AN: Here ya go. Enjoy!
Arc II: The Fast Game
Part 3: The Closed Game
"In Chess, a Closed game refers to one with few exchange of pieces. Instead, the focus is on positional play, pawn structures and rapid development. In contrast, an Open game is one where several pieces are exchanged and the board is relatively clear." –Great Games of the 21st Century, Glossary of Terms
"The Man Behind the Machine
by Andrew Wilkins
November 30, 2017
We've all heard of the military exploits of our Eleventh Prince these past few weeks…and even more about the so called "Mystery Machines" in his arsenal. These "revolutionary tools", as the analysts call them, were instrumental in both the war and the future of Knightmare development. The question still remains though…just where exactly did these things come from?
After weeks of searching, Corporate Centennial is proud to be able to deliver the much awaited answer.
The inventor of the new Knightmares is none other than Ruben K. Ashford, CEO of the former Ashford Foundations and Superintendent of the Ashford Academy in Area 11!
The Ashford Foundation was one of the premier companies contributing to the initial development of the Knightmare Frames. However, they faded to obscurity 7 years ago for reasons yet to be known, leaving behind a legacy that many other companies (e.g. Eisenheim Development Corporation, Krum Technology Company) were eager to continue.
It seems though that their years spent in isolation were not wasted. They are back and more than ready to take back their mantle as the spearhead of the Empire's flourishing Knightmare trade. The new design is but one in a series. While we are not at a liberty to say as of now what might be brought to the table in detail, we can safely say that even more of these innovative weapons are soon to grace the fields of war.
Several notable figures have commented on the likelihood that a mutually beneficial contract will soon be signed with the ASEEC. An interview with Mr. Ashford revealed that the Ashford Foundation plans on going public very soon."
November 9, 2017 (Z Day + 40)
Tunisia-Libya Border
The Special Unit designated as the A-04 made its way to the top of the hill, mounting a commendable display against the fine, white powdery sand that covered the slopes, with less effort than normal. Its newfound mobility in the unforgiving terrain – at least when it came to wheels – was thanks to the outlandish looking attachment where its landspinners should have been. The add-on, an expedient measure employed by the field engineers, was a skewed mimicry of the MEF's sand panels and their newest brother, the EU's vastly superior all-terrain panels - or "altraps" for short.
While completely outclassed in terms of performance, the makeshift imitation managed to get the job done. And in any case, it was a tremendous improvement in the desert compared to the practically inoperable landspinners.
Pilots with the outfitted frames were especially keen to show their appreciations…well let's just say many Shisha bar owners in Area 17 became wealthy overnight.
"Kururugi, are you in position yet?" Gottwald's impatient voice streamed in from the radio.
"Yes sir." Suzaku answered back respectfully. He sensed that the man was annoyed with him, once again, for reasons that were yet to be apparent to him. He briefly considered the likelihood that the Major simply disliked him altogether.
"About time." Gottwald muttered obnoxiously, as if to purposely show his displeasure. "Prepare to cover the recon team."
"Roger that." Eric Maximillan said cheerily.
"Understood." Kenji followed not a moment later.
"I copy, sir." Suzaku found himself saying as he zeroed in on the incoming patrol, which was just a speck in the distance. His hands unconsciously went through the motions of preparing the rail gun for firing, having gained muscle memory for the task after a week of doing essentially the same thing thrice a day. The Knightmare responded to his touch, taking up a firing stance with its rail gun resting atop of the modified riot shield for added stability. Suzaku waited until the pursuing enemy units were closer so he could get a look and found that they were tanks. Casually, he switched from Anti-Personnel to Anti-Tank munitions.
"I've got lead tank in sight." Suzaku reported, the KMF's arm moving ever so slightly so as to be aimed ahead of the vehicle. It was an adjustment necessary given the distance they were firing from.
"Second tank is mine."
"Got eyes on the Gardemare."
There was a momentary pause before Gottwald spoke again. "Weapons free!"
The four began to unleash a steady stream of fire, and were rewarded with the quick obliteration of their targets.
Eric whistled wolfishly. "Have I mentioned how much I love my Argyl?'
"Yes." Suzaku answered curtly.
"About fifteen times now." Gottwald noted dryly.
"In the past hour alone." Kenji said with a loud sigh.
"Well I really, really do!" Eric continued chattily. "Oh the things I'd do to this machine if it were an actual human being…"
Suzaku found his talkative teammate's trail of thought to be fairly disturbing and promptly channeled him out, shifting his focus towards the ocean of sand.
His heart suddenly stopped as an inexplicable terror seized his chest. His body was already moving on its own accord before his mind could register what was going on. It was as if some sixth sense in him had activated.
The Argyl 04 swerved sharply to its left while turning around, managing to catch something on its shield arm. Suzaku's eyes narrowed at the familiar clawed arm of the Gardemare, jutting through his tactical shield.
"I'm under attack!" He shouted into the comm. channel, jerking his shield to the side to avoid the cannon-palm of his assaulter while blasting at its chest with his rail gun. At such close range, even its reinforced armor couldn't save it.
"Shit, me too!" Eric cried out. An explosion resounded in the distance and black smoke marred the sky. "I managed to eject, but my unit's toast." He said mournfully, a choked sob in his throat.
He really loved that machine.
"Pull back! Eric relay your location to me and I'll pick you up." Gottwald ordered. "Yamashina, go help Kururugi."
The other Japanese boy answered in the affirmative even as his IFF beeped closer towards Suzaku on the map.
He wouldn't make it in time, Suzaku realized grimly, as he stared down another Gardemare. "Sir Gottwald, I'm currently facing another enemy KMF. I've lost my shield." Suzaku glanced down at the rectangular wreck with giant holes in the middle. "And I doubt I can dodge him."
Gottwald snorted condescendingly. "Don't tell me you've actually given up."
Suzaku had a ghostly smile on his face. "I'll take him down with me if I can."
"I'll write your eulogy." Jeremiah replied dryly. "Just make sure you don't leave anything that will give away the Argyl."
"I'm touched by your concern." Suzaku said, rolling his eyes as he prepared for what would be his final battle. With a roar, he pushed his controls forward, charging his machine towards the other like a Knight jousting in a tournament.
The pilot proved just as bold, sending the Gardemare forward at a noticeably faster rate. Suzaku leveled his unwieldy metal graft like a lance and prepared to spear his opponent through the chest. Unfortunately, he had never taken a class in physics.
Doubly unfortunate, it was coming back to bite him.
The long rods of metal failed to hold up against gravity without the shield to stabilize it from underneath. Suzaku suddenly had an epiphany as to why they had been drilled to fire in one position alone for long range targets, with rail gun atop the shield while the latter protected their chest piece. It simply couldn't be raised past a certain angle without support.
Suzaku watched dumbly as the enemy frame deftly dodged his low hanging pseudo-lance – which admittedly wasn't much of a challenge give how it was aimed at the KMF's torso – and grappled him with the claws. One went straight for his rod, no innuendo intended, and the other for his shoulder. If the situation hadn't been so grave, Suzaku would have found the scene comical.
A channel request blinked on his screen which Suzaku accepted. No harm in getting to know his soon-to-be slayer.
The pilot, who turned out to be a Swede, had a face of abject surprise. "So young and already on the field…it would be a waste for you to die now. Stand down; I've already got a hold of your little gun."
"Kururugi!" Gottwald barked on the other end. "Don't even think of surrendering! Activate your rail gun!"
Suzaku frowned, annoyed at his demanding officer. "It would miss. He's got a hold of the rail gun, sir."
"JUST DO IT!" he roared angrily and Suzaku winced at the volume. Still, ever the soldier, he followed his orders to the letter. Electricity cackled along the arm in a dangerously random pattern.
