'You can't be joking at a time like this,' Evangelina muttered to Clarke.
'I'm not,' Clarke whispered back, 'If they wipe each other out it's less dangerous to us.
'But those moderates are trying to stop the radicals. Why don't we help them?'
Clarke sighed and pinched her nose, 'How can we help them? If our forces try to meet up with them we might spook them off. Or they might panic and attack us. These people are used to being attacked, harried and persecuted. I won't risk our people to try and offer an olive branch.'
Evangelina bit her finger nail as she thought about Clarke's words, 'We can't just let them fight. Can we?'
'I don't see any way we can risk capturing them separately. We have a lot of DeeBees but if we try to move whilst they're split up some might get away. You're in command but my advice is to wait and move in once they've worn each other down. Otherwise they might join forces if they see us as an outside threat,' Clarke said.
'Damn it, Evangelina admited, you're right about that.'
'Do we want to call the army?' Clarke suggested.
Evangelina shook her head, 'No. If we do this will spiral out of control. Things are already on the edge. Besides, pulling troops in now would just mean less to fight the Grimm as they reach the border.'
'True. O'Connor would not be happy if we asked.'
'Then it's settled for now. We'll wait till they've met up and see what happens. But bring in the Blackeyes and Arbitrators. Peacekeepers alone won't cut it now. And put extra medical teams on standby. We were planning to only have the radicals to care for. A few extra medics could save anyone hit in the crossfire.'
It was strange, Zane thought to himself. Here he was riding the train out to the harbor, weapon and uniform in a bag. If anyone stopped him he'd be done for. No way to explain this away with tales of tools and sportswear. He was armed and carrying a Fang uniform.
And yet he felt confident, at peace even. Perhaps because he knew what he was doing was right. Or was that just the last traces of shock working through him? It'd been so long since he'd felt fear like earlier today.
He'd accepted he might die trying to fight for the faunus. Being a member for a few years he'd worked to protect protests and fought against gangs of humans. During one of those nights he'd met Ninlil. The love of his life.
She'd been part of a group protesting against some policy change or other that would affect the faunus more than others. At first she'd been angry that the Fang had sent enforcers without invitation. Then the inevitable brawl had broken out and she seemed less upset.
They'd run when the MP's showed up with the water cannons. He smiled softly at the memory of running with her through the streets as the heating systems shut down. Both of them soaked and chilled to the bone.
Her wicked humor about a brisk jog back to a hostel still made him chuckle. After that they'd met up a few more times, mostly at protests or meetings. Becoming more familiar and comfortable around each other. Till the night she got annoyed he'd not picked up her hints and invited him in.
A year or so on and Erwin had been born. Zane had wanted to keep fighting for the fang. But Ninlil made it clear things were changing for the worse. He hadn't wanted to admit it. But with Ghira losing support and Sienna's hardliners rising, the Fang he'd joined no longer existed.
He'd packed away the uniform and they'd moved away from Mantel. For a few years it had been hard but honest work. They'd tried their best and tried to shield Erwin from the danger of the world. Then they'd lost Ninlil to the cave-in. He'd lost his job and moved back to Mantel. Scraping together what lien he could to buy them both passage to Menagerie.
Somehow things had changed so much but for the better. They'd never made it to Menagerie. But the COG had taken them in. Only asking for him to work in return. And not the work that carved years off your life. Good work with pay to match. It had been so good for those months.
Now the danger had followed them here. Those idiots were going to ruin everything. For the faunus, his father and Erwin. He wasn't going to let them take this away. Not when his son had a future here. Not without a fight.
The train pulled into the station. Zane picked up his bag and walked off onto the platform. More DeeBees were walking around. Occasionally he got the feeling of being watched, but they never stopped him. He headed for the meeting point.
'This is so boring,' Nora groaned.
'We're waiting Nora. Running in before we're ready would be reckless,' Ren replied.
'How are we not ready? Look around,' Nora declared. Waving her arms from atop the boxes she'd claimed as a seat.
