OVA
Description
Dusty Attemborough is a prominent character in the narrative of the Free Planets Alliance, known for his sharp tactical mind, rebellious spirit, and unwavering loyalty. Born in 769 UC, Attemborough originally aspired to become a journalist, following in his father's footsteps. This dream was set aside due to a promise his father made to his maternal grandfather, a soldier who died in battle. To honor this vow, Attemborough was persuaded to join the military, a path he initially resisted before eventually attending the Free Planets Alliance Officer Academy, where he would meet the person who most defined his future.
Physically, Attemborough is often depicted with distinctive iron-grey hair and a face marked by freckles. His personality is a unique blend of innate rebelliousness, sharp wit, and remarkable organizational skill. He possesses a habitual defiance against authority or anything he perceives as pretentious or powerful. Reflecting this anti-authoritarian streak, he co-founded a questionable "Bad Books Club" during his academy days with his senior, Yang Wen-li, although it is noted that Attemborough was far more invested in running the club than actually reading the books. His demeanor is often lighthearted and sarcastic, and he is known for his signature phrase, "So what?", which encapsulates his dismissive attitude toward overbearing threats and conventions.
Attemborough’s motivations are deeply rooted in a sense of camaraderie and a pragmatic idealism. He is not driven by grand political ambitions but by a fierce protectiveness for his friends and a belief in a certain type of military conduct. He is considered a core embodiment of the "foppery and whim" spirit that characterized Yang Wen-li's fleet, valuing clever, adaptable tactics over rigid, suicidal obedience. This approach made him highly effective in unorthodox warfare. Perhaps his most defining relationship is with Yang Wen-li, who was his senior at the academy. As Yang’s close friend and trusted subordinate, Attemborough served as a key commander in the 13th Fleet, later known as the Iserlohn Republic Fleet. He shared a deep, mutual respect with Yang, who famously referred to him as a "student revolutionary". He also maintained strong working relationships with other key members of Yang’s staff, including Alex Cazerne and the Rosen Ritter commander, Walter von Schenkopp, often fighting alongside them in critical ground and space battles.
Attemborough’s role in the story is that of a highly capable and essential supporting commander. He distinguished himself early in his career during the disastrous Battle of Amritsar, where he took command of the shattered remnants of the 10th Fleet after the deaths of its commander and chief of staff, successfully leading a breakout and earning a promotion to Rear Admiral. As a member of the Iserlohn Garrison Fleet, he participated in all major campaigns, including the Eighth Iserlohn Battle and the "Operation Ragnarok" counter-offensive. He was instrumental in devising the strategy to recapture Iserlohn Fortress from the Empire and later proposed the "Liberation Corridor" concept, which formed the strategic basis for the Republic's resistance after the Alliance's defeat.
Throughout the series, Attemborough demonstrates significant development, transitioning from a young, rebellious officer into a mature and composed military leader. Following the death of Yang Wen-li, he put aside any personal command ambitions to support and mentor Yang's young protégé, Julian Mintz, becoming the principal military commander of the Iserlohn Republic and helping to steer it through its greatest crisis. As a tactician, Attemborough is known for his expertise in irregular warfare, particularly in hit-and-run attacks on supply lines, feigned retreats followed by counter-attacks, and masterful rearguard actions. The author notes that his true genius in tactical command shines most brightly when he is leading a broken or retreating force, making him one of the most effective officers in the alliance at salvaging a losing situation. He commanded from several flagships, most notably the Triglav and later the Masasoite.
Physically, Attemborough is often depicted with distinctive iron-grey hair and a face marked by freckles. His personality is a unique blend of innate rebelliousness, sharp wit, and remarkable organizational skill. He possesses a habitual defiance against authority or anything he perceives as pretentious or powerful. Reflecting this anti-authoritarian streak, he co-founded a questionable "Bad Books Club" during his academy days with his senior, Yang Wen-li, although it is noted that Attemborough was far more invested in running the club than actually reading the books. His demeanor is often lighthearted and sarcastic, and he is known for his signature phrase, "So what?", which encapsulates his dismissive attitude toward overbearing threats and conventions.
Attemborough’s motivations are deeply rooted in a sense of camaraderie and a pragmatic idealism. He is not driven by grand political ambitions but by a fierce protectiveness for his friends and a belief in a certain type of military conduct. He is considered a core embodiment of the "foppery and whim" spirit that characterized Yang Wen-li's fleet, valuing clever, adaptable tactics over rigid, suicidal obedience. This approach made him highly effective in unorthodox warfare. Perhaps his most defining relationship is with Yang Wen-li, who was his senior at the academy. As Yang’s close friend and trusted subordinate, Attemborough served as a key commander in the 13th Fleet, later known as the Iserlohn Republic Fleet. He shared a deep, mutual respect with Yang, who famously referred to him as a "student revolutionary". He also maintained strong working relationships with other key members of Yang’s staff, including Alex Cazerne and the Rosen Ritter commander, Walter von Schenkopp, often fighting alongside them in critical ground and space battles.
Attemborough’s role in the story is that of a highly capable and essential supporting commander. He distinguished himself early in his career during the disastrous Battle of Amritsar, where he took command of the shattered remnants of the 10th Fleet after the deaths of its commander and chief of staff, successfully leading a breakout and earning a promotion to Rear Admiral. As a member of the Iserlohn Garrison Fleet, he participated in all major campaigns, including the Eighth Iserlohn Battle and the "Operation Ragnarok" counter-offensive. He was instrumental in devising the strategy to recapture Iserlohn Fortress from the Empire and later proposed the "Liberation Corridor" concept, which formed the strategic basis for the Republic's resistance after the Alliance's defeat.
Throughout the series, Attemborough demonstrates significant development, transitioning from a young, rebellious officer into a mature and composed military leader. Following the death of Yang Wen-li, he put aside any personal command ambitions to support and mentor Yang's young protégé, Julian Mintz, becoming the principal military commander of the Iserlohn Republic and helping to steer it through its greatest crisis. As a tactician, Attemborough is known for his expertise in irregular warfare, particularly in hit-and-run attacks on supply lines, feigned retreats followed by counter-attacks, and masterful rearguard actions. The author notes that his true genius in tactical command shines most brightly when he is leading a broken or retreating force, making him one of the most effective officers in the alliance at salvaging a losing situation. He commanded from several flagships, most notably the Triglav and later the Masasoite.