Chapter Eleven: The Stand
The dressing room of the Student Council had a lot of costumes.
A lot of them had gathered dust since they started working on the Soup Kitchens. Cat suits, bunny suits, and lots of others. Milly had once done a lot of zany things before all their energies had gone into important things.
For now, however, Lelouch was being outfitted.
His police uniform was a tight, tan trenchcoat with a cap on top. He wore large, black boots, and in one of his pockets was a normal set of shoes. A false beard and mustache was over his face, and makeup was being applied to make him seem ruddy.
"And in other news, the Chinese Fleet had a standoff with the Britannian Royal Navy. The standoff occurred when sentry units detected them attempting to reach Taiwan. After a tense few hours, they reluctantly withdrew." A newscaster was saying while Kallen, Shirley, and Nina watched. "The nation of Taiwan is a protectorate of Britannia ruled by the Empress Tiazi. Although most day-to-day affairs are handled by her High Eunach advisors. Tianzi is descended from Empress Dowager. Dowager was the legitimate ruler of China overthrown by the revolt, which led to the rise of the CCP. Her provisional government was forced to flee to Taiwan and make their stand there.
"Seeing like-minded people, Britannia provided shelter and has ensured Taiwan remained independent. In the time since the rise of the CCP, China has gone from a prosperous nation to a blighted wasteland. Poor agricultural policies have led to the mass starvation of huge numbers of people. Corruption is rife, and the standard of living is perhaps the worst in the world.
"The situation has only deteriorated since. We have no knowledge of any plans to restore Tianzi to her throne. However, it is doubtful that a new regime would be met with anything but enthusiasm.
"On a brighter note, Leila Malcal is due to visit Area 11 as part of the negotiations between Britannia and the EU. This is pending the Soviet Union's growing power. Born to nobles of Britannia, she was adopted into the family of EU nobility after their tragic death. Notable as a statesman, it is hoped that her visit will lead to stronger relations."
"Wow, she's a ten," said Milly, looking over to the TV.
Lelouch looked at the mirror and saw an image of a curvaceous, blonde girl with long hair clad in a blue uniform. One complete with stockings.
"Not really the important part of the announcement, Milly," said Kallen, turning off the TV.
"Well, there's no harm in looking," said Milly.
"Wasn't it Japan who gave Tianzi shelter?" asked Shirley.
"Well, yes," said Lelouch. "But after Japan fell, Prince Odysseus insisted that we fulfill the treaty obligations. Prince Schneizel negotiated new arrangements, and they now act as a protectorate."
"Do you think there is going to be a war?" asked Rivalz.
"I think we're going to start one," admitted Lelouch. "Standoffs in the seas around Taiwan are a regular event. China has been testing for weaknesses for years. We just haven't publicized it because we were focused on the EU-Soviet Alliance. Every time they sail a ship near our waters we have to rouse a fleet to counter them.
"It keeps a lot of our naval might occupied without the expense of a war.
"Once the CCP has all but declared war, nobody cares about a preemptive strike? Do they?"
"Best of all, we're not even annexing the place," mused Milly. "Britannia is restoring the damsel in distress to her rightful throne. And providing security for free. It's a perfect fairy tale."
"Yes, because that fairy tale worked so well for Princess Anastasia," noted Kallen.
"Euro-Britannia could have worked," said Nina.
"Yeah, in a hypothetical world where the laws of casualty don't apply," said Kallen. "But the weak point of your theory is; They do. The Romonov's weren't just going to accept being demoted to Grand Duke when they were absolute monarchs before. They weren't going to alienate the Orthodox Church by changing the state religion. And, as it turned out, we were half a world away in a pre-Sakuradite economy. So there wasn't really much we could do when they sold us out for the EU."
"Yes, but then the Bolsheviks killed them all," noted Lelouch with a laugh. "Again. So it might have been better not to burn their bridges." Kallen had been... different somehow. A change had come over her since she met the Purebloods.
"Well, in any case, I think it'll work out this time," said Shirley. "I mean, I've read about China. The people are literally starving to death. And the Communist Party members are incredibly overweight. Have you see the Chairman?"
"Well, I have difficulty believing Britannia could run the place worse," mused Lelouch.
Milly kissed him on the cheek. "Aw, you're cute when you're cynical.
"I'm looking forward to tonight."
