Over a week the COG and some of the UIR population moved into the new city. The remainder of the UIR settlers did not like the idea of being fully under COG authority. So remained separate.

As for the Outsiders they were scouting out places for villages and settling out in the wilds. There was a whole section of this island cleared of Grimm, full of game and outside the COG's control.

Zane was a bit confused. No make that more then a bit, he was down right unsure about his bearings. They had been offered a housing unit inside the COG's new city. He'd been interested in the offer since it promised a better home for both him and Erwin. They had been offered a 99 year lease at a reasonable cost all things considered. But he was sure they had gotten lost.

They had boarded the truck and been driven from the Camp to the wall around the city. A quick wait at a station and they'd been pointed to a cart. It wasn't a bad way to travel all things considered a bit unconformable but speedy and saved them the walk.

Both he and Erwin had been shocked at how fast the COG had built this place. Erwin had never seen buildings like these. They were all a neat mix of geometric shapes. Whilst there were some ornate parts nothing seemed gaudy. Zane couldn't recall seeing buildings and streets this clean. The cart took them past blocks of apartments, commercial areas and a few parks. Then called their stop.

They stepped off at their new home creativity named "Sector 15, apartment complex". It looked mostly like all the others. No sign from the outside marked it off as different to any of the others around it. Zane took Erwin's hand and led him inside.

The interior looked like a luxury hotel. There were hardwood floors with thick carpets. Ornate light fittings cast the halls in a bright warm light. There was no rush, just a pair of greeters who sat behind a folding table handing out keys to the rooms. They checked Zane's name and handed him a pair of keys with a room number and floor number attached.

Zane thanked them and headed up to find their apartment. He was still sure this was somehow a mix up. Faunus didn't get places like this. He and Erwin reached their door and he let Erwin unlock it excitedly.

The door swung open and he fully gasped at the sight of the place. It had to be a mistake. Any moment now one of the greeters would appear and apologize before asking them to leave. The place had a hallway with a small alcove for coats and shoes. Already a sign of excess space.

Leading off from that was a kitchen stroke dining area. The kitchen was packed with appliances including some he'd never seen before. Erwin shot past him running into the apartment and looking around in wonder. This was the biggest place they'd ever been in that wasn't shared between a few family's.

There were a few chairs around the dining table with placemats and coasters already laid out waiting for a first meal. A gift basket was sitting on the table. Zane walked up and checked the tag. "Welcome to the Seracs, we hope you like your new home" it said. So this was their home. They weren't lost at all. This was really theirs?

Zane walked over to the next room. It was a living room with broad windows letting in plenty of light. There was a TV in one corner and in the middle was a small table with two sofas facing it. It was still all neat and tidy, nothing that might seem expensive but not cheap either.

Erwin came running into the living room.
'Dad. Dad. Have you seen our rooms?' Erwin asked, pointing up the small hallway.
'No. Did you want to show me?' Zane asked, holding out his hand.

Erwin grabbed it and led him along the hall. There were again two bedrooms but with much nicer furniture inside. Erwin was bouncing up and down on his new bed laughing. When had he last laughed like this? Zane wondered.

The bathroom was the same with shiny new ceramic furnishings and nice patterned tiles on the walls. The whole place was that. New, bright, welcoming. When had he last been in a place like this? Had he ever?

Zane looked down at his new PDA. DBI had offered him a work device so he could connect to the company system. Right now he was on furlough waiting for a new assignment. He dropped the device back into his pocket.

What did it matter what his next job was? He couldn't care if his next job was working in an infested mine. It would be worth it to see his son happy in a home like this.

The new city was the talk of Remnant. A whole city was built in a month. With buildings and amenities that could match any Kingdom's capital. People took photos and videos showing the place. Its Android workers doing the finishing touches were watched and rewatched.

Whilst the eyes of the world were focused on Phoenix Bay. The work continued in the background. New generators were brought on line. Power cables, pipes and other connections were buried in protective concrete and insulation.

The harbor also had new arrivals. Fishing boats and traders arrived to request the rights to dock and trade their wares. The COG was happy to buy fresh catches and other materials of interest. They paid in lien, parts and shelter from the Grimm and weather. Team WATR found itself high in demand as the small merchant fleets hired them out to scout the waters.

All in all the small nation had gotten off to a steady beginning. People continued to arrive by sea or air. Just to see this new land, seek safe harbor or to request citizenship and settle with them. Tales of their high quality of life given to all who were willing to work drew more people looking for a home.

