Though he suspected that his attempts at having a serious conversation with the green haired immortal would result in further aggravation, the events of the past few days had revealed that despite her lazy nature, C.C. possessed a mind that was not only intelligent, but also a craftiness that had been honed during what might have been centuries of experience.
Thus, the exiled royal swallowed his pride and sought the opinion of the one responsible for bringing him to this point.
"Considering Todoh's forces are still relatively in one piece, what do you make of their suggestion to join forces"?
And as he had come to expect following the days of Mao's death, the green haired witch was less than helpful with her answer.
"I don't know. What do you make of it"?
Frowning at the rather childish answer, Lelouch nevertheless took it as an invitation to voice his opinions regarding the recent change in his fortunes.
"Since the offer is from Todoh himself, and is backed by Kyoto, I think that it's genuine. A chance to consolidate the 2 most powerful resistance movements in Area 11 into one organization? I can understand why he would make such an offer. Though sadly it is not under conditions that I had hoped for".
His word's causing the immortal to stop her usual practise of kicking her bare legs in the air, the former royal was reminded once again that while C.C. appeared to be a lazy being, she had the uncanny ability to understand his thought process.
"You mean where Todoh or his most competent subordinates beg you to allow them to join your forces because they don't have the support to restore the JLF to what it once was? Yes. I guess you could say that the current conditions are not what you hoped for".
His frown deepening at her mocking tone, though more so because her words contained more than a hint of truth to them, Lelouch decided to change his approach.
"Which is why I want to get your opinion on whether this…alliance will benefit the Black Knights or not. On one hand having a force of trained soldiers under my command will…".
"They won't be under your command boy. They might be willing to fight along side your forces, but Todoh's soldiers will only obey your orders if he tells them to".
Though annoyed at the interruption, and the fact that C.C. seemed to have reverted back to her previous hobby of mocking his plans, the former royal held his tongue as his partner continued to speak.
"Since Todoh isn't a man ruled by personal ambition, as long as he believes you are capable of aiding in the dream of freeing his nation, he will choose to work with you. If however the day comes when he decides that you pose a greater threat to Japan than the Empire, he might very well be the one to kill you. I suppose you could avoid that fate if you used your Geass, but as that unfortunate woman in Mao's travel bag has already proven, having the ability to force people to do what you want doesn't make you infallible".
Acknowledging the point with a nod of his head, and doing his best not to wince as his mind replayed the less than pleasant methods C.C. had used to clean up a potentially lethal loose end, Lelouch let out a sigh as he voiced his agreement.
"And that is why I prefer to earn the loyalty of my subordinates instead of magically forcing them to give it to me. An army comprised of dedicated professionals will always beat an army of slaves".
Expecting his words to earn yet another insult, the former prince was rather surprised by the small hint of fondness, and unless he was mistaken relief, that had crept into C.C.'s tone as she offered her commentary.
"Nice to see that despite your various…setbacks, your still able to think like that boy. However I do caution you that even the mightiest solider can be defeated by sheer weight of numbers. Which sad to say will be an advantage that your enemy possess for the foreseeable future".
Accepting that last piece of advice with a trace of his usual smirk, for he had already proven that the advantage of numbers could be mitigated with tactics and competent/obedient followers, Lelouch left his usually aggravating witch to perform a task that, while less likely to result in his untimely death, nevertheless carried the potential of succumbing to a fate that was almost as unsavory as dying on the field of battle.
Participating in a gym class with Milly and his fan girls as an observer.
…..
Doing her best to keep her emotions in check, a task that was proving exceedingly difficult considering the clear emotional state of her usually cheerful sibling, Cornelia took a sip from her wine glass before breaking the uneasy silence that had fallen between them.
"Just so you know Euphie, if you don't want to go through with this, I will do my best to have our father select another candidate. Since she is closer in age, and has yet to contribute in a meaningful way to the growth of the Empire, I'm sure that Guinevere would make a much better choice for this…scheme".
Though she had intended the later part of her declaration to be a joke, the purple haired royal scolded herself when her words merely provoked her sister to flinch.
Letting out a sigh, and ensuring her tone was as soft and understanding as she could make it, Cornelia did her best to comfort her less than happy sibling.
