldn\u2019t stop himself from going there. The Cosmo Zero made a hard landing in the desert of Berlaina where red flames swirled into black smoke. Spread out in front of him as he left the cockpit were countless bodies, abandoned in the desert after being slaughtered. Kodai dropped to his knees before the body of a cold child, repeatedly slamming his fist into the sandy ground.<\/p>\n


\nFan art by Yumatahazuki<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cWhy wasn\u2019t I faster\u2026why\u2026?!\u201d<\/p>\n

Bitterly regretting the delay in his decision, Kodai heard a voice from behind.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou are not wrong. Is it strange for a commander to abandon his mission and intervene in another nation\u2019s battle?\u201d<\/p>\n

It was Susumu Kodai standing behind Kodai, another version of himself. Holding the dead child, Kodai asked himself a question.<\/p>\n

\u201cOur mission was to follow the Galman-Gamilas Magellanic Exodus, to protect those left behind in the Milky Way\u2026that\u2019s what we were sent to do.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s right. But there is an order and priority to things. You know that, too.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAre you going to overlook the tragedy in front of you for the sake of Earth\u2019s security\u2026?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t be conceited. Are you going to carry Earth on your back alone?\u201d<\/p>\n

Him alone. All alone.<\/p>\n

The dream ended there. As with any dream, the ending remained ambiguous.<\/p>\n

The light of dawn shone into the bedroom.<\/p>\n

\u201cAre you all right?\u201d<\/p>\n

His wife Yuki asked this, having already awoken.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s nothing. Just a dream.\u201d<\/p>\n

Kodai left the bedroom for a solitary drink of water in the kitchen, trying to appear calm.<\/p>\n

\n

— \uff11 —<\/div>\n


\nFan art by Yumatahazuki<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Autumn flowers, grasses and thistle swayed in the gentle morning breeze. In the light of a sun still low in the sky, ripples sparkled on the surface of a lake. It was a scene that could be called peaceful. There was nothing to reveal that this was a crater made by a terrible alien weapon called a Planet Bomb.<\/p>\n

In the year 2215, 33-year-old Susumu Kodai lived in an elegant house on the shore of this lake with his beloved wife and daughter.<\/p>\n

\u201cMiyuki, breakfast is ready.\u201d<\/p>\n

In the second-floor kitchen, Kodai skillfully flipped omelettes with cheese, dressed in an apron. He heard a sleepy reply from the third floor.<\/p>\n

Miyuki Kodai, the 11-year-old daughter of Kodai and Yuki, came down in pajamas, yawning. Her rich, black hair stuck out in a bedhead.<\/p>\n


\nPapilizer design by Shinji Nishikawa<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGood morning, dad. Where\u2019s mom?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShe\u2019s already gone out. What were you doing up late last night?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNothing…?\u201d<\/p>\n

The fourth family member had joined the household a month ago. The small, all-purpose robot Papilizer poured caf\u00e9 ole into a cup and handed it to Miyuki.<\/p>\n

\u201cGood morning, Miyuki. This morning\u2019s drink is a bit thick. But do your best to drink it Papy!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI know, Papilizer. I love it that way.\u201d<\/p>\n

Miyuki kissed Papy on the head the way she used to do with Analyzer. The pastel-colored quasi-humanoid robot skillfully rotated the high-density, fireproof sponge tires that supported its lower half, and jumped for joy.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhether it\u2019s an animal or a robot,\u201d Kodai laughed while plating up omelettes and toast, \u201cyou\u2019re really good at making friends.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHehehe. It\u2019s love,\u201d Miyuki boasted as she bit into the toast. In fact, Miyuki had recently become addicted to customizing Papilizer. She\u2019d given up sleep for it day after day, and her parents hadn\u2019t yet noticed the dramatic increase in their \u201cbuddy partnership.\u201d<\/p>\n

Yuki Kodai, Miyuki\u2019s beautiful mother whose maiden name was Mori, was already at work. She was now busy as a senior military officer. Miyuki’s father Susumu had gone into the reserves three years ago and half-withdrew from the military. He was now happily engaged in work at home, such as cleaning, meal prep, and taking out the garbage. Some said this was unthinkable for the former Kodai, who had made a name for himself as a hero. Miyuki just liked him as a father.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll be back at noon, dad.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know. The boat is ready.\u201d<\/p>\n

Miyuki finished eating her omelette and toast, brushed her teeth, and quickly got ready.<\/p>\n

\u201cAre you going to let me steer?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s a promise. It\u2019s time now.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYep, I\u2019m all ready! See you later!\u201d<\/p>\n

Kodai watched Papilizer take Miyuki to the schoolbus platform, then started washing dishes.<\/p>\n

<\/br><\/p>\n

At Earth Defense Forces Fleet Headquarters, regular meetings on the operation of the newly built flagship Blue Noah<\/em> were held in the briefing room. At the focal point of the table, surrounded by the conspicuous forms of men, Yuki Kodai was speaking in a white uniform. Her sharp questions, driven by her aim to become a captain, swayed the person in charge and the plan she proposed inspired a sigh of admiration on the faces of the higher officers.<\/p>\n

Two hours later, Yuki returned to her office to compile a report. There was a knock on the door.<\/p>\n

\u201cCome in.\u201d<\/p>\n

The door opened and the face of a tall man looked in. Unexpected, but nostalgic.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s been a long time, Yuki.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSanada!\u201d<\/p>\n

Former Yamato<\/em> crewmember Shiro Sanada was now the Deputy Director of the Science Bureau.<\/p>\n

\u201cI wasn\u2019t expecting you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI wanted to speak to you in person. You\u2019re sailing smoothly, aren\u2019t you? I\u2019ve heard about the excellence of Yuki Kodai.\u201d<\/p>\n

He was a straight-laced type, but warm. Yuki couldn\u2019t help smiling at Sanada\u2019s unchanging demeanor.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s over now. How about some tea, Sanada?\u201d<\/p>\n

From the caf\u00e9 on the top floor of HQ, they could see battleships arrive and depart one after another.<\/p>\n

\u201cMiyuki must be growing up.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, she\u2019s fine. More than fine.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow about Kodai?\u201d<\/p>\n

