"Before we get into addressing the motions submitted by all sides, I wish speak about this current situation. Normally we would hold two separate prelims to deal with all of this, however as both Specialist Schnee's and Mister Arc's cases seemed tied to one another we will on this occasion deal with both defendants. With that said we shall continue." Judge Saunders informed everyone before turning a page in her portfolio, "First we will deal with the defence motions. Mister Arc please rise."
Jaune and Allison both pushed their seats back and stood up.
"In regards to being released from the custody of the Atlas Military. While we agree that your rights have been ignored and violated; we can not overlook what you are being accused of. The murders of not only military staff, but also non-combatants. While we have no jurisdiction over Vale, and can not rule on your guilt or innocence in regards to those accusations; we can rule those actions you have taken in Atlas, so it is clear that you present a clear danger to the public at large." Judge Saunders too a moment before continuing, "So we dismiss the motion for release; however the conditions of your confinement will be amended. You will be granted free movement about the grounds of the base, in all areas aside for those marked as staff only or restricted. Furthermore your current escorts will be reduced from two to one."
"Your Honours if I may?"
"Yes, Lieutenant Richards."
"Mister Arc's guard was just as much for his safety as it was for the general population. I feel that reducing it would put him at a greater risk for reprisals from anyone who was impacted by the incidents he was involved in."
"You concern is noted. That is why this guard will no longer be made up of standard military personnel, but a Specialist, whose entire duties will be the not only the safety of the general population but Mister Arc's well being. Is there anything else?"
"No your Honours."
"Now the motion for the cessation of medical procedures. This motion is granted; Mister Arc will no longer be subject to any medical procedures without his direct consent, unless he is unable to give such consent and those procedures are required to treat injury or prevent death."
"Your Honours if I may?"
"Yes, Captain Stanson."
"While the prosecution agrees that Mister Arc's rights were violated, we would like to refer to the Semblance Control Statutes."
"And which portion would you be referring to?" asked Judge Tyson.
" Section 37.2.4; In the event that an individual after the initial onset of their semblance has yet to gain control over said semblance, they will be provided grounds on which to practice and gain control of said semblance. Option C; These grounds can comprised of a medical or research facility where other such options as A, or B are unavailable."
"I see." responded Judge Tyson, "Defence for Mister Arc, do have a counter to this argument?"
"While we can see the validity of what the prosecution is stating, we would like to remind the court that Option A; These grounds can be comprised of instruction with in a Hunter Academy, and Option B; These grounds can be comprised of one on one tutelage by a licensed Huntsman or Huntress." Allison took a breath before continuing. "Atlas has both a training academy as well as available huntsmen, and huntresses."
"Prosecution?" Judge Carson asked.
"While we agree with the defence that Atlas does have those options available; however as Mister Arc has yet to not only gain control of his semblance, but also knowledge of what it actually is, the prosecution feels that it would be of benefit for Mister Arc to practice under the supervision of a scientific team in regards to identification and control."
"Defence?" Judge Carson asked again.
"While we understand where the prosecution is arguing from; we feel that having Mister Arc undergo such testing and supervision that it would constitute unwanted medical practices upon his person." Jaune gently pulled on Allison's sleeve to get her attention. "If I may your Honours, a moment to confer with my client?"
"Granted." replied Judge Saunders.
"What Jaune?" Allison asked in a whisper.
"I consent." he replied in a similar whisper.
"Are you sure?"
"I need to know what this thing is I do. I'm sure."
"Defence?" asked Judge Saunders.
"Your Honours, after speaking with my client I have been informed that he will consent to the prosecution's request and submit to the assistance suggested. We would also like his attorney to be able to attend these sessions."
"Very well. We will modify our original ruling, to allow research based assistance for Mister Arc to not only gain control but also identify his semblance; however if at any point during this assistance Mister Arc decides to refuse it, the assistance will cease immediately. In addition his counsel will be allowed to attend these sessions and will have the authority to stop them if they feel there is a breech to his consent." Judge Saunders turned another page in her portfolio. "We have one final motion for the defence. Permission to notify his next of kin as to his condition and location. Defence please explain."
