A/N: This chapter mainly focuses on Weiss the next chapter will deal with Chief and Cortana and I'll go more in-depth with the direction I'm taking the story.

Wake up, Chief. I need you.

Weiss felt a thrill of excitement as she watched through the window as the small cargo airship ascended into the night sky. She had successfully snuck away from her father's grasp, and after bribing a pilot of an old cargo airship, she was one step closer to reuniting with her team. Her heart raced as she glimpsed into the darkness and saw twinkling stars among scattered clouds, feeling both fear and freedom surge through her veins simultaneously in anticipation for what awaited on the other side of this journey that would soon take flight over mountainside towns below. Feeling a sudden jolt as the ship shuddered, Weiss peered out the window and panic began to rise within her as she saw the ship beginning to descend. A chill ran through her as she watched the ground grow closer with each passing second. "No no no! Why are we going back down? Is it father? Has he found me!?"

Weiss edged closer to the stacked crates, peering out into the open space of the cargo bay. She clenched her jaw and steadied her breathing. Her eyes darted in all directions, taking notice of every detail around her as she hurriedly made towards a short corridor that lead to the cockpit. As she passed by each crate quickly and quietly, until finally reaching just outside of where the pilot sat concentrating on their descent path ahead.

Without hesitation or tremor in voice, Weiss cleared her throat before addressing him with purposeful intent: "Excuse me, Mr. Pilot, What's going on why are descending?".

The pilot looked up briefly and gave her a reassuring smile before turning back to his controls. "Sorry ma'am," he said calmly. "Orders straight from General Ironwood himself. This birds gotta land."

Weiss' eyes widened she couldn't believe it her father used one of his favors to get the General to help him. Not wanting her journey to come to an end Weiss tries to appeal to the man's sense of kindness. With desperate urgency, she pled her case: "Please, sir! I'm begging you. We can't land now; there are people important to me that I just have to see!"

Cringing away from Weiss, the pilot shook his head. "Listen here, young lady," he said with a heavy sigh. "I don't know what kind of trouble you're in and I'd rather stay out of it, but orders are orders – if I don't land this plane then my job is on the line." He paused for a moment before continuing in a more sympathetic tone. "Besides, I don't think me landing has anything to do with you."

Weiss tilted her head to one side in confusion. "Huh, what do you mean?"

The pilot shrugged his broad shoulders and gestured with both hands outstretched. "Well," he began carefully, putting his hands back onto the controls of his ship as he spoke, "The orders were for every airship in both Atlas and Mantle airspace to make an emergency landing." His face was tense; a sign that this was serious news indeed - definitely not something they had been prepared for or expecting.

For her part, Weiss couldn't believe her ears. Suddenly, every ship had to land. How could such an order have come from the high command? She paced back and forth across the room,running through all of the possibilities but coming up short. What kind of urgency or crisis demanded this level of measure? Weiss looked out the front window, perplexed. shrugging off her confusion she turned to the Pilot. "Do you have any idea why this is happening?" she asked, gesturing towards the turbulent sky outside their ship's hull.

The Pilot shook his head slowly from side to side with a solemn expression on his face."No clue."

The pilot turned to Weiss with a look of tiredness. "Well, miss, it's gonna be a while before we can take off, so you've got some options. You can head back to the cargo bay and get some shut-eye or if you want there's a small town just a few miles west of here that might help pass the time." He gestured out the window towards an unmistakable cluster of buildings hugging up against rolling hills and valleys on the edge of the darkening horizon. "I'll radio you for pick up once we're ready."

Weighing her options Weiss shakes her head. "I think I'll just wait outside and get some fresh air." nodding his head the Pilot leans into his chair. "Alright then, as for me I'll be catching up on some Z's" Seeing the pilot cozying up into his seat Weiss exited the ship, using its steps as a seat, she gazed up into the night sky. It seemed her journey to reunite with her team would have to wait a bit longer.

