Leonardo was tired. The last few days had been a blur. As expected the Grimm attacks had increased after the White Fang attack. There had also been an uptick in attacks on the faunus. Damn those extremists.

He sighed as he dropped into his chair. Organizing the response and attending council meetings was taking more and more out of him. He had to recognise he wasn't a young man any more.

Speaking of a young man. Turning to face his screen Leonardo brought up the video again. It was the current talk of the net. The COG's press release about the event.

It started with an aerial view showing a yard of some kind. Inside two groups in White Fang uniforms faced down. One side called for reason whilst the other professed its hate. As with many such arguments within such groups the argument escalated.

Whoever had edited it was good. There was just enough violence and blood to make the battle clear. Yet not so much as to make it disturbing. It was a neat trick to make those in blue more sympathetic.

Then the COG arrived. The heroes of the moment riding in to save the day. Their attack was swift and decisive, at least by the video. Leonardo wondered if they were that efficient. He could check with some of the Huntsmen who took part.

Next the villains of the hour were brought out. Some were injured though most were just restrained. Some extra parts showed the wounded from the battle being treated. No doubt to show they were not getting hurt in custody.

Now the peak of the recording. The First Minister himself, standing tall at a podium. Speaking of the need for unity against fear. That the actions of a few could not be used to smear the many. He almost sounded like Ozpin again.

And for the climax the awards. Something that still shocked him. Those who had taken up arms against their former comrades were being commended. Pardons and medals for their actions. A sequence of the First Minister shaking hands with each of them for the cameras.

All the while a voice over spoke how those who had taken part in the bombing were being processed at a detention center. It was nice, neat and uplifting. The exact kind of thing that needed to be made after an event like that.

The level of control was boggling though. Still stories were slipping out about the city going into lockdown. Of course most places had shelters. But to have the whole city sheltered and troops on the streets within minutes. That spoke more of dominance than benevolence.

Leonardo was pulled out of his thoughts by a tapping noise. It was coming from behind the hidden door. She was calling him to report. He took a breath and stood.

Walking around his desk he approached the door and activated the hidden switch. The door slid back revealing the chamber beyond. The Seer was there, and it was agitated.

The creature shivered and jerked in the air. Hisses and chittering came from it. Its bladed tentacles occasionally caught the ground making sparks. Then it noticed him. It shot forwards faster than he'd seen before. Wrapping a tentacle around his torso and slamming him into the wall.

'Ah. Let me go. Let me go!' Leonardo pleaded, 'She ordered you not to harm me.'

After a moment of crushing pressure that caused his aura to drain it withdrew. Still hissing it lowered him down. Then it lowered itself, the plates on its bulbous head sliding aside. The pale face of Salem began to form inside the heart of the Grimm.

'Hello Leo. You will forgive the Seer won't you? It's rather excited with all that's going on,' Salem said with a knowing smile.
'Of course, your grace,' Leonardo said after a moment.
'Wonderful. Now I have just one question for you. During the events a week ago someone new came to the academy. Who was it?'

Leonardo thought for a moment, 'There have been a few guests. Some were alumni, others were speakers we had arranged to attend.'
'No not any of them. This was someone new. Someone unusual. You had them in the west of the building when the White Fang broadcast their demands. Think carefully Leo, but don't take too long,' Salem said. The Seer raised a bladed tentacle at her words.

The west part of the building? During the White Fang attack? He'd been showing First Minis-

'The First Minister,' Leonardo said quickly, 'First Minister Emmerich was here. I was giving him a to-'
The Seer flicked its tentacle out the blade bouncing off his aura right above Leonardo's eye.

'Hush now Leo. No need to get carried away talking,' Salem said with a dark smile, 'Go about your duties. If I have any further questions… Well. You'll be available to answer won't you?'
'Yes, your grace,' Leo mumbled.
'Excellent. Now back to work, Headmaster.'

As Salem's face disappeared into the smoke the Seer dragged one of the blades along Leonardo's neck. Not hard enough to trigger his aura, but enough to make clear Salem's amusement at her joke. Then it drew away floating back to its place in the center of the room.

Leonardo panted for a moment then turned and staggered back to his desk. Just remembering to close the door as he passed through it. He slumped into his seat more exhausted than ever.

For a moment he thought of calling Oz and telling him everything. But one look at the Seer's hiding place quashed that thought. He would never make it. Besides, Salem still needed him. Didn't she?

Salem reclined back into her chair. Commanding the Seer on the table to wait. Toying with Leonardo was amusing but not a good use of time. She tapped a black nail against her chin in thought.

So the COG had someone who had drawn the gods' attention. Was it intentional? Had they asked for a blessing? Or like her being cursed by those arrogant brothers for their amusement?

