Green and her two pilots managed to reach their first destination without incident. A small disused landing pad out in the wilds. They swapped airships with a waiting team, the decoy crew would keep flying north to lure off any pursuit. Green and her crew now in an older less suspicious Mistral airship. Headed north east towards the capital.
It was still a little over a day flying. Green was on edge and spent most of her time in her small cabin. What else could she do? She couldn't fly the ship and no doubt the pilots had been ordered not to deviate. So she sat trying to think of an explanation for her handler.
Eventually they reached Mistral proper. They headed for a lower landing pad since the police were easier to bribe when you agreed to land out of sight. They loaded the wreckage into a branded shipping box. To an outside observer they were a courier flight unloading.
She led them into the warehouse where her handler was waiting. More to assure herself she was in charge still. Her handler was waiting inside. Or more accurately a screen with the familiar silhouette of her handler. A pair of guards walked into the room one blocking the door the other standing near the screen.
'So you returned with damaged goods,' Her handler asked in that distorted voice.
'I brought the goods as they were handed to me,' Green said, trying to remain calm.
'Not according to the reports I've received.'
Green glared over her shoulder at the crew knowing they would have laid the blame at her feet.
'We received the package already damaged. As we began to load it aboard it began to destroy itself.'
'You seem sure that it was intentional. Could it be the damage caused by some kind of catastrophic failure?'
Green shook her head, 'No. It shut down completely then began to melt from the inside out. If it was damaged it should have been random. This seemed planned. It only started once the COG found out we were moving it to my ship.'
Her handler went quiet for a moment weighing up her words.
'As distasteful as it is, that sounds right. Given the value of the machine adding some means of countering theft should have been expected. I'll tell the client it was beyond our control.'
Green sighed in relief at the words.
'Don't relax just yet. The only reason why I can afford to do this is you didn't pay Tempest for the job. We cleaned out the accounts before the crew could give the details to the COG. You will still need to make up for this.'
Green nodded humbly and said, 'I understand. I'm ready for my next assignment.'
While Green was briefed on her new task the guards took the box with the JACK's remains and loaded it onto a cart. It would be transported across the city under close watch to the train terminal. There it would be loaded with the other cargo bound for Argus and transported to the city. Passing through a few more hands before being loaded aboard an airship bound for Atlas proper. Days later it would be unboxed deep inside the restricted lab levels of Atlas.
'Well this is somewhat of a disappointment,' Arthur Watts said examining the wreckage.
'They did say it had been damaged,' Jacques Schnee noted.
'Yes but I was rather hoping for it to at least be functional. This is little better than the scraps we've been getting off the black market. So much for getting what you paid for.'
'You must be able to get something out of this… thing,' Jacques said.
'We can certainly try. Even if they got all the data on the unit we might be able to figure out how some parts worked. It will take time however,' Watt said, taking pictures from all angles.
'Excellent you can count on the full support of the SDC. After all, we must recoup our investment in this little venture.'
'I wouldn't call risking a war a venture Jacques,' A new voice called as the door to the lab opened.
Ironwood strode in anger clear on his face. Behind him were Polendina and cent looking concerned.
'What is this doing here?' Ironwood demanded pointing to the wrecked JACK.
'We managed to acquire this artifact for study,' Watts said dismissively.
'That machine is from the COG. I'm guessing you didn't get it legally.'
'James I can assure you the SDC purchased this article in full compliance with salvage and recovery of goods. I can even show you the receipts if you like,' Jacques said with a smug smile.
'I don't mean to be rude Mr Schnee but why are you here? This area is restricted.' Cent said, folding her arms.
'The SDC is the investor for a number of Atlas's projects. I'm just using my right as an investor to see how my lien is being spent. You can't fault me for wanting to see the labs we paid for,' Jacques responded.
'Regardless of how we received this technology do we really want to use it? Its clearly been stolen and the COG will not be pleased if they find out we have it. Regardless of what the law says,' Polendina asked.
'I agree anything we develop would risk the COG confronting us. Can we afford that?' Cent asked.
'Do you think we can afford not to? They have technology we've never even dreamed of. If we don't use any and all means to match and exceed them, who will protect Remnant? Vale? Mistral?' Watts asked.
'Everybody quiet!' Ironwood snapped.
The others in the room took a step away from the general. Ironwood took a few moments to steady his breath. When he opened his eyes they had a slight dullness to them.
'If we study this machine, what would we stand to gain?' He asked finally.
Watts smirked as he said, 'Their cloaking technology for a start. The team looking into our own methods of invisibility would most likely gain a lot.'
'That sort of thing makes us look suspect,' Polendina interjected.
