Jaune and his team stood awkwardly as they watched Weiss take RWBY away in a white car. Cutting winds swirled around them as the traffic sped by on the motorway. People walked around them, focusing on their endless phone calls and incessant texts. Nora was happily humming away, swaying her arms and glancing all around her in her usual way.
"So… what do we do now?" asked Nora.
Jaune shrugged, "Honestly, I thought Weiss got a car for us too. But I guess not."
"It can't be that hard," said Pyrrha walking to the console, "Let's see."
The interface displayed the logo of Atlas Automotive then turned into a long list of cars, prices, and destinations. Pyrrha clicked at random. Maps and routes flashed with times and other points of interest.
Ren peered over her shoulder, "How exactly are we going to pay for this?"
"That's a good point," said Pyrrha, "Any other ideas?"
"Hey there, you need a ride around the city?"
A woman with plump red lips and red nails walked up to them. She wore an argyle shirt and khaki trousers. A flat cap covered half of her face in shadows.
"I'll give you a bargain. Half the rate of your standard cab, and to every place in Atlas. You won't even have to pay for petrol. What do you say?"
Jaune started pushing Pyrrha toward the elevator, "We're fine thanks. We can walk to where we need to get to. Heh, heh, heh. Have a nice day."
"But that seems like a great deal!" said Nora.
Ren grabbed her hand and pulled her away, "Come on, Nora."
"Alright, alright," said the girl, "Well if you ever change your find, just find me."
"Dammit, Lizzie! That's the third one today!"
A bald man dressed in a brown jacket and jeans stepped around the corner.
"Sorry, Bill. I just don't know what keeps them away."
"Your appearance for one. Being a cabbie is all about appearance and friendliness. You got the second, gotta work on the first."
"What's wrong with the way I look?"
"Your flat cap for one. Screams shady. Go on and fix yerself up, then watch me bag the next one."
JNPR stood in the elevator descending every floor to reach the lower levels. Only the nondescript elevator music. Several long minutes passed when they finally reached the bottom. The floor was illuminated with a sick white fluorescent light. The same type that plagues hospitals.
The street was cast in shadows. Street lights flickered with the neon signs. Litter and garbage blew in the foul air. The clean colours of the mid and upper levels had faded into dull, rusty browns and greys. A few small stands lined the streets peddling hot, cheap, greasy food which people were more than happy to purchase. People on this level were dressed plainly, often in clothes covered in grease, oil, and filth.
"Stay on guard everyone," said Pyrrha.
"Don't have to tell me twice," said Jaune, "What kind of classes are we supposed to have here?"
"I suspect it will be like our last assignment," said Ren, "Shall we head back up?"
"No," said Pyrrha, "If our assignments are here we should get some familiarity with the area."
Jaune nodded, "Makes sense. Let's make it quick though."
The team stepped out of the lobby onto the filthy streets. Their hands constantly touched their weapons. People on the streets gave them a glance then returned to their own business, completely disinterested in the visitors.
"Hey there!"
"Not another one," muttered Jaune.
A small man dressed in overalls and a red plaid flannel shirt walked up to them with a spring in his step and a big smile. He was half the size of Jaune but broader. A thick black beard and moustache practically covered his face. Little red beady eyes shone out from the thick bush.
"Hey there, midtowners," he said enthusiastically, "What brings you guys down here?"
"Just exploring," said Pyrrha walking away.
"I know some pretty neat places if you're just wanderin'. So what do ya'll do? Office men? Retailers? Public service?"
"We're hunters," said Pyrrha.
"Hunters, eh? That's dangerous work. More dangerous than us blue collar boys and girls. Anyone lookin' out for ya when you're out and about workin'?"
"Just each other," said Jaune.
"Alright, alright. But what about when you get injured? Lost limbs, blind in an eye, PTSD. That sort of stuff."
"I guess the doctors take care of us there."
"And them doctors do it for free?"
"No, don't think so."
"On the cheap then."
Jaune shook his head.
"Naw, naw, naw, that just ain't right. Ya'll do good work, you need some of them benefits. What about them wages, ya'll get paid regularly right?"
