Ch 8 – Against the World
ESFS Yangtze, Jiaozhou Bay, Shangdong Province
On the harbours of Jiaozhou, an ESF fleet was preparing to set sail. The ESFS Yangtze was among the leading ships, and captained by Colonel Li Xingke. He was inside his chamber, and conversing with Sergei.
"So Soma Peries is KIA…" Xingke remarked, "You actually expect me to believe this. You would never let Peries die, not that easily."
"Your opinion does not matter, as long as the superiors buy that, that's all that matters," Sergei said.
"Fine, not that pursing this issue will do me good," Xingke said, "I got a war to settle in here."
"So it is true, about the invasion of Nippon," Sergei asked.
"I am currently in Taipei and soon to be in Kyushu," Xingke explained, "more fronts are opening from Fusan, Vladivostok, Taiwan and Hawaii. This is full-front invasion of Nippon."
"Then I shall not interrupt you any longer," Sergei said, and the transmission cut off.
ALS Inquisitor Air-Type, Skies over Indian Ocean
The Inquisitor was equipped with a special flight pack that allowed high-speed flight when needed to. When they received the orders from the High Command, they quickly set out for the Nipponese Empire.
Inside a brig, Andrei stared out at the window glumly. Then, his CO Barack Zinin entered the brig.
"Andrei, what's the down look for?" Zinin asked, "It will affect your performance in battle later."
"No, it's just… Soma has died…" Andrei explained, "I was thinking about it…"
"Worry not, even her corpse is not found, she will die with military honours," Zinin said, "but will she be happy if you fail your mission because of her?"
"Uh… no…" Andrei replied.
"Then stand up and prepare to fight," Zinin said, "I had a wife once, back during my days as an Imperium officer based in Judea."
"Had?" wondered Andrei.
"She was killed in a bomb attack, one conducted by the Schwarze Ritters," Zinin explained.
"I am sorry for your loss," Andrei apologised quickly.
"No need to be, just do your best out there," Zinin said, "the Nipponese won't be holding anything back."
St. Cuthbert II, Skies Above Indian Ocean
Meanwhile, the St. Cuthbert II was flying towards the same destination as well. During all this, Lelouch tried to assess all currently available data about the crisis at hand.
"Alright there, we have Intel that there are currently five fronts of invasion," Jeremiah said, "from Fusan, Korea and Taiwan to Kyushu."
"And another front will open from Hokkaido, with fleets from Hawaii and Vladivostok," Kallen added.
"We cannot afford to hold them back at all points," Lelouch reasoned, "we must focus at one specific front."
"There is a beachhead set up in Osaka," Milleina noted, "It will be from Jiaozhou Bay, and will provide the means to infiltrate Kyoto."
"And nip the bud of the Nipponese monarchy," Lelouch concluded, "We shall set course for Osaka now!"
"Say… where's Feldt?" asked Setsuna.
"She told me that she's in the washroom," Milleina commented.
Along the hallways of the St. Cuthbert II, Feldt was returning from her trip to the washroom. Just then, she strolled past Marie Parfacy, the former Soma Peries. Feldt quickly noticed the white-haired girl from the corner of her eye.
"Ms Parfacy," Feldt called, "got a minute?"
Marie turned behind and faced Fedlt, who continued to look back at the former soldier.
"You… you used to be an ICF soldier…" Feldt spoke, "am I correct?"
"That is true…" Marie replied.
"Then… then… you were the one who killed my comrades… Christina…" Feldt shouted, "You killed my friend!"
Feldt was about to turn around and had her hands close to attacking the former Super-Soldier. However, Lelouch's hands gripped Feldt and brought her to her senses. Allelujah was standing near the Celestial Being leader.
"Feldt, you're needed in the Control Room," Lelouch said.
Feldt nodded and walked off. Allelujah then held onto Marie, as if to guard her.
"So… she is the same as Soma Peries, yet not Soma Peries," Lelouch evaluated.
"Marie, you alright?" asked Allelujah.
"Fine…" Marie replied, "But I think I shouldn't be here…"
"No silly, I had promised the General to protect you," Allelujah said.
"And besides, the fact you bear semblance to Ms Peries would be interesting to the ESF and the A-Laws," Lelouch said, "should they find you, maybe they would charge you of deserting the army."
