Son of Britannia
Act 3: Let's play the Board
By Lord Strife
Disclaimer: I do not own Code Geass or Record of Agarest War.
LS: Some background info, like the Areas, was taken from Code Geass Wikia
LS: For those curious to what Agarest looks like you can also visit the Agarest Wikia
LS: Thanks to all patron of the fic arts! Also, made a correction to Leo's last name, it was supposed to be Raglan not Raglen. In addition, I made a change to the year in the last chapter. It was supposed to be 2015 when Leo graduated, not 2016.
Suzaku will be in here somewhere…maybe. And yes, white was not defined as Rex's color in Agarest War, unlike Leo who was clearly labeled with gold…in white jacket.
Kallen is proud of her Britannian heritage. I thought since, w/o her brother, she would have a different viewpoint in life, and after all I think it was her brother who influenced her in embracing more her Japanese side.
Milly hasn't made a debut yet but she will be in here definitely. As you will notice, Lelouch has yet to visit Area 11.
February 27, 2017 a.t.b
Glancing out at his window, Lelouch could see nothing but sand as far as his eyes could see. Taking a sip of his iced water, he returned to his desk. Glancing at the report on top, he idly notes the deployment of Cornelia's forces across the deserts of Oman.
Oil was no longer as prized commodity as it was two decades ago but nonetheless keeps its importance. Sakuradite, while providing a better power per unit ratio was still far too scarce and valuable to be used in everyday society, thus making internal combustion engines from cars to cargo ships all still heavily reliant on oil.
And it was due to that, that Britannia was preparing to go to war with the Middle Eastern Federation. Last week, the MEF declared an oil price hike mainly pointing out to cover loses incurred against the trade of Sakuradite. While understandable, the price offered to Britannia was more than double what was priced to the EU. Apparently, the EU successfully swayed the MEF government to aid them in imposing economic sanctions against Britannia. It would seem that those in the EU haven't learned their lesson with the former nation of Japan.
Lelouch and the others were only a few months short of graduation when the Chancellor sounded the call to arms. As per tradition in the Imperial Academy, if a cadet has already signed with an active military unit, they can wave their remaining months to enlist in active duty. And that is exactly what Lelouch and his little troupe did…much to Cornelia's consternation.
And although Rex and Beatrice were just juniors, since they were already in the active roster of Cornelia's 3rd Army, they too were able to…wave their remaining years in the academy. Thoma stated that it was no fair. Cornelia agreed in the case that both of them still lacked the much needed training. Lelouch compromised by having both assigned to Area 11 for projects England and Camelot, to which Cornelia agreed and to the dismay of the two young knights who were eager to join their friends at the front.
Leaning back on his chair, Lelouch reflects on just how fast things really have gone. Last year, upon Ladius graduation, the said Raglan was knighted into his service. Elaine and Valeria both entered Cornelia's army as well. Although Valeria's father threw a tantrum over his daughter's decision, he backed down when he was stared down by Cornelia. Lelouch chuckled at that, even the fiercesome "General of Spear" was no matched for Britannia's Goddess of Victory.
Thoma, Duran and Rex were also knighted once they're remaining years were officially waved and were considered full time members of Britannia's military. Surprisingly, Kallen was also knighted by Lelouch. No one escaped the scrutiny that the young Stadtfeld heir and 11th prince were very close…so much so that Schneizel and Josef both entertained thoughts of arranged marriage. That is until Euphemia got wind of it and told her sister. Suffice to say, Josef finally learned why his friend the Chancellor was scared of his sister whenever she enters "mother hen" mode.
Lelouch glances at the chess board besides his desk. It was had several pieces set on it…most taken from several other chess sets. He smiles as he muses over his codenames for his friends. Kallen wasn't amused being named after a chess piece, but Jeremiah and Leo took it all in stride. A knock on the door cut short his musings. Straitening up, he answered. "Enter."
Jeremiah enters the room, followed by Leo, Villeta and Kallen. "Forgive the intrusion milord, but the order to mobilize has been given by Princess Cornelia on all levels of the army."
