Here we are at Chapter 63. Let's see how Megatron deals with the fallout of the Atlas election. I do not own RWBY or Transformers RWBY. They belong to their respective owners. Here's chapter 63. Enjoy.
Chapter 63: On the Edge
Down in Mantle, things are getting chaotic. Due to Jacques Schnee winning the election, coupled with the incident at the warehouse where Robyn Hill was having her celebration and the riots from the election result, the negativity levels in Mantle spiked. Grimm came in and caused more destruction. The military was sent in to restore order and the Grimm threat was taken care of. However, the damage had already been dealt. Destruction in the streets, and several rioters have been taken into custody. Down in the streets, Predaking watches over the soldiers taking people into custody. Growling at the scene before him, Predaking laments at the fact that there's nothing he can do about it. He looks up and sees Laserbeak flying over the city, seeing everything from above. Seeing that they can't do much here, Predaking leaves to regroup with the others. As he flies over the city, Laserbeak spots one of Ironwood's transports moving through the city. However, it stops when one of Robyn's happy huntresses blocks its path. Robyn and the rest of her crew show up and take control of the transport in seconds. Fiona then uses her semblance to essentially bag the transport and all the supplies on it. Recording all of this, Laserbeak flies back to show it to the others.
…
At Atlas Academy, Laserbeak shows the footage to everyone, including Ironwood. Of course, when Ironwood sees the footage, he's... less than pleased.
"This is absolutely the worst scenario possible!" Ironwood smashes his fist on the table, nearly cracking it. "People are either dead, injured, or arrested, Penny has been framed as a murderer, and somehow, Jacques Schnee is sitting on the council!"
"I'm of the same opinion. How could that bastard who doesn't deserve to be called Milady's father win the election?" Dreadwing asks.
"That's not our only problem. Laserbeak's footage, plus our own intel, shows that Robyn has hit at least two shipments for Amity so far. And I don't think she's going to stop anytime soon. This last incident pushed her from hometown hero to full-on vigilante," Clover adds.
"Well, I'd say this will make working with Robyn Hill that much more difficult," Predaking notes.
"I'm afraid it's a lot more complicated than that. Due to Robyn's actions, our suppliers in Mantle have become bolder. They're refusing to sell us the supplies we need for the tower until we rebuild the city's defenses. Without their aid, and Robyn redistributing the supplies she and her team have STOLEN... The Amity project has stalled," Ironwood sighs.
"Are there any other alternatives that we can use that will allow us to finish the project?" Megatron asks.
"There is one option: Declaring martial law," Winter ominously answers.
Her words stun the group, but when they see Ironwood looking out his window without a reaction, they grow more concerned.
"You're not... actually considering it, are you?" Nora asks.
Ironwood stares at the city, "What's more important: getting global communications back up and reuniting the world, or appeasing a few city blocks?"
Megatron stops him there, "That's the thing Ironwood. It's not so simple as that. You want to save the world, but that has to start here, with Mantle. The people down there are the same as the people up here in Mantle. They are all people you swore to protect," Megatron stands before his desk. "My selfish actions lead to a civil war that destroyed my home. I sought to free it from the oppression of a corrupt council, but in the end, I ended up creating something worse. I became the oppressor. I sought to restore my home to its former glory, but I failed in that endeavor because I forgot what truly matters. General Ironwood, if you wish to save the many, then you must first begin with the few. If you can't save one, then you won't save the other. And the people down there are running out of time. Every day they struggle, and every day, that struggle gets worse. You can't just... not feel anything for them. I didn't for my people at one time, and look what happened to me because of it. You can't expect to gain something without giving something in return, but I didn't do that. The same can be said for Mantle," Megatron argues.
"I know things have been hard for them. We have all had to carry a burden. Mantle, too, has had to carry some of the burden, but-," Ironwood begins.
