Field Test

General

JNPR / RWBY

Jaune had long ago dismissed the idea of becoming a Huntsman, in favour of truly helping out the most people he could, by helping develop weapon systems for personal and settlement defence. Representing the Arc Defence Company he is at Beacon to learn about the grimm from some of the best Huntsmen and huntresses Remnant has ever known.

Thank you to Firefly25 for assisting in developing this idea.

/==/

Jaune was not a fan of flying. Seriously, he wasn't, and currently he was making a spectacle of himself, by vomiting on the floor of the Beacon bound airship. The cry of indignation from the buxom blonde that had come up with a smaller girl, dressed like a goth, told him she hadn't been outside the splash zone. "Perfect first impression, idiot." he thought to himself, as he tried to keep himself from hurling a second time. Of course, he took his medication too late; in fact, he had almost forgotten to take it. He had been up much of the night before the flight reviewing schematics, and make notes for modifications he wanted to make to his latest project.

Mercifully, the airship had docked, and Jaune was able to rush out to get his feet on blessed land. Finding a nearby trash can, he prepared to have his stomach empty, whatever hadn't come up with the first time. After a couple of minutes, he was able to gain a semblance of control, even though he knew he'd still be feeling the after effects of the flight for a couple more hours. Spitting into the trash, he made the vain attempt to clear his mouth of the taste; before raising his head and take in the beauty that was Beacon's grounds. His eyes scanned the eclectic collection of weapons, and outfits that made their way across the grounds towards the main building.

"Mecha-shift." Jaune muttered, unimpressed, as he straightened out his collector edition Pumpkin Pete hoodie. After that was accomplished, he reached down and used his right hand to feel over the revolver holstered on his thigh. He was here as a non-combatant, but still he open-carried his personal defence weapon. "I best get go..."

A noisy clatter, followed by a loud dull thud, voice drew his attention. The sound of a familiar, but obviously angry voice caused him to chuckle and smile. He knew that voice, and he definitely was familiar with the petite form currently giving someone a piece of their mind. He closed on the scene, and crossed his arms over his chest, feeling the bulletproof vest he was wearing under his hoodie.

/=/

Weiss knew she was drawing a crowd, with her berating rant of the girl that had unceremoniously knocked over her cased dust supplies. But she pushed it aside, as the imbecile sitting before her, had sneezed causing a minor dust explosion. Yes, their aura tanked the pathetically weak blast, but still. How could this girl be so careless?

"Mom would so give you a swat on your ass for acting like that." the familiarity of the voice caused her to stiffen, "and Aunt Willow would have let her do it."

The onlookers were in utter shock as the young man, who had been nicknamed "Vomit Boy", actually shut-up the Schnee with a simple comment. Though they had no idea what it implied, they still were amazed.

"Jaune?" Weiss questioned as she turned to find a very familiar face looking at her with a raised eyebrow.

"Weiss," Jaune replied before giving her a warm smile and spreading his arms wide in the universal sign of offering a hug. Weiss sputtered, and her face grew red, but still years of familiarity guided her actions; and she moved in to get wrapped up in the tall blonds arms. Her own small arms wrapping his torso.

"I missed you." she muttered, into his chest, totally ignoring the fact she was causing another scene, a much more heart-warming one. Ignorant of the scroll videos and pictures being taken of them.

"I missed you too." Jaune responded.

/=/

There was a fluttering in her chest as her amber eyes took in the heart warming sight. The two individuals who were basically her childhood, were at Beacon; and she wasn't sure what to do. It had been years since she had conversed or even seen either of them. She wanted to rush in and let them know she was also here, but she held back. She wasn't the same as she was back then. She had so much to make up for. Biting her lip she backed away and moved off to vanish into the crowd. She never noticed the pair of dark blue eyes that had narrowed at the sight of her retreating form.

/=/

Ruby was at a loss. She had been abandoned by her sister, gotten yelled at, blown up and yelled at a second time. Now she was being ignored as the mean girl was hugging Vomit Boy, like they were family. This was not how her first day at Beacon was supposed to go. Her head dropped along with her shoulders. This was like the worst day ever.

