A/N: Special thanks to Jameyofthemegacosmos, Icysnowsage, Darklord331, Silkdreamweaver (chief beta reader and editor) and our Gundam consultant and designer Redrat8. Greatkingrat88, and Seerking have also contributed to the development of this story. I had begun in-between projects since early last year.

Thanks to everyone who reviewed, left a favorite and a couple follows, they are greatly appreciated and always encouraging.

Now before I get into this short chapter I feel like I must put my foot down on the anonymous reviews, because which all of you can see have gotten out of hand with my generosity being taken advantage of, so from this moment on ANY anonymous review that are NOT related to the story or is similar to one I've seen before will be deleted, this will be my only warning. Also any ridiculous wall of text reviews and such will be deleted, because if takes more than five minutes to reply or if I have to do a whole chapter worth of text just to reply to it, just no, NO.

With that said, I'll save the rest of the the author notes for the end and the replies to any anonymous reviews at the very bottom, and I will answer those with only any relation to the story and the current chapter.

Also the poll on my profile page is still ongoing with the vote still favoring Ichika going with Lelouch by 15 to 11.

Chapter 11

Graduation Part II

Just as the other two pairs dealt with their objectives, Asagi and Haruko faced their own. Unlike the other two teams, they had no prior experience with the Comprehensive Skill Evaluation beyond what Haruka and Tsukiko had told them. While helpful, they feared it wouldn't be enough. Especially given how much Marimo had increased the difficulty against them in the mock battle.

However, while Asagi and Haruko found their objective, they were troubled by what they were seeing, especially Asagi.

"What is this red stuff on the walls?" Asagi said, feeling uneasy.

"Ugh, I want to know what that smell is," Haruko replied.

"Is this blood or something? Can't be, but why is there so much of it at this old missile base?" Asagi questioned as her face slightly paled.

"It has to be some trick to mess with us. I mean, I don't see any guards to keep us out and that chain link fence looks easy enough to climb over," Haruko said, before using a running start to scale the fence.

Once on the other side, she gestured for Asagi to follow her.

Despite her unease and how nauseous the smell was, Asagi was able to easily climb over the fence.

"No guards, no cameras, no nothing," Asagi commented before she noticed more dried blood at the entrance of the facility. She couldn't shake her growing uneasiness.

"I don't like it either, but why all of this blood? Maybe it's all an effort to psyche us out or something," Haruko tried to explain. "If it makes you feel better, I can go first."

"Sure, I'll take up the rear," Asagi replied following Haruko as the pair journeyed to the entrance leading underground.

Still Haruko wasn't taking any chances, she found an old rusted pipe and still had some rocks on hand. However, unlike the forest where they could spot such traps with the sun's light, as they ventured deeper into the underground depths of the missile base the darkness would be far from accommodating. Thankfully, the two did have a flashlight on hand to help them to navigate the interior of the base.

"Did they have to smear that stuff all over the place?" Asagi complained, wanting to throw up from the smell.

"Let's just hurry through this place and get out, they are just trying to freak us out."

"Okay, but what are we supposed to find?"

"Probably in the base's control room or somewhere near it. That would seem like the most likely area to search," Haruko replied, while struggling to ignore the horrible stench.

Ahead their path was blocked by a collapsed platform that led out into an old missile silo that was empty, forcing the pair to head down a set of stairs leading further underground. Following the hallway, the group came across a row of lockers, which probably had equipment and tools for use in the silo. The lockers were quite large, so when Asagi decided to inspect one while Haruko was looking around, checking if any of them were boobytrapped, the one she opened had a body suddenly fall upon her.

"AHHHHHH!" Asagi screamed, shoving the body before backing away in fright until she hit the wall.

Then, unaware of her surroundings as her mind was occupied with thoughts of escape. Haruko had to put the flashlight down and grab the panicking blonde woman as she tried to calm her down.

"Asagi, get a hold off of yourself!" Haruko shouted trying to get through to Asagi, but when she kept hyperventilating, Haruko was forced to slap her to get her mind to focus. "Calm down and look at me. That isn't a dead body."

Haruko knelt next to the body while flashing a light upon the so-called corpse that fell on Asagi, at a glance it looked like a body dressed in an old military uniform with brown hair. However, the skin was a transparent yellow. Removing the brown hair, which was nothing more than a wig attached to the head, they could see a visible skull under the transparent skin.

"This is a ballistic gel dummy. They come complete with its own human-like skeleton and blood provided by fake organs placed inside. They use these as test dummies when gauging the durability and stress of TSF cockpits to make sure the pilot would be safe," Haruko said, calmingly assessing the situation. "If the dummy was damaged in any way, they could see how. Whether it was stress from the G-Forces while piloting or injuries from damage to the cockpit itself."

"Why the heck is one here!?"

"I don't know, but I suspect parts of this objective was made with you in mind?"

"Me," Asagi exclaimed, surprised.

