Code Geass - Lelouch of the Rebellion/Code Geass - Hangyaku no Lelouch: Lost Soldiers
by: Ominae
Rating: T
NOTE:
All character of Code Geass are under the copyright of Goro Taniguchi, Sunrise, CLAMP and Bandai Entertainment. All other characters are under my jurisdiction.
Summary:
The Lost Soldiers, to reciprocate the time spent with the Black Knights in the anti-Refrain operation, are en route in an operation to free a Britannian Army deserter named Edward Johnson. Will the Black Knights be able to assist the Lost Soldiers in rescuing the man? Stay tune to this chapter to find out.
Chapter 8: Operation Thunderbolt
Special Escort Group convoy, somewhere on Highway 1, Tokyo Settlement, Area 11, Britannian Empire
A Met Police Special Escort Group convoy had left the outskirts of RBA Tokyo, en route to Yokohoma Prison on a section of Highway 1 secured and cleared of civilian vehicles an hour before the convoy had arrived due to fears that sympathizers would try to take advantage of the traffic to free Staff Sergeant Johnson out.
Consisting of a Ford E-350 van, two Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptors and four BMW R 1200 RT motorbikes, one group was stationed at the front and at the back of the convoy. All of the SEG officers are fully armed with Heckler and Koch MP5A3 submachine guns and are familiar with both anti-convoy ambush and anti-VIP abduction tactics. If in case that they would be overwhelmed by their armed assailants, the SEG could request for assistance from either CO19 or from the Britannian SAS' SIG.
"Looks like the path is clear." The SEG officer in one of the R 1200 RT motorbikes leading the convoy murmured before he took a glance up in the sky to see two Met Police MD Helicopters MD 500 light helicopters, being used by the Air Support Unit to scout ahead of the convoy for anything that may hinder its progress.
"Hey!" the second SEG officer on the other R 1200 RT motorbike spoke to his partner on his radio. "You think the Black Knights may come for the deserter?"
"Probably." replied the first SEG officer. "Which is why HQ wanted to immediately request assistance from the army in case knightmares are involved. An SIG unit is also going to be assisting us from what I heard, though I'm not sure if they're in the air."
"Good point there."
Unknown to the two SEG officers in front, one of the motorbike officers stationed at the convoy's rear began to carefully place a circular device on top of the rear SEG Police Interceptor's fuel tank cover when he accelerated his bike to be next to it without raising any suspicion.
"What'd you do back there?" The motorbike officer stationed at the rear asked his colleague who was too near the squad car. "And what's that thing you placed back there?"
The only answer was for the officer to brandish a Swedish CBJ Tech AB CBJ-MS submachine gun, hidden underneath his yellow Goretex Met Police jacket.
"Holy--!" The officers at the convoy's rear were startled to see their colleague brandish the said weapon, as it was not the Met Police's standard submachine gun.
"Look out!" The SEG officer warned his colleagues, only for him to be the first victim of the convoy's ambush when the CBJ-MS-armed officer began to open fire at the motorbikes officers stationed at the rear.
On Met Police MD 500, over Highway 1, Tokyo Settlement, Area 11, Britannian Empire
"Air Unit 1 to HQ! Air Unit 1 to HQ! I'm reporting in a 10-33 with the convoy transporting Staff Sergeant Johnson currently under attack by armed terrorists, over!" The MD-500's co-pilot radioed to police HQ on the convoy being attacked. He and the pilot observed two of the SEG motorbike officers from the convoy's front and rear attacking the other SEG officers with the CBJ-MS PDWs before and after the rear Police Interceptor was destroyed from the device placed on its fuel tank cover.
"Air Unit 1." The radio dispatch from police HQ came back to the MD 500. "Please be advised, the Britannian Army has requested police personnel to immediately retreat from the area. I repeat, the Britannian Army..."
The Air Support Unit officers was never able to comply with the instructions as they were shot down from the ground by an unknown projectile after it made contact at the bottom of its cockpit, which caught them by surprise.
Roof, Unknown Building, near Highway 1, Tokyo Settlement, Area 11, Britannian Empire
"Good work."
Michael was standing next to Sugiyama, who was wearing his standard Black Knights tulip mask and sneaking suit. He observed the dark green-haired man put down the Bazalt RPG-7V2 after he fired the Egyptian Sakr Cobra 40 mm anti-tank rocket. Both men were crouching down so as not to be easily seen as the MD 500s.
Normal conventional use of the RPG-7 and its derivatives call on its use against either armored vehicles like APCs or tanks or against armed personnel on the ground. However, it was not unheard of that RPGs be used against helicopters in such a way. Military personnel who had participated in COIN operations have reported armed guerrillas/militiamen from Rhodesia all the way to Afghanistan use RPGs for anti-aircraft purposes.
"It was second nature." Sugiyama shrugged his shoulder. "I'm quite used to this kind of thing."
"Then allow me." Michael, dressed up as a CO19 operator, shouldered a General Dynamics FIM-92G Stinger MANPAD launcher taken from a case next to him. "I'll show you how to conduct true anti-aircraft warfare." Their mission was to take down any Met Police choppers to give them an absence in air superiority. At least, until Britannian military aircraft arrives.
Sugiyama whistled. "Where'd you get that nice toy?"
"Heh." Michael chuckled. "We have a don't ask, don't tell policy in our group, my friend." As soon as the Britannian had the second Met Police ASU MD-500 chopper in its optical sight, the ex-COSMOS soldier fired the MANPAD at its cockpit area. He then got on his radio, mic on the helmet and spoke to it.
"Operation Thunderbolt is a go."
Somewhere on Highway 1, Tokyo Settlement, Area 11, Britannian Empire
"Cover them!" The motorbike officer warned his comrade, seeing the last SEG Police Interceptor and R 1200 RT still trying to escort the E-350 van and help it get away. A SEG R 1200 RT drove by the squad car and fired their CBJ-MS PDWs at the driver and front passenger after they shot the fast passenger tires, killing them while their car drove all the way to the highway's concrete divider.
"Agh!" One of the three surviving SEG motorbike officers was gunned down by another colleague of his, being shot before he tried to draw out his S&W M-50 pistol. Another was shot previously when he didn't realize that a fellow SEG officer would turn against them, gunned down by surprise. The men fell down from their R 1200 RTs as a result of being shot. As the motorbike officer had been caught off their guard, most of them had no time to use their MP5A3s to defend themselves or the van.
