A Story of Kalathanon

by Kalathanon

The Second book in the Kalathanon Series that started with The Legend of Spyro: The Kalathanon Files. New faces include, David Web, RWBY, Ezio, some D3, Firefly, Borderlands, and more.

54. Chapter 54

Chapter 54 The New Dawn

Character Yang

Yang woke up with Junior under her, the kids on a couch, Ruby, Weiss, Summer, Scooter, Jayne, and Lao all crashed in the corner booth and the Puma leaned up against the bar. Yang sighed contentedly as she snuggled in closer to Junior. She wasn't actually going to be twenty-two for another two days but the party was amazing. Between riding the Puma around the city with various friends and family, dancing, singing, drinking, and eating, Yang thoroughly enjoyed the night.

"Hey Blondie," Junior mummered as he started to wake up.

"It's Sir, remember," Yang replied.

"Oh I remember alright," Junior said with a chuckle as he squeezed her, "You like the bike I take it?"

"It is amazing," Yang replied as she got off of him and stretched. She needed a shower but it would be more fun to have a shower with Junior. "Where did you get that?"

"Ironwood," Junior said, "Though he doesn't know it yet... well he might know now that you've ridden it around the city."

"You stole it," Yang asked slightly worried now about the repercussions of having the Puma.

"No no no, we duplicated it with Scooter's Digi-struct machine," Junior said, "I will have to get that back on the Hunter either today or tomorrow."

"Wouldn't Ironwood consider it stealing," Yang asked.

"Only if he finds out," Melanie said as she and Miltia walked in, "You all crashed here in the main floor?"

"Uhhh yup," Yang said.

"You two smell like... exhaust and beer," Miltia remarked while crinkling her nose, "Go in the back and get cleaned up will you we will open back up at one and we will have to get your family to relocate too."

"Right back to business," Junior said, "Yang you should probably wake the rest, I'm going to go get a shower, Melanie is my spare suit in the back?"

"You're wearing your spare one remember," Melanie replied.

"Oh right the fire," Junior commented, "Yang are any of my suits in our room?"

"I think your tan one is," Yang replied as she woke Ruby. "Get up sis time to go."

"Hiaaahumm nam nam," Ruby yawned as she woke up, "Oh did we fall asleep here, sorry about that."

"It's fine sis I'm going to go get a shower you may want to get everyone else up though we could all probably do with a shower and while we have a nice one in back it would take a few hours to get everyone through."

"Right no problem," Ruby said, "Hey you want to go for sister shakes later?"

"You know it," Yang said with a grin as she walked into the back. Junior was in their room trying to find his suit. Yang pulled him over to the closet and threw the suit at him. "Come on big guy," Yang said as she grabbed one of her 'town' outfits, a black and white short sleeve blouse and jeans. "Lets go get cleaned up. You can help wash my hair."

"What if I help wash everything except the hair," Junior said, "Last time I pulled out a strand and you almost set the shower on fire."

"Ruby," Weiss yelled from out on the main floor.

"Well sounds like everyone is up," Yang commented as she led Junior to the shower. An hour later they had finished dressing and met up with Ruby, Scooter, Weiss, Jayne, Blake, Sun and Midnight. Barry and Elisa had headed back to Beacon and Lao and Summer were helping Qrow with one of his projects. Ruby had gotten them all milkshakes, Yang and Ruby were sharing a strawberry one that was what made it a sister shake after all.

"I don't see how you two do that," Weiss said, "Winter and I never shared our food, or drinks, or much of anything really."

"I would share just about everything with Ruby," Yang said, "And didn't we have this conversation last year, and the year before that, and..."

"We get the idea," Junior said, "I guess I never really understood just how hard it was for you to keep us quite for these last few years."

"As someone who's job is to keep information I doubt you would," Blake said, "As a team we know just about everything about all of us. Yang I have to give it to you holding out on us like that was impressive."

"Thanks Blake," Yang said, "So what do you guys want to do now?"

"Delta is going back and forth to Serra for a while to keep an eye on the undead that are still rising," Jayne said.

"Coris and the SaDiablos are still replicating Dust for me," Weiss added.

"I hear Legion 141 is trying out some new mechs today," Sun said.

"Cinder is still working on the F.A.U.N. Project, to the west," Blake suggested, "Maybe we could see if we can help out."

"Hey why don't we see if the Reds want to race us to Cinder," Yang said, "Their Warthog is about the next fastest vehicle we have and it would be great for the terrain we would be going through."

"I love races," Scooter said, "With my armor I can follow you all with the rest of the group."

"I'll ride with you," Blake said.

"Okay I'll see if the Reds are available," Yang said. She called Sarge on her omni-tool to arrange for their race. He accepted almost immediately once he heard the name of her bike, it seemed to set him off for some reason. Forty minutes later they were set up at the western edge of Vale to race across the foothills towards where Cinder was finishing up the headquarters for the F.A.U.N. Project.

"Come on that looks nothing like a puma," Grif exclaimed upon seeing the bike, "it looks more like a warthog."

"No your car looks like a warthog it has tusks," Yang countered causing Grif to sigh in defeat and Sarge to laugh.

"Told you," Sarge said as Grif got into the driver's seat, "Now don't make us loose numb nuts."

"Ready," Yang asked Blake who was on the back of the bike.

"Always," Blake replied, "Lets not even let them see our dust trail."

"On three," Scooter said as he revved his own engine, "Three!" He took off leaving the Reds and Yang and Blake behind for a few seconds until the two confused groups took off after him.

"How fast do you think this thing can go," Blake asked.

"I don't know," Yang replied, "Speedometer goes up to two hundred."

"Floor it," Blake suggested. Yang did and they shoot past both Scooter and the Reds while doing a wheelie. Once they got the front tire back on the ground Yang maneuvered them so that they stayed mostly in the valleys. It was cold driving through the shadows that lingered in the valleys but it kept their speed up to almost a hundred and thirty. Yang and her partner pulled up outside the F.A.U.N. HQ thirty minutes later. Cinder, Emerald, Blitz, Storm, Terrador and Zora were outside talking with Adam.

"Adam," Blake greeted as she got off the bike.

"Blake, Yang," Adam greeted as he turned around. "You drove here? On that?"

"That is my Puma," Yang said defensively, "Junior got it for my birthday."

Cinder took a look at the bike and said, "Must be one of Ironwood's creations, my Yang it didn't take you long to join my side of the law."

"Hey we didn't steal it," Yang said as she put her hands on her hips, "We actually came here to see if you all could use any help."

"Somehow I doubt that," Cleo said.

"Listen Emerald," Blake snapped, "Sun and I are Fauns so whether we like you all or not, if this program can help our people then we will support it."

"Oh look the Bumblebee is here," Roman said sarcastically as he walked out from the large pyramid shaped building that the dragons in the group had been building for a month or so.

"That is the Puma," Yang corrected as she pointed to the bike, "See it has guns."

"I was talking about you two," Roman remarked, "You two should be married or something, oh wait Yang has been for years in fact but never told you, how deceptive."

"Shut up," Yang yelled as she punched Roman back into the building.

"You even like punching Roman," Cinder added, "It helps doesn't it."

"I'll admit that did feel good," Yang agreed.

"I liked it and I didn't even hit him," Blake said.

"I think punching him is something we can all agree on as being fun," Cleo said.

"Yeah," Adam remarked, "To be fair though Roman does bring a lot of it on himself, if he wasn't so abrasive at times this may not happen as much."

"Ow okay point taken," Roman said as he came back out of the building and dusted himself off. "Seriously though do you two take checks or Lien?"

"Blake you want to," Yang asked.

"Gladly," Blake replied she then slammed Roman back into the building.

"He is a bit of an ass," Storm remarked, "Do try not to break the building please."

"Did we break the building," Yang asked.

"No," Storm replied, "But I just felt like it should be said."

"So how did you two expect to help," Terrador asked.

"Well the Reds and Scooter are behind us with our friends," Yang said, "I thought that we should race over here, which we won by the way, and then we would just wing it. Like Blake said if the F.A.U.N. Project can help the Fanus then it is something that we are interested in, as a team and a friend."

"Enough with knocking me through those doors," Roman said as he came back outside only to be hit by Grif as he slammed the brakes on after flying over a hill just a few seconds ahead of Scooter and the rest. "Come on," Roman yelled as he got up again, "I haven't even joked around with you guys yet... hey girl you from around here?"

"It's lightish red," Doughnut complained.

"You know I think that the only reason we beat Scooter was because we replaced the turret with extra seats," Simmons said, "Since Doughnut weighs only about half the amount of the turret that extra horse power could be turned into speed."

"Yang could we talk," Cinder asked, "Blake you and Sun too, Adam come on inside."

Yang looked to Blake who shrugged and waved Sun over before the three followed Cinder inside. Inside the structure was amazing, evidence of Cortana, Riza, Griffen, and Ivan's work was everywhere. The complex was a marvel of digital technology and holographic displays that were just waiting for someone to use them. The walls were covered in wood panels, the floor was red marble tile and the ceiling had many skylights that let in a vast amount of light to brighten up the building.

