Nothing much to say here, I enjoyed everyone's guesses as to what Lelouch found, and now you'll be rewarded.

Now, the question to ask is whether we'll break 1200 reviews this time lol.

And now only 18 days before you can expect updates to slow down to a crawl. Hope to get at least two more chapters out before that.

Chapter 34

Clouded Skies

It's rather ironic that as Emperor Lelouch was working behind the scenes in Britannia to overthrow the Emperor, there was another revolution slowly fomenting in the EU. Much like in Britannia, the Young Turks as they came to be called, were an organization of military, political, social, and industrial persons who had grown disillusioned with the way the EU had been run and the pseudo-aristocratic oligarchy that it furnished. While not demanding a return to the Napoleonic ways, they were insistent that the EU needed to change in order to survive.

It was no surprise that eventually, both the Emperor and the Turks would cross paths that one of the largest conspiracies in history would be birthed from their mutual goals.

Devin Sandoval, Age of Revolution: 2010 a.t.b. - 2022 a.t.b., Britannian Broadcasting Network, June 3rd, 2027 a.t.b.

"After Kawaguchi, it was nearly too much for me to deal with my discovery in the ruins of the Sasebo Naval Arsenal. At the same time it destroyed much of what I had believed since that fateful day, and restored a certain amount of uncertain hope for the future."

His Imperial Majesty Emperor Lelouch vi Britannia, 2023 a.t.b.

"What," Kallen demanded, eyeing C.C. with a mixture of surprise and consternation. Surely she had not said what she did. Because if it was so-

"Lelouch identified me by name on the bridge," the immortal replied with a nonchalant shrug, "Don't know how he figured it out, but he did."

How, Kallen thought to herself, her mind running a mile a second with this news. Unable to see just how Lelouch could deduce her identity. How she wished Caedron was here, he was a bit better in putting together puzzles like this. But he wasn't, he had a meeting after his debriefing with Euphemia on what to do now.

How did Lelouch know about someone who was relatively unseen until recently. Hell, the only time he had encountered her was in her residence and the reasoning was shifty as to why she was here.

Dammit, she needed to nip that in the bud somehow. If Lelouch had connected that how soon would it be until he started looking to her.

But the retraining in Empress Marianne's-

Her eyes shot wide as it clicked. Nix had reported that C.C. had gone off script, but she didn't know what that meant. Until now...

"What did he ask you?"

"Only if I knew who killed his mother," another shrug, oh how she wished she could cut those shoulders off, the damn woman always seemed to do that to annoy her.

"And do you?"

"Maybe."

"Who?!"

This brought an expression she had not seen from C.C. before, so out of place that Kallen was taken aback. It was then gone.

"It doesn't matter, they are out of your reach, Kallen. Not even Lelouch can get to them without being eliminated like Marianne was. You shouldn't be digging into this."

"But if it-"

"No Kallen, not now. If you succeed in winning Japan then I will consider it. But for now, just drop it. You have larger concerns to deal with, like the JLF and what Caedron is planning. I just suggest you rest, you're going to need it."

With that said, the immortal then left the room, intent on getting some rest herself.

But if that was going to get Kallen to rest, she was mistaken, as Kallen instead lost herself in thought on the fact that Lelouch may be closing in on her identity. She honestly didn't know how to take it at the moment, the fight with him at the hotel making her wonder exactly how he would take it.

On one hand, there was everything they had done against the Empire itself, but on the other was the actions they had taken in changing the path of Japan. In many ways, they were a vigilante organization, and Britannian law was somewhat vague when it came to vigilantism considering it did depend on some forms of extralegal practices in order to police its territories (though it was mainly through the Purist Faction and other assorted groups) to keep colonies in line. The question was exactly what would Lelouch do in regards to them considering he was showing himself to be more reformist in his stance

And how would he react to the news that she was Zero, that was probably more critical. The identity of the very person who he was close to was also, by technicality, his worst enemy. She could not help but imagine the betrayal that he would probably feel, in spite of her relationship with him. She would be angry if she were in his shoes.

