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joezworld · 3 years

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Sentient vehicle headcanon - The Falklands war

Normally I try to tell these headcanons in a manner similar to Wikipedia - only keeping the relevant details. However, this one is so insane that even in my head, I feel it needs to be told differently.

So, for the purposes of this headcanon, pretend that this is being told to you by your friend, who is desperately trying to appear normal while telling you about a Wikipedia article he just read.

So, this entire story is fucking insane - there’s so much that goes on, lemme just start at the beginning.

So, the UK owns these little islands off the coast of Argentina in the middle of goddamn nowhere. The Argentinians really don’t like this because the islands are much closer to them and they say that they own it - but it’s like that one Eddie Izzard bit - do you have a flag? - And the brits did and the Argentinians didn’t, so everybody said that england had the islands.

Naturally this made Argentina very mad, but they didn’t do anything about it because they had shit goin’ on. Because like, all of South America had really bad shit happening to it between the 30′s and the 90′s - so nothing happened.

Until in the 80′s, when Argentina had a military dictatorship called a Junta - which led through the very nice and normal way of ‘taking anyone they didn’t like and throwing them out of helicopters’ - the government had basically spun up their propaganda mill to the point where they actually believed that they could take the Falklands and the British wouldn’t do anything!

And they did this in 1982, which is like the exact wrong time to piss off the UK, because they used to be the biggest empire the world has ever seen, and then in like the last 20 years they lost India and Pakistan, had to give Canada their constitution back, and they were about to do the same to Australia and New Zealand, and they had basically signed Hong Kong back over to the Chinese.

-And you know *spoiler alert* they didn’t give Hong Kong back, but at the time they thought they were gonna! -

And so this means that the UK is feeling really bad about itself going into this whole thing, and then this punk-ass little country with like two ships in its navy tries to start shit because they think that The Queen won’t do anything.

Except, they aren’t dealing with the Queen, they’re dealing with Margaret Thatcher - who will kill you, your dog, your family, and anybody who ever sold you a cannoli if she thinks it’ll make England strong.

So - even from this point, the Argentinians are gonna die, but what happens next is so out-of-left-field that it’s astounding.

So, let’s roll back the clock a few weeks and The USS Montana is about to get involved.

So, Montana is this pugnacious old man of a heavy cruiser who’s been with the navy since before World War 1. He has this amazing history going through every war the US has been in - and he’s amazing: when they tried to retire him after the first world war, he told them no, and said he’d raise a pirate flag and follow the sixth fleet around if they didn’t let him stay. So they did, and he served in every war and conflict the US was in until the 80′s.

And this is kinda important, because when he was built, it was before the wars - everything was a bit slower, a bit more laid back, and he actually got a lot of family bonding with the other ships in the Navy and in his class, and it meant that he wasn’t like, sad and miserable and scared when the war happened.

Flash forward to 1946, and the US has just built like hundreds of ships to kill the Axis with, and they did it so quickly that most of these guys went from the drydock to the battlefield with no real training or anything - so they were really fucked up when they came back.

So, when Montana sees this, he decides that he’s basically going to be the father figure that everyone didn’t have - and basically makes most of the navy his kids - like straight up his sons and daughters, no questions asked. And he did this for almost every ship the Navy built between 1950 and the 80′s.

Which means that basically the entire US Navy loves him unconditionally.

Like, I can’t stress this enough - he was their dad - he taught Iowa class battleships how to go fishing, he gave the birds and the bees talk to submarines, like, everything he did was for his kids or for his country.

And so, one day in 1982, he gets a call from one of his kids who’s moved down to Argentina - which I need to point out that a lot of US ships went down to South America in the 40s and 50s, but a lot of them did that because they were fucked up from WW2, and most of them didn’t get to know Montana very well - so they weren’t ‘his kids’.

But one of them was, and he calls up his dad and says “Hey dad, uhh, my bosses have really started to believe their own BS and they think that they can take on the UK - and I think that I’m gonna die, because I work with these people and we are not gonna be able to win this. Please help me.”

And so Montana tells him to calm down, and he’s gonna get him out of this. And then he goes to his bosses at the navy, says he’s using some leave time to go rescue his kid, and the Navy realizes that they’re never gonna be able to talk him out of this, so they call up the chain to Washington and cut him some orders that say that he’s a ‘neutral observer’ so that nobody shoots at him.

And this seems like its all going to go just fine, except that several ships in the Argentinian Navy were made by the West Germans, and have NO IDEA who this guy is - because even the American ships who aren’t his kids still know him, because how can you not.

And so he makes it almost all the way to Argentina when one of the Argentinian submarines - who was German - sees him, has no idea who he is, doesn’t know about the neutral observer thing because the Argentine Navy is a clusterfuck, and sinks him! And he dies!

And I can- I- This is so bad!

Because now, the US NAVY is involved.

And They. Are. Pissed.

Because Their DAD JUST GOT MURDERED!!!!!!

And the Argentinians have no idea what’s happening - they have no idea that this guy is important or that he even got sunk! Because the submarine just assumed he was English and called in that he’d sunk a British advance party or something, and it takes like a week for the Americans to put two and two together, so for a while, nobody knows what’s happened - it’s like they’ve stepped on a land mine and it hasn’t gone off yet.

