Hey there Pilots and welcome back to "We Gaze Upon the Shoulders of Giants!"

Now after the covert operation at the Dance we're nearing the end of Volume 2 and what we have in store for you guys after that will be when we get to some stuff I had planed for a long time! Now if you're a smart cookie, after this chapter won't be the end of Volume 2. But it will be in my next Upload cycle so don't worry, I will finish it.

Now if any of you guys are confused with the number of chapters, the one I deleted was merely a message to you guys regarding my father. If you haven't seen read chapter 20, stop here and quickly read that then come back here so you're all caught up.

After we do I'll give this story a bit of a break since me and jerejosh231 and I could use it after all these chapters we're pumping out. Now I hope you guys enjoy and I'll see ya down below!

Standby For Titanfall!

Chapter 21: Calm before the storm part 1

When morning came by I felt quite well rested after the Dance last night and the time with Yang as well, I had gotten out of bed and went into the bathroom to wake myself up with a shower. After I was refreshed I had gotten my Pilot gear strapped to my person and Glanced over at Fred who was still asleep, I let my buddy sleep since he deserves a good rest but I decided to leave him a message on his scroll to let him know where I was.

[Fred I'm heading off to see Ironwood soon. I know not the best activity but it's gotta be done, I'm showing him the Repulsor tower tech to him as a token of appreciation. Meet me outside the main hall 10 O'clock after the first years get assigned to their first missions, see ya then]

With the message sent I walked out of the room and went towards Ozpins office. However as I walked down the hallways I could overhear students talking about either their excitement for their first mission or talking about the dance from last night. I even hear my name and Yang's being in a conversation or two as I walked by them. I had then made it to the elevator to head up to see the headmaster but I then saw Ruby walk out.

"Connor?"

"Sup Ruby". I casually waved as I walked up to her. "So what are you in there for? Just outta curiosity". I asked her.

"Ozpin, and the General wanted to me to tell them if there was anything about the woman I fought last night". She answered, but gave me a look that Fred might be familiar with. "But I get the feeling you know about that already".

"Guilty as charged". I smiled as I put a hand up. "Anyway, you should head back to your team, today you'll get your first mission and you don't wanna be late. I gotta go up there for Militia business".

"Not easy is it being the General of your own army huh?" Ruby asked.

"Yea not easy. Anyway I'll see ya later Rubes". I bid farewell as I ruffled her hair and entered the elevator heading up towards the office. "Hope Ironwood has calmed down". I muttered as the doors then opened and made myself known. "Well I hope we've all cooled off from last time". I said aloud.

"Mister Camerone, glad you could joins us". Ozpin greeted.

"Well, that makes one of us". I muttered. "Anyway, as promised I have the tech in my possession and now we can get back to what we were discussing last time. Without regarding my personnel with disrespect". I said with a straight face directing that last bit at James. I then walked up to Oz's desk and put my Data pad on it and showed a 3D projection of the Repulsor tower.

"This here is a Repulsor tower, it's mean to keep wildlife away from areas from critical locations. In other words the Kingdoms". I explained. "Now it's inaudible to human ears, but Grimm won't get within the borders of the kingdoms. Think of it as a way of telling them, 'don't come any closer'". I finished as the three of them inspected the Hologram.

"I must say, this is quite the level of engineering. Can it modified for any other purposes?" James asked as I quickly glanced at the other two adults present.

"Why?" I asked with a raised brow while crossing my arms.

"This could be the answer to the problems we've been having with the White Fang-," "Don't you mean Faunus?" I interrupted him. "I never said that-," "But it can be implied to. And if I find out you do try to do what I think you're doing? I'll have the entire Militia fleet on your front door. Kapeesh?" I warned him and he merely nodded after a few seconds.

"Good. Now, I can send you the schematics at a later date, right now I don't have the means to just yet". I explained to him as I put my Pad away.

"You said you'd share your technology with us". Ironwood said.

"I did, but I never said giving it to you today. You need to earn it, Vale will have a Repulsor constructed as soon as we can convince the people we're here to help. The rest of the kingdoms will get one in due time including Menagerie, they sure as hell could use it". I said sorting out the plans for the tower. "Now from what I heard from Ruby the White Fang have been up to no good in the South East?" They then looked at me strangely. "What? I have contacts as well ya know. That and Ruby is one of my best Pilots in training".

