"Good evening, Winter," said Mr. Schnee, "Well done on the last assignment. Torchwick is more cooperative than I had thought so it seems we will be ahead of schedule."

"Thank you, daddy," said Winter, "Did you get the memo?"

"Yes," Mr. Schnee pulled out a small piece of paper, "Ahem… tell Old Man Winter that Snow Fairy did very well. Your words dear not mine. And I'm reluctant to agree."

Winter curled her lips, "You read the report too, right?"

"I did," Mr. Schnee, "And according to your report she only disabled the convoy, knocked out the guards, which we had silence to silence later I might add, and was able to talk down this Penny fellow. Not a grand contribution considering you would have been able to do that yourself."

"Daddy, are you doubting what I put on the paper? Have I ever lied to you?"

"No, but you do exaggerate," Mr. Schnee leaned back in his chair, "You and I both know your sister tried too hard and achieves too little."

"Who is exaggerating now?"

Mr. Schnee sighed, "If I leave the company in her hands I doubt it will last the next five years. In your hands… Is there nothing I can do to convince you to become my heir again?"

Winter shook her head happily, "Absolutely nothing at all, daddy. I enjoy being an executive and occasionally an operative but being a CEO and leading the company, the joint board of directors, etcetera, it's just not me. Besides if the shareholders don't want Weiss they'll just vote in someone else."

"Don't joke, Winter. You know I control fifty-five percent of all shares. Fifteen percent are controlled by yourself. Weiss is the legal owner of five percent, but these shares are held by me in trust. Which means I, and I alone, control who succeeds me. And I will not let this company leave the family."

"Yes, of course daddy," Winter sighed, "Will this be all?"

"Not quite. Since you like being an operative I am sending you to Mistral."

"Why?"

"The White Fang have amassed assets and knowledge beyond their capabilities which means they must have a benefactor. It's not in Atlas as I control the corporations, the unions are in disarray after a scandal with the White Fang, and General Ironwood is far, far from capable of such covert actions. Ozpin, for all his reluctance to commit, has kept Vale fairly stable not mention our mutual friend with the funny name and flask. And Vacuo…"

"No need to mention Vacuo. We know what they do. Leaving Mistral the only choice left."

"Precisely. Depart at your leisure, but sooner is better as I may call you back."

"Two assignments? Really?"

"You've handled more. And this second assignment cannot move until Torchwick completes his task anyway so I suspect you have time to get several leads."

"And will Weiss –"

"Of course she will. Not that I like it but I doubt Ozpin and the Regency Council will allow me more assets."

"Then I'll be off. Bye, bye daddy."

"Good night, Winter."

"What do you mean he's missing?" demanded Blake.

"Duh, exactly what is sounds like," said Neptune, "So where is he?"

RWBY gathered around a phone in an empty underground parking lot at Schnee Dust Corporation. Neptune was on the line and he was not pleased. According to his rapid statements Sun Wu Kong had gone missing while infiltrating the White Fang.

"And why would I know where he is?" asked Blake slightly offended at the accusatory tone.

"You were close to him. Maybe he told you something," said Neptune.

"Blake, you said you saw him back on the White Fang sub and he helped you escape right?" said Yang, "Does that help Neptune?"

"A submarine? What the hell was he doing on a submarine?"

"I have no idea," admitted Blake, "But there was something down there that controlled the grimm in the sea."

"And you didn't bother to drag him back up with you?"

"I tried but he said he still had work to do and refused. Neptune, I was in bad shape. Really bad shape. I'm not sure what more I could have done."

Neptune sighed, "Okay did you have any idea where that sub was headed?"

"No, but I'd guess to harass more convoys."

"But there's no telling which one."

"There is one way to find him," said Weiss, "And it's sitting in a lab right here."

"What is she talking about?"

"Torchwick," said Blake, "We captured Torchwick and he's supposed to build a weapon to stop these monsters."

"So we just have to get on the mission when he's done right?" said Ruby, "Easy squeezy lemon peasy. We'll just have Weiss… or Winter talk to their dad."

"And when will this mission be?"

"No idea. Sun will just have to hold out."

"He might not have that long," said Neptune, "Do we really have no other option?"

"Not really," they all said.