"I'm sorry Euphie, I didn't mean to upset you. I only wanted you to know that I am more than willing to offer you help should you ask for it. And if your plauged by concerns that I will no longer love you for marrying that…..man, drive them from your mind. I will always love and support you no matter what".
Pleased to see that her words had managed to inspire some change in Euphie's demeanor, the purple haired princess was taken back by the soft, but unmistakably teasing words of her sister.
"Considering there's a strong chance that he will agree to father's request, shouldn't you be addressing my future groom with a touch more respect. Cause after all, if the marriage goes forward, he will be you're brother in law".
Unsure if she should be relieved that her sister was in a state to make jokes, or irritated at the reminder that she would in fact be tied to the man who had done his utmost to frustrate the designs of the Empire, Cornelia settled for a coolly amused expression as she gave her reply.
"All the more reason for him to refuse father's offer. Cause even if the laws of marriage grant him….certain rights, I will still treat him like I've treat your other suitors. Except this time I don't have to worry about whether or not I har…I mean frightened one of father's favorites".
Allowing an amused smile to show on her face as her sister flushed with embarrassment, the older princess felt her recently good mood evaporate as her more peacefully minded sister touched on an issue that she had overlooked.
"If you did that though, wouldn't you have to worry about the reactions from his inner circle? I'm unfamiliar with the Reich's line of succession, but I suspect the woman who reminds me of Lord Bradley will retain, if not expand her power if you did anything to Chancellor Krueger".
Though she nodded her head in agreement with Euphie's assumption, inwardly Cornelia was panicking at the reminder that her precious baby sister would be in close proximity to THAT woman. For while her sibling came close to describing the true nature of the woman that led Europe's secuirity forces, in truth she was underestimating the capabilities of the blond haired leader of the ISD.
For while her blood lust was on par with the Knight of Ten, Karina's ability to channel it, as well as her overall intelligence, greatly dwarfed that of the Vampire of Britannia. Which meant that should anything happen to the only man who she acknowledged as her superior, the sole nation that posed a threat to the Empire's survival would be led by a woman who, while possessing the same hatred for Britannia, lacked Krueger's self restraint when it came to violence.
Shaking her head to clear it of such unpleasant thoughts, though she knew she would have to have a discussion with her brother to discuss this issue, Cornelia flashed a tired smile at her sister.
"Then I suppose that I will stay my hand. However, while were on the subject of unpleasant topics, with my last attempt to do so being interrupted by father, it is time to discuss your more…personal security arrangements. Though father has seen fit to provide you with a more than capable agent to secure your safety, such a relationship is temporary. And since the chances of you being in a less than friendly environment are high, it is time for you to select your own knight".
As expected, Euphie didn't greet the news with any noticeable trace of enthusiasm. And gained a temporary reprieve from facing it with a question her sister would have preferred not to answer.
"Who is father sending"?
Knowing that there was no point in hiding it, Cornelia felt her expression morph into one of resigned dread as she answered her sister's question.
"The Knight of Nine. Nonette Enneagram".
Though she had expected her sister to react in a manner that was far different from the way she had when she had heard the news, the purple haired royal resisted the very real urge to drain her wine glass as Euphie suddenly displayed a more cheerful attitude than she had been previously been exhibiting.
"Really? Nonette's coming here? Oh its been too long since we've seen her. She always had such funny stories to tell. Like the time you spent all night learning to bake in order to…".
Pouring herself another glass of wine as her younger sister proceeded to recall one of the more embarrassing chapters of her life at military school, Cornelia settled in for what was to be a lengthy, and embarrassing trip down memory lane.
For while being reminded of all the embarrassing stories that her self declared best friend had revealed over the course of their 'friendship' was humiliating, she would endure it for the simple fact that such stories made her sister smile.
….
Though he had enjoyed the experience of visiting the country of his birth, even if it was somewhat marred by the JLF's inability to prevent their own downfall, Sturmbanfuhrer Akito Hyuga nevertheless felt more at home amongst the controlled chaos of Taranto than he had been when treading foot on the conquered soil of Japan.
