Chapter 19

Winter was practically vibrating with rage. As soon as the Emergency Broadcast had finished both Schnee sister knew they had to check in with their friends and allies. Weiss made for the training room to reconvene with Blake and Yang, and Winter sprinted off towards the General's office. Along the way she ran into Clover and the two had shared a grim glance of understanding. Now they both stood by and waited for orders.

"As far as we know, nothing in the broadcast was classified or technically a secret. Just blatant lies about common knowledge." Ironwood said, sounding quite distressed. In front of him the displays of both Councillors Sleet and Camilla.

Sleet nearly shouted. "Regardless of its validity, the people will believe it!" A brief silence. "What's being done about this? Have your people figured out how the Emergency Broadcast system was hijacked?"

Winter noticed out of the corner of her eye Jaune nervous grimace. He was clearly uncomfortable with the intensity of the situation but did his best to remain stoic. He had been standing outside of Ironwood's office when she arrived. He knew things were about to get hectic so he was standing by. Even without the military training that Winter and Clover were accustom to, his natural sense of professionalism led him to exactly where he could be the most helpful, waiting for orders.

"The Cyber Division has been on it since the broadcast started and Doctor Polendina has been working on our digital defences." Ironwood said as he typed away at his console. "Hill has been reaching out to her contacts in Mantle to see if anyone they know was behind this."

Pacing behind Ironwood was Robyn on her scroll talking to Fiona. She gave Sleet and Camilla a distracted wave. "Fiona, put the word out that who ever did this is doing more harm then good. I'm finally in the position we fought for and I know what this will do to Mantle." Robyn said into her scroll. "Without compromising the trust that I've been given, I can tell you this wasn't Ironwood. Atlas is just as much in the dark as we are. Reach out to whomever you can and see if anyone knows what the hell that was."

Robyn hung up. "Ok, whether or not we figure out who did this, we need to figure out what we do next." Robyn said angrily. "I've got my huntresses reaching out to who we can, but Mantle is a lot of ground to cover and the people won't take kindly to Atlas jackboots asking questions."

"I, might actually have an idea." Jaune said, weakly at first, but over the six words grew in confidence. "You want the people of Mantle looking into Mantle, so why not ask the local police precincts. The one in charge of the Mantle Murders investigations. I'd wager she'd be credible and motivated to look into Forrest Bao's sudden reappearance."

Winter sighed and rolled her eyes. "Winter, you have a problem with this idea?" Ironwood asked, confusion evident. "Having the local police of Mantle ask question will likely garner better results then sending more Soldiers or Specialist down there."

"No sir, I think Arc's idea is completely sound." Winter said, snapping back at attention. "My, dismay is personal. The officer assigned that case, is Abigail Towse, sir."

Ironwood didn't hide the shocked look on his face before he nodded, understanding Winter's feelings. "I see, well regardless the idea has merit." Ironwood said giving Jaune a nod. "Robyn, reach out to that precinct and with your new position, you have the authority to assign personnel and resources on specific items of interest to the Kingdom. Towse is at your disposal."

The was a moment of alleviation in the room as if the problem had suddenly just gotten a little smaller. It was instantly rectified though. "What is he doing now?" Camilla said. "Everyone, Atlas Eye, now!"

"While it pains me to see someone to viciously attempt to undermine the integrity of Atlas itself, I'd be remiss to simply dismiss the situation wholeheartedly. If any of that mysterious broadcast is remotely true, then I fear for the security of this kingdom, and its democracy." Jacques said from his podium in front of Schnee Manor. "While my recent opinion of Ironwood has been less than favourable, He's been a long time friend of this family and the SDC. Dating back almost 15 years now. Why, I do believe it was here at my very home the first time we met. I had just come into the position of CEO and he was still a Specialist."

The flutter of camera shutters filled the silence. "He even mentored my daughter, Winter when she elected to enrol at Atlas Academy, something I'm grateful for to this day. To hear of this, well it was jarring to say the least." Jacques took a moment, pretending to gather his resolve. "Regardless, with the victory of Councillor Hill at the polls, I still believe it is my duty to Atlas to serve in its best interest. Which is why I'm openly inviting the Council to a Charity Gala here at Schnee Manor. All proceeds will go to easing the burden on those affected by the embargo and border closures. I welcome the council to come and discuss the accusations levelled against them in that broadcast."

Ironwood exited the car with a forced sense of purpose. A casual scan of the area later and Ironwood was already frustrated. The amount of cameras and reporters unnerved him. Winter joined him and blatantly glared at their surroundings. "Suppose we should smile for the cameras?" Ironwood asked with a jovial tone.

"Sir, with all due respect, you'd have to pay me."

A quick but awkward conversation later with the youngest Schnee and everyone was inside. "For those of you joining us in the dining room, please follow me." Whitley said as he lead the group towards the impromptu conference room.

Before everyone could disperse with their own little agendas Ironwood paused. "Arc, with me." Ironwood said catching Jaune's eyes.

