Chp. 33: The U.S. Airship

Shade Academy

May 30, 2020

It was morning the next day and Teams RWBY, JNPR, GRMA, and CFDT were walking into an air bus as Professors Theodore and Rumpole waved them goodbye. The door closes after the teams enter inside the air bus. It then starts to take off and flies away. Inside, they all took their seats along with Neo, Ilia, and Teams ABRN, BRNZ, FNKI, SSSN, CFVY, NDGO, and CRDL.

"Glad to be back together again," Kendra said, resting her head on Robert's shoulder.

"You know it!" Yang said.

"We all had some crazy stuff happen to us, but what happened to you guys is probably the craziest," Jacob said to Kelly.

"Not as crazy as Ricky bodying Jacques-strap Schnee to the floor," Kelly said.

"That sounds like something we wish we were there to see," Rebecca said.

"Ilia, would too," Blake said with a nod.

"So what's gonna happen now?" Weiss asked.

"And how did you guys get an airship?" Kelly asked.

Before anyone could answer, a man over the P.A. spoke out.

"Attention, this is your captain speaking. If you look to the windows on your right, you'll have a good view of the airship."

The Huntsmen and Huntresses in training got up from their seats and walked up to the windows on the right sight of the air bus. They looked through the windows and saw the airship with a few helicopters flying around it, along with a squadron of three Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning IIs flying by it. Weiss, Ricky, Kelly, Kendra, and Teams NDGO and BRNZ looked in awe at the large airship.

"To those not introduced, say hello to the U.S.A.S. Monty Oum," the man over the P.A. said.

A few minutes later, the air bus flies up to a docking bay which was extending off the side of the Monty Oum and packs upon it. The door on the transport opened and the passengers inside boarded off and walked across the walkway. They all walked through a door at the end of the walkway and entered inside where Captain Keaton Gordon waited.

As the air bus took off, the docking bay retracted back into the airship everyone was in. A soldier closes the door and seals it shut. Keaton spoke up, getting the students' attention.

"May I have your attention please?" the captain asked. "I'd like to welcome you all aboard the Monty Oum, the first United States air battleship, and the very first flying aircraft carrier for both Remnant and Earth. Now that you are all gathered, I'd like you all to follow me and stick together. We'll give you a tour of the airship."

Keaton and his team began to walk down the hallway as everyone else followed behind them. Several minutes had passed and the students were led to a large hangar filled with F-35s strapped to the floor and many crewmen were at work, readying and maintaining the stationed fighter jets and moving around supplies and weaponry.

"Here is where we place and store all our aircraft. We always keep them ready in case an attack would occur nearby. We make sure they're fueled, loaded, and ready for action. This airship carries a total of eighty aircraft." Keaton explained.

"What kind of airships are those?" Velvet asked.

"The Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II is one of the more stealthy fighter jets we possess, with a top speed of Mach 1.6. In other words, it can go twelve hundred miles per hour," Keaton explained.

"That's way faster than any airship on Remnant!" Neon said.

"Believe it or not, we built faster," Jacob said.

"That's true," Keaton said. "Anyway on with the tour."

Several minutes had passed and the students were led to a hallway with large windows, leading out to the flight deck.

"If you can look out the windows you all see the flight deck for our combat aircrafts. This is one of our most important features this airship has," Keaton explained.

As the marine captain spoke, everyone watched as an F-35 made its landing as the arresting gear made it come to a complete stop.

"That looks awesome," Yang said.

"So far, Atlas has nothing on this," Sun said.

"What about guns?! Any guns on your airship?!" Ruby asked Keaton.

"Yeah! You got anything that makes explosions?!" Nora asked.

"Yes we do," Keaton answered with a chuckle. "This flying aircraft carrier is armed with ten 25mm Gatling guns, eight 40mm Bofors cannons, and six 105mm howitzers."

"Aren't those the same kind of guns you would see on an AC-130 airplane?" Allen asked.

"That's correct, they are," Keaton answered. "This airship is also armed with mounted machine guns, some armor box launchers, several tomahawk missiles, and the common weapon you'll see on an Atlesian airship, a couple of forward-facing laser batteries."

"Are there other airships like this?" Arslan asked.

"There are more in the making and of the different varieties as we speak," Keaton answered. "Some are almost finished."

"This will definitely make General Ironwood envious," Weiss said.

"Yeah it would," Keaton said.

"What about the other nations? Are they planning to have battle airships of their own?" Jacob asked.

"They are, but they're still experimenting and coming up with more ideas on their own battle airships," Keaton answered. "Any more questions?"

"Where can we get some food?" Nora asked.

"Follow me and I'll lead you to the mess hall," Keaton replied with a chuckle.

Mess Hall

Several minutes have passed and the students of the academies all sat at tables with their food eating while talking amongst themselves. Teams RWBY, JNPR, GRMA, and CFDT sat at four separate tables in close proximity to each other.