Lelouch sighed and looked over to Shirley in concern. "Shirley, are you okay with this?"
"Um, yes, I'm fine," said Shirley. "I mean, after getting held at gunpoint, I can handle a double date."
"Excellent," said Lelouch as Milly finished. "How do I look?"
Milly looked over him with a raised eyebrow. "Now that is majestic, Lelouch."
"Are you sure that this is actually going to convince anyone?" asked Kallen doubtfully.
"It might," said Sayoko. "Straighten up a bit, Master Lelouch. Remember, you are not a casual high school student but a police officer who is full of himself."
"I know, I know," said Lelouch, taking on a prouder appearance.
"Now, do you remember your cover story?" asked Sayoko.
"My name is Alan Spacer; my Father is a Duke," said Lelouch. "Milner has put me on ensuring the kids finish their last day alive. He doesn't want any more heat from Ashford, especially after killing off Black King.
"But I'll never admit to that last part."
"Right," said Sayoko. "Now, you'll be the last person to leave, Lelouch. As soon as we're out, you head up onto the freeway and get to the bus stop. You get rid of the costume and get out of sight. Once nobody is around, you take off the costume and throw it off the freeway.
"You run to the bus stop, and Rivalz should be waiting for you. He'll be running supply shipments from the kitchen back to"
"Why can't I just take the outfit off inside the soup kitchen and go out the back?" asked Lelouch, who was used to being the expert.
"Too obvious," said Sayoko. "Somebody might be watching. It has to appear that a police officer left and finished."
"And I disassemble the shotgun and throw the pieces off individually?" asked Lelouch.
"We don't want anyone identifying any part of the disguise, or it could get linked back to us," said Sayoko.
"Couldn't we just put the uniform in a case," said Rivalz.
"A firefight is a possibility," said Sayoko. "And the police do not like us."
"You've got the hardest part of this, Lelouch," said Nina. "Are you sure you don't want to back out? We could cancel and pick up later."
"Sometimes you have to finish things you start," said Lelouch. "I'm not backing out now."
"I've already checked the area for any bombs or watchers. Nothing yet," said Sayoko.
"Well then, let's get to work," said Lelouch. "Kallen, see you when you get back from the Purebloods."
"Yeah, yeah, I know," said Kallen.
The group arrived at the deserted bus stop like always. Lelouch thought this would be the last time he'd see this place. He noted the bus stop had a new ad on it, advertising to passing cars a good place to buy guns. Truck drivers often kept guns, didn't they? Wasn't there some other industry you could advertise?
"Now remember, none of you are to speak to me for any reason except emergency," said Lelouch. "When you do, look scared. I'm a tough police officer you are as afraid of as the savages all around you."
"Well, that'll be pretty difficult. I've seen you in cat ears," said Milly.
"Choke on it, Milly," said Lelouch as he walked down.
And things began.
Lelouch took his post a little to the side of the door with his back to a wall. He tried to stay as unobtrusive as possible. But a lot of the usual people who came by looked at him fearfully. He spoke Japanese to them, motioning for them to go on. But many seemed to regard him with fear and even hatred. A few, those who had been here before, seemed to guess who he was, but he said nothing.
In all honesty, more of a reaction was gotten from the sign Milly had put up. Men looked at it with disappointment, but it was stated that they would return when they could. So Lelouch instead looked at the ghettos. He kept peering into the ruined skyscrapers and looking for any sign of trouble.
Trouble came.
And it came in the form of three heavily armed Japanese people. One of them had brown hair cut into a buzz cut and had an assault rifle. He was a big man and wore a leather jacket. Another was a girl in a hoody with black hair and a sword at her side. She was quite pretty. Last of all, he saw a frailer-looking one, holding a gun.
"...Well, this is going to be a problem," said Lelouch. Stepping forward, he waved for the newcomers to head on in and then lowered his gun. "That's quite far enough, gentlemen." He said in Japanese. "You don't look like starving elevens, and I've had my fill of criminals."
"You try looking in the mirror?" asked the big one.
"I'm not interested in anything you have to say," said Lelouch simply. "You're armed and obviously dangerous.
"This operation has been menaced three times already by your kind, and it's being shut down. I won't have you turning things into a bloodbath at the last minute."
