The Union Forever

Chapter Two

Freedman

XXXX

Student Council Office

Ashford Academy, Tokyo Settlement, Area Eleven

April 16th, 2072 ATB

0923 hours JST

XXXX

Lelouch sat in his undershorts as he typed absentmindedly at his terminal. In the background, he could hear Sayoko getting everyone's clothes dividy up. Their game of Strip Poker had been interrupted by the Japanese maid, who had been empowered by Rueben K. Ashford himself to stop this very thing from happening if she ever came across it.

And judging from the sudden triple -whack!- that he heard, followed by three feminine cries of pain, Milly, Shirley, and Nina had not been fast enough to get their clothes organized and back on.

Rivalz puts down Lelouch's clothes next to the taller male, "And just-"

"Don't finish that sentence, Rivalz," Lelouch thumbs over his shoulder at the grown woman glaring daggers at the blue haired boy.

"YIKES!" Rivalz dives behind his desk.

"Well," Milly pats down her skirt, making it look nice, "Looks like that's the end of that game."

"It most certainly better be," Sayako didn't mince her words.

Poor Shirley had to be held up by Nina because of how close she came to flashing the boy she likes. If Sayako had come in a second later, Nina would be topless with Shirley following suit. The orangnette's face didn't seem to get any paler with all of the blood still flowing up into it.

Much to Nina's irritation.

'Why am I the smallest in the group?' the greenette whimpers quietly in thought.

"We're linked!" Lelouch suddenly announces as he knocks back his chair and stands up.

"We are?!" Rivalz sticks his head up, and where he got his flak helmet is a good question no one is immediately asking.

"It's Lulu!" Shirley suddenly comes alive, "Of course he'll get the connection Rivalz!"

"Good defense there Shirley," Milly smiles like the Cheshire Cat, and that tends to scare everyone, but her grandfather, "But let's roll with this now!"

"Yes," Nina gulps nervously as she grabs her own headset.

"Brother?" Nunnally 'looks' to her brother, "Are you sure?"

"Only one way to find out, Nunnally," Lelouch eases his sister's headset onto her head. His own heart is racing at the very thing Nunnally is worried about. If it doesn't work, it will tear at the both of them, especially Nunnally. They can only hope that this actually works.

That's all they really can do.

As Lelouch checks everyone, he quietly slips out an extra headset and hands it to Sayoko, who looks on surprised.

"You might find your family," Lelouch tells her gently with a smile, causing Sayako to blink before looking at the device.

"My family is here Master Lelouch," the Japanese woman brings her hand to push it away, but Lelouch takes her hand and gently places it on the device instead.

"I know," he smiles easily before stepping away and going to quickly dress and place his own on.

With a sigh, Sayoko finds a good spot and lays down comfortably. This device is best used when the user is in a prone position on their back. Once she slides it down, the world begins to light up differently. A moment later, she finds herself being pulled through a dark grey and white-grey checkered colored tunnel.

She blinks and looks around.

Gone is the soft hues and vibrant character of the plush, wooden finish of the Council Club Room. Instead, the area around her looks like a fantasy medieval town with sci-fi elements. The building a mix of classic wood, homely red brick, and tasteful steel and glass structures. The buildings and their designs ranging from what appeared to be simple homes and stores with open air stalls and vendors hawking their goods to the latest in designs for malls, hotels, movie theaters, and even a large theme park.

The streets are paved with stone and cobble with some walkways raised high to allow people to ride simple beltways and even small, open air trams.

Nearby, Sayoko could see people climbing onto horses, bikes, into carriages, and even into vehicles to head out on nearby trails and roadways.

But what surprised her the most, is the sunny sky and the beautiful trees, flower rows, and gardens and that she can smell and feel the very world that she finds herself in.

She can see people having picnics and moments for romance. Others are playing sports or even a simple board game. A few are even flying kites of all things!

It's also a riot of appearances for people and...

"Animals?" Sayako blinks as a white rabbit with black ear tips wearing a green scarf, black vest, and some kind of necklace while speaking with a strong Scottish accent went hopping by.

"Sayako," Lelouch and Milly are standing next to her with smiles.

Lelouch is in his normal appearance, as is Milly. Both are wearing clothing that would not look out of place anywhere in the world. They only look more significantly advanced than what is typical.

Lelouch is in a black shirt and red jacket with black slacks and shoes, which is how he typically dresses, though now his clothes sport purple trim and patches as well as there being a thin luminous purple line running around the both sides of Lelouch's head that are larger at the front, becoming nearly triangular.

Milly by contrast is wearing a light yellow shirt with a blue sundress and sandals. Her design is sleeveless and if Sayako had to guess, it would definitely invoke a Summer feel. The blonde Ashford heiress is also carrying a small light yellow purse and sun hat. The girl had even added some blue eyeshadow around her eyes to give her a slightly more drawn look to her eyes.

"My," Milly giggles behind her free hand, "Sayako, don't you look nice," shooting Lelouch an agreeing glance before giggling again.

Blinking, Sayako looks down at herself and gasps.

Gone is the maid's uniform and in its place, is a summer yukata of white and pink with a yellow obi. Sayoko even discovers she has getas on in place of her heels! And as she looks about herself, she even finds a fan tucked into her obi alongside a closed umbrella being held in one hand and a purse in the other.

Looking to voice that she positively could not wear such a thing, Sayoko gasps instead for between them, her head turning to take in everything with eyes wide open and standing on her own two feet with legs that twist and turn and lift themselves up and move only so awkwardly…

...is Nunnally.

"I can see," the girl mutters, "I can see," she states more loudly, "I CAN SEE!" she jumps for joy with tears in her eyes as she lands and twirls before jumping into her brother to wrap her arms around him, all the while some people turn their heads to the commotion.

"What's up with her?" one guy asks.

"I can… walk…" Nunnally steps back and lifts up the hem of her pink skirt to see her white socks and pink button shoe-clad feet supporting her as her legs shift and her knees bend with her movements.

"Oh, poor dear," a woman remarks while her boyfriend winces.

"Yeah," the boyfriend sighs sadly, "I hope it wasn't the war. Too many people end up like that these days."

"Did you hear the official casualty count for the Lighthouse?" a passing pair are talking after observing the pink and white clad girl.

"Incredible, simply incredible!" another person states, seeing Nunnally, "Who knew that we could develop such technology now? We might even be able to cure blindness before the century is over."

And Nunnally is turning, taking them all in as well as the scenery, sights, and the colors.

She can not only hear them, but see them too now. She can even turn on her feet to look at them. She can even walk up to them if she wanted too.

That and if Lelouch would actually let her go.

But she smiles and playfully bats at her big brother's hands, holding her firm, least she gets carried away.

"Ah!" an older gentleman notices them, "I take it you all are new to the Ether?" his accent is British, some place in the Midlands in all likelihood, "I'm Dr. Rodger Weller," the man introduces himself with a smile, "I take her she's been a little unfortunate until now, hasn't she?"

Despite his words, he shows great understanding and care. Even though they just met him, he is being extraordinarily polite to them. Even immediately understanding and showing compassion for Nunnally's Real Life condition.

They never really meet people like him in the Settlement.