Lelouch raises an eyebrow, "Mobilization? Am guessing that there was no breakthrough with the talks with the MEF?"
Leo shook his head, "None milord. The MEF went so far as to say that our presence in Oman was already a provocation to war."
And it was, Lelouch thought. The reason they landed an army at Oman was that to force the issue with the MEF that breakdowns in talks would lead to an all-out invasion. "How are our logistics Villeta?"
"Everything is in place milord. Our initial supplies can carry us as far as the Say'un before needing to replenish."
"Very well then, Jeremiah as agreed upon with General Cornelia, our Black Knights will act as independent strike force that will push through into eastern Yemen and then into southern Arabia on the western flank of the main axis of advance. Villeta you are in-charge of making sure our supply train with the 3rd Army is maintained while maintaining our tempo of advance. Leo and Kallen, you each will take a lance of your best men and do advance reconnaissance at the front of our main force. Is that understood? I'll give further details once we are underway."
All four saluted at the same time. "Yes, milord!"
"Nervous?"
Kallen looked over her shoulder at the question and spots Lelouch looking at her with that disarming smile of his. She was overlooking the final checkup of her red-theme Gloucester. She grins, "Well I'd be a liar if I said no, but I am itching to get into my knightmare and show those MidFeds a thing or two."
He chuckled at that, "I'm sure you would. Try to leave some for the rest of us will you?" He may not be as skilled as his knights Leo, Kallen or Jeremiah, but Lelouch himself was also looking forward to their first KMF combat action. Speaking of which, his own Black-theme Gloucester was being prepped as well.
Her grin widens, "That depends on how generous I'd be when the action starts. Besides, Leo and I had a bet to see on who could tally more KMF kills in the entire campaign."
"Oh? And what's the wager?"
"The loser buys the winner a couple rounds of drinks at the pub." Although she is technically underage, being a noble and member of the military sure have some leeway at obtaining liquor. Thoma just proved that fact several nights ago. Although said Raglan was busted by Duran.
"Well so long as Jeremiah doesn't find out." And it was true too! The only one preventing the young pilots from indulging in any liquor, aside from Cornelia that is, was that Jeremiah forbids them for partaking in it until they reach the age of 18.
Kallen waves her hand, "Well the agreement said we could rain check should the Major ever finds out." It was unfair really…Leo was the only other knight of Lelouch who was of "legal" age.
"Consider it found." Said a voice behind the teens…startling the both of them in the process.
"Sir Jeremiah/Jeremiah! Don't sneak-up on me like that!"
Jeremiah for his part blinks at the almost uniform reply but shrugs it off, "Lady Stadtfeld, I certainly hope you will not partake in any liquor…otherwise I'll be force to report it to your mother."
Kallen grimaces, she dearly loves her mother but she can be a handful if she goes into "mother-hen" mode. "Fine. I'll tell Leo to postpone it till I'm 18."
Nodding he turns to his master. "That goes for you as well, milord."
Lelouch nods, "Yeah, yeah. Unlike Kallen, Cornelia is just here at I'm sure to get an earful if I don't." He crosses his arm before continuing, "So, any updates?"
"I just came to report that all is in readiness. The 501st battalion ready to deploy at any moment's notice. 502nd and 503rd will follow the main advance. Villeta has taken command of the 1250th Mechanized Company to ensure our supply convoy is well maintained."
Lelouch nodded, "The 1250th is attached to the 503rd right?" Receiving a confirmation he continued, "Excellent have 503rd assigned as the rear guard. This will give Villeta all the firepower she may need in case we encounter stiff resistance from stragglers."
"Yes, milord!" Jeremiah acknowledges his orders before departing to issue the directive to Villeta.
Kallen noted the mechanics were just about done with her Gloucester, "I guess I'd better get going then as well."
Lelouch places a gentle hand on her shoulder, "You sure to be careful out there you hear?"
Kallen places her hand on top of his, "I promise. Now let me go so that I can kick MidFed ass out there!"
