Chapter 23: Mark Temple Part 2
The Prowler
POV: The Reds and Blues, Teams RWBY and JNPR
Premise: The Reds and Blues endorse the candidate Robyn Hill for a seat on the Atas Council. Carolina reflects on the past...
It was about twilight, as the Prowler flew over the cold icy tundras of Solitas. Remnant's shattered moon hung low in the sky, the northern lights were shining with it.
"Whoa…" Donut muttered, as he looked out the window of the ship, "Beautiful."
"Seems a little Nordic to me." Doc muttered, "Like Norway, Iceland, Denmark, etc."
"Perhaps some red lights would be better, that's my opinion though." O'Malley added
"Makes me want hot chocolate." Grif said from the cockpit
"Ditto." Yang added sitting next to Grif
"I thought you guys already saw the night sky up here?" Weiss questioned them, "I mean, you guys were on Solitas getting dust remember?"
"We were." Tucker replied, "But it was daytime and we didn't even stop at Atlas or Mantle."
"Heard the view is amazing though." Carolina added, "Gonna have to have a look at it once we arrive."
"You know there's a saying where you only see Atlas once in your life." said Weiss
"With our luck, we'll probably see it a billion times." Simmons jokingly replied
Just then, Lopez entered the room, "[Hey guys, we're arriving right now. You might want to see this.]"
The Reds and Blues, and huntsmen all looked at one another before flocking to the cockpit. They all noticed a massive floating city in the clouds, Atlesian airships in the sky too.
"Holy shit…" Wash muttered
"Is this heaven?" Sarge jokingly added
"They don't call Atlas 'the city in the clouds' for nothing." Weiss explained
"Wow! It's amazing!" Ruby shouted with glee
"We have to meet with Robyn in Mantle." said Locus, "Where's that in Atlas?"
An uncomfortable feeling swept across Weiss' face, "You might want to look down."
The Reds and Blues looked down to see a city just underneath Atlas itself. It looked like it was a rundown, steampunk version of the Bronx.
"Whoa." Grif muttered in a less impressed way, "Looks like a dump."
POV Change: City of Mantle
"I always knew there was a divide between Atlas' social class." Simmons muttered as he and his friends all walked through Mantle's alleyways, "I never thought it was physical too."
"You could say that." Weiss replied, "The relationship between Mantle and Atlas has been...strained for a while."
"Hopefully with the reforms and upcoming election, we can steer the two into a better tomorrow." Blake commented
"Yeah well their won't be a tomorrow if Jacques gets on the council." said Wash
"So where are we supposed to find Robyn?" Ruby asked
"According to the intel we gathered." Simmons began, "Robyn is holding a rally in downtown Mantle, that's where we'll announce our endorsement of her."
"What else do we know about Robyn exactly?" Pyrrha questioned, "Why is she trying to get on the council?"
"Before entering politics, Robyn was a huntress-in-training in Atlas." Carolina explained, "She was Mantle-born, which caused a rift with many other students. Robyn managed to graduate at the top of her class, but instead of joining up with the military she returned to Mantle after becoming disillusioned with the government. She leads a group of huntsmen called the Happy Huntresses, they act as heroes for Mantle."
"Hometown hero." Tucker muttered, "Nice."
"Well let's keep it that way." Carolina replied, "Robyn's latest actions have started to border on vigilantism, and criminality. If we don't get her on the Council, who knows what she'll do next."
"Then we better not screw it up." Sarge quipped
The group continued travelling through the alleyways. But it wasn't until they heard alarms going off.
"Uh oh." Donut muttered
"That doesn't sound good." Doc added
O'Malley then spoke up, "No shit asshole."
"Come on!" Wash shouted before running off towards the street, with his friends following suit. Once the group arrived at the streets however, all they found were the decaying corpses of Grimm.
Locus knelt down to examine on of the creatures, "Saybrs."
"What did this?" Blake asked
"Had to be huntsmen." said Sarge, "Only they could do this."
Wash knelt down and examined the sight, "You're right. But this was a coordinated attack, some sort of military tactic. I count four maybe five at least."
"Look at the ground." Pyrrha added, "Looks scourged."
"Weathered." Weiss corrected her, "Someone really fast."
"I think I know who did this." Tucker announced, catching everyone's attention
"Who?" Donut asked him
Tucker looked at Jaune, "Jaune...duck...Now!
Jaune did just that, and a weird rope came hurling at the Blood Gulch Crew.
"SCATTER!" Simmons shouted
The Reds and Blues all jumped out of the rope's range, before Carolina took out her grapple hook and fired it in the direction the rope came from. The ex-freelancer pulled the grappled back and managed to bring a figure with it. It was a man with brown hair in a white uniform.
As Carolina pulled him towards the Blood Gulch Crew, Tucker stepped up and punched him right in the face, knocking him down.
