The room was gloomy as he remembered it. Myer's armor lights were one of the brightest things in the space aside from the monitors around them. Most of the staff were in regular clothing but a few were in work clothes. A mix of overalls or even COG military uniforms. Myer's was the only one in full armor but not his Onyx Guard kit. He had to switch over to a regular army set for visits to this place.
They were all working away. Some at terminals, others in small groups discussing matters. No one questioned why he was there. He was inside the building hosting the Ministries of Public and State security. Since he was not restrained they knew he was a guest.
'How much did we get from this?' Myers asked. Looking over the shoulder of two analysts that were monitoring their other "Guests".
Wilson, the one to his left, answered. 'Not much the JACKs were never designed for surveillance. If we get too close we risk them hearing the bots. The microphones aren't the best either.'
'Any way to get that fixed?' Myers asked. Looking at the bank of displays
'Not on our time frame. Ramos already wants them back on task. We can't risk her figuring out we're not using them to fix things.' Wilson said.
The other analyst Cortez leaned back to look at Myers. 'We've got Watchers around now. They're more conspicuous but there's enough flying around they'll forget about them soon. We can tap into them whenever. Plus they work way better for this sort of thing.'
'Noted.' Myers said. 'How about the microphones inside?'
Wilson sighed. 'For all the effort of getting the place rigged. Most of what we're getting is from the one with the big mouth, Port. It's only matched by his mustache and lung capacity.'
'Anything useful?'
'Unless you want another straight hour of his blabbering.' Cortez said. 'It feels like a third of our capacity is recording and transcribing his stories.'
Wilson nodded . 'Him and Oobleck-'
'Doctor! Oobleck.' Cortez added.
'Yes. Doctor Oobleck. Who talks fast enough the system is having to slow him down for processing..'
'What about Branwen and Schnee? They've been here the longest.' Myers asked.
'Those two need to just get a room. It's been two days and they still just keep at each other's throats.' Cortez said. 'Betting pool is at 50 as to if they do it. Interested?'
'I'll pass. Where are they now?' Myers said.
'One sec.' Wilson said. 'They had another argument. Yeah, Schnee is practicing again. Here.'
Myers looked at the screen. Schnee shot about a courtyard. Pop-up targets had been installed around the space. She slashed through the ones closest. Any that appeared too far off were struck by another blue white bird.
'Do we know where those birds keep coming from?' Myers asked.
Wilson shrugged. 'No clue. They just pop into existence. We passed it to the lab coats, nothing yet.'
Cortez snickered. 'Unless you count them shouting about. "Conservation of energy." and "Not within the realm of physics." Yeah the woman summoning killer birds obeys the laws of physics.'
'And Branwen?' Myers asked.
Wilson nodded. 'Sleeping off another hangover.'
'You sure?'
'Yeah. Got him snoring in his bathroom.'
'You don't have cameras in there?'
Cortez stretched. 'We're only cleared for audio. Internal affairs is already chewing the furniture over this whole thing.'
'It's a technicality.' Wilson said. 'The microphones aren't in the rooms. But do pick up what they say. Which is something we could do by standing outside the room. But putting cameras in what should be a private space is a big no.'
'And the samples?' Myers asked.
'The DeeBees sorting the glasses. Swabs are taken for saliva. A sensor is filtering their waste. We're getting the samples to the Ministry of Health and Wellness. They're checking for anything of concern.' Wilson said.
'Anything on that front?' said Myers.
'Aside from Qrow setting a new record for if we stuck a breathalyzer in him no. Some minor pathogens but nothing that is really concerning. Seems they're in the clear.' said Cortez.
'Good. Any developments keep me posted.' Myers said as he left.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs had stuck to its rules. Said rules had been drawn up assuming any contact with another state would be with the COG alone. Which was fair given most nations didn't survive the last war.
They had made it clear that all contact was to be limited. Any number of dangers could be posed by a new group of people. Disease being their primary concern. So the only people that met the locals face to face were volunteers. They'd been warned and given boosters for anything and everything. Regular testing was done and they were isolated at the Harbor to limit any spread.
For the moment the COG was leading. The UIR and Outsiders were happy to have the COG stick its neck out. But the quarantine was coming to an end. There was no sign of any disease that would cause issues.
