Chapter Five: Hostile Takeover
It was a day after they'd broken up the riot. Villetta had not been expecting this invitation, but she was far from complaining.
Clad in her uniform, Villetta made her way into the balcony and found Prince Clovis waiting. She'd contemplated wearing a nice dress or something but decided that doing so would be a bad idea. She suspected there was another reason for her presence.
Prince Clovis was sitting at a table, looking out over the ocean, toward Britannia to the east. Bartley, a portly, dark-skinned Honorary Britannian, was sitting across from him. Clovis looked up and motioned. "Ah, Villetta Nu, please come, sit."
Villetta moved forward, feeling awkward. She sat down, trying to appear graceful while remembering all those parties. She'd seen them from the outside back home. "I'm honored to be invited here personally, Prince Clovis."
"Nonsense, it is the purpose of a Prince to remain in touch with his subordinates," said Clovis. "How do you think I get anything done. Would you care for some wine?"
"I don't drink alcohol," said Villetta.
"Well, to each their own. Tea then," said Clovis, motioning to a servant, who brought forth cups and a kettle. They poured each of them tea, and they drank. "I've just received news from the front. Lord Jeremiah has lured out a contingent of JLF forces and wiped them out. We've already arranged a documentary for it to be made. The footage of the destroyed Britannian base contrasted with our glorious victory. It should turn heads."
"No doubt in a few months, no one will even remember yesterday's regrettable events." He sipped his tea, and Villetta did the same quickly. "You did excellent work helping us against the riot."
"Thank you, Prince Clovis," said Villetta, remembering the aftermath of the massacre. A lot of Britannians had been killed, but Villetta didn't actually mind. She didn't know any of them, and they had been causing problems for Britannia. Villetta had mowed down her fair share of crowds during some of her military actions. What did it matter what their blood was? But that would not be an appropriate thing to say to Prince Clovis. "However, I didn't anticipate the Britannians rushing the police line like that."
"It's unfortunate that things escalated like that, of course," said Clovis. "Things can get out of hand when dealing with mobs. I had hoped to avoid any Britannian casualties, but, well, I suppose not all plans go off without a hitch.
"Damage control is necessary, and that is where you come in.
"Bartley, if you would."
Bartley drew out a bag and then a data chip in a secure case. "We have compiled footage of the day's events, selectively edited to convey the message we need to make. It is of the utmost importance that these events not spiral out of control. This Zero character has damaged the economy. People aren't as willing to invest when they feel bad about their country. And the anti-war demonstrations have caused arms workers to drop in productivity.
"Already many of the moderates are becoming bolder-"
"Enough, Bartley," said Clovis. "Ms. Nu is no doubt more interested in her particular field of expertise.
"So get to the point."
"Yes, of course," said Bartley. "I need you to take this footage to the news station anchor, Malcolm. He's at the Media Building in the Tokyo Settlement. A meeting has already been arranged."
"Isn't this courier work?" asked Villetta before she could stop herself. Idiot.
"Why you-" began Bartley.
"Enough, Bartley," said Clovis. "I admit this kind of work is a bit beneath you. However, I need someone not associated with my organization to deliver the footage. It leaves fewer trails.
"And I trust you completely despite that.
"This fiasco must be kept under wraps for both our organizations to flourish."
Viletta nodded. "I see your point, Prince Clovis. But this meeting..."
"Don't be absurd, we're just having lunch together," said Clovis. "The tabloids will report on me wining and dining a beautiful woman, nothing more."
"I see," said Villetta, wondering if she should have put on a dress.
"Now, bring in the first course," said Clovis.
Lunch was excellent, and Villetta said polite nothings while Clovis talked. He spoke little of affairs of state and mostly spoke of arts and culture. It turned out he was something of a painter, and on her way out, she'd seen several paintings of his. Of particular note were pictures of a violet-eyed boy and longhaired blonde girl. The two were standing beneath their mother in a scenic gazebo.
It was entitled:
Empress Marianne and her children.
The lost Prince and Princess, both killed in the invasion of Japan but never found. Jeremiah had been a guard at the Aries Villa during that time. Villetta couldn't really remember their names, but the pictures were truly well made.
Villetta was sure to be seen examining them. She had no interest in art, of course, and even less in Royalty. But appearances were important to this kind of thing.
"Oh, you've seen it," said Clovis behind her.
Villetta glanced back. "Oh, yes, they're of Empress Marianne before her assassination."