Sanada asked with the nuance of one concerned about a younger brother he hadn\u2019t seen in a while.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe keeps quiet. He has bad dreams sometimes.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAbout Berlaina?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cProbably.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cKodai was the commander of a guard fleet, and it is certain that he went beyond the scope of his mission to intervene in the conflict of another nation. But if not for Kodai\u2019s decision, the tragedy would have been even greater.\u201d<\/p>\n

Yuki nodded silently.<\/p>\n

\u201cHowever, the military punished him in the end and transferred him to reserve duty. The military has completely changed since the days of Commander Todo.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI supported my husband\u2019s decision. It was a worthy deed that no one should be ashamed of.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course. Many people understand that.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sanada\u2019s words were full of encouragement, but these feelings did not reach Yuki’s husband. He still blamed himself and suffered from nightmares.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s too kind. No matter how many people you save, you never forget the weight of those you couldn\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n

For a while, Yuki and Sanada were silent. Military aircraft flew by occasionally outside the window. Yuki hadn’t thought she would have divulged this much today, but whenever she was with Sanada her guard went down. All the former crew members who had entrusted their lives to Yamato<\/em> continued to maintain a mysterious unity that could only be called family.<\/p>\n

Twelve years had passed since Yamato<\/em> sank. Yuki was absentmindedly considering the wonder of that when Sanada spoke in a lower voice.<\/p>\n

\u201cActually, there\u2019s something I wanted to discuss with you and Kodai.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBoth of us?\u201d<\/p>\n

Sanada nodded and quietly uttered some astonishing words.<\/p>\n

\u201cYamato<\/em> has been found.\u201d<\/p>\n


\nIllustrations by Ryuji “Umegrafix” Umeno<\/em><\/p>\n

\n

— \uff12 —<\/div>\n

The afternoon sun cast reflections of clouds and blue sky on the calm surface of the lake.<\/p>\n

Papilizer sat on a wooden pier protruding into the lake, staring at the movement of bright red floats while dangling a fishing line in the water. Fishing was an irreplaceable and important pastime for Papilizer\u2019s AI. He wore a straw hat to enhance the atmosphere. Wind flowed over a field of grass and a loud noise was heard.<\/p>\n

\u201cPapy!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Papilizer measured the timing and pulled quickly on the rod. As he reeled in a magnificent trout, impressed with his own performance, he saw a small air car approach, raising spray from the surface of the lake.<\/p>\n

\u201cPING?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Two young men in uniform descended from the air car.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey, you’re Papilizer, right?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTake us to Kodai\u2019s house!\u201d<\/p>\n

Papilizer immediately authenticated their faces. Their identities were confirmed as non-suspicious. He put his catch in the cooler box and started rolling. He moved fairly quickly, but the two people were well-trained and kept pace at a run.<\/p>\n

\u201cKitano! Tasuke!\u201d<\/p>\n

Kodai\u2019s eyes widened as he opened the door. Tetsu Kitano and Tasuke Tokugawa saluted him at the entrance.<\/p>\n

\u201cVisitors Papy!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Before Kodai could react, Papilizer slipped past him and ran to the kitchen to hang up his catch. <\/p>\n

Kodai engaged in some good-natured ribbing with his old friends. Tetsu Kitano was a brilliant graduate of Space Warrior Training School. The other was Tasuke Tokugawa, whose father Hikozaemon had been Yamato<\/em>\u2019s first Chief Engineer. Both men had fought on board Yamato<\/em> with Kodai and Yuki, and were still active members with jobs in Earth Defense. They had returned to Earth that morning after 15 months on open-sea patrol. Kodai was at a loss for words when they said they had come here on foot.<\/p>\n

He thanked them for visiting his home before reporting for duty and even seeing their own families. Tasuke had a wife, another former Yamato<\/em> crew member, and two children. It was certain that both men were tired from hard work. <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m glad you came, of course, but what happened?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe wanted to speak with you directly, Kodai.\u201d<\/p>\n

Tasuke nodded, and Kitano started to talk.<\/p>\n

\u201cConditions at the center of the galaxy are still terrible.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt will probably take several generations for the effects of the Galaxy Crossing to subside completely.\u201d<\/p>\n

With that, the specter of the great shift of twelve years ago came back to Kodai.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

The \u201cGalaxy Crossing\u201d was an interstellar-scale disaster that occurred suddenly in 2203. An extraordinary situation in which a galaxy emerged from another dimension to collide and intersect with the Milky Way to which Earth belonged. It caused catastrophic damage to the center of the Milky Way. Many star systems were thoroughly destroyed, and even twelve years later there was very little recovery from the damage.<\/p>\n

As a result, two major galactic powers \u2013 The Galman-Gamilas Empire and The Bolar Federation \u2013 were pushed to the brink of survival. Both sides declined in national power and signed an armistice after years of territorial warfare.<\/p>\n

In 2205, two years after the Galaxy Crossing, the upheaval in the galactic center had not yet settled for The Galman-Gamilas Empire, and it was determined that each member of the state would evacuate to find temporary refuge. This great evacuation toward the Large Magellanic Galaxy, a previous sphere of control, was called the \u201cMagellanic Exodus.\u201d<\/p>\n

This massive undertaking, led by President Dessler, also had a big impact on Earth from the beginning since Earth agreed to cooperate fully.<\/p>\n

Some Galman-Gamilas citizens chose to remain in the Galactic Center, and more than a few had no choice but to stay. The Galman-Gamilas government called upon Earth as an ally to help secure them. Earth accepted this and launched a national policy of immigration assistance and protection.<\/p>\n

<\/br><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry,\u201d Kodai said to Kitano and Tasuke. \u201cI should have been on the mission with you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re working to get you back on the scene as soon as possible.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ten years had passed since then. The protection policy had achieved some success. There were also examples of deepening friendships with previously-unknown planetary nations. Amal was one planet with which they had newly opened diplomatic relations.<\/p>\n

But dark and tragic events greatly outnumbered the bright stories.<\/p>\n

Kodai had taken a deep wound to the heart in the \u201cTragedy of Planet Berlaina\u201d which occurred under the protection policy. Galman and Bolar residents, both of whom had suddenly lost their homelands, had ignited a civil war across the entire planet. Earth\u2019s response came too late. Kodai had accepted responsibility for \u201cintervention\u201d in this civil war and accepted retirement. He\u2019d heard of similar incidents here and there since then.<\/p>\n

