Code Geass - Lelouch of the Rebellion/Code Geass - Hangyaku no Lelouch: Lost Soldiers
by: Ominae
Rating: T
NOTE:
All characters 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 prepare to make their move towards the Britannians by covertly preparing a raid on Shikinejima. The Black Knights, on the other hand, are preparing too behind the scenes. What are the motives and intentions of Lelouch after his identity was made known to Suzaku, Lelouch, Jeremiah and by Nunnally after being informed by Nemo? Stay tune to this chapter to find out.
Chapter 19: Getting Ready
Mobile Weapons Hangar, Lost Soldiers Base, Okuchichibu Mountains, somewhere near Tokyo Settlement, Area 11, Britannian Empire
Chiba and Asahina were directed to a section of the hangar alongside 2 squads of JLF soldiers. All of them wore civilian clothes in order to avoid detection by Britannian security and intelligence forces due to the JGSDF uniforms they wear even after the end of the Second Pacific War.
"I can't believe this place." Asahina found some time to admire the Lost Soldier's base. "I heard rumors from the underground that the Lost Soldiers had commissioned an ex-JGSDF base somewhere in Japan, but I didn't realize that it was the Okuchichibu Mountains from the start."
"I agree." Chiba shared the same sentiment. "Still, I wonder how they were able to acquire this huge base for them to use and operate."
"Just look at this." Asahina was amazed. "This place may be a bit bigger than our base in the Izu Peninsula."
"Surprised eh?"
The two Shiseiken members saw it was Marc and Rai, wearing hoodie jackets with the hoods placed on their heads to partially conceal their faces with ballcaps worn on their heads to aid in hiding their identities from any unwanted attention
"Yes, we were." Chiba said. Are these two with the Lost Soldiers?
"I take it that the trucks are ready for transport?" Rai asked Chiba and Asahina.
"Yes, they are." Asahina replied. "But where's your gear?"
Marc pointed at the rear with his right thumb in a hitchhiker's gesture. The scarred soldier saw the other Lost Soldiers checking on the Hinds, parked in a corner with the rotors folded vertically, and several metal crates next to them. Also found nearby were a few black duffel bags, which held most of their combat gear and equipment.
"So you're using the Russian-made Hinds?"
Marc shook his head. "They're not really Russian Hinds, technically speaking. They're modernized with South African technology."
"What about your knightmares?"
"Already on it." Marc pointed to the two soldiers one of the trucks with the Lancelot Club, already placed in the container via kneeling position.
"I had that taken care of when word got around from our JLF guys that you were here to help us pack our things." Rai explained to Chiba. "We started with our personal equipment before our knightmare. Just to let you know." Chiba merely nodded to answer.
"Are you guys okay with a long journey?" Asahina asked Marc and Rai. "Well, it is a long drive after all from our Minamiizu base."
"He." Marc grinned. "You're asking the wrong person, Asahina." He followed his answer with a shrug. "But it's fine. As long as we can prepare ourselves for the upcoming operation."
"All right then." Asahina said. He turned around to direct the other JLF soldiers to assist the Lost Soldiers in packing up their gear and vehicles. I wonder if 4 trucks with truck containers will be enough for them?
Knightmare Hangar, Eden Vital Base, Kaminejima Island, Area 11, Britannian Empire
V.V. observed the towering Vincents of Eden Vital after he entered the hangar, guarded by the geass augmented soldiers at every soldier with HK G36A1 assault rifles at the ready. His loyal men kept an eye out for anything and anyone trying to break into the hangar as part of their allegiance to Eden Vital. So far, the immortal was extremely pleased of the security in the base.
"Hm?" V.V. turned his head around to see Rolo, who was followed close behind by Anya. "Greetings, how are things going on in Britannia?"
"Nothing." Rolo sighed. "Aside from having Schneizel and his homosexual-looking assistant locked up in one of our prisons in Arizona."
"That appears to be great." V.V. grinned at him. "And why are you here, if I may ask?"
"I need to report on Jeremiah Gottwald's disappearance."
V.V. felt a bit disturbed. "What of it, Rolo?"
"He killed two of our ninjas before he disappeared."
"This could be bad."
"How can it be bad, uncle?"
"If Gottwald decided to kill them and run off, he could seek allegiance with some of the anti-occupation forces such as the Black Knights or the Lost Soldiers."
Rolo sighed. The situation was not a good one. "So what do we do?"
"Nothing." V.V. continued to keep an eye on the Vincents.
"Nothing?" Anya asked.
"Yes, Anya." V.V. gave an evil smile to Anya. "We do nothing. Right now, we have other business to attend to."
"I understand."
Inside Truck Container, Freightliner Cascadia semi-trailer truck, en route to JLF Minamiizu Base, somewhere in Area 11, Britannian Empire
Marc, Jean and Rai were inside the first truck being driven by Asahina with Chiba and a JLF soldier in the cab. Inside the container was one of the stored Mil-Mi SuperHind Mark IV gunships, its rotors vertically folded to the back.
"Hey, mind if I ask you something?" Jean asked Marc, who was leaning on the truck container's metal frame trying to get some sleep. He had one of his legs placed on top of two metal weapon crates placed nearby.
"Hm..." Marc mumbled. "I'm busy getting some sleep."
"Why did you say that the JLF's going to be uncredited for our attack in Shikinejima?" The Britannian soldier found himself unconfused by his leader's statement to Chiba and Asahina earlier.
"I see." Marc sighed. "You don't get the big picture?"
"Big picture?"
"Remember Narita?"
"Yeah?"
"And how the Britannian forces pulled out everything we got including the Purists, the Guards, helicopter gunships and Marines to boot?"
"Yeah? But the thing is, what are you trying to pull? Especially with the JLF not going to be credited for this assault."
"I already answered it." Marc glared. "Besides, this'll give them some time to recuperate and regroup some of their manpower."
