Author's Note:

Another chapter done!

"Text"

"Speech"

Disclaimer: I do not own Fallout, RWBY, or any associated characters.

Remnants of a Courier

Chapter 25: Downtime

"And that is everything on your itinerary for the day."

Glynda's words brought Ozma out of his stupor. Or Ozpin, that was what he was going by nowadays.

"Of course, I'll get it done," the Headmaster replied with a soft smile. This smile faltered when his assistant put a pile of papers on his desk.

"Good, then you can start by either approving or rejecting these requests." The teacher's tone was incredulous at best.

"Of course." Ozpin's words were less enthusiastic now that there was a stack of papers on his desk. "And what of the other matter I asked you to look into?"

There was a pause from the woman before she said, "I hope you found more on your end than me. Whoever broke into your office two weeks ago knew what they were doing."

"Which implies a disturbing familiarity with how this academy operates," Ozpin said while folding his hands together. "A problem that indicates either an insider, outside influences, or both."

"Likewise, we have no idea of any affiliations that this "Mimic" might have. There are no records besides the news reports and only base rumors online." Glynda paused for a moment to bring up a holographic projection from her scroll of the Mimic before continuing, "in fact, the only proof that the assailant was here is the hole the assailant left in the glass, the footage from security cameras, and the holes on the side of the building."

"Speaking of, you did let Jeremy go correct?" Ozpin's question was met by a nod from Glynda.

"Of course, Beacon could never allow such incompetence to continue," the professor replied with a small huff. "It's highly likely that this Mimic is connected to the queen in some way."

A frown graced the Headmaster's face as he replied, "but we don't have proof. For now, we will have to treat this as a skilled third party. Take all files and information pertaining to this individual and begin compiling a profile."

"Of course, anything else you require of me?" The professor's question was met with a handwave from her superior.

"No, not at the moment. You may go."

A small tilt of the head from Glynda was given before she turned and left for the elevator.

Ozpin leaned back in his chair, contemplating what to do about this new upstart. Such an individual had been on his radar for some time. Ever since the Grimmdale Park incident.

This same man had been rumored to somehow be connected to the huntsman that went missing near Rhyt. Logarius' disappearance was a tragic loss.

There were several conflicting reports about what happened there. Some saying the huntsman simply disappeared while others said he was mauled by Grimm. There were even more disturbing rumors that he may have been murdered.

Still, nothing was confirmed other than there was a mysterious individual who matched the description of the Mimic. It was something he'd have to look into.

Nothing was confirmed, the connection between the Mimic and this mysterious stranger was unknown. The extent of the damage was unknown. Even the very goal of the break-in was a mystery.

Finally, he had the issue of increased Grimm attacks on the capital over the past few months. Was it all linked together somehow?

The Headmaster leaned forward, easing his mind off the predicament as he looked down at the stack of papers. Ozpin sighed before picking up a pencil and getting to work. He'd go for a walk after he got some of it done.

Joshua leaned back in his seat in the monitor room. It was small, dark, and had a single chair. One wall was lined with security cameras that took up the entirety of the upper wall.

He just finished listening in on a conversation Ozpin had been having thanks to his spyware. At least he knew he was in the clear. But the amount that Ozpin knew about Rhyt was concerning. Hopefully, he was done with this job before the Headmaster found anything substantial.

It seemed like Six wasn't going to learn anything more as Ozpin seemed to be actually doing his work. That was something Joshua had noticed these past two weeks. The good Headmaster was quite the procrastinator, taking constant "walks" to shirk duties.

Joshua turned off the holographic screen and looked at the monitors as the door to the room opened. A few moments later and his direct superior stepped in, miss Huey.

The guard turned to his superior before asking, "what brings you here?"

"Just checking in…" The pause after Huey's response indicated that it was more than that. And the posture she took looked… Irritated. Hand on the hip, leaning on one leg.

"Would you say," she began, her head turning towards him. "That things have been going well?"

Joshua remained silent, thinking of his response for a few moments. "I would say," Six began as he pointed at himself before continuing, "that they've been going fine for me. But that they could definitely be better for our department."