Letting out a snort of disgust at her distraction, she decided that it would be best to meditate on the issue instead of wasting her time standing here with the thought. She didn't feel like she needed to sleep considering she was still running on her adrenaline both from the events and from the media circus that had resulted in her actions.

InF

Coming into her room, C.C. plopped herself down onto her bed, the Zero mask hitting the floor beside her. Bringing her forearm over her eyes, she found herself not hungering for her usual pizza. In fact, she felt rather shitty-

"You're goddamn right you should be feeling shitty, young lady. That's my son and daughter you are putting in Vincent's crosshairs because you wanted to escape."

"Not now, Marianne," C.C. muttered, not wanting to deal with the ravenette.

"No, I'm going to make it right now since I have nothing better to do and you think you will get out of this. Why the hell did you tell him about Missed Home?"

"To be honest? I don't know, it felt right."

"So you had a fucking WHIMSY now of all times?! Ce-"

"You lost the right to call me by that name the second you let Vincent have his dogs torture me, Marianne. I suggest you watch your tongue."

"Don't you get sanctimonious with me, Cera. You lost that right long before you met me/ Remind me, how many wars did you start because you couldn't handle the burden of being immortal again?"

She didn't respond to it, not rising to the bait. To be honest, although she didn't want to admit it, Marianne was right, she had lost count at how many different wars and small-scale conflicts she had been responsible for when she had been looking for a contractor to push her burden off on.

"So what now?"

"Charles is downright pissed at the moment, considering he spent quite a bit of effort geassing every single person involved in the project into forgetting about it. He doesn't like surprises, even from you, Cera."

"That didn't answer my question, Marianne. What is Chuckles going to do about the fact that Vincent probably has Missed Home tagged as well? I doubt he's going to take it lying down considering what is there."

"Charles is still debating the merits of tipping his hand. Vincent may not know about Missed Home, but if he does, it may be that he will let it pass…"

"Marianne, there are two constants in Vincent's life: Charles, and his utter hatred for you and your family. He used Clovis to keep me in a cage and Charles used Clovis to operate Missed Home. I have no doubt in my mind that Vincent is aware of Missed Home but was hesitant to pull the plug because he didn't want to piss off Charles any further than normal. Now that Lelouch has found it, I doubt he's going to be idle. Especially with Mao now in-country."

"Mao? Wait. Are you talking about that Mao?"

"There's only one Mao that I know that is still alive."

"For fuck's sake Cera, REALLY?! You should have put that little shit down when you decided to leave him. It would have been an act of mercy."

"I may be a monster, Marianne, but I don't kill children."

The sigh was evident even though there was no sound for it through the mental link. It seemed Marianne wasn't happy with her decision, but then again, that was where they were different, she didn't kill children and Marianne had no problems with it as long as it served a cause. She had killed quite a few families to the last member during Charles' ascent to the throne.

"I'll tell Charles. Though, it's interesting he suddenly shows up after being completely off the grid of our intelligence apparatus over a decade..."

"Vincent's handiwork, more than likely. You know how he likes long-term investments that he keeps for rainy days. Though, I sensed him before I told Lelouch about Missed Home."

"So the target may not be Lelouch if he is working for Vincent. What would that little shit be after?"

"Beats me," C.C. said, before rolling over on the bed and placing her feet on the floor, "trying to understand him is impossible."

"That aside, how's my future daughter-in-law? She looked kinda ragged on the tele."

"You know, the usual. Kusakabe did a number on her before she did him in. I think you'd be proud of what she did."

"Charles said the same thing after having a little chat with him. Ooooh, not only will my grandbabies be smart, but they will be fighters. I so can't wait."

"I wouldn't be so sure about that Marianne. If Lelouch has figured out I am Zero, how long until you think he figures out Kallen, if he hasn't already."

"I seem to recall Charles didn't give a damn when it came out I was all for the commoner. Like father like son, I bet Lulu is trying to figure out exactly how he can get his revolution AND the girl all at once. He was always smart like that."

