Welcome back to Guarding Vale: A VPD Story.
First of all I'd like to apologize for the particular pacing the Academy Arc has been. It's meant to be a tutorial in a way. Providing some basic background, little tidbits and facts while pushing the plot along with some character development which plays a key role in the main story proper. My chapters aren't as long as I'd like them to be. I'm more of a planner than a writer and typing it all down tires me out.
I plan to make longer chapters once I'm done with the Academy. It'll allow me to be less constricted to the timeline of it all and focus on getting the story moving.
Now time for some replies!
DragonTetho: You could say the theory being used here is that Jaune's long suit comprises 'soft' skills that the Hunter academies (at least, from what we see in canon) seem to give short shrift to. Does Jaune have some shortcomings here? Yes, he does; at least here, however, those get to be actively pointed out and worked on. SWAT, as interesting as that can be (see: the eponymous game series, or the older Rainbow Six titles), is honestly ill-suited for making that point in comparison to the detective track. Or, as you note, plumbing the intended depth of story.
ReDestrobo: I think Junior's explanation to the girls pretty much makes his concerns clear: the more cadets/(future officers and detectives) are around, the more likely it is that one might by pure happenstance stumble onto something.
ReDestrobo: I think Junior's explanation to the girls pretty much makes
Again thank you to Firefly25 for being a huge help in planning things after the Academy. Lots more ideas to come and to work into it so I hope you'll stick around for it!
DISCLAIMER: I do own a limited edition Pumpkin Pete's Cereal Box signed by Pyrrah Nikos, but I do not own the RWBY Franchise, these characters, or any of the references mentioned here.
Credits to Coeur Al'Aran for the information pertaining to Jaune Arc's Background. Man is the GOAT of Arc Fics.
Location: VPD Vehicle Testing and Examination Track (Outside of Vale)
Time: 10:00 AM
Group C had made the jog from campus to the Track through some misty morning weather but the reward was worth it. After being hinted towards during a lesson last week, they were greeted by a Vale Police Cruiser. Black and white with a siren, red lights on top, and with a driver mounted spotlight. All atop the body of a Dartmouth Constable with alloy rims and the loving "Duster" V8.
She served as the main Cruiser and Interceptor for the VPD both in and out of the city. Powerful enough to chase any usual get away vehicle out there and sturdy enough to take a beating if and when needed. A few motorheads in the group seemed to salivate at the car.
With the driver's side opened, Sergeant Moore stood just by the driver's side seat. Motioning everyone to come round and look at the interior. She sat down inside of it while others peered in through the opened windows.
"The Dartmouth Constable, top speed of 110 miles an hours with another officer and equipment stowed in the back. A five speed automatic transmission, power steering, not to mention all the bells and whistles that will keep you all comfortable and warm on stakeouts."
She waved her arms to the center console area and the passenger glove box area.
"Here is your state of the art computer here. Yes it's a laptop but mounting one is easier than building one into the console. Most of your report work, filing, numbers, and other duties can be fulfilled here. Just below is the radio which can be set to the different frequencies On the passenger side is a holster for the shotgun which rests in the trunk of the car. You'll only ever use this when your partner or yourself needs one wherever you're going."
She turned and motioned to the back where a re-enforced plexiglass barrier stood between the front and back seats.
"Tough plexiglass will keep you and any apprehended suspects safe from each other. Doors on that side are also fool proof. When a lever is pulled from the other side, additional locks which keep the doors in place are engaged for safety reasons. In a crash they disengage immediately."
Hopping out she popped the trunk before walking out to the rear of the car. Opening up the trunk fully and showing the interior and equipment spaces.
"None of it is here but you'll have your go backs, rain coats, traffic signalers, etc. Everything you need while on the beat or in an emergency. That, the spare tire, and the shotgun. NOW! Who wants to go through the course with me first?"
The Cadets clamored to get their pick but from the crowd, Moore chose Cardin who had his hand raised.
"Okay Cardin, let's see how you handle the course. Let's see if the work you've all put in over this week has paid off. I've shown you all round and given you all each runthrough in our little passenger car there so this should be alright."
The Group headed off to the sideline benches as they saw Cardin and Moore don helmets before their drive. Some cheering came from the benches as everyone seemed excited for the stalwart City Boy to take the car for a drive.
"Break a leg Cardin!." Cried out Charlie.
"Drift that shit!" Hollered Bernie.
"Do your best and stay safe!" Exclaimed Alice.
The Cadet and Instructor entered the car. Starting it up and driving into the course and stopping at the starting line. Inside Cardin had the layout well enough to not mess up too badly. Moore grabbed her seatbelt and turned to the boy.
