Professor Lionheart hoped his behavior was not giving anything away. This First Minister seemed sharp, far too sharp for his age. It almost reminded him of Ozpin when he'd recently reincarnated. Full of energy and on guard.

Speaking of on guard. His escorts were still silent for the most part. Their discipline was almost Atlesian in nature. It ate at his nerves, they must be communicating somehow but not a word was spoken unless it was needed.

Whilst he could track the First Minister's eyes. Leonardo had no way to judge where his bodyguards were looking at a given moment. Were they watching their charge? The students? Him? Too much was riding on this visit.

The Council had made it clear he was to do anything he could to have the COG sign the Development agreement. Whilst also trying to get more concessions if possible. The COG had already offered its forces to help secure the mainland areas near the Dragon's Tail. But of course the Council wanted more.

Recent events had not changed how the world worked for the most part. Yes there were less Bandit missions near the COG, rumors about how they'd done that still made him shiver. But still there were Grimm to fight. Missing ships and persons to track down And all the rest of what being Headmaster entailed.

That and… his other role. He'd not had any orders recently aside from to report to the Seer about his meeting and the First Minister.

'As you can see training is not just about combat. It's about teaching the skills that are the cornerstone of being a Huntsman. Survival, social skil-' Leonardo stopped his explanation.

The Onyx had all gone tense. Had he given something away? Some tiny action that had made them suspect him?
'I'm sorry Professor. It seems my visit is being cut short,' Emmerich said. His voice flat.
'What do you mean?' Leonardo asked. Feeling like his stomach had dropped through the ground.
'Professor Lionheart! We have a problem!' One of the teachers called running over.
The nearest Onyx's head twitched but their weapon didn't rise. How close had that been to turning out worse? What had them on edge?

'What is going on?' Leonardo asked. Trying to put the thought out of his mind.
'Have a look. It's all over the net,' The teacher said, holding up his scroll.

Leonardo knew it was going to be bad when he saw the uniform and flag. But with each word his blood found a lower temperature. The White Fang had just launched a direct attack on the COG. Their last action might have been put down as a case of being in the wrong place.

He glanced over to the guards. They hadn't responded except to pass the First Minister a small tablet. No doubt he was watching the video right now. How would he react? How would the COG respond when their attackers claimed to be acting for the faunus as a whole?

Then he recalled the teacher, who was still looking at him, what was his name again? It was so much easier to send them off if he forgot them.

'I… Um… Let the other staff know we need to… to put a stop to this video. It will be removed from the network but stop anyone from downloading or sharing it. Pass the word around. And get the upper years ready. We'll need to respond to increased Grimm attacks,' Leonardo said. The routine response flowed easily from his lips.
'Yes. I'll get on it Professor,' The teacher said sprinting away. What was his name? No. It was better not remembering.

There were a few moments of quiet broken by the building voices throughout the school. People were seeing the video. Getting angry, scared. Some at the perpetrators of the attack others at the faunus. It would all drive up tensions. More distrust, less cooperation. Exactly the kind of thing she would plan.

'Is there somewhere I can use that's private?' Emmerich asked finally.
'I'm sorry?' Leonardo uttered. His train of thought was broken.
'I need to make a secure call. Is there somewhere I can use that's private?' Emmerich said. Turning to face Leonardo.
What call would he make? Order the faunus rounded up? Declare war?
'There's a counseling room. Um. This way.' Leonardo said. Walking them through the building.

Students in their black uniforms were huddled in small crowds. Some watched them pass muttering to each other. Teachers were breaking them up, ushering the lower years to their dorms. An announcement rang out over the PA system. Calling the upper years to prepare for field assignments.

How many would make it back? Was it better or worse that he wasn't involved in their deaths?
Finally they reached the room. The Onyx entered and ran some sort of scanner around the room.
'Clear,' One reported finally.
'Good secure the door. I'll open it when I'm done,' The First Minister said.
The Onyx didn't question the order. They filled out and took up positions in the corridor.