And in an instant, both machines had smoke emitting from them dangerously even as Suzaku's eyes watched his display beep critically in warning. The internal systems began to fail and the inevitable crash occurred.
Fuck, he was going to die a virgin…only the killing blow never came.
Somewhat belatedly, Suzaku realized that whatever happened had fried both of their machines. Yamashina chose that moment to roll in, disassembling the disabled Gardemare into nuts and bolts. Kenji's appetite for destruction sated, he hailed Suzaku on the miraculously functioning radio.
"Managed to get here in time. What the hell did you do though? Your unit looks like shit…well more than usual anyways."
"Cut the chatter you two." Gottwald interjected curtly. "The electromagnetic current generated by the rail gun was enough to cause the circuitry to overload. Since the Gardemare was holding on to the non-insulated parts of the Argyl, it caused both machines to fry."
"Wow! You're like a regular Physics Prof, sir Gottwald!" Suzaku heard Eric say. He swore he also heard a vein on Jeremiah's head pop.
"Are you three telling me you had no idea of such a basic scientific concept?" asked the unamused Knight.
"Never quite really finished school, sir." Suzaku answered.
"Never had the chance, sir." Kenji said in a surprisingly bitter voice.
"Science hurts my head." Eric offered lamely.
A rhythmic banging was audible through the static. It sounded like…Jeremiah banging his head on the wall?
"Yamashina," he called out in a dejected voice. "Destroy the A-04. It's beyond saving now and we don't want it falling into the wrong hands. Get Kururugi out of there and we'll rendezvous at point 23."
Kenji acknowledged and proceeded to get to work.
"And when the four of us get back to base, we're going to have a long discussion about this with Prince Lelouch."
Once Suzaku was fitted snugly with his comrade in the Argyl's cockpit, Kenji switched his radio to receive only so that they wouldn't be overheard.
"Damn Britannian pig…" muttered Yamashina to Suzaku. "You almost get killed in action and he can't even bother to congratulate us on a job well done? How high are his standards?"
"He's our officer." Suzaku said with an accepting shrug, clearly used to even worst treatment. "Demanding the impossible is like a requirement for them."
"Well, what's with his attitude? He sounds like he has it in for you when you've done absolutely nothing wrong." Yamashina continued complaining. "Damn Britannians hate us Japanese just because we were born."
"They're not all like that." protested Suzaku, though the back of his mind agreed.
"Well I've never met one that actually appreciated us." Yamashina pointed out. Suzaku did not reply, bothered by his friend's near treasonous words.
And ever so slightly, he felt his resolve waver.
November 11, 2017
Ashford Academy, Tokyo Concession, Area 11
"Kallen Stadtfeld."
The redhead turned around to see that it was a familiar blonde who had called. Milly strutted forward, much like a peacock, jutting her breasts forward suggestively while her hands remained at her hips.
Kallen dearly hoped the girl - whom she suspected to be lesbian or at least bisexual - wasn't hitting on her.
Milly leaned forward, making the half Britannian blush from the generous sight of her cleavage. "Like what you see?" she purred in her ear, and Kallen gained a striking resemblance with a tomato.
Instinctively, Kallen took a step back from the domineering girl, self-preservation at work.
Milly wasn't about to let her prey go, stalking forward with a predatory gleam. Kallen gulped, and gripped her knife purse to assure herself that she could fight off the President if push came to shove.
Thankfully, it never came to that. "Madame President! Stop bothering poor Kallen!" The part-time terrorist sighed, both relieved, because she was saved from what was certainly a rape attempt, and annoyed, for being the object of unwanted pity. Still, Shirley was a nice girl who meant no harm, so she let the comment slide.
And she really didn't want to get sexually assaulted again.
Milly pouted, her eyes turning into giant watery orbs that seemed to shimmer in the light. "Aw, way to ruin my fun, Shirley."
"Look at the girl! You've traumatized her." Shirley said, pointing an accusatory finger at Milly.
"She's completely fine." Milly answered without even a glance at her victim. "Anyways, I've got news for you gu-"
She was interrupted as something bumped into her lightly.
"O-oh! I-I'm very sorry, M-Madame President!" The intruder, presumably female, apologized profusely.
Kallen edged to the side to peek at the young girl who had run interference accidentally. She was a rather petite thing, almost a head shorter than Milly but with the same radiant blond hair.
Milly gave her a patronizing pat on the head. "Don't worry about it Alice." She turned back to her friends and continued, as if nothing happened. "As I was saying, my granddad's finally hit it big. You know all that talk about the new frames in Area 18, well…"
Kallen tuned her out, her eyes zoning in on Alice appraisingly. She seemed frail but had the same quiet, determined look behind her eyes. With a pause, Kallen realized she was reminded a little of herself.
"…and there he is now, with Prince Clovis!" Milly gushed, the last part in a gossipy tone and an outstretched finger.
Kallen's eyes followed and landed on a familiar face adorned in ridiculously splendid clothing. It was indeed the Viceroy of Japan escorted by the Superintendent and an unknown man, likely a bodyguard, though surprisingly without his normal procession or fanfare.
She failed to take note that Alice had vanished from the corner of her eye.
Clovis felt uneasy coming to the school incognito and without even a single bodyguard to have his back should things turn unpleasant somehow. His captain had assured him that the grounds were covered by hidden snipers.
Somehow, that didn't make him feel any better.
At least he had Diethard with him though. The media man had a vicious left hook.
"This way please, Prince Clovis." Ashford spoke in a low, measured voice so as to not be overheard. "We're almost at the compound."
The compound was actually an underground weapons development facility that could be accessed via the school library. Despite being credited for contributing the increasingly famous Argyl model, Clovis wondered how sane the man was if he placed a secret weapons testing lab underneath a school!
Then again, there was an element of genius to it as nobody would've ever thought to look for it here.
"Here we are, Your Highness." Ashford voice cut through his thoughts like a knife. "This is the new experimental weapon Prince Lelouch has asked me to make."
"What is it?" Diethard asked, examining the contraption curiously from different angles, though maintaining a sizeable distance.
Ashford grinned at them, placing both hands fearlessly on the thing as if showing off a favorite child. Clovis had to give him points for balls. Not many would willingly handle what looked like a rocket launcher so crassly.
"The latest in infantry warfare. We've fine tuned this beauty to take down even the toughest frames the EU can put together. This, gentlemen, is the shoulder-mounted anti-knightmare device."
Clovis's lips settled into a disapproving line. "That's quite a mouthful."
"We're working on the name." Ashford answered dismissively.
"What does it run off, if you don't mind me asking?" Diethard asked. "It's definitely not just sakuradite."
"You recognize the design?" Ruben raised a brow, impressed by his knowledge.
"I took a few classes in college on engineering." Diethard replied absently, eyes still locked on the device.
"It's operated with nitradite, a fusion of liquid sakuradite and nitrogen. Sakuradite proved to be too unstable for a weapon of this caliber." His tone hinted at the disappointment he felt. "All that's left is a final test and producing our order."
"How many?"
Ashford looked at Clovis, astonished. "I beg your pardon?"
Clovis gave the man a hard look. "How many has he ordered and how much apiece?"
"I'm not sure I'm at a liberty to say." Ashford replied nervously.
"Listen." Clovis said, taking a step forward. His eyes burned with irritation. "If Lelouch asked me to take a look at his new toy, he did it for a reason. Now give me a damn answer."
"He ordered ten of them, a hundred thousand each."
"Quintuple it and take the money from my account." Clovis ordered, turning on his heels to leave.
