Atonement VII
The people's happiness and safety come first in the mind of a ruler; all other concerns are secondary.
Accessing DTD
Enter Passwords:
Willow
Winter
Weiss
Whitely
Dilan
Aeleous
Ienzo
Even
Braig
Password Accepted
Opening File: Project Iron Defender
In my time here on Remnant, I have discovered many threats from my dear friend and from my work as DiZ. The group led by Ozpin, while dedicated to protecting Remnant from these threats have only been shown to reacting to threats when they appear, and each have their own methods of handling said threads:
Ozpin is more cautious, preferring to work in the shadows to keep the knowledge of these threats hidden to avoid causing panic amongst the masses. While his methods are wise, he is too laid back at times and only resorts to information gathering at best, likely because he has long since resorted to focus on defense rather than offense, playing the long game as well as looking outward rather inwards.
General Ironwood is quick to act but relies on a strong military presence, always moving without explanation to the people of Atlas and other kingdoms. His methods are too forward and while he seems courteous, he is too quick to dismiss any opinions against him.
Leonardo Lionheart is quick to react as well, having been known to immediately send out any Huntsmen available to quell any problems in Mistral.
And Theodore of Shade even more cautious than Ironwood and Ozpin but is more focused on training his students to handle any situation they might face.
In light of this, I have begun work on a secret project, thanks in part to the information supplied to me by my dear friend who had accumulated countless lifetimes of journeying across the worlds and meeting many people, many warriors and many skilled in the creation of weapons capable of becoming a force to push back the Grimm. While I am not one for the creation of weapons, the severity of the world's problems forces me to act. However, unlike General Ironwood I would not look to an army of machines dedicated by mere programming to be the answer. My connections across the world helped me to find the resources and knowledge to create a new kind of guardian different from the armies of Atlas and the Huntsmen.
A sentinel, a giant who possess a tender heart despite its artificial existence.
I managed to acquire a copy of its schematics and have since begin designing a third version, combined with the schematics and scans of another metallic warrior. It will be a guardian, a healer and a warrior, guided by its programming to protect and heal and I intend to ensure it is given the same heart as its predecessors.
"I couldn't believe it, even with my own eyes, Ozpin. All signs point that Harriet's Semblance has reached a level I have not seen before in a Semblance." Ironwood said, speaking to the image of Ozpin on his desk. "Enhanced speed was one thing, but increased metabolism combined with enhanced cognitive abilities. It's like her Semblance doesn't just give her speed alone anymore, everything has been boosted."
"I believe you, James. I do. The idea of this Limit Break theory is interesting and could be a boon for many of us." Ozpin replied. "Has anyone else shown similar symptoms?"
"Well, Elm's Semblance has improved in the manner that she can better control it. It was originally meant to hold her in place against an enemy attack but she's carefully managed to use it to literally walk up walls, across the ceiling and back down. It's tiresome on her Aura, stamina and mind but she has shown great improvement each time she does it. Now her tests are her focusing in the length of the roots her Semblance possess, to spready further underneath the ground in addition to continuing her walks." Ironwood recalled. "I suspect Ansem is conducting these tests because he has an idea how she might gain a Limit Break of her own but wants to tread carefully after what happened with Harriet. It was a rather…shocking experience."
Ozpin raised an eyebrow.
"Sorry. Couldn't help myself." Ironwood weakly chuckled.
"I'll take that as a good sign." Ozpin simply said with a small smile. "So, if Ansem's Limit Break Theory is a success, this could be more than just a simple boon for our Huntsmen and Huntresses. It could allow everyone to become much stronger to the point Salem will feel threatened."
"I plan in taking a test myself to see if my own Semblance can gain similar evolution." Ironwood stated.
Ozpin looked to Ironwood. "Are you sure that is possible? Your Semblance is much different from Miss Bree's and Miss Elderne's."
"I have a feeling Ansem has prepared a test to see if my Semblance can be affected. A chance to gain my own Limit Break is too good to pass up." Ironwood explained. "I'll give you an update when it is over."
"Be careful, James." Ozpin said before the call ended.
As soon as the call ended, the doors to Ironwood's office and in walked Commander Cutler Becket, the leader of Atlas' air fleet. He had dark hair and wore a black military uniform and a dark coat to go with it. A rising officer in the Atlas military, Becket had shown himself to be cunning…and ruthless as well. Suffice to say, they barely saw eye to eye on many things, having arguments in the past on how to best handle threats.
They did agree that there needed to be a strong military force around to protect the people and scare off evil doers. However, Becket believed in a more extreme approach on handling villainy. Becket believed in the purging of any pirates, terrorist or criminal that chose to destroy, steal or sin.
They all needed to be executed so they wouldn't be able to hurt anyone again.
