The Breach of Vale

by Mawkish Warden

Your people have risen to create civilisations meant to last an eternity. You have erected walls and groomed your young to fight, making the old and weak forget about the monsters that hunger for their souls. You know it's only a matter of time before your illusion of safety is shattered forever. Let me show you that the time has come. Let me show you that it's time for war.

9. Chapter 9

Chapter 9

James tried not to flinch when he heard the numbers. He succeeded, but only barely.

Three days had passed since the Breach. With Vale's reinforcements, they'd crushed the Grimm's advance and pushed the creatures back to their point of entry. The hole had been sealed, and then they'd had time to start counting.

He was in another conference. The people were similar: himself, Kenchiro, Ozpin, the CSC, Secretary Windsor, Commissioner Laghari, the Vale Council, and this time the Atlas Council and the JCS. The upper echelon of two of the most powerful Kingdoms in Remnant were present. And they were here to discuss a failure.

That the city and the majority of its inhabitants still remained was an accomplishment. But it was also the bare minimum of what their efforts should have yielded. The Breach should have never happened in the first place. Mountain Glenn was meant to have been the last time, the last instance in which their citizens were subjected to a large-scale attack. Something had gone wrong. Horribly, horribly wrong. They'd failed to prevent the Breach. And for that, their people had suffered immensely.

Aside from the area around the Breach, and the places subjected to bombardment, there had been only minor damage to the city's infrastructure. It would take time, but they would rebuild.

Casualty reports were not as bright. Over eight thousand dead, thirteen of whom had been killed in the 7th Fleet's barrage. Tens of thousands were wounded, missing, or rendered homeless. The VPD was gutted, having lost over a quarter of its officers. Dozens of soldiers were killed in action, although Vale's troops had fared better than Atlas', as they'd arrived later in the fight to turn the tide.

Twenty two students had lost their lives in the defence of Vale. Having been inserted ahead of the main force, they'd born witness to the heaviest fighting. Six of those lost had been James' own students. One fully-fledged Huntsman had been killed, and another so badly crippled that they would never fight again.

He tried to burn the names into his memory as they scrolled before his eyes. But there were just too many.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

"We have come to determine the White Fang was behind the Breach," said Ozpin.

"The White Fang?" Councillor Meesh echoed. "How?"

"It appears they'd established a base in what was assumed to have been the defunct and sealed underground line to Mountain Glenn. When they were compromised by one of my student teams, they started a train filled with explosives and blew a hole into the Residential District."

"They had assistance from various organised criminal elements, who were planning to sabotage Vale's automated defences around the Breach," added James. "Even though it happened ahead of schedule, they were able to disable enough of the city's anti-air batteries to give the flying Grimm a path into the Residential District. They were also planning to sow chaos with roughly three platoons' worth of M290s, but those were thankfully destroyed in the initial explosion when the train detonated."

A cold fury was boiling in his stomach. The White Fang had been a headache for his Kingdom for years. Crush one cell and see another one rise. Storm a hideout or headquarters and find it empty or booby-trapped. Eliminate or arrest a leader and have them turn into a martyr or victim. Whatever sympathy he may have had for their initially noble and virtuous call for equality had been overridden when they started their indiscriminate killings and acts of terror. And now, they were responsible for the largest loss of life since the Fall of Mountain Glenn.

As part of Atlas' declaration of unrestricted action against the terrorist organisation, they'd tried to convince the rest of The Big Four to take further measures (which may also include facilitating an Atlesian presence within their borders) to ensure their own safety. Vale had been the only Kingdom to react positively to the request, due to their already strong military and political ties with Atlas. Yet still, they'd been unknowingly harbouring an entire cell of the White Fang right under their noses.

Although, Atlas hadn't come out of the incident looking much better. How the hell the White Fang had managed to yank a dozen of their newest Battlesuits was a mystery James was not looking forward to trying to solve. There was clearly a security breach in logistics or research that indicated their military wasn't as immune to corruption or coercion as it wanted everyone to believe.