"Whatever you say," she muttered, "I'm going to sleep now. Get back to me when Charles actually decides to do something."

"Oh I will. Don't do anything stupid before I see you. Expect me in Japan sometime soon."

"Yaaaaaay," C.C. finished as dully as possible, earning a protest from Marianne that she cut short by cutting the link. Discussion dealt with, she fell back into bed and to her thoughts.

It was times like these that she absolutely hated her immortality. Many would view it as a blessing, but to be honest, it grew stale after the first hundred years and by the time you got to be her age, nothing was interesting anymore. Sure, she could feign it, but what point was it.

Still, she could not help but be interested in exactly what Lelouch and Kallen may do. She had a gut feeling honed by hundreds of years of experience that Lelouch somehow knew that Kallen was Zero, how he knew it was a mystery to even her, but that did not take away from the fact that he knew.

The question then became if she should inform Caedron of her suspicions. As much as she was loathe to get involved in the trivial matters, a threat against her contractor was a threat to her. But she wasn't exactly sure if Lelouch was a threat to Kallen. Maybe angry, but if he knew who she was, why didn't he just decide to bring the house down on them?

Shaking her head, deciding that she was thinking too much into it. She relegated her thoughts to the promise of sleep that was denied because she had to bail out Caedron and Kallen. She would think about it later when she had a clear mind and was not so worn down.

Though, she had to wonder how Lelouch was taking her gift right now.

InF

It just wasn't possible Lelouch thought as he placed his hand on the glass in front of him. How could it, of all things, be here. There was no logical reasoning that existed in his mind for this to be here.

Yet it seemed logic was suspended in this case, because in front of him floating in a cylindrical tank was the body of Marianne vi Britannia.

Jeremiah had nearly had a panic attack at the sight, having to excuse himself immediately.

It was like Frankenstein's monster, the body in the tank was that of his mother. Only it was still alive!

He didn't know how it was even possible. He had seen his mother's expired corpse with his own eyes, watched as the doctors had placed the sheet over her body and announced her dead.

So how was she here? Miraculously alive?!

He had at first believed it was a clone, but the technology was still at least a decade or two away and you could not clone bullet wounds into the body even if it were possible now.

"Your Highness?"

Taking his hand off the glass, he turned to the corpsmen who he had summoned as soon as the base was cleared.

"Yes, Lieutenant Averill, your report?"

"Sir. According to every piece of documentation here, for all intents and purposes, the woman in that tank is Empress Marianne vi Britannia."

"All intents and purposes," he asked, confused.

"Indeed sire, If you will look at these X-rays," She responded pulling a few sheets off of the top of the pile "you can see that there has been intensive internal modification."

As Lelouch looked at the images he couldn't help but notice that there were several completely opaque sections. "What are these?"

"We aren't sure yet, but they seem to play some part in keeping the body alive."

"Do you have any leads?" Lelouch asked his brow already furrowing in contemplation

"We suspect that any information lies in the encrypted files we have discovered. I took the liberty of getting teams to work on it."

Lelouch hummed in response "Can we... Is it advisable to attempt to wake her?"

Lieutenant Averill grew visibly uneasy at this point. "Sire, w-we aren't sure it is even possible. The Empress' brain, while active is showing less cognitive function than a sleeping cat."

"So she's in a coma."

"No sir, a coma would show more cognitive function than what these notes are indicating. But she is not in a vegetative state, either. Frankly, I have no medical terms in mind to describe it, but if I used any word I would say that the Empress is in a medical limbo of sorts."

He absorbed those words with a calm facade, but underneath he was less than calm. Even if it had been illogical, a part of him had wished that all was needed was for her to be woken up.

But now came the issue of what to do with her. His assets were limited in regards to where he could hide her, and Missed Home was now compromised. He would have maybe looked toward her for help but now with recent events...

"Can she be moved?"

"Well," the corpsman trailed off glancing to container, "the unit is supposed to be self-contained, so I don't see why you couldn't, Your Highness, only that I'd recommend caution. It may be more worthwhile to keep her here."

"That unfortunately is not an option Lieutenant. Dismissed."