At those words, Marie suddenly slumped and cuddled herself.
"Don't worry, that's why I'm here," Allelujah said, "to protect you."
"Allelujah, let's go now!" Setsuna cried, "We have to get ready for battle again."
"Allelujah, you're going out there again…" Marie spoke, "please, be safe."
"I will, of course I will," Allelujah answered, walking with his comrades.
ALS Inquisitor Air-Type, Skies over Indian Ocean
In Lindt's Chamber of the Inquisitor, Major Lindt was conversing with Rolo privately.
"Rolo, Celestial Being may be going to Nippon as well," Lindt said, "Mannequin and the others would be too perplexed by the Nipponese, so we can easily capture Celestial Being."
"True, but…" asked Rolo.
Lindt's eyes bulged and he promptly slapped Rolo across the face.
"Boy, you will not question me!" Lindt reprimanded, "if not for me, you would have been executed as a traitor, along with the rest of that mongrel lot of your blood!"
"Then why you spared me?" asked Rolo.
"Because… because you have potential and I plan to have you as my apprentice," Lindt explained, "now, when we arrive, just follow all my orders to the letter… and we'll see better days in promotion."
Rolo looked down and he nodded in response.
Osaka Bay Area, Osaka, Empire of the Nipponese
In light of the ESF invasion, barricades were set up all over the Nipponese islands. One of the most secured regions was the Osaka Bay Area, forcing the civilian population of Osaka to be evacuated at once. For defence of the Imperial seat, it was quickly rendered under martial rule.
Tohdoh himself was among the forces commanding the Nipponese defenders. He looked over the shores and stared intently into it. Suddenly, Tamaki approached him from behind.
"Yes? What is it?" asked Tohdoh.
"We've confirmed an ESF ship heading towards us. They will be here in less than half an hour," Tamaki reported.
"That so… let them come, we will dispatch them by all means," Tohdoh said, "even if we must sacrifice Osaka."
"But Tohdoh-dono, we had promised the people that…" Tamaki urged.
"The security of our nation is above all else!" Tohdoh cried, "We will step up the defence, in preparation for the outsiders to come."
"And one more development…" Tamaki added, "The Communists have taken over Okinawa and Nagasaki. They claim to submit to the ESF's demands and have formed…"
"Say no more, we will deal with those traitors later," Tohdoh instructed, "I shall be in the Zangetsu."
"Wait, Tohdoh-dono," Tamaki called, "pardon me for this, but… but aren't our Suits a bit too antique for the new GN-XIIIs? We can't stand a realistic cha-…"
"Battles are decided by the strength of its fighter, not by firepower," Tohdoh reprimanded, "Tamaki-kun, you should've known this from the military academy."
"Even if it means driving this nation into nothing," Tamaki muttered.
"If the Nipponese must go, let it be so," Tohdoh said, "we have always been at war… an eternal war against the world."
Heisei Palace, Kyoto, Empire of the Nipponese
In the Heisei Palace, Empress Lee Noreiga was conversing with other members of the Imperial Privy Council over the current affairs.
"Nee-san, why are we at another war?" Kaguya asked, "I thought we wanted peace."
"Yes, but this was provoked by the Federation's decree and there's nothing we can do," the Empress explained.
"This war will be far more devastating than that before the Imperium occupation, should the enemy make it to the Home Islands," Taizo Kirihara spoke.
"Indeed, should we plan for a mass evacuation like before?" asked Tousai Munakata, a Privy member.
"NO, we can't be running away all the time," the Empress said, "the Federation and A-Laws are relentless and we all know that. This is different from the Imperium, a world of difference literally."
"So what do you propose?" asked Kirihara, "either way, we'll face death and execution."
"I do have a possible solution, but I request all of you to vow that they shall be followed," the Empress spoke, "I need a pen and scroll. I will be writing an imperial edict."
Okinawa Base, Communist-controlled Nippon
The Okinawa Base was forcefully put under the control of the Communist faction, and Chiba herself led the quasi-military group to control Okinawa.
"So… have we establish a contact with the ESF forces yet?" asked Chiba.
"Nope, but we are making progress to Brussels," the technician said, "Wait… the Hegemon is on the line."
Suddenly, Schneizal's image appeared on the wide screen.
