Manta Airship, En route to Hakota Village
September 2, 2552, 1100 local time
"Two days ago, Hakota Village sent a distress call to Vale about a Grimm attack. Further attempts to contact the Village have proven unsuccessful. Ozpin has agreed to allow Atlas to send a team in to investigate alongside one of his own agents. That is where you come in." General Ironwood spoke, his face displayed on a holoscreen in the passenger bay of the Manta airship.
The team of expert Huntresses and Huntsman stood before him, watching attentively as maps were brought up on screen. They'd been briefed on what their mission was before hand, and this stop at Hakota Village was only tacked on when Ironwood had noticed how close in both time and location the distress call had been to the impact point of the object they'd detected.
"Sir, do we have any new intel on what we will be up against?" Clover Ebi, the leader of AceOps, asked. He was a tall, light skinned man with brown hair in a neat haircut. His teal eyes looked over the maps, memorizing the important locations marked.
All the team had been told before they left Atlas was that whatever was aboard the vessel that had crashed was likely leagues more advanced than even Atlas. They had to be, putting such a massive object in space. If their weaponry was advanced enough to match, things could go south very quickly.
"Negative. Ozpin's agent hasn't reported in yet, and knowing that man it's because he hasn't found anything of note." Ironwood replied, shaking his head.
"So, we're going out to the middle of nowhere with next to no expectations of what we'll find. And on top of that, the only thing we do know is that it's apparently something to do with aliens." Harriet Bree, a shorter, tan woman with a bleach blonde Mohawk, said sarcastically. "Sounds fun."
"So, who is this 'agent' we'll be meeting up with?" A tall, dark haired woman asked, crossing her arms.
"His name is Qrow Branwen, Operative Elm. Ozpin sent confirmation that Branwen had accepted the task, and he's likely going to arrive before you. Working with him is a test of patience, but he gets results. Just make sure he stays on task." The General answered Elm's question, looking worn out just by talking about the man.
"Understood, sir. We'll get it done." Clover nodded, confident his team could handle babysitting one Huntsman.
"Very well. Good luck, AceOps. Ironwood out." The screen flicked off, leaving the four Operatives to themselves.
"Pilot, what's our ETA?" Elm called out to the Manta's cockpit.
"We're about three hours out. I'll have to go for fuel after I drop you off." The pilot replied. Even after refueling at the border, taking such a detour from the normal inter-kingdom route would be cutting it close with their fuel supply.
"So, when do you think we'll be getting our new teammate?" Harriet asked, checking over the exoskeleton that acted as her main method of attack. Combined with her speed semblance, it made her a formidable adversary when it came to hand-to-hand combat.
"Hmm... Ironwood did say they would be chosen from this year's Atlas Academy graduates. We have a few more months, but from what I've seen there are only a few that stand out from the rest." Vine Zeki, a tall, gray haired man with chalk white skin, said. He'd been seated and silent for the entirety of the briefing as he had a habit of only speaking when necessary.
"Ironwood will pick the one best suited for the team. That doesn't necessarily mean they'll have the highest grades or combat scores. He chose each of us for this, so it's only fair that we have faith in him making the right choice once more." Clover pointed out as he sat and began to check his weapon once more for any malfunctions.
Kingfisher was a unique weapon, after all, and probably one of the finicky to use. On the outside, it looked like a normal fishing rod. And, for the most part, that's exactly what it was.
"Maybe this guy will know how to cook." Elm chuckled, earning a glare from Harriet.
"Next time, you can be in charge of making our rations taste edible." Harriet huffed, shaking her head. "I mess up one meal and you lot never let me forget it."
"Hare, I don't think any of us will ever forget it." Elm teased. Behind her, unnoticed by the rest, Vine shuddered slightly at the memory of that meal.
"Alright, cool it you two. Double check your equipment and try to get some rest in. There's no telling what we'll find or how long it'll be until we can relax again." Clover called out. "Elm, you'll be on meal duty this mission. Harriet, once we land you'll scout ahead and find us a good camping spot."
"Got it, sir." Harriet nodded, both she and Elm taking the matter more seriously now. They'd be going into hostile territory, potentially with more danger than just Grimm around.
