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Description
Nearby the G-1 Base utilized by Cornelia's forces in Saitama, a Knightmare hangar was established by a Dispatch Trailer. Inside the hangar, two of the scientists responsible for the creation of a new model of the Sutherland were looking over combat data that other Sutherlands were transmitting.

Head Researcher: These results are disappointing. Where did they get these pilots?
Researcher: Should we pack everything up and leave?
Head Researcher: This was a waste of our time. Especially in building this Knightmare.
Researcher: Well, I wouldn't say it was a waste, sir.
Head Researcher: Why did we make it a Sutherland, of all things? We just now figured out that they're a disappointing model of Knightmare. We should have made a Gloucester. Let's just get moving. We'll figure out how to scrap it when we get back.

As the head researcher was heading for the exit, the door opened and a hooded man entered the hangar.

Alistair: (removes hood, smiling) Hey, there.
Researcher: What are you doing here?! This area is off limits to civilians!
Head Researcher: There's nothing here that he can harm. It's not off limits, anymore.
Alistair: I overheard that there's an experimental Knightmare prototype here. (points to Sutherland) Is that it, over there?
Head Researcher: It is.
Alistair: Mind if I take a look?
Head Researcher: Be my guest. It's a piece of crap, though. Sutherlands are the most disappointing Knightmare Frame models in history.

Alistair walked down the stairs and began surveying the Sutherland.

Alistair: I like the new paint job, a nice shade of blue, instead of purple. Is that a bandolier that you equipped?
Head Researcher: Yeah. It's specifically for a grenade launcher that we also equipped. The grenade launcher, itself, is an engineering feat, as it's the first of its kind to be used by Knightmares.
Alistair: Cool. There's also two SMGs on this unit, attached to the legs. I suppose you figured out that they can be held with one hand?
Head Researcher: Yes, and thank you for seeing that they're not assault rifles. This unit would dual wield the SMGs in combat. It also holds a large amount of Chaos Mines.
Alistair: Ooh! Chaos Slayer grenades. Excellent choice. (pauses) Is that a light machine gun on its back?
Head Researcher: You seem to know plenty about firearms. Yes, that's a light machine gun for dealing with a large number of enemy units up front. Got to have heavy firepower for tough armor.
Alistair: (pleased tone) Yes. I love this Sutherland.
Head Researcher: It's bound to fail, like the Sutherlands before it. Amazing enough, this is the 850th model of Sutherland that was thought of. Only some of the previous models were created from the blueprints that they originated from.
Alistair: (normal tone) I suppose this guy could use a pilot. To prove you wrong, of course.
Head Researcher: What do you mean, "prove me wrong?"

Alistair walked back up the stairs to get fact-to-face with the head researcher.

Alistair: Well...(activates Geass)...I can take the S-850(eight-fifty) off your hands and put it to good use.

After Alistair activated his Geass, the head researcher began to understand what Alistair meant, upon hearing those words.

Head Researcher: Sure thing. I'm certain you'll put it to good use. (reaches into pocket and pulls out key) I assume you've had experience piloting a Knightmare?
Alistair: First time, actually. I took a simulation and broke the simulator.
Head Researcher: Why did the simulator break?
Alistair: I was too good for it to handle.
Head Researcher: (pauses, then hands Alistair key) Fair enough. The research data for that Sutherland should be in its database, so you should be able to download it. See you later.
Researcher: You're leaving the prototype with him!?
Head Researcher: He's trustworthy. And persuasive. We can research something else while he uses the prototype. He'll probably prove me wrong about it in the process. (to Alistair) You'll probably hear from us again. Probably won't. Good luck, anyway.

With the conversation finished, the two researchers exited the hangar, leaving Alistair alone with his new Knightmare.

Alistair: Alright. I've got a Knightmare. (looks at key) Why does the key look like a USB drive? Must be part of the design of the cockpit. (looks at Sutherland) Time for a test drive.

Alistair moved towards the cockpit of the Sutherland and went inside. He saw the slot where the key went, and inserted the key. The Knightmare startup interface began powering on as the cockpit closed behind Alistair. As Alistair looked around the cockpit, he noticed that it was not the average cockpit of a Sutherland. Knowing this, Alistair believed that he could make the Sutherland move the way he wanted it to.

Alistair: Let's get you moving, big guy.

Before Alistair could begin piloting his newly acquired Knightmare, around 13 other Sutherlands blocked the exit. A voice rang out from one of the Sutherlands.

Commander: Get out of that Knightmare and surrender yourself! You're completely surrounded!

At that point, the S-850 reached behind its back, grabbed the light machine gun and aimed it at the enemy Sutherlands. One of the Sutherlands tried to open fire with its submachine gun, but it merely clicked empty.

