'Hazredous' Interruptions

Mahou Shoujo Lyrical Nanoha / RWBY

Chapter 20 - Freedom and Fairy Tales

It was actually more difficult than she'd first thought it would be, Winter realized, standing in front of a class of Beacon students and talking about her experiences.

She'd done so before for Atlas trainees, but the rigid structure and lifestyle turned her speeches toward a more military understanding of things; follow the orders of your superiors, do not hesitate to follow orders. Don't waste time worrying about what the best decision is, because that decision was already made for you.

That didn't work here. Beacon made minimal effort to keep their graduates loyal to Vale, trusting them to follow their consciences and travel as they would. They needed to have the judgment to make snap decisions, and the ability to trust that judgment. So, Winter spoke of different things, things that she borrowed from her own command classes.

"There have come times, as an Atlas specialist, when I have found there is no simple, correct answer to a situation. Two years ago, I was in command of a squad of Atlas soldiers tasked with defending a Dust caravan that was being harried by Grimm. The situation quickly became untenable."

Winter gestured at the blackboard, forming tiny glyphs over her fingers. Lines of white frost formed on the surface, and within moments she'd recreated the location of the battle from memory. "Three dozen civilian miners and workers, seven transport vehicles. The pass was blocked by an avalanche, hindering forward progress. Burn Dust-throwers were available to melt our way through, but that takes time. To defend them, I had twelve soldiers, and myself."

Pausing for a moment to let the class take in the diagram, she passed her eyes over the various students. Her sister was sitting with perfect poise, back straight, brow slightly furrowed, hands clasped on her desk. Next to her, a surprisingly young girl with red-tinged black hair was listening attentively as well, but her anxiousness was apparent in her white-knuckled, worrying fingers. That must be Weiss' team leader that she wrote to me about.

Seeing Weiss in the class had been something of a shock to her. Beacon's headmaster had described the class as an ethics and morality course for senior students, which Winter had assumed meant it was similar to command school for Atlas' Specialists-to-be.

Her sister looked away for a brief moment, glancing at the younger girl. Weiss freed one hand to rest it over her teammate's, and the girl shivered before visibly relaxing. Winter kept any expression off her face as she turned back toward the board. Hm.

"There were limited options available. Grimm were approaching from behind and both flanks; a mixture of beowolves, boarbatusks, and ursa." Another gesture, and Opposing-Force markers appeared on the diagram, arrows pointing in toward the caravan. "I was the strongest combatant in the AO, bar none. My soldiers were capable, but only as effective as their armor and weapons."

A flicker of motion caught her eyes, and she looked back. Weiss' partner had raised her hand, cheeks reddening when she realized the entire class had turned to look. Winter nodded at her. "U-uhm. What does Ay-Oh mean?"

"Area of Operation."

"Oh. Thank you." She sunk into her seat, looking like she wanted to melt into her hooded cloak and disappear.

"It's military terminology. Beacon's curriculum may not cover those terms." Winter took the moment to assure her, then went back to the board. "While I was fully confident in my ability to fight against the oncoming Grimm, I would only be able to protect one angle of approach. My soldiers were trained in the efficient use of Burn Dust-Throwers, but every soldier working on clearing the avalanche would be one less to hold the line. I could clear the pass much faster, but then I would not assisting in repelling the OpFor."

She heard the girl again, whispering. "What's OpFor mean?"

"Opposing Force, dear." One of the other students had responded. Winter shot a quick glance over her shoulder to see the green-haired woman leaning back into her seat. Of all the students, she and her blue-haired brother both seemed the most at-ease with the situation Winter was describing; everyone else in the room was at least showing some sort of emotion on their faces; trepidation and confusion, mostly. Those two, however, were completely blank-faced.

"I was faced with a decision. Leave the Grimm to my soldiers and clear the way out as quickly as possible, assign half of my squad to do so for me, or let the civilians clear the path while my soldiers and I dug in for a prolonged defense?"

The green-haired woman raised her hand. "There is technically a fourth option, is there not?"

Winter raised her eyebrows. "What would that be, do you think?"

"Retreat. Abandon the caravan and save your men. What are worth more? The lives of trained soldiers, or the lives of civilians?"

The class went completely silent; Winter could have heard a pin drop. Sitting in the front row, Ozpin simply pushed his glasses up his nose, not even casting a glance over his shoulder.She's playing the Grimm's Advocate, and she's doing it for the headmaster. Interesting. "I would be lying if I said the possibility did not cross my mind. Command math is something taught quite thoroughly to Specialists, and it is a cold and unforgiving kind of math."