Clover went back to checking his weapon, frowning. He rubbed his four-leaf clover pin, his semblance activating passively, but he couldn't help but feel like they were in for some very bad luck today.
Command Mainframe, UNSC Pillar of Autumn
September 2, 2552, 1112 local time
Excerpt from data logs
WLS 3982-0: [Confusion] Humans? That is unexpected. Historical data shows no known Colonial Administration settlements pertaining to a world like this.
CTN 0452-9: [Analysis] Lack of space-faring capabilities, combined with significant but isolated urban centers, indicates a possible post-industrial and pre-technological civilization. However, while the village fireteam Zulu aided was mostly composed of architecture comparable to seventeenth century European designs, firearm design was generally more closely related to early-to-mid twentieth century, with some outliers.
WLS 3982-0: [Additional] Outliers like the semi-automatic gauntlet/pistol hybrid? Not to mention the ammo they used. Samples have been taken for further study, but upon first glance it appears to be based on a variety of crystalline minerals that create endothermic or exothermic reactions based on color. They also emit miniscule amounts of radio interference. With further study of the effect, our communications should suffer fewer blackouts in the future.
CTN 0452-9: [Curiosity] Their communication devices are very strange as well. I am still working on accessing one fireteam Charlie recovered. It seems to be powered by another mineral, this one having an electromagnetic effect. An ingenious power source to be sure, much more efficient than a standard battery. The collapsible screen also seems to function very similar to the UNSC's haptic holograms, providing tactile feedback as if it were a physical object.
WLS 3982-0: [Ponderance] If they have made such technological leaps to have such advanced electronics, why have living conditions such as the village? Why so few urban areas? And most importantly, why do they not possess any kind of orbital presence?
CTN 0452-9: [Analysis] Perhaps some limitation of the minerals prevents use in space-faring craft. Further study is needed. As for the rest of it? It's safe to assume the creatures we have encountered are as hostile to them as they are to us. The urban centers seem to have significant defenses allotted to them, but for those living outside the cities, smaller villages must be more viable. Spread out as they are, losing one would have a lesser impact on the greater trade system. Perhaps smaller groups attract the monsters to a lesser degree as well.
WLS 3982-0: [Notice] The high-value village guard has just woken up from sedation.
CTN 0452-9: [Surprise] So soon? His injuries have healed far faster than the others, not to mention... wait...
WLS 3982-0: [Alarm] He is glowing blue. Alerting medical staff.
CTN 0452-9: [Increased curiosity] His vitals improved significantly at the moment the glow started. Further study is needed. Perhaps a visual phenomenon created by whatever facilitates the rapid healing factor?
WLS 3982-0: [Notice] Preliminary DNA scans show several altered genomes. Possibly a bioluminescent sub-species of humans. Samples taken from the refugees show an increased amount of genetic variety among those with... additional traits.
CTN 0452-9: [Amusement] You mean like that adorable girl with the cat ears that keeps following Staff Sergeant Johnson around?
WLS 3982-0: [Annoyance] Yes, like that. I have been unsuccessful in my attempts to keep her with the other refugees in the recreation area.
CTN 0452-9 [Sympathy] Understandable, considering we've been unable to link her with any of the refugees. At this point the man who pulled her out of that collapsed house is the closest thing she has to a guardian to look up to.
WLS 3982-0: [Notice] Doctor Madison will be entering the room shortly. Are you prepared to facilitate translation?
CTN 0452-9: [Smug Satisfaction] Who else could crack a completely alien language in less than three days?
WLS 3982-0: [Exasperation] Any modern 'Smart' AI could.
CTN 0452-9: ...
WLS 3982-0: ...
CTN 0452-9: [Deflated Ego] Shut up.
Suite 07, Aft Medical Bay, UNSC Pillar of Autumn
September 2, 2552, 1113 local time
Doctor Madison blinked as she watched the blue glow that surrounded the man begin to fade. Her data pad displayed live scan results, and the EM readings were off the charts. She'd never seen anything like it, but the man showed no signs of surprise.
Well, not about the glow, at least.
His eyes darted around the room, very clearly confused as to where he was. According to the reports, he'd lost consciousness due to his injuries days before and had only just woken up. Anyone would be confused in that situation, even more so in his case seeing as it was unlikely he understood written English any better than the spoken variety. The fact that he'd woken up in UNSC casual fatigues rather than his beaten armor didn't help either.