"Yes sir," Lelouch nods, trying to keep the tears out of his eyes, "We were hoping and-"

"Say no more my boy!" Dr. Weller laughs heartily, "Say no more! For the Ether was designed for this very thing originally. To give the blind the ability to see. The paralyzed the gift of mobility. It was meant to restore their sense of worth and pride in these very troubled times of hardship and increasing demands," the Britain lets out a saddened sigh, "I know personally the cost of this damn war, so any help to others, is beyond difficulty if it can help them in the smallest ways possible."

Humbled, the siblings bow lightly, "Thank you," they both intone as the older man nods and smiles.

"How polite, the both of you," the man adjusts his glasses, before noticing the time, "Damn the time. Pardon me, but while I would like to stay and chat some more, but I really need to be on my way. Giving a lecture today. History and the importance of it and all that, especially in regards to the realm of science and creativity. Plus a bit about what separates Britannia and America. Hopefully it will be a good hit with people eager to learn and expand their horizons!"

Finishing with a good air punch across his chest, Dr. Weller heads off to his lecture.

"A lecture on the history and differences?" Rivalz, dressed in a blue sports shorts combo with blue sunglasses resting on his nose, makes a humming sound.

"You're hoping to get some help for your essay," Shirley, dressed in a light green blouse with orange vest, light green sunglasses frame with orange lens resting atop her head, and orange skirt with green heels, deadpans and threatening Rivalz with her light green purse as the boy follows through with an exaggerated sigh.

"I believe it will be useful," Lelouch smiles to everyone, "So let's go. We might even learn something about the Ether if we stick around and speak with Dr. Weller afterwards."

"Good point," Nina blinks, that is a valid reason.

The green haired girl is in a green dress with a light brown sweater tied at her waist and a simple sunhat on her head. Her shoes are also brown as well with green socks.

'Plus,' Lelouch thinks to himself as his thoughts turn another way, 'We might learn more about the state of the war from the American side. I need information. To go through with my goals.'

After a group agreement, they follow where Dr. Weller went. It didn't take them long to find his lecture at a massive auditorium thrice the size of their own school in sheer size. In addition, it is literally lit up in neon signs and colors that mark and explain the topics of today's lectures. When the group enters after buying their tickets, they find that the entire facility is a multi-storied design that is little different from most such lecture auditoriums. They also find themselves with a massive amount of people already inside.

"It's Dr. Weller, I can't believe how lucky we are," one attendee remarks as the group finds their seats after getting passes.

Which thanks to Lelouch's insanely good luck… They got for free.

"I know what you mean," the attendee's friend and fellow attendee replies, "Dr. Weller is a leader in multiple fields and was one of the leading designers for much of the technology inside the Lighthouse. Guy's a certified genius, if a bit eccentric."

"Yeah, no kidding and yet that makes him surprisingly approachable," the first attendee remarks.

XXXX

A 4 Highway

Outside Strasbourg, France

April 16th, 2017 AD

0539 hours CEST

XXXX

A military convoy consisting of four Armored Cars, three Tank Destroyers, six Humvees, and three Staff Cars with a single Limousine. Above the formation, several gunships fly overhead with Assault Helicopters carrying both Infantry and Knightmares. All along the A 4 Highway, patrols are being carried out by Combined Arms units, Recon units, and Special Forces.

All to protect the occupants of the four lightly armored vehicles that are the core of the ground convoy.

Though, in the opinion of the single highest ranking officer in the convoy…

"It's a waste," Maréchal de France Gene Smilas mutters just loud enough for his protege to hear him as the greying green haired marshal sighs as he travels to the Parlement de l'Europe Libre meeting in Strasbourg.

The blond hair young woman in the vehicle with him turns her eyes over to the man that had been the guiding force behind much of her military career. If not the sole reason behind her taking the path of a military officer. Especially, given her background and all that she had lost when she was but a child.

"Oui, Maréchal," Commandant Leila Malcal agrees, "But the Americans believe that while Euro Britannia is fighting with a sense of respect and honor, the Emperor himself is not so kind."

"Hmm…" the aging leader of the French Army hums to himself as he returns to his traveling meal consisting of the same rations his soldiers eat on the frontline, "I need to have a word with the Quartermaster about the quality of our rations."

"It could use a bit more flavoring and sturdiness," Leila agrees as she eats her own, though, admittedly, it might already be a lost cause as 'Quartermaster Corps' and 'EdibleRations' do not mix.

"Not too much of the latter or no one would be able to eat it," Maréchal Smilas states with a bit of a wry tone and a smile tugging at his lips.

"Sir," the young woman looks for a means to broach the topic that bothers the elder man.

"My feelings about les Américains, eh?" he knows her too well as the young woman briefly stops eating before resuming so, "Tell me Leila, want do you recall of your history courses concerning les États-Unis d'Amérique?"

"I recall what we were taught, save for what I missed or forgotten," light purple eyes showing their curiosity towards the question.

"I believe that Amérique began the course it is on," Maréchal Smilas begins his lecture, which would also hopefully help pass the time until they reach Strasbourg, "When the War of 1812 occurred and Elizabeth III tried desperately to reclaim the now Democratic ex-Colonies of her failing empire."

"That was the Canadian War, wasn't it sir?" Leila tilts her head in some confusion as she tries to realign all of the facts.

"Not too far off," the man nods, "It was part of the larger war when the Britannians were forced out of their formerly native Britain."

"The war was after their eviction, wasn't it?" Leila frowns.

"Indeed it was," Smilas confirms, "Even though the Emperor of France had taken her homeland alone, that Elizabeth III was known for her oft saying of 'I never forget a slight against my honor.'"

"Thus the American-Britannian Wars," Leila notes sourly and even more so, "The nigh destruction of District of Columbia, especially the American Federal Capital," toying with her eating utensils as she could just imagine the flames and carnage easily enough, having witnessed it too often in the war, "Washington."

"Indeed," Smilas drinks some of his present wine, a little diversion and a common one amongst French military personnel, "After the Storm that Saved Washington, the Americans regathered their strength and pursued the forces that nearly wiped their capital off the map. After the overwhelming destruction and even the breaking of agreements and treaties, the Americans wanted to be done with the Britannians."

"The war would drag on until 1817," Leila notes, "With the signing of the Treaty of New Lomond."

Chuckling, Smilas knows the Americans love a good irony to drop upon their foes. It drills in deep the defeat of their opponents. Such as the signing of the Treaty of New Lomond before the Obelisk of the Noble Regiment, the monument dedicated to the Nobles that defected to the American Patriot Cause in their Revolutionary War.

"Indeed," the teacher nods with a smile to his pupil, "The Americans rallied their strength and replenished their forces. Elizabeth III realized far too late how petty of a woman she could be. The victories the Americans scored leading up to Siege of Baltimore and the Battle of New Orleans, enabled them to gain the pride and satisfaction to finally crush the Britannian Army and Navy and force them out of North America altogether, an event made possible by Britannian's own mistreatment of Native Americans that drove them into the arms of the new nation who recognized them in the aftermath of the actions they had found."

Neither had to say what those actions were.

It is regularly on the news and showing no signs of stopping.

"You believe that-" Leila finds herself being interrupted.