The E-350 tried to escape from the carnage after the driver saw their squad car and motorbike escorts killed with the last R 1200 RT struggling to help his SEG colleagues escape with the prisoner. A gray Sikorsky UH-60M Black Hawk helicopter was seen flying over the highway, hovering in front of the fleeing SEG vehicles.
Suddenly, the UH-60M's cabin door opened to reveal a person wearing Britannian infantry combat suit, helmet and respirator with the flag of Ireland on the chest.
"I'm taking them out!" yelled Michelle, who fired the chopper's mounted FN MAG GPMG at the SEG R 1200 RT after she communicated on the radio. The barrage of 7.62 NATO bullets killed the motorbike officer with the driver and front passenger of the E-350, bringing it to a halt after it collided with the downed motorbike. "They're down! Get the boss man and the other guys in!"
Another UH-60M appeared on the scene, which deployed a four-man Lost Soldiers team down on the highway alongside a four-man Black Knights cell including Zero. All of them also wore the same gear as Michelle did, with the exception of having tactical vests worn on their chests. The Black Knights cell had their usual tulip facemask and combat suits, used ever since the Lake Kawaguchi incident.
"Moving in!" The voice belonged to Marc, who had armed the team with Heckler and Koch G36C assault carbines fitted with Aimpoint CompM2 red dot sights with Sig Sauer SP 2022 pistols for sidearms. Two of the Black Knight guerrillas were armed with RPG-7s, in case of either armored or airborne threats. The other two were with Zero, armed with IZHMASH AK-74M assault rifles.
Outside SEG Ford E-350, Highway 1, Tokyo Settlement, Area 11, Britannian Empire
"Allow me!" Zero cracked the knuckles of his gloved hands, tearing open the van's right door panel. It surprised the two SEG officers guarding Johnson, about to draw out their Sig Sauer SP 2340 pistols.
"Stay down." whispered Marc, who had his G36C set to single shot mode when he fired head shots at the officers before they had a chance to open fire with their sidearms after he entered the semi-bullet riddled van. The two SEG officers dismounted from their motorbikes and provided perimeter security for the Lost Soldiers while extending the stocks of their CBJ-MS PDWs.
"You Staff Sergeant Johnson?" Marc addressed the Britannian deserter, a man in his early 30s with blonde crewcut hair. He was wearing a white straitjacket, a standard for all prisoners in the Britannian justice system to restrain them in order to prevent them from escaping.
"Yes, sir." replied Edward. Zero gestured to two Black Knight guerrillas to assist Edward stepping out of the van.
"You may know me as Zero." Zero introduced himself. "I have cooperated with the Lost Soldiers for this mission, as you may know."
"I guess I owe a thank you to you two." Edward thanked Marc and Zero for setting him free from Met Police custody. "Though I feel sorry for them." He glanced over his left shoulder to see the dead police officers.
"Domingo, Ken." Marc called on the supposed SEG motorbike officers standing near their bikes, being careful as not to shout to reveal their real names to Zero. "Cover the perimeter. We've got the package." Marc gestured to Yi, Henri and Michelle to provide perimeter security after the prisoner was secured, the latter being relieved temporarily of her GPMG gunner duty from the first UH-60M.
"Incoming!" The familiar voice of Tamaki called out to his Black Knight comrades. "Up there!"
"What is it, Tamaki?" Another Black Knight guerrilla saw the Knightmare VTOLs from a distance. Two UH-60M helicopters from the Britannian Army were also on the scene, preparing to deposit unknown troops on the semi-deserted highway.
"Come on, Yoshida!" Tamaki yelled to the former NRA guerrilla. "Those are Knightmare VTOLs! Man, we're totally screwed!"
"Sir!" A Black Knight guerrilla addressed Tamaki. "I thought the plan was for Ms. Kallen and Mr. Ougi to engage those Knightpolice frames after they're here."
"Oh yeah, I forgot." Tamaki chuckled before he glared at the guerrilla. "And don't call me sir, kiddo!" Tamaki got a RPG-V2 from Yoshida. "Makes me feel old..."
"Of course..." The guerrilla felt nervous.
"Can I call you Tamago instead?" Marc chuckled when he gestured to his fellow Lost Soldiers to change the firing rate of their G36Cs to full auto.
"Not funny man!" Tamaki yelled back. "Man, when I am so through with this..."
Cockpit, Type 3F Gekka Prototype
"It's just you and me for this mission, partner."
Rai addressed Jean, who was in a purple Sutherland, when the two Lost Soldier knightmares were flown in on the highway, courtesy of Black Knight Knightmare VTOL planes that were taken from Britannian army stocks during a raid on a material convoy a few weeks ago prior to the rescue operation.
"Yeah, yeah. You got me there." Jean's Sutherland was the first to land on the highway, already arming itself with its machine pistol. Rai's Gekka Prototype followed next, brandishing its Katen Yaibato.
"Well, Black Knighter." Rai grinned to see a red knightmare being dropped from a Black Knightmare VTOL plane. "It's time for you to impress the seniors, yes?"
Actually, I'd like to see how the battle data input I gave Rakshata would do for the Black Knights in the long run. Rai grinned when the red knightmare had its Ryogo Otsugata Tozanto Fork Knife drawn out, held on its left hand as the frame was primed up for combat.
Cockpit, Type-02 Guren Mk-II
"The name's Kallen, not Black Knighter!"
Kallen shouted at Rai via the radio channel established between their knightmares, earning a quick chuckle from the former.
"Kallen." Ougi's voice came on the radio, his Burai already next to the Guren Mk-II. "The Knightpolice frames are here. We have to intercept them."
"Understood." Kallen sighted a total of four Knightpolices, armed with machine pistols before they charged towards the wrecked SEG convoy. "Here goes!" She moved her knightmare to intercept the police frames alongside Rai's Gekka Prototype. Ougi's Burai moved in next to Jean's Sutherland, firing their submachine guns on the approaching Knightpolices.
"AAAHHHHH!!!" Moving in for the kill, Kallen used the Guren's Fukushado claw to grab one of the Knightpolices on its Factsphere/head.
