Though there has been much speculation regarding my father's initial reaction towards the emergence of the masked revolutionary Zero, I can say that unlike the rest of the world, my own opinion comes closer to the mark.
My father was many things.
A master tactician, a doting parent, a bit of a masochist when it came to his relationships with the strong willed women in his life. But the thing that I remember the most about him was his ability to analyze a situation before making a decision on what would be the best course of action.
His reaction to Zero was probably the best of example of this.
Instead of seeing the masked man's actions towards the Imperial Family as a great blow towards the Empire, my father simply viewed it as the height of foolishness. And I have to say that I agree with all of his arguments since this was before Zero proved what he was capable of.
First one being that Clovis La Britannia actually served a more useful purpose as the corrupt and ineffectual leader of a strategically vital area rather than as a symbol that showed that having royal blood coursing through their veins does not make them immortal.
The second argument my father held, and this gained substantial weight after the Britiannian victory at Saitama, was that Zero was a fool for revealing himself when he did, and that he seemed to rely more on his charisma to achieve his goals rather than common sense.
In this my father was correct, for only an absolute moron declares himself an enemy of a global superpower without the backing of a loyal following. And until that hotel hostage situation, it was pretty clear that Zero thought that he could insert himself into an already established group and simply direct them to win a battle or two.
Of course my father began to revaluate his opinion after the Battle of Narita, but his interactions with the masked revolutionary still showed that he still thought Zero as an inefficient leader.
For while the Black Knights would prove to be a most painful surprise for the Britannian goal of world conquest, though far less dangerous than the Europe my father built, they were led by a man who was clearly learning as he went along.
(Excerpt from The Dragon's Child. The Memoirs of Brigadier General Eva Krueger)
Though his current marital situation did much to portray him as an unattentive father, something which carried more than a grain of truth considering his advocacy for Social Darwinism, Charles zi Britannia nevertheless could still feel a measure of sadness when presented with the death of one of his children.
For even though the Ragnarok Connection would ensure that even death would be meaningless, the Emperor would prefer that his family was spared the terrifying moments that always came about when they faced their end.
He had shed a few tears, in private of course, at the death of the children he had fathered with his beloved Marianne, even if their son had done his best to make his disgust with his surviving parent known. And now, as he stood on the top most platform of the Sword of Akasha, the Emperor allowed himself to frown with a tinge of regret as his solitude was interrupted by his 3rd son.
"Father? Where am I? Where's Lelouch"?
Though he was familiar with the usual confusion that recently deceased spirits showed once they entered C's World, Clovis's last question was something that he hadn't expected.
"What do you mean my son? Your brother was killed during the invasion of Japan. Sadly I was unable to speak to him as I am doing to you now, but I assure you that both Lelouch and Nunally have passed on".
The first part of his statement still continued to trouble him for it reminded him once again of his brother's deceit. He never confronted Victor about it since he knew that it was only a matter of time before the living and the dead were reunited, but the Emperor, not to mention the possessing spirit of his true wife, would have preferred to explain his actions to the children he had exiled for their own safey.
But of course his brother, who disliked anything to do with the Vi Britannian line, had distracted him during those crucial days when a spirit touched by geass could remain in the World of C for a limited time, and thus by the time he finally managed to get away, it was too late.
But Clovis's next statement proved that Victor was less successful than he intended.
"That's not true father. Lelouch is alive. He thought that I knew something about Empress Marianne's murder, so he asked me who could have done it. I don't know why I told him this, for I had never told anyone of my suspicions, but I directed suspicion towards Cornelia and Schneizel".
Fighting the urge to snort in amusement at the actions of his 11th son, both for managing to gain the same power that his parents possessed, and using it to gain information that he should have suspected in the first place, the Emperor became deadly still as he realized the implications of what he had just been told.
Allowing his tone to carry a touch more angry rumbling as he addressed the spirit of his son, Charles Di Britannia gave voice to a question that he suspected he already knew the answer to.
"And what did you do to draw your brother out of hiding after all these years? I know the cause for his…unique questioning ability, but I am curious as to the events that led him to get it".
Trusting that his commanding presence would be enough to force his son to answer, for Clovis had never possessed the same strength of will that several of his siblings possessed, the Emperor was soon rewarded with an answer that set his scheming mind into motion.
"I…I had a secret project that had been stolen by a bunch of filthy elevens. I knew that if I managed to unlock the girl's secrets, I would have been able to secure the position as next emperor. But I failed. And what's more it seems that Lelouch somehow managed to gain what she wouldn't give me".