"Yang as much as I hate to admit it," Cinder said after they had gone inside a ways and sat down around a table. "You and Junior are in the best position to help with this, Barry and Elisa are the leaders of the White Fang, I will need the White Fang's help to get this project off the ground. You know good and well however that they are very wary of working with me again. They may work with you however since you've always been friends with Fanus, Blake especially, and since you adopted their new leaders it would make sense that they would be more willing to trust you."

"You want us to manipulate the White Fang for you," Blake asked, "Not going to happen."

"Right," Yang quickly agreed.

"No I want you to be up front with them," Cinder said, "Tell them what I am trying to do and see if they would be willing to help administer the F.A.U.N. Project for the first few years. Until we have raised enough members to run it internally."

"Why not ask Junior directly then," Sun asked, "Or Barry or Elisa?"

"Barry and Elisa knew the White Fang when I contracted their help, I doubt they will trust me now," Cinder replied, "As for Junior he never trusted me, probably because of the Magog within me but I don't think he cares to make that distinction."

"Good point," Sun conceded.

"Remind me again why we are making that distinction," Blake asked.

"Because I believe you are better than that," Cinder said, "I believe you really do believe in redemption and you want to help. I mean you're putting up with Roman and he hasn't changed in the slightest."

"He still hates Fanus," Blake agreed.

"Then why is he here," Yang asked, "Besides as rude as he is he does support his team, one of which is Adam here, who is a Fanus. I think Roman just hates the White Fang... which will have to change now that their leaders are my kids."

"I hope that it will but only with F.A.U.N. helping to change peoples' view of them," Cinder said.

"Even should we agree to help, what exactly does F.A.U.N. do," Blake asked.

"The Fanus Acceptance and Unification Network is going to help facilitate the communication between Fanus and places that are friendly to their kind," Cinder said, "I hope to create a network of enterprises that support Fanus rights and bring them to the front of the public eye in a non-violent way. It is pretty obvious that the violent way didn't work out like they had hopped anyway."

Yang looked at Blake and Sun to see what they thought. While Cinder had recently started working with them and she really was possessed while she was trying to kill them all, it was very hard to trust her. When Blake sighed however Yang knew that they would. "Okay Cinder we will help. I'll talk with Junior and the kids tonight, I will have an answer for you tomorrow. What's your scroll?"

"Here," Cinder said as she pulled out her scroll and touched it to Yang's so they could exchange contact information, "There you can just call me when you hear back. Yang, please, this is important for Remnant, as a society we have to unite. I fought against the Magog inside of me for years to prepare for the day DC would arrive and kill it, killing me if need be. I was and am a Huntress like you all are, I'm still sworn to protect Remnant and I hold myself to that oath every day. Even if it meant hurting people, even if it meant hurting you. I've always put this world first, just keep that in mind."

"Then why do you still run a fully operational crime syndicate," Blake asked.

"If I didn't reign in the crime on Remnant what do you think would happen," Cinder replied, "I'm not trying to be your enemy here, why are you making me one?"

"Because Shade told us that the way the other Cinder got control of Remnant was through getting the other us to help her," Yang said, "I just want to make sure that Ruby doesn't end up like Shade."

"She won't," Shade said as she materialized in the room, "I will personally end you if you even start to do what our Cinder did."

"I certainly hope you would," Cinder said as she looked down from the silver, piercing orb's of Shade's eyes. "But if your Remnant is united against us, then this Remnant needs to be united to fight it."

"I can understand that logic," Yang said, "Hey Shade, if you are my sister from your world where am I?"

Shade looked away from Yang before answering, "On the Raven, you are Esh. I would rather you not meet the rest of us, I hope you understand."

"But we survived at least right," Blake asked.

"Yes, we did," Shade confirmed as she melded back into the gloom of the corners of the room.

"She is much creepier than Ruby," Sun remarked a few moments later.

"Shade, while she may not be as powerful as our Ruby is far more scary because I'm pretty sure there is nothing that would stop her from going through with that threat," Adam said.

"That is why I trust her," Cinder said, "But you all can be of no more help until I know what Junior, Barry and Elisa's answers are going to be. Those three are the ones who can either start or kill this project."

"Are you sure we can't help out here any more," Yang asked.

"I'm sure," Cinder replied as she got up and led them out, "I suggest talking to Junior, Barry and Elisa all at the same time, it might be easier to convince them that way."

"Junior's here now," Yang said, "We will probably talk about it on the way back. Barry and Elisa we will call once they are out of class and assuming they don't have any White Fang work to... oh my."

Outside Doughnut was at the bottom of an upside down pyramid that was constructed of Ruby, Weiss, Jayne, Scooter without his armor on, Simmons, Grif, Sarge, Lopez, Junior, and Emerald at the top. "Believe me now Roman," Doughnut yelled, "Yeah in your face, ha!"

"I... I don't I can't," Roman was stammering as he looked at the stacked people.

"Wow he has really good arms," Sun remarked.

"No kidding," Adam said, "and that posture is excellent."

"Hey Doughnut can I get a picture," Yang yelled as she whipped out her scroll and snapped a few photos, "Oh this is going in the scrapbook."

"You scrap book," Cinder asked, "Really?"

"Well I try," Yang admitted, "It mostly ends up burned."

"You do have a fire Aura," Adam said.

"Not by me by Junior," Yang said, "Because I keep taking embarrassing pictures like this."

"Once again how did you all manage to stop me so often," Cinder chuckled, "Cleo get down from there we have work to do."

"But Cinder," Emerald started.

"Down," Cinder commanded.

"Yes Mama," Emerald said as she jumped off of Lopez and Sarge, did a flip, and landed on the ground twenty feet below her. "Come on Roman inside."

"Ah I was tired of these guys anyway," Roman said, "Adam you in?"

"Yeah I'll be there soon," Adam said, "Blake, Sun, Yang, good luck."

"Thanks," Yang said as she ran over and caught Junior as the pyramid collapsed. "Gotcha, why do you do this to yourself?"

"Because I have a stunningly hot wife who gets turned on by it," Junior asked.

"No," Yang stated, "I do find it amusing though. Let's head home I've got an offer I need to run by you... It's from Cinder."

"I thought as much when she took you four inside," Junior stated becoming serious again, "You can tell me when we get back, the bike will be to loud to converse on."

"Right," Yang said, "Ruby, Weiss, Blake, we are heading back on Puma. I'll call you when we get back and you all call us okay?"

"Okay sis," Ruby said, "Want us to meet you back at the club?"

"No, but thanks for the shakes and the party," Yang said, "See you tomorrow though?"

"Sure thing," Blake said, "Be safe."

Junior got on behind Yang and the two took off for their club, Yang had a lot to talk about once they got back. Enough in fact that just her and Junior's conversation, which inevitably drew Melanie and Miltia into it, lasted for four hours.

"How is it that while none of us trust Cinder as far as we could throw her," Junior asked at the end of the 'talk,' "We are going to help her?"

"Because with what she is working on we don't have to trust her we will be able to see the results," Melanie said.

"Well Barry and Elisa are going to be calling soon to talk about White Fang business," Junior said, "Let's see if we can convince them."

"I'd rather talk this over with them in person," Yang said, "Let's head to Beacon and meet them, maybe get dinner somewhere."

"She is right this is to important for a scroll conversation," Miltia said.

"Fine but I am not getting on that Puma thing," Junior said, "Never again."

"We can probably get a lift from one of DC," Yang said, "I believe Coris is going to be heading this way soon from the Schnee warehouses, he always gets a drink or two after he finished the day's Dust replication. Him and the SaDiablos that is."

"That will be fine," Junior said, "Molly, Miltia you two okay to hold down the bar with those six?"

"We can handle them," Melanie answered, "Besides Graysfang is such a sweet puppy."

"Uh he is a full grown, magic wielding wolf price," Yang stated.

"Yeah see so cute," Miltia said.

"Yeah I think you two are going to be just fine," Yang said with a laugh.

Character Daemon

They were about half way done with the warehouses, between the seven of them they were averaging about seventy a day. There were fifteen hundred warehouses in Vale that the Schnees owned and together Daemon's family and friends along with Coris had doubled the amount of Dust in seven hundred and eighty of the repositories so far. The seven walked into Club RWBY and were greeted by Junior and Yang who were at the bar.

"Hey Coris," Yang said as the group approached, "It will be free drinks for you all tonight if you give me and Junior a lift to Beacon once you are refreshed."

"Free drinks how can I say no," Coris answered, "Sure just give me a red slammer and we can get going. SaDiablos I will see you tomorrow I hope."

"You will," Daemon said, "So long as you can keep getting us free drinks."

"Ha only when we need something," Junior said as he and Yang followed Coris back outside with the requested drink in hand.

