Summary: With the use of his geass, Lelouch inserts himself into the Atlas hierarchy, slowly planning on climbing his way up the ranks. Connections, alliances, plots, and schemes, all are fair game.
1 month after initial arrival
Time passed swiftly as Lelouch quietly began acclimating himself to the new world. Most of it had been spent surveying and studying Atlas, all while using his Geass' power to guide his assimilation, to find a new life, to blend in. It had become his key in finding opportunities to maneuver himself into the hierarchy.
For weeks he had quietly embedded himself into the public sphere. After learning more about the Kingdom he found himself in, Lelouch quickly became accustomed to its ways, customs, and routines. As far as everyone else in the kingdom was aware, Lelouch Lamperouge had been nothing more than just another Atlas native.
After observing and mapping out the structure of the government, the military, and their technological advantages, he had an ideal method to begin his campaign to climb up the political ladder.
Car coming to a smooth halt, Lelouch stepped out of the back seat, donning a stark black overcoat over his military uniform, custom-made to fit him, and in perfect regulation. An Atlas patch adorned his breast, the pin gleaming as he climbed the concrete steps.
Shooting a smile towards the valet, he entered the massive marble building. This wasn't a government structure, rather, it was a great hall reserved for numerous events: meetings, fundraisers, awards ceremonies, banquets, etc.
The venue was well designed with several open balconies on every level, providing clear sights over the entire area. The walls and floors had a crisp, elegant shine to them, and everything appeared orderly and neat.
Stepping inside, Lelouch needed to first confirm his attendance at the front desk. Filled with wealthy-looking individuals and military officials, the place had a lively energy to it. This particular gathering was a gala celebrating the safety and continued growth of the kingdom.
"Name?" the woman sitting at the front desk asked as Lelouch walked up, a wide grin on her face.
"Lelouch Lamperouge," he answered, maintaining an air of professionalism.
"Ah yes!" she exclaimed, quickly checking his name on a roster of attendees. "Welcome to the gala!" She glanced up from her file and slid him an identity card with a magnetic strip, which he affixed to his coat.
Chuckling softly, Lelouch couldn't help but shake his head as he strode towards the crowd. "It seems I really can't let go of the past, in a new world I still use that name," he mused.
Being a new face, he quickly made an impression. Wandering into the venue, his ears were already met by chipper feminine voices whispering and giggling.
"He's absolutely gorgeous," he overheard.
"Check out that uniform, such a snappy dresser. Looks so professional," the voice continued, a group of five ladies to the right eyeing him carefully.
The rest of the party-goers began to turn, looking to the newcomer with a fair share of curiosity and suspicion.
Lelouch confidently weaved through the throng of attendees, answering any greetings with an immediate smile. After a minute, he eventually settled at the side of one of the open balconies, placing an elbow on the marble railing.
Turning his head, he began studying the venue and guests with great interest. Seeing all of the people milling around and engaging each other was certainly a sight to see. They were all dressed lavishly, from women donning all manner of elaborate and formal clothing to the men wearing the finest tailored suits.
Pulling out his scroll, Lelouch casually glanced at the time before tapping the device and returning it to his pocket. All his research had pointed to this event as the prime location to make introductions, to plant a seed in the social web.
"Lelouch!"
Right on schedule.
Smiling, Lelouch straightened and turned his head, greeting the individual strutting his way, Colonel Richard Turpin: an influential and notable official in the Atlas army. And as planned, General Ironwood was following shortly behind.
"Ah, Colonel, a pleasure to see you. It's been a long time." Lelouch greeted.
Turpin let out a hearty laugh. "Much too long, you have no idea how good it is to see you alive and well." Reaching his side, he wrapped an arm around his shoulder and looked towards the general.
"James, let me introduce you to Captain Lelouch Lamperouge, a man who served us for some years under my direct command and showed remarkable skill and intellect."
Stopping next to Turpin, the general raised his brow. Trying his best to piece his features to a memory, he came to a lack. Lelouch waited, looking expectantly.
Ironwood reached his hand out. "Captain Lamperouge... I'm afraid I can't recall," he offered apologetically, which the captain responded to with a slight smile.
"That would be understandable, General, given the hectic situation we're currently facing. I'm sure you've had much greater priorities and worries," taking the offered hand.
"James, when I tell you that his young man is one of the brightest minds I have ever met, you have my word," Turpin grinned, gently punching the general. "That young blood you've been asking to find, well here he is," the older colonel smirked.
A slightly surprised, yet hopeful look formed on James' features, his eyebrow quirking. "It's quite the praise you're doling out there, colonel," he smiled, reaching a hand up to adjust his tie.
"You recall that nasty business in Dormir village, yes?" the old colonel inquired. Upon the general's nod, his grin widened. "This young man orchestrated the plans that nipped that in the bud before it could get worse."
At those words, James' eyebrows raised sharply, his mind swirling. He couldn't deny the weight of such words, and this Lamperouge seemed just the kind of young man he'd been looking to cultivate within the higher ranks.