"That the les Américains began the road to becoming the power they are now with that war, hmm?" he is the teacher after all, but he shakes his head, "Non," Smilas places his wine into a holster for it, "They would not begin there, but were awakened to the possibility of that path."

"Sir?" now she's all confused.

"Les Américains actually prefer being left alone to their own devices," Smilas informs his pupil of that often overlooked fact, "They prefer to be left alone to follow their own individual paths, which is what their nation was founded for, but that does not stop them from acting for their nation or on behalf of others and has long been their greatest strength," he pauses for a moment, "and weakness."

Leila immediately understands, "Slow to anger, but quick to act. Les États-Unis d'Amérique would rather walk their own path, but if someone upsets that or they are greatly offended, they slowly begin to raise up to the threat."

"Indeed."

"Which gives the offender time to withdraw back and leave well enough alone," Leila nods in understanding, "Yet if they do not, they may be surprised by how fast les États-Unis d'Amérique will react as it is no longer the people, but the nation that is reacting as the les Américains begin focusing to strengthen their nation to return to their peaceful lives and being, as you said sir, left alone to walk their own path."

"Indeed," the old man sighs as he finishes his found, "The Guerre Civile Américaine was proof enough of that."

"The First American-Britannian War," Leila nods in understanding, "Britannian had relocated to South America after the Treaty of New Lomond and once there, set about strengthening themselves so as to never be chased out of a home again."

"The passing of Elizabeth III marked the rise of the Duke of Britannia and the Britannia Imperial Family's founding," Smilas gently rolls his wine glass in his hand, letting the red liquid swell like waves in the ocean, yet not a drop is spilled, "Britannia would very quickly acquire large swaths of South America and found the Holy Empire of Britannia and eventually go on to destroy the Império do Brasil."

"They absorbed the last of the Portugais Royal Family," Leila points out.

"After they executed all of the male members," Smilas reminds Leila of that fact and the blonde shows her discomfort at that mention, "In the following wars between les Britanniens and les Américains, the latter would lose only a couple of campaigns such as the First Cuban War and the First Battle of Panama, but would rally and eventually defeat the Britannians, forcing them out of the Caribbean for some 20 years."

"About 23 years sir," Leila giggles as she recalls one better than her teacher and the man shows his own good humor.

"After the American Civil War," Smilas moves on, "The Americans would learn that it was Britannian and the Europia that were responsible for the attempt to split their nation in half."

"That would upset anyone sir," Leila knows that prior to the end of the 19th Century, Europia and American relations had been quite strained.

"Indeed," Smilas recalls the history well enough, "But in point of fact, the EU had merely acted to keep the young North American nation contained, but had later learned of Britannien involvement and therefore, began helping the nearly 100 year old nation."

"Thus leading to the First American-Britannian War," Leila nods, "The first major clash between the two nations of North and South America."

"Indeed," Smilas could note the irony there too, "The American South had more in common with the Empire than they did with their own countrymen to the north and west. The war would conclude with a number of former Rebel officers returning to serve the Union Army and Navy in the first war between the Empire and the Union."

XXXX

"This war was the first of many truly great battles that pushed the Americans and Britannians forward in development as nations and how they would develop as societies," Dr. Rodger Weller lectures to his audience, "The social changes we witnessed in history, and to this day, are what set the two nations apart and drove their developments."

Many are taking e-notes for later reference and still more are recording. Lelouch and his friends are among both groups. This has been the most informative lecture they have ever gotten.

"The United States of America developed with an aim towards character and responsibility," Weller continues on with his lecture, "The Holy Empire of Britannia continues to center itself on birth and influence. While influence might sound simple, in America and Britannia, they are night and day. As the period known as the Emblem of Blood clearly demonstrates, that Britannian influence was whether or not you could fight to the top and stay there regardless of who you literally killed or crippled to get there."

Unnoticed in the crowd and even to their own friends, both of the Lampouge Siblings flinch at the reminder of the Emblem of Blood and the truth of the kill or cripple statement.

"After the American Civil War, Britannia found itself in a difficult position. The First American-Britannian War began with naval clashes when the Empire quickly moved to destroy the American fleet and, from there, quickly escalated into the United States Army, still dubbed the Union Army, invading the Britannia-occupied and annexed the Republic of Mexico."

Leaning over to Lelouch, "I never heard much about those campaigns," Rivalz states before adding, "Now I will."

"Same here," Lelouch agrees as images of the war appears.

Old paintings, current monuments, documents, and other details. The viewing is not something a Britannian would like or could like. It was a dark chapter yet again according to their teachers.

But the reality is not the same as what the teachers say.

"The Union Army," Rodger Weller began, "Consisted of some of the most battle hardened soldiers in the world, with proven leaders in command, and were increasingly being supplied by the newest weapons available at the time."

Images of the war, showing Union troops armed with deadly Spencer Repeating Rifles and Carbines as well as the world's first, true Machine Gun, the Agar Gun, appeared in their holoboxes.

"The Union Army had experience and new weapons after the changing of the guard in Ordnance and other parts of the American Military, in direct response to the success of officers who did not hold to traditional doctrines or movements," Weller continues his lecture, "As such, they were not only well armed, but well led and the thorny supply issue that had been crippling was finally rooted out and dealt with too."

Several laughs filled the auditorium.

No one likes a crooked politician.

"The Union Army was able to counter an early land thrust by the Britannians," an image shows the exact battle, it was the first to be photographed in detail as it was happening after all, "The Battle of San Diego, where ten Agar Guns and five Gatling Guns were sent shortly before the end of the American Civil War along with 10,000 soldiers of the Army and supported by one of the only two Ironclads the Union Navy had in all of the West Coast along with a detachment of some 200 Marines who had another three Agar Guns and four Gatling Guns, at their disposal defeated a force of nearly 79,000 Britannian soldiers including the Heavy Lance Regiment of Imperial Knights."

The images show how the battle was fought.

Maps with outlines, digital renderings of movements. Weller had spared no effort to impress the importance of the Battle of San Diego. It was the beginning of what would later lead directly to Trench Warfare.

"Britannian Heavy Cavalry tried several times," the lecturer continues on, "To break the Union lines," Weller indicates the CGI reenactment of the battle, "But with no less than 22 rapid fire heavy weapons, the Heavy Cavalry could not break through any where. The more mobile Gatling Guns were employed by the Union forces as Flying Artillery alongside their Light Artillery Batteries. The battle was essentially an updated version of an earlier battle where American Flying Artillery had decimated a Mexican Army in battle not even 20 years earlier."

The CGI reenactments show it all. The fruitless Infantry charges on positions defended by Agar Guns. The lone Ironclad, USS Comanche, could be seen running amok as she maneuvered in the shallow waters of the bay. Her turret allowed her to pick a good spot and then fire at will and whatever angle she wished. The Britannian Ironclads were all Broadsiders and most were not entirely protected, as seen when the HMIS Defense took a direct blow to her vulnerable stern resulting in her steering being disabled.

There were a few other US Navy vessels, steam ships all of them, but also wooden. They held off, firing from range and using cover specially placed for them to run between and fire when they could. Several, though, were hit and badly damaged, nearly wiping out the squadron assembled for the battle.

