(Edit: Accidentally wrote "White F*g instead of 'White Fang')

High Council, Arora, Center of Hammond controlled space

Grey walked into the meeting room, his script in hand and his face neutral. Today should have been one of the more calming days for him.

He had the HEF declare war on many rogue groups and organizations. This was hardly a new thing for him.

So why was he so nervous? Perhaps it was because his currently deployed forces were outnumbered by semi-sentient monsters? Or the fact that he had no idea how these 'humans' would react? Maybe it was because his forces were risking their lives to not fail, thus giving the HMF all the reason to raze the planet to the ground, like they had done so many times before. That would delay grabbing the crystals they needed to power their fleets.

Well, needed was the wrong word, it was more like wanted.

Grey walked towards a table set up in the usual meeting chamber, while officers still worked in the background. He took his seat, and a camera crew walked in, and took their places. Reporters and their camera bots took their places as well. While the Hammond Empire was a dictatorship, it allowed freedom of the press to keep the people informed on daily events with different perspectives. It might seem like an exploitative point to topple the government, but the news channels stayed in line ever since the last channel that got too radical and advocated for violence was swiftly shut down.

Hence the rebel activity in Sigmantium, and Red's current headache.

Grey read and reread through his script, hoping to God he wouldn't screw this up. This speech was to be not only a war declaration, but a morale booster to his troops.

The government camera crew signalled that they were broadcasting.

Grey nodded, his hood never falling from his head.

Hammond HeadQuarters, Remnant Command (REMCOM)

The IT soldiers and their robotic companions looked up at the ceiling in the room they were in. They had their computers at the ready, prepared to hack into the Remnant Communication system. The ceiling held a light, that was currently red, and the soldiers in the room had orders to immediately hack Remnant's comms when it turned green.

And right as the government camera crew signalled they were ready, the light turned green, and the soldiers were in almost immediately.

Headmaster Ozpin's Office

Ozpin was looking over reports about next semester's budget and ongoings for the school when the lights in his office dimmed, causing Ozpin to look up at them, but the lights immediately went back to normal, and his monitor turned on without his doing.

Ozpin turned to see what was happening on his monitor, and he was met with static for a short second. It immediately cleared out to show an eagle holding a power logo with the letter 'H' in it, the symbol was totally black while it was against a white background. Ozpin heard no music, and realized his monitor was muted. He turned the volume on, but the background was already gone, replaced with a grey hooded figure sitting at a large table.

"Greetings, citizens of the Hammond Empire, as well as those listening in on the planet Remnant." The figure started.

"What is going on here?" Ozpin mumbled, taking a sip of his coffee.

"I am Vice Emperor Grey, a member of the Hammond High Council. The Empress Commander could not be here today as she and her personal guard are now in Sigmantium, fighting alongside her soldiers against the rebel forces on that planet. I am taking her place as it is one of my departments currently engaged in the activity I am here to talk about today."

Supreme Commander's office, Atlas Military Command

General Ironwood listened to the broadcast, already steaming that the CCT was hacked, and this speech wasn't doing his mood any good.

"As of two months ago, the 17th Exploration Fleet found a planet that was unknown to us at the time. Upon scanning the planet's surface, we came upon three things. One, the planet was inhabited by humans, and very much advanced in technology. Two, the planet was also inhabited by semi-sentient monsters that are hostile to all forces save themselves. Three, we found large deposits of material that can power a single planet for generations to come." The grey hooded figure, funnily enough named 'Grey', reported.

Ironwood suddenly became very interested in the broadcast, his anger dying down a little.

"As of two weeks ago, our forces established a base on the planet, and have secured the surrounding area from Grimm, as well as establishing a protective ring of air bases around the island. For those not living on Remnant, which would be the majority of those watching, here is a map of the area I just described." Grey said, allowing for the screen to change to a map of the Kingdomless Island, which was somewhat in the shape of a dragon, showing Airbase Alfa and the surrounding bases, as well as the dockyards on the shores of the island.

Ironwood shot up out of his chair, turning to look at his map wall, displaying a map of Remnant. This new group has been his neighbor this entire time.

Grimmlands

Salem watched the video on the monitor Watts had brought in, after exclaiming he had been hacked. While Salem was about to punish him for it, the broadcast had started, and she held off on that.

Now she realized Watts might've saved her time and trouble trying to figure out who the soldiers on the Kingdomless Island were.

"For those on Remnant, I do not think I have properly introduced myself and this power that is now talking to you. We are the Hammond Empire, a force that has dominated the known stars for quite some time now. We have a military group already deployed on the planet numbering over a billion in total, as well as an adjoining fleet to each individual military in the military group as well as the head fleet of said group. While originally we came in peace in hopes of establishing trade and-slash-or integrating the planet into the empire, our objective has changed."