Doing his best not to sigh at his son's somewhat childish outburst, though inwardly he was amused that despite the situation Clovis managed to sound like he had just lost another chess match against his younger brother, the powerfully built emperor thought over the info he had just been given.
Lelouch was still alive, which also meant that there was a strong chance that Nunally was as well. And what's more he had been given a geass by the same code bearer who had given Marianne a chance to escape death.
Knowing how prideful Lelouch could be, the Emperor surmised that instead of taking this new power and slinking back into obscurity, his son would choose to utilize his new abilities to discover who was responsible for his mother's supposed death.
And since the boy had chosen to do so in a way that would garner him support from the Empire's conquered subjects, it was apparent that the former prince was formulating a revolt against the Empire. Of course, with each success, aided with liberal use of his newly gained power, it was apparent that Lelouch would be closely shadowed by a certain green haired code bearer.
And when that happened, it would be simple to sweep in and achieve one of the final keys to bringing forth the dream he and his brother and shared since the death of their murder.
But before that the last thought elevators had to be captured. And since Europe had proven to be a more competent enemy then originally was thought, it would take some time before the Ragnarok Connection could come to fruition.
But what few people realized, and what would undoubtedly shock the world if his views became more widely known, he was quite willing to use non-military measures to get what he wanted.
And with his reputation as a unrepentant war monger widely known throughout the world, taking a more peaceful route would surely confuse that German upstart, and thus be more susceptible to making territorial concessions.
For one way or the other, he was determined to have all Thought Elevator's under imperial control. And once that happened, he would usher in a world without lies.
….
Despite having watched this particular scene numerous times throughout the course of my life, having been a been participant before my position granted me the more relaxing status of spectator, I never really got tired of the time-honored practice of a military parade.
Such an occurrence had happened perhaps twice a year during the years before the Great War. But after obtaining power, and wishing to raise the spirits of my fellow Europeans, military parades became a common occurrence in the new Europe.
It didn't matter if the marching troops wore the black or camouflaged uniforms of the ISD, or the standard fieldgrau of the Wehrmacht, the sight of thousands of soliders marching in synch was a spectacle that always managed to install a deep sense of pride in the common citizenry.
For it was the military that saved Europe from becoming yet another Britannian conquest, and the common folk should remember that little fact should they ever start believing in that foolish policy that politics and soldiery should not mix.
But with this crowd, I somehow doubt that such a thought will ever cross their minds. For the citizens of this city know full well what horrors await them should they fall into enemy hands once again.
"Rather an energetic crowd aren't they sir? Certainly wouldn't see this type of energy west of the Rhine".
Smiling as I nodded my head in agreement, I kept my attention on the seemingly endless columns of marching soldiers and military hardware as I addressed one of the men responsible for recapturing the great Russian city.
"Not if it was an army or ISD parade Zhukov. However I do think that if it was a naval parade, the amount of enthusiasm would be the same".
Fighting the urge to chuckle at the grudging look of agreement that came over the aged Russian's face, for service rivalries still persisted despite the restructuring of the armed forces to make them more efficient, I decided to refocus our attention back to the spectacle below us.
"That being said, considering Moscow was reclaimed thanks to the efforts of our valiant army, with more than a little help from the Luftwaffe and the Waffen ISD GrossEuropa Division, I think it can be said that few naval personnel would rouse the same level of patriotism that the troops are doing now".
Receiving a brief bark of laughter that I took to mean that Zhukov agreed with perception, I was allowed to focus my attention back towards the parade for a brief moment before I was disturbed by a question that in all honesty I should have suspected.
"Forgive me for asking this Chancellor, but I was wondering if the emergence of this so called Zero has any impact on our developing operations".
Fighting the urge to scowl at the moustached leader of the ISD's Siberian division, I kept my smiling expression focused on the still marching troops as I answered the Georgian officer.
"Not in the slightest Joseph. While the man's audacity is to be commended, that is if his boasting actually turns out to be truthful, its clear that the man has no real power base to do more than annoy the garrisoning forces of Area 11, let alone interrupt our plans".
Noticing from the corner of my eye that the pockmarked man wished to refute my statement, he at least had the decency to wait for the formation of overhead aircraft to pass before he spoke up.
"It's not what he's currently capable of that concerns me Chancellor. It's what he can grow to be that does. Our success in the stolen territories rests on the perception that we are the only ones capable of freeing them from the Britannian yoke. And if our oppressed comrades start to believe that this Zero can help them accomplish their desire to be free, they might very well think that they don't require the benevolent protection of the Reich to rescue them from the tragic fate of slavery.
