Author's Notes: I do not own any of the used works.
Legend of the Galactic Heroes is written by Tanaka Yoshiki. Super Robot Wars belongs to Banpresto.
In case you may have noticed, I decided to move it from the crossover section as SRW is already one in itself.
…
Civilization. History. Progress. Conflict.
If all were to explore each word, they'd come to a realization that all of these are linked to one another. And that humanity is the bridge that unites all four terms.
As human civilization grew, it initiated a recording of human history, how it progresses and how it changes and destroys itself through conflict.
History is a universal demonstration of cause and effect, showing how past civilizations fall and today's civilizations arose. How progress is changed regarding perspective and scale. And how it all begins with a source of conflict.
Progress regularly follows alongside civilization. Some eras of history bring great progress while others do not. These periods of stagnation shift from one period of conflict to another.
Conflict becomes the driving force of civilization. Looking back to history, no one would disagree. If progress were ever created, few would not say that the source was conflict.
Of course, the achievements and atrocities of humanity can never be credited to mankind as a whole. Throughout civilization, many humans wished to make a change to the world. These people carried forth grand ambitions to change history, to bring great progress. However, very few survived through the flames of conflict, along with the waves of time and changes in perspectives and values.
Nonetheless, there are those who survived these ordeals and became idols in civilization, figures of history, symbols of progress, and masters of conflict. Through their deeds, they leave a scarring mark that alters not only humanity but the universe itself for all eternity.
These people are known as "Heroes."
Like each civilization, not every age is limited to just one Hero. Countless Heroes and their auditioners always came together to prove themselves. They don't tend to stay on the same sides, rather divided into multiple sides with similar, but individually different ambitions. An era where all these Heroes collide becomes known as a "Legend."
Now, another conflict has emerged that expands to the vastness of the universe. While many eyes watch over and participate, two great powers become the primary source of conflict in this era.
On one side, the autocratic nation of the Galactic Empire was established on the ideals of order and civility. The other is the democratic government of the Free Planets Alliance, based on freedom and justice. These conflicting ideals have made war inevitable, and the flames of vitality are steadily rising. Just like all eras before it, countless men of the two powers become pulled into a war that spreads across the galaxy and beyond.
Thus sparks of a new Legend of Heroes.
…
Super Robot Wars Duel
Imperial Story
Prologue
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Space Year 794, Imperial Year 485, December
Galactic Empire, Planet Odin, Ministry of War
The date was close to the end of the Imperial Year 485.
On the planet of Odin, a matter made the year special for the Galactic Empire. Within the large complex that was the Ministry of War, three high ranking staff members were coming together to discuss the celebration.
If one were to describe the Empire's uniforms, all would start with having black, latex outfits composed of pants, boots, a long sleeve shirt, and belt. Officers, starting from Warrant Officers, would have separate round epaulets descending from the neck and up to the shoulders. The more notable feature would be separate chest plates of silver and gray with a cane or W-shaped flourish. Senior Officers such as admirals would have thick lines for rank markings on a chest plate and epaulets in a similar fashion. But the highest officers, the Fleet Admirals would have separate, blocky epaulets on the shoulders with gold colors and think fringes. However, these were reserved for those eligible for the title such as the elected cabinets and their superiors.
All three officers were Fleet Admirals and therefore wore the same kind of decorated uniforms. They gathered today at a square table for a major event.
"So just for embellishing the 30th anniversary of His Majesty's ascension to the throne, you want us to launch a large-scale military expedition into rebel space?"
Fleet Admiral Steinhof was the first to object to the matter. He was a man with more weight than the other two members and very short brown hair.
"I know that he's been active in military affairs over the recent years, but his work in domestic relations are almost nonexistent."
"Besides Chief Commander, the Rebel Fleets are already launching continuous attacks against our forces."
