Code Geass - Lelouch of the Rebellion/Code Geass - Hangyaku no Lelouch: Lost Soldiers
by: Ominae
Rating: T
NOTE:
All characters of Code Geass are under the copyright of Goro Taniguchi, Sunrise, CLAMP and Bandai Entertainment. All other characters are under my jurisdiction.
Summary:
The Lost Soldiers have made preparations to strike back against Britannia and Eden Vital by launching a covert raid against Shikinejima, one of the Izu Islands housing a military base for them to launch a major strike against Kaminenejima. Will the Lost Soldiers be successful in their operation? Can they strike an alliance alongside the Black Knights and Britannians that are against Eden Vital? Stay tune to this chapter to find out.
Chapter 21: First Strike
Command Center, RBN Shikinejima, Shikinejima, Izu Islands, Area 11, Britannian Empire
The female radar operator slowly approached what appeared to be Marc's corpse after being shot by a .357 Magnum to the chest. She slowly approached it carefully before she was about to kick it to ensure he was dead.
Did I do it? Did I finally kill the Lost Soldier guy? I better check on him to be sure.
That's when she was wrong. Totally wrong.
Marc immediately stood up from the ground, drawing out his combat knife and stabbing the blade on the woman's chest.
"You should have double tapped me in the chest if you want to make sure I'm dead, woman..." Marc repeated another stabbing attack by drawing out the knife from the woman's chest, stabbing her hard on the neck.
The Eurasian glared at the operator as she slowly died from the knife wound.
"Boss, you alright?" Rai came on Marc's radio, minutes after trying to hail his CO over and over again. "I heard gunshots when you made that last transmission." Marc subsequently shoved the dead woman when she went on her knees.
"Aye." Marc replied. "Sorry. I was kept a bit busy. Had to play possum to draw out the last baddie in the base's command center."
"Man, you sure know when to give me a heart attack. When this is all over..."
"Relax, Rai. No need to get so worked up about this." Marc took the .357 Magnum slug implanted on his tactical vest. "I've got Type III ballistic plates on me chest after all. You think I'd be gung ho as to storm the place without at least a plan?"
Rai was silent on the other line.
"Thought so..."
"Yeah, whatever man!"
Conference Room, Governor-General's Palace, Tokyo Settlement, Area 11, Britannian Empire
"That's weird. It's either me or it seems that no one's around here."
Cardinal Williams opened the double doors leading to the conference room. He had received word from the secretary that his presence was urgently need in the palace's conference room. Also, he was told to come alone without any support.
"Not to mention that it's dark as well." The Eden Vital cardinal, being cautious after taking the place of governor-general from Clovis, slowly drew out his black Ruger LCP Centerfire compact pistol from a hidden holster in his pants. "Who has the gall to to do this to me?"
"Hold it right there! Don't move!"
A voice boomed from the darkness when multiple laser beams were aimed at the cardinal's chest.
What the? An ambush? Dammit, I'm in trouble!
"What's the meaning of this? Show yourself immediately!"
The lights were opened after Williams shouted, revealing multiple Britannian soldiers being led by Guilford and Darlton. Ambrosia was nearby, standing behind them.
"You!" Williams hissed at Ambrosia. "What you're doing right here, right now, is equally amounting to treason! I order you to tell your soldiers to lower their weapons and stand down immediately!"
"Silence, knave!" Darlton shouted. "You're the one who happens to be committing treason against Britannia, Williams." The scarred man glared at him. "By usurping Prince Clovis' position as governor-general on behalf of Eden Vital, fulfilling their secret agenda..."
"What I've done to this point is permitted by Emperor Charles zi Britannia himself as part of the Holy Eden Vital Empire! You're the ones who are going to be in trouble with His Majesty!" Williams insisted on the legitimacy of his actions, raising his pistol. "Die, fools!" Before he could fire it, multiple gunshots rang out when the soldiers' Colt M-13 assault rifles fired several shots into the man's chest, killing him for good.
"Long live...Eden Vital." Williams said as he went down on his knees before he collapsed onto the floor.
"He's down for the count." Guilford said, seeing the soldiers move Williams' corpse. He faced Ambrosia. "What do we do now, your Highness? We need to hide his body from the rest of the staff here in the palace."
"For now at least," Ambrosia told her subordinate. "we need to maintain an illusion that he's in charge for the time being until the time is right for us to move. At least until Princess Euphemia is able to get into contact with Kyoto..."
Command Center, RBN Shikinejima, Shikinejima, Izu Islands, Area 11, Britannian Empire
Marc took a discarded headset from the floor near one of the radar operator's corpse, checking to make sure it was working before he spoke on its microphone.
"Ah... Testing, testing. Is this thing on?" Marc said, seeing if it was working. "All right. I hope you Brits out there are hearing me out there. 'Cause I have something special from DJ Lost Soldier today!"
"Hey, who's the bozos playing around with this frickin' frequency?" One of the soldiers yelled on the headset. "Get off this damn line right now!"
"Unauthorized use of military frequencies is a serious offense..."
"I guess it's working then." Marc chuckled when he heard the reply. Though I'm sure since the radio's still working. "Good afternoon to you Brits still alive on Shikinejima. I just want to let you all know that you're all alive and kicking out there despite the fact that the command center's been taken out. Now that I have all of your attention to me, that is..."
A geass appeared from the depths of Marc's mind, signifying its activation.
"But I have a question. Are you really sure that the person next to you, or in the knightmare for that matter, is really your ally?" Marc grinned evilly. "Or perhaps, your enemy?"
Cockpit, Mil-Mi SuperHind Mark IV gunship, Sky over Shikinenejima, Izu Islands, Area 11, Britannian Empire
Yi was at the SuperHind Mark IV's cockpit, watching the action over the ground from the comfort of the pilot's seat. She saw Britannian infantry forces fighting against one another, using whatever they got ranging from assault rifles to grenade launchers and combat knives. Sutherlands were pitted against one another, firing slash harkens to machine pistols as they have perceived one another as the enemy thanks to Marc's geass, increasing casualties due to "friendly fire" incidents taking place.
