The flight to Vacuo was as depressing as their ride to the Dragon's Tail had been, if not worse. Instead of a sound proofed crew compartment they had to make do with some jump seats in a Condor on automatic. The sound wasn't harmful but it was just loud enough to keep you awake.
The other problem was the DeeBees. They didn't talk, stare or do anything much, they just hung in their racks, feet swaying from side to side as the Condor flew through turbulence. Needless to say the general discomfort wasn't being helped by the image of a few dozen Androids hanging from the ceiling.
Looking out the window wasn't an improvement in terms of view. The Condor was part of a formation running dark and flying as high as they could to avoid any Swarm or Grimm. Which meant all they could see was the moonlit outline of the other transports with their lights off spread around them.
The best they'd been able to do was play some games on their scrolls to avoid thinking about what was happening right now. It was that or wait for a turn to sleep in the cockpit which at least had some insulation against the noise. But sleep wasn't coming easy to anyone.
Atlas had claimed the damage to Emissary was an accident. The COG wasn't outright saying they were lying but didn't seem to be trusting them. With the First Minister seemingly missing, Deputy First Minister Evangelina had stepped up, Premier Široký had spoken in support of her.
But that still left two of the world powers on thin ice. The other Kingdoms were looking on with terror, worried they'd be called on to pick a side. It sounded like the start of another Great War.
After hours of meager sleep and stress they reached the coast of Vacuo. Finally having something to look at besides the ocean they peered out as the flight passed over a coastal city. Qrow pointed out the points of interest as they looked down to try and keep all their minds occupied.
But soon enough the view became little more than another sea, but this one of sand in place of water, rarely broken by a small camp below. Vacuo didn't have much in the way of landmarks out in the desert, what few oasis existed were few and far between. The only other thing that broke their boredom was when they passed over a Flatback Slider.
The thing was massive. To start with they'd thought it was just a part of the landscape with a sandstorm swirling around it. But as they closed the vast trail of disturbed sand behind it showed it was moving.
'Strange seeing one out here,' Qrow remarked.
'Why's that?' Frankie asked.
'Those things tend to stick to their routine. I don't remember one being in this area. Then again might be that all the chaos has its brain scrambled.'
'Hmm. We'll note it with the local command when we land. No point causing a panic.'
Flying for a while longer they reached their destination, Vacuo airfield. Even as they circled and came in for a landing this was different. The whole place looked like someone had taken the COG structures and changed the colours around with green replacing blue.
The Condor landed and rolled along to some kind of unloading area. The DeeBees snapping on and dropping from their docks before marching out without a word. Following them down the rear ramp they felt like the heat had struck them across the face.
A vast area of concrete stretched out around them. The whole place bustling with movement of people, Androids and vehicles. A truck pulled up alongside them, the driver shouting and waving to Frankie. She ran over to talk with him for a moment before waving them over.
'This is our next ride. Hop in,' She said, climbing aboard and holding out a hand.
Before they were all seated in the back the truck tore off across the base. The group of DeeBees they'd flown in with was already marching to join a larger group. Like some vast growing pattern the new set of Androids filled a gap in the row of machines standing in a block dozens deep.
'That's a lot of robots,' Qrow remarked as they passed the assembly area.
'Yep. Seems something big is going down,' Gabe said with a nod.
'What are those?' Raven asked as they rounded a hanger and approached another group of Androids.
From a distance their appearance was a little off. But as they came closer it became clear these were DeeBees, but with some adjustments. Like the buildings around them the Androids were green in the place of blue and their lights were set to yellow. Frankie leaned over the cabin having a quick exchange with the driver.
'He says they're Levys. The Union didn't keep many regular bots in the military so these are just ones that got a new coat of paint and software updates,' Frankie said as they rolled on.
'What do you mean regular?' Qrow asked as he stared at the second small army he'd seen today.
'Seems they have some specialist ones sort of like Deadeyes but didn't like having Peacemakers stomping about.'
