Chapter 7

Dark Prince

Helltanz's notes:

Oh this chapter makes reference to the use of chemical weapons in acts of terrorism, this is a work of fiction, do not go gassing military bases so you can take a tank for a joy ride, perhaps a piece of poor humor but still I thought it would be best to give a heads up, seeing as I had some skinhead wannabe review one of my fics, I do not want one of my works being Turner Diaried.

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Disclaimer: I don't own Code Geass.

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Chapter begin

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Lelouch sighed, "Not long now," he commented toying with his slightly bruised wrist as he lounged in the rather large leather chair.

"Indeed my lord," responded Three.

Besides the two of them the other Black Knight Faction Leaders were elsewhere it was considered a suitable safety precaution given things. Heavily fortified locations were the exception, generally because security could be deployed rather brazenly. In Europe, or at least the western region, you had less of a worry for problems. China and Britannia were another story.

In either case there were risks of terrorists or government elements. In the case of China the Eunuchs had a reason to be considerably concerned about counter government forces considering things.

Britannia presented slightly more varied threats. These challenges ranged from terrorists, to rival nobility, to the potential threat of the OSS, and of course rival corporations.

"I'll be in contact Q 1's friends later, then we'll begin," the prince stated, "oh and excellent job with the arrangements, in just a short while longer we'll have control of the necessary companies,"
"I live to serve my prince," The other Britannian remarked, "about the upcoming 'test' I presume we'll dispose of the subjects,"

He nodded this test was nothing more than something to disorient Area 11. "Unless they show unusual prospects yes get rid of them, most of them are disposable, nothing more than common thugs," Lelouch drawled disdainfully, "I will be heading out, making my entrance will require a flair perhaps better suited to Clovis, ah well, speaking of my older brother, exactly how are things proceeding?"

"We dispatched the letter as requested, your highness, prince Clovis will receive the intelligence concerning the resistance groups who are less than inclined to cooperate with the Order." Three continued, "we believe the intelligence on the Nippon Kaihō Sensen, should allow the Clovis's forces to signifigantly damage them, presuming they aren't facing RPI 13 Sutherland units again, my lord" the man stated.

The Prince smirked, "Yes presuming that of course," Lelouch commented, "the Japanese are resourceful in combat the matter with Shinjuku proved them capable of impressive feats did it not?" he stated, "Clovis is likely going to look more into Ashford Academy it is a rather obvious place since he knows I'm alive,"
"We could arrange a series of locations,"
Lelouch waved his hand dissmissively. "No that's alright not right now anyway. Primary concerns are elsewhere at the moment," He commented, "I think that Clovis can be trusted to show some discretion… on this matter clearly he can run a program without any one knowing about it then he can keep quiet."

"The prototype should be ready by the time Prince Corneila is expected to have pacified area eighteen. We've sent envoys to 'assist' in our own special way, we'll recover their attempt at knightmare frame for study as planned."
Britannia's military expansion was at times a bit difficult to expect, the invasion of what had become Area 12 had come pretty much out of the blue, but that was another matter. In any case regarding what would become Area 18 it had featured a bit of posturing beforehand enough that the Black Knights had prepared to move in afterwards.

The Bamides was much larger than the standard Britannian Knightmare, actually it was bigger than Chinese standard Knighmare frame as well. The Frame was something they were looking into to study.

The engineering secrets would impart to the Black Knights further information, since while not quite agile the Bamides for its size did have an impressive maximum sustainable speed in what was considered problematic terrain.

Lelouch sighed, "I need to head out, by the way hows the custom Edinburg coming along?"

"It is all ready if you need it before the prototype," Roland announced, "we have a few of the regular RPI 999's that are ready should you require to equip other forces"

The prince nodded, "And the upgrades to the Mark Nemo series Knightmare?" He inquired referencing another of the Black Knights sixth generation Knightmare frames.
"Underway," responded the executive. "In theory the modifications to the VARIS should allow a shield penetrator weapon, at least until that weapon is ready. In addition it'll have some comonality regarding optional equipment."

