Disclaimer: I do not own RWBY, it's owned by Rooster Teeth.

Blakes POV

"-the CCT tower main computer module is located in the top-left wing of the structure, we've sent informants in, and few have come back out. We believe that Atlas has tightened security to secure this area from infiltration or assaults. We've lost a lot of good men."

"I've analyzed these rooms, and the conclusion isn't pretty: it seems that Atlas placed DNA scanners to detect Fang and Resistance operatives, limiting your ability to move freely."

Adam looks at him blankly, "You've only seen these plans for an hour, how the hell did you gather that?"

"Because," he crosses his arms, "it's obvious. Every time someone walks in, I can see just a small laser beam for a split second, meaning that there is a scanner of some kind." He pulls up footage -in hologram form- of this happening, modifying it with 'UV Detection' text displayed in the top-right corner. For someone who claims he isn't from Atlas, I can tell that he knows their equipment and know its function. When he mentioned the laser, I became more suspicious of him. My eyes train to Summer, who was also paying attention to the footage.

She catches me looking at her and gives a small smile. I can see the hope in her silver eyes, a trait that hasn't dimmed even as Atlas grows stronger. We were hesitant to entangle her in all of this after she had Ruby. Her only response to us was, "It's so Ruby doesn't have to live in this damn world.", her words of courage made me realize why she keeps fighting. I can't blame her, but my will to keep persisting has started to strain after Atlas took Menagerie, killing my parents.

I was devastated.

It was because of Adam that I kept going; his love and compassion keeping me from the noose, still I can't see why he would include him

"Still, we made him part of our network almost immediately- without considering his background or motives. For all, we know Alex could be a spy or bounty hunter!" before I could further delve into these thoughts, his voice came back.

"Blake.", I look at him, breaking out of my deep thought, he notices my attention, "This operation is contingent on one thing; can I trust you to complete it?"

I look at Adam, and he catches my eye, with confidence in his composture, he nods in affirmatively.

Narrator POV

The city of Vage was one of majestic properties: this fifth city founded by Valean settlers after its establishment of Vale. Known for its wide boulevards, lush forests surrounding the hills with pristine, clear rivers that are devoid of pollution. The outskirts of Vage were farms and small suburbs fortified by ancient stone walls amplified with modern-day defenses. Many sought to live in Vage as most often strolled about with nothing to do. Its industry geared towards machinery, trade, clerical tasks, and the bar industry, none were open in the as fit with tradition.

Night, however, was more interesting: clubs and bars were open in many districts, tired workers often taking an hour or two to relax with a cocktail in hand or catching up with friends or getting a little intimate with lovers. Winter, however, brought more than just distractions or trinkets to the common man...none of them good.

Martial law, courtesy of the Atlas Imperium, of course, saw curfews occurring soon after work was completed, although soldiers and officers were generously given off time by their military to help "keep the peace". These people claimed to maintain order at night and kept stability, although, the militarization of its CCT tower, along with the construction of Camp Impeccable, to display power and authority, brought faunus slavery to Vage. Former Valean civilians once protested against the curfew and oppression, only to be gunned down by Atlesian androids.

As of now, it was only 900 B.N. The CCT tower was surrounded by barracks and military offices coordinating the Atlesian war effort, guards stood outside its gates, erect sharply with rifles in hand and visors down to display professionalism over the people in the area. Badges adorned their chest plate gleaming in the morning rays after their owners endured a frosty night of cold as they maintain vigilance. On their left shoulder is a brassard with the words, Atlas Endures for All, in a circle around the word MP.

Only one dares to walk forward the compound.

Alexander POV

Snow crunches under my boots, yet to be melted from the flagstone road. Each breath I take is visible as I breathe it back out, the freezing winter air chills my cybernetic body as my remaining nerves sense the cold in winter Vage. I stare at the impressive tower in front of me. "Summer said that you couldn't miss the tower. Unless the word tower is different here, this is it.", the massive structure entends at least a couple meters in the sky, white marble makes up the material of the tower along with a lighthouse top with a tall radio mast extending into the heavens above.

All of that beauty is disturbed, however.

Surrounding the tower is a curtain wall with several smaller towers, I can clearly see guards stationed in them. Barbwire occupies the top of the wall, including the base as well. A checkpoint is to my left to allow vehicles in, while simultaneously defend against unwanted visitors.

As I continue walking towards the gate I spot a signpost giving directions to either the main settlement areas or toward military zones- as evident by the more clean and pristine material used for them-, additionally, an arrow is labeled "Bunny Faunus Club-1.1 miles east" and my nanoblood begins to boil as a subtle mask of anger occupies my face. Before I could further speculate at the sign a voice called out.

"Halt civilian!", a man dressed in a white and blue uniform with decorations designating him as an MP lifts his arm up, opening his hand in a flat palm, "State your business here!"

