BEEP! BEEP! BEEP!
Eyes snap open as one hand moves at its own accord to shut off the alarm. Sliding out of the bed, the man reaches for the water bottle he keeps on the nightstand noticing the glaring lack of one. Where in God's name am I? Thinks the man, taking in the soundings of the unfamiliar room as he does so.
The room is tiny, with the bed taking up half of the space. A desk with some sort of built-in screen, An Atlesian model 200 terminal his brain whispers. I shouldn't know that... how do I know that? The growing dread that had built in the man's stomach had become too much. Moving towards what seems to be an attached bathroom. Ripping open the door the man quickly moves towards the sink, turning it on and splashing water in his face.
Water running down his face, the man looks in the mirror and to his horror a face not his stares back. But not a face he doesn't recognize. One he had seen multiple times, much older than the one before him though. The grey sides of the hair are no longer there, and the rugged beard has ceased to exist.
"Ironwood you up!" Called a voice he both knows and doesn't.
"I am, just getting ready!" Ironwood calls back, his voice growing more uncertain as he speaks.
"Hurry up then, today's the command scenario." Urged the voice.
"Understood I'll be right out!" Responded Ironwood. Running through the motions of putting on what his brain tells him is an Atlas Academy officer cadet uniform, buttoning up the double breast chest, tieing the tie and puffing out the caller. Grabbing his issued boots, his hand moving to grab a rag that sat next to them in a motion done hundreds of times.
As he started to shin the boots, something he knew was expected out of all cadets even if today was his only day at Atlas Academy but not James Ironwood first day. Wait if I can remember that can I remember what is happening today? Images flash through his mind, a large room, displays, his voice barking out orders to people at terminals who carry them out with precision and speed. Or of him sitting in different environments fighting Grimm and defending objectives
So it's a battle simulation designed to test officers eh Thinks Ironwood as he slides on the white overcoat, pushing out any wrinkles and creases Well let's show Atlas finest a Terran at work.
James Ironwood walked down the halls of Atlas Academy with purpose, his long legs carrying him towards the combat scenario rooms as he mentally prepared himself for the task ahead.
While James knew without a doubt following Atlas combat doctrine would garner less suspicion than a green cadet only two years in the Academy coming up with completely different strategies. He knew if he wanted to ensure his rise through the ranks quickly risk had to be taken.
Tried and true Atlesian doctrine will not stop the White Fang, it won't stop the fall of Beacon, and it most certainly won't stop Salam. As the saying goes "Desperate times call for desperate measures" and no times are more desperate than those of ensuring world survival.
As James arrived in the room he was greeted by the sight of an Atlas military officer, a Major if he's reading the rank right.
"Attention" Calls out the officer, her voice ringing clearly over the noise "I'm Major Titian Carmine and I will be observing your efforts in the following week's combat scenarios."
A low mutter broke out in response to the Majors statement. A week of combat scenarios? Muses James Why for so long? From what I can recall no scenarios have gone on more than 2 days in a row.
"While that may come to a shock to you, expect it to become the norm" Continued the Major "Over the next week you will be arranged into teams of 4 and put into a random combat scenario of my choosing."
"Each member will be evaluated individually but make no mistake your duties will be to support each other and complete your objectives, permitting a team member failure for your own glory will result in a fail." Warned the Major
"Up first is Cadet Ironwood, Cadet Mauve, Cadet Xanthus and Cadet Albion." States the Major "Your scenario will be an evacuation defence in Mistral, the village of Xiatun to be specific. You will have 10 minutes to choose which equipment your 4 squads will be provided with, Cadet Ironwood you will be in command of Alpha position, Cadet Albion Beta, Cadet Mauve Charlie and Cadet Xanthus Delta, begin."
My squads will be armed with the AC6, 15 round magazine, fires 7.62mm. That's going to be a problem, too many Grimm will mean any miss will be fatal. Judged Ironwood First thing I'm looking into is increasing magazine size.
Hmm, the A40, large mag size closest thing Atlas has to an HMG from what I can see, I'll take two Deliberated Ironwood. 4PA, mortar only 60mm though, two will do, the indirect fire-support should slow the Grimm down even with this low of a calibre.
Uttering his thoughts out loud "I would recommend bringing MC2s demolition chargers, in case your position is overrun."
"When would that happen Ironwood?" Haughty questions Albion, whipping her dirty blond hair to the side as she does so. "We're all trained for this, the Grimm are no match for Atlas best."
"It's your choice." Shrugs Ironwood "It was only a recommendation."
