Son of Britannia

Act 9: The Waiting Game

By Lord Strife

Disclaimer: I do not own Code Geass or Record of Agarest War.

LS: Some background info, like the Areas, was taken from Code Geass Wikia

LS: For those curious to what Agarest looks like you can also visit the Agarest Wikia

LS: I do apologize if the story gets confusing by jumping all around. But it may become a permanent feature in this fic since I do have quite a lot of characters and that there are many events that transpire almost in parallel.

LS: Also, sorry for the long lull. I had wanted to release an anniversary present back when…but then I got transferred to another department and let's just say the work is a real killer.

Lelouch watched as Suzaku seated himself across from him. He idly wondered should he proceed immediately to geass or try and see if he could make him talk without it? 'Well what's life without a little challenge?' He thought to himself. "Before we start, I would like again to congratulate you on your excellent performance in carrying out my orders in commanding the relief operations in Shinjuku." 'I'll save it for later if he proves too troublesome.' He decided.

"Thank you, sire. But I only did what was expected of me."

"I guess you're wondering why I summoned for you, sergeant?"

Suzaku nodded to the prince seated in front of him. "Yes, sir I am. I've asked my superiors but they didn't tell me anything."

"They can't tell you anything because I never told them the reason. To be truthful, I had always wondered where I have heard your name before…it was only recently that I recalled it…your father was Genbu Kururugi wasn't he." He noted that the boy…no young man, in front of him fidgeted slightly. Not much, but it was clearly there.

"Yes…he was." Suzaku gave a sigh, "He was the last prime minister before Japan became Area 11." He admitted.

Lelouch appreciated the fact that he didn't deny it. "I am curious as to why the son of the former prime minister is currently employed with the Britannian Territorial Army as an Honorary Britannian? I sooner assume that you'd be with a resistance movement, like the JLF or along with Sawasaki in his government in exile."

Suzaku steeled himself before answering. "I…I have actually thought about those, to be honest milord." He said with a sigh of resignation. "But I weighted my course of action…and I…I think terrorism would not and will not help the plight of my people. I've seen it often, well specifically during Lord Calares' tenure, that every acts of terror often resulted in a backlash to those living in the ghettos.

"I'm quite well aware of my standing amongst the Jap…I mean, amongst the Elevens. I figure that if I show them that it is possible to peacefully co-exist with Britannia I'd set a precedent for others to follow."

Lelouch raised his eyebrows at Suzaku's answer. "That's a rather…idealistic view, sergeant. Not that I'm saying it's wrong but…"

Suzaku shrugged, "I know I'm being idealistic but at least my method wouldn't cause unnecessary bloodshed."

Okay Lelouch was convinced now that either Suzaku is a great actor trying to fool him into a false sense of security or he is indeed very serious. But it quite a conundrum, Lelouch thought. That he'd want less bloodshed yet joined the military. Mercy is never a good trait when you're a soldier. It would just bite you in the ass when you least expect it. Not to say being humanitarian is bad, but being humanitarian is not the same as being merciful.

Clearing his throat Lelouch hid his misgivings, "Well sergeant…if more of the Elevens were like you I dare say we'd have fewer rebel problems in Area 11." Suzaku nodded in agreement. "And that brings us to the real reason why I've asked for you." Then again, this kind of naivety might actually be a boon for him. "I'm planning on launching a campaign to end most if not all, rebel problems here. And once the area stabilizes then perhaps we can see about promoting Area 11 into a satellite state. I think that would prove beneficial for everybody involved."

Suzaku nodded in earnest. He had learned early that Britannian colonies have a state of progression. If Japan, no, Area 11 were to be made a satellite then perhaps better living conditions can finally made available to those in the ghettos…perhaps even redevelop the ghettos themselves. He had read the histories of the Areas and the subsequent incorporation of their native population as full citizens. That was his primary objective…to help Area 11 attain the same status.

"Therefore I'm going to ask you if you are in the know of whom exactly are the people funding the insurgents?"

Suzaku frowned. "I'm not sure what you mean, sire. I mean I did say I once entertained thoughts of joining the resistance but I'm unaware of who their backers were…." He paused as a thought occurred to him. "Although I think I may have an idea…but I'm not hundred percent sure…."

Lelouch nodded, "Tell me." He urged the young soldier. "Don't worry about me attacking blindly. Before I conduct any meaningful action, I plan to have it investigated thoroughly first to see if they are what we think of them."

