Okita's read his Sun Tzu -- "on death ground," indeed. That's one way to make up their schedule slippage. Although no one seems to be asking the obvious question: if they've blown up the gate, which appears to be the only fast way to get to the LMC, how are they going to get back in time?
The Yamato is triggering revolts all over Gamilas space? That's... interesting, and not very much touched upon. Of course, the Empire seems nearly note-perfect for a police state ruled by fear... and right on the edge of coming apart at the seams. Also, notice how Dessler is using the one-and-only "submarine" as his personal flagship/transport?
Domel is interesting in this sequence. During planning he's calm, collected, dispassionate -- the very model of a modern Belisarius. But... put him in the field, head-to-head with a worthy foe, and suddenly he turns into the freakin' Wolfman (look at that grin!). This is a man who loaves a good fight, but is too professional to indulge until he's seen to it that he can afford to do so -- he's read his own equivalent of Sun Tzu as well, especially the part about "making our position unassailable." It's important to note that the Yamato only escapes b/c of outside intervention -- the Laws of Drama require that Domel Returns. Of course, his return may not be to Dessler's benefit -- if the "back from the dead" Emperor doesn't make sure that Domel's wife comes back intact from her sojourn in political prison, Domel may turn from Belisarius to Ceasar -- I'd bet Domel would tolerate being hung out to dry himself, but his wife is another matter. There's only so much injustice an honest man can take, in a snake pit like the Capitol, before he decides to clean house... with extreme prejudice.
The Yamato is triggering revolts all over Gamilas space? That's... interesting, and not very much touched upon. Of course, the Empire seems nearly note-perfect for a police state ruled by fear... and right on the edge of coming apart at the seams. Also, notice how Dessler is using the one-and-only "submarine" as his personal flagship/transport?
Domel is interesting in this sequence. During planning he's calm, collected, dispassionate -- the very model of a modern Belisarius. But... put him in the field, head-to-head with a worthy foe, and suddenly he turns into the freakin' Wolfman (look at that grin!). This is a man who loaves a good fight, but is too professional to indulge until he's seen to it that he can afford to do so -- he's read his own equivalent of Sun Tzu as well, especially the part about "making our position unassailable." It's important to note that the Yamato only escapes b/c of outside intervention -- the Laws of Drama require that Domel Returns. Of course, his return may not be to Dessler's benefit -- if the "back from the dead" Emperor doesn't make sure that Domel's wife comes back intact from her sojourn in political prison, Domel may turn from Belisarius to Ceasar -- I'd bet Domel would tolerate being hung out to dry himself, but his wife is another matter. There's only so much injustice an honest man can take, in a snake pit like the Capitol, before he decides to clean house... with extreme prejudice.