And who was the one so touched by the dark? The First Minister himself? Or just someone on his staff? More than once Ozpin had hidden behind another. All the while pulling the strings behind the curtain.

So far they hadn't thought of trying to assert control over the Grimm. Or if they had, they'd done so in such a way that the Seers hadn't noticed. That could be a problem if it were the case.

Yes the Grimm were seemingly without numbers. But they did have a limit. It was so great she'd never had to consider it. But there still was a limit. To the amount that could be spawned at a time and their size.

Salem had tried to expand the pools but it was a draining process and gave little in return. Like the Grimm themselves the dark pools simply drank in energy. Her experiments had found a minute amount of growth did occur.

But it seemed more based on the general level of negative emotion. With the level rising and falling as the people of the world went about their lives. A sufficient spike in fear would amplify the Grimms' spawning. Whilst a rise in happiness would reduce it.

So she was bound to a limit. And if these newcomers could dominate the local Grimm they would expand faster. Seizing more resources and land. That would give them more to trade and therefore boost the Kingdoms.

Part of her was angry with the situation. But mostly she was… amused. Perhaps even feeling a rare tingle of excitement. Here was something new. That she hadn't seen, forgotten and seen again. A new opponent in this grand game.

Salem glanced into the Seer before her. The Overseer had sent a pulse to draw her attention. It seemed the events had led to a rise in Grimm spawning. A small peak that fell back world wide for the most part.

It seemed there had been a steady rise along the sea and coast between Anima and Sanus. Strange, rare but not something to worry about. Perhaps some trade issue was pushing up prices. Even a little bit of stress could build up bit by bit.

Sienna looked out across the throne room. Assembled before her were the officers of the White Fang. They were entrusted to oversee different aspects of the organization. And someone in this room had failed. The question was, had it been her?

'How did this happen?' Sienna asked the crowd.
'We don't know, High Leader,'one of the officers replied.
'Of course we don't know,' Sienna snapped, 'Because if someone knew, I would know, wouldn't I? Or is there anyone in this hall who wants another war?'

The assembled officers kept their heads down. Sienna knew they were loyal and that she was lashing out. But what else was there to do? Before she knew it she was pacing, again. Much like her trait animal she felt caged and stressed. This place was chafing at her.

As plush and pleasant as they could make this base it was still a cage. If it were to keep Grimm out or her in, was up for debate. It was meant to be a symbol of faunus culture. To harken back to one of the few times they had built a Kingdom. And here she was, the mad beast queen growling at her servants.

'You're dismissed,' Sienna said finally.

The officers filed out leaving only her personal guards in the throne room. Rather then sit upon the throne she walked behind it. Moving around the banner that hung from the ceiling she entered into her chambers. It was private and she had access to the White Fang network here.

She sat at her desk and brought up the files on Aard. He'd been one of her best agents. Loyal, persuasive and dedicated to the cause. So why had he acted like those videos showed? One of his only faults had been to overreach. To try and excel where doing his task would have been enough.

His orders had been to build a cell for local operations. No further action. Just laying the groundwork. Things had been tense since the attempt on Jacques' life. Whilst it had nearly worked, it had also caused another crack down, mostly in Atlas.

Sienna had hoped to leverage the COG. If not directly by trying to open a dialogue, then indirectly. By the first reports Aard had sent back they were true to their word. The faunus were being respected and treated equally. That would have made a nice place to raise funds from. Many faunus could be counted on to donate some lien to the cause. But now? Now that was likely a dead end.

The bombing, the threat. That was far beyond her orders. She knew someone had gotten to Aard but how? And when? Why would he have made such a public declaration? There could be purpose in the use of force and intimidation. But there was also a need for reputation.

She had wanted humanity to learn to respect the faunus. Fear was a tool that could make the more cowardly shy away. Violence was for those who were not so easily cowed. But respect was the key. They needed to learn to respect the faunus. Too much fear would make them lash out. Too much Violence would escalate the situation.

Sienna tapped on the records of Aard's record and started reading. It showed his activities within the Fang network. He'd been logging in as standard. But about a month ago he'd suddenly started signing in from a node in Sanus. Why had he been there?

Checking another part of the records she found he hadn't logged any request to travel that far. This was getting worse and worse. Aard's only recorded movements had been to and from the mainland. He hadn't requested any extra funds to pay for travel nor taken a trip on a Fang craft. So how did he get between the continents?

Had Adam been involved? Her agents in his camp had reported nothing out of the ordinary. Only that he was becoming more and more aggressive. Perhaps she should give him a call.

After a few moments the call connected. Adam was standing in his tent hand resting on his sword. He still managed to cut a dashing, if brooding look.

