Chapter 52

I have played Chess and Go. They are masterful games of strategy and presumably impossible to cheat at. Those who believe such have never seen a woman trick four grandmasters into playing against each other when they thought they were playing her.

Book II The Mind of Zero

Command Citadel, Fukoisha Naval base, Area 11.

Lightning cracked the sky and unleashed a deluge of rain upon the tall gleaming structure at the centre of the dock complex. A Military support Citadel intended to stand guard against an attack from the Chinese Federation.

Its commanding officer was currently berating his subordinates in the spacious command centre deep within its primary superstructure. "Well you tell those men down in primary dock to get their asses back to their post I mean what the…"

There was the hiss of automatic door and then the slight whisper of a silenced gun ended his words. As he slumped to the ground his killer walked into the room. His custom gear was part ceramic plating and green kevlar cloth. The only break in the colour a shoulder patch with the symbol of the Black Dragons. China's elite special operations unit. Behind him a hallway full of bodies killed in silence could be seen. Other soldiers were with him and the remaining command crew in the chamber all knelt down in surrender as the soldiers swept the room
The first Black Dragon walked over to the main console and pushed a single data stick into the system. The radar screens fritzed for a second and then returned to normal. Ten seconds later the soldier tapped his right finger to his ear and spoke in Chinese." Command we have secured central control you can begin your landing."

A message received by the ships already heading into shore.

Again the citizens of Area 11 received harsh notice This time the unexpected interruption of Brittanian news came not from Zero but a grey dressed Japanese politician with a bulbous head. Standing in front of a battle line of CF gun Ru's "We hereby declare the resurrection of Japan as a lawful independent and sovereign nation."

On the wings of a storm the blunt hammer of the Chinese Federation army fell.

In Kyushu and Fukoika hundreds of Gun Ru's zoomed across the landscape. The CF's mass produced solution to Brittanian Knightmares. Following in their wake came Battle tanks and APC's. Cornelia had moved older more experienced units to guard the coast. Ones who did their utmost to rely on indirect fire, tank support and wounding enemy cohesion before striking. Unfortunately a last minute recall had resulted in some of the fresh knight squadrons from the homeland replacing them.

In the hills and roadways south of Fukoika the advancing wave was attacked by Brittanian knightmares lead by young knight commanders. Whether their actions were in panic or pride they responded too swiftly.
Untested knights who learnt in rapid and fatal fashion why you did not directly charge a Gun Ru battle line unsupported. As the mass fire of hundreds of weapons created a wall of ammunition which rendered agility meaningless.

Mobile artillery unleashed rolling bombardments on open ground. While inside the western coastal settlements people rushed to the emergency shelters as intense urban fighting broke out. More canny knightmare operators using their frames and infantry support to separate and destroy the Chinese invasion. Even as they risked encirclement from the mass of troops that surrounded them.

Portmans were taken out by mass torpedo attacks and depth charges dropped from helicopters deploying from the naval base.

In a darkened chamber a vid screen activated showing a half hour obsolete map with commentary. "After cutting mainland access from Honshu and Shikoku."
A click and the channel shifted
"With support from Liadong military district. They're securing more and more territory around Fukuoka, Nagasaki and Oita."

Another click, another channel. This time a picture of Sawasaki's scowling face. Followed by an image of him standing beside the other members of Genbu Kururugis cabinet

"He took asylum in the Chinese federation after the war and has chosen now to make his move apparently in response to the civil unrest caused by Zero. Whether the Black Knights are acting in support of his actions is still."

Click.

"According to general Zhao the Chinese federation is providing humanitarian support and is not acting in violation of the manila Conference."

A controlled aristocratic voice filled the darkness of the cockpit. "Cancel all civilian news feeds." Followed by a contemptuous snort. "Humanitarian support that's a laugh."

Cornelia was inside the Morgana. Carefully analysing the information coming in over the encrypted military channels. The Morgana among other things came with a complete command suite to let her coordinate her forces. The image of rear admiral Gowan appeared to her right.

"This tempest is preventing us using our air power we'll have to delay our landing until the weather changes." The mans face was lined with experience and his regulation goatee streaked with silver.

Cornelia nodded. Double checking the power relays even as she contacted her knights. "Our VTOL capacity is too diminished as it is. We need it elsewhere."
Admiral make sure that the Amphibous transports from Pearl harbour stay close to the coast. They are to keep out of sight until they are called in."
Another figure appeared on Cornelias screen the scarred visage of her knight.

