Area 11: Britannia - The Patriots' Shadow
In the main castle where the nobility and military of Britannia were headquartered in Japan, two separate meetings were taking place. One involved Cornelia and other nobles, while elsewhere, Zero was holding his own private gathering. The room wasn't crowded—only Revolver Ocelot and Vamp were present, along with a few other individuals who had recently arrived in Japan.
Dr. Strangelove
A Britannian scientist and close ally to Zero, Dr. Strangelove was the one who created the sophisticated AI systems that kept The Patriots' network functioning. A mastermind in both robotics and AI neural networks, she had developed a reputation for conducting questionable experiments—though never on civilians, only on criminals whose fates The Patriots knew the world wouldn't care about.
On the massive wall screen was the weapons manufacturer who had helped develop the Knightmare frames.
Kazuhira Miller
Like Zero, Miller had suffered a terrible accident during a previous military operation, losing an arm and a leg, now replaced with advanced prosthetics. He was currently in Europe, conducting business with Euro Britannia along with other high-ranking Patriot operatives.
As everyone except Miller, who appeared via the screen, took their seats, the meeting began with Zero speaking first.
"Hello, gentlemen. I'm pleased you've all come to this meeting one way or another." He looked at Miller's image on the screen. "You're on a secure channel, correct?"
Miller nodded. "Yes, Boss. I assure you I'm the only one viewing this meeting. I have my best encryption specialists preventing any unwanted intrusions."
"Good. Then let us proceed," Zero said, turning to Dr. Strangelove, who stood up holding a document, and cleared her throat.
"I'm happy to announce that the experiments we've been conducting on our test subjects have been going quite well... although we've encountered some complications," she reported, causing Zero to sigh knowingly.
"What kind of complications?" he asked.
Strangelove grabbed a remote and changed what was displayed on Miller's screen, though Miller could still see and hear the meeting while watching the new footage.
The video showed scientists standing in a hallway observing a cyborg soldier walking toward them. Everything seemed normal as the cyborg regarded everyone, but then... it violently malfunctioned, tearing at its synthetic flesh in apparent agony as its nanomachines went haywire.
Seeing this, Zero shook his head while Strangelove acknowledged the reaction. "It seems the test subjects often experience severe psychological rejection when subjected to the cybernetic enhancement program. We've been trying to find a way to prevent this behavior."
"Couldn't you just create fully autonomous Metal Gears instead?" Vamp asked, unbothered by the horrific experiment he'd just witnessed.
"Yes, but without some form of human consciousness integration, they'd be nothing more than target practice for our enemies. With, a human mind, they maintain the instinct to dodge attacks or solve complex tasks. Sadly, pure AI can only do so much and isn't advanced enough to handle such complicated functions," Strangelove explained.
Zero looked at Strangelove. "Is there a way around this, so our new cyborg soldiers won't self-destruct?"
Strangelove nodded. "Actually, Boss, we do have an idea. We believe if we integrate the S3 Plan alongside memory manipulation when cybernetic implants are installed, it could help significantly."
"Very well. See to it, and if it doesn't work, we'll consider other options," Zero said as Strangelove nodded and sat down.
Zero then turned to Ocelot. "How goes the mission in the Amazon forest? Have you located the resistance group?"
Ocelot twirled his revolver before holstering it. "Not to worry, Boss. My Spetsnaz unit and I are closing in on this rebel faction. Our only obstacle is those Britannian assholes—they keep getting in our way, and when we request support, they respond with racial slurs. Some of my men wanted to put bullets in them... and believe me, I'm tempted to let them."
"I understand. Don't concern yourself with it. Next time you need support, call us directly, not the Britannians. We'll ensure you get what you need," Zero replied before turning to the large screen. "Miller, how is the supply shipment progressing?"
"Going well, Boss. You'll receive your new weaponry and Knightmare frames soon. However, I'd like to propose coming to Japan personally to oversee your Knightmare frames. I don't want Lloyd touching our designs," Miller said with venom in his voice.
"I understand your feelings toward him, and as much as he makes my skin crawl, he's good at his job. For now, he stays," Zero replied as he stood up.
