“You are either with us, or against us”
A quote that has been uttered countless times in mankind’s history, all the way from the Bible to George Bush’s anti-terrorism campaign. And now we see it again, here in the Alliance’s war room.
As previously predicted, this episode serves as a start to a new battle arc, and the stakes could not possibly be any higher. 30+ million soldiers in the Alliance? 25 BILLION civilians under Empire rule? A bloodshed of biblical proportions is on the horizon, and both sides are now fighting for their very existence.
The episode starts with another moral twist, as a seemingly sharp-tongued politician gets his opinions turned 180 degrees by Yang and his squad of soldiers. More proof that people of power can change, and change for the better.
Anyway, as he arrives at his council meeting, we see argumentative back-and-forths, as the decision to invade is being debated. One thing to notice are the different aspects of the Alliance’s society that are pouring into this conflict, as it’s become apparent now (more so than before) that this is a true total war, where money, people and resources are being sent from all over the galaxy for the war effort. We really only think of situations like this one (at least in anime) as somehow separated from the realistic notions of organized conflict, but in fact, it’s being discussed here in length, which gives the war that extra push in severity and intensity that truly raises it into an uncanny similitude to the conflicts of modern times.
During this roundtable, we also touch upon economic inflation and collapse, one that is very close to heart for myself personally, as I am a Venezuelan that has had to leave the country due to the same concerns pressuring the politicians in the Alliance. The printing of more paper money does nothing but lower the value of that country’s currency, and when an economy is already being pushed to it’s limit due to the costs of war, a single degree of influx could cause inconceivable and irreparable consequences for the country in question. Knowing first hand the effects of inflation and misused money, it’s terrifying to imagine the scale of this issue when seen in a power as big as the Alliance, potentially spawning entire planets and solar systems. Will this be the case for the future of the show? It’s very possible, and honestly, as frightening as the idea is, I want to see the extent of the destruction it might cause on a society as expansive as the Alliance. What do I say, my curiosity wins over my concern.
But, as much as war has been a detriment on the lives of everyone, the decision to push forward and invade the Empire has been agreed upon, potentially sacrificing the lives of millions and millions of people, all with experiences, goals, and dreams, all for the sake of political empowerment and a deeply flawed, assumptive, and irrational sense of patriotism, pride and most importantly, greed. Once again, the higher ups in their ivory towers stare down at the public, grinning from ear to ear, spouting polished speeches and forcing the fight on the youth, promising honor and glory in their return, yet knowing that most will not return at all. The idea of a peaceful treaty gets thrown again, and frankly, it does turn some heads and provide argument, but ultimately it loses once again, as the Alliance thrusts full force into the annals of war, just as the Empire does the same.
Speaking of which, Phezzan has shown up again to prove once and for all that, no, it is not a neutral nation, and in fact (as I fucking predicted 5 episodes ago) they are heavily changing the course of the war, as now, the Alliance has lost it’s element of surprise, and the upcoming battle looks more stalemated than ever before. Also, on a quick side note, Phezzan being a feudal nation, yet still having clothes and technology surpassing the 1970s is honestly fascinating and a little shocking, since it’s such a confusing visual.
Then we get introduced to our next insane cultist patriot, Commodore Fork. His plethora of aggressive and powerful sentences are a treat to listen to, but speak of the darker, much more inhumane (or in this case, more humane?) depths of the feeble, infinitely malleable brain we all possess. His “tactical plan” didn’t have much of a tactic at all, the explanation of it’s strategy pretty much boiling down to pushing hard, striking forward, and “invade deep into Imperial territory”. How he managed to reach a rank high enough to even suggest ideas to those in control is a miracle, and now that he has this degree of influence over the decisions made by the more psychologically sound, intelligent members of the armed forces, the future isn’t looking too bright for the Alliance.
Finally, on the other front completely, Reinhard prepares to defend his nation, also brimming with megalomaniacal figureheads and manipulative schemers, with millions of people behind him.
Perhaps Yang the Magician can pull off another miracle here? Or will he fall from the height that his namesake has entrusted upon him?
Shit has just hit the fan, and it’s going to be a doozy.
The Spiral of Madness 