Lelouch flipped another page, "Nearly seven meters, we knew it was going to be large, but Merlin is going to be quiet impressive, and thats the trend," He frowned shaking his head, "expensive unfortunately, though it should be able to do its job..." This wasn't surprising in the least as it was all seventh generation frames were expected to be larger than older design. Camelot's Lancelot supported this hypothesis.

"It'll be ready, concerning the Chinese Federation?"
He gave another nod. Things were rapidly deteriorating in this region of the world. "We will move shortly against them." he acknowledged, "Admittedly they rely on mass production so they won't be much use in developing the Millennial series standard Knightmare Frame, but force of arms is always good." Lelouch stood up, "besides we can certainly use that production capability. In any case it'll cement relations with the Russian populous."

"Vengeance for the war dead, vengeance for dead family."
He tapped his fingers generating a holographic map, "Yes and Britannia will only see what they want to on the matter." Multiple icons appeared on the border between the European Union, and the Chinese Federation. More icons appeared through out, and then within Britannia's territory.

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"Britannia's resounding victory over Japan opened the unenlightened nation's eyes," announced the tour guide as Kallen looked at the pictures, "to its true place in today's world order, since then the Empire and area eleven have walked hand in hand down the road to revival."
'Sixteen hundred hours at Tokyo Tower. Why did he want to meet here of all places,' she wondered as her pure eleven compatriots walked around as a group. They were discussing, meaning they had no idea, who had sent the message.

"Attention please, paging Miss Kallen Stadtfeld of Ashford academy one of your personal effects has been turned in at the kiosk on the observation deck,"

Kallen walked over, and the lady at the kiosk smiled, and presented a cell phone to the redhead, "Hi I'm assuming this phone is yours,"

The phone was black, but there was nothing terribly fancy about it, however it did have a message… From Zero.

She hit dial, "Um Hello,"

"I want you to board the outbound train on loop line five, and oh bring your friends along with you." Lelouch stated from the other end, "It wouldn't do for them to cause a scene. The last thing we need is a fire fight with civilians around."

"What?" she exclaimed. The prince hung up snapping the phone shut. She looked around and noted Tamaki was getting a little hot under the collar. Damn it is he watching us? Kallen turned back to staring intently at the phone, before dragging the others off to the train.

"Attention all passengers if you become aware of any suspicious items on onboard please alert Metro police personnel using the-"
Zero decided to call, "What now," She snapped angrily,

"Face forward and look to your right," the Prince ordered blandly. ""What do you see?" he inquired.

"The Britannian settlement the city that was stolen away from us, and built from our sacrifice." Kallen answered

"And on the left?" Lelouch asked.

She looked at the ghetto; "I see our city remnants of a desiccated city after the Britannians sucked it dry."

"A good answer," The prince responded, "now make your way to the front of the train." He ordered, none of the terrorists noticed the red light in the eyes of the other passengers.

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At the front of the car was a figure swathed in dark clothes.

Kallen gasped, "Was it you on the Phone?

"Whoa do you think it's a trap?" remarked one of the elevens, wondering if you should pull a gun out.

"Well as that you in Shinjuku?" She demanded. "Was that ceasefire your doing?"

Lelouch remained silent and unmoving.

"Hey were talking to you," Tamaki growled,

The lights went dark and 'Zero' turned around.

"What did you think about my tour of the settlement," he remarked.

"Your tour," Ogi stated a bit blankly.

"Oh come on there was no way it was this joker." Tamaki protested angrily.
"I wanted you to fully grasp the two, the settlement," He raised his left arm to gesture to the Britannian residences and city, "And the ghetto," the right arm rose to gesture towards the ruins where the elevens lived.