"When Atlas took charge of Mister Arc, they left him to be listed as 'Missing' in regards to the aftermath of the fighting in Vale; and due to the nature of his confinement he has yet to have any opportunity to contact his family and assure them of not only his whereabouts, but that he is in fact alive."
"Is this true? Prosecution?"
"Yes it is your Honours, much to the disgrace of Atlas. The matter was to be addressed, but with this hearing arriving so soon; the opportunity to give Mister Arc the freedom to contact his family did not present itself."
"That is unacceptable."
"We agree, your Honours, and will raise no objection to allowing Mister Arc the time and resources needed to correct this indignity."
"Motion is hereby granted. Mister Arc will assisted in contacting his family. In fact it is the ruling of this court that not only will Mister Arc be granted time with the CCT to do so; but also a representative of the Atlas military will in person attend Mister Arc's family home and apologize for this inhumane treatment of them. Is this acceptable Mister Arc?"
"It is your Honours, and thank you." Allison spoke as Jaune nodded.
"Now to the Prosecution's motion. To have Mister Arc undergo a thirty day psychiatric evaluation. Prosecution?"
"Yes your Honours. We feel that before we can continue forward with any more proceedings in regards to Mister Arc's actions; that his state of mind be determined, and as such it will determine the type of charges the prosecution will move forward with."
"Defence?"
"We consent to the evaluation, under the condition that is performed at an non-military institution, and that his counsel will continue to have unrestricted access to him for the duration."
"Prosecution?"
"We will agree to those stipulations."
"Very well. Mister Arc this court hereby grants the prosecution's motion to have you submit to a thirty day psychiatric evaluation. This evaluation will begin as soon as these proceedings are finished, and at a non-military institution capable of housing an individual such as yourself. It is also moved that Mister Arc will have unrestricted access to his counsel during this time." Judge Saunders closed her portfolio and was handed a second one by Judge Tyson.
"Your Honours?"
"Yes, Lieutenant Richards." answer Judge Tyson.
"Defence is looking for some clarification."
"On?"
"Will Mister Arc's evaluation and training will they be consecutive or concurrent?"
The three judges leaned in and began whispering among themselves for a minute or so, before each returned to sitting up straight.
"This court feels it would be in the best interests for Mister Arc, and all those involved with these incidents that his training and evaluation be concurrent."
"Thank you your Honours."
"Please be seated Mister Arc. Specialist Schnee please rise."
Jaune and Allison took their seats as Winter and Markus rose to standing.
"The defence motion for a Stay Order. Defence?"
"Your Honours, We feel the proceedings are too soon, and would like time to prepare. While we will admit to Specialist Schnee's involvement in the treatment of Mister Arc, we ask to separate her recent actions from her overall involvement in regards to his confinement."
"Prosecution?"
"As your Honours are aware Specialist Schnee is being accused of Conduct Unbecoming, Conflict of Interest, and potential Dereliction of Duty. These are all serious charges and directly impact the case of how Mister Arc has been treated."
"We understand that, however does the Prosecution have any valid reasons as to why this court should not grant this order of stay, and allow for a separate hearing to be held in regards to Specialist Schnee's behaviour?"
"No, your Honours."
"Then the Stay Order is granted. Specialist Schnee you and your counsel will be informed of the date and time of your hearing. If there is nothing else."
Judge Saunders waited her eyes panning over the individuals before her. Seeing no one making any moves to speak she closes her portfolio.
"Court is adjourned."
Everyone stood as the three judges rose from their chairs and remained standing until they left the room. Jason Stanson quickly packed up his note pads and briefcase and left the room in short order. Markus and Winter moved to the far side away from the main doors to talk. Allison took her time packing things up, as Jaune just stood there looking around.
"You okay?"
"I guess."
"It could have gone worse." she mentioned as she closed her brief case.
"Really?"
"Yes really."
"By how much?"
"They could have put you into a military prison for the duration of your treatments and evaluation."
"So what now? Do I go to this institution as soon as I walk out the door?"