But because no one knows the enormity of the shitstorm the Argentinians are gonna be facing yet, the British are still mobilizing - they didn’t do what the Americans did and set up a network of navy and air bases all over the world in case they need to kick someone’s ass in the future - and all the countries around the south Atlantic either hate them, or are former colonies who really hate the English. So they have to schlep everything they need to fight a war alllll the way down from England to Argentina - which is like the furthest distance you can go without running into the British Empire it’s so far why.

And so the Royal Navy has to call in the civilian reserve fleet, which is a bunch of ocean liners and container ships who really would rather be flagged under any other nation right now, but they’re not!, so they have to go basically become war-adjacent for a while - just hanging out in the frigid North Atlantic until the Royal Navy finishes kicking ass and taking names and then they can go home.

Except.

EXCEPT THAT

The Argentine Navy is a bunch of suicidal morons!

Because they saw that the British didn’t have enough logistics vessels and was requisitioning ferry boats and ocean liners and had a brainwave:

¡ Hey ! ¡ If we shoot at these unarmed ferry boats and container ships, not only will the Brits not have any logistical support, but they might get scared and go home!

Which sounds like a good plan, until you realize that the Royal Navy is not pleased that they have to bring civilian ships into battle - like the aircraft carriers and the destroyers see this as ‘a stain on their character’ for having to ‘endanger civilians unduly’ because they’re posh and they’re English but also they’re right - this is not a place for civvies - Exocet missiles are gonna be flying around, it’s not safe.

Also, the Royal Navy had a very dim view of this whole conflict, because they thought it was pointless to sail halfway across the ocean just to fight over a tiny island with 3 people on it - if they wanted to expand the empire just invade Ireland or something.

- Now, that sounds bad, but this was the 80′s - The Troubles were ongoing, and in the Royal Navy at least, they liked the Irish a lot less than the Argentinians! -

Also, Ireland was closer.

But anyways, the RN ships at least had a rather dim view of the whole conflict, right up until the SS Atlantic Conveyor took an Exocet to the fuckin’ face.

And he dies.

And this is almost as bad as sinking Montana, because Atlantic Conveyor had this really unique ability to make friends with anyone, and had spent most of the voyage down basically being the flotilla’s morale officer.

So when he dies, this stops being a token effort to restore British Sovereignty, and starts being The Royal Navy Wants You Dead.

Which, on its own, would have meant that Argentinian Navy would have been wiped from the face of the earth - because the Royal Navy wasn’t leaving until everyone was dead. It didn’t matter if it was a tugboat with a handgun - there would be no more Argentinian Navy when they were done.

Now.

Meanwhile in America, while the Royal Navy is still steaming down to the Islands, words starts to get around that someone killed Dad.

And this went over exactly as well as you think it would.

The ships of the US Navy reacted calmly and coolly, and didn’t cry or scream or plot revenge.

They totally didn’t.

Except that they totally did, and spent a few days gathering every bullet, shell, round, and torpedo they could find, before leaving with the intent of finding and killing everyone in the Argentinian military.

Now, that might sound like a generalization, but it wasn’t.

There were somewhere around 370 ships in the US Navy at that time, and about 280 of them were capable of reaching Argentina without leaving the US vulnerable to an attack - plus about another 200 or so that had retired from the navy or transferred to other nations but still kept in touch.

So that’s about 500 battleships, destroyers, submarines, amphibious assault ships, support vessels, aircraft carriers, tankers, oilers, troop transports, guided missile cruisers and the Presidential Yacht.

All of them went to Argentina. Every last one of them.

And no-one believed it!

The British thought it was a joke, and the Argentinians thought it was counter-intelligence!

The ENTIRE US NAVY just up and left to kick someone’s ass! That doesn’t happen! That didn’t happen in WW2! This has never happened before or since in US history! Even when the US Navy was a bunch of sailboats in Philadelphia nobody did that!

And So, that’s how it was - the US Navy was steaming down en mass to fuck up the Argentinians, the Royal Navy was hopping mad, and the Argentinians didn’t even know anything was going to happen!

Also, before I forget, also on top of all this - Atlantic Conveyor was friends with a bunch of ocean liners, and because they’re all fucking insane - Normandie spent WW2 fucking up U-Boats in the Caribbean, and the United States sailed into a Cat 5 hurricane, and Olympic is one of the reasons that Singapore got kicked out of Malaysia - so, they all decided that their friend dying was worth fighting for, and they got together and steamed down to the South Atlantic at the same time the Americans were, and set like 9 speed records in the process because of course they did.

So, now that there’s essentially three giant navies coming down to kick their asses, the Argentinians finally begin to clue in on something being wrong - like, there were a couple of Soviet Trawlers that were parked offshore, and they claimed to be fishing but in reality they were spying - and they had these giant radio masts that they’d put up whenever orders came down from Moscow.

And one day, the Argentinians watched from their spy planes as the masts went up slowly, then got taken down very quickly, and then they watched as the two spy trawlers went racing off towards Africa.

And they wondered why they were going towards Africa, because the soviet union is the other way - you need to steam around the edge of South America, until they called down to Ushuaia - in Tierra Del Fuego, and heard that what looked like half the US Navy was coming round the tip of South America.

And it looked like that because it was! Because half of the US Navy had sailed down from the pacific to cut off any way of escape!

It was only now, at this incredibly late time, that the Argentinians realized exactly how Fucked they were.