Command Center, JLF Minamiizu Base, somewhere in Izu Peninsula, Area 11, Britannian Empire
"Sir!"
A JLF offier with the rank of 2nd Lieutenant greeted Todo once he entered the command center.
"What's the status of our convoy?" Todo grilled the officer for answer.
"They're on their way sir." The lieutenant replied. "We've established contact with them."
"Understood." Todo saw the three screens had the words AUDIO on them. "Asahina, Chiba. Can you hear me?"
"Loud and clear, sir!" Asahina was the first to reply.
"Same here as well!" Chiba also replied after Asahina.
"I need a status report."
"We just left the Lost Soldiers' Okuchichibu Mountains base via the Yamanashi Prefecture route. The Lost Soldiers gave us the instructions on using the route of the mountain to bypass the long drive we did."
"I see." Todo nodded. I need to thank them later. "How long will you get to the base?"
"With the directions given to us," Asahina told Todo. "It should be less than an hour, provided no Met Police checkpoints or the sorts are in the way."
"Alright. Contact me once you're near the base."
"Understood."
Inside Truck Container, Freightliner Cascadia semi-trailer truck, en route to JLF Minamiizu Base, somewhere in Area 11, Britannian Empire
"Alright, you win." Jean conceded with Marc's arguments seemingly making the point. "I suppose you have a point in all this."
"Finally." Marc sighed. I just wish the other people I know are okay. Like Cécile for instance...
"By the way," Rai went to ask Marc a question. "Are we going to request more stuff from Kyoto for our solo assault?"
"Not that I know what's needed." Marc answered. "Aside from our usual stuff."
"That figures..." Rai stretched his arms. "I just hope we can get there in time. I feel the need to get some sleep."
"Right now?" Jean asked.
"Yeah." Rai yawned. "Even though it could less than an hour or so..."
"Me too." Marc too yawned as well. "If I only had a good book with me."
Special Dispatch Guidance System Division warehouse, RBA Tokyo, Tokyo Settlement, Area 11, Britannian Empire
Cécile worked with Mariel with checking the Lancelot's electronics after a routine maintenance check had spotted a possible communications problem with its Factsphere unit.
"Mariel." Cécile asked the young woman.
"Yes?"
"About the stuff you showed me?"
Mariel simply nodded.
"Are you sure they're real?"
"I don't know myself." Mariel softly said. "But my father warned me about it before he was assassinated."
"We need someone we can trust. It can't be the military and the police."
"So you mean we go to the Lost Soldiers?"
"Hello ladies!" Lloyd shouted when he entered the SDGSD warehouse. "How's maintenance going?"
"We've found a communications errors with the Factsphere." Mariel told Lloyd. "We're just about to reboot the system."
"All right, all right." Lloyd waved them off before he sat down on a wooden box, typing away on his laptop.
Cécile sighed and went back to work, not before hearing some of the things the other SDGSD personnel were saying.
"Does Earl Lloyd always do that?"
"Watch your tongue, mate. He could sack your ass in a matter of minutes."
"I'm surprised he doesn't do anything except to sit down and type instead of inspecting the Lancelot like we all do."
"Hey, it's not my place to question things, you know."
"He's got a point. Not all of us are from the aristocratic background."
"Yeah. I know how you feel since we're the only country to have that with a potentially troublesome king too."
Conference Room, Governor-General's Palace, Tokyo Settlement, Area 11, Britannian Empire
Ambrosia called on Clovis and Euphie on a personal meeting at the governor-general's palace. No one in the army or in the civil service knows of this for some reason, which is why the doors were guarded by Guilford and Darlton.
"It appears that you have something to tell me and Euphie." Clovis began, noticing that the three royal siblings were alone inside. "Which is why you had them guard outside." His eyes went to the double doors leading to the room, using them to show his older stepsister the only entrance.
Ambrosia nodded, noting Clovis' concern. "Certain things have come to my attention recently, which requires me to let you know the general scope of things. It's only you two who should know about this and no one else."
"What about them?" Euphie asked her big sister. "Is there something we should know?"
"Yes." Ambrosia replied. "Things that are bothering up to this point."
"Starting with?" Clovis asked his half sibling.
"The day Darlton went rogue on his own to face off against one of the Lost Soldiers without any permission from me."
"How is he right now?" Euphie asked Ambrosia. "Is he alright after being discharged from the hospital?"
The purple-haired woman replied to her younger sibling. "He's alright, thanks for your concern. Darlton's back in active duty as we speak, but he has some answers. Particularly with a secret commando unit called COSMOS."
"What is this COSMOS?" Clovis, startled, asked Ambrosia on the unit. "I've never heard of such a military unit in our armed forces."
"Not sure." Ambrosia sighed and shook her head. "From rumors I heard from the veterans of the Second Pacific War and some certain documents I had declassified from the army, MI5 and MI6, they highly speak of an elite commando unit that did well in the invasion of other countries including the former Philippines and Cambodia and Japan invasion before a unit or two went rogue."
"Strange that we were kept out of details of this unit for seemingly obvious reasons." Clovis leaned back on his swiveling chair. "The only thing we need is answers and how do we do about solving this problem."
The large double doors leading to the conference room were opened by a familiar person, taking the attention of the three inside when they saw the person who came in.
Command Center, JLF Minamiizu Base, somewhere in Izu Peninsula, Area 11, Britannian Empire
"Sir! They've arrived near the outskirts of our base."
"Very well." Todo observed video footage from hidden surveillance cameras, seeing the trucks preparing to enter a secluded area after the convoy got off the highway. "Lead them inside to the knightmare hangar as soon as possible."
"Yes, sir!" The Lieutenant saluted and told his subordinates what to do.
I just hope you people know what you're doing. Todo closed his eyes and had his hands down on the katana's buttcap, the saya's tip on the tiled ground as it was held firmly.
