Chapter 8: Faculty Illogical, Students Logical

Beacon Academy

Three days later…

Shockwave's now-official status as a teacher of Beacon Academy came with it enormous responsibilities.

The main source of responsibility was to prepare himself as a teacher. Although he was a master in several fields, teaching had been something he had not done in some time. The last time he had taught was a long time ago, long before he became a full-time scientist. To readjust himself with the teaching environment, he requested talks with several teachers in order to get a feel for what was expected of him. Logic told him that he needed a basis from which to teach lessons. From there, he would formulate his own methods based on student feedback and responses.

Gathering all of his knowledge and trying to condense it into a course that was easy-to-follow as well as actually something worth learning was no easy task. Teenagers and young people were impatient in general, and he needed a way to garner attention and retain interest. The material needed to be educational while also being fascinating. Of course, what was considered fascinating was subjective, so that would come with practice and experience. There were certain materials that more than likely would favor a wider audience than others.

There was also the possibility that should the need arise, Shockwave would teach more than general science. He might be teaching specialized sciences that would be applicable to the work of a huntsman. That was a work in progress, not a certainty, as Ozpin had pointed out.

Another thing he had to attend to was to train as a huntsman. Science was his main source of work, and although tens of millennias of war had hardened him into a worthy warrior, he was fully aware that he was no master warrior. Being a teacher might be his official title, but at the end of the day, he needed to be a huntsman, or at least warrior on par or even better than a huntsman.

Ozpin had agreed to one weekly spar, which satisfied Shockwave. The man was the headmaster, and he was the best huntsman out of all of them. The man gave off the feel of someone who possessed few equals in combat, and no doubt the older man has experience with aura that he would find most beneficial. Whether he was on par with the likes of Megatron and Optimus Prime remained to be seen.

The third and final task was to set up his own lecture hall as he saw fit. Because none of the other teachers were nearly as capable as himself in the sciences, he was given free reign on how to set up his classroom, and as such, the former Decepticon wasted no time in requesting equipment and materials to begin his transformation of an otherwise dull classroom into a productive and advanced room of study.

The first thing to be considered was a three-dimensional holographic projector centered on the floor so that the entire room could see it. The classroom was moderately big, and as such, he needed a visual aid that would be seen to all people sitting in the classroom. This 3D hologram would be able to project images big enough for everyone to see regardless of where they were sitting. This was a technology that although fairly new to Remnant was available for commercial purchase.

The second item, or items more specifically were large LCD interactive screens in place of blackboards. It would be far less efficient to have to write and rewrite information on a blackboard when Shockwave knew he could transmit data instantly via his own processing functions. That way, he would conserve class time and it could also serve as yet another visual aid in the learning process. LCD screens were more commercially available yet still not enough schools used them. Why more didn't use them was confusing, illogical.

The third item pertained to the seats themselves. Although there were no separate desks in this lecture hall, for every seat, there were to be new computers installed into the desks. That way, more interactive learning could take place, although students did have the option to not use the computers. Each computer possessed a holographic keyboard and touch screen as well as a mouse.

The final item, and the most expensive were the additions of four massive glass tanks, each to house one of the four basic dust forms. Shockwave had specifically requested that raw dust be purchased because he intended to advance the holding tanks so that they could process and refined dust into any physical form needed be it powdery or crystal-like. Dust demonstrations were going to be a prevalent event in the classes moving forward.

All of the necessary classroom adjustments and additions would take at least a week and another week for the lecture hall to be fully ready with all the software and safety measures needed to be taken. Time wasn't a concern, however, as the school year had ended and the next year wasn't to start for another several months. In the meantime, the seniors had graduated the rest of the students were in the process of moving to their new dorms.

Additionally, Ozpin and the staff were in the process of selecting new students for the upcoming year. Surprisingly enough, the headmaster had asked for Shockwave's opinion on some of the first-years coming into the academy. That task would be done over the course of the summer break.