The diplomats were now having to grapple with the locals' requests. Who were they? What did they want? Why hadn't their local council contacted them? Were they from Mistral?
There were a lot of questions that needed to be answered. But Myers knew the most important one. What the hell were they going to do now?
Back at the Admin Center Emmerich had just finished up his last meeting before lunch. Approaching his office he was reminded again how much like the First Ministers it was. One room ahead had his desk and files. The sign on the door read "Governor Emmerich". To the left was a small operations room that had been converted to the Onyx ready room. Off to the right was a meeting room where he and the other heads would be meeting shortly. At the secretary's desk was a Peacemaker in Onyx colors. Hudson's little joke it seemed.
Passing the ready room he looked in. Several of the Onyx were eating their day's rations and talking. They all gave a nod or quick greeting as he passed. He gave a light nod in reply and had a quick chat with them as he picked up his own rations. Rather than argue over the options. They'd opted to have a rack holding the packs on trays with the labels hidden from view.
'What's it today sir?' Spencer asked. Gesturing to Emmerich's ration pack.
Emmerich turned it over. Reading the label aloud. 'Mycelium stake ramen, Dwarf wheat crackers, Glowbe gusher and a Granite pound cake.'
'Ah lucky. I got Algae crackers.' Hickman said. Waving the packet.
'I'll swap.' Emmerich said. Opening the pack and pulling out the wheat crackers.
'You're sure?' Hickman said. 'No one picks the algae crackers.'
'I lived off those while I was a student. Besides, we need to keep you fit. No point having low fat meat shields right?' Emmerich said.
Several of the Onyx snickered. He threw the wheat pack over to Hickman. Who then threw the algae pack back to Emmerich.
Excusing himself from the group he entered his office. Taking his seat he pulled the chemical strip on the rations and let the ramen cook. Pulling open his messages he sorted the first few paused to open the ramen letting the steam out. He ate as he worked.
Most of his job before had been delegating. Now it was delegating with a greater risk. He checked reports on food levels, fuel consumption, stocks of raw materials and more. The bottom line was clear. They were burning through their resources. There were a few solutions but they boiled down to two main options. But he wanted to hear the reports from his chiefs before he tried to push for either.
There was a knock at the door. Emmerich looked up. Seeing Myers leaning in.
'Sorry for the interruption, sir. I can come back later.' Myers said. Starting to lean back.
'No come in.' Emmerich said. Minimizing some windows to get the work off his mind.
'If you're sure, sir.' Myers said entering.
'Myers if I could talk to you, eat, work and sleep at the same time. I might be able to keep on top of my work.'
'You forgot. Use the toilet.' A voice called before the door shut.
Emmerich and Myers looked at each other. Slight a slight smile on their faces.
Myers shook his head. 'I'll have a word with them.'
Emmerich nodded. 'What was it you wanted to speak to be about?'
Myers stepped forward and took a seat. As he did so he sent a message to Emmerich's terminal.
'I have the report on our first advisors.' Myers said. Waiting for Emmerich to get the file up.
'A Specialist is that different from a regular Huntsman?' Emmerich asked as he scanned the file.
'We're not sure. It might just be a naming convention. Might be some kind of rank structure.'
'She definitely looks military.'
'I'd say she is. Way she walks and carries herself.'
Emmerich opened the file for Branwen. He nearly did a double take.
'These two came together?' Emmerich asked. Looking bewildered.
'That was my reaction too. Apparently he's spent every waking moment being a nuisance.'
'Any incidents.' Emmerich asked. Looking up at Myers
Myers shook his head. 'They had a fight and tore up some furniture. Are we sure we want to give them freedom to walk around?'
'It was part of the terms. They've survived this long.' Emmerich said. Looking at a still frame of a video. The image showed Branwen ducking a blow from Schnee. He tapped the play icon.
There was a blur of motion as the two danced past each other. Every moment they seemed to dart across the room. Branwen seemed to dance around all of Schnee's strikes. Suddenly she slashed with her sword. Floating array of light appeared. A glowing white bird appeared out of it tearing across the room. Brawnen smacked it out of the air with the flat of his blade.
'Is this sped up.' Emmerich asked. Looking at the video time.
'No sir.' Myers said.
'They can move that fast?'
'So it would seem. We're not sure how. Once we know more I'll let you know.'