Knightmare Hangar, JLF Minamiizu Base, somewhere in Izu Peninsula, Area 11, Britannian Empire
"All right! Let's open them up..."
Chiba directed a few JLF soldiers to open the first truck container after arriving in the base's knightmare hangar. With the doors open, Marc, Rai and Jean were able to disembark with their duffel bags in tow.
"Thanks..." Rai gasped a bit for air. "Even though the travel was a bit uncomfy."
"My personal apologies." Chiba bowed a bit to show her sincerity. "Asahina and I didn't have much of a choice. If we had the option, we could have prepared a better alternate way of travel without any discomfort."
"It's alright, Chiba." Marc shook her head. "It wasn't anything that gave you or my fellow comrades a hard time anyway."
"Tell the others to get the gear and the Hinds ready." Marc whispered to Jean and gave him his instructions.
"You got it." Jean gave a quick nod and ran off to the Lost Soldiers disembarking from the other truck containers.
"Colonel Todo will be pleased to see you." Asahina told Marc, escorting him and Rai. Chiba followed them from behind.
"Okay." Marc told Asahina. "It's about time I see him. Haven't done so ever since the Narita operations."
Command Center, JLF Minamiizu Base, somewhere in Izu Peninsula, Area 11, Britannian Empire
"Colonel Todo!"
Marc and Rai saluted Todo upon their arrival at the command center, clicking their heels and saluting in unison.
"I'm glad to see you guys again." Todo smiled and reciprocated the salute. "I just hope that whatever you plan to do works in the long run." He then showed them the command center's electronics and equipment. "Anything you need at all, just let me know."
"That we plan to make sure, Todo-san. Thank you." Marc nodded, assuring the officer. "I suggest there's some place where we can talk in private."
Todo stared at the Lost Soldiers leader carefully, a bit startled by his request. "And there is something that you wish to talk to me about?"
Marc nodded.
"Of course."
"Uh..." Rai pointed to himself when he saw Todo and Marc leave the command center. "Hey boss! What about me?"
"You?" Marc turned around. "You go and see the guys are doing their job." He was about to leave with Todo when he added. "And help them too when possible."
"Right!" Rai ran out of the command center, going towards the knightmare hangar.
"And don't get yourself in trouble!"
Che! Whatever man!
Dojo, JLF Minamiizu Base, somewhere in Izu Peninsula, Area 11, Britannian Empire
Both Todo and Marc were seated in seiza positions in the empty dojo facing each other. Normally, Todo or any other JLF officer would use the dojo to let anyone practice kendo, karate or any other martial art in order to either prepare themselves for unarmed combat or to hone the skills they have learned prior to their recruitment to the JLF and after their recruitment to the JLF.
Japan's flag, aka the Nisshōki and the Hinomaru, was prominently displayed in the northern part of the dojo.
"I see that you have a wonderful dojo, Todo-san." Marc was facing Todo, his right side in front of the flag. Todo had his left side in front of the flag.
"Usually the officers and the soldiers are sent here for training or practice." Todo already sipped his tea after he had prepared it in a small tea ceremony. "Usually kendo's the main sport around the JLF."
"It's good that you keep the men prepared." Marc commented. Taking the small tea cup, he firmly held it after he ensured it was not too hot for him to touch.
Todo nodded. He cleared and his throat to ask, "It seems that you want to tell me something nothing meant for the ears of the rest of the JLF."
"I have, Todo-san." Marc sighed. "For that, I greatly apologize."
"There's no need." Todo shook his head. "As long as it's important, I'm ready to hear it."
"What I'm going to tell you is the main, real reason why the Lost Soldiers have been fighting for so long."
Todo's eyes were a bit wide open, hearing this from the Lost Soldiers' own leader himself.
Zero's Room, Order of the Black Knights Base, somewhere in Area 11, Britannian Empire
Lelouch, now in the guise of the Black Knights leader Zero, watched a BRBC news program containing details of a possibility of Clovis being recalled back to Britannia over his failure to secure Area 11 from a series of guerrilla incursions against the settlement and against the colonial security forces stationed in Area 11.
"So both left and right-wing guerrillas are now attacking Britannia's power in Area 11?" Zero murmured. "How interesting. It would be time for me and perhaps the Lost Soldiers to make their move."
"It's me." Zero turned his head around to see C.C. enter his quarters. Behind her was Kallen in her Black Knights pilot suit, now having the geass sigil nowadays after having replaced their uniforms with the Eden Vital trident.
It's a good thing that I changed the symbol from the Eden Vital trident to the geass sigil. It could mean some potential disaster.
"What do you want, woman?" Zero said, being annoyed at her presence. "I'm a bit busy in case you don't know..."
"This is how you greet a woman?" C.C. grinned at Zero. "Oh my I can't believe you..."
And this is why I had her sent as a guest to the Lost Soldiers... Zero sighed, wanting to smack his head very hard against the wall right now. "Will you please shut up for a minute C.C. before..."
"Excuse me, Zero." Kallen interrupted their convesation. "Kaguya-sama wishes to speak to you in the command center."
"Alright!" Zero switched off the 40" HDTV in his room. "I'll be there right away, Kallen. Let the others know I'm coming."
C.C. went to lie down in Zeros' bed as Zero was about to leave.
"What about..." Kallen asked Zero about C.C.
"Don't mind her..." Zero whispered close to her ear.
Kallen nodded.
"Are you alright?"
"Yes."
"If there's something you want to say to me in private, don't hesitate."
The two eventually departed, leaving C.C. to play with her Pizza Hut Cheese-kun doll.
She had her eye on the two for the entire time.
Command Center, Order of the Black Knights Base, somewhere in Area 11, Britannian Empire
"Lady Kaguya's on the line, Zero!" Nagata and Inoue greeted Zero when he arrived.
"Thanks for the help, Kallen." Inoue told her ex-NRA friend.
