Author's Note: Alright...now, I for one don't normally write these sorts of things, especially in my stories. I suppose it is because I do not understand the need too or I lack the understanding why I should. However, with the very recent declaration of Pandemic by the World Health Organization I believe it necessary to state the following.

Please wash your hands frequently; distance yourselves socially; avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth; and cover your mouths. If you have any fever, coughing and difficulty breathing seek professional help immediately. I say this out of concern for my fellow man and I request that everybody to please stay safe.

I understand that many are terrified by the aspect of catching the Coronavirus, believe me, I fear for the safety of my own family who recently returned abroad. However, I ask that people to please stay calm and have faith. Faith in the government, in the economy, in the Gods, and in the people. We are a resilient species. We have overcame such adversity in the past before, not through fear which divides us, but in unity, in faith.

We must not lose ourselves in fear. Fear is irrational, unreasoning, unjustified. It paralyzes us and makes it easier to get picked off. No, as one Franklin Delano Roosevelt once said, 'There is nothing to fear, but fear itself'. We will not let this Coronavirus conquer us for we can conquer it. Ebola (2018 and 2014), Zika (2016), MERS (2012), Swine flu (2010), Bird flu (2008), SARS (2004). We have all faced such adversaries in the past, and we still stood tall and lived through each and every one of them. This may be unprecedented, but that has never stopped us before. We must have faith.

That will be all.

I assure you that these author's note will not be a frequent occurrence. Please enjoy Chapter 11.


Chapter 11: Eternal Silence, Something More

Niigata Japan

August 31, 2017

I'll admit, it took a little bit of digging and sacrificing a whole lot of low to mid level access military shit but I managed to get a location. A starting point to where the first attack came from. I can not confirm it but its definitely a start. I took a platoon along with me, ordered them to wear civvies and cover their mouths with masks as well as wear their webbing over top of it. Everyone will blame the terrorist, eh?

I tracked down the source of the hacker to this black site run by…the NAC. The Fucking Narita Administration Council, officially. Around town, the people call them the Kyōto House. An organization of elite Japanese industrialists and plutocrats given self-administrative powers by the Britannian Colonial Government. These guys were allowed to beef up their own security and hold on to their own currency. Assholes, every last one of them, and I'm about to strike rich. Succeed or fail, I always wanted to do this.

"Sir. What are your orders?" asked Sergeant Masaki, C section, looking over my shoulder and to the compound below. Beside him were the other Sergeants of A and B section.

Looking at it now, this isn't going to be some easy feet and its definitely something I have to limit support with. From the looks of things, it looks like it's making Knightmares…Burai models and a variant by the looks of things. They were being loaded into cargo transports for now. Bound to be heavily guarded too. the one thing we have is surprise, military training, and great concealment.

I ordered, "I need A section to form a roadblock leading up to the factory. You are authorized to use your own discretion upon the issue. Heavy weapons are permitted. I need B Section on my position to set up mortars and the Heavy Emma Gee. If worse comes to worse, they are permitted to launch strikes upon my authorization. C section is with me, taking the facility. Is that understood?"

The Sergeants of each section saluted and reported to their team. Masaki lead me to his team, asking, "Are you sure about this sir? We're going in without Knightmare or air support. How can one squad take on a facility full of men?"

"Never underestimate just what one man can do." I replied, addressing the men. They stood at attention, ready to go. Alright, here we go.

I addressed, "Listen up fellas 'cause I'm going to say this once. That facility down there is responsible for the leak in military intelligence and we are here to shut them down. We can use the trees to cover our approach and enter through the side. Cut the wire fence and enter. Fight our way and gain access to the main computers, that's the primary objective. Our secondary objective will be to capture the factory. Questions?"

A hand shot up. God damn it, that was meant to be rhetorical. "Sir. Don't you think this is a little foolhardy? I mean, we're only one squad." he said, as if it were a good point.

I explained, "We have the element of surprise, excellent concealment and better training. If push comes to shove, B section has mortars and heavy machine guns to cover our ass. However, this job we're doing must be accomplished, no matter what. If any of you wish to leave, do so now…I won't stop you and I won't file it in my report."

One-by-one, my section-sized group of men turned into a single fire team. I turned to them, "Last chance gentlemen. I won't stop you." I said.

The corporal stood up straight, immediately stating, "Sir, we are with you all the way."