Salem arched an eyebrow. 'What changed this?' She wondered.

"Our objective was changed due to the discovery of the semi-sentient monsters, known as Grimm, and the discovery that the local populace was deemed dangerous due to their special nature."

Salem stood up. "Watts, we have a problem."

RWBY Dorm room

Team RWBY watched, stunned to silence by what they were seeing. While it was one thing for the CCT to be hacked, it was another for it to be hacked by a space empire. Now, they were waiting to see what was to be the verdict of the Remnant populace.

"The special nature of the humans of this planet is two things. One: The fascinating evolution some have undergone, turning them into a human with minor animal traits. Two: The self shield and 'superpowers' that some possess called Aura and Semblances, respectively. The more worrying of the two being the latter, the former is more interesting to our science community." Grey stated.

Blake stared, stunned even more. These people saw aura as more of a problem then Faunus? Why was that?

"We see the Faunus and Humans the same since they both die the same: To the claws and maws of Grimm."

Oh. That's why.

"Regardless of this, we have not yet decided on a verdict on the populace of Remnant, nor will do so for some time. However, it is forbidden for anyone to interact with our territory. Any who do so will be shot first, and dealt with later."

Team RWBY looked at each other. The small sprout of an idea that was to go to the island was stepped on and killed immediately.

"As such, please do go on about with your lives as if we do not exist, and we will not interfere. To all on in the Hammond Empire, Victoria est Hammond. To the Remnant people, have a good rest of your day." And with that the transmission ended.

Supreme Commander's office, Atlas Military Command

Ironwood's monitor shut off at the end of the broadcast, leaving him stunned to silence as well. Also, it left him with a small sense of dread, but a large amount of anger.

"'Go on about with my day?' As if a multi-galaxy spanning empire didn't just tell me to not tread on what is neutral territory? As if War wasn't waiting on my doorstep, begging for me to come out and fight it? Who does this empire think it is?" Ironwood asked aloud to himself. He stared at the map, looking at the Kingdomless Island.

'They said they wouldn't have a verdict for a while...perhaps...maybe...I can continue on with my day.' Ironwood thought to himself. 'No harm, no foul.'

Suddenly, a junior officer burst into Ironwood's office, pulling him from his thoughts. "Sir! We have found the hacker! They're at a White Fang base a few miles off the northen shore of Sanus!"

Ironwood stood up. "Then, I guess now is a good time for the 12th Fleet to go and handle it. I want them immediately deployed to the area! Is the 1st Fleet still ready to be deployed to Vale?"

"Yes sir!"

"Good, the Vytal Festival is soon, and we shouldn't be late."

High Council, Arora

Grey was immediately swamped with questions as soon as the broadcast ended. Reporters all started talking at once, and their words became indistinguishable from each other. Grey held up his hand, silencing them. He pointed to one reporter, allowing her to ask her question.

"Vice Emperor Grey, what do you expect to come from this broadcast?" She asked, her tape recorder pointing towards Grey.

"I expect confusion, when this broadcast started, we had hacked into their systems to showcase this speech to everyone on Remnant, even force on their televisions and monitors to do so. However, we were able to make it seem like the broadcast was coming from somewhere else, and not from us." Grey answered.

More questions arose, Grey did the same, and pointed to another reporter.

"Vice Emperor, why broadcast the signal from somewhere else?" the reporter asked.

"We did this in hopes that the Remnant population would not take us seriously. We made it seem like it was a terrorist broadcast from one of the major organizations already on the planet's surface, obviously not affiliated with us."

"What about the our bases? Wouldn't the nearby Kingdom at least recon the area to see if this was true?"

Grey only smiled. "Oh, we hope they do."

"Why?"

"Well, why do I hope they do?" Grey said, leaning back in his chair. "Probably because we gave them fair warning anyway. Which allows us to attack them back."

1st Fleet, Designation Blue, Blue Actual, Bridge, somewhere over Southern Atlas

James Ironwood, in the meager time it took for Grey to answer questions, had the 1st and 12th Fleets mobilized and departed from their main stations. The 12th Fleet was already deploying to the White Fang base to destroy it, but reports had come in about massive anti-air emplacements. No worries to Ironwood, his forces would prevail. He wondered what the White Fang were trying to pull, using such a simple tactic.

Maybe it was a distraction? For what? An attack? But on who? Too many questions and no answers, it was awful for Ironwood, perhaps answers would come with the destruction or capture of the base.

"Sir, we are leaving Atlesian airspace, now entering Valean airspace. Am I allowed to assume you sent a message to Vale announcing our presence?" A junior officer reported.

Ironwood turned to the officer. "Lieutenant, Vale requested us. I'm sure they will be okay with us flying in. We only need to worry about Ozpin."