Part of this feeling was caused by the fact that his family, like so many foreign nationals that had been visiting Europe when the Great War started, had been stranded after the Britannian refusal to allow neutral shipping to enter what was declared to be an active war zone. And since many of these countries soon discovered that neutrality was no guarantee of being immune from the expansionist tendencies of the Empire, many of Europe's port cities served as a new home for those that refused to be treated like dogs in their old ones.
And since he had spent 3 years living in an environment that was similar to Taranto's before volunteering to join the ISD , the Japanese born ISD officer could honestly say that he felt a greater sense of contentment amongst the bustling port city than he had when stationed in the country side of his former homeland.
But whereas he was more than content to enjoy being back on European soil in silence, his bear of a superior was not.
"Christ it feels good to be back. If I had to spend any more time cooped up in that tin can, I think I would have gone insane. Don't know how much the Kriegsmarine pays its sailors to live in those type of conditions, but you couldn't get me to do that on a regular basis even if you offered me double..no triple a general's salary".
Skorzeny's comment earning a round of chuckles throughout the packed Opel Truck, Akito fought the urge to sigh as one of the more...outspoken members of the commando team decided to shatter what had previously been a peaceful drive through the city.
"I don't know sir. Sleeping in the same bed every night, spending all day staring at a screen. And the chance to sink the vessels of 'His Majestiy's Navy'? There are worse ways to serve one's country".
Snorting in amusement at his subordinate's observation, the scarred Standartenfuhrer adopted a look of mock disappointment as he addressed the smirking Russian.
"You mean you don't like roughing it out in the country? Constantly exposing ones self to the dangers of a numerically superior enemy and whatever crimes again nature that Boris ends up serving us for dinner? For shame Boris. For shame".
Sporting a grin as his comments served to inspire howls of laughter from the unorthodox soldiers of the Reich, Skorzeny allowed some of his good humor to evaporate as he addressed the man who had been assigned the task of guarding their prize.
"Speaking of enemies, hows our guest doing Jean? Would be a shame to spend all that time and effort only to deliver a corpse. And since I have better things to do than being scolded by our loving superior, though if any of you tell her that I'll stick a bullet where you really don't want one, your answer better to be to my liking".
Sparing a glance at one of the two snipers of the group, though he suspected that the rest of Skorzeny's unit possessed more than adequate skills when it came to killing people at long ranges, Akito allowed a small frown to grace his features as he watched the English born commando knock her hand on the man sized crate.
"You don't have to worry about a thing sir. The package is not only in one peace, but is still firmly in the land of the living. Though once we hand him over to the Director's cronies, I doubt he will be appreciating that".
Her words earning an approving nod from the scarred commando, Skorzeny was ready to restore the previous relaxed atmosphere when the truck's radio crackled to life.
"Fox Thief 1. New orders from Blond Footman. You are to drop the Chinese take out at the current address, but are to hold the rest of your order at Drive in #4. Please confirm".
Frowning at the message, though it had more to do with the code sign he had been granted than the change in routine, Akito was surprised at the amount of irritation that was currently being displayed by the veteran commando.
"Requesting a reconfirmation Blondie. You want me to split my take out between 2 locations instead of bringing it to one? My manager was quite specific about our delivery route".
Feeling it was best to share in the man's confusion to best avoid becoming a convenient target for his frustrations, the Japanese born ISD officer did his best to avoid starring at Skorzeny's expression as the radio filled the truck cabin with its reply.
"Your orders are reconfirmed Fox Thief 1. Orders for your change in route come directly from Farmer's Wife. So I say again, please confirm acknowledgment of orders".
While most would have laughed at the call sign that had been selected for the woman that controlled the various security apparatuses of the Gross Europa Reich, Akito and Skorzeny knew that Director Richter would only interfere in her subordinate's pre arranged plans if she had something more pressing she wanted
Which meant that Skorzeny could only frown as he gave the only reply he could.
"Acknowledged Blond Footman".
Flipping the radio to the receive only setting, and sparing only a moment to glance at the perplexed looking AKITO RANK, the scarred SS RANK could only wonder what could have caused the Director to alter the last point of his otherwise successful plan.