"You seem to be the only one who isn't handling this place well, so you tell me?" Haruko replied, stepping away from the fallen dummy.

"I…I…"

"Maybe you should just wait outside, I can probably continue on my own," Haruko offered.

"Uh, are you sure?" Asagi asked, hesitant to let her friend and fellow squad mate continue alone despite her fear.

"You could stay, but I don't want to have to calm you down if we run into a trap or something," Haruko explained.

"But they'll probably make sure whatever is ahead would require both of us to complete," Asagi pointed out, something even Haruko had to acknowledge.

"You're probably right. Alright, keep a distance and let me go ahead."

"O-Okay," Asagi said, feeling ashamed of her fear.

They are doing this because they know about my accident in Kyoto.

Asagi recalled when she attended a specialized technical school in her last few years, studying to become an engineer. She still remembered it as if it were yesterday when the BETA had reached Kyoto. She had been reluctant to leave her roommate behind and had been trying to convince her to leave. But the woman refused to leave the city without her grandmother, who refused to leave her apartment in downtown Kyoto. The pair tried to reason with her when it happened.

Asagi would learn later that a Destroyer had rammed the building she and her roommate were in. The whole thing collapsed, but Asagi luckily survived as she was buried under the rubble.

Unfortunately, her roommate, her grandmother, and others still in the building were not lucky. Even worse, Asagi could see their corpses and their limbs sticking out from the debris due to the fires and barely working lights. Asagi desperately tried to escape, but her legs were pinned and she was trapped. For a while there she laid there, haunted by the knowledge that she was buried alive with the dead.

Thankfully, something had caused the rubble to give way, giving Asagi a chance to escape. She was later found by rescue teams searching Kyoto for survivors.

Once the draft called for her, Asagi accepted immediately, wanting to avenge her friend and family and having nowhere else to go. Despite the rough training, she could take it due to the images of the dead burned into her mind. Or at least that's what she thought back then. There was one other incident where a recruit injured herself and had to be taken to the infirmary, resulting in a sudden relapse on that day. Asagi managed to shrug it off afterward, thinking that she was okay.

She didn't tell anyone about it, but those in the infirmary departments probably knew otherwise. The instructor staff probably learned about it from the background check and psych test the military does.

They got the better of me there, figuring out that I had this condition. Asagi slowed her breathing and wiped the sweat off her head. I just…I just…

"Asagi, hang in there," Haruko patted Asagi's back, startling her.

"WHA-"

"Asagi! Asagi!" Haruko hugged her, afraid she would panic again. "Asagi, please…"

"Sorry. I just…"

"I'm not going anywhere, and it's not about the training," Haruko told her. "Look, I admit that I don't know about the death of a loved one or friends, so I have no right to say anything about that,. but I know that people are counting on us, especially Lelouch. I honestly don't know why he was chosen either, but I do know that we were picked for a reason, just like he was, and it was not to be cannon fodder."

"I…I…"

"Just breathe, Asagi," Haruko encouraged.

"You're…" Asagi's breathing slowed down. "You're right, Haruko. I'm…sorry that you had to see me in such a sorry state."

"Let's take it one step at a time then," Haruko said, encouragingly.

With Haruko taking the lead, she and Asagi made their way through the rest of the missile base. As they proceeded they found other dummies dressed up as military personnel and prisoners with weapons, ranging from handguns to knives.

"Looks like all of this was to simulate an escape attempt," Haruko said, kneeling down next to one of the bodies to inspect one of the handguns. "Of course none of these weapons are real."

"Then that means the guy we are supposed to save?"

"Is probably among the dead, but we should still look around for anything we can use," Haruko suggested as she began searching the bodies of the dead." Asagi, why don't you check out the desk in that office over there?"

"Uh…sure," Asagi replied, relieved she wasn't asked to search for anything on the bodies.

Even knowing the corpses were fake, she felt uneasy about all of it. It still felt like the dummies were staring at them.

Their searches were fruitless. Neither girl found anything useful, so the pair moved onto another part of the base. They repeated this while being mindful of traps. Neither had a watch, so it was hard to tell how much time had passed, but eventually their searching led Haruko and Asagi to find an interrogation room with a body inside.

It was slumped over, while the body was securely tied to a metal chair.

"I guess that was the guy we were meant to find," Haruko said, seeing their objective was a dummy. They clearly weren't meant to find a live person for their objective.

"So maybe what we're supposed to find is on him," Asagi said, as her face paled as she realized what the exercise for the exam may be.

"Maybe we don't have to go that far," Haruko replied, trying to dispel Asagi's worries. She was also feeling squeamish at the idea of cutting the dummy open to retrieve whatever they needed.

Pulling the chair with the dead dummy away, Haruko began turning out the dummy's pockets. Meanwhile, to distract herself, Asagi began searching the room next to the interrogation room. Checking the pocket, drawers and anything else within the room for anything that could be the intel they sought. Time passed as the pair continued their search, but neither had found anything.