Now, at this point, a smart man would have given up - but Galtierei was not.

So naturally the Argentinians kept fighting for a whole week before they all just died.

And it wasn’t in normal “get shot with a missile and sink” ways either - like, one of their cruisers fired on a ship, and it turned out to be the USS Missouri, who was right next to the other three Iowa Class battleships, and they all targeted this ship, and made him disappear because that’s what happens when the four biggest battleships on earth shoot at you at once.

Or, the Submarines - the one that sank Montana got chased by 4 Los Angeles class attack subs and ended up getting pushed beneath his crush depth - not hit with a torpedo, PUSHED. The other one, meanwhile, tried to shoot at one of the Ocean Liners, and ended up getting sunk by them! Which is incredible, because Nobody expected that to happen, least of all the Liners, and yet they just totally went in and contributed - which actually means that there’s a third “belligerents” column for the Wikipedia page for this, and it’s just them.

So the war actually ended on kind of an anti-climax, because after the US just steamrolled the Argentinians, there wasn’t anything left to do. The Brits landed more troops at Port Stanley, and then they just sort of went home.

Most of the Americans did too, but they also went and installed a new government in Argentina!

Which, as the rumor goes, the Navy did that without asking anyone, and BOY O BOY was the State Department Upset - I think a lot of people got fired or demoted for that.

But it did turn out well in the end, because unlike every other time the US tried to install a leader, it actually went rather well, and the guy they put in charge left when he lost his re-election, and now Argentina is a democratic ally and a partner in Peace!

Who still claim that they own the Falklands

#long #really long #very long #extremely specific headcanon #falklands war #headcanon #boat headcanon #war headcanon #I wrote this one for me #and nobody else #US Navy #argentina #Royal Navy #having sentient boats messes with so many historical events #sentient vehicle headcanon

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emeraldthoughtsblog · 7 years

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Code Geass: A Tale of Two Demons. CH8: His Name is Zero

Chapter eight of A Tale of Two Demons. This chapter corresponds with episode four of the main series. Kallen and the others finally meet Zero, and they go and save Naoto. The Orange Incident still happens to Jeremiah. Ms. Kozuki almost takes Refrain.

[First Chapter] [Previous Chapter] [Next Chapter]

After Naoto was captured, he was taken to the maximum security prison, where he is being currently interrogated by Jeremiah Gottwald. “Do you know anything about this weapon, Naoto Stadtfeld?” Jeremiah asks the battered and bruised Naoto, indicating the sealed pistol on the table. “It was the one to rob Prince Clovis of his life, the barrel striations leave no doubt. And we’ve done a bit of homework on you as well.” Jeremiah continues. “You’re the eldest child of the Stadtfeld family. Halfblood in nature, your motive is unclear. However, the Prime Minister suspected you for the resistance in Shinjuku, and we can tie that back to the assassination of the prince.” He adds.

“You’re making a mistake. I’ve never even laid eyes on that gun. Or the Ambassador for that matter.” Naoto says. One of the guards in the room kicks the chair and causes it to fall. Naoto, in a restraining jacket, lands on his side, unable to move.

“We found your fingerprints all over this weapon.” Jeremiah says, holding the bagged pistol up. “Come clean now, and you would be judged as a pureblood, not some worthless Japanese.” He adds.

“I would rather die for Japan, than submit to the likes of you.” Naoto says. The other guard in the room then kicks Naoto’s head.

At the Ashford Academy clubhouse, Lelouch is preparing Nunnally for bed. “That was Kallen’s brother they mentioned on the news, wasn’t it?” Nunnally asks, as Lelouch lifts her out of her wheelchair and onto her bed.

“Yep. I wonder how the rest of his family is taking this?” Lelouch replies, tucking Nunnally in.

“Lelouch?” Nunnally asks.

“What is it?” Lelouch replies.

“It wasn’t true what the news said, was it?” Nunnally asks.

“Of course not. Naoto’s a soldier, I don’t think he would do any of the things mentioned on the news. They just made a mistake.”

“Yeah, must be.” Nunnally says, taking Lelouch’s hand into her hand before falling asleep.

“Goodnight, Nunnally.” Lelouch says. He then releases his hand from Nunnally’s and gets up, preparing to head out of the room. Once out of Nunnally’s room, Lelouch heads to his own. As the door opens, he sees C.C. holding his slightly damaged mask. “You better put that back before someone sees that.” Lelouch says, entering his room.

“I’m amazed that you went that far, Lelouch.” C.C. says, tossing the mask up and down. “So, now is when you use your power?” She asks.

“You gave me… us this power when we were ten. It’s been seven years, but now is the time to change everything.” Lelouch replies. “Now, if you don’t mind, I need to get that repaired.” He says, taking the mask from C.C.

“You know, there’s no turning back now.” C.C. says.

“That was never part of the plan.” Lelouch replies. He then places the mask inside the open suitcase, then closes the lid.

The next morning, principal Ashford prepares a speech to the entire school, mourning the loss of Prince Clovis. “Truly this has been a painful incident for all. Our beloved Prince Clovis, has been lost to us forever. However, we can and will bear the weight of this tragedy, and from this darkest of hours draw strength.” Principal Ashford says to the assembled students. As the speech ends, the students leave the gym and prepare to carry on with the rest of their day. As Suzaku leaves the gym, he sees Kallen seated near a pillar. “How’re you feeling, Kallen?” Suzaku asks as he approaches her.

