Chronicles of Dragon Company
Chapter 1: Deploy This!
Character Ruby Rose
Ruby woke up with Scooter in her arms. Her wiry and goofy husband had a habit of drooling when he slept so Ruby made sure to hold him so his face was turned away from her. After the second soaked shirt Ruby had had enough and so adopted using Scooter as a teddy bear when they were sleeping to make sure that he only soaked the bed sheets and not her.
"I wonder if we have anything to do today," Ruby thought as she lay in bed with Scooter sleeping soundly in her arms. "It's been almost a month since the Magog-Cinder was locked away, surely there is something somewhere that could use DC assistance..." Ruby's scroll going off on her nightstand pulled her from her thoughts and pulled her away from Scooter as she rolled over to look at the message.
"Ruby, meet us out by the Beacon airfield, guess who is back in town," Weiss said in her message.
"Huh, Well the only DC members that weren't with us was..." Ruby muttered to herself as she realized who had returned, "Mal!"
"Ah gah who wha..." Scooter exclaimed as he jolted awake.
"Scooter, Mal is back," Ruby said as she looked up from sending a reply to Weiss saying that she and Scooter would be there soon. "Come on lets go see him and the crew."
"Oh yeah," Scooter said as he sat up, "That Serenity is one fine ship if I ever saw one. How long we got before we got to go meet them?"
"About a half hour," Ruby said as she got another message from Weiss.
"Ah we can make that easy," Scooter said as he got out of bed and headed over towards the closet, "We just have to take a shower at the same time and we can make that."
"Can I put red highlights in your hair again," Ruby asked as she grabbed one of her black and red dresses from the closet.
"I still have red on the tips from the last time," Scooter's voice echoed as he went down the hall in their house to the bathroom.
"Well then we can go a bit farther then," Ruby thought as she grabbed her red hair dye and followed.
A half hour later and Ruby and Scooter were waiting at the space port. Scooter was still looking at his now red hair in the mirror when Weiss and Jayne walked up to the pair.
"Looks like someone let Ruby do his hair again," Weiss remarked with a smile.
"Yeah well you know how it goes," Scooter said as he rubbed the back of his neck and chuckled.
"Actually yes I do," Weiss replied, "You know I still think I see red in my hair sometimes."
"How would that even be physically possible," Jayne asked.
"It isn't," Ruby said, "Weiss is just mentally scarred from when I died her hair that one time and it was just the bangs."
"I looked like a candy cane," Weiss stated.
"Are you two still arguing about that," Yang asked as she, Junior, Blake and Sun met up with their partners and friends.
"Just stating facts," Weiss said.
"Hey guys," Ruby greeted, "So where is Mal and crew?" Her question was answered as the Serenity flew over head and circled around for a landing.
"Ten bucks says Mal is still poor as a mudder," Jayne said.
"I'll take that action," Yang replied as she pulled out ten Lien.
"And stupid bets like that are why Mal will still be broke," Junior said as he snatched the ten from his wife. Thus it was to the sight of Yang and Junior wrestling while the rest of the group tried to get out of their way that Mal and River emerged from the Serenity.
"So if this is a bad time," Mal said.
"Not really," Blake replied as she half watched the struggle between her partner and Junior and half read from her book.
"Hi, Mal, hi River," Yang greeted as she pinned Junior to the ground and retrieved her ten dollars. "So are you guys super rich now?"
"Hardly," Inara said as she led the rest of the crew out of the Serenity.
"I think we made out okay on the mission," Wash said.
"Serenity did get a lot of upgrades," Kaylee added.
"But if you are asking about cash on hand," Book said, "Of that we have only a little more than we started with."
"But we do have more," Simon said.
"We helped a lot of people," Mal stated, "end of discussion. What about you all? We heard you got rid of that demon that was giving us all so much trouble."
"We did," Ruby said, "Well RAIM and a few new faces did at least. We helped clean up a planet that was infested with undead and then we've been back here just hanging out for a couple of weeks now. What about Miranda was her hunch correct?"
"She was correct," River said, "but the alliance that was undermining her and the council was much larger than she had suspected. Fortunately the Epheriam were willing to help us thanks to Cassity."
"The Vault we came across didn't hurt either," Zoe remarked.
"A vault," Sun said, "You know the Hunters will want to hear about that."
"Oh I'm sure they will," Mal said.
"So you're telling me that you finished a contract that was basically a write your own check for payment and found a vault and you're still broke," Jayne asked.
"Yeah that's about the size of it," Mal agreed.
"Does that mean you are staying with DC then," Ruby asked.
"For a while at least yes," Inara said, "Until something comes up that we can do."
"It's good to have you guys back," Blake said as she put her book away. "You know we've all been fond of you all ever since all the trouble you got us into on Sun and I's wedding."
"We missed you guys too," Kaylee said with her perky smile. "It's nice to be back for a bit. Still we are all wanderers, we love soaring through the stars. We will be back in the sky soon enough."
"I'm sure you will," Weiss said, "We too have a calling, ours is to hunt Grimm though so while we are here at Beacon we might as well check on the listings. Would you all like to have a go at some of our missions with us?"
"Thanks but no," Mal replied, "We've had enough of cramped caves and giant snakes for a while. Junior if you don't mind we will head to your place and get some drinks and food."
"I'll let the twins know your meals are on the house," Junior said, "The fancy drinks though you'll have to pay for."
"Sounds good," Mal said, "Maybe we can catch you before we leave again."