His brother was going to need all the help he could get in the coming months. The least he could do was foot the bill. Besides, funding a war hero was the easiest way to earn glory without actually having to be on the God forsaken front lines.
"So, Mr. Ashford, would you mind if I interviewed you?" Diethard asked forwardly.
"Anything I share with you doesn't get published until the 30th. That's non-negotiable." Ruben said, tilting his head to the side. "The Prince's orders."
"Alright, first question then…"
November 15, 2017 (Z Day + 46)
"This news is most troubling." Ryze mused.
"The fact that my personal squad is bereft of even basic education or the fact that we lost two Argyls?" Lelouch asked, eyes shifting around every so often.
"The latter." Ryze tilted his head to regard a map of the area. "Although the former is also cause for concern."
"We're unlikely to be able to keep the status quo as things are." Lelouch pointed out.
"We no longer have to." Ryze regarded his apprentice with a grin. "The last of 3rd Division has finally reached Tunis. General Hayes has given us the go ahead to pull back if our situation became untenable, and it has."
"I was starting to worry we'd actually run out of sakuradite before we'd be forced to retreat." Lelouch said cockily.
"Pride goes before the fall."
As the days passed slowly for the men, Lelouch found himself anxious about an altogether different matter. If his thoughts became public knowledge, many would give him strange looks. After all, why bother thinking of something as trivial as your relationship with the CO when the enemy was just across the walls?
Still, if there was one thing he understood perfectly, it was the Game of Kings. In chess, one had to keep an eye on the big picture and not just the immediate future for a move that might appear good in the short term might in fact doom you into checkmate, ironically enough. A certain amount of foresight was necessary to survive as well in the highly socio-political of the military body. So intertwined were the Nobles in the Armed Forces, and vice-versa, that it was now impossible to create a clear segregation between them.
Simply put, he was uneasy about the Colonel.
Fact number one, he had been harshly berated and punished for succeeding in his first mission, ahead of time, because of a single error on his part. Fact number two, he was a newly found, relatively unknown Britannian Prince.
Given these two, the likely conclusion Lelouch had drawn was that the Ryze had a clear dislike for Britannian Nobility, likely due to his own personal interactions with previous ones. Adding fact number three which stated that he was set in his ways given his immediate disdain without cause more because of Lelouch's title than his actual and rather exemplary actions. With the profile of an Anti-Noble in mind, it should have been easy to extrapolate the probable actions the man would take.
Only, his predictions turned out to be false.
Lelouch grinded his teeth at the mere thought; a grimace that was equally unpleasant and frustrated replacing his reserved expression.
If there was one thing he disliked with a passion, it was being proven wrong…which the good Colonel had succeeded in spectacularly. By his initial understanding of the man, the contempt and irritation would pass only with gradual effort and correction on his part to overcome his stubbornness.
When he found, therefore, that Ryze had been the first to extend an olive branch, he was forced to reevaluate his initial observations. Method required he input any additional information that might affect his conclusions.
This led to fact number four: Ryze had quite suddenly done a 180 in his attitude based on his own "sacrificial" actions on the field. Five, he was commended despite directly violating the chain of command for his intentions and results but criticized for his process. Six, the man had gone above and beyond to get him promoted, even hinting that he wished to see Lelouch occupy a higher post than himself eventually.
That made the man a result-oriented Meritocrat or an adherent of Realpolitik philosophy.
This created a contradiction. Both revised inferences went directly against the original facts. If Ryze was the latter, he wouldn't have dared to anger a Prince that was still an unknown. If he was the former, the punishment would not be to strip him of command but to give proper parameters for the next objective.
Method now required he attempt to bridge the contradictory conclusions.
Was it possible that the Colonel had a condition which could explain his sudden mood swings? The most likely cause was that he was going through a mid-life crisis. That shouldn't have been the case here. One did not rise to the rank of Colonel without learning to control one's emotions and keeping calm under fire, after all. Besides, making enemies out of royalty was not a move committed without thought. No one that foolish survived this long in the Military.
A second cause might be that he was secretly a woman who was undergoing her monthly cycle. Again, this was easily refutable by the argument above. The thought that his CO might be a cross-dresser, however, manage to elicit a small chuckle from Lelouch despite his contemplative mood.
The third and, by far, the most ridiculous, possibility was the strains of war these past few weeks had given the man multiple personalities. If so, it would explain why it didn't show in his records and why he was still in command.
What it didn't explain was why his behavior had remained consistent and that there were no lapses into the more unpleasant Colonel so far.
"Eliminate all other factors and what remains must be the truth." Lelouch quoted Holmes under his breath.
He did not have enough information to make an accurate assessment at this point which made Ryze an unknown factor still. This meant he was back to square one without a means to decipher the puzzle before him.
Lelouch growled, snapping the poor pencil - which had been nothing but a faithful writing instrument in the hours past - he had absently been clenching in his right hand.
That also meant he had to play the game with two arms tied behind him, an obviously metaphorical handicap he did not enjoy being in. He would have to play along with whatever plans the man had in mind for now.
Confrontation was out of the question as it meant he might risk gaining the ire of his far more amicable commander. That was a situation he'd rather not go back to given how far he had come. How the hell was he supposed to earn glory and rank if he got stuck in the back ranks doing menial jobs like cleanup supervisor and chief warden?
Better play it safe then.
"Greeting Abdul."
The Algerian man scowled at the shadowy figure standing in his doorstep. "So you've returned."
The figure, a man judging by the build of his body, smiled, clearly amused. "Of course I have. That was a given. Have you done what I asked?"
"Yes, the NAL or at least, what's left of us, are ready." Abdul answered bitterly. "Are you sure this will work?"
"You lack faith?" His eyes flashed dangerously.
"No!" yelped Abdul, eyes dropping reflexively to the holstered gun on his hips. "No, it's just my men…they do not seek a pointless death."
The figure chuckled coldly. "Don't worry your pretty little head. Allah will reward you ten times over once this is done."
"And for those of us less religious?"
"You will be vindicated." The figure promised. "Tunis will fall."
C.C. watched her latest contractor pace the room with a bored expression. He had been at it for the past few hours now. "What exactly is it that you plan to do, Mao?" To either side of her stood a Chinese man and woman, both keeping their expressions and thoughts blank, it seemed.
"Oh my dearest, darlingest C.C.!" Mao cried out. "I'm going to make those filthy Britannians pay for what they did to you! I'll tear their puny Empire apart one brick at a time if I have to!" He roared with a malevolence C.C. didn't realize he had.
"I don't really care much for that, Mao. I just want you to fulfill our contract." C.C. said.
"Oh I wouldn't do that to you, C.C.!"
The green haired witch crossed her arms with debilitate movement as she listened to Mao talk about his "fool proof" plan to crush Britannia. Immortality was such a chore.
The door to the apartment opened to reveal the red head that had been part of her rescue team. Now there was someone interesting. Perhaps she would be the one?
"Mao, I've brought the others, like you asked." Kallen replied.
Mao cackled madly, something that bothered the mortals but didn't even get anything more than an irate glance from the immortal. "Excellent!"
"Ohgi, get in here!" Kallen yelled, stepping aside to reveal a few other faces that hadn't been part of the rescue team.
C.C. smiled mischievously. The red head had been nice enough to bring friends too.
Lelouch sighed heavily as he heard another knock on the door. He already knew what it meant. There had been yet another case of misconduct by one of his officers…or more accurately, one of the nobles under his command. The problem of discipline was steadily spinning out of control as the men, fearing their last days were upon them, had engaged in all manner of debauchery.
Each passing day saw more cases, more complaints by the locals. Frankly, Lelouch had had enough of it.
