A/N: First off I wanna thank you all for bringing this story up to over 5500 views! you've all made me so happy that so many people have checked out this story.
I know the last few chapters have been a little light on plot and mainly character development and interactions between characters. (and me having a lot of fun with the combat matches.) But things are going to begin to move along again now plot wise.
I have been writing this with the Volume 2 Soundtrack on repeat. My top 3 songs:
1/ "Boop"
2/ "Caffeine"
3/ "Die"
What do you guys think?
I got a question for my readers: Would you like to see more of the story told through other characters eyes (e.g.: Velvet, Blake, Weiss just to name 3) or just keep it from Simon's PoV unless he isn't present? feedback on this will help me immensely with how to continue telling this tale. -CC
Disclaimer: I Still DON'T own RWBY
Chapter 25: Raiders. Vacuo Desert, Ty Kruger's PoV:
We had been holding the perimeter around the crashed airship for well over a week now, being resupplied by air as crash investigators from both Vale and Vacuo to try and piece together what had happened to bring down this Dust shipment. I had been called over to a small tent that served as a field HQ to get in touch with command back in Vacuo. As I took a seat near the monitor I stretched my aching legs 'I was too old for this crap 20 years ago... why the hell am I still doing this?' I thought to myself cynically. The connection back to Vacuo failed a couple times, not surprising given that we were nearly 1000km's from the city and a good 200km from the nearest friendly settlement with a radio transmitter.
"Colonel Kruger, can you read?" Came the static filled voice of the Militia HQ radio dispatcher trying to reach me for a 3rd time.
"I read you 2 by 3. The signal is bullshit out here." I replied, my temper not in the best mood as I was borderline heatstroke.
"wait one, increasing signal strength. There, stable connection secured, transferring you to Chief of Operations: Brigadier Slate." Came the radio dispatcher's voice followed by a click as the transmission was moved to the Brigadier.
"Colonel Kruger how are you holding up out there you old snowman?" The Brigadier asked using his pet name for the Atlesian.
"The squadron is holding up well, the sandstorms missed us thankfully... I imagine they're just as deadly as Atlesian blizzards. Mind telling me what the investigators have found out? They aint telling me shit." I replied dead-panned, not wanting to let my frustration show.
"To be honest: Not much to tell, the Airship was taken down by some heavy duty SAM's... no idea on the make or origin of them as it is difficult to find fragments of the missiles. All I know is that it is gear that up till now we had thought was NOT in the hands of Dust bandits and other undesirables that inhabit the deserts and that you're going to find and eliminate whoever did this." The Brigadier replied, an eagerness in his voice to get to the bottom of this.
I was gobsmacked "With all due respect sir... we're already 1000km from Vacuo, you're wanting me to take my men even further into the desert?"
"Got it in 1 Kruger. It is your job... or do you think we call you the LONG RANGE Desert Raiders for nothing? We're airlifting some militia infantry to replace you in guarding the crash site as well as to bring you fresh stocks of supplies and extra ammo for your vehicle mounted weapons as well as your ATGMs. I'll contact you in the morning to give you further details. Brigadier Slate out." And the line dropped out as soon as the reply from Slate was complete not giving me any time to rebut. Grumbling I marched out of the tent and called for a meeting of the Squadrons officers, they were sure to be as unhappy about this as I was.
The Next Afternoon: Ty Kruger's PoV
Slate had eventually handed me a list of 5 areas which contained a highly probable site to hide a camp and advanced SAM emplacements. One for each of my troops. So The Squadron had split, each 30 man troop being assigned 1 target area. I had decided to bring my Squadron HQ (essentially a couple of jeeps and trucks with advanced comms arrays with "C" Troop to hit the furthest target area... an additional 400km into the wastelands from the crash site.
"You know Colonel... I honestly think someone in HQ hates us, no other squadron gets sent this far out from the city." My driver, a scrawny kid who couldn't be more than 19 theorised. he was probably right... a lot of people weren't happy about me a former Atlesian Captain and Black Fist soldier getting such a high rank immediately upon joining, but I wasn't going to let him know that.
"We're just the new Squadron on the block... they're just testing us out, seeing how we handle under pressure." I replied evenly, trying to calm the boy's nerves.