Weiss's gaze shifted, and she stayed focused on the brightest star in the night sky for what seemed like an eternity. Her vision blurred around it - everything else in her sight became dimmer than shadows, leaving only that star shining with a profound radiance. Minute after minute passed by, and Weiss's focus remained on the star when suddenly she noticed something about it seemed strange…it almost seemed like it was getting closer. With her curiosity piqued Weiss shifted her gaze from the star and looked around for any other celestial anomalies which could provide an explanation for what was happening but no The only thing visible apart from the other stars and cosmic dust was the one steadily growing ever-larger towards her. Weiss sat transfixed by the light in the sky. She was certain that it must be a star, but as she watched, its form shift and change in size and intensity grew until it blazed brighter than any star she had ever seen. With a start of alarm, Weiss realized what she was seeing: not a distant stellar body but something far closer –a meteorite hurtling not at her but at the small town not far from here. The strangle anomaly crashed like a thunderbolt, and despite Weiss being miles away she could still feel the impact as the ground shook beneath her feet. A flock of birds scattered across the horizon in panic as shockwaves reverberated through the air.

Weiss looked on watching as a plume of smoke rose from beyond the hills. The town nearby was in danger, and part of her wanted to rush forward and help, but she knew there were others better suited for that task. Perhaps Mantle would send their huntsmen or the Atlas military were already at work--either would be capable of saving those in danger. But as Weiss looked at the increasing smoke, her thoughts drifted to her silver-eyed partner. She remembered how Ruby would have ran towards danger without hesitation, ready to help as many people as she could with courage and conviction. Her heart swelled with admiration for the strength of spirit that

Ruby possessed and the warmth of a friendship that had been irreplaceable. So with a steady breath and determination in her eyes, Weiss the huntress in training charged ahead.

General Ironwood wearily rubbed his eyes, trying to stave off the fatigue that threatened to drag him down. On this particular night, he felt the full weight of his responsibilities pressing down on him. He had a lot to consider: Atlas and Mantle had to be kept safe, Jacques needed help finding his daughter, and now he had the added task of figuring out how best to deal with the fallout of grounding every airship. With a deep sigh, he spread some papers out onto the desk in front of him and began taking notes on what steps would have to be taken if they were going to make it through this tough situation without any further damage or strife.

Eyes fixed on a page of reports a sudden set of knocks at the door alert him of a presence outside his office. "Enter," he said distractedly and looked up to see Winter Schnee standing in the doorway.

His voice was curt and serious. "Report." Winter snapped to attention, her arms pressed behind her back in a position of steadfast alertness. Swiftly she reported what had been discovered: "Sir, the anomaly has made landfall a few miles from Mantle. Near a small mining town."

"Have our forces been dispatched?" the General asked with a brusque tone. Winter stepped forward, her face composed and her posture straight. With a curt nod of recognition, she answered: "Yes sir, Ace-Ops and three squads of Atlesian Knight-200 have been deployed." She paused briefly before adding: "I have also been informed that a team of hunters from Mantle are en route as well."

Rising from his chair, Ironwood stepped to the window of his office and looked out at the towering cityscape spread before him in all its industrial glory. They had been tracking this anomaly since it had first appeared over Remnant's atmosphere, there was no denying the reality - something unknown to the people of Remanent was hurtling towards them, and now that it had crashed planetside it was time to find out what exactly this mysterious object actually was.

Weiss heard a distant rumbling grow louder as she neared the town. It was accompanied by terrible screams and a cacophony of panicked cries that sent an icy chill up her spine. She noted to herself that whatever had crashed into the town had broken apart into several smaller pieces causing immense destruction throughout the town

The street was a scene that belonged in a nightmare. Windows shattered, spraying glass in all directions, buildings ablaze with fire dancing from broken windows and doorways, the air choking on dark smoke of burning debris as people ran hysterically in every direction looking for shelter. The already disorienting upheaval of the disaster was only furthered by the arrival of Grimm, drawn to the site like moths to a lantern. Glowing eyes and clicks hisses and growls echoed from all directions as their hungry gazes were fixed on the helpless town folk.

