Fallen Grace

[Jeremy Hunter]

Planet Orleans, Roux Estate. Day of Fallen Grace

The rain fell of Orleans. Sloshing through, a man dressed in black with a red jacket, an umbrella forgotten back at his ship, headed towards a massive estate the dominated the skyline. He paused under a tree, weighing the object in his hands. It was his personal sidearm, straight from Sword Base. This day…it was suppose to be the happiest day of his life. The day he finally could have the woman he had loved for years. He looked at his clothes. His suit lay untouched on Vendome. His normal white attire now soaked with rain. It seemed as if God himself was letting him show how drenched his heart was with grief. He looked at the tree.
"It's raining." He said. If someone had been with them, they might have understood. Tears and rainwater mixed together on his face before falling down to the ground.
Lelouch Gwenael D’Aramis slid the gun back into his pocket, pushed some hair from his eyes, and resumed his steady pace to the estate of the Roux Family. He approached the gate, walking through as the guards saluted him. No one made the Baron of Orleans wait. Not when he was the fiance of the Marquise of Orleanais. But the guards felt something was off as he passed. No salute. No cheery smile. Just the bleak look and rain soaked clothes.
Lelouch walked up the gravel towards the massive house.
The place where his fiancé, Adelaide Gwenaelle Roux, was.
Where a monster controlled her thoughts and actions.
Lelouch D’Aramis checked the charge on his weapons. Full. He took a deep breath, and then flicked his collar to turn on the comm that was placed there.

“This is Gardien du serment. The time has come. May God have mercy on our souls, and the souls of those who shall meet him today. Go. Commence Fallen Grace.”

Lelouch D'Aramis pushed the door open and raised the sidearm.

Planet Nevers, Naval Yard. Fourteen days before Fallen Grace

Lelouch D’Aramis was dressed to the nines. Fresh shoes, fresh shirt, pants, jacket. Fresh bouquet of roses. Today, he finally was going to ask it. Checking his pocket, Lelouch was finally satisfied that he was ready. Stepping into the Naval Yard, he shooed away a few Lieutenants wanting to ask about a mission and briskly headed for Adelaide’s office. Men and women moved to give him room to pass; not many dared to get in the way of the Directeur of Naval Intelligence when he obviously was on a mission.
Stopping at her door, he took a deep breath.
Lelouch pushed the door open. “I have a bouquet of roses for the most beautiful person in Gallia?”
Adelaide Roux looked up from her papers, shirt unbuttoned at the top, AC going, her hair falling all over her face. “Lulu!” She smiles warmly at him. “What brings you to my office? I would have thought you’d just wait at my house.”
“While waiting for you in your closet to scare you is fun, it’s important.”
She laughs. “Ok, why are you here? You know I expressly told you we cannot have a round of passion, not after we almost were discovered.”
“Well, not sure about passion, but I am here out of love.”
“Oh, really?” She smirks, leaning back. “I’m a bit busy.”
“I only have one question for you.” Lelouch set the flowers down and moved to the other side of the desk, then knelt at Adelaide’s side. Lelouch smirked slightly.
Yep. Didn’t even hit the ground before she gasped.
Then, blunt as ever, Lelouch D’Aramis asked the one question he had wanted to ask since the first day he met Adelaide Roux.
“Will you marry me?”