"Need some help?" Ruby was drawn from her thoughts and looked up. The blonde boy was standing above her with his hand extended. She reached up and took his offered hand and was surprised at how easily he was able to haul her to her feet. "Names Jaune Arc. This is Weiss Schnee."

"Ruby... Ruby Rose." she stammered in reply. "I'm really sorry for what happened."

"It was an accident, from what I saw. Right Weiss?" Jaune commented as he glanced over his shoulder to the SDC Heiress.

"Of course. An accident." Weiss fidgeted with her hands, acting like she was uncomfortable, "And I would like to apologize for my reaction to what was an honest mistake."

"So with all that settled, let's get inside." Jaune smiled warmly, as he bent to put the knocked over cases back on Weiss trolley. Ruby and Weiss both moved to help, and between the three of them everything was once again piled up. "Is this all dust?"

"No." Weiss replied, "It is also my personal affects."

"So you guys here to become huntresses and huntsmen?" Ruby asked, nervous energy forcing her to try and say something, not weird. "Is that and Rsh-12?"

"You familiar?" Jaune asked with a smile.

"Of course! It's a classic! Five round revolver with a six o'clock barrel chambered in 12.7x55mm. It's a Beowulf stopper with power to spare, but not many huntresses use them." Ruby bubbled with excitement as she rhymed off the status of the heavy revolver Jaune was carrying. "It's a staple of the ADC brand, and is from the last article I read on the CCT-Net; listed as the personal defence weapon of choice in the outer settlements of Vale."

"You know your stuff." Jaune smiled at Ruby warmly, "I'm impressed."

Weiss shook her head and rolled her eyes as Jaune continued to talk to rambling Ruby, as the trio made their way across the courtyard and towards the doors of the main building. During the course of the trip, Ruby introduced her "baby" to the pair. Weiss was impressed that the young slip of a girl could wield something of that size; along with the claim she had built it herself. Jaune for his part was polite, and there was some hints of being impressed at the engineering feet on display before him.

But she also knew Jaune, while he respected the effort put into the creation of mecha-shift weapons, he was not a fan of them. He very much touted the ADC design philosophy, at least when it came to weapons. Straightforward, reliable and dependable. When you purchased an ADC firearm you got a tried and tested weapons platform, that was a firearm, and nothing more. Once in the main building Jaune attempted to break off from the pair of girls, only to be stopped by Weiss' hand on his wrist.

"Where are you going? The Auditorium is this way. We all have to camp there for the night before initiation."

"Yeah, Jaune. You can't be a huntsman if you don't pass initiation." chimed in Ruby.

"I'm not here to be a huntsman."

"Huh?" Ruby's brain stalled at the thought that someone would come to Beacon and not want to be a Huntress.

"Then why?" asked Weiss.

"Non-combatant, I'm here to study Grimm, and maybe field test some designs." Jaune smiled at the pair, and waved as he walked off, "Good luck you guys. I have a meeting with Professor Port."

"Weiss?"

"Yes, Ruby?"

"Do you know what he meant by designs?"

"You mean you have no idea, with whom you've been gabbing about weapons with?" Weiss looked at her possible friend, or at least acquaintance. "He told you his name is Jaune... ARC. That ring any bells? He also spent this whole time discussing weapons with you... in mind numbing deep detail."

"Well he does really know his firearms; and he seems to really know about the ADC product catalogue... he's just a weapon enthusiast like me!"

"Unbelievable, that Jaune found a way to make me actual spend time with a dolt like you."

"Hey!"

"I'm going to the lockers and then the auditorium. When you figure it out let me know." Weiss sighed as she started to walk off pulling her trolley behind her muttering to herself.

Ruby watched her her second new friend, at least she considered her a friend, walking away. Her lips pressed together, in the starting process of forming a pout. She stopped and shrugged her shoulders, and started to move off following the direction that Weiss had taken.

"Of course he knows about Arc Defence Company products they are..." Ruby stopped in mid stride as something clicked. "Arc Defence Company... Jaune Arc...no it couldn't... could it? No it is just a... he did really, really know his stuff... Arc Defence Company and Jaune Arc..."

Weiss stumbled at the horrific wailing shout of "Noooooo! I could have gotten him to sign my baby!"that shredded the air of the corridor.