Originally, after dropping off Akito and his fellow Japanese at the facility that served as the temporary headquarters of the ISD's Nippon Regiment, he was to deliver his prize to the main Wehrmacht facility before he and his men got to take some well deservered R and R.
But apparently, such was not to be the case as Richter had decided to order him to take their human package towards a facility that was not only off the books, but also contained far better equipment for clandestine activities that the regular army rarely saw.
Which meant that it was more than likely that his plan to relax on the Italian beach would have to wait until his boss granted him permission to do so.
For if she was causing a change in his plans already, that meant that any previous agreed upon plan was no longer valid. And pity the poor bastard who thought otherwise.
...
Though I appreciated the fact that I did not have to waste any words explaining why this latest move by Britannia weakened the upcoming offensive's ability to achieve its primary objective, I was less than pleased by some of the solutions that were currently being tossed around to solve this problem.
For while my decision to reinforce our African Forces would provide Rommel with the means to free the Southern Continent from the taint of Britannia, victory in Africa would do nothing to mitigate the danger of having a well equipped army on our eastern border.
The obese leader of my air forces, whose ability to secure scarce resources had done much to validate my decision to assign him to Project Gotterdamerung, favored a purely aerial campaign to destroy Euro-Britannia's ability to wage war. Something that would have had SOME merit if it weren't for the fact that such a campaign would render our former territory all but useless. Though I suppose I should explore the idea since those bomber forces could be used to strengthen our ability to inflict damage on the Britannian continents.
The leader of my ground forces argued for an immediate commencement of hostilities in order to destroy a significant portion of our enemy's forces while they were still within easy range of the mass army we had constructed. But since such an action would deprive the Eastern Front of the remaining forces that had been scheduled to be in place before the scheduled opening of the campaign, which as I recall amounted to 1 million men, 1300 tanks, and 200 knightmares, the desired goal of crippling our enemy's ability to resist our advance would become unacceptably risky.
The Kriegsmarine's argument is similar. Saying that while they can be ready to launch an immediate attack, they lack the numbers to sustain combat operations should they incur heavy losses during the opening stages of the campaign.
And as for Karina...well suffice to say that she was still displeased with me for not outright rejecting the Britannian proposal.
Which meant that it fell to me to put an end to the constant bickering.
"ENOUGH! You are all Officers of the Reich. I expect you to behave as such. If you cannot, then I will accept your immediate resignations, or have you shipped to the Artic. Is that clear"?
Ensuring that there was a substantial amount of menace in my tone as I addressed the 3 bickering leaders, I allowed them a moment to reorient themselves before directing my attention to the Chief of the Luftwaffe.
"If I was to increase the resources to your logistical divisions, how long would it take to move the aerial components of Reclamation forward? Achieving control of the air is vital in this war, and I will not order our soldiers forward unless we can remove the Empire's aerial ability to interfere with our operations"?
Allowing the Air Marshall a moment to consider my question, I fought to keep my frown from turning into a sneer as Goering provided his answer.
"It would take 2 months at minimum Chancellor. We would have to expand the existing airfields to accommodate a larger military presence than they currently enjoy. But since most of these are located near our current border, we would have to construct new bases further eastward. Which will take time since we would also have to establish new lines of supply for these fields".
Though a competent enough answer, it nevertheless filled me with irritation since it all but confirmed that the offensive would have to be postponed until the following year. For only a fool would wage war without worrying about the logistics of supplying said war.
And since the primary mission of the Luftwaffe was to provide tactical support for the Reich's ground forces, anything that could compromise their effectiveness was detrimental to the war effort.
However, it is always best to hear numerous opinions before making a decision. So I nodded my head in thanks to the pudgy Air Marshall and turned my attention to the man who had argued for an earlier commencement of the campaign.
Though I was pleased to see that his eagerness didn't prevent him from considering the viewpoints of his colleagues.
"If you give me the order now Chancellor, I can have our forces crossing the border within 24 hours. While the build up of our ground forces is still incomplete, I am confident that with existing air support, we can still achieve the goal of destroying the Euro-Britannian's ability to withstand a prolonged conflict. Though I confess that there is a stronger likelihood of some enemy forces escaping their fate to fight another day".
