Remnant: To Command and Conquer

by vmoneywashere

Jaune Arc disappeared after a mission went wrong. For more than a month, Beacon mourned his disappearance until on one faithful day, he returns. However, Arc has not returned alone, returning with an entire continent at his back. Remnant will not be the same as the people of North America interact with Remnant. Tensions brew and await someone to Command and Conquer (slow updates)

12. Vale's Approach

Ocean, 210 Kilometres Northeast of the Island of Patch, Kingdom of Vale

VNN Bullhead

This year was…..very very convoluted and insane, Lisa Lavender decided.

For starters, an escalation of attacks by the White Fang occurred in Vale, targeting Dust Suppliers, the SDC, dust shops, etc.

Lisa then learned that one of the robberies was halted by a teen training to be a huntress and then was accelerated into Beacon Academy for full-on training.

Then there was the mess with the docks that was blown up in a battle between the SDC and hunters in training. Mostly by a team called RWBY.

The fight on the highway between several Beacon Students and an experimental Paladin walker. And the same team got away with the mess.

The upcoming Vytal festival was about the end of the Great War, which really didn't feel like a peaceful time to host it.

Then there was the supposed disappearance of the son of the Arc Family. And the uproar within the senior huntsmen and huntresses community. All at the hands of the White Fang.

But to top it all off, there was a brand new continent from another world, chock-full of Humans that had just come out of the Third Great War that made Remnant's Great War like a food fight, the revelation of them having more soldiers/service members than the population of Menagerie, and the humongous military expedition they were sending out to escort the survivors of a Kingdom's expedition that were sent out.

And the fact that the former missing son of the Arcs was actually a general leading a multinational battlegroup.

Said battlegroup was heading towards Vale.

Considering how demilitarized Vale has been since the end of the Great War and the Faunus Rights Revolution, it was an understatement to say that many citizens of Vale were very nervous.

They already had to deal with the Atlas military. Now they had to work with three militaries that eclipsed Atlas hundredfold.

But where many news outlets proclaimed the end of Vale's sovereignty (that was extreme) or declared that the next Great War was imminent, Lisa was more….curious as to what these North Americans were like.

She had read what reports and messages had arrived from the now defunct inter-kingdom expedition. It was….interesting.

Militaries from three different nations states, all with vastly different cultures, different ideals, etc. But all working rather harmoniously with each other.

There was also the fact that the North Americans were described as more….laid back compared to Atlas. At Least when in a non-combat situation.

This was partially the reason why she and a small camera crew were heading away from Vale and towards the ocean on the Bullhead.

Maybe to see if she could snag a conversation with a North American. Maybe to see their fleet and compare their aesthetics upfront. Maybe so she could get bragging rights on being the first news reporter to meet a North American and boost up her approval ratings.

But her bosses thought it was a great idea as well, which was why one of Vale's New Network's Bullhead transports, carrying her and a few camera crews, was en route to the expected path of the North American fleet.

"Hey Lisa?" the reporter turned to one of her camera crewmates, a Moose Faunus by the name of Zar. "Are you really sure this is a good idea?"

"Getting cold feet Zar?" Lisa smirked.

"No…just concerned. If this fleet is as large as some people are saying…."

"We'll be fine. They don't shoot civilians. Unless we're carrying explosives. Then we might be screwed." Lisa shrugged nonchalantly.

Zar gulped. Faunus and militaries don't typically go well together (damn you Atlas and your absorption of the regular police force).

"We will be fine Zar. It'll be alright." Lisa reassured him. But before she could continue to comfort her, another camera crewmate, who was handling communications, gave her a thumbs up.

"It'll be our turn soon, in the broadcast. They're finishing up commercials."

Lisa nodded. "Camera ready?"

Zar checked the shoulder-mounted broadcasting camera like a Missile Defender with a rocket launcher. "Ready ma'am."

Lisa taps her earpiece, which feeds he directly to VNN's Studio, which were in the middle of their own broadcast/ daily news segment.

"-the addition of the North American nations into the festivals is something to be discussed during the expected negotiations. And that concludes the recap for the Vytal Festival."

"Thank you, Miss Carmon. Up next, today marks the day where the expeditionary fleet of the North American Union is expected to arrive in Valean Waters." Lisa's colleague, Cyril Lan stated over the comms. "So far, the Vale Council nor any of the academies have provided any numbers beyond some vague references to vessels called aircraft carriers and Offshore Mobile Base-"

Var gave a thumbs up and aimed his camera at Lisa, who in turn opened the Bullhead's side door for a nice view of the ocean.

The wind whistled as the Bullhead gracefully soared through the air. Lisa assumed a position in her seat that would allow to face the camera and gesture out at the ocean.

"-we go live to Lisa Lavender, who is currently out off the Northern coast of Vale searching for the North American Fleet out at sea."

"Thank you Cyril." Lisa responded in her communications mouthpiece. "We are currently over the Valean Northern coast, in the expected path for the North American Expedition."

The Bullhead flew right into a cloud bank, with clouds streaming by the Bullhead and walls of white obscuring the view of the ocean.

"Presently, the North American Expeditionary Force, a force composed of the nations of the United States of America, United Mexican States, and Royal Dominion of Canada, is approaching Vale. It is a multinational formation consisting of their maritime navy, land air force, and army."

"The fleet is carrying their diplomats, the head of which is Princess Alice Elizebeth of the British Royal Family. For those of you unaware, the Dominion of Canada is a member state of an organization called the British Commonwealth, formed by the nation known as Britain. According to the North Americans, the British Royal Family is still considered by many to be a head of state, akin to a counsellor in the Kingdoms."

The Bullhead flew out of the clouds.

"We've been told that Princen Alice Elizebeth is a member of the Commonwealth Forces, a British liaison to the Canadian Armed Force, and an experienced official when it comes to international cooperation. We are also expected to meet high-level military and civilian officials of the North American Government. We-"

"Miss Lavender?" The pilot called out from the cockpit.

"What is it? We're live streaming here?" The reporter was not happy that the broadcast was being interrupted but it was the pilot so let's deal with it.

"Uh, our radar picking up three maritime contacts at 10 O'clock. Their Identification tags aren't in our registration." the pilot pointed out. "Uh, they are bigger than most other maritime vessels."

"What, hang on-"

"Lisa! There!" Zar promptly pointed out the bullhead's door.

Lisa Lavender whipped around and suddenly understood what her cameraman was pointing at.

Off in the distance, maybe a kilometre or two away on the ocean surface were three large (by Remnant standards) gray vessels casually sailing a three-prong trident formation.

Lisa gawked. These were far from the Great War-era military vessels of old. These were sleek, knifing-looking, and dangerous looks vessels built for one thing: War.

She could spot some rather large turrets with some pretty big cannons at the bow of each ship. And dotting the sides, she could make out smaller rotary cannons with a cylinder and domed top, turrets with missile boxes, and camera-looking turrets with a giant lens in the turret housing.

