Winter looked out at the harbor as the armored car moved from the pad. General Ironwood had personally vouched for her to be given this assignment. On the journey over she'd done her best to familiarize herself with any and all information that could be of use. Atlas had combed through the videos, images and accounts from the people who had been on the two ships.

She'd expected this place to be different. But it felt quite like any Atlesian base. There was a disciplined order. Everyone present had a duty and was carrying it out with great efficiency. It was strange, like looking at a distorted reflection of Atlas.

So far the greatest shock had been the lack of a driver. They'd simply boarded and the car had noted their destination before setting out. She knew some bases were supplied by Android crews but this car didn't even need that.

'Feeling homesick Ice Queen?' Qrow asked. Leaning over. 'We're pretty far south of your ice palace.'
'We're here to advise them. Perhaps if you were more observant you would be of some help. Or perhaps we should ask for you to be dropped off at the nearest bar.'
'Checking for dining establishments in the area.' The car's voice declared.
'What no. Do not listen to him.' Winter cried.
'Confirmed returning to preset route.'
Qrow got a glint in his eye. 'Hey car. Are there any couples bars in the area?'
'Checking request.' The car said.
'Ignore him!' Winter snapped. 'Please proceed to our meeting.'
'Acknowledged.'
Qrow for his part seemed quite pleased at his little joke. He stayed quiet for the rest of the drive to their meeting. Looking out of his window. Winter decided to do the same.

The COG had taken over the Harbor Office as a field HQ. They were greeted at the door and brought through the building to a meeting room. It had a table with several chairs around it. One wall had a screen mounted to it. All of the furniture was clearly new.
She saw they were the first to arrive. A few COG personnel were laying out folders and glasses of water on the table. Each place had a small name plate in front of it. She found hers marked "SPC Winter Schnee Atlas" and sat down. Unfortunately she was facing Qrow. He flopped into his chair and began to spin on it. Winter was horrified.

'Can you not act professional for one meeting.' Winter hissed.
'Oh come on. We're just here to get the lay of the land then we can crash at our place before heading out.' Qrow said. Not bothering to stop spinning.
Winter took a breath then. Rested her hand on the hilt of her sabre. Letting a wisp of dust along the blade she cast a glyph under him.
Qrow grunted as his knee was slammed into the table. He shot her a foul look before leaning back and putting his shoes on the table. Winter stood up about to slap him. The door to the room opened.

The COG personnel began to file in. Some were wearing armor, others simple blue uniforms but all were clearly military. Qrow made a show of nodding to them and leaning too far back on his chair. Winter greeted them with a nod and sat down for the briefing. At least they were professional. Managing to disregard the man child picking his nose.

The screen came to life showing aerial shots of the current COG perimeter. A few lines were along the coast on either side of the valley. They were digging in and planned to hold what ground they had gained. It was a tired strategy but often had flaws. Grimm would appear sooner or later behind their lines. As Winter voiced her concern the COG personnel scribbled down notes. They asked a few questions about how soon Grimm would appear. What kind of ones they would be. As she tried to respond she noticed Qrow was pulling faces at her. This was going to be a long meeting.

Having managed to avoid killing Qrow. Several times. They were sent to their accommodation. It looked like an old inn that must have catered to the sailors visiting. The lights were on and there was no obvious signs of damage.

'Shame they couldn't have splashed out for the honeymoon suite.' Qrow remarked. Looking at the building.
'Can you stop making light of this assignment? People's lives could depend on our advice.' Winter said.
'Yeah yeah. I need a drink.' He said walking into the building.

Inside was the main room. A few tables and chairs set about for guests to be seated. All new furniture clearly the designs were familiar but subtly different. A set of stairs lead up to a series of rooms marked once again with their names. One of the COG's androids acted as a greeter.

The doors had been changed out. And since their scrolls weren't able to talk to the COG systems it gave them small cards to unlock the rooms. Qrow made straight for the bar calling out to the android behind it. Winter went to check her room.

