Suzaku Kururugi, former convict, current Honorary Britannian and a member of the Britannian Military forces. He was currently seated in arithmetic classes with the enemy of Britannia Zero. Lelouch was giving him only cursory glances over his shoulders, out the corner of his eye. His mind however was another matter. 'This could ruin everything. Why now, now of all days, of all years. This sets back my plans only a fraction, but I must be more careful. Then again, when opportunity knocks.' He came back to attention as the professor rang the bell to end the morning lessons. While waiting for the next session to begin, Lelouch spied other members of the school who were none too inconspicuous about their disgust. For the first time in the academy's twenty years, an eleven had been accepted, citizenship non-withstanding, and allowed to commune with nobles and the like. 'It must have taken a person of large importance or even persons of influence to allow this to happen. Do they suspect me? Unlikely, very few recognise me, Suzaku himself took a vow to preserve our identity when we parted. This is merely all coincidence, but I must keep up my guard nonetheless.'

Unfortunately, the pompous ramblings of Professor Bergin brought him out of his musings. The droll tones of his condescension likened him to a major-general with a broom handle permanently implanted in his ass. And how he loved the sound of his own voice when preaching about chemistry, his only passion that could surpass his indomitable loyalty. "And so we move into the closing quarter of our first semester, with that, I urge all members of my classroom continue with your studies. For…others, I recommend seeking employment in a more refined area to suit your expertise." Lelouch had heard it his entire life, he would not have any more of an effect on him than Schneizel did on Saturdays at his palace. "And who knows, one of our alumni right in this classroom may join the ranks of many scientists once obtaining the PhD from one of our many great Universities."

It was all Lelouch could take before he would finally burst out laughing in the man's face. So, deciding to cut to the chase and putting his plan in motion to unite him and Suzaku into a more manageable team with which he could observe him. "Apologies Sir, but what good will a doctorate do most students. All it serves is to promote an ideal that we merely regurgitate the concepts passed down through time in an effort to prove our intellect as opposed to presenting our own, more radicle theories." If the reddening of Bergin's face was any indicator, then the nervous shuffling of the classroom away from the front was indeed a good idea. "Mr Lamperouge, I demand you refer to me by my full title, it is quite possibly the closest you will ever get to a doctorate. It is the foundation upon which our scientific breakthroughs are born, these doctors and professors."

"What about Rakshata Chawla, a scientist who as no degrees and has made massive leaps in chemical and mechanical engineering. Or Nikola Tesla, who's theories on electricity may win Europe the war." He knew the patriotic duty of every educator lay in their desire to prove the superiority of one's home country, to question it would be one toe out of line. Although the ticks and grinding of his teeth were definitely a sight to behold. Even Suzaku couldn't resist adding onto the debate. "Dr Bergin, I have to point out even Earl Asplund doesn't have a doctorate and his inventions have helped Britannia advance into the modern age." The snickers around class were driving Bergin into conniptions, if they weren't careful he would surely burst. Which is what he planned for when Rivalz butted in. "And there's Lord Edison, he's made thousands off of his inventions and he didn't even go to University."

The roar of laughter drowned out the batty old man's yelling's, finally someone had talked some degree of logic to the old fart, although he wasn't having any of it. "Lamperouge, you will receive punishment and do so like a man." He got on his knees, looking like he was begging and began to holler in the most pitiful voice he could muster, please sir don't cane me sir. Oh do have mercy, sir." Again, the room began to laugh and hoot at his condescension to their obvious superior. But when Lelouch stepped forward to receive punishment. "Wait sir, I took part, I will be punished as well sir." Suzaku strode up right alongside Lelouch, who chuckled quietly to himself. "Me too sir, I guess I deserve punishment as much as the next man." Rivalz jogged up to the front and stood side by side with Lelouch and Suzaku.

They finally emerged from class ten minutes later. "Well that's the last time I stand up for either of you. I can only take so much abuse." Rivalz complained as he awkwardly walked away from class. Lelouch was in a similar position, instead standing ramrod straight and stiff as a board, as opposed to Suzaku who walked as normally as ever. "I have to say, it was an ingenious way of getting out of class early, I didn't think I could listen to his lecturing anymore. And thank you for back up in there Mr Cardemond." Lelouch glared at him out the corner of his eyes, inwardly cringing at how Suzaku had always had a higher pain tolerance and he should have remembered. Rivalz managed a laugh, throwing his arm around his shoulders. "Military training must be too much for you me ol' mucker, just call me Rivalz. Can't say anyone else would have stood up to Bergin on his first day, you my friend have nerves of steel."

"Rivalz, I know this might be out of nowhere, but our society is still undermanned and the committee needs to plan the Winters balls. Suzaku just arrived and who better to get on our team than one of Britannia's finest soldiers." Rivalz needn't have considered it for a second before facing Suzaku with hand held high and his Latin text book held in open palm. "Suzaku, do you swear to uphold the mad lunacies of Milly Ashford and the organisation of the finest soirees in all of Colony 11?" Smirking at his discomfort, Lelouch silently cheered for joy. 'With him being kept in my sights and being around Nunnally, he may not have to be called to battle. I will not be the one to kill him just to achieve my goals. Not him.' Suzaku swore his impromptu oath and was about to be dragged to the clubhouse, when he recalled the sports and recreation time was approaching. Issuing a quick goodbye, they walked as fast as Lelouch could manage in his still pained state. 'Who would have thought that receiving blunt force trauma would not come under the parameters for self-healing. Then again, it has been almost three days since I've regenerated. I need to see how far my limits are, but this is just inconvenient.'