He didn't bother to answer the door, instead choosing to step out of his newly requisitioned office. Without a word, the messenger turned to lead him towards the town center. His guards at either side of the door followed their master obediently.
The moment he saw the place, he knew something very bad had happened.
The crowd's anger was palpable for miles around. Their murderous intent, he found, singularly centered on the six bound individuals on a raised platform and held at bay only by the armed guards that lined the perimeter imposingly.
As Lelouch stepped onto the stage, the dangerous murmurs died down as all eyes settled on him. Up close, Lelouch saw the infuriatingly smug grin on the only officer's face, one of his lieutenants named Baldwin. The other five were mere privates and they twitched under the Prince's stern gaze.
"What are the charges?" He asked in a voice that was guarded.
One of the soldiers onstage responded. "Rape, sir." He shifted uneasily as Lelouch's took on a stormy character.
"How many girls?"
Despite the warning bells ringing in the man's head, he responded once more dutifully. "One, sir."
"Thank you, Corporal." Lelouch said icily, his eyes never leaving the six perpetrators. He began to project his voice so that it would carry towards the crowd clearly. "Lt. Baldwin, I have always believed that officers should be held accountable for the actions of their men. That is the burden of command that all of us assumed when we agreed to become officers of His Majesty's Army."
Baldwin's smug look was replaced by a bemused one. Where was the Prince going with this?
"To be an officer is a privilege and as such we are expected to set the standard for our men. We are, after all, called to lead by example. Your men will be subjected to thirty lashes each for abandoning their posts." He pronounced, and the five privates seemed torn between looking grateful and pained. On one hand, they had been expected to be killed for they were Numbers after all. On the other, lashing was, in a word, brutal.
"You, however, will be given no such punishment." Baldwin's arrogant smirk returned to haunt the villagers, mocking them with his triumph. The natives booed, shouted obscenities and began to hurl fruits at the stage clumsily, but Lelouch waited for them to finish until he continued.
"Because your punishment will be death." The words hung heavily in the air oppressively, a heavy weight to all those who heard it.
Baldwin's expression became a shocked one as his mind finally deciphered his words. "S-sir?" He stuttered fearfully.
Lelouch did not answer except by withdrawing a pistol from its holster and aiming it at his subordinate steadily.
"Sir, please!" Baldwin's pleading fell on deaf ears. He cocked the pistol and willed his hand to not begin trembling.
This has to be done, Nunnally.
Lelouch fired.
Time seemed to slow as the bullet zipped out of the barrel, eager to take a life. The weapon felt heavy in Lelouch's hand, and he let it drop to his side just as the now lifeless body slumped over.
"NO!" Lelouch looked over his shoulder to see another soldier crying out, shooting daggers at him. He was probably of some relation to the Baldwin.
Lelouch saw Yamashina physically restrain the boy, whispering something into his ear, but found that he didn't care much about it. He was too troubled by his own thoughts. It was…entirely different to actually kill a man with your own hands, as opposed to just ordering them dead.
Beneath the stone mask he wore, he felt sick.
Lelouch wondered briefly why he had been called by Ryze. His thoughts immediately flittered to his most recent actions – the execution. 2nd Lt. Thomas Baldwin was the son of a minor baron station in Area 4, the deceptively named Greenland. The fact that his family had been given a fief in the desolate mass of ice spoke volumes of their standing in the Court and before the Emperor.
Not highly at all. There should have been no overt risks that resulted unless…Lelouch's eyes widened in sudden realization, while his skin paled considerably in conjunction.
Unless Ryze was related. That explained why Baldwin was always a bit chummy with the Colonel. They didn't share a surname so he could be the boy's uncle?
SHIT! He had just shot his CO's cousin! From his favorite brother, no less!
As Lelouch's mind began on its downward spiral of jumping to unfounded conclusions at a dizzying rate, Ryze watched him with a perplexed look. He leaned forward to rest his chin on his palm. "Do you know why I've called you here?"
Lelouch nodded gravely, tilting his head so that he wouldn't have to look at the man with guilt-ridden eyes. "It's about the execution, sir. I apologize for acting out of line, sir, it won't happen again. I didn't realize that Lieutenant Baldwin was a close relation of yours until recently and decided that in the interest of maintaining regimental discipline and-"
"WHAT?!" Ryze, who had been nodding throughout his explanation, suddenly yelped as his mind processed what had just been uttered. "Lt. Baldwin is of no relation to me." He clarified in a deadpan voice that could not be mistaken for an attempt at humor.
Lelouch's head raised a few degrees in response. "Oh. Then respectfully sir, I have no idea why I'm here. It was well within my authority to execute him for insubordination." A bit of color began rushing back to his face as he let out a sigh in relief.
"I'm well aware, Major. What I wanted to know was your reasoning for doing so."
"Like I said, sir, it was to maintain regimental-"
Ryze sighed, closing his eyes softly. "An explanation without the bullshit, if you please." He requested rather than ordered.
Lelouch stopped himself mid-nod, realizing that the gesture would be pointless give his commander's temporary lack of sight. "The locals play an essential role in ensuring the city does not fall to the EU. While they may not necessarily like us, that doesn't mean the masses hold the EU in any higher regard. To them, they are just the same conquistadores under another flag and are decidedly fence sitters in this war. In fact, if my information is correct, only a small percentage of the NAL leadership see the EU as allies which is unsurprising considering the EU's domineering, exploitative and criminally capitalist policies towards their subsidiaries." rattled off Lelouch without a moment's pause.
"If the locals were to see the…benefits of remaining under our control, that is, a greater respect for their rights, we'd be depriving the EU of potential manpower and supplies even if we should fail here. With the EU's intent focus on liberty, I doubt that their own men would have qualms liberating a few girls of their virginity."
"How very pragmatic of you." Ryze commented drawly. "Are you sure there weren't any ideological motives behind it?"
Lelouch frowned distastefully. "I will admit that there was. I find rape to be an abhorrent practice, especially if the father gets away scot free, as the case may be."
"An opinion no doubt cultivated by Lieutenant Wood's condition." mused Ryze. He waved his hand, gesturing for Lelouch to dismiss his own thoughts. "Why pick Mr. Baldwin as your scapegoat? I'm sure you thought this out carefully." His tone suggested he would be extremely disappointed if it hadn't.
"Baldwin was a choice of convenience to keep the officers' in line. The rank and file knows that I'm intolerant of such transgressions, but the officers' are another case…"
"Because they're nobles?" Ryze asked curiously as his eyes lids rose to consider him.
Lelouch nodded sharply. "Yes, among other things. Most nobles, no matter how insignificant, gain a superiority complex and a clear disdain for rules, as I'm sure you are familiar with on a…personal level." The small grin tugging on Ryze's lips was all the confirmation he needed. "This belief that they are exempt from certain orders makes them a liability and I had to impress myself on them more forcefully. A few planned 'executions' wouldn't cut it. Those were common enough as it is and they barely regard it as anything but a slap on the wrist. I needed a show of force."
"So Baldwin had the misfortune of getting caught."
"Yes. I also took into account the political ramifications my actions could have and found that these were relatively insignificant. Baldwin came from a minor barony and his family has little political sway these days. Neither did he have many real friends in the regiment aside from his cousin." Lelouch repressed a shudder as he recalled the murderous look on said cousin's face. "He therefore made a prime candidate to be made an example of and it was an opportunity I could not pass up on." This last part was voiced in an emotionally detached tone that seemed almost…robotic.
Ryze let the words simmer in his mind before nodding to agree with the frighteningly correct and highly Machiavellian analysis. "What if he hadn't been caught though? Would you have waited for another or…?"
