Summary: Seen as a hero to the people of Atlas, Lelouch's climb up the military hierarchy has bestowed upon him knowledge that will force him to pivot. Team BRIR's recruitment provides more than just skilled fighters for his future ventures.
6 months after initial arrival.
"Well, it's another beautiful day here in Atlas, but I'm sure many of us are still on high alert ever since the announcement that several high-level government and military officials were caught consorting and plotting against the kingdom's forces, a terrible, dastardly incident that had resulted in several..."
As the anchor's words carried on from the TV, Lelouch, and General Ironwood briskly walked the halls of Atlas Academy, the general still deep in his musings, though his attentions had shifted to Lelouch during their walk. "I can't stress it enough Lelouch." He continued. "Your actions these past few months have proven invaluable for us, especially in keeping our ranks pure; without your actions, we might have even faced the whole Kingdom turning on itself, starting a civil war... We... I'm forever grateful." He praised Lelouch again.
Giving a nod in agreement to the general's praise, his attention remained unshakeable as they neared the entrance to Ironwood's office, "I was only carrying out my duties, General, " He refuted.
"But in doing so, you've prevented disaster. Of the worst kind imaginable." James responded firmly.
He did. Lelouch knew this; the web of people who had pledged allegiance to Thornmane, plotting against Ironwood and planning for an outright revolt and revolution against him was nothing short of surprising. From high-ranking members of the military to civilian officials who would serve to instigate the masses into a state of violent conflict and unrest.
Lelouch had turned most of these people over to Ironwood. However, Lelouch did keep those he deemed important and useful to himself, erasing any traces of their part in the conspiracy. These individuals were sent to Fort Arrowfell and under his control, working tirelessly to fulfill his plans and goals.
His operations remained unseen and unnoticed, and thanks to being promoted to the rank of Colonel by Ironwood for his actions, his influence and presence within the hierarchy were steadily increasing by the day.
"I'm only trying to serve my Kingdom, sir," Lelouch added, coming to a stop in front of the General's office.
Smiling, Ironwood clapped his hands on Lelouch's shoulder, eliciting an acknowledgment and understanding nod.
"I know. That's why you were chosen," His grin remained bright as Lelouch managed to give a sheepish expression, one more modest than anything else he usually bore, the underlying tone of that comment almost like an invisible finger pointing directly to him. A subtle gesture meant for him alone.
"Sir?"
"Lamperouge... You've shown me you're capable and can be trusted." The taller man paused, waiting and letting Lelouch hang on his next few words as he opened his office's doors, where Winter Schnee and the Ace Ops stood waiting patiently.
"Because of that, there are a few... delicate matters I'd like to inform you of. Matters that only the people in this room should ever be aware of."
He entered first, with Lelouch cautiously following right behind him.
"As Colonel, I want you still stationed in Mantle."
Cocking an eyebrow, the younger man could already sense something about to happen, a situation that might require his unique talents, a game changer, a development of some sort. "Go on...?"
"You'll be in charge now and I need my best officers to make sure the entire Kingdom is secure. Do you understand, Lamperouge, in the weeks to come Mantle will be especially crucial..."
Narrowing his gaze, the other men and women inside watched carefully and warily. Even Winter was curious as she glanced at Lelouch, tilting her head ever so slightly as the new colonel mulled over the order.
Lelouch stood attentively, the sounds of the door closing the only audible sound that came through the tension of the moment.
Winter folded her arms, "What we're about to tell you here, cannot and will not leave this room. You will not inform anyone else of the contents, do you understand?" she added a subtle command, one which the young colonel complied with, nodding his head stiffly to signal he was with the rest.
Looking to Winter then at Clover who stood in line with the rest of the Ace Ops, Ironwood straightened his back, a more grim and dire air coming over his features. "Lelouch, what do you know about the Grimm."
Walking through the Atlas' base on Mantle, Lelouch narrowed his eyes behind his mask as he continued onward. Team BRIR trailed behind him, looks of discomfort on each of their features, while Ironwood had made it clear not to inform anyone of the details he had shared with Lelouch that morning.
Team BRIR had become vital to his plans. His 'personal' elite guard, in a way. Not an official part of the Atlas military, instead seen as a group of mercenaries brought in but still recognized and accepted due to Lelouch having the necessary influence.
And so the former emperor had told them everything he had learned.
About the Relics, the Maiden's Ironwoods plans for the Amity Colosseum, and the existence of Salem herself.
The revelations for Lelouch weren't that much of a surprise, given that since he's awoken in this world, he'd been thrown curveballs on an almost daily basis.