"Darlton is the distraction ready?"
"Kururugi is in the Lancelot to be deployed by the Avalon."

"Your assessment?"

"With any luck Lloyds upgraded toy will do its job well. The Federation was able to take the base mainly intact but its AA systems were partially disabled by our forces. The lift unit should permit Kururugi to penetrate the defensive line." Cornelia diverted half her attention to her weapons. A complex assembly of a dozen thin glassine rods glowed softly as she ran the test sequence before surrounding themselves with a violet blade of energy. The writhing energies of the plasma blade contained within the magnetic fields. There was a compound at the heart of the weapon referred to as stabilised astatine. Cornelia was only tangentially familiar with the processes involved save that Lloyds little 'toy' was unsuitable for mass production on multiple levels.

"As a distraction?"
"Yes on many levels. He's had two opportunities to kill Zero. Should he fail at this task he will still be useful." Darlton refrained from commenting he had noticed a certain hostility from the viceroy to Kururugi lately.

She spoke again "Euphemia is safe?"

"Yes your highness the government citadel is on lockdown."

Fukoika military settlement, Area 11

The newly self appointed Prime Minister of Japan stood in the now repurposed command spire of the Brittanian military settlement. Although the extent of its remodelling was limited to scratching over He was flanked by General Zhao of the Chinese Federation and General Katase. Some of the stains on the floor were still being cleaned. The Black dragon commandos who had secured the control centre were already on their way back to the Chinese Mainland.

General Zhao reached up to adjust the placement of his unusual hat.
"It is fortunate this storm hit. Now we must tighten our hold on Kyushu." The general narrowed his eyes as he looked at the digital map of the landing. "My officers know their jobs at this point we focus on keeping up the pressure."

"You see general Zhao heaven is on our side we're going to win this battle."

Katase turned to the man and frowned. "I wouldn't be certain of anything. Especially not with Cornelia involved."

"Tell me General Katase. Why so negative?"
The Old soldier shook his head. "I've seen enough overconfidence on both sides of this war to know how quickly it gets you killed Prime Minister."

Government Citadel, Primary settlement, Area 11

In a room with dignitaries rushing to and fro Prince Schneizel remained a centre of calm. "No I understand Martial law is in effect but issuing an order for the people to operate under siege protocol could incite panic."

One of his assitants was reading a small tablet. "It's fortunate that the primary settlements are already under case yellow."
Schneizel nodded. "The way they are handling this, the metion of humanitarian aid. The Chinese are leaving themselves an out if it goes badly. We want to be able to reach them as quickly as possible for that purpose." He turned to another functionary. "Get me foreign minister Gandolphi in the EU." The golden haired prince closed his eyes in contemplation for a moment then opened then redirected his attention to the video image of a bespectacled woman with braided ebony hair on a nearby vid screen. "For the Chinese federation…. Countess Maribelle Contact the Thomo agency in Cambodia."

The countess frowned. "Prince Schneizel using the Thomo agency could be … problematic."

"I know. However if there was a time to call in that specific marker this is it."
"It will be done your highness."

"Prime Minister." Euphemia was in her official clothes. Businesslike with her hair tied back. Walking calmly through the automatic door.

"Euphy."

"Is there anything I can do to help. I am the sub viceroy of area 11 I should be assisting you."

Schneizel smiled with a warmth that had charmed diplomats and heads of state.
"Euphy your willingness to help is more then enough."
Euphemia looked flustered. "But I"

"Euphemia this is for the best by the Viceroys strict orders you are not to be involved in command decisions for this."

The Sub Viceroy went pale ever since the last attack Cornelia had essentially confined her sister to the Settlement. Yet giving orders to cut her out of the loop so completely.
"Is this because of my choice of a knight, but."

"Euphy please the situation is too treacherous. We can't afford any further complications."

Euphemia took a deep breath. "I Understand. Of course sorry to bother you Prime Minister." Then she turned on her heels and walked out of the room head held high.

District 3, Nagasaki, Area 11

War led his troopers through the thick woods. It had been like this for weeks on end. The constant back and forth between the resistance and Cornelia's forces. The Brittanians struck at another section of the network The knights bled them, harried them and then abandoned the position leaving only ghosts and empty halls. Then they struck out against the enemy bit by bit. Cornelia was burning them out of their mountain hidey holes. Crushing the Middle road Methodically and thoroughly. There was not much wilderness to hide in. And the locations where their heavy assets were kept dwindled.