Jaune looked at his friends, "I don't think we get paid at all actually. Not yet anyway."
"Terrible, terrible. TRBL, terrible," he snapped his fingers, "You know what you need? A union. That's right a union. All of us working people standing together for our rights against the greedy bastards in management."
As soon as the word 'union' passed over his lips, the people started to listen. Several more people joined the little man with more pamphlets in hand. Each of them began advocating their particular group over the others. The promised everything and then some to try to get the novice hunters to consider joining. JNPR politely refused over and over and over again, but the representatives just kept pressing. The conversation escalated into soap boxing and denouncing the evil corporations on the upper levels.
Jaune pushed his way through the crowd with the team behind him. As he pushed and shoved a white spot caught his eye. A man dressed in black with a white mask etched with red lines walked nonchalantly into an alley.
"White Fang?" said Jaune.
"What was that?" strained Pyrrha as she got through the last of the line.
"I thought I just saw a White Fang mask."
"Where?" Pyrrha jumped in front of him, "Where did he go?"
Jaune pointed, "Down that alley. But I might have just been seeing things."
"I don't think this is coincidence," said Ren, "If we're working down here, it may have to do with the White Fang. Other criminal groups may also be on our task list."
"Is it really a good idea to pick a fight with the White Fang?" asked Jaune pushing back another union rep.
"We'll be fine. Worst comes to worst, we'll break their legs," said Nora.
Ren sighed at his friend.
"We don't necessarily have to fight," said Pyrrha, "We'll keep a safe distance and observe."
"Right," said Jaune, "Okay, yeah. That works. But what about these union guys. They're really keen to get us to join."
"Everyone! Everyone!" shouted Nora, "We think a union for hunters is a great idea. We'll speak to others on the upper level and start one up. Good work and you'll hear from us soon. Our people will call your people."
"Thank you. Thank you," said the little man, "Hey you there! You ever think about joining a union?"
The crowd immediately started running to harass another unsuspecting mid-level visitor. Their prey was swallowed by the tide of people. Never to be heard from again.
JNPR snuck up to the alley and lurked in the thick shadows. The White Fang scurried around the maze of alleys and streets like a rat. The flickering lights showed her fair bust and soft hands. She peeked over her shoulder regularly and paused to watch the shadows. Her yellow eyes pierced the dark veil. JNPR took cover behind walls and dumpsters and debris. The White Fang turned and continued. Her steps became rapid. In a moment she began to run.
"She's getting away," whispered Pyrrha.
Ren grabbed her arm, "Relax. There is a trail."
Ren pointed to the disturbed garbage in the alley. The sound of her rapid steps echoed in the concrete maze. They were led to a small, rundown, restaurant that specialized in serving noodles in a thick greasy broth. The chipped wooden tables had a bird cage as its centrepiece. Chirps, tweets, and squawks nearly drowned out any conversation. The White Fang woman took her seat at a table with two men dressed in cheap suits and ties. Jaune and the team crept up to the doors and snuck into the restaurant. They took a table far behind their target's, and covered in shadows and birds. There were a few other patrons enjoying their meal but, like the rest of the level, did not seem to care who came and went.
"And the last one arrives," said a fat man.
"I had to make sure I wasn't followed."
"Why? The law rarely comes down here," said a bald man.
"Hunters," said the White Fang, "They are always lurking."
The fat man scoffed, "Why would they come here? There are no elite corporate dogs. No offense."
"None taken, Mr. Smith," said the White Fang, "Shall we get to business?"
"Yes let us," said Mr. Smith, "Mr. Johnson, what is this about?"
"The White Fang would like to join the unions, so to speak," said Mr. Johnson, "They want us to step up our campaign for Faunus rights in the work place."
"We do that already."
"You don't do enough," said the White Fang, "For all you efforts and strikes, Faunus workers are still relegated to the lowest rungs on the ladder. Dangerous work and low wages is all we can expect."
"Corporate laws cannot be broken," said Mr. Smith, "At best we can hope to have them changed, but change takes time and negotiation."
