Emmerich didn't bother trying to run, Merlot's androids would get him in seconds and even if they didn't he'd have no idea where to go. Attacking wasn't an option since Merlot would have aura plus any tricks hidden inside his prosthesis. That left talking till the situation changed, the irony of having to run his mouth to save his skin wasn't lost on him.

'I'd imagine you'd be telling me about how your former employer came to be in her current state,' Emmerich said calmly before starting to walk around the room.

As the androids didn't have a response ready for him doing that. That or they might have the same restrictions like the DeeBees. Or perhaps Merlot just wanted his ego stroked and ordered them to remain still.

'She is a marvel isn't she? The only hybrid between Grimm and humans that I've seen remains so stable. It's remarkable how she's not only retained her awareness of self but is able to exert her will over the Grimm,' Merlot said with a smile that showed his mental state.
'So you've seen others who've been fused in such a way?' Emmerich asked, he had to keep the conversation going.
'Oh yes. And not just me, many have tried throughout the years. Of course their methods were cruder than mine. I've all the knowledge of two worlds now. With it I'll glean the secret to her, uniqueness and then… Well there is little that I won't be able to do.'

Emmerich was now completely sure that Merlot's genius was more due to him being so far beyond sanity he'd crossed the line, perhaps more than once. Coming around to stand beside the table Salem was on he could see her eyes staring up at him, screaming for him to do something, anything! But that wasn't an option, perhaps he could stab her with one of the tools but there was no way to be sure she'd resurrect free of whatever was keeping her trapped.

'Not yet,' He mouthed silently before turning about, 'That does not explain how she and I assume how your former colleagues came to be held here.'
'Oh how could I turn aside such specimens? It's so hard to find those who truly are at the apex of their species. If they could see just how valuable they are being here I'm sure the restraints wouldn't be needed,' Merlot said with a shrug, 'But it's of no matter. Progress marches on and you are one that I would dearly like to progress my study of.'
'Does Fisher share that sentiment? It was of the mind he wanted you to rip out my semblance so he could have it for himself.'

'Ah so you understood the procedure. I'd hoped you would. After-all your semblance is the most destabilizing of any known,' Merlot said with a glint in his eyes, both organic and artificial.
'Because when it works I get to cheat?' Emmerich offered.
'Because from how I understand it you're able to view potential futures.'

'Only to a point and not at the moment, I've been having performance issues,' Emmerich said, folding his arms.
'So the reports said. Though I'd imagine your problems are simply down to lack of training,' Merlot said tapping his finger together.
'Training? And here I thought that semblances were unique yet all I needed was someone else who shares mine.'

'Please don't try to act like a fool. It doesn't suit you,' Merlot growled, 'You're well aware of the fact that there are semblances that are hereditary and that for all the talk of each being its own there are only so many ways they can manifest.'
'So what, you're going to get me a tutor? I'm not quite in a learning mood,' Emmerich said with a glare.
'Nonsense. I've already devised the likely problem you're having based on others with precognition and other extra sensory semblances.'

'That being?' Emmerich asked faintly interested.
'You are looking at too much and seeking too much detail. The sheer amount of information you're trying to parse by examining each future down to its minor parts is likely overloading your ability to process it all,' Merlot said as if diagnosing a patient.
Emmerich suppressed a shiver at that thought, 'So you're suggesting that I need to look at the big picture and that will solve the problem?'

'That is it exactly,' Fisher announced as he strode into the room, 'You need to stop worrying about all the little people, focus on the larger questions.'
'I used to be a little person, I don't like that train of thinking,' Emmerich said looking at Fisher.
'Come on now Alec. I invited you here to give you a show of what's possible if you work with me.'

Fisher walked over to the cell holding the giant man in heavy restraints and tapped on the glass, 'This big lug is able to prevent himself from feeling pain, it's a minor thing most of the time, but imagine injured people who don't need painkillers. On top of that he's got an aura something those from Sera like you and me lack. Who wouldn't want to have all the benefits of a boosted physical body and full on protection from harm.'

He walked around, continuing his little presentation like a salesman, 'This one here? He's got a natural substance that we're using to give the venom bombs an extra kick. And he's Faunus. Think about all the options we can open up once we're able to sequence them. Natural night vision, gills to breathe underwater and all those other traits we can gain from them.'

'You're talking about them like they're parts for you to take and slot in at will,' Emmerich interrupted.
'Isn't that the COG ideal? That we're all equal? Why can't we let people give themselves the same gifts others were born with?' Fisher said with his arms wide.
'So what do you say to the Faunus? The actual Faunus who've suffered due to discrimination and still do outside our borders. That's a nice feature of your biology. In fact we've copied it and it's now fashionable.'

'Oh but that's the best part. You know we're already hosting the first generations of babies born inside the COG from Faunus parents? What if they should decide to ask us to go further with the treatments their child receives?' Fisher asked.
'You don't mean?' Emmerich muttered, his stomach dropping.
'That's right. We already insist they let us fix genetic problems, hearts, eyes and what not. But what if we gave them the option to have a child with no outward traits?'