It was as they entered the gymnasium that they noticed how many eyes were on them. Some of the students talked quietly amongst themselves while they were fitting their gear. Thankfully the awkwardness was broken up by Mr Anderson directing the students in a loud booming voice. "MacPierce and Jones, the two of will spar first, today we will attempt a bracket and try to reach at least a semi-final today. Rest of, observe quietly and try not to waste time." Everyone was sat down when the duel began, including Anderson who sat next to Lelouch. "So I heard about today's earlier incident."

"I hope you're not too disappointed. Apparently my behaviour was unacceptable by the Academy's standards." Lelouch whispered, not hiding his amusement.

"Quite the contrary, I'm glad someone finally interrupted the over bloated windbag. I just recommend caution, not many universities will accept students with poor behaviour as well as poor academics. Oh…is there someone new." Anderson smiled mirthfully at the new student, extending a hand for him to shake.

"Kururugi, Suzaku Kururugi. Pleasure to meet you Mr Anderson."

"Not at all. Might I offer my thanks that you accompanied Lelouch here and saved his very life."

"It was nothing, really, just discipline. I would've thought he was used to it by now if this is how school life is for him."

"I meant for seven years ago Mr Kururugi." Suzaku's eyes shot wide open at the realisation of what this man meant. 'So he's trusted by Lelouch. Good, then I guess he and Nunnally are well looked after.' But Anderson suddenly got serious when he he gripped Suzaku's hand firmly. "Just tell me this Kururugi, do you associate with any negative organisations? I and many others would prefer if the academy were free of such attention."

"I am a member of the Britannian Armed forces. I only serve and protect the innocent here." A loud speaker came on over the intercom, with the following announcement. "The following message is of national importance. Yesterday, at precisely twenty minutes past noon, did Princess Cornelia Li Britannia order the immediate reconstruction effort of the Saitama ghetto. While this has been published in this morning's papers, the truth is much harder to bear. I present condemnable evidence that her highness did indeed order such an event, yet denied the occupants an opportunity to evacuate said destruction. The result of this action was the massacre of all previous tenants of the ghetto area. This is not too long after his highness Prince Clovis El Britannia gave the same order until being assassinated by the masked terrorist Zero." By this point, the sounds of banging could be heard, as members of faculty attempted to kick down the door and attempt to stop the news caster from revealing anything more that would incriminate him for acts of treason. That was until recordings of the battle, the orders and the cries for mercy could be heard in a grainy mixture of static and bangs. The entire gymnasium was too gobsmacked to do anything, just standing where they were and listening with open ears to their ever trustworthy news broadcaster televise the misdemeanours of their current, apparently trigger happy, Viceroy. Lelouch smirked in victory. 'If all goes to plan on her end, then the ghetto will be receiving this same message.' It was all thanks to Lady Haw Haw, and her skills. 'Perhaps she can be of some use, even if she is practically insane.'

Twelve hours earlier, Ghetto/Settlement boarder

"Thank you, your services and discretion are graciously given." Final customers of the night, Niko was finished for the evening. His ledgers locked up, his cash and IOU's bundled and hidden, and soon he would need to replenish his supplies. Profit was good, but he could do without the attitude his "customers" were giving him. High value commodities required a high price. It wasn't his fault that he was the only provider to receive backing from Kyoto in the entire settlement…at least as far as everyone knew. As he walked back, he began to whistle in that wheezy tone gaining him the name 'cricket', for the chirping sound he made whenever he started up. Down the alleys, the narrow passages and through the tunnels, he had finally reached his humble abode of conjoined apartments. Curtesy of Mr Osakabe of Kyoto. He had finally set the last lock when two hands grabbed him from behind and threw him into a crumpled heap on the floor. As he reached up to grab a chair, it was kicked out of reach and he was pushed onto his back. The moonlight streamed through and cast a bright glare on the back of Zero, bathed in moonlight giving him an otherworldly glow. Quaking in fear, he attempted to speak up, but only came out in stammers as a gun was raised to his forehead.

"Nikashune Niko, we were led by multiple sources to this location. You hold the final piece of the puzzle needed for the next phase. Please do not waste my time or I will go to the next man and then the next. "Your body probably will not be found for many days." The Japanese often had a certain extravagance to it that made every word sound a bit more melodramatic.

"Please, mercy, I beg you, I will tell you everything."

"You sell all type of useful devices, parts for those devices and…other items of less repute. Tell me where do you sell to the one known as Lady Haw Haw."

"Her…that psycho, she's all yours, believe me. She only works about a half mile from here. I go there every day. But sometimes she's on the other side of the settlement and she needs those parts in both places. Always in the tallest tower, that's where you'll find her."

Satisfied, he turned and walked to the door, which his green haired companion gladly kicked down with ease. "This will not be the last time we meet. I have further questions to ask…in fact, the next time we meet, you will do exactly as I say." He said before whirling around with a flourish of his cape and disappeared into the night leaving the shaking man behind. It took them less than half an hour to find the building they were looking for and nearly twenty to climb the dilapidated steps without access to an elevator unit. With each step, the closer they came to the peak, music could be heard accompanying a high pitched rendition of Mozart.

Blaring scores were heard from the horn of a gramophone as they entered to find a room filled to the brim with radios, telegraphs, telephones, transistor cables, transmission boards dotting the far wall and wires of many variety dangling from the ceiling protruding from all angles and converging on a central receiver that connected to the massive wireless system across colony 11. "Zero, I don't think the singing is coming from the record." CC whispered, waltzing over to the gramophone and lifting the needle to finally bring silence, lasting only five seconds before the singer realized what happened.