At the mast of two of the ships, the biggest one and one of the smaller ones, flew many banners of some kind, the largest ones proudly showing off dozens of white stars on a blue background and several red and white stripes. The last ship, the smaller one, was similar but showed off a banner with a red leaf.

"Hey Lisa?" Zar nervously asked. "The Pilot."

"Miss Lavender!" the Pilot called out from the front. "We got a radio hail! Coming from the North American vessels!"

Lisa promptly tapped her radio headset and adjusted the frequencies.

"(Comms)...ssszhhhht-I Repeat. This is the United States Naval Combat Cruiser USS Normandy to unidentified Bullhead transport aircraft. You are venturing into the Air Defence Zone of the North American Expeditionary fleet. Identify yourself or we will be forced to turn you away."

The most prized reporter for the VNN did not hesitate before snapping a switch on her own headset. "USS….eh Normandy? This is Lisa Lavender on News Bullhead Alpha 0214 apart from the Valean News Network. Do not shoot, we are unarmed."

Silence reigned for a second and Lisa suddenly felt as if the North Americans were planning on lobbing a missile in her direction.

Finally, a response arrived, with mass confusion in their voice. "(Comms) Uh News Bullhead Alph 4. This is the Captain of the Normandy. Interrogative, did you just say you're from the Valean News Network?"

"Yes?"

"(Comms)...Understood Bullhead Alpha O 2. Not the people we were expecting but this is life. Standby."

Lisa and Zar looked at each other.

"(Comms) Bullhead Alph 4, this is Normandy. Flight of 2 FA-44 Nightingales are en route to your position. They'll instruct you on what to do. Normandy out."

"...what's a Nightingale?" Zar innocently asked.

"We got more Radar blips! 2 High speed objects heading towards us at from bearing 089!" the Pilot yelled. "Half a Kilometre and closing!"

"Wait wh-"

It was at that moment that a pair of sixth-generation fighter jets roared into view from Lisa's side. The reporter took her gaze off of the warships and onto the other Bullhead door, which Zar helpfully opened up.

And the Reporter and her crew were greeted to the view of North America's premier fighter craft.

The crew and passengers of the VNN's bullhead viewed in awe as a kite-shaped, delta-winged, twin outer-canted-tailed, canarded-winged, and giant (relative to a Bullhead) aircraft casually glided in from the side. Both of them were of a dark grey shade with a dark blue stripe around the border of the wings.

"(Comms) Bullhead Alpha 0214, this is Hitman 2, callsign Diplomat of Battlegroup Sicario a part of Task Force Zwolle and the NAEF. Flying off your starboard/right side in the sweet-ass fighter jet alongside Hitman 2."

That was when one of the jets decided to rise out of view, do a little flip-over ahead of the Bullhead, and stabilize on the other side of the Bullhead. Soon, there was a fighter jet on either side of the Bullhead.

"(Comms) This is Hitman 3, callsign Comic. Also of Battlegroup Sicario, a part of the Combat Air Patrol of the North American Expeditionary Fleet. How can we help you, Bullhead Alpha 0214?"

Lisa, Zar, the pilot, and the rest of the Bullhead crew could only gawk at the jets on both sides of the Bullhead, mesmerized by the design.

"(Comms) Alpha 0214, hello? You there?"

As if on cue, the cockpit window shell of one of the jets lightened to the point that it was somewhat transparent. A helmeted Humanoid figure with a respiratory device attached to their mouth area, two cylinders slightly protruding out of the top of the helmet, and an all-black face/forehead visor.

And then they waved through the window.

"(Comms) Hey Guys? This is Dip, on your starboard. You guys still alive?"

"(Comms) Dip, be nice."

This shook Lisa out of her brief shock. "Uh yes. This is Lisa Lavender, of the Valean News Network, right here!" Lisa waved back.

"(Comms) Eyy, they are alive. This is Hitman 2 of the United States Air Force detachment to Battlegroup Sicario to Bullhead Alpha 0214. What brings you folks all the way out into the middle of the ocean?"

"Umm, sightseeing?" Zar suggested.

"(Comms)...sightseeing some very unique aquatics animals or trying to sightsee our fleet?"

"The latter. We were hoping to get a view of your fleet if that's alright with you."

"(Comms) This is Comic standby, Miss Lavender… Redeemer actual, Assassin. This is Hitman 3, small situation here.

Lisa could faintly hear muffled noise on the side of pilot named Comic.

"(Comms) Redeemer, I have a reporter by the name of Lisa Lavender from some news channel by the name of the Valean News Network. She's asking for a video shot of the fleet."

Disbelief mumbling could be heard.

"(Comms) I hear you, Redeemer. Do they have permission to do a flyby? Dip and I can run as an escort."

A silence could be heard and then some muffled sounds.

"(Comms) Understood. Bullhead Alpha 0214, this is Hitman 3. You have permission to get a shot of the NAEF. We'll be running escort. Swing around to heading 296 at 250 knots. You'll get a nice view of the fleet out of your right side. Don't miss this shot, we can only give one flyby."

"Got it. We'll be ready." Lisa gestured to Zar. "Get the shot ready, you heard her, one shot."

Zar nodded and reoriented themself to record whatever came into view of the Bullhead.

The Bullhead veered off and banked to the left, with the two Nightingales following right behind. Following the instructions of Comic, the Bullhead's pilot followed the instructions and followed the pair in.

And then they flew into another cloud bank.

"(Comms) Steady, steady, just some clouds. You'll get your shot in a few seconds.

Lisa's breathing slowed. What was she supposed to expect?

VNN's Bullhead flew out of the cloud cover.

And what she witnessed stole Lisa's breath.

Maritime vessels of all kinds were common in Vale, considering the city was a major port hub and trading centre. Hundreds of ships in and out of the ports every day, of all sizes and designs.

But besides a meagre coast guard that was falling apart even today, Vale had not combat vessels bigger than a few dozen metres.

What Lisa saw shattered any idea of Vale's seafaring superiority.

Dozens of vessels, all gray (or the occasional white) and sleek, all bearing dozens of colourful banners, all of utilitarian design.

All geared for war.

"By the brother gods," Lisa whispered.

At the centre of the fleet was one leviathan of a ship. A giant flattop of a ship that stretched for an entire kilometre, twin giant bridges at the forward/central section. Two giant runways on the side, one central runway down the center (snaking between the two bridges, one smaller runway diagonally running behind the bridges, many, many guns or turrets.

And that wasn't counting the dozens of aircraft in various states on the deck, seemingly ready to be launched and into the fight.

Lisa had to gawk, the ship was over a kilometre long. Vastly bigger than any ship, air or sea, in all of history.

The reporter tore her gaze from what obviously was from the flagship to gaze at the other ships.

Within the vast fleet, there were three smaller flat tops that were still bigger than most maritime vessels and only smaller than Atlas Military cruisers.

One island to the right, what appeared to be a clear launching position at the front of the ship, a diagonal runway at the rear of the vessel, a few missile and gun turrets, and a dozen aircraft of various types on the deck.

