The conversation had taken an odd turn. Both Ghira and Kali had become oddly tense when he'd raised the question about their daughter. They were interested but also trying not to ask anything direct. The question was why?
They'd mentioned she was on a sabbatical. But not where she was. Wouldn't she be calling back to let them know? Or was she away and out of contact? One thing was for sure Emmerich wasn't able to tell them the truth.
He tried to imagine how that would go.
'Oh yes I saw your daughter. She was fighting in a pivotal battle at some point in a potential future. She looked fine. Mostly. In the ones she survived.'
Not anything he could say without sounding insane.
So with some steering he moved them towards safer ground. How the COG was going to develop the island. Mostly broad strokes which the DBI team would be able to give more detail on. Ramos had sent a team ahead to help with the survey.
That at least placated Kali and Ghira. They were still worried but not willing to push further. Things started to go well again as they settled into a back and forth. Emmerich made the mistake of assuming nothing bad was about to happen.
It was the slight head turn from Figueroa that warned him. She reached to her back and drew a PDA off her belt. Then stepped forward.
'Sir,' Figueroa said, 'We may have a situation.'
Both Ghira's and Kali's heads snapped around at her words. The Onyx had been silent and unmoving to the point they'd dropped from notice. The effect was like a statue had come to life and started talking.
'Is there any immediate danger,' Emmerich asked, taking the PDA.
'Not immediate, Sir,' Figueroa said, 'It seems Nou Berephus is about to be hit by a sandstorm.'
'The UIR's capital? How bad?'
'Estimate puts it at the lower end of a Windflare.'
'How bad is that?' Kali asked her hands over her mouth.
'Wind speed will be in the range of 450 kilometers per hour,' Figueroa replied.
'The people of Vacuo don't call them the Wasting Winds for nothing,' Ghira said, shaking his head.
'Do we have a visual?' Emmerich asked.
'Link coming up now, Sir,' Figueroa answered.
'May I?' Emmerich asked. Nodding to the screen above Ghira's desk.
Ghira nodded and Emmerich opened the CCT link and set the feed to stream directly to the display. They all stood by the screen watching as the connection finished.
The view was high up, likely on the hub tower. All around it was a circle of concrete much like how Phoenix Bay had started. A few skeletal structures rose from the surface. The color of the metal portions had a green tint to them. Clearly the UIR had adjusted the materials to their own liking.
But the main point of interest was the wall of sand rushing closer by the moment. Looking more like a tidal wave than anything else. It stretched from one side of the horizon to the other. Emmerich thought he heard a faint curse from Hickman.
'Have they evacuated?' Ghira asked Emmerich.
'I doubt it. They don't need to,' Emmerich replied, shaking his head.
'What?! Why not?' Kali asked in shock.
'That's why,' Emmerich said, nodding to the screen.
A large barrier was moving into view. Made of the same green alloy as the half build structures. It moved smoothly along but with enough speed to show its haste. The surface of the wall was strange. Rows of large fans ran along the bottom section. The upper part was a mix of dull geometric panels.
'What is that?' Kali asked, squinting at the display.
'A Windwall,' Emmerich said, 'A temporary barrier used to protect Settlements under construction. The outer walls of the finished Settlement will contain a static version.'
'You're sure that will protect them?' Ghira asked.
'They'll be fine. I've been in Settlements during Windflares with speeds of up to 600 kilometers per hour. '
Emmerich noticed both of the Belladonnas were now staring at him in shock.
'That sounds… dangerous,' Ghira said.
'Only to the unprepared. You'll see,' Emmerich replied, nodding back to the screen.
He'd been given an overview of the systems years ago when he'd become an administrator. The wall had its own meteorological sensors. Even now it was reading the incoming storm. Assessing wind speed, particulate density and dozens of other factors.
With that information it would create a digital copy of the storm. Then it would run that though one of DBI's models and create what amounted to a negative version. When the two storms met they would cause the other to collapse into nothing.
It wouldn't be able to protect anything beyond the wall. But anything inside would be protected from harm. Already the fans were spinning up. Forming a series of vortexes that began to join into a singular controlled maelstrom.
They watched the torrent of sand reach the wall and seemingly stop just short of it. It was an odd sight to be sure. Between the two was a patch of air that seemed to dance back and forth. One moment it was a layer of sand pushing in. Then next a pulse of driven air pushed it back.
An air of quiet had descended upon them all. The sight was an oddly hypnotic mix of horrifyingly destructive and gracefully controlled. The storm lasted for a few more minutes then died down slowly.
'That was… ' Ghira muttered.
'Impressive,' Kali finished.
'Yes. Quite so. I've not seen anything like that before,' Ghira said, nodding slowly.
'Just one of the technologies we'd be happy to share as part of our agreement,' Emmerich with a warm smile.
