Chapter 9: Portside

In a Britannian graveyard of Area 11, today was the funeral of Joseph Fenette. The father of Shirley Fenette who died in the Battle of Narita. Everyone was there and accounted for, from friends of Shirley's parents to Shirley's friends who attended the funeral. Milly, Rivalz, Kallen, Nina, Suzaku, Rai, and Lelouch. Malik along with Carlito and Alice also were present in the funeral to pay their respects and offer condolences. The atmosphere was all glum as rain dropped from the sky, the day itself filled with sorrow. Once the priest finished saying the prayers, they then proceeded to bury the coffin therefore ending the funeral service of Joseph Fenette.

"No! Please stop! Don't bury him yet!" Shirley's mother fell to the ground with tears in her eyes. "Please, I beg you! I don't want to see him suffering anymore!" she said incoherently, suffering the loss of her husband and father of her only child

Shirley walked over to her mother's side. "Mom, please." she said trying to calm her mother over the loss they both shared

After the burial, most attendees had left with the exception of Shirley's friends. Out of all in the group, Rai is the first to go speak to her before anyone else.

"Shirley. I'm sorry about what happened to your father." he spoke

Alice then walked to her. "You have my sympathies. I'm sorry for your loss." she said. "I... I know what it feels to lose a parent."

"It's alright, you two. There's no need for either of you to apologize." Shirley said with a smiling face, but they knew it was fake and forceful

"You don't have to-" Carlito was cut off by Kallen

"I'm so sorry." Kallen apologized, with Malik side glancing at her then at Shirley

"There's no need for any apologies. None of you haven't done anything bad." Shirley replied in a small voice

"Actually, I have to." Rivalz spoke ashamed. "Since I said that Zero was cool and all those things during the hotel hijacking..." he felt more ashamed as he bowed down. "I'm so sorry!"

Before Malik could speak, Suzaku shouted in rage. "THIS IS UNFORGIVABLE!" everyone with the exception of Lelouch looked at him. "Zero, the Black Knights. They're nothing but scum! Cowards! He doesn't face the challenges set before himself! All he does is use people, stir up trouble, then act like a judge, jury, and executioner before declaring himself the winner! They're not vigilantes. They seek to complete their goals by endangering innocent people and care for nothing but power! Those mercenaries from Narita are no better! Just heartless killers!"

Alice was shaken by Suzaku's words while Carlito balled his fist and was about to go confront Suzaku, but one look from Malik stopped him. Malik glanced at Suzaku after the awkward silence from Suzaku's rant.

"Ranting aside, we should go." he said as Rai, Alice, and Carlito left with Malik

"Shirley, we'll be waiting for you in the same old Student Council room." they heard Milly speak up enough for Shirley to hear, as said person gave a slight nod as a sign of understanding

Washington was in the mobile base of the Black Knights with Ohgi meeting Diethard Reid, a Britannian journalist.

"I see you were the one who gave us intel about Narita." Ohgi said

"That's right. I've been hoping to join you all for quite a while now." Diethard replied

Ohgi looked over a file Diethard gave him. "So, this new intel you brought. Is it for real?"

"That's right. The Viceroy's next operation will be at Port Yokosuka." Diethard stated. "True to told, I was hoping to give this to Zero."

"He's occupied with something at the moment." Wash said, changing the subject. "Only time will tell if the information you've given us is accurate to link up with our sources."

"I can assure you they are." Diethard said, reassuringly. "However, there is something I am curious about." Washington noticed Diethard's eyes trailed to him. "What is the scion of Ironwood Incorporated, a trading company aiding Britannia's enemy with PMCS of your own?"

Wash narrowed his eyes. "How much do you exactly know, Diethard?"

Diethard took a glass of scotch, before taking a sip. "For starters, I know your company does trading between Britannia and the Chinese Federation." he spoke. "Being one of few companies big enough to support your country of Australia, it is rather particular that providing arms dealing to enemies of the Holy Britannian Empire. Especially since Australia seeks to remain neutral on all matters of the war."

"Let's just say it involves a grudge that extends in my family." Wash said, ending the conversation

"Meaning with your ancestor, George Washington." Diethard deduced, as Wash eyed him cautiously. "Rest assured, I have no use of even bothering to tell Britannia. I believe my intel regarding the Port Yokosuka operation proves it."