"Hopefully you will," Ruby said as she waved to the departing crew of the Serenity. She smiled as she turned to her team and said, "Well we might as well wander inside. I'm thinking Ozpin and K might have something a little more interesting that the typical mission."
"I like your thinking sis," Yang said as the eight headed inside. Ruby led the way though the school that her and her team protected for so long. RWBY all had fond memories of Beacon, even if some of those were tinged with the horror of some of Cinder's somewhat successful plans. Now the same Cinder and her allies were working with DC and all the kingdoms seemed to be benefiting from the arrangement. The elevator doors opened to Ozpin's office to reveal Ozpin, Celantra, Adam and Elisa all talking about something.
"Why hello team RWBY," Ozpin greeted as he waved them in, "I was contemplating calling you here just a moment ago, your timing is once again proving to be exceptional."
"Mom, Aunty Ruby," Elisa greeted with a smile and a wave.
"I take it you need us for something," Ruby asked.
"We do," Adam said, "Recently the attacks against the White Fang have increased, it's the same extremest group that attached Elisa, Barry, Radiant and Marco and caused that riot a couple of months back."
"We think that a Magog may be behind it," C said, "And if so, you all and Cinder would be best suited to find out about it."
"How could another of those demons develop while..." Ruby started. "Oh."
"As soon as the one that was banished from Cinder was removed it opened up the possibility of another one becoming dominate," Adam said, "Whoever this one has gotten to has both money and connections. This extremist group seems to have access to gear that even we didn't have with Cinder at the helm."
"For once I can know my Father isn't involved," Weiss said, "But if it's not someone from my family then it has to be someone we know. Actually Father is going to a convention of some of the largest companies on Remnant. We would probably have a good chance of gathering suspects there."
"I see once again choosing you all for this is a wise decision," Ozpin stated, "Though considering how much you already do for us I wish I could give you all a break."
"Eh we get bored with breaks anyway," Sun said, "But if we are going to this convention we will need a better reason than just because we were bored... we need a cover."
"Well as it happens I know a fragment of my Mate that might be able to help you with that," C said, "Knarf has been trying to get Rewind Inc a foot hold in the Remnant economy and this would be a perfect opportunity to do that. He also has the money to socialize with the class of people that will be at this convention and if there is enough of K in him then he can detect the Magog for you."
"You know there seem to be a lot of us fragments of K around," Adam said, "Are you sure that he is... Actually I don't want to know."
"It is a good plan," Junior said.
"Max and her friends are pretty cool," Ruby remarked, "It will be fun to work with them on a mission. Any idea where they are?"
"Knarf is in the northern residential section of Vale," Adam said. "He will know where the rest of Rewind Inc is. As for Cinder, you will just have to call her."
"Can do," Ruby said, "Is that all then?"
"Yes you can go," Ozpin said, "Do be careful and discrete, if we accuse the wrong person the fallout could be immense."
"Right," Blake acknowledged as the group left the office to head out to find Knarf. On their way Ruby called Cinder.
"Ruby," Cinder answered after a couple of rings, "To what do I own the pleasure?"
"Oh just a mission that you might be interested in," Ruby replied, "Do you remember that group that caused the riot a few months back, you know the big one?"
"You're going after them," Cinder asked. A brief pause followed before she asked, "Where do you want to meet up?"
"The northern residential district," Ruby said, "Knarf is there and we are going to need him and Rewind Inc to get into the RCOME."
"Why are you heading to the Remnant Convention of Monopolistic Enterprises if you are looking..." Cinder started, "The backer, of course. Okay I'll head up to the northern district and start looking for Knarf, whoever finds him first can call the other and we can meet up."
"See you then," Ruby said as she finished the call.
"I still don't see how you do that," Yang said, "After all we went through because of her, especially you. I just don't see how it isn't tense to talk with Cinder like you do."
"I'm not saying it isn't awkward," Ruby said, "Especially considering her sexy voice. But you just have to forgive and move on so even though she's shot us, blown up our stuff and harmed us and our friends Cinder isn't doing that now. Now she is trying to help us and for that she gets a second chance, or like a ten thousandth chance I guess I've lost count at this point."
"Yeah that's right Sis," Yang said, "Wait what was that about her voice?"
"Oh come on you have to have picked up on her deep, confident, voice," Blake said, "Even I wouldn't mind having her voice."
"Please..." Weiss said, "My voice is much better than hers."
"Maybe when you are singing sure," Sun said, "But for just an everyday normal voice, Cinder has a killer one."
"I have to disagree," Yang said, "But I approve of the pun."
"Oh dear please don't start," Junior said.
"What it's not like it's pun-ishment," Yang said with a wink.
"I agree with Ruby," Junior stated flatly.
"What," Yang asked shocked as she brought her hands to her chest as if she had been betrayed.
"Wait guys please don't start fighting I didn't mean to," Ruby started but when Scooter and Jayne threw their opinions into Weiss court the debate was on. "Oh well blarg it at least it will be a fun argument while we look for Knarf."
It was said 'debate' that led to Cinder finding Knarf first and then them all meeting up by the edge of Vale. It was also said 'debate' that caused Ruby to instantly ask Cinder if her voice was sexy which caused Cinder to one, almost choke on the coffee she was drinking and two back very far away from both Scooter and Yang.
"I've used my voice to, suggest, things before so I could get past guards and the like," Cinder said as she tried to answer Ruby in a way that didn't involve her having to fight both Scooter and Yang. "But I would classify my voice as threatening more so than sexy."
"Oh," Ruby sighed. She was actually disappointed that Cinder didn't answer in a way that broke the stale mate that her friends, specifically her and Scooter, had gotten stuck in.
