Chapter 13
Excerpt from Imperial Britannian History Book- Copyright, Censored
The turbulence of the Age of Revolution came to a head after the Second Battle of Tokyo. After the death of Emperor Charles and the ascension of the immortal 99th emperor Lelouch, blood flowed in rivers within the empire. The old noble system was dissolved, and small scale revolts were put down. Finally after the destruction of the old Knights of the round, excluding Anya Alstreim, Gino Weinberg, and Suzaku Kururugi, the Emperor made the announcement of intending to join the UFN.
It was during that time that Schneizel, the only living man that could out think the emperor aside from the previous emperor, made his first move. Using corrupted O.S.I. agents, and the other shadowy operatives he made deals with the remaining members of the Zero Squad (aside from the captain Kallen Kozuki). Through testimonies of the guilty and digital files confiscated from the Toromo Agency, the plan of Schneizel can be put together.
Schneizel used his O.S.I agents to gain the codes needed to order Britannia's Pacific fleet to move into Japan and UFN territorial waters. At the same time he had the Zero Squad provoke Lelouch's guards into violence, making war against Lelouch a surety. Ultimately through this subterfuge, the world and the UFN commanders would believe that Lelouch was trying to take the UFN council by force. And as a backup road blocks were manned by Schneizel's agents with orders to kill any UFN council members that tried to escape Ashford Academy. Through such plans it would aid the ruse that Lelouch was intent on war.
The Emperor deducing such things after hearing reports from his own guards as well as the appearance of Schneizel and the Damocles. He then ordered that the Coucnil be moved aboard the Avalon, it being the safest place in Japan at the time. This being the case because the emperor knew that the other UFN commanders would not allow the Avalon to be fired upon. As bloddy as the battle of Mt. Fuji was the battle would pale in comparison to the blood shed of the Great War that would come several years later.
Imperial Palace, Tokyo-July, 2021 a.t.b.
Two hundred and fifty nine thousand casualties, these EU military men had been taken out of action by the release of the poisons from the Prussian armory. And still the spread of disease still took a continuing tole on the Eastern EU Army, and the local population. The reports strung out across his desk told the horrid tale of people who were so sick they looked like walking corpses.
"Of all the things to try, they had to try this," lamented Lelouch.
"They have quarantined a large portion of the area off along with at least a half million troops. Not counting civilians, equipment, weapons vehicles etcetera," said Jeremiah. Lelouch, sighed again, Tamaki and Jeremiah both watched the emperor as he thought over the new situation. Jeremiah then continued, "we've confirmed at least seventy-eight thousand dead. Thousands more are degenerating and will soon die themselves, others are so sick they can't move; and anyone that can walk are trying to care for the sick. But the death rate for both the army and local population continue to climb."
"Tamaki," said Lelouch. "make sure that all armies have proper and up to date anti chemical warfare countermeasures. Jeremiah begin ordering the mass production and distribution of cures for what bio weapons we have identified."
"Right away buddy," said Tamaki standing and leaving the room.
"Yes your majesty," replied Jeremiah. "Though this will take time."
"Nodding Lelouch said, "yes, I now. Just get it done as fast as you can, I don't want too many casualties caused by these abominable weapons."
"Yes your majesty," said Jeremiah. "I also wish to report that the delivery of the new knightmare models have been delivered to the testing grounds in Russia."
Smiling for the first time that day Lelouch said, "good, I want the testing of the Tristen Mk.2s to begin as soon as possible."
Ashford Foundation, Tokyo
Inside a large and somewhat ornate office the blond head of the Ashford heir, Milly Ashford, poured over varying forms. All the while being coaxed through the forms, and kept her on task, by her assistant/partner Rivalz.
"And sign hear and hear," said Rivalz pointing out where her signatures were needed.
"Why do I have to do this stuff again?" asked Milly.
Adopting a humored face Rivalz replied, "because when your grandfather made you his heir. And so you quit the news business and took up overall control of the Academy branch of the foundation." After the revival of the Ashford foundation as a powerful industrial entity, Reuben Ashford refused to quit the education business. Therefore he established a branch of the foundation to found and manage Academies throughout the empire.
"Why did I agree to become his grandpa's heir?" sighed Milly
A new voice replied, "because it was either you or run the risk of giving the foundation to your parents; and then hope they didn't squander the fortune and destroy the company."
Milly and Rivalz smiled and Milly said, "hello Lelouch."
"Hello Milly, Rival," replied Lelouch.
Rivalz excitedly moves forward and takes hold of Lelouch's hand and shakes it saying, "hey man, it's been forever."
"Yeah, it's been too long," replied Lelouch.
Smiling Milly got up from her desk and walked up to the emperor and the two hugged each other. The pseudo siblings stayed that way for nearly a minute before separating, Milly then said, "you should be visiting more often Lulu."