"Yes, what do you need of me?" Schneizal asked.
"I need you to call off your forces, we declare to you the People's Provisional Government of Nippon," Chiba spoke, "in return; we request the invasion to be called off."
"But the invasion can't be called off now, you still need help to contain the chaos," Schneizal said, "we will recognise you as the proper government of Nippon, but you must accept the Federation's terms and military support."
"Arg… fine, I will discuss this with my government," Chiba said, "but this is guaranteed by you. We expect it to be met."
"Of course, and I am aware of your position as one of Nippon's Holy Swords," Schneizal said, "yet you chose this path…"
"This is my way and I chose it," Chiba replied, "it's only for this country I serve."
"Good reply," Schneizal smiled.
Osaka Bay Area, Osaka, Empire of the Nipponese
Meanwhile, the countless Burais and Akatsukis were forced to create a wall around the waters to hold off the Federation invaders. In return, the Federation Fleet and finally arrived.
"Vice-Colonel, what is your order?" asked a soldier onboard the Yangtze.
"Bombard them with our firepower," Vice-Colonel Zhou Xianglin declared, "they should've fled by now, but… it appears they want a fight, then so be it…"
Within the battle, a Commander-Type GN-XIII (with a GN Cannon attachment) had breached the defensive wall with one blast, paving way for the invasion wave. However, a Mobile Suit of the enemy lines rammed into it and kept it out of the wall.
"Men, maintain your positions!" Tohdoh cried, "I'll hold this one off!"
"Vice-Colonel, there appears to be someone attacking the Colonel," a soldier reported.
"Let them be, Xingke always like personal combat," Xianglin remarked, "we shall continue to break enemy lines and proceed with the invasion."
"C'mon, the Colonel's GN-XIII can smash circles 'round that old-fashioned scrap heap," a fellow soldier remarked.
"That Suit… it's the Zangetsu, isn't it?" a voice claimed, apparently coming from the Commander-Type GN-XIII.
"And you're…" wondered Tohdoh.
"Colonel Li Xingke, I was once of the ICF," Xingke introduced, "and you must be Koushiro Tohdoh, one of the esteemed Holy Swords."
There was no reply from the Zangetsu, but it unsheathed a vibro-katana and quickly attacked the GN Drive-powered machine. It managed to land a direct blow to the chest of the GN-XIII. Despite the direct hit, there was barely a scratch on the GN-XIII.
"Impossible, that was a direct attack!" Tohdoh exclaimed.
"So this is your answer, eh…" Xingke said, "Well I accept you as my opponent."
The GN-XIII drew out a Beam Sabre and zoomed towards the Zangetsu. It only barely dodged the attack, only its leg was torn off in the attack. Suddenly, a fist came in from the GN-XIII and punched into the cockpit.
"Kisama…" Tohdoh cursed.
The GN-XIII did not stop its assault; instead it continued to kick the Zangetsu into a pile of ruins. As Tohdoh observed his sensors, it was actually a pile of Burais and Akatsukis. He looked up and saw a wasteland of scrap metals and the Federation Fleet had moved on.
Suddenly, the GN-XIII floated over the lone Zangetsu.
"Your foolish pride was the cause of this," Xingke remarked, "while you were so busy fighting me; my subordinates were able to push through. They should be burning Kyoto to the ground right now."
"Kisama… so that was a distraction!" Tohdoh cried, "Do you not have a sense of honour?"
"If I did not, then you would have perished with one blow from me," Xingke added, "just leave here, I'm giving you this one chance."
"If this country dies, I will go with it!" Tohdoh declared boldly, "Nippon Banza…"
However, Xingke's GN-XIII was attacked by a mysterious GN blast. The Gundam Apollyon flew in towards the GN-XIII.
"You're…" Tohdoh exclaimed.
"Celestial Being, so the rumours were true!" Xingke cried, "You did return!"
"Indeed, and we are here to end this conflict!" its pilot announced.
The Apollyon raised its GN Cannons and fired it. One of the ships in the Federation Fleet was hit and shot down, crashing on several GN-XIII as well.
Immediately, Xingke's GN-XIII drew out its Beam Sabres and went in to combat the Gundam. However, a beam blast interrupted the path of Xingke's attack. The unique Ahead Prototype was heading towards them too.