Commander: Why is my gun out of ammo?
Soldier: Sir, the ammunition for the firearms of our Knightmares was utilized by some of the other units. Ours do not have any.
Commander: Well, where is the reserve ammo, then!?
Soldier: In the unit we are currently surrounding, sir.
Commander: (pauses) So, what does this mean, exactly?
Soldier: With permission to speak freely, sir, we're screwed.

The S-850 cocked the light machine gun and was about to open fire when the commander decided to flee from the area, along with the other soldiers.

Alistair: Huh. Who would've thought that intimidation was the policy for this situation? Ah, well. Time to get going.

Meanwhile, in an area behind the G-1 Base, Jeremiah Gottwald and other reserve units were waiting upon further orders in their Sutherlands. All of a sudden, like a prayer being answered, all of their radios received a message from the commanding officer that fled from Alistair.

Commander: (over radio) We need backup! There's an enemy unit at the base! Anyone with ammo in their Knightmare's weapons, please help!
Jeremiah: This is it! We're moving, now!
Kewell Soresi: You can't really think you can handle this situation, can you?
Jeremiah: What's that supposed to mean, Kewell?
Kewell: Think about it, "Orange."
Jeremiah: I hate you with a passion. We're the only ones here that have ammo! We can deal with this terrorist, head-on!
Villetta Nu: The message seemed to suggest that there's no one else with ammo in their Knightmares. I suggest we go.
Kewell: (growls) Fine.
Jeremiah: Good. Let's move out!

The six Sutherlands that served as reserve units sped off towards the G-1 Base, in search of the enemy Knightmare. Upon arrival, they noticed a blue Sutherland walking out of the Dispatch Trailer. The Sutherland then turned to face them.

Kewell: What's with this guy? Doesn't he know how to use the Landspinners? Jeremiah, you talk to him.
Jeremiah: Fine, then.

Jeremiah's Sutherland's speakerphone screeched on and Jeremiah's voice rang out.

Jeremiah: What's your name and unit?

Once again, the commanding officer's voice could be heard over Jeremiah's radio.

Commander: Forgot to mention. The enemy unit is a Sutherland prototype. It's blue and has a variety of weapons. Also, that's where our ammo went.

After the commander signed off, Jeremiah decided to take a different approach.

Jeremiah: Forget that I said that. Surrender yourself, terrorist!

The S-850 looked to the left, then to the right, then looked back at Jeremiah's Sutherland. All of a sudden, a voice that seemed familiar to Jeremiah rang out.

Alistair: I'm not really sure who you're talking to, here. Are you trying to talk to those guys, in the back? Or are you trying to talk to yourself? Without a mirror?
Jeremiah: Did you just call us terrorists?
Alistair: It's what you're projecting. Right?
Jeremiah: How dare you call us terrorists! You're the terrorist, here! So, just give up!
Alistair: Wait a minute. I know that hammy voice anywhere. Now, who...?
Jeremiah: (confused) Hammy?
Alistair: Oh, yeah! You're Jeremiah Gottwald! Are you...still a racist, by any chance?
Jeremiah: You! I met you before, in Shinjuku!
Alistair: That's me.
Jeremiah: I...didn't know you could make that Sutherland walk.
Alistair: Pretty sure the basic instinct is to activate the Landspinners for movement.
Jeremiah: Yeah. But the leg movement-.
Alistair: You didn't know that you could move the legs so you can walk around? What are you, a scrub at Knightmare piloting?
Jeremiah: I never knew you could move the legs on these things in the first place! They never taught me how!
Alistair: You are a scrub. A hammy scrub.
Jeremiah: What does "hammy" mean?!
Villetta: Basically, acting over the top. You know, theatrical, making a big deal, the works.
Jeremiah: Ah. Wait, I'm not over the top!
Alistair: Ooh, a lady pilot!
Jeremiah: Yes, there are female pilots. Moving on-.
Alistair: Pause the conversation, Jeremiah. (to Villetta) If your pilot suit disrespects women in any way, I will be pissed at whoever made it.
Villetta: Uh...Okay?
Alistair: Seriously, one speck of nudity, and I will be enraged. Hell, I might one-shot all of you.
Villetta: (pauses) You're not a pervert. You're the polar opposite of a pervert. I like you.
Jeremiah: He's the most respectable guy that I've ever met. I now hate sexism.
Villetta: You have a very good friend, here, Jeremiah.
Alistair: Aww. Thank you!
Kewell: Can we not talk to him!? We're here to kill this bastard, remember!?
Alistair: (to Jeremiah) Did you really have to invite this prick?
Jeremiah: I had no choice but to bring him along. And, yes, he is a prick.
Kewell: Shut up, Orange!
Jeremiah: You are not starting that shit again, Kewell!
Alistair: "Orange?" What? What's going on?
Villetta: (annoyed) It begins anew.
Kewell: You're a disgrace to Britannia! First, you let Zero get away, and now you're having a conversation with the enemy!?
Alistair: What, you don't find it fun, Kewell?
Kewell: "Fun!?" There is no "fun" in this! You are supposed to die along with the traitorous Elevens in this ghetto!
Jeremiah: Japanese.