\u201cAfter the Galaxy Crossing, the aspects of outer space have completely changed,\u201d Kodai muttered.<\/p>\n

There were no large-scale wars between interstellar nations, but the entire galaxy had entered an era of turmoil with frequent terrorism and ethnic conflicts. Two years ago, the vivid tragedy of a massacre caused by Dengil people on the Earth colony planet Boginia was burned into everyone\u2019s mind.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s what we wanted to tell you about, Kodai. Terrorism has been on the rise in recent months, mainly in the systems that originally belonged to Galman-Gamilas.\u201d<\/p>\n

Tasuke picked up from Kitano\u2019s words.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere have been cases that the EDF couldn\u2019t overlook, where unmanned recon satellites were blown up. I think we\u2019ll be dispatched again as soon as we report back to headquarters.\u201d<\/p>\n

A dark feeling began to spread in the depths of Kodai\u2019s chest. After a brief silence, he spoke a name.<\/p>\n

\u201cIs Dengil involved?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you think,\u201d Kitano answered hesitantly. \u201cDengil has a grudge against both Earth and Gamilas\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Tasuke\u2019s brooding was suddenly interrupted when the door opened.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh! Uncle Tasuke! Big Brother Kitano! Welcome back!\u201d<\/p>\n

The carefree Miyuki jumped into her chair and the serious atmosphere cleared at once. Tasuke, whose plump stomach had receded thanks to a fitness program his wife advocated, protested with a serious face.<\/p>\n

\u201cMiyuki-chan, why am I an Uncle when this guy is a Big Brother?\u201d<\/p>\n

Everyone broke out in laughter.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re full of visitors today.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cEh? We\u2019re not the only ones?\u201d Kitano asked.<\/p>\n

From behind Miyuki, a familiar voice resounded.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo!\u201d<\/p>\n

Everyone gasped with surprise at the person who appeared next to Yuki.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s quite lively.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSanada!\u201d<\/p>\n

Sanada nodded to Kodai, then spoke to Kitano and Tasuke behind him.<\/p>\n

\u201cAfter speaking with Kodai and Yuki, I was going to find you too, but you\u2019ve saved me the trouble. You guys have more intuition than you know.\u201d<\/p>\n

At Sanada\u2019s keen gaze, Kitano looked at Tasuke, who raised a hand to his head and laughed. Kodai and Yuki stayed silent, catching each other\u2019s eyes. It did not seem to be coincidence that their visitors overlapped today.<\/p>\n

\u201cChances are good that this is going to be a grownup story,\u201d Miyuki whispered to Papilizer. \u201cIt can\u2019t be helped. Let\u2019s go up to the third floor.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry, Miyuki,\u201d Kodai said. \u201cWe\u2019ll go on the boat tomorrow.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know. When I saw your face I wasn\u2019t angry any more. But definitely tomorrow!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTomorrow for sure. But what kind of face did I make?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe face of a man of the sea,\u201d she replied.<\/p>\n

Kodai smiled and gently stroked Miyuki\u2019s head.<\/p>\n

Kodai, Yuki, Sanada, Kitano, and Tasuke settled around the terrace outside. With no other houses nearby, there was no worry about being overheard.<\/p>\n

\u201cFirst, look at this.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sanada took a black card out of his jacket pocket. It was a small projection device. When he touched it, a spherical hologram about the size of an armload was projected into the air.<\/p>\n

\u201cAquarius,\u201d Kodai muttered. Sanada nodded.<\/p>\n


\nIllustration by Ryuji “Umegrafix” Umeno<\/em><\/p>\n

The Aquarius ice mass was a new Earth satellite born at the end of a battle twelve years ago. It now orbited slightly closer than the moon. Its diameter was about 1,000km. It was less than a third of the moon\u2019s size, but from the ground it looked about the same. A ball of red light burned in the center of the ice, which people likened to fire and blood. This light was something it had in common with the larger Aquarius body. <\/p>\n

All five, including Sanada, were silent for a while. Pain flowed through them as they cast their gaze over the Aquarius ice mass in the hologram. In that sea, in that mass of ice, had sunk the ship on which they\u2019d spent their youth. Many had forgotten that great ship that once saved the world. But these five had never forgotten Yamato<\/em>.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Yamato<\/em> had saved Earth several times until twelve years ago, at the end of the battle of 2203, it self-destructed to prevent the massive water planet Aquarius from flooding the Earth. A water column of unimaginable mass came pouring down from Aquarius, and Yamato<\/em> exploded to cut it off. This column, broken by Yamato<\/em>, wove around Earth for several months, alternately heated by the sun and cooling in the vacuum of space, finally freezing as it approached a spherical shape. The body of Yamato<\/em> was sunk somewhere inside it.<\/p>\n

The frozen sphere came to be called Aquarius, like the world that drifted away from the solar system. Now it traveled around Earth along with the moon. Aquarius spun faster at first, but over time its rotation and orbital period synchronized, and now \u2013 like the moon \u2013 only one face of it was turned toward Earth.<\/p>\n

\u201cAquarius is Earth\u2019s second moon, and as everyone knows it blocks the airspace around it. The effect of quantum gravity on the Aquarius ice mass is spreading. Ships aren\u2019t able to scan it, much less approach it. That\u2019s why we haven\u2019t been able to accurately determine Yamato<\/em>\u2019s sinking point for many years.<\/p>\n

Sanada touched a portion of the hologram to expand it. Lights appeared on its upper and lower points.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe other day, Wave-Motion Energy was confirmed at this point. About a thousand meters from the surface.<\/p>\n

\u201cWave-Motion Energy! Is Yamato<\/em>\u2019s Wave Engine still active?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTasuke, you know well that the wreckage of a Wave Engine releases wave radiation for a long time.\u201d<\/p>\n

At Kitano\u2019s sober words, Tasuke sank back into his sofa. Sanada looked at everyone and continued speaking slowly.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know the details. But Yamato<\/em> sank to this point. With Captain Okita.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sanada\u2019s story was getting heavier, far beyond the expectations of the other four. Despite the seriousness of the adults on the terrace, Miyuki played games with Papilizer up on the third floor, occasionally cheering. After confirming that she wasn\u2019t listening to them, Kodai turned to Sanada.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s everything you told Yuki and I earlier.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s right. I want you to see the condition of Yamato<\/em> with your own eyes now.\u201d<\/p>\n