Torchwick once again found himself in prison, a pretty prison filled with many electronic toys and gadgets but still a prison. Holograms of the monsters hovered in the centre of the room viciously snapping and attacking nothing. Monitors scrolled lines and lines of data as new designs and schematics were uploaded. Torchwick was busy simulating numerous scenarios and reviewing every engagement and every loss. Depth charges, missiles, cannons, a plethora of weapons each took their turn. Each earned a disappointing sigh from Torchwick.

"Typical of Ironwood," he said, "Pick the one with the biggest bang and hope it works. It's a wonder how he became a general. Don't you think?"

The many guards around the room didn't even blink. Penny simply shrugged and retuned to twiddling her thumbs or swinging her feet. Sometimes both.

"So… this is it huh? Just me, you, all of us trapped in a room under surveillance until I come up with something. Well, since this is better than my cell, I think I'll take my time."

"Torchwick!" hollered RWBY.

"I've suddenly become motivated," he said half sarcastically, "I'm very busy girls. We can fight later."

"We're not here to fight," said Blake.

"Well that's a surprise," muttered Torchwick.

"We're here to help," smiled Ruby.

Torchwick laughed, "Thank you, I needed something to cheer me up."

"We're serious," said Weiss, "You are using Schnee resources and I intend to make sure they are being used properly. Now, how long until you have something that works?"

Torchwick shrugged, "Who can say? It could be tomorrow, next week, maybe next year."

"Bullshit!" cursed Weiss, "Sylph was able to develop a depth charge within a month and it cracked its thick armour."

"And did nothing else," said Torchwick, "Take a look."

The holograms drifted to the centre of the room. The serpent stretched out and slithered. Torchwick dropped one of the depth charges above the monster then beside then below. As the depth charges exploded the armour cracked and buckled. Large chunks flew off and sank. The charge from below did the most damage while the one above inflicted the least. The beast was stripped of armour leaving only its soft boneless body. Torchwick released another volley of charges. The body rippled with the explosion and compressed slightly. When the barrage finished the beast was no worse for wear. The shrapnel flechettes meant to skewer the beast either disintegrated or failed to penetrate deeply, despite its appearance of success.

"It does even less against the squid," Torchwick grinned, "Got to love Atlas over engineering."

"So what's the brilliant plan from you then?" asked Yang.

"Let the great general take care of it," Torchwick leaned back, "I'm sure enough of his desperate bombs will kill them eventually. I can tell you can't tell I'm kidding. Here look at this."

Torchwick brought both beasts above the surface and detonated conventional bombs around them. Their bodies were torn apart like normal. Limbs and blood and blood splattered everywhere, smacking the stone faced guards and covering them in holographic entrails.

"So you want to lift them out of the sea," nodded Yang smugly.

Torchwick looked at the rest of the team with a condescendingly perplexed look.

"Has she always been this stupid?"

Ruby leaned in and whispered, "Would you believe me if I said no?"

"No, no I wouldn't," Torchwick shook his head, "These things aren't as tough as they seem but where they are makes it very difficult. And before we can deal with them we have to kill the command submarine. But we can't use a torpedo because the tentacle one will just grab it and throw it away. So, I need to figure out how to sneak one by, sink the sub, kill the beasts, and come home alive. Do you see how this is a complicated problem?"

"Yes," said Yang.

"You don't count. So, since you're here to help, any 'brilliant ideas'?"

"We could just slice them up," said Ruby, "Crescent Rose was able to get some nice cuts in. Maybe a shredder torpedo!"

"Next?"

"What's wrong with my idea?"

Torchwick pressed a button and conjured a torpedo with a buzz saw head. It was much larger than conventional weapons and horribly slow. The squid was easily able to avoid the sharp head and brought its tentacle down on the backside throwing it off course. Torchwick ran the simulation again and let the torpedo slip past. The submarine lurking behind was more than capable to dodging the slow lumbering weapon regardless of angle of attack.

"So next?"

"Elemental attacks seemed to work," said Weiss, "A barrage of dust depth charges. Perhaps a cluster variety would –"

Torchwick pressed another button. Several depth charges surrounded the beasts glowing with various forms of dust. They burst releasing several smaller bombs which exploded in brilliant displays of fire, ice, and lighting. The area was small and the energy dissipated too quickly in the water. Frozen water quickly melted while fire barely had a chance to light. Lighting, though widespread and bright, was nothing more than an irrigation to the monsters. The submarine dove as soon as it heard the charges and escaped suffering no more than a brief power outage.