"I-is that so...?" the general muttered thoughtfully. Turning towards the young man, his inquiring look was met by Lelouch's confident grin. "Very impressive," he began, a small smile forming.
"Indeed! Now has you know-"
As the colonel droned on about his protégé's deeds in detail, the young captain kept his smile firmly in place, glad that General Ironwood seemed to be taking the bait.
None of what the older officer described were even things that truly happened. Instead, Colonel Turpin had long been subjected to Lelouch's Geass, all the information regarding 'Lamperouge' planted in his mind and heavily reinforced by Lelouch himself. The old man, being under its control, genuinely believed all of it.
Once done recounting the tales, the old Colonel straightened with a satisfied smile. "If you think you have any uses for his services, General, then take this young man, he'll serve the kingdom well," he offered, patting him heartily on the back once more.
Nodding curtly, the general turned back to the smiling Lelouch. "So you're a strategist, is it?" Ironwood asked.
"One of my responsibilities under Colonel Turpin's command," he replied.
Ironwood nodded, looking deep in thought.
While Lelouch could easily ensnare Ironwood right now with his geass, he learned long ago to keep such a trump card for dire need.
"Colonel, might I have a word with this young captain?" the general inquired, turning his head slightly.
Especially when his power wasn't needed yet.
"But of course," the colonel chuckled, pulling his arm off Lelouch, before gesturing at a passing server. "I've got an open bar to indulge in, have a good chat, General." Nodding politely at Lelouch, the colonel quickly took his leave.
"Have a good evening, sir," Lelouch replied. As the colonel left their company, a smirk played on the young man's lips as he turned to address the general, straightening his posture in a show of confidence and competency.
The general adjusted his glove, leaning against the balcony beside Lelouch as he shot him a sidelong glance. "Captain.." he began, clearing his throat, "If what Colonel Turpin claims about you is indeed true, then son, you're exactly the sort of man I've been looking to employ. We could always use smart people in our ranks," he commented, giving him an appraising look. "Especially during these tough times."
Gazing out at the people mingling below, Lelouch nodded respectfully and leaned his elbows against the balcony. "I just want to protect my home," Lelouch stated, catching the general's full attention. "It's why I joined the Atlas military in the first place." He spoke the words clearly, concisely, and with genuine feeling, eyes unfocused and still gazing upon the people of Atlas below him.
The words rang true to the general, who paused and tilted his head. After a few seconds of quiet study, a small smile spread on the general's face.
"I couldn't agree more," he stated softly. "Especially in a time where we're so vulnerable. There's a lot I could teach you... or better said, a lot you could teach yourself."
Lelouch listened patiently, not once averting his gaze from below. Ironwood chuckled and lifted himself off the balcony, stuffing a gloved hand into his pocket. "Do you play chess, captain?" he asked.
Cocking his head a little to the side, Lelouch nodded. "On occasion."
Manta making landfall, James stepped out into the crisp evening air, closing his scroll and sighing. "Five straight losses," he mumbled with a rueful smile. "Some teacher I am, losing to a kid like that." Shaking his head and adjusting his greatcoat, he spotted Winter Schnee approaching him.
"General," she acknowledged, stopping in place."How was the Gala?" she inquired politely, placing her hands behind her back.
"Oh you know," he shrugged, glancing towards the docked airships, "the same old pomp and glamour, high-society politicking and all. You should have come along, Winter. It would have been good for your mental health. Barring of course any trouble," he quipped, nodding in her direction.
The Specialist rolled her eyes.
"I left that life a long time ago," she remarked curtly. "Too much... deception for my liking," her lips tugging into a thin line. "Tends to give me hives."
Shooting her a look, he offered an awkward smile and rubbed the back of his neck. "Aww, and they always call me the cold one," he retorted, eliciting a dry smirk from Winter, who shifted in her boots.
"Either way, no signs of trouble were reported during the evening. All is well and safe, sir," she announced, back straight and hands clasped.
Motioning for her to walk, he made his way towards the headquarters building. "Glad to hear." James started, entering the structure, Winter trailing after.
"On the contrary to appearances though, it has been a busy night," the general remarked as the two rode the elevator to the top floor, where his office lay.
"Regarding what?"
"I found a potential prodigy at the event, and in more ways than one. It's hard to imagine someone this talented and bright going unnoticed."
Winter arched a questioning eyebrow, waiting.
Stepping out of the elevator as the doors parted, Ironwood started down the carpeted hallway and tapped in a key code, sliding his card in front of the scanner and allowing both of them entry.
Entering his office, he settled behind his desk, "Winter, get my secretary to pull up Lelouch Lamperouge's profile. Have her send the file to this console."
"Made a good first impression, did he?" she inquired.
Ironwood waved his hand, "This one feels... different. Maybe it's just me. I've got a gut feeling on this one."
Nodding slowly, Winter cleared her throat. "Understood, Sir. I'll have a copy on your desk within minutes," she acknowledged, before leaving the general to his own devices.
Letting out an appreciative grunt, Ironwood relaxed into his chair, a feeling of positivity lingering from the last couple of hours.
He had a good feeling about Captain Lamperouge.