Ogi stepped forward, "Yeah we know there is a difference between us and them," he said, "A very harsh one and that's why we resist them,"
"You're wrong," Lelouch stated. "Britannia will not fall to terrorism," He announced, "Charles's reign will not end because of your actions. The system can always rebound from singular attacks. So long as the system can propagate itself ably there is no change. Terrorism cannot bring down a situation that the likes of their rivals in the EU have tried."

"Fall," Ogi muttered, "Change, the Europeans"
The masked man nodded, "What you are doing its little better than making a childish nuisance of yourselves,"

"What was that you calling us a bunch of kids," exclaimed one of the terrorists. Lelouch faintly pondered whether recruiting these bozos was the right move. On the other hand it would be the step towards expansion into the other terrorists of Area 11. A pure, and known if minor, terrorist group would be relatively useful in convincing other groups to work beside them. Up until this point the Black Knights had had only minor success dealing with Japanese resistance groups, most of whom tended to be vying for the attention of Kyoto.

"You should know your enemy," he stated, "it is not the common people, but the ideals expunged by one man, and the nobility you must oppose. It is a war you must wage but not on the innocent, take up your sword fight for justice,"
Kallen gritted her teeth, "Oh please that's all easy enough to say isn't it." She protested, "Hiding behind that mask, why should we even trust you?"
"She's right loose the mask," the blue haired terrorist who had previously referred to Zero as a joker.

"Right are you going to show us your face?" Ogi asked.

Lelouch shook his head, "I do apologize such a thing is impossible," he commented, "However if the impossible could be done would it earn your trust?" the prince inquired, "You are being offered an opportunity," He stated, "I represent a faction within an organization and you are being offered the opportunity to fight Britannia's corruption. I am Zero, leader of the Istavaanians. We are one of six cardinal factions of the Black Knights." That was all he was going to say for now.

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Lelouch smirked as he reclined in the high rising office building, "Hmm I think I might just have convinced them," he commented.

"Is this such a wise plan?" inquired the doll like figure of one of the other Radical faction leaders, "Supplying these people with so many Knightmares?" It was rather clear that the immortal didn't particularly approve of this course of action. "There are other groups we could perhaps persuade. Those in Michinoku for example. They at least like us, or I should say you. Isn't your book doing remarkably well there?"
"Ah you object," Lelouch queried, waving off the comment. "I suppose you are correct this plan does have its flaws however what better way to weaken Britannian than to distribute their swords amongst the rebels," he remarked, "And what better way to rally support than show them crushing a Britannian military base on television in real time." Three nodded in agreement with him, "He does have a point though Northern Japan not only has a great deal of support for us, but don't you have a speaking event in Akita soon?"

"I would suppose the plan does indeed have merits," admitted the first one to speak, "I still think this is a mistake. Even so I'm concerned that Cathay might end getting ideas about all this."

Lelouch nodded, "I do," The Chinese Federation was also a threat, "So then how do you like the upgrades to you frame?" the prince inquired

"The stealth system is an impressive work," Three said interjecting before the childlike body could respond to the question, "Isn't it," he asked smugly.

Nemo nodded, "Yes I will admit the upgrades to the machine surpassed has my expectations," admitted the doll like figure, "The prototype composite shield is also a nice addition. I do appreciate you modifying the OS Lelouch."

"Yes well I was glad for the feed back, though the advancement with the Stealth systems were all because of that woman this disruptor of hers, she truly is a splendid asset." He commented, "Pity she seems reluctant to cooperate, hmm" Lelouch paused, "We will avoid pushing too hard for now though I am adverse to leaving an asset like her out there," The eleventh prince said. "But really her notes are quite interesting we may have to incorporate some of them in to our other projects,"
"Back to the plan," Three stated, directing them back to the topic at hand. "Everything is in place," He announced, "We are ready to begin,"
Lelouch nodded, "Britannia will be so caught up with the attack against the televised base, they won't realize the rebels have hit the other bases with poison gas until its already to late," he remarked. "I wonder what they'll do," the prince commented. "I doubt they'll notice the choice of targets have a very common characteristic outside the obvious."

