A/N: Thanks again to Greatkingrat88 for his work on this chapter.

This chapter begins the countdown to the war with PACT, so beginning now events and all prep for the Black Knights will begin getting wrapped up.

First to answer a reviewer I couldn't PM.

Guest: Thank you, and to answer that question not really, since the Empire they knew was gone technically although all that remains is their capital world, something he'll mention to them. Oh yes Kayto's reaction will be quite something, especially given the career path Maray has picked.

Now on with the chapter.

Chapter 16

Weaponized Diplomacy

It had been three days since Lelouch had met with Hierarch Arvian Daelamos, and the reactions to the news of the collapse of the Holy Ryuivan Empire varied among the people of the lost colony. To say it had been a lot to take in was an understatement, but so far, it seemed a majority had accepted it. However, as Lelouch expected, some hold-outs refused to face reality.

Unsurprisingly it seemed it was the successors to the Church of Ryuvia, which had established a presence on the planet. Likely to provide spiritual support and maintain their loyalty to the Prince, who established the settlement to reinforce the belief pushed by the Church of Ryuvia that the Emperor was the God of Humanity, with the Prince revered as a divine being. If nothing else, Lelouch at least learned the name of the Prince who founded the settlement.

I can't tell if they legitimately believe Prince Acrisius Di Ryuiva was the divine being they claimed, or if their anger is at the further loss of influence, Lelouch thought where he stood, overlooking the central square. In the corner of his eye, he saw clergy from the dwindling church at the back of the crowd chanting prayers and raging to the heavens for the God-Emperor to strike him down.

Presently Lelouch was upon a stage where he and Hierarch Daelamos, along with his colleagues, were gathered. As far as Lelouch could tell the other Hierarchs were open to his terms. He was cautiously optimistic.

Some might be only to pretend they are accepting the terms, so I'll need to observe them carefully, he thought.

Claggor stared up at the sky. The mountain holdout was secure, and he wasn't sure why his boss insisted on somebody always being on watch. The old bastard was ex-military, and paranoid to boot, but he'd seen them through a lot. Still, he didn't see why. Here in the mountains they'd see an armed expedition coming from a mile away, and all they'd need to do would be to hold the gate. The walls were mostly intact and the gate, though rusted, was solid. The city folk had tried before, but they'd always been thrown back. That brought a smile to his face, the thought of the guards in shiny plate breaking discipline for a few raggedy outlaws. They were unassailable up here, and whenever they needed something, they'd go down the mountainside and take it. Most of the nearby settlements had started paying tribute at this point; it was much less messy than the nasty pillaging part of it all.

They were safe up here, like the fabled eagle in its nest. Bored, Claggor leaned against his spear. Only another hour before he'd be relieved, and then he could go back to his skin of cheap wine…

Huh?!

He didn't see it at first. Something in the clouds, in the corner of his eye, which he figured had to be some kind of bird. Then it slowly started to dawn on him that if it was a bird, he shouldn't be able to see it this clearly way up in the clouds. Suddenly on the alert, Claggor looked up. There were not just one, but two black spots streaking through the sky, quickly becoming larger. These dread birds looked…

He had to rub his eyes to make sure he wasn't seeing things. He hadn't gotten drunk, had he? These were huge, and they looked like…

Like a legend come alive.

Mouth agape, Claggor stared until they came closer still, their shape now clearly discernible. Big, black flying constructs, like out of the old legends. Snapping out of his stupor, Claggor jumped from his post, screaming loudly,

"Boss! BOSS! We got- we got incoming, we got-"

There was a huge boom, and he was thrown off his feet by the shockwave. The world went mute as a dizzy Claggor stood up, struggling to get to his feet. Through the cloud of dust kicked up, he could see it: the post he'd stood at was gone, the ruined tower gone along with the gates and a large portion of the wall. In an instant, these things had ruined centuries old construction, impregnable to attack. Staring, mouth agape in dread, he watched one of the great constructs slow its approach, descending toward the gate, while its twin swung around to the far end of the ruins. It opened something on its back, and a set of… something was launched directly at them. Claggor crawled into a fetal position, expecting to suffer the same fate as the wall, but these things were different. Where they landed, great plumes of smoke started to billow. Before the whiteness consumed his field of vision, Claggor saw one figure after another sliding down ropes dropped from the construct's side, while there was a terrible sound as its gun tore into the ruins.

