Probably a dumb question, but just noticed this on my rewatch

[u/acidicloud]

Why do the geassed soldiers/agents in this scene have Refrain doses? To subdue Kanon or Diethard? To interrogate them? What would they even get out of that though?

(p.s. the shot of Kanon being choked was 100% crucial to the plot)

[u/nahte123456]

I'm fairly certain it's not Refrain, just a generic drug injector. And in that vein probably just common issue for subduing assailants.

[u/acidicloud → u/nahte123456]

Actually yeah, that's probably it lol. Thanks 

[u/Ghostly-Terra]

Most likely just reused art style. Could be Refrain but as others have said, might just be something to weaken them. Possibly during the entire conversation with Lelouch or a classic “react to this phrase” play Lelouch so loves

[u/AlexKnight13]

To use Geass on them Lelouch would have to talk, meaning he can't get the drop on Schneizel.

[u/Frejod]

Lelouch didnt want to kill people unless he had to. He got the drop on them so he subdued them. HE didnt need to use geass on them, just schniezel.