Blake's mind kept turning over and over as she walked into the village. Something odd kept bothering her. If the COG was treating Menagerie so well why were they the enemy?

The Kingdoms had always treated Menagerie with an air of supremacy. They were left out of nearly every global body. The Councils never involved them. Trade groups tacked them on like an afterthought. Even the CCT group who were meant to be unbiased dragged their feet if the system went down.

Yet the leader of the COG was traveling there. To meet her father. Not calling him like some distant ruler but coming to their home. And to sign an agreement with them directly.

As the walls of the village came into view proper Blake checked her bag was closed. Whilst some people might approve of the Fang others didn't. The Grimm mask inside would be a dead give away.

She kept her head down and made for the market area. It wasn't hard to find Quartz's shop. The sign outside was almost as much of a give away as the CCT array on the roof. Walking through the door she found the walls were lined with shelves. Rows of scrolls and other devices sat with prices set before them. A counter with a set of displays mounted on adjustable arms stood before a door to a backroom.

Blake looked about the shop. It was better stocked than some she'd seen. Villages with a large number of faunus like this one didn't always attract much in the way of trade. A hold over from their struggles to gain equality.

'You looking around or interested in buying?'

Blake turned from the shelves to find a young man with white hair walking out of the backroom. He was wearing a shirt with the CCT logo on it. A polished silver name tag read "Quartz – Customer assistant".

'I need my scroll checked. It's not loading some links but I haven't got an error message,' Blake said walking over.
'Okay then let me have a look,' Quartz said, holding out his hand.

Blake handed over her scroll and Quartz connected it to a dock on the counter. A screen facing Blake switched from the CCT logo to her login screen.

'Just to confirm this check is purely technical in nature. The check will only be looking at your device settings. And will not involve the extraction or access of any personal data. Do you agree with these terms?' Quartz asked in a bored tone.
'Yes,' Blake said.
'Very well please unlock your device using the provided interface,' Quartz instructed tapping the display on his side.

Blake entered her password and watched a new screen open. Rows of text listing her device name and other details. The icon moved as Quartz's finger slid over the screen on his side.

'Okay error log has a few basic things but those are common,' Quartz said eyes scanning, 'Huh. Is this your scroll?'
'Yes,' Blake replied, tilting her head, 'Why?'
'Says here you tried to open links that were blocked by your administrator. Looks like this is a work device.'

'Oh,' Blake replied confused for a moment, 'I did get it as part of my job but they never mentioned any restrictions.'
'Well looks like you need to contact your IT department. I can't do anything more with this thing since it's locked down,' Quartz said, closing the diagnostics down and picking up Blake's scroll.

'Sure,' Blake replied quickly, taking the device back.
'Need anything else?' Quartz asked with a shrug.

Blake thought for a moment then checked her pockets. Not much. Freedom fighters didn't get paid very much. She'd need to forget about My Sweet Samurai for this month if she did this. But she needed to know what was going on.

'What's the cheapest CCT device I can get?' Blake asked, making up her mind.
'We have a few refurbished codexes,' Quartz said, pointing to a shelf.
'Thanks I'll be right back.'

She walked over to the shelf and looked over the handsets. Each was blocky and had bulk compared to the sleeker scrolls. Some had signs of repaired scratches and the odd patch where a sticker must have once been.

Blake was about to grab the cheapest one when another caught her eye. It wasn't the best one by far. But it did have a case already fitted. The image of a tuna swimming was printed on the back.

She picked it up and looked it over. Her mind wandered to simpler times when she and Mom had gone fishing together. Sighing she picked up the one in the tuna case and walked back to the till.

'I'll take this one please,' Blake said.
'Sure thing,' Quartz said, tapping on the till.

A few minutes later Blake walked back out of the village. It would be a while to get back to the camp and she set up the codex on the way. It was slower then she'd like but after five minutes of menus and loading screens she had it running.