Needless to say, Ironwood and Becket had many disagreements, but Becket was able to remain an officer because was a damn good one with unbelievable tactical and battlefield experience, amazing skills in most forms of weapons such as swords and firearms, and possessing other skills that made him valuable.
"You wish to speak with me, General Ironwood?" Becket asked while saluting.
"At ease, Commander. Please take a seat." Ironwood gestured to an empty seat which the commander immediately took. "I understand you just came back from a mission of recovering some lost artifacts."
"Yes. The White Fang splinter group seemed to have an interest in procuring ancient artifacts." Becket answered calmly. "We were following up on a lead when you called me back here."
"The Mistralian council felt you were operating on foreign soil without their authorization. I had to call you back before an international incident could occur." Ironwood said but knew it was a rather weak excuse.
Truth is, he wondered if Becket even understood or cared about the boundaries between Kingdoms and respecting their laws.
"Of course." Becket simply said. "Now, onto the matter at hand. You called me back here because you have decided to take a bit of personal leave."
"It's only temporary and I don't plan on it to last very long." Ironwood replied. "In that time, I expect you to work with Specialist Schnee in keeping things running around here. You will be in charge of military matters while Schnee will look after the academy."
"Is it safe to assume that this sudden leave of absence has something to do with whatever you've been doing with Ansem?" Becket calmly asked.
Ironwood raised an eyebrow but did not refute. "I did not realize rumors in Atlas traveled so far and so fast."
"Oh, I just asked around." Becket simply said. "It was hard to find anyone not talking about Specialist Harriet Bree dashing around Mantle when she was not on a mission. Something about finding a way to enhance a Semblance beyond its supposed limits."
"I need you to keep this quiet for the time being. We don't know if this can be applied to everyone." Ironwood stated.
"Oh, I have no plan on sharing this with anyone untrustworthy." Becket assured the general. "In fact, I encourage it. I'm curious how this far this could go."
Ironwood frowned but could tell Becket was being truthful and that would be enough for the time being.
"So, this is your plan for James' Semblance?"
Arthur Watts watched as the drones projected a series of holographic images around him, even managing to make the training room look like a five star apartment.
"General Ironwood's Semblance is very different from Miss Bree and Miss Elderne's. It was one thing to push a physical based Semblance to its limit during Miss Bree's test. The general's Semblance is more, mental." Ansem remarked, stepping into the holographic illusion. "A series of psychological tests to probe the inner workings of Mettle. As far as I can tell, he cannot activate or deactivate it willingly. This holographic technology will connect to the patience's hippocampus, locating a traumatic memory and alter it before projecting that image external infrastructure."
"A holographic therapy?" Watts raised an eyebrow.
"More or less." Ansem nodded. "It's meant to help probe the inner workings of the General's Semblance. To see when it might be and might not be active. As far as I can tell, not even James himself knows when his Semblance is active, aside from the fact it is always present when there is a task in front of him."
"So you want to probe when it is likely that James' Semblance is active and then what?" Arthur questioned.
"Well, the next step would be to construct a scenario where we can control where and when it activates." Ansem answered as the holographs deactivated. "Just by knowing so would be enough to proceed to the next phase, seeing if James can control it."
"I thought the purpose was to see if it is possible for his Semblance to evolve like Miss Bree's." Watts remarked as they walked to the door.
"It is just as important to control a Semblance as well as to help it evolve." Ansem replied as the door opened. "Otherwise there could be unforeseen errors."
"Yes, I suppose that would be true." Watts mused.
Ansem raised an eyebrow but shrugged it off. Arthur had not been happy with Ironwood ever since he announced to picking Peitro's project over Arthur's and he had made it no secret to Ansem. In fact, it seemed he only socialized with Ansem just to have an excuse to vent his frustration. Ansem just hoped Arthur would calm down enough to see the potential that Pietro's idea had.
A chance to create new life.
"I am glad you chose to observe this, Arthur. I hope you understand that everything will be confidential." Ansem reminded as they walked down the hallway, heading for the elevator.
"Of course. I will admit, Ansem that your test with Miss Bree surprised me. The results more than spoke for themselves." Watts stated. "You could very well revolutionize the usefulness of Semblances if this test is just as successful."
"It would please me to know that our Huntsmen have more at their disposal to help defend us." Ansem pushed the up button for the elevator. "Perhaps if James is impressed enough, he would be open to the idea of giving you funding for your project again."
Watts rolled his eyes. "I doubt that besides it's said and done once your own ideas are rejected, you can never recover."
"You singlehandedly built Atlas from the ground up, Arthur. One rejected idea should not be enough to permanently cripple your reputation." Ansem said as the elevator doors opened. "If anything, I thought you would see the potential in Pietro's idea once you had calmed down and looked it over."
