The room was silent, swept clean of listening devices and prying eyes. Lelouch had made sure of that. He stood behind his desk, gloved hands resting on the polished surface, gaze fixed on the door as if expecting an attack rather than a guest.
The door opened, and Jason Arkadi entered. He carried himself with calm precision, but his eyes were alert, taking in every shadow, every corner. This was a meeting he had expected for days — perhaps weeks — and he knew its outcome could change everything.
Lelouch gestured toward the chair across from him. "Sit. Everything here is secure. No spies, no bugs, no interruptions."
Jason sat, resting his datapad on the table. "Then let's begin. You wanted a list, and I've compiled one — not just names, but profiles, strengths, and the kind of loyalty they might offer."
Lelouch's eyes gleamed with interest. "Good. I need more than soldiers. I need people who will shape the future. Speak."
Jason activated the first file. A familiar face appeared in the air — Shin Matsunaga, the White Wolf of Solomon.
"Shin Matsunaga," Jason said. "Veteran ace. Known for his calm under fire and his ability to hold a defense long past the breaking point."
Lelouch's lips curved into something that almost resembled warmth. "No need to explain him to me. He trained me himself, back in my first months here. If anyone understands how I think, it's Matsunaga."
Jason nodded once. "Then we both know what he brings — discipline and reliability."
The next face appeared — a grim man with a reputation that preceded him. "Anavel Gato. The Nightmare of Solomon. His very name shakes Federation pilots."
Lelouch let out a short, sharp laugh. "A nightmare, is he? That might make him perfect. Fear is as much a weapon as any beam rifle."
Jason tilted his head slightly. "He's dangerous, but his loyalty is absolute — to Zeon's dream, not to individuals. If you want him, you'll have to make him believe you embody that dream."
Lelouch's eyes glittered. "Then I'll simply embody it better than anyone else."
Another swipe brought up the face of Ramba Ral. "Experienced, honorable, and respected by his men," Jason said. "A commander who inspires loyalty naturally."
Lelouch's voice softened just slightly. "Ramba Ral… a man of principle. Good. We will need men like him when the war turns dark."
Three new faces appeared — the Black Tri-Stars. Jason's tone was professional. "Gaia, Ortega, and Mash. Their Jet Stream Attack is legendary. They are devastating when coordinated."
"They will have coordination," Lelouch said coldly. "I will give them purpose, and they will become more feared than ever before."
Johnny Ridden's profile came next — the Crimson Lightning himself. Jason's brow lifted slightly. "He's fast, dangerous, and impulsive. Perfect for rapid strikes — if you can rein him in."
"Another red comet?" Lelouch mused. "Char might find that amusing."
M'Quve's face hovered above the table next, smiling faintly as if he could hear them. Jason's tone was measured. "Brilliant strategist. Manipulative. Best handled with caution."
Lelouch smirked. "we see him already i know what kind people he is we'll let him weave his schemes, as long as they serve our design. The moment they don't — we cut the threads."
Kelly Layzner's profile replaced M'Quve's. Jason's tone warmed slightly. "Engineer and pilot. A man who can take half-formed ideas and make them real."
"Then he will be indispensable," Lelouch said. "He will help us build what Zeon cannot imagine yet."
Finally, Aina Sahalin's face appeared. Jason's voice was quiet now. "She has seen the cost of war. She may temper the worst instincts of those around her."
Lelouch regarded the image for a long moment. "Compassion is not weakness. She stays."
The projections faded, leaving silence in their wake. Lelouch steepled his fingers, studying Jason across the table. "This is a strong start. With Matsunaga already by my side, we have the foundation for something greater than any single war."
Jason hesitated. "One more thing, sir. You should begin monitoring for potential Newtypes. Whatever they are — evolution, anomaly — they could determine the future of battle."
Lelouch's eyes narrowed thoughtfully. "You believe in the theory?"
"I believe in results," Jason replied calmly. "If someone can sense danger before it happens or outmaneuver aces by instinct, we need them before the Federation or Zeon turn them into weapons."
Lelouch leaned back, lips curling. "Then we'll watch for them. If they are the next step, we will not be left behind."
Jason nodded, satisfied. "Then this is our first step toward something greater. Shall I begin quiet contact with some of these names?"
"Yes," Lelouch said softly, rising from his chair. "And Jason—when this war ends, one way or another, I expect you to be more than a pawn. I expect you to be my right hand."
Jason stood, meeting Lelouch's gaze steadily. "Then I will make sure you never regret placing me there."
He left the office, the sound of the heavy door clicking shut behind him.
Walking down the corridor, Jason let out a slow breath. His mind raced with everything they had discussed. Matsunaga, Gato, Ral — each name was a piece of a puzzle that, once complete, would reshape the war.
He imagined Gato's reaction to Lelouch's vision. The man might resist at first — but Lelouch had a way of making resistance seem pointless.
Ramba Ral, he thought, would see honor in Lelouch's goal. The man valued strength of character above all, and Lelouch had that in abundance.
The Tri-Stars would need discipline, but once harnessed, they could become a hammer that struck wherever Lelouch chose.
M'Quve was the dangerous one. Jason made a note to himself: never turn your back on him.
Johnny Ridden… Jason allowed himself a thin smile. That one would need careful handling, or he'd burn too bright too fast.
He thought of Aina last. Perhaps she could be a counterbalance — a voice that reminded Lelouch of what this war could cost.
Then his thoughts turned to Newtypes. Lelouch was right — Zeon's research was accelerating. If they didn't act soon, the Federation might do the same.
Jason's system flickered quietly in the back of his mind, analyzing probabilities. He didn't need it to tell him that securing Newtypes early could tilt the balance of power completely.
He pictured Lelouch at the center of it all — commanding a force made up of Zeon's finest, Federation defectors, and perhaps even future Newtypes. A faction unlike anything this timeline had ever seen.
This was bigger than Zeon. Bigger than the war.
And Jason would be there to shape it, not as a pawn, but as Lelouch's chosen right hand.