"Your Highness," the man snapped a salute.

Lelouch was now left to refocus on his mother. It was hard to believe what was in front of him, alive at that. Never in a million years could he have expected this, as mixed bag as it was.

"Your thoughts, Jeremiah," he asked quietly, knowing his knight was in his shadow.

"I don't know if I'm worthy of offering thoughts in this case, Your Highness. This is Empress Marianne, your mother, I have already failed her once."

"I respect that, Jeremiah, but I am asking you for your thoughts because you have an investment in this as well. There is a reason that I cannot fathom as why she is here instead of Pendragon. The fact that this has ties to Code R makes me wonder just how far this goes. You and I both know that if Clovis had my mother's body he would most certainly have told me regardless of the circumstances, which means whoever put her here has deep ties, OSI ties."

There was a sharp intake of breath as Jeremiah quickly put together what he was insinuating.

"The Emperor?"

"Who else could it be? Though the most pertinent question is why here. Why not Pendragon?"

"Maybe it wasn't secure?"

"And Japan is?"

Jeremiah couldn't answer to that, it didn't make sense to be honest.

"This entire case has been peculiar, Jeremiah. No autopsy, investigation closed before it could begin, the body disappears from Schneizel's possession and he can't tell me how it did so, and now here she is, in a former OSI Black Site, alive but unresponsive. Something's going on and I can't see it...and it pisses me off because I don't know who's going to be gunning for me now that I have her."

"Then perhaps we should move Her Highness then," Jeremiah offered.

"Yes, we could, but where? We're already limited as is with the amount of people who are aware of this. The likelihood of a secret being blown is proportional to the square of the number of people who're in on it. The more people we use in executing the move, the more likely that whoever is involved in this will get word of both my involvement, but also where she has been moved."

"Then perhaps we don't move Her Highness. What if we use this facility?"

Lelouch paused for a moment, his mind calculating what Jeremiah had said.

"It is a former OSI facility...," he sighed, "just another thing that will be discussed in the tank tonight."

This earned a deepening frown from his knight, not happy with what Lelouch was saying. A "tank" meeting was the official title for a meeting between the inner circle of the conspiracy to discuss plans and events, a risky endeavor in a society that had its own secret police apparatus.

But Lelouch insisted upon these meetings, citing the fact that they were good for coordination, but also providing him with alternate viewpoints to craft a better strategy.

"I'll send out the alert," he said.

"Make it for in the morning. I need some time to rest and think."

InF

Resisting the urge to huff as she strode down the elegant and lavishly decorated halls of the Imperial Palace, Captain Leila Malkal was suitably annoyed by her summon. Hell, this entire assignment was a constant source of stress for her considering the facts.

But General Smilas had put her here for a very good reason, even if she didn't like it. And all throughout her walk, her some protector remained silent. Then again, that was pat for the course with Akito, he preferred being a man of few words in many settings.

Coming to the stop in front of a pair of guards that were stationed in front of a pair of massive doors.

"I am here to see His Eminence Zhao Hao," she declared iciliy, "I am expected for an audience."

"Very well, but he will have to stay."

She didn't even need to look to Akito to know he was displeased at having her left alone with them. Raising her hand she stilled his protest.

"I understand," she said, glancing back to Akito, "stay here, hopefully it should not be long, but if so, page me in the event something is going on."

He nodded, which allowed her a small sense of relief. But now she had to focus on what was ahead of her.

"Are the High Eunuchs being entertained," she asked, already knowing the likely answer.

"Yes," finally came a hesitant response.

She wasn't that surprised to be honest, but she held her opinion on the matter. Instead, she reached into her pocket, extracting a small mask and placing it over her mouth, securing it behind her head.

She then nodded to the guards, who opened the doors and announced her entrance, but there was no recognition even as she was buffeted from hot, humid air that came surging out thanks to the changes in pressure. She was grateful she wore the mask even as she moved through the large chamber taking in the sights all around her, otherwise she would not be able to function.

