Disclaimer: I do not own Code Geass or its characters.
A genuine leader is not a searcher for consensus but a molder of consensus.
Martin Luther King, Jr.
Although originally created to assist in urban combat, knightmares have become an all purpose weapon useful in all forms and areas of combat.
Compared to its contemporaries, the Titan Mk VI surpasses them with its simplicity, weapons, and design. Very few have been able to tap into its full potential.
James kou Britannia
Age of Knightmares
Neo Pendragon Press 2057 ATB
January 19, 2023, Neo-Pendragon
After spending a day touring the city, Jinta and the other cadets are taken to the knightmare arena early in the morning. The older cadets actually come by last night. They will conduct several knightmare demonstrations throughout the morning. For many of the younger cadets this is their first opportunity to be around actual knightmares.
"Come on, Jinta," James calls out, "I hear if we get there first they might let us drive it around."
"I am walking as fast as I can," Jinta remarks.
"Where are you two going? You are supposed to be with us," Castor says, "Pollux is looking for the other guy."
Jinta sighs as he and James are dragged away. They are taken below the stadium where the twins have set up their lab. William is already there. Pollux is looking over a nearby knightmare. He is accompanied by a small boy. Jinta realizes that he is going to have to make the introductions.
"James Longstreet VI, William Tecumseh Sherman allow me to introduce you to Castor and Pollux vi Britannia. The little guy is James kou Britannia, future Knight of One."
James and William look over at little James. He just stares back at them.
"That is a pretty bold statement," William remarks, "How old is that boy?"
"James is five so he has twelve or so years to become the best knightmare pilot in the world like his parents," Castor states, "Enough chit chat. We have one hour to get you guys up to speed on new knightmare technology."
Colombia, Semi-Autonomous Republic of South America (Area 6)
Battle of Colombia
Nunnally and Suzaku: 2 airships, Lancelot Albion, Ganymede Boudicca, 8 Akatsuki
Glinda Knights: 2 airships (Granberry), 8 Vincent, 1 Lancelot Grail, 3 VTOL,
Karine: 2 airships, 5 Eowyn, 5 Vincents
Peace Mark: 1 airship 8 knightmares (Byakuen, Lancelot Club, Susanoo, Akatsuki, 2 Io 2 Gekka), 2 VTOL
Theseus/local: 10 Sutherlands, 15 Ios, 5 Gloucesters, 5 Vincents, 5 knightmare ground transports, 6 VTOL, 10 tanks
Lelouch: 3 drone/cyborg knightmares (GX-01 Omega), 2 Karasu Tengu, 3 Titan Mk VIs
Nunnally and Suzaku decide to concentrate on the Glinda Knights. The local troops will have to travel quite a distance to get away since they do not have any airships nearby. Their eight Akatsuki match up well against the Glinda Knights' Vincents.
"I was hoping that we wouldn't have to make an appearance, but I guess we have no choice," Nunnally states, "Suzaku, help the others I will take down the Granberry. After that head for the gold."
Suzaku selects a Vincent to target and makes his move. Nunnally selects one of the VTOLs protecting the Granberry and its companion airship. Suddenly a knightmare similar to the Lancelot stops her.
"I am afraid that I cannot allow you to go any further."
Nunnally grins, "You must be Oldrin. I'll take care of you while the others handle your friends."
Nunnally's plans are upset once more. Several knightmares come flying in from all directions. Abruptly the number of knightmares doubles. What seemed like a straight forward battle now seems to have four participants. This does not include the poor hapless local troops who are still moving gold as a battle unfolds above them.
Nunnally tries to maneuver past Oldrin to reach the airships. It makes the most logical sense since it will strand the Glinda Knights.
The members of Peace Mark arrive just as the local forces are moving their transports in to get the gold. They soon discover that others are attempting to steal the gold as well. Due to his experience Asahina is put in charge of the group.
"Kageski, Kinoshita, and Inoue, stay back and provide support. The rest of us will engage the enemy to provide you with an opportunity to rush the local transports."
The members of Peace Mark rush into the battle just as the several more knightmares appear from the east.
Paciano Bradley leads the four knights into battle using Eowyn knightmares Behind them are five Vincents get ready to make a move towards the gold.
"I was really hoping that my putz of a brother would be out here," Paciano states, "Let's finish this quickly."
Despite the anger boiling up inside, Asahina avoids targeting Suzaku. He allows Paciano to have this privilege although he does not know this.
"Damn this battle is insane!" Paciano screams, "How are we supposed to keep track of things?" It's a good thing that our knightmares appear to be color coded."
"Keep to the plan," Asahina commands, "Inoue, take out the gold transport units."
"Sorry to disappoint, but I am currently occupied," Inoue responds. Paciano sends his Vincents to attack Peace Mark.
Nunnally disengages from the Lancelot Grail hoping to find a way to attack the Granberry. Suddenly a white knightmare flies in to attack Oldrin. Nunnally decides to analyze the situation. She quickly begins to search the knightmare database to discover who the newcomers are. Nunnally is brought back into the action when several knightmares charge at her. Due to the growing complexity of the battle, all sides ignore the local knightmares loading the gold.
Lelouch watches the battle from above. In total there are thirty five knightmares, seven airships, and 5 VTOLs. Of course this does not include the local side which almost outnumber the others on their own. Lelouch counts thirty older knightmares amongst them. In the distance he can see that the local troops are moving up their tanks and VTOLs.
