Jaune Arc sat in the dimly lit conference room, his arms crossed tightly over his chest. His gaze was fixed on the Faunus diplomat standing at the head of the room, a stern expression etched onto his features. The diplomat, a slender man with feline ears protruding from his messy mane of hair, spoke fervently about Faunus' rights and the need for equality in all the kingdoms.

But Jaune's mind was elsewhere, drifting in and out of focus as the diplomat's words washed over him like a monotonous drone. He had heard it all before - the speeches, the promises, the endless debates. Yet, for all their talk of progress and change, nothing ever seemed to truly improve for the Faunus in Remnant.

"He's practically paraphrasing," the scheming voice said. "The same words, phrased differently."

"You bastards are behaving today," the knight's voice said.

"Cause good old Crocea Mors is on the hip," the yellow tie's voice whispered in Jaune's head. "We don't fuck with them now they're fixed up."

Holding his family's sword helped focused his mind. Though Jaune came to realize now the blips and blops of information in his head were helpful if they were truly interested or in danger.

"When will this bastard stop talking?" the yellow tie said.

As the diplomat continued to ramble on, Jaune couldn't help but feel a sense of frustration bubbling up inside him. It wasn't that he didn't believe in the cause of Faunus rights - far from it. He had seen firsthand the injustices and discrimination faced by the Faunus. From Vale to Atlas, he had seen what people do to slight them. But there was something about the diplomat's speech that rubbed him the wrong way, something disingenuous lurking beneath the surface.

It was the way he spoke, with practiced eloquence and carefully chosen words, as if he were reading from a script rather than speaking from the heart. Jaune, as of late, with the help of the voices now, could see through people's facades, to discern the truth hidden behind their masks. And try as he might, he couldn't shake the feeling that this diplomat was hiding something, that there was more to his agenda than met the eye.

As the diplomat droned on, Jaune's thoughts drifted back to his short time at Beacon Academy. He remembered the fierce determination of Blake Belladonna, the quiet strength of Velvet Scarlatina, the unwavering loyalty of Sun Wukong. They had all faced their fair share of challenges and hardships, but they had never let it dampen their spirits or dim their resolve.

And then there was the White Fang, the radical Faunus organization that had once been a force for the Faunus's right movements before descending into chaos and violence. Jaune had seen firsthand the destruction wrought by the White Fang, the lives lost and families torn apart. It was a painful reminder of the darkness that lurked within the hearts of men, Faunus, and Grimm alike.

But despite the atrocities committed in the name of the White Fang, Jaune refused to believe that all Faunus were inherently evil or violent. He had known too many good Faunus, too many brave individuals who had fought for justice and equality to ever believed that. He refused to let the actions of a few tarnish the reputation of an entire race. Jaune preferred to judge them by the content of their character, not by what they looked like.

As the diplomat's speech finally came to a close, Jaune felt a wave of relief wash over him. He uncrossed his arms and stood up from his seat, his gaze meeting the diplomat's with a steely determination.

"Thank you for your words," Jaune said, his voice firm. "But actions speak louder than words. Until we see genuine change, your speeches mean nothing."

The diplomat bristled at Jaune's words, his eyes narrowing in anger. But before he could respond, Jaune turned on his heel and strode out of the conference room.

Winter Schnee, the Atlesian specialist, observed Jaune with a piercing gaze as he exited the conference room. Her icy blue eyes bore into him, searching for something beneath the surface. Jaune couldn't help but feel a pang of unease under her scrutiny.

"You know, at least Weiss openly shows her dislike," the yellow tie's voice noted. "But Winter Schnee stays control."

"Was that appropriate, Jaune?" Winter's voice cut through the air, crisp and authoritative.

Jaune paused, meeting her gaze head-on. He squared his shoulders, steeling himself for the confrontation. "I was doing what everyone's doing. Stalling."

Winter arched an eyebrow, her expression unreadable. "Stalling?" she echoed, her tone laced with skepticism.

Jaune nodded, his resolve unwavering. "Yeah. Stalling," he reiterated, his voice steady. "You heard the diplomat. Same old rhetoric, different day. They talk about change, about progress, but nothing ever actually happens. It's like they're just buying time, hoping we'll forget about all the promises they've made, as if there isn't a crowd out there right now who is ready to shoot each other."