"Remember, secure any hostages," Captain Cisneros barked into the radio as her platoon of Black Knight Marines disembarked, ready to storm the ruins. There were an estimated one hundred bandits in the ruined fortress, but against two platoons of marines, against forty marines with body armour and automatic weapons, they would stand no chance. She had brought two Hathaway-Morganthaw T-35 VTOL Dropships, and by the sound of it, the second ship was making ready to deploy, its gauss cannon tearing into whatever target it could find.

"Kill anyone who resists, and don't mess around! If they surrender, secure them immediately. Any wrong moves, you shoot to kill!"

They had gone over the plan before taking off, but it never hurt to drive the point home. Half the marines were green, and Cisneros had figured this would be a good opportunity to gain some real experience. As the last marine rappelled, Cisneros followed suit, bringing up her assault rifle to position. The platoon was advancing rapidly, ruthlessly gunning down any bandits offering resistance. Disorganized and afraid, the primitives stood no chance. The sound of gunfire was all around her, the thermal sights of their helmets allowing them to see clearly through the smoke. Cisneros saw a figure raising a bow and quickly took aim, smiling as she pressed the trigger twice. The two short bursts took the bandit in the chest and head, and he fell over with a satisfying thump.

Zero might have taken issue with this, or he might not have. This was a slaughter, no matter how you cut it, but he had given her free hands to handle this operation, and she would handle it the way she handled any other. These were just pirates to her, less advanced, but still ruthless murderers and thieves. She advanced, taking another pot shot at an approaching bandit, catching him in the knee. He went down with a scream, which abruptly went silent as she slid a knife into his throat.

It was over in a matter of minutes. Second platoon had done their job diligently, and the brigands were in no position to offer resistance to modern weaponry. The inner sanctum was breached with explosives, and Cisneros saw the platoon sergeant give her a quizzical look. Attack?

She sighed. Total carnage, however satisfying, would not ingratiate her to their leader. She brought up the translator drone that had hovered behind them, and called out.

"Anyone alive in there, now is your chance. Surrender, or you'll be killed like dogs, just like your friends out here. Die here or face Ryuvian justice, I don't care which. Come out of there unarmed and with your hands up. You have two minutes!"

Two minutes later, the brigands stumbled out, hands raised. Cisneros nodded, and her soldiers quickly secured the remaining bandits. As the operation wrapped up, her lieutenant walked up, saluting.

"Report," she said simply.

"Thirty-three hostiles captured, Captain. Ten hostages secured."

"Any casualties?"

"One of our lads took a spear in the shoulder, and there was a stray arrow, but nothing our medics can't fix when we get back to base."

Cisneros nodded. She was not surprised.

"Call in the medical evac. I'll let Zero know the operation was a success."

She grinned to herself. This kind of operation was beneath her, really, but killing bandits was its own reward.

Back at the headquarters of the Black Knights, Maray was with a group of training cadets in the cockpits of Knight units. Maray and other cadets had spent much of their time training in simulators, and today would be their first time handling the real thing. The training exercises were simple and straightforward, meant to give Maray and others a chance to get used to piloting the real thing.

"So are we just running a course or something," a familiar voice said through a private channel.

"I don't know, Hana, but I don't think that's all there is to it," Maray said to her friend.

Much like Maray, Hana had been expelled. Maray had been surprised, and angry to think it had happened not only to her, but to anyone speaking out. Fuming and realizing Zero was right about the danger PACT posed, combined with seeing the government bury its head in the sand, had pushed Hana to join the Black Knights too.

"Alright, now that you've all had a chance to try the basics in the real thing, we're going to have you do an obstacle course," their instructor said. He transmitted a map with objectives to each cadet's cockpit.

"You just to reach each checkpoint along the course, evading whatever obstacles we've put in your way. Now this is not a race, we'll be judging you on three things. Obliviously we'll be rating you based on how quickly you complete the course, but we'll also judge how well you respond to the obstacles and how well you react."

How we react? React to what? Thought Maray, alarmed. She pushed the question from her mind to focus on the task before her.

"So we're just racing?" Hana asked.

"I don't think so," Maray said. "I think there's more to this."

"As a reminder, this isn't a race to see who's the fastest. We will be taking into account how well you work with your fellow cadets, so don't try to hinder them with any unnecessary competition," the instructor warned.

"Yes sir," all of the cadets said in unison, across the open comms channel.