But the Battle of San Diego proved a point. The old ways were dying as the new ways fought on. The outnumbered Americans held off the Britannians, held them off long enough for USS Monadnock and her squadron arrived as surprise reinforcements for the defenders.

The Ironclad cut a dashing scene, entering combat an angle, guns firing in a ripple effect as she lead the way. Her flag flying in the wind as she made her best speed possible, she actually achieved higher speed as the stokers had experimented and drilled relentlessly to shovel coal in the best way for maximum effect. She crested water off her bow in her dash into the bay and despite how ungainly she would be against her opponents and later ships, her surprise appearance and ability to fire where she wanted too while moving how she wanted, dictated the naval battle.

While the pose was fanciful, the shots were not particularly good. But it didn't matter. The shots were an act of calculation, not desperation, allowing the following ships to adjust their fire and rake the surprised Britannians who had panicked at the sudden appearance of the two turreted Ironclad.

"The Battle of San Diego set the future of warfare before anyone had realized it," Dr. Weller explains to his audience, "While this precise battle would not be repeated, the damage it inflicted lead the way to American support of continuing the war and the, well founded, belief that this third war would again end in another American victory over their ex-masters."

The images change to show the continuing war after the invasion by Britannia was repulsed with heavy losses. The Americans now arriving, replacing their old Single-Shot Muskets with Repeaters.

"The Union Army still had an uphill battle, but eventually and supported by the Union Marines and a land contingent of the Union Navy, the Union retook Mexico City after a 57-day campaign," Dr. Weller shakes his head sadly, "They walked unopposed into a city that was leveled to buildings being no taller than waist of a grown man, little more than a child's height, and more dead than they could ever count."

The Slaughter of Mexico City had become a rallying cry for Mexicans. Though their Republic was never re-founded in the aftermath. Britannia had seen to that.

"And it was only the beginning," Weller adds solemnly.

XXXX

"Britannia practiced Scorched Earth until their defeat in the Second American-Britannian War and the death of Emperor Xavier fi Britannia when rioters overwhelmed his column," Smilas states as he recounts history, "Their actions ultimately came back to haunt the Britannian people and military. They had severe food and resource shortages, manpower depletion, and academic collapse on top of being internationally isolated."

Leilal said nothing as her teacher continues his lecture.

"Britannia eventually began to rally and by the start of the First World War, had succeeded in recovering," Smilas continues on, switching to coffee to be alert and awake for the upcoming meeting, "The second war had seen Britannia forced back to their territory in South America, though they still controlled more than a third of the continent, they were essentially nobodies."

XXXX

"The Second Cuban War broke out and the Americans won that one so handedly, that the Britannians were forced to rethink their own developments and approaches," Weller walks back and forth on the stage, stopping by various floating images to give some insight as well.

"Essentially, the American Civil War was a poorly timed adventure that Britannia could not afford due to their own infighting," Weller looks up and scans the whole crowd. He's able to spot the group he had met earlier and is pleased to see them present. Young people needed their minds to open to knowledge, to grow, expand, and develop new ideas and theories to be tested and tried.

Within reason of course.

But still.

"Britannia itself was on the verge of civil war," Weller continues pointedly, "So backing the American Civil War, the so-called Confederate States of America, more like a loosely aligned league or alliance than ever a true confederacy," several glares or chuckles were visible or heard in the crowd, "proved more of a strain than an assistance to Britannia and nearly broke the back of the Empire between 1860 and 1867."

The group continued to take notes of everything, "Many distinguished houses and families collapsed during this time, one notable disappearance was of the Lampouge Noble Family," the Siblings were startled, as was Milly when they heard that, "The Britannian Knight, Sir Dash Lampouge, one of the sons of the House Lampouge, was sent to Japan where the wayward Princess Claire li Britannia had been living in hiding. While Empress Claire li Britannia did ascend the throne, she was a mere figurehead and her government collapsed just prior to the First American-Britannian War."

A portrait of Claire li Britannia is shown alongside the portrait of Sir Dash Lampouge, along with others, and the appearance between both male Lampouges is striking as Lelouch blinks at how close in appearance the two are.

"Escaping her empire, Claire li Britannia returned to Japan aboard an American merchantman under military escort where she married a young Japanese Shinobi named Renya and reportedly lived out the last of her days in Japan," Dr. Weller steps up to the portrait of Dash.

"Dash Lampouge reportedly died in Japan, but rumors persisted that he had a child while in Japan," Dr. Weller stands, observing the portrait before turning, knowing that the young man he saw earlier was indeed one of Dash's own direct descendents, "This information came to be confirmed early this week when the hidden file on the matter was discovered at an old US Army fort undergoing renovation."

Shocked gasps filled the auditorium at that, "The entire Lampouge family either relocated to America or Japan just prior to the first war between the Empire and the Union. The loss of the militarily skilled Lampouge family was immediately and keenly felt. The bloody nature of Britannia would also be felt as the Empire entered a rapid decline that by 1890, saw the Empire was a shadow of its former self."

XXXX

"After the American victory in 1887 in the Second American-Britannian War," Silmas pulls out a carton of cigarettes to smoke for a moment, offering one to Leila who politely turned the offer down, "Britannia hit rock bottom," the man blows out a puff of smoke before continuing, "But in that defeat, Britannia had lost all of its incapable leaders and nobles for the time being. This allowed the remaining, capable leaders and nobles to come to power and reform elements of their empire that led directly to a bit of a renaissance, so much so, that by 1906, HMIS Dreadnought was commissioned, resulting in the Start of the Age of Battleships and making Britannia the prime naval power in the world for the next three decades."

XXXX

"Now I will state something of importance here and now, ladies and gentlemen," Dr. Weller states as he looks out to the people who had come to hear him speak, "The concept of Innovation as a purely Capitalist concept, is complete and utter rubbish."

A large number of the people show their genuine surprise at that statement. It is not something they expected and so they sat by, waiting for an explanation. One they would not have to wait long for as Dr. Weller waited only until the surprise of his statement had passed and what he had said had sunk in.

"The HMIS Dreadnought is clear evidence that innovation doesn't need a Capitalist world to see the creation of new developments," Dr. Weller explains as he pulls up an image before him, before taking it in his hands and tossing up for it to expand and show everyone the great warship built in 1906 AD or 1961 ATB.

The image is a stark contrast to every ship before her. The true starting point of what would evolve into model ships of war.

"HMIS Dreadnought, when she was first commissioned," Dr. Weller states with is hands clasped behind his back, "Rendered every Capital-class Warship and even some Cruiser-class Warships, hopelessly obsolete in a single moment."

No one said a thing. They wait instead.

"The Dreadnought, herself, was the most advanced warship in the world and while most certainly complex," the lecturer continues to hold his pose, "She was not beyond replication, as she was joined by three sister ships before improved Dreadnoughts, the term used to describe such Battleships and created by the very Britannian namesake herself, appeared on the scene and again," moving his hands in front of himself, to manipulate and throw up images of the earliest Dreadnought Battleships, "They were all Britannian warships."

That statement left everyone with a cold feeling, especially with how pointed and hard Dr. Weller's voice had been.

XXXX

"Dreadnought, her sisters, and those that followed devastated our fleets until we had Dreadnoughts of our in sufficient numbers to counter them," Leila recalls her history lessons well, recalling the fate of the Pre-Dreadnoughts that had challenged the more technologically advanced Britannian ships.