"See ya!" Kallen activated the Fukashado to unleash a deadly microwave-type radiation attack that damaged the Knightpolice's interior. She then removed the claw from her victim's head, watching the Knightpolice explode before a cartridge was ejected out of the claw arm.
His knightmare can do the same thing huh? Kallen watched the Gekka Prototype unleash its own Fukashado attack after it too grabbed another Knightpolice on its head. The second police frame exploded after Rai removed its claw from the head.
Cockpit, RPI-13 Sutherland Jean Lamperouge
Jean heard a message transmitted on his knightmare's communications gear.
"Jean! We're evacuating with Zero and the others. Cover us!"
"Okay!" Jean fired a barrage from his machine pistol at the third Knightpolice, targeting its landspinners before he fired a HE grenade that was aimed at its cockpit. Ougi supported him by providing cover fire with the machine pistol too against the last Knightpolice after the third Knightpolice was destroyed.
"Help's here!" Rai came rushing in with Kallen, the two knightmares using their chaff smoke dispensers on the Knightpolices to jam their electronic equipment before they fired their custom handguns at the fourth Knightpolice.
"Hey boss!" Jean radioed Marc. "Rai and Kallen were able to get rid of the last Knightpolice. We should evacuate oughta here before the SIG gets here."
Outside SEG Ford E-350, Highway 1, Tokyo Settlement, Area 11, Britannian Empire
"Okay! Let's move it!"
Marc gestured to the other Lost Soldiers and Black Knights to evacuate. Domingo and Ken left the scene ahead first in their R 1200 RT SEG motorbikes as they were still in disguise.
"Michael." Marc radioed the Britannian Lost Soldier. Next major step is to find out where the Eden Vital base is... "Get yourself out of there now. Won't be long before the Apache choppers get there. Don't forget to dispose of the MANPAD and the RPG too while you're at it too. Over."
"Understood. I'll be proceeding to do that, boss. Over and out."
"Aw..." Tamaki handed the RPG-7V2 back to Yoshida. "I wasn't able to use it." He boarded one of the UH-60Ms. Marc assisted Edward in entering the first UH-60M, guarding him as he entered the chopper's cabin.
"Better safe than sorry." Yoshida told Tamaki, who boarded the chopper after Zero and a Black Knight guerrilla were the first ones to board. Their UH-60M took off after Yoshida closed the chopper's cabin door.
Marc and the others were able to board back at their UH-60M safely, with Marc closing the cabin door. Kallen and Rai fired more chaff at the section of the highway where the burning wrecks of the Knightpolices were in order to sabotage Britannian police and military communications as they provided the choppers a chance to retreat.
A few minutes after the UH-60Ms were fully airborne, the Guren Mk-II and the Gekka Prototype then exited the highway by jumping off when they were a good distance away from the smoldering wreck of the SEG convoy.
Governor-General's Office, Governor-General's Palace, Tokyo Settlement, Area 11, Britannian Empire
"Knight of the 3rd Princess of the Holy Empire of Britannia, Major Suzaku Kururugi. I'm reporting for duty, your Highness!"
Suzaku wore a formal military attire, with the sheath of a Ōkatana strapped on the left side of his waist customized with a Britannian-made hilt. With him were Cécile and Mariel, the two of them dressed in their Special Dispatch Guidance System uniforms with berets on their heads.
"Good work." Clovis replied, observing Suzaku carefully. "I must past my congratulations to you, Major Kururugi for your promotion."
"Thank you, your Highness!" Suzaku snapped at attention. "As of today, I'll be assigned to the Special Dispatch Guidance System division of the Britannian Army while conducting my duties as Princess Euphemia's knight."
"I understand." Clovis nodded. It's unbelievable. Brother Schneizel has informed me a while ago that an Eleven has taken the position of being Euphie's knight, not to mention that he gave consent to it. I wonder...
"Your Highness." Suzaku began to ask the Viceroy of Area 11. "I was wondering if I can make a formal request to seek an audience with Princess Euphemia. The schedule's not ready yet though."
"This is the first time I'm hearing of this." Clovis raised an eyebrow at the Honorary Britannian. "As you may know, the princess is busy with another appointment. As of now, she's quite busy handling some matters of her own. However, I'll let her know of it. For now, I want you and the rest of the division on standby. The insurgency's heating up in Area 11 and I'll need all the help I can get. Understood?"
"Yes, your Highness!" Suzaku raised his left arm horizontally, placing his clenched fist over his chest.
Cécile eyed Clovis before the three excused themselves from his presence. I wonder if he hates Suzaku being Princess Euphemia's knight?
Corridor, Governor-General's Palace, Tokyo Settlement, Area 11, Britannian Empire
"It seems that you weren't able to meet with her Highness." Mariel told Suzaku, taking off her Special Dispatch beret.
"I know Elle." Suzaku replied, calling Mariel by her preferred nickname. "It's expected of her."
"I wonder if Prince Clovis is hostile to any Number who are in high positions of the Britannian government, including Knights." Cécile told Mariel and Suzaku her thoughts regarding their meeting with Clovis back in his office.
"Probably." The ex-Japanese agreed with Cécile's thoughts. "I do know that Princess Ambrosia, aside from Prince Clovis, are hesitant on a Number like me being a knight."
"You don't say?"
The trio were stunned to see Darlton in the corridor, leaning on the way with his arms crossed on his chest.
"M-major Darlton!" Mariel gasped, seeing the scarred man in the area.
"Hmph." Darlton began to approach Suzaku, who began to tense a bit. "I find this very interesting, especially to see a Number like you be appointed as Princess Euphemia's knight." He took off the white glove on his left hand. "Under the approval of his Highness, Prime Minister Schneizel el Britannia."
"I am a military man." Darlton grinned. "Power is highly regarded by people in my position. So let's see if you're really a man or not..."
As a sign of defiance, Darlton hurled his glove on the ground. Suzaku could only do nothing but to stare at the man in anger.
Research Center, Eden Vital Base, Unknown Country
V.V. entered a chamber dedicated to some researchers. This project would be very vital to Eden Vital. That is... if the scientists can do something about using cellular matter from C.C.
"Master V.V." A cloaked Eden Vital man, dressed and covered from top to bottom, approached the young boy. The trident emblem was seen on his clothes.
