Mr. Zone
A former Solar Federation spacecraft designer, Mr. Zone lost his job when Harlock, then a Federation captain, declared that his ship designs didn’t offer adequate protection for the crew. Zone’s career as an engineer died, and ever since he’s sought an opportunity to give Harlock a little payback. After earth was conquered by the Illumidas, Zone saw his chance and offered earth’s new rulers his services as a hired gun and spaceship designer. With his help, the Illumidas create better fighting vessels with which to combat the pirate, though secretly Zone also wishes to see the earth free of the Illumidas, as well.
Early on, Zone comes into radio contact with the Queen of Arcadia, though he does not realize who she is. Gradually the two form an alliance, though it falters when she begins to suspect Zone’s duplicitous nature. When Zone returns to earth bearing her gift, the fire of St. Aqule, he uses it to eradicate the Illumidas Occupation Force before turning his attention back to his old nemesis. Harlock appeals to Zone’s better nature on behalf of the beleaguered earth, and Zone saves Harlock from Vice-Commander Garron during the final battle, possibly deliberately, possibly by accident.