There were a lot of things to do now, yet the former Decepticon embraced his new role with everything that he had. The role of being a professor at Beacon Academy came with it perks and benefits. The pay was among the highest in all of Remnant for teaching; the perks were many, not all of them pertaining to being a huntsman. He wouldn't receive all those benefits yet seeing as he was on his trial run. He had until the end of the upcoming semester to prove his worth, and the scientist was not only confident, but certain that he would exceed expectations. He didn't earn Megatron's trust and respect simply by coasting along in his research. The warlord demanded results, very exceptional results.

I expect that Ozpin's expectations are nothing to scoff at. Shockwave mused as he worked on his scroll. He is more than he seems.

Shockwave wasn't sure how Ozpin had managed it, but according to the headmaster, all the equipment he needed would come within a few days. Then again, any headmaster of a huntsman academy likely wielded the power of an army. Anyone who gave it enough thought would realize that essentially, the headmasters wielded power like that of any army, and one of them had an army in the traditional sense as well as a huntsman academy.

James Ironwood. Shockwave had to keep a close eye on that one. He controlled both an army of men and machines and the Atlas Academy.

Besides the classroom that he would be teaching in, he had been given his own office, and this one he intended to personalize himself. Actually, it was less like an office and more like a private laboratory hidden away. He doubted that he would be able to do any sort of testing on Humans or Faunus. If that sort of thing were found out to be happening at Beacon Academy, the entire institution would be the subject of the public's ire.

Even if Ozpin were to condone such actions, he had to know the risks.

But did Ozpin even care about things like that?

"I will need to ascertain what Ozpin will and will not do." Shockwave mumbled to himself as he worked. "That way I can persuade him to accept some of my more extreme experiments."

However, even before the experiments, he would need to build some necessities, the first of which was a ground bridge. To his dismay, dust only worked in this world, but not beyond its atmosphere. Therefore, using dust for space travel was impossible, but no matter, it could still be used to power a ground bridge. Building the teleportation device wouldn't be difficult. He had built a space bridge after all.

Even more importantly, the ground bridge wouldn't strictly just be something for the convenience of himself. Giving this technology to Beacon Academy would earn him some good will from Ozpin as well as more trust from all the staff. As far as Shockwave could see it, the idea of teleportation only existed in semblances, and even those were limited to a certain range. The ability to teleport anywhere on this world would be a major game-changer.

Of course, preliminary work would need to be done first. It was true that dust couldn't operate outside of this world, but that was ultimately a setback that wouldn't hinder him in the least. He had done research into many different kinds of power sources. Although energon was the primary source of power on Cybertron, the scientist had delved into alternative power sources such as the sun, the very atmosphere of Cybertron, even the very elements Cybertronians were composed of.

The reason he needed to find another power source was because in order to get a ground bridge to work right, he needed a detailed map of the world, and no matter how accurate maps were on this world, they was nothing compared to imagery from space. If he could launch some probes and satellites into space, then he could map the world fully and then he would be able to go anywhere at any time.

In short, he had a lot of work to do.

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

Professor Bartholomew Oobleck, at the request of the new hiree of Beacon Academy, was giving instructions, or as best as he could.

This man, Shael Watson as he introduced himself was nothing short of a mystery that needed to be solved. Just from his mannerism and behavior, the green-haired professor could instantly see that this man had a great deal of knowledge, and not the kind that was kind or pleasant to hear. To a normal person, this very discovery could lean to unease and uncertainty, but the teacher of history disagreed. As disagreeable as things could be in this world, if one never explored, one would never be able to truly understand.

"I hear you're quite the prodigy in science." Bartholomew started the conversation off. "If I may ask, where did you study?"

"I did not study at an institution." Shael, standing across from him, told him neutrally. "Virtually all of my knowledge comes directly from actual field experience and hands-on applications I did not study proper terminology and traditional scientific methods until much later."

"I see. It's unorthodox to say the least, but it's not a bad method at all." Bartholomew put a hand to his chin. "In fact, history often points to those outside the normal chain of thought being some of the innovators and inventors."

"That is only logical." Shael agreed with him. "Normality is merely another term for conformity and obedience."

"Although that is subject to debate, I can understand where one might see that." The good doctor found himself quite intrigued with this conversation. "But why do you say that?"