Kallen looks up and sees Suzaku. “I’ve been better.” She replies, rubbing her eyes.

“Worried about Naoto, yes?” Suzaku asks, already knowing the answer. He sees Kallen nod her head. “You know, I can get you access to see your brother. What do you say.” Suzaku says, extending his hand to Kallen.

“Really, how? Kallen asks.

“I have my ways.” Suzaku replies. “So, how about it?” He asks.

“I’d like that, thank you, Suzaku.” Kallen replies, taking Suzaku’s hand. Suzaku then helps Kallen to her feet and they both leave the school grounds.

‘She better stay on schedule.’ Lelouch thinks as he sees the event going on. He then heads for the clubhouse and prepares for the next part of his plan.

At the prison where Naoto is being held, Kallen and Suzaku arrive, and are escorted by a Britannian guard to Naoto’s cell. “Stadtfeld, you have some visitors.” The guard says as he arrives at the cell. Naoto, on his knees, doesn’t look up until the guard leaves.

“Kallen.” Naoto says, surprised to see his sister. He then looks around and sees Suzaku. “Kururugi.” He says with some disdain.

“Suzaku, I heard that you arrived here.” Lloyd says, approaching the group. “There’s something I need to ask you.” He says.

“Can we talk in private, Lloyd.” Suzaku replies.

“Suzaku, how do you know this guy?” Kallen asks, looking at Suzaku and Lloyd.

“I… uh…” Suzaku starts, not knowing what to say.

“He works for me.” Lloyd replies.

“Yeah. That’s right.” Suzaku says.

“Really? Suzaku, why didn’t you tell us?” Kallen asks.

“It was so sudden. And besides, engineering isn’t anything to write home about.” Suzaku replies. “Let’s go, Lloyd.” He says, leaving Kallen with her brother.

“It isn’t true what the news said, is it?” Kallen asks, kneeling in front of the cell.

“Of course not.” Naoto replies. “I never wanted to start a war with Britannia. However, about Shinjuku, I was only following orders.” He adds.

“Weren’t we all.” Kallen adds.

“Not those orders. Tohdoh ordered my squad to evacuate Shinjuku, get all of the civilians out of the ghetto.” Naoto replies. “But we took it a bit further, by trying to get everyone out of the ghetto.” He adds. “I’m so sorry, Kallen. This might be the last time we ever see each other.”

“Don’t say that, Naoto.” Kallen cries. “There’s got to be a way to show that you’re innocent.” She adds.

“Let’s face it, Kallen. The Britannians want a scapegoat, and the Prime Minister sold me out.” Naoto replies. “Stay strong, Kallen. I’ll stay by your side after my trial.”

“Well, I’ve got somewhere to be.” Kallen says, getting up.

“Suzaku, Lord Jeremiah is going to lead an escort for his prisoner, and he wants you, or more importantly, Lancelot, to be present. I told him that I’d ask the pilot, and if you agree, he might induct you into the Britannian military.” Lloyd says as he and Suzaku leave the cells behind.

“Lloyd, I’m going to have to decline the offer.” Suzaku replies. “I don’t want my father to know I joined the Britannians. I’m even keeping it a secret from my friends.” He adds.

“Then I’ll relay the news to Jeremiah. It’s a shame, I wanted to showcase Lancelot.” Lloyd replies. “Maybe we’ll keep it for just field tests, so people don’t get too familiar with it.” He adds.

Kallen arrives at Tokyo Tower, a museum exhibiting Japan’s past and Britannia’s involvement in Japan’s present, just before four in the afternoon. ‘1600 hours at Tokyo Tower. Why here of all places?’ Kallen mentally says, as she looks around the museum.

“It was that masked guy that contacted us, wasn’t it?” One of Naoto’s resistance members says to Ohgi as he and one other member approach.

“Hard to say, but most likely.” Ohgi replies.

“He may have set up Naoto to get arrested. What’s stopping him from doing the same to us.” The other says.

“He helped us at Shinjuku, I don’t think he would set us up.” Ohgi replies.

“Even so, we could still be in danger here. We should go.” The first guy says. As he says this, the intercom goes off.

“Attention please. Paging Miss Kallen Stadtfeld of Ashford Academy. One of your personal effects has been turned in at the kiosk on the observation deck.” The voice over the says, then repeats the message. Ohgi and the others turn to see where Kallen was, and see that she’s already gone.

Kallen approaches the kiosk on the observation deck. The receptionist at the kiosk sees Kallen approach, and hands her a phone. “Hi, I’m assuming this phone is yours mam.” The receptionist says. Kallen then takes the black phone and looks at it angrily. “Something wrong? It is yours, isn’t?” She asks.

“Uh, yeah. Thank you so much.” Kallen replies, leaving the kiosk.

“Oh yeah, life’s better here, thanks to Britannia.” Ohgi says sarcastically as he and the others approach one of the binoculars on the observation deck. As Kallen approaches, she’s looking at the phone, which starts to buzz and vibrate.

“Zero?” Kallen says to herself as she sees the caller ID. She looks at the others before answering the cell phone. “Um, hello.” Kallen says, answering the phone.

“I want you board the outbound train on loop line five, and bring your friends.” The voice on the other side says.