The man said something in his alien tongue, the upwards inflection indicating that he was asking a question. A few moments later, her datapad displayed a short line of text.
"Where am I?" It read, followed by another line after he spoke again. "Who are you?"
"I am Doctor Madison, and you are safe in our Medical Bay." She said, pausing as she watched the man's face screw up in confusion. Luckily, Cortana would offer her assistance by way of a verbal translation spoken over the intercom system.
Listening to Cortana, even Madison could tell the spoken translation was choppy, and the man seemed to agree.
"What you speak?" Came another response, the limited vocabulary of the current translation base showing its flaws.
"I am speaking English. What is your name?" She asked, looking back at the man. He'd relaxed somewhat, but he was far from at ease.
"No hear English before. Name..." The translation paused, trying and failing to translate his name properly. After a few moments, Madison could almost hear Cortana sigh as she spelled out the closest phonetic match to what he'd said his name was.
"Ceruleas?" Madison asked, raising an eyebrow. The man nodded, sitting up more. His eyes went to the IV tubes connected to his left arm before turning his gaze back to her.
"You want them taken out?" She asked.
Ceruleas nodded in response after the translation, and held up his hand. Madison came over to his side and began removing the IVs. Now that he was conscious, they didn't have to worry about drip-feeding him nutrition solutions.
"Where are others? Still alive?" Her data pad displayed the translation. She paused, then nodded.
"The Marines saved a lot of your people. The ones that survived are safe. Once we are done here, I will take you to them." Madison answered. As she finished unhooking the IVs, she heard the door to the medical bay slide open.
"Good morning, Doctor Madison. How is our guest?" Captain Keyes asked as he stepped into the room. A pair of Marines stood guard at the door, standing just out of sight. Keyes walked over to the bed, standing on the opposite side from Doctor Madison. His eyes met Ceruleas's bright blue ones, noting that the man seemed remarkably alert for one that had just come out of a short coma.
"Captain Keyes, sir. He has made a remarkably fast recovery, considering his injuries. There have been some... developments that will need further study and discussion, but that can wait." Madison replied. Cortana would translate her words for Ceruleas in a way that wouldn't draw too much attention to the concern that Madison's voice conveyed about the 'developments' she'd mention.
"Is that so?" Keyes turned his gaze to the man, who was in turn watching him warily, glancing at the blocky magnum on his hip more than once.
"I am Captain Jacob Keyes, the commanding officer of the people who rescued you. It is a pleasure to meet you, Ceruleas." He greeted, offering his hand to shake. He didn't know if it was something the people from this world did, but it was worth a shot to appear friendly.
Ceruleas regarded the man with a cautious gaze as the translation came through, but slowly took his hand and shook it nonetheless. Keyes took that as a victory, however small.
"Can I go to people now?" He asked, Keyes having the translation directly made in his mind through his neural interface.
"Yes, Doctor Madison and the two gentlemen outside will escort you." Keyes replied, nodding. "We'll be sending you all home soon, once the cleanup is finished at your village."
"Cleanup... who are you people?" Ceruleas asked as he stood, glancing towards the doorway. He could run, or at least try to. But, he knew that if they wanted to hurt him, they had had ample opportunity to do so. They didn't speak any language he'd ever heard, yet seemed to possess technology comparable to Atlas from what he's seen of their warriors and their medical technology.
"We... can discuss that later. For now, you should go see your people and get something to eat." Keyes furrowed his brow.
How would he begin to explain their situation? Saying they fell from the sky would probably make them sound crazy. But at least returning this man to them might win the UNSC some trust.
Keyes stood aside as Doctor Madison helped Ceruleas stand. As she walked out with him, guiding him towards the recreation area, the two Marines trailed behind them as an escort.
"So, Cortana, remind me how you cracked a completely alien language?" Keyes asked out loud once the group was out of earshot.
"It's simple. I created games for the children to play on the recreation terminals. I used logic to determine the meanings of their responses, and used observation of the refugees as a whole to slowly fill in pieces via context. There are still large gaps in the translation, especially when it comes to syntax errors." Cortana explained as Keyes began his trek back to the bridge.