All around her was what could only be described solely as pure, unadulterated, debauchery. Every time she had to experience this hell, she honestly wanted to both throw up at the same time wash herself of the evil all around her.

While it was common knowledge that the Vermillion Forbidden City was populated by Eunuchs and servant girls in order to prevent the illegal passing of the Imperial line, the idea that the Eunuchs of today were castrated was given a wink and a nod. In actuality, there was a chemical regime in place that sterilized the Eunuchs. However, it did not take away from the fact that they truly were no longer classically castrated, and could still...

Which led to this, as all around her could only be described as an orgy of decadence, where sex, drugs, and alcohol passed freely. And in the center of all of it were several of the High Eunuchs.

It took every part of her sanity and stomach to prevent her from making a scene at the horror before her as she stopped before the requestor of her presence. The man was complete naked, his obese form undulating and shuddering even as he grunted, his victim beneath him being a servant girl who looked no older than fourteen, her eyes glazed over, obviously from the opium that permeated in the room and whatever else. A small mercy for the poor girl who was a victim of the wolves, undoubtedly here to both maybe have a future and to also feed her family who had likely sold her to these jackals. If only the family knew...

Grinding her teeth, she remained silent even as the pig of a man finally finished, sighing in content at his deed as he rolled himself over and slowly got himself back into his chair. He made a motion to a guard, who handed him a wet washcloth as he began cleaning himself off, nor even paying attention to her. As he did that, a trio of guards moved forward, grabbing the girl who was blissfully unaware to the world around her and carried her out, not even caring out the mess they were making as the result of the act seeped out onto the marble floor.

"Ahh, Captain Malkal, so nice of you to join us," Zhao Hao greeted in his high-pitched voice.

Hands clenching tighter, she moved her gaze back to the obese man, who seemed not to care of his presentation or the fact that this could be a major diplomatic incident. Then again, that was all hot air, the politicians in the homeland would not lift a finger so long as they got their cheap raw materials. It was only one more reason she hated the current regime at home, they had no care for others as long as they profited in the end, regardless of who got hurt.

"You summoned me, Honored Eunuch," she replied, "I merely responded to your call."

"Indeed, indeed," the man said, a smirk on his face, "I was wanting your opinion on the current Britannian administration in Japan. Specifically, their viceroy and military presence."

"vi Britannia," she confirmed more than ask, getting a nod from the man, "is probably one of the most capable generals the Britannians have. It may not appear to be that way considering he doesn't share a lot of the common traits of ruthless steadfastness that the typical officer has, but he's cunning and flexible, and that's probably what makes him one of the most dangerous. He's quick to embrace new tactics and technologies and doesn't care where the idea comes from, only that it's effective."

She paused, waiting for his input, but he had instead decided to imbibe on some opium, which she quietly thanked that he could not see her frown at the lack of respect.

"Administratively, the only information we have is based upon his limited tenures as the commandant for captured territories and what he has done so far. Realistically speaking, again, he's not like his peers in that he actively looks to de-escalate the region quickly and efficiently through reaching out to local leaders and other social programs."

"But that doesn't explain why he hasn't dealt with Zero."

"The problem may be that Zero's organization is just that far advanced along that simply cutting off the head of the snake will no longer work. Japan is totally different than the Middle East or Africa for that matter, there all that was to be worried about were IEDs, RPGs, and other sorts of ambushes, in Japan, well, you've seen the reports, Zero uses just about everything, including the kitchen sink, for his attacks. It could be that the Prince is working to isolate Zero through his reforms then move in on him once he is suitably weakened, it would fit with the dossier on him being one to seek to minimize casualties on both sides if possible."

"So he tries to avoid fighting," Zhao mused softly.

"Begging your pardon, but I said he sought to avoid casualties if possible, that did mean he was reluctant to suffer or inflict them if he had to, he just seeks the most expedient way to end a fight. Now, I ask why you have an interest in the

A guard coming up finally with a robe, he got up to allow it to be draped over his shoulders, "We have reports that the boy has gutted his forces in Japan, only depending on his personal unit and patched together units of Honorary Britannians to maintain security and even then his split his entire army group into three and posted them all over Japan. It is our belief, and that of the MSS, that with the Prince likely to have his focus upon the JLF, it is the perfect time to consider liberating Japan from Britannia."