"Very well, get ready," the instructor said, pausing for a few moments. "GO!"

Maray and other cadets raced forward into the obstacle course, which was filled with inflatable faux asteroids. The Knight units, with Maray in the middle of her group, was zipping and flying around them. One cadet glanced an asteroid, but managed to keep going.

"This feels too easy," Maray said to herself.

As if tempted by Maray's words or fate, one of her fellow cadets was hit. The Knights paused, as it seemed to have been electrocuted by something.

"There is another Knight unit," a cadet called out. "Snipers!"

"There's three of them," a female cadet reported.

So that's what they meant by react, Maray realized.

Part of the course's test was to judge how cadets would react in an unexpected situation, like a battle where an attack could come out of nowhere. It was to ensure any potential pilots would always remember to stay alert at all times while in a Ryder cockpit.

"Let's go then," Maray said, charging ahead with a few cadets of the same mind and determination. She sped up. She had no way of knowing if there were additional attackers, she just had to trust her instincts.

Okay, just think back to those times you played Ryder Raider at the arcade, Maray thought.

Moving her machine to the right, she evaded a paralyzing shot meant for her machine. She accelerated her Knight unit, boldly hurrying ahead. Her confidence rose, but Maray stayed alert, dodging another shot. She wanted to prove Lelouch right, to show he had been right in his admission of her to join the Black Knights.

However, as Maray and the other cadets would learn, the snipers taking shots at them weren't the only obstacles they had to face. After clearing the field of fake asteroids, the cadets were now facing a group of Knight units, armed with special swords akin to stun-batons.

"So, it's not just about done dying enemy fire, but dodging melee attacks too," Maray said as she advanced.

The finish line was some distance behind the last obstacle, so she approached, looking for an opening. The Ryders the cadets were piloting had no weapons, but they still had their defensive features, like the Blaze Luminous shields. But they alone wouldn't be enough; that much became clear as one cadet tried to bull-rush his way past, before two instructors stopped him.

"This is going to be team effort," Hana said.

"Right, let's do this," Maray said as the two friends charged forward. "Hana, remember that crazy maneuver we did in gravity ball?"

"Really, that one?"

"Yes, that one, but with these shields."

Activating their machines' Blaze Luminous shields, Hana and Maray accelerated towards two of the stun-sword wielding Ryders. Suddenly Hana flew under and up, catching the two Ryders by surprise. As the two Ryders tried to pull back Maray rammed the two machines, causing their stun swords to strike the other. Hana and Maray used the opening to slip by to race towards the finish.

"We did it!"

"I can't believe that worked," Hana exclaimed, as she and Maray reached the end of the course.

"Well done, cadets Shields and Connors," their instructor said.

In the time following, a handful of cadets managed to get past the stun-sword wielding Ryders. The other cadets continued to struggle.

"If this was just start of our training, then what else do they have in store?" Maray said, laying back in the cockpit.

One week later, on the moon of the Lost Ryuvian colony, Lelouch disembarked the shuttle from the Excalibur in the company of two armed bodyguards in powered combat suits. Lelouch wore a distinctive space suit, with the helmet modeled after his mask. Upon exiting, Lelouch was met by Commander Eugenia Bayerle, who, given her expertise with Ancient Ryuvian, had been called to examine the ruins of the base along with Lloyd. Lelouch wasn't surprised to see Lloyd present; something had to have gotten his attention.

"Greetings, commander. I trust by your initial reports you must've made some discoveries?" Lelouch said, approaching Eugenia.

"That is putting it plainly, sir. What we might have found could be the best finds of Lost Technology and Ancient Ryuvian history," Eugenia said, barely able to contain her excitement.

"Then don't keep me in suspense. Share with me what you've discovered so far."

"Of course," Eugenia said, gesturing for Zero to follow. "As we've learned, the colony, mining operations and the planet itself were kept secret from the Empire at large. Not one easily kept."

"I have no doubt. That probably explains a heavy reliance on automated defenses. Not just to eliminate those who found this planet, but to keep those brought here trapped."

"But the question is, what caused the defenses to turn on the people in the base and space elevators," Lelouch said, glancing at the corpse of Ancient Ryuvian soldier in the hallway the group passed through.

"We might have uncovered what happened."

"Go on."

"We have identified the member of the Ryuvian Royal Family responsible: First Prince Hadrian cu Ryuvia. According to what we have uncovered, Hadrian was next in line for the throne, competing against the Second Prince, his half-brother Commodus vi Ryuvia. There were likely others, but they were the main contenders," Eugenia explained as Lelouch followed her.