"They're carrying all of it! Each day, it gets harder for them to survive, and now you want to add more force to the equation. You can't force the people to fall in line and do what you want. The harder you push, the harder they push back. Optimus Prime... Optimus never forced his people to do something they themselves didn't truly want to do. He cared for his troops, and for all of our people, even the ones that tried to kill him. He was a leader of integrity, of honor. Something I wasn't. I forced my people to do what I ordered them to do, and some of those, in turn, stood against me. I don't want you to make the same mistakes that I did. If you force the people to do your bidding, then they will strike back. If you wish to end the conflict with Salem, then you must first end the conflict here, between Mantle and Atlas. You must try to understand their pain, knowing that they are in danger while Atlas is still safe. I was once told that Atlas was supposed to be the sign of a bright new future, for all. But, for that to happen, you must show them all that. Do not become a tyrant like I was... Do not make the same mistakes as I did," Megatron pleads.
Ironwood remains silent as he stares at Megatron. A moment later, he sighs as he sits in his seat and rubs his nose; his exhaustion showing on his face.
Ruby steps up, "Please, General Ironwood. Squeezing Mantle like this. This is just what Salem wants. To make them hate you and Atlas, and divide us. That's why she sent Tyrian here to frame you,"
"Yeah, a good time to change topics. We called you all up here to speak about that," Clover uses his scroll to pull up an image of Tyrian attacking people along with his profile. "Now, are you sure this is the guy you saw in the warehouse?"
"Yes, Soundwave showed us images of him when he fought against him in Anima while protecting Ruby. With Qrow Branwen's help, they were able to piece together that he is a servant of Salem. Though, this was all before Yang and I linked up with them," Megatron crosses his arms.
"Then we have confirmation. Tyrian Callows. He was wanted for several first-degree murders all across Anima. A homicidal maniac. Authorities were able to eventually capture him, but while he was on his way to Mistral to face justice for his crimes, his transport was attacked by Grimm, and he disappeared. Some believed he was dead. Well, those stories were just proven false," Winter explains.
"It's possible that Salem attacked that transport deliberately in order to recruit Tyrian to her cause. They both enjoy causing death and destruction. Seems like a good, twisted pair from my perspective," Predaking glares at the images.
"Well, if Tyrian is here in Atlas and Mantle, then that means that this place is her next target," Qrow knows.
"But, now we know who's responsible for the killings. We can tell the people about Tyrian and clear Penny's name, right?" Ruby appears hopeful.
"It's not that simple Ruby," Megatron gets her attention. "Yes, we could tell them that, but let's not forget that practically all of Mantle hate Ironwood, the Atlas military, and Atlas. What's more, we can say that the footage was doctored, and prove it, but we still don't have enough evidence to convince them that Tyrian was there. What's more, Tyrian is a psychopath, but he's no technical genius. We still need to figure out who doctored that footage and shot it all over Atlas and Mantle,"
"I am SO sick of keeping secrets! If we just told everyone about Amity, about Salem-," Nora argues.
Ironwood stops her, "We CAN'T! If we tell everyone about the tower, then we'll also be telling Salem's people. We know they're here in Atlas, and if they find out, then they'll do everything in their power to sabotage it and we'll never get the tower up. We must get the tower completed before it's too late,"
"And how do you propose we do that?" Megatron looks him in the eye.
"We'll start by taking Robyn Hill into custody. We can offer her a deal, but only if she gets Mantle to cooperate with us," Ironwood gives his idea, though most of the group aren't exactly jumping to support it.
"And if Robyn Hill won't go willingly?" Dreadwing notes.
"Let's try and make sure it doesn't come to that. We'll figure something out," Clover rather end it peacefully if he can.
"For those who are not working on catching Robyn Hill; I want you working on finding Tyrian. I want to know where he is, who he's working with, what he's going to do next, and how exactly that doctored video of Penny got all over MY kingdom," Ironwood walks past everyone, but stops at the front door. "Do I make myself clear?" he glances back at the group.
"Yes, sir," Winter and Clover salute him.
"...Yes, sir," Ren joins them, much to the shock of the group, Nora most of all.
