So this chapter is a rework. I fixed the problems with VNN not doing what would be considered normal with a reputable news service. I think I handled a way to still get a public backlash.
I also gave a little tweak to what Winter's punishment would be. A reason why she would not be still in her Specialist unit, at least for a little while.
Hope the changes make for a better read. Enjoy.
/==/
"Doctor Jekyll."
"What is it Janice?"
"I have something you should look at."
Doctor Jekyll stood up from the desk where he was reviewing printouts of Jaune's brain activity from the previous day's testing. It would be another day or so before Jaune was due back for another session, so they were in the process of trying to come up with another test for his abilities. Moving around the desk he approached the work station Janice was at.
"Well?"
"Look."
"What... in... the... Brothers..." Doctor Jekyll spoke as he leaned forward towards the screen while adjusting his glasses. "How?"
"I was in the process of cataloguing all the video footage, when I realized we hadn't; for some reason. been reviewing the IR camera feeds. This is what I found."
"Have you looked at the first test? The one where we tried to get him to crush cans?"
"Not yet."
"Well bring it up."
"Yes Doctor." Janice quickly opened another window on her terminal and typing in commands.
"There it is again!" Doctor Jekyll exclaimed.
"Should we inform him?"
"Not yet. Now check the UV camera feeds."
Janice once again opened a window on her terminal, and began rapidly inputting commands. A moment later the requested feed appeared.
"Interesting. It shows up on the IR spectrum, but not the UV or visible spectrum."
/=/
Allison Richards stood outside her office facing a greenish-black haired dog faunus. He had approached her as she was returning from a meeting with Jaune at the Institute.
"Specialist Marrow Amin, ma'am" the young man introduced himself.
"Specialist. What can I do for you?"
"I'm here to present myself. I was just assigned as Jaune's bodyguard."
"That was quite a delay, in following the court's order." she responded.
"Problems rearranging the duty rosters ma'am. It's above my pay grade."
"I see. So I assume that you have been briefed as to what your duties are."
"I have, ma'am. I'm to ensure public safety, step in if he seems to be having an episode, and protect him from anyone who may seek to harm him, ma'am."
"We are scheduled for another training session in two days time. You will be ready to escort us?"
"My entire duty schedule has been arranged to coincide with his requirements." Marrow replied.
"If you don't mind. Why did they choose you?"
"Probably my semblance, ma'am."
"Which is?"
"I can make targets immobile as long as I'm facing them. It works on individuals and groups."
"So you can make him stop, or prevent people from getting to him."
"Yes ma'am."
"Well thank you for introducing yourself. As I have mentioned we will be meeting up with Jaune in two days time. I look forward to working with you."
"As do I, ma'am."
/=/
"You seem angry or upset. Is something wrong Yang?" asked Doctor Walters as he took his seat across of Yang in the small meeting room.
"All this."
"All what? You can be more specific."
"All this stuff. I'm fine, Ruby's fine. It's a waste. We don't need it."
"I beg to differ."
"So what is this all supposed to do? Make me use that stupid arm? Fine I'll use it. There happy?"
"This is not about that. If you want to use the arm, that is entirely up to you. No one if going to force it on you. Though we would like to know why you refuse to use it."
"I don't need it. I'm fine." Yang snapped.
"You are fine Yang, but there are things with in you that need to be addressed so you can be even better than just fine."
"Like what?"
"Let's talk about you anger. Why do you feel the need to lash out during these and group sessions?"
"I'm not..."
"You are Yang. Not physically, but you are."
"I..."
"And no you're not in trouble for it. It is a valid response for someone who has gone through what you have. We just would like to help you move past that response, and on to something more healthy."
"So what do you want then?"
"Same thing I've wanted since the start of these sessions. For you to talk openly with me about how you are feeling, and maybe why. Shall we try?"
"I guess."
"Fair enough. What would you like to talk about?"
"Why is HE here."
"Who is he?"
"Jaune. Why is Jaune here?"