Ironwood closed the video feed. This was insane. Yes the newcomers had some advanced technology that much had been clear. But the speed and quality of their new city was almost approaching Atlas proper. All this from a single machine and raw materials. What would happen if they chose to use their power for less peaceful reasons?

He checked the time and left his office using the express lift. It would get him down to Atlas Command without having to stop. In moments he was inside the heart of the heart of the Atlesian military.

The meeting room had been arranged ahead of time and the others were already waiting. He entered looking at the people seated around the table. Assembled here were the greatest minds in Atlas. Most likely Remnant as a whole given the funding they were offered.

He nodded to those he knew. Chert Coal working on a new high efficiency Dust drive system. Clarisa Cent who was working on their next generation Androids. Will Scarlatina expert with Hard-Light Dust and whose daughter seemed just as skilled. Dr. Arthur Watts who had a proposal for a new model mech. Pietro Polendina who helped with Aura technology. Jonathan Greenapple who worked on software and simulations.

'Thank you all for coming. I know we're quite busy at the moment so please let's begin.' Ironwood said, sitting down.
'We've brought up a few key points from the information we've received.' Greenapple began. As he spoke a set of screens on the wall came to life.
'We've corroborated the data and accounts in the data and it does seem that these Searans don't use dust. We don't mean they use very little, we mean at all.'
Ironwood nodded. 'We know they said they don't but how do they power their vehicles and their technology? How can they use weapons that equal our own without dust?'
Coal stood up. 'That would be my part.' He changed the screens. One showed a set of vehicles. The other displayed a spread of weapons.

He cleared his throat. 'From my team's work we've confirmed no dust is being used. Their vehicles appear to use some combustible chemical mixture. We're assuming it's based on some kind of hydrocarbon mix. According to their history. They've created such fuels from both natural and completely synthetic sources.'
'They can make this fuel? How?' Ironwood asked.
'If they use natural oil to start. They would heat it. That would break it up into diffent grades of fuel. They could also be using a process of mixing gasses from the air with a catalyst to form the fuel.'
'What about their weapons?' Ironwood asked.

'That is where it gets interesting. We know they use bullets much like us but they don't use any dust based propellants. Based on the samples we've tested and other historical documents they provided. We believe they used something that started out being used in fireworks. Like those made by alchemists centuries ago. It seems that without dust they were forced to keep refining and experimenting. Until they managed to make something that can match our own weapons.'

'Is that all?'
'Not quite it seems they've also developed some other ways to fight.' Coal changed the slide.
On the screen was a new pair of images. One was a green halftrack with a strange turret. The other was a blown up view of a Serans android holding a strange boxy rifle.

'This appears to be a mobile air defense system.'
A few people gasped at that.
'That's against the treaty.' Ironwood noted with a nod.
'That's not the worst of it.' Coal continued. 'Not only is it mobile, it's able to engage targets beyond the horizon. We think it uses radar to find a target then launches a long range missile to engage it.'
'So it's a double violation?' Ironwood said, rubbing his nose.
'The cannons also shoot some kind of busting rounds.' Coal added.
'Bursting rounds?' Ironwood asked confused

Coal hit play on a clip. They watched as the guns tracked and fired at a Murder of Nevermore. As the rounds struck Coal slowed the footage and zoomed in. He pointed to a set of explosions around the Nevermore.
'These rounds are missing the Grimm but are exploding at the closest point of approach to them. It seems like the rounds are designed to just saturate the air with fragments and shred a target.'
'Could we manage that? With our own weapons?'
Coal thought for a moment. "It would be possible. We would need to make a sensor package to detect when the round is near the target then have it detonate the round.'
'Very well. And the rifle?' Ironwood said, nodding to the other image.

'It's very interesting. That blue flash is plasma from the firing mechanism.'
'Plasma? You think they can produce something like Hard Light Dust?'
'Not from the way this weapon works. The plasma is a by-product of the firing. The weapon itself uses electromagnetism to propel its ammunition. We found the name in a transcript from a Huntsman. It's called an EMBAR. Standing for electromagnetic brake action rail gun.'
'I thought magnetic weapons were not feasible for deployment on a larger scale?' Ironwood asked.
'For us perhaps. But this is apparently standard issue for their android marksmen. If they can make one this small practical. It's not beyond reason they might be able to make larger systems.'
'Thank you. That's a lot to think about.'
Coal nodded and walked back to his seat.

