Here we are at Chapter 65. Time for the rest of the party to get underway, along with a surprise or two. I do not own RWBY or Transformers. They belong to their respective owners. Here's chapter 65. Enjoy.
Chapter 65: In for a Shock
In the Schnee Manor, Ironwood continues his talks with Jacques and the Atlas council. Penny and Winter stand behind Ironwood, while Clover remains by his side. Megatron stands near the windows, watching this sham of a trial go on.
"General, since you were appointed as Headmaster of Atlas Academy, there have been some people in our kingdom that are concerned about one man holding two council seats," Councilwoman Camilla notes.
"Yes, which is exactly why we have checks and balances," Ironwood retorts.
"We're supposed to, but lately, you've been acting beyond them. Making your own decisions without discussing them with us first," Councilman Sleet says.
"Councilman, I never intended-," Ironwood begins.
"What people intend and what they actually do are not always the same things," Councilman Sleet argues.
As they talk, a servant comes in and whispers something to Jacques, and he shows a look of shock before replying and sending the servant away.
"Is there a problem, Jacques Schnee?" Megatron narrows his eyes.
Jacques composes himself, "No, nothing is wrong. I agree with everything that was just said,"
"I'm not done yet. You're afraid of something, General. Aren't you?" Robyn asks.
"Of course I am, Miss Hill. I'm trying to prevent Atlas from turning into anither battleground like what happened with Beacon and with Haven," Ironwood argues.
"But then why not involve your fellow councilman? Working in secret? These are the actions of someone who is hiding something, General," Robyn says.
"...I'm not hiding anything," Ironwood retorts.
"Then prove it, right here and now. You're all aware of my semblance. Let's put it to the test then. Here and now," Robyn says as she walks over to Ironwood and holds out her hand.
Everyone watches, waiting to see what will happen, however...
"Stop!" they hear as the doors behind Jacques open up, revealing Weiss and Dreadwing. "You've got the wrong man on trial!" Weiss says.
As they enter, the rest of the team enter from the other side thanks to Weiss and Dreadwing informing them beforehand.
"We've found proof; not only of his innocence, but also who is framing him, and who rigged the election. Most of all... we've found evidence that Jacques Schnee knows as well... since he's been working with the one responsible," the pair enter the room and glare at Jacques.
Weiss puts down a scroll and shows the image of Arthur Watts sitting with Jacques.
Jacques appears shocked by the image, and and so is everyone else. Mostly by who is with him..
"Is that... Arthur Watts?" Councilwoman Camilla asks.
"That's impossible! Arthur Watts died in the paladin incident years ago!" Councilman Sleet says.
"W-W-What is this?" Jacques stutters, beginning to freak out.
"Something you wish to explain to us, Jacques?" Megatron shows a subtle smirk.
Ironwood stands up," Play it," he asks, and Dreadwing hits the play button.
"...That bastard is costing me more money every day with this embargo. I'd lay off every worker in Mantle if I didn't need their damn votes to get this council seat!" Jacques begins to sweat as the video plays.
"What if I said you could have your cake... and eat it too?" Watts asks.
"What did you have in mind?" Jacque asks.
"James Ironwood never recognized my genius. Even after I gave him everything, he still disgraced me. I simply wish to return the favor," Watts says.
"What's in it for me?" Jacque asks as Ironwood begins to walk around the table.
"A seat on the council. All I need is your login credentials to the Atlas network. You promised to make Ironwood's life a waking nightmare, and I will guarantee you a victory at the polls by giving the voters down in Mantle a... digital push, if you will," Watts explains.
"I always knew you were a good scientist, Watts. But, I never knew you were such a good salesman," Jacque says before he starts laughing.
"That's enough," Ironwood has seen enough, so Dreadwing ends the video.
Now, Jacques begins to panic, "That, that is... I can explain," he stutters as he jumps out of his seat. "That... isn't real," but no one believes his pitiful defense.
"Jacques, take your seat," Councilman Sleet orders him.
Jacques tries to make a break for it and opens the doors behind him, only for a swift punch to the face to knock him out as he falls onto the floor with a black eye. While the punch definitely surprised the group, what is more surprising is who threw it. Everyone looks to see a young man carrying a case in his left hand. His left cybernetic hand along with the rest of a cybernetic left arm. His face is be somewhat pale, with very short, clean-cut, black hair, and an eyepatch over one eye. His armor is covering his shoulders, arms, upper chest, outer thighs, lower legs, and feels similar to the armor worn by the former cybertronians in the room. He also has on leather, dark gray pants under the armor, and a dark gray long sleeved turtleneck shirt under the armor.
