Ch 10 – Contact

Isolation Chamber, St. Cuthbert II

In the zero-gravity isolation chamber, Kallen floated around it. Both her hands were restrained by cuffs, a further restriction due to her recent rouge activity. A small window opened up, and Lelouch and Jeremiah were behind it.

"Q-1, you will be under temporary isolation until we get to space," Lelouch explained, "until then, your status as a Gundam Meister will be suspended."

"Yes, Zero," she only replied.

Jeremiah closed the window, and then turned to Lelouch.

"Sir, is this truly needed?" Jeremiah asked, "We need everyone we can muster."

"Setsuna demanded some form of punishment for her, and this is only a temporary arrangement," Lelouch verified, "once we are in space, Q-1's attachment to Nippon will be weakened… and her loyalty to me will be her only reason to strive on."

Innovator HQ, Unknown Location

V2 sat in his lair, while speaking with a certain helper of his plan. Opposite to him, there was a holo-screen. In it, it depicted Wang Liu Mei, Hong Long and Nena Trinity.

"So you will be giving the A-Laws financial aid for their project," V2 said, "that is very good news."

"Of course, this project would be capable of uniting the world," Liu Mei remarked, "And Nena has something to say."

"Yes…" Nena said, "I have decided. I will fight for you people, the Innovators. However, promise me I can kill that bastard who killed my brothers."

"Guaranteed, he is only in the palm of my hand," V2 said.

"V2, you should prepare for your trip to Earth," Revive said.

"Of course…" V2 answered, "And Miss Wang, have you leaked this to Celestial Being?"

"Done, they would be reading it soon," she replied, "but why would they even think of going there?"

"You'll see, Miss Wang," that was the reply, and the conversation was over; holo-screen vanished.

"V2, you should be careful with her," Revive warned, "she is helping us, the A-Laws and Celestial Being simultaneously. She could be a threat."

"I am not concerned for that girl impacting my plans," V2 said, "such a person can be easily played."

V2 stood up from his seat, and his eyes glowed. Several binders floated around him, and they proceeded to bind portions of his hair, thus reshaping his hair.

Control Room, St. Cuthbert II

Lelouch and Jeremiah had returned to the control room of the ship. There, Feldt and Mileina were there and reading something from the holo-screens.

"What is this?" asked Lelouch.

"A message from Wang Liu Mei," Feldt reported, "it is a Federation banquet. Several officials of the ESF and A-Laws, and wealthy benefactors of theirs are invited to it. It's in Australia tomorrow night."

"And who is the host?" Lelouch asked.

"It does not truly specify, but the Hegemon is only the vice-host," Mileina said, "but who could be even higher than the head of state of the Federation?"

At that thought, Lelouch recalled that man he encountered; the same entity allegedly behind the GN-X series, A-Laws and the Trinity. Their encounter might be brief, but he could still recall his long golden hair which sprawled over the floor.

"That man…" Lelouch thought.

"Okay, we will infiltrate the party," Lelouch said, "the plan to return to space will commence after the infiltration."

"And one more detail of the party," Mileina added, "It says here, couple attendance. That means you have to bring a girl along with you."

"Normally, I would suggest Q-1… but she's under suspension," Jeremiah remarked, "and Mileina is still young and Ian would definitely disagree."

"Feldt, how would you like a party?" Lelouch wondered.

Private Mansion, Australia Island

In the outskirts of the city, there was a large mansion. It had no true owner, but was under the Federation and for them to use as they wished. For this night, multiple limousines surrounded the mansion and dropped off various individuals.

As one vehicle went off, another one came by. Among those limousines, those of Celestial Being had arrived. Lelouch was attired in an elegant white suit, with eye-like patterns around his shoulders. On the other hand, Feldt was wearing a red dress that was modest in comparison to others. Both of them then entered the party.

Inside the mansion, many important people were already there. Upon one look, Lelouch could easily identify each of them. He looked at the portly man speaking with the seemingly-strict man.

"Arthur Goodman and Homer Katagiri, two of the A-Laws' highest ranked officers," he thought, "while we can use this chance to kill them… the power behind them can easily replace them… now where is he?"

"Welcome, one and all!" Schneizal's voice boomed, "Welcome to this banquet. As you all know, I am Hegemon Schniezal el Hispania, Head of the Earth Sphere Federation & the vice-host for today. The true host is indeed among us today, but prefers to be discreet. Nonetheless, let us give him a round of applause."

