Turn 14: Calm Before the Storm

It's a good thing I wear the mask to 'work'. Because even though it's two days later? I have been told I STILL have that 'I just got laid' grin on my face.

The lovey-dovey atmosphere around Suzaku and myself at Ashford prompted the obvious rumors about what happened. Rumors, that quickly escalated when I said it was no-one's business and kissed Suzaku in full view again.

Kallen didn't care much, at the time. Sadly, as we were walking on our way to the Black Knights HQ, CC decided that she needed her daily dose of shit disturbing.

"Argh! Cut it out!" a frustrated Kallen yells at my witch, who will not stop teasing her.

"Oh, but Tsundere-chan? Wouldn't you like to see the pictures?" CC says with a knowing leer.

I raise an eyebrow. Rather blatant, aren't you? Not that I object to the pictures. Cheesecake photos are fun.

"CC, just the clean photos. We don't want to overwhelm our poor, innocent Q-1's fragile psyche," I say with the snarkiest tone I can muster.

Kallen purses her lips, and then nods, "Fine, I'm curious about why Suzaku can't stop blushing when he looks at you two. But no porn!"

"Buzzkill," CC and I mutter as the greenette flicks through her photo album.

Kallen's mouth hangs open looking at the first photo. CC laying on her stomach facing the camera dressed in pink lingerie, finger teasing the corner of her mouth with a coy expression.

Do I detect a hint of red cheeks?

The next one is Suzaku in a runner's stance, wearing a tight shirt and a very small pair of shorts. The side-shot showcases his muscular legs and focused expression.

Q-1 makes an O-shape with her lips. Probably because she's never seen Suzaku without an Ashford uniform, since she dodges gym class.

The third, though? Myself as 'Lelucia' in black lingerie, laying out on a bed, hair splayed out behind my head, an...well, 'innocent' is probably the wrong word. Let's say, 'thoughtful' expression, looking to the side, sunlight streaming in from the open window.

Most of these were taken after our night of debauchery and lust. Milly did want some compensation for missing out, and this seemed like a reasonable recompense.

I start chuckling at the beginnings of a nosebleed on Kallen's face.

"No way. There is no way a guy is that pretty...nope. It's edited. Just not possible...," she whispers to herself.

The next photo makes her avert her eyes after a few moments. 'Lelucia' tied up with shibari and a ball gag, from the night of our threesome.

"Hey! What happened to no porn?!" she hisses at me, her face cherry red.

I shake my head, "Shibari may be the art of erotic bondage, but as our history and art classes at Ashford should have taught you, the human body is one of, if not THE most often referenced form in art."

I don't know that what I just said is true. But it feels like it is.

The glare just makes her that much more attractive.

I sigh, rubbing where my forehead is on my mask.

"Kallen, think of it as erotic art. Do you consider Botticelli's 'Birth of Venus' to be porn? Or Michelangelo's 'David'?"

"That's not the point. You're just using the art excuse to annoy me. You and your wife are just perverts," she says crossing her arms.

Wife? I blink at that remark.

"CC, are we married?" I say turning to her.

She looks up from her phone, "Not that I'm aware of, dear."

I turn back to a smirking Kallen, "See? And no ring on either of our fingers, either."

She barks out a laugh, "Ha! You just proved my point."

She turns back to CC, who looks up from her phone.

"Yes?"

Kallen looks her in the eyes, "I'm going to guess that Mr. Tall, Dark and Skinny over there is with Suzaku as well as you, right?"

Skinny?! I'll have you know I've put on at least 15 lbs of muscle. I'm a lean, mean, sexy machine.

CC's response is a shark-like grin, "Oh, Kallen, if you want a taste too, all you have to do is ask."

Kallen blushes, but steels her gaze.

"I'm not saying yes. I'm not saying no, yet. I just want to know if you mind if he and I take some time to figure this out."

CC's expression instantly goes deadpan, "If you haven't figured it out by now, you're utterly hopeless. We're both serious about wanting you."

Kallen looks around to see if anyone is looking, then gives CC a short, but clearly not chaste kiss on the lips.

CC pouts, her lips turned down in a frown, "That's all? You really know how to tease a girl."

I'm clenching my jaw, trying not to laugh at Kallen actually teasing CC.

Our Red Queen turns around, eyes on me.

"I know you're trying not to laugh. Drop the mask a sec."

I shrug and pull my cloak up higher, removing the mask after making sure no one is behind me.

She struts over, face still red.

