"Hn." I grunted out, crossing my arms and staring at the light-made videos. "Lay it on me."
The General simply glanced over at me with a ghost of a smile and pressed one final button.
In a flash, the holograms that emitted from the table changed. The news reports and videos disappeared and were replaced by nothing but a flicker. In their place, holograms of odd steel-framed containers rotated above the table at a sedate pace. Each of them had a peculiar glow that was specific to them, emanating from the translucent glass that peeked from the steel. They spun in a circle around the circumference of the table, and the colors cast a changing spectrum of light on the room.
"Needless to say, what I'm about to tell you is to be kept a secret from the public." Ironwood started, his attention focused solely on the capsules.
"…right." I agreed, catching a small smile crop up on Winter's lips as I did.
"Since Atlas was founded, we've always sought ways to better ourselves through science. Our technology is unparalleled, as is our fleet. Though, just because we are secure for now doesn't mean our scientists have been slacking off." James explained. In a smooth motion he reached out and plucked one of the holographic containers out of the air, and it followed his grip near seamlessly. "What you see are called 'Serums' by the scientists that created them. They were theorized and developed by the best geneticists that Atlas has ever produced, in cooperation with the head of our science branch."
I reached out with my own hand, aiming to snatch one of the containers from the rotation. To my surprise, it didn't phase through my hand and followed my palm the moment it touched. There was no weight, with it being made of light, but it followed my hand almost perfectly when I spun it. The pale red glow of the liquid inside bubbled and lit up my armor in a color that matched. I twisted and inspected the fake container, finding the entire experience interesting. My ears caught when the General chuckled at me.
"Think of them as genetic boosters. When administered to a proper candidate using the right methods, they find specific sequences in the genetic code and improve upon them exponentially. Using these, a Huntsmen, Huntress, soldier, or even the weakest of civilians can become exceptional in whatever attribute they choose." He continued, tossing the projection of light in his hand back into the rotation with the others. "The Serums are the culmination of decades of geniuses being given whatever they require."
"That sounds incredible." I said, staring at the thing in suppressed awe. Unfortunately, I couldn't help but think objectively about something that sounds so good in theory. "General… if these Serums are so effective, why don't you have your entire military using them? Seems like kind of a no-brainer."
"If only, Jaune. I'd love nothing more than to produce an entire battalion of the most powerful soldiers Remnant has ever seen. Unfortunately, it's not possible at this time." He ground out, obviously a sore spot for the General. "The Serums are unable to be mass-manufactured. They're simply too expensive to supply to an entire military. Even a simple platoon would bankrupt Atlas."
"They're exceptionally valuable and still being improved upon today by our scientists. Administration of Serums is closely monitored and only given to the best of the best. There are only two Specialists currently active in Atlas that have undergone the procedure." Winter stated, skirting around the circumference of the table to stand at my other side.
"And if you're open to the idea, I'd like to offer you the opportunity to pick one."
What I heard from the General of Atlas nearly knocked me from my feet. I was blown away by this, all of it. With that being the case, I dropped any sense of politeness or manners in order to get to the meat.
"Uh… don't mean to question your judgement, but you want to give a hyper expensive marvel of genetic engineering to me? I'm not even Atlesian." I asked bluntly with a flat look on my face, not even bothering to hide my opinion. To my surprise, James simply smirked.
"Grim as it is to say, the attack on Vale presented me with certain advantages. The council here are jumping at their own shadows, so for as long as I present a strong defense they'll greenlight almost anything I ask for. Accelerated Huntsman license and all." The words left the General smugly. "Aside from that, you've proven yourself through your actions in Vale. The fact you went to such lengths to dig at the entity behind the attack says to me that we're firmly on the same side in the grand scheme. A Serum is no object in the face of what you've indirectly done for Remnant, and I would wager that our mutual friend Ozpin would think much the same."
"That being said, you'll need information in order to make a decision." Winter interjected. The General used that as his cue to press a button, and the rotating row of containers adopted only 3 colors spread between them. "We have three variants considered ready for administration. Their aspects are strength, endurance, and precision. Any one you pick will exponentially improve your body, so choose wisely."
My attention broke away from the two after a second that I spent absorbing their words. I followed the holograms as they spun above the table, taking precious time to mull over everything presented to me.
"… do they have side effects?"
"Good question." Ironwood commented with a smile. "The Serums have undergone extensive testing on all fronts. Theoretical numbers were run first, and through the years since its inception we've graduated to volunteer trials. They were conducted over ten years ago on two volunteer soldiers from the Academy, in which they were each given a separate version that they chose. In ten years time, our scientist haven't detected a single drawback from the administration of the serum. Not on a physical, mental, or genetic level."
'Ten years…' The time frame bounced around in my mind, echoing in my ears as I stared at the holograms.
"The two volunteers have actually showed remarkable improvement. In that time they've changed dramatically and risen to the top of the Atlesian military. One has unfortunately passed away in the line of duty, but before he passed he was exceptional. Another Huntress was selected from the graduating pool roughly two years ago, and she has shown much the same improvement, without any detectable negative impact." Winter's words washed against me. I heard them, but I didn't really pay attention to them.
My mind was focused remembering the ash that fell from the tower, and the glass arrow that lay at the top.
'… it's more than enough time.' Conviction welled up within me, and I made my decision. Even if I were to drop dead the second the tenth year was up, I hardly needed that much time to finish it all.