“What?” Kallen replies

In Jeremiah’s office within the embassy, he is meeting with Diethard again. “You handled his highness’s memorial program very well. A little to weepy for my tastes, but.” Jeremiah says, facing the reporter.

“Yes, well the audiences tend to like tear jerkers, your excellency.” Diethard replies.

“Spoken like a true TV man.” Jeremiah says. “Still, I have to acknowledge the finess you’ve shown. You did well in the short time you had. One would almost think you were expecting his highness to meet his untimely end.” Jeremiah adds.

“It’s quite common for memorial programs to be set in advance for important people.” Diethard replies, giving a short, formal bow to the lords and lady present in the room.

“Does that include me as well?” Jeremiah asks, curious.

“Recent events may have bumped you up the list, your excellency.” Diethard replies. “However, with Princess Euphemia here, it’s not as much as you would think.”

“Regardless of that, I wasn’t deemed important enough until now. How forthright of you.” Jeremiah replies.

“I’m afraid so, sir.” Diethard replies.

“Ever thought of enlisting? The army could use more men like you.” Jeremiah says, giving Diethard and offer.

“I don’t think it would be a very good fit. Not really my cup of tea.” Diethard replies, rejecting the offer.

“You prefer the civil sector, I take it.” Jeremiah says, accepting the loss. “No matter, I have another favor to ask of you. Tomorrow night, Naoto Kozuki will be transferred to his court marshal.” Jeremiah adds, informing Diethard of the event.

“We should line the road with good, patriotic Britannians.” Diethard replies.

“Excellent, you catch on quickly, don’t you.” Jeremiah says, pleased. He then looks at Villetta, to his left. “Be sure the rabble can see his face.”

“Lord Jeremiah, there are those among the Japanese, terrorist or not, that would try to rescue Naoto.” Villetta says.

“I’ll be there personally, aboard my Sutherland. If anyone thinks about causing trouble, they’ll be executed on the spot.” Jeremiah replies.

At the Japanese military base in Tokyo, the high ranking officers are in a heated discussion. “Genbu has gone too far this time. Naoto was just following orders, and he only did what he did out of self defense.” Lieutenant Colonel Kusakabe says.

“Even then, he was to aid the Britannians.” Lieutenant Colonel Tohdoh says. “I don’t like it as much as you do, Kusakabe, but Naoto disobeyed orders from his superiors.”

“Tohdoh, I know he’s half blood, but he is loyal to Japan.” Major General Katase says. “If we are all loyal to Japan, then we should do what is best for our nation.” He adds.

“Then we get the soldiers loyal to Japan, and free our beloved country from Britannia and its corruption.” Kusakabe says.

“I agree, Kusakabe. We would be well stocked with supplies, and we’d be the largest group to oppose Kururugi and Britannia.” Katase replies.

“What about you, Tohdoh? We know that you are loyal to Kururugi, but where does your true loyalty lie, with Japan or with that corrupt man.” Kusakabe says.

“My loyalty will always be to Japan. However, Kururugi will need to prove that he no longer deserves my loyalty. Then, and only then, will you have me and The Four Holy Swords.” Tohdoh replies.

“It’s good to know we’re on the same page, Tohdoh.” Katase replies. “I look forward to having you among our ranks soon, Tohdoh.” He adds.

On the train that the voice told Kallen and the others to board, Kallen is looking at the phone that was given to her. Kallen quickly answers the phone as soon as it begins to buzz again. “What now?” Kallen whispers. Ohgi looks at Kallen as he hears her on the phone.

“Face forward and look to your right, what do you see?” The voice asks.

“The Britannian city. It was stolen away from us, and corrupted for the sake of peace.” Kallen replies.

“And on the left?” The voice says.

“I see our city. Remnants of a desiccated city after the Britannians and the Kururugi administration sucked it dry.” Kallen replies.

“Good answer.” The voice says, pleased at Kallen’s responses. “Now make your way to the front of the train.” The voice says, hanging up. Ohgi watches as Kallen moves towards the next car, and signals for the others to follow. As they progress to the next car, they weave between a crowd, that doesn’t care about being bumped into. As they reach the next car after the crowed, they see a figure clad in a black cloak.

“Was it you, on the phone?” Kallen asks as she sees the person in front of her.

“It’s him.” Ohgi says, recognizing the cloaked figure from the other day.

“Well, was that you in Shinjuku? Was that ceasefire your doing?” Kallen demands.

“Hey, we’re talking to you.” One of the others says, angrily. The figure begins to turns around, and once he is fully turned around facing the four, the cabin goes dark as the trail enters a tunnel.

“What do you think of my tour of the Settlement?” The masked man asks.

“Your tour?” Ohgi replies.

“I wanted you to fully grasp the two.” The masked man continues. “The Settlement.” He says, moving his left arm out from underneath his cloak. “And the ghetto.” He says, moving his right arm in the same manner.

“Yeah, we know. There’s a difference between us and them.” Ohgi says, moving forwards a few steps. “A harsh one, and that’s why we resist them.”

“You’re wrong.” The masked man says. “Your goal is misguided, Britannia will not fall to terrorism.” He says, putting more emphasis on Britannia.

“Britannia?” Ohgi asks.

“It’s little better than childish nuisance.” The cloaked man says.

“What was that? You calling us a bunch of kids.” One of the others says angrily.

