Fallen Grace

[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.