Inside she found her luggage had been placed next to the bed. The bed sheet was so crisp it could have been vacuum sealed in place. A door to one side showed an adjoining bathroom with a shower. Thank the gods for that. The last thing she needed was to be sharing a bathroom with Qrow. A chest of drawers and a desk sat against one wall. She took in the space it was. Neat.

Growing up in a house of servants had made it easy to assume that cleaning a room was simple. Upon joining the military she'd learned how hard it could be to keep a space clean and tidy. She ran a glove over the top of the door and looked at it. Spotless whoever cleaned the rooms were doing their job quite well. She might never have known this place had been held by the Grimm since it was built. With a pleased nod she unpacked her luggage and stowed it in the drawers.

Once she was packed away she pulled out her scroll and confirmed her arrival and sent a small update. General Ironwood would want to be kept apprised of things. Seeing the time she pocketed the device and left her room. Then she froze.
Qrow seemed to be trying to build a tower out of the furniture. The greeter was trying to pass him a chair.

Upon seeing her, Qrow smiled.'Hey Ice Queen. Pass me that stool. I think I can get this thing to touch the roof.'
Winter let out a growl then drew her sword. 'If you need a lesson in manners. I'll be more than happy to help.'
'Oh please what are you going to do? Make me stand in the corner?' Qrow said. waving his hands.

Winter let out a shout and shot forward. She made a few quick slashes. Qrow leaned clear of them giving her a smirk. She moved back and summoned a Nevermore. The white bird flew out aiming for Qrow's head. He struck it away with the flat part of his weapon.

'Let of enough steam yet?' Qrow asked. 'We're due at the ships soon.'
Winter stopped and glanced at her scroll. He was right. And her responsibility was more important than teaching Qrow respect.
'Fine but this isn't over.'

A few minutes later they were back inside the car. They needed to check on the ships. Most people would feel better knowing there were huntsmen around. And any boost to morale would be a way to keep the Grimm away.
The two ships had been brought alongside a pier. One on each side. The large and sleek Pearl looked overdressed compared to the modest functional Journey.

Qrow would take the Journey, Winter would check in on the Pearl.

Boarding the Pearl Winter took note of how quiet it was. There were a few crew members around. And every so often she saw a few COG personnel coming and going but no regular passengers.

'Excuse me.' Winter said. Walking up to one of the crew.
'Yes miss.'
'Have the passengers already disembarked?' She asked. Gesturing to the empty corridor.
The crew member nodded. 'I think all the passengers bought passage with the Huntsmen. It's just us crew still aboard. And those COG people who are using the CCT link.'
'Thank you.' Winter said. Turning to leave.
'Umm miss?' The crew member asked.
'Yes' Winter said. Turning back.
'Do you know where we'll be able to leave? The managers say if we left with the Huntsmen we'd lose our jobs.'
Winter could see the unease in that look. 'I can't say but I'll ask about it. And see when we can have a route home setup.'
'Thank you miss.'

Winter made her way to the captain's quarters. The man was seated behind his desk checking some reports but waved her inside. He closed the door before speaking.
'I'm Captain Ivor. Thank you for coming Specialist Schnee' He said, holding out a hand.
'Altas is honored to be of assistance.' Winter said. With a curt nod.
'How are things aboard?'
'We've repaired our damage the best we can. But it's just a patch job. If any of the dry docks here were working we could try and get the worst repaired. But as it stands we're just not seaworthy.'
Winter thought of the crew's words. 'I notice the passengers have gone. Were they all escorted to safety?'
'Yes the passenger's evacuation is covered under our company policy.'
'And the crew?'
The Captain grimaced slightly. 'Technically the crew's contracts only allow evacuation in the event the ship is at risk. According to the head office our situation is stable. That goes for everyone aboard though officers, stewards and staff.'
'Isn't this situation a little exceptional?'
The Captain rubbed his forehead. 'As it stands the company is having some legal issues with the passengers. Right now the only possible source of revenue is the locals using the CCT links. They've promised to compensate us but. Well. They don't exactly have an account we can invoice.'
'I'll see if my superiors can leverage any assistance.'
'Thank you.'

