A Code Geass Worldsmerge: Pax Britannia meets Washington Succeeds

[Libertad]

Originally posted here in AH dot com (Need account to view the ASB section of the forum).
Crossposted here in Spacebattles
Crossposted in Sufficient Velocity
Crossposted in AO3
Plans to crosspost in Fanfiction dot net in the coming days
There are other places that might be possible like Royal Road.

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This is something that I've been thinking of doing for a long time.

This is a self-contained multiverse project.

I've always wanted to explore how two Code Geass universes with very different histories might deal with each other and I have here a universe that is an adjusted/modified version of the canon that I call the "Pax Britannia" timeline and an alternate universe that diverged from the Pax Britannia timeline, a universe where the "Washington's Revolt/Rebellion" became successful and created the United States of America. I call this the "Washington Succeeds" timeline.

There's actually a third universe and I call it the "Our Timeline With Geass" (OTLWG), with a history that is roughly similar to ours. But it's only a timeline that is a source for "future information" by one of the Geass-powered tools that gives people in "Washington Succeeds" (the Order of Freedom) an ability to gain future knowledge. So while this third universe is a variation of the "Washington Succeeds" timeline where world history matched up to real life, I'm not going to explore this universe too much from a standpoint of telling everyone how the United States developed Knightmare Frames during the 2000s or if Adolf Hitler or the Beatles have Geass. This third universe is only useful in giving the characters in Washington Succeeds an ability to gain future knowledge in terms of technological trends, societal changes, etc. and use these information in order to create a better timeline through Washington Succeeds. They do not know about the Pax Britannia timeline at all.

So you have two timelines:

- A timeline roughly similar to canon called "Pax Britannia"
- An alternate timeline from where the American Revolution is successful called "Washington Succeeds".

The plan is shortly before the start of the Code Geass storyline in 2017 AD (no atb), Washington Succeeds and Pax Britannia would meet in a giant portal that will open up somewhere that I haven't decided yet. I've been thinking that it should be in the oceans either near Alaska or Iceland. It could even be two portals, a Pacific Portal and an Atlantic Portal.

It may even lead to things like a student delegation from Washington Succeeds going to Britannia and head out to Ashford Academy and meeting the main characters over there. As to how different the main characters are from their canon counterparts, I'm not completely sure yet but stay tuned.

There are two big references for this project whose concepts, ideas, people that I've borrowed and adapted.

I was given permission by okmangeez to adopt concepts, ideas, characters from his work, The American Dream: An American Officer ISOT'ed to the Revolutionary War thanks to our talk in reddit back in February this year. As for Big Tex regarding his work, The United States of Ameriwank/Empire of Liberty , I doubt that he will be able to give me his permission anytime soon but the Strangerverse has been around since 2008 with all of its spin-offs that I doubt I'll be needing it. I also don't know when he'll be back (he's not seen in AH dot com since the start of the pandemic) and I know he's very busy in real life doing things (I've researched).

Those who have extensive knowledge of these two works may have an idea already as to what the timeline "Washington Succeeds" is all about.

And from there comes my real purpose, which is that I can finally make my own worldbuilding lore that is remotely like the United States of Ameriwank/The American Dream (Washington Succeeds) and of Code Geass canon (Pax Britannia).

For fans of one or two of these works, let me know your thoughts because I think you all know how things could be very different.
For others who did not know anything about most of this, that works even better for me.

Main references:

Big Tex's United States of Ameriwank/Empire of Liberty
Okmangeez's The American Dream: An American Officer ISOT'ed to the Revolutionary War (AH dot com)
Okmangeez's The American Dream: An American Officer ISOT'ed to the Revolutionary War Part 2 (AH dot com)
Okmangeez's The American Dream: An American Officer ISOT'ed to the Revolutionary War (Spacebattles)
Code Geass Megiddo (Fanfiction dot net)
Holy Britannian Empire wiki article Code Geass Megiddo (Fanon)
Code Geass Megiddo Word Dramas (Fanfiction dot net)
Holy Britannian Empire wiki article Code Geass The Sum of Our Choices (Fanon)
A Cold Calculus (Fanfiction dot net)
A Golden Meridian (Fanfiction dot net)
Lelouch of Britannia (Fanfiction dot net)
Semper Ad Meliora A Code Geass Britannian Royalty Quest (Sufficient Velocity)
Dauntless (Fanfiction dot net)
Separated At Birth: America and Drakia (AH dot com)
Separated At Birth: America and Drakia (Sufficient Velocity)
Decades of Darkness
Code Geass canon World History
Jonathan Edelstein's Male Rising (AH dot com wiki)
Misadventures from a Tripolar World (AH dot com)

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The Gathering of the Order of Liberty

Date: May 1775.
Location: A secluded monastery deep in the Himalayas.

It was as though time had stood still in the room, illuminated by oil lights that flickered in the darkness. The room's antique walls bore silent testimony to many gatherings of wisdom and purpose. But this time is unlike any other as a moment of immense significance is taking place, and the faint chanting of the monks outside creates a peaceful backdrop for it.

Each man had arrived through a swirling, mysterious portal, a phenomenon that defied explanation. Samuel Adams, John Adams, Patrick Henry, John Hancock, Richard Henry Lee, and Joseph Brant had all emerged one by one, guided through the portal by another mysterious man George Washington had introduced to them. Their astonishment gave way to excited whispers as they recognized one another. Benjamin Franklin had arrived before them and was already deep in animated conversation with a striking green-haired woman seated near the edge of the room.