With that said, everyone leaves Ironwood's office to get ready for their next mission. However, Megatron stops and glances back at Ren, which he notices.
"What?" Ren asks.
"Nothing, just thought for a second that I saw Lie Ren standing behind me. But, it looks like I was wrong, because I don't know who that was in that office a moment ago, but it was not the Lie Ren that I know. And I doubt it's the Lie Ren that Nora Valkyrie knows," Megatron turns around and keeps walking, leaving a stunned Ren behind.
…
Later that evening, one of Ironwood's transports is driving through the city on their usual routes. However, the main difference this time is the cargo. Inside, Megatron and Predaking wait within the transport; the transport itself acting as bait.
"So far, no changes in our movement, but if Robyn Hill is so dead set on taking these supplies, it's only a matter of time," Megatron checks the route on his scroll.
"Thanks for your help on this one guys. We have our teams split in different transports, but we all need to be ready to back each other up in case Robyn decides to make an appearance. If your truck ends up being her next target, pursue her and apprehend her. Everyone else will move in fast to provide support. Alright, going into radio silence. Good luck, over," Clover calls out before the signal goes out.
Predaking hums, "Perhaps we should've told General Ironwood about the lamp and about Salem when we first arrived here. Before all of these recent events occurred. That might've helped us,"
Megatron sighs, "Perhaps, but it also could've hurt us as well. From what the others have told me, and from what I have seen, Ironwood has a tendency to take the extreme option over the others. The Dust embargo, the closing of borders. Wanting Robyn Hill arrested, and even considering declaring martial law. He's almost like-,"
"Like you?" Predaking glares at him.
"Unfortunately. I don't want him to make the same mistakes that I once did, but like me, he is incredibly stubborn and appears to only take his own actions into consideration. Just like I once did. I trust in Yang and in her sister, Ruby. I just hope we can settle this before more lives are lost," Megatron says.
"And should we encounter Robyn Hill before anyone else, what do we do? Follow Ironwood's orders and take her into custody?" Predaking asks.
Megatron eventually shakes his head, "...If there is one thing about me that hasn't changed, it's this: Megatron is commanded by no one,"
…
Meanwhile, back in Atlas, Ruby, Soundwave, Laserbeak, Weiss, and Dreadwing are with Dr. Polendina and Maria in his lab. Among them, Penny stands in a chamber, asleep in a manner of speaking as her father scans her systems.
"How's she doing?" Ruby asks as she stares at her sleeping friend.
"She's confused, scared. I honestly can't blame her after what happened down there. We'll have her recorded visual data soon enough. That should prove her innocence, but... I'm afraid that the damage has already been done," Pietro says as he watches a recording of a video showing what appears to be Penny attacking civilians. "The things people are saying about her... If Penny hadn't been there, Robyn Hill would be-," Pietro gets angry before he has another coughing fit.
"Calm yourself, Dr. Polendina. Your daughter needs you right now. None of us are pleased about this whole affair. We at least know the truth. That Penny protected Robyn Hill from Tyrian Callows in that attack," Dreadwing views the footage as well.
"...Robyn Hill... Not... target... Penny... Target..." Soundwave's visor goes off.
"I think Soundwave's right. Salem's always tried to get us to fight each other. I think Penny was the real target here, not Robyn. She was right where they wanted her... just like at the Vytal Festival," Ruby notes sadly.
Weiss comforts her with a hand on her shoulder, while Soundwave holds her hand in his, which helps a bit.
"And just like the Vytal Festival, someone is using our own technology against us. This doctored footage of Penny came from all of her work around Mantle, stolen straight from our surveillance network," Pietro explains.
"Ugh, hacking, technology. Why can't people just do things like in the old days and fight to the death?' Maria complains.
"Information is the most powerful weapon in any war. Knowing how to use it, or in this case, fabricate it and use it against your enemies, makes it all the more deadly. The Decepticons used plenty of tactics like this back during the war for my home," Dreadwing turns back to face Penny.
