Chapter 01: Choice and Consequence
"July 4, 1831 of the Imperial Calender, Washington's Rebellion, everyone loves to impress upon the world how important that year was for Britannia. Frankly, it was a deserved defeat. The Britannian Empire–The old Britannia had tried to do through backroom dealings what they could not do through right of conquest. The failure to prevent the thirteen colonies from declaring their independence was the first thing to expose how rotten the Britannian Empire of Old had become. The second thing involved the enormous infighting that destroyed any sense of cohesion among the Imperial Navy. Vice Admiral Nelson's death at Cape Trafalgar had proven to be one of the worst things that had ever befallen Britannia. For his part, Napoleon Bonaparte jumped eagerly when the opportunity presented itself. The Humiliation of Edinburgh was Britannia's second deserved defeat. Thankfully, we are a capable lot and have learned quite well from our past defeats." – Oswald Mosley, Britannian Minister of War, December 7, 1996 a.t.b.
"What no one will tell you is that the Britannian propaganda machine has only half of it right. While yes, Britannians were outraged that the colonies didn't want to contribute to the well being of their empire (by way of paying taxes). It certainly wasn't an unreasonable demand. Emperor Henry tu Britannia sought to create uniformity in the tax code to bring the colonies' taxes in line with the homeland. Yet, it had astounded him that the Continental Congress had sent him a copy of the Declaration of Independence. Perhaps the greatest tragedy here is that the Emperor himself was of the same mindset as the Continental Congress. Desiring reform and trying to rule through enlightenment. Yet, American propaganda regards him as an unyielding tyrant. Frankly, if they were fighting Emperor Charles zi Britannia, the Americans would yearn for the days of Emperor Henry." – Joseph Goebbels, President of the European Union, September 11, 2015 a.t.b.
Home of Benjamin Franklin
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
September 27, 1831 a.t.b.
Benjamin Franklin was quietly going over the materials he had packed for his voyage to Paris. The United States of America, a nation not recognized internationally, had come into being. The significance of a successful rebellion would send a tremendous message to the European powers. That people could decide for themselves how to be governed. He looked up at the blue flag gracing his home, a blue flag with a cross of red, white, and gold and a lion and serpent intertwined upon a crowned shield and shook his head. The Britannian Empire was a colossal power in the modern world. Its navy remained unchallenged at sea and her armies remained vast and disciplined. Oh the Britannian tabloids loved to detail just how much more disciplined their regulars were over the various militias or even the Continental Congress itself. To an extent this was true. Many European powers whether it was the Spanish, the Dutch, or the French had wanted an excuse to blacken Britannia's eyes so to speak. That was where many of the Continental Congress' delegation came in, the mission was simple: Secure an alliance with the French to acquire reinforcements and supplies.
King Louis XVI of France had seen potential in the Continental Congress when he had sent the Marquis de Lafayette to assist General Washington and his men. While news had been rather scarce, the faith in the Continentals had been on the ascendancy due to success in taking Fort Ticonderoga one year prior. Franklin could only smirk at the implications of Major General Benedict Arnold's success. It remained a profound testament that General Washington sought to formally recognize Arnold's accomplishments in light of the death of Major General Horatio Gates. Arnold had stepped up to take command of a desperate situation and while he was forced to withdraw from Quebec, he was lauded for his valor in taking and holding the fort. Yet, this success was not enough for the French King to commit more than his token support to the Continental Congress. Either diplomacy was needed or they needed a major victory to secure such a boon.
A knock on the door perplexed Franklin as he began quietly placing his documents within carefully placed books. He then walked over to his door and opened it. Nothing could have prepared him for the person that stood before him, Edward Finlay, the Duke of Britannia. Franklin swallowed hard, "Lord Finlay, to what do I owe the pleasure of your visit?" He asked cautiously.
Finlay smiled grimly, "Business I'm afraid," He looked at his guards, "Wait outside. What I have to say, is for Mister Franklin's ears only." When the door was shut, Finlay merely stepped over to a table, "Please, let us sit and discuss some rather unpleasant business."
