"What was this, Ozpin?" shouted Nicholas Schnee, "I asked for hunters not novices!"

"As I said before, I have no hunters to spare. And considering that several ships were able to retreat safely whereas the convoys before suffered total losses, I'd say this was a marked improvement," said Ozpin, "Of course I could just refuse to assist if it is not to your liking."

"And I could order you to support us. But neither of us wants to create further conflict," Nicholas stood in front of the window, "I hope you now realize how critical this problem is. Without these dust shipments the project cannot continue."

"I must concur, though I must continue to express my opposition."

"It has been noted for several years now, but the alliance does not see it relevant," Nicholas clicked his pen, "So, will you give me hunters?"

"Not yet. We need to learn more about our enemy. Have the navies sent submarines to examine this beast?"

"Perhaps, but none have returned. The best we have are sonar images, but they are wracked with interference."

"What kind of interference."

Nicholas scribbled a frequency on a piece of paper. Ozpin glanced at the image and his eyes widened.

"I didn't think this was possible. How did they get a hold of this?"

Ruby plopped on to her bed, dressed in her black and pink pajamas. The stars were out and a cool wind blew through the window. Blake was reading in the corner again, while Weiss put on a facial mask.

"A whole night and we're not even one step closer to finding out what they want," Ruby sighed.

"We got a couple of things," said Weiss.

"But not the main motive or their purpose," said Blake, "Why are they working together? That's the important question. And every day we go wondering, they get closer and closer to their goal."

"Should we go around digging again?" Yang took the toothbrush out of her mouth, "We got Torchwick last time. Maybe we'll get lucky again."

"The Schnee Dust Company," said Blake, "That's our best lead. If we can access –"

"You mean if I can access," said Weiss, "If my family is mixed up in this, then there's no way that they would let me find out anything."

"Doesn't hurt to try," said Ruby, "Let's head out tomorrow. Worst case we end up right back at square one."

RWBY began its day as usual with a small breakfast and several boring classes. The afternoon was a different affair. With many of the professors and hunters on missions or taking students on major assignments, the month would have many afternoons completely open. Armed and dressed in their usual garb the team made their way to the Schnee corporate offices.

The corporate tower was one of the largest buildings in Vale. The glass structure shined like a tower of ice. It construction made it like a crystal. The sunlight beamed through the glass but not a shadow touched the ground below. Inside was a more impressive sight. Two extravagant silver fountains with statues of angels and heroes flanked the main reception. A crystalline spiral double stair case led up to a few offices and meeting areas. The black desk was attended to by a receptionist dressed in white with pearl earrings. Behind her the Schnee Company crest was proudly displayed like a war banner.

"Oh, hello Ms. Schnee," said the receptionist, "We weren't aware you were coming. Did you have urgent business?"

"Not exactly. I need access to the company records and archives."

"You have access already."

"I mean to the high executive files. The ones my father sees."

She shook her head, "Those are restricted specifically for your father and those he trusts. Unfortunately you are not on this list yet."

"Did you forget who I am?" said Weiss with pompous authority, "I could have you fired in an instant. No questions asked."

"And your father will reinstate me," she countered, "Have you forgotten who he is?"

Weiss grit her teeth, "Well girls, it looks like we won't get anywhere here. Unless one of you is an expert hacker."

"Weiss? Weiss, is that you?" called a woman's voice.

A young woman with the same porcelain skin and blue eyes of Weiss walked up to them. She tied her long, snow white hair into a pair of twin tails that came down to her waist in ringlets. A tight black suit, accented with white and a frost blue necktie gave her an appearance of sophistication and intelligence. Snowflake crests were subtly woven into the fabric in grey thread. The silver watch on her left wrist ticked away the seconds. Unlike Weiss, who seemed cold and harsh, she gave off a refreshingly cool aura.

"It is you," she said excitedly, "I thought you'd still be at Beacon. Did father summon you?"

"We have the afternoon off, Winter."