"Hey there gang," Molly said as she came over behind the counter, "Are you having the usual?"

"You know it," Luciver said.

"Graysfang come on up," Miltia said as she patted one of the stools at the bar. Graysfang obliged as he stood up and placed his front legs on the stool, thus allowing his head to be at drinking height.

"I like this place," Graysfang said, "Especially those two they seem to like me."

"You want to let them hear you," Daemon asked his friend.

"We could teach them how to hear me sure," Graysfang replied, "Surreal?"

"Why the hell not," Surreal replied, "Hey Miltia Melanie you two want to get in on Graysfang's conversations?"

"Would we," Melanie said, "It would be a pleasure."

"Okay," Daemon said as he reached out to their minds with his, "This might feel weird at first." He switched over to mind-speak in the middle of the sentence drawing the twins into their conversation with his own power.

"Hello," Graysfang said to the two, "It is nice to actually talk with you directly."

"Oh that is a dreamy voice you've got," Melanie said/thought.

"Don't get any ideas," Surreal said, "He is my guardian."

"Too bad," Miltia said, "For a wolf he sure is well mannered."

"Why thank you," Graysfang said.

"Yeah he is," Daemon said, "But he doesn't do anything with humans or children." This caused the twins, Janell and Saetan to laugh. Luciver almost choked on his drink and shot a glare at Daemon. Graysfang just snapped his jaws in agreement and Surreal stroked his ears. "So I guess your business has become mostly us now."

"Oddly we get a bunch of people who come in to try and meet you guys but then when you all are here we only get DC members in," Miltia said.

"Like an undeclared boundary," Saetan remarked.

"Seemingly yes," Melanie said, "Only when one of your bands are in here do we get a mix of DC and Vale patrons."

"Well Petals are related to the club right," Daemon said, "It is named after them after all."

"True and Echoes have really started attracting a crowd," Miltia said, "I must say your arrival has been very good for business. Speaking of which what do you do to get the Lien to pay us with?"

"Mostly help Coris replicate Dust for the Schnees," Daemon said after glancing at his father to see if he should take the lead. "But we also accept some contracts from time to time for investigation."

"Investigation," Melanie asked, "What do you specialize in?"

"Shadow operations," Daemon said, "When you need a team of people to be invisible for either guardian, detective or... manipulation objectives."

"Think you could sneak into one of the most secure airships on Remnant and remove Scooter's Digi-struct machine then put it back on the Hunter," Miltia asked.

"Easy, wait why," Daemon said.

"We may have used the Digi-struct machine to copy and replicate a very top secrete motorcycle design that we gave Yang for her birthday," Miltia said, "Now Ironwood has the Digi-struct machine in a crate on his flagship. It hasn't left Beacon yet but it will head out in two days. I don't think I need to explain how bad it would be if that ship left with Scooter's machine on it."

"So just go get it," Daemon said, "What is the problem with that?"

"Ironwood thinks it is part of a security system on a storage container, that is how we got the bike scanned in," Melanie said, "You would have to remove the Digi-struct machine and replace it with a real security system that just looks like the machine."

"It does sound like you're in a bit of a situation," Janell said, "If we accept we all get free drinks from now on right?"

"And a couple of thousand Lien for your trouble," Miltia said, "So do we have a deal?"

"Deal," Saetan said, "We will gather some supplies tomorrow and hit the ship the day after."

"We can get Dust from Weiss tomorrow while we are replicating it," Luciver said, "For getting through locks, security systems etc. that our powers won't let us get through."

"I'll call Cleo see if she has any security systems that she is selling," Miltia said, "You can come by here and pick it up before you head to the ship. Then head back here once you're done and we will get you your payment."

"Sounds good," Daemon said, "We'll see you the morning before we hit the ship." With that the six got up and vanished from the club on one of the energy webs of Remnant. They reappeared a few seconds later aboard the Pestilence.

"Welcome back," Doug said as the six started moving towards their rooms, "Productive day I assume?"

"Very," Daemon said, "We even have a new contract, one that you might be able to help us with."

"I'm listening," Doug said.

"Club RWBY has got Scooter's Digi-struct machine stuck on Ironwood's ship and wants us to get it back for them," Daemon said, "If you could get Ironwood off the ship while we remove it that would make it much easier for us."

"If you want to be the emissaries to invite the General aboard the Pestilence I will be happy to entertain him for a few hours before he leaves," Doug said, "Just let me know if he accepts."

"We will," Daemon said, "Janell you want to come with me to invite the General?"

"Someone will have to make sure you're civil," Janell said.

"You are good at doing that," Luciver said as he broke off to go to his room. "Where are we meeting tomorrow?"

"The warehouses," Saetan said, "We don't want to draw any attention to the club."

"Right then we will already be there, except for you two," Luciver said as he walked off, "Night."

"He isn't going to carry that ax with him on the ship is he," Surreal asked.

"Oh yes he will," Janell said.

"We are supposed to be sneaky right," Graysfang asked.

"Yes," Daemon replied as he and Janell broke off to head into their room, "We will meet you at the warehouses after seeing the General."

"If we are not there head back here and we will meet you then," Saetan said as he continued to walk down the hall with Surreal and Graysfang.

"I'm going to get a shower," Janell said.

"I'll read for a bit then go to bed," Daemon said, "Goodnight my Queen."

"Goodnight my Prince," Janell replied as she walked farther into the suite.

The next day Daemon and Janell were in their most official looking attire. Daemon was in a full, black, suit while Janell was in her black, queen's robes. The Atlasean Emissary, Ironwood's flagship, was parked on the Beacon airstrip. The warship was large enough to take up two spots. Inside they were greeted with an array of security scanners and personnel. Once they were through the security Daemon and Janell were greeted by an overly cheery girl behind a mass of glass that was probably impact proof.

"Hello Sir, Mama, how can I help you today," the girl greeted with a big smile.

"You can start by getting rid of those security goons," Daemon said.

"Daemon," Janell stated.

"I'm just saying it is a little much," Daemon said, "We are here on behalf of Ship Master Doug of Dragon Company. He is extending an invitation to General James Ironwood of Atlas to come tour the Pestilence, Doug's ship."

"Excellent what time is this arrangement supposed to be at," the clerk asked.

"Tomorrow, from one until seven," Janell said, "Tomorrow, Captain Doug will be holding dinner for the General as well."

"Okay let me give General Ironwood a call and see if he has any plans for that time," the clerk said.

"Plans for what time," Ironwood asked as he came up from inside the ship.

"Tomorrow from one to seven sir," the clerk said.

"We are departing tomorrow I'm afraid," Ironwood said, "Still what is the occasion?"

"Captain Doug from Dragon Company would like to invite you to the Pestilence for dinner and a tour," Daemon said.

"Doug, that is the Flood General correct," Ironwood asked.

"He is," Daemon confirmed.

"We were going to head to Atlas to find the rest of team CFVY but if Doug is so sure he can find them then I can delay our departure for a while longer," Ironwood said, "Very well I accept tell Doug that he can expect me at one. Will I be seeing you two there, I assume you are Dragon Company."

"Correct," Janell answered, "I am Janell SaDiablo, this is my husband Daemon. We regret that we will not be able to attend as we are engaged in other operations with DC that evening. I am sure that Doug will have K and C there however since they are the leaders of the Company."

"Well I look forward to meeting them," Ironwood said, "Oz has certainly spoken well of them... for the most part. Well of Celantra at least."

"That sounds about right," Daemon said, "K has history that weighs on him."

"So do we all," Ironwood said as he adopted a more serious air, "So do we all. I wish you luck in your operations and should you find the time maybe you can join us tomorrow."

"We will see," Janell said, "Until next time General good day."

"And to you," Ironwood said as he led them out of the ship.

"Well that is taken care of," Daemon said after they had left the Atlasean Emissary behind.

"You should tell Doug of the arrangement," Janell said, "I'll meet you at the warehouses."

"See you there soon," Daemon said as he warped to the Pestilence. "Doug we have an arrangement from one until seven tomorrow, try and have K and C in attendance if you can."

"I believe I can do that," Doug said, "Additionally I can update Ironwood on the progress of locating team CFVY, we have Coco and Fox already and are only looking for Yatsuhahsi. I believe the General will be pleased with the effectiveness of our search."

"So Ozpin is with you then," Daemon asked.

"He is that should make your operation a little smoother as well," Doug answered, "Now I have to prepare for tomorrow if you don't mind."

"Of course I will take my leave then," Daemon said as he warped again to Janell's side.

"Ah there you are," Janell said, "Is the arrangement agreeable with Doug?"

"It is we are clear for tomorrow," Daemon reported, "Luciver how was the Dust shopping?"

"Should be helpful," Luciver said, "I have Dust treated for ECM, it should get us through any doors or locks that are in the way." He hefted a four pound pouch as he said this.

"Melanie said that they have the security system fixed up and ready to go," Surreal said, "All we have to do is pick it up."

