OVA
Description
Bernhard von Schneider loyally served as adjutant and close confidant to High Admiral Willibald Joachim von Merkatz. His first documented service under Merkatz was as a lieutenant during the Battle of Astarte in 796 UC.
During the Imperial Civil War, then-Lieutenant Commander Schneider remained with Admiral Merkatz at Geiersburg Fortress as part of the Lippstadt League forces opposing Reinhard von Lohengramm. He witnessed the League’s sole victory at Schann-tau and observed the internal struggles and strategic errors that led to its eventual defeat. Following the nuclear attack on Westerland and the League’s collapse, Admiral Merkatz prepared to commit suicide to honor his oath to the Goldenbaum Dynasty. Schneider intervened, convincing Merkatz his sidearm was unloaded—though it remained loaded—and persuaded him to seek asylum with their former enemy, Yang Wen-li of the Free Planets Alliance, at Iserlohn Fortress.
After defecting, Schneider passionately defended Merkatz’s honor before Yang Wen-li and his staff, securing the admiral’s treatment as a respected guest and a position equivalent to vice admiral in the Iserlohn Garrison Fleet. Schneider continued as Merkatz’s primary aide and counselor.
When the Galactic Empire Legitimate Government formed in exile on Heinessen in 798 UC, Merkatz was appointed Minister of Military Affairs and Schneider was promoted to commander. Schneider held a pragmatic view of the government-in-exile, noting to Julian Mintz its lack of real military power and the emptiness of Merkatz’s title. He accompanied Merkatz from Iserlohn to Heinessen as part of its seven-person military contingent.
Schneider fought alongside Merkatz in major late-war engagements, including the Yang Fleet’s raids during Operation Ragnarök and the Battle of Vermillion. After the Alliance’s surrender, he joined the resistance based at the Dayan Khan asteroid, participating in raids to secure ships and personnel.
He was present at the reclamation of Iserlohn Fortress and the formation of the Iserlohn Republic. Schneider served faithfully until Admiral Merkatz’s death aboard the flagship Hyperion during the Battle of Shiva in 801 UC. He stood on the bridge when Merkatz was mortally wounded by attacks from the Black Lancers fleet.
After the ceasefire, Schneider received an Imperial pardon. His final act was to discuss with Julian Mintz his intent to return to the Empire and repatriate Merkatz’s remains to his family, fulfilling his last duty to his superior.
Throughout his service, Schneider was defined by unwavering loyalty to Admiral Merkatz rather than political ideology, providing steadfast assistance from their Imperial Navy service through their time in the Alliance and the Iserlohn Republic.
During the Imperial Civil War, then-Lieutenant Commander Schneider remained with Admiral Merkatz at Geiersburg Fortress as part of the Lippstadt League forces opposing Reinhard von Lohengramm. He witnessed the League’s sole victory at Schann-tau and observed the internal struggles and strategic errors that led to its eventual defeat. Following the nuclear attack on Westerland and the League’s collapse, Admiral Merkatz prepared to commit suicide to honor his oath to the Goldenbaum Dynasty. Schneider intervened, convincing Merkatz his sidearm was unloaded—though it remained loaded—and persuaded him to seek asylum with their former enemy, Yang Wen-li of the Free Planets Alliance, at Iserlohn Fortress.
After defecting, Schneider passionately defended Merkatz’s honor before Yang Wen-li and his staff, securing the admiral’s treatment as a respected guest and a position equivalent to vice admiral in the Iserlohn Garrison Fleet. Schneider continued as Merkatz’s primary aide and counselor.
When the Galactic Empire Legitimate Government formed in exile on Heinessen in 798 UC, Merkatz was appointed Minister of Military Affairs and Schneider was promoted to commander. Schneider held a pragmatic view of the government-in-exile, noting to Julian Mintz its lack of real military power and the emptiness of Merkatz’s title. He accompanied Merkatz from Iserlohn to Heinessen as part of its seven-person military contingent.
Schneider fought alongside Merkatz in major late-war engagements, including the Yang Fleet’s raids during Operation Ragnarök and the Battle of Vermillion. After the Alliance’s surrender, he joined the resistance based at the Dayan Khan asteroid, participating in raids to secure ships and personnel.
He was present at the reclamation of Iserlohn Fortress and the formation of the Iserlohn Republic. Schneider served faithfully until Admiral Merkatz’s death aboard the flagship Hyperion during the Battle of Shiva in 801 UC. He stood on the bridge when Merkatz was mortally wounded by attacks from the Black Lancers fleet.
After the ceasefire, Schneider received an Imperial pardon. His final act was to discuss with Julian Mintz his intent to return to the Empire and repatriate Merkatz’s remains to his family, fulfilling his last duty to his superior.
Throughout his service, Schneider was defined by unwavering loyalty to Admiral Merkatz rather than political ideology, providing steadfast assistance from their Imperial Navy service through their time in the Alliance and the Iserlohn Republic.