Chapter 7: Ozpin Logical... for now...

Kingdom of Vale

Beacon Academy

Beacon Tower Elevator

The City of Vale.

Just as Shockwave had predicted, it was bland in comparison to the more colorful culture of Mistral. Beacon Academy was the only thing that interested him in the city of Vale and maybe the whole kingdom altogether, something he had established earlier as well.

Amber had gotten some rest on the way to the kingdom. Shockwave chose not to rest, instead focusing on his surroundings. Dull as they may be, he needed to know the layout, the strengths and weaknesses of the borders, anything at all about his new surroundings. That would come with more details once he had settled into a more permanent place of residence.

"Beacon Academy." Amber breathed with a hint of admiration. "This place produces some of the best huntsmen and huntresses in the world."

"The grandstanding could be dimmed by many margins." Shockwave took one look at the school and decided it was too big and ornate for his taste. "The entire campus screams lavish for no reason other than for the visual spectacle."

"It's more than just a pretty picture." Amber argued back. "Beacon Academy is a symbol of huntsmen and huntresses. That image has to be presented as such."

"Such an image also paints a large target on the back of the head." Shockwave shook his head in disagreement. "This place may one day become a battlefield."

"No battle has taken place here since the Great War, and that was over eighty years ago." Amber looked up at his face. "Nobody would dare attack this place."

So naive, so foolish. Shockwave mulled internally. Beacon Academy is the perfect place for any would-be world attackers with enough resources, manpower, and influence.

Then again, any would-be attackers would have to contend with a multitude of students of varying skills as well as the no-doubt more skilled and experienced staff members. Assuming that someone had the ability to get past those two obstacles, then that someone had to be extremely powerful or skilled or both.

But then what? Someone taking down Beacon Academy would be able to send a powerful message, but was that all they could do? If that were the case, there were more than a few ways to do the same in other locations. Assaulting a place filled with warriors was simply inviting certain doom.

Who would attack Beacon?

And why?

"So why can't you put me down?" Amber protested once again. "I can walk just fine, you know."

"Trust me." Shockwave refuted her claim. "You, in fact, cannot, at least not for a sustained amount of time."

"I told you, this is embarrassing." Amber remained firm in where she stood. "If you have to help me, then I can lean on you."

"I still do not care what others perceive." Shockwave wasn't one bit moved by her pleading. "It is better to be certain that your injuries are not disturbed."

"But people are staring at us." Amber's head motioned to all of the people on the academy grounds.

Indeed there were so many pair of eyes drawn to the two of them. Of course, they all tried to act like they didn't see, and it was likely that no one dared to look directly for fear of being stared down.

It was appear the scientist intimidated more than just normal people.

"So there are a lot of people." Shockwave continued on without another thought. "And?"

"You have absolutely no social awareness." Amber could only bury her face in her hands. "Have you been living under a rock?"

"No." Shockwave intoned. "I have been living in laboratories."

"That's arguably just as bad if not worse." Amber declared with narrowed eyes. "No wonder you're manners are lacking."

"You know, you two sound like an old married couple." Qrow remarked in front of them. "If I didn't know better-"

"You do not know better." Shockwave interrupted him soundly. "There is no romantic element in our relationship whatsoever."

"What a buzz kill." Qrow shook his head. "You see, you don't make friends by being… boring. C'mon, take a joke, lighten up, metal man."

"Your advice is duly noted." Shockwave could only wish for silence for maybe another minute.

"... that sounded like a 'yeah, whatever' kind of response." Qrow said.

"..." Shockwave stared at the doors up ahead. This was going to be a long day.

(X)(X)(X)(X)

The elevator ride ended, and from there, it was a walk into a massive hallway, surrounded only by dimly-lit lights adorning the walls. It somewhat was reminiscent of Megatron's fortress in the Decepticon city of Kaon. That place was where he had invented, innovated, and fine-tuned some of the best weapons of the war.

"This is a vault." Shockwave realized without question. "Why does a huntsmen academy require a vault?"

"That's not really something you need to know right now." Qrow intoned with seriousness in his voice. "For now, all you need to is that you're about to join one of the most secretive societies in all of Remnant."

"Society?" Shockwave queried. "For what purpose?"