"Gentlemen, allow me to introduce the beautiful Cecilia," Franklin declared with a wry smile, gesturing toward the woman. Her whole presence exuded a mysterious grace that momentarily caused the men to be unable to articulate their thoughts. In a manner that barely hid their curiosity, each man bowed to her and kissed her hand. Even though the woman in question stared at Franklin with a little hint of displeasure but chose to keep her mouth shut, Franklin's countenance conveyed the gratification of a guy who knew more than he let on.

The portal opened again, and Thomas Jefferson stepped through, his composure briefly shaken by the otherworldly phenomenon. John Adams greeted him warmly, clasping his hand in a show of camaraderie. "Mr. Jefferson," Adams said, his voice carrying a note of relief. "I was beginning to think you'd miss this extraordinary gathering."
Jefferson returned the handshake, his eyes scanning the room. "If the circumstances of my arrival are any indication, I'd say this is unlike anything we've ever experienced."

The portal appeared again, revealing George Washington's commanding presence, silencing the conversations around the room. Behind him, a man entered with measured steps. His sharp cheekbones and almond-shaped eyes distinguished him among the European faces. Though dressed simply, his quiet dignity and the mystery surrounding him drew every eye. The men noticed him holding a pocket watch, which he clicked before the portal closed before them.

Before any of the men asked questions about that, George Washington sat, gesturing for the other men to sit with him, his voice carrying a deliberate weight. "Gentlemen, as you all know, this meeting is no accident. You have been brought here by design for a purpose greater than any one of us. Today or tonight, you will hear truths that challenge everything you know. Listen with open minds, for what you learn tonight will shape the course of history."

He gestured toward the mysterious man. "This great man has traveled far, not just in distance but in purpose. It is time you all hear his story. Mr. Kim…"

The dark eyes of the man that George Washington referred to as Mr. Kim scanned the room. "Gentlemen," he began, his voice steady and deliberate. "My presence here raises many questions. I am not a man of your backgrounds, your education, or even your traditions. But I stand here today because I believe in the same cause you do: liberty—not just for some, but for all."

The men exchanged glances, their skepticism tempered by curiosity. Benjamin Franklin leaned forward, his keen eyes fixed on Samuel. "I believe you have our attention, Mr. Kim. Please tell us your story." The man nodded at that.

He started it out with a voice that was calm yet tinted with affection. "My name is Samuel Kim. I was born roughly twenty-six years ago in Hanyang, in the kingdom of Joseon…"

Benjamin Franklin tilted his head, his curiosity evident. "Joseon, you say? Where might that be?"

Samuel offered a faint smile. "You may know it from Marco Polo's writings, Dr. Franklin. He called it 'Cauli.'"

Franklin's eyes brightened. "Ah, yes! Cauli. A land distant and almost mythical. And yet, here you are, proving it very real."

Joseph Brant nodded thoughtfully. "I have heard tales among traders, stories of lands across the Pacific. Your journey gives them truth."

Samuel continued. "What Marco Polo described as Cauli is indeed my homeland. There is a group of islands near it, the islands of Japan, that you'll encounter first when sailing from here across the Pacific. You'll reach my homeland by sailing across another sea from there."

At the mention of Japan, Cecilia, the green-haired woman, tilted her head slightly, her emerald eyes narrowing in recognition before she leaned back, her expression unreadable.

Franklin responded, a little embarrassed. "Sorry for interrupting your story, Mr. Kim, but you may continue."

Samuel smiled. "That's alright, Dr. Franklin, thank you." His voice then faltered briefly, the weight of his memories evident. "To continue, my parents were enslaved, bound to a system that left them with no hope of freedom. They risked everything to escape, fleeing across numerous lands. Their only goal was to give me a chance at a life they could never have and to escape those who wanted to capture us. We reached Europe after years of struggle. But the journey to the colonies proved too much for my sickly parents. Sadly, they did not survive the journey. When I arrived in New York seven years ago, I was an orphan in a strange land alone."

Thomas Jefferson's expression tightened. Franklin looked down, his usual levity replaced by solemnity. The weight of Samuel's words stirred something unspoken among the men, especially those who owned slaves.

"I wandered the frontier," Samuel continued. "I survived on the kindness of strangers and the teachings of the Haudenosaunee, who took me in." Joseph Brant nodded at Samuel at the mention of his people. "But it wasn't until the spark of the coming revolution that I realized my purpose. This war that will come is not just about getting our independence from Britain. It is about the chance to create a world where no man, woman, or child endures what my parents and I endured."

Joseph Brant nodded once more, his admiration of Samuel rising. Patrick Henry shifted uncomfortably, grappling with the implications.
Samuel's tone changed. "But before I could find this purpose, I encountered something… someone… who changed my life."
He recounted a desperate moment years earlier, fleeing from slave catchers. Exhausted, he had stumbled into a secluded clearing deep in the Appalachian wilderness.

There, he saw her for the first time. Orenda, a woman whose presence defied understanding, stood in the moonlight, her figure luminous and serene. Her clothing, an intricate blend of Native patterns and timeless design, hinted at something far older than the forest around them.
"You've traveled far," she had said, her voice calm yet resonant, as though she already knew everything about him.

Samuel had hesitated, unsure of whether to flee or approach. But something in her gaze compelled him to speak. "Who… who are you?"
"I am Orenda," she said, her words carrying a weight of ancient wisdom. "And you, Samuel Kim, are a wanderer seeking purpose. You have endured trials that would have broken many others, yet you persist."

Samuel recounted how Orenda had offered him food and shelter that night. As they sat by the fire she had kindled, her voice carried the rhythm of the wind and the depth of the earth. She spoke of powers beyond comprehension, choices that altered destinies, and the burden of carrying a gift that could shape the future.

Samuel had felt both fear and hope when she spoke of the contract. "You will gain the power to see the pathways of destiny," she had explained, her tone both inviting and cautionary. "But once taken, this path is irreversible."