"Well as much as I want to ask you what you mean Connor, we'll be getting of track". Ironwood stated as he then turned towards Ozpin. "We'll send as many troops as we can to the southeast, find out exactly what's going on, and eradicate any forces that stand in our way". Glynda merely growls in frustration

"Why must your answer to everything involve a triumphant display of military bravado!? You treat every situation like it's a contest of measuring di—!" "Glynda!" Ozpin scolds. "Well, he does".

"She's right. As much as I too would love to end this situation once and for all, we must remember that this may go beyond Vale. Beyond Beacon. And if this truly is part of some master plan for which we know not the final move, we mustn't be so bold. Nor can we risk the spread of panic". Ozpin stated. Ironwood doesn't seem to be on the same wavelength if you catch my drift.

"I have served you faithfully for years... but if you mean to tell me that your plan is to really hold the defences, and wait—!" Ozpin abruptly stands from his chair and interrupts James. "It is not! You're a general, James. So tell me, when you prepare to go to war, which do you send in first? The flag bearers, or the scouts?"

"Can I just join in here for second?" I asked as they all looked at me. "Ok the way I see it you're both in the right and wrong". I said as they looked at me strangely. "Well, first I already scolded Ironwood yesterday so no argument there and I skip that". I said making him Growl.

"Oz, you and I both know that having your students' fight a war you kept secret for a while isn't the right way. Let the Militia and maybe James's toys in as well fight the battle for you, so they're out of harm's way". I offered.

"Yet you have RWBY and JNPR in your army as soldiers". He said to me with a glare.

"Are we back to this again?" I asked rhetorically. "I offered them a choice and they accepted end of story. Plus there's a bigger reason you let Ruby in 2 years early didn't you? Don't think you have the moral high ground here mate. And I sure as hell don't".

"Then who does Connor?" Glynda asked.

"Well…that's to be determined yet". I answered. "Anyway I've got a schedule to keep and I'll leave you three to it" I said as I bid them farewell and making my way to the elevator.

"Connor". I then turned around to look at James. "Don't do anything that'll jeopardise my military. This will be the only warning". I merely chuckled.

"Well that makes two of us, and for the record". I said as I then walked inside the elevator. "Pray to god you don't have your crosshairs on us, because it's a fight you won't win". I finished as the doors closed making my way down. "That went well". I shrugged without care.

After I had walked out of the Headmaster's office I glanced over at Vale from the landing pad and sighed, knowing that Volume 3 will happen regardless and have nothing to stop it entirely. All we can do is play damage control when the time comes.

"This time round…history will change". I muttered to myself as I then heard Goodwitch over the intercom and made my way towards the amphitheatre and everyone has gathered inside. I then found my way towards RWBY and JNPR who acknowledged my presence and wrapped my arm around Yang who smiled.

"Quiet! Quiet please. Professor Ozpin would like to share a few words before we begin". Goodwitch called to the crowd.

"Today we stand together, united. Mistral. Atlas. Vacuo. Vale. The four Kingdoms of Remnant. On this day, nearly eighty years ago, the largest war in recorded history came to an end. It was a war of ignorance, of greed, and of oppression. A war that was about much more than where borders fell or who traded with whom, but about the very idea of individualism itself. We fought for countless reasons, one of which being the destruction of all forms of art and self-expression. And as you are well aware, that was something many could not stand for. As a result, those who opposed this tyranny began naming their children after one of the core aspects of art itself: colour. It was their way to demonstrate that not only would they refuse to tolerate this oppression, but neither were the generations to come. And it was a trend that is held to this very day. We encourage individuality, expressionism, and unity through diversity. As I have said, today we stand together, united. But this bond cannot exist without effort. Which is why today, while the rest of the world celebrates peace, Huntsmen and Huntresses will work to uphold it. As first year students, you will be tasked with shadowing a professional Huntsman or Huntress on a mission. Some of you may be taken out of the Kingdom for several days. Others may work within the walls for the rest of the week. But no matter which path you choose, remember to be safe, remember your training, and remember to do your very best". Ozpin then steps away as the students all begin to file out of the amphitheatre.