"Humans and Faunus are ruled by emotions." Shael stated with his arms gesturing a bit. "Those emotions compel everyone to act in the name of survival. Happiness is satisfying desire. Fear is the fight against losing something important. Anger is when a perceived wrong is committed. Emotions lead people to do things that act against the nature of logic."

"True, very true." Oobleck commented.

"Therefore, if one was to suppress or erase emotions, these weaknesses can no longer hold one back." Shael concluded. "The reason I do not conform is because I am outside mere emotions. I have moved beyond such pettiness."

So this man was clearly a person who thought with his head almost all the time and rarely with his heart. There certainly was merit to such a way of conduct, but they weren't without problems. If it were as simple as just pushing aside emotions in favor of logical and rational thoughts, then the world would be a much different place.

"If history has taught me one thing, it's that emotions have a powerful place in our world." Oobleck replied back. "You might not want nor need emotions, but most people, so take care to realize that disregarding emotions is a dangerous thing."

"Your reasoning does carry some logic." Shael admitted without much resistance. "I will contemplate this more."

Bartholomew Oobleck decided one thing on his opinion of Shael Watson: he was definitely going to be a good teacher. Why was he going to be a good teacher?

Because he had flexibility on his side.

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

Professor Peter Port took note of the state of the lecture hall. With so many fancy gadgets and gizmos in this room, it was amazing that it was somehow still organized. He didn't even know how half of this stuff worked, but it was all impressive-looking nonetheless.

This newest member of the faculty left a remarkable first impression. His imposing figure left those without a mastery of their fear shaking at least on the inside if not also on the outside. Adding to that, the man was a Faunus. Beacon didn't see too many teachers that were Faunus, so there was that.

And those cybernetics? Interesting too.

"You're quite the busy body." Peter attempted to strike up a conversation. "I can't say that many teachers have this much class preparations to do."

"I intend to make use of any and all available technology." Shael didn't face his fellow teacher as he spoke. "What is illogical is that none of the other faculty have taken full advantage of this technology."

"Technology is useful, but we must be careful that we do not rely upon it." Peter voiced his own opinion. "A huntsman may possess the most powerful technological weapon, but at the end of the day, the most powerful weapon is a person's body and mind."

"That mindset perfectly exemplifies the inability to be innovative and flexible." The purple-haired man countered as if he had expected this answer. "Where many people equivocate the use of technology to be a sign of complacency and reliance, I see the next step in the evolution of this world."

"There's no denying that technology is the future." Peter agreed while playing with his moustache a bit. "However, that future you speak of will only happen with the right mindset and the proper persuasion."

"Is the right persuasion not surrounding us now?" The answer of the Faunus came in such a blunt manner. "Humans and Faunus have existed for thousands of years in tandem with the Creatures of Grimm. Despite the many advancements that have been achieved, the Grimm are still a threat, and that is because those 'advancements' amount to little more than swinging a hammer in a more refined manner than of times gone by."

Peter understood the meaning behind the words. This man believed that there had been no actual change in the world, only that the world had taken what it knew and found merely another angle to use said knowledge. In short, using a slightly different path and making small adjustments along the way to reach the same objective, not a completely knew path that would lead to a new result.

"If change were that simple, we would've done it by now." Peter felt the need to bring this up. "We might not be doing the best we could be doing, but it's better than doing absolutely nothing."

"If this is what we choose to do, then we had best change our attitude soon." Shael sounded completely unconvinced. "Otherwise we will not survive another millennium. We learn to adapt fast and survive, or we refuse to change and die."

Peter Port now had a more complete opinion on Shael Watson. The man was blunt, even cruel in his words, but they weren't without reason.

He would be an interesting teacher.

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

Glynda Goodwitch was now more agitated than ever. She wasn't sure what in the Gods' names was Ozpin thinking when he had hired on their newest member.

Shael Watson seemed to possess absolutely no sense of tact or politeness in any sense. He simply said what was on his mind without regard for the consequences that could result. It was fortunate that the man didn't have to make any public appearance anytime soon, otherwise there would be trouble.

Right now, they were arguing about more secretive things.

"If we were to release to the public that there were four maidens wielding magic, it would be chaos." Glynda sounded like she was talking to a child. "That's the reason why we haven't told anyone outside of our group."