"Nice job, boss." The Korean told Marc on her helmet microphone. "Looks like we'll be able to take over Shikinenejima with less resistance than we anticipate in the first place."
"Keep your guard up." Marc reminder her. "You still need to take out any Britannian naval ships in the waters near the island. There's still a credible threat to our operation's success."
"Roger that. Henri can take care of that problem. Right?"
The Swiss-Frenchman huffed when he heard Yi. "Che. Whatever, Yi. I got it covered. Just show me where the ships are, if any, and I'll blast them out of the waters."
"Understood. I'm taking you there, Henri."
The SuperHind Mark IV made its move towards a moored RBN Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigate. After Henri was able to acquire target, he fired the chopper's two S-8 HEAT rockets towards the ship's bow. The attack soon followed by firing the Gryazev-Shipunov GSh-23mm automatic cannon from the UPK-23-250 gunpod all over the ship, including the bridge.
"One down." Henri said. "Another one to go, if there's one."
"There's another one out in the waters and I found it on my console." Yi advised her comrade. "I'll guide you to it so's you can it."
"Much obliged, Yi."
When the SuperHind Mark IV spotted the second Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigate near the shores of Shikinenejima, Henri fired a missile volley at the frigate's bow and bridge, which consisted of two S-8 HEAT rockets with two 9K114 Shturm rockets. After getting direct hits, the gunship fired the GSh-23 auto cannon once more to riddle the frigate with bullet holes.
"Hah! Take that!" Henri pumped his fist up when he saw the rockets and cannon bullets make their mark on the Britannian frigate.
Outskirts of Clubhouse, Ashford Academy, Tokyo Settlement, Area 11, Britannian Empire
"Do you have any business here in the clubhouse, Ms. Stadtfeld?" Cornelia greeted Kallen when she was waiting outside the clubhouse in her Ashford Academy uniform.
"Lelouch told me to wait here." Kallen replied to Cornelia's inquiry, making sure her schoolbag was near her. "For what reasons, I'm not sure yet, Ms. Stanford. He said that it's quite urgent."
Cornelia raised her left eyebrow when she saw Nunnally arrive outside the clubhouse as usual on her electronic wheelchair.
"Hello." Nunally happily greeted the two.
"Nunnally." Cornelia greeted the blind and disabled girl by giving her a hug. "I trust that classes were alright."
Nunnally nodded. "I didn't notice any of the girls bullying me so far. Alice was helpful in taking care of them."
Cornelia smiled at her half sister. "Good. But in case anyone bullies you, let me know. Okay? No need to wait until something bad happens."
"Okay." Nunnally answered.
"Is there something wrong?" Cornelia noticed Nunnally's frown.
"I heard that Alice hasn't shown up in my class a few days ago." Nunnally told her older half sister. "Do you anything about it?"
Cornelia shook her head. "Sorry. I don't know."
"Is something wrong at all, Ms. Stanford?" Kallen asked Cornelia when she heard Nunnally's problem.
"A classmate of hers hasn't been showing up for some time. I'd like to think that something's up with her via family or personal problems..." She stared at her wristwatch. "It's almost noon. I have to get back to the campus building for a parent-teacher conference."
"I'll see you later." Nunnally waved goodbye to Cornelia, who returned the gesture as the purple-haired woman made her way back to the academy's middle school building. "Bye!"
"So are you just here by yourself, Nunnally?" Kallen asked Nunnally.
"Yes." Nunnally replied. "What about you, Kallen?"
Kallen smiled. "Actually, I'm suppose to be here waiting for your big brother, Lelouch. He told me so after our class was dismissed for half day due to the upcoming conference."
"Are you getting along well with my big brother, Kallen?"
Kallen thought about Nunnally's question very carefully.
What am I going to her? That Lelouch's is great to work with as Zero during Black Knight operations, but works as an ass to me during Student Council operations?
"I'll just say that he's not trying to give me a hard time, Nunnally. Both in class work and in student council sessions. But he's a pretty interesting to work with."
Nunnally tilted her head. "Are you sure that you're saying it because it's..."
"No, no, no, no!" Kallen insisted, vigorously shaking her head. "I'm seriously, Nunnally! Really!"
"Well, that's good." Nunnally smiled. "However..."
"However?"
"I just notice that my brother's been very busy lately," Nunnally told Kallen sadly. "which makes me a bit worried."
Kallen stayed quiet and listened to Nunnally.
"Please help him if he's encountering any difficulties out there, Kallen. He's the only sibling that I have left."
Kallen nodded. "I understand, Nunnally. And don't worry, I'll do my best to help him if he encounters any problems later on."
"Thank you, Kallen."
From a distance, Kallen saw Lelouch making his way towards the clubhouse with his schoolbag placed behind his left shoulder.
"Ah, Ms. Nunnally, Master Lelouch." Sayoko stepped out of the clubhouse to greet the two Lamperouge siblings. "Greetings to you all well, Ms. Stadtfeld. I trust that you can join for lunch?"
"Well..." Kallen began to think things over. "Perhaps I can..." The red-haired Eurasian said when she heard Nunnally pleading her to stay for a little while.
After all, who could say no to a blind and disabled sweet girl like her?
Helipad, RBN Shikinejima, Shikinejima, Izu Islands, Area 11, Britannian Empire
Marc guided the lone SuperHind Mark IV in making a landing at one of the base's helipads, ensuring it had a safe landing. Once the gunship was able to land on the helipad, Marc approached the chopper to speak to the pilot and WSO.
"All right. Thanks to both the pilot and Wizzo, we've been able to get rid of Britannian naval supremacy in this area." The Eurasian frowned. "Though I wonder why they only had two frigates in this area, but that's probably just for another day."
"You don't say, boss?" Henri replied, being the first to exit the South African-upgraded gunship. "I'd say we've given the Britannian military a reason to fear us." He patted the gunship to prove his point. "The Crocodile's struck fear into their hearts now, I'd say."