'High leader,' Adam said with a slight bow of his head. That was unusual, he was normally sparing with her title.
'Adam. How do things progress in Vale?' Sienna asked fishing for information.
'Well. We've made a number of strikes that have affected SDC operations,' Adam said proudly.
'And what about civil projects? Are we building our connections with the villages?'

That caused Adam to tense his jaw and tilt his head slightly. His tell was so easy to see once you knew about it.

'Blake has taken up that portion of our duties. She's quite enthusiastic to do all she can,' Adam said.

So he'd off loaded it onto Ghira's daughter. Was that because he hated her family? Or did he have the scene to see how that would help cement their reputation?

'Good good. It's important for us to remember we fight for the faunus. Whilst battling humanity is part of that. Keeping the people on our side is important,' Sienna said with a nod.
'Of course it is,' Adam said with a stiff smile, 'Was there anything else?'
'I take it you're aware of the events in Phoenix bay?'
'Yes.'
'What do you think of our brother's actions?' Sienna asked.

'Honestly?' Adam asked in response.
'Yes. What is your opinion?'
'I think he tried to show that we're not as weak as the Kingdoms think. It's regrettable that he became so… bold. If he'd acted slower perhaps the outcome would have been different.'
'Hm. Thank you Adam. I'll leave you to your duties.'
'As you say, High Leader.'

Sienna ended the call. Sat back and then punched her desk, 'You little shit,' She hissed at the blank screen.

If it were anyone else she would have been able to take action. But Adam had made himself into a key icon. Moving against him would risk a schism. The same way she'd moved against Ghira. Such a shame he'd managed to learn that lesson from her.

Adam strode out of his tent and spat. Khan was on to them; he knew it. For now she would be moving out of sight. Likely he'd need to have Judith check for any more spies.

'How did it go?' Judith asked, walking up to stand by him.
'She knows something. It's just suspicion for now but she'll start looking,' Adam said.
'Damn it. Aard must have left a trail,' Judith said, tapping her cheek in thought.
'Even after we used the Bullheads to avoid him being tracked.'
'It was never a- Hi Blake,' Judith said, turning.

Blake was running over, Ilia as always a step behind her. They were fully kitted up with their Grimm mask and weapons. Sending them away on long range scouting had been the right call.

'Adam!' Blake shouted pulling off her mask, 'What is all of this about a bombing?'
'Blake please be calm,' Adam said, holding up his hands.
'Calm? There are reports of riots in the Kingdoms. Grimm attacking the outlying villages and borders. And they're claiming the faunus are responsible.'

Ah so she was still stuck with the scroll he'd given her. The extra filters Adam had loaded into his chapters scrolls were working quite well. They had no idea of the true events. Only what he wanted them to see.

'One of our brothers tried to make a stand. To draw the COG's attention to our people's plight,' Adam said. Drawing on his passion to seem all the more convincing.
'But bombs?' Blake asked, her eyes full of fear.
'Yes. It was necessary to show our resolve. That we're not afraid of them. So they'll respect us.'
'But-' Blake started again.
'Yes Blake,' Judith said, appearing behind her resting a hand on her back, 'We didn't want to. But it was necessary.'
'It? It was?'
'I'm afraid so. We can't let the COG get the idea that they can ignore our grievances.'

'I… I guess you have a point,' Blake said before shaking her head, 'No wait. How did it become like this? I thought we were fighting against the SDC, not the COG?'
'Blake,' Adam said, trying to reach out to her. She was clearly distressed, more than he'd expected.
'No!' Blake snapped. Before he could reach her she flickered backwards leaving only a shadow behind.
'I… I just need some time alone,' Blake said, turning and dashing away.

Ilia looked confused for a moment looking at Blake then Adam and Judith.
'Go. Make sure she's okay,' Adam instructed.
'Right,' Ilia said, turning and running after Blake.

'That didn't go well,' Adam said, pinching his nose. Another headache was coming on.
Judith stood next to him patting his shoulder, 'She'll come around. I'm sure of it.'

Sergeant Mason Cooke checked the vending machine and ordered a coffee. It had been a long day. Good but long. He'd had a constant flow of recruits coming though. Most were the usual kind, young and looking for adventure. A few were older and more interested in the offers of citizenship for those who served. All were welcome, the COG needed the bodies, and their reasons were acceptable.

Turning he walked back to his desk stopping to adjust the stand holding the pamphlets. He'd need to get more ordered. People had been signing up in great numbers. Which had been a welcome surprise.

He looked out of the windows. The area for the Vale embassy wasn't the nicest. He knew they'd got the place on the cheap. But already the proper building was being constructed. A pair of DR-1s in yellow construction colors carrying a modular panel past the window. The rain didn't bother the DeeBees.

Cooke set his cup down and was about to pull out his chair when there was another flash of yellow in the window. A young man was looking at the door, hesitating for a moment. Go on kid, take the plunge.