'I agree. Gaining such a technology would make us seem to have something to hide,' Cent added.
'Ah but my dear you would also gain from our study of this machine. It is after all semi-sentient according to the reports we've had,' Watts said.
'Semi-sentient?' Ironwood asked intrigued.
'Yes. This is one of the few if not only COG machines that can be called self aware. It's more of an animal intelligence or perhaps a young child. But that alone would still boost our own android research won't it?'
Cent went quiet for a moment digesting that thought as did Polendina.
'Think about what we can learn by studying this machine. The benefits far outweigh the risks, don't they?' Watts said.
'If it can help us with developing more advanced drones it would be of great benefit,' Cent admitted.
Polendina nodded sadly, 'Depending on what we learn. It might be possible to use my aura tech to boost such machines even further.'
'Splendid so we're all in agreement then,' Jacques said inspecting his suit for dirt.
Reluctantly both Polendina and Cent nodded.
'Alright, since you've made your case. Study it. But don't let anyone find out about this. Keep it off the books and use the secured budget,' Ironwood instructed, 'And Jacques I hope you've made sure this can't be traced back to us.'
'Don't worry I've taken steps. If anyone tries to find out who funded this little venture all they'll find are some dead brigands with stolen weapons. Nothing will lead them to Atlas,' Jacques said dismissively.
Adam watched the train slow down as it approached. It was a double wide transport with SDC markings. One of their informers had said it was moving usual cargo but with a light guard. That made it a tempting target, it could be a trap, but the chance was too good to pass up.
This valley was the only point along the track that they had a chance to ambush the SDC train. Another team had already damaged the CCT tower in the area to limit the signal. As the train reached the valley proper they would finish the job. Hopefully anyone monitoring the network would just assume the tower had failed.
The moment the train reached the valley floor Adam smacked his fist on the roof of the truck cab. At the signal the driver started off after the train. Adam nodded to the others sanding in the back as they checked their weapons. Either side of them more trucks tore down the hillside using the descent to build speed.
It was still going to be a near thing. Two trucks aborted the run, one hit a bad patch of ground, the other engine gave out. Still the rest of the White Fang charged on after their target. The train blew its horn as they approached. A few guards and androids emerged from the carriages firing at them.
Adam vaulted the truck cab and began to spin wilt before him. Each round blocked protected the rest of the team and added to his power. Seeing the danger he represented the guards focused their attention on him. That was a mistake.
Another truck emerged from the trees on the other side of the train. Ilia and Blake riding in the back. With the guards all focused on Adam and his team no-one noticed them board the train. After a few moments the guards were under attack from inside the train.
'Get us close we almost have them! Use the boost!' Adam shouted as he blocked the incoming rounds.
The driver reached down and turned the valve set next to him. A rich mix of gasses and dust flowed into the engine intake. It would do some damage and likely break the engine but the burst of speed brought them alongside the train.
'Follow me!' Adam called as he jumped the gap.
The faunus cheered as they leapt from the truck joining him. Once the truck was empty it pulled away. The only way out of this was to take the train now. Adam felt the rush as he led them along the train.
He didn't need to be quick, just keep the guards' attention. Each one focused on them was one more that the two infiltrators could bypass faster. About half way along he felt the brakes cut in and a cheer went up. They'd won.
The guards were outnumbered and isolated with no-were to run. The few still remaining barricade themselves inside the garrison car. Adam ordered it welded shut, it wasn't worth the effort to get them all.
'Is the train ours?' He asked one of the lieutenants.
'Yes, sir. We've checked everywhere it's secure,' The lieutenant responded.
'Good lets see what sort of gift we've collected,' Adam said approaching one of the containers.
Two of the grunts were working on the lock. Adam still had some energy left from the battle but he let it dissipate. They wanted the cargo intact, no point destroying it just to open the door. There was a clank as the lock released and the doors were pulled open.
Crates were stacked inside, not dust crates however. These were something much more interesting. They brought one out and popped it open. Inside were neat rows of Schnee arms carbines.
'Check it out. Some real ordinance,' One of the grunts said.
Another whistled as they lifted one out, 'I remember these things. Nice to be on this side for a change.'
'So it seems the SDC has donated to our cause,' Adam said with a dark chuckle, 'Check the rest. Let's see what else there is.'
As it turned out there was more to be had. Pistols and carbines were the least of the loot. Several of the larger carriages held bullheads tied down for transport.
'Airships? Schnee was moving airships by train?' One of the grunts asked.
'If they fly they have to log a flight plan. This way they can be moved from place to place on company lines. Without anyone not involved knowing,' Adam explained as he walked around the craft.
'You sure know a lot about how they work,' Another added before being elbowed by her neighbor.