While she kept her face impassive, inwardly she was thinking quite differently, in fact, she was relishing the idea of them attempting to invade. It would be nice to see the pigs that call themselves High Eunuchs get their collective asses handed to them. Even with the training her unit provided and the support given by the EU to the Chinese Army, they were a far cry from being a truly effective army.

"I see," she replied, "and the reason you are sharing this with me?"

"I would have thought you would like to be aware and inform your masters of this development."

And impress me, no doubt, she thought caustically as she merely offered a nod. It was obvious that Zhao lusted after her, regardless of how many times she had denied him.

"And after the invasion? What will happen to Japan."

"It will, of course, be returned to its people, once a suitable government has been reestablished."

A government tied closely with yours, she had no doubt on that. Even if Atsushi Sawashi regained his home, he would only be trading one conqueror for another.

"But, of course. However, what of the Empress? Surely this usage of force should be consulted with her."

"The Empress will do as we demand," Zhao waved his hand dismissively, "We know what is best for the people."

Bullshit, you only know what's good for you. If it wasn't for the economic treaty we have you would have tried to sell off Tianzi to the Britannians. You're a cancer eating away at this country.

But she held her tongue, choosing to instead merely except his delusions, safe in the knowledge that his time on this Earth was coming to an end sooner than he probably expected.

"Of course. Is there anything else that you want, Your Eminence?"

"I would enjoy your company greatly."

No doubt you would, and probably try and get into my pants, pig.

"I apologize, but I need to confer with my superiors as well as oversee my unit and their continued training of your forces. If you will excuse me."

"But of course, good day, Captain."

She then quickly did an about-face and purposefully strode away as quickly as possible without making it seem like she was in a hurry to go. All the while, Zhao Hao watched her backside in appreciation.

As she finally left the chamber, he frowned focusing on the scene around him and focusing on a passed out Gao Hai.

Perhaps it would be wise of him to send Gao Hai to observe vi Britannia. It would give them an excuse to get close and eliminate him, what better way than to cripple them than to kill their leader.

He'd have to look into that.

InF

As the door closed behind them, Leila finally took off the mask, taking a deep breath of the fresher air. Finally satisfied, she opened her eyes and found Akito leaning against the wall, his eyes scanning over her. Not saying anything further, she pocketed the mask and began walking.

"How are the preparations," she asked Akito who had fallen in behind her.

"As expected. Another unit should be operational within a few days," Akito replied.

"Good. It looks like the Eunuchs are going to make their move soon."

Akito didn't need to say anything in return they both knew what that meant. While their official orders were to provide training and technical support, there were secondary orders only known to Akito and herself, furnished by a group the media jokingly called the "Young Turks". In actuality, they were more than a joke, they were getting very close to overthrowing the current regime of politicians and bureaucrats who put their own benefits over others.

Their orders were to cement support for the young Empress, and when the time was right, assist in the overthrow of the High Eunuchs.

But it wasn't just Europeans involved...

"Should we alert WARLOCK," he asked softly so only she could hear him.

She nodded, WARLOCK, the highest ranked man the Turks had in the Britannians own camp, needed to made aware of what was going on right across the sea from him.

He would know exactly what to do, considering he had predicted these moves a year ago.

InF

This was certainly different for her, Ariadne thought as she looked around the room she had aptly described as Lelouch's "inner circle". Some were what she expected. While others were not. Then again, Lelouch was one to play his cards odd.

Still, the gathered group of herself, Jeremiah, Allison (who she had actually found out was Sayoko, a Japanese woman in disguise), Princess Euphemia, General Nu, Captain Kincaid, and, surprisingly, Suzaku Kururugi. She also found out that other members included Marika Soresi, Liliana Vergamon, Sir Gino Weinberg, and Princess Marrybell mel Britannia. It was unbelievable just how deep, and it was further a miracle that it had not been found out by anyone.