"There is a difference between lives spent and lives wasted." She gestured again, and the board rearranged itself. The markers for her soldiers were circling the caravan now, and her own sharp-edged snowflake symbol was at the blocked pass. "My men knew what they were about when they joined the Atlesian Military. I handpick each and every one of my soldiers that serves in battle with me, and they serve under me knowing that one day I may have to make the decision to spend their lives. But they know that I will not waste them."

The image shifted again. The arrows crashed against the defensive line, even as the blocked pass opened and the caravan started moving through. Three of the Spear-and-Gear symbols melted away into nothingness before her own symbol returned to the battle. "I lost three men that day to the Grimm, but recovered all seven vehicles and saved the lives of every civilian in the AO. Was it the correct decision from a command standpoint? A full after-action review before a military panel determined that yes, it was. Was it the right decision to make? There are three families missing their sons, their husbands, their fathers, who may well tell you that it was not."

Weiss' friend raised her hand again. "How do you… deal with knowing that your decisions and actions led to people being hurt?" She was having a hard time meeting Winter's gaze, and she started wringing her hands once more. Weiss was looking at her in concern, squeezing her shoulder.

It made sense all of a sudden; her and Weiss being in a class full of seniors. The poor girl. And Weiss too. We're going to have to talk while I'm here. "What's your name, Miss?"

"Er. Ruby, ma'am. Ruby Rose."

"I deal with it by knowing that I did the absolute best that I could, Ruby." She waited until Ruby's eyes came up to meet hers, and gave the girl a small smile. "I know I did the best I could, and I promise myself that I will do better the next time."

Other students started to ask questions, which she answered simply and honestly. After another half an hour, the headmaster caught her attention and pointed at his wrist. She cleared her throat. "While I would like to stay longer, time is unfortunately running short. It has been an honor and a privilege to speak with you all today."

One of the students started clapping politely, and it didn't take long for the rest to join in. Headmaster Ozpin let it go for a few moments, then stood and pointedly nodded toward the door. The students filed out in rows, conversation already building into a loud murmur.

Four students remained while the rest left; Weiss and her partner, and the pair of siblings. Ozpin paced leisurely up toward the door, stopping next to the younger students. "Weiss. By all means, take a little while to visit, but please bring your sister to my office in half an hour." He glanced pointedly at the green-haired woman, and Weiss nodded. The two older students stood and fell into step with him as he walked to the door. More interesting, she thought.

"Winter!"

"Hello, Weiss." Winter looked away from the headmaster and his entourage to smile at her younger sister. "I didn't expect you to be in the audience today. The headmaster seems to have played a trick on us both."

"It was a good trick though. I'm so happy to see you!"

"Happy enough that you stopped writing? I haven't gotten a single email from you all month." Weiss went red, stammering, and Winter couldn't keep the faux-severe expression on her face. "It's fine. I assumed you've been busy with the start of the semester?"

"Y-yes. We've been very busy."

"I'm sure you have. Now, I know I already asked her for her name myself, but introduce your friend to me?"

"Oh! Yes, of course. Winter, this is Ruby Rose, my partner and leader of Team RWBY. Ruby, this is Winter, my older sister." Weiss had quite a measure of pride on her face, but not all of it was familial, which Winter found interesting. It was definitely at odds with the some of the letters she had received during Weiss' first semester.

The black-haired girl smiled up at her. "Nice to meet you, Winter!"

"Quite. The pleasure is mine, Ruby." Winter cocked an eyebrow. "I hope my little sister hasn't been giving you too much trouble? She's a perfectionist at heart. I should know, she learned it from me."

Her sister went a bit red in the face from the teasing, and started to sputter. Ruby smiled widely though. "She's been a great partner! Sometimes she yells at me, but only when I deserve it anymore. We've got each other's backs!"

Weiss huffed, folding her arms. "Ruby's become a very good leader. It's my job as her partner to support her as best I can, and to make sure she becomes even better."

"Of course. I'm glad to hear you two are getting along so well. I remember my first partner; If I had to choose between him and an ursa, I'd take the ursa in a heartbeat." She let them laugh for a moment, but then pursed her lips. "Weiss. Why are you in this course? You shouldn't be here for three more years. What happened to you two?"