"I agree." Yi shared Henri's sentiment. "But what about the San Francisco? Should we let them know of our success?"
Marc nodded. "We better. You hail them Yi and let them know that we're able to occupy this island."
"Understood, boss." Yi saluted Marc before she went back inside the cockpit to use the radio. "I'll let the JLF know ASAP."
"What about the others?" Marc asked Henri for details.
"Don't worry." Henri reassured Marc. "I heard Rai on the radio a while ago. Said he was able to mop up all of the other stragglers in the island. So far, we don't have any POWs since they're all dead."
Lelouch's Bedroom, Ashford Academy, Tokyo Settlement, Area 11, Britannian Empire
"I thought I'd find you here."
Kallen was not all surprised to see the green-haired immortal in her straitjacket. She was previously told be Lelouch to wait for her in his room as he needed to speak with Nunnally.
"What, not happy to see me C.C.?" Kallen raised an eyebrow at her.
"It's not that, silly." C.C. shook her head. "I just want to talk to you, that's all."
"About what?"
C.C. sighed. "I guess I should tell you about Lelouch's motives for creating and leading the Black Knights against Britannia?"
Kallen was shocked from hearing C.C.'s statement. She was a bit curious on why Lelouch wanted to get rid of Britannia.
This is my chance to find out more about Lelouch's motives.
"You're so quiet..." C.C. noticed that Kallen was quiet. The former motioned to the latter to sit down on Lelouch's bed with her, which she did. "It's not like you, Kallen."
"It's not that, C.C." Kallen shook her head. "It's just that, you're willing to tell me why Lelouch wants to destroy the last remaining absolute monarch-led nation in the world? Won't he be angry or something in case he finds out you're babbling out to me things he holds to be very private?"
C.C. grinned after hearing Kallen's concerns. "Nothing to be worried about, my dear. I assure that this will stay between us girls. And that is a promise."
"Okayy..." Kallen was not a bit convinced. I just hope C.C. won't rat me out Lelouch about the things she's about to tell me.
"How much do you know about Lelouch's history..." C.C. posed a question to Kallen. "I mean, personal stuff?"
"Not much. If I recall, I was told that he's of some aristocratic background as far as I know."
"He's way more than that, Kallen. That I can assure you of."
"Really?"
Conference Room, Governor-General's Palace, Tokyo Settlement, Area 11, Britannian Empire
"I'm back." Euphie was now inside the conference room, although still dressed in ordinary civilian clothes with a baseball cap in order to hide her identity from the public in Area 11 and from staff working in the civil servants working in the palace. "I've managed to get into contact with a Kyoto representative from a dead drop in the local park after I got there."
"Did you find out who the agent was, Euphie?" Ambrosia asked her sister.
Euphie shook her head. "No. I was blindfolded and a hood was placed over my head to make sure I don't know the locations I went to meet with the Kyoto representatives. I'm sorry, big sister."
At least we met up with them. "Did they say anything regarding our proposal for an urgent, Euphie?"
"Yes. They agreed to do so. I believe that they'll make contact with the Black Knights and the Lost Soldiers."
"So it's come to this huh?" Guilford spoke to Darlton. "The enemy of my enemy is my friend."
"I agree." Darlton shared the same opinion. "Eden Vital's planning to get rid of us, the Black Knights and the Lost Soldiers pretty soon. But for what kind of scheme they plan to implement, I don't know."
"So we need to sit back and wait? I'm not sure if this is a good idea."
"But right now, we don't know what to do next now that we've shot Williams before he could have killed any of us here. It's going to be a matter of time before we can resolve this problem."
"Hmm..."
Lelouch's Bedroom, Ashford Academy, Tokyo Settlement, Area 11, Britannian Empire
"What do you know about Lelouch's origins? What did he tell you about his personal life?"
Kallen was now curious about Lelouch's upbringings after C.C. told her she was wrong in her previous answer.
"He's actual of royal origin?" Wow! I never knew that Lelouch was a prince and suppose to be a successor to the Britannian throne?
"WHAT?" C.C.'s answer has greatly stunned Kallen. Really? That guy?
"It appears that you didn't know about it..."
Kallen glared at the green-haired woman. "Of course I don't!" Kallen raised her hands up high in anger. "You expect me to know everything about him when I actually don't in the first place."
"All right, all right. Just calm down, Kallen." C.C. sighed when she heard Kallen's outburst of anger. "There's no need to be angry right now."
"Fine." Kallen huffed. "Just tell me what you can about Lelouch and Nunnally."
V.V.'s Chambers, Eden Vital Base, Kaminejima Island, Izu Islands, Area 11, Britannian Empire
"Welcome to Kaminejima, Colonel Madd." V.V. personally greeted the Irregulars officer when he entered V.V.'s personal chambers. "How was your travel to the island?"
"Thank you." Madd slightly bowed to greet the Eden Vital head. "And it was all right, I had no problems after I got here, Master V.V."
"Is everything being prepared for the upcoming mission?"
"Yes. I've dispatched most of my forces covertly a few days ago to this island under the guise of troop transfers. So far, the public doesn't know..."
"Due to the use of the Official Secrets Act, yes?"
"You seem to be very knowledgeable on these things."
"Of course I am." V.V. smirked. "Despite my immortality, I always take the time off to learn about the world. It's not like I decided to be a slacker and stay in bed."
"I also have news for you." Madd said to V.V. "His Majesty is coming here tomorrow alongside the rest of the Knights of Round with him. As far as I know, he should be Guam, ready to depart early in the morning to see."
"Very good, Colonel Madd. I hope that you can arrange for his smooth travel to the island."
"I shall see to it as soon as I can, Master V.V."
"Thank you, Colonel."
Lelouch's Bedroom, Ashford Academy, Tokyo Settlement, Area 11, Britannian Empire
"He was exiled to Japan after the death of Empress Marianne in Pendragon?"
