Disclaimer: I do not own Code Geass or its characters.
Friday, April 30, 2027
-This is a BBC News World Report. The Emperor and several members of the royal family are making their first visit to Buenos Aires in several years. At this point neither the Emperor nor Viceroy Nu have stated the location of Area Two's administrative center. There have been indications that it may remain in Bogota. Naturally many other cities will want to bid to have the honor. At the moment top contenders are Brasilia, Rio de Janiero, and Buenos Aires.
In Central Asia, Russia continues to accuse the Empire of aiding the Kazakhstan rebels. All viceroys in the area refute the claim. Viceroy Evelyn Futaba states that Russia's accusations may be proof of their own guilt in the situation. Viceroy Nunnally Kururugi states that Russia and the EU may be involved in aiding rebels and terrorists in western Asia.
In news closer to home, Viceroy Milly is planning several festivals to celebrate Area Two being whole once more. At this stage the festivals are only in the planning stage so we will have to wait a week until we receive more information.
Schniezel observes the situation in South America. He marvels at the manner in which Lelouch can manipulate the situation. It is probable that Lelouch sells equipment to rebels throughout the world. He does not sell them faulty equipment, but it is outdated. It is also likely that Lelouch has several operatives amongst rebels around the world. This would also explain why there are so many rebel groups having success.
Schniezel also has another issue to deal with. The arrival of Lilicia Gottwald has pushed Kannon to the side. The EU officials in particular are entranced by the young lady's nature and demeanor. It certainly helps that several rebel and terrorist cells have been found in major EU cities with Lilicia's help. She is also helping with the technology sector. Kannon cannot help with any of these things. In fact if it ever comes down to a decisive battle against Lelouch, Lilicia will probably be of more use than Schniezel.
Naturally the blonde haired former prince takes precautions against such matters. Before it ever comes down to something like that, Schniezel must ensure that his allies do not give Lelouch any more opportunities. He certainly had hoped that Theseus would have kept a cooler head. Hopefully Karine understands the gravity of the situation better. It will take several years to catch up to Britannia. For now Lelouch has the advantage, but soon that gap will shrink.
Sophie Randle is working with Lord Edward Ashford on creating several more specimens for the EU. Unbeknownst to them, Britannia has been working on these specimens for almost a decade. Sophie's expertise in the field of brain science greatly increases the speed at which the specimens can be created. At the moment their group is small. Sophie hopes to bring in some of her own people at a later time. Some of the information provided by Britannian defectors also proves valuable.
Currently their major project is Opaca Rubrum Lux. Very few people know the identity of the person under the helmet. Because she has to maintain the connections between the brain and the cybernetic body, Sophie is one of these privileged few. One of the interesting things about the specimens is that Sophie will be able to control their senses at least with the lesser ones.
After parading through the city, Lelouch enters the old viceroy's palace. Surprisingly much of Theseus' former staff stays to ensure a smooth transition. Also most of them probably prefer to serve under Lelouch than Karine. At least Lelouch has publicly proven to be reasonable. They take Lelouch to a conference room where a crestfallen Theseus is waiting.
"Why is he still here?" Lelouch asks gesturing towards Theseus.
It is obvious that Lelouch is treating South America as a rebellious province rather than the semi-independent republic it has been the past few years.
"We are sorry, Your Majesty. We did not know that he was still here."
Theseus is quickly escorted out of the room by his former assistants. Outside Theseus sees a sight her never thought he would ever lay eyes on. Salacia is standing there wearing the uniform of Lelouch's elite soldiers (Black Knights). He stares for a few seconds at Lelouch's crooked trident logo on Salacia's shoulder. Two guards gesture for Theseus to follow them. Theseus stops as he walks past Salacia and whispers into her ear.
"You look good in that uniform. Enjoy your new master."
Wiggins and Carter take Theseus to an airship that will take him to a location of his choosing.
Salacia stares at the door to the room where Lelouch is meeting with Theseus' former aides. There is some screaming coming from the room. This reminds Salacia of a conversation she has with Luciano and Aphrodite a few days ago about Lelouch's mental state.
Lelouch steps out of the room surprisingly clean.
"It is a good thing that I had Cecile add a self-cleaning function to Scooter," Lelouch says as he slings his sword over his shoulder. "I wonder if there are any more bad guys to kill."
On cue Ayame appears behind Lelouch.