'Speaking of stomping,' Yang said interrupting them, 'Anyone else feel that?'
They all went quiet for a moment before they felt it. A faint tremor rhythmic and building. Their driver tapped the brakes as they were about to pass the next hanger.
A huge metal foot landed in front of them. Followed by an equally large leg. The Mega Mech both belonged to strode onwards past them.
Gabe let out a long whistle, 'You see that? Full combat config plus some extras on the feet.'
'I saw it,' Frankie called back, 'Must be to help with walking on the sand.'
'You seemed surpised to see that thing,' Qrow noted.
'It's weird. Most of our Mechs are conversions from the construction units. But these,' Gabe nodded as they passed other mechs being unloaded, 'Those were built for combat. See how they're up armoured. Plus if they were converted the inner frame would still be yellow, but those are all blue.'
True to his words the mechs lacked any sign of everbeing anything but warmachines. Another was being slid out the back of the transport plane that had brought it. Once the unit was clear it sat up and moved to stand.
'How long would it take to make one of those?' Raven asked, her first time speaking since they'd arrived.
'I guess a couple of days once they get the factory setup. Why?' Gabe asked.
'Well if you didn't know these were being built. They must have only just started mustn't they?'
'I don't like it when you start making sense,' Qrow muttered.
'Looks like our stop dead ahead,' Frankie shouted, drawing their attention from that train of thought.
'Oh look, a welcome party,' Gabe remarked.'
The truck came to a hard stop outside a hangar packed with COG equipment. In the background was a constant chatter of reports and orders. But standing outfront were two figures one in Onyx armour and the other in standard blue with yellow trim.
'Jaune?' Nora asked, cocking her head as they got off.
'Guys you made it,' Jaune said, pulling off his helmet.
'You got here fast.'
'You know how things are when the momentum gets going,' Jaune said with a shrug.
'Where is Pyrrha ?' Ren asked, looking around.
'She's still not quite up to missions at the moment. But she said she didn't want me to worry about you guys, so we agreed it was better for me to join you out here.'
'Is she going to be alright?' Yang asked.
'She'll be fine. She's just needs some down time, besides she's Pyrrha '
'Well… We all hope she gets better soon,' Blake said with a nod.
'Arc you'd better get this lot kitted up. I need to speak with Hickman and Figroa,' The Onyx said, cutting in, their voice distorted by the helmet.
'Sure thing. Come on you guys. Let's get you into something that won't cook you in the shade,' Jaune said, turning and leading the others away.
That left Qrow and Raven with the three Onyx. There was a moment of quiet as they exchanged a look. Raven and Qrow looked between them for a second.
'This matter is confidential,' The Onyx said, folding their arms.
'Yeah and we're a little more read into things then you might think,' Qrow replied before adding, 'Don't I know you from somewhere?'
'Day,' Frankie said nodding to a modular office, 'They're already cleared. Lets just get out of earshot of anyone else.
Without objection but clearly not pleased, Day led them over to the office. Once they were inside and the door locked she gestured to the chairs set around a long table. The others dropped into a seat each with Gabe and Frankie pulling their helmets off.
'This does not leave this room,' Day said looking at each of them in turn, 'First Minister Emmerich is dead.'
There was a moment of quiet before they all cursed. Day let them have a moment before holding up a hand. Once they were quiet she continued.
'When Emissary was hit the blast took out the compartment he was in. Both him and Myers were right at the centre of the blast.'
'Damn it. What has Jimmy said?' Qrow asked.
'General Ironwood is insisting the incident was the result of a weapons malfunction. Given the fact only one ship fired that could be believed, if it hadn't killed the First Minister and the Captain of the Onyx Guard in the process.'
'No no no. Jimmy might be an ass but he's not going to provoke a war. Not when we're already in one. There has to be some explanation,' Qrow said, taking his head in his hands.
'Could be Ironwood has finally snaped and they're trying to cover it up,' Raven said with a shrug.