"I'm just here to see if Project Tengu is doing well." V.V. smiled at the cloaked man, who showed him around the research center.
"It is." The cloaked man showed V.V. a metallic bed where a Caucasian man, in his late 20s, was lying down seemingly naked with a blanket covering most of his body. "We did some tests by transplanting some of the cells we were able to obtain from Mistress C.C. before she left Eden Vital years ago."
"And what are these results that you were able to produce?" V.V. was curious about what the cloaked man had told him.
"Let me show you." The cloaked man escorted V.V. towards a window that showed a room with a man dressed up in a black sneaking suit, ballistic helmet and a mask.
Hmm... V.V. stared at the soldier, who had drawn out his ninjato from the sheath strapped on the left side of his waist.
"The cells that we've transplanted on these soldiers are random to each man, so they each have a random geass they can use." When the cloaked man had mentioned the news, V.V. grinned. "Observe."
The masked soldier began to randomly teleport around the room, slashing the air around him with the ninjato at hand.
"How interesting." V.V. nodded, being impressed.
"Here's another." V.V. was escorted towards another window that showed a man dressed in a Russian MVD 3-color tropical camouflage BDU with a tactical vest, pistol leg holster, balaclava and a Russian tanker helmet worn on top of his head. The masked man was facing five targets, all of them placed in different parts of the shooting range in front of him. "The targets placed in the room's shooting range are arranged differently. Observe."
The man drew out a Glock 17 pistol and fired it, holding it in a Weaver stance. V.V. saw the 9mm Parabellum bullet travel straight at its first target before it curved to its left, taking out the second target. It then weaved left and right after it went straight through the second target, taking out the third and fourth targets. The 9mm bullet went over the fifth target, going over it before it curved downward to penetrate it before the bullet down again to the floor.
"Excellent." V.V. smiled and clapped his hands. "Most impressive research you've done to this done."
"Thank you, Master." The cloaked man bowed to V.V.
"How soon can a platoon or a battalion be readied?" V.V. asked the cloaked man.
"We already have some subjects that had C.C.'s cell transplanted in them for some other tests. But since you already approve of it, I estimate perhaps a month or two as we already have several able-bodied subjects to conduct more transplanting."
"Good work." V.V. nodded, watching the masked man holster his pistol. "Soon, we'll be able to fight against the Lost Soldiers." He had a wicked smile on his face. "Especially him."
Cabin, Unmarked Sikorsky UH-60M Black Hawk, en route to Lost Soldiers hideout, somewhere above Area 11, Britannian Empire
"Achoo!"
Marc had sneezed, having his helmet, goggles and respirator removed with the exception of his balaclava.
"You alright?" Henri asked Marc, who noticed the leader sneezing as they had been airborne for an hour now, evading Britannian police helicopters.
"Yeah." Marc nodded.
I have a bad feeling that's someone talking about me...
Nunnally's Room, Clubhouse, Ashford Academy, Tokyo Settlement, Area 11, Britannian Empire
"Were you able to see?"
Nunnally was alone in her room, in the balcony alongside Nemo. She was seated on the balcony's railings, wearing a purple sneaking suit that was hugging her small figure.
"I somehow was able to see." Nunnally told Nemo. "But limited. It's like, I saw Cornelia's outline when I was eating dinner last night. But not her entire face like I used to when I was a child."
"I see." Nemo nodded, smirking at Nunnally. "I guess that's a side benefit if you use your geass, thought that's unheard of."
Nunnally was only astounded by Nemo's words. "Uhhh..."
"But that's not important." Nemo approached Nunnally's wheelchair, standing in front of her. "Did you sense something from your big brother?"
"No." Nunnally shook her head.
"I don't believe you." Nemo raised her right arm and placed her hand on Nunnally's forehead. Energy began to discharge from Nemo to Nunnally's forehead; the geass bird sigil began to appear.
"AAAHH!" Nunnally shouted weakly, recoiling back. She was lucky that no one was around to hear her, potentially revealing her identity as a geass user. Cornelia had been out to shop for food in the local supermarket; Sayoko was outside attending to the garden in front of the clubhouse.
"Since we're joined together," Nemo stared down at Nunnally. "we can see the future. The future of the entire world."
The future... Nunnally thought.
"We can stop the evil things in the world." Nemo placed her right hand on Nunnally's left shoulder. "The power that's given to us by the group called Eden Vital."
"Eden Vital." Nunnally murmured. I wonder who they are in the first place?
Outskirts of Ashford Academy, Tokyo Settlement, Area 11, Britannian Empire
"So that's Ashford Academy eh?"
"Indeed, it is."
Two East Asians, a purple-haired male and a female were standing outside the gates of Ashford Academy. They appear to be in teenagers, though it is unknown what their definite age is.
"So do we strike now?" The East Asian male stared at the young female, who had a metallic patch that hid her left eye. "Hmmm?"
"Not quite yet." The female shook her head. "I wish to know more about Nunnally Lamperouge. I can sense that she has a geass."
"A geass?" The male was impressed by the female's observation. "I'm quite curious about it..." The male snickered and clapped his hands.
"Let's retreat for now." The female suggested to her companion. "She's out there with her."
"Who?" The male smirked. "You mean Nemo?"
"Indeed." The female replied. "How did...."
"My geass gives me the ability of hearing people's thoughts for up to 500 meters away." The male tapped his left temple.
"That's..." The female smirked back. "quite an interesting geass ability you got there."
"So Mao." The male asked her as they walked away from the school. "I was able to use my geass on you and see if it works." He continued on with a grin plastered on his face. "And I know what kind of underwear you use."
"Don't start Mao." Mao had her left hand inside her jacket, ready to draw out her sidearm when necessary. "Or else..." She gritted her teeth in frustration.
Helipad, Lost Soldiers Base, somewhere near Tokyo Settlement, Area 11, Britannian Empire
The UH-60M Black Hawks landed on the helipad in the Lost Soldier's mountain base, hidden via secret passage built on a section of the Okuchichibu Mountains. Rakshata and her scientists were on hand to greet the choppers and their passengers.
"I'm glad you all made it." Rakshata greeted Marc, the first to step out of his UH-60M.
"As always, Rakshata." Marc greeted Rakshata back. The other Lost Soldiers assisted Edward in stepping out of the chopper.