The good cheer and amusement drained away from both of their faces. Ruby looked down at the floor, scuffing the tiles with her shoe, and Weiss bit the inside of her lip. "There was a… a situation," her sister said, borrowing the word Winter had used earlier, "early last week."

"What happened?"

Ruby shuffled her feet. "We got… we got caught up in a White Fang riot. Our teams were… moving in behind them to help the people who were hurt, and Weiss was putting out the fires they'd started, but…"

"But the man that was instigating the whole thing saw me, and…"

"...and they came after you." Winter wanted to curse. Why didn't you tell me, Weiss?

"...yes. He was… he was going to kill me, but Signum got in his way, and then Ruby and Zafira held off the entire mob so I could keep putting out the fires. It was…"

"Bloody. There was blood everywhere, and it got all over everything, and I-" Ruby was worrying her hands again, and without missing a beat Weiss put her own over them.

"Sticky."

Ruby looked up sharply when Winter spoke the word. "H-how did you-"

"I did say I've lost soldiers under my command, Ruby. The first one died in my arms, and I still remember how my hands felt." Winter put a hand on the girl's shoulder. "It's not easy, I know. But you'll get past this. I would be more worried if you didn't feel anything after dealing with something like that."

The girl nodded a little, and even managed a weak smile. Winter smiled back. "Your leader is a little trooper, Weiss."

"She… she really is."

Winter turned her gaze to her sister now, frowning. "Why didn't you let us know what happened to you, Weiss? Why didn't you tell me?"

For a moment her sister looked absolutely stricken, but then her eyes hardened and the corners of her lips turned down. Winter knew the look well, it was the one Weiss wore when she was being defiantly stubborn. "I'm seventeen years old, Winter. I can handle myself."

"Is that the real reason? There's a difference between not wanting to call home because you're homesick and not telling us you nearly died, sister."

The expression of defiance crumbled. "I- I didn't want Father to know. I didn't want to give him a reason to make me come home. I like it here, Winter! The professors aren't scared of my name, and I'm stuck in a dorm room with three other girls and I have to tolerate Yang's puns and her walking around in the room in her underwear and Blake's sarcasm and I have to deal with Ruby being childish-"

"Wei~iiss!"

"-and people know I'm a Schnee but they don't care that I am and…" She wound down to take a deep breath, cheeks flushed and eyes shining.

Winter let her eyebrows slowly raise. "...and?"

"...and I have real friends here. I like it here," she repeated, "and I wouldn't trade it for the world. A few days ago, Blake told us that our dorm room feels like home to her. And she's right. It feels like home in a way the manor never did."

Winter couldn't help but smile, and she pulled her sister into a gentle hug. "I understand, Weiss. I really do."

"Y-you do?"

"Of course I do. Why do you think I went on to become a Specialist instead of coming home after I graduated?"

"Oh. I guess that makes a great deal of sense, now."

"It's interesting what your first taste of real freedom does to you. Oh, the military life isn't exactly freedom itself, but I had the chance to make a choice between this or being part of the company. Like you just said; I wouldn't trade it for the world." She let go of Weiss, still smiling. "But we've been standing around for too long now. You are supposed to take me somewhere, yes?"

"Oh. Yes, yes we are. Come with us, and we'll show you to the headmaster's office?"

"Lead the way. Maybe while we walk you can tell me about what's kept you so busy these last few weeks?"

Winter watched the two girls exchange a glance. Weiss laughed awkwardly. "I… I'm actually not allowed to say, but I think I can safely say that you'll find out when we get there."

"Wonderful. I do so love surprises."

Chrono could understand why Ozpin liked his office. The view was spectacular; the CCTS tower was taller than the Ground Forces headquarters building in Cranagan. While Lindy and the headmasters made small talk waiting for their guests to arrive, he was doing a bit of paperwork.

Incident report? From Arf of all people. This should be interesting. Chrono scanned through the holowindow, tilting his head after a moment. "Admiral? This incident report from Arf. Did you make her write it?"

"I did, yes. Why do you ask?"

"It's dripping with so much sarcasm that I feel the need to wash my hands."

Lindy rolled her eyes, but smiled. "You might want to use some mouthwash, as well. It's getting into your voice."

"No, I think this is becoming run-of-the-mill for me." Chrono read through the report again, and opened the attached files; student dossiers. Mercury Black and Emerald Sustrai. First incident noted… the day before classes started? Ah, the bookstore not-quite-heist. And Zafira noted that Mercury Black was showing 'dishonorable motives' when he requested to spar with Pyrrha Nikos. Chrono was used to taking that kind of statement from the Wolkenritter with a grain of salt; ever since being freed from the Book of Darkness, honor and conduct remained forefront in the minds of the four knights. They were compensating for who-knows-how-many years of forced evil, Chrono knew.