Weiss tightened her grip on the handle of Myrtenaster, the long silver and white rapier in her hand, she charged ahead. Finding a family that was cornered by two Beowolf's. The family huddled together with terror in their eyes as they shrank away from their attackers. Weiss dashed forward desperately and swung Myrtenaster high into the air, sending a flurry of dust-charged shots toward both monsters, eviscerating them both. She exhaled heavily in relief before turning to make sure that no more threats were nearby. With no more danger nearby, the family bowed their heads in a moment of thanksgiving. Deciding it best to lead the family to safety Weiss moved ahead with determined steps, clearing a path through all the Grimm that had been lurking in wait for them along the way. Her blade flashed and shone every time it met with another creature of darkness. Along the way, Weiss found a handful of other survivors, which only increased her determination. She was unmovable and fierce as she carved her way forward, ever leading them away from danger and toward whatever shelter might be found lying ahead on this harsh night.

Stumbling upon a tavern that had been converted into a makeshift shelter for the survivors. She quickly steered the family and other survivors towards the entrance of the establishment, with the group secured Weiss departed turning down an alley corner it was there she finally saw it. Weiss's eyes widened as she took in the sight of the large smoldering blocky metal structure. Her mouth hung open, her breath suspended in disbelief. She stepped forward, her heels crunching and cutting through a light coating of ash that had settled atop the ground like snowflakes. The intense heat emanating from within was almost palpable as it bathed her face and hands with warmth, but still, she cautiously inched closer to get a better look at what had just crashed down into their reality from out of nowhere."That's...that's what fell from the sky!?"

Her shock was cut short by a deep and menacing growl from the other side of the street. She looked up to see a pack of beowolves, their yellow eyes glowing with hunger in the moonlight, standing between her and safety. They bared their wickedly sharp teeth as they advanced on her with no fear or hesitation. Weiss's eyes widened as the pack of Beowolves charged her, snarling and snapping their razor-sharp fangs. She pushed forward with all her might, calling upon a manifestation of her mysterious semblance. White light gathered around Weiss in a mass before radiating outwards like brilliant stars twinkling against the night sky. At once a mighty Boarbatusks thundered into existence at Weiss' feet, ready to fight and protect its new mistress from any danger that may come close.

So distracted by her commanding the Boarbatusks to deal with the Beowolves that she barely noticed as a large Ursa came crashing through the wall to her right. Its massive form pivoted and one of its huge, clawed paws came down in an effortless arc, aimed directly at Weiss's flesh. Time seemed to slow as it descended upon her.

Before the Ursa could reach Weiss, a large armored fist connected with its face, sending it tumbling down the street. Its powerful body was no match for whatever had delivered such a forceful blow. Weiss pivioted on her heel in amazement, her breath catching in her throat, freezing in place.

In front of her was an imposing figure clad in green armor plating from head to toe and topped with a golden visor. A giant machine, easily seven feet tall, that resembled some kind of mobile suit or robot equipped for battle. It had to be some new Atlesian Knight model that radiated power and authority even while standing. The armored giant turned to Weiss, its face masked by a heavy helmet. It reached behind and pulled out an unfamiliar-looking gun, its barrel gleaming in the moonlight. It raised the gun towards the Ursa, which had begun to move towards them again. There was a loud crack as it discharged once before unleashing a torrent of bullets at the Grimm with lightning speed and precision. The bullets pierced the Ursa's thick hide and ripped through its flesh, leaving a smoldering trail of destruction. Sparks flew from within as its insides were shredded by the barrage of lead. It roared out in pain but could do nothing to stop it. With one final shudder, the Grimm was eviscerated into a plume of black smoke that rose up into the night. The armored giant hoisted its weapon onto its back, looking at Weiss. With a bit of hesitation, Weiss thanked the giant, "Thank you. B-but what are you?"

Before Weiss could receive an answer however, light from a manta airship cast its bright white spotlight on the two figures below, and Weiss soon realized that they were surrounded by Atlesian Knights. The giant had stopped dead in his tracks when the light bathed them both and was standing stiffly in front of her. As more knights appeared from the darkness all around them. The manta's onboard speaker crackled and a voice spoke out."By the order of the Kingdom of Atlas you are under arrest, peacefully stand down and do not resist."

Staring up at the hovering manta the Armored giant clenched its fists. Weiss's stomach churned as she realized the implications of her situation. She swallowed thickly, not sure what would happen next but convinced that whatever it was, it'd be a long time before she saw her friends again. As a wave of apprehension enveloped her, Weiss closed her eyes and steeled herself for the events that were about to unfold.