A/N: Quite fortunate for Akira to make it through with her issues of the Human and Faunus Cold War. Kasheer certainly doesn't make it any helpful always picking on her. But she was Triumphant. Not only that, but Gaia is getting an unexpected visit from Authur Watts. What could be going on...
Chapter 20: Infiltration
An airship arrives in the Kingdom of Atlas. It's time for yet another mission for Team PASM to take on. Patrick finds himself feeling disappointed they are set, once again, with Winter Schnee as their Huntress. At least this time they are meeting on kinder grounds. Still at each other's throats but less threatening.
The airship lands in Mantle. On that note, they start walking down the streets. Citizens are surprised to see Winter Schnee, they stand aside moving out of her way. Patrick walks by her side with the girls behind them. Patrick looks around the city as they walk. Winter has her eyes set on him to take notice.
"Must be surprising for you to come here after committing a criminal act," Winter says.
"An act that involved your father and his business," Patrick says.
"That is beside the point!" Winter says.
While the two of them quietly argue, Akira, Marlene, and Selena follow them from behind, wondering. "What do you suppose they're talking about?" Marlene asks.
"Who knows, but I find it surprising Commander Schnee is keeping Patrick real close to her," Akira says.
"Why is she anyhow?" Selena asks.
The girls put their heads together thinking. Then Marlene gasps. "You don't think...They have a thing with each other." She whispers.
"WE CAN HEAR YOU!" Patrick and Winter yell, angry and annoyed.
Winter escorts Team PASM until they arrive at a lab. Inside there's an old man in a wheelchair going over his files. "Dr. Pietro Polendina."
Dr. Pietro looks up to see Winter and company. "Ah, Commander Schnee. Welcome." His wheelchair moves from his desk towards the group. Among them, he recognizes one of them. "Marlene! My, I haven't seen you in ages."
"Dr. Polendina. It's good to see you again." Marlene says, as they both hug.
this leaves the rest of the team confused. "You two know each other?" Selena asks.
"Of course. My father use to work with him." Marlene says.
"Indeed," Dr. Pietro says chuckling, then coughing afterward. "Dr. Watts was a brilliant man, one of the finest minds in Atlas. But after he died, I and the rest of the team practically raised young Marlene here. She certainly has grown to be as intelligent as her father."
"Please, I'm nowhere near as smart as Father," Marlene says.
Winter interruptedly clears her throat, getting everyone's attention. "As much as I hate to interrupt this reunion, but we have important matters at hand here."
"Yes. Commander Schnee is right." Dr. Pietro welcomes everyone in. He returns to his desk and everyone stands on the front of the desk. "You see, a week ago, I was working on some Schematics for a project I have been working on for years. But when I left to work in my other office in Atlas, my lab here was raided, and when I returned, the schematics were gone."
"And what exactly are these schematics for?" Patrick asks.
"That is none of your concern," Winter says. "But we believed it was taken by this man." Winter takes out her scroll, shows a holoscreen of a rich blonde man. "Xever Marley. A businessman who is ruthless will do anything to become the richest man in the world."
Akira stares at the picture of the man, with a serious glare. "I know of that man. He specializes in Faunus Slavery." Hearing that alerts Marlene and Selena.
"Indeed. Some say it's his 'cheap deal' methods to becoming rich." Winter says.
"If he involves slavery, why doesn't that Atlesian Military do something about it?" Selena asks.
"He's a very clever man, Xever has ways of disposing of any evidence of his crimes, even though he sees Slavery as a Faunus way of everyday life." Hearing that just upsets Akira. "The Cold War between Human and Faunus makes it hard for anyone to take this crime seriously, even some in our government council pay little heed to poor Faunus treatment. Not even General Ironwood can do anything about it and he holds two seats on the Council."
"Yes, well, and as I'm sure you might have guessed, we believe he plans on using the schematics to sell to a crime syndicate. And if I'm being honest, the very thought of my creation being used to bring harm just worries me." Dr. Pietro says. "General Ironwood agrees with me that we must retrieve these schematics before the deal is made."
"Then why not just use the Atelsian Army to raid the mansion and take them back?" Patrick asks.
"It's not that simple. This man is very cautious when it comes to priceless objects." Winter says. "He even hired a group of mercenaries to make the delivery as a decoy."
"And if the army raids the mansion instead of the delivery, then he catches on and puts the schematics in harm's way." Patrick says.
"Precisely," Winter says. "Now, the General suggests a small stealth team to infiltrate the mansion. And that's where you come in."
"It does sound like a sound plan. But how do we plan on getting in?" Marlene asks.
"I've got that covered," Winter says. "Come with me."
Winter leaves the lab, with Akira, Selena and Patrick following her. Marlene, however, remains behind, looking worried. She looks at Dr. Pietro, noticing the sad expression on his face. "Dr. Polendina. The schematics...It's Her, isn't it?"
"Yes, I'm afraid so, my dear." Pietro coughs.