With that event over, their discussion returned to the usual diplomatic discussions. Nearly everything had been sorted out in prior negotiations. All that was left was the final agreement and the signing.
For the last part a press group was allowed inside the office. A mix of journalists from the Kingdoms, Menagerie and the Seran factions. Together Ghira and Emmerich signed the agreements paper and digital copies. Then they sat for photos followed by a slot for questions.
'Chieftain Belladonna, how is this agreement going to benefit the people of Menagerie overall?' One asked.
'The COG has agreed to provide us with investment, lend their technical expertise and provide training to our own people to develop our own skills. I believe that is more than fair for access to our resources,' Ghira said calmly.
'First Minister Emmerich, do you plan to sign these agreements with the other Kingdoms?' A second asked.
'We hope to come to agreements with all the Kingdoms. Together we can do vastly more than the sum of our parts,' Emmerich replied.
'Chieftain Belladonna, do you have any concerns with allowing the COG to administer land that is the rightful property of the faunus?'
'No. They're no different to any other outside party. They will pay taxes on any revenue generated. Comply with our laws. And be required to allow us to carry out inspections,' Ghira said with a nod.
'Are you including the fortification act clause in that statement?'
Emmerich felt his heart stop for a moment. Why? The. FUCK! WAS THAT PART OF THE DEAL?! Outwardly he adopted a look of slight concern.
'I'm sorry,' Ghira said, holding his hands up, 'I can't recall all parts of the agreement. Would you be able to detail the part you have concerns over?'
'According to the agreement. In the event the Coalition of Ordered Governments activates the fortification act they will have full authority to enact martial law on the land they've been loaned. Nationalize any resource or assets on that property. And take any and all measures necessary to ensure the COG's survival.'
You could have heard flies buzzing outside the room. Ghira looked over to Emmerich stiffly, his eyes a mix of worry, anger and shock. Emmerich took a calming breath and held out his hand to Figueroa. She already had the PDA out and powered up.
'One moment,' Emmerich said, keeping his voice level. The feeling of all eyes resting on him was crushing. He opened the digital agreement and searched for the section in question. His eyes scanned the text feeling a sense of familiarity.
'Ah. I see what's happened,' Emmerich said, his face gaining a slight smile, 'It seems we've used a standard template. That portion of the text is standard for international agreements in relation to resources and territory. A hold over from the original COG no doubt.'
'So it's just a mistake?' Ghira said a hint of warmth returning to his eyes.
'I'm afraid so. Stop the presses,' Emmerich said lightly, 'We're not taking anything from anyone. I'll have an amendment written up and we can get that sorted before I leave. Anything else we want to change while we're at it?'
There was a low round of chuckles at that as the situation was defused, barely. While things were tense afterwards they managed to avoid any more slip ups. A few minutes later a staffer knocked at the door and passed over the amendment. Seconds later the digital version updated as well.
With the cameras rolling still they signed the updated version removing the fortification act in its entirety. Ghira seemed more at ease with that done and almost looked regretful after the press were led out of the room.
'You have my deepest apologies for that,' Emmerich said, bowing his head slightly.
'No. No. I could see you were uncomfortable with it as well,' Ghira replied sitting down opposite him.
'If its any consolation I'm probably going to have to amend our agreement with Mistral as well. The wonders of technology are only matched by the horror of when it backfires.'
'Hmm. Good to see you're not all knowing and all powerful,' Ghira replied, 'Many people are worried by the idea of one person with so much power at their command.'
'Thankfully I don't stand alone. I've got a great team behind me who I can rely on for advice. Even when it's not what I want to hear,' Emmerich said.
'Still acting humble I see. You've done much for the faunus First Minister. For that I'll be forever grateful.'
Ghira held out his hand and they shook firmly.
With the remaining time Ghira and Kali showed Emmerich around the city for a time. But soon enough they returned to the port. Emissary had turned around and was ready for its departure. With a final farewell Emmerich boarded and returned to his stateroom.
Dropping into the chair he let out a long sigh. Then reached over and brought up a rear camera to watch their departure. The crowds waved as the ship moved clear of the pier, gradually picking up speed.
As the lifting engines activated and Emissary started to rise back into the air a burst of fireworks shot into the air. At least they didn't seem pissed. Emmerich thought. But they had every right to be by ignorance or intent the COG just tried to do them over and use his signature to do it.
Several hours later Emmerich had taken the chance to eat, wash and rest. He was part way through some work when a chime sounded. Glancing at the icon he could see that the Emissary was in range of the COG network. He paused his work and requested a call with Myers. Within moments Myers appeared on the screen.
'Sir,' Myers said with a polite nod, 'You look pissed.'
'I am,' Emmerich replied in a hard voice, 'That almost went well. But still something fucks up. Why didn't we catch that clause?'