The air battle appears to be in a stalemate. Nunnally may have a slight edge if she moves her airships into the battle. Still unless there is cooperation, the battle may last for a while. This seems unlikely since Nunnally, Maribelle, and Karine do not get along. Lelouch assumes that the force with the Eowyns is sent by Karine He knows that the fourth force is from Peace Mark. While Lelouch has some influence there, he does not have it with the members of this particular mission.
"Luciano, have you two looked over the knightmare specs?" Lelouch asks.
"Yes, the new knightmares are a little high powered, but I believe that we can handle them."
"Very well. Head south and cause a little havoc."
"As you wish, Your Majesty."
Luciano bows and leaves.
Lelouch decides to put an end to the situation.
"Dr. Chawla, release the specimens towards the native troops. We do not want them to get in the way of this battle," Lelouch commands, "Looks like things are finally going to get interesting."
Jinta, James, and William are suiting up. It is a little before nine in the morning. They do not know who their opponents are.
"Hey Pollux, where is Castor?" Jinta asks.
"He is over with your opponents," Pollux replies.
"Why do we have to wear purple?" James asks.
"It is your designated color. The other side gets black so don't forget who is on your team."
"I couldn't tell by the simulation, but what knightmare will we be piloting?" William asks.
"Titan Mk V," Pollux answers.
"Isn't that a little dangerous? "Jinta remarks, "We have barely even used an Io, and you want us to use Titan Mk. Vs."
"Well Lloyd says nothing ventured nothing gained, and Cecile says that it is young minds and bodies are the best for this sort of thing. Besides they all run on the same system."
The three young cadets nervously board their knightmares.
"The controls are exactly like the simulator," Pollux states, "It will be up to the three of you to use the knightmare's full power."
Evelyn, Emily, and Miranda board three black knightmares. Unlike the other side, they know who they will be facing. They also know the full capabilities of their knightmares. They are also well aware of their physical limitations. They will be facing West Point cadets who are several years older. Their power suits will provide some aid, but in the end they will have to make this quick.
Evelyn activates her Titan Mk V. Like all of Lelouch's knightmares, the Titan Mk V has several settings ranging from basic to master advanced. Only a handful of people can handle the latter setting. It is not the physical toll but mental that dissuades people from using this setting.
"As much as it hurts to say this, we should probably go after Jinta first since he is the weakest link," Evelyn states.
"Do you think he will be staying behind?"
Evelyn contemplates the situation as the three cadets move forward.
"So how are we going to do this?" Jinta asks.
"Maybe you should stay back until we figure out what we are up against," James states.
"Why don't we just rush them?" William questions.
This startles James and Jinta who are used to their cadet commander's cautiousness.
"Sounds good to me," Jinta answers, "Let's move."
Evelyn moves ahead of Emily and Miranda. Coming quickly at her, she can see the three cadets charging. She notices that one is pushing forward.
"Jinta," Evelyn says, "Concentrate on the one in front. I will keep the other two occupied."
Evelyn activates the Zero system.
"Wait Evie, that's too dangerous," Miranda remarks.
"Don't worry. It will only be for a few minutes," Evelyn responds as she withdraws her MVS.
"Holy shit!" James exclaims, "This guy is coming at us hard."
Evelyn slashes hard at James. This leaves her back exposed to William. He takes the opportunity to attack, but Evelyn redirects her shields to the area. Evelyn spins around and slashes at William forcing him back.
Jinta is trying to reunite with his team, but Emily and Miranda are keeping him away.
Evelyn fires from her wrist cannon to keep James from helping out Jinta. She fires her slash harkens at William to keep him from helping as well.
Along with several others, Cornelia is watching the knightmare duel from above. Like the others, she does not know who the pilots are, only that they are jr. cadets. The actions of one of the pilots remind her of Lelouch. She does wonder where Evelyn is at. These knightmares have been adjusted by the twins, and there is the possibility that Jinta is competing today.
"Hey Sherman, why don't you help Jinta," James states," I will keep this one occupied."
"Don't be cocky, Longstreet," William responds.
"Just move. We both know that Jinta is the weak link here. If we don't help soon, we can't win."
William scowls but moves to help Jinta. Evelyn moves to stop him, but James charges her and pushes her back.
Jinta manages to join William who withdraws his MVS and charges the enemy. Jinta pulls out his assault rifle and begins to force the enemy towards William. While Jinta's physical and academic performance is average, he can shoot with the best of them.
Evelyn notices that Jinta's back is to her. She pushes James back and charges at Jinta.
Jinta notices that the knightmare previously fighting James is now charging straight at him. Jinta quickly redirects all his power to his shields. Just as Jinta hopes, James is able to quickly attack the enemy knightmare from behind
Evelyn quickly activates her shields to block the attack from behind.
"James, swing around and help out Sherman," Jinta states.
"Just don't lose," James responds.
As a cadet commander and number one cadet in West Point Jr. Academy, William Tecumseh Sherman II is as skilled as they get. He is also one of the very few cadets to actually have knightmare experience. Naturally he has very little trouble handling Miranda and Emily on his own. Once James joins him, they dispose of the future princesses.
"Well that was easier than I figured it would be," James comments, "We should go help Jinta."
"Just give me a moment to rest," William remarks, "These guys weren't half bad."
Jinta is trying his best to keep up with Evelyn, but his limitations and her greater skill quickly takes their toll. James attacks first flying at Evelyn with his MVS. She fires her wrist slash harkens and swings below him. This action pulls James down towards Jinta. Evelyn quickly releases her slash to block William's attack.