After Jeremiah corrected Kewell, Kewell's Knightmare slowly turned to look at Jeremiah's, representing Kewell's anger.

Kewell: (calmly, yet angrily) Pardon?
Jeremiah: They're called Japanese. Trust me, it sounds better like that.
Kewell: You interrupted me...why?
Jeremiah: Because I want to make sure you don't look like a racist. You're already a prick, so, there's also that.
Kewell: (pauses) I...hate...all of you. (shouting) You will regret angering me, Orange! I hope every single one of you dies a horrible death...to Zero, no less! (to Alistair) As for you-!

As Kewell uses his Sutherland to point at Alistair's Sutherland, Alistair utilized one of the S-850's SMGs to open fire on Kewell before he finished his sentence. Upon taking 15 shots from Alistair, Kewell ejected from his Sutherland. The rest of the Sutherlands looked at the S-850 in amazement.

Alistair: He was done.
Jeremiah: You...ass! I wanted to do that!
Alistair: You're not gonna fight me over stealing your thunder, are you?
Jeremiah: You're damn right, I am! I'll kick your ass, you son of a bitch!

As Jeremiah's Sutherland began dashing towards Alistair, the S-850 holstered its submachine gun and activated the tonfa on its right arm. With the tonfa connected to its wrist, the S-850 jumped into the air and Superman punched Jeremiah's Sutherland's head off.

Jeremiah: Son of a bitch!

After Jeremiah yelled with pure irony, he ejected from the Sutherland. The remaining Sutherlands, again, looked in amazement.

Alistair: You know, I really need to test out the light machine gun. Would any of you guys like to volunteer?

Out of the remaining four Sutherlands, three of them sped off towards an area away from where they currently were. All that remained was Villetta's Sutherland.

Alistair: So... What are you gonna do?

Inside the cockpit of Villetta's Sutherland, Villetta grabbed the ejection levers on the sides of her seat with her index finger and thumb and pulled them towards her. She did not want to deal with the current situation at hand and ejected from her Sutherland, leaving the S-850 as the last Knightmare standing.

Alistair: Wow. Just beat down two guys, and all of a sudden you're a badass. This is the coolest Knightmare, by far. Wait till the guys back home hear about this. I bet Jericho would want one of these. God, Asher, almost forgot about him. I bet he'd be proud that I got a Knightmare that screams "graduate of Ranger School." Oh, crap, there's also a grenade launcher with this puppy. Almost forgot about that, too. Ah, well. Later time to test, I guess. Better store this big guy at the warehouse hideout. The officer did say that it could hold an army of them.

As Alistair began searching for the exit to Saitama, he found himself in an area untouched by the recent destruction.

Alistair: (thinking) Well, thank God that this place is fine. There could be innocents here. All these "ghettos" are in need of dire repair. Maybe a group within the Mavericks could be focused on reconstruction of these kinds of places. Then there's gotta be research and development, bomb disposal, five-oh, infantry, weaponry, et cetera. There is a lot of stuff that the Mavericks have got to be in charge of until the proper military steps up and gets rid of this anarchic law bullcrap. First off, there's Britannia, which I can deal with, and there's gangs, also something I can deal with. It's like Civility all over again. Except for the fact that this is a different situation than the Civility Crisis. There's, perhaps, higher amounts of anarchy, there's racism, imperialism, Social Darwinism, damn it to Hell, and, finally, there's the fact that these assholes are destroying the fabric of society in Japan and are treating the Japanese like they pissed in their breakfast. That crap is gonna end. The Tokyo Mavericks are gonna make sure of that. "You dare defy Britannia!?" No, I'm kicking its ass until it begs for mercy and stops its anarchy-bringing bullcrap. Oh, yeah. There's also Zero. I wonder how he feels, right now?

At that moment, a Sutherland rammed into the S-850 from behind, but the S-850 still stood on its feet, unfazed. The S-850 turned around to see the Sutherland backing away, but not fleeing.

Alistair: (out loud) Hey, buddy. Do you mind? I'm in the middle of thinking, here.

After Alistair spoke to the Sutherland, the radio imbedded into the cockpit of the S-850 began relaying a message.

Voice: To anyone still alive, this is Zero! I'm currently being ambushed by an unknown enemy unit! I need backup!

Upon hearing the message, Alistair realized that the Sutherland currently in front of him belonged to Zero.