Lelouch's face turned into stone. "I would have created circumstances…favorable for my objectives until a candidate met all the preliminary conditions as to make my actions justifiable in a cost-benefit analysis."
The Colonel looked at him with startled eyes. His entire spine lost any degree of warmth it once had. "You would set one of them up?" hissed Ryze, venomously. It was a warning to proceed with caution.
"Not exactly," Lelouch began in a placating tone that seemed to calm the incensed man fractionally, "it would be more accurate to say that I'd magnify one of their lesser crimes. Despite what you may think, I'm not a monster." snapped the boy, though the words seemed directed more inwards than anything else, "I wouldn't kill an innocent man."
"This is a war. Nobody's innocent." Ryze muttered darkly. "While I find your methods extremely efficient, I would caution you on this path. Playing with lives is a slippery slope."
"This is a war." mimicked Lelouch. "We're already playing with lives."
The two lapsed into an awkward silence as Ryze found no reply to the chilling truth of the statement.
"You don't like me all too much." Ryze said out of nowhere.
"Sir?"
"It shows in your body language. Your shoulders always stiffen marginally when I speak and relax just as much when I finish without insulting you. Your expression is guarded, usually neutral, as if your contemplating what the appropriate response should be. You want to please me, perhaps just as much as I want to please you." That sounded so wrong, Ryze thought sharing a wince with Lelouch at the double meaning intertwined with the words. "Do you ever wonder why?"
"Sir?" Lelouch repeated again.
Ryze sighed, leaning back into his chair. "You are always on edge around me, as if I am a refined sakuradite tanker waiting to explode." It was an apt metaphor. "I suppose it's only fair given how I first treated you. And I suppose it's also fair that you wish to maintain this status quo for the time being given the benefits. In fact, my actions would thoroughly confuse myself if put in your place. But do you ever wonder why?"
"I've spent more time than I care to." Lelouch admitted frankly, tilting his head to the side.
To hell with caution. This might be his only chance at getting the answers he so craved. Besides, he started it. "I find that your actions seem almost contradictory and I'm unable to reconcile them…or to come up with a reason for them."
Ryze's smile spoke of his bemused state. "You mean you don't..." He paused halfway, smacking himself for his own stupidity. "Of course you don't know. You've only recently become a Prince again."
"If you're quite done having this conversation with your alter ego…" Lelouch was tempted to say, but wisely stayed his tongue.
"Do you know what it means to be assigned as a CO of a Prince?" Ryze asked rhetorically. "It means you're about to be taken off of the advancement queue. It's effectively an end to your military career."
Lelouch's brow shot up like a rocket. "What?"
Ryze nodded to reiterate his point. "When a Prince is assigned to his first Regiment, more often than not, it becomes his Sworn Regiment."
A look of realization crossed Lelouch's face as his mind rapidly raced to connect all the dots. A Sworn Regiment was exactly what its name meant - a Regiment swearing fealty to a noble much like the serfs were pledged to their Lord. The two systems went hand in hand.
"A CO of a Sworn Regiment doesn't have much of a choice in advancement afterwards unless he renounces his vows or refuses to be sworn in." Ryze continued with a scowl.
"And even then you'd be screwed for pissing off a royal. You'd be stuck with me or gutted like a fish." Lelouch finished for him.
Talk about damned if you do, damned if you don't. Lelouch actually felt bad for causing him this much heartache.
"Exactly. Look at me Britannia; I'm only thirty-seven and a father of two. I don't have that many friends in politics either. What I do have is my army career to keep my family safe. I can't risk having people going after my kids!" Ryze exclaimed, throwing his hands up in frustration.
Lelouch could sympathize with him there. He'd done the same thing 7 years ago to protect Nunnally after all. "That doesn't explain why the sudden change of attitude if you didn't want to get involved in politics."
"Between the choices of maybe pissing off some nobles and definitely pissing off a Prince?" Ryze gave him a look.
"Right, sorry, stupid question." Lelouch apologized hastily. Slowly, the missing gaps in his mind were filled as he gained a deeper insight into what made his Commander tick.
"If I sided with you, I'd at least have a chance. You're a good bet as any, Britannia." He smiled crookedly. Lelouch stared, wide-eyed at the unexpected and actually genuine praise. "And I was also hoping that, on the off chance, I might get promoted to Brigadier General before you asked. I could then leave the entire mess behind me."
In the midst of all this political scheming and positioning, Ryze hadn't considered one scenario. "What makes you so sure I want a Sworn Regiment?" Lelouch asked.
"You mean…you don't want one?" Ryze asked back, dumfounded.
Lelouch shook his head. "Why the hell would I want one? Maintaining a private army is expensive as hell." He was only making an educated guess here, of course, but his guesses were rarely wrong.
"I hadn't considered that." muttered Ryze obviously. "Most royals join the military in a brief tour of duty just to get a few loyal soldiers."
"My sister, the Field Marshall, never bothered with one." Lelouch pointed out. "And she's got two armies worth of men completely loyal to her. Why would I need to do the same, especially since I actually plan to maintain my career? I've got aspirations too, you know." He said indignantly, crossing his arms with a huff.
The Colonel cracks a relieved smile. "My apologies, Major. I failed to consult with you beforehand and fear I've caused more grief than necessary for the both of us."
Lelouch waved his hand. "We'll call it even then as I failed to consult with you beforehand in Algiers. Let bygones be bygones."
Ryze nodded his head gratefully and rose from his seat to salute first as a sign of respect.
Lelouch was just happy he could finally concentrate on surviving the damn siege.
November 18, 2017
Vermillion Forbidden City, Luoyang, China
The similarities between the Chinese Federation and the Holy Britannian Empire ended with their governments of Imperial Monarchy. While Britannian rulers were strong, fierce and feared, the Chinese child Empress, Tianzi, was weak, mild but loved. Having been chained most of her life in the Forbidden City, control of the Federation lay in the hands of eight men - the High Eunuchs.
An albino cleared his throat, before speaking. "The preparations in Japan are well under way. The Veiled Pavilion will soon be ready to act."
"This plan seems risky to me, Gao Hai." A spectacled one stated. "The chances that something might go wrong…"
"If it fails, it fails." The eldest of the lot answered, an air of apathy surrounding him. "But we'll still have plan B even so. Think of this as just a way to weaken the Britannians."
"It's still a considerable risk we're taking, especially if they discover our involvement. We simply aren't ready for such a war." The rotund one spoke.
"I agree with Zhao Hao." An old looking man in a shrill voice said. "This seems, on a whole, an unnecessary endeavor considering what Prince Schneizel has promised us.
"Empty words. We need assurance." Gao Hai said. "Besides, if we take Japan, we'll all be kings in our own right. Then there'll be no need to give in to his demands."
"Gao Hai is correct. The plan must push forward. We'll deliver the bomb to the agents within the week."
"I really don't understand why we have to keep an eye on the maid." carped a dark skinned girl to her dark haired friend. She continued with more than a hint of condescenscion in her tone. "Of what worth could she possibly be?"
Her comrade rolled her eyes theatrically. "You shouldn't underestimate her. She's one of the Ashford's oldest servants and these maids know a lot more than you think." She admonished with an undertone of sagely wisdom that came only with the years. "The walls have ears, Dalque."
"But she got sent away, Sancia!" protested Dalque, face long and lips pouting. "To look after a cripple, no less."
"The girl may have some value to us as a hostage. They wouldn't send away someone as skilled as this Shinozaki character unless it was important." said Sancia as she peered at the girl through her binoculars. "Just be patient a while longer. The boss says we'll be able to nab her soon."
"And the cripple?"
"She'll need an incentive to talk."