For the girls, however, they were certainly shaken and wary; many of their worldviews were broken down and dismantled in the wake of learning the full story.
He knew they would have concerns about all of this. But it would have to wait until they moved away from any eavesdroppers; while many who were stationed on this base served Lelouch either through Geass or pure loyalty, many troops filtered through Mantle in its day-to-day business, and someone might just hear or see something they weren't meant to.
Stepping in sync, their steps halted only briefly before entering his designated headquarters.
Maneuvering to a bookcase, Lelouch tapped the nearby shelf, and suddenly a hidden elevator entrance shifted outward, exposing the interior.
An extra boon that was acquired when Team BRIR joined him was the knowledge of the Crystal Nexus, an elaborate tunnel system under the continent of Solitas; they explained it was built in the kingdom in the days of its prime, abandoned long ago, forgotten but for a select few.
The ability to move resources and troops secretly from one place to the next in an instant proved critical.
For years, Team BRIR would make use of it, escaping and avoiding Atlas troops by knowing the layout and finding passages to secret exits to make their escapes; the passageways hadn't just helped the Keepers stay free from capture but had also kept them far, far, away from Grimm.
Traveling through the depths of Solitas, Lelouch decided now was a good time to squash any doubts the girls might have, any unease, so he could focus his mind on moving forward from here, building and planning for a better future.
"We've all learned a great many things these past few hours." he broke the ice as they journeyed.
"This was certainly a revelation..." Bianca trailed off softly, staring pensively into the distance, the burden and knowledge weighing on her mind.
Ivy hung her head and grumbled, "Shit man, that's one way to start the day! The Grimm are led by a Queen, of all things?! And this 'Salem' is- is..." she clenched and unclenched her hands.
"Real...?" Roane ventured hesitantly, earning a slow nod from Ivy who threw her head back, flabbergasted.
"Don't forget about the magic and all the Maidens!" Ruda huffed, shaking her head, while they descended in silence after her remark, an unsettled silence now clinging over them.
Lelouch examined his followers' expressions. The usual looks of determination had faded and were replaced by a distraught fear. Their brows creased, eyes shifting anxiously between the cavern walls and themselves.
Despite the palpable discomfort in their collective aura, his mind was mostly focused on what lay at the end of the road. His mind running, spinning the details the general had shared, the details that could change or improve many plans he already had in motion or developing.
"New variables have been introduced that must be taken into account... Some adjustments will be made on how things move along." His voice rang out, "However, your apprehension is understandable; I must know, my huntresses, are you still with me?" He questioned, focusing his masked stare on each member of BRIR.
Bianca shook off the tension as her expression hardened, eyes returning with some strength. Her lips pursed as her voice answered with affirmation. "We will stand by you, Colonel," she promised.
Her teammates took their cue from their leader's firm, unwavering words and did their best to push past the troubling revelation that they had all heard today, inhaling and exhaling deeply, mentally preparing themselves as well, whatever doubts were already swiftly diminishing with their trust for Lelouch. Despite how unsettling it was, they were committed and would stand by him.
Nodding his thanks, the group came to a halt after some time, finally reaching Fort Arrowfell via the underground network of tunnels, their new base of operations, and home to a variety of individuals loyal to Lelouch's cause.
"...I don't intend for us to fight in some losing battle," Lelouch began, confidently walking past a row of Atlesian knights that snapped to attention when they recognized his form. "All my preparations leading up to this will not be for nothing."
The fort was a testament to Lelouch's drive for victory; once a glorified forgotten treasure from Atlas' heyday, it was now a buzz of activity with his people, constantly fortifying and improving the old abandoned defenses of the outpost.
The greatest effort had been towards making an advanced logistics center. Built deep into the fortress, it housed all kinds of electronics, computers, and equipment. Every individual, from scientists to engineers and technical experts, all toiling over the blueprints, designs, and specs from an abundance of projects that had been established, working day and night tirelessly and meticulously towards their goals, tasks, or specific research.
Lelouch would see them all work diligently under him and would keep watch over their work.
Soldiers and a few huntsmen saluted the Colonel, the young leader returning the gesture with a respectful tilt of his helmet. The group entered the command center, where Lelouch was immediately approached by a scientist with a report, looking tense but hopeful, clutching onto the tablet as he paced to the front of Lelouch, who simply waited for the man to speak.
"Ahh, Sir... the news is rather good," the older man, began with a proud smirk. "We have a report concerning our main project," he declared excitedly.