Lelouch raises his hand in mock defeat, then leans in and gives her a chaste kiss the cheek, causing the said girl to blush but otherwise offers a cheeky grin in response.
March 13, 2017 a.t.b.
"Status report Darlton." Cornelia demanded upon entering the command center of her mobile base.
"Sir Guilford is currently leading both Carius, Erioland 3 other lances in the push towards Shayba. Alex, on the other hand is leading his lances over at Ubaylah. So far, we haven't encountered any major MEF resistance."
"Enemy KMF?"
"We have so far faced the outdated EU Panzer IIa and IIb variations in moderate numbers. But intelligence reports that the MEF has yet to field their supposed trump card. It is highly probable that they are amassing their forces near Basra."
Cornelia looks at the screen and notes both Guilford's and Alex's units progress. Several detachments of tanks and other armored vehicles were following behind the advance of the knightmares. "What of the Black Knights?"
Darlton points towards the screen at the formation west of the main body. "Prince Lelouch's main force composed of the 501st and half of the 502nd are currently fighting their way into Khamasin, were a regiment size MEF force is currently holed-up. The assault is being lead by the young Prince himself. The remainder of the 502nd was sent towards the west to secure Bisha airport. Sir Leonhardt is leading that assault."
Cornelia nodded, and noted that several blips also following the advance of both forces. It was probably the 503rd and their logistics forces. "Issue an order to the Black Knights Darlton. Have them secure each and every airport and naval yard west of Riyadh. I want to cut off any possible reinforcements coming from the west…particularly those that may come from East Africa via the Red Sea. Also, send in the 21st Regiment to support the rear of the Black Knights."
"Yes, milady!"
Kallen grits her teeth as she spots P4 eject from his battered Sutherland moments before it exploded.
"Damn MidFeds! ALL HAIL BRITANNIA!"
With a rallying cry, Kallen tears into the MEF Panzer II knightmare that struck down her comrade, lance first. She then uses the recently disabled unit as a shield against incoming retaliatory attacks from the other frames. Just as her "shield" explodes, she deftly maneuvers her Gloucester towards one of the attacking frames, dodging the attack by doing random zigzagging before plunging her lance again into the cockpit of her opponent's. 'Perhaps those capes do have some use.' She muses to herself. Flapping capes can indeed disorient your opponents, most especially when they are in a panic.
Zooming pass her, Valeria in her Gloucester charges another enemy frame and expertly dispatches said unit. Several Sutherlands finally managed to catch-up to them, firing their rifles as they go, taking down several more enemy frames. Valeria looked up towards her left, "P11 take P14 and P17 with you, secure that building…it's being used as a sniping hole by our enemy!" Said individuals rolled their Sutherlands towards the building pointed by their commander, engaging and dispatching two enemy armored vehicles along the way.
"This is K1 to all primary units. N3 has spotted several enemy frames approaching from the north. It seems to be the new frame intelligence has heard about. K2 and Q1 you're with me…we'll rendezvous with N3 and determine the strength of this new frame. R1 and R2 finish the rest of the enemy resistance in the eastern block of the city and then follow as soon as you are able."
"Yes milord!"
Under Valeria's command, several Sutherlands, including those that have taken the sniper's roost, began laying down suppression fire to allow the Kallen and Jeremiah to safely withdraw from the engagement. The two met up with Lelouch just pass the first crossing towards the north end of the city. Lelouch notice something odd. "K2?"
"Yes milord?"
"I know this sounds stupid but…why the heck is your Gloucester…orange?"
Jeremiah grimaces, "I had the misfortune to have my knightmare under a building…from what I can tell, was undergoing renovations."
Kallen snickered, "Yeah, and the enemy blasted the scaffolding in hopes of pinning him down. What came down on K2 were tons of paint material…all orange color."
Lelouch could hear Jeremiah mumble something about 'who paints their buildings orange?' He snickers along with Kallen, "I guess I should call you Orange from now on?"
"For goodness' sake your highness! NO!"
"That's a good one, K1. Now we have another color to your knights!"
