Ch 10 – Unravel
BBC HQ, London Free Imperial City, World Imperium
In Director Diethard Reid's office, Diethard was due to speak with someone. He looked around his office and locked the door. He rolled down the window curtains also. Then he was ready, sitting on his desk and the image of Lelouch appeared before him.
"We couldn't thank you enough for aiding us in leaking out the information about the ICF's special project," Lelouch said.
"To inform the public of information needed to know of is the duty of my trade," Diethard said, "and also it is our duty to decide what they should and should not know."
"And with your BBC's credibility on our side, we can operate greatly," Lelouch said, "and what of Milly Ashford?"
"I fired her already; she knew too much and this is all I could do," Diethard said, "but a real pity though…"
"And what if she joined another news broadcast company," Lelouch asked, "the info on Celestial Being is being chased around by government agencies and other networks like the People's Network, Imperial News Network, Free Japan Ministry of Information, African Frontier Broadcast, France 24 etc…"
"I have put Milly on the news broadcast industry blacklist, so she won't be working in this industry any more," Diethard said, "I really hope not to do so, but it's a must."
"For the sake of world peace devoid of war," Lelouch said.
"And that was why I decided to work with you guys," Diethard said, "a documentary on Celestial Being's quest for world peace. If I can release it during the International Film Festival, I can make millions and an excellent propaganda tool."
"We are not interested in publicity the least bit," Lelouch said.
However, unbeknownst to the two speaking inside, Rivalz was overhearing them on the outside.
"Milly has been fired…no, something strange is going on…" Rivalz thought.
Secret Mountain Base, Jungle Region, Federal Republic of Nigeria, United States of Africa
The Federal Republic of Nigeria had lost its northern states during the Holy Liberation War, and they reformed as the Sultanate of Islamic Northern Nigeria. However, Nigeria had also gained something through a merger with the former nation of Niger as Far Northern Nigeria. Nonetheless, border skirmishes and conflicts struck with Islamic Northern Nigeria, who was not a member of the USA; causing Celestial Being's interventions common there.
Or perhaps the safest place was the de facto most dangerous place around. Hidden within the rural mountains of Southern Nigeria, there was a hidden base for a secretive group that Schneizal was associated with.
Currently, he was led into a room with Kanon and a scientist in a heavy lab coat. They went past a room, where a glass window displayed what was behind it. There were three cylindrical containers and there were three naked humans in them – two males and one female.
"So this is the Trinity Project at work," Schneizal said, "and I see they haven't been released from their slumber yet."
"We still lack the proper means to awaken them," the head scientist said, "I wish to recruit someone who is able to."
"Do not fret; I have my own designs for this. The Trinity Project will be completed soon once we get him here," Schneizal reassured, "and let us move on, I wish to see more on the side of the Gundam Thrones."
"Oh yes, the Varanus has provided us with much combat data that we could use for construction of the Thrones series," the head scientist said, "up till now, we have created a total of 4 GN Tau Drives, including the one stored in Varanus already."
"Good, but I want more…much more…to be produced. About 30 more of them will do," Schneizal said, "this is the wishes of Lord V2 and I won't conflict myself with his wishes if I were you."
"I will get the production team for mass producing," the head scientist said.
At this point, another man had come into the hallway and crossed paths with the Spanish Prime Minister.
"Alejandro Corner, what a pleasant surprise," Schneizal greeted.
"Same to you Schneizal, you came here to see the progress again," the other man, Alejandro, said.
"Lord V2 demands their completion and I see to their fulfilment in the long run," Schneizal said.
"But unlike you who is so free, I have to work also as a Celestial Being informant and also a diplomat for the UN," Alejandro said, "and 'tis sad to say, but duty calls for me once more."
"Celestial Being again?" Kanon spoke up.
"No, I am called to broker an upcoming meeting between Free Japan and World Imperium," he said, "this conflict is not the easiest one, and I must brace myself."
Governor's Palace, Tokyo Concession, United Japonic Provinces
Inside the Governor's Palace in Tokyo, the news of Free Japan's recent demands had reached the ears of the local colonial government there. And with that, Governor Clovis was most certainly mad at it. Next to him, there were also Cornelia, her aides and General Bartley, Clovis' advisor.
"How dare they do this! I should be the one they come begging, not the Imperial Senate!" Clovis cried.
"Shut up Clovis," Cornelia retorted, "you're being irrational here. Let them do whatever they want, but that will get them nowhere."