I walked out as well to wait for RWBY outside, as I did wait for roughly nearly 10 minutes I waved over the girls as they walked up to me.

"So all ready for your first mission?" I asked them with my arms crossed.

"Considering that Ozpin had allowed us to go South East, I think we're ready for it". Weiss answered confidently.

"Just watch the ego though". I stated as I raised a finger. "Anyway, I'm actually heading there myself, I called an informant for them to meet us there. I'm actually considering the offer they had". I said as I held up a hand. 'Don't bother asking me now, wait until we're out there". I then heard footsteps approaching and then looked to see Summer in her disguise with a smile on her face.

"You girls all ready to go on your first mission?" "I asked them the same thing". I added with a smile which made the Rose mother roll her eyes with a small smile.

"Well it's going to be tough but I know we can do it!" Ruby said enthusiastically making her Mum smile brightly.

"She takes after her Mum". I said with my arms crossed in satisfaction and Summer agreed.

"Oh Connor, Irene wanted me to let you know that your new arm is ready and completed. R&D is just waiting for you to pick it up". The older Rose pointed out.

"As soon as we leave I'll stop by and get it". I answered her.

"Hey Team CFVY is back!" we heard a student call out as we then turned around to see the said team. Blake then raced towards Velvet as we followed her.

"Velvet? Are you okay?" She asked.

"I'm fine. I had Yatsuhashi to look out for me". Velvet answered.

"Your mission was supposed to end a week ago! What happened?" Weiss asked. It was true I overheard Fred and Velvet chatting that they'd be back in a day but it turned out to drag on for a full week! I honestly worried for them as the White Fang and Richter are still out there.

"Nothing happened. It was just ... there were just so many..." She looks up and notices Team RWBY's worried expressions. "Oh, but don't worry. You first-years are just shadowing Huntsmen, so you should be fine". She assured.

"Right". Yang said.

"I should go. Be safe, okay? Tell Fred I said Hi Connor". She said to me.

"I'll make sure Vel, take care of yourself little Velveteen Rabbit". I smiled as she did the same while walking off.

"We can do this. We've never backed down before, and we're not going to start now". Ruby declared.

"Right". Blake agreed simply.

"Besides, it won't only be us out there! We'll be fighting alongside a genuine Huntsman!" Ruby continued getting excited about the idea.

"And I can't wait to see you girl's reaction to see who it is going to be." Fred answered in a creepy way which them jump, making his presence known. They were shocked when he said that, which made them a little scared.

"That's a little creepy." Weiss objected.

"That's the point." He answered.

"How do you cope with him?" Weiss asked me with a raised brow.

"You'll get used to it." I answered. 'I still wonder why I haven't shot him yet'. I thought to myself. "You girls go on ahead. I just need to talk to Fred for a moment." Team RWBY went ahead to their designated Bullhead while Fred and I talk our next move for the rest of Volume 2.

"Alright Fred, I'll keep it short. I need you to head back to the Jack Cooper and plan out the attack with Irene and Frost. Take Summer with you, I need her on overwatch support." I instructed. "Make it count."

"Copy that." He replied as I went over to catch up with RWBY while Summer and Fred headed towards the Warden to return to the carrier. I then saw the expressions of the team and chuckled as I saw what they were looking at.

"Why, hello girls! Who's ready to fight for their lives?"

Doctor Oobleck.

"Professor Oobleck?" Weiss asks with a raised brow, Oobleck then starts talking fast, per the norm, as he paces in front of the students.

"Yes, I'm afraid those bags won't be necessary, girls, seeing as you've opted to shadow a Huntsman on what is now essentially a reconnaissance mission. I can assure you, we will not be establishing a single base of operations; rather, we will be traversing several miles of hazardous wasteland and making camp in any defendable locations we may stumble upon. I packed all of our essentials myself, plotted our air course, and readied the airship. And..." He zooms up right to Weiss' face". It's Doctor Oobleck. I didn't earn the PhD for fun, thank you very much!" Then he quickly backs away.

Weiss looks over at Blake, who is equally disturbed. Oobleck then turns his attention to me.