'Sounds go-' Emmerich was cut off by his alarm. 'That would be the next meeting. Sorry to cut things short.'
'It's not a problem sir. I'll get the door to the ready room closed.'
'Thank you. Here's to another big meeting.'
Emmerich looked around at the assembled heads of the COG. Leading their military, bar the Onyx guard, Colonel O'Connor. Heading up their engineering and construction works Chief Ramos from DBI. Managing Civil affairs was Lieutenant Governor Evangelina. For scientific and medical Dr. Darnell. He nodded to them all.
'Thank you for attending. I know we're all busy but we have some critical points to discuss.' Emmerich said. Looking around the room.
There were a few nods and words of acknowledgement.
'Our first point of order. Is related to the security situation. Colonel O'Connor?' Emmerich said. Nodding to the Colonel.
O'Connor stood. With a gesture he pulled up the Holo-table. 'Thank you sir. At this time. We've secured both ends of the valley we find ourselves in. We've successfully driven back any hostiles several kilometers. But we are reaching the end of our supply lines. Pushing further will leave us exposed.'
As he spoke the icons for the COG forces moved out matching their positions on the map. They had some room to breathe but any more expansion was a risk now.
'Thank you Colonel.' Emmerich said. 'Any objections to holding our current positions?'
There were a few shrugs but no-one had any objections.
'Very well then Chief Ramos, your report?' Emmerich said.
Ramos stood the table changed to show a series of graphs.
'We predict our current supplies will last us for two months. That is assuming current consumption levels continue. If we have a spike in demand for resources we will have to adjust those numbers.'
'Chief Ramos.' Evangelina asked. 'Is that including our ammunition?'
'Yes. We're planning to stretch it out by removing any smart munitions from production.' Ramos said. Nodding to O'Connor.
'That means we won't have any new missiles for the Kestrels. Or guided rounds for the Lancer GL's and Mortars.' O'Connor added.
'Yes but we're also cutting back on the guided rounds for Dropshots and scraping any existing ammo. We need the materials more than we need the ordinance.'
'Will there be any risk of not having guided rounds?' Emmerich asked.
O'Connor shrugged. 'So far we've not needed too many of them. R&D are working on the targeting software for the GL's so we can use dumb fire grenades. A few Outsiders have modded GL's to do it before so we're using that as a basis.'
'Ok and how are the repairs to the local network proceeding?' Emmerich asked.
'Slow at the moment. Nearly the whole thing was destroyed by some surge. We're getting replacement systems installed.'
'Is that the same surge that affected the bunker complex?' O'Connor asked.
They all leaned forward. The automatic pillboxes appearing at the end of the valley had been strange. Stranger still was the news that the entire bunker complex they had been built around had appeared in the valley as well. Fisher had in fact made it to the bunker in time. His team and other survivors had sheltered inside the base during the battle.
'We're guessing so. Basic systems were fine but the computers and comms systems fried themselves. Best guess is that anti-tamper systems were set off by the surge during the event. Whole place is fried.'
'Anything else Chief Ramos?' Emmerich said.
'No nothing important.' Ramos said. Taking her seat.
'Lieutenant Governor Evangelina?' Emmerich said.
Evangelina brought up a new set of graphs. These were more what Emmerich was used to.
'At the moment people are mixed.' She began. 'We've all had a shock but it's fair to say there's no denying the situation. Even looking up at night shows we're not on Sera.'
They all resisted the urge to look up at that statement. Few could agree on what was stranger. The world having a single moon or it being broken at some unknown point in the past.
Evangelina continued. 'Some people are upset but we're managing it. And with the recent successes we're not predicting any issues internally.'
'What about external issues?' O'Connor asked.
'We're still dealing with the locals. Communication is slow at the moment. Our systems don't talk to theirs. Right now we're using the Pearl as a relay to speak with them. Not like the prior guests are coming back.'
That brought a few chuckles. Right after they were told there would be no payout for their cancelled rescue mission. Quite a few huntsmen managed to score work escorting back the high and mighty from the cruise liner. With the damage they had taken and the harbor still needing to be cleared the ships were stuck. The crew had to remain aboard trying to get their craft patched up.
'What about the passengers from the Journey?' Emmerich asked.
Evangelina nodded. 'They seem to be uneasy. Most want to try and continue to their original destination but they don't have the means. Some borrowed money from their friends and families to pay for their trip. Given the situation they're stuck here for now.'