Jaune was caught off guard but stepped up and join Winter, Clover, and Penny. Ironwood gave him a very minimal smile before looking to the rest of Beacon Squad. "The rest of you, stay out of trouble and be ready if the council requests additional testimonies." Ironwood said in a very practised professionalism. "Beyond that, good luck." And he gave them a wink.

Team RWBY were caught off guard. No one had even mentioned their plan to have Weiss sneak off to see if her father was involved at all with the recent events.

"General Ironwood, Councillor Hill, please... have a seat." Jacques said from the opposite end of the table. Sitting to his left and right were Sleet and Camilla. After a few tense seconds Ironwood nodded to Clover and Winter, who then took their seats on either side of him. Jaune felt, for lack of a better word, afraid. He wanted to sit next to Winter, to secretly hold her hand and to be reassured, but was too slow as Penny took the seat next to Winter. He casually took the seat next to Clover. "I'm afraid I'm not familiar with your addition."

Ironwood gestured an arm to Jaune. "This is Jaune Arc. He's a Huntsman from Beacon. He's been here in Atlas for the last few months now with others from Beacon, working with me and my operatives in securing a classified project." Ironwood said, confident in every word. "He commands Beacon Squad. I believe the news circuit did a puff piece on him a week ago. I value his perspective and council."

"Ahh, yes. I recall now." Jacques said clearly perturbed. "Well, the more the merrier. Now, I have reached out to the news circuits and they had many questions. I assumed we wouldn't be able to get through all of them in a single evening, so I've made a short list that I think the people would find most distressing."

Ironwood steepled his fingers and hung his head before sighing in frustration. "Very well Jacques. What have, the people, raised concerns about?" Ironwood asked. This was going to be a long evening.

"So, is it just me, or has Jaune gotten real chummy with the General and Winter?" Yang asked to no one in particular as she filled a plate with expensive hors d'oeuvres. "Like I get that we're all friends now, but like, outside of Nora and Ren, its seems like he spends most of his time with them. What's up with that?"

Ruby held a glass of punch as she looked across the room at Nora and Ren, cuddled up to each other on a cushioned bench, oblivious to anyone else. "Well, I mean. Now that that's a thing, I guess Jaune wants to give them space. Right?" She asked not exactly confident in her own theory.

Yang popped a shrimp into her mouth. "Maybe. But like, he could be hanging out with us. We're awesome." Yang said, considering the array of food in front of her. "He's not so much of a dweeb anymore either."

"Perhaps he and Winter are secretly in a debauched relationship and the General knows." Blake said not even looking up from her tea. She took a moment to look at the exquisite and elegant designs on the Schnee porcelain tea cup. "The pair likely take their moments whenever they can get them and aren't yet ready to tell their friends around them."

Sudden realization dawned on Blake and a blush bloomed on her face. "Or, its nothing."

Yang just shook her head with a smug smirk. "You really have to take a break from those novels you think we don't know you read."

"And what of the Mantle Wall? I'm told that the supplies intended for its repair aren't being delivered to Mantle. By all accounts they're just disappearing, then any and all inquires are brush away with a recycled excuse of "classified". I'm not alone in the concern of an ever growing list of what's deemed classified." Jacques said, sounding just so slightly bored and frustrated.

Ironwood held back a sigh. "The state of the Mantle Wall is a matter of concern and with recent security concerns those supplies are being redirected to a classified project that will see to addressing, sadly more wide spread problems then just a few city blocks." Ironwood said, doing his best to not sound callous. "I don't think anyone here will doubt Robyn's dedication to the peoples of Mantle. Having been made aware of this classified project, do you think the recent strain on Mantle is worth it?"

Robyn knew that her position and relationship to Mantle would be a strong consideration in meetings just like the one she was currently in, but she was not appreciative of being put on the spot. "I understand what those supplies mean to your project General Ironwood, but the people of Mantle are hurting." Robyn said, voice dripping with compassion. "Its not just the physical defence either, its the sentiment that their struggles, their very lives aren't worth consideration. I know you think what you're doing is the right thing to do for as many people as possible, but you're forgetting about the people being hurt to get there. "Perhaps an, adjustment to the amount of materials being diverted could be arranged. More support to Mantle to reduce the growing negativity. The people are hungry, and not just in their bellies, but their hearts. They need to feel like they aren't second class citizens."

Ironwood nodded. Robyn had stayed true to her convictions and made her expectations for a better Mantle clear, without undermining the value Ironwood placed in the Amity Project. "That's an excellent idea." Ironwood said with a smile. "Camilla, perhaps we can see to realocating funds from the Public Works. Assigned workers from the municipal employment and have them see what can be done in Mantle with the materials intended for public parks and other Atlas constructions and renovations."

Camilla nodded. "Indeed James. I know the Mistrali botanical gardens are scheduled for renovations. I can see about adjusting the schedule and budget for that." She said as she brought up her scroll. "We can even reassign the workers from that to Mantle, that way no one is out of a job. Any of the construction materials for the garden can be repurposed for the Mantle Walls."

As Camilla and Sleet discussed the idea of reallocating funds where they could, a Schnee house staff member quietly walked in and whispered into Jacques' ear. "Hm?" Jacques murmured to the help. "What? For how long?" More whispers and a look of panic briefly splashed across Jacques' face. "My authorization? Check it again!"

