Code Geass: The New Order
The OOC
"The world lies! Thou shalt not commit murder, thou shalt not bear false witness, thou shalt not cheat, thou shalt not steal, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's wife. All of these are lies! Mere illusion, nothing more! They don't want to be killed, they don't want to be robbed. Using the twin lies of justice and morality, the weak endeavor to protect themselves. But the first truth is that the strong devour the weak, so let us feed upon people, upon wealth, upon riches and power! We of Britannia shall feast upon the raw flesh of the world itself! We must crush this deception and bring forth the truth! All Hail Britannia!"
-- His Imperial Majesty, the 98th Emperor of the Holy Britannian Empire Charles zi Britannia.
Maximilian York, Grand Duke of New York and Commander of the Imperial I Corps
Tokyo Settlement, Area 11
It was a seemingly normal day in the Settlement. Only a year after the conquest and the Britannian colonists had already constructed a city worthy of the name "Britannian": schools, shops, houses, and all other modern amenities they expected were present and with the booming sakuridite industry more and more people from the mainland were making their home in Tokyo.
The military headquarters for Lt General Maximilian York was a magnificent building. Situated in the downtown of the Tokyo Settlement, the building complex included not just offices and a garrison, but also the Grand Duke's personal residence during his stay in Area 11. The main tower, the top of which was where the Duke's villa was, stood only a few feet shorter than the Viceroy's own villa. York insisted that it stood exactly 1 metre shorter than Clovis', so the Viceroy could still claim the tallest building in Area 11.
On that particular morning York's new aide arrived at the front desk for his assignment. The head receptionist handed the Major a list of items before explaining.
"His Excellency likes to read the morning report as soon as possible, but he doesn't like using the intercom for non emergency reasons. He should be in his meditation room."
The nervous but ambitious young officer grabbed the note, snapped to attention, and saluted.
"All Hail Britannia!" He said, before making his way to the central tower and where the Duke's command room was. Stopping just before the room, the young man composed himself and knocked once. As if by command, the door opened to reveal a softly lit library and art museum.
The Major looked in astonishment as he passed the threshold. The entire room was lines from floor to floor with books and paintings and statues. He recognised some of the paintings--especially the ones on the far back wall--and a few of the statues. He remembered that the Duke was descended on both sides from Queen Elizabeth III, and that she had given many of the old works to her sons and daughters. Others, however, were less familiar to him. Many of the paintings were quite clearly Eleven in origin, and a few sets of Samurai armour could be seen.
In the centre of the room, in what resembled a large throne, sat Maximilian York, his chin resting on his fist as he read a tome.
"Please, come in," he said softly but authoritatively to the officer, who slowly approached. "What do you think?" York asked suddenly, not even looking up from his book.
"Well, erm, they are beautiful, Your Excellency." York nodded in agreement, finally closing the books shut, placing it on his arm rest and staring at the man with his intense dark purple eyes--a trait he shared with his famous cousin the Emperor.
"Yes, but you don't approve of the Eleven artwork, do you, Major?" The young aide stopped suddenly and looked at his feet in embarrassment. York chuckled slightly as he rose from the chair.
"It's all right, Major. Britannian culture is objectively superior, or otherwise the Japanese would be having this conversation in Pendragon. It's only that we must appreciate their culture if we are to understand them and rule over them." York extended his hand, and the aide handed him the note. Reading it quickly, the General looked up at the Major.
"That will be all, Major. If anyone has an appointment send him up right away."
The Major saluted and went off, as York sat down again to read.