'Don't even joke about that!' Qrow shouted rounding at her, 'James has been through some shit but he's not crazy.'
'Perhaps,' Day said, cutting them both off, 'We're clearly not in a good position. The First Minister's death will cause chaos. They're trying to sort things out back home but with Clarke dead the-'
'Clarke? As in the firicking Minister of Security Clarke? When did she die?' Gabe shouted.
'She was killed in a bombing. You must have seen the report about an explosion.'
'That random ass office building? That was the Ministry of Security?' Gabe asked, recalling the images.
'Yes. But with her dead as well there's concern that this could be part of a coordinated attack on us. As of this moment martial law is in effect and they're looking at activating the Fortification Act.'
'What about Deputy First Minister Evangelina? Have we upped her protection? We could pull people from the Keep if needed,' Frankie asked.
Day nodded, 'We're already doing so. But with how things are going Agent and Operator might be coming into play. The Swarm is also becoming more active around Vacuo city proper. We're not sure if it's a chance they were getting ready or if they've exposed themselves early.'
'Fuck this is so screwed,' Gabe said with a sigh.
'I need to talk to Jimmy. Where's the Atlas fleet?' Qrow asked.
Day tapped a remote, making the table surface shift into a map of the area, 'We're here in the south. Atlas withdrew to the north to maintain separation of our forces. The UIR is in the middle acting as a buffer.'
'Oh I bet they love that,' Gabe said looking at the markers.
'No. But it's the best we've got. Our people and Atlas are not on good terms. If you want to speak with the General you'll need a ride to their lines. We can get that sorted, will the kids be going or staying?'
'Up to them,' Qrow replied, 'They've had a time of it.
'And Mrs Brawnwen?' Day asked, looking at Raven.
'I'm still deciding,' Raven replied curtly.
'Alright them. Head over to the armoury, Arc should be finished getting them fitted at this point. You'd better pick up a set of equipment yourself,' Day said nodding to Raven.
'I'll think about it,' Raven said with a shrug.
They headed off towards the armoury leaving Day to the command centre. Once they were clear Raven gave Qrow a look before looking right at Day and back flashed a hand signal. It took him a second to recall the old Tribe gesture, "Liar"
A twinge ran through his mind. What had Day said to make Raven feel like that? She'd explained the situation well enough, or had she?
They headed to join back up with the kids. Coming in just at the right time to find them already wearing light armour kits. Qrow had never wanted to see his nieces in uniform, and the fact Raven's warning was ringing in his mind wasn't helping at all.
'Check it out. They even had a set that fits Ruby,' Yang called waving to them.
'Hey!' Ruby shouted.
'I'm just hapPyrrha these things have temperature control,' Weiss sighed.
'Me too. This heat is way, way too much,' Blake sighed.
'So what's next?' Nora asked, putting her hands on her hips.
'We need to head north. There's some matters we need to settle with Atlas to try and find out what happend,' Qrow said, keeping the details light.
'You'll need a ride if you're going that way. And all COG forces are barred from leaving the base,' Jaune said with a nod.
'Yeah. Day said she'd sort something but if needed we'll have to hail a ride ourselves. Are you kids ready for some sight seeing?' Qrow asked.
'Are you sure we should all be going? We could wait here till things have stabilised,' Jaune suggested.
'We're going. All of us,' Raven said firmly.
'Since when were you in charge,' Yang asked, clenching her fists.
'Because splitting up right now makes no sense. We'll move as a group. Otherwise we'll be split up and have to waste time trying to find one another,' Raven said, turning and walking away.
Despite the insistence of a few people they managed to get a lift from the UIR. Two APC halftracks collected them, the kids rode in the rear one whilst the adults took the front. It was due to be a few hours drive, with little to do but talk.
'Can we talk about your question back there?' Qrow asked Raven once they'd been underway for a while.
'Only once I know we're the only ones listening,' She snorted, shooting the Onyx at a glance.