Jeremiah grimaces, now he knows how Leo feels about his Gold Knight status.
As they roll towards the north part of town, they noted Duran's Gloucester crouching behind a ruined wall. A smoking Sutherland lay just a few feet away. "This is N3, to all incoming units take evasive maneuvers!"
No sooner as Duran spoke, several shells began raining down on Lelouch's and the other's position.
"What in blazes?" Jeremiah nearly cursed.
"New enemy knightmare or more correctly, the knightmare giga-fortress Bamides…long range cannon fire. Took down two of my men, one shot each. They didn't even manage to eject." Duran stated as his machine faces towards the source of the bombardment.
Lelouch notes 3 of the aforementioned Bamides were approaching supported by several Panzer II units. "Judging from the caliber of those cannons, I'd say it has a range probably between 3000 to 4000 meters."
Kallen grimaces, "Shoot, and our Gloucesters are made for close combat…and our Sutherlands' rifle grenades are just 2500 meter range."
Observing behind their hiding spot, Lelouch notes one of the giga-fortress was slowly turning towards their east before firing a shot. He notices something as he activates his factsphere to zoom in on the broadside of the Bamides. He smiles wickedly, "It seems that in exchange for range, the Bamides has sacrificed close combat capabilities. Judging from what I can see, it can't even turn its torso without turning the whole frame about."
Jeremiah nodded in understanding, "Basically it is made for long-range interception on an open battlefield. And that it requires support from other frames for close combat."
"Alright this is what we will do…Q1 and K2 you'll both charge head long into the enemy formation. From what I have deduced, the Bamides takes about 6.11 seconds to reload for each shot. Try and get as close as you can, their support frames will no doubt engage you once you get close enough. Lure them towards the west. Once you get their attention, N3 and I will charge in and attack the Bamides from the sides."
"While I don't mind being in the fray milord, but are you sure you'd be alright?" Though Jeremiah doesn't mind his master being at the front, he couldn't help but worry for his safety. 'Now I know what Sir Guilford feels whenever Princess Cornelia would lead an assault.'
"You'll just have to have faith in our sire, Sir Jeremiah." Duran stated, "Besides, I'll be with him. I promise on our knight's oath, nothing will harm our master."
Jeremiah relented somewhat. "Fine, then. Come Q1, we have panzers to fry!"
As Jeremiah's Gloucester rolls out, Kallen turns to Lelouch. "I trust Duran to do the right thing. I just hope you'll do the right thing as well K1. No unnecessary heroics you hear? That's your knights' job!"
Lelouch made a shooing motion, even though he knew Kallen couldn't see him over the radio. "Fine, fine. Get going Q1, unless you'll let Orange take all the glory?"
Jeremiah grunts over the radio over to what apparently would be his lord's new nickname for him.
Kallen nods as she moves her red Gloucester to follow in Jeremiah's lead.
Lelouch waited for a few more moments and as soon as the Bamides began shelling Jeremiah and Kallen, he leapt into motion. "Let's go N3, while K2 and Q1 have their attention."
"Yes milord!"
With that, one black and one deep blue Gloucester leapt from their hiding spot and began to charge the Bamides' exposed left side.
Cornelia received the forwarded report from the Black Knights. It seems that the MEF finally showed their trump card, although she was sorely disappointed. Their so-called giga-fortress proved to be indeed formidable at long range but was totally outclassed once the distance was covered, a fact proven by her brother as he led three of his knights into destroying three Bamides that engaged their forces at Khamasin.
Two fell at the hands of Duran, while the last fell to Lelouch. Jeremiah and Kallen, while they didn't bring down any of the Bamides, they did act as the decoy and totaled all the panzers that were supporting the Bamides.
She spots her personal Gloucester being prepped for launch as she moves into the hangar of her mobile base. Just a few minutes ago, she received word from Guilford that several Bamides have attacked the support armored brigade following the main axis of advance. The remaining units managed to withdraw without inflicting damage to the enemy. A fact Cornelia wishes to correct immediately. And basing on the report her brother forwarded her, she was certain she'll get good pickings as she deals with these so-called giga-fortresses.