"I still don't get how a guy is this pretty," she mutters as I get my own kiss. Huh. Strawberry lipstick? Good taste.

I lick my lips slowly, "I suppose we deserved that. So what now?" I say, tossing the mask back on.

"You two are a huge pain in the ass," she grumbles, looking between us.

"Not half as much as Suzaku was in Lulu's," CC quips, her tongue slowly licking across her front teeth.

Kallen rubs the bridge of her nose in frustration before responding.

"Huge pains...but...despite the insanity of it, I'm actually starting to like you and your entourage, Zero."

I wave a hand at her to continue, "Meaning...?"

She smirks, "Meaning if you want me? You'll have to work for it. Because I'm not going to make it easy."

She blows a kiss, winks, and then walks off with a slight sway in her hips.

I'm dead certain CC's eyes are glued to Kallen's ass the same way mine are.

"That ass..." I whisper.

"I know. It's hypnotic, isn't it?"

"She's starting to get interested," I say, smirking under the mask. "It's just a matter of time."

CC closes her eyes, purring to herself, "Mmm, I may let her take the lead if I can wind her up enough. It's been awhile since any woman was fierce enough to try and Dom me."

Now that, I would pay to see.

"But only after I show her how only a woman, can please another woman," she says with a catty smirk.

"Should I be insulted on behalf of my gender?"

She pats me on the head, before slowly rubbing her hand on my bulge. "Different kind of pleasure. I do like both kinds, but there are ways that only a woman knows. Much like you and Suzaku please each other in ways that I can't."

She's got me there. I still get hard, thinking about riding Suzaku's huge, throbbing...

Not. The. Time. I Am On The Job.

I shake my head to clear off the cobwebs, "We really need to get back to work. I know we've been on downtime and staying underground, for the most part. But it's been long enough that we need to do something in order to keep our momentum going."

Unfortunately, as we walk in, I can already tell Murphy was listening in. Because guess who's standing around waiting?

"They're more professional than I expected. What do you think, Asahina?" Senba Ryoga, second in command of the group.

"Surprisingly good for a resistance group. Still, their principles are a tad off."

The Four Holy Swords. Which means they're here to ask for help jailbreaking their boss.

You know what? Fuck this. They haven't even noticed I'm in earshot before they started mouthing off about MY organization's principles.

"If you have a problem with our principles, you can say it to my face like a man instead of speaking behind my back like a gutless worm," I growl at them as they turn around in surprise.

Urabe gives a glare to Asahina and then a short bow to me, "My apologies, Zero-dono. We have come to ask for your help after being sent by Kyoto."

I look around, "Judging by your master not being here, can I assume something has happened to the Colonel?"

Chiba grimaces, her fist tightening. "It's all your fault..." she whispers fiercely.

CC gives her an infuriating smirk upon hearing that. I should know, she's done it to me a few times. Well, most people find it infuriating. It just makes me want to kiss her.

"You don't have to be shy, Nagisa-chan. You're among friends here. Well, aside from what Katase did at Narita, anyway," she says, filing her nails.

"It's all your fault! The JLF's reputation is ruined because of you! No one is willing to help us! And because of that, the Colonel was captured when he sacrificed himself to save us!"

A worthy action. However? Chiba clearly didn't learn anything from our last meeting.

"You're showing...frankly, an astonishing lack of awareness about your situation, Lieutenant," I say with a tone as flat as the concrete we're standing on.

I gesture around us, "You have the gall, the utter GALL!" I say, yelling the last word.

"To dare and insult us, and then ask for our help in the same breath. Tell me, why should I waste my men, my resources, to aid you ungrateful louts?" I sniff, crossing my arms under my cloak.

She reddens in fury, marching over to yell in my face, when I tap the side of my helmet, causing an alert signal to start broadcasting over the PA.

*WOOO! WOO! WOOO!*

Instantly, every Black Knight in the hangar we're in takes aim at the Swords, a few stepping close with melee weapons like wrenches and chains.

I hold up my hand in a stop gesture, tapping the same button to turn off the alert with my other hand, and slowly walk to stand a few feet from them.

After pulling out a joint and taking a deep inhale, I speak, blowing smoke out.

"Actions have consequences, Holy Swords. As a consequence of Katase's betrayal? Nearly all of the Black Knights despise the JLF. Particularly after the After-Action Report that I wrote a day later."

And wasn't that a pleasant surprise? Even without including Katase's final 'fuck you', the troops had not been happy to learn just how close we had come to victory, only for the general's incompetence to cost us the battle.