"So, you say." Wash leaned forward. "What exactly do you gain here by joining the Black Knights, Diethard?"

Diethard grinned. "The story of the century." he answered, confidently

"In any case, I'll give it to him when they get here." Ohgi said. "He'll decide what to do, and you can meet him then."

"That's fine by me. I'll wait until then." Diethard replied

In a meeting room inside the Government bureau, Cornelia was having a meeting with Guilford and Darlton. Among them were the Knights of the Round such as John Giovanni, Mariel Lubie, Nonette Enneagram, and Clara Lafranc.

"So, it's decided then." Cornelia said

"Indeed. General Katase is currently in hiding at Port Yokosuka." Nonette stated. "The majority of what's left of the Japan Liberation Front is also evident as well."

"To which we would send in our marine units using Portmans to go undetected underwater." John said. "From there, they can disrupt the JLF's ship propulsion and our troops can ascend their ship. Therefore, leaving the ship surrounded and Katase in our custody."

"Could we expect the Four Holy Sword to make an appearance?" Mariel queried

"It is possible, but also unlikely." Guilford replied. "We've recovered their Knightmares but Kyoshiro Todoh and his elite unit were nowhere to be seen by the time our patrols arrived."

"They're still in hiding after what happened in Narita. So, they won't be able to do much in their condition." Clara said, a bit disappointed but became relieved when she asked. "Is it possible for Zero and the Black Knights to show up instead?"

"It's a 100% guarantee." Nonette said as Clara let out a light chuckle before smiling

"We should also have the Lancelot put in place as well." Mariel suggested. "Considering the circumstances of the situation."

"Is there a particular reason why, lady Lubie?" Darlton asked

"The pilot proved useful in Narita. We didn't get the JLF leaders or Zero, but neither side won either." Mariel stated. "I recommend we should have the Lancelot on standby just in case."

"I agree with Mariel." Nonette said. "Could be our ace in the hole if things go south for us like it did Narita."

"Especially with the possibility of the Black Knights showing up, considering their prior involvement in Narita." John added

"Which is why we can't afford any half measures." Cornelia declared. "We will crush the JLF tonight in the operation. If Zero and his Black Knights do show up, then we'll finish them off once and for all as well."

"Would Sub-Viceroy take part in the operation, or will she remain here in the palace?" Clara asked Cornelia, regarding her sister's position

"Euphemia will not be involved in this operation." Cornelia paused as she pressed her hands together on the table. "In times like these, it's best if she has a bodyguard of her own. Someone to watch over her and guard Euphemia with their life."

"Her knight in shining armor and personal bodyguard." Nonette's smile grew wide. "Or maybe you're looking to give your dear sister a suitor."

"Nonette." Cornelia said, glaring at her

"I'm just joking, Nellie." Nonette cheekily replied

"Can we be sure that the remaining JLF are on Port Yokosuka?" Mariel asked

"We will." Guilford replied. "We have already taken the necessary preparations for the operation tonight."

"There is also the other matter." John said, spreading a photo of the Knightmares of Fenrir team. "It seems that Zero has an elite force at his side from the looks of it."

Guilford picked up the photo of the Yasuke. "I encountered this Knightmare once back in Saitama when we were luring Zero's attention."

"As for these other three, this was our first encounter with them at Narita." Nonette stated, eying the three Knightmares. "Whoever they are, they have Knightmares from Camelot."

"One of the early reports prior to our arrival mentioned a supply shipment was attacked after the Shinjuku incident." Darlton informed the Knights of the Round. "These are no doubt the Knightmares that were taken from us."

"Put into use by the terrorists. Distasteful." Cornelia retort in a disgusted tone. "And since they're in enemy hands, it would also be our objective to eliminate the pilots and dismantle those Knightmares."

"Camelot won't like their property being dismantled. Are you sure we can't reclaim these Knightmares, Viceroy?" Clara asked

Cornelia nodded at her. "I'm certain of it, Lady Lafranc. Schneizel will understand it was necessary."

"Is there anything else to discuss or was that all?" Mariel asked

"That is the end of our discussion. Dismissed." All stood up from their seats and left as Cornelia. "John, a word?" Cornelia asked as said Knight of the Round turned to the Viceroy. "About Euphemia's protector. Do you have any recommendations on a suitable candidate?"