"Indeed," Smilas looks into his drink for a moment.

XXXX

"Not only military gains were made, but many fields of scientific endeavors were achieved," Weller points out, "Britannian, for nearly forty years prior, had actually lead the world in steel development, creating the highest grade steel and was one of only a small handful of such nations able to make steel at all."

The crowd murmurs as they listen in.

"It took a clever American businessman to finally unlock Britannia's secret," Weller shakes his head, "And all he did," the famed researcher suddenly pauses for effect, "was to have a good memory that he went to visit Britannia, saw the work of one of their steel mills, noted the formulas and techniques, and committed everything to memory before returning to America and telling his fellow businessmen, who promptly brought American steel production up to the level of Britannia."

The laughter of how simple that was, filled the auditorium.

"But even then," Weller counts in, reminding everyone, "Though America had the technology of steel, it would take decades for American steel developments to truly catch up and even surpass Britannia. While America had the capability and desire, they lacked the will to do so as they found it not necessary for their needs, whereas Britannian did find it necessary and continued to lead."

Sayoko notices how absorbed Lelouch and her other charges are in the lecture and she, herself, is also absorbed in the learning.

"Britannia developed many of the advanced principles of the world, but they were not alone," an image of the Great Seal of the United Republic of the Europia suddenly appears, "The United Republic of Europia was also a major source of advancement during the late Industrial Revolution itself, with France alone producing many leading minds and scientific principles as well as successful inventions, though the Germans and my British forebearers also developed a great many achievements as well," Rodger Weller smiles up at a picture of one of his ancestors as the man helped make practical the early Airships by coming up with the Weller Flex Beam, a beam that prevented excess stress on the early Airships' light construction frames.

"In fact, my ancestor, Charles Cunningham Weller," grabbing his ancestor's picture, before tossing it up to expand for all to see, "Created the principles that successfully allowed for practical and economical Airship industries to come to fruition, first with his Weller Flex Beam and then the Weller Honeycombed Frame and with Professor Annabelle Walters, the first female Airship Researcher, they created the Walters-Weller W-2 Long Beam Support for the Weller Honeycombed Frame."

Suddenly looking very sad, "But every good thing must have a dark lining it seems, as Airships were pushed to the front for war."

The first Strategic Intercontinental Bombers were, of course, Airships.

"Despite the EU and Britannia developing some of the most advanced weapons prior to it, the First World War, fought from 1912-1920, was truly a bloody period of war," Weller shakes his head in annoyance, "Britannian military leadership was still, as it is today, centered on the status of birth, but in that war, Britannian had been blessed with capable leaders who were able to go on to successfully battle the United Republic of Europia, who had squabbling issues of their own, but were equally blessed with great leaders, but they only appeared later in the war."

XXXX

"Damn trench warfare," Silmas states as their vehicle enters Strasbourg, "But at least we know what not to do now."

"Though it was not just the trenches," Leila states to her benefactor.

Snorting angrily, "Isn't that the truth."

XXXX

"America sat out most of the First World War," Weller states to the people attending, "It was not their war and they had just come off a half century of war already. They needed time and space to rest their tired military and redevelop their economy away from war to restart their prosperity which was wavering in the face of constant military expenditures."

"Makes sense," the group's neighbors agreed.

"On top of that, the permanently named Union had found themselves rebuilding areas brutalized by Britannia," Dr. Weller took out a simulated cigarette and lit up before the crowd, "Which was also draining the American economy as well. It also drove forward American Colonial Ambitions, which gained them a large piece of the Africa coast based around their colony of Liberia."

A puff of smoke as the good doctor tries to reorganize his thoughts as he thinks things over on what to say next.

"Americans like being left alone to pursue their own destinies through their own devices," Weller takes a drag on his cigarette, "Plus, ties between America and Europia were already weak, even if they had been improving by leaps and bounds. So with no gain and no allies in danger, the Americans decided to let Britannia and Europe fight it out while they rested. A sound, logical deduction and conclusion."

"Here it comes," Lelouch murmurs.

"But not where Britannia was concerned."

XXXX

Smilas sighs in thought, "The Americans were eventually forced to join the war. A war they did not want to fight, but had enough time to rest and recover enough to fight it and win it."

XXXX

"The First World War saw America enter war again as a moderately leveled military force," Dr. Weller notes for everyone, "They had been at the forefront of military development, but you can only develop so much for war before it becomes a heavy weight upon your nation," Weller releases another digital puff, "The Americans knew this and wanted to stay out of the fight because of it, but the raids on their shipping, attacks on their colonies, and generally bad blood between the Union and the Empire, saw America lead the Union into war with Britannia."

XXXX

"Only the size of the forces kept the war going as long as it did before it ended," Smilas notes they are entering the city now, "Afterwards, the world rested for twenty years and the EU…"

Leila says nothing as her mentor trails off.

XXXX

"Thanks to the infusion of the Union into the war, it finally ended in late 1920, with a treaty signed in 1921," Dr. Weller sighs as he shakes his head, "The Union, having been much more secure, had escaped severe damage, able to prevent the Britannians from invading its territories again and as such, the war's needs had led to an economic boom that went on, even after the war."

Dr. Weller puffs again.

"The EU, caught up in politics, did not enjoy this boom as much of its territory was devastated and remained so for some time after the war."

XXXX

"Conversely, while the EU was left a mess," Smilas checks himself in the mirror to make sure he is presentable, "The Union enjoyed an unseen change in prosperity which elevated the country's wealth forward and above what had been seen previously. They were going through the Roaring Twenties in style as the troops returned home."

XXXX

"The great differences really begin to pop up here between the Americans and the Britannians," Dr. Weller has two images appear, "On the left, are a pair of Americans in a Zoot Suit and Flapper dress and on the right, we have a pair of Britannians wearing dress of Celestian Era, is essentially a modernized form of dress from the previous Monarch Era."

"I'm not seeing much change even now," one woman remarks just below the Ashford group, "Other than a few things, it looks like the Britannians never gave up outfits that emphasize the bust, hips, and waist."

"So backwards," another woman remarks.

"No kidding," a man winces at the design for the male, "That had to be tight where it shouldn't be."

"And these are two images between people of, well, roughly anyways, equal of social standing," Dr. Weller supplies to everyone's not so considerable shock, "But this is only a matter of dress, which is to be expected for different nations."

People absorb that statement, waiting for what will be said next.

"This, in America and the Union as a whole, was also the Jazz Age," and with a snap of fingers, some old 1920's jazz begins to be heard in the auditorium, adding a nice ambience to the background, "Something that Britannian, and even the EU, did not take well too."

XXXX

As Smilas and Leila enter the Parliament building for the meeting that is to start in a short while, they pass some bored guards at an internal security checkpoint.

Despite looking ill prepared, the pair and their escorts could tell the soldiers were ready for anything tossed their way. They may have looked like they were lazy, but none of the guards exposed more than necessary. Their movements are precise without wasted motion or movement.