In all of the settlements there were Armed troops on the streets. The Ghettos surrounded by rings of Steel. Holding the centres of Brittanina control with an Iron Fist. The Brittanians had learned not to use their VTOLs with impunity. You never knew where a rebel with an AA missile might pop up.

It was attrition in a way. A war which if continued in that manner would see Cornelia triumphant in the end. Or so it appeared on the surface. Whenever it was necessary to the plan Special resources were called in stiffening the resistance unleashing Nobuseri and likewise. Cornelia had not seized an intact Nobuseri but they had retrieved an unfortunate amount of other equipment. Her efforts in suppressing the more low key guerrilla attacks in urban areas had faltered. Cornelia purging so many senior officials had made relations between the police and the military awkward.

Regardless right now a greater deal of Cornelia's troops were busy elsewhere. Her strongest forces were focused on the Chinese leaving her reinforcements from the other areas to take up the slack.

Ah green troops. The Brittanians might hold the cities but the mountains and forests belonged to the Black knights.

War checked the ammo level on his Storm bolter. His Customised power armour was as much a part of his cybernetic body as it was clothing. The Brittanians had grown wise. They had retreated to the hills near District 3 likely planning to launch harrying raids against the Chinese forces. Not realising this particular area was already occupied. Below them by about fifty meters he could see the thermal signatures of Brittanian infantry and transports

He motioned to another of his troopers who quietly raised his Gatling laser. He drew a bead on the Brittanians a dull whine and Brittanians began to fall as beams of unseen light punched through armour, superheated the liquid of their bodies and exploded their flesh right off the bone. In the darkness the rustling sound of Render drones hunting gave way to howls.

Black Knights Safe house 27, CLASSIFIED.

The Black knights stood around an ordinary looking table. Some there physically, others only as digital illusions. The Lady Kami was dressed for war her compound bow jutting over her shoulder. All of them listening to the commands of their dark master.

"It is unfortunate but I have to be absent for this battle. Command authority devolves to my sub commanders." The hologram of Zero was obscured faintly. A shifting blue image. The Master of the Black Knights face was hidden in the shadows of a hooded robe. A half mask over his eyes. His voice sounded just a bit croaky.

Ohgi sounded sceptical. "We're helping the Chinese?"

"We will not be collaborating with Sawasaki. He claims independence but he is just a pawn of the Chinese federation. We'd be swapping one overlord for another."

Kallen grimaced. "Did Kyoto know anything about this?"

Kami's voice broke the silence. "According to Kirihara the first they knew about it was when he made a unilateral claim to the sakuradite mining rights." She drew in a breath. "Sawasaki wasn't going to risk their disapproval. Which he has earned. What has Sawasaki done beside hide in the Federation. Waiting for us to do his work for him?"

Sohni frowned pushing her blue hair back behind its headband. "So we're going to stab the Chinese in the back?"

Lady Kami smiled oh so innocently. "We made no promise of loyalty to them. According to Kirihara no official request for their intervention was made. In any case the threat of the Chinese Federation is one that has to be dealt with before the full uprising and in a manner that allows us to still negotiate with them after. In the mire of international politics there is what you can prove, what you know, and what you suspect."

"They may suspect we have used them but if they do not know then the possibility of an alliance remains open. We will use the distraction we will not decry him nor openly support them. Allow the Chinese to believe we are simply taking advantage. Openly betraying him would send the wrong message."

Zero picked up where she had left off. Ohgi noticed that the two of them did that more often double teaming the rest of the knights. "However perception is important. That is why all Black knight forces will be openly engaging the Brittanians. So it's clear we couldn't possibly have sent any forces to directly aid the Chinese when things go wrong. And of course to inflict as much damage as possible. Strike hard and fast. Then retreat. Move forces into the territory in the wake of the Chinese advance but be prepared to seize control once the Chinese invasion is blunted. Provided nothing happens to encourage swift surrender. We can keep Cornelia tied up retaking it for another month. That is all the time we need."