Okay, okay. I can still work with this then. "Alright then, you guys follow me and watch your step. Last thing we need is to set off the alarm.

She saluted, quickly ordering the rest to fall in. I turned to Masaki, whispering, "Did I make a mistake?"

That smirk on his face told me that I did.

I pushed that thought away for the time being, opting to take point, leading them through the forest and to that wire fence. Standard. Easily cut. Electrical? Perhaps. I whispered, "Wire cutters."

Got some cutters. Started cutting, making a hole large enough for the rest of the team to crouch through. Five in, my turn. It's like ozone, the bits of hair were shot straight up. I'm clear. I crouched down beside my second. Cargo door right ahead of us, opened, void of equipment. I motioned them to follow my ass, Closed in on those doors. Pointed for three guys to take the right flank. The rest stack up on the left flank. I hit the left flank and mounted my assault rifle, peering around the corner. Nothing.

I motioned my right flank to get ready to breach on my mark. Alright. Alright. Inhale. Exhale. Inhale. BREACH! I stormed in, my vision felt narrow. Multiple targets inside. I let the puffs of my rifle answer their surprised cries. Dead before they could raise the alarm. Near me, the puffs from the others silenced the ones I missed. I walked over to one and grabbed his security badge. Bound to be useful for something.

"Sir."

I walked over to the private, pointing at a map. I slapped his back. "Good job." I said, quickly scanning the route. We would have to cut across the assembly line, not taking any chance with those hallways. Just enter through the door ahead of us and came across the heavily automated factory floor. Ain't nobody down there, only the machines of war building the apparatus of killing a whole lotta folks.

The objective is up ahead. I motioned for my boys to take over, letting the team rush across the floor and to the door. "A Section, B Section; Sitrep?" I called while hearing the sounds of flash bangs burst inside the door.

"This is A Section. We got the roads under our control. We had a few trucks challenge us but they've been stopped. We found Knightmares sir. Knightmares, ammo, assault rifles, energy fillers. The works. We called in nearby Britannian Forces to assist."

Good call.

"This is B Section calling in. You have enemy forces converging on your location. ETA 10 minutes. Looks like they're bringing infantry and some Knightmares. Do we have permission to engage?"

I ordered, "You have permission to engage the enemy. Your priority must be the Knightmares. I say again, target the Knightmares."

Why the hell are they there? We didn't trigger any alarms! I walked through the door, my men clearing the room. "Alright! We're going to get company! Enemy ground forces with accompanying Knightmares. Let's pick up the pace."

I rallied the men on me. No time. I kicked the door down, the others throwing in grenades and flash bangs. I took point and scanned the room. Dead. Alright. I reared around the desk. Computer's still safe, surprisingly. I ordered, "Take up siege positions, this'll take some time."

I hooked up my terabyte battering ram and my accompanying capture removable disc. A second computer was available for use. I shimmied over and logged in. Let's see what you got here. The factory belongs to the NAC. Already knew that. Commissioned by the heads of Kyoto. Obviously. This is the main factory that delivers supplies to the various Resistance Groups of Japan, including The Black Knights. Probably could've figured that one out. Nothing out of the impossible. Surprised Cornelia didn't just come down on this place. Then again, maybe she just wants to escalate the conflict. Always a possibility for her war mongering ass.

A email arrived. I opened it.

Did you honestly think you could have fooled me, scum of Britannia? Did you honestly believe that your fake military files could have tricked me? Sorry to say, you must be a bigger idiot than I thought! Don't worry, I promise I won't tell…maybe except Princess Cornelia, Guilford, Darlton, and Euphie! LOL XD! SUCK IT!

FUCK! HE FUCKED ME! HE FUCKING PLAYED ME!

He fucking played me good. How'd he do it? How'd he know it was all a honeytrap? Why the hell did he think those were fake files? Assuming he's telling the truth, the terrorists didn't look at them. What's more is that he believes that I'll get in trouble from the government…to be fair, he won't be wrong but what he didn't realize is that he used a NAC factory computer to do so.

Ah hell…How am I going to explain this to Gwen?


"How could you?!" I shouted at him, ramming a fist into his cheek!

He grunted, "Sorry Gwen."

"YEAH RIGHT!" I snarled running a fist into his gut, "We were almost compromised because of you!"