"Colonel Sir, C-3 here We got Grimm bearing 271 approx 2km off moving parallel to us. It looks like Beowolves... not your regular kind either, those big Wasteland bastards about 50 of em." I heard a member of C troop's 3rd patrol call over the radio. Grabbing my binoculars I could indeed see off in the East a large group of desert Grimm. Frowning I weighed up possible courses of action 'Ugh.. of course they would turn up just as we were out of range of help.' I thought as I reached forward and raked the bolts on the twin machine gun mount in front of me and opened a comms channel to everyone in the troop "Don't let those trigger fingers get too itchy... let's just see what these Grimm do first, if they come within 500m of the column then mow them down." I ordered my men, hoping that the Grimm don't decide that they want to try and make us an afternoon snack.
The Grimm kept their distance, closing slowly on us. trying to keep out of sight behind sand dunes. The Grimm out here were smarter, larger and more adaptive than the younger more restless Grimm that lived closer to the kingdoms and came into more contact and were subject to more culls by hunters and the various armies the kingdoms possessed.
It was near sunset and we were still about 50km from our supposed target area. The terrain was covered with sand dunes, couldn't see for more than 300m without your view being obstructed by a dune, though at most angles view range was 200m at most. The gunners were keeping their heads on a swivel, looking for any sign of the Grimm that had remained unseen for the best part of an hour. "Sir... I got a bad feeling about this." My driver said nervously, I shushed him and swivelled my twin machine gun mount. I didn't want to scare the boy but I also had just as bad a feeling about this particular stretch of desert.
There was a dune about 150m to our front, it was then that I saw them cresting it, about two dozen of the wasteland Beowolves charging right at the 15 vehicles (13 Desert Rat jeeps and 2 comms trucks) that made up "C" Troop and my Squadron HQ. I didn't hesitate, grabbing the twin mounted 7.62mm machine guns I let loose with a large sweeping burst into the group. I could hear other vehicles calling out contacts in other directions that was accompanied by the various sounds of weapons firing. The deep slow Thud-Thud-Thud of the 40mm Automatic Grenade Launchers mounted on the rear mounts of some jeeps or the quicker Boom-Boom-Boom of the 7.62mm and .50 cal machine guns. I quickly realised it wasn't just one pack.. we seemed to have attracted the attention of several other packs as there was way more than 50 of these bastards. "Troop. put the pedal to the metal... we gotta punch a hole right through the group to our front. Gunners keep up your fire!" I ordered calmly over the radio as my driver floored it right at the group to our front.
I began firing my twin 7.62mm's and managed to shoot a few of the big wolves down. all around the convoy angry howls mixed in with the cacophony of weapon discharges. We were less than 100m from the group in front of us, our convoy going a speedy 70km/h along the desert sand with Grimm closing in on all sides. It was at this point that my guns decided to jam, not having enough time to rectify the problem I grabbed up the Automatic shotgun beside the seat and braced for impact.
Our jeep which was in the lead sped right into the group of Beowolves. Crushing the first one that didn't react in time, it's head splattering as it made contact with the bull bar. The next one however managed to jump up and land on the bonnet of the jeep and slammed a claw into the bullet proof windscreen causing it to crack, expecting this I raised the shotgun and pumped the Grimm's ugly snarling face with Six 12 gauge slugs, basically turning it to mush, its body being crushed under the 6 wheel drive.
Before I could relish ridding my jeep of the giant Beowolf I heard a sickening crunch, in my rear view mirror I saw one of the jeeps get smacked on the side by a Grimm and began flipping over and over on its side. I could see the occupants, the Troop commander included scramble out, sidearms drawn and trying to fend off the giant Grimm with not but pistols... it was gallant but fruitless, all nearby Grimm swamped them and overwhelmed them, I could see blood and guts strewn over the sand and the faces of the Grimm that got a hold of them. I closed my eyes in a quick moment to honour the sacrifice of my newfound brothers in arms and to kick myself for getting my men killed.