"Just who are you?" Megatron aims his arm cannon at the new face.
The man approaches, placing his organic hand on his chest, "It has been some time, Megatron."
This confused everyone, as well as putting them on edge, since he seems to know Megatron. For those that know who Megatron really is, it means this figure knows as well.
"Do I know you?" Predaking asks, having a strange feeling that he knows this person.
The man turns to him with a smile, "I know that we have changed since coming here. However, I would never forget the face of my greatest creation,"
This surprises the cybrtronians, aside from a confused Dreadwing though he remains on guard.
Megatron takes another look and widens his eyes, "Shockwave?"
Now, the rest of the group are on alert. Judging by how that name sounds, and Megatron's shocked expression, this guy is from their world.
"Yes, my lord." Shockwave bows again, before his face becomes stoic again. "I can state with full confidence that you know as to how I am here and why,"
"You're with those who fought against us… Those working with her." Megatron said, narrowing his eyes at the scientist, even as the council members and Robyn look confused as to who he's speaking about.
"You are partially correct. I am here to aid you on your mission to save this world." Shockwave corrects him.
"What?" Megatron is still confused by all of this.
"After Unicron used your body to create an army of undead Predacons, some of them had attacked me. In a flight of emotion, I attempted to fight back only to be damaged externally. During the battle I felt my mind shouting for the terrorcons to stay away from me. Logically, I believe it would be in response of seeing something as illogical as the remains of the dead rising again or the former beliefs of Unicron having truly existed. Something inside my central processor had broken and in the flow of this, I had encouraged my creations to aid the Autobots against Unicron," Shockwave explains, though the people of Remnant are confused by some of the things he said (at least the ones that don't know about their true origins).
The three Decepticons look at Predaking for confirmation, who nods, "He was very convincing. Had it not been for his compelling argument, Skylinx, Darksteel, and I would not have aided the Autobots against the demon's horde,"
All eyes returned to Shockwave, "When they left, I returned to my laboratory where the recent Predacon I had growing in one of my chambers when I experienced a sensation upon looking at it. It… confused me I felt, a sense of pride…," Shockwave reminisces.
This confuses the decepticons which the Remnant citizens notice.
"What's wrong?" Blake asks.
"Shockwave's not one for emotions. Even more so that Soundwave. Shockwave's success as a scientist has always been logic above everything else," Dreadwing explains for them.
"As I was examining my central processor, I noticed a lock on my cerebral memory cache along with my personality matrix having been blocked off by an external means. I continued searching for the cause to this when I heard the voice of Optimus Prime speaking to me," Shockwave says, surprising them.
Megatron gets curious from this, "What did he say?"
"He asked for my aid to help you with your mission," Shockwave replies.
When he hears this, however, Dreadwing snaps, "That is a lie, if you were really summoned here as we were, you would have been with one of the four that we were assign to,"
"I do not see the need to lie," Shockwave calmly states as he glances at Dreadwing who narrows his eyes. Though Megatron knew that Shockwave would've had said logic instead of need meaning he has changed from before. "Especially when he promised me something in return for my service,"
Megatron stops the argument from escalating, "What is it that Optimus wanted you to do?"
"To infiltrate the opposition's organization and thwart them as best as I can without compromising myself as a deep cover operative. I even had to rewire my personal systems to make sure that no one on this planet would eavesdrop on me while I am on assignment. Especially when the Benefactor is present," Shockwave explains.
"Why? What's this benefactor can do no one else can?" Predaking asks.
"The Benefactor can use those who have taken Dark Energon into their systems and use it to communicate and ensure the loyalties of the Heralds of Chaos," Shockwave reveals.
While this information confuses the people of Remnant, it surprises the decepticons.
"Then won't that mean he knows you're a spy?" Megatron asks.
"Negative. When I was damaged by the terrorcon horde, I discovered that only a minimum trace of the substance had entered my systems for me to communicate with him. He cannot ascertain my true allegiance in this mission," Shockwave eases their concerns. "At first, while making memory documents of each of the heralds, I tried to examine previous recorded information of my cybernetic processor before it became organic searching through in order to find the logic as to why part of my memory was locked as well as my emotions. It was a long and difficult search, especially when the human who was assigned to assist me came to learn more about Cybertronian technology and our biology. It was… tiring to deflect his questions as well as continuing my assignments from Salem and my own personal research on the compound of Dust. Especially after the scorpion Faunus Tyrian Callows had the stinger of his tail cut off, curtesy of Soundwave. Or Airachnid being trapped on the island of Menagerie after her attempts to end my creation and the feline Faunus for Adam Taurus when I told him of Predaking's origins as a clone,"
Hearing that, Blake runs forward and slugs him in the face, "That was you!"