John thought of the Eleven pilot he met on Narita but advised himself against telling Cornelia. "No, your Highness. I have not thought of a candidate to be her knight. I suspect that the one Euphemia chooses as her knight, will be based on the decision she makes."

Cornelia sighed. "You may be right. I will pull up those suitable enough for Euphemia to choose one as her knight."

Meanwhile, Suzaku stared at the repaired Lancelot in the Knightmare hanger of the ASEEC Knightmare hangar.

"The Lancelot's repaired." he said. "If I lose, I won't be able to accomplish anything."

"Ahh, there you are. Looks like you're wracking that brain of yours like crazy." said a sudden voice from behind Suzaku

Suzaku turned around to see Lloyd approaching him with a smile. "Lloyd."

"Anyway, I have some bad news." Lloyd said. "We've just got word from General Darlton, and it seems we are on deck for another operation. Are they acknowledging your skill, or do they see you as a decoy?"

"Oh, Lloyd." Cecile said with a cheerful smile as she entered the room. "Would you care for another lesson in proper social etiquette? You look like you have time to kill."

"No, I'll have to pass on that." Lloyd replied with a dreaded look, before he smiled at Suzaku again. "Now then, I believe we're talking about your mission."

"I'll take it from here, Lloyd." Mariel said as she entered the room. "In the meantime, I want you to make some minor adjustments to the Guinevere. Unless I have to give you an order."

Lloyd's smile grew wide. "You don't even need to. I'll gladly do it just to see how your father's work has improved. You two enjoy your talking." he said, leaving to prepare for adjustments on the Knight of Five's Knightmare Frame

"Lady Lubie!" Suzaku said saluting and in attention. "I didn't know..."

"At ease, Suzaku." Mariel kindly interjected. "I only came to check up on you and inform you of your objective for our next operation."

In one of the small warehouse buildings at Port Yokosuka, the Black Knights have a meeting about their next mission along with the first meeting of their newest member. Fenrir team glanced at Diethard Reid, seeing three members of the Black Knights not trust Diethard judging from their expressions as there were trained on him.

"Zero." Ohgi spoke, breaking the silence. "I realize this is a request from Kyoto. I think we can definitely handle it. And I'm pretty sure that the Japan Liberation Front would rather join us rather than flee to foreign soil. But..."

"You are the one who brought us this information." Zero interjected. "Diethard Reid, was it?"

Lobo folded his arms at the man. "A Britannian journalist?"

"According to Washington, he's also the one who tipped us information about Narita." Valkyrie stated

"That's right." Diethard responded. "It is an honor you would meet me, Zero." he glanced at Fenrir. "And this must be mercenary team known as Fenrir." he added, extending his hand

Rai took his hand, firmly. "You say Cornelia going to deploy Royal Marines to apprehend General Katase of the Japan Liberation Front, correct?"

"Yes." Diethard answered. "The network is already poised to broadcast a special report on the matter."

"That sounds just like her." Zero commented. "Always wanting to show everyone how powerful she is. Lieutenant General Todoh will never make it in time to Katase. Which means the JLF has no military strength." he deduced

"What would be their options?" Yasuke queried

"They have only one: liquid Sakuradite." Zero answered

"Which is why we should help General Katase instead of going after Cornelia." Ohgi insisted

"Tell me, Ohgi, who are we?" Zero asked him

"We... we're the Black Knights." Ohgi replied

"Then, we have only one task. Destroy Cornelia's troops and in doing so, rescue the remnants of the Japan Liberation Front." Zero declared, standing up. "Tonight, we will regain what was lost to us in Narita."

"What are our chances?" Lobo asked in a mischievous tone

"Need you ask?" Zero queried

Lobo let out a small chuckle. "No at all, boss man." he responded

Zero turned to Ohgi. "Begin preparations. You all have your orders to carry out." Zero ordered everyone went to their tasks, as he turned to Yasuke. "Yasuke. There is something I want to ask you."

Yasuke stopped and turned to Zero. "What is it?"

"Tell me, how do you think I'm going so far?" he asked

Yasuke raised an eyebrow under his mask. "In terms of what? Leading the rebellion or what happened in Narita?"