William swings his MVS at Evelyn; however she deflects the attack with her wrist cannons. This startles William so Evelyn moves in quickly and cuts his arms off with her MVS. James charges at her, but she ducks underneath and fires her wrist cannons at his chest.
Jinta cannot believe that his friends are defeated so easily especially after they took out the other pilots out. Jinta remembers seeing footage of Lelouch taking out a knightmare by ramming into it so he decides to do the same.
Evelyn disengages the Zero System since she knows that Jinta is the only one who has weapons.
James turns his cameras so that he can see the battle.
"Hey Sherman, do you want to win?" James asks.
"I doubt that Futaba can finish this alone."
"I don't know. Jinta has a crazy look in his eyes. Fire your remaining slash harkens at that knightmare's back."
William wonders what the hell James is talking about, but he fires his slash harkens anyway.
Evelyn feels the slash harkens hit the back of her knightmare. She is about to turn to finish off William, but she realizes that Jinta is the real problem. Jinta fires his slash harkens and flings his knightmare at Evelyn. It does not work out as he plans because William is pushing from the other side. Both cadets back away expecting their opponent to take them out, but James is prepared for this. He manages to turn his knightmare around and channel what little power he has left to his wrist cannons.
"This one is for that cute Major we met the other day," James says. "I hope she is watching."
James fires and hits Evelyn's knightmare on the body. Jinta follows it up with an attack of his own finally disabling Evelyn's knightmare. Evelyn fires her escape pod signaling the end of the match.
Kallen watches the battle with slight amusement. Unlike the others she knows that this is not a battle between two groups of cadets. Kallen decides that she has seen enough. Besides she has more important work.
Cornelia sees Kallen smile smugly. Like Lelouch's other wives, Cornelia always wonders if the red head knows something that she does not. Before she can ask, Anya interrupts her.
"Your Highness, the cadets are ready for your review."
Cornelia nods and notices that Kallen is gone. She will have to ask Lelouch about the situation when he returns from his mission. As Cornelia walks with Anya, she notices that Milly is not here or at least not with the royal family. She may be somewhere planning a party.
Lelouch notices that the mass production models are beginning to lose including the Akatsuki that Nunnally brings. Luciano and Aphrodite are terrorizing the populace in the new Karasu Tengu which is the new knightmare built along the Japanese design. Along with the information from Miss X, Lelouch is hoping to frame Peace Mark for that attack and get to the top of the organization. Lelouch continues to look on.
"It seem like our specimens have reached their destination."
The specimens as they are called are using the GX-01 Omega originally designed for the Irregulars. Since very few can handle the extremely high specs and since very few have geass abilities that can be adapted for use in combat, the knightmares are stored away. However Lelouch gives them to Rakshata so that they can be adapted to the new project.
"Sancia, Lucretia, aim your geass at the local troops. That should be fun."
Despite having as many knightmares as the other forces fighting above combined, the local troops would not last long if anyone turned their attention this way. Colonel Helio Gracie is trying to hurry his men along. He brings up his tanks and VTOLs to provide cover for the knightmares. Hopefully they will be able to take advantage of insanely confusing battle above. For some reason, the local forces seem to be upbeat about the situation (Lucretia and Sancia's geass). For a moment Colonel Gracie thinks that he sees two women walking amongst his troops, but he may have been imagining things.
Milly is walking amongst the local Area 6 forces. Liliana's geass in combination with Sancia and Lucretia's us disguising her presence. This allows her to move in and cast her geass upon the local forces without them knowing.
"Liliana, let's go. The Omegas are almost here."
"As you wish, your highness. I have incapacitated two Io pilots."
"Good job. We should probably contact Lelouch so that we are not targeted."
Milly and Liliana quickly board the Ios and prepare to attack. Milly sends a message to Lelouch indicating that their mission is accomplished. As the specimens and their GX-01 Omegas land, Sancia, Lucretia, and Liliana change the nature of their geass to cause havoc amongst the local forces. Milly also unleashes her geass and causes despair.
As his troops load the last transport with gold, Colonel Gracie is filled with despair. Suddenly he sees hundred of Britannian knightmares surrounding his small force. His men begin to panic and run.
Within moments the GX-01 Omegas wipe out the local troops. Milly and Liliana escape with the stolen Ios.
"Shouldn't we go back for the gold?" Liliana asks.
"No, the purpose of this mission is to keep the local troops from getting the gold," Milly replies, "If you want gold, there are piles of it back home. I can give you some."
Milly and Liliana set the Ios to self destruct as they board the VTOL that brought them down. They slip away unnoticed due to the commotion around the gold.
Lord Ashford is approaching the raging battle taking place in northern Area 6. He turns to the masked figure sitting on the airship's throne.
"As you can see, things are getting interesting. I believe that you will recognize some of the knightmares out there. Shall we prepare your knightmare for battle?"
The masked figure nods. Lord Ashford gives the order.
"Toto, move the Granberry in for support," Maribelle commands, "Have our other airship move towards the gold."
Nunnally sees that the Glinda Knights are making their move for the gold.
"Suzu, we can't let Maribelle have the gold. We need to make our move."
"I'm a little occupied at the moment Nunners. You are going to have to think of some sort of plan. Those knightmares down there don't look too inviting."
Paciano disengages from Suzaku. He also notices that the Glinda Knights are making a move for the gold. He decides that some gold is better than no gold. He flips his communicator to an open channel.
"Listen you bastards. I think we all know what is going on here. We all want a piece of that gold. We probably all figured the same thing. Once we won up here, we could go down and take it. Well that isn't going to work because instead of the toy soldiers, we have to deal with some mean looking motherfuckers."