"I think you have a beautiful voice," Knarf said.
"Thank you," Ruby and Cinder both said but for different reasons.
"You don't count," Weiss scolded. "We out number you so we win, I have a better voice than Cinder."
"Can we just get back to the mission," Ruby asked.
"Sure, but what is the mission if I might ask," Knarf asked.
"Infiltrate the largest gathering of businesses on Remnant to try and find any evidence that one of them might be supporting an extremist terrorist faction that is dedicated to killing Fanus and Fanus supporters," Blake stated.
"I can see why that would be of interest to you all then," Knarf stated, "If it is a business convention then you came to me so you could get Rewind Inc involved... I'll give Ms. Amber a call and see where we can meet them. That is assuming you all can stop arguing for five minutes?"
"Oh we are done with that," Ruby said with a dismissive wave of her hand, "It was just something to do while we looked for you anyways."
"While Knarf calls Rachel I'll try to contact my Father," Weiss said, "Let him know what is going on."
"Right," Ruby said, "We should do the same."
"Already on it sis," Yang said as she held up her scroll.
"Ruby somethings wrong," Weiss stated as she looked up from her scroll, "I can't get a message though to Father or Mother. I'm trying Winter now..."
"You don't think that who ever is backing the terrorists is planning to do something at the convention," Sun asked. "Actually no that would make perfect sense."
"Knarf tell Rewind to meet us at the airfield," Ruby declared, "our plans are moving ahead faster than planned. If this group wants to stage something then we need to be there to stop it."
"Oh good Winter," Weiss exclaimed as she got in touch with her sister, "Can you get a hold of... you already tried? Okay I'm on my way there with my team and some of our friends. I'll let you know about anything that comes up. I'd prefer you get somewhere safe and stay there until this is finished but since I can't expect you to do that just be care … ful."
Blake put her arm around Weiss and said. "Winter will be fine, she's smart and strong. Enough so to beat that assassin droid remember?"
"We should go," Junior said, "The sooner we get to the RCOME the sooner we will be able to figure out what is going on."
"Calling in some transportation now," Knarf said as the portal to his personal storage dimension opened and a massive helicopter appeared on the street. "I'm flying, just FYI."
"I still want to know how you do that," Scooter remarked as the team piled in. Weiss took the co-pilot's seat since she knew where the RCOME was being held and Knarf wanted to show her how to fly the helicopter. They picked up Rewind Inc on the airfield ten minutes later and were off to Vacuo. Ruby started getting Max and her friends up to speed as they traveled.
"Okay we've got a terrorists organization that is being funded by one of the major businesses on Remnant," Ruby said once they had started traveling with Rewind Inc on board. "We need to find out which one so we can take them down without causing an uproar … or getting Weiss mad with our manners at this event."
"Hey," Weiss shouted from the cockpit.
"Anyway," Ruby continued, "Since you all are a company and Knarf has a lot of money you make a great cover for us to be at the RCOME. As DC members we are there to help represent you and as Huntresses we are there to protect you. The problem is that as DC members and Huntresses we are also high profile people, not to mention Weiss' Father, Abrams is at this convention representing the Schnee Dust Company."
"So you want us to do the digging then," Rachel said. She, Chloe, Max and Warren all shared a look before Chloe got a devilish grin on her face.
"Just tell us which clients to take," Max said as she nodded to her blue haired friend.
"Well that's just it we don't know who all is supporting this group," Ruby said, "Truth be told we don't really even know what they are called."
"Well do you think they will try something at the RCOME," Warren asked.
"Possibly," Blake answered, "After all they seemed to have no problem coming after Barry and Elisa in the middle of Vale's park."
"Well then we have an easy way for you to find your guy," Warren said with a smile, "Max can watch what goes on and when someone does something suspicious she can reverse time and investigate before it happens."
"While I appreciate the confidence," Max said, "I'd rather not rely on this power. Traditional investigation would be the better rout."
"Agreed," Cinder said, "But it would be you five who would have to do that. Even with the eyes of the biggest companies on Remnant watching you you are less high profile than myself or any of the RWBY."
"I can socialize with the locals," Rachel said, "As can Knarf. Chloe is best utilized in a more … out of sight, out of mind style of work and Max and Warren are the deductive science duo … they can help us figure out the clues as we gather them."
"I've got a better idea than all this sneaking around," Jayne spoke up. "Why don't we lure these guys out?"
"How," Yang asked.
"We have a company that has been against Fanus for generations, a company who's immortal heir I am married to, and we have the parents to the leaders of the White Fang and two prominent Fanus here," Jayne said, "Let Rewind Inc do what they do but let us help them along by causing a bit of a disturbance."
"As much as I would love to," Blake started.
"We'll do it," Weiss said from the cockpit, "It's about time that those corporate fools realized the new direction that I will be taking the Schnee Dust Company and proving that a terrorist organization is being funded by one of their own will only help my cause."
"You two work terrifyingly well together you know that," Sun said.
"Alright we have a plan then," Ruby said, "Weiss and Jayne will take Blake, Sun, Yang and Junior to the SDC section of the RCOME while Cinder, Scooter and I will stay with Rewind Inc and see if we can get the drop on anyone who is affiliated with this terrorist group."
"Sounds like a solid plan," Junior said, "Knarf what's our ETA?"
"Five minutes," Knarf said, "We are beginning our landing run now."
They landed and met up with Winter who had come in at the same time that Ruby's team had. Winter joined with Weiss' team to go to their company's exhibit and cause a 'ruckus' as Winter said.
