Alright! I live! Haha. I'm hopeful that extended absences won't become common. And I can all but guarantee that they won't. That said however... I am in the middle of cranking out my last semester of college (Yeah, I know it's summer, but I'm still taking a class and working at the same time... so it's a bit hectic.)
But enough of my complaining about my time being eaten by school and work. I really don't have any real excuse for how long it took me to get back onto this. Half of it was lack of time, but it was also needing a break from writing this. I can't promise a time table to future chapters, mostly because I am quite busy, and when I'm not, it's generally not a good place for me to write, as Elijah Snow will be able to attest to.
That said! I promise to not take 3 months to update again. I won't say it'll be a week, or even two before I get another chapter written, but it won't be 3 months.
As always, a big thank you to Elijah Snow... Particularly for saving me from posting this with a "Holy crap, what the hell was I thinking?" sort of error in it. This, is why we make our Betas as happy as possible folks. When you write in a haze... they're there to help you not put your... typing fingers in your mouth... yeah, foot in the mouth just doesn't quite work so well with the written word... never mind. Just be sure to remember the help he is in making this story as... hopefully mildly entertaining as I like it to be!
Friday February 8, 2018 a.t.b. 0335 hrs, Britannian Airspace over Oahu, Area 7
Kallen grunted with the sensation of several times her own weight pressing her down into the seat, only for it to turn abruptly to one of weightlessness as she cut power to the wings, letting the Guren fall back under the sway of gravity as a beam punched through the space that she would have been in. Her stomach roiled, revolting against the maneuvers.
Better discomfort than death though, what the hell is with that machine? She snarled as she sent the Guren hurtling forward, the gee-forces returning without mercy as she twisted and rolled, avoiding missiles and the hadron beams that seemed far too powerful to have been mounted upon a knightmare.
The Black Knight Captain twisted her machine around a final shot, and reached out with the Guren's right hand. She grinned as she thumbed the firing button, the surger's emitter a mere meter from the enemy machine's hadron cannon. A shield appeared a moment too late, the initial pulse reaching the cannon which promptly overloaded and exploded, smoke and flames curling behind the green shield.
Now what? Most pilots would probably fall back at this point, but this is a Knight of the Round. They might fall back because it's logical, or they might try one last attack... She smiled as the shield dropped, the golden crest and violet hued armor of the Round's machine surging forward. A pity this won't work twice, I'll need to come up with a way to actually beat this machine after this.
She concentrated hard, utilizing the neural interface to it's fullest, giving her unheard of reaction speeds, as if she'd had an extra two pairs of hands to manipulate the Guren's controls. The right arm retracted, drawing back the radiant wave surger and simultaneously loading the final capacitor cartridge for it. The left came up with the dagger, using it as a shield to take the enemy's armored shoulder. Kallen twisted to the right, maintaining her altitude even as she slashed down at the shoulder joint with one of the energy wings, the blades being able to slice through the lighter armor to cut power running to the arm, rendering it useless. Completing the motion was a vertical 90 degree shift in which she planted the Guren's feet upon the enemy's chest, and used it to kick off before she launched herself forward with several gees of acceleration after the Ikaruga.
Kallen let out a sigh of relief as the violet machine finally held back, deciding not to pursue. She glanced around, and found Suzaku making a beeline for the Ikaruga as well, his opponent looking a little less damaged, only missing half of the double scythe as he floated over to his comrade to help it back to Oahu's shores.
Even so, she didn't relax her guard until she landed safely back in the Ikaruga's hangar. Rounds are tougher than I thought they'd be.
A reply to her thoughts caused her to look up in confusion, only to realize a moment later that she must have voiced it aloud. "Of course they are. While there are a number of nobles amongst their ranks, becoming a Knight of the Round is one of the few things where family influence means nothing. Only the best pilots are accepted, commoner or noble, as long as they are Britannian. I'm glad to see you're alright, Kallen. Go ahead and stow the Guren, we aren't in any danger of being pursued, and we'll be dropping off their sensors shortly anyways. Get some rest, you've earned it."