'Shush,' The neighbor said, holding a finger to his lips.
'What? What did I say?' The grunt asked, rubbing her rib.
'Its fine,' Adam said holding up a hand, 'You're a bit new so you must not have heard. I used to work for the SDC.'
'You worked for Schnee?' The grunt remarked.
'Yes for a time. I thought I could help change the company. Working from the inside,' Adam said, raising his voice so the others could hear him, 'But I was wrong. They made it clear I would never be more than another faunus to them. Now look at us! Not just faunus held under their guns. Now they will know fear. Now we can pay Jacques Schnee, his spawn and every other enemy of the White Fang back ten fold.'
The cheer shook the container. Adam basked for a moment in the adulation of his subordinates. As he turned he saw Judith recording him with her scroll. No doubt she would have his little speech edited and uploaded before they got back to base.
'Take the weapons, take the airships, take it all. If Schnee is so kind as to leave his arsenal out for us, who are we to question it?' Adam said.
There was a rush as the grunts ran forwards to grab a weapon each. Their lieutenants ran after them trying to sort some kind of order. Adam left them to it as Blake and Ilia entered.
'Adam are you alright?' Blake asked, running over to him.
'I'm fine Blake, like some bottom rung guards were going to stop me,' Adam said with a confident smile.
'I'm glad to hear that. I mean I know you can take care of yourself but still… I was worried about you,' Blake said nervously.
Adam rested a hand on her shoulder as he spoke, 'I'm grateful Blake. But don't let your concern for me distract you. You and Ilia were key to this victory.'
Blake let out a little eep causing Ilia to pout behind her. Adam gave a confident nod then left the two of them. Ilia's pout vanished as Blake turned to her and gave her a tight hug. Her freckles turned pink as Blake embraced her.
Judith nodded to him as she headed outside to a more private location. The two of them didn't want to be overheard.
'Blake seems to be getting better,' Adam remarked leaning on a handrail.
'That's both good and bad for us,' Judith said standing opposite him.
'Good and bad, how?'
'Good in that word will spread that the heir to the Belladonna name is fighting with us.'
'And the bad?' Adam said with a sigh.
'She still refuses to let me get any videos or pictures. In or out of the field. Think about the power of a video with her reading our demands. But instead she avoids me like a spoiled child wanting to play the rebel. Can't you talk to her? She practically worships you,' Judith said, throwing up her hands.
Adam thought about it for a moment then shook his head.
'If she doesn't want to be recorded that's her choice. I'm not interested in using her trust in me to use her like that. That's not a path I want to go down,' Adam said, turning away and looking out across the valley.
Judith walked up and pressed her hand on his back.
'Please Adam. Think about what you're saying. Not willing to go down the path? I thought you were willing to do anything to get your revenge,' She said.
Adam sighed mulling over her words. There was a sense to them, after all he was doing this for the faunus wasn't he?
'I'll think about it,' He said finally.
'That's all I'm asking you to do Adam. After all you're the leader here it should be your decision not hers. Shouldn't it?' Judith asked.
'I know I'm the leader. But that sort of thing doesn't seem right. It would be taking advantage, wouldn't it?'
'Come on. You're Adam Taurus. She looks up to you as a man as well as a hero to our people. What could be wrong with returning her affection. You'd only be taking your due. Who could object to you and her being partners?'
'I see what you mean. But I'll have to tread lightly. I don't want to drive her away.'
'Don't worry about that sort of thing. She's where she wants to be even if we have to help her see it. She'll come around I'm sure of it,' Judith said, stepping away.
'Are we sure this is the right place?' Wilson asked.
'Its an exact match for the village on the map. Unless there's another one hidden this is the place,' Cortez replied.
The two analysts turned operatives were prone on the crest of a hill overlooking a small village. Both were looking through binoculars surveying the small assortment of wooden buildings. There was a well built wall around the place. Stone bricks at the base with wood on top.
A constant rota of guards walked the wall. They each wore a sort of uniform, mostly just a light set of leather with metal plates added. The rifles and spears carried were uniform as well. Which conflicted with what their intel had suggested. This was no weekend only militia, someone had seen to organize them. Both in terms of training and getting them equipped.
'So what do we do now?' Cortez said.
'Our job. Orders are to scout the place and see if we can find our three strangers. Unless you want to tell Clark we bailed because of the town watch?' Wilson asked.
'Not a chance. Okay let's get the car hidden and go in on foot, hopefully that will attract less attention.'
'Yeah hopefully.'
They crawled back down the hill to their car. It was a local type bought because its model was common out in the wilds. It had been a few days' drive from the port to this place. Despite the lack of decent suspension it was better than walking. Aside from the odd Grimm and the breaks, both for fuel and to relieve themselves, the trip had been non-stop.