RNS-Eglantine, Rambouilette Shipyard Drydock. Ten Days before Fallen Grace

Acadia Celeste was going over the final checks onboard the Eglantine when Lelouch called.
“Alone. Somewhere you cannot be heard or spied on. Acadia. Trust me.”
Frowning, Acadia complied, locking herself in Eggy’s Secure Commnications Center alone.
“What.”
“Remember when I told you about Rouge Eitole, and that I was keeping tabs on it using the Underloch?”
“I do.”
“They found something. They’ve changed, Acadia. Nothing can imitate perfectly. Nothing. I just had two men, two men I trusted, try and kill me. Acadia. Gather those you trust. And purge the Eglantine of anyone you find suspicious. Forgiveness will be needed…but something wicked this way comes.”
Acadia cut the connection, then pulled out her sidearm.
“Celeste?”
She turned and raised her weapon, pointing it at the young girl, barely eighteen, who was working on a console. “Faerie.”
“Ma’am, I didn’t mean to startle you.”
Acadia didn’t put the gun down. She didn’t trust Faerie, but at the same time, killing such a young girl…
“Get on your knees, hands on your head.”
Looking scared, the girl replied. Acadia restrained her, tucking her out of sight. “Stay quiet. If you are not discovered, I will come back and let you live. If you are, I will have to execute you.”
Acadia left. She turned a corner, face to face with a marine.
With glowing eyes, he raised his rifle to kill Acadia. “For conspiring to kill the Gra-“
The blast from Acadia’s shotgun sidearm tore his head clean off. She stepped over the body, grabbing his rifle.
It would be wrong to say that blood did not run through the halls of Eglantine as Acadia, and soon a small squad of trusted marines, began to slowly and methodically massacre the skeleton crew. Some just fell and lay still, while other shook as the incubi attempted to escape, or bits of incubi littered the gore. Eglantine was a bloody flower by the time it was done.
Acadia called Lelouch. “Eggy has been secured. Destination?”
“Vendome.”
Acadia clicked the comm off, then retrieved Faerie. The girl had soiled herself. From all that Acadia and the rest could tell, she was clean.
The cabin boy, who was seventeen…had glowed long enough to let them know he was gone.
Acadia Celeste turned the Marine Corporal Bernard Clement.
“Captain Clement. Secure the airlocks. We must head to Vendome to rendezvous with the rest of the forces.”
“Ma’am…is this…?”
“Yes. This is the Fallen Grace Protocol.”

RNS Eglantine, Vendome Residence. Eight days before Fallen Grace

The Gawain locked into place on the Eglantine, and onboard rushed Lelouch and a small girl.
“Lulu…you…”
“This goes far beyond it all…Acadia…Adel…she has been…turned…”
“Mon dieu…Lulu…” The woman hugged him. Closing his eyes, he silently cries.
“The King has sided with these monsters. They have...brainwashed the woman I love."
“But…how will we stop this? If the King has been taken, then…they control the Kingdom.” Acadia bit her lip. "Fallen Grace...this Protocol..."
Lelouch opens his eyes. Acadia could see the defect in his right eye more clearly. The weird bird shape that had been there since he had been a child.
"Fallen Grace will commence...but there will be a slight variation to it."
Acadia swore the bird-shaped defect glowed for a split second before Lelouch spoke the words that set in motion what would be a costly affair.
“I am going to assassinate the King.”

RNS Eglantine, Communication Room. Seven Days before Fallen Grace

Lelouch D’Aramis stood in the center of the room. He stood alone, but he knew Acadia, Amelie, and Bernard were waiting outside. He was about to commit yet another treasonous act, all to save the kingdom he fought for. Well, not like he didn't attempt to bed a Sirian already - a very cute one, that is - and ordered the massacre of the entire skeleton crew of the Eglantine while Adelaide was away. He decided to get it over with, and typed in the destination.
“Here goes.”
Lelouch closed his eyes as he pressed the enter key. The room darkened. Waiting, the soft pings went on rhythmically, until finally one loud beep confirmed the connection was made. When he opened his eyes, he faced Richard Connors of the Colonial Republic. He exhaled softly, eying the man. This was a conversation no one had seen coming.
“I wager I was the last person you expected to call you. Well. I need your help.” Lelouch closed his eyes. "I plan to assassinate King Charles of Gallia."

---

May you ever walk in the Light, Shizune.

[Dane Summers]

The room was buzzing, near on full, with a number of parliamentary aides, secretaries, and more then a few military personnel - including Marek Belka, director of CIS. With the brief time lag given the distance of the transmission, they had at least five minutes with whch to gather, and discuss the issue of this "gallic call" at a breakneck pace. Ultimately, Connors decided to go by instinct. Whatever would happen, even if the decision wasn't up to him, Richard had to give this a chance - even if every thought in his mind warned him against it.

As the transmission cleared, and a CIS man gave the thumbs up that a trace program was activating - not with much hope, but trying regardless - and that the transmission itself was heavily encrypted versus outside tapping. Richard stood, and it was one of these times he didn't feel old - no aches in his body, not even his twisted shoulder when he had Charon blown out from under him forty years ago, the wrenched and broken bones never healing right, denying him flight duty from then onward. No, these times, he didn't feel like a man, but a tower of energy and willpower.