Acknowledging the point with a slight frown, and noticing that Raeder was currently wearing an expression that all but screamed that his argument was the same as Zhukov's, I shot my brooding right hand a look that was less than happy as she finally decided to break her silence.
"My agents in Siberia have also reported a steady increase in Euro-Britannian efforts to stamp out our partisan units. No indication that the main Empire has shipped additional forces to help them with their operations, but I have received confirmed reports that the Knight of Ten has been participating in these efforts".
Her words causing the room to descend into anger filled mutterings, for we all knew that Bradley's presence in the Siberian Territories would result in an unacceptable increase in civilian causality rates, I managed to keep my tone reasonably calm as I gave an order that would unfortunately make the lives of our enemy easier.
"Karina, order our partisan units in the border territories to reduce their efforts to intelligence gathering, and industrial sabotage. With the Vampire leading the Euro-Brit's efforts to stamp out armed rebellion, I suspect that it would be only a matter of time before the only populated settlements in Siberia are ones developed by the Empire. That being said, instruct your teams to come up with ways in which we can remove this thorn from our side".
Earning a nod of acknowledgement from the black uniformed blond, who was perhaps the only one present who shared the same level of distaste I felt towards the massacre loving nobleman, I took a moment to consider the reports that had been given to me in the face of this unexpected move by Britannian.
If I attacked now, my forces would lack the necessary strength to guarantee a deceive victory over our enemy. Enough to severely damage perhaps, but insufficient to permanently cripple their ability to resist.
If on the other hand I waited until my armies were ready, the enemy would have pulled the majority of their forces beyond the striking range of my assembled host. Which meant that the Eastern Front would devolve into another war of attrition. Something which Britannia could afford more than the Reich.
But apart from increasing Rommel's command in the African Theatre, I had little options available to me.
Well apart from emulating my predecessors in ordering unorthodox schemes that had proven to be a waste of scare resources.
The campaign to reclaim the Island of Madagascar was a perfect example of this. For not only had the General in charge of the operation committed the crime of dividing his already numerically inferior forces to pursue multiple objectives, but he had done so while Britannian forces had enjoyed the essential factor of air superiority.
If perhaps he had limited his objectives to a more manageable number, the enemy would have been driven from the island, and the line in Southern African would have held for an additional 4 months.
But because of Mercury's failure, the Empire not only had the ability to use our capture airfield's to their advantage, they were able to use the island as a staging ground to outflank our posi...
Pausing in mid thought, and idly aware that Karina had picked up on my change in demeanor, I kept my tone calm as I dismissed the gathering. But not before giving the man who led my air force an order that may very well lead to a solution to my problems.
"Gentleman, since we are unlikely to achieve anything worthwhile for the moment, I suggest we reconvene in 3 days time. Hopefully by then we will have a better understanding of what the Reich can do with this new situation. And Air Marshall. Within the next day or so, send me the after action reports for Student's Madagascar adventurer"?
Receiving nods from the three men, though I noted that Goering was currently wearing a look of confusion as he no doubt wondered why I wanted to reacquaint myself with the details of a failed military operation, I was not surprised that Karina chose to wait until they were out of the room before breaking the silence.
"I know that look Friedrich. You have an idea of how to solve the problem that your upcoming...marriage, has on our plans to thrash those Britianian bastards. Any chance of sharing your remarkable insight"?
Sighing at the unmistakable venom that could be heard in her tone, I did my best to keep my voice devoid of emotion as I sought to clarify my current position on this issue.
"Last time I checked, I haven't come to a decision on whether I'll accept the offer. So I would appreciate it if you use another term to describe Chuck's archaic method of forging peace. But essentially you are correct in your suspicions. I have the beginnings of an idea, but its development into a capable solution to our problems requires me to acquaint myself with the reports of a disgraced General".
My words earning a thoughtful hum from my childhood friend, I felt my irritation rising as Karina seemed intent on displaying her less than charitable thoughts towards my potential union.
"Its rather amazing how your mind works. To learn from the failures of a failed officer to solve the problems of being married to a woman who fails to adhere to Britannian ideals. Still I suppose it could be worse. Chuck could have chosen to use that flat chested war monger as a sacrificial pawn instead of a girl whose figure will no doubt equal that of her older sister's".