"Attacking the military base responsible for bringing in most the supplies for the Army isn't that rather brazen of you," The doll like figure remarked, "We are after all moving much earlier than we planned,"

Three answered. "We expect most of the forces will be already enroute to relieve the besieged forces."

"You are welcome to join us if so desire?" Lelouch remarked to the first speaker.

"I may just do that." He replied. "After all I don't depart for what will be area eighteen for a while yet. I've got time to help here, especially if things go further south than we want."

Looking over the settlement Lelouch frowned. "That would be unfortunate."

"Don't worry Hokkaido is at a heightened state of alert, and we've notified everyone." If someone was stupid enough to attack the main region of Black Knight's power within Japan they'd get what they deserved.

That was the truth, and one Lelouch liked. Hokkaido was his the initial small population compared to Kyushu, and especially Honshu. It'd been quite easy to move in in the aftermath of the invasion. Nowadays they had extensive influence into Northern Honshu as well as far south, relatively speaking as Fukushima. That was the thing the battle for influence in Japan it was heavily divided. While the Black Knights control of the southern portions of Tohoku were far from absolute there was a presence. Britannia controlled most of the Kanto region, mainly centered on Tokyo. The NAC ruled from in practice from Kyoto in Kansai. Between the NAC and Britannia Chubu was divided rather thoroughly. Britannia ruled in name, but terrorism was a major concern in the area of Honshu south of Tokyo, not that terrorism was absent from the capital.

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Lelouch frowned slightly, well this was disappointing. "I see so its just the two of you," Zero commented to the two freedom fighters,
"I'm sorry we just need a little more time," Ogi responded "IF more people understood, what we,"
Lelouch cut him off, "No, no," He stated, "the two of you will do just fine, we're hardly going to be alone. We'll have plenty of friends. The Thorians might even join us, unlikely but who can say."

"Oh come on," Kallen protested, "there will be too many of them,"

He paused, perhaps he should have been clearer she assumed he meant the Britannians when he said friends. "Have faith, we'll have two squads with us," the prince replied. "with what is planned it will be child's play, don't worry." He assured, this plan was dangerous, but really what plan wasn't.
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Lelouch smirked behind his mask, as the two terrorists surveyed the machines, yes things were going well enough.

"What are these?" Kallen asked

The man who had identified himself as Zero turned to look back at the Britannian Eleven girl. "Considering your recent defeat when dealing with Second Prince Schneizel prototype seventh generation while using the fifth generation RPI 13 Sutherland, this design is…" He trailed off, "courtesy of another of Britannia's royalty, rather he had a hand in its design. Its not fully in production yet, which is all the more a pity considering things as they are."
"What?" She exclaimed in surprise, "you stole this?"
"Not at all," He replied, "But to answer your question this is the RPI 999 series, its named the Edinburgh," Lelouch continued as if nothing was amiss. "Though getting them ready in time for this little plan was rather bothersome I'll admit. Nonetheless the design is fully operational."

"So this is a new model, but if you didn't steal it... why would a Britannian want us to have access to this kind of weapon," demanded Ogi more than a little suspicious.

The prince placed a hand on the machine's high strength low weight composite armor, "Because the Lancelot is clear and present danger and without a viable countermeasure we'll just have a repeat of the disaster that was Shinjuku. Its not like ceasefire like that can become common." He drawled, "That said you are welcome to use these two, I even had yours given a red paint job Q1." Lelouch titled his head to one side to convey his amusement.

"What exactly are we going to be doing?" Kallen questioned,

"Oh that's right I didn't inform you," He feigned being apologetic at his 'oversight'. Walter turn on the news," Lelouch ordered.
The head mechanic nodded.

"- Of Japan rise up against your oppressors together we will be victorious," shouted a man, "Help us fight for Justice join us in freeing Japan," in the background was a Britannian military facility… that was burning multiple Sutherlands were attacking the base each emblazoned with a Japanese Flag on the shoulder of each of the machines.