"Oh, so it's an official operation now," said the man, casually sliding the gun off. The others stepped to one side. "And here we thought the police didn't approve."
"Policies change," said Lelouch. "If you wish to eat at the soup kitchen, this is the last day. But I'm going to have to ask you to disarm."
"We don't need handouts from Britannian scum," said the girl.
"Easy, Ayano, let's be neighborly," said the man. "No need to start anything yet." If it came down to a gunfight, he could shoot the guys with the guns. Then throw the shotgun, which only had two shots, and pull his pistol.
Probably not good odds. These ones had the posture of people with training.
"I agree. I'm going to have to ask you to move on," said Lelouch. "This standoff between us is scaring the people who do want to use this facility. Many of them are starving."
"And why are you scaring them then?" the frail one.
"Captain Milner gave orders that this operation not get destroyed by criminals. I intend to ensure none of these schoolkids get killed," said Lelouch. "We've gotten enough heat from Ashford as it is. Clovis heard about it.
"Might have something to do with you and your buddies hijacking trucks."
"That's a first," said the frail one. "I say we take him out."
"I assure you, I'm not worth the effort," said Lelouch. They were trying to intimidate him, but Lelouch was going to have to fight them. They wouldn't have been so open about names if they hadn't been intent on murder.
"Is that a fact, cop?" asked the big one.
"Actually, yes," said Lelouch. "I have a shotgun, so if it comes down to a firefight, some of you will die. If you want to get back at the police, I'm a bad target.
"And Milner won't care in the slightest if I die. Meanwhile, the hawks will use it as an excuse to do a lot of purges. Do you think your sword is going to help against a knightmare frame?" Why not test this a bit? "Especially since Black King has been checked."
They looked at one another.
"...We didn't say anything about Black King," said the frail one, voice holding a note of triumph.
"I told you the police whacked him," said Ayano.
Either these guys planned to murder Lelouch, or they were incredibly amateur. Either way, he didn't want to have the firefight here. "You can believe whatever you want to believe.
"Either way, a firefight here isn't going to achieve anything. You've already won. The Resistance groups have put their hatreds with the police. To ensure the mass starvation of elevens. The well-intentioned high schoolers you have repeatedly menaced are giving up the ghost.
"The forces of righteousness have defeated the evil charity workers. Are you happy? Does it satisfy you to know that you've helped make the entire world a little bit more miserable than before?"
"You don't act like a police officer," said Ayano.
"I don't act like the stereotype of a police officer you have in your head," said Lelouch. "I'm all alone out here, at a place where a lot of natives congregate. Why would I endanger myself by throwing around racial slurs and twirling my mustache? I'm not an idiot.
"But if you decide to try and start a fight here, I promise you, I will kill at least two of you.
"For my part, I just want to finish this failed experiment and go home."
"Oh, and I suppose a bunch of spoiled teenagers managed to kill off Black King and his bodyguards?" said the big one. "I'll bet they keep a shotgun under the counter too."
"I don't have any information for you," said Lelouch, wondering if that was a barb. Or an attempt to get information. "As I said, I have just been assigned here."
"Yeah, well, we know Black King waved off his driver," said Ryo. "We figured the brats were going to get massacred, but here they are acting all self-righteous. Not a scratch.
"So, I think maybe you should find some information for me."
"You'd have to take it up with Captain Milner," said Lelouch. "You know as well as I do how far his influence extends.
"I do not know anything about what has happened here beyond what was put in the report. But if you try to shoot this place up, Clovis will use it as an excuse for a purge."
"And here I thought Clovis was a benevolent, charismatic Prince," said the big one.
"Make what judgments you want," said Lelouch, shifting his gun. Violence was about to break out. "But the headlines on this confrontation aren't going to look very good for you either way."
"Maybe I don't care about headlines!" said the big one.
At that moment, Lelouch aimed his shotgun. The big one drew his sword, the frail one pulled a pistol Ayano's sword came out. Even as it did, however, the gates of the soup kitchen burst open. The Japanese people streamed out carrying bibles. Forming a line between them, they raised the bibles upright.
Lelouch stared, dumbstruck.
"What the..." the big one halted. "Get out of the way! They're Britannians! Are you seriously standing between them and us!"
"I think they're standing between a thug and people who haven't done them any harm," said Shirley, coming out.