"Don't worry, we'll get her back." Marlene says.
Once Marlene catches up, Winter explains the plan.
Xever Marley is hosting a party at his mansion to celebrate his son's 16th birthday. It is also a setup to match him up with a future wife, sending out invitations to the richest single young ladies. Winter brings up that her sister Weiss got an invitation but Winter is against the idea of her sister being with a snotty rich older boy at her age.
As part of Winter's plan, Selena needs to bring out her Selena Akimura image. She's not comfortable with it since Winter doesn't know of her true identity, but her team were able to convince Winter that Sherry Farron can pull off as a Selena Akimura imposter. Patrick will act as Winter's personal bodyguard and Akira is being Selena's servant. She is not fond of the idea, even to one of her own teammates, but as Winter pointed out the man is very Anti-Faunus, and only sees them as humanities slaves. Her only choice is to play the part every Faunus has in that household.
With everything all set, Winter and Team PASM set out to carry their mission. The mansion resides in one of the areas in the below slums of Atlas. The lands there are limited and narrow, The mansion has only a long path from the landing platform to a front yard, which is only as big as any average wide household yard. Airships come by to drop off guests then leave, one-by-one.
The airship carrying Team PASM Arrives. Patrick, Winter, Selena, and Akira make their leave and head towards the mansion, Selena dressed up as an elegant version of Selena Akimura, Patrick in a tuxedo, which he feels unpleasant wearing, Akira in a servant outfit of a white shirt with sleeves that goes to her elbows, black leggings and a black apron that only goes down the waist. Winter is dressed in elegant beauty with a long dress that drags on the ground by an inch, the dress is huge by the waist and legs. She even walks a little slow and funny.
They arrive at the doorsteps where they are greeted by Xever Marley. Although he is not too pleased with whom he is facing.
"Winter Schnee. What brings you here? I thought the invitation I sent to the Schnee Household is for the other daughter?" Xever says.
"Her name is Weiss," Winter says, irritated. "And I don't approve of her being engaged to your son. So instead, I thought the daughter of the world's famous Idol and Huntress would suffice."
Selena steps forward and does a curtsy. "Greetings, Lord Marley. I am Selena Akimura."
Xever Observes Selena, thinking carefully. "Hmm...I never really thought of pairing him up with Akimura..." He turns his head away whispering to himself. "I suppose opportunities come in all forms." He then returns speaking to the group. "Very well, I approve of your offer." He then distrustingly leers at Akira. "But as for this...Faunus, what brings that here?"
Akira feels upsetting being referred to as 'that.' "She's my personal servant. Isn't that right, Akira?"
Akira didn't hesitate to go along with her role, as she puts a hand on her chest and bows. "Of course, My Lady."
"Well, if that thing is your servant, I suppose it's alright. However..." Xever takes out a device that looks like a collar. "It must wear a collar."
Patrick looks at the collar and is astonished by the sight of it, shocked even. Akira looks uncomfortable. "I-I can ensure you, that isn't necessary. Akira is a faithful servant."
"That may be, but I'm not taking chances. Faunus are well known to rebel and, like the Animal's they are, they must know their place!" Xever says.
Selena is about to protest, but Akira speaks up. "I'll do it." Everyone looks at Akira, shocked. "I'll...wear your collar." Akira takes a step forward but is stopped when Patrick grabs her arm. He leans in to whisper into her ear.
"Akira, trust me, you don't want to do this. You have no idea how dangerous that device is." Patrick says.
Akira doesn't listen, she only shoves her arm out of his grip and approaches Xever who equips the device on her neck, causing it to activate and lock. The second it activates, Xever presses a button on his wrist, and the collar shocks Akira, causing her to scream in agony until she falls on one knee. Xever turns it off, and Akira pants heavily, gasping for air as if suffering from Asphyxiation.
"Consider it as a friendly reminder: Know your place, Faunus!" Xever stands aside to invite his guests inside. Patrick helps Akira stand, and the four of them enter the mansion, where Selena matters what a jerk Xever is, and Patrick whispers to Akira: 'I warned you'.
The foyer is filled with party guests, most of them young women, and Faunus servants, all wearing the same collar. The Faunus appears to be either scared or exhausted. The very sight of this just makes everyone feel sick to their stomachs, especially Patrick. The group squeezes their way through the crowd until they are in the middle of it all, where they're hopefully out of sight and hear of Xever's security.
"All right, we all know the plan," Winter says.
Selena nods. "Akira and I will keep watch from here."
"While you two look for the security room and search for the schematics," Akira adds.
"Keep in touch, and warn us if anything goes on," Winter says.
Patrick and Winter make their leave from the Foyer. As they wandered through the hallways, they act casual, while their eyes dart all around. Cameras everywhere. Most of them detected their movement and focus upon them.
"So. Do you know where you are going?" Patrick asks.
"I'll admit, the halls here a bigger than I thought, but I'm sure the Powder Room is around here...somewhere," Winter says.