'What parent would take that offer! You're talking like us ensuring they have a healthy life is the same as stripping them of their identity? Where would it stop? Hmm? Do you offer to let Tryans alter their child to appear like a Southern Islander? There would be an outcry!'
'You're getting stuck in the past Alec,' Fisher sneered.
'We're shaped by our past. As people and as cultures. What was done during the Archipelago War was barbaric, even at the time. So much so it led to Nassar Embry to write the Oculus Canon to try and stop such an act being repeated. Perhaps you've heard of it, our founding document?'

'And what about the things you don't let people know? You don't let anyone have the full story. You and everyone who ran the COG before you are hypocrites,' Fisher pointed out.
'Oh we all know that the COG doesn't tell everyone everything. But I've tried to keep things straight as I can,' Emmerich said glaring at Fisher.
'And what about those two cops you got killed in Settlement 2? The ones you sat in therapy crying about the nightmares over? Did you tell your adoring public how you sent them out of the shelter and they got ripped apart?'

Emmerich took a long breath, 'I asked them to go and unjam the outer door. They did so, at the cost of their lives. Because of their actions all the citizens inside were protected. As much as I'm sure you were hoping that would make me wilt and sob I think you'll find I've come to terms with what I did. So kindly fuck off.'
'Hmm. You've more spine then I gave you credit for, I'll give you that,' Fisher said with a smile, 'Doctor, why don't you bring out our other esteemed guest.
'With pleasure,' Merlot said.

He turned so he was looking at one of the cells, it was further back so Emmerich hadn't seen whomever was inside. Then Merlot raised his prosthetic arm and flicked his wrist. The door of the cell unlocked and cycled open.

'Exit the cell, turn to face us and approach till you're within five metres,' Melot ordered.

Emmerich watched as the DeeBee from the experiment marched out. It turned like it was on parade and then walked up to them. There was a faint twitch of its optic but it might have just been a trick of the light.

'Enable audio and introduce yourself,' Merlot commanded.
'Professor Ozpin of Beacon Academy,' The android said, the tone of its voice distorted into a mix of Ozpin's voice and the machine's own dull tone.
'What the hell have you done?' Emmerich asked in horror.

The trapped mind tried to ask a question, 'Where… Is… Osca-'
'Quiet,' Fisher ordered, the mere word making Ozpin's voice cut off, 'I tried to sell you on the future Alec. But if you keep being so stubborn this is the alternative.'
'Who was he asking about? The boy you ripped him out of?' Emmerich asked.
'Ah yes, Oscar Pine. He's quite an important factor himself,' Merlot said, tapping his fingers together.

'Do you have no decency? You tortured a child for what? So you could put someone's mind into a DeeBee,' Emmerich snarled.
'Come on Alec. Think of the benefits this all will bring. The people of Remnant need our guidance, remember back at the tournament? How we agreed they weren't ready for a war. They would have already lost if it wasn't for us,' Fisher said, spreading his hands.
'So what? You think that the best thing is the COG invading them? And how does what you've done to Ozpin fit into this? You said this was the alternative if I don't help you. Does that mean you'll strip the minds and semblances out of people who resist?' Emmerich asked.

'You almost got it,' Fisher said, 'We're just using this tin-can because we wanted him mobile. Actual offenders we can just load into the core that's needed and warehouse them till we're able to perfect the corrections.'
'Corrections?' Emmerich asked, feeling as if he'd found a new level of horror.
'Yes, right now we can order him to give us information, but having him give it up is one part. Now think of what could be done if we could change it? Skills and knowledge granted at a stroke,' Fisher said, snapping his fingers.

'And you'll be able to strip them of anything you don't want. Or alter their memories to suit your desires,' Emmerich took a long breath, 'Oh how I wish we'd killed Niles Samson. That man's mind has unleashed nothing but horrors upon the world.'
'You knew this was Dr. Samsons' work?' Merlot asked, taking an interest.
'Oh yes. Right alongside making the Locust for Fisher and his little clique of parasites I'm aware that he was working on uploading minds into machines. In at least two instances his deranged copies were found still active.'

Merlot's eyes were wide with glee, 'Really? Then there could be more. This is great news once we're able to return to Sera. I can seek ou-'
'Thank you doctor. But I think it's about time Alec returned to his accommodation,' Fisher said, cutting off any further words, 'Guards!'

Two DeeBees marched into the room, stomping past Merlot's own androids and coming to a stop beside Emmerich. He took the hint and started walking along with one taking the lead and another falling in behind. The path back was different, likely to stop him from guessing the layout.

But his mind was already on other things. Merlot had blurted out something important, that they weren't able to go back to Sera. It had been years since their arrival.