"No, there will be a little delay in that. Though it will happen before we can get you time to call home. Are you okay with that?"
"They said they'll send someone right?"
"Yes they did, and they will."
"Then I'll be able to wait. As long as they know I'm okay."
"Do I have your permission to speak with them?"
"Why?"
"Well they may have questions about what is happening to and with you. I need to know if I have the right to speak on your behalf to them until you can do it yourself; plus I need to know how much I should tell them."
"You can tell them everything if you want."
"Are you sure?"
"They'll find out eventually. Better now than later."
"Okay then. We should go get something to eat. By the time we're done lunch; the arrangements should have been made for your treatment."
"You'll be visiting right?"
"I will be, as often as I can."
"What about the training?"
"I will definitely be there for that. I'm here to help you and protect you. I plan on doing just that."
"Thanks."
"You can thank me when this is all over and you're home with your family."
Jaune just nodded and followed her out into the main lobby. They were met by his current pair of guards, who once again placed him in restraints. With Allison in the lead they walked out through the double doors and down the sidewalk. The trip was fairly short, and Jaune found himself seated on the outdoor patio of a little cafe with his escort seated to a table just beside him and Allison.
/=/
"So what now?" Winter asked Markus as they now stood alone in the court room.
"We prepare your defence."
"What about Jaune?"
"What about him?"
"Phone calls home, training, they basically gave him everything he asked for."
"Yes they did, and that is because of how YOU and Ironwood treated him. Besides you have more important things to worry about, like your career, and possibly jail time."
"Jail time?"
"I doubt the prosecution is going to sit back and not try and nail you with at least one more charge, if not more. The Conduct Unbecoming can not only get your discharged, but also cost you a year of incarceration. So stop worrying about Jaune and help me to help you."
"And how am I supposed to do that?"
"By being completely open and honest with me, about everything."
"And what is that going to do?"
"One it may mitigate the charges, pushing them to lower offences. Two if we're lucky we can show you were only following the precedent established by your former superior, and use 'the following orders' defence."
"You mean throw General Ironwood under the bus."
"He's already put himself there."
"What do you mean?"
"There's talk around the offices that he might not be an active General much longer."
/=/
Pyrrha supported by her equally sleep deprived mother exited the commercial bullhead that made the Mistral to Atlas run three times a week. They had been lucky to catch it. Moving into the terminal she helped her daughter take a seat, before she herself took one.
"How are you feeling?"
"Tired." Pyrrha replied.
"That's understandable, but is there anything else?"
"A little nervous."
"That is also understandable, but your father swears that this place can help you, honey."
"Maybe I don't want help." Pyrrha commented.
"You might not want it, but you do need it. You can't go on not sleeping, you can't be relying on pills to help your rest."
"But Atlas?"
"You father researched this place before suggesting it. He even went to your doctors for their opinions; and they agreed that this place is the best chance to help you heal."
"But Mom, I..."
"That's enough now. As much as you don't want to, you need to. Now come on lets go get our bags and then hail a cab."
The pair of red heads stood up and moved off in the direction of the luggage carousel.
/=/
As Pyrrha and her mother retrieved their bags, a private bullhead from Patch landed. Tai lead the way down the ramp, with Yang and Ruby lagging behind. When Tai asked for Ozpin to make arrangements he had no idea that it would not just be getting the girls registered for admittance but also a private ride. Tai was carrying his and Ruby's bags while Yang had her own in hand.
"There's nothing wrong with us dad." Yang grumbled again, for what Tai felt was the hundredth time.
"I know there is nothing wrong with you, and we talked about this on the ride here. There is something going on with both of you that needs to be addressed, and if you won't talk to me about it, then I have to find someone who you will talk to."
"Yang and I are okay Dad. There's nothing for you to worry about." Ruby offered as she balanced herself on her crutches.
"I know you guys are okay." Tai once again responded, "But I also know you girls, and there is something bothering the pair of you. Again if you wont talk to me about it, we'll find someone who you will."
"Dad..."