"I have arranged for us to get aboard the Hunter and for Zer0 to open the Digi-struct room," Saetan stated, "We should be done around five if things go even somewhat smoothly."

"Are you going to be okay out in the sun," Janell asked.

"For the walk from a transport to an aircraft and back I will be fine," Saetan said, "We Guardians are still much stronger than we seem even in the daylight. We will be invisible this whole time anyway."

"Correct," Daemon said, "Additionally there is a Waypoint right near the landing field, we would only have to walk for maybe fifty feet to get into the ship."

"We are going to be carrying in the equipment while it is vanished right," Graysfang asked.

"Yes we will," Luciver said, "What sort of security are we looking at once we are inside?"

"We didn't get in farther than the clerk but just to get to her was a layer of scanners and inspectors with robots," Janell said, "Some of which I think were able to pick up on our powers. If there is a Dust that reveals cloaked objects then we might have trouble getting in."

"And we have no idea what is inside the ship once we do get in," Saetan commented, "I don't like not knowing information."

"None of us do but that is what makes it fun," Surreal said, "Let's just be ready for anything that we might encounter. Luciver what other Dusts did you get?"

"Ice, fire, movement, rock, wind, physic," Luciver named off several more Dust types as he pulled various vials out of the bag. "I think we are covered."

"Well then let's get back to helping Coris then hit up the club tomorrow to get the security equipment," Saetan said, "We just have to maintain normalcy until this is finished."

The next day Daemon and Janell arrived at Club RWBY around eight to pick up the security system. Melanie met them out front and brought them to the back of the club where Junior was waiting.

"Daemon, Janell," Junior said, "You have my thanks for helping us out of this little situation. If Yang found out about this..."

"She would be lighting up the place in a heartbeat," Janell said, "I figured as much, speaking of her where is RWBY today?"

"RWBY is at Beacon visiting with some old friends of theirs that Doug brought back together," Junior said, "I know it might make your endeavor that much trickier but Doug assures me he can solve any issue by inviting everyone to the Pestilence for Ironwood's tour and dinner."

"We will work around it," Daemon assured Junior, "Graysfang is already cloaked out front of the Atlasean Emissary to signal us when Ironwood leaves."

"Once he leaves we will start our operation," Janell said, "We will be cloaked for the entire duration so the chance of us being detected is very small. Now where is the container?"

"When we saw the bike it was in a showroom near the stern of the ship," Junior said, "But I found records that indicated the crate is stored in the hold that is in the middle of the ship." Junior then led Daemon and Janell to his information tracking set up that was under his residence in the back of Club RWBY. It was basically a hardened room with a million screens and computers that were streaming all sorts of incomprehensible information. "Okay here," Junior said as he pulled up a schematic on one of the many screens. "Now this is the main entrance where you two entered last time. The cargo hold is here." Junior drew a line from the main entrance to a large room in the middle of the ship that was on the bottom level. "Now to get there you can use the elevator that is here which you can reach by going through security, past the entrance clerk's office down hall number three and into the maintenance room which the elevator goes to."

"So really it's just getting past security then," Janell said.

"Well yes but the maintenance room is locked with an encrypted scroll that the head of the ship's operations keeps on him at all times," Junior said, "Now if Weiss or Blake was with you I would say just hack the door but since you six don't know how to hack scrolls the best option is just get a hold of his scroll and get into the room and elevator with it."

"What happens if the Operational Chief notices his scroll is gone," Daemon asked.

"I would assume he would sound the alarm," Junior said as he held up a scroll, "So don't let him notice the scroll is gone."

"A copy," Janell remarked as she took the device.

"Bingo, just touch the information scanner to the one on the scroll you want to copy and it will do the rest," Junior said, "Be warned though if you touch another scroll with it after you get the one you want on it it will take the properties of the last scroll it came in contact with."

"Oh that is much better than saying it can't take on more than one scroll's properties," Daemon said, "It does just one at a time."

"Right," Junior said, "Now here is the operational chief's office. Do you need anything else?"

"No we've got the security system vanished until we need it," Daemon said, "All the tools we need to install it are with it right?"

"Yes," Junior said, "You can thank Emerald for that."

"Cleo sure does know her stuff it seems," Daemon said, "Okay we should head out before we draw attention."

"Right I'll see you this evening," Junior said as he opened the door for Daemon and Janell to leave. They left the information room and then warped to the warehouse that Saetan, Luciver and Surreal were waiting in for Graysfang to contact them.

"Well how did it go," Saetan asked, "Do we know more than we did earlier?"

"Much more," Janell said as she held up the scroll, "And a way to the container."

"A scroll," Surreal stated.

"A scroll that copies any other scroll that it comes in contact with," Janell clarified.

"So we need to use that I assume," Luciver stated.

"Yes to get into a maintenance room and use the elevator to get to the container," Daemon said.

"And I assume we have to first get through the security before we can get to this room," Saetan said, "And I suppose that the scroll we need is going to either be on a person of high importance or in the office of someone of high importance."

"Exactly," Daemon said.

"I'll do it," Surreal said, "After all it falls within my specialty."

"Okay but we have to get past the security first," Saetan stated.

"I've got that covered," Luciver said, "Me, Graysfang and my ax."

"Set off a few of the sensors cause general confusion so we can slip in I like it," Daemon said, "Janell and I can go with Surreal to remove the machine and put in the real security system. Father If you want to stay at the club we can use you as a warp point to leave the ship."

"I like that thinking," Saetan said as he warped away to go to the club.

"Hey that Ironwood guy just left the ship," Graysfang said, "Where is Saetan going?"

"He is going to be our exit rout, you are going with Luciver to cause some chaos," Daemon said.

"I like that sound," Graysfang said, "So are you four going to get over here or not?"

"Okay Ironwood is gone," Daemon said, "Luciver you and Graysfang are good to cause some confusion, Janell, Surreal lets go get this machine and be out of there in time to drop by the General's party." The group went invisible before warping to Graysfang who was camped outside the ship.

"Ready to go," Janell asked.

Luciver and Graysfang shared a look before the two cloaked troublemakers took off towards the ship. Soon after every light and siren on the ship was going off. Daemon, Janell and Surreal headed in after that. Inside the security was busy trying to fix a sensor that was causing all the trouble, a sensor that a cloaked and Dust protected Luciver and Graysfang were dancing circles around.

"Go on in we can keep this up for hours," Luciver said to Daemon as the groups past each other. Once they were past the clerk's desk Surreal broke off to get the scroll. Daemon and Janell continued on to find the door to the maintenance room. Five minutes later Luciver and Graysfang signaled that they were heading out since the security had replaced the sensor and they didn't want to arouse suspicion. After that they didn't hear anything from Surreal for an hour.

"Do you think she is okay," Janell asked.

"I'm sure she is fine it may just be hard to get the scroll for a long enough time to copy it," Daemon replied.

"Right," Janell said, "If it is on the Chief then copying it may be almost impossible."

"It may be what now," Surreal said as she came up beside them, "The hardest part was I had to uncloak to get the scroll and put it back. Same with this door, you two watch for me."

Daemon looked down one side of the hall while Janell checked the other and Sureal opened the door allowing them entrance. They then moved to the elevator and once again Surreal had them check for people, cameras or robots before activating the elevator. They rode it down to the cargo hold and set off to find the crate. It was easy to spot since it was in a clearing all by itself. That also made it difficult to work with since they had to time getting into the crate just right to avoid setting off any alerts on the robot guards that patrolled the hold.

"If we cause a distraction in one area we should be able to draw the guards off long enough to open the container and get in without being seen," Daemon said.

"If you two can swap the pieces around and warp out from inside the crate I can cause the distraction then warp away," Surreal said.

"It seems like our best option," Janell said, "See you back at the club." Surreal headed off to one of the corners of the hold and a few minutes later several cargo containers fell over causing the guards to rush over to the incident and allowing for Daemon and Janell to uncloak, enter the container and close it again before setting to work on switching the digi-struct machine with the security system. It took the two of them an hour to change all the pieces out without making any noise but they did it and had vanished the digi-struct machine so they could carry it with them when they warped out of the hold.

"Ready to go," Janell asked.

"Lets," Daemon replied. The two then warped to Saetan who was in the back of Club RWBY with Surreal, Luciver and Graysfang.

"Finally you arrive," Luciver said, "I thought you would never get done."

"Stow it," Daemon said, "Okay we've got the machine now we just need to get it to the Hunter."

"I've arranged for that," Saetan said, "Zer0 and Sal will be here in a few minutes to pick it up. Now you two should probably encounter Ironwood and inform him that due to the rapid pace of Dust replication you are going to be able to make it tonight, your suit is in the back as is your dress my dear."

"Great thanks dad," Janell said.

"Yeah thanks," Daemon added which caused Saetan to chuckle.

Character Kalathanon

"General James Ironwood," K greeted in his human form as the distinguished guest arrived aboard the Pestilence, "and Penny I didn't know you would be coming."