Suzaku relented, after all this was indeed the first step towards a better future for his people. "It's just a hunch, sire but during my father's tenure as prime minister…and those that came before him, were served by what we call Six Houses of Kyoto. Last I heard of them was before I cut off ties with my family…."

Euphie and Maribelle were still discussing their future plans when a maid came in to announce that another guess has arrived and was looking for Euphie.

Maribelle looked quizzically at her sister "Where you expecting anyone else, Euphie?"

"Not that I'm aware of. Marika, would you please see who it is?" Said knight nodded as she left with the servant.

"Now then Euphie, how about we name it Glinda Knights?" She asked, going back into topic.

Euphie raised an eyebrow at the name and looked towards her sister's knight. "You know…I noted that you sometimes call Lady Zevon by her nickname of Oz…well considering it's the acronym of her name…but now that you mention Glinda…isn't that the good witch of the south in the story of Wizard of Oz? Are you a fan of that story?"

Maribelle had a decency to blush while her friend and knight did the same. "I'm actually surprised you recognized the name, Euphie. Not many people did when I brought up the name. Not even brother Schneizel."

"Well, Nunna and I would often time read books together and well…." She had to stop from saying out loud that they would often portray their brother Lelouch as the hero in most of the fairy tales they read.

"I see. Well I just thought it would make a catchy name if people ever get the meaning behind it." She sighed, "Well now that I think about it…I'm not sure if that's really a good name."

"I think it's a good name. I was just surprised…." Just then Marika returned to the parlor with her princess' visitors. Following behind her where the 15th Princess Victoria em Britannia and 31st Princess Sofia jei Britannia.

Euphie stood up immediately as did Maribelle. "Victoria! Sofia! This is a surprise…please come in and have a sit. Liliana please call the kitchen. Have them bring two more cups and cake for my sisters."

The sisters all exchange hugs with one another before taking the offered seat. Maribelle was pleasantly surprise as these where the siblings she was closest with. "Vicky, Sofia what are the two of you doing here? I doubt this is a just a social visit."

Victoria smiled at her younger half-sister. "Are you certain of that, Mari? Perhaps we just happened to be in the neighborhood and decided to catch-up on with Euphie?"

Maribelle frowned, "Haha, very funny sis. Now why are you two really here?" She asked just as a maid entered brining in additional refreshments to the newly arrive princesses as well as refill Euphie's and Maribelle's cups.

Sofia gracefully accepted her cup before answering, "Well Victoria happened to hear from Sister Cornelia that the two of you were planning on raising your own group…and well…" She looked at their older sibling.

Victoria, though older than Euphie by two years, was farther in the line of succession. A fact that her mother detested but personally, she didn't care if she was first or last princess. "To be truthful I came to see the Chief General and inquired if it was possible to get me transferred away from Area 7."

Area 7. The name of that place alone makes Maribelle shudder. It was Margrave Klavis and the Purist Faction's stronghold shortly after they lost Area 11. And she had little love for the group ever since her mother died. She especially remembers the old Margrave asking her to marry him…as if she'd marry a man old enough to be her own father. Although that kind of logic didn't stop other young noble women from marrying her father. Just thinking about step mothers barely older than her still makes her shiver.

Euphie glances at Maribelle briefly noting her reaction before returning her attention to Victoria. "I think I can deduce that the reason for that is the Pure Bloods?" Seeing her sister confirms it she continued, "But why were you there anyways? I thought you were assigned at Area 5?"

Victoria sighed, "I was initially stationed at Area 5. But the Orion Lance I was stationed with was transferred to Area 7 upon request of the Area Viceroy, Margrave Klavis, under the pretense of strengthening our lines against the EU pacific forces." She grimaced a bit, "I think the real reason was to bolster his forces since they lost considerable resources when Calares died and control of Area 11 was transferred to Brother Clovis."

Maribelle couldn't help but ask, "You're quite familiar with them too aren't you Euphie?"

The pink princess nodded, "Its' hard not to. You know how they were with Lady Marianne and how they kept harping that her children be disowned and the like. Recently though, it was due to Lady Rubech."

Victoria grunted at that, "Yeah, in the past three months I was there I keep hearing Melchior, the Margrave's son, kept ranting that his beloved Elaine was stolen by a commoner-sympathizing noble. By that I meant Baron Leonhardt Raglan." She sighed, "Did you know that Leonhardt and I were from the same graduate class?"