"Enough Yang." Tai spoke as he turned and faced his daughters, "I love you both more than you can imagine, and it hurts me not to be able to help you with whatever it is that you are holding on to. It hurts me, because I can see it hurting you. Now let's go catch the ride Ozpin has arranged. We have an appointment to keep."
/=/
Allison pulled out her scroll when it chimed. She quickly checked it and then typed in a short response before returning it to her pocket.
"Everything has been set up. Are you ready for this?"
"I guess, I mean it's not like I have much of a choice is it."
"You're right about that Jaune."
"You're coming right?" Jaune asked a slight feeling of apprehension rising in his chest.
"Yes I am. I need to make sure that everything is as the court has ordered, and make sure they understand that I will be there, and checking up on you and what they are doing." Allison replied as she rose from her seat while putting some lien on the table to pay the check. "Do you need anything from your room before we go? The car should be here shortly."
"No. Aside from the medical scrubs, and a shaving kit there; I'm wearing everything I have."
"Okay, and there is the car." Allison remarked as a black sedan pulled up to the curb.
/=/
Watts was very happy with the amount of information Atlas had acquired about Jaune. Even though he had earlier read through it quickly, he was still slightly impressed at how detailed a background check the intelligence staff had created. Watts had options, plenty of targets. They ranged from teammates, and friends to Jaune's own rather large family. He sat back and with a critical mind weighed his choices.
"Ansel is a little far away. The City of Vale is the same. As is Argos, but with the right accomplice, all three could be of use." Watts spoke to hear his own voice.
Watts sat back and fished his own specially modified scroll from his jacket's inside pocket. It was another creation of his, and contained a very useful function. With a simple swipe of this thumb he could hack nearby scrolls and download their entire contact lists. Not to mention call and text histories. Useful in keeping tabs on associates, and finding blackmail material on special targets. He opened the specialized file storage. Multiple folders appeared on the touch screen. Looking through them he found his target, and a thumb press later he had Cinder's contact list displayed before him.
There was not many contacts shown, and Watts knew several of them where no longer alive. Touching the listing for Roman Torchwick, Watts brought the scroll to his ear to hear it ring once. The automated message that played was proof that he would be of no use. Touching the contact information for Emerald he again brought his scroll to his ear and waited. After about ten rings, he thumbed the disconnect icon.
"It appears as if Miss Sustrai can no longer be counted upon. The same is probably true for her partner." Watts idly commented before returning his attention to the quickly dwindling usefulness of Cinder's information.
As he looked at the few contacts left, he began to wonder if it would just be better to use Tyrian, but dismissed it. The scorpion faunus was enthralled to Salem, and unless she ordered it, he could not be trusted. Swiping to look at her chat history he saw something of interest. It was one of her contacts from the previous page, and when he pulled up the call history he noticed that no calls had ever been made to the scroll in question. Touching the contact he opened the text function. It was a simple and short message. Setting his scroll down on his desk he waited to see if he'd get a reply.
/=/
The lobby of the facility had never really been this busy, and the receptionist was moving as quickly as she could to enter the required intake information. She was first working with a beautiful red headed woman, who by her clothes appeared to be from Mistral. Behind her waited a tall blonde man. The pair had both brought children or rather young adults, and it became obvious that it was them who were to be admitted, at least from the answers she was receiving to her queries.
Ruby, Yang and Pyrrha talked among themselves. It was all general chit-chat, all three avoiding anything about why they were where they were. Pyrrha making a particularly strong effort to avoid anything that could be related to Yang and Ruby's missing limbs. For their part Ruby and Yang avoided commenting on how tired and withered Pyrrha looked.
The sound of a car pulling up, had the receptionist leaned to the side and take a look, and she sighed. It appears she would have a third to be working with in short order. Returning to the task at hand she asked the last few questions and hit the save and print function on her terminal. One down two more to go.
/=/
From the front passenger seat one guard stepped out, the second climbed out of the rear driver's side door. Moving to the rear the first guard opened the door and stepped back to allow Allison and Jaune to exit. Closing the door she moved into position flanking the pair. Her partner doing the same on the other side.
