Chapter 7: Vortex

Third person

After the death of doctor Delia Anne, Prince Clovis met with Jeremiah for an update of the terrorist. Lord Jeremiah told Clovis the doctor's journal and said that it was nothing more than a vendetta. Clovis was glad considering the fact the terrorist isn't after the liberation of Japan. Clovis immediately took advantage of the situation and exaggerated it. He ordered the news to state that the terrorist isn't a problem anymore and that he has been killed.

To prove his point, he had a Japanese terrorist wear clothes and a mask similar to V's. He then "shot" the terrorist and unveiled him on camera. He also had groups of other Japanese terrorist with him to show that the attack was a group effort.

Clovis' plan proved to convinced the subjugated people in other areas that V is dead. The Royal Family was skeptical until Clovis provided evidence of the terrorist's vendetta. However, they still questioned the bombing of the viceroy's palace. However in Ashford Academy, Milly was not convince.

Milly's POV

When I saw the news when Clovis shot V, I knew it was a fake. One, V would never get caught that easily. Two, the clothes are all wrong. Three, the mask is completely disproportional. Four, he doesn't work in groups. So when I entered the council today, everyone was talking about "V's" death. Nina said "Thank god that Eleven was caught." Shirley said "Now we are safe from danger." Rivalz said "Yeah, now we don't have to worry." That was when I cracked. But I chose not to say anything. Lelouch noticed my facial expression, but I ignored him. He is probably going to talk to me again.

After the council meeting, Lulu approached me and said "You don't believe that the terrorist is dead." I nodded my head in confirmation. He continued "Do you mind if I ask why." I responded "Because Lulu, V is not Japanese." Lelouch looked at me confused "What makes you say that?" I answered "Because he was at Larkhill Resettle-Concentration camp." That really shocked Lelouch. Why? I can only assume that with all the propaganda Prince Clovis did for the camp, that I would believe it. Lelouch asked "Did you just say concentration camp? I always thought it was a Resettlement camp." I shook my head "No. V was in that camp, and he suffered in it as well. He managed to survive but now he is on a vendetta against Britannia."

He looks at me contemplating. "I see. This is most interesting. Is there anything else you know about him?" I shook my head no. "Lelouch. Prince Clovis practically lied to everyone just to protect his position as viceroy. Just what is our country coming to? We are living in a corrupt nation that fights on a survival of the fittest attitude." He replies "I know. The country is corrupt but at the moment, our options are limited." I sighed "I just wish we can make some kind of change." He put his hands on my shoulder "I know... I know." I laughed a bit remembering what he written for me. "By the way Lelouch, I was given a note from him." He raised his eyebrows "What is it?" I answered "Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici. By the power of truth, while living, have conquered the universe. What do you think he means by that?" He said "Wait and see Milly. Let's wait and see."

Ashford Academy, February 23 2017, Peak Time

I decided to take a break from all council activities and allow the council have some fun by watching a movie marathon. Everyone including Nunnally was enjoying their time. We had popcorn, drinks, pizzas, etc. We plan on watching it until 12. Just when we were beginning the movie, the TV went out. Rivalz exclaimed "Hey what's wrong with the TV?" Lelouch teased, though it was apathetic "Milly, did you pay for the electricity bills?"

Suddenly I saw him. V was alive and well sitting to talk with us. He said "Good evening, Britannia. I thought it time we had a little talk. Are you sitting comfortably? Then I'll begin." Everyone except Lelouch and I were surprised. Nina was absolutely frightened so I comforted her. Shirley tried to hide her shock. Rivalz was just gaping.

V continued "I suppose you're wondering why I've called you here this evening. Well, you see, I'm not entirely satisfied with your performance lately... I'm afraid your work's been slipping, and... and well, I'm afraid we've been thinking about letting you go. Oh, I know, I know. You've been with the company for a long time now. Almost... Let me see. Almost ten thousand years! My word, doesn't time fly? I seems like only yesterday... I remember the day you commenced your employment, swinging down from the trees, fresh-faced and nervous, a bone clasped in your bristling fist...Where do I start sir! you asked plaintively."

Pictures of a caveman appears. "I recall my exact words: There's a pile of dinosaur eggs over there youngster, I said smiling paternally the while. Get sucking." That got a laugh from Rivalz.

V continued "Well we've certainly come a long way since THEN, haven't we? Yes, yes, you're right, in all that time you haven't missed a day. Well done, thou good and faithful servant. Also, please don't think I've forgotten about your outstanding service records of about all of the invaluable contributions that you've made to the company."

More photos appear of mankind's achievements as V started walking around. "Fire, the wheel, agriculture... It's an impressive list old-timer. A jolly impressive list. Don't get me wrong. But... Well, to be frank, we've had our problems, too. There's no getting away from it. Do you know what I think a lot of it stems from? I'll tell you... It's you basic unwillingness to get on within the company. You don't seem to want to face up to any real responsibility, or to be your own boss. Lord knows, you've been given plenty of opportunities. We've offered you promotion time and time again, each time you've turned us down."

He walked towards a statue of Buddha. "I couldn't handle the work Guv'nor, you wheedled I know my place. To be frank you're not trying are you? You see, you've been standing still for far too long, and it's starting to show in your work. And I might add in your general standard of behaviour. The constant bickering on the factory floor has not escaped my attention... Nor the recent bouts of rowdiness in the staff canteen." The pictures show the wars around the world.

"Then of course there's...Hmm. Well, I didn't really want to have to bring this up, but... Well you see, I've been hearing some disturbing rumours about your personal life. No, never you mind who told me. No names, no pack drill. I understand that you are unable to get on with your spouse. I hear that you argue. I am told that you shout. Violence has been mentioned. I am reliably informed that you always hurt the one you love... The one you shouldn't hurt at all. And what about the children? It's always the children who suffer as you're well aware. Poor little mites. What are they to make of it? What are they to make of your bullying, your despair, your cowardice and all your fondly nurtured bigotries. Really, it's not good enough, is it? And it's no good blaming the drop in work standards upon bad management, either... Though, to be sure, the management is very bad. In fact, let us not mince words the management's is terrible! We've had a string of embezzlers, frauds, liars, and lunatics making a string of catastrophic decisions. This is plain fact. But who gave them the right?"

"It was you! You who look up to these people! You who gave them the power to make your decisions for you! While I'll admit that anyone can make a mistake once, to go on making the same lethal errors century after century seems to me nothing short of deliberate. You have encouraged these malicious incompetents, who have made your working life a shambles. You have accepted without question their senseless orders. You have allowed them to fill your workspace with dangerous and unproven machines. You could of stopped them. All you had to say was NO. You have no spine. You have no pride. You are no longer an asset to the company. I will be generous. You will be granted a year to show me some improvement in your work. I at the end of that time you are still unwilling to make a go of it... You're fired. That will be all. You may return to your labours. Normal services will be resumed as soon as possible." Suddenly, the transmission is cut off and a V with a circle takes its place.

Oh God. Not only did he hijack a news company, but he practically just declared war on Britannia. I looked around and everyone was awestruck. Nunnally said "Lelouch, who was that?" Lelouch replied "Nothing Nunnally, just a guy." But she continued "But he just practically said that the people should rise up against the Royal Family." Lelouch responded "I know Nunnally I know." Lelouch decided to go back to his room with Nunnally. Everyone else left as well. And it was just me now. Me and the TV that showed V. Just what in the hell is he doing?