"This will have repercussions," Winter remarked as she followed Weiss and team to their place on the convention floor. Ruby and Scooter waited with Cinder while Knarf and Rachel talked to one of the event planners for the convention. Apparently arranging a last minute entry was not looked kindly upon but for the right price even that difficulty could be overcome. Knarf it seems was neither bother by the trouble it would be for the convention to rearrange some floor space in the massive hotel nor by the hefty price tag that came with the entry at such short notice.
"Ha-ha we're in," Knarf said ten minutes later as he handed out badges to everyone to show that they were there as representatives of Rewind Inc. "Our booth will be right across from the SDC stage so that will work out nicely."
"Will we need any sort of material," Max asked, "Fliers, cards etc?"
"We have cards," Knarf said as he produced a copy of said card from his jacket pocket, "That should be all we need along with live examples of your abilities."
"Chloe, you will need to go investigating," Ruby said, "You are now the only one who is free to move about the convention and not draw a lot of attention to yourself."
"Good call," Knarf said, "Here take these." Knarf handed Chloe a wallet full of Lien. "It's about thirty million there, don't spend it all in one place … and don't get mugged with it."
"How do you have …" Cinder started, "never mind. Chloe take this earpiece, radio us when you find anything that might be important."
"Right," Chloe said. She had barely finished the word before she was gone. Leaving the seven to man their booth and keep an eye out on the happenings at the Schnee exhibit across from them.
Ruby saw Weiss and Winter come up to Abrams on the stage and then watched as Weiss took over and started introducing the 'fans' to Jayne, Yang, Junior, Sun and Blake.
"Hey that guy's got a sweet looking grenade," Scooter said as he pointed out a man that was walking up to Weiss.
"A grenade," Ruby asked, "where?"
"Left jacket pocket," Max said, "On the inside. Scooter you have very good eyes to pick up on that just by the bulge in the garment."
"Heh yeah well on Pandora you kinda got to be good at those things," Scooter said, "Other wise you end up dead."
"Max," Ruby said as she realized that Max knew about the grenade because of her rewind power, "How long until he tries to use that grenade?"
"Twenty seconds," Max replied.
"I've got a line on him," Knarf said, "Should I take the shot?"
"I can do one better," Ruby said. In a moment she was gone, replaced by a swirling cloud of rose petals. While Ruby had never gotten used to this ability to become wind and roses she definitely was not about to let that stop her from getting the grenade before it was used. A few disruptions of the Schnee exhibit later and after more than one business man went chasing after their hats Ruby reappeared behind the Rewind Inc booth with the grenade in hand. "Need to tell Weiss," Ruby muttered to herself as she disarmed the grenade and stuck the broken pieces in the trash can. "Weiss, Weiss... oh right comms are down here for some reason."
"I think I've found that reason," Chloe said as she came up behind Ruby. "Let's get Scooter and Warren and go disable a radio jammer."
"Right," Ruby said as she used her speed to get Scooter and Warren to meet with her and Chloe around back.
"You did that just because I did that earlier didn't you," Chloe remarked.
"Maybe," Ruby answered.
"So what are we doing Chloe-meister," Warren asked.
"Radio jammer," Chloe stated, "Follow me." The four headed out through the back of the exhibits and around to the garage of the hotel.
"Chloe how did you get over here so quickly," Ruby asked, "Do you have a speed Semblance too?"
"Something like that," Chloe said quickly, "Here look." Chloe brought them to a storage closet but inside was a large orange box. Chloe opened the box to reveal a mess of wires and radio wave generators. "It's crude but it gets the job done."
"Huh this would work to disrupt any communication radio or otherwise," Warren said, "But..."
"These are emitting radio waves," Scooter said, "Or they should be. Unless someone has a giant inverter the dead zone that you are experiencing with your Scroll wouldn't work instead you would have a hot zone, where there is so many signals going through the air that everything gets scrambled."
"That's right," A voice said from behind them. At the sound of a shotgun chambering the four turned around to see a fully armored man with a very large shotgun/spear. "You know we had hopped that it was Blake and Sun that found this device but I suppose I will have to settle for killing you four. Maybe we can use your bodies as bait."
Ruby stepped forward to protect the others, "You realize that my Aura is strong enough to stop lasers that can destroy planets."
"Aura doesn't matter to these bullets," the man stated as he fired. The sound was just a little louder than Ember Celica firing but to Ruby it sounded like the toll of her death bell, well her second one anyways. Ruby flinched but never felt anything connect. She opened her eyes and saw the pellets being suspended in the air by currents of electricity.
"Wha..." Ruby muttered.
"Your ammo may not care about Aura but fortunately I don't rely on that anyway," Chloe said, "I am the on coming storm a vortex of force and power." Chloe's eyes crackled with sparks of lightning as she raised her hand and the pellets started swirling around in the air. "You can have your pellet's back." Chloe thrust her hand towards the dumbstruck man and the pellets ripped through him. The body then fell to the floor as blood pooled on the ground.
"Chloe," Ruby said, "Thank you for saving me."
Chloe took a few deep breaths before she replied, "Sure. Anytime. We should probably look over the body and see if we can find out who this guy was working for."
"Looks like a group called the Tetra," Warren said, "Scooter can you work on shutting down that jammer."
"Already done did that," Scooter said, "Communication should be back up."
"Great, you guys keep looking for clues I need to call Dad," Ruby said, "Maybe he can tell us something about this Tetra." Ruby sent out the call and it went though with no problem. "Well good at least the communication issue is fixed," Ruby thought as the scroll rang.