Sometimes I truly wished that I hadn't given Karina a free hand in establishing her department, cause I don't believe I would have chosen this over zealous Georgian to lead Europe's efforts in encouraging continued resistance in the Siberian territories.
For while he was more than competent in smuggling weapons and agents into the territory governed by the so called Euro Britannians, he tended to see our enslaved citizens in two categories.
Oppressed heroes, or collaborating traitors.
Those of the later category included not only those who actively betrayed their nation by becoming so called Honorary Britannians, but also those who did nothing to support the efforts to restore Eastern Siberia back under European governance.
I tended to agree with his stance on those who actively collaborated with the enemy, especially those who squandered their potential to inspire increased resistance by serving as cannon fodder for the very nation that subjugated them, but for the others I was more lenient.
Not everyone possessed the ability to take the fight to the enemy, and it was far better for them to recognize their limitations rather than mucking up any vital mission where their failures could result in the deaths of not only themselves, but also their teammates.
That being said, I too hold a similar degree of contempt for this supposed revolutionary. But unlike the Georgian, whose physical capabilities had ensured that he could never enjoy a successful career in the Wehrmacht, I was somewhat more willing to see how things develop.
"I think for the moment it will be more prudent to see how things in Area 11 develop. It is highly possible that some of the more established resistance groups will take care of Zero before either us or the Brits will. Besides, the Japanese shadow government has proven to be most unperceptive to our attempts to foster better relations with them. And seeing how we can't spare our resources on those who refuse to follow our benevolent advice, I am quite content to let them deal with this upstart in any manner they see fit".
Though I could tell that the moustached wished to try and convince me to do otherwise, the warning tone of my voice alerted him to the fact that the conversation was over.
Seeing him bow his head in acknowledgement brought a smile to my face, which only added to my growing satisfaction as I stood to address the no longer marching colums and the swarms of cheerful civilians.
"Citizens of Moscow. I stand before you today not as your Chancellor, or as a German, but as a fellow comrade in the struggle that saw Russia, nay all of Europe, free itself from the tyranny of that bastard nation that lies across the Atlantic".
Taking a moment to appreciate the thunderous applause that greeted my latest piece of hatred towards the so called Holy nation, I proceeded to continue my speech.
"Thanks to the stubbornness of our valiant soldiers, and the incompetence of those traitors who sought to betray our beloved nation by weakening our attempts to defend ourselves, the new Europe now stands as a shining beacon of hope for those unfortunate enough to have suffered the fate of all those who draw the Emperor's eye".
Smiling as my comment seemed to inspire each and every solider to straighten in pride, and fighting the urge to chuckle at the fact that I had managed to inspire even the violent Georgian to come to attention, I continued on.
"The sacrifices you have endured, the blood that has been shed. All of it has led to the formation of a nation that offers the cornerstones that any civilized society should be able to offer to its loyal citizens. And as you know, those cornerstones are the safety of its people, and the security of the nation. And as long as I am Chancellor, I vow that Europe will never again denied these fundamental freedoms. HEIL EUROPA".
Raising my arm in an outstretched saluted, I had to confess that there was nothing better than being the receiving point of an display of patriostim such as this.
"HEIL EUROPA".
"HEIL EUROPA".
"HEIL EUROPA".
...
Though she was certain that her subordinates would understand her current state of mind, the 2nd Princess of the Britannian Empire was glad she had the foresight of dismissing them before she had answered her elder brother's call.
She had fully expected to be chastised for the current course of the campaign, especially since the latest battle had not only failed to finish the opposing army, but also because the losses she had sustained had ensured that they couldn't resume the advance for at least a month.
But while Schneizel had indeed chastised her for her level of progress, and had again expressed concern for her tendency to lead from the front, it was the second part of the information he had to deliver that had caused her to lose her composure.
While they had been growing steadily apart during the past few years, her with her military career, and him with his approach to fulfilling the role of Viceroy, Clovis had been one of the few siblings outside of her beloved sister that she had cared for.
To lose a brother was bad enough, but to lose him in THAT area, and with his murderer utilizing his death to inspire further acts of rebellion, that was enough to send her into a violent rage.
Schneizel of course had expected his news to inspire such a reaction from his combat trained sibling, and had proceeded to offer her a chance to obtain revenge, but not without a price that sat unwell with her.
For in accepting the position of Viceroy of Area 11, which would allow her to bring much needed stability to a vital area while she hunted for the masked terrorist, she had to relinquish control of the Arabian theatre to a commander of their father's choosing.
Such a change in command would undoubtedly give the Middle East Federation more time to recover from their current losses, though there was a strong chance that her replacement would launch an attack before the army was ready. Which would lead to only further casualties without any meaningful gain.