Returning to the present, Samuel addressed the men. "She gave me this mysterious power that she called Geass, the Power of Kings. She also mentioned that your Geass powers depend on its bearer. My iteration grants me insight into possibilities and choices that shape the future. But it comes at a cost, a cost of humanity and simplicity."

"I still accepted this power." Samuel said to the gathered men, "It is a burden that I chose to accept, hoping that I could create something greater than myself, a chance to shape a better world."

The green-haired woman, Cecilia, listening silently, tilted her head slightly, her eyes narrowing. She didn't know about Samuel's contractor and did not get the opportunity to learn more about it when she and George Washington met Samuel a week ago. Now's her chance. After a moment, she finally spoke, her voice soft yet piercing. "You have to tell me, Samuel. This woman you speak of…, is she still alive?"

Samuel's expression grew somber, and he took his time answering the question. "No. I'm afraid not. She died a year later after I accepted the Code that she gave me."

The men in the room exchanged puzzled looks, the mention of a "Code" unfamiliar and enigmatic to them. George Washington, however, remained silent, his expression unreadable but knowing.

Cecilia nodded, a faint smile touching her lips. "Good for her", she murmured. The other men looked at Cecilia, curious at her choice of words regarding Orenda's demise, while George Washington continued to sit quietly, looking at Samuel, knowing what the green-haired woman was referring to.

Still tinged with disbelief at everything he's hearing, John Hancock asked, "I'm sorry, Mr. Kim, but I don't understand. What is this Code that you're talking about?"

Samuel's gaze met Hancock's. "This Code is a Code of Immortality, Mr. Hancock." Hancock's eyes widened at that revelation. "But this Code also allowed me to transfer my Geass into various tools, such as the one that brought us here." He gestured to his leather satchel, where one of those tools was placed, and the men realized that it might have been the pocket watch they had seen earlier. Samuel continued, pointing at Cecilia. "And she bears the same Code that I now have."

The other men's eyes also widened, their gazes darting between Samuel and Cecilia. Franklin let out a loud laugh, breaking the tension. "Immortality, powers beyond reason, portals! Gentlemen, if this is not the stuff of epic tales, I don't know what is."

Washington raised a hand, commanding calm. "Ben, this is no jest. As unfathomable as they seem, these truths hold the key to our future." The green-haired woman, Cecilia, tilted her head slightly, watching the reactions unfold.

Washington rose, his tone steady but weighty. "And gentlemen, I must share something of my own," he began, his words pulling their attention entirely. Washington continued. "I, too, have Geass like that of Mr. Kim. My Geass allows me to foresee possibilities and predict outcomes with unnerving accuracy. I have seen futures where this nation's potential is squandered, where division and conflict tear us apart."

The men turned their attention to Washington, their expressions a mix of curiosity and disbelief. Washington's voice grew more resolute as he recounted a vision from his own Geass Power of Absolute Precognition, a chilling alternate possibility where the colonies triumphed in their revolution and rose to become the leading power in the world but at the cost of humanity's ultimate survival. He detailed a scene of betrayal where he had chosen to sabotage the revolution for fear of an apocalyptic future. "I saw the republic that we've built rise and fall into darkness, consumed by unchecked power and division," he said gravely. "For a time, I believed that only Britain or Britannia, as she would be called in the future, could hold back that shadow and that the cause of liberty must be held back, even for a few centuries." He turned to Samuel Kim, his expression softening. "But Samuel showed me that we can stop that darkness from happening. He showed another way. A vision of unity and liberty, a world where the United States does not fall to despair but becomes a beacon for all. 'Unite the World to Save the World,' he told me. And he was right."

Patrick Henry murmured the phrase under his breath, his eyes wide with a dawning understanding. "Unite the World to Save the World." Washington nodded. "That's exactly what we have to do, Mr. Henry. The United States of America must become the United States of mankind."

The United States of America… such a beautiful name…, Thomas Jefferson thought quietly.

Franklin, his eyes narrowing in thought, leaned forward. "This 'Code,' as you all call it, seems like both a gift and a curse, doesn't it, Mr. Kim?"
Samuel met Franklin's gaze, his voice steady. "It is both. A curse, perhaps, but one I have chosen to bear. It is a power to serve our nation that is to come, the United States of America, and to guide it away from an apocalyptic vision I and Colonel Washington have foreseen."

The room fell silent as the weight of his words settled over the gathering. John Adams, his expression a mixture of skepticism and curiosity, broke the stillness. "Apocalypse, you say? Are you speaking of biblical prophecy, Mr. Kim? Fire and brimstone, the wrath of the heavens?"

Samuel shook his head slowly. "No, Mr. Adams, not the kind of apocalypse that preachers warn of. Not divine retribution, but a cataclysm wrought by the hands of men. In our shared vision, Colonel Washington and I have seen a great fire consume cities, vast and terrible, a single flash erasing everything in its path—men, women, children, and the land itself."

The men exchanged uneasy glances. Richard Henry Lee leaned back in his chair, his face pale. "What kind of fire could do such a thing? Surely, no musket, cannon, or any tool of war known to man could bring about such destruction."

Samuel hesitated, as if searching for words that could bridge the centuries of understanding between himself and the men in the room. "Imagine a fire so intense, so vast, that it consumes not just wood or stone, but entire cities in an instant. A tool of war, yes, but unlike anything we can imagine. It is no simple musket ball or cannon shot. This fire is born from the breaking apart of the very building blocks of the world, the essence of creation itself."

Thomas Jefferson, his brow furrowing deeply, leaned forward. "Are you suggesting, Mr. Kim, that mankind might one day wield the power to harness the energy that binds living things together? Such an idea seems... fantastical."