"Your Majesty, Empress Cornelia and Lord Gottwald are awaiting your presence in the other conference room to discuss your proposed restructuring of the military. I will handle the clean up here."
"Ayame, you aren't hiding any bad guys from me, are you?" Lelouch asks as he scrunches his face while trying to peer into Ayame's soul.
"I assure you, Your Majesty, that I am not hiding any bad guys. If I see any, rest assured, you will be the first person that I call."
Lelouch kisses Ayame on the cheek. "You better or you won't get any sex for a year," Lelouch as he walks to the other conference room.
"Is he being serious?" Salacia asks.
"Of course not, he would never be mean enough to deny one of his wives sex," Ayame replies, "I suppose I better have someone clean this conference room. I hope that Scooter was humane with his victims this time."
Kallen is looking over the file that Lelouch gives to her. The file contains information on her half-uncle William. Lelouch leaves the decision up to him whether or not to tell the young man who he is related to. Kallen decides to tell her father when she returns to Neo-Pendragon. Together they will deal with the situation.
Currently Kallen is floating above Buenos Aires with the four Knights of the Round. As a show of force all available knightmares are also in the air. Coupled with airships they nearly cover the sky from Buenos Aires to Montevideo. There are also enough naval ships to completely seal off the mouth of the Rio de la Plata. It has been many years since such a force gathers. Even Lelouch's personal knightmare is in the sky.
Kallen has been hoping to return to Japan this summer, but she will probably have to spend it here. Of course down here it will be winter so Kallen better have some clothes sent down. If her stay is extended, she will have to send for James and his little bodyguard. She supposes that she may find a cabin in the mountains or the royal family equivalent. She wonders where Lelouch will move next. For the moment she will be left out of such move because of her duties in South America.
Like Lelouch's other antagonists, Karine le Britannia is not at all happy with Theseus. She assumes that he will flee to Africa whether he wants to or not. Lelouch will have little need for someone like Theseus. Just as he has very little need for Cassius. Many of Theseus' aides probably stay hoping that Lelouch will have some use for them. The little that Karine knows about Lelouch tells her that he will dispose of anyone that he does not personally select. Anyone that previously serves under Theseus, Lelouch will consider a double traitor and give them what they deserve.
Karine has bigger things to deal with. There are rumors that Schniezel is regaining influence in Europe, and that he is going to let Russia go off half-cocked against Lelouch in Siberia. There are many in Karine's group that want to unite with a Schniezel controlled Europe to create a large anti-Lelouch bloc. Many of these individuals are uniting under Augusta Henry Highland. In the past he serves as the governor of many of Britannia's European territories. Karine already has a plan to rid herself of this problem. She will allow Lelouch to deal with it. Karine can easily renounce the troublesome noble and continue with her own plan.
Karine may not be the most brilliant of the royal children, but she knows how to take advantage of her opportunities. Thus far she has also been a survivor. As long as she continues to play it safe, she will keep surviving. She does not plan on conquering the world only maintaining what she has. She will make whatever moves she has to in order to survive.
Of the many things that Karine has to learn over the past six years is organization. She has to organize her military forces and create a science/technology team. She may never be able to compete with Britannia, but she will not be brushed aside easily.
Mariel Lubie is tasked with the duty of organizing Karine's technology group. Her group is in charge of taking captured Britannian knightmares and creating knightmares that are equal. At least for now that is her task. Once Mariel can put together a competent team, she will be working on creating new knightmares exclusive to Karine's group. Although Mariel is genius, she does not have practical experience in creating knightmares. Although everyone hopes for the peace, the recent happenings in South America and the rhetoric coming out of Australia may make peace difficult to obtain. To protect what is they have, Mariel and her team will have to learn quickly.
Rakshata Chawla oversees Karine's science team. It is her assignment to oversee the creation and maintenance of more cyborgs. Like the rest of Karine's forces, she has to use material and information stolen from Britannia although Rakshata does have many original ideas. Surprisingly she finds working for Karine better than Lelouch. It must be because Karine knows very little about technology and questions very little while Lelouch knows a lot and questions everything.
Luciano and Aphrodite Bradley are currently baby-sitting Salacia's daughters. The elder daughter, Sarah, is technically Luciano's niece. The situation is a bit ideal since the girls are near the age of their own children so it is a situation that they used to. The only annoying thing is that somehow Lloyd and Salacia are now a couple, and he is tagging along to observe the girls.