Please be here. I really don't want to cut this dummy open, fake or not, Haruko thought as she removed the dummy's shoes, hoping whatever intel was hidden inside.

With a sigh Haruko removed the shirt of the dummy, and began trying to look through the transparent skin for signs of what they were looking for. There in the stomach, Haruko caught sight of a thin metal cylinder. Which was good as she found what they were looking for, but also it meant she would have to cut open the dummy to get it.

"The damn thing is going to spray all over the place, isn't it?" Haruko complained, putting on the jacket of the dummy and trying to cover herself as much as possible using other clothing articles nearby.

Reluctantly, Haruko cut into the transparent flesh. Sure enough once Haruko had cut deep enough, blood erupted from it, making a mess on her. Thankfully, the jacket protected her from much of the mess.

"I know it's fake, but damn this feels nasty and it smells bad too," Haruko complained, struggling not to gag on the horrible smell. Nearly throwing up in the effort, Haruko retrieved the cylinder.

"What the heck happened?" Asagi asked from the doorway, noticing the blood all over Haruko.

"I got what we needed, let's get out of here!"

"Right, but maybe once we're out, we should go to the shore so you can clean up," Asagi said, forced to cover her nose from the smell.

"No kidding, all the more reason to get the heck out of this place," Haruko said in agreement before noticing something in Asagi's hands. "What's that?"

"I am not sure," Asagi admitted, holding what appeared to be a case. "But given how new it looks compared to everything in this place, it might be useful so I took it."

"Good call. Haruka mentioned that these tests usually leave tools for the teams to find. Such tools are intended to help them through the final objective," Haruko explained, glad for Asagi's discovery. "We'll look at it once we're out."

Yuzuka and Lelouch awoke the following morning. After breakfast the two cleaned up and made sure to leave the place as they left it. Considering the building would still be in service after the exam, it was best not to leave it in a state that could get them in trouble. Lelouch and Yuzuka did take advantage of the fact the house had fresh running water to refill their canteens. They also used some plastic and duct tape they found to fashion some make-shift water skins to carry more water. Not just for themselves, but their fellow teammates.

Upon finishing their preparations Yuzuka and Lelouch left the house behind them. Should they or any of the others need it again, Lelouch left one of the first-floor windows open enough for someone to pry open with their fingers..

"So we're going to the missile silo first?" Yuzuka asked, wanting to confirm their plan.

And to break the silence that had become unbearable for her.

"Yes, but the quickest route would take us near the other team's objective. So we'll go by their objective to see if we can't get lucky and run into them," Lelouch answered.

"Alright, so it's onto the missile silo, then the last objective?"

"That's right," Lelouch wondered. I hope nothing has gone wrong for the others, Lelouch thought.

Haruka laid out her plan to Tsukiko after the two awoke after a difficult night of sleeping in the trees.

"I say we gather what metal and anything we can use for rope so we can set up distractions to draw them away. If it works we can make a run for the building then get inside before they come back," Haruka suggested. "These drones should respond to motion, so we just need to make a lot of motion they can't ignore."

"So how are we going to do this? I doubt that will draw them away for long?"

"I got an idea for that," Haruka replied

They worked on gathering supplies for the next two hours. They got lucky that they found some rope; old as it was, it would be enough to serve their purposes. Once they were finished, the pair readied their distraction and timer, consisting of a piece of rope slowly rubbing against a sharp, jagged piece of metal, allowing Haruka and Tsukiko to put some distance between them and their diversion.

"I hope this idea works," Tsukiko said, wiping sweat from her brow.

"Me too. Once the drones move away make for the building," Haruka said as she and Tsukiko got ready to run.

"Yeah and I am ready with our key to the building," Tsukiko said, checking that the brick she was carrying in one of her pouches was secured since they would need to scale the fence surrounding the building as quickly as possible.

Waiting for what felt like hours, the rope eventually snapped, releasing their distraction.

An old metal wagon, the kind a child would've owned with a crudely made metal scarecrow with a bell and metal hanging from its limbs to create as much noise and movement as possible. The road it was rolling down, brought it close to the building and within sight of the drones. Although parts of the asphalt road were in disrepair, it was still usable for the wagon to roll down the road.

"GO!" Haruka shouted as the drones were lured away.

Haruka and Tsukiko made a mad dash for the building, climbing over the fence before running for the entrance. The drones hadn't returned yet, but they could hear gunfire meaning their time was running out.

Only there was a problem, the brick Tsukiko had been carrying had fallen from the pouch she had it in.

"Tsukiko, the window!"

"I got it," Tsukiko said, sprinting towards the window.

She jumped up, using her arms as a shield as she dove through the window, shattering the glass. Tsukiko had managed to land on her feet after turning her body through the window, avoiding potential injury. Haruka followed behind her.

They could've tried the doors, but neither one wanted to risk a locked door.