"It may seem so," Samuel admitted, his tone measured, "but I have seen the devastation such power can unleash. In the blink of an eye, entire cities vanish as though they were but dust scattered in the wind. It is as if the sun itself were brought down to earth, burning brighter than all else, and leaving only shadows and ash in its wake."

Franklin also stroked his chin thoughtfully. "And if these visions hold any truth, then it would seem this 'fire'—this weapon of unparalleled destruction—would bring not just ruin, but also a grim kind of equality. For no king, no empire, no people, could claim dominance over such devastation. It would be a tragedy that levels all."

The room fell into a heavy silence once more, each man lost in his own thoughts, the horror of Samuel Kim's vision of the future settling deep into their minds.

George Washington turned to Samuel and said, "I believe it's time to show them the tools, Mr. Kim."

Samuel purposefully moved toward the modest wooden chest in the corner of the room, nodding in response to Washington's instruction. He then transferred the chest to the table where the men were seated. Despite its initial appearance of simplicity, the chest was adorned with intricate carvings that appeared to glimmer in the lamplight. It radiated an aura of importance, as if it harbored secrets that could profoundly alter the world.

"This chest is among the tools I created by channeling the power of Geass," Samuel said, his voice steady but charged with the weight of his words. "But let me be clear, creating them nearly cost me my life."

The men leaned forward in anticipation, their curiosity palpable. Samuel hesitated for a moment, as if summoning the courage to relive a harrowing memory.

"When my Geass began to grow beyond my control, it became a burden too great to bear," Samuel explained. "The visions came faster, sharper, until they threatened to consume my mind entirely. I knew that if I didn't act, the power would destroy me."

His gaze swept across the room, locking briefly with each man. "The woman who gave me this power, Orenda, offered me a choice. I could let the Geass run its course and consume me, or I could use its energy to create something lasting, something that could serve humanity."

Patrick Henry frowned, his skepticism evident. "And this… choice resulted in these tools?"

Samuel nodded. "By accepting the Code from Orenda, I gained immortality, but at great cost. The transfer of power left me at death's door. The tools you're about to see were born from that transformation. They are fragments of my former Geass' power, designed to help us shape a better future."

"This chest, which I call the Replicator, is perhaps the most significant tool," Samuel began. "It creates minerals and other materials essential for our survival and progress. Gold, silver, iron, copper, materials that can build civilizations."

He pressed on a concealed latch, and an intricate panel slid open atop the chest. The surface revealed an arrangement of glowing sigils, engraved dials, and small, shifting lights that danced like fireflies trapped under glass. It looked like something born of both alchemy and clockwork, a marvel that combined art and science beyond anything the men in the room could imagine.

"This," Samuel began, gesturing toward the array, "is how the replicator operates. It channels the energy of Geass, aligning natural elements with mathematical precision to produce materials based on the information provided."

He moved his hands deftly over the sigils, tracing them lightly to set their configurations. A central dial was turned, clicking into place over an engraved symbol resembling gold. Below the panel, sliders crafted from smooth wood and etched brass were adjusted to specify the quantity. Samuel paused, his hands steady, and then pressed on the sigil at the center.

The chest emitted a very soft, melodic hum, and the lights within the sigils began to pulse in rhythm. When Samuel opened the lid moments later, the room was bathed in the warm glow of perfectly formed gold bars stacked neatly inside, filling the chest to its brim.
The room erupted in hushed awe.

John Hancock leaned forward, clearly in awe as he touched one of the gold bars from the chest but his voice still tinged with skepticism. "Incredible. You mean to tell us that this chest creates this gold from nothing?"

Samuel nodded. "Precisely. The Geass power imbued within the replicator draws from the fabric of existence itself, materializing resources as needed."

Samuel Adams leaned forward, squinting as though trying to comprehend the arcane mechanism. "And this, this replicator, as you call it, does all of this through… symbols and dials?"

Samuel Kim nodded. "The mechanism is intricate, but its principle is straightforward. It manipulates the natural laws surrounding us, using energy far older than any of us can fathom. It is as much a tool of precision as it is one of inspiration."

Benjamin Franklin leaned forward, his spectacles catching the golden light. "A device that bends the laws of nature in ways both wondrous and terrifying."

Patrick Henry whispered, almost to himself, "We hold in our hands the power to change the very fabric of society."

Richard Henry Lee added, his voice tinged with reverence, "Or to destroy it, should we wield it carelessly."

Benjamin Franklin leaned back in his chair, his expression a blend of wonder and determination. "Gentlemen, this changes everything."

"Unbelievable…", Thomas Jefferson muttered.

Samuel reached into his leather satchel and retrieved a ring, engraved with intricate sigils and set with a gemstone that pulsed faintly like a heartbeat.

"This is the second tool. It is a mind-influencing ring that I call the Ring of Persuasion." Samuel explained, holding it up for the men to see. "Its wearer can subtly sway the opinions of those they speak to, not through force, but through a resonance that amplifies reason and charisma."

The room erupted in murmurs. Patrick Henry leaned forward, his eyes narrowing in skepticism. "Sway opinions? Surely you jest. That would make a mockery of liberty."

Samuel met Henry's gaze. "It's not meant to subvert free will, but to bridge understanding. Used responsibly, it can unify divided minds. Misused… it could lead to tyranny."

The gemstone seemed to glow brighter as Samuel continued, "But there's more. These rings are also linked, each one is connected to the others. Through them, wearers can speak to one another, regardless of distance. They act as a bridge between people, a means of instantaneous communication."

The men exchanged incredulous glances.

Patrick Henry frowned. "Instantaneous communication between wearers? Across any distance?"