They were in a warehouse. All around them between the containers and shelves were squads of Peacekeepers. The androids remained silent and at attention. Ren and Nora had arrived a half an hour ago and more machines had been arriving since.
'They're clearly building up their numbers,' Ren noted.
'But why not just order them all here now? Or just zip in and drop on the bad guys?' Nora asked, throwing her hands up.
'Perhaps because they are trying to avoid tipping them off?'
'Uuuuhhhh. Waiting is not a virtue I possess.'
'You mean patience?'
'Whatever. Wake me when something happens,' Nora announced. Flopping back on the crates.
Ren lifted his arm examining the screen on his vambrace. More COG icons were forming up at the other points. Most bore the symbol of Peacekeepers but there were others. Watchers, Trackers and other squads. Some were Huntsmen like him and Nora, including one out in the middle of the bay somehow. There were also Police markers and some that he'd not seen before now. Two of which were approaching them.
As the icon overplayed with theirs the warehouse doors opened and two carts arrived. One had a group of what looked like Deadeyes the other DR-1s. But they weren't in military steel blue or DBI yellow.
All were in dark gray, a color he'd not seen them in before. And yellow lights, like Peacekeepers. The carts stopped and the DeeBees marched off to their positions about the room. Looking at their equipment their weapons were also gray with yellow markers.
Ren was wondering what that could mean when his vambrace chirped with an incoming update. He glanced down and saw new instructions. Their equipment was being changed out. Part of him was unconformable with someone far away ordering him to change his weapons over. But the orders said they were getting less-than-lethal as replacement.
'Nora,' Ren called over his shoulder
'Yeah. Yeah. I got the same message,' Nora called back. Dropping off her perch and walking over to join him.
Their equipment arrived in the form of an armory cart. It slid into place with its hatches opening. First they passed back their regular weapons and ammo and the cart returned shock versions of each.
'Shock bullets, Shock nades. You think they have a Shock knife?' Nora asked. Stowing a set of grenades on her belt.
'I don't thi-' Ren started.
'You are not certified for Electroblade assignment,' The cart replied.
'What?!' Nora said suddenly interested.
'What!?' Ren replied horrified.
'Huntress Valkyrie Nora. Is certified for Snub, Gnasher, Lancer, Lancer GL. She cannot be issued with an Electroblade.' The cart explained deadpan.
'Ohhh. What do I have to do to get one of those?' Nora asked. Clapping her hands.
'Nora!' Ren exclaimed.
'Come on Ren. Think about how cool that would be! Me with a knife that's covered in lightning!'
'I am thinking about it,' Ren grumbled. Rubbing his temples.
There were a few others already at the meeting point. Zane nodded to the lookout as he ducked into the alleyway and found a spot to get changed. No-one stood and stared as they pulled off their clothes and changed into their uniforms. They had a mission and it wasn't checking eachother out.
As he finished Zane walked to the other end of the alleyway glancing at the others. The uniforms had been padded by design to help in brawls. Most had added to their own as time and money allowed. Rough hammered plates, sewn on leather or quilted cloth dotted them all.
The image of old worn and patched knights came to mind, a morbid but not incorrect metaphor. How did that old tale go? Here were the knights of old, cast out by their evil heirs. Come back to try and win back their name.
Weapons were as diverse as their armor. Most with melee weapons had shields alongside their batons and clubs. Few had a ranged weapon like him. Even then they were bows, crossbows or pneumatic. Atlas had not made it easy for its citizens to acquire weapons. Not that that had stopped the humans they'd fought from getting their hands on them.
'Zane,' A figure called from ahead.
Looking up, Zane saw a woman waving to him. It took a moment for him to recall her voice till he saw her feline ears atop her head twitch. A tick he recalled.
'Clara?' Zane asked as he reached her side.
'The very same,' Clara replied.
'I recognised your handle but still. It's good to see you,' Zane said smiling.
'Same to you. Been a while since we've done this hasn't it?' Clara remarked.