"Tsukiko, are you alright?"

"I am fine," Tsukiko replied, noticing cuts on her arms.

The cuts were light with slight bleeding.

"Let's get further inside so I can take care of that," Haruka advised, offering a hand to help Tsukiko up.

Moving into the hallway beyond their room, Haruka pulled out the first aid kit. Despite their limited supplies, Haruka needed to take care of Tsukiko's injuries to prevent an infection.

"Okay, that should do it," Haruka stated as she finished tending to Tsukiko's injuries.

"Thanks," Tsukiko said, flexing her arms. "I hope there is a way to turn those drones off."

"The control center should have something to turn them off. If I can get there, I should be able to shut them off."

"And if we don't, we become big, fat targets for those drones."

"Not quite," Haruka shook her head. "While observing the drones, I recognized their patterns. It seems they don't go anywhere near the control room. In a real-life scenario, it would be to avoid collateral damage and destruction of the equipment that coordinates them properly."

"So, we have to be careful of any other drones out there, but once we're there we should be clear."

"For this part of the journey, yes," Haruka nodded in agreement.

While the drones outside were a threat, Haruka and Tsukiko knew that just getting into the building was step one. From past experience in the last evaluation they took part in, there would be drones inside. They likely wouldn't be armed with live rounds, which was to avoid damaging the building which was old and left to the mercy of the elements. Drones shooting around inside the building couldn't compromise its integrity or damage the power sources needed to keep them operating.

But that didn't mean the drones within the building wouldn't be a danger in their own way.

Cautiously Haruka tossed a small rock out into the hallway leading to their destination, checking if there were any drones or traps lying in wait.

When nothing happened Haruka gestured for Tsukiko to follow. The pair silently went through the building to avoid any potential noise base traps or drones. Hopefully, the drones would act like the drones on the outside.

With that in mind the pair cautiously advanced deeper into the building.

But as they progressed deeper, their path was blocked by new automated drones. This time, they were all land-based with four wheels meant for flat terrain..

How did they ever make things like that? Tsukiko wondered as she ran. They're small, so they shouldn't be too hard to take out.

Something shot from the center of the drone, which looked like a wire or cable. It barely missed her, but she could feel an electric current passing through it.

Looks like I spoke too soon.

Haruka and Tsukiko retreated and hid in an empty room after backtracking far enough so the drones didn't see them enter. Once inside the two women closed the door to talk strategy.

"Well, you were right about a few drones patrolling the hallways," Tuskiko remarked.

"Those machines are different from the ones we saw," Haruka remarked. "Those ground drones must be used for incapacitating and detaining intruders to cover for their inability to use lethal force."

"Right, because live rounds could cause too much collateral damage," Tsukiko said, nodding her head.

"They seem to react to motion and not noise, just like the drones outside," Haruka deduced, recalling how one of the drones attacked Tsukiko while they had avoided making any noise.

"Stay here, I think I got a way to handle this. First I need some way for them to follow me," Tsukiko said, an idea came to mind.

"What are you planning?"

"Trust me, just wait here," Tsukiko said, carrying out a quick survey of the room.

The room had likely been a supply room, judging by the empty storage cabinets, and broken crates and storage containers. Unsurprisingly, it had been stripped of any potential weapons, but Tsukiko found a few things to fashion some make-shift tools to help her.

Haruka didn't ask any questions, but only quietly observed.

Using what had been a mop, Tsukiko fashioned a make-shift spear using her knife to sharpen one end after breaking off the head. Then using said knife to cut some tarp she found sticking out of an old crate before attaching it to some old cans, using the cut pieces to tie them together. Finally she found an old broom, which broke off the broom end to make a second spear.

"Ok, just stay here," Tsukiko said, exiting the room with her weapons in hand.

"Tell me what are you doing!?"

Tsukiko had already left the room and soon found the stone she had seen earlier, it seemed it hadn't moved from its position.

If only I could've lured it down the hall, but I guess I'll make due, Tsukiko thought, waiting for the drone to fire its taser.

Tsukiko dodged and in response hurled the spear she crafted from a mop at the drone. The weapon struck where the launched wires were being drawn back into for another shot. Seizing the moment, Tsukiko hurried to the drone, delivering a kick hard enough it smashed it into the wall breaking it.

"One down, but there are probably more," Tsukiko said triumphantly.

Advancing down the hallway, Tsukiko found enough, but broken cables and wires hanging from the ceiling combined with vines made it difficult to use the second spear. So Tsukiko used the tarp, having attached a broken pipe she found to fashion a handle allowing her to hold it up in front of her. The moving cans caused the drone to target them while Tsukiko was hidden from view making her hard to target.

Once Tsukiko closed the distance, she destroyed the second drone with a kick, smashing it. Thankfully the drones weren't very durable

Two down, Tsukiko thought.