Winter regarded him silently for a moment, her gaze inscrutable. Then she nodded as if she understood. She was always the consummate professional.

Jaune strode down the hallway, his footsteps echoing against the polished floors. He couldn't shake the feeling of Winter Schnee's presence at his side, her imposing figure matching his pace with an eerie precision. It was odd, being shadowed by someone of her caliber, especially after the stunt he had pulled in the white fang rally.

As they walked, Jaune stole a glance at Winter out of the corner of his eye. She walked with an air of authority, her posture rigid and her expression unreadable. He couldn't help but feel a pang of unease at the thought of being watched so closely, as if every move he made was being scrutinized for signs of weakness or incompetence.

"She's just used to drunkards," the yellow tie's voice guessed. "But at least we have a Semblance that can get rid of it."

"Seems like you're well-versed in Faunus disputes," Winter remarked casually.

Jaune shrugged, his expression somber as he recounted what he had seen. "Ma'am, I've been around long enough to witness some intense Faunus disputes. It's not pretty. You see, many out there are just waiting for the slightest chance of exploiting them. It's like they're seen as second-class citizens, always on the losing end of the deal."

He paused, running a hand through his coat in annoyance. "I've seen Faunus pushed to the brink, forced into situations where they have to fight tooth and nail just to survive. And what's worse is that some people are more than willing to take advantage of that desperation."

His gaze hardened with resolve. "But that's not right. We can't stand by and let it happen. We have to be better, to stand up for those who can't stand up for themselves. Because until everyone is treated with the respect and dignity they deserve, none of us are truly free."

Winter's face watched him, as if wondering if truly believed what he spoke.

Jaune's voice grew more steady as he continued, his words laced with bitterness. "You know, it's not like the Faunus lacks the courage to fight. They've proved that time and time again, especially in the previous war. But even with all that bravery, there's still this divide, this deep-seated animosity that just won't go away."

He shook his head, frustration clear in his tone. "Both sides have developed these stereotypes, these preconceived notions about each other, and they cling to them like lifelines. It's like they're trapped in this endless cycle of mistrust and resentment."

"And let me tell you, Miss Winter," Jaune's voice lowered, his gaze intense, "getting them to cooperate? It's gonna take more than just words. It's gonna take a miracle. Because until they're willing to set aside their differences and see each other as equals, we're never gonna move forward. And frankly, I'm not sure if that day will ever come."

"Is a stalemate all we can hope for?"

"Well, there is a way," Jaune began, his voice steady as he looked around. "But it's not a simple way."

"I'm all ears." Winter listened intently as Jaune laid out his strategy, her expression a mix of surprise and concern.

Jaune's voice was low but determined as he continued, "There is a way, Miss Winter. We've seen the Faunus struggle, but what if we could manipulate that struggle? What if we could push them to become even worse than what they fear — like monsters, like Grimm? They already sow seeds of discord among themselves, wearing a Grimm's mask, but what if we could twist their cause into something darker? Not for rights, but for power?"

He paused, letting his words sink in before continuing, "If we can change the narrative, paint the White Fang not as a revolutionary organization fighting for equality and labor rights, but as a human and Faunus-hating terrorist group, then we might shift the blame away from Atlas, the SDC, or Mistral. It's the White Fang who is causing the problem."

Winter's brow furrowed with concern as she absorbed Jaune's proposal. "But Jaune, to manipulate them like that... It's risky. It could escalate the conflict even further."

Jaune continued his argument. "Their cause is their strength, Miss Winter. It's what gives them support, what rallies people to their side. But what if we could turn that strength against them? What if we could twist their cause into something monstrous, something that even their own supporters couldn't stomach?"

He leaned forward, his gaze conspiratorial. "Think about it. They claim they're after peace, but look at what they're doing. Targeting humans and Faunus alike, spreading fear and chaos wherever they go. They're not protecting anyone. They're killing their own people in the name of some twisted ideology."

