OVA
Description
Eyphar Synaps is the Earth Federation Forces captain of the Pegasus-class assault carrier MSC-07 Albion, holding the rank of captain (equivalent to colonel). At 45 years of age, he is a seasoned and grizzled veteran whose demeanor is typically calm and collected, though he possesses a well-documented short-tempered side. A commanding presence with a keen tactical mind, Synaps is defined by his strong personal sense of duty and morality, often finding himself relying on his own judgment when the official chain of command fails to provide adequate support or guidance.
In the story, Synaps is initially tasked with a relatively straightforward transport mission, ferrying the prototype RX-78GP01 Zephyranthes and the nuclear-equipped RX-78GP02A Physalis to Torrington Base on Earth for gravity testing. When Zeon remnants from the Delaz Fleet, led by the ace pilot Anavel Gato, infiltrate the base and steal the GP02A, Synaps is immediately charged with the high-stakes pursuit and recovery of the stolen nuclear weapon. Throughout this mission, his primary motivation is the prevention of a catastrophic attack on Earth Federation forces and civilian populations, consistently prioritizing human life and operational success over rigid adherence to protocol. He is acutely aware that he can expect little help from the upper ranks of the Federation, as his direct superior, Vice Admiral John Cowen, is a political minority, forcing the Albion to operate with significant autonomy.
Synaps's role evolves from a dutiful officer to a pragmatic and insubordinate commander willing to risk his career for the greater good. After losing the GP01-Fb in a space battle and failing to prevent a nuclear attack on the Federation fleet at Confeito, he realizes that a devastating colony drop is the true objective of the Delaz Fleet. When the political situation shifts and Cowen loses power, Synaps receives orders not to acquire the powerful RX-78GP03 Dendrobium mobile weapons system. Seeing through the political maneuvering and understanding that his ship is the only force capable of intercepting the colony, Synaps makes the critical decision to ignore his orders and use force to seize the GP03. This act of defiance defines his leadership, as he knowingly places his crew in extreme danger to mount a last-ditch, single-ship intercept operation to stop the colony from falling. While his efforts are ultimately unsuccessful in preventing the colony's impact, they demonstrate his unwavering commitment to his principles.
In terms of key relationships, Synaps commands the loyalty and respect of the Albion crew, including his MS team leader South Burning, pilot Kou Uraki, and other officers. His relationship with his subordinate, Lieutenant Commander Tanya Chermoshanskaya, is noted for her fierce, protective attitude toward him and the rest of the crew, even if they are not always on friendly terms. He frequently clashes with other Federation officers, such as Major Nakato, over the correct course of action, highlighting the divide between frontline officers and the brass.
Developmentally, Synaps undergoes a transition from a by-the-book carrier captain to a man who openly defies the Federation hierarchy, fully aware of the personal consequences. Following the failure of Operation Stardust, his insubordination in the face of political corruption leads to his downfall. In the original OVA, it is implied he is relieved of command, while in the novelization and other supplementary materials, he is court-martialed and sentenced to death on fabricated charges of mutiny and commanding a ship for private use. This fate cements his role as a tragic figure, a capable and moral officer scapegoated by a corrupt and stagnating Federation government. Notably, it is implied that Synaps suffers from a liver-related health issue, as his personal alcohol supply is kept under medical supervision aboard the Albion. His notable abilities lie not in piloting, but in his tactical acumen, strategic leadership under extreme pressure, and his willingness to make difficult, ethically-driven command decisions in the face of institutional failure.
In the story, Synaps is initially tasked with a relatively straightforward transport mission, ferrying the prototype RX-78GP01 Zephyranthes and the nuclear-equipped RX-78GP02A Physalis to Torrington Base on Earth for gravity testing. When Zeon remnants from the Delaz Fleet, led by the ace pilot Anavel Gato, infiltrate the base and steal the GP02A, Synaps is immediately charged with the high-stakes pursuit and recovery of the stolen nuclear weapon. Throughout this mission, his primary motivation is the prevention of a catastrophic attack on Earth Federation forces and civilian populations, consistently prioritizing human life and operational success over rigid adherence to protocol. He is acutely aware that he can expect little help from the upper ranks of the Federation, as his direct superior, Vice Admiral John Cowen, is a political minority, forcing the Albion to operate with significant autonomy.
Synaps's role evolves from a dutiful officer to a pragmatic and insubordinate commander willing to risk his career for the greater good. After losing the GP01-Fb in a space battle and failing to prevent a nuclear attack on the Federation fleet at Confeito, he realizes that a devastating colony drop is the true objective of the Delaz Fleet. When the political situation shifts and Cowen loses power, Synaps receives orders not to acquire the powerful RX-78GP03 Dendrobium mobile weapons system. Seeing through the political maneuvering and understanding that his ship is the only force capable of intercepting the colony, Synaps makes the critical decision to ignore his orders and use force to seize the GP03. This act of defiance defines his leadership, as he knowingly places his crew in extreme danger to mount a last-ditch, single-ship intercept operation to stop the colony from falling. While his efforts are ultimately unsuccessful in preventing the colony's impact, they demonstrate his unwavering commitment to his principles.
In terms of key relationships, Synaps commands the loyalty and respect of the Albion crew, including his MS team leader South Burning, pilot Kou Uraki, and other officers. His relationship with his subordinate, Lieutenant Commander Tanya Chermoshanskaya, is noted for her fierce, protective attitude toward him and the rest of the crew, even if they are not always on friendly terms. He frequently clashes with other Federation officers, such as Major Nakato, over the correct course of action, highlighting the divide between frontline officers and the brass.
Developmentally, Synaps undergoes a transition from a by-the-book carrier captain to a man who openly defies the Federation hierarchy, fully aware of the personal consequences. Following the failure of Operation Stardust, his insubordination in the face of political corruption leads to his downfall. In the original OVA, it is implied he is relieved of command, while in the novelization and other supplementary materials, he is court-martialed and sentenced to death on fabricated charges of mutiny and commanding a ship for private use. This fate cements his role as a tragic figure, a capable and moral officer scapegoated by a corrupt and stagnating Federation government. Notably, it is implied that Synaps suffers from a liver-related health issue, as his personal alcohol supply is kept under medical supervision aboard the Albion. His notable abilities lie not in piloting, but in his tactical acumen, strategic leadership under extreme pressure, and his willingness to make difficult, ethically-driven command decisions in the face of institutional failure.