Turning a corner, Tsukiko found another drone patrolling a doorway, which Tsukiko noticed electronic lights on the other side of. Readying the second spear, Tsukiko threw it, after dodging its attack, and like before the spear found its mark, stunning the machine, allowing Tsukiko to close the distance to destroy using another kick.

"This must be the control room," Tsukiko said, breathing heavily from slight fatigue.

As she was about to open the door to investigate, Haruka's voice called out from the hall behind her.

"BEHIND YOU!"

Tsukiko reacted instantly, raising her makeshift shield. Had she been a second slower, she would've been tased by a fourth drone. Tsukiko didn't know how she missed it, but it must've been hiding nearby. Tsukiko threw her tarp upon it before breaking it with a drop kick.

But it wasn't over yet, a patrolling fifth drone had arrived, and it was closing in on Tsukiko.

With nothing left, Tsukiko's options seem limited, but…

It will be hard to do it with a slightly cut leg. Tsukiko shook her head at the thought. I can't let that bother me now. It's the only way to take down some of those drones.\

Running towards the dead end of a smaller hallway near the command center, Tsukiko kicked off the walls, bouncing between them. Turning around completely in mid-air, evading the taser attack from the last drone before delivering a kick to the drone, destroying it.

"So, how was that?" Tsukiko asked her teammate, who broke out of her stupor.

"You…you just did an Allbright Turn right there! Don't realize how hard it is to pull off that maneuver!?"

When she had prosthetics, Haruka might have performed the maneuver more accurately and safely. Seeing Tsukiko do it with normal legs almost made her heart stop. Even though they could grow new legs, she did not feel the courage to do such a feat herself.

"Yeah, that was it," Tsukiko confirmed before gesturing for Haruka to follow her into the control. "But why don't you get to work turning the drones off so I can take a break?"

"Good idea," Haruka said as she and Tsukiko entered the control room, after the latter used a part of the drone she broke to smash the see-through glass so she could unlock the door.

Once they were inside, Haruka found a computer linked to transmitters and wires going up into the ceiling and others going into a room behind the control room. It is likely where the recharge stations for the ground-based drones were.

"There doesn't seem to be any high-level encryptions protecting this system, so it should take me just a couple minutes to shut the drones down," Haruka said, using a keyboard at the station to access the control system.

"Then I'll look for our objective?"

"Actually, I think this computer operates the radar, once I unlock the system, I can shut it down completing our objective," Haruka said with a smile.

"Ok, in that case I'll look for anything we can use. The Evaluation always leaves some tool or weapon you can use," Tsukiko said, as she began searching the control center.

Surveying the room, Tsukiko found a handle electronic device. It was fairly large, being about the size of a toaster, with an antenna. Examining it, Tsukiko quickly deduced its function when she turned it on.

"I found something, it looks like a portable radar," Tsukiko said, inspecting the device.

"Good, we'll take it with us. It will likely be key to the final challenge ahead," Haruka said with approval.

"How is it coming along?"

Haruka sighed, "It has been barely a minute, give me some more time."

An hour later, Lelouch and Yuzuka arrived at the town, near the command center where Haruka and Tsukiko were, or at least where they knew the second group would be. Unaware of what kind of dangers lurked or guarded the objective, the pair were cautious as they approached. It had been roughly a few hours since they left the lighthouse, so Lelouch and Yuzuka were hoping the second group was still in the area otherwise they would have to use their radios which have a limited use.

"I am not seeing anything, are you?" Yuzuka asked, while looking around for a better vantage point to help them with their search.

"No, but I see you are looking for a higher vantage point, which I think that might help us," Lelouch commented.

"No need for that," Haruka said, as she and Tsukiko came into view, the latter carrying the portable radar.

"I knew I heard voices," Tsukiko said, smiling, glad they had found the other group.

"I take it you two were successful," Lelouch said, noticing the portable device Tsukiko was carrying.

"It wasn't easy for sure," Tsukiko replied with a sigh.

"Indeed we just finished not too long ago, but our objective is finished," Haruka said with a light smile, noticing the rifle Lelouch was carrying. "Any chance, were you two responsible for that explosion we heard yesterday?"

"That was us, after we got far away before the bomb went off," Yuzuka repiled.

"Then that means Asagi and Haruko have the missile silo then," Lelouch deduced by an easy process of elimination.

"It makes you wonder what they must be having to face?" Haruka questioned, wondering what they were facing. She was also curious as to what challenge Lelouch and Yuzuka had to face.

"Yes, but unlike you two, they had no prior experience of any previous Evaluation to work with," Lelouch explained, expressing his concern for them.

"You're right, we should rendezvous with them as soon as possible," Haruka agreed with a nod.

"What did you two face?" Tsukiko asked, as the group began walking towards their next destination.

The two pairings each recounted the tales behind the objectives they faced and how they overcame them. Marimo was in a control room of a nearby base hidden on the island, using GPS tracking devices in the dog tags of Lelouch's squad to track them, and indirectly monitor their progress. All they needed to do now was reunite, but even then the final objective they needed to clear would be difficult to put it mildly.

