Lelouch withdrew into the Ikaruga.
It was the Black Knights' floating aerial battleship, capable of carrying dozens of Knightmares and equipped with the "Druid" intelligence analysis system and an improved "Diffusion-Type Hadron Cannon."
It lacked an energy shield for defense, but its offensive firepower was unmatched.
Lelouch had Empress Kaguya stay in a room with Tianzi while he went to the Control Room.
It was a form of house arrest, keeping her from contacting the other members.
As for Tottori Prefecture, Rolo was keeping watch there, so whatever new orders Empress Kaguya issued would not matter.
If C.C wanted to wipe out the Geass Order, he would let her, but he could no longer make use of Empress Kaguya.
He would simply treat her as a puppet.
Lelouch looked at Diethard. He was even more suspicious, and could not be ruled out either, but he was still useful.
"Diethard, how are things with the Indian Reinforcements?"
"Rest assured, Lord Zero. We have arranged to rendezvous on Penglai Island."
Penglai Island was an artificial island in the northeastern territory of the Chinese Federation, making it an ideal overseas base for Area 11.
Trading Tianzi for the right to use Penglai Island would be a good deal, too.
Lelouch nodded.
"Then set course for Penglai Island immediately."
However, they had not gone far when a series of explosions rang out directly ahead.
The camera captured a blue mecha equipped with a flight system.
Then a voice broadcast over the public channel:
"Zero, stop immediately and hand over Tianzi, or I will crush you here!"
Lelouch had heard that voice just a short while ago.
"Li Xingke..."
Inside the room, a sudden jolt made Empress Kaguya stop comforting Tianzi.
"The Ikaruga... stopped?"
"Did something happen...?"
She was puzzled.
She had been