"I'm sorry Yang, but I can't discuss that with you for two reasons. One it would be unethical for me to discuss another client with you, and two I don't know. He is not one of my clients so I have no idea why he is here. Are you angry with him? Is that why you tried to attack him when you first got here?"
"Yeah, I guess."
"Can you tell me why?"
"He HURT Ruby!" Yang snapped, her eyes swapping from lilac to red.
"Yang."
Yang blinked a few times while taking several quick breaths, before her eyes returned to their normal colour. Doctor Walters remained seated with his hands clasped before him for the duration of the episode.
"I did it again, didn't I?"
"You did. But you regained control much quicker this time. You should be proud of that. Now can we go back to Jaune?"
"What about him?"
"Well you are angry with him, and you said that was because he hurt your sister. Is that all?"
"I know he hurt Weiss and Pyrrha too. I know he did."
"Okay. So why did you try and attack him?"
"Wanted him to be hurt. Wanted him to feel some pain, like he caused us."
"So you feel he's not suffering any pain? Were you all close friends at Beacon?"
"Yeah, we were."
"And do you think Jaune is the type of person who would hurt his friends intentionally?"
"I don't... he did hurt us though."
"I know he did. But do you think he meant to do it?"
"Maybe not."
"Okay. So tell me, honestly are you just angry with him, or do you hate him for what he's done?"
"Just angry, no one could hate Jaune. He's too nice..." Yang fell into an uncomfortable silence.
"Do you want to talk about something else?" asked Doctor Walters.
"He's in trouble isn't he?"
"What do you mean?"
"I did want to hit him, I wanted to hit him hard, harder than I've ever wanted to hit something, but now that I think back, and remember what he was like when he came in."
"What was he like?"
"Handcuffed, surrounded by people."
"He was."
"He's in trouble, isn't he?"
"Honestly I don't know. Does his being in trouble change anything for you?"
"Maybe."
"Like?"
"Maybe I shouldn't be so angry with him, so scared..."
"Scared? Does he frighten you?"
"How Ruby and Weiss talked about him after what happened. It was like something out of a movie. How could he? Why would he?" her head tilted down and she began to fidget with her feet.
"Let me ask you something, and it's perfectly fine if you don't feel like answering me. Okay?"
Yang just nodded never looking up.
"Are you just angry at Jaune because of what he did, or is it also angry because he makes you feel scared?"
/=/
"General James Ironwood, please stand." the lead judge instructed after everyone had taken their seats.
Pushing back his chair, Ironwood rose to his feet and adjusted his dress uniform jacket, before putting his hands behind his back.
"General Ironwood after hours of deliberation this court has come to a ruling in regards to the charges you face. This was not an easy process, nor one we took lightly. Do you have anything you wish to say before the verdicts are read out?"
"No your Honours."
"Very well. On the charge of Dereliction of Duty in reference to the Battle of Beacon."
"Not Guilty." commented the Judge to the far left.
"On the charge of Public Endangerment in reference to the Battle of Beacon.
"Not guilty." commented the Judge on the far right.
"On the charge of Unwarranted Disbursement of a Chemical Agent in reference to the Battle of Beacon."
"Guilty." commented the Judge to the far left.
"On the charge of Kidnapping in the Second Degree in regards to one Jaune Arc."
"Guilty." commented the Judge on the right.
"On the three charges of Unlawful Confinement in regards to one Jaune Arc."
"Guilty on all counts" again commented the Judge on the far right.
"On the three charges of Inhumane Treatment in regards to one Jaune Arc."
"Guilty on all counts." commented the Judge on the far left.
"On the charge of Public Endangerment in regards to one Weiss Schnee."
"Guilty." again commented the judge on the far left.
"On the Thirty-five charges of Negligence causing Death."
"Not Guilty due to extenuating circumstances, on all counts." for the third time commented the Judge on the far left.