"Feels more like Pietro just wants to avoid adopting or having to raise a child from a young age where children can be very…messy." Watts grumbled as they entered the elevator. "It's essentially robot dressed up like a little girl. What does that say for him?"
"That he believes that the next protector of Atlas should have more than the best weapons or best programming. It needs something greater." Ansem replied just as the doors closed.
"And that would be?"
"A heart." Ansem pressed the floor number he wanted.
Watts rolled his eyes. "You know, I respect your commitment to science, Ansem but your philosophy on the so-called Heart is very tiring."
"Watts, I appreciate your honesty but it takes more than weapons and programming to create the most effective defenders of Atlas. An army with only programming has no loyalty, no spirit, nothing to aspire to aside from carrying out the tasks you program into it." Ansem sighed and remarked. "Completely expandable."
"That is rather the point, Ansem." Watts replied. "An expendable is a replaceable one. And no one has to fear dying a horrible death like Huntsmen do."
"There are things that programming cannot replicate. If Pietro's project does bear fruit, it will revolutionize more than just creating guardian for Atlas…It will lead perhaps a new form of life." Ansem watched as the doors opened.
"A machine is always a machine, Ansem. You can dress it up, teach it to say pretty little words but at the end of the day it rusts and decays like all other machines and will eventually make its way into the scrap yard."
Ansem really wished he could make his colleague see sense here, but Arthur Watts was a man who was convinced he was right about everything, no matter how you argued with him or even if you could prove yourself to be in the right. The man was brilliant, there was no doubt but his arrogance and ego made him impossible to reason with.
The pair stepped into the control room where General Ironwood and Pietro Polendina were already waiting for them.
"General." Ansem greeted.
"Ansem, Arthur." Ironwood greeted back.
"James." Watts said stoically.
"Your technicians were just explaining how your test for my Semblance. A series of holographic simulations if I am understand it right." Ironwood quickly got to the point.
"Essentially. It is meant to help gauge when your Semblance is active." Ansem nodded. "A psychological test, that I believe can be very helpful to not just you but a form of therapy for many soldiers."
"Yes, I read your proposal." Ironwood nodded. "It's an interesting concept and certainly a welcome idea. I've seen too many soldiers having trouble coping after a certain period."
"Hopefully this test will be helpful in all possible aspects then." Ansem stated.
Watts threw a dirty look at Pietro as he headed for the controls while Pietro could only sigh sadly at how Watts let his ego ruin his friendships.
"So, let's begin."
Ironwood stood in the center of the training room now with Ansem, Pietro and Watts watching overhead from the control.
"Ready, General?" Ansem asked over the speakers.
Ironwood nodded. "Ready."
Pietro typed away at the controls and hidden panels on the walls opened. "Activating."
A blue light swept across the room and Ironwood before changing into a serene looking forest. Ironwood blinked, not expecting the first simulation to look like this. He felt different and looked down at himself, realizing he was now in camouflage gear with even goggles and a helmet on.
He was even carrying an assault rifle in his hands.
'Wait, I remember this.' Ironwood thought as he quickly took cover. 'This is when I was a field agent. My old drill Sergeant had us do these exercises whenever we visited Vale or Mistral.'
And his soldier senses were screaming at him to take cover.
And it was just in time as a group of soldiers burst out of the bushes and fired at him just as he took cover behind a tree.
Only they were not shooting him with live bullets.
'Right. Paintball exercises.' Ironwood couldn't help but smile at the nostalgia. 'Even if with Aura, they pack a punch.'
He wondered why Ansem chose this to start…
Or did he?
Ansem explained the holographic systems linked with his mind, looking for memories that were special in some way or another. It could help in therapy by helping people confront past memories that were traumatizing.
Or this was simply a test to gauge his reaction.
Ironwood's eyes dimmed as he took to the idea of going with the flow, taking down the enemy attempting to hit him. He rushed through woods, firing and then taking cover.
"A paintball exercise?" Watts questioned, raising an eyebrow.
"One based on General Ironwood's memories, during his time as a field agent." Ansem clarified. "His Semblance seemingly has taken effect."
"How can you tell?"
Ansem brought up a recording image of Ironwood's eyes dimming, and all emotion disappears from his face. "From what I understand, General Ironwood's Semblance allows him to hyper-focus on any task in front of him. While on paper that can be seen as a good thing, it can leave him with tunnel-vision. The purpose of this test, is monitor when his Semblance is activated and when it is deactivated. We can further analyze when his Semblance is active, monitor how it helps him adapt to every situation and how it might be able to evolve."
"So first you test the limits before applying the true test?" Watts surmised.
"That is the plan." Ansem nodded.
Watts brought a hand to his chin, carefully watching as Ironwood already took down two of his attackers. "And he can't be harmed by the holograms?"
"The holograms are fake but we've added some attack drones to add into the realization of this with real paintball guns." Pietro answered.