She brought up the store and installed some basic news apps. Including all things the Coalition News Corporation news app. Opening it she came to a stop. This had to be propaganda…

According to this the bombs had been simple terrorism. With demands that were never intended to be met. She'd known the Fang would be harsh but reading this she had to agree. They were only meant to threaten those who wronged the faunus not to hold a city hostage.

Blake quickly searched the other apps but found the same information repeated again and again. There was never any plan to make the COG respect them. Only demand their aid. Aid that had and was being given freely.

Some of the moderate faunus forums said they were all but spitting on the Fang. Stories about how the COG had done more for them in a year then the Fang had in nearly a decade. Blake read on in a mix of anguish and horror.

They'd cured Dust lung, given pardons to faunus they clearly could have sent to prison and the First Minister had spoken out against retaliatory action. How could this be the enemy? They were nothing like the SDC. Even Vale and Vacuo, the two Kingdoms most accommodating, didn't go out of their way to do anything like this.

A squawk from above warned her of the incoming attack. Blake darted to the side leaving a shadow clone behind. The Nevermore dove through the clone's head causing it to burst apart. The avian Grimm paused flapping for a moment in confusion. It was small but that would make it harder to hit.

Drawing Gambol Shroud she dashed forward slashing through the Grimm. The slash landed horizontally splinting the Nevermore in twain. Each half started to dissipate as they fell.

Blake kept her guard up, her ears twitching as she focused on the forest around her. The sound of flapping wings heralded the rest of Nevermore's Murder. They dove at her slashing with talons and beaks.

She moved quickly slashing then darting aside leaving a shadow with each movement. The Grimms own numbers working against them as she baited one into another. After a few frantic moments the forest was still and Blake stood inside a circle of fading Grimm.

Tears streamed down her face and she fought down the feelings before she drew more. Walking over to where the codex had fallen she picked it up and wiped it off. With one final look at the device she pocketed it and resumed her walk back to the Camp. She had questions, ones she expected not to like the answers to.

By the time she'd made it back it was dark. The sentries were about to challenge her when they saw the look on her face. They stepped aside exchanging glances after she'd passed them.

Before Blake could make it across the Camp Ilia ran up to her side.

'Blake! I've been looking for you. Where were you? I've been worried sick,' Ilia asked.
'I needed to… to get some stuff from town. And just ran into a few Grimm on the way back,' Blake replied stiffly.
'Are you okay? Did you get hurt?' Ilia asked, trying to get Blake to stop.
'No. I'm… I'm fine. I just need to talk with Adam. Where is he?'

Ilia paused for a moment then gestured to the officers area, 'Planning another mission.'
'Good. I have some questions for him,' Blake said, marching off.
'Blake? Blake!' Ilia shouted, running to catch up.

Inside his tent Adam was plotting out a strike on the nearby SDC mine.

'That might work. If we have another team block the landing pads. The moment they know we're there they'll try to take off with all the dust they can,' Adam said pointing at the map.
'We'll be thin on the ground. You'll need to make sure to draw as many guards to your side as you can,' Judith said walking around the table.
'Oh trust me they'll be distracted you just be re-'

Blake stormed into the tent, her face hard. Judith backed away slightly to avoid her attention whilst Adam stood up straighter.
'Blake. We were getting worried,' Adam said calmly.
'Oh I'm sure you were. But worried about what? Me being late? Or me finding out about my scroll being restricted,' Blake snapped, throwing the device on the table.

Adam looked down at the device, his jaw tightening, 'Blake, you're clearly upset and confused.'

'Am I? I spoke with some people today. And strangely they seem to have totally different news to me. News that says we are just terrorists. That we're not helping anyone. One tried to share a link but it was blocked,' Blake said walking around to confront Adam.
'Our scrolls do have some restrictions,' Adam admitted, 'But only for our protection.'
'Protection? What protection is there in isolating us? '

'To stop things like this!' Adam shouted before collecting himself, 'Look at you Blake. One day of being exposed to human propaganda and you're in hysterics.'
'I'm perfectly entitled to be angry. You never mentioned our devices were set that way. Why didn't you tell us?'
'If we did, people would get curious. It was for everyone's safety. We can't risk morale being damaged because of a few poisoned words.'