"Just call me, sis, sis," Winter giggled.

"Well… sis… we're here on our own business."

"Ahem," Ruby nudged Weiss.

"Oh, and these are my friends and teammates, Ruby, Yang, and Blake."

Winter bowed slightly, "Pleasure to meet all of you. I hope she isn't giving you too much trouble on your field assignments. She was always quick witted and full of knowledge, but… well, need I say more?"

"Huh? She's actually really good in the field," said Ruby, "Actually on our last mission she pulled off some pretty amazing stuff."

"Oh really? That's great to hear. So, back to my last question, did father call you?"

Weiss shook her head, "No. Why would he call me?"

"That's a shame. I was hoping we could spend some time together again. Even if it would be just business," she looked at her watch, "Sorry, I have to get going. Call me, alright? We'll grab a bite. You can bring your friends."

"Hey, maybe she can help us," whispered Blake.

"It's a long shot but there's not much to lose," Weiss tapped her sister on the shoulder, "Sis, could you help me with something?"

Winter looked intrigued.

"I was wondering if you could let me into the archives, the top shelf items dad sees."

Winter smiled, "Sis, you know the rules. Only those dad wants to see those items can see them. I'm sorry, but I won't let you see them. Dad will let you see them when he thinks you're ready. Don't worry."

"So you have access. You know what he's doing," said Blake, "You know what the dust is for."

Winter put a finger to her lips, smiled, and winked, "That's classified."

RWBY returned to Beacon without so much as a hint. The trail was getting colder and colder. As they approached the school, several aircraft began landing on the many pads. Students began filing out as faculty staff handled their luggage. The students were dressed in grey shirts with darker grey neckties. Men wore white pants. Women wore dark grey skirts with matching leggings and black knee-high boots.

"What's Atlas doing here?" asked Blake.

"Another tourney?" suggested Ruby, "But why didn't we hear of anything."

Yang shrugged, "Well, I'm sure we'll find out soon enough. Hey! There's CFVY! They're back!"

Velvet and her team hopped out of a VTOL with team CRDL in tow. CFVY seemed perfectly normal, and in good spirits. CRDL was another story. The very spirit seemed to have been sucked out of them. Dull, lifeless eyes glanced aimlessly around them. Their clothing was dirty and stained with salt water. When they walked it was like they were zombies.

"What happened to them?" Yang asked Velvet.

"Mission gone bad," said Velvet, "They'll get over it… eventually."

"Going to be honest here, I'm kind of glad they broke."

"I'm sure a lot of people feel that way," Velvet held back a smile, "I'll see you guys later alright? Maybe we can hit up Red Velvet."

"Sure thing," said Ruby.

"Excuse me," said an Atlas student, "Would you happen to know where Professor Potts office is?"

"Uhh… yeah," said Ruby, "See that tall building over there? He'll be on the tenth floor, room 1010. Hey, mind if I ask you something? Why are all of you here? Is there a tourney or something?"

She shook her head, "This kind of sprung up on us too. Apparently we're doing an exchange for the next month or so."

"An exchange?" said Blake, "This couldn't have come at a worse time."

"But General Ironwood is from Atlas right? And we know he's connected," said Weiss, "And the Schnee Corporate Head office is there."

Yang jumped in, "So we ask daddy dearest –"

"Daddy won't help us," said Weiss, "But we might be able to finagle our way in."

Ruby gave Weiss a perplexed look, "Finagle?"

"Shut up. Anyway, we'll have two options when we get there. More than we have here at the moment."

The team nodded.

"Attention students, attention students," said Glynda in a campus announcement, "Will all second year Beacon Academy students please assemble in the main auditorium. Again, all second year students to the main auditorium."

The students had gathered into the auditorium and then into their little teams and groups. Beacon was abuzz with rumours.

"Jaune! Over here!"

"Hey! Guys, they're over here," Jaune led his team over, "Any idea what this is about?"

Ruby shook her head, "The folks from Atlas were saying it's an exchange. But this is the first we've heard of it."