Alistair: Ohh! So, you're Zero, huh? Tell me, how does it feel to have your thunder stolen?
Zero: What are you talking about? Who are you?
Alistair: Careful, chief. Curiosity's what killed the cat.
Zero: Alright. What did you mean by "stealing my thunder?"
Alistair: Well, the Yamato Alliance survives to live another day, I pushed the anarchic militia out of Saitama, and I got to kick Cornelia's ass without without even hurting her. How's that for awesome, person-who-should-not-be-divided-by?
Zero: Why didn't they say anything about you!?
Alistair: Pretty sure they broke off with you because of the situation where you kept screwing up with your plans and kinda let some of the members, you know, die.
Zero: You're a cryptic man.
Alistair: And unpredictable.
Zero: True. From what I understand, you're not allied with Britannia?
Alistair: Correct.
Zero: Very good. Might I suggest that you join me?
Alistair: Might I suggest that you kiss my ass?
Zero: Excuse me?
Alistair: Face facts, buddy. You need to shape up, or you'll screw up again. Don't expect me to be everywhere you go, cleaning up your damn messes. So, in general, take classes in strategy, morality, badassery, and overall do-gooding.
Zero: You don't order me around. You are supposed to follow me. If you can't understand that, then you're useless to me.
Alistair: Is that you admitting that you challenged me to a fight? 'Cause you shoulder bashing me in the back kinda proves that.
Zero: I need you out of my way. So, move.
Alistair: Challenge accepted, chump.

The S-850 bent its knees into a crouching position, with its right leg behind its line of sight, and placed its left hand on its left leg. With its right arm, it taunted Zero's Sutherland.

Alistair: Showdown!

After Alistair's taunt had ended, Zero's Sutherland sped towards the S-850. Before the Sutherland could fire its SMG, the S-850 backflipped and kicked the SMG out of the Sutherland's hands. When the S-850 landed on its feet, it punched Zero's Sutherland directly in the face, knocking it backward. Zero's Sutherland attempted to strike the S-850, but to no avail. The S-850 dodged every punch with ease, then countered with a left backfist punch, then a right smashing elbow strike moving diagonally left, and finished with a stepping kick to the midsection, causing Zero's Sutherland to be knocked to the ground.

Meanwhile, at the G-1 Base, Guilford awakened in the cockpit of his Gloucester, after a long sleep.

Guilford: (yawns) I feel better, now. (activates radio) What did I miss?
Communications: Allow me to give you the short version, Lord Guilford. Most of our forces were wiped out, General Darlton fled from his post, and Viceroy Cornelia issued a retreat. Fearfully, mind you.
Guilford: Any details on the man who launched me 30 feet into the air?
Communications: No. But the camera feed from a Dispatch Trailer shows that some man with a hooded jacket stole a Sutherland and scared off forces that didn't have any ammo in their Knightmares.
Guilford: (takes a deep breath) Forgive me, for I must rage.

After Guilford turned off the radio, he activated his Gloucester and sped off in search of the one who attacked him.

Guilford: (angrily) He's mine!

In his search, Guilford came across a battle currently in progress. He could clearly see that the battle was one-sided, as there was a new model of Sutherland knocking another Sutherland to the ground. It was at this point that Guilford entered the fray.

Guilford: (to Alistair) You!
Alistair: (to Zero) Hold the phone for a sec, pal. (to Guilford) Didn't I deal with you?
Guilford: You will pay for kicking me into the air!
Alistair: How was your flight, anyway? To your liking?
Guilford: I hurt my back and fell unconscious when I landed!
Alistair: Really? No air bags? That sucks. I would've imagined that you would take only minor damage.
Guilford: Enough talk! I want revenge! Time to die, terrorist scum!
Alistair: (pauses) I get the feeling that our talk never went through.
Guilford: Our "talk" was meaningless.
Alistair: Eh, I wouldn't say that. It was philosophical, makes you wonder about stuff, and pretty much touches the heart on the subject.
Guilford: (normal tone) Wait, really?
Alistair: Yeah. Think about it.
Guilford: To be honest with you, it... It does sound like we're the terrorists.
Alistair: Right? You see what you're projecting to the world?
Guilford: Yes. Just...forcing our ideals onto other countries sounds, I don't know, like something absolutely wrong.
Alistair: Damn right. What's your name, man?
Guilford: Gilbert G.P. Guilford.
Alistair: Cool-ass name you got there, Guilford. (to Zero) Oh, hey. You're still around. Have you met Guilford?

After Alistair acknowledged that Zero's Sutherland stood up, the Sutherland dashed toward Guilford's Gloucester and took its lance. Without thinking once about aiming, the Sutherland threw the lance towards the S-850. The S-850 caught the lance before it could hit the S-850.

Guilford: Now, that's impressive. Could you give that back to me?
Alistair: You know, I never gave you a proper fight, Guilford. How about I give you one, just so you don't feel bad about yourself?
Guilford: That really isn't necessary. Since you're in a Knightmare, I can't guarantee your safety. Now, please give me back my lance so I-.