"First I will speak on mitigating factors for the Negligent Death charges. Upon further examination it had become apparent that you were not aware of the conscious state of Mister Jaune Arc, and therefore you can not be held solely accountable for the tragedy that took place at Site 51. So it is this tribunals decision that a separate Court of Inquiry be setup to investigate all factors of the events that took place at Site 51. This will include the ability to file charges against any involved with the incident."
James Ironwood stood motionless as the lead Judge turned a page in his portfolio, before continuing.
"All the charges we have ruled on this day; constitute severe breeches in the Uniform Code of Military Justice and the Civilian Rule of Law. Do have anything to say before we continue with sentencing?"
"No your Honours." replied James.
"Very well. General James Ironwood this tribunal hereby grants you an Officer's Discharge. This means the forfeiture of all security clearances and certifications; removal from all boards in which you serve as a military advisor. Loss of all military and veterans benefits. Additionally you will serve then next five years under house arrest. Upon the closing of these proceedings you will be immediately escorted to your off base residency." the Judge turned another page in his portfolio, before continuing, "Now in regards to your position as Headmaster of Atlas Academy. As this is also a military position. You will be allowed to retain your Headmaster status for the remainder of this school year, after which time you will vacate it. The process to find a replacement for you will commence immediately. Do you have anything you wish to say for the record?"
"No your Honours."
"As you wish. General James Ironwood it is a sad day to see someone with such a exemplary career as yourself being put into the position your are now. We hope that this will serve as a warning to others with in our ranks that no one is above reproach. Case Closed."
Ironwood stood there and let the soldiers that formed his guard move forward and surround him as the trio of judges rose and left. Without a word he followed them and left the court room; amid the hushed conversations erupting about the room. Winter was aghast. If Ironwood could suffer such a straight out dismissal; what would her chances be?
/=/
Lisa Lavender ripped the pages from the printer and hurriedly made her way to her editor's office. What she had in her hand was only about a quarter of what was contained in the anonymous email she just received. She could have brought it all to her on a tablet, but the nature of it almost screamed at her to bring it in hard copy. Also she thought, it's better to print it off now so it can be passed to the fact-checkers as fast as possible if her editor felt like following the lead.
Lisa knocked on the window to her office. The slightly younger woman looked up from the magazine proofs she was reviewing. Lisa knew the woman in front of her was good at her job. Disciplined, thorough, and slightly cut-throat; but she had to wonder, as it was classic office gossip who she had made special friends with to get such a job at such an age.
"What is it Lavender?"
"I got something you should see." Lisa replied as she moved into the office and handed the bundle of papers to her editor.
"What is all this?"
"Got in an anonymous email just a few minutes ago. This is less than half of what was included in it. I'm printing it all off as we speak."
"I'm not a fan of those types of tips."
"I know, but there is just something about this that begs me to follow up on it."
"Where did the email come from?"
"Don't know. The IT geeks are trying to trace it now, but from some of what I heard, they might not be able to."
"A what did you hear?"
"Something about it having been bounced through multiple CCTs multiple times."
"I'm not getting sold."
"Just look it over."
Her editor picked up the pile of papers with a huff and started to speed read them. Her eyes slowly growing wider as she turned the pages. She got only about a dozen pages in when she lifted her head and looked at Lisa.
"Is this genuine?"
"Don't know. Need to get the fact-checkers on it, but it seems legit. Even has a causality list. One we never saw. Plus other stuff, I mean the amount of information the attachments contained is unreal."
"Okay. Get it organized, and checked. I want you to start drafting up a piece. Check with legal, and make sure to reach out for comments. It's going to be print and video; and if it turns out genuine we'll run it. Just need a name for this kid the email is talking about. Something catchy."
"I have something."
"What?"
"The Butcher of Beacon."
"Good. Good. Run with it, but have everything as airtight as you can get it. If this is really real, it's going to cause a whole lot of headaches for people."
"Will do boss." Lisa responded as she moved forward and picked the pile of papers from her editor's desk.
"I mean it Lavender. Airtight as you can get it. We're not going down because of some wack-job."