Kallen shook her head. "It's not a problem, Inoue."
"Kaguya-sama!" Zero's booming voice, thanks to the voice changer in his tulip helmet, echoed a bit when he greeted the mysterious woman. "I thank you from the bottom of my heart for calling me."
"It is not a problem at all, Zero." The young woman called Kaguya replied. Almost everyone in the room could not get a good look at the woman's facial features from the large screens as she had carefully chose to hide them by concealing herself in the shadows.
"What is it that you wish to talk to me about?"
"I'm just thanking you personally, in behalf of Kyoto, for the good work you've done. Your actions along with the Lost Soldiers have inspired many other anti-occupation guerrillas to take action against the Britannians."
Zero chuckled. "Oh please, Kaguya-sama. I think it's not only me you should give the credit."
"Perhaps. But it's not the only reason why I called you."
"Really?" Zero was curious to hear what Kaguya had to say.
"Kyoto wishes to pass down some information they had from the Lost Soldiers."
"What kind?"
Kaguya was silent for a few minutes before she replied. "Apparently they've been requesting a bit of hardware that the group thinks is too unusual."
The masked Black Knights leader was confused by Kaguya's news. "And why are you telling me that, Kaguya-sama?"
Kaguya giggled. "I'm a true supporter of the Black Knights ever since your debut at the Lake Kawaguchi summit. Especially since you teamed up with the Lost Soldiers."
Ougi whispered to Zero. "I think she's doing this for her own benefit from within. Maybe she even kept an eye on our actions against the Britannians..."
"Perhaps." Zero whispered back, sharing Ougi's concern. "Now Kaguya-sama. About the request I asked..."
"Oh, of course!" Kaguya clapped her hands, reminding herself. "The group accepted it and it should be there to your base as we speak."
"I appreciate it." Zero bowed to Kaguya. Everyone else in the command center followed suit.
"A warning as well. Something is going on in Brtainnia. But I don't have enough information. I'll contact you later as soon as possible."
"What did you request for, Zero?" Nagata asked Zero after Kaguya ended the connection.
"You will soon see, Nagata." Zero replied.
"I wonder what the heck's going on?" Tamaki scratched his head.
"Search me." Yoshida replied.
Command Center, JLF Minamiizu Base, somewhere in Izu Peninsula, Area 11, Britannian Empire
"Colonel Todo!" A JLF officer with the rank of captain greeted Todo and Marc, with the Swiss TAZ 90 Woodland BDU and his balaclava donned instead of his Britannian infantry uniform. "We're being contacted by Kyoto a few minutes ago." His Britannian SAS beret was worn over his head aside from his balaclava.
"Put them through." Todo gave the order when he came inside the room.
"Understood, sir!"
"Greetings, Kaguya-sama!" Todo greeted the young woman, who also had her face obscured to the JLF officer and to the Lost Soldiers leader. The two men bowed to her as a courtesy.
"Greetings to you two." Kaguya replied back. "It's a pleasure to see you too, Todo-san."
"Is there a reason why you're communicating with us, Kaguya-sama?" Marc asked.
"There's been some rumors going on in the underworld regarding a mysterious shift of change in politics back in Britannia." Kaguya told the two. "Kyoto's not sure what it is, but I'll keep you informed."
"Understood!" Todo and Marc bowed in unison before the connection feed ended.
"Power struggle?" Marc murmured, wondering what Kaguya told them.
"I wish I knew what it is." Todo said, sharing the same sentiment.
Conference Room, Governor-General's Palace, Tokyo Settlement, Area 11, Britannian Empire
"I....I don't believe it..."
Clovis got the biggest shock of his life who he saw was inside the room. Ambrosia and Euphemia shared the same sentiment too. The person who had the facial features of Lelouch sat down in one of the empty seats accompanied by Anya.
"Quite shocking isn't it?" Rolo took the time to smile at Clovis. "That I look like your dead stepbrother, Lelouch vi Britannia." Clovis, Ambrosia and Euphemia felt very uncomfortable to see four armed men behind Rolo and Anya. They were armed with Heckler and Koch G36K assault carbines, outfitted with 2-Round Burst Trigger Groups, and had black BDUs and combat boots. Worn on top of their heads were maroon berets with the Eden Vital trident emblem. With the exception of a man with familiar East Asian looks, the others donned balaclavas over their heads.
"Who are you?!" Ambrosia shouted at them. It seems Darlton and Guilford can't get in here for some reason. "And why do you insult the memory of my dead brother?!"
"Me?" Rolo pointed to himself. "I represent an organization very close to his Majesty known as Eden Vital."
Eden Vital? Euphemia was shocked to hear the name. That's the underground organization I found out about when I secretly went into the database.
"I have something to say to all of you." Rolo said calmly. "His Majesty has made an announcement regarding the status of Area 11, as with all the other Areas and in the mainland."
When Rolo noted Clovis, Ambrosia and Euphemia's attention were directed at him, the Cardinal went to speak about the announcement. "Beginning at 6:00 AM tomorrow, all governor-generals in the various Areas will immediately relinquish their position and surrender them to the available Eden Vital Cardinal with the simultaneous telecast of his Majesty's official statement by the BRBC regarding this change."
"What?" Clovis was outraged. "How dare you?!"
"That order nearly is the equivalent of a coup..." Ambrosia warned Rolo. "You can't..."
"I can't?" Rolo said, in a bit of shock. "It's an order given personally by his Majesty, so I don't think it's a coup d'état. Anyone trying to resist the order will be immediately charged for treason or will be killed should there be a violent confrontation as the prime minister."
"What?" Euphemia was surprised to hear the claim.
"I don't believe it." Ambrosia was confused to hear the news.
"It may be bad news to you." Rolo had a smile on his face. "But when that time comes," The armed men behind him took aim at the three with their G36Ks. "it will be our shining light to even more greater things."