"And we cannot just appear to benefit a single group of people," said Mr. Johnson, "The unions represent all workers, not just humans and not just Faunus."
"Then we should create a union just for the Faunus and just for humans," said the White Fang, "We must focus on advancing our own issues if we are to be effective."
Mr. Johnson burst out laughing, "Then why doesn't the White Fang become a union on its own? Beg, barter, and steal your rights on you own."
"We do, with blood, sweat, and tears. But we cannot do it alone. Not anymore. We need allies."
Mr. Smith cracked a devilish smile, "Allies help each other do they not? How exactly can the White Fang help the unions?"
"We can help you fight back."
"We are defended by the law. Police and military dare not touch us."
"But the corporations can. We have seen their security forces seize your members and leaders. They are raiding your headquarters as they speak. This is why we have been forced down into the depths of the city instead of the higher levels were you are so accustomed."
"But if they know you are defending us –"
"Discretion is our guarantee."
"And I suppose those large attacks plastered across the papers and news reels are signatures of your discretion."
"Those serve to benefit us. Many more operations have begun and ended without as much as a rumour," the White Fang snapped her finger, "Like so."
Five patrons stood up from their seats and donned white masks. Pistols and daggers emerged from beneath their clothing. Civilians stepped back, careful not to make sudden movements. Jaune grabbed Pyrrha's arm and kept her from rushing in. Mr. Johnson nearly choked on his noodles.
"And on my word you can find yourselves taking the big sleep. And the world will be none the wiser."
Mr. Smith smirked, "If I didn't know better, I'd say you were trying to coerce us."
"Perhaps."
Hi sighed, "Well you have made a compelling case. We shall see what we can do. You can present your agenda to the annual meeting at the end of the month."
"It will suffice," she offered her hand, "Are we in agreement, Mr. Johnson?"
He coughed up his meal, "Aye, we are in agreement."
Their two hands clasped.
"Everyone get down!"
A table flipped. Cages crashed into the ground. Shots rang out. A pair of White Fang enforcers fell over, riddled with holes, as they reached for their pistols. The others dove for cover and started firing in every direction. The union leaders and the White Fang representative hid behind their table. JNPR threw their table into the air, leaped and bounded across the dining area, and dove behind the main counter for cover.
"Who's shooting? Who's shooting?" asked Jaune in a panic.
"Everyone," said Nora.
Ren drew his machine pistols and peeked over the counter. A shot gun fired. The blast of shot forced Ren back down. Rapid fire raked over the counter and riddled the room with bullets.
"What's the call?" asked Ren.
"Whatever this is, is their problem," said Jaune, "We need to get out of here. Pyrrha, we'll shield Ren and Nora."
"Got it."
Jaune expanded his shield. Pyrrha pulled hers over her back. The four stacked up at the edge of the counter. The sounds of gunfire devolved into a shouts and yells and clashing metal.
"On three. One… two… three!"
Jaune and Pyrrha raised their shields. Stray bullets bounced off the heavy metal. Ren reached for the door. The door burst open. Men in white masks with long swords and guns rushed through the door. Two swords came slashing down. Jaune raised his shield. A bronze spear thrust forward. A blinding flash and the room turned black as the abyss.
Jaune drew his sword and slashed at random. The steel blade clanged against something hard. Purple bursts flashed in the room with thunderous booms. Shields rattled and gonged. Shouts amid the chaos was the only way to tell friend from foe. Lighting arced across the room, shouts and screams vibrated. Jaune's sword sliced into something soft and forced its way through something hard. A blunt strike against his back threw him forward into the wall. Ren's guns flashed and rattled. He could hear Nora's heavy hammer swing through the air. The gong of Pyrrha's shield was unmistakable.
"Stay down! Stay down!"
"Linda, put the lights back on."
"Roger."
A bolt shot out from the darkness and sparked against the ceiling. The lights flashed back on. JNPR had been scattered around the room with goons and enforcers at their feet. The union representatives were laying on the ground with hands behind their heads. The White Fang stood in the centre of the room with a knife and revolver. Across the room four people, two men and two women, were poised to attack.
"Who the hell are you four?" asked one of the men.