"Dr. Ferric, I take it you've made a breakthrough?" Lelouch inquired, already guessing from the expression the scientist had been attempting to suppress.
Said doctor nodded his head. "We're currently doing the first live trial run," he informed, shifting his stance a little with anticipation and anxiety. "But it's thanks to our predecessors that we were able to achieve such progress in developing these Negative Orbs."
Turning his attention to Team BRIR the doctor graciously bowed his head, "I can't thank you enough, ladies...if you hadn't watched over this place and guarded it so tirelessly..." he trailed off, wiping away some sweat from his forehead,
Bianca laughed lightheartedly. "We only did what was natural. If anyone, we need to give credit to Lelouch... after all, it's his plan that put us all here in the first place," She elbowed the officer with a wry grin.
Rubbing at his arm where the jab impacted, Lelouch shifted the topic. "What of those design schematics I sent you two weeks prior, have the blueprints been implemented?"
The aged scientist perked up and nodded, a beaming smile spreading across his face. "Yes! As a matter of fact, it's performing better than projected, and the speed of production has been exponentially greater. Using the Paladins as a base should have been considered much sooner. These...ugh, Knightmares as you've dubbed them, will be far superior compared to anything in the Atlesian armory!" Dr. Ferric's excitement and passion could be felt throughout the room, Lelouch merely nodding his approval, pleased with the answer.
"Excellent. Do your best to expedite the construction lines. We're going to need an entire division ready at my command by the time preparations are complete." he ordered before waving the scientist off, Dr. Ferric not protesting as he scampered off to resume his work.
"Well things are moving fast now, eh girls," Bianca mused, leaning against the map table and crossing her arms over her chest.
Ivy walked around it, curiously looking down at the various pins and models. "It's almost hard to believe that two months ago it was us five making the plans in here," Ivy recalled, getting lost in thought while rubbing her chin.
"Didn't expect to be dealing with all this super secret stuff that could be planet changing, if used right" Ruda commented, studying the small replica of a Paladin in her hands before tossing it back onto the table, and kicking back into her seat, arms stretching behind her head as her boot-clad legs crossed over themselves.
Roane simply chuckled, "Mm, not that we're complaining. There's plenty of action and a challenge to keep things interesting,"
Smirking beneath his mask, Lelouch strolled towards the holo-map, inserting his scroll. He used the device to project an image of Mantle, various colors and details shading the buildings, indicating roads, streets, districts, and all the key parts and landmarks highlighted.
The Team gathered closer, eager to get a look at whatever Lelouch wanted to show them.
"Mantle has been given to me as my territory," Lelouch opened, his fingers pinching and tapping, displaying more data.
"Therefore, all military, police, and facilities are under my jurisdiction; General Ironwood has seen to that." Lelouch proceeded, pointing at Mantle's power grids and water systems.
"Over the next few weeks, I plan to overhaul the city's infrastructure, along with its current security and systems, a fresh start."
Ruda spun in her swivel chair, cocking a brow at his intentions. "Mantle's not the crown jewel, a slum to be honest."
"For now..." his low response had Bianca raising a brow.
"I completely understand why Ironwood and those up in power have focused on Atlas' needs above Mantle for so long. As you stated, Mantle is the city with the biggest problems: Faunus-discrimination, crime rates, poverty," Lelouch explained, removing his helmet and placing it on the nearby console while he breathed out and continued.
"However, this has created a perfect opening for us," he swept a hand over the city's center, his grin widening. "So long as Mantle suffers, its people, like any human with consciousness, desire an improvement to their condition. In time, a thirst for reform would spark... and the very people themselves will demand change."
"So we'll be the heroes?" Ruda summed up the situation, rocking herself and using her feet, pivoting.
Bianca crossed her arms. "You're intending on becoming the beacon that everyone is drawn to? The hope?...Doing what the elite of Atlas haven't even dared to attempt?"
"Indeed," the former emperor looked to Bianca. "I'm here to be the solution," Lelouch uttered with confidence, as Bianca locked eyes with him, her lips curving to mirror his.
Roane straightened up. "Whoa, man, how though? That's a lot to handle..."
"Yeah, the cash needed to revamp Mantle to the point where it's even a tiny percentage of Atlas will require millions," Ivy frowned a bit, unsure of where to start.
Lelouch clicked the scroll, closing the projection of Mantle. "I believe I know just the person who may have that kind of money, who is both willing and connected to make things happen." his amused tone had Bianca and the rest of Team BRIR become silent, contemplating just who exactly was able to afford and pull that many strings.