Kallen asked C.C. about the status of Lelouch after hearing the death of Marianne. "But from what I remembered back in the TV and in the internet, the news mentioned her death was due to assassination by republican terrorists after they infiltrated Pendragon disguised as either Royal Guards or Met police officers."
C.C. shook her head. "That's where your wrong, Kallen."
"Wrong? But what do you mean? That's what I've been told..."
"She was assassinated." C.C. said. "But by who, I don't know. So far, I've got no idea who the culprit was. Even I couldn't get much info since the OSA's responsible for blocking any media attempt to dig deeper into the assassination."
"But if she was killed by unknown assassins, why did Lelouch and Nunnally get exiled to Japan by the emperor?"
"Lelouch tried to make the Emperor talk on why he didn't do anything on the aftermath of her death." C.C. explained. "It seemed that this made the emperor angry and thus, ordered him to sent away to Japan as diplomatic hostages to the Britannian Embassy in Tokyo at first before he was sent to the Kururugi Shrine in the outskirts of the Greater Tokyo Area. Their older half sister joined them too after she did the same thing like Lelouch did in the throne room."
"I see."
"There's more, Kallen. The three were actually recorded as deceased by the Red Cross and by most media when the Britannian military staged the Second Pacific War on Japan."
"So in the confusion, they hid and assumed new names. That would be typical of Lelouch."
C.C. smiled at the Eurasian Black Knight guerrilla. It looks like there are something that Kallen doesn't know about Lelouch.
"Yes. He truly know how to use the situation to his advantage."
Helipad, RBN Shikinejima, Shikinejima, Izu Islands, Area 11, Britannian Empire
Rai and the other Lost Soldiers made their way to the base, converging on the helipad after they were told their lone gunship was at one of the base's helipads.
"So far, so good." Yi told Marc and Henri. "I've hailed the San Francisco and told the bridge of our success in Shikinejima."
"Any word from them?" Marc asked.
Yi nodded. "They've hailed Minamiizu so far. Word is JLF's agreed to contribute some troops to help us guard the island for the meantime."
"Good." Marc sighed. "We'll need all the help we can get."
"Boss, don't forget about us."
Marc turned around to see Rai leading the other Lost Soldiers.
"Rai." Marc smirked. "How goes the mission out there?"
"You mean aside from them killing each other like they're no tomorrow." Rai said, pointing to the base's outskirts. "They're no challenge, not to mention they act like all psycho sometimes that we need to kill them ourselves to get the job done."
"Whatever, man." Domingo huffed. "At least they made our job easier."
"Agree here." Michelle said, adjusting her Colt M-13's sling, placed on her left shoulder. "Now we need to do is to strike at the heart of the enemy and scare the hell outta them."
Lelouch's Bedroom, Ashford Academy, Tokyo Settlement, Area 11, Britannian Empire
"And that is the end of my story. Feel free to ask any questions, Kallen."
C.C. had completely narrated all of the things she knew about Lelouch, to the point of her first encounter between him and her in the Shinjuku ghetto.
"Wow... I never knew that Lelouch was so dedicated to helping Nunnally after being exiled from Britannian soil."
"Interesting, isn't it?" C.C. asked Kallen. "What you see in Lelouch is not entirely true at all."
"Maybe." Kallen suggested. "But..."
"But what?"
"Never mind..."
He's just me. Fighting against Britannia, only onii-chan's dead and my twin brother's Ken nowhere to be found. I'll fight in the next battle with all of my best.
"Kallen..." Lelouch entered his room, seeing her seated on his bed with C.C. "We need to leave."
"Okay." Kallen nodded.
"As for you," Lelouch eyed C.C. "stay here and don't try to make a fuss. Understand?"
C.C. nodded.
"Good."
Port, RBN Shikinejima, Shikinejima, Izu Islands, Area 11, Britannian Empire
Marc and Rai greeted the San Francisco when it had docked at the base's port, saluting a contingent of Howa Type 89-armed JLF guerrillas that had disembarked.
"Sir!" One of the guerrillas addressed Marc. "There's a message for you from our base in the mainland."
"What about it, soldier?"
"I've been told that your presence is needed by Kyoto..."
"When?"
"I'm not sure, but I was told that it's urgent that you head to Kyoto Headquarters in the mainland."
"All right. Tell your superiors that I'll be heading back as soon as I can from Shikinejima."
"Yes, sir."
Corridor, Kyoto Headquarters, somewhere in Mount Fuji, outskirts of Tokyo Settlement, Area 11, Britannian Empire
"Are you sure this is a good idea, Lady Kaguya? This may be a bit risky for all of us here."
Taizo Kirihara was walking alongside Kaguya Sumeragi in one of the many corridors inside Mount Fuji, next to the window panes that showed the outside world.
"Yes, it is." Kaguya glared at Kirihara. Darn it! Why don't you get, Kirihara-san? "We need a unified and effective alliance to counter Eden Vital, especially since Charles has declared Britannia to be non-existence in name and his association with Eden Vital. His actions are clearly placing the entire world at risk."
"Hmmm..." Kirihara mused over Kaguya's reason. "I'm not too sure if the others will agree with this... proposal of yours, Lady Kaguya..."
"Trust me, Kirihara-san." The young Japanese girl had insisted to the bald NAC official. "There's a stake in all of this for all of the parties that I want to attend the conference."
"Ahh..." Kirihara mused over Kaguya's insistence. "Perhaps there is."
"Indeed." Kaguya stared at the window, overlooking Lake Kawaguchi. "If we can't win this battle, then the entire world's doomed."
Port, RBN Shikinejima, Shikinejima, Izu Islands, Area 11, Britannian Empire
"Damn. I just can't believe this..."
Rai muttered, shaking his head. He heard that the Lost Soldiers were being called in for a special meeting with Kyoto. The problem was command and probably, logistics as Marc's presence was required in the upcoming Kyoto-led meeting in the mainland after their recent success.