Even now, Kallen felt the pride bubbling up in her chest just the same as she had before she'd known exactly who Zero was. It made no difference to her that the one praising her was a girl her own age, or that mysterious masked man who did the impossible. No, Lelou seemed even greater now, showing the world that an 18 year old girl could move nations, and destroy foes seemingly so much greater than she.
And maybe now she won't have to fight just to retain control of the UFN's armed forces. That thought brought a frown to her lips as the pressure differential sent air hissing out as the Guren's hatch opened. That she should have to work to maintain control over the Black Knights... So many still think that they'll be able to manipulate her even after all that she's shown that she can do. She gave a little derisive snort at the next thought. Or they think that she's just been a pawn of Tohdoh or some other suitably masculine individual and owes her success entirely to their patronage.
Well, I'll be happy to teach them the errors of their ways when one of them finally pushes her too far. If she even ends up needing to bring the weight of the Black Knights to bear on such a fool.
Kallen lifted her arms as the hatch finally gave her enough room to do so, and arched her back, groaning happily as she stretched, her back finally popping as it had needed to for a while. She glanced around, seeing the hangar was empty almost completely except for her and Suzaku, who was dismounting the Lancelot.
Most of them are probably out fixing the damage we took, I guess I should probably go see if there's anywhere I can help out too.
Friday February 8, 2018 a.t.b. 0720 hrs, BKS Ikaruga, Pacific Ocean
"How bad were our losses?"
Inoue looked down at a pad that she'd been taking notes on, finding the answer that Lelou was looking for. "Five dead, three wounded. We lost the entire crew for the number two gun, and we had some burns when the shield generator overloaded. Four percent casualties, not bad at all when placed against the amount of damage we inflicted. Assuming even just three of those transports were carrying Knightmares, we've just demolished half of the forces available to retake Japan. Which means that what the Black Knights have stationed in Japan now are capable of holding out against any invasion for at least the next two months."
Lelou raised an eyebrow at that. "Taking the pessimistic estimate, Major?"
"Better to prepare for the worst and hope for the best than find your country suffering the consequences of your lack of preparedness."
The Black Knight's leader chuckled at that. "Excellent work, and a job well done to all aboard the Ikaruga as well, I expect that I'll be able to arrange as least a week's worth of leave once we're back in Tokyo. You've earned it."
A majority of those within earshot seemed quite pleased by the statement, grins sprouting like weeds on all but the most disciplined of faces, though even the Major seemed to have trouble keeping her lips from quirking up.
She returned the smiles as she stood, vacating the command chair. "Well then, now that the plan has gone well, I'll leave you all to your work and return to simply being a passenger. Make sure we get back to Tokyo alive if you want that week of leave." She smiled brightly before she came to attention, saluting as sharply as one could. "We've come a long way in such a short time. From a nameless resistance group on your part, and a former Britannian schoolgirl, to the Black Knights – sword and shield of the Federation – and its leader. Give us a little more time, and we'll bring Britannia to its knees. We've struck our first blow outside of our borders, the first of many. And we won't stop until the old order is destroyed. We fight for the future, there is no greater charge than that, and so we will not – cannot – be defeated in the end." She nodded, dropping her hand back to her side before exiting the bridge with C.C. in tow.
Neither spoke until they were safely back in Lelou's cabin. Which was probably for the best given the comment that C.C. had been holding in. "Laying it on a little thick there, don't you think?"
Lelou chuckled mirthlessly. "Perhaps, but when leaving words that someone will remember, it's far better to make them suitably dramatic than leave that work to those that follow. Besides, that's tame compared to some of what I considered doing as Zero. Let my enemies think of me as an idealist who has strokes of luck, only those who know me won't be surprised when I find myself forced to be ruthless. And those who are surprised? Well, they likely won't survive the experience."