Polendina took the podium next, moving behind it in a custom chair.
'I've checked and confirmed that to the best of our information these newcomers don't use aura at all.'
That brought a few mumbles.
'You mean that none of them have their aura unlocked?' Ironwood asked.
Polendina shook his head. 'No. They are totally without aura. Or semblances for that matter. They have a few references to things that sound like aura. But it's all considered superstition.'
'So how do they fight if they can't rely on aura to help them?' Ironwood asked, confused.
'It's not my specialty but we've looked at their tactics. From what we've seen they rely on use of cover and engaging their opponents at range. But unlike our troops they tend towards smaller groups usually four or so in their smallest. They seem to move independently with a higher degree of autonomy then we would use. Sort of like our military huntsmen do.'

Ironwood pondered that. On one hand no aura seemed to be a massive disadvantage. But they knew these Serans had managed to survive this long. What else could they use to tip the scales? Crouching behind a wall hardly seemed like the best idea when an opponent was charging you.

Polendina continued, 'So far it seems clear they are not just able to make androids. But they are a peer match for our current AK-130's and then some.'
He brought up a slide. On it were a few still images of the Serans androids. Two were alike, one was larger. One of the smaller units had a single large optic and was slimmer than its neighbour. The bulkier one had four smaller optic at the points of its face. The largest unit looked to be a scaled up version of the four eyed one.

'From what we've seen these machines are used for both combat and civil works.' Polendina began. Highlighting the smaller four eyed machine.
'What about the other two?'
'They seem to be specialized towards a given role. The larger unit acts as a kind of mobile heavy weapon. The Cyclops is used as Dr. Coal has noted a marksman.'
'Its accurate enough? I was under the impression that Androids lacked the speed and fine control to use a long rifle.'
'From what we can tell, yes.'
'Anything else?'
'We um. Did find out their names.'
'Their names are important?'
'I believe so. The androids as a whole are called DeeBees. Apparently they're designed and built by a company known as DBI hence the name. The four eyed one is known as a Sheppard model. But it's also got another name.'
'That being?'
'Peacemaker.'
'That sounds ominous.'
'The others are not much better. The marksman is known as a Deadeye. The larger ones name changes based on what is wielding. It can be called an Oppressor, Suppressor or Devastator.'
'What does the name mean.'
'If it's carrying a shotgun, chaingun or multiple rocket launcher.'
'A multiple what?' Ironwood asked, leaning forward.
Coal cut in. 'Rocket launcher. The weapon seems to use four barrels to increase its rate of fire.'
Ironwood turned to face him. 'How powerful are these rockets?'
'Each is about two or so kilos of high grade blast dust,' Coal answered.
There were a few sharp comments at that. Throwing around that kind of power just to do damage. What the hell were these people fighting?

Polendina yielded the podium to Watts. Who strutted behind it clearly excited about something.
'I'm sure you recall my proposal for a new combat mech to replace the current Champion model.' He began. A round of groaning went around the table.
'Dr. Watts, we're all aware of your concept but there is no need for it at this time,' Ironwood said, sighing.
'Oh but that's where you're wrong James. Because the COG has their own mech. Meet the Mega Mech,' Watts said, bringing up a set of images.

In each was a large humanoid mech with blue armor plating. Each was armed with a Gatling-gun large enough it was held like a rifle. They were struck in a few poses aiming and firing at targets out of the camera's view.

'Where did you get these images?' Ironwood asked his eyes darting over the machines.
Watts pretended to examine his nails as he spoke. 'Oh you know how it is. They set up that little presentation for us all. I just thought to check and see if the CCT buffer on the Pearl had any extras that were missed out.'
'You hacked into the Pearl and stole these images?' Polendina said, concerned.
'I wouldn't say stole. More recovered from the cutting room floor.'

A number of the others started to object and raised their own voices. Ironwood held up a hand to quiet the room.
'Firstly that was rather underhanded Dr. Watts. Secondly, what else do we know about them?' Ironwood asked.
'For one thing they're based off those construction mechs we've seen them using. It seems they can add on armor and issue a weapon to them. Effectively converting their construction equipment to military usage.'

There were more concerned mutterings from around the table but Ironwood ignored them. This changed things. Before he had wanted the COG to be a partner on the condition they agreed to the treaty. But this, This meant they could rearm at any time. He hoped no one was stupid enough to provoke them.

On the other side of Remnant a COG transport truck left iron mine 12. Its rear bed was laden with the latest batch of ore for transport to Phoenix Bay for processing. The route was well mapped and the truck was running on automatic.