Lisa nodded and left the office, heading back to the printer that was still producing pages. It was going to be a lot of work; but in the end if the checkers could collaborate even half of what is being said. It will nearly be the story of a lifetime.
/=/
"Hello Weiss. Hello Blake." Doctor Walters greet the pair as they entered the small meeting room.
"Hello Doctor." Weiss greeted back as she got into the stuffed chair, and crossed her ankles. Before settling Blake into her lap.
"Blake looks happy today. Has she been getting lots of rest at night? No more nightmares?"
"No more nightmares."
"That's good." Doctor Walters was finally relieved that progress was being made with Weiss. While they still didn't understand why she regressed, at least she was starting to deal with the 'bad men' she was having dreams about. Walters knew one of them was Jaune. "So what shall we talk about today?"
"I told."
"You told? Told what?"
"The secret."
"Now which secret would that be; cause you've told me quite a few."
"About the blonde man."
"I see. Who did you tell?"
"Pyrrha and Ruby."
"I see. Did they say anything when you told them?"
"They knew his name."
"They did? Did they say why they knew it?"
"Nope, but I know."
"You do? How do you know, if they didn't say anything?"
"Their eyes. They had scared eyes."
"Oh! What do scared eyes mean?"
"He hurt them."
"Well I guess I'll have to ask them about the next time I talk to them." Doctor Walters spoke as he made a mental note that at least three of their four newest residents had run ins with Jaune.
"They'll know I told. You can't."
"They wont know, because I have other reasons to ask them okay. Your safe."
"Thank you."
"So what else would you like to talk about? Is there anything going with Blake I should know?"
"She likes Ruby."
"Really, that's nice. How come?"
"They like cookies."
"Well in that case, I'll make sure nurse Jessica brings some extra ones in tonight for a tea party. How does that sound, Blake?"
"Blake says it sounds good. She also says thank you." Weiss replied after titling her head down as if to hear Blake speak.
"So you ever wonder what it would be like to be a big girl, Weiss?"
"I am a big girl!"
"No I meant like you sister Winter. A big girl like that."
"Sometimes, but then I couldn't have tea parties with Blake and Ruby, and Miss Jessica wouldn't bring cookies."
"I see." A little part of Doctor Walters felt like he was spinning his wheels with Weiss. She had appeared to have gotten over the terrors that were keeping her from sleeping. She had opened up to him through Blake about some of what she had seen. But still she remained like a child, maybe. "Weiss?"
"Yes."
"DO you think we should invite your mommy, daddy and brother for a visit the next time Winter comes for one. Would you like that?"
"Maybe."
"Is there something wrong Weiss?"
"No." she replied as she picked up Blake and hugged her tightly to her chest.
/=/
It was the day after the final events of Ironwoods tribunal; and Winter found herself standing behind the exact same defence table as a trio of judges entered. Markus stood to her left several papers spread out before him. This was to be a preliminary of sorts, but unlike the one she had attended with Jaune, in this she would be asked her pleas. There would be no thirty day delay, this was going forward and forward fast. Winter knew by sight that the three judges before her, were the same from her last appearance.
"Introductions." Judge Saunders spoke as she open her portfolio.
"Captain Jason Stanson for the prosecution your Honours." said the stoic looking gentleman as he rose from his seat.
"Captain Markus Alexander, defence for Specialist Winter Schnee, your Honours."
"I am Lieutenant-Colonel Samantha Saunders. Lead judge."
"I am Lieutenant-Colonel Joshua Carson." said the man to her right.
"Lieutenant-Colonel Adam Tyson." said the cat faunus to her left.
"Let us begin. The defence will please rise."
Markus and Winter both pushed of their chairs back and stood. Both of them making slight adjustments to their dress uniform jackets as they did so.
"This will be the second first appearance of Specialist Winter Schnee. As there are no motions to be heard we will move directly to the reading of the charges and entering of the plea for each. Prosecution."
"Yes your Honours." Mister Stanson rose from his seat and turned a page in his folder. "Specialist Schnee has been hereby charged with three offences, Conduct Unbecoming, Conflict of Interest; and Dereliction of Duty."