Having to take care of the daughter of his asshole brother is one thing, but finding out that he has a bastard brother is something else. Lelouch gives Luciano the option of what to do. Aphrodite wants Luciano to at least meet his half-brother to see what he is like. Luciano already has an idea what he is like. After all they are raised by the same man. The noble status of the Bradley family shields the cases of mental illness in their past. Before he bothers meeting his half-brother, the little bastard will have to be observed.
Lucretia snuggles up against Lelouch. Even though Lelouch is away from home, he has to keep up with his wife schedule. Not that he minds since Lucretia is one of his more energetic wives. Things are becoming much more complicated than he imagined they would. A silly notion like maintaining a respectable image and legacy may make things difficult. Unlike his ancestors, he sees the future as more than the playground for his descendants. Lelouch will create a truly peaceful world.
Monday, May 3, 2027
Ganabati is looking over the machines that formerly belong to Peace Mark and now belong to Karine's group. With the switch in allegiance comes a change in hierarchy and weaponry. Technically he is the subordinate of both Rakshata Chawla and Mariel Lubie, however eh has some independence. Like the others on this side, Ganabati needs practical experience with newer model knightmares.
Paciano Bradley is leading the four Glaston Knights, Orpheus Zevon, and Ze Dien in a knightmare demonstration against a group led by Li Xingke. In other words they are fighting cyborgs. Observing the battle are Karine and all her important people. More than anything the demonstration is to show everyone that Karine controls the best pilots and knightmares. Cassius and Theseus are quiet cowed by Lelouch. Really Karine wishes that Lelouch would have disposed of them. Despite their failures, their royal blood gives them some influence over some nobles especially those that wish to take control.
One of those nobles Michele Manfredi recently returns from South America having abandoned his mission to observe Lelouch's forces. Like many other nobles, he will have to be dealt with. For most of her life, Karine is taught that nobles are the foundation upon which Britannia is built on. It is their hard work that makes the nation great. She now realizes that this is all propaganda to keep commoners in their place. It is his connection with the common people that makes Lelouch so popular and nearly invincible. Karine does not feel the need to spend lots of time around commoners, but she makes slight efforts.
The pilots are using heavily modified Ios for the knightmare demonstration. Rakshata adapts the knightmares to fit each cyborgs' traits and tasks. The human knightmares are adapted by the individuals or Mariel Lubie. Very few people including their opponents know about the cyborgs.
Paciano Bradley realizes that their opponents have the advantage of unity. The four Glaston Knights may know how to work as a unit, but that leaves three other very competitive pilots. He figures that the key is to find Li Xingke and defeat him. The remaining cyborgs cannot be as skilled as the Chinese man. Normally he would put such a task upon his own shoulders, but this is not the time to be selfish.
"Hey Zevon, you are going to have to take out the leader," Paciano states, "The Glaston Knights will take the lead and draw the enemy. Ze Dien and me will hang back and look for openings."
The others concede to Paciano's experience. The battle develops slowly. The cyborgs do not do anything that will endanger them, but this also means that they will not do anything to gain an advantage. Just s Paciano surmises six of the cyborgs are quite ordinary. Only Xingke is elite, however he is good enough to make up for the deficiency of the other cyborgs, but it is still not enough.
After the battle Karine heads down to congratulate the pilots. Cassius and Theseus can only watch as their younger sister walks away with her people. They are approached by a group of nobles led by Augusta Henry Highland, Andrea Faranese, and Michele Manfredi.
"Your highnesses, if we could have a word? There is a matter of grave importance to discuss," Lord Highland states.
Paciano dismisses the pilots as Karine arrives.
"Are you sure that it is smart to leave those people up there?" Paciano questions, "Who knows what they are planning."
"Do not worry. I have already taken care of the issue. Unlike Lelouch, I do not mind getting my hands dirty with the blood of useless family members," Karine replies, "What do you think of the cyborgs?"
"They seem decent. I assume that is part of their programming."
"Still from what I understand unless the pilot is not elite to begin with, they cannot suddenly be made to be. There is another related project that I have been considering. I understand that Lelouch installed it over a decade ago so we are quite behind."
"You almost seem giddy when talking about this new thing," Paciano states, "I will give Dr. Chawla my thoughts on the cyborgs. Overall I think she will be pleased."
Karine pulls Paciano towards her. "That can wait for a later time. Now we are going to have some fun."