Fleet Admiral Ehrenberg also objected, being the oldest of the group. He sat to the left of Steinhof, having white hair that was a little longer. He had a mustache, a monocle for his right eye, and a soul patch below the chin.
Both Admirals were talking to Gregor von Muckenberger, who sat opposite of Steinhof. He appeared to be the same age as Steinhof if not a little older. Apart from his combed, light brown hair, he had smooth sideburns and thick eyebrows.
Muckenberger sat quietly with his arms crossed on the table as he listened to the feedback coming from his proposal.
"Iserlohn Fortress was attacked for the sixth time."
"We repelled them there," Muckenberger spoke. "And before then, we went as far as destroying a front base in the Vanfleet System."
"But we nearly lost the fortress in the attack before that. Let's also not forget the devastating loss around that time, when we confronted them in the Arlesheim System." Muckenberger was unphased by Ehrenberg counterarguments, which prompted him to continue. "Fleet Admiral Muckenberger, you are not receiving any blame for we are all responsible for victories and defeats. But if we want to make this a true celebration, we have to deal divine punishment to the rebels and make some progress in the war. There's nothing else required other than that."
Steinhof nodded in agreement. Muckenberger grumbled, but not because he was stubborn. Personally, he had his complaints, but it wasn't like he could reverse the decision. He could understand why His Majesty, the Kaiser approved the course of action. But besides that, the perceived goals desired by the Fleet Admirals were different.
"However," Muckenberger added into the conversation. "There is more than just a little expedition into Alliance territory. His Majesty also decided to invite some special guests to serve onto the front line."
"Reinhard von Musel," Steinhof had to guess.
"Didn't His Majesty promote him to Vice Admiral not so long ago?" Ehrenberg had the same person in question.
Unlike many of the soldiers, the top brass of the Imperial Navy had limited knowledge of Reinhard. Over the recent years, his series of victories have been minor, which would accumulate to his path towards promotion to Vice Admiral. Before then, he had known for other significant achievements, which Muckenberger recognized. Commanding the garrison during in the Sixth Battle of Iserlohn, he knew of Reinhard's bright, if somewhat unusual tactics. During the Alliance invasion, Reinhard disobeyed orders and or played around them in particular fashion. While this would be a grave offense of insubordination, his quick thinking resulted in more major blows against the rebel forces. Those successes made Reinhard's benefits outweighed the losses, even though it ticked off Muckenberger some.
But those closer to Imperial politics would've known and despised him for a different reason. Reinhard von Musel was from the lowest class of the nobility, also known as the Imperial Knights. While these accumulated during the development of the high nobility, they never had any particular privileges or positions of power. The existence of this class was to be an honorary status thanks to cooperation with former officials of the Galactic Empire. A development of such a class was treated as a nuisance, and the real nobles looked down on them like they did the commoners.
Those who knew Reinhard learned his name because of his older sister, Annerose von Grunewald. To the high nobles, she was a gorgeous woman to come from a detested class that they encouraged the Kaiser to take her in as a consort. With a large sum of money, he did just that, which sealed the rocky relationship between Reinhard and the high nobles. His quick promotions from the Kaiser for his achievements in the war were also seen as a political ploy. Although hostility between the nobility and Reinhard was evident, there were never any open conflicts save a few unlucky ones who were too impatient.
A combination of the three earned the man disdain and admiration from those who knew him. But while Muckenberger shared the same resentment as the nobility, it was not to the same degree. Nonetheless, it was a chance to test more of his prowess.
However, that was not the only person he had in mind.
"Yes, this marks another battle for the brat. But I'm talking about another so-called brat who just enlisted into the military."
"Siegrun von Munich," Ehrenberg gave the name.
"Siegrun?" Steinhof was the only one to be surprised by the name as if this was new information to him. "But hasn't she already been rejected and incarcerated?"
"His Majesty already gave her full clearance of charges and access to military service," Ehrenberg enlightened the topic as one of the only few people who knew. "The order was enacted two days ago."
