Disclaimer: I do not own Code Geass or Universal Century Gundam.

A/N: I know it seems kind of sudden to have Haman just join the resistance, then have her command a major battle like that. Keep in mind there was a two-year time gap between her joining and the battle at Christchurch. Char is still technically in command,he just has her serve as more of a tactical commander/advisor, which allows him to command out in the field. And I apologize if I burst anyone's bubble, but there are no current plans for Harmonia/Haman to pilot a Knightmare Frame, custom or otherwise. That being said, the prologue and these first several chapter serve as a lead up to the primary events that will undoubtedly take place in R1/R2.

Code Geass: Karn of the Oceanic Axis

Chapter Three

Provisional Parliament House, Canberra, Australia, July 2011 A.T.B.

The Provisional Parliament House was the center of debate in Canberra, capitol of the Commonwealth of Australia.

It was a substantial three-storey building, a Graeco-Roman variation in white marble. Tall columns lined the front and ran parallel to the entrance walkway, supporting an overhanging arch. Anyone passing under that arch could be in no doubt that they were entering the most important building in the land. There, behind its colonnaded walls and corridors, were the great decisions made. There, in its grand central chamber, did the greatest men and women meet to debate, and to decide.

To Defense Minister Gihren Zabi, watching from one of the side chambers overlooking the debating hall, it was something he could quite easily forget. Once again they were arguing, bickering like a sultan's concubines over something so utterly trivial that he had not bothered to remember it. Of far greater import was the matter he intended to raise, both to him, and to the people sharing the chamber with him.

"What exactly are you going to say to them, Defense Minister?" Gihren recognized the voice behind him as being that of Jeremy Hawking, the Minister of the Interior. He turned to face them, letting his narrow eyes scan over them. To his mild satisfaction, one or two of them shuddered just slightly.

"I intend to rally the nation to help drive Britannia from New Zealand," he replied bluntly. The effect of his impolitic words on the assembled officials and ambassadors was near-instantaneous.

"You intend to support the rebels?" asked Miguel Gandolfy, the ambassador from the European Ultra-union. "Those whom the Britannians consider to be nothing more than terrorists?"

"Yes. Though whether one considers them 'terrorists' is a matter of perspective. If they were mere terrorists as you say, they would be a little less discriminate in what they attack. Their leader is a very cunning and intelligent man."

"You mean that 'Char Aznable' character that's leading them" commented Elaine Watson, the Foreign Minister. "The man's an enigma. There are rumors that it wasn't him that planned that raid in Christchurch back in January."

"You mean the rumors of a young girl that serves as his tactical advisor?" With a voice like that there was no mistaking Wong Fei, the Chinese ambassador. His voice, along with his red and sulphur robes and the chalk-white makeup covering his already feminine face, marked him as one of the Chinese Federation's ruling elite, the Grand Eunuchs. Gihren could count on one hand the number of times he had even seen the man, let alone speak with him. For Wong to have come in person meant that the Chinese embassy was starting to take matters seriously.

"That may be so," he replied with an even voice, concealing his distaste for that poor excuse for a man. "But it doesn't diminish the fact that they have made far more progress than any mere terrorist cell could in such a short time. They carried out several smaller operations with varying success against their overlords. Reports indicate that their number has increased exponentially since Christchurch. There are rumors that they may make a move for Wellington in the near future."

"Well, either way," Gandolfy spoke up, his face a mask of neutrality. "The EU regards this as a local matter."

"Of course you do," Gihren thought sourly. "The EU can't afford to spit in Britannia's face, not in its current state, and not openly. You're hoping I'll take the hint and bloody the beast's nose for you."

"I agree," added the Eunuch. "The Chinese Federation sees no benefit from this turn of events either. It's your problem."

"And you, you cowardly Chinese snake. Self-serving fool."

"Regardless," he said, addressing everyone in the room. "That is what I intend to do. Too long has the Prime Minister ignored the cries of help from our neighbors, and the threat that the Britannian occupation of New Zealand poses to our security."

"It does not concern you that the Britannians will almost certainly retaliate?" Wong asked mildly. "Sun Tzu teaches us not to start fights we cannot win."

"I have spent my career building Australia's armed services into a world-class fighting force," Gihren replied, meeting the Eunuch's gaze. "Our forces are sufficient to turn back all but the most substantial Britannian counter-attack, and Britannia is in no position to engage in such an operation at this time."