"Strength."
Both of them paused at the sudden answer.
"Pardon?" Winter uttered, eyeing me from the corner of her eye. I simply stared at the hologram.
"I've spent my entire life chasing strength, ever since I was a kid. There was nothing I wanted more than that." The words were heavy as they fell from my lips. "That's not the case anymore, but I realized it too late to go after what I wanted. This past year I clawed my way towards the strength I wanted, and this past week I got a glimpse of it. I've gotten a taste of what it is to be strong… and I know that it's what I need to be."
"And how can you tell that?" The question came from Ironwood.
"The consequences for not being so, I'm not willing to pay anymore."
Silence ruled the office for all of a second before a strong hand on my shoulder broke my trance. I glanced over to see the General nod at me supportively.
"Well put, I agree entirely with the sentiment." He stated firmly, patting me on the shoulder before turning and walking back to his desk. The moment he turned, the cog-shaped hologram terminal spiraled and folded back into the recess in the floor with the holograms flickering out of existence. "I'll notify our personnel on site to prepare to administer a Serum. Only after a medical evaluation, obviously. Winter, I'll have you and another lead our friend here to the laboratory. You know which one."
"Right away, General!" She exclaimed, snapping to salute at the order.
The moment the exchange ended, he sat behind his desk and resumed his work on the holopad he'd thrown down before. Holographic screens jumped up from his desk, scrawling information through the air that he casually pursed through. Taking that as her dismissal, Winter turned and made to exit the office of the General. I followed silently, still processing all the information I was just given.
"By the way," James spoke out, stopping me just feet from exiting his office. I glanced back at him, seeing the way he lowered his screens to address me. "Congratulations on unlocking your semblance in Vale, it was quite the sight. If you're interested, we can facilitate testing in the future to see exactly what it does and where its limits lie."
"I'm in." I answered quickly and bluntly.
"Great. I'll see what I can do." He responded just as bluntly. "Good luck, Huntsman. Atlas is waiting for you."
The doors slid open and as one Winter and I stepped out. The second that they hissed closed behind us, I was snatched up by strong hands.
"Oh, this is just so exciting!" The accented voice was familiar, so I simply didn't bother with resistance as my feet left the ground. Once picked up I was spun around by my shoulders by her, hearing laughter as it happened to me. The entire time I stared into Elm's face with a flat expression on mine, which she answered with a gleeful smile.
"Great." I grunted out, accepting my fate passively. After spinning me much like a pet cat, the large woman eventually set me back on my feet roughly and invaded my space even further.
"So? So?! Which did you pick? I can't wait to hear!" She spouted out excitedly, shaking me with each punctuation by the grip she a had on my shoulders. I stared at the woman as she continued to handle me with the beginnings of annoyance growing in my heart.
"I would recommend being careful, Elm. He bites." I glared murderously at the Schnee for that, but gave no effort towards denying it.
"How do you know there was a choice to be made?" The question was met with a hearty chuckle from Elm, and she finally let go of me to jab a thumb at herself.
"Simple! I was one of the volunteers for the project! Ten years ago I was a first year student in the Academy, and constantly dragged behind my peers in physical aspects. A disease prevented my muscular development at an early age, so even when that was cured I was behind others my age." She explained happily, puffing up her chest in pride. "When I was introduced to the idea of the tests I immediately signed up. As a result, all damage done by the disease was undone by the project and then some! I chose strength, obviously."
Elm unashamedly assumed a front double bicep pose and flexed right in front of the office of the General of Atlas. I outwardly kept my expression non-plussed, but inwardly struggled to keep my amusement hidden.
'She reminds me of Nora.' I thought, smiling slightly at the thought of my teammate. 'Wonder if she comes with her own Ren?'
"Seems we chose the same." My words came out with just a tinge of the amusement I felt, despite my efforts. Stars popped into her eyes as she gasped and wrapped me in a tight hug, spinning me around yet again.
"If you two are quite done, we have ground to cover." Winter's voice put a halt to all of her activity, and I was set down quickly by a sheepish looking Elm. I brushed off my armor even though it was already battered and stained, glad to finally be let go.
"Er, right! Apologies, Specialist Schnee." Elm retorted in her best approximation of professional.
"Better. Now, where are Clover and Harriet?" She asked, addressing Elm specifically.
"They were on call for a small mission when we escorted you here. There was a situation that required their observation directly." The Huntress responded quickly. "I'll be the only one to escort you towards the laboratory."
"I see. Shall we, then?"
Winter was answered by an arm wrapping around her shoulders and yanking her forward. I found the sight funny, but humor left as a hand grabbed my wrist and led me along.
"Just follow me, I know exactly how to get there! The Doctor does all of my checkups whenever I am ordered to have them!" She announced excitably, tromping down the stairs with us in tow. Winter made sounds of struggle at her man-handling, but they went completely ignored. A smirk found its way to my lips at that. "The Doctor is a wonderful man, he's made many improvements to the procedure since the time we had them done. I can't tell you how excited I am to train someone like me, we'll have such fun!"
"Guess we will." I said lightly, small smile on my lips.
[AN- Ayo, another element planned from the start is revealed! Atlas isn't producing just mechs, obviously. There's always more to it than you might realize. Thanks for all the comments, follows and favs last chapter. Hope you enjoy!]