'We've never been against our own like this. I know we're doing this for the right reason. But it still feels…'
'Wrong?' Clara offered.
'Yeah,' Zane said sadly before looking up the street, 'That's the place?'
At the end of the street was some kind of industrial unit. One large building with a walled off yard behind. A gate built into the wall faced towards them. No lights could be seen inside but that didn't mean much. Faunus would work better in low light.
'Yep. Apparently they've got it under a shell company. Red forest sport and hunting supplies,' Clara explained. As they looked at the building.
'That's about right. Same as we used to, you think?' Zane asked.
'I'm guessing so. Saying they offer sports gear for the uniforms. And hunting gear likely to explain them having dust on site.'
'But enough for a bomb?'
'They only needed enough for a boom, not like it would be hard to find someone able to mix that stuff. How many people have you met who knew how to mix a charge?'
'Fair enough.'
Far above their discussion a Watcher dipped out of the clouds. Others were moving around hidden from sight. Tracking the other subjects arriving till they joined the group. As their assigned mark entered the alley the machines would move off to a holding pattern.
The machine zoomed back for a moment. Watching as a rough ring of COG icons closed around the two groups of insurgent markers. The last few of the second group were arriving and the perimeter closed behind them. Quietly, so as not to arouse suspicion.
On the ground Peacekeepers were entering any buildings with people inside. The lead unit holding up a sign: Remain quiet, remain calm. There is a situation. Gather anyone inside and assemble outside immediately.
No-one questioned them. Each group of civilians were gathered and escorted outside of the cordon that was forming. More units were arriving from their assembly areas. The Watcher returned its gaze to the group of insurgent's tagged: Independent.
That designation marked them off-limits for engagement. It would remain until command decided otherwise. Or one of them attacked the COG forces. The Watcher didn't care. Its programming didn't grumble over the rules of engagement.
'I think we're ready,' Clara said. Looking back up the alley.
'Yeah,' Zane said with a sigh, 'You want to do the speech?'
'Hey. You call us all. That means you do the pre-battle morale booster.'
'Me and my stupid pride,' Zane muttered.
He walked down the center of the alley. What little conversation died down as he looked about their small group.
'Brothers. Sisters. Thank you for coming. All of you,' Zane began, 'Some of you may know me. For others this will be our first time meeting face to face.'
A low round of dark chuckles rose at that statement. They were all wearing masks after all. Zane allowed it to die down before he continued.
'Once we were protectors. Guardians against tyranny. We fought for the oppressed of the world. We stood between downtrodden and those that would see them harmed. That was the past when the White Fang stood as a symbol of unity and equality.'
A few nods came in response. So far so good.
'Equality not just for the faunus but for humanity as well. We did not desire to rule or dictate. Our only wish was to live as equals side by side in peace. Those were the ideals that we swore to uphold. To act only to defend ourselves and others.'
More nods and a few thumps of stomped feet greeted his words now.
'But time marched on. So many of our number left. Whatever the reason. Without us the Fang changed. The dream we once held became twisted with each new step taking it further down a dark path. Till today. When those claiming our name, our legacy and to speak for the faunus chose to attack. Without reason or warning. Will we let this stand?'
Shouts and cheers were his response.
'The people we're about to face may be one's we've stood beside in the past. Those we once called allies, friends perhaps even family. But if they are our family then it is even more our duty, our burden to correct their mistakes. Not to show that we're the whipped hounds they will claim. But show we won't allow them to cower behind our people. That we will drag them out into the light and show the world we are not monsters. We are people like any other. And that the crimes of the few should not tarnish the character of the many.'
His own heart was beating fast now. But he knew there was one last part that must be said.
'If anyone wants to leave now is the time. There will be no shame in it. If you're not sure. If you think you might hesitate, just hold here till it's over. I won't make anyone fight beside me. A single willing soul is worth a dozen driven by fear.'
No one wavered. Not for a moment.