Shockwave's head is facing sideways as his eyes turns to the angry Faunus. While there is no bruise on his face, he also seems unaffected by the sudden sucker punch. Everyone stares on in shock.
"There was nothing I could have done without risking my position. I calculated the risk and deemed it a necessary sacrifice, especially as the number in those catacombs were but a fraction of the populace above," Shockwave explains stoically. "However, you have my condolences for your loss," he apologizes, showing some signs of regret in his expression. Just as Blake is about to say something, Predaking places his hand on Blake's shoulder and comfortingly leading her back to her friends. "If we are done with the display of emotions, may I continue?"
"Before we continue this, I need to ask you a question Shockwave," Megatron asks, for there is something he must know.
"And that would be?" Shockwave replies.
"What happened to you since we last met? When we last met, you would do anything that would be logical and yet now, I see two things that you have done and said that you would not have done in the past. You never showed a sign of emotion before for as long as I have met you, and yet you did with these new expressions I have just seen on your face, and you speak more alive now than back then. During those days, some of my soldiers nicknamed you as a computer with legs," Megatron asks.
Shockwave remains silent for a moment, "How logical of you to notice, Lord Megatron. If you previously recall, I had noticed something wrong with my thought processes. Even now in this organic form I have been experiencing flashes of emotions as I almost eviscerated Starscream when I learned from his memories that he had terminated two of my creations, Skylinx and Darksteel,"
Hearing that makes Predaking hiss in rage, "You lie! There is no possible way that both of my vassals would fall to that cowardly worm!"
Shockwave turns to his creation, "Here is my proof,"
And so he plays the recordings as everyone watches as Starscream is being chased by two mechanical beasts larger in size than the screaming individual with the absurdly long arm and leg armor. He trips after pressing an uprising button and the sound of energy weapons firing in the darkness. Starscream blinkingly opens his eyes before turning to see the bodies of the two beasts laying on the ground with large, heated indents in their metal bodies, their eyes dimming.
Seeing this, Predaking roars in grief as he slams his fist into the wall behind him, no doubt making the entire room, if not the whole mansion, shake from the force of his punch. This scares practically everyone in the room so much that they all but forget seeing the video with strange robots that not even the Atlas military could create appear on the screen. And then Shockwave explains everything: the repairs he made to the Herald's cybernetic systems, replacing Tyran's tail, weaponizing certain of Salem's Grimm for an experiment, and improving upon Mercury's cybernetic legs to improve their effectiveness. As well as learning more about the Dust and his experiments combining Remnant technology with what Cybertronian technology he had to attempt to create a teleportation device called a Ground-bridge, after scanning what he had seen of Raven's Semblance and comparing the harmonic frequency with a combination of certain Dust after discovering that cultivational techniques from Cybertron work similarly to cultivate Dust crystals without risking possible detonation of said crystals. This surprises the Atlesians who were at the forefront of Dust production and technology. He had discovered that the Dust would not grow on the grounds of their headquarters, so he had to cultivate them at an offsite location guarded by Grimm who were ordered by Salem to not disturb it. Shockwave also explains as to how he discovered how well the combination of Remnant and Cybertronian technologies were as well as discovering that Dust shares a basic composition like that of Cybertron's energon.
He then shows a hologram of what happened at Robyn's party, "I have visual evidence of Tyrian's assault on the female known as Robyn's political party, while also evidence of the human known as Jacques Schnee working with Dr. Arthur Watts. News of his demise have been greatly exaggerated. With all these factors, I believe that they will attempt to get the populace of Mantle into an uproar in order to attract the creatures of Grimm, which will allow them to bring their master to them. I also believe that I can assist you with your special project that I discovered while 'attempting' to hack into Atlas' systems without Watts knowing. It was logical of you to make a satellite out of the previously though unknown amity coliseum with a communications array," Shockwave explains.
Of course, hearing that puts Ironwood on edge, "Wait, you saw that?! Then... does that mean..."
"As I have just explained... No, they do not know about Amity. The project is safe, General Ironwood," Shockwave replies, calming his worries. "However, I require the assistance of Soundwave; his programming and encryption skills will be needed to complete the programming process from the resources you gathered for your satellite array,"
Ruby turns to Soundwave, "Is that true?"
Laserbeak, having left his hiding spot on his back for Soundwave's shoulder, faces her, "Soundwave's skills are second to none. That's why none of our enemies back home were able to decrypt or out program him during the war," he explains.