'Trust us Blake,' Judith said, appearing behind her and resting a hand on her back.
'Don't touch me,' Blake snapped, darting aside and leaving a clone behind.
'Oh come on Blake. We're not doing this because we like it,' Judith said, frowning.
'Its only what's best for all of us. If you don't like it, pack your bag and go,' Adam said, folding his arms.

'I… I… I'm not leaving,' Blake stuttered, feeling like the ground split open under her.
'Well if you're not willing to follow the rules,' Judith said, spreading her arms.
'I'm here to fight for the Faunus,' Blake said, her voice strained.
'We all are. Which means we can't let the humans divide us,' Adam said firmly, 'If you want to stay, hand over whatever showed you that band of lies.'

Blake fought down the shame as she pulled out the codex. Adam took the device and turned it over for a moment. Then threw it into a bin.
'Go. Get some rest. You've just had a bad shock,' Adam said solemnly.

Blake turned and stormed away. Adam watched her go with an odd feeling of sadness. Why didn't they tell everyone? If word got out any trust in his leadership would be gone.

'You did the right thing Adam. Don't worry about Blake. She just needs some more time to adjust,' Judith said before turning to face him, 'Now. Where were we?'

Outside the tent Blake was fighting back tears as she walked back to her own tent. Ilia appeared behind her.
'Blake. Are you alright?' Ilia asked.
'I'm fine,' Blake replied stiffly.
'You don't seem fine. Do you want to talk about it?' Ilia offered.
'No. I just… I just want to be alone for a while,' Blake said walking into her tent.

Ilia stopped outside and rubbed her arm nervously, 'If you want to talk. I'm here.'
Blake threw herself onto the bedroll and pressed her face against it to muffle her sobs. Why? Why did she always run away?

Cinder stormed towards the broken mill. The Grimm guarding the area glanced at her as she walked sensing her anger and fear. Only Salem's command held them at bay and it could be revoked at any time.

Mercury and Emerald followed a few steps behind. Unwilling to be too close but also afraid of being too far from the source of their protection. Both were more afraid of Cinder than the Grimm. The last few days she'd been… grouchy was the word Mercury had used. Well out of earshot.

The Seer emerged from its hiding place inside the ruined structure. Drifting down like it was underwater. It landed and lowered itself so they could see its heart.

After a moment the dark smoke within settled into the image of Salem. Emerald glanced at Mercury who looked more afraid then before. She'd likely reacted the same way when she'd first seen the Grimms leader.

'Cinder,' Salem said ignoring the others, 'I take it you've something to report?'
'Yes, Master,' Cinder said bowing.
'Something good I hope.'
Cinder paused for a moment then said, 'We found the Fall Maiden.'
'And claimed her power?' Salem asked coldly.
'No,' Cinder replied.

As the words left her lips one of the Seers bladed tendrils flashed upwards stopping a hair from Cinders neck. Emerald and Mercury flinched but Cinder merely held up a hand to stop them. The two tried to relax but remained on edge.

'Explain,' Salem commanded.
'We encountered the Swarm,' Cinder said calmly.
In the image Salem leaned forwards, 'Did you now?'
'Yes. They were attacking the Maiden. I'm not sure if they knew what she was. It seems they've been attacking travelers in the region.'

'Interesting. Very interesting. I've noticed a change in the area. But to think the Serans brought their enemy to Remnant with them,' Salem said, leaning back and tapping her black nails on her chin.
'How should we adjust the plan?' Cinder asked.
'Was the Fall Maiden killed?'
'She was alive when we left. Ozpin's lapdog Qrow arrived. We were forced to withdraw.'
'Unfortunate,' Salem said, pausing for a moment, 'But understandable.'

The Seers tentacle lowered back to the ground. Emerald breathed a sigh of relief. Cinder rose slowly and looked at her master's image.