"What a bunch of worthless serfs," said the frail. "You bow and scrape to these scum just because they handed you food! You're better off dead!" And he looked like he was about to open fire.
"Yukiya, wait," said the big one. "Let's not make a scene here. Everybody has gotta look after their own interests, no sense in causing a bloodbath." Then he looked at Lelouch with murder in his gaze. "My name is Ryo Sayama; remember the name."
"I won't," said Lelouch.
It was a climax of sorts.
The Fierce Yamato members had looked at what had happened. They had faced down unarmed homeless and fled before them into the ruins. They would not start a confrontation here, not yet. But Lelouch knew their names and knew for certain that they would come after them. But for now, hardened terrorists had been routed by a book and people holding it.
As the day wore on and they finished up, they began to pack everything up.
Quite abruptly, however, a man approached them. He had blonde hair, and he was wearing a slick business suit that made him out of place. Walking toward where Lelouch was standing, he smiled. "Good morning, officer. I'm Deitard Reid of the Britannian News Network.
"I was wondering if I could take a photo."
Lelouch was instantly suspicious. "Why?"
"Well, I confess," said Deitard. "I was passing on the freeway, and I managed to get some shots of your... confrontation. "The events that happened here are likely to appeal to both sides of the political spectrum. And they are very likely to make you very famous indeed.
"Can I get a name?"
"My name is Alan Spacer," said Lelouch, feeling annoyed. Had the man simply taken pictures while he was being menaced? Then again, it was doubtful Deitard could have done anything. "My Father's a Duke."
"That's a somewhat sparse biography," said Deitard, writing in a notebook.
"Does it matter?" said Lelouch. "I'll simply be made to represent whatever I have to represent."
"Can I quote you on that?" asked Deitard.
"Yes," said Lelouch, wishing he would go away. "And before you ask, I don't think anyone here is going to want an interview. This place is dangerous, and you're disturbing the locals. It's probably for the best if you clear off before, well, trouble." He motioned to the ruins.
"Ah," said Deitard. "I take it you expect an unwanted appointment with local authority figures."
"Once everyone has cleared out, yes," said Lelouch. "But if they see me distracted, they might try again."
"I take your point," said Deitard. "I'll see if I can arrange an interview through the Ashford family then.
"Thank you for your time. That uniform is an excellent replica, by the way. A few years out of date, however. They changed designs slightly after Milner got appointed."
Lelouch stared at him.
"You don't have to worry. The story goes better if it's a real cop," said Deitard. "Objectivity is an illusion. Besides, Alan Spacer is a more compelling protagonist than whoever you are."
And he walked off.
Lelouch, however, began to be worried. Ryo, Ayano, and Yukiya might have seen through the deception. If they did, they could have guessed as to who he was. At the very least, they would be suspicious. And they were going to try and kill him before the day was out.
Time passed, and there no more confrontations. Lelouch checked his watch again and again.
And at last, they finished up.
"Finished?" asked Lelouch of Milly.
"Yeah, mostly," said Milly. "That was pretty exciting what happened earlier. I couldn't have planned it any better myself."
"Well, that's done," said Shirley. "You uh... you sure you don't need a ride, officer?"
"Yes, I am," said Lelouch. "Go.
"Now."
"But..." began Nina.
"Now," said Lelouch. "Don't make a reaction. Just go."
"Right," said Shirley.
And they rushed off.
As they did, Lelouch waited until they'd cleared it and gotten to the bus stop. As they waited, he maneuvered his way to the exit and scaled up it quickly. Hiding the movement by tying his shoe, he looked down. Ayano was moving just beyond sight.
Lelouch was being tailed.
Why did they want him dead? He'd never done anything to them. If anything, the display that happened before should have raised their opinion of him? Well, it didn't matter. Barring the possibility that Ayano had fallen in love with him, he was about to be whacked.
Moving quickly, but not so quickly that it looked like he was spooked, he looked for options. He could turn and try to pursue her. But then she might lead him into a trap. He could make a run for it, but then Ayano would do research and go after him later. So, he must appear vulnerable, lure her into a trap and move against her.
By now, his friends had left at the bus stop.