"Why you..." Now mad, Clovis drew out a compact Glock 26 pistol and had its sights targeted at Rolo. "I won't let you..."
"Look out!" The East Asian soldier drew out a silenced Glock 17 from the tactical holster on his right leg and held the pistol in a Chapman stance, shooting Clovis in the right shoulder and on the left leg.
"Ungh!" The shot forced Clovis to immediately drop his sidearm while his left arm clutched his shoulder wound after he fell down to the ground. "Dammit!"
"As an example to how things will work tomorrow morning throughout the empire, my men will now take into custody Prince Clovis, as well as anyone linked to Prince Schneizel for attempting to resist his Majesty order's." Rolo looked behind him and spoke to the East Asian man. "Please take the Viceroy away, Staff Sergeant Yoong."
"Understood, Cardinal." Yoong gestured to the other G36K-armed men to move in and take Clovis into custody. He holstered his sidearm while the Eden Vital soldiers moved in to Clovis. One of them snatched Clovis' Glock 26 with the other two grabbed him by his arms.
"Let go of me! I said let go of me!" Clovis tried to resist.
"Perhaps another charge of resisting arrest can be added aside from treason." Rolo grinned.
"What happened?" Suzaku, Guilford and Darlton barged in the room to see Clovis being taken away by the soldiers.
"Halt!" Suzaku drew out his Ōkatana. Guilford and Darlton drew out their S&W M-50 pistols and took aim at the soldiers restraining Clovis.
"I would not choose to do that if I were in your shoes." Anya coldly warned the three.
"What?" Guilford was surprised to see more armed men entering the conference room, also armed with G36Ks and donning the gear used by their Eden Vital comrades.
"Dammit..." Darlton hissed when he saw the men aim their G36Ks at him, Guilford and Suzaku.
"This may what happen to those who chose to resist to the end with violence." Rolo stood up. "Such an annoying thing to see." Seeing Suzaku, he told the soldiers. "While you're at it too, take Major Kururugi away too for his association with the SDGSD."
Two soldiers approached Suzaku, pointing their G36Ks at him. Another came and disarmed him of his Ōkatana before another came near the knight and placed plasticuffs on Suzaku's wrists after placing his arms behind his back.
Yoong immediately snapped into attention and saluted Rolo, indicating their tasks were already complete.
Ambrosia gritted her teeth. You piece of shit!
"For now, I bid all of you a good day." The cape attached to the armored shoulder on his left shoulder plate fluttered when he began to walk out. Anya followed next to him, her arms underneath the cape that concealed her body except to prominently display the Eden Vital insignia. Yoong ordered the armed men to move out at once with Clovis under "their custody". A few of them remained behind to ensure both Guilford and Darlton would not try to do anything drastic less they wish to be gunned down in the governor-general's palace.
"Big sister..." Euphemia whispered to Ambrosia. "What should we do?"
Ambrosia watched the last of the Eden Vital soldiers withdraw before she told her younger sibling. "Right now, I'm not too sure Euphie."
If only I knew an easy answer.
Knightmare Hangar, JLF Minamiizu Base, somewhere in Izu Peninsula, Area 11, Britannian Empire
"Looks like things are going well for us here."
Domingo sat down on the floor with a soda can given to him by Henri after the other Lost Soldiers took a break in conducting maintenance checks for the Lancelot Club and the Gekka Prototypes. Like their leader, all of them were wearing TAZ 90 Woodland BDUs and balaclavas. Their Britannian SAS berets were placed under their left shoulder epaulets.
"Yep." Henri sighed. "But the boss will tell you what to do next with some of the Sutherlands we got alongside the Club and the Gekka Prototype. Good thing the JLF higher ups were willing to let us be sheltered here in Minamiizu until tomorrow."
"I wonder why Edward's left in the base with Diethard and Rakshata?" Michelle questioned her fellow Lost Soldiers.
"For security?" Yi said, shrugging her shoulders. "Who really knows anyway?"
"Hey there." Senba was on hand to greet the Lost Soldiers. "Seems all of you look pretty well."
"Senba-san!" Ken was the first to greet Senba by shaking hands with him. "You look pretty well, despite being with the Shiseiken."
"I still am pretty good to catch up with you youngsters." Senba laughed a bit. "Despite my age, I'm still good in piloting a knightmare just like anyone else."
Two of the Shiseiken's Burai Kais were piloted in the hangar, parking close to the Lost Soldiers. From the cockpit hatches were Urabe and Chiba, coming down from the Japanese-made knightmares.
"Todo-san said that he'd gladly give you our Burai Kais." Urabe told the Lost Soldiers. "We're getting some new stuff from Kyoto."
"Actually, all 5 of our Burai Kais will be handed over to you Lost Soldiers." Chiba further explained. "Kyoto's giving us the Gekka's to replace them. Apparently it's based from the Gekka Prototype you guys are using."
"Sweet..." Jean grinned. "Looks like we can toss away our Sutherlands and use these Burai Kais instead."
"I have a feeling the boss may use the Sutherlands for something else instead of tossing them away like they're just junk." Rai rejected Jean's suggestion.
"You think so, Rai?"
"I think so!"
Marc went to show up on the knightmare hangar by himself, wearing the Britannian SAS beret.
"You made it..." Rai went up to Marc. "Listen, Shishiken's going to donate their Burai Kais to us at no extra fees."
This made Marc interested in the Japanese knightmares. "Really? No bull? No catch?"
"He he..." Rai stopped himself from laughing too hard.
"It seems you're not convinced." Senba spoke to the young soldier. "You need more evidence to prove this?"
"Nah." Marc shook his head in reply. "It's just that your Burai Kais are doing the JLF a good job in kicking Britannian ass to next week, Senba-san..."
"Wow, thanks..." Urabe chuckled, taking the compliment.
"I mean that they're good, but..."
"So where are the other three?" Rai asked the Shiseiken.