"Well since I know a good portion of you Ironwood thought I might be able to help him get to know you all," Penny said.

"It is true there are so many of you that I could never remember all of your names in one go," Ironwood said, "But Penny is special she can remember you all with just one introduction."

"Well most sentient intelligences usually can," K said, "That is why Church and his AI's are so highly valued in DC, they have personalities and capabilities that none of us can."

"You know what I am," Penny asked startled.

"Who told you," Ironwood asked, "Ruby?"

"No I can see the very atoms of creation," K said, "One look and I knew what you were Penny. I think most highly of people like you people who have to overcome not only their immortality but also have to cope with what redemption means to them. Ah but here you are trying to introduce Ironwood to me and my company and I am just rambling on like an old man."

"Ha well you do look the part," Ironwood said, "It is an honor to meet you."

"Likewise," K said as he led the two into the Pestilence, "Doug are we ready to go?"

"The dinning area will be ready at six," Doug said, "Until then I have had several key members of DC gather in the war room. I figured that you could give Ironwood an inside look at what we do and the tech we have. If Remnant is going to be our home then we might as well start helping the leaders of this world."

"I would just love to see what sort of technology you have," Penny stated.

"I must admit I am curious as well," Ironwood said, "Doug it is good to hear from you again, you are the ship I take it?"

"Correct," Doug said, "And much more besides. We can talk at length later if you wish for now I am bringing in teams CFVY and SNSS while preparing the dinner and running several operations on the Ark which you will be informed about shortly." An infection form scurried into the entrance room and guided the three to the war room as Doug conversed with them.

"Thanks Doug," K said as the Flood 'left'. In the room was Fenix, Haggard, Jackson, John and Cortana, Soap, Fiona, Hawk and Fisher, Diablo, Tyreal, Tom, Sparta and Alexandria, Daemon and Janell, Qui-gon, Gandalf, Ezio, Carter, Church, Roland, Shepard and Tali, Eragon and Saphira, Reinhardt, Jensen, RuGaard and Nilrasha, Serana, David and Mal... it was a very large room.

"These are just the key members of DC," Ironwood asked.

"These are some of the key members," K corrected, "additionally Ozpin, CFVY, and SNSS will be joining us once they arrive."

"Then Doug managed to locate them all," Ironwood remarked, "I'm impressed."

"Excuse me," Arizona said as he moved past the three and into the room.

"Who, or what is that," Ironwood asked.

"That is Arizona," K informed him, "Doug's wife."

"Doug is married," Penny remarked, "That's amazing."

"What are you three doing just standing there," Arizona called, "come on in I'm sure we will have more to talk about than we can cover before dinner anyways."

"Direct isn't she," Ironwood remarked as he entered the room.

"That she is," K said, "DC thank you for coming here at such short notice, Doug thank you for bringing us here on such short notice. This is General James Ironwood, leader of Atlas and a friend of Ozpin who has been so hospitable to us and our unique approach to things. We are here to mostly settle any concerns the General may have and to share some of our tech with him as well. Penny here most of you have already met before and I'm sure if you don't remember her she will remember you. Okay Ironwood they are all yours, I'll be over by the info screens to watch Oz's progress with the teams."

"Thank you K," Ironwood said as he and Penny waded into the crowd of DC members.

"Doug how far out is Ozpin," K asked.

"About one hour," Doug said, "I'll pull the grid up on the display that is to your right."

"Appreciated," K said as he turned to the indicated screen. What was a Vale news channel was replaced with a radar map of the kingdoms of Remnant. Ozpin's Pelican with the rest of the somewhat dispersed teams was shown to be coming in towards Beacon from the north east. The sky looked clear except for the normal airline routs so K decided not to worry about Oz and returned his attention the gathering. Ironwood was talking with Fenix now. The two Generals seemed to be getting along quite well, each swapping stories of their various campaigns. While Fenix certainly had the more unique stories he still seemed interested in what Ironwood had accomplished in his career.

"Hello Dragon Company," Ruby yelled from the doorway of the room, "General Ironwood, Penny good to see you again. Come on guys what are you waiting out there for?"

"I don't think we should be here," Cinder's voice carried into the room. K started moving towards Ironwood, in case things started to get heated.

"Uhg come on," Ruby said as she dashed outside and came back with Cinder in tow. She brought her right up to Ironwood and stood between the two. "Now I think you have something to tell him?"

"Ruby I don't think," Both Ironwood and Cinder began before stopping and glaring at each other. Cinder nodded for Ironwood to continue. "I don't think this is a good idea."

"Pfft nah it's a great idea," Ruby retorted, "Now Cinder say your sorry."

"It will take a lot more than that to make this meeting a good idea," Ironwood said.

"How about an entire network of Fanus supporting enterprises that is ready to be linked into your Atlasean network," Cinder said, "With Yang, Junior, Barry, Elisa and Adam's help the F.A.U.N. project is online and ready to be used, since the White Fang or anyone really doesn't trust me and since you seem to get along with Barry and Elisa, or at least are hospitable to them, you are the best person to actually run the F.A.U.N. project. Is that enough of an apology?"

"No," Ironwood said then after a moment and a look at K, "But it is a start I suppose. You know if you were not under K's protection I would have to execute you and your accomplices for your crimes against the people of Remnant."

"The Cinder you know was executed," K said, "you weren't here to see it but the Magog which controlled Cinder was destroyed, well banished at least. The person before you is a different individual than the one who committed those crimes."

"That is not entirely true," Cinder said, "K I know you are trying to help but Ironwood is right, I was a criminal before I found the Magog, it is only thanks to the Magog that I have changed."

"I have to admit I expected this meeting to go differently than this," Ironwood said, "Perhaps you are contrite in your change but Emerald, Mercury, Roman, Adam, what about them... I doubt they have had the same change of heart that you have."

"Adam hasn't and he never will," K said, "Because he has always fought with a pure motive, he isn't sorry for what he has done but he knows that he could have done better. Roman is the leader of the team that Adam is in, I think leadership is actually helping him become... more than he was. Emerald left because she disagreed with Magog-Cinder, and Mercury is second in command of the Mother of Invention. That being said they have all done crimes worthy of death but so have I, much more so than any of you could imagine. It is why I take people like them in, it is why I've taken Diablo and his brothers, my brothers, in. So while what we deserve is one thing mercy allows for so much more."

"I believe Cinder is sincere in her attempts to help," Penny said.

"Everyone please welcome Ozpin, CFVY and SNSS," Doug stated as the mentioned groups entered the room. "I told you I could shave off a half hour on the trip."

"The tractor beams were an inspired idea," Sage said, "I would like to know more about how those work."

"I'm sure Falion would be happy to show you how they work," Doug said, "Now come on in dinner will be ready at six."

"Thank you Doug," Ozpin said as he walked up to Ironwood, Cinder, Penny, Ruby and K, "Cinder."

"Ozpin," Cinder replied.

"K I thought we agreed that she would stay away from Vale," Ozpin said.

"I agreed," K said, "Ruby did not however and she is the one who brought Cinder here."

"She can't just hid forever," Ruby said, "Cinder has to show Remnant that she and her organization has changed. Helping the Fanus is a start and Ironwood is the best person I know of to oversee that project."

"So I'm her watchdog then," Ironwood stated.

"Hardly," Ruby replied, "You couldn't stop her if you wanted to, but K can, I can, any of RWBY can. You have plenty of reasons to remain controlled, right Cinder?"

"More than you know," Cinder said, "Having a creature of pure evil controlling you is a much better deterrent than even you."

"It is true," K said, "having been that creature I know that feeling all to well."

"Do I even want to know," Ironwood asked.

"No you don't," Ruby said, "You really, really don't."

"Right not exactly helping my confidence there Ruby," Ironwood said.

"It's not your confidence I'm worried about," Ruby said as she walked over to Weiss, "It's your faith."

"My faith," Ironwood asked.

"There is faith and there is knowledge," K said, "Of the two faith is more powerful, knowing my past would replace faith with knowledge."

"I see," Ironwood said, "Well a conversation for another time then."

"Perhaps," K agreed before turning his attention to the new teams that Ozpin and Doug had brought back. "Sun, Velvet, you two mind introducing me to your friends?"

"Sure," Sun replied, "This is Neptune one of my oldest friends, that is Scarlet almost as friendly and just as old."

"Hey," Scarlet commented, "Ah I'll allow it."

"And that is Sage," Sun continued, "Don't let the name throw you he is really handy in a fight."

"So it's not just books and studying for you huh," K asked.

"When the time calls for fighting I'm right there in the midst of it," Sage said with a nod.

"Good man," K said, "Velvet how bout your team?"

"My team actually, I'm Coco," Coco said, "nice to meet you."

"Likewise," K said, "I am K, and the others?"

"Fox here is our roguish member, and Yatsuhahsi there is well he is himself," Coco said, "Velvet it seems you've already met."