Dalque licked her lips predatorily, a psychotic gleam in her eye. "Excellent."
November 21, 2017 (Z Day + 52)
Algiers, Area 17
"How the hell is he doing this?" Orion muttered, hands clenching the corners of his desk. "We've managed to keep him beaten for so long already…"
His…associate, a man with as many stars on his shoulders as he had fingers, was awfully taciturn. "I suspect," he began, breaking the Prince's reverie, "that it may have something to do with Prince Lelouch."
"Lelouch?" Orion repeated blankly, clearly not following. "What about him? He's a good tactician to be sure but what does that have to do with Altair?"
"Their movements, while never directly in conjunction, are too well timed to be coincidence. The 2nd Quebec conducts a flanking mission and forces a retreat just as the 16th Imperial pushes forward after weeks of inactivity?" He stroked his chin contemplatively. "Then they heard the NAL between them on the Trans-Atlantic? Either they are extremely lucky or…"
"Or they're in constant communication." finished Orion, eyes lighting up in sudden realization. "This presents a problem."
"They need to be taken care of." The general agreed. "Before they overtake us."
Orion drew a sharp breath, giving him a worried look. "Are you suggesting we assassinate them?"
"There are...alternatives to kill them without dirtying our own hands." The general said solemnly, face set in a grim expression. "I assure you, it will be perfectly legal. The siege of Tunis is about to begin and we'll have several opportunities to achieve our objectives."
"Nothing gets back to us, understood?" Orion instructed.
"Of course, Your Highness." The general agreed. "My friends and I have a vested interest in remaining alive as well."
"Your friends…you never did say how many friends it is you actually have."
The general frowned. "Our faction does not like to publicize our existence. Rest assured that our goals, nonetheless, remain united."
"For now, you mean." Orion muttered, eyes narrowing in suspicion. "Very well, Field Marshall, get it done."
Pendragon was created to be the "perfect" city; the pinnacle of Britannian Neo-Classical architecture.
The hundred plus team had been sure to use monumental Corinthian columns, pearly white walls, high, domed ceilings and all manners of architectural elements. Each building was created to be a masterpiece in and of itself, the attention to detail simply exquisite. From the air, one would be greeted with the sight of an incredible city pattern with buildings designed to be a piece of the larger puzzle.
Everything about the city was made to elicit awe and wonder from its denizens.
The Imperial Palace lay at the city's heart and all other things radiated from it in symmetrical order. In all of its grandeur, opulence and majesty, it would be easy for someone to ignore the relatively nondescript eight-point building with a smaller layer on top of the large base. Critics called it an unremarkable piece in the otherwise brilliant city.
Analysts would smile and murmur "That's the point" behind closed doors.
The Imperial Joint Command Center, or really just the Octagon for short, was the Joint Chief of Staff's Headquarters and the heart of the Army's Officer Corps. It was the single largest concentration of high ranking military personnel in the Empire and if anyone ever wanted to disrupt the Armed Forces, this was the place to hit. Unfortunately for Britannia's foes, they'd likely be caught, tortured and killed before they set foot in Britannia proper – the new homeland of the Empire that was the 13 original colonies.
Grand Duke of Panama Sebastian White, Chief Marshall of the Britannian Army and one of the Joint Chiefs, gave a cordial nod to his counterparts in the Air Force and Navy respectively, before taking his seat.
"What a mighty fine mess we're in." The Lord Air Marshall started. "Damn Euros pushing us back at everywhere."
"Not quite everywhere, but an accurate summation of the situation." Jonathan Grass, Commandant of the Colonial Guard, replied in a posh accent that spoke of his upbringing.
The Commandant of the Marine Corps gave them a blank look, entirely unaffected. Sebastian envied him right now. The Marines were the most unaffected branch of service and had the least amount of blame to shoulder for their current predicament.
"We've managed to gain some ground in Russia though." offered Sebastian soothingly, one of the few optimists in the pessimistic bunch. "And both Zhukov and Rommel have been halted."
"At the cost of our African possessions." countered the Vice Chairman with a scowl. "Area 17 and 18 are practically in a state of siege. Area 16 is under attack by the Central African Union and getting pushed back systematically."
"Not to mention the Mediterranean Fleet suffered crippling losses against the EU's 3rd Fleet. I've got reports that the 4th and 5th are in the Red Sea. If they break out into the Indian Ocean, our Pacific Fleets could be flanked."
"Can't we block them?" Grass asked with a frown.
Martin Amos, the Lord High Admiral, shook his head despondently. "The Pacific Fleets are busy as it is. I've got reports of increased Federation naval activities near Area 11. To pull them away would be inviting an attack."
"We may not have a choice." The Vice Chairman butted in once more. "If we leave the EU alone, we'll definitely be seeing disruption of trade, something that the Prime Minister warned us about. Besides, the Colonial Guard in Area 11 is one of the strongest."
"That's true enough." Grass confirmed with a boasting nod. "Areas 9 through 15 have just been reinforced by the 8th and 12th Armies too." Those Areas were the Empire's holdings in the Pacific. Specifically, it referred to the lands formerly known as New Zealand, Australia, Japan, Philippines, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea and the Pacific Islands…in that order. "The 15th should is on standby in Sydney if additional forces become necessary."
"We're not dealing with just land here. Area 11 is important because of the sakuradite more than anything else. Preventing disruption of supply is a top priority for us and that means no invasions."
"But without threats pointed to our Merchant Fleets, we'd be unable to get the sakuradite anywhere anyways. That's disruption of supply right there."
"We exist in a state of war with the EU, but not the Federation." The Chairman said calmly, speaking at last after his colleagues' had vocalized their opinions. "Our job right now is to safeguard the Empire's interest and that means, currently, clamping down on the EU. We'll just have to cross the bridge with the Federation when we get there."
Sebastian dearly hoped they wouldn't regret this choice in the future. He sincerely doubted it though.
Japanese Liberation Front (JLF) Headquarters, Narita Mountains, Area 11
"The Yamato Alliance reports that they are ready."
"Same goes for the Blood of the Samurai."
Kyoshiro Tohdoh nodded. With those two rebel factions working with the JLF, they now had an extensive force to call on. Their backers had increased their funding in the past few months and several "confiscated" weapons found their way into their hands. The three largest rebel groups were now working together. "What of the infiltration teams?"
"They are in place. No problems reported…but sir, are we sure of this weapon we're using? It could be disastrous if it doesn't work."
"We must persevere." Tohdoh said with conviction, though he shared his subordinate's sentiments. "The Federation has assured us of its reliability and we can but trust them in this regard. We have no choice."
November 23, 2017 (Z Day + 54)
Tunis, Tunisia, Area 17
"Commence the assault."
The three words, spoken softly, still carried itself with authority. The room buzzed to life as a cacophony of voices wafted through the air in response. Crackling thunder roared in the distance as artillery began their barrage of destruction against the city of Tunis. Tanks could be seen passing by, ready to provide support to the lumbering Bamides while close quarter combat Knightmares, the fabled Gardemares, flexed their joints in anticipation of the urban fighting to come.
"Concentrate fire on Sector 1. Bring down their defenses."
A wing of fighter-bombers screeched overhead, their scorn acting as an invisible barrier against the SAMs that rose from the city like the tentacles of an octopus. Once in a while, a few would dip temptingly low, mocking the creatures beneath before unleashing hellfire onto them in righteous judgment. The speed at which they flew in prevented them from being hit, even exposed as they were.
A glass-shattering explosion rocked the earth, as if the Titans had finally decided to rise up or Vesuvius's wrath had been unleashed once more. The men's ragged cheers outside could be recognized from inside the somewhat cracked, sound proof windows, baying for fire and blood.