Having remained silent since entering Winter couldn't help but smile. It was a closely guarded secret that her father had secreted funds into the Mistrali botanical garden. A method of eluding the government taxes on his money. Now the council sat in front of him and discussed reducing the value of his little nest egg.

Jacques recollected himself and adjusted his tie, returning to the conversation at hand. "So let me get this straight James, you intend on taking away from the peoples of Atlas because you're demanding that Mantle's security isn't worth enough?" Jacques asked, not realizing how petulant he sounded.

Ironwood rolled his eyes and shook his head.

"Jacques don't blow this out of proportion." Sleet said, attempting to find a middle ground in the situation. "Its not like we're taking away the peoples security or their homes. This will just mean that the garden's scheduled renovations will have to wait, for the good of the kingdom. I do believe the people can bare with that. Its just a garden after all."

Seeing a no win scenario Jacque grit his teeth and relented. "Very well, I suppose it is just a garden like you said. Let's move on to other concerns that have been relayed to me." Jacques said looking over the notes in front of him. "Ahh yes. The "arrest" of one, Qrow Branwen and affiliated Huntsmen and Huntresses. Pray tell James, what exactly happened during the event in question. It looks quite simple to me."

Jacques pointed his scroll to the center of the room and began playing the footage of the arrest from the nearby CCTV. "According to the audio your operatives were acting in response to a report of an unauthorized ship making an unauthorized landing, followed by an unauthorized use of weapons by unlicensed Huntsmen." Jacques read verbatim. "So tell us James, what exactly happened there? And I'd like to hear a real answer, not whatever your Military has concocted for the public."

Clover interjected before Jacques could tactfully slander the General and by extension the Military any further. "As my report states, it was a miscommunication." Clover said, confidently and professionally. "My team received news of the incident in Mantle in which a few dozen Sabers had bypass the defences and were rampaging in the streets of Mantle, this was followed by the intervention of Qrow Branwen and Beacon Squad. When the orders came down to bring them in, I mistook the orders to mean arrest them. When in actuality, Qrow and co were meant to be escorted to the General, as the professionals they are. This wasn't clarified until they had already arrived at the Academy, so no record of arrest was ever needed. The incident in question is entirely my fault for assuming the worst of our colleagues from Vale."

Jacques remained neutral to the explanation. "I see. Very well, on to a more, pressing and ongoing matter." Jacques said, reading down the list in front of him. "What about the murders continuing to plague Mantle? The same murders that the mysterious hijacking of the Atlas Broadcast Network claims were your doing."

"Ahh, yes." Ironwood said, leading into a confident smile. "Over the course of these murders in Mantle almost all of the nearby CCTV systems had mysteriously gone offline each time. These were coordinated and planned. This implies at the very least two culprits. One to take down the network and one to attack in these temporary blind spots. Due to the combined efforts of Mr. Arc here, our Cyber Division, and with some assistance from Robyn, we have been able to identify the murderer. I've prepared a statement for the public and have issued an Arrest Warrant for one Tyrian Callows."

Ironwood's scroll displayed everything he had on Tyrian. "We have dozens of eye witnesses, including several huntsmen and huntresses." Ironwood said as he scrolled through the information on Tyrian. "Including Robyn, Clover, and Arc here with us. Tyrian first reappeared in Anima a few months ago. He ambushed Arc, Rose, Ren, and Valkyrie as they made their way to Haven, on foot. This assault was interrupted by Qrow and all managed to survive and continue. As for the second person responsible for these crimes, Doctor Polendina was able to analyze the digital manipulations on the Mantle CCTV systems and compared them to the compromisensation of our systems during the Fall of Beacon. Its a match."

Several code fragments displayed on the screen. Screens of garbled nonsense and strings of code, but with highlighted section revealing the exact same methods and codes. "We believe that whomever afflicted the Atlesean Knights and Paladin during the Fall of Beacon is the same who has been assisting Tyrian Callows in murdering Mantle citizens." Ironwood said retracting the display on his scroll. "As soon as we can act safely on an arrest plan for this hacker, we'll be releasing an arrest warrant for them as well. No point in issuing a public warning for a man that can just make himself invisible to our efforts and walk straight into our systems. But so far we have no idea who this hacker is."

Before anyone could follow up the doors burst open. Weiss entered the room with a stern glare on her face, directed at Jacques. "You may not know who, but my father does." She said as she held up her scroll with a recording on it. "He's been working with him since the election."

Jacques flustered and stood up. "Wha, what is it the meaning of this?" Jacques stammered as he took steps back.

Ironwood stood up slowly, scowl on his face. "Play it."

A/N: And another step forward. Towards the end of Volume 7. This one was incredibly difficult for me to write but came pretty quickly. The next chapter may take a bit longer as I've reached a point in which I haven't had the chance to plan out ahead of time. So I'll need to figure out what exactly happens in the final batch of "episodes".

As always, please please please, like, comment, and subscribe. The most motivational thing you can do is tell me your favourite parts so far.

Til next time, later days!