Moving back to his planning, Ironwood sees something perfect for his plans. A34, a grenade launcher, 3 shots before reloading. Now that's the firepower boost the squads need, 2 per squad seems right. Now, what else coul..
"3 minutes remaining." The sharp voice of Major Carmine rang out, cutting Ironwood out of his planning.
"Ma'am, might I ask something before we begin?" Questions Ironwood
"There are no rules against it Cadet Ironwood." Replies the Major "Now what is your question?"
"How are the sightlines in Xiatun?"
The combat scenario rooms in Atlas Academy were brilliantly made, designed to function like the Amity Colosseum arena, being able to transform into whatever is wanted. Today it had been transformed into a ruined urban city with rubble and wood scattered across the ground. The simulated rain splashed against the armour of his troops and his overcoat, soaking rifle scopes and lowering visibility.
Or at least it would if it wasn't as holographic as his "soldiers" while it did splash against his overcoat and did make it harder to judge shots it barely affected his abilities. The same could not be said for his troops, because of their holographic nature the "rain" effected them as real rain would him.
"Place the MC2s at those buildings, blow them once you get to a safe distance." States Ironwood, gesturing to a group of houses "The rubble will force the Grimm down this road where our heavy guns and mortars will dwindle their numbers."
"Squad 1, you're in charge of our support weapons." Orders Ironwood "I want the heavy guns setting up a crossfire using the two buildings ahead. While the mortars will bombard the street at 4 shells per minute."
While Ironwood was busy making the exact positions and target zones known, a rumble was heard in the distance, signifying his order for the demo charges had been carried out.
"Now squad 2 and 3 will hold the front line. Your A34s will clear out anything left and..."
"CONTACT!" Before the soldier was even able to finish a Beowolf jumped over the barricade, barreling towards Ironwood. Without even thinking, Ironwood's right-hand reached into his overcoat, withdrawing a grey and white hand cannon, Due Process.
Quickly squeezing the trigger, two massive shots ring out, both hitting the Beowolf in its right leg. Causing the Grimms leg to collapse. Calmly walking towards the Beowolf Ironwood clicks back the hammer on his hand cannon before placing the barrel on its forehead and pulling the trigger, ending the Grimm's life.
"As I was saying" States Ironwood, slipping Due Process back into its shoulder holster. "Squads 2 and 3, position yourselves along the barricade. Squad 4, divide yourselves into 2 groups and take up positions on the roofs."
"Your orders have been given, man your posts and report if you see anything, dismissed" Directed Ironwood.
Should inform the others on my positions contact with the Grimm, Considers Ironwood Don't want them getting caught unaware by the first wave.
"Alpha here," Announces Ironwood into his short-range radio "Confirmed Grimm contact, be on guard."
"This is Delta," States the voice of Cadet Xanthus "What kind of contact?"
"Some Beowolf's." Reported Ironwood "5 from my count, one made it through the barricade, I took care of it myself. The rest my heavy guns handled."
Just as Ironwood finished his transmission a howl was heard as the ground started to shake. "Belay that transmission, positive Grimm contact at Alpha, moving to engage."
Once again drawing Due Process, Ironwood moves to the barricade. Peering over a positively massive black and white blob was rushing towards Alpha. Ironwood snaps off a few shots, not even bothering to aim, knowing with that mass of Grimm any shot will hit.
Grabbing his short-range, Ironwood rapidly speaks into it "This is Ironwood. Alpha has been engaged by a hoard of Grimm. This is my last report, for now, Ironwood out."
Moving into action Ironwood starts to bark out orders "Heavy guns focus fire on any Ursa, minor or majors! Any Alpha Beowolfs are to be focused too!"
"NEVERMORE!" Calls out a soldier, his rifle already firing upon the creature.
Before Ironwood can even give any orders, two ear-shattering booms ring out coinciding with the Nevermore making a screech of pain. It's right-wing complete gone.
Looks like the Majors answer about sightlines rings true even with the rain. Deemed Ironwood Those Anti-material rifles were a good pick.
Looking back over the barricade, Ironwood notes the growing black smoke rising into the air, signifying that the hoard is dying by the droves. Aiming at a particular close Ursa, Ironwood raises his hand cannon, firing 6 shots into its chest, the rounds ripping through its heart, killing it instantly.
As Ironwood finishes firing those shots. Half a dozen *thunks* are heard and explosions appear across the road, wiping out a dozen Beowolf's. Over two dozen rifles open fire onto the Grimm, blasting out knees, ripping arms off, mulching chests apart and blowing heads to pieces.