What's Kyoto's game in all this? We've just taken an island from the RBN with help from the JLF and now Kyoto needs us to come in to a meeting? That's just really sudden if you ask me.
"I know that it's bad." Marc told Rai, feeling the same thing. "But the big boys and chair warmers in Kyoto need me for a meeting, aside from throwing money and knightmares to us and other anti-occupation guerrilla forces. Besides, we need an alliance to fight Eden Vital and the little twerp in Kaminejima."
Rai frowned.
"Don't worry about it, Rai. You know that I'll be back."
"I know, boss. It's not that, really. It's just that it's thrown to us all of a sudden." Rai then asked his CO. "So what now? You're accepting Kyoto's invitation for a meeting, right?"
The Lost Soldiers leader nodded at Rai's question. "I'm getting two from the unit to accompany me. Minimum at least." Marc began to explain. "I'm not sure when I'll be arriving back at Mt. Fuji, but it's probably at nightfall seeing that the San Francisco's too slow for a cargo ship."
"I'll get some volunteers." Rai pointed his right thumb, via hitchhiker's thumb, to himself. "And do they need to be armed?"
"I'll take care of that discretion myself when I get back to our mountain base, Rai." Marc patted Rai's left shoulder. "And hurry," He eyed the ship behind him. "I don't think they want to wait long aside from dropping the token JLF troop force here in the port."
"All right. I'll take care of that myself in a few minutes, boss."
"You stay here with the others. We need some boots on the ground if we're to maintain our grip on the island without meeting any invasion force from the Britannian military."
Right... Like that's easy.
Parking Lot, Kyoto Headquarters, somewhere in Mount Fuji, outskirts of Tokyo Settlement, Area 11, Britannian Empire
A gray Lincoln Town Car had parked near the sliding double doors leading to the headquarters of the underground anti-occupation organization Kyoto. So far, the windows were all tinted in the interior except for the driver's for security reasons.
"Please step outside sir." A Kyoto security agent wearing a black suit and tie, shades, pants and dress shoes opened the rear passenger door from the right side of the Town Car, revealing Diethard Reid. "All of the parties are waiting inside for your presence."
"Thank you." The ex-BRBC producer was subsequently escorted inside by the agent.
I wonder what Marc wanted when he told me from the Okuchichibu Mountains base that my presence is needed for a top secret meeting with Kyoto representatives?
"I'll go and get one of my fellow agents to show you to the meeting room immediately, Mr. Reid."
Corridor, Kyoto Headquarters, somewhere in Mount Fuji, outskirts of Tokyo Settlement, Area 11, Britannian Empire
"Excuse me." Diethard asked the agent. "I have a question to ask you."
"Yes, Mr. Reid. Is there something wrong?" The agent said, hearing Diethard calling for his attention.
"Do you where you going exactly? I was told that I'm suppose..."
"Do not worry, Mr. Reid. I know where I'm going. After all, I was told that I'm escorting to the conference room."
"And how long does it take to get there? I think my feet my sore from walking for a few minutes."
"Apologies, Mr. Reid. I'll get you there as soon as I can. After all, our complex was made in total secrecy for security reasons. Please try to understand."
Great! Having tinted windows on the inside of the Town Car and now, having to walk what seemed to be for eternity just to get to the conference room the hard way? What's next, they have to blind and gag me as well?
"Ah, Diethard. I didn't expect to see you here... Ah, forget it. Forget that I said anything just right now."
Diethard was greeted by the sight of Marc, wearing his usual gear. However, his Britannian SAS beret was not found on top of his masked head.
"Thank you very much." Marc thanked the agent after he escorted Diethard.
"I didn't expect you to be so late." Marc greeted Diethard, patting him on his right shoulder. "In fact, I thought that you'd be the first to arrive in Mt. Fuji when the call got out from Kyoto HQ."
"So we're outside the conference room?" Diethard asked, seeing what seemed to be double doors nearby. It looks like we're going to meet here for something important along with unknown parties.
"Yeah." Marc nodded. "So far, I'm instructed that all parties with the Lost Soldiers should wait outside until we're cleared by Taizo Kirihara, head man of Kyoto."
"Is something the matter from the inside?" Diethard asked, looking at the double doors. "I mean, any problems that they're trying to take care of."
"I don't know." Marc shrugged his shoulders. "From what I've been told, the Black Knight and Britannian parties are inside, talking with Kirihara. Then again, I could be wrong with all assumption I'm telling you, yeah?"
"So what's their game anyway, Marc? I'm kinda nervous about this."
"That's what I'd like to know, Diethard. That's what I'd like to know, too."
Marc turned around, seeing two of his fellow Lost Soldiers, wearing the same gear as they always alongside their gray Britannian SAS berets on top of their balaclava-clad heads. However, they're armed with Fabrique Nationale P90 TR submachine guns, outfitted with Aimpoint red dot scopes on the top picatinny railing and a SureFire tactical flashlight on the left picatinny railing.
"Security escorts. Got the guys from the unit to come with me for our protection for a good reason too, Diethard." Marc told Diethard. "Just in case things go FUBAR later on anytime during the meeting."
"FUBAR?" Diethard asked. What the heck does that mean?
"Oh, you don't know that term eh?" Marc sighed, deciding to explain the term. "Apologies. It means Fucked Up Beyond All Recognition."
"Hmm..." Diethard heard the explanation. "I understand it now. Well, thanks for the explanation." The ponytailed man asked Marc, "Are you always like this during meetings with Kyoto."
"Sure, why not?" Marc shrugged his shoulders. "Won't you do the same thing if you're in my place?"
"I'm not sure. Perhaps I could..."
"Excuse me." A Kyoto security agent partially opened the double doors, poking his head out. "We're ready for you now. Please step inside."
"Are the Black Knight and Britannian parties ready a while ago?" Diethard asked the security agent.
The security agent nodded. "Yes, sir. You guys are the only ones left before the meeting's about to start."
"All right." Marc told the other two P90 TR-armed Lost Soldiers. "Let's go, peeps. We've got a meeting to settle in. And be on your best behavior too as well."