Ozpin took the stage and tapped the microphone. The room went silent. Every eye fixed on the grand master.

"Students, being a hunter is more than just slaying grimm in the woods, or stalking beasts in the outskirts. It is more than trophies, glory, and fame. Being a hunter is to be a defender of the world. To stand against the darkness and carry forth the light," Ozpin smirked, "Or so my predecessors would say. Undoubtedly you have noticed that several friends from Atlas have arrived. Tomorrow comrades from Mistral. This is all a part of a joint program with the academies throughout Remnant.

"Our grand exchange, if you will. At the end of the week, you will depart to the farthest corners of civilization. There you will take part in their operations, missions, and assignments while learning to cooperate with peoples whose cultures may be vastly different from yours. For those of you that have had your field assignment already, this may seem all too familiar. For those that have not, have faith in your skills and your team. A true hunter does not remain in their own safe grounds. They go forward to unknown lands, to unseen horizons, and return stronger, faster, and wiser. This is the beginning of your grand adventure."

And with that, Ozpin left in his signature style. In complete silence and with a cold breeze, like a shadow in autumn. Glynda Goodwitch took his place. She tapped on her data pad and began rattling off teams and destinations.

"So we're off again, eh?" smiled Nora, "Hey, Pyrrha, you're from Mistral right? If we go there can you take us to all the great food places? And the tourist traps? Oh! And the romantic scenes?"

"Yeah… sure," said Pyrrha nervously, "I guess it would be… nice to see home again."

"Personally, I'd rather go to Atlas," said Ren with his arms crossed.

"Any reason in particular?" asked Nora out of simple curiosity.

Ren shook his head.

"How about you, girls?" said Jaune.

"Preferably Atlas," said Weiss, "I have unfinished business there."

Jaune got a little closer, "What kind of business?"

"Business, business."

"Schnee Company HQ is there," said Yang, "And with Schee HQ comes Daddy Morebucks."

"Oh, so it's a family visit. I bet that'll be nice," Jaune drifted away for a moment, "And top class. Guys, let's try to Atlas so we can mooch off of RWBY."

"I like your thinking!" exclaimed Nora.

"Team RWBY and Team JNPR," Glynda announced, "You will be headed together to Atlas. Report to General Ironwood on arrival."

"Looks like we all got our wish," said Yang.

Pyrrha looked relieved, "Indeed."

"Alright!" said Nora, "Let's plan our vacations in Atlas!"

Ren shook his head, "Nora, we'll be there to work not – whoa!"

Nora grabbed Ren's arm and bolted out of the room. Ren's normally stoic face flashed with terror when she pulled him off his feet. The others laughed and followed the pair back to the dorms.

The week went by fairly quickly. Lessons and assignments piled high in the professors' desperate attempts to fulfil the curriculum before their students disappeared again. RWBY and JNPR rushed through the papers, anticipation fueling their all-nighters. By evening Friday night, they were all prepared. Small bags were the order of the day. A pair of spare clothing and three days of rations. A month long mission to a far off country surely warranted a more extensive detail of supplies and clothing. But experience and hard lessons were hard to give up. Their last assignment lasted several days in the woods and much of the extra baggage they brought was lost or was left behind.

The same landing pads were filled with aircraft and students. Cars and trucks zipped around below ferrying others to the ports. RWBY and JNPR were directed to the same pad. The pilots and crew ushered them into their seats. The aircraft bellowed like a beast as it climbed into the sky. A massive boom echoed as the VTOL sped off to Atlas.

Ruby peeked out of the windows as the long flight drew to an end. A city of neon and steel loomed before them. Hundreds of sky scrapers reached into the sky and extended further with tall, beeping antennae. Company logos competed for the eyes of the people below. Drones and small aircraft zipped between the towers, while people walked around the busy cars and streets. Shadows cast by the buildings made thick shadows on the ground below. The shadows were so thick and dark that the night never ended on the ground. Highways spiralled around and through the buildings connecting everything to a network of asphalt and concrete. Smaller bridges for people crossed the abysses, cutting across and over the highways.

