A monumental tower that looms over the sparse trees growing around the crossroads below.
Ruby: Woooow! I forget how big the Transmit tower looks up close!
Weiss: You should see the one in Atlas!
That was the first one, right?
Weiss: Correct.
Weiss and Ruby are seen walking down the path towards the building.
Weiss: Atlas developed the Cross Continental Transmit System to allow the four kingdoms to communicate with one another. It was their gift to the world after the Great War.
Ruby is acting high and mighty.
Ruby: Oooh, look at me! My name's Weiss! I know facts! I'm rich!
Ruby snorts into her hands at Weiss's frown.
Weiss: Don't be a pest! Besides, the only reason we're here is because you like the tower so much! We could have just as easily made a call from the library!
Ruby: I know, but it's so coool! Ooh, I'm going to take a picture!
Ruby grabs her Scroll from a pocket on her clothes, but in her excitement, the device is launched from her hands, bouncing along the pavement until it lands at Penny's feet.
Penny: Oh!
Penny picks up the Scroll and extends towards Ruby.
Penny: You dropped this.
Ruby: (shocked) Penny?!
Penny: (similarly surprised) Uuuh...
Ruby: Where have you been? We haven't seen you since that night at the docks!
Penny: S-Sorry. I think you're confused.
Penny suddenly hiccups and threw the Scroll into Ruby's hands.
Penny: Uh... I've got to go!
Penny turns quickly and walks away. Weiss turns to Ruby.
Weiss: What was that about?
Ruby: I don't know, but I'm going to find out.
Ruby starts walking in Penny's direction as she shouts back at Weiss.
Ruby: You go make your call! I'll meet up with you later!
Weiss tries reaching to Ruby.
Weiss: Wait!
Weiss is seeing the futility of stopping her teammate. Weiss lowers her hand and sighs angrily. Ruby is running up to Penny as she descends the steps until she gets in front of Penny.
Ruby: Penny! Where have you been? It's been weeks!
Penny: There seems to be a... misunderstanding.
Ruby: What?!
Penny continues to walk away. Ruby slides down the rail next to Penny.
Ruby: Penny... is everything okay?
Penny continues forward without reaction. Ruby grabs Penny by the arm.
Ruby: Penny please stop!
Penny stops and listens.
Ruby: Look, I don't know what's wrong, but you have to listen to me! Those guys we fought at the docks, we think they're up to something big, something bad! I need you to tell me what happened to you that night! Please... As a friend.
Penny: 'What do I do I can't tell Ruby why I left and I can't stop her from going after Roman because that would be suspicious.'
Penny sighs and is looking at her sides swiftly. Penny walks over to Ruby's side and leans in close.
Penny: It isn't safe to talk here.
Penny looks around suspiciously, much to Ruby's confusion.
With Weiss
Weiss walks through the grand, glowing lobby of the tower with pride while trying to avoid the central terminal and heading straight for the elevator doors, which side open automatically and close when she's inside. The voice of the CCT AI is projected from a panel near the door.
CCT AI: Hello. Welcome to the CCT. How may I help you?
Weiss: I'd like to go to the communications room, please.
CCT AI: Absolutely. Could you please place your scroll on the terminal to verify your identity?
Weiss retrieves her scroll and places it as directed.
CCT AI: Perfect! Thank you, Miss Schnee.
Upon the elevator's ascent, Weiss' expressions shifts from pleasant to serious. Upon entering the room, four symbols are seen on a computer - twin axes and wreaths, three flying swords pointing down, a spear and shield inside a fragmented circle, and a precise winged shape. Weiss walks up to the front desk where a holographic secretary appears in the seat. Beeps are heard before the projection speaks in a polite manner.
CCT AI: Welcome to the Beacon Cross Continental Transmit center. How may I help you?
Weiss: I need to make a call to Schnee Company World Headquarters in Atlas.
CCT AI: Absolutely.
More beeping can be heard.
CCT AI: If you could head over to Terminal 3, I'll patch you through.
Weiss: Thank you!
Weiss smiles and nods before walking over to her assigned cubicle-like computer, passing a few Beacon students in uniform - one of which is talking to her mother and asking how things are going back in Signal Academy. She sits at her own display, taking a deep, unhappy breath to prepare for the call ahead. The face of a short-haired brunette appears on the monitor with the Schnee snowflake rotating behind her. She does not realize who she is talking to until she looks up.
Schnee Corp Operator: Thank you for calling the Atlas- Oh! Miss Schnee! Good afternoon! Would you like me to patch you through to your father? I think your sister Winter might be here as well.
Weiss: (pleasantly) No, thank you! I was actually wondering if you could find some files for me. I've compiled a short list.
Weiss produces her Scroll, placing it into a slot on the keyboard, creating a series of noises as the Operator looks at the data from her side of the screen.
Schnee Corp Operator: I see. If you don't mind... what may I ask is this for?
Weiss: School project.
Schnee Corp Operator: (nervously) Um... There are some sensitive documents on this list, ma'am.
Weiss: Well, then, I'll be sure to treat them with care.
Schnee Corp Operator: (still nervous) Right... Very well.
More noises can be heard.
Schnee Corp Operator: The data is being transferred to your Scroll now.
Weiss: Wonderful! That will be all, then.
Schnee Corp Operator: Are you sure you wouldn't like me to patch you through to your father before you go?
Weiss loses her smile, but quickly replaces it.
Weiss: Yes, I'm sure.
Schnee Corp Operator: Well, then... Have a nice day!
The call is dropped, and so too is Weiss' happy act, seen in the screen's reflection.