Everyone looked up from the table as the door opened and Lelouch walked in, his face a mask as he came to the head of the table and sat down.

"First order of business," he declared, his voice loud and clear as he looked over the room, "China has decided that it wants to throw its hat in the ring very soon. I just got my report from Malkal that Zhao Hao himself is growing interested in invading Japan."

This seemed to suck the breath out of the room, Euphemia though was the only that that showed worry.

"Do we have an estimated date for the invasion, order of battle," she found herself asking, causing everyone to be reminded that she was here.

Lelouch shook his head, "No, all we have is that China is looking at the fact we are currently indisposed dealing with the JLF and the Noppera-bō. The probability of an invasion is probably within the next month or so, maybe sooner."

"So we could be looking at an army group at least," Villetta offered, earning a nod from Lelouch.

"According to Malkal, they have at least two army groups that have been fully outfitted with EU armaments and knightmares, including almost all of their Xiaolong Knightmares."

That was the more disturbing point of contention in his statement. The Xiaolong, or Fierce Dragon, Knightmare Frames were the latest development for the Chinese Federation, using data supplied by the European Union, Militarized Zone of India, and battle data from the Shen Hu, they had produced a Knightmare Frame that could beat the Gloucester and be just under the quality of the Vincent. It was a worrisome development, but luckily for now they were limited in number thanks to the cost of producing them, running at around the cost it would take to produce thirty Gun-Rus.

"What does the Empress say of this," Jeremiah asked.

"She's currently waiting to see just what the Eunuchs are going to do, but if they do choose to invade, then she is open to eliminating the Eunuchs as long as we make sure to eliminate everything they send."

"That may be a problem," Villetta said, "considering we only have an army group to defend Japan and we're spread all over."

"I know. How long until you can complete training of the irregulars?"

"Two weeks, but they will be green as grass, General."

"It can't be helped. See if you can shave a few days off, I have a feeling we'll be needing them, regardless of if they are ready or not," was Lelouch's response, the last comment soft in tone as everyone realized exactly what he was saying ran in the face of everything he had done. He never made a conscious effort at putting untrained units at risk, he vocally despised officers that did that. To do it now, regardless of reason, was hypocrisy and Lelouch realized that.

"Well, they will be protecting their home," Jeremiah tried to offer, earning a scowl from Suzaku.

"Yeah, and they will die in droves because we failed to fulfill our promise."

"It can't be helped," Villetta spoke, "we don't have the manpower to rebuff two-plus army groups. There's a stark difference between attacking and defending, Kururugi. We can only react."

"I know that."

"What about the civilians," Euphemia asked, "they will be caught in the crossfire if it happens."

"We'll be overstretched as is," Villetta replied, "we'll have to depend on the local civilian apparatus to pick up the slack."

"Yet the reports indicate that local enforcement is a mess," Sancia spoke for the first time, "you think they won't be more focused on evacuating their own hides."

"Then what do you suggest we do," Nu slammed her hands down on the table in exasperation.

Throughout this entire time, Ariadne had found herself focused upon Lelouch has who had sat there quietly, his eyes going between every speaker even as they argued over the issue. She honestly wondered what he was thinking, did he have a solution already in place or was he looking for an answer in his subordinates.

It seemed that it had reached a point as the argument continued.

"There is another option," he declared, leaning forward and placing his hands together on the table, quieting everyone, "Zero...or should I say Countess Kallen Stadtfeld."

She couldn't resist watching everyone's expressions and how they reflected hers from yesterday.

"How," Euphemia was the first to ask.

"When she killed Kusakabe, she didn't realize that there were cameras in the room, so we caught her telling Kusakabe that she was Zero," Lelouch replied.

"I'll get a strike team together," Villetta declared, getting to her feet, "they can be ready-"

"You will do no such thing, General Nu," Lelouch stated quietly, but to anyone in the room it was like a series of gunshots.

"Excuse me," Viletta floundered for a moment, "You really shouldn't be thinking with your peck...er….Forgive me for my impertinence My Lord!"