At that point, the S-850 grasped the lance with both hands and broke it over its right knee.

Guilford: (terrified, speaking in slightly higher pitch) Oh, that is distressing.
Alistair: So, what was that about my safety? 'Cause right now, it sounds like you pissed yourself. Pansy.
Guilford: (deadpan tone) My rage is back. Prepare for combat.
Alistair: Now we're talkin'.

Guilford's Gloucester dashed towards the S-850, with hopes of defeating the pilot within it. The S-850 countered with a leg sweep, but the Gloucester recovered quickly.

Guilford: (angrily) Cheap trick!
Alistair: Cheap, my ass.
Guilford: (normal tone) Sorry. I'm sorry. I'm still a little upset. It's messing up my concentration.
Alistair: You good? No guns, just martial arts?
Guilford: (takes a deep breath) Yes. I completely forgot that a leg sweep is a legitimate move in combat. Shall we?
Alistair: Shalln't we?

In recognition of the conversation ending, Guilford's Gloucester began throwing amateur punches at the S-850, as it dodged every single one.

Alistair: Not used to hand-to-hand combat, are you?
Guilford: What would make you say that?!
Alistair: Be honest, Guilford.
Guilford: (sighs) I'm not used to this.
Alistair: You know what? This ain't fair. Go home.
Guilford: Huh? We're in the middle of a fight!
Alistair: I'm letting you go, dude. I'm not hurting your pride any more than I already have.
Guilford: What about your pride!?
Alistair: (pauses) I take it that what you just said was the best you could come up with, in your head?
Guilford: You... Dammit.
Alistair: I don't have any pride. I killed it.
Guilford: Like you kill anarchy and chaos?
Alistair: Hey, that was a pretty good guess! Nice one, Guilford!
Guilford: Nothing is fair on the battlefield.
Alistair: What battlefield? This is a ruined civilized zone.
Guilford: (pauses) Well...shit. Don't tell anyone I said that. Please.
Alistair: It's your choice whether or not you want to curse in front of others. Sometimes it can help prove a point.
Guilford: I may have to talk to the viceroy about all of this.
Alistair: Yeah. Maybe you can talk some sense into the Blood Knight.
Guilford: Truer words describing Princess Cornelia have never been spoken.
Alistair: You hear that, Zero? Cornelia's gonna be a good guy-! (notices that Zero's Sutherland is gone) Aaand he left.
Guilford: Wait, Zero was in that unit?!
Alistair: I just had to open my mouth, didn't I?
Guilford: He's wanted for killing Prince Clovis and you didn't even kill him!?
Alistair: Pretty sure your princely evil Aryan decided to slaughter innocent civilians in Shinjuku. Completely unjustified, mind you. He was an asshole for doing that.
Guilford: That...is unjustified. I think I'll go, now.
Alistair: Rest easy, alright? And if you see a guy named Jeremiah, tell him not to think like a racist prick for me.
Guilford: I get it! We've made a lot of mistakes! Quit reminding me!

As Guilford's Gloucester left the area, around 20 Sutherlands appeared and surrounded the S-850. All of the Sutherlands aimed their submachine guns at the S-850, meaning to shoot.

Commander: This is as far as you go!
Alistair: Oh, it's you guys. The hell do you want, now?
Commander: We're prepared for you, this time! We found some ammo!
Alistair: So, you just grabbed whatever ammo was at the armory?
Commander: We were in a hurry.
Alistair: What, you didn't check to see if the ammo fit in the SMGs?
Commander: The ammo fits perfectly! Watch!

The commander's Sutherland pulled the trigger of its submachine gun and it clicked, not firing a single shot.

Alistair: You do know that Sutherland and Gloucester SMGs carry different sizes of ammo, right?
Commander: Uh...
Alistair: You wanna know what size of ammo a Sutherland carries?
Commander: (frightened) No?
Alistair: Too bad, 'cause I feel like obliging!

At that point, the S-850 drew both of its SMGs and opened fire at the surrounding forces. While moving forward and making a slow 360 degree turn, the S-850 eliminated all of the enemy units, without showing too much effort.

Alistair: Sorry about that. I was a bit persnickety. You kinda surrounded me. I hate flanks. Which is why I don't have any. (shouting) Alright! I know there's one left! Just come on out, pally!

When the smoke cleared, Alistair could see that one Sutherland was hiding, so that it could utilize an opportunity to use a sneak attack. Unfortunately, the unit was spotted and began fleeing.

Alistair: The hell do you think you're going?

The S-850 holstered its SMGs and drew the grenade launcher that was equipped under the cockpit and aimed at the fleeing Sutherland.

Alistair: Sayonara, dirtbag.