Shin Hyuuga Shaingu and a small group of cyborgs exit Lord Highland's residence as the manor is engulfed in flames.
"Is the tasked accomplished?" Jean Low asks.
"Yes, I was just taking out some trash," Shin replies as he adjusts his gloves. "The old age is being put to rest. Those relics of the past are now more."
Shin and Jean walk away as emergency VTOL begin to fill the sky.
Rivalz, Olivia, and Jamison Cardemonde narrowly escape Santiago as Marika's forces reach the city. Presently they are landing at Noumea, New Caledonia. Along with Vanuatu, New Caledonia serves as a buffer zone between the three Britannian areas in the Pacific and Australia. The islands chain mostly serve as immigration centers into Australia. Britannia has only a small token presence on the islands. While it is easy enough to find a way onto one of the hundreds of Britannian islands, it is much more difficult to make it anywhere of importance.
Australia is completely different situation. It has a much more stringent immigration policy. Given the state of South America as Britannian forces close in, it is not very difficult to falsify certain documents. This makes the process slightly easier. Of course Australian officials have very little love for individuals who would abandon their nation during such a crisis.
Even here in this distant outpost, Australia's Separation Policy is visible. There are different islands for different races and nationalities. Since they have some money and pure Britannian bloodlines, the Cardemonde cousins are provided with some luxury. The process will most likely be quicker for them as well.
The immigration officer is looking over the paperwork diligently.
"Everyone here appears to be in order. That is except for one thing," the officers states as he pulls out a file. "Why exactly are you on Britannia's shit list?" The officer slides several sheets of paper across the table. "No exile has ever had these sorts of marks against them. It is as if you committed something of grave consequence, but there is no reward for your capture. What did you do?"
Jamison and Olivia glance at each other for a few seconds.
"We are responsible for the attack that killed two of the emperor's wives several years ago," Jamison replies.
"You expect me to believe that," the officer states, "The emperor would have killed you himself."
"You do not know Lelouch vi Britannia very well," Rivalz says as he reveals his cybernetic hand. "He loves torturing his victims. What makes you think we will be safe in Australia?"
"You have been thoroughly inspected, and we did not discover any sort of tracking devices in your bodies. He cannot know that you are here."
"He has eyes and ears everywhere. Whether you allow us to enter your country or turn us away. He will find us and finish it," Rivalz comments. "So just push your fucking papers and get this over with."
The officer stares at them for a few moments and stamps approved on their paperwork.
"It will still be a few days until you can enter. You should take the time to look for some sort of employment and lodgings."
The Cardemonde cousins silently make their way to their apartment. Olivia lets out a sigh and heads for the bed. Rivalz turns her around and punches across the face. Jamison cowers by the door.
"Why did you hit her?"
"She deserves a lot more than that for killing Shirley," Rivalz replies. "She was innocent. She was my friend."
Olivia rubs her jaw. "She was married to that monster. If she was our friend, why didn't she do anything to stop what happened to you?"
"You don't know shit," Rivalz growls. "Fuck it. It doesn't matter anymore. All that shit is in the past."
Their conversation is interrupted by a knock on the door. Jamison stands and answers it. There are several men in white lab coats. This causes Jamison to quickly cower.
"Excuse me; we are searching for Rivalz Cardemonde."
Rivalz looks at the men and seems to know what they want.
"Why don't you people find someone else to experiment on?"
"If you come with us, your cousins will live a comfortable life in Australia."
"Fuck them. I want to live a comfortable life. If I wanted to spend the rest of my life as a lab rat, I would have stayed in Britannia. You jackasses can go to hell," Rivalz says as he slams the door. "I don't give a shit about Australia or Britannia. I just want to live in peace."
Rivalz heads for his room leaving Jamison and Olivia to ponder their next move.
Darwin, Australia is an odd sort of place. It is under constant watch not just because it is the largest city near Britannian territory, but also because it is the center of the Australian black market. With the exception of Istanbul and Djibouti, it is the largest in the world. Everything from illegal drugs to knightmare parts to information is available for the right price. Naturally this means that organized crime has as much sway as the government and the military. This is not exactly where Naoto wants to be. He figures this sort of seedy place would be better for one of Lelouch's other operatives.
"How about it Rupert? Do we have a deal? I guarantee the quality of my product."