Emmerich let out a breath and started panting for a moment. That was close, he'd almost lost his composure. How hadn't he seen this? He'd not used his ability at Myers' insistence. But still an attack like this and he'd missed it.

He took a moment to calm himself. Once his heart rate fell he lifted his sleeve and adjusted a cufflink. The action was not a nervous tick. The cufflink was an extra feature his suit had. The small switch would set the monitor to loop his bio-signs. The last thing he wanted was the Onyx to burst in here when he did this.

Taking one final breath he closed his eyes and thought, Options.

The Seer lacked a name, such things were irrelevant. It was intelligent enough to notice when it was being spoken to and respond. For the last week or so it had been hibernating. The state of lower awareness allowed it to reside in this place without risking losing control.

Being constantly surrounded by the aura boosted souls of the Huntsman was infuriating. A few times it had considered slipping out and trying to ambush one… or two… perhaps a team would not be noticed?

A feeling drew the Seer out from its dream state. Fear. Oh so wonderful fear. With a tinge of anger rising as well. And.. something else… old, familiar?

It woke and saw its surroundings, both physically and with its aura sight. There in one of the nearby buildings, a shadow of power. The Masters power. How? How could one wield the master's essence?

The Seer's tendrils shook in confusion. It chittered and hissed as it reached out across the link to the Overseer. The Overseer accepted, begrudgingly at first. The Seer showed its memories and vision. That got the Overseer's attention.

'So you have a lead on Marcus Black?' Salem asked the image of Cinder in the Seer before her.
'Yes. It seems he's been taking breaks from his work. But one of his old contacts gave up his location after some persuasion,' Cinder said with a smile.
'Good. He should be quit-' Salem paused. The feeling of a Seers telepathy was unexpected.
'A moment. Something is happening in Mistral,' Salem said. Quickly recovering. Cinder bowed her head, unsure but unwilling to question.

With a thought the Seer before her changed view to the one she'd sent to Leonardo. In the view a figure could be seen, blurry but clearly wreathed in shadowy essence. The same way she looked to the Grimm. Another touched by dark power.

'Interesting… Who are you?' Salem asked. This changed some things. Possibly quite a few.

Looking at the near future was a pain. So much confusion, chaos. Flashes of people being detained by DeeBees. Sometimes humans, faunus or both. Often the machines were Peacekeepers, but other times Peacemakers were doing it.

He sorted through the events finding a few points where that didn't happen. Some he was meeting with Ghira Belladona, some sort of treaty signing. That was good. He followed the thread back. Another event with him at the center. Him passing a medal and folded flag to an old man and young boy, both faunus. Who would need to die? Was that what was needed? A sacrifice?

Emmerich tried to narrow his vision to find the key point to this all. Something would happen that would cause, stop or change the outcomes. He just needed to find it. There!

Two lines of figures stood against each other, each wore the uniform he'd seen in the video. They fought sometimes against one other, other times against COG forces that arrived. In a few rare cases one side fought alongside the COG against the other. What made them important? Who were they? What sets them apart?

His eyes ran over the images trying to pick out more detail. Both wore masks and jackets. But one side had red lining, their uniform seemed newer and they carried actual weapons. The ones with blue lining seemed older and more worn, they carried an odd mix of equipment.

The blue ones were liable to fight against those in red. Was it that simple? Some factional split would happen? He found the moment it would happen. Two figures, clearly the leaders of the two sides facing each other.

They would argue and then begin to fight. The leader of the blue side would be wounded and fall. Was that who had to die? Who was this person? Could they be saved? Or did the COGs' survival require their death?

He had to warn Kristen, he couldn't control things from here. Emmerich's awareness returned to his body. Pulling out his PDA he saw the connection from Emissary's relay was still strong.

He picked Evangelina's contact and watched it dial. Racking his brain for a way to warn and steer her decisions. He couldn't tell her the truth, not yet at least. She picked up on the second ring.

