Descent into Violence
Shepard sighed as she looked across the Hotel floor. Currently the security had the hotel on lockdown, likely tracking down the evidence that Lorik Qui'in had mentioned. Shepard could see the security team putting on the obvious front, currently detaining some green haired woman who looked rather offended by their rough handling of her. For a brief moment Shepard considered just letting the corrupt security do as they wanted with the woman, but quickly she instead chose to intervene. Her outburst in the bar had put her current deficiency in the spotlight. The woman might be Britannian but she wasn't that bitch, and she was currently at risk with these corrupt officers around.
"What seems to be the problem officers?" Now was certainly not the time to be confrontational. Shepard would put forward a amiable front and then try to leverage against the guards.
"None of your concern, get in the elevator and head back. your hotel room will be available again in about a hour." One of the guards claimed while throwing the green haired woman forward by her arm.
Shepard acted undaunted and ignorant, the threat was obvious but sometimes acting like the threat went over your head is the best way to get results. Meanwhile, Liara rushed over to the woman helping her stand and giving her moral reassurance. Shepard walked forward with Wrex close behind.
"Look I just need to grab a few things for my job, my buddy and I can grab them and go and we won't have any issues. We'll even overlook your assault of your customers." Shepard stated diplomatically as the two guards pulled their pistols and leveled them on Shepard. They were definitely on edge, they also clearly didn't want word of this to spread, at least not quickly. Of course for such a operation they were doing a terrible job, but they were all clear amateurs. Shepard had learned the hard way in the past, N7 training, wetworks after graduation, Dublin.
With a sigh Shepard switched her approach. "The company doesn't know your doing this. You're instead harassing their customers for some short term immediate profits. We're alive right now that means we can report this back to the company and you'll lose everything all for a one time pay off from a Salarian whose not likely to stay in power much longer. So your choices are to fight us, in which my Krogan would be VERY happy to start throwing his weight around..." Beside her Wrex smiled while rubbing his fists together, "...or you can let us past, go back to your posts or off duty. And we don't kill you and you likely keep your jobs, maybe even see a promotion or raise."
The pair started to look between one another nervously and Shepard took the chance to press her advantage. "If you both leave now I can guarantee that you will be fine, but if you stay you'll have less than a minute before you're bleeding out on the ground." That was the truth, it was always the truth, not since the Soviets and the failed Chinese revolution have soldiers who've retreated from a amoral or untenable position been summarily executed by their superiors, with the one exception from the Britannians during the Relay 314 War. And that commander was treated as a war criminal until he had been pardoned by the Emperor though his honor, military service, and family's future noble prospects had ended with that case.
Jane helpfully stepped both officers took the bait walking nervously past and into the elevator themselves. With a sigh of relief the Human Spectre turned to the green haired woman being helped up by Liara. "Are you alright?"
"Yes thank you. I'm shocked to see you once again, though last time I saw you it was a long time ago." The woman stated, her expression flat almost emotionless though Jane could feel like she was being taunted.
"Oh I'm sorry I never realized we'd met before." Shepard replied keeping her expresion polite and comforting.
"Like I said it was a long time ago, but it's been a long time since Dublin and you're rather famous Jane Shepard." The woman now had a small smirk, and alarms were raging through Shepard's mind. It took a great deal of self control not to reach for her side-arm though she did bring up her Omni-tool but in a stealth setting to prevent anyone from noticing. Already trace programs were running through Shepard's systems.
"I'm sorry I don't recall ever being in Dublin." Shepard responded politely, now earning a confused look from Liara, and as he looked on at her face, Wrex's expression shifted into one of resigned recognition.
"Oh well, I'm sure the girl surrounded by bloody terrorist corpses was someone else. That day was a terrible day for a lot of people on Earth." The woman said still with that smug look, "Well if you excuse me I'm actually running late for some important business and I've heard rumor that the port's lockdown is going to end." The woman then turned and walked away almost wistfully while Shepard glared at her back. This continued until the elevator door closed concealing the woman from the Human Spectre's intense gaze.
After several tense seconds Liara spoke. "Shepard are you..."
"The kid she's thinking about was a piece of shit, they thought they were special and the galaxy owed them. That kid ended up dying in Dublin, Anderson saw to it himself and told me about it later. I'll never be like them. Nor will I ever be a entitled piece of shit like my mother." Shepard then turned to return to her mission, at her side the stealth-modded Omnitool projected a success on it's search before filing the information away for later viewing, a quick picture of Jondum Bau's high priority target, C.C. flashed on the invisible screen before disappearing.
Liara gave a sympathetic, yet confused look to Shepard as she moved to join the woman in what as to be a upcoming firefight. Meanwhile behind them Wrex just shrugged his shoulders. "What's wrong with being a piece of shit?" The Krogan asked to himself before stepping into formation.