Instead of complying, I engage my cloaking device. Both of the guards look at each other confused, only for a couple of seconds before they both lose the ability to breathe. Walking past their dying bodies, I disable my cloak and sheath my knives, both dripping with blood, wiping them with a handkerchief to get rid of any evidence. "No time to bury the bodies, gotta do this quick."

Beep...Silver Knight come in, Feral Squad is approaching the generator, too many guards to sneak in. We're going to need to adjust the plan."

Looking at the now deceased MP I get an idea., "I got one idea. Standby, Silver Knight out.", with that I pull aside the guard and strip him of his uniform. It's a bit of a tight fit but good enough, bet I can tear it apart with no effort.

I also grab the guard's ID card and equipment to blend it, pulling the field cap over my eyes to hide my face from passerby's. Strolling past the hidden bodies underneath the snow, ignoring hellos from on-duty soldiers and civilians I arrived at my intended target: the rotating doors of the Vage cross-continental transmit tower. Feeling a tiny smirk sneak on my lips, entering through the rotating glass doors, then giving a shakey salute to an Atlesian officer. He responded lazily before continuing his conversation with his friend- am assuming.

That didn't matter as I studied the lobby directory.

A few minutes pass until finding a route to my next destination. When walking through the next hall door, I was astonished by the sheer scope of it.

The entire structure, amazing as it was from a distance, is remarkable when inside. While the reception lounge has polished granite floors with dark gray concrete walls, the much larger military wing of the tower occupies the courtyard that was there before Atlas took over. Now it's covered in steel plating covering the previously marble and glass wall for defensive reasons. The floor is still made of smooth granite, although now slightly worn because of the traffic here: squads of patrol drones survey the area, smaller drones glide across the open space above me, squads of Atlesian soldiers rest here awaiting their next mission.

"You there!', a voice calls from behind. Walking toward me is a large looking officer. Trailing him are two Atlesians wearing what appears to be body armor, their faces obscured by helmets fitted with facemasks. His jacket is loose, probably off duty from the looks of it. I stopped walking and turned around to face the group, giving them the same shaky salute I gave an officer earlier.

"Name and rank?", he asks, "Private Calousy, sir.". Without a look of seriousness, he nods, "Report to Section E2."

"Yes sir.", turning to leave, I caught out of the corner of my eye a faunus girl with a collar around her neck. Wearing nothing but a worn bra and underwear and being forced to crawl on all fours. She notices me before looking away in shame. Her owner must have seen her do this.

"Knock it off!", the officer barks as he kicks her in the abdomen. With great hesitation, I reluctantly walk away from her as the man pulls out a whip and begins to lash at her exposed body. This isn't the first time I've seen this kind of suffering; when I was first deployed in the Middle East, there was this sex trafficker selling young girls to hidden brothels in Karachi. Ten guys plus myself broke into the den in the middle of the night. We almost had him, but not before he took them with him...a bomb was placed in the basement where he locked them up.

I saw the bodies, some of them in their late teens, others just pre-teens. I vowed to never, never let that happen again.

But if I saved this girl right now, I expose myself and Feral squad, this entire mission would be over before it even began. So, I walk to section E2, sparing the girl one more glance. Heart heavy I carry on.

Taking a right instead of left, I make my way towards the generator room as my map instructed. "Thirty-five feet, take the next left and, after two doors, head left downstairs," H.U.D.A.C.C informs me, showing yellow lines on the right of my HUD. Before heading into the hallway, a group of soldiers ran to my intended destination, rifles in hand and radios chirping. Instinctively I hid in the bathroom conveniently just right there. The footsteps fade away.

"Beep...Feral Squad. You got tangos coming your way, come in."

No response.

I try again, "Feral Squad. You have tangos coming your way. Respond dammit."

Still no response. "Shit", I think before pulling out both my pistols and rushing out of the door. Running towards the squad I opened fire. One of their guys slumps to the ground dead, his buddies change direction and start shooting my way. Gunshots echoed in the concrete hall: "No doubt more are going to come.", as I close the distance. Quickly hoisting one of the pistols, I whip out my broadsword and throw it, impaling one guy. Bullets hit me but bounce off my shield not evening coming close to my armor.

Pulling the sword out of his body I chop, slice and dice the other guards, quickly removing their heads in order to silence their dying shouts. Soon dust rounds are replaced by gauss shots and my sword against foreign flesh, which is then replaced by silence. Finishing my last kill, I look at the staircase leading down to the basement. Instead of taxing myself with running I jump down.

Just before my feet hit the ground, my 3D Environment gear kicks high-pressure gas out, gently hovering me a few inches above the ground. Landing I rush towards the door, I pull out my keycard and slide it in the card reader.