"The A-Laws will take it over from here," a rather nostalgic voice from the Suit called, "I will handle the Gundam myself. Proceed with breaking through Osaka now."
"That voice…" Zero thought.
Begrudgingly, Xingke was forced to comply and flew towards their target along with the remnants of his forces. The Apollyon was left alone with the mysterious Ahead Prototype and its pilot.
The Ahead Prototype flew in and drew out its Beam Sabres. The Apollyon quickly produced its GN Field to protect itself. However, a device glowing red popped out of the Ahead Prototype's free left elbow. It made contact with the barrier, and even broke through it. In response, the Apollyon punched the enemy unit out of the way before it attacked again.
"That power… it broke through my GN Field as well…" Zero remarked, "Tell me, what is it exactly?"
There was no reply from the Ahead Prototype, but instead it continued its attack with two Beam Sabres. The Apollyon drew out all six Beam Sabres to even the field.
"Not communicating to me…" Zero thought, "He knows I'm suspecting him…"
Amidst the swordfight, the Apollyon suddenly fell back from the attack and fled towards the land terrain. Like a hunter to its prey, the Ahead Prototype followed it. The two Mobile Suits went on a long high-speed chase, occasionally firing at the expense of the local civilian population. Eventually, the Apollyon approached deep into a forested area, near the scenery of Mount Fuji.
"Now my trap is set," Zero claimed, "withdraw weapons."
The Apollyon performed a sudden U-turn and quickly withdrew its Beam Sabres and Cannons. Instead, six MS Arms went on to grapple onto the Ahead Prototype – two holding the legs, two holding the arms and two crushing the head unit.
"What is he doing?" Rolo thought.
Manhandling the Ahead Prototype, the Apollyon flew around in somersaults and forced the two machines to land by the mountainside nearby. The Ahead Prototype was heavily damaged by the impact, cushioning the Apollyon's great weight.
"Rolo, I know you are in there," Zero called out, "your Mobile Suit is completely immobilised. Come out now, so we may speak… face-to-face."
"Who is this Rolo?" the voice inquired, which sounded distorted than initially.
"There is no need to disguise yourself, I now know your true nature," Zero said.
"Then, come out as well," Rolo said, with the distorted voice.
Almost simultaneously, the two cockpits opened up and both Zero and Rolo walked out and landed on the ground. At once, Rolo took out a gun he kept with him and aimed it at the Gundam Meister.
"Gundam Meister, today your reign ends," Rolo said.
"Ah, but surely I deserve to have my last words before being delivered to God," Zero pondered.
"Say those words then!" Rolo yelled, "I want this to be over with!"
"I will be parting with many people whom I knew, but…" Zero spoke, but he suddenly stopped.
The masked Gundam Meister removed his mask, showing his true identity as Lelouch.
"…But you, Rolo, I miss you the most," he continued, "Though our relationship was false, the memories we shared for the past five years… yes, that was real. You were a true little brother. Perhaps in my next life, we can be real brothers."
He then held his arms wide and unarmed.
"I'm now unarmed, do whatever you wish," he said, "farewell, my brother."
Rolo prepared to aim with his gun once more, but his hand was shaking vigorously. Soon, he dropped the gun and collapsed on his knees. Tears were flowing down from his eyes and dropped on the grass-green ground.
"No… I was assigned to you to keep you away from Celestial Being…" Rolo cried, "But those five years together… I feel like we are family. My true family died long ago… I was the only one left…"
"Rolo, I can be your brother," Lelouch said, "The cruelness of this world knows no limits. Hence, will you join your brother on this crusade?"
"For my brother, yes…" Rolo said, "But what about the invasion? Even with me, we can't stop the invasion wave."
"That would truly depend on the Empress' decision," Lelouch said.
Battlefield near Kyoto, Empire of the Nipponese
Meanwhile, the Federation Army were marching towards Kyoto, where a swift victory would be attained. The remaining Nipponese forces were no match for the aggressive and advanced GN Tau Drive-operated Mobile Suits.
"This is not even a proper battle, but tigers attacking legless deer," Xingke remarked, after blasting away two Burais.