"Rai has already arrived in the base." Rakshata told the Filipino Eurasian. "A Ms. Kallen Kozuki is also with him with Kaname Ougi, waiting for Zero."
"You must be Rakshata Chawla." Zero had stepped out of the other UH-60M, shaking hands with Rakshata. "I'm honored to meet someone as brilliant as you." Tamaki and Yoshida were with him, as was the recent Black Knight guerrilla recruits.
"No need to flatter me." Rakashata grinned after she shook hands with Zero.
"Boss!" Rai rushed in the helipad to see Marc. "I've got news!"
Marc sighed. "It better be good."
"There's some movement going on at the old Nishigaoka National Stadium." Rai told Marc, after he had some time to breath slowly from running.
"What about it?" Marc asked.
"There's something going on in the Britannian Army." Rai replied. "And it seems that they're a fight going on..."
The Britannian Eurasian's words greatly alarmed Zero.
I wonder what he's talking about?
Nishigaoka National Stadium, Kita Ghetto, near Tokyo Settlement, Area 11, Britannian Empire
Darlton's Gloucester, having the model number RPI-209, stared at the knightmare in front of him as he had his Glouester's lance at the ready.
"Will he play any tricks on me?" Darlton observed the Special Dispatch Guidance System's trailer with wires connecting the knightmare to the trailer, evidently to power its batter cells. The scarred man grinned, patiently having his hands at the Gloucester's controls.
It doesn't matter anyway. Kururugi doesn't have major combat experience like I do... He licked his lips in anticipation of the battle ahead.
Cockpit, Z-01 Lancelot
"Suzaku, do you have to do this? I mean, the Lancelot..."
Suzaku sighed, hearing Mariel's concern on the Lancelot's radio.
"Not to worry, Elle. This is just something that I have to do eventually."
"Understood, Suzaku. We're about to get the Lancelot ready." Cécile spoke to him. Suzaku had the Lancelot's thumb drive inserted into the console's port, activating its OS.
"Now to deal with him." Suzaku murmured, gripping his controls.
"Yggdrasil drive activating." Mariel told Suzaku on the Lancelot's activation progress. "Voltage point in 30 seconds."
"Here goes..." The devicer whispered, staring at the Gloucester in front of him.
"Interface complete. Receptor alignment initiating. Man-machine interface confirmed."
The Gloucester had its lance pointed at him, seeing that the Lancelot was about to move.
"Start up phase. All green." The cables attached to the Lancelot began to detach, as it had been fully charged.
"Z-01 Lancelot, now activated."
"Lancelot, launching!" Suzaku shouted, moving the Lancelot forward towards Darlton.
Cockpit, RPI-209 Gloucester
Darlton was caught off his guard when the Lancelot suddenly dashed away from him, trying to stab it with the lance.
What? The scarred man was startled. He didn't try to make a move at me. Is he fooling me around?
Darlton turned the Gloucester around, trying to hit the Lancelot again. Like the first time, it dodged the lance's slashes and stabs.
"Why aren't you fighting me? Draw your weapon, boy!" Darlton yelled at the Lancelot.
"I'm afraid I can't." Suzaku calmly answered. "From the way you're fighting, I can sense your arrogance meant for me." The Lancelot drew itself in a defensive position, its Blaze Luminous MSV Particle Shields on its forearms activated. "Something that I won't accept."
"You son of a..." Darlton was getting pissed off at Suzaku's ways of not fighting again. "When I'm through with you..."
"This isn't a duel that I'll accept. Because of that, I refuse to draw my sword."
"Are you trying to act like some coward escaping from a schoolyard fight?!" Darlton lost his temper, shouting at Suzaku for his answer.
"I'm Princess Euphemia's Knight. I will fight to uphold her honor." The Lancelot was now in a combat stance, its arms raised up in front. "But with the way I'm seeing things, this fight is unacceptable..."
"You have the gall to say that me! As an officer of the Britannian Army?!" Darlton began to charge at the Lancelot, blocking its head with its particle shields protecting it. "You're just asking to be killed!"
"Drop your weapons!"
That voice...
Darlton halted in his tracks, hearing a familiar feminine voice nearby.
Somewhere on Nishigaoka National Stadium, Kita Ghetto, near Tokyo Settlement, Area 11, Britannian Empire
"Oh ho. This is an interesting revelation that I haven't seen in years."
Dressed in his Britannian infantry uniform, Marc observed the battle between Darlton and Suzaku before Euphemia li Britannia appeared nearby. "Looks like she told them to drop their weapons." He zoomed his electronic binoculars to see Euphemia approach the two knightmares.
The Gloucester and the Lancelot knelt before the princess.
Marc raised his eyebrow when he heard Euphemia, "This isn't the time to fight each other when the Black Knights are beginning to start unrest in Area 11! We can't afford to have people like you two to have childish fights, is that clear?!"
"Yes, your Highness!" Both Darlton and Suzaku replied to Euphemia.
"Hmm..." Marc kept his binoculars on his rear pouch attached to his belt. "Now it's interesting that her highness is on the scene. I better leave." Marc dashed out of the abandoned stadium, while the two knightmares were being distracted.
Cockpit, RPI-209 Gloucester
"Hmm..."
Darlton swore that the Gloucester's sensor had picked up someone who had been observing him for the past few minutes.
"Strange." When he was able to look at the side, Darlton was alarmed that he didn't see anyone around aside from Euphemia and Suzaku with the other Special Dispatch members in the trailer nearby.
"It must be me." Darlton sighed, who began to move his knightmare out of the dilapidated stadium.
Mobile Weapons Hangar, Lost Soldiers Base, Okuchichibu Mountains, somewhere near Tokyo Settlement, Area 11, Britannian Empire
Marc was back in the the hangar on his BMW R 1200 GS motorbike, minutes after leaving the abandoned Nishigaoka National Stadium of the Kita ghetto without being detected. He was dressed in civilian clothes, which included a black hoodie that concealed his face from public view. His backpack was worn on his back, which had his Britannian infantry uniform and gear.
"Hey." Marc was greeted by Ougi, accompanied by Kallen.
"Ougi." Marc dismouted from the R 1200 GS. "Didn't expect to see you here."
"Ah, don't worry about it." Ougi shook his head.