"Attention, attention," said a mechanical voice, "You are entering a high traffic airspace. Please activate your transponder."

A pair of large drones and a fighter appeared beside their aircraft. The pilot flipped a few switches and answered the hail. The mechanical voice acknowledged and the drones disengaged.

"Proceed to the following coordinates," said the fighter pilot, "I will be your escort."

The VTOL followed the fighter through the city skyline and ascended above. Signal men waved the VTOL down to the landing pad on the tallest tower in the city. The pentagonal tower was more of an obelisk. Black metal climbed up the exterior with white bands differentiating the floors. One-way glass served as windows. Around the tower's crown four holographic symbols circled: a large grey star in a blue circle, a white shark on an orange shield, an angel wielding a lightning bolt and sword, and a cutlass crossed with a rifle.

As RWBY and JNPR disembarked they were greeted by a peculiar person. It was far too tall, standing at seven feet, and far too slender. Its arms and legs were like twigs. The black pants and blue clothes were so tight they seemed to be painted onto his body. He wore the standard issue helmet of the Atlas military forces. The goggles hid its eyes behind green glowing glass.

"Team RWBY, team JNPR," it said in a monotone voice, "Leave your bags here. This way."

It moved stiffly into the building. RWBY and JNPR walked down a long, well lit hallway which branched into several crooked hallways. The passed by several common rooms: the common kitchen, a recreational room, a small sitting area, and a pub. Men and women dressed in smart suits walked in and out of the hallways, disappearing around one corner to reappear from a different one entirely. Their stiff host led them through the maze and into the elevators.

DING!

The elevator stopped at the second highest floor of the tower. Each office was an entire suite on its own. Everything was conspicuously silent.

"This is the general's office," it said, "Please wait until he calls us."

The stranger snapped to attention beside the door. The teams tried to keep themselves busy with nonchalant things. Conversations tended to die after the first sentence.

"Ruby, what are you doing?"

Ruby pressed her ear up to the door, "Just wondering what he's up to."

"Uhh… don't you think that'll make our friend angry?" Jaune pointed to their escort.

The green glow of the glass had subsided. It was perfectly still seemingly oblivious to everything around it.

"He doesn't seem to mind," said Yang joining her sister.

"WHAT DO YOU MEAN WE CAN'T ACT?"

Ironwood's voice thundered through the door.

"You endeavors to keep our country safe and secure is admirable, but this falls under the jurisdiction of law enforcement," said a shady male voice.

"You would also be wise to remember who you are speaking to," said a female voice, "Your repeated outbursts and disrespect will not be tolerated for much longer."

"I apologize," said Ironwood, "But we are running out of time. Every second we waste, the terrorists plot advances. We need to take a platoon of soldiers and storm their base of operations. Immediately."

"General, you are a very capable commander on the battlefield," said the woman, "But this is an internal affair. Turn your attention to our enemies abroad and we shall focus on the enemies within."

"By the time you get your warrants and directives this internal affair may very well spark an international incident. Let the military take command. We can do what you cannot. We'll wipe out this threat before –"

"A military intervention against its own citizens? Have you gone mad? This is not frontline where you can deploy your weapon!" said the male, "If it is like your great victory the casualties will be horrendous. And will mostly be innocent lives."

"You are out of line, counterpart," said the female, "That was not Ironwood's fault. The tribunal attributed that horrendous crime to the creator who misled our brave general."

"Perhaps. Ironwood. The rule of law must prevail over security lest we become a tyranny. And yes, your brash bravado and regular shows of force are the shadows of a growing tyranny. This is an order. Stand down. If we need you we shall call for you. Understood?"

The general was silent.

"Understood, general?" said the female firmly, sternly, and threateningly.

"Understood. We will be on standby."

"No. You will stand down."

"Idiots," muttered Ironwood, "Send them in."

