RWBY (c) RoosterTeeth


Rose Above The Clouds


Special Commission

"Silicon carbide ceramic matrices and laminates." Doctor Pietro Polendina explained enthusiastically. "Its sown between the fabric and the lining for that extra layer of protection. A last line of defense should the wearer's aura break and some pesky Grimm claws get a might bit too close. The same composite is used in all Special Ops personnel gear. And of course the new combat gear you and those kids are wearing."

Pietro's walking throne brought him past his desk to a large synthesis table in the far right of his laboratory. He pressed a button on his armrest and a holographic projection of the material overlay appeared above the large table. "Cutting edge body armour. And the construction allows for the possibility of dust infusion to augment the wearer's physical combat capabilities."

"Just the basic armour lining is fine." Qrow stated as he followed the man along, his gaze lowered to the fatherly scientist. "Hypothetically speaking; if I provide a design and measurements, how quickly could you throw something together?"

Pietro plucked off his glasses to clean them with a handkerchief he retrieved from his pocket. "Well, lad, its just a matter of putting information into the synthesizer's computer and letting the machine take care of the rest. There's no great magic to it, just time and patience. Nifty bit of convenience, isn't it?"

"They had nothing like this in my day. Seems like a complete cheat if you ask me." Maria Calavera quipped from her corner of the room.

Maria was sorting through files or some other documents, placing them in draws and generally just organising the place. Her presence had become something of a staple in Doctor Polendina's lab since their group had arrived in Atlas proper. Something of a mercy since when the Huntsmen first saw this place, it was utter chaos. Qrow wasn't a neat freak by any stretch of the imagination, but when they visited this lab to submit their weapons for upgrades and tune-ups, the place was a jungle. Machine parts, tech manuals and all other sorts of knick-knacks were scattered about like a toddler's bedroom.

Truth be told Qrow was so completely tunnel-visioned on his commission request, that he'd completely forgotten the old Grimm Reaper was even there. He allowed a small smirk of appreciation towards the joke before redirecting his attention to the old scientist.

"Yeah, convenient enough. But how long would it take?" He asked pointedly.

Pietro replaced his spectacles and looked up at him, "Well, naturally it depends on how complex a build it is; how much material is involved, the measurements I need to adhere to. Determining the right sort of textile material the wearer is comfortable - you wouldn't believe the number of Specialists in Atlas with a need for hypoallergenic clothing!"

The old man chuckled lightly to himself, about to give a rendition of a story he knew, but shook his head as if to physically rid himself of that particular urge. "Anyway, I need to make allowances to accommodate their combat style, while maintaining the structural integrity of the amour lining. Things like that."

"Its for a speedster." Qrow said abruptly, "She's about a head shorter than I. Classic Guerrilla-style tactics."

The Scientist perked up, "A speedster you say? Oh, like young Ruby!"

"Exactly like Ruby, yes." Qrow nodded firmly.

Pietro clapped his hand together with a grin, very pleased with that development. "Well then, that's half the work done! I can just reuse the material composite and the same armour ratios. All I have to do is resize it to match whatever measurements you provide and - et volia!"

The old Scientist looked up at the Huntsmen. "All things being equal, it should take me about... I don't know, twelve hours? Give or take, depending on how finicky the synthesizer is. This crusty old think likes to trip me up every now and again." He wrapped his knuckles against the machine with a merry smile to emphasis his point.

Turning serious once more, he stroked his chin in thought. "But I get the impression you're not just after combat gear, are you?"

Qrow shook his head, firmly. "No. I'm also after some weapons. I have a set of blueprints on my scroll. If you can, I'd rather you keep them exactly as described, but if you have any suggestions to help with aura channelling, then I'm all ears." He fished the device out of his breast pocket and held it up demonstratively.

"Aura channeling," Pietro let out a rumbling little chuckle that wasn't far too close to bittersweet, "Well, Lad. You certainly came to the right man. I know a thing or two about aura transfer."

"Anything's better than nothing." Qrow shrugged,

"Depending on the weapon's design and composition, I could suggest adding an ACU." Pietro offered towards the puzzled Huntsman.

Qrow tilted his head to the side, brows furrowed with the silent question.

"An Aura Conduction Unit. It acts as a storage chamber for the user's aura which can be expelled in a single more powerful attack, or used to passively upgrade the striking edge of the weapon."

"Sounds good, I'll take it."

"Fantastic!" Old Pietro all but cheered then leaned forward, "Now tell me - what kind of weapon are you looking to build?"

Qrow tapped a few keys on his scroll and it projected a small image of the blueprint.

"A scythe? No, twin scythes - A dual wielded variant. Well now, that looks like an intriguing build." Pietro reached out and manipulated the projection, enlarging regions so he could examine the finer details. "Yes... yes, I can see where - yes, I can work with this. I can even picture where I'd install the ACU. Transfer the blueprints to my terminal and I'll get started on the build straight away!"

At the Scientists request, Qrow placed his scroll on the interface port Pietro had indicated on the synthesis table. As the details downloaded into the on-board computer, Pietro summoned a holographic keyboard and began typing away, happily humming a jaunty little tune to himself.

"What's this all about, Qrow?"

Maria asked from her corner, as caustic as ever and the Huntsman was so lost in his thoughts that he'd completely forgotten she was there. Qrow retrieved his scroll after the machine chimed that the transfer was complete and made his way over to the old woman.

"Looking for a new weapon?" Maria cocked her head to the side, curious.

"Remaking an old one for someone I'm close to." Qrow admitted. He did not want to explain his true reason for being here, not to this woman. He leaned on the unoccupied desk with his arms crossed, and watched the scientist happily work away. The old man was lost in his own world and Qrow had to admit he admired that sheer ability to focus.

Maria gave a rueful laugh that grated on Qrow's nerves, "Someone close, you say. A girlfriend, perhaps? A wife... or maybe this some sort of gift for your daughter?"

In that split second, Qrow felt his blood turn to ice and his red eyes turned on the woman.

"Oh, don't look so petrified, for Pete's sake. It only makes sense after all. Why she looks up to you so much, and why you look out for her as vehemently as you do. I thought it was strange at first; but then you realise that it wasn't an uncle looking out for his niece, but a father looking out for his daughter. Looking at it that way, and all the pieces fall neatly into place."

Qrow's face hardened into a scowl. His grip on his arm tightened, his eyes slid closed and he groaned in frustration. "Shit."

"You really are so stupid sometimes. You couldn't have made it more obvious if you tried." Maria hopped off her chair and made her way over to Qrow to look him in the eye, her cane clanking with each step she took. "And I'm guessing that these weapons and special combat garb is for your mystery woman."

"My wife." Qrow admitted, not like he had much choice since the old bat figured out the truth anyway.

"Ruby's mother, I presume?" Maria asked,

Qrow only grunted in acknowledgement. He paused and looked at Maria, his mouth open to voice a stern warning but she had apparently anticipated this and cut him off before he could get a word out.

"Don't worry about me, boy. I won't tell anyone about your little secret. But you best do yourself a favour and tell her the truth sooner rather than later. The longer you wait, the harder it'll get - for all of you."

Qrow's chin dropped to his chest and he glared at the old woman before leaving. "... Gods, you sound like my wife."

A bark of laughter followed him out the door.


Author's note:

Qrow commissioning armour and weapons, and Maria figures out the truth.

I welcome feedback and criticism,

Aurora313