"Mr Camerone, I wasn't expecting you to be tagging along" He said as he gets into my face making me lean back.

"I am a support for both RWBY and JNPR since the start of their schooling lives. Plus I have Militia business in the South East as well so". I dragged on.

"Very well then! I will allow it!" Wow just like that?

"Uh..." "Come now, children; according to my schedule, we are already three minutes behind!" He states, then as an afterthought to clarify. "...schedule!" He zips off to the airship docked farther ahead in a second.

Ruby, still trying to be positive and upbeat… "Well, alright, then! Looks like we're going to save the world with Doctor Oooobleck- okay yeah when you say it out loud it sounds worse". Before suddenly becoming as depressed as her team halfway through.

"Save the world?" We heard Nora's voice as we turn to see RWBY's sister team. "You're going on world-saving missions without us? I'm hurt... sad! (Stomach rumbles) Maybe a little hungry? That last one's not your fault, though, Ren..." Ren, for his part, simply crosses his arms and turns away.

"Sounds exciting. Where ya going?" Jaune asked.

"Oh, just outside the kingdom..." Ruby answered.

"Hey! So are we!" Nora said excitedly.

"Ren and Nora wanted to shadow the sheriff of a nearby village". Pyrrha explained. "We set out tomorrow". Ren added.

"Then you can party with us tonight!" Neptune and Sun Wukong made themselves known turning our attention. "We're shadowing a crime specialist. All inner-city detective stuff. We get junior badges".

Jaune is awestruck...For some weird reason.

"We normally go to the city with you guys, which means stuff's always exploding and junk, so we thought this might be a better way to check out the kingdom when it's, you know... normal". Sun explained as I merely rolled my eyes.

"Good luck with that". I pointed out.

"Well-," Oobleck appears from the airship to call to Team RWBY, who are embarrassed. "Four minutes, ladies!" He then goes back inside as their friends smile awkwardly at the girls.

"Well, uh..." Ruby then throws a thumbs-up. "Wish us luck!"

"I'll meet you girls there, need to grab some last minute gear". I stated to the girls. And with that, the friends disband, either back to Beacon Academy or towards their mission and I went back to the docks to see a Crow with Blizzard inside it, I boarded the ship and went towards the Jack Cooper.

After I had gotten the new prosthetic from the R&D department on the Jack Cooper I was on a Widow Dropship with Blizzard and BT heading towards team RWBY's location.

The Prosthetic was a mix of inspiration of Titan gear and Pilot gear put together. It now had a scaled down Vortex Shield which was from both an ION and VANGAURD Titans and can be switched to a Flame Shield like SCORCH. Now my old Gear was mostly salvageable, my Charge Rifle was sent to the armoury and was donated to be used for spare parts to fix other weapons, My R-201 Carbine was in my quarters back on the ship and still figuring out what to do with it. But my Mozambique was mostly intact but the handle was damaged. So I slapped it on the new prosthetic under my arm Assassin's Creed Style…but instead of a blade, it's a pocket Shotgun!

"30 seconds out team, get ready!" The pilot called over the intercom as the right door opened revealing Mt Glenn entirely. Shame that people used to live here. Speaking of people I saw RWBY, Zwei and Oobleck on the ground as the ship then touched down near them.

"Alright disembark everyone! Pilot remain on standby". I called as the Widow then gained altitude and flew off. I approached the Beacon residents as Blizzard and BT followed. "Funny seeing you lot here". I smiled with my helmet opened.

"Yes well, team RWBY did let me know that you would catch up to us on our mission". Oobleck pointed out. "However I didn't think you'd be bringing company with you, so tell me Mr Camerone. Who and…" He then looks up at BT before looking back at me "…what exactly have you brought with you?"

"Well Doctor, girls, Zwei. This here is Duke, Marlow, Arron, Maxine and Louis AKA Blizzard Squad. One of my best Grunt squads in the Militia. And the Big guy here". I said as the squad said hi in their own way as I was motioning towards BT. "Is my Titan BT-7274".

"You're Titan? You have your own Mech in this Militia? MARVELOUS!" Shocking us as he zipped around BT's Chassis. "Just by the sheer size and design it is far more advanced than Atlas's Paladins!"