The two exchanged a look then clicked their radios off. With that done they bunched up on the benches furthest from the crew compartment in the front. Raven took a long breath before speaking.
'You Onyx, do you trust one another?' She asked, looking between them.
'Sure. Why wouldn't we?' Gabe asked.
'Something about how this is all happening. It feels wrong,' Raven muttered folding her arms, 'For starters is there a rule against you taking off your helmet if people who aren't Onyx are around?'
'Not exactly but it's implied we're meant to avoid showing our faces too much. Why?' Frankie asked.
'Both of you took off your helmets to talk when we were alone,' Raven noted, 'But Day didn't. Wearing a helmet is a good way to hide your face and cover up any hints that could show you're lying. I should know, I've used it and had it used by others when negotiating.
'Wait. You think she was lying? About what? That's a pretty big acquisition for someone who I only know as a criminal,' Gabe snarled.
'The bigger the lie the harder it is to see past it. And whilst I don't need to try and convince you to trust me. Day already showed her hand,' Raven said, folding her arms.
Frankie held up a hand to fortall Gabe's next words and asked Raven, 'What do you mean?'
'When Yang and Blake came to see me they had another member of your unit with them. Henry. How well did she know him?'
'We used to be squadmates,' Frankie said.
'All four of you?' Raven asked, looking at Gabe.
'Yes,' He replied sharply.
'So why didn't she ask where he was? Or if she did know what happened to him, ask you aside to check you were okay?'
'She… She didn't,' Frankie muttered.
'I'm guessing she knew you three were working together. Regular check-ins and reports, the usual military procedures,' Raven said before leaning forward, 'But you didn't tell anyone where you were or what you were doing after Henry died did you? Because you didn't know who we could trust. Yet not only is your old squadmate waiting as if expecting you, she has a truck ready to collect you.'
'They must have checked the Condor's on board cameras and picked out the one we boarded. Shit. They're two steps ahead of us,' Frankie hissed as the parts started to fall into place..
'This is crazy,' Gabe muttered, 'Day's a model soldier. She wouldn't be a part of… Whatever the fuck this is.'
'Most spies don't advertise who they're really loyal to. Not until they're sure all their enemies are dead. You thought those people who took Vernal from the prison had fake paper work. But it would be easy for another member of your little club to get the real deal right?' Raven whispered.
'It would,' Frankie muttered
'Okay then we assume Day is in on this attack. Putting aside how they got an Atlas ship to be a part of it. The questions now are who else and why?' Qrow said, looking between them.
'Well for starters how about that guy she appeared with. He apparently got here before we did. And then took the others to get fitted with armour that just so happened to be in their size. Tell me how many troops in the COG are the size of Yang's little sister?' Raven said with a resigned look.
'Oh no,' Qrow sighed.
'Yep. You were all so happy to see one another. You let them stick my daughter into a suit of armour which, if we're lucky, has just a tracker to say nothing of what else could be inside those suits.'
'So they're interested in the kids too. But why?' Gabe asked.
'Ozpin picked them. He thought they'd go on to do important things. Must be the First Minister thought the same. And now they've got a target on their backs,' Qrow cursed.
'This is on top of the war brewing. If whoever is behind this is fanning the flames back home. They could make the COG go to war with Atlas,' Frankie said, 'And the other Kingdoms would have to decide to side with Atlas who looks like the aggressor…'
'Or they side with the COG who looks like they're retaliating for the death of the First Minister and anything else that could be pinned on Atlas,' Raven finished.
Frankie put her head in her hands, 'It's a lose-lose situation. Mistral and Menagerie just took delivery of an army of DeeBees each. If they don't change the command codes anyone with the originals could just make those things turn on them. Vale is stretched too thin and depending on the COG for weapons. Vacuo and the UIR could try to hold out with Atlas but they'd be against the full might of the COG. All the factories back on the Dragon's Tail are safe from Swarm attack.'
'Meanwhile all the other Kingdoms are being raided and losing people, land and resources to the Swarm. Leaving them weaker for the COG to roll up.'