“You should know your enemy. It is not people, or Japan, but Britannia itself. It is a war you must wage, but not on the innocent. Take up your sword, fight for justice.” Lelouch says.

“Oh, please. That’s all easy enough to say, isn’t it, hiding behind that mask? Why should we even trust you?” Kallen shouts.

“Yeah, she’s right! Lose the mask!” One of the others shouts.

“Right, are you going to finally show us your face or not.” Ohgi says.

“Very well, I’ll show you. But rather than my face, bear witness to my power.” The masked man replies. “If I can deliver to you the impossible, then I might have earned your trust.” Lelouch says.

Later that evening in Shinjuku Ghetto, Zero waits for the members of the resistance group to meet with him. In the distance, he sees only Kallen and Ohgi approaching. ‘They’re not all willing to trust me. Fine, I’ll make do with them.’ Lelouch mentally says. “I see, just you two then.” Zero says.

“I’m sorry, we just need a little more time. If more people understood what we…” Ohgi starts to say, but is interrupted by Zero.

“No, the two of you will do just fine.” Zero says.

“Come on, that’s ridiculous. There’ll be too many of them.” Kallen shouts.

“With your help, clearing the task will be child’s play.” Zero replies. “I’ll need these by tomorrow.” He says, presenting two pictures, one Prince Clovis’s car, the other a gas capsule. “All that matters is the exterior.” Kallen and Ohgi then take the photos and begin to work on the props.

The next night, the night of Naoto’s escort, the news is broadcasting everything live for the public to see. “Any moment, any moment now. It’s a sight to see, the throngs lining the route, all of them waiting on baited breath.” A reported announces. “Waiting for the accused murderer of Prince Clovis to pass by. Corporal Naoto Stadtfeld, a Britannian enlisted in the Japanese military.”

In a news van on the scene, Diethard is directing the cameras, wanting to get the best shots. “Camera 5 is a bit slow, talk to me Charles, your team been deployed yet?” Diethard says as he watched the camera feed in the van. “What, the studio? Let’em wait. Nothing’s been pushed back, everything’s going according to plan.” He says, pressing the camera team to get into position. “Here we go.” Diethard says, as he expects the escort to to crest the hill soon.

“I… I can see them. They have the suspect. Naoto Stadtfeld is headed this way.” The announcer says upon seeing the escort arrive.

“Like clockwork.” Diethard says. He then turns off his mic. “What a circus this is, and I’m as corrupt as any of them.” He says to himself.

“Voices of scorn, growing ever louder. Voices bearing testament to a people’s love of their Prince, raining their judgement down on a terrorist.” The announcer says.

In the Stadtfeld Manor, Ms. Kozuki is in her quarters listening to the radio. “Naoto.” She says. She then opens a drawer in her nightstand and takes out a small case. “Naoto, forgive me.” She says to herself, as she takes out a small, brown, glass vial. She then inserts the vial into the injection device, and sets it to her arm. However she doesn’t pull the trigger, wanting to hear the full event, before taking the plunge.

“Margrave Jeremiah. Integral in settling this case, will be presiding over the trial as acting console.” The announcer says.

In the ghetto, the members who didn’t join Zero in the rescue, watch as the event takes place. “No way they can pull this off on their own.” Tamaki says

In a knightmare stationed below the bridge of the escort, Ohgi is waiting for his queue. ‘He told us. He said he’d make the impossible possible.’ Ohgi mentally says. ‘He gave us his word. To save Naoto Kozuki, my friend and our leader.’ He adds.

“Right, no need to turn back, the die is cast.” Lelouch says, as he prepares for his grand performance.

“Acting console Jeremiah.” A soldier says over the radio.

“What is it?” Jeremiah asks.

“Vehicle approaching the highway from third. We just let it through, as you instructed, but…” The soldier reports.

“Do you believe the target could be a terrorist vehicle?” Jeremiah asks the soldier.

“Well, sir… It’s Prince Clovis’s car.” The soldier replies.

“The Prince’s car.” Jeremiah says, surprised to hear this. “Well, looks like we’ve got a comedian. Don’t worry about it, just him through to us.” He adds. “All forces, halt here.” Jeremiah says, signaling for the convoy to stop.

“Hey, they stopped. They really did.” One of the resistance members says as he watches the event, knowing what Zero said would happen.

“It’s just a coincidence.” Takami says, skeptically.

“Yeah, but he said Jeremiah would try to hog all the limelight and make some sort of stand about it.” Another member says.

“Coincidence!” Tamaki shouts.

“This is not a scheduled stop, could there have been some sort of accident?” The announcer says, trying to understand the situation.

“This is sight five. There’s a vehicle approaching them.” One of the camera teams reports. “It… It’s Prince Clovis’s personal transport. And it’s heading straight for the cavalcade” He adds.

“What the. He’s heading straight at them.” Ohgi says, watching the news feed within his knightmare. “What’s he planning?”

‘Hope they can’t tell it’s fake.’ Kallen mentally says as she drives the makeshift vehicle towards the Britannians.

“You dare desecrate his highness’s transport.” Jeremiah says as the vehicle approaches and stops a distance away. “Come out of there!” He shouts. As he says this, the Britannian flag above the driver quickly bursts into flame and disappears, revealing the masked man who killed Clovis. “It’s him.” Jeremiah says to himself.

“I am… Zero.” Zero says, once he’s revealed.

