As the cheers of the soldiers faded behind him, Lelouch, accompanied by Kallen, stepped into the interior of the mobile command trailer—a space partitioned as both a tactical briefing room and a recovery lounge.
The heavy, soundproof door sealed shut, instantly severing the rowdy cacophony outside. Feeling the weight of the day's tension begin to evaporate, Lelouch let his black cloak flutter behind him as he sank deep into the embrace of a leather sofa.
"Phew..."
Across from him, Kallen sat with her chin propped in her hand, her gaze fixed intently upon him. Her eyes scanned him from head to toe, lingering specifically on his flamboyant Zero costume with a look that bordered on clinical fascination.
"Is there something on my face? Does it look... strange?" Lelouch asked.
Kallen narrowed her eyes. When the question was repeated through the resonant, electronic buzz of the mask's vocoder, she finally let out a small, sharp chuckle.
"No. It actually suits you better than I expected."
"I'll take that as a compliment."
"I'm serious. It's far better than that 'model student' uniform you usually wear. You look like... an actual villainous mastermind? There's a strange sense of intimidation about it."
Though she spoke playfully, her eyes were filled with a deepening trust. After a brief hesitation, she asked, "But what exactly is this 'Zero' supposed to be? You surprised me when you suddenly debuted that name during the speech."
"It's a code name. Zero. It signifies nothingness—and the origin of all things. It carries a grand meaning, of course, but..."
Lelouch adjusted the mask slightly, allowing a breath of fresh air to circulate within the stifling helmet, before continuing.
"We can't exactly use our real names during operations. Transmissions can be intercepted. We need ciphers and aliases to identify one another safely."
"Hmm, that makes sense."
"That's why I've already designated your code name as well. You are Q-1."
"Q-1?" Kallen furrowed her brow. "What is that? Sounds like some kind of serial number for a robot. Why 'Q'?"
"It stands for Queen."
"...Queen?"
"Exactly. On the chessboard, it is the most powerful piece—capable of moving anywhere, a force of unparalleled versatility. For you, the undisputed ace of the Black Knights, there is no title more fitting."
Kallen's eyes widened at the explanation. What she had assumed was a mere letter of the alphabet held a weight of expectation that felt significantly more profound.
"T-The most powerful piece...?"
"Why? Is it not to your liking?"
"No, I mean... it's not bad. It has a nice ring to it."
Lelouch noticed the corners of her mouth twitching—she was clearly pleased. He adopted a more stern tone to continue.
"I'm glad you approve. However, Kallen, did you not read the operational manual file I sent? Your code name and communication protocols were all outlined there."
"Ah... well..." Kallen averted her eyes, suddenly preoccupied with nothing in particular. "I've been busy practicing with the Knightmare Frame! I was so focused on the simulators that I didn't have time to open the file!"
"Sigh... it's problematic if my Captain of the Shock Troops neglects her paperwork."
"Shut up! A pilot just needs to perform on the battlefield! Real results are what matter!" Kallen snapped back, her face flushing red. She then gestured toward his mask.
"Do you have to keep that thing on? It must be suffocating, and it's just us in here."
"I must. This is my second face now," Lelouch replied, his voice firming as he adjusted the mask. "It's a necessity. I cannot reveal my identity to the rank-and-file members. If it got out that a Britannian student was their strategist, it would cause an uproar—to say the least."
"I suppose you're right," Kallen admitted with a bittersweet smile.
Just then—Click.
The door opened, and Ohgi, Tamaki, and several other officers entered. Their faces were flushed with a mix of excitement and visible relief.
"Good work, Commander," Ohgi said.
Lelouch remained seated, acknowledging them with a simple wave. Ohgi let out a heavy sigh and collapsed onto the sofa opposite Lelouch.
"Phew... honestly, I feel like I've lost ten years of my life. Delivering such a grand speech in front of so many people... that role is far too heavy for someone like me."
"What are you talking about, Ohgi?! You were incredible! When you said, 'We protect the weak!' I actually got goosebumps!" Tamaki shouted, boisterously slapping Ohgi on the back. Yoshida and Sugiyama nodded in agreement.
"He's right. The look in the soldiers' eyes changed instantly. You're the only leader for us, Ohgi-san."
"Indeed. We'll handle the support from the shadows; the Commander just needs to keep looking the part out in front."
Embarrassed by his comrades' praise, Ohgi scratched the back of his head. "'Looking the part,' huh... Anyway, Lelouch, are you truly alright with this? Operating under this 'Zero' persona?"
Ohgi's gaze was full of concern. Behind the mask, Lelouch gave a sharp, resolute shake of his head.
"As a Britannian, I cannot be the public face of this movement. Furthermore, a strategist doesn't need to be seen. The face of the Black Knights must be a Japanese man—you, Ohgi-san. That is the only way to ensure the full support of the Japanese people."
"I see... Thank you, Lelouch. Or rather... Zero?" Ohgi nodded in understanding.
Suddenly, a tactless voice cut in. "Hey, Ohgi! If it's too much pressure for you, I can take over the speeches! I've always wanted to try that!" Tamaki's eyes sparkled with misplaced ambition.
"No."