Conference Room, Kyoto Headquarters, somewhere in Mount Fuji, outskirts of Tokyo Settlement, Area 11, Britannian Empire
"Announcing the Lost Soldiers!" The security agent when he got back inside the conference room.
"Kirihara-san." Marc bowed, befitting what Japanese always do to greet people. "You look well."
"Same to you." Kirihara smiled before shaking his hand. "I'm glad that you made here."
"Likewise, Kirihara-san." Marc eyed a smiling Kaguya, who was standing next to Kirihara. "By the way, is there any particular as to why is Kaguya-san here for the meeting?"
"She insists on being here. You'll find out later when the meeting starts."
"Ah, never mind."
Marc proceeded to introduce Diethard to Kirihara and Kaguya. "And this is Diethard Reid, ex-BRBC producer. Now head of intelligence of the Lost Soldiers." Kirihara shook hands with Diethard.
"Pleased to meet you, Mr. Kirihara."
"Kaguya-san." Marc bowed to greet Kaguya. "I didn't expect you to be in this meeting. I thought the elders would be against your presence."
"Actually." Kaguya smiled. "This meeting was my entire idea."
"I see." Marc faced Kirihara. "Should we be getting to our seats now? I just hope the meeting would be beneficial for all of us today."
"Of course. I'll show you to your seats. Quite the surprise, huh?"
"I'm not sure if that can said about the upcoming meeting..."
"Zero." Marc greeted the Black Knights leaders. He noted that behind was Kallen, standing in a parade rest position. As always in her public appearances, she wore the same tulip masks like Zero had. "I trust that you're all right."
"That I am." Zero replied. "And the same goes to you as well. I look forward to the upcoming meeting alongside you and Kirihara-san."
"Ah, your Highness." Marc greeted Ambrosia, who was in her seat. "It's interesting that you're here next to Princess Euphemia." He took a look behind the seated princesses to see Suzaku, Guilford and Darlton standing at attention.
"She has her reasons I believe..." Ambrosia replied, staring at Marc while trying to figure what his name was. "Not to mention being a bit stubborn about being left out..."
"Marc. That's my name."
Zero stared at Marc after hearing his name. I wonder if he has a good reason for telling his name to Ambrosia and Euphemia.
"To your seats, please." Kirihara told all involved parties. "Let's start the meeting right now. We have a lot of important agendas to cover today, everyone."
Balcony, unknown Royal Manor, somewhere in Yigo, Guam, Britannian Empire
Charles took the time to gaze at the evening sky while in one of the royal manor's many balconies in Guam.
Soon enough, I will achieve Ragnarök from within Eden Vital. That way we can undo the damage the gods have done to this planet.
"Your Majesty."
Charles turned around to see it was Bismarck Waldstein, who was kneeling before him.
"What is it, Bismarck? Any news that I should know of?"
"Yes, your Majesty. I've received word from our agents in Eden Vital and from Colonel Madd that V.V. requires your presence as soon as you can."
"Hmm... I see." Charles replied. "Is the Great Britannia ready for a flight en route to Area 11?"
"Almost." Bismarck said, keeping his eyes on the ground and still kneeling. "I've yet to be notified on maintenance of the ship by the maintenance crew back at the airport."
"As soon as the ship's ready, let me know. See to it that no one knows of my presence here in Guam."
"Yes, your Majesty!"
Conference Room, Kyoto Headquarters, somewhere in Mount Fuji, outskirts of Tokyo Settlement, Area 11, Britannian Empire
"Getting down to business." Kirihara took his seat with Kaguya, guarded by three Kyoto security agents. "Let's start the meeting about the problem regarding Eden Vital and the BRBC broadcast made by Charles zi Britannia a few weeks ago with the dissolution of the Holy Britannian Empire."
"That is a big concern that I believe we should talk about." Diethard said, beginning the meeting. "A lot of revolts were reported in all areas, including the mainland itself from various groups that were already forming with an anti-Eden Vital agenda in mind. I've also gotten reports of violent suppression by Britannian security forces, even including certain factions of the Purists in favor of the ascension of Eden Vital."
"This does sound bad." Ambrosia mused. "My father's not bothering himself with the concerns of revolts all over the empire after the Eden Vital declaration he made over the BRBC channel. In fact, I have no idea where he is after I made contact in Pendragon."
"Judging from that," Marc suggested. "it seemed Britannia, or Eden Vital, wants the entire world to come to a crisis of destruction. Reminds me of the term Creation through Destruction."
"Indeed it is." Zero agreed. "It makes me wonder if Eden Vital's goal is to show itself to be the one who will solve the world's problem with all the chaos going on."
"Unless a new ruler would ascend the Britannian throne to foil Eden Vital." Kaguya gave the suggestion to the parties. "That way, the crisis would not exist in the first place."
"And I was recommended for this position, if I understand correctly?" Ambrosia said, questioning the said recommendation. "But in order for that to succeed back in the mainland, I need support from at least 80 percent of more from the Senate and half from the entire royal family..."
"Yes." Kirihara said, motioning to one of his agents to activate the widescreen behind him. "Behind me is the picture of a royal decree signed by Schneizel el Britannia and all Senate officials. This was sent to me covertly digitally a week before the BRBC declaration took place."
"No kidding." Marc observed the file. "It seems like it's legit and all, especially the signature of the prime minister alongside the Senate members who've placed their signature on the royal decree."
"I'm actually surprised that the Senate had done so secretly without the risk of being caught by security forces in Britannia." Diethard commented, who also studied the digital copy of the royal decree.
"Then it's the prime minister and the Senate officials have covertly given consent for a thing like this..." Euphemia began, reflecting on their situation.
"Then it's possible for me to ascend the throne." Ambrosia said, hearing from Marc and Kirihara. "And restore the Britannian Empire the way it was before this madness..."
"Then this way, everything will be fixed and we can right the wrong." Euphemia added.