"WHO KILLED MOZART!?" the shrill scream from over the wires was heard. Before the two could blink, a woman fell from the ceiling and was dangling right before Zero's face. She was scowling in distaste at her intruders and seemed to be wielding a bell hammer in one hand ready to strike him. That was until she squealed in delight and tossed her body this way and that to remove herself from the wires. Finally crouched before them, she raced up to the still form of Zero and shook his hand profusely. "Ze Zero, ohh, how vunderbar. Herr Zero, it iz an honour to finally meet you. Oh you are just as amazing in person as I would have dreamed. Even skinnier too." Her ramblings were almost completely ignored by Zero as he stood back to get a good look at his target.

Apparently Lady Haw Haw was a tall, lank framed woman with grey hair pulled into a tight ponytail. She wore a work shirt usually worn by a man, a tight fitting vest that seemed to almost constrict her breathing, if her gasping could be guessed at, and canvas shorts that reached her knees. She also had on a pair of welder gloves, a metal faceplate with visor and a leather smock covering her whole front covered in a series of scorches and acid burns. They must have caught this woman at a busy time. 'She can't be any older than her mid-twenties, and she's supposed to be the one whole caused a Britannian squad to commit suicide out of despair from her constant verbal assault on their radio.' He raised his hand to stop her ramblings. "Lady Haw Haw I presume?"

"Nien, well, ya, but please call me Katrina, or Kat. Zhat is what Nicola calls me, although that is because he's busy. I guess he didn't like me in his vay all zhe time." It seemed to Zero this woman would be as abundant in energy as his sister was back in Pendragon. 'Dealing with her is going to be tiring, more so these days.' "Ms Katrina, what was it?"

"Rodowod, Katrina Rodowod. German mother und a Serbian father. But please, Kat is fine."

"Well I prefer formality in this occasion, I offer you this proposition; a chance to join our cause, to fight for nation, to no longer be bound to squander away in the derelict slums of Colony eleven. What say-"

"Done."

"Done?"

"Done. I'll join you."

"You seem to be very open minded to someone you just met. Why this sudden allegiance?"

"I know what you want. What you need me, my influence. It's not hard to figure you out, but for now, I have my own motivations. And that is all I will say on the matter. Now what have you brought?"

"You're too smart for your own good. I'm certain someone has told you that."

"Twenty-three times to be exact. And it will not get boring, even on the twenty-forth time I'm told it."

"During my time in Seitama ghetto, I managed to intercept and record transmissions from Cornelia's mobile fortress to her troops, one of whom I high-jacked. CC." CC unveiled a large record from beneath the cloak she wore and handed it over to Katrina. She held it up to the light, turning it this way and that as if to inspect its legitimacy. "Excellent, I was looking for evidence of today's earlier attack and now that I have this…one moment." She disappeared behind a number of consoles in search of something, leaving Zero and CC to discuss quietly among themselves.

"Do you trust her?"
"She has revealed almost everything about herself in a conversation, yet I know nothing of her motivations. Yet somehow she knows my next move. If my guess is right, then…"

"Here it is! Here, use zhis and spread zhe message. I have a second record zhat I made earlier, zhis will help in a pinch."

'Just as I suspected.' Taking it from her, he turned to leave, but stopped mid-step. "Before we leave, tell me something…why are you so keen to see this information brought too light?"

Her cheery demeanour became stoic and serious, almost contemptuous, "I want to watch zhe flames burn ever more brightly. I heard it said zhat the flame that burns brightest, burns half as long. Hopefully the same can be said of Britannia, no?" her grin slowly split her face until it almost consumed it completely. She tossed the record into the air as she made her way to the master control board at the centre of the cavernous room. The duo took their leave, with Zero almost running down the steps to flee this woman. "Does she frighten you boy? I found her quite charming, in a disturbed, manic sort of way."

"the less I need to deal with her the better. I don't need unpredictable pieces on the board. I have my pawns, I have my queen, I even have my rook. But now I am in need of bishops to lay the traps and knights to spring them. Not a wild card beyond my control." All that was needed was for a certain Britannian reporter to receive a little gift. 'She is right; this information needs to be heard. Then we move onto the next phase.'

Shinjuku Ghetto, one hour before midnight

Tamaki could hardly believe what he had heard. For almost ten minutes, the entire country held its breath. 'If this is who I think it is, then we really need to step up our game.' A broadcast, a Britannian broadcast no less, had just revealed that their viceroy willingly ordered the massacre of an entire district. It was emotionally divisive. A blow had been struck, the Brits would begin to question their leaders more and honorary Brits would begin to join up with the Kozuki resistance. But, the fact that nearly nine-hundred people had been killed, including the local resistance group, one of them his and Ohgi's old friends, had been caught in the crossfire was a hard pill to swallow. The general hubbub was interrupted as those who gathered beneath the stage of the Kabuki theatre looked up to see Zero ascend from below the stage on a winch operated trap door used in plays for quick disappearances. He stood in all his shadowed glory, raking in all the attention his audience gave him. Until finally he spoke, clutching at his wrist as he spoke Tamaki noted.