My friend got up, coughing, "I know. I fucked up. The guy wasn't even there, just used a smurf account to reel me in. Hell, the fact that this place is a NAC factory is about the only thing that saved me from getting thrown in the slammer."

David…you troublesome boy…

I caught him in my embrace, unwilling to let him go but not stopping me from hitting him. I looked past him to see his Honorary Britannian forces largely congratulating themselves. It didn't matter if our comments hurt them or not, they know what they did and can hold it against us, the regular forces. They were even arguing with my superiors saying that they only take orders from David who ordered them to celebrate. Oh course, my superior's protest fell silent when he approached him. Guess my boyfriend's always prepared for opposition.

"Lieutenant Woods, Sergeant Abigail."

I allowed myself to release David, immediately saluting Princess Cornelia. My boyfriend, of course, opted to mimic my salute, obviously butchering it. We stayed at attention for what felt like thirty minutes before Cornelia returned the salute. She approached David, a cool chill in her voice, stating, "Despite the obvious breach in our security and the release of military files to the enemy; I believe I can overlook this failure."

Princess Cornelia pointed at the factory docks, her men and knights rolling out entire carts weapons and logistics that's been feeding the terrorists. "Because of your efforts, we have what we need to dissolve the NAC and arrest the Six Houses of Kyōto. Because of your efforts, we have effectively cut off the supply of weapons to the terrorists. Because of your efforts, we have the information needed to ambush Tohdoh and his Four Holy Swords and arrest the corrupt and decadent nobles that opposed me."

She faced him once again, a reluctant smile on her face. "Because of your efforts, Area Eleven can finally integrate as a Satellite state of Britannia and you will be rid of me."

David shrugged, unhappy. I bet I can guess exactly what that is right here, right now. "Not like I caught the bastard." he commented, holding out the removable disc. I knew it.

The Princess, however, waved him off. "It is of little consequence Lieutenant and I will hear no further from you. As of now, you are suspended for active duty for two weeks or unless I say otherwise. Is that clear?"

"Crystal…" he murmured, turning away from her and walking towards the captured material. He seems so…defeated…exhausted even. I honestly can't blame him though. I mean, he spent five days leaking information out only to realize it was utterly futile? It would have crushed me too.

"Sergeant?"

I faced the Princess, her eyes softening on me. "I would appreciate if you were to watch over the Lieutenant." she said, adding quickly, "Contrary to what he may believe, I do care for all of our people."

I rubbed the back of my head, I think she might've missed the point. I saluted anyways. "I'll keep an eye on him ma'am."

I rushed over to David, I best cheer him up.


September 1, 2017

Ashford Academy Student Council Penthouse

Dear Zero and The Black Knights,

Words cannot express how much I hate you guys. As I fight my way through Japan, into the great unknown, only know that one thing remains certain: that I hate you guys with every tired muscle in my Britannian body. We have dissolved the NAC and arrested their Heads, and now I must lolly the men over to Tanegashima. Because I will not stop until we have won it all, and you guys are my slaves. Because, I hate you guys. I hate you guys so very, very much.

Yours,

General Cartman E. Lee

Britannian Military Intelligence, Special Activities Division

Seriously David?

I couldn't help it, I was laughing out loud during the meeting. I spied on David's large toothy grin, looking at me expectantly. I lightly slapped his arm, trying to breath. Christ Almighty, if he were to find out Zero's email and send it to him…

I ignored the fact that everybody was rearing around to see the email and the reaction was instantaneous. A whole lot of disapproval. Obviously, they have not spent as much time with him as I have seeing that Suzaku and John were lecturing him the evils of slavery. Before I could put a word in, David was already on those two. Honestly, he knows slavery's evil. You should see him when he found out that slavery ring a few years back. Literally wiped them off the face of Area 11 in a month!

Kallen leaned in, whispering, "What's the point of David writing that email?"

"He probably just did it for laughs. He's bored right now and with nothing to do, he can get like this." I answered, now laughing at David trying to fight Suzaku, taking off his shirt and demanding he 'come at him, bro'. While Rivalz, Milly, and Shirley are holding John back. Lelouch was…being Lelouch, just staring at the email again with an intense glare. I snapped my fingers underneath his chin, making him jump in surprise. He back off and left the room. For David…he's…somehow winning…oh wait, no…no, he's been knocked out.

