AN:
E-Tactito: Welp we got another one out in a decent amount of time.
We ended up spending the rest of the night with Sophia enjoying each other's company and just getting to know each other better. We watched some remnant version of Toy Story and we all ended up falling asleep on the common room coach cuddled up with Sophia in the middle. The next morning we woke up with enough time for me to eat breakfast before we had to report to the Docks to welcome the Atlas Refugees that would be arriving in the next few hours. I drop off Sophia and Emily at our dorm and make my way towards the docks with my team excluding Newlin.
Arriving at the Docks we saw the legion of medical personnel that was shipped in from Vale. Seems like the Council kept their word. Mallaurie met us and the other students at the Dock, and began to give instructions on Triage. It wasn't likely to be useful since most of the more serious cases would have likely perished by this point, but it was good information to know nonetheless. Distribution points for food and supplies were constructed just a short distance from the docks. Looking over towards the Cliff edge I see Ozpin and Glynda waiting.
I grabbed Kopman's attention and motioned over towards Ozpin and Glynda. He silently agreed with me and led us towards the Duo. As we approached Ozpin turned his attention towards us and lowered his mug.
"Morning gentlemen. It appears that this will be a most tragic of days. I fear it will be the first time many of my students will see death up close. I wished they could have kept their childlike innocence for a little while longer." Ozpin stated morosely as he stared off into the forest below.
"Innocence never lasts. I prefer that they see the hard cruel reality in the safe confines of Beacon instead of in the field. Would have hated yourself a lot more if a student died simply for freezing up at the sight of death. It's a sad day, but a necessary day. Don't get too hung up on it. Our main concern is helping the wounded and dying. We should also speak with Ironwood as soon as possible." Kopman said as he watches a fleet of white aircraft slowly making its way to the dock in the distance.
"Agreed, we should have words with him soon. First let's help them settle in first. We can speak tonight after everyone is properly settled in. Let everyone know that they should get into positions now. I want you three in the front with the medical personnel. I'm sure you know your way around a bandage or two. You saved Gwen's life under fire. I'm sure you can make a difference." Ozpin ordered before walking towards Mallaurie. Glynda followed him giving us a polite nod in acknowledgment.
Walking towards the front of the docs we were given a medical pack each full of life saving goodies including an abundance of morphine and IV drips. Within the next Ten minutes the first ship docks and lowers its doors. Immediately the stench of bodily fluids and other unmentionable smells hit us. The Medics take a second to flinch away from the stench and put on masks. We ignore the smell and are there in seconds. Inside the large ship I could see On the far end a large mass of human sized black bags stretching for at least a good thirty feet. I lowered my head in respect for a second before moving to the first patient I laid my eyes on. It was a soldier who could have been older than twenty who was clutching his torso where I could see a bandaged wound. I quickly went about applying some morphine and moving him out of the ship and towards the large medical station set up a short walk a way. The Medical Station was simply a large mass of Tents full of Doctors and temporary surgical centers. The man was quickly taken from my hands and taken by a nurse into one of the tents.
I quickly made my way back to the ship to grab the next one. Along the way I could see the shock, hurt, and agony in the eyes of every single soldier as they were taken into the tents. Like they still couldn't believe what happened to them. From then on it became a whirlwind of constant action. All the faces became a blur as I worked on more soldiers than I could count. It was an endless stream, the only breaks being the interval between ships docking. The hardest part was carrying the dead off onto one side of the docks. With every ship the pile stretched for longer and longer. Soon it stopped being only the dead and wounded on the ships. Soon those that could still fight stepped off the ships. Most looked absolutely broken while others had an understandable look of complete and utter hatred in their eyes. After hours of work the tide finally stopped and the last ship approached. Stepping off the ship was a large man with a tired look in his eyes and a strong five o'clock shadow in a white military uniform. Following behind him was a beautiful woman with white hair beautifully done up in a proper hairdo she looked like a model if it weren't for the absolute exhaustion showing in her eyes. I could see that she just wanted to collapse, but refused to do so here. That was worthy of respect. I could see from the limp in her walk that she was injured, but decided to grit through it. I was about to head over to her to see if she needed assistance before Ozpin stopped me with his Cane.