He tapped his chin, thinking for a moment. And now this last item of business. Arf says they weren't participating in any of the sparring matches, and were paying too much attention to us in general and Fate in particular. Or more specifically, the fact that she was using a scythe. There was only one other scythe wielder at Beacon, as far as he knew. "Headmaster Ozpin?"

"Yes, Mr. Harlaown?"

"Scythes are an exceptionally rare weapon on Remnant, yes?"

Ozpin took a sip of his coffee. "That is correct. They are generally considered deadlier to their wielders than they are to their targets, to all but the highest level of skill."

"How many scythe wielders do you know of, Headmaster?"

"Three. Your sister, of course, as well as Ruby Rose, and the man who trained her."

It could just be a coincidence. Combat scythes are rare, so it might be impressive just to see one being used. But it's not my job to decide whether or it's a coincidence. It's my job to consider it related until proven otherwise. Chrono tagged both dossiers with the 'Person of Interest' flag, and transmitted the files to Reinforce for safekeeping. "Is there any chance that I could interview him?"

"I believe that there is, yes." Ozpin rose from his desk, pacing sedately to the curve of glass behind it. He unlatched a catch and slid the window open. "And here's one of our guests now."

"Sir. Reporting as ordered." Winter snapped off a sharp salute as she stepped out of the elevator.

"At ease, Specialist. Have a seat." General Ironwood gestured toward the empty chair in front of Headmaster Ozpin's desk, then nodded behind her. "Ms. Schnee, Ms. Rose. If you could remain on hand?"

"Thank you, sir." Winter took the offered seat, greeting the other people in the room. "Headmaster Ozpin, Professor Goodwitch." She nodded to young man and woman sitting in the other chairs, but her glance lingered on their unfamiliar clothing. I know they were wearing Beacon uniforms last I saw. Those look like military uniforms. "Hello."

"Hello!" The green haired woman was quite cheerful, in direct contrast to the enforced neutrality on the man's face.

A voice sounded behind her, dark and gravelly. "The hell is she doing here, Oz?"

She twisted around, eyes fixing on the unshaven man leaning against a window. Without even thinking about it, she lurched back to her feet. "What am I doing here? What are youdoing here-"

"Eeeeeeeeeuncle Qrow!" She was interrupted by a red blur dashing across the room to tackle the scruffy vagrant; Ruby only succeeding at making him shift his weight to account for her hanging off one arm. "Hi!"

Uncle? Heavens help me, they're related?

"Hey, kiddo. Are you in trouble? Is that why I'm here?" His rough voice was teasing, and her cheerful denials filled the room.

"Qrow is here at my specific request, Ms. Schnee. He is to be briefed on the same situation that you are." Headmaster Ozpin took a sip of his coffee, then nodded to Ironwood. "James, if you would?"

"Specialist Schnee. Everything you hear or see in this room is to be considered top-secret. It is not to be discussed with anyone who is not already informed. Are we clear?"

"Yes sir." Just what is going on here? Winter made a point of glancing at Ruby and Weiss both, then back at General Ironwood.

"Your sister and her partner are already involved." General Ironwood handed her a datapad. "Please read this information report thoroughly. All information detailed in the report is one hundred percent accurate. Take your time; we'll wait."

Winter settled back into her chair, settling her eyes on the text of the report. She recognized the particulars of the layout immediately; General Ironwood himself had produced it. "When did you type this up, sir?"

"This morning, while you were speaking at the seminar. It's for your eyes only, Schnee."

"Understood."

The situational summary at the top of the report had Winter's eyes widening in disbelief. She reread it twice to make sure she didn't misinterpret it, but the words didn't change. Alien refugees from other planets? "Sir? I know you told me this is accurate, but… Is this some kind of joke?" Off to the side, she heard Qrow making similar, if much less polite comments.

"No. Keep reading, Schnee. We'll answer every question you have to your satisfaction when you're done."

There was nothing for her to do but read on. It took her ten minutes to finish the report, and she took it upon herself to read it again and commit everything she could to memory.Aliens on Remnant. True magic used as technology. Travel between the stars. She leaned forward to set the datapad on the headmaster's desk, half-expecting it to jump up and bite her when she let go.