"How do you know things will go wrong for the Chinese?" Right on cue Tamaki. "Because I plan for them to, Tamaki. We have a mole within their group. One who will provide us with all that we need. We will cripple their main command and control. Remove Sawasaki. Following standard doctrine I imagine the commanders near the front will assume control. Even if Cornelia hadn't been preparing for this while fighting us, it will slow their offensive enough to stop them from overrunning the country."

Zero turned to the owl masked ninja in the corner of the room.
"General Zhao will have to be removed. Sawasaki retrieved alive. Do not fail me."
"It shall be done my lord."

He then returned his flickering visage to the others.
"There are certain events and contingencies that must now be put into motion. Many of them involve meetings with key individuals. These require my personal attention. We had planned for this contingency. I will confess I wasn't expecting it this soon. Given what we knew about their movements the invasion would have been launched a week from now. Something must have prompted him. Crowmother. What of Cornelia?"

The hologram of the Crowmother appeared in the far end of the conference room.
"Intercepts put Cornelia coordinating command from her Battlecarrier Agincourt. The Sub viceroy and Prince Schneizel are in the Settlement. Also we've detected several possible investigations of front companies. Not just here but throughout the pacific areas. Many of our human resources inside Area 11's bureaucracy are being silenced. We are not sure of the loyalty of the few that remain untouched. Apparently a special investigator has been personally assigned by the Viceroy but we can't retrieve any information on him yet. Except that he may have been a client of the information broker known as M."

More information left by Mao? How long will that dead lunatic continue to bedevil me? "What of her military deployment. What of the ASEEC Knightmares?"

Luthur grumbled "Her knights Guildford, Darlton and their experimental knightmares are unaccounted for. That leaves just one confirmed ASEEC asset headed for the intercept zone. It's Lloyds precious flying showboat the Avalon. Most likely with the Lancelot onboard. If he thinks even that frame can make an effective insertion he's in for a surprise. A gun ru battle line will be the end of him."

Kallen frowned. "You don't think he can he do it?"

"I don't care if he can. Win or lose. We just have to make sure we get to Sawasaki before him. The lady Kami will handle all communications with the houses. As to whether he survives I do not know." Luthurs voice became thoughtful as he stroked the lower edge of his mask. "I might almost wonder if Cornelia was trying to get him killed."

The voice of Famine echoed in the room although her disturbing virtual image remained concealed. "Sawasaki will not succeed. However it's better if Brittania believe he is dead. Although since general Katase has been outed as being alive I think Cornelia will only believe someone is dead when she sees the corpse."

Beneath his hood Lelouch nodded. "This is one of the final hurdles my comrades. Once the threat of Chinese interference is blunted all that remains is to gather our strength for the uprising. You have your assignments proceed."

The transmission ended. And Zero stepped away from the small circle in which he had been standing. His personal quarters on the stealth transport were small but quite comfortable. Even as his servants carried out his design, the Master of the Black knights looked out a window.

Beyond the glass. The arrowhead shaped darkness of his supersonic stealth transport tore through the night sky on wings of focused gravition. Lightning illuminating the cloudscape below. He turned his attention to his fellow passenger.

Diethard smiled pleasantly."Didn't want them to know the Brittanian is coming with you on your important trip?"

"Not quite. They know what their responsibilities are. Whatever Cornelia does from here or the Chinese there are contingencies even for the worst case scenario. Tell me Diethard Do you know why I have invited you along on this trip?"

"To see more of your design? You already had me make preparations for the Chinese invasion. No one will doubt the Black knights position after this."

"Indeed at a certain point you have to trust your subordinates to carry out your will. But for Ohgi and the others their focus is still on Japan you need to see how much further my reach extends."

Lelouch reached for a small glass of wine and lifted it to his lips. Tasting the vintage.

"I said that you would have a greater responsibility. You are an honest man in your way. Not in the least ashamed of your true ambition. The mantle of Zero is one that will always rest on me in one form or another. But the mask? The mask of Zero is one I must remove. You read the manifesto?"

"Yes. Including the part where you plan to reveal your identity upon the liberation of Japan."

"Everyone in the hidden city is aware of the fact that Zero is not ethnically Japanese. When the time comes for the complete reveal then I will need your help to communicate the next part of my story to the world. This will be difficult but you can make it easier. Don't mistake me, a masked figure has its uses but to wield power openly one requires more than just a mask."