"You were?" Both Euphie and Maribelle asked at the same time. It was their first time hearing this one.

Victoria nodded, "Well I was nowhere near his caliber but I did finish officer course near the top of my own class." She shrugged, "Personally I find the guy quite okay. I'd be no brainer why Lady Rubech chose him instead of Melchior." She pause a bit to take a sip of her tea before continuing, "At first I was able to endure the most of it. But when Lelouch and his Black Knights performed admirable well at Area 18 and lately when he replaced Braham as sub-viceroy, the rants became too annoying." She sighed again as she put her cup down on the table, "And the one that broke the camel's back was when Margrave Klavis started wooing me." She gave an involuntary shiver at that.

"You too?" Came from the surprised Maribelle. Every head in the room also turned to the other shuddering princess. "Well it's good to know someone shares my boat." She said as she started rubbing her arms as if to ward off the chills she was experiencing at the moment.

Victoria nodded, happy to know someone understood her. "Yeah, I know what you mean. That very instance I had my knight Sirius book me a flight back to Pendragon. Thankfully I manage to make it look like I was attending an important summons from the Chancellor when brother Schneizel and Sofia backup my cover story."

"I was there actually at our brother's office doing a social visit when she burst through the door looking rather pale." Sofia added sympathetically, "Really that old coot should just kick the bucket already." Sofia and Maribelle nodded earnestly.

Euphie was slightly aghast that her sisters were praying for someone to die, though she couldn't really fault them. And thanks to her sister and herself being high in the succession and along with the influences of other siblings, she didn't need to worry about people like the old margrave…hopefully.

"It was there that brother Schneizel suggested that I contact Sister Cornelia. If there was anyone outside of the Chancellor that the Purist either feared or respected it was the Chief General. And she made mention of the group our sisters were forming and well, here I am ready to offer my services."

Euphie and Maribelle both squealed in delight. "That's great. Maribelle and I had been discussing how to form the command structure and while I'm certain neither of us lack leadership traits we do lack experienced military minds. And we can't always go mooching from Cornelia and Lelouch."

Maribelle nodded in confirmation to what Euphemia said. "Indeed, Euphie and I decided on a Princess Council to head the Glinda Knights and having those with military experience greatly helps."

Victoria sighed in relief as her offer was accepted. "I'd be more than happy to help. Though I hope you don't mind if I bring my knight of honor with me?"

"Not at all. Right now, we're still very much in need of pilots after all." Maribelle answered.

Sofia smiled at the outcome, "Well would you girls mind if I joined you as well?"

Euphie shrugged "I don't see why not. Why the sudden interest, sister?"

"Well, seeing as my favorite siblings are getting together, I felt that this is the perfect excuse for a little sister bonding, don't you agree? But don't worry. I did learn a few things from brother Ignis so I should be competent enough for command."

Euphemia nodded. Perhaps she can indeed use this opportunity to get closer to her other half-sisters. "Though I think Sister Cornelia and Brother Ignis would want you to have your own knight of honor first Sofia, before they let you join us. Or do already have one?"

Sofia blushed, "Well there was a soldier I was interested in. I was already thinking of asking him to be my knight of honor."

Victoria grinned, "And she really means interested." She gave an emphasis on that word. Making the girl blush more as both Euphie and Maribelle started grilling their sister who that person is. Seeing Sofia clam up, Victoria decided to answer their question in her behalf, "He's the youngest son of Viscount Gottmörder. Has two brothers who are also with the military so we can probably recruit those two as well if we need more able bodied pilots."

Sofia grimaces as her sister spilled her beans but nodded, "Indeed. And they know a few others that will probably join us if we ask so we'll probably fill-in the open positions faster."

"Do you think he was telling the truth sire?" Duran asked as soon as Suzaku had left, returning to his duties albeit with additional stripes to his rank, once again courtesy of the sub-viceroy.

Lelouch tap his fingers on his desk as he considered his answer, "He seems…earnest enough."

Duran frowned as he looked at the door which the Honorary Britannian left. "I was kind of surprise you didn't use geass when you asked your questions sir. That would have made his information a hundred percent guarantee."

"I've contemplated on using it if he wasn't going to be cooperative. But so far, he has proven to be…loyal, if no other words fit better. Besides, I can reserve a geass on him on another day. He does have other uses now that I am aware of his…status." He stood from his chair as he walked towards the window, watching the view of Clovis Land not too far from his location. "Was there any report from our intelligence sources that say we have people inside Kyoto House?"