"Yes," said Clovis. "I was on good terms with her and her children. I always used to play chess with her son, Lelouch. Of course, he would always win. The boy rarely smiled and was a bit of an introvert.
"When Marianne was assassinated, and Nunnally crippled, he made a political blunder. He publically demanded an explanation from the Emperor. It got him sent to Japan as political hostages. I searched for them a great deal when I came here, but I was never able to find them."
"Yes, I've heard the story," lied Villetta, who paid no attention to court drama. "I remember when I read about what happened, I couldn't sleep at all." Put the sympathy in your voice. When the invasion of Japan had gone down, she'd been working as a servant. "If you'll excuse me, Prince Clovis, I should get this to Malcolm."
"Of course," said Clovis.
Socializing was an art form.
It was all about getting the other person to believe you were in their camp. All while saying nothing that could peg you as a liar. Generally, you said little. You smiled and nodded and let them take you as an extension of yourselves. You used them to advance beyond and then cut contact once it could endanger your new social status.
Villetta had a very good feeling about all this as she walked to the Media Building. It was a skyscraper and the only place where the news was allowed. Britannian News Media had a lot ago stopped being a private affair. Everything in the colonies was controlled to ensure the state remained strong.
The homeland had some private newspapers, with oversight, of course. And the Washington Party was a constant thorn, but everything that was said on TV was said here. It was a magnificent building with works of art and elevators—one complete with servants waiting to press the keys.
Things were going well for Villetta.
This job was a simple one, but it showed she was viewed as useful. If she could just keep this up, she could use it as an in for her nobility. As long as Villetta didn't get ahead of herself and screw up, she'd be fine.
Stay focused.
Villetta approached the desk and found a secretary busily typing away. For a moment, she waited. "Excuse me; I'm Villetta Nu. I'd like to talk with Malcolm."
The woman glanced up, having not seen her. "Ah, yes, of course. I'll send you up right away." She pressed a button. "Malcolm, it's Nu for you."
And so Villetta Nu made her way into the elevator. It was very nice, with cloth walls and everything. As it went higher, Villetta imagined living in an apartment with this kind of decoration. Maybe with servants and silver on the walls. She imagined wearing ballroom dresses of the sort she'd seen her half-sisters wearing. Then she'd be the one that handsome nobles pursued and tried to speak of.
That reminded her, Villetta needed to do some research on Kallen Staftfeld at some point. Probably once she completed her business here. This was a long elevator ride, wasn't it? Drawing out her phone, Villetta checked the internet for any news from Zero.
Apparently, Zero, or someone pretending to be Zero, had been busy.
In the homeland, 'Zero' had infiltrated the meatpacking industry. Reading what she found there made Villetta feel sick to her stomach, and she turned to a different page. In other places and colonies, 'Zero' has been reporting on corruption and other things. If Zero was one person, then he must have excellent time management skills.
The elevator dinged, and Villetta shut the phone down and put it away. Walking into the hall, she made her way into the top floor. Making her way through the propaganda ministers, because none of them were reporters. Eventually, she found her mark. Malcolm, she'd been given a picture of him, was a portly man with a brown mustache. He sat in his desk, and next to him was Deitard Reid.
"Malcolm, I'm told you're known for loyalty to Britannia," said Villetta. She sat down of her own volition.
"Of course," said Malcolm. "We as the press have as our purpose to assist the reign of Prince Clovis in whatever way we can. This is Deitard, our star reporter."
"Mr. Reid, I've heard glowing reviews," said Villetta. Reid tended to take risks and show things that were a bit controversial.
"Yes, well, the best fiction uses elements of the truth," said Deitard flatly.
"You'll have to forgive Deitard, he's a bit of a cynic," said Malcolm. "At any rate, what can we do for the office of Prince Clovis?"
"Well, first off, we have some invitations for you and your staff," said Villetta. She then provided some invitations to a number of parties. "And second, we have this." She offered the data chip.
"What is it?" asked Malcolm.
"Footage of the recent disturbance at the protests," said Villetta. "Violence broke out when a terrorist attacked, and a great many people were hurt. Prince Clovis feels it is vital that the population of both settlements understand."
"Of course, Deitard, see to it at once," said Malcolm.
Deitard frowned. "We could look at it first, Malcolm? You stopped me from taking my own footage after all."
"Why bother when we're duty-bound to run it anyway," said Malcolm with a shrug.