"Troop, once we clear this dune form line formation, reduce the risk of friendly fire now we have all the Grimm behind us... 50m spread." I called over the radio, my tone even and in control. If I panicked the men would as well and panicked men led to more deaths. My driver was currently swerving and a Grimm slammed the side of my jeep trying to mimic what happened to the Troop Commander's jeep. My driver was ramming the Grimm, not letting it get too much momentum up and I was trying to get a good shot on it with my shotgun seeing as it was too close for the gunner to get at with the 40mm. "Come on you cockbite! Eat some fucking lead!" I yelled at it as it changed tactic and latched onto the side of the jeep, trying to bite at me, only for it to get my shotgun's barrel down its throat and several slugs tearing its insides up. Once the now dead Grimm fell lifelessly off the side of my jeep and the troop cleared the dunes the vehicles drew parallel to each other 50m apart and the gunners all faced rearward to pepper any chasing Grimm with 40mm grenades or .50 cal slugs.
Once we had put some distance between us and the Grimm pack that backed off, having wasted their element of surprise I got the troop to halt, check for damage and injuries. one gunner had been killed by a leaping Grimm that took the poor guys head straight off, his body was still standing and his hands still gripping the hand guards of the 40mm grenade launcher he was manning. Each soldier in "C" Troop looked solemnly at this display of doing ones duty right till the end.
Looking around the rest of the Vehicles I could see some had massive dents, missing parts, bull bars ripped off. But despite all that "C" Troop had come out relatively unscathed. I made my way to the comms truck and brought up each of the other 4 troops that made up my squadron as the men made hurried repairs and reloaded guns and grenade launchers. Turned out all but "E" Troop had made contact with the various desert Grimm and were in various conditions. "A" and "D" troops got off relatively unscathed, losing 2 vehicles each but no other injuries or casualties. "B" Troop however had lost approx 2/3 of its strength and was down to 3 working jeeps and 11 men (4 of which were wounded), the senior soldier being a corporal who had only been promoted a week before this mission. I had asked if they wanted to head to the nearest settlement and wait for evac but they had elected to continue on with their mission. I had to admire the determination that seemed inherent to everyone who called vacuo home, even if their lack of uniformity in any aspect of their dress drove an organised Atlesian such as myself around the bend.
Exiting the comms truck I summoned all the patrol leaders as well as major Silver to review my plan of attack on the camp that lay about 10km away from here. "Well from the images we've been sent it seems this camp is guarded by an anti-vehicle trench and a thick wall... very high probability of heavy enemy contact... maybe even the suspect AA launcher. Plan of attack after we conduct recon to gain more details on enemy strength will be a standard V formation assault to bring maximum firepower to bare against whatever enemies inhabit this camp. Once we hit the final 200m we form up single file to enter the camp. Once we're in the camp passengers and driver's will dismount and complete the sweeps, gunner's stay on your mounts and provide suppressive fire. Any questions or comments? That aren't about how much of a bullshit mission this is please." Upon seeing no hands raised or anyone speak up I dismissed the patrol leaders to go talk to their Troopers.
I took the time to sit in the comms truck which featured a luxury: an air-conditioner to keep the comms gear from getting heat damaged, but it was heaven for me to just sit in there and relax out of the last of the afternoon heat, I'd hate to give myself a damned heart attack out here through heat exposure. I sat there cooling down and sending a progress report back to Vacuo before the sun went down and the scouts I'd sent out returned.
It had been dark for about an hour when we heard the whine of motorcycle engines to signify that the scouts had returned from checking out the camp. They had brought with them several photographs pointing out several reinforced machine gun nests, mortars and static rocket launchers. All of it looked like it had only been put up not more than 2 or 3 months ago, it had few signs of wear or tear from the harsh desert. I looked over the photographs and got an uneasy feeling about this all 'All of this gear is quite advanced and new... who the hell is operating out here with such high tech equipment... and why?' I though anxiously as I made a few adjustments to my plan of assault before the Troop mounted up and quietly made their way towards the camp.
About 1.5km from the camp just behind a very large dune I stopped the convoy and had the Squadron HQ take the Anti-Tank missiles the troop carried and pointed out through thermal imaging lenses sights the bunkers and other static defences, the HQ's job would be to eliminate those obstacles just before the rest of the troop made its mounted charge at the camp, hopefully disorientating whoever occupied the area enough that they can't put up serious resistance.