"But they had called on the UN to broker the deal, and with the Imperial Senate at that!" Clovis cried, "I already have the plans for a Clovisland branch opening up here drafted for Pete's sake."
"Cornelia, as far as I can tell, you are only here because of the Gundams," Clovis said, "start some trouble with the Japs instead of messing with my life!"
With that, Cornelia marched out of the chamber. Her 2 followers, Guildford and Dalton followed her.
"I always hated those nobles," Cornelia mentioned, "They all think they are so high and mighty because of some certain luck at birth."
"Milady, please calm down," Guildford said, "Our contributions are greater than what the nobles could accomplish."
Back inside the Governor's office, Clovis was still going on with his rants.
"And those damned Japanese peoples are getting so f***** up just because the whole world gives leeway to them," Clovis cried out.
"Sir Clovis, it pains me to see your anguish towards this issue," Bartley said.
"And I must find a way to secure our power here…" Bartley thought.
Ashford Manor, Cambridge, Angles Province
In the Southern parts of Angles Province, there was the famed city called Cambridge. The former centre of the O-Levels exams, but with the Imperium invasion had forced the O-Level Assessment Board to escape to Berlin, Germany as the district of New Cambridge.
As for Imperium-ruled Cambridge, the education was slightly weakened, but this didn't stop the post-war colonisation that Imperium supervised over. In fact, it was home to a small district known as Ashford Barony. It was named after its Lord Mayor who founded and ruled as its aristocrat, Sir Arthur Ashford, Baron of Ashford and grandfather to Milly Ashford.
In the Ashford Manor, things were going on as normal and the doorbell rang to signify a coming guest. A native Briton maid came to the door to see her lord's guest. As she opened up the door, she met Rivalz there.
"Good afternoon sir, how may I refer you as?" the maid asked, while bowing to Rivalz.
"Eh… call me Rivalz," he replied, "I want to find Milly Ashford. Is she here?"
"Yes Lord Rivalz, Ms. Milly is in meeting with Old Master Arthur in the moment," the maid said, "please stay outside the compound while I get Ms. Milly here."
"Can't you just let me in?" Rivalz wondered.
"I couldn't, the Old Master is fearful of thieves and conmen stealing his possessions. Thus, he ordered us servants to not let guests in unless approved from the Masters or Madams," she said, "I shall be back soon, and with Ms. Milly with me."
Arthur Ashford's own private room was a vast room within the mansion. Inside, there was a large den with trophies of various exotic animals. There was also a fireplace out there, with a holographic projection of a flame. On a desk in the furthest corner near the windows, there was a desk and Arthur Ashford sat down with his back facing Milly, who stood on the other end.
"But Grandpa, you can't force me!" Milly cried.
"Milly, I do not want to, but look at the facts now. I let you be a news forecaster, but now you've been fired from it," Arthur said, "perhaps you should consider the proposals for your hand in marriage. Even the Count Heir-Apparent of the Sandwich Islands is after you."
"That's only because they know I'm too close to the truth of Celestial Being," Milly exclaimed, "I'm already calling INN about my proposal."
"And about that, I think you should keep this to yourself," Arthur added, "I already called INN beforehand and they tod me that you were blacklisted in the industry."
"Blacklisted!" cried Milly, "why that fuc…"
"I do not tolerate people who use such vulgar words as self-expression, my granddaughter," Arthur said.
At this point, there was a knock on the door.
"Yes? Come in," Arthur said.
And the maid entered. She then walked up towards Milly and bowed at her.
"Ms. Milly, there is a Mr. Rivalz at the door," the maid said, "shall I send him in or shall I dispatch the hounds on him?"
"Grandpa, we will continue this talk later on," Milly said, "but you can find some other girl to throw out as a so-called wedding."
All this while, Rivalz had been leaning outside the door of the Ashford Manor. Suddenly, the door opened inwards… and he fell down on his back for this. He quickly saw both the maid and she had brought Milly to the door.
"Oh hello, Milly," Rivalz said.
"Yes, what do you want?" Milly asked, "in case you don't notice, I'm finding a new job."
"But you couldn't. You had been blacklisted," Rivalz said.
"Were you overhearing that conversation between Grandpa and I?" Milly wondered.
"No, it was from…" Rivalz said, but stopped short, "…can we go to your room before my back stays at your doorstep forever?"