Nodding Lelouch replied, "yes I know but things have gotten hectic again. The EU has become a serious thorn in my side. In fact I've come here because of them."
Intrigued Milly teased seductively, "if you need me to go under cover as a spy for you, then I'm going to need some convincing."
Rolling his eyes, now somewhat immune to such teasing by others than his wife, said, "no it's not that. I've come to warn you."
Really intrigued now the group sat in chairs around the desk in the office, Lelouch then took out a small device from his pocket. Pressing a button the device released a signal that disrupted all potential listening devices nearby. Not that there was any, but secrecy being a great necessity recently Lelouch didn't want to take chances. Lelouch then said, "I've come to let you now that things are degenerating very fast. The EU has begun eliminating trade with us, and our political messages are not being answered as often. We've even confirmed that some EU ambassadors around the empire have been evacuated, so we've increased surveillance on those that remain making it difficult for them to leave."
"So does that mean that war is close?" asked Milly.
Solemnly nodding Lelouch said, "yes that is what I see. And with recent discoveries namely what happened in Prussia and the numbers of troops massing on our borders; I have come to tell you to be prepared."
"Why?" asked Rivalz. "We are so far away from the EU."
"Nonetheless," replied Lelouch seriously. "Underestimating an enemy's reach is a fast route to being killed or getting many others killed."
Nodding her head Milly said, "we understand Lelouch. We'll be careful from now on."
Smiling fondly Lelouch said, "thank you. I've lost so much I don't wish to lose the last remnants of my happy years."
"Right," said Rivalz. "We'll be careful, if you're so sure that war is certain."
"I am," replied Lelouch. "Exactly when is unsure, but it's definitely coming."
A solemn silence follows, after nearly a minute of silence the three wordlessly stand and hug each other before Lelouch bades them farewell.
W-0 Unit Base, Japan
Mass produced Alexanders ran through obstacle courses littered with water, rock and forested obstacles. Others stood at live firing ranges sending magnetically accelerated slugs down range, some even using VARIS rifles. Over watching all of this on screens were Akito and Leila, the commander and field commander of the black ops unit observed there reformed unit.
"To believe that we're working for the people this unit was formed to fight," commented Leila. "Fate has a sense of irony, no?"
"Possibly," replied Akito. "But whatever the case, we've been given more than what we had in the EU."
"Indeed," said Leila. "And if the reports are true and Lelouch's prediction s are right then war is around the corner."
Turning to face his commander and the love of his life taking her hand the Japanese man says, "then it means that justice for our comrades is around the corner. Our soldiers now their duty and will do it, the Emperor is with us. We will not fail."
Smiling and nodding Leila replied, "right." Turning back to the monitors she continues, "now we should pay attention, the drone companies are next for a demonstration."
Briefing Report to the Emperor of Britannia Lelouch vi Britannia
My lord, the following is the summation of results concerning the faculties of the 'Firestorm Network,' and other various projects. The Firestorm network is completely operational and remote control has been turned over to you. As has the full ability to authorize "Code Damocles" to all stations in the event that such a measure is required, at your discretion. Mobile stations for the network at your orders have taken up position at the coordinates provided by you and await orders. Also by your orders no live testing has been conducted, in order avoid early detection by the enemies of the empire. All computerized scenarios however predict that the network will function as intended.
Concerning the deployment of enemy troops we have confirmed all previous reports and have, by your orders all fleets and armies facing the enemy have begun mobilizing to meet them. All commanders (Lady Anya, Lord Jeremiah, and Lord Guilford) have taken command of their prospective theaters, and have acknowledged their orders, given by you. The W-0 special operations unit has mobilized and awaits your orders for deployment.
The fleets of the east coast of Africa have begun deploying to cut off all escape from the continent. However to avoid appearing to be doing this action the fleet as moved into other waters away from EU territorial waters. They will enter territorial waters at the commencement of hostilities. At this time electronic jamming of enemy communications as already begun, but at your orders a fraction is allowed through to avoid detection
All orders you have given thus far have been, or are, being executed at the greatest extent of human ability. All troops and fleets await your orders for deployment at the beginning of hostilities.
Your faithful servant and friend,
Grand Marshal ShinichirÅ Tamaki
Commander of all Japanese state forces.
St. Petersburg, Russia/Britannia-July 21, 2021 a.t.b.
The day was normal for the residents of the great city, nothing out of the ordinary. The sun came up the coffee shops opened and the trains were on time and everyone got up for work. Tourists wondered the streets visiting museums of history, art and admiring the architecture of the old city.