"James. It's so good to see you still in one piece. Please join me up to my Office. Your people will be well looked after. You have my word." Ozpin said as he greeted the man with a hearty handshake.
"Of that I have no doubt. Specialist Winter will accompany me to your office. I'm sure that won't be an issue." Ironwood said reciprocating the handshake.
"Of course not. If you don't mind Corporal Kopman, Private First Class Frias, and Private Volk joining us?"
"Not at all. Shall we?"
Entering Ozpin's Office Ozpin and Glynda quickly positioned themselves behind the desk. Ironwood and Winter stood off the right side of the desk while we stood at parade rest at the left hand side of the Desk.
"Now I must apologize I haven't properly introduced all of you quite yet." Ozpin said motioning between us and the Atlesians. "James I would like to introduce you to Beacon's Anti-Insurgency Squad. Corporal Michael Kopman, Private First Class Efrain Frias, Private Timothy Volk. They are currently missing their fourth member Private Caleb Newlin who was injured in one of their recent operations. They are also known as Team METC. Team METC this is General James Ironwood. General of the Atlesian Army and Headmaster of Atlas Academy. Next to him is Specialist Winter Schnee. Before you say anything yes she is related to Miss. Weiss Schnee. However I hope your personal issues with Weiss will not affect your ability to work with her sister."
"Not at all sir!" I responded with a quick salute as I paled slightly.
"All due respect sir. What personal Issues with my sister?" Winter said with an intense glare towards myself.
"Ah yes, I'm sure you have had more important things to deal with, recently, than something as trivial as a spat between your sister and another student. It was simply a sparring incident. Your sister was injured, but has made a full recovery, I assure you." Ozpin attempted to placate the now simmering Winter.
"Recovery?" She spat between her teeth. Yeah… I'm screwed. Goodbye World. Newlin, don't sell my shit you little fuck.
"She was injured severely, but not unlike what she would experience out in the field. If anything, this gave her a wake up call that could very well have saved her life." Ozpin answered. Winter paused to consider this, before shrugging.
"Very well. We each come upon these lessons in life." She then looked at Ironwood, who nodded.
"We are safe and among friends. Relax Winter. Team METC, thank you for your aid today. It is good to see young men such as yourselves. It reminds me of a time when I was a young Recruit. Look where we are now." Ironwood addressed Winter and ourselves. We all sort of relaxed after a moment.
"You're welcome Sir." Kopman answered.
"Please. Call me James. We're not stacking bodies right now." James chuckled a little bit. We all laughed at that. Ironwood cleared his throat, and spoke again. "But now, onto more serious matters."
We moved into Ozpin's Private study, where a small table sat surrounded by chairs. Both Ironwood and Winter seemed to deflate as we all sat down. I couldn't blame them. It must've been brutal. Ironwood broke the silence first.
"They hit us hard Oz. We couldn't gather fast enough before they had taken whole cities. Before three days had passed Mantle was theirs. They got inside Atlas somehow. Day four and we barely got out. Luckily enough, we managed to get most of our Arsenal out. We changed the codes on what we have. They didn't get you know who, But they have access to project Frost." Ironwood reported.
"Ah so the Winter Maiden is amongst you? I didn't see her amongst those unloaded." Ozpin questioned.
"Ozpin! Should we really speaking of the Maidens this openly?" Ironwood said in a shaken tone. Winter simply looked just as confused as we were.
"Yes I do believe I can trust those in this room. I had it debugged after I found a rather interesting microphone in my office. This room is secured I assure you of that. I believe that considering our current dire circumstances that we must be frank and bring both Winter and METC into our circle."
"Are you sure about this Ozpin? You were hesitant to bring me in only a few years ago."
