Before Me The Revolution! 5 - (Code Geass, Bonaparte!SI)

Moving to Africa and 'betraying Europia' had been a half-decision for one Anna Clement.

While she had been at odds with some decisions of her 'home', it was true that she didn't think it ever got to the point of her contemplating to leave. No, the other half of that decision were her parents. Out of all those that migrated to the new country, only a handful received the blessing of their parents, and Anna was part of that minority.

The truth is harsh when it is fully exposed, especially when it highlighted the tight pockets of the government in supporting her family when she was the one that helped the country develop the Panzer Hummel. Anna got scholarships, her parents got a tiny paycheck for her 'service to the country'. It didn't help that fees suddenly increased during the war and Anna saw hardly any of those pumped into the military.

The truth is... Europia had been on a death spiral for decades now. The Civil War in the 40s had pretty much shown that, and the early invasion of Britannia had shaped a ugly reality over their defensive positions. The renewed conflict cemented it, and Anna saw the gritty reality that welcomed her and her family the moment Europia fell: not 'if' but 'when'.

And as much as she wanted to believe Laila's own beliefs that they could turn the tide in due time, there were too many odds against them. A few miracles in the battlefield were not going to overturn the nature of their limited military prowess against the Britannian preparation, and the independence of Africa created a sudden lack of resources and land to prolong the conflict.

Alas, Anna's arrival in Algeria was one filled with much surprise to see how well-developed Oran was. Far from the sights of Paris, the major city-port of North Africa was clearly expanding even as a few days passed, with new buildings being created to allow the newcomers to find reason to linger and live within the city.

Yet, Anna was not to remain in the region for too long, with the next month seeing her work application accepted by one of the rising companies in the super-nation: Shadow Moses Inc. sounded like a menacious name for a business, but the place was actually one of the major conglomerates in Africa that oversaw the production of advanced robotic and mechanical products.

When Anna received a full tour of the company, part of her felt uneasy over the idea she may be put into a division regarding weaponry production. She had the chance to see one of those 'Metal Gear Rex's in display during a patrol in Oran and she knew that those were the things both Britannia and, possibly, Europia were going to face.

But the girl was given a surprise when she was given a few options off a list. Some regarding the job she was now planning to take out of commitment to not put Leila in danger, and others were... actually entertaining to a moral level.

She ultimately picked a spot which involved the creation of exoskeletons that could be used in medical cases. The idea of providing people that have illnesses that limit their mobility felt like a most civilian and most fair opportunity to put her skills to work, even more since the pay was still relatively good.

As Anna started to work with her new team, she found herself baffled by another detail: the entire group was a mixed one. A few were from Europia, a large portion was born in Africa from various states all around the continent, and there were a couple of researchers from the Middle East and Asia.

Did anyone play on the dynamics behind their ethnicity? No, everyone was treated as an equal partner and granted praise depending on their individual work. And in that anomalous environment for someone that had seen quite a lot of racism, Anna was delighted to make progress with the newest exoskeleton model that would assist workers in handling heavy material.

The yield was effective enough that mass production was to be permitted within the next three months and... the 'Big Boss' actually visited their facility in Cairo. The news had been unexpected, but they were all told to be in their best behavior as the 'Supreme Leader' visited.

Admittedly, Anna had been curious of what kind of person Big Boss truly was. The man felt like a 'giant in the world' considering his bombastic personality, but he was also a mysterious figure that controlled all major politicking in the United States of Africa.

And as she prepared herself to this sort of deal, she ended up turning late because of a... plum-haired girl. Shorter than her, seemingly younger than her... Anna found her wandering around some of the top-secret labs.

"W-What are you doing here? This is a reserved place." She asked, and the girl just appeared aloof.

"Taking a stroll."

A goofy response, but Anna took her away from the place. Holding hands, ultimately the girl, who introduced herself as 'Bea', asked about the few 'cool devices' around and... that triggered Anna's mouth as she started to explain to the girl more about the various important devices that were all around the less-reserved rooms.

The flat-looking girl nodded, asking just a few questions but clearly pay attention to what she was saying.

"That's cool, big sis."

...For some strange reasons, being called 'big sis' left her smiling like a dummy. And it proved to be awkward when she got back to her work area and found her team already discussing with Big Boss. He looked like in TV, and Anna realized she had turned up late.

Panicking, she tried to approach the group, almost forgetting of the little girl she was dragging about when-

"Oh, so that's where you were Bea."

"Hi big bro," Bea, the girl holding hands with Anna, greeted back, causing Anna to freeze up. "Big sis showed me around."

They are siblings?!

"I am glad to hear that. Oh, and you are... Ms. Clement?" He offered his hand.

She nodded, employing her meek French for the occasion and she reached to shake his hand.. "Anna Clement."

"A pleasure," The man smiled dashingly, leaving the researcher's brain into a dumb state as he started to speak with the 'disobedient sister of his' while Anna's gaze turned to his exposed abs. He wasn't wearing a shirt, but an open jacket and-

I could grind so much sweet cheese on those abs...

"You alright?"

Blinking, Anna gulped nervously as she realized she had zoned out.

"S-Sorry, I was thinking about-"

"Science!" Bea interjected with a flat proclamation, causing Big Boss to snort.

"I suppose you're into that, huh Bea?"

The girl nodded. "Can I spend more time with big sis? She's super-smart."

He smiled. "If your big sis is fine with that, then sure."

"I-I wouldn't mind."

And thus Anna got stuck with a new task from time to time as the rest of the visit went as smoothly as it was needed. But, right before leaving, Bea walked up to her with a small smile.

"Psst, big sis?"

"Hm?" Anna turned to Bea and the girl gave her a cheeky grin.

"If you want spicy pics of my big bro, I can give you those for a price."

The proposal had the poor young woman in a sudden permanent blush for the remainder of the day.

Anna was now sure this 'little girl' was not as 'little' as she thought her to be.

AN

'Bea' is up to no good as she is plotting to make a 'big family'. Next time will involve the first real Britannian-African skirmish.

Also, map!