Sherufanir sighed as she hides behind a wrecked armored vehicle. Around her, her fellow soldiers and countrymen were in a panic. A force of Britannian knightmares has finally penetrated their last line of defense, demolishing whatever was left of both their morale and their equipment.
She looks back towards Bisha Airport and notes one plane attempting to taxi the runway before being blown apart by an attack helicopter. Looking back at the main fighting she idly noted the skill demonstrated by the Gold Knightmare. Her comrades have dubbed it the Gold Devil or Demon. It was appropriate as it single-handed…well almost single-handedly defeated most of their panzers.
'If only those stuck-ups gave us a Bamides or two we could have crushed those damn Brits!' She thought to herself, unaware of the status of those Bamides that did go into battle.
"Is that you Sherufanir?"
Sherufanir turned to see who called her. "Vira?"
Vira-Lorr nodded. "Come on, we got to go. It's pointless to stay here any longer."
She nodded and then took one last look at the battle field. She spies one deep blue color knightmare leading a squad of Sutherlands striking down the last of their knightmare in the area.
"This is Lieutenant Ladius Raglan. Remaining Middle Fed soldiers, throw down your weapons and surrender. Further resistance is meaningless."
"DIE BRIT SCUM!" Was his reply from most of the infantrymen.
Sherufanir and Vira grimaces at the sight of their fellows being gunned down. But it provided an opportunity both women took to escape notice from the attacking knightmares.
As they run, Sherufanir ingrains into her memory the name of the pilot of that frame. Someday they might meet again…then when that time comes….
May 1, 2017 a.t.b.
"Area 18." Lelouch stated, "It is official now. The former Middle Eastern Federation is now annexed into the empire as Area 18." Although pockets of resistance remain, the 11th prince was certain his sister was more than apt for the task of crushing them.
Seated in the conference room with him are his most "senior" officers.
"Who is to be the Viceroy, milord?" Jeremiah asked. He sincerely hopes that it wouldn't be his lord. He had just about enough of sand and sun to last him a life time. That and this place was where he got that abhorrent Orange nickname.
"Schneizel has yet to finalize the regime, but in the meantime, Cornelia will be acting Viceroy for Area 18." All heads nod at in affirmation.
Villeta then asks, "Would you happen to be the Sub-viceroy, sire?"
Lelouch shook his head, "No. At first Cornelia wanted to give me the post…to teach me administrative ruling. But Schneizel overruled Cornelia and requested that I, along with my entire Black Knights, be transferred to Area 11."
Kallen picks up from hearing her home. "Is there a problem in Area 11?" She hopes it wasn't serious as both her parents were living there after all.
"Not really. From what Schneizel told me, officially I will be overseeing the final stages for Project England and Camelot. So we might see how Beatrice and Rex are doing there."
The prospect of seeing the youngest Raglan and young lady Beatrice cause a few smiles to appear.
Duran, one of those whose facial expression remains neutral, asks, "Officially? Then there is another reason for the reassignment milord?"
"Indeed. Clovis apparently discovered a covert project called Code-R. He is uncertain to which agency is involved but from what I have heard from him is that General Bartley who he had delegated the investigation was found dead in his room."
Shocks were evident from the faces of his officers. General Bartley may have been an eyesore and a bootlicker, but he was still a capable officer…to some extent.
Jeremiah frowned, "Did they find out the cause of death?"
Lelouch nodded, "According to forensics, his throat was slit…the murder weapon was found in his bathroom but no fingerprints were lifted from it."
Leo paused, "Who's in charge of the investigation now sire?"
"After Bartley's death, the Knight of Twelve, Dame Monica Kruszewski was tasked with the said investigation. As of now, no new reports are forthcoming."
Ladius was frowning, "A covert project would only mean it is Britannian…no enemy government would place R&D in an enemy's territory…and I doubt the resistance forces in Area 11 would have resources to spare for such a covert R&D. Resources they would rather, I think, focus on fighting us back."
Kallen nodded. "But why would our own people kill our own general?"