Their attention is alert and they are even using a few little tricks to hide that they are on full alert, such as a trio watching an intersection, seemingly playing cards as they listen to jazz, Sing-Sing playing over the small radio, as they use their seemingly innocent attempts to read each other to actually keep a firm eye on the hallways and alert one another by some physical means as opposed to more tradition means.

Outside the box thinking. Effective and helps pass the time better until they either go on break, their shifts end, or they have reason to go from passive to active. Something the other side will pay in blood for mistaking an innocent appearance of laziness, as anything but calm and attention.

The pair are through and heading to meet with some fellow officers, even as an unauthorized journalist in hiding near some plants finds out that there are also hidden guards the hard way.

"Sing-Sing," Smilas smiles, "Still as good as ever."

"Yes sir," she was more a classical girl herself.

XXXX

"In Britannia, automobiles, mostly called cars these days, depending on where you are," Rodger Weller elicited some laughter, "were the sole domain of the privileged and nobility. Unlike in the United States and the Union as a whole, the car was seen then, as it is today, as a symbol of freedom and travel afar without a set destination in mind and no need to set your life to a schedule."

Rivalz puffs out happily at his motorcycle.

"Though, with the world as it is today, that even in Britannia, this would now be the gospel truth," the good doctor then sighs as he shakes his head, "In theory, yes."

Lelouch rolls his eyes as Milly snorts unladylike as both know what's coming next.

"In truth, no," Dr. Weller states as he continues on, "And it is this fact that truly leads to the difference between America and Britannia."

XXXX

The crow twists and turns its head, craning its neck upwards to craws as it stands on top of a small roof of a modest looking cottage.

Then it takes to the air just before a rocket passes through the space it had been occupying.

That rocket continues onward. Being a Dumb Fired weapon, its only path in life, is the one that it blazes a straight line through. Up until it hits something.

In this case, the shield of an American Knightmare.

The Explosive Reactive Armor bricks on the other layer of the shield detonate in a fury of pyrotechnics and deafening, bone shattering shockwave. The shield weathering the explosion as it was designed to do. The Knightmare Frame behind and holding up the shield absorbs the impact firmly as it rocks from the violent blast.

"AM-BUSH!" one of the American Frame Runners shout as he tosses his Knightmare into cover behind a building just as another Panzerfaust rocket barrels through the space his machine had just occupied to blast open the town library.

Another American Knightmare takes a knee after getting into cover and begins to fire back with its Bazooka.

Two unguided rockets go down range. One explodes a mound of trees, destroying an ancient rock wall along a long used roadway. The other, though, rips into the chest of a RPI-13 Sutherland, causing the cockpit to eject before the destroyed Knightmare explodes.

A recoilless cannon fired back from the lines of the Sutherlands. The shell arcing over homes to miss and destroy a field more than a hundred meters behind the Americans. The upturned earth raining down on homes and the Americans.

The Americans did not fall for the trap.

The first two Sutherlands with Jousting Lances were torn apart by the Americans' gunfire. Neither Knight stood a chance. Their machines exploding before their ejection systems could activate, killing both.

The next Sutherland with a lance found itself meeting the shield of one of the American machines. The FM-1 Frost swings its shield around as it rapidly maneuvers, throwing the Britannian machine off-balance. Before the Knight can recover, the Frame Runner toggles her controls and her shotgun blasts into the Sutherland, crippling the machine.

The Knight barely escapes with his life.

"That's right!" the woman shouts, "We earn our place! Go back to your empire you Limpies!"

XXXX

"In both nations, there is a system of status concerning the people who live in either country," Dr. Weller has a graph show up, detailing the differences, "As you can see, the Britannian emphasis is on birth and heritage. The American status is on contribution and responsibility."

Rivalz and Shirley are furiously taking notes. This has proven to be enlightening.

"As you can see in this graph," Dr. Weller indicates the Purple and Blue data, color coded to represent the respective nation, "Britannia's system is Royals at the top, followed by the Nobles, then the Citizens, and finally the Commoners. This is the system regarding those only with Britannian Blood. Honorary Britannians sit beneath the Commoners and below them are, of course," Rodger Weller looks like he just ate the worst of the worst sour grapes in the world, "the Numbers."

Murmuring at that detestable name.

To the Ashford group, the people around them are incensed at the use of the term. Several voicing their sympathies for Dr. Weller to use them. One woman even pats Sayako sympathetically on the shoulder, much to the Japanese maid's surprise.

"Ah, yes," Dr. Weller sarcastically begins, "The ever popular slur, Numbers. I much prefer Native myself. More of a statement than insult. But to our Japanese friend in her Yukata, I would always prefer to say the heritage from start to finish. It's only polite and morally good afterall," the man drawls at the end, earning a few chuckles as Sayako does her best to minimize how she stands out.

Which is impossible.

She's the only one present in a Yukata!

"But as you can see for Americans, it's two groups," Dr. Weller is clearly happy to switch topics and take everyone's attention off the poor maid.

Sayako lets out a breath she hadn't realized she had been holding.

"Remind me not to call anyone a Number when Sayako is in hearing range," Rivalz whispers to Lelouch.

"I would say never to use that term again, but…" Lelouch trails off, both boys knowing the penalty if heard by the wrong person.

"The American system is divided into the Civilian and the Citizen," Dr. Weller continues with a smile on his face, "The Civilians of America are not in any danger. While they are not Citizens, there are laws that prevent them from being reduced to conditions no better than in Britannia. In fact, the most wealthy individuals in America, are Civilians and they really don't care to be Citizens either."

'What's the difference?' Nina wonders as she adjusts her glasses.

XXXX

The Britannian Knightmares battle it out with their American counterparts. Both sides turning the Crotian countryside as they maneuver and fight. The small town in which the battle had begun, is now a burning ruin. Several other towns and villages quickly joining it.

"Explains why we couldn't find anyone!" one American Frame Runner shouts to his superior as both use a riverbed as a trench with at least fifty other Frosts.

"They either evacuated them or killed them before we showed up," the Company Commander agrees as he coordinates a battery of SPGs to lay down the hurt on the Britannians.

"DIE SURGES!" one Sutherland leaps over a small embankment to land in the riverbed, stabbing forward with its lance, only for a Knuckle Duster to punch the thing away.

"Don't announce yerself, stupid!" the American shouts back.

As more Sutherlands jump into the 'trench' that the Frosts had been fighting from, it becomes a large melee.

Quickly, unlike earlier, several American FM-1 Frosts are laid out, wrecked. Pilots ethier ejected to safety or dead. In the Close-Quarter Combat that develops, the Britannians have an advantaged, being melee-oriented throughout their lives. Training for such combat and executing it with all they have been taught.

The Americans, though, have only their standard military training and their experience. The latter being what is winning out, as the riverbed turned trench is not large enough for the Jousting Lance wielding Sutherlands to gain a full tactical advantage over the Club and Knuckle Duster-equipped Americans.

Very quickly, the Sutherlands are the ones going down. Equipped for an open field charge, in the tight confines, they struggle to switch to their Stun Tonfas in time. The Americans don't give them that time as they press forward, with another Frost, equipped with Pile Bunkers, jumping into the melee and quickly taking out five machines in less than three minutes.

"It's the Ghost!" one of the American's shouts at seeing the French-marked FM-1 Frost.