"For the purpose of protecting all of the Maidens." Another male voice sounded at their intended destination. "And the world."

That was when Shockwave got his first look at the headmaster of Beacon Academy. A human man who stood at his height with a slimmer build than his own. Grey-silver hair, brown eyes with a neutral expression that might even be able to compete with his own indifference, a posture that indicated vigilance and authority, and an overall powerful presence. He wore a suit combined with a button-up vest along with what appeared to be a green shirt underneath. In front of his eyes were glasses. It was an uncomplicated choice of clothing, but it was presentable. His only possession was a cane. It might even be a weapon.

Next to the headmaster was a human woman. Blonde hair that was neatly cared for and tied in a proper bun at the back with a braid on her right side, green eyes that tried to be as calm as Ozpin, yet felt lacking when compared to her senior. She wore a long-sleeve top with large cuffs that ended in pleats at the wrists, a black high-waist skirt with buttons contrasting, heels that gave her some height, black stockings, and a cape that ended in a rather impractical way. All in all, her posture was that of a person who was resolute and certain, which could mean inflexible. He saw no weapons on her.

"Professor Ozpin." Amber greeted on instinct. "It's good to see you again."

"Likewise, Amber." Ozpin let out a small smile. "Qrow, I hope you care to explain all of… this. The vague message you sent me wasn't exactly very telling."

"Well, in a nutshell, Amber got attacked and her was almost stolen." Qrow gestured to Shockwave. "Luckily, this guy was around and saved her. Granted, she may be a bit drained and may still have a bit of a virus, but she's alive."

"I see." Ozpin regarded the former Cybertronian. "I'm the headmaster of Beacon Academy. I am Ozpin."

"And I'm the deputy headmistress of Beacon." The blonde woman came next. "My name is Glynda Goodwitch."

"Shael Watson." Shockwave cordially greeted.

Ozpin observed the position that the maiden and the Decepticon were in. There was no spoken question, but there was denying that there was questioning stare?

The emotionless scientist considered his next words. He could just go with the straightforward approach and state his exact reason for doing what he was doing. His logical side told him to do so anyway. Another part of his logic stated that maybe it was time to do something completely out of left field, as the saying went.

By now, his behavior had likely been conveyed via his behavior. What better way to defy expectations than by simply speaking in a way unbecoming of him? This would not only have people questioning his nature, but also questioning their judgements of him. Whether these people would become his allies or not, he needed to remain three steps ahead of everyone.

"We have recently become engaged." Shockwave remained indifferent even as he spouted complete nonsense.

The reaction was exactly as he had predicted. Ozpin's expression, though hardest to read, did change with a slight raising of the eyes. Glynda's reactions wasn't too far off from her boss's expression, though she looked somehow offended. Qrow looked confused. Amber looked the worst with a looked that screamed horrified and embarrassed.

It was time for the punchline.

"That was a joke." Shockwave said next.

A moment of silence.

"Hehe." Qrow snickered lightly. "So you're not a complete iceberg."

"T-that wasn't a funny joke." Amber smacked his chest. "If you say that to the wrong people, it will cause trouble."

"In any case," Glynda regained her composure. "If you could let Amber down, we can do a thorough investigation of Amber's physical status."

A patient table was set up along with various other electronic equipment. It looked satisfactory enough. The cyborg Faunus gently placed Amber down, viewing her no different than he had when he first cared for her.

"Thank you again for saving my life." Amber grasped the sleeve that covered his prosthetic arm. "I know I've said it before, but I truly mean it."

"... you are welcome." Shockwave humored her once.

"That sounded… alien coming from you."

"Do not expect if often."

Amber let go of his sleeve, though she continued to stare at him. It was a look that he wasn't sure how to classify.

He watched as Glynda eased the Fall Maiden into a reclined position. Then the blonde teacher injected a sedative, causing the young woman to fall into a sleep. From there, monitoring equipment was put at the ready. Her condition was stable, but she would need to be monitored for the time being.

"Now that we're done here, let us talk." Ozpin gestured to follow. "This way."

(X)(X)(X)(X)

Ozpin had taken his seat while being flanked by Glynda on one side and Qrow on the other side. At the front of the desk was the man called Shael Watson.