DENIED, "Fuck this.", I thought before shooting the reader with my pistol. To my surprise the door opens, revealing the generator room along with a second door. Quickly walking towards it, I turn the knob. I slowly open the door and stick my head in.

Blake POV

Another guard hits the floor, the rest of Feral Squad clean up their targets as per orders. Adam instructed us to disable the generator in the lower levels, unfortunately, we underestimated the number of guards patrolling this place. Taking out these guys were a risk, nearly exposing us. But they're dead- bleeding out on the floor-, allowing us to advance towards the generator room

That was until the door opened.

Alexander POV

A bullet whizzed past my head, instead, it hit the wall behind me. "Shit!" I cried out, readying my pistol. Just as I take aim, a familiar faunus, black of hair with black cat ears says, "Don't shoot. Don't shoot." Hearing this voice I say, "Motherfuckers! Why did y'all try to shoot me?"

"Thought you were the enemy." Blake shrugs nonchalantly.

I sigh, muttering under my breath, "Rookies."

"You say something?"

"Nothing," I wave off, "We need to continue towards the tower. They probably already sent patrols after our engagements.", it took me a few seconds to realize what I said. She looks at me, "You were the one who was shooting?" in a clearly pissed out tone.

"Look, I know this isn't the best situation, but we have to keep going."

"What about the Atlesian defenses?"

In truth, I forgot about them. I begin to pace back and forth, hand on my chin in a thinking pose. Blake notices this and waits, hand on her hip, waiting for a response. Obviously a quick one if I may add.

"H.U.D.A.C.C", the AI flashes up in attention, awaiting my command. "Give me a layout of the CCT tower and potential enemy reinforcements." He quickly does this as he displays a 3D map in my HUD and the probability of troop movements in specific areas. I study it. And that is when I notice it, an elevator shaft that goes from the basement to the top. If only there was a way to...oh wait. Looking at the generator, I command Blake, "Shoot the generator."

Perplexed she does so after a pause, pulling out her gun and shooting at it. "That's an interesting gun by the way", I compliment her. She rolls her eyes, probably thinking that I was flirting with her, even though I definitely wasn't. As I say this the lights flicker before encasing us in darkness.

I activate my night-vision and knowing that faunus have natural night-vision, guide them to the elevator. The cat faunus looks at me, "What now?"

"Now.", I open the elevator door before opening the emergency exit, giving me a clear view of the distance between the basement and the control room. Jumping back down I tell the rest of Feral squad, "Now we finish this fight. The enemy won't bring the fight us, instead, we'll bring the fight to the enemy. Follow me." And with that, I hop back up and begin climbing.

Below me, I hear, "Let's go brothers!" with similar cheers as the shaft begins to rattles with climbing and frantic jumping as they try to keep up with me. Luckily, my thrusters allow accelerating ahead of them much faster.

Minutes of climbing later we reach the top.

Reaching the top I land with a grunt, disengaging the thrusters, hearing them whirl and click back under my cybernetic skin. I curse at the metal as it prevents me from stretching completely- it's going to take a while for Feral squad to make it topside. Deciding to generous I move over to the computer module, "Engage hacking." I command to H.U.D.A.C.C.

"Yes, sir." and begins to move the elevator shaft slowly to allow the faunus a chance to get a chance to stand, get a reprieve and what not. Realizing that it'll still take some time for them to arrive, I move over to what seems to be a very important computer, judging by the large towers connected to it. Reaching out of my pocket, I grab the flash drive and insert it in its port before connecting directly in the mainframe itself.

"Time to work your magic H.U.D.A.C.C", I say. However, I don't get a "Yes, sir", instead, a beep followed by a hollow bar. A percentage slowly ticks up to show progress as the virus takes it time to find the ports and points to enter and any potential files that'll satisfy my own interest. As I dwell on this thought, H.U.D.A.C.C says, "Sir, permission to speak?"

"Sure." I lean back on the computer frame to catch my breath.

"Do you really wish to return to Earth, sir? The UN doesn't seem to really care if you come back alive.". "Yeah-" I start, "but, I have my own reasons H.U.D.A.C.C.", the bar reads 11%. "Sir, its been two centuries-"

"It still feels like yesterday." I cut him off, hoping to end this conversion. He's referring to my family; how they were butchered worse than cattle and what the US did to me when they found me in the ash of my home. When they lifted the hot timbers off my body, they only found a torso and head still attached that barely functioned. I woke up again in a water tank, connected by mask to an oxygen tank.

And the rest is history; conscripted as a military experiment, killed for the first time against my will, among other horrors. And yet, this time, on Remnant I feel that my actions are my choice now. But I can't let go of my past.

"I made a vow H.U.D.A.C.C. I am not going to break it anytime soon."