"This airship is amazing," Jaune said. "It sort of feels like the helicarrier from the MCU. Or one of those battleships from the Star Wars franchise."

"Do you think we'll see this thing in action?" Nora asked.

"Maybe someday, Nora. Maybe someday," Britney replied.

"Did any of you read the headlines?" Pyrrha asked.

"No, why?" Kendra asked.

Ren pulls out a newspaper and presents it to everybody. Allen grabbed the newspaper and read the title out loud.

"Battle in Vacuo. Unknown Militias, Kingdom's Saviors."

Everyone looked at Allen waiting to hear more. Allen started to read the article out loud.

"A group, known as The Crown had been responsible for mysterious kidnappings all over Vacuo for the past few months. The organization's twin leaders, Jax and Gillian Asturias planned to use those who have been kidnapped as soldiers for their army with the help of Jax's mind controlling semblance. On May 29th, The Crown tried to invade the City of Vacuo, but the unknown militaries from the battle at Beacon Academy and beyond, along with the aid of the Shade Academy's staff and student body, had come to defend the city from this terrorist organization. It was a long fought battle and eventually the unknown militaries and those from Shade Academy succeeded in protecting the city. Those who had been kidnapped had been interrogated, then sent back to their families."

"We're gaining more worldwide attention from this," Kelly said.

"Wait. There's something else on here too," Allen said.

"What is it?" Robert asked as Allen then read the newspaper out loud again.

"The headmasters of Beacon, Atlas, Shade, and Haven are all currently facing controversy. Many people believe that they are in league with the unknown militaries as students from Beacon, Atlas, Shade, and Haven were seen fighting alongside these militias during the battle. Many people believe that the headmasters willingly let the unknown militaries recruit some of their students as soldiers. The Counsels of all four kingdoms are demanding answers to these accusations. The headmasters have not yet commented on what has been going on."

"That can't be good," Ricky said.

"Of course it's not good. This kind of thing will bring fear and panic throughout the world," Weiss explained.

"And panic attracts Grimm," Jacob added.

"To be fair, they aren't wrong, but they aren't right either," Blake said.

"What do you mean?" Yang asked.

"While it is true that Professor Ozpin, Professor Theodore, and General Ironwood are in league with all this, we are not being recruited as soldiers. We were asked to help be a part of a bridge to peacefully unite Earth and Remnant. To show everyone that we can all work together," Blake explained.

"Blake's right. If we can show everyone we can get along together just fine, it would lead to a better future," Ruby said.

"I just hope Professor Ozpin and Keaton come up with an appropriate approach to confront the counsels," Jacob said.

"I know. Telling them about Earth's existence and Salem's existence is going to be a lot to take in," Britney said.

"I'm sure Professor Ozpin knows what to do," Pyrrha said.

Suddenly, everyone heard something crashing close by. They all turned their heads to see Qrow on the floor with his flask in his hand and several lunch trays scattered on the floor next to him. Maria stood behind him shaking her head in disappointment.

"Uncle Qrow?" Yang asked.

"What happened?" Britney asked.

"Qrow here had been drinking, despite my protest, and slipped and fell, taking a stack of trays with him," Maria explained as Ruby sighed hearing her uncle was drinking again.

"Did he not see that wet floor sign?" Ren asked.

"What sign?" Maria asked.

Nora pointed at the wet floor sign next to Maria as she turned to look at it.

"How did I not see that?" Maria asked herself. "I guess my eyes must be acting up again."

"Or it could be my semblance," Qrow said as he was getting up. "Anyway, we came to check up on you, now that you're all back together."

"We're doing great, Uncle Qrow," Ruby replied.

"Quick question. How long until we reach our destination?"

"We will arrive the day after tomorrow morning. So until then, get comfortable," Maria answered.

"So... what do we do until then?" Jaune asked.

"Anyone for a game of Go Fish?" Ricky asked. "I got cards and I can get more from Neo."

Land of Darkness

Evernight Castle

Guest Bedroom

Meanwhile in a bedroom within Evernight Castle, Jax lays upon a bed asleep. He finally opened his eyes and as soon as he did, he saw Salem staring down at him. Jax jumps up in surprise then clenches his chest in pain. He remembered he had been wounded from the Battle of Vacuo. Jax looks back at Salem with slight fear of her appearance.

"Who are you? Where am I?" he asked.

"You in my home and my name is Salem," Salem replied.

"Where is Gillian?" Jax asked.

"She and the others are in the training hall, waiting for their so-called king," a new voice spoke out with a giggle.

Jax turned his head and saw Tyrian on the other side of the room, crouched on a chair.

"What were you trying to achieve?" Salem asked.

"I was trying to conquer Vacuo. Me and my twin sister are descendants of Malik the Sunderer, the first king of Vacuo. It is our birth right to rule it as king and queen," Jax explained.