Hovering above them was the Reaper, rubbing his hands in glee of the slaughter to come.
"Walls are down. We have a breach!"
The Commander frowned, disappointed by the bloodthirsty savages his trained soldiers had transformed into. Discipline would be difficult to maintain if he proceeded, but his orders were clear. Tunis must fall.
"Forward."
Outside, the men stormed the city with a bloodcurdling roar in response to the order that had just barely been received. With no fear left for their enemies, they broke out into a run across the relatively flat landscape, never stopping even as shrapnel, bullets, mortar and missiles cut them down like insects. They were a relentless hoard, an unstoppable wave of fury comparable to nature's dreaded Tsunami.
The Commander's frown, if at all possible, sank even lower, dragging his features down in an unpleasant manner. He would likely lose more men in the unruly crowd's mad dash than he would throughout the remaining duration of the battle.
"Walls have been breached! We're pushing the Britannians back."
Erwin Rommel leaned into his seat, no signs of pleasure in his eyes as the EU's flag rose atop the battlements in the distance. The battle had yet to be won, but at least the first step had been accomplished.
The Siege of Tunis had begun.
"We should be out there fighting." Suzaku scowled from his comfortable spot inside a reinforced bunker.
"The Prince ordered us stay here." replied a bored Kenji, stealing a glance form his wristwatch as if in anticipation of…something. "Besides, your Argyl got trashed. How exactly are you going to fight?"
"I'm a soldier with or without my Knightmare." Suzaku shot back, his eyes never leaving the developing battlefield outside. "I can fight just as well either way."
"That's a lie and you know it." Kenji said, lying down on his bunk. "You're an ace, Suzaku. Gottwald might not say it, the Prince might not say it, but everyone knows it's true. Your life would be a waste if thrown away on a simple urban skirmish."
Suzaku had no answer for him, a state he found himself in increasingly and growled instead. There was a knock on the door that caused Kenji to shoot up like a rocket, body tensing in anticipation. The sudden motion had caused the bunk to creak in protest even as Suzaku turned around to see who had arrived. They were in a secured location, after all, so it was unlikely that just anyone could walk in to say hi.
"Who is it?" Suzaku asked, unable to get a clear look as Kenji's body blocked most of the doorway.
Kenji left his question unanswered. He simply said "It is time," before turning around to reveal two men in Britannian uniforms flanking another in an officer's one.
Suzaku gave them a curious look. The uniforms were familiar, but the faces wearing them weren't. The men seemed to be of African descent and to his knowledge they hadn't any locals conscripted into the regiment. Perhaps they were from the other regiments? The figure in the middle was one he recognized as Gunter Baldwin, the late Thomas Baldwin's cousin, assigned to Colonel Altair nu Britannia's regiment. It further reinforced his theory that the two Africans were from another regiment.
"What can I do for you, Colonel?" Suzaku asked politely, saluting in greeting.
"I have a message from His Highness, Prince Altair Britannia, to Prince Lelouch." He said plainly. "Where is he?"
Suzaku's face scrunched up in confusion. "Why wouldn't you know where he is?"
"Unfortunately, we've lost contact. We suspect that the EU might be deploying jamming equipment on the field or that his command bunker has been compromised. Either situation is…undesirable and must be rectified."
Suzaku nodded with concerned eyes. Lelouch was in trouble. "Of course, he's in Sector 4. I can bring you to him." He offered, and the group stepped out of the room, free from the surveillance camera. "How goes the battle?"
"Not good." Gunter said grimly. "The walls have been breached and we suspect that there is a plot among the residents to launch disruptive activities."
"You mean attacking our command?"
Gunter nodded. "Exactly, and that is why it is imperative that-"
"Come in, Kururugi." The group froze as Suzaku reached for his radio.
"This is Private Kururugi, Sir Gottwald." Suzaku answered.
"You've left your post, Kururugi. Explain yourself!" Gottwald barked angrily.
"I'm-"
Bang!
The radio cluttered to the ground with a bullet sized hole through it, making it an unusable piece of junk. Suzaku jumped back in shock as it was torn from his hand, and glared at the Lieutenant…only to find it wasn't he who had fired, though his gun was drawn.
"Sorry, Suzaku. I'm afraid I can't let the honorable Sir Gottwald interfere any longer." Kenji said in a disturbingly cheerful tone as he holstered his pistol.
"What's going on." demanded Suzaku, fists clenched and ready to fly.
"What we should have done a long time ago. It's time the world realized that the Numbers aren't down just yet." Kenji said. "What we do here will be a blow for all those under Britannia's tyranny, Japan included."
"You're a traitor!" Suzaku said, moving forward to apprehend him if not for the two assault rifles that suddenly threatened to split him open. "You're all traitors."
Kenji titled his head, a mirthful smile on his lips. "Technically, Abdul," he gestured to the African on his right, "and his men aren't. They're NAL so they're not breaking any vows."
Suzaku turned to glare at Gunter accusingly. "What about you? You're Britannian! Why are you helping them?"
"Because the Prince killed my cousin!" Gunter snarled back. "And I'm not going to take that lying down. The Nobles have treated my family like shit for years because we're a 'minor barony'. Well, fuck them and the almighty royal family. Baldwin's stick together."
"You would condemn your entire family to death for your own actions?" Suzaku argued, his mind racing to formulate a way to get away and warn his friend.
Gunter smirked. "They already know. " Suzaku recoiled in surprise at the admission. "Don't look at me like that. The Prince might be a royal, but he's got plenty of enemies. Certainly more of them than those he calls friends."
"But the question here should be why you fight for the Prince, Suzaku. You're nothing but a chess piece to him." Kenji continued.
"You're wrong!" Suzaku protested weakly. "I'm his friend."
"But he doesn't see you as a friend, does he?" Kenji's brows waggled. "After all, he's practically ignored you the entire time we've been here. He hasn't even given you so much as a 'hello' since he met with us. All our instructions go through Gottwald."
"I-" The words died on his lips, as the Japanese boy realized his words were technically true. "He's just been busy."
"Face it, Kururugi. You're a pawn. We Japanese can never be friends with these Britannian dogs. Even those of us who submit to their ways are treated like trash!" He gave him a cold stare. "We are Japanese, Suzaku! Help me avenge our people. Help me fulfill your father's last command."
"I call for do or die resistance! Japan shall fall after its last son has fallen, its last bullet fired and its last building burned!"
The words of his late father resounded in his mind…and he remembered why he fought, he remembered why he killed for Britannia. It was for his country. It was for Japan.
"No!" Suzaku shouted. "If we do this, we condemn Japan to an even worse fate. Millions will die in retribution. This isn't the way to change things!"
"The only way to change Britannia is through force. Violence is the only thing they respect!" Kenji screamed back, even as his three compatriots shuffled nervously. "What worse fate can befall our enslaved nation? We've prostrated ourselves to the Britannians and still they want more!"
"Pride is not more important than survival!"
"A life without Honor is worthless!" spat Kenji. "Colonel Tohdoh understood that. Prime Minister Kururugi understood that."
"This is pointless, Kenji. He's not going to turn." Gunter snapped. "We're running out of time."
"Fine." Kenji sighed, giving Suzaku a sad glance as if he were someone he wanted to save.
Smack!
Suzaku felt his body fall helplessly from the lightning fast strike of Kenji's baton. His head slammed into the metal floor hard, and he found his body becoming increasingly unresponsive to his frantic thoughts. Warm liquid started to pool around him, he realized.
"Why didn't you just kill him?"
"He's Japanese." Kenji responded, as if that was answer enough. Gunter's eyes narrowed angrily, but he made no sound in protest. "Are the men in position, Abdul?"