Their escort came back to life and opened the door. General Ironwood sat behind a massive black desk with a red cloth top. Seven hologram projectors glowed around the edge of his desk. A pair of Atlas banners stood behind him. The white halberd imposed on a white gear popped out of the field of black. Between the flags was a large shelf filled with datapads. Old paper books were on the highest shelf. Tactics, strategy, and history were the predominant theme, but a few self-help books also caught the eye. In the centre, proudly displayed like a shrine, was a display case filled with medals and ribbons for valour, courage, and unbending loyalty. Faux windows were on either side of the room projecting images of a calm summer meadow.

"Thank you, D3Q1. Return to your duties."

"As you wish," it said marching out of the room.

"General Ironwood, Professor Goodwitch told us to speak with you as soon as we arrived," said Pyrrha.

"Yes, the exchange," said Ironwood, "Well, the team you were to work with is currently out on assignment. They should be back within the week."

"So what are we to do in the mean time?" asked Jaune.

"I suggest you take this time to get your bearings. Atlas can be a very confusing place to new visitors."

"But what about classes?" asked Weiss.

"Those have been cancelled for the day to accommodate incoming exchange students' arrivals. Don't worry, the hard times will come soon enough," Ironwood flipped through the holographic images, "I suggest you explore the lower levels. Most of your classes will be there."

A ring eliminated from his desk. The holograms flickered and displayed a business card. Ironwood glared at the teams.

"Please excuse me. I have very important business to attend to."

As RWBY and JNPR were leaving, Ironwood swiped across the hologram. An image of a man with white hair slowly began to appear. Ironwood waited until the door was closed and a full minute after before speaking.

"General Ironwood, is everything prepared?"

"Not yet, Nicholas. I need one more week."

"This shipment has been delayed for far too long. Mistral will not look kindly on this delay. And my profit margins shrink with every passing day."

"Would you rather I sent them out to sea alone?"

"Hrmph. Fine, but I trust you procured me a more reliable escort."

"I've provided nothing. This is Ozpin's work."

"Ozpin? You've convinced him to give me hunters?"

Ironwood smirked, "Not quite."

"So… I guess we should all head down to the lower levels," suggested Jaune.

Weiss glanced at Ruby, "You guys go ahead. We have some business to deal with."

"Let's meet back up at the dorms later tonight," said Ruby.

"But how are we going to mooch off you guys if you aren't with us?" asked Nora, "Oof!"

Ren elbowed Nora in the gut, "Alright, we'll meet you later."

The two teams departed from the large building, descending dozens of floors for several silent minutes. RWBY stepped out on the fiftieth floor, where the building meets the main highway. Cars sped across the entrance and darted in and out of a small area, picking up and dropping off passengers. Weiss walked up to a control panel and typed in the holographic keys.

"Your vehicle will arrive in ten seconds," said the panel.

Before anyone had a chance to utter a question, a white car with opaque black windows stopped in front of them. It was shaped like a rain drop with hollow wheels. Ruby and the others were astonished by the driverless car. Weiss stepped into the back with the black leather seats with white trim. Champagne and wine slipped out between the seats on a silver tray.

"Destination: Schnee Company Headquarters," said the car as they piled in, "No traffic accidents or delays on route. Approximate time to destination: fifteen minutes. I am Ava, and will be your driver today. Please enjoy the ride. Admiral Automotive Corporation appreciates your business."

The car accelerated silently and sped off across the winding, overlapping roads. The shadows grew thicker. The eeriness of the dim light brought memories of the Banshee Mountains flashing back through their minds. The unending shades of grey and the few beams of sunlight that broke through the canopy. The headquarters of the Schnee Dust Company was identical to the offices in Vale. Around the tower, advertisements flashed every minute, broken only by the ever rising stock price of the firm.

"Faunus rights! Equal work for equal pay! Faunus rights! Eight hour day! Faunus rights! Safety and security! Faunus rights!"