"What will happen when the public finds out?" Shael challenged her calmly. "Do you really believe people will take kindly to the fact that four women wield power that could decimate entire armies in a single stroke?"

"The public is completely unaware of the maidens, and the only knowledge of them come in the form of fairy tales and legends." Glynda just shook off his words and pressed her side. "It's been like this for hundreds of years."

"Nothing is eternal, and sooner or later, this so-called peace we all live in will shatter." Shael, while having a conversation with her, was working on wiring. "Calling it peace is an absolute lie. You all mistake peace for quiet."

"That may be, but quiet is more preferable to war." The blonde-haired woman felt oh-so perturbed. "War is when we have sunk to our worst."

"Or maybe war is simply the true way of how Humans and Faunus wish to resolve conflict." The man seemed to possess no end to his reasoning. "Why is it that war is such a prevalent event in history? Politics work only so long as sides are not threatened, but when that sense of cooperation is taken away, suspicion and conflict is all that remains."

"But not all conflict erupts into war. If that were the case as you've said, then we should've had so many more wars. Conflict doesn't automatically mean that weapons need to be drawn."

"Yet we are fully prepared to fight. What are the huntsmen academies besides personal armies of dangerous warriors serving a select few? What is a traditional army besides an unstoppable force meant to crush opposition? If war is not a way of solving problems, then why is it that we are always prepared to use it?"

"War is a last measure, not a first strike." Glynda struck back with more conviction. "We'd be fools to not be prepared for the worst."

"Now that is something that we can agree on." Shael said robotically. "You may not be as naive as I thought."

Glynda Goodwitch didn't like this man one bit. It was like he was saying that violence was the only true method that could keep the world going into the future. That wasn't true and that wasn't right.

Still, she wouldn't deny the fact that the conversation was stimulating, and perhaps she might be inclined to debate with him more in the future.

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

"Hey check this out."

"What is it?"

"I found it on the front of the student page."

"Which is?"

"I'm getting there. Hold on."

Coco Adel, on a whim, had decided to check out the home page for students at Beacon Academy to see if there was anything interest going on. Her expectation was that there wouldn't be anything interesting.

"It looks like Beacon's got a new teacher." Coco pulled up the post. "Professor Shael Watson. He's going to be a science teacher next semester."

"Okay…" Velvet Scarlatina wasn't sure what to think. "What else is there?"

"Actually, it's a post for a job." Coca began to slide down to the bottom. "Whoa, that's a lot of lien."

"Lien?" Yatsuhashi Daichi questioned as he looked down at the scroll.

"It's a job you could say." Coca explained. "It looks like a mission to establish an outpost or something to that effect. Anyways, this thing comes with a hefty price tag, 4000 lien."

"What?" Velvet grabbed Coco's scroll in disbelief. "That can't be right."

"Not to disagree with you, Coco, but it's kind of hard to believe." Fox Alistair chimed in with his opinion. "That sounds a little too…"

"See? It's all there." Coco crossed her arms. "Now that sounds like an opportunity we can't afford to waste."

"We can't afford to waste?" Yatsuhashi questioned. "Or you can't afford to waste?"

"Hush you." Coco punched Yatsu lightly. "I didn't say anything."

"But you were thinking it." Fox said with amusement. "In any case, you want to check it out."

"Yeah, why not?" Coco shrugged. "The worst thing that happens is that it doesn't work out."

With only a bit of hesitation, team CFVY checked the classroom where the new teacher was located and set off to see just what this job was all about. It wasn't everyday that teachers actually offered rewards outside of a good word and some credits, so of course it was at least worth a look.

"This is the place." Coco double-checked her scroll and then the room number. "This place used to be empty. I've passed by this classroom and I haven't ever seen it being used. I wonder why."

"Well, we might as well go in." Yatsu mirrored everyone's thoughts. "No sense standing here asking questions."

Before any of them could open the door, they then heard a dull thumping sound, and all of them looked at each other in question. Everyone exchanged the same look of perplexity.

"Um…" Velvet tapped her fingers together.

"That was weird." Fox said cautiously.

"..." Yatsu just looked inquisitive.

"...anyway, let's just go in." Coco finished.