Schneizal briefly stopped his speech to clap his hands, followed by a thunderous applause given by everyone else. Unlike everyone else, Lelouch was only lightly tapping his hands.

"He is not present, yet he desires to produce results and adulation from others," he thought, "where is he? Schneizal's mostly a puppet to him, a figurehead if you will…"

"As you know, this banquet is conducted in order to strengthen the ties between the Federation, A-Laws and their benefactors," Schneizal continued, "To start off the banquet, we would like to begin with a waltz. You can pick anyone you may fancy to dance with you."

"My, what a beautiful young lady. Would you care to dance?" someone remarked.

Fedlt turned around, and saw a young man in a navy blue tuxedo suit. He had long blond hair, that was carefully wrapped around his neck. This made it seem more like a mane, and the man was like a lion who led his pride.

"I…I am honoured by this," Feldt quickly said, "but…I can't really…"

The man laughed slightly, and closed in on Feldt. He stood close by her, towards her ear. A sharp sting stung the back of her neck, and the man whispered in her.

"It would be an utter shame, Miss Feldt Grace," he spoke, "I am the one whom your group seeks, after all."

"You're…" Feldt said, surprised by the revelation.

"Do not worry; I know the difference between business and leisure," he continued, "You may call me V2."

It happened all in a flash, but V2 quickly grabbed hold of Feldt and began their waltz. Their dance soon caught the attention of everyone else there; the "couple" was seemingly well-coordinated.

"What a wonderful couple," Goodman remarked, "Are they old friends?"

"Arthur, I honestly doubt so," Katagiri said.

"He's that man…" Lelouch thought.

"Just who are you?" Feldt demanded.

"One who is leading the Plan as it had been plotted by the founders," V2 answered, "your group is an abnormality."

"Abnormality?" wondered Feldt.

"You should have perished five years ago," V2 said, "that has been foretold in the Plan."

"You… you are not carrying the will of the Plan… we are…" Feldt said.

"Oh really, I shouldn't continue if your will is so strong," V2 remarked, "but do you know how your parents died?"

"What do you mean?" Feldt asked.

Suddenly, the music stopped and this signalled the end of the dance. The crowd all cheered to the couples dancing out there. Among them, Lelouch was glaring at V2 suspiciously.

"He does not seem surprised… but he could apparently identify Feldt…" Lelouch thought, "Is this a trap? No, not in front of many unarmed spoiled oligarch…"

"Feldt Grace, come with me if you wish to know the truth of your parents' passing," V2 said, "I promise, I won't hurt you."

V2 then let go of his hold on Feldt and proceeded to walk off into the shadows. Feldt simply just followed the Innovator at once. Even Lelouch chose to pursue V2, the one who may be the root evil of the entire chaos.

"This is it!" thought Lelouch.

Both Celestial Being members chased V2 into a dark hallway, away from the partying folks. Among them, Feldt caught up with V2 first. When she caught up, V2 was calmly standing behind a stained glass window to the hallway.

"Now, what is it about my parents' death?" Feldt asked.

"Your parents… yes, Rudio Resonance and Marlene Vlady," V2 said, "that is the identity of your parents, correct?"

Feldt continued to look at her surroundings in caution, but she managed to nod her head.

"Before Celestial Being was revealed to the world, the Gundams were still being tested on," V2 explained, "your parents were involved in a test for the Trial System. However, it went wrong and the GN Drive overloaded. It just killed your parents."

"What?" exclaimed Feldt.

"They did not tell me, correct? Well, that was Veda's choice," V2 continued, "there were three pilots involved, but only one survived… to this day. Yet, he was the one who piloted the very Suit that malfunctioned."

At this point, Lelouch had also arrived at the scene and stopped behind Feldt.

"My, speak of the devil," V2 remarked, pointing at Lelouch, "he piloted Gundam Plutone once, where one particular test caused his GN Drive to malfunction… and the death of your parents, your sole kin."

"YOU!" yelled Lelouch, "Who are you? What are your intentions?"

Lelouch quickly held out a gun hidden in his suit, but another bullet shot his gun off. Both he and Feldt turned and saw another person at the scene. This person had short green hair and dressed in a white suit with bowtie.

"Hilling Care," the person greeted, "Innovator."

"Hilling, do not be rude to guests," V2 pointed out, "and you Celestial Being, it will be fun to watch you fall in defeat one day. However not today; nobody would fight in this occasion."