None took notice, nor cared greatly of the EU freighter floating in the harbor. Hours past and the day continued without fault, finally the streets swelled with activity as lunch time approached. As pedestrians walked the streets and vehicles filled the roadways People paid the ship no mind that is until they heard a rather loud and obnoxious noise. Looking up onlookers saw streaks of smoke flying through the air. Captivated none moved as the missiles turned hard right for the city.
On after the other the missiles crashed into the city, however they did not explode in large balls of flame like normal. They instead went off in small explosions some not doing much damage at all, others simple not exploding. But one thing they all had in common was that they left an expanding cloud of green smoke in their wakes. Like what happened in Prussia people fell over gasping for air and others vomiting all dying from in hauling the poisonous cloud. And as the poison spread more missiles flew from the EU freighter that was registered as a private civilian ship.
Emperor's Office, Tokyo
Jeremiah, Guilford, Leila, and Anya's faces adorned video screens around Lelouch's desk. Tamaki sat in view of them all as they all were in a video conference
"How many?" asked Lelouch breaking the silence. His voice commanding in nature, held sadness, and anger, to many it would be unnerving.
"We don't know," replied a solemn Jeremiah. "We're getting reports from everywhere there was an attack. However with enemy troops on the march, bodies that were killed in the initial attack are hard to distinguish from those killed by battle."
Almost immediately after the attacks had begun, the reports of the incident followed. Exploding gas bombs in Cairo, Minsk, and other cities throughout the empire, artillery and aerial bombings in Bordeaux; but all attacks were mainly focused on the borders of the EU.
"Enemy troops have begun advancing across our borders," said Guilford.
"It's true my lord," confirmed Jeremiah.
"Not so in my theater," said Anya. "It seems that the main EU forces in Ethiopia have not received their orders."
"Can you confirm that?" asked Leila.
Nodding Anya said, "we've intercepted communications that we assume are attack codes to the enemy in Ethiopia. The code was "the wolf is loose," we jammed this signal and stopped it from getting to the enemy. I just need your confirmation to attack."
With hard eyes Lelouch said, "yes, commence your attack Anya." Pausing Lelouch thought over his options in Africa, then said, "try to push them back to the sea, Anya."
Knowing what her orders meant she said, "yes sir."
"But what about the rest of the EU forces in Africa?" asked Tamaki.
"It seems," replied Anya. "That the remaining forces throughout Africa are actually more like militia than military according to our reconnaissance."
"What are their intents? Do you know?" asked Guilford?
"They seem to be gathering ad fortifying all key points along the border," said Anya. "All enemy air is focused around Ethiopia so the militia have no air cover. They do however have air defense tech, it's so called high tech defense."
"Unity defense grid?" asked Leila.
Nodding Anya said, "yeah."
"Very well," said Lelouch. "Sayoko." A figure fizzled into existence, as the static thinned out the figure of a woman in a maids outfit appeared. The hologram that was Sayoko said, "yes master Lelouch."
"Prepare yourself you're going into the field," said Lelouch. "I'm in need of your new found hacking ability for my plans."
"I live to serve," said a smiling Sayoko before disappearing in a burst of static."
"Why are there forces concentrated in Ethopia and not throughout the rest of there territories?" asked Tamaki.
Lelouch said, "it's likely that there plan is to force their way up and seize both the Suez Canal and Sinai Pennisula. Thus opening an important trade route between the EU mainland and the UFN."
"Oh, I see," said Tamaki. "I take it that they don't realize that we have more troops in Africa than they realize?"
"Indeed," said Anya.
"So then these militias," said Tamaki. "Are only equipped for attacks against similarly armed and trained militias?"
"Correct," said Anya. "This will be there undoing."
Turning back towards the screens Lelouch said, "Guilford, report on your sector."
"My lord," replied the knight. "Despite heavy attacks on the city we've succeeded in holding the Bordeaux line. Also like in Africa it seems that enemy militia or some equivalent is posed at the Italian border. They aren't moving are actually digging in, poorly I might add their equipment is atrocious it seems that the militias got the short end of the stick hear. Ultimately as I see it the enemy is relying on headlong attacks more than anything else."
"There relying on their numbers and firepower," commented Tamaki.
"Indeed," replied Guilford.
"Very well," said Lelouch. "Guilford continue your campaign, counterattack along your lines as you can, but don't go wasting troops in vain. Ultimately your goal is to drive north till you reach Normandy, after that you will receive orders."
"Yes my lord," confirmed Guilford.
Turning to Jeremiah Lelouch said, "and what of your theatre Jeremiah?"
"My lord," replied Jeremiah. "It is as you predicted, that worm Field Marshal Pierre Anou is attempting to drive North through the Baltic States; St Petersburg is no doubt his target.
"Cut off the head of the local government and the rest will fall with no fight," said Lelouch who then snickered. "What poor thinking." Looking back toward the screens Lelouch continued, "our deception worked my friends the enemy believe the government in Europe is in St. Petersburg and not Moscow."