Later on, both Milly and Rivalz were inside Milly's private room. Like Arthur's, it was similarly large, but had posters and papers stuck to the walls. Most of them even had notes scribbled into them, just like those conspiracy theorists popularised by the still-famous X-Files.
"Are you a fan of Agent Mulder?" Rivalz joked.
"That's why I never brought people back to my room," Milly said, "you can go on now; the walls and windows here are fully sound proof."
"Ok, I heard that from Diethard," Rivalz revealed, "he was talking to someone, I think about Celestial Being."
"Maybe Diethard works on Celestial Being's payroll," Milly wondered, "he must've fired me and then blacklisted me for this reason."
"Maybe you should lay low for now," Rivalz said, "no knows if he sends someone to kill you like the movies."
"You've seeing way too much movies," Milly said, "if he did send a man to kill me; that will trigger a mystery as to why I was killed. I am no politician or only a minor baroness-to-be at most. In the end, someone else may find out his possible connection to Celestial Being."
"I guess you may be right, but what should we do?" Rivalz cried.
"We? Since when is it a we in this matter?" wondered Milly, "but I will be merciful and I do need the muscle on my side."
She then went through her drawers and then took out two tickets.
"What are those?" Rivalz asked.
"We will be taking a tour of North America, starting with Astoria," Milly said, "since Project Solaris began in the former United States, this is where we should begin our investigation."
"And what about the situation here?" asked Rivalz.
"Don't worry too much, I will have them covered," Milly said, "but do ask for leave from Diethard. And do not mention me or he may get suspicious."
Restricted Area, Celestial Being Colony Fereshte
Celestial Being had a colony orbiting Jupiter; it was known as Fereshte, which meant "angel" in Persian and served as a testing site for new Gundams. In there, there was a room in its lower restricted sectors. This portion housed a former Gundam Meister of Celestial Being. Since his forced "retirement", he had been living in there.
Lelouch, Jeremiah with a premature aging woman in her 30s walked up to the door for that room, and opened up a glass panel on it. Behind it, there was a red Haro and a person there. He was Fon Spaak, wanted as a terrorist of the World Imperium and had "joined" Celestial Being by force. Due to his lack of actual cooperation in eliminating war, he was usually handcuffed with electronic bonds and had a remote explosion collar to keep him in check and under control.
"Well well, if it isn't good old Jeremiah and Lelouch," Fon greeted, "haven't seen the both of you in a real long time."
"How's everything?" Lelouch asked, "I'm sure that Chall Acustica over here has been taking good care of you in the last few years."
"And you have to lock me up inside for…" Fon said, but got stuck.
"Three years! Three years! Three years!" the red Haro cried, flapping its extensions.
"I want to have you as my Gundam Meisters, but you know your resume makes you…one not to be truly trusted with," Lelouch said, "but you are a brilliant man of great intelligence and your advice is always helpful as friends."
"As friends you say? More like colleagues here," Fon said, "ok, I presume you want to talk about Celestial Being's active interventions."
"I let him watch the news and regularly tend to him," Chall said, "after all; he's not a prisoner, but just someone whom we wish to be out of the way."
"I do not need to beat the bush with you, so please continue," Lelouch said.
"Well, I did watch the news," Fon admitted, "but what you want to know?"
"The three superpowers; Imperium, ICF and EU, they are attempting to capture our Gundams," Lelouch said, "There was also another incident where in I was combating Free Japan in Okinawa."
"Ok I get it. You want to know how they would affect the Plan," Fon guessed.
"Half of it actually," Lelouch said, "the other thing I want to talk about is of the abilities of several Mobile Suits they are using. I have downloaded the necessary combat data into your Haro."
"Ok, I need time to think them through," Fon said.
"When you are done, give me all the results so that I may send them to Mr. Lamperouge," Chall said.
"Chall, you need not to be so formal with me," Lelouch said, "we are after all old friends."
"But now you are our overall leader as you have come to age," Chall said, "there should always be a clear-cut divide in the hierarchy."
"If you do see me as your leader, I order you to release Fon Spaak from his captivity," Lelouch said.
"What?!" exclaimed Jeremiah, "You know this man is one of destruction and havoc, becoming a terrorist to that end."
"But he is ultimately a member of Celestial Being and I have worked with him for quite some time once," Lelouch said, "I trust you Fon Spaak, and you are given the sixth GN Drive."
"But which Gundam is it now?" Fon asked, "Is it a new model? But I prefer the older ones, like Gundam Radion."