About an hour into its journey the truck detected an obstruction and slowed. A tree had fallen across the road blocking its path ahead. The machine noted the location and filed it for a clearance team. Before moving to drive around the fallen trunk.

As it did there was a boom from the tree line. A round impacted the truck's cabin. Making the shatter resistant glass crack with a webbed pattern. The truck registered the impact and activated its distress beacon. Then immobilized itself as per protocol.

The cameras set around its body recorded the figures creeping out from the shadows around it. Many wore light gray clothing either tied around their arms or as bandanas. They carried an assortment of weapons. Most carried small rifles or swords.

They crept up keeping the vehicle encircled. One dashed ahead and tried to smash the cab window in. The truck watched and listened to its attackers urging the one hitting the window on. Finally their leader emerged.

Having let his underlings risk any kind of trap, Capitan Tempest emerged from a concealed vantage point. He was a tall, well built man who dressed the part with a tunic and bicorn hat. At his sides were his trusted blunderbuss and a cutlass. Both had belonged to huntsmen before he'd plucked them from their still warm hands.

'Get down for goodness sake. No point wailing on that thing.' The leader called as he strode up to the truck.
'Whatever you say boss. Still can't believe there's no one inside. These clocks do make some nice toys,' The one who tried to smash the window said climbing down.
'They're the COG not the clock. Now go get the others and bring the ships. This load alone makes the trip out here worth it.'
'Wonder why they just sent it out here? With no guards or nothing,' Another crew member piped up.
'They don't know the rules do they. They thing just because they cleared out the Grimm they rule these lands. Don't they?' Tempest shouted to get the others riled up.
'Hear! Hear!' A cry went up.
'Those stupid townies don't know there be a tax on all goods going though these lands now. By order of CaptainTempest,' He declared firing his blunderbuss for emphasis.

The mix of water, air and electrical dust was a bit much. But the image was important: the crew loved the storm cloud that it made above him. Besides with all this ore he could manage to get a third airship if that sloop was still on offer back at Clouded Cove. A bit of dust was a small price to pay to keep the crew enthusiastic.

For now they were the first but the COG was a fat bellied beast soon enough others would start to arrive. Tempest planned to be the one on top of this new frontier. And that sloop would give him some extra leverage on the smaller bands that would show up for this feast.

By the time the response team arrived the truck was empty. The pirates had broken the locks on its cargo bay and left a message painted on the side. "To the strongest go the spoils. Beware the Tempest".

As the images and the report reached Phoenix Bay an emergency meeting was called. Emmerich sighed into his hands.
'Pirates?' He asked.
'Air Pirates to be specific,' O'Connor said from his seat at the table.
'What is this? A comic book? How can Air Pirates raid us? And why take the ore?' Emmerich asked.

Ramos coughed to get their attention back on her.
'As I was saying. This was the first incident. Since then we've had at least two dozen attacks on our supply lines,' She said.
'Any casualties?' Emmerich asked.
'No not yet. For now they are hitting transports once they're isolated and pillaging their cargo.'
'What are we losing?'
'Ore, spare parts and other assorted components that were being shipped out to the mines.'
'Do we know why these attacks have started now?'
'I believe I have the answer to that question.' Clarke said standing up.
Ramos took her seat as Clarke took the floor.

'We've identified this group as the Tempest Raiders. Lead by an individual going by the name Captain Tempest.' She said bringing up an image of the Captain.
'They and the other attackers are all criminal elements. The raids are for raw or processed material that is likely being sold on the black market for profit. It's also likely they are taking parts off the vehicles and selling those as well.'
'At least the Outsiders weren't this bad when they raided us.' O'Connor grumbled.
'At this rate we're looking at 5% or more losses in the short term. If the attacks keep picking up as more groups join we'll lose more.' Ramos said.
'That's going to slow our expansion rate drastically. What solutions do we have?' Emmerich asked.

'We can't escort every truck. Most of our troops are guarding the border between us and the Grimm. We could organize the trucks in convoys to help lower the number of escorts needed.' O'Connor said.
'That would still slow us down but might help against the attacks.' Ramos said.
'Okay then we'll start convoying the shipments and assign escorts. Anything else?' Emmerich asked.
'We're putting together a quick reaction force to answer any calls for assistance. Hopefully a show of force will put them off attacking us,' O'Connor said.
'We'll also be looking at how they are communicating and or organizing. They must be using a system of some sort since we've never had them double up on attacks. If we can crack it we can have forces in place to stop them,' Clarke said.
'Good. Lets hope this is enough to put them off. Otherwise we'll have to look into further measures.' Emmerich said.