'I've had some of our people look it over. No signs of fowl play that we've found. But the ambassador for Mistral did call. Seems they want their deal amended as well.'
'Great,' Emmerich sighed leaning back into his seat, 'They're pissed aren't they?'
'Somewhat yes,' Myers replied with a shrug.
'Oh only somewhat. How polite.'
'Don't think I'm making light of it. Seems they normally bargain hard in deals. If anything they seem impressed we kept that off their radar.'
'Not intentionally I remind you,' Emmerich muttered.
'Not at all. But I do have something that might cheer you up,' Myers said with a smile.
'Oh please do. Are we making Hickman walk the plank?'
'Better. Turn on your exterior view.'
Intrigued, Emmerich sat up and activated the exterior camera. Outside the hull was a postcard perfect view. Waves crashing against a shoreline with the sun just rising.
'What am I looking for?' Emmerich asked.
'They should be in view… now,' Meyers said.
A moment after his words Emmerich caught sight of the them in question. Two metallic blue prows came into view from around the coast. Shortly followed by the rest of the airship's hull.
'Ramos does work miracles,' Emmerich said.
'That she does. May I present Diplomat and Mediator. Emissary's younger but better sister ships,' Myers said with relish.
'We already have MK2 Emissaries ?' Emmerich asked.
'Oh you have no idea. Just keep watching.'
As the Emissary passed its sister ships both flashed their signal lights. Emmerich felt more then heard Emissary's horn blast and guessed the others had replied in kind. As they came around the bend the two ships had appeared from he blinked.
There was a Constructor hub below right by the coast. Around it were large industrial buildings in place of the residential he was used to. But that wasn't what had his attention. The docks set by the water had that.
A series of dry-docks had been built. Each had a number of gantries above them. Some with loads slung under them. Others empty but no doubt returning for their next consignment. Three were empty but in all the others a hull was taking shape. Sometimes multiple as he saw a pair of hulls sharing a dock.
'Welcome to Drake Bay. DBI's shipyard for the southern coast. Its partner Dragon Bay is on the north side,' Myers announced.
'What am I looking at?' Emmerich asked. His eyes scanned over the hive of industry below.
'Four more MK2 Emissary-class escorts. The first set of hulls for the Virtue-class cruisers. That's the airships. The rest are watercraft. Mostly cargo but a few will be for the navy. Some escorts and a pair of amphibious support vessels.'
'Support vessels?' Emmerich said with a hint of amusement.
'Yes, Sir. Totally legal support vessels… with a full forward battery for support.' Myers replied.
'Of Course,' Emmerich said with a faint smile.
He watched as a train arrived by the outer wall of the yard, no doubt loaded with material. Further out there was a whitish blue flash. Emmerich looked closer, seeing a row of turrets set along the coast. Another bright flash erupted from one of the railguns as they were test fired. So much progress already.
'How does she do all of this?' Emmerich wondered.
'I try not to think about it. That woman could forge an empire with what she found on the ground,' Myers said with a chuckle.
'I have to agree,' Emmerich said with a nod.
'She's still pissed with me though,' Myers added.
'Not as much as she is with me. I took the fall for Skip's loss and took the first Constructor off the line and gave it away, remember?' Emmerich noted.
'Yes. But then I "commandeered" another Constructor and one of her new airships,' Myers said, adding air quotes.
'Do I want to know why you wanted the second one?' Emmerich asked, cocking an eyebrow.
'Just thought we might want something in reserve. The Onyx have always had our own assets. I'm also getting to make some tweaks,' Myers said slyly.
'Tweaks? And here I thought you'd just paint it black.'
'Oh you have no idea. Just wait.'
Nothing moved in the streets of Boroughton. Nothing alive at any rate. The only things that were moving were the open doors, a set of signs over the main street and the weather vane on top of the main building. Then they emerged from the treeline around the town.
Each moved quickly, quietly and carefully. They were dressed in a mix of styles, colors and material. But each was armed. The weapons as diverse as their wielders. The ring of Huntsmen and Huntresses closed on the hamlet with swift steps.
Qrow's eyes scanned over the place again looking for anything. A door or window moving against the wind, the flash of something moving or anything else that could warn of danger. But there was nothing, just the wind pushing the doors and signs back and forth.
This place had them all on edge. He stole a glance at the others. All had stoic looks and were focused as he was. Even Jimmy's pet team was more rigid than usual.
Reaching the outer wall he found the first sign of the Swarm. A sequence of holes punched up the cobblestone barrier by a broken gate, a Snatcher had scaled the wall. Looking along it he saw more sets of holes where more must have done the same.
Pausing he nodded to the others and counted down on his fingers. At zero they dashed through the gateway and formed up on the other side. Still nothing.
They combed the place over. Building by building, room by room. But of the hundred people that should have lived here, they found no-one. The village had gone quiet over a week back. The neighboring village had sent a messenger. Who never returned.