"Are you hesitating, princess?" Zero noted that Ambrosia was a bit nervous, reading her facial expressions carefully. He placed his arms on the conference table, fingers interlocked against one another. "What you're doing right now is a violation of most Britannian policies towards all Areas. After all, Britannian society has the norm of conducting racial supremacy matters against anyone who is not Britannian as defined by the Britannian constitution."
"Zero-sama is correct there, Princess Ambrosia." Kaguya added to Zero's declaration. "Does that you're frightened since you're burdened to literally carry an entire empire on both of your shoulders? This is matter of life and death..."
"You're being disrespectful!" Guilford shouted at Kaguya, seeing that she was trying to mock Ambrosia. "You have no right to say that to Princess Ambrosia..."
"No, Guilford. That's where you're entirely wrong." Marc raised his hand, gesturing to his Lost Soldier escorts. "I don't think she's being disrespectful." The two Lost Soldiers aimed their P90 TRs at Guilford. "But perhaps you are. After all, Lady Kaguya does have a point to say to Princess Ambrosia."
"I suggest that you think what you're about to do, Lord Guilford." Zero suggested. Kallen had aimed a Heckler and Koch MP7A1, equipped with an Aimpoint red dot scope and an Oerlikon Contraves LLM01 laser sight, at Guilford. She had the LLM01's laser sight aimed at Guilford's neck. "After all, this meeting is very crucial to whether we can raise an alliance against Eden Vital. Having a strong ally as the rule of Britannia can make things easier for us in the long run."
Guilford decided to stay silent. He felt sweat going down the back of his neck and forehead.
"Moving on." Kirihara said, breaking the tense atmosphere in the conference room. "You two are the only ones possessing an ideal that led you to negotiate with us and disregarding your laws right now." He stared at Ambrosia, glaring at her hard. "If you're sincerely hoping for something to come out of this meeting, then show us that you're willing to set an example to liberate all Areas from Britannian control and carry on with your newly found ideals to the end."
Ambrosia and Euphemia stayed silent after hearing Kirihara's assertion.
"I suggest we take a break." Zero suggested to Kirihara. "It's not good if we continue to be silent and not say anything productive for this meeting, Kirihara-san."
"I agree, Zero. I suggest a 10-minute break for all of us here before we resume the conference."
Outside Conference Room, Kyoto Headquarters, somewhere in Mount Fuji, outskirts of Tokyo Settlement, Area 11, Britannian Empire
"That was quite suspenseful back there." Diethard told Marc outside the conference room, stretching his arms and feet. "Any minute now and we would've went through a whole lot of trouble."
"Heh, no kidding on what you've said, Diethard." Marc sighed, twirling the SAS beret on his right index finger before he wore it again. "I actually had to get the guys to aim the P90 TRs at Guilford just to make sure he won't do something crazy." He then paused before he said. "Although I know he can't since Ambrosia's there."
"So what now..." Marc heard the voice of Domingo, one of the Lost Soldiers assigned by Rai to escort. "Do we wait? I'm getting bored since there's nothing to do here"
"I'm get bored of these waiting games, man." Jean was the second Lost Soldier assigned to be Marc's security escort alongside Domingo. "But I feel like having the need of taking a piss."
"If I remember," Marc told the two. "Kirihara's taking a break with the little one. I don't know what's going on with the Brits and Zero's camp, but let's wait for a while."
Balcony, unknown Royal Manor, somewhere in Yigo, Guam, Britannian Empire
"Ah, Bismarck." Charles saw the one eyed man kneeling before him. "I trust that the Great Britannia's ready to go?"
"Yes, your Majesty." Bismarck replied. "Everything is ready to go. Maintenance has told me that the ship's okay with no problem at all. Just say the word..."
"No need." Charles insisted. "We leave tomorrow, early in the morning so as not to arouse any suspicion from the local populace. Make sure that no one hears about this, not even in the media. If anyone tries to get "information", use the Official Secrets Act as a basis for all media blackout."
"Yes, your Majesty! At once..." Bismarck departed, leaving Charles alone in the balcony.
Charles went back inside his room after a few seconds of self reflection.
Soon Marianne. Very soon, Marianne. I'll kill the gods and deliver redemption. Afterwards, we can be together with Lelouch and Nunnally.
Conference Room, Kyoto Headquarters, somewhere in Mount Fuji, outskirts of Tokyo Settlement, Area 11, Britannian Empire
The Kyoto, Black Knights, Lost Soldiers and Britannian parties were now back inside the conference room. They were all seated, with the exception of their bodyguards and armed escorts, in their chairs and were ready for the meeting to resume once again.
"Let's resume the meeting once again, everyone." Kirihara said, opening the floor. "Next on the agenda today is to affirm if an alliance is possible. Second is to figure out the best way of raiding Kaminenejima."
"I'm in." Marc told Kirihara. "Assuming anyone is not in opposition."
"The Black Knights is ready to join in an alliance against Eden Vital." Zero said. "You can count on our support, Kirihara-san."
"We pledge our allegiance to fight against Eden Vital, Mr. Kirihara." Euphemia told all of the parties. "Until Eden Vital's defeated, we'll be there to back the alliance."
"Good. Thank you." Kirihara was glad that the parties have easily agreed to join in an anti-Eden Vital alliance. "Now that's out of the way, we need to figure out how should we approach Kaminenejima." I have to admit, they all agreed without opposing anything or everything.
"An all-out assault should do the trick nicely for those fools in Kaminenejima." Zero shared his battle strategy. "That way, we can keep Eden Vital busy that they'll decide to concentrate all of their resources on a single attack."
"But by then," Marc added another strategy. "another force can be readily deployed to attack Eden Vital in Kaminenejima as well after the initial attack is launched. We can just keep them busy while we strike a decisive blow onto their leadership."
"I see, that sounds like a good idea." Ambrosia thought over Zero and Marc's strategies. "Your plans, however, do sound the blitzkrieg tactics that the Wehrmacht had used during the invasion of Poland in the Second World War."