The one asking was a short man, like the unionist they met when they first arrived. Half of his black hair was shaved off, replaced by circuit boards and gadgets. Red and blue lights alternated across his skull. He wore a long grey trench coat and heavy black trousers. Small armour plates made creases in his grey shirt and fingerless gloves. The sleek black shotgun aimed directly at Jaune's chest.
"Nice and easy, everyone," said Jaune, "There's no need to be hostile."
"Don't take a step! Hold it!" shouted the second man.
He was broad and husky. His brown hair was unkempt, messy and greasy. A pair of thick goggles with black lenses hid his eyes. Scabbards clasped onto his heavy brown boots. Blood and oil stained his worn denim jeans. His girth was hidden by a thick, red turtleneck sweater. The long, dull bayonet on his heavy assault rifle threatened the tip of Pyrrha's spear.
"Are they with you?" asked the woman to the unionists.
"N-n-n-no!" said Mr. Smith, "We have no idea –"
"They're with me" said the White Fang, "They're with me!"
Pyrrha shot a hard look at the White Fang, "No we're not we're –"
A bolt sparked at her feet.
"Not a step," said the woman, "Not a step."
She readied a pair of long leaf shaped blades against Ren's daggers. The blades were on the ends of a black poles, roughly three feet long. Her long soft legs ran up from red runners and into a pair of tight white shorts. A purple sleeveless shirt ended just above the midriff. Cybernetic enhancements broke through her skin like armoured scales. Her eyes were an orange burst of colour surrounded by a bright green iris. The woman dyed her hair in neon blue and let it flow freely. Electricity crackled up and down the metal blade.
"Easy there, Linda," said the other woman, "These don't look like ordinary enforcers."
"We're not enforcers!" protested Pyrrha, ""We're –"
"Be quiet," said the woman.
She was the most pretentiously dressed in a white suit with black pin stripes. Her red eyes stayed fixed on Jaune. Long, wavy hazel hair put into a bob style was slightly singed from the fight. Her make up made it seem she hailed from aristocracy. Her high heeled shoes were an odd trick. The tall heel had sharp, steel edges making it a four sided dagger. Numbers and letters scrolled across her glasses. Vambraces, disguised as an elaborate piece of jewelry with flowing fabric tails, concealed several small barrels around her arms. The fabric tails ran from the vambraces to the middle of her back. A subtle whirring sound emanated from her.
"By order of the Atlas National Police, in conjunction with the Corporate Legal Enforcement Corp, you are under arrest," declared the first man, "Put your hands on your head and get on your knees."
"What are the charges?" demanded Mr. Johnson.
"Conspiracy to commit acts of terror, collusion with a known terrorist organization, disruption of the corporate peace."
The second man pricked the White Fang, "Try something. Give me a reason."
The White Fang scanned the room, "Shit."
She took off her mask to reveal her white, reptilian eyes. Small green scales were like freckles on her cheeks. The terrorist put her hands behind her head and surrendered.
"Now you four. Get down. Now!"
"We're not with them," said Nora, "We're from Beacon Academy, on exchange."
"Siri, can you confirm?" asked the short man.
"What do you need to confirm?" Pyrrha shouted and stepped forward, "We're not Fuanus, we can't be with –"
The shotgun fired. Its flechettes flew across Pyrrha's chest forcing her back. Nora swung her hammer in response. An arc of lightning surged from the pair of spears. Nora's mighty hammer sucked in the power. Purple sparks flew around her. Ren slashed the spear, skewing the arc. The bolts crashed above them. The lights flickered and flashed. The assault rifle let out a rain of bullets. Ren rolled and ran to dodge. Jaune raised his shield. The bullets splashed against the metal, sounding like pebbles hitting sheet metal. The White Fang took advantage of the chaos. She through a small orb high into the spray of sparks. The orb burst, releasing a dense cloud of choking smoke. Everyone disengaged, coughing and hacking as they ran out of the cloud.
"Don't move! Don't' move!"
