Chapter 9: Fallout
Jaune and his made their way out of the council chambers and onto the street. Only to be greeted by a wall of reporters shoving cameras and microphones into Jaune's face. Each reporter yelled their questions in an effort to elicit an answer from Jaune and his escort.
"Is it true that you are the field director of the Chaldea Security Organization?" One of the reporters asked Jaune as he walked by
Another reporter blurted out "Can you tell us anything about the meeting you just had with the council?"
Without stopping Jaune answered both questions. "Yes I am the field director of Chaldea, and no I can't reveal any details about the meeting I just attended at this moment. Chaldea will release a statement in the following days, you are all advised to prepare for that."
Lisa Lavender was at her desk providing commentary on what was known about Chaldea and its field director Jaune Arc. As this is playing in the background the students at Beacon currently at lunch are all busy discussing the newest topic of conversation. Mainly that the Faker of Beacon was apparently the field director of the Chaldea Security Organization.
"Who would have thought that Jauney boy would end up the leader of a mercenary company." This came from an astonished Russell
Seeing that his team leader seemingly had no reaction to the news he continues "You don't seem so surprised at the news Cardin? Why is that?"
"Oh, that's because Jauney boy told me all about it a few days ago. "Cardin replies "Wait when did this happen?"Russell asked
Cardin set his fork down and looked his teammates in the eyes "Because he told me all about it a few nights ago. He told me about everything he had been through and showed me evidence of it all. He trusted me enough to keep this secret and I respected his trust in me."
In their own dorm room, Jaune's team sat facing each other as they processed the fact that the public knew about Chaldea. Their leader sat on the edge of his bed, hands clasped together, his face a mixture of concern and resignation. "So it's out, "Ren stated matter of factly, breaking the silence blanketing the room "How are you feeling about this Jaune? He asked
Jaune sighed "It's been a lot to take in, even though I've had some time to wrap my head around it. The world now knows Chaldea or at least some aspects of that we can spin in our favor in the court of public opinion. That will be the real challenge keeping the public either neutral or positive for us."
Pyrrah rested her hand on her chin, a habit she did when she was deep in thought. "We've always known that there would be fallout once your relationship with either Chaldea or Arcadia became public... but the reaction right now is looking mixed. Nora, who had been unusually silent, finally chimed in, her eyes serious. "Does this require some relaxing pancakes? Because a situation this stressful might.
A chuckle spread across the room, easing some of the tension that was draping the room like an evening fog.
Pancakes do sound good right now. Also, I have more than a sneaking suspicion, a smile gracing his face as he said the words you would get along with a fellow pancake enjoyer named Abigail.
"But seriously we need to think about what comes next. I already got in touch with Da Vinci. She is setting up a schedule for more servants to be summoned at Site Beta for additional an inspection of Chaldea. security. Additionally, Ozpin will be one of the representatives that be Vale Council sends.
"That's a good call, "Ren nodded. "Especially since some people might not react well to the existence of Chaldea or worse might seek to overpower it and use it for their own ends. Best to be prepared for everything."
Jaune whatever comes next, know that we are going to be at your side." Pyrrha looked at her teammates, her green eyes locking with each of them in turn."
"Now are we also going to Site Beta along with the representees from the council?" Nora asked "Yes you will all be coming, after all, you are my team. "Jaune stated
Meanwhile, in the dorm room of team RWBY, the atmosphere was strained and tense. Blake sat on her bed, arms crossed, her eyes narrowed as they moved back and forth between her teammates.
"I can't believe you're all considering supporting Jaune in all of this, "Blake growled, her voice laced with frustration and disbelief. "He has directly led operations against the white fang and authorized the use of lethal force against them. "She said her chest heaving with emotion.