Torchwick challenged them for another idea, then another, and another. Each time he brought up a new simulation which yielded the same result. He rolled his eyes and smiled at the amusing waste of time as the girls wracked their brains. Every idea had already been conceived and tested and failed.

"Now, will you please leave?" he asked, "I have much work to do and I also want to get back to my wonderful conversation with my stone faced friends."

The guards shot a stiff glance at Torchwick and quickly returned to their statue forms.

"Wow, that's the most response I've got all day. Penny, if you like you can join them. I'm sure the guards here will be more than adequate to stop me. And if not, our white haired lady will definitely be able to. Not you ice queen."

"Stop calling me that," whined Wiess.

"I can't leave. I have to watch you," Penny hopped off her seat, "But we can talk here if you want girls."

Torchwick pulled a pair of headphones over his ears and kept his attention on the screens. He dismissively waved the back of his hand to show he wasn't listening. How true that was is anyone's guess so RWBY took themselves to the far side of the room. A guard tapped them on the shoulder and led to another place. It was a simple grey room with a coffee machine, table, and six seats. One sided glass looked into the laboratory where Torchwick worked.

"So…" began Penny, "How are all of you?"

"Good…" said Ruby, "How are you?"

"Good…"

"Coffee?" asked Yang.

"Cream and five sugars" said Ruby and Penny.

Penny's eyes widened, "Wow, you like your coffee that way too?"

"Yeah, nice and sweet like me," beamed Ruby, "Say, I've been wondering, why did General Ironwood send you to protect him? Wouldn't… well… real hunters have been better?"

"General Ironwood thought so too, but he said he didn't want to draw too much attention," said Penny without concern, "He also said I was more than enough to handle it."

"Well you did keep Winter on the ropes."

"Ha!" scoffed Weiss, "Sis, was holding back. If went all out you wouldn't have lasted a minute. Uh… no offense."

"It's okay, I was holding back too," Penny grinned, "Your sister seems nice."

"She's just nonchalant. Everything to her is just another bump in the road and nothing serious," said Weiss, "Any siblings Penny?"

"No just me. How about you, Blake?"

Blake was fixed on Torchwick watching his every move and every image on the screen. The submarine's cross section blinked on the screen. Neptune's concern and the last words of Sun rang in her ears.

"Sorry, I wasn't listening," said Blake, "What did you need?"

"I was wondering if you had any siblings."

"No, just me. Why can't just swim up to the sub and infiltrate it like last time?" Blake grumbled.

"If it were that simple we would have done it already," said Winter, "And losing one submarine doesn't seem to be a bit issue for them."

Winter stepped into the room and plucked the coffee from Weiss' hands. She sipped approvingly at the strong beverage then looked out at Torchwick.

"No progress I'm guessing. Well he only did just start today, can't ask for a miracle despite what daddy wants. So, why are you all still here?"

"We wanted to try and speed things up," said Ruby, "But I just think we got in his way."

"So we've settled to just watching," said Weiss, "Make sure he gets the job done."

"Hmm well that might a very long while indeed so there has to be another reason," Winter took a long drink, "But that's not my problem."

"Does father want me to do something?" asked Weiss.

"Not yet, but he has sent me off to Mistral on a business trip. Ah, which reminds me as to why I'm here. Were there any souvenirs you wanted? Fancy cone hat? Plushie? Pet monkey, ignore that one. Too messy."

Weiss was bemused, "No."

"Well then I suggest you return to Beacon, unless you're adamant on staying here to watch a man slowly lose his mind. I can take you on the corporate jet again and we'll make it a marvelous time."

Blake sighed, "Well there's not much we can do here anyway."

"Yes!" declared Yang, "We'll take the private jet!"

"Excellent we'll depart tonight. To da loo!"

"Penny, did you want to come with us?" asked Ruby.

"No thank you. It's my mission to keep Mr. Torchwick safe. Maybe we'll meet again sometime?"

"You can bet on it."