"What about to Tamaki and the others?"
"Training." Kallen answered. "Some of the other Lost Soldiers offered to train them in using MANPADs. Tamaki was quite excited by it though..."
"I can see that." Marc sighed and removed the hood.
"It's been a while since I last saw that." Ougi grinned. "You definitely changed."
"Not that I can say the same for you." Marc grinned back and snapped his fingers.
"Um..." Kallen approached Marc.
"Yes?" Marc was confused as why Kallen's cheeks were turning red.
"Can..." Kallen mumbled before she blurted out. "CAN YOU PLEASE TRAIN ME IN KNIGHTMARE COMBAT?!"
"Uh..." Marc felt a bit embarrassed. "What's with you all of a sudden?"
"She's a big fan of the Lost Soldiers ever since she heard about you guys fighting back in the days of the Second Pacific War." Ougi explained. "So she was telling me that she wanted to train with you guys, now that she's got a new knightmare."
"You mean the Guren Mk-II right?" Marc asked. "I heard about it and I'm interested in it..."
"It looks like that it's a yes, Kallen." Ougi gave Kallen the thumbs up.
"Thank you!" Kallen hugged Marc after she was pleased to hear that Marc would spar with her knightmare.
"All right, all right." Marc chuckled. "You better go, Kallen. I still have to park this guy here." He patted the R 1200 GS for emphasis.
Marc parked the motorbike while Kallen and Ougi left the hangar, the former really looking forward to the upcoming knightmare sparring match.
"You can come out now!" Marc shouted, his voice resonated throughout the empty hangar after he pushed the bike and parked it in a vacant spot next to the BMW 530i CO19 ARV. "You know that hiding won't do you any good. Besides, I can sense that you're hiding behind my Lancelot Club from miles away."
"Then I was right on the count when I saw you from a distance back in the Shinjuku ghetto." C.C. emerged from hiding behind the Lancelot Club, standing next to the Gekka Prototype and several of the Sutherlands pressed into Lost Soldiers' service without any modifications to its exterior. "I had a gut feeling a geass was given to you." She was wearing her Britannian strait jacket ever since she was freed from being confined to the pod stolen by the NRA.
"But I'm not that privy to tell you the extent of my geass yet." Marc eyed C.C. carefully. "Aside from the fact that I'm aware of my surroundings for at least 600 meters."
Marc stayed silent for a few seconds. "It's been a while that I last saw you back in Britannia when I was still a brainwashed COSMOS soldier."
"I can tell, you haven't changed." C.C. replied. Not at all. "So is it true that you Lost Soldiers have the ability to move your knightmares with your meta-human reflexes?"
"Where did you hear that?" Marc raised an eyebrow.
"I'm not deaf. I heard it from some of the scientists when they were conducting tests on me."
"You mean Code-R?"
C.C. nodded.
"I was right then." Marc sighed. "Looks like Bartley and company weren't doing the COSMOS project as their main focus."
"I'm curious as to how your geass and your meta-human reflexes will play a part in the upcoming knightmare sparring with Kallen?" C.C. approached Marc, only to stop when she was standing right in front of him.
"You really want to know?" Marc placed his hands in the pockets of his hoodie.
C.C. didn't reply, but instead stared at him.
"You should come by and watch it later." As he was about to leave the hangar, the Eurasian turned his head around and grinned. "With Zero. In fact, I think he'll be interested in it."
2008 ATB
Code-R Research Center, somewhere in the United States, Britannian Empire
"Number 33!"
General Bartley addressed Marc, standing guard with his Britannian infantry gear at 9 years of age. He was armed with his Colt M-13 bullpup rifle.
"Sir!" Marc stood at attention.
"I want you to guard her carefully." Bartley pointed out the pod next to C.C., confined to a chair with her wrists bounded on the armrests via metal cuffs. "She won't fight back, but the woman's very cunning."
"Will I receive help to guard her?" Marc asked Bartley.
"I'll have Numbers 21 and 29 to assist you in protecting her." Bartley assured the young soldier. "They'll be coming in a few minutes."
"Thank you, sir." Marc saluted the bald officer, who left him to guard the room's interior.
"It looks like these COSMOS soldiers are only useful in the meantime for guard duty in protecting all Code-R Project assets until there's another expeditionary force soon." Bartley murmured, a bit loud enough for the young soldier to hear.
Marc looked around the research center, absent of Code-R research scientists. COSMOS soldiers were mandated to guard all Code-R facilities and personnel as the project is not known to the public aside from a select few in the Britannian military, which is the same for anyone or any facility involved in the COSMOS Project.
He found himself staring at C.C., who did the same as well. No words were exchanged between the two. Instead, they were merely content with staring at each other.
"So it seems that you're the young soldier from COSMOS, yes?" C.C. inquired about Marc's presence in the Britannian army.
The COSMOS soldier didn't bother to reply.
Training Area, Lost Soldiers Base, Okuchichibu Mountains, somewhere near Tokyo Settlement, Area 11, Britannian Empire
"Come on, Tamaki. Try that again."
Ken told the ex-NRA guerrilla as he and Rai were guiding some of the Black Knight guerrillas, including Tamaki, Sugiyama, Inoue, Minami and Yoshida in an open space of the Lost Soldiers base next to the shooting range. The closed space hidden in the mountains can be readily converted to handle any training from unarmed combat to practicing last minute CQB combat tactics. For now, it was used to teach the Black Knights cadre on how to handle MANPAD launchers in a future guerrilla operation.
"Aw..." Tamaki was about to complain. "What'd I do wrong this time?"
The cadre was suppose to be training on the use of Russian-made KB Mashinostroyeniya (KBM) 9K38 Igla aka the SA-18 Grouse as designated by the Euro Universe's NATO. Due to logistical problems with Kyoto over supplying the Lost Soldiers' Okuchichibu base with a few Iglas in order to do a joint training session that Zero had scheduled after the debut of the two groups back in Lake Kawaguchi, the Lost Soldiers had to make do with another MANPAD.
"You fired the MANPAD too soon." Ken pointed to the mock Sakr Eye MANPAD, an Egyptian version of the KBM 9K32 Strela 2 aka the SA-7 Grail, which was known to be constructed with light materials such as fiberglass. It also has the capacity to mount night vision sights, something the original Strela 2 cannot do. "As soon as the program showed a mock Apache chopper, you just had an itchy trigger finger to bring it down."