"What are you talking about?" an all too familiar voice asked. A normal person would have said different excuses, most likely failing, but I don't. I slowly look at her, "Talking to someone." before glancing at the percentage bar.

48%

Blake seems to look around for this someone, curiosity in her eyes, like a cat hunting for a rat. She looks back at me, "I don't see anyone."

"Where's the rest of Feral squad?"

"Still climbing the elevator."

Nodding I ignore her next question, "Who are you talking to again?"

"Doesn't matter.", cooly strolling over to the large window to gaze into the snow-covered cityscape and countryside, a dozen homes or so glowing orange light through the windows as I catch Atlesian propaganda plastered around the city. "Reminds me of Korea." I think to myself. The bar reads 55%.

"Alarms are disabled." I inform her, the cat faunus walking towards the window next to me as she gives a quiet nod.

Blake calmly stands next to me, crossing her arms. I can sense a small twig of anger as the cat faunus studies the city, "This place used to be good.", she says out of the blue, eyes still looking out. I don't say anything, being bored by this small talk I once had back on Earth. Plus I didn't really see me and Blake being anything but acquaintances, not to mention being actual friends.

"Oh." I dryly respond.

The bar reads 78% before jumping down to 68%.

"City has gone to shit." I say blankly, looking through the frosted windows as the outskirts of Vage come into view, the twisted, burnt-out remains of buildings still smoking into the pale winter sky. The snow gently falls on the ruins as they mix with gray ash or cover displaced mounds far out in the white plains. The scene would have been beautiful if weren't for the scars of what I can only assume was a battle.

"I've heard when Atlas invaded Vage, but now that I see it..." she trails off, I nod. "You get numb to it after a while, although it never goes away." Sensing that a conversation is inevitably coming I lean once again back on the computer mainframe. Blake copies my action and leans on the frame as well, putting an appropriate amount of distance between us. "Copy cat." I smile at that small joke I make before suppressing it.

Seconds pass as I wait if she has anything to say.

Realizing she doesn't I ask, "Summer and Qrow told me last night that Atlas began to hunt down the faunus and put them in these 'camps'. Why are they doing this?". Blake doesn't look at me as she says, "Aren't you from Atlas?" in an irritated tone. Similar to everyone else when they met me earlier. I quickly summarize this as a byproduct of my appearance without the 3D camouflage. When walking around the lobby I noticed a few had mechanical arms of a white material fitted with a steel joint for regular movement, but they didn't look any similar to my cybernetics in comparison.

"No." I reply, "Am from...Vacuo." avoiding her gaze. An obvious lie I know, but one that could throw her off. Explaining to Blake that am from an entirely different planet will definitely cause her to seriously question me and right now, while not looking for friends, I am looking for allies on this confusing planet. She's potentially someone I could trust.

Before she can ask further there was a thud. We both swiftly turn and prepare for a fight, only to be greeted by a man in black wearing a white face mask and red in hair, wielding a sword sheathed on his left thigh.

"Are the computers infected?" Adam asks, the rest of Feral squad finally catches up with most resting their hands on their knees in exhaustion. After all, the climb before the elevator helped them, without some kind of propulsion would have been tiring.

My HUD reads 80%.

"Almost," I tell him. He frowns, "What? Your Altesian tech slowing it down?" he speaks with disappointment and anger.

"I told you like I did before: Am not Atlesian." I say firmly, irritation laced in my words, "Am from Vacuo."

Crash

The room is flooded with a swirling cloud of fire, burning several and forcing the rest of us to seek cover. H.U.D.A.C.C calculated the situation, sending me various pieces of information and recommended course of action. The shield repels the storm, allowing me to open fire with my rifle, however, it has little effect as the storm changes color from a bright red and orange to a whitening yellow followed by an arc of lightning.

It strikes me. My HUD is flooded with the word danger as my cybernetic body twitches and spasms cause sharp pains. I start feeling clammy with me flipping back and forth between cold and hot and hot and cold. It begins to become harder to breathe as H.U.D.A.C.C screams, "Sy-sy-t-e-m Eme-gg-gge-cy-! El-el-l-l-t-r-ic-!" stopping as soon as it began.

With little strength, I suddenly felt a cylinder object strapped to me. Grasping it, I pull the pin off of it and throw the EMP at the cloud as they begin to close upon a wounded Adam and a frightened Blake who vainly fires in the reforming mass of tiny robots.

100%

"B-lake!" I say through my radio. She looks at me with terror-filled eyes, "D-ooo-ne!" I scream as the EMP goes off.

A flash of blue electricity fills the room, blinding everyone and causes the swarm to cease immediately, they begin to fall to the ground like the snow outside. Grunts who took cover look confused at the disintegrating swarming mass.

My vision becomes blurry as my HUD became static. I see Adam running to me with Blake closely following him.

Dark.