/=/

"Come in!" came the boisterous voice from behind the wooden office door, right after Jaune had knocked upon it.

The creaked as Jaune opened it. As soon as it was wide enough for him to pass, he stepped through. Inside standing to the side of a rather neat and clutter free desk was a portly, elder huntsman. He looked as if he had yet to miss any recent meals, and had a greying epic level moustache. Jaune quietly closed the door behind him and turned to stand straight as he was taught; before addressing the gentleman.

"Professor Port?"

"That I am, young man. For what do I owe for the honour of the ADC heir coming to personally visit me?"

"I here as directed by Headmaster Ozpin." Jaune replied, "I am to speak to you about my course load, and arrange for an office or lab to do my research in."

"Yes, that's right." Port mumbled as he turned away from looking at a framed picture on the shelf before him. "I remember Ozpin speaking to me about something like this."

"So if you could , sir. Where might I find the lab, or office? I have supplies I would like to confirm are secure."

"Of course my boy, though I would like to ask you a question; if I may."

"Of course, sir."

"Why?"

"I'm sorry, I don't think I understand what you are asking."

"Why Beacon? I know for a fact that you would have access to many more resources back in Ansel. It is the where the ADC Home Office is. So indulge me, please. Why Beacon?"

"Because of you Professor."

"Me?"

"You are Remnant renown for being a Huntsman of exceptional calibre, and you have on many occasions helped with ADC research and even deployment of some of our products." Jaune fidgeted for a moment before taking a deep breath and steadying his obvious nervousness. "I want the opportunity to actually learn from you, and not in the type of short sessions you've had in Ansel. To truly learn."

"And what is it you wish to learn? I train huntsmen and huntresses. I give the next generation the knowledge needed to best our common foe."

"I want that knowledge. I want to know how best to eliminate the threat of grimm." Jaune stood a little taller, obvious family pride seeping into his words. "ADCs main focus is to provide non-huntsmen the tools needed to they can protect hearth and home. You know as well as I do, as well as everyone does. Huntsmen and huntresses can't be everywhere, and some of the smaller settlements suffer for it."

"That is true. I sense you have more to say on the matter, correct?"

"I do. There are also those cases where help arrived just too late. ADC products are designed at least to help a settlement to hold out, so help can arrive in time. There is always room for improvement, within our products. How better to understand grimm, and form defences against them; then from the lessons and wisdom gained from studying under a huntsman such as yourself."

"I see. Anything else?"

"I have theories, I wish to discuss with experts. Theories if they are even partially correct would allow ADC products to exceed what they currently are capable of doing."

"Interesting." Professor Port nodded, accepting the young Arc's reasoning. "So these theories, what are they like?"

"If it is okay, sir. I would rather discuss them at a later date. During a time that is more suitable for a possibly lengthy discussion."

"Understandable." Port again nodded, as he pursed his lips, that were hidden under his epic moustache. "I have indeed arranged a secured work space for you, and took the liberty to transferring your first shipment of materials to is. So if you would follow me, I will take you there."

"I have a question, if you don't mind, Professor."

"Of course my boy. Ask away."

"What is initiation like? I mean what does in generally entail?"

"A counter question, why do you ask?"

"I'm working on some designs, and if there is a chance to field test them in a secure environment, but with the chance to face some lesser grimm, it would be an asset."

"I see." Port stroke his moustache, before answering the young man, "Let's talk about it as we take our walk."

"Of course, Professor."

/=/

She sat on an isolated window sill; the book in her lap forgotten. Instead her eyes watched the white haired heiress, as she apparently was making friends with dark haired girl and another with a flowing mane of blond hair. She wanted to go over, memories of better times, or happier times spurring her on; yet she held back. Guilt overriding the want to reconnect. How could she reach out to someone she spent her formative years with, after all she had done. She had been a part of an organization that had targeted her family.

Her ribbon hidden ears flattened against the top of her head, causing the black bow to shift. She had passed the entrance examinations for non-combat school applicants, with flying colours. With no small part from the training she had received during her tenure with what she was now running from. The Headmaster knew her history, and swept it under the rug, so to speak. Telling her that the desire to change and correct her mistakes, by stepping into be of service for the general population; was a good start. Now she just needed to follow through with that desire. She needed to put it into action.