"You have all no doubt heard today's broadcast. Then in that case, you all should know the risk for tonight's expedition. With the confusion and distrust emerging in the colony, police and military forces, already stretched thin will face greater challenges tonight. We will take advantage of this torment and we will catch the Britannian's with their pants around their ankles. It will be quick, it will be efficient, we will not lose one life tonight, so help me." Tamaki had heard enough about plans, wanting to hear more about Saitama and why he failed to save the people. "Oi, Wait a minute. You keep talking about plans, but where was that when our mates in the Yamato Alliance were being shot? I thought you said you'd offer help to other groups and they asked for it."

"Yes indeed, Shinchiro Tamaki. I made a promise, but it was not to be. As soon as I arrived, they mercilessly slaughtered the inhabitants, civilians and rebels alike. The leaked information we received was incorrect, intended by Cornelia to lead me into a trap and kill even more in the long run. But this I promise you for now. This morning I made the impossible happen and attacked Britannia and Cornelia from within their own system. So believe me when I say, tonight's tactic shall be won, not a life lost and all without a single bullet." This seemed to capture everyone's attention, each one clambering forward, inching closer to hear what he had to say. The secret to success, just a whisper away. "Tonight, we raid three police headquarters simultaneously." Gasps and outcry's of lunacy went up in the crowd, many calling him suicidal, especially considering the sheer firepower each barrack had. But he raised his hands and halted any more protest. "I understand you may be wary, but I ask you only do as I command and you will not only live to fight another day, not only will we have the proper armaments to attack our enemies, but we will begin the re-establishment of elevens, Japanese, honorary Britannian's into their rightful place. To take charge of their own institution. Will you follow me."

At first, all was quiet. No one stepped forward. Everyone was still, not even daring to breath. That was until one person stepped forward. Kallen stood front and centre as she climbed atop the stage and bowed to him. Then Ohgi and Minami, then Sugiyama, then two more, then five, then ten until finally everyone, even the ever stubborn Tamaki were now on stage bowing to him. He pulled down a large map from the back-drop, showing a large blow-up of the entire settlement, with sites marked out representing the police barracks. "We strike quick and quiet. No need to be too bombastic. They will be within reasonable distance of each other to allow us to reach our designated targets simultaneously. But they are not within distance of other barracks that they will not provide reinforcements in time. I need fifteen of our best marksmen to meet me backstage and the rest, prepare to move out in the next three hours." So fifteen of them found themselves assembled around a long table containing bows and arrows, each arrow possessing a wad at the end of each tip instead of an arrow.

"Erm…Zero, what's with the arrows. Don't you think that's a little…medieval." Ohgi spoke up.

"It is this raid why we need the arrows first and then bullets. We are completely under armed, lacking bullets and explosives. But as far as the constabulary know, we possess all those things. First we ignite the arrows, each one containing tar and gunpowder, enough to create some decent amount of smoke. In the confusion, when they evacuate their "Burning" barracks, they will be met with armed resistance and escorted away unharmed. We will avoid spilling blood if possible. After that, we reconvene back here and move onto phase two when we are ready."

"And what's phase two?" Minami asked.

"All in good time. First, begin familiarising yourselves with the bow, we move out in three hours. My associate will provide proper tutorial." From behind the curtains stepped a green haired woman with waif like features and wearing a black silk kimono over dark leather trousers. Without a word, she plucked the bow from out of Tamaki's hands, strung up an arrow, aimed and released at a sandbag, piercing it dead centre. Tamaki was distracted from the rest of this lesson as he spotted Kallen striding towards Zero out of the corner of his eyes. She was back to her familiar rebel wear, no longer in the disguises of the last two missions; brown and red leather jacket over a grey dress shirt and tan canvas shorts that came to her knees and met thigh high red leather boots. If he listened closely, he could just make out their conversation.

"And you are sure of this information?

"Positive, I saw him myself. Will this be a problem?"

"It shouldn't have to be. Be sure to take him out without killing him. But don't risk your own life to avoid taking his, that would be suicidal." He turned back to the group and saw how some of them lined up to shoot at targets, with some scoring near hits, others missing and spare bullseyes. "I'm going to organise three flying columns. Each one will be headed by a superior in this organisation. I will lead the first squad, Ohgi the second squad and Kallen the third. Take heed of your captains and follow the instructions to the letter. Now, here is what will happen." Tamaki tried to edge closer to try listen in, but was none too subtle about it. "Yes Tamaki, can I help you?" caught, he put up a cocky front, swaggering over to him, not even breaking eye contact. But that was a moot point with someone who's face you cannot see. 'If I can get on his good side, then I can start getting things moving.' The loss of leadership from Ohgi to Zero was a blow to Tamaki, who was essentially promoted to deputy when Naoto passed. Although he got in arguments with him, he could never really doubt his skills. 'About as skilled in the field as Kallen in a Ripper. But every leader needs a little help.'

"Yeah, I got something to say." Too loud to pass it off as unimportant, everyone now looked to him. But Tamaki was never one to back down from a challenge. "You say ya need information. Well, if ya need any 'bout the coppers, then look no further."

"I suppose you've had some experience with them. Should I be impressed?" Zero replied impatiently. "If you have it, then give me everything you have." Kallen decided to be merciful, at least a little bit, and spoke on his behalf. "Tamaki was with the Japanese constabulary before us. Or at least until they brought in the Honorary Britannian system."

