Emmerich finished reading the report from Myers. Good news was the Commandos wanted to be left alone. That moved them to the edge of the equation. Not enough to forget but no need to focus on them.

Bad news was whoever was behind this all had significant power. Enough to not only call a commando team for a mission. But also cover up their disappearance. That alone was enough to worry him. But the Bunker, the teleportation tech and the fact they knew about Remnant was worse.

How long had this been planned for? At least since the Pendulum wars. Eighty years of war and someone had built a secret lab working on teleportation technology. But they had never used it. What had they been waiting for? To win or lose the war? Was this all some kind of escape plan and they'd just been dragged along?

There was a knock at the door. Emmerich closed the window with Myers' report and slid the hard copy files into the secured drawer. Allowed himself a breath to try and relax. Then spoke.

'Come in,' He called.
The door opened and Deputy First Minister Evangelina entered.
'Am I interrupting?' She asked.
'No just finished something else.'

Both of them knew that Emmerich wasn't going to elaborate further. Evangelina sighed.
'I hope you're ready to help me with the matters of state. Can't have you spend all your time brooding in here,' She said, gesturing to the office.
'Fair enough. What's on the agenda?' Emmerich shrugged.
'We need to discuss the recruitment initiative.'
'What do we need to discuss? We recruit local personnel, they get paid and work towards citizenship.'

'Yes but the time frame is being examined. Two years for citizenship in non-combat service. One for service in combat or high danger roles. It's a bit… rapid,' Evangelina said looking pained.
'We need the bodies,' Emmerich said, sighing.
'I know and I'm not disagreeing. But most people are a little worried we're opening the floodgates here.'
'They didn't mind the people from the Journey joining us. Why is this a problem?' Emmerich asked.
'That was when we were alone. Cut off and in need of help. But some of the population are worried we're just taking in anyone who signs up.'

'We're not taking anyone it's not a free ride,' Emmerich said.
'Yes the terms do require them to perform assigned duties or have a contract with an employer. But have you seen the number from DBI?' Evangelina asked.
'Not recently why?'
'Here have a look,' Evangelina said, sending a file.

Emmerich opened the file and started reading. Then re-read the information.
'What the hell is Ramos doing?' He shouted.
'Recruiting us an industrial base it seems,' Evangelina said.
'And we need all of these people?'
'These are all signed off by DBI's headhunters. But this is only for this quarter. She wants to get more next quarter.'
'Why?' Emmerich asked.
'These are all dust related roles. Extraction, refining and processing. Next part of their strategy is converting one of the dry-docks into a test yard. She wants to build an airship.'

'An airship?' Emmerich asked, blinking.
'Yes she wants to have one flying for next year's Vytal Festival,' Evangelina shrugged.
'Vytal Festival? Like the Vytal Treaty?'
'Yep. They have a festival every two years. It's quite the event. People travel to the host kingdom. Main event is the tournament where students from each academy test their skills against each other.'

Emmerich rested his head in his hands.
'And how do you know all of this?' He asked.
Evangelina tilted her head, 'I'm your Deputy. That means whilst you're off doing First Minister things. I have to run the place and keep apprised of major international events.'
'Fair point,' Emmerich admitted, leaning back into his chair.
'So back to the festival. Main event is the tournament. But there is also a number of specialist events. Most are from the host nation as a cultural exchange. Others are technical expos kingdoms and companies use to show off their products.'
'So Ramos wants to have a shiny new airship to show off? Great.'

'Don't act so bitter. You'll be onboard for the trip,' Evangelina said,
'I what?' Emmerich asked.
'It's the first COG airship ever made. Or at least the first we want to show off. You've been invited to the festival by the Mistral Council. That means you'll be riding there on the airship.'
'Can I object?'
'I don't know? Do you want to run the COG or take a nice trip to a global event? If the former I'll gladly take a vacation and you can stay here,' Evangelina said.
'Alright, alright. I'm going to the festival. Don't bite my head off. I'm just worried about the fact my last visit to a foreign state nearly ended with me being killed.'

'Well learn to live with the position or resign. You're not running a town council any more,' Evangelina said firmly, 'You're the face of the COG and the head of state. You lost the right to have a choice the moment you got the role.'
'Yes thank you so much for the honor,' Emmerich said with a drawn out sigh.
'Don't act all upset, you made me your deputy after all.'
'Who better to keep things running whilst I'm enjoying the assassination attempts and one crisis after another.'
'Welcome to being the boss. Now about our plans for expansion,' Evangelina said, bringing up a new map.
It was going to be a long day, Emmerich thought.

Zane brought the pick up and then let it fall chipping away at the rock face. A small yellow patch showed where he'd broken the rock. He put the pick down and pulled out a hand pick to expand the hole.