'Alec? You've seen the news?' Evangelina asked.
'Yes. How are things there? Any more attacks?' Emmerich asked.
'No. No more attacks. Things are tense. Lots of murmuring and worry. Some citizens are asking if it's safe for the faunus to even be here.'
'Don't let that idea spread. Get Propaganda on it now. The faunus are not behind this.'

'Okay. You should know Grimm activity is up,' Evangelina said dourly.
'How much?' Emmerich asked, pinching his nose.
'Five percent for now. But that was within the first hour of the attack.'
'Are we able to contain it?'
'For now, yes. But we need people to calm down.'

'Okay. Do what you can for now. I'm going to try and return but I can't run things remotely if we're out of contact,' Emmerich said.
'So you're sticking me in the hot seat? Thanks,' Evangelina muttered.
'Don't worry. I know you'll do the best you can. And I will back whatever decision you make.'
'Does that include making Clarke help me?'
'Yes.'

'Good. I'll keep updates coming your way the best I can,' Evangelina said, reaching to hang up.
Emmerich thought for a moment then said, 'It's a shame all our enemies don't wear red any more.'
'Yeah. It would make them stand out more,' Evangelina said after a moment.
'Still, something to wish for. If you need anything ask and I'll do what I can. See you soon.'
They both hung up.

Evangelina looked across her desk at Clarke.
'You heard the first Minister, I take it?' Evangelina said. Leaning back into her chair.
'Yes, I did,' Clarke said with a nod, 'And if you were worried I was going to cause trouble you'd be mistaken.'
'Given our prior interactions I could be forgiven for drawing that conclusion.'
'That was then. This is now.'

'So what does the Ministry of Security have to say for itself?' Evangelina asked.
'That we've done the best we can given the situation. You weren't privy to our prior reports. But given the situation I'll bring you up to speed,' Clarke said bluntly.
'I'm listening.'

Clark took a breath before speaking, 'Over the last few months thousands of people have immigrated. Most are just normal people with normal problems. But we've noticed there are quite a few bringing their past with them. Some have been faunus others human. For the most part they've raised their voices or held events. Trying to sway policy to their side. We've been monitoring them but most have been quiet.'

'I wouldn't call planting a bomb in the city quiet,' Evangelina interrupted.
'That is true. But you're not seeing the angle here,' Clarke replied.
That being?'
'You see an attack. But you've not asked the important questions.'

Evangelina gave a shrug, 'Okay bedazzle me. What questions am I meant to ask when someone bombs the public?'
Clarke ignored her jab as she explained, 'The who, what, when, where and why. First, who are the White Fang?'
'Terrorists,' Evangelina replied quickly.
'Yes, to some. But they normally style themselves as freedom fighters. Fighting for equality for all faunus. This kind of action is not their normal way of operation.'
'Wait it's not?'
'No. Which means this is something or someone new.'

'Second, what,' Clarke said looking up at the ceiling, 'A bomb yes. But a small one. Physical damage is minimal.'
'Physical yes. But we've been humiliated. People are afraid,' Evangelina interjected.
'Yes. They've managed quite the effect. And for likely minimal investment. We're left to respond and react to them. They're setting the pace at the moment.'
'Damn it. You have a point there.'

'Onto the third and fourth points. When and where,' Clarke leaned forward as she spoke, 'Why was the bomb planted at that location? Why that time?'
'I don't know. I thought that building was some political opposition of theirs,' Evangelina said looking down in thought.
'Yes. But a small office. Out of the way. At a time when few people were around. They clearly wanted to keep casualties to a minimum. If this was about causing harm they would have targeted a place with people at rush hour.'
'That's true. Why would they avoid that?'

'Because of the why. They want us to respond. And do so violently,' Clarke said. Spreading her hands.
'Wait. Why would they want that?' Evangelina asked. Shaking her head in confusion.
'They want to poison the well so to speak.'
'How do you mean?'
'Think about it. Their identity is built around fighting against oppression. They do still experience it in the Kingdoms. But what about here?'