"Indeed," K said, "It was actually Hawk and Fisher there who met her first."

"Well we will have to go talk with them then," Coco said, "Come on guys, K a pleasure."

"She seems fun," K remarked as CFVY headed to Hawk and Fisher.

"Only when she is on your side," Scarlet commented.

"Understandable," K said, "But that is true of all of us."

"Fair point," Sun said.

"Why don't you take this time to get to know some of the other DC factions," K said to Sun, "I know you haven't met all of them and most are represented here."

"Good idea plus we can catch up on what the others have been doing," Sun said.

"Yeah word is you and Blake got married," Neptune said, "What a catch."

"Yeah she is pretty lucky," Sun said as the group walked off.

"He is right," Blake said, "I am very lucky. Not just to have Sun as a husband though, look over there." She pointed to several chairs that had been pulled up by Cinder, Ozpin, Ironwood and Weiss. The four were seemingly having a relatively civil discussion about the F.A.U.N. Project.

"I think that we are all lucky to be seeing that," K said, "Oh look here comes the rest of the husbands, or soon to be husbands anyway." As he spoke Junior, Scooter and Jayne entered the room which was now getting a little cramped. "Doug do you have any spots on the top of the ship that we could move to, this room is filling up fast."

"I do," Doug said, "Would everyone please prepare for a short teleportation trip to the deck of the Pestilence. Thank you." A few moments later and the group was standing on the top of the Pestilence surrounded by tentacles that soon molded themselves into chairs for the members to sit in. A moment later Barry and Elisa were teleported to Ironwood's group probably to add their voices to the F.A.U.N. discussion.

"This project may actually work," K remarked as he observed the group converse.

"I hope it does," Blake said, "Ah-oh Yang incoming."

"I'm so proud of you two," Yang exclaimed as she wrapped Barry and Elisa up in a crushing hug. Causing the gathered dignitaries to laugh.

"Mom, please stop," Elisa managed to say.

"I knew I wanted to adopt you two for a reason," Yang added as she let them go, "You're following in my footsteps."

"I don't recall you leading a global organization," Ozpin said.

"No they are looking out for Fanus, just like I did with Blake and Sun, Velvet, you get the idea," Yang replied, "Oh look drinks." Yang left the group in better spirits then when she arrived and headed to a Flood drone that was carrying drinks around for the gathered people.

"Very lucky," Blake said again before following her partner to make sure she didn't do anything crazy...er. This was Yang after all. K chuckled to himself as Blake snatched the drink from Yang's hand and drank it herself.

"C we are on top of the Pestilence if you wish to join us," K thought to his wife.

"I will be there in a moment," C replied, "How is it going?"

"Very well all things considered," K thought back, "Come and see for yourself."

C arrived several minutes later with Salvador and Zer0 on her back. "Hey sweety we just had to put Scooter's machine back in working order," C said as she landed, "Ah I see Cinder is here, and she and Oz are not trying to kill each other?"

"No nor is Ironwood there in the white suit," K said, "He is the General of Atlas that is his ship docked down there at Beacon."

"Oh," C said, "Well I will have to introduce myself then. Sal, Zer0, you in?"

"Lets go," Sal exclaimed.

"I am in agreement with the little one," Zer0 said.

"Who you calling little skinny boy," Sal retorted as C made her way over to Ironwood who was already standing up to greet her.

"K," Eragon called as he approached him, "I hate to bring bad news but Washburn just got word that the Necromorphs have arrived above Serra, apparently the undead activity there has drawn them out to try and get some easy bio-mass."

"Well we could throw a surprise Ironwood's way and take him in with us," K said.

"This group here should be more than enough to counter the Necromorphs," Eragon said, "But the Moon that is approaching is still two days out, Wash picked it up by accident and he believes that if we move in now it will just alert them to our knowledge of their approach."

"So better to wait until it is right on top of the planet and has as little time to call in reinforcements as possible," K said.

"That is what Saphira and I thought," Eragon said, "Issac and Carver know too, they seem to be in agreement with us."

"Then we will follow their advice," K said, "Thank you for the information."

"It is what we do," Eragon said as he moved back into the crowd.

"What was that about," RuGaard asked.

"Necromorphs," K replied.

"Where," RuGaard pressed.

"Two days out from Serra," K answered, "Lets try to keep it to a minimum for now, we will deal with it later."

"If you think that is best," RuGaard said, "Nice party by the way Doug knows his stuff, for a parasitic alien."

"That is a parasitic alien with Arizona for a wife," Doug said as one of his forms passed by, "But thanks for the compliment."

"Any time friend," RuGaard said.

"We haven't heard much about your kingdom in a while," K said, "Everything there is going okay I assume."

"A few political battles but that is to be expected among dragons whose leadership is a dimension away and talks to them through a giant crystal spaceship," RuGaard said, "I appreciate you asking however as I suspect that some of these political maneuvers may be setting up for a war. I may need your assistance to put down a revolt if that happens."

"What if they are justified in revolting," K asked.

"How would they be," RuGaard replied, "I am their ruler and I don't ask much, only that they keep the peace, keep the planet profitable, and keep an open door for DC should we return."

"Hmm, you will have my support if it comes to war but do try to keep the fighting to words only if you can," K said, "I know it is not easy to remotely run an entire planet."

"How very true," RuGaard said, "Nilrasha and I will be taking our leave now I believe, to try and keep the infighting back home verbal."

"RuGaard you know if you need any help just ask," K said.

"Don't worry this is nothing I haven't seen before as Tyre," RuGaard said, "I know those dragons better than they would like to admit."

K smiled as one of the few members of DC that was on equal footing with K and Doug left the gathering. While not as powerful as K or Doug, RuGaard commanded a vast amount of respect and influence which was probably why the two of them rarely got to talk anymore. Like K had said RuGaard's job was not easy.

"K come over here," C called from over by Ironwood's gathering. K walked over to the group once more and looked up at C.

"Yes dear," K asked.

"We were wondering, and by we I mean I," Ironwood said, "Would you be willing to lend Atlas one of your ships so we might study it."

"You want to try and make one," K asked.

"We would like the chance to try," Ironwood said, "As much as I don't like admitting it Cinder has a good idea about letting Mercury oversee it's construction since he has led the Invention."

"Then you would be best served by talking with Church the Invention is his ship, you convince him to let you study it and I'm fine with the idea," K said, "I assume you want to try and provide jobs and such for Fanus with this project?"

"Fanus and Humans actually," Cinder said, "We have to show Remnant that Fanus and Human can work together well in more than just isolated circumstances like with the Huntsman and Huntress teams."

"So you get them to work together to create the greatest technological advancement of your time," K stated, "That could either go well or each side will claim that without them the project would not have finished."

"We have to try something," Ozpin said, "Four years ago Blake told me that Humans have to start taking 'longer strides' towards peace with the Fanus. Sadly we have not taken her advice as of yet. I hope this idea will start that process."

"I think we all do," Elisa said, "Which one is Church?"

"The blue armored Spartan over by your mother," K said, "You may want to save him from her puns he looks like it is starting to annoy him."

"Right," Elisa said as she led them over to Church. K smiled as he sat back against C and the two watched DC interact with the leaders of Remnant, or a few of the leaders at least. K was woken up from a nap that he had slipped into unawares when Doug announced that dinner was ready.

"Ah good," K commented, "I was getting hungry."

"Really," C asked.

"Well I've been thinking about food all day," K said, "It speeds up the appetite."

"I hope Doug made enough cookies for Ruby," C said.

"Not a chance," K stated, "Not a chance."

Character Jackson

"Ready," Jackson asked Omega. The two were in the belly of the Invention where Legion 141's robotic mechs were kept.

"We should be good," Omega said, "I've checked for all the signs of instability and the construct is stable."

"Then load it in," Jackson said, "If this works..."

"If it works then your mech will become the single most powerful killing machine that I've created," Omega said as he plugged in the AI core to Jackson's mech, "and I've made quite a few."

The mantis powered up once the core was installed. It stood up, checked it's weapons then looked around before speaking. "What am I," it asked.

"You are a crafted intelligence," Omega informed it, "you are residing inside the combat mech of this solder, Jackson, here. I am Omega an entity much like yourself, we are currently on the battle ship Mother of Invention a part of Dragon Company. Would you like more information?"

"Yes, why does the mech belong to Jackson," it asked.

"Because it was made for me by a friend," Jackson said, "But I figured why leave it at just that when we have the ability to make it so much more. Thus your integration with it."

"You are giving it to me," the AI asked.

"Yes," Jackson said, "Though if you let me get a ride in you from time to time I would appreciate it."

The AI was silent for a few minutes before replying, "I will need a name... what is my name?"

"What would you like to be called," Jackson asked it.

"I... am... alive, I am sentient, I am logical, intelligent, rational, I am ASLIR, Aslir is my name," Aslir stated as it walked out of the bay and over to Jackson and Omega. Then with a definitively male voice he asked, "What is my purpose for being?"