EC
Janyrka watched the human Spectre engage the port security forces from the shadows. Obviously after she had passed the less trustworthy outer perimeter the more dedicated of the guards quickly noticed the presence of two women and a Krogan, and in turn moved to kill them only to find that Shepard, her mercenary Krogan and surprisingly Liara T'soni were all much better in a firefight than anyone had predicted. Even Janyrka had to admit that if she in her past had run across Shepard in a firefight she would undoubtedly be dead.
Her goddess must have sent her not to help Shepard who clearly didn't need it to so that she could observe what had to be her greatest obstacle in killing the suited wretch. Truly C.C. had wisdom beyond mortal measure and the last daughter of the T'goli family would learn from her enemy as the one sent to her by the Goddess intended.
Shepard was efficient, well trained with both a rifle and shotgun, but her main tools were clearly quick wit and technology. Ranged warfare wasn't the woman's strength. Beside her the Krogan was a prime specimen of the entire species, a powerful wreckingball with a unseen surprise, in this one's case biotic powers. Lastly was the surprise of the entire encounter Liara T'soni, there were many different moments where Janyrka thought she would have to take action and reveal herself but then suddenly Liara would display a biotic might which the girl's frail civilian nature defied.
The only challenge that even slowed Shepard was the terminal hacking which was necessary to get to the hidden files that both the guards and the human Spectre had been fighting over. Janyrka didn't know, or care, what those files were but with Shepard's mission complete the human began working her way towards the elevator, just as the elevator arrived on the floor with the head of security and several elite guards with her. By this point however Janyrka wrote them off as corpses and began to slip away to return to her goddess' side.
EC
Tali'zorah yawned as she walked towards the large structure of Ashford Academy. Over her standard Enviromental suit she wore a jacket marking her as one of the students, beside her Susaku and Leila also walked but both were far more awake. Leila was focused on her Omnitool, while Susaku was walking casually. Honestly Tali was almost tempted to cling to his side, but she kept a respectful distance from both Susaku and the distracted Leila.
"I can't find Lelouch." Leila then announced suddenly to the pair as they were nearing the school gate, this prompted Susaku to nervously glance about but fortunately the trio was alone.
"What do you mean?" Tali couldn't quite understand, they had spent days placing secret cameras and learning the schedules of everyone on the student council.
"I mean Lelouch isn't anywhere to be seen. Best I can find is his Sister and their maid, apparently they're secluding themselves on the other side of the campus for now." Leila explained, earning intrigued looks from her two companions.
"Any idea what this could mean?" Susaku asked with a concerned tone.
"Let's find Milly first and we'll decide from there what to do." Leila decided for the group before storming forward. After a brief moment of shock Susaku and Tali followed. The search for the Student Council president was a short one, Milly was in the conference room with the rest of the council all seated and waiting.
Tali was almost shocked when she saw them all. "Ahhh...We're not late are we?" The Quarian asked nervously.
The room was tense, the President herself being the center of the tension while Nina just looked nervous while both Shirley and Rivalz both looked excited. Susaku stepped into the room with Leila beside him and as they crossed the threshold the tension broke.
"We're going to be hosting NOBILITY!" Shirley almost shrieked in excitement, beside her Rivalz looked incredibly satisfied and happy.
"Royalty? What do you mean?" Leila asked sternly as she walked to her own seat at the table. "Also where's Lelouch, his grade will drop a few points if he doesn't attend..."
"He called sick, just ignore it. We have more pressing concerns." Milly's own commanding voice, the surprise sternness all of it caught the spy trio off guard.
"Right...well then, whose coming, some EU blueblood, someone from the vermillion city, a Salarian Dalatrass?" Susaku started offering, running through a list of the typical list of high profile individuals to visit a school like this.
Practically bouncing in her seat, Shirley then interjected. "It's Princess Euphemia along with some diplomats from the Citadel!" The girl's excitement was a near physical wave of positive energy, however the revelation immediately took hold on the three agents, though to different effect.
In her seat Leila immediately started to consider Lelouch. 'His sister's arrival and the fact that this school was clearly where he had been hiding away avoiding the responsibilities of Emperor and keeping his weakened and vulnerable sister safe from the national politics made the Emperor's disappearing act's purpose apparent. But did Milly know that was why Lelouch called to school sick? Also why would Princess Euphemia come to this school now, had she found out this was where her Brother was running away to in order to avoid his duties as Emperor? Wait wouldn't this affect their mission, why was Leila more concerned about Lelouch's well being?' The blue dressed Malcal heiress shook her head to clear her mind.