Coco once again moved to the doorknob, and then the sound of a weapon being discharged reached their ears. This put all of their nerves on edge. Coco felt her hands reach for her handbag. Yatsu's posture tensed. Fox's eyes began to dart all around. Velvet's bunny ears began to quiver.

"Alright, what's behind this door?" Coco decided to ignore any distractions. "Open… SESAME!"

They opened the door, and inside the classroom, there was a glowing purple orb smack-dab in the center of the room, suspended off the floor by a tech device resting flat. It looked like some kind of suspension field.

Aside from that interesting part, there appeared to be all kinds of neat gadgets in the room, all organized and stacked neatly. It looked like someone was trying to do a science experiment inside an incomplete science lab.

The only person in the room was who they all presumed to be the new professor. He was taller than all of them save for Yatsu and possessed quite the figure. There was no doubt he had strength in his body, but he didn't appear to be too bulky to move fast. His dress attire indicated a professional manner mixed with a sense of style: a coat of purple, grey, and black that seemed reminiscent of Atlesian culture but with details and intricacies matching that of Mistralian culture. The most outstanding feature were a pair of prosthetics in the place of where ears would normally be.

When his head turned to face him, they got yet another unusual sight: one eye was blood-red and natural while the other was cybernetic and the same color of his natural eye.

All of team CFVY had something to say mentally.

I'm already liking what I see. Coco lowered her shades. Good taste in clothing, an air of mystery, and VERY easy on the eyes.

A faunus. Velvet couldn't help but be excited. Maybe this will be better after all.

This man looks very dangerous. Yatsu's instincts told him. But if Professor Ozpin approves, then he must be trustworthy.

Huh, now that's not something you see often. Fox couldn't help but stare. But he does look badass enough.

"Team CFVY, correct?" A very baritone voice stated.

"Yeah, that's us." Coco grinned and pushed her shades up again. "And you must be Professor Shael Watson."

"Yes, I am, and your presence here tells me one thing." The professor shut down the experiment. "You are here concerning the job post."

"Yeah, actually. We wanted to see if it was legitimate." Coco said with a nod. "Are you seriously offering lien for this job?"

"Yes, I am, but before you even consider this job, you should know why lien are involved." The man's voice never deviated from being calm. "This mission is about setting up new technology for Beacon Academy. I would do this job myself, but the installation process is lengthy, and I cannot do this and defend against Grimm and expect ideal results."

"So basically, you're hiring students as guards." Coco summed up. "You need a team to watch your back while you get the new tech up."

"Aptly put, Ms Adel." Professor Watson responded. "But the lien is only one form of payment. If you wish it, you can forgo the credits in exchange for a weapon upgrade of your choosing."

"A weapon upgrade of our choosing?" Coco leaned in, now very interested. "As in for all of us?"

"Yes."

"And ANYTHING we want?"

"Yes."

Team CFVY could only look at each other for confirmation of their next course of action. So far, what they were hearing was promising, and the reward was very enticing.

"Just a few questions." Coco continued. "What sort of prep work do we have to do?"

"There are two things you need." The professor began. "The first is to bring all necessary items you require for effective combat. The second is any survival supplies necessary for three days of travel."

"It's that long?" Coco quirked up at this. "Three days?"

"As I have said, this is no easy task." Professor Watson restated. "A reward was required to make the mission worthwhile."

The professor retrieved a scroll from his pocket and slid it onto the nearby desk so that it could project a flat image of Remnant's landscape. A red dot, probably a marker, indicated a single spot that everyone knew well: Mountain Glenn.

"As I understand, Mountain Glenn was the sight of an attempt to expand beyond the borders of Vale." Professor Watson began his explanation. "I mean to set up an outpost here. Ozpin has said that this area requires the clearing of Grimm every year."

"And we'll be able to do that in three days?" Coco felt skepticism on the tip of her tongue. "It seems like a lot to do in such a short amount of time."

"You do not need to worry about the technical details. Should you accept, you simply have to keep the Grimm from destroying anything important. Additionally, we are not going to establish a full outpost, just simple preliminary markers so that it will be easier."

Coco crossed arms, closed her eyes, and tilted her head down to look at the floor as she thought about all the details she'd been given. Yes, it seemed like a good opportunity, but she needed one more thing before she could fully consent.