Franklin sat down looking at Duke Finlay with a sense of apprehension, "What kind of… unpleasant business is it you wished to discuss?" He asked warily. He poured the Duke and himself each a cup of tea. Surely it wasn't…
"It's been noted by many back home that the Continental Congress has appointed numerous delegates to seek the assistance of the French King." Finlay began, sipping the tea, "Ah. Excellent brew, Mister Franklin." Finlay smiled. To Franklin's credit, he was remarkably calm save for a slight hesitation, "His Imperial Majesty wishes for that to simply… not happen."
Franklin kept his features schooled, "Obvious reasons aside, assuming that I know anything, what would the point of delaying or simply ceasing any delegation to King Louis of France be, exactly? We're not exactly favored by His Imperial Majesty because we raised the banner of rebellion."
Finlay chuckled, "But that's where you're wrong. Emperor Henry wishes only for commerce with the colonies. We would wish to put this unfortunate business to rest so that we may focus on the jackals in Europe that seek to take advantage of this chaos." Franklin nodded, though he looked skeptical, "His Majesty is fully prepared to offer a reward as well," The bespectacled man's eyes widened at that, "We would name the delegation with titles of nobility. The head of the delegation in particular would be granted the title of Earl of Warwick."
"And the Continental Congress…?" Franklin asked slowly. He couldn't very well comprehend why the Emperor was being so magnanimous all of a sudden.
"I'm afraid that their fates are sealed." Finlay admitted, "It's one thing to make grievances against the Crown, it's another entirely to raise the banner of rebellion."
There was the catch. Nobility appealed to Franklin in some aspects, lands and titles were everything even among the Continental Congress, those who held land were considered to be of greater importance than others. Was it worth it though to betray everything that he stood for? Everything he believed? The portly scientist's frown preceded the uncomfortable silence that had befallen the room. He looked to the Duke of Britannia and sighed, "I assume that the offer has a time limit…?"
Finlay's nod did little to fill Franklin's heart with hope, "A fortnight's time." He smiled, "If it interests anyone, all that they would have to do is meet me at my estate in Newark. Should they not meet with me, then I will simply take that as a no and His Majesty's mercy shall be revoked. The delegation's fate would be the same as the Continental Congress and the officers of the Continental Army."
Duke Finlay stood up ignoring the lack of decorum on Franklin's part. The man was stunned; clearly he needed to gather his thoughts. The Duke of Britannia merely smirked as he stepped out into the crisp air, "My Lord…" One of his guards began, "…Why didn't we just arrest him on the spot?"
Finlay sighed, "It's not as though the thought had occurred to me; however, His Majesty wishes to extend the hand of mercy to those he can spare." He explained, "To quote the Roman Emperor Claudius, 'Wars, both civil and foreign, I undertook throughout the world, on sea and land, and when victorious I spared all citizens who sued for pardon. The foreign nations which could with safety be pardoned I preferred to save rather than to destroy.'" The confusion on the soldier's face caused him some degree of agitation, "His Majesty, and I, believe that it is better to catch flies with honey than vinegar. When Claudius came to finish what Caesar could not, when he brought King Caratacus under the banner of the Roman Empire, he did not break the Britannian Kingdom into smaller entities, instead he chose to retain Eowyn's Kingdom whole."
"So in doing this, we hope to bring this rebellion to a quick end?"
"That is precisely the case, Captain."
"Do you think he'll take the offer?"
Finlay shrugged, "It makes no difference if he does or does not. The French would have no real gain from helping the Continentals." With that, Finlay and his guards marched out into the night.
Inside of Franklin's home, the portly scientist quietly got up and grabbed himself a bottle of brandy. He eschewed a glass for the bottle itself as he brought to the liquid to his lips. The warming feeling did very little to actually warm him. At first, Benjamin Franklin was calm; however, his hand was shaking as his calm features slowly began to twist and contort into that of rage. The bottle was flung against a wall while he breathed heavily, red coloring his face. Removing his bifocals, he placed his head in his hands and gave a shuddering sigh. Silence passed within the room, save for the faint ticking of his pocket watch.