Qrow spoke the words floating in her head, and even he sounded subdued. "...are we really supposed to believe this, Oz?"

"You are, Qrow. I would like to introduce you properly to Admiral Lindy Harlaown and Captain Chrono Harlaown, Time Space Administrative Bureau Navy."

The green-haired woman student stood, offering a hand. "A pleasure to meet you both, Huntsman, Specialist." She turned to Winter, smiling. "I did enjoy your presentation, and I apologize for being the one to ask the hard questions."

Winter blinked, looking at her more closely. "You weren't testing me for the headmaster at all. You were testing me for yourself."

"I was indeed, and you passed with flying colors."

"General Ironwood's report stated that… physical proof would be available immediately upon finishing reading it?"

"Ah, yes. Just a moment." Admiral Harlaown took a step back, plucking a blue-and-white card out of her jacket's pocket. "Durandal, set up."

"Yes, boss."

The card flashed bright blue, and suddenly from nowhere the woman was holding a blunt, blue-and-white spear. Lindy held the weapon out to her, motioning for Winter to take it. "Please confirm that my Device is not an illusion."

To the side, Chrono was doing something similar, calling out a command to something called S2U. Once the flash faded, he offered the cylindrical-headed staff to Qrow.

Winter reached out tentatively, and grasped the shaft of the weapon. It felt like cool plastic in her hand, and it immediately parsed out a synthesized warning. "Unidentified user detected. Access denied." The weapon flashed again, and she was left holding the card that the admiral had first revealed.

Admiral Harlaown smiled demurely, plucking the card from her fingers. "As soon as timing allows, we'll take you to the Arthra's hangar and you can test one out for yourself. General Ironwood got to do the same thing."

Winter was left staring at her empty hand for a long, long moment. Finally, she turned, scanning across the room until she found a pair of eyes that matched her own. Her expression was a mix of apprehensive and optimistic, and Winter was suddenly struck by how much her little sister had grown since she left for Beacon. "I guess I see why you weren't allowed to talk about it, Weiss."

"You did say you love surprises."

"Are you sure that Ruby will be here today?"

"Of course she will! Her seminar's probably just running a little late. Here, have some fries." Yang Xiao Long smiled at her, and passed her plate over.

"Oh! No, thank you! I am not hungry right now."

"Really? You didn't eat at the party either."

"Oh, that's because I was having so much fun that I didn't even stop to think about it! But don't worry, I ate when I got home. Hic!"

"Well, fine. If you're sure."

Penny smiled at the blonde, nodding. "I am! Thank you again." While Yang took back her plate of fries, Penny closed her eyes and let the air-propagated mechanical pressure waves of Beacon's cafeteria-goers register in her aural receptors.

After a moment, she noticed a shift in the sound waves, and realized some of the students were going silent. Penny turned and looked over her shoulder.

Blake Belladonna- Faunus, feline subcategory, phenotype variation: feline ears- was approaching the table, in the school's uniform and bow perched perfectly atop her head. A small portion of the students that she passed were pausing in their conversations to watch her pass. Penny wondered why, and ran a comparison to the video files she had in storage of the black-haired girl.

Three seconds later, she was able to determine a probable cause. Blake's posture was different than before; slightly more upright, shoulders back naturally instead of caving forward ever-so-slightly. Her expression was less tightly controlled as well, and Penny watched the muscles in her face twitch as her lips spread into a smile on seeing Yang.

Penny waited politely while Yang and Blake- etiquette protocols dictate that I wait until they have already exchanged pleasantries- greeted each other before she waved. "Hello, friend Blake! It is good to see you!"

"Hello, Penny. How are you?"

"I am doing wonderfully! How are you? You seem to be in a wonderful mood as well!"

Blake rocked back for a moment- facial expression indicates high likelihood of surprise- and paused, then blinked. "I… you're right. I am in a good mood. I didn't even think about it."

Yang laughed, wrapping an arm around Blake's shoulders and squeezing. "That's a good thing, isn't it?"

"I suppose it is." Blake sat down, a small smile still in place. "Where are Ruby and Weiss?"

"Yang said that their seminar course is probably running late. Now that I think about it, Veteran Specialist Winter Schnee was scheduled to speak today."

"Wait, Winter Schnee?" Blake looked at her in surprise. "Weiss' sister?"

Dossier: Winter Schnee, nonclassified information. Penny refreshed herself on the data available, and nodded. "According to what I have been told, yes!"