"The whole fiasco with Jeremy has put my credibility on the line. He's fired but I have to be careful about who replaces him." Huey placed a hand on her chin as she continued, "that being said, do you have any trustworthy candidates?"

Oh, so that's what this was about. Actually, this did bring up a project he had been working on. Well, two.

The only reason either of these projects were possible was due to what Six had pulled from Ozpin's computer. Programs, ideas, even code that most of the city's devices used.

With all of these, he had devised several less than legal means of acquiring funding. It was still in the testing stages but he had managed to get some programs out there that could fly under most cybersecurity this world had to offer.

These programs ranged from simple spyware to more malicious malware. Currently, he had the credit information of over one hundred and fifty citizens within Vale. And access to over two hundred bank accounts.

This was where his first project came into play. With this information and access, he began withdrawing trace amounts of funds weekly from each account. Nothing more than a nigh unnoticeable amount of Lien. But when it was all added together it was a hefty sum. And this sum would only grow as he gained access to more accounts.

Of course, he had opened several "dummy" or proxy accounts under false pseudonyms and aliases all thanks to the very information stored on Ozpin's computer. These proxy accounts would then send the money to other proxy accounts in offshore accounts in Mistral which he could pull from; making Six nearly untraceable.

Of course, this all raised the question as to why Ozpin had been storing false identities and credentials for these identities and how he had been using them. The good Headmaster didn't keep such personal information on the device so Six wasn't sure why.

Another interesting note about the code he acquired was that most programs ran on some variation of a standardized format of the code. It wasn't distributed to the public but Six had gotten his hands on it.

In theory, this meant with enough time he could have access to nearly any device, network, or secured network in Vale and possibly Atlas. With only the most high-end security systems being able to keep him out.

This project along with his funding from both legal and illegal work meant that he had a very large amount of Lien saved. Of course, still not enough for his plans that were slowly beginning to form. This could be changed given time and a money-laundering scheme down the line.

And that's where his second project came into play. The "Voidwalker Initiative" as Joshua called it.

Six knew something was coming, something big based on what Cinder and Roman were planning. So, he wanted to even the playing field by having a small force of his own.

Voidwalker Corp. was currently a very small private military company that provided security where security was needed. Of course, creating this group, arming them, housing them, and training them was not an easy task.

First, the credentials to create a PMC was "acquired" through perfectly "legal" means using the programs and information Six had gathered and created thanks to Ozpin.

Second, the facilities had been acquired, a select few warehouses simply bought out in Vale.

Next, the equipment, which was the best Six could offer at the moment. The highest-end legal firearms that he could buy along with armor and some basic vehicles. Later on, this could be corrected as he could custom make better weapons and armor. For now, it would have to do.

Then came the final task of hiring and training. This was where Jeremy came into play. The bumbling former security guard was hired as the technical "face" of the Voidwalker Corp. He was hired to do simple tasks and follow instructions exactly to the letter.

The "manager" would hire exactly who Six asked for. Men, women, and Faunus that all had combat experience and Jeremy would even take credit for it. As long as he never mentioned that he had a superior.

Of course, Jeremy was then told to hire an actually competent physical and military trainer.

A man whose background Six had looked into, a man that Joshua had met before. John Variance: The former sergeant to the militia of Rhyt.

The large and scarred man had been fired only a couple of weeks after Six left Rhyt. Apparently, the town kept to itself and didn't like to draw attention. Which was why the town forbid talk of "The Stranger," A.K.A. Six himself.

Mister Variance hadn't taken keen to that news and snooped around anyways. For his troubles, the man was fired and told to be on his way, effectively being exiled from the town.

It was good to see that Rhyt hadn't changed its small-minded ways.

John Variance himself was once part of the Atlas military. He left due to moral dilemmas about how Faunus were treated. More accurately he was laid off. Mantle had its fair share of problems and moral dilemmas seemed to be an issue for the sergeant.

Now the man was training troops for "Jeremey." It was almost poetic that John was helping the man he wanted to ask questions about.

Of course, with all the funds he had spent, this meant a humble beginning for the Voidwalkers as individual members were being called. Other than John and Jeremy, Six had a grand total of ten private military contractors.