"In a way, we expose them for what they truly are," Jaune continued, his voice unwavering. "Not freedom fighters, not revolutionaries, but simple power-hungry Faunus supremacists. If we can strip away the legitimacy of their cause, if we can show the world the true face of the White Fang, then who would support them? Who would stand with monsters?"

Winter nodded slowly, understanding Jaune's words. "It's a radical idea."

"An abominable idea," the knight's voice said with contempt.

"It has merits," the yellow tie said. "But isn't our style."

"With Atlas resources, it would be quite easy," a scheming voice chimed in. "I am surprised they aren't implementing it."

Jaune shrugged nonchalantly and continued, "The Schnee Dust Company is notorious for its unethical practices. Their primary goal is maximizing profit, which they achieve by exploiting cheap labor, especially Faunus workers. The company routinely mistreats these laborers, forcing them to work in hazardous environments that fail to meet basic safety standards. This exploitation is a key reason why the SDC has been a primary target for White Fang attacks. Many prominent White Fang members joined the organization in response to the abuses by the SDC."

With a hint of bitterness in his voice, he continued, "The Faunus employed by the SDC essentially live in labor camps, likely segregated from other workers. It's nothing than truth that the Faunus are treated almost like slaves."

Jaune paused, allowing the gravity of his words to sink in. "If we pursue this strategy by turning the White Fang into the greedy villains, not poor workers whose rose up for being treated like slaves — it could inadvertently benefit the SDC. Without the White Fang serving as a boogeyman, the SDC might feel less pressure to reform. They could tighten their grip on the Faunus workforce, confident that there is no longer a significant threat challenging their practices."

Winter frowned. "So, what you're saying is, by eliminating the White Fang, we could inadvertently strengthen the very institution that's causing so much suffering for the Faunus?"

Jaune nodded, his expression grim. "It's a double-edged sword, Miss Winter. But we have to consider the bigger picture. The White Fang, as they are now, are a threat to everyone — human and Faunus alike. If we can neutralize them, we might shift the focus to reforming the SDC and other exploitative systems. It's a tough call, but it's a step towards a larger goal of true equality and justice."

Winter took a deep breath. "Do you honestly believe that?"

"No, never, not with Jacques Schnee holding the SDC in a chokehold. I'm not so idealistic or delusional as to think that's realistic. Ma'am, my experience over the past few years has shown me that businessmen speak the language of Lien. Pretending otherwise is simply naïve."

Winter looked at Jaune with curiosity. "I notice you speak with such familiarity about this?"

Jaune's expression grew somber as he replied, "In one of the cases I had to mediate in Mantle, I saw firsthand the hazards of working in an SDC mine. The conditions were appalling—unsafe equipment, lack of proper safety protocols, and workers pushed to their limits. It was clear the SDC prioritized profit over the well-being of its employees, especially the Faunus."

He paused, a bitter edge to his voice. "Seeing those conditions, it became painfully obvious why the White Fang targets them. The SDC's practices aren't just unethical. They're inhumane. That's why I speak with such familiarity. I've seen the suffering they cause with my own eyes. But if you were to ask me what we should do to benefit the kingdom of Atlas more… then that 'radical' idea is my solution, Miss Winter."

"You've become a man with cruel thoughts, Brother," the yellow tie said.

Winter's gaze hardened with determination. "Then why aren't you suggesting it? I know the chances of implementing such a plan are better now, especially after what happened to the armored train."

Jaune sighed, his expression resolute. "Because it's not decent," he replied simply. "It's better to take the hardest road than not try at all. Manipulating the White Fang into something monstrous might solve one problem, but it would create so many more. We need to find a way to bring about change without compromising our own integrity."

Winter simply nodded, leaving Jaune uncertain about her thoughts. She held her opinions close, revealing little to Jaune.

Jaune entered another room and bid Winter a goodbye as she moved to the room where she's meeting the security officials of Mistral.

With a practiced smile plastered on his face, he reached out his hands and started another talk with another Faunus about the matters between Atlas, Menagerie, and Mistral, as if seconds ago he hadn't been contemplating a radical idea. The transition was seamless. His demeanor exuded warmth and approachability, masking the intensity of his previous thoughts.