I put David's shirt on for him and led him to the nurse's office. My troublesome boyfriend. He certainly did come a long way since our first meeting and now, he's part of the military. Or rather, playing the part of this cowboy lieutenant that manages to avoid harsh punishment because of his resourcefulness. Heh. He'd totally wouldn't survive basic training, no doubt about that and he somehow manages to do well for himself. Imagine if he joined the military full-time!

Maybe not, he wouldn't like himself all that much if he did. I opened the door to the nurse's office and laid him out on the bed. Come to think of it, this is day one of our shared suspension and we might as well spend it doing something fun. Perhaps there's a movie that'll catch his eye…probably get him to relax and calm down. I ran a hand on his forehead, wiping the strands of hair away from his eyes. I checked my own hair. Yeah, it's about time we get a haircut too.

David came around within fifteen minutes, groggily wondering, "Anyone get that license plate?"

"Say David," I began, rather pathetically, "since we're official, how about we finally go out on that date?"

He blinked, surprised but he warmed up to it. "Sure, why not. I guess it's about time we do something together." he admitted, trying to get up. I pushed him down for the moment and checked him out. He's good. I helped him sit up.

"I got an idea. First off, movies. It's about time. Next, hair cut. Bound to be something we could watch. Lastly, dinner." I suggested, lying out the itinerary for today.

David hummed to himself than anything. "Then, dinner. Last is to go back home and we do some karaoke." as if he was correcting me.

Ah, I completely forgotten about that. Ever since I introduced some Britannian rock music, he introduced to me some of his own from that computer of his. Some of them had good messages; others were filled with dissident thoughts; and others were just stupid fun to sing. I wouldn't be surprised if he sung a few himself and I still tried to find those songs online but I came out empty. He let me download it from his computer.

"Yeah, how about some Karaoke. That's always fun!"

We left the nurse's office and to our apartment to get changed into something nice. I stressed the word nice to him. Last thing I want is attention on us. It should be just about us after all. I came out my door in black jeans, black runners, red V-neck, and a brown leather jacket that stops above my midriff. The only thing I will be taking with me from work was my sidearm, strapped it into the underarm holster.

He came out of his door dressed in black jeans, black runners, black T-shirt, and a really punk-ish brown leather jacket. I mean, nothing shouts it out better than a brown leather jacket with glowing neon blue inner collar and this epic design of a flaming mask with the words Samurai at the back of his collar. Way to make a girl feel self-conscious…

David gave me a disarming smile. "Looking good Gwen!"

"Pfft! I could say the same thing to you." I replied, resting my hands on my hips. "You ready Lieutenant?"

He smirked. "You bet Sarge." he said, again in that suave voice. We locked fingers and headed out to the Settlement to find the nearest movie theatre. Sufficed to say, when we took a look at the viewings, David seemed to look thoroughly disappointed at the selection. Even I'll admit that they looked piss-poor. The poster looks like some High School project! I suggested we find another one and we actually got a better response. to my surprise, David was quite receptacle to watch 'Her Stormy Life'.

From the looks of the poster alone, it looked like a historical piece back during our founding. The Humiliation of Edinburgh. A dark day of our life where the Royal Family, under Queen Elizabeth III, was forced to flee our ancestral home and escape to our new Homeland. We bought the tickets, the popcorn, the drinks, and found our seats. I let myself lean on David's shoulder, letting his arm curl around me and hold me in a half-hug. I never imagined that I would cry during the watching but…jeez, those guys at Hollywood really outdone themselves!

I even caught David crying at times. He won't admit it, it's who he is, but I could tell he loved it. I mean, the movie was really touching. We left the doors, happy…and also in desperate need to head to the nearest restroom.

We rendezvoused at the main lobby and went out to find a hair salon. The weather was getting cooler now. It was euphoria, having that wind gently tickle the skin and send these shockwaves up my spine. A hand gripped me closer. Guess David must have felt me shiver. We walked like that until we came across one. Looks kinda worn out a bit, were they closed? David pushed the door and the bell chimed. An old Eleven approached the front, surprised. My boyfriend quickly took control.

"Kon'nichiwa. Kanojo to watashi wa sanpatsu o shitaidesu." he said, pointing at the two of us.

The old man, surprised, nonetheless nodded and asked, "Futari wa anata no kaminoke ga sukidesu ka?"