"Of course they are." Abdul bristled.
"And Gunter, the bomb?"
"It's ready."
"Then let's go. It's time we paid the Prince his just desserts."
And for Suzaku, the world turned into oblivion.
"On the year 1871, the Holy Britannian Empire was a fledgling state, having just suffered the humiliation the loss of the homeland – the British Isles. They were surrounded on all sides by enemies. In the vast American heartland were the native Indian tribes, eager to end the White Menace that had plagued their lands. To the north was Area 2 (Canada) which then was still a colony under the traitorous Lords of Parliament that had bowed their heads to their French masters. Lying in wait within the Caribbean was a formidable Spanish Armada that was not all too pleased with the new threat and even further south was the Portuguese Protectorate, Brazil.
The coffers were barely breaking even, as the Imperialists had to drain it to escape the predatory French Atlantic Fleets. The Army was in disarray after the war with France and most of the Navy had turned a life of piracy. The only thing the Empire had was the utmost loyalty of its remaining subjects. Things couldn't be bleaker for the Empire.
Britannia, bitter from their loss, exile and humiliation, fully embraced the national ethos of Revanchism. Commoners and Nobles alike sought for the restoration of the Empire and their Manifest Destiny, but the government found itself incapable of fulfilling their wishes.
In his infinite wisdom, the 91st Emperor, Ricardo von Britannia, made a deal with the remnants of the Aristocracy. He gathered the Nobles before him in the new capital, Pendragon, and uttered his famous phrase. 'To gain anything, you must risk everything.' It was an event forever remembered as the 'Noble Commission'.
In exchange for monetary support to the Throne, the Nobles would be allowed to levy their own personal armies and conduct independent campaigns with the Crown's Mandate. They would arm, pay and feed their men from their own hands, but would be allowed to keep 4/5 of the spoils of war. Their powers also increased such that any Noble could grant a lower peerage to a Commoner with the approval of the Crown.
Thus, the legacy of the Sworn Regiments began."
-excerpt from: A Narrative of Imperial History by Thaddeus Jackson
"The system of the Sworn Regiments has many advantages to it.
First, it was complimentary of the Imperial Government's Doctrine of Factionalism. It furthered the gap between the various Regiments already within the Army by making them answerable to different groups. Regiments without a Sponsor were under the nominal authority of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JOCS), while the Sworn Regiments were directly under their Nobles. This Doctrine, as has been explained in plenty of previous papers, has been remarkably effective in ensuring the loyalty of the Army as a whole ultimately rests with the Monarchy.
Second, it was financially sound. With the Nobles supplying the upkeep necessary to run a Regiment (not mere pocket change to be certain), it allowed for the Treasury to allocate funds towards other pressing issues. These were different from Mercenaries because of one key difference though. The Sworn Regiments, while not technically answerable to the JCOS, was still answerable to the Imperial Throne and subject to the Army's rules.
Third, it allowed for a Balance of Power. In the rapidly changing power dynamics and political arena of Britannia, Military Power remained to be a stabilizing measure to protect certain interests from total exploitation. Most notably, it was a way for the Aristocracy to defend themselves from the Throne and maintain a semblance of independence.
Fourth was protection. With the Nobility often granted lands in the Areas, the threat of local insurrection remained to be a very real threat. The Empire could only get involved at the request of a Noble, and even that was of no guarantee during periods of internal strife. In order to maintain order in the fiefs, Nobles were allowed to use their Regiments as a police force during armed insurrection.
Of course, there were also limitations to this power as the Throne was wary of potential abuse. Below are the so called 10 Commandments:
1. A Sworn Regiment, while directly under their Sponsor, was still encouraged to listen to the JCOS and still part of the Army.
2. A Sworn Regiment was forbidden to wage independent campaigns without the Crown's written and expressed approval.
3. A Sworn Regiment was forbidden to oppose the Army, the Government or other Sworn Regiments, even at the behest of their Sponsors (see Dueling).
4. A Sworn Regiment was forbidden to interfere in civilian matters except within the Fief of their Sponsor, and only then for matters concerning public peace.
5. A Sworn Regiment was subject to the Crown's scrutiny and the Army's Code of Conduct, and its status could be revoked at the whim of the Emperor, the Knight of One, or by a JCOS Mandate of Insubordination.
6. A Sponsor was limited to one (1) Regiment and the entire Nobility limited to Regiments equal to a third of the Britannian Army, pro rata to each army. They were forbidden to expand the numbers or equipment of a Regiment beyond the norm (refer to Britannian Field Manual).
7. A Sworn Regiment was only granted when the following conditions were met: A. Crown's Approval, B. Regimental Approval (via vote in quorum), and C. Sponsor's Request.
8. A Sworn Regiment's Command Structure was respected by the Army, but they were limited to a certain number of ranks. For example, a Regiment could not have more than 1 Colonel, 1 Lt. Colonel, 2 Majors, etc. etc. etc.
9. Officers from Sworn Regiments were disbarred from the Right of Transfer unless they renounced their Oath in Public. Even then, they could still be refused the Right of Transfer at the accepting Commander's discretion.
10. A Sworn Regiment's numbers were required to undergo a semiannual evaluation to ensure their quality of training. All new recruit had to be drawn from current soldiers or, if recruited directly, undergo official army training at a certified Army Training Center.
Given these severe limitations, plus the cost of running one (est. minimum of Imperial Britannian Pounds 50 Million per year); it is hard not to see why the practice fell out of popularity. Only those with the rank of Marquess or higher could shoulder the cost during peace times. Currently, there is estimated to be less than 40 Sworn Regiments out of a total 759."
-excerpt from: "Sworn Regiments, an essay" by George Baltimore
AN: On the title: in Chess, a Closed game refers to one with few exchange of pieces. Instead, the focus is on positional play, pawn structures and rapid development. In contrast, an Open game is one where several pieces are exchanged and the board is relatively clear. This chapter was more of a filler and a developmental jump point for the next one, which will literally be jam packed with action as we explore the two parallel stories:
1) The Battle of Tunis
2) The Japanese Rebellion
On the Sworn Regiments (SR), I sort of ripped the idea from the British Crown's system of sending out privateers to conduct wars for them. Also, seemed like a "logical" position to take considering Britannia's history in the beginning. Is it believable?
As for the OCs, I apologize for introducing several more but it was necessary considering what my story is trying to do (expand the CG universe). The normal canon characters simply don't cut it for my purposes. On the bright side, there will be considerably less OCs in the coming chapters as we bring back the old cast into the mix.
On Lelouch and Ryze's thoughts – I thought I owed you guys an in-depth explanation for the sudden 180 in Ryze and why Lelouch was able to take it in stride. I hope you liked his thoughts on the matter.
On China, we're seeing more global politics! Yeah? It just seems odd that they wouldn't be sending agents to meddle in Britannian affairs as I'm sure Britannia does it to them as well. The High Eunuchs might be conniving bastards, but they're not stupid conniving bastards. They would have had some sort of long term plan to keep themselves in power and that means espionage and striking at Britannia through other channels.
On the Areas: Central African Union and company, these are affiliated groups with the EU but not necessarily part of them yet (lack of economic and military integration). The EU being a democracy would be unlikely to embark on an Imperialistic route instead of deciding to "Spread" the "Democratic Ideals" which is what they did. They're exploitative and ridiculously capitalistic to be sure, but still hold the idea of self-governance to be sacred. (If they're anything like the current Democracies, they hold the illusion of it sacred at least). To the HBE and CF, it doesn't matter much, but there is a distinction to be made anyhow.
Thoughts in the Box and hit Send!