Strangely enough, there were two different designs. 2 of the ships had a more angled hull and the bridge island (which was smaller) at the rear. One of the flat tops, the one flying the red and white leaf banner, had a sleeker lower hull and more Bullhead-like transports.

Curiously, that same ship had a close escort. An equally large warship that Lisa identified as an old-fashioned battleship.

Ok, Old Fashion was the wrong term. Compared to the Great War era warships, this battleship has an advanced-looking design. 6 giant turrets with guns larger than any wall-based fortification.

And it had….. a lot of guns. Why did it have so many guns?

And then there were the smaller ships.

One more of the same ship as the Normandy.

8 warships larger than the escorts of Normandy.

2 flattops like aircraft carrying more aircraft.

And what felt like dozens of vessels akin to the escorts of the Normandy.

The fleet was spread out far and wide, seemingly stretched out to what felt like the horizon and the void beyond-

Lisa's attention snapped to one of the large flat-top carriers. The front bit, two aircraft akin to giant gray birds with smaller wings.

The reporter's jaws dropped as, without issue, both of the birds seemingly were accelerated. Faster, and faster, and faster, and-

Both aircraft were rapidly thrown off the ship at hit speeds before banking upwards into the sky.

Faster than even the new Mantas of Atlas.

This wasn't an expeditionary force, this was a war fleet. A fleet that they were flaunting. Lisa thought to herself. And it's working.

"(Comms) VNN Bullhead Alpha 0214, this is Hitman 2. You guys are kind of straying into the launching space of the carriers. Requesting you to turn to heading 275 and descend to 500 feet."

"Copy that Hitman 2." the pilot responded and adjusted the heading, before commenting. "You really brought a lot of guns for a diplomatic meeting.

"(Comms) Yeah, though we're on another planet, there are giant monsters everywhere, and we're expecting Redeemer to get kidnapped when we land."

"...what?" Lisa gawked.

"(Comms) It's a running joke for the supreme commander of Zwolle. Whenever he goes into a new country, he either gets shot or kidnapped…..or both"

Lisa and Zar did simultaneous spit-takes at that comment.

"(Comms) Dip, you know that's just a stupid idea."

"(Comms) No seriously, how many different nations has he entered and gotten shot or kidnapped? The Cartel busting ops in Mexico, that defensive battle in South Africa, then Angola, then the minor mix up in China, France and the Benelux countries, Germany, a little bit of Poland-"

"(Comms) What about Canada?"

"(Comms) Isn't there a paintball incident?"

"(Comms) No live rounds, doesn't count."

"(Comms) And didn't Admiral Limburn and General Ross briefly kidnap him?"

"(Comms) Redeemer to Hitman 2, Hitman 3. Are you two love birds done? As much as I enjoy the gossip, you kind of are spreading some bad press and hogging the comms channel."

"(Comms) Yes sir. What do you want to do about Alpha?"

"(Comms) Standby. Alpha 0214, this is Redeemer Actual. Commander of Task Force Zwolle and ground and air commander of the North American Expeditionary Fleet. Are you just here for a nice video shot or do you have any questions?"

"(Comms) Lisa, this can wait until they arrive in Vale. Get back here now." the Producer back in the city hissed.

"Thanks for the offer but our questions can wait until you arrive in Vale. You have a beautiful fleet here though." Lisa shot out.

"(Comms) Why thank you Miss Lavender. That being said, thank the shipbuilders and navy personnel."

"No problem. Just one question. What's your name?" Lisa inquired.

There was silence for a few seconds. "(Comms) It's Arc. General Jaune Burton Arc, Task Force Zwolle, United States Army, North American Union"

()

Ozpin's office, Beacon Academy

Nicholas Arc, father of a single son and 7 daughters, spat out his drink. Juniper, next to him, gagged.

"My god, it's true" the mother of Arc whispered as the livestream continued.

It was one thing to be told about his son's survival. Another thing to hear it outright.

"(Livestream) Wait, the Jaune Arc? Beacon Student gone missing-"

"(Livestream) Yes Miss Lavender, that Jaune Arc. And yes I command the forces of this expeditionary fleet.

Nicholas stopped focusing on whatever the reporter was saying and onto his own son.

He should have been happy, ecstatic to hear his son's voice again.

But he could tell, the faint traces in his voice.

The weariness of a veteran.

The bluntness of a warrior.

The hoarseness of one who has seen it all.

What happened to my son? The Arc Patriarch feared.

()

2 Hours of boring maritime navigation later.

Bridge of the HMCS Stephen Harper, North American Expeditionary Fleet

Axtell River, Vale

The Harper, Domain, The American and Saipan Amphibious Assault ships/Light Carriers, the cruise liner, and four Constellation Frigates had steamed out of the formation of the combined Expeditionary fleet and closer to Vale at full speed. The rest of the fleet decided to proceed closer to the Island of Patch and await a response.

"(Comms) This is Vale port control to North American Task Group. Wind and wave conditions are optimal. Proceed at your own arrival."

"(Comms) This is the Stephen Harper. Good copy. Eminent Domain will escort the cruise liner into port. Harper and escorts will continue to advance up the Axtell river."

Before the advent of airships, many of Beacon's applicants were ferried up the river named Axtell. It was the river that split the agricultural and industrial districts from the residential and Beacon districts (which was on its own little peninsula) and the upper class and commercial districts from each other.

Though air travel via giant airships was commonplace, most trade was still done through seagoing ships and the Axtell River was large enough to accommodate freight haulers, ferries, dust carriers, and just about every large ship on Remnant. Even all the bridges were built so that many large ships could slip from underneath.

The designers probably weren't thinking of a hundred-thousand-ton warship with two frigates through it. Nor most of Vale.

"Feels like we're being marked for targets." Captain Will Landymore commented as the Harper, HMCS Winnipeg, and USS Duncan (the pair of constellation class frigates for escorts) sailed underneath the Anza bridge.

Literally, thousands of onlookers peered down from the Anza bridge and the surrounding river banks, snapping scroll pics as if a celebrity was boating down the river.

No one had ever seen a maritime warship sail up the Axtell River in literal decades.

And yet, three were sailing down the river.

"This still feels wrong. We're sailing a fleet carrier down a fucking river with only two frigates and little air cover. We may have coilguns but we won't be able to stop. Zerg rush of unguided rockets or boarding party." Landymore commented.

"Which is why you have two platoons of JTF3 and SEAL Team 7." Alice retorted, walking onto the bridge. Both Amy and Jaune were wearing their frontline combat armour. A modified version of the standard Ranger armour, the advanced armour suit from the Soldier of the Future Project to increase the effectiveness of the lone soldier.

Exo-skeletons, a passive sensor, a microclimate vest, mobile datalinks to the rest of the force, an adaptive camo layer that could change to the surroundings, audio and sensory protection, armour capable of resisting shots from anti material rifles, and a dozen other goodies.

Jaune wished that Zwolle had gotten their hands of more of these suits during the war, with only a few regiments in the whole U.S. Army getting their hands on it. Two years later and now every frontline unit in Zwolle (whether be Canadian, American, or Mexican) had one.