"Hello my Rose," Lao said as he picked up, "How are you?"
"Well not dead again," Ruby said, "But I do need information on a group..."
"Or possibly a person," Chloe interjected.
"Or a person called Tetra," Ruby said, "We think this Tetra may be connected to the terrorist actions from a few months back."
The call was silent for a few moments before Lao replied, "How urgently do you need to know about Tetra?"
"Well we are at the RCOME and we think that an 'event' may be planned for it by the same person or group. Either way knowing about Tetra sooner would be better."
"Oh okay then," Lao remarked, "That explains your not dead comment then. Right Tetra first showed up about a hundred years ago. They were not anti-Fanus per say but they were definitely pro human. They were active in the military and spec ops and Hunter teams for five to six decades before they seemingly dropped off the map. Last time anything was heard about them was ten years ago just before the White Fang turned violent... since they sent out their declaration that everyone will see that humans are superior no one has heard from them. Until now, that the White Fang has become a diplomatic and social success. The Unity is proof enough of that."
"Wait could Tetra have had something to do with the White Fang resorting to violence," Ruby asked, "But if they wanted to promote human agendas wouldn't that have been easier without the added upheaval?"
"Unless they have become less of a human activist group and more of a Fanus extermination group," Lao said, "That would explain why the attacks are not just against Fanus but against any who support them as an equal. Ruby, please be careful. A group this old has connections, and probably powerful ones at that."
"How about the second most powerful company on Remnant," Ruby said as Chloe held up a contract between the Tetra hit man and the Guild of Weapon Manufacturers."
"The Guild," Lao whispered, "That could explain how they had so many older style war droids... I will look into this and get back to you with whatever information I can find."
"Thanks Dad," Ruby said as she ended the call. "Okay guys, Dad is on the case. Until we hear back from him I suggest we head back to..." Shouting and screaming cut Ruby off as she and the other three ran back to their booth. When they got there the crowd around the Schnee Exhibit had scattered and instead there was a cyborg squaring off against Cinder.
"We will have our demonstration," The cyborg thundered. "Give up the Fanus."
"No," Cinder stated as she stood between the cyborg and Sun and Blake.
"We've got this," Sun said.
"Don't," Max yelled, "Scooter use your EMP grenade!"
"How did, oh right rewind thingy," Scooter muttered as he whipped out his electrified longbow grenade and hurled it at the cyborg.
"What is this," the Cyborg roared as the grenade disappeared mid throw. It reappeared right on the Cyborg and the electric arcs caused the cyborg to seize up.
"Ruby hit it now," Max yelled. Ruby summoned the spectral Crescent Rose and used the two of them to slash through the Cyborg's armor plating and disable it's legs. "It's going to self destruct," Max warned.
"Weiss," Cinder said, "Glyph me." Weiss complied and Cinder surrounded everyone in the vicinity with a hardened fire shield. A few moments later when the Cyborg exploded Ruby didn't even feel the pressure wave as the explosion washed over her. Once her eyesight returned from the white out that the explosion's light cause Ruby looked around to see that everyone was fine apart from the differing stages of temporary blindness that some of them were experiencing.
"Ruby are you all okay," Yang asked.
"Yeah I think we're all fine," Ruby replied as she gave a thumbs up, "How about all of you?"
"Of course we're fine," Weiss answered, "We will be even better if you have any information on who these guys are."
"We do," Chloe said, "They are some group called Tetra and they are working with some Weapons Guild or something."
"The Guild," Abrams said, "That is troubling but not unexpected. They are as much against Fanus as I used to be before I met Blake. Tetra though is another matter, I haven't heard that name in a while. You are sure it is them?"
"Certain," Warren said, "We've got the contract to prove it."
"The Guild is the only organization that rivals the SDC on Remnant," Abrams said, "However a lot of their manufacturing relies on Dust so my name still has a large amount of pull with them. I would suspect that whoever got that contract is not all the way at the top but is more likely to be a mid level manager. I need to make some calls if you all will excuse me."
"You are not going anywhere," Cinder said, "Not without me. I'll be an extra layer of protection just in case."
"What are we then," Ivy asked as she waved at herself and Winter.
"Other potential targets," Cinder said as she moved to go with the rest of Weiss' family.
"Hm okay that is fair," Winter said, "Weiss stay safe and let us know if you all find anything else that we will need to know."
"We will," Weiss said as she and the rest rejoined Ruby's group by the Rewind Inc booth.
"Mr Schnee," Ruby said, "Please let us know what you hear from your contacts. It could be a key piece of information that we will need."
"I intend to," Abrams said as he, Ivy, Winter and Cinder headed back behind the Schnee exhibit.
"So I hate to point this out but Yang, Blake, Junior and Sun are all targets as well due to their connections to the White Fang and being Fanus or parents of Fanus," Knarf stated.
"Well then we will just have to be more careful," Blake started only for Chloe to interrupt her.
"Screw that," Chloe exclaimed, "Look since joining up with you guys you've all been better to me than anyone else I know."
"Hey," Rachel and Max both said.
"Look even we had our issues at times okay," Chloe said, "You both know what I'm talking about. What I'm saying is if these guys want to come after you then let them. It will make them that much easier to take out if they come find us."
"As much as I hate to agree with her," Jayne said. That earned him a glare from Chloe. "She is right we don't know enough to track these guys and we won't be able to get information out of the Guild."
"We are not using anyone as bait," Ruby said.
"What do you intend to do then," Knarf asked.
"Noire," Ruby stated as if that one name was all the answer that was needed.