"In terms of the way I'm achieving my goals. The things I've accomplished, I wonder if it all was worth it." Zero explained

"You created a rebellion and turned it into an organization to fight back against their oppressors." Yasuke said, stating the accomplishments of Zero so far since the formation of the Black Knights. "With our expertise and Washington on your side, they'll be getting the proper training needed. Nothing but guts and motivation." he added

"Even at the cost of innocent lives?" Zero asked

"This is war, Zero." Yasuke replied. "I've been use to something like this my whole life now. Because in war, there will always be casualties whether it's from our side, the enemy's, or civilian lives; one thing remains the same: people die. All that can be done now, is to move forward and save as many innocents as you can."

"Those are wise words coming from a mercenary like you." Zero responded

"I merely said what came to mind." Yasuke replied

Back in the ASEEC trailer, Darlton and Suzaku are in their Knightmare pilot suits talking.

"Just so you know, the viceroy has reservations about using the numbers. But use every able body, I always say. Even if it's the son of the former prime minister." Darlton said in a serious expression. "Our target alone is Katase. Take him out and the Japan Liberation Front is finished. We are sending in Royal Marines to ground the ship. Your job will be to provide supporting fire from the shore until the marines have Katase. As well as annihilating any stragglers leftover."

Suzaku's face was filled with surprise when he heard the order. "I'm to annihilate them, sir?" he asked

"Nobody but the target is to survive." Darlton said. "Warrant officer, Kururugi, show your loyalty to the crown. This is your chance to get ahead in the world, soldier."

"Understood, my Lord." Suzaku responded

Lloyd walked in and stood next to Suzaku. "Onward, Christian soldiers. Conflicting morals, am I right?"

Back in a warehouse, Alice sat on the roof with her mask off away from prying eyes. She brought out a photo from her past, which showed a young Alice along with her mother and little sister.

"You, along with your mother and sister were welcomed among us. Especially after that arrangement between your mother's family and the prime minister."

"Arrangement. What arrangement was he..." Alice's eyes widened upon realization

Years ago, in the Kururugi Shrine, a young Alice hid watching Lelouch and Suzaku while she giggled quietly. They were playing hide and seek while her mother tended to Nunnally, as Alice remained in the shed. Just then, Alice noticed the prime minister speaking with Kawasaki and Kirihara. From what the young Alice could see, it was a discussion you

"Now?! Out of all times?!"

"Prime minister Kururugi, I ask that you remain calm." Kirihara said

"How can I when that weapon the Krugers have sent us isn't even operational yet?" Genbu rub his forehead in frustration. "I agreed to trade them our share of Sakuradite in exchange for a weapon to hold off Britannia in case if we ever at war with them."

"You made the right choice, prime minister Kururugi." Kawasaki said. "A marriage between you and their daughter have completed that arrangement. You even bore children with her, sweetening the deal even more."

"That isn't..."

"It is enough, prime minister." Kirihara interjected. "We will have it ready in time even before Britannia will strike first."

"I could have had another son. But it seems that fate has given me two daughters instead." Genbu muttered under his breath

"Suitors will be found when they are right of age." Kirihara replied

Genbu shook his head. "The Britannia royal family will do the same for them, as well."

"Not unless we can have young Suzaku marry one of the Emperor's daughters, part of the deal involving the Sakuradite." Kawasaki suggested

Genbu checked from the corner of his eye to see someone watching them, seeing it was Alice. "We will discuss this at another time."

"Prime Minister Kururugi-" Genbu cut Kawasaki off

"We will discuss it later." he said, shooting daggers at the man

"H-how... how could I have forgotten that? Why didn't I-" Valkyrie is cut off when she heard the radio walkie

"Valkyrie. Valkyrie, do you read me?" she looked at the frequency to see it was Yasuke

"I'm here." she replied

"Get ready. Looks like they're about to begin." he said to her

Valkyrie sighed. "Right."

"You alright?" Yasuke asked on radio

"It's nothing." she said, attempting to change the subject for another time

"I know you enough to know that's not true. We can talk about it later when you're ready."

The Royal Marines in their Portman Knightmare Frames stood by waiting for Cornelia to give the word, with the Knights of Two, Five, and Thirteen. Knight of Nine was standing by Cornelia as she stood in front of her Knightmare, while Guilford and Darlton were with her.