Like the others Orpheus' attention is drawn to the commotion by the gold. He is astonished that three knightmares wipe out thirty knightmares and several tanks in mere moments. Whoever the pilots are, they are very skilled. The voice on the communicator has a point. If this battle drags on any longer, it will invite attention from Britannian forces to the north and south. Orpheus flips his communicator to an open channel.
"What did you have in mind mysterious voice?"
Paciano smiles, "We need to take out those bastards. I figure that each side sends in its best pilot. I see five transports. Each side gets one. After that it will be first come first serve for whatever is left."
As the others consider the proposal, further inland Luciano recognizes the voice.
"What's that bastard doing here?"
Aphrodite notices that Luciano is no longer wreaking havoc.
"What's wrong? Did one their bullets hit a vital system.
"No, that voice coming over the open channel. I swear that it is that bastard brother of mine."
The only specific orders that Lelouch gives them are that they are not to enter the battle for the gold. He is very explicit about this. If they head in that direction, it will be impossible for them to reboard Lelouch's airship without being noticed.
If it means that much to you, we can head back and join the battle," Aphrodite states.
Luciano nods, "Let's move."
Maribelle decides to join the makeshift alliance against the strange knightmares floating above the gold. For some reason, no one is attempting to take the gold. It seems as if those knightmares are there to taunt the combatants in the battle above.
Suzaku Kururugi, Orpheus Zevon, Oldrin Zevon, and Paciano Bradley are chosen to charge the strange knightmares. While no knightmares have been lost, several have been heavily damaged. All sides bring their airships close so that the gold can be transported faster.
Suddenly several things happen. Through the open channel Luciano knows that Paciano is attacking the knightmares on the ground. He also knows that the pilots are Lelouch's specimens that will not be easily defeated. Then Nunnally is attacked from behind by a familiar knightmare. Of course neither Karine's side nor Peace Mark plan on keeping the truce, and in the confusion everyone decides to make a move for the gold.
To keep up with the ruse that they are part of Peace Mark and not with Lelouch, Aphrodite attacks Suzaku as Luciano attacks Paciano. She knows that it will not be a long battle, but she has to do it nevertheless.
With Milly and Liliana safely aboard the airship, Lelouch decides to act upon Miss X's information. Kallen should be arriving soon with the final piece of the puzzle.
"There is our friend, the Wizard wisely observing the battle from a distance," Lelouch comments, "Perhaps I should pay him a visit."
"Won't they recognize your knightmare?" Milly asks.
"I didn't bring it," Lelouch replies, "I will use a Titan Mk. VI."
According to Lloyd, the Titan Mk VI is a monster. With slightly higher specs that the Mk. V, it is an attempt to mass produce Lelouch's Arthur Excalibur. It also has features from Kallen's Guinevere Avalon and Milly's Morgan Le Fey. In other words only an insane person would attempt to pilot it, and Lelouch is that insane person. One advantage is that it does not look like any of the aforementioned knightmares.
"I brought a few in case you wanted to use one," Lelouch remarks.
"I think we will stay here for now," Milly responds.
Lelouch shrugs his shoulders and heads down to the knightmare hangar.
Milly and Liliana decide to watch the battle from the bridge. The battle has moved towards the gold because the local troops have abandoned the area. The three GX-01 are simply standing there.
"Are we going back out, your highness?" Liliana asks.
Milly can sense the eagerness in her voice to test a new knightmare.
"Normally I would say no, but that knightmare fighting Nunnally looks familiar. I want to get a closer look, but I think we better chase after that idiot."
Aphrodite quickly moves away from Suzaku and moves towards some Vincents. She knows that neither Nunnally nor Peace Mark have Vincents.
"Suzu, don't attack those knightmares by the gold!" Nunnally exclaims.
"What's the problem?" Suzaku asks.
"I recognize those knightmares. Alice used one like it for a while."
Suzaku does notice that those knightmares are not moving even as others are heading for the gold transports. Suzaku looks up at the knightmare fighting with Nunnally and thinks that it looks a little familiar.
"Hey Nunners, do you need any help?"
"Don't be a girl, Suzu. I can handle this. Grab some gold."
The three knightmares that destroyed the local knightmares suddenly leave and fly inland. This causes a rush by all the capable knightmares. The other strange knightmares are off attacking Vincents which makes Suzaku think that Lelouch sends them. Suzaku grabs a gold transport and heads back towards their airship.
"Come on, Nunners. I got some gold."
Despite Lelouch's orders to keep the others from the gold, Nunnally orders her team to make their exit. Of course now she has to figure out a way to get out of her present situation. Somehow her opponent knows all her moves. Luckily Nunnally is helped out by one of those weird knightmares (Karasu Tengu).This allows her to slip away. As Nunnally flies away, her stomach grumbles.
"It's way past lunch. I better get something to eat."
Lelouch activates the stealth features of his knightmare. He sees his target in front of him.
"Finally after two years of searching I have found you, Oiaguro Zevon," Lelouch states, "Time to take you down."
Lelouch withdraws his MVS and charges at his target. Oiaguro manages to dodge Lelouch's attack. Lelouch uses his knightmare's greater speed to slice up his opponent.
"Well I was hoping for a greater challenge from one of the royal family's lackeys."
"You may be surprised at what I can do," Oiaguro comments, "I have a few surprises up my sleeve."
Suddenly a large airship appears from the clouds. Its weapons are directed at Lelouch.
"Now your Majesty if you will come with us."
Lelouch raises his MVS at the airship. The airship fires a few times at Lelouch as a warning. Naturally his shields stop the attack.