"Well that explains- ah! There they are!" Yang stood up, waving. "Weiss, Ruby! Guess who's here!"

"Penny!" Penny turned to see Ruby speeding toward her, shedding rose petals in her wake as her feet pounded the cafeteria floor. Grid-lines overlaid her vision, and the petite girl's trajectory and estimate time of impact were immediately apparent. Platform motive speed unable to effectively counter impact time. Reset/Brace. Penny's left foot shot back, planting solidly on the floor just as Ruby glomped onto her, squeeing. "You'rehere, you'rehere!"

Penny wrapped her arms around Ruby, hugging back. "Hello, friend Ruby! It's wonderful to see you again!"

"General Ironwood let you come to Beacon! I wasn't sure that he was going to, but last night he said he'd think about it, and he did!"

"The general told me that after seeing me interact with everyone at your party, he decided it would be good for me to interact with people more!" Penny shifted to let Ruby plop down on the bench. "Also, he told me to tell you that my safety is now your responsibility while I'm here!"

"Wait what?" Ruby blinked, her expression fading to confusion and worry.

"He was smiling when he said it. I think he meant it to tease you." Penny made certain to record the look on Ruby's face. The general would want to see that his joke hit the mark.

"Ooooh, that's mean!" Ruby crossed her arms, huffing. "And I was nice to him at the party and everything!"

"Well, he did let me come to Beacon."

Ruby was trying to stay mad. It was obvious. It also didn't last long, and her frown melted away into a smile. "Yeah, you're right. Oh, everybody! I'm gonna be heading out to Vale after we finish classes today!

"What's going on, sis?" Yang slurped from her soda, raising her eyebrows.

"Well, after the party ended last night I was talking to Sentra and asked her if she'd be able to get permission to meet for coffee and talk about how everything went so I know how to do it better the next time. Lindy just told me that it's fine, as long as we're careful!"

"She's the chick with the black hair, right?"

"Yeah, her!"

"Well that sounds fun. Tell us how it goes, will ya?"

"Yeah!" Ruby paused for a moment, then looked at Penny. "You want to come with me?"

"Do I?" Penny tilted her head, smiling-

BROADCAST: 3.80 GHz - encryption scheme DOLLHOUSE

RECEIVE SIGNAL: 3.80 GHz - encryption scheme COLDSTEEL

OUTmessage - RZ? Would it be a problem if I accompanied Ruby to meet Sentra today?

INmessage - Of course not! I'll let Sentra know to expect you!

OUTmessage - Stupendous!

-at Ruby and nodding. "That'd be sensational!"

Weiss Schnee joined them at the table after a moment longer, setting her tray down. Penny smiled at her. "Hello, Weiss! How is your sister?"

"She's doing well, thank you for asking. By the way, everyone. Headmaster Ozpin wants us all to see him in his office between our next classes. He said he'll be contacting Team JNPR as well."

Blake raised her eyebrows. "Any idea what for?"

"He didn't say."

It had been some time since the four of them had been in the same room. Ozpin was facing away, watching the tiny dots milling about Beacon's campus far below. Qrow leaned back against the window, enjoying his usual spot. "I gotta say, Oz, for a while there I thought you'd forgotten where the send button was. And then getting called out of deep cover like that? Didn't like that either. Gonna be really hard to get back in place again without a really good excuse."

"But you understand why I did, I hope."

"Yeah. This changes a hell of a lot." For once Qrow left his flask in his pocket. While comforting, the buzz of alcohol would not help his thoughts at the moment. "How much do they know?"

"About the Maidens? Nothing. That's what this meeting is about."

"You're thinking about telling them? It's one of the biggest secrets on Remnant, and you're thinking about just spilling it to a bunch of space aliens?"

Ozpin turned away from the window, pacing back to his desk. "I am, Qrow. Glynda, James, and I have already discussed it, but the decision needs to be unanimous."

Qrow crossed his arms, feeling skepticism paint itself on his face. "Okay, if you're so sure about this; convince me it's the right idea."

Glynda spoke up. "They might be able to help Autumn, Qrow."

"Help her? Better than James' soul-stealer, I hope."

To James' credit, he had the grace to look a little pained. "We all know that the Aura transfer machine is a last resort. I'm entirely in support of a better option if one presents itself."

Taking a sip of his coffee, Ozpin eased down into his chair. "The TSAB has scientific understanding of their magic, Qrow. And they have determined, without a doubt, that Aura stems from the same source as their magic; a metaphysical organ called a Linker Core."