"You wouldn't see me sign up for that. But yeah, I was with them, and I gotta say, not too great even at its best. Thatched roofs, rotten wood, rust nails. The place was nearly falling apart almost two years ago. Maybe it got better, but military gets all the perks these days. The peelers don't have as much power as the Japanese once did. We were like military and police all in one. Until the invasion, I was with them for six years. I say we attack these three." He walked over to the map and pointed out two new garrisons along with one that Zero chose. Zero didn't say anything, but then nodded in approval. "If what you say is true, then our task is that much easier. I will take what you said under advisement." Tamaki was dismissed, but had a smug grin on his face, knowing he had got one over Zero. At least he would think, since he didn't hear Kallen and Zero speak up again.

"You knew about that anyway. Why did you let Tamaki call you out?" she gazed at him curiously, but he only chuckled. "All cogs in the machine have their uses, even if not entirely important, it's important they think that they are."

Two hours later, at one in the morning, the large body of men and women were moving out. Five lead a group of twenty in one direction and another took thirty. This left Tamaki with Zero's group and only eighteen. He was a little miffed that he was put last on the group to fire, but was appeased that Zero headed his advice. But how they could hope to defeat these trained officers, as corrupt as they were, with only five archers and eighteen rebels armed with what were essentially clubs in their hands. That was until Zero gathered them around him. "Have faith in your abilities, know that we march towards liberation with tonight's actions."

"But we only have bows and arrows! They have guns and knives and tanks!" one rebel exclaimed.

"No, what we have are deadly weapons. What they have are thatched roof's, unrefined housing and a lack of drive. All funding goes to military, they are relegated to bodyguards these days and have not been modernized with the latest of infrastructure, if what Tamaki says is true."

"Deadly weapons?" another rebel echoed. Zero then surprised them all as his companion, the green haired woman who barely spoke, passed a lit torch to him. "Notch." Falling into line, they pulled out one of their funny looking arrows and notched them. The lined up to all run to their target. "Draw." They pulled back the strings and he passed by them lighting their arrow tips. They blazed brightly in the darkness, it took Tamaki a second or two to adjust. "Forward and…loose." They all ran forward, Tamaki breathing heavily, the fumes of the arrow chocking him almost, he turned to the right, aimed at the thatched roof barracks he had spent nearly six years in and fired. Five arrows met their targets and soon the gunpowder splattered tar all over the roof, which caught fire and quickly spread. A thick plume of smoke rose higher and higher into the air. Soon smoke began to pour out of the windows and the roof itself began to cave in. Suddenly the door was swung open and out stepped twelve men all dressed in their bed-clothes and underwear, barely awake and sluggishly holstering a rifle to aim at them.

But then they came to a halt as they coughed out the last of the smoke from their lungs and caught a glimpse of their attackers. They were surrounded and had at least three rifles, pistols or arrows pointed at them. "Greetings good officers of Colony 11. It would be a shame to kill the useless cannon fodder of Britannia, but make no mistake, we will take our chances. Lower your weapons and assemble into groups of two." As they were being tied up and knocked out with a blow to the back of the head, seven ran inside to gather up all the weapons and bullets they could manage in a crate. It was then that Tamaki finally breathed in relief. They had won, but they needed to get back. Yet so far they had not lost a single person, going much better than any of their previous raids under Naoto. 'Just who is this guy.'

And then quick as a flash, they dashed away into the alleys and back to the ghetto. It was there they took stock. Triple the number of bullets had been raided than originally projected, more rifles than they knew what to do with, but Kallen came back with the biggest score. Four fully armoured Rippers that was assigned to the one of ten barracks. Coupled with the one Zero had confiscated earlier, they now had five rippers.

"Well done, to all of you. And not a single shot fired, not one life lost. Our organisation has grown exponentially since Shinjuku, and therefore certain changes to our organisation must be made. Ohgi, I appoint you as my deputy commander of our group given your success with tonight's raid, co-ordination and past experience. Kallen, as a reward for your efforts, I grant you a choice of Ripper and the position of Captain of our flying columns. Tamaki, we are in debt to your information and I appoint you head of our military police and overseeing our armaments numbers. Sugiyama, you shall serve as our chief medic. Minami, captain of our second squad. Be ready and do not let this go to your heads. Britannia will not take this lying down. Expect full retaliation as we move into phase two of our operation. Dress warmly, we head for Kawasaki."

Tamaki couldn't remember the last time he had been left speechless, nor the last time he was so scared he couldn't speak. 'Wait, yes I can. Two years ago. Like I can forget her anytime soon.'

Next Morning, Viceroy Palace

The palace maid was woken up by her usual alarm.

"HOW COULD THIS HAVE HAPPENED?!" were the shrill screams of Princess Cornelia. She sighed and got to work, assembling her mistress's breakfast and neatly cleaning herself so not a hair stood out of place. She had been situated the same floor as the Princess, to attend her every need should the event arise. It only ever did in the morning and evening, allowing her a full afternoon of reading and documenting. She balanced the tray and navigated swiftly around the palace guards and bureaucrats who never wouldn't pay her any mind. She finally made her way to the office of the Viceroy, but was again ignored by the squabbling Princess and Knight. It allowed for the most interesting of morning entertainment, especially for her journals. "On open broadcast and manipulated to sour my name. This will be the last straw for our reign. Those…civil disobedience's last night put the lives of multiple constables in danger. Their barracks raided and the culprits nowhere to be found."

"We executed ten of them last night for treason your highness."

"You could execute one hundred and it would make no difference. The knight of Five so far has been silent about his progress and neglects to mention even his original intention for being here. We need answers quick, we need to know just how dangerous Zero is and executing our own men will do us no good."

"Then what does your highness wish of me?" Guilford knelled before her, but the maid had to suppress a scoff at his grovelling. She set down the tray and began assembling her majesty's meal on her desk.