These new tools were great. The ceramic heads meant the chance of a spark hitting any agitated dust was lower. Not impossible just lower. But even that was an improvement. He started to widen the hole seeing the vein was right where the Surveyor had show it.

He looked over his shoulder at the hovering drone. It was a small machine but it had been a wonder to work with. It could map the rock around them finding any dust near to the surface.

'Thank you very much. Head along and keep looking. This might have another patch close,' Zain said to the machine.
It let out a cheery beep and drifted away following the wall. Every now and then it sent out pulses to scan the rock.

Zane clicked his radio, 'We've got lightning dust here. Surveyor was right on the mark. Looks like a rich spot.'
A round of cheers came back from the rest of the crew.
'Alright everyone, head over to Zane. Let's move it people,' Ruiz called.

The rest of the team arrived and set to work carving out the dust as best they could. It was hard and slow work. Work too fast and you risk setting part of the dust off. Better to take the time and do it right.

If they were in an SDC mine there would be a crowd of workers being ordered to dig it out in haste. But not here. DBI dust mine four was run by an older bear Faunus named Cho. She ran a tight and efficient mine.

DBI was quite hands off and all the miners wanted to prove that trust was well placed. They had been given equipment that seemed out of a comic book. The only requirement was to extract the dust safely and to consistent quality.

They carved into the rock breaking the dust into smaller chunks with care. Then passing the chunks to a waiting cart. Once full the carts would carry their cargo out to the storage area. Before they even needed to signal the cart let out a tone reporting it was full and sped away. Its replacement had been waiting and slid forward into place to be loaded.

This was how mining should be, Zane thought. No crawling around in the dirt half blind from grit in your eye. The carts saved them hauling the stuff back which would have been back breaking on top of the digging.

He also loved this new work suit. It was a bit heavy but the weight was worth it. The inner layer was insulated from shocks and resistant to fire and slashing. That saw to lightning dust, fire and air. The outer layer was padded and crush resistant. So earth and gravity cave-ins were not as big a worry. To top it off the suit was temperature controlled and sealed. He could work without getting too sweaty and not worry about breathing in any dust.

None of them were overconfident but they were working fast and smart now. No boss shouting for more speed when they had a good rhythm going. Just people working their craft drawing out a bounty from the ground.

The alarm went for shift change. They all collected their tools and walked over to the rail. A passenger cart was waiting for them. Each took a seat and the cart started along the track. Within minutes they were back at the lift that would take them to the entrance.

There they returned their tools before being washed down to clean off any dust that might have stuck to them. Once they were cleared they headed to the changing rooms and hit the showers. It was great.

State of the art tools and equipment. Showers ready so you didn't have to spend the trip home stewing in your own sweat. At break time they could get food and drink from the canteen on site.

The SDC would have them using cheap tools till they broke. Any shower would be chargeable and the water murky. The food would be whatever lunch you brought and you'd have to eat in the mine. So much for the world's biggest dust company.

Zane stepped into a shower enjoying the familiar ache of a hard day's work. The rest of the shift were filling in as well finding their own showers. Two of whom were having a loud discussion.

'I still say its a load of crap,' One of the other Faunus with striped canine ears muttered
'You say everything is a load of crap,' His neighbor who had antlers responded.
'Come on. You have to see how these humans are using us,' The first one said
'How are they using us? We're being paid better than we ever have.'
'That's just a distraction. A lure. Once we're used to being here they'll drop the wages.'

Zane tried to ignore the conversation. But they were right next to him and weren't keeping their voices down.

'Why would they do that?' The second asked.
'Because they always do. No matter how kind they are, they just want to screw us over,' The first hissed.
'You're just being paranoid.'
'Am I? Think about it? They don't let us keep our tools. They force us to wear those suits so we can't pocket any off cut.'
'We don't pay for the tools. The suits are awesome. And I don't need to pocket any off cut. We have a good thing going here. So shut up and take your straplines with you.'
The first snorted and stomped off.

Zane leaned over.
'What was that about?' He asked.
'Hmm? Oh Aard was just trying to get me to listen to his spiel. I'm Dennie,' The faunus said with a wave.
'Zane,' Zane replied with a nod before looking around, 'Is he you know… aggressive?'
'Uh. No. I don't think so. Just passionate,' Dennie replied, looking worried.
'Don't worry I won't say anything. Just… keep an eye on him okay.'
'Yeah. Yeah I will,' Dennie said, nodding.

Zane nodded back and left the showers. It was probably nothing. Just some hot blooded kid who spent too much time on the net. He tried to put it out of his mind as he got changed back into his own clothes.

Once he was dressed it was out and boarded a waiting bus. The buses were new, like everything else. Before they'd been taken out in a truck with a hard bench. Once the bus was filled it pulled away and met up with its escort.