"Well, times change. I believe complete transparency will be needed for us to fully trust one another. Besides, Team METC has their own secrets to share. Consider it an even exchange of sorts. I know you probably haven't watched the news recently, so you wouldn't have had the chance to see our press conference. You see Team METC fought the White Fang in a large scale operations of sorts. The Casualties were high amongst the Fang, however it ended as a draw of sorts, as Team METC had to withdraw to secure some intel. Unfortunately for us the operation was streamed to local news agencies and the CCT. So we had to lie about their origins to the public. Please watch the new conference to understand the cover that we had to put up. The reality is that they are not from Remnant. Rather they come from what we shall call an alternate reality. They are just as human as us, just without the usage of Aura. However just because they lack Aura does not mean they are vulnerable. They are much tougher and stronger anyone with an unlocked Aura. They are Soldiers from The United States of America. They were apparently on the battlefield of some war fighting for their country, when they suddenly appeared in the Emerald Forest during the middle of initiation. They are experts at taking down more, well human, targets. They also seem to know what was truly behind the Fall of Atlas. Mr. Kopman mind sharing that with good General?" Ozpin nodded towards Kopman to speak.
"You were attacked by the Soviet Union. Or at least a portion of their military. They were the only superpower in our world excluding our Nation. We were rivals who fought various bloody proxy wars between each other. Roughly twenty five years ago the Soviet Union collapsed. So either we have modern day wannabe soviets or actual Soviets who disappeared a while ago that somehow appeared here around the same time as us." Kopman articulated to both the Atlesians and Ozpin, "They were a nation brought together under the ideology of Socialism. The Idea that everyone is to receive the same from the state and all are loyal to the state above all. They brutally executed all of their rich nobility and murdered any who disagree with their political ideology. To them nothing matters except the state. They threw millions of lives away during the Second World War just to stop the tide of the German Army and then slaughtered millions of their own for speaking out against the government. They are a tough enemy and are more than willing to die if it means dragging you down with them. I hate the bastards, but God do I respect the hell out of their resolve."
"You said your nation fought various proxy wars against them. Since you said that the Soviet Union collapsed I assume that your military was the stronger one at the end of the day, do you believe that you, I mean we can defeat them?" Ironwood asked
"I could give them a hell of a fight that's for damn sure, but it will be an absolute meat grinder. So yes we could win, it just depends on how much are you willing to lose in order to do so?" Kopman responded
"We can speak of strategy at a later date, for now we must lick our wounds and grow stronger. Now before I unveil the secrets of this world, I must ask you, Winter. Do you believe in fairytales?" Ozpin cut in before Ironwood had a chance to respond.
"Can't say I do Sir." Winter said with uncertainty and disbelief in her voice.
"Well all Fairytales find themselves based in reality. I believe it's best to be blunt. The Grimm are lead by a Queen. Her name is Salem. She was cursed by the brother gods to roam this planet forever as punishment for turning the Brothers on each other. She took control of the God of Darkness' creation and swore to destroy this world and everything the gods built in retaliation. I was cursed by the gods to eternally protect the god of Light's Creation, Man, until Salem is stopped. This war between the Dark and Light has been waged in secret and open for Eons. I have lived to see the rise and fall of many great empires and civilizations. The constant never ending bloodshed had broken me a great many centuries ago. I was done with the gods and their petty squabble. I secluded myself for many decades until four sisters found me. They slowly healed my soul and gave me hope once more. I bestowed my powers amongst these four sisters who became the four maidens. They are the last remnant of my powers that the god of Light bestowed upon me. I gave up my mantle as a warrior and became the Wizard. These women transfer their power on their death, and can only transfer the powers to another woman. If the last person the woman thinks of is a woman it is transferred to that individual. If not then it will be transferred at random. Its a rather idiotic system, but that is the way the god of Light decided it to be." Ozpin bitterly spat out
"Well. Thats fucking stupid on so many different levels. Like I know my God isn't infallible. Hell He almost wiped out all of humanity on a whim, but at least most of the shit he does makes sense and has a moral lesson involved or something. Overall your gods seem to be pretty damn petty. Like did they really think that immortality is the absolute best punishment?" I spoke out through the ringing silence. "Is there anyway we can just talk to these so called 'gods' and just tell them to let Salem die already? I think she and all of humanity has suffered enough. It's honestly just sadistic of them."
"They abandoned this world shortly after giving me immortality." Ozpin responded quickly and regrettably.
"Of course they fucking did. Like little pansy ass children throwing a temper tantrum. Can I get Jesus over here to bend them over his knee? They sound like they fucking need it." I threw back heatedly. "Alright fuck it. What's done is done. These Maidens they are pretty powerful right?"