"The written language is proving more difficult without access to a wider sample of digital information. Whatever their communication devices use as a signal, it appears the relay for such signals was destroyed at the village. If it were repaired, it would undoubtedly make the whole process a lot smoother for all of us."
"Noted. Once an engineering team is available, I'll task them with it. Speaking of, how are repairs proceeding?" Keyes stepped onto one of the Autumn's trams that ran the length of the ship. He barely felt it begin its journey towards the bow.
"The port reactor is a total loss with the materials and equipment to properly repair it. The starboard reactor is at 100% functionality, and Chief Engineer Purdy is overseeing the final tests on the primary reactor. If all goes well it should be running within a few hours. The surviving lower decks are still being cleared room by room, but it appears the hull held up better than expected." Cortana reported, her voice now coming from the tram's intercom speaker.
"Good. Since the Autumn is grounded, we can use the lower decks for storage and barracks for the base once it's established." Keyes mused. The tram passed by its sister car on the opposite line. The Captain would get a glance of an engineering team moving into their next assignment.
"Exactly what I was thinking. A one kilometer perimeter has been established for the construction of the base, and our patrols have mostly gone without harassment. That being said..." Cortana trailed off as the tram arrived at Keyes's stop. As he stepped off, he felt a light vibration in the ship's frame that lasted only a moment.
"Our Coilguns are proving an excellent deterrent. If only they were this effective against Covenant forces." Cortana continued with an amused tone.
"At least now we aren't hopelessly outgunned. Keep me posted on any updates. If it even seems important, let me know." He ordered as he approached the bridge.
Even with the bustle of his bridge crew working with technicians around him to restore the bridge to full functionality, Keyes felt leagues more at ease now that he was back at his command console. Titanium plates were being welded over the shattered panes of what used to be his bridge windows.
Through the yet-to-be-covered holes, he could see the deceptively peaceful green rolling hills of the plains the Autumn has settled in.
"If only this place wasn't full of hell spawn..." He muttered as he took out his pipe and chewed on it.
Aft Recreation area, UNSC Pillar of Autumn
September 2, 2552, 1125 local time
Ceruleas felt his tension melt as the door opened up to the sight of over two dozen familiar faces, all seemingly healthy. They, in turn, seemed particularly relieved to see him alive.
His reflexes took over as a blur attempted to escape through the door. He snatched up a young girl, holding the squirming child before she could run off.
"Hold still, little one. Where do you think you're going?" Ceruleas chuckled. He recognized the girl by her cat ears and bright blue eyes, though he didn't know her name.
The little cat faunus had been adopted by a pair of human parents, Ella and Aaron. But as he looked around, Ceruleas felt a growing pit in his stomach.
Rayla, an older, grey-haired woman with dark skin, approached. She was the town's leader, in a way. She was the eldest resident of Hakota Village as well as its longest resident.
"Poor thing... She keeps running off. She won't talk to anyone but that nice man who found her... not that either of them understand each other." Rayla said.
As if on cue, the girl wriggled free of the huntsman's arms and dove between his legs. Within moments, she had taken off down the corridor, a soldier trailing her with a look of exasperation
"She'll be back. They always find her and bring her back here without too much trouble." Rayla chuckled softly.
"Is... Is this everyone?" Ceruleas asked, looking around the room properly. Cots had been provided, and he could see the remnants of meals that had been eaten. The entirety of the space that looked very much like a large lounge had been used to house the refugees.
"I'm afraid so... The Grimm got everyone else. Still, even more would have died without you and the guards defending us." Rayla replied, reaching out and patting the man's shoulder.
"A lot of good I did... if those soldiers hadn't shown up..." Ceruleas trailed off. He'd come close to death many times, but not nearly as close as he had a few days ago.
"You did your best. You are just one Huntsman." Rayla smiled. "Everyone here is alive because of you. We can rebuild the village, it'll just take time."
"The village... A man who called himself 'Keyes' said something about cleaning up. Do you know what he meant?" Ceruleas asked as he walked further into the recreation room. He looked around, seeing nothing remotely familiar.
"Oh, yes... They've shown images and tried to explain it to me. From what I can tell, they are clearing debris and..." Rayla paused for a moment, taking a breath. "They buried our dead so animals wouldn't get to them. These people... I don't recognize their language, and their technology reminds me of Atlas."