The TV was muted.

"Well as you can see things are proceeding smoothly," Lelouch stated,

Ogi stared at the television in shock his mouth hanging open, "You organized that?" He inquired finally able to speak.
"Of course, they were only too happy to assist," Zero commented, "As we speak, Clovis is having little choice but to divert military forces to that region, and hence our operation will coincide when forces are midway so either way Britannian will suffer a grave problem,"

"Who is this Britannian?" Kallen demanded "the one supplying these machines, you said he is royalty,"
"If you're going to help you should get ready," Lelouch stated, "though to answer your question the benefactor of this is the Eleventh Prince of the Empire," He tossed them the activation keys to the Knightmares.

"That's impossible," Ogi responded, "That person is dead, Britannia said so."
"Then we must be all taking orders from a ghost," replied a mechanic with a shrug, they probably wouldn't catch it.

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"I take it were ready?" Lelouch asked over the radio, inside his machine, which was in turn inside a transport.

"Both teams in position, sir I would be comfortable if you had more than just those two, its hardly something that," The man on the other end stated.

"Relax," the prince assured, "Its simple enough, Britannian forces will reach the midway point in one minute according to our estimates." That was a long minute to wait.

Slowly the transport trucks opened. Powered doors opened up to reveal multiple Knightmare Frames. The benefit of such large transports was you could transport a few Knightmares per truck. "K 1 through 4 Fire," Zero ordered. The vehicle depot ignited splendidly as a number of small missiles with high explosive incendiary detonators rained down.

Sirens blared screeching through the night. The barracks were the next target, it was distasteful to be targeting them, but casualties would be minimal given the alarms, and the alert.

K group advanced through the gate meant to slow down trucks not bipedal mechs. One of the mechs made a notable point of stomping the barricade down. Lelouch flicked his communicator on. "Lets go, B group will deal with things here," he stated. His Knightmare was different the black armor glimmered shining like polished chitin, in addition double shields were present on the unit, as well as a pair of swords on the back.

Personally Lelouch was less than thrilled to use the swords, but they did need information on the new design of melee weapon.

Kallen's unit as stated was unlike the normal Edinburgh in that it was red, but other than that was a normal model. The red paint job gave it a stark contrast to the Black Knight's color scheme favoring black as a primary color. Still it would ultimately help their cover story he was feeding Britannia. The two Japanese terrorists activated their land spinners and followed after the eleventh prince. The objective was simple take control of the communication center, broadcast the message, and then get out of there.

The alarm may have gone, but considering the depot and the barracks were both now on fire even the Britannian military was disorganized, especially with most of their forces deployed elsewhere.

One of the remaining Sutherlands, someone clearly had been born with some brains, pity it would cost the pilot at the very least his Knightmare, moved in between the trio. The Sutherland had been built with the concern that knightmare to knightmare combat would become more common, which did prove to happen. Even so there was a difference between the generations capacities. Whoever the Sutherland's pilot was recognized that he wasn't dealing with the usual Japanese war machines that better equipped terrorist cells wielded.

Lelouch already traveling at breakneck, in excess of one hundred kilometer an hour, speeds deployed the Edinburgh's new MVS katar from under the shield of his machine's right arm. The blade gleamed red as it began to oscillate and sheered through the Sutherland Frame with ease. The oscillating blade was sufficient to rip through the standard composite armor of the Sutherland.

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Chapter conclusion

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Helltanz's notes: How did you think the mech raid go? Good? Bad?

Lelouch is setting in place to dissolve the belief that all Britannians are the enemy, obviously, since he has no clue Euphie is going to try something as Naïve as her admin district, he's going the next best route, at least for him.

Things will steadily get AU from here, there will of course be some canon parts, things at Ashford Academy, for example, Saitema Ghetto battle will certainly not go how Cornelia wants it to.

Constructive Criticism is welcome,

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