Winter had just stepped out into the corridor leading to the captain's quarters. A voice called out behind her.
'Specialist a moment.'
Winter turned. The man who called out walked over briskly. He was dressed as an officer. His jacket read "Chief of Security Gunstone"
'Can I help you?'
'Sorry to catch you like this. I just wanted a quick word.' Gunstone said. Glancing around.
'Yes?'
'I was a Petty Officer in the navy. I wanted to report about the locals.'
Winter nodded. No wonder he was being cautious. The navy was rarely known. With the Airfleet stealing the prestige they tended to be looked down on. Quite literally in some cases.
'I'm sure you've got some in sight.' said Winter.
'They're good. I've seen some of the videos but it doesn't do them justice. The locals are well drilled and equipped. A bit too well I think.' Gunstone looked around again.
'What do you mean?'
'I spoke with a few whilst they were getting set up in the harbour. They're all carrying a full field kit. Not just a few troops for long range patrols. All of them.'
Winter's eyes widened. 'You're sure?'
'Its not all the same as the stuff our army carries but yes. Cantinne, rations, first aid kits, ammo and grenades.'
'Grenades? Why would they all need those?' Winter muttered.
'Then there's the guys in green.' Gunstone continued.
'The one's in green?'
'Yes most of them wear blue. But there are two lots in green. One bunch looks like the others. The others had weird looking helmets and tended to stay together.'
'Any idea why?'
'No I couldn't speak to any of them. Only the ones in blue spoke with us.'
'Thank you. I'll see what else we can find.'

Meanwhile Qrow had met Captain Shell.
'Don't think I'm not happy my ship's not a Grimm den. But we've got trouble brewing.' Shell said.
'What do you mean? I thought the harbor was secure?' Qrow said.
'It is but the passengers are getting restless.'
'What's the problem? Food? Water?'
'No the problem is we're stuck here. Our damage has been patched up but we'll need a working dock to make full repairs. And That blockage at the harbor needs to be cleared.' Shell said. Gesturing out the window at the heap of debris blocking the harbor door.
'Let me guess.' Qrow said. Leaning back into his chair. 'They're all on borrowed money?'
'Yes.' Shell sighed. 'I try to run the Journey as best I can. But with all the costs involved quite a few passengers take loans. Or borrow money from family and friends to pay their way to Menagerie.'
'Yeah I noticed you have quite a few faunus aboard.'
'Its not just faunus heading that way. Some new dust veins have been found in the deserts.'
'So you're running people down and raw dust back up?'
'Yes the return trip helps keep us in the black. But with us stuck here we're burning lien. And the interest on any money the passengers borrowed will just keep going up.'
'Beacon has some sway with the council. Perhaps we can see about an emergency fund.' Qrow made a note to contact Oz about it. He'd probably just pass the job onto Glenda though. Still like that could eat away at people. And unhappy people made for Grimm magnets.
'One last thing. I heard your message got through to the locals by a runner. They still around?'
'Yes Azure Sees. She's part of our huntsmen team. If you check below she might be in the moon pool if not one of the team will be there.'
'Thanks.' Qrow said before heading to find Azure.

As he walked though the ship he spoke with a few of the passengers. They were trying to make a better life. Quite a few were Faunus so heading there made sense. Others were humans looking to try and get in on a new set of dust veins that were out in the deserts. It would be hard work but these people had grown up doing hard labour. They didn't want that for their kids.