"Indeed." Wong smirked, indicating that he both agreed and understood. Any large-scale operation against Australia would require Britannia to redeploy the assets currently being used to secure Japan, now Area 11. Such would be too good an opportunity for the Chinese Federation to pass up.

"On a different note," Gihren turned his attention to Gandolfy. "I'd like to take this opportunity to thank you in person for the timely delivery of the 'assets' that were purchased earlier this year. My brother, Admiral Dozle was most pleased to acquire them, and has already set about getting them fully operational."

"I hope they serve you well in your endeavors," replied the ambassador.

"Been shopping have we, Minister?" asked Wong, still wearing that infuriating smirk.

"Yes," Gihren replied, somewhat tersely. "You might say that."

He didn't know precisely how much Wong or his masters knew, and it didn't really matter. Officially the warships had been sent to Australia to be broken up, and the removal of all militarily-relevant components had been enough to satisfy nosey Britannian customs officials. What they could not have known was that the Dolos and the Dolwa, formerly Illustrious and Colossus, were currently in high-security dry-docks being refitted with the very best technology his research and development teams could whip up.

And to say that Dozle Zabi had been 'most pleased' was a masterpiece in understatement. Had he been alone, Gihren might have smiled had the memory of the broad grin on his brother's craggy face. Only two events had ever made Dozle happier, one of which had been his wedding day.

"Defense Minister," interjected Cecilia Irene, his aide. "It is time."

"Very well," he replied, getting up from his seat. He straightened his uniform and moved to exit the room. "If I know the Admiral, they will indeed."

The debating chamber had been arranged in the Westminster style. The chamber was oblong in shape, with parallel rows of seats and desks running along the walls facing each other. The parties that made up the Lower House sat in those chairs, the ruling party to the right of the Speaker's chair, while the opposition parties sat to the left.

The Upper House sat in their gallery above and behind the interior seats. Being primarily an advisory and oversight body, the Upper House had considerably fewer than the several hundred MPs that made up the Lower House. The Upper House's seats were hereditary or appointed, whereas the much larger Lower House was elected by the popular vote.

At the far end of the room sat the Speaker of the House, dressed in formal black robes. Next to him sat the current Prime Minister, Maxfield Saxton. With a bang of his gavel, he silenced the bickering parties.

"Defense Minister Gihren Zabi has the floor," he bellowed.

Gihren responded with a curt but respectful 'thank you' as he took up position at the podium. The vaulted ceiling seemed to loom over him, as if to remind him of where he was and what he was doing. He could feel hundreds of pairs of eyes boring into him from all sides.

"Ladies and gentlemen, I come to you bearing an urgent matter," he started, scanning his eyes around the chamber. "As all of you are aware, the country of New Zealand was conquered two years ago by the Britannian Empire. Britannia is a corrupt and greedy nation, taking anything and everything their desire falls upon. Not even the mighty nation of Japan was safe from their greed, or secure from their power." He paused for effect.

"You have heard from better men than me what the Britannians do to those they rule. We have seen the images on the internet, heard the testimonies of those who risked life and limb to flee Britannia's tyranny and make new lives for themselves in our land. You know well enough, honourable representatives, of Britannia's true nature."

"I have not come here to tell you this. Rather, I have come to tell you of a miraculous occurrence, of a glimmer of light that has appeared in the darkness of Britannian oppression. This light is called…Zeon."

Another pause. He saw with satisfaction that he had their full attention.

"Zeon is the name for a group of freedom fighters currently active inside New Zealand. They have fought hard these last few years, struggling against insurmountable odds. They have bled, and suffered, and sacrificed, that they might overcome their oppressors and free their land."

He grabbed the sides of the podium, readying to unleash the torrent that had been building within him.

"I ask you this! Can we stand aside while such as they fight for freedom? Can we hold aloof while such as they are suffering and dying for the worthiest of causes? Has the time not come for us to stand up to the Empire that has scorned and derided us, that plants its flag in our environs, that lusts and dreams of claiming our lands for their own?" He clenched his right hand into a fist and slammed it down onto the podium.

"I for one say no! I say the time has come to fight! Not just for our people, for our children, and our children's children, but for those who live in misery and servitude so close at hand! The people of New Zealand, our brethren, cry out for someone, anyone, to deliver them from their enslavement! If we do not do this, representatives, if we allow New Zealand to remain a Britannian dagger aimed at the heart of our Commonwealth, then our only future is an enslavement as terrible as theirs! While Britannia retains control of New Zealand, we shall have no security!"