“Zero?” Villetta says, confused. “You’re making this a little too easy for us, aren’t you.” She says to herself

“Who… Who is this person, this man calling himself Zero, standing in front of a full military convoy?” The announcer reports as the event is happening.

At Ashford Academy, Rivalz, Shirley, Milly, and Nina are watching the news, and Nunnally is in her room listening to the radio. “What is all this?” Rivalz says, shocked at the sudden event.

In Ms. Kozuki’s room, at the Stadtfeld Manor, she removes the injector from her arm and focuses on the radio. “Please, save my son. Save Naoto, Zero.” She says, pleading at the radio.

In Shinjuku, all the resistance members are shocked at Zero’s bold move. “What the hell does he think he’s doing?” Tamaki says, confused.

In the news van, Diethard is watching the footage from all of the camera angles. “Zero? What do you mean, like nothing.” He says to himself

“Are we gazing on a terrorist? Certainly not the wisest, if such is the case.” The announcer continues.

‘Is he the one from Shinjuku? Is he Japanese?’ Naoto mentally says, knowing if he said a word, the collar around his neck would shock him.

‘Now to earn your trust, Naoto.’ Lelouch mentally says.

“I’ve seen enough, Zero. This little show of yours is over.” Jeremiah says, firing his pistol in the air. As he shoots, several airborne transports drop their knightmares around Zero. “First things first, why don’t you lose that mask. Show the world who the true assassin is.” Jeremiah says. Zero then places his hand close to his mask, but instead of removing his mask, Zero moves his hand above his head and snaps his fingers. As he snaps, the structure behind him falls apart, revealing a large gas capsule. “What in the…” Jeremiah says, shocked to see the capsule.

“Jeremiah, be careful, that’s a gas capsule.” Villetta shouts, emerging from her knightmare.

‘Yes, Jeremiah, that’s what I want you to believe.’ Lelouch mentally says. ‘You can’t tell it’s fake from there, so you assume it holds poison gas.’

“Can all of you watching at home see this. It’s some sort of device, although its purpose is unclear. Stay with us, and we’ll see if this so called terrorist has anything to say.” The announcer reports.

“You bastard.” Jeremiah says to himself. “He’s taken every Britannian here hostage, and he’s done it without them even knowing it.” He adds. He then aims his weapon at Zero.

“You intend to shoot.” Zero says, seeing the weapon aimed at him. “I think you know full well what would happen if you fire your weapon at me.” He adds.

In the news van, Diethard is listening to the event before him, but is displeased with his crew. “Unit six, bring up the sound and get that camera right in his face.” He orders the camera crew.

“Sir, it’s too hairy out here.” One of the crew members replies.

“Amateurs!” Diethard says, frustrated. He then grabs his own camera and leaves the van.

“Fine! What are your demands?” Jeremiah says, lowering his weapon.

“This, for Stadtfeld.” Zero demands.

“Like hell!” Jeremiah replies. “We might not be able to convict him of assassination, but he led the attack in Shinjuku. I can’t hand him over.” Jeremiah adds.

“You are right, Jeremiah, Naoto Stadtfeld is not the assassin you are looking for. And you are also wrong. The real culprit…” Zero says. He then looks down as he see a cameraman approach. “Is myself.” He adds, looking straight into the camera.

“What… What does this mean? This masked man called Zero, no we don’t know who he is. But in any case, he claims to be the real assassin.” The announcer reports. “So, where does this leave the current suspect, Corporal Stadtfeld?”

“Ah, crap! There’s no way out of this!” Ohgi exclaims, fearing what might happen next.

“We are so screwed.” Kallen says to herself.

“For a single Japanese, you’ll save scores of precious Britannians.” Zero says. “I find that to be a bargain.” He adds.

‘This is all one big performance to him.’ Diethard says in awe of Zero.

“He’s mad I tell you. Disguising this truck as his highness’s, he’ll pay the price for mocking the crown.” Jeremiah says. The knightmares around Zero aim, preparing to fire.

“Careful! You don’t wish the public to learn of ‘orange’ do you?” Zero says. All the soldiers aiming at him lower their weapons in confusion, although none more confused than Jeremiah himself.

“Orange? What’s he talking about” One of the soldiers near Naoto asks the other.

“I don’t know.” The other replies. Zero then taps his heel twice on the top of the truck, and Kallen moves the vehicle closer to the knightmares.

“If I die, it will all go public.” Zero says. “If you don’t want that to happen.” He adds.

“What are you talking about? What is this?” Jeremiah says, trying to make sense of the situation.

“Then you’ll do everything in your power to let us go. Your prisoner as well.” Zero says, activating his geass and opening the eye port in the mask, using his geass on Jeremiah.

“Right, understood.” Jeremiah complies, affected by Lelouch’s geass. “You there, release the prisoner.” Jeremiah orders the soldiers with Naoto. Kallen gasps in surprise as Jeremiah follows through with the demand.

“What on Earth are you doing, my lord?” Villetta says, shocked at Jeremiah’s actions.

“Get that man over here.” Jeremiah says to the soldiers.

“Should we?” One of the soldiers says.

“But…” The other adds.

“Hand him over. Nobody gets in his way.” Jeremiah orders.

“No, what are you thinking? You can’t do this.” Kewell says, facing Jeremiah.

“Lord Kewell, this is an order.” Jeremiah replies.