"Of course. I assume something happened to Prince Hadrian?" Lelouch said, as he and Eugenia, along with Lelouch's bodyguards, boarded an elevator they had restored functionality to. It didn't take long to reach their destination, but glancing at his holo, Lelouch noticed they had descended hundreds of feet in mere seconds.

"Yes, exactly. It was a tumultuous time, after all."

"Considering how the royal court of the Holy Ryuvian Empire, even at its best, was a vicious snake pit with betrayal and assassinations among the royal family, yes. Taking into account the lengths Prince Hadrian went to keep this world and its resources secret, his death at the hands of an assassin likely triggered an automated purge," Lelouch deduced.

"That is very likely what happened, but most of what we know we've pieced together from translated logs from the computer system we've recovered. We've discovered a transmission received from Ryuvia Prime, triggering a system trap that caused the automated defense to turn on the people here to eliminate anyone who could reveal this place's existence, likely to keep it from his killers," Eugenia said, leading Lelouch to a devastated area of the base, parts of the hallway collapsed or damaged by what looked like battle damage. "Further confirming a Prince of Ryuvia was behind this place, and a powerful one at that was this…"

Led further into the ruined area of the base, Lelouch stepped through the damaged corridor into a vast chamber, presumably built into a fissure on the surface of the moon. Recently installedd spotlights illuminated the place, revealing a hidden hangar in the damaged chamber. It was hard to tell what had happened, but explosions had heavily damaged the room and what was kept within.

"Is that a Ryuvian ship?" Lelouch said, eyes widening.

"Not just any Ryuvian Ship sir, but a warship used by members of its Royal Family. This ship is larger than the Cruisers we've found, or so I believe."

"Yes, much of it was destroyed or buried. The people here must've feared the automated defenses would've used this against them, and attempted to destroy this ship in a desperate act," Lelouch deduced as he inspected the enormous hidden hanger. The vessel was primarily white, trimmed with gold, being as ornate as one might expect of a vessel belonging to a Royal Family that once ruled the whole galaxy. Much of the vessel was damaged and buried under rubble, but the stern of the ship remained mostly intact.

"I assume Lloyd has spent much of his time on board?"

"Yes, he has," Eugenia said with a sigh. "In fact, he has spent the last four days in the Engine room."

"The engine room?"

"Yes. I'll lead you there."

It took Lelouch and Eugenia half an hour to make their way to the wrecked royal warship to the engine room. After entering through one of the destroyed sections of the ship, Lelouch examined the interior of the ship in passing, especially when they reached the more intact stern. Just like in parts of the base, Lelouch noticed corpses, two millennia old, lying in the halls. In some of the rooms, spider-like drones lay inert.

The Ryuvian soldiers must've fought fiercely to protect themselves and stop this ship from aiding in the elimination of everyone to cover up its existence, Lelouch thought, looking at the scorch marks on the wall.

"Don't worry, we made sure the computer core of this ship was disconnected. Not that the ship could do anything to really stop us. But when it comes to Lost Technology, it's always better safe than sorry," Eugenia said as they arrived at their destination. The engineering section of the royal warship was spacious and grand, but the center of engineering with the vessel's power core was what really caught Lelouch's eye. Especially since Lloyd was there, inspecting it. Two guards kept watch nearby, and Lelouch could also see another familiar face, Lynn.

"What is that?" Lelouch said, pointing at the engine room's main core. Situated within a circular pit was a cross-like device, with four points vaguely connected to some parts of the ceiling, and a round pit. It was a highly unusual power core design he had not seen in any ship he had explored before.

"That, Lelouch, is the most beautiful piece of engineering I have ever seen," Lloyd said, realizing Lelouch had arrived. "Look at it. This power core can generate four times the power a normal fusion reactor could. It's a fascinating piece of technology. You see…"

Caught up in his excitement, Lloyd launched into a long dialogue about the scientific technicalities of the reactor, quite beyond Lelouch's understanding.

"Ugh, what is he talking about?" Lelouch asked, turning to Lynn.

"Well," Lynn said sighing. "This is rare piece of working Ryuvian technology called a Twin-Drive System, created by combining two fusion cores together in a unique. According to what Lloyd and I have figured out, the two cores are supposed to resonate with each other to theoretically generate the output of four cores. It's remarkable the system is still operating all this time. Even Lloyd and I working together can barely understand how it works."