As a result, I have cemented their loyalty to myself most expediently. On the other hand, it might make integrating the old JLF harder later.

Bah. Better a core of steadfastly loyal troops, than a horde of halfhearted ones.

I turn to address the Black Knights, "Let us not forget however, that Katase, despite being the leader of the JLF, is not them in totality. There will come a time when the remnants of the Japanese Liberation Front will need shelter and aid."

I gesture with my hand, palm slowly opening, "And we shall give that aid without hesitation. For unlike them, we do not abandon allies."

I close my fist and raise it above my head suddenly, "But should they wish to continue fighting? They must forsake the banner of the JLF, and instead take up the BANNER OF JUSTICE! To fight for what is right! To pledge their loyalty to our cause and to me!"

"天下布武!!!" (Tenka Fubu!)

"ZERO 万歳!" (Long live Zero!)

I lower my hand, looking over my awed and cheering troops, and the thoughtful JLF soldiers. Chiba's scowl has reduced itself to a frown, and Asahina appears to be considering my words. Senba and Urabe appear neutral, but that's fine. They're not the ones I need to keep an eye on.

"I shall meet with the Swords in private to discuss their request. See that they hand over all their weapons before they see me."

Senba's eyes narrow, "That is a grave insult. You are implying that we cannot be trusted to act honorably."

I tilt my head to the side, "As I recall, one of you has already proven that to be the case. Be grateful I have not identified them among your number."

The elder statesman of the swords nods slowly, "Very well, we shall do as you request."

Asahina adjusts his glasses, his face rigid. Oh boo-fucking-hoo. I offended your precious honor? Kiss my white Britannian ass.

CC and I turn to leave, observing the four Japanese patriots hand over their small arms.

"Do you think I'll need backup?"

CC looks up from her phone, and then shakes her head.

"Ohgi would be too respectful, and Kallen is just looking for an excuse to punch somebody from the JLF after being denied her fight with Cornelia."

Hmm. And none of the other Black Knights are high-ranking enough to warrant attending. Pity Kaguya or Reid aren't here, now. Ahhh, there's a thought. And she's an unknown party to them as well.

"Let's bring in Dr. Chawla, shall we?"

My witch's eyebrow quirks up, "She's not a politician or military. Why her?"

I smirk under my mask, "That, is one reason why, right there. The other is a demonstration of our power. Rakshata's been looking for pilots for her new Gekka units. And we just so happen to have five..."

She giggles as she leans on my shoulder, "Clever boy. A dismissal and an open hand in the same statement."

I pass her the joint as we sit down to wait, "How do you think they would take being told who's really in charge now, I wonder?" I muse out loud.

CC rolls the joint in her lips as she turns over the idea in her head.

"I wouldn't. Not yet. Wait until Kyoto has sworn themselves to you first, then bring down the gauntlet."

I lean my mask on my fist, "You should know that Asahina and Chiba are not to be trusted."

She blows out a smoke ring, and then hops into my lap, raising my chin up with one hand.

"That's readily apparent, given their reaction thus far. But you wouldn't say something so obvious. So..., what would they do, on the road not taken?" she says as she snuggles herself to my chest.

I stroke her hair slowly. What indeed? Things have changed. The path of what would have been is diverging more and more. Soon, I will not be able to rely on it at all. And already many things will not happen.

Suzaku is mine, heart and soul. Jeremiah knows his true master. Nunnally has grown into the full strength of her heritage. Alice...well, that was a complete curveball.

Even Ohgi, whom I was tempted to outright court martial or kill...even he has changed. Perhaps I should introduce him to Agent Villetta.

"I may have diverted the river from its course, but their behavior up to now means they are still capable of being problems in the future."

I sigh as I lean back, "They were part of a coup d'état. A plot to assassinate me. Things went so very, very wrong..." I say softly.

She sits up, eyes sharpening. And then walks over and taps the wall comms unit.

"Tell the Swords to wait a few minutes. Zero needs to take care of something."

She marches back and resumes her seat, this time straddling me.

"Take the mask off, Lulu. And then you're going to tell me everything."

"CC, I—"

She pulls my shirt by the lapels, "No. I understand your keeping secrets from everyone else. But I'm your accomplice, your witch. And I need to know."

Her eyes are so captivating. It would be easy to miss the emotion being portrayed in them.

The emotion of longing. Of yearning for something to prove that WE matter. That I can trust her with my secrets.

I disengage the locking mechanism and lean my head on her chest. She's right, of course. She, above all the others, should know.