This man was more than he appeared. That should have been an obvious conclusion given the man's physical nature. He was Faunus for one thing, something that already alienated him in some respects. Secondly, he had cybernetics where normal flesh and blood should be. Third, his overall physical presence was not lacking, and it might be safe to say that this man could handle some punishment.

More importantly than how he looked and appeared physically was what could be seen in his eyes, and what the headmaster could see was very little. Two blood-red eyes, one living, one cybernetic, both of them so unfeeling. In some ways, it was worse than looking into the eyes of the Creatures of Grimm. With the Grimm, they gave off their own vibe, that of hatred, anger, aggression, all the negative emotions exaggerated. That was how they worked. With this man, there was nothing, just a face waiting for what was to come.

Even his soul, the very source of where his power came from, seemed like a husk of what was humane. The only reason not to view him as a full person was because the fact that he could wield aura meant that somewhere deep down, he had to have a soul, and that was not desperation trying to rationalize. It was just a fact of life on Remnant.

"Qrow has informed me of all that he saw." Ozpin declared as he did a quick read-over of the messages sent to him. "But now that the man who saved Amber is here, I thought it necessary to ask for your side of the story."

"You want to know my motive." Shael rephrased the question.

Well, he certainly had a way with discerning the true meaning of the words. He certainly gave off the aura of intelligence and experience.

"You catch on quickly." Ozpin complimented. "Yes, your motive is in question now that you know what Amber is."

Shael sat just as straight and at-attention as he had when he first took his seat. There was absolutely no change in his posture, his face, or his soul. One could only guess that he was processing his thoughts to verbalize an answer, which he did in a mere second.

"It was logical." Shael confirmed as if no explanation was required.

"Logical?" Ozpin asked.

"I told you that's what he would say." Qrow muttered.

"Qrow, please." Glynda's scolding tone sounded.

"I will be upfront with who I am." Shael began to take control of the conversation. "I am a… man of science. Emotions have no place in my world. Everything that I have done, everything that I do now, and everything that I will do is measured by rationality and logical action."

Ozpin had come upon certain individuals who claimed to be detached from emotions, but few could actually back up what they said, yet this one felt more than genuine. This felt like the true example of coldness.

"Saving the Fall Maiden's life was simply logical to my own perspective." Shael blinked one time. "She is powerful, skilled, and has much potential. Having her as an ally is beneficial."

That was blunt while also subtle, Ozpin realized. An ally was only the obvious benefit, but the more hidden power was in the interactions that would follow. Yes, the Fall Maiden had power, but she was inexperienced and naive, and that made for an impressionable mind if one played their cards right.

Or maybe it was his own thoughts playing tricks on him. He would let this go for now. He needed to approach this as an "innocent until proven guilty" situation.

"That being said, if you wish me to join your side, then I need a compelling reason to do so." Shael stated with finality. "What have I to gain from working with you?"

"What do you want for starters?" Ozpin queried, even preparing for an answer that could either be a lie or only partially true. "That would give me an idea on what I can offer."

"What I want?" Shockwave took only mere seconds to conjure a response. "I want access to resources to conduct my research. Recently, I have been forced to sacrifice my lab due to unforeseen circumstances. For that, I require a new laboratory."

"May I ask what sort of research you do?" Ozpin felt a bit uneasy.

"Biology, biotechnology, engineering, chemistry, name any scientific field, and if I do not know, then I can learn quickly."

Ozpin let the wheels in his head turn. Did this man truly have what he claimed? If he did, then the headmaster knew that he couldn't possibly let go of such a knowledgeable person. Modern science was becoming the new power in the world. As much as magic and aura was powerful, science would find new ways to equal or surpass the powers of the past and present. Having a leg-up in this field might just be a trump card.

"Unfortunately, I cannot really verify what you say for you have absolutely no credentials whatsoever. As far as Remnant is concerned, you are merely another citizen, and nothing else."

"Your worries are understandable, but consider carefully." Shael maintained professionalism. "You fight the Creatures of Grimm, and if Mankind had been strong enough to destroy the Grimm, they would have, yet still they control much of the known world. Why is that? Surely, unintelligent monsters cannot amount to much in the end. No, you are fighting someone who controls the Grimm, and if this war has gone on since the beginning of Mankind's existence, then your opponent is not to be trifled with."