"Noire," Weiss asked.
"She is technically a Fanus," Yang said.
"And looks almost exactly like me," Blake finished. "Oh..."
"Noire's Aura Generator is similar to Penny's," Ruby said, "So in total there are now two of those devices on Remnant. Devices that so far have nothing that can counter them. Noire will be perfect to start … instigating conflicts with Tetra to draw them out or cause them to consolidate. Either way if she can get them to move then we can get more information on them. Now it's just a matter of seeing if she will go along with it."
Character Noire
"So let me get this straight," Noire said as she and Tucker were walking down the street towards their room at Beacon. "You want me to terrorize a terrorist organization?"
"I... well, When you say it like that it sounds bad," Ruby replied over the Scroll. "but basically yes. Sooo will you do it?"
"Blarg yes I will," Noire said, "I joined up with you guys to do stuff like this... and get Tucker."
"Well you've got me anytime you like," Tucker said, "Bow-chicka-bow-wow."
"Meow-chicka-meow-meow," Noire stated out of habit as Tucker said his catch phrase.
"You two are inseparable," Ruby said, "Thanks for agreeing to help, just let us know of anything you find."
"Of course," Noire said as she finished the call.
"Sounds like RWBY needs us," Tucker remarked, "What's the deal with them this time?"
"Terrorist organization," Noire said, "Called the Tetra, attacked Vale a couple of months ago."
"Oh yeah I was part of the defense while that attack was going on," Tucker said, "So what are we going to do about them?"
"Well they seem to be connected to a guild of weapons manufacturers so probably start with them," Noire said then with a smirk and a wink, "Are you looking for a new gun?"
"What do you not like this one," Tucker asked as he waved at himself. "We passed Rayon back there in the square, he can give us a lift." The Fanus and the Spartan both turned around and headed back towards their Leviathan friend. It only took them a few minutes to get back to Rayon who was snoozing soundly in the shade of a large tree. His red power armor made it easy to wake Rayon though as Noire only had to knock once on his helmet to wake the sleeping dragon.
"Wow that is louder than I thought it would be," Rayon remarked after shaking his head, "Hey Tucker, hey Noire what's with using me as a gong?"
"Sorry if it was loud," Noire said, "We didn't hear much of anything so the noise must have been from the suit itself..."
"This suite can get hit with all sorts of debris while I fly and not echo like that, what did you do smack me with Cat's Tail," Rayon asked as he looked at the chain whip that was still in Noire's hand. Noire sheepishly put the weapon back on her back and smiled.
"We need a ride," Tucker said, "We need to reach RWBY in Vacuo. Also if you want to get in on finding and taking out a terrorist organization then this is your chance."
"Is this the same one that attacked us a few months back," Rayon asked.
"Yes," Noire said.
"Get on then," Rayon said, "Let's go get these guys."
"You were easy to convince," Noire remarked as she and Tucker got on Ray's back.
"Yeah well I also need some targets to test a new variant of the lightning inferno that Diablo and I have been working on," Rayon replied before he took off. Conversation during flight on dragon back are not easy to carry so the three made the trip over the sea in silence. An hour later and they had arrived at the building complex that the RCOME was taking place in. Blake met them at the gate with passes as part of Rewind Inc's team.
"Glad you could make it so quickly," Blake said, "There have already been three attempts to cause panic. We've been able to keep the peace but we can't actively counterattack Tetra. You three can, before you start that though Weiss has some Dust vials for Cat's Tail that you might find useful. I'd recommend talking to her and then talking to Chloe, she has been gathering the most information on Tetra and her and Max have a board set up inside the booth with all the evidence we have on them right now."
"Why do we need evidence to counterattack guys with bombs," Tucker asked.
"Because they are not bombs per say," Blake said, "What we are facing is a variety of agents, one had Aura piercing ammunition, another had an inferno grenade, another was a cyborg. The approach varies but they are all looking to achieve the same result. So far Rewind Inc and us have been able to stop these agents but we want you to take the fight back to them and their supporters."
"Who are the supporters," Noire asked.
"The Guild for one and if there are any others we don't know about them yet," Blake said as the four arrived at Rewind Inc's booth.
"Noire, here," Weiss said as she came over from the Schnee exhibit. Weiss handed Noire a box that had several vials of Dust in it, fire, ice, electric, speed, healing, etc. "These are some of the best refined Dusts you can get. Use them with care."
"Thank you Weiss," Noire said as she heard about the refinement level. "If that is truly super refined fire dust... I could blow up this entire building with this stuff."
"Rayon, Tucker, Noire over here," Ruby called as she waved the three over to the back of Rewind Inc's booth. The three nodded to Weiss as they headed over to Ruby, Knarf, Max and Chloe.
"Sup guys," Tucker asked as they met up.
"Well it looks like two of the monopolistic businesses here are backing the Tetra," Knarf answered, "The Weapons Guild and the Consortium of Motor Vehicle Manufactures. I suppose both feel threatened by the rise of popularity of Fanus Labor, particularly Fanus labor that is skilled in airship and spaceship construction."
"And DC conveniently helped to create a large pool of workers with just such skill sets," Rayon remarked, "Via the White Fang, Barry and Elisa..."
"Good one scales," Chloe stated, "We've got an ID for who we this is the next agent to go active. A presenter here named Kevin Colsetty. He is a repair man with the Consortium and his official shift ends in ten minutes."
"Here is the odd thing," Ruby piped up, "Everyone else on his shift goes home as soon as it is finished but, Kevin has a pass for the entire day."