We waited until it was the dead of night, about 2:30am before making our move, hopefully most of them would be asleep. The HQ troopers took up their positions along the top of the dunes, the jeeps of "C" Troop including mine and Major Silver's jeeps just behind the summit, waiting to floor it over the dune and towards the camp once the missiles were fired. I clicked the PTT button on my radio twice to signal for the assault to begin. The HQ loosed their guided missiles and several explosions rocked the camp as the 11 Jeeps that were taking part in the assault rolled forward and began heading full speed towards the camp in a V formation, just like the horse mounted charges of old. As predicted the enemy was scattered, disorientated and a large part of their defences rendered useless.
That being said, the enemy reacted quickly and Mortars, rockets, grenade launchers and rifles quickly opened up at us. Whenever I saw something flash I hosed the area down with the twin mounted machine guns that I'd had fixed between the fight with the Grimm and now. We got within 1km and the incoming fire intensified, but we pressed on. I saw a rocket speed past my jeep and smack into the one behind me to the right, the jeep going airborne and exploding midair as the fuel tanks ignited. As it hit the ground the jeeps behind it had to swerve to avoid the burning wreck and the screams of the soon to be dead occupants, I'd made it perfectly clear not to stop for wounded as we made our charge in lest we get pinned down and slaughtered... Such is war.
The HQ soldiers had loosed another volley of missiles that rocked the camp and silenced much of the heavier opposition. "Wahoo! Colonel... This is a kick ass ride!" My driver said, his tone one of adrenaline fuelled excitement as he dodged bullets, rockets and mortars. I couldn't help but be a little exhilarated myself I began to cackle insanely, letting the adrenaline take over as I continued to fire into the enemies camp, the green of my night vision goggles filled with bright flashes of light from fires in the camp, muzzle flashes and tracers dancing in the night sky, it had been a long time since I'd been in a fire fight this intense.
We had gotten within less than 500m of the camp when out of the main entrance came strolling two lone figures, just walking towards us, almost casually. My blood ran cold, I hadn't anticipated hunter trained enemies to be here. I could only watch helplessly as they flourished their weapons, both of which seemed to be wielding matching swords, their flourishes resulting in a wave flash of dust and then a streak of light that hit a vehicle right behind me, reducing it to nothing but incinerated ashes.
Something inside me snapped as I opened a comms channel "ALL UNITS: Focus fire on those hunters! I want reduced to nothing but ashes! hose them down with 40 mike mike!" I called over the radio before I trained my twin mounted guns onto the pair and unleashed hell upon them as did everyone else. The hunters jumped up on the air to dodge the machine guns and 40mm grenades but something they hadn't expected was for our missiles to be guided, for in mid air both were hit by the missiles that unlike our other weapons had merely followed the now airborne hunters. The explosion slammed the pair back down into the camp, dazed and looking worse for wear but still standing. 'Well fuck these two!' I thought. The main gate was coming up quickly and our jeeps lined up single file to enter into the camp, my gunner still pumping grenades into the hunters. At less than 100m range the Hunters dashed forward, both flipping up: one landing on my jeep and the other bouncing off mine and further back into the column.
The hunter on my jeep swiped his sword over my guns, slicing them both in half. I already had the automatic shot gun in my hand and I pumped him with 12 gauge slugs, he absorbed the rounds better than the Grimm did but the sheer force of the point blank impacts combined with the jinking and swerving my driver was doing to unbalance the hunter pushed him off the jeep, my driver ensuring to run him over on his way down. The column split into pairs once they had cleared the main gate, sweeping the camp, shooting up anything that moved, the original plan to instantly dismount all but abandoned. my Jeep however skidded to a halt once we had finished running over the rogue hunter the gunner continued pumping 40mm grenades into him, bits of shrapnel spraying everywhere. We saw the rogue's mangled corpse. 'Heh only so much punishment an aura can take... thanks for teaching me that trick Simon.' I thought, as I signalled for the driver to keep going further into the camp, I wanted to find a command complex of some type to search for answers.