Scratch that, this Faunus had some handy deduction skills. Most people could simply write the Grimm off as little more than unintelligible beasts, yet seemed to forget that the Grimm were still alive even after thousands of years of war and conflict.

"To that end, you require any and all advantages you can get your hands on." Shael paused to let that sink in. "I can offer you game-changing sciences that could very well turn the tide of your war in your favor. However, the same could be said for whoever controls the Grimm."

"Meaning what, exactly?" Glynda couldn't sound more tense.

"If whoever controls the Grimm were to extend an offer which allows me to accomplish my goals faster, then I will take it." Shael pointed out. "I do not care which side ends up the victor so long as my goals are fulfilled."

Now this was quite a declaration. A man uncaring to the war, just what he wanted. That was selfish yes, but it was insightful all the same. While it didn't sit well with the veteran huntsman, getting this man to cooperate wouldn't be impossible.

If he claims to be as logical as he says, then I need to convince him that joining our side is not only more profitable for us, but for him as well. Ozpin cranked the gears inside his head. And I think I know how.

"Mister Watson." Ozpin addressed the cyborg. "If you promise to support our side, then I will fulfill any request that you ask of me."

"Ozpin." Glynda's distress could be heard.

"Any request that I ask?" Shael repeated the question for certainty. "You may reconsider that once I make the request."

"No, I don't think that I will." Ozpin rebutted back. "You see, when it comes to Mankind and the Faunus against the Creatures of Grimm, I want the former to win, and I'm willing to go to extreme lengths if need be."

Shael looked unconvinced. "The opposing side could just as well offer me the same thing."

"However, the difference between us and them is that unlike them," Ozpin argued with a bit of emotion, "We fight to keep the world intact so that it may continue to evolve. They fight to see the world burn down, the good and the bad. This world was not created only to be obliterated. It's only logical to assume that since this world was created, then it wasn't meant to be destroyed."

"I see."

Shael closed his eyes as if in deep thought. This was not going to be an easy case to win. He wasn't dealing with someone who could be swayed with emotions; the only true weapons he had were resources and a better mission statement, provided that he worded the latter in just the right manner.

Right now, the ultimate outcome was no longer his to influence. Frankly, he was unclear as to what he controlled in this debate. Did he even have any control to begin with, or was he merely being led to an ending that would not get him to the destination?

To make things worse, he'd lied about Salem. She didn't want to destroy the world, at least not permanently.

"What are the caveats of joining?" Shael inquired after some time.

This may be his acceptance. Ozpin thought. If it is, then I'll take it. Though I find it strangely accepting.

"As you know, Beacon Academy is a facility that teaches warriors to become huntsmen and huntresses. Should you meet my requirements, you will need to be instated as a professor of this academy, and as a professor under me, you will be granted the authority of a huntsman and enjoy all the rights and privileges that come with it along with the responsibilities. As long as you can do this, any and all requests you have will be met in a timely manner."

(X)(X)(X)(X)

Combat Simulator Room

Glynda Goodwitch felt extremely against this entire thing. She understood Ozpin's desire to win against Salem, but just what measures would he take?

This Shael Watson spelled bad news all over. His mere presence felt threatening in of itself. That being ignored, he just screamed dangerous, maybe even evil. She couldn't find any rationality that would allow her to have a positive image of him, especially not with him so indifferent.

Whatever her feelings on the matter, the decision had been made to give a test. First would be a simple combat test. Brilliant or not, being a huntsman was the bottom line at Beacon, and every member of the faculty had to be a competent fighter at minimum, preferably a skilled fighter.

Right now, they were testing him with drones, set to the highest difficulty possible. The man had insisted that nothing be held back. It was a request, and one he made without a thought of consideration. Either he was really good or he was just bluffing.

Now watching from above in a control booth, Glynda's analytical skills began to come into play as the simulation began.

The first opponents were a mix of ranged and melee drones, each programmed with combat techniques meant to test advanced final year students. A normal final year would have to pray for a miracle to get through, and even the gifted and skilled would need to work hard. An experienced huntsman would be able to fight them off with ease.