"You're the second person to insinuate that I am thinking with my male appendage," he said, his voice like ice as he gazed at her, "if it was last night, then I would agree with you, but now, with the issue of China coming up, we have to think about what we have available to use. As such it would be detrimental to behead an organization that has as much, if not more, reason to drive the Chinese back."

"Then the task ahead of us is to either manipulate, or ally ourselves the Noppera-bō temporarily."

"That's where we come to their second-in-command, Caedron Harrington."

"And how do we use him to get to Zero," asked Viletta, Jeremiah too stunned to answer. The idea that someone like his mentor, who had seemed so loyal and dedicated to the Empire, could be a traitor.

Ariadne's eyes met Lelouch's who had been gazing get at her, she wondered why he was looking at her.

"Because he cares for the Countess like a daughter...and he is dying."

She felt like she was physically struck. Even though her uncle had become a traitor, he was still someone who had been there for her as she had grown up, so the idea that he was dying, regardless, was shocking.

"You plan to prey on his feelings for her," Euphemia stated, though it was more accusatory in nature.

Lelouch nodded, causing Suzaku to squirm just a bit.

"What makes you think he won't go to ground," Sayoko asked.

"Because he is dying, and the fact that if they do go to ground it will likely cripple them considering they are using the Stadtfeld Consortium as a front to launder money and tech for their forces. Caedron realizes more than likely that we share the same objectives and will be willing to make a deal to protect her."

"And what if Zero doesn't want to play along?"

"I doubt Caedron would let her make that risk, but if she does, then we'll deal with her, permanently or otherwise. Let me make this abundantly clear, we need Zero for the moment and eliminating her right now would be detrimental to our cause."

"I take it you want to meet him face to face for this," Sayoko asked, earning a nod from Lelouch.

"It's the only way I can make sure of this."

"But what of Kallen," Euphemia asked.

"What of her?"

"Well, you may not realize this, Lelouch, but your presence in her life has had a calming effect upon it. If you were to suddenly break it off or act suspicious of her, if you plan to control her."

"Are you saying I should continue my relationship with her," he asked.

"Well, with the proper precautions in place. It would also make her that much more hesitant to act against you. I know I would have the same problem with Suzaku if he were against me."

Lelouch said nothing to this, remaining silent as everyone waited for his word to decide on the next course of action.

"I'll keep that in mind pending my meeting with Caedron. Is there anything else anyone wants to offer before we end this?"

With silence as his answer, he got to his feet and strode out, leaving the gathering in silence.

He had a phone call to make.

You can thank dw77 for this little omake as to what Lelouch found. I honestly found myself laughing and hope you guys do as well.

Lelouch said nothing, instead taking the invitation, moving towards the door. It slid open silently, inside were two men guarding the room, but he was focused upon them, instead his gaze was locked on the contents that illuminated the room like a beacon in the night.

At first, he thought he was seeing things, unable to comprehend exactly what was in front of him. But when his brain processed exactly what he was seeing in front of him, he dropped to his knees in shock in front of it.

"It can't be… Mother?"

"Lelouch? Oh it's been so long since I saw you. Charles talks about you everytime he visits. Now would you be a dear and sprinkle some of the food from that container in my tank? Your father forgot to feed me the last time he came to visit."

Lelouch was stunned as he watched his mother's head address him, her flowing raven tresses flowing around and framing the form that ended at the neck.

"Lelouch? Are you listening to me? I'm hungry and I can't exactly feed myself wihout arms. First these soldiers and now you..."

"I-is it really you?"

"Yes honey, I'm here. Now could you please feed mommy?"

"B-but you're dead!"

Growing exasperated the disembodied head of Marianne tried again "Close but no; I'm a head. Now I understand how confu-"

"But how? I-"

"Lelouch Vi Britannia! You will do as your mother tells you! Pick up that canister over there by the fire extinguisher and feed me!"

And for your reference, the reference I was trying to go to in last AN was how Sephiroth and Kadaj always referred to Jenova as mother. If you had picked it up, kudos to you.

'Til next time.