And one of them just so happened to be a former security guard for some high-level Mistral noble.

"Actually," Joshua began as he swiveled his chair to face his boss. "I know a guy. Used to work as private security in Mistral before signing up with some PMC, Voidwalkers or something."

Huey raised a brow which prompted the guard to shake his head and say, "I know the name is silly but I hear they're the real thing. And that they hire out their contractors for just these kinds of jobs. It's not a permanent solution but it could buy you some time."

And give Six an ally on the inside.

Huey sighed but gave him a small nod before replying, "have a profile for this man on my desk by tomorrow." One hand went to her face as she rubbed her temple. "This entire thing has been a nightmare. Glynda coming down, students whispering about the breach."

"Yeah, Jeremy sure was a fuck up," Joshua replied before chuckling and turning back to his screens. It was almost time to do his final patrol before clocking out.

Huey's gaze turned towards the monitors. "Anything interesting to report," she asked while moving beside Six.

"Nope, just Cardin being an ass as usual." Six's words described the scene on monitor C2 which showed a certain Cardin Winchester pushing around a Faunus student before turning and spotting Jaune.

"Damn brat, humans like that make it hard being a Faunus," Huey commented as a frown crossed her face. "You know what I mean?"

Oh right, he was supposed to be a Faunus. Joshua shrugged, thinking on his response. "I suppose I wouldn't really know; Vacuo was a real shithole but it was a shithole for everyone."

"Must be nice to come from a place where humans and Faunus can get along." Huey's comment caused Joshua to clench his fist. Thinking back on the Mojave and the Wasteland didn't bring back fond memories.

Memories of his mother, his hometown, and of course his father. The night it all went wrong for a little family in the apocalypse.

"Yeah, nice," Six replied while standing up. "I'm taking my route and punching out for the day."

Huey eyed him as he left the room; probably figuring she had hit a sore spot of his. Truth was, she did, just not in the manner she thought.

Joshua was in a foul mood. Despite everything going relatively smoothly, there were mysteries left. It was obvious that whatever was currently under the academy was the thing Cinder was after and Ozpin was protecting it.

What that thing is or why it's important? Another mystery. The blueprints for the underground fortress didn't reveal what was inside.

Moreover, memories Six hadn't thought about in forever crept up. His family, his time in the Mojave and the subsequent betrayal, and the people he had wronged in this world.

That was the problem with free time. Sitting and having time to think wasn't ever a good thing for the Courier. It was why he always tried to be doing something.

His mood was worsened by the students. Whispers of "did you see those holes in the side of the tower yet," and "I heard someone broke in" passed by him on multiple occasions.

So, when Joshua came upon Cardin bullying Jaune yet again, there was going to be hell to pay.

"Cardin," Six said as he placed a hand on the student's shoulder.

The student in question currently had Jaune pinned against a wall in a hallway that was surrounded by other students. When he heard Six, Winchester's expression quickly shifted to horrified.

"I'm in a bad mood Cardin, so I'll explain this one time. One time, and if you don't get it through that thick, stupid skull of yours, I will hurt you."

Several students had stopped and turned at House's words. That didn't deter him from saying, "you're wasting your time and talents doing this. You're wasting everyone else's time and distracting staff. But most importantly, you're wasting my time."

Joshua flipped Carding around, causing the bigger student to drop Jaune who scurried to the side. The Butcher of House could feel his anger rising like the invisible fires of the Divide as he hoisted Cardin up by the collar and slammed him against the wall.

"If you don't get your shit together, I will cover you in pitch, set you on fire, and toss you off the nearest cliff!" By the end of it, he was shouting at the boy who in turn looked mortified.

Six slowly lowered him down as he continued, "stop bullying other students, get your grades together, train with your team, and become a go-dust damn huntsman." Fucking curses in this world were strange.

Once Cardin's feet hit the ground, Joshua released the teen's collar and places his hands on the boy's shoulders.

"I'm not just saying this to be an asshole." Although in part, Six was. "I am saying this because you can be better."

Joshua finally let go of the student and leaned back before continuing, "for this, you're reporting to my training every day for a week. Understand me? I'll get the specifics figured out."