Shael's first move was to merely adjust his body enough to dodge the attacks, leaving very little space between himself and whatever blasts and blades were sent his way. Then one of his arms transformed into a massive cannon. The sound was unlike anything Glynda had ever heard and it's shots were powerful. Any drone touched by it glancing or direct rendered them unable to continue fighting. His shots were accurate, and not once did he waste what he used.

His gunplay was not only fascinating to watch, but so was his physical combat style. As his physical stature suggested, he used a strength-oriented method, though he wasn't lacking for speed. If anything, it was surprising to see that he was playing to his own strengths very well while also trying to make sure that his weaknesses were covered in some way.

His movements were fluid as he changed opponents.

As he progressed, Glynda only had one complaint: aura use. His use of aura was minimal. She wondered if he had any training with it. His use of it was almost non-existent, almost as if he was only using it as a means to shield himself. Was that intentional? Did his approach rely on it?

Shael punched a drone square in the chest, shattering it to pieces, then used his cannon to absorb shots from another. He then sprinted to use his cannon as a battering ram and knocked two more to the ground before creating searing holes with two more well-placed shots. The execution was ruthless, uncompromising.

"Not bad." Qrow complimented while holding his flask. "The guy looks like he's got experience on his side. I thought he said that he wasn't about fighting."

"I know a warrior when I see one, Qrow." Ozpin's eyes watched, though he listened to the scythe-wielder. "You surely knew from looking too."

"His aura use, that's what I'm worried about." Glynda voiced her concerns. "There's almost nothing to it."

"Then we'll find out the reasons for it." Ozpin reasoned. "I've no doubt that he's keeping things from us. Who doesn't have their secrets?"

"Ozpin." Glynda huffed. "I wish you didn't make these decisions like this."

A new set of drones came onto the scene, but this time, he didn't fight them. He simply tapped his prosthetic arm and suddenly the drones ceased all hostile aggression and returned to their stations.

"I guess that's one more confirmation of his abilities." Ozpin noted as he sipped his coffee. "Hacking."

"Why aren't you more worried about this, Ozpin?" Glynda pressed. "Doesn't this bother you at least a little bit?"

"Yes, but I'm willing to give the benefit of a doubt to this one." Ozpin explained. "You should too, Glynda."

"It's kind of a moot point, Glynda." Qrow butted in with his two cents. "Might as well give it up. You know what Oz is like when he's got his mind set."

"..." What else could she say? "...fine, but only for now."

Glynda couldn't convince her superior this time, not that she had an easy time convincing him of any opinion that was her own. She could only rely on her own intuition, on what she felt, and she knew where she stood.

A few more rounds of combat testing followed, each of them done in a timely manner and with divergent methods each time. It soon became clear to the three of them couldn't complain about his skills in a fight. He was more than competent. He was exceptional, or at least had the potential to become exceptional.

"Qrow, your thoughts?" Ozpin asked the veteran to his side.

"Experienced, controlled, volatile, a bit to brutal for my tastes, but it works." Qrow seemed impressed if his tone was reliable. "Not perfect, but what is?"

"Glynda?" Ozpin venture for her opinion next.

"I'm of a like mind with Qrow." Glynda couldn't believe she would say that. "Aura control excluded."

(X)(X)(X)(X)

After the physical test…

"Now I require a test of your knowledge." Glynda heard Ozpin say. "I need you to show my your knowledge base so that I may assign you a position accordingly."

"I already have something prepared." Shael simply took out his scroll, toyed with it, then put it away. "You should receive it now."

From his desk, Ozpin found that a massive file had been sent to him, remembering that Shael had likely hacked into his scroll, and when he opened it, essays, data, graphs, statistics, diagrams, charts, reports, and video feeds could be found within. Despite the content, all of them operated under a single title.

Biological Replication.

Glynda could only catch a peek as Ozpin quickly perused through the essay, but she did pick out some subjects relating to fossilized remains, DNA, and chemical structures. The document was written not in a way that would be acceptable as an essay for colleges, but it was certainly professional in its wording and subject matter, but it wasn't complicated to read. A normal person might not be able to understand all the technicalities, but there was enough information for the big ideas to be received.