'Thank you all. Truly. If we can, we'll talk them down. But if it comes to blows we won't strike first. But we won't leave until we've made them see reason. Even if we have to knock their heads together to do it. Follow me.'
Zane turned and walked out into the street. Behind him the other blue jackets were forming a loose rank. Melee with shields up front with their ranged weapons behind. The way they would if they were fighting a mob or the group of riot police.
'Nice speech,' Clara said while jogging to walk alongside.
'You think? I thought it might have been too much,' Zane uttered back.
'Okay perhaps it was a little dramatic. But still good.'
'Gee. Thanks for the confidence booster.'
'What do you think? That the leader?' Clarke asked. As their view zoomed in on the man. He had a white feline tail with a spotted pattern on it. In his hand was some kind of pistol.
'I'd assume so. Unless he's just a figurehead,' Evangelina replied.
'And the speech?'
'He's no orator. Not enough charisma. But he knew what to say.'
'So not a high rank,' Clarke said, 'Might be he was some kind of sergeant or NCO.'
'Do terrorists have NCOs?' Evangelina asked.
'They might not have the rank but if the role is the same it makes no difference. It lines up,' Clarke noted, 'He cares about them all. Enough to offer a chance to back out.'
'True. So not a bad person.'
'Still a person with an unlicensed weapon,' Clarke pointed out.
'Fair enough. What kind of weapon is that?' Evangelina asked. Squinting at the image.
'Unclear. They're all armed with what looks like scraps welded into the right shape. More a street gang then anything else. We can take them easy.'
They marched up to the gates and Zane stepped forward knocking loudly. There was a moment before a slot slid open, two eyes looking out at them.
'Who are you?' The guard asked.
'The White Fang clearly,' Zane stated, 'Open up. I need to speak with whomever is in-charge.'
'Hold on,' The guard replied.
The slot snapped shut. They waited a few moments before the sound of the door being unlocked could be heard. Then it swung open.
Zane strode through into a loading area. The bays were empty of vehicles but a few stacks of boxes and crates were scattered around. Some lights were on further inside the main building but otherwise it was still dark.
'So. This is what arrives after our display,' A voice called.
Zane turned to look at the speaker as he walked out onto a catwalk overlooking them. The man from the broadcast. Zane recognized his striped ears.
'Aard,' Zane said. As the gate was shut and barred again behind them.
'Ah so you know me. But I can't recall you. Pity,' Aard said You've brought quite the reinforcements to join us. You must be quite the leader.'
'I'm just a grunt. And we're not here to join you,' Zane announced.
'That is not a good thing to say,' Aard remarked. Holding up a hand and signalling.
Two more White Fang in red jackets emerged to stand each side. They were armed with Schnee Arms carbines.
'Those are not scraps,' Evangelina snarled.
'No no they are not,' Clarke said.
Their view from above showed more figures emerging onto the roof. All armed with carbine. The blue jackets wouldn't be able to see them from the ground.
'How much does this change?' Evangelina asked. Worry slipping into her tone.
'Depends on how this turns out,' Clarke replied, 'We're not packing leathatl rounds. And our side is in armor or made of metal. But if this turns violent the ones in blue are being boxed in.'
'Shit.'
'Why are you here old man? You say it's not to join us. And you could have come alone if you wanted to give me advice. Speaking of which, how did you find us?' Aard asked.
'How we found you doesn't matter. What does matter is we're putting a stop to this,' Zane replied.
'This? What do you mean by this?'
'Your little war. You are going to surrender yourselves to the COG.'
Aard laughed, 'And why would I do that? We've just begun. Soon the COG will either lend its power to us. Or drop its facade of pretending to care for the faunus and show its true colors.'
'Do you have any idea how mad that sounds?' Zane called back, 'Why would the COG lie to us? How long do they need to treat us like people before you accept they're being honest.'
'They're human. It's in their nature to betray us,' Aard proclaimed. His guards nodded at his words.