Her thoughts turned inside her mind. Feelings getting muddled. That hug she had witnessed had been so tempting to reach out and join. He had was just as big a part of her past before. Just as much if not slightly more than the heiress. She so wanted to reveal herself to her childhood friends, but the guilt gnawing at her heart kept her still; spurring her to stay away. She could see no way for either of them to forgive her, at least not yet. She needed to prove herself, to show that she had changed.

With a guilt and sorrow filled sigh, she closed her book, and slid further into her sleeping bag; hiding herself completely form roving eyes.

/=/

Professor Port left Jaune at the door of his private office/lab, with a promise to speak with the Headmaster about Jaune being allowed to take part in initiation. Using his thumb on the recently installed bio-metrics scanner. Mechanical and electronic clicks were heard, and Jaune hummed in appreciation. Beacon had followed ADC's requests to the letter. Moving into the room the lights automatically came on. Tossing his duffle-bag on his cot he moved to his desk, and fired up the twin holographic screens. His fingers danced over the keys as he input his credentials, and accessed the ADC R&D servers. Multiple windows opened, spread between the two screens. In the bottom right corner of his right screen a call notification appears. Tapping the icon he allowed the video call to connect.

"Violet."

After a short pause a young blond haired woman, that looked like a feminine version of Jaune; accented with a set of horn rimmed glasses, and a short pony tail appeared. It took her a minute of fumbling around, before she like Jaune was seated before her terminal.

"It's a little late to be logging in. What's happening?"

"Nothing figured I just check in on the test results. Any good developments?"

"Right to work, huh?" Violet pulled off her glasses and cleaned them before sliding them back on. "So before we dig into results and designs... what do you think of Beacon? Is it all that dad said it is?"

"Don't know. It's a big school that's for sure, oh Weiss is here, and I think Blake is too."

"Really?"

"Weiss for sure. She's doing the huntress thing."

"And Blake?"

"I think I saw her, but I could be wrong."

"IF she is there, make sure to let us know. Aunt Kali is beside herself. It's been four years without a word from her."

"If it is her, I'll pass the message on."

"Say to Weiss for us as well. It's been an age since she's been around. So anything else?"

"I will, and not really." Jaune replied as he turned his attention to a newly opened window showing statistical data. "What's this?"

"Most recent viability assessments for your three jumpkit designs." Violet responded, "Your hip mount is viable but barely, as is the twin back mount. So far the single mount centre back is the best design."

"What's the issue?"

"Thrust vectoring, and balance."

"The cpu is unable to compensate?"

"We've upgraded twice. But one side or the other always fires either faster or harder than the other."

"Which side? Might be a weight sensor issue."

"Jade ran the numbers. It's random, almost like a ghost in the code messing things up."

"And the single centre shoulder mount?"

"No issues."

"Okay, any fuel issues?" Jaune asked as he continued to make notes and scan the data Violet was sending him.

"None. All the mounts worked efficiently with the ignition is spark gap, which has proven totally reliable. Fuel is a three to one, fire and wind mirco-ground dust mixture."

"Any Transmission delay?"

"With in spec."

"Firing mechanisms?"

"The finger button was abysmal. The Aura Pulse Trigger is viable."

"Limits our prospective consumer base to aura users."

"It could be an offered option."

"True. What about the predictive system?"

"Mixed results. Worked with forward jumps, but reversing direction, or trying to slide failed."

"Electrical Pulse Sensory Net?"

"Comparable to the APT system, though the EPSN will be the easier of the two to integrate, considering your helmet design, and speaking of that. Dad says go with the pressurized padding, over the chin strap."

"He give a reason?"

"Allows for a custom fit, and better shock absorption. Also said that would mean we could manufacture a more one size fits all."

"Makes Sense. I take it Dad insisted that's how my suit was going to be outfitted?"

"Yep. It was done before it was shipped."

"Glad he told me." Jaune muttered, "Anything else he modified on my design?"

"You know how Dad and Mom are, and with the shit that has just happened they're even more so now. As for your design, he only adjusted you helmet. Everything else is per your specs."