"It was a darker path. Suzaku would not be turned by words or logic. Without the use of Geass to force him to confront his inner demons, he would have continued his suicidal course, and constantly thwarted my plans."

She snorts, "Your boyfriend is one of the most twisted and innocent people I've ever met. He's not healed, you know that, right?"

I nod slowly, "It will take time. And the help of someone else to fix him."

"Your pretty pink sister?"

I crack a wan smile at the quip, "Euphie is so delightfully innocent and magnanimous. In a better world, she could lead the people of Britannia into a shining future."

And...that was her downfall.

"Euphemia discovered my identity. And in her own naive way, she tried to help. By setting up a free zone for the Japanese."

CC's face pauses, cycling through emotions before settling on incredulity signified by a raised eyebrow.

"How mindlessly stupid and childish. As if such a thing would ever work."

I shrug, "It was a foolish dream. But a beautiful one. And the other Lelouch, moved by her sincerity, chose to aid her."

I flare my Geass on. The burning crimson of the Power of the King. The source of so much misery in the original timeline.

"And then it all fell apart. My Geass went out of control. A harmless joke transformed into tragic comedy."

She frowns and grips my chin, "What joke?"

"'I could even say "Kill all the Japanese," and you would have no choice but to obey.'"

I shudder at the idea of it. To do that to sweet, gentle Euphie? Small wonder Lelouch snapped in the original timeline.

"...You killed her, didn't you?"

I blink at the sentence. That was ingenious. How did you...?

"You're asking how I knew? Because without a way to break the Geass, Euphemia would murdered countless people. And one thing hasn't changed about you: you would not let that happen," she smiles sadly as she strokes my hair.

I tear up a bit as I shudder, "Everything went to hell, after that. Even after I was defeated after almost taking Tokyo, it still got worse..."

I leave nothing out. I tell her of VV's interference, of Suzaku's blood vendetta, of Nina's science project turned super weapon. And...how I had almost lost her and Nunnally.

"I was at my lowest ebb. Shirley dead, arguably my fault. Nunnally presumed dead, my fault and Suzaku's. Your mind shattered..., definitely my fault."

She plants a kiss on my forehead, "Tell me what happened next, and how it all ended."

"The Black Knights were told of my Geass by Schneizel. And fools that they were, they trusted him. Chiba and Asahina convinced Tohdoh to back the coup. Viletta, had I not Geassed her, would have testified that my Geass had been used on her and others, thus cementing Ohgi's betrayal for love. THAT is why I do not trust them."

"How did it all end?"

I stare into her eyes, "Despite stopping the Sword, despite defeating my father and Schneizel, despite my victories...the heart of Lelouch vi Britannia was empty and dead."

I bow my head, thinking on the tragedy averted.

"He portrayed himself as the Demon Emperor, ruling the world as a tyrant worse than Charles could ever be...only to be cast down and assassinated in broad daylight by the miraculous return of Zero."

"Suzaku."

I nod solemnly. The last crime of the 99th Emperor. The final nail in Suzaku Kururugi's forsaken heart.

"Who else but Suzaku, could know my heart so? Who else, would I have deigned worthy of being my executioner in such a grandly orchestrated public suicide?" I say wistfully.

*slap*

Ow.

CC is glaring angrily at me. Such raw and violent anger. An intoxicating visage.

"And how did I take this, this masquerade constructed by a broken heart?" she whispers vehemently.

I bow my head, knowing that I can only speak the truth.

"Sorrowful acceptance. I would not be swayed from my course, and your heart had opened up enough to want to live again. And because of that, you acceded to my wishes to go to death with a smile..."

She's angry. Offended, even. The path has indeed changed. Instead of an accomplice, a witch using me even as I used her? I instead have a tempestuous and magnificent queen, one who wishes to stand by my side.

"Was I truly so heartless...? Did I love you?"

I sigh and rock her against my chest.

"I believe you did, but the nature of it escapes me. Perhaps you did as a woman, and that version of me was too twisted in his own agenda to care. Perhaps it was as a partner, a close family member."

Her composure breaks and she suddenly starts laughing. "Hahahaha! Merde, you died a virgin, didn't you?"

I raise an eyebrow at that one. Low blow, but you seem to be feeling better.

"THAT'S what you got from all that? Really?"

She tosses her hair, smirking. "You were right. That version of Lelouch vi Britannia is not you. For one thing, he wouldn't be kneading my ass cheeks with his idle hands."

I look behind her to see she's right, fingers lowering, only for her to stop the retraction with her hand and put them back.

