Chp. 14: Emotional Attraction
Atlas Academy
Headmaster's Office
A couple hours had passed as General Ironwood, Lieutenant Colonel Harper, and Thornmane were all in the General's office with the latter looking out the window, while the General and the Lieutenant Colonel were having a discussion. Soon, Keaton, Cassandra, Alex, Bulldog, Ice Pick, Missionary, and Steel walked inside the office and approached the General's desk. Ironwood, Harper, and Thornmane took notice of the Americans.
"Thank you for coming. Lieutenant Colonel Harper was just filling me in on what you've discovered in Atlas," Ironwood said.
"We believe Amoncio Glass has an accomplice in the military who is supplying Atlesian weaponry to his operation," Harper said.
"This person might also be the one stealing our weapons too," Cassandra said.
"So what about the orbs? Were those from Arrowfell like you said?" Keaton asked.
Ironwood and Harper looked at each other for a moment before looking back at the Americans.
"We don't know where those came from yet," Harper answered.
"But we know what they do and how they do it," Thornmane finally spoke as he then turned around and walked up next to Ironwood's desk.
"I believe you all met Bram Thornmane," Harper said.
"Yes, we've met in Essen," Bulldog said.
"And we know that the orbs attract Grimm," Ice Pick said.
"Hmmm... Do you know how they work?" Thornmane asked.
"Dr. Polendina said he thinks the orbs are containers," Alex answered.
"This may sound crazy but I have one small theory on this. Could the orbs somehow be containers for emotions? Raw emotions?" Steel asked. "Dr. Polendina also stated that the orbs' cores have some sort of energy harnesser."
"That's not possible," Missionary said.
"Actually, for one man, it is possible," Thornmane said.
"Amoncio Glass?" Ice Pick asked.
"No. Glass is just a distributor," Harper answered.
"Hanlon Fifestone. Mantle's most celebrated Union Leader," Ironwood said.
The Americans all looked at each other for a moment before looking back at the General.
"So how does he do it exactly?" Alex asked.
"It's his semblance. He can extract pure emotion. And these orbs can contain it," Thornmane answered.
"Then that means..." Keaton spoke before being cut off.
"Fifestone is using the orbs to incite Grimm," Harper finished.
"But why exactly? What's the motive behind all this?" Steel asked.
"Perhaps as a way to hurt or damage Atlas and to boost Mantle's moral against Atlas. As you can tell the relationship between Atlas and Mantle isn't exactly great," Harper answered.
"Atlas and its elites look down at Mantle," Ice Pick said.
"Yeah. Both literally and figuratively," Steel added.
"Mantle is quite the city. Compared to Essen, it's sprawling and densely packed with citizens," Thornmane said.
"That's right. Fifestone can't be tracked down so easily there. And if I may say so outright, unlike Atlas, the conditions there are... unfortunate, really," Harper added. "But you can't really avoid the rough spots and consider the search thoroughly, can you? You all will just have to do your best."
"I'm sure we'll find him at some point. He can't stay in hiding forever," Bulldog said.
The Americans turned around and walked out of General Ironwood's office.
Library
March 1, 2020
A few days had passed as Keaton, Cassandra, Alex, Bulldog, Ice Pick, Missionary, and Steel had been in Mantle searching through the streets of Mantle for Hanlon Fifestone. So far they have had no luck in finding him. Right now Keaton, Alex, and Cassandra were all sitting at a table in the library discussing their plans on finding Fifestone.
"The crate that had been missing has been recovered from Glass's complex. But some of the weapons that were inside it are still missing," Alex said.
"The mercenaries must still be holding on to the rest of our stolen weapons," Keaton said. "Any luck with finding Fifestone yet?"
"Still no luck on finding him," Cassandra answered.
"Well, I have convinced Bulldog and the others to set up surveillance cameras all over Mantle," Keaton said.
"Hopefully they can catch something," Alex said.
"There were also some rumor that Faunus in Mantle have been disappearing lately," Cassandra said.