So what do we do now? They'll be monitoring our comms. We can't just tell anyone we meet. Hell our own command could be against us,' Gabe hissed.
'And not just those people actively involved. Even people who aren't part of this conspiracy could be given orders to act against us,' Frankie said.
'So the whole COG basically,' Gabe said before slapping his head, 'That's why they wanted us to stay at the base. We'd be surrounded.'
'That seems to be their favourite option. Mess with our communications, screw with our command structure and the whole time they're guiding events to get what they want.'
'Alright so we all agreed we're screwed. What can we do?' Qrow asked.
'We need people outside the COG. People who can't be a part of this,' Frankie said tapping her chin.
'I know some people. But they're nowhere near here.'
'Oh… Oh I have a really bad idea,' Gabe muttered, 'You're going to hate this.'
'Hickman just tell me please,' Frankie said resigned to her fate.
'You remember that little UIR Riflewoman. The one we figured for being one of their Elite? What are the odds that at least some of her pals are keeping an eye on a say. An understrength Onyx squad escorting a group of people out of COG territory.'
Frankie thought for a moment, 'I'd say we put a call out and see if Private Čierna is interested in a threat to the UIR.'
Gabe got off the bench and moved over to the crew section knocking on the hatch, 'You guys got a radio I can use?'
'I don't like this Polkovnik Čierna,' One of the new bloods muttered, the foreign word not quite making it past his lips.
'You do not have to. But you do have to obey my orders. If not, you can leave any time. Do you want to do that?' Čierna asked, looking along the rank of UIR troops in their desert gear.
'No Ma'am.'
'Then get ready and set out. The COG is in chaos right now. And a flailing giant can be a greater threat than one that's thinking through its actions. Gather your people I will bring the Robotníks,' Čierna said, standing and walking out of the tent.
The junior officer saluted and ran off to join her unit, a serpent's tail swishing behind her where it connected to her back. Such traits were common out in the deep desert and like the COG the Union had no time to care for such things as appearance. Those who came from this place were hard stuff, all they'd needed was a little guidance and updated equipment and they could take the Swarm on any day.
A few sand skiffs were already unfolding their sails. The design might have been from the Outsiders originally, but like all ideas it spread as others saw it. A fast means of transport that didn't need fuel was perfect for the smaller bands harassing the Swarm.
Of course normal ones didn't tend to be as large as the ones made for the Sandswept. With the increase in size a cabin had been installed for troops to ride inside. And a Flayer minigun mount was fitted to each.
They could fit four troopers on each outrigger as well. Letting four squads arrive at a point of attack. It wasn't a comfortable ride for anyone on the runners however, that was why they let the machines do that.
'Attention,' She barked in the seemingly empty desert.
At her words a dozen figures seemed to rise out of the sand. It would be unsettling to see if she didn't know what they were. The COG liked its machine men like its normal ones visible, standing tall in their shiny armour.
The Union couldn't take that approach. They'd started on this world shortly after the COG and even a small lead could be hard to make up. So their machines were built to be better than their counterparts.
Each one was armoured more than the COG's Peacemakers with a better brain. These units being made for the Sandswept had their joints further protected against sand. Something the COG was likely finding quite troublesome now they were in the desert proper.
'You will board the transports. There is a group of Onyx and Huntsmen trying to flee from the COG. You will shadow them and give any support needed. Confirm?' Čierna said, looking around the machines.
'Command confirmed comrade commander,' They replied in unison.
'Proceed.'
The Sandmen marched away towards the skiffs. Čierna watched them go, her mind rolling possibilities around. Whatever turmoil was afflicting the COG, it didn't bode well for anyone.
Premiar Široký had a working relationship with the former First Minister. Possibly the most positive since the UIR and COG had formed. There was a joke in there somewhere, all it took was them all being blasted off Sera to figure out how to live in peace. Shame it had only lasted a short time, but that was life for you.