"The same set up was used for the last three agents that have been sent to disrupt things," Max clarified, "That is why we suspect Kevin."
"So you want us to go intercept him," Noire asked.
"Right," Yang said, "Good luck finding him though, I've already looked around most of the show floor and I don't see him. The guy is short, just a little taller than Neo. He's got a tan-brown complexion, bald, green eyes, and the staff said he was wearing a red shirt and black slacks with a black leather belt and a black tie."
"Yang how did you know that," Ruby asked.
"I might have 'talked' with some of Kevin's co-workers when they were leaving," Yang said.
"Yang," Blake started.
"I was careful," Yang said in her defense, "I know we can't go threatening people here, it was just talking and Junior might have bought them all drinks."
"Information broker for the win," Chloe stated, "Now off you three go we need to know if this is the next agent or if we need to start looking somewhere else and if so where. We probably don't have much time either."
"Got it," Tucker said, "I've done plenty of things where we don't know what needs to be done but whatever it is it needs to be done fast. We've got this."
"... Really," Knarf asked, "That is the line you choose to go with? Okay cool off you go see you on the other side." With that he snapped his fingers and a rift to his storage dimension opened which Knarf stepped through.
"Right," Rayon said, "Where is the closest Consortium booth?" Max, Chloe, Rube and Yang all pointed down the exhibit hall to a huge sign that had 'CMVM' on it. "Oh... okay we'll be back with your guy in five." With that Noire, Tucker and Rayon headed for the Consortium exhibit.
"Okay I'll go up front and draw attention," Ray said, "You two have a plan yet?"
"Well break into their make shift office for starters," Noire said, "You'll know when we are finished." Ray nodded and split off from the pair as they moved to head around the back of the exhibit. "Okay Babe, I'll get the door unlocked and guard it, you figure out a way to get this Kevin's attention."
"Easy," Tucker said as Noire picked the lock and let herself and Tucker in. "Oh sweet a loud speaker system."
"Do you think that will work," Noire asked.
"Eh worth a shot," Tucker said as he picked up the microphone, "Kevin, calling Kevin, come to the office of the Consortium exhibit … quickly."
"... … … Eh seems legit," Noire stated.
"You know I thought so to," Tucker said.
"Hey, it looks like it worked a guy that matches Yang's description is heading over here," Noire said as she kept an eye out from the door. "He looks... unsettled." Noire backed up from the door to allow for Kevin to enter as he got closer.
"What are you calling me here for," Kevin said as the man entered an closed the door behind him. He had not actually looked into the room yet so did not notice that Noire and Tucker were the ones in the room. "You know I only have five minutes of opportunity to strike at the Schnees..."
"Tell me you recorded that," Noire said.
"Oh you bet I did," Tucker said.
"What who are," Kevin exclaimed as he spun around. He froze when he saw Noire and Tucker.
"By all means keep talking," Noire said as she slid up to Kevin and pressed him against the door with Cat's Tail.
"Yeah who told you to strike at Weiss' family," Tucker asked.
"This will end badly for you all," Kevin said as he kept his eyes locked on Noire's. Suddenly Max was beside Noire and had pushed her hand so that Cat's Tail's blade had stabbed through Kevin's left hand. Kevin hissed and dropped a detonator which Max quickly grabbed.
"That was close," Max said, "Suicide bomber, we can probably use his equipment to trace who is behind the Tetra movement, or at least track one of them."
"Tetra," Kevin asked, "Ha ha you think this is about Tetra? They are but pawns, soon all will see the power of our order."
"Come on let's get him out of here," Noire said.
"I've got that covered," Knarf said as his dimension opened up beside Tucker. "Toss him on in." Noire happily obliged before everyone headed out to regroup at Rewind Inc's booth. Knarf was already back at the booth with Kevin tied to a chair in the back and gagged.
"That was … surprisingly quick," Rayon remarked, "Did you get any information our of him?"
"No but we handed the bomb and it's trappings to Weiss who is having some of her people take a look at it," Blake said.
"Wait you helped interrogate," Noire started.
"Don't," Blake interrupted, "Just … don't. If you are truly a piece of another me then you should know that I am not proud of what I once was but if the skills I learned while with the White Fang can help protect my friends …"
Noire interrupted her counterpart, "Then that is what you are doing. You're looking out for your friends, your team and the people of this convention." Noire put her hand on Blake's shoulder. "You are not a monster."
"True," Rayon said, "Neither, it seems, is Knarf. I am though so let me get the information we seek from this scum."
"Hey don't beat yourself up," Tucker said, "You're one of the best people I know."
"I am fear made manifest, like Diablo or Carter," Rayon replied with a wink, "I can be as monstrous as your imagination can make me."
"Clever," Warren remarked as he and Weiss came over, "But unnecessary."
"We were able to determine the origin of the bomb," Weiss said, "With help from Mr. Long. It seems that the bomb comes from a particular section of the Guild that is run by a woman named Vidal Duncelt. She also happens to be a leader of the consortium, particularly the Labor and Industry Board Chair."
"But the real kicker is she was elected to both positions about three months ago," Warren finished, "Just a bit before the attack on Barry and Elisa and not long after your defeat of the Magog here."
"Okay so we know who the puppet is," Knarf remarked, "Now who is holding the strings?"
"You really think that someone is controlling Duncelt," Tucker asked.
"It seems highly unlikely that the Magog would be able to take direct control of someone who was already in the position to receive such promotions," Knarf said, "But if it was, say, taken in by a close adviser or perhaps even a subordinate then by helping Vidal they place themselves in a position that is both out of the public eye and has power. The perfect match up for a Magog that is building it's power base."