"Stop!" Wash shouted before looking down at the man, "Dammit Clover!"
The now-identified Clover realized who he was attacking, "Wash?"
Wash sighed as he helped Clover to his feet, "Before you talk, could please get your from shooting Grif's balls off?"
Grif checked his crotch before turning to see the rest of the Ace-Ops standing behind him, "I guess we got the Atlas welcoming committee."
POV Change: Streets of Mantle
"...We tracked your vessel heading towards Atlas." Clover explained, as they all walked through the streets of Mantle, "Right before you managed to cloak it somehow."
"Yeah, we don't like getting parking tickets for our ship." Sarge said to him, "Explains why haven't it yet."
"I thought Ironwood warned the Council about us coming here?" Yang questioned
"He did." Vine replied, "But they did not care. We are under their command."
"Not Ironwoods?" Nora muttered
"They forced him to hand us over to them apparently." Marrow added, "Been kinda boring, at least until you guys came here."
"Why didn't Ironwood tell us?" Tucker asked
"Apparently, the council told him not to." Elm explained, "Probably 'cause they don't like you. But if I may ask, why are you guys here?"
The groups stopped walking and Grif spoke up, "We're looking for Robyn Hill."
Elm looked at them surprised, "Robyn Hill? The activist? Should've known."
Harriet then gazed over at RWBY and JNPR before speaking, "They're new. Seems like you've been busy recruiting children rather than hiring on the real deal."
Simmons sighed loudly, while RWBY and JNPR looked at one another confused.
"Here we go." O'Malley muttered
"We told you guys, that you weren't ready." Doc said to them, "Deal with it."
Cover then intervened, "He's right, we'll take you to Robyn."
The group walked through the streets of Mantle until they stopped at a large meeting hall. A banner that read 'Hill for Hire' was hanging just above the door.
"Her rally hasn't begun yet, which could give you sometime to talk with her." Clover explained
"Alright, thanks man." Tucker replied
POV Change: Robyn Hill
Robyn Hill always knew what she got herself into upon announcing her running for a seat on the Atlas Council. New stories, interviews, etc. But she could handle autographs at all.
"Geez." Robyn muttered almost laughing, "That was tough."
"You look like you handled yourself." Fiona Thyme assured her, "Besides that was the last one for the night."
Robyn sighed with relief, "Thank god, if there was one more autograph I had to sign. I don't think I could've gotten on the Council."
"Oh, don't say that." May Marigold said to her, "You've been working for this for a long time. We're so close."
The group of ladies then heard footsteps heading in their direction and noticed none other than Marrow Amin.
"You gotta be kidding me." Joanna Greenleaf muttered
"Ladies." Marrow said to them, "Long time no see."
May immediately help her weapon up at the dog faunus, who then held his hands up in defense.
"Hey hey hey, watch it." he muttered
Robyn then spoke up, "May, put your weapon down. Marrow what a surprise, what brings you down here to Mantle?"
"Someone wants to see you." Marrow replied, "About the election."
May scoffed, "Ironwood?"
"Actually no." he said, "Someone else."
Marrow then walked off, with a group of interested Happy Huntresses following suit. They walked down a hallway and noticed Clover standing next to a door.
"Robyn, always good to see you." Clover said
"Clover, still a pleasure as always." Robyn replied
"They're inside, shouldn't take too long." Clover added while gesturing to the door, "They're big fans."
The door then suddenly opened and Robyn and the huntress all went in. To their surprise, stood the Reds and Blues, with them were eight additional members, and the rest of the Ace-Ops.
"Robyn." Tucker said to her, "Finally we get to meet, after all this time."
"Captain Tucker." Robyn muttered, "I'm flattered, didn't know you big fans."
"Well, I won't say fans…" Grif muttered, only for Donut to cut him off.
"We are big fans!" Donut said to her, "Just trying to be polite."
Robyn chuckled, "Well, it's nice to be recognized."
May was a bit more suspicious, "What are you doing here exactly? I thought Ironwood's puppets were all in Vale?"
"Excuse her." Robyn, "She's just curious."
Sarge, "We're here in Mantle to endorse you lil-missy!"
Robyn was quite surprised at this, "Me? But-uh really?"
"Well, Do you accept or not?" Simmons asked her
Robyn turned to her huntresses for advice. May frowned and shook her head, Joanna just shrugged, and Fiona gave her a thumbs up smiling.
Robyn then turned back to the Reds and Blues smiling, "Alright, hope you fellas don't have stage fright. I accept your endorsement."
POV Change: Rally Building
The rally had finally begun, and various citizens of Mantle who supported Robyn were staging in the building. They held signs, posters, banners, even attire that showed their allegiance to Mantle's ambitious activist. On the stage were May and Joanna acting as guards, while Fiona and Robyn were backstage waiting to begin. A holoscreen was displayed as well with images of Robyn and Jacques Schnee, along with their overall percentage ratings. With Robyn at 59% and Jacques at 42%.