"And they call me a witch..."
"You are one, don't deny it. After all, it's not as if you've told me what I owe you in return for the power that you gave me that enabled me to work towards my goals years ahead of schedule. Don't worry though, even if you want my soul at the end of all this, it is yours."
C.C. only chuckled at that. "Well then, we shall have no trouble when the time comes I see."
Friday February 15, 2018 a.t.b. 0540 hrs, Black Skyfleet Headquarters, Tokyo
The terminal was quiet, the rays of the rising sun shining into the still rather luxurious building. It had formerly been a private airport for the more elite members of Clovis' court, but it had since been claimed by the emerging Skyfleet as it's first base and headquarters. Much of the superfluous trappings had been removed and sold or destroyed, but enough remained to make it one of the more comfortable postings within the Black Knights. Normally it would have been buzzing with activity, but at the orders of Sumeragi, the terminal that served the Ikaruga was abandoned save for the party that would be meeting with Lelou.
Cecile stood rigidly at attention. This... is not going to be good. She glanced to her left, feeling the urge to hit Lloyd harder than she ever had. He had simply shrugged after learning of Nunnally's death, although he'd seemed to have brightened a little at the thought of what sort of possibilities there would be for Lelou's reaction. Particularly given the fact that it would be his toys that deliver whatever retribution the girl would seek.
Sumeragi had informed them together, understanding that the two of them had worked quite closely with Lelou in recent days, and Lloyd had been acquainted with Marianne. Although Cecile had apparently been included mostly because the Chairwoman knew that Cecile was the keeper of Lloyd's conscience; or at least would function as such by beating him into acting as he should.
He'd been a little easier to lead on than he usually was in terms of appearances, although Cecile could tell that his heart had only really been in it after she promised that she'd allow field testing on new weapons ideas if Lelou requested the use of the Guren or the Lancelot in the coming days. Still though, she seethed at his... unique ability to remain uncaring at the death of his first patron's younger daughter, and his current patron's little sister.
Add to that that, Nunnally had been his 'niece.' He seemed to handle his relationship surprisingly well with Lelou, even if he was still difficult. He was doing an alright job of appearing suitably sympathetic, though the death glares she'd been sending his way likely had something to do with that, but at least she could pretend that it might be because he felt something. Given that the same glare rarely kept him on his best behavior.
Cecile blinked quickly, bringing herself out of her reverie as she glanced once more around the dock. This should have been a grand event, the return of the Ikaruga, pride of the Black Skyfleet! Who, with the aid of Lelou, and her valiant Black Knight crew, demolished the invasion fleet that was set to come bearing down on us any day.
And now? Now it's as quiet as a tomb, and only a few people are here to welcome the heroes back. She sighed mentally. No... only a few people are here; and only to deliver the news to Lelou. The welcoming will have to wait for the parties this evening, but I doubt Lelou will be in attendance, despite political necessity.
It it had been possible, she would have gone even more rigid when the Ikaruga came into view as it maneuvered to land. The hole in her flank where a 30 cm gun mount had been drew most of her attention, even though the rest of the vessel seemed completely unharmed. A power failure... or perhaps just that destructive of a blast. Either way, for attacking a major fleet base alone, she's in remarkably good condition.
The Prime Minister stepped forward, along with a bandaged woman wearing a maid outfit of all things. I've seen her before, at the school. She must have been Nunnally's caretaker then. They stood silently, two meters from the door the one they'd come to see would soon appear from.
Cecile watched silently as the Ikaruga landed gently, still feeling the anger of the scientist next to her. She was glad that the target of his fury was far removed from her own being; were it not for the fact that that target had so thoroughly earned whatever plot Lloyd was designing, she might have even pitied them.