"A good plan." Darlton said. "Blitzkrieg tactics should overwhelm Kaminenejima, allowing us to seize their base."
"The only thing we need to look out for is for what tricks they have us their sleeve." Diethard was concerned with Darlton's ideas.
"But that's one risk that we need to take." Marc countered Diethard's concerns. "Who knows what forces Eden Vital will throw at us like there's no tomorrow."
"Ladies and gentlemen." Kirihara stepped in to intervene in the discussion. "There's no time to waste and if we just debate about it any waste, we won't know if we will have an opportunity to strike the enemy right now."
Everyone inside remained silent, reflecting on what Kirihara had just said to them.
"Then it seems that everyone agrees with the initial strategy that I have just mentioned, yes?" Zero said to the parties in the conference room.
"If that's the case," Kirihara slowly stood up from his chair. "then I declare this meeting over."
Outside Conference Room, Kyoto Headquarters, somewhere in Mount Fuji, outskirts of Tokyo Settlement, Area 11, Britannian Empire
After the meeting had adjourned, the Lost Soldiers party was the first to exit the room. Kirihara had temporarily remained with Kaguya to ensure that the Black Knights and the Britannian parties had their concerns taken care of.
"So it seems it's over." Marc sighed, stretching his neck. "There's no turning back for all of us here. From here on, it's either success or death."
"But what happens to us then?" Diethard asked Marc. "I mean, I know we're going to be allies with the Lost Soldiers and all, but we have a logistics problem in terms of..."
"No need to worry, Lost Soldiers." Zero and Kallen had exited the conference room a few minutes after Diethard and Marc had done so. "I'll offer you a chance to ride with the Ikaruga as we covertly raid Kaminejima. How does that proposal sound to you?"
"Sounds pretty good to me, Zero." Marc replied to Zero's proposal. "Then will you be able to allow us for our weapons and equipment to be placed in the Ikaruga in Shikinejima before we set out to Kaminenejima tomorrow."
Zero nodded. "But of course. I'm heading to Shikinejima anyway tomorrow morning for the attack on Kaminejima." He shifted his gaze to Diethard. "Ah yes. There's one more thing that I want to add before we call this a day."
Marc raised an eyebrow. "And that is?"
"First thing tommorow, I need to speak with Mr. Reid on an urgent matter."
"By all means. Just let the base know when you need him."
"Understood."
Bridge, Ikaruga, somewhere in the Pacific Ocean
"So I hear that you wish to discuss something with me, Zero." Diethard and Zero watch Marc, Domingo and Jean get escorted to the submarine's hangar prior for surfacing, where they would be picked up by their SuperHind Mark IV gunship.
"Yes, I have. Diethard. This matter that I want to discuss is very important. Who knows, it could be crucial to the upcoming operation."
The two men began to walk out of the bridge towards the Ikaruaga's lone conference room.
"What do you have in mind then, Zero? Something to boost your credibility with other anti-occupation resistance forces in Area 11 before the Kaminenejima operation begins."
"Indeed I do. Let's discuss this matter inside the conference room where we can get some privacy away from unwanted attention."
Zero thought long hard before he faced Diethard, "For starters, do you face a propaganda battle?"
"Of course." Diethard replied. "What kind of propaganda do you have in mind for this upcoming operation, Zero?"
Conference Room, Ikaruga, somewhere in the Pacific Ocean
"Now that's we inside..." Diethard began after he and Zero were inside the submarine's conference room. "we can discussing on the concerns that you have regarding the propaganda that you have in mind."
"Certainly." Zero took a seat down from the swiveling chairs near the conference room. "I was wondering if we can do such propaganda that will inspire all anti-occupation forces in Area 11. Of course, I want the impact to be so powerful that it will last for many generations to come..."
"Well." Diethard placed his chin under his right thumb and index finger, stroking it. "That does seems to be a bold plan that you have in mind. But I believe that can be possible."
"Have any ideas for me, Mr. Reid?"
Diethard immediately snapped his fingers. "Of course. I have this idea that came to my mind. I'm not sure if you'll like it, but this may just work for us Lost Soldiers and the Black Knights."
"And that idea is?"
Chapter 21 END
PS - Apologies to all of you readers past and present! Didn't know that I've accidentally deleted the original chapter 21 by mistake when I was updating the chapters in Lost Soldier to correct mistakes such as proper spelling of words and so on. Dammit! Someone had notified me about this mess via review last Wednesday when I took a break from my POL SCI classes on resistance. Whoever you are, thanks a lot for helping me out here.. (Much preferred if it was done by PM if possible). Anyhoo, I just hope this version's better than the original one. Can't remember everything that I wrote, so I just decided to write those parts from scratch down. I just really, really, really, really hate it when this happens since it blows days and days of writing the chapter when one wrong move messes it up. I just hope that things like this doesn't happen again ever in the near future as I continue on with my fanfiction career here.
I've also added more on the scenes prior and after the meeting between the Black Knights, Lost Soldiers and the Britannians led by Ambrosia. I thought they need more appearance here than the previous one and flesh out more of the characters with their alliance against Eden Vital. Besides, that plan's mucho important for what happened to the other chapters that follow this one, yeah? Plus I added a necessary transition scene to end this chapter and start the next chapter with much smoothly. When I wrote this chapter again, I decided that I won't follow the original ending. (Then again, I can't remember what I ended the original chapter 21 with, so there).
In the meantime, I await any reviews regarding this chapter and perhaps the newly revised chapter 21 since this is majorly different than the original, but I wrote it carefully so that it can link with chapter 22 (Which I doubt that any of you readers who read the original chapter 21 can remember it detail by detail. If you can,let me know too). Anything from good praises for the chapter to advise is and always appreciated. Any reviews that "attack" the chapter, the story or yours truly will be ignored and be disposed of somewhere, just not sure where. Perhaps right to your face.
Well, the story's about to end ladies and gentlemen. In the meantime, read up and enjoy this AU story. Peace!