He jabbed an accusing finger at Maxfield Saxton.

"Our current leader shies away from this responsibility, hiding behind naïve ideals like pacifism and isolationism, when the enemy is so close to our very doorstep! He deigns to ignore the plight of our brothers and sisters who continue to be oppressed even now!"

"What this nation needs, what it yearns for, is a leader with courage and resolve! A leader who will not shy from the tough decisions, or sit idly by while the greatest enemy this world has known conquers and plunders near our very borders!"

He paused one last time. Now for the big finish.

"I have never sought power, representatives. I have been content, honoured even, to serve our people in my current capacity. But these are dangerous times, and I can no longer stand by while our Commonwealth is led into disaster by men and women unworthy of its government. I must therefore, with regret and solemnity, call for a vote of no confidence in Prime Minister Saxton's leadership."

With a dramatic flourish, he turned and stepped down from the podium. The entire house was on its feet, their shouts blending into a thunderstorm. Some cried out in protest, denouncing him and his speech. But already Gihren could hear the fists thumping the tables and stamping feet, matching the chanting voices.

"VOTE NOW! VOTE NOW! VOTE NOW! VOTE NOW!"

"Order!" bellowed the Speaker, banging his gavel, all to no avail.

A faint smile creased Gihren's lips. The wheels had been set in motion.

Zeon G-1 Land Cruiser 'Schnee Weiss', Somewhere of the North Island of Area 10(Formerly New Zealand), August 2011 A.T.B.

Haman stood on the command deck of the Schnee Weiss, looking over the map table as the various elements of Zeon moved into position for the operation to take Wellington. Schnee Weiss was a captured and reconditioned Britannian G-1 Land Cruiser, the likes of which a Viceroy or General would command from. Since it was she who had captured the G-1 before it could be delivered to the base in Wellington, Char had given her the right to name it.

Schnee Weiss was a character in an old Germanic fairy tale that Marianne had read to her when she was a young child. It was partly to honor her that Haman had chosen the name, but also because of what it represented to her personally. It symbolized the purity and justness of their cause, along with the gleaming white paint job to match. It was also, in many ways, a symbol of Haman herself.

The acquisition of Schnee Weiss represented a major change for the Zeon movement. She had not only humiliated the Viceroy by stealing it from him, but was showing him up every day she kept it from him. The fact that the garrison was unable to trace and destroy something so large as a G-1 MCV was proof of her power.

"Vice Commander, we are almost in position," one of the bridge crew addressed her, and she glanced up from the table.

"Schnee Weiss, this is the Red Comet, I am in position," Char announced over a secure channel. "Waiting for your go."

"Acknowledged," she replied. She glanced at her watch. Ten minutes to go.

"Any word from the remaining teams?" she asked the communications operator.

"None yet," came the reply. "They're still getting into position."

"Let me know the second they do."

"Will do."

The minutes counted down, until they felt like hours. Haman did her best to keep her cool, to not show just how nervous, and how tense, she really was. Her, no Char's followers, needed her to be strong for focused her mind, doing as her mother had taught her so many years ago.

It was perverse, all things considered, that she needed to be a princess once again. She had thought she had left that life behind two years ago, when her own father had disinherited and banished her for doing as her conscience decreed. For that, and for the cruel fate that had robbed her of a woman she loved like a second mother, and of the siblings she had adored. She had begun to hate her old life, hating it with the bitter resentment of one who could not change her past.

But the resentment had faded, enough for her to realize how pointless it truly was. She could not change who she had been, or what she had learned. If she needed new skills she would have to learn them. If she needed to be a new person, she would have to change herself. If something of her old life was useful to her, she would employ it. If she had to do as her mother had taught her, to lead as she had been taught, to inspire as she had been taught, to be strong as she had been taught, then she would do so.

Such was Harmonia li Britannia's dying gift to Haman Karn.

"Vice Commander, all teams report ready."

She nodded her acknowledgment, counting down the last few minutes. Time seemed to slow to a crawl as the final seconds ticked away.

Zero hour.

"Begin the operation!"

There you have it, the battle to take back Area 10/New Zealand has finally begun. Not really any action in this chapter, but I can guarantee that there's going to be some in the next one. I also apologize for the time it took me to complete this one, been busy the last month or so. I also apologize for the shortness of this chapter as well. Many thanks to Juubi-K, who was a big help with this chapter. Check out his Code Geass fics The Sum of Our Choices and One and Only Son, they are definitely worth a read. Edited and revised by Juubi-K.