"Which team was responsible for uncovering the operation?"

"It was Team RWBY, accompanied and overseen by Doctor Bartholomew Oobleck."

There was a pause, as Vale's Council seemed to be reading over the profile of the aforementioned students. When the Kingdom's leaders looked back up, they were frowning.

"Correct me if I am wrong, Headmaster," said Councillor Severax. "But are you aware that Team RWBY is a first-year team?"

James blinked. He wasn't privy to each and every detail of how Beacon Academy was run, but he did know that first-years were to be sent on missions in low-risk zones only. Mountain Glenn was definitely not a low-risk zone. He did a quick scan of the list of fatalities, trying to see if anyone from Team RWBY was on it, but found none of their names.

To his fellow headmaster's credit, Ozpin didn't hesitate with his response, giving a flat, "Yes."

"And are you aware that Mountain Glenn was an area permitted for use by third- and fourth-year teams only?"

"I am, Councillor," said Ozpin. "And I do not deny my actions. I will only say that Team RWBY is a group of exceptional students, whose abilities and dedication rival their seniors. I trusted them to keep themselves safe and would not have hesitated to recall them back to Beacon, had Dr Oobleck decided they were unfit for Mountain Glenn."

"This isn't a matter of trust, Headmaster," said Councillor Severax, whose voice had gained a steely edge. "These regulations are in place to facilitate the growth of our future protectors. If they'd fallen to the White Fang or the resulting Grimm, we would've had another four dead children, the bodies of which we may have never even been able to find and bury, all because you think you can bypass–"

Before he could continue on his tirade, Councillor Severax was cut off by Councillor Harper.

"While Headmaster Ozpin's insubordination is most certainly cause for concern, that's not the purpose of this meeting."

Councillor Severax remained tense. James could see him clenching his jaw, and he couldn't blame him. Team RWBY had effectively been at ground zero when the Breach had appeared. Miraculously, they'd emerged with the best attainable result anyone could have hoped for. That is, they'd all come back alive and accounted for. But there was no way Ozpin could have guaranteed that.

Eventually, the Councillor nodded tightly, and returned to an upright position in his chair.

"Secretary Hellbraun," Councillor Harper continued. "What is the current state of Vale's ability to handle future incursions from the White Fang?"

The man in question tilted his head downwards.

"While our remilitarisation, in addition to Atlas' intervention, may have saved our Kingdom, the bulk of our forces still remain unprepared to engage in irregular warfare."

Councillor Harper nodded, then turned to address the Atlas Council and JCS.

"Speaking hypothetically for now, how prepared and willing would Atlas be to send additional military aid to the Kingdom of Vale?"

The Atlas Council looked at each other, and James exchanged glances with Kenchiro. What was the Vale Council planning?

"We…may need some more elaboration, Councillor," one of his government heads asked. Councillor Harper nodded.

"It is the Vale Council's opinion that the Breach has shown us our Kingdom still requires more time and experience to develop its own military. In particular, we have noted the critical role the Atlas 7th played in allowing our troops to properly respond to the Grimm. In essence, we are prepared to both request for Atlas to take complete control over security of the Vytal Festival and allow Atlesian troops to occupy Valean soil to assist in eliminating the White Fang."

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

The rest of the conference passed by in a blur, with the two Councils going over preliminary details that could lead to an official agreement.

Atlas was prepared to provide Vale with the entirety of Admiral Eleanor Hollandale's 3rd Aerial Fleet and its 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, as well as round out the 15th IBCT by bringing in the rest of the 4th Infantry Division, supplemented by the 4th HBCT (Heavy Brigade Combat Team) and elements of the AHC. With this 'second wave', they would guard the Vytal Festival and ensure not a single entity would threaten Vale for the duration of the celebrations, exhibitions, and tournaments. Afterwards, arrangements would be made to send more soldiers and vessels over to create a proper anti-terrorism task force.