"You want me to support and interact with someone who has ordered the deaths of people I once fought side by side with?" Blake demanded
Yang shot to her feet and retorted "You told us that you left the White Fang because they had become too extreme and now that have been directly responsible for the breach that Vale just had. Furthermore, we all saw in the TV broadcast that Jaune had no choice and was acting in self-defense, then he treated and bound the survivors." Yang stated
Blake's face flushed with anger at these words. "That doesn't make it right, Yang!" Taking lives was not the only way, he could have found another way. Weiss having remained silent for the most part during the discussion stated "We need to talk with Arc and see his side of the situation, see if he truly felt he had no other choice than to use lethal force. Additionally, we need to see what his ties with Chaldea are and how they change what we know about him.
Ruby looked at her team her eyes pleading "Can we all agree to meet with Jaune to get his side of the story?" Blake hesitated before finally nodding "Fine, we'll talk to him, but don't expect me to change my point of view so easily." Weiss nodded "Fair enough."
The screen in Jaune's workshop came to life and the faces of his parents holographically came to life. His mother spoke first "Jaune, we saw the news, how are you holding up with everything that has been happening?"
"I'm managing so far, but it's a lot to process. "Jaune confessed.
His father, stern but loving, leaned into view "Son, you've stirred up quite the hornet's nest. Are you prepared to deal with the fallout of your actions?"
Jaune looked down for a moment, collecting his thoughts. "Honestly Dad, I knew that this would not be easy no matter what happened. But what we are doing at Chaldea is important."
His mother nodded"We raised you to stand up for what you believed in, and we are proud of you, but Jaune the stakes are higher now. It is not just about our family or a sense of honor, but every one of your actions now reflects upon Arcadia as a whole."
"I know Mom. And I know more than anyone what is at risk, not just for me but for everyone." Jaune replied
His father sighed. "Then you also understand that from this point forward, every action you take will either strengthen or weaken Arcadia, and the alliances that you have built."
"I know Dad, I know."
"As long as you're sure Arcadia will be behind you. Now we have to talk about something. "His father stated a serious tone in his voice.
"We think that you and your team would benefit from spending some time here in Arcadia, it might do you some good to rest a couple of days after everything that has happened, and we also have other matters to discuss." "Like what?" Asked Jaune
"Mount Arcanus, "his mother interjected. "We're interested in establishing it as a protectorate of Arcadia while leaving this Site Beta that you've told us about in control of this Chaldea that you currently work for. In a sense like a city within a city.
"I think that is an excellent idea, it expands the borders of Arcadia in a way that does not incur the wrath of any of the other"Kingdoms". He stated
The screen winked off after they said their goodbyes leaving Jaune alone in his workshop to ponder where the easy days of yesterday had gone.
Screens all across Remnant flickered with competing headlines each one vying for the attention of the viewer in a war for attention. The various media networks were ablaze, it seemed that everyone had an opinion about Chaldea and the events that just occurred.
"Is Chaldea a friend or a foe? Tonight we examine the Chaldea Security Organization and see if we can unravel its goals.
"This came in from a news station in Mistral," explained Da Vinci her hologram seeming to look sternly at the news report.
"And with this, it seems you are officially a sensation in Remnant. "Da Vinci cheerfully observed as she crossed her arms and raised an eyebrow 'How does it feel to be the subject of global debate?"
"I will never be able to get used to being in the limelight. "He responded
Mash interrupted their conversation "We have new intercepted news broadcasts from Menagerie... it's not good."
On the screen, the broadcast played its news harsh and unrelenting.
"Chaldea's violent actions against Faunus freedom fighters can't go unchecked, " one broadcaster announced vehemently
Jaune Arc, field director of Chaldea: Savior or Oppressor?" read the headline of another Fanus-focused channel, "His ties to the force that retaliated against the White Fang members raises questions about their use of lethal action.
Another broadcast stated, "Tonight, a special segment: White Fang leader Sienna Khan speaks out about the Vale incident."
An Arcadian news outlet chimed in "Let's not forget who initiated the breach, endangering countless lives be they human or faunus. "The broadcaster reminded the viewers, juxtaposing images of the White Fang's battle with Jaune and his servants, with footage of the aftermath of the white fang's attack.