"Reinforcements," the Company Commander sighs in relief as more American and fresh European Knightmares join the line and help begin driving the Britannians back.

XXXX

"Britannians, especially Britannian Knights, are known to go it alone, forgoing all military doctrine in order to gain quick, personal victory and accords," Dr. Weller cleans his glasses on his shirt, before holding them, examining them, "By contrast, the Americans value teamwork as much as individual initiative. Their ultimate objective is to merely survive and win the battle to go home. They value their unit, their friends and in many ways, their family away from their families, even above their own lives."

People are silent at that.

"This also reflects on the collective mindsets of their nations," Weller nods, satified before replacing his glasses on his face and continuing, "Make no mistake. Loyalty and Collectivism is not only valued, but also is always bred in Britannia. Always honored and expected. Always demanded and rewarded. But the problem is that Britannian politics, is a toxic soup able to melt through a Knightmare's armor in less time than if you chucked one into the Sun itself."

"Ain't that the truth," someone above the group mutters.

"In America, loyalty can be just as easily abandoned," the doctor doesn't mince words, "But that is more or less casual loyalty. Something anyone can live with or without. Honestly, I don't know which is worse, but if there is one thing to note," Dr. Weller states gravely, "is that Americans rarely do not show loyalty, even to those they haven't met before. In that way, Americans are more the wolf pack to Britannia's pride of lions."

XXXX

Hyuga Akito couldn't stop himself from blinking.

An American Frost had taken a blow meant for him. The Frame Runner purposely putting themselves into the line of danger and taking the lance to chest armor.

The opening left as the crippled Frost had grappled the Sutherland's lance, allowed Akito to take his acquired Assault Rifle and fire two bursts into the Sutherland, destroying it and forcing the pilot to eject.

Taking hold of the now freefalling Frost, Akito begins to pull it back into cover.

"You… okay?" the American Frame Runner asks, showing that the lance had penetrated into the cockpit.

"Yes," Akito responds, he is indeed unharmed.

"Glad… to… hea-" the wounded American passes out abruptly.

"I got him sir," a French Frost takes the crippled American machine, "We have medics right over there," the Frenchman points out, "We've secured this area now. Looks like the battle is winding down at last."

"Only took us several hours and dozens of dead and wounded," another American gripes as he provides overwatch, "Damn Limps."

XXXX

"Politically, both nations are complete opposites in many ways," Dr. Weller taps his lecturn as he thinks his next words over for a few moments, "In many ways, the Americans reflect the Roman Republic, bringing it's legacy together with Greek Democracies."

Few people question as they listen. It is a regular occurrence on the news. The difference between the two.

"America's system is geared towards those that serve who get Franchised or the Right to Vote and Hold Office," Dr. Weller explains, "The American system is aimed solely to uphold the safety of the entire population. Be Civil, Government, or Military service, the Citizens of America are expected to live by a standard to uphold the greater good over themselves. Though they are also free to live their lives freely and not shackled down. In this way, they follow the spirit of Noblesse Oblige."

The siblings and Milly listen to what they are hearing. This is a part that separates the two sides fully.

"In the words of the late Admiral Yang Wen-li," Dr. Weller brought up one of America's most famed naval commanders, "'That while Democracy is less efficient and can be slowed dramatically with corruption, nevertheless, is better because it is less likely to be corrupted completely and no one person would have absolute power, because, after all, a good and wise Emperor such as Alwin V doesn't come along often.'"

No one found it in themselves to argue the point. It is the truth after all.

"Opposite the American Citizen is the Britannian Noble," Dr. Weller chuckles a bit here, "Local, Regional, Provincial leaders, whatever the Imperial Court appoints and the Imperial Senate approves. At least that's how it had been once. Now not so much, but the Britannian Noble is still the same and honestly, I could list the various facts, but I'm afraid we've just plain run out of time now," the man huffs as he indicates a holographic clock, "Honestly. Do they have to put a limit on education? If people wish to learn and learn smartly, with a bit of sense and intelligence, why stop them, hm?"

The crowd laugh at his little bit of humor.

"Anyways," Roger Weller would not be denied this one piece, "The Britannian Nobility is an organized structured system. Interesting to note, is that there are titles of King and Queen in this system, considered just below that of the Imperial Family itself. This is both functional and historical, as Alwin I was known as the High King of Kings when he was elected as the first to hold that distinct title."

Lelouch and Nunnally both rolled their eyes. Of course their former homeland would do that. Much of Britannia was built around nostalgia. Something no one particularly cared to talk about at the moment.

"Currently, there appears to be no holders of the titles of Archduke and Archduchess," the lecturer stops for a moment, "At least anymore as the Archduke of Eylstadt had defective recently to the Union," Dr. Weller continues on, "At this time, the rank of Elector is unused, as all titles are filled or not in use, while there are only a few Grand Dukes and Grand Duchesses, who's positions are now more important and closely monitored, and many Dukes and Duchesses about."

"In more ways than one," Rivalz remarks quietly, as his parents were the illegitimate children of a pair of Dukes.

"Sovereign Prince and Princess ranks are also not in use," Dr. Weller continues, "Though it is believed they have been discontinued along with associated ranks and positions. These ranks would be similar in use to heads of state, though we are unsure as Britannia has had so few in its history. The ranks may have been simply place holding titles. Records are, unfortunately scarce to determine their exact position or if they were similar to the existing ranks of the same title."

That made sense to Lelouch. He recalled his mother mentioning something like that. But not the details. He was only 6 when she mentioned it after all.

"Likewise, Count Palatine is the only title in the Marquise-Margrave-Landgrave ranking to not be in use and is considered obsolete by Britannia, though it is thought that the rank is sometimes used in the Chinese Federation," Dr. Weller had brought up a useful chart, "Below these ranks are the Counts and Countesses, Earls, Viscount and Viscountess, Baron and Baroness, Baronet and Baronetess, and folks this is getting to be a tongue twister to name all of these ranks."

The entire ensemble of people laugh uproariously at the famous researcher's words. Though it didn't come as a surprise. There are many ranks and positions, with some still unfilled and others declared obsolete for any number of reasons.

"Needless to say, there are a lot of ranks both active and inactive and far more nobles than there is any right to exist," Dr. Weller adjusts his glasses as he pushes himself off his lectern, "The fact is, with all of these ranks, advancement to gain anything of importance is a much. While this competition spurs develops, it also creates a deadly quagmire of rivalies and vice of its own, up to and including sabotage of efforts vital to the Empire's future."

An alarm suddenly rings next to Dr. Weller. The man glares at the thing before shaking his head.

"My apologies ladies and gentlemen, but that is all for today," Dr. Weller looks saddened to end his lecture then and there, "Now I will be back, no worries and hopefully we can pick up from where we have since left off. I do have the means for you to get the short version, here you go," with a few swipes of his fingers, like a conductor of an orchestra, Dr. Weller sends out his information for people to find his research and how to obtain it for their own leisurely pursuit.

"Enjoy the rest of your day," the good doctor waves as people begin to get up and depart or simply log out once they have the information, before the alarm goes off again, "Confound them! I swear I will alter their vocal data to make them sing their words for a month before they can correct the change!"

The laughter that fills the auditorium is definitely music to Dr. Weller's ears.