"How long will you be able to keep that up?" Oiaguro asks.
"Why don't we find out," Lelouch states, "Of course I could just kill you and destroy that airship."
The airship fires at Lelouch again.
Lelouch smiles. "However it is way past lunch time, and I would like to see the inside of that airship," Lelouch states as he slowly moves towards the airship, "Are you coming?"
Several knightmares come out and surround Lelouch. They seem to be a cross between the Gekka and the Vincent. Once aboard the airship, Lelouch is immediately surrounded. He is quickly followed by Oiaguro Zevon. Lelouch raises an eyebrow at the man's costume.
"You can take that ridiculous costume off. Your Wizard persona doesn't do it for me."
One of the soldiers growls, "Watch your mouth!"
Lelouch looks at the soldiers.
"When did these guys get here? It really is too bad that I promised Lucretia that I wouldn't kill any commoners today so I guess you guys get to live."
Oiaguro is not sure what to think. Suddenly he realizes something.
"I see," he says as he looks up at the Titan MK VI, "There must be some sort of tracking device on this knightmare. It is really too bad because I wanted to take this machine apart."
"Ya, sure. I will have Cecile send you the specs," Lelouch says as he walks away, "Where is the mess hall? They only packed me some sandwiches."
The soldiers look at Oiaguro in a confused manner.
"I don't think that you understand your situation, Your Majesty."
Before Lelouch can respond, his phone rings.
"Excuse me, I have to answer this," Lelouch says as he takes out his phone, "Hey my Kalli, what's going on?" pause as Kallen calls Lelouch an idiot, "Oh you are ready, but I was about to eat. The problem is that I promised Lucretia that I wouldn't kill any commoners. I didn't even bring Scooter with me," Lelouch comments as he pulls out his MVS, "Hey what do you know. That crazy bastard Scooter snuck onto my back. I guess I have to kill these guys now. Bye Kalli," Lelouch points his MVS towards the hangar door, "Hm I guess there is a delay in the remote control system," Lelouch taps his forehead, "Silly me, I forgot to turn it on, Drone remote control system activate."
As soon as Lelouch says the words, his knightmare (which still has its MVS in its hand and no one notices) turns towards the hangar door. However the knightmare is too far from the door to do any damage.
"It is really too bad," Lelouch remarks, "because I think that I was beginning to like you people."
Oiaguro notices that all his soldiers are paying attention to the knightmare and ignoring Lelouch who decides that it is time to reveal that he is wearing a powersuit. Like other people involved in technology, Oiaguro Zevon knows all about powersuits, but it is common knowledge that only physically strong individuals can wear them and only the completely insane would use one with a blaze luminous shield.
"Why are you waiting? Fire!" Oiaguro screams.
Lelouch smirks and jumps into the air. His blaze luminous blocks the bullets. He lands in front of the nearest soldier and slices him in half. Lelouch stabs another soldier in the chest as an explosion rocks the hangar. Lelouch jumps over to the control panel and opens the hangar door. Milly and Liliana enter with Titan Mk VIs.
Oiaguro knows that the stealth systems would not be enough to allow two knightmares to get so close to the airship so something else must be wrong. It occurs to him that the news that Lelouch vi Britannia has been captured attracts a lot of attention. The majority of the ship's crew must be in the knightmare hangar or the nearby observation rooms. Several explosions happen inside the hangar as Lelouch blasts the windows to the observations rooms.
Oiaguro takes the opportunity to run towards the door. By now the rest of the crew must know that something is wrong. He will have to come up with some sort of contingency plan.
Suddenly the door opens. Walking into the knightmare hangar are a young teenage girl with black hair and an older girl with red hair. Both are wearing versions of the powersuit. The black haired girl has a strange looking helmet attached to the power suit.
Oiaguro stands there motionless when he recognizes the girls. Behind the girls he can see that several of his troops are dead.
"If you were taller I wouldn't have to do this," Lelouch says as he hits Oiaguro in the back forcing him to the ground. Lelouch bends down and grabs Oiaguro. He positions his face directly in front of Evelyn's and holds his eyes open.
"Evelyn vi Britannia commands you…."
Theseus ju Britannia is sitting aboard his G-1 mobile base. He decides against sending out more knightmares since it will make little difference. For some reason he has not been able to contact Colonel Gracie or anyone on his staff. Reports from the troops at the site indicate that hundreds of knightmares are in the area. However all indications are that there are less than eighty including his. He wonders why his men reacted in such a manner.
More troubling is the fact that the terrorist group Peace Mark has been seen in the area along with several unknown groups. Theseus does not doubt that Lelouch knows what groups they represent. If the area becomes too destabilized, it will give Lelouch a reason to interfere. While there are other gold mines, the Colombia one is the biggest in friendly territory. The others are in areas controlled by indigenous people. Even after decades of Britannian control, the indigenous people refuse to assimilate with Britannian society. He will have to take back the Andean mines by force. He needs capital if he is to maintain his independence.
"Your highness, there are reports that Jeremiah Gottwald is heading towards Bogotá."
Theseus sighs, "Can you open a line of communications with Lord Gottwald?"
"I will see to it, your highness."
Paciano and company return back to their airship where Salacia and Thorin are waiting. Along with the ground transport of gold, they are able to land several VTOLs and load them up. The other groups do the same thing. For several minutes there is a frenzy as the combatants ignore each other and just grab gold. For this group in particular, the mission is about working together. It certainly seems like Karine's group is coming together nicely. While the gold is important, the issue is to force Theseus to come to them. Then they may be able to take Southern Africa and take its natural resources.