The discussion, as always, followed the same pattern. One tried to steer it in a new direction, while the other derailed it back to the usual topics.

Jaune Arc stood in the dimly lit conference room, his blue eyes fixed on the two individuals seated across from him. On one side, a Mistral SDC diplomat named Li Shen, his expression stoic and composed. On the other, a Faunus labor representative from Menagerie, a wolf Faunus named Nyra, her ears twitching with barely concealed anger.

"Mr. Arc," Li Shen began, his voice measured, "we understand your points regarding the efficiency of maintaining traditional labor forces, but we must recognize the socio-economic benefits that automation can bring. Replacing human and Faunus labor with robots could significantly enhance productivity and safety. This is the alternative you wish to seek for without compromising SDC… businesses."

Jaune shook his head, his jaw tightening. "Mr. Shen, we recognize the potential benefits, but we can't ignore the human cost. Replacing Faunus workers with automatic work force might seem efficient, but it comes at the expense of livelihoods. Entire communities depend on these jobs to survive."

Nyra leaned forward, her eyes blazing. "Exactly. How are Faunus supposed to survive if you take away their only means of earning a living? We're not just numbers on a spreadsheet, Li. We're people."

Li Shen's gaze remained steady, but he held firm. "Mr. Arc, Miss Nyra, we understand the fear and frustration, but we have to look at the bigger picture. Robots don't need food, rest, or accommodations beyond charging stations and maintenance. They can work longer without mistakes or attracting Grimm. The long-term benefits far outweigh the short-term challenges."

"Challenges?" Jaune spat the word like it was poison. "These 'challenges' are families losing their homes, children going hungry, entire communities falling into despair. You talk about efficiency, but what about humanity? What about compassion?"

Nyra's ears twitched in agreement. "And let's not forget the risks. Abandoning Faunus workers for robots won't make those workers just disappear. They'll be out there, desperate, angry. That's a perfect breeding ground for groups like the White Fang."

Li Shen interjected, his tone conciliatory. "Perhaps there's a middle ground. Could we not use automation to handle the more dangerous tasks while retaining human and Faunus workers for roles where their skills and experience are irreplaceable?"

Jaune considered this, then shook his head. "It's a start, but not a solution. SDC would need to invest in the people who have been displaced by this shift. The SDC and other companies need to put money into education and retraining programs. You can't just replace workers with robots and leave them to fend for themselves."

Nyra's ears flattened as she narrowed her eyes. "And what guarantees do we have that these companies will actually follow through? We've been lied to before."

"That's where the leaders come in," Jaune said, his voice firm. "Enact laws, enforce regulations, and provide support systems. It's not going to be easy, but it's necessary. Clinging to outdated practices out of fear won't make the white fang problem go away, Mr. Li Shen."

Li Shen nodded slowly. "There is wisdom in your words, Mr. Arc. But implementing such changes will require time and cooperation from all parties involved. The Faunus community, the business sector, and the governments involved."

Nyra sighed, her anger giving way to weary resignation. Jaune shrugged as Li Shen left the room, leaving him and Nyra in the room.

Nyra scowled as Li Shen left the room, her frustration bubbling to the surface. "It's always the same argument," she muttered, her ears twitching with agitation. "And did you notice how he even had the audacity to bring up replacing labor with bots again?"

"Which is the most efficient," a voice chimed in.

"Dust mining stands as arguably the most critical industry in the world of Remnant. Given that Dust serves as the primary energy source fueling nearly all technological advancements, its extraction and processing is paramount. The symbiotic relationship between the Atlesian Military and the Schnee Dust Company stresses the significance of Dust mining as a matter of state security. However, it's perplexing why any entity would opt for a labor force fraught with inefficiencies, safety hazards, and potential for unrest when automated technologies offer a superior alternative," the well-informed voice informed. "Embracing automation not only enhances efficiency but also mitigates the risks associated with human error and rebellion. In light of these advantages, relying on outdated and problematic labor in such a pivotal industry seems counterintuitive and ultimately self-defeating."

"Because bastard, people will lose their jobs if they do!" the yellow tie tightened around Jaune's neck.