"So this is it?" Jaune asked as the quartet started to walk up the flower lined pathway to the main doors.
"It is. Don't be worried though. This place has a renowned reputation for being the best at what they do."
"And that is?"
"Psychiatric assessment and treatment." Allison replied as she reached forward and opened the door.
/=/
As a restrained blonde haired figure stepped through the doors, Ruby cried out and in her haste to take a step back she fell to the floor her crutches clattering against the tiles. Yang wheeled about anger her eyes turning red, while Pyrrha dropped to her knees and shrieked.
Her mother and Tai quickly turned, deep looks of fear and concern darkening their faces. Pyrrha's mother rushed to her side, while Tai started to move towards his own girls, only to watch Yang rush forward her left handed cocked back to deliver a punch.
"You FUCK!" she screamed as she closed on the blond figure. She knew she had him, he wasn't good at unarmed, and she was sure as hell faster than the figures escorting him.
/=/
"You FUCK!"
Jaune knew that voice, he knew the others as well. He turned his head and saw the enraged figure of Yang closing upon him. He reacted in less than a second. His eyes narrowing and growing cold. Yang suddenly tipped forward to crash face first into the cool tiled floor as her legs were swept out from under her.
An alarm sounded as Jaune's gaze swept up and focused on everyone else in the room.
"Jaune no!" Allison shouted as she grabbed his arm. Jaune's eyes widened at the contact of her hand. A look of confusion on his face.
Orderlies rushed down the stairs as two doctors came running from their offices. With the assistance of his own pair of guards Jaune was quickly surrounded, and roughly taken to the floor.
"Upstairs and into a room now!" yelled a slightly overweight and balding doctor.
The military guards and orderlies dragged Jaune to his feet and pulled him along and up the stairs. Allison and the doctor following close behind.
/=/
Yang felt as if someone had hit her shins with a steel girder as she crashed to the floor. With her arm
pulled back to throw a punch she was unable to catch herself and her face took the brunt of the impact. She lay there for a few moments as the sounds of feet and a struggle happened before her. Behind her she heard a gasp from her father, the cries of Ruby, and the mewling of Pyrrha, underlined by the cooing of her mother.
"Upstairs and into a room now!" emanated from in front of her as she got her arm under neath her and started to rise.
Tai was by her side a couple of seconds later to assist her as the sound of many feet faded.
"Yang, are you okay?"
"Yeah."
"What was that all about?"
"I...um...he..."
"Yang?" Tai asked as Yang was finally on her feet.
"I don't want to talk about it." she finally replied.
"I wish you would. Let's check on Ruby."
The pair turned about to see Ruby struggling to arrange her crutches so she could stand. Moving forward they each took a side and with their hands in her armpits lifted her slowly so she could get her foot, and crutches under herself to support her weight.
To Ruby's right Pyrrha sat crumpled on the floor her head buried in her mother's chest, while she softly ran her hand through her long red hair.
"Do you know what this is all about?" She asked Tai as he walked over and crouched down.
"No. Are you okay?"
"We'll be fine."
Tai rose and looked about, his eyes wandering to the stairs. He wondered who that young man was, and why everyone had such severe reactions to him, then he shook his head trying to rid himself of the feeling that had pressed against his throat when those cold blue eyes moved over him. At the reception desk the other doctor was busy speaking in rapid hushed tones with the receptionist.
/=/
"DO I need to sedate you Mister Arc?" the doctor snapped as Jaune was forcibly pushed to sit upon the single bed.
"No." Jaune replied in a subdued tone.
With a nod from the doctor two of the orderlies and the two military guards exited the room. The third orderly remained standing in the door way with his arms crossed.
"Jaune are you okay? Do you know what that was all about? Do you know those people?" Allison asked as she moved to take a seat next to him on the bed.
"I know some of them."
"How do you know them Mister Arc?" asked the doctor.
"One was a teammate the other two are friends from Beacon."
"Do you know why they had such adverse reactions to seeing you?" the doctor spoke again.
"I thought Pyrrha was dead." Jaune commented.