The S-850 fired the grenade launcher and a grenade flew towards the Sutherland. Upon making contact with the Sutherland, the grenade exploded. The resulting explosion was greater than Alistair had expected, as it yielded enough force to destroy five Knightmares at once. Fortunately, the Sutherland was far enough for the explosion to not cause damage to any of the buildings.

Alistair: (wheezes, then laughs) That is awesome! I'm loving this freakin' thing! Okay, okay. Got to go. I think I've had enough fun, for today. That should at least cause some uproar with these ass-clowns.

Back at the G-1 base, Cornelia was walking to her quarters, after she issued all of her units to retreat from Saitama, and put her hand on a wall, mentally exhausted. Darlton caught up to her, still shocked about the events that transpired.

Cornelia: (thinking) We lost the Saitama Ghetto, two Gloucesters and 87 Sutherlands. So much money, planning and preparation...out the window. Who was that guy? He wasn't with Zero, but was aiding the Yamato Alliance? Doesn't make any sense.
Darlton: Princess Cornelia...
Cornelia: (out loud) Yeah. I know.
Darlton: Are you okay?
Cornelia: Does it look like I'm okay?
Darlton: You don't seem...physically harmed. Ever still...
Cornelia: Darlton, I met your threat, his weapon made a hole in my Gloucester's lance, and I pissed myself. Now do you think I'm okay?
Darlton: (surprised) You... You didn't.
Cornelia: Smell the seat.
Darlton: I'm good.
Cornelia: Anything else?
Darlton: We have a lock on the Sutherland that the third party stole. We can follow it-.
Cornelia: (exclaims to interrupt Darlton) Negative, Ghost Rider. Do not pursue.
Darlton: What!? But...
Cornelia: Read my lips. I'm gonna change out of this shit...then I'm going to cry myself to sleep.
Darlton: We have to follow him!
Cornelia: We really don't. Following him has gotta lead to some weird...spiky shit that happens to be extremely deadly. And that, my dear Darlton, is something we don't wanna deal with. (walks away)

Back at Ashford Academy, Alistair returned to the clubhouse and saw Lelouch walking towards his side of the clubhouse.

Alistair: Hey, Lelouch!
Lelouch: (screams, then turns around) Oh. It's you, Alistair. I forgot that you live here.
Alistair: You jumpy, dude? Nunnally's been worried sick. You left without telling anybody.
Lelouch: Oh. Whoops. Sorry about that.
Alistair: You okay?
Lelouch: I...have a job. It got kind of hectic, today.
Alistair: Huh. Well, you deserve to rest, pal. Just make sure you tell Nunnally, beforehand.
Lelouch: Yeah. I'll do that.

Once Alistair went up to his room, Lelouch returned to his side of the clubhouse and entered his room. C.C. was waiting for him, on his bed.

C.C.: So, how was your little excursion to Saitama?
Lelouch: I had my ass handed to me.
C.C.: Really?
Lelouch: Yes, really. This blue Sutherland beat the absolute hell out of me, and I couldn't land a single hit on it. Saitama's okay, but my plan failed. How was your day?
C.C.: I met your neighbor.
Lelouch: Alistair?!
C.C.: Yeah. He's had a shit life, I'll give him that much.
Lelouch: How much does he know?
C.C.: He thinks you're a "cosplayer," whatever that is.
Lelouch: He saw it?
C.C.: He'll effortlessly defend you on that fact.
Lelouch: Anything else?
C.C.: He's a tough man, mind and body.
Lelouch: Well, now I need to rethink my approach. Cornelia's tougher than Clovis was. I think... I need a team.
C.C.: A team? And here I thought you'd work alone.
Lelouch: If I'm going to take down Britannia, I can't work alone.
C.C.: Well, at least you have the Yamato Alliance at your beck and call.
Lelouch: I don't. The third party in the blue Sutherland took them. He insulted me. "Classes in overall do-gooding." Son of a bitch thinks he's smarter than me?
C.C.: Do-gooding? That's a word?
Lelouch: It's what he said. Before he kicked me around, anyway.
C.C.: That sounds like benefactor talk.
Lelouch: Benefactor?
C.C.: A person who lives solely to help people. I'm thinking that your third party is exactly that.
Lelouch: So, he's on neither side. He said...that I was letting resistance members die. (pauses) That bastard.
C.C.: What?
Lelouch: He's...right.
C.C.: Excuse me?
Lelouch: I was careless. I was screwing up. I didn't think ahead and Cornelia got the upper hand.
C.C.: After one screw-up, you change your mind about everything?
Lelouch: Yeah. Japan comes first.
C.C.: What about your mother's death?
Lelouch: Later. I'll learn, soon enough.
C.C.: An entire country takes priority over learning the truth?
Lelouch: I'm living in a country filled to the brim with... What's a good word?
C.C.: Assholes?
Lelouch: Asshole is the word. All the suffering, death and carnage...a means to an end? For what? World domination? Alistair was right. The whole idea of Britannia...nothing more than anarchistic assholes.
C.C.: You're cursing much more than you usually do.
Lelouch: Guess Alistair's rubbing off on me. The "defender of man" really cares about my sister.
C.C.: "Defender of man"?
Lelouch: That's what "Alistair" translates to. It's Scottish. I checked his file, too. Not much background information, except for Celtic and Native American heritage. His mom was Native American and his dad was half-Scottish, half-Irish.
C.C.: An interesting couple. Makes you wonder how they met.
Lelouch: I don't think Alistair knows. Did you know that he's a mercenary?
C.C.: He is?
Lelouch: Yeah.
C.C.: Why is he here?
Lelouch: That's what I don't get, either. He's not fond of Britannia, for some reason.
C.C.: Where's he from, again?
Lelouch: America.
C.C.: (shocked) Did you just say America?
Lelouch: I did. Why?
C.C.: (normal tone) No reason. Just wanted to see if I heard that right. (thinking) He survived that hell? How? I've heard rumors of what's been going on, over there, but... How could he escape? What was that guy's name, again? Samuel Hawking? He has an army of... God knows what kind of army that psycho has. I was wrong. Alistair's life...was worse than shit.