"Alright Cadet, whenever you're ready. I'll start the clock."
"Yes, Sir."
"Polk Salad Annie" (Ford v Ferrari remix) by James Burton starts playing.
Cardin seemed to calm himself as he gripped the steering wheel. Pushing down on the accelerator slightly to give the car some gas. Then at a silent count down he pushed the brake pedal in, shifted into drive, and floored it. Heading down the course, accelerating down the straight.
"Speedy start, but let's see how you handle her."
A set of traffic lights came up and cones standing in for a car halted and in his line came up. He quickly changed into the right side lane and proceeded down the course. Making a turn to the left as his rear tires squealed at the pressure. Rubber burning onto the course which was already blackened by previous drivers. The Cadets watched in anticipation as Cardin made the turn onto the second straight. Gritting some teeth but the rest flabbergasted.
Coming into the straight ahead he floored it at Moore's instructions. Up ahead a chicane was laid out and keeping the speed Cardin turned gently and kept the car in control. Tires squealing and suspension rocking from side to side. Steadily passing through the curves before exiting to another left hand turn.
The turn almost came into a drift as the car seemed to oversteer a little. Pulling at the wheel hard he was able to get the car back on course. Coming into a large horse shoe which leads into the final straight before the starting point. Turning hard and kicking that rear out, the Constable pulled through and pushed it down the straight and across the line.
The Cadets cheered loudly at the display. Heading out to the starting area where Cardin was turning about and heading back towards. Coming up to the group, Cardin sounded the horn with a grin. Rolling to a stop as he shut off the car and got out to the cheers of his fellow Cadets.
"Holy shit Cardin, that was incredible! How did you get through the chicane at high speed?" Asked Jaune with a glitter in his eyes.
"Keeping your hands steady on the wheel and turning with each curb helps. Good control helps pull the car through."
"Damn they might put you on Highway patrol with a time like that." Spoke James.
"I'm- We're all glad you made it out alive, Cardin. That oversteer coming out of the second left hand turn was worrying but you pulled through."
Cardin's face seemed to loosen at the thought as he nodded. "Thanks Alice, I'm glad to be alive."
Sergeant Moore came round to the Drivers side with a grin on her face as she went through her clipboard.
"Well Cardin, I think you should be very glad because you've set a smashing time for the board. With one minute.."
The Cadets looked to her with anticipation.
"40"
They were busting at the seams.
"Point five! Cadet Winchester you are now the fastest Cadet in the Constable! Aaaaaand the fourth fastest cadet around our track!
"HOORAAAY!" they all screamed.
They all grabbed Cardin and began to toss him up and down in celebration. Almost looking like some cliche high school flick. Soon they set him down as he took off the helmet with a big smile.
"Thank you, Sir!"
"No need to thank me, Cadet. Also one last thing, I think you'll be glad to know that you've placed just under your Old Man Gods rest his soul. His time was 1:40.1 so consider yourself very well trained."
Cardin seemed to freeze at the mention of his Father. Something clicked within him and he seemed to slump slightly. His huge smile comes down to a more modest one. Nodding in acceptance.
"Good to know, Sir. Now I think it's best if I let someone else take the wheel."
"Right you are, Cadet. Now enjoy a little break by the benches while I set up Mavis here.
Cardin handed the helmet over to her and headed back to the benches. Hands in his pocket as he let himself wander back alone. Though it was short lived after Alice hurried over and joined him on the walk back. The two sit with each other on the far ends of the benches while the rest of the Cadets. Jaune glanced over to the two. Cardin seemed to be dealing with something as Alice listened, though he looked back to the track as he wasn't a weirdo. The two had been fairly close since Group C went to Junior's, but he couldn't figure out the reason why.
But it wasn't the time to think about that sort of stuff. He'd ask later back at the Academy. It was time for him to pray to the Gods that he didn't crash or roll the car over.
WRAP IT UP! Chapter Five is over and boy HOWDY did I have some fun writing it.
I love cars but when it comes to those of yesteryear I adore them. To give some details about the VPD's Police car (a COMPLETE retcon of the ugly looking one from Volume 1). The car is based off of a 1969 Plymouth Belvedere Police Car as used by the LAPD. Despite the whole modern sci-fi/fantasy look to RWBY, I love when that clashes with a piece of Americana (despite my intentions to make Vale seem more like the UK).
Anyways more info to come on info and lore to come! Do pay attention to Alice and Cardin. Something's brewing with that boy.
Stay tuned for more Guarding Vale: A VPD Story.