Naoto looks at the other man. It takes him some time to get accustomed to his new name. He has to select something that is memorable and forgettable, but more importantly has very little connection to his true identity. Even though he knows that the product is nowhere near the quality for the price, he has to play the game if he wants to be accepted. This means getting suckered a few times by locals, but Naoto can still haggle a little with the price.
"I will take it, but the price has to come down a little or else I won't respect myself in the morning."
The man looks at Naoto and shrugs.
"Since it is our first deal, I will take one thirty instead of one fifty. Call it the start of a beautiful friendship."
Naoto nods and signals for Ichiro to bring in the other men to carry out the merchandise. Midori brings Naoto the suitcase with the money. The other man stares at her shamelessly.
"I see you are into Easterns, Rupert," the man licks his lips even though Midori is standing there. "You certainly have some good taste. I have a shipment coming in a few days. There should be some Easterns mixed in there if you are interested. Normally I just sell the whole lot to brokers and let them handle it. But if you are interested, I can cut you a deal."
"I will think about it. I have to move this product first," Naoto replies. "I will contact you in a few days."
Naoto enters his car and begins to grumble as Ichiro begins to pull away.
"Is something wrong, Master Rupert?" Ichiro asks.
"Shut it Ichiro!" Naoto barks, "That bastard is trying to sell me people."
Midori puts her hands atop her husband's.
"You knew what sort of people you would be dealing with."
"Yes, but why would any Japanese person fall for this sort of thing."
"You are not looking at the situation objectively," CC comments. "I doubt that anybody willing comes with them. A few people probably came here to get away from Britannia. They had little idea what sort of country this is. However most are probably just kidnapped and sold."
"It can't be that easy. Why isn't anyone doing something about this?" Naoto asks. "How are people tricked into something like this?"
"The majority of the jobs that Lelouch brings to any country are technology based. While there is a trickle down effect, not all sectors are affected by it," Midori remarks, "This causes the sort of despair that certain people can prey on. Just like not al Britannians are war mongering villains, all Japanese are not virtuous."
Naoto continues to grumble.
"Now Rupert dear, don't be grumpy," CC says, "Don't forget we still have a dinner to attend tonight. It's a good thing that our house is too small to entertain."
"Why is that?" Naoto asks.
"Imagine what would happen if one of our guests tried to take your lowly Eastern wife to one of the rooms to have some fun."
Naoto continues his grumbling.
"There is no point in complaining now," Midori remarks, "Everyone had a chance to decline the task. We should all do our best."
"You sound like an anime character," Ichiro comments. "The product is at the warehouse, and we are home."
"Move the product to the designated spot. Someone will take care of the rest," Naoto orders. "I better get ready for this dinner. These wannabe noble bastards are annoying."
CC stays in the car while Naoto and Midori walk into the house.
"Ichiro, take care of the car that followed us."
"I see, you noticed them as well. Our friends are taking care of them. You should go inside and prepare for dinner."
CC nods and exits the car.
Saturday, May 8, 2027
Evelyn is reading the reports coming from the west. The Kazakhstan rebels have been growing in number and strength. Since it is technically the EU's problem, she does very little about it. With the border established on the Yenisei River, it is easily defended; however it is long and goes into very inhospitable territory. This means that drones have to be used instead of knightmares with human pilots. Evelyn knows that her opponent does not necessarily put such value on its people. The various nations that make up the EU have too much independence. It is because of this that the EU can never challenge Britannia, and why Schniezel is able to gain power not once but twice.
Russian revanchism is Evelyn's biggest problem. Lelouch refuses to negotiate Britannia surrendering any territory. In fact Africa and the Middle East are still claimed as Britannian territory. With the recent reconquest of South America, Lelouch is letting the world that he is serious. Evelyn will have to make sure that Russia understands that she is serious as well.
Evelyn looks over at Hoshi Inoue who is assigned to be her assistant.
"Hoshi, have the northern border patrols increased. I will speak with the military commanders later."
"I will see to it, Your Highness. Did Your Highness receive the message regarding the Knights of the Round?"
"Are Sora and Urabe doing something?"
"No, Lady Gottwald and Lady Nu are on their way here under orders from the Emperor."
Evelyn sighs, "Very well. I will deal with that later. Follow my orders on the border patrols."
Evelyn wonders why Lelouch would send Chelsea and Hannah here since they are the weakest of the KOR. It is possible that Lelouch may not know about the relationship between Lilicia Gottwald and James Longstreet who is stationed here because he is Jinta's friend. Of course for that to happen Lelouch would have to be blind. Then again there it may just be the fact that the KOR are moving all over the world. This may be the area of least importance so it makes sense to send the weakest KOR.