Once we crossed the boundary into the camp, there was only one possible result: Our mobility and firepower overwhelmed the enemy, they quickly began surrendering once they'd seen one of their hunters being killed and the other being incapacitated and captured by another part of the Troop. I eventually found what looked to be a command complex, right next to 3 advanced, mobile SAM launchers... This was certainly the group that brought down the airship, only question now is "WHY?" I had my driver and gunner wait outside, making sure no one followed me in. My Automatic Shotgun raised I reached a command centre that had two men and a woman in it trying desperately to shred papers and wipe computers. They saw me and attempted to surrender, however 1 slug to each one's face ended their attempts at hiding evidence. Taking a data stick I began downloading every file I could from the computer, it was all encrypted but I knew people who could crack any code.
While that was downloading I checked the tree corpses, finding no ID. But I knew these people didn't belong out here... they all wore identical uniforms, something No Vacuo native could ever do, Vacuo people were much more individualistic than any other kingdom, even the militia had no real uniform to speak of. I made a more detailed search of the corpses, eventually finding what I was looking for "Well well well, you guys are a long way from home now aren't you? I wonder what your masters would have to do with this all then aye?" I questioned the obviously dead corpses sarcastically. Once the download onto the data stick was completed I noted several blocks of explosives on all the equipment, I set a timer for 60 seconds and left, wanting to eradicate the evidence I had found, It was too dangerous for everyone involved for the Vacuo Council to find out about who exactly was behind this, no this was a lead I had to follow up myself... and I knew just the man to help me.
As I exited the building several thuds sounded and the ground shook, signalling that the charges had done their job. Major Silver looked suspiciously at me, but decided against questioning my methods, instead offering a casual salute and handing me a scroll "8 dead, 5 wounded. Plus the 4 dead from the Grimm attack, but we got the job done sir. I've had the HQ send a signal back to Vacuo for aerial evac, we're not in shape to drive the 1400km back to the city and I think people need to see these launchers ASAP, congratulations Colonel... you found the cause of the crash, but I only think this has left more questions than it has answered. Foremost being: Who gave this rabble so much high end gear and what's the story with the rogue hunters?" I shrugged and took a swig from my canteen before offering the Major some. "I have no idea right now, but I got a few hunches." I replied scanning the burning wreckage that was this camp, only the incriminating launchers complete with Atlesian Army markings remained undamaged after the assault and fire fight.
Beacon Academy: Wednesday Week 3, Simon's PoV:
Nyanza had been quiet for the past few days, spending his free time away from the team. Probably with Yang or one of his other mates in other teams. I had only seen him for classes, team training, meals and when it was time for sleep. I didn't particularly care, so long as we worked well together during classes and training and eventually missions my team could do as they wished away from the team. In fact I encouraged SNST to go off solo during our free time, though Teal and Sienna seemed to spend a bit of time together. No need to be up in each other's faces 24/7.
So here I found myself after classes ended for the day resting under a tree near Beacon cliffs reading a book from the Library. It was part of a series about an Atlesian soldier-turned teacher-turned spy who rose through the ranks and eventually became president of the Atlas Ruling Council after his predecessor as killed when a rogue Mistralan pilot ploughed his Airship into the Council chamber's as revenge for Atlas defeating Mistral in a small war over some contested islands.
The weather was much warmer here than in Atlas and I was feeling very hot and bothered even doing the most simple tasks while out in the Valean sun, but at least I was losing the pale skin that most Atlesians seemed to have. 'Wow If I' am suffering here. I'd hate to think how bad Kruger has it in Vacuo... But then again he is probably sitting in an air conditioned room drinking Scotch. He had a lot of Lien saved up, so he is probably a very rich man by Vacuo standards.' I thought as I fanned myself with my novel. I heard footsteps approaching me, sighing I put my bookmark in place and placed the novel in the small backpack I had with me. "Hey Simon, Sienna said I should be able to find you down here." I heard Velvet's nervous voice from behind me. I internally sighed 'So much for peace and tranquillity.'
I turned to face the bunny girl, a small smirk on my face "I wouldn't know why Sienna knows where I' am... I specifically come down here so I can't be found." I replied. My voice soft, so as not to frighten or put off Velvet from coming down here and seeing me. "Oh I' am sorry, I didn't know you were down here to be alone." Velv turned to leave but I grabbed her hand as gently as I could "No. you put in the effort to find me so it'd be extremely rude of me to turn you away." I replied hurriedly, my voice cracking slightly. I noticed Velvet blushing slightly and looking down to where my hand was grasping hers. I thought nothing of the blush as I withdrew my hand and offered her a place on the mat I'd brought down with me. "So what are you wondering Velv? Or did you just miss me." I chuckled weakly, trying to defuse the thick awkward atmosphere that had existed between Velv and I since she'd come crashing back into my life. Velv smiled lightly as she sat down and I beside her.