"Extremely", Ozpin shot back taking a sip from his mug
"Well sounds like they would be pretty damn helpful in our little situation. So where are they?" I asked only to get dead silence in response before Ironwood coughed.
"We have the Winter Maiden secured and safe on my ship." Ironwood stated.
"Alright that's one. How about the other three?" I asked Ozpin
"Well technically we have the Fall Maiden secured under the school. Well more accurately half a maiden." Ozpin replied with guilt and regret heavy in his tone
"What do you mean half a Maiden? How can you have half a Maiden?" I replied utterly bewildered.
"Well the Fall maiden was attacked by what I assume are associates of Salem, and half of her powers were stolen, leaving her in a Coma that she will likely never wake up from, considering that half of her soul was ripped out of her body."
"Well shit. How about the other two?" At that both Ozpin and Ironwood looked at each other and simply shrugged. "Oh you have got to be fucking kidding me! How do you lose two Maidens? Do you not have any Recon? Oh wait that's right all your intel is absolute shit. Well We get shit done unlike you, apparently. Kopman give him the files."
"Alright here." Kopman said sliding the files onto the table. Oz picked them up, and began leafing through them.
"Where did you get this information?" He breathed.
"The Dark Knight. He says that he pulled your assets for their protection. He says the Queen is moving ahead of schedule. Whatever that means." I replied. Ozpin paled.
"Schedule? She has a plan in place already?" Ozpin's mouth became a line as he walked to a bookcase. "In all my years, Salem and her acolytes have tried everything to bring me down. Each time, I was able to stop her. Last time was close. Too close. I fear that this may be our end if it is not met with equal or greater fury."
"Fury, Oz?" Ironwood asked. "Aren't we supposed to keep this quiet? If we push Project Frost, you know the consequences. You saw what happened to Summer Rose."
I decided not to comment on the Mention of Ruby's mom. Although Ozpin and I would have words later. Many many words.
"I do and I did. It was a heavy loss that none of us were ready for. Remnant wasn't ready for her to go. But that was before we fixed it. Now it's safe. At least, more so than it was that particular day my friend. For now, we need to push Project Frost. I will Upload Fury to the CCT. It will immediately search for Salem and any links to her. Without alerting the public. I've also had time to perfect my pet project. Regardless I believe it would be best if we dealt with our most pressing issue first. The White Fang and the Soviets. There is a planned attack at the Valean docks where Team METC, Team CFVY and The Valean Police Force will stage an ambush. Will this Dark Knight be willing to help us in these efforts?" Oz asked us directly.
"I am not entirely sure. He said to contact him through Blake if we needed him. Oh yeah. She returns to the school after Friday." I answered.
"Can he be trusted?" Ironwood questioned.
"I would like to believe so Sir."I responded
"I don't like that. Until we know he is to be utterly trusted we should keep our distance. Who knows what ulterior motives he has."
"He's one of us Sir. He can be trusted. Everyone who became one of us, Soldiers, knows what the American Flag is. He used it because he knew that we would know. If he has ulterior motives, you might get farther than speculation by asking him yourself."
"I would be more than happy to meet with him, however he hasn't shown himself. How can I trust someone I have yet to meet? Bring him to me and allow me to be the judge. Until then I say we keep our distance from him."
"I'm sure we will meet him soon enough. We never do seem to be able to avoid a fight after all."
"Fair enough. I want you to take Winter and a small contingent of my soldiers to the Docks. I would offer a Team or two, but after barely making it out of Atlas they need some time to come to terms with what just happened. I'm sure you understand." Ironwood replied
"That's more than understandable General. Any help we can get is much appreciated."
"They will meet you at the Docks Friday at 0400. I'll leave you to your preparations. I'm sure we all need some rest." Ironwood said before shaking each of our hands and leaving the Office. Winter follows shortly after, but not before nodding at us and wishing us a good night's sleep.
Sleep sounded really good about now. Looking up at the clock I can see it's almost 1700. We had been working non-stop for roughly 12 hours. God I need a nap.
"Ah shit, we have to take Ren and Jaune Clubbing today remember?" Kopman said right next to me.
"Eh fuck it. I'm taking a nap." I said before walking away from Ozpin.