"Impressive." Ozpin complimented. "Very detailed, very convincing. Am I to assume that this is applicable?"

"It is." Shael nodded. "All I require are tools and equipment. Give me those, and I can create assets for Beacon to fight the Grimm."

Not a trace of an arrogant tone, only a confident one. This man truly believed in himself in full. Or was it confidence? Confidence indicated emotions, and emotions didn't appear to have an impact here.

"Still, as well-presented as this is, I will require something that has substance." Ozpin had made a decision. "If I give you what you require to work, how soon can you get to work?"

"Immediately." Shael responded.

"Then I welcome you to the team."

Glynda only watch as the two men shook hands. She still had her doubts.

(X)(X)(X)(X)

"You seem distrustful towards me." Shael spoke to her as they walked. "I unsettle you."

"In some ways." Glynda conceded, getting the feeling that denial was pointless.

"You question my methods, my motivations." He deduced further.

"If you want me to be honest, then yes, I do." She kept her eyes ahead.

"Your caution is understandable, but know this: wars are brutal, wars are underhanded, wars are bloody. Anyone who participates in a war does not leave innocent, and your superior knows this. Knowing this, what does it matter what method is used so long as results are produced?"

Glynda tried to ignore these words. The ends did not justify the means, and anyone who said that was either delusional, heartless or both. The actions always mattered as much as the end result, otherwise the world wouldn't be what it was now.

"As the protectors of the world, the means matter to us greatly. We are the ultimate heroes of this world. As such, our conduct must reflect the very best of what we all have to offer."

"The very best?" Shael sounded like those words were alien. "Or your definition of the very best?"

"Are you trying to make a point?" Glynda stopped walking to face her newest charge. "If you are, I would appreciate straightforwardness."

"A point that I am trying to make?" Shael's eyes trained on her. "It would be illogical for me to try and persuade you. Your viewpoint is starkly different from mine."

"I see." Glynda backed down.

Their conversation over, she resumed her job of showing him to where his new lecture hall was supposed to be.

Professor Shael Watson. Ozpin was currently in the process of making a file in the event that they had to provide credentials to anyone, and like it or not, he was a member of Beacon's teacher ranks.

(X)(X)(X)(X)

BEACON ACADEMY

TEACHER PROFILE

Name: Shael Watson

Aliases: Shockwave

D.O.B.: August 31th, 49 AGW (After the Great War)

Gender: Male

Nationality: Atlesian

Species: Faunus

Laterality: Right

Height: 6' 6"

Weight: 310 lbs.

Vision: 20/2

Blood Type: O-

Eye Color: Red

Hair Color: Amethyst Purple

Build: Athletic

Aura Level: High

Semblance: Undiscovered

SUMMARY PROFILE:

Shael Watson's main field of work resides in the scientific community with most of his endeavors constituting personal projects which promise to be inventive and innovative. His particular focuses include but are not limited to engineering, biology, and weapons development. His natural talent and skill in science combined with his rationality and genius-level intellect makes him a scientist with no equal.

Watson also possesses incredible capabilities as a warrior, showing the training and experience of a veteran huntsman, and given enough time, he could become the most skilled huntsman in the world, although he has stated more than once that combat is not his strong suit. He prefers to let his scientific work fight his battles for him. This attitude, however, should not be confused with a fear of fighting.

One of his most unique characteristics stems from his outer attitude. On the surface, he is apathetic, bored, and uncaring. Some have claimed this mask to be his true nature while others say it is a very convincing mask that hides a much deeper personality. Regardless, it is universally agreed upon that his words are reliable.

END OF PROFILE

Apologies for the slight delay, but school and work has been on the forefront of my schedule. In any event, we're at Beacon, and now it's almost time for the RWBY timeline to intersect. Keep in mind that this takes places some months before the events of V1.

Next chapter, we get more introductions from the other staff members at Beacon. Further events I'm working out, including the setting up of a few more things, but I want to hear your suggestions. What do you think I could/should include in the next chapter? Are there any interactions with any RWBY characters that are a must-see for you?

With all of that said, please review, favorite, and follow. I love hearing all of your ideas.

I hope you guys enjoyed reading.

"Zeal will do more than knowledge."

William Hazlitt