[Posted to island-wide network]

[veepofchess]

Ah, hello, everyone. In case you're new to this island, my name is Lelouch, and I am a Fortitude school Prefect.

I wanted to take a moment and extend an invitation to everyone from both schools. I find myself suffering from a lack of chess opponents. And if that is what it takes, I will also provide lessons to people, though they will not be free.

If anyone would like to discuss this in person with me, I will be in the coffee shop most of the afternoon. I am available to address other concerns from Fortitude students as well, should that be necessary. Conquest students, I'm afraid you'll have to try your luck with Santana's group.

((OOC: If you would rather have your character interact with Lelouch in person, let me know in the subject line, otherwise, I'll assume it's a network post.))

Comments

[veepofchess]

It's a game of strategy, moving pieces across a board to capture your opponents'. There is no lack of information about it in the library should you want to investigate it further.

[socialdarwinism]

And I'm sure you don't intend to share much of that information with me. Not that I entirely blame you.

And what would that be?

[veepofchess]

Your cooperation. Your full cooperation.

[socialdarwinism]

I cannot blindly promise you of all people that, and surely you should be aware of why.

[veepofchess]

I am aware. But we do not have the time to discuss matters of the past. The sooner we destroy this world, the sooner we can return to our own.

[socialdarwinism]

I will not deny that you are a very capable individual--and a very capable opponent. Your crimes against your country aside, your actions led to the death of Euphemia and Clovis. [Oh no, she's getting emotional...] Your own siblings. What reason do I have to believe that you don't intend to lead me to ruin if I agree to assist you? Do you take me for a fool?

[veepofchess]

[His voice darkens after she mentions Euphemia] You may hold me accountable for for my deeds against a country that has forsaken me when we return to a place where that's relevant.

As I said, we have more important things to do than debate the past.

[socialdarwinism]

And I agree with that. But I bring it up merely because the past has given me no reason to give you the kind of trust you're requesting from me.

I would be happy to cooperate if your plans will bring about a favorable end, but don't expect my blind obedience.

[veepofchess]

[He didn't expect any other reaction] Your first goal is simple: Play their game. When you have the opportunity, seek out weapons and opponents. Earn the money to purchase your upgrades. And find someone that will draw out your star. Your elevated status at that point will enable us to move forward.

[socialdarwinism]

Understood. Just know that if you intend to try anything funny with me, I won't hesitate to retaliate.

[A pause, and then, in a softer tone of voice.]...Remember to take care of yourself while you're here, brother.

[Loving all of your siblings is hard when you're Britannian royalty.]

[veepofchess]

I would expect no less.

[Likewise.] And you too, sister.

Though that brings me to my next question. Have you had any experiences where you tried to remember people or events and you found dark spots where you've had headaches or nausea?

[socialdarwinism]

...Yes, I have. Why?

[veepofchess]

That is the effect of the memories that they have taken. Even if you come to a logical conclusion of what is missing, you'll experience these same effects and whatever conclusion you've made will be instantly unreachable again.

And aside from that, there are chronological variations too. Suzaku recalls events that I do not without feeling the effects of the taken memories. I expect there are similar gaps for Gino and Nunnally.

[socialdarwinism]

How irritating. I assume that the same would happen if I asked one of you and you remembered something that was missing from my own memories?

[veepofchess]

You would not be able to recall what we'd said as soon as I was done speaking.

If you were to describe my mother's face right now, I would not be able to recall it. I look at Nunnally in her chair, and I get dizzy when I attempt to recall what had put her there. These are the only two gaps I've been able to identify, aside from those I have already regained.

Aside from important things, I suspect there's something about my cooking that's been taken from me as well. [While he discussed the first two memories seriously, his tone changes to annoyance at the third memory.] No one else seems to notice a change, though I can feel that something's off.

[socialdarwinism]

[She clenches her fists and doesn't speak for a good, long moment before composing herself enough to feel comfortable speaking.]

...What do you mean, regained? How?

[stoppedhiding]

[ Chronic? Note that frown, Lelouch. ]

I'm glad I was able to be of assistance. I do hope I haven't caused too much trouble for you. [ He's really only saying so as a formality, and that's as much as Lelouch is going to get because Golbez hates formalities. ]

[straightupzorra]

Hey, we all have roles to fill, mine is to be a huge bitch and yours is to be insulted by me.

[veepofchess]

You can purchase them just as you can upgrades. Earning money gets easier as time goes on and as you acquire upgrades and win battles.

I also highly suggest you thoroughly absorb the contents of your manual you were given. Some upgrades depend on i

[veepofchess]

[Let Lelouch show you how it's done, Golbez.]

You'll be glad to know I can finally speak with you more openly. I was chosen to be a prefect when I had obtained the last of my five upgrades and after the star had appeared.

As for why the star appeared, I couldn't tell you. Suzaku and I have been friends since we were children, but then Feferi, one of the trolls, gained his star and they have only known each other for a couple of weeks.

[stoppedhiding]

[ Is that what happened? What about the other prefects, then... He'll need to ask them, but he suspects it's the same for them.

So if there is a pattern, it's certainly not "people from the same world". What, then...? If only he knew more about the people who've had stars appear. Perhaps he could figure something out... ]

Are there any points of similarity between the situations in which your weapons were drawn?

[veepofchess]

The weapon types vary. My battle was a legitimate one, the battle in which Feferi drew Suzaku was only semi-legitimate, for the sake of appearances. There is certainly some variable between the two individuals that we have yet to identify.

[veepofchess]

It's unfortunate that you need to limit yourself in such a debilitating way.

[stoppedhiding]

There must be. Certainly it can't have been random. [ Could it? Well, maybe, but it seems wiser to assume that it wasn't. ]

[straightupzorra]

I'm not limiting myself, I love this role. It's just like being home.