Jaune grabbed the nearest person and pulled. The red eyed girl bumped into his chest. In his surprise Jaune raised his sword. The striped of her suit glowed red. The long tails connecting the suit to the vambraces began to shine. Jaune kicked her away. Flame flew from her wrists. Orange tongues licked at his armour. Nora's hammer swung randomly throwing Jaune forward. He barrelled into the lady knocking her into the ground. Before she could recover, Jaune grabbed her arms and pinned her to the ground.
"We're not with them!" he shouted.
Her glasses scrolled with text. A small image flashed across the glass. The door slammed.
"She's getting away."
"Rayner, Vincent, go after her!" ordered Linda.
"Get out of here team!" shouted Jaune.
"Wait," said the pinned woman.
JNPR bolted out of the restaurant, shoving past the armed men. Outside the streets were clear. Nearby shops had closed their metal shutters and doused their neon signs. The two men cursed. The White Fang had escaped.
"You four!" they shouted aiming their guns, "Surrender!"
Lighting crashed around the JNPR. Linda walked menacingly toward them. Lighting arced between the tips of her spears.
"I'll take her," said Pyrrha, "You three take those two."
"Got it," said Ren.
"Holler if you need us," Jaune raised his shield.
Nora smiled, "Let's break some legs."
"Charge!"
"Hold it!"
A stream of fire cut between the combatants. The white suited woman walked out of the smoke, surrounded by dancing embers. Her eyes burned furiously, shifting between yellow, orange, and red just the tongues of fire.
"Siri, what –"
"They are who they say they are. The databases confirm it. No criminal record, no questionable associations, and a few accomplishments under their belt. They're from Beacon, just like they said," she bowed her head, "I believe they are our partners for the foreseeable future."
"What the hell," said Vincent, "The boss didn't say we were getting support. If we know this wouldn't have botched up. The hell were you doing down here?"
"General Ironwood advised us to explore the lower levels," said Jaune, "He said most of our missions would be here."
"All brawn and no brains," mumbled Linda, "He sent you without letting you know we were down here?"
Ren nodded.
"God damn. Hey! Hold it you two, you're under arrest," shouted Rayner.
The union leaders were crawling out of the restaurant, praying that they wouldn't be noticed. Rayner stepped on the back of Mr. Smith and pressed barrel of his gun square against his back. Mr. Smith gave up and put his hand behind his head. Siri's glasses flashed and sirens screamed in the distance.
"They'll be dealt with shortly," said Siri.
"Good," said Linda, "Now who exactly are you people?"
"Jaune Arc, Lie Ren, Nora Valkyrie, and Pyrrha Nikos," said Siri, "Unless my data is mistaken."
"No, you're right," said Jaune, "How did you?"
Siri tapped the side of her glasses, "Come now, we have other business to attend to."
"She ran down this way," said Nora.
Siri let out a frustrated sigh, "She'll go to ground. It'll be hell in a handbasket to root her our again but we have her conspirators. This should be enough to deter others. The business I refer to is the mission from General Ironwood. Please. Let's head back to the high levels."
"Everyone! Everyone!" a worker came running down the street, "Schnee Dust Company is making an announcement! Schnee is making and announcement!"
"You're drunk! Go home!" shouted a vendor.
"No, it's true. They're finally responding to the Faunus protest! Turn on your sets! Hurry! Hurry!"
"Are you serious?" said Vincent, "Hey, vendor! You got a radio or T.V. in there?"
"Yeah, what's it to ya?"
"Turn it on."
"Alright, alright," he said, "Step on in."
Weiss took a deep breath. Her father had disappeared behind the thick, imposing wooden doors of the board room. The roaring tide of people waited beyond the glass door. They threw stones and debris at the company building. Security forces were getting increasingly agitated. The Faunus protesters and the human security threw racial slurs and insults indiscriminately. Patience was wearing thin. A single spark would ignite the powder keg.
"Why aren't the police doing anything?" asked Blake.
"Corporate Law, Article 55," said Weiss, "At the behest of the CEO, an incident between its workers and the company can be considered an internal affair. Only when the dispute disrupts the safety and security of the state and third parties can the government intervene. Luckily, my father has been able to keep this under wraps for now."