These Grimm are getting too close for comfort. Determines Ironwood We need to keep them at long range.
"Heavy guns!" Calls out Ironwood "Focus your fire on the any Grimm that get close, Squads 2, 3 and 4 focus on stragglers that get too close. Other than that, target the Grimm at long range."
Picking up his short-range, Ironwood starts to speak "Mortar teams switch fire to grid 4, increase shells per minute to 6."
That should hopefully thin the hoard. Entertained Ironwood Now we just need to hold for the evacuation ships.
And with that final thought, Ironwood returned his focus to the battle, firing off shots at the hoard. The steady sound of Due Process combined itself with the noise of his men's rifles. But no matter how many shells dropped down on the hoard. No matter how many rounds were fired. No matter how many grenades were thrown into the road, the hoard just kept coming.
Ironwood's once pristine overcoat was now blacked and torn. His hair had fallen out of place, dirt and smudged covered his face. Checking his scroll Ironwood notes his aura, once full, had fallen into the yellow. Alpha position once clear FOB is now chock full of shell casings and grenade pins.
It didn't bloody help that the heavy guns he brought to act as HMG's lack the ability to fire more than 420 rounds per minute and the fire rate needed to keep the hoard back constantly causes the barrel to overheat. Forget increasing rifle mag size. The first thing I'm doing when I have the pull is to replace these shitty guns with a proper HMG.
"RELOADING!" Yells out one of the soldiers.
"Provide cover fire!" Booms Ironwood looking over, seeing that the hoard, once filling the road had slowly been whittled down. While whittled still hundreds of Grimm poured into the street, straight into the waiting A40s. The heavy guns barrels now cooled ripped into the approaching creatures of darkness, tearing them into pieces.
There shouldn't be this many Grimm for an evacuation of this sized village. Is the scenario not meant for us to hold but test our skills and ability to strategies? Speculates Ironwood. Think James, according to the others reports the other are getting hit just as hard. This is comparable to some of the Grimm attacks on Vale or Mistral during the Great War.
Firing Due Process at a Beowolf Ironwood cleanly putts a bullet through its skull, exterminating it immediately. We're being set up to fail. They want to catch any arrogance early.
Suddenly a frantic voice came over the radio "This is Beta we're being overwhelmed! The Grimm have broken through one of the barricades and we're running out of ammo!"
Immediately after, another voice came over, this one more collected but no less strained "This is Charlie, we are unable to send support. Our lines are being hammered."
"This is Delta, it's the same here" Came the voice of Cadet Xanthus, filled with regret. "We are unable to send support."
Taking a look around Ironwood noted that his position situation was nowhere near as dire. His barricades have been barely touched and his troops were not lacking ammo.
Breathing in deeply Ironwood made his decision "Ironwood here, I'm taking a squad and making my way towards beta. Just hold on Albion!"
"Squad 3!" Barked out Ironwood while waiting for a response from Beta "Restock on ammo and grenades, were going to support Beta!"
"Copy Alpha," Replied Albion voice, still racket with uncertainty "And James? Thank you."
"Thank me when I do something for you Pearl." Came Ironwood's firm response after racking his memories for Albion's first name.
With those final words, Ironwood ejected the spent revolver core and slammed another one in before rushing towards Beta's position.
"Mortar teams, target grid 15 and 17!" Orders Ironwood "Dust shells are to be used!"
Dust shells, a unique tool in Atlas arsenal. While most civilians think all military and huntsmen weapons use dust in their regular rounds, in reality, those use gunpowder. Dust rounds don't require shell casings to be fired, propelling pure dust onto the target.
Dust shells are Atlas's approach to utilising dust in artillery. Instead of just firing dust, a flathead shell is used. Design so that the dust is released immediately before hitting the ground, minimising the spread into a tight cluster.
Not finished with his orders Ironwood continues "Grid 15 is to be fired upon with ice shells while grid 17 fire shells! Increase to 15 shells per minute with a 2-minute barrage now! Once said barrage is finished both teams are to switch fire to Grid 17 till out of ammo!"
"Squad 3!" Barks Ironwood "The minute we reach Beta form a defensive perimeter around any survivors!"
As Ironwood and his squad neared Beta position, the sound of fighting became louder and louder. Gunfire from Atlesian rifles, swords tearing into flesh and the roars of Grimm filled the air.
Spurred on by the noises Ironwood sprints around the corner Due Process drawn, right into the chaotic mess that is Beta. The sound of shattering aura and the howl of a Beowolf catches his attention. Whipping his head towards the noise, he finds a woman thrown to the ground with an Alpha Beowolf standing over her.