"Isn't it wonderful?" Lloyd declared. "Why, it seems the wreckage of the Ryders we've found in the hangar seems to use a similar, but miniaturized version. Just imagine the possibilities if I could recreate it!" Lloyd said, in a state of happy bliss.

"I take it you have been holding it together," Lelouch asked Lynn, cautious of the Prototype.

"Barely. I am not sure how you endured him."

"Despite his… quirks," Lelouch said, taking a moment to find the right words, "he does do good work."

"I suppose," Lynn said reluctantly.

"Well, you've proven faithful so far, so perhaps I might give you a break from Lloyd."

"That would be much appreciated," Lynn said hopefully.

Given her advanced mental and physical abilities, Lelouch had hoped to make use of her somehow. PACT would initiate the first stages of its conquest of the Neutral Rim soon, and he needed all the capable hands he could find. However, her loyalty was still anything but assured, and until they were…

"I would ask you to be a pilot, but even you must realize…"

"Yes, I know you people don't trust me. That is probably what you were thinking too, weren't you? If it meant putting some distance between me and Lloyd, I would take you up on your offer."

"You understand. Good. Given the coming war, someone of your abilities would undeniably be useful. All you would need is a suitable and high-performance machine to use in battle," Lelouch said.

Lynn nodded folding her arms. "Yes. An L7 type like me was created solely for battle, that I remember. But my higher brain functions and ability to understand and work with the technology of those who made me could be useful to you too."

"You must really want to put some distance between you and Lloyd to be making such an offer, huh?"

"Somehow, I imagine you would make me deal with a scientist not as eccentric as Lloyd once in a while. Am I wrong?"

Lelouch said nothing, but his silence was enough of a answer Lynn needed.

"I guess since Lloyd is still fawning over his discovery, I'll share with you what Lloyd and I have been working on together." Lynn said, using a holo attached to an external projector on her space suit to show Lelouch a Knightmare Frame design.

A black Ryder was displayed, with a head design that was reminiscent of the Shinkiro, but with a gilded crown on its head. The Knightmare Frame was about nineteen meters tall, with a wing-like backpack unit, each one holding eight Arrowhead-shaped drones with a gem-like device in the center of each one. Together, they formed the shape of a sun behind the machine. Its forearms, Lelouch noticed, had Blaze Luminous shield emitters, with an integrated weapon above the hands. On its hips were a pair of cannons, folded for convenient storage, and it carried a pair of MVS swords in its backpack unit. Special compartments behind the arms allowed for a quick draw of the swords. Stored on the rear armor was a VARIS rifle.

"I take that's supposed to be a successor of the Shinkiro?"

"In some ways, yes. It's based on the data of your old Knightmare Frame. Not just a successor, but an improvement over the original in every way, using your combat data in a Ryder for reference. However, the problem we've been having with developing the Mahoroba is fitting it with a suitable power source. The successors to both the Absolute Defense System and its signature weapon, the Diffusion Structure Phase Transition Cannon, have been reasons."

"I see. Because combat and the distances of such battlefields in space, on top of the being strong enough, demands a greater amount of power for such a weapon," Lelouch said.

"Exactly. Although the problem isn't as bad with the Absolute Defense System if you just wanted to protect yourself. However, if you wanted to protect say, like a group of Ryders or a ship, then you wouldn't have the power required for that kind of level of coverage. And don't even ask to deploy the Defense system while trying using the cannon at the same time," Lynn warned.

"So, it comes down to machine lacking the necessary power system."

"Yes, and while I could try to create a more efficient and potent fusion core thanks to the alternative fuel source you found on this planet, your best bet is that we find a Twin-Drive Core in one of the wrecked Ryders that is salvageable, which would theoretically provide all the power your machine would need," Lynn said.

"I see. You really are intent on earning my trust, eh?"

"You do not seem to trust easily. I thought my actions would prove my sincerity," Lynn said, glaring at Lloyd.

"I am not the only one you need to convince," Lelouch pointed out.

"Yes, I am aware of that, and I even designed my own Ryder to aid you," Lynn said before offering up a Holo projection of a new Ryder design. "I call it the Bradamante. I drew inspiration from the data Lloyd had on other Knightmare Frames in his library."

"I take it you looked at Lloyd's collection on Earth's history and myths for the name?"