Tamaki sighed and removed the head-mounted display unit from his head. "I can't help it, Ken. The moment I see a Britannian aircraft, I just need to bring that baby down. You know what I'm saying?"
"Tamaki's too excited for this training." Minami groaned. "We'll be screwed if he can't work with us when we handle MANPADs out in the field."
Ken sighed. "Jean, let's start the simulation over again."
"All right." Jean began to work on the PC station nearby, typing away at the keyboard. "Did Tamaki screw it up?"
"He did." Inoue replied, taking off her HMD unit temporarily to scratch her forehead. "Tamaki just can't contain his excitement."
"Hey mate!" Jean shouted to Ken. "What's the scenario you want to test Tamago and the others on?"
"MY NAME..." Tamaki shouted at Jean, bringing his fist up in anger. "IS TAMAKI, DAMMIT!"
Jean began to smirk. "How's about we do a night scenario? The Sakr Eye can do it, but not the original Strela 2."
Knightmare Hangar, Eden Vital Base, Unknown Country
V.V. was in the knightmare hangar, apparently summoned by the Cardinal himself on short notice.
"It seems that you have some business with me, my boy." V.V. spoke to the Cardinal, who was staring at the RPI-212 Vincent Prototype standing proudly near the hangar's wall.
"Indeed I do." The Cardinal grinned at V.V. "I have two people I want to introduce to you personally." He turned his head around over his left shoulder. "Come forward, you two."
At his words, two people came near the Cardinal's rear. One was a young girl with pink hair. She wore a cloak around her body, with a trident insignia on it.
"Anya." The Cardinal spoke to the young girl. "Please introduce yourself to my uncle here."
"Greetings." Anya said, a bit softly for V.V. to hear. "I am Anya Alstreim." She slightly bowed her head to acknowledge herself. "A pleasure to meet you."
A young girl? V.V. eyed Anya carefully. How will she be able to play a role in Eden Vital?
The other person, a East Asian by appearance, was wearing Britannian infantry gear with no helmet, goggles and respirator with the exception of a Britannian SAS beret worn on his head. He had a scar on his face located on his nosebridge.
"Staff Sergeant Michael Yoong of the COSMOS Battalion." Micheal gave V.V. a salute, something that he usually does as he had been indoctrinated into COSMOS as a young boy. "I was told to be here as a liaison."
"Ah, yes." V.V. greeted Michael. "If I recall out right, you were under the command of someone whose real name slips my mind at this moment..."
"Do not mention his name." Michael gritted his teeth, placing his gloved right hand over his face. "Especially after what he did to my god damned face."
V.V. grinned. "Really? It seems you wish retribution upon him."
"I do." The Malaysian Chinese soldier clenched his left fist. "One day I'll show him that I'm still on top."
"Very well, then." V.V. excused himself. "I must get back to our research center. In the meantime, I look forward to working with you." V.V. departed from the hangar, followed by the Cardinal and Anya close behind.
"It seems I'll be able to have my revenge." Michael stared at the Vincent Prototype, feeling that the knightmare was somehow staring back at him.
Just you wait, Marc Edwin Yu. When the right time comes, I'll have my revenge. I'll show you that I'm the best soldier in the COSMOS Battalion.
Knightmare Training Area, Lost Soldiers Base, Okuchichibu Mountains, somewhere near Tokyo Settlement, Area 11, Britannian Empire
"Are you sure you'll be fine going through with this?"
Lelouch or rather, his alter ego, Zero, had asked Kallen after hearing some of the other Black Knight cadres that Kallen would be facing off against Marc in a knightmare sparring match. The area, which was rather large, was in another portion of the Okuchichibu Mountains. Created during the time of the Second Pacific War, it was meant to be used for multiple purposes from shelter to military vehicle storage. Unlike the regular training area, the sheltered space was converted in order for the Lost Soldiers to acquaint themselves with knightmares starting off with Sutherlands they had captured from Britannian military inventories before they had acquired a small number of Knightpolices.
"I'll be fine." Kallen insisted, giving Zero a smirk. The two were standing near the Guren Mk-II, which was kneeling on the ground with its cockpit hatch already open. "Just watch me." Kyoto support personnel were around, preparing the grounds for knightmare combat.
"Right." Zero sighed.
"Yo!" Henri greeted Kallen. "You seem prepared." He had his goggles, helmet and respirator removed as always as the Lost Soldiers are not going to be deployed in another combat mission.
"I just want a little sparring, that's all." Kallen grinned. "Nothing special."
"Ah." Henri waved his right index finger at Kallen. "That's not it actually." The Swiss Frenchman chuckled. "You're fighting against THE bossman."
"What's special about him?"
"He's one of the few guys from the team who was able to use Glasgows nearing the end of the war." Henri shrugged his shoulders. "But that's another story for another day..."
"What happened to Sergeant Johnson?" Zero questioned Henri.
"He's resting up. Need to take a day off to relax before he can join up with us; the guy insist on coming along with us Lost Soldiers on an upcoming mission."
"So where is he?"
Henri did a hitchhiker's thumb on his right hand; pointed it towards his rear.
"He's coming along, so don't you worry about him."
Governor-General's Office, Governor-General's Palace, Tokyo Settlement, Area 11, Britannian Empire
"What has Darlton done this time?"
Clovis felt pissed when he got a report from the Britannian Army that Darlton had gone on his own to fight Suzaku. He can't believe that a Britannian army officer and a knight of a Britannian Princess would face off against each other in Area 11.
Just what I need. Some extra things to give me a headache that won't go away for a while.
The blonde prince sighed while going over a report, placed inside a brown folder that contained the minutes of the meeting and the proposal for the COIN operation against anti-occupation rebels, given to him by Ambrosia courtesy of Guilford. A few minutes ago, the two half-siblings had been talking about a potential COIN operation that would involve most aspects of the Britannian military. He leafed through its pages, reading the proposal placed on his table.
"Is...she serious?" Clovis murmured, reading the plans of the COIN after she had consulted with military officers stationed in Area 11. It seems that she wants to take the lead after she came to the colony, assuming the position as head of all Britannian military forces stationed in Area 11.