"Then why aren't the security forces shooting?"
"Corporate Law, Article 57, force is not allowed unless the lives of the executives and staff are directly threatened. The mob hasn't attacked, so they can't shoot."
"What a stupid law," said Blake, "That would allow corporations to do whatever they wanted against its workers."
"That's just how it is here."
"We can worry about politics and law later," said Ruby, "Right now, we need to deal with the problem outside the doors. Weiss are you ready for this?"
"As I'll ever be," she let out a breath, "And the press is watching too."
Ruby put her hand on Weiss' shoulder. Her soft smile eased Weiss' heart.
"I'll be right out there with you," said Ruby.
Weiss met Ruby's eyes and smiled, "Right. You're right there with me. Oof!"
Yang playfully smacked Weiss' back, "We're right behind you too. Right, Blake."
Blake nodded and gave an affirmative grunt.
The glass doors opened. Roars ripped through the air. The pungent smell of burning alcohol and petrol greeted Weiss as she stepped out to the plaza. Security personnel had cordoned off a small area. Speakers and megaphones were hastily prepared. Weiss took the microphone from the security chief.
"Faunus rights! Faunus rights! Faunus rights!"
Weiss tapped the microphone. The dull thud echoed in the tight streets and alleys of the immense towers. She cleared her throat. Weiss face appeared on the massive projections around the tower alongside a chart of the Schnee Company stock price. The protesters began to quiet, but the angry murmurings and hisses would never be silenced.
"I am Weiss Schnee," she began firmly, "Daughter of Nicholas Schnee, the CEO of Schnee Dust Company."
"BOO!"
Weiss ignored them, "I understand you have many concerns about the wellbeing of Faunus under our employ. I can assure you that Schnee Dust Company will do everything in its power to remedy the situation. At Schnee Dust Company our employees are our most important resource."
"It's like she's reading a bad PR spiel," Yang whispered to Ruby.
"Then why are we denied our rights! We work twelve hour days, six days a week! We work your damn mines! Accidents claim more Faunus lives then human! You won't even let us unionize!"
"I can promise that we will reform the working hours so that you won't be forced into unreasonable shifts. Safety of our employees is of the upmost importance. These accidents are under investigation and those that are truly responsible will be held accountable. Furthermore, we will ensure that proper equipment and training is provided to prevent future mishaps," Weiss began to sweat, "But these things take time. Changes, no matter how necessary, cannot occur over night. I ask that you be patient and continue to bring up your concerns to management."
"We do you stupid bint! And we've been ignored! To hell with this," shouted a protestor, "Let's force the unions on them! Unionize! Unionize! Unionize!"
"UNIONIZE! UNIONIZE! UNIONIZE!"
"This isn't going well," muttered Yang.
"The unions will not solve your problems. They'll only bog both of us down in needless collective bargaining. Trust us."
"Down with Schnee! Down with Schnee! Down with Schnee!"
"Please listen, we can work something out."
Yang took a step back and put a hand to her chin. It would seem as if she was pondering a solution to the conundrum. Ruby knew better. It was passive, but the stance she took was the same as when she fought. From this position she could throw a hard kick or one-two strike in an instant. The price slipped.
Stones and debris peppered RWBY. Flaming bottles made their way to the front of the crowd. Security forces and police were preparing to pounce on the simmering riot. Weiss grit her teeth and clenched her hands as the situation ran away from her. A lethal red slope grew steeper and steeper as the stock lost value.
She drew her sword, "Stand down and return to your homes! Disobedience will no longer be tolerated! We will use force!"
Molotov cocktails and petrol bombs exploded around her. Tongues of fire flew into the air. Shards of glass sprayed around her. Crescent Rose flashed her steel. Gambol Shroud cocked its chambers. A fire burst around Yang as she prepared for the mob to charge. Icy and frost swirled around Weiss. The tip of her sword pointed at the mob leader. The price was falling, the red arrow flashing beside Weiss' furious face.
"Down with Schnee! Down with Schnee! Down with Schnee!"
BANG!
The security forced fired a volley. Sparks burst at the protesters' feet. The crowd screamed and ducked. The police drew their weapons and took cover behind their cars.