"Well that is complicated," Jackson said.

"Not as complicated as you would think," Omega said, "As an AI Aslir is probably already pulling information from DC's vast libraries of data. It will only take him a few minutes to find his purpose."

"Correct," Aslir said, "It would seem this DC is supposed to hunt down the force know as Magog, since I was created for DC then my purpose is the same. Jackson you have given me this body I appreciate that, you may accompany me on deployments if you would like."

"That would enjoyable I believe," Jackson said.

"I hope you are correct," Aslir said, "What is my first deployment?"

"Right now we are waiting to see where our enemy shows up next," Jackson said, "You can be pretty sure that in a couple of days we will have something though, we always seem to."

"Your history would indicate that this is, on average, true," Aslir stated, "I would meet these other DC members in person if I can before that event occurs."

"Well if you let me in I can take you to them," Jackson said.

"Good luck with that," Omega said, "If you don't mind I'm going to head back to my quarters."

"Right thanks for the help," Jackson said as Omega teleported away. "So, Aslir, you want to meet the crew?"

"It would be beneficial," Aslir replied as the hatch on top of the mantis opened, "Get in."

Jackson pointed out on the overlay of the ship where to go to meet the various members of DC, starting with Marcus and Cleo. On their way to the bridge they passed Main who simply nodded and said "Welcome" as he continued past the two.

"He doesn't talk much," Jackson explained to Aslir.

"So do you talk a lot then," Aslir asked.

"Not really, once you meet Haggard or Marion or Ruby then you will have met someone who talks a lot," Jackson replied.

"I don't know if that is a good thing or a bad thing then," Aslir commented. The two arrived on the bridge several minutes after having passed Main. Inside was a most unexpected sight. Cleo and Marcus were both on the command platform and in the middle of a brawl.

"Don't forget to use your hands," Cleo said as she slipped a backhand through Marcus' defenses, hitting him in the jaw.

"And don't always expect an opening to be accidental," Marcus replied as he trapped her hand against him and threw her to the floor.

"Same to you," Cleo stated as she swept his legs out form under him. The two then rolled away from each other and got up. They were about to engage each other again as the crew around them clapped in appreciation of the demonstration but Marcus held up a hand and pointed to Jackson and Aslir.

"What the," Cleo started, "Jackson are you in there?"

"Yeah but there's two of us in here now," Jackson replied as he opened the hatch and got out. "Aslir say hello."

"Hello," Aslir greeted, "Might I know your names?"

"An AI in a Mantis," Marcus remarked, "We should have thought of that ages ago. I'm Marcus though my professional name is Mercury."

"And I am Cleo, or Emerald," Cleo said, "I have to ask where did you come from?"

"Omega gave him to me," Jackson said, "I decided that he would be at his best in a platform that was his own, so I gave him my mech."

"Hello Aslir," F.I.L.S. Greeted, "Welcome to the Mother of Invention."

"Another AI," Aslir remarked, "I am glad to meet another like Omega and myself. You control the entire ship?"

"When control is give over to me I do," F.I.L.S. Said, "I am the Freelance Information and Logistics System, or F.I.L.S. I feel as though I should mention that I am not a full AI such as yourself. I have protocols programmed in that make sure I can not go Meta."

"Meta," Jackson asked, "What is that?"

"Cortana is the best example of a Meta level AI," Emerald said, "She is completely self aware with emotions and beliefs."

"It sounds like something to aspire to then," Aslir commented. "There are other AIs here though the commander of this vessel I am told is one himself."

"That's right I am," Church said as he entered the bridge.

"Hey how did the big event go," Jackson asked.

"Well we got talked into lending the Invention to a General Ironwood," Church said, "Not to command it mind you but to use it to help the people of Remnant build their own spaceship. Marcus you are in charge of helping them get the project finished. You will be working closely with Elisa, Cinder, and Ironwood to do so."

"The White Fang, organized crime and the Atlasean military," Marcus questioned, "Well if they agreed to it then I suppose I do know the most about this ship other than F.I.L.S. and yourself."

"Can I get a ship," Aslir asked.

"I don't know if we have anything that is suitable to support your functionality," Jackson said.

"Actually," Church said, "We may have something that could work. It's not a ship but it is an attachment we've been designing for the Mantis, a flight system much like the ACUs have built into them."

"I notice I am much more agile that the standard issue Mantis," Aslir said, "especially the sword arm. With a few modifications it may be possible to provide this platform with extreme agility in the air as well."

"F.I.L.S.," Church asked.

"If the GAUS cannon was removed and replaced with another sword arm and the jets were mounted on the arms and legs with the wings on the back then the platform would be even more agile in the air than Cortana's ACU," F.L.I.S. Said. "It would take some time to perform the modifications during which you would not want to be active in that unit."

"Then where would I go," Aslir asked.

"Well if Jackson is willing to help out," Emerald said, "I have an idea about that."

Two hours and many introductions later Jackson met up with 141 in their quarters on the Pestilence.

"Whoa Jackson what is with the visor," Soap asked. Jackson was now outfitted with a flip down visor and a very streamlined version of a Spartan suit's electrical system that was built into an impact reducing gel body suit which was small enough to fit under his clothing.

"Soap, Price, meet Aslir," Jackson said, "Aslir this is Soap and Price, Ghost I assume is with Anjali."

"Yes the Archons," Aslir said through the speakers on the visor.

"It talks," Price said, "Jackson what did you get into?"

"All kinds of awesome," Jackson and Aslir said after a moment.

"That is freaky," Soap said, "So what is Aslir some kind of computer?"

"I'm an AI actually," Aslir said, "Jackson was kind enough to give me his Mantis and now he is supporting me while it is under going some modifications."

"So your supporting a full AI in that visor," Price remarked, "unlikely."

"It's not just a visor it is connected to what is basically the unarmored part of a Spartan suit," Jackson said.

"Faster, stronger, better 'eh," Soap said, "You want to try it out?"

"Are you suggesting a sparring match," Jackson asked, "It would be Aslir's first time in combat."

"Well it would still be a two on two," Price said, "Your not leaving me out of this."

"I feel like I should warn you I do not know how capable I am in a fight," Aslir said, "I may accidentally harm you."

"I wouldn't worry about that," Price said, "Come on lets head to the training room."

They passed Blitz and Storm on their way to the training room, "You two still wail away on each other," Jackson asked as they passed.

"Would never miss it," Storm said, "Jackson, Aslir you guys going to try taking on Price and Soap?"

"That seems to be the idea yes," Aslir said.

"I've got to watch this," Blitz said.

"I'm in," Storm agreed.

The six continued to the training room, inside was Lucas and Reinhardt the two were finishing up their own match both, laughing and taunting each other.

"Come on I hardly felt that," Lucas laughed after getting up from being knocked across the room by a static pulse from Reinhardt.

"That's because it deadened all your nerves," Reinhardt replied as he sent a wave of energy at Lucas. Lucas caught the energy on his shield and used it to slide across the floor and ram into Reinhardt throwing the both of them against Blitz.

"Hey guys we're back," Blitz said.

"We can see that," Lucas said, "and some of 141 has joined you it seems, what is the occasion and what is with the cool visor?"

"I've got a new friend," Jackson said, "Lucas, Reinhardt meet Aslir."

"Hello Legionaries," Aslir said, "Jackson has told me a good bit about you and I must say you sound impressive."

"You have talking sunglasses," Reinhardt asked, "No that would be to crazy even for you, an AI maybe, but you would have to have the hardware to support such a construct."

"I do," Jackson said, "It's basically the inside of a Spartan suit. Price and Soap here want to test both it and Aslir out."

"Well don't let us stand in your way," Lucas said, "I want to watch a two on one."

"It's two on two actually," Aslir said as they set up to start the match.

"Okay now Soap can move faster than I can see him at times so be careful to keep tabs on him, Price is the crafty one of the two, a sniper, so see if you can predict what he will do," Jackson said.

"I will keep that in mind," Aslir said as the match began.

Character Aslir

Soap moved first and Jackson was right the man was fast but Aslir could monitor and think much faster than even Soap could move. Aslir scanned the room in a billionth of a second and plotted the best trajectory for Soap to be deflected off to, he added this information to Jackson's HUD before turning his attention to Price. The older warrior was just starting to move in Aslir's perspective of time and he was heading towards a rack of training weapons, on the rack we an assortment of tools from swords to laser guns. Aslir scanned Price's eyes to see which weapon he was headed for and determined it to be a laser gun. Aslir then adjusted the HUD to use Soap's momentum to help push Jackson towards Lucas' shield since it displayed the ability to hold and use electrical charges. By this time only a half second had gone by and Soap had already covered three quarters of the distance to Jackson and Aslir. Aslir threw up a picture of where Soap was going to be by the time Jackson reacted to it and then sat back to watch the fun.