"Specialist Schnee how do you plead to the charge of Conduct Unbecoming?" asked Judge Saunders.
"Guilty, your Honours." Markus replied.
"Specialist Schnee how do you plead to the charge of Conflict of Interest?" asked Judge Tyson as Judge Saunders was jotting down notes in her portfolio.
"Guilty, your Honours."
"Specialist Schnee how do plead to the charge of Dereliction of Duty?" Judge Saunders asked.
"Guilty, your Honours." replied Markus.
"Well this certainly makes our job much easier, doesn't it. If there are no objections we shall move directly to sentencing. Any objections?" asked Judge Saunders.
"No, your Honours." replied Jason.
"No, your Honours." replied Markus right after Jason finished speaking.
"Very well. I must commend you Specialist Schnee for stepping forward and taking responsibility for your transgressions. That will be a mitigating factor in regards to your sentencing. Though I should point out that each of these charges is enough to discharge you from service, in addition to imprisonment. We will adjourn for two hours; during which time we will make our deliberations."
Everyone stood as the judges made their way out of the court room. As soon as they were gone the prosecution pulled out his scroll and left the court room. Markus sat silently for a few moments before turning to face Winter.
"Are you sure?"
"It has to be done."
"You're putting a lot of faith into them being lenient just because you plead guilty. This could back fire. You could lose your commission and face prison time."
"I was always instructed to face my issues. Rules are rule, I broke them; so I might as well take responsibility for doing it. What else is there for me to do. Ironwood is gone. My own career is in a shambles because of my direct association with him."
"We could have argued down the charges. Got a plea deal, had some of them removed. We had other options."
"Well it is over with now."
"I wish you had let me do my job." Markus snapped.
"You did. You advised me of what was happening and could happen. I made my choice."
The attorney for the prosecution Jason Stanson returned to the court room about five minutes before the judges reentered. Everyone as before stood, and then sat as they were bid. Nothing was said as the judges all shuffled papers and moved pages about in their portfolios. It was only after Judge Saunders received a nod from judge Tyson and judge Carson that she focused her attention on Winter.
"Specialist Winter Schnee please rise."
Winter and Markus once again made it to their feet and stood waiting for the judge to continue speaking.
"We have come to a decision. In light of your years of exemplary service, and the forward admission of your own guilt we have decided that you will be hereby demoted from Specialist to Private First Class. All benefits from your previous rank are to be rescinded. Any special clearances you have are also now rescinded. In addition you will forfeit two-thirds salary for the next three months. Also you are are to be removed from your Specialist unit; and will serve as a member of Atlas' general forces for a duration of two months; starting immediately."
Winter had to suppress a gasp. Of all the punitive actions she thought could be taken, this was not one of them.
"Finally; if for any reason you are brought before a tribunal for an infraction to the UCMJ or Civil laws, over the next twelve months; you will be forthwith Dishonourably Discharged. Any questions?"
"Is there any restriction being placed on her with regards to Mister Jaune Arc? Your Honours." asked Markus.
"None."
"May I inquiry as to why? Your Honours."
"PFC Schnee is a member of Atlas' Armed Forces. She will meet the obligations of any postings she is assigned to; regardless of what they are or whom they are for. Failure to meet those obligations will be considered insubordination; which is a breech of UCMJ. Are we clear?"
"Yes, your Honours."
"Case closed."
/=/
"Lavender how is it all coming together?"
"It's coming. I should have draft for your to review in about twenty minutes. Still waiting on comments from Beacon and for legal to do its thing. Still have some stuff to check out and some stuff we'll never be able to verify."
"Like?"
"How many he actually did kill. The reports are all vague on the number. Actually it's more of a scale."
"What's the scale?"
"Twenty to Forty."
"Damn. We really do have a Butcher. Anything else?"
"One of the fact checkers got in touch with a family using the name Arc out in Ansel. Get this they had recently just had a visit from Atlas Military Command giving them an apology."