"Which one was Pyrrha?" Allison asked.
"The red head. She was my teammate, my partner at Beacon." Jaune replied.
"And I take it the other two are your friends?" the doctor asked.
"Yes. Yang and Ruby. They were on my team's sister team."
"Back to their reactions. Do you know why?"
"Not clearly."
"I see." the doctor commented.
"We need to rethink his admittance to your institution." Allison commented as she looked from Jaune and up at the doctor. "There is obviously going to be a conflict of interest."
"There will be no conflict of interest."
"How can you be so sure?"
"I only work with the patients on this floor. I have no contact with those housed on the second floor; and the two doctor's for that floor do not have any contact with the third floor."
"What if they run into each other again. That one girl apparently houses violent tendacies towards Jaune."
"They wont cross paths. Each floor has its own facilities."
"So what is so special about this floor?" Allison asked.
"It houses our court ordered patients, as well as those considered possibly dangerous; like Mister Arc. Hence it has the security to handle situations that can arise from such individuals."
"Handle?"
"All our orderlies are heavily trained, have aura and semblances. Semblances that in fact are very specific and useful in subduing individuals that may have negative reactions to their time here. Take Mathews here." the doctor indicated the bald orderly standing in the doorway. "He's a telekinetic, and he's not the only one. We have a couple others that have illusion semblances, and one that can cause vertigo."
"But he also has training to attend to, as per court."
"We were made aware of that provision, and will make the necessary adjustments to accommodate."
"That means he'll be travelling."
"We will make sure his safety and that of our other patients is taken into account. He will not be exposed to a situation like he just has."
"Jaune, are you okay with this? I can petition the court to make other arrangements." Allison offered as she turned her attention from the doctor to Jaune. Her hand sitting lightly over his restrained ones.
"I'll be okay. If the doctor says things will be okay, I believe him."
"As long as you're sure." Allison commented, before once again looking up at the doctor, "Introductions are in order. Lieutenant Allison Richards, I am Mister Arc's legal representative, and I will be dropping in from time to time to check on things."
"We are aware of that Lieutenant. I am Doctor Henry Watts. I will be in charge of Mister Arc's assessment and treatment."
"Treatment?"
"Yes. I can not in good conscience just observe the young man, without attempting to help him come to grips with what has happened. I will be assessing his mental health, but it will be through sessions to assist his recovery from what ever trauma he has or is suffering that I will gain a sharper picture as to what has happened and what his mental capacity was during that time."
"You are aware of what he is being accused of?"
"We are, and at the end of the day it makes no difference. We are here to assess and help him. Nothing more."
"Jaune?" Allison once again turned her eyes to look upon the young man who was sitting with his shoulders hunched and head bowed. "Are you sure?"
"I... I'll be okay."
/=/
"Mister Xiao Long, Missus Nikos please have a seat. My name is Doctor Walters I'll be one of the two physicians looking after your daughters during their stay with us. Currently my counterpart Doctor Martin is scheduled off for today, so you will not be able to meet him." The elderly man spoke as he took a seat behind his neat and ordered desk.
Tai and Pyrrha's mother Helen; took the offered seats, each taking a quick glance around the smart looking office. The walls were covered in pictures, diplomas and certificates. Each one neatly and professionally framed. Behind him was a bookcase loaded with what looked like textbooks.
"Now first off I would like to apologize for the commotion early."
"Can you tell us what happened? Who was that guy? Why is he here? Why did our girls react like that to him?" Tai rapidly asked.
"Firstly as to the incident, I would appear that all of your children had negative reactions to his appearance. As you both could obviously tell. As to why; maybe he reminded them of someone, or something; triggering a negative response." Doctor Walters offered, "As to who and why he is here. I can not divulge that type of information. All our clients, patients and residents are treated with the upmost care in regards to the confidentiality of their cases."
"They why are you speaking to us both at the same time? Our children are now patients and should be treated the same." asked Helen Nikos.
"This conversation will not deal with any of your children's individual treatments or needs. This is just a formality to make sure you understand our methods, and to answer any general questions you may have. After they have all had an assessment completed will we speak to you alone about their individual cases."