Cringing at the thought of being wedded to one of the few Britannian's below the age of 16 who had made it to my 'To be liquidated' list, I ensured that a frown was firmly fixed ipon my face as she asked me a question that I should have expected, but had failed to do so because of more pressing concerns.
"Are you actually going to sleep with her? I mean sure she's old enough, and has enough of a figure to make it entertaining. But are willing to play the part of a loyal husband to a girl whose only asset is, if I'm being generous, being a eye pleasing ornament"?
Having not given this much thought, for I had never given much thought to the carnal aspects of this agreement since the political and military aspects were more important, I dismissed the question with the same disregard that was used when discussing a mild annoyance.
"Beyond the consummation of our potential union, I currently have no intention of doing so. This isn't the Empire after all. My successor doesn't HAVE to have my blood running through their veins in order to rule. Though I suppose it might give them an air of credibility for my more boot licking followers".
My wordings earning a pleased smile from my sadistic right hand, I was largely unsurprised by her more upbeat tone as she replied to my answer.
"Well, I suppose that's fine then. I mean if you were planning on sleeping with her more than once, I might have refrained from doing this because putting up with a jealous spoiled brat is more irritating than amusing. But since your only going to be sleeping with her once, then that means I don't have to worry about her poking her nose in my business".
Eye's narrowing as my mind tried to process what she just said, I almost missed the way she seemed to saunter to the meeting room door as she addressed the guard that was on the other side.
"You are dismissed for the evening. The Chancellor and I will be having a late night meeting. And make sure to tell your comrades that, on pain of death, no one is to disturb us unless the crisis effects the continued sovereignty of the Reich. Is that clear"?
Hearing a hurried, but no less deferential reply to her order, I remained rooted to the spot as Karina proceeded to approach me with the same measured steps one would expect from a jungle predator ready to pounce.
An analogy that soon proved itself to be correct as Karina violently crashed her lips against mine.
...
Though the mask and cape made it difficult to gauge the mood of the man who led what was in essence a gloried militia, though he had to admit that their ability to learn from each battle was worthy of any solider, Todoh nevertheless got the sense that Zero was less than fully pleased with their new found alliance.
But unlike his subordinates, who would no doubt view this reaction as proof that they were correct in believing that the masked man was less than trust worthy, the decorated military officer possessed a more charitable viewpoint.
For during his time as a military officer in the service of his country, he had seen his fair share of officers who had believed that their rank and experience gave them the right to treat their commands as independent fiefdoms that could select which orders to obey, and which orders to ignore.
He disproved of such a mindset, for the needs of the nation would always surpass the personal wants of the individual, but he could at least understand them.
Which is why he was able to confirm that Zero possessed such a mindset. Though it was far more flexible than those possessed by his fellow officers in both the army and its remnants.
For while Zero might wish to keep the Black Knights as a separate command instead of placing it at the service of a more experienced organization, he recognized that the task of achieving the liberation of Japan was beyond the ability of one resistance movement to achieve alone.
But two joined together? The chances improved.
Especially when one considered the nature of the agreement that had been brokered by Kyoto.
The officers of the JLF would retain command over their soldiers, but would agree to coordinate with their Black Knight comrades when in the field.
The JLF would improve the training standards of the younger organization while having access to the same resources provided by Kyoto.
Intelligence would be shared between the two organizations.
And most importantly, combat operations would be lead by him.
Having Zero offer that concession had been originally confusing, but after a brief explanation, Todoh had been able to see the reason behind this decision.
While the masked man was an able tactician, easily surpassing him, his skills in combat were sadly average. And while he could respect the man's willingness to experience the same lethal conditions as his troops, that same willingness could result in disaster since his removal would deprive his forces of the one thing, apart from the Guren, that gave them the chance to resist the material superiority of the Empire.
Thus the agreement to serve as the field commander for their forces. Which would in turn help to foster better relations between the two organizations.
For with Zero as the brains of the operation, and himself as the one to ensure that these plans were carried out, they would form an effective team that could in the fullness of time rival the command structure that was practiced by the armies of the 3 superpowers.