"I can attest to this personally. Admiral Harlaown let me use one of their devices, Qrow. I was able to call forth blasts of pure magic with it, from my own personal energies." James spread his hands wide. "It's… hard to describe. But very, very real. I'm also sure that you'd be able to do the same thing, if you wanted to try it for yourself."

Qrow hung his head for a moment, thinking. "...okay. Okay, so let's say that I believe you, and since all three of you are looking at me like that I'll go ahead and say that I do. How does this help Amber? She got an arrow put through her back and half her soul sucked out through her face. She's in a coma in James' freezer downstairs."

"Two of their number are healers," Glynda offered, "and by healers I mean they can use magical spells to heal terrible wounds. The physical trauma to Amber's body can be fixed. Secondly, one of them is a… a Linker Core specialist. She has more practical experience in dealing with the inner workings of… what very well may be the soul, than you or I have been alive."

"So you're saying that this... 'wizardess' might be able to put Amber back together again?" He raised his head, glancing at the three of them. His hand slowly slipped into his jacket, tugging his flask free of its pocket.

One by one, they nodded. "...shit. You're all serious." His fingers loosened, and the flask slid back into place. "What the hell, it's worth a shot. Better than shoving what's left of her power into some poor volunteer."

Teams RWBY and JNPR were gathered together, sitting in a group underneath the spinning gears that formed the ceiling of Headmaster Ozpin's office. Professor Goodwitch had actually served them tea and coffee, and a few plates of biscuits and pastries to be shared between them. Once they settled in, she took position to the side of the headmaster's desk, reading something on her scroll.

For a few minutes, the two teams bantered back and forth with each other, talking freely of the last few weeks' events. After, of course, Ruby had made certain to confirm that the office was secure; an act that put a small-but-approving smile on the deputy headmaster's lips.

When the elevator door opened and Headmaster Ozpin stepped through, though, all conversation stopped, and the eight students straightened in their chairs. "Now, now, students. No need to stand on ceremony, you were doing a wonderful job of relaxing."

Assured by his words, the collected students did relax to various degrees. Weiss kept her back straight, though, and supported the saucer for her cup of tea in one hand while she sipped from the cup itself.

The headmaster took his seat behind his desk, nodding to them. "You may all be wondering exactly why I called you up here, yes?"

"That is one of the questions that's run through my mind, yeah." Jaune hunched his shoulders self-consciously when everyone turned to look at him. "What? It is!"

"Quite. First, Professor Goodwitch has a few words for you all." He nodded to her.

"Students. As you were made aware, I would be keeping track of your actions during the entirety of this situation and grading you on your performance. So far, you are all receiving full marks for the efforts you have put into both maintaining secrecy and with helping our TSAB friends adapt."

Ruby raised her hand. "Uhm. Ma'am? Didn't you tell me when we first found the Arthra that, uh… ceding field command to you would have an effect on my grade? Didn't I… lose points?"

Weiss frowned, remembering that short exchange. Professor Goodwitch, however, smiled. "I did say that it would affect your grade, yes. I did not, however, say that the effect would be negative. Recognizing when you are in over your head is an important ability, Ms. Rose, and you showed good judgment when it was needed."

"Oh!" Ruby blushed at the praise and ducked her head shyly, but Weiss felt her smile warm the room.

"Please understand, students, that as of now this operation, and therefore your participation in it, is ongoing with no immediately foreseeable end. But, I am pleased to tell you that you are all performing at a standard equal to that of full huntsman and huntresses. With that in mind, the marks and grades you are receiving are being applied to upper-level courses that you would normally be taking two or three years from now. To put it simply, you are all receiving credits toward graduation for your efforts."

Weiss blinked. To both sides, she could hear her friends murmuring to each other, their voices echoing the surprise she felt. Ruby let out a little cheer, which had Weiss rolling her eyes but smiling even as she shook her head.

Headmaster Ozpin's voice, relaxed though it was, cut through the growing conversation like a knife. "To speak on the subject of your performance; as Professor Goodwitch said, you are functioning at a level that would be expected of graduate huntsmen and huntresses. Because of this, we have made the decision to compensate you as though you have been formally contracted by Beacon to serve in such a manner."

Clink. Weiss' cup clicked down onto its saucer, nearly forgotten. She stared at the headmaster, not certain she believed her ears. Formally contracted?