Lynn nodded, "I did. I saw he kept designs and data for an intriguing machine with high offensive capabilities I think called the Guren S.E.I.T.E.N. Eight Elements?"

"You didn't by chance pick something originally developed by one of his rivals to get back at Lloyd, did you?"

"Maybe," Lynn said with a devious smile. "But unlike your machine, this one won't be a power hog."

Lelouch studied the design of the Ryder. At a glance, it looked nothing like the Guren. Instead of the right arm having its signature weapon built in, it was integrated and miniaturized into both hands of the Ryder. Its spear-like weapons built the wings of the Ryder, which judging by the designs, were energy wings, and smaller dagger-like projectiles built into the hips and forearms.

"Instead of just focusing the Radiant Wave Surger into one large, obvious target of an arm, I instead put it into both hands, designed in a way to allow it to use other weaponry. But the wire-controlled spears and daggers can remotely seek out and strike nearby targets, delivering the same destructive effect. If the situation demanded, or if the wire was cut, it could still deliver a Radiant Wave Surge blast, which would be weaker but still effective. Beyond that, it has MSV swords and a VARIS rifle, with a Hadron Blaster configuration, where its energy wings would be used solely for defense and firing energy projectiles," Lynn said pridefully.

"I am no engineer, but wouldn't all that require a lot of power?"

"Perhaps, but I think modify the fusion core to handle it without any problem," Lynn replied.

"I suppose you have been proving yourself so far, but you have a ways to go before the rest of the Black Knights will trust you joining them on the battlefield."

"I am aware of that."

"She is easier to talk to than Lloyd is," Eugenia said.

"That is undeniably true," Lelouch said. Lloyd was already ignoring them, focusing on the Twin-Drive Core again.

Two days later, Suzaku was traveling by shuttle, leaving a PACT Cruiser somewhere on the edges of the Denari Expanse. A small, desolate planet was before him. His shuttle descended to the atmosphere of the planet, where a large base was built into the side of a canyon on the dusty, rocky planet. Once Suzaku's shuttle had arrived and parked in a hangar, Suzaku disembarked. He was greeted by dozens of PACT soldiers in uniform, including those with the emblem of a wolf upon black armbands.

Waiting by the boarding ramp was a woman with short, red hair and gray eyes, dressed in a black military uniform, six medals decorating her chest. She wore a red cap and black boots, notably different from other PACT leaders whose uniforms were modeled after eighteenth century European aristocrat fashion.

"Veniczar B. Kururugi, Welcome to our base."

"No need to formal with me, Veniczar A. Kuushana," Suzaku replied.

"I am relieved to see you haven't changed much," Emil Kuushana said smiling.

"Likewise, I hope things have been well all things considered," Suzaku said, shaking Emil's extended hand.

"We've been well, and much of that is thanks to the supplies you've been providing us."

"I am glad to hear it."

"Come. Let's talk somewhere more private," Emil said, gesturing for Suzaku to follow her.

Once the pair were safely in Kuushana's office the pair continued their discussion. Kuushana's office was nothing glamorous. Other than the essentials, such as a desk and some chairs for guests, it was relatively bare.

"How has Fontana been holding up?" she asked.

"He's fine, all things considered, but I am afraid things are getting worse with Alice."

"I am hesitant to ask, but what is she doing now?"

Suzaku took a deep breath.

"Alice has a new weapon under construction; a superdreadnought called the Legion. I am not sure how she could have built something so large so quickly, given the lack of resources to build new ships. I suspect she took the former emperor's flagship, using it to build the Legion to save cost, rather than building it completely from scratch," Suzaku said.

"Fontana showed you this, I take it?"

The aged Veniczar nodded.

"I am surprised Fontana hasn't turned on her yet, for everything she has been doing in the name of Arcadius," Kuushana said, sighing.

"I think he is torn knowing how much his death affected him and Alice, but of course he knows he lacks the support to turn on Alice even if he tried," Suzaku warned sagely.

"Too true. Even I couldn't overthrow her, so here I am in exile."

"I know, which is why I haven't been able to do much."

"True, but she can't get rid of you. You are too popular, beloved by most of PACT," Kuushana said with a smile.

"Your exile did upset many within the ranks of PACT. I wouldn't sell you short," Suzaku said, smiling back.

