Starship Operators - Season 1 (2005)

The 73rd graduating class of the Defense University is returning to planet Kibi in the combat spaceship Amaterasu, only to find that their home planet has been subdued. Left behind on the ship, the cadets make a deal with the Galaxy Network in order to fight the oppressor.

Former Kibi Prime Minister Tatsuma Mamiya boards the Amaterasu to establish the ship as a government-in-exile. However, the Amaterasu is forced to warp to neutral planet Phoenicia by enemy ships and Kibi fighters. Not long after they flee, the Kingdom warship Trafalgar challenges them to a fight.

The Kingdom leadership decides to change tactics in dealing with the Amaterasu, which they deem a renegade and pirate vessel. Amid discontent and disunity in the ship's crew, Sanri's wealthy father makes an appeal for them to turn themselves in.

The Kingdom sends the stealth vessel Aboukir to the Amaterasu with a simple message: "Surrender, or die." The Operators find themselves frantically searching the stars for the elusive vessel.

Short on supplies, the Amaterasu manages to make a deal with the Planetary Nation of Shu for replenishment. The government invites the main bridge crew to a welcome ceremony, but they are stranded when the Kingdom declares war on Shu.