"Oversee the next shipment of armaments to the constabulary's. We don't need any more discontent among the public, we need all out institutions to remain strong and right now our military force is stretched thin. Guilford I wish you to take the position of Chief Constable." He wanted to protest, but she interrupted. "And before you say, I have an old friend to come and assist our situation. We are in a dismal state, full of corruption and discontent. I trust only you to weed out the bad roots." He bowed in acquiescence and left the premises. The maid could see the faint look of fear or anticipation in his face. Cornelia had barely sat down before the door once again slammed open and in stormed Euphemia, eyes red and puffy from crying, completely distraught.

"Sister, Viceroy, please, tell me you did not commit this act. The one on the radio, please say it is not so." She pleaded, but even as Cornelia rose, she knew it deep down.

"As Viceroy, it falls under my jurisdiction to navigate and balance the impossible fields of the economic, social and political. In times like these-"

"NO. No more speeches, tell me truthfully, did you at least shed a tear for them. Commemorate their 'sacrifice' as you call it?" she had interrupted, only doing so out of sheer frustration. Duty and honour be damned.

"No, they were aiding rebels and I had to dispense justice. It was treason for them, but they did it all the same. How can you sympathise with disloyal subjects."

"Because the only way to better the garden is not to uproot the ground to kill the weeds, but to sow better land. If we can show them a better way, as Grandfather said, then we must be the better people, as father says." She turned in a huff and left and seething Cornelia to stew in her seat. She looked to her maid, focusing an intense glare on her pretty little face. "Do you have anything to say?" The maid did not move, did not speak, did not motion. She was a well-trained dog. "You may speak freely. How much…did you hear?"

This time the maid spoke up. "Much, your highness. I did not wish to intrude. But my presence often goes unnoticed, I had thought it as the same with you your grace."

"I never miss a face, but many other men do. Tell me, can you read?"

"Yes, your grace."

"Can you write?"

"Yes, your grace?"

"Do you swear secrecy for what is said in this room and your loyalty to Britannia?"

She smiled, "yes your grace."

"I have a task for you. What is your name?"

"Nu. Viletta Nu, your grace."

Two days later, Outskirts of the Settlement

A light fog had settled over the mainland's, across fields and valleys the grass and streams were hid beneath the mist, the air was chilled and misty and not a sound to be heard. Quiet, still, no one dared move. In distance, a light rumbling of the motorcade was heard approaching over an eerie echo bouncing off the cliffs and ridges. Each rebel was laying on their belly, waiting in anticipation. Fearful and chilled to the bone, their trigger fingers itched with anticipation. A minute passed, another, then another, until the first truck could be seen trundling along up the road at a slow, steady pace. Each car behind kept pace, careful to avoid sharp dips and declines.

'First truck is soldiers, next is heavy mounted machine gun, next is our cache and then more soldiers. Take out the gunner, everyone else will do the rest. First, take aim near the blockade, the soldiers will do the rest.' His only command given to her in the Ripper. Their only one here, standard model, to dangerous to risk the others, and she was piloting it.

As the trucks drew closer and closer, Kallen followed their path with the barrel of her cannon. Inch by inch, it neared the blockade, until finally if came to a halt before a large obstruction. A few seconds passed and two men were sent to clear the road, while two more stood guard. Restlessness and unease flitted through the air, Kallen saw out the corner of her viewfinder, there was Zero, his hand held high. A breath hitched, fingers tightened around the triggered and then…down came his hand.

BOOM! The cannon spits forward the shell in a burst of fire, too fast for anyone to duck and cover. It dawned on Kallen she never asked what was in the crates and sacks on the carts used to slow down the motorcade. Her questions were answered as the explosion took form, the TNT and oil in the crates reacted to the explosive shell and a shock wave sent the soldiers flying, the truck reeling backwards and the entire motorcade was sent into pandemonium.

As the Britannian's started piling out and forming columns at either side of the burning truck, their marches were cut down swiftly by hail of gunfire. The once quiet atmosphere was filled with the whistles and ricochets of bullets, whizzing and splattering the brains of unwavering military. One had his eyes shoot out of their sockets from a bullet passing through their skull, another suffered the same but his entire back head exploded. One by one, the confusion and fear in their eyes led to many being mowed down where they stood. Other tried crack shots to the cliff sides and ridges, but they too were gunned down. The motor carrying the mounted machine gun exploded as Kallen fired off another shot. Some tried to hide behind or beneath vehicles. Others took off into the moors and were lost among the fog. If one listened closely, the screams of a soldier falling to his death over a cliff could be heard. Only a few soldiers remained and victory was in the palm of their hands.

At least it was, until the final truck had its canvas ripped open and out came a Ripper. Heavy duty and heavily armoured, the elitist Industrial Paladin of Cornelia's royal guard splintered wood and snapped metal in its exit. Rearing around, it unloaded shell after shell on the attacking force. As the rebels tried shimmying down the slopes, to crawl on their bellies away from the bombardment, two lost their nerve and tried making their way on foot. The pilot made short work of them, sending mud and grass flying in the air and the two were hurtled forward, landing ten feet away in a pile of meat and bone.

'Must stop him sooner than later or this is going to be a bloodbath all for nothing.' She trundled forward over uneven ground, the shaking rattled her teeth, and finally confronted him head on. It turned its attention on her and took aim at the cockpit, until a voice broke out through the settled aftermath of the gun battle.