'For now go and train your underlings. I'll contact our agents in Atlas and the Fang. When things are prepared I'll contact you again. Understood?' Salem asked.
'Perfectly, Master,' Cinder replied.
'Good. And Cinder. This time you were unable to prevent your failure. Do not think I am merciful,' Salem said before her image vanished into the smoke.

The Seer floated up into the air and remained above them. After a moment Mercury looked from Cinder to Emerald.

'So… What now?' He asked, looking between them.
Emerald sighed and drew her weapons, 'Now. We train.'
'Look I'm not sparing with you. Either of you.'
'No. You're not,' Cinder said, turning and drawing her swords.

Mercury noticed the way the weapons began to glow as Cinder's grip tightened on the hilts. Then he noticed her gaze was over his shoulder. Turning he found the Grimm circling closer and closer. Above them the Seer made a sound that sent chills down his back. It sounded like it was giggling.

Ghira tried to adjust his coat slightly. Kali's hand snapped out, catching his wrist.
'What was that for?' Ghira asked.
'You look fine dear,' Kali muttered, 'Now stop fussing. Do you think I would have let you out of the house if you weren't ready?'

The Chieftain of Menagerie sighed and tried to relax. He'd been blessed with a wife that had a core of steel to her. If she thought he was presentable that was enough.

They were standing on the edge of the port looking out to the sea. Quite a crowd had gathered for the event. This was the first state visit they'd ever had.

All around the port faunus and a few humans had gathered. It was a heart-warming sight. Whilst some thought Menagerie should only be for faunus, Ghira hated the idea they should isolate themselves.

And today was proof they were on the right path. A glint in the distance was the first hint of the COG's arrival. Menagerie lacked airships and the CCT signal was always fuzzy. But things had been arranged in advance.

Soon the glint became a dot, then a vague shape in the air. Finally he could make out the shape of the COG airship as it approached. It came about pushing up a spray of water as it turned towards the port. It was low. And getting lower.

As the craft was about to touch the water the engines retracted into its underside. Covers sealed up the hull as it lowered smoothly into the water. A slight wave was the only sign of the craft's landing.

Ghira had to admit it was a rather inventive feature. The older Mistral airships could land on water and so could a few others. But this COG craft could land as easily on solid ground as it could the ocean.

The ship started some other engine and began to move into the port proper. It was using the deeper area set aside for cargo ships to prevent anyone from being hurt. More than a few mer-faunus had been injured by a ship's passage.

Thankfully its arrival went smoothly with the craft maneuvering alongside the pier. On its side were large bold letters, "CAF EMISSARY FS-01". Rows of crewmembers were standing on the upper deck. All at attention and wearing neat uniforms.

Off to the side Captain Saber Rodentia of the Menagerie Guard tried to look even more at attention. A small row of guards were at attention alongside him. Ghira had some reservations about it. But Rodentia insisted they provide an honor guard.

A hatch on the side opened and a gangway extended outwards coming to a rest on the pier. A few moments later two black armored figures emerged. The Onyx Guard surveyed the area then walked down the plank, one taking up position on each side.

Then the First Minister stepped out and started to walk down. Two more Onyx followed behind him. Ghira felt his heart stop for a moment. This was the moment that would set the expectations for the visit. Thousands of eyes around them and countless more across the world watched.

Emmerich walked with ease and surprising confidence. No sign of fear or hesitation as he stepped off the gangway and onto Menagerie. If he had some hidden distrust of the faunus there was no trace on his face or body.

'First Minister Emmerich,' Ghira said, holding out his hand, 'Welcome to Menagerie.'
Emmerich responded in kind, 'Chieftain Belladonna. It's an honor to be here.'
They shook hands. The crowds roared with approval. More than one burst of confetti went off early. But that could be forgiven.

'And this is my wife Kali,' Ghira said proudly. For a moment he thought he noticed Emmerich's eyes shift as he looked at Kali. But it must have just been a mistake.
'Mrs Belladonna thank you for coming to meet me as well,' Emmerich said with a smile as he nodded to her.

Ghira gave a slight signal with his hand. Behind them a band started to play. They'd had to read up on how the Serans did things. The idea of playing a national anthem as a welcome was easier to do than pulling together an honor guard. Thankfully the COG had included a copy of their national anthem with their original message to the world.