"Retire, Weiss."
Nicholas Schnee stepped out of the building with his entourage. The two executives he was speaking with stood by his sides and two steps back. A squad of droid soldiers protected them. Mr. Schnee walked as if he were a king. His head was held high, his back was straight, chest out, stomach in. Authority and pride emanated from every fibre of his being. Weiss was stunned speechless. All she could do was slink back into her father's shadow and await what was to come. A small blip jumped the stock price.
"I am Nicholas Schnee," he said with a booming voice, "CEO of Schnee Dust Company. The firm has undertaken several new initiatives and I am pleased to announce them to you today."
"Faunus rights!" demanded the crowd.
Nicholas didn't even flinch, "We are pleased to announce that Schee Dust Company has fully acquired Cyberdine Cybernetics, and Astral Automatons, and all their patents and intellectual properties for 750 million universal currency units. These new subsidiaries will be undertaking a brand new initiative, taking Schee Dust Company into the frontier of technological developments and innovation. With Schnee's control of dust extraction and refining, the firm will be in full control of production from top to bottom."
The red line turned green and slowly began to climb.
"How does this help us?"
He ignored the question, "As part of this acquisition, Schnee Dust Company has purchased 500 new labour droids and is slated to purchase many more after the initial test. Never again will man have to work in the depths of our mines. We are striving for full automation! In addition our new mechanical work force will save millions in cost for Schnee Dust Company. And those savings will be passed on to our shareholders."
The price jumped, recovering to the point before Weiss took control. A mere few words from Nicholas had such a profound effect, while Weiss' best efforts amounted to nothing.
"Wait, how does this save money?" Ruby asked Weiss.
"Oh no, he can't mean," said Blake and Weiss.
"Regrettably, this means that our treasured employees at these positions have become redundant and will have to be let go. We wish you the best and hope that you will succeed in your new careers."
The Faunus crowd dropped their signs. Disbelief and tears welled in their eyes as they struggled to come to grips with what had happened. Weiss covered her mouth. Blake was brimming with anger. And as the tragedy unfolded the stock price continued to rise.
"The labour dispute between Schnee Dust Company and its hard labour employees has been resolved. No more Faunus lives will be in danger in the mines."
"You can't do this! You can't take our jobs away!"
The anger of the crowd changed on a dime. Faunus rights had been wiped away and replaced with the prospect of unemployment. The mob began walking toward the building, hurling their fire bombs with every step. Nicholas Schnee stood firm as the fires burst around him. In the glow of the fire a small smirked cracked across his face.
"Attention, attention! You are in violation of Civil and Corporate law edict 673! This assembly is an illegal act! Return to your homes or place of business!"
The police began advancing in line with riot shields and batons. Security forces formed ranks and files like soldiers of old. Fingers touched the trigger. A single word was all that was needed.
"Fire!"
The lines opened up. Bullets whizzed through the air. Sparks erupted around them. Faunus fell to the ground. The rioters broke and fled. The police rolled up the rear. Their batons crashed into body and skull. Protesters were pinned to the ground and bound. Shots flew over the crowd and crashed around the cement. Within minutes the riot had fully dispersed with many under arrest.
"And not a single fatality," Mr. Schnee admired his work, "Excellent work, gentlemen. You may return to your homes. They will not be giving us trouble anymore."
"How could you do that!" demanded Blake, "Those people have rights!"
"Indeed they do, but employment is not one of them," said Mr. Schnee, "If it is of no more use, get rid of it. Now, if you will excuse me, I have more deals to negotiate."
"Wait," said Ruby, "Our access."
Mr. Schnee glared at them, "Our deal was that if you solved this little issue I would consider it. You were an absolute catastrophe. If it hadn't been for my intervention at the critical point the damage to my company may have been permanent. So, no I will no grant you access. Return to wherever you came. Our dealings are done."
Yang crossed her arms, "Somehow I don't think he would have given us what we wanted anyway."
BEEP! BEEP! BEEP!
Yang pulled her phone out. A text message read: 'I heard that'.