But Miyuki was listening to their conversation through an earphone stuck into Papilizer. Her cheering had been an act.<\/p>\n

\u201cVery few ships have landed on Aquarius, right?\u201d asked Kitano.<\/p>\n

\u201cNone, as far as I know,\u201d Sanada said.<\/p>\n


\nIllustration by Ryuji “Umegrafix” Umeno<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Papilizer had various high-performance sensors. Through the earphone, the tension and sighs of the adults outside were transmitted in real time. Sanada\u2019s explanation continued.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe abnormal gravity gradient caused by Aquarius creates turbulence in the surrounding space. The average flow rate is 8,000 meters per second.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFast!\u201d<\/p>\n

Miyuki unintentionally shouted this, then quickly covered her mouth with her hands. But it was all right, they couldn\u2019t hear her from outside.<\/p>\n

\u201cIs that why you wanted to tell us?\u201d<\/p>\n

While listening to the sheepish men who Sanada spoke to, Miyuki asked a natural question.<\/p>\n

\u201cPapilizer, how do you get to that place? It\u2019s impossible even for a great big ship.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI think it would take a gravitational wave generator Papy! Sanada is the Deputy Secretary of the Science Bureau Papy!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Miyuki nodded at Papy\u2019s explanation. But would her parents really want to go there?<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is really dangerous!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes Papy.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

From the window of her room, Miyuki gazed up at the Aquarius ice mass floating dimly in the sky. Sanada lowered his voice further to tell another worrisome tale.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve gotten anonymous information. There seems to be a group secretly working on Aquarius.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sanada\u2019s story, including the uncertainty of its source, was unclear but his expression was serious. Taking the entire situation into context, it was likely that its accuracy was quite high.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s alarming. The anonymous person claims only to be a defense official, but it seems Aquarius has been under scrutiny for some time. In fact, the identification of Yamato<\/em>\u2019s sinking point was made possible due to information from that person.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAn anonymous person and a mysterious group?\u201d Tasuke folded his arms in thought.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s no doubt something is happening right now where Captain Okita sleeps. But that place is that place. I\u2019d like to avoid sending troops in. That\u2019s the reason for this mission.\u201d<\/p>\n

Everyone nodded at Sanada\u2019s words.<\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe it\u2019s also connected to what these two told me earlier,\u201d Kodai said.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you mean?\u201d<\/p>\n

When Sanada heard from Kitano and Tasuke about the disturbing atmosphere they felt during their security mission, he agreed.<\/p>\n

\u201cGalman-Gamilas and The Bolar Federation are two nations that lost power, and hidden forces may be on the move. Two people on the front would have been sensitive to that.\u201d<\/p>\n

That\u2019s why Kitano and Tasuke had visited Kodai, to convey that vague feeling. Sanada chuckled to himself so as not to distract the others. Even though he felt like Kodai was a younger brother, he recognized him as a leader. It\u2019s inevitable that they would all have visited like this, gathering on the same day.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s going to be a dangerous mission\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Sanada looked at Kodai and conveyed his conclusion.<\/p>\n

\u201cKodai. Please go see Yamato<\/em> and Captain Okita with your own eyes.\u201d <\/p>\n

\n

— \uff13 —<\/div>\n

After seeing off Sanada, Kitano, and Tasuke, the Kodais confirmed that Miyuki had fallen asleep in her room and went out on their second-floor patio for a view of the lake. The moon and Aquarius floated in the night sky together.<\/p>\n

\u201cAre both of them full moons tonight?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes. I think a lot of people are taking their boats out on the lake.\u201d<\/p>\n

The lake that spread out before them was a crater punctured by a Gamilas Planet Bomb. Hopeful people later named it Star Lake.<\/p>\n

\u201cYour promotion exam for captain is coming up soon, Yuki.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

They sipped wine as they looked into the sky.<\/p>\n

People of Dengil were continuing terrorist activities in the galaxy. Twelve years ago, the Dengil Empire fought Earth to the death. At the end, Emperor Lugal tried to destroy Yamato<\/em> by self-detonating his home base City Satellite Uruk, but failed. Lugal\u2019s last Dengil fleet was then destroyed by Dessler, who rushed to Yamato<\/em>\u2019s rescue. It was not unreasonable to assume the surviving Dengil people were engaged in repeated sabotage against Galman-Gamilas.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Of course, the Earth side had taken a major blow as well. Yamato<\/em> was injured when Kodai\u2019s close friend Daisuke Shima was killed in the fierce battle against Uruk.<\/p>\n

There was no wind tonight, and the surface of the lake was still. In his heart, Kodai spoke to his lost friend.<\/p>\n

Shima, that was the human race\u2019s last war. There hasn\u2019t been a battle in the twelve years since then. I\u2019ll do my best to make this peace last.<\/em><\/p>\n

History called it the \u201cAquarius Incident,\u201d a crisis in which the Dengil Empire manipulated the water planet Aquarius in order to flood the Earth. As it neared its end, two situations became intertwined; after all the crew members had left Yamato<\/em>\u2019s bridge, Kodai and Yuki faced Captain Juuzo Okita.<\/p>\n

Kodai, Yuki\u2026have a good child.<\/p>\n

Captain Okita embraced them. Those were the last words he said to them both.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\u201cThe next anniversary of the captain\u2019s death will be the thirteenth,” Kodai murmured.<\/p>\n

Yuki nodded and rested her head on Kodai\u2019s shoulder. Her hair shone gold in the moonlight as the evening breeze picked up.<\/p>\n


\nFan art by Yumatahazuki<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

On the other side of Aquarius\u2019 ice mass, the other side of the blowing storm, Earth looked to be about the same size as the moon. Soldiers dressed in airtight suits ran up a steep hill and blundered into a robot horse. In the Aquarius incident, Dengil soldiers riding robot horses had challenged Yamato<\/em> in a fierce hand-to-hand fight on Uruk. Something identical to one of them now kicked a dozen or so of the men, then ran away across the ice.<\/p>\n