The only difference about Jaune, Amy, and Sydney's armour was that all their armour had been changed to a mostly blue and white colour scheme that was associated with the NAU.

Alice herself was wearing the standard British combat uniform, a Khaki design inspired by their WW2 counterpart with a number of medals, ribbons, and various other awards.

"Passing the Anza bridge, we are clear." the Helmsman of the Warrior reported.

"We'll be at Beacon in around 30 minutes. Assuming nothing stops us." one of the tactical officers at their control station reported.

"Let's hope nothing stops us. General, your Ospreys and Starlifter are clear to launch. Head down to the flight deck and get ready." Landymore commanded without taking his eyes off the river.

"Got it, Captain. Thanks for the ride."

"Been a pleasure. Now please get off my ship. I rather this carrier not become a home for politicians." the Captain retorted.

"He's in a mode," Alice commented.

"We're carrying a bunch of kids and a Princess on board. He's got a heavy shoulder." Amy grumbled as she and the Princess followed Jaune out of the bridge, into passageway, and down some stairs.

"Remember, our contacts should be Headmaster Ozpin and one of the Valean Council Members. Negotiations with the rest of the world tomorrow or later." Jaune noted.

"Right. And hope no one tries to crash the party" Amy comments.

"With our luck, it probably would happen." Alice added.

"When did we become one? You've just tagged along this week." Amy looked insulted.

"Ladies, do politely murder each other when we're off the good Captain's ship please." Jaune promptly diffuses the tension between the two ladies.

Jaune opened another hatch that allowed access to the flight deck, flung it open, and stepped out into the summer heat.

Sitting on the flight deck was a single Starlifter and a pair of Comanche Attack Helicopters.

And at the ramp awaited both Lev and Sydney awaited in their own combat armour with more traditional camo. Lev had his turn to the standard digital optical urban camouflage that Zwolle used during its European operations. Sydney, by contrast, had his set to the famous Cadpat standard to most Canadian soldiers.

What was interesting was that Lev had the standard M5A1 rifle in use by most of the US armed forces and a Benelli M4 on his back. Sydney, by contrast, was carrying a Kriss Vector SMG chambered in 45 ACP with an HK USP Compact Tactical in a side holster.

And both of them promptly saluted him. "General!"

"At ease you two. Ready to go?"

"Sir! All hunters, active and in training buttoned down and ready to fly sir!" Sydney smartly retorted.

"Without issue, I hope?"

"Eehhhhh." Sydney hesitated at the general's question. "We may have had some….issues with a few of the members of teams NDGO and SLVR. The latter being stubborn, the former making….passes at us. We're still good to go sir!"

"Truthful and honest. Not something you see from a REMF every day." Alice whispered.

"Sydney? He's not a normal logistician. He has combat under his belt." Amy pointed out.

"I wouldn't call few firefights-"

"Crew chiefs report the lifter is good, General." Lev snapped. "We can lift off at any time."

"Right then. Ladies, let's go." Jaune casually stepped onboard the Starlifter, with Sydney and eventually the others following onboard.

"Jaune!"

"Fearless leader!"

"Blondie!"

The various crises of surprise and acknowledgement from the various teams who were all strapped down in the Starlifters seats.

"Good to see you all! Ready to head back to Beacon?" Jaune fist-bumped Sun and sat next to him.

"You know it. I need a drink. Vancouver is nice and all but…."

"I know Yang. You can't drink until you're 19 in Canada. Welcome to the realm of first-world problems." Jaune rolled his eyes.

"(Comms) This is Stinger 3-2 to Harper control. All passengers onboard. Ready to take off."

"(Comms) Stinger 3-2, this is Harper control. We hear you loud and clear. Take off when you're ready." The rear ramp soon began raising and then shut completely, leaving

"Jaune?"

"What's up, Weiss?"

"Aren't you a general? Don't you have your own private airship?" The heiress innocently asked.

Every military guy sitting nearby just stared at Weiss as if she told them to dunk their private parts into a European cryo beam.

"Miss Schnee." Amy hissed. "Are you trying to get Jaune fired for extravagance?"

"What?" now the Atlassian was trying to shrink in her seat.

"Jaune's one of the youngest generals in the U.S. militaries," Sydney explained. "Legally, he shouldn't be a general due to age alone. A good reason why he was promoted is that he's a competent officer, his troops and the public love him, and manages to stay within budget. Spending military resources would hurt his credibility within the U.S. High command and mark him as a target in a battlefield."

"That's….the short version but yes, the truth. That and I've never had a need for a private aircraft." Jaune admitted.

"Which caused problems. I still remember China. Admiral Limburn was ready to invade the mainland with just a few hundred marines and a single carrier group." Lev commented.

"Hardy har har. You get held up in a Chinese airport one time and no one lets you forget." Jaune grumbled.

"That hold-up nearly escalated into another Pacific war. There's a good reason why that SEAL of yours follows you like a wolf pup." Alice almost sneers.

"Was für einen Mist hat dein Mund ausgespuckt?" Amy hissed.

"Oh, its the truth. You follow the general like-"

"Say that again you Schlampe." Amy looked as if she was going to skin Amy.

Sydney, who was sitting next to Arc, nervously leaned over and whispered. "Is it alright if I just swim to Beacon instead sir? I don't feel safe with those two"

"Too late Warrant. Too late." Jaune sighed.

"(Comms) Stinger 3-2, taking off." the female pilot of the Starlifter reported

The passengers of the Starlifter could feel the heavy rotor blades lifting the several hundred-ton aircraft into the sky.

Across Vale, whether in person or via the news, Remnant watched as the massive airship, eclipsing the size of most smaller airships, roared to life, hovering and then accelerating away from the flight deck.

It was soon followed by the pair of Comanches that took off from the Harper and joined in a defensive formation around their larger cousin. Their carefully designed engines lightly humming compared to the utterly loud Starlifter.

"(Comms) Stinger 3-2, we are away. Setting waypoint to Beacon Academy."

"(Comms) Affirmative. This is Gunfighter 6. Nav Systems Set. We'll follow you in." one of the gunship pilots reported.

Silence mostly reigned in the cargo hold, with the occasional terse and quiet words exchanged amongst the students.

Eventually, the fabled words were heard. "(Comms) Redeemer actual, this is Stinger 3-2. We are approaching Beacon Academy D.Z. Prepare for drop."

"Understood. We'll be ready to drop."

"(Comms) Bring me back a souvenir General! Landing sequence started."

"We're almost there. Pass it along."

"Da Commandant." Lev nodded. "All Redeemer escorts, prep for sweep and clear."

Sydney, Lev, and a few other JTF3 and SEALs got up, and walked across the cargo bay deck, and to the side personnel entrances used to fast roping.

The hunters in training mostly just looked on curiosity. Especially team ABRN.

"(Comms) Beacon air control, this is United States Air Force Starlifter Stinger 3-2. Operating from the HMCS Stephen Harper, carrying a precious cargo of 4 dozen plus personnel including diplomatic party. How copy?