Team RWBY left and room and headed for the airport in the evening. Winter was waiting for them dressed in standard suit with the snowflake embroidery. The flight was very pleasant with an entire aircraft with gourmet food and drink at their beck and call. They returned to Beacon in luxury and retired into a small cozy dorm room.

Blakes phone was flooded with messages from Neptune demanding that they meet. At the end of the week RWBY returned to the shabby motel that Neptune and Sun had made their headquarters. The room was an utter mess, more so than usual. Fast food containers were stacked in a corner attracting bugs. The bed's covers and blankets hadn't been changed for a very long time and dust covered everything. The bathroom was too horrible to mention.

"You'd think they'd keep this place to at least a minimum standard," bemoaned Neptune, "Sun still hasn't checked in and you were the last to see him. Are you sure you don't know anything?"

"Nothing that can help," said Blake, "Did you learn anything during your investigation?"

"Not much since Sun was doing most of the work, but I did get this," Neptune scribbled on the white board, "Before he went dark Sun found the White Fang base in Mistral. The warehouses there are mostly stocked with the stolen dust but also have many droids and robots and some peculiar notes."

"Particular notes?" asked Weiss.

Neptune finished his scribbles, "I'm not entirely sure what these mean but there are lots of mentions of cybernetics but it's far more complex."

"Schnee just acquired some cybernetics and robotics companies but I doubt father would let any of his projects leak out," said Weiss.

"Torchwick worked with them remember?" said Yang, "Maybe he was sending them schematics and things."

"Torchwick? I thought he was just some gangster."

"Secret lives of dangerous men," said Yang, "Apparently he was an engineer at one point. He's at Schnee Dust Company building some new toys for them."

"I suppose it's to try and sink Sun's submarine," said Neptune, "In which case it's more important to find him right away."

"But how? We're just students," said Blake, "And we don't have the equipment and time to search every corner of the ocean."

"You don't, but my company does," said Weiss, "Like we've said before, it's just a matter of waiting. Father doesn't let a slight go unpunished and the White Fang have really made him mad. He'll find them and he'll drag me into the fight too."

"I don't like it," said Neptune.

"What choice do we have?"

"Neptune, this has been bothering me," said Ruby, "How are you getting all this information? I mean you're getting further than we are and we're actually working in the field."

"That detective Sun and I worked with last year taught us more than he should have and got us connections with people he shouldn't have," Neptune winked, "How else could we have managed to sneak in Sun?"

"Don't do anything stupid," warned Blake, "This isn't a game. The White Fang are dangerous, really dangerous."

"So I guess we head back to class," said Ruby, "I wonder what Torchwick will come up with."

The month passed. Each day was plagued with news about sunken ships and lost souls. The governments were considering rationing dust and power. Casualty lists and figures were a permanent column in the news feeds. Corporations in Atlas were beginning to stagnate, their share prices slowly dropping. Mistral's trade plummeted and Vale was under increasing pressure to act. Only Vacuo was untouched, as it had been since the start.

RWBY and the other hunter teams could do nothing other than their mundane assignments. Occasionally they were sent out into the field, but never on a long term assignment and never far from the capital. Sun was still missing and Neptune had for Mistral to try and find out more.

"Mistral may as well be under siege!" demanded the Elector, "We need a solution now! General Ironwood, I am in agreement with Mr. Schnee. Deploy your super weapon and deal with this immediately."

"I refuse!" said Ironwood sternly, "With enough firepower we can easily turn –"

"Enough firepower would be in that secret weapon of yours," said the Elector, "Ozpin, you agree at this point do you not?"

"Absolutely not, and I don't think professional hunters will be able to handle this either."

"So are you suggesting we submit to terrorism?"

"You finally the error of your ways, don't you, Ozpin?" Mr. Schnee scoffed, "Don't worry Elector I have a solution. One that has taken several weeks but within acceptable measures."

"What?" said all three in shock.

Mr. Schnee's hologram turned into a schematic and then into a demonstration.

"My engineers have developed a new type of submarine. It's rather small but highly maneuverable, durable, and able to fend of the beasts long enough to sink the White Fang submarine," he lectured, "Once the submarine is sunk it will attack the serpent. We've also enhanced the Sylph depth charges which should kill the serpent. The squid will be dealt with last where these news weapons will be used."