After waiting a few more minutes, Fiona walked onto the stage with a microphone, she tapped on it slightly, only for feedback to come out.
"Ha-ha, well, that worked." she chuckled before speaking, "I want to thank everyone for going to the polls today. This is Mantle's moment. I know that, like me, you're all thrilled that we chose Robyn as our voice in Atlas. No one has fought harder for Mantle than she has. And…I know Robyn will continue that fight on the Council. Will you share a few words?"
Robyn proceeded to walk onto the stage, and Fiona gave her the microphone. Robyn's ratings were now 60%, while Jacques' moved to 45%. The crowd started to chant Robyn's name.
"I've never been much for public speaking, probably wasn't my best idea ever to go into politics." Robyn jokingly said to the crowd, "Thank you so much, everyone, for choosing me. You said you believe in me. But I'm the one who believes in all of you. You've proven to me that as individuals, we are strong. But together, we're unstoppable. So no matter what happens tonight, win or lose, we will continue to fight for our city, because it is this city that brings us together. And now, we have the backing of some very special people. Could you come on stage please?"
Wash, Sarge, and Tucker all walked on stage, causing the crowd to roar in astonishment and excitement.
"What up Mantle!" Tucker shouted, "The Reds and Blues are here! Being of sound, mind, and body, we announce our support for Robyn Hill on the Atlas Council! We know that she'll do what's right for the people of Mantle and Atlas and ensure their safety!"
The crowd shouted even more, chanting either 'Robyn' or 'RvB' in support. Joanna then put her hand on Robyn's shoulder.
"Don't worry, its in the bag." she said to her
Robyn smiled back, but couldn't help but frown and looked at the screen in the back. The polls now showed Robyn at 62% and Jacques at 58%. Robyn then nervously sighed.
'I hope this works.' she said to herself
POV Change: Ruby Rose
Ruby was standing on the roof of the building. While Tucker, Sarge, and Wash were announcing their support for Robyn, the rest of the Reds and Blues were off acting as security. Just in case someone or something tried to cause trouble. She sighed quietly, hoping to get inside soon. As she turned to leave, she felt a gust of wind pass by her, catching her off guard.
"Huh?" Ruby muttered, taking out Crescent Rose in defense, "Is anyone there? Grif are you pulling a prank on me!? "Cause the last one wasn't funny!"
The gust of wind returned yet again, this time something hit her knocking her to the ground. Ruby used her semblance to see what was attacking her. Turns out, it was Harriet. Ruby ran after her but the Ace-Op hit her again, causing Ruby to stumble slightly. Harriet then started Ruby down, glaring at her.
"Harriet, what are you doing?" Ruby asked her
Harriet just sneered, "What do they see in you?"
"See what?" Ruby questioned
"How could they choose children over the best in Atlas!?" Harriet shouted, "We've succeeded in over 100 combat missions all over Solitas! Yet they choose school dropouts!"
Suddenly, Harriet was hit from the side by another fast object. That object turned out to be Carolina. Who then flung an Aura restraint onto her.
"And stay down." Carolina said to her before going over to Ruby, "You ok Ruby?"
"I'm good." Ruby replied, "She just attacked me."
"Eh she's wasn't the only one." O'Malley announced, as he, Locus, and Caboose all showed up. They held Vine and Elm at gunpoint with the three Ace-Ops all in aura restraints. Behind them were Weiss, Jaune, and Pyrrha.
"They tried to do the same." Pyrrha explained
"A coordinated attack." Locus added, "Impressive but ineffective to say the least."
"You guys good?" Ruby asked them
"We're fine." Doc replied, "But I think it's time for us to have a little talk."
"Indeed." Carolina muttered, while glaring at Harriet, "Caboose, stay with Ruby. The rest of us will get some answers."
"Ok." Caboose replied
Carolina proceeded to grab Harriet before walking back to the room where the Reds and Blues had met Robyn earlier. Clover and Marrow were inside, glaring at their teammates.
"What were you guys thinking?" Clover demanded
"Yeah, what gives!?" Marrow added, "The Reds and Blues are on our side!"
"Marrow, you should understand what we did." Elm retorted, only to be punched in the head by O'Malley.
"I'd your mouth If I were you bitch." O'Malley threatened her
"Or what?" Elm shot back, only for the maniac to hold up both his rocket launcher and Elm's weapon Timber right at her.
"Or I shall give you a taste of oblivion!" O'Malley shouted, "Hahahahha, and tastes horrible!"
"I'd listen to him if I were you." Doc added
"Ok enough." Clover spoke up, "Frank, could you please let Elm and the others go please."
"Fine." O'Malley groaned as he let the Ace-Ops go, "Never get to have fun."