"(Comms) Stinger 3-2, this is Professor Peach of Beacon Academy. We hear you loud and clear. We've setup a temporary landing pad. It will be marked with a blue flare. Location is the Beacon Courtyard."

"(Comms) Affirmative Peach. Uh, say, don't you guys have a dedicated Traffic controller?"

"(Comms) Only temporary, during the Vytal Festival and the start of every year Stinger 3-2. Have to reign in the budget somewhere…Stupid Ozpin and his coffee hogging the budget."

"(Comms)...Alright. Stinger 3-2 is coming into land. I see the Blue Flare."

"(Comms) We see you Stinger 3-2. Thanks for bringing back our students."

"(Comms) Affirmative Peach. Glad to be of service. Stinger 3-2 Out."

Jaune and the other passengers could feel the tilt rotors of the Starlifter rotating into position.

POV switch.

Sydney took a breath. Kriss Vector down and ready. He is standing behind one of the JTF operators awaiting to disembark from the Starlifter.

"(Comms) Touch down in three, two,...one."

A thumb and jolting echoed across the aircraft and the Starlifter touched the ground.

"Go! Go! Go!" a JTF sergeant wrenched the side door open and the JTF member in front of him leapt out, with Sydney following suit.

Sunlight gleaned off the visor of North American troopers as boots hit the ground and the SF teams spread out, weapons draw. Sydney dashed towards the outer end of the Starlifter and drew his Vector, though keeping it aimed at the ground.

Ok, it was a tad bit overkill. Since the only people there was the headmaster, a few professors, what appeared to be a news crew, a couple of civies, , and - a short ginger in a weird dress. All are a few dozen metres away.

Sydney ignored them. The coast was empty of threats. His right hand left the trigger of the Vector, curled up into a fist, banged the ramp. "Clear!"

A moment later, the ramp began lowering. Sydney got down on this knee, Vector drawn and aimed at the ground ready to fight, and began scanning the region.

He took a moment to glance around the area. Beacon…..was an odd place.

A lot of structures like fortress walls and towers like a European Medieval Fortress mixed in with buildings akin to a Disney sci-fi style. And….a giant pool with a statue in the centre….. weird.

And there was the giant tower in the centre. The CCT tower, Sydney gave a rough estimate and pegged it around 450 metres tall. A hundred metres shorter compared to the CN tower back home.

The whirring the ramp machinery cut out and Sydney turned back to acknowledge the fact that the ramp was fully down.

"(Comms) Warrant Ross, follow me."

"Yes sir." Sydney responded as the various distinct steps echoed down the metal ramp as the general, the diplomatic party, and several of the hunters in training stepped down.

"Ruby!"

Sydney glanced up to see an older version of the kid known as Ruby Rose petal dashed across several dozen metres in the blink of a second and practically tackle the young red reaper.

"Mom?"

"Ruby! Don't you dear go missing again-''

"Mom! Stop it! It's embarrassing-"

Sydney humorously shook his head. Parents.

While Jaune did his own humorous look but continued walking past the hugging mother and towards the Headmaster, along with Lev, Alice, and Amy walked past towards the headmaster. Jaune's old team followed right behind.

"Headmaster." Jaune politely nodded.

"Mister Arc. It is a relief to see you again. And I am pleased to see you have reunited with your team. Welcome back to Beacon." The headmaster spoke in a respectful and polite tone.

"Glad to be back, only if it were in better conditions." Jaune nodded back.

"Indeed. Now, who are these folks of yours? Perhaps, an introduction is in order." the Headmaster agreed.

"Gladly. Headmaster Ozpin, this is Princess Alice Elizbeth of the British Royal Family and Armed Forces and our head diplomat." Jaune gestured towards the princess.

"Pleasure to meet you, headmaster." Alice bowed politely.

"This Captain Amy Schultz, United States Navy SEALS, commander of my security detachment."

"Guten Tag." The German American gleefully smiled.

"This is Lieutenant Lex Kolosov, also of the United States Navy SEALs, Schultz's second in command."

"Privyet Headmaster." the Russian-American nodded.

"And Warrant Officer Sydney Ross, Canadian Army, logistical support."

"Uh, hi?" Sydney awkwardly raised his hand. Was he important enough to warrant an introduction?

"A pleasure meeting you. As you know, I am Headmaster and Councilor Ozpin of Beacon and the Valean Governing council respectively. With me are Professor Glynda Goodwitch, Professor Violet Peach, and Professor Oobleck of Beacon as well."

Sydney watched as the diplomatic party exchanged hands and talked amongst themselves before tunning out the standard diplomatic greetings to observe the buildings in the distance.

It was akin to a bog standard university back home, if you could look past the gothic architecture and giant CCT tower.

Dorm buildings, a mess hall/cafeteria, a few CCT relays in the distance, administration buildings, staff halls, more dorms-

Something caught Sydney's eyes. One of the dorm buildings. Roof top.

Sydney's visor zoomed in onto the roof of a dorm that was maybe six floors high, careful not to crane his head to avoid suspicion.

4 times magnification, 8 times, 12 times, 16-

Sydney immediately toggled a private channel and shut his helmet's speakers. "LT?"

"(Comms) Warrant?"

"Sending you my camera feed. We're being watched." Sydney spoke softly as to not alert the others.

"(Comms) Hang on. The building to our 2 to 3 o'clock?"

"Yeah, that one. Six stories, bog standard dorm building. Rooftop. 2 individuals."

"(Comms) Yeah I see them druk. A pair of teens, 17. The silver and green hair ones."

"Yeah. Those ones. Gut feeling but something's off."

"(Comms) Oh?"

"Look at their faces. That isn't the face of curiosity, scorn, anger, or some other common emotion. They have the faces of someone planning an ID strike."

"(Comms) Dah, I see that. You're right. And privately away from the other kids. Odd. Maybe a teen romance?"

"Doubt it. The way they're standing apart, they seem to hate each other. I saw it in high school. Does the Silver one stand out for you?"

"(Comms) Suka, yes. His legs are….off. Almost like cybernetics from Japan. Did a mission there once, and met a few cyborgs. And he's standing like one."

"Did as well sir. A couple of Japanese exchange students. Expensive probably. You don't often see teens with enough funds for high end gear."

"(Comms) Da. You are correct. A Beacon student without outside support would have no way to fund high-end gear."

"Yeah- one of them has a scroll. Green hair. Looks like they are recording us-wait-"

"(Comms) They're recording Starlifter as well…for a very long away from here. They don't look happy. Not normal behaviour."

"Yeah. These aren't normal teens."

"(Comms) Oh comrade, you think they are assassins?"

"I don't know, aren't you married to one."

"(Comms) Touche. But….yes both analyses like recon. And from far away as well. Good eye"

"Requesting to peg them as P.O.I."

"(Comms) Eh, get those features in mind but avoid official taggings. First impressions may be different if we meet in person. But let's keep eye on them."

"Copy that- They are leaving."

"(Comms) Ah, diplomatic bullshit is done. Think we are moving onto the tour."

"-Please, follow us to the tower. We will gladly show you around the campus, princess." Ozpin offered.