"Sounds reasonable," Blake remarked. "But if Cinder's possession is any example then Magog's don't have to work in the back grounds to be effective. We should keep an eye on both Vidal and her support staff."
"Dibs on Vidal," Chloe pipped up.
"Then we will look at her support staff and advisers," Ruby said as her scroll rang, "Oh hold on a second." Ruby took the call answering with a, "Hi Dad," as she walked a bit away from the group.
"Okay so our next step will be finding Vidal and her people," Jayne said, "Anyone have any ideas?"
"According to Dad Vidal isn't at RCOME," Ruby said as she rejoined the group, "She's been bed ridden for the past two months with an unknown illness."
"Magog's doing no doubt," Sun said, "But if Vidal isn't behind it and the suit was her's then..."
"Someone is using her position to their advantage," Noire said, "Someone with a Magog in them. … Weiss where is the Consortium's word headquarters?"
"The island of Vytal," Weiss said, "They keep the arena for the tournament up and running in between festivals. Wait why don't you know that?"
"Just because I come from another Remnant doesn't mean everything is the same," Noire said, "For one Yang's ability on my world is she can create a fissure to the center of the earth and call forth lava dragons to destroy everything around her for a hundred miles."
"I can do what," Yang asked in amazement, "Wow."
"You also never got with Junior, or any guy for that matter because of that ability," Noire remarked, "either way Tucker and I are heading to Vytal to talk with Vidal and see who might have taken her place while she was incapacitated. You all stay here in case of more excitement. We will let you know what we find out."
"Okay sounds good," Blake said, "Be careful you two."
"That won't be a problem," Knarf said, "I'm going with them. After all they will need a ride and I've got on in my pocket." Knarf opened his Dimension back up and a light weight helicopter appeared before them. "Get in."
"You know that we don't have the best record with vehicles right," Tucker asked as he and Noire got in.
"That's what the parachutes are for," Knarf said as he powered up the chopper and the three headed out into the sky.
"Hey does he know how to fly this thing," Noire asked.
"I think so," Tucker replied, "That is how RWBY got to RCOME in the first place." The flight took them back across the ocean to the island of Vytal. Noire was woken up by the jolt of the Helicopter landing.
"Huh, oh right, Vidal on Vytal," Noire said as she got up and exited the chopper. "How long did I sleep?"
"Only about three hours," Tucker said, "That chopper is fast."
"Right," Noire said, "Okay where is Vidal is she in some hospital or something?"
"According to Lao she is in her own place," Knarf said as he looked up from a Scroll. "It seems that Vidal is still doing what she can to run the Consortium even while dealing with this sickness. Her room is just above the Office of the Guild Ambassador. Shall we pay her a visit?"
"If she is sick they probably will not let strangers wander in and talk to her," Tucker said.
"Then we don't ask," Knarf said with a grin, "Come on I've got this." Noire and Tucker looked between each other and shrugged before following after Knarf. Knarf used his Scroll to guide them to the Word HQ of the Consortium. Knarf deftly put the Scroll away, straightened his scarf and shoved open the double doors to the main lobby. He we straight to the front desk and got the attention of a very nervous looking man behind the counter. "My associates and I are here to see Vidal Duncelt. Tell me is she feeling well enough for us today or will we have to come back again?"
"Uh I um I don't remember," the Clerk started.
"Of course not," Knarf stated, cutting the Clerk off. "How can you be expected to remember everything? Don't worry about it. We will just head up and if Ambassador Duncelt is not able to see us we will depart."
"I but sir you need a," the Clerk said.
"Pass," Knarf said as he held up a card with a magnetic strip on it, "I know. Good day." With that Knarf left a confused clerk at the desk while he waved for Noire and Tucker to follow him. Upon entering the elevator Knarf swiped the card and they were on their way up.
"So when did you swipe the Clerk's card," Noire asked.
"When I interrupted him," Knarf replied as he looked over the card, "It seems that Custodian Jonathan Williams needs to keep better track of his stuff." The elevator dinged and the three got off of it.
"Who is it," a voice asked from a chair that was turned away from them on the other side of the mostly empty room save for a few pieces of medical equipment and a wall of projections that whoever was in the chair, presumably Vidal, was looking at.
"Dragon Company members Knarf, Tucker and Noire," Knarf replied. "We're here about a Magog."
"Ah I see," Vidal said as she turned around in her chair. It was a chair that had built in medical equipment and controls for everything in the room. Vidal was of a medium height with deep brown skin and dazzling green eyes. "I wondered when you would come."
"If you expected us then you know that your Guild and your Consortium are engaged in problematic activities," Noire said, "What do you know?"
"Hey what if she is the Magog," Tucker said, "She could give us fake info."
"She is not," Knarf said, "I can sense that much. I can also sense that the Magog is not in this building, though I doubt it is unmonitored."
"True," Vidal said, "Most of this equipment, signal jammers disguised as medical supplies and the sickness, a ruse but one I have to play to perfection. The corruption of both my organizations goes to all but me. Your demon could be anyone in them but there are a few people like me with connections and power in both. If I send your team a list of names and positions will you all scratch my back, so to speak, by being my outlaw enforcers?"
"We strong arm the Guild and Consortium back into shape and you get us information," Noire asked, "That doesn't sound that bad."
"It's as good a deal as any," Knarf agreed.
"Send the list to Ruby Rose," Tucker said as he handed Vidal a Scroll. "Together we will figure this out."