"Did something happen while I was travelling?"

"Yeah, I forgot." Violet sighed, "You don't check emails or watch the news."

"I'll check them tonight. The scroll app is terrible. Jade needs to upgrade it."

"Well I know Dad sent you a message about it, with his instructions, but long and short. He has us all in lock down at the compound and wearing double graphene core vests, all the time. Even brought Saph, Ter and Adrian in from Argus."

"Why? What Happened?"

"White Fang hit a depot in Mistral, and it was bad, real bad; but..."

"What else Vi?"

"There's be a threat made, against the family."

"A threat? What type of threat? Why?"

"Because we stopped supplying the Menagerie Guard, and that our products are being used against them means we're being pegged as anti-faunus. They're actually saying we're as bad as the SDC. Which is bull shit, but the threat has been made and Dad is taking it very seriously."

"You still haven't told me what the threat is. What they threatening to kidnap one of us?"

"No."

"No?"

"Death threat. They're calling for our heads Jaune, and they know you're in Vale at Beacon."

"Shit."

"Dad has the security force in full Gen2-BDU, not to mention the IFF system. He turned on the S-PDS. Anyone that approaches the compound without the proper IFF bracelet is going to get fired upon."

"Fuck."

"He's talking about coming to get you from Beacon. I think he's even contacted the Headmaster about your security."

"I'm wearing my vest, and I open carry."

"What are you carrying? Ammo?"

"My Rsh-12. Silver tip."

"Upgrade, or at least switch to green tip. You did pack your custom R101."

"Yeah, I have it, and a few others. But I'll stick with my Rsh-12 for general carry. I have the muzzle extension, vertical fore grip, and the folding stock. Swap out to green tip and it should work."

"You should still carry the 101, but as long as you're using green tip. What you wearing? Just our standard vest; because Dad wants you, from what I heard a full BDU even if it is just a Gen1."

"I have a Gen2-BDU-Recon."

"A little light, but better than just a vest." Violet paused as if she wanted to saying something more.

"I know you want to say something Vi. I can see it on your face."

"Dad, no the WHOLE family wants you to kill your Smart Pistol Project, scrap the MK5. Concentrate on the Pulse Blade, and your HUD design."

"I'm not doing this again Vi."

"Yes you are. You should work on the Pulse Blade system. Forget about the Mk5, and beef the operational use of the of your Helmet. The Pulse Blade is a perfect fit. Revealing of possible hidden threats , and allowing tracking of the same."

"I can do the same with the Mk5."

"Seriously? That project is a disaster waiting to happen. Work on the Pulse Blade and integration with the HUD. Listen to us... listen to Dad at least." Violet leaned forward, "That thing is dangerous. If someone was to reverse engineer it... or compromise your targeting program. Jaune remember the White Fang might be after the SDC and Atlas; but they still hit us, and you know why."

"I know. That's why the prototype has a bio-lock built in. If anyone but me pulls the trigger..."

"I'm not a fan of that either, but if it keeps it from getting in the wrong hands." Violet leaned back from the screen, "It should be scrapped, and the server's wiped of any trace of it's existence."

"It could save countless lives."

"And cost countless more."

"The theory is sound. A a fire and forget weapon system that takes operator error out of the equation. Properly configured it would make anyone regardless of skill, or age capable of defending themselves and their families from grimm incursions."

"I get that, but the theory also goes the other way. One reverse engineer, one compromise and that same system could make someone with less savoury goals a monster. Image the White Fang getting their hands on it... what do you think they would engineer to target? You should abandon it."

"I..."

"Jaune, you should. Like I already said, that project is a disaster waiting to happen." Violet adjusted her glasses, "You have much more viable ideas, ones that would even make Hunter lives better."

"Like?"

"The Pulse Blade. You know how many hunters get caught unaware because of hidden grimm?" Violet tapped her keyboard, bringing up several screens showing causality data. "Work out a monocle system as an alternate to a full helmet; and you would save lives, and not just hunters. How many law enforcement get ambushed? Look at the data. The pulse knife is a much better project to focus on."

"I know what you're trying to say Violet. I get it...but."

"If not the blade, then focus on the Particle Wall."