'It's truly a tempting offer. To the Britannian Court I would be known as the man who struck the death blow to Washington's Rebellion, my comrades here in the New World would vilify me as a traitor and likely to try to tar and feather me. Earl of Warwick… that is an impressive title… the prestige might sway the nobles back home perhaps even recant some of their mockery of me.' He thought bitterly, 'Such an offer… an especially mad man would thumb his nose to. I have no doubt that the General and his fortune telling ways have made him aware of Duke Finlay's offer. I'm not even sure if the General is still going to trust me if he already knows the outcome.'
Franklin looked at the shattered glass mourning the loss of otherwise excellent brandy due to his outburst. He sipped the tea and thought on the offer. He could only snort in amusement, the stuffed coats in Britannia wanted so desperately to defeat Washington that they would turn to a man that they had ridiculed and mocked for trying to peacefully resolve tensions between the Homeland and the colonies. It flew in the face of everything that Britannia stood for that they would offer him anything having known his outspoken grievances with the Imperial Senate. He clenched his fist tightly, 'No… I'm not going to go to Newark. Tempting though the offer is… I gain nothing of value.' His resolve seemed to find its second wind, 'I will hang with my countrymen should this war fail us. I will hang with them before I condemn my country to death.'
Royal Palace of Buckingham
Imperial City of London, Britannia
October 10th, 1838 a.t.b.
Emperor Henry tu Britannia's frown was particularly prominent as he strode into his throne room. His aide bellowed loudly before the court, "All hail His Imperial Majesty, Henry tu Britannia, by the Grace of God of the Britannian Empire, Sovereign Head of the Dominion, Defender of the Faith, to all Lords Spiritual and Temporal and all his subjects!" The man exclaimed, "Sire, we have brought before the Courts today, the Duke of Britannia Edward Finlay."
Henry nodded as he sat upon his throne, "Send him in." He commanded. Court had fallen silent as the Britannian Emperor drummed his fingers along the arm rest. He had wondered why things had gone so horribly for Britannia. Then again it was his fault for agitating the issues that prompted rebellion. The useless sycophants and bootlickers before him would never dare to publicly admit it however. The 1820 Stamp Decree had enforced uniform taxation on the colonies bringing them in line with Britannia itself. It angered him knowing that the colonials– No… Americans had objected to the taxation. It was common sense; give back to the nation that nurtured and protected them. Still, he was sympathetic to their wishes and desperately wished for peace. Britannian tabloids had often praised General George Washington for his valor in the rebellion, and even his discipline in retreat. It amused the Emperor tremendously when the press began to praise the character and actions of General Washington. The man wasn't a genius on the levels of the late General Cornwallis, but the man had tremendous capabilities. Some even argued that he could see into the future. A claim mostly dismissed by the Imperial Navy and the Emperor himself.
Duke Finlay was escorted into the throne room where he promptly fell to one knee and lowered his head, "Hail Your Majesty!" He declared.
"I assume that you're quite aware of the circumstances in which I have summoned you?" Henry asked simply, "You may rise."
Finlay stood up and looked to his emperor, "It would be with regards to Mister Franklin's rejection of your offer, your Eminence." He stated carefully, he noticed the look of indifference upon the emperor's face, "I must accept full responsibility for my failure to properly convince Franklin."
Henry snorted, "You would take blame for the actions of another man…?" He asked with a faint smirk, "I do not hold you accountable for Franklin's actions. My question would be why did you not seek to persuade others in the delegation?"
Finlay swallowed hard, "I… did not consider it an option that you would have supported, your Majesty." The Emperor's eyes narrowed causing the Duke of Britannia to feel positively small.