Eyes watched the scene from the surface of the frozen sea. A periscope confirmed the action of the Dengil soldiers and disappeared below the surface while melting the ice. The hole quickly closed over and froze. Aquarius ice was not made only of water. It had an unknown physical structure.<\/p>\n

The periscope descended ten meters, then twenty, retracting into a type of submersible ship hiding in a cavity below the ice sheet. The dim light of Earth that managed to penetrate the ice was not enough to reveal the ship\u2019s details. It was a simple silhouette with few projections. There was no emblem on the colorless hull to indicate its affiliation. Only the ship\u2019s name Gensoku [Ice Flower]<\/em> was carved into it. It stood silent in the darkness under the ice.<\/p>\n


\nMecha design by Shinji Nishikawa<\/em><\/p>\n

Ten weeks after Sanada\u2019s request, it was the night before they would leave for Aquarius. Kodai and Miyuki bandied words, ribbing each other. They had already repeated this conversation many times.<\/p>\n

\u201cI want to go too!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMiyuki, we explained it already. We\u2019re just going to visit some old friends. We\u2019ll be back in a week.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMeh.\u201d<\/p>\n

Miyuki groaned loudly at her parent\u2019s misleading explanation. After eavesdropping on them with Papilizer, she knew they were headed to Aquarius.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou haven\u2019t been to Dr. Sado\u2019s field park in a long time.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s okay, I guess,\u201d Miyuki said with a moody expression.<\/p>\n

After his retirement, Yamato<\/em>\u2019s physician Sakezo Sado established the Sado Field Park, where wild animals could live together. Now he was its director. Naturally, Miyuki became an animal lover after going there from an early age. But now she wanted to go to other places.<\/p>\n

\u201cI want to go! I want to go!\u201d she yelled, bouncing on the sofa.<\/p>\n

Kodai flinched at her continuous complaints. Her persuasion was weighing heavily on him.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt can\u2019t be helped.\u201d<\/p>\n

Unable to resist, Yuki came to Kodai’s rescue.<\/p>\n

\u201cPapilizer? Miyuki\u2019s bodyguard?\u201d<\/p>\n

Papilizer responded to Yuki\u2019s words with a flash of light. Doctor Sado was with Analyzer, Papilizer\u2019s prototype, and their AI had a parent-child relationship. Since Papilizer was a newer model, it saw itself as a child.<\/p>\n

\u201cI will be happy to see my papa after a long time Papy!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBah! You traitor!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNow that that\u2019s decided, get to bed early. You’ll take tomorrow\u2019s midday bus.\u201d<\/p>\n

Early the next morning, Kodai and Yuki stood on the lakeshore dressed in science uniforms. Before long, the ship Sanada had arranged to pick them up appeared in the sky right on time. With gas jetting from its underside, the ship with a white hull and red belly landed on the shore of Star Lake.<\/p>\n

\u201cI heard from Sanada that this would be an older aircraft, but this is\u2026really\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Kodai and Yuki looked at each other. This was the craft that they\u2019d used to escape from Earth when it was occupied by the Dezarium Army. A high-speed diplomatic boat exclusively used by the president. They never thought it had survived. But they didn\u2019t want to step into it right away. For the two of them, this ship held some vivid memories.<\/p>\n

As a hatch opened in the middle of the hull and a ramp was lowered, Kodai remembered that day and was unable to move for a moment as he looked up at the ship. In the wake of invasion by the Dark Nebula Empire, Kodai and others had tried to escape on this vessel. <\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Even though Kodai and Yuki had been only temporarily separated, they were still torn apart. They each believed the other was still alive, but they were wracked with anxiety every day. The despair Kodai felt when he let go of the hand he\u2019d grasped was rapidly rising in him right now.<\/p>\n

\u201cKodai-kun\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

It was a very nostalgic way to be addressed.<\/p>\n

Yuki had already walked up the ramp and was now looking back, her hand held out toward him. Their positions were reversed from where they were back then. Kodai took her hand firmly and went up the ramp. Near the house, eyes watched this scene from behind shrubbery.<\/p>\n

\u201cTo deceive an enemy, start with your ally. The three robot principles Papy.\u201d<\/p>\n

Miyuki, wearing a hat and backpack, lowered her binoculars.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat ship looks like an old steam iron.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt is antiquated. Let\u2019s go Papy.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Using the tall grass for cover, Miyuki and Papilizer approached the old ship, running toward the ramp as it began to retract.<\/p>\n

\u201cI will carry you Papy!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPlease!\u201d<\/p>\n

With Miyuki on his back, Papilizer extended both his arms to their maximum reach, catching the edge of the ramp as it was pulled inward. Soon after, two shadows nestled into the boat as it started to ascend. Rising over the lake, it turned around to point itself at Aquarius in the sky and the two-tone aircraft accelerated with abrupt speed.<\/p>\n

<\/br><\/p>\n

\u201cA ground antenna has detected a flying object. It seems to be approaching Aquarius.\u201d<\/p>\n

An ambivalent voice delivered this report in an unlit, narrow space. Its layout was slightly larger than the cockpit of a deep-sea workboat. There were four sweaty men in the room, dressed in dirty clothes. They sat silently in their respective seats. A big man in the center seat folded his arms, closed his eyes meditatively, and gave an order.<\/p>\n

\u201cIce Flower,<\/em> dive to 1,000 meters.\u201d<\/p>\n

In answer, the crew cooperated on the necessary procedure. Before long, a vibration shuddered through the room.<\/p>\n

\u201cStarting dive.\u201d<\/p>\n

With this report, the big man opened his eyes. They gave away no emotion.<\/p>\n

The ship with Ice Flower<\/em> etched into its hull was covered by a special field, then silently sank deeper and deeper into the ice, as if it were underwater.<\/p>\n

<\/br><\/p>\n

The high-speed communication boat carrying Kodai had been built in 2202, and had been greatly refitted for this mission by Sanada\u2019s Science Bureau. Despite being unarmed, it carried state-of-the-art equipment. <\/p>\n

Kitano sat in the front seat and Tasuke worked a control panel on the starboard side. Kodai sat in the higher captain\u2019s seat behind them. It had been a long time since he commanded a ship. Initially, he wanted to leave it to Kitano or Yuki, but he couldn\u2019t approach Yamato<\/em> with such a compromising attitude. So now he sank deeper into the captain\u2019s seat.<\/p>\n