"We'll bring them here later on." Chiba told Rai.
Zero's Room, Order of the Black Knights Base, somewhere in Area 11, Britannian Empire
I think I need a break right now.
Zero went back inside his room, walking to the table before he removed his tulip mask and placed it on top. Next came the balaclava he wore to conceal the lower half of his face. While he could use his geass to ensure the mask would not be removed, Lelouch decided to forego it.
"How did the meeting with Lady Kaguya go?" C.C. asked Lelouch, sitting on top of his bed and hugging her plushie.
"It's fine." Lelouch sighed. "Kyoto already agreed on the request to have a submarine readied."
"They already have it?"
"I believe so."
"Okay then." C.C. placed her plush doll aside. "But there's one more thing that I need to discuss with you, Lelouch."
"And what is that, C.C.?" Lelouch asked the immortal.
"I overheard some information regarding the Lost Soldiers' next move."
This speculation made Lelouch even more interested with C.C.'s information. "And...what is this next move?"
C.C. pondered before she said, "They said something about a first strike on a Britannian installation."
"And which installation is this, if I may ask?"
C.C. simply shook her head, "I don't know."
"You don't know." Lelouch stared at her. "You're sure?"
"I'm sure." C.C. nodded.
This next move by the Lost Soldiers may prove to be beneficial. I just need to ask Ougi and the others to find out if any information's available from the underworld.
Corridor, somewhere in Kyoto Headquarters, Mount Fuji, Area 11, Britannian Empire
Kaguya was walking done the corridor of Kyoto's main headquarters, covertly hidden in Mount Fuji. Not even the Britannians have suspected parts of the volcano was used as an anti-occupation hideout. Walking with her was an old man in his late 50s with a bald head and wrinkles on parts of his face. Both were wearing traditional Japanese kimonos, something the Britannian colonial administration would frown on very dearly after several laws were issued, banning any kind of Japanese culture being publicly shown as part of governing occupied territory.
"Do you know what you're doing?" The old man sharply questioned Kaguya. "You communicated with both the Lost Soldiers and the Black Knights without letting anyone in Kyoto know what you did?"
"I know what I did, Kirihara-san." Kaguya kept her smile up at Taizo Kirihara, a known Japanese personality who became rich from mining sakuradite before and after working for the pro-Britannian Eleven organization NAC. "Trust me, I really do."
Taizo sighed when he heard Kaguya's reply. The young ones these days...
"Besides, it'll give them the opportunity to strike back against the Britannians when the time's right."
"You need to be careful when you make these unnecessary contact..."
Kaguya frowned. "They are not unneccessary, they are necessary." She huffed at Taizo. "Besides, they're my heroes in case you don't know."
Taizo felt a headache coming on. Oh Kami, please help me with this matter. What should I do?
Vehicle Hangar, JLF Minamiizu Base, somewhere in Izu Peninsula, Area 11, Britannian Empire
"How's the Hinds coming up?"
Marc and Rai spoke to Michelle, who had earlier went to conduct last minute maintenance on the two South African-upgraded SuperHinds the Lost Soldiers brought with them.
"So far, so good." Michelle gave Marc the answer. "Nothing yet suggests a fault, whether it's with the electronics or with the weapon systems."
"Guess this means we can use them both for our special surprise." Rai told Marc. "Right, boss?"
Marc nodded. "Yep, that's right."
"Okay..." Rai stretched his shoulders. "NOW what doe we do?"
"Right now?" Marc asked the Lost Soldiers' second-in-command. "Now we just make sure we can do something about the Sutherlands we lugged in with us since we're going to let Jean and the others use them for the assault."
"You mean..."
Marc nodded again. "I heard from Senba and Urabe that their Burai Kais are going to be decommissioned right now and handed over to us. So that'll give us some nice toys to use with."
"And what is Todo going to use in place of the Burai Kais?" Michelle asked Marc.
"Gekkas. The same stuff Rai uses. Not as prototypes, but in full working condition."
Rai whistled. "Sounds mighty sweet..."
Special Dispatch Guidance System Division warehouse, RBA Tokyo, Tokyo Settlement, Area 11, Britannian Empire
"What's the meaning of this?"
Lloyd has shouted at one of the Britannian soldiers after three squads of them had raided the SDGSD's warehouse in the heart of RBA Tokyo. Their Colt M-13 assault rifles were aimed at the various SDGSD personnel. Mariel and Cécile were not even spared from the "mess" they appear to be in right now.
A few minutes later, four males in civilian clothes walked in the warehouse. All of them were Caucasian, but two of them had brown hair while one of them had blonde hair and another black hair.
"I'm with Special Branch." The man wearing a trenchcoat over his grey suit. "And the men behind me are with MI5."
"Special Branch?" Mariel whispered to Cécile, with much fear for a good reason. "Oh my god..." The Special Branches of Britannia, the United Republic of Great Britain and her Commonwealth countries were notoriously known for conducting investigations into national security as part of their respective police force by surveillance, infiltration into known subversive groups and intelligence gathering against terrorism, espionage and organized crime, some of them under potentially questionable means.
"What's with the armed soldiers pointing their guns at us?" Lloyd went over to the trenchoat-wearing man. "As a matter of fact, I'm working under the authority of his Highness, Prince Schneizel in his official capacity as Prime Minister!"
"That's the thing, Earl Lloyd." The trenchcoat-wearing man replied to Lloyd's complaint. "He's arrested under charges of treason back in Britannia, but it hasn't been announced to the public as of now."
Lloyd was shocked to hear the news. "What in the world?! How is that possible..."
"And as I'm ordered," sighed the Special Branch officer. "I'm also placing you and your essential staff under arrest as well. We'll be looking into details if you or anyone in your stuff has any links to Prince Schneizel's treason charges."
The soldiers went up to Lloyd and the other SDGSD personnel, forcing them to place their hands at the back of their head before making them march out at gunpoint.