Once more, they were sending troops into a foreign Kingdom. It was the 7th Aerial Fleet all over again. Not even a week prior, James would have blanched at their escalating presence in Vale, but not today. He still didn't like it. However, right now, Vale was vulnerable. Its people were ravaged and terrified. The government had failed to ensure the safety of its citizens. They needed guidance. They needed protection. They needed strength.

They needed Atlas.

As the meeting came to a close, and the various government and military heads disappeared from the holotable, it was eventually just James, Kenchiro, and Ozpin left. A silence had settled between the three of them.

After this, he doubted anything would be the same between himself and Beacon's headmaster. But he had to try to make him understand.

"This is the right move, Ozpin," he said. "I promise, I will keep our people safe. You have to trust me."

He was saying this as much to himself, as he was to Ozpin. When he didn't reply immediately, James was ready to cut his own transmission and leave it at that. However, before he could, Ozpin said, "I trust you to bring more of your men and ships, James. But can I trust you to use them?"

Can I trust you will know how to use them?

James wanted to say yes. He wanted to assure Ozpin so badly. But he couldn't. That would be a lie. And he couldn't lie to his friend. It wouldn't work.

Then he looked at the list of the dead. So many names. So many of them so young. So many lives snuffed out in the span of a few brutal hours, never to be seen again. So many mothers, daughters, sons, and fathers. Some of them his own people and students. All gone. He wouldn't let this happen again. On his life he swore, there would be peace. And he gave his answer. Could Ozpin trust him?

"You'll have to."

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Codex Entry: Military and Huntsmen Fatalities from the Breach of Vale

15th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Atlas Army)
2nd Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment
SGT Daren Viridian (26): 2nd Squad, 3rd Platoon, C Company
SPC Rorn Barker (22): 1st Squad, 1st Platoon, B Company
PFC Connor Sterling (24): 1st Squad, 2nd Platoon, A Company
PFC Emile Gusteau (22): 3rd Squad, 2nd Platoon, A Company
1st Battalion, 11th Infantry Regiment
2LT Amberly Oswald (23): Platoon HQ, 1st Platoon, C Company
FSG Martin Sycamore (25): Platoon HQ, 1st Platoon, C Company
SSG Eileen Valentine (26): 3rd Squad, 1st Platoon, C Company
SGT Merrick Lerouge (22): 3rd Squad, 1st Platoon, C Company
SGT Kieran Woodrow (23): 3rd Squad, 1st Platoon, C Company
SPC Russel Pulsar (21): Weapons Squad, 1st Platoon, C Company
SPC Seraph Nightingale (24): 1st Squad, 2nd Platoon, B Company
SPC Jürgen Granite (22): 3rd Squad, 1st Platoon, C Company,
SPC Antonio Verde (22): Weapons Squad, 1st Platoon, C Company
PFC Fluro McCamish (20): 3rd Squad, 1st Platoon, C Company
PFC Gary Marsh (21): Platoon HQ, 1st Platoon, C Company
PFC Nam Pa-Ran (21): 3rd Squad, 1st Platoon, C Company
PFC Rentora Mesan (23): 2nd Squad, 3rd Platoon, A Company
3rd Battalion, 18rd Infantry Regiment
SPC Ashley Rossendale (21): 3rd Squad, 3rd Platoon, B Company
SPC Henrith Kandros (24): 2nd Squad, 1st Platoon, B Company
PFC Cassandra Carter (23): 1st Squad, 3rd Platoon, B Company
PFC Solomon Green (21): 2nd Squad, 2nd Platoon, A Company

5th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Atlas Marines)
1st Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment
SGT Hoag Derim (27): 3rd Squad, 2nd Platoon, C Company
SGT Braxton Sirus (25): 2nd Squad, 1st Platoon, B Company
LCPL Samuel Licht (23): 1st Squad: 3rd Platoon, C Company
LCPL Song Cho-Rok (22): Weapons Squad, 2nd Platoon, C Company
LCPL Canis Oas (22) :3rd Squad, 2nd Platoon, C Company
LCPL Chelsey Ultra (22): 3rd Squad, 2nd Platoon, C Company
LCPL Matthew Hoi (21): 1st Squad, 1st Platoon, A Company
PFC Salvor Grey (20): 2nd Squad, 1st Platoon, A Company