"Secrecy." Lelouch answered. "They have secrets they wish not to reveal to any outsiders. Judging from the fact that both Clovis and Schneizel are unaware…I am guessing that the sponsor would be the…Emperor." There was grimaced on his face that wasn't lost to everyone in the room.
Jeremiah frowns at that, "Even so…to kill a general of Britannia…it must be a most confidential matter then."
"If that is the case then…" Everyone turns to Elaine, "I think that having a Knight of Round head the investigation would be useless since if the sponsor of the project is the Emperor…."
"Indeed, as Rounds takes orders from the Emperor himself." Leo finished. "So I'm guessing that would be our unofficial duty then? To investigate the nature of this Code-R?"
"Schneizel said to leave it for the moment. Since he is unsure what would happen to us if we were to confront this…agency. Clovis wasn't happy but he conceded, and since he lost his general we are to aid him in regards to the military in Area 11. Our official capacity therefore is, to oversee our knightmare projects. And help Clovis deal with the insurgency problem."
"Rebels have been active since the war with MEF started." Kallen acquiesced. She had heard from those spars letters from home, that there had been more attacks in the last month that the whole of the previous year. "Will we spearheading the campaign to eliminate terrorism in Area 11?"
"Clovis has requested it, he has already granted me a command of the military forces in Area 11…well, those not under the jurisdiction of the Knight of Twelve that is." He stood up from his sitting position, "Villeta, I'm placing you in charge of our forces withdrawal from Area 18. I want our forces ready to depart for Area 11 as soon as we are able."
Villeta stood with a crisp salute, "Yes milord."
Lelouch nodded, "Jeremiah, take Leo with you and go to Dubai. I want you two to personally inspect the ship transports we will be using."
Jeremiah saluted, "Yes sire."
"Everyone else, I want to remain on standby in case there are any stragglers left from our war with the MEF."
"Yes milord!"
"It was a pity we had to…relieve Bartley of his position. He had been most useful in the research for GX but…national security does come first after all." The figure was chuckling as if he just told a joke.
"…"
"You worry too much. Now that the Knight of Twelve is in-charge...Charles did promise not to interfere with our…plans." Another chuckle.
"…"
"Clovis is not smart enough to…figure us out. Schneizel perhaps, but he'll be too busy dealing with the aftermath of Britannia's conquest of the MEF. And even after that, he'll be busy dealing with the EU."
"…"
"Marianne's brat may be smart but I don't put him the same standard as Schneizel."
"…"
"You rate him that much huh? A pity Charles doesn't want any of his children killed."
"…"
"Oh? The Black Prince is heading for Area 11? That's news. It must be Schneizel's work. We will have to be more…careful then."
"…"
"Very well then, I'll leave that part to you."
"…"
"Perhaps…but there's no need to push that far…yet. We still have some time after all."
"…"
Lelouch was out on the balcony of his suite, looking out into the city of Dubai, dressed only in his night robe. 'I wonder if this…Code-R is somewhat related to Mother's and Leny's deaths?' He ignores the slight chill of the desert night as he leans over the rails.
'I'll have to be careful if I want to find out what it is. If a man of Bartley's standing was not deemed important enough as to be eliminated on spot….'
He releases grip he had on the handrails and took in a deep breath, 'There's no need to rush. First I'll need to establish some powerbase of my own...an independent powerbase that will not be reporting directly to the Emperor or any Imperial Agency.'
"Hey, Lelouch!" Kallen's voice interrupts his internal musings. "What are doing out there? Come back to bed where it's warmer…."
Lelouch shakes his head but grins a little. "Alright be there in a few minutes." He took one last look at the city before going back inside.
To be continued…
Sorry for the long wait. Anyways here are the codenames Lelouch used:
K1: Lelouch
K2: Jeremiah
K3: Leo
K4: Rex
Q1: Kallen
B1: Villeta
N1: Ladius
N2: Thoma
N3: Duran
R1: Elaine
R2: Valeria
R3: Noah
R4: Silvi
R5: Beartice
