The city of Atlas was certainly impressive. The airport they'd touched down in had an incredible view – the city floated high enough in the air that they could see miles of snowy hills all around. Top that off with the shiny, clean lines of the architecture and Yang would admit she was impressed.

Ironwood nodded at them. "My duties shouldn't take long to resolve. I expect we'll reconvene in a few hours. Enjoy your time in the city, girls, but remember what comes later." With that, he turned on his heel and took a step towards the door - which slid open to reveal an older, white-haired man in a seriously expensive suit.

"Ah, General, excellent. I'd hoped my information was correct."

Ironwood's eyebrows rose. "Jacques? I...apologize, I wasn't expecting you here. I'm afraid I'm on a tight schedule today, is this something we can handle later?"

"Oh, no need to worry. I'm merely here to welcome you back to Atlas, and..." He glanced over Ironwood's shoulder and Yang felt a pit forming in her chest. "Weiss, good. I'm glad to see you secured transport back to Atlas. Now we'll be able to finalize your entry into the Academy."

For a moment, nobody spoke. Then Weiss visibly pulled herself together, straightening her spine and hardening her face. "My...entry, father?"

Yang could see Ruby out of the corner of her eye, face whipping back and forth between Jacques and Weiss, a look of...concerned confusion that was slowly becoming more intense. Still, she kept her silence.

"Of course. Vale is obviously no longer a fit location for you to study, given the recent turbulence. As such, I've arranged your transfer with the Deputy Headmaster in Atlas; they merely need you for a few formalities."

Weiss blinked, a hand rising in front of her chest protectively. "Father...I'm not currently a student."

"Obviously, considering the current state of Beacon. Now, come. Time is short; we can discuss this on the way."

"No, father, I -"

"Actually, Jacques, she's working with me at the moment."

Jacques Schnee, one of the most powerful men in the world (according to the magazines Yang occasionally read), froze, turning very slowly to face the General. "I'm sorry?"

Ironwood cleared his throat. "After what happened in Vale, I've put together an investigative task force out of certain standout talents. Your daughter among them."

Jacques' eyes narrowed. "I see. And has she signed a contract? Is she committed to this venture?"

"A contract...didn't exactly seem necessary-"

"Good. Then she'll be withdrawing from this task force immediately. Come, Weiss."

He turned without another word, assuming Weiss was just going to follow him like...like a pet, or a...Yang saw red, and took a deep breath, stepping forward -

"No!"

- only to freeze as Weiss' voice rang out across the airport. Jacques, likewise, turned slowly to face them. "What did you say?"

"I said...no." Weiss' feet were planted, her arms crossed defensively...but her face could have been carved from ice. "This isn't some...flight of fancy, father. This is important. What happened in Vale wasn't an isolated incident. We're trying to prevent it from spreading."

Jacques scoffed. "And you are somehow irreplaceable to this task? You have other duties, Weiss. Duties that have gone neglected."

"Actually, Jacques, your daughter and her team were instrumental to the defense of Vale and Beacon." As the eldest Schnee turned back to him, Ironwood shook his head. "Without them, the damage could have been catastrophic...and I might not have made it out if not for Miss Schnee specifically."

It was only a tiny fraction, but Yang watched Jacques' eyes widen, then narrow thoughtfully. "Is that so...? Hmm." His eyes swept over them, and for a moment Yang felt like an animal in a pet store; like her value was being judged and cataloged. Then the moment passed. "...Very well. For the moment, I'll withdraw my objections. General...we'll be speaking about this later."

Ironwood nodded, and Jacques straightened his tie. "Weiss...welcome home. We'll speak again soon." His eyes swept across them once more and then, with a spin, he was gone from the doorway. Yang felt something slowly uncoiling in her chest, and she let out a breath.

It was only as she saw a splash of white enter her peripheral vision that she realized something.

Winter had been standing next to her the whole time, and Jacques hadn't said a word.

A/N: Closing this chapter here seems appropriate. It's on the shorter side, but I'll be attempting to put out another tomorrow.

In other news, I've moved to a new job and am in a much better place mentally. A bit tired, for the moment working 49.5 hour weeks, but that should change in a month or so. Once things settle, I expect this will be very good for my writing ability.