Just a short distance away Susaku's thinking was of a entirely other vein. 'Is she following me? After that embarrassment of a dinner why would she come here? Maybe she doesn't know and came for something else. Spirits at this rate Villetta is going to kill me just to get some free time to herself. I wish I had as good of a excuse as Lelouch to avoid this, she's going to entirely expose us... though she is a nice enough person.'
Next to Susaku Tali's thoughts were of yet a far different nature from either of her companions. 'That damn princess again, first her guards put me through the ringer, then I almost die at her stupid party, now she's forcing her way into here. I wonder if that one knight lady is with her, at least she seemed respectable. Wait what if the princess is doing for that Knight so that platinum haired bimbo can try to get close to Susaku?' Tali could feel her territorial instincts rising, she was ready for a fight if it had to come to that.
EC
Euphemia Li Britannia stepped out of the aircar limo to a unfortunately common sight for the Princess. Before her what might have been a common view of Ashford Academy was obstructed by a red carpet and a crowd of students wishing to see the Royal as well as a small display put forth by the school. The Ashford family's Ganymede was to the side preparing what looked like some sort of gigantic oven. On her left the important members of the school staff including Ruben K. Ashford himself, meanwhile to her right stood most of the Student Council body. Milly Ashford was easily recognizable, and just a few bodies past her a oddly familiar looking Quarian as well as Leila Malcal both stood. However Susaku was nowhere to be seen.
Euphie hid her mild disappointment and smiled as Villetta, who she reminded herself would look wonderful next to Susaku, Nassana, and Khaldre all stepped out of the vehicle after her. With the ease of a lifetime of experience the Britannian princess and her entourage entered into the Ashford school grounds. As she walked through the gates fireworks fired into the air and Euphemia could even sense the uninvited paparazzi slipping out of their holes to capture pictures for their tabloids. The school anthem played while the Superintendent Ruben Ashford greeted the Princess formally, behind her Nassana and Khaldre both put forward their most amiable fronts for the school board.
Euphemia almost slipped into laughter at the shock on both their faces when everything changed the moment the formalities were completed and Milly Ashford was allowed by her grandfather to take over. Euphemia of course suspected the antics that were to come, part of the excuse that she had made for coming here was her sudden and very large donation to the Student Council of Ashford.
Over the course of minutes, several booths and games were pulled out of school buildings while supplies were being brought from the school's kitchen on mass. While Khaldre was swept up in the events, and Nassana darted over to the alien member of the school council and Leila Malcal, Euphie took Villetta to go find her future husband.
EC
Leila watched the proceedings end and the chaos begin. Immediately students started either adopting their roles or enjoying the impromptu school festival. The details still eluded her, but it seemed as though half of this was meant for the still upcoming school festival but due to surprise funding Milly was pulling all of this out early to celebrate Princess Euphemia's arrival. Perhaps for Lelouch's sake, and keeping their secret mission secret of course, it'd be best for Leila to go and distract the Princess.
"Excuse me." The unfamiliar voice of a Asari broke in, ending Leila's train of thought. The Asari looked just like the typical blue-blooded women that Leila was used to seeing, though there seemed to be something a little more to her. Her gaze certainly was much more focused than what Leila was used to seeing. More like a soldier with a objective, rather than a socialite looking to earn favor and attention.
"Would you happen to be Leila Malcal?" The Asari asked now putting forward a gentle smile and a extended hand for a polite handshake.
"Yes that would be me." Leila answered accepting the handshake.
"Oh thank the goddess, I was worried when I missed Shepard on the Citadel. Listen I need your help, or rather I need your's and Shepard's." The Asari diplomat stated, breaking from the persona of the dignified and upright political figure to that of a worried woman desperate for aid.
"What do you mean?"
"I don't trust talking to you here, the matter is sensitive." The Asari replied.
Leila just planted a hand on her hip. "I'm working on several sensitive matters here, you think I can afford to take yours on?" This caused the Asari to sigh in resignation.
"My sister was always a bit of a blacksheep for the family, highly adventurous and drawn to action. She thought it would be a good idea to travel through the Terminus as part of a survey crew. However Pirates are now holding her hostage, if it got out that my family was willing to pay ransom for my sister people might take her for the weakness of our family. We know where the Pirates have her, but we can't move ourselves, and the Pirates have Knightmares, so of the various Spectre's there are Shepard with your assistance seemed the best choice to ask for help." The Asari explained, her voice reasoned and level, her gaze carefully scanning the nearby crowd.
Something about the offer seemed off but the young Malcal woman couldn't deduce what was the issue. Leila opened her mouth to question further only for the sight and sounds of shock and surprise to stop her. Across from them Princess Euphemia's head was turned to her side, hand on her cheek as if struck, while Tali was now falling to the ground, a perturbed looking Villetta grappling onto her back. Leila didn't know what to make the split second scene, and she couldn't learn much more as a giant pizza dough fell hiding all three from her sight as a shocked Susaku was climbing out of the Ganymede as the knightmare was being tipped over by a group of security mechs standing between it and the Salarian diplomat.