The squat blue and yellow armored car pulled out ahead of them. Zane was surprised at first that the machine seemed to be like the ones used by the army. But then he'd picked out the lack of a turret. Inside was a group of androids that shared the vehicle's color scheme. This was one of the security measures required for their worksite. Escort to and from by an armed security detail.

As they traveled back to the city they passed through checkpoints and way stations. The former acted as sheltered areas in the event of danger. The later were beginning to be filled with trucks and trailers as the COG expanded its reach.

Part way back they saw the track layer grinding along. According to the bosses they would be able to take a train to and from the mine soon. That would be nice. Just riding quickly to and fro from work is a measure of comfort. But for now the bus got them part way.

Zane noted there were still android patrols marching along the road. The ones closest were the same blue and yellow of company machines. Occasionally he caught glimpses of the blue shapes that were COG army units out further into the wilds.

He lent his head back and tried to get some rest. The bus suspension was well enough over the road , rough as it was, to let him drift off. Soon enough there was a quick burst on the horn as they pulled into the gate house of the nearest station.

They left the bust and headed into the terminal. A blue locomotive was waiting with a set of passenger cars behind it. Stepping aboard Zane found a seat and relaxed as the final workers boarded. Once they had settled there was a moment's delay and the train started moving.

In seconds the view outside changed from concrete and metal to a blur of forest. It was a few minutes till they reached the city. Passing through the harbor that was growing fast and long the valley.

Ahead the wall that protected the city rose up. Outside of it more construction was underway. The COG was not one to rest on its laurels. New buildings and districts were being put together as fast as the machines and men could work.

Zane watched as a group of yellow mechs hefted walls into place. The smaller form of androids ran about their feet. Their pace alone was shocking at first but he'd become used to it now. Just another part of the day.

The train slid into the station and they transferred to a tram to enter the city proper. The streets were busy but not packed. Parks had started to take shape as their plants grew. A few commercial areas had sprung to life selling their wares.

He rode the cart to their district and stepped off at the end of the street leading to Erwin's school. The tram could have run right up to the gate. But the walk was intended to get the blood flowing after all that sitting around, or so he'd been told.

Zane saw Erwin waiting at the gate with a crowd of students. All were in their new uniforms, those faunus children had ones adjusted for their traits. Mrs. Bauer, one of the teachers and an android were keeping an eye on them all. As he saw his father Erwin hid his hands behind his back.

'Hello Zane how was work,' Bauer asked as he reached the gate.
'Same old grind but hard work is the best for me,' Zane said with a smile.
'Good to hear. Erwin has something to show you,' She said, nodding to Erwin.

Zane turned to his son, 'So what do you have?'
Erwin bounced on his heels for a moment before showing what he was holding. It was a slip of card with "Certificate of Merit" at the top.
'I helped the others that arrived as a mentor. They said I did such a good job I deserved a certificate,' Erwin said with a smile.
'That's wonderful Erwin. I'm proud to hear it,' Zane said, giving him a hug.
'He's settled in quite well. We're lucky to have him,' Bauer said smiling.

Zane thought for a moment. His latest pay packet had come in. And he had been planning on taking Erwin out for a treat anyway.

'Tell you what Erwin. Why don't we head to the shops and you can pick something out?' Zane asked.
Erwin's eyes twinkled bright as he spoke, 'Really?'
'Yep. Come on we'll grab something to eat whilst we're there,' Zane said, holding out a hand.
'Yes,' Erwin said, grabbing his fathers hand.

Erwin waved to the others as they left.
'Bye Mrs. Bauer. Bye Derek,' He called waving to the teacher and android.
'Bye Erwin,' Bauer called.
'Good bye Master Serac,' The android replied.

Zane walked with Erwin by his side. It was only a short walk and tram ride to the nearest shops. Erwin hummed the whole way, still full of energy. They stepped off and headed up the street.

As they did Zane caught sight of the crowds. Two groups were facing each other across a square. On one side was a group of faunus. Facing them was a crowd of humans. He didn't recognize the banners but the messages were the same as always. Us vs them.

Standing between them was a line of androids standing at the ready. A few marched around the groups. Their white armor marked them as Peacekeepers. Each had a baton at their side but they made no move to draw them. Regardless, the atmosphere was tense and Zane moved a bit quicker into the toy store's open door.

'Why don't you go have a look around. I'll be here but if I call for you to come right back okay?' Zane said, forcing a smile.
'Okay,' Erwin said eagerly before running into the shop.

Zane turned taking in the space. There was a door marked for staff only. That should lead to a back room hopefully with a rear door. The counter looked solid enough if they needed to shelter in place.