Mr. Schnee presented a new type of torpedo that resembled a lance. Its second stage deployed hundreds of barbs and blades up and down the body. Each blade contained kilograms of high yield dust that hardened the material and increased the explosive force. The torpedo exploded shredding and tearing everything, turning soft material into a fine pulp.

"The trick with this one is that it must be deployed at close range in order to achieve enough penetration into the deepest parts of the body. Which means it needs proper escort in the form of hunters. Thanks to my recent acquisitions we have some new suits that provide adequate armour against the smaller marine grimm."

"How did you manage this?" asked the Elector.

"Unlike the rest of this group I deal with problems. And with the Ozpin dragging his feet, and the General's incompetence I thought it best to act on my own. This wasn't cheap and I don't expect a good return, but it had to be done in order to return to normality."

"Mr. Schnee I demand to know how your engineers were able to create these!"

"I feel you're implying something general," said Mr. Schnee snidely, "And I have no idea what you are talking about. I suggest you return to your desk and play with your toy soldiers. Ozpin, you know what I will ask."

"And I must refuse. The risks are far too great to the live of the hunters. I will find another way."

"Elector?"

"Whatever you need Mistral can provide."

"Excellent, but we not need your military. However a reward for my success will be appreciated."

"If you succeed you may as well sit on our senate. Anything you wish you will have. I personally guarantee it."

Ozpin cleared his throat, "Mr. Schnee –"

"You had your chance, Ozpin," he replied sternly, "This mission is a 'go' regardless of the opinions of the other members of this group. Now, excuse me, I have other matters to attend to."

Mr. Schnee's hologram disappeared quickly followed the Elector's.

"Mr. Schnee is starting to get on my nerves. If starts moving alone there is very little we can do to stop him," warned Ironwood.

"Yes, but he is limited to his corporate assets," said Ozpin, "The Regency Council of Vale does not support his every move. I'm more concerned with how he achieved such progress in a short amount of time."

"I suspect it is due to our captured agent," admitted Ironwood, "I know you're going to ask. Several weeks I ago I had Torchwick transferred to a prison in the lowest levels of Atlas. However the convoy was ambushed and he was taken along with… I believe Mr. Schnee was the mastermind behind that attack."

"This is grave news indeed," said Ozpin, "Get that man back or in your fashion kill him."

"And what will you do?"

"What I've always done general, protect the realm."

Ironwood disappeared and Ozpin stepped off the platform. Glynda stepped out of the shadows.

"What's our next move, Ozpin?" she asked.

"The situation is not developing as I had hoped," he moved a few pieces on the chess board, "There are too many players on the board now. We will have to wait. How is our observation in Mistral?"

"Nothing new to report."

Ozpin moved another piece, "Send another team to Mistral. And one to Vacuo."

"But the Empress –"

"The Empress is a good friend and I trust she has no schemes or plots against us, but something is rotten in the state of Vacuo."

Mr. Schnee approved some last documents regarding the forced joint venture with Sylph. He grimaced at the rising costs but his daughter backed him into a corner. A feed of Torchwick's laboratory cell occupied a monitor to his left while reports on outfitting and arming a company submarine were scrolling n his right. On the centre screen his established a connection with his operative in Mistral.

"Good morning, daddy!" sang Winter, "Or with the time change, evening."

"Yes, yes, good evening," said Mr. Schnee, "You know why I'm calling."

"Oh, is it time already. That was quick," said Winter, her chipper smile beaming, "I'll go collect Weiss on my way back then."

"Very good. And have you learned anything while in Mistral?"

"Yes, my favourite shops have closed since last year. Damn shame since they had really nice…" Winter giggled, "I'm joking daddy. I have a few things you might be interested in but it is better spoken in person. When I return?"

"Immediately upon so clear that schedule. Good bye."

Classes ended and released a flood of students clad on black and plaid. Assignments were unending and the field work was more common. RWBY and JNPR returned to their dorm. Scarcely a word was exchanged between them since RWBY returned from their expedition with Winter. Neptune's messages stop arriving also. The last communication was one week ago where he said he off to Mistral to find Sun. RWBY opened the door to their dorm threw their bags on the floor and walked to throw themselves onto the bed.