Carrier Air Wing 7 (Atlas Navy)
LCDR Phillip Scran (32): Strike Fighter Squadron 18
LT Kurt Shal (26): Strike Fighter Squadron 20
LT Antares Siegler (29): Strike Fighter Squadron 18
LT Mary-Ann Stenton (27): Strike Fighter Squadron 23

1st Aviation Regiment (Vale Army)
CW4 Brighton Walker (43): 1st Platoon, B Company, 2nd Battalion
SSG Anaran Jimenez (28): 1st Platoon, B Company, 2nd Battalion
SSG Amelie Soleil (32): 1st Platoon, B Company, 2nd Battalion

2nd Aviation Regiment (Vale Army)
CW4 Trent Yugure (39): 2nd Platoon, C Company, 2nd Battalion
SFC Mirage Celestica (31): 2nd Platoon, C Company, 2nd Battalion
SSG Fabien Sostra (27): 1st Platoon, C Company, 2nd Battalion

5th Aviation Regiment (Vale Army)
SSG Craylon Sif (30): 1st Platoon, B Company, 1st Battalion

11th Aviation Regiment (Vale Army)
CW3 Nireen Harker (38): 2nd Platoon, A Company, 3rd Battalion

1st Infantry Division (Vale Army)
1st Battalion, 1st Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Brigade Combat Team
SPC Sarah Mattock (23): 3rd Squad, 2nd Platoon, A Company
SPC Raymond Archibald (23): 1st Squad, 1st Platoon, C Company
3rd Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Brigade Combat Team
PFC Phal Moresby (22): 1st Squad, 2nd Platoon, B Company

5th Infantry Division (Vale Army)
2nd Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment, 8th Infantry Brigade Combat Team
SGT Charlie Schwarz (27): 2nd Squad, 3rd Platoon, B Company
PFC Mox Shen (20): 1st Squad, 3rd Platoon, B Company

2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade (Vale Marines)
3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment
LCPL Dennis Scarborough (21): 3rd Squad, 1st Platoon, A Company

Atlas Academy (Atlesian Students)
Omar Grigio (18): Team OPAL, Strike Team HART
Leslie Hauptmann (17): Team NOBL, Strike Team INDG
Bentley Marionette (17): Team NOBL, Strike Team INDG
Narinci Mell (20): Team INDG, Strike Team INDG
Qara Mell (17): Team QURZ, Strike Team INDG
Archer Ryse (17): Team WATR, Strike Team HART

Beacon Academy (Valean Students)
Samir Allor (18): Team SAGE, Strike Team SAGE
Ethan Cinereous (19): Team LAKE, Strike Team BRYT
Musera Dawn (17), Team UMBR, Strike Team SAGE
Anthony Dunkel (17): Team CYAN, Strike Team CFVY/JNPR
Oren Goodman (17): Team MOON, Strike Team HEAT
Erwin Hoplite (17): Team BEIJ, Strike Team CFVY/JNPR
Urith Jantress (17): Team UMBR, Strike Team SAGE
Randall Makari (17): Team UMBR, Strike Team SAGE
Solar Ontarion (18): Team SIMR, Strike Team SAGE
Lilith Ral (19): Team MILD, Strike Team HEAT
Isabella Rork (18): Team SIMR, Strike Team SAGE
Begter Selei (17): Team UMBR, Strike Team SAGE
Jasper Stratos (17): Team BEIJ, Strike Team CFVY/JNPR

Haven Academy (Mistralian Students)
Glint Crenshaw (17): Team GHST, Strike Team RAIN
Xanh Ngo (17): Team GLXY, Strike Team RAIN

Shade Academy (Vacuoan Students)
Pluto Donnelly (17): Team HARP, Strike Team MELD

Huntsmen of Vale
Bennett Fleyton (34)