Ernst Zimmerman (エルンスト・ツィマーマン, Erunsuto Tsimāman?) is a secondary supporting character in the 86 -Eighty Six- series introduced in Run Through the Battlefront.
Ernst is the interim president of the Federal Republic of Giad. He was a former imperial general disillusioned by the Giadian Empire's policies. He led the revolutionary forces to victory against the Empire, becoming the first president of the Federacy. He is also the adopted father of Frederica Rosenfort and the five survivors of the Spearhead Squadron.
Appearance[]
Ernst is a middle-aged man who has the ink-black hair and eyes of a Jet, though his hair has begun to turn gray due to aging. He wears a pair of silver-rimmed glasses and sports a straight moustache. His physique is slender, giving him a scholarly air rather than the air of a military man.[2]
During the Morpho Elimination, Ernst wore the standard Federacy panzer jacket uniform, his shoulders adorned with unique rank slides that denoted his position as the commander-in-chief of the Federacy.
Personality[]
Ernst is a staunch idealist in upholding the goodwill of humanity, believing that mankind should rather go extinct if it has to get rid of those alien to them, especially children. He is often likened to a fire-breathing dragon, steadfast in protecting his ideals and willing to destroy anything, even mankind, if his ideals of a benevolent humanity are not achieved.
However, that is only his presidential persona. At home, he is laid back old man trying to play the role of a father. In his own words, he is attempting to compensate for a family he had lost, first by adopting Frederica and employing Teresa, then later adopting the survivors of Spearhead.
Background[]
Ernst's history is largely unknown other than that he was married and had a family. Ernst was also a general of the Giadian Empire. However, he became disillusioned by its policies and led a revolution that toppled the empire.[5] During the tail end of the Siege of Rosenfort, Ernst faked the death of Augusta Frederica Adel-Adler, the last surviving member of the Giadian monarchy, and took her under his care.
After the revolution, Ernst became the first and interim president of the Federal Republic of Giad. Despite the support from citizens, his success in overthrowing the empire and subsequent presidency could happen only because of the backing from the Onyx families since he was Jet, a serf class within the Giad.[6]
Chronology[]
Abilities[]
As a former general of the Giadian Empire as well as the president of the Federacy, he has shown remarkable leadership skills as well as being able to inspire and intimidate anyone who is under him.
Relationships[]
Frederica Rosenfort[]
Ernst is Frederica's legal guardian. He faked her death following the end of the revolution and adopted her as his daughter.[7] Frederica doesn't really see him as much of a father, referring to him as a mere paper pusher and a lowly bureaucrat. Nevertheless, she respects him as the head of government, believing that his revolution was necessary. Ernst also does not shy away to scold her if she’s being rude when she asked about Shin’s scar as well as punishing her for sneaking away to the battlefield with Nordlicht Squadron. However, Ernst always makes sure that his punishments will teach her well, as she had to do her arithmetic drills.[8]
Teresa[]
Teresa is Ernst's maid, taking care of the house and Frederica while Ernst is away. She is the spitting image of Ernst's wife, implying they may be sisters.[2] Despite that, Ernst notes that he does not feel any attraction towards her.[2]
Spearhead Squadron[]
Quotes[]
"'Come back alive, All of you'" ― -Ernst Zimmerman to his adopted sons and daughters of Spearhead squadron as they embark to the battlefield
"'If we have to kill children because they’re unfamiliar to us… Because of a one in a million chance they might be a threat… If that’s what humankind has to do to survive, then we deserve to be wiped out.'" ― Ernst to the Spearhead Squadron[source]
"'Attention, comrades! The Western Theatre Forces will begin an all-out march into Legion-held territory. This battle will determine not only the fate of the Federal Republic of Giad, but also those of the United Kingdom of Roa Gracia, the Alliance of Wald, and the other nations whose cries for help we haven't even heard yet! This is the greatest operation in the history of mankind. You are the mighty shield that defends your homeland, and the sharp sword that cuts open a future for humanity! We will be a symbol of justice for the world! Keep our successful battles close to your heart and advance, bravely, valiantly!'" ― To his troops during the MORPHO Elimination operation[source]
"'You allowed me to become President, and now you must live with the consequences! if you insist the only way we can survive is an unethical one, then you’ll have to die here along with my ideals.'" ― To his military staff, when an officer suggested to abandoned the soldiers sent in enemy territory after they’ve lost contact with them
Trivia[]
- Ernst can be considered a foil to Jérôme Karlstahl. Both men were high-ranking officers who became disillusioned at their country's policies. Unlike Jérôme, however, Ernst refused to abandon his ideal and overthrew his country to realize it.
- His associated perfume in the All-Star Perfume Battle is basil.
Gallery[]