It was an ideal place to kill someone. Someone sitting there would be boxed in, with nowhere to run. So Lelouch moved hard and fast. Quickly hiding from view, he threw off his police outfit. He got out of his shoes and donned the ones he kept in his pocket. Then he heard the footsteps, albeit very softy. Leaping upward, he hit the ceiling and wedged himself between walls. The strain of it was troublesome, but it was just in time.
Ayano came around the corner, and her sword was out...
She stopped as she saw no one there.
Lelouch meneuved and dropped down behind her, lowering his shotgun. Ayano stiffened in place. Glancing, either way, he confirmed no one else was around. "Move, and you're dead."
Ayano halted.
Lelouch could fix this right here and now. He could blow her insides all over the bus stop and have her out of his hair. After all, she was involved in drugs; she'd probably killed innocent people before. And her attack on Lelouch was completely unwarranted.
No.
Lelouch could kill her now. But that might make her comrades seek revenge. Yes, if he let her go, she might come after him again. But she might also accept defeat and become a better person, or even a contact. He could not say which it would be.
It would be presumptuous to kill someone like this. Akin to playing God.
Who was Lelouch to pronounce judgment? Black King had been a certainty, he'd have killed them all. Even if Black King had not wanted them dead, he'd have to do it to preserve respect. But this was not the same.
"Don't turn around. Sheathe your sword," said Lelouch. And she obeyed. "Now, walk sideways until you are facing the exit."
"Are you going to kill me," said Ayano.
"Not today," said Lelouch. "Start running, and don't come after me again.
"Go."
Ayano ran.
Lelouch watched her sprint down the exist. A moment later, the soup kitchen exploded into pieces. He stared in shock. Had someone used explosives to blow the building up? Why? Surely it could have been used for something out?
Was destroying the building a symbol? A symbol of what?
Not tolerating the feeding of the hungry? It was so unnecessary and stupid. It didn't even hurt Lelouch. Because now he'd be getting the insurance money he would not have gotten for abandoning it.
Maybe someone just liked blowing stuff up?
He certainly hoped someone did, because otherwise they've had some perfectly good explosives.
Either way, Lelouch didn't stick around long. He quickly ran along to the next bus stop, disassembling the gun as he did. Throwing it over the side of the highway, he cursed as he remembered he'd forgotten to throw away his uniform. Ripping off the false beard he tossed that away and considered going back for it.
No.
The Fierce Yamato might be around there. If they were, they'd kill him for sure. Lelouch hadn't actually committed any crimes. Just dressed up as a police officer. It was a good thing he hadn't killed off Ayano. If he'd stained a bus stop red with blood, it would lead to a lot of questions.
Tossing the shotgun away, he ran on. Coming to the next bus stop, he took wipes out of his pocket and used them to clean his face as best he could. Falling to one knee, he breathed deeply, then checked behind him. No one.
So many bus stops.
So few pedestrians. There was no good reason people shouldn't stand waiting at these places to get around. But they lived in fear, fear of each other, fear of the other, fear of the government, and their would-be liberators. Looking out over the decayed ruins, Lelouch grasped how terrible this world was.
But, oddly enough, the knowledge only made him more determined to fight. Every action had consequences, good and ill. Whatever small effects he was making, perhaps they could make the world better. And if God was organizing all this subtly behind the scenes as part of some elaborate strategy...
Well, if Lelouch could think of ways to make use of his good deeds, surely an omnipotent deity would see far more. Perhaps the fierce Yamato would become better people. Or perhaps their actions here would lead to good people cracking down on crime. There was a myriad of good things that could happen from today.
So why not every day?
Lelouch tipped the bus driver on his way back and got off the stop in the best mood he'd been in a long time. Coming to find Milly and Shirley at the meeting place, he waved.
"Lulu, you're here," said Shirley.
"Yes, I am," said Lelouch with a smile. "We might have some problems later. But for now, why don't we enjoy ourselves." He paused and saw Shirley was wearing a white dress which left a lot of cleavages. He also saw Milly was wearing a matching red one. The two of them together made for a nice view. And better company. "You both look nice."
"Well, it was a spur of the moment thing," said Milly. "I'd prefer it if you bore with me."
"Do you want me to get something better to wear?" asked Lelouch. "So, um, I need to get changed into something better. Also, to say goodbye to Nunnally. Then we can go to dinner and a movie?"
"That sounds good to me," said Shirley.
It was going to be a good night. Especially since he didn't have any bloodstains on him.