Character Jackson

Jackson got a display of what Soap and Price were doing just before Soap appeared in front of him. He dodged back and to the left causing Soap to trip and go skidding into the wall. Jackson grabbed Lucas' shield and used it to deflect Price's shots from a laser gun. Then Soap was back but even his speed could not out do Aslir's ability to project where he would be which allowed Jackson to greet Soap with a shield to the face. He then rushed Price who had thrown away the laser gun and pulled out a sword from the training rack. Aslir displayed a projection of the sword being thrown at Jackson and where it would be for him to grab it out of the air, which Jackson proceeded to do before slamming into Price and pining him up against the wall while leveling the sword at Soap's chest stopping the demon hunter in his tracks.

"Wow," Reinhardt remarked while Lucas clapped, "That was amazing I couldn't even see Soap moving most of the time and yet Aslir was able to predict where he would end up for you each time, it had to be Aslir doing that."

"Thank you," Aslir replied as Jackson put the sword up and tossed Lucas his shield. Soap put the laser gun back on the charger for later use.

"AI's really seem to help I'll give you that," Price said, "Tell me how did you know I was going to throw the sword?"

"Your eyes," Aslir said, "They were focused like you would for lining up a shot instead of taking a swing."

"Ha well that can't be helped there," Soap said, "I assume you see all of us in super slow motion, with how fast an AI thinks and processes information a second to you must be long enough to plot out everything we could think to do."

"You are correct," Aslir said, "However the human mind does have an advantage that AIs' do not. Your snap decision making is much faster than ours, we have to fully process information before acting on it, you do not."

"Cortana doesn't either," Storm said, "But she is something else. Aslir if you and Jackson would allow me would you consent to a match against me?"

"Even if we loose it would still be quite a sight," Aslir remarked.

"I guess that is an okay," Jackson said, "Your liking the fighting aren't you?"

"A little," Aslir replied.

"I'm getting out of the way," Soap said as he backed up behind Blitz.

"Any rules you want to use," Jackson asked.

"No you may use anything in here that you wish," Storm replied as she moved onto the floor.

"Okay now Storm will probably beat us," Jackson said, "She can see through time so she will probably know everything we are going to do."

"So she will know everything I put into your HUD even if you don't act on it," Aslir asked.

"I would assume so," Jackson replied, "Why you want to try and over load her?"

"It's worth a shot," Aslir replied, "She is ready the match is beginning."

Jackson had to dodge out of the way of a lightening bolt that Aslir projected on the HUD before running to a weapon rack and pulling out two laser pistols. He then jumped over a wave of electricity that ran across the ground while firing off six shots at Storm. She easily countered the shots with a electric shield before dropping it and charging the two. Jackson rolled to the side to avoid Storm's pounce but got hit by her tail which knocked him against the wall. The gel layer of the under suit however absorbed all of the force and kept Jackson from even being winded by the blow. He then rolled twice to avoid more lightening before countering with the lasers. Again Storm deflected the bolts with her Electrosphere and this time she retaliated with some of her time based abilities. A sphere around her slowed everything that was caught in it down to almost completely stopping.

"How are we going to get through that," Jackson asked.

"Slowly," Aslir replied, "The objects moving through that field are slowed down because they are accomplishing the same task just over a much longer period of time, so they will still carry the same amount of force when they reach Storm."

Storm dropped the shield and let the now redirected lasers fly off into the walls. "I'm not stupid enough to leave that time distortion up long enough for you to use it," Storm said as she stomped the ground and sent two waves of static energy towards Jackson. Jackson jumped up and pushed off the wall behind him to get out of the way of the two energy waves. A blast from Storm's mouth however caught Jackson in the chest as he landed. Aslir however used the gel layer to absorb the energy allowing him to overclock and take control of the gel in the suit.

"Allow me," Aslir said.

"Go for it," Jackson said. He went limp to allow Aslir to control the bodysuit without hindrance. In a flash he was moving at a speed that even Soap would have trouble matching. In a second Aslir had zipped around Storm three times while firing of the laser weapons causing Storm to pull up her Electrosphere to disperse the bolts. When it dropped Aslir had already started moving Jackson in to land a hit right on her nose. The blow connected and Storm pulsed with electricity sending Jackson and Aslir flying back to the other end of the room. Jackson got up as Aslir focused on unloading the build up of electricity that was now interfering with his operation of the suit. He pulled a sword from the wall and started walking forward.

"What are you doing," Aslir asked.

"Making snap decisions," Jackson replied as he blocked a lightening bolt with the sword.

"Ah I'll leave you to it then," Aslir replied. Jackson blocked another bolt before sprinting and lunging at Storm. He swung at her neck but Storm dodged out of the way and grabbed him with her back paw and planted him against the ground.

"Ha," Storm said, "Got you."

"That you did," Jackson replied as he stuck his katana through her paw causing her to jump off of him. "Aslir you back?"

"Ready to go," Aslir replied as a series of projections appeared on Jackson's HUD.

"Whoa hay," Blitz started.

"I said no rules," Storm replied cutting him off, "That means no rules."

Blitz backed down and resigned himself to watch as Storm and Jackson/Aslir circled each other.

"She seems to not care about pain," Aslir said, "she isn't even flinching when she steps down on that foot."

"That's because she has died before," Jackson said, "No pain won't stop her just make her more dangerous."

Storm Electrosphered towards them but Aslir projected her path and allowed Jackson to avoid her causing Storm to smash into one of the weapon racks and cause an explosion that knocked her across the room. Storm got up and shook of the electricity that was sparking off of her before nodding at Jackson and saying, "Well played, your the first people to beat me that isn't Blitz. Of course I haven't sparred with any of RWBY or JNPR yet."

"What was that," Ruby exclaimed as she appeared in a cloud of roses at the door, "Storm you're bleeding are you okay what happened?"

"You guys are still here," Soap asked.

"Yeah Ozpin is still talking with Doug and CFVY and SNSS are getting to know the other members still," Ruby said as she pulled out her scroll and called her team. "Hey it looks like there was an accident in the training room, Storm looks hurt but it seems like a small wound."

"I'll bring some Dust to help her out," Weiss replied, "we will be there in a little bit."

"Great," Ruby said, "Don't worry Storm Weiss has got some Dust to help with your wound."

"Appreciated," Storm said.

"How did you get that anyway," Ruby asked.

"That would be my own fault," Storm said with a laugh, "I told Jackson and Aslir that I would spar with them, no rules. So when I pinned them under my paw he just stabbed his katana right through it."

"Ouch," Ruby exclaimed, "Wait Aslir where is he?"

"In this suit," Aslir said, "Jackson is being nice enough to house me and let me help him in some matches, so far we are two for two."

"Oh," Ruby said, "That's right your the new AI, Penny told me about you. Hey you two want to try and go for three out of three. I promise I won't hurt you too badly."

"Deal," Jackson said.

"I must state that I do not feel comfortable fighting someone who wont fight back," Aslir said.

"I never said I wouldn't fight back," Ruby said with a smirk, "Only that I wouldn't hurt you... much."

"Okay Ruby is not only insanely talented but faster than anything I've ever encountered," Jackson said, "Faster than Soap, faster than light. The girl leaves a red blur in her wake she moves so quickly."

"And you agreed to spar with her why then," Aslir asked.

"Because I think you can hand her," Jackson said.

"You two ready," Ruby asked from across the room.

"Yeah bring it," Jackson said. He almost instantly regretted agreeing to fight Ruby as the entire floor was turned into a whirlwind that lifted him and Aslir off the ground. Then Ruby appeared out of an explosion of roses and kicked the two across the room. The gel layer absorbed her kick but now she was striking them from every direction, or so it seemed, even Aslir couldn't project where she would be Ruby was moving so fast. It was just a blur of red capes and a rain of punches and kicks as Ruby ran circles around the two.

"You two can give up whenever you like," Ruby said.

"She isn't really hurting us," Aslir said, "The gel is absorbing all of her hits." Then they were smashed across the room by a strike from Crescent Rose.

"You sure about that," Jackson said as he got up, "that one stings." The loading of a round into Crescent Rose drew their attention to behind them where Ruby was standing with her weapon in its gun form aimed at Jackson's head.

"If you think that stings you really don't want to feel what this is like," Ruby said.

"How would you know what it feels like," Aslir asked.

"Oh I may have blasted myself with this round before," Ruby said, "Long time ago though when I was maybe eight or nine."

"I don't think we want to get hit by that," Jackson said.

"Agreed," Aslir remarked as the end of the barrel started glowing, "Fine Ruby you got us." Ruby nodded and folded up her weapon before heading over to Storm.

"Well she was gracious in victory," Jackson said.

"She seemed smug enough when we started," Aslir said, "I wonder just how complicated her personality is."

"Complicated enough," Weiss remarked as she walked into the room with Blake and Yang, "Now Storm let me see your foot."

"Well there is your answer," Jackson said to Aslir as they walked over to Storm to apologize for her injury.