Once he'd spoken to them he made his way down to the lower decks of the ship.
He reached the huntsman quarters then knocked on the door frame.
'Come on in.' A voice called.
Qrow headed into the room.
'Are you a passenger?' A young woman with blue hair asked him.
'No I'm Qrow Branwen. Here from Beacon Academy.' Qrow said. holding out his scroll with his license showing.
'I'm Waverly team leader.' She said. Holding out a hand. Qrow nodded and shook it.
'Good to meet you. I heard from Professor Shoal that your team was the best in your year.' Qrow said with a nod.
'Thank you.' Waverly said. A smile showing.
'Aquatic combat. Hm. Qrow said. 'I'd rather fight Grimm at night than underwater.'
'It takes all sorts. Are you checking in on us?'
'Yeah you and the locals. If that's the right word.'
'You really think they could have come from another world?' Wavely said. Throwing her hands up.
'Its not about what I think. I'm just some huntsman. Leave it to the kingdoms. They'll sort something out sooner or later.'
'And what about the meantime?' Waverly said. 'These people need to feel safe. The longer we're delayed the worse things will get.'
'I know. Hopefully my report will help get some things moved along.'
'That's something at least.'
'I heard one of your team wound up meeting them personally. Is that right?'
'Yeah Azure. She's on patrol right now.'
'I've got a few questions for her if it's not a problem. No hurry. You all right to pass on my number?'
'Ok sure.' Waverly held out her scroll, copying Qrow's details.
'Thanks. If you guys need anything send me a message. I might be able to help out a little.'
'I'll keep it in mind.'

Winter met Qrow back on the pier. He seemed to have lost some of his attitude. But not all of it.
'Hey Ice Queen.' Qrow said with a small wave. 'How's things on the Ivory tower?'
She bit back a response. 'The crew are fine. It seems the passengers have left though.'
Qrow cocked an eyebrow. 'The passengers left? What about the crew?'
Winter folded her arms. 'Apparently they can't leave or they'll risk their jobs.'
'Hm. Must suck to be them.' Qrow said. 'What's next on the agenda?'
'We're doing an inspection of the wall.'
'Great. I'm sure we'll learn alot about how to stack bricks.'

'Stacking bricks you said.' Winter said.

Before them a large yellow mech marched over to a stack of panels. Each panel was easily several meters wide. It reached out and a set of clamps folded forwards from its arms. They connected to the panel and it lifted it from the stack. With a few quick steps it was by the damaged wall. It placed the panel on top of one that was already in place.
Once the panel was in position another mech hefted a large rifle looking tool. It pressed the end against the panel and fired. There was a loud crack. It moved up and fired again with another loud crack. The first mech retracted the clamps and stepped back. The panel was locked into place.
Working the opposite side of the wall was another pair of mechs. These were using large saws to cut down the damaged section. Once they had finished cutting a set of androids began to weld new reinforcements into place.

'You the advisors?' A voice shouted.
Both the huntsmen turned, seeing a man walking over. He was dressed like a construction worker. Wearing a hardhat and hi vis vest. In his hand was a tablet that looked like a bulky scroll.
'Yes. I'm Specialist Schnee. This is Qrow Branwen.' Winter said. Gesturing to herself then Qrow.
'Foreman Jones. DBI.' Jones said. Holding out a hand.
They all had a brief handshake.

'You're patching the wall already?' Winter noted.
'Yes mam.' Jones said.
'Don't you need to check the wall for internal damage?' Qrow asked.
'We've run a full survey on the existing structure. There's a lot of external weathering. Some of the rebar is corroding.' Jones said. Tapping on his tablet.
'How long before you get this fixed?' Qrow said. Looking up at the wall.
'The panels will be done by the end of the day. Same for the new rebar. Once they're in place we're going to pour.'
'Pour?' Winter said.
'Yes we're mixing up the concrete now. Then we'll pour over the damage section. Should be set by midday tomorrow.'
Both the huntsmen looked at the steadily closing gap in the wall.
'How long have you been working?' Winter asked.
'Oh about eight nine hours. The sappers were getting things ready for us. But they don't have mechs that can do this kind of work?' Jones said.
'Sappers?' Winter asked.
'Yeah the Engineering Corps only have loaders. Not like the army was stacking anything higher than one story.' Jones said.
After a few more minutes of observing. And definitely not gawking. The huntsmen got back into the car and left.