And then the elevator opened and into the office walked what looked like a cosplayer. He wore a black helmet shaped like a chesspiece. A long, black, leather cape was around his shoulders, hiding his body from view.
"Ladies and the gentlemen of the press, I have some footage I'd like you to run on every channel, international." His voice was modulated and dark, almost demonic with a mocking tinge.
"Who the hell are you?" asked a man.
"You, what right do you have to come in here and just start making demands-" began Villetta.
And then the man parted his cape, and Villetta saw a violet jumpsuit. And on it were several liquid Sakuradite bombs, gleaming active on his chest.
"Oh shit," said Villetta.
"Ask instead what I can do with the explosives on my person?" asked the man. "These are pure Sakuradite bombs; if my heart stops, this entire building will be blown sky-high.
"I'd say that would make good television, wouldn't it? It would make a wonderful propaganda piece if any of you were alive to film it."
How the hell had he even afforded that? Malcolm shifted his leg, probably pressing the panic alarm.
"Also, you needn't bother about the panic alarm," said the man. "I already disabled it. Now, why don't we start the story of the century?"
"I'll do it," said Deitard quickly. He sounded bored, rather than scared.
"Deitard!" said Malcolm. "What are you doing?"
"Do you want to die in a fiery explosion?" asked Deitard. "Our patron here isn't giving us an option. Besides, this will send our rating sky high."
"How can you be thinking about ratings at a time like this?!" said Malcolm.
"What else is there?" asked Deitard. "Certainly the truth isn't of any concern to us.
"If you don't mind, Mr..."
"Zero," said the man.
"We just received an official dispatch from Prince Clovis. He has footage of the recent police action outside the Viceroy Palace," said Deitard. "If you are, as I suspect, doing similar footage, why not put up both together." Was he insane?
"What?! Deitard-" began Malcolm.
"Surely Britannia is just," said Deitard. "If Prince Clovis' word is put against the terrorist, no doubt it will be discredited."
Ah, so that was it. Deitard Reid was a man who hated his job. And he was using a terrorist hijacking as an excuse to get back at his boss. There but for the grace of natural selection went Villetta.
"A fair challenge," said Zero. "Let's put both up and see which truth has more bearing on reality."
Then Deitard and Zero moved off. At once, Villetta took out her phone and dialed the most important person she could think of.
"Welcome to Pizza Hut, may I take your order?" said a voice.
"Sorry, wrong number!" said Villetta, hanging up and dialing again,
At last, Clovis answered. "What is this? Why are you calling?"
"Prince Clovis, you've got to kill the Media Buildings Broadcasts now!" said Villetta. "Zero is here, and he's about to play footage of the riots across the international broadcast!"
"What?" said Clovis. "Why can't you stop him?"
"He's rigged himself with explosives," said Villetta. "if I shoot him, the whole building will go up."
"Right, I see," said Clovis. "Fortunately, I have the means to shut such a thing down remotely. Bartley shut it down."
And then there was silence.
"What do you mean the building just suffered a power outage?! Terrorists bombed the power plant! Damn it, why now?! Fix this, you fool!" Then he came back. "Villetta, I need you to destroy the broadcasting antenna! It should be on the roof, go now! If they manage to broadcast something incriminating, it could destroy all of us!"
Villetta nodded. "Yes Prince Clovis, I-"
"Do it now!" said Clovis.
Villetta hung up.
And then the televisions in the room all appeared to show Zero sitting down in front of them. As though he were a news anchor. "Good evening, people of Japan. Including, of course, the many Britannias who wish to serve humanity as well."
Villetta ran up to Malcolm. "You, what's the fastest way up to the top of the roof?"
"Let me first apologize for the disruption caused by this broadcasts," continued Zero. "Much like yourselves, I would much rather remain out of sight and mind. However, in light of certain falsehoods propagated, I can no longer remain silent."
"Where is it?!" shouted Villetta.
"Service entrance! That way!" said Malcolm in a fright.
Villetta pulled out her gun and made a run for it. What useless people.
"I have two pieces of footage for your consideration today. The one is taken by a number of outstanding citizens of today's events. They had planned not to release it at all, out of fear reprisal. As such, I have taken the matter completely out of their hands.
"Second, the official presentation Clovis had been preparing for this timeslot. I have not watched it, however. If you do not wish to be corrupted by deviant thoughts, I recommend you turn to the following channels.