A massive crowd had gathered before the headquarters. Picket signs and red flags waved over their heads. Faunus of every type were taking part in the protest, though a few humans were mixed in as well. Schnee security stood at the ready on the upper floors. The officers were constantly in contact with their superiors. Police had surrounded the entrance and equipped riot gear. Red and blue lights flashed. Journalists jumped out of vans with cameras ready.

RWBY's car stopped in front of a police blockade. A human officer put his hand on his holster and walked to the back of the car.

"I suggest you turn around girls. It's not safe."

"What's going on?" asked Blake.

"Just a labour rights protest," he said as if it was a regular occurrence, "Sprung up about ten minutes ago. Where are you headed? I can program a new route into your vehicle."

Weiss moved forward, "I'm Weiss Schnee. Nicholas Schnee is my father. I have business with him. Let us pass."

The officer stepped back and talked into his radio. He glanced over his shoulder and fixed his eyes on Weiss. After a few moments, he nodded and waved one of his comrades over. The police along the perimeter made a small opening but refused to take any other action. The officer walked back and shook his head.

"Our orders are not to take any action until this becomes a full blown riot. Peaceful Faunus protest bullshit excuse. We'll let you through, but you're on your own when you get into the crowd. I suggest you stay in your vehicle no matter what."

"Don't worry," said Yang, "We can hold out own."

"Blake, are you okay with this?" asked Ruby.

"I'll be fine."

"Ava, proceed forward at walking pace," said Weiss, "Right up to the door."

"Understood, Ms. Schnee."

The car slowly crept forward into the crowd. The crowd stepped back from the vehicle. Piercing glares shot straight into the black windows. They began shouting and chanting against whoever was inside. Several burly gorilla men jumped in front of the car and braced. Ava stopped the car and began broadcasting a warning to the people.

"Faunus rights! Faunus rights!"

The crowd started to rock the car back and forth. Ruby and the others gripped the seats and handles. Ava continued to state her warnings. The gorilla men lifted the front of the car and threatened to roll it over.

Weiss sighed, "Ruby get ready to open the door."

"Are you nuts?"

Weiss spun the cylinder on her sword, "Just do it."

Ruby forced the door open. The protesters pushed and shoved to get into the car. Their hands reached in. Icy spray exploded out of the car and threw back the protesters. Weiss stepped out of the car with a powerful stance. She slashed her sword across the air. Glyphs and runes appeared on the ground.

"What are you going?" asked Blake angrily.

"Making an opening."

The glyphs became brighter and brighter. Its intense glow frightened most of the crowd. A small path began to form through the sea.

"Let's go!" ordered Weiss as she ran.

"Wait for me!" hollered Ruby.

The crowd didn't dare to step on the glyphs. They hurled rocks and stones and garbage at the girls. Three gorilla men were braver. They cut off Blake and cracked their knuckled. She raised her swords up and flourished her skills. The men didn't flinch.

"Get back!" she said sternly, "I don't want to hurt you. Let me pass."

They refused to listen. They threw punches and kicks, and tried to grapple Blake into the ground. She dodged the slow attacks and jumped over the attackers.

"Stop it! You're not helping the cause by hurting people!"

"Shut up, corporate dog!"

The largest man raised both of his fists and roared. Frost crept over his back and around his arms. His swing became slower until he froze in spot. A gentle tap and he fell over, stiff as a board.

"Weiss, why did you do that?" demanded Blake.

Weiss kept walking toward the office. The mob started to give her a much wider birth. Ruby and Yang were sticking close to their friend. Their weapons still holstered. Weiss twirled her sword around nonchalantly.

"He'll defrost in the next hour or so," She stepped out of the crowd and onto the steps of the building, "Welcome to Atlas and Schnee Company HQ. Nothing has changed a bit."

The same interior greeted RWBY. The giant crest of the Schnee Corporation hung on a prod banner. The spiral staircases to the second floor. An identical receptionist sat behind the black desk. Security officers gathered around the floor. Many were Schnee men, but there were also a few squads from other corporations. Everyone was on edge, expecting the protesters to become more violent and storm the building.