2009 a.t.b., Las Vegas, Nevada, Lucky 38 Hotel and Casino. Inside the penthouse suite of the largest tower in Las Vegas, Alistair entered Mr. House's side of the penthouse to see that he was watching TV. Alistair was wearing a sleeveless shirt that showed his prosthetic arm, and a duster with a black star with blue outlining, with a raven and eagle in mid-flight, meeting at the center of the star emblazed on the back of the duster. His pants had a holster on its right leg, carrying a 9mm pistol for Alistair to use in case of emergencies.

Alistair (Age 8): All done, for the day.
Mr. House: Oh, you're back. That quick, huh?
Alistair: There wasn't much, today.
Mr. House: It's weird, though. I've got a bad feeling about today.
Announcer: (over TV) We have breaking news!
Mr. House: Breaking news, in over two years?
Announcer: Brittania's gone! We're all free!

Over the TV, a crowd had gathered around the entirety of Washington, D.C., cheering their hearts out over the event.

Mr. House: Gone? They got what they needed and left?
Announcer: It was due to one man's actions that Britannia was forced out.
Mr. House: One man? Chase? Hanlon? Who could...?
Announcer: Wait! Here he comes!

On the TV, the camera zoomed on a man walking up to a podium. The man had a black mullet and a small beard surrounding his lips and chin.

Announcer: There's our hero! Our Vice President, Samuel Hawking!
Mr. House: Hawking?! What the hell does he care about us for!?
Samuel Hawking: (over TV, smiling) Thank you. Thank you. You're too kind. You may think I betrayed you, sold you out to Britannia and all that. But, I had to let them in, otherwise they'd keep killing people. Look at us, now! Alive! All thanks to me!
Mr. House: He had a plan, from the start?
Hawking: Now, we need to rebuild our beautiful America. How, you might ask? (pauses) War.
Mr. House: (flatly) What?
Hawking: We need war to keep our lives flowing, our jobs numerous and making sure that there's plenty of cash. "But there's no war to fight!" Yeah, there is. (smile turns sinister) Amongst yourselves.
Mr. House: (concerned) What the hell is he up to?
Hawking: Come on out, boys!

Immediately, D.C. began flooding with Hawking's associates. These associates appeared humanoid, wearing dark green, metal armor that made them appear mechanical, their helmets bearing a sinister, menacing face. The others appeared to have metal bodies with wires showing in certain areas, hiding their faces behind plates that functioned as masks. Their weapons were not like any of the average firearms seen with the military or police. Some of them seemed to be glowing a bright green, while others seemed to be connected to wires at the barrel. These armored beings aimed their weapons at the crowd of people.

Hawking: You see, I need war. I have been deprived of my satisfaction, ever since Daughtry became president of the U.S. Once Britannia came into the fold, and killed 50,000 people, I felt so satisfied. I've never felt an erection quite like it.
Mr. House: You son of a bitch!
Hawking: But, I don't want any ordinary war. I want Civil...War...II. These guys, that threaten you, right now? (points to masked personnel) These guys are a private military company of my making: Civility Enforcement, LLC. They're cyborgs. (points to armored personnel) These guys are remnants of the Confederate States of America. Boy, are they pissed. People... Welcome. Welcome to the Enclave of the Confederate States of America! I wanna see some chaos, people! Gangs, murderers, criminals and terrorists, alike! Accept my invitation to murder and destroy to your heart's content! Give! Me! An! Erection! (laughs maniacally)

Mr. House got up from his couch and looked at Alistair, who was looking out the window surrounding the penthouse, holding binoculars in his hands.