"So what happens now?" asked Tai.
"Well firstly they will undergo a seven day assessment. This is so we can not only speak with them, but also observe. The process is designed so we can have a better idea of what problems they maybe experiencing."
"And then?"
"We start treatment. Treatment will consist of one on one and group sessions, where we will encourage them to speak. At first they will be allowed to speak about whatever they wish, but gradually we will target our questions towards the issues we see."
"That's it?" asked Tai.
"In a nutshell yes. Our methods here are designed to get our clients to speak openly about what is troubling them, and using that we steer them towards ways to deal with those troubles."
"What about medications?" Helen inquired.
"In the short term we do use medications to help ease symptoms. But our end goal is to get the problem in the open and addressed over just medicating. Medicating for the most part in the cases we deal with only works in the short term. We are focused on the long term and that means we help our patients build the tools needed to face their problems head on."
"So how long?"
"It depends on the individual. Some are able to come to terms with their problems, or issues, faster than others. But generally speaking it is about a month, but that is for the most straight forward and uncomplicated of cases."
"So what do we do now?" asked Tai.
"You can return home, or we can make arrangements for you to stay in our off site residence."
"Off site residence?"
"Yes, we have a small apartment complex about fifteen minutes away. It is setup to allow for short term lodging of the parents, spouses, siblings; or children of our residents." Doctor Walters opened the top drawer of his desk and pulled out a couple of pamphlets. He reached forward and handed one to Tai and then one to Helen. "It can help knowing a loved one is close by; in both regards."
"How do we?" Helen asked as she held up the pamphlet.
"Just speak to our receptionist. She'll help you get situated and registered. If you however choose to return home, we do have your contact information and you are free to call at anytime to get an update on your child's treatment."
Tai sat in his chair looking over the offered literature. He was barley reading the words, or registering the glossy pictures. His mind was on Ruby and Yang, his thoughts on why they had reacted as they had; Ruby so scared, and Yang so angry. There was something more to it all. There had to be. Hearing the chair next to him move brought him out of this thoughts.
"Thank you doctor." Helen spoke as she offered him her hand, "I look forward to speaking with you again in the near future."
"You're welcome Missus Nikos."
"Doctor, be honest." Tai had waited for Helen Nikos to leave before looking up from the pamphlet and speaking.
"About what Mister Xiao Long?"
"Will you be able to help my girls?"
"Yes I believe we will. However that does not mean this will be a quick process. Please understand that. There is no magic bullet, no miraculous cure. It will take time and effort, but the staff here are dedicated to putting in that time and effort."
"Okay." Tai slowly rose from his chair and extended his hand towards the doctor. "Thank you."
"My pleasure Mister Xiao Long."
Tai left Doctor Walters' office and headed to the front reception area. There he once again met Helen Nikos. She was busy speaking with the receptionist, no doubt doing what he was planning to do. Take a room at the off site residence. He patiently waited for her to finish. She gave him a polite smile and a nod as she walked past, and he approached the desk.
"Can I help you sir?"
"Yeah, I would like to inquire about this." Tai pushed the pamphlet across the top of the desk.
"Of course. How long would you like to stay?"
"How long can I stay?"
/==/
A bit of a slow chapter. There will be more legal stuff coming (which I hope I'm presenting in a decent fashion), as Jaune has to go through his "Evaluation" before we can do a "Trial" (which is going to be interesting to try a write.)
The next chapter or two (probably two) will have multiple time skips. I am not going to write out thirty days of repetitive actions/dialogue. Or every test Jaune goes through to establish what his semblance is.
There have been several comments about what it seems to be. Originally I was planing a telekinetic one, but that is no longer the case. It needs to be something that can causing crushing injuries, cutting injuries, a defensive field against projectiles; and also allow for his use of makeshift items as projectiles.
I have not forgotten about Ironwood. Or Ozpin. Ironwood's day is coming, or at least the day he faces the consequences of his actions.
Anyway like always I hope you enjoy.