She licks my ear, smiling, "I didn't say stop. You have such good hands for massage."

I close my eyes, snorting, "So you're not angry with me anymore?"

"No. But I think I'm going to want a ring at some point eventually, 'honey'," she says teasingly.

Something for the future. And I admit, some part of me is looking forward to that idea.

"That wasn't you. And I know you're better than that. You're more willing to open up, and to hurt others enough to make them stand up TO you," she whispers softly.

She kisses me, lips mashing together as I purr.

"And as insane as it sounds?" she whispers as the kiss breaks. "I believe in you. I actually think you might be able to destroy the Code."

She giggles as she grinds against me, "After all? You got a heartless old woman like me to open her heart up and do some cradle robbing."

I facepalm at that remark. I HAAATE that term. Even if it is true.

"CC, for the love of hell, please don't ever use that phrase again," I groan.

A knock on the door means that the Swords are coming in.

I glance around hurriedly, looking for my mask, only for CC to ahem and hold in one of her hands.

I give her a peck on the cheek and throw it back on, locking mechanism back in place just as the Swords enter.

And observe CC straddling my lap. In hindsight, maybe not the most favorable position to be caught in.

Could be worse. My mask could be off, or we could have been caught in flagrante delicto.

Urabe coughs, gagging on his tongue as he averts his eyes.

Asahina is clearly offended but not saying anything.

Senba actually seems amused at the breach of proprietary.

And Chiba is just plain flabbergasted.

"W-w-what the hell? Why are you acting so brazenly? Have some pride as a woman!"

I smirk under my mask. Keep digging that hole, Chiba.

"Little girl, do not presume to lecture ME on what is proper conduct for a woman." Saying that, she turns sideways, settling on my lap.

Were this Tohdoh, I'd actually ask her to cut it out. As it is? I'm feeling just a touch vindictive.

And here's the last addition to our gathering.

"Ah, Rakshata. How goes the work on your son and his nephews?"

The blonde doctor raises an eyebrow, puffing on her pipe, "Quite well. My Gekkas are eager for partners, and my son is being put through his paces."

She sits down on a couch, amused at CC's brazenness.

"So, the Four Holy Swords. Playing matchmaker for my children already?" she chortles.

Senba steps forward, his demeanor clearly amused but wanting to talk seriously.

"Zero, the remains of the JLF are here to ask for your help in freeing Colonel Tohdoh from Gifu Prison before he's possibly executed. Will you help us?"

Gifu? Oh god, I never caught that reference. That's just hilarious. And there are plenty of prisoners we could use as additional troops there.

However, these dogs need to brought to heel first.

"I have nothing but contempt for the remains of the accursed JLF. They will get nothing from me save shelter."

I stroke CC's hair as she smirks, eyes gleaming with mischief.

"But for allies of Justice seeking to pledge themselves to my banner? Of course I'd be willing to help," I say slyly.

Lelouch was far too even-handed with these fools. There is but one cause and one master they shall serve.

Justice, and the Demon King of the Sixth Heaven.

Asahina bristles at the bald-faced insult, "So you will abandon Tohdoh of Miracles for the sake of your own greed? I knew you were an honorless scoundrel..."

CC sighs and turns to look him in the eye, "It's not like it's anything your general Katase wouldn't have done. And is it greed to be cautious of people you blatantly don't trust?"

Urabe's eyes go wide, "The General and Tohdoh may have disagreed at times, but he would never have—!"

I hit a button, starting the playback of our final conversation. It's rather amusing to see them reacting to the craven and despicable nature of the real face of the general.

By the time it's finished, most of them are solemn faced and downcast. Except for Chiba, who's incredulous.

"This is a trick...a false recording! There's no way Katase would ever say that!"

I lean forward, "Then do you deny his final broadcast that cost my army the field at Narita? Or the fire of the Akatsuki that consumed the mountain? Come now, let us not quibble over details we both know are facts, however uncomfortable they may be."

I pat CC's ass, signaling that I need to stand. As entertaining as it is to fluster their conservative sensibilities, I suppose I do need to be a bit serious.

Getting up from my very comfortable position, I pace.

"It is perhaps unfair to condemn a man I just met so harshly. He may simply have snapped from seeing the inevitable doom of the JLF fast encroaching. Or perhaps he believed that anything was better than a Japan that would never resume its former place as a major player in the world."

I shake my head sadly. I don't care, personally, but they don't need to know that.