"Well, if we're dealing with the same enemy from Beacon; hacking into Mantle's system would be relatively easy for them to accomplish. The system we've got running in Atlas is upgraded, more secure. But the one down in Mantle... *sigh* It's another thing that Atlas had neglected to fix when it comes to the welfare of those in Mantle," Pietro shakes his head.
"And how would someone gain access to those systems?" Weiss asks.
"Well, only a small number of people have security clearance for those systems. Ironwood, the council, our cybersecurity and surveillance teams, and maybe a few people who oversee important systems like the sewers or the heating grid," Pietro explains.
"Which means that anyone of those individuals, excluding a few, could be a traitor and we have no means of discovering their identity at this point in time. This is getting tiresome," Dreadwing clenches his fists.
"...Jacques Schnee...?" Soundwave sounds off.
This gets Weiss thinking, "Hmm, SDC has access to the heating grid down in Mantle, among a few other key systems. I can't say right now that my father is involved, but... something doesn't feel right. About any of this,"
"Dr. Polendina, how are you doing with all of this?" Ruby voices her concern.
"Well, if Maria wasn't here to lend me a hand when things started getting crazy like this, I'm sure I would've collapsed by now. Getting the communications tower into the sky was a daunting challenge on its own, but now... Hearing what people want to do to my girl. The hatred they've shown towards her," Pietro laments before his coughing returns.
"Easy, Doctor," Dreadwing pats his shoulder lightly.
Dr. Polendina developed the device that saved Dreadwing's life. Of course, he would be concerned for his health.
"Well, even if the worst did happen, you could always fix her back up again like before. So maybe try not to worry so much about it," Ruby tries to cheer him up.
Unfortunately, it does little to help his mood, since they don't know the truth about Penny.
"What is it, Dr. Polendina?" Laserbeak asks.
Pietro sighs, "There's a reason why Penny is the only one of her kind..." he says and walks over to his desk to pick up a picture showing a younger version of himself along with other scientists, his thumb over the face of one on the side. "When General Ironwood challenged us to find the next breakthrough in defense technology, most of my colleagues pursued more obvious choices. I was one of the few who believed in looking... inward for inspiration. Now looking for some new machine or weapon, but rather SOMEONE who could give the people hope for the future," Pietro says.
"You wanted a protector with a soul," Ruby says as they all gather around him.
"Just like us Cybertronians. We're more than just machines. We think, we feel, and we can care for others," Dreadwing thinks as he wonders about his brother before staring at Weiss.
"Indeed. And when General Ironwood saw her, he saw the potential that Penny could bring, to everyone. Much to my surprise, the Penny Project was chosen over all the other proposals," Pietro says, smiling.
"I mean, it's hard not to see why he would. You created a person with the first synthetic aura. No one's ever been able to come close to that, even here in Atlas. More importantly, you made Penny, not as a machine, but as a person, just like the rest of us," Weiss adds.
"Well, not quite," Pietro says and shows them his aura... shocking them when they find parts of his aura missing and holes in his shield.
"You... gave her part of yours?" Ruby gasps.
"By the Allspark," even Dreadwing and Laserbeak are stunned, though Soundwave shows no sign of this.
"Yes. And each time I bring her back, it takes a little more. If the people of Mantle get their wish and she's destroyed... I'm afraid I won't have the strength to...," Pietro is unable to finish his words before he starts crying.
Maria offers a supportive hand on his shoulder, "Pietro, old friend," she mutters.
"We'll find whoever's responsible for this. I promise," Ruby tells him.
Pietro calms down and puts the picture down, showing a younger Arthur Watts in the picture.
…
Back in Mantle, Robyn's crew hit another transport. After forcing it to a hault, Robyn and her happy huntresses open up the back, only to find Megatron and Predaking inside.
"Boo," Megatron greets them.
"Scatter! Split up and regroup at the hideout!" Robyn and her crew scramble and head off in different directions.
"Let's move. Remember the plan," Megatron and Predaking chase after Robyn.