Suddenly, a GN-XIII was shot down by a beam blast. The attention was driven towards the sky, where 4 lights were falling upon them. As they drew closer, it became clear to all that they were actually the Gundams.
"A total of five… just like before…" Xingke remarked, "Was this invasion only to draw them out?"
The Gundams zoomed down and fired their attacks at the Federation GN-XIIIs. Also, another fleet of ships approached the conflict. From those ships, red GN-XIIIs and Aheads were deployed. Everyone there knew that the dreaded A-Laws had joined in the battle.
"Everyone, you are to defeat the Gundams," Mannequin ordered, "they must be captured alive."
"Captured alive, eh?" Lindt wondered, "Would it be wise?"
"We need to root out all remaining members of Celestial Being, so they can't die. Those Meisters are the only contact we have with them," Mannequin answered, "and where is that Rolo kid of yours?"
"None of your business," Lindt said, sneering at the General.
Back at the battlefield, the A-Laws effectively took over the fight against the Celestial Being's Gundams. One of the Aheads (piloted by Cornelia) drew out its Beam Sabres and clashed with the Gabriel Gundam's GN Swords. Another Ahead (commanded by Zinin) attacked the Cherudim, while Andrei's GN-XIII went on a dogfight with Allelujah's Gundam Arios.
"You, the Gundam that was chasing Soma… you shall die!" Andrei cried, firing rampantly at the Fighter Gundam.
"That man, he loves Marie too…" Allelujah remarked, "But I can't let him kill me now, not yet!"
The Arios went in for a dive and rose back up in its MS Mode, fighting the GN-XIII with its Beam Sabre.
Meanwhile, Kallen's Gundam Akagi was attacking the GN-XIIIs who were still advancing on. Suddenly, an A-Laws GN-XIII charged directly ahead of the Gundam for a direct blow. The Akagi fired several shots at it, damaging its Tau Drive enough to force a landing.
"NO! I was also close to subduing the Gundam!" Colasaur's voice from within the fallen GN-XIII, "Colonel, save MEEEE..."
"Sometimes, I feel ashamed to be wed to that man…" Mannequin lamented, while on her ship, "and it's General by now…"
As long as the Akagi did away with Colasaur, Xingke's GN-XIII charged in for an attack. The Cannon attachment combined into the unit's right arm, and it fired out a blast of orange beam. The Akagi quickly dodged the initial attack.
"Get out of my way!" Q-1 cried, "I won't… I won't let this happen again!"
Inside her mind, several disturbing images came about. The city of Old Tokyo burning to the ground… Imperium Sepoys bombarding the countryside… and finally, a man similar to Q-1 by appearance and he smiled before vanishing.
No, not you… Naoto…" she cried, "Blast Mode, activate!"
The Akagi raised out its claw-arm and GN Particles charged within it. A single beam blast shot out and annihilated a majority of the Federation's GN-XIIIs.
"What great force… this must end," Xingke remarked, "Full Power!"
Xingke readied to charge up his Cannon again, while Q-1 readied the GN Claw Blast Mode. The two beams of orange and green collided in midair and appeared out as a tug-of-war between the two beams. Even the ground below was stirred and a vacuum wave unleashed upon the A-Laws, Federation Army and Nipponese forces. The other fights the fellow Meisters were involved came to an untimely halt due to it.
"That attack was a bit too much…" Setsuna thought, "This girl may be problematic for us…"
Despite the tremendous power of the shockwave, the Akagi maintained its flight and even charged at the struggling GN-XIII that Xingke was in control of.
"You're mine! I will not let this land be defiled by you again!" the voice of the Gundam yelled.
Suddenly, several Beam blasts shot at the side of the Akagi and destabilised its flight. On the ground, a lone A-Laws GN-XIII knelt there with its Lance out.
"Don't mess with the Immortal Colasaur," its pilot loudly declared over speaker.
In the sky, several canisters exploded to form a series of smokes in the open clear sky. They were sighted from the outskirts of Kyoto to Mount Fuji and the Osaka Bay Area.
Mount Fuji, Empire of the Nipponese
Near Mount Fuji, both Lelouch and Rolo stood there. They too saw the signs delivered by the smoke.
"What is this?" Rolo asked.
"Morse Code… long, long, short…" Lelouch droned through, "ah, it seems that the Empress has made her decision. Now it really depends on who is behind the Osaka front."