"I am Sir Guilford of her Majesty Cornelia Li Britannia's royal guard, this is a military envoy of supplies set for the settlement. Lay down your weapons and you will be prosecuted and face fair trial."

"About as fair as anything Britannia has ever given the Japanese, we refuse!" She darted to his left as he sent off a shot where she once was. She continued to speed off down the road, pulling and plugging new connectors into place to help manage her weapons. The manual system of the Rippers was devised by Lord Edison to utilise direct current and thus each component, be it weapons or motor functions, needed to be adjusted so that only one function could be performed at a time. Lever led to component by a wire connected to the power source and carried out function. Right now it was drive. As she turned to face her enemy, who was steadily speeding at her, she adjusted the wire as quick as a flash to weapons-cannon and fired. The shot missed, but the knight lost momentum swerving to avoid the shot. This bought her time to once again switch to weapons - harpoons: Left. She launched it where he was, but anticipating that he would turn again, she immediately switched to weapons – harpoons: Right. A pilot was expected to be able to multitask, but that was just another way of saying doing a series of consecutive motions one after the other in successive speed. Not many could do it fast enough in combat, Kallen could.

Falling into her trap, the harpoon latched itself to his caterpillar tyres. Switching back to left, she launched at his main body, but realised her mistake too late as the harpoon harmlessly pinged off the dense armour and was crushed beneath the tyre. She managed to reel in her right one and attempted to ram him with what was left of her system. But as she sped towards him, he was not only moving, but also firing his main cannon.

'He's as fast as I am! He's using his momentum to propel himself forward and using the time saved to fire his weapons while in motion!' But those weren't his only tricks.

"You are fast for an eleven, but your skill could use a little refining. Too bad you are out of time." His momentum carried him right into a collision with Kallen. She was pushed right back into a ridge. Her controls were growing sluggish and stilted, while Guilford still pushed on, despite the mud pit they landed in. He reversed out and catching on the ridge, his wheel's spat mud into her cockpit. Fuming at his tactics, she spat out the mud in her mouth and tried rushing forward again. He spoke up again over the sound of the rumbling engine. "Have you not tired yet or are you resting in your natural habitat of mud and filth, you squealing little pig." Yelling out in a rage, Kallen once again rushed him, but found the ripper travelling slower than before. Her confusion broke through her anger and finally realisation dawned on her. 'He was baiting me to come at him. The mud has stalled my engine and clogged the gears. He just came back from the middle east, his ripper was designed to resist wear and tear. I saw it in the paper and didn't think to try it different. Now…I'M A SITTING DUCK!' Not seeing a way out of her predicament, she pushed out through the back entrance, but found it stuck. Just Guilford was about to ram it, a grenade was tossed into its line of sight and almost blinded him. He turned to aim at the attacker, Zero in all his glory pulling another grenade and tossing it at him. But again he was distracted when Kallen fired off one last shot fro the cannon and ran for the ridges, the dense fog and smoke concealing her escape, and dived into the muddy river she was just in.

Guilford blew the ripper apart, scattering the parts into the air. All that was left was a flaming pile of junk seated atop a pair of caterpillars. Proud of his achievements, he turned his machine and rolled away. Kallen peaked up from holding her breath, glanced around to see he had left and rushed back to the meet up point. Pulling out her pocket compass, she paced one hundred meters' south-west and then two-hundred paces north until she reached the cave. By them she was shivering and the mud crusted dry as well as the sun blazing down in the morning lights. She was greeted by cheers and blankets over her shoulders. When she spotted Zero at the bottom of the cave, she stood as upright as she could and tried wiping as much mud from her face. CC stepped forward, offering her a cloth with a smile on her face. Scowling in disdain, she turned her nose up at the small offering and addressed Zero mud and all. "Zero, is the objective complete?"

Turning his featureless orb on her, she seemed to quake before him, as though expecting judgement. Then he spoke up. "Yes, we were a complete success."

As Guilford closed in to where the motorcade was left, he got out and saw no one remaining. 'Curious, I would have thought we had at least twelve trained soldiers left when I was fighting the pilot.' As he passed through the motorcade on foot, he saw a coughing soldier clutching at his gut leaned up against the remains of the car. Crouching before him, he offered up a canteen from his ripper of water. He gasped and reached for the flask, chugging it before choking it down. "I was hoping it was whiskey." He coughed out. It was then that Guilford noticed most of the cars and trucks that survived the skirmish were now missing, all the soldiers stripped of uniform and their rifles gone. "Soldier, what happened when I was gone? What did they take?"

He strained to look him in the face and rasped out as loud as he could, "They took everything my lord. Came back…finished the job…stole guns…the caches…the money…even…the uniforms…said they were for cloths and rags. Even stole my pistol and told me to tell you this." With one last heave, he slumped over into a pile and didn't move. Guilford stood up and looked around.

"It was a ruse, to lure me away and I fell for it…DAMN YOU ZERO!" He picked up a card from this fallen soldier and read it. 'Kindest regards, the KoR.'

A great cheer went up among the rebels as everyone held in their hands a rifle of solid craftsmanship and surrounded by crates of more bullets than they could think to use. Some busted out some sake and wine to celebrate, others were loading the trucks full of the crates and guns. They had time before the fog cleared and they would be able to drive safely, so everyone took their time at a leisurely pace. Only Kallen sat sullen in the corner, still bitter over her loss to Guilford. 'How could I not have seen it? Was it not obvious he could be better than me? And I fell for all those tricks? And all the rest of them are pandering me like I took down the Cornelia herself or they're just happy I lived.' The first rays of the morning sun pierced through the rolling grey clouds, illuminating parts of the cave and glaring down on the spot where Kallen was currently kneeling, staring down at the sword, catching the light on its blade.