The blonde MI5 sighed when he saw Lloyd and his subordinates being held at gunpoint. "Is it even true that the SDGSD as some hand in attempting to conduct treason against Britannia?"
"That's what where going to find out." The Special Branch officer replied. "After all, both our organizations do intelligence work as part of our mandate."
Vehicle Hangar, JLF Minamiizu Base, somewhere in Izu Peninsula, Area 11, Britannian Empire
Michelle went to tie down on a bench near one of the parked SuperHinds, feeling tired like most of the Lost Soldiers after they had conducted last minute maintenance work on the gear and equipment they brought with them, but the Burai Kais handed to them by Todo and the Shiseiken. She, like her comrades, were very honored that Todo would hand to them the very knightmares known for contributing to the Britannian defeat back at Narita aside from the Lost Soldiers' presence.
"You alright there?" Michelle saw Yi standing above her.
"Yeah, Yi." Michelle stretched her legs and arms. "I'm dead tired, like most of us here. Now that we did most of the maintenance checks for the stuff we brought in, all we can do now is wait." Why can't she just give me a few seconds of sleeppppppppp?
"You're right there, Michelle." Yi agreed with Michelle's comments. "But we still need to see if the boss himself would give orders to raid Shikinejima in the middle of the night."
"Oh give me a break." The Irish woman moaned. "I'm only human."
The Korean woman shook her head. "I probably agree with you. Right now, Henri and the others are oogling over how cool the Burai Kais are."
"Hm?" Michelle sat up on the bench, seeing the guys crowd over near the Burai Kai Todo had used back in Narita. She knew that the only way to tell Todo's Burai Kai from the other Burai Kais used by the Shiseiken was the slightly whitish finish on the knightmare's limbs and the white head unit, including the extending antennas that stood out from the top to the back.
"I see."
Dojo, JLF Minamiizu Base, somewhere in Izu Peninsula, Area 11, Britannian Empire
With nothing much to do for the rest of the night, Todo had ordered the Shiseiken to assist the Lost Soldiers in their accommodation by having them placed at a vacant barracks not currently used by JLF personnel. It was located near the vehicle and knightmare hangars, so Marc readily accepted the offer.
This was before he told the Shiseiken to have the rest of the night off while he returned back to the dojo, meditating on what had happened for the entire day. Sitting in a seiza position, it helped the ex-JGSDF officer reflect better. Not to mention relax... in some way.
I wonder if the things the Lost Soldier leader had said is true...
Todo began to seriously think about the comments Marc had said when the two had been previously alone in the dojo in the afternoon.
"Our real and actual enemy for this time, Todo-san, is an underground organization called Eden Vital. The Lost Soldiers have been trying to locate and fight them after the war ended in Japan years ago."
"What about this Eden Vital?"
"It's an organization devoted to the use of geass as a weapon. It has strong ties to the Britannian military, particularly to the child soldier unit COSMOS."
"COSMOS? I heard such rumors during the Second Pacific War of a unit so elite that its soldiers were merciless and cruel. They bear no conscience whatsoever and do what's necessary for the sake of their mission."
"That is true. We used to be part of them. All of us were kidnapped at one point as children and were indoctrinated into Britannian military doctrine by enduring heavy hypnotism and drugs that totally brainwashed us to the point of being loyal to Britannia herself."'
"I see. That's quite horrible..."
"I know. We lived with this for so long. So long that I couldn't remember how many people I killed before I broke COSMOS control along with my comrades..."
"What will you do now?"
"I don't know, Todo-san. But we have some intelligence as to where Eden Vital is."
"And this is the opportunity you will take to strike them."
"Yes. For us, this is the road of no return. Some of us may not return back alive. That would be the day when we will be free from the shackles of our miserable past."
"Even though it sounds quite....different..."
"I'm not asking for fighting men for this mission of ours, Todo-san. I'm just asking for some rear support, that's all."
"All right, I understand. Although I find the concept of geass and Eden Vital very strange..."
"I know. And I'm not asking you to understand them for now. It may be confusing for you."
"Okay. Allow me to think this through."
"Of course. Feel free to see me. Or maybe vice versa whenever a chance is still available, yeah?"
Todo stared at the katana placed in front of him, blade sheathed in its saya. He took a deep breath while holding his teacup, containing green tea.
I guess I need to find out what happens next concerning the Lost Soldiers and the JLF.
He turned his head around, seeing that he was alone in the dojo.
Do I tell Kusakabe about what I talked about with him?
Todo would have some time to think about what he and Marc had talked about. While he thought about his current problem, he began to slowly sip the green tea until the teacup was empty.
Lelouch's Room, Clubhouse, Ashford Academy, Tokyo Settlement, Area 11, Britannian Empire
Lelouch stared at the outside from the window of his room, already in his pajamas. He told Nunnally and Cornelia that he went out to the mall in order to give him some time off to think regarding school matters. When asked about C.C., Lelouch told the former she was with a friend and would not be with them for a while.
At least Jeremiah can stay in the Black Knights base without being in danger... After I had to explain his predicament. Then again, Jeremiah is Britannian and an ex-Purist. There would be some Black Knight guerrillas familiar with him in terms of his name before he was cyberized.
Feeling that he had nothing to do for the entire night, Lelouch went to his bed and decided to sleep off the entire evening.
"After all," Lelouch made sure his back was flat on the mattress. "I need to get some rest for tomorrow."
The Britannian waited a bit until sleep claimed him.
Unknown Realm
Charles was walking down a corridor that had stone pillars besides them that resemble pillars seen in ancient Roman architecture. Next to him was Bismarck, wearing his Knights of the Round uniforms including his white cape.
"How are things going, Bismarck?" Charles asked the Knight of One, expecting an immediate answer.