"It is in the arena of truth that these two converging narratives shall compete. You, audiences from across the world, shall be the judge.
"Do enjoy."
Villetta nearly missed the door on her way out and slid to a halt. Scaling up the steps, she saw footage of a conversation between Kallen Stadftfeld. There were two others. Their names didn't seem to be mentioned in the video. None of their names were, which seemed unlikely. Not even Kallen's, Villetta just recognized her.
Had it been edited? Why was she thinking about things like that now of all times?
Coming to the top, she saw helicopters flying around the rooftop. It was shining spotlights down on it.
"Attention, Zero! This is the police! We have you surrounded!" said a man. "Surrender now, and you'll be given a chance to defend yourself in court!"
Rushing over to the antenna, Villetta realized she had no idea how to disable this thing. With only a pistol, she'd have to time it right.
Fuck it.
Drawing her pistol, she pointed it at the fusebox. She'd just fire into the thing and hope she wrecked it.
And then Villetta felt a blade next to her throat. Glancing back, she saw Zero.
"I recommend you step away from the fuse box, Ms. Nu," said Zero. "I'd like to avoid any unnecessary violence."
And then a spotlight was shined down on them by one of the helicopters. "It's Zero! Take him down-"
Zero shot away, and Villetta leaped for cover. As she did, machinegun fire rattled throughout the roof. Two slash harkens ripped up the flagstones of the roof, and Villetta heard a scream. Standing up, she saw Zero moving with inhumane speed. Rising up, Villetta raised a gun and remembered the Sakuradite.
"Stop!" cried Villetta up at them. "He has a bomb!" It could kill her if it went off.
And then the helicopters opened fire on her. The tower near her was ripped to shreds by the weaponry, and Villetta huddled behind the wall. Realizing her cover wouldn't last long, she sprinted forward. Seeing a hole in the ceiling, she leaped down through. Landing beyond, she found herself in a completely wrecked newsroom. A woman was lying on the floor, with rubble all over her, screaming.
Villetta looked at the woman and wished she'd shut up. Still, maybe if she was seen helping her, the police wouldn't try to shoot. Kneeling down, she tried to pull the wreckage off.
"Antenna destroyed," said a voice over the radio. "Mission complete."
What happened after that was a complete blur for Villetta. The woman, apparently, survived and was taken off to the hospital. So did Zero, who had apparently vanished to the lower floors. A full-scale manhunt was carried out, but no sign of him was found.
Villetta didn't remember deciding to head back to her apartment. When she came to, she was sitting on her sofa watching the news report. Looking at her hands, she realized that she'd nearly been mowed down with the terrorists.
Villetta had been part of a lot of purges, but this...
This was what it must have been like to be on the other side of one.
Her eyes focused. "In conclusion, while some of the broadcast was televised, most of it was not. The destructive propaganda was cut short by a brilliant action on the part of the Royal Guard. The broadcasting antenna was destroyed, with minimum casualties.
"Unfortunately, Zero escaped. It seems that whoever he is, he is in possession of considerable martial ability. However, it is now clear how dangerous a man he really is.
"An inquiry was made to Ashford Academy. However, the three students shown in the footage were reported missing. They were found towards the end of the day, tied up and gagged in a closet. Apparently, there were signs of breaking and entering.
"According to them, they had been in the middle of deleting it when they were attacked.
"Still, with the broadcast shut down, Zero's plan has been foiled. It is only a matter of time before-" Villetta shut off the television.
Villetta had been helpless, a lamb to slaughter. If Clovis had wanted everyone in that building dead, she'd be dead.
Never again.
With God as her witness, Villetta would never be that helpless again! She wasn't some filthy eleven who could be killed off and disposed of!
Then she heard a knock on the door. Standing up, she answered and found on the other end, a delivery man. "Yes, what is it?"
"Villetta Nu?" asked the man.
"That's me," said Villetta, a bit jumpy.
"I've got a package here with your name on it," said the man. "Actually, we've been delivering the same one all over the place."
Villetta took the package and signed for it. Then, opening her box, she looked inside. Inside was a DVD disc, probably with something burned on it. Curious, Villetta inserted it into the television and watched.
What then played was a copy of the footage Zero had played over the Media Building.
"Oh no," said Villetta.
One quick phone call revealed that it was only one of the packages that had gone out. One of thousands.
And so the demon's influence spread.