Evelyn leaves her office and walks to the knightmare hangar. The twins are working at a secret lab to the south underneath Lake Baikal. That means that this particular hangar is only for military use. Like all viceroys, Evelyn has to deal with people who attend West Point with Lelouch. Unlike the other viceroys, Evelyn has very little experience in command situations. This means that if war comes she may have very little control over the forces at her disposal. If war does come, Siberia will be a side front so who commands the army matters little.
Jinta notices that Evelyn is in the knightmare hangar looking pensive. He is working on James' knightmare.
"Hey why don't you go over there and comfort her," James Longstreet states.
Jinta sighs and shakes his head.
"Evelyn is not the type of girl that likes to be comforted in public," Jinta replies.
"Where is Sherman?"
"Probably out on patrol. You know how he loves taking any opportunity to be in a knightmare."
"I still think you should go over there and put your arms around her and tell her it will be all right," James comments.
"Why is that what you want someone to do to you?" Evelyn inquires startling Jinta and James.
"Does your highness require anything of her humble servant," James states with a bow.
"Jinta, can I see you in my office."
"I will be there shortly. I just need to make a few adjustments," Jinta replies.
"Very well, I will see you in a few minutes."
After Evelyn leaves, James asks, "What do you think she wants to talk about?"
"She probably just wants to bounce a few thoughts off. A lot has been going on lately. We might even be receiving some special guests." Jinta sets his equipment down. "When Sherman returns make sure that he checks in with the base commander. I don't want him taking off on another patrol."
"Sure whatever, but you know that is easier said than done."
Jinta sighs and walks towards Evelyn's office. Back at the Britannian Military Academy at West Point, Junior Division William Tecumseh Sherman II is a big deal. He is the best cadet at the Jr. Academy since Lelouch and Gino. That does not necessarily mean that he is at their level because in reality who truly is. Still Sherman does not expect to be a mere First Lieutenant serving in Siberia (even though he is only 19). The real issue is that previous generations have set the bar much too high.
Jinta notices that Hoshi is walking towards the knightmare hangar. She is probably going to give James some silly orders from Evelyn. He knows that his wife is trying to set up his best friend with her assistant at least temporarily. James Longstreet VI is not the sort of person that is allowed to be with a common Japanese girl like Hoshi even if she is the daughter of one of the Emperor's lovers.
Jinta enters Evelyn's office slowly. She is on the phone with Lelouch and does not appear to be happy about the situation.
"Is something wrong?" Jinta asks.
Evelyn replies, "Big brother is sending Hannah and Chelsea here."
"Are you worried about the whole James and Lilicia dating thing?"
"Aren't you? I think it is an issue especially after her defection."
"Not really. I am more worried about you trying to set up James with Hoshi. His grandfather is one of the few nobles that has survived your brother's purges."
Evelyn sighs, "I cannot believe that that sort of thing can happen in this nowadays."
"On a more serious note, I think you should have Sherman transferred. He is very unhappy here."
"Where do you want him to go?"
"Move him to a more active front," Jinta answers.
"There are no active fronts."
Jinta rolls his eyes and glowers. "You know that is not true. Send him to the West Asia or South Africa. Even if war breaks out with the EU, this front will be nothing but a sideshow even to Russia."
"Fine I will have order come from one of the base commanders. You probably don't want it to seem like you want him to go away or that you gave him what he wants."
"That sounds good. Now what's for dinner?"
Evelyn smirks, "I don't know, what are you making?"
James sits up on his bed. Sleeping soundly beside him is Hoshi. He is not sure whether his actions will make Evelyn happy or mad. He does not expect a long term relationship with the Japanese girl. Although he will be careful not to upset her too much since her mother is the Emperor's lover.
James' phone begins to ring. He wonders who would be calling him so early in the morning.
"Longstreet."
"James, where the hell have you been? I have been calling you all night."
"Jinta, I have a life outside of being your best friend."
Jinta sighs loudly. "You jerk, listen up. Hannah and Chelsea are on there way here. I really hope you aren't doing what I think you are."
James groans, "If they don't like what I am doing, too bad for them. Remember Lilicia broke up with me and then went off and did her own thing. I didn't have anything to do with that. Now if you recall, today is my day off so please do not bother me until after noon. We can do boyfriend stuff after that."