'No. We wouldn't allow that,' Evangelina said.
'Exactly,' Clark said nodding, 'Their whole reason to exist is tied to fighting. Something they have no reason to do here.'
'So you're saying they attacked because we're welcoming the faunus?'
'Yes. From their perspective. We're rendering them meaningless. Why join up when you can just move to the COG?'

'So they want us to do what? Fight them?' Evangelina asked.
'Not quite. They want us to retaliate but we don't have any target. Bar the faunus themselves,' Clark said.
'Which will make them turn to the White Fang.'
'Exactly.'
'So we need to find them. Do we know who's a member of their group?'
'We know who we believe is a member. Some might be former. Others might not have been involved in this.'

'What do you mean not involved in this?' Evangelina asked. Cocking her head.
'We're monitoring the "secure" network they're using,' Clarke said with air quotes, 'There was no warning of this attack. Which leads us to believe it's not from the people we've been tracking.'
'So what? We have more than one group of terrorists running around?'
'That we know of, yes.'

Evangelina sighed into her hands, 'So what now? Arrest them before they leave the shelters?'
'Oh no. We need to let them leave,' Clarke said. Shaking her head.
'You want them to get away?'
'No. I want them away from the citizens. If they do as expected they'll group up at a hideout.'
'What why?'
'If they're sadists to gloat. Perhaps to hear a rousing speech if they're unsteady. Or to debrief if they want to act professional. Think about it. They landed a blow, we're on the back foot in their minds. It will make them sloppy. And sloppy people are quite easy to catch.'

Zane had heard the whispers and murmurs all the way to his dads apartment. They started right after the broadcast.

'Can we trust them?'
'What if one of them is inside?'
'Do all the faunus support them?'

Dozens of fear filled voices. Seran most likely. Then there were the others replying to them.

'No. We can't. Not any more.'
'If they are, we'll need to be on our guard.'
'They might. The government should do something.'

Those ones were more anger than fear. Part of him wanted to turn and rebuke them. But he knew it was pointless.

'He's trying to protect them.'
'Why would he be angry if he's not with them?'
'Stay back. He's going feral!'

The accusers would say. Nothing he said would change their minds. Not when they'd already fixed the idea he was a danger. He needed to do something. Something to fix this.

'Dad. Can Erwin stay with you for a bit?' Zane asked. As they reached the door.
'Sure he can. You can as well if you like. The sofa-' Foist started.
'No. I. I need to take care of some… other work,' Zane said. As his shoulders slumped.
'Oh. Oh please no. Please tell me you weren't involved,' Foist pleaded.
'No! No. I wasn't. But someone has to do something. To show they don't speak for us all.'

'Zane. You. You could call the police. Tell them what you can,' Foist offered.
'No. They would just call me a source. And we'd still be saddled with the blame,' Zane said. Shaking his head.
'Please. I can't lose you. What about Erwin? Think of your son.'
'I am,' Zane replied. Turning and walking away as his father tried to call after him.

The route back was strange. Similar yet changed in many ways. Peacekeepers were everywhere. Marching around, standing guard. And the gates, large ones, that had risen out of the ground blocked off parts of the streets. They were in sections some lowered to allow people to pass but mostly they remained raised.

The COG was on its guard. But did they know what they were trying to fight? He doubted it. But he did know the Fang.

Reaching his apartment he headed straight for his tool case. He pulled out the foam padding and put it on the desk. The inner part still held the old tool his father had given him. But the parts he was interested in were what he'd hidden in the lining.

He pulled the modded scroll from its nook and left it powering on the desk. Then he started removing the other items from their hidden places. Each was placed on the desk with care.

Then Zane lifted the pneumatic multi-tool and started to pull the parts off it. How often had he practiced this? He could do it in his sleep and blind folded. Like he was some Huntsman going on a mission.