"I assure you Mr. Smith. You are completely safe in this tower. This is nothing more than one of the many union protests you experience. They shall disperse given time."

Nicholas Schnee sat in a brown lounge chair with a steaming cup of coffee. Three other executives sat with him. One was dressed in a brown overcoat and heavy black trousers. Another dressed in a blue suit with a dark red shirt and blue tie. The last was imposing with steel eyes and circuits breaking through his skin. He dressed in blacks and greys, contrasting Mr. Schnee's white suit.

"Perhaps, but our unions are not associated with terrorists," said the steel man, "The White Fang may very well be outside those doors inciting the crowd to assault."

"I pray they do, Mr. Smith," said Nicholas, "That would give the military and police all the reason they need to intervene and eradicate this inconvenience. But no, these are merely dogs whose bark is worse than their bite. Now, I suggest we return to the board room and continue our negotiations. Let us make something productive while we are forced to remain in this building."

Nicholas Schnee stood up and glanced over to the girls walking in. Weiss was demanding to speak with her father. The receptionist was unyielding in her refusal.

"Excuse me one movement," said Nicholas, "I have a matter that requires my immediate attention."

Nicholas walked up to the reception. RWBY stopped harassing the clerk and fixed their eyes on the Weiss' hard father. The receptionist bowed her head and averted her eyes.

"You are supposed to inform me of all important visitors arriving today," Nicholas said to the receptionist, "If you cannot do your job properly, I will find someone who can."

"It's not her fault," said Weiss, "We came unannounced."

"I see. Why are you here? Are you finally going to take part in this company? Or are you after another allowance?" he sneered.

"We're actually here for something else," interjected Yang, "A look at your archives and old files."

"Who is this? Why is she speaking to me?"

"This is Yang," said Weiss, "And Ruby and Blake. They're my hunter team."

"I hope Weiss is leading you well."

"Oh no, I'm the team leader," said Ruby.

Mr. Schnee shot Weiss a cold look, "Disappointing, but not unexpected. Now what is this about my archives? This better be serious. As you can tell I have a much more pressing matter to deal with."

"We know you're dealing with General Ironwood. Which means the Schnee Dust Company is supplying large amounts of dust to the Atlas military," said Blake.

"This is not unusual. As a matter of fact, many corporations deal with the Atlas military. They don't manufacture their own equipment you know. The defense contracts of Schnee are no secret. We even have contracts with Mistral and Vale as well."

"But the amounts you're sending are far above the legal limits."

"The law is for a limit of refined dust. The type that can readily be used for military purposes. The dust we are shipping is raw. If Atlas were to refine it, as they do, the amount is far, far below the legal limit."

"But those nations haven't been harassed by the White Fang," said Blake, "Only the Schnee shipments to Atlas have been targeted."

Mr. Schnee rolled his eyes, "The White Fang are barbaric terrorists. Who can truly understand what those mongrels are thinking. A decade ago, our convoys to the outer settlements were their targets. Which was rather peculiar since those settlements were primarily Faunus. But animals will do as animals do."

Blake clenched her fists tighter with every word that crossed his lips. Her eyes narrowed. It took every effort to keep her mouth from contorting into a scowl. And even more effort to keep from ripping out his throat. Yang put a hand on her shoulder. Blake let out a slow breath and calmed down.

Mr. Schnee looked at his watch, "Of all the times for your sister to be out of the country. I refuse to let you access those records."

"But we need to –"

"If you want them you will have to work for them."

"Alright, dad. I'll –"

"Mr. Schnee," he snarled, "In public I am 'Mr. Schnee'. Now, if you manage to disperse that crowd I shall consider giving you access to a few of those files."

"And just how am I supposed to do that?" asked Weiss.

Mr. Schnee turned and walked toward his business.

"You are a Schnee. Figure it out," he began to mutter, "Why do I even bother with you?"