Lelouch only glared at the Innovator again. Before he grabbed Feldt by her hand and rammed into the window. Both of them managed to get out with that. Lelouch then spoke to a small device in his collar.

"Setsuna, we are outside the mansion," he called, "Take us back to St. Cuthbert II ASAP."

One of the limousines rushed towards the area, and Setsuna got out. He quickly put both Lelouch and Feldt into the vehicle and made off with their escape.

"Man, that was boring," Hilling remarked casually.

"Patience now, at least that would save you a chance to spar with Celestial Being," V2 said, "an event that is to come soon. Hilling, bring me those whom I need to speak with now. And C2, how are things on your end?"

Innovator HQ, Unknown Location

In the Innovators' domain, C2 was taking the chance to lie on V2's sofa. Like a cat, she had her entire body reclining on the furniture. Her head titled to one side, and she smiled.

"Yes V2, I had triangulated Celestial Being's possible location," C2 said.

A map of the world appeared before her, and four points were marked in red. One at the western end of Australia, another on Sri Lanka, and the last point at Kenya and the last point marked at Antarctica.

"The points are in Cape Williams, Colombo, Neo-Babel and South Pole Base," she said, "Celestial Being will be trying to escape to space somewhere in the Indian Ocean."

C2 then rolled up so that her body would be face-up instead. She looked at the lights above her, and her eyes glowed again.

"You want Bushido, Gino and Anya to be part of this," she said, "go ahead. The more, the merrier."

Private Mansion, Australia Island

Meanwhile, Hilling had gathered several associates in their collaboration. Schneizal, Katagiri and Goodman had arrived at the hallway, with V2 himself waiting for them.

"Gentlemen, you have arrived," V2 stated.

"V2, what is this about?" Schneizal asked.

"As foreseen, Celestial Being has infiltrated this area," V2 stated, "my close associate has already gauged their current whereabouts."

"What?" exclaimed Goodman, "We will have to inform Mannequin."

"Indeed, but this matter need not be bothered with local authorities," V2 added, "Commander Katagiri, I suggest you prepare a dozen Trilobites to sortie in the Indian Ocean and call for several fleets both at sea and in space."

"Of course, they cannot escape from us," Katagiri agreed.

"Gentlemen, if you would excuse me, I would take my leave first," Goodman said, "I need to escort Major Lindt to his new assignment."

"The project… how is it?" V2 asked.

"It will be operational soon," Goodman said, "and I can guarantee you will be pleased."

Limousine, Australia Island

While Celestial Being were making their escape to the St. Cuthbert II, it was surprisingly easy as there was absolutely no form of interference. That might save Setsuna much trouble in driving, but that seemed suspicious to Lelouch.

"No one chasing us… yet it appears that it has been planned for us…" Lelouch pondered, "… just what was all that for?"

"Please, I'm trying to bandage you," Feldt said, "but… why…was all that true?"

"Yes, I won't deny it," Lelouch answered, "they indeed perished trying to save me and protecting the overload of GN Particles that might had reached the surface. My Core Fighter automatically activated and I was saved… but your parents…"

"Okay, you can stop…" Feldt replied.

Her head turned towards the window, leaving Lelouch's wound half-wrapped. She held onto her head, as if a headache struck her.

Private Mansion, Australia Island

Back in the mansion, V2 held out the syringe in his hands to Hilling. While the green-haired Innovator was oblivious to its significance, V2 only continued to laugh.

"What's that thing for?" Hilling asked.

"A little trinket of my design," V2 remarked, "my eyes are open to you, Celestial Being."

Military Sector, High Orbit Station, Alexander's Column

The Military Sector was where various military experiments were conducted, far away from the prying eyes of the public. This was also where the A-Laws prepared some of their secret projects.

There, Major Lindt and General Goodman were led by several soldiers into a small ship out from the Orbital Spire. As Lindt looked forward, he could see an object ahead of them. It was a gigantic satellite, big enough to host a small fleet of ships. In fact, there was indeed such a fleet surrounding it, as if to guard it. Its most distinguishing feature was a protrusion that pointed downwards at the planet.

"General, what is this?" asked Lindt.

"Lindt, it is quite obvious," Goodman said, "the ultimate weapon to crush all opposition…Memento Mori. You will be in charge of this one-of-a-kind weaponry."

On Lindt's face, a cruel sadistic smile was formed on it.