"Mr D'Aramis. I can say I am genuinely surprised by this call."

...Was all he could say, but the shock of the gallics statement was evident in the room. Someone wanting to assassinate Charles? Could it be true? Could it even be possible? Belka's face didn't even move, but it was clear he didn't believe a word. Two other aides could barely contain their obvious belief, and looked as if the war had been won just then.

Richard cleared his throat, which had gone dry, and continued

"I will start with the obvious - what you say is hard to believe. How can we trust you?"

---

[Jeremy Hunter]

Eglantine Secure Communications Bunker, Seven Days before Fallen Grace
"I am the Directeur of the Office of Naval Intelligence, Baron of Orleans, and fiance of the Grande Marechal of the Royal Navy. Think hard about this. I, one with my power, my influence, calls upon the very enemies of the Kingdom I serve. You know of our pride, our power. Tell me. Why would one such as I so readily identify myself, and essentially start to beg for your help?"

Lelouch's impassive face twisted to one of sorrow. Hold his forehead, he smoothed the black ONI uniform he wore.
"Disbelief proves that you are no fool. I don't expect you to trust me, but I expect you to listen. I'm your enemy, and I have executed the lives of many a spy...and saved the lives of many a spy. You might see me as your enemy, but I see you as my one hope of salvation. My Kingdom is under control of a madman; the one I love, controlled by those I do not understand. You think every Gallic wants this war? You are sorrily mistaken. If you truly knew the spirit of the Gallic people, if you had even attempted to speak to any of us as a friend, then you might have found out that there are groups that have quietly opposed the war. Some still will, some will not do a thing. All I can do, right now, is attempt the one thing every Council, every Maquis, has wanted: The assassination of the Absolute Monarch of the Kingdom of Gallia. I have offering you a chance to change the course of a war that will engulf Sirius in blood and sorrow, Connors. A chance to strike a blow against the Monarchy. Will we succeed? I will not lie, we can fail. But. Here's what you will enjoy: You will have access to patrol patterns and jump hole locations to make your way to the target. You will have my loyalists turn a blind eye. And. You will have one other thing behind you."
Lelouch throws his arms to the sides motioning to the whole room.
"The pride of the Office of Naval Intelligence. The NavSpecWep Assault-Support warship Eglantine. This Valor is a proud vessel." He pauses. Drawing a ring from around his neck, he held the chain, letting the ornate ring dangle in plain sight.
"This was a promise of union. One of happiness. I have a child, a son. And now? I must kill the woman I love, murder the person I wished to become one with. This ring of unity, is going to become one of sorrow." Lelouch lets his arm fall. "Either you help me try the impossible, or I do this alone. Failure is not an option, but destiny does not let us choose whether or not we succeed or fail."

Lelouch steps back, leaning against a console behind him. "Knight to C3. Your move."

---

May you ever walk in the Light, Shizune.

[Dane Summers]

Richard listened impassively to the words of man before him. The other people in t room, Belka, the various aides, and Intelligence Personnel, listened too - it was impossible not too. Belka remained as a statue, unreadable. Others could not hide their feelings - whether disbelief, sympathy, and some even contempt. These people didn't represent the varied whole that was the Colonial Republic - but just about every person here was born in diaspora. Thats the thing, Richard throught, Its Crayter. None of us were born here. It's hard for us to care about these people - and so easy to despise them for not caring about us. The persecution complex against outsiders? Maybe.

When the words were done, Richard looked into the eyes of Lelouch.

"You have my sympathy for the situation. No man should have to suffer what you are suffering. But for men such as us, who have chosen to be the atlas with which we balance the fates of so many on our shoulders, that is the life we have asked for.
Now. You intend to assassinate Charles. While I can believe that not every gallic citizen wants this war, and from our relationship with the Council, we know what happens with dissenters. However, for a man such as you, to rise to the position you hold, It makes it hard for us to believe that you would be trusted in such a role, if you were not totally loyal to the Monarchy. Everything you have said, and everything you have offered for this task, could be a very elaborate trap. The Colonial Republic, for all our losses, is not backing down from our opposition to Gallia's imperialism. With the focus of our attacks going to the shipping that Gallia uses to maintain its war economy, It's not a stretch to imagine we have become a priority now."