Mr. House: Alistair!? We have a problem!
Alistair: I heard. However, that's not the problem that I'm looking at. (hands Mr. House binoculars)
Mr. House: (looks through binoculars) What are you...? Oh, my God.

As Mr. House looked through the binoculars, he saw that there were men dressed in Roman armor driving vehicles approaching Las Vegas.

Mr. House: (stops looking through binoculars) They look like Romans.
Alistair: Their forces reach the thousands. I looked, and they have guns.
Mr. House: (runs towards ham radio and activates it) Hello!? This is Robin House! We need assistance! Vegas is about to be under attack! Any military personnel, please help us!
Alistair: We need to leave. Now.
Mr. House: (looks back at Alistair) How can you be calm, at a time like this!?
Alistair: (shows Mr. House his left hand, then closes and opens it)
Mr. House: Fair enough. Look, we need backup. We can't handle Civility or these "Enclave" chumps.
Alistair: We're outnumbered. We need to leave this place. There's nothing we can do. (begins walking towards elevator) Let's go.
Mr. House: No.
Alistair: (stops walking and turns around) What?
Mr. House: I'm... I'm not going anywhere.
Alistair: Why are you talking like that?
Mr. House: Today's my last day, Alistair. I'll lead those Roman assholes to the desolate part of Vegas...and detonate it.
Alistair: House, you will tell me what the hell you're talking about! Right now!
Mr. House: (tearing up) I... I have heart cancer.
Alistair: Heart cancer?
Mr. House: Yeah. This type of cancer can't be cured. When we first met, I was having a checkup and the doctor told me that I had two years to live. Today's the day that I die. With that fact, I'd rather die doing something good for this city, for this world. Go on ahead. Get out, while you can.
Alistair: House...
Mr. House: Goodbye, Alistair. It's been fun, hanging out with you. I'll tell your parents that you miss them.
Alistair: Good luck, Robin Edward House. You're a good friend.

Alistair rode the elevator down to the ground floor, leaving Mr. House behind. As Alistair exited the Lucky 38, a military vehicle sped down the street and stopped in front of the entrance. A man in a military uniform opened the back door and spoke to Alistair.

Soldier: You Alistair Wake!?
Alistair: Yeah. What about it?
Soldier: Get in! We're here to get you out of here!

Alistair ran towards the vehicle and got in the back. As the soldier closed the door, the vehicle sped off again, leaving Las Vegas. Inside the vehicle, three other soldiers occupied the rest of the seats in the back, and the driver was wearing a beret.

Alistair: Who are you?
Soldier: I'm Sergeant Morales. These guys are Privates Abrams and Jensen. The driver is a Green Beret, Lieutenant Keyes.
Alistair: Where, exactly, did you come from?
Sergeant Morales: California. Some jackass decided to make an entire state a republic. Uh, sorry about that.
Alistair: It's fine.
Private Abrams: I can't believe that he would do that. Freaking Oliver!
Alistair: Who?
Private Jensen: General Howard Oliver. He's always been a glory hound, wanting to force his name in the history books, but this is ridiculous.
Lieutenant Keyes: This is the worst thing to happen to this country. We've got those Roman-looking freaks, the entirety of California, the Enclave, Civility and other such madness to deal with. Alistair, do you think Mr. House will make it out, on his own?
Alistair: He said he was going to sacrifice himself, taking a majority of those anarchic guys with him.
Lieutenant Keyes: I'm...sorry to hear that.
Alistair: Who ordered you to pick me up?
Sergeant Morales: General Chase. We're taking you to school, where you're safe.
Alistair: I'm amazed that a school system is even intact, after Britannia showed up.
Sergeant Morales: Don't worry, your mom went to this school.

Back at Las Vegas, Roman soldier lookalikes entered the most desolate area of Vegas and found Mr. House there, standing in the street. The squadron surrounded Mr. House, pointing their guns at him.

Leader: Robin Edward House. You run Las Vegas, wrapping it around your little fingers, making it prosperous. How disgusting. You don't even issue slavery. We, however, do. Time to die.
Mr. House: Funny thing about that. I'm taking you with me.
Leader: And how are you going to do that?

Mr. House reached into his jacket and pulled out a detonator. The leader looked around and saw that the area was layered with enough explosives to destroy it, without causing any damage to any of the areas outside of it.

Leader: Wow. First day on the job, and I'm already dead. What a world.
Mr. House: Highway to Hell, bitches.

Mr. House pressed the button on the detonator, and the entire area exploded, surrounding every living thing in fire.

Back at the Mojave Desert, Alistair and the California cavalry heard an explosion, and saw that smoke was rising in Vegas. Alistair knew that Mr. House was dead.

Alistair: So... You said my mom went to this school?