Emil Kuushana was a renowned figure and commander of Compact during the closing days of its war against the New Empire. Earning the nickname Kuushana of the Many Miracles, she gained that cognomen for taking a small fleet of decommissioned warships and defeating New Empire fleets, larger and better equipped than her meager forces, thanks to her skills as both a leader and a strategist.

Her personal forces, the Wolf Brigade, were among the finest Ryder pilots and soldiers in PACT, serving directly under Kuushana. Their loyalty to her was such when she was exiled by Arcadius for disagreeing with the new direction, she was taking PACT in they were exiled along with her. Kuushana's skills as a Ryder pilot were such that Suzaku thought her akin to Li Xingke, possessing piloting skills on par with Suzaku at his best, and being just as inspiring a commander and strategist as Lelouch.

If she actually fought under Alice, Kuushana is among the small few who I know would be challenging for Lelouch to take on, Suzaku thought, strangely thankful Alice had exiled her.

Suzaku had no doubt in his mind Kuushana would've been a formidable foe for Lelouch, and depending on what happened, should Alice be beaten, she still could be.

"You are too kind, Suzaku, but even at your age you are still a force to be reckoned with."

"Heh, I would just say I am just more experienced, both figuratively and literally."

Both Suzaku and Kuushana enjoyed a laugh.

"I think you'll outlive us all Suzaku, you are too stubborn to die."

Not stubborn. Blame Lelouch's Geass for that.

"I would rather not live to two hundred, thank you," Suzaku said jokingly.

"I don't blame you," Kuushana said before her expression turned serious. "What of that despicable fool Cullen?"

"Well…"

Around the same time, in the northern edge of the galaxy of PACT's territory, a planet- one of the former Empire's shipyards- was in revolt. The planet Edrillon, once a lush world, had been reduced to a concrete and steel-covered world, dedicated to the building of ships and war material during the New Empire's war with the Solar Alliance. Without sustainable land to grow food, the planet was dependent on shipments of water and food from New Eden, but since Compact overthrew the Empire and became PACT the world had been mostly forgotten, having long exhausted its natural resources. After enduring demand after demand to refit the old New Empire ships for PACT, the people of Edrillon had enough, taking those ships to stage a revolt. In response, Arcadius dispatched Veniczar B. Cullen to put down the uprising.

Cullen was a former member of the New Empire's navy, who betrayed his former comrades, selling out the secrets of New Eden's defense network to Compact to save his own hide, upon realizing the New Empire was doomed. In return for his service and willingness to do whatever horrific acts the new Arcadius asked, Cullen was elevated to a rank on par of Fontana and Suzaku, joining Arcadius' inner circle.

Dressed in a brown uniform fashioned after Victorian attire, Cullen looked every bit the villain, including his long curvy orange mustache and matching short hair. He wore a cape to match the so-called superior air he created for himself, but he was unknowingly despised by all. Part of the reason he was hated for his brutality and willingness to destroy civilian targets, but it was also why Arcadius raised him so high up in the rankings because he was willing to do whatever was commanded, no matter how horrific and inhumane the task was.

When the battle began, Cullen attacked with Missile Boats, unleashing wave after wave of missiles to soften his enemies up. Then his Cruisers and Battleships arrived escorting Carriers full of Ryders. Unleashing the Ryders; the ships Cullen brought badly outnumbered the rebels. Despite fighting tooth and nail for their world, they were losing. Despite their fierce resistance, Cullen's use of overwhelming force and firepower gave him victory.

"Sir, the rebels are asking to surrender. Shall we cease our attack?" asked a crewman.

"Bah," Cullen said dismissively. "We'll make an example of these traitors. Destroy every one of those ships, then begin a bombardment of the planet below. Try to avoid the factories if possible."

"Yes, sir," the bridge crewman said hesitantly.

Despite the ships the rebels had mustered; Cullen had brought in three times the number of vessels the rebels had, quickly overwhelming them. It was his preferred tactic, using overwhelming firepower and numbers to quickly overwhelm his foes. Cullen laughed cruelly as his force massacred the helpless rebels after crushing them in battle, before targeting the cities and residential areas of the factory covered planet.

"This makes for a wonderful warm up before we invade the Neutral Rim."

A/N: well that is one chapter down and next chapter the Black Knights make some discoveries within the Moon Base next chapter.

And yes if Cullen's appearance isn't warning enough, war is coming to the Neutral Rim at last.

Stay tune for the next chapter, and thank you to everyone who has read and reviewed the chapter so far. It is much appreciated.