The door finally slid open, revealing the uniformed figures of Lelou, C.C., Suzaku, and Kallen. Lelou's eyes lingered on the Prime Minister and Sayoko before they quickly scanned the rest of the room, noting everyone present before she stepped forward, eyes narrowing on the maid's obvious injuries.
"I was wondering why you asked that only I come down." While her words and tone were calm, her mask slipped. Her eyes spoke volumes, violet tinged with worry and fear. "Sayoko, where is Nunnally?"
The maid stepped forward, "L-Lelou-sama, I..."
Cecile sympathized with the woman, between what it must have been like to see what happened to the girl she'd been caring for, being injured herself, and then whatever must have happened in the aftermath of it all the maid must be a complete wreck. Not to mention now being faced with delivering the news to that girl's sister. Who, despite all the good that she's done, clearly took what lessons she'd learned from her father and elder siblings quite seriously.
She fights the Empire with an empire of her own, one that people don't even realize that she's built. I wonder if that will remain true after this...
Sayoko dropped to her knees, prostrating herself, bandaged forehead planted on the floor before Lelou's feet. Eyes glistening, Lelou looked down at the maid, one hand coming up to her mouth as the fear spread from her eyes to the rest of her face.
"Sayoko... Where is Nunnally?"
The three who had disembarked from the Ikaruga with her stood frozen at the scene before them, obviously pulling the pieces together, given the expression present on the two Captains' faces. The Colonel's usual little smile faded as her eyes flicked to Lelou, but she gave no other reaction.
"I have failed you, Lelou-sama. My duty, my oath, all of it. My life is yours to take. Nunnally... Your sister... is dead."
Lelou's eyes closed at the final word, a silent tear rolling down pale flesh. She stood, silent for a moment before she opened her eyes, quickly blinking, taking a deep breath as she lowered her hand back to her side. Cecile knew the teen's reformed composure was nothing more than an act, but it was a good one. Had she not gotten to know the former princess as well as she now did, she might have even been fooled into thinking that the girl thought little of her sibling's death.
"How?" Her voice would have crushed that thought... That's a voice devoid of all emotion.
"It was my mistake. A perimeter alarm was tripped, and I went out to investigate, and saw nothing. I returned to my duties, and when another alarm triggered, I rushed there. It was a trick. They wanted me away from the house while they set a bomb which detonated as I was returning once more. The entire villa was destroyed. We-" The already muffled voice of the maid paused as she visibly choked back a sob. "We found her in the wreckage, I was told she wouldn't have felt a thing."
Lelou knelt down, pulling Sayoko upright. She wrapped her arms around the maid who had served her so well for so many years. "Thank you, Sayoko. For telling me personally, for everything that you've done for me and Nunnally. Now, go back to the hospital. I need you to get better, and quickly, we're going to hunt the animals that did this. And I plan on making certain that they understand exactly what they've accomplished with this."
Cecile shuddered at the frost-bitten tone she finished in, hearing the promise laying beneath. Sumeragi stepped forward, helping Lelou gently pull the maid upright before she gave the taller woman a tight embrace looking up at her.
"I promise you, everything that lay in my power to help capture the fiend that did this, both I, and Japan stand with you, we will bring them to justice."
Lelou turned her head to the diminutive Prime Minister before her lips twisted in a tiny smile that implied no happiness. "Thank you, Prime Minister, but that won't be necessary. Justice will have nothing to do with this; this is about vengeance, and I shall deal it out as I see fit." She held up a hand as the girl backed away, her mouth opening to speak. "Do not worry, I will ensure that this country, and all of the UFN is properly defended as my Knights have been contracted. I have a report to write, I'll see to it that it is delivered to you by the afternoon."
Without another word, or waiting for any reply from Kaguya, she turned, returning back aboard the Ikaruga, followed more slowly by those who'd disembarked with her. She grabbed Lloyd's shoulder, pulling him along as she went after Lelou. We will help however she needs in whatever it is she decides to do. Lloyd, thankfully, managed to keep his mouth shut, save for when they caught up to Lelou, where he began to describe several new weapons ideas.