Samuel nodded. "Indeed. The connection is unaffected by distance. The rings ensure seamless communication, whether separated by a room or an entire ocean."

Benjamin Franklin, his curiosity piqued, leaned closer. "A fascinating tool. Does it require any other mechanism to function?"

"No," Samuel replied. "The rings are entirely self-contained, powered by the same force that animates the other tools. They do not require external devices or intermediaries."

John Adams spoke next, his tone suggesting a sense of caution. "And what happens if these rings fall into the wrong hands? Can their power be nullified?"

Samuel's expression grew somber. "Each ring is uniquely attuned to its wearer. If stolen or taken without consent, its connection fades. However, the bond can be re-established by the rightful owner."

Hancock, his expression contemplative. "This is a tool that could unite people or divide them, depending on its use. If wielded with wisdom, it could bridge distances and resolve conflicts."

Franklin chuckled. "Or start a great many more arguments, knowing our kind."

The room erupted in light laughter, but the gravity of the demonstration was not lost on any of them.

Samuel said, "Allow me to demonstrate the communication aspect of the ring first." Samuel held the ring aloft momentarily, then turned to George Washington. "Colonel, if you would take this."

Washington nodded and extended his hand before Samuel slid the ring onto his finger. The gemstone's faint glow brightened as it adjusted to its new wearer. Samuel reached into the chest again, retrieving a second identical ring. He slid it onto his own finger, its light matching the first.

Samuel stepped to the other side of the room, creating a noticeable distance between himself and Washington. He touched the gemstone on his ring, which pulsed faintly, and spoke into it. His voice carried clearly through the silence of the room: "Colonel, can you hear me?"

The men looked startled for a moment as Samuel's voice echoed clearly from George Washington's ring, the gemstone glowing with each word. "I can hear you, Mr. Kim," Washington replied, his voice steady but tinged with amazement. He touched his own ring, which pulsed faintly as he spoke. "Can you hear me as well?"

Samuel smiled. "Perfectly, Colonel."

Benjamin Franklin, watching intently, leaned forward with a grin. "Now, now, Colonel, let's see how it works more from your end. Try initiating the conversation yourself."

Washington gave a little sigh before tapping the gemstone on his ring as Samuel had done. The ring glowed faintly, and Washington spoke. "Samuel, I know that you've shown this to me already, but this ring remains a remarkable tool. Please tell us how such a thing like this is even possible."

The room fell silent, the other men watching intently as Samuel's voice carried back through Washington's ring. "Well, Colonel, this tool works because the rings are quite attuned to one another. Distance does not affect their connection, and they require no intermediary devices or mechanisms."

Franklin clapped his hands in delight. "Marvelous! Now, gentlemen, we've just witnessed the future of communication. A tool of unity. One that allows discourse without the constraints of time or distance. Such a thing could prevent misunderstandings, avoid delays… revolutionize diplomacy itself."

Thomas Jefferson, though clearly intrigued, was more cautious. "And what of privacy? Could these rings be misused to eavesdrop or manipulate?"

Samuel's face grew serious. "Their power is not absolute, Mr. Jefferson. Communication requires consent between the wearers, an intentional connection. They cannot be used to listen without permission."

Joseph Brant nodded thoughtfully. "Still, such a tool in the wrong hands could bring ruin, not unity."

Samuel met his gaze. "That is why these tools must be entrusted only to those who understand their responsibility. The Ring of Persuasion is not meant to command or deceive. It is a tool for fostering understanding and cooperation."

Thomas Jefferson leaned forward, visibly intrigued. "And you really say this works across any distance? Across oceans, even?"

"Yes," Samuel replied, addressing Jefferson now. "The bond between the rings transcends physical space. So long as both wearers are alive and willing, they can communicate without delay."

Franklin leaned back, stroking his chin thoughtfully. "A tool of great potential… and great peril. Like the magic treasure chest you've shown us earlier, Mr. Kim. Its true power will depend on those who wield it."

Washington returned the ring to Samuel, who placed it back into the satchel.

"I agree, Dr. Franklin." Samuel said, closing the satchel, "What we do with the tools like the Ring of Persuasion will shape the destiny of the nation we seek to create."

The weight of his words hung in the air as the men reflected on what they had just witnessed.

Franklin, ever the jester, clapped his hands. "Well, if nothing else, they'll save us the trouble of writing so many letters."

The room erupted in light laughter before Samuel continued, his tone now grave and laced with warning.

"And as I've said earlier, this ring holds another far more delicate and potentially perilous function. It can influence minds, amplify reasoning, and sway opinions. But let me stress, gentlemen, that it is not a tool for control or dominance. Rather, it fosters clarity and understanding in those who hear the wearer's words."

Thomas Jefferson, leaning forward with a skeptical look, asked, "And how exactly does it achieve such a feat? Surely, this cannot be a simple matter."

Samuel nodded, acknowledging the concern. "It is not simple, Mr. Jefferson. The wearer must focus their thoughts through the ring. It requires deliberate intent and clear reasoning to activate its influence. Let me show you how it works, and I promise I'll be careful."

Samuel Kim slid the ring onto his finger, the faint light from the lanterns casting subtle reflections off its intricate gemstone. He turned toward Patrick Henry, meeting his skeptical gaze with calm determination. "Mr. Henry, I ask your permission to demonstrate the power of this ring by introducing a notion, a principle that challenges centuries of tradition yet holds profound implications for the future of the republic that we're about to create."

Henry leaned back in his chair, his arms crossing defensively. "You have my leave, Mr. Kim, though I warn you, radical ideas often find a hostile reception."