"Will my unit be able to battle Anou," sneered Leila, her obvious contempt evident at the mention of the Marshal. "I'm still amazed the man made it into the army let alone get command like this."
"Men like Anou, get these sort of commands, through money family, and "other" means," said Lelouch. "You shall be able to fight him, Leila."
"Nonetheless my lord," said Jeremiah. "The high command is totally stupid, one and half million men are advancing towards the Russian step and Moscow."
"And five-hundred thousand facing the Ukrainian border," finished Lelouch. "I read the intelligence reports Jeremiah."
"Ah yes," replied Jeremiah embarrassedly. "Any how your majesty, can we count on our allies to fight with us?"
Smiling Lelouch said, "yes Jeremiah, Ukraine is obviously under imitate threat. While I've been reassured by the Scandinavian district that there part of the plan will be executed, they're both with us my friends."
All present smiled it was then that Guilford asked, "what is the overall plan my lord?"
Lelouch replied, "the plan is to first halt the advance of the enemy. So to put simply that means stopping them in Russia and France, while Anya counter attacks there forces in Africa. You all have been briefed on the "Firestorm Network?"
All present nodded and Guilford said, "I know of its predecessor the Apollos chariot that Lady Malcal and her unit used. The effectiveness of a delivery system such as this is almost unprecedented. And to have warheads placed as the packages of the rockets, I dare not try to describe what is to come."
"These are hard times Guilford," said Lelouch. "All of you will have access to call in strikes against the enemy. However the priority for these strikes will for the Polish sector. Speaking of which, upon our signal the Winged Hussars will stir up a revolt in Warsaw. When this happens, Leila, your unit will be dropped into the city via orbital transport. Supplies will be delivered by our airship fleet, as will reinforcements. Until then they will increase sabotage and harassment attacks against enemy supply lines. "
"Won't that require air superiority?" asked Anya.
Nodding Lelouch said, "true, that is why I'm authorizing the deployment of the Tristen Mk IIs. Understand this Jeremiah I need you to clear the enemy from the air, the EU as nothing like what we have. No float systems, so no flight capable knightmares, nor any airships, their air force is old and decrepit you should have no trouble dealing with them."
"Of course my lord," said Jeremiah full of confidence.
"By cutting of Warsaw we will cut out the main supply point for the enemy eastern front," said Lelouch.
"What will our allies do?" asked Tamaki.
"The Ukraine will face against the enemy facing them," said Lelouch. "We will provide support from the air and supplies, and if necessary troops. When we counter attack and our forces join they will turn west and drive into the west and south. The Scandinavians will attack Denmark and crush resistance there and attempt to drive south in Germany. They will also raid along the coast of Prussia and their navy in conjunction with ours will provide fire support from the coast of the Baltic States. If their strike into Germany stops they will attempt to strike to the southwest and cut southern supplies."
"Do we have a timetable for this your majesty?" asked Leila.
"At this moment the Warsaw campaign will not begin until after this winter," said Lelouch.
"If you're waiting for next year for that," said Guilford with a smug smile. "You're planning to use the Russian winter against the enemy."
Smiling himself Lelouch said, "indeed my friend. The enmy delayed there attack to long and we will batter the enemy down and use the winter against them. I'm told that this year winter will be early, while we prolong the war on the Russian front. You Guilford will counterattack France immediately and Anya you will do the same. We will deal them defeats and destroy their morale, we will win this war that is a promise."
Three days later the EU declared war on Ukraine with no excuse.
Emperor's Address to the Britannian Empire
"People of the empire we have been attacked with no warning, no meaning, and with no mercy. Our enemy the corrupted government of the European Union used the most underhanded attacks in order to gain some advantage. This shows the fear our enemy has for us, they even fear their own people, forcing their young men to fight a war they do not want. They massacre their own people, and segregate against the Japanese and all those of East European descent. Our enemy as shown his ruthlessness against us and his willingness to sacrifice his own people for their own greed."
"I therefore call all the people of the empire and all those that the EU oppress to rise and fight against the people who would kill you rather than listen to you. I call for my people to fight! And to you the enemies of the empire know this with your own actions you have brought upon yourselves the consequences. We will no longer be satisfied with truces and treaties that would stop the fight before it is one, like in the previous wars. We will only be satisfied with absolute victory, we will not stop until we enter the halls of the senate building in Paris, we will not stop until we march into the rooms of the Reichstag in Berlin."
"You will fail enemies of the empire, your crimes will be answered for. Your armies will die, your vehicles will burn, and your guns will melt. We will fight you wherever you are, be that in the hills, on the step, in the air or on the coast. We will never stop!"
A.N. Next chapter WAR! Next update will be The Fourth Faction. (I hope)