"Just out of curiosity professor." Coco readied her question. "Can you show us some of your tech? I see there's a lot of stuff, but everyone likes a good demonstration."

"Very well."

The professor tugged off the glove he wore on his left, and were surprised to see another prosthetic. At first, they all thought it was his hand, but then he drew back his entire sleeve to show that his entire arm was prosthetic, but disregarding the metal surface, it was shaped like a normal arm.

"You might wish to stand back." Professor Watson informed them all.

The entire team of second-year hunters took a step back half because of his serious tone, but also because of what they saw when they first entered. None of them were adept in advanced technology, so none of them would dare to question the teacher.

The professor fiddled with the device in the center of the room before standing back. He then held up his arm, and it transformed into an out of this world cannon, and the thing looked similar to its wielder: deadly.

Whoa, now that's AWESOME! Coco was impressed. What giant gun isn't?

That looks highly advanced. Velvet noted the weapon's design. Maybe that weapon upgrade isn't worth passing up.

This only intensifies his already intimidating demeanor. Yatsu couldn't help but feel a little trepid himself. Now that I reconsider it, I sense a warrior inside that wasn't before.

Okay, that thing looks dangerous. Fox showed no fear, but he'd be a fool to dismiss what he was seeing. I'd better watch this carefully.

The weapon began to glow with an eerie purple glow. At the same time the entire atmosphere in the room seemed to shift, like energy in the room was being gathered into the weapon. After about ten seconds, a sound emitted from the weapon, a firing sound that clearly had no relation to any dust-related weapon. The suspender at the center caught this blast, and then disappeared. Even more confusing was the fact that there appeared to be no sign of light from where the blast was caught.

"So… what happened?" Coco scratched her head.

"Watch." Shockwave retrieved a pen from his hand.

He tossed the pin into the device, and then it disappeared without a trace. It was like it was teleported.

"Wait, WHAT?!" Coco approached to get a closer look.

"Stop." Professor Watson ordered.

Coco just heeded his words without so much as a hint of rebellion. For some reason, his voice demanded her attention.

"That is called a black hole." He explained. "In the simplest of terms, it sucks all objects into itself, including light. Nothing can escape a black hole."

"I've never heard of that before." Velvet raised her hand tentatively. "Not even in the advanced scientific community."

"That is because black holes exist in space beyond the world of Remnant." Shael broke it down. "But I know what is out there because I have spent much of my research looking beyond this world."

"Stop right there, professor." Coco raised her hands. "I just got confirmation that you're a genius. Unless there's another team that's got this gig, sign us up."

"Coco, you didn't consult us." Velvet ventured nervously.

"C'mon, you guys all feel the same way." Coco egged them all on. "I know that you want cool new gadgets, except maybe Yatsu."

"I might consider it." Yatsu voiced.

"Fox?" Coco inquired.

"I'm in." Fox's answer was immediate.

"Well then, it's settled." Coco turned back to the teacher. "Professor Watson, we'd be glad to take this mission on."

"You do not need to address me by my title." He conveyed to them all.

"Is there another name you prefer?" Coco tilted her head.

"You may call me Shockwave, my code name."

"If you say so... Professor Shockwave."

Well, there you have it. A glimpse into the chemistry and dynamic between Shockwave and some of the the faculty and students of Beacon. Admittedly, it wasn't an easy thing to do, but it was fun all the same. Between now and when I get to the events of Volume 1, I will be deepening relationships and all of that.

To the Guest reviewer who asked if there will be romance, I'm saying no as of right now. I've got no reason that's good enough to give a romance to Shockwave. Right now, his character and the current state of all relationships that he has do not warrant romance. If a romance is included, then it would be because it enhances the story. Adding it for the sake of romance is not my style. Also, this story is ultimately about Shockwave and how his inclusion in RWBY will shake things up from the canon storyline.

As always, feedback is greatly appreciated as well as the support. Ideas and other stuff regarding the story are always welcome.

I hope you all enjoyed reading.

"Smile in the mirror. Do that every morning and you'll start to see a big difference in your life."

Yoko Ono