In that time Fisher had clearly been siphoning off resources and yet they weren't able to return home. Surely that would have been a priority, after all being able to hop between Remnant and Sera would have opened up a number of options. The fact they weren't doing that implied that either they were having problems, or there was no going back.

That brought a smile to Emmerich's face. This whole cascade was started because Fisher and his people wanted to jump ship when the war had gotten too close. Now they were stuck here with everyone that had come along for the ride.

Now how to u-

'General alert! General alert! All personnel proceed to your designated post. This is not a drill. Repeat!' A voice shouted over a speaker mounted to the wall.
'What's going- Ah,' Emmerich was shoved by the DeeBee.
'Proceed, do not halt.'

He kept walking, there was a slim chance that someone had found this place and was mounting a rescue. Emmerich just hoped that whoever had triggered that alarm was aware of what they were doing. No doubt Fisher would have something hidden away for intruders.


'Well they know we're coming, that's for sure,' Mercury said from his seat.
'It's a standard pattern COG radar set for very low power, likely attempting to avoid drawing attention,' Penny said from the pilot's seat as she looked over the instruments.
'That fits with what we know about these people. They're right where the old map said they'd be,' Watts said from the co-pilot's chair as he examined the photo he'd taken against the Bullhead's own maps.

As expected the island wasn't on the regular maps. It was large enough to be but without a village or location of interest it had likely been left out. After all who wanted to go into the middle of nowhere and poke around a volcanic island.

'And why are we not waiting for backup? If this is where they're keeping Salem it's going to be guarded,' Emerald asked.
'We can't call Ironwood for this. Running back to him might get us out of trouble or he might be about to be turned to ash without any warning. This is far closer than we could have ever expected to get to this area. So we must seize the opportunity,' Watts said, checking the radar again.
'Um… Who is Salem?' Penny asked.

The other three exchanged a look. They'd gotten so used to Penny they'd forgotten she was here on Ironwood's orders. And wasn't actually privy to how they knew to head south and find this place.

'She's been my commanding officer whilst I was away from Atlas,' Watts said, hoping the truth and the lie would cover each other.
'Oh… I don't recall any officer known as Salem on the records,' Penny said tilting her head whilst still focusing forwards.
'She's not on the records. Ironwood doesn't like anyone knowing about her,' Emerald said, trying to fill in the gaps like Watts.

'Ah so she's some sort of secret operative? That must be quite stressful to manage,' Penny said with a worried tone.
'You have no idea,' Mercury said, sighing as they dodged that bullet.
'I'm picking up two craft leaving the island,' Watts said as the radar flickered.

'I see them… But I'm not sure what they are…' Penny said, trying to get extra details by tuning the radar onto one.
'Well they're not those big ones they use to haul cargo. They're moving way too fast,' Mercury said, leaning around to see the display.
'Dragonflies perhaps? Those would be able to move like this,' Watts said with a tilt of his head.

Then another contact appeared on each of the radar tracks. Whilst the craft had been moving fast these were at a sprint. A sub-processes in the back of Penny's mind snapped to the forefront.

Whilst she'd checked the list Ramos had given her for the details about the Honor she'd also taken a look at the other two projects they'd tried to investigate. At the time the materials hadn't made any sense to her. So she'd set a small part of herself to trying to figure it out hoping to give Ramos an answer next time they spoke.

It hadn't taken up much and had been working away trying to figure out what those places could have been working on. At the same time she'd been trying to figure out what these craft were, that sub-process had suddenly snapped off a warning to her. It was the radar band coming from them that had tipped her off.

That band wasn't used by the COG Air Corps, so these were not Dragonflies, it was a COG Naval band. With that information she'd run a check on their performance and the result made her slam the controls hard to the left and down. Her little revelation had taken less than a second to occur, which is what saved them.

Mercury, Watts and Emerald didn't have any idea about this. All they knew was the moment those new icons had appeared Penny and suddenly put them into a nosedive. It was terrifying to say the least.

'Pennyyy!' Watts shouted.
'I'm sorry, bu-' A pair of loud booms cut off Penny's apology.
'What was that?' Mercury shouted, gripping his seat-rests with a death-grip.

'Active air to air radar guided missiles,' Penny said, pulling out of the dive at the last moment. She changed heading for a smaller set of islands that would give them some cover.
'What? Who fired at us?' Emerald shouted.
'The two Petrel strike craft that are attacking us.'

'What the hell are those?' Mercury cried.
'COG Supersonic multi role aircraft, they can be used to bomb targets or engage enemy air threats,' Penny said, yanking the controls again as something flew past them shaking the airship.
'Did they just pass us?' Watts shouted.

'I needed to see what they were carrying,' Penny said, looking over at him.
'And?' Watts asked, hoping for an answer he knew wasn't coming.
'They are not carrying any bombs,' Penny said, leaving what they were armed with unsaid.
'Oh we are so dead,' Mercury whined as the icons for the Petrels circled around for their next attack.