"Now, on our next subject," he continued, grabbing a remote and pressing a button to display an image of the masked vigilante (now referred to as "Solid Snake" to avoid confusion with Zero from Metal Gear) rescuing Suzaku. "Have we gathered any additional information on this 'Solid Snake' figure or Suzaku?"
Ocelot sighed as he studied the screen. "Not much, sadly, Boss—other than what Vamp told you." He gestured toward Vamp, who narrowed his eyes menacingly. "We have nothing substantial on this 'Solid Snake' character, and for some reason, Suzaku's past is hidden, almost as if someone has scrubbed the records clean."
Zero tensed visibly, squeezing the remote in anger.
"However," Ocelot added, making Zero relax his grip, "I discovered he attends some pompous Britannian school. It might not be much, but perhaps we can use that... maybe recruit the kid using his sense of justice. He seems the idealistic type."
"Would you please focus on the mission parameters, Ocelot?" Strangelove said with a frown.
Everyone noticed that Zero had gone quiet as he stared at the screen. "Boss... you okay?" Vamp asked, receiving no immediate answer.
Zero turned to Strangelove. "Doctor, I have a question... is my stealth camo ready? I want to visit this school."
Ashford Academy
Ashford Academy was one of the most sophisticated and sought-after schools that many parents wanted their children to attend. While it appeared open to all students, it was evident that most, if not all, were Britannian citizens.
Outside the school gates, a black tactical vehicle approached. The driver lowered his window and spoke into the intercom. "We're here. Open the gate," he ordered.
"Y-yes, please enter and tell the distinguished visitor that we at Ashford Academy welcome—" Before the man on the other end could finish, his words were cut off by what sounded like an electrical short-circuit in the speaker.
Slowly, the gate opened and the vehicle proceeded. As they drove in, the driver noticed a small crowd gathered around the clock tower of the school.
The rear window lowered slightly, allowing the passenger to observe Suzaku surrounded by students greeting him with smiles.
Soon, some students noticed the sleek, military-grade vehicle stopping right outside the school entrance.
Everyone gathered to the side, wondering who had arrived. They watched as a man—the driver—exited the vehicle and walked around to open the passenger door.
Vamp stepped out, his pale complexion and unusual attire causing some students to regard him with fear. He scanned the area with predatory eyes before peering back into the vehicle. "All clear, Boss. Just some students here."
The students then saw a foot emerge from the car.
When they recognized who was exiting, expressions of fear and respect washed over their faces. It was Zero, the legendary mercenary and military strategist.
As Zero stepped out, his face obscured by his distinctive mask and trench coat flowing behind him, he surveyed the crowd of frightened students without comment and continued walking.
However, one student caught his attention. Unlike the others, this young man was glaring at him with undisguised hatred. Time seemed to slow as their eyes met.
Zero and the student—a man named Lelouch—locked gazes.
Vamp noticed Zero's focus and followed his line of sight. Spotting what appeared to be just another student, he began to reach for his knife in a threatening manner, but Zero stopped him with a gesture.
"Let's go. I don't want to be late," he said. Vamp nodded, relaxing his stance as they both entered the school, leaving Lelouch with a mixture of anger and confusion about Zero's presence.
As Zero and Vamp walked through the halls, they were met by the principal, who bowed deeply. "Your Excellency, it's an absolute honor that you've come to our school," he said, though Zero continued walking without pause.
"The honor is mine. I wish to meet with one of your students—Suzaku. I need to speak with him," he commanded, causing the principal to tremble with fear as he recalled the stories about the legendary soldier.
"Oh, and one more thing." The principal looked back to see Vamp casually flipping a knife in his hand. "If anyone eavesdrops on this conversation—" Vamp threw the knife, embedding it in the wall with inhuman precision, causing students in the hallway to scatter in terror.
They continued walking toward a private room while the principal could only watch in horror.
Private Room
To say Suzaku was scared would be an understatement. He knew the rumors about Zero's legendary tactical brilliance and ruthlessness. Swallowing hard, he entered the room to find only a table and two chairs. Zero sat on the far side with Vamp standing beside him.
"Suzaku, come and sit. We have much to discuss," Zero said, his voice calm yet commanding through his mask's filter. Suzaku obeyed, taking the empty chair.