"Well, we'll keep an eye out as we continue to look for Fifestone," Keaton said.
"We could include the Happy Huntresses into our search. I'm sure that they would have some form of relationship with Fifestone," Cassandra said.
"Maybe we should. They could make the search faster for us. Though reluctantly because like you said, they might have some form of relationship with him due to them wanting to help Mantle," Keaton said.
"That's true. But I'm sure they'll understand why we want to bring him in once we explain to her what's been happening involving the orbs," Cassandra said. "I'll go on and check the surveillance cameras. You guys do what you want."
"I'm getting a coffee," Alex said as he got up from his seat.
"I guess I'll join you then," Keaton said as he got up too.
The two men walked out of the library and into the hallway. As they were walking down the hall, the two noticed Lieutenant Colonel Harper walking passed them looking through her Scroll. Alex looked back at the Lieutenant, admiring her figure. He turned to face Keaton who had taken notice of him watching Harper leave.
"Wish me luck," Alex said.
Alex walks over to follow Harper as Keaton shrugged and walked away. Alex soon caught up to Harper and tapped on her shoulder catching her attention.
"Sergeant Barker. How can I help you?" Harper asked.
"I was wondering if you'd join me for some coffee," Alex said.
"I've got work to do," Harper said.
"It's only brief. One short break can't hurt. Even we get breaks at some point," Alex said. "What do you say?"
Harper pondered in thought for a moment before giving her answer to the marine.
"I suppose a cup won't hurt," she said before stuffing her Scroll in her pocket.
Alex and Harper then walked down the hallway together for a coffee break.
Meanwhile inside another hallway, Keaton had been walking down the hallway After walking around a corner, he then saw someone he didn't expect to see for a while longer. It was Winter Schnee. The Specialist noticed the Captain and approached him.
"Specialist Schnee," Keaton greeted.
"Captain Gordon," Winter replied.
"What are you doing here?" Keaton asked. "I thought you'd still be at Mountain Glenn training some of our American troops in Huntsmen."
"I am. I had them transferred here temporarily for more training exercises," Winter answered.
"Ah," Keaton said.
"I have heard what has been happening here while I was gone," Winter said.
"It's been a crazy few weeks to say the least. We're currently searching for a Union leader in Mantle suspected for inciting Grimm attacks," Keaton said.
"I see. How are you and your men enjoying your stay in Atlas?" Winter asked.
"It's kept us occupied. That's for sure," Keaton answered.
"I'm sure it would be for anyone in your world," Winter said.
"How are the men you're training?" Keaton asked.
"They are making an incredible process. They're learning fast and are more compliant then the other Huntsmen I've trained in Atlas," Winter answered.
"I can imagine. Our men are no nonsense people," Keaton said.
"I can see that since they were already trained soldiers. I am getting more and more curious on how your world functions," Winter said.
"Once arrangements are made between Atlas and the U.S., maybe you can be allowed to go to Earth and see for yourself," Keaton said.
Winter pondered for a moment before giving her answer.
"I suppose that would be approvable."
"I'm sure you'll love to see Earth, just as I am with Remnant," Keaton said.
Suddenly, Keaton's radio starts to go off as Cassandra speaks from it.
"Sergeant Rogers to Captain Gordon, do you read me?" she asked.
Keaton pulled out his radio and answered it.
"This is Captain Gordon. I read you," Keaton answered. "What is it?"
"One of the cameras has captured a glimpse of Hanlon Fifestone," Cassandra said.
"Copy that. Notify the others. We'll meet down in Mantle," Keaton replied before putting away his radio and looking up at Winter. "Duty calls."
"Be careful out there," Winter said.
"When am I not ever careful?" Keaton jokingly asked with a smirk.
Keaton turned around and walked away as Winter watched him leave for a moment before walking away too.
Author's Note: I have a question to ask you all. I have a Deviantart account and I was wondering how would you all feel if I put in my concept art for many of the characters in the RWBY and Earth series at some point. What do you all think?