"I hope you are right. I don't wanna miss the party because of your lack of sense of direction. " Patrick says.
They go door to door, checking every room. Every wrong room they comment, 'Not it.' 'Not the Powder Room' Patrick opened a door, where there's a woman screaming inside, which catches Winter's attention, then Patrick quickly shuts the door, shouting, "Sorry Ma'am!"
Patrick and Winter as far to the end of the second-floor hallway. Patrick opens the door and takes a look inside. He doesn't say anything, but a voice comes out of the room. "Hey! What are you doing in here!?" Patrick goes inside, closing the door behind him. "You can't be in here!" There's loud banging and shouts. Winter catches onto what's going on, she approaches the door, even after the sounds fall silent.
Until Patrick opens the door. "All clear."
Winter comes inside the security room. "Excellent." She then pats on her side.
In that moment, Winter's dress is lifted halfway up with Marlene popping out. "Finally." She crawls out with her knees up to her face, tiptoeing out. When she does, she stands back up, only with the bones on her legs and spine creaking. Marlene groans in pain as she puts her hands on her back, forcing herself to straighten out. "Oh, Sweet Mother of Pearl, that was so cramped. I'm gonna need Massage Therapy from Rayla when we get back."
"Worry about your condition later, right now we need to find the Schematics before Xever realizes we've been gone for too long," Winter says.
Patrick activates his ear communicator. "Sherry, what's your status?"
"Nothing's changed," Selena says.
"And Xever? Does he suspect anything?" Patrick asks.
"Not really. He's a bit..." Selena is watching Xever, who is angrily shouting at a Faunus who spilled a drop of punch on his very expensive imported carpet. After all his shouting, he angrily activates the shock collar on the Faunus. The Faunus drops the tray in the torment spilling more of the drinks, which angers Xever even more to increase the voltage. The audience can't help but feel in shock at this sadist event. "...Distracted."
When it's finally over, the Faunus couldn't stand. "Next time you mess up, you're going into the Dungeon!" All the Faunus Servants gasp in fear hearing that. This only has Akira curious.
When Xever walks away, Akira helps the Faunus stand, and another servant does the same. "You guys should hurry, I don't know how much more we can take this," Selena says.
"Understood," Patrick says.
Marlene gets to work on the computers. "Okay, I should be able to locate where they are hidden."
"We'll need a diversion for when we retrieve the schematics," Winter says.
"Way ahead of you on that." Patrick takes out his scroll, sending a text to Marlene. "Marlene, can you emit a signal all over the mansion with this code?"
Marlene looks at the message on her scroll. "Maybe. I can try at least...What code is this?"
"Trust me, it's something we'll need. At least I hope it still works." Patrick says. He turns to Winter. "Let's get moving."
Patrick and Winter move throughout the hallways of the mansion, with Marlene to guide them. Winter and Patrick are at Xever's Study on the top floor. Winter looks around wondering where he could have hidden it. But Patrick thought ahead into using his Semblance to bring out X-Ray Vision.
"Behind that portrait," Patrick says, Winter checks out the large portrait of Xever behind his desk. She feels around until she finds a switch that slides it open, revealing a sealed safe inside. "For a very cautious man, he's not very bright to avoid using such an obvious method."
Winter just rolls her eyes at Patrick's comment. "Commander Schnee, we have a problem," Selena says. "Xever is suspicious. He's looking around for someone, and he doesn't look too happy about it."
"He must be looking for us, we need to hurry." Winter says. "Marlene, we need the safe open."
"Almost there," Marlene says.
Winter and Patrick both wait at the vault. There's some rapid beeping coming from it, then a final one that triggers once the light on the vault turns green. Patrick approaches, only to be stopped by Winter, who orders him to stay back. She doesn't trust him to handle the schematics. Winter opens the vault, within it there's a single Canister. Winter takes the object, opens it, and then takes it out.
The Schematics titled: 'Project: Penny.'
Just then, an alarm blares out. This settles Winter and Patrick. Winder asks what is going on, while Patrick communicates with Marlene. "Marlene, what's going on?"
"I have no idea. I didn't do anything." Marlene says.
"I know," Selena says. "Xever set off the alarm." There's a moment of silence before Selena speaks again. "He's initiating lockdown...Oh dear, he's even ordering all the Faunus to head for 'The Dungeon'."
"Even Akira?" Patrick asks.
"Unfortunately," Selena says.
"This complicates things. Sherry, stay where you and the guests are. Marlene, deactivate the lockdown." Winter says.
"I'm trying, it's much sophisticated," Marlene says.
Winter turns her attention to Patrick. "We need to move, let's regroup with Marlene."
They both leave the study, only to find that the hallway is swarming with Atlesian Knights. The Knights are patrolling around until they come to a sudden stop and focus their attentions onto Patrick and Winter, an hostile mode activates as they draw out their guns and blades.
"I think it just got a lot more complicated." Patrick says.