The Courier tilted his head towards Cardin and waited. After a few moments, the student nodded his head.

"Good, now get the fuck out of my sight." After Six spoke, Winchester wasted no time in running whatever direction was fastest to get awake from him.

Jaune still lay on the ground and looked up at Six in astonishment. "Ho-How did you," Jaune began before being cut off by Six.

"Jaune, grow a spine, he'll stop." With his mind spoken, Joshua turned and walked past several students who parted for him.

The Courier was going to have to give that boy more training soon. All they had done so far was some basic physical training. What he needed was mental training to give him a new mindset.

Just a few more halls and Six would be done with his route and he could clock out. Of course, it was never that simple.

"I couldn't help but overhear the… Discussion you had with mister Winchester," a voice said from behind Six. God damn it.

"And?" House's question was plagued with an irritated tone as he turned to face… The chubby professor from a few weeks ago. What was his name? Port? A chubby man with greying hair and a large walrus mustache.

Beside professor Port stood another vaguely familiar face.

"Yes, quite, I can't possibly agree with the idea that staff should threaten students even when they are being less than ideal students. The very implications could be suspect of abuse of power and a question of the character of the individual to which this situation pertains to."

Six remembered now. The long-winded chastisement came from none other than the eccentric "Doctor" Bartholomew Oobleck. Green hair let loose in a ragged bush and glasses that covered pale skin. Hyper wasn't enough to describe this man.

"Quite," Port continued for Oobleck as he held up a hand. "Why back in my days in training, the staff was always upstanding and-"

Six held up a hand before replying, "I don't care. If you have an issue with how I do my job, take it up with Huey, Glynda, or Ozpin." Without another word, Ulysses turned to leave.

And was met by the Headmaster himself. An amused look on the man's face as he held a cup of coffee to his lips.

Ozpin took a long sip from his cup before lowering it. "What chance timing. I was just taking a walk when I discovered this little distraction."

Six froze and panicked for a moment. Was he actually about to be fired?

"And heard you mention me," Ozpin continued, the smirk never leaving his face.

A silence hung in the air for a few moments as Six and Ozpin stared at each other. Was the guy trying to unnerve him?

"Don't worry, I'll let this little incident go," Ozpin finally said as he tapped his cane. "In the future, do try to not physically touch the students. We could be sued you know."

"Ozpin, you can't seriously be thinking of letting this slide?" Oobleck's question

The smile on Ozpin's face never faded as he held up a hand. "Professor Port, Doctor Oobleck, allow me to take my friend here for a walk."

The two teachers seemed miffed at the response but whatever loyalty they had to Ozpin kept them from saying anything as they nodded their heads.

The Headmaster made a small hand gesture for Six to follow as he began walking down the hall. A sigh escaped the Courier before he followed after.

The two were walking with a relatively casual stride throughout the school. Ozpin sipping on his coffee and Joshua waiting silently. Ozpin's posture was relaxed while Six folded his hands behind his back and took on a more disciplined demeanor.

Eventually, the Headmaster spoke. "House, why do you suppose I accepted mister Arc into this prodigious school despite his apparent forged documents?"

The two had moved into a more secluded area of the academy. Heading towards some of the staff housing and areas under renovation. No one was going to hear them talking.

"He's from a bloodline of huntsman, right? A relatively known family with influence?" Six's question caused the smirk on Ozpin's face to grow wider.

The Headmaster glanced at six out of the corner of his eye as he replied, "do you really think I would be so easily swayed by such things?"

A frown formed under Joshua's helmet. Why was Ozpin this way? Why couldn't the man just answer his questions?

"It's not for his skill. The kid can barely swing his sword," the Courier said as he glanced out of a window and into the main courtyard.

It was peaceful here. Six found himself lost in the sight when things were quiet. This world was blessed with its opportunity. An opportunity his world squandered.

"No, his martial prowess is lacking," Ozpin admitted as his gaze followed Six's. "You seem to enjoy the sight of the academy's scenery."

"It's just peaceful." Six's response was soon followed by him glancing at Ozpin. "You know?"