Luciano and Aphrodite manage to return to Lelouch's airship with few problems. Once the combatants begin to go for the gold, everything else is forgotten. The three specimens make it back as well. For some reason they are transferred over to the Super Sparkle which drops them off in Panama.
Suzaku and Nunnally are traveling back towards Britannia. Their share of the gold is not as big as Nunnally had hoped. Now se will have to borrow money from the twins to build her own palace. For some reason they notice that Lelouch is not traveling with them. He must be planning something else.
"Hey Suzu, are you ready?" Nunnally asks as she enters their bedroom. Her face begins to twitch when she see that Suzaku is naked and lying in their bed, "Suzaku, I thought you were planning something romantic."
"Hey I talked to Milly and Kallen, and they said this is romantic."
Nunnally grunts, "I am going to have to speak with them when they get back home."
Suzaku stands up, but Nunnally pushes him back down.
"Where do you think you are going? You may be an idiot, but that doesn't mean that we should punish your little man."
Jeremiah Gottwald is hovering above the contested gold mine with five airships. He has several dozen knightmares and ten VTOLs. His official reason for being there is to assist the beleaguered local forces who have all but abandoned the area. He knows that Theseus will not push to hard because Jeremiah could declare martial law in the area. This will make it much harder for the wannabe rebel prince to maintain his autonomy.
Maribelle and the Glinda Knights are forced to head northwest because Jeremiah Gottwald is blocking the path they would take. To be safe they split up their two airships. Their reason for entering this battle is to gain experience, but also to get gold to purchase things on the Black Market. Spies in Britannian factions around the world let the Glinda Knights know about the gold and the attacks. However how the fourth group, which they recognize as Peace Mark, knows about the situation is a mystery. Maribelle decides to hold off reviewing the situation until the morning.
"Your highness, I think you better come look at this," Toto Thompson states.
Maribelle leaves her office and heads for the bridge.
"What is happening, Toto?"
Toto points towards the monitor. Maribelle sees the largest airship she has ever seen. Suddenly the image is replaced by Lelouch. Kallen and Milly are at his side
"Ah Maribelle, it has been a long time. As you can probably tell, we heavily outgun your airship. Depending on what you do, you may be able to outrun us, but it would be risky. Then there is this," Lelouch says waving his hand in the air.
His image is replaced by one of Maribelle's other airship from above.
"If your airships happen to disappear somewhere between here and," Lelouch pauses for moment and then smiles, "Greenland, who would even know."
"What do you want?" Maribelle asks.
"First you can ask that cute girl with the glasses to stop trying to maneuver your ship. Her name is Toto if I am not mistaken. Secondly you will order your second airship to come here."
"If we refuse?"
"Your radar should now be picking up several knightmares near your engines. Your other airship will be experiencing the same thing."
Maribelle thinks about it for a second
"Very well. I will command the other airship to come here."
Once Maribelle does this, she turns to face Lelouch who is once more on the monitor.
"Now what?"
"Now you and your knightmare pilots will come aboard my airship for dinner. Bring along Toto and General Johann Schwarzer. A transport is already on it way to pick you up."
Lelouch ends the communication. Maribelle slumps on her throne.
"Your highness, what should we do?" Toto asks.
"Inform Oldrin, Tink, Leonhard, Sokia, and the general of the situation. They will probably give us a few minutes to prepare."
Toto nods and does as Maribelle instructs. A few minutes later, Maribelle and company are boarding a VTOL. For some reason they are not inspected before they board. Whoever pilots the transport is silent during the short trip.
Waiting for them alone at the docking bay is Lelouch. After they disembark from the transport, it heads back out.
"It seems that you are missing several individuals," Lelouch states.
"Several of our pilots are too injured to come," Maribelle answers.
"Very well. Follow me," Lelouch says as he walks towards the door. He stops just as he reaches for the handle, "If I were you, I would not try anything. I am a forgiving person, but Scooter is not."
Naturally the Glinda Knights are confused by this comment. Their confusion is evident when they enter the dining hall. Kallen rolls her eyes when she sees their confused faces.
"He mentioned the stupid sword, didn't he?"
"You're stupid," Lelouch murmurs.
"Do you really want to argue in front of our guests?" Kallen asks.
"I am not speaking with you until you take back what you said about Scooter," Lelouch replies.
"This is very immature."
"You're immature."
Oldrin taps Maribelle.
"Should we say something?" Oldrin asks.
"I would like to, but I have no idea what they are arguing about," Maribelle replies.
"Everybody may have a seat," Milly states, "Those two are engaging in foreplay."
The others in the room turn red at the implication that Lelouch and Kallen are starting their foreplay in front of everyone. Maribelle in particular is unsure what to think. She has been around Lelouch before, but she has never seen him behave in this manner. It is slightly refreshing from the cold, distant but coy manner in which Schniezel acts. It almost makes Maribelle regret that she turns to Schniezel after the war. Having been marginalized by the royal family at a young age, Maribelle has very few people she can turn to.
Dinner is quiet except for Lelouch and Kallen arguing about many things. After dinner Lelouch takes Maribelle to his office.
"Now we shall discuss the terms of your surrender, and you will give me the technical details of Schniezel's base."
Maribelle is a little surprised that Lelouch comes straight to the point. She rightly assumes that his playfulness is a façade to hide what he truly is, a crafty and skilled cold blooded killer.
"What can you offer us?" Maribelle asks even though in her mind, Lelouch will respond with, your lives.