"Well that's because they are in every way". I said pointing out the obvious. "As Much as I would like to Brag about Titans we have a job to do. Now we should start by clearing the sector of any Grimm, Doc you and RWBY will take one sector while we take ano-," "Pilot I am detecting movement nearby, possible hostile Titan". BT interrupted me as he pulled the XO-16 off his back and cocked it.

"Shit, guys stay back, Blizzard Defensive positions". I ordered as the Grunts scattered so they wouldn't be much of a target. I then heard footsteps of a Titan approach as we all turned to the source, a very familiar RONIN class Titan had emerged from the street corner. I then walked up to us but stopped a good few feet away before opening up the cockpit revealing one of Titanfall 2's Campaign bosses.

Ash herself.

"Glad we could meet in person Connor". She said a she jumped down and walked up as I did the same as we met in the middle. "From what I recall you here about the offer I gave you a while back?"

"Yep, and my answer is yes. I'll help you get rid of Richter". I stated which confused the hell of Beacon's residents. "When we first talked it was before I knew Richter is working with the White Fang, if you can keep tabs on him and the Fang itself. I can guarantee he is removed…permanently".

"And in return I won't try anything to have the Militia hunt me down, and be of service whenever you see fit". Ash finished as we then shook on it sealing the deal. Ash then handed me a hard drive. "That contains information on the White Fang's movements and their top personnel. Use it wisely Pilot". I nodded in return as I put the drive in the hard case on my left leg and pulled a small briefcase from my back and oped it up and it was filled with Lien.

"50,000 Lien as promised for you to use as you wish". I stated as I closed it and gave it to Ash. "I will admit it's quite the amount of dough to have, and I know it ain't just personal and Titan Maintenance".

"Well I do have to get paid somehow don't I?" She pointed out I merely shrugged in response. Ash then walked back to her Titan. "Glad to be on the same side General Camerone". She said as her RONIN then picked her up and then placed her back in the cockpit before dashing away and phasing out of sight.

I let out a breath of relief I didn't know I was holding and then made the hand sight to show it was clear. I then walked up to the group as they were all thinking the same thing.

"Ash and I met once before, I was to take out a person that has been hunting her and in return she'll give me her services in assistance and information on and against our enemies". I explained. "Now let's get back to our mission shall we?" I said implying that I wanted the subject dropped. They reluctantly agreed and then proceeded to begin the mission they were given.

As Team RWBY was clearing one sector, Blizzard, BT and I were clearing another to save time and speed things up. BT was sticking close to the Squad while I took care of any other Grimm they missed. A Beowulf swiped it's claws at me but I ducked under it and gave it an uppercut to the jaw with my prosthetic making it loose a tooth or two. I then pulled my Data-Knife out and stabbed it in the eye and hammer struck it on the head finishing it off, I then equipped my Flatline and spun around to kill a Creep by putting several rounds in it's head. Dropping it.

I holstered my weapon and put my hand on my knife.

"Tell me Mister Camerone, or General if you'd prefer". I turned my head to the left and saw Oobleck.

"Connor is just fine Doc". I replied as I pulled my knife out of the Grimm and wiping any residue that may by on the blade with my sleeve.

"Very well Connor, you are a complete mystery to me and most people I have met. Tell me what made you create the Militia? Having an army under your control must be stressful". He asked.

"You're right it is, but I don't let it stop me. And there are many reasons why, but three really narrow it down". I replied.

"Really? What might they be?" He asked with interest.

"1: The world of Remnant has so many fucking problems in which I have the power to fix. 2: The peace you people call it now? Is a lie to fight your shadow war and that deception and lies and half-truths can be used to gain progress. But I see through it". I explained as I used my fingers to count the reasons.

"And the third?"

"3: Is the main reason why. I plan on changing history". I stated as I looked at him through my visor.

"You mean make history. Don't you?" He said attempting to correct me as I merely just chuckled in response.

"Sure, whatever you say Doc". I said not caring as I then walked off to rejoin my group.

As dusk was approaching we had made it back to where Team RWBY made camp and we all gathered round, with BT standing at the edge of the Building looking inside.