"For what?"
"Give you three guesses."
"Not informing them that their son was in Atlas?"
"Got it one."
"What about the Atlas front?"
"That's a little tougher. Everything we have shows military, we don't have any ins for their records."
"Push the Vale side first. Maybe we can get our affiliate in Atlas to pick it up from their side."
"If that's the case I'm pretty much done the rough draft. Should there be anything I really push aside from obvious body count of the kid?"
"Yeah. Push that two academy headmasters overstepped everyone for their own agenda."
"And what would that agenda be?"
"Who knows. We have two headmasters, two kingdoms and a possible mass murderer. It could have even been the tried and true 'in the interest of public safety' bullshit. Just make sure it's clear. Laws weren't just broken, but completely ignored for this to happen. But no libel. Don't say anything we can't back up with the stuff your whistle-blower sent in, and that legal can defend."
"What about the videos?"
"They're good stuff. What about 'em"
"It's all in Atlas though."
"That's even better. Not only has our guy gone off here in Vale, but also in Atlas."
"That means we can't use them unless we have a way to dig into the Atlas side. You want to hand them off to an affiliate?"
"No. Hold 'em. I'll have a talk with legal, maybe we can get some corroboration through the Freedom of Information Act, Vale and Atlas share."
"That would make this a two-parter."
"Then we'll do a two-parter. Hit Vale, with a lead into Atlas. When we get some corroboration we hit Atlas with a lead back into Vale. Circle the whole thing around."
"Got it. Hey, just a thought. You think this will change anything?"
"Doubt it. Might ruffle some feathers, make the councils tow a tighter line. But end of the day I doubt it wont end up much different than the stuff we put out about the White Fang. People will read it, or watch it, and then move on. At the end of the day it has nothing to do with them."
"But this isn't the White Fang, this is one kid loosing it and slaughtering people. On two occasions, if we include the Atlas footage."
"That reminds me. Get a count for Atlas as well. We'll need to do some info-graphics comparing him to other guys, or events."
"One of the IT geeks says it looks to be about another thirty. At least that was what he was trying to say between heaves in the wastebasket, when I went to see him."
"Fuck. If we use the higher end of the scale that's the population of some small settlements. Okay so pending the okay from legal; we're going to run with it. Start with Vale, tie it to Atlas. Once that piece is done and out; we'll focus on the Atlas side and tie it back to Vale.
"This is a lot of wasted work if legal quashes it."
"If legal quashes it, then its over and done with, dump the article and file everything else. We'll find a new story. We're not getting taken down because we didn't do our due diligence. I want to see that draft soon."
/=/
PFC Winter Schnee made her way through the base to her new assignment. Her association with Ironwood and his troubles, along with her own demotion giving her very few opportunities. Most of the various offices had no use for her, and some openly wanted nothing to do with her. She shrugged her shoulders in an attempt to adjust the body armour she was now required to wear. Her helmet hung at her side in the grasp of her cybernetic hand. Next to it slung on her hip a standard issue pistol, across her back a standard issue rifle, while on her left hip hung her sword. She sighed, knowing they could have forced her to use one of those ridiculous standard issue folding swords; but instead was allowed her to keep her own personal one.
"Your late Private." came a gruff feminine voice from entrance to the motor-pool.
"Sorry ma'am." Winter responded, knowing better then to try and offer an excuse.
"Make sure it don't happen again." spoke the owner of the gruff voice. A greying cat faunus missing her left ear, and right leg.
"Yes, ma'am."
"Well come on in, I'll give ya the dime tour. You're going to be one of my on call drivers, as I doubt you know anything about PMCS."
"Yes ma'am."
/=/
"You sleeping okay Jaune?" asked Mathews as he secured Jaune's handcuffs. "You look tired."
"Couple rough nights, nothing big."
"You know if you need something to help; just talk to the doc. I'm sure he'd give you something for the short term."
"No, I'm good. Need to get used to sleeping without pills at sometime right?"