"Of course I would have considered it an option." Henry stated in an even tone that radiated with a hint of danger. The Emperor examined his fingernails while letting the court hang on a thread. It wasn't a secret that the emperors and empresses past had a flair for the dramatic. He resisted the urge to smirk at Finlay's ever so slight fidgeting. "You should relax, Duke Finlay." The man in questioned looked at Henry in confusion, "I had not made it clear to you and thus fault lies with me."
Confusion found itself sweeping throughout the Imperial Court. The Emperor admitting fault was virtually unheard of in Britannia's history whether from Eowyn all the way to Empress Elizbeth II's campaign against Oliver Cromwell and the Levellers in the Britannian Civil War. Emperor Henry tu Britannia merely chuckled, "You're confused, I take it?" He asked.
"Forgive the impertinence, your Eminence… I had been under the impression that I was to be stripped of my titles…" Finlay frowned.
Henry only laughed, "Perhaps that would have been your fate had my orders been clearer." The Emperor explained, "As it stands? Would it be considered justice to punish you for the failure that lies with me?" Henry smirked, "Of course not."
Looks of outrage were making their way throughout the courts. Henry's own glare quickly tore that away as he stood up, "I, Henry tu Britannia, by the Grace of God of the Britannian Empire, Sovereign Head of the Dominion, Defender of the Faith, to all Lords and Temporal and all my subjects, uphold all titles of nobility and estates to Edward Finlay, the Duke of Britannia."
Finlay blinked in surprise, "W-why…?" He asked forgetting decorum.
"It doesn't matter. You served your orders to the letter. As I have said, I will not punish you for the actions of another man." Henry stated in a bored manner, "Just accept what I have given you and we shall put this unpleasant business behind us."
"As you command, Your Majesty." Finlay bowed and walked from the throne room.
It seemed that the Emperor's clemency was only taken at face value. Finlay recognized it for what it was; his family would live in disgrace in spite of their nobility. It would have been far better for the Emperor to have ordered his death or at the very least strip him of his titles and lands. Yet… Finlay would work to salvage his reputation. He would earn back his reputation if it killed him. Still, one treasonous thought did make its way into his head, 'Perhaps the colonials… no… the Americans have the right of it.' He shook his head to try and banish that particular thought from his head.
Henry sat in his private chambers overlooking a map of the European continent. Something was going to have to be done with regards to the increasing instability in France. If he could not bend the New World to his will, then perhaps the Old World would suffice as just compensation. A knock on his door alerted him to the presence of someone, "Enter." He barked.
The door opened revealing his raven haired, eldest daughter, Elizabeth. She smiled warmly at her father, "Court was tiresome?" She asked.
"As it always is…" Henry looked positively hollow, "Nobles looking upon me as if I have grown a second head due to my pardoning Duke Finlay's failures." He frowned, "The United States is a most curious nation I find."
Elizabeth raised an eyebrow, "How so?" Some would have said Princess Elizabeth was perhaps too iron-fisted; however, the young woman did have an excellent mind when it came to administration and even some military matters. As such, Elizabeth clung to every word her father said with regards to politics.
"When Empress Elizabeth II dictated that Oliver Cromwell be put to death due to the assassination of Emperor Edward, it was thought that Cromwell's parliamentarian views would be crushed in their entirety." Henry explained sitting down on a rather lavish chair. "What many don't understand is that Cromwell did not approve of the Emperor's death. More radical elements in his faction saw to Edward's death. Cromwell hung the assassins, yet that did nothing to appease the Empress who was vengeful over her brother's death."
Elizabeth nodded, "But I fail to see how this relates to the United States…"
Henry frowned, "It has everything to do with the Americans. Their defiance of Britannia has set something into motion that will see France descend into chaos. It may not look it now, but there's a quiet dissatisfaction within Louis' court because of the expenditures involved in helping the Continental Congress." Henry was breathing laboriously which caused his daughter some concern.
"Father…?"
"It's nothing…" He muttered as he stood up and walked over to his map, "Everything's changed now… and I fear for Britannia. I fear…" He trailed off as his vision became blurry and his world turned black. The last thing he heard was the horrified shriek of his daughter.