"The work you have been doing for us is not something that should be rightly expected of simple students." Headmaster Ozpin nodded, and Professor Goodwitch produced a folder. She opened it, and from within it handed each one of them a neatly printed sheet of paper. Weiss' hand almost trembled as she took it, until she forced it still through sheer determination.

It was fairly standard legalese, if less convoluted than some of the documents her father had tested her on. Expected duties line up with everything we've been doing, acknowledgement of extenuating circumstances, secrecy and clearance, duration of duty listed as ongoing. Overtime, shift differential, and hazard pay?

"Pyrrha? I'm not the best at reading this kind of stuff, is it… er…" Jaune's voice was a little tremulous, and Pyrrha's cheeks darkened when he leaned in closer and put her on the spot. But then Ren and Nora both joined the huddle, looking for guidance as well.

While she obviously would never have signed any contracts for huntress work, Pyrrha wouldn't be a complete stranger to the concept. Pumpkin Pete's manufacturer would have had to enter into some form of proper contract to be able to use her appearance for their advertising, after all.

Weiss caught her eye, perking an ivory eyebrow. Pyrrha nodded slowly, and Weiss returned the motion with confidence. The redhead spoke quietly to her teammates. Weiss turned back to her team. "This is fully legitimate, everyone. The headmaster wants to pay us, officially. Full wages, as though we were already graduated."

"Indeed, Ms. Schnee. I have taken the liberty of opening bank accounts in each of your names, into which your pay is being deposited." He paused to sip his coffee, a small grin gracing his features. "Backdated, of course. Team RWBY, your date of contract is listed as the day the Arthra crash landed, and you assisted Professor Goodwitch in relief operations. Team JNPR, your date of contract is listed as the morning after your attempt to infiltrate the Arthra's hangar."

Weiss glanced over the contract again and ran the numbers, and she felt her jaw slacken the slightest bit. She actually had to set her tea down for fear of dropping it. Blake's eyes widened a moment later, followed by Yang's disbelieving laugh. Ruby's brow was scrunched up, her eyes still staring at the page as if begging the numbers to just reveal themselves to her.

Weiss gave her head a shake, then leaned over and murmured the amount in Ruby's ear. Her partner sat bolt upright, letting out a squeak. "T-that much?!"

"Overtime, shift differential, and hazard pay, Ruby. We've been on the clock twenty-four seven for almost a month now. That comes out to over a thousand hours of paid time."

"Students." The headmaster sipped his coffee again, obviously enjoying their reactions. "I do find it necessary to remind you that part of maintaining secrecy will involve not suddenly being rich. I will not stop you from making a few small purchases with your newly received funds, but I will urge you to be circumspect. That, and as an individual responsible for preparing you for your eventual graduation, I would be remiss if I did not mention the value of… savings and investment."

Something the Headmaster had said earlier clicked in Weiss' head. 'I have taken the liberty of opening bank accounts in each of your names.' He isn't just… paying me. He's paying me in such a way that my father won't be able to take it away. He's given me my freedom. She rose to her feet on shaking legs and bowed to him, forcing her voice to be as steady as possible and knowing that her emotions were bleeding through anyways. "Thank you, Headmaster Ozpin, for your consideration. I truly appreciate what you've given me; what you've given all of us."

"You are quite welcome, Ms. Schnee. But please, I have not given you anything. I am simply compensating you for your hard work. You have, after all, earned it."

The things I do. Torchwick rubbed his eyes, careful to not overly jostle the spun-glass illusion of black bangs over his forehead. Neo skipped along beside him, her short, yellow 'hair' bouncing with each exaggerated step she took.

She wanted coffee before they went back to the safehouse. 'Why not ice cream?' he'd countered, 'You love ice cream.' But she'd stamped her foot and scrunched up her face and gave him that pout and he'd relented. "You're gonna stunt any growth you have left from all this caffeine, you know." He deftly interposed Melodic Cudgel in the way of her boot, keeping it from impacting his shin. "Hey now, who's paying for this? I thought so."

She blew a raspberry at him, flouncing ahead toward the cafe. She liked the one that was close to Beacon, where all the trainees visited during the afternoons. Torchwick didn't spend too much time wondering why, but he supposed it had to do with the girl in her. Neo took quite well to the lifestyle they had, but every so often he could see bits and pieces of could-have-been in her. Never the infatuation with ice cream, or the fruity cocktails, or her ability to dance around blood with a smile on her face and a song in her heart.

No, it was more the lingering and furtive glances.

The little things she thought he never noticed.

The coffee house where trainee huntresses liked to spend their time.