“It’s hard to tell what’s happening from here, but it seems that Stadtfeld’s release has been brokered.” The announcer reports.

Naoto is then escorted to the ground and at the same time Zero makes his way to the ground as well. Naoto looks at Zero, trying to figure out who he could be. Zero sees the collar around Naoto’s neck. “As I thought, they didn’t allow you to speak.” Zero says. Naoto nods, then sees the driver approaching. Underneath the bridge, Ohgi activates his knightmare preparing for the next part of the plan.

“If they get away, we’ll lose everything.” Villetta says, getting back into her knightmare.

“It’s time to go, Zero.” Kallen says, standing next to Zero.

“Well then, until next time.” Zero says, pulling out a remote button. Once he pushed the button, the gas capsule activates and releases is content. The crowd screams and flees from the gas.

“You cowardly terrorist!” Villetta shouts, preparing to fire. As she fires at Zero, Jeremiah knocks Villetta’s gun up and she fires up to the sky. “Lord Jeremiah, what are you…” She asks in surprise.

“You heard me, stand down!” Jeremiah shouts. As he deals with Villetta, Zero and Kallen jump off the bridge with Naoto.

“They’re not alone at all! They jumped right off!” Kewell says. Seeing them leap from the bridge as the smoke clears. Ohgi sees them jump and fires two cables with a tarp between then to the wall he’s facing. “It worked! Now we can…” Ohgi shouts in excitement as he watches the three land safely into the train car, but his excitement is cut short when he is being shot at by one of the Britannians, forcing him to eject.

“You imbecile, there’s nowhere for you to run!” Lord Kewell shouts.

“Lord Kewell! Are you going to follow orders or not, and believe me, there will be repercussions.” Jeremiah says, pointing his knightmare’s firearm at Kewell. “All units, do I make myself clear! Do everything in your power to help them get away!” He shouts.

In Shinjuku Ghetto, Kallen and Ohgi are talking with the others while Naoto is speaking privately with Zero. “Man, I didn’t think he could really do it.” One of the resistance members says.

“I know. Beating Tamaki is one thing, but what he did tonight.” Another member says.

“I thought I told you guys never to mention that again!” Tamaki shouts. “Besides, how many times is a bluff like that going to work anyways.”

“You got to give the guy some credit though.” Ohgi says.

“Huh?” Tamaki says.

“Got to admit it, nobody could have pulled that off. Not the Japanese military, certainly not me. I don’t think even Naoto could have pulled it off if it were one of us up there.” Ohgi explains. “We all thought a full on war with Britannia was a suicide mission. But maybe with him, we could do it.” He adds. Kallen then looks towards the door where Zero and Naoto are speaking.

“It looks like they treated you rather roughly.” Zero says to Naoto, seeing the physical state he’s in. “Now you know what they’re really like, Corporal Kozuki.” He adds. “Britannia is rotten, more so than even Japan. If you wish to bring change to this world, then join me.

“So, is it true? Are you the one who really killed the ambassador?” Naoto asks, intrigued.

“I am.” Zero replies. “My first move against Britannia has shown that they are not as strong as they think they are. Things will change soon, and the battle ahead will only get more difficult.” Zero continues.

“And the gas? Those were civilians out there. Although Britannian, they were innocent.” Naoto asks.

“A bluff, to help things along. The result, not a single death.” Zero replies.

“The result? That’s all that matters to you, I suppose.” Naoto says.

“Come join me, and we can free Japan from Britannia and itself.” Zero says, extending his right arm to Naoto.

“Now listen here, Zero. This is my squad you’re using, and I have final say as to whether or not we join you and your cause. You even have my sister involved in this mess.” Naoto retorts. He then turns around and walks away from Zero.

“Wait, where are you going?” Zero asks.

“My court martial begins in an hour.” Naoto replies, not stopping to look at Zreo.

“Are you mad! The only reason they’re giving you a trial is to find you guilty. The judge, the prosecution, and defense!” Zero shouts, trying to convince Naoto not to go. ‘I will not use my geass on him. I need to earn his trust naturally.’ Lelouch mentally says.

“Rules are rules. And if I don’t go, think of what would happen to others in my position.” Naoto says, stopping.

“But you’ll die!” Zero shouts.

“Not anymore, thanks to you. The worst that can happen to me now is that I get dishonorably discharged from active service. Then, I might reconsider your offer.” Naoto replies.

“Dishonorably discharged.” Zero says. “You’ve thought this through, Kozuki. Oh, you might be needing this.” Zero adds. Naoto turns around and sees Zero pull out his phone. Zero then tosses Naoto’s phone towards him, and he catches it.

“I thought I lost this.” Naoto says, seeing his phone. “Until next time, Zero.” Naoto says leaving the ruined building.

In Ms. Kozuki’s room in the Stadtfeld Manor, she has set the injector on her nightstand, and is crying in joy. “Oh, thank you, Zero. Thank you for saving my Naoto.” She says.

“Yes, apparently Corporal Stadtfeld has made contact with the authorities. It would seem this ‘Zero’ has released him. However, now that the original charges against him have been thrown into question, it’s very possible Stadtfeld would be found innocent and acquitted, with the risk of being discharged from the military.” Another announcer reports.

“Oh, thank goodness.” Ms. Kozuki says, sighing in relief. She then sets the injector into its case and puts it back into the drawer in her nightstand.

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