"Wallow in your self-doubt at another time Kozuki. But today is not that day." Zero stood right behind her without her even knowing. Standing at attention, she tried explaining herself as best as she could, "Zero, I have failed in my mission today when all else had gone right. My sincerest apologies." But he just waved his hand in dismissal, forcing her to stop. "You have lost our only Ripper, that is true, but you lived to fight another day and continue the fight. Others don't have that luxury. Why did you lose?"

"I…underestimated his skill."

"No, everyone makes that mistake, everyone always blames that thought. You attacked, he repelled, you reacted. That misstep became irrelevant as soon as you recognised the threat. Why did you lose?"

"I battled him in a ripper suited for Ripper on Ripper combat, whereas I piloted what essentially amounted to construction machinery."

"No…Why…Did you…Lose?"

"I-I-I…overestimated."

"You thought you could defeat him with barely scraped together tactics and a ratty old Paladin and did not once consider utilising your allies to merely slow him down. Know your limits and then try to surpass them. Never assume perfection, it never comes to anyone."

"Not even you sir." she replied, a little snarky for her own liking.

"No…not me." He turned away and walked towards the entrance of the cave. His talk did little to alleviate the hole she felt. As though all her skills were irrelevant, as though imagination had left her, she felt grey. Grim and dull and lifeless, it's funny how a mood can shift in a second and last hours, even days. But having CC draped over a stack of crates and smiling at her. "Have you disappointed your suitor dear girl, or is it something I can help with."

"I don't need your help." She said without looking up, her tone empty. "What could you offer that can help me?"

"Perhaps a cudgel to beat you over the head with, as this lesson seems needing to be. I have fought in duels before." At this, she looked up. 'Ethereal and slight. She's confrontational, yet passively so, but who would duel her.' It made practically no sense to her. She knew her only a few days, but yet she was all ready to slap her. "Your too young." She smiled warmly at her and flipped over the boxes in one swift move to land on her feet to crouch before her. "It's always the eyes. They tell the story; my face is just a mask after all." When Kallen said nothing, she continued. "When I fought, I had lost. You could say I almost died. But this self-deprecation, that is nothing new to me. I daresay it happens to everyone. But I suppose if you want to wallow in it like many others, I cannot convince you otherwise. Just think on Zero's words, I lived by them once before." Striding to the door, the sound of a sword being sheathed and footsteps marching past her put a smile back on her face. It was daybreak when they left the cave, the last of the boxes being loaded and bright as a summers day in June. Squinting into the distance, Kallen hopped onto the nearest truck which just so happened to be where Zero was. Nodding towards her, he kicked the wall of the cockpit lightly and the truck was finally able to take off. The fog had cleared and the sun was out. Nothing but smooth driving from here to the settlement.

Midnight, Tokyo Settlement

The streets were always quiet at night, everything was. Curfew and fear kept this quiet alive. So when lightest of sounds was heard, be it the plink of a raindrop or the scamper of a mouse, Bismark Waldstein could hear it, always. "Come out beast. Your lord and master has need of you." For a moment nothing moved, but soon the tendrils of mist and blood began to swarm. From the sewers, from the smoke stacks, all poured forward to craft the figure standing before Lord Waldstein at that very moment.

"Ah~ His Majesty's loyal dog. Has he sent you in his place out of fear or does he just not care anymore."

"Hold your tongue before I rip it out permanently. His majesty has a task for you demon. A task that must be performed with extreme discretion." His hand instinctively tightened around the pommel of his blade, inwardly gloating about the swords consistency.

"I almost regret telling you all about the silver, but then it wouldn't have been nearly as fun trying to catch me. You come to ask for my work, tell me and be done with it."

"Murder, as much as you can and as much savagery as possible. It's not like that will be difficult for you. Begin targeting elevens, then Britannian's if you choose. Don't worry, Bradley will be here shortly with further commands. And remember, all blood is immediately transported. Do you recognize these commands?" the glow of the seal began to pulsate fiercely, almost mocking the beast whom had lost his heartbeat centuries ago. Grimacing in disdain at this walking pile of slime before him, he growled out a "yes" in compliance. "Very good demon, now do as you are commanded like a loyal servant."

"I had only one servant. This man is not even fit to speak her name. My Loyalty is pure unlike yours which is tainted." Before he could blink, the blade was braced over his breast, right over the heart. It was Bismarks turn to growl out. "I will not allow anyone to desecrate my liege. Now, as I said hold your tongue before me or else you shall be greeting the late consort in hell before too long." Throwing his cape up before him, he spun and marched into the night, leaving only a smoking tendril where the monster once stood.

A/N: I just wanted to ask you all, since I have so many followers, could you leave in your review an opinion of my OC, Katrina (I hope she's not a Mary sue, I really want to avoid that.). Can she be improved, did you like her, should I include her more or less? These are the important things to figure out. PS, Lelouch was able to logically guess the port from which new weapons arrive and what route would be easiest to take to deliver them. Please ask any questions in comments and thank you for reading.

I guess I should explain my lateness of this chapter. Basically I went to Spain for two weeks, procrastinated for another and wrote this sparingly over the past four weeks. But I really wanted to get it out to you. Some good news I guess is that from here on, more original story progression will occur, just wait till you get to chapter 12. And the finale I have planned, man I hope it lives up to my own hype.