You wanted to know what I am Diethard. No one completely knows someone else but I have killed thousands personally or by order. I have ruined businesses, destroyed lives, fostered criminality and torn down what others strove to build. In a million small ways I have hastened the deaths of many. I would do it again because I know that if I do not a different group of people will know suffering. I minimise it wherever possible. I weigh the cost. I just can't see how the world can be changed in another way. So to be clear are you ready to have a closer look at some of the unpleasant things that underpin our glorious revolution?"

Diethard grinned a conspiratorial smile. Mixed with a degree of smugness that he had been allowed in on this secret that so many of the Black knights had not been. "No one can change the world without getting their hands dirty. I'm reassured that you don't enjoy it. Is your identity really so great an obstacle you only risk showing it when you already have a whole nation in your debt?"

"Oh trust me you won't be disappointed." And Zero pulled back his hood. The final pieces of his mask disassembling.

"I am Lelouch Lamplerouge. Formally known as Lelouch Vi Brittania. Exiled son of the Brittanian emperor."

"So tell me Diethard." Lelouch paused while he sipped from his glass of wine "How would you present the son of the Brittanian emperor turning against his homeland for the sake of Japan?

Diethard blinked in shock for a few seconds. Then he smiled. "Well I wanted a challenge."

Rooftop Villa, Government citadel, Primary Settlement, Area 11

Euphemia stood under a balcony in the Villa. A sculpture of Clovis stood in the garden. The prince gently smiling as he held a carven rose to his chest. His head highlighted by the growing storm in the distance. The princess looked at the statue and softly spoke.

"A figurehead sub viceroy. I knew that was what I was from the start. Even when the Lady kami pointed it out to me. But I thought I could try hard and show them what I could do. Forgive me Clovis. I met Zero but I did not avenge you. And I can't think of any way to save Nunnally or Lelouch. I don't have the power of big sister or Schneizel. No matter where I go I'm just a burden.

I chose my knight against my big sisters advice. Even he… thinks it was unwise.
I just feel so useless."

It was a chance event. A random fluke of fortune. A storm driving a predatory hawk out of its territory. It spotted the familiar shape of its prey and attacked.

Its handlers sitting in a high rise building miles away cursed as the stunned avian escaped the predator. Only to crash right into a bush on top of the government Villa.
The main technician tapped at his command screen even as his partner checked a list.

"Well write that one off." Then the man's partner looked at the screen again. "Wait shouldn't the camera feed cut when it dies? What's wrong with it?"
"The crowborg hasn't died yet."

"Well sever the feed and prep it for self destruction. Once its heart stops the few parts of it that matter most will shred themselves."
The technician typed in several commands and received no response.
"Damn. What it's still sending but I can't imput command actions to its behaviour. It's completely autonomous. Not a problem safety measures should initiate the kill switch after a while."
Then the view changed again as delicate white gloved hands picked the bird up.
"What?"
"Oh look at you. Maid could you help this poor creature. Call the gardens vet."

"Is that … princess Euphemia?" The voice of a man who hoped that by asking in a sufficiently suspicous tone he could change what he knew the answer would be.
The tech looked closely. "Yes sir I believe it is."
"What is she doing?" If at first you don't succeed.

The tech's face took on a sick cast of horror. "I think she is bringing the crowborg in to be healed sir. Examined by the gardener."
The overseer began swearing in half a dozen languages. All of which were variations on the word "FUCK!"

Authors Note

Schneizel: China is invading and Lelouch is on a plane out of the country?
Derain: Please the China situation is well in hand. It's not China he should be worried about.

And in the midst of all this the secret of The Black knights using crowborgs is revealed. Because of Euphemia deciding to nurse injured birds back to health. Once again defeating ultimate mastery of war through unstoppable niceness. It's so aggravating.

Kallen: Lelouch has a plan to reveal himself?

Luthur: Basically. One of the covenants of Zero is that when Japan has been fully liberated and he has been recognised as the shogun/ uber dictator/ president he will reveal his full identity. Not calling himself emperor or king ever.

Derain: This isn't just noble sentiment. Becoming the open leader of a fully recognised nation is extremely important. Also by that time it will take away the possibility of someone killing him and declaring themselves to be Zero.
A full explanation of political frameworks is complicated but Lelouch does have a plan to reveal his identity. It's just a question of timing. More of his own philosophy will be later revealed in the Word of Zero. Yes he published a manifesto.

Assuming everything goes according to plan of course.

On that note look for this story on spacebattles as well.