Richard looked straight at Belka.

"However, this may be an opportunity that the Republic can not afford to dismiss."

---

[Jeremy Hunter]

Eglantine Secure Communications Bunker, Seven Days before Fallen Grace

Lelouch looked at his feet, watching a few tears fall.
"A nuisance. That is all we have classified you as. What is a broken nation, who lost two of their precious battleships during the invasion, to Gallia?" Lelouch shakes his head. "No trap would be needed to send a battle group after you. The loses would be negligible. That is the power of Gallia. No, you are a priority for the backwater squadrons who are the jokes of the Navy."
Lelouch sighs. "You see...your problem lies within that root of thought. Monarchy. You believe all nobles are loyal to the Monarchy? No, my Loyalty belongs to the people of Gallia!" Lelouch stands straighter, fire now burning in his eyes. "I come to you to save my home, the people I swore to defend. I come to you, my only chance, because I know that you will listen. Bretonia is on it's last legs...but you. You are the trump card that most do not think." Lelouch throws an arm out towards a map behind him. "Who would expect the broken nation to mount an assault on the King's Royal Guard?" He scowls now. "I lead the Office of Naval Intelligence. It is my job to think of these scenarios. My job to Figure out deterrents. Yes, I formed a scenario where the Colonial Republic launched an assault on the Gallic Capital. But. You don't have any clue to it, the defenses, where is what. That was the Achilles heel of the scenario, was your knowledge. I can armor that heel."
Lelouch crosses his arms. "You cannot afford to pass up an opportunity. But I am no fool; the chances of failing are greater then that of success. if you are in, then...President, you will be needing pilots who are not afraid to face the Gates of Hell." He pauses. "The Council would never pass up a chance, but I fear that there are spies within the Council, within the Maquis and in the Brigands. I can only trust Sirians, ones who will not be fooled by a spy...and have the intelligence to listen."

Lelouch, ending his piece, said one last thing. "Pawn 5 to F4."

---

May you ever walk in the Light, Shizune.

[Dane Summers]

"Very well"

Richard looked down at the papers on his desk. No matter the work, no matter how much of it was done, more always piled up. things were better now, and that dim hope that things might just turn around, had turned into a very strong possibility, maybe even a certainty. However, he knew well enough, that these were the times when things could all fall apart, just when you thought you were safe.

Looking up, he nodded once to Belka.

"The Colonial Republic will move forward with this plan. However, we require something else from you. With everything else you have promised us for this operation, we also require the Encryption Codes of the Communication Frequencies of the Gallic Royal Navy. We understand these codes change weekly - we only need the codes for the window of time this operation will be set. Not only will this help our forces track military movement, but it also gives us an edge if this does turn out to be a trap."

Richard looked into the screen, into Lelouch's eyes. His expression was steel.

"Without those codes, I don't feel we can cooperate. I hope you understand."

---

[Jeremy Hunter]

Eglantine Secure Communications Bunker, Seven Days before Fallen Grace

"The codes will be yours."
Lelouch sighs. He thinks back, to when he first learned that Adelaide had been taken from him...

Planet Nevers, Ciel Estate. Thirteen Days before Fallen Grace
Lelouch D'Aramis was heading towards Elria's home, hoping to find Adelaide there, when he ran into someone he had been curious to meet for a long time.
"Oh, Miss Estelle I presume?"
The blonde froze, turning. "Oui?"
"No need to attempt Gallic, I am well versed in Sirian." He smiles charmingly. "I am Baron Lelouch D'Aramis, a close friend of Miss Ciel."
"Oh. How do you do Baron." She curtsied, eyes to the ground.
"Do not stand on ceremony miss Estelle, you sleep with the Grande Marechal after all!"
"I am merely a servant carrying out my mistress' directions sir."
"As you wish...I have a matter I could use your help with."
"How may I be of service?" Izzy said, playing the dutiful servant. Because God knew that, if the man knew she was just playing the servant to stay out of trouble while she visited Elria and watched out for Nomad infection because she was not letting Rika around a second time, she'd probably get executed.
Lelouch held up a list and looked helpless. "Groceries."