But considering that their active strength was slightly lower than a full strength division of the pre war period, though the latest delivery from Europe would help to remedy that, Todoh realized they had a long way to go before they had to worry about the security of a post liberated Japan.
One that would hopefully be achieved without the direct intervention of Britannia's rivals.
...
AAANNNNND THATS ENOUGH FOR NOW XD.
Once again astonished by my writing speed, but I doubt any of you are complaining lol.
Anyway, to summarize what has happened before I respond you comments and questions.
1st segment...Post Mao scene with C.C. and Lelouch, with our favorite exiled royal getting chastised once again about his attitude. Think the interaction is realistic considering previous arguments/ how the Mao situation got resolved (I.e. there was no lelouch to the rescue, C.C. did the deed before Nunally was put in danger. So think that a slightly more cold immortal is warranted).
2nd segment...Cornelia and Euphie discuss the Emperor's decision to use her as a political tool to foster peace through marriage. Think I managed to portray them realistically…with Cornelia's protectiveness and Euphie's attempts to find the bright side.
3rd segment…Akito and Skorzeny are back in Europe after their 'Area 11 Vacation'. Don't think I need to explain too much about this part since its pretty straight forward.
4th segment….Reich Military meeting about what the Reich is gonna do since original plan to invade has been compromised. Africa is still seen as a bit of a side show, but has been strengthened to ensure success. Also needed to cover the 'Vampire's effects on the partisan movement. Think we can all agree that having him in a rebellious area would result in a high body count. Also, after reading one of the many alternative history books I have acquired over the years (big fan of Peter G. Tsouras), decided on a potential solution for the Reich's Siberian setbacks. If you're a military buff….you will know who General Student is and what I may be alluding to. But not the operation that happened in real life, more like what could have happened had a certain battle gone much differently.
And of course, my esdeath like OC FINALLY making a move on the Chancellor. Hopefully this isn't too much of an unpleasant surprise since I had intended/hinted this would happen since I first came up with this story XD. How this will develop is still in the air, but will be interesting to write how it will effect course of story.
5th segment…Todoh's perception regarding the JLF alliance with the Black Knights and Zero. Pretty straight forward so wont spend too much time going over it lol.
And now to address the comments/questions.
Fortitude501:
Always enjoy your comments and suggestions.
To address your idea about the Reich achieving a political victory over the empire instead of a military one by forcing change in public opinion…not sure if that's plausible considering the nature of the society.
Yes it happened in the Chinese Federation with the Eunuchs, but their country was far more impoverished and backward than the Empire. Britannia needs a severe military defeat to get the populace to even consider rebelling…and I'm not talking USA Vietnam. More like Russian Revolution during World War 1.
Still, your idea about the costly effects of destroying the Mainland has lots of merit. Will probably reduce it to destroying key cities, establishing strategic military basis on the east coast/carribean. That sort of thing.
Chancellor ZVE:
Always enjoy your well thought out responses to my story.
Q: When exactly will the news of Princess Euphemia's marriage to Chancellor Krueger be released to the general public? Can you just imagine the reactions of certain individuals? Suzaku immediately comes to mind, but just visualize for a moment what would happen when NINA hears about this! *Shudders*
A: Plan is to have news released to general public when Todoh's alliance with Black Knights is revealed to public. Which in the series, would be the same time she publicly chose Suzuaku as her knight during the prison break.
Q: What is the timetable for when Euphemia will relocate to her new territorial responsibilities? Keep in mind that there are certainly going to be Euro-Britannians that need to be given time to vacate the "territorial dowry gifts" and get back to their own side of the new border, and that is not counting the obvious grumblings and outright protests that will erupt from said Euro-Britannians and delay the transition to Reich ownership, no matter what the Emperor says (unless he is willing to leave them to the Reich's tender mercies which I would not put past him).
A: Still trying to figure that out. As for the Euro Brits, have the basis of an idea, but have to fine tweak the details before I'm satisfied with the idea.
Anyways..thats enough for now. Hopefully you all enjoyed this.
Please review…no flames
Heil Europa.