Something about what he said caused the Headmaster's smile to falter slightly and a melancholic look to cross his face.

"I know," the older man said before the look disappeared just as quickly as it arrived.

"It's because I saw untapped protentional. A boy that was completely directionless. A boy that, without guidance, would lose his way." Ozpin's explanation didn't fully convince Six but he'd give him the benefit of the doubt.

"As headmaster of Beacon, it's not only my duty to guide my students but to guide all future generations as well," the Headmaster continued while raising his cane and pointing it to the courtyard full of students. "For children lead to a future of peace if guided properly but a future of hatred if not."

The cane in Ozpin's hand remained pointed as he took another sip of his mug. "While mister Arc did not exhibit traditional martial skills, his drive to be here was a factor. And his time here has proven that he has the strength of character to be a huntsman."

The cane was brought back to the ground as he continued, "and mister Arc simply needed direction. Like most that come here."

Something about that last statement rubbed Joshua the wrong way.

"I suppose," Six conceded as the two made it to the end of the hall.

Ozpin pushed open a door and into a smaller courtyard. Several trees lined the relatively vacant stretch of grass, all of varying colors. Six supposed it was going into fall now as he watched several leaves fall onto the grass.

A small path led through the grass which was where the two of them proceeded. Eventually, the two came across a small bench which the Headmaster proceeded to sit in. It was scenic to Joshua.

"I come here to be by myself. It's quiet here and allows me to think." Ozpin's gaze turned to Six as he continued, "tell me, what direction do you plan on going?"

"Excuse me," Six replied with a confused tone, taking a seat next to Ozpin.

The older man crossed his legs before leaning back. "I mean, what do you want to do? Where do you want to be?"

"Still vague questions." The words that left House's mouth caused Ozpin to chuckle.

"My apologies, I often forget that I enjoy word games a little too much." The Headmaster paused for a moment to think before continuing, "I mean… Have you thought about why you're here? Why you're really here?"

Either Ozpin knew about him being a spy or he was really whimsical. In Joshua's opinion, it was about a fifty-fifty chance.

"Take that boy, Cardin. Yes, you threatened him. But you did so because he was bullying another. You want to do good; I believe you simply don't know how."

The Courier's hand twitched at the Headmaster's statement. He didn't know how to do good? How many people had he helped? How many people had Six helped despite the world trying to murder him?

No one held out a hand to help him when Joshua was in trouble. Not a damn person. And still, Six helped where he could. Then people grew tired of him helping.

The Courier figured the people of the Mojave were probably tearing themselves apart at this exact moment; like the animals they were. Exactly what they deserved.

Because what the radical White Fang members and anti-Faunus racists didn't understand was that it wasn't being a Faunus that made you an animal. It was your actions. Anyone could be an animal if they chose. And if you chose to act like an animal, then you deserve to die like an animal.

Ozpin continued smiling at House as the silence stretched on between the two. The older man sitting patiently and waiting for the younger one to reply.

"I get it, I get why you accepted my application," the Courier replied through gritted teeth. "But I'm not Jaune."

The Butcher of House stood up and turned away from the Headmaster and began walking as he continued, "I don't need your help."

Today had been a shit day for Six.

Author's Note:

This was a dialogue-heavy chapter. I hope you enjoyed!

Current Gear:

(Warning: This list does not contain food, Chems, or other miscellaneous items.)

Burned Man's Armor

Elite Riot Gear (Modified: Mimic Edition)

Modified Stealth Suit Mk. II

Beacon Uniform

Mysterious Magnum

Rebreather

Climbing Equipment

Maria

Survivalist Rifle

Modified Anti-Material Rifle.

YCS/186 Gauss Rifle variant.

C4 – Plastic explosives (4)

Detonator.

Frag Grenades (4)

Frag Mines (0)

Combat Knife.

Plasma Grenades (10)

S.P.E.C.I.A.L. Stats:

(The "+" stands for artificial boosts and perks that boost his stats past their base point).

Strength: ?

Perception: 10(+ +)

Endurance: ?

Charisma: ?

Intelligence: 10(+)

Agility: 10(+)

Luck: 5