Sydney and Lev, like a pair of obedient puppies, followed his general as they departed onto the next part of the tour.

20 minutes of boring tour and tour-based monologuing later.

Sydney then found himself and the others approaching the CCT tower with the rest of the entourage, with him and Lev trailing behind the group.

So far, no issues. There were hundreds of students from all the academies and across Remnant trying to grab a glance or pic of the party. Nothing harmful at that.

They had to kick out his old team though, unfortunately. The pouting of the ginger and red head.

Honestly, it was like that victory parade in Warsaw he had to attend. The last ECA capital city to be reclaimed during the Third World War. Polish and ECA civilians cheered as NAU and ECA soldiers marched in formation, photo lights going on, etc. Celebrity crap.

And it was hell. Sydney was a former air cadet back home before enlisting. His squadron had been one of many to participate in the Remembrance Day parades back home.

Honorful? Yes. Pain in the ass and having to deal with Vancouver cold, standing for three hours straight, and the endless photographs? Yes

"Welcome to the Cross Continent Transmit Tower of Beacon Academy. Besides acting as the primary communication hub for the Kingdom of Vale, it is also the administration center of Beacon Academy-"

"(Comms) Warrant, what's on your mind?" Jaune spoke softly through his comms.

"Sir?"

"(Comms) Lev told me you had suspicions."

"We've been tailed by a pair of individuals for the first 6 minutes. Teens. Sending you visuals. And they're giving us the, we're going to plant IEDs on your convoy look. Do you recognize them sir?"

"(Comms) Hhmmmm, not from my time at Beacon. Definitely not Beacon Students for sure. A transfer group it seems.

"Lev thinks one of them has cybernetic legs. He's too…..stable."

"(Comms)..."

"General?" Sydney was concerned.

"(Comms) Somethings off about those two. With what's happened in Vale, someone's gotten the Fang high-end gear from Atlas that isn't even export-ready. A spy in Beacon makes tactical sense."

"General, are they Atlassian in any way? Perhaps observers of the Atlas army towards the new kids on the block."

"(Comms) Definitely not. Mostly likely Mistrali. Tailing us like spies. And Mistral is known for having some good spies. But likely observers. Good eyes Sydney."

"Thank you, sir. It's part of the job."

"(Comms) heh. Your job is a pencil pusher Warrant. At Least on paper."

"Europe was a mess, sir. Even after the war, I still had to fight a fight and do recon once in a while."

"(Comms) Bravo. You have some sharps eyes Warrant. Key an eye out for anything suspicious."

"In a school where everyone else has superpowers general?"

"(Comms) Smart ass. That's what your family is. But….try to look for professionals. Spying isn't taught in Hunter Academies."

"Yes sir. I'll have eyes and ears out."

"(Comms) Hear you five by five. Redeemer out."

It appears that Alice had kept the Beacon staff busy because no one noticed Jaune speaking to Sydney via head comms.

"Apologies Princess. But we must split the party up." Ozpin halted outside the elevator.

"Excuse me?" Prince Elizebeth frowned.

"There are matters that Mister Arc must attend now. Matters regarding his own safety."

"Personnel matters….that we weren't informed beforehand?" The Princess had a look of suspicion on her face.

"I assure you, it's an urgent affair," Ozpin explained.

"Alice." Jaune interrupted. "I'll go. Ozpin is not the type to hold political prisoners."

"Fine. But take Warrant Ross and Captain Schultz with you at least." Alice relented.

"Ma'am, doesn't a member of the British Royal Family take priority?" Sydney asked.

Her response was one of the most intense death glares that Sydney ever witnessed.

"... Never mind ma'am."

"Worse case, I'll have Gunfighter and Sicario break me out. Now, handle your personnel issue and RV with me as soon as possible." Alice continued.

"Yes, Princess." Jaune rolled his eyes. Worry wart.

"Professor Peach, Oobleck. Please escort the Princess and her party to the diplomatic centre. I must finish some business with Mister Arc." Ozpin ordered. "I will be back soon."

The party split up, with Sydney now separated from the Friendly half-Russian SEAL and the Princess.

"Alright, Ozpin. Spill." Jaune had a look of annoyance, with both Sydney and Amy having similar looks under their helmets.

"Apologises Mister Arc. But we had a situation regarding Atlas." Professor Goodwitch explained as she led them down a hallway.

"Atlas? What's with those Dummkopfs want now?" Amy grumbled with annoyance.

"About 40 minutes before your airship landed, a platoon of Atlas soldiers arrived at Beacon," Ozpin explained.

"Don't see the problem." Amy frowned.

"They had an arrest warrant for Mister Arc here." Oz finished.

Amy did a spit-take. "WHAT?!"

"Headmaster. Pardon my tongue….but what the fuck." Sydney stated out loud.

"That was our thoughts exactly. Apparently, they had orders directly from the Atlas Council." Ozpin sighed.

"A warrant? For what?" Jaune frowned. It looks like Diplomat was almost right.

"Warmongering, aggression against Atlas, disruption of Anti-Grimm patrols, destruction of Atlas property, causing social tensions within the kingdom-"

"Ok, what the fuck? I sure as hell did not do any of those. If anything, those should be going towards the Canadian government and military." Jaune frowned.

"Many in Atlas are blaming you and your forces for allowing for the destruction of the Atlas escort within the expeditionary fleet. Along with the destruction of the ruins on the islands the expedition crash landed on." Ozpin sighed, with Jaune, Sydney, and Amy having looks of disgust.

"They should be firing those Dummkopfs for allowing an expedition in the first place," Amy growled.

"My thoughts exactly. But that's not all." Goodwitch sighed.

"What else now?" Jaune sighed.

"One of their key crimes was forging transcripts into Beacon." Ozpin flatly said.

Jaune and Amy froze, with Sydney giving a confused look.

"Ehh, umm."

Sweet crimes of Poutine, his commanding officer forged his way into what was essentially an SF school? Sydney thought. Damn, that's impressive.

"And yes Arc, I know you forged your way into Beacon. And no, I don't regret it." Ozpin gave an odd smile.

"Wha-really?"

"Not a single second. Your forces saved my students. You were-are one of my best students. I have little reason to kick your out, and currently no legal basis to do so as well."

"Emm, Canadian a tiny bit confused here." Sydney spoke up.

"Beacon Academy has a…..tradition for accepting less than desirable recruits." Goodwitch explained in a professional manner. "Sometimes, it works out. Sometimes, it doesn't. Lucky for us, it's been the for,er with Arc."

"It's not….entirely legal but its a tradition dating back to the Great War. So very few raise any issues….until now." Ozpin frowned.

"Well, uh headmaster. Thanks for the vouch of confidence but could you continue with the Atlas soldiers? And how did they find out about my transcripts." Jaune had a decade to deal with the whole….facking his way into Beacon and then into another world.

"For the latter, we don't know," Ozpin admitted. "All I currently know is that a platoon of Atlas soldiers, and specialists, were ready to arrest you when you arrived. And included the use of deadly force."

"What." Amy flatly stated.