Lelouch smiles and stands. He walks around his desk and sits beside Maribelle. He takes her hand and begins to stroke it causing her to blush. He pulls her towards him and whispers in her ear.
"You can have anything you want."
The Glinda Knights are sitting around with Kallen, Milly, Lucretia, and Sancia. Marika and Liliana are off doing Knight of the Round stuff. As is her norm Sokia Scerpa cannot keep her mouth shut.
"I wonder what Maribelle is doing in there. Whatever it is, I should probably tease her about it later. That Lelouch guy gives me the creeps."
The other Glinda Knights stay silent. Not only is Lelouch emperor, but over dinner they learn that the four women present are his wives.
Lucretia mumbles something about Lelouch not being creepy at all.
"They are probably having sex," Kallen remarks.
Sokia looks at her in a confused manner.
"Huh?"
"You know the horizontal mambo," Milly replies, "She is riding his bologna pony. He is burying the bone. He is balls to the wall deep in her vaginal cavity."
"Maribelle wouldn't do anything like that." Oldrin says, "She is a vir," Oldrin stops before she divulges a key piece of information, but it is too late.
Lucretia smiles, "That just happens to be Lulu's specialty."
"Perhaps we should change the subject," Leonhard Steiner comments.
"Hey Leon, maybe the creepy emperor could give you some tips," Sokia remarks.
Lucretia mumbles that Lelouch is not creepy, again.
"Are you Leonhard Steiner, from the family that serves the Weinberg family?" Milly asks.
"Yes, although I have only met Lord Weinberg once as a child," Leonhard replies, "I suppose since he is Knight of Two, you have met him."
"Of course we've met him," Kallen states, "Gino is Lelouch's soul mate. Those two idiots belong together."
"So the emperor rolls that way too," Sokia comments.
"Oh no, Lelouch only likes women, lots and lots of women," Kallen replies, "You will see what I mean when they are together."
"Does that mean we are heading back to the Homeland?" Oldrin asks.
"Of course," Milly replies.
"What about our airships?" Toto asks, "What will happen to their crews?"
"I suppose that is what is being discussed in there," Kallen comments,
After having been silent throughout dinner, General Johann Schwarzer finally decides to speak.
"Perhaps it is time that we head off to bed. I am certain that whatever her highness Princess Maribelle agrees to will be reasonable. I take it that you have accommodations for us."
"Of course," Milly relies, "The servants will take you to the prepared quarters."
After the Glinda Knights leave, Lucretia and Sancia leave as well. Unlike Milly and Kallen, they do not have codes that can help them overcome something like sleep depravation. Marika and Liliana return to the room.
"I suppose I will have to take care of the general," Kallen comments.
"Oh don't worry about him, I have a little surprise planned," Milly remarks, "You keep focusing on those pilots. By the morning they should all be devoted to Lelouch."
"My geass will only affect their feelings. We will need something else to make it long lasting."
"I believe that his majesty has someone who can do that sort of thing," Liliana states.
"Yes, I seem to remember something like that," Milly says, "Come Liliana, let's have some fun with our dear general."
Kallen sighs. She knows that there is not point in checking in on Lelouch and Maribelle. She has been casting her geass on the princess since her arrival. The transport is equipped with a geass canceller so anything previously cast upon the Glinda Knights should be cancelled. The next part of her task will be to determine the best way to gain the loyalty of the others.
"Your highness, Lilicia is here," Marika announces.
"Good that will make my task I little it easier. Have her join me in Lelouch's office. We will operate from there."
Jinta is unable to sleep so he decides to go for a walk. He is sure to not disturb the other cadets. Since this morning's knightmare duel, he has been experiencing doubts about something. For some reason they have not been told who they dueled with. This causes Jinta to have his own thoughts on the issue.
"Hey Jinta, what are you doing out here?"
Jinta turns to see James yawing.
"I was thinking about this morning."
"Ya, me too."
Suddenly high above there is a low roaring sound.
"What is that?" James asks.
Jinta looks up.
"It's the Super Sparkle," Jinta remarks and decides to quickly clear up any confusion, "It is Evelyn's airship."
"Does that mean she is just arriving? I don't think I caught a glimpse of her when I peaked into the royal box during the duel. Do you think that cute major is here too?"
Jinta shrugs, "I don't know. We should get back to bed before someone sees us."
James nods as Jinta looks up once more. He is glad that Evelyn is just arriving because that probably means that she was not here this morning.
Johann Schwarzer carefully leaves his room. He knows that the Glinda Knights owe Lelouch vi Britannia something for their creation. Still there is more to the situation than can be seen. He decides to investigate the situation. The most important thing will be to find information on what the emperor's plans are for airship crews. Once he has that information, he will have to act to get the others out.
"Liliana, activate your geass," Milly orders.
"Just take him down," Evelyn states, "I will handle the general."
Milly smiles, "It's time to play."
Author's note: Have I ever mentioned that I love writing crazy Lelouch? While Charles and Marianne's geass induced madness leads them to try to completely overthrow the world order so that everyone is forced to play nice, Lelouch wants us all to find our inner Scooter which in his case is the actual Scooter. Lelouch could care less if the world plays nice as long as no one upsets Nunnally and Evelyn. If you are wondering what happened, it probably involved geass. If you are still confused, then you didn't read until the very end of the last chapter where I listed the remaining geass abilities. If anyone can guess what the specimens are, they get to name Lelouch and Kallen's next kid.
Even though Marika and Liliana are Knights of the Round, they still see themselves as Kallen and Milly's knights. The same goes for Anya with Euphie, and with Alice, Dalque, Sancia, and Lucretia towards the other vi Britannias.