"Why just Radion when you can have the entire previous generation Gundams in your disposal," Lelouch said, "You can get them in Area 51 in Disraeli Province. Chall, do get an escort for Fon on his way to Earth. The Linear Train Company will keep you guys under wraps for this."
"But sir…" Chall said.
"I have decided, and I hope for you to make me proud and show us if you can still do it," Lelouch said, "further instructions shall await you once you found the Gundams back."
International University of Wright, Astoria, Wright Province, World Imperium
Astoria, or what was formerly called Chicago of Illinios, was a city within Wright Province of the World Imperium. Since then, it had become a centre for aviation technology. Also, it was a centre for aerial Mobile Suits and such studies in the MS University of Wright.
The International University of Wright was a special university that specialised in the study and development of Mobile Suits. In fact, citizens of the Imperium and even the ICF, EU and other nations would come there to study Mobile Suits. However, the campus ground was declared a Providence, meaning that the King-Emperor held direct rule via its Chancellor.
Milly Ashford and Rivalz were inside an office; they were speaking to a well-known man. He's none other than Sir Robert Spacey, Chancellor of the University and also the representative of this Providence. He was known for his famous studies and lectures of Mobile Suits, and even worked as a Technical Advisor to the Worldwide Imperial Army.
"So Mr. Spacey, I couldn't thank you enough for allowing me here today," Milly thanked.
"Ha, I feel so glad that my work has reached the media's eyes at this point, especially with the Gundams stealing the limelight," Robert laughed, "but I can say that I had been discussing with the Imperium's forces about the Gundams and have concluded on their advanced specs in them. I could say more, but the rest are state secrets."
"We are also from the Imperium too, so we understand the secrecy involved," Milly said, "but I have read your autobiography. In that book, I've seen a rather peculiar paragraph or two."
"A peculiar paragraph or two, you say?" Robert wondered.
"Yes, it was from the days you were deciding your future career," Milly said, "whether you should go to Astoria to study on MS or Alexaninople for politics."
"Yes yes, now that was quite a story," Robert said, "my hometown is in Disraeli Province, and I was prowling around the Disraeli Desert at that time. It was when that I saw a Mobile Suit unlike any other."
"A Mobile Suit unlike any other?" wondered Rivalz.
"Yes, I was curious and followed it…all the way to Salt Lake City of Disraeli," Robert said, "there was this Mormon rebellion there and they employed even the EU's older Hellion models on their side."
"Yup, and then?" said Milly.
"The strange Mobile Suit began to attack both the terrorists and Imperium forces sent there," Robert said, "I was lucky to get out alive now that I mentioned it. Nonetheless, that incident was a godsend to me and confirmed my future."
"And you managed to create the Mobile Suit called Centurion, which grew to be a staple in the Imperium," Milly said, "and the rest is…like they say, history."
"Yes, that was the story back then," Robert said, "and this may be more promising than an Imperial Senator."
"And was there anything special about that Mobile Suit?" Milly asked.
"Well, I never said it in the book," Robert admitted, "but I quite remember a thing about it. But my editor had told me to scrap off that point from my draft."
He opened up a drawer, and took out a photo album. After flipping its pages, he came across an image of a humanoid robot. As depicted in the picture, that robot was emitting green particles from its form.
"Say, that looks like what the Gundams emitted out," Milly said, "may I have the pictures?"
"Must you?" Robert said, "I will be in trouble if the Imperium knows of this after all. So…"
"I understand," Milly said, taking out a title deed, "this is a title deed to a rather expensive mansion in Phoenix. You can sell it for quite a sum of money."
"How much are we talking about?" Robert asked.
"Over 30,000 Imperial Mark, that's quite a sum," Milly said, "and for something so precious, I'm sure it is vert worthwhile."
Robert took out all the photos related to that day's events, and gave them to Milly. Milly smiled at it, and surrendered the title deed to Robert.
"And I suggest for you to flee to Cape Williams after that," Milly said, "and good day to you."
With that, Milly and Rivalz had left the office. As they walked along, they began to speak again.
"Milly, how did you get something like a title deed?" Rivalz asked, "I don't want you to do those illegal stuff."
"I just told Grandpa that I wish to live in Phoenix for a while, and he gave me the title deed for that house as good as that," Milly said, "but it will help me out a hell lot. We'll be taking another ride of course, to Disraeli."
However, what they did not know was that they were trailed by an IBI agent in his noticeable black suit. Soon, he came out from their front and aimed his pistol at them.