Looks like they accomplished their objectives sooner than expected, Marimo noted, unaware that someone approached behind her. Now, to see how they'll settle the twist of mission. If it's ever needed, that is.

"You've really made the exam dangerous indeed," a voice behind Marimo remarked, who turned around to see a familiar man.

"Sir," Marimo quickly turned around to offer a quick salute.

"At ease," Eiji replied, after returning the salute. "I am only here to check on the current progress of the squad."

"Of course, sir," Marimo reported as she turned around. "They have just about completed the first stretch of the operation. A bit more quickly than expected, even with the obstacles used to test their weaknesses."

"It seems they are doing well," Eiji remarked. "It appears the boy Miss Takamura has been working with for the past few months lives up to his reputation."

"Despite the increased difficulty, Lelouch is passing with flying colors," Marimo confirmed. "I was first concerned that he would be arrogant in a fight against the BETA, considering his previously poor physical performance prior to training. The power of the machine and his usual comfort in commanding an army behind the scenes didn't help much. However, it looks like the brutal training regimen is paying off."

"Then it seems that Miss Takamura has certainly fallen into the hands of a great man," Eiji commented. Marimo felt a tone of joy in his voice. Considering his relationship with Yui and her father, the designer of the Zuikaku TSFs, it wasn't surprising that the head of R&D would be concerned for her wellbeing. "I believe Her Majesty will be grateful you are going the extra mile to make it difficult."

Eiji's remark prompted Marimo to smile. However, that also brought a concern she has as well.

"Her Majesty will be pleased with his performance despite the challenges we've added. It will further prove the kind of man he is, showing how he's earned his right machine. However…"

"Yes," Eiji narrowed his eyes, anticipating something critical.

"I am worried, mindful of the politics surrounding Lelouch and his machine," Marimo said, with Eiji recognizing what she suspected. "Rumors have most certainly spread throughout the Japanese military and government. There is more to his machine and its technology than Lelouch himself, but I can imagine how everyone has been reacting to them. The most concerning part, though, is the fact the pilot we have is, by our world's standards, an American."

"That's another reason why I was here," Eiji sighed, knowing Marimo was right. She just didn't know exactly how the other nations had been reacting and how Japan was dealing with it. "But saying that it has taken the international community by storm would be an understatement. You can take the UN, for example, after what just happened in Kyoto."

"I have no doubt about that, sir," Marimo sighed with him as she turned her chair around. "To get to the point, how has the world and our nation reacted to it so far?"

"To start, you have the usual suspects," Eiji started.

"The United States." Marimo didn't have to guess who he inferred. "I doubt they know about Lelouch or his given nationality. But as the currently leading nation in the community, if you can still call them that, they certainly have been thrown for a loop. Of all of them, they are my reason for why I considered our newest tech to be more harmful than helpful."

"Even if we want to, sharing something we barely understand is beyond difficult," Eiji admitted. "Even with all of the technology and information Claude provided us, replicating it, yet alone reverse engineering it, is far from easy with our time and resources stretched thin."

"You intend to offer something to the UN?" Marimo realized his intentions. "A joint development project, I suppose?"

"There is also the issue of Lelouch being from another world. Even if the world doesn't know that, he could likely find and bring back new technologies on his journey, so having more resources and scientists who could help could quicken what Japan on its own could do," Eiji confirmed, glad Marimo picked up on that detail. "For the time being, we are keeping the US and Russia out of that agreement until we are in a better position to dictate terms with them."

"While the other countries who haven't been fond of US dominance within the UN are rallying around Japan as head of the opposition."

"The Shogun has been successful in negotiating with countries behind the US and Russia's back, and through the UN, she has been using it to put pressure on the US to keep to their treaty obligations if they want in on the new multinational project dubbed Project Unity. The other countries are already offering production facilities and scientists to enhance our efforts. Terms and agreements among other specifics just need to be worked out."

"It sounds like quite the political victory for Japan," Marimo noted.

"Yes, but negotiations are still in the early stages even if Japan is in a very favorable political bargaining position at the moment."

"Of course," Marimo said, before asking another question. "If I may sir, what about our people?"

"That is a slippery slope," Eiji admitted, while international bargaining efforts have been favorable for Japan so far, it seems opinions among the people and military are different. "From what we are gathering it seems people in the military are divided on the matter surrounding Lelouch."

"As expected I am sure."

"Indeed, despite his origins he is regarded as an American and there are many, despite his efforts in Kyoto, who don't really see him in a favorable light," Eiji replied. As Marimo said, neither Eiji nor she weren't surprised by this revelation. "All because he isn't Japanese."

"Proving himself to them won't be easy?"

"Yes and as if that wasn't a problem, already there are people who are rightfully angry over the incident involving Lieutenant-General Ayamine earlier this year before the invasion," Eiji said with a sigh, recalling that unfortunate incident.