REMCOM, Kingdomless Island, now Dragon Fortress

General Allen March was meeting with the other generals in the 3rd HEF Military Group. They sat around a map of the Remnant planet.

General Hailee Underwood was a tall, slim woman in an outfit similar to March's and the other generals. She wore black glasses, and had a messy, short, black hair. She commanded the 9th HEF Military, while the adjoining 9th HEF Fleet, along with the 10th and 11th HEF Fleets, were in orbit around the planet.

General Marcus Halifax was of British descent, standing a little under 5'4", and wore the usual general outfit, exception being that his left hand was replaced with a robotic one due to an incident with an Ogre Titan. He commanded the 10th HEF Military.

The last general wasn't human, but an advanced Spyglass-model android, named Five Star. He was a Spectre robot modified to have a supercomputer implanted into his chassis. He was painted grey, but his head was painted white. He didn't wear a uniform, but did keep the chosen sidearm of a P2016 Hammond pistol in a sidearm holster on his left leg.

"Generals, we are gathered here today to finalize our plan to destroy the population of this planet. While Vice Emperor Grey has already confused the enemy for us, we will work on deciding which military and fleet will deal with the Atlesian fleet attacking the White Fang base. Another military and fleet will join the combined marine forces that will be landing some ways away from that ongoing battle." General March pointed on the map of Remnant of where what operations would occur. "Meanwhile, the remaining fleets will be defending the Dragon Fortress. Us attacking the Atlesian fleet and forces deployed will draw retaliation from the Kingdom, which happens to be our neighbor."

Generals Underwood and Halifax nodded, while Five Star turned to General Allen. "General, what of the 3rd HEF Military Group Fleet, currently in orbit?"

General March only chuckled. "They are not required in our plan at this moment. The 3rd HEFMGF will only be used in the 4th Phase and beyond in our plan."

"What does that mean?" General Underwood asked. "How far does this plan go?"

Halifax nodded. "Allen, this better not be Militun all over again."

General March waved his hand. "It isn't. Militun and Operation Hallowed Ground have humbled me. This plan is much less complicated."

"There's more that ten phases, isn't there?" General Halifax asked, speaking in a deadpan tone.

"Well, yes. The plan also involves Arora and the Home Defense Fleet." General March answered.

"WHAT!?" General Underwood shouted. "How?!"

"Well, before you start yelling even more, Vice Emperor White is already on board with the idea."

General Halifax arched an eyebrow. "How'd you manage to do that?"

"I gave her the plan directly, and White rewarded my confidence with approval. After laughing at the plan, and telling me it was great her forces would be allowed to do something." General March answered. "Other than that, she gave me the go ahead."

"Impressive, General." Five Star stated, his robotic tone allowing no emotion.

"So, now we have to go over the plan. Listen up, and ask questions when they come up." General March started.

White Fang Base, Northern Sanus

The chilled forests of Northern Sanus were unusually loud today, as was the frigid sky above them.

White Fang soldiers fought bravely in the face of Atlesian brutality. Their Dust rifles firing at the opposing line of Atlesian soldiers and androids. The forest was alive with the sound of gunfire and shouting. In the sky, Atlesian Bullheads and gunships dueled with White Fang Bullheads and anti-aircraft fire. The Atlesian airships stayed back, as they were easy targets for the anti-aircraft fire.

This battle was falling into a stalemate very quickly, as the two sides became bogged down by opposing gunfire and sporadic artillery. Meanwhile, the air forces suddenly started to become scarce, while the anti-air stayed the same.

"Keep up the suppressive fire! We can beat them! For the Faunus!" The commander shouted, rallying his troops.

"All forces, neutralize the traitors! General Ironwood's orders require it!" The Atlesian commander shouted to his troops, their morale unwavering in the face of adversity.

However, both sides were unaware of what was truly happening in the shadows.

Beacon, around 3 days later

General Ironwood was riding the elevator up to Ozpin's office. While multiple reports from the 12th Fleet were coming in, he knew they were stuck in a stalemate at this point. His forces would have to deploy another fleet, but right now none were available.

"On the one hand, this is great for you General. It means you might've found the big one." Professor Glynda stated. "On the other, well, it's what it is right now."

"I can only sympathise with my troops right now, but I wish them the best." Ironwood said, slight remorse in his voice. "I know they can beat these terrorists."

The door opened, allowing General Ironwood and Professor Goodwitch to walk into the office of Headmaster Ozpin. Ozpin casually greeted the two, even though the 1st Atlesian Fleet was landing in the background outside. "James, to what do I owe the pleasure?"

"Well, it seems our mysterious speechmaker was found to be just a White Fang ploy. The trick, fortunately, led us directly to a hidden White Fang base in Northern Sanus. It's currently being dealt with right now." Ironwood briefed.