"Hello!" said Winter, "Long time no see."

Winter Schnee popped out from Weiss' bed and threw her arms wide open. Zwei, the little dog, jumped out after, it's fur ruffled and barking cheerfully.

"Winter, what are you doing here!" cried RWBY.

"Playing with your dog. Why didn't you tell me you had such a cute thing?" Winter pouted while petting Zwei, "But I guess you want the serious answer. We're off to sail the seven seas and catch ourselves a very big fish. And all arrangements have been made so pack your things and get ready to depart. We leave as soon as possible. Chop, chop!"

Winter opened the door and started the short walk to her chauffer. RWBY gathered their items quickly and walked out the door. As soon as they were out of the building that ran as fast as they could to the lot. Every second wasted was another second Sun was danger, the kingdoms would do something drastic, and the White Fang's goal would be closer whatever their goal could be.

Winter was playing with snowflakes while she waited to RWBY. The team had nothing more than their weapons and small pack of miscellanea.

"That was very quick and you even brought friends, excellent."

"Friends?"

JNPR walked up behind them, armed and armoured. They were far from amused by RWBY's last departure and the steel in their eyes and stern stone faces said they would not be left behind again. Pyrrha was at the head of the group and walked straight up to Winter Schnee.

"We're going with you," she said definitively.

"Delightful," Winter smiled, "Now, you may come, but remember I am in command. Whatever I say goes and I will not hesitate to punish insubordination."

A chill ran up Weiss' spine, a feeling she had not felt from her sister in a long time. Behind that warm smile were icy words and a cold hard demeanor that was surpassed only their father. Winter's eyes glared straight into Pyrrha's. Her suit glowed lightly as a small warning to JNPR.

"No problem," said Pyrrha, "But just so you know, we've our own against hunters before."

"Holding your own and winning are two separate things," Winter opened the door, "So, do you like wine or something softer? I do look forward to learning about JNPR during our voyage."

The ride was fairly quiet. JNPR wanted to ask a thousand questions as to what exactly was going on. Ruby and the others were eager to answer to assuage their concerns but every time the subject came up Winter would interject and ask them not to spoil the surprise. The vehicle drove out of the city limits and into a highly industrialized area by the water. Dock workers hurriedly stacked containers on the flat beds and holds. The vehicle stopped by a small harbour bustling with small ships carrying cargo to the large vessels out to sea. A foreman quickly asked for their access papers and directed them to Dock 53 where a small boat waited for them.

It was uninspiring ship just large enough for all of them. The hull was painted a dull light grey. Its engine was small but capable of tossing the craft up and down in the waves. A single man crewed the ship from a small open compartment with all the little controls and levers. He barked commands as they went out to sea as if he were some famous captain of a large battleship from the war. RWBY and JNPR grinned and beared it while Winter chatted up the plain looking captain. A thick fog started to roll out from the shore and shrouded them in its cold embrace.

"We're going after giants in this thing?" said Yang, "I guess those things had a bigger impact than we thought."

"We'll folks, it's been an honor," said Jaune half mockingly.

"Oh we won't be fighting in this thing," grinned Winter, "I suspect a few more minutes and you'll be very confident in our chances."

A large shadow crept out of the mist growing and growing to a massive size. Their little boat cozied up to the dark steel hull. Armoured plates lined the entirety of the hull from deck to keel. The crew threw down a heavy net for them to climb. The deck was heavy dark wood over a thick steel plate. Six main batteries stood like towers with four 42cm cannons each. Smaller arms of varying calibers lined the sides of the deck. The bridge loomed high above them in a reinforced tower. Pennants and banners fluttered in the wind. Crew ran from station to station performing various duties ceasing only to salute the hunters as they made their way to the command deck.

"Welcome aboard the Poseidon," said Winter in a tour guide fashion, "This was to be sold to the Atlas military until father decided to keep it for his own purposes. It is currently the largest ship every produced. It boasts the most recent in military technology bolstered by innovations by Schnee Dust Company and our subsidiaries."

"So are other ships going to help us?" asked Jaune.

"No," said Winter, "But as we step onto the bridge we will meet out associates who will help us take care of these monsters."