Lelou's interest in them surprised her. Although maybe she's just trying to keep her mind busy with something other than thinking about Nunnally...
Monday March 11, 2018 a.t.b. 1745 hrs, Prime Minister and UFN Chairwoman Sumeragi's Office
Kaguya glanced up from her paperwork as one of her aides barged through the door. "Sumeragi-sama! The... Britannian Prime Minister... He's called, he wishes to speak with you."
She blinked, one eyebrow raising at the aide. As she reached for the console to activate her comm, she half expected it to be a joke despite the deadly serious expression on the woman's face. She held her expression as neutral as possible as his image appeared on the screen ahead of her, and resisted the urge to twitch as an unmistakable voice gave her a greeting in Britannian-accented Japanese.
"Lady Sumeragi, it's a pleasure to speak with you finally." Schneizel el Britannia switched to English as he seemed to have exhausted his knowledge on Japanese language. "Forgive my rudeness in speaking English, I'm told you are quite fluent, whereas I am not in your native tongue. If you prefer Japanese, I have a translator available, though for the purposes of this conversation, I'd hoped that we might speak without intermediaries."
She took a deep breath, remaining silent perhaps a moment longer than she should have. He gave no sign of annoyance however. Not that he would. He's the real head of the Empire, even if his father is the one that seems to dictate its expansionism.
"Your Highness." Her tone was neutral, and she would have sworn she saw a flash of approval in his canny eyes. "I admit I wasn't expecting a call from you so early. It seems that Lelou understated the damage she dealt in her strike against your forces in Hawaii. I'm afraid that the UFN would have to deliberate on accepting your surrender however, I may be the Chairwoman of the Supreme Council but I do not have the authority to accept such an offer without approval from Parliament and the rest of the Council."
Her attempt at humor might have angered any other politician, but the Prince only laughed. "I'm afraid you mistake the purpose of this call, my lady. While I admit my little sister has certainly won the first rounds of our little game, it is far from over. I am calling in regards to her however. I must ask you to control her. Fighting unconventionally, I fully expect out of her and the armed forces she commands. What is unacceptable however, are her deliberate assassinations."
"I'm afraid I don't know what you're talking about, Your Highness. Unless you're referring to the singular instance with the late Viceroy Clovis, a time we make no apology, nor will we ever, since I would have gladly shot the animal myself."
Schneizel's gaze fell from hers for a moment at the mention of Clovis. "My little brother... He made mistakes, yes. But he did try to be a good, or at least more gentle governor than many viceroys end up. His death, while regrettable in my mind, is not what I'm referring to. And either you're a better liar than I believe anyone capable of being, or Lelou hasn't informed you."
He paused at that, and as much as she trusted Lelou, she couldn't help but feel her eyes narrowing at the possible implications of his words. "Tell me then, Your Highness. What has the commander of the Black Knights done that has prompted you to call the head of an enemy's government?"
His voice hardened slightly as he detailed for her. "In the past month, I have buried no less than twelve members of the Royal Family." His expression darkened with anger as he caught the flash of first surprise, and then what must have been understanding. "Ah, so you do know something?" He shook his head quickly at what he considered a rhetorical question. "Not that it matters. Control her. Conventional, and unconventional warfare is one thing, but murdering members of the Imperial family, even those not in militarily relevant positions goes much too far. I promise you this, retribution will come for any more assassinations."
Kaguya leaned back in her chair, her eyes gazing into his. So this is what she meant by making it a private affair. I shouldn't have been surprised by this, I've got spies of my own, so why haven't they heard anything about what Lelou was up to?
"As a head of government, I will endeavor to make sure that your warning is delivered to her." He nodded, his mouth opening to speak before she cut him off, her expression turning dark. "However. As her friend, while I personally might hate what she's apparently done, I can't help but find it an appropriate sort of retribution for what was done to her." She gave a harsh laugh as he raised an eyebrow questioningly. "As if I could believe that you were not aware of, or perhaps even involved in the ordering of Nunnally's death."