"We can not overturn his decisions," Muckenberger spoke as if he already accepted the decision, unlike the questioning Steinhof.
"But besides her gender, her personality doesn't match military standards, let alone Imperial decency. What would allow her to take such an honorary role in our military forces?"
"From what we gather under the Kaiser's words, she'll be operating the Empire's secret prototype from Imperial R&D."
Muckenberger gave them the name.
"Ausf Null Gierskogul."
"G-Gierskogul?" Steinhof as he heard the name.
"Yes," Ehrenberg confirmed. "The humanoid weapons platform for the experimental 'Light Reactor.'"
"Apparently," Muckenberger explained with a mixture of puzzlement and humor. "After further investigation, we traced its origins back to the Munich family and collaborating corporations headquartered at Phezzan. When we received the technology, it already had a computer installed with biometrical data in the registery. The imprinted data matched DNA scanning and imprints on the user's left arm, which all match closest to the members of the Munich family. However, there have only been three known members in the Munich family at the time. The father lost his left arm in the war, and the mother had scarring burns thanks to a fire accident. Neither of them fit well with the registry test. Therefore, the only one who could fully activate the machine was…."
"Siegrun von Munich," Steinhof repeated the name.
"Unfortunately for her," Muckenberger continued. "The woman doesn't know about the weapon's past, nor does she know that it's been entrusted to her. All we've given her were simple instructioons for how to use the machine when she goes into battle."
"But-"
"I know it sounds like a waste of resources. I admit it myself. However, consider this test for her as well as that brat. We are all aware how unusual she gets through things. But now, we shall see if her immediate survival until now was either all Loki's trickery or a real blessing from the Valkyries themselves."
The other two Admirals remained silent. The feeling of unease came more from just the unexpected situation regarding the most promising weapon designed by the military. They all then share a sense of humor and fear; it'll be a waste if it was destroyed, but it's survival ensured to bring even greater changes.
And to the shared fear and paranoia for the rest of the Imperial high-class, the change was sure to come.
Unknown Location
At a concealed location, a silhouetted figure stood at the top of an elevated, isolated platform. Below was pitch black darkness that was consuming specks of light into its center. Above was the origin, a bright light that sprinkled specs of itself while emitting a blue-green glow.
Aside from the sounds of vacuum coming from the interaction of both forces, the room remained disturbed until now. Some footsteps were heard, another being ascended the platform that provoked the attention of the first. Unlike it, who was human but wore hoods to prevent accurate identification, the newcomer was clearly a well-built female with long hair. The unknown resident prompted the woman to speak.
"Doctor, it is time."
"Very well," the first figure spoke in an elderly man's tone. "We have no choice then. Let us begin."
Author's Notes: So, yet again, another big project that's on my list. Fortunately, it fits with the stories I'm used to writing or reading, so it should be easier than most stories. However, the work that sparked this project is Super Robot Wars, or more notably the recent V game. Being the first time to feature a non-mecha space opera series, it paved the way to do something similar with another legendary piece of artwork. Some may come to enjoy seeing the series interweave with various mecha shows; others may find it disgraceful.
Nonetheless, I want to design Duel to be more than just multiple plotlines coming together as one like in most series. While that's the case, there'll be some significant adjustments that are unorthodox, yet does its best to remain faithful to their themes and elements. One of which is dividing the story into two perspectives, one for the combined, original and allied cast of the Galactic Empire and the other for the Free Planets Alliance. Of course, this tells the story of Super Robot Wars Duel on the Imperial side, and there'll be a point where the rails split in two directions. The other is described as an alternate timeline courtesy of the cast in the Alliance. Unfortunately, it'll be a while before the Alliance gets their part of the story, but the Empire is certainly the first to follow if you plan to learn LoGH's story from beginning to end.
Nonetheless, I hope this was an enjoyable read. Hopefully, if I get the energy, the next story shall come up soon.