They were on the way back to their accommodation. Qrow stretched his arms.
'Hey car stop here. I'm going to walk back. Feels like we've been sitting down all day.' He said.
'Alterations to your journey will need to be cleared.' The said vehicle.
'Can't you wait until we get back. It's a few minutes at most.' Winter said.
'Then it won't matter if we walk, not like we can't find the place.' Qrow said. Before opening his door and walking off.
'Oh for.' Winter sighed then got out to follow him. The last thing she needed was him to cause an incident.

After a few moments Qrow glanced over his shoulder. Before darting behind a set of containers. Winter walked in after him then stopped. He was gone. Before she could call out. A hand shot around her mouth. And she was pulled into one of the containers.

She struck back, knocking her attacker away. She spun and drew her sword. Finding… Qrow?
'Calm down. We need to talk.' Qrow whispered.
'Why didn't you say so in the car? Why run off like this? We could talk back at the inn.' Winter whispered back.
'How dumb are you?'
'Excuse me?'
'The car is listening to us.'
'Well how else are we meant to order it around?'
Qrow grumbled and smoothed his hair back. 'It is listening to our conversations. It's not private if we talk in the car.'
Winter froze at the thought. She'd assumed with no driver it was fine to speak. But. Damn it he was right.
'The androids?' She muttered.
'Are probably listening in as well.' Qrow said. He glanced over to the door. 'Did you hear something?'
Winter strained her ears. Then shook her head. 'I can't be sure.'
'I swear it feels like we've been followed since we got here. Whilst I was checking the furniture.'
'Oh you were checking the furniture?' Winter snorted
'As I was saying. The furniture looks all new. But despite that there's a few parts that have been patched over. Best guess is they must have fitted them with microphones after they were put together. I'm guessing our rooms are wired as well. They also will have keys so be careful if you leave anything out.' Qrow said. Pacing as he spoke.
'Wired? Why would they do that?'
'You've really never been to the kinds of places where people listen in on each other? More than one merchant has a guest suite that will give them an advantage in negotiations.'
Winter thought back to some of the rooms her father used to house guests.
'But why all the suspicion? Why all of? This?' Winter muttered.
'Oh please. They don't trust us. Why do you think we're here?' Qrow said. 'If they trusted us we would be wherever their people are. But instead we're here. Isolated and surrounded by soldiers.'
'So what do we do?' Winter said. Massaging her temples.
'The other advisors will be here soon. For now I'd say write your reports but assume they can see what you're writing. We need to figure out how to get the passengers to somewhere safe. The longer they're in limbo the more likely another attack will come.'
'Agreed. I'll make the case in my report. The General will make the case to the council.'
'I'll get Oz know the same. Oh and do me a favor stay angry with me.'
'That will be easy to do, trust me. Any reason why?'
'We're on rails right now. They keep saying where we go and when. That means they don't want us talking to just anyone. If should slip away to let you calm down then I might run into some people. You'd be surprised what little birds will tell you.'
'The ones in green.' Winter mumbled.
'The what?' Qrow said in confusion.
'We've only met the people in blue uniforms. According to one of the Pearls crew there's a second group of troops around here. But in green.'
'What do you think they might be special?'
'I don't know but. But Why haven't seen them?'
'Fair enough. I'll see what I can find. Just keep them talking if I wander off.'
'I'll try but if you get caught you'd better be able to get yourself out of it.'
'Deal. Now let's get back before they realize how long we've been gone.'

With a nod they both darted out of the container. A few moments after they left. Two small patches of air above the door beeped.