Finally the door opened, a chime playing in case Cooke had been looking away. The newcomer was soaked, Cooke made a mental note to get an awning. No point letting people get cold and wet standing around, that came later after all.

The young man looked around the room for a moment. He was wearing jeans with a black hoodie under some white armor. With a sword at his side to boot. This wasn't the usual people who'd come though. The boy definitely seemed the kind of person looking to be a Huntsman. Cooke timed his approach right and greeted him with an outstretched hand.

'Hi there. I'm Sergeant Cooke. You interested in signing up or just hiding from the weather?' Cooke asked with a practiced smile.
'Oh I'm um… Jaune. Jaune Arc. I'm interested in signing up. I... found one of your posters,'Jaune replied. Holding up a damp wad of paper that Cooke could believe had been a poster. He could swear the printing department messed up the glue on a portion on prepose.
'That's great to hear. Do you want to sit down and we can talk through your options?' Cooke offered gestureing to the desk.
'Yeah, sure,' Jaune replied nodding

Cooke led him over to his desk and let him get seated. The clanking of his armor was interesting. Most of the locals didn't bother with armor, focusing on speed. If this kid wanted some proper plates he was in the right place.

'So you're a bit better equipped than some of the people we've had. You already a Huntsman?' Cooke asked, taking his own seat facing Jaune.
'Oh no. I um… Had some trouble with my application,' Jaune said, his eyes downcast.
'I'm sorry to hear that. But hey at least you're still trying right?'
'Yeah,' Jaune said with a nod.

'So I'm guessing you want to be a Huntsman with the COG. Have you been to combat school or are you just starting out?' Cooke asked, pulling out a tablet with a form pre-loaded.
'I'm… Well… I've not been to combat school,' Jaune admitted.
'That's fine. We're looking at setting a few up. You'd be right up there with the first classes making history,' Cook said. Noting how the Jaune's eyes seemed to light up at that statement.
'Okay so how do we do this?' Jaune asked, rubbing his hands on his knees.

'First I need you to fill out some paperwork. It's mostly just the rough details and permission to query your records. Here if you have any questions. Just ask, I'll be happy to help,' Cooke said, turning the pad over.
'Alright,' Jaune said, taking the pad.
'You want some coffee, tea or a hot chocolate? Can't have you catching a cold,' Cooke said waving to the drinks machine.
'Oh um. A hot chocolate would be great. Thank you.'

Cooke took his time walking over, ordering the drink and walking back with it. It was part of the sale. A chance to back out or think things over again. Putting the cup before Jaune the boy looked up and nodded. He looked worried.

'I was wondering. For this section. Is it only for things you've been… well… charged with?' Jaune asked, pointing at part of the form. It was the section on criminal records.
Cooke sighed as he sat down, 'It will be for any and all crimes on record.'

Jaune seemed to slump slightly at that statement and moved to put the pad down.

'But you won't be barred from signing up. People make mistakes,' Cooke said quickly to forestall him, 'The army on Sera often took in people that needed direction and a place to be. Just because you did something can't tar you forever. Just be honest and admit what you've done. It's the only way to move forward.'
'You're sure?' Jaune asked, looking torn.
'You can't hide your past. Not forever at least. Better you air things out now. Show that you acknowledge you messed up but you're trying to be better.'

Jaune nodded and filled out the section. Cooke knew better than to try and peek. He'd known gears who'd done time for all sorts of things. Some petty, others not. Besides, how badly could this kid have screwed up already?

Once Jaune finished, they took a quick photo and submitted the form. The data jumped from the tablet to the local network where it was encrypted. Then to a relay on the roof of the temporary office. From there it bounced across the CCT network before arriving at Phoenix bay.

Inside the military computer network the information was decrypted. And placed into waiting list to be processed. It would normally take a few minutes for the automated systems to do their work. Normally. Unknown to the staff who monitored the recruitment assessments. Another more discreet program was running.

It sifted through the incoming data checking for a match. Finally it reached Jaune's file. The moment his photo loaded the program fired off an alert and tagged it for expedited approval. It had found a match.

Back in Vale Cooke had been about to talk about how it might take a while for the response to come back. When the computer chimed and flashed that Jaune was approved to join.

'Well Cadet Arc. It seems you're cleared,' Cooke said, hiding his surprise.
'Really! That's great,' Jaune said smiling.
'Here we go, your first orders,' Cooke remarked watching the printer burst to life.

He lifted the papers and checked they were right, no point sending the kid off if this was a glitch. No one had been cleared that fast before.

'Looks like you're getting a ride to Rampart for basic training. Here is your ticket. Welcome to the COG Cadet,' Cooke said, holding the papers out.