"I grew up in Atlas, these people are something different. But if they aren't Atlas, I'm worried about where we are and what they want." Ceruleas murmured, taking a seat at a table. He rested his elbows on it, hands clasped together with his chin resting on them.
"I think they said something about autumn... maybe it's the name of this place?" A man, a farmer that Ceruleas had known in passing, spoke up.
"Autumn... well, if this is some kind of city or base for them, I've heard weirder names. But a better question is why we've never heard of it. It'd be impossible for them to just be unknown to the kingdoms." Ceruleas's eyes narrowed. He didn't like this. Everything about this place gave him a feeling of dread, like it shouldn't be here.
"I don't disagree with you..." Rayla began as she took a seat opposite of him. "But right now, in our state, all we can do is look after our own and trust that they continue to be kind to us."
"Yeah... Maybe..." Ceruleas muttered, thinking about the route he'd taken from the medical bay to the recreation room. There had been many corridors branching off the path, and one of them had to lead out of here.
He'd find a way out and figure out what was going on. Vale had to be alerted.
Aft Armory, UNSC Pillar of Autumn
September 2, 2552, 1147 local time
Fireteam Charlie was prepping for their rotation out to the village for security duty. Rifles and sidearms were being checked, cleaned, and reloaded. The normal 7.62x51mm rifle rounds were being replaced with shredder rounds, as they had been found to be more efficient at wounding and killing the beasts.
"Hey Sarge, your shadow is back." Mendoza spoke up with a chuckle as he disassembled his rifle for cleaning.
Sergeant Johnson turned around from his own half assembled rifle to see a familiar face poking around a corner. Her eyes widened as she met his, and she ducked away with a soft gasp.
"I swear, that kid is practically the squad mascot at this point." Jenkins laughed as he loaded rounds into a magazine.
"Why don't you two mind your own business?" Johnson snapped, though with a grin visible on his face. He turned his gaze back to the corner, waving. "Well, c'mon, then. Better you're here than running around unsupervised."
The kid peeked out again, then slowly came around the corner towards him. She was silent, but not afraid.
"Hey there, kiddo." Dubbo called out with a wave after storing an M41 SPNKr rocket launcher. The girl's ears perked up and she waved back with a smile, recognizing the Aussie.
"See, we're all friends here." Johnson chuckled as the girl came to see what he was doing. He swore he could almost see a sparkle in her eyes as she looked at the inner workings of his assault rifle.
"Wellesley, did you get a name for her yet?" Johnson asked as he resumed his work under the steady gaze of his audience.
"Negative, Staff Sergeant. From the limited vocabulary we have translated thus far, it would seem she was recently adopted by a couple in the village. Unfortunately, they do not appear to have survived. None of the survivors know her name, and she refuses to speak to anyone." Wellesley replied through the intercom speaker on the ceiling.
The girl looked up at the speaker, narrowing her eyes. The voice never had a mean tone, but it was always telling the people following her right where she was.
"Is that right? Well, she's a tough kid, that's for sure." Jenkins mused. "Still, she needs a name, at least until she tells us what it is."
The door to the armory slid open, catching everyone's attention as a hulking figure stepped in. The kid immediately ducked behind Johnson as he stood.
"I didn't take you for a babysitter, Sergeant." Cortana's amused voice floated from the Master Chief's helmet speakers as he strode into the armory. Johnson cracked a smile and chuckled.
"Well, someone's gotta look out for the kid. What's the word, Chief?" Johnson asked.
"Captain Keyes wants me to accompany your squad to the village. There's been an increase in hostile sightings in the past few hours." Chief replied, removing his rifle from his back and locking it in a weapon rack. He pulled an M90 shotgun out to replace his primary weapon, stowing spare boxes of shells in his armor pouches.
"A Spartan escort? Hell yeah!" Bisenti chuckled with a grin.
"Hey dumbass, you do realize that if a Spartan is coming it means things are about to go to hell, right?" Dubbo replied, grabbing a sniper rifle. He was the team's designated marksman, much to the disbelief of anyone who had ever met the loud, rowdy Australian.