"It's time." Darlton said as Cornelia nodded in response as she signaled by raising her arm

"Commence the operation!" she ordered

The Royal Marines began to make their move as they descended into the ocean, going underwater to attack the large freighter. Mariel's Guinevere descended down underwater, slowly treading their path. In the cockpit of the Lancelot, Suzaku received instructions from an officer. He then moved the Lancelot to get into position with his new VARIS rifle in hand and several Sutherland KMF moved along with him. The Portmans kept moving as they got into position to fire at the wall, with John watching from afar in the Grail. The Portmans opened fire on the wall, and it brought the attention of the others in the docks as they smashed through. At another area of the port, members of the Black Knights were already in position and looked on, shadowed by Fenrir. Ohgi and Diethard were on top of a tower looking through their binoculars.

"Looks like it's started." Ohgi said, before taking out a radio and contacted Zero. "Zero, you want us to move out or what? They're closing in on the JLF."

"We have to hold." Zero replied on radio. "Cornelia moved faster than expected. If we go now, we'll die along with them."

Meanwhile, the Lancelot along with several Sutherlands arrived at their planned point and pointed their guns at the freighter. In the Lancelot cockpit, Suzaku looked on at horror at seeing the JLF be one-sided slaughtered upon opening fire.

"This is a slaughter. Not a battle."

"Officer Kururugi"

"Go ahead"

"I know this must be hard for you, but you are a soldier. Remember that."

"Right. Yes, I understand." Suzaku responded

As the Knightmares continued firing on the freighter, General Katase was sitting angrily at a desk with two JLF soldiers by his side.

"How could they have found us? Where's Todoh?" Katase asked

"We can't locate him, or the Holy Swords." one of the soldiers reported. "Neither can we contact them."

"What about Kyoto? They said they would send in help!"

"Yes, sir! But we have no way of contacting them either!" another reported

Fenrir could see the Portmans boarding the freighter, after the freighter itself tried to sail away. Alice and Carlito waited anxiously for Zero to give the word, while Malik had his eyes closed and waited as Rai pressed his hands together waiting to observe the battle. He could see the Portman Knightmares board the ship. Suddenly, an explosion emerged upward at the JLF freighter which housed liquid sakuradite. The entire freighter was consumed in the explosion, with the JLF and Portman KMFs. The explosion itself had caused a strong aftershock creating large winds that were blowing in every direction. The shockwave even hit the Knightmares of Fenrir team. At the port, Cornelia and the Knights of Two, Nine, and Thirteen were shocked after they saw the explosion.

"Mariel, report!"

Back inside her Guinevere Knightmare, Mariel has only a scratch in the aftermath of the Sakuradite explosion. "I'm alive, Nonette. Although..."

"I can't believe this idiocy! They blew up the liquid Sakuradite?" Cornelia said as she felt the winds

"They wouldn't be reckless enough to do something like this." John replied in a mutter, in regard to the explosion that destroyed the JLF freighter. "This could be..."

Back with Fenrir and the Black Knights, they had also witnessed the explosions for themselves.

"Just what you'd expect from the JLF, choosing to take the Britannians out with them." Zero said

"Suicide?" Ohgi said in a surprised tone. "But they never mentioned."

"Listen up." Yasuke spoke, getting the attention of the Black Knights. "We lay out Zero's plan. We rush Cornelia's position head on! All that matters is completing the objective. If you want to give them hell by avenging the JLF, then capture Cornelia. Isn't that right, Zero?"

"You are correct, Yasuke." Zero replied. "Show them our strength and determination."

"Right!" Kallen said from her cockpit in the Guren

"Move out, Fenrir." Yasuke said, as Fenrir took down those who haven't got inside their Knightmares by knocking them down

"Your highness, we can handle this!" Guilford said after Cornelia got back in her Gloucester

"Quiet!" she responded. "First in Kawaguchi, and then Narita. How many times will I be mocked?!"

Cornelia's Gloucester was suddenly crashed by Zero's Burai as it sent her through a wall.

"Cornelia!" Nonette yelled, as Cornelia's Knightmare went through the wall and crashed into one of the large crates. "Guiliford, Darlton! With me!"