Harriet then glared at Marrow, "Marrow, for once in your life, could at least open your eyes and see the big picture? How could children choose us?"
Marrow sighed, "First off, I have eyes, and I know what you did was wrong Harriet. But...I am a little as to why you haven't recruited us."
"Marrow's right." Clover added, "We accept that you didn't recruit us. But should at least know why, that way we can improve ourselves."
"Carolina looked away before looking up and speaking, "Doc, Locus. Leave us."
The duo looked at one another before leaving the room. Carolina then looked at the Ace-Ops.
"Let me ask you all a question." she began, "Are all of you...friends?"
The Ace-Ops, mainly Harriet, Elm, and Vine all looked at one another in confusion.
"What the hell does that have to do with anything?" Harriet questioned
"Just answer the question." Carolina growled
"Hey, this ain't the schoolyard." Elm protested
"That doesn't answer my question. Yes or no. Are. You. All. Friends?" Carolina repeated
Vine then spoke up, "No...no we are not."
"We get along well enough, sure. I count on them to keep me alive. They do the same." Harriet added, "But that's the job. We don't confuse the two."
Carolina snorted, "There. That is why."
"What?" Marrow muttered
"That's why we won't recruit you." Carolina explained
"Seriously!?" Elm shouted, "That is the dumbest thing I have ever heard!"
"Elm." Clover barked at her before looking at Carolina, "Go on."
Carolina sighed, "The Reds and Blues and weren't the first team I've been on. Long ago, I was part of a secret organization led by my own father. He called it Project Freelancer, it was his most ambitious idea: creating a super soldier partnered with an AI. 50 candidates were chosen, most didn't survive, others quit, the rest...were my team. There was North our sniper, South our loudmouth, Wyoming our recon, Maine the brute, York our infiltrator, C.T. the quiet one, Wash our marksman, and then Tex, she...well...she was different. My dad, the director, said that the first to show the best skills on the battlefield would receive the AI. It was that order that broke us apart. I thought I had friends, a team with the best training, the best equipment, and despite everything that they had that made them the best, they still lied, and stole, and tore each other to pieces! When the dust cleared, when it was over, and the project was gone...they were too. Took it to their graves, dad too. Wash and I survived, I thought of it as penance, for not seeing the bigger picture. I didn't trust anyone, not even myself. But then...I met the Reds and Blues, and they took me in as one of their own. I found a place where I belong...Sarge, told me this once when we compared us to the Freelancer program: 'Oh sure, you've got all your smart plans, and your fancy technology, and your advanced training, but, in the end, what has that gotcha? Without a team you can count on and your fellow soldier by your side, all that doesn't really amount to squat, now does it'? He's right, and that's what keeps us whole. Our unity makes us one true team. Our faith, our honor, and valor in one another. If you were to accept one another, then you would be part of our coalition."
Carolina then left the room, leaving the Ace-Ops inside.
POV Change: The Prowler
The rally had finally ended, and the Reds and Blue were boarding the Prowler to return to Vale. Wash noticed Carolina arriving.
"Hey, you good?" Wash asked her
"Huh? Yeah, I'm good." Carolina replied, "I just had a reminder about our past."
"The Ace-Ops?" Wash guessed
"They're excellent fighters. But they just need to understand the value of faith and friendship." she said to him, "Kinda like us."
"I'm sure they will." Wash replied, "Come on, let's get outta here. Its frickin' cold here."
The duo then boarded the Prowler and the ship took off leaving Mantle and the Kingdom of Atlas behind. Grif and Yang, who were in the cockpit then noticed something odd in their way: The Atlas air fleet was moving toward them.
"Odd…" Grif muttered, "What's with the air fleet."
The radio then came to life, Prowler this the Atlas air defense fleet. You are ordered to land in Atlas for immediately. You are all under arrest.
"I'm sorry." Grif snorted, "Under whose authorization?"
"Councilmen Schnee." the voice responded
The airships all opened fire on the Prowler, causing Grif to dodge every shot.
"Yikes!" Yang shouted
"Shit!"
Sarge and Tucker then ran up to the cockpit.
"What in Sam Hill is going on!?" Sarge shouted
"The airfleet!" Grif cried, "They've lost it! I'm prepping the slipspace engine!"
"Your entering slipspace in the atmosphere!?" Tucker questioned, "Have you lost your mind!?'
"I'm sorry, YOU GOTTA BETTER IDEA!" Grif shot back
Tucker sighed, "Fine do it."
Grif fired up the engines and a portal opened in front of the Prowler succking it in. The dimensional opening caused a small EMP wave to hit the air fleet, disabling their weapons and damaging them.
On the Prowler, things were calm and tense.
"Is everyone ok?" Wash asked
"We're good." Ruby replied, "What happened?"
"The airfleet." said Yang, "They attacked us. Weiss, your father…"
Weiss looked at her friend, "My father what?"
"...he won the election."