They stood side by side listening to the song. It was somber, heavy almost. Like taking a weight on your shoulders. Once it finished the band played the song of the Faunus. It started off similar but rose with a much lighter finish.

'Please this way,' Ghira said as the music finished. Leading Emmerich past Saber and his guards.

Each stood so rigid Ghira made a mental note to get them relaxed before someone pulled something. He was stressed enough he didn't need someone collapsing during this visit. Emmerich gave a nod to Saber as they passed.

The Onyx formed around them walking close enough to be at hand but no so close as to impose. They walked along the pier at ease and thankfully with only their sidearms, Ghira noticed. Kali walked at his side giving him a supportive nod.

'This visit is a bit livelier than my last two,' Emmerich remarked waving to the crowd.
'Yes. We welcome all here as they are,' Ghira said, joining the First Minister in waving. Say what you would about his age, the young man seemed in his element.

The crowds seemed unable to hold back their excitement. Ghira had rarely seen them this excited even during festivals. People embraced and quite a few banners and signs were held aloft.

He'd been worried that the First Minister wouldn't want to walk all the way to the chieftain's house. But no objections had been raised when he'd asked. And whilst the Onyx were present they didn't feel intimidating.

Reaching the forecourt they walked around to the side and up onto the stage. A pair of flags flanked them. One blue with the phoenix omen. The other black with the emblem of the Menagerie Guard. Ghira had considered using the original White Fang flag but decided against it.

Reaching the podium Ghira adjusted the microphone for a moment. The crowd went quiet.

'My We are honored with the presence of First Minister Emmerich for the Coalition of Ordered Governments. Who has come to us as a friend. I hope that the kindness we've shown will be remembered by all. Not just today but long into the future. But to see the future we must remember the past.'

Ghira paused for a moment before continuing, 'Our people came to these shores many years ago. We were not the first to stand upon this land. And this is not the first land the Faunus have called home. But it was the gift for our peoples actions during the Great War. We, like many others, suffered because of that conflict. And in recognition the Kingdoms ceded all claim to this land to the Faunus. Since then we have labored together to build a home for all of our people. It is my hope that we will welcome the COG as they embraced our kin when they arrived on our world.'

There was an applause and Ghira stepped back allowing Emmerich to take the podium.

'Thank you Chieftain,' Emmerich said with a polite nod to Ghira before turning to the crowd, 'And thank you all for welcoming me. Today I'm proud to stand in this city and to look out on what the people of Menagerie have built by their own hands. You've taken a harsh land and built a home for your people.'

Emmerich placed his hand on his heart as he spoke, 'Our Allfathers passed down much wisdom. Amongst it were the virtues we're raised to uphold. Of the eight I feel humility is the one I feel the most now. I'm humbled by your kindness. By the care and passion that I can see woven into your city and your culture. It's my hope that together. Our peoples will build upon a foundation of trust and respect towards a better future. Not just for us but for generations to come. Thank you.'

Another round of applause came in response. Ghira, Kali and Emmerich waved together then turned and walked up the steps into the house. Once inside Ghira relaxed slightly. The most public parts were behind them for the moment.

'Sorry if I seemed off at the pier,' Emmerich said as they walked through the hallways.
'No. No. It's fine you must have had a long trip,' Ghira said politely.
'Oh it was a long flight. But actually I was a bit surprised when I met your wife. I could swear I've seen a young woman who could be her splitting image. I hope that's not offensive,' Emmerich replied.

Ghira and Kali exchanged glances as they entered Ghira's office.
'No not at all. We do have a daughter. She… left on a sabbatical a while ago. I don't suppose she spoke with you at all?' Kali asked.
'No. I'm afraid not,' Emmerich said, shaking his head, 'Still I'm sure she's fine. She seemed well enough when I saw her. And if she's trying to learn more about the world and herself I'm sure she's enjoying her time away.'
'Yes let's hope so,' Ghira agreed.