His gaze narrowed as he gave her what was probably the most intense stare that she had ever received, even after dealing with other members of the UFN's Supreme Council and Parliament, many of whom were not pleased that a young girl was in the position she found herself in. "Nunnally is dead? How?" His tone surprised her. He didn't seem like a politician at that moment, instead he sounded more like an older brother who'd just learned of his little sister's death.
This caused Kaguya to blink; could it be that Schneizel truly did not know? Narrowing her eyes slightly, she decided to play it safe and assume the second prince was simply putting up an act.
"It was a bomb. The same day that Lelou attacked Cornelia's invasion fleet. Not that I'm sure someone in Britannia doesn't have more details on how it was done. Clearly your father cares little for his children, but evidently he understands how to stop the rebellious ones even less. I'll deliver your warning to her, but know this. I don't believe that your words, or my own will stop her. Nunnally was everything to her. I believe she even started this war because of Nunnally. Lelou didn't fight for Japan. She fought for a better world for her little sister." Kaguya paused, shaking her head. "Now? Now I think she's just looking for revenge. And I'm not sure if she'll stop until anyone even slightly connected to her sister's death lies dead by her hand."
She gave Schneizel a grim smile before she finished. "And to be honest? I don't think I'd do anything different in her position. So, your warning is noted, your Highness. I look forward to the day when you do call with that offer of surrender. Good day."
She didn't wait for a reply before she terminated the connection. Now to call Lelou... this should prove... interesting.
Monday March 11, 2018 a.t.b. 1922 hrs Tokyo Standard (1322 hrs local), BKS Valkyrie, 30 km south of Al Basrah, Area 18.
Kallen frowned as she listened to the conversation going on between Lelou and the Chairwoman of the Supreme Council. It wasn't quite a shouting match, though it was easy to hear that Sumeragi's temper was fraying.
"Zero," Kallen chuckled quietly at that, hardly anyone from the upper echelons of the UFN's government or the Black Knights called Lelou that anymore, with the exception of an angered Sumeragi perhaps, "It's one thing for it to take a few minutes for me to get a hold of the commander in chief of the Black Knights, but it's quite another for it to take nearly two hours. I find myself coming to learn of activities that you have participated in from a most unlikely source, and I'd like to hear exactly what you've been up to in recent weeks."
Lelou simply cocked her head to the side, seemingly not caring that the entire bridge crew would be able to overhear her discussions. Then again, she probably doesn't mind at all. We're all volunteers, and with the modifications that Rakshata made, having so much of the ship computer controlled there are only a few people to overhear anyways.
"My apologies, Chairwoman Sumeragi, I appear to have been lax in forwarding after-action reports to your office. You'll find that I petitioned for and received permission from the Parliamentary Defense Council to operate outside UFN territory in limited offensive strikes to preempt any attack upon UFN territory. I'm certain that they would be more than willing to provide you with the reports and approval of my list of targets. I'm afraid I won't be able to elaborate them through a potentially unsecured channel. In fact, I'm afraid we're going to have to keep this conversation short. May I ask what concerns you have, and why you're troubled that you're only just now hearing about actions I'm taking to ensure the safety and security of the UFN and her citizens?"
That brought a small smile to Kallen's lips as she took a seat at one of the unmanned consoles, turning the chair to glance back at Lelou in the Captain's seat. While I'm not sure I like the way that she's avoiding answering the question, I can't really bring myself to dislike what she's doing. Even if it is specifically targeting members of the Imperial Family. It's not as if we haven't destroyed Britannian war making capability in the process of killing these targets, and more than a few of them have been Britannian officers, or at least government officials.