Osaka Bay Area, Empire of the Nipponese
Beside his fallen Zangetsu, Tohdoh held a small dagger close to him and stared at it. Then, his attention was turned to the series of smoke in the sky. As he saw more of the brief puffs of smoke, he dropped his dagger.
"The word of the Empress…" he spoke, "no, it can't be! But only she can use this system!"
Forest Region, Empire of the Nipponese
Within the forests of Nippon, another Mobile Suit had secretly based itself there during the conflict. However, no one would know its presence for it was under a cloaking device. Outside the unseen Mobile Suit, C2 looked up in the sky of smokes.
"Now it is surprising," she remarked.
Control Brig, ALS Inquisitor Air-Type, Skies over Indian Ocean
Inside the Inquisitor, Mannequin and the others in both A-Laws and Federation saw the smoke.
"So it seems they are willing to go for a negotiation," Mannequin said.
"You can't be serious!" Lindt exclaimed, "They are the enemy! We have to utterly destroy them, so that they can't threaten world peace! What do you know about A-Laws policy?"
"True I may not be familiar with your ways, but I am a true soldier unlike you," Mannequin said, "I prefer not to waste resources needlessly. Get me the commander of the Federation forces to discuss this issue."
Soon, Xingke's image appeared on the screen of the ship.
"Colonel Li, what do you think of this?" Mannequin asked.
"General Mannequin, I believe that it is within our best interests," Xingke said.
"Wait, what about the Gundams?" Lindt demanded, "We were here to capture them!"
"I'm afraid you will have to wait for a next time," Xingke added, "they appear to have fled by we were distracted by the smoke."
Heisei Palace, Kyoto, Empire of the Nipponese
In the Heisei Palace, GN-XIIIs lined up before the Palace grounds. Mannequin, Xingke and Xianglin walked up towards the Palace gate, where they were met by the Empress Lee Noreiga, Princess Kaguya and the Imperial Council members.
"Now what are you suggesting with this ceasefire?" Mannequin asked.
"A means to protect my people from further ruin," the Empress answered, "I shall surrender myself and demilitarisation, in exchange for all armed operations be stopped."
"Will it be unconditional?" Xingke asked.
"Only one condition," the Empress continued, "that if you may grant my sister, Tamaki-san, Tohdoh-san, and my Privy Council safe passage out of Nippon and immunity as exile."
"Nee-san!" exclaimed Kaguya, "you can't do this!"
"It's alright, Kaguya-chan… it will be alright for all of us," that was the Empress' reply
"But why with the rest of those people you hand mentioned?" Xingke asked.
"My sister is young and a woman; she may be under danger at any point," the Empress explained, "I only think that she requires some protection. Do we have an agreement?"
Submarine Port, Osaka Bay Area
Underneath the seas of the Osaka Bay, there was a small port for submarines. Kaguya, the Privy Council, Ohgi, Tamaki and Tohdoh were boarding the sole submarine there – the Ryujin.
"I can't believe this… we should continue this fight… arg!" Tohdoh cried.
"Tohdoh-dono, you are still badly injured," Tamaki said, "Please do not stress yourself too much."
"Indeed, the Empress still needs you to protect Kaguya-hime sama," Kirihara added, unveiling a scroll hidden with him, "before all this, she made one final Imperial edict."
"What's the point of it?" Tohdoh hollered, "She's no longer the Empress, only a captive!"
"The official time for her abdication is only an hour away, so she is still our Empress currently," Kirihara said.
The old Nipponese man rolled out the scroll and coughed slightly before reading out its contents.
My most faithful subjects and citizens, this is an emergency decree made by Empress Lee Noreiga of the Nipponese. In light of recent events, I shall surrender myself as a prisoner to save my people from carnage. However, I fear that my sister, the Princess Kaguya, would be targeted by unknown malicious forces to exploit her. Therefore, I request that Kaname Ohgi, Shinichiro Tamaki, Kyoshiro Tohdoh and members of the Imperial Privy Council to help Kaguya.
Empress Lee Noreiga
"If that's the case, then I shall take command of the vessel," Tohdoh said, "we can't allow the Empress' efforts go to waste."