"Lucky for us, General Ironwood of the Altas military was here. He was supposed to greet you but is dealing with the…. unauthorized warrant. But he had help with another Huntsmen."

"..." Amy and Jaune looked at each other.

"Danke Headmaster. But, why are you telling us now and not earlier?" And then the five of them reached a door and stopped before it.

"Why, they wanted to meet you of course!" Goodwitch said in a jovial manner, and then used her telekinesis to unlatch said door and nudged it open.

"...Should I have Ronin on standby for hostage rescue General?" Sydney asked.

"Oh no need, they are just inside," Ozpin said, sparking a minor mark of concern for all three of the North American military personnel. "Follow me."

Both Jaune and Amy stepped behind Ozpin and then froze at who they saw.

A literal army of blonds, who promptly snapped their heads at them.

In a chair infront of them….was an older Arc look alike….and an older fem-Jaune.

"Jjjjjjaaaauuunnneeee." The female one spoke in a voice that sent shivers down all three of the North Americans.

Jaune gulped. "Uh…hi mom?"

It would become classified information when Jaune screamed as he was tackled to the ground by his parents.

---

North American Wiki…Verde/Eagle Class Missile-air defence Cruiser

During the mid-21st century, the proliferation of alternate ship types began to bloom across the world. Since the end of the Second World War and Cold War, most frontline warships in most navies were frigates, submarines, and destroyers, with very few nations operating vessels of higher tonnage. However, the breakdown in the previous world order began to see a build-up of military might worldwide and the reintroduction of new ship classes or bringing back once obsolete ship types. Famous examples include the Atago-Incheon Class Arsenal Ship, the British/European Furious class of missile battlecruisers, China's Quixian Assault Artillery Frigates, Russian Storm Class Supercarriers, and the North American Mobile Offshore Bases and Domain Class Battleships. However, one overlooked vessel in the navies of Earth, particularly in the North American Navies, is the reintroduction of cruiser classes vessels. If a fleet is not being led by a supercarrier, battleship, or Offshore Mobile Base, it is being led by a Verde/Eagle Class Missile-Air Defence Cruiser.

The idea for a brand new cruiser class vessel came about during the refitting of several Gerald R Ford Class supercarriers in use in the Mexican and Canadian navies. With the proliferation of tactical nuclear weaponry in the Chinese navy and the modernization of Cold War weapons in Russia, the risk of an entire carrier Battle Group being wiped out in a single-strike missile strike became a legitimate concern for North American planners. The initial plan was to refit a number of destroyers to anti-air duties. However the Canadian navy, looking to further bolster its fleet with capital ships of both indigenous and American origin, suddenly latched into an idea for a warship that could act as destroyer and frigate leaders when other heavier capital ships were in short supply and to act as ice breakers in an arctic environment.

The Next Generation Cruiser Project was launched in 2038 by the United States Navy and Royal Canadian Navy. Its goal is to build a replacement for the Cold War-era Ticonderoga class missile cruiser and the expensive and maintenance-heavy Zumwalt class stealth destroyers. The ship in question, after six months of design work, was outlined to be a) 220 metres long, b) incorporate stealth features, c) powered by Fusion Reactors that were seeing mass proliferation across North American fleets, d) equipped with laser and coil gun weapons, e) able to defend a wide area of space, f) able to carry a large number of offensive and defensive missiles, g) incorporate AI technology, h) able to keep up with carriers and frigates, and I) operate in arctic waters.

Once the design was pegged down, the RCN and USN set up a competition for several corporations. There were many looking to build the next generation of cruisers, including shipbuilders from China, Japan, Korea, and the United Kingdom. After a bidding process, BAE-Systems Canada and Ingall ShipBuilding's joint design won out over their competitors. The indigenous design surpassed even the offered British Furious class of battlecruisers. The new cruisers would be dubbed the Verde class in American service or as the Eagle in Canadian service. The first hulls would be laced down in 2040 in both American and Canadian shipyards.

Like the Eminent Domain class of battleships, the Verde/Eagle class takes design cues from the Zumwalt. It is 224 metres long, has a width of 28 metres, a draft of 12 metres, and displaces 18,000 metric tons. Its hull is angled in a way that reduces its radar cross-section and its outer hull is covered in a stealth composite coating that limits its detection from infrared and LiDAR sensors, and it is equipped with ECM jammers to reduce hit chances from guided missile or artillery strikes. The Eagle/Verde also follows a similar design principle to the Eminent Domain with a comparatively small bridge/island structure. Where as in the past many ships had important aspects like smokestacks, bridges, weapons, and more above deck (this is especially in the case of ships like the Constellation and Arleigh Burke-class vessels which were designed with fossil fuel engines in mind), the use of fusion and other technologies allows many of these systems to be safely stored below the deck. As such, the island above the detection of a Verde or Eagle only houses the bridge, non-vital operations, and a hangar bay for drones and helicopters (the landing deck stretching over the center towards the rear).

The cruiser is powered by one medium third-generation Fusion energy reactor, with a backup hydrogen generator for emergencies. This high amount of power allows the cruiser to sail at speeds of 35 kilometres per hour standard or 50 kilometres in wartime emergencies, surpassing even the Warrior class of carriers. To crew this beast, a Verde or Eagle class Carries a crew of 260 sailors, an aircrew of 20 VTOL pilots, drone fliers, and support crew members, and 70 naval infantry or marines. Its air complement consists of 2 VTOLs, typically Ospreys or Seahawks though on occasion Comanche and Viper attack helicopters may be deployed on board, as well as 4 to 6 recon and light attack drones. However, besides its airborne drones, missiles, and VTOLs, the cruiser lacks anti-submersible weapons like underwater drones and requires escorts to defend it from underwater threats.

In addition to the organic crew, the Verde carried what are called Logical Artificial Intelligences (though nicknamed Dumb AIs), advanced computer systems capable of adapting to situations and making calculations faster than any Human could. Each Verde was equipped with two Cyberspark Artificial Intelligences, though their roles were comparatively unknown during the mid-21st century. During the 2055s refit, all Verde and Eagle cruisers (along with most other allied maritime capital ships) were refitted with the NOVAS (Non-Organic Virtual Artifical Sapients) AIs, commonly known as smart AIs, which were sapient, exhibit emotions, and many times more powerful than the LAIs. Regardless, AIs assisted in damage control, target acquisition, navigation, missile data connection, and operating the various LiDAR and Radar systems connected to the Aegis Missile Defence System.

The main difference between the Eagle and the Verde classes (besides the former being more suited for arctic operations) are their armaments. While both can fulfill the roles of a missile and air defence platform, the United States Verde leans more into the former while the Canadian Eagle assumes the role of the latter. This reflects on the sizes of both navies, with the US navy having more platforms to protect their carriers (including the Eminent Domain class battleships) from air attacks while the Royal Canadian Navy, still sluggish to build a proper formation to defend their fleets, pointed out the need for a dedicated air Defence vessel.