"Atlas already has tech like it."

"Like it, but not it. Those hard-light constructs are expensive to use, and you and I both know that that type of dust is rare. Rare means hard to find and expensive to process."

"It's all theoretical. A polarized one way energy shield system that uses no dust as a power source."

"That is capable of stopping small arms, but also allowing return fire from the emitter side. The Marshal Service would be all over it. So would VPD and MPD Swat teams. Especially if you can configure it to move with the user, and not just be static placement."

"It's a good idea, the problem is making it a reality."

"It would be more useful than that Mk5."

"Fine. I'll draft up some theory and you can pass it onto Noir."

"Makes sense. She would love the physics challenge of working it out." Violet once again adjusted her glasses. "And the Mk5?"

"I'll consider it."

"Do more than consider it. You're in Beacon talk some of those Remnant renown professors. Give them the theory, and see what they say."

"I will." Jaune sighed. "Anything else?"

"Answer your emails."

"I'll do that now."

"Alright. Later and love you. Stay safe."

"Love you too Vi."

As soon as Violet terminated the video call, Jaune shifted the windows on his terminals and focused on the mail program. He opened the priority message from his father.

Jaune,

I don't know if you've been watching the news, but there was a White Fang raid on one of our storage depots, in Mistral. There were lethal causalities with in our security forces, and the WF has stolen a significant number of R101 Compact Carbines. So all of our facilities and subsidiaries have been locked down.

There has also been a public threat issued against the Arc family. I know you are in Beacon and I have forwarded my concerns for your safety to Headmaster Ozpin. While the thought of a WF raid on Beacon to get you is negligible, there is still a chance. The staff have been informed of the situation.

I have made arrangements with Cyberdyne to provide you with a Spectre Security Squad. So please meet with them as soon as possible to take delivery. The Vale Marshal Service, the Vale Police Department and the Valen Self Defence Force have all given authorization for you to use the Spectre units with in the city boundaries, and to open carry personal defence weapons.

Vert is sending you , her Gen2-BDU design, I EXPECT you to wear it at all times. I am also going to have all your sisters similarly outfitted shortly, but seeing as you are in Vale and outside of my direct oversight; you're being outfitted first.

I know you carry the Rsh-12 as a personal defence weapon. Please consider upgrading to at least the R97 or your R101 Custom. Carry one or the other with you at all times. Expect everything tomorrow morning with a drop of green tip ammo.

I also need you to do a sales call to the VPD Procurement Division. They are expressing interest in replacing their Atlas Munitions M161's with our R101 and R201s. You know the routine. No pressure, just be honest. You know the M161 is a good system, but tote our better stopping power, and more robust modular design. Again you know the routine, you've been part of enough sales demos.

Other than that. Stay safe, and I know you want to stay in Beacon, but please consider coming home until this issue with the White Fang is dealt with.

Love;

Dad.

Jaune sent a quick reply to his father, and then opened the next email. It was from Vert.

Hey Jaune,

I know your stubborn ass is going to want to stay in Beacon so I've put together a Gen2-BDU. You better fucking wear it. I've modified my design, to a dual graphene core, in addition to the kelvar ceramic composite, and added a static hip mount for your jumpkit. If trouble comes, use it to get away. I MEAN IT!

Not any other real upgrades to tell you about. Tweak it if you have to. I know you have a better HUD system, and I kept all the link hard ports universal.

Wish you'd just come home. Dad has already picked up Saphron, Terra and Adrian. We all want you home, especially Mom. Don't put yourself at risk. Okay?

Vert.

Jaune sent a reply to Vert, before checking the last few emails, all from his family, asking him to come home and stay safe. He replied to each, before logging out and shutting down his terminal. Setting his scroll alarm, he climbed onto the cot, and pulled the blanket over his head and tried to get some sleep. Tomorrow was going to be a long and interesting day.

/==/

So not much to comment on here, aside from Jaune will not be OP. He's just going to be good with firearms, but will have to work with the limitations inherent with such weapons (ammo being the main one).

Crocea Mors will maybe make an appearance if I can work out how it will fit with in his kit. Weapons are from real life and Titanfall.

Anyway hope you enjoy.