Silvi looked up from the report she was reading on her PDA, "According to this sire, we have several Honorary Britannians serving as watchdogs inside Kyoto. But most in intelligence agree that the information they sent us is dubious at best. But then, the Fuji mines would not allow pure Britannians inside without supervision, not for lack of trying." She made a point on emphasizing the word supervision.

Lelouch nodded, "Kyoto must be lording the word 'loyalty' to the regime to prevent possible infiltration by our agents. Just as we prevent theirs from infiltrating ours. But unlike us, they can't do that without looking suspicious." He paused as he processes all the information he had just acquired. "I'll arrange for a…surprise inspection."

Duran looked surprised at that, "Wouldn't it be better to invite the house heads here instead sir?" He was already thinking of the difficulties of deploying the security detail in a very possible hostile location.

Lelouch shook his head, "No. It would be better that we are the ones to go to them. It would…give us a lot of opportunities to…personally consult with their workforce after all." He grinned when his knights understood his underlying meaning. "In any case, Duran have the car prepared to leave. We'll need to meet with the tower museum administrator to facilitate our meeting with our local friends there tomorrow."

"Yes, milord."

As he was sitting down he added, "And tell Mariel to have both Rex and the Lancelot on standby…just in case."

May 29, 2017 a.t.b.

Schneizel nodded as he got an update from Lelouch. "I must say, you never fail to amaze me, little brother." He was quite pleased to learn that Lelouch managed to acquire two local resistance members to be their moles. Better yet, he just learned that Lelouch was now preparing for the second prong of the assault and that is to personally visit the Fuji mines and see if Kyoto House has been the thorn they were looking for.

"Well, lady luck seems to be smiling down on me." Lelouch replied with a shrug. "But until Jeremiah arrives with the bulk of my forces, I'll have to sit and wait before I conduct any major military operation."

"Why not use the local army there? You are, as Clovis stated, Field Marshall of the all Area 11's armies."

"Well, I do have plans for the local army but right now I need people who I can trust. Lady Monica has been in the Area far longer than I am, and she has a lot of sway not that I believe she'll get in my way. But what really concerns me is that quite a bit of our soldiers here are quite…corrupt, though no fault of Clovis as he merely inherited most of the troops assigned here."

Schneizel nodded, "I think I understand what you're saying Lelouch. Much of the corruption in Area 11 is stemmed from those nobles that Calares installed prior. And many of our troops there have been…compromised by bribes and the like."

"Indeed. I plan to do a massive purge of the army but before I do such an undertaking I want to bolster my own forces first, both with the bulk of my Black Knights and the completion of our 7th generation frames."

The White Prince nodded but asked, "Why not just geassed them into submission?"

"I thought about it. Using it on locals might be alright I think but if I use it left and right on our own people then somehow, someway it would catch the attention of either Lady Monica or father's other agents. And if he is involved in all this code and geass crap then we'd find ourselves buried in more shit than we could dig ourselves out of."

"If we can even dig ourselves out." He nodded in understanding. "Very well then, I supposed I'll trust you on this one then." He looked over his shoulder and noted that his aid, Kanon was pointing at his watch. "It seems my free time is at an end brother. I have a meeting with several EU big wigs to discuss ways to de-escalate the situation over at Area 18's border with EU-Turkey. Things are rather getting too hot and unless we cool things down there, we might find Cornelia storming over into Istanbul before we can even put our newest frames into mass production."

Lelouch agreed, "Indeed. Vincent is already proceeding swimmingly and once Lenard returns with Gawain and our latest…recruits then we can finally move to the pre-production models. Well hopefully you can buy us the time we need before the next big war in Europe erupts."

Schneizel smiled, "Why dear brother, you underestimate me. I'll buy us enough time, even if it means just dragging on small talks. Besides, right now those in the EU must think so highly of their 6th generation frame. It would be easy to feed their hubris during our talks. And besides, it will shock them quite well to find out that the Hummel is already quite obsolete."

Lenard entered the hotel where he was supposed to meet up with the people Prince Schneizel talked about. He had already finished the needed paper work to secure the transfer of Gawain to Area 11. Perhaps now, they could finally provide a suitable knightmare for Prince Lelouch.