"Who do you think you are, attacking me before I power on?! You're mistaken if you can beat me in Knightmare combat!" Cornelia spat defiantly

Cornelia raised her Knightmare's arm, holding an assault rifle before the arm was stuck by a slash harken. It disarmed the Gluocester of its assault rifle as Cornelia saw it was the same model she saw in Narita, the Guren MK II. Before Zero could make a decisive blow, his monitor showed an enemy unit approaching him at rapid speed. His Burai was sent flying away with a strong kick by the Lancelot Grail of John Giovanni, the Knight of Two. It brought two Maser Vibration Swords and charged at Zero's Burai, backing away once the Knight of Two saw the Guren make its way toward him.

"Knight of Two." Zero thought, bitterly as the Grail helped Cornelia's Gluocester Knightmare off its feet. "You are a thorn in my side just like that white knight."

"Our first face-to-face." John said. "It's about time I got to meet the infamous Zero. But my curiosity is peeked as to whoever the face is behind that mask of yours. Why don't we find out?" he added, preparing another charge

"You can try, Britannian!" the Guren pilot said, charging up the Radiant Wave Surger from the Guren's right hand

"I think not. I've had a report regarding that hand of yours." John used the Grail to aim a precise strike at the RWS on the Guren, only for a pair of superheated claws to block the impact. "What's this?"

The Grail leaped back from an attack across the side, seeing the Knightmares from the battle of Narita show up. Yasuke, Archangel, and Valkyrie arrived just in time equipped with their Knightmares. All three dodged the incoming slash harkens, before returning back to the Morrigan as the Knights of Nine and Thirteen showed up along with Guiliford and Darlton in their respective Knightmares. Valkyrie used her Knightmare and Geass to quickly evade the bullets with ease before striking down both Guiliford and Darlton's Knightmare, immobilizing them. She then leapt ahead, dodging the Morrigan's barrage of slash harkens before kicking it back to a large crate. The Lancelot Club attempt to lunge its core luminous at Valkyrie, as Archangel used the RWS on the left arm of his Knightmare counter the attack. Yasuke and Lobo charged toward the Grail, only for the Lancelot to appear as both attacks are blocked by the Lancelot's MVS. The Lancelot quickly deflect both Yasuke and Lobo, striking the one of the legs of Zero's Burai before striking both of the legs as it fell hard on the ground.

"You!"

"Zero! I'm here to stop you!" Suzaku declared. "I won't let you people take the viceroy!"

"I don't think so, White Knight." Yasuke said as he and Kalen blocked his path from finishing off Zero

Valkyrie spotted something upon on her display, her eyes slowly widening when she realized who it was.

"Shirley? What is she-"

"I have you now!" Nonette interjected

"Don't count it on, Knight of the Round!" Lobo yelled, trying to get close to strike the Knight of Nine

Valkyrie inhaled and exhaled, as she used her Geass to move her Knightmare away from the battle before her. Her Geass affected at least half of the port before she moved her Knightmare toward Shirley in the unconscious Zero. While she headed down the path to Shirley and Zero, the battle was slowed as evident through the power of her Geass when she approached her intended targets. She grabbed Shirley and Zero before anyone was none the wiser. She moved Shirley away first, setting her down outside the port. She then turned her attention to Zero, but there was something familiar about him now. His hair in particular was dark, as his mask was held alongside him in the hand of her Knightmare. She hid behind a warehouse a yard away from the battle as her Geass reached her limit. The battle resumed at a normal pace as the Lancelot Club was tackled by Lobo's Knightmare, before jumping away from a swift attack by the Grail. Yasuke and Archangel clashed their Knightmares against Cornelia's and the Knight of Thirteen's Morrigan, while the Guren engaged the Lancelot in combat.

"What?" Nonette said, surprised

"How?" John asked

"Huh? How did I get here? I could've sworn that I..." Shirley trailed off in thought as she was a foot out of the port

"What was that?" Viletta said before hearing a sudden click of a gun as she turned and saw who it was. "Diethard? What are you doing here?"

"I have to say, joining Zero is much better than helping you Pure Bloods. Nothing personal." he said

"You useless, disloyal, dog!" Viletta yelled, only for Diethard to shoot her before she fired a shot as she fell to the ground

"Zero!" Kallen shouted

"They didn't get him." Yasuke assured Kallen, noticing that Valkyrie wasn't with them in the battle. "Valkyrie must have gotten to him. Valkyrie, you got Zero? Valkyrie!"

"I got him." she answered, her eyes suddenly went wide when she saw who the true face of Zero as he laid unconscious in her knightmare's hand. "Lelouch?"