Presidential Mansion
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
December 15, 1848 a.t.b.
President George Washington sat in his office of the temporary capital of the United States of America. He observed the American flag waving in the evening breeze and an immeasurable amount of pride could only fill his aging body. The deep blue flag bore on its left a white and red stripe, after that was an arrangement of thirteen stars with a larger golden star in the center, and completing the design was three white and red horizontal bars split apart and spreading to just before the stars themselves. It was a little ostentatious; however, it was a preferable design to anything even remotely connected to Britannia. He smiled as he glanced up over his glasses at the two men that had practically helped save the American Revolution, Secretary of the Treasury Alexander Hamilton and the Secretary of War Benedict Arnold. To their left was a woman with striking lime green hair sitting on a window sill watching the outside events unfold.
Washington could only smirk at the incessant chatter from the press and even among his own cabinet that the woman was his mistress. Yet, Martha was the only love of his life. She even laughed at the insinuations of Washington's infidelity. He cleared his throat, "Gentlemen, I assume you're here because you have news?" He asked.
Hamilton nodded looking grim, "Yes sir, it concerns Britannian Emperor Henry tu Britannia." He began, "Pinckney has reported that the Britannian Senate has named Elizabeth ro Britannia as Regent of the Empire." He noted the hardened look on the President's face, "The Regent has become rather… demanding of the Britannian nobility."
"Is Britannia look to crumble as France has?" Washington asked cautiously. It was not a pleasant day for anyone when that dreadful news broke. While Washington had been initially supportive of the revolution in Paris, he was outright horrified of the execution of the French Royal family.
"Neither Jefferson nor Pinckney believe that is likely." Hamilton explained, "The Regent has more of a loyal military than the French did. Yet... They remain uneasy."
"What's Jefferson's view on this…?" Washington wondered.
Hamilton snorted, "He wants to help the French."
"I can certainly see why he would advocate for such a thing," Arnold supplied, "Though I would advise against military intervention. As it stands, our own forces are practically laughable in comparison to the Britannian Armada. Our own soldiers are war weary as it is. Financially… well… I defer to your expertise, Mister Hamilton."
"Financially, we're in no position to supply them with any kind of aid or resources." Hamilton answered.
Washington splayed his fingers together as he took in the information. He clicked his tongue in thought, "Does Jefferson know how ill equipped we are, currently?" He asked.
"I'm afraid he does, and even still he wants to assist them." Hamilton grumbled, "The man has no understanding of finance…"
"And at the same time, I can understand why he wants to help them." The President spoke; he stood up from his desk and wandered over to a window where he watched the rebuilding of various buildings throughout the city. He looked at the citizens walking about and frowned slightly, "Yet… if we forsake them. Then we will be dealing with an embittered France."
"There is another option." The limette spoke finally, the three men turned to regard her, "You could send me to France."
"You?" Hamilton raised an eyebrow.
"Cecilia, you have an idea I take it?" Washington asked.
"You can't support them militarily nor financially." She stated simply, "It's as you've stated if you don't contribute in some way, they will not look fondly upon your nation. Send me, perhaps others if you so deem it. We might be able to help them form some semblance of a government that is amicable to yours." She smirked, "And you take care of some rather interesting problems at home, like dealing with Jefferson."
Hamilton smirked, "I have no idea how you've met such a charming woman, George. But I have to admit I like her idea."
Arnold rolled his eyes, "Only because you have a rather prominent feud with Jefferson."
Washington cleared his throat, "If I were to send with you a delegation, who would you ask?"
"Among the framers of the Constitution?" Cecilia replied, "I would require the assistance of John Jay, and Samuel Chase. If there are any else that they would recommend, I would be happy to have their services."