But on the other hand, her thoughts drifted towards the last time she had allowed a criminal to escape justice for murdering a beloved family member. Such an action had led to her beloved half siblings being exiled from their former nation, and had resulted in their untimely deaths in a land that had now claimed another siblings she had once been close to.
With that thought in mind, she had made her decision, and was now doing her best to ensure that her sudden absence did not have to negatively effect the campaign.
While Guilford and Darlton would accompany her, the rest of the Glaston Knights would remain behind to ensure that the change in command caused as little disruption as possible.
Of course there was ONE benefit to her future assignment that had been largely absent during her current one.
And even if the reason for their reunion was caused by their half brother's untimely demise, she would nevertheless treasure the chance to spend some time with her beloved sister.
...
ANNNNND THATS ANOTHER CHAPTER DONE XD.
Hopefully you all enjoyed this, so NOW to the brief summarization and the reasons for doing it that way XD.
Think the Emperor is a rather interesting character of the series (once the big reveal has been done anyway)...so tried to model the portrayal in a way that I thought made sense. The Emperor of course believes that death will become meaningless after the Ragnarok connection, so he doesn't care per say about the death of a family member. But I still think he could show SOME emotion at the death of a child. Especially since Clovis is his 3rd son...even if he is a bit of a flop XD
Also wanted to expand on that scene in the series where the Emperor says he had just talked with the ghost of Clovis...so think that this is how it could have gone. I believe that Charles was unaware of Lelouch and Nunally's survival. Cause Marianne's survival aside, he seems to share everything with V.V. And I highly doubt V.V. would leave the siblings alone while their in hiding (at least before Zero's debut)
Also laying SOME potential groundwork for a future scene between the Chancellor and the Emperor. Based on that scene where he says that war is a inefficent method of diplomacy.
AND yes...Krueger is overseeing a military parade in Moscow XD. Hopefully you all have SOME idea of who the ISD officer is XD. Original intent was to have Beria fulfill the role...but decided against it due to his preference of the kiddie menu.
ANYWAY...Time to Clarify some things based on the questions XD.
Russia IS part of the Gross Europa Reich. Its not an ally of it, nor is it a neutral power. The Eastern Border of the G.E.R. Is located in Western Siberia, with Euro-Britannia controlling the rest of the region up to the Pacific coast. My intent is to have the Euro-Britannias as a vocal...but relatively ineffectual role in this universe...at least for the time being.
For Europe's reaction to the Empire gaining 70% of the world's Sakuradite with Japan, my intent is to go along a similar route Nazi Germany did with it's oil supplies. The raw material will still be important (cant make high tech custom knightmares without it) but Europe's military development will take a different route to ensure that it doesn't need it as badly as the empire does.
AND YES, The Reich is inspiring a resistance movements in the conquered territories (i.e. Much of Africa that is south of the equator, Eastern Siberia, some other terrotires). Much like what the Allies did during World War, but of course...with a Fascist twist XD.
Which is one of the reasons why Kyoto is hesitant to accept support from the Reich. They prefer to maintain their Independence/dont want to be independent to a foreign nation that militaristic.
A comment was made about mentioning "end of a much reviled bloodline", leading people to believe that its the Kururigis that I am talking about. That is WRONG. And thats all I'm gonna say, because I intend to have it be a major factor in my OC's character.
I have never played Front Mission, so highly unlikely that I will add any info regarding that until much later in the stories...if at all.
THAT being said, I confess that Gino Wienberg's Knightmare has given me SOME ideas on creating new machines for the Reich's knightmare corps. And currently toying with the idea of said machines being based on other shape changing robots...preferably Michael Bay's take on the tyrannical faction XD.
As for pairings...well Lelouch is easy to do. Just have to decide whether if it will be: LelouchxC.C., LelouchxKallen, or LelouchxHarem. Could go either way with him.
For Krueger...currently see him with a strong female character, however undecided as to who. However I will list the options: The Esdeatheseqe leader of my version of the SS/NKVD, Nonette Enneagram, MAYBE Cornelia.
Euphemia MIGHT be added to that list, but would have to come up with a plausible way. Think a more acceptable version (i.e. a 26 year old and a 16 yr old rather than a 34yr old and a 13 year old) of the R2 wedding could work out (Krueger being a year younger than Schneizel).
As for Suzaku….again…laying the ground work for a less than steller relationship between my Chancellor.
Anyways…hope you all enjoyed this chapter. Again was written with greater speed than I thought XD.
AND REVIEWS ARE A MUST…no flames XD
Til next time…HEIL EUROPA