XXXX

Two days later, at the Union encampment less than 10 kilometers from the Danube. After seizing Osijek, the Union troops, mostly American, but with a large force of French and Italians now apart of their corps, rested after digging in and entrenching themselves for the evening.

Their march and battles had had a toll on them, but now, they could know an evening of peace.

The current campaign in the Adriatic Theater is far from over. Plans for the Danube Jump Off to recreate the current theater are still in the making. But for right now, the soldiers rest after a series of running battles over two days. Rest they should crave, but some, like a specific lonely Japanese soldier far from home, wish they didn't have as it gave them time to think and dwell on those thoughts.

Which is why, of course, Akito sat alone as he ate his field rations.

His mind still going over the American that had thrown himself in the way of that Sutherland. Despite the best efforts of medical personnel, the man had passed away from his wounds. The American had lost his life so that he, Akito, could live.

Akito couldn't understand it.

Why had he done so?

He was American. Akito is Japanese. He should have known that. That Akito was supposed to be essentially nothing to him.

Yet…

Yet, the American was glad he was safe. That with his own life, he had saved Akito's. It confused him even now. As no one, not even his fellow Japanese had really done the same for him.

"I thought I'd find you here Akito," the dark haired youth looks up at Leila Malcal, the blond smiling as she sat down next to him, "I heard about what happened and came to check on you and the others."

Akito turns his head, his blue eyes staring at the small fire hidden among the rocks that keep him warm and alone. It's the only warmth he really knows. All he needs to know.

"Tell me, Akito," but Leila gently places one of her fingers under his chin and lifts his head up to see her, her face kind, yet there is a look, "I will make it an order if I have to and you know it."

Her light purple eyes bore into his blue orbs and he knows it a lost cause right there.

"Confused," he admits to his superior officer, "Confused on why he did that. An American dying for me. I'm Japanese, he was American. We are so different and yet, he readily died for me and was happy that I was able to live. Why?"

Leila sighs.

Ever since Adou had been relieved by American Green Berets, and later shot after his court martial, for his callous actions towards wZERO, she had been working to rebuild the morale and unity of the special forces unit.

But some damage and trauma existed before she had even arrived. Akito being the most obvious. Always surviving when others died. An orphan for who knows how long. He also has immense built up anger issues and doesn't trust at all.

It had taken her nearly six months to reach this point. Where she could get him to talk to her.

"Huh?" Akito blinks as he suddenly finds his head pulled down and soon resting on Leila's lap as the blond strokes his blue hair.

"Akito," the blond French girl smiles down at him sadly, "You're still young. He saw long life for you that you had not seen yet. He was willing to die, not only for that, but because you were in danger."

"I was…" Akito blinks as he adjusts his body.

Why was he letting her touch him like this? Why let her keep his head in her lap? Why was he conforming to this?

Admittedly, Akito found it… Comfortable. Warm even.

"Americans are made up of everyone, Akito," Leila states as she strokes the young man's hair, "Even Japanese are counted among their population. He saw not a Japanese Frame Runner in danger, but a comrade in arms and friend of his people."

"Comrade? Friend?" Akito wonders if those could be applied to him at all.

"Yes," Leila smiles, "The Americans deep down are kind people. They are rough and most often than not, can be self-centered. But when there are those in danger and they cannot turn away, they won't deny it. That self-centered, rough nature of theirs melts away. They honor those who die for them and honorably die for others, be it their countrymen or foreigners because they believe so strongly in what is fair and right in this world."

"Not all," Akito bitterly points out.

But Leila only smiles at him, "True, but again, not all. Others will even go further, risking more for little gain, simply because it was the right thing to do."

Akito has no reply to that.

"Live Akito," Leila states softly, "Live for that time, when you can see why you were spared to live while he fell with honor and glory on a battlefield so distant from his home and loved ones."

XXXX

Lelouch stretches as he lazes in the sunny afternoon.

Picking up his latest personal reports, he observes that he had finally put together a small company of Knightmare Frames composed of RPI-11 Glasgows and Knightpolice.

They had cost him a large fortune to buy. But he had the money. The war often saw the Black Marketeers eager to move things fast on occasion. He had had just enough to buy this particular stock.

With Milly and her grandfather's help of course.

His revolt is still in its early stages. Though, in truth of fact, the only thing he would achieve, if he would prove so fortunate, is liberating Japan from the Empire. Given that the Americans would likely destroy Britannia first and foremost.

Still, like the American recruitment commercials said, 'Be All You Can Be.'

And he will be all he can be.

"It's not impossible to get weapons," Lelouch mutters as he looks things over.

Sofia Wood had gotten lucky with a train loaded with supplies. During the last American air attack, a train full of Britannian war material had ended up being derailed as it sat on some rails. Sofia had taken cover nearby and noticed the disabled train and checked it out.

Lelouch could only sigh sadly at Sofia's lost as it came to mind.

Her parents, brutally killed by some criminal who enjoyed chess.

The truth of her mother had been truly traumatic, but what happened to her father had been just as bad.

The local magistrate had decided to just demolish the small area they had been brutally killed in and make the scene vanish.

No one was in doubt that if the criminal was ever caught, he'd be dead before long. Prince Clovis had a thing about making it painful too. His older brother having some qualities that could be described as redeemable.

Still, because the man still had a way to buy his way out of trouble, Sofia had been easily recruited. She and Rivalz had been talking a lot more lately and not just about rebelling either. He hopes things turn out well for them. They both could use a little piece of peace themselves.

"Still," Lelouch sighs as he looks at the information, "We're not going to last long."

"Lelouch!" Rivalz calls out, waving to his friend as he gently finishes pushing his bike out of the garage, "We're good to go!"

Putting the details away, "Right!" Lelouch waves back as he picks himself up off the grass and collects his things before heading off to join Rivalz for a ride into town to get some quick cash.

'Messing with old man Gilmore, eh?' Lelouch thinks to himself, 'Time I show some stupid Noble why you don't mess with those weaker than themselves. For I will arrive and in zero time, make you regret in full.'

Rivalz revs his bike to life as Lelouch mounts his own and places his helmet on before revving the engine to life.

With hand signs, both boys take off, displacing the air as they roar off to gamble and flipping a few skirts as they passed in the process.

The world isn't perfect, but that doesn't mean there aren't good times to be alive.

XXXX

Maréchal de France - Marshal of France

Parlement de l'Europe Libre - Free Europe Parliament

Maréchal - Marshal

les Américains - Americans

les États-Unis d'Amérique - United States of America

Amérique - America

Non - No

Guerre Civile Américaine - American Civil War

Império do Brasil - Empire of Brazil

Portugais - Portuguese

Les Britanniens - The Britannians

XXXX

A/N:

I do apologize for the lateness of this chapter. I had difficulty with trying to express the differences between Britannia and America. Finding a balance between the two has not been easy.

Some might say I'm going to glorify America in this story. Well, I did expect that. A such, I wrote in a few lines to express that Americans are people too. We have our flaws. And our perfections as all do. We can be weak and strong, wise and stupid, kind, yet cruel.

It's knowing this and working towards self improvement, that we can change all of that.

This story is also a work of fiction in a world gripped by war. There will be heroes and villains. Remember that.