The missile armament is the same on both classes, with 18 rapid, reloadable, vertical launch missile systems (20 on the Verde class), the same found on the Warrior Subclass of carriers. These replaced the cell based on older vessels like the Flight 2 Burke-class destroyers and Ticonderoga class cruisers. These Vertical Missile Launchers can be rapidly configured to fire almost any kind of ship-mounted missile in the North American Arsenal but commonly include Tomahawk cruise missiles, JHCOM hypersonic missiles, Harpoon Subsonic anti-ship missiles, Enhanced Sea Sparrow Missiles, Sea Patriot Anti-air missiles, and more recently the Swarmer class cluster missiles. Depending on the missile type, an Eagle or Verde class can carry anywhere between 80 to 500 missiles in its VLS launchers alone.

This also does not include its self-defence systems. The cruiser will carry 2 CRAM missile defence turrets, 2 Phalanx CIWS gun systems, 3 Cyclops Laser Turrets, and 4 Mark 38 Autocannons. It also has the standard Chaff and ECM jammers to defend against guided munitions attacks. It's hull is made out of a combination of Titanium and Military grade steel. Its outer hull is also covered nano-shock absorbing armour to aid in both defence and icebreaking operations. The Canadian Eagle, in exchange for 2 VLS clusters, has an additional pair of Cyclops Laser Turrets in place.

In addition to self-defence weaponry, each Verde or Eagle class vessel carries a single 155mm Mark 47 Coilgun turret towards the bow of the vessel, the same in use on the Warrior Class of Carriers. This can be used to engage slow-moving aircraft, naval vessels, or ground-based targets. This is a major improvement over older naval cannons, able to engage targets further out from visual range while being able to be used against light targets like suicide boats.

At the same time, a turreted weapon system is placed towards the rear, typically to protect the rear of the aircraft. For the Verde, this consisted of twin L/70 57mm naval cannon, effective against light attack boats in use by the GLA. For the Eagle, the first two vessels (the HMCS Eagle and the HMCS Aurora) actually used the Norwegian Wotan radiation energy weapon system as an excellent anti-aircraft and missile weapons system. Unlike traditional North American laser weapons, the Wotan weapon system could engage multiple threats simultaneously (Albeit at the cost of range and time to destroy a target rather than the near-instantaneous destruction as a pulse laser beam). However, after the Anchorage incident (which saw the deaths of American and Canadian personnel in a three-way shootout between the ECA, Russian VDV, and the NAU), Canada cancelled the acquisition of any more ECA weapon systems in protest and began to move towards more domestic weapon systems. All further Eagle sub-class cruisers were later equipped with a two-turret Heavy Guardian Laser Defence system. While unable to engage multiple air targets at once, the Guardian LDS has the advantage of raw range and ability to engage ICBMs.

Two vessels of each class were laid down in 2040, with the Verde laid down in the Bremerton Shipyards on the American West Coast and the Eagle class laid down in Halifax Shipyards in Canada. Unlike other programs, like the Domain class battleships, the cruisers were considered a priority and saved from cancellation. Thanks to advancements in shipbuilding technology, all four ships would be commissioned in Early 2045, coinciding with the Russian invasion of Europe. Watching as the Russian navies forced their way out of the GIUK and Baltic blockades, as well as simply marching past the Greek and Turkish navies (both nations hostile to the ECA) and realizing that it may have to play a critical role in a future naval war, 4 more Eagles and 6 Verdes were ordered and hastily began construction, later bumped up to 6 Eagles when Mexico requested their own to defend their carriers. All 12 ships would be battle-ready by 2048, rushed into service when the NAU declared war on the Russian Federation and their Eastern European allies.

The first ship to draw first blood in the Third World War was the USS Fox, a Verde class, that was a part of the Spirit of Freedom Battlegroup during the North American spearhead to the Pacific. Before the battle proper, the Fox managed to score a direct hit on the Tatarstan, a Russian naval frigate scouting out the North American fleet. The Fox, alongside the HMCS Aurora and the USS Biddle, joined the Remnants of the combined ECA Mediterranean fleets at the Canary Islands, engaging with Coilguns and missile duels with their Russian counterparts. All three cruisers, after the near destruction of the Russian Black Sea fleet at the Battle of the Canary Islands, would participate in the Marine landings in southern France.

An equally famous act would be accomplished by the cruiser HMCS Rainbow. Under the cover of night and constant electronic jamming, the Rainbow, along with the USS Fallujah Assault ship and the USS Boone (a Constellation class Frigate), ploughed right through the ice-covered Arctic and launched an amphibious raid on Kolguyev Island, destroying a series of S-300 Grumble and S-400 Growler Surface to Air Missile Systems. This rather brazen attack (getting so close to the Russian coast without notice) was followed up by a long-range strike on the Murmansk naval base with Hypersonic cruise missiles. While relatively unsuccessful, the strike at Kolguyev Island opened up an extra corridor into the heartland of Russia for American Lancer, Spirit, and Raider bombers. This came at the cost of the Boone, sunk by a massive Russian airstrike.

The Eagle and Verde class cruisers have seen naval skirmishes all across the Mediterranean and Pacific during the Third World War. They have participated in the Liberation of Denmark, the defence of Stockholm, the reclamation of Helsinki, and the invasion of Vladivostok. They have served in many roles, including air defence, sea-to-shore bombardment, convoy escorting, naval base raiding, and many more roles right up until the end of the Third World War. 2 cruisers were lost in the conflict, the USS Baltimore during a Greek Submarine attack off the island of Crete (resulting in the destruction of most of Greece's air force) and HMCS Orion, lost with all hands from Tesla Coil and Artillery fire during the Siege of Vladivostok.

Even past the end of the global conflict, the Verde and Eagle continued to see service, namely during the reclamation of French Guiana and the British Falklands Islands during the South Atlantic Crisis, where the Mexican cruisers, the ARM Quetzalcoatl and the ARM Netzahualcóyotl, engaged in heavy combat with forces of the South American Pact navies. The Quetzalcoatl in particular sunk the Brazilian Helicopter Cruiser NAM Atlantico, as well as 7 South American Navy vessels of Frigate and Destroyer tonnage. The Netzahualcóyotl would support an International task force in reclaiming French Guiana, which was under Russian Shocktroops control, before the SAP could seize the last major European holding in South America as well as destroy a hundred South American Aircraft on its own. This series of defeats at the hands of the combined NAU/ECA/British Commonwealth Battlegroup forced the South American Pact to relinquish control over the Falkland Islands, though French Guiana was handed over to Brazil in exchange for a heavily inflated reparations bill (as well as the destruction of all Russian Shock Troop units on the continent).

---

AN: And a nice, short, and easy chapter of-holy crap! 10,000 words?

I think this is my biggest chapter so far? Crap, this went further than I expected.

Either way, sorry for the delays. I am currently in University now….so yeah. The schedule for updates is going to be erratic. Sorry.

The next chapter to be updated is likely either going to be The Mass of Aura's Effect or When Many Heed the Call to Arms. Might consider updating the Muv-Luv/Stellaris fic as well.

Anyways, good night and have a nice fall semester!