After the grocery shopping, Lelouch opened the door to the small home he and Adelaide shared on Nevers. Izzy helped him carry in the bags. After they put everything away, Lelouch made some tea.
"So, Miss Estelle. You have made quite and impact on my fiance."
"Oh...crap...she's..." Izzy's face goes red. "Please forgive me."
"No, no, it is alright. The Ciel sisters are very, very...frisky."
"You think?! You do know what they do to me, right?"
Lelouch leans back, chuckling. "Yet, from a story or two Ade said...you're very...sub."
"Shut up." Izzy downs her tea. "May I go?"
"Why would you wish to go?"
"Uncomfortable sitting with Adel's fiance a few hours after...yeah."
"Mhm. Well. We're not getting mad about playing musical beds; the Ciel sisters are very, very convincing."
"Oh don't give me that Mister D'Aramis, you two just love their...assets."
"Yes, well, since Ade has taken you for a few drives, do I get a turn?"
"Blunt yet charming. No. Personal reasons. That, and my girlfriend defiantly wouldn't like me sleeping with a guy."
He laughs. "Such a feisty one." He stands. "Ade should be here in fifteen minutes. Always on the dot. Such an amazing memory."
Izzy pauses. "Something is wrong with Adel."
Lelouch frowns. "What the hell do you mean?"
"She messed up Elria's name, as well as mine, a few times while talking. The pauses she did seemed strained, like she was fighting to remember." Izzy looks at the wall. "Something was off. Revi sensed it too...Lelouch. Something bad."
"Like?"
"You wouldn't understand."
"Try me."
Izzy looked straight into Lelouch's purple eyes. "Alien beings called Nomads have indoctrinated your fiance using their mind-rape powers, causing her to be trapped n her own mind. She used what strength she had to fight back in very miniscule ways, which probably meant she is saving up her strength."
"...Believing that you are Elria and Adelaide's favorite plaything is more believable."
"Lulu, I am Elria and Adelaide's favorite plaything."
"Touche." He scowled. "I still do not believe you."
"Watch as she forgets your name."

Isabella Arienh Hunter-Archer Estelle gathered her things, bade Lelouch a good day, and left the man there, standing by the couch, tea cup in hand, the scowl played across his face.
The cup was dashed to the ground as Adelaide entered.
"Lawrenc- Lelouch!" She cried out. "What happened?"
Lelouch Gwenael D'Aramis looked at his fiance...and responded with "I'm fine. Dropped the cup."
"I'll get it Clean yourself up."

The moment the bathroom door closed, the Directeur of Naval Intelligence, Baron of Orleans, and Fiance to the Grande Marechal, began to weep silent tears.

But not for long.

Lelouch D'Aramis rushed over, threw the door open, and sprinted away. He managed to catch up to Izzy - barely.
"My house. Other end. Hide there."
Izzy glared. "Why the hell - "
"You do not know who knows that you can tell when someone is...turned."
Pausing, Izzy nodded, slipping the key from his pocket. "You come and see me when you think it's safe. And don't try anything; I sleep with a seven-inch serrated titanium assault knife."
Lelouch D'Aramis shook his head with a laugh, then returned to Adelaide, apologising and spinning some bullcrap story about leaving his key with Izzy by accident.

Eglantine Secure Communications Bunker, Seven Days before Fallen Grace
Lelouch looked back to Connors. "I have nothing to hide. But, no matter the outcome, the Eglantine must make it to the evacuation point and meet up with other separatist forces. There is someone very important to me...two people, very important to me, that I must ensure are safe. And, right now, they are not safe in Gallia."
Lelouch weighed his options. "I can either ask the Gaians...or you..." Lelouch crosses his arms. "President Connors. I have one last term to give you the codes." He scowled slightly. "Someone you trust, hell, someone who's good with kids would be excellent..." He sighs. "I need protection for Amelie Roux and my infant son, Rolo." Lelouch detaches from the console, stepping forward.

"I will give you patrol patterns, jump hole locations, and the communications frequencies. In return, your support, and the protection of Amelie Roux and Rolo D'Aramis, will be assured. is that acceptable?"
Lelouch then smiled slightly to deliver the trademark ending. "King to E2."

---

May you ever walk in the Light, Shizune.