The man standing behind it nodded to him but kept his attention on the crowd outside.
'Looking a little ugly out there,' The shopkeeper said.
'Yeah. How long have they been here?' Zane asked, focusing on the crowd.
'About half an hour. At first it was just a few each but suddenly they started packing out the protest areas.'
'Anything violent yet?'
'No but you can feel them building up. First its words, then gestures, followed by the first blow.'
'Why don't they do anything?'

'The Peacekeepers?' The man said, looking over at Zane.
'They can't just watch this happen can they?' Zane asked.
The man shook his head, 'No, and they aren't. Watch the ones marching about. Those things read body language and voice stress. They'll stomp on the first spark before it can start anything.'

Zane watched the moving machines. They didn't seem to be even looking at the crowd. But why would they need to? He'd seen the ones at work act as a one group. One of the serans had said they shared information so what one knew they all knew.

Suddenly one stopped and marched into the back of the human crowd. It forced its way past the shouting figures. Then its hand shot out.

He heard the woman shout in pain as the machine sized her forearm. Its grip must have been painfully tight since she dropped the glass bottle she had been hefting. The crowds both went quiet at the sound wondering who had struck first.

'Ahh! Let me go!' The woman shouted.
'Violence will not be permitted,' The machine announced clearly.
'You can't do this! I didn't do anything!' The woman cried.

The android dragged her out of the group. Some of the others started to raise their voices. Before they could act a set of androids surrounded their comrade isolating the woman.

'You will exit this area or face detainment for attempting to disturb the peace,' The android announced as it pushed the woman away.
'What the hell. We have a permit to protest here,' The woman said, spinning around to face the machine.
'That permit is for peaceful protest only. Your act of preparing to throw a missile has invalided your involvement. Leave now. This is your second warning.'

'Hey you can't just throw her out!' One of the humans shouted.
'Yeah they can't teach her a lesson!' A faunus responded.

Both sides renewed their shouting. Each flung more venomous insults at each other and became more aggressive. Zane could feel his whole body tense. This was it. The moment when it all went to hell. He was about to shout for Erwin thinking of how to keep him safe.

Then the screeching reached his ears. A group of carts tore along the rails around the square. Each came to a stop forming a ring in the road. On board each were six more Peacekeepers, this time with SMGs held at ease. All turned in unison to face the crowds and marched off the carts in lock step.

The crowds looked around shocked for a moment at the sudden change in numbers. Their voices fell to murmurs as they took note of the new machines. With the quiet they all heard a set of loud phhssts reached their ears.

Small hatches set above the street popped open and white spheres shot out. They rolled in forming tighter rings around the square. Each unfolded into two halves. The lower one reveals a set of legs. The upper part floated above the other spinning in the air.

'You will all disperse. Your permits have been canceled. Do not take any aggressive action. Your identities are known and action will be taken. Disperse now or be made to do so.'

The words were all the more scary because all the androids had spoken at once. No one objected. How could they? Before they might have had numbers. But now they were outnumbered at least two to one.

Slowly the crowds broke apart under the watchful gaze of the machines. Soon the square was empty, the strange spherical robots folding up and rolling onto the carts. Their bipedal counterparts marched off to patrol the area.

Zane let out a breath.
'As expected. The Shock Trackers always take the fight out of them. Even if they were crazy enough to try and fight the Peacekeepers,' The shopkeeper said.
'Has that happened before here?' Zane asked worriedly.
'Not here. But there have been a few events like this now. People protesting is fine. But the moment they raise a hand in anger the DeeBees are on them. Not like they can hide it. You can't surprise a robot.'
'Yeah. I guess not.'

'Dad. Can I get this one?' Erwin called running out from the shelves.
In his hands was a small box with a toy android inside. The label read "Debbie the DeeBee".
'Sure you can,' Zane said, reaching for his wallet.
Both he and the shopkeeper exchanged a subtle look. Neither wanted to bring up what had just taken place.

Zane paid and he and Erwin headed back to the cart station, a little faster this time. On the way they passed several pairs of Peacekeepers patrolling around. Erwin waved to them as they passed unaware of why they were there.

The machines replied with a polite greeting but kept going. Zane did the same. His mind was running fast. These things were able to read people somehow. So what the hell did they think of him? He'd done nothing and not been involved in the near riot. But how much could they tell just by watching him?

He took a breath to calm himself. Erwin squeezed his hand and he looked down.
'Dad. Are you okay?' Erwin asked worriedly.
'Yeah. Just a little tired from the day,' Zane said, feeling a little more relaxed.
'Are you sure?'
'Yes I'm fine. Let's grab some take out and head home so you can play with that.'
'Okay,' Erwin said, smiling more.

Zane did feel a bit better. There was no point getting wound up. It would just upset Erwin and besides. The COG had no reason to focus its attention on him. He was just another citizen walking his son home. He just wished the nagging worry at the back of his mind would go.