"Nee-san…" Kaguya whimpered, "you… you're such a fool…"
Lindt's Chamber, ALS Inquisitor
On board Lindt's chamber, he was desperately making some contact with his agent, Rolo. However, it was to no avail.
"Damn it, Rolo…" Lindt cursed, "Were you killed by that Gundam?"
He then smashed his fists into the computer in front of him.
"Useless kid!" he yelled, "can't do anything right!"
"Now, what is your grievance, Major Lindt?" a calm voice asked.
"None of your…" Lindt proceeded to yell, but stopped at once.
The man behind him was none other than General Arthur Goodman. Lindt quickly bowed before him.
"I apologise for my rudeness, sir," he said, "I didn't know you were there."
"You had been shouting your throat out that even the cleaning crew heard you," Goodman said, "but that's my point of being here today."
"What… here to congratulate that goodie Mannequin," Lindt guessed.
"She made a wise choice; we are only after the Gundams," Goodman said, "but I', here for you. Major Lindt, you are dismissed from the capture of the Gundams."
"You can't fire me!" Lindt cried, "Please, have mercy!"
"No no, it is a more of a transfer," Goodman said, "you will be dispatched to a project of our Federation… the ultimate weapon to bring peace."
Xingke's Chamber, ESFS Yangtze
Inside Xingke's chamber, he pondered over some of the recent events.
"This war… is there any meaning to it?" he thought, "or did it exist because of the Gundams? If it was Mannequin, what could have happened? The A-Laws… they're disgusting…"
Control Brig, St. Cuthbert II
In the St. Cuthbert II, the crew of Celestial Being were receiving its Meisters from their mission in Nippon. Among the Gundams, only Lelouch's Apollyon hadn't returned yet. This brought some worry to them.
"Will Sir Lelouch be fine?" Jeremiah pondered, "The A-Laws and Federation are taking over here as well."
"Jeremiah!" cried Lasse, "the Apollyon is returning… but there is something else flying beside it, and it's a Tau Drive unit."
Suddenly, Zero's face appeared on the screen.
"Do not fire at my companion," he commanded, "he will be an invaluable member of Celestial Being from now on."
Hangar, St. Cuthbert II
Minutes later, both units had boarded into the St. Cuthbert II. The other Meisters and the entire crew (with Marie) came down to meet Lelouch and this new member. Lelouch walked in, and holding the hand of his 'brother', Rolo.
"Everybody, this is Rolo, a former Special Operative of the A-Laws," Lelouch introduced, "he will be joining today as Celestial Being."
Certainly, his introduction caused several people in the crew to be shocked by it.
"Another A-Laws…" Feldt thought.
"Sir, I trust your opinion that Mr Rolo would be a fine addition to our group," Jeremiah said.
"Ah, now I can study this unique ability of that Mobile Suit," Ian remarked, looking away at the Ahead Prototype instead.
"Zero, may I speak to you for a while in private?" Setsuna asked.
"Of course," Lelouch complied, and the two withdrew inside a closet.
"My lord, is it appropriate that we are providing refuge in our ship to former A-Laws?" Setsuna asked, "I fear it may be our undoing."
"Parfacy is completely reliant on Allelujah, so she won't be a problem as long we have him," Lelouch explained, "as for Rolo, I have a personal control over him… a fact I had proven on this mission."
"One more thing, I have some peculiarities with Q-1 this mission," Setsuna said, "We know her attachments to Nippon. I fear it may jeopardise us."
"It won't be a problem once we prepare to take off to space," Lelouch answered, "I shall speak to her in due time about this."
"But sir, had you heard what just happened," Setsuna said sternly, "the Empress surrendered herself, but negotiated an exile of her own sister and some of her staff. I fear Q-1 may defy protocol."
"I shall speak to her about it at once," Lelouch confirmed.
Innovator HQ, Unknown Location
In the lair of the Innovators, V2 stared blankly at the dozens of holo-screens in front of him. Suddenly, his eyes glowed.
"Ah yes," he spoke, "Nippon has fallen, but Celestial Being had gotten away again. I understand it is not as we expected, but we will work our way."
In front of V2, a holo-screen produced a profile of Kallen along with some details of her history. Another holo-screen showed the submarine Ryujin leaving Nipponese soil secretly.
"This is very interesting indeed…" V2 remarked.