"Excellent, I was wondering about that actually." Ozpin said. "But I figure it's all taken care of now."

"Yes, it is."

Ozpin's face however, slightly darkened. "Which means there are two Atlesian fleets on Vale territory, correct?"

Ironwood scowled. "What are you getting at here?"

"General, that means there is now a large military presence, one fleet is allowable. Two? That is pushing it very much. It's almost invasion-like." Ozpin explained. "I would assume you aren't invading, as you already stated why the second fleet is here. But am I correct when I assume that the other fleet will leave Vale territory when the base is finished?"

"You are." Ironwood answered. "You have my word."

Ozpin nodded, and turned back to watch the ships land. Ironwood spoke once more. "Can they fight a war?"

"I hope they never have to." Ozpin said, already knowing who 'they' were.

RWBY Dorm, that night

"So from what I've been reading, the speech was actually a White Fang trick to deceive the world. Or at least, that's what the news is saying." Weiss summarized.

Blake looked skeptical. "I don't think the White Fang would do that. It seems nothing like them."

"They didn't need some much Dust before, and yet here we are. That was unlike them, too." Weiss reasoned, to which Blake nodded in agreement after some thinking.

"Whatever it is, I think we should check it out." Ruby said. "Maybe we can get some info on what's happening."

"The White Fang do hold daily recruiting rallies, usually at night. We could possibly do it tonight if we wanted." Blake stated. "But...I don't know…"

"I think it's a good idea. If we find something, we can bring it to Ozpin and maybe get extra credit. If not, at least we can see the town." Yang stated. "I say go for it."

Ruby and Weiss nodded, and Blake sighed. "Alright, let's do it."

"Yeah!" Another voice shouted, from outside. The girls whirled around to see Sun hanging on a tree next to the dorm window.

"Sun? How'd you get here?" Ruby asked.

"Easy, I do this all the time." He answered.

"You what!?" Weiss shrieked.

"I climb trees all the time." He answered casually. "So, are we finally getting back at that Torchwick guy?"

Ruby nodded. "Yep, but I don't think-"

"Don't say it, you should always get friends involved. That's why I brought Neptune." Sun interrupted, gesturing to the window he entered from. The girls looked out to see Neptune standing on the ledge. He gave a wave, and asked to come inside.

REMCOM, 12th Military Base

The assembled sub-leaders in the 12th Military were sitting in a conference room, wondering why they had been summoned. Lieutenant Generals Rayn Hakow and Tori Jen were looking at files for the new Jaeger units their divisions had received. Lieutenant General Henry Ari was writing a quick report for General March to read about the naval fleet and his plans for his divisions. Lieutenant General Kaylee Hopps was conversing with her Deputy, Major General Alex Hosch, about their presentation today for General March. They all stood up when said General walked in.

"At ease." He said, and all of them sat down. "We have a briefing today, is that correct, Hopps?"

Lt. General Hopps stood up at her name. "Yes sir, we have some new information we would like to share." She nodded towards Maj. General Hosch, who pulled out a TacPad, and swiped the screen to push the information onto the big screen in the front of the conference room.

"As you can see here, our spies captured some interesting pictures involving the local terrorist group on this planet." The screen showed pictures with captions and arrows pointing out White Fang members hijacking an Atlesian shipment of Paladin mechs and supplies. "We believe they are preparing for an assault on the local kingdom, known as Vale."

General Allen scowled. "That would throw our plans off, we need that kingdom to make a statement, as well as make an example of this planet. What else do you know?"

"We had a small contingent of Jaegers follow the Fang to a deserted city, which lies southeast from Vale. Information points it to be a failed expansion of Vale's that fell to a Grimm attack."

Allen's scowl lessened. "And what of the Fang?"

"They went underground, literally. The whole operation is under the city in a large cavern. We thought about planting charges and causing the cavern to cave in on itself, but the idea was terminated as we hoped to steal the technology." Lt. General Hopp reasoned.

General March nodded. "Very well, anything else?"

"There's a White Fang rally tonight in the Vale Kingdom. We have sent a squad of seven Jaegers to investigate, along with one of the Commander Jaeger models. They will watch from the shadows to get more info about the Southeast operation, then we will strike that operation. It is no problem if we get info or not, since we still have lookouts there." Maj. General Hosch answered. "The 10th Division from the 6th Army is currently scouting the cavern and the surrounding area topside. The engineers in said division are currently setting up short range artillery and anti-aircraft weapons to counter anyone or anything that isn't White Fang from entering."

"Excellent, I assume the Jaegers will have no trouble fighting and Huntsman or Huntresses that come around?" General March asked.

"They have been given orders to kill any interlopers with extreme prejudice, sir." Lt General Hopps answered, with a small smile on her face. "It should be no problem anyway, even with them finding out about us."

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