Weiss let out a breath, slowly relaxing the muscles in her back and shoulders. She nearly jumped when Ruby laid a hand on her shoulder, but...by now she was used to her partner's touchy-feely nature.

"Weiss? Are you...um, is everything okay?" Ruby's silver eyes peered at her, and Weiss found herself smiling despite herself.

"Yes, Ruby. I'm...fine." When Ruby's stare didn't change, she scoffed and shook her head. "Really. My father is many things, but he's not a fool. He won't interfere in the General's business without good reason."

"That isn't really what I'm worried about, though..."

She patted Ruby's hand, still on her shoulder, then gently lifted it off and stepped away. "I know. But...really. I'm all right."

After a long moment, Ruby nodded. Then, Winter cleared her throat. "Well. Now that the...diversion has completed, I believe you need to determine what you intend to do with your time before the mission."

Yang crossed her arms, tapping her fingertips against her bicep thoughtfully. "Well...honestly, I don't even know what there is to do here. What's fun here in Atlas?"

After a moment, Weiss found herself chuckling. "Honestly, Yang, most of the entertainment here probably isn't your style. And I can't say I'm in the mood for any of the usual options, either..." She locked eyes with her sister, and was pleased to see the smallest smile on the older Schnee's face.

Suddenly, Penny bounced in place, hand in the air. "Um...I could introduce you all to my home? My father is currently preoccupied in the city below, but he's granted access permissions for all of you as my team-members!"

Ruby's eyes sparkled slightly. "That sounds awesome!"

Yang shrugged. "Sure, that's fine with me."

"I admit, I'm interested." Blake nodded. "And there isn't much else I'd want to do in Atlas, anyway."

Winter looked to Weiss, and she simply nodded in acknowledgment.

"Very well. Penny, would you like to lead the way?"

"Yes!"

As they followed Penny and Winter through the streets of Atlas, Blake found herself...conflicted. Striding through the clean streets, looking at the expensive architecture...it really started to drive home the bargain they'd struck.

There was a time that the thought of working with Atlas would have made Blake sick to her stomach, and it seemed those days weren't entirely behind her. Because no matter what types of people they passed in the streets or saw on the great display screens...there wasn't a single Faunus in sight. She chewed on her lip. What they were doing was important, and working with Ironwood was the right choice. Yet...

You are troubled.

...Yeah. This is the logical decision, but I have...many grudges with Atlas. This is important enough to set this aside, I know it is, but even so.

"So your father is in the city below? That's...Mantle, right?" Yang's gaze swept back and forth and up, taking in the architecture all around them. She, at least, doesn't realize the cost of all this...you know, there was a time that would have made me angry.

For what reason?

That kind of ignorance is part of why the Faunus struggle so much. But...it isn't her fault. Not really.

"Yes! Although my father has a state-of-the-art workshop here in Atlas, he also maintains a smaller shop and clinic in Mantle City!"

"Clinic? Is your dad a doctor?"

Winter hummed thoughtfully. "Doctor Polendina is...a unique specialist. He provides civilian-grade prosthetics to those injured in the course of their jobs at cost. It was one of the projects he insisted on when he acquired his contract with the Atlas military."

Blake huffed. When their eyes turned to her, she grimaced. "Sorry."

"Blake? What is it?"

She chewed her lips. "I don't...want to get into it right now. Don't mind me."

Penny's gaze was curious and almost hurt, which only made her feel worse.

Then, Weiss spoke. "I believe Blake is upset because...a disproportionate number of those customers are Faunus laborers. Much of the population of Mantle City is, to be fair, but...Dust mining is a hazardous profession." Weiss glanced to the side, rubbing one arm nervously. "I'm...sorry, Blake."

She took a deep breath...and let it out. "It's not your fault, Weiss. When we first met, I blamed you for it all and took it out on you – that was wrong of me. You don't make the SDC's policies."

"Not yet." Weiss shook her head. "I always planned on making changes once I inherit the company, but...I didn't completely understand how badly they were needed until I looked into reports. Because of the things you said."

Yang looked around again, frowning. "...Now that you mention it, I haven't really seen any Faunus since we've been here. Are they all working in Mantle right now, or something?"

Weiss and Blake both grimaced. "Well..." Weiss began, looking to Blake.

"Living space in Atlas City is of 'restricted availability.' Because it's a flying city, of course. So getting access requires a pass issued by the Council."

When she didn't continue, Ruby's eyes widened. "Oh. And...um, Faunus don't receive many passes, then...?"

Blake simply nodded, and Yang scoffed. "That's so stupid. What, are they afraid the Faunus are going to corrupt the city or something?"

"From what I've heard, the original argument was fear. Because a Faunus having a child with a human always results in a Faunus child, there was fear that the city would eventually become nothing but Faunus. Now, of course, it's more subtle than that." Blake tapped her gauntlet against her leg irritably. "Really, I'd rather we just...dropped the topic. I appreciate it, guys, but I'd rather everyone tried to enjoy the city. It'll be okay." She tried a smile, but gave it up after a moment.

Faunus children are universally Faunus?

Yeah. Every time. Why?

That is an interesting evolutionary trait.

...Hmm. I guess so. I've never really thought about it.

Obsidian's curiosity rumbled in her soul as they entered Pietro Polendina's workshop, and Penny began enthusiastically showing Ruby the equipment. Blake simply allowed herself to be lost in the sound of their voices.

You have made some progress toward satisfying a Curiosity.