[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]

Certainly. As I said, I'm in the cafe if you'd prefer to discuss this in person.

[---> Action]

[socialdarwinism]

I'll be there momentarily.

[And it's not long before she appears.]

Re: [---> Action]

[veepofchess]

[He's seated at a corner table, with a chess board and a book of chess problems.] Can I get you some coffee, sister? [His tone is downright cordial.]

[socialdarwinism]

If you would be so kind.

[But she's going to watch him carefully.]

[veepofchess]

Certainly. [He gets up, and gets a cup of coffee for her. He tweaks it how she likes it in plain sight. No funny business here.] Here. [He sets it on the table in front of her, and regains his seat.] So I hope over the course of this week that you have learned what is expected of us.

[socialdarwinism]

[Cornelia grabs the cup and takes a sip, giving Lelouch a nod of approval.]

Indeed I have. While it is definitely a waste of time, I suppose it could be worse.

[Like being chained to a chair. Know anything about that, brother?]

[veepofchess]

[Ah, no, he has no recollection of treating his sister so poorly.] Yes, it could be much worse. And I expect it could become so if the status quo were allowed to continue. [And he is making a point of maintaining eye contact, to see what she knows]

[socialdarwinism]

Is that so?

[She doesn't know what he expects her to say, so she waits to see if he'll elaborate.]

[veepofchess]

I have become privy to certain information thanks to my position and some arrangements I have made. I can unequivocally say that it is possible to leave here. However, I will not be satisfied with that.

[socialdarwinism]

You would not be satisfied with leaving? Why? You have plenty of business to attend to elsewhere, after all.

[veepofchess]

[And there's the hints of Zero in that brother you know and love.] I will tear this entire island down to the very foundation. This is a self-perpetuating system. Day, Santana, Nanami, Dolorosa, Recette, and Dunleavy all remained here so that the others in their session of this game could leave. I will end the cycle.

[socialdarwinism]

So that's how it works...

How exactly do you intend to do that? I don't think I even need to ask you if you have a plan. [Because you always do, Brother.]

[veepofchess]

Unfortunately, I still have much information to gather before I can make any large moves. But I do have something to ask of you.

[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.