'I don't suppose we're going to pay for their trip?' O'Connor asked.
'How could we?' Ramos said. 'Not like we have any money the locals use.'
'You don't know?' O'Connor said. Looking at the other faces at the table.
'Know what?' Emmerich asked. Leaning forwards.
'We have money. Quite a bit in fact.' O'Connor said.
'When did we get that?' Ramos asked. A look of confusion on her face.
'When we took down those monsters.' O'Connor said. 'A few of those things had bounties on them.'
'Any reason this hasn't been mentioned before?' Emmerich asked.
'The local process is to split the bounties based on who contributed to the fight. Technically Lieutenant Niamh Khan is credited for the big elephant. And Private Hickman took down that ghost.'
'Is Khan the one that smashed our last Condor into that thing?' said Ramos.
'Yes.' O'Connor nodded.
'And I am safe to assume ramming a Condor into an opponent is not normally done?' Emmerich said.
'No sir.' O'Connor shook his head.
'Ok then simplest solution.' Emmerich said. 'If Khan agrees to void any claim to the money we can waive any charges against her. We'll just place it into a government account. If any of the passengers or crew want to leave we can pay for their travel. Less mouths to feed and clear the space if nothing else.'
'Sounds good. Not like we can prosecute her after that stunt anyway.' O'Connor said.
'What about the second guy? Hickman.' Ramos added.
'I'll see to that.' Emmerich said. 'But I'd imagine he would want his share going to the Outsiders.'
'They did help clear the place. When those things got inside.' Evangelina said. 'I don't see any issues with them receiving a share.'
'Ok then all in favor of sorting the funds as agreed?' Emmerich said.
A round of agreement went round.
'Very well then Dr. Darnell?' Emmerich said.
'We've triple checked and there are no signs of disease in any of the locals. The standard quarantine period is ending. We should be fine to let them into the camp proper.' Darnell said.
'What about the. Fanas. Fauns. The people with the extras?' Ramos asked.
'Its Faunus. And we've run checks on the blood from the young woman who brought their message. She's human to the finest degree we can assess.'
'I don't think I've met anyone with gills before. Are we certain?' O'Connor said.
'Yes. We got a few scales from her fins. Running a DNA check came back human but with some additional active areas. It's surprising but according to the results those fins are as much human tissue as your ears. The DNA is only 0.2% different. If we tested you or I that difference would be 0.1%. It's well within the realm of reason if these people have a different generic history to us.'
'Any issues with allowing the locals to shelter within the camp?' Emmerich asked.
No one objected.
'Ok then we're not doing them any favors keeping them in the Harbor. Have the Ministry of Housing sort out anyone who wants to stay.' Emmerich said. 'I have one question before we adjourn.'
The table was quiet.
Emmerich took a breath. 'We're on limited time. Our supplies are not being replenished and we're far beyond any support. We have an option. The Constructor. If we can deploy it we'll be able to make whatever we might need or the tools to do so. Thoughts?'
'It would allow us to replenish our material stocks.' Ramos said. 'And we can get some more advanced industries built.'
O'connor nodded. 'And we'll need all of that to build our strength back up. Right now we can make some ammo but replacement vehicles and other equipment are beyond us.'
'The locals have offered to evacuate us but it will take time. It seems they're just not prepared for this kind of situation. Which is understandable.' Evangelina said.
Dr. Darnell shrugged. 'All good points. I can see what we can do to help narrow down a location.'
'So we're all in agreement. We'll deploy the Constructor at the first opportunity.' Emmerich said.
'There is an issue.' Evangelina said.
'That being?' Emmerich asked. Turning to her.
'Only the Office First Minister can sign off on a new Settlement being built.'
'We're a long way from New Ephyra. I don't imagine we've been contacted and no one's mentioned it.' Emmerich said.
'No sir. 'But as it stands we would need a First Minister to approve the deployment.' Evangelina said. Looking around the table. 'But we've discussed and reached a solution.'
The others nodded to each other then looked at Emmerich. The other shoe dropped.
'Don't you da-' Emmerich began.
'Due to the state of emergency. I move that Governor Alexander Emmerich be made acting First Minister.' Evangelina said. 'Am I seconded?'
O'Connor raised his hand. 'Seconded.'