[Dane Summers]

Richard let out a breath, and nodded.

"I'm not quite sure what your asking. If your worried for the safety of your family, and your asking me, personally, to shelter them..."

He looked down at his desk, and all the scattered papers and data pads. Then he looked at the photo of his wife and daughters. The picture was old, while his daughters were still barely in their teens. He was a younger man himself then. Still trying to council his brother over the collapse of his promising military career. Trying to stop him from terrorizing his wife and son. That son, Richards nephew Chris, would come to live with his uncle after his father, David, had died, and his wife Sarah with him. Richards own family was another long story in itself. Suffice it to say, he wasn't a grandfather, and probably never would be. Of his three daughters, two were dead, and the other had left for parts unknown. His wife, Patricia, still lived, but with age, menopause, and the concerns of the State - life had really come to an end for Richard - for them both. This was his last duty. Afterwards...there wouldn't be much left.

Looking up, his expression was different. Less hard, and more...complicated.

"If that is what your asking of me...It may be a topic that requires a fair bit more explanation."

---

[Jeremy Hunter]

Eglantine Secure Communications Bunker, Seven Days before Fallen Grace
Eglantine Secure Comm Bunker, Gallic Space . Seven Days before Fallen Grace
"An Explanation for requesting my son and the girl I see as my sister protected by those with the power to do so?" Lelouch brushes hair from his eyes, the strange eye defect more evident. "Adelaide Roux is not in control of her mind. She is not Adelaide Roux anymore. The Adelaide I knew, the one I asked to marry me, would never mess up the names of close friends. How can I leave children in such a situation?" Lelouch then smirked ever so slightly. "And think about it. I am placing a Vicomte, a noble, in your care. The younger sister of the leader of the entire Royal Navy, second only to the King himself. Why would you not take such a chance?" he shakes his head. "President Connors. I'm not asking you as Lelouch D'Aramis, the One Of Many Titles. I am asking you this as Lelouch, father and brother...to please."
Suddenly a console beeps, taking Lelouch's attention away for a moment. It was Acadia, reporting that Miss Estelle was safely at the Ciel Estate. Good. Not even Adelaide would risk attempting anything with both Elria and Reverie Ciel there. That was plain suicide. He scowls again. Moreau...she and Estelle...Typing a few lines to the operative that informed him, he finishes the work and returns to the mains screen. "My apologies. But it takes a lot to run a rebellion."

Lelouch, humbled, delivers the trademark chess reference. "Knight to F3"

---

May you ever walk in the Light, Shizune.

[Dane Summers]

Richard closed his eyes, opened them, gave a glance around the room at the people there. Most of them were looking right at him - hoping not to miss the moment of his response. Marek Belka stood as implacable as a greek statue, and just as unreadable. He imagined that the Intelligence Director might be telling him to say yes to this opportunity - after all, hostages would ensure the safety of the operation, and make sure that the Colonial Military wasn't betrayed. That alone was enough to agree. But there was more to it. Maybe in ancient days, such practices were common, but Richard always saw this new age as an enlightened one, where governments dealt with each other in a civil manner. Was that true? Was it ever true?

And then there was more. With his family - himself and his wife - looking at time as it slowly wound its way down. Their children gone. He knew that his wife, Patricia, had suffered an emotional heartbreak over the last year, and while she smiled, he knew there was something broken inside her. For the woman he loved, had been with all these years - it was heartbreaking to see them come to the end like this. Some days he looked in the mirror and wondered why he didn't feel the same. Wondered when it was he stopped recognizing himself in the mirror. Would taking in these children, would it change anything? Make it worse?

Make things better?

Could that even be possible?

"Alright. I give you my word, I'll look after them for you."

He took a deep breath, and sat down in his chair. Leather, high backed, rather nice. His wrenched back was aching. He could still remember the high velocity ejection from the Charon that was tearing itself apart around him, back when he was just a teenager, fresh in the military, just like his brother, David. Could still remember spending six months in the medical bay, and never fully recovering, spending days without sleep because the pain was too much - waking up in cold sweats on the nights he could sleep. His bones had never set right, never healed right, and he was in constant pain day in and day out. Just the cost of life's mileage. He felt every single mile in that moment.

Every single one.

---