"All is complete, your Majesty." Bismarck replied. "And we have apprehended everyone who has links to Prince Schneizel, including Major Suzaku Kururugi. We're checking reports of some other nobles who are against the arrest."
"Ah, Euphie's personal knight." Charles knew of Suzaku as he had personally approved of it, wanting to use it in order to divide the Elevens between pro-Britannia and anti-Britannia factions. "It's quite a shame he had to be arrested. He had quite some promise, especially when he told me personally that he wants to be Knight of One so that he can govern Area 11 someday."
"He was first recruited by Earl Lloyd into the SDGSD before he became a knight. But if you ask me, he may be a threat someday."
"To your position as Knight of One, Bismarck?"
Bismarck didn't answer. He felt sweat trickle down the back of his neck.
"Then it's settled? All the obstacles are cleared?"
"Perhaps." Bismarck said. "But there may be one more thing."
Charles stared at Bismarck. "And what is this thing?"
"The Black Knights and the Lost Soldiers."
"Ha!" Charles wanted to laugh off Bismarck's concern. "A pack of guerrillas led by an enigmatic figure and a unit of ex-child soldiers? Hardly worth the time to be concerned about if I were in your shoes."
"Is it?" Bismarck objected. "The Black Knights and the Lost Soldiers are both sore eyes to the Britannian security and intelligence forces. I even heard from our agent that the Lost Soldiers have gained some ground recently against some Eden Vital bases in Area 11."
Charles decided to listen in on Bismarck's concern.
"Not to mention the Lost Soldiers alone were a big eyesore for Britannian counterinsurgency experts ever since we occupied the former nation that is Japan."
"I see." Charles began to think hard again. "On second thought, it seems the Lost Soldiers are indeed a big concern next to the Black Knights."
"So do we continue with your plans, your Majesty?"
Charles nodded. "Yes, of course. The course is still set on schedule despite these setbacks, Bismarck."
"Understood."
"And the annoucement to the BRBC?"
"All ready and waiting. Our agents in the BRBC are just waiting for the go ahead from you when the time comes."
"At last, the day of Ragnarök shall finally come to this miserable planet..."
"Indeed, your Majesty. You seem to be quite delighted about Ragnarök's coming."
Charles faced Bismarck and gave him a grin. "Indeed I am, Bismarck. Indeed I am. When Ragnarök is finished, I'll be able to rebuild a new world to end all the suffering and chaos."
And I can be with you at long last also, Marianne. You were the only one who gave me true happiness when you first met me a Knight yourself.
Chapter 19 END
PS - Thanks for the increasing number of people adding the story to both story favorites and alerts. Means a lot to me really, I'll try to make you readers satisfied with each chapter as the story is coming more and more to a close. Now typically I don't leave an answer explained to my fics unless if it's a.) Of great concern or b.) Something I thought it may have to be explained sooner than later. Right now, I'm going with the latter choice since a guy named jG left a few reviews with some questions. jG, if you're reading, don't leave individual reviews for a question if you would kindly do so. It may not be bothersome to me. But someday, it will be. Thanks. And now to jG's questions.
"so far this story is working out wel though ido have one or two minor questions/complaits the first is why do some of the lost soldiers have the same last nams as most of the main characters? And also why wasn't zero able to lead the nra at the time? without the victory in shinjiku he has no credibility for them to follow him during the hotel jacking I haven't read ahead so i'm still unsure about where this story is going. But I just don't believe that the black knights will really follow in favor of zero."
- Two answers. One, I did give some of the Lost Soldiers surnames to give them a sense of being a "victim" of Britannia but without their loved ones knowing about it yet in the sense of being kidnapped and turned into child soldiers by the military without giving a damn. So far, they just have it bottled up. In case of Kallen's twin brother, Ken. As for Zero, I just use the NoN adaptation as a basis.
"And continuing from the last review I don't believe the nra would follow zero without him showing off his strategic capabilities at specific plot points (IE shinjuku, the rescue of suzaku) and the hotel jacking isn't really a great start for him. And another reason they followed him was because he provide knightmares with the help of rakshata but the lost unit already have her on their side. So there is no reason for the nra to follow zero in favor of the lost unit right no since THEY succesfully stole the..."
- Like I said, I used the NoN adaptation as a basis. End of answer.
"contued again since the lost unit were the ones who have rakshata's support,the lancealot and the victory in would the nra follow zero instead of the lost unit? I don't want to offend I'm just giving what every talented writer deserves. A long and well thought out review."
- See above.
I also have to admit, I did so so with Lelouch and Kallen's relationship to boot. Right now, I'm in the grey area of friend and being paired up. Hopefully, I can pull something off to solidify the pairing. After all, I like them together.
For now, valuable and meaningful reviews/comments/thoughts/suggestions/praises/whatever are appreciated after you're done reading. Let me know how the story's going so far all. Thanks!
In the meantime, there probably won't be another update after this due to the upcoming Tokyo trip to get away from the Olympics and the 2nd homecoming to Manila. But I'll try to work on another chapter when possible yea?
PPS - Is anyone interested if a story would be up consisting (For the meantime) of a Stand Alone Complex/Rainbow Six Vegas series crossover story with Section 9 and Rainbow taking on terrorists doing urban warfare on Sin City? Sounds interesting?
Or how about a Stand Alone Complex/Yesterday (Korean movie) crossover then? Recently watched it and I had an idea of S9 going in to assist the SIU at the invitation of the Korean National Police Agency after receiving intelligence that weapons were smuggled into a unified Korea through Dejima? I suggest to those who don't know about the Korean movie Yesterday to watch it first to be familiar with the SIU. First time I saw it, I thought of them as the "Korean Public Security Section 9", except they seem to be under the police force. But they do stuff that may be frowned upon by human rights people in the current 21st century. Anyways.... just watch it. Period.
Anyone can take the ideas if you want. Just let me know if you plan to do them. I'm not sure if I can do justice to them myself.