Assuming Grimm or bandit attack they'd wisely called the Council. Who called Oz. Who took one look at the report and called Qrow.
The last few weeks they'd been hunting down Swarm creatures. The serans called them Snatchers and Pouncers. More animals than anything else. They'd managed to take them all down well enough. But something had always bothered Qrow.
When he'd first met one of the Snatchers. It had been trying to make off with Amber. Holding her within its guts like some freakish spider carrying its meal home. That was how they operated according to the serans. Taking people off to pod them and turn them into more monsters.
But all the one's they'd killed had been empty. Was that luck? Or had they been duped into chasing bait? He had his answer. Whilst they'd been running around in the wild like a band of amateurs. These things had taken a whole town. Fast enough that no-one had managed to get a call out.
'Clear,' The man calling himself Fortune announced finally. Stowing the hooked rod he carried.
'Anyone else think this place is fucking haunted,' Nova grumbled.
'Stow that. We don't need any more negativity. This place must be a draw already,' Qrow said.
'I agree if a battle took place the Grimm should be drawn here. So where are they?' Sprout noted.
'This just isn't right. On so many levels,' Nova muttered.
Qrow let him vent this time. Instead choosing to walk over to see what their detectives made of this place. They both insisted they were consultants only. Since neither could keep their badges for long.
Nix and Sep were examining a set of bullet holes in the side of a building.
'Standard caliber for a hunting rifle,' Nix said, straightening out his black coat.
'True. Say what? About one for every five houses in a place like this,' Sep remarked, tipping back her brown cap.
'Tell me you got something,' Qrow asked as he reached them.
'We've got a whole lot of nothing,' Sep said walking into a house she spoke.
'Great. Just great,' Qrow said, scratching his beard. He'd need to shave soon enough.
'Oh it's worse than that,' Nix said, nodding up the road.
'I'm not here for the long story. What's worse than a hundred people going missing.'
'You seen any weapons or even casings?' Nix asked, crouching down.
'Weapons? Casings?' Qrow said thinking for a moment, 'Now that you mention it. No. No I haven't.'
'Whole lot of bullet holes. But no guns or ammo. Spent or otherwise,' Nix said walking along the side of a house.
'Could be they just shot what they had. Perhaps the gear and casings just got pressed into the mud,' Qrow suggested pointing at the soft ground.
'No luck there chief,' Sep said walking back out.
'What do you mean?' Qrow asked, feeling the hair rise on the back of his neck.
'I've checked ten houses now. Gun racks in half of them. All empty. A few had safes in them but it's like they've been ripped out.'
'Wait. Wait just a second,' Qrow said walking to the main street.
His eyes ran over the signs then he stopped on the symbol of an anvil. Walking over he found two more of their number walking out.
'Oh hi Qrow. We were jus-' One started.
'I don't care. Just tell me if there was anything in there?' Qrow snapped.
'Sorry the place was cleaned out. Looks like the owner up and left,' The other replied.
Qrow shouldered past them ignoring their shouts. They weren't wrong. The place was bare. There were patches on the floor where an anvil must have been. Against a wall he could see the shape of a forge. But only the evidence of where it had all been.
He pulled out his scroll and picked the channel for all of the others.
'Everyone not on guard duty. Get to the main square now. No exceptions,' He said firmly.
A few minutes later they were assembled in the square. All were uneasy. People he'd lead into some of the darkest places and they all felt it. This place wasn't dead. It was desecrated.
'Alright. This place was hit. That we know. But there's more,' Qrow said looking around them, 'From the looks of things they didn't just take the people. All the weapons and ammo are missing as well. Did anyone else notice something missing? Anything at all?'
They glanced at each other for a moment. A few started to mumble.
'There's no dust. Not that I could find.' One shouted.
'Yeah. Nothing, not even bits left by a fireplace,' Someone added.
'Same for fuel. I walked past the general store. Pump outside read empty,' A third called out.
'Not just the fuel, all the tool racks were empty,' A forth cried.
The mumbling had grown as they all got more unnerved.
'The foods gone,' A fifth said. Her voice seemed to cut through the noise and the group went quiet.
'They stripped the fucking place,' Nova said softly.
A few more moments passed with nothing moving in Boroughton. A group of the toughest, most skilled and veteran Huntsmen and Huntresses Qrow knew. And all of them felt like children in an empty house with the lights off. That at any moment whatever did this would come back.
'There is no way those things carted all that stuff off without leaving a trail. Get looking. The tracks might be faint but we'll find something,' Qrow ordered. More to get them back on task than anything else.
They spread out and after a few minutes found what they were looking for. A set of marks left by a truck. One that must have left the village in the last few days. Heading for the quarry where the blue stone that the town had traded in was located.
Nothing like following a horde of monsters right into their lair.