Watts continued to watch as Ironwood took down the other three members of the attack squad rather easily. The simulation ended and Ironwood was back in the training room, his white military uniform restored.
"General Ironwood, are you all right?" Ansem called out to him.
The screens showed the dim in Ironwood's eyes fading and he looked up with a bit of sweat sliding down his face. "Yes, Ansem. That was a bit of a surprise."
"We decided to start off with an easy memory to allow you to better adjust." Ansem explained. "A simple military exercise seemed the best approach."
"I see." Ironwood nodded. "Felt very real. I could smell the forest, like I was actually somewhere else."
"Yes, the system is designed to emulate sight, sound and smell." Ansem nodded. "It adds to the realism."
Ironwood took a deep breath before straightening himself. "Well done. I assume this is only the beginning."
"We can begin with the second simulation when you are ready, General." Ansem answered.
"Let's begin." Ironwood answered and the training room was bathed in a blue light again before becoming something else.
Unexpectedly, Ironwood found himself in a bar of all places. Looking around, he could deduce that he had been here before. Ironwood wasn't a drinker but on the few times he was off-duty, he could be found socializing with fellow Huntsmen and soldiers.
"Hey, Jimmy!"
Ironwood's eyes widened when he saw Qrow of all people, coming towards him with a couple of glasses full of what he suspected as Valien wine.
Of course!
This was the first time he went out drinking with Qrow!
Ironwood had regretted that time, mostly because he had woken up with the mother of all hangovers after Qrow drank him under the table.
How was this related to helping him with his Semblance?
"Freeze frame." Ironwood requested and the entire simulation froze. "Ansem, what exactly is the purpose of this simulation? How does it help my Semblance?"
"Remember, James. This holographic recreation is designed to help people to cope with experiences both traumatizing and regrettable. It located memories that you wish were different and plays it out in front of you as a form of therapy. Memories are often part of how one shapes and triggers their Semblance so I am a little surprised…but given the reaction here, I can only say it plays a small part." Ansem explained. "If you wish to skip this or continue, that is your choice."
Ironwood looked around and then at Qrow. "…I'll see where this goes. Play frame."
The simulation continued with Ironwood sharing a few drinks with Qrow.
"So now we get to see the good general having drinks with friends." Watts remarked. "Not exactly the kind of therapy I was expecting."
Ansem watched as Ironwood slowly drank the wine handed to him while Qrow downed a few. Judging from the fact that his eyes had not dimmed, it was likely his Semblance was not active.
"Pietro, status on the General's vitals." Ansem requested.
"All stable." Pietro answered.
The simulation ended with Ironwood only having two drinks while secretly switching over to a non-alcoholic ale. The holographic Qrow did not realize this in time and ended up getting flat out drunk, stumbling out of the bar while Ironwood paid for their drinks, even though the drinks and even the Lien were not real.
"Well, we can tell the General's Semblance did not activate this time. So we can narrow down for sure, that his Semblance only activates in times of likely stress brought on by battle or when he is about to engage in a serious matter." Ansem said as the simulation ended. "A chance to avoid an incident where you wake up sick and with a headache following a period of drinking would be seen as somewhat therapeutic."
Watts walked over the console and looked over the list of possible scenarios that had been programmed and his eyes zoomed in one of them:
Prototype Incident
He remembered that one.
Watts could not help but grin as he stepped back and pulled out his Scroll while making sure neither Ansem nor Pietro saw him. Tapping onto the screen, Watts was thankful that the military protocols for the training room were the same as usual so he could do his work. Just as Ironwood was ready for the next scenario, Watts tapped the one he had seen and the simulation activated.
"Wait, something's not right." Pietro said as the training room was replaced by a lab.
"What is it?" Ansem asked, walking up to the crippled scientist.
"It's not the next scenario. In fact, it's one down at the far bottom!"
Ironwood was now in a lab, overlooking an advanced looking cannon and his eyes widened what this was.
The weapon suddenly activated and shot at him…
BLAST!
"AAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!" Ironwood screamed in as the blast tore off his arm and leg…
This was incident were he lost right arm, right leg and the right side of his torso. He should have died that day, but his Semblance forced him to live through the pain. It kept him hyper focused on trying to survive long enough for them to get him to the hospital.
Being able to survive through sheer will had been hard…
And agonizing.
He fell to the ground, screaming in pain, much like before and his Semblance was working to keep him alive, keeping him awake through the pain, forcing him try and will himself to stay alive long enough for someone to help him…
And then he was standing up again.
He stared in shock, looking at the same cannon that had just gone off.
"What is-"
BLAST!
"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHH!"
Author's Note: I went back and redid Chapter 30, The Lost Dragon to better fit with the events of RWBY Volume 9. I encourage everyone to go back and read what I added and hope you all like it.