"Mr. Li Shen has the talent to stall as we all do," Jaune nodded solemnly, his jaw set in determination. "But they just don't get it, Nyra. To them, those under them are expendable pieces in their grand scheme of progress."

"Yeah, progress for who?" Nyra snapped, her tail flicking irritably behind her. "Not for us, that's for sure. We're the ones left picking up the broken pieces while they sit back and reap the benefits."

Jaune adjusted his yellow tie.

Nyra raised an eyebrow, her curiosity piqued. "But Jaune, why are you even here representing Atlas? I mean, you've said you prefer working the minor cases, and this... this is far from small."

Jaune sighed, running a hand through his hair in frustration. "It's my job, Ma'am," he explained wearily. "As a Mediator, I'm supposed to help find common ground between conflicting parties, no matter how big or small the issue is. And somehow, they decided that a city-level Mediator should participate in these talks, just because of my aura."

"And they were right about that, considering what happened in that armored train," Nyra shook her head, a sympathetic frown creasing her brow. "Seems like they're throwing you into the deep end without a life jacket."

"Tell me about it," Jaune muttered, his shoulders slumping. "I've never felt like I was fit for these kinds of talks. I'm more comfortable dealing with individual grievances, not trying to broker deals between nations."

"But you're doing your best," Nyra reassured him, reaching out to squeeze his shoulder gently. "And that's all anyone can ask for. Honestly, I'm glad that you're in these talks. When I heard what happened in the armored train, I was sure that it was all over before it began. But your knack of making them participate itself in these is admirable."

Jaune let out a weary chuckle, shaking his head. "I swear, I'm getting sick of hearing the same arguments over and over again. It's like w'e're stuck on repeat."

Nyra nodded in agreement, her frustration clear. "You're telling me. And mark my words, Mr. Li Shen will bring up replacing labor with bots again. It's like he's reading from a script."

Jaune sighed, a wry smile playing on his lips. "Well, at least we can predict his next move. Maybe we should start placing bets on it."

Nyra snorted, a hint of amusement cutting through her anger. "Yeah, like we have time for that. We've got bigger fish to fry."

As Jaune exited the conference room, his shoulders slumped with disappointment. He glanced up and caught sight of Winter Schnee matching his pace in the hallway.

"Hey, Miss Winter," Jaune greeted, offering a tired smile. "Another thrilling meeting, huh?"

Winter returned the smile, though hers seemed more composed. "Indeed. They do tend to blend together after a while."

Jaune chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck wearily. "Tell me about it. Do you happen to know a Mr. Li Shen? He's been quite the character in these discussions."

Winter shook her head, her expression unreadable. "No, I'm not familiar with him. Why do you ask?"

"Just curious," Jaune replied with a shrug. "He seems to have a knack for stirring the pot, if you know what I mean."

Winter raised an eyebrow, her gaze sharpening slightly. "Interesting. I'll have to keep an eye out for him in future meetings."

Jaune glanced at the tablet in Winter's hand and couldn't help but admire her dedication. "Looks like you're working hard too, Miss Winter."

Winter nodded, her expression focused. "Indeed. I've been doing some research on the Atlas Paladins that attacked us during the incident. I believe I may have found a lead."

Jaune's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "A lead? That's great news. But is it wise to share this information?"

Winter paused, pondering his question. "It concerns the mission. Atlas don't take kindly to those use what's ours."

Jaune nodded, understanding her rationale. "Fair enough. Just be careful, Ma'am. We don't know who we can trust these days."

"I'll proceed cautiously," Winter assured him, her tone determined. "But I believe it's worth the risk of checking on these leads."

"Agreed," Jaune said with a nod. "Let me know if there's anything I can do to help."

"Thank you, Jaune," Winter looked at him. "Though considering you're already busy dealing with so many meetings… I'm pleasantly surprised you can still say tha—"

Suddenly, alarms ring out as they see the city up in smoke.

Jaune and Winter exchanged looks. Winter pressed her earpiece to contact all Atlas personnel in Mistral while Jaune drew Crocea Mors and switched it to its greatsword form.