Ironwood glances at Soundwave. He knew that while they have made progress with rhe Amity project, they were still hitting a few walls that slowed the process down, even before all the recent chaos going on. With everything he has said and shown, the group begin to believe that Shockwave can be trusted and that he is indeed here to help.
However, Megatron has one more thing to ask, "Shockwave, you told me that Optimus wanted you to aid us. What is your logical reason for putting yourself into danger like this? For Soundwave and I, it was redemption for our heinous actions during the war. For Dreadwing and Predaking, it was hope. What did he offer you in return?" Megatron asks.
Shockwave looks him in the eye, "I get the truth about my past and why my memories, thought processes, and emotions had been blocked off before I came to Kaon,"
Hearing his answer, Megatron hums for a moment before nodding, accepting his answer.
"Wait... are you sure it's okay to trust this guy?" Yang asks, not knowing Shockwave like Megatron has.
"Shockwave have been many things during his servitude under my command, but he is not a liar, unlike a certain seeker commander," Megatron replies with a subtle smirk.
"...Well, if you trust him, then that's good enough for me," Yang replies.
"Excuse me, but what are you all ta-," Councilman Sleet begins before they hear some groaning and look to see Jacques finally come to.
"Ah, almost forgot about you, Jacques Schnee. It seems we have much to discuss," Megatron turns his attention to the corrupt man.
Jacques is then forced into a seat with everyone around him. This almost felt like a trial, but there is no defense for Jacques.
"I always knew you were selfish Jacques, and would do just about anything to get what you want, but this... This is a new low, even for you," Ironwood stands right in front of him with his arms crossed.
"Oh please, this is all a huge leap, James. That video doesn't prove anything," Jacques defends himself.
"Actually, it proves quite a bit. Now that I know that Arthur Watts is alive, working with a mad psychopath like Tyrian Callows. It would be easy for him to create the massacre at that warehouse. Arthur Watts designed Mantle's security system. He used the access that Jacques gave him to hack into the security system, manipulate it to where it shows Penny attacking people instead of Tyrian, and framed her for a crime she didn't commit," Ironwood looks sympathetically at Penny, who looks saddened by the massacre though her friends are by her side. "All while stealing an election because of your greed,"
"All those people that died that night. Their blood is on your hands. You are just as responsible for that massacre as they are," Robyn lets her anger show.
"Jacques Schnee must answer for his crimes. Helping Watts and Tyrian equals treason, and because he gave them the access they needed for that massacre, let's add accessory to murder among the charges. You will reap what you have sown, vermin," Dreadwing glares at him.
"Who are you to dare accuse me of-," Jacques begins before Megatron comes in and kicks him in the balls, making him scream like a little girl before he falls to the ground.
"That's enough of that. With the access this fool gave him, what can Watts do with the security system?" Megatron turns to Ironwood.
"With enough time... Whatever he wants," Ironwood replies sadly.
Just then, their scrolls start going off and they see what's going on, "What? Wait, what? What do you mean the heating grid has gone off?!" Councilman Sleet exclaims, making Team RWBY gasp.
"You have to believe me, I didn't know he was planning this-," Jacques says weakly before Megatron slams his foot on his chest.
"You better have a way of fixing this and getting the heat back up Jacques!" Megatron threatens him.
"I... I can't. I've been informed that the system... has been blocked off," Jacques confesses while trying to breath, and Megatron takes his foot off of him.
"If we can't get the heat back up... The people in Mantle are going to die," Councilman Sleet says worriedly.
"Shockwave, do you have a way of fixing this?" Megatron asks.
"Unfortunately, I was not privy to Arthur's intentions with the security system. I might be able to bypass him and get the heating back up, but it's going to take some time. With Soundwave's aid, we should be able to cut that time down in half, but we must act swiftly and I'll need a good access point to begin with," Shockwave theorizes.
Ironwood checks his scroll, "He's using Jacque's credentials to get in and he's blocking us out every chance he gets. He's going to be mobile, but we need to get to his access point. If you can bypass him, that could work. We need to get him out in the open. What from you said, they haven't learned about Amity yet... Which means SHE hasn't learned about Amity yet. But, we don't know how long that will last,"
"Okay, so let me get this straight," Robyn says, gaining their attention. "Yeah, don't forget about me, people. How exactly do a disgraced scientist and a disappeared serial killer start working together? Why would they target you? And what's so important about Amity that you had to keep it a secret from them and everyone in Atlas and Mantle? I used to think that you were hiding something to protect yourself. But I can see that it's not the case. You're not trying to protect yourself; you're trying to protect Atlas, Mantle, even all of Remnant. And you're afraid of what might happen if you tell the truth," Robyn says.