"Given the outrage that caused among our people I can't say I am shocked it has remained in the minds of many in Japan," Marimo said, recalling that incident.

Early in the year in January, the Gwangju Operation was conducted jointly between the forces of the Japanese military, the UN, the United Front of China, and Consolidation of South-East Asian Nations, or COSEAN for short. Their goal was to support the UN and COSEAN forces withdrawal from the Korean peninsula, as the BETA were becoming too overwhelming for them to maintain the defense lines, which were expected to collapse within a month.

What became known as the Tragedy of the Gwangju Operation, Japanese forces began prioritizing rescuing local civilians who were denied refugee status and a chance to evacuate by COSEAN and the UN, an honorable and just action to be sure. Unfortunately while they were occupied with their rescue efforts the BETA launched a massive attack, but the Japanese Military occupied with saving the local civilians the UN base was overran resulting in its loss and the UN suffering considerable casualties.

Although no one could've predicted the BETA was going to attack, the incident became an international nightmare for the Japanese, as the UN demanded Lieutenant-General Shuukaku Ayamine to face an international military tribunal. Complicating the matter was the fact that many within the military and the Japanese people defended the Lieutenant General's actions. In the end, not wanting to risk international support, aware that the fall of the Korean Peninsula would mean Japan would face an invasion by the BETA in the future, and not to mention the lost of UN support for a project they were working with the Japanese on, the Prime Minister of Japan, Kurechika Sakaki reluctantly compiled and handed the man over to the UN leading to a lot of outrage in Japan.

To the surprise of no one Shuukaku Ayamine was found guilty of desertion, overlooking the civilians whose lives he had saved.

"Given how much Japan had been lost to the BETA in such a short time, I can't imagine this would add fuel to a growing fire of dissent within our ranks," Eiji said, and his expression suggested an unspoken concern Marimo noticed.

"Are you expecting a coup within the military might happen?"

"Considering all that has happened, it would be foolish to ignore the possibility. More so since the chain of command is in tatters right now as we work to rebuild it. All the more reason we need to win big in the coming battles, against both the BETA and in the political arena."

Meanwhile two hours later, Lelouch and his group arrived at the missile silo looking for Haruko and Asagi. Everyone hoped the two missing members of their squad had chosen to stay nearby. Lelouch and Haruka began searching while Tsukiko decided to use the radio to call out to them. They had been using them sparingly due to the limited battery each were intentionally left with, forcing them to converse their usage as much as possible.

Despite that, the drain on the battery was noticeable.

"Asagi and Haruko, do you copy?"

After a moment of silence there was a response from Haruko, "We hear you."

Tsukiko was relieved, "What is your status, we are approaching your objective?"

"We're fine, the objective was just more psychological in nature," Haruko replied.

"Understood, we're near the objective's fence coming up from the south, can you rendezvous with us?"

"We see you, we're coming," Haruko replied over the radio.

After spotting the group from a distance, Haruko and Asagi eagerly reunited with the rest of their squad. However, Yuzuka noticed the blood stains over Haruko's clothes.

"What happened to you?"

"I would rather…we not talk about it, but I will say I spent an hour trying to clean my clothes in the ocean with very limited success," Haruko said, mostly keeping quiet out of consideration for Asagi given what happened yesterday.

Not to mention the time she spent at the shore in a vain effort to try to get the blood stains out left her with being left in the nude for much of the day and into the night. Combined with being cold while waiting for her clothes to dry, although she could've taken clothes from one of the dummies, none of which unfortunately could fit her. She did wear them until her clothes dried the following morning.

"Understood, but I trust you were successful?" Lelouch questioned, no one minding if he moved the conversation along.

"Yeah," Asagi said, handing over a rolled up document that had been in the cylinder Haruko got from the dummy corpse. "It looks like a map of where the extraction point is."

"Good let's look it over then begin heading towards it," Lelouch said, as he began examining the map, Haruka looked over his shoulder as did Yuzuka.

"That location, it looks like the extraction point is at the old airfield at the eastern end of the island, just opposite of the lighthouse," Haruka said.

"How do you know?" Lelouch inquired.

"We found a map of the island in the command center, which we took with us," Tsukiko said, opening a pocket on her pants leg to pull out a folded up map of the island.

"I see, that is an unexpected boon," Lelouch said, growing suspicious of their good fortune.

A suspicion fueled by the items they've found, a powerful rifle, and a portable radar.

Wait, I'll need to ask if Asagi and Haruko found anything else, Lelouch thought, as it could be a clue in deducing what they could be facing as a final obstacle.

"So if we go this way, we should reach the airbase tomorrow morning," Haruka said, comparing the two maps looking at their current location and their destination.

"We could stop at this cluster of houses for the night, it would give us some shelter for the night," Yuzuka suggested, pointing to what seemed to be a structure along the way on the map Tsukiko held.