Samuel stepped forward, his voice deliberate and steady. "Alright. Here I start. Imagine, sir, a republic where the right to vote, the cornerstone of liberty, is not confined to men alone but extended to women as well. A nation where mothers, wives, and daughters share equally in shaping its destiny."

The room fell into a tense silence, the flickering lamplight casting dancing shadows on the walls. Henry's brow furrowed deeply, his expression a blend of disbelief and unease. "Women voting? Such a proposition is an affront to the natural order. Politics is a sphere for men; the domestic realm belongs to women."

Samuel held his ground, his tone unwavering. "And yet, Mr. Henry, history itself refutes such limitations. Have not women ruled nations? Were there not great queens, such as Elizabeth of England and Catherine of Russia, who wielded power with wisdom and strength? Are we to claim that the women of this republic are any less capable or invested in its future?"

Sitting quietly at the edge of the gathering, Cecilia raised an eyebrow at the mention of queens. Her eyes glimmered faintly in the dim light, betraying a flicker of amusement. A subtle smile curved her lips, though she remained silent, observing the exchange with an expression suggesting she had seen this argument unfold in other eras and places. A faint smile played at her lips, but her gaze grew distant as though recalling something far removed from the present. Her fingers lightly traced a cross pendant that she absentmindedly reached from beneath her clothing, an old, simple trinket that seemed incongruous with the grandeur of the tools Samuel displayed. For a brief moment, her smile wavered, and her eyes seemed to glisten with something akin to sorrow or perhaps pride. The lantern caught the pendant as she tilted her head slightly, its shadow forming the faintest outline of a fleur-de-lis against the table before her. Still, she said nothing, her expression unreadable to all but the most observant. George Washington, standing near Samuel, caught sight of her actions. His lips quirked into a slight, knowing smile, though he said nothing, choosing instead to focus on the ongoing discussion.

Henry's frown remained, but his rigid posture softened slightly. His lips parted as though Samuel's words ignited an unfamiliar thought. "Queens, yes," he admitted, almost begrudgingly. "But queens, as much as I hate to say it, inherit power by birth, not through the common voice of the people. Are you suggesting we allow women to stand as equals in the governance of the United States of America?"

Samuel inclined his head slightly, his gaze steady. "I am suggesting, sir, that women, as equal bearers of the republic's burdens, have a right to its privileges. To deny them is to deny the very principles of liberty and equality upon which we want to build the United States of America."

Henry leaned forward now, his expression pensive, his earlier skepticism giving way to genuine contemplation. "It is an idea that defies our customs… but perhaps, there is merit in it. If queens can rule empires, why should the women of our republic not guide its course as well?"
The other men shifted in their seats, observing the change in Henry's demeanor.

Cecilia's quiet smile deepened slightly, though her gaze grew distant, as if remembering the countless rulers, male and female, she had watched rise and fall over centuries. Still, she said nothing, letting the men grapple with their own revelations.

Franklin, watching the exchange intently, interjected, "This isn't coercion, is it?"

Samuel removed the ring and held it up for all to see. "Certainly not, Doctor. What you have all witnessed is its subtlety. This ring does not compel compliance. It fosters reason and clarity. Mr. Henry's thoughts remain his own, as do his conclusions."

Joseph Brant then leaned forward, his ever-curious gaze fixed on the ring. "A remarkable tool, Mr. Kim. But I, for one, would hesitate to use it."
The other men murmured their agreement, their awe tempered by caution.

Patrick Henry, now fully composed, regarded the ring with a wary respect. "While I remain cautious of such a device, I cannot deny the clarity of thought it inspired, like your words cut through the noise of doubt, Mr. Kim, making your reasoning unmistakable. Which is why this is a power that must be wielded with great prudence."

John Adams frowned, looking at Henry's demeanor, "This is a dangerous tool, even so. Persuasion is a subtle art. This ring could tip the balance unfairly."

Samuel returned the ring back to the satchel, nodding gravely. "I understand your concerns about this, gentlemen. But that's why its use must be reserved for critical moments, and only in the hands of those who act for the greater good."

As the room settled into a contemplative silence following Samuel's demonstration, a voice, light and tinged with dry amusement, broke through.

"That ring doesn't work with me," the woman with green hair, Cecilia, remarked, leaning back in her chair with an air of nonchalance. The men turned to her, their expressions a mix of confusion and curiosity.

Benjamin Franklin asked, "You've… tried this before?" Cecilia smirked faintly, her eyes glinting in the dim light. "Oh yes, Ben. Samuel showed them all to me and George already. But no matter how persuasive Samuel's words might have been, that ring had no effect on me."

Samuel Kim rolled his eyes slightly, a rare display of exasperation. "Duh, of course, it didn't work on you. You have the Code. You're… something else entirely."

The men glanced between the two, their curiosity deepening. John Hancock leaned forward, gesturing toward Cecilia. "What exactly does he mean by that, Miss Cecilia?"

Cecilia tilted her head, her smile enigmatic. "It means I'm beyond mortal influence. The Code ensures that my will is mine alone, unshaken by such tools."

Samuel nodded, his expression softening as he addressed the room. "The Code protects her and ensures that this tool doesn't alter her thoughts or perceptions. She exists outside the bounds of what these tools can affect."

Franklin broke the tension with a chuckle. "Well, I suppose it's reassuring to know there are limits to this tool's power. If even Ms. Cecilia is unimpressed with the idea of women voting, that says something."

The room lightened briefly with scattered laughter, though the intrigue around Cecilia's mysterious nature remained palpable.

After the laughter subsided, Washington asked, "I think we can move to the next tool, Samuel."