Beside her, Leila could feel the Asari shaking then suddenly the diplomat fell over laughing. "Oh goddess Euphie i knew following you here would be hilarious!"
EC
The vehicle storage and loading bay for the trail up to Peak Thirteen was currently packed and sealed. Zero, fifteen Black Knights including C.C., Janyrka, and Todoh, as well as four Knightmares filled the hanger. They had taken precautions to ensure that the port security wouldn't notice their brewing attack before it was too late and they launched their offensive.
"Right you all have been provided your objectives make sure that each target is eliminated or secured accordingly. Once this operation is complete Britannian backroom politics will be situated properly that we may begin our takeover." Zero stated to his subordinates, each of them screened by C.C. to ensure near absolute loyalty to the cause.
Todoh though just remained stoic in the corner. He and Janyrka were the only two members which Zero was unsure about. Todoh was still a loyalist to the Japanese state, and the former Kururugi regime's order to uphold resistance against the Citadel forces. The peace had apparently not settled well for the man and he had chosen independent resistance, that didn't make him as devoted to the Black Knights as the others but he remained useful. Janyrka though was too fanatical, she was obeying her deluded ideal of a goddess, she wasn't loyal to the cause in any way and it was clear she'd betray them if prompted to by her delusions.
"Once the Black Knights complete our objectives Humanity will rise up against the Citadel. And as a species we will form the shield which will protect this galaxy from threats ignored by those with the power to act. I shall be the one to guide all life in this galaxy to a prosperous future, because I have each of you. We have all been shown the future and how this galaxy will end if we don't act now. Stagnant weak rulers and those blind to the powers they work with will set us on the path to doom, but we the Black Knights shall stand judge over this galaxy and determine it's fate." Zero delivered a easy opening speech. Since most of the men here were political zealots selected by C.C. even a flawed speech as this would be more than sufficient.
The small gathered crowd cheered of course while inside the mask Lelouch dwelled on what he was claiming. He had never wanted the throne but his bastard father had put him on it with his death. Thus with his Mother's murder and the minor mystery around it, and the violence directed at the Britannian throne he spent years under threat all while his Brother had secured a political power bloc too powerful to remove. Lelouch knew there was something beyond everything C.C. gave him. Saren's Reapers, they could fill the gap in everything Lelouch was feeling, the drive to spark chaos to wage war ever since he took on his contract. Though they were only a part, Lelouch knew one day Britannia would need to come into conflict with the rest of the galaxy again, but now he knew. Lelouch knew he had to win and be the one to control the future or else the future would stagnate and Britannia and humanity would be doomed.
"We move in five, prepare the Knightmares and Makos." Todoh then ordered, the rallied soldiers immediately complying and moving to make final preparations.
Zero stepped forward calmly, the mask and cape only extruding confidence. "I'll travel with Mako two, Todoh when we breach..." A pained gasp stopped the Black Knight leader. As he looked back Janyrka was holding up C.C. who was holding her head. Tears and extreme pain marred the Immortal Witch's face.
"What is it?" The question was calm, though Lelouch could feel slight panic setting in.
"I can't help you now, they found me. J-Janyrka hide my body and help LORD...Zero. I-I'll rejoin you after this is done." The pain filled command to the Asari made little sense to Lelouch but he watched in mild curiosity as C.C. fainted and the Asari at her side set out to immediately hide the woman in a spare crate to the side of the room. Afterwards the Asari returned to Zero's side with a expression of childish wonder.
"What now, Lord Zero." The Mercenary asked her voice mocking Zero's title.
"We descend upon Peak Thirteen." Zero ordered while climbing into the Mako.
EC
"Lord Stadtfeld, I must apologize but we must get your daughter and yourself to safety. We just detected Geth on our perimeter sensors and the entire net along with any contact with the port have gone down. We have a Knight with a Knightmare waiting to escort you both to..." Kallen interrupted the man as he delivered his report.
"Do you have a spare Knightmare?"
Shocked the researcher took a moment to reply. "yes a spare Glasgow in the hanger but..."
Again Kallen interrupted. "I'm a Knight, I can pilot it myself."
As Kallen began to march toward the hanger a hand grabbed her wrist. "Are you sure about this daughter?"
"I don't agree with anything going on here, but I doubt this is why you brought me. I'll protect you until we leave, I am going to get to the bottom of this and bring this injustice to a end. But right now we need to get out of here safely."
As Kallen continued toward the hanger her father only could sigh. "I never should have let her watch Power Knights as a kid."