'Those in favor.' Evangelina said.
'I agree' said Dr. Darnell.
'Likewise.' Ramos said.
'Then the motion is unanimous. May I be the first to congratulate you Acting First Minister Emmerich.'
'How long were you planning this?' Emmerich asked.
'Last few days.' O'Connor said.
'Any reason why? Or do you just enjoy making me suffer?'
'People need to know someone is taking charge.' Evangelina said. 'This way we're a government again.'
'We're one camp cut off from all support. No back up and our one saving grace is we're a government.' Emmerich said.
'First Minister Shroud started with less.' Ramos pointed out.
'True.' Emmerich said with a sigh. 'I guess I'd better get the sign on my door changed.'
'About that…' said O'Connor.
Emmerich was confused for a moment. Then he stood and walked over to the door opening it. A pair of Onyx Guard were changing the sign on his door. Typical COG efficiency. They'ed co-opted the Onyx for this coup before he'd even sat down.
Emmerich was sitting in his office waiting for Governor Široký and Speaker Gaos. He needed to discuss the locals with them. There was a knock on the door.
'Come in.' He called.
The door opened to admit the two leaders.
'I see you've been promoted my congratulations First Minister.' Široký said.
'Good to see that even when we're in the middle of nowhere with no plan and no support. The COG can still dole out promotions.' Gaos said.
'I'd have thought you both would be happier.' Emmerich said. 'Officially we're as far from First Minister Jinn as possible.'
'Yes. But now we have a new First Minister to deal with, don't we.' Široký said.
'What's that saying? The devil you know.' Emmerich asked.
'Regardless what does this change?' Gaos asked.
'I was already in charge of most things here. Now I'm in charge of more.' Emmerich said. 'But that's not why you're here.'
'So why not enlighten us?' Gaos said.
'The quarantine is almost over. The locals have offered to try and arrange for people to be evacuated.' Emmerich said. 'If any of your people want to do so we can ask.'
Gaos and Široký looked at each other for a moment.
'If we go to the locals. Where would they put us?' Gaos asked.
'From what we've spoken about. They would break us up into smaller groups and we'd be taken to one of the Kingdoms.'
'So if we agree to go they ship us off to who knows where.' Široký said. 'And the COG? Your decision will have an effect on ours.'
'We're going to try and stick it out for now. We'll be looking to deploy the Constructor. That will put the odds in our favor. But if we can't get set up in a month's time I'll order a general evacuation.' Emmerich said.
They sat in silence for a moment.
Gaos broke the silence. 'You've been fair so far. I'll speak to my people to see if anyone wants to go.'
'Very well. I'll make sure your people are put in contact with the representatives from the Kingdoms if they need.' Emmerich said with a nod.
Široký shrugged. 'I will do the same. But I don't think many of my people will want to go. As you say. The Devil you know.'
'Very well then. If you need anything you know how to contact me.' Emmerich said.
A few hours later Emmerich was still working. He had orders to confirm. And reports to review. Aside from not needing to write reports anymore his job seemed the same. There was a knock at the door.
'Come in.' Emmerich called.
'Sir.' Myers said as he walked in.
'Two visits in one day. Is this about my new title?' Emmerich asked. He was tired but the look on Myers' face made him snap awake.
'It is, Sir.' Myers walked over and placed a container on the desk. Emmerich read the text on the side. TOP SECRET - FOR FM EYES ONLY - AUTO DESTRUCTIVE CONTAINER. On all sides were small displays reading. Armed.
'Myers. Why did you bring me a bomb?' Emmerich asked. Moving away from the desk slowly.
'Its keyed so you can open it safely, Sir.' Myers said. Standing at attention.
'What's inside?'
'Your journal, Sir.'
'I don't keep a journal.'
'You didn't but you do now, Sir.'
'Cut the sirs for fucks sake!' Emmerich shouted. 'What is this?'
'Once it was the Chairman's journal. Now it's the First Ministers journal. Or at least this is one of the few copies made. And you need to know what's inside it.'
Emmerich reached out and touched the lock. There was a soft beep and the displays changed to. Disarmed.
Inside was a binder. It was all black with a small note attached to the front. It was handwritten and signed by Mina Jinn. Emmerich read the note twice. All it said was. I'm sorry.
He reached out and opened the book.