Predaking uses his semblance and goes into his flame Predacon form, taking flight to pursue Robyn as she ducks down one alleyway. Robyn keeps running, only ti skid to a stop when Predaking lands in front of her, growling menacingly. She turns around, only to find Megatron at her back.
"Robyn Hill, listen, we did not come here to fight. Just listen to what we have to say," Megatron pleads with her.
Robyn doesn't listen and engages her crossbow, firing off an arrow at Megatron. Megatron leans his head to the side to dodge it before shaking his head and charges at her. Robyn fires off a few more, but Megatron bats each one away with his arms and throws a spinning jump kick at her head. Robyn ducks under the swing and spins around for a hook kick, but Megatron catches it and throws her into a wall. Robyn jumps to the side when Megatron throws a punch, only to crack the wall instead. Robyn swings her crossbow at him, but he blocks with his arm blade and kicks her back. Hearing Predaking growl behind her, she fires off another arrow, only for said arrow to melt away the moment it touches his flames. It's then that she notices how Predaking has not once moved into this fight; just standing there. However, that lapse in thinking gives Megatron an opening and he tackles her to the wall, his left hand on her neck while his right holds her crossbow to the side.
"Will you listen already?! We are not your enemies!" Megatron yells as Predaking deactivates his semblance and joins them.
"Bullcrap! You came here to catch me because Ironwood ordered you to. Because he doesn't want to help Mantle," Robyn argues back.
Megatron leans close to her face, "Megatron is commanded by no one..." he then releases her and she falls to the floor, much to her shock. "I was a slave once, long ago, in my old home. But, never again. Ironwood wanted you captured, yes, but I know that is not the right move to make here. Ironwood is an idiot, but he is trying to help all of Remnant, including Mantle, even if he hasn't made the best moves in doing so. He's scared, and he doesn't know who to trust,"
"Then why has he been doing what he's been doing? Mantle, the Amity arena; what's this all about, huh?" Robyn doesn't exactly buy it.
"The Fall of Beacon, the attack on Haven; the ones' really responsible for them have made Atlas and Mantle their next target. That's who's responsible for the murders and the attack at the warehouse. Ironwood is not the enemy here. WE are not the enemy here," Megatron explains.
Robyn stares at them for a moment, "Take my hand," she holds out her hand. The two warriors seem hesitant, but eventually Megatron takes her hand. "Repeat what you just said to me,"
"Ironwood is not the enemy here. The people who attacked Beacon and Haven have made Atlas and Mantle their next target. Ironwood is fighting them; he's trying to help everyone," Megatron says, and their hands turn green.
Robyn lets go, "You're telling the truth. But, if that's the case, then why not tell more people about it?"
"Because our enemies have more eyes and ears than we may think, and Ironwood does not know who to trust. We can't tell you all of the truth just yet, but you must know that as long as Mantle and Atlas are busy fighting against each other, then our real enemies will win," Megatron explains.
Robyn slowly back up, "I'll take your word for it, but I will not stop until I know the truth. I must protect Mantle," she then runs off into the shadows.
"Think she'll stop giving us a hard time?" Predaking asks.
Megatron sighs, "Only time will tell. We need to meet with the others. We've been radio silent for too long. They're bound to be concerned," he notes, only to receive a message on his scroll and pulls it up.
"What is it?" Predaking raises an eyebrow.
"It seems Jacques Schnee is making his first move as a member of the council. He has invited everyone to dinner at his mansion. He already has one council seat... and now he intends to remove Ironwood from his," Megatron looks up into the evening sky. "...Scrap."
...
In another part of Mantle, Shockwave is working until he receives a message. It only reads, "It is time to go".
Shockwave looks up, "Lord Megatron..."
And that's the chapter. Megatron disobeys Ironwood's orders, but Megatron never agreed to follow them in the first place. Things move ahead in the kingdom, but now they must deal with Jacques Schnee once more. How will this little dinner party go? Until then, please Read and Review.