'Do you hear yourself?' Zane said with shock in his voice, 'You claim it's in their nature. But that's the same excuse used by humans to justify their crimes against us. That we're just animals that give in to instinct. You're no better than the people the Fang was made to stand against.'
'Don't you dare compare me to them!' Aard shouted, 'You can pretend all you want that they care about you. That they aren't plotting to betray you. But it's never going to be real. Humans don't care about the faunus. It's been that way for all of time.'
'Even if that were true,' Zane said with a wave of his arm, 'These aren't the same humans. None of them had ever met a faunus before a year ago. And you just want to lump them together with every human ever? Again that's how the human supremacists act. Broad strokes and stereotypes. It's madness.
'Madness? Do you fucking hear yourself? We're doing this for the faunus! For all our people across Remnant,' Aard called back. Slamming his hands down on the railing for emphasis.
'You can claim that all you want. But what have you done? Sown fear and distrust,' Zane shouted.
'I've struck a blow against our enemy. Even if you won't see them for what they are, we can.'
'The enemy?' Zane scoffed, 'What enemy? The one that left the safety of their walls to save people they'd never met? The same people who took me, my son and hundreds of others in. Only asking that we help in return. Does that sound like an enemy to you?'
'They saw an opportunity to get a pack of loyal dogs like you. All they offered was a new chain and pen. And here you are barking their praises,' Aard snarled.
'How blind must you be? They gave us homes, jobs. My son is getting an education I could never, never have given him. Even if I worked till I keel over dead,' Zane yelled. Tears streamed down his face.
'That's all it took. A few books and a paycheck? How cheap you sell yourself,' Aard spat.
'Books and… They cured my fathers dust lung. He's recovered to the point he's able to live. Not sit at home waiting to breathe his last!'
'And how much did that cost you?' Aard asked as he cocked his head,' Hmm. A few months wages? A year? How much debt did they trap you in?'
'Nothing,' Zane muttered
'What? I didn't catch that.'
'It. Cost. Nothing.' Zane said slowly.
'Bullshit. There's a catch. There is always a catch,' Aard growled.
'No. There isn't. They want us to be happy, healthy. They don't care about how much it costs them because they know we'll pay them back,' Zane said.
'So you admit you sold out to them. Does our people's pride mean that little to you?'
'Stuff your pride. You keep asking what they give and take, what about you? What could you ever give us?'
'A traitor's death,' Aard said. Drawing a pistol.
'I'd like to see you try,' Zane said, lifting his own weapon, 'We have the numbers.'
'You're also all totally fucked,' Aard said before whistling.
A row of red jackets rose over the lip of the roof aiming down at them. They were trapped in and surrounded.
'Any last words?' Aard asked mockingly.
Zane took a breath, his mind racing. A blur of memories rose and fell away. Welcoming his weary father home from the mines. Ninlil's smiling face as she held their son in her arms. Erwin running into his arms, back from his first day at his new school. He felt the calm wash over him, he knew what he had to do.
'For the faunus!' Zane cried out. Firing at Aard
The round hit Aard causing his aura to flare.
'Put these domestics down! Show no mercy!' Aard commanded.
The battle was brutal from the ground. But the view from above was gut wrenching. The blue jackets had an adhoc shield wall. But their attackers were firing into their legs. People were falling, being dragged behind the protection of their comrades as fire poured down upon them.
Out in the open the leader of the blues was hit repeatedly as he dove for a crate trying to take cover. The first few rounds cause a flash of aura. Then it broke in a flash of gray light he dropped as though winded. The next round struck home and blood splattered on the ground.
For a moment Evangelina was paralyzed with horror as she watched the two sides tear into each other. It was happening again. The images of Settlement 2 came back. Both the unrest and the invasion. She needed to act but what orders to give?
A small voice reminded her of Emmerich's words. The ones in blue had tried to talk the red ones down. They'd tried to stop things from turning out like this. They were the ones being savaged.
'All units!' Evangelina cried, 'Engage any hostile target in red with maximum force. Do not shoot anyone in blue.'