Samuel nodded at Washington and then walked deliberately to another corner of the room, where he leaned down to pick something beneath a wooden table. That something is a book. It is large, leather-bound, and worn yet strangely luminous under the faint glow of the lanterns. The men straightened in their seats as Samuel returned to the table, placing the book in its center.

"This," Samuel began, his voice steady but tinged with reverence, "is what I call the Oracle. It is no ordinary book. While the tools I've shown so far are practical and material in their use, this one delves into knowledge itself. It draws from what I have learned… and what I have glimpsed."

The men exchanged wary glances. Benjamin Franklin leaned forward, asking, "And what precisely have you glimpsed, Mr. Kim?"

Samuel's expression grew somber. "When I nearly lost my life creating these tools, I was caught in a state between life and death. In that moment, I experienced visions, visions of another life, another world. I saw myself as a soldier serving the country that we hope to create, the United States of America, more than two centuries from now. I believe this was just a few years or decades before the apocalyptic vision I described earlier."

This revelation sent murmurs through the room. Franklin's eyes widened in astonishment. Patrick Henry muttered under his breath, while Samuel Adams frowned deeply, skepticism etched on his face.

"I do not know if those visions were truly mine or if they were impressions left by the power I wielded," Samuel continued, "but they were vivid. In that other world, I lived in the early 21st century, a world both incredible and flawed, where knowledge was vast and accessible, but human nature had not changed. The Oracle," he gestured to the book, "was born of what I learned there."

Samuel opened the book, its pages glowing faintly as intricate patterns of text and diagrams emerged from its surface. It was as if the book breathed with life, responding to his touch.

"This is not merely a book," Samuel explained. "It is a repository of knowledge, a reflection of that other world's understanding. It contains histories, sciences, philosophies… a vast collection of human thought."
He ran his hand lightly over the glowing text, and the page shifted to display a detailed map of Europe.

"For example, it can provide insight into the nations of our time. Their strengths, their weaknesses, their histories. It is not a prophet, but it can guide us by illuminating the possibilities of our choices."

Thomas Jefferson's voice was filled with cautious wonder. "A book that teaches… and informs directly? Does it answer questions?"

Samuel nodded. "It does. But the answers depend on the precision of the questions. It is not omniscient. It offers knowledge, not wisdom. That remains our responsibility."

To demonstrate, Samuel traced his fingers over a symbol on the page, and the text shifted again. Now it displayed a detailed analysis of France's monarchy and its political structures.

John Adams leaned closer, reading quickly through the book, still frowning but unable to hide his curiosity. "While I can attest that the information about the French monarchy here is more or less accurate, how do we know that all of the knowledge it can provides us on other questions is accurate, especially about the future?"

Samuel's expression was grave. "We can't really know until that time in the future unfortunately. The Oracle has its limitations on what to give to us. It reflects the understanding of that other world, a world yet to come. Like all knowledge, it must be tested and applied carefully before it becomes our reality. The Oracle provides us a glimpse of that future that I saw and experienced, but it does not guarantee that it will occur here, not with our mission now that will change everything about that future." Adams nodded in agreement.

Benjamin Franklin chuckled, his eyes gleaming with admiration. "A living encyclopedia, contained in a single volume. I dare say, Mr. Kim, this may rival any of the other marvels you've shown us."

Samuel closed the Oracle gently, the glow fading as its pages returned to blank. "This tool, like the others, is meant to guide us. And has its limitations, which I can describe further in the future as we use this tool more. It is not to be relied upon without question, but it can help us avoid the mistakes of the future."

George Washington, who had been quietly observing, finally spoke. "This Oracle is a gift of immeasurable worth and a grave responsibility. My suggestion is that we use it wisely, not as a crutch, but as a guide to ensure the future of our nation."

The men nodded, the enormity of the Oracle's potential sinking in. In the flickering lamplight, the book seemed to pulse faintly, as if waiting for the next question.

Samuel reached into his satchel again and retrieved the pocket watch that he was holding earlier, its brass surface glinting faintly in the lamplight. The watch was exquisitely crafted, its face adorned with intricate engravings and a small crystal lens embedded at its center. Beneath the lens, faint lights seemed to move, as if the mechanism contained a living map.

"And this," Samuel began, holding the watch aloft, "is how we all got here, gentlemen. The Traveler's Watch. At first glance, it appears to be a simple timepiece, but its purpose is far greater. It can reveal the world in its entirety and allow the wearer to traverse it instantly."

The men exchanged skeptical glances, though their curiosity kept them silent. Samuel pressed a small, recessed button on the side of the watch, and the crystal lens began to glow softly. A faint projection of light emerged from the watch, forming a hovering, three-dimensional map of the Earth above it. Samuel then rotated the map slowly, shimmering with colors and details that defied comprehension.

"This is no mere decoration," Samuel explained. "The watch displays the world as it is, in real time, as you can see. Cities, rivers, mountains; all are captured and shown with uncanny precision."

Samuel Adams' eyes widened as he pointed. "That… that is the Atlantic Ocean, and there, there. That must be the Colonies."

Samuel nodded, adjusting a small dial on the watch. The map zoomed in, revealing the eastern seaboard in remarkable detail. The rivers gleamed like silver threads, and the towns and cities can be seen in astonishing accuracy.

"But this is more than a map," Samuel continued. "With this device, I can create a portal to any location I choose. It requires precision in its operation, guided by these dials and mechanisms. The principles behind it are both mathematical and metaphysical."

He demonstrated by selecting a location on the map, a wooded clearing just outside Philadelphia. With a deliberate twist of the dial, the watch emitted a low hum. Moments later, a shimmering doorway of light appeared in the corner of the room, showing the clearing as if viewed through a window.

The room erupted in startled gasps, several men standing instinctively.