"Fine like I told Evelyn, you are an adult and make your own choices."
James can hear Jinta being smacked by Evelyn.
"See you later Longstreet. Give Hoshi a kiss for me."
Evelyn smacks Jinta again. James sets the phone down and slides back into bed. He hopes that Hoshi wakes up in a few minutes so that they can continue what they were doing last night.
Saturday, May 15, 2027, Bermuda
Lelouch is staring at the bodies of Cassius and Theseus. After a week of haggling the bodies of the former princes are on their way back to the Homeland. After being thoroughly inspected the bodies will be sent to New York. They will be held for public viewing before heading to the burial site selected by their families. Cassius will head for Savannah, Georgia, the home of his mother. Lelouch will probably have to force Samantha, Chelsea, Abigail, and Benjamin to attend the funeral. Not that Lelouch particularly wants to attend the funeral himself.
Theseus is a more complicated matter. Like other Britannian princes, he marries the daughter of a noble. This marriage quickly produces two daughters. After Theseus moves to the Falkland Islands and then South America, he begins to have relations with local women. It is one of these women that causes him to leave his Britannian wife and move to make South America independent. Unfortunately she dies at the beginning of the Andean rebellion. For Theseus this is not a big deal since they do not have any children. Soon after he finally realizes his infatuation with Salacia Ravenguard. This relationship produces a daughter. However Salacia tires of Theseus, and she defects back to Britannia.
This means that Lelouch has to select a burial site and pay people to attend the funeral because a prince's funeral has to have mourners. He will probably have to trick a few people into showing up.
"Your Majesty, we are ready to begin the inspection of the bodies," Jeremiah states.
Lelouch sighs, "I shall return to the capital and finish the preparations."
Jeremiah signals for the bodies to be taken to a secure room. Lelouch stands there silently for a few moments.
"How long are you going to stand there staring at the floor?" Kallen asks.
"Even though they were idiots, they deserved better than this,"
"Then you should have just locked them up somewhere."
"Yes, I probably should have. When I conquer the world this time, I will not make the same mistakes."
"What do you plan on doing?" Kallen asks inquisitively. She usually knows what Lelouch is thinking, but this time she is a little in the dark.
"I am going to take out the trash," Lelouch replies, "Let's go."
Author's note: I apologize about the tardiness of this chapter. It was a combination of writer's block, illness, and Thanksgiving. Unlike Rise of the Black Prince, this story is a bit more difficult. Where previously I could simply follow Lelouch around through his adventures, now he is Emperor and he simply sits at home or visits his wives. He still does things, but they are mostly behind the scenes. This means that the majority of the story will follow the other vi Britannias and eventually Lelouch's kids in particular James, Gabriel, and Charlotte. Lelouch will mostly come in, kick ass, and leave.
Edward Ashford is Milly's father.
Rupert Landers is Naoto. Joan Landers is CC. Ichiro, Midori, Mitsuki, and Ichijiku can use their own names since they are lowly Japanese. Naoto chooses a name with very little connection to his own in fact there is only one common letter. CC chose the name Joan after Joan of Arc who she has some history with. Landers is a English/Britannian sounding name that does not seem too common or unique.
Australian society has many different layers. At the top are the Native Australians. These are the descended from the original settlers from the British Isles during the 1700's and 1800's. Secondly are the Austro-Britannians. The members of this group are unique since they want to be recognized as Britannian since they can become Native Australians through marriage. Third are Europeans. This group is further divided into several groups: Nordics, Latins, Slavs, and others. Fourth are people of Middle Eastern origin which are all labeled as Arabs regardless of what they actually are. Fifth are Asians which are divided into three groups: Southerns, Islands, and Easterns. Japanese are Easterns even though Japan is an island. Sixth are Africans. There are very few people of African descent in Australia. Finally are the Aborigines who are classified as Undesirables.
Here is an interesting note that people may have forgotten, Lelouch has yet to kill any of his siblings.
Odysseus eu Britannia-Luciano
Guinevere su Britannia-Aphrodite
Clovis la Britannia-Euphemia
Cassius ru Britannia-Shin Hyuuga Shaingu
Lucius pe Britannia-died in battle
Octavius ka Britannia-Luciano
Theseus ju Britannia-Shin Hyuuga Shaingu
Luther ti Britannia-Luciano
Edward vu Britannia-Amadeus