"Regardless, what's done is done. Yes, I was nakedly opportunistic in scapegoating your group. Yes, I have plans beyond Japan. And yes, I am perfectly willing to throw you to the wolves if you try and backstab me again," I snark, glaring behind the reflective mask.

I pull out a lighter, relighting the joint in CC's hand.

My witch takes a puff, reveling in the taste before responding.

"Alternatively, you can let go of your wasted pride and do something actually worthwhile. Join Zero and take the fight to Britannia. We'll even throw in some new weapons for you. Dr Chawla?" she says, rolling the joint in her fingers.

Rakshata pulls a datapad from her pocket, bringing up schematics of a sleek Knightmare Frame with angular edges holding a peculiar sword.

"The nephews of my darling Guren. The Gekkas are a prototype production version that I plan to use as the basis for a new mass production unit in the future. Their performance is superior to even Gloucesters."

Asahina hums in thought before looking up, his eyes calculating and cold.

"And all we need do is forsake our oaths to Colonel Tohdoh, to Japan itself in exchange? Even with how impressive these machines are, you dare to ask-!"

"Asahina! Enough. I'll speak for the group," Ryoga says, wearily.

I can tell he doesn't enjoy being in charge. Seems that's a common affliction among competent officers.

"Like herding cats?" I quip.

I can tell he's trying not to smile at that crack.

"Zero, we need your help. And I will not deny that the JLF is rotting in its grave at this point. But...what you ask of us...is not mine to offer," he says, bowing.

I bow in return, which surprises them. Senba Ryoga clearly doesn't understand why.

"I find it refreshing to have someone actually give me a straightforward honest response. And I honor your loyalty to Tohdoh," I say, raising my head.

That's enough hardball. Time to cut a deal.

"A compromise, then. Rakshata, do you think that the Gekka units participating in the prison raid would yield useful data?"

The blonde taps the ash out of her pipe, "Perhaps. Trashing Sutherlands might be worth something..."

Let's raise the bet then. I know what you'll really like, Doctor.

"Would fighting the Lancelot perk your interest more?" I say smoothly, eyes twinkling mischievously.

She turns towards me sharply, grin forming and widening.

"You really do spoil my children. How can you be sure the Earl's creation will be there?"

"Because I know who the Colonel's executioner will be."

Chiba's eyes widen at that sentence. A mix of horror and nervous energy taking hold of her.

"Who?! Who is Britannia's butcher dispatched to kill him?!"

"Kururugi Suzaku."

Rakshata raises an eyebrow, "The former prime minister's son? My, that's a peculiar choice."

"Suzaku was a student of the Colonel, and is a controversial figure in the local military. It's likely something Cornelia came up with to test his loyalty," CC drawls.

Close. Nelly would rather have used the Glastons, in my opinion.

"Actually, I believe this to be General Darlton's idea. It is likely that he is pushing for the Lancelot's deployment after Q-1 almost crushed Cornelia."

Hmm. Actually, that gives me an idea. I don't need the full force for this mission. And the prison raid will gather a lot of attention...

"The deal is such. I get test data for Dr Chawla's Gekkas, and the other prisoners. You get to help free your master. Take it or leave it."

I stare dead on at the Swords as they discuss the proposal. They'll say yes. It's obvious. They don't have any choice.

And while we're doing the breakout? Kallen and a crack squadron will launch a raid on the Akibahara supply depot.

It's one of the largest supply areas in the Kanto area. Well defended, in the city limits, a crack defense force.

Or at least, that's the public perception of it. Intelligence, however, says Cornelia sicced Guilford on the local garrisons in order to whip them into shape. In this case, that's actually part of the problem.

Akibahara has a critical flaw. Namely, they're overconfident. Secure in their position and the fact that no one has attacked the base in years. Largely due to the proximity of the city and possible high speed response from the Viceroy's palace. As such, the base garrison is undermanned, trusting in the threat of the main army's protection and the formidable exterior defenses.

But what if someone were to dig a hole up into the base...?

While a simultaneous and much more high profile attack was going on? With the strongest enemy unit at the opposite end of town, and the reinforcements dispatched in that direction?

Why, whoever was smart enough to think of that, would able to plunder the base at will.

And no one would figure it out until it was too late.

"Zero, we accept your offer. We shall join you for the duration of the Gifu Prison raid. Beyond that? It is in Colonel Tohdoh's hands," Senba says, extending a hand.

I smile demonically as I grasp his hand., "Excellent. We have an accord."

Still, given that Narita went tits-up? Best to prepare a contingency or two.

All conditions have been met.