Just then, Clover and Oscar barge into the room, "General, the Grimm are all over Mantle. The air fleet's doing everything they can to take out the Grimm outside the city, but some are already inside. They can't target those Grimm without risking civilian casualties," Clover says.
"The people's negativity has drawn the Grimm to the city," Dreadwing says.
"Sir, we need ground support now," Clover says.
"What we need is to start evacuating Mantle. If it's overrun by the Grimm, then no one will be safe there. We can use the fleet to-," Robyn says.
"If I move the fleet, then Atlas will be vulnerable!" Ironwood retorts, walking away. "This is exactly what I was afraid of." He holds his head, placing a hand on the wall. "I wanted to keep our home safe, and now it's all falling apart."
Deciding to try and help, Oscar steps up to Ironwood, "General? Once before, you asked me for advice,"
"I was hoping for Ozpin's advice," Ironwood laments.
"And he most likely would've told you to keep your secrets. But, you already knew that that won't cut it anymore. You came up with a new plan," Oscar says.
"That plan won't work now. I don't know what to do," Ironwood retorts.
"The panic you were worried about has already arrived. The secrets you're keeping are about to be revealed anyway. It's time, General. Tell the truth," Oscar asks.
"You're not alone," Ruby says as she steps up.
"General, an army is not made of one individual, it's made of many. You have allies here. Salem turns humanity against one another because when we are divided, we are weak, but when we are united, then anything is possible. Let's make the impossible possible, together," Megatron makes a speech that inspires all around him.
Ironwood looks at all them, seeing them nod in agreement, and smiles, "Hmm... thank you. All of you. Oscar, I think you should return to the academy," he says.
"I think you're right," Oscar says, holding the Relic of Knowledge on his hip.
"Councilman Skeet, Councilwoman Camilla, Miss Hill, there are some things you need to know about. Let's go and save Mantle. Together," Ironwood says.
"I've called a transport for us," Winter says as she holds up her scroll.
"What about Watts and Tyrian?" Yang asks.
"You leave them to me. Right now, the best you can do will be down below, helping the people of Mantle. Shockwave and Soundwave, do what you can with Watts' to the system. I have another idea that I'll need your help with," Ironwood says.
Megatron looks around, "Alright then, huntsmen, let's roll out!" and then looks at Penny. And that means everyone," making her smile.
The group rush out of the room, passing by a female servant who walks by. But, as they do, Predaking stops momentarily when he catches the slight scent of blood coming from said servant. However, he doesn't have time to worry about that when they've got a city to save and heads off with the others. Oscar chooses to stay behind to inform Ironwood of some extra details while everyone else boards the airships. Soundwave and Shockwave end up taking a different airship from the others since they're needed elsewhere.
In the airship, Clover goes over the plan, "Alright everyone, remember: the mission here is protecting and rescuing civilians, not killing Grimm. Understood?" he looks around, and they all nod in reply. Everyone gets their weapons ready, only for the ship to suddenly shake. They look ahead and come face-to-face with a Teraptor Grimm on the airship. Elm tries to shake it off, but it remains on just as a second Teraptor swoop in and damages the airship on one side.
"This thing won't last much longer!" Elm shouts.
"It's time to go!" Qrow yells.
"You all have your mission assignment! Let's go," Clover adds.
Megatron activates his semblance and creates a mega cannon on his right arm, "Open the door!"
Elm does so, and the door reveals the Teraptor on the other side. Megatron fires off a shot and it blasts the Grimm's head clean off and then the body falls off of the airship. With the way cleared, the group all exit the airship as they approach Mantle. The second Teraptor flies in towards Blake, but Predaking creates his flame Predacon form and flies into the Grimm, burning it alive with his flames until it dies before pushing it off and following the others into the city below.
Back in Atlas, the servant from before heads into one dark room with large windows overlooking the kingdom. The servant girl walks right up to the windows.
"Huh," she hears and looks back to see Cinder Fall and Starscream waiting for her. "You're back early," Cinder notes, causing the girl to roll her eyes. "I trust that you found what we're looking for," they approach her.
The girl changes form, revealing herself to be Neo in disguise thanks to her semblance. Neo looks like she's thinking for a moment before she smirks with a flick of her hat.
Starscream chuckles, "Oh, this is going to be such fun. The only thing greater than that... would be revenge,"
And that's the chapter. Jacques' scheme is found out, and Shockwave joins Megatron's team when he reveals himself as a double agent. The battle for Mantle begins, but who knows what lurks within the chaos about to consume the city. Until then, please Read and Review.