"Alright, you idiots. Shut your mouths and get to the hangar. I'll drop off our guest and meet you there." Johnson grunted, quickly resuming and finishing the reassembly of his rifle. He slung the weapon across his back and motioned to the kid that was still using him as a human shield.
"C'mon, kid. Let's get you back to your people." He said, flashing her a smile. Even though neither of them could understand each other's language, it was clear she understood his meaning when she returned the smile.
Hakota Village outskirts, Northern Kingdom of Vale
September 2, 2552, 1853 local time.
"This doesn't look good." Elm murmured as they approached the village. Even from here they could see broken and burnt out buildings.
The four members of AceOps walked in a staggered formation, on alert for any signs of Grimm. They'd been walking for hours since they had been dropped off, and only now were they reaching their target.
Branwen was either late or a no-show, much to the annoyance of Clover. This was Vale's territory and the kingdom's operative didn't even manage to show up. It only made him more sure that this was a job better left to professionals like his team, not some lone Huntsman.
"Hold up, I see something... Sir, I have movement directly ahead." Harriet said suddenly. Along the trail in front of them, a half-dozen olive green-clad figures stepped out from the village. As the two groups stopped, Clover could see weapons in each of the others' hands. His eyes narrowed and he put his hand on Kingfisher.
"Who are you?" A female voice called out from a much taller figure that stepped out from behind the armed men. It reminded him of Atlesian Knights, the android infantry that Atlas had built to act as peace officers and cannon fodder. The voice itself sounded synthetic, and Clover realized they were likely dealing with a sort of combat mech. Its hands were empty, but he could see the stock of a back firearm slung across its back.
"We're representatives of Atlas, here on behalf of the Atlesian military and the Kingdom of Vale." Clover called out, taking charge of the situation and stepping ahead of his team.
The group of soldiers looked at each other, speaking in a strange, foreign language as the mech stepped further forward. Clover recognized that the oversized bot was guarding the soldiers.
"What do you want?" It finally asked in the same voice.
"I should be asking you the same thing. Are you responsible for all of this?" Clover asked, gesturing to the ruins of the village. "Did you attack these people?"
"We have the people. They are alive." It replied, though its translation was a bit jittery. It seemed unfamiliar with the common language spoken by most peoples of the four kingdoms.
"You took them hostage?" Elm asked, a slight edge to her voice as she raised her twin-barrel rocket launcher towards the soldiers. Clover had the same thought, but he silently wished she hadn't escalated the confrontation.
Just as he'd feared, the soldiers raised their weapons. He noted that their weapons seemed rather plain, though well made. None of them appeared to activate any auras either, meaning AceOps would have a definite advantage against them.
"Alright, everyone just calm down. You lot, lay down your weapons and just answer our questions. We're not looking for a fight!" Clover called out, trying to avert an unnecessary fight.
"That's not going to happen." The mech replied. While Clover found it odd that the mech was taking the lead in these negotiations, he reasoned it was simply acting as a translator at the moment. Still, he recognized that they weren't going to go quietly.
"Harriet... take out the mech. Vine, Elm, subdue the soldiers but don't harm them. We'll interrogate them after." He said, drawing Kingfisher. The action seemed to greatly confuse the soldiers, as more than one lowered his weapon in disbelief.
The mech said something to the soldiers in a deep, gravelly tone that was as far from its previous voice as one could get. The soldiers stepped back from the mech, eyeing the AceOps wearily.
The Specialists pounced, moving into attack positions. Clover, Vine, and Elm had barely begun moving as Harriet activated her semblance and shot forward. She smirked, knowing from trailing that mechs had a hard time tracking high-speed objects.
Thus, she was completely taken aback as it not only sidestepped her opening punch but also reached out, grabbing her wrist. Time seemed to slow down as it pulled her wrist, yanking her off of feet and sending her flying through the air. Harriet crashed through a ruined hut a good twenty meters away. The mech's focus snapped back to the other three members of AceOps.
The trio came to an abrupt halt, barely able to process what they'd seen. The robot had not only kept up with Harriet, but even seemed to have reflexes faster than any machine they'd ever seen.
It spoke in the synthetic feminine voice, moving its body into a proper fighting stance.
"Alright... who's next?"
Hey, readers! Things kinda got away from me, so this chapter is coming out later than planned. Thanks for sticking around, and I hope you enjoyed this chapter!