"The meetings were at least that productive." From the last meeting Clovis and Ambrosia had with the officers, the supposed COIN calls on the Britannian Guards, SAS and for the first time, the Marines ever since they were able to invade Japan in the name of Britannia. Even the deployment of knightmares, including Sutherlands and Ambrosia's own Gloucester squad into action after their successful invasion of Area 18 a month ago prior to her Area 11 deployment.
But something else had caught Clovis' eye when he read through the report.
The officers had called on for the use of two anti-knightmare frame support weapons that were captured from a JLF cell intact in an anti-JLF COIN op led by Darlton and Guilford somewhere in Yachimata. In fact, the report had suggested their immediate deployment to the field after Special Dispatch technicians were able to assess their operational use.
"I better go and visit RBA Tokyo for this." Clovis stood up from his seat and pressed a button on the intercom. Ambrosia and her knight, Guilford are still busy going over their Gloucester forces. I won't be able to see her today until the evening.
"Hold on all my calls unless they're important for me. I'm heading to RBA Tokyo."
Hangar, RBA Tokyo, Tokyo Settlement, Area 11, Britannian Empire
"I didn't think that you'd go to RBA Tokyo, your Highness."
Lloyd was on hand to greet Clovis when his private Lincoln Town Car limousine had arrived at the base.
Oh for crying out loud. Clovis didn't know why, but he had the usual smile on his face. It seems that he's onto something about the anti-knightmare frame support weapons that the report had mentioned.
"I'm just here to inspect the anti-knightmare frame support weapons." He explained to Lloyd his presence in the army base. "And I just heard that the Special Dispatch division's going over the weapons to see if they're operational."
"Of course, of course! Allow me to show you." Lloyd felt excited, escorting Clovis to see the humongous siege weapons in the hangar. The light purple-haired scientist showed Clovis one of them to Clovis, already undergoing maintenance and painted in a light blue finish.
"And I suppose this is it?" Clovis saw four Glasgows attached to a large electromagnetic cannon unit. He also noticed the linear cannons attached to where the Glasgow's shoulders used to be; two on the left and two on the right. In addition, the Glasgow's Factspheres were on top of the electromagnetic cannon unit, supposedly to provide locations of enemies and allies in the field.
"Yes, it is." Lloyd grinned at Clovis. "According to MI6 agents who were here earlier to get a good look at it, this siege weapon is called Raiko by the Japanese Liberation Front, meaning Lightning in English." The Special Dispatch head scientist further explained to Clovis on the Raiko itself. "As you can see, its offensive weapon is the electromagnetic cannon that are being supported by the Glasgows. On the other hand, it uses linear cannons mounted on either the Glasgow's left or right shoulders to defend itself from enemy personnel or knightmares."
"Quite intriguing." Clovis couldn't help, but feel amazed and intimidated by the size and power of the Raiko. "Can these things be fielded?"
"This one in front of you is quite ready. We're just about to do the other one next in a few minutes."
"This...Raiko has a light blue finish." Clovis pointed to the light blue siege weapon. "Is there something going on?"
Lloyd sensed the 3rd Prince's curiosity. "It's quite simple, really. Some of the officers who came here renamed the two Raikos captured as the Thunderbolt in time for the upcoming COIN op that I've been hearing about."
"Thunderbolt." Clovis murmured before a smile appeared on his face. "Impressive."
He didn't feel scared by the Raiko. Instead, Clovis felt overwhelmed that such a powerful knightmare frame would be fighting alongside Area 11 military units in pacifying the entire colony of anti-occupation forces for good.
In order to bring peace to his dead half-sibings Cornelia, Lelouch and Nunnaly once and for all.
Knightmare Training Area, Lost Soldiers Base, Okuchichibu Mountains, somewhere near Tokyo Settlement, Area 11, Britannian Empire
Marc had arrived in the knightmare training grounds, having the Lancelot Club readied for the upcoming sparring match with the Guren Mk-II.
"So I take it that you're ready?" He chose not to wear his helmet, goggles and respirator like Henri and the other Lost Soldiers as his balaclava was the only item that concealed his identity.
"Yeah." Kallen nodded. "I already am."
"Well, that's good." Marc grinned under his mask. "I'll be looking forward to the upcoming match then." He cracked his knuckles while walking towards the kneeling Club.
"Good luck, Kallen. You're going to need it."
Kallen was surprised when she heard Zero wishing her luck for her sparring match with the leader of the Lost Soldiers. Her cheeks had a slight tint of red en route to the Guren.
Snap out of it Kallen. She slapped her cheeks twice. It's just Zero, not Lelouch who's wishing me luck.
"Or is it?" whispered the Eurasian guerrilla while she began to climb on the Guren's cockpit hatch.
Chapter 8 END
PS - For those who don't know Tamago, it's raw scrambled egg (IIRC) used in sushi. It can be eaten as a sashimi too. I love tormenting Tamaki to no end. Who's with me?! XP
Anyway, love to hear from you readers if the chapter's okay or not. Flames are fine if they would help me fix stuff here. To those who had me in their favorite story lists and haven't reviewed, I wonder if you guys can shoot me a review and see if the story flow's going okay since I plan to diverge it from TV canon since I've started the story. In fact, I may remove the KoRs from the TV show and perhaps Rolo the assassin. Not sure if anyone shares my opinion or what.
Perhaps in the next chapter or so, I'll include a scene from the audio dramas that I've been able to listen to. Wonder if anyone's curious.
See if you can spot something that's based from another game. (CLUE: It's from a game made by Konami)
One more thing, I'm wondering if anyone's willing to do a joint perhaps for the following:
Toshokan Senso aka Library War (Semi-AU/sequel to the anime/novel.)
Evangelion/Some crossover (I'll PM you details if interested for some proposal.)
Resident Evil/Some crossover (Same as Eva one. Will center on the Raccoon City outbreak and all.)
Kamen Rider/unknown crossover yet (Focusing on Showa-era Riders until Black RX to Agito and Kuuga. No post-Kuuga Riders I'm afraid.)
Is anyone planning to do the Setsuna/Harem thing I suggested for Gundam 00? Just wondering.
Sounds I listened to (that I like) is "The Ones that Lurks in Mind" from the Speed Grapher OST, Volume 1.