The car was parked away from the road. They had covered it with netting and some loose foliage. Leaving anything suspect they headed towards the village. Both had 9mm pistols at their sides since their service snubs were locked in the car. Orders were minimal COG visibility. They didn't know what relation this place had. But outing themselves with their weapons was not part of the plan.
'Hold it. State your business.' One of the guards instructed.
Both Cortez and Wilson held their hands up away from their holsters.
'We're just to stay a night or so,' Cortez said.
'We're just heading north trying to avoid the mess down south,' Wilson added.
The guard looked to his opposite number for a moment. The other guard shrugged and knocked on the gate for a moment. It opened and she stepped inside. After about a minute she returned and pushed the gate open properly.
'Okay. You can head in but keep those guns holstered. People are a little jumpy with all that's happened,' She announced. Looking from Wilson to Cortez.
'Don't worry we'll try not to cause any trouble,' Cortez said, nodding politely as they stepped inside.
The path inside the village was brick, much nicer than the dirt track around it. Now they were closer they could see the buildings were a mix of wood and stone. The two spoke openly about their journey as their eyes moved about seeking anything out of place.
Nothing seemed unusual for the most part. The place didn't have any random signs of seran technology poking out randomly. It could be hidden however so they made sure to walk around the town square looking for anything out of place. Nothing tucked between the buildings, no strange hatches or guards outside random doors.
They headed into the square and Wilson nearly stopped dead.
'You alright?' Cortez asked.
Wilson just kept staring over her shoulder. She turned to see what he was looking at. Then she did a double take.
It was the Inn. Nothing about its construction stood out. It was a mix of stone brick for the ground floor and wood for the second. No guards were standing outside to keep an eye on them. It was the sign above the door that had their attention. A pair of crossed lancers, with the inn's name set below them. "The Tyran arms."
'I think we found the place,' Wilson remarked.
'Gee you think?' Cortez said.
They entered the inn. The place had a few tables and chairs about the room. A few stools at the bar and a dart board completed the standard for such a place.
Heads turned to look at them, then turned to look at the woman standing at the bar. She was old, there was no doubt about that. But she also looked like she could throw any of the tables across the room. She looked them up and down as she polished a glass with a dish rag before putting it down.
'Everyone clear out. Seems I've got some guests. Don't worry about paying, the drinks are on the house,' The woman announced.
The locals rose and began to walk out, a bar one quickly trying to finish the drinks left by the other patrons.
'Jones I said get the hell out!' The woman snapped.
'Oh come on Becca. You can't let good ale go to waste,' Jones protested.
'Get. Out. Before I shove that table up your ass.' The woman said firmly.
'Okay. Okay. I'm going,' Jones said heading out of the inn.
That left the two operatives facing the bar woman.
'Well come on over. I'm not going to shout myself hoarse,' The woman said.
They walked over and took a stool each facing the woman. She folded her arms as she examined her guests more closely. As she did so they caught sigh of a tattoo on her arm. A winged cog with a knife down the middle. The emblem of the COG commando forces. The woman watched their response tilting her head.
'So you weren't expecting to find me. Interesting,' She remarked.
'We don't know what you mean, ma'am,' Cortez said, holding her hands up.
'Oh don't give me that shit. You two are the most rookie intel officers I've ever met,' The woman said.
'What you think we're spies?' Wilson asked, pretending to be shocked.
'Please you two morons spent two hours on that hill scoping out the town. Any good operative would be able to get what they needed from a quick pop and peek.'
The two agents signed defeated.
'Okay so we're intel,' Wilson admitted.
'Ah what happened to your cover? Don't they not train you chicks on how to pretend worth a damn?' The woman said, chastising them.
'Hey we're trained for our role,' Cortez said.
'Oh yeah, what's that, get caught and admit you're a spy?' The woman said chuckling, 'Hell. At least you're green enough we know you're not assassins.'
Wilson was about to reply when he noticed what she had said, 'What do you mean "We"?'
The woman looked over their heads for a moment. Wilson and Cortez turned around. Finding themselves facing two figures in jade green COG armor.
'Meet privates Wood and Francis,' The woman said, 'They've been following you since your last little stop off.'
The two commandos said nothing. Not that they had to. The snubs in their hands level with Cortez and Wilson heads made conversation moot. A quick tug at each of the would be spies waists and their sidearms were gone.
'Oh, I did forget to introduce myself? Sorry about that. Corporal Rodriquez COG 22nd Special Tactics Group. I have some questions for your bosses. Why don't you give them a call for us?' Rodriquez said.