With the tool stripped to its bare frame he started attaching the parts he'd placed on the desk. An air dust canister. High pressure pipes and valves. A spring loaded magazine. This was how the Fang had been forced to fight. With tools hammered into weapons in back alley forges.

He checked the new pressure gauge seeing the weapon come to full power before pressing the release. There was a sharp crack of air being unleashed as the pistol vented. Zane took a breath to steady his nerves. It had been years since he'd carried a weapon.

The modded scroll had been buzzing for a few moments before he noticed. He picked it up and saw the feeds. Clicking into the room he'd viewed before Zane read the chat.

SwiftHorn: WTF? WHY WOULD WF DO THIS? SHIT WAS GOOD!
FancyMacaw: Because they're dicks. Fuck the fang.
TRUBLUD: Just wait traitor! Your time is coming!
FancyMacaw: Suck ice blud.

Zane was both encouraged and worried. On one hand not everyone was supporting the attack. But on the other some were. He opened a new private room and started inviting people he recognized.

LynxRunner: Sturm? You're here?

Zane typed his reply as quick as his digits would move.

SturmLeopard: Here and pissed. We need to do something.
FancyMacaw: I'm guessing you mean more than just chatting right?
SturmLeopard: Yeah. We need to act. Letting the Fang do this in our name is crazy. We need to make a stand.
CoolAntly: I know where they are. Address attached.
SwiftHorn: Wait? How did you get that?
CoolAntly: Thought I had a friend in a bad place. Now I know I have a place to find a bad friend.
SturmLeopard: Get whoever you can trust. Grab your gear. They want to fight. Lets show them why Atlas needed the fucking army to face us.

Zane walked back to the closet and pulled out his uniform. It was a bit tatty but still the symbolism was important. He'd warn the white and blue. Fought for the faunus. And now, he was going to do so again.

He packed the pistol into the bag then put the uniform on top. If he got stopped he'd be done for but there was no way he was waiting to let the Fang launch another attack.

Being inside the Ministry of Security Operations center was strange. Evangelina was happy to have privacy but this was Clarke's queendom.

'Ma'am we have a situation,' Cortez said. Swiveling her seat about.
'What kind of situation? Be specific,' Clarke replied.
'The suspects are moving.'
'Which ones?'
'All of them.'
'Good.'
'And a dozen or so extra.'
'What?' Evangelina cut in.

'All the suspects we've identified as part of the cell behind the attack are moving. But so are at least a dozen if not more persons we dismissed being involved,' Wilson said. Pointing at a monitor. The display showed two lists of names side by side.
'What does that mean? They're grouping up? Have more people rallied to them?' Evangelina asked.
'Unclear. Their profiles are totally different,' Cortez responded. Looking at her screen.
'Different how?' Clarke asked.
'This second group is older than the first. Nearly all of them have a significant other or dependants. Most are also in their thirties or early forties,' Wilson said. Looking at his own screen.

'The demographics don't add up. Are they some kind of veteran element?' Cortez suggested.
'Not quite,' Clarke said leaning over the console, 'They're the moderates if my guess is right.'
'The moderates?' Evangelina asked.
'Terrorist or revolutionary groups have the same issue. They're normally radical. It's a fact,' Clarke explained, 'But as members get older they get more experienced. They take a longer view of things.'
'Which means?'
'They become less aggressive. More willing to play the waiting game. But that upsets the younger members. They want results now. Not in a few years.'
'So the older members get pushed out.'

'Yes,' Clarke said nodding, 'But that leaves a more radical group. One that will keep purging the least dedicated members. This group that attacked us has crossed a line. One that the older ones that were forced out will retaliate over.'
'So now we have two groups of terrorists planning to fight it out? What do we do?' Evangelina asked.
'Watch the show I suppose? Did you bring any popcorn?'

Evangelina wasn't sure what scared her more. The comment, or the fact Clarke sounded totally serious.