"Ok, now that everyone is here, we can get down to business of our findings". I announced as it got everyone's attention. "But first…oi Fred!" I called as a small cloak drone appeared out of nowhere surprising the residents of Beacon.

"Hey guys!"

"Fred? Is that you?" Ruby asked being just as confused as her team.

"Well I'm operating this drone remotely so I can stay on the ship and still be useful in the field, great way to be in two places at once!" He explained to them making it clearer for them to understand.

"Now that is out of the way, Arron if you may?" I asked Blizzard's tech specialist as he nodded in response as he typed a few things into a Data-pad and a moment later Fred's Drone projected a Holographic image of Mt Glenn. "As you can see this is a detailed image of our location". I said as I pointed at a section of the hologram. "We're here".

"We found several entrances to the underground area and marked them on the map, here they are". Arron explained as 8 blips came to life on the map. "Those entrances all lead to the same underground area I'm going to show you". The Map of the surface then went up to reveal the underground hide out of the White Fang. "Judging by the area scan it's an old settlement below ground if the buildings are anything to go by".

"That Place is big enough to house several Titans and a strike force to support them". Duke commented as he drummed his fingers on his L-STAR. "Sad part is that no one will know where it is due to it being underground and the surface being infested with Grimm".

"Perfect place for a hideout I reckon". Marlow pointed out as the rest of us agreed as well.

"Though I have a feeling that the White Fang will do anything to keep it that way". Fred stated.

"You right bout that Fred, best thing we need to do is keep an eye out for any patrols. If we think that they're safe we can get the jump on them before they know what bit them in the ass". I added. "Now I think after all this we can get some rest, Blizzard take turns in keeping watch, BT and I will do the same after you". I then turned my attention towards the Beacon residents. "You guys don't need to worry about anything. We'll cover shifts. No objections". I stated as everyone then went off to get some rest as Duke decided to take the first shift.

But first I needed to make sure of one more thing.

Sending Encrypted Transmission.

Connor Camerone: Fred Keep an eye on Ruby. If she does follow the plot like she does, I'll need you to relay it back to me if something happens.

Fred Miles: Copy that Connor, I'll look out for her.

A few hours have passed and opened my eyes to find Yang leaning her head into my shoulder, since the Cloak Pilot gear had some fur on the shoulders it made an excellent pillow for the blond brawler. I merely smiled and wrapped my arm around her and closed my eyes again to get some more sleep.

But I then heard something coming from my helmet and saw it flickering, I put it on and then Fred's face appeared through video communication.

"What's up mate?" I asked still sleepy.

"Ruby's followed the plot Connor! You gotta get moving!" He said a little frantic which snapped me back awake as the Video com ended.

"Yang wake up!" I said shaking her awake.

"Connor? What's going on?" She asked still drowsy, but we both turned to our left and saw Fred's Drone and appear along with Zwei who was barking waking everyone up. "Zwei?"

"What's going on?" Blake asked as she sat up straight.

"Ruby's in trouble. Grab your shit and get ready to move out!" I said. "Fred you and Zwei take us to the last place you saw Ruby". I ordered.

"This way everyone!" He replied as we followed the Corgi and cloak drone to a large sinkhole in the ground in the middle of the street.

"Ruby's Scythe!" Yang called as I Picked it up.

"Oh no". Blake said.

"Do you think she fell?" Weiss asked.

"I don't think I know". I stated getting everyone's attention. "If she fell down there and the White Fang are operating in this area then they must know something's up. "Fred, BT, Blizzard call for extraction and get back to the Jack Cooper. Oobleck, Weiss, Yang and Blake…" I ordered as I put Ruby's Weapon my back and equipped my Flatline. "Let's go find Ruby". I declared as I cocked my rifle.

Hang in there Ruby. We're coming.

There you have it folks another chapter for your reading pleasure! Now Like I said before, be sure to head over to my partner and pal jerejosh231's profile and check out his side of the story in Fred's perspective. Now Next chapter will be the train leading up to the breach of Vale and there will be more Militia involvement than before! Anyway I hope you guys enjoyed the chapter and be sure to leave me your thoughts in the review section. A bit o ffeedback can go a long way. So until then I'll see ya next time!

Cronus Prime Out!