Seated at the port side, Yuki looked uncomfortably at a display.<\/p>\n

\u201cDear!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat is it?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTwo objects are moving in the lower section of the ship. What are they?\u201d<\/p>\n

In front of Yuki, icons indicated two anomalous objects on a diagram of the ship, moving at about walking speed.<\/p>\n

\u201cStowaways\u2026or terrorists?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt might be a transport robot that got on by mistake,” Kitano offered. “I checked it when we left port.\u201d<\/p>\n

Kodai nodded to Kitano and Tasuke.<\/p>\n

\u201cYuki, keep your eyes on the monitor. Kitano, Tasuke, grab your Cosmoguns and follow me.\u201d<\/p>\n

The three men walked down the stairs at the rear of the bridge without a sound. According to Yuki, both objects were moving around in an equipment room in the lower deck. Tasuke opened the door in a crouch, then Kodai led the way into a dark room. Kitano followed.<\/p>\n

Kodai whispered to Yuki to turn on the lights in the equipment room. The moment the room brightened, they heard a bumping sound in the back. Kodai stepped forward decisively.<\/p>\n

\u201cWho\u2019s there? Come out!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPapy\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPapilizer? Did you get lost? Eh? Miyuki??\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cEh\u2026hehe\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

This was how Miyuki was discovered as a stowaway. She and Papilizer were taken to the bridge, where Kodai and Yuki scolded them at full blast.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat are you doing here? Do you want us to turn back?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut we\u2019ve come this far,\u201d Kitano said.<\/p>\n

Kodai was troubled by Kitano\u2019s statement. The high-speed diplomatic boat had already left Earth\u2019s atmosphere and covered most of the journey. It wasn\u2019t impossible to return, but it would be necessary to re-enter the atmosphere. If they did that, the ship would be detected by various agencies. Seeing Kodai hesitate, Miyuki went for her most serious appeal.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re looking for Captain Okita in Aquarius, aren\u2019t you? I can meet Grandpa Okita!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMiyuki. You\u2026you heard that?\u201d<\/p>\n

Miyuki admitted it, not mentioning that she eavesdropped through Papilizer.<\/p>\n

\u201cI wanted to meet my grandfather\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Kodai had lost his parents to a Planet Bomb. Whenever they talked to Miyuki about grandparents, they\u2019d also talked about Captain Okita.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhich one of you\u2026does he look like?\u201d<\/p>\n

Kodai sighed heavily and asked Yuki for her opinion.<\/p>\n

\u201cNot me. But he looks like all of us.\u201d<\/p>\n

Yuki laughed and hugged Miyuki<\/p>\n

\u201cBut Yuki,\u201d Tasuke said, \u201cwe don\u2019t have an extra space suit in case of emergency.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s right. There are only four space suits.\u201d<\/p>\n

This was space. They didn\u2019t know what kind of danger they would face. Of course, when it came down to it, Kodai resolved that as captain, he would not wear a space suit.<\/p>\n

Tasuke opened a door on the floor of the rear deck and pulled up a rack of space suits.<\/p>\n

\u201cWha-?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat is it, Tasuke?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s one in Miyuki\u2019s size.\u201d<\/p>\n

Tasuke picked up a child-size space suit and showed it to Kodai. Everyone was dumbfounded for a moment.<\/p>\n

\u201cSanada.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s too good.\u201d<\/p>\n

As Kitano and Tasuke reacted to Sanada\u2019s remarkable foresight, the ship suddenly flipped over.<\/p>\n

\u201cYAAAH!\u201d<\/p>\n

Kodai quickly caught Miyuki, who had lost her footing and was about to slam into a bulkhead. Everyone confirmed the situation immediately.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s nothing on the monitor,\u201d Yuki said.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo damage to the engine,\u201d Tasuke answered. <\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s subsided,\u201d Kitano reported from the pilot\u2019s station.<\/p>\n

\u201cGravity turbulence?\u201d<\/p>\n

Hearing Kodai\u2019s voice, the ship\u2019s AI displayed a radar image on the front panel. Tasuke stared at it.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re 1200km from Aquarius\u2019 surface. Isn\u2019t it too soon for us to be affected?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt seems not. It\u2019s a huge gravitational vortex. There hasn\u2019t been any observational data for Aquarius since the ice mass was formed.\u201d<\/p>\n

Kitano projected an analysis image on the hologram monitor. The flow of gravity surrounding the ice mass came in waves, enlarging nearby into an unnatural whirlpool. The diplomatic boat was being engulfed by it.<\/p>\n

\u201cIrregular Papy,\u201d<\/span> a surprised Papilizer expressed.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s all right. We\u2019ve got Kitano here.\u201d Kodai\u2019s words bolstered Kitano\u2019s confidence.<\/p>\n

\u201cAll right, I\u2019ll get us out of here. Miyuki, check your seatbelt.\u201d<\/p>\n

With that, Kitano went at the control panel with blinding speed.<\/p>\n

\u201cTasuke, gravitational wave canceller at maximum!\u201d<\/p>\n

Tasuke give support from the copilot\u2019s seat, but immediately responded with a dark voice.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo good\u2026it\u2019s set at maximum output, but it can\u2019t offset this gravity\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cInescapable Papy!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n


\nIllustration by Ryuji “Umegrafix” Umeno<\/em><\/p>\n

The high-speed boat swung around backward in its direction of travel. The ship was drawn increasingly toward the center of the gravity whirlpool. Kodai called out to encourage everyone.<\/p>\n

\u201cSanada built this ship. There won\u2019t be a problem if we keep our heads.\u201d<\/p>\n

Yes, there was Sanada. He didn\u2019t make careless mistakes. Miyuki expected it, too. In other words, not even an astronomical phenomenon as unique as this vortex would have escaped his assumption.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe parameters of this ship\u2019s software are insufficient Papy!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThis isn\u2019t something standard EDF software can cope with\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Kitano looked back suddenly.<\/p>\n

\u201cKodai! You might find it in the Theory Well!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s that?\u201d Kodai asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re developing special software for the military from open discussion. It\u2019s a members-only site on the EDF network. I\u2019ve been invited there before and went on several times, but the security level is high and I haven\u2019t been on lately.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve heard about that,\u201d Yuki added. \u201cIt\u2019s a closed room only for technical officers. It\u2019s a well where a theory can spring up and be extracted.\u201d<\/p>\n