"Asagi, what are you carrying?" Lelouch asked, noticing the black case she was carrying.

"This, we're not sure?" Asagi replied, handing the case to Lelouch who opened it.

Upon inspecting the case's contents, Lelouch saw it was a kind of electronic device with an antenna that could be extended. Haruka joined in, but quickly recognized what it was.

"That's an electronic jamming device, when it's turned on it will disrupt nearby electronic devices especially remote control drones," Haruka replied.

"Now that would've been useful earlier," Tsukiko said sarcastically, folding her arms under her chest.

"Or it could mean that what we'll face as our final obstacle will be a drone operated machine," Lelouch pointed out.

"That could be true since my team and I faced an automated turret in our evaluation last year," Haruka suggested. An assessment Lelouch agreed with a nod.

"Either way we should get moving so we can cover as much ground as we can before it gets dark," Yuzuka mentioned. No one was opposed to her idea.

"Agreed, let's move out," Lelouch suggested before he and his squad headed for their destination.

A/N: After much debate I thought it would be interesting for Haruko and Asagi's test to be more psychological in nature as a challenge, since it was to test if they could keep their cool in such situations.

While her background before the Day After is unknown, I did work out a plausible backstory going off of her appearance (which I assume made her a few years older than Yuzuka and Hibiki at the time, so I assumed that put in her late high school years or just starting collage when the Invasion of Kyoto happened, with the specialized school she was going to being a preparatory school), and the story of being trapped in a collapsed building to better fit with what was known about her.

As for Tsukiko and Haruka's test I was worried when using drones, since while I wanted to make sure they could succeed, but also not make it impossible which was my biggest worry with it. Tsukiko using that move in the chapter was a nod to an event where she tried to use it in a TSF, but her first attempt to use it didn't end well for her let's just say. That will be elaborated more upon in chapter sixteen.

Including the bit about the chain of command being in shambles in more detail, but that will be touched at various points in the upcoming chapters.

The next chapter shall be the final test, after the group rest up, not knowing what they will face to complete their test.

Thank you for reading this chapter, and all reviews, follows and favorites are always appreciated, and encouraging to see.

But after all of the enormous and hard to read anonymous reviews I've had to deal with normal reviews would be VERY welcomed to bury them XD.

And now for replying to anonymous reviews.

AlanWake: I feel like I answered the early part of that review before in the previous chapter (yes Lelouch is physically stronger than he was in canon already, but there is more to his character than that which I don't want forgotten), so I will not go over it again. Not when it feels like you are trying to promote your own story and not mines.

Yuuya Bridges I got planned out pairing wise, and Tatsunami Hibiki isn't in the story, although he was considered for Lelouch's squad he got voted out during the decision process to use him or not, but he may or may not appear later in the story through.

Samurai sven: Thank you and as for Yui and Lelouch revealing their engagement, it hasn't happened yet, but eventually which will be a long while, and don't worry Lelouch will man up as you said when the time is right since he is trying to keep what he is doing hidden from everyone and is being mindful to avoid prompting others, not just Milly from snooping into his business.

Guest: Thank you and I haven't been neglecting Naoto, while I have no plans for him its not out of the question he can be recruited. Its just as of chapter sixteen they have other things to address first, and Lelouch is going to need something to offer them to incite them into joining since he can't just show up asking him to join him, not without them having to help the Empire of Japan first since they are Lelouch's main sponsor and he cannot neglect his main sponsors. Its a complicated issue, and I can't go into too much detail without heavy spoilers. Also I have a different pairing in mind for Kyoko, and no its not Lelouch.

I will be using stuff from the movie, but the placement of when the group shows up during Gundam Seed will be during events of Destiny.

Thank you.

Random guy: Thank you and I know, which I am putting a stop to starting today.

Possibly, I was going to wait until the series plays out so I can get a better idea of what has been used and such, but its possible some elements could be used.

Leon Kennedy: You need to better space out your review and since it has no connection or relation to the chapter and something AU instead, I am going to ignore it, sorry.

Alan Wake: Do that with your own fic that series has no place in my story.

Alan Wake: I feel this was asked before, but differently so skipping it.

Alan wake: Do that in your own fic.

Alan Wake: Do that in your own fic.

Leon Kennedy: That kinda goes into spoiler territory so I can't respond to that, but for the record Euphy won't die in this story.

Samurai sven: Yes, well Yuzuka is one of the harem candidates for Lelouch in consideration, and she does have a good advantage to start with, its just up to her to build upon it.

Samurai seven: That may happen, but won't say more since that will go into spoiler territory and I think you asked a similar question before.

Leon Kennedy: Why would he need an Alexander or Lancelot where he can just make his own customized Knightmare Frame when he doesn't need his Gundam, which I've explained already when it comes to events of CG he'll keep it back until he has the forces and resources ready for when he kicks Britannia out of Japan.

Samurai seven: I feel like this talked before too.