Canonically Schniezel has control over most things in Britannia so he is able to in unilaterally create groups like Camelot and the Glinda Knights as well as approve the creation of high powered mass production knightmares. In this AU his power and influence is drastically cut. Cornelia and Lelouch control and have the loyalty of the military and anything to do with it. Odysseus and Guinevere have the loyalty of much of the nobility. In order to create the Glinda Knights as a paramilitary anti-terrorist unit, Lelouch, Cornelia, or the emperor would have to approve it. Unless it is created for a specific Area, then the viceroy could also approve it. The same goes for knightmares being created for military use although several clandestine projects take place.
Someone suggested that Lelouch would do away with the Number system but still keep Britannian rule. Officially Areas are still Areas. For example Japan is publicly referred to as Japan, but all legal documents including those originating from Japan must also say Area 22. All areas still controlled by Lelouch follow this example. Those that are out of his control have selected names to show some independence. Area 6 has been renamed Semi-Autonomous Republic of South America in an effort to show that they still consider themselves part of Britannia, but they would not be afraid to go against the will of the emperor. Area 15 (East Africa) and 19 (Central Africa) have been renamed United Areas of Africa. South Africa (Area 18) is still controlled by Lelouch. North Africa (Area 20) and Middle East (Area 21) are technically under Lelouch's control, but that could change. The other Britannian Areas in Asia and the Pacific as well as Great Britain and Ireland are still under Lelouch's control.
In case anyone is wondering Evelyn has Lelouch's facial features and will eventually have Marianne's body. Castor and Pollux have Nunnally's facial features and will eventually have Charles' body. Evelyn's powersuit helmet enhances her geass.
Also in case anyone is wondering Castor and Pollux are some of the richest people on Earth due to wise investments i.e. crazy crap invented by Lloyd, Cecile, Rakshata, Nina, and Sora's dad converted for everyday use and all that Converters money. They also bought the land that New York used to be on, and are rebuilding the city. They are the ones that rename it New New York. Schniezel destroyed it with a FLEIA near the end of the last story. They are Time's Person of the Year for 2021 and 2022 beating out Lelouch. Sure he conquered most of the world in a decade, but does he have a life size model of Waldobot Prime and Schniezetron.
The Granberry is a Caerleon class airship. They are featured in the season 2 episode when the Black Knights try to kidnap Nunnally. In that episode several Gekka are able to disable the airships so a Titan Mk VI would be able to do the same thing.
All mass productions models of Lloyd and Cecile's knightmares are Titan Mk # from this point forth. As a comparison the Titan and Titan Mk II are comparable to the Io and Gloucester. The Titan MK III and IV are comparable to the Lancelot, Vincent, Bors, and Akatsuki. The Titan Mk V is comparable to the various eighth generation knightmares
Here is a list of the various mass production model knightmares still in military use starting from the most powerful.
Britannian/Japanese mass production models: 9th Titan Mk VI, 9th Caerleon Supremacy Command models, 8th Supremacy knightmares, 8th Karasu Tengu, 8th Moons Legacy Command models, 8th Legacy knightmares, 8th Titan Mk V, 7th Akatsuki, 7th Bors, 7th Vincent, 6th Io
EU: 8th Caesar, Alexander, 7th Napoleon, Leopard, Jaguar, 6th Musketeer, Cossack, Panther, 4th/5th Panzer Hummel, Bamides
Schniezel: 8th/7th Vincent
Karine: 8th Eowyn, 7th Vincent
Here is the information on some of the knightmares introduced.
Lancelot Grail
General Characteristics
Height: 4.42 meters
Weight: 7.95 metric tons
Power Source: Yggdrasil Drive, Energy Filler
Design Features
Cockpit Ejection System
Blaze Luminous System
Factsphere Sensor
Landspinner Propulsion System
Detachable Cape-like Back Appendages
Armament
2x Slash Harkens (Hip-mounted)
12x "Schroeder Steel Sword" (can be hand-held, or attached to Sword Blazer or Sword Harken units)
2x Sword Blazer (Wrist-mounted) (activated by attaching a Schroeder Steel Sword to the wrist unit)
6x Sword Harken (Back-mounted) (fires two Schroeder Steel Swords attached to the Harken unit
Byakuen
General Characteristics
Height: 4.75 meters
Weight: 7.941 metric tons
Power Source: Yggdrasil Drive, Energy Filler
Design Features
Cockpit Ejection System
Kou Kisou Kudourin-type Landspinner propulsion system
Gefjun Breaker
Armament
1x Hien Souga-type Slash Harken (Left Chest-mounted)
Right Arm-inbuilt: 7-Type Integrated Armaments Right Arm:
Manipulator Hand
Single Irregular Blade (with jagged edge)
Combined Blade (two irregular blades joined together)
Giant Scissors
Drill
Ultra-output Electromagnetic Accelerator Cannon (can switch between armor-piercing rounds and grenades)
Agravain
General Characteristics
Height: 7.26 meters
Weight: 15.76 metric tons
Power Source: Yggdrasil Drive, Energy Filler
Design Features
Cockpit Ejection System
Integrated Float System
Armament
2x Maser Vibration Swords
2x Arm-mounted Hadron Cannons
2x Shoulder-mounted 3-barrel Machine Cannons
14-tube Missile Launchers (6x Chest-mounted and 8x Leg-mounted (4x per leg))
8x Hip-mounted Slash Harkens (divided into two 4-tube launchers)