Looking over the cafe near the entrance he finally found the person he was looking for: a long-haired blonde girl who, now that he thinks about it, is the same age as the Prince Lelouch. She was talking amiably to another girl with long light purple hair.

As he approached, the two finally noticed him and Reila stood up to greet him. "Mr. Lenard Labie, I presume?"

"Indeed I am. You must be the Lady Reila Malkal? Princess Maribelle's knight?"

Reila inclined her head. "I am. Please have a sit. We have been waiting for you." She gestured to the girl besides her. "Allow me to introduce you to Anna Clement."

Anna gave a brief bow, "Please to meet with you, Mr. Labie. I have heard that you were the person in charge of the R&D that I would be joining."

Lenard nodded, "I am. Although I'd admit that I was surprised when the Chancellor mentioned that you were from the EU."

Reila smiled at her friend, "Actually she is from Britain."

Lenard raised an eyebrow at that. "I see." If he was any other Britannian, Lenard would have been scandalized to associate himself with anyone from Britain as most Britannians tend to consider those living in the original homeland to be traitors and French collaborators. "I must admit that caught me a bit off-guard. I guess I'd be better to stay quiet about where you're really from then. So I think we better stick to European in general. But I'm guessing that Prince Lelouch would still need to be informed of this one."

Anna nods in appreciation. "That would great if you would sir."

Lenard then turns to Reila, "Lady Malkal, what exactly are the terms for Miss Clement's cooperation with us? The Chancellor made mention that she has one other condition she would ask."

Reila turns to look at her friend who gave a slight nod. "Aside from funding her knightmare project, she only wishes one other thing." Receiving a go ahead nod from Lenard she continued, "She wants her family to be granted asylum to Britannia."

Lenard gave a curious glance at the girl but nodded. Since she was basically betraying her old fealty it is only natural that she thinks of the safety of her family. "Prince Schneizel has anticipated that you'd ask that, so he had this prepared." He opened his bag to retrieve some official looking paperwork and push it towards Anna.

She gasped in surprise. "This is…."

"The Chancellor has pre-approved of your request for asylum and extends it to your immediate family as well. Do you find the contents reasonable?"

Anna read the rest of the document before nodding. "Thank you but may I ask a question?"

"Go ahead."

"Can the asylum be extended to other people as well?"

"Well…possible yes but might I ask as to whom are you appealing for?"

Anna blushed a bit, "Um, when I defected…my entire staff actually defected with me and umm…." She said as she looked over to the other side of the café. Lenard followed her gaze to a group of people sitting at the far corner of the shop. "…can they be granted asylum as well?"

Lenard rubbed his head as if preventing an incoming migraine. "Well…honestly I'm not really the right person to be asked of this. Let me get back on you once I discuss this with the Chancellor. I'll give you my reply no later than tomorrow noon." Those staff members happens to be an all girl squad, he idly wondered that he and Lloyd are now quite thoroughly outnumbered. Maybe he could try contacting a few of his colleagues?

Anna nodded, "Thank you. That's all I ask."

"In the meantime, I will see to their security." Reila said. "I was the one who brought them from halfway the globe anyway, so I'll take responsibility for them."

Lenard nodded, "Very well. If there's nothing more to add, then let's adjourn this meeting for now."

Reila sighed and leaned back on her chair once Lenard had left. "You know…you could have waited for the Hummel to fail spectacularly and wait for that promised contract."

Anna nodded, "True, but by that time Britannia would have finally catch up and turn the tide back against the EU military, my designs would already be obsolete."

"I doubt that they'd go obsolete that fast, Anna."

"Well…I was actually more frightened that I'll end up fighting against you, Reila. Especially now that you're a knight of honor and the chances of you going over to the EU's side is slim."

Reila nodded. While she was a Britannian noble, she never really did enjoy all those fanciful stuff her parents were thriving in. And she would have probably been the one who would have defected to the EU had she not met Maribelle and…. She blushes as she recalled seeing the face of the 11th prince. Hopefully her friends wouldn't find out that the reason she decided to stay with Britannia was because of a girlish crush. "Well that is true. Though that reminds me that I need to contact my lady and inform her of our status. Perhaps she can help facilitate the processing of your staffs' petitions."

Anna smiled, "That would be lovely."

To e continued…

LS: Although now that I have watched the first OVA…I'm quite certain Malkal wasn't Leila's original last name but for this fic, it will have to do until the time I learn what's her true name.