As they faced each other, Zero spoke. "You know, Suzaku, I must say... you're quite a puzzle."
"I'm... sorry, sir. What do you mean?" Suzaku asked, uncertain of Zero's meaning.
Zero pulled out a digital tablet and placed it on the table in front of Suzaku. "You're the son of Genbu Kururugi, a general of Japan, are you not?" he asked, causing Suzaku to grow even more nervous.
"I... Yes, sir. He was my father," he replied.
"And tell me... why don't you hate us?" Zero activated the tablet, revealing old footage from the invasion of Japan. "I mean, we attacked your home, took away your freedom, even erased the name of your country and nationality... yet you joined the Britannian army. Why did you do that?"
"Well, sir, I hold no ill will against Britannia. Yes, what happened was horrible, but I believe the nation can be changed if—"
Before he could finish, he noticed Zero making a dismissive gesture at his idealism, which startled him.
"My, you are an optimist. I understand, but I find it hard to believe the country will change..." He paused meaningfully. "...in the hands of a suicidal soldier."
Suzaku's eyes widened in shock. "I... I... sir, what—"
"Lancelot, the Knightmare you pilot, is indeed powerful but has significant drawbacks. The cockpit ejection system isn't perfected and hasn't been fully tested. Most soldiers wouldn't pilot it unless it was proven safe... and yet you did."
Zero stood and walked around the table with calculated steps, observing Suzaku, who kept his gaze fixed on the floor, speechless.
"Then, when falsely accused of Clovis's murder and rescued by this 'Solid Snake' figure, you returned to Britannia. Did you know you wouldn't have been executed if you had fled?" Zero asked, but Suzaku remained silent. "Your silence speaks volumes."
Zero continued circling the table. "In every situation, you rush headlong into danger, knowing the probability of death, yet you claim to want to change the country."
He stopped, studying Suzaku, who sat trembling with fear and suppressed anger. Noticing this, Zero pressed on.
"Your father was a great general, though stubborn... refused to surrender to Britannia." Now standing behind Suzaku, Zero placed a gloved hand on his shoulder. "That's why I don't believe he killed himself. And if he did, why use a kitchen knife instead of a Wakizashi?"
At this, Suzaku's eyes widened further, shocked that Zero knew this detail. "H-how do you know what a Wakizashi is?" he asked, losing his composure and forgetting to address him as "sir."
"To truly understand warfare, one must study not only military tactics but history, culture... and the psychological foundations of honor," he answered with quiet authority.
"Seppuku is a traditional samurai suicide that preserves their code of honor, and your father was a traditional man who likely adhered to the samurai code. Even if he wanted to kill himself, he wouldn't have used a simple kitchen knife. And where was his Kaishakunin?" Zero paused, looking directly at Suzaku. "I believe he was murdered... and I think you did it."
Suzaku was speechless, tears forming in his eyes before he finally broke. "I... I had to... he... he was going to—" He couldn't finish, burying his face in his hands.
"I don't blame you. His plan would have killed millions of Japanese. You may have saved your country... but if I'm honest, you condemned the people of Japan to a fate worse than death. However, I'm not here to place blame. You'll be working with The Patriots now, and I don't want soldiers with a death wish. So get yourself together," Zero stated, exchanging a subtle nod with Vamp.
"That's all for now. I'll see you at the base. Oh, and I don't know why this 'Solid Snake' saved you, but I should thank him for it," he added as he and Vamp departed, leaving Suzaku sitting alone in the darkness, wondering how Zero knew so much about his past.
Outside the School
As Zero and Vamp exited the building, Zero paused, looking up at the top of the school's clock tower. Vamp noticed this and turned to his commander. "Something wrong, Boss?"
Zero didn't respond immediately as he continued staring, noticing a young man standing at the tower, watching him. After a moment, he finally spoke. "No... it's nothing," he said, walking back to the tactical vehicle.
As they drove away, Lelouch remained at the tower, holding a black king chess piece while watching the departing vehicle. "It seems my revenge is going to be more difficult than I anticipated," he mused, placing the chess piece on the ledge. "We have a new player in the game."