Richard Henry Lee spoke, his voice tinged with awe. "And this… this watch allows one to walk through that doorway and emerge wherever it is set?"

"Yes," Samuel confirmed, "Just like how we all got here in Bhutan. This tool transcends borders and barriers."

Benjamin Franklin chuckled softly. "A map that reveals the world and a portal that ignores its boundaries. I daresay, Mr. Kim, that this watch alone could change the course of history."

John Hancock raised his hand to address Samuel. "Mr. Kim, these tools are nothing short of extraordinary. But tell us, how many of these creations exist?"

Samuel closed the portal that he created before turning to face Hancock, "I have forged three Traveler's Watches, two Replicators, three Rings of Persuasion, and only one Oracle."

Patrick Henry frowned slightly, his skepticism returning. "I see. I hope you don't take this badly, Mr. Kim, but why such a limited amount? Surely, you could have created some more with your immense power?"

Samuel shook his head firmly, his expression grave but smiling slightly at Henry. "No slight taken, Mr. Henry, and to answer your question, I'm afraid that the process of creating these tools nearly took my life, so I cannot create more than that. Each one is forged from the essence of my former Geass, fragmenting its power to make these tools usable until I have none left to spare. Attempting to create more would risk destroying not only myself but also the fragile balance they represent."

Benjamin Franklin, leaning forward with his elbows on the table, nodded slowly. "A wise restraint, Mr. Kim. And I believe too many of these tools in circulation might bring them into the wrong hands, and we'd have chaos instead of progress." Patrick Henry nodded in agreement.

Samuel continued, his voice remaining steady yet deliberate. "I concur." These tools weren't meant for widespread use and should only be used by us. They are not weapons of domination; they are instruments of transformation. Their mission is to provide guidance and support in the establishment and development of a nation that can serve as a symbol of justice and liberty. Therefore, it is imperative that their use be prudent, deliberate, and limited to individuals who comprehend their gravity.

In contemplation, Richard Henry Lee's fingertips curled in front of him. "And that is why their existence must remain secret."

George Washington rose from his chair, his commanding presence quieted the room. "Mr. Kim is correct. We now find ourselves at a crossroads. The tools he demonstrated to us all are not just gifts; they are our responsibilities. Their power is immense, but it is also a burden that we must bear with care. The question now is whether we are willing to take that burden upon ourselves and wield it wisely. In the coming days, we will continue to deliberate on the best course of action for using these powerful tools. For now, let us commit ourselves to the cause that unites us, the birth of a nation that could unite mankind."

The men nodded in agreement, the moment's gravity settling over them. George Washington's final words sum up the formation of the Order of Liberty.

 

[Libertad]

Incumbent
His Imperial Highness Prince Schneizel, Grand Duke of Pendragon and Duke of Beaufort
since March 12, 2009

Style	His Imperial Highness
Type	Great Officer of State
Member of	Cabinet Privy Council
Appointer	Emperor
Precursor	Lord High Chancellor of England Lord High Chancellor of Scotland Lord Chancellor of Ireland
Formation	1801 (Britannia) 1707 (Great Britain) 1066 (England)
First holder	Prince William, Duke of Gloucester
Salary	£ 5,459,038 per annum
Website	Official website

The Lord Chancellor, formally titled Lord High Chancellor of the Holy Britannian Empire of Great Britain, Ireland, the Americas and all the Imperial Areas and Dominions, is a senior minister of the Crown within His Majesty's Imperial Government and the highest ranking Great Officer of State. Also informally called "prime minister" in the European press, the Lord Chancellor advises the Sovereign on the exercise of the royal prerogative and chairs the Cabinet of the Privy Council. Considered the second most powerful office in the Empire and a commonly-held office by future Sovereigns and heir-apparents, the Lord Chancellor is appointed and dismissed at will by the Sovereign. Prior to the union of England and Scotland into the Kingdom of Great Britain, there were separate lord chancellors for the Kingdom of England (including Wales) and the Kingdom of Scotland. Likewise, the Lordship of Ireland and the Kingdom of Ireland maintained the office of Lord Chancellor of Ireland until the formation of the Holy Britannian Empire in 1801, whereupon the office was abolished.

The Lord Chancellor is the leading member of the Cabinet and is, by law, the minister of the Crown responsible for the effective functioning of the courts and has control over judicial appointments including that of the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council, the court of the Star Chamber and Lords of Appeal in Ordinary. The Lord Chancellor is also the ex-officio presiding officer of the House of Lords (though most day to day functions are delegated to an appointed Speaker of the House of Lords) and the Court of Chancery (deputized by an appointed Vice-Chancellor of the Chancery).

One of the Lord Chancellor's responsibilities is to act as the custodian of the Great Seal of the Realm, kept in the Lord Chancellor's Purse, though such responsibility can be given instead to a separate Lord Keeper of the Great Seal. Documents to which the Great Seal is affixed include letters patent, writs of summons, writs of election, royal warrants, royal charters and royal proclamations, among many other instruments, giving the office tremendous power over legislation and policymaking. Furthermore, the office itself can be exercised by a committee of individuals known as Lord Commissioners of the Great Seal, usually when there is a delay in the appointment of a new Lord Chancellor. The office is then said to be in commission. However, this situation rarely occurred since the 19th century and only lord chancellors almost always gets appointed by the Sovereign.

While the Lord High Steward technically outranks the Lord Chancellor, the office has been mostly vacant since the 15th century except during coronations and common practice since the 19th century has the Lord Chancellor temporarily elevated as Lord High Steward (while keeping their position as Lord Chancellor) in instances where a peer is on a felony trial by his/her fellow peers in the House of Lords.

The official office of the Lord Chancellor is at 10 Darwin Street in the capital city of Pendragon.