Washington nodded with a smirk upon his face, "Very well then. Gentlemen, I shall follow up with you individually." He nodded to Arnold and Hamilton. He watched the two men leave his office and shut the door behind them before turning back to the window and watched the sun set, he seemed almost somber in spite of everything, "So… why did you want to go to France, Ce–"
"I'd prefer if you did not speak that name here," Cecilia said sharply, her face looking rather indifferent in spite of the change in tone. Washington himself looked amused in spite of it, "To answer your question, I presume your feelings of conflict revolved around one of your visions?"
Washington nodded, "While I am opposed to the revolutionaries' act of barbarity, I have seen that France will be saved by an important figure. I am convinced though that he's going to need guidance so that Europe can truly become a prosperous nation much in the same vein as the United States of America."
"A United States of Europe?" Cecilia asked with a raised eyebrow.
"No… nothing as fanciful as that, C.C." The President smiled.
Cecilia–C.C. only shrugged as she stared at Washington, "Tell me honestly George, do you hate me? For giving you that Geass, the power of absolute precognition?" He turned and looked at her with a curious expression, "It would make sense since we both know you despise politics."
Washington only smiled, "Not in the least C.C. I haven't had a reason to hate you." He gestured around the room, "You said that the Power of the King would condemn me to a path of loneliness? I don't think it did in the least. I became more than a farmer's son. I became a general in an army. I got to have a family, Martha and my children. I got to become the leader of a new nation. You might think it strange, but I also got to meet you."
He poured himself a glass of whiskey and took a swig, "The question I have for you though is, do you plan to stay in France after you're finished there?" He asked.
C.C. only shrugged once again, "To be honest I am unsure of where I'd like to go. Some part of me might return here to an independent America. I might wander. I truly do not have a thought on the matter."
"A pity." He took a drink, "But then… that's what makes you such an interesting person. I do believe; however, that if you are sincere about helping in France, you might consider granting the young man there a Geass to help him on his journey."
"I'll consider it." She replied as she made for the door.
Upon leaving, Washington merely took a drink and stared at the flag with a smile upon his face. He had a distinct feeling that that would be the last he ever saw of the lime haired woman. Part of him did feel sad; however, at the same time it allowed him to focus on the affairs of the United States. Something that didn't require the usage of his geass, had told him of a future conflicts with the Britannian Empire. For now… the United States had to prepare…
Author's Notes: Author's Notes: This was partially inspired by my Washington's America map on my DeviantArt page. Though, because of the knowledge from Code Geass: Akito the Exiled, that map is now outdated. Euro Britannia seems to be Russia having gone full blown Anglophile. I could be wrong; however, Euro Britannia here is essentially the Russia Empire with a Britannian paint scheme.
In my first draft, I mentioned Horatio Gates having betrayed the Continental Congress; however, historically I was mistaken on that front. In this version, I've elected to have Gates die when Benedict Arnold captured Fort Ticonderoga so that way the man we associate with betrayal in America would get elevated and recognized for his achievements that historically, Gates stole credit for. Likewise, I decided to change the tone of the Britannian Court when Duke Finlay was called to account for his betrayal. I wanted to keep the idea that Henry was blaming himself for Finlay's failure, but somehow convey the tone that historically, Finlay would be known as the man who lost the colonies. But perhaps my favorite bit is the inclusion of Emperor Henry's daughter, Elizabeth who would later become Empress Elizabeth III.
It honestly did bother me how they never really seemed to go into too much detail as to how the past emperors and empresses were addressed in the show. I decided I'd borrow a little from Code Geass Megiddo in that Henry Tudor X would be addressed as Henry tu Britannia. The title of "by the Grace of God of the Britannian Empire, Sovereign Head of the Dominion, Defender of the Faith, to all Lords and Temporal and all my subjects" with which Emperor Henry is addressed and addresses himself by is borrowed from Lelouch of Britannia. Frankly, I gotta admit that's probably one of the coolest things I've ever heard a ruler called. It's pretty snappy, so I wanted to use it in this particular case.
To those who are curious as to the timeline, or even how the United States flag looks, I invite you to check out my DeviantArt page. Any and all supplementary material relating to this story can be found on there.