"Well Simon, I was just wondering and just tell me to stop if you don't feel comfortable answering... why you ran? why not hide until the White Fang left and then came to seek refuge with my family? I know it is probably a painful memory.. but it is a question that's plagued my family and I most of all for 5 years. " Velvet asked, a tone of hurt in her eyes.
I averted my eyes and thought back to that night... the fear I felt, my mother's screams as The White Fang caught her and I ran for my life... just as she told me to. "Velv, my mother told me to run... to run far away from that place. I don't think she wanted you all getting involved, she was protecting you and your family as well as me when she told me to run and not stop or return. Even when I ended up in Vale in police protection... the Fang found me and butchered those poor cops." I replied, my breath hitching as I remembered every detail of that night and the night that followed in the police station, if armed police in downtown Vale couldn't protect me or even themselves... what would have become of your parents? what would have become of you... I can tell you that The White Fang treats traitorous Faunus much worse than they will any human." I replied sadly, my fists clenching until my knuckles were ghost white at the thought of those monsters in the Fang getting Velvet or her family.
Velvet nodded slowly, understanding and accepting my late mother's logic. "Well I guess that is sound logic... but you really should come back home sometime? Everyone in town is going into overdrive with questions to me that I can't possibly answer." She asked hopeful. I was a bit taken aback... I hadn't anticipated such a request... I was so used to scorn or indifference from strangers that it was kinda overwhelming for people to actually want to see me and wanting to care about my welfare. What hit me even harder was the mention of Home... to me for as long as I could remember home was wherever I would rest my head for the night. Rum Squad's barracks had been my home, as had the Castle Guard barracks when I was with the SDC, I even considered the SNST dorm to be a home of sorts. To me Exton had just been a bad memory to be forgotten.
I felt a single tear run down my cheek, only to be wiped off by the delicate fingers of Velvet. "Hey Simon, are you ok? Hey what's wrong... talk to me." I heard her say softly, her hand slowly stroking the tears away I didn't flinch at the contact, It was quite comforting. "I' am fine Velvet... just struggling with the concept of going back to what you call home... what I call a memory best left forgotten." I replied, blinking back any remaining tears, not particularly wanting to let the emotional floodgates open here.
Velvet frowned at my response letting out a hurt sigh "I know it is painful to think about, but you can't hide from it forever... the people there do care and it is your home and my family or any other family will welcome you with open arms, whether you think it is or not Exton always has been and always will be home for you." Velvet replied defiantly, all awkwardness and meekness gone from her voice, making sure her point got through my stupid thick skull that I was no longer a transient moving from one job or mission to another without any single anchor to keep me in one place, that I had somewhere I could always return to and be safe.
I chuckled lightly, giving Velv a mock salute "Yes ma'am, any other orders for this grunt?" I replied, impressed with just how commanding Velvet could be when she wanted to, she certainly was not the modest and meek teenager as she appeared just looking at her. Nope she was a warrior, strong and fearless. "Nothing right now, but maybe during the semester break you can come visit... that gives you some time to prepare and get settled in at Beacon as well as sorting out your own mind and emotions, just know that there are people you can talk to... you are never alone in all of this, take care Simon." With that she gave me a quick hug before bouncing off towards the academy, leaving me there to think and reminisce of my childhood with Velvet.
A/N: Well what did Kruger find on those three corpses? what will he find on the data stick? You'll find out that and many other things soon my peeps :)
I also want to just announce now that I may not be able to post for much of January or February (But I' am working to get as much writing done during December as I can) as I'll be away working without much internet access on my laptop. During which time I'll be re-writing a lot of the earlier chapters (just cleaning them up: Grammar, spelling, paragraph length among other things)
So if you want to keep up with From Hunted to Hunter once my posting hiatus is up: follow or favourite the story and not miss any updates from yours truly.
Hope you're all enjoying your holiday season -CC