"The IBI?!" exclaimed Rivalz, "told you this would be very bad idea!"
The duo quickly ran the other way and into the Courtyard. The IBI agent quickly pursued them. While running, he managed to call his comrades.
"This is Agent Smith. I have identified two mysterious peoples coming out from Spacey's office," he said, "I repeat…"
Meanwhile, Milly and Rivalz were still running away from the strange number of pursuers. Whether they were the IBI's undercover agents or mere random students, it did not matter as no chances must be taken this round.
They soon ran straight into a large crowd of students of the University. Rivalz quickly threw out some of his money into the sky. The students noticed them, and fought among themselves to get the money. Thanks to the commotion caused, the pursuing people could not get through and allowed Milly and Rivalz to escape the campus.
"I feel so sorry that I must drag you in this," Milly said.
"But if you're on your own, you would've died earlier," Rivalz said, "I will always be by your side no matter what happens."
Hotel de Clovis, Tokyo Concession, United Japonic Provinces
The Hotel de Clovis was a hotel residence for the Imperium's guests in the United Japonic Provinces, one of them being Lloyd Asplund. He was currently speaking with Graham Aker, over the com.
"Graham, you should be quite careful yourself," Lloyd warned, "with all this going on, I won't be surprised if the ICF is going to assassinate you."
"I will be careful Lloyd, and besides I know you still need me for testing your other machines in zero-gravity conditions," Graham said, "but that Gundam I saw…I couldn't be anymore mistaken…"
"So the Mobile Suit you had described to me during your childhood years in Disraeli was actually the Gundam," Lloyd said, "very interesting. But I want to know on your assessment of my two selected pilots."
"Of course, that's why you called me in the first place," Graham said, "Lyle has the potential as a great sniper, but my real attention is on Suzaku here. With his good sense of observation, he can do wonders and especially in a close-combat Mobile Suit."
"Thanks for the input, now I am able to optimise the suitable weapons for them," Lloyd thanked.
"I should be thanking you for making the Graham Special when the other technicians refused to customise mine, but yet you still worked it through," Graham said.
"I just see potential in those eyes; they remind me of…Suzaku's," Lloyd admitted, "the determination, the skill, the willpower…"
"And you should be seeing the news," Graham said, "something is cropping up and it involves us."
"Huh?" Lloyd wondered.
He turned to another monitor in his room, and turned it on. It was set on the BBC news, although Milly Ashford was replaced by another news forecaster. However, the change in personnel was not the issue, but the news itself.
"In recent hours, the rebel group Free Japan has negotiated with the United Nations via diplomat Mr. Alejandro Corner," the report said, "the details of this meeting will be explained by Mr. Corner himself."
The TV screen then changed to that of a brown-haired man in a red suit. On him, there were various items of gold or simply gold-plated with him. He wore golden watches on both hands, and two golden rings, and even a golden tie pin.
"I have talked to Free Japan and they come in peace and with open arms to me. It is within their intention to speak with the World Imperium in regards to the possibility of a Japan for Japanese. Free Japan apparently has the adequate means to engage in dialogue with the Imperium. Based from them, I believe they are seemingly confident…"
"This may be bad indeed… there will be fighting… and so there will be them…" Lloyd said, "…the Gundams…"
"Perhaps you should be careful yourself," Graham said.
"Sometimes you can more of a nagger than my own wife," Lloyd joked.
Governor's Palace, Tokyo Concession, United Japonic Provinces
In the Governor's Palace in Tokyo, there was another video meeting between two individuals. One of them was General Bartley, an aide to Clovis and General of the UJP Contingent. He was speaking with another person, a noble called Gabrielle la Plata, mother of Clovis.
"Mrs. Gabrielle, it is true that Clovis is told of this meeting and that the Imperial Senate has agreed to it with the King-Emperor's consent," Bartley admitted, "if this would grant Japan self-rule, Clovis may be demoted from his position."
"I did so much, all for the sake of Clovis' success. I won't let anyone stop my son's and my House's glory," Gabrielle cried, "Bartley, I want you to destroy the Free Japan delegation. This will also crush all resistance in Free Japan."
"But the UN is involved here," Bartley urged, "if we attack them, both the ICF and EU will join forces to oppose us, not to mention US Africa, Azadistan, Gulf Confederation, Celestial Being etc…"
"Well, if you won't do it…" Gabrielle said, "…then I shall do things my way!"