"Well you're good to go. Your ride should be here shortly."
"Thanks."
/=/
"Private."
"Specialist. Lieutenant." Winter greeted as she stood by the driver side door. She would be fuming if she wasn't so embarrassed. Her first job and it was for them. For him.
Marrow was grinning mischievously, entirely enjoying the fact that he now outranked THE Winter Schnee. Allison was less enthused. She knew the history Winter had with her client, and was considering bringing this arrangement forward to the courts.
"Will there be any issues Private." Allison knew it was her new rank, but it still felt off addressing the former Specialist as such.
"No ma'am. I'm just here to drive."
Winter climbed in behind the wheel as Allison climbed into the back, while Marrow took the front passenger's seat.
"DO you even know how to drive?" Marrow asked his grin still wide.
"Yes I do, sir." Winter replied. It grated her to have to address him as such, but that was now her lot in life. While not at the very bottom, she was damn close. If she held her tongue and worked hard maybe she could climb back up. It'd be a long trip, but it was possible.
"Then let's go. Private."
Winter shifted the car into gear and pulled away from the curb in front of the JAG offices, where she had been directed to pick them up. On base progress was easy and quick due to the lack of any real traffic. Once they got off base it would be another matter.
/=/
Ozpin sent his scroll tumbling through the air to impact with screen shattering force against the wall. Like he did every morning he got up, grabbed a coffee and turned on the news; expecting to see a weather report, a fluff piece, and maybe something about the general happenings with in the City of Vale. What he did not expect was to get a text with a link to a conspiracy site from Doctor Oobleck. As soon as he saw it, he turned his scroll to its web function and checked the site. It had an obvious rough draft of a news article due to the editorial marks all through it; paired with copies of military reports and what could only be pirated copies of Atlas security footage. Hence the scroll's introduction to the wall.
With his elbows on his desk he dropped his forehead into his hands. A look of utter astonishment, with hints of despair across his face.
"By the brothers. They've named him." he muttered as an equally astonished Glynda Goodwitch burst into his office.
"Have you..." she stopped speaking once she noticed the scroll laying on the floor by the door.
"Yes I have."
"The Butcher of Beacon?"
"If you don't mind Glynda," Ozpin raised his head from his hands, "Inform the staff that no statements, even those in defence of our school, or me; are to be made unless they come directly from my office. Also arrange a meeting with legal. Please."
"At once."
"Thank you."
/=/
"What the FUCK Lavender! This was quashed! Why the FUCK is it out on the net?"
"I don't know. As soon as legal came back I did what you said to do. I dumped the article and filed everything else away, and then I started on the piece about the upcoming memorial."
"Fuck!" her editor swore again as she tossed her scroll onto her desk. "Fuck."
"I swear."
"Then we've got a leak, cause that was your draft on that site." Lisa's editor picked up her scroll and started searching through the Vale business listings as she continued to talk. "I'm going to get hold of an outside IT service. I want the entire system checked. You get your ass to Beacon, and take legal with you. Make sure they know it wasn't us, and give them carte blanche to issue whatever statements they want through us."
/==/
And deeper it gets.
I wasn't able to find an actual ranking for soldiers in RWBY. It basically goes Soldier then AceOps. I was originally when I wrote Winter's demotion just going to have her demoted to the bottom of the AceOps heap. (I was going to assume her as a Specialist-First Class, and have her dropped to Specialist-Third Class.) But that would still leave her as a Specialist. So I chose instead to drop her right out of that group and have her join the 'canon fodder' with the threat of loosing her entire career if she makes one more mistake.
I still have to do a session with Pyrrha, but that is going to be difficult to not have it be the same as Yang or Ruby, plus Jaune needs some more one-on-one time with Doctor Watson.
I might be able to punch out one more chapter, before the end of the week. But after that it may dry up for a little bit as I have other stories to work on, and I'll need time to recharge my thoughts for this story.
As always hope you enjoyed, and that this chapter lives up to the previous ones.