Kitano tried to log into the Theory Well from his online history, but was refused access.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry, Kodai! It seems the password is regularly updated!\u201d<\/p>\n

Looking at Kitano\u2019s distraught face, Papilizer issued an electronic sound.<\/p>\n

\u201cSuch encryption can be broken in a few minutes Papy.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Everyone\u2019s eyes turned to Kodai. He closed his eyes for a moment to think. It was a delicate situation. Even if they cracked the officer study group\u2019s password and copied the data they wouldn\u2019t be regarded as hostiles, but Kodai didn\u2019t want to do something that would cost him personal clout.<\/p>\n

The ship shook again and he opened his eyes.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s an emergency. I\u2019ll explain it to the officers later. Papilizer, do it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cRoger Papy!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The Theory Well was displayed on the bridge\u2019s front panel. The datablock formed a cylinder that seemed to extend forever. The content of the data couldn\u2019t be seen from outside.<\/p>\n

A small Papilizer avatar appeared at the Theory Well\u2019s top entrance. There were two semicircular lids with a lock the same size as the avatar, and the well was tightly closed. Papilizer transformed the avatar\u2019s hand into a drill that began breaking into the lock. It was decrypting the code.<\/p>\n

\u201cPing! This is dual-sphere theory encryption. It will take time Papy.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The tip of the drill was inserted into a keyhole and started to rotate. Pieces of the processed code scattered across the screen like sparks. An icon for the security software, which looked like a sailing ship, suddenly appeared on the lock. A data anchor fired out of its bow and quickly caught Papilizer\u2019s avatar. In a moment, Kodai and the others were surprised by a message that echoed through the ship.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou are under arrest for trespassing!\u201d <\/p>\n

\n

— \uff14 —<\/div>\n

The voice was that of a woman, though she sounded more like a girl.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou seem very young,\u201d Kitano asked, \u201care you really a military official?\u201d <\/p>\n

The voice softened and Papilizer displayed it as a waveform on his head monitor.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m the admin here! But that\u2019s not important, why are you invading?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re sorry we didn\u2019t go through the formal procedure,\u201d Kodai apologized.<\/p>\n

\u201cOur ship is caught in massive gravity turbulence,\u201d Kitano explained. \u201cWe were forced to break in and search for compatible control software.\u201d<\/p>\n

But the admin\u2019s distrust only deepened at Kitano\u2019s words.<\/p>\n

\u201cCompatible ship control for gravity turbulence? Where are you people?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, as for that\u2026\u201d Kitano looked back at Kodai for guidance. Kodai wavered a moment, then shook his head. Even if she was with the military, they couldn\u2019t reveal their operation.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve heard enough, thank you.\u201d She tapped her mic to measure the time it took for the sound to return from the diplomatic boat\u2019s speaker. \u201cThe communication time lag is just under two seconds. There\u2019s no way\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

It was a simple method, but clever. It wouldn\u2019t be easy to deceive her. Kodai had been thinking about the identity behind this admin\u2019s young voice. There was no doubt that she was a technical officer or a cadet in the EDF. But he had to be careful about how he disclosed information. He made up his mind and spoke.<\/p>\n

\u201cAquarius.\u201d<\/p>\n

The girl gasped. Her mic picked up the sound.<\/p>\n

\u201cI thought that might be the case, but if it\u2019s really Aquarius, that\u2019s a restricted area! Please leave immediately!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe can\u2019t move,\u201d Tasuke said. \u201cWe\u2019re stuck in a whirlpool!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCalm down!” Kodai silenced him and spoke calmly to the girl.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re not civilians. I can\u2019t reveal my position, but know that I am one of you. I know it\u2019s difficult, but can you believe me?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s difficult\u2026but not impossible,\u201d the girl said. \u201cAs for me, I\u2019m someone who works for the defense of Earth, so I can\u2019t overlook a suspicious act. Please show yourself and I\u2019ll report to the person in charge of the appropriate airspace.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sanada would handle it if it was reported to him, but valuable time would be lost. Yuki spoke to Kodai before he could get more words out.<\/p>\n

\u201cCan I take your place? Nice to meet you, admin. Will you be telling everyone our location?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI would certainly only tell people I trust here. There are always rumors and leaks.\u201d<\/p>\n

Another big wave hit the ship and spun it around. Miyuki gave a short squeal that surprised the admin.<\/p>\n

\u201cIs there a child with you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, she stowed away.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cA stowaway? I didn\u2019t know that. Okay, I see. Let\u2019s get you through the storm first. I\u2019ll think about my report afterward.\u201d<\/p>\n

Yuki smiled reflexively. Everyone on the bridge was quietly ecstatic.<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you! We\u2019ll send you our location and weather data.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat doesn\u2019t really matter, since I\u2019m not going there. Send it to the rescue unit that\u2019s coming to save you. What I need now is your ship’s data. We have to update its software.\u201d<\/p>\n

Without speaking, Yuki gestured for Kodai to take over again. He nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cAll right. We\u2019ll send it to you right away.\u201d<\/p>\n

There would be problems later if the information was sent by Kodai, but it would significantly reduce the chance of a girl admin being held responsible. At Kodai\u2019s instructions, Papilizer transferred the files for the diplomatic boat to the Theory Well.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, I\u2019ve got it. But is it all right to show this to me? No criminals would be aboard a ship like that\u2026why do you trust me?\u201d<\/p>\n

Their ship was an older type, but someone referencing it on the military roster would immediately learn its affiliation and history. Yuki laughed.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re an excellent and sincere person. We can tell that much from our exchange so far. Have you sensed that about us?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe. I handle AI in addition to ship software integration and hull data, so don\u2019t worry. I\u2019ll get to work here.\u201d<\/p>\n

The admin cut off communications before Yuki and Kodai could thank her.<\/p>\n


\nIllustration by Ryuji “Umegrafix” Umeno<\/em><\/p>\n

In Germany, Stuttgart was sinking into the darkness of night. The lodge dormitory was wrapped in deep sleep, but the eyes of Maho Orihara shone brightly. She switched her XR glasses from Virtual Reality mode to Augmented Reality mode, reverting from her avatar in the Theory Well to her 14-year-old body in the dormitory. She took a breath. Her real identity hadn\u2019t been revealed, had it?<\/p>\n