Sumeragi's tone was cold, colder than Kallen had ever heard her use with Lelou, and although she couldn't see the girl's expression, she imagined it would be quite dark. "The Britannian Prime Minister requested that I rein you in, Lelou. Something about you murdering a dozen of your siblings. Surely you don't think such a thing would go unnoticed, even if it's been kept from the Britannian press. Prince Schneizel has informed me that if you continue assassinating royals, you and by extension the UFN, will regret it."
Lelou remained silent for a moment. "Kaguya. There will be no coexistence between the Empire and the UFN. The Imperial Family is the Empire, both in terms of control, and even in the eyes of Britannian subjects. They lead Britannian armed forces, they sponsor and even own vast swathes of the Empire's industrial base, education, law enforcement, infrastructure; all fall under the purview of one royal or another be it directly or through some puffed up noble whose patron is a royal! The death of the Empire comes with the destruction of the Imperial Family. It is merely unfortunate that they are so often found near strategic targets, which are all that I have been striking at in an effort to prevent any actions against us, as well as support the EU against the onslaught that is crashing down upon them. We fight not for a country, Kaguya. We fight for our ideals. Any sacrifice endured in the pursuit of the triumph of what the UFN stands for, not what it is, is both worthy, and necessary."
Kaguya remained quiet for a moment. "And I'm supposed to believe that there isn't the added element of revenge, then? Do not lie to me, Lelou vi Britannia. Lelou Lamperouge. Zero. I will not let you risk all that we have done because of Nunnally's death! You tell me that any sacrifice is both worthy and necessary? Then she was yours. You will return to the UFN, and you will request my permission for any further ventures before you risk whatever retribution that your brother would bring down upon my people for your pursuit of vengeance! Am I clear?"
Kallen's eyes narrowed at Sumeragi's tirade. It wasn't as if she couldn't understand what the girl was getting at, but she also understood perfectly Lelou's position. I'm still in this for my own vengeance as well. Japan may be free, but Britannia hasn't been destroyed yet. And she isn't wrong about the Royals being Britannia, that's obvious enough even without having experienced life amongst the nobility.
"I'm afraid I must end this transmission, Lady Sumeragi. I will contact you again when we are back within UFN airspace." Somehow, Lelou managed to hold in the anger that she had to be feeling at the use of her words, and her sister, against her. "Distance to Baghdad?"
Kallen glanced over at Suzaku, who appeared to have taken up the navigator's position despite being a pilot of the only other Knightmare aboard save for her Guren. "470 kilometers, Lelou."
"Good, Cecile, keep us hidden until we're within a hundred kilometers, Lloyd, I want weapons prepped. We're going to wipe the Viceroy's palace from existence, and then high tail it back to the Gulf. Kallen, Suzaku, you're going to screen us on the way in, same as we have for all the other raids. Be ready to launch when we hit the 200 kilometer mark. They might be on heightened alerts, but I doubt they'll be expecting us here after we've been focusing so heavily on targets in Europe. Be ready for anything though. Once we've killed the viceroy, I expect that remnants of the MEF's armed forces will make themselves known and force Britannia to draw forces from Europe or the America, either of which will help us, as well as giving the UFN potential to provide aid to a new ally or new member state depending upon how Parliament and the Council decide to go about it."
That's the true genius she shows, even if she hadn't brought along only those of us who would be more or less willing to target royals, she's been going about killing them in a way that makes it as much strategic as personal vengeance. And she picked one hell of a name for her personal battleship. 'Valkyrie'... Well, in a sense, she certainly is turning out to be a 'chooser of the slain.'
Rising, she gave Lelou a quick salute before heading off the bridge to change out of her uniform and finish the pre-flight check for the Guren. I wonder just what the fact that I have next to no misgivings about what we're doing says about me. Probably nothing good... But if the few must stain their hands to spare the many from having to do so, then I gladly accept. Even if this is more about revenge to Lelou, her actions are still helping the UFN. And until they don't, I'll continue to follow her.