David answered, "2 Inchi kara 2 inchi, sokumen kara 1-inchi kiritorimasu. Watashitachiha guntai ni imasu."

The old man, jumped in surprise and bowed deeply, saying something incoherent. My boyfriend sighed, saying something back at him. Honestly, I wish I could speak Eleven. He's right about speaking the language, it is really helpful. It took some time but the old man calmed down and had me seated first.

David translated, "He would like you to relax. You're a bit tense."

Oh…okay…

He gripped my hand comfortingly. I gave him a smile and breath in, four seconds. Breath out, four seconds. A cape was draped around me, covering my body in its embrace. Only thing that didn't change was our hands. We held on throughout the cut and it was over just as fast. Now it was David's turn. The old man whispered something and it made him laugh a bit.

I asked, "What?"

"The old timer said that you were too tense and advised you get a massage."

I felt my face flush. "S-Sorry. I guess I'm just not used to having an Eleven do my hair." I admitted, turning away.

David encouraged, "Now, now. It's not like the old man has something against us. He's just surprised is all. You gotta relax around the civvies y'know."

"Is that an order LT?" I teased, leaning against the door.

He smirked, stating, "You bet your ass."

We shared a laugh at that and mood seemed to brighten up a bit. Maybe I've been fighting the eleven insurgents for so long, I've become paranoid. I really need to chill, to take David's own words. Just as quickly as the old guy began, he finished just as quickly. For all intents and purposes, the Eleven did an incredible job. When it came to paying, David overpaid him, stating that he was giving him tips.


"Where are we going David? I thought we were going to do some karaoke?" I asked my boyfriend for the tenth time. Honestly, it feels like he had been purposefully leading me on…which I can totally see him doing exactly that but for what end? Our dinner itself was actually quite disappointing. The restaurant we went too provided us pretty lacklustre food and our complaints were rudely ignored. Someone's going to be added into David's 'Book of Grudges'.

We stopped at the very edge of the settlement where the last bit of land was and extremely secluded from everywhere else. "Seriously David, what's going on?" I demanded, my patience finally running out.

He pulled out his phone and let a soothing sound play from it and fill the air. David gave me a soft smirk and began:

Can't say how the days will unfold,

Can't change what the future may hold

But, I want you in it

Every hour, every minute

This world can race by far too fast

Hard to see while it's all flying past

But, it's clear now,

When you're standing here now

I am meant to be wherever you are next to me

All I want to do

Is come running home to you

Come running home to you

And all my life I promise to

Keep running home to you

Keep running home

To you

He grasp my hands, bringing me in close and twirled me around in a little private dance and I joined him, letting my heart take control.

And I could see it

Right from the start

Right from the start

That you would be

Be my light in the dark

Light in the dark

Oh, you gave me no other choice

But to love you

All I want to do

Is come running home to you

Come running home to you

And all my life I promise to

Keep running home to you

Keep running home

To you

Can't say how the days will unfold

Can't change what the future may hold

But, i want you in it

Every hour, every minute

Oh David…

"I love you Gwen. I really do. I would be lost in this world if I hadn't met you." he whispered, bringing me closer to me. I embraced him, crying on his shoulder. He planned all this before hand and…oh David~

I pulled back a bit, seeing the warmth of his breath and the lazy look in his eyes. If I could see myself in the mirror, I would be giving him that same look. We leaned in together, locking our lips together…


September 2, 2017

David's Apartment

Oh David~

Mmh~

Last night was just incredible! I never felt so relax and good for so long! Who knew he was a skilled masseur? All those knots were whisked away like nothing! Not to mention his teasing just hits me right where I want it. The slow French kisses; the cold hands that tingle my spine; the hot breaths blowing on my neck; and the soft purring on my chest. It was completely overwhelming! In my defence, I tried to regain control. Honest! I tightened my legs around his waist and did my own tickling. I even ground my hips on his. I guess that's the price of going second.

My head was on his chest, his arm cradling me and holding me close. A classic sweetheart cradle. I let my eyes close again and dug deeper into his chest. Believe it or not, he still smells so nice and so warm and I want nothing more than to stay in this position forever and ever with my boyfriend, my lover, my mate. Perhaps in the future, when my tour of duty is over, we can be together…don't know how I would feel about the white picket fence thing though.