Maho had been recently discovered using VR to hack into a military quantum computer facility, and was yelled at by the dorm manager. Now, there were few people here the day before Christmas Eve and she wanted to read a math thesis in the Theory Well. Encountering an intruder was an unexpected development. She used her AR glasses to call upon the research support AI and started updating the ship’s software.<\/p>\n

The high-speed diplomatic boat swayed wildly in the raging gravity turbulence. Those on the bridge struggled to hold their positions around Kitano in the pilot\u2019s seat. According to Papilizer\u2019s calculations, updating the ship\u2019s maneuvering software would take at least two hours, even using the military\u2019s top AI.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd she may not be able to use military AI in the Theory Well,\u201d Kitano cautioned. \u201cWe can\u2019t endure this for another two hours.\u201d<\/p>\n

Tasuke turned to check on Miyuki in the back seat. She was exhausted by gravity sickness.<\/p>\n

\u201cMiyuki, hang on Papy! What \u2014 incoming message! Incoming message!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cFrom where,\u201d Kodai asked Papilizer.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Theory Well Papy! Software is downloading into me Papy!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt hasn\u2019t even been twenty minutes.\u201d<\/p>\n

Everyone but Miyuki gathered around the front display panel where the admin\u2019s avatar floated above the Well.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m finished,\u201d she announced with a hint of pride. \u201cThis should stabilize your ship.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAmazing,\u201d Kodai beamed. \u201cIt should have taken a lot longer. Thank you for your cooperation. We\u2019ll close communication once we\u2019ve escaped.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGood luck.\u201d<\/p>\n

The ship\u2019s front display panel changed from the Well to a view of the real world. They were close to Aquarius amid countless large and small drifting ice blocks. Kodai grabbed the armrest of the captain\u2019s seat.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe can\u2019t get any closer! Yuki!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cRoger! Forming gravity protection film!\u201d<\/p>\n

Using the software upgraded by the admin, Yuki carefully layered a spherical hologram around the ship. Papilizer performed auxiliary calculations to determine the intensity of the gravity and the radius of the film. The holo-sphere wavered for a moment, then fixed itself around the ship.<\/p>\n

\u201cProtective film stable!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPapy!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The hull was now covered by an invisible gravitational membrane, and the vibration stopped at once. But they still couldn\u2019t let their guard down. The four people who had faced death many times already knew that they had to keep their heads here.<\/p>\n

\u201cOutput recovery! We\u2019ve broken through the turbulence!\u201d<\/p>\n

With that report from Tasuke, Kodai made a decision.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt will be bad for that girl, but we\u2019re going to land on Aquarius!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cRoger! Shifting to prep for landing!\u201d<\/p>\n

Kitano separated the engine blocks that protruded from the left and right sides of the diplomatic boat. Then the lower center block of the hull separated from the rear block. Connected to the main body of the ship by special wires, the four separate blocks reached a specific distance.<\/p>\n

The protective membrane could only deal with gravity. The ice chunks that had been blown around by the intense storm struck the ship and its blocks several times. The four blocks formed a tetrahedron in the shape of a pyramid with the ship\u2019s main hull fixed in the center.<\/p>\n

\u201c5,000 meters to the ice field. 2,000\u20261,000\u2026300\u2026100\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

The diplomatic boat slowly descended while maintaining the tetrahedron formation. Although some of the surface plating was damaged by the storm, Sanada\u2019s remodeling had been precise and the engine blocks weren\u2019t shaken at all.<\/p>\n

The mass of Aquarius was approaching. Kitano aimed the ship toward the center of its ice field.<\/p>\n

\u201cFixed position, firing gravity anchor!\u201d<\/p>\n

Kitano and Tasuke breathed in unison. Even after leaving Yamato<\/em>, they\u2019d both seen severe duty.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnchor position confirmed. Attached to the Aquarius ice!\u201d<\/p>\n

Kodai put his hand on Kitano\u2019s shoulder. \u201cYou\u2019re always getting better, Kitano.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt wasn\u2019t just me. This software is amazing. The 3D, three-axis correction of the ship is perfect. Papilizer did great.\u201d<\/p>\n

Papilizer responded with an electronic Papy sound. Yuki gazed at her husband. She was aiming to become a captain, and now she could clearly see what that meant. Susumu Kodai had a natural ability to lead everyone together. It was a bond that connected everyone from Yamato<\/em>. Kodai removed Miyuki\u2019s seatbelt.<\/p>\n

\u201cMiyuki, are you all right?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAhahaha!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMiyuki?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTo be honest,\u201d she said as she laughed, \u201cI was really scared.\u201d<\/p>\n

The atmosphere on the bridge lightened at once. Kodai and Yuki nodded at each other with regard to their strong young child. Kodai reopened the communication line to report to the girl in the Theory Well. Interference was becoming quite intense.<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you. We managed to escape thanks to your program.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m glad. I have to ask, where are you now that you\u2019ve passed through the turbulence?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ve arrived at Aquarius. Sorry.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI thought that\u2019s what you were going to do. What did you go there for?\u201d<\/p>\n

Kodai was at a loss, but decided to convey his purpose. Even with help, he couldn\u2019t hide the most important thing.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe have to go to Yamato<\/em>. You should know the weight of that name.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n
\n

Thanks to the anonymous help of Maho Orihara, Kodai and the others finally landed on the ice field of Aquarius. What are the two powers on Aquarius that Sanada is concerned about? As a disturbing atmosphere spreads throughout the galaxy, the search for Yamato<\/em> begins.<\/p>\n

Space Battleship Yamato Resurrection<\/em> Chapter 0: Aquarius Algorithm<\/em>, is published in the Star Blazers\/Yamato<\/em> Premium Fan Club magazine starting from Vol. 5. Chapter 1 was published online for more people to know about it. The story gets more and more exciting from here. Thank you for your support!<\/p>\n

– Katsuya Takashima & Asteroid 6\/Aquarius Algorithm<\/em> staff<\/p>\n

Bonus<\/h3>\n

Fan art by Yumatahazuki<\/a> (posted on Twitter)<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

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