"So does that mean you two are..." Tyrian makes a hole with the fingers on his right hand then sticks his index finger on his left hand in and out a few times.

"What?! NO! SHE'S MY SISTER!" Jax yelled.

"You said you and your sister would rule Vacuo as its king and queen. How does that work if you're both siblings? Are you going to inbred?" Tyrian asked.

"No! We will have consorts! That way Gill and I can rule as equals, damn it!" Jax shouted. "Now why are we here?"

"You and your associates have been brought here for an opportunity. We both share the same enemies. Split our goals are for naught. But together, our enemies will burn," Salem explained. "Join us, and you desires will be given."

"And why should I do that, when I can use you for my own gain?" Jax asked.

He jumps out of the bed and tries to reach out at Salem to work his semblance on her. Salem motions her hand, and a glyph with her symbol appears underneath Jax. Multiple Grimm arms came out from it and grabbed Jax, forcing him down on his back. Salem looks down at The Crown's leader with an unamused look on her face.

"How disappointing," she said.

Salem looks up at Tyrian and motions her hand at Jax. Tyrian giggled as his right hand started to glow purple activating his semblance. He approached and crouched down at Jax as he struggled to get free. The scorpion Faunus dragged his fingers across the area where Jax was stabbed, causing his aura to dissipate from that area, as if he ripped it open. Immediately afterward, Tyrian hurled his stinger into Jax's wound, impaling him. Jax stopped struggling as his body grew limp. The Grimm arms sunk back into the glyph as it then disappeared. Salem just looked at Jax's corpse as Tyrian maniacally laughed.

Training Room

Meanwhile, Gillian, Umber, Carmine, Argento, and Rosa waited in a circular training room. It has a skylight and four entrances, one of which leads to the conference hall. Candles line the entire wall of the room and Salem's emblem is situated in the middle of the ground. Hazel stood aside from The Crown waiting with them while Adam leaned against a wall, sharpening Wilt. Gillian had a worried look on her face as Carmine turned to face her.

"Don't worry. Jax will pull through," she said.

A door opens, getting everyone to turn their heads. In came Salem with Tyrian following behind her, carrying Jax's dead body in his arms. Gillian had tears rolling down her cheeks seeing her twin brother's motionless body.

"Your king has unfortunately passed on," Salem said.

Tyrian walks up to the Crown and sets Jax's body on the floor in front of them. Gill dropped to her knees and sobbed loudly. Hazel gave a sympathetic look towards Gill, understanding how she felt when his twin sister, Gretchen was killed.

"Gill, I know this isn't a good time, but what do we do now?" Umber asked.

"Yeah, you're in charge now that Jax is no longer with us," Rosa said.

Gillian looks up at Salem who was waiting for an answer before finally speaking.

"We're in. As Vacuo's queen, I will conquer Vacuo and rule it for my brother. I have the birthmark of our ancestors to prove my worth." she proclaimed as she rolled up her sleeve and revealed a three pointed crown on her wrist.

Adam looks up at Gill's wrist before speaking up.

"That's not a birthmark. That's a brand."

"What was that?" Gill asked with a teary glare.

"He's right. That is a brand." Hazel said.

"But… But... my father told that it was a birthmark," Gillian said.

"Could it be that your father had you branded?" Salem asked.

"I… I… don't even know anymore!" Gill wailed.

Carmine knelt down to her leader and put her hand on her shoulder. Salem turns around and walks away as Hazel, Tyrian, and Adam follow behind her, leaving The Crown to mourn.

Castle Laboratory

Meanwhile in a large laboratory, Doctors Merlot and Arthur Watts were currently studying the new Dust crystals that were stolen from Jacob.

"I know we're close to figuring out the secret within this newly discovered Dust," Merlot said, placing a small dust crystal under a microscope.

"Whatever it is, it could help us with destroying our enemies and find out why they were so desperate to keep it away from us and the world," Watts said, holding another dust crystal.

The door opens and walking into the lab was Salem, followed by Cinder, Emerald, Mercury, Adam, Hazel, and Tyrian. Merlot walks over to a cabinet to find something as everyone approaches Watts.

"Have you found anything yet?" Salem asked.

"Not yet, but we feel that we're close to finding out," Watts answered. "So what of The Crown?"

"They are currently mourning the loss of their leader, but are with us nonetheless," Hazel answered.

"I don't understand why we can't just find Jacob or any of their worthless friends and force them to tell us what's so special about this new Dust!" Cinder said as she accidently pounded her fist on a button that was wired to a large gun, pointed at the microscope.

"Wait, you fool!" Merlot yelled.

The gun shoots at the Dust crystal within the microscope. The crystal started to glow and the light from it engulfed Salem, Cinder, Emerald, Mercury, Tyrian, Watts, and Hazel. When the light died away they were all gone, leaving only Dr. Merlot the only one in the lab.

"Wha... What just happened? Where is everybody?" the scientist asked himself.