"Albion!" Roars Ironwood switching Due Process to explosive rounds, firing one right into the Alpha standing above Albion, staggering it. Not stopping his sprint, Ironwood fires at another Beowolf, a regular one this time. Two rounds slam into its thigh, another hitting it in the chest temporarily taking it out of the fight. Aiming Due Process across his chest, Ironwood fires another explosive round this time into a Ursa sprinting at him, throwing the Grimm back.
Turning his attention back to the Alpha. Ironwood fires to point-blank shots into its head, blowing it to pieces. Firing once again at the normal Beowolf chest. Two shots tear a massive hole where its heart once was. Turn to his left Ironwood empties Due Process revolver core into the Ursa, killing it. Reloading Due Process, Ironwood reaches a hand out to help Albion up.
"You alright?" Asked Ironwood as he halls the girl to her feet. Looking around Ironwood notes that the second route for the Grimm is blocked by a massive wall of ice and the other is being complete block by a wall of fire, explosions and gunfire.
"Fine" Answers Albion, wincing as she gets to her feet.
"It seems I can thank you now as you did just save my li... WATCH OUT!" Screams out Albion, cutting herself off mid-sentence.
Spinning on his boots heal, Ironwood comes face to face with a sprinting Beowolf posed to strike. Ducking under, Ironwood grips Due Process barrel with his left hand and pistol whips the Grimm's chin. Rolling Due Process so it's the barrel is facing the Beowolf face Ironwood fires three shots into the head, obliterating it.
Ironwood turns to Albion "Head to defensive perimeter my men have set up, I'll handle the Grimm."
Still wielding Due Process in his left-hand Ironwood rushes towards a pack of Beowolfs, one Alpha and two regular Beowolfs. Staying at range might be my best bet to conserve aura.
Playing it safe, Ironwood fires two explosive rounds right into the first Beowolf, incinerating it in a fiery explosion. Snapping Due Process to the right, Ironwood unloads 5 rounds into the chest of the second Beowolf, blowing it in half. Before he can turn and face the Alpha, it slams into him, throwing Ironwood into a nearby wall knocking his aura down to 30%.
Before he can get up, the Alpha starts rushing towards him. Ironwood goes to raise Due Process to kill the Alpha, but a sudden strike to the arm sends the hand cannon flying also knocking his aura down another 5%. Rolling under the next swing Ironwood spots where Due Process landed. Kicking himself into a sprint with the Alpha hot on the heels of its prey. Ironwood dives for Due Process rolling onto his back as he does so, just in time to stuff the barrel of the gun into the Alpha's open mouth and pull the trigger, blowing the Alpha's brains out.
Getting to his feet Ironwood looks around, noting that the last of the Grimm were dissolving. Letting out a breath he didn't know he was holding Ironwood holsters Due Process and starts to walk towards Albion. As he does so, he notes the "bodies" of Atlas soldiers spewed across the ground. Albion and her men paid a high price attempting to hold Grimly noted Ironwood.
Before he can reach Albion, a cool and collected voice comes across the radio "This is Major Carmine, the evacuation is complete good job Cadets, meet me outside for debrief."
Well, Thinks Ironwood Time to face the music. But I don't think the Major is going to like my steps.
As the simulation started to shut down. Around Ironwood the village of Xiatun started to disappear. First went the demolished buildings, the burned-out and exploded husk of apartments and townhouses. Next was the "bodies" of Albion's men, their cut apart armour and blood disappearing along with the ground beneath them. Last to go was the Atlas transports. Their cargo holds filled with the people they would have saved if this had been real.
Walking towards the other Cadets Ironwood notices their appearances were much worse than his own. "You two look like hell."
"Yeah," Answers Mauve "Once I made contact everything went to hell."
"It was the same at Delta, I was able to hold but every minute was a fight." Confirms Xanthus.
"How were we supposed to win?!" Demands Mauve, rounding on Ironwood raising her fist in his face.
Unphased, Ironwood crossing his arms behind and answers back "That's because we weren't supposed to."
"Correct Cadet" Announces the voice of Major Carmine "This exercise was designed to show you that what you have learned is nothing compared to what you need to know."
"Then how did we win?! How did the evacuation succeed if we were supposed to fail?!" Demanded Mauve.
"You won because of Cadet Ironwood." States the Major locking eyes with Ironwood as she does so.
Stepping forward Ironwood begins to speak. "The scenario set us up to fail. There is no chance a small village in the outskirts of Mistral would be hit by a Grimm attack comparable to one Vale or Mistral had during the Great War. I figured it out before heading to Beta. We were meant to die. Which I believe is an idiotic way of teaching not to be arrogant."
"He expertly held his position. Allowing him to prevent the collapse of either position. Which is intended to happen." Explained the Major, ignoring the last bit of what Ironwood said. "Any idea why this was the case Cadet Ironwood?"
"My use of support weapons." Answered Ironwood without hesitation "They allowed my soldiers to handle a less amount of Grimm compare to the other positions."
"Include that fact that I use the MC2s to collapse the other route to my position and I was able to funnel the Grimm down one route" Explained Ironwood "Without those charges I wouldn't have had the manpower to support Beta."
"Correct Cadet, your use of the A40s, even though that wasn't their intended job allowed you the flexibility to respond to all threats." Confirmed the Major with a slight smile.
"If I may ma'am?" Asked Ironwood, once he received a nod in return he continued "In my opinion, Atlas needs a weapon capable of at least 600 rounds per minute to deal with those type of Grimm hoards. The A40s as you said weren't designed for that job and it showed. I was constantly having to order them to hold fire to not melt their barrels."
"As I understand it, the heavy rounds from the A40s prevent that kind of fire rate." Commented Xanthus "What are you suggesting Ironwood?"
"The use of 7.62mm rounds instead will allow an increased RPM." Explained Ironwood "We already know that they can handle almost all Grimm. Except those that require heavy rounds that even the current .30 Cal of the A40s can't penetrate."
"I see Cadet," responded the Major closing her eyes "But if Atlas needed such weapons, our sciences and Generals would have ordered their creation."
"I highly doubt they even though of it Major." Scoffs Ironwood. "Before this have you ever seen the A40s used like how I did by a Cadet or full Officer?"
"...No." Uttered Major Carmine.
"Has there ever been testing for a portable manned HMG?" Pressed Ironwood.
"No." Answered the Major conceding defeat.
Breathing deeply the Major continued "I see the points you have raised Cadet and I will have them brought up with the Headmaster.
"If that is the case Major may I also recommend equipping all squads with A34 Grenade Launchers at least one per squad." Offered Ironwood "Along with having one dedicated support weapon squad armed with two A40s and two AP4 Mortars."
"I will see those points brought up with the Headmaster as well." Confirmed the Major.
Turning to the other Cadets the Major continued "Do not be disappointed in your actions today Cadets. You all did remarkably well in a scenario that was meant to lead to your defeat, be proud of that, dismissed."
"Ma'am!" Replied the Cadets, snapping of salutes.
One by one the Cadets left till only Ironwood and the Major remained. The air was thick with tension. Flattening his overcoat Ironwood crosses his arms behind his back.
"I hope you understand I won't stand for something like that happening to my fellow Cadets again." Quietly warns Ironwood, his tone heavy.
"Our job Cadet," Starts the Major stressing that last word. "Is to make you soldiers not to coddle you."
Walking forward Ironwood raises to his full height completely towering over Major Carmine "Your job Major is to teach us the skills to be soldiers, leaders, defenders! Your job is not to break us into puppets for Atlas to control!"
Staring up at Ironwood undisturbed the Major barks back "You will be wise to hold your tongue Ironwood or you might just find yourself just that."
"Is that a threat Major?" Lowly questioned Ironwood, hand raised towards his overcoat.
"Not at all," Replies Carmine "Just a bit of friendly advice, in Atlas either you change Atlas or it changes you. Between you and me, I highly doubt you have the conviction for the former."
"You have no idea how deep my conviction runs Carmine."
Well, that's a wrap. Welcome to the first chapter of my new story Iron Doesn't Bend. Probably going to be the most ambitious thing I'm going to attempt. Not only is Iron Doesn't Bend my newest story it's also the first story in what's(hopefully) going to be a multi-book series spanning from our humble SI/OC beginnings here in Atlas Academy to the beginning of Volume 1 all the way to my own end of RWBY.
For those of you that came here after following me because of my other story The Effect of a Boogeyman, sorry about the long wait for an update for that, school and exam were a thing(School hasn't stopped being a thing but eh) that should get a short chapter soon follow by something comparable to this chapter in size.
Besides that review, follow and favourite. P.S to any grammar nazi's out there leave reviews pointing out the mistakes I've made, it is very helpful. Sadly my Beta the great AdmiralWhiteFang and I can't catch everything so review away.
See you eventually Arion Spartan