Chaldea's actions in Vale were in the defence of civilians and to protect their own field director who was also leading his team in defensive measures. Who knows how many lives would have been lost if our prince had not stepped in?" "That being said there is still the question as to his involvement with Chaldea & how that might interfere with his duties as crown prince. A statement by the royal family will soon follow.
The silence was felt both in Jaune's workshop and in the command room of Chaldea. Jaune gripped the armrests of his chair as he took in the accusations that were hurled his way by the media. Arcadia was firmly throwing its support behind him while the rest of Remnat seemed divided over the issue.
Cinder was perusing the latest news on her Scroll, her eyes narrowing as she read through articles and public reactions about Jaune Arc and Chaldea. Mercury and Emerald exchanged glances, a subtle tension filling the room.
"So, the hero of the hour is none other than Jaune Arc, Field Director of Chaldea," Cinder spoke, her voice dripping with irony. "Interesting, isn't it?"
Cinder turned off her Scroll and set it down, pondering their next moves. "Jaune's newfound...associations complicate matters, indeed. However, they also offer new opportunities."
"Opportunities?" Emerald inquired, eyebrow raised.
"Information," Cinder clarified. "If we can find a way to infiltrate Chaldea, or even just gather information on their operations, it could give us an invaluable edge."
Neo, who had been silently watching from a corner, tapped her parasol on the ground three times. Her way of signaling caution.
Cinder took note. "Yes, Neo has a point. Their resources could make them formidable opponents. We shouldn't underestimate them."
Emerald sighed. "So what's the plan now?"
Cinder's eyes narrowed, a smile forming on her lips. "Adapt. We always adapt."
Cinder leaned back in her chair, casting her gaze towards the ceiling as though the answers she sought were written in the intricate patterns there. "Mount Arcanus," she finally said, her eyes snapping back to her companions. "That's where they're establishing their new base of operations, isn't it?"
Emerald and Mercury shared another quick glance. "Yes," Mercury confirmed. "Intel suggests that they're fortifying it. It's becoming an impenetrable fortress, far from prying eyes."
Cinder steepled her fingers, a contemplative look overtaking her features. "An impenetrable fortress, you say? Well, we'll just have to put that to the test."
Understanding dawned on Emerald's face. "You want to send a hoard of Grimm towards Mount Arcanus? To test its defenses?"
"Exactly," Cinder affirmed. "It's a perfect opportunity. If they fend off the Grimm, we'll learn about their defensive capabilities, their strategy, and potentially expose vulnerabilities. If they don't..." She let the sentence hang in the air, a cloud of unspoken implications.
Mercury crossed his arms. "It's risky. Attracting that many Grimm could cause a lot of chaos. Collateral damage."
Cinder shrugged, the movement fluid and unconcerned. "Collateral damage can be beneficial. It sows the seeds of doubt and fear, makes people question the competence of their so-called heroes."
Neo tapped her parasol twice, spinning it to further convey her agreement with the plan. Her eyes met Cinder's, and a flash of mutual understanding exchanged.
"Good, we're in agreement," Cinder said, turning her focus back to the room. "Emerald, I want you to find any entry points, any weaknesses that we might be able to exploit. And Mercury, get in touch with our contacts. We'll need to figure out a way to direct the Grimm to Mount Arcanus without arousing suspicion."
"And what will you be doing?" Emerald asked, curiosity tinting her voice.
Cinder picked up her Scroll and scrolled through her contacts before setting it back down. "I'll be ensuring we have a suitable vantage point. We can learn a lot from watching, and I intend to see every second of their struggle."
Emerald and Mercury nodded, accepting their tasks without further questions. Cinder caught Neo's eye and gestured her forward. Neo glided towards her, parasol neatly folded.
"For you," Cinder continued, looking up at Neo, "I have a special role. I want you inside Mount Arcanus, in disguise, when the attack occurs. Gather intel on how they handle crises, how they communicate